Excited

for this....

that blue ocean will be my everyday view for four days.

We will be leaving on Sunday and will not be back till new year's day. I can't wait to get my feet on the water and oh how I miss the sound of the waves :) It's been a while since I went to a "real vacation" so you can guess how important this is for me.

And since I will not be online during new year..I am sending you all now my new year greetings.

"May you have wonderful and prosperous new year!"

Christmas Rush

Two days to go before Christmas and I have yet to wrap all my gifts for my nephews and nieces :)

Talk about Christmas rush no?

Well, at least we're done with our Christmas parties and events so finally I have time. Yey!!
I was actually dead tired Saturday night so I woke up late Sunday morning. I decided to just stay home and rest if you can call cleaning and de-cluttering a rest.

But I am so happy that despite me not going to church yesterday, my day has been very productive naman. Amazing that I had the energy to organize and cleaned my small pantry, our shelves and a lot more  :) was able to change curtains too!!

Early evening, I was out and buying gifts, so tonight's last work to do is wrapping.

*~*

Oh.. I also cried a lot yesterday. While organizing some files at our study desk, I saw some of my Father's hospital records and his ID's. It suddenly hit me without a warning. Right there and then I cried, but afterwards God comforted me also and I felt fine.

I know there will be more of these moments but I'm sure there will always be comfort too.

*~*

How are you preparing for Christmas? Are you now ready and relaxing or  rushing like me?

I miss you Tay :(

-image from facebook-

Pork Chop with Cream of Mushroom Sauce

We were home early last Sunday and I'm kinda in the mood to cook so I experimented. Here's what Ihave come up with only a can of cream of mushroom in my pantry :)

"Pork Chop with Cream of Mushroom Sauce"

Season your pork with salt/pepper. 
Fry it until tender or slightly brown.
Add the cream of mushroom. I also added small amount of water.
Simmer for few minutes and you're done!! Easy peasy meal :)

N@wie Christmas Party 2013

N@wie stands for Newlyweds At Work

We had our Christmas party last Sunday at Le Parc event hall (yes, I know it's early for a Christmas Party but we like it that way because come December everyone is busy na with their own parties.

Yanple party shop did the set-up :) Candy theme..sweet and beautiful!

Food is provided by Richgold Weddings (not in the picture are pastas and desserts)

Raffle and game prizes

and US at the party. we had lots of fun!!!

all smile si husband..proof that he enjoyed it so much!

Sir Abet took this picture of us when we are about to go home :) our very own car.. hehe!! I think we are the only N@w couple that didn't have a car but our motorbike is cool right?

So there, our very first Christmas party for this year :) I think we have three more to go!

7 years 7 months

MARRIED to the man God has specifically chosen for me :)

It was not an all smooth easy marriage, like everyone else, we have some serious fights also, arguments from time to time but I think that makes our marriage even more stronger.

But I know also that I am super blessed with Rudolf. His love is very assuring and I have never felt so loved before. There are times I think I am not reciprocating the same love he is giving me eh because his love is so selfless, so forgiving, so humble, so kind. I don't think I am like that.

I am trying my best though to be a very good, supportive and loving wife to him, cheering him on when he is in despair, assuring him when he is in doubt, but still I cannot compare that to the many things he is doing for me.

And I thank the Lord so much for blessing me, for giving me that kind of gift.  I hope we will have more 7 years and 7 months to celebrate. 

Rainbow after the storm

Indeed. There is HOPE for Yolanda victims. :)


~*~*~*~*~

A rainbow is seen over the typhoon devastated city of Tacloban, Leyte island province, Philippines, 19 November 2013.

picture grabbed from Yahoo Southeast Asia Newsroom : Photo By EPA 

Desperate for good news

One week today since that super typhoon Haiyan ravaged our beloved country. 

One week of sad news and I don't think I can watch or read more. 

This morning as I opened the net, I was hoping for at least two or more good news (sort of relief distribution is better, roads are better, Tacloban is now secured from those who are trying to take advantage of the situation, families are united) but sad to say, stories about how  A LOT are complaining about the government and more depressing news are still the headlines.

So  stopped reading na lang. 

I'm desperate for good news ..I need a breather.

Super typhoon

Please include us, the Philippines in your prayers as we battle world's most powerful typhoon on earth this 2013. God bless us.

