online shopping for party treats!

Online shopping is my recently found happiness and hobby. Hahaha! Eversince Peachy taught me how to buy stuff online, I've become frequent visitor of allaboardtoys.com, old navy, gap and amazon sites! Not that I don't do much online shopping before, but I never realized I can easily shop using my paypal account! lol. It is guilt-free spending, believe me! Hard earned money from my daily rakets ... buying great stuff from my new source of moolah! Oh my!! Never thought my "rakets" will give me so much joy and be this fun! lol.

Weeks ago, I've purchased items from allaboardtoys.com for Sam's 4th Birthday party this coming November. I know still early and quite OA, but ... sayang the discount eh! Hahaha! It will be a Strawberry Shortcake party theme this year and the party will be held at Poveda. (you see, i've already asked around if they allow kiddie parties inside the school, ok naman daw! hihihi!)

So here are the great finds I got online ...

invites and thank-you tags

ruby red plastic knife, spoon and forks

snack treats/looties

stawberry shortcake felt hat

strawberry shortcake polka-dot party pack

I am sure the party will be a big hit with Sam's new classmates. Oh the best part of having school party.. really really budget-friendly! I just need to provide snacks for 15 kids ... plus two teachers! No pressure! Hahaha! So, go with this kind of party planning! Highy recommended!

Thus, 4th Birthday party plans...mission accomplished!!

online shopping for Sam ... again!

Did some online shopping last night ... woohoohoo! finally, was able to get good sale items (with stocks available!) from Old Navy! Surprisingly, it was hubby who told me to check out the online stores because of an on-going Memorial Sale in the US (don't ask me what type of holiday ito! basta, may sale! bwahaha!). He found out yesterday morning while browsing for a reliable and good pocket watch for his Japanese boss, and buying telco-equipment at ebay for their company use. Oh di ba, he happily shared with me pa the good news! Hahaha!

Anyway, after two hours of browsing and checking ... got these items for Sam.

All these items will be shipped to hubby's aunt at NY by tomorrow night. Yipppeee! Wait ko na lang sya kelan sked nya umuwi Manila. Hahaha! I can't imagine how she will fit these items (and my Strawberry Shortcake party packs) inside her balikbayan box! Ayan..na BI na ni Peachy online shopping! lol.

Btw, do check out the site. They offer 4 stores with 1 check out service. For as low as $7 shipping rate, you can buy items from Old Navy, Gap, Piperlime and Banana Republic stores. Galing!! :) Really good news, happy shopping dear Mommies!!

securing the future ...

Being the eldest in the family, I designated myself as the financial advisor of my Mom. My brother thinks it is also a wise decision that I hold on and invest my Mom's money than allow her to manage her finances on her own. For one, my Mom is very much naive (and trusting!) with all the scams available in the market now. You see, my Mom fell into some "quick-rich" money scam years ago and it saddens me to think she lost quite a sizable amount by investing on gold coins as well as into multi-level marketing scheme. Too bad she hid these risky-investments from us thinking her money will return thousand-folds in less than three months. Too good to be true, eh? At first, she was able to get good money as "interest" or revenue from her investment. But sadly, the company folded, ran with the invested money and never returned. The worst part, it was one of my Mom's closest friend who lured her into this quick-rich scams. She too can no longer be found!

Because of this, my Mom learned her lesson. Never to invest on something unknown, never to investment on quick-rich scheme, heed the advise of others, and she need to be transparent with the family should she wish to invest on something.

I told her to consider securing her future instead. She's not getting any younger. She needs to re-think how she wanted her life to be when she reaches her prime years. Getting a life insurance for one is a good option. It does not only secure her future, but she can also help the family she will leave behind. Or probably she can invest her money on secured negotiable financial investments such as T-bills and stocks. Interest may be low, but will give security and peace of mind. Or probably invest on a parcel of lot that will yield high appreciation value especially for developing areas. With all these options, I am helping her secure her future without the risk of falling into scams again.

