Lavender & Coffee Stains

Dear Me,

I'm a sucker for planners. And now I feel so overwhelmed with the countless options being showcased in the market. From working corporate for almost eight years to simply becoming a full-time mom for three years and now, having a part-time job for a few months, my planners of any kind had and has gotten me through busy schedules, work meetings, pedia check-up, family travel, social meet-ups, errands and project brainstorming.

Meantime, here are my top three favorites:



Starbucks Coffee 2011 Planner
I used to hop in the craze of coveting this planner just because I love coffee. Period.

This planner can be redeemed at any Starbucks Coffee branch by completing the 17 stickers of their promo card; that is, nine for Christmas beverages and eight for regular drinks.




Belle de Jour 2011 Power Planner
It's a hit for the kikay girls but I think every girl will truly appreciate having this. It has a tracker for everything, even your monthly period. :) What's more fantabulous about this planner is that it has more than sixty discounted coupons on signature brands and establishments.

This can be purchased from http://www.belledejourpowerplanner.com/, Powerbooks, National Bookstore, Fully Booked for PhP598.00.




Planner People
So much about the hype brought about by planners being marketed by top coffee shops in the country. Moving on, there are other much affordable ones that won't simply harm your pocket. Planner People's tagline, "We make simple & usable 2011 planners." It's your typical planner with yearly, monthly, and weekly views. It is made of imported bookpaper and comes in nine unique designs.

This no-frills planner can be ordered online at http://planner.wedgienet.net/ for PhP200.00 only.



My sensibilities tell me to check out this particular bookshop again. I saw a couple of nice planners on display and they look so catchy and chic. I need to check first if their pages serve a certain functionality that I like.

Now I wonder what kind of planner everyone's getting for their busy 2011...

Dear Me,

Last November 23, 2010, I was extended an invitation to attend the formal opening of a breastfeeding photo exhibit entitled "SPOTTED: Mommy, Mama, Inay and Me" at the SM Mall of Asia.



The four-day exhibit (will run till the 26th) is presented as a joint program on Children Food Security and Nutrition of the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund or MDG-F together with the Department of Health-National Nutrition Council. The MDG-F joint program also called MDG-F 2030: Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0-24 Months Old," aims to increase exclusive breastfeeding rate in the country by 20% annually. This endeavor is also made possible in partnership with SM Cares, LATCH Inc., Breastfeeding Patrol of Mandaluyong City and the School of Design and Arts of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

The photo exhibit showcases mothers breastfeeding their children in various locations and situations, demonstrating that breastfeeding is part of everyday life. The exhibit aims to communicate the idea that a mother can breastfeed her child anywhere and anytime, and highlights the supportive environment moms need to help ensure that their children receive proper nutrition. It presents breastfeeding as a natural, normative, positive and healthy part of everyday life at home, in the community, and in the workplace.

While listening to keynote speakers, I could not help but gaze around the big photos and I felt a certain pride. Truly, I consider that particular event a milestone. The fact that breastfeeding is being publicly supported, promoted and protected is already a stepping stone towards acceptance of a growing breastfeeding culture in the country.



My little Miguel is now three years old and had been exclusively breastfed for six months. Thereafter, he was given complementary food with continued breastfeeding up until he was 1 year and 6 months old.



I am so pleased to know that SM Supermalls is being part of this great initiative. I am most exhilarated by the fact that SM Mall of Asia has been a great part of my bonding experience with my little boy. When I had Miguel, the only mall that my husband and I could go to was MoA for they had a breastfeeding station. I always felt so calm when we were out malling at MoA for I knew that when my little angel needs me to feed him, I could always find our way to the breastfeeding station. It was not so long ago that people would look down at you just because they saw you breastfeeding your baby in public. That time, I could not care less. But great thanks to this mall, I did not have to endure those kind of stares.

I enjoin other moms to support this wonderful advocacy event. It is not only for us moms but also for our babies. "As the standard for feeding a newborn, breast milk contains all the nutrients that a baby needs, and protects the mother's health. It is easily digested and efficiently used by the baby. It also reduces risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, helps the uterus to return to its previous size, and reduces bleeding which helps in preventing anemia," according to Health Assistant Secretary Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, Executive Director of National Nutrition Council.

Flores also empahasize that breastfeeding "is important for the welfare of the mother and the baby, the family, the community, and the nation." Thus, "as a community, we should regard breast-feeding as a norm, where all members of the family would provide support and encouragement to the breastfeeding mom."

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy experience between a mother and her baby. It is free and that you can breastfeed your baby anytime and anywhere.




About the MDG Achievement Fund
The MDG Achievement Fund is an international cooperation mechanism whose aim is to accelerate progress on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) worldwide. Established in December 2006 with a generous contribution of €528 million Euros ($US710M) from the Spanish Government to the United Nations system, the MDG-F supports national governments, local authorities and citizen organizations in their efforts to tackle poverty and inequality.

With 128 active programmes in 49 countries spread across 5 regions of the world, MDG-F is helping over 3.5 million people, with another 20 million people impacted indirectly. For more information on the MDG-F, log on to http://www.mdgfund.org/.




Many thanks to Omar (left photo)
and to Ms. Cindy (right photo, girl in white dress) for the invitation.

