Christmas Program Costume

Planning for a costume for one of Andre's school program adds up to my stress level...(because its on top of the stress i get from work) especially if his costume requires me to buy something that will not be of use in the future or not be used at all. But once I have everything figured out and start prepping for it.. i'm full speed ahead..and I have to admit that I enjoy doing kindergarten crafts.

For their Christmas Program last December 14, the kids were required to dress up like peter pan and fairies..and that's not all.. Andre was given another role as one of the 3 kings for their Nativity production number.. No problem with dressing up like peter pan because his holloween costume back when he was 1 year old still fits him.. even if the long pants is now a short pants (hehe!)...My concern was for his role as a KING!

Good thing I have colleagues who have kids who have been there and done that.. and so when i got an advise to get him a red bath robe.. it was like a light bulb popping to my head.. which is actually a great idea since he can use it after and not go to waste...but when we got to the mall, no red robe for kids.. what I saw was a red  bath cover for women which is used to wrap around  and cover your body (under the armpits) after you get out of a shower... This inspired me to use it as a cape. I made him wear the knickers he wore at Liz's wedding as his inner clothes. And of course i made the King's crown.. that turned out nicely even if I was so sleepy when I was making it.

the finish product: a KING's Crown

All those stress are forgotten as soon as I see my son (in peter pan and king's costume) performing in center stage with his classmates. So proud of him!

AJ as one of the 3 Kings ( in red cape and green crown )

AJ and the rest of CASA B singing 'A Holly Jolly Christmas' to all the parents

This time, singing the Christmas Alphabet

How are you enjoying the season so far?

xoxo,
S

My Annual Birthday & Christmas Wishlist

In my 6 years of blogging, I have maintain only one tradition.. which is my annual Birthday and Christmas wish list. Since by Birthday falls on 3 days before Christmas day, I always (more often than not) get only 1 gift for the year.. while unlike the others who enjoy separate gifts for their birthdays and Christmas. Thus, since I'm only getting one gift, I make it a point that people close to me who wants to give me gift would have an easy task of getting me something that I want...so without further ado.. here are my Birthday & Christmas Wish List for 2010.

1. Levi's curve jeans - got a good deal for a classic 501 at 50% off ..couldn't resist to say no!
2. Lumix LX3 or LX5
3. HTC Desire HD - Got my HTC Desire S courtesy of SMART's retention free phone :)
4. Beauty GC (Diamond peel, warts cauterization, facial spa etc)
5. BodyShop Lip and cheek stain - Thanks Kim, to be safe she game me a Bodyshop GC :)
6. Flats size 7 - GC from VNC will do
7. iTouch skin/cover/case in Zebra print or dark purple - Bought a discounted cover from a store somewhere..
8. the Spa GC
9. a shopping spree at forever21 or market! market! Tiangge
10. Tix for the F1 SG night race ... Sagot ko na ang plane tix :)  Hubby got us a tix for the Sept 2011 race :) Love you Bebe.

Happy Birthday to me and Merry Christmas to all!

xoxo

S

As seen on Gossip Girl: Macarons de Paris

GG aka Gossip Girl has been one of my favorite tv shows that i have been following for 4 seasons now. And last Monday's episode was a delicious one where B and C were having secret rendezvous and making out while keeping it a secret from their friends. Of course you can never keep a secret too long as as soon as S found out B was just pretending not to care anymore and saying that they are some sort of FUBU or something to that effect and the only way to keep her thoughts away from Mr. Bass is by munching on her favorite Macarons.

My GG addict gal pal, Kitchie, was 10 steps ahead of me...while I was thinking about that delicious looking pastry (with a nice box), she was already making her fingers walk on the computer. Checking out her TheKnot account, she saw the same pastry that B was eating. Timing that one of our food addict girlfriend, Mary, was at the office yesterday and Kitchie asked her where she can buy those yummy colorful macarons. And she knows where... at BIZU!!

