first day of class ... and with little ooopppss!!

Finally, I can post Sam's first day of school!

Today, June 30 is the official day Sam entered school at St. Paul College of Pasig. Despite the traffic along C5, we were able to make it at the school grounds three minutes before 8am... just in time for the morning assembly.

I must say, I am very proud of my little girl today. Despite being new at the big school, she went with the guidance counselor with no hesitation at all. She was endorsed to her teacher, Ms. Reyes (btw, they call her by last name and not Teacher Anne) and I can see that Sam was able to blend well with her classmates too! We were allowed to stay inside the classroom for a few minutes as we talked to Ms. Reyes for last minute bilin and instructions. When we left her, she was already mingling with her classmates and didn't cry at all. She even waved and said her goodbye to us. No tears, huh! Hope it will last...

BUT when I called yaya's cel after class, I was told she slightly cried (yun drama iyak nya ha!) as soon as she saw her yaya at dismissal time. Funny, because she didn't cry the entire class time. As a matter of fact, there was a big booboo done by Sam, and she didn't cry at all! You know, little accidents do happen..hehehe! I was told she pooped today without warning, and teacher got the first taste of Sam's naughtiness! Very bad. lol. Since we haven't given Sam's grooming kit yet, Sam went home with different skirt on na! Yaikkees!! Call it first day jitters or probably she's just too shy to tell her new teacher. Hahaha! Take note: she's already toilet-trained ha but she didn't tell teacher! Hay, pasaway talaga!!

Sam on her first morning assembly with nursery and kinder students...

her assigned classroom: nursery rm 5

inside the classroom ... blending with her classmates

what's her baon today? 3 pcs. oreo cookies, TJ cocktail hotdogs, chuckie and grape juice

Anyway, I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day for the bratinella! No tears again, and definitely no poop! We are also prepared for any emergency tomorrow, with extra clothes and her grooming kit. Let's see...

sofa hunt

I so want this. I am thinking of getting new sofa for our family room and this modern furniture will be just perfect! Since one of my project this year is to re-do our home entertainment wiring, it will be timely to re-do our family room too! You see, we bought our sofa five years ago from OUR HOME and it was really comfy and durable back then. Well of course, with no kids around it was built to last! But now my favorite sofa looks old and battered from Sam’s jumping craze. And the seat really need to be disposed now. Hmmm...think the entertainment center will also be a lovely addition to our family room. What do you think?

getting ready for school

Which one? The little girl can't decide ... very much excited!

I think she can also tell that Mommy and Daddy are equally excited on her first day of class tomorrow! Yes, ten (10) days late! And I am hoping she won't cry tomorrow ... this will be her first day on the big school.

dora school stuff bought online : lunch boxes, lid/sippy cups, utensils, bag tag (from mall)

getting ready for the big day

first session with Belo

After raving about the Belo hair removal promo I availed last week, two of my colleagues also got interested and signed up at Belo-Trinoma. I was able to convince them that the treatment at promo was really a good deal considering other derma clinics charge almost double the price of Belo’s. Moreover with the clinic’s reputation, I am sure treatment will be effective, reliable and safe.

I had my first treatment done last Tuesday lunchtime. Since I was told that treatment will be done in less than 20 minutes, I’ve decided to skip lunch instead and go directly at Belo-Trinoma. I was greeted by a very pretty doctor, Dr. April and was asked few questions such as allergies, medical history prior the treatment. She also discussed with me the laser hair procedure, the do’s and don’ts and what to expect after the session. After the discussion, Dr. April led me to the treatment room with a medical aid waiting for me. I was asked to put on laser goggles to protect my eyes. The aid applied cold cream on my armpits and after few minutes, I felt the stingy sensation of the laser machine, gently touching my left armpit. In less than fifteen minutes, the session was done. I was told to apply the laser cream for the next three days (morning and evening) to soothe my armpits. I was told by Dr. April no shaving, plucking to be done until the next session. Instead of using deodorant, need to put baby powder only. Hmmm… never heard that before, that is something new! Initially, there will be no changes on my armpits, hair will still grow but eventually fall-off. Changes may be seen after the third session.

