This Christmas

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine.

For those who want to live the true spirit of giving especially with the holiday season, there are new ways available for you to share your love to others or share in a good cause, for that matter. One way is by joining Bidazzled, an online auction market that allows you to buy new brand merchandise through bids and at the same time help a lung cancer foundation. Whether you win or lose the bid, you are still helping out in a very important way.

With the season of Christmas, we can sometimes be too into ourselves that we forget how it is to give. On the side, my reflections for Christmas has gravitated on forgetting myself and learning to focus on the baby Jesus which comes in the face of those many people around you: the street kids, the sick people in hospitals, the elderly, the dying, the "scrooge" in the office, your child in tantrums, etc., etc., depending on your state in life. Christmas comes to remind us that we are faced to live the virtues in a heroic degree albeit, maybe more emphasized now with what the season brings.

Have a very merry and worthwhile Christmas everyone! Stay warm!

Looking for a New Place?

House-hunting can be such a tiresome job for people nowadays. Many times, you do not know where to start looking and how to manage to close a good deal. This is because there are so many things to consider in buying a house or a condo. It would depend on your current budget, the size of your family, proximity, and many other things. Furthermore, buying a house would also greatly depend on whether or not you get a good real estate agent to facilitate the tripping and actual sale. From experiences I have heard, sometimes, it really boils down to the contract prize PLUS if you get along with your agent.

Anyway, for those of you who may be in Canada and need to know where to find reliable real estate agents, you can find a directory listing of good Ontario Real Estate Agents online. And for example, if you are interested in Richmond Hill, there are Richmond Hill Real Estate Agents whom you can contact to regarding your house hunting queries. There is also a list of Mississauga Real Estate Agents which you can find online for easier access to the best people who can assist you in your important real estate needs.

UP Friends - Christmas Party 2009

Our home was the venue for this year's annual Christmas Party get-together amongst my UP barkada and their families (or significant other).

We had it potluck style tapos I prepared some simple fun games and a raffle to keep us all in the mood for Christmas.

This year's hosts - V & T (uy... mukhang payat!)

Tanay couple - Baba and Gra

Crazy folks :-) Borj and Che
May 1 lovebirds - Emer and Ruby

Secretive Lala (na may date afterwards but won't divulge the details)

Zoe with Tito Eumir

Xmas foodies!

Raffle prizes c/o everyone

Christmas Charades - Che (trying to decribe Santa Claus)

Christmas Charades - Gra (trying to act out poinsettia) - cute!

Christmas Carol Relay (the boys won!)

Bring me...an office ID! :-)

Chillin'

Group pic

Hope to see you guys again soon! Merry Christmas!

*pics from Gracia's multiply site

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at home!

Here's a glimpse:

Spread the spirit of Christmas and let's start in our very own homes!

Going Strong...

Luigi is officially 3 months old this December 08. This means too that I've been breastfeeding for three months and going strong... Yes! I can't believe it myself! :-) I'm so happy for this mommy "accomplishment".

Here's hoping that Mother Nature continues to send me more milk for baby. :-)

Feeling Toxic? Detoxify!

We all know that popular saying that goes, “Health is Wealth”. And the good news is, I think that many people now are beginning to think of health and wellness as part of their lifestyle, whereas before, nobody really cared much about it.

However, when you live a very busy life, you then to forget to check on your health and nutrition. Many people who have full-time jobs and a family to take care of then to live a life that is full of toxicity, like there’s never enough time to eat well, pray, to read, to exercise, to relax and do some recreation (I raise my hand to that!). As a solution to this, there are various Thailand retreats that are available that can give you that samui detox that will help rejuvenate your body and spirit. They offer a package for colon cleanse and koh samui detox that is perfect for somebody who is feeling bloated, tired and unhealthy.

I wonder if my husband and I can ever make a trip to Thailand to undergo that detox that we both need. Maybe we can schedule that next year. :-) Apart from being a healthy thing to do, it would be a fantastic way to spend time together, don't you think?

Are you bothered by these recalls?

The makers of Maclaren strollers had been asked to issue a recall last month of about 1 million of strollers sold. I think this was due to reported several finger amputations caused by the design when you open or close the contraption.