As soon as Kitchie told me about this, I can't take my mind off it. We check the site http://www.bizupatisserie.com/home.aspx and there it was the colorful picture of Macarons right before our eyes. I was salivating in my head and imagining its taste already. The nearest branch of  BIZU is just 10 minutes away via MRT. I can't resist the urge and so I decided that after office I'll head off to Glorietta and buy me some Macaron de Paris!

a variety of Macarons de Paris to choose from..Lovely!

As I approach the patisserie stall, I gasp as I saw the little colorful macarons..they were so lovely and looks so yummy. I saw the cost per box (it wasn't cheap-P35 each) I just have to purchase more than 8..so I chose 14. I bought the green ones of course (since B was eating this one)- which is pistacio, butterscotch,  raspberry, coffee and chocolate. And as I put the pastry on my mouth..it was heaven..just the right amount of sweetness and chewy enough to let you enjoy the taste for a few seconds before taking another bite.

The next day, @kitchiedelacruz tweeted : feeling so upper east sider!ü thanks to @shenski for the macaroons de paris!ü ++ diane/zekee/jerome luvd it!ü
Indeed felt like a real upper east sider at that moment :)

I found another happy food and I'm so happy that its available here in the Philippines.

xoxo.

my new addiction. Love et!

my son's broken bone and my broken heart

When I arrived home last night, the house was quite and lights are out. I know Andre is upstairs sleeping soundly with his yaya. I ate dinner while I was preparing my laptop so I can start with the video that I'm doing for Jen who is leaving the country in two weeks to join his hubby in Singapore. I was about to finish my dinner when the yaya came down. I asked if Andre is asleep already and she said yes.. all the while I thought everything was fine..until she uttered. "nadulas po si Andre sa hagdad' (Andre fell off the stairs) and he was crying and saying that his shoulder hurts. So I went upstairs to see my son. He was sound asleep and I don't want to wake him up. I touched his shoulders and he groaned in pain...but went back to sleep. 

I went down again and no longer have the appetite to finish my dinner. I asked repeatedly what happened and trying to replay it on my head. I scolded the yaya on why she let him go down the stairs alone and didn't even bother to hold his hand when he was coming down. I wanted to strangle her but that wont do any good...damage has already been done. I'm just praying that everything will be alright. And I am trying to convince myself that its just swollen and no fracture whatsoever. But I was wrong.

The trip to his pedia was quick because all the referred Orthopedic Doctors are either out or no clinic today. We then went to another hospital where his pedia (the pedia doctor when he was born) has a clinic and referred us to an Orthopedic but again he has no clinic today. But we still went through the x-ray to see if there's any fracture. The pedia explained to us that in worst cases, AJ could be admitted in the hospital and go through anesthesia to align the bones if the break is sever. My heart stopped and my head says not again!! he already gone through general anesthesia when he was 3 (due to a deep cut in his chin a year ago). I was silently praying that its not a sever case and no broken bones..

But when I saw his x-ray film and anyone who sees it does not need a medical degree to confirm that he has a fractured bone. His Collar Bone. My mouth suddenly went dry. again for the second time, my heart stopped and I felt pain in my chest. It broke my heart to see my fear right in front of me. I wanted to cry but I held it until we left the hospital. Poor thing.. hasn't reach puberty yet but had already stitches and broken bone. I wish I could absorbed his pain everytime he moves his shoulder. But he is a strong boy. He is the same AJ who is very makulit even with a broken collar bone. I just pray that he will heal faster.

x-ray of AJ's  broken clavicle in his right shoulder

Of course, I research the things that I need to do. and here are some of the ways to care for your child with a broken collarbone.

1. Dressing your child can be one of the hardest steps. Without a broken collarbone, dressing them could be a hassle, but with it, it becomes a little bit more challenging. The best way to put on shirts is to roll up the sleeve and place the arm with the broken collarbone in first. Then slide the head through and the other arm. For removing shirts, you are going to go the other way, and end by taking the sleeve off of the bad arm

2. When changing diapers, sleeping, or any laying activity, make sure that the child is supported with one or more pillows. This will relive pressure on the collarbone and help minimize the pain.