Dear Me,

When I was younger, I dreamed of working overseas. It was because I had lots of relatives who usually came home for the yuletide season with lots of imported pasalubong loaded in big, balikbayan boxes. I always thought they were cool and how fun they had seeing new places and trying out new things as seen in the photos they sent us. I even assumed then that working far away from home in another land makes you rich. Who wouldn't? That was when I learned what remittances meant.

And so I grew up. It was not all bed of roses, I was told. Every penny was earned with blood, sweat and tears. It was hard-earned money.

In the first place, these people (called overseas Filipino workers) try their luck abroad and be separated from their family and loved ones to seek greener pastures. Some of them sell their lands and had their homes as collateral just to pay for placement fees. Others are spared from the financial weight of finding their way out of getting an employment abroad, foreign companies directly hire them.

Whatever the case, our families endure the separation from us because they want to give us a better claim in life: to be provided for and in the best possible way.

And so UnionBank Global Filipino is hosting a photo-blogging promo where every Filipino living and working overseas can win FREE round trip tickets for two (2) to any Cebu Pacific destination in the Philippines.

Just send in a photo (should be taken during the promo period from November 5 – December 5, 2010) showcasing what life is like there - whether in the workplace, or a local destination frequented by other Filipinos, or maybe doing something Pinoy-like!

Simply email your photo at globalfilipino@unionbankph.com with your complete name, country of current location and Philippine address if any. Don't forget to LIKE http://www.facebook.com/unionbankph.

For a detailed mechanics of this promo, kindly refer to the image below.



Picture! Picture! Panalo ka Pinoy Contest is EXTENDED until December 31, 2010! It's never too late to send in a photo! Send one today!

Dear Me,

Unlike my Kapampangan cousins who are so good and uberly-patient when it comes to cooking, I kinda dislike slaving myself for long hours in front of the stove preparing food.

Maybe because I could still recall how my dear mother would asked me to continuously stir and mix this sticky food (I think it was some kind of kakanin or probably biko) for fifteen minutes or more back in the days. With the heat from the stove and tired muscles from holding a spatula or ladle, it was a nightmare and kept on complaining. I could hear my playmates shouting outside while playing tumbang-preso. All the more reason to be displeased in doing hard labor just to eat.

Looking back now, I have my mother to thank for that. She introduced me to the pleasures as well as the displeasure of cooking. Hard it may seem but when you do something on your own, specially it is the first time, there is excitement. If it turns out better that you expected, a feeling of pride and adventure grows on you. If the result does not quite sit well with you, then there is a challenge waiting till your next try.

I have grown to love cooking. I am not that good but I am proud to say that I can survive on my own. I have limited knowledge of recipes. I intend to rectify that by trying new dishes.

My latest kitchen adventure presented itself in the form of Ginataang Isda or Fish in Coco Milk.


Fish in Coco Milk

Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized fish, cleaned & cut (tilapia, tulingan)
  
• 1 can coconut milk
  
• 1 cup malunggay leaves
  
• 1 eggplant, cut into pieces
  
• 5-7 string beans
  
• 1 big, red pepper
  
• 3-5 pcs garlic, crushed
  
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a pan, boil the coconut milk, garlic, pepper in medium heat.
   
2. Add the fish and cook until tender.
   
3. Add the veggies - eggplant, string beans, red pepper.
   
4. Simmer for a few minutes until done.
   
5. Add the malunggay leaves and season with salt.
   
6. Serve with a plate of steamed rice.

Actually, I am not sure what type of fish I used in this dish. I just picked the one available in the freezer. :p

In the photo above, I served the dish minus the eggplant and string beans because I noticed too late that I was using a smaller bowl. Anyway, I grabbed the opportunity to take a shot of what I labored. :)

Also noticeable is the huge not-so-red pepper. Unlike other people who mix this in a dish cut or sliced, I prefer mine as is. It is not that I don't like my food a little hot but I am serving this, too, with my toddler.

Over-all, I am satisfied with my first try in preparing Ginataang Isda. :)

Dear Me,

Finally!

The buzz about the return of Mcdonald's Twister Fries spread like wildfire so much that I, myself, could not help but join the throng of people dreaming about it. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to cue in a long line just to have a box or two.

To satisfy a craving that had been eating me for days, I decided to log in at McDonald's delivery website, http://www.mcdelivery.com.ph/ and order. After a minute or two, somebody called up and confirmed my food delivery.


McDo Twister Fries

Yes, I can finally say that I have tasted the twisted and curled french fries that McDonald's is offering! Despite being delivered, I still found my twister fries full of flavor and the its crunchiness awesome. The paper bag really helped in retaining its crispiness.



See how I enjoyed my craving? Hehehe. Sorry for the ickiness. I was so ready to start munching that I just dumped them in an available container (of the chicken with spaghetti) that I could grab on. Whenever I eat fries of any kind, mine always goes with sweet chili sauce as dip.

As for the rest of my food order, I had the chicken with spaghetti meal for my little boy. More like I had the chicken while the spaghetti went to him.



1 pc Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti

Miguel does not like to chew meat, whether they are the pork, beef, poultry type. A picky eater, if I may say so. So I have no choice but to devour this, too. Pretty crunchy but everytime I eat this part of a chicken, I sort of feel cheated. It's normally extra small in size and the feeling of "kulang" (lacking?) makes it all the more unsatisfying.