It may be the most powerful typhoon but our GOD is one who can calm the raging seas. HE is more pwerful than that!! Keep safe evryone!

How to renew passport online

We recently had our passport  renewed because it's expiring this December. I have heard so many good reviews about DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) services now a days and true enough because we experienced it first hand. It was a breeze and we are done in 30 minutes :)

Here is what I did for our passport renewal.

1. Visit DFA website (http://passport.com.ph) 

2. Click on "Set an Appointment"

3. Choose where you want to set an appointment, you have 5 options, DFA Alabang, DFA Asean (I think this is the main office) DFA Galleria (Ortigas) DFA Manila (this is at SM Manila-  we went here because it's the nearest to our place) and DFA Megamall (Mandaluyong)

4.Fill out the application form completely. Wait for the e-mail confirmation, print the application form and then wait for your appointment date.

5. On your appointment date, make sure to be there early. Ours was at 4:00 PM but we were there before 3pm, we were allowed to enter at around 3 pm I guess and we were done before 4 PM :) There's no long lines because there are many windows/tellers and they are quite fast. You will not also get lost/confused on the process because the labels/signage are very clear. Good job DFA!!!

We have new passports now and hopefully we can use it next year!! :D

Love is patient

image source :http://fotoimagepics.info

So true :) or even if he hangs it anywhere thinking that the whole house is his bedroom or closet :D

Happy Monday!

Let us all think positive, happy thoughts and let us all hope for a good week!

I know last week was not that good but that is over now. And I am certain thing will get better and better.

Nanay is now at home and recovering. My prayer is that she recovers quickly and regain her usual strength. Keeping my hopes up :)

So for those who are in stormy situations now..don't worry..remember it can't rain forever!

Happy Birthday Nanay!

5 months

Today marks the 5th month of my father's passing.

It's been 5 months since I received that early morning call...and I can still vividly remember how it broke my heat into pieces..in fact, it is still broken until now. I know mending and healing will take time..

It's been 5 months and it is still painful.

I still miss him so much. I miss his voice, his smiles, his presence.

I love you Tatay. 

Running shoes

Because we are both trying to live a more healthy life now, he therefore thought that these running shoes are necessity. It's actually a surprised from my husband last month. He said he saw these shoes on sale ( half the prize) so he bought it na. I went back to walking since then, although most of the time the weather isn't cooperating :(

Lifestyle change for a healthier us :)

ZEN type houses

My husband and I both like this  type of house, and we are dreaming and hoping that we will have one someday, smaller version of course because we only have small lot. I know even small one of this kind would cost like a million pesos. Sigh. At the rate of our salary/income now, we wouldn't be able to build this even if we save for the next five years. But I was told to dream big dreams :)so yes, we are dreaming and we are hoping.

this one I grabbed from sulit.com.ph

this one is from cmbuilders.com (they have plenty of Zen type house designs) I am actually tempted to inquire for their prices but I stopped myself..not now but maybe I'll get to ask for their quotation someday)

this one from ayosdito.ph

this one is my favorite because I love the simplicity and the over all look of it. 

(image from homes.mitula.ph)

Happy Birthday Mahal!

"Remember today, not only does God remember you, He remembers the promise He placed within you. He knows what He’s destined you to do. You may have already said, “Forget it; it’s never going to happen.” The good news is that you don’t have the final say. God has the final say, and He says, “What I started in your life, I’m going to finish.” That dream you gave up on, God didn’t give up on. He remembers you, and He is with you, leading you and guiding you to the place of victory" 

 Mahal,

I love you very much. I am so blessed to have you. God loves me so much so he gave you to me  :) I can't imagine my life without you.

More birthdays to come!! love you!!

BonChon at Cash & Carry Mall

is now open!

Years ago when I moved in to Palanan, Makati City, Cash & Carry was just a grocery store. But now, it is huge, with two cinemas and lots of food shop to choose from.

So happy to see BonChon there because I love their chicken and their chapchae (glass noodles). My husband is partial with the chicken though, Jollibee and KFC are still his favorites.

24H Apartment/hotel

A week after my father's funeral, my husband and I stayed here for just one night. We badly needed a rest because of the incident and so we went here. This was not our first time though, when my brother in law got married we stayed here also for a night. This is quite cheap compared to other small hotels/hostels in town.