3. The child with the broken collarbone and other children may not understand what is wrong and will want to play like any normal day. This is why it is important to try and keep your child away from other children, including siblings. Some playtime is recommended but make sure it is supervised, because you do not want your child to get hurt and damage the collarbone or shoulder even more.

4. Medicines for pain can be different from child to child, but during the day use a liquid ibuprofen and at night a liquid aspirin with codeine to help the child sleep. They may not be open to taking the medicine, so you can easily mix it in with their drinks, just make sure no one else is drinking from the same cup or bottle.

5. For proper healing, it is important that the child wear a sling to support the arm. They may not like the restraining of that, so an ace bandage wrapped around the arm and torso will help keep it constrained. If possible, get a sling of your own and wear it for a few days to help them ease into it. Make it look like fun and they will enjoy it too.


Read more: How to Care For a Child With a Broken Collarbone | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2148027_care-child-broken-collarbone.html#ixzz14ENllhJR

My Little Spanish Matador

Finally the day has come. The UN Day Program at AJ's Montessori. As I have mentioned a few  weeks back, he was assigned to represent Spain and Matador was my inspiration for his costume. I admit that I am a crammer. Even if I had the materials weeks prior to the event, I waited for the last weekend and the day before the event to finish up his costume. I sew a red and gold ribbon at the edge of his vest and the side of his pants. Then I sew the hem of his pants to make it 3/4 shorter. Then I sew a red cloth on one side of the cape that I bought. And  nights of carefully sewing it together and praying that it will look good in the end, I'm so glad to say that the end result was great.

my little Matador

During the Program they sang and dance and the pre-schoolers shared some famous places in the world. AJ was assigned to say something about the Stonehenge. And I am one proud momma because he really did memorize it (a month long of helping him memorize per phrase was worth it). And he did very well during the presentation. He missed a preposition but thats fine. He did very good at age 4. They also danced to the tune of Bailamos and sang I am but a Small Voice.

And to end the week,yesterday at Olivia's 1st birthday party which is a Halloween theme party. He was suppose to be a Bandido or Zoro but the costume I bought is too big for him so I end up dressing him his UN day costume. And it was for the better since he won the best in costume in the kids-boy category :) got a 500 GC as price :) and that's more than half the cost of the entire ensemble. haha! my hard work paid off!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Before I was just ordering this from the restaurant whenever me and my hubby eat out. But now, I cook it whenever I feel like eating  this healthy (asparagus and olive oil) but sinful (bacon) food.

Thank you to Rachael Ray for this recipe. I just added the oyster sauce so its not too dry.

• 1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears (trimmed 4-5 inches long tips)
• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
• A few grinds black pepper
• 4 slices center-cut bacon or pancetta
• 1/2 cup oyster sauce

Lightly coat asparagus spears in EVOO. Season the asparagus with black pepper. Take a quick count of the spear tips. Divide the total number by four. Gather that number of spears and use a slice of bacon to wrap the bundle and secure the spears together with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

heat the stove top grill, place bundles on hot grill and cover. Cook 10-12 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus bundles are tender. drizzle with oyster sauce.

**if oyster sauce is not available, make this as substitute:

Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tbsp sugar, pinch of ground pepper, 1 tbsp of corn starch and 1 tbsp water.

Bon Appétit


xoxo,
S

Pork Binagoongan (Pork with Shrimp Paste)

Making most of what I have in the kitchen is a feat. And when my husband said that he is craving for pork binagoongan (pork with shrimp paste) for lunch, I was hoping with all might that I'd have every ingredient I need to be able to make it. I haven't made this kind of viand so I check the good 'ol reliable google for the ingredients.

And as I scan through our refrigerator,  I found some bagoong (shrimp paste) stashed by my mom. I don't know how long it has been in there but upon inspection, there's no mold nor doesn't smell spoiled. Good! That's one down. I also saw some green chili for the additional kick of spiciness. Didn't have brown sugar so I substituted it with the regular white one. As soon as I have everything, I went on with it.