And now I am looking forward to complete my treatment. I just can’t wait to shop for those skin-revealing, bare-back blouses from MNG and Zara. Or probably be more daring next time and get sexy costumes for the upcoming bridal shower party of my colleague next month. Hah, just can’t wait! lol.

‘til my next session post …

Poveda pictures

Since we've already decided to enrol Sam at St. Paul, let me share with you some of the school pictures I took during the parents orientation last Wednesday. Other mommy bloggers might be interested to consider Poveda for their daughters next school year.

Poveda play area and classroom

kids bathroom area

Poveda school uniform in shade of pink, blue and yellow for nursery/toddler class

No regrets, Sam maybe not meant for Poveda...for now. Maybe next year, kinder or grade school perhaps. Who knows, she might beat the birthdate window of Poveda next time. :)

house expansion

Another good news ... As I've blogged before, we are still in constant search for the owner of the lots beside our house. We are looking into possible house expansion for our lanai and garden for yeras now and the lot next to our house will be ideal for this. Initially, we plan to build one floor extension as an open space party area. If budget permits, we can probably probably extend it with 2nd floor and have a small studio-type room for my Mom. Or we can opt not to do any major construction, but do more of landscaping and set-up basketball area for hubby. Well, these are all still draft plans. Of course, these construction plans will materialize depending on our negotiations with the lot owners. Finally, we were able to locate the owners! That is the good news. The next step is convincing them to sell their lot to us. Hah, that is the challenge! And I am really excited to start the project. It will be house construction shopping again for me. From choosing tiles, bathroom fixtures, lighting fixtures , window selection, door panels etc. , it seems starting it all over again! Really excited and hopeful will get positive result.

check out the lighting fixtures I found on the net ... lovely oudoor lighting for lanai. The subdued lighting creates a very homey feeling. don't you think so?

... and she's officially a PAULINIAN!

After getting all the insights, helpful inputs from friends and relatives … we’ve decided, Sam will be a PAULINIAN.

Hubby and I tried to weigh things, the pros and cons of letting Sam stay at Poveda last night. And the only thing stopping our decision, hubby’s ultimate desire to have daughter from Poveda. His perception of good quality education was somewhat biased and thinking Poveda will be the best environment for her to grow academically, spiritually, emotionally and morally. (actually, I was able to pin down the right word for his school choice : BRANDING! aha!)

I don’t have any complaints in St. Paul. I love my alma mater. Coming from the same school makes me happy thinking my daughter will have the same Paulinian core values I have now.

The deciding factor was the input we got from MIL, a school principal. We went to my in-laws house last night to share our school dilemma. Surprisingly, my MIL was not bothered with the additional one year at Poveda. As for my previous post, this is my main concern. For me, it is a waste of time, money, effort going through the same phase (toddler) she had last time. My MIL take on this, four years quite long but if we are really keen on putting Sam at Poveda … then we must bite the bullet of school policies and regulations. It is unfortunate she will be the oldest among the toddlers batch. She will be the oldest and probably the brightest since she’s already advanced for this level. BUT instead of thinking sayang one year … she pointed out that Sam will have classmates with 2.5 to 3.5 years old age bracket. Of course, being on the same class they will have same activity and curriculum. The young tots will start learning things that Sam already knew like colors, numbers, songs etc. The teacher will definitely do lessons based on the learning and readiness capacity of the class. Since Sam will be mixed with the tots, the teacher will adapt to the learning level of ... mostly, tots! Instead of Sam learning in advance, Sam will have to adjust with the learning capacity of her classmates. Rather than academically progressing … her learning capacity will be stagnated! It will be very unfair for Sam! MIL was able to hit the right logic!! :) Yes, the teacher might give Sam extra work, extra projects to challenge her mind but still, she will be trapped with the same learning age level. They will still be treated/handled the same way. Sam will be no special case since Poveda does not apply “accelerated” or promotion status at the mid-school year.

After hearing this, hubby was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel… hahaha! He was finally convinced that we are doing Sam a huge favor. Transferring her to St. Paul will be the best option.

