WAHM.....Not This Time Yet

It has already been several times in this blog that I had stated my intent to be a WAHM (Work at Home Mom). It is not because I am not happy with my job, I may be underpaid for the responsibilities and task that I have right now, it does not mean that I am not happy with my work. Though I feel that I am not justly compensated, I am still happy with the culture of my workplace, the camaraderie and friendship is worth the stay. However, between family and work, of course, family comes first. I must admit that there are times that my quality time with my family specially the kids suffer the most. So you may ask what is keeping me from being a WAHM, it is the timing of finances. At this moment where we have tons of payments to be made not to mention the fact my eldest will be entering college and for sure it will entails additional cut in our budget.

I wish that the time will come where in I will have the strength and the guts to resign and bank on my online blog earnings and my online shop (printbox.multiply.com). If that time comes I will be the most excited WAHM in this whole wide universe. WAHM, not this time yet

On the Sidenote : Who would not love to work in this home office, the interiors, functionality and the office furniture all compliments one another….if ever I just want my space to be pretty yet functional….errrr I forgot about the man in the house who will also be using my space…..OK, I want it to be neat and functional……and pretty too hehhehe.

Functional Home Office (step by step intruction on how to get the look at Steven & Cris website)

Zen Style Home Office

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My 17th Wedding Anniversary

For a teenage marriage couple like us, I know that it is a feat to reach the 17th year of our married life. I am very glad that we belong to the couples who where able to keep the love burning through the years. Every year in my life together with my husband is a milestone worth living for. I feel that if the cup of love between my husband and I is overflowing, then we will have more than enough love to share with our kids - Ishi and Icko.

Today, another milestone in my life has happened, it is our 17th year wedding anniversary. Ours is not a fairy tale love story, we almost broke up before since we really started too young for a very serious responsibility in life because of our young age. Just when we are still to be nurtured that time yet, we are already faced with nurturing our own baby. But we were able to surpass the test of time and now, after 17 years...we are still happy and endlessly in-love.

May our love story be an inspiration to others who are experiencing problems, because just like you, we had been to those struggling times that we almost gave up. We may not be an expert in the world of married life but based on experience, always remember this parting shot.

Happy 17 Year Anniversary Mahal!

March 06, 1993
The day I married the man I truly love

The father of my children

"A married life is a work in progress, many happy marriages are made, they do not just happen"."

"In a word, there are three things that last forever:
faith, hope, and love;but the greatest of these is love."- Corinthians, 13:4

To My Dear God;
Thanks for this wonderful family that you gave me, it is more precious than all the diamonds and pearls in this whole wide world


See related post:

• Our Corny Courtship Days
• Our Struggles in our Teenage Marriage and Our Love Story
• Even our secret on how to maintain long and lasting love despite of being a Pamilyang OFW.

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Hello Kitty Overloads

My daughter Ishi showed me collection of pictures of Hello Kitty Overload that she is dying to have, who would not love to have one.....

The living room is very neat and feminine, though it has lots of Hello Kitty stuff every girl young and old alike will surely love it.

My Ishi told me that it looks more like a princess room, the design is very apt for tweens and teens as well.

We really do have a Hello Kitty overload when we searched over the Internet, imagine from rugs, to toaster to ref and just about anything….If that is ain’t enough then may this Hello Kitty house suit your fancy =)

Picture Credits : Brown Pinay does not own the pics in this post, it fully credited to its rightful owner. This pics was taken from the Internet.

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MMDA Traffic Apprehension Scheme

In my last post I already spilled the beans that I was apprehended by MMDA for "ignoring the traffic lights". This post is not to rant, but just to discuss my experience since it is my first time to get an MMDA ticket. I know its my fault, naalangan ako sa stop light. Ok, ok, ok...I will simply put it this way, I am beating the red light and unfortunately the red light is faster than me hehheheh.

This is the sequence of events:

• MMDA enforcer pulled me off and explain my violation and then asked for my driver's license
• MMDA officer issued my Traffic violation receipts (TVRs)and instructed me to pay at Metrobank within 7 days after my apprehension date.
• Failure to settle means you cannot renew your license.
  

Unlike the old traffic apprehension scheme I find this new one to be faster and more efficient. In the old traffic apprehension scheme, the traffic enforcer will confiscate your driver's license and you have to claim it at the main LTO office, and attend the seminar. There is really lots of hassle before. The very reason why some drivers will opt to give bribe because of the hassle in claiming the license. Thus, the prolification of "kotong traffic enforcers" who usually takes advantage of the situation.