And the result? Tadah!!

a delicious Sweet Sour and Spicy Pork Binagoongan

Ingredients:

1kilo pork (Liempo) with fat (cut into cubes)

2 cups of bagoong alamang (Shrimp Paste)

1 head of garlic (minced)

1 big onion (minced)

4 tomatoes (diced)

4 chili peppers (minced) or according to taste

½ cup vinegar

4 tablespoons brown sugar

½ cup water

Cooking procedure:

 1. In a casserole, put water and boil pork in a low fire until water evaporates.

 2. When oil from pork starts to come out, fry it until it's lightly crispy then put in on the side.

 3. Saute' garlic, onion, chili and tomatoes with the oil from the cooked pork and pour pork and mix it.

 4. Add bagoong/shrimp paste and cook for 5 minutes.

 5. Pour in the vinegar and stir well, add the sugar and let it simmer for few minutes until it's cooked.

Bon Appétit,

xoxo.

REVIEW: The Blind Side

The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.   
                                              
I missed this movie on the big screen but I'm glad I was able to see it on video. It amazes me that there are still people who are selfless. And Sandra Bullock's character as Leigh Anne Tuohy is heartwarming yet strong and firm with conviction in everything that she believes in. A supportive family is also important for one endeavor to achieve the desire to help a stranger, another human being.

I find myself crying in almost every scene where Leigh Anne and  Michael Oher are in it. I guess I am overwhelmed with love  and the scenes transcends it effectively to me as a viewer. Like I am witnessing a miracle right in front of me. The feeling was amazing. Wonderful. Happiness.

For me, this should have been the best picture at the 2010 Academy Awards. I hope everyone who gets to watch this movie would be touched and start to see goodness in others even in the most unexpected situations.

xoxo.

Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I have waited for a Dan Brown novel after reading his Digital Fortress, Deception Point and of course the action pact Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. I was excited when the Lost Symbol was released but I have to be patient for the release of the paperback (for cost efficiency reasons of course) plus I want it be be handy that it can fit into my daily purse.

And so when the paperback was finally released and NBS has a book-cut-sale... I didn't think twice of what to pick. But I was disappointed. I mean very disappointed. First of all the suspense is not that evident unlike in  the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Next is that its too predictable. I was able to predict the true identity of the antagonist even before the confrontation. And the ending was very dragging. After the revelation of the identity of the antagonist and knowing that I was right all along...I was having a hard time finishing the book in one sitting. The ending was not as grand as I hoped it would be. I found my self saying... That's it? that's the Lost Symbol?

This is not one of Dan Brown's best work. The Da Vinci Code is still his best so far.

Matador Costume for UN Day

Spanish Matador

The day i learned that my son will be representing Spain for the upcoming UN DAY celebration at their montessorri, i immediately went to work with my hands in googling Spanish costumes for kids. I found photos of Spanish dancers with colorful raffles but i don't want my boy to wear those.. that will look good on girls but not on my boy.. also some sites suggested Zoro / bandido outfits but I think thats not a good example to kids..so that one is one.. and then finally.. the MATADOR.. manly, brave, warrior just like the meaning of my son's name..Andre. Perfect!

And so yesterday, while waiting for my husband to pick me up, i took advantage of where I am.. I was at Market Market! and decided to go to the department store.. unfortunately, no Matador costume.. there were Spanish dancer costume for girls though. I passed by some Halloween costume for kids and I saw a Bandido costume. And so an idea came up! If I can't find a Matador costume, I'll make one myself.

I was so excited with the idea that I went online using my mobile phone right there and then and search for some inspirations. Again though google. And so I picked up the Bandido costume.. I'll  make use of the black pants, black cape and will cut the black longsleeve shirt to make it as a vest. Then I headed to the bookstore and  bought some gold laces and shiny golden ribbons to accessorize the costume. I just need a while long sleeve polo shirt and a black necktie and i'm good..

I can't wait to start this project.. I just hope it will turn out great.

this is the finished product i hope to achieve.

xoxo.

playing with picnik

I did not intend to do this but I accidentally clicked on the edit button while I was browsing through my picasaweb online album.

And i had so much fun editing a photo using it, I just did not enhance one photo but two :)

this was taken at the la mesa ecopark

taken circa 2004 at Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

I'm planning to use them as headers to my blogspot and multiply sites. hope i'll have the time :)

Know more about picnik in picasa by clicking here.

xoxo.

What's up with Glee?

That's what my friend twitted earlier. He might have seen the trending topics is Glee#Sunshine Corazon.

This is what I replied to him.

Oh My Sisig!

I was so excited to go home tonight to catch the primetime telecast of the new season of Glee (I'm just watching this because of Charice). Earlier today, my hubby said that he'll pick me up early from work so we can catch the 9pm showing. And true to his word, he arrived 10 minutes before 7pm and I was ready to go home. This is before I learned that his officemate was with him and they wanted to eat at Aysee. Dilemma now is if we eat.. we might miss GLEE ..his reply? 'we'll just download it'. Okay so the winner is the good ol' sisig and papaitan. Fine!

Hubby's officemate Troy, has never gone to Aysee... thus he is an Aysee virgin. And he has not eaten papaitan in his entire existence. And so we are both urging him to try it here because Aysee has one if not the best papaitan i've ever tasted. And so we ordered 2 of the famous Aysee Sisig with egg, 1 order of papaitan and 3 rice for each of us.

SS/11 London Fashion Week

Omar Mansoor Presents

‘’After the Dance’’

At his third outing at LFW, Omar know for his fusion couture, has come up with his S/S ’11 collection inspired by British Theatre, titled ‘After The Dance’

The montage of this collection consists of long elegant evening gowns with a hint of sculpture in silhouette. The dresses in this collection are lush and yet dramatic from luxury chiffons, silks and pristine detailing and yet hold the element of realism as they are all wearable yet having Glamour, sophistication and elegance.

These classic Mayfair inspired couture dresses ooze Mansoor from the subtle colour combinations of silver-ish greys, dusky pink, wine to midnight blues and the unique dresses slightly embellished with Swarovskis and thread work maintain their simplicity yet the beautiful delicate detailing and float-ier draping of the lavish fabrics embrace their true gracefulness.

Little Sunshine's Baptism

Audrey Lilac Soleil with mum

Today, the family went to Audrey Lilac Soleil's Catholic Baptism. She is our friends', Janess and Varian's first born. Adrian was chosen to be one of Audrey's God parents and we are excited to see her for the first time. Its lucky that we left the house early because Janess and I still had time to chat before her guests arrived. Andre was a bit shy to show what he learned in school and he was busy playing with PSP during the baptismal ceremony. Thus, I had no problems in taking pictures during the rites. Though Andre had his share of playing photographer too, he was pretty well behave. Until the time we arrived at the reception. Which is partly the fault of Adrian because he took the PSP from Andre. And so here is my son asking for the bottle of bubbles. I had to take him out of the restaurant so he can blow bubbles. I'm already irritated with my husband for doing what he did, so being out with Andre gave me space and a breather too. After ranting at him when he called me to go back inside, it made me feel a bit better but the tension is still in me. Until such time that he went out to lead us back into the restaurant.

Andre is over with airplanes... He is now into drawing F1 cars..

no more airplanes..F1 scuderia ferrari

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My Look Styled by erbentherese

It was Friday night around 11pm, I'm suppose to be at home already and my single friend/colleague (Erben) should be somewhere partying, but we are both in the office, working.. you'll think that we are some losers who doesn't have social life but we are not. Its just unfortunate that we have to work on this night. I prefer us being called hardworking women who gets the job done with passion.. (that's more like it.) Well anyway, this post is not about work of course... this is about an idea that came along 15 minutes before we decided to finally leave the office.

Get Vaccinated! (HPV)

get vaccinated just like nica and me.

I'm writing this blog while my arm is experiencing some pain and mild swelling from the vaccine that i took earlier today. Our company has commissioned a provider who will administer the Anti-Cervical Cancer Vaccine to its employees and family members who would like to take advantage of getting the vaccine at a very reasonable price. The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Types 16 and 18, which are generally acknowledged to cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases, was the vaccine given to us.

