Septembercharm

Hello January 2016...Bye!

Yes, it has been a while. And, time does fly really fast as we bid goodbye to January of 2016.

Tons of things has happened and changed. I would like to consider that change is always good. And that is how being optimistic is, I guess.

Anyways, one good news is that I have successfully completed and finished the January photo-a-day challenge of Fatmumslin on Instagram. Hooray!! Some of my friends (co-bloggers) have completed the month too and we are all excited for the "Love" month of February. Join us and keep clicking!

Collecting the images from IG and making them into a collage has never been this easy. They also have an option if you would like to have your images printed. Something I will have to think about. Having said that, I am more challenged to take good and high-quality images... using my Lenovo A5000 mobile phone. That's right, no DSLR here. Just my reliable Lenovo phone.

Instagram's Best 9 of 2015

To be honest, I have only seen posts about IG's Best 9 photos from my feed. This of course sparked an interest in me to also know what mine is. And here, it has been collaborated automatically. I liked these photos and they are the best 9 for a reason... these photos gained the most number of likes. And, may have also had me gain new followers. Thank you IG! Thank you IG friends!

#bestnine2015 #grateful

A photo posted by Stef Cruz (@stef0930) on Jan 2, 2016 at 6:26pm PST

Post Christmas Fun

Hubby's high school friends (and their wives) became my friends too. Pare and Mare as we all call each other. It was after Christmas when the new couple Emman and Cherry invited us for an impromptu dinner at Yakimix, SM City North EDSA. As we were really to visit the said mall that day, I decided to inform hubby (who was at work) that I said yes to the invitation. He will catch up after work as we agreed. Sadly, there was also an end year activity at their office which caused him not to be able to join us. As I was capturing moments, I realized that it has been awhile since our group had a gathering like this. Too bad hubby missed the fun. Here are our photos:

And look how grown up K and Isabel now. They are even big sisters already.

The girls really did enjoy the food, the meet up, the mall Christmas display, and of course, the company of life long friends. Ronnie, his wife Pia and their boys missed the fun too. Hopeful for the next meet up, soon!

Paypal Cash Winner!

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JINGA JUICE: It's time, hataw na!

Introducing the NEW JINGA JUICE with STEVIA!

Now safer for people with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. Get to know more about Jinga Juice, its benefits and how to become a dealer. Attend these upcoming seminars and get to know more about the successful, Garry Norman.

- April24 Thursday, 2pm at Chowking, BANGUED, ABRA.
- April25 Friday, 430pm at Chowking, OLONGAPO CITY.near City Hall.
- April26 Saturday, 1pm TALK & 4PM SIZZLE at JINGA JUICE Main office.
- April28 Monday, 6pm at McDo JONES, CEBU CITY.
- April29 Tuesday, at TAGBILARAN, BOHOL.

It's JINGA time!!! For more info, you may send inquiries to email address: jingajuice.asia@gmail.com
Or call mobile number: +63 917 435 2345

Summer 2014 Has Started!

* A sponsored post.

All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

Today has marked the hottest temperature we've experienced for 2014. So hot you want to dive in a pool as you see one. As per the early night news, the temperature was 35° but it felt like 38°, honestly. We attended my youngest Bro-in-law's high school graduation this afternoon and it really felt like summer! So I can say, Summer of 2014 has indeed started. Imagine hearing people's complain about the heat - which makes it even hotter. I am glad I no longer have to ride the MRT to and from work. One word to describe riding the MRT? Sardines!

And because of today's temperature, I started imagining Green grass under my feet. I'd like to feel nature, escape from the city's busy hot days. I am sure you would agree that even if the temperature is hot, the rural breeze somehow lessens it and makes a busy day an ease (somehow). I even remember a pin of a backyard I found from Pinterest - something I have been dreaming to have (Mama's dream too!). I heard her wish a backyard of plants in different sorts way back then. I know my kids would love to have their own little playground too (in the backyard of my dreams) and take care of their seeds by watering them and all.

Having said all these, if you are also dreaming, planning and have already started your own garden or Green house maybe, check out Access Hydroponic for gardening supplies.

Get 10% off hydroponic grow tent when you shop at www.AccessHydro.com. Valid until April 2014.