Being a Maclaren stroller owner, I personally felt bothered that even a brand that is known for design ingenuity and technology are producing children's products that are potentially harmful. Good riddance that my daughter actually used her Maclaren stroller (which we bought and carried from Singapore to Manila) only for a limited time. I think she realized then that she wanted to walk (or run!) more than sit there and be pushed around ~ which I think was a good thing (no injuries plus stronger legs!).

Anyway, prior to knowing about the recall, we had long before planned on handing over this stroller to our baby boy. But at his age of 2 months, the Maclaren Triumph's back support couldn't be fully pushed down and it just wouldn't work for our baby who cannot sit up just yet. And since I just could not wait to take the baby outside, we decided to buy him his own stroller taking advantage of a discount from a Chicco sale.

Of course, I still don't want to dispose of our Maclaren altogether. I think it hasn't gained its ROI just yet. So now I'm still considering ordering the "kit" that will prevent the injury that is potential in the use of a Maclaren. But with the kit and all, I still feel bothered and doubtful if it's safe to use at all. What do you guys think?

Alternative to a Downspout

If you are building a house and is looking for an alternative to a downspout, then I highly recommend that you put a rain chain at each of the corners of your gutter. Rain chains are widely used in Japan. They are usually put there to present a water feature out of rainwater that comes down from the gutter.

The first time I encountered copper rain chains was in the house where my sister used to live. At the bottom of the garden rain chains were big clay jars that serve as rain barrels that collect rainwater for gardening purposes. And then whenever it rains, the water guttering from the roof flows beautifully downwards like a subtle fountain. I think it's a lovely idea especially if you have like sort of atrium or a garden within your house.

Now with a new addition...

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

...now if only I could really be as thin and sexy as the "me" in this drawing. Hmm...

Folks are Back at Home

My Dad and Ninang arrived yesterday to visit us again. They were just in our house the other day wherein they stayed with us for over a week and now they are back again with lots of stories and, of course, goodies for the kids.

You see, my Dad already now lives in Batangas. They only come and visit us once in awhile since they already have their regular activities and other involvement in their parish church. Anyway, whenever they go home from Batangas to Cainta, they often travel by car. And since this is quite a long drive, for every trip, I could sense that my Dad often feels tired afterwards.

Well, this is all expected since they are already past their 60's. At that age, it is already common for people to experience different kinds of pain in their bodies, particularly in the back area as well as in the lower extremities. That is why, I suggested to them to go buy tramadol bluebook and find out what is tramadol hcl 50mg used for. I think this drug can relieve pain that is hounding your back or lumbar area. After taking it, you will feel less of the pain and then gain that energy and confidence to get up and move around once again. You can buy tramadol online. I told my folks that and I'm sure they will look it up.

Anyway, going back to my Dad. I think it's good that they always come to visit. Especially now that we already have two kids and both my husband and I are working, it somehow gives me a better feeling or assurance that there is a family member who is there to be with my children. It's because when we leave for work, the kids are, most often than not, left with our helper and a yaya. And since the Zoe is now three years old and is often making havoc at home with her antics, that leaves the yaya often busy chasing after her. Now I wonder if the baby boy is being properly given the attention and care he needs if we're not around. Hmm, I wonder.

Looking for a Gift

My officemates and I might attend a wedding this December 11. Though I'm not perfectly sure if I can make it (oh, because the car is still not okay), we have already decided to pull our resources together in order to buy them a nice gift.

There were so many suggestions given as to the gift, some traditional while some outrageous. On my part, I suggested to them that we go personalize our gift. Maybe they would appreciate receiving an address plaque for their new home. Since they will be moving in soon to a new house and live together as husband and wife, it would be such a joy for them to put something like "The Sorianos" (or something like that) on a beautiful address sign posted on their house's gate. I think address plaques make a lovely wedding gift. Don't you think so?

Mt. Vernon Method

I opened my inbox today and found a very appealing email message regarding the application of the Mt. Vernon Method in the mode of organization. Click http://www.messies.com/get_started/mt_vernon_method/ to find out more.

This really inspired me because at work, after taking a leave for 78 days, I feel that I am at the point where it seems that all the folders and papers in my table and in the vault are just about to fall on me! There is just too much to do, too much to file, too much to update. Just thinking that I need to update about 3,000 disorganized folders and index cards by month's end in order to turn-over part of my job to a colleague is driving me crazy! Blame it on the lack of time, the lack of able assistance and my own limitations in terms of carrying heavy bulks of folders (couldn't do it for the whole nine months of pregnancy and now due to my post-operation). But I need to give it a try, otherwise...

