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. :-)

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.

Not Used to Anymore...

Waah! Just a couple of days of being back in Makati already gave me an allergic reaction to pollution.

You see, I enjoyed the comforts of a not-so-polluted environment for the past 78 days (read: maternity leave). We have the advantage of trees and clean air around our home that my being suddenly exposed again to the smog and pollution in the city makes me beg for more days off at work.

I literally am sneezing every minute and I hate it! Add the super cold and "unnatural" airconditioned feeling inside the office, my head is spinning like crazy because of migraine, coughs and cold.

Hay...I'm now beginning to think that I'm really better off becoming a SAHM. Oh well, but what else can I do? I've looked up some remedies and will see if it will do the trick meantime.

Planters for the House

I admit that I haven't been giving due attention to our plants since I gave birth to Luigi and since the typhoon came. Oh well. Did you know that a couple of our planters which were situated in our front yard were all wiped out by the flood? The water rose so fast that day (up to an unbelievable high of eight feet!) that we totally panicked and forgot to bring all our outdoor planters to a higher place. Thus, after the flood, all of my lovely decorative planters were all gone. Tough luck.

Anyway, we're all moving on and I'm planning to start buying a planter again but this time, I want an indoor planter. I already saw several classic designs that complement our living room furniture and wall color. Plus, with the plants safely positioned inside the house, we wouldn't have to worry whenever a storm comes up again.

A commute of a lifetime

The other day, we took Zoe with us as we do some important errands for Daddy. We only took the taxi to go to Megamall since our car still cannot be relied on for long trips. Anyway, while in Megamall, we learned that the document that we had to pick up can only be gotten somewhere in Manila. So with some bit of hesitation, we decided to head for Manila with Zoe in tow.

We first took the MRT plying along EDSA. The train was crowded that for a minute, I started to regret that we tagged Zoe along. However, good thing that there was kind-hearted man who let us sit down. The ride was smooth-sailing from then on. We went down at the last station which is Taft Ave.

From there, we took the route going to the old LRT station. Honestly, I'm not so familiar with the old LRT and it's actually been ages since I rode this train. Anyway, I was suprised that the LRT ride was even more pleasant than riding the MRT. Although there were different kinds of people on it, the train is cooler and more spacious in my opinion. We went down at Carriedo station and hailed a pedicab as we got out. The pedicab ride was CRAZY. The man drove against a one way car route so you can just imagine how scared I was for myself and for Zoe. Buti na lang the ride was short. Otherwise, I may have collapsed out of fear. Hahaha. And oh, the streets were just jam-packed. There were vendors everywhere that I think Zoe has never seen that so many vendors ever in her life. But Zoe was so cool about. Nagugulat ako. She neither complained or cried. She was even pointing a the pictures in the pirated DVDs that some tinderos were selling.

Anyway, upon getting what we needed, we started to walk towards the Recto station of the new LRT (2). That walk was definitely an eye-opener for me. I realized that Manila isn't the same lovely Manila that many envisualize it to be. The beauty may still be there but the pollution now is worse than ever plus it now filled with vendors selling different kinds of bad stuff (sex videos, sex toys, pirated DVDs, fake items, etc. etc.). I was so disappointed that the used-to-be center of commercial activity is now filled with X-rated stuff making it a place not suited to bring your kids.

We made it to the LRT 2 station in time before it started to rain. This time, the train was filled with people who came from Divisoria and with young people studying in the different colleges in Manila. By that time, Zoe was utterly tired and slept the whole trip until we got to the Santolan station where we hailed a FX to get home.

It was a "commute of a lifetime" I would say. We rode a taxi, 3 trains, a pedicab plus an FX service shuttle in just one day. Not many 3-year olds have experienced it as Zoe has experienced it.

Now, would I do this again? Hmm...memorable as it seems, I don't think we'll do it again in the near future.

Investment Idea

We had received bountiful blessings in the past weeks. First off, we received a favor regarding our family's special intention. No details here but it's something that we have been praying a lot for in the past months. Another pretty blessing is receiving my Christmas bonus. I'm so happy that we again have a bit of money to pay for our humongous expenses made in the past (related to my giving birth and also because of the typhoon Ondoy) and bit more left for our Christmas celebrations and for savings.

Speaking of savings, I am thinking of making a starter investment on gold. I read somewhere that one of the best and more reliable kind of investment in when you buy gold coins. When you buy gold bullion, you almost can't go wrong. To buy bullion, you can now go online to purchase gold bullion. You can get good deals and you'll be assured that every cent you spend is going to be worth it.

Zoe and Macy

This is Zoe with our neighbor's Precious Moments doll named Macy. Zoe loves Macy! She often visits Macy at our neighbors and takes her outside for a walk. The doll's owner is almost tempted to give the doll to her but of course, it's hers plus it has a sentimental value syempre. Anyway, one afternoon, we took a picture of Zoe with her holding Macy and look how much they seem to look alike. :-)

Front Yard Beauties

I have always been attracted to those clean front yards with mailboxes such as those featured in many films that portray the perfect house. It seems that it always had to have a pretty little mailbox situated at the front yard. These are such beauties that I really want to get myself one for our house.

In this regard, I discovered several kinds of mail boxes online. I found it so interesting that there are so many styles and sizes to choose from. There is this wall mount mailbox that I think is perfectly complementary to our front gate. I actually already ear-marked the webpage where it is found and will wait for my husband to give me a go-signal before I check out my shopping cart. How exciting is that?

