Cheers for 2009!

From our family to yours ...

here's wishing you more blessings, happiness and continued success for 2009! Cheers!

christmas loots

And so the little bratinella was ecstatic ... giddy happy with all her Christmas loots!

Since we've been out and around the metro the enitre holiday season, it took us three sessions to open all her gifts. I guess we were just too tired to open the gifts in one seating. In fact, Sam was able to open her gifts from Mommy, Daddy, Kuya, and Santa at 2am of the 25th. And the rest of the gifts from our families and friends, were opened the day after.

This year, aside from the usual toys, clothes and promotional products she received lot of books. Books from Santa (backyardigans and strawberry shortcake) , teacher, her ninangs (ballet book and activity books), Kuya (backyardigans and strawberry shortcake), aunts (dora, barney and some activity books) and hubby's parents (bible collection 12 volumes). With all the book gifts, I am afraid her present book shelves will not be enough to accommodate her gifts. Haayy...need to sort out her old books to create more space for her new book collection.

Samantha with some of her Christmas presents opened morning of 25th.

Another doll house from Tito Willy, puppies in my pocket playset (Daddy), lots of books, kitchen playsets (tita queenie), grocery carts (tita lhotte), breakfast table and twister game (Mommy), gifts from her classmates, clothes from cousins, bags, watch (ninang heidi) etc.. Plus some gifts (and cash) not in picture. Like the V-tech toy from Mommy, books and books, pound puppies collection, board games, stuff toys etc. Really too much. Ahhh... kids these days, extremely lucky with so much toys available for them to play. Don't you think so?

Christmas Greeting

Wishing you and your family a

Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

May this season bring us much joy and happiness ...

--- mike.jacqui.ico.samantha

on sale

The balikbayan box of my aunt from NY arrived the other day, was happy that finally received sam's goodies. Just in time for Christmas. Got these items on sale from Old Navy store. Of course, courtesy of my paypal account. Hahaha!

capri pants and shorts

sexy bathing suits from Old Navy

cotton shirts

And was able to get another item on sale from Crocs. I was able to catch the 3-day sale of Crocs at Tiendesitas. All items at 40% off. I went here to grab nice pair of crocs for myself. I was hoping I colud get an Alice or Adara but sadly, old crocs style items on sale . But did not leave the place empty-handed, got Samantha rubber slippers for summer. From P1495 to P850 only. Very timely for summer outings.

Lastly, I saw fab items on from buy.com. I am thinking of getting the digital frame as post-Christmas gift to my brother. I bet he will love this. Buy.com offers sale items for Paypal account holders. Their weekly friday specials really great offers. Great avings especially for thrift shopper like me.

Blog Love Award

Grabbed this Blog Love Award from Tet. Great friend, blogger, and a super cool Mom.

Rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.

3. Pass this award to your blog lover friends.

4. Add your link to the list of participants below.

5. Leave a message for your nominee on their Blog.

Blog Lovers: Soul Anchor; Cookies Corner; Life is good and beautiful; my life story; Memoirs of Pinay in America; My so called Life; Aprilheart; Happy Trails ; mehnuscripts ; Living A' La Mode ; Bits and Pieces ; Life's Simple Pleasures ; YOU

Passing the Blog Love Award to my super cool MBAP friends: Abie, Apols, Apple, Aggie, Joy, Jody, Jane, Kelly, Mich, Peachy, and Thea ---- Merry Christmas ladies! Truly heart your blogs! Thank you for introducing me to the blogging world! :)

too much partying

This week, had too much partying. Too much that I am now sick and with a really, really bad cough. I guess from late night partying and alcohol-drinking (tequila and vodka sprite) lol.

If you will see me now, I am not at my usual self. I look like a walking zombie coughing wildly with those tired, puffy eyes. As much as I want to leave from work, I can't. Need to finalize end of the year numbers. Plus it is our OPEX budget season. Haaayyyy...so much to do with so little time! I can't even check online for some diet products I plan to give for the husband. You see, like me, he needs to trim down his weight too. With his excessive partying for the past weeks, I am sure he gained few pounds from all those carbo-loaded party food and beer-drinking sessions. Anyway, to share some of our party pictures.