Hence as early as 8am today, Sam together with yaya we are at the guidance office of St. Paul pre-school department. She was so excited to see the big school! She was greeted by the Ms. Trina, the guidance counsellor and Sister Teresita the pre-school principal. She was participative and cooperative during the session. As a matter of fact, I saw her liking Sister Teresita so much for she hugged and kissed the nun good bye when we left. She never showed that much affection to strangers before! And I was so happy… I know we’ve made the right choice.

Ms. Trina gave us a tour of school facilities, classrooms and a one-on-one parent’s orientation (hah, we missed this also. so, special orientation din ako!) I felt we were given so much special treatment at St. Paul. Parang homecoming talaga! I paid her tuition fee, books, car stickers, uniforms in less than an hour … super bilis and convenient! Everybody was so helpful and accomodating! I felt mas masaya pala pag late enrollee ka! Special treatment! Hahaha!! Sam was even allowed to start her class tomorrow, Friday. But I opted not to… need her to get some school things pa! Wala pa sya school shoes noh! Hahaha!

So, we’ve decided Sam will officially start her class on Monday, June 30 at St. Paul Pasig. 10 days late..but what the heck, I know she will adjust and catch up!

Our dream of sending my daughter at Poveda may be a dream for now… probably by next year will transfer her as K1. Though she will be forced to complete until K3. But nevertheless, it will be different curriculum or lesson. Not for tots age na! Or probably transfer her by gradeschool na lang. I can transfer her not as Grade 1 (kasi laglag pa din sya sa age bracket! Paulitin sya ng K3) but transfer her as Grade 2 or 3 … I don’t think may pinag-repeat na Grade 2 di ba because of age requirement !?! Hahahaha! Let’s see… 5 years pa naman yon.

So it is now official . I have a Paulinian daughter…just like Mommy! :)

in dilemma

Just came from Parent’s Orientation this morning of Poveda. And I must admit I liked what I heard and saw. Will post separate entry about this since I need to come up with a very important decision and finalize Sam’s schooling on the next two days.

Anyway my dilemma ... after the parent’s orientation, I had a very, very surprising revelation. Before reaching Grade 1 Level, preparatory classes are as follows:

Toddler : 2.5 to 3.5 years old
Kinder 1 : should be 4 years old by October 31
Kinder 2 : should be 5 years old by October 31
Kinder 3 : should be 6 years old by October 31 --- This came as a surprise to me!! Never was I informed there is still Kinder 3! And really stupid of me to assume that there will only be three levels before reaching Grade 1! (well, all the private schools I know consists of nursery, kinder 1 and 2 like Miriam, Assumption, St. Paul etc… )

And since my daughter’s birthday falls on November 4 …four days late of their cut off date, she was admitted to Toddler class. As I’ve blogged before they were are very strict with age requirement ( gusto ko na nga dayain birth certificate anak ko eh!!).

I don’t have any qualms with the school, as a matter of fact I SO LOVE my daughter to be a Povedan but realizing that it will take her 4 years before reaching Grade 1..well, that is a different story. With Kinder 3 and Grade 7 as an added curriculum, my daughter will be graduating from HS at the age of 18!! By college, nag-debut na sya! Tagal non!!

And I feel that Sam doesn’t belong to Toddler class anymore. Well, she’s big for her age … and she’s ready for formal curriculum. She can recognize colors, letters, shapes, parts of the body, write letters, sing, dance, express herself, etc … and CAPEX and OPEX-wise, time and effort … saying ang one year!

After the orientation, I immediately went to St. Paul Pasig (my alma mater). I asked if possible to do late registration for my daughter since the class already started. Happily they obliged and accommodated my request. They are willing to accept Sam as late enrollee…and I was able to choose na AM class pa! Wow! Good news! I inquired what level my daughter would be, and I was told she will be an incoming nursery student. Next to nursery, Kinder 1 and Kinder 2 ..then she will be in Grade 1. Just three (3) years before reaching Grade 1.

Now my dilemma … should I continue Sam at Poveda (toddler –class)or enrol Sam to St. Paul Pasig (nursery)? I have until Friday to decide. Need your inputs please.

Getting the tuition refund is no problem at Poveda. Less 10% tuition will be deducted until next week only.