On the other hand, Miguel is a pasta lover. Whether it's home-cooked, dined in or a take-home from a restaurant and from fast-food shops. He is not a big eater but that time, he finished his spaghetti meal.


Burger McDo

Also included in the order was their regular burger, which was intended for Miguel's snack a few hours after. I simply wished that they would evenly spread out the dressing to make it more exciting to eat. I often notice that they only squeezed in very little of it on top of the patty. I can even attest that the head of my pointer finger is bigger compared to the amount of dressing they put in the burger. I was just saying because the patty was quite dry and I was hoping it was softer in the mouth for a little boy to chew on. I was able to feed Miguel this meaty thing before and I had no difficulty.



This drink came with the burger. It was quite spilled when it arrived home. I did not expect it to be full but I did not anticipate it to be half-empty. Not really complaining because food delivery is tricky with all those twists and turns a motor bike can maneuver. Besides, I am not your regular soda drinker. *winks*

By the way, the McDonald's Twister Fries is only here for a limited time! As of the moment, they're offering the Twist & Chill in their menu. Basically, it is Twister Fries with your favorite McFloat such as the Green Fizz Sprite McFloat (choice between regular and monster sizes) or the Coke McFloat (also available in regular and monster sizes).

Now, were you able to have a bite of twister fries? Do you have a favorite dip?

Dear Me,

When I have given birth to my little Miguel, I have to give up a few things in exchange to accomplishing responsibilities that comes with motherhood. Aside from that, domestic life (with no husband to lean on because he is miles away and no house help nor a nanny to help ease the load) seems to overpower me that sometimes I wish I have a clone.

Miguel is three years old and I take great joy when other people remark that he is cute, adorable and sweet. I am a mom and mightily beaming with pride!

I will be a hypocrite if I proclaim to the world that I don't have bad to worse days dealing with my toddler. Most of the time, I cry out of frustration. Lately, I have been feeling so down for I feel I am such a bad mother!

There are days that I want to escape even just for a while but to whom shall I entrust him? There are mornings that I don't feel like waking up because I feel so drained physically and mentally. There are nights that I wish will stay longer so I can catch up with rest and sleep.

During the past few weeks, my day will not pass by without me screaming at him or telling him to have his toys given away or giving him a mild hand whack in his little bottom. I screamed at him out of fright when I saw him almost falling off the bed; he kept on jumping up and down despite how many times I told him not to. I tried to give him a scare like giving his toys away to other kids in the neighborhood because he vehemently refused to eat his food no matter what I prepared for him. There was a time, too, that I gave him a mild slap in the bottom when he threw his toy in the air (he did not miss, hitting me in the head) despite the fact that I told him to stop doing it.

Sometimes, I do not know anymore where to draw the line of allowing him to be his hyper-active self as a toddler or when to start practicing the art of discipline to a three year old.

And every night, when he falls fast asleep with his head in the pillow, I look at him and see the innocence in his little face. I touch his little cheeks and nose. And I would weep and say how sorry I was for such a bad day with mommy. I kiss his forehead and say I love you. Yes, every night after telling him how much I love him, I pray to God that may He guide me to be a good mother to Miguel. Not to be the best mom but simply a good one...



Reading the book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch came at a time when I need a gentle touch inside me; that within me I have the kind of love a mother feels for her child...forever. It is the most heartwarming story I have ever read in my life.

It is a tear-jerker. Literally a very short read, I found myself in tears all through the end. Just after a few lines in the first page, I felt moved by the words. And this part really got into me:

I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
With all the pent-up emotions inside me, crying was the only way to go.

I love this book, notwithstanding the allegorical representation (the old mother picking up his grown up son and rocking him to sleep with a lullaby). I find the blue cover and its illustrations (done by Sheila McGraw) so endearing to my heart for it reflects a certain state in my life. The interplay of the tender and subdued shades wonderfully depicts the truth that a mother's love never dies, even when a kid is all grown up.

Love You Forever is an enduring tale of a mother's unconditional love for her child, and that child growing up and sharing that parent love to his own.

I highly recommend this book to everyone for it bespeaks the cycle of life and love; with a simple story yet carries a beautiful, sentimental message resonating to all parents.

---

Book Title: Love You Forever
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Sheila McGraw
Publisher: Firefly Books, Limited
Published Date: September 1995
ISBN: 0920668372
Format: Paperback
Pages: 32
Genre: Children's Literature, Picture Book

Robert Munsch is an author of more than 25 books for children including The Paper Bag Princess and Stephanie's Ponytail. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

http://robertmunsch.com/ is the official Robert Munsch site.

Love You Forever actually started as a song.

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
as long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

Read here how this book (to be treasured) came to be.

Dear Me,

I am a pizza lover and one of the pizza shops where I get my pizza fix is Pizza Hut! Now that's four pizza words in one sentence! *winks*

Anyway, they're coming up with a new flavor to complement the festive holidays of Pinoys. Here comes...tada!



LECHON PIZZA in the house!

Christmas comes in early for lechon and pizza lovers this year as Pizza Hut highlights the season with its latest pizza invention, Pizza Hut's Lechon Pizza.