Well, I just hope my Mom listen this time ... yes, I think she will. After all that happened, she learned her lesson. Just the hard way, though.

some wants

I owe this tag from Jane ages ago ... finally, was able to find time to complete all my tags.

Participants: Tere-Blessing in Life 2. Yen- Me and Mine 3. Aggie - Pink and Brown Diaries. 4. Jane - My Charmed Life. 5. Jacqui - Coffee Table Conversations

1. What do you want for your birthday? New bag from hubby ... but I don't think will get it. Don't think I'll win our Big Loser bet! Darn!

2. Who will be your next kiss? Sammie! Will definitely get lots of kisses and big hug in a while. Wala lang, kulit lang niya. So cutie and lambing!

3. When was the last time you went to the mall? Today. Just had lunch at Trinoma.

4. Are you wearing socks right now? Nope.

5. How did you spend your summer? Very busy ... preparing for Tito Will's surprise party, preparing out of town trips (Tagaytay, Clark and HK trip) and doing my home-based "raket".

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days? Yesterday, watched Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull at Rockwell.

7. What was the last thing you had to drink? Coke Zero!

8. What are you wearing right now? Comfy house clothes. Shorts and tank top!

9. What was your last purchase? Play-doh set from Kidz Station. Birthday gift for my officemate's daughter.

10. What was the last food you ate? Chicken Shanghai salad, Buffalo wings with cream cheese dip and Filipino gilled liempo with java rice from Friday's.

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep? Will wake up hubby instead.

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? Yes. Grass skirt for our Hawaiian party.

13. Do you have a pet? No.

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days? Sam's funny antics. She's playing "change lyrics" from her nursery song.

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? Hmmmm... US perhaps.

16. What is the last thing you purchased online? Strawberry Shortcake party stuff for Sam.

17. One thing you hate about yourself? I am overweight! Fat!

18. Do you miss anyone? None at the moment.

19. What are your plans for the day? Night na...so blog na lang.

20. Last person you msg’d? My client.

21. Ever went to a camp? No.

22. Are you a good student in school? Kinda...

23. What do you know about the (your) future? Hopefully happy.

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Perfume, Lacoste pink.

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right now? Manila, US.

kitty cat for Sam?

Just recently, I’ve observed Sam's love and fondness for pet animals. During one of the family parties we’ve attended last week, she was happily playing with a small Pomeranian spitz brought by hubby’s cousin. She enjoyed caressing and cuddling pretz -- the dog’s name, than participate on the kiddie games prepared by the party host.

Seeing her delight over her new fave pretz, it made me wonder if she’s ready to have a pet of her own. Will she be ready to have her own puppy? Will it be safe for her to own pet animals? How about giving her a cuddly, fluffy kitten? Will she be allergic to cats? These are some basic questions need to be answered before I purchase one. But, aside from checking what pet to give, or choose what best cat breed to get, I guess I need to start checking pet gadgets such as cat supplies available in the market too...that is, if she prefers a kitty cat over a puppy for a house pet. Do you think at age 3.5 she's ready for a house pet? Let's see...

boys poker night game...

Just received a call from hubby, asking me if we have something (party or date) to attend tomorrow evening. Since no definite plans made yet, I said nothing but I told him I am open for a movie date to watch the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the crystal skull . That is ... if he has no Friday plans at all. Apparently, he was invited by his former telco-mates for a poker night in Makati and asked my permission if he could go instead. Well, how could I say no..he rarely see these guys! I immediately said yes and told him to join me instead on Sunday at Rockwell for our company's special Indiana Jones screening. After putting down the phone, made me wish we have our own poker tables too. This way, I can host poker night games of the boys and get to spend time with hubby's friends too! Another wish list for me!

party planning: tito willy's 50th luau party

On Saturday, May 24 will be the D-Day for Tito Willy's 50th Birthday party. Unknown to him, there will be a surprise party arranged by yours truly through the help (and contribution) of hubby's family, the Bunas-Soriano clan. It will be a Hawaiian/Luau theme and I am hoping the family will have an awesome time! I've managed to convince the family to come in their best Hawaiian costume too since IPOD and PSP will be given away for the best-dressed family. Everyone is eager and excited to grab the prize!! Hahaha!

trivia: I started the themed-parties when I came to hubby's family four years ago. Since then, they always look forward to the parties I arrange for the family. Be it simple or grand party, there must always be a theme!lol.In short...sa akin nagsimula gastos! bwahahaha!