Anyway, I'm willing to start small. I've already taken steps to simplify parts of my work life such as getting rid of duplicate files by using a software I downloaded from the internet. I have also cleaned up my drawers! And then today, I'm gathering up the courage to go to the vault and start organizing, little by little, the folders there...yup, all 3,000 of them.

Small steps, small steps. That's my game plan now. Wish me luck!

Ten Minute Fix

I couldn't sleep last night so I decided to do a ten minute fix of one of our cabinets in the bedroom.

I got rid of old grocery receipts, plastic bags, scratch papers, broken stuff, old make-up, etc., etc. It freed up a significant amount of space in the cabinet! :-) And then I got to pull out a fresh bottle of body lotion, some pens, and other cool knick-knacks that I tucked away in the cabinet for future (now present) use.

For only ten minutes or so, I immediately felt relieved and happy. It's almost the same feeling as when I go shopping. :-)

Your Choice of TV

My friend's sister is moving to California next year since the company that she is working for is merging and is bringing its business there. And so as a gift for Christmas, my friend is giving her something that will make her quite happy and entertained. What is it? Well, it's a subscription to Direct TV in California.

Direct TV has found wonderful ways of making their customers truly happy no matter what season, actually. The service of Directv has always been reliable and truly great. You can choose from all the channels that you like and depending on your own interest and needs. And even if you're moving, you can avail of their individualized service wherever you are.

Luigi at 2 months...

We celebrated Luigi's 2nd month last November 08 with pancit, ice cream and THIS.

It's the yummy Rocha's puto (with cheese) from Marikina. My cousin Jiji gave this to us when she came to visit that day. Thanks Jiji! I love this type of puto to bits!

Uses of Rainwater Runoff

Since we belong to a country that experiences an abundance of rain, it may be good to make use of all those collected rain water runoff, right? As many don't realize it, people can actually save a ton of money by utilizing rain water for other important uses such as maintaining the garden (i.e. watering plants) and performing domestic tasks (i.e. washing the car, cleaning the bathroom, etc.).

A quick way to do this is to make use of a rain barrel to collect and store rain water coming from your house rooftops. Those rain water barrels which are devised for collecting and maintaining harvested rain. Although there may be an initial cost for doing this, you will realize later on that rain harvesting will not only help you economically but will also make you more environment-friendly. So check out those rain barrels for sale and start reducing mains water use now.

Trick or Treat Project

Zoe's group at Kindermusik had a belated Trick or Treat-themed class a week after Halloween. In line with this, I prepared these sweet treats for her classmates.

Their loot bag contains: cotton candy, jelly ace, chocolate and a container of mini Stick-O's. *-*

Wanted: Beautiful Flooring

I hitched a ride with a neighbor the other day and on the way, we talked about our personal experiences during the flood. That's when she told me the ordeal that their family went through during that time. She told me that up to now, their house smells bad because of the flood water that entered their whole house. Too add, all their flooring is also badly damaged and she thinks that it is better to have it altogether replaced rather than repaired.

Given that this kind of catatrophe won't happen again, I suggested to her to try to have their floor replaced with laminate flooring. Compared to their old wood parquet floor that is almost always subject to weather, sunlight and other factors, wood laminate flooring provides a sturdier and more durable flooring. A hardwood laminate flooring is very easy to install and can be repaired without much hassle. Plus, of much help to calamity victims like us, she can get discount laminate flooring which is a welcome treat for people who can't spend as much.

Baby Boy

I just realized now I don't seem to get a decent photo of Luigi these days. He doesn't like being photographed (at least not as much as Zoe likes it).

So bear with me. This is the best one so far after so many (too many) try's.

Pero look naman at those eyes. Can't you see that I'm a very proud mom?

I Know Where You Can Find These

Are you in need of a place for your students, employees or clients to put their bags and other other stuff? Well look no further for I know where you can find these beautiful lockers! There is this treasure of a webpage that has lockers for sale. You will find a variety of school lockers and gym lockers in their selection.

Personally, how I wish my office could provide me my own locker. I badly need a place to keep my stuff especially now that I bring to work quite a load everyday since I have my breastpump and other breastfeeding materials to tow daily.