Known for its world famous Pan Pizza and the phenomenal Cheese-Pizza Creations such as Stuffed Crust Pizza, Cheesy Volcano, Cheesy Crust, and Ultimate Cheese, Pizza Hut, once again, reinforces its claim to be the Philippines' Pinaka-Pizza, with this exciting new flavor.

"Filipinos love the Christmas Season because it is the perfect time to celebrate with the people who matter most. The Pinoy's palate calls for rich flavours, so we complete the traditional Filipino feast with the sight and taste of Lechon. This is why we created the Lechon Pizza – to satisfy the Pinoy's need for rich flavour food this holiday season. And with this new pizza innovation, Pizza Hut captures Filipino ingenuity with each crunchy Lechon bite," said Edgar Allan Caper, Advertising and Promotions Manager of Pizza Hut Phils.

Topping off Pizza Hut's Classic Crust is layer after layer of traditional lechon sauce, premium lechon meat, delectable cheese, and garlic roasted to sweetness. Finishing it off with a generous portion of that wonderfully crispy balat ng lechon Pizza Hut's Lechon Pizza is a truly appetizing gourmet fare.

"We're really excited about this one, because the Lechon Pizza has a truly balanced and rich taste that Filipinos love. And we've come up with a way so that the balat ng lechon is always crispy even after having taken it out of the oven for a while. Just like our traditional lechon, the Lechon Pizza is absolutely a Filipino Classic, done the Pizza Hut way," Caper adds.

With this surprising new addition to the menu, Pizza Hut proves to be number one in pizza innovation. The most delicious pizza to celebrate the holidays with among friends, families and loved ones, the Lechon Pizza is the ideal treat to satisfy the Filipino craving for the succulent and classic taste of lechon, and experience the traditional Pinoy Christmas.

Come November 23, 2010, Pizza Hut's Lechon Pizza will be served at dine-in restaurants and ready to be delivered by calling their delivery hotline number 911-1111.

They have an ongoing promo in their Facebook page where you can get a chance to win a Lechon Pizza feast for your family and friends. LIKE the Pizza Hut Philippines in Facebook for more updates and promotions.

Dear Me,

Last week, little Miguel and I trooped to the mega trade halls of SM Megamall to join the throng of shoppers in the Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale. It was an exhausting yet satisfying experience (even though my feet complained) for I found new toys for the little boy. Unfortunately, time was not on our side for we were not able to shop for more. I still have to buy special gifts for the little ones (nieces, nephews, godchildren, etc).

Fortunately, there are warehouse sales happening at this very day till the month of December. If I were you, I'll start prepping my shopping schedule by coming up with a list.



Christmas Kidz Kraze more known as the Richwell Trading's Warehouse Christmas Sale

Richwell Trading, the distributor of Barbie, Dora, Hot Wheels, Mega Blocks, Disney toys, etc will be holding their annual sale just in time for the coming yuletide season. Up to 80% off on branded children's products such as toys, baby products, shoes & apparel. Regular items will also be available with discounts.

Here are the branded items that will be participating in the warehouse sale:

• For girls: Barbie, Polly Pocket, Dora, Arts & Crafts, Beados, RoseArt, Fruit Factory, etc.
  
  
• For boys: HotWheels, Matchbox, Bakugan, TechDeck, Battle Strikers, Spongebob, McFarlane, etc.
  
  
• For infants-preschoolers: Vtech, Megabloks, Shelcore, Leapfrog, Baby Einstein, Kids II, K's Kids, Noddy, Disney, Step2
  
  
• For babies: Pigeon, Safety1st, Chicco, Babisil
  
  
• What's New: Webkinz, Russ, First Act Music, Games, StarKidz, Bikes
  
  
• Shoes: Barbie, Chicco, HotWheels, Pokemon, Elle & OshKosh

When: November 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 and
on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 19 to 22
{9:00am to 6:00pm during Saturdays and Sundays}
{1:00pm to 6:00pm during weekdays & Fridays}

Where: Creative Trade Center, No. 6 Industria St., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

I have been hearing about this Richwell Trading company for 2 years now. According to some mommy blogger friends, you can get a great deal for less when it comes to shopping for branded products. :)




Gingersnaps and Just G Warehouse Sales

The much awaited Gingersnaps and Just G warehouse sales are on again. Gingersnaps was born out of deep passion for fashionable children's and maternity wear while Just G represents the style mantra of today's teen – individual, fashion-forward, eclectic. Hailing all fashionable shoppers! Get great value for your money!

When: November 12 to December 29, 2010 {8:00am to 4:00pm}

*Mondays-Saturdays, except Holidays, Sundays and extreme weather conditions*

Where: Warehouse 19 Armal Compound 2, M. Eusebio Ave., Pasig City


map to Gingersnaps Warehouse
The downside (at least for me) is that transactions are on cash basis only.




Big&Small Company Warehouse Sale

Big&Small is about fun, colorful clothes for your kids to easily weather the play-filled busy world they live in. Caters to boys and girls 0 to 8 years old with well-made play basics and classics for important events (like birthday parties and school programs). Well, they will also be having a warehouse sale in the next few days. Clothing brands such as Big&Small, Spin and Orange Juice will be on sale for as low as 70% off!