I am trying to weigh using the pros and cons .. I’ll share with you my evaluation exercise:

POVEDA

Pros: good catholic-education, hubby loves sam to be a povedan, very good school environment (toddlers have their own entrance gate), superb and brand new school facilities , remarkable teachers, small community of students only, tight-security, brings out independency students, 15 students per class only (2 sections), Spanish class, perceived by many as prominent school.

Cons: will take four years before she reaches grade 1.

ST. PAUL

Pros: three years only before reaching grade 1, good school environment, good teachers, 15 students per class only (4 sections), superb school facilities, my alma-mater (may bearing ba ito?),

Cons: big school community

Btw, I also thought option of enrolling Sam initially at St. Paul and transfer her to Poveda by Grade 1. Age requirement at Poveda should be 7 years old with cut off October 31. If she won’t meet the age requirement, she’ll be asked to enrol to Kinder 3. And now I am back to square one! lol.

Oh I never thought birthdates will be a big factor in school choices! Grrrrr… if I only knew, nagpa-ceasarian na lang ako so I gave birth earlier than October 31. bwahahaha! :)

So please … help me rationalize my options :)

Belo Laser Hair Removal at 50%-off

I’ve been dying to get laser hair removal treatment for months now and I am just waiting for the right timing. I so want to do this as my birthday gift for myself but never had the chance to visit the clinic due to my busy schedule. Until today, on my way to work I heard on the radio (Morning Show of Mo Twister Magic 89.8) that Belo offers 50%-off for all laser hair removal until June 30. Hahaha! That is perfect timing!!

At lunchtime, I immediately went to Belo Medical Clinic at Trinoma and signed up for eight session armpits laser hair removal. From original price of P5600 per session, got it at P2800! Think the price is reasonable and good deal! Prior to signing up, I called my friend who had the same treatment at Facial Care and told me she got the same treatment at P40K+ for 8-sessions too! Then I called Jane and she told me to grab the discount opportunity since she got her treatment higher than the per session price of Belo’s! So after hearing this, in less than 10 minutes I signed up at Belo Medical Clinic. Woohoohoo!! So I am really hoping to say goodbye to my unwanted hair on the next few months...

Btw, what I like about Belo Medical Clinic is the convenience it offers to customers. Clinics are strategically located inside the malls such as Podium, Trinoma and Rustan's Makati. And I can do my treatment at any branch of my choice anytime! This is really a plus factor for me since most of the time I am out on fieldwork. I want to have flexible clinic schedules. :)

So for those who want to avail good discount, do sign up…remember, promo period ‘til June 30 only.

For details, you may call Belo’s Medical Group Inc. 6373676 (The Podium) or 9432230 (Trinoma)

the HOT SEAT

Thanks Em for this sweet tag!

Are you deeply in love with your spouse or boyfriend/Girlfriend? If you do, let’s try how well you remember the moment of your life with him. But before you put yourself in the hot seat please read the rules of this tag first.

RULES:

1. This tag should be passed on to your closest friends.
2. Visit the THE BLOG of the person you’ve got this tag.
3. Leave a comment on her/his tag post. Be sure to thank her/him for this tag.
4. Highlight and link all the list of people who accepted this tag by visiting their blog site.
5. There are 10 questions that you need to answer but you will be the one to write the 10th question for the next person you want to pass this tag.



Here are your questions: Be Honest and True!

1. How did you meet your husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend?~ We are forced to complete a project for a client.

2. Where did you go on your first date?~ Lunch (World Topps) after courtesy call with a client.

3. When was your first intimate kiss?~ Inside his car. After late night coffee date.

4. How many girlfriends/boyfriends he/she had in the past? Do you honestly know?~ I'm his 4th GF daw...not sure if ilan pa less his flings noh?!

5. What is his/her ethnicity?~ Filipino

6. What is his/her favorite food?~ Shrimp, Crab, Lechon, Yang Chow Fried rice, Peking duck etc...takaw ito eh!

7. What is he/she like if he/she is mad?~ crabby and grouchy! hahaha! untouchable!

8. What are the things he/she did you thought is the most romantic thing he’d/she’d ever done?~ before he sleeps he always check Sam and me... checking if we are both breathing properly.

