Join our Giveaway!

Check the post below, join our giveaway. I know you want to. I wish I can avail of printing services and create more banners and other advertising materials. I know that is a great way to advertise and publicize what our contest is if I find one that offered those services.

For a business, a blog giveaway, a contest, a blog to succeed, I think it's very important to have the right tools for the job. The key to this is advertising.Everyone needs publicity most specially a business or a blog. A business will have no customers if no one knows anything about it. A blog will have no readers if no one knows it exists.If no one knows it exists, then the blog will not likely earn or generate traffic.

Did you know that a blog or a business should also keep in mind its design? Both in blogs and in business, first impressions last. A blog that looks the same as everyone else is often forgotten. A blog and a business should practice brand identity. With brand identity, all their advertising needs should be addressed like facebook landing pages, print advertisements, business cards and even newsletters.  To be successful, create a brand that will be branded on their minds.

You need to find that company that offers printing services which can do a large number of copies of the highest quality. Remember, quality is better than quantity, so your blog or business will be remembered. This reminds me that I have to start earning money and have Miss Kaye design me a new blog.

My Kids will be joining the Military

Hubby grew up in a military family. His father held the position of Chief of Police in the neighboring town to their home. My husband's sister is a police officer a graduate of PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy) and another one of hubby's sister is a graduate of PMA.(Philippine Military Academy). His other sister works at NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission) as one of their writers perhaps of a newsletter that may be called Military Times.

My father-in-law and mother-in-law are raising 11 kids. The eldest would be my husband. My husband would tell me stories of how education was and still is the most important thing in their lives that their father would apply at a MilitaryVALoan.com or something equivalent to it here in the Philippines just to make sure that his kids could attend school.

With all of them becoming immersed in the military life, there is a running joke that since I only have 2 kids, one would become a PNPA cadet, the other a PMA cadet. But College is not for quite some time yet. What I am certain of however, is that whatever they decide upon. They should be happy.

My Christmas Wish

My kids are now in preschool. It's early but I'm running out of magazines to cut out. Every day, my kids are given assignments. Cut a particular shape, zoo animals, trees, plants, and anything that is relevant to their topic for the day or the week. I bought a book that I used to cut out all those basic shapes, colors and other things but I have now run out of pages.

Do you now have an inkling of what my Christmas wish is?  I would like to own a printer. Not an ordinary printer but a printer with a scanner and a copier capabilities. I would like a scanner to scan old photographs and have a digital copy of them. I would like to have a copier because I would like to print and make copies of activities that my kids can do. A printer is something I need for all the rest of the future assignments and projects my kids will be assigned with.

Did you know that different printers also have different printer cartridges? There are specific printer cartridges for specific printers. You can't use a dot-matrix printer cartridge for a deskjet printer or a laserjet printer. There are a lot of companies that offer printers, and different kinds of printers. It is best to be armed with the information that you need when you intend to buy one. I for one would be looking for durability of the printer. If I am able to buy the parts I need in case the product becomes defective. I am also going to canvass the shops on what is the best option with regards to the ink and which kind will work best for me.

I'm crossing my fingers that I can be able to afford my Christmas wish by Christmas.

Taking Care of our Eyesight

Diabetics, more often than not develop complications. The complications arise in organs such as the heart, the liver, the pancreas and the eyes. I am a diabetic. My mom is a diabetic. Diabetes has affected my mom's eyesight. My mom often reminds me that I should take care of my eyes by not staying on the computer for long periods of time. I try to resist the pull of the computer but I do love writing.

I was diagnosed with astigmatism and was required to wear eyeglasses for a few months. I prefer to buy discount glasses because I want to be practical. I am raising two kids and it is best to choose more value for your money.

I am not the only one wearing eyeglasses in the family. My hubby is also wearing eyeglasses. His eyeglasses are actually worn out. The sides are getting eaten by his face, actually, his perspiration reacts to the metal of his eyeglasses which makes the eyeglasses thin out considerably.

I am considering getting him another pair of eyeglasses. There are a lot of eyeglass frames for men that are available. You can choose from a lot of designs. There are a lot of shapes to choose from, but the most flattering shape for my husband would be oval shapes. It accentuates his features and makes him look like a smart and fashionable guy.I think a perfect pair of eyeglasses would be a great idea as his Christmas gift.

My 2nd Favorite Part of the House

My first favorite part of the house is where I do lots of my reading and sleeping is the bedroom. My second favorite is the kitchen. The magic happens in the kitchen. It is where food preparation and the cooking happens. I often admire a well-used and a well-placed kitchen. Kitchen is the hearth of the home. Where delicious smells waft through the air and entices you to take a moment to come in. Kitchens make a home homey.

