Weekday R&R: Thanks to SM!

Hay! Been away for quite long. Not that I'm complaining, just that I have a lot of ideas in mind which I really want to write down and publish here. It is unfortunate I only have 24 hours to fit all my activities in a day. Not to mention, I am such a sleepy head that I can not survive without sleep! Yes, take away food and water, it would be okay. But I can't be away from my slumberland. Truly, December is the busiest month of the year ever!

This afternoon, JF and I managed to do a little bit of Christmas shopping at an SM mall in a nearby province. I actually intended to buy a Kris Kringle gift for the company party and some toiletries. However, we were able to buy gifts for the kiddos instead. After all, Christmas is truly for them! :)

SM Supermalls Christmas 2011 TVC from YouTube

Weekday R&R: Celebrating with Betsy's and Chef Archie

There's no way I'll be on a ranty mood today. It's the first day of the Christmas month and SI just turned 6 months old! The past 6 months have been one hell of a ride most especially for a two-time newbie mom like me. How time flies really fast particularly when you're having fun. :) So much fun!

The Celebrant: 6-month old SI

Just like last month, we also celebrated SI's special day with some special food. (Read a related entry regarding SI's 5th month feast.) Today's treat somehow adapted a "Malabon Specialties" theme as JF and I found ourselves craving for pasta and cake from two of the best homemade food shops in the area. Although not as commercialized as their counterparts, these stores already created quite a buzz for themselves because of the specialty food items they offer. It's equally a great delight that they remain to serve Malabon locals for a number of years despite the huge probability of being successful in other nearby cities in case they wish to move or branch out.

Weekday R&R: Holiday Food Tripping at JT's Manukan Grille

Today is the 30th day of November and it's a definite "rave-y" Wednesday for me. Wondering why? First of all, it's a non-working holiday today as the country is commemorating Andres Bonifacio's 148th natal day. It is absolutely a great treat as we take a one-day breather from the hectic holiday rush. Secondly, majority of the work force are loaded since it's also a payday. Let's not forget, most of us might have already received the government-mandated 13th month pay. Summarizing this in one equation would be: no work + moolah = a great time!

My tita was our first house visitor this sunny holiday. She really wanted to go to Tagaytay today but the idea came in late at 11 am. I know for a fact that if we pushed through with the spur-of-the-moment trip it would be tiresome instead of a relaxing one. I am familiar with the average travel time since I am a frequent SLEX traveler. I am certain if we left the house at past 11 am, there is no way we can make the most out of the long trip.

So instead of drowning ourselves with movie reruns on cable TV, JF and I together with my brother and his wife decided to dine out for dinner. No, we didn't have something fancy in mind just to make the day more special. Also, a shopping spree is far from my mind since I want to better manage my holiday cash gifts this year as compared to those in the past. (Read a related entry which talks about managing your cash gifts this season.) Instead, we opted to satisfy ourselves with a typical Pinoy comfort food - it's no less than Chicken Inasal for dinner!

A taste of authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal

Wisely Managing Your 13th Month Pay and Christmas Bonus in 5 Ways

Yes, Andy Williams got it all right. It is without a doubt that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only do we look forward to reunions with family and friends, but we also look forward in receiving our 13th month pay and for some, an additional Christmas bonus if the company has performed well during the year.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

from YouTube

Calling for Support: Social Media Users' Day of Action Against Child Abuse

I blogged a few days ago how disgusted I was with obscene content posted by some Facebook users (read about it here). I was afraid SJ, who would just use FB to play some games, might be able to come across these trash. How I wish I could stop the widespread of such rubbish, but unfortunately the world wide web is too big for me to handle. Feeling Supergirl, eh?!

The sisterly stare down: SI vs. SJ

photo by Ate G

Weekday R&R: What Reminds You of Christmas?

With only a few weeks left before Christmas, one might still not feel the spirit of the holiday season because of too much work. Why don't you sit back, relax and anticipate what this occasion is about to bring.

Below is my personal list of things that reminds me of Christmas. Read on and just like me, I hope you would also look forward to fun-filled times ahead with the family.

1. Puto Bumbong and Bibingka

Bibingka at Puto Bungbong by busyPrinting

Pinoy Pride: Puerto Princesa Underground River

This weekend has been a victory weekend for the Philippines. Aside from Pacman's controversial win against Mexican boxer, Marquez, there's another reason for Pinoys to celebrate.

At the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
with my girl friends

It was also announced this weekend that the Philippines' official entry to The 7 New Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, made it to the list. Alhough the final roster will be released by early 2012, the foundation's president, Bernard Weber already revealed that from the initial tally of votes, the Underground River is indeed included. It really amazes me how Pinoys exhibit the bayanihan spirit whenever online or sms voting is needed. :) Take a look at beauty pageants and it will be a big surprise if Miss Philippines won't win the online voting category.

Easy Tips to Tame Your Appetite

I am no stranger when it comes to weight loss. As of today, I've been through, not one or two, but several slim down and weight gain cycles. It is also because of this fact that I don't see losing weight as impossible. I've done it before. I know I can do it again this time and bid goodbye to the pregnancy/ post-pregnancy weight gain.

During my pregnant months, JF would always give in to my every whim of all-you-can-eat meals in Cabalen and Holy Cow!, pansit, Mang Jimmy's Lechon Kawali, Nelia's Dinuguan, cakes and ice creams. Now that a few months had passed since I gave birth to my adorable and cuddly SI, how am I supposed to reverse things around?

Mang Jimmy's: The Lechon Kawali is to-die-for.

(photo grabbed from Life is Fun)

Early Christmas Shopping: 6 Tips to Stretch Your Peso

It pays to be early. Time and time again, this famous line stands true. Whether you're early for your appointment or early to settle credit card obligations, you're sure to avoid unnecessary hassles. Now that it's only 48 days before Christmas, it won't hurt if we plan early for the holiday shopping. Below are some shopping tips in order to stretch out your peso and make it work to your advantage:

The tree says it all.

I need to do some Christmas gift shopping.

Halloween Festivities for Kids

JF and I, together with my brother and sis-in-law, went out for a quick Halloween costume shopping for the kids. I was asking them if they remember celebrating this festivity way back then. I really have no memory going out wearing a scary costume for trick-or-treat. The only Halloween celebration I remember was when I attended this Halloween Dance Party at school but nobody even wore an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

Halloween Kids Costumes at Toy Kingdom

It just fascinates me that this tradition is already adapted by Pinoys. I've seen the crowded aisles of Toy Kingdom where parents search for the best costumes they could ever find for their young ones. It is also surprising that the assortment of kids' costumes has grown. Before, stores would only carry simple ones but now, you'll be amazed by the elaborate stuff they have on sale. Not to mention, the wide collection of accessories such as wings, wigs, hats, etc. You can definitely transform your kid into a (cute) scary creature!