Mommy Moments - Summer Outing

It's Friday and it's time for Mommy Moments with this week's theme being Summer Outing. We love summer and we like to go on summer outings, especially when the weather is scorchingly hot and humid. Joaqui also likes to swim and play in the water, so we make it a point every summer to go to the beach. I think it's also a wonderful experience for him to see more of the world around him ; )

This picture was Joaqui's first time to go to the beach and play on the sand. This was in Bataan and he really had fun.

This was Joaqui's first time to go swimming in the open sea water. I called this picture "Big Boat and Small Boat."

We had a blast night swimming during our company's outing in Pansol, Laguna. Here, Joaqui was playing with the other kids in the swimming pool.

The pictures below were from our recent outing with my husband's family in Sitio Lucia in Bulacan. It was a nice resort with a dinosaur park, so Joaqui really enjoyed this summer outing.

Summer has just begun and we are still looking forward to more trips to the beach this coming April and May. I just hope we don't get too tanned at the end of the summer.

For more of Mommy Moments, click here.

credit card deals

I used to own three credit cards and since I have been a work-at-home mom, I just maintain one credit card for major purchases. I did not apply for the other two credit cards. It was sent to me because, according to the sales agent, I was preapproved to be granted one.

Since we will be preparing for Joaqui's school expenses next year, we are trying to get the best deals out of our credit cards. There are numerous credit card companies out there, and at first I thought they were all the same until I came across an article on searching for the best credit card and found out about the important features of credit cards which I should know about like interest rate, balance transfers, reward points, etc.

I examined our credit card statements and the other perks offered by these particular credit cards. I was disappointed that I have not even claimed the bonus points I earned from using this credit card. Sometimes I just don't pay attention to these details that I tend to overlook them. I also took notice of gas cards being offered by some companies. It is said that gas credit cards are more appropriate for those who travel a lot and buy a lot of fuel. Since we own a car and prices of fuel always go up, this may help us cut cost on our fuel expenses. But then we have to go to a particular gas station to avail of the discounts.

In any of these credit cards, I learned that the best among these are still the ones with low interest, and balance transfer and cash back options on purchases of merchandise. But the most important lesson here is how we use these credit cards. If we use them wisely, we do not end up paying month after month on debts that using relentlessly on these credit cards have created.

Friendly Blogger Award

I'm a little distracted now by some other stuff on the net, particularly Yoville on Facebook and so I have not been updating my blog lately. I think this "Friendly Blooger Award" from Jona will get the ball rolling for me once again. Thank you for this award Jona.

"Let's Spread the Spirit of Friendship to all the Blogosphere all over the World."

Here are the rules for this award :1. Take a Photo or install one now .2. Do not change clothes,do not trim the hair, the main image is to be captured (we want to see the real you...he..he..) .3. Post a picture that is in edit .

4. Post these instructions (required).5. Tag people to show appreciation to them that touch your heart because of their friendly attitude (required).

I'm now tagging Leah, Sheila, Quinnieann, and Joanne.

Mommy Moments - Siblings/Cousins Bonding

Happy Friday everyone! I'ts time for Mommy Moments and what I will share today are pictures of Joaqui with some of his cousins - his 2nd cousins actually because he is the only baby on both sides of our family at this time. He does not see his 2nd cousins too often, but we always make it a point that he get to see them during birthdays and other family occasions.

Joaqui with Kuya Rap-Rap at Alyssa's 1st birthday party. When we go to my in-laws' house and Rap-Rap is there, they would usually play together.

Joaqui giving his gift to Ate Angel during her 7th birthday.

Joaqui at his Ate Alaena's 3rd birthday. He is also fond of Ate Alaena.

Here he is again playing with Kuya Rap-Rap.

For now while Joaqui still has no little brother or sister, he enjoys spending time with his cousins and I hope that he will develop a close relationship with them as they grow up.

a wedding and a silver lining

When we were at my cousin Liway's wedding last Sunday, it made me reminisce our wedding day. I remembered the time I was walking down the aisle, the ceremony and the reception - everything was perfect. When I congratulated Liway for a wonderful wedding, I was flattered that she told us that she was inspired by our wedding. She was thankful for Weddings At Work just as I was when we got married.

The wedding also reminded me of the unused wedding gifts that we received, including a good set of silver cutlery. I have been wanting to use them, but my mother insisted that we keep it for use on special occasions. I was thinking of replacing our old cutlery with something more elegant for everyday use. I like changing our plates and silverware every now and then, usually depending on my mood. This time I am in the mood for elegance.