9. Describe how he/you proposed to you.~ He asked me to climb telecoms antenna top of Peak Tower, Makati. He told me he wanted to share with me view of Manila by night. I annoyingly obliged since I am not in the mood to go up the tower with my bare hands and high heels on noh?!?! Surprsingly, when I got to the highest peak of the tower, I saw candles and champagne waiting for us. He then knelt down and asked me to marry him. Of course, between tears and laughter..I incoherently said yes!

10. How do you express your 'terms of endearment' with your special one? ~ I call hubby...Honey or Dad.


THEY PLAYED ALONG:1. Soujourn2. Pinay Mom in Czech Republic3. See Me for What You Will4. Lainy’s Musings5. Our Journey To Forever6. Sheng’s Simple Thoughts…7. Pinay WAHM8. Me and My World9. coicoi’s World10. BLOGSILOG11. A Mother’s Horizon12. Because Life Is Fun13. Dzoi14. My Colorful World15. Mind Bubbles 16. Vanity Kit 17. Stripe&Yellow 18. Something Purple 19. Em's Detour 20. Coffee Table Conversations


Tagging along: Melisse, Sheila and Chat!

you are so LV beautiful ...

LV multicolor speedy 30 by Takashi Murakami

you are so beautiful to me

you are so beautiful to me,

can't you see.

you're everything i hoped for

you're everything i need

you are so beautiful to me ...

Oh my you are so amazingly beautiful, so truly adore you!
Wish I can afford you ... wish I can own you ... you are so LV freakin' BEAUTIFUL!!

And I drool over you ... haayy...

Happy Father's Day!!

Father's Day was spent this year with a simple lunch and dinner with the family ... just like how we spent my birthday the day before, no much frills and brouhaha. We just indulged ourselves with tons of buttered crabs, ice cream and my left over birthday cake. Celebration done in a simple and very tipid manner this year. Bought no gift for hubby too..hahaha! Syempre, quits kami noh! But, I bought him his favourite --- 5 kilos of yummy crab and cooked his favorite T-Bone Steak with mashed potatoes. And since we had so much crab for lunch, brought half of it to my FIL as our Father’s Day dinner treat to them. O di ba, super tipid kami. lol.

Anyway, sharing some of our Father’s Day pictures here …

yummy buttered-crab (obvious ba super seafood fanatics kami!)

my specialty: t-bone steak with mashed potatoes in mushroom gravy sauce

Hubby and Ico ... enjoying the meal!

(biggie meal sila! can't believe how they ate 3 servings of my sizzling t-bone steak! sus, ka-takaw!)

To my amazing husband, thank you so much for all the things you’ve given us --- the patience, generosity, unselfish love and sacrifices you’ve done for the family. Thank you for being a great provider not only financially but emotionally and spiritually as well. Above all, thank you for accepting my son Ico wholeheartedly. You may not be his real dad, but you shared so much of yourself and understood him more than anyone else. You’ve been a great teacher, trusting friend and big brother to him. And with that, I thank you so much. We are so blessed having someone like you in our life. Thank you Daddy, Happy Father’s Day! We love you.

Simple Birthday Treat

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday... another year older, but wiser, I hope.

I just had simple and quiet celebration with my family, with no fuss and frills. I simply enjoyed my day pampered and loved by hubby and the kids. I guess as you grow older, you prefer to celebrate birthdays the simple way. Just enjoying quiet and more bonding time with the family.

So how did I spend my special day ... with my family, of course.

Day before my birthday was on BL or Birthday Leave. As I blogged before, I need to do some series of labaratory clearance for my upcoming thyro-glossal duct cyst operation. My BL was the perfect time to complete these requirements. As early as 9am I was at Medical City for biopsy test and series of lab exams. After lunch, went to meet up my Mom for our final decision on the memorial lot at Heritage Park we plan to get. Went home by 3pm and cuddled with Sam the entire afternoon. By 7pm, Kuy Ico, Sam and I met up with hubby for dinner at Promenade Greenhills and watched Kung Fu Panda movie. Went home late and bought take out ice cream and pizza from Yellow Cab and had my birthday asalto late-night snack while watching Dr. House series.