December 15, Bayan's Company Party at The Arena, San Juan

December 16, Bayan Business Christmas Party at Bedroom Bar at Eastwood Libis -- wild,wild party with the Bedroom secrets as party theme sans with the our sleepwear outifts!



December 17 (Wed), Shopping time with hubby. We bought suit from Onesimus.

December 18 (Thu), Department's Christmas Party (BSPS) in Makati --- pictures to follow.

December 19 (Friday), Baby shower and Thanksgiving party from our boss.

early Christmas treat ...

Visited the Podium Mall-wide Sale last weekend to check out hubby's Christmas present for me. I was hoping that the Philip Stein shop will throw in additional discount that day. But sadly, no sale or discount from this store. Hmmph! Instead, we bought the little girl an early Christmas treat. Got her puppies in my pocket (dalmatians set) with the hospital facility. Samantha was ecstatic. As a matter of fact, she never bothered to check out other toys. Just the puppies in my pocket. Her new fave. Though I am not sure if I can collect all 170+ puppies. Too many and too expensive noh!?! Hahaha! Let's see ...

Samantha all smile here with her new puppy collection

travel plans

Hubby's preparing for his January 2009 travel. His travel plans includes attending the annual Pacific Telecoms Council (PTC) at Hawaii and with few days stop-over at their Japan office. Since last year, I've been contemplating (and wishing) of joining hubby on this annual business trip. I am just worried with the travel expenses. With a kid and me in tow, ticket fare and accommodations will surely double. You see, I've been dreaming of setting my foot in Japan. And as s I've blogged over and over again, I so want to experience walking in the streets of Tokyo, eat authentic Japanese food and visit Sanrio-land. Then of course, enjoy sight-seeing and shopping in Hawaii. Thus, given this kind of travel opportunity for hubby, we can save with the travel cost since he'll get his accommodations and airfare free.

Earlier today while hubby was busy watching the Pacquiao fight, I brought up the topic of possibility of joining him on his upcoming trip. I told him I was able to get quotes from PAL and Northwest. I've managed to get quote also from Hawaiian airlines. Airfare price ranging from $1300-1500 for RT. Really pricey, especially the forex rate today $50=P1. And this is for one person only. Of course if we will bring the little girl along, airfare will double. Making it more impossible for us to go.

Hubby brought up the idea that I can join his trip. But we have to leave the little girl along. It'll be hard for him to attend business meetings with me and Sam to think of. Besides as hubby pointed out, the little girl will not enjoy it so much since she's just four years old.

Anyway as we are talking about Japan trip, hubby mentioned that his Japanese boss recommended visiting Tokyo Disneysea over Disneyland. Much better and ideal for adults. Hmmmm...Tokyo Disneysea? Of course, never heard that before. Now it made me more curious. As I've surfed the net, I saw the attraction of Disneysea. Something different than the usual Disneyland fare. Made me more eager to visit Japan. Do check it out ...

As of today, No definite travel plans yet. I am still having second thoughts of joining hubby. If I go, will have to say goodbye to my supposedly new bag from hubby. Then of course the guilty feeling of leaving the girl behind. Haaayyy...if we only have bottomless funds, travelling will not be a problem.

boxing match and sale

Off to Podium Mall later. Nope, not to check out their Christmas sale but to watch the super boxing fight of the season. Our company sponsored special screening of Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight as an advance Christmas treat for our valued-clients. With the free screening, popcorn and meal ... I am sure our clients will have a blast.

The husband is excited to join me later. I think this is the only one of the few times he will attend our company affair. Of course the main reason, the boxing match of Pacquiao and de la Hoya. As for me, will just check the event but will not watch the fight. Too much violence, too bloody for my taste. Not my cup of tea! Thus, while the game is on, I'll do what I love most ... shopping! Need to get Christmas gifts for my kris-kringle baby, grocery supply like milk and disposable diaper for my grandmother.