Everything is all set and ready for the luau party. From invites/tarps (N@W Melisse /signex printing), caterers (Blue Petals), to band performers (alley cats), venue (alta guia poolside), cake (c/o Kitchen Kraft), flowers (Tropical Blooms), fireworks, photo and video, programs, AVP's and give-aways.

Well, the give-aways were the last item on the list. It was difficult choosing the perfect token since it is for 50th birthday and I wanted it to be perfectly aligned with the luau theme. I initially thought it will be classy to give something I saw from wine clubs but then, it doesn't fit my uncle's personality. Then MIL settled for personalized towels since this will be useful after the party (oh, it's gonna be a swimming party too!)

Just can't wait to see our uncle's surprised-look on Saturday. We all want to make him happy and give back all the goodness, generosity, and selfless sacrifice he showered the family. We all agreed that he deserves this once in a lifetime treat! And, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate with our celebration. No heavy rain, no strong wind and no power fluctuations this day. Otherwise, sayang naman fireworks display! Haay...good thing I prepared tents and generators on stand-by, just in case.

To Tito Willy : Happy, Happy 50th Birthday!! We love you so much!!

Futbol Funatics Summer Camp - end of season

Last Sunday was Sam's last football game. It was their farewell party and it saddens me that she'll miss the game, her classmates and her teacher, coach abbey. She enjoyed this outdoor game so much! As a matter of fact, she always looks forward to weekends because of football ...well, not sure if the football she'll miss or the post-football treat at Mc Do! lol.

But overall, was truly happy (and satisfied) that I enrolled Sam on this summer camp. Really worth it for it enhanced her social and listening skills, she gained new friends, she became independent and confident, outgoing, active and strong. Yes, she knows how to kick hard now!! Will definitely be back for the regular season this coming July!

Check out their last football session pictures below...

The Beckham Buddies (3-7 years old) Summer Camp 2008 at Meralco, Ortigas

Graduation and post football picnic party!! spaghetti, cookies and orange juice!

with her equally "likot" hyper-active, funny, cutie classmate Izech (of Mom blogger Tet)

boys on wrestlemania

While busy here in my blog and clearing my 20K+ unread emails, I can hear hubby (and Ico) fave tv show, WWW wrestlemania at the background. Both are so hooked with this show and I simply can't understand why they so love it knowing the fight scenes are scripted or just a stage play! They love watching the barbaric and gruesome fight, chair-whacking scenes, smacking bodies and jumping wrestlers on the ring. They even imitate the wrestling acts and thinking it is uber cool to become one of THE wrestler like John Cena, Batista and Stonecold! Hah, with those big, scary, over-whelming bulky muscles I am sure they need to drink a lot of prohormones before becoming one! So, what's with wrestling anyway? Still can't figure this one out.

Macau trip postponed ... hubby to ITW?

I posted few months back about our supposedly trip to Macau as our sales incentive for hitting our 1stQ 2008 quota. Sadly, the sales trip incentive will be moved to September instead of June this year. Due to some unavoidable circumstances in the company now, the sales incentive trip will have to wait. Oh well, I've been planning for this trip as a splurge birthday treat for myself but I guess my birthday treat can wait as well. Besides, I don't know if I am financially ready yet to buy another big treat (eerrr... bag again!) after buying my Gucci bag on sale last month. Hehehe! Too fast and too much I would say!