The silver cutlery given to us was of good quality. It is well made, well balanced and would last for years with relatively little care, which are things to remember when choosing good cutlery. My mom also told me about the traditional cutlery patterns and finishes. If you will be buying silver or stainless steel cutlery, keep in mind that if it is properly made, you can use them comfortably every time. There are also patterns and finishes that have stood the test of time and if they are sized and weighed accurately, they should be comfortable to hold.

The material of authentic sterling silver cutlery consists of at least 92.5% pure silver and copper is added for extra strength. Exquisitely good looking, durable and heavy sterling silver cutlery usually comes with an identification stamp and could be handed down from one generation to the next. If you would be spending money on these, have a look for understated, time honored, elegant styles.

Most of the time, we don't pay much attention when buying cutlery because it is such an everyday item of use. But if you think about it, it should be something that will really last, and also something that will suit our lifestyle and match the rest of the tableware. So if you happen to be buying cutlery, it is a good idea to invest not just money but enough time while choosing cutlery, with focus on the designs, material and prices.

Sisterhood Award

We had a hectic weekend, hence I only had time to blog now. We attended a birthday party last Saturday and then celebrated my mom's birthday with a simple dinner. On Sunday, Joaqui, Ate Jane and my mom attended a birthday party in Bounce while Jeff and I are in my cousin Liway's wedding. Talk about a lot of events. First for this week is a sisterhood tag from Leah.


Here are the rules:


1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I'm passing this award to Con, Rhea, Ayn, Jacque and Dada. ; )

Mommy Moments - Sleeping Time

We have had no problems with Joaqui when it comes to sleeping. Ever since he was a baby, he would sleep soundly, waking up only when he asks for milk. Now that he is two years old, he sleeps through the night and only asks for milk before sleeping and upon waking up. Except for the times that we have to be out late, he sleeps at fairly regular times. He always wakes up early though, at around 6 to 7 a.m. We have early on established a regular bedtime routine. After eating dinner and taking a bath, we are off to our room for our "routine."

We read his favorite book, "The Moon is My Friend"...

And read it again....

We then play our silly games and we even have names for it: Choco-Choco, Shen-Shen, Whoopsy, and Airplane. These are are games of jumping, tickling, and mommy lifting Joaqui like an airplane.


When he is tired and sleepy already, he would say "off lights, on lampshade na" and then he would fix his pillow before lying down. He dozes off and assumes his favorite sleeping position:

For more of Mommy Moments, click here.

going back to driving school

This is not uncommon these days, accidents on the road happening because of use of gadgets while driving. It used to be the cellular phones only, but now I think even laptops, PSP and portable DVD players are a nuissance to drivers. It takes away their full concentration on driving. I don't often drive, but I am very insistent on my husband that he does not use the cell phone while driving or he has to stop if he has to call or text someone.

The seriousness of car accidents due to these gadgets extend not only the driver, but also to his passengers and the other people that the vehicle might come in contact with. We have seen many tragedies happened because of irresponsibility. If we go back to the root of it all, I think that all drivers should undergo training from a reputable driving school. Take for example driving schools in Sydney, which prepares all their students for the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and provisional driving test, and these should also be applicable to new drivers here including drivers of public utility vehicles.

Most car accidents can be avoided if drivers have enough knowledge of responsible driving including traffic signs and regulations. Taking this into consideration, the next time I would take a refresher course of my driving lessons, I would be more informed and avoid being one of the statistics.

it's officially summer

Our backyard inflatable pool is up and that means summer is here! It was really hot so Joaqui and I took a dip in our pool ; ) We always have fun playing in the water while daddy takes pictures. I'm also planning to invite some of Joaqui's neighborhood friends for a pool party next time...it would be a riot! Hahahaha!

the amazing ways

I am going to attend a cousin's wedding and as I look through my closet to find something to wear, I am very much disappointed as none of my formal dresses fit me anymore. Actually they do fit, but I would look like a stuffed toy, and I'm so distracted about my tummy area. Ever since I gave birth via cesarean section two years ago, I am having a difficult time losing weight and get back to my pre-pregnancy body.

I'm giving myself this year to get back on track with my weight, and if all else fails, I am very much considering a tummy tuck. I have been doing a little research on the internet and I'm glad that I can avail of free surgery advice from some cosmetic surgery centers. This cosmetic surgery procedure makes the tummy more firm. Of course, if I will undergo this procedure, I would have to prepare myself and all my questions about this should be thoroughly answered by a competent cosmetic surgeon. It is also important that I establish trust with a surgeon of my choice as he has to know my medical history, the medications I'm taking, allergies and so forth.