Anyway, I am hopeful that Pacquiao will win the game. Pride and glory of the Filipino people at stake here. Despite non-title match, I am sure both of the boxers can feel the pressure to win. For the whooping prize of $100-M for 12 rounds at the MGM Grande Arena. Really hoping...

A-Z Tag

Almost snagged this from Jesse for fillers but, she actually tagged me with this one. Funny because I just saw my name when I am about to fill the "T" question. Anyway, thanks Jesse! Enjoyed doing this.

A. Attached or single ? — Attached (happily)
B. Best friend? — Lots of girl bestfriends : Kaye, Ricelle, Lani
C. Cake or pie? — cake (Estrel's)
D. Day of choice? — Friday
E. Essential item? — mobile phone
F. Favorite color? — as of today, RED
G. Gummy bears or worms - gummy worms
H. Hometown? — Manila
I. Favorite indulgence (s)? — chocolates and spa!
J. January or July? — January
K. Kids? — Two: Ico and Sam
L. Life isn’t complete without? — God and my family (same with Jesse)
M. Marriage date ? — February 21
N. Number of magazine subscriptions? - One. Yummy.
O. Orange or apple? — Orange
P. Phobias? — snakes, worms and the likes.
Q. Quotes? — Life is too short ... enjoy and make the most out of it!
R. Reasons to smile? — my family and all my other blessings (same with Jesse)
S. Season of choice? — Christmas too!
T. Tag 5 people - Yvette, Vina, Em, Nol and Faye
U. Unknown fact about me? - I worry a lot ... even for small things.
V. Vegetable? — Brocolli
W. Worst habit? — removing nail cuticle. it irritates me when i see a protruding dead skin.
X. X-ray or ultrasound? - Ultrasound
Y. Your favorite food(s)? - shrimp
Z. Zodiac sign — Gemini

insurance quote

when I saw my term life insurance quote, i got the shock of my life! I never imagined that the it would be that cheap. By cheap, i mean the terms is very favorable, the returns is quite high and, most importantly, I feel secured. The full suite of services inclusive of the package just makes life very simple. Now I can go about my life without worrying too much. And al i have to do now is pay for it and everything will be set.

healthy take out meal?

Don’t you just love holidays? It gives you a perfect excuse to forget all your diet and just enjoy all the meals you want to eat.

For weeks now, I’ve been craving for Dampa seafood. Remember my previous post how I love to eat shrimps, crabs and squids … crave no more! Last Monday, hubby and I decided to pig-out (which we normally do!) by ordering to go meals from Dampa Libis. Since our helpers decided to have a holiday-off, hubby and I drove to Dampa Libis to get our ever favorite, buttered garlic shrimps and crabs. Imagine, just the three of us for dinner … we ordered a kilo of each just to satisfy our seafood cravings. Oh so yummy and oh so bad! Not your healthy way of cooking food. And with so much fat from all the buttery food, we neutralized our palate by ordering grilled squid. An attempt to healthy cooking with so much guilty eating cholesterol and fats that day. Hahaha!

Regretfully, I forgot to take pictures of the said seafood feast. With so much excitement and hunger from our take-out order, we immediately attacked and enjoyed the food. Hahaha!

Feliz Navidad ...

Your Christmas Song Is

Feliz Navidad Prospero año y Felicidad I want to wish you a Merry Christmas From the bottom of my heart At your place, Christmas is different every year You like to throw out tradition, and have your own wacky holiday

What Christmas Carol Are You?

Snagged this blog quiz from Jody, was curious what type of Christmas carol am I. lol. Go ahead, take the quiz. Really fun.

my halloween pumpkin

As I sort our recent family pictures, I realized I forgot to share and upload Samantha's Halloween pictures here. Pardon me for posting it quite late... anyway, better than never. Hahaha! This year, my little girl came as the Halloween pumpkin. Just look at her ... ain't she adorable in those orange-y pumpkin costume! (love your own, syempre! lol.)