But even if it is cheap, service is good and the rooms are clean, the restaurant ambiance is nice (newly renovated) and what we love most is that there is no standard check in and check out time here. if you check in at 7:00 PM, you can check out also at 7:00 PM the next day. Guaranteed 24 hours stay. Speak for it's name di ba?

Elevator entrance

One bedroom accomodation has it's own small kitchen, with fridge/oven/ sink

LCD TV/ Aircon

Our view of the city from our bedroom window

even if I smiled, you can still see the sadness in my face there. :( But of course that was a week after my dad's funeral so I am still very much mourning at that time.

But this post was not about me mourning...so let's go back to this apartment hotel (note that I was not paid nor given any remuneration for this post) but thinking this might help those who are looking for a nice but not expensive place to stay while in Manila or Makati hence this post. It's been sitting actually in my draft section  since May of this year but I only had the time to do it now.

For reservations: I did it over the phone and asked for the cheapest price. You can also book online thru different sites like Agoda. You can also visit their own website at http://www.hotel24h-makati.com.

Address : 1406 Vito Cruz Extension Corner (Pablo Ocampo Sr. Extension) Balagtas St. Barangay La Paz, Makati City
Contact Number : +63(2) 899-2174

7 reasons couples should go on vacation

Instead of buying each others gifts..

Note: This article is from yahoo and I am just sharing it here, it is originally posted in babble.com by Carolyn Castiglia.

If your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse has a birthday coming up, your anniversary is near or you want to plan the perfect holiday surprise, you should consider using your money to fund a vacation instead of buying a gift item. Gifts come and go, little trinkets get lost, or the updated iPhone comes out and makes your present obsolete. Shared experiences, however, where you take in incredible sights, have romantic dinners, or make a fool of yourself in the funniest, most memorable way, will last a lifetime and strengthen the bond between you.


1. People who collect experiences are happier than people who collect things.

"That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day, experts said. Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred," according to CNN. The New York Times says, "Our own recent research shows that in addition to buying more experiences, you're better served in many cases by simply buying less - and buying for others."

Singapore 2011

2. You can take time away from the kids. 

Sometimes you just need a chance to relax and unwind without the kids around. A few days at a seaside  will make you better parents!

3. You can see the world. 

It's easy to get stuck in a rut and never leave your hometown, but there's no way to experience the world like travel. It's like TV come to life!

4. It puts you in touch with nature. 

Vacations don't have to be to far off places and they don't have to be expensive or long, either. A weekend in the nearest natural setting will work wonders for your mental health and your feeling of connection to the earth and to each other.

5. It can be cheaper. 

For the price of two iPads you can go abroad! Why not?

6. Travel is educational. 

You can read about the history of the world all you like, but to truly understand it, you have to travel to the places history has touched. Which is to say as many places as possible! Once you develop a curiosity for the world, you'll only want to travel more, learn more and understand more. It'll make you and your relationship more interesting.

7. You can visit family or friends.

Why not go meet your 81-year-old Aunt Gracie in Ireland? You only live once -- and she won't be here much longer! Hop to it! It will likely be a life-changing experience for everyone involved.


For 8 more reasons couples should go on vacation instead of buying each other gifts, visit Babble!

Meatballs with Misua and Patola

Don't you love hot soup during rainy days? I do. And because I have time and energy last week due to work cancellation, I finally tried this yummy soup meal.

If you want to try this, here are the ingredients:
Ground pork
Misua (very thin chinese noodles)
Patola (sponge gourd in English)
celery
garlic
onion
pepper
salt
egg

And here's how I made it (courtesy of our cook in the office-nagpaturo ako sa kanya)

for the meatballs : 

I added pepper, minced garlic and onion and celery, salt (or to be honest, I used maggi magic sarap :) and then one egg (to hold the meat in shape daw)

Saute garlic and onion in oil, add water, then wait to boil, add the vegetable ( I think you can add more vegies if you want) then add the meatballs.

And there you go!  Enjoy!

My husband loved it :)

 

On Finances

Because last month, we made some major decisions (not one but two) in our life, that also means major adjustment in our finances. I've been reading  lately a lot about money (savings, investment etc.) actually, that was one reason why I pursued our investment savings now because  if we don't do it now,  it might be too late to think of our retirement plans. I don't want to end up working till my super old age naman)

One major thing I learned (with all the readings I made) is this

Income - 10 % tithes - savings = Expenses

Before, we were like, income -tithes then expenses.

