Holidays With Friends

I can say that I have been so blessed to have a happy childhood and so as gained many friends too. The memories and experiences we've all shared are definitely worth looking back. We all can't help but feel nostalgic during the holidays, right? 

Here are 5 old photos with friends. Go ahead and look for me, if you can. =)

 Thess, Stef, Jo, Dylin, Jojo (RIP) and Lyn

 At Eternal Gardens in QC

 Cristina, Lyn, Mina, Jo, Stef, Amphy and Vincent

And now, here are our latest photos together. We had a small get together last December 17 at Jo's place and it was really fun. Ate Dylin who we believed to be in Hong Kong surprised us by her presence. We had a chance to look back at past. Our craziness & childish ways before are now things that we can laugh about. Each of us has something to share and shared. Our thoughts and experiences are always considered as a "learning" to each one of us. I truly treasure my childhood friends. I wouldn't go on the details but time and chances have tested us. For me, our friendship is spelled F-O-R-E-V-E-R!

 Me, Jo and Cristina

 Nica, Amphy, Jo and Cristina

Chad and Stef

 Group shot 

We will have another get together soon. And, I am really looking forward to it. Happy holidays everyone!

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First Death Anniversary

It was also December last year when my mama bid her farewell and joined our creator in heaven. Last Thursday, we visited her grave and reminisced how wonderful she was for all us. Both my daughters, 5 of my cousins and Mama's 3 sisters were with me as we pay tribute to our beloved, Salvacion. I showed them the AVP I made for Mama months ago. In it were old photos and it brought back memories and laughter too.

I may miss Mama a lot but life has to move on. I always tell and remind myself to be strong for my kids. I always mention that I want to be like Mama, in many ways. I regret not to have fulfilled some her dreams for the family but I can still do it for my kids.

We were there until past 6PM. It was nice to have been able to bond with people closest to your heart. There were more photos from the other camera brought by my cousin Divine.

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What To Give Him or Her?

The Christmas countdown has started and gift giving is everywhere. Many people have their shopping list on hand and some have already wrapped their presents. Let us face it; this season is not just for kids. Christmas is for everyone. That is the reason why there are parties and exchange gifts. There are even themed gift giving. We normally prepare for something sweet, funny, naughty and sometimes we are required to bring a combination of something small and sexy. I am sure there’s a lot to find of these at Ann Summers . When you come across these themed exchange gifts (where food is not allowed), what do you give him or her?

Something Sweet

For Her

Stuffed Toys – These cuddly stuffed toys are considered sweet the fact the the toy itself somehow represents you as the giver. The receiver can hug and comfort you anytime.

Body Spray/Body Mist – Now these comes in different sizes and scents. Most of the bestseller scents are the sweet ones. Those that has fruity scents are a good choice too.

For Him

Car Perfume – Your guy would definitely appreciate the sweet thought of having a new car perfume. Something that will make him feel manly and fresh all the time even when caught in a heavy traffic.

Statement Shirt – Give your guy a statement shirt that says: “I’m a sweet BF” , “Sweetest Hubby Ever!” or “Proud to be a sweet DAD”.

Something Small and Sexy

For Her

Earrings – a pair of affordable but pretty earrings will be a very good idea for this particular theme. It is undeniably small but adds an appeal of sexiness to every woman.

Stockings or Sexy Lingerie - Black stockings are not big but so sexy when worn under a mini skirt. A sexy lingerie - a brassiere perhaps will be a perfect match to it too.

For Him

Sexy DVD movie – A movie that will excite the man will be perfect for this category. And if you got invited to see the movie with him, don't forget to bring some chips and dips.

Shaving Set – Who wouldn’t be happy to see a sexy newly shaved man?

Something Naughty

For Her

Lust Dust – Something naughty and unusual. I saw one from the net and it even said that the “magical power” of the powdery dust is true.

Do Not Disturb Glow in the dark door sign – Very simple but if it has a sexy photo in it, then it will simply ensure a little privacy or intimacy. Knock before you enter!

For Him

Adult Toys from Ann Summers - this is no doubt naughty, right? This particular theme is just easy if you are to give it to a guy.

Foreplay Timer – I did not know there is something like this but believes that this one is a bright idea for newly weds.

