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New Year + A newest addition to the Family

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that all of you had a blast. My family and I welcomed the New Year with a bang. Why? My sis-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last January 1, 2009. Oh, I'm gonna be such a stage tita. Haha! Congratulations to my only brother, Carlo, and sis-in-law Shella, for a very cute and healthy baby girl! What a way to start the year, huh? Many thanks to Dr. Hayag, Dr. Angeles, and Dr. Villanueva. Thanks also to the staff and nurses of the University of Perpetual Help Medical Center for taking good care of my niece and sis-in-law!

My niece is giving all my blogger friends a sweet little kiss.

Everyone, please welcome my niece, Miranna Marie! Yey!!!

2009

Monday, December 29, 2008

My New Year's Resolution is not to make any more NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS! In this way I don't set myself up for further shortcomings. I just need take it one day at a time, and stay focused.

I'd rather do a goal/hope/dreams list instead. My husband and I have a list of dreams and goals that we look at once in a while and discuss. We have our weekly, monthly, yearly, and a big-time (long-term goals) list. So far, we have been keeping up with our weekly lists. Haha! At least... This year my goals are:

1.TRY to live a healthier lifestyle. I will try to lose some weight. Wish me luck, people! Diet and exercise should be a part of my vocabulary now.

2. Work on Health. I am not getting any younger. Regular checkups, exercise, relaxation, healthy eating is all I need. oh, and those vitamins are important too.

3. I resolve to complete all tasks in a timely manner. In other words, I should stop PROCRASTINATING.

4. Watch movies. I am not a movie fan. I get to watch films that I only like. My hubby is such a movie-freak. He knows up and coming films, and can still remember films that has been shown ages ago. I'd rather read a book instead of watching movies. I will be putting up a check-list here to see how I will be doing. Wish me luck!

7. Have a little bundle of joy. Sprinkle some baby dust on us, please?

This list could go on and on and on... will update this list from time to time. What are your hopes and dreams for the coming year?

Shopping? Good for your health? YES YES YES

Saturday, December 27, 2008

I logged in to FemaleNetwork , one of my fave sites online, and this article made my eyes pop!

Benefits you get from Shopping:

1. It's good for your mental health. Shopping "releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in your brain, boosts your immune system, keeps your brain nimble, and fulfills basic social needs." A study at the UK's Brunel University also showed that shopping increases activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which processes your pleasure and positive thinking.

2. More brain activity guarantees good mental health in old age. "People who are doing really well as they get older tend to be mentally engaged, physically active, and socially involved," said Guy McKhann, MD, a professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University. "And women are all of those things when they shop."

3. It's good exercise for you and your partner. Your partner may not get as much pleasure from shopping as you do, but it doesn't mean it's less beneficial for him. Here's an interesting fact: "It's not shopping per se that men dislike—it's shopping for things that hold no interest for them," said Lester Lefton, PhD, a professor of experimental psychology at Kent State University. So why not let him buy things he actually likes? Tynan recommends that partners split up when shopping so each can relish its pleasures. "As long as you're both looking for stuff you love, coed shopping excursions will help keep you—and your relationship—going strong," wrote Tynan.


I laveeeet! I showed the article to Hubby and he said "Yeah, shopping may be good for your health, but have mercy on me, it could be bad for my wallet!" Hehe. Of course, he was just kidding. Was he?

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As I am writing this, I got text message from a friend asking if I have seen the extra large shopping bag displayed at the Alabang Town Center to promote the Confessions of a Shopaholic film. Huwaaat??? No, not yet, I instantly replied. She has had her picture taken beside it. I will, too. Makes me more excited to see the movie.

Smiley Saturday!



A day to share about smiling. It may be a post about things that made you smile, something you did to make someone else smile, or a joke, video, photo or post that makes your readers smile. As long as it relates to smiling, it qualifies for Smiley Saturday!

What made me smile today?

** Hubby waking me up so early. He wanted me to join him go to the market to buy stuff we need for tonight's party. We had a market date early this morning.

** Extra large squids we bought at the market, and Tilapia fillet. All these will be grilled tonight.

** Gathering of our closest friends tonight at home. We seldom see nor, text each other. It's very rare that we get together during special occasions. Tonight will be the night! Excited here.

** Manang (our househelp) blurted out : Jannie, naubusan na tayo ng YAMASHITA barbeque marinade!

How about you? How can you say that you've got a Smiley Saturday today? Join us here.

What a joy!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Hello, everyone! I'm back. Back into the blogging scene. I've been a lazy blogger for about two weeks now. My apologies. Been very busy with work, and household chores.

Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through...


So, how/when/where did you spend Christmas? I'm pretty sure you all had fun. I did! This is my most favorite time of the year. December is my favorite month. December 12 - our wedding anniversary, 14 - Papa's birthday, 22 - My birthday, 25 - Christmas Day! Christmas day just happened to pass by. So fast, right? The season, I mean. Everyday can be Christmas for most of us.

As usual, we celebrated Christmas Day at my parents' house. The house where I grew up *memories*. This has been a tradition ever since. We would all gather at lunch time. Potluck for lunch, and the gift-giving event begins after. We all had a blast!



More photos here.

Greetings!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008





Birthday Greetings!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Birthday Graphics

Happy birthday to me! Big thanks to everyone who texted, called, and came! Will update soon.

Paying Post

Yipee! Paying Post approved my blog. Just got an email today stating that I am now qualified to write for them. I just signed up late this afternoon, and lo and behold, I got approved. There are a lot of blog advertising, online advertising sites nowadays. I know a couple of online friends who have tried this and they are doing what they love to do - writing, and earning at the same time. They are getting paid to do reviews. Lovely, right?

The topics vary according to the things that you want to talk about. Meaning, you have the liberty to reserve an open opportunity. You won't be forced to write or give feedback about a certain topic. If you don't feel like doing it, then don't accept it at all. Writing reviews helps you learn and know more about different ideas and things in this world. Click on any open opportunity you want and research all about it. See? You're learning something new each day.

Give it a try. I'm sure you'd love it too!


Thursday Challenge

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Today's Challenge: "LIGHT" (Street Light, Sun Light, Candle, Colored Lights, Fluorescent Lamp, Glowing...)


Our Christmas Lantern

Coffee Break 1.47

Friday, December 5, 2008

For our Coffee Break session, Jan came up with this question:


My best ever childhood Christmas memory was when I helped my mom bake cookies for the very first time. I was 7 years old then. It was such a wonderful experience. From measuring all the ingredients, mixing, kneading, and whatever baking procedure there was. I had a lot of fun helping her out in the kitchen. The cookies we made were wrapped in colorful plastic sandwich bags and were handed out to children who went from house to house on Christmas day.

Another childhood Christmas memory I wouldn't forget was during those times when I played "Santa" to everyone. We always have our grand family reunion during the Yuletide season. When I say grand, it means a reunion from both sides. My mom's side, along with my dad's side. Just imagine that! My parents both come from big families. From the eldest brother/sister from both sides, down to our youngest cousins/nephews/nieces. House helpers, included! In our family, it has been a tradition that kids ages 6-10 will be the family's "Santa". Our role: To read each name written out loud. The person called has to get the gift from Santa, smile for the camera (photo-ops), and kiss the gift-giver. With all the noise and excitement, we all wish it would never end. It's fun being the family's Santa on Christmas day. I will definitely pass this tradition on to our kids.

Join us here and share your fondest childhood Christmas memory.