There are a lot of styles nowadays when it comes to kitchens. Some kitchens use modern kitchen cabinets for easy accessibility for the pots, pans, and other utensils. Others opt for the woodsy feel and have everything in cabinets hidden from plain sight or creatively kept from view. Others also opt that nothing be kept in cabinets but in open shelves so that they can see and grab what they need.

A kitchen should be something that works with the cook or the chef. Your kitchen should match your style and your needs specially when you love to cook. I think it would be amazing to upgrade our kitchen into something with contemporary cabinetry. It would be a look that my friends would rave about and tell the rest of their friends. So if you're trying to revamp your kitchen feel free to look for modern kitchen cabinets, I am sure they are a sight to behold and want.

My Little Act of Rebellion

As a rule, being a stay at home mom and responsible for washing milk bottles, I don't get manicures. I only get pedicures. Once in a while, I get the urge to color my nails black, which my mom dislikes. She says that all my nails look dead. I prefer to call them 'goth'.

The manicurist prefers to do nail art though. For once, I agreed. Here's what my toes looked like, and the little foot there is my daughter's who could not resist putting her foot on mine as I took a photo of it.

Toes...toes...toes..

I feel as if it's a guilty pleasure. I don't spoil my feet. I am actually diabetic so foot care is very important but I stay away from the foot scrubs because they might overdo it. I have only trusted my feet to 2 persons my whole life. What about you guys? Adventurous enough for nail art and other things?

Moving...Moving..Moving

One of the most difficult things that one can encounter in a person's life is moving. Moving to a different house, a different place, a different city, or even a different country. Life always throws you something unexpected and sometimes moving is something that is inevitable. It can be a career move, or a personal choice.

When it happens you need to have a reliable moving company. One which you can feel secure with entrusting your things that you treasure and intend to bring with you wherever you move. One that offers tracking services where you'll be able to access the information on where your things are. A company that has networks internationally and can do worldwide shipping. Whether you are shipping from Canada or moving to Israel.

You'll want a company that's fast, reliable, and efficient. The things we bring to our new home, the next chapter of our lives is very important to us, so we need a company that we can trust to take care of our things the way we want our things that are precious to us be taken cared of. Find that company and hold on to its contact numbers.

Going to Business School Helped my Husband

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Source: Guide to Online Schools

A few days back, my friends and I were discussing about education. We were a collection of parents and grandparents waiting for the dismissal of our respective wards. The conversation veered to test scores and when we should really focus on our ward's education. Opinions differed but most agree that an early start never hurts.

Nowadays, when it comes to chances of becoming employed, you need all the advantage you can get. It is definitely more difficult to get high-paying and quality jobs because people have learned the secret, that to become hired, you must invest in yourself. This is what my husband applied in his life. He is a graduate of a premier university of the country with a course of BS.Math, but he didn't stop there. He went on to study in a business school to make his curriculum vitae look good and for our future because we plan to run our own business someday.

This is the edge that he has from other college instructors in his school. It is also an edge that he can make use of in case we plan to move to a different country or province. Certainly, going to a business school helps and it wouldn't hurt if you make great grades.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for a Colorado business school. However, the views and opinions are my own.

My Mom's Dream Business

For me to be able to attend private school here in our city, my mom who is a single mom raised me on the salary of a teacher. After a while, she decided to sell some things. She learned how to sell imported goods, shirts, clothes, lipsticks, even slippers and bedsheets. She would joke that she experienced selling everything except herself and coffins.

Now, her dream business is that of a pawnshop. She thinks there's no loss in a pawnshop. A pawnshop mainly relies on the price of gold. It is important to know the current gold price in every transaction. Jewelries are actually priced by its weight and gold prices. We even planned to attend a seminar discussing it. But most seminars are held in Manila so we didn't pursue it then.

You also have to check the gold spot or know how to spot gold from the fake ones. This is what pawnshop owners should really study the art of appraisals. Future pawnshop owners should also invest on great insurance companies, a solid security, and the study of gold and jewelry.

I agree with my mom that a pawnshop would be a good business but I think it is too much of a risk. It's a very high-risk business where a lot have experienced mugging, even murdered because of it. Thieves tend to target it because jewelry is easy to pocket and is always a sound investment since its value appreciates like land properties.

Pottermore and More!

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If you are in my facebook account, I think you might have noticed that I went stark raving mad yesterday about Pottermore. I was just desperate to get in. When the site opened I just had to think of how in the world was I going to be able to join. 


Harry Potter came into my life when the last book was about to be released. I've heard of it, seen or about to see the first movie then, and more. When the last book was released, that's when I decided to read all the books. I wanted to experience the books one after another. As the characters grew older and the plot a bit darker, I grew up with them. 