The next day (my birthday) we all woke up late. My Mom arrived together with my sister by lunch with my Tiramisu birthday cake and my favorite buttered crab. I just cooked spaghetti and chicken corn as additional food for lunch.

the yummy lunch pictures ...

Sadly, they forgot to get me birthday candles ... but pretended to wish na lang din! Hahaha!

After the yummy meal we had for lunch, hubby and I decided to go out on a date night. Went to Promenade again for late dinner at Teriyaki Boy to satisfy hubby's craving for sukiyaki and makis.

Then after dinner, we had coffee at Starbucks. Capuccino overload for me! With a good cup of coffee, wonderful company, great conversation ... the night was simply perfect!

By 11 pm, we decided to have a good laugh at Zirkoh Comedy Bar at Greenhills. I enjoyed watching Wally and Jose's stand up comedy show. Believe me, worth every cent watching the guys perform. Really funny and I can't stop laughing the enitre night. Never had that tummy-aching laugh for quite sometime now. I think really good food for the soul.

at Zirkoh entrance ...dyahe pa si hubby pa-pix noh!

stand-up comedians as fillers for the show ...

primetime show performers: wally and jose -- really hilarious!

Went home really tired and sleepy by 3am. Enjoyed my day so much. Had simple but great birthday celebration. The entire day was spent with the love of my life.

In case you are wondering how come I never mentioned any birthday gift from hubby, well... hubby decided not to give me anything "yet". After losing my weight challenge bet, he promised me to give me travel gift instead anytime this quarter. During our coffee conversation, he told me he will bring me to Tokyo or Korea. Was delighted of course! He initially offered me to join him at Memphis, US but I declined. Been there and I want to visit something new this time. Tokyo or Korea will be great! I so want to see Japan...and experience Korea too! Hahaha! Let's see. I am hoping I can visit both this year. lol.

To all my friends who greeted me and remembered my natal day, thank you so much! I am so blessed having great friends like you!! :)

My Birthday Prayer

Thank you Lord for another year that has passed.
Another year blessed with your kindness and love.

Thank you for the gift of life,
And the good health you bestowed me and people I love.

Thank you for your guidance and the countless blessings I have.
For the inner peace, happiness and contentment, I thank thee my God.

Thank you for all the sorrow and pain, that made me stronger each day.
For the sunshine and laughter, a loving reminder of your presence everyday.

With all that I am, and with all that I have ...
I offer my everything, my life to you my God.

missing the MBAPs

Mommy Bloggers Association of the Philippines a.k.a MBAPs.

A group of female individuals coined by Apols who shares common interests (ie: online shopping, shoes and bags), aspirations (motherhood and martyrdom), kwentos (wifey stories and kids) and rakets in life. Purely driven by our desire to be an amazing wife, best mom for our kids, great friend to others and of course doing all these roles while establishing our niche in the web through blogging.

MBAP 2007 Christmas Party at MC Do Glorietta

Hmmmm.... I wonder how they are doing now. Though I get to see some updates and chikas from their blogs, I miss the group. Haven't seen them lately especially after the baby boom news and Apols left for Singapore. I miss our usual chismis time from showbiz to make ups, travel kwentos, raising kids, hubby talks and sharing our dark, naughty childhood secrets (*wink*) . And best of all, I miss getting blogging tips and updates from them!! lol.

Need to catch latest news and chikas from the MBAPs. I guess this month will be the perfect time to meet up to celebrate June birthday girls: Jody, Jane, Joy and moi ; and co-celebrate preggo news of Jane, Mich and Peachy. Probably we can hold early baby shower too! Just perfect. Think the baby bedding I found on the net will be an ideal baby shower gift for the girls.