Although tummy tuck is a common procedure, I would be willing to travel a long distance as long as it is done by a center that is reputable with highly skilled surgeons such as MYA. It has the advantage of 25 years of cosmetic surgery experience with a selection of the most experienced and skilled surgeons in the world. They also offer flexible finance packages that are affordable to make yourself amazing, and it's what they do best.

Ten-Ten-Te-Ten! (bring back your W@Wie memories)

In celebration of W@W 10th year anniversary, John Rana created a tag for former W@Wies to answer. I was tagged by Joanne and here it goes:

1. Your W@W tenure (indicate the year and/or month).

I think it was January or February 2005.

2. Best W@Wie idea you picked up and used for your wedding.


DIY stuffs like guest sheets, guest tags, etc.

3. Most active W@Wie groom in your batch.

Andrew, who is the husband of my former office mate.

4. Funniest/most memorable w@w egroup moment.

Concon's post regarding a "flowerist." ; )

5. Most active/helpful w@wie in your batch.

Jacque and Mec

6. Favorite w@w event (event/year)

The W@W Grand EB on August 28, 2005

7. Favorite w@wie wedding (aside from yours)

One of my favorites was Jacque and Simon's wedding

8. W@W souvenir/keepsake you still have in possession (i.e. books, calendar, shirt, buttons)

shirt, button and keychain

9. Your w@w BFF(s)

Concon, Rhea, Ayn and Jacque because we stil see each other up to now.

10. Your w@wie signature

Jeng ni Jeff
February 12, 2006
NSDG/Kasalikasan

on our own

There are times that I really wanted to move out of my mom's house and have a place of our own. It's not that my mom is difficult to live with (well sometimes), but I just want to experience living on our own, what it would be like for me to totally take care of the household. Sometimes I also dream of having our own house - my kind of house. I want a big house with a spacious lawn, but most importanly I want a house with a beautiful modern kitchen such as these:

I like a kitchen where I can work comfortably with pieces of modern kitchen equipment, a big oven, stainless kitchen sinks, and beautifully crafted kitchen cabinets. I can imagine myself cooking and preparing our meals in my modern kitchen. It's one of my favorite things to do also, I call it "house shopping" but not actually shopping for a house. I just like to look at different houses when we pass by villages or subdivisions. I would take note of the house's characteristics because it's something that I would want if we get to have our own house someday.

I mentioned that I wanted a house because although there are many condominium-type abodes that are available, I like the idea of having a lawn, just like my parents' house, because Joaqui likes to run around it. And a lawn may also put my green thumb into practice, so I can plant trees and flowers and maybe some vegetables in the backyard. Maybe living on our own would take a few more years to become a reality, but I do not mind that much because my mom is just delighted to have Joaqui around. Besides, small home improvements around here are more affordable right now. ; )

what kind of kid were you?

Now that I have a child of my own, I sometimes wonder what he'll be like as a kid. Will he be outgoing like his dad, studious like his mom (nyah!) or totally different from us at all? I tried to remember what I was like when I was a kid so I took the test. I was surprised by the results.

You Were an Outgoing Kid

When you were a kid, you had no problem expressing yourself. There's a good chance you started talking early - and never stopped! You had a lot of friends, and unlike most kids, you weren't shy around adults. You were well adjusted and confident. You enjoyed speaking up and participating.

What Kind of Kid Were You?

you changed my life

Yes, hubby and I watched the movie "You Changed My Life" starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. I was lucky that hubby agreed to watch this movie because he is really not into those kind of movies, but I really wanted to see something light, something that will not get me into thinking about it after I watched it.

I find the movie funny. The story may be a little shallow, but it was sweet. And if I really do think about it, commitment entails not just love but time, and it is important that you have the same priorities and values with someone you love. So if for example you are an LDS, and your priorities and values are important to you, finding someone to spend the rest of your life with maybe quite a challenge.

But if you are persistent enough to find your soul mate, you can participate in an LDS chat where you can speak to other LDS who have the same values and beliefs. You have nothing to lose because you can register for free and you have a chance to do a webcam chat also for free. It is a great way of expanding one's horizon in the dating scene and also buy time to know someone better before meeting them personally. Of course, it doesn't all end there. Relationships need effort from two people to make it work in which you can both say, "you changed my life in a moment...and I'll never be the same again."

Joaqui likes Andie

This was taken when we hosted our little group's eat along and I think one of the few moments that Joaqui would actually want to hug a little girl ; ) Joaqui is a little snob when it comes to touching, kissing or hugging other children, but I think he likes Andie. Before we went to bed that day, he also said, "Like Andie." Well, Andie is such a pretty little girl, and I'm not surprised Joaqui would like to hug her.