pet's pest control

Do you have pets at your home? Well, we don't have one. Though the little girl starting to show some interest of owning a puppy, but we never encouraged or entertained her love for pets. Yes, we are not pet-friendly home. I am afraid of exposing my kids with pet's pest such as fleas and ticks. Though my neighbor told me owning pets nowadays is easy especially with all the pet medication available on the web like Frontline. Now I am seriously considering it. After all, I know my little girl is ready to have her own pets. And it would be a joy seeing her happy and playing with a little pup on her side. We'll see...

my mini collection ...

... the LV Damier in ebene and azure color.

Obviously I am hooked with the LV Damier dainty print. It's very simple, print not so loud and yet totally LV classic in a different way. I find the Damier canvas elegant, subtle and classy. Low maintenance too comparing to LV monograms with pale beige leather that tends to darken over time. Oh which they call it "patina" - a phenomenon that occurs in untreated cowhide leather of bag. Caused by oxidation, sunlight, weather, oil in hands and dirt. Anyway, this is one of the main reason why I love, love LV Damier. The ability of leather to change color over time not as evident with the Damier choco-brown leather. Perfect! Now, I only have to worry on my Speedy 30 azure's top handle. Well, a minor problem on my pretty azure print and can't be avoided. Haaayyy....

Now off to my LV Damier raves ... need to check the web for light and compact barcode scanners for my brother's small grocery business. His business is doing well lately and he needs an efficient tool to maximize profits.

LV Shopping at SNG

So what did I get for myself from our recent trip in Hongkong? NOTHING. Even a teeny-weeny item for myself. The husband and the kids shopped for clothes all right, while I ... I went home empty-handed. A first time experience. LOL. You see, I was looking forward of getting my ultimate Mother's Day/birthday/push present gift in HK ... unfortunately, my dream gift (of course, THE bag) was not available in all their three stores. Too bad.

With so much shopping frustrations in HK, I then look forward to my Singapore visit few days after. Very much excited and eager to visit Takashimaya in Ngee Ann City, THE bag nowhere to be found again! Grrrr... Actually, just like in HK, THE bag style is available but not on the particular color (black) I like. Hard to find item, huh?!

Nevertheless, I vowed not to go home empty-handed this time. I settled for something practical and very much useful for my everyday corporate use. Out of frustration, I rewarded myself with LV Speedy 30 in Azure (white). Yes, bought it on my own pocket and not part of my "gift bargain" from the husband. Luckily, the LV store in Orchard Road has one stock available. Think it was destined for me! :) I checked this item at LV HK, unfortunately no Speedy 30 size available in all their HK shops. I guess I was lucky to get the bag in SNG anyway, was able to avail 5.3% rebate (not as 7% GST refund as claimed by SNG tourist board). Cheaper compared to LV Manila and LV HK.

LV Speedy 30 in Azure

Btw, prior getting the Speedy 30, it was a tough choice between getting this and the NOE in Azure. I almost got the NOE for its beauty and spacious size, but hesitated due to the natural brown leather strap and wide base of NOE. You see, the light-colored leather material tends to darken over time which I don't like with LVs. Hence, I opted getting the Speedy 30, with only the handles to think about getting dark over time.

The next day, I went back to Orchard Road for last minute shopping pasalubong. I was pretty successful of staying away from excessive shopping of baby things at Takashimaya but I guess I was not that good in bag temptations. LOL. After Jody asked me to take a peek at LV store for her Insolite wallet, I was mesmerized by the small damier bag sitting on the glass counter. Call it love at first sight. Love the gold bling-bling so much! I love how girly and practical the LV EVA bag for night parties. Be it formal or casual, it gives an ooomph to one's attire. Hehehe. Bought it in an impulse. Yes, I am bad when I am frustrated. Blame it on my much coveted dream bag! LOL.

The Damier LV Eva clutch bag in Ebene (brown) color. This bag comes with two straps. Simply perfect. Gold chain for formal/cocktail parties. And brown leather strap for across-the-body style. Love it, love it! Affordable and practical choice. Don't you think so?

Hooked on Pepper Lunch

Eversince my dear friend Apols brought me to Pepper Lunch at Takashimaya SNG for dinner, I am instantly hooked to this yummy, DIY sizzling steak. Actually, I've seen the restaurant for almost a year now at Trinoma and Megamall, but I didn't bother to go inside the resto. Until ... I've tasted the oh-so yummy goodness of their steak just few days ago from SNG. And it was really really oh-so yummy!

I simply love the concept of this fast-food resto. An affordable DIY steak express, using premium beef from Australia and New Zealand served on a special hot plate wherein you can cook your steak just the way you like it. Of course the steak comes with it's special honey brown sauce, pepper butter and freshly gorund black peper, making it distinctly unique and irresistible.

My fave list from their menu:

PEPPER STEAK: Melt in your mouth tender beef slices, topped with their famous pepper butter. Ummm... This is my first taste of Pepper Lunch. And was instantly hooked!


BEEF PEPPER RICE : I love the aroma of freshly-ground roasted pepper topped with their unique pepper-butter, sizlzing with thinly sliced beef. Yum-yum! Best steak on a budget. Went back at Takashimaya, Orchard just to eat lunch before I leave for Manila. LOL. Obviously, can't get over the sizzling steak goddness of Pepper Lunch.

I can't wait for another Pepper Lunch steak visit. For Father's Day dinner, I am thinking of bringing the family tonight at Shangrila Mall so they can enjoy this oh-so-good yummy steak. The husband will love this as well as my son, Ico. They are steak lovers too like me! I am sure with all these steak and butter fat-loading I've been doing for days, I need to check out the web for effective mesothelioma pills that will help me lose weight after pregnancy. With all these SNG food-trip and excessive dining out, I need to watch out my pregnancy diet soon. Wish me luck.

new baby of the family ...

Nope, not the new baby inside me...that will be 5 months from now still.

All about the new baby I got this June. With my busy schedule lately, I almost forgot to post the birthday gift I received 9 days before my birthday. The plan is to get this new baby by 3rd quarter of this year, but surprisingly, with our old black car gone in 90 minutes (read here), this car was purchased months in advance. Just in time for as my birthday gift. Hehehe! Lucky, lucky me.

Honda Civic 2009 1.8S series (with dual airbags), color : bluish-silver



Aside from the new car which I doubt I'll be driving most of the time, (you see ... the husband loves the new civic baby ...guy's porma car daw!) , I am still hoping to get my other birthday wish. The gift I've been eyeing (and saving) for months now.

So much about birthday gifts, need to check construction materials for our small garage to accommodate our new baby. I saw steel buildings materials from the web which I think would be very ideal for our garage requirement.

the birthday girl ...

... and that's me.

As I celebrate my xx birthday today, I offer this special day to the Lord for all the wonderful blessings HE showered me and my family...

For continuously guiding and keeping us safe from harm.
For providing me and my family the best of health.
For giving me wonderful and stable job, which I truly love and enjoy!
For my loving and supportive family, my ultimate source of joy.
For the new baby, another loving addition to our growing family.
For my support circle ... thoughtful friends, helpful and dependable colleagues.
And for all the challenges and hardships that also come my way ...
Making me stronger and be a better person I am now.
I thank thee for all these blessings.

global recession effect

As news of global recession hits the financial, manufacturing and auto industry early this year, many of my friends based in the US of switching careers to fight the impending global recession. Some were thinking of shifting from white-collar jobs such as those geared towards admin careers or office jobs to engaging in specialized labor-intensive work like in construction, production or service operators like electricians or plant operators. These jobs are amongst the ten best paying blue-collar jobs in the US getting an hourly wage or per man hours service compared to those who earned a degree or higher level of education.

Baby Baptism Week

It was a super busy baby weekend last week as I've attended two baby baptisms from my office colleague and one children's party of a highschool friend. I don't know if it was just me being at the preggy state I am in now, but I noticed lately I am surrounded by friends who are pregnant or just gave birth early this year. As a matter of fact I know eight (8) people in my circle who are infanticipating just like me. Could it be baby boom this 2009? LOL. Sure think so, and most of them are expectant mothers of baby boys. Will I be lucky to have a baby boy too? I hope so.

Anyway, check out my latest picture taken at Erinne Ice's baptism party at Saisaki West Avenue. At four (4) months, I think I am quite big for my size. Don't you think so? Very bad. Need to lose those post-pregnancy weight as soon as I give birth. Probably I should seriously consider going back to the gym, or enrol in a bikram yoga class or take diet pills I saw on the web to bring back my pre-preggo weight. Think the latter option much better and effective option to achieve immediate result weight-loss program. Don't you think so?

Errine Ice Jose baptism at Saisaki West Avenue : Ethel, Sheryll, Erinne, moi, Joel, Jovy, Sam and Abie

HK Travel Itinerary

After weeks of deep thinking, debating, reading newspapers, and watching H1N1 updates from the news. The husband finally said yes to our travel plans this week to HongKong. He confirmed the good news last June 2 which prompted me to confirm all my hotel reservations only last week. I've also prepared our HK travel itinerary which suprisingly more favorable for the kids this time than my shopping agenda. LOL.

June 10 (Wed)

10am : depart from Manila via PAL
12nn : arrival at HK International Airport
2pm : check-in at Disney Hollywood Hotel
4pm : catch the Disney parade show/ rides

June 11 (Thu) : Disneyland with the Kids

June 12 (Fri) :

9am : Disneyland breakfast hotel
10am : Tunchung shopping outlet (Jacqui and Ico ; Mike and Sam to sleep)
12nn : Check out
1pm : move to Holiday Inn Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
3pm : Victoria Harbour -The Peak and Wax Museum
5pm : Shop at Ocean Terminal/Lane Crawford (my fave!)
7pm : Dinner / Avenue of the Stars/ Watch the HK City Lights

June 13 (Sat)
9am : city breakfast
10am: last minute shopping at Ocean Terminal
12nn : check out hotel
1pm : lunch and roam around Nathan Road
3pm : off to HK airport
6pm : flight back to Manila

Despite the H1N1 scare, surprisingly no discounts or rebates offered by the HK hotels. As a matter of fact, some hotels I've inquired already booked on our particular travel week. Luckily, our fave Disney Hollywood Hotel available during our trip hence we all look forward staying here. We all love this hotel so much not only because of its fine amenities, but the kids love the LCD TVs with Disney shows on each room. Just like the one I saw on the web offering wholesale tvs.

Three days to go ... and we are off to HK! Just can't wait.

birthday plans

Yes, it's going to be a very, very happy birthday this year. As I celebrate my x birthday exactly one week from now (June 14), my birthday plans and wishes will do come true. LOL. It's going to be an uber busy birthday month for me and as I've previously mentioned in my blogs. My only problem ... moolah to spend! Hehehe! Anyway, I am ecstatic and overwhelmed with joy as I finalized my birthday plans.

1. I've got my birthday gift.

A week advance, actually. Weee! This one deserves a separate post.

2. June 10-13 : Hongkong Travel

The husband as of June 2 agreed to pursue our 4D/3N HongKong travel. Yes, despite all the H1N1 scare, he was convinced to go. I've shared with him emails from my friends who went to HK recently. They've shared comments and stories travelling with kids at this time not at all bad. Risky, yes...very risky in fact. But, we are hoping (and praying) all our possible preventive measures preparation will win over this flu virus.

I am excited to visit HK together with the kids. Will be spending more bonding time at Disneyland than shopping! Yes, believe me...less shoping in HK this time. LOL.

3. June 16-19 : Singapore Trip

Work-related trip in time for the Communicasia Event in SNG. I was told still sale period at SNG, though I don't have plans to shop ... not sure if I can say NO to those gadgets at Sim Lim, shops at Orchard Road and make-up haven Sephora. Hahaha! I am sure I'll have more time to shop here than in HK since I'll be travelling without the kids. It'll be perfect time for me to visit Ikea too, and check out outdoor lighting for our garden I found on the web.

Despite having a back-to-back meetings, I look forward to Singapore's night life. I am sure most of our FA-partners will invite us for dinner and cocktails at Clark Quay. As a matter of fact, I've received cocktail invitations already from them and like I've said it''s going to be a very,very busy networking nights in Singapore. Haaayyyy....

Now I am really excited on my upcoming birthday. Got so many plans on how I'll spend my natal day. This year of course, will be an unforgettable year for me. Aside from turning a year older with a "travel" bang ... I am happy preggy too with Baby No. 3 ... my last, actually. So, will it be really a happy, happy birthday? I sure do hope so.

Birthday Blues : Part 1

Sorry, I am quite sentimental lately. Blame it on my pre-birthday blues. And with just 12-days away of my natal day, I again start to think and evaluate how I spent the past 365-days of my life. What have I accomplished for the year and how to enjoy the next 365-days of my life.

For starters, allow me to share my simple joys. My musts for a great life (in random order) :

1. my clean and nice bathroom : I love my long baths here. This is my personal sanctuary. My private place.

2. I love pampering myself : manicure, pedicure, foot spa, body massage. Super indulgence.

3. date with the husband : whether simple coffee date, dining-out or watching movies. Gives us time to catch up and time to talk about our future.

4. shopping, shopping : Every girl's joy! I love rewarding thy self, for a job well-done, for being "nice" or simply just to perk me up.

5. nap time : I rarely get naps since I am working, thus I sooo love weekend naps. Especially nap time together with the husband and Sam.

6. time before we sleep. Our family bonding activity.

7. feel good movies : makes me appreciate life more and enjoy simple things in life.

8. I love coke light : It refreshes me ... revitalizes me. My usual caffeine-fix if I can't get my coffee.

9. my wifi internet access : I can blog and work while on the go. gives me absolute freedom and be connected with the world.

10. my kitchen : I love cooking for my family. Bliss for me seeing them enjoy the food I prepare.

And of course, top 5 I can't live without...

1.The husband : who loves me so dearly. Who continues to support me in all my decisions and (sometimes) whims in life. Who understands and guides me, and for sharing my dreams and hopes in life.

2. My kids : for making me laugh. my source of happiness and inspiration.

3. My Family : My comfort circle.

4. My Work : Aside from giving me so much financial independence ... I love what I do. I love my work to bits. Really!

5. Above all, GOD : for the good health of my family, and all the wonderful blessings He showered us.

So much for being so cheesy or sentimental for one day. Now I am not sure if these sentiments are brought about by my pre-birthday blues or mostly pregnancy hormonal changes. Now I am confused! LOL. Anyway, back to surfing the net for good-quality and affordable fluorescent light bulbs for our outdoor patio and garage. Need to find energy-efficient lights as our household cost-cutting measures.