Kids: Sweetness and Thoughtfulness

Whenever I look at Roey, it suddenly becomes a reminder to me that time really do pass fast. It was not long ago when all she wanted was milk and corresponds with just her giggles and cries. Now, she has become unstoppable. So kulit, likot and sometimes a little naughty. I find myself, my patience, tested almost everyday. It isn't just her though, I also have a growing up 10 year old daughter who sometimes feel neglected (even if she's not!).

Anyways, I just would like to share too that besides these somehow irritating gestures or should I call it attitudes of my kids, they are both sweet and thoughtful. Check this conversation with Roey:

Saw a beauty product TVC (something I use) ...

Me: "May bago!"Roey: "Gusto mo yan Momi?"Me: " Yes baby, di ba meron ako ganyan?"Roey: "Ibili kita ganyan ha? Gusto mo nyan, bili kita!"
Watching GGV...
Me: "Ang ganda ng legs ni Vice."Roey: "Gusto mo yun Momi?"Me: "Ganda legs nya, why?"Roey: "Bili kita nyun!"
Haha! Ang sweet lang!

Roey at 40 months!

Happy 40th month to our lovable ROEY!

Days passed too quick that it surprised me how big she is now. She still pretend to be a baby though - I just could not carry her in my arms that long anymore. Roey has shown big developments and we are really happy for her. She even wanted to attend school - actually, she has been asking for me to allow her to go with her big sister K at school!

- She can say her name and nickname.

- She can become very talkative with her stories to tell.

- She can answer questions and asks a lot too.

- Can draw a stick person, some shapes & letters.

- She knows how to use the computer mouse and browser bookmarks too.

- Can use the computer keyboard for specific letters she needed to go to a website to play.

- Can be very demanding sometimes.

- Curious with baking and preparing milk and juices.

One thing that really surprised me to hear from her one time was:

"Mommy, look at my tummy, it is already big. I don;t want a big tummy like yours. I will not eat rice, I'll just drink my milk. I want a flat tummy like my (big) sister K."

(She said these sentences in mixed English and Filipino words)

I was startled! Now that is NOT normal! But I find it funny! She must have heard it from someone or must have been listening to our conversation and jokes about my belly. I just had to remind her again that at her age, she should be eating healthy for her to be strong, healthy and pretty. She replied with a very sweet - "Okay".

Can I Call This Mom's Tantrum?

Sometimes, I wonder how other Moms handle situations that really pisses off a person. My closest friends know me to be calm and patient with my kids. Yes and no!

I have had my share of really-mad-mom moments but rarely outside the four corners of the house. I make it a point to keep my composure and breeding when my girls gives me more than a doze of instant headache. That is especially when we're out - supposedly having fun and making memories. You may wonder why I suddenly made a post of this... I am not sure as well. But, I think this is the easiest way for me to somehow unload, write the feelings down. I often find myself nagging - my girls are like attending an everyday sermon. They both can really transform me - from sweet & demure to a monster mom! It just came to me as a surprise that even of different ages, they can be both impolite, stubborn and self-centered AT THE SAME TIME! Whew! I am just so glad that my Mama has well guided me that I have developed the ability of self-control and I choose my battles. Parenting did not really come with a manual or guide book, you know!

One good thing about my elder daughter is that after our sermon, after her tears and once both our "anger" fade, we still talk. Its as if the BOSS up in heaven signals for us to look into each other's eyes and we end up hugging each other. K also prays the rosary with me for a week now. The image of Virgen Delos Remedios is at home. I am really thankful that both my girls are growing up to be God-fearing.

I just had to post this to release my tantrums. This too shall pass! And after typing that famous phrase, I realized that it is nice to be growing up with my kids. I so LOVE 'em!

Milk for My Toddler; Freebie For Mommy!

Since she turned 3, Roey's grown fast - mentally and physically. A number of her big sister's hand me down clothes will no longer fit her or rather look small/short on her. She has been a little picky when it comes to clothing (she prefers the "sporty" wear). She continue to amaze us with her wit and energy. Yes, she is really energetic even in between sick days. She is playful, curious, talkative (and loud at that), silly, ambitious at her young age and sweet. She said that she's also pretty! LOL! I must be very lucky you may say. But hey, there's more! She is also like any other toddler there is -

Gets envious of her big sister.

Gets too picky with food and clothes.

Sometimes says no to eating and keep asking for milk instead.

Runs around the house with dirty feet.

Shouts at anyone when she's not in the mood.

Gets a little over curious (pakialamera in short!)

Does not want to let her playmates go home.