Anyway, It seems hubby is bound to leave this June for US. He got an invitation to attend the International Telecoms Week (ITW) at Washington, DC this coming June 2-4 as a replacement representative of their company. His boss can't attend the conference and they are thinking to send hubby instead. Very short notice, haven't planned my shopping list yet! Hahaha! Nevertheless, need to prepare his US itinerary. I heard there will be NOC tours also to be hosted by AT&T and TATA Telecoms in NJ. Thus, domestic plane tickets and rental cars need to be prepared, together with his travel insurance in a rush. Let's wait and see final confirmation by end of the week.

seeking for help

It simply saddens me to hear that some young kids had gone astray and sought companionship and help from wrong kind of peers. Because of problems at home, lack of attention, loneliness, or simply out of rebellion, kids seek help outside the family. Worst they seek help or belongingness from friends on the wrong side of the fence. Take the case of hubby's cousin, who came from a very well-off family, who never thought they will be forced to place their son in a drug treatment center. All they ever wanted was to give the best for their son. Good school, comfortable and sheltered life. But I guess their over-protectiveness made their kid even more rebellious. In this age, wherein we live in a fast-paced life, we think that giving our kids with comfortable life means giving in to their material request and demands. We sometimes forget that not all new gadgets and fashionable stuff may replace the tender loving care our children need. Sometimes parents like me need to do some reality check. Have we spent quality time with our kids lately? Did we listen with our heart to their needs? I am sometimes guilty of listening without understanding...guilty of just giving in as convenient (and faster) thing to do than arguing. Oh well, it's never too late to do the right thing. I must act now.

Family outing at Clearwaters Country Club

Almost forgot to post our sales team annual family outing in Clearwaters Country Club in Clark, Pampanga last May 9-10. Despite the constant rain we had for the past few weeks, we were blessed with good weather and good company during this time. Aside from letting the kids enjoy the refreshing pool water, kids (and adults) had a great time at the impromptu kiddie party prepared by our officemate at Mc Donald's Clark.

Kudos to Mc Do Clark for accommodating our super short notice Mc Do kiddie party! We had overflowing food, friendly staff, Hamburglar did a great job entertaining us and we got lots of party goodies ... even bags of plastic utensils were brought home! Sayang lang the cake delivery didn't make it on time due to bad weather. But nevertheless, we had awesome (tummy-filled) Mc Do party! Despite the heavy rain that day, no black-outs or power fluctuations experienced. But nevertheless, I am confident that the clubhouse is very much prepared with heavy-duty power generators to addess any emergency incident.

Highlight of the outing was the red dog game played by adults that night! Truly wacky and thrilling night! Hubby and I won with few hundreds, while the biggest winner/s went home a thousand richer! Hahaha! Love this game!

Anyway, looking forward to next year's annual team outing ...

hubby joined this year to spend swim bonding time with sam
sam, me & margaux (jody's daughter) at the pool kiddie party at Mc Do Clark

home tools

Despite moving in to our new house two years ago, the house construction is still far from over. There are days we feel that the house needs some re-modeling or improvements especially the garden and lanai area. After the house was constructed, our funds were almost depleted and we cannot afford to start another house project. Not this soon, yet! Hence, I lovingly suggested to hubby to reconsider doing small home improvements by starting slowly in our lanai garden. With the high cost of materials and labor, I think it is wise to invest on festool to start our lanai project. This way, we can do minor renovations on or own without outsourcing labor from pricey home contractors. Nice idea, right? Just hope hubby can finish the job before our daughter's birthday. It will be lovely to have a new lanai for her party area.

in my pantry...

Just received our mid-year bonus last week, and I must say the moolah was carefully well-spent. Aside from paying Ico's tution fee and paying the downpayment for the memorial lot at Heritage, part of my bonus was spent shopping! Nope, not luxury items shopping but ... Splurged a little for grocery items!! Bought some items not found on my usual monthly grocery list. I so want to fill my pantry with these items which I find quite expensive and really not a neccessity, but I've decided to splurge this time.