I've had my kids watch the movies but it's only my son who loves to watch them with me. My daughter snobs Harry Potter unless her dad is with her. I always feel the wonder and my favorite scenes in the first movie includes the sorting hat and food magically appearing at the table. It is truly magical and epic to me.


On the personal side. I wonder how my aunt is feeling that my cousin from New York is moving to LA. I think moving to a different place after living in a place for so long is difficult. I think it would be easier for my cousin to acquire tickets though specially those tickets of Los Angeles Lakers Tickets, but then I always thought it would be easier for her to get Radio City Music Hall Tickets in New York. But I know wherever you are, everything is simpler and easier when you buy tickets online like those of Ringling Brothers Circus Tickets, Nassau Coliseum Tickets and United Center Tickets.  I think it's absolutely romantic that she's going to move there for the guy that she loves. I hope the guy realizes the importance of her decision, to leave each one of her family in New York for him. I am just glad that we have other relatives in California that she could see and can help her in adjusting to the new environment.

Victoria Condos: A Place to Live

I've never been inside victoria condos or any other condo for that matter. I'm just a stay at home mom from the province. I've been to a hotel room though and most people say that some hotel rooms are just like condos. That  a condo is a space where everything is there and I think some hotel rooms are just like that.

I know of a couple who just got married and now lives in a condominium. When I think of condominiums, I think of high rises, or a hotel like those in Hongkong, where when you go out of your hotel, you are part of the mall. Sometimes, I dream of condominiums as each floor belongs to one person, well, the rich ones or the actors who earn a lot do that.

I wonder if I could ever live that way. A condominium as my house. Maybe if the condominium had a pool, a gym, a spa and a salon of its own. Who am I kidding? My life is simple. I've learned to live with my simple life. I can dream though. The condo should have their own daycare center for my kids too, in case I wanted to start working again.

Who among you lives in a condo?

What's your Niche?

I like writing. I am not the best writer. I am not even someone you could call a good writer. Often times, I wonder about those who have a lot of blogs. How can they author so many? But then some are more gifted than others.

I've learned, now in my 4th year of blogging on and off that it is important to have niches. Niches or your own little place under the sun where your blog is truly defined and specific. How I'd love to do a travel blog and show you the wonders of my own little place here in the city that doesn't look like a city... but... I don't have a camera and I don't travel. I stay at home.

Now, my plans are to have blogs about my kids (my mom/parenting blog) but I don't think you'll learn parenting tips from me, I'm just learning myself and I don't think I'm actually good at being a parent. Although I do think my kids are doing ok.

Another blog would be for the numerous giveaways around the web which is open internationally or to people like me, from the Philippines. That's how this blog started anyway. I won from a domain contest and here I am now...4 years later.

Last but not least, a book, movie and tv blog for myself. But don't expect it to be updated. I don't go to the movies. I can watch tv when my kids are asleep. I can read books in my phone though. That's the only one I can proudly say that I can do...yet I am still not proud enough since I don't read through a Kindle and only some of the books are purchased.

This blog is mine. For me, for all the interests I've mentioned and for all the opportunities that I hope will come  my way. For my life. A chronicle of my blogging life.

Victoria Real Estate: An Option to Consider

When I read novels, I like reading picturesque scenes. Scenes filled with vivid imagery. Colors of autumn or things that are vibrant like those times during spring time. Houses, and little nooks and crannies. I imagine that maybe I can do a scene in a Victoria Real Estate.

Someone conducting a tour, a street bustling with activities, a translator, negotiating on a bargain, crowds, noise, and the background of vineyards, or small shops,little cafes with chairs and tables outside under a big umbrella.

I'd expect comfort and luxury in a place like that. The inns would be quaint, or majestic, depending on your income of course. Maybe there would be condominiums. Something modern. Seriously, I can not decide. Would it be better to be rustic or modern? But that's just me, daydreaming aloud.

How we do Homework

I have been missing the movies, but now, I get to watch more tv when my kids are in a negotiable mood. They do more activities like coloring and mom(me) can have her turn to watch tv as they do their homework supervised.

What we do is actually put all the stuff we need, things they need for cut and paste assignments, books, notebooks, magazines, and fliers I collect in case we need to cut more things, newspaper, pencils, crayons, glue and stickers on top of our Superior Rugs.

We actually shifted to rugs just this summer. We actually had the floors on the living room and the bed room covered with those foam mats. Now, my taste runs more to Oriental Rugs, having Chinese blood running through my veins. I like both Chinese and Japanese inspired designs.  


My kids have more fun on the floor. I can easily check their assignments. It is actually easier to clean up because when the task is done, I just get a broomstick and sweep.  My mom likes Oriental Rugs too. Maybe it makes her feel closer to her dad who was pure Chinese. Vacuum cleaners are also easier to use on rugs.

When my kids are older, I dream of getting the house redone. The ