Kids Want Bike for Christmas

When asked what gift they want for Christmas, my kids would promptly answer, a new bike for each of them. My son’s bike is already old and rusty. My daughter’s bike, on the other hand, has no more seat. Unfortunately, our pet dogs bit the seat off. You see, we don’t have a garage or bike storage sheds wherein we can keep their bikes so their bikes are either left outside or placed inside the house. Sometimes, I get irritated seeing their bikes inside the house with all those dirt and mud. I feel like throwing their bikes outside but of course, I have to compose myself. They love to ride with their bikes and doing so would really hurt their feelings.



If only we have this metal bike shed made of galvanized steel that is not only weatherproof but also tough and durable, I would no doubt buy them their bike. With it, my kids' bikes would be safe from the dogs and the weather. Also, it would be safe from burglars as it provides maximum security with its metal roof and doors. (I doubt if burglars would be interested to a kid's bike but who knows what they are thinking.) And Of course, there would be no more dirt and mud that would annoy me. Right now, I’m still having second thought on purchasing their bikes as I don’t know where to specifically place them. I still have to talk to my hubby about the bike shed. If it would be resolved, I would certainly buy them their much wanted Christmas gift.

Thank You, First Commenter!
MARIUCA
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Do You Think You're Hot?

Sunshine, a wonderful and hottie friend that I have just recently met here in the blogosphere tagged me with this meme. Thanks a lot, Sunshine. Here it goes…

Do you think you're hot?
I want to think I am although I know I am not so better keep your reactions to yourself, okay? LOL


Please Upload your favorite picture:



Why do you love this picture?
I just love my pose! Also, this the only one solo picture left. Actually, I just copied this from facebook. All my pictures where on the laptop that the burglars got when they got in our house.

When was the last time you ate pizza?
a month ago? I can’t remember exactly. Now, I’m craving for it.

What was the latest song you've heard?
You belong with me by Taylor swift. My daughter was singing it.

What are you doing while working on this game?
Watching TV, Pinoy Big Brother specifically

What is your favorite nickname?
elai

What kind of person are you?
I am silent to clichés and acquaintances. I am a private person. I prefer to keep things to myself but I sometimes open up to people I trust. I am very loyal to my friends. If I treat you my friend, you won’t hear anything bad from me. I so value friendship.

What is your favorite song?
I can’t think of a specific song right now but I like mellow songs and RNB.


What is your favorite food?
The unhealthy junk food

What is the most stressful thing to you?
Dealing with people who are difficult to deal with like my SIL, for instance

Mention the 3 must-have items in your purse.
Cellphone, wallet,

What is your favorite color/s?
Blue and purple

What is your not full-filled-yet dream?
To travel abroad

What is your favorite city to stay?
Cebu City, my hometown but I prefer to live where I am right now far from the traffic, pollution and heat the city offers.


Now its my turn to ask my fabulous friends if they think they are hot. Gagay, Mariuca, Monica, Liza, Ane, Shemah and Bill, do you think you are hot? For me, you all are! ;)





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Christmas Shopping

I was surprised earlier when I learned that Christmas is now only 34 days away. I didn’t realize that time has rolled so fast. It is so close and yet I haven’t done my Christmas shopping. I don’t think I will be allowed to do my shopping now that I am on a complete bed rest. I regret I keep putting it off and didn’t do it earlier. Right now, I am in a complete dilemma. I don’t have any gifts to give for Christmas.

I only have one solution in mind and that is to use the ease and comfort of online shopping. I suppose I can use my sister’s credit card to pay my purchases online. I just hope I won’t go overboard with my expenses and keep my self-discipline intact. Anyway, with online shopping, I can get a variety of gift ideas from handbags, clothes, shoes, jewelries, toys and gadgets. There are also sites that offer free shipping both ways with a 365-day return policy. And most importantly, I don’t have to tire myself as I will just be sitting and clicking. No hassle, no sweat and definitely no harm for me and my baby.


So for those who have not done their Christmas shopping yet, better do it at once to avoid the rush. May you enjoy your shopping this weekend!
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My Pregnancy: 32 Weeks

I am still on my eight month of pregnancy yet I have already felt the dropping of the baby coupled with Braxton-Hicks contractions. My doctor advised me to rest or I might have a miscarriage. So now I am on a complete bed rest. I am also not allowed to go up or down the stairs. I feel so bored and helpless yet I have to follow her. It is for the good of my baby, anyway. I hope my baby will just hold tight until the right time comes for her to come out of this world.

How your baby's growing:
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

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Elegant Bathroom

On my last post regarding my in-laws’ house, I forgot to mention that they also have this glamorous Jacuzzi at the bathroom of the master’s bedroom. Their bathroom was just newly renovated and I was green with envy the first time I saw it after the renovation. Actually, I have never used a Jacuzzi before. I have never even used a mere bathtub. How I wish I could immerse myself in the warmth of the water and wipe out the stress and my ignorance as well.

Anyhow, I have always wanted my dream house to have an elegant bathroom complete with bathtub. Unfortunately, our bathroom is not big enough to accommodate the size of a bathtub much more a Jacuzzi. Not all dreams do come true anyway. Not yet, perhaps. Who knows I might also be able to renovate our bathroom in the near future. By that time, I would really make sure to install even just a bathtub in it. Just like the ones I saw at BetterBathrooms.com. They have this bathtub that I think is just the right size and would surely fit in our little bathroom. In fact, they have it all from bathroom suites, to tiles, to mirrors and cabinets, to shower enclosures and shower systems to taps. Sigh! I wish I could afford to renovate now as almost all of their products are on sale. For the meantime, I'll just content myself browsing on their endless products for the bathrooms. ;)





Thank You, First Commenter!
MARIUCA
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Two Dogs Dead In A Day

A tear jerking incident happened just a few hours ago. Two of our pet dogs died. First, Laila, a 6 month old puppy was hit by a car and died on the spot. An hour after that, Jasmine, Laila’s mother was also hit by another car and died a few hours after that. It feels so terrible knowing that the incident happened just inside the compound. We still have 4 puppies left but it is not the same. Jasmine is dear to me as she has been with us for 2 years and Laila is the kids’ favorite among Jasmine’s puppies. I think it’s our fault. We just let our dogs ran free inside the compound as we don’t want to chain them or put them in kennels. But it’s too late now and I can’t do anything about it. I just hope nothing like this will happen again. The rest of the puppies are now kept in their kennels to prevent further accident. They keep barking as they are not used to be kept there but it’s for their own good. I’m sorry puppies :(





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Philippines To Set A World Record

Calling all cooking enthusiasts, culinary students, kusineros, chefs, etc!. Mark your calendars on December 14 of this year as Philippines is set to break a world record previously set by India by crafting 5,000 cheese dishes.

Kraft Eden cheese is enhanced with creamy and nutritious buttermilk taste fortified with Lusog-Sigla nutrients. A perfect choice for any woman who aspires to show off her flair, creativity and confidence in the kitchen from simple snacks to sophisticated main courses. And on December 14, in the hands of people from various culinary backgrounds, Kraft Eden cheese products can be relied upon to deliver great-tasting meals by making simple recipes extra special. This day is going to be a one red-letter day as all these people will work with each other in landing the Philippines in the record books with the most number of cheese dishes.

Let us join hands and be part of history by contributing our cheese recipes online. I have already added my cheese recipe. It is just a simple egg and cheese omelet my kids love to eat for breakfast. If you have a cheese recipe may it be simple or sophisticated, do sign up at SarapNgBuhay.com and contribute your cheese recipes there.


Good luck to all of us, Filipinos and may we achieve the world record we are aiming for.

Thank You, First Commenter!
MARIUCA
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Lotsa Lots of Awards

Indeed, I have received lotsa lots of awards from two of my dearest blogosphere friends, Mariuca and Gagay! To receive an award is such an honor how much more if you receive seven of them. Woohooo! I feel like jumping and hugging both of them tightly, LOL. So before I pop open the bottle of champagne, let me first pass these awards to Monica, Sunshine, Liza, Shemah, Gengen,Grampy, Bill, and Bluedreamer. Cheers!


















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MM: What Can I Do

It's Tuesday but I feel like playing Music Monday since I wasn't able to do it yesterday. Also, I was trapped at home the whole day yesterday with no internet connection. What can I do to make up for the missed MM? Play it today, right? So give me the chance, Okay? Or you can also tell me what else I can do. ;)

Happy Music Monday on a Tuesday!





