Unwind (GT 12-16-10)

I've been too busy lately that I'm not able to attend to my blogs...I've checked out BeautyQueenGene's blog to see what's this week's topic is, gladly, I'll be sharing my piece because I really need one today.

Here in Manila where's time is so fast especially now that it's Christmas season and people are awake almost 24/7, we definitely need to de-stress once in a while.

Where do we go to unwind? There are a few places where me, my hubby and the whole family goes to just relax and spend a good time with each other and the kids as well. We normally go to UP Diliman to jog around the Acad Oval, our "cheap" version of de-stressing. Just armed with our running apparel, off we go. Even little Leon join in once in a while. Aside from doing our regular run at UP Diliman, it's also a nice place to just sit around, watch over the kids or read a book under the canopy of acacia trees. This is one of the few places in Manila with air pollution.


Another option for relaxation with my husband, also our bonding moment, is going to a spa. Pampering ourselves with an hour or so full body massage. M likes the Thai technique of massage while I like the Swedish-Shiatsu type. But since we opt for different types of massages, we normally alternate each type to give each one a chance of our choice. It's either at Ton Ton's Massage or at the Family Spa.

Once in a while, we go out of town to get away from the busy Manila - it's usually Tagaytay or Subic. Although driving a long distance is quite stressful but for my husband M who loves driving, he's already de-stressing himself doing it.

how about you, how do you relax?

Sbarro...The Best Place to Eat Out (Girl's Talk 12-2-10)

Here in Manila, it's quite difficult to find a good restaurant that serves authentic dishes. Most serves specialty dishes with a twist adding the Filipino style in whatever they serve. And if you get into a restaurant that really serves authentic food, most probably it's quite expensive.

My husband and I are pasta and pizza lovers. We've been to a few restaurants that serves authentic Italian dishes but can't frequent the place because they're too pricey.

Sbarro has been our favorite since we started going out together. At Sbarro's you get the authentic Italian taste of pasta and pizza with price reasonable on the pocket. There's a number of dishes to choose from, be it pasta or pizza. They even serve fresh veggie salad and fresh fruits as well as pastries. What's good with Sbarro, they don't skimp on their recipe despite the inflation in the economy, and I can say, through the years, their taste didn't change.

Aside from its authentic taste, the serving is proportion to the price. You can also request for a half serving of the pasta dishes, of course with price commensurate to the serving portion.

I'm more of a pasta lover but when we started frequenting Sbarro, I've began to love pizza as well, the big slice they serve is just enough for me...although I can consume a slice of the Chicago deep dish, I settle for the white pizza or the cheese pizza to maintain the weight that I have right now, although every now and then, I allow myself to indulge in these deliciously baked pizza. Even our dear Leon loves it at Sbarro's but he's more into the fresh veggie salad and just asks from me or his Dad for some pasta or pizza that we've ordered for ourselves. I love the Chicken Romano in spaghetti sauce while my husband M loves the Eggplant Parmigiana. On pizza, we both like, as mentioned the Chicago Deep Dish, I also love the White Pizza. Whatever we eat, we match with their tangy Lemonade drink.

hmmm...this blog just gave me the drool for Sbarro...

Shoe and Bag Person (GT 11-25-10)

For quite sometime I haven't really been to a department store to purchase stuff for me. Primary reason is that I just gave birth some few months ago and is definitely trying hard to shed excess pounds. Therefore, I'm still in control in terms of buying clothes and jeans for me.

One thing though I cannot resist are bags and shoes! My husband would often joke around telling me he'd put on me an eye patch, just like the ones we see on horses, so that my vision whenever we pass through that section is always straight to where we are going.

The shoes and bags I use nowadays aren't so much too girly...since I'm with a non-government organization that doesn't really require for us to dress up for work, I'm more on the casual to sporty kind of an outfit, which I must admit is a little expensive as compared to the more common pumps and handbags used in the office. I'm more into the sneakers, rubbershoes and/or flip flops in terms of footwear. With bags, although I get to use some of my "mommy" bags (big bags that fits all), you can also find me in backpacks and slingbags.
I was an impulse buyer when I was still single but when family life came into me, priority went to children and household stuff. I'm more of a practical buyer now and definitely saving up for something I would want to buy for me - shoes and bags is where I indulge in.

Home Stuff (GT 11-18-10)

I love doing household chores. I'm fond of decorating and re-arranging the house. So whenever we go strolling in malls, I can normally be found in the home section area.

I'm into linens, curtains and drapes. Even when I was still single, this is where I linger too long. Whenever I get the chance and extra cash to go shopping for the house, I'd buy a pair of curtains for the living room. Together with this, I'd find a few matching throw pillow cases. Same principle goes with our bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, curtains, linens and bedding that are color coordinated. I'm for earth tones for easy mix and matching.

And since it's the yuletide season, I'm looking into buying curtains for the season's theme as well as do some minor repairs on the cushion cover of our sala set to somehow blend in with the season.

With all this in mind, I can't help but to get excited on having our own house for me to play my tricks on home decorating.

Health and Beauty Section (GT 11-11-10)

ooppss...running late here but I hope this post will still find its way to Girl's Talk: Shopping at the Health and Beauty Section.

These are the items we usually toss in the basket not regularly though, only during times of replenishment.

For Me: Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing foam works well on my face, Skin White Deodorant, Clear Shampoo and Conditioner or L'Oreal Total Repair Shampoo & Conditioner, these I use alternately and which I share with M and the Olay Age defying bar soap.For M: Green Cross Soap, Degree deodorant and disposable razors

For Leon: Tender Care Soap, Tender Care Powder which sometimes Maia uses as well, Johnson's Baby Shampoo

For Maia: Lactacyd Baby Bath For the whole family: Alcohol, insect repellant, lotion, cotton buds and toothpaste Items such as moisturizers, toners, and feminine wash are of particular brands and can only be purchased via direct selling thus are not part of the shopping list. While the lotion that I use are more of gifts from abroad, thus not part of the shopping budget as well.

Glimpse of the Future (Couple's Corner 11-3-10)

Before bumping into my husband M, I've been the happy-go-lucky girl who wasn't really serious about getting into a serious relationship.

Both of us were new in the organization we were working in and are assigned to different departments, he came in a month earlier than I did. I'm with the research group while he's with marketing. Little did we know that the acquaintance will lead to a serious and lasting relationship.

We dated only once, the next date we became steady and rest is history...


Our glimpse of the future...to raise a family with two kids, regardless of we get a boy and a girl, which is so ideal or both boys/girls. To live in a house built from our sweat. Give our children good education and a good life. A good life meaning a better lifestyle than we, their parents had, yet instilling to them best practices learned and good values to grow with as a person. Raise our children with deep faith in the Lord and maintaining their feet on the ground.

Quite a glimpse I know, but with me and M working hand in hand in achieving it, we know we will succeed...though we've also made ourselves ready with some bumps ahead towards achieving our goals in life.

Crossing our fingers here...

Shopping for Grocery Items (Girls Talk 11-4-1)

Shopping is this month's theme at Girls Talk, sounds really fun!

Time for us to share what's in our shopping list...and here's mine.

Doing the grocery is one of our bonding moments as a family. M< Leon and even Maia joins me in doing this chore. M and I shares in the grocery expenses. I'm on it on the 1st quincena while M's share is on the 2nd quincena or during month end. Since we do it regularly twice a month, all that gets into the cart lasts till the next grocery schedule. We go around the supermarket with two carts, one big and one small. The big one is for food stuff - meat products, dairy, canned good etc and is managed by M while in the small one goes the non-food merchandise, this one, Leon enjoys pushing around while mimicking his dad. So what goes into the cart? In the big cart goes meat and poultry products. Though a little bit expensive as compared to buying in the market, we are sure that what we buy are free from some disease-causing microbes. In it also goes in milk, cereals and cookies all of which are for the two little ones. You can also find coffee, creamer, sugar, condiments, bread, dairy products, pasta noodles, as well as pasta ingredients which is either in tuna-mushroom sauce or pasta in tuna and olive oil. Lately, M has been preparing carbonara since it's becoming Leon's favorite. Veggies especially the salad ingredients goes into it as well. Canned goods such as sardines, tuna, corned beef, meat loaf are also a regular on the grocery list but are bought alternately. Oats, powdered juices and sandwich spreads can also be found in the big cart. Fish products are bought in the market and M's on it every Tuesday after work ;)

An assortment of toiletries such as shampoos (for me, Leon and the 2 house helps), conditioner, TenderCare soap for Leon and Lactacyd Toddler bubble bath for Maia. Body powder for the kids, daipers also for both kids, though Leon is starting to try not to consume his because he's big already as he says...(he still can't control his pee during the evening sleep but can during the daytime siesta). Dishwashing soap both liquid and paste, detergent soap both in bar and in powder, fabric conditioner, mosquito coil, multi-insect spray, candles and matches. Toothpaste, facial wash, deodorants, cotton balls and buds, alcohol, sanitary napkins and liners --- all of these goes into the small cart.

No pictures though of us doing our grocery...so that's it, now you know what's in our cart...I might have missed out on a few stuff but basically that's it...how about yours?

All Time-Favorite Book (GT: October 28, 2010)

Can't say much of this well-read book by Dan Brown which also was made into a movie, nonetheless, the book is still better than the movie - Angels and Demons.