SCRAMBLE!

 Anyone born in the late 70's and grew up in the 80's with street games like patintero, tumbang preson etc. are more likely to know what I'm about to share. Do you remember that pink colored street food made of shredded ice with powdered milk, sago and chocolate syrup? Which is sold outside our school ..and when the bell rang, we'll run outside the gate to look for the manong who shakes a bell and calls out... SCRAMBLE!

We no longer see 'manong scamble' in our schools since the notion of street food is that its dirty and not properly  maintained or cleaned...and so some genius entrepreneurs have brought manong scramble into a more acceptable venue... the malls!

Have you heard of Manila Scramble? The latest craze in some malls (Robinsons Pioneer and Galleria.. as far as i know where they have a kiosk) with a pink colored kiosk that have a long line of people waiting to be served? I am one of those people who patiently waited for my turn. I was craving for it for 2 days and I always end up disappointed because there's always a long line..but last Friday, I said to myself that the long wait is over.. and I have to endure at least 20 minutes just to get my hands on my scramble.

they had to buy more ice..didn't anticipate this much patrons

one of my best highschool memories... scramble :) piso lang noon ang isang cup..sulit! kudos to the people behind manila scramble...let the new generation taste what a real scramble is...

 they only knew blended coffee and frap nowadays.. So boring...scramble is all fun and being a kid again. they don't know what they're missing ♥ 

My post on their facebook wall :)


yummy-ly yours,
S

 finally. enjoying my scramble before going home :)

Google Snail Mail

I've been getting a lot of mails this month. Well, aside from the usual bills that I get every month, I actually received a package from my recent online shopping of tees at Threadless.com, a delayed VIP pass for a private sale at TopShop (how sad .. I got it 12 days after the supposed private sale).. but no need to cry over spilled milk so they say. And now, a few days ago, I got a surprise from them mail ... its a note from Google AdSense. I was so excited to open it but very careful not to tear it. No it was not a check (as I was wishing for) but a very important account information that I need to supply under my account to enable payment. I have to read it all over again just to make sure I understood it correctly. It says "To enable payment for your account" ..really!!?? ohmigad! this is really happening?? After 6 years of blogging, they are finally giving me my AdSense paycheck!

And so i did as i was told and open my account and check the Payment History and entered the Pin..and so here I am now still ecstatic and waiting for another notice from Google.

Life is great! happy Sunday everyone! xoxo.

who would have thought..

...that a 5-year old Sofia Coppola could sing the Philippine National Anthem , Lupang Hinirang and count in Chinese. Somebody twitted this and could not hear it from the site.So I downloaded it. Hear it and be amazed. She sound so cute :)

In this recording, Francis Ford Coppola asks the young Sofia to talk to her future adult self. She describes her family tree (most of which are her siblings and cousins), what she want to be when she grows up (there were a lot of course) and she sang the Lupang Hinirang which she learned here in the Philippines while filming Apocalypse Now. She also learned Chinese and counted.

video is also available in http://www.npr.org

Its gonna be a long day..

But after I saw this snail in front of our house... I have to say I don't have the right to complain. Happy Tuesday!
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what's for lunch?

 Asia Chicken Salad from KFC. I'm trying (again for the nth time) to cut down on rice and other fatty foods. I want get that lousy heavy feeling out of me. Hope I can sustain this one .... long term.

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Someone fiercely good looking guy is guarding my cube.

Finally I have the Team Edward tumbler from Jollibee! It was out of stock to some branches but I was lucky to be in Pure Gold branch and they still have a few of it left :) Now... i feel safe.


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Review: Remember Me

First things first. I honestly want to say that I watched this movie for only 1 reason. I can't wait for Eclipse (Twilight Saga) to be shown on June 30 for I need a doze of Robert Pattinson. And yes, I did read the synopsis @imdb but it was not very helpful at all. I just knew that its a love story period. But I was wrong. very wrong.