Halloween Party at Mommy's office : The little girl enjoyed her Halloween Party at Bayan this year. Aside from participating with the games, she had her face painted with flowers, and happily went home with looottsss of candies and loots. We were able to fill up one SM plastic bag from her office-to-office trick or treat activity.

Halloween Activity in school. Kids were asked to come with their simplest halloween costume. (yeah, right!) Which I don't think was followed by some pasaway Moms. Madami stage mothers noh?! Hahaha! Just look at the pictures below. Obviously, madami kuma-career! lol. Not me... one costume for all the parties worn by Sam. Tipid noh?! lol.

early Christmas gift

I recently purchased a V-tech Learning System for Samantha from the Toy Kingdom Sale. The idea was to give this interactive toy to Sam as Christmas gift from Santa. BUT, dear old Santa was not careful enough to hide the toys ... the little girl found all the TK platic bag loots (all toys for Christmas) under the bed inside the guest room. Darn! Santa was not smart enough to hide the toys somewhere! lol.

Anyway, upon seeing the Dora the Explorer V-tech toy, the little girl got so eagerly excited! She won't stop pleading, begging and kissing me just to let her open the toy. Hah! Of course, how can I say NO with those pleading eyes and sweet kisses ... it'll be hard to resist. Thus, I let her open her supposedly Christmas present.

Samantha happily playing with her new toy


And now the Mommy is pressured. I need to shop and replace Santa's gift again. I've been thinking several gift options such as the Chicco vanity kit, the Barbie playhouse, or an Aquadoodle. No definite idea yet. I am hoping these items still on-sale at Richwell. Otherwise, I might end uo getting her colorful ipods. Hahaha!

Luckily, I just need to replace one gift. As soon as she saw her V-tech toy, she didn't bother to snoop the contents of the other TK shopping bags. If she dug further... she might find all her Christmas presents inside. Gifts from Mommy, Daddy, Kuya and Baby Jesus. Haayyy...still lucky indeed.

obesity problem

Obesity is something that is not isolated to a certain race or nationality. But rather, this has been a consistent problem everybody … as in everybody, is faced with. That is why fat burners are becoming an essential “way of life” of practically everyone.

Burning fats has become a multi-billion industry worldwide. And it has captured the imagination and vision of everyone. From manufacturing equipment, to medical advancements, all these lead to one thing … to burn fats. Now, fat burner come is various shapes and sizes. It may be as simple as taking diet pills or to as complicated as medical procedures to rid ourselves of the unwanted fats.

But with all these innovations, the best and most effective is going back to the basics… the basics of eating the right food. fat burner is most effective if there is “less fat” to burn. Hence, eating the right food the body need, makes the easier for the natural “fat burning” activities a normal person does. Because a person tends to burn fats the natural way. And if this still fails … then fat burners are always available right off the shelves.

Samantha's Birthday Treats

We've just concluded the last birthday celebration of Samantha. We had three, actually four birthday treats for the little girl. So that means, she had four cake-blowing ceremony too! These are combinations of simple and grand parties.

November 3, 1150am : Birthday asalto
Since Samantha was on a semestral break, we kept her awake the entire night to wait for her actual birthdate for birthday asalto. She had a simple cake-blowing ceremony by 12 and we let her open her big gift (doll house). See here how we celebrated her birthday asalto.

November 4,Tuesday --- Tom's World and T.G.I.F Galleria
Since it was a weekday, we decided to celebrate her birthday at Tom's World after office hours. She had fun with the rides and games here. We also let her shop her birthday gift at Toys R' Us. We ended the night with dinner at T.G.I.F wherein Sammie had her favorite macaroni and cheese. To know more about our day at Tom's World, read here.

November 8, Saturday --- MC Donald's El Pueblo
Sam had a blast with her Mc Do party. This is her main party event with Strawberry Shortcake as a party-theme. Kids and adults enjoyed the party and loots. For more Mc Donald's fun pictures and kwentos, read here.