Update : I already paid Php 150.oo (ignoring the traffic signs) at Metrobank. The teller instructed me to keep the paid receipt since there has been instances that although they had already paid, it was still tagged as unpaid, so better keep a copy of the receipt. I had read in some Pinoy forums that they are ranting because of the lapses of computerized system to reflect their payment that's why they cannot renew their license.

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My Daughter's Prom

I remember blogging about The Coming Out : My Daughter's JS Prom last year, and how time flies I am here again blogging about her JS Prom now as a Senior. The preparation excitement was still there, as usual, I am not ashamed to profess to the whole world that I am a stage Mom hehheheh….or shall I say a very hands-on Mom specially on occasions like this.

My Ishi already knew what she wants - the look that she wants to project for that event. She wants an Athena Greek Goddess inspired gown and look and she really attain that aura that night. She is so beautiful in her Prom, not because she is my daughter but because she is really radiant and lovely.

Just like last year, I also filed a vacation leave the whole day, good thing is that the JS coincides with my Icko’s Foundation Day. It is like hitting 2 birds in one stone.

Let me share to you the whole experience.

The Preparation:

The Gown:

Ishi love to grab the look of a Greek Goddess, so we searched for the Internet for the perfect cut and we where able to get one from Anne Hathaway’s gown which she used in Oscars Awards Night we just put a little twist into it.

The inspiration

Ishi - the Athena Greek Goddess)

The gown was created by Ms. Abel Jacinto (yes, she is a girl and at first I taught otherwise). I am very happy with the outcome. The cut was great, the fabric - first class chiffon as well as the color really compliment the look or inspiration that my Ishi wants for her day.

I have seen similar cut in the mall and it is tagged as Php 5,000, the gown cost us Php 3,850 but I can say that it is all worth it. There are no alteration done for her gown unlike in her last JS gown. What is good with Ms. Abel is that, she can grab the look from your source, although I can say that she is not your usual machika na coutorier (well I find her medyo suplada nga at first) yet what matters is that she delivers.

BTW, she also did the gown of my niece Jill (junior) who happens to share the same eventwith her Ate Ishi (senior).

(the inspiration)

(Jill - the Hollywood Diva)

Abel Jacinto Shop
Gen. Tinio St.
Morning Breeze Subd.
Caloocan City

Her Accesories :

• Both the shoes and bag of the 2 Promenaders were sponsored by my loving brother Onin and her equally loving kikay wifey Susan. Thanks mga kapatid. Bought from the ever reliable Mall ng Bayan - SM
• Serpentine Armlet and Cocktail Ring - I discover a highly recommended shop in multiply : Ziza by Kittin, I really love to transact with Ms. Kittin, it was one of the most pleasurable and fast transaction that I has ever done over The Internet. Her accesories are really unique and lovely. I got 2 items from her the Serpentine Armlet (Php 275) and the Batwing Cocktail Ring (Php 130). I also love the packaging in velvet bag. She was very helpful to me since 2 days na lang before the Prom and she offered to do meet-up at the Shang. Thanks Ms. Kittin, luv u sis....It is hard to look for an armlet in the mall that would compliment to the Grecian look.
  

(the serpentine Armlet - that compliment her Grecian look)
Batwing Cocktail Ring

• The Nails - as Kikay as ever my Ate Allin told us that the girls nails can be done at a nail spa near her place. We want a nail art for the kikays. The place was really a cozy one. But the sevice sulks. The one who did the nail of Jill was just OK, but the attendant who did my daughter's nail was a real disaster, she cannot get the nail art that my Ishi desires, she replaced the design and erased it 3 times. But the worst part of it all is that she was very unpleasant and even told my daughter "wala naman silbi yang nail-art na yan e, dapat wala na yan". The nerve of her. Both the attendant has no PR, I just pity the owner of the shop. I am sorry that she put all her effort in putting up the business but her attendant needs to be trained to interact with her client. No matter how relaxing the place may be if the attendants are uncordial, everything will be out into waste. The ambiance is definately an A+ while the service is a Grrrrr.....
  
• 

Mrs. Manicurista Nail Spa
F. Roxas St.
Grace Park, Caloocan City

• The Make -Up and Hair- was done by her Tito Dave Astillero, the same make-up artist who did her make-up when she was only 6 years old when she won in the Little Miss Barangay, he also did Ishi's make-up in her last years prom. Last year, Ishi's make up was very refreshing and youthful. But for this JS Prom of my daughter, she made my daughter so regally beautiful and once again with his magic touch, Ishi was able to attain her Athena look.Dave is also one of the trusted make-up artist by the WOWIES ( a community of wedding brides in the Philippines).