I am very selective of the movies I post a review on. I did watch more than a few this year.. (Toy Story 3, The Karate Kid, A-Team, Letters to Juliet, Killers, Iron Man2, Alice in Wonderland, Robin Hood..etc..) but haven't really gotten the urge to create a review on them. Maybe because I knew a lot of people already know about how good these movies are.. and they are widely anticipated by many. But stories that you'd rather wait to be shown on HBO until you actually saw it on HBO and say.. why did I just saw this movie?? I should have known and watched this years ago.

If you wanna be Cool...wear cool shirts!

If you are a fan of online shopping and loves to wear cool tees.. then Threadless is the store for you.

I was introduced to this site by a friend from work and since October of 2009, I have been purchasing their shirts for me and my boys. Since they have new designs every month... i buy shirts every month :) (I know, I'm addicted already!).

GOOPED!

I chanced upon the blog site of GOOP and was surprised to see that it belongs to Gwyneth (Paltrow)...yes the actress who plays Pepper Potts in Iron Man (1&2) Reading through her archives was very entertaining and great source of ideas :-) Just like their new loft in  Nashville which was converted to their temporary home in 10 days! Whoa! Who would have thought fuchsia would look good on a wall?

Now I am officially Gooped! Signed up here> http://goop.com/?page=signup_subscribe

xoxo,

S

TEN SIGNS OF A GOOD RELATIONSHIP

After reading about the announcement of Al & Tipper Gore’s pending divorce. I was led to the website of  divorce360 (http://www.divorce360.com/) and there found a Marriage Calculator  which  calculates your chances of getting divorced. I’m married for 4 years and going 5 on September 3 and for curiosity I tried filling in the calculator and see what are my chances. Of course who would want to be divorced… but lets say hypothetically all the factors are at hand.. below is my result:

Father's Day

I think all fathers were out of the house with their kids and wife... for dinner or lunch and a movie afterwards..why? because the cinemas were jam packed! We went to 2 different malls to check out which ones still have seats for Toy Story 3.

STACCATO

In choosing the right shoes..its always comfort before price-tag. Good thing I work hard for the money :) Do I sound defensive? haha! Well one thing I love about attending weddings.. i think i said this before.. its the guilt free shopping for shoes :) and dress.

Making my burger count

You should too! isn't it great that while you get to enjoy a cheeseburger you are helping kids learn how to read and appreciate books.its a win win!

First Day of Kindergarten

It's the First day of School for Andre at Montessori Education Center of Asia Pacific in CASA B . ..and its not just him who is excited. I too was excited for my little boy who's not at all little anymore.

I stayed till 2am just to finish covering up his 15 Workbooks (OMG! yes that much books for a kindergarten!).. woke up early to make sure everything he need is ready

Uniform, shoes, books, bag, baon, camera (of course!)..hay its like me going to school all over again.. but this time, proud of what my big boy has accomplished and going to in the next 10 months.

more photos here.

Pasta Carbonara

Filipino traditions always includes a pansit or spaghetti on the menu whenever there's a birthday because the long strand of pasta/ bihon is a symbol of long life. For Andre's 4th birthday last Sunday, it was a Spaghetti Carbonara. I'm not a fan of creamy carbonara so I cooked something a bit more different.

It still includes cream on the ingredients but its enough not to make it too dry.

Oh Boy! He's Four!

We celebrated a fun-filled AJ day at Trinoma Mall, where AJ spent half a day doing the things he love.. Rode the Balloon Wheel (a mini-Ferris wheel), the train, a helicopter, played bowling then air hockey with daddy and a random kid. Also spent an hour at Little Martians to go up and down the slide.. after an hour of nap, ended the day with a carousel ride. Happy 4th birthday AJ!