I am so excited!! Do I hear another round of coffee coming? :)

another Unang Hirit segment

Remember my short tv exposure stint for Unang Hirit weeks ago with Jody for Scotchbrite? Well, I received a call this afternoon asking me if possible to do another segment at my house tomorrow afternoon. Without hesitating, I said yes since I want to redeem myself from my last tv exposure! lol. They need four mommy talents, and three locations (particularly kitchen area) for the Unang Hirit shoot with Suzi Entrata. This time, I won’t personally appear on the segment, but my kitchen will be featured. Hahaha…ok na din. Mind you, wala bayad yun ha maski rental ng kitchen! Think I’ll get free Scotchbrite pads again as payment (sana one year supply noh!) Then I called my friendly neighbors as Mommy talents and asked them if possible to use their kitchen area for the shoot. They all agreed naman. Babait!! And presto...on tomorrow for the Scotchbrite shoot! Will post detailed kwento after the shoot. For the meantime, I need to prepare dirty, greasy pots and pans as props for tomorrow. Hehehe!

new sofa look

It seems most of my friends are into re-modelling or re-decorating their homes now. Although I would like to do some re-modelling too, unfortunately it’ll be quite early for me to consider since our house was built just two years ago. But, I am thinking of adding accent to bring color to my simple living room. Probably add some life or color to my existing earth shade tone by changing my sofa slipcovers. I guess this would be the most practical and inexpensive way to achieve my desired "new-look" of my living room. What do you think?

our existing sofa

vivid red suede sofa slipcover; complementing our red-walled living room

country style print design

JUNEtoon ...

Got this fun (and dream) tag from Kelly and Farah ... so timely and very appropriate, it will be my birthday next week. The husband needs to know! lol.

The rules:

1.Determine your birthday month and get a word that rhymes with it or you can affix to it. Caps lock your birth month (ex: MAYday! JUNE dune, APRILicious, JULYvely, AUGUST pocus, parched MARCH…). Be unique.

2.Your birth month plus the word affixed or rhymed shall become the tag’s title in your case.

3.Get your birthday and add the digits involved. Example, if your birthday falls on the 25th of July, add 2 and 5 you get 7.

4.Whatever is the sum, write a list of the MATERIAL gifts you wish to receive, the number of which shall correspond to the sum of your birthday. For example, applying the case above (in rule number 3), you will write seven (7) things you wish to receive.

5.After your wish list, put your name and birthday in the Bloggers’ Birthday Directory, with a link to your blog/s. Note: when you add your birthday, please place it in a way that the dates appear chronological (January, February… 1, 2, 3)

6.Pass this tag meme by tagging as many people as you want.

Name: Jacqui
Birthday: 14 June
Calculation: 5

My birthday wishlist :
1. lots of moolah to buy my wishlist ... lol!
2. LV speedy 30 multicolore
3. LV Galliera PM
4. Philip Stein watch -- RED bracelet strap please. (mukhang doable ito for my birthday!lol)
5. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady Datejust (two-toned) -- my ultimate dream watch! years and years na sya nasa wishlist ko! bwahahaha!

February 22 - Kelly February 23 - Jammy March 7 - Mari May 8 - joanjoyce May 27 – Zang Caesar June 10 - Vien; June 14 - Jacqui , September 30 - Mckhoii December 18 - JoshuaOngYS

Passing the tag to MM, Erika, Mich, Peachy and Abie.

In search for a new laptop luggage

As I blogged here, I already got my newly issued IBM T61 laptop two months ago. I was extremely happy when I got my new baby since my old IBM Think Pad laptop needs immediate replacement.

Don’t get me wrong, I so love my old IBM Think Pad. I got this about five years ago and it served its purpose very well. Really reliable and durable! It withstood several accidents and it never bogged down. But sadly, due to limited memory capacity, I need to upgrade my laptop to a much higher version.

Thus, with the new IBM Lenovo Think Pad T61 I got, I am in search of the perfect luggage to hold this delicate baby. I am thinking of getting durable bag like Samsonite and Victorinox, and I just found the perfect web site for my luggage needs. Thanks to luggagesource.com, finding the affordable and stylish laptop bag is just within the reach. Do check it out… it offers great discount prices and speedy delivery.

sad news on the local movies

It was all over the news, the death of one of the premiere actor of the Philippine cinema, Mr. Rudy Fernandez. He was battling with peri-ampullary cancer for over two years now and despite all the medical treatments and chemotherapies done, cancer still prevailed thus ending the life of the actor. He died at a young age of 56. It must be very hard for the family losing somebody they love despite having all the financial capabilities to prolong his life. No health insurance or big chunk of money can save him from this rare sickness.