November 11, Tuesday --- St. Paul Pasig
This is Samantha's first day in school from a long semestral break. Though parties not allowed in the school premises, I was able to set up a successful party here. Hehehe! Told teacher will just have a simple cake-blowing party kaya pumayag. lol. Brought cake, Mc Do food and lootbags all Strawberry Shortcake themed. See here for school birthday treat.

my happy weekend

Just a quick post , I want to share why I am giddy-happy this week. My LV EPI NOE in Yellow.

I leave you with all the details about my new love here.

For the meantime, I need to check online for term life insurance quotes for my Mom. I was told she was offered by our distant relative a life insurance quote from a local insurance provider company. I am quite apprehensive about the policy or benefits offered to her. Need to check if she really got a good deal out of it.

freindship offering

Thank you Gracie for the friendship offering tag. Really thankful for the cyber-friendship you've shared.

"And lovely are the blossoms
That are tended with great care,
By those who work unselfishly
To make the place more fair.
And, like the garden blossoms,
Friendship’s flower grows more sweet
When watched and tended carefully
By those we know and meet.
And, if the seed of friendship
Is planted deep and true
And watched with understanding,
Friendship’s flower will bloom for you."

here are the rules for this tag;
1. copy the badge and put it on your blog
2. link back who pass you this tag
3. spread this tag to at least 7 or more bloggers who you think you are friends with.

Passing the award to my online buddies: MM, Kathy, Vina, Jesse, Yvette, Yen and Em. Ladies, thank you for the cyber-friendship ... hope to meet you all someday. :)

Toy Shopping Frenzy

Just a quick post from the Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale I visited earlier today at SM Megatrade Hall 2. Big discounts up to 70% off on all toy items. Great toy selection at unbelievable price discounts. Branded toys like Chicco, V-tech, Bratz, Barbie, Disney, Zoids etc on sale. Amazingly low priced items, all in good packaging condition. Ideal toy gifts for this coming holiday season.

The downside, with all the excited shoppers like me trooping the warehouse sale, expect long (as in) line at the cashier. I think we spent almost three hours here lining up and filling up our shopping cart (and boxes). Truly a tiring experience. With all these crazy holiday shopping, I might need to have my arms and shoulders checked. With the endless shopping hours, while heavy shopping bags in tow I am afraid I might need pain pump soon to alleviate my shoulder pains. Hopefully not this drastic.

Anyway, just a tip for the TK Sale : bring a companion to line up in the cashier while you shop in turns for shopping efficiency. Happy Shopping!!

happy birthday, samantha!

Four years ago ... from a cutie little darling baby,

to an adorable and beautiful princess today ...

truly our source of pure bliss and happiness.

Happy, Happy Birthday my dear sweet Samantha!

We love you so much!!!

boots online

As I browse the web for any possible online shoe sale for the bratinella, I saw the UGG Mayfaire boots online ideal for outdoor use. The boot-cut style is very classy, and I just love the material used. It is made of soft suede sheepskin material with lightweight EVA outsole. Making it really comfy and stylish worn with jeans or skirts. I am thinking of getting one for myself in sand color. The color will be just perfect to match my new dark trousers I got from Esprit in Hongkong. Hmmm... can't wait. It would be really nice and ideal get-up for the winter season.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Oh yes, little girls just wanna have fun too!


Together with all the parents and nursery class of SPCP, Samantha and I joined last Tuesday their first-ever educational field trip. Looking at the pictures below, you'll see how the girls enjoyed the trip to the maxx!! It was a day filled with so much activities, food, laughter, and FUN,FUN, FUN under the sun.


Read more on Sam's field trip here.



*lady in green blouse holding Sam (in yellow shirt) is Ms. Reyes -- Sam's adviser.

world without television

Imagine a world without tv … I can’t. Ever since the inception of this technology, the world is never the same again. The reach of this invention has gone far and wide. Traveling seems to be a distant past when everyone can see the beauty of the world right at the comforts of one’s living room. The world in its full hue has transcended boundaries, across continents. Thus, appreciating the world around us more relevant.