My splurge grocery lists includes:

a. Mc Cormick bottled spices : chili powder, garlic powder, italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, white pepper and tarragon.

b. San Remo pasta : 500 grams of penne and fettucini

c. EVOO or extra virgin olive oil

d. Kraft parmesan cheese

e. Balsamic Vinegar

f. bottled pesto sauce

g. maraschino cherries --- hubby's request!

h. canned tomatoes

i. bottled olives

I was giddy happy when I got the items above. It is a one time, big time splurge for my pantry and I must say...they really look good inside my pantry. It's a well-stocked pantry, enough to whip up a la minute pasta in the middle of the night. I wanted to do this for the longest time but I often de-prioritized buying it. For some reason, I always tend to forget! Blame it on being a working mom! Hahaha! But seriously, I find joy having a well-stocked pantry. Seeing that I have the basic Italian/Mediterranean ingredients in my cabinet now, I feel so happy and rich! Parang ang yaman-yaman ko! lol!! It's a cheap way of feeling rich! hehehe! Anyway, feeling lng naman...sana maging tutuo! Hahaha!

So there you go... bonus moolah no more!! You might be wondering what happened to my plan of getting something big for hubby as Father's Day gift? Still thinking. No idea yet ... might check out the golf bags available on the net or get him new mobile phone this year. Nothing final. Still open for ideas.

shopping for baby

They say 2008 is the lucky year for marriage and birth ... and I can't believe most of my friends heeded this advice. We even call it baby boom year for some of my blogger friends and colleagues. As early as January, I already got several text messages from my friends sharing their preggo news and was even invited to number of baby showers here in the office. To date, I've attended four baby showers already, and more parties to attend by third quarter of this year! Awesome baby making year, huh! Because of this, I've been busy organizing surprise party for my close preggo friends in between gift shopping for toys and baby clothing. Really happy and excited for them! And I just can't wait for my turn this year. I do have preggo plans, you know...that is to become preggo too by last quarter 2008! Wish me luck!

honoring "HER" ... Mother's Day Treat

Since MAY is Mom's Day month ... this tag still valid and not yet late for posting! Palusot pa ako Ems! Hahaha! Seriously..., thanks girl for remembering me!

My Mom, Sam and me at Fort Bonifacio Global

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” --- Washington Irving

Though we have differences, and most of the time we don't see eye to eye ... my Mom is the best! She's always there whenever I need her. She's with me at my best ... and loved me during my worst times. Truly showed me the real meaning Mother's love ... Happy Mother's Day Mommy!!

need acne treatments

Lately, I am having problems searching for the right acne treatments for my son Ico who is now on his pre-teens stage. I've tried buying several on the shelf medications such as Ponds, Eskinol for Men and Celateque but the acne problem still persists. Much to be blamed on his love for oily food like chicken skin, peanuts and chocolates, late night sleeping habits and laziness to start a cleansing regimen. As my son would always say, using facial soap and visiting a dermatologists too sissy for big boys such as him! Aaahh... boys! I can't wait he becomes conscious of his looks by the time he's a teenager... and that would be two years from now! I bet, the sissy facial regimen as he claims shall now be basic and neccessary good grooming ritual!

telecoms talk

Being in the telecommunications industry for almost ten years, it is not unusual that you will hear me talk some techie telco jargon in between my marathon conversations. Others are often surprised to hear me talk about routers, bandwidths, leasedline, metro ethernet, cable patch panels and even IP protocols in the middle of my LV, Gucci, diapers and kiddie party planning talks! Hah...never ceased to amaze my colleagues and friends!! Sometimes my friends would mistakenly think I am more of a Network Engineering graduate than a degree holder in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, field I truly love! But, it is really flaterring to hear these kind of comments especially in the industry I am with now. So the next time you need help in your internet or LAN connectivity, don't be intimidated by my sweet, bubbly and wifey appearance ... I can guarantee you, I am one tough techie-cookie inside!

special Mom award

Thanks Jody for this great award ... happy and flattered to be recognized as a great mom!
Think did something right ... this time! lol!

Passing this award to other equally deserving Moms : Tet, JoyD, Shiela, MM and Erika

bridal shower party preps

I am so happy for my good friend and colleague, Anne who will get married this year. She’ll be married on August 08 2008, the much coveted lucky feng shui calendar dates by the Chinese.