I just realized that naughty could be funny too and that some gifts can be categorized to different themes. Well, no matter what theme there is, the real essence is the fun and good act of giving whether you get something in return or not.

Have fun and happy holidays everyone!

Photo from Getty Images.

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Sisters

"Chance made them Sisters, hearts made them friends."

These girls bring so much courage and inspiration to me.

I am but one blessed Mom.

Oh! They aren't twins.

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Christmas Shopping List #1: Kids' Clothes

Almost everyone has their Christmas shopping list and of course, for a Mom, kids' clothes will not be off that special list. Buying clothes for the kids can be a mix of delight and excitement for babies and toddlers but can also be a challenge for the tween and teens.

Planning and making a list before heading to the department store is one key to save - time and money of course! Now that I have two kids, I will have to drop by on different clothing sections. Aside from looking for the correct children's clothing sizes , a wise buyer has to consider the cost and quality too just like what's available at The White Company. We have to keep in mind that kids especially babies grow fast, so it is best to always get the next bigger size there is. Also, it is never a sin to get clothes that are on bargain whether online or directly from the clothing store.

I make it a point to also sort, take inventory and pull out outgrown clothes before I shop for my elder daughter. These clothes either go for donating, selling, storing or given to a younger or smaller kid friend or relative. I also check what my fourth grader have in mind, clothing style and preference that is. By her age, she's started to develop her own sense of style. All I can do now is discuss the limitations regarding styles and costs.

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A JOYful Meet Up

My friend Joy came all the way from the south part of the metro to claim her prize from The Parvati Store at the Trinoma mall. She's lucky to have won in their Facebook contest and shared delicious treats with me.

We had lunch at Pizza Hut and headed to The Parvati Store for the much awaited dessert. Roey and I took home a Carrot Cake and a Triple Decker Chocolate Cheesecake while Joy had a Red Velvet Cake and box of Custaroons. I was surprised that Joy said she's not into cheesecakes after I picked the Triple Decker. I just can't resist how delicious the triple decked cheesecake looked like. The chocolate glazed on top of the soft cheesecake and so as the crunchy sweet crust was so appealing that I cannot say no to the dessert at all. It was sweeter surprise when Joy handed me the bag with the Carrot cake with it.

It was Roey's first time to have met Joy, so she wasn't really responding or reacting to her (yet) when we were having lunch. But, as soon as we escorted Joy to the exit of the Trinoma mall which serves as the entrance to the North Avenue MRT station, she blurted out a loud cry. There was a sudden attachment and the fact that a new friend is leaving, she felt so sad. I have to really be convincing when I told her that they will see each other again and we will see Santa Claus if we head over the grocery store. There wasn't a live Santa but I am glad there was a Santa decor near the giant Christmas tree at the entrance of the grocery store. We dropped by the bank for credit card payment, bought "Bangus Belly Sinigang" at the food court and headed home. I was surprise that the toddler only fell asleep in the cab when we were about to get off but instantly forgot about her nap upon seeing her Dad.

Thank you Joy!

It was a memorable meet up. A delicious one to be exact.

Thank you for the lunch, sweet treats and the cute hand-me-down clothes too!

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Call Her Chuchay!

"Chuchay" is her name.

The huggable Teddy Bear was a gift my older daughter received one Christmas. She's kind enough to have allowed her little sister to own it instead. Roey can't talk straight yet but we were surprised she's given the stuffed bear a name.

She would look for Chuchay as soon as her eyes open every morning. She would want Chuchay to be beside her before she get to sleep at night. She wants Chuchay to be with her/bring with her every time we go out. She would allow Chuchay to sit either beside her in a stool or on top of the table when she eats. She was even teary eyed one time looking for Chuchay when she was already holding her (she thought she was holding a bag) haha! She cried out loud when I had to hang Chuchay outside to dry after they took a bath together. I would even catch her talk to the teddy bear and kiss it's nose ( she sucked them before she was one!). Tell me she isn't addicted with Chuchay please!

Now that Ate K showed 2 more Teddy Bears (Tedi & Bubblegum), she wants to carry all 3 with her almost all the time. LoL! I guess it does help her learn many things as well. She would observe and giggle as I play pretend with her. Pretending to feed Chuchay makes her happy and for sure develops her abilities to observe and comprehend. So I guess it is really best to have Ate K and Chuchay as her first close friends.

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