Does not want to take a bath or get out of the bathroom anymore.

Does not sleep unless Mommy goes first. huhu!

I can name few more of what I call Roey cons but even if I do, it would not change the fact that we truly and madly LOVE her. Some would say that this generation's behavior is because of their milk. Hmmm, I can't agree whole-heartedly with that. I actually breastfed her for 5 months. Now that she's 3, we chose Nido 3+ for her and glad that she liked it instantly.

Late last year, we saw Nestle Nido 3+ in a different packaging. The 1000g pack (normally in cans) has a free canister. I immediately thought of the possible purposes of the canister once empty (my creative mind must have been awake that time!) and so we ended up buying the ones with freebies. We now have 3 canisters (we did not see this freebie offer for few weeks). The first 2 canisters already contain flour and cocoa powder! I am planning to use the new one for sugar and I am hoping to still catch up the promo next week so I'll have one for the powdered sugar, one for baking soda, one for chocolate chips, for Brown sugar, for baking powder and many more!

In short, the best part is for Roey (the milk, of course!) and what's left is for Mommy! Hooray! I am not planning on using the canisters for their toys because it is obviously too small - I have durable plastic boxes for their toys!

*

You're On The Convergys Team Because...

I was once given a Power of One award when I was still with Convergys. Besides the recognition, they gave us something I can call a loot with stickers, notepads, Power of One cards, plaque and a very nice bookmark. I still have that bookmark which reminded me 25 reasons why I was once part of a Convergys Team.

YOU'RE

Enthusiastic ~ Helpful ~ Patient

Committed ~ Respectful ~ Supportive

Optimistic ~ Resourceful ~ Loyal

Caring ~ Responsible ~ Persistent

Imaginative ~ Dedicated ~ Flexible

Confident ~ Courteous ~ Skillful

Trustworthy ~ Efficient

Friendly ~ Understanding ~ Creative

Hard-Working ~ Terrific

I'd like to say that I once didn't know I have all these but of course, I am no perfect! It could be unbelievable to many that a person can have all these characteristics but I know and I believe that we all do. But being human won't allow one to have and show these characteristics at our best all at once. For now, let me just reminisce and be thankful that I was once part of a great team and made friends with great people!

Celebrated the Yuletide Season with Childhood Friends

They are not just childhood friends by the way, they are my lifetime friends! These people have not just made my childhood happy and memorable but also contributed to the ME now. I can enumerate a lot of fond memories we have had as kids, then as teens and as adults but I may tire you with that. On second thought, I don't think you'll get tired with almost endless happy, dramatic and life-changing stories and experiences we all have had but still, I will not enumerate them out of respect.

It was the first week of December when Herbert came home from his work abroad for a month long vacation. We have other friends from different part of the world and rarely does a chance like this come so, prior to his homecoming, we've already made plans for another get together (We had one last September with Ate Mercy).

We all agreed on a potluck so each one of us pledged via our Facebook group (yes, we have!) on what we are to bring. Aside from the food, we managed to have our schedules free on a weekend date plus Jo allowed us to use her house's rooftop for the gathering.

It wasn't just us who really enjoyed this rare get together but our kids and parents too. Well, minus mine.

I'll have to post in my other blog few more photos of our memorable Christmas gathering. I just wish I had the chance to be with them again last January 3, it was Herbert's birthday.

Heartbreaking Tragedies

I woke up today with a sad heart because today is my Mama's 2nd death anniversary. But my sadness tripled as I have learned about this heartbreaking news - lives lost in a tragic mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I could not imagine how frightened these kids were. All I can do now as a parent is to hug and kiss my daughters while they are still sleeping and whisper a prayer for the souls of the victims.

Here's something I made out of the feeling this incident brought me. The same feeling goes to the Filipino families affected by the super typhoon Pablo. We have seen a lot of these but it hurts and we can't help but feel sorry for all those affected everytime. A lot of us once said that we don't have any, or we don't have money to give. Deep within, we know there's something we can give. It isn't just money. There's always something we no longer use or need that we can maybe donate to these families who've lost all they have. We can also schedule and offer a mass for them. Each little act and kindness, seen, heard or not will always be counted -- in heaven!

My Toddler is 3! Happy Birthday!

Not so long ago, I was getting impatient waiting for my water broke or feel the pain of labor. Our Roey baby arrived exactly on her 40th week. That was 3 years ago...