Spin is all about boys! From 0 to 14 years old. Spin makes trendy and sporty clothes for your little athlete, rockstar, skateboarder and all-around cool guy.

Orange Juice, on the other hand, is the best brand of trendy clothes for fashion-conscious tween girls.

Also, smart and practical pieces from their high fashion boutique brand H.A.B. Maternity and More, perfect for your friends or family who are moms or expectant moms, will also be on sale. With the lineup of brands under Big&Small, you are likely to find a gift for every child on your holiday list, from your youngest inaanak, to your dalaginding niece, to your energetic nephew.

When: November 16-20 {Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 6:30pm}
Where: Nutrition Center, 2332 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City

I am bound to check this one out. I have a less than a year old niece and I have always loved their cute fashionable pieces for the little ones. :)

See you there, mommies!

Dear Me,

Holiday sales abound these days. The countless options for holiday shopping seem perfect for any shopper hunting for the best deals when it comes to quality, volume and most of all, value for money.



Crocs & Toys "R" Us Sale powered by Citibank

Enjoy up to 80% off on your holiday shopping with Crocs and Toys "R" Us plus other special offers. All you have to do is present & use your Citibank Credit Card to pay for your purchases.

When: November 11 to 14, 2010 {11:00am to 9:00pm}
Where: Whitespace, 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City

Despite the blisters and scrapes I got on my feet during the recent Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale last week, I swore that I would never attempt to shop on a sale day. But, that is just me complaining. In fact, I am considering of checking out Whitespace only to search for a cute pair of Crocs for little Miguel. *winks*

Dear Me,

I have been so preoccupied lately: putting the house in order (literally), taking care of my super-active kiddo (at times, stressful), running errands and trying to cram a project-based work in-between.

More often than not, my rest period means having to comfortable lie down in bed while running marathons (watching) of my favorite tv series.

The Vampire Diaries: Season 2 Episode 8

Oh my! Damon finally declared his love for Elena. I was giggling and crying at the same time. I love Damon. He may seem so hard and callous on the outside but once given the chance, he can be soft and gentle. I'm falling in love. Hahaha.

"I love you, Elena. And it's because I love you, I can't be selfish with you...I don't deserve you. But my brother does..." Then, Damon kissed Elena's forehead. "God, I wish you didn't have to forget this. But you do." See the single tear from his eye while doing his monologue? I was clutching my heart for I know his pain. Chaka!



I kept on playing this video many times and Damon's declaration of love is the best romantic lines for me. The kiss in the forehead sealed it!

Seen the roadtrip Stefan and Damon took en route to saving Elena? Damon was sipping his blood juice and offered some to Stefan, which, the latter, said yes. Shocked so Damon asked Stefan if Elena knew about his drinking habit to which Stefan shared, "It's her blood." Damon looked at him and said with expressive eyes rolling, "Hmm. How romantic."

On the other hand, the tale of The Originals (the first family of vampires) is something to look forward to.



The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 1 Episode 4

Surprised? Oh yes, I'm watching this so-called real housewives from West Bev. Honestly, I wonder what real means to me. Does it mean real because they're in reality tv? Goodness. As much as I complain to my husband about this so-called women claiming to be housewives with so much money to burn, I still continue to watch the show and laugh at their shallowness. BUT! I have to consider Kyle, Lisa and Adrienne as natural in their surroundings. Watching the first few episodes, I found all three women as independent and smart and with depth when it comes to over-all personality.

The little daughters of Kyle and Taylor celebrated their birthdays separately on the same day. It was so hilarious yet so cruel to see how their mothers planned and plotted their birthday parties.



Portia (daughter of Kyle) celebrated her birthday with trains, farm/pet animals under the shade, mac and cheese, etc while Kennedy (Taylor's daughter) spent hers rather miserably, with only her mom practically enjoying it. Poor little girl! She has a mom who can and will undeniably outshine her every possible moment and a father who seem cold and pathetic!

And I could not really fathom Camille! My gosh, she is so fake and trying too hard! She frequently complains about the number of things she has to do and that she has more in her plate compared to others. Girl, you have four nannies (is the house manager an additional to the four or part of that number already?)! Jusmiyoo!

See, honey? I'm ranting again.

Till the next couch potato session!

Dear Me,

My name is Ivy and I am a book hoarder! LOL.

(If you are watching the tv episodes Hoarders, you'll get the tone of the prior statement...)

Seriously, is there a book shopaholics anonymous groups or meetings out there? Hehehe. Buying books are my sole addiction when it comes to shopping. I simply cannot stop.

It is ridiculous. I still have so many books left unread in my bookshelves yet, I continue to spend money buying for more! I have so many books just sitting in piles around the house waiting and wanting to be read. I accumulate books faster than I can read them.

It is a good thing that there is no public library accessible to me for I will definitely be a frequent visitor. The librarian will surely be my buddy. Most of all, I will be spending more time there with my little boy than staying home.

When I step inside a book store, my heart beats like crazy and my blood boils in excitement. Who knows what treasure I will find this time? Surely, one will think how insane I must be!

I HATE the feeling of being pressured when I'm inside that wonderful place full of books. It is paradise! I can spend hours and hours there. I don't mind being left there the entire time. In fact, I would love to sleep there (as if I will even attempt to close my eyes). That will be pure bliss!