But as much as the TV has given everybody a view of the world, it is not only the beauty has been seen. The negative side has always been the counterpart of beauty. The television has also managed to depict the darker side of life, thru the violence portrayed by the TV. News from all the corners of the world showcases calamities, wars and even death.

Nevertheless, tv has impacted our lives today more than anything else (except for Internet perhaps). It has molded how we live our lives thru the information we derive from it. And it only goes to show how unbiased the TV is … it delivers to us the real scenario … be it good or bad.

Bayan Biz HK trip

Almost forgot to post my recent HK pictures.

This is us...the Bayan Business. Off to HK last october 3-5 for ultimate shopping and bonding. Just us. No kids and significant others. Simply enjoying this awesome treat. Check out some of our pictures below.

at NAIA airport before boarding Hongkong Express

photo opps with Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland with good friend and colleague, Anne.
BSPS Team at HK Airport
Off to HK Peninsula for LV shopping

More pictures (and posts) to follow ... for my HK loots, see at my other site here.

another summit.

As I've blogged the other day, I am looking forward to another vacation. This time, just simply relaxation time with my family ... no work involved. Just hubby and the kids. Since I'll be faced with new responsibilities, new challenges, new work load with my new job ... I think I need to re-charge and rejuvenate.

Thus, I am thinking of joining hubby with his upcoming trip for a little R&R. I was told that he might be sent to US again for another carrier's meeting. The timing, not sure yet. It might be as early as November or probably by January 2009. It is the same convention as last year but I decided not to join him for practical reasons. But this year, I think I'll insist. I really need a long vacation badly. Hopefully the carrier's summit meet will be in a different placee instead of the usual venue in Hawaii. Probably NY, LA or Las Vegas perhaps. I so want to stay and visit the posh hotel las vegas. Enjoy the sights and fabulous shows, do casino hopping and wild shopping along the Vegas strip. Or probably stroll along Hollywood Boulevard in LA. I really hope new place this time. Anyway, why complain on the summit venue. Hubby's not sure to go yet. Hahaha! But just in case, I am already started dropping hints to the husband about my vacation plans. It's going to be his travel with ME in tow this time. lol.

LO for Sam's Party

Just want to share lay-outs provided by Melisse of Perfect Pixels for Sam's 4th Birthday Party. Really nice noh? These will be used as party tarps. I am almost done with all the party essentials for Sam's party except the INVITE from ADWORKS! I am having problems with their committed delivery. Until now, LO not submitted. Grrrr....

Anyway, just want to share nice lay-out of Melisse. Thanks, girl!

in need of vacation

After my six days HK hiatus, I am back to the blogging world. Lots of pending raket awaits for my completion, papers need to sign and to top it off, hundreds of email correspondences also required my immediate reply. I am having a hard time getting my work groove back. Coming back to work is sooo overwhelming especially with the good news I've shared here.

Haayyy... I think I need a vacation after this HK vacation. Perhaps it is about time to consider vacation houses near the beaches for ultimate R&R with the family. I saw a nice vacation rental houses available online at Outer Banks rentals. Location very much ideal and the price really reasonable. Might consider this on my next vacation.

For the meantime, back to reality. Need to finish all my pending work to enjoy the weekend off by tomorrow.

Happy weekend everyone!

sam's picture gallery

Using my Sony digital camera only, I attempted to take nice and decent shots of Sam to be used for her birthday party invite and tarps. She was in no mood yesterday, and she dislikes posing infront of the camera. I guess you can call her camera-shy and she really avoids looking straight at the camera. Really frustrating! Sayang ... she's so pretty and photogenic pa naman. Pang-model. --- bwahahaha! love your own noh?!

Thus after three wardrobe changes, with so much begging, pleading and bribing ... I was able to get these shots for her invites and tarps. What do you think? Which of these shots perfect for her invites?