(The finished product)

The JS Prom was held last February 19, 2010, now at Hotel Sofitel (it was in Manila Hotel last year). What makes this event extra special is that, we have 2 ladies for this event – my daughter Ishi and my niece Jill). I drove them all the way to the venue, it was traffic almost everywhere in Manila, unluckily, I was apprehended by the MMDA for “ignoring the traffic light” ( I will post a separate post for this). We arrived at the venue and sound with the ladies just having enough time to have a little chit chat and socialize with their peers.

Oh how time really flies, the two young girls are now a lady. I still remember their giggling days and now here they are all dressed and made up for their Prom

To Ishi and Jill, dont grow so fast my dears, take your time and enjoy the grandeur and sweetness of life. Take each step at a time and do not be in a hurry.

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My Ventosa Experience

(My back after the ventosa therapy)

For almost a month now, I have this recurring pain in my back. I felt that my upper back is so tired and my muscles are sore. No matter how frequent I have my spa combi massage the pain is still there. Then I remember my "Lola" and "Lolo" having this commonly called "lamig" removed from their back using the ventosa technique. "Lamig" is a local term which is used to described the soreness and cold that is stored in our body that causes muscle stiffness.

For the longest time I had been wanting to have this Ventosa Cupping Theraphy, I had been researching over the Internet about local spa offering Ventosa. After my SAP Training at PLDT Dansalan, I went to Cubao to buy my daughter's accessory for her JS. On my way home I spotted a spa (named Pinoy Spa) offering Ventosa. Even if it is not in my schedule, I headed to the reception area of the spa without second thoughts.

Every thing happened so fast, the next thing I knew, I was asked to lie down on my back and the therapist started to suction the Ventosa cups in my back. Old way to do it is thru thick old drinking glass, but now they have already improvised a suction cup (Visit Annalyn's blog entry about her ventosa experience to see the pics of what I am talking about).

Everytime the therapist will have the cup suctioned in my back, I am already anticipating pain. It 's quite painful but tolerable, but as it goes, you can feel the ease and comfort of the "lamig" coming out of your back. Hayzzz, I just love the feeling. The therapist told me that I had lots of "lamig" in my back, her determinant is the haziness in the cup.

My first ever ventosa experience is very pleasurable and I am sure to keep coming back for more. If only I have enough time, I should had also availed of the deep tissue massage after the therapy. After the treatment I felt that the "lamig" at my back subsided, the effect is far more better than my previous shiatsu, swedish, thai nor my combi massage. My back is literally all black and blue, circular splotches were formed because of the pressure implied by the cup suction. But who cares, I had been relieved of the feeling of soreness at my back.

For sure there will be a next time. I might also try the hot stone massage and share it to you as well.

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Ventosa (1 hour) = Php 279
Ventosa with massage (2 hours) = Php 479

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Pinoy Spa
Branches :

Farmer's Plaze
3F Araneta Center, Cubao, QC
Tel : 994-9347

Starmall
EDSA Shaw Blvd

Isetann Cinrama Complex
CM Recto Manila

Caloocan fronting OLGA Church
11th Avenue Caloocan


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On the sidenote :
People nowadays get too conscious on how they look on the outside. They must look handsome and pretty or pleasing to the eyes of other people all the time. They tend to make themselves presentable to the extent of spending lots of money just to look good. But there’s no doubt that even the most handsome guy and prettiest girl in town are aging.

Need not worry there are ways to prevent early aging

* First in line and the most common by eating healthy food and well balanced diet
* Secondly, Exercise everyday for a healthy and fitter body
* For others, they tend to use anti aging skin products, although it is not my cup of tea.
* For me, I love to pamper myself with massage, for me that is the way for me to counter stress, pressure and defying age as well.

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The Valentines Gift

It is already 1:30 AM and I did not notice that it is already Valentines Day here in the Philippines. I am currently chatting with my dear husband based in Saudi Arabia (5 hrs delay from Manila). For six years now, this is how we celebrate every Valentines or any other special occasions in our life. Thanks to technology, at least we may be distance apart but still we are able to express our love for one another. The chat room is our venue for our date hehhehehe.

If you will be back reading from my previous posts, I had already shared to you our:

• Our Corny Courtship Days
• Our Struggles in our Teenage Marriage and Our Love Story
• Even our secret on how to maintain long and lasting love despite of being a Pamilyang OFW.
  

Distance is truly not a hindrance to a relationship to last long. Aside from LOVE, Communication is the key.

Now after almost nearly 4 years of blogging and you being a witness to all my joys and struggle. Let me share to you another journey in our life. After being an OFW for 6 years, finally, finally the day has come. My husband has already filed his resignation. This is one of the best Valentines gifts that I had ever received from my Mahal. What does this mean? It only means that Allan will be coming home to the Philippines for good to be with us. I had been longing for this moment to come. Come April I will surely share to you another journey in our life. Needless to say, my kids are also waiting for this moment.