When I'm checking out the shelves, you can find me with my finger pointing at the books and hearing me saying, "Oh, I have read that," or "that's a good read," or "I already have that," or "I think I have that but not sure so I'm going to buy it,"...etc.

Yeah, yeah.

They say that I have a problem and I don't think it is a problem!

(In the tradition of the Hoarders tv series, I can hear the psych professionals claim that I am in denial for not accepting the fact that I have a problem). LOL.


Here are my recent book buys for the past few months (marked with * and with synopsis). You can judge me then if I have a problem. Hahaha.



*The Closers by Michael Connelly

Synopsis (from MichaelConnelly.com):

After three years out of the LAPD, Harry Bosch returns, to find the department a different place from the one he left. A new Police Chief has been brought over from New York to give the place a thorough clean up from top to bottom. Working with his former partner, Kiz Rider, Harry is assigned to the department's Open-Unsolved Unit, working on the thousands of cold cases that haunt the LAPD's files. These detectives are the Closers — they put a shovel in the dirt and turn over the past. By applying new techniques to old evidence they aim to unearth some hidden killers and bring them to justice, for "a city that forgets its murder victims is a city lost."

Harry and Kiz are given a politically sensitive case when a DNA match connects a white supremacist to the 1988 murder of Rebecca Verloren, a sixteen-year-old girl. Becky was of mixed race, and the case appears to have a racial angle. This was LA before the riots and Rodney King; the city was a powder keg waiting for a match. The detectives who worked the case all those years ago seem to have done a decent job, but something doesn't fit.

Meanwhile Harry's nemesis, Deputy Chief Irving, is watching him. In the new "clean" LAPD Irving has been sidelined to a meaningless job. Compelled by vengeance, he hopes that Harry will make a slip.

*Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis (from evanovich.com):

Mysterious men have a way of showing up in Stephanie Plum's apartment. When the shadowy Diesel appears, he has a task for Stephanie-and he's not taking no for an answer. Annie Hart is a "relationship expert" who is wanted for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Stephanie needs to find her, fast. Diesel knows where she is. So they make a deal: he'll help her get Annie if Stephanie plays matchmaker to several of Annie's most difficult clients. But someone wants to find Annie even more than Diesel and Stephanie. Someone with a nasty temper. And someone with "unmentionable" skills. Does Diesel know more than he's saying about Annie Hart? Does Diesel have secrets he's keeping about Stephanie and the two men in her life-Ranger and Morelli? With Stephanie Plum in over her head, things are sure to get a little dicey and a little explosive, Jersey style!

*Hot Six by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis (from evanovich.com):

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum and Trenton vice cop Joe Morelli join forces to find the madman killer who shot and barbecued the youngest son of international black-market arms dealer Alexander Ramos.

Carlos Manoso, street name Ranger, is caught on video just minutes before the crime occurs. He's at the scene, he's with the victim, and he's the number one suspect. Manoso is former Special Forces turned soldier of fortune. He has a blue-chip stock portfolio and no known address. He moves in mysterious circles. He's Stephanie's mentor-- the man who taught her everything she knows about fugitive apprehension. And he's more than her friend.

Now he's the hunted and Stephanie's the hunter, and it's time for Stephanie to test her skills against the master. But if she does catch him... what then? Can she bring herself to turn him in?

Plus there are other things keeping Stephanie awake at night. Her maternal grandmother has set up housekeeping in Stephanie's apartment, a homicidal maniac has selected Stephanie as his next victim, her love life is in the toilet, she's adopted a dog with an eating disorder, and she can't button the top snap on her Levis.

*'A' Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton

Synopsis (from suegrafton.com):

When Laurence Fife was murdered, few mourned his passing. A prominent divorce attorney with a reputation for single-minded ruthlessness on behalf of his clients, Fife was also rumored to be a dedicated philanderer. Plenty of people in the picturesque Southern California town of Santa Teresa had a reason to want him dead. Including, thought the cops, his young and beautiful wife, Nikki. With motive, access, and opportunity, Nikki was their number one suspect. The jury thought so too.

Eight years later and out on parole, Nikki Fife hires Kinsey Millhone to find out who really killed her late husband.

A trail that is eight years cold. A trail that reaches out to enfold a bitter, wealthy, and foul-mouthed old woman and a young boy, born deaf, whose memory cannot be trusted. A trail that leads to a lawyer defensively loyal to a dead partner -- and disarmingly attractive to Millhone; to an ex-wife, brave, lucid, lovely -- and still angry over Fife's betrayal of her; to a not-so-young secretary with too high a salary for too few skills -- and too many debts left owing: The trail twists to include every turn until it finally twists back on itself with a killer cunning enough to get away with murder.

*My Name Is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Her name was Seepeetza when she was at home with her family. But now that she's living at the Indian residential school her name is Martha Stone, and everything else about her life has changed as well. Told in the honest voice of a sixth grader, this is the story of a young Native girl forced to live in a world governed by strict nuns, arbitrary rules, and a policy against talking in her own dialect, even with her family. Seepeetza finds bright spots, but most of all she looks forward to summers and holidays at home.