What Can I Do
The Corrs

I haven't slept at all in days
It's been so long since we have talked
And I have been here many times
I just don't know what I'm doing wrong

What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make you feel this
What can I do to get you there

There's only so much I can take
And I just got to let it go
And who knows I might feel better, yeah
If I don't try and I don't hope

What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make you feel this
What can I do to get you there

No more waiting, no more aching, no more
No more fighting, no more trying

Maybe there's nothing more to say
And in a funny way I'm calm
Because the power is not mine
I'm just going to let it fly

What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make you feel this
What can I do to get you there

Just tell me what to do
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What will I say to make you feel this
What will I do to get you there

Love me, love me, love me, love me
Love me, love me, love me, love me

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.





PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!







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Upload Your Music on MTV Emerge

Want your music to be heard and be given an opportunity to win a one-year contract with Jeepney Music? Upload your original music together with your profile and photos on MTV Emerge, a platform of unsigned music talent in the Philippines.

Jeepney Music is also a platform for emerging artists and DJ's that provides promotional and collaborative opportunities to work with Grammy award-winning artist and producer Apl.de.Ap, the creator of Black Eyed Peas.

MTV, Jeepney Music, and Department of Tourism collaboration, is hunting for the hottest unsigned music talent from all genres of music (indie, rock, hip-hop, R&B, etc). So if you want your music to be discovered, upload your music NOW as voting ends tonight. All entries will go through a public voting process. After which, a total of seven grand winners will be selected from the top entries on November 20 by a panel of judges including Apl.de.Ap. Seven grand winners of MTV Emerge will have the chance to win a one-year recording contract with Jeepney Music and mentorship under Apl.de.Ap. The contract includes artist management and promotion, digital distribution of 3 – 6 songs and a strategic marketing plan for the signed artists to break into both the Philippines and international markets. The winners will also be invited and introduced by Apl.de.Ap at the live showcase event on November 27.

MTV Emerge is also an online music community where new music from the Philippines can be discovered. Let us support unsigned Filipino talents by voting on MTV Emerge. I've done my part. I have voted for KABIT by BUD as I like the beat and the lyrics especially the chorus part make me laugh.

I repeat, VOTING ENDS TONIGHT! So what are you waiting for? VOTE now or UPLOAD your original music.






Thank You, First Commenter
LIZA

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In-Laws' Perfect House

Almost every weekend my kids would nag me and hubby to go to their grandparents’ house. They just so love to spend their free days there. Aside from the pampering that they get from their grandparents, I think they love the place itself. I understand. It’s where they grew, anyway. Also, their cousins live there so they have playmates to play with the whole time they are there.

It is not only the people who live there that entice my kids to spend their weekend or most of their free days there. Apart from the abundant food in the pantry, it’s the facilities that the house possess. It has a swimming pool where my kids would love to dip the whole day if permitted to. No wonder they are so dark. It also has a mini playground where they hang out most of the time if they are not on the pool. And most of all, it has a very wide lawn where they can wildly run and play hide-and-seek.

Of course, hubby also loves it there. He would just get the pool cue stick and hit those billiard balls even if he doesn’t have an opponent. Oftentimes, he would use the treadmill or the sauna. As for me, what I love there is the internet connection. Although it is not as fast as the one at the office, it is not as slow as the USB modem I’m using at home. So while the kids are having fun playing with their cousins and hubby burning the extra calories off, I am in front of the computer doing my blogging stuff. Perfect isn’t it? That is why, I never argue with my kids when they want to go there.

By the way, if you happen to play billiards and if you are looking for a retailer of pool cues billiards equipment, feel free to visit PoolDawg.com. Enjoy your game and have a beautiful Sunday!


Thank You, First Commenter!
SHEMAH
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October Top First Commenters

Here is my list for the Top First Commenters for the month of October. Thanks a lot for chopping!




One month linky love and a few EC credits for Gagay.









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I Need A Bowl!

I am extremely tired! I have been so stressed up with work lately. As I will be leaving my work probably by Monday, I have to leave things in order so that the person who will take over my position will have nothing to say against me and my work. It has been a week-long turn-over and the whole process is wearing me out. I need to relax or else I will harm the baby I am carrying. Perhaps, I need a crystal bowl to loosen me up.