I can’t wait to see her wed on this day. I am sure the wedding will be beautiful and magical with its Zen black and white theme which is truly my friend’s personality. And since knowing how so obsessive-compulsive my friend is, I bet all the wedding details and preparations have been finalized and we are just waiting for the big day! Hmmm… I guess I should be preparing her surprise bridal shower too! For starters, need to choose the party theme to set the mood and get her the best bridal shower invitations for her guests. Oh just can’t wait!!! It’s going to be wild, kinky and fun night for all her guests!

early greetings

Myspace Mothers Day Comments & Graphics

Rule:
1. Just choose any mother’s day graphics from zwani to greet the mommies you know.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs.
3. Tag other mommies you know.

1. bloggerhappy
2. berryscrappy
3. coffee table conversations

Passing the early mother's day greeting to: MM, Tet , Jesse and Chat

to-dos meme

Pat and Em tagged me and so here's a peek into my to do list for today:

BUSY PEOPLE: 1.) my chopsuey 2.) mind bubbles 3.) vanity kit 4.) somethingpurple 5.) a detour 5.) women xplore 6.) princes bela 7.) our journey to life 8.) my planet purple 9.) 100% Kelly 10.) A Reality Bite 11.) Shopaholic Ties The Knot 12.) Coffee Table Conversations


Work:

1. Mid-year sales target cascade.
2. Check and clean up 380 unread emails.
3. Answer email correspondences both internal and external customers.
4. Follow up on engineering and planning group for facilities expansion at MK2, OWB and JG Summit.
5. Last minute reminders for team outing on Friday.
6. Follow up ISP Sales incentive take up.
7. Send email follow ups for VAS projects: Amadeus and Sky.
8. Push the sales team for open SO close out and new billed for May.

Personal:
1. Call Toyota for final quote for Innova.

2. Get caterer: call Josiah's and Blue Petals for clarification on the menu options

3. Deposit downpayment at BPI for band rental.

4. Call Melisse and Apple for the tarp/decors.

5. Do the grocery list.

6. Send email to family re: party updates.

7. Need to have a manicure and pedicure tonight!

8. BLOG!

Care to share your to-do list JoyD, Juliet and MM?

full weekend ...

It was a full weekend for us. Starting from May 1, Labor Day Holiday, we've been mostly out with our families extending help or assistance to them. Believe me... it was tiring, hectic but super fun and fulfilling week, and we are happy to share our time with our families.

May 1: Thursday

We went car hunting for my Mom. We promised to help my Mom search for a second hand car for her everyday use. As early as 930am, we were already out, checking from one car shop to another in search for a perfect car that would fit her budget. After careful selection, happy to say we were successful by 2pm and chose a 2nd hand Toyota car for my Mom, settled the earnest money and prepared the deed of sale.

By 4pm we were at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig. My mom asked us to check the memorial lot she's interested on buying. We were pleased with the location she chose, and we approved with her lot purchase. Good thing hubby joined us also with this trip for he was also interested with the memorial lawn lot. He decided to purchase one for our family use ... just in case something happens to us. We are scheduled for ocular visit, final contract closing and payment by next week.

Since I also gave my Mom my old Nokia phone, we decided to go to Greenhills tiangge to change the lithium battery and casing. Just to give the old phone a new look. We were able to do some tiangge shopping for ourselves. Got shirts, hair clips for Sam and shorts for hubby. Best buy, matching shorts for Sam and me!

After tiring day, had dinner at WOK in Pormenade Greenhills. Went home past ten and the little girl was so tired and fell asleep on our way home.

May 2: Friday

Went on vacation leave today. Wohoohoo!! Nope, did not spend vacationing or relaxing. But, need to do some errands and more bonding time with my Mom.

Brought Samantha to her summer class. Had a few chit chat with the school principal on Sam's performance. Happy to hear she's doing well in her summer class. Learned that she enjoys dancing/ballet class more. Discussed some school observation/comparisson between Poveda and St. Paul Pasig. Was told that students from Poveda are bullies. Now I am worried if Sam will turn out to be a bully...or if she will be bullied by others.