Look at her now... She has just turned 3! A lot would notice that she's tall for her age. In fact, she's as tall as our neighbor's 4yo son. Someone also thought she is in preschool already.

Since she celebrated her 3rd birthday, I decided to tag her along at a mall near us and got her a new dress. That photo above isn't the dress we got for her, haha! I loved it but she said she didn't like that particular dress...she maybe referring to the color. I can only smile how picky she can be with what to wear. Do I have a fashionista in the making?

Perhaps a model? Look at how graceful and confident she is in front of the camera. She doesn't just like to smile in front of the camera by the way, she also loves to be behind it and click away. This has just reminded me that my Nikon digital camera's battery is busted! Since she managed to learn how to use the camera, she also taught herself on how to switch from camera mode to viewing mode. Pretty smart huh? Unfortunately, she forgot to turn the camera off after viewing her photos. I was not aware until I was ready to use the camera after about 2 days. I tried to recharge it but to no good. It won't charge up anymore. I just really hope it's just the battery because I am not ready to bid farewell yet to my 1yo camera. I, of course did not blame my little girl. She already misses the camera so I decided to look for her toy cam and let her use that instead. Good thing the camera looks like a real one but you can not honestly just deceive this toddler of mine...she's not using the toy cam anymore and kept asking if the battery of the real one is still low. LOL!

Happy birthday sweetie pie! Though late, this post is wholeheartedly for you. Thank you for keeping me alive and for those sweet "I love you Mommy" everyday. Mwah!

My Friends Did MULTIPLY!

It as through a dear friend, and former colleague that I learned about Multiply. I have been a member since October 22, 2005. Yes! It has been that long and I am so thankful to this site and to my friend Ched because, my friends did multiply. About the same month and year when I also joined FemaleNetwork, GirlTalk to be specific. From these, ideas, and all sorts of learning flowed in. I have learned a lot. I really mean a LOT - from parenting, kids, shopping, work and even party planning ideas!

It was just very recent when Multiply announced that they will soon end their services. Me and all my Multiply Mommy friends felt that sadness the news brought in. Now, we have to act before it is too late. I have lost some photos when Friendster bid farewell and I would not want that to happen again with a lot of our photos and posts in Multiply. There are still 3 months to prepare and transfer everything so I will definitely ensure to save all.

NIDO: The Robot Zoo Ticket Giveaway!

The NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center at the SM Mall of Asia has opened a new exhibit - The Robot Zoo.

And here is the good news:

- We are giving away two "2" complimentary passes to our readers who will give us the best answer to this question, "I want to visit the Robot Zoo in SM Mall of Asia because..."

- The winners will be announced on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 5PM.

- The zoo visits be scheduled beginning July 9, 2012.

Had a Blast With baby Blast 3

My younger daughter, Roey won in a magazine photo gallery/contest but we didn't get to call and pick up our prize. I wasn't able to grab a copy of the baby magazine March issue either.

It was also recently when I saw a post from one of the moms from a Facebook group (of moms) about Baby Blast 3 and I requested for Roey to be included in one of the kids to get a free fluoride application. I was glad to receive a confirmation letter from the organizers of Baby Blast 3 and had it printed so I can present it to them.

It was a hot Sunday last April 22 and I almost did not want to go out but thought about the kids. It's Ate K's school vacation yet she's mostly at the house (pretty much doing nothing - except play and fight with the younger sister) and the activity was intended for toddlers, Roey is a toddler who needs to have fun and learn at the same time... besides, the 3 of us haven't been out for sometime - so, I dressed up the kids and head on to trinoma. It was a good decision I guess, Baby Magazine is one of the sponsors of Baby Blast 3 and I got the chance to grab a copy of their March issue (plus one past issue) for less than the original price. It doesn't stop there, I got to talk to one of the ladies in their booth and allowed me to still claim Roey's prize just as long as I call before visiting their office. Yehey!

We were late for the fluoride application but since I presented them the confirmation email, they handed me a gift pack instead. Woohoo! When I approached the Uratex booth, they gave me an Eco bag with microwaveable containers inside and had me join their Mother's Day FB photo contest too. LJ Moreno was there to host a part of the program. We didn't tire ourselves that long inside the Trinoma activity center anymore, bought some donuts and head to attend an early night mass at the church near us.

the kids had a blast indeed! They got the chance to at least play and explore even for just a shirt time. I am looking forward to have more fun and quality time with them at least before summer ends.

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