Angels and Demons talks about a centuries-old underground organization, the Illuminati that aims to destroy the Catholic Church through the fall of the Vatican City using the newly discovered power of the antimatter. The story takes the reader into an adventure that seems to be so real. The thrill and suspense lies on the plot of the story that takes place in great Vatican City, in which the hero and heroin must stop the destruction all in a days time.

One thing that interest me is the use of literary elements such as symbols and ambigrams throughout the story, bringing out the depth of the characters involved.

Reading the book also brings me across the famous religious seat of the Catholic faith. The vivid description of the architectural designs of not just the city but of the churches and structures as well, takes me in a tour to the Vatican - making me more interested of being able to visit the place one day.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I can't remember any book that made me laugh...most of the books I read are rather sci-fi or those that touches the heart...

The book closest to this week's topic on Girl's Talk --- books that made me laugh --- which I have read because of some influences by M is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

The story is about an Andalucian shepherd boy named Santiago who, because of a recurring dream, which eventually made him believe that it was some kind of prophecy, ventured to Egypt's pyramids in search of treasures. In his search, he met a gypsy woman, a king and the alchemist, all of whom played important roles in his quest. He came across various experiences such us love and danger, opportunities and disasters only to find out that the treasure he is in search of elsewhere is beyond material possessions. The real treasure is the one he has found in his heart.

The core belief being shared by the book is that 'when you believe in something, all that happens in your surroundings leads to achieving it.'

As Yedi'ot Aharonat quoted "This is the type of book the makes you understand more about yourself and about life. It has philosophy, and is spiced with colors, flavors and subjects..."

--- the realization which I ended with a huge smile on my face :)

happy reading...

Books by Mitch Albom

I've read two books by Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Both books definitely gave me a cry and it was Tuesdays with Morrie which really gave my tear ducts one heck of a spill.



Both books serves as a reminder of people and experiences that greatly affected our lives - be it past or present. It's a constant reminder for us to value relationships and to see the good things behind all experiences in life.

Because of its impact on me, I've shared these books to friends, especially those who in my knowledge is going through a situation. Instead of giving some pieces of advise that may not be enough or may be wrongly said, I'd rather lend our copies of these books. But, I, too make sure that these books get returned...for more personal reasons...These books were gift to us when we were still a dating couple, by one of my husband's best friends in college, Anthony Durmiendo. Thanks Ants!

another late entry for Girt's Talk lol!

GT: I Love Pink!

I'm running late with this week's meme...too busy with so many things...

I love this week's theme for Girl's Talk. Pink is definitely my favorite color! I'm a certified pink addict, that's why I've prepared so much for this post. Sadly our cam in not available so some photos here were taken using my cellphone ;(.

Why pink? It's such a feminine color, this reflects the softer side of me. It gives me the feel of comfort and care. The color pink brings out the youth in me, one reason why I still feel and look young lol ;)

Since it's my favorite color, your bet is just right, most of my things come in different shades of pink, though when I got married I've shifted to more neutral colors especially on stuff for the household and the things me and my husband use in common.

My pink stuff ranges from bedsheets with matching pillow cases, face and hand towels, more personal stuff such as undies, socks and hankies, to trinkets and collectibles. I have at least one piece of pink in all of these --- blouses and bottoms, accessories, bags, wallets/coin purse and footwear. And like if you plan to make an surprise check out of me, you'll get to find at least one in my stuff that's pink.

Here are some of them:

my Ipanema slides

tops and bottoms

a fuchsia pink top

bags and wallets

underwear organizer

make up kits, monster purse, shoe bag and washing bag

office supplies such as scissors and markers

I haven't been able to take photos of my office desk which is adorned by pink stuff such as my mechanical pencil, pink pen, desk calendar, desk organizer, note holder and my Hello Kitty spoon, fork & chopsticks set.

just like K, I have this piggy bank
which has been with me for almost 10 years now :)
and which gave me lotsa savings!

my Hello Kitty thermal mug

some Hello Kitty collectibles

my Hello Kitty beanie stuff toy,
a gift from a colleague based in Japan - authentic!

Household items were not exempted, most of these items were purchased when I was still single, to name a few are pails and dippers, table clothes, curtain, picture frames and food containers. My side of the closet hangs on pink hangers.

Gift items such as candle holder, candles, angels and some wedding favors that comes in this hue adds up to my pink collectibles.

And since I've got a baby girl, I'm just so excited about her stuff...I'm now imposing on her my favorite color...well just for the meantime she's not able to complain yet, unless Pink becomes her favorite as well, which is sooo very fine with me.

Maia in her pink romper with matching pink shoe socks,
other items such as her baby bag, rattle, bib,
feeding bottle, formula milk container are also in pink.