You may wonder why a crystal bowl. Well, I’ve learned that when you strike a crystal singing bowl it produces a sound that is pure and relaxing, excellent for healing and meditation. The bowl is made of a natural occurring element, a pure quartz crystal. Our body is also composed of a crystalline structure making it respond positively to the soothing sound of the crystal bowl. Besides, just by merely looking at the exceptional beauty of the bowl can make you relax.

Sigh! I wish I have Crystal Singing Bowls within my reach. Since there is none available, I will settle myself with the healing power and the comfy of my bed. I would definitely sleep for hours when I get home tonight.

Happy Friday the 13th!


Thank You, First Commenter!
MARIUCA

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My Pregnancy: 31 Weeks

I chatted with a high school classmate early this afternoon and I found out that she has only one child. She was kind of traumatized with her first pregnancy that she is afraid to get pregnant again. The baby in her tummy was not moving and the heartbeat is slowing which is a sign of fetal distress. Worse, her EDD (Estimated Due Date) is still weeks away. To save the baby, she was induced. She said it was way too painful and swore not to get pregnant again.

I thought induction is by way of inserting a forcep in the vagina and force the baby to come out by pulling the baby. I researched about the method after our chat and I found out that I was totally wrong.

The method is done by induction of Oxytocin through the veins. The hormone Oxytocin which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, stimulates the uterus and cervix to contract. Oxytocin is normally given through a drip insterted into a vein. The uterus has to contract until the placenta is expelled. The contraction that is experience with oxytocin is stronger, making them more painful but speeding up the labor.

I’m not afraid of needles but I don’t want to undergo this process. I hope my baby would be safe until his EDD. I want her to be delivered normally. I hope and pray.

How your baby's growing:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

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Travel Bed For Baby

Last weekend, I did my first ever baby shopping. Since I already know my baby’s gender, I finally went to the mall to purchase those much needed baby things. I really did have so much fun meticulously selecting those itsy bitsy teeny clothes and other cute baby products. Although I have spent hours shopping tirelessly, I still lack one more thing, an infant travel bed. Since the city is a few kilometers away from where I live, my baby would definitely need something comfortable to sleep on while travelling. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything displayed in the mall I went into. I think they ran out of stock. Perhaps, I’ll just try another mall next weekend.

Meanwhile, I tried looking for infant travel bed ideas on the net. I found this cozy eddie bauer infant travel bed. It may not have a girly color I’m looking for but I love the comfort it would bring to my baby. This travel bed is also lightweight and has a collapsible frame perfect for an extended travel. Changing nappy here would definitely NOT bring discomfort to both of us as there is a large storage pocket that would hold all the essentials my baby would need. Plus, it has stuff toys that would entertain my baby while she is awake. This travel bed is really perfect for her. I can’t wait to lay her down on it and bring her anywhere. I hope I can find exactly this one in the mall this weekend. Good luck to me, then.

Thank You, First Commenter
MONICA

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TRIPLE MEDICAL CELEBRATION: A BlogThing Game.

Gagay, a very close friend that I met here at the blogosphere is having a game for her blog's first birthday where you have the chance to win cash, entrecard credits and ad spots. I might be unlucky when it comes to these, but I'll take my chances. Who knows I might win some $$$. It would be a big addition to my budget for a digital camera. Thus, here's my entry for the said game.


Your Blog Should Be Purple



You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything.
You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey.
You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

First Prize:

$5 Cash - Blog Apetite
$5 Cash - Just Too Little Time
5000 EC Credits - So Far So Good
5000 EC Credits - A Little Boy's Blog
2000 EC Credits - Rewards Station
2000 EC Credits - Øyvind
2000 EC Credits - Moms.. check nyo
1000 EC Credits - True Health, True Wealth
1000 EC Credits - Spicy Bugz World
1000 EC Credits - Wishing on a Falling Star
1000 EC Credits - Big Love Blog
1000 EC Credits - My Imaginary Travels
1 Month Ad Space - Things I've Stumple Upon
1 Month Ad Space - Up Now and What's Next
1 Month Ad Space - Travelin' With Marie
1 Month Ad Space - Home and Parenting
1 Month Ad Space - Blog De Manila
1 Month Ad Space - Pinay Mom
1 Month Ad Space - There is Happiness
1 Month Ad Space - Also Mommy

Second Prize:

$5 Cash - Home and Parenting
2000 EC Credits - My Piece of Paradise
2000 EC Credits - A Simple Life
2000 EC Credits - Mommy's Little Corner
2000 EC Credits - Kaya Mo Pinoy
2000 EC Credits - Pinay Mom
2000 EC Credits - My Craft Stores Online
2000 EC Credits - Momgen Craft Corner
1000 EC Credits - Juliana's Bits & Pieces
1000 EC Credits - Mariuca's Perfume Gallery
1000 EC Credits - Life Can't Wait
1 Month Ad Space - Things I've Stumple Upon
1 Month Ad Space - To be. To be. Tutubi
1 Month Ad Space - Leilanie's 101 in 1001 Challenge
1 Month Ad Space - True Health, True Wealth
1 Month Ad Space - Twins Happiness
1 Month Ad Space - TH Corner

Third Prize:

2000 EC Credits - A Lonely Planet It is Not
2000 EC Credits - Blog De Manila
2000 EC Credits - Wonderful Things In Life
1000 EC Credits - Turn-U-Off
1000 EC Credits - Meow Diaries
998 EC Credits - Ask Ms Recipe
800 EC Credits - Chronic Chick Talk
750 EC Credits - A Mom's Choice
500 EC Credits - Elai's Haven
1 Month Ad Space - To be. To be. Tutubi
1 Month Ad Space - Travelin' With Marie
1 Month Ad Space - Xleon Tips

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E-Commerce Summit 2009 and Globe GCASH

I may not have a credit card but I can still do my shopping online. What do I use? Globe GCASH! With GCASH Click I can pay my online purchases and airline tickets without hassle using my mobile phone. Aside from those, Globe and TM users can pay or transact for the following:

- domestic and international remittances
- utility bills
- interest and amortization of loans
- insurance premiums
- donations to various institutions and organizations
- sales commissions and payroll disbursements
school tuition fees
- micro tax payments and business registration
- electronic loads and pins
- online purchases via GCASH Click
- airline tickets



GCASH is tied-up to BPI Mobile Banking enabling Globe and TM subscribers to do various bank transactions through one's cellphone. GCASH is also used as a wholesale payment facility particularly for rural banks wherein various moeny transfer services are offered such as: text-a-deposit, text-a-sweldo, text-a-withdrawal, text-a-payment, text-a-remittance.

Also enabled by the GCASH platform is GCASH REMIT, the cash pick-up remittance service of GCASH. GCASH REMIT makes it easy for overseas Filipino workers to send their hard earned money from abroad, and their beneficiaries can instantly claim their remittance in over 2,500 GCASH REMIT pay out locations in the Philippines such as pawnshops, rural banks and money changers.

Globe also recently launched Immortal Load, the first load with NO EXPIRY via GCASH. You can use it to purchase load whenever you need it.

If you want to know more, you may attend the 2009 DigitalFilipino E-Commerce Summit this November 12 and 13, 2009 at Hotel Intercontinental, Makati City. The President of G-Xchange Inc, Ms Rizza Maniego-Eala, will talk about "Challenges and Opportunities in MOBILE MONEY TRANSFER: Implementation of GCASH" at the event. By the way, Globe GCash is sponsoring this big event so be there.
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MM: Yesterday Once More

Hola everyone! When I heard this song yesterday on the radio, I suddenly remembered how I love Carpenters when I was still in high school. (Ugh! I feel so old! LOL). Perhaps, I was really hit by the song since my dream was about having a field trip with my high school classmates and that includes my high school crush. *giggles*. Well, high school life is indeed fun and worth reminiscing. How I wish I can turn back yesterday once more and enjoy being a teenager again.

Happy Music Monday everyone!




Yesterday Once More
Carpenters

When i was young
I'd listened to the radio
Waitin' for my favorite songs
Waiting they played i'd sing along
It made me smile


Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How i wondered where they'd gone
But they're back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs i loved so well


(*) every sha-la-la-la

Every wo-wo-wo
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they're starting to sing's
So fine

When they get to the part
Where he's breakin' her heart
It can really make me cry
Just like before
It's yesterday once more

Lookin' back on how it was
In years gone by
And the good times that i had
Makes today seem rather sad
So much has changed


It was songs of love that
I would sing to then
And i'd memorize each word
Those old melodies
Still sound so good to me
As they melt the years away


Repeat (*)


All my best memories
Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry
Just like before
It's yesterday once more


Repeat (*)

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.





PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!






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