Review: SATC 2

Inspired by Carrie (not anymore Bradshaw) Preston to write again. This time its a review of their movie Sex and the City 2. Hands down Kim Cattrall's Samatha Jones is so funny even if her jokes are all sex related. I love Kristin Davis' facial expressions especially at when she is looking at  Erin-the-bra-less-nanny.Cynthia Nixon played her so-serious-vacation-planner Miranda Hobbes character at her best..I find her funny during the bar scene with Charlotte where she keeps on saying 'SIP!' whenever Charlotte doesn't have the courage to say out loud her frustrations on motherhood. As for Sara Jessica Parker (aside from the outrageously-you-can't-wear-this-clothes-unless-you-are-a-movie-star wardrobe), Carrie has lost that Manhattan sparkle. I saw the lines on her forehead and eyes and said to myself, she just looked OLD for this character.

Celebrating the Old & New

I knew she was deteriorating. Slowly giving up on me. I don't blame her. She has been serving me and keeping my feet safe and dirt free for 6 years. But I didn't expect it to be this soon. As in today! You totally gave up on me. But I understand and I want you to know that I don't have any ill feelings towards you leaving me this way..with no choice but to replace you ASAP.

We met at the Women's Nike store, circa 2004, February. That was in time for the opening of Gold's gym in Galleria. My friends and I signed up for membership and are all excited to try out all sorts of classes and sweating it out on the machines with our workout program especially customized for us by a trainer.

Accelerated to Kindergarten

What are the synonyms of PROUD? Pleased, Satisfied, Gratified, Honored, Delighted, Fulfilled. These and more are the exact words to describe what I felt when I learned that my 3 year old son (who will be turning 4 this June 13) will be admitted this coming school year 2010-11 not as a junior casa (nursery) but as a senior casa (kindergarten)! Of course I was unable to contain my absolute delight, I called hubby immediately and posted a status at twitter and facebook. I am a mother and mothers have all the right to brag about such milestones..haha!

AJ took a total of 32 hours (2 hours /3 days a week) of Summer Enrichment Program to engage him with other people and to make him get used to a classroom setting. We don't want him to be traumatized on the first day of school where we will leave him alone with other people he don't know inside a room. I know I was when I was a kid. That image of me crying and running out of the classroom is still so vivid after 3o years.(Promise!)

Father + son + strolling in the village = Quality Time

certified cook (not yet a Chef)

Oh.. this is my first real blog/ post (whatever you call it) using Cassey. My entries below (post Cassey) where all made via my mobile phone. What to write..Several topics come to mind .. but for now I want to share what I'm currently passionate about.. COOKING. Yes! I didn't imagine that I'll be in this state where I look forward for the weekend...to cook a new experiment straight form the Yummy magazine. Last week I have chosen to cook Pollo Cordon Bleu with Duo of Alioli and Pinchitos Pescado :) which I found in the magazine. But at that time, i don't have the ingredients yet. And so this Saturday.. I'll be staying most of the day in the kitchen.

New Threadless shirts came from mail today!

I just noticed that the shirts both have birds on their design.. how cool is that!?

Best Mother's Day (so far)

When I arrived home last Friday before the Mother's day weekend, my mom told me that AJ made something for me.. Its a greeting card! I was surprised by the handy work and asked her if AJ really did this. She said that his teacher helped him but the one written inside the card was obviously made by himself. I couldn't explain the feeling.. it was a mixture of  fondness, happiness.. and proud that my son was able to make a card for me. I only see this on TV and movies and I can't help staring at it.

Halalan 2010

Its my first time to vote and spent more than 1 hour in line for my turn. But as soon as they hand me the ballot. I was so excited to get starting. After shading my party list, i noticed that they gave me 2 ballots. Of course, as a good citizen, i informed the pool watcher and returned the extra ballot :)
So, if you havent voted yet.. Go out and be counted. Go Pilipinas!

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Make Your Vote Count

5 days away from the election and I am so excited to exercise my right to vote. I'm 30ish already but this coming Monday will be my first time to VOTE. When I was asked years back why haven't I registered to vote, my answer was always, ' those candidates are not worthy of my vote' ...until now. But I won't be campaigning for my candidates nor will I post all their

credentials here in this blog because I believe that whoever you will vote on May 10 should be your choice and not because everybody is voting for them or so the survey says. 

Refeshing drinks for this uber hot summer...i just need a beach front and i'm ready to go!

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