*The Last Lobo by Roland Smith

Synopsis (from Barnes&Noble):

When Jacob fulfills a promise to his grandfather, Taw, and travels with him back to the Hopi reservation where he was born, he gets a lot more than a quiet trip to the desert. He quickly discovers that the Hopi on the reservation are divided over a lobo, a Mexican wolf, that people say is hunting on the reservation. There are some who want to kill the lobo, and others who are angry enough to kill anyone who gets in the way. The lobo is an endangered species, thought to have disappeared from New Mexico all together. Jake knows that if the lobo does exist, he must do everything in his power to help it. But time is running out!

*The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Synopsis (from HarperCollins):

"This is the land of Narnia," said the Faun, "where we are now; all that lies between the lamp-post and the great castle of Cair Paravel on the eastern sea. And you--you have come from the wild woods of the west?"

"I--I got in through the wardrobe in the spare room," said Lucy.

What begins as a simple game of hide-and-seek quickly turns into the adventure of a lifetime when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy walk through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia. There they find a cold, snow-covered land frozen into eternal winter by the evil White Witch. All who challenge her rule are turned into stone. Narnia, once filled with all manner of Talking Beasts, Dwarfs, Giants, and Fauns is now a dark, joyless wasteland.

The children can only hope that Aslan, the Great Lion, will return to Narnia and restore beauty and peace to the land. But will the power of Aslan be enough to conquer the dark magic of the White Witch?

*The Cost of Doing Business by John Tarlton

Synopsis (from Amazon):

Divorced and in her early thirties, Diane Morris, six-foot, four-inch landperson for a major oil company must not only negotiate a contentious oil-drilling rights contract among three hostile parties, but also care for her grief-stricken father and sharp-witted 12-year-old son. At the same time, she must deal with the reemergence of her ex-husband, a smooth-talking gambler perpetually on the run. As Diane unravels the mysterious events surrounding the land claim, she finds an unexpected source of strength in the Greek myths her father and son are studying, which help her gain insight into the different parties she encounters.

*I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Based on the true story of the slave, Juan de Pareja, who was willed to Velazquez and whose relationship with the great Spanish painter evolved into one of friendship and equality.

*Popular Word Search



*Three To Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis (from evanovich.com):

Stephanie Plum, the brassy babe in the powder blue Buick, is back, and she's having a bad hair day - for the whole month of January.

She's been given the unpopular task of finding Mo Bedemeir, Trenton's most beloved citizen, arrested for carrying concealed, gone no-show for his court appearance.

And to make matters worse, she's got Lula, a former hooker turned file clerk--now a wannabe bounty hunter--at her side, sticking like glue. Lula's big and blonde and black, and itching to get the chance to lock up a crook in the trunk of her car.

Morelli, the New Jersey vice cop with the slow-burning smile that undermines a girl's strongest resolve is being polite. So what does that mean? Has he found a new love? Or is he manipulating Steph, using her in his police investigation, counting on her unmanageable curiosity and competitive Jersey attitude?

Once again, the entire One for the Money crew is in action, including Ranger and Grandma Mazur, searching for Mo, tripping down a trail littered with drug dealers, leading Stephanie to suspect Mo has traded his ice-cream scoop for a vigilante gun.

*Murder at the Library of Congress by Margaret Truman

Synopsis (from Random House):

In the depths of the U.S. Library of Congress toil thousands of researchers, chasing down obsessions, breakthroughs, and new contributions to human wisdom. But when amateur D.C. sleuth Annabel Reed-Smith enters this stately American institution, she discovers a hornet’s nest of intrigue and murder.

After a renowned scholar is bludgeoned to death among the scholarly stacks, an ambitious TV reporter links the case to the heist of a Spanish painting from a Miami museum and a killing in Mexico City. Annabel suspects that buried in the Library are secrets some people will do anything to keep silent–the secret of a rich man’s ambition, a researcher’s disappearance, and a mysterious diary of Christopher Columbus’s journey written five hundred years ago...

*One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

Synopsis (from evanovich.com):

Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter with attitude. In Stephanie's opinion, toxic waste, rabid drivers, armed schizophrenics, and August heat, humidity, and hydrocarbons are all part of the great adventure of living in Jersey.

She's a product of the "burg," a blue-collar pocket of Trenton where houses are attached and narrow, cars are American, windows are clean, and (God forbid you should be late) dinner is served at six.

Now Stephanie's all grown up and out on her own, living five miles from Mom and Dad's, doing her best to sever the world's longest umbilical cord. Her mother is a meddler, and her grandmother is a few cans short of a case.

Out of work and out of money, with her Miata repossessed and her refrigerator empty, Stephanie blackmails her bail bondsman cousin, Vinnie, into giving her a try as an apprehension agent. Stephanie knows zilch about the job requirements, but she figures her new pal, fearless bounty hunter Ranger, can teach her what it takes to catch a crook.

Her first assignment: nail Joe Morelli, a former vice cop on the run from a charge of murder one. Morelli is also the irresistible macho pig who took Stephanie's virginity at age sixteen and then wrote the details on the bathroom wall of Mario's Sub Shop. There's still powerful chemistry between these two, so the chase should be interesting.

It could also be extremely dangerous, especially when Stephanie encounters a heavyweight title contender who likes to play rough. Benito Ramirez is known for his brutality to women. At the very least, his obsession with Stephanie complicates her manhunt and brings terror and uncertainty into her life. At the worst, it could lead to murder.