By mid-afternoon, went to my bank to deposit checks, enrol my TPIN, pick up my check book re-order (almost two months forgotten!) and requested for Manager's Check as payment to my Mom's car. After my bank visit, went to my fave jeweller for our necklace repair. Hubby's gold chain was cut, while my white gold lock needed some repair. The repair job was over in less than 20 minutes.

Met my Mom at Megamall at 4pm. The place was jam-packed with eager and thrift shoppers like us who took advantage of the three-day sale. Bought my Mom early Mother's Day gift (Denman combs and hairbrush) and treated her for a hair cut at David's Salon. My Mom was inspired by Sam's new hair cut thus she did the ala-greta look too! Did some kikay shopping with my mom (make up, concealers, lipsticks and other beauty essentials), printed some pictures at Kameraworld, bought gift at TK for our party next day and splurge a little at Our Home for some house decors and picture frames. We had few snacks in-between our shopping to catch some latest family gossip...hehehe! Then went home super tired by dinner time.

Happy that my Mom decided to spend the night with us. I miss chatting non-stop with my Mom...we rarely have time to do some "catching up" lately, been busy with work I guess. And Sam misses her so much.

May 3: Saturday

As early as 9am, we already went to pick up my Mom's car from the car seller. Hubby was patiently teaching my Mom with the newly acquired car. He even checked everything was in order from the documents, receipts, tools and the car features. Really thankful that hubby is doing this for my Mom. One of the reasons why my Mom loves hubby so much! Aside from being patient with me...he's also helpful and very patient with my Mom. If you know my Mom you will be surprised how kulit she can be sometimes. hehehe!

By lunchtime, we were at Edsa Shangrila to attend 1st Birthday party of twins Brianna and Kayla. Adorable twins of hubby's officemate. The place was magically transformed to Strawberrylandia. Really, really beautiful!! Loved the Strawberry Shortcake decors and stage backdrop done by Partyworks. Food was great especially the desserts...mostly strawberry flavored sweets! The organizer, JP Montilla was present too! Was surprised he can choreographed kiddie parties too...thought he's into wedding parties only. I think this is one of the grandest (and expensive) kiddie party I've attended. Sam had a great time with the games, she got looot of looties and prizes. Mommy was very helpful you know, especially with the balloon burst!lol. My Neverfull bag got full this time with Sam's strawberry shortcake looties and gift packs.

By 3pm, we left the hotel to meet up with my MIL and hubby's uncle at Toyota Shaw. We promised to help them in securing new car for the family. We negotiated better freebies and interest rates for them. Was able to get P40K discount! Great deal! Plus the rear spoiler with LED was given as free item. Hubby joined the test drive for an Innova car. MIL was happy that the car loan application went like a breeze. Car will be ready by next week for release. Very timely for our summer family outing.

After our visit at Toyota, we all got hungry and went for afternoon snack at Jade Palace. Beef wonton and mami, siomai and siopao flooded the table. From Jade Palace, we checked party venue at Taguig for our uncle's 50th birthday this coming May 24. Reserved the pool side at Alta Guia which I think will be perfect for our summer luau party. My next assignment, party planning!

May 4: Sunday

After being so busy for the past three days, hubby and I spent our Sunday as our "me" time. We woke up late, around 11am and watched Oscar De La Hoya's boxing fight. Then at 2pm, I went to Megamall alone for more sale shopping time. Hehehe! Bought few ornaments again from Our Home, lipstick from Maybelline at 20% off, and some school essentials for Kuya Ico. Then met up hubby and Sam at Meralco Camp for her weekend football game. After the game, Hubby had his much needed haircut, while I drove Sam to her favorite drive-thru food: Jollibee!

Whew..really taxing weekend huh! But really, really glad was able to help and spend our time with our family, especially with my Mom and MIL.

Haayyy..til next weekend kwento. Our group summer outing at Clearwater Country Club in Clark! :)