I am no great fan of the actor but I was able to watch some of his movies like “Baby Ama”. I must say, he was one of the finest, well-respected and good looking action-star of the local movies. And his death is a great loss in the Philippine movies. He will surely be missed.

Diet Blues 3: need to stop diet plans?

Too soon to concede? With one week to go before my birthday, I don't think I can do the impossible! That is, losing 115lbs from my current weight now. I know I failed with hubby's challenge, and I hate myself for being lazy and stubborn for not completing my diet.

1. I've got no discipline with my exercise routine! I never challenged nor exerted extra effort to complete my twice a week jogging routine. I am happy with my usual jogging pace, never increasing or pushing my body to the limit.

2. No drastic change on my food intake. I still eat one cup of rice for lunch and dinner, and still skipping breakfast meals! Very bad. Late night food delivery decreased, but replaced with chips and cookies instead.

3. Soda intake remains the same. Instead of Coke light or regular, fell in love with Coke Zero!

4. Fruit intake was not religiously practiced.

Hence, I am still at my original weight...back at ground zero.

Because of this, it made me think of immediate measures to win our bet. I am thinking of taking Phentermine pills or commonly known as diet pills to lose weight. Or even go to drastic solution of doing liposuction treatment to shed off the unwanted 15lbs immediately. Quick remedy, eh? But honestly, I am too chicken to subject myself for any surgical procedures. I am hell-scared to try it! The diet pills may be the best option, but I don't think this will beat my one week window.

Besides, I need to stop any diet plans for now. It seems I have a thyro-glossal problem since the doctors found a lump (or cyst) on my throat. This needs to be removed immediately. I am still in the process of completing all my lab tests and CT scans so I can have my biopsy late this week. Hopefully no scary or malignant cyst can be found. And I am hoping this is just a normal procedure. Well, this is another story. Will just post about this next time.

Thus for now, the diet can wait... need to ensure I am healthy before I can go back to my diet plans! :)

Do I need to lose weight?

Bwahahaha!!! I sooo love this test!! Did not cheat ha! I swear!?!!
I inputed my correct weight in pounds (138) and my height 5'4 in. (64)

Then presto .... still perfect weight for my height!! lol.

Thanks Kelly for sharing this fun test. Really...made me feel good today!! Woohooohoo!! (Mc Do and Yellow Cab delivery, I'm BAAACCKK! lol.)

Your Weight is IDEAL

Your BMI is 23.7 - a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 25 Congratulations, you are the perfect weight for your height. Even though you may not be entirely happy with your weight, you are healthy. So gain or lose a few pounds if you want, but don't go too crazy! Don't agree? Blame the government standards we based this test on!

Do You Need to Lose Weight?

This is me... when I was 115 lbs at my wedding day. Really slim,huh! But I was much slimmer before I gave birth to Ico at 108 lbs. Sooo thin!! Sorry, got no digicam back then to prove my claim. I swear...payat talaga ako! I look like a stick insect back then! Kadiri!! lol.

And look at Ico, he was 8 years old here...kinda slim too compared now! Hahaha!

package from New York

Wooohooo!! Received my first batch of online orders from hubby's aunt in New York. Like a kid receiving her early Christmas gift, I was very excited when I opened the balikbayan box. All the Dora items ordered arrived just in time for Sam's schooling. I was able to buy her Dora the Explorer tin can lunch box, insulated bags, sippy cups and utensils from allaboardtoys.com at a discounted price. The package arrived last Friday together with some of our online orders such as kirkland vitamins for kids, acne treatment medication for my son, Bath & Body hand lotions, perfumes and cosmetics for MIL. Truly a delight receiving these knick-knacks from my aunt. :) I can't wait for my next shipping box this July. This time, it'll be mostly clothes for Sam I ordered from Old Navy and Gap... oh, at a great discount price too! Really, really happy!! Thank heavens for online shopping! :)