Books for my little boy:

*Rainy Day by Carmel O'Mara

*Beginning Letter Sounds

*Numbers by DK Publishing



Still for my little boy:

*I Found This On The Floor Today: A Book About Shapes by Looney Tunes

*Simba and Nala At Play: A Book About Opposites by Grolier

*The Hungry Duckling (Little Animal Adventures Series) by Claude Clement, Marcelle Geneste

For my reading:

*Baby Read-Aloud Basics by Caroline J. Blakemore, Barbara Weston Ramirez



*24 Declassified: Operation Hell Gate by Marc Cerasini

Synopsis (from HarperCollins):

Within twenty-four hours a nightmare will be unleashed that could cause the death of untold millions and devastate a great nation. It's a plot being carried out by the unlikeliest of allies. A powerful mole within the deepest reaches of U.S. Intelligence has secretly conscripted the very criminals he's been charged with investigating -- former IRA terrorists, Latino and Asian gang members, Middle Eastern assassins and others -- creating one of the most insidious terrorist networks law enforcement has yet to take down.

One man stands between the destroyers and the death tide: Jack Bauer, lone wolf operative for America's brand-new elite Counter Terrorist Unit. But he's three thousand miles from the CTU command center without backup in a strange city, New York. He's been artfully set up and is being hunted by the FBI for the murder of two of its agents. And time's almost up...

*Blood Memory by Greg Iles

Synopsis (from gregiles.com):

Catherine "Cat" Ferry is a forensic odontologist, a specialist in bite marks and the clues they provide. But while Cat's colleagues know her as a world-class scientist, she secretly attempts to manage her fragile psyche with alcohol, delving into the minds of rapists and murderers yet never allowing her own frightening past to creep into the foreground. Driven by this fragment of her past, Cat attempts a forensic reconstruction of the decades-old crime. Soon both she and the FBI realize that the murders occurring now in New Orleans are intimately bound up with Cat's family and her past.

For Miguel again:

*Roo's Big Adventure (Walt Disney's Winnie the Pooh and His Friends) by A.A. Milne, E.H. Shepard

*Night Time Mystery (Walt Disney's Winnie the Pooh and His Friends)

*Is That What I Think It Is? (Baby Looney Tunes)

*All Little Babies (Baby Looney Tunes)

For my reading pleasure: (this was actually purchased by hubby for yours truly)

*Murder In Jerusalem by Batya Gur

Synopsis (from HarperCollins):

When a woman's body is discovered in the wardrobe warehouses of Israel Television, Chief Superintendent Michael Ohayon embarks on a tangled and bloody trail of detection through the corridors and studios of Israel's official television station, and through the fears, loves, and contradictions of the people who work there. It is an eye-opening journey that brings into question the very ideals upon which Ohayon—and indeed the entire nation—was raised, ideals that may have led to terrible crimes.

From these purchases alone, you can probably make a deduction if I should join the book shopaholics anonymous if ever it exists.

Also, you can probably have an idea of what genres I prefer to read. *winks*

Till the next book-splurging! Cheers!

Dear Me,

I never got to blog that much while I was pregnant with Carlos Miguel, even after I gave birth to him. Taking care of my newborn is number one priority. Blogging is even not in the list; sneaking a few winks of sleep is a mere luxury for number two in that mental list of to-do(s).

While doing this recent entry, I felt nostalgic while searching through the photo archive in my laptop. I discovered so many wonderful photos of my little boy.

I also realized that I had been missing his photos from the time he was born till his fifth month. Hubby probably kept them in his desktop in the bedroom.



Like any newbie moms, taking photos of Miguel was a given. And oh boy, you could see the transition of his facial expressions from beginning till end. It would start like he was curious what you were doing with the camera then he would found out about the flash. Later on, you would try so hard to catch his attention to have a working shot. All through the session, you would be rewarded with an adorable smirk or smile. Hahaha. Kanino ba nagmana ang batang ito? Hehehe.


1st shot

notice the eyebrows?

now, see those eyes?

the frowning baby with Tita B

what is she doing? *thinks*

imitating...big nose...hehehe

aunt and nephew



When taking photos of Miguel at that age, we found it a challenge for him to look straight in the camera.


lots of shots were taken before this one came decent

and now facing the camera!

father and son


poster at the breastfeeding station

I am certainly a breastfeeding advocate. I know and understand the benefits of breastfeeding my baby. Thanks to SM especially the Mall of Asia branch, they made our malling experience with Miguel a lot easier and convenient. During that time, we discovered that only MoA had an existent or decent breastfeeding station for moms and babies. So you see, MoA had been (and still is) our favorite SM mall for they have always been an integral part of our family bonding (when it comes to feeding Miguel and spending time at the mall).



To celebrate his sixth month, we bought a cake from Goldilocks Bakeshop called Triple Delight. Layers of chocolate, vanilla and mocha chiffon cake filed with luscious chocolate frosting and vanilla cream icing. The whole cake is iced with chocolate cream icing and adorned with festive chocolate decors.


something is wrong with this picture

presenting...

looking at...

ehem
Happy sixth month birthday, my dearest baby!