So zero savings at all.

I tried to save money in the bank but life always seems to have thousand reasons for me to withdraw it (family illness, emergencies, trips, etc.)

So I am thankful that now I save money where I can not touch it (at least for some number of years). The setback though is a major change in our monthly budget.

No more eating out (yes even in fastfood houses) maybe once in a blue moon na lang.
No more movies (which we seldom do naman talaga)
No big purchases for now
And most probably no travels unless we do earn extra for it.

It is quite hard but it is doable. At least my motivation is my dream house and our retirement days :)

Us in Native Igorot Attire

My husband and I had fun trying this native Igorot attire in Baguio. In Mines View Park you can try them for only 10.00. Put it on and start camera clicking 'till you get tired of it. :) It's not only in Mines View park but almost everywhere (at least where most of the tourists go) in Baguio.

Missing my Tatay

It's been days now that I'm seeing his face in my memory, his smile, his hands, his eyes...and I've been crying again.

Maybe because this month, we celebrated my nephew's 13th birthday. I realized how hard it is for us to celebrate such occasion without him. If he's here, he would have been excited about it and for sure even how simple the celebration is, he'llmake sure we are all there.

It's been 3 months...

Yes, life goes on but it's hard.

I can still feel the pain...

I miss him so much that it hurts so bad...

Life is too short

God is faithful

My facebook status last night as we made the first payment to the lot I've been praying for.

"Stepping forward to the fulfillment of one of our many big dreams! God is faithful."

So many major decisions were made in our lives this month (as husband and wife) and I admit sometimes I'm scared and I get nervous but I know our faith in the Lord (that He holds our future) will take away all the doubts.

We should have started earlier but God's timing is always perfect. 

I'm one happy wife today :) 

 

Breakfast at Tam-Awan Village,Baguio City

We were in Baguio last weekend for a short vacation. The last time we went there was 9 years ago, we weren't even in a relationship then :) I am so glad we had this trip. It was a relief and we really had fun. It was also our first time to visit Tam-Awan village where we had this breakfast at the pond :) so lovely!

Breakfast at Tam-Awan Village :) 

I love that Benguet brewed coffee and it's refillable for only 30.00

 only it comes with an instant creamer :(

Tam-Awan salad 

and raisin cookies which cost 12.00 each! not to die for but for the price it's OK na

 Lady finger (15.00) soft and yummy..perfect for brewed coffee!

Thank you Lord for this short vacation!

Mourning and Dancing

Last Saturday, I took my hands off my laptop because I found this book sitting in the boxes somewhere in the house and didn't stop reading until the last page. I remember buying this book probably 9 years ago, I didn't know then that i would be needing and reading it now. God's timing is always perfect no?

I found this very helpful because some of  the words she used are exactly how I was feeling. And it somehow validated my belief that each one grieves differently. I know my sisters are grieving differently or deals with grief differently even we both lost the same Dad.

I cried through the book and at the end I remained hopeful that someday soon, we will all be dancing again :)

Wordless wednesday

I dream of....

image source : newmediatravel.com

so I can visit my good friend and her family in Orange county, Florida :)

J.BOY (Japanese fastfood shop)

As I mentioned in my last post, we went here for lunch last Sunday. I thought it was expensive for us but I guess because it's fast food shop it is reasonably price and am happy kasi we can afford it. hehe!

This was my husband's plate, Beef Teriyaki combo, the fried rice is sooo good!! sulit na talaga for 155.00

this was my order, power combo and it's also 155.00 pesos. All their combo menu are serve with Miso soup.

 

Inside J.Boy with red and white chairs

the counter

self service :) 

here is a copy of their menu, they even have tenpura bowl for only 99.00

click the image for a larger view

And they do deliver too, so if you don't have much time to go there, you can just dial thier NINJA DELIVERY Phone number 403-87744. I saw the delivery boy with matching Ninja costume talaga :)

Their restaurant is located at:

1203 Vito Crz Ext. Pasong Tamo

Brgy.Sta Cruz, Savana Complex 

Makati City (near Shopwise)

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post