Brown Pinay will soon be with her Brown Pinoy here in the Philippines.

I Love you Mahal and Thanks for that wonderful Valentines gift. Mwahhhh and see you soon.
On the sidenote : Just an hour ago I had this recurring headache that I told my hubby that I will not be able to meet him at the chatroom. But when he told me that he has already filed his resignation, adrenalin rush comes flowing in my vein, I immediately rush to the computer and logged in my YM account. This may sound to cheesy hehehhehe but truly LOVE is the best migraine treatment for me… CHeeeeeezyyyyyyyy……..

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Valentines Gift Ideas For Her

With Valentines day just around the corner, every lover is looking for a perfect gift that would not hurt the pocket. Giving does not have to be a traumatic experience especially if you are on a tight budget. Anyway, love is not measured by giving gifts alone, the love and the effort given by the giver is what counts the more.

Try gifts that are unique, DIY, and those given with drama and gimmick.

Here are some gifts for her that she will surely love and appreciate the more.

1. Flowers – You can never go wrong with flowers, but for sure prices of flowers in flowershops located in malls will soar high this season. So the ever reliable Dangwa Market in Manila will be a sure heaven for those in the look out for affordable fresh and beautiful flower arrangement.
2. Chocolates - giving chocolates still do wonders. Just enclose with it a sweet little note and everything will turn out just right.
3. Lover’s Couple Massage – girls usually arrange for this kind of set-up. Surprise her with a a trip to your favorite spa that offers couple massage. Every girl loves to be pampered more so if she is with her loved one.
4. Date at Home – many couples will go out for a date come Valentines Day. For sure many couples will be heading to their fave restaurant, sometimes restaurant with romantic ambiance are costly. If you have a place, you may set-up a romantic dinner for her. Set the mood, dim the that light, set-up the table and booze the ambiance with your favorite romantic song. Cook the dinner of you can but, if you cannot really cook, it is OK not to attempt because it might just turn into a disaster. Anyway there is always those affordable take out food services which offers food delivery.
5. Love Scrap Book – if you have tons of digital pictures with you, you may ask an expert to create a scrapbook for you. Search for multiply shops over the Internet which offer similar services. I am sure she will surely treasure this, because this is not a common gift that a man would usually think of.
6. Memory Box / Time Capsule – create a memory box where in you would both put something valuable or something which reminds of your love to one another (i.e. your pics, a dried flower etc) and agree to open up the box/capsule on an agreed time. Cheesy idea but it can make “kilig” to your other half.
7. Create a Personal Love Voucher – be of service to her. The coupon should bear a selection of thoughtful promises from you to your sweetheart: for a special night out together, a back massage, or breakfast in bed. She will surely love the idea that she is your queen for the day. (You can download printable Love Coupon here)

Image credits are given to the rightful owners of the pictures which was taken over the Internet.

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My Ideal Weight is Still 12 Lbs Away

Just the other day I went to Trinoma and coincidentally there is a beauty trade fair at the basement of the mall. One of the booth that caught my fancy is the Xenical booth (need I say more, hehhehehe). They offer free fat analysis and I voluntarily subject myself to this test. Apart from being free, I want to know if how much weight I need to loose. But of course, I am already expecting that I am overweight for my body built. I am 5’3” in height and my weight is 1** lbs (shhh secret ;), and based on their analysis I need to take off 12 more pounds of my excess baggage. I do not believe that there is a short-cut for weight loss nor I am not for quick trim extreme burn, discipline and keen determination still are the biggest factor in weightloss. Sad to say, I do not have this right now, sigh, sigh, sigh.

I personally believe that ideal weight is also dependent to your body structure not only on your height.

You may try this Online tool to calculate your ideal weight goal for your body.

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Acne Pills

During teenage days teenagers tend to be more conscious on how they look. At the same time it is during teenage stage when Acne comes out on our faces. Acne is the most common problem of teenagers on their faces. Different products like creams, facial wash promises to make those acne’s disappear. Though sometimes it is effective but remember if something works on you it doesn’t mean it can work on other people as well. Sometimes it makes the acne irritated and increases its number visible on your faces.

There is something new introduce in the market called acne pills. No more irritation on your faces. Because it need not to be wiped on your faces where the acnes are. Water and the pill presto you have your aid to your acne problem. Although I haven't tried it nor am I encouraging it, it is always better to read reviews about a new product.

I just wonder if Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, can really effectively treat acne , as shown in some local TV ads?

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