Steaming Hot!

...that's how we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary last October 30.

But before you start think of something else, let me show you exactly how it went...




We had Shabu-Shabu at the Thousand Cranes in Eastwood Mall!!! It was hot and delicious!!!

See how happy we were! Ha-ha-ha!

I love you honey! Mwah!

My Dream Kitchen

Lately, I have been dreaming about re-inventing the look of my kitchen by changing and replacing some things which don’t seem to fit. You see, I have mix and match of kitchen stuff. I have things made out of plastic, wood, metal and other materials. Now what I want is a cohesive look just like the fabulous pieces that are available at jk adams.

I saw a jk adams wine rack and I think it would be perfect for our “growing” collection of wines. I also fancy this certain jk adams cutting board that makes me all the more inspired to cook up something for the family. There are also matching jk adams pot rack and jk adams spice rack that really seals off my dream kitchen design.

I can’t wait to get my dream kitchen started.

Have You Started Your Xmas Shopping?

OMG. It's only today that I realized that I have not even started to do my Christmas shopping and I am already about to end my supposedly "free time" a.k.a. maternity leave. Gosh. Gosh. Gosh. I also realized that I have not been out of the house more than 4 hours and I don't know how I'll managed to go on a longer shopping trip without feeling engorged and most importantly, without missing the hubby and the kiddos.

Anyway, going back to shopping. I will try though to do some shopping next week. I need to buy some new office clothes that'll fit since I'm in between sizes now (smaller than preggy size but bigger than my usual pre-preggy size --- how about that?!). I also need to pick up a few Christmas gifts na for my inaanaks and friends since some Christmas parties are already happening as early as November for me.

Sounds easier said than done right? I think I'm in panic mode!!!!

Adding a Special Touch

In adding that special touch in the overall design of any home, it is often good to consider using materials that are generally chic and urban. Under this category, what I can specifically suggest is the use of stainless steel. For me, incorporating stainless steel in the design is not only practical but also classy as well. I have seen some wonderful blomus stainless steel mailboxes that just seem to give that extra oomph to a home’s front yard. Those stainless steel mailboxes, which by the way can easily be ordered online, are just beautiful. It seems to give some kind of shine and glory to any home.

In addition, I also personally fancy those blomus stainless steel fireplace accessories which can make the living room just spark with elegance and class. It just shouts urban beauty! Everybody is sure to be at awe with its nice design and would want to get the same thing without you saying anything. Now that’s something, don’t you think?

How They Look Like Now

For those interested, this is more or less how the kids look like now. Zoe is a super doting sister while Luigi is an adorable baby. Luigi is growing so fast! I'm so glad that my breastmilk seems to be doing him a lot of good. He looks so different from the time when he was born...so much chubbier and cuter, to say the least. Yabang, noh?

Speaking of breastmilk, since my maternity leave is about to end, I'm at my wit's end on what to do regarding breastfeeding. I want to continue but I'm just not so sure how I will manage it. Any suggestions?

Stay Safe

We have been hearing so many robberies and crime incidents these days on TV. People say it's because Christmas is around the corner and there are many "bad" people again roaming the streets looking for a chance to get easy money.

I actually had been weary of this. I am worried about the possibility of robbers entering our home or hold-upers following us in the mall. That is why apart from limiting our trips to the mall especially this Christmas season, I am planning on installing a complete security system for our house. There is nothing like the feeling of being safe and secured at your own home. For solutions, all you need to do is to either complete a form online or call the number of ADT Home Security System now.

Last November 1...

I took this picture last November 1, All Saints' Day. For a change, we decided to visit my mother's grave during the afternoon up until after the sun had set. Our experience was more serene than usual because the people around seemed quieter and less frenzied. We offered flowers and candles for the soul of my mother and our other loved ones. We prayed the rosary as a family. After that, Zoe wanted to eat so we bought her an ice cream drumstick from a tindero. I remember her saying, "Mommy, masarap ice cream, kasi mahal." Funny. And that's about it. We packed our belongings and went home happy that we were able to spend at least some time to pray to and for my mom and for the other souls in purgatory.

Moving to NY

Moving has never been an easy task for anyone. Just like in the case of my friend who recently moved to NY, it's been hard for him to adjust to the rhythm of city life. Well, good thing that my friend is a TV addict and he can readily divert his anxieties by watching the shows he likes the most on TV. I actually told him that he can have access to the shows regarding his personal interests such as science and sports by getting Direct TV. What's more, he can even invite his new friends to his place so they can watch live games in the Directv sports channel. For example, it would be exciting to be watching the Major League Baseball Championships on TV live, right?

For easy access, I also told him about Direct TV in NY so he'll know the stuff that are available in his new location. I'm very sure that he will find this very helpful indeed.

Zoe's Babbles

The other day, we made our way via commute to Cardinal Santos for my follow-up check-up with the OB. As we passed by a relatively small Iglesia ni Cristo church, Zoe blurted out, "Mommy, Iglesia ni Kristo". Then about a kilometer away, we happened to pass by another INC church but this time it was was blue and bigger (the one near IPI in C-5). Zoe excitedly shouted, pointing at the structure, "Mommy! House ni Mickey Mouse!!!".

Yikes! Shhh! Quiet, Zoe! ;-)