Easy Breezy Shakey’s Birthday Party

January 23rd, 2012

One of the most challenging tasks of being a mom is balancing work and family. Sometimes, work takes most of my time that I need to improvise, just so I don’t neglect doing mommy thingies- like preparing for my kids’ birthday parties.
This year, I had to focus on Padma’s 1st birthday. Now when you say 1st birthday, well that’s a big deal! I remembered putting in a lot of effort during Amber’s (my 2nd daughter) 1st birthday. It’s only fair that I do the same for our new baby. But honestly, it would be too stressful for me to think of everything- games, food, host, cakes, balloons, etc.etc., especially on a January when I needed to renew all sorts of business permits and prepare school letters. So given this premise, I looked into the birthday packages of popular fastfood joints. When Amber turned 4, we had her party in Jollibee. The whole thing- food, games, host, balloons, give-aways, cake, and prizes cost us roughly around 16,000 pesos. The party was great- the hosts tried their best to communicate with the kids in english. No problem also with the food because you can never go wrong with a jollibee chicken and spaghetti. However, I was a bit disappointed with the prizes and give-aways. Good thing my guests still avidly participated with the activities even with lame prizes haha. Because of my mixed feelings with Jollibee, I turned to Shakey’s for Padma’s birthday.
Shakey’s proved to be a better alternative. We had her party in Shakey’s Waltermart, San Fernando City. I was a bit taken aback to see that only one person was manning the whole thing. She turned out to be an expert after all- handling multiple tasks at once. Also, they had great prizes and give-aways which I love. Food wise, it was OK. Again, you can also never go wrong with a bunch-of-lunch. The whole Shakey’s package- party, prizes, games, balloons, food for 50, except for the cake, cost around 12000 pesos… truly a great value for my money.
If you ask me if any of my kids will celebrate their birthday again here, then I’d say yes, definitely.

Celebrate your children’s birthday parties at Shakey’s. Just go to Shakey’s, reserve a date, pay a small reservation fee/deposit (minimum of 1000 pesos), then you’re set to go. You can even have some add-ins in your party like face-painting, photo booth, and the like.

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Turonikoy! (Tikoy Spring Rolls)

January 23rd, 2012

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Thanks to the internet, we have unlimited access to a vast range of information- including new and exciting recipes for tikoy!


Oh I so love tikoy! Maybe, what makes it even more exciting is the fact that you only get to buy and eat it for a short period of time. I am not Chinese but I do have a penchant for Chinese cuisine! I love pansit, siomai, siopai, hopia, and of course tikoy. Thanks to our Chinese students, we get to have tikoy for free! Besides the usual way of dipping sliced tikoy in beaten egg and deep frying, I found a recipe that turns tikoy into something like turon (saging na saba/bananas wrapped in lumpia wrapper). When Ms Cleng, our school cook, first made this, I adoringly named it “turonikoy”. Upon browsing through the net, I found a similar recipe, but this time with cheese– funny enough, they called it lumpiang cheekoy. As for me, I would like to call it Cheese Turonikoy . I also made Nutella Turonikoy.:-)
Here’s my take on Cheese/Nutella Turonikoy

My Cheese Turonikoy and Nutella Turonikoy with some confectioner's sugar.


I like the cheese more- sweet and salty is just so yummy! My husband said it needed more sweet on it so I drizzled some sweetened milk or condensed milk. It was delicious!

That condensed milk gave the dish that extra kick!

Yummy, yummy… Until my next post, happy chinese new year everybody!

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My Eyeshadow Attempts

January 23rd, 2012

Ever since I laid my hands on Tony Moly’s Backstage Gel Eyeliner, I somehow got interested to try out different eyeshadows as well. When it comes to eyeshadows, I am pretty much naive. If I put them on, I stick to one color only since I didn’t know how to do all those blending stuff. Thanks to youtube, I know have a wealth of eyeshadow information at my disposal. But of course, if I want to really learn something, I need some practice materials. After reading tons of reviews, I came across E.L.F. eyeshadow palettes as a promising choice. My first requirement was of course affordability and E.L.F. products easily meet that criteria. Fortunately Metro Department Store in Marquee Mall sells them. For a little less than 500 pesos, I got myself the E.L.F. Eye Shadow Collection Palette 48 piece Set.

ELF eyeshadow palette in 48 colors. It has an array of colors to choose from- perfect for beginners like me!


On the negative side, all the choices are sparkly. No satins or mattes.


I got totally excited to try them out right away and I thought I needed new brushes to go with it. I am so hyped that I bought myself a 7-piece brush set from Fashion 21- yup, I am indulging wisely choosing only items that are budget friendly!

This 7 piece brush set costs roughly about 450 pesos, very affordable!


According to Eyeshadow 101 tutorials, I need 3 colors to start with. I followed youtube instructions closely and this is what I came up with:

I'd say not bad for starters! But of course, that's according to me!


I think it looks OK... Not scary or anything lol.


For best results, you need an eyeshadow primer which I am getting really soon! Also, I am on the look out for more affordable eyeshadow palettes. Hope to sharpen my skills in eyeshadow application eventually!

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In Love with BB Creams: Skin 79 Diamond Collection Shimmering Pearl BB Cream

January 21st, 2012

I do not regret winning this item in an eBay auction. For days and nights when I feel I need a little sparkle in my get-up, I turn to Skin 79′s Diamond Collection Shimmering Pearl BB Cream. Maybe that’s an understatement because this BB cream can truly make your face shimmer like crazy. If I have it on, I feel like a vampire from Twilight. Needless to say, even if I feel that it’s a good buy, this definitely is not your everyday on-the-go BB cream. Still, it is a good addition to my make-up kit. I find it especially useful during our school programs. I tried using it one ordinary day and my student said I looked like I was sweating… rather funny really, especially coming from a 2 yr. old. Anyways, when I use it, I usually put a BB cream primer first because the coverage isn’t that pronounced. What’s pretty dang noticeable really are the glitters. I also tried putting my Missha BB cream first then this one and it seems to be better that way. Here are snapshots of this BB cream.

I love the simplicity of its packaging.


I was amused and excited when I first saw the applicator brush. I thought it was unique! My only problem was that cleaning it was another task to do.


It's a bit light at first, but very soon, it will get absorbed by the skin.


This BB cream blends well with my skin tone. I do like it if it would be more effective in concealing skin imperfections.


See how it sparkles?

Overall, my penchant for all things sparkly suggests that this one is definitely a keeper. Whenever I get an opportunity, I will surely not hesitate to put this on.

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Bag Love: Coach Signature Daisy Large Tote

January 20th, 2012

I’m really happy to tell the world about my new love- My Coach Daisy! Being a happy mom of 3, choosing a bag that would be convenient and baby-friendly is a must! My good-old fashionista buddy, Karen, told me that slings are in for 2012. Well, that alone is an answered prayer for trying-hard-to-be-fashionable-while-slinging-a-baby-around mommies like yours truly, haha. I have proven the hard way that a baby plus an LV Alma or Speedy or any short-handle bag is a no-no!
While my big-timer friend got herself a Prada Gauffre Tessuto in Nylon for a slingy, I got a cheaper but really pretty one for me.
I bought my Coach Daisy from a friend of a friend who just arrived from the states a month ago. Similar items sold in eBay Philippines cost approximately Php11,000. I got mine a few thousand pesos lower than that *yey*. I got this bag because I wanted a sling bag that can double as a mommy bag. Yes, more than its outer appeal, I love that its also very sturdy. Since it’s a sling, both of my hands are free, which is very nice since I need ‘em most of the time especially when I’m with the kids. Here are snapshots of my new everyday bag.

Coach paperbag and box!


Bag still fresh and covered with cc monogram printed wrapper.


Another covering- this time plastic! Wish it had the cc prints, too :)


Sneak peak


With all tags in. The feeling girly in me absolutely adores the pink daisy hangtag!


Something I'm not really fond of is its screaming dark pinkish interior. Well, I could live with it.


It comes with detachable slings. I use the long and short handles alternately and I just love its versatility.

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Patchi Chocolates- My Mouthwatering Birthday Present

January 17th, 2012

I was greeted with an unexpected present a while ago.  The packaging reminded me of something expensive and classy, more like Louis Vuitton!  Instantly, my first impression was that it was probably something leather- like a wallet maybe? But Patchi? I have no inkling of what that brand was.  To my surprise, inside the beautiful brown package were intricately wrapped chocolates.  I was instantly swept with excitement.  I knew in my heart that something so beautiful could only mean one thing-  heaven in a bite! And true enough, it was!

Oh, who would have thought that chocolate could taste that pure?  Just the right amount of sweetness to tickle my senses and make me yearn for more.  It breaks my heart to share but I must, hahaha… I believe that the more you give the more you receive.

The packaging looks like a Louis Vuitton box doesn't it?


Oh, isn't that beautiful?


I’ve had Royce and between the two, I’d choose Patchi in a heartbeat. I just wish I can afford them haha. Here’s an article showcasing the awesomeness of Patchi.

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In Love with BB Creams: Missha M Perfect Cover

January 8th, 2012

If there is one thing that I definitely cannot do without- that would be BB creams! I’ve been using BB for more than two years and until now, I cannot help but marvel at this amazing invention. Yeah I know tons of women swear by its effectivity and testimonials about them come in droves. However, amidst the hordes of this information, hear me out please. I love BB creams a lot before and now that they are still continually evolving, I love them even more! Since sharing my thoughts and good experiences is something I enjoy, I will be writing about my BB encounters. As I go along this, I hope to find the best BB cream for me. Oh, don’t get me wrong. So far, I’ve tried a few of them and I must say that my experiences have been positive. But again, the journey has just begun. For now, let me just share with you my thoughts about my latest BB cream- Missha Perfect Cover BB cream.
Missha was my first love and yet again, it never fails to impress me. M Perfect Cover BB cream is perfect in many respects- it has very good coverage, effectively concealing skin imperfections, it is light and easy to apply, it has shades to choose from- to make sure the product matches your skin tone, and lastly, it has SPF 42 PA+++. As I am almost in my mid-30′s, sun protection is becoming a high priority in my cosmetic selection. Here are snapshots of my BB cream.

My Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in a 20 ml tube. I decided to get the small one because it takes years for me to finish a tube.

It may initially look paler than my skin tone but eventually, the formula adopts and evens out my color.

This BB cream is light and is easily absorbed by the skin. See how the veins on my hand seemed to have lightened.

That's my old Missha BB cream in silver packaging plus a sample sachet of BB Boomer. I put the Boomer first so I can fully maximize the 'powers' of my BB cream.

Missha M BB Boomer is a BB boosting cream, which boosts the adgerence and duration of BB Cream and makes your skin look brighter when applied before BB Cream. Its pearl, antioxidant and moisturizing ingredients make your skin more radiant while leaving it moisturized.

Buy them from my seller and get freebies! (for purchases 300pesos and up!)

Posted in Crazy Ramblings, Ebay Finds, Mommy Thingies, Whims and Wants | 1 Comment »

The 2011 Highlights of My Life

January 6th, 2012

With the happenings of New Year still lingering in the air, I came across my end of 2009 post: The 2009 Highlights of my life and I wondered why I did not do the same last year. Was I too busy to reflect and write down my thoughts for the year that was? And since I remember now, I guess it is but right that I sit down and give myself a moment to travel back in time. Here are the 2011 Highlights of my life
1. Padma joins the family
I now share January with my bunsoy- Padma. She was born the day after my 33rd birthday. Oh, having a new baby around brings tremendous happiness to our household. Like my other kids, I absolutely adore her! Before she was born, I thought I wanted a baby boy for a change, but having another girl is not bad- in fact, I am elated! I am able to transcend my ‘kakiyan’ to my girls. They are my gifts, my joy, my life. They make me whole. They make me dream big. Everything I do- may they be little or monumental steps- all of these are for them.
2. Being a Working Breastfeeding Mom
Who would have thought that it was possible to be a full time working and breastfeeding mom? Until now, I am still overwhelmed at having to accomplish such a magnificent feat. For almost a year now, I have and continue to breastfeed my daughter purely… no formula, no anything! This is a new and remarkable achievement for me and I believe I deserve a pat on the back. I vow to share my amazing adventure to other pregnant momma’s out there. Breastfeeding is the best!
3. My Growing Bag Collection
Times are hard and money is scarce but it is definitely not a sin to indulge! I love bags and being a good mom and a hardworking person, I truly deserve some luxury in my life. Hence this year, I add to my meager bag collection my Dooney tote, Longchamps, Tory tote, and my much-coveted Louis Vuitton Alma Multicolore Noir (my 4th LV)
4. Preschoolville’s Second Year
Our other baby- Preschoolville Learning Center, continues to grow! On our second year of operations, we’ve had a 100% increase in enrollment! I say, not bad… not bad, at all! With God’s help, we look forward to bigger leaps this 2012.
5. Moving Out From My Parent’s House
It’s been actually more than a year since me and my husband finally decided to rent our own place and so far, it’s been OK. The transition was actually the most challenging part- the first few months, my husband and I would constantly fight. It was a struggle really. It was like he took advantage of our newfound independence and saw it as an opportunity to party and drink with his friends often. This, plus the fact that I was very pregnant, made me nuts! I would nag all day and all night and we’d end up hating each other- I was mad at him for drinking and he would be mad at me for not understanding. Our constant quarreling eventually lessened the moment we moved into a new house. Here, we tried our best to understand each other’s side and thankfully, it’s been so much better since.
6. Scammed!
This year, I had the misfortune of being lulled into an absurd deal. A friend of mine persuaded me to loan money to her and in a week’s time, she promised me that she would return the money plus a huge interest! Despite my hubby and mom’s blatant disapproval, I followed my faulty gut and gave it a go. To my dismay, it was an epic fail. Who would have thought that the phrase “too good to be true” would become a horrible reality for me?
7. Apple Galore
With the purchase of hubby’s MacBook Pro, the kids’ iPad, my iPhone, and just recently, my daughter’s iPod, Apple is becoming a familiar household name. My hubby’s adoration over all things Apple started way back 1996 I guess. I remembered going to their place then and wondering what the brand name of their weird looking PC was. With much reverence, he mentioned the word Macintosh which, at that time, made me recall red, plump apples… yum. And to my surprise, using their Mac was as easy as ABC. Back in highschool, MS DOS was alien to me. You can just imagine how impressed I was with that new invention haha. That’s why my husband’s love for all things MAC is fairly grounded. His next goal: reward himself with a 21.5 inch iMac.
8. Out of Town Trips
Our meager finances last year prompted us to postpone our dream HK and SG vacations for the meantime. But I believe that wherever you are, for as long as you are with the loves of your life, you’d still have absolute joy and contentment. Talk about consoling myself haha. No seriously, our lost airplane rides was compensated with several short but fun out of town trips in Morong, Bagac, and Pilar Bataan, Subic, and Tagaytay. Well, as I’ve said, regardless of the distance, they are still time well spent with the family. That’s all that matters, really.

I’m afraid I won’t be able to finish this post if I don’t stop now. Anyways, I can always edit if ever I remember more of my 2011 highlights. And yes, like all of you, I pray for a better 2012. Amidst the heartaches and failures there are still so many things to love and be grateful for. With this I close and save this post. Happy new year to all of you!

Posted in Crazy Ramblings, Inspirational Quotes, Mommy Thingies | No Comments »

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Day Tour

January 2nd, 2012

Before we bid goodbye to 2011, my family thought of making a quick out-of-town trip. Originally, we planned to go to Vigan. Vigan is heaven for photo-enthusiasts such as my hubby. I, myself, is dreaming of strolling and maybe posing ala-supermodel along its cobblestone streets laden with ancestral buildings reminiscent of colonial European and Oriental architecture. But this dream of ours is not yet in for the taking, well, at least not at the moment. For now, it will be extremely difficult to do a 10 hour++ travel with our barely a year-old baby around. Thankfully, there is a nearer and a more convenient substitute to a blast-from-the-past adventure. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan is merely a 2 hour drive from Angeles City via SCTEX.  This genesis heritage resort is one of its kind- highlighting the architectural pieces of a bygone era and bringing to life the customs and traditions of long ago.  It is a truly magical and wonderful place to see.  Right there and then, you can give your children a quick lesson in Filipino history.

Bahay na batos are restored in a picturesque setting reminiscent of a Juan Luna or Amorsolo painting.

How to get here. From SCTEX, take the Dinalupihan exit and drive along the streets of Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, and Pilar. Along Pilar, you will see the road leading to the majestic Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat. Just a few more minutes from here and you will finally reach Bagac. In Bagac, there are signages all over directing you to Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar.

The journey through history begins by the time you reach the gates of the place. You will soon find yourself being greeted by serious looking guwardiya sibils. Actually, all their employees are geared up to match the place- wearing the traditional barong tagalog and baro’t saya. True enough, Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar is indeed a living museum of Philippine customs and traditions.

A real blast from the past adventure.

The guwardiya sibil greets you at the gate and surveys the number of passengers in the vehicle.

A closer view of the restored stone houses.

 

Picture taking time:)

take a dip into Las Casas' batis inspired pool overlooking the sea.

What not to forget. Last time we went, it was sunny but windy. I could just imagine how hot the place would be during the summer. Anyways, better gear up for long walks under the sun. Dress lightly and apply sunblock lotion. Also, bring a hat and umbrella. I had to buy a hat for Php500 in one of their novelty shops out of desperation. Last and most importantly, prepare yourself financially, especially if you are going to stay overnight. Accommodations here are pretty dang pricey. For you to have an idea about this, read on.
Day Tour Packages: Entrance Fee Only-650/adult,4 yrs.and below free; Entrance Fee with snacks-850/adult, 425/child; Entrance with set meal 1200/person; Entrance with buffet meal 1500/person.
Hotel Accommodations. Fees range from 3825 to 8500 pesos.
Heritage Houses for Rent. Fees range from 15750 to 45000 pesos.
Contact Information. Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, Bo. Pagasa, Bagac, Bataan. (63 2)332 5338, (63 2)332 5286 (63 917) 8729361, or email them at reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com.

Old school fountain.

Take a romantic walk with your loved-one along Las Casas' cobblestone streets.

Street names

Another majestic view

Signage at the Registration area

Posted in Crazy Ramblings, Uncategorized, Whims and Wants | 4 Comments »

Tory Burch Tory Nylon Tote in Black: My New ‘Mommy Bag’

December 28th, 2011

I love bags. No, let me get that right, I LOOOOOVE BAGS!  However, as much as I want to indulge myself, I do try my best to be reasonable in choosing bags.  My criteria includes- brand, style, material, aesthetics, and because of my very important role as a MOMMY, I’ve added ease of use, and size!  Oh, over and above anything else, Louis Vuitton remains to be at the top of my list.  But I gotta admit, they don’t bring me happiness all of the time!  I love my Speedy and Alma but these handheld bags are honestly, torture to lag around if you have a baby who wants to be carried, too!  Yes I know, I should get a neverfull or a totally, but seriously, I don’t think a Louis Vuitton purse deserves to be stuffed with all sorts of mommy and baby thingies.  That’s why in moments where being a MOMMY is of top most priority, I turn to my handy dandy totes- my large and medium long handle Longchamps, my Dooney, and just recently, my beautiful Tory Burch Tory Nylon Tote.

This bag is gorgeous! It is simple yet sturdy- definitely a very good alternative for mommies who want to be subtly fashionable yet still be effective in performing various mommy duties and responsibilities.  I also love that I got one in black nylon- which essentially means, baby friendly.:-)  I am so loving this brand right now that I may soon buy myself matching Tory Burch shoes.

Definitely a momma's BBF (best bag friend)! Alongside my everyday necessities, I also stash diapers, baby clothes, an iPad, and other what-have-you's in this super roomy bag!

I love the iconic logo of Tory Burch. It's a shame not many people are aware of this brand. I think they make absolutely amazing products!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like many well-known brands, Tory Burch is not safe from counterfeiting. To ensure that you are buying authentic Tory Burch, check out their website- http://www.toryburch.com/counterfeits-faq/content-counterfeit-faqs,default,pg.html

Posted in Bag Love, Ebay Finds, Mommy Thingies, Whims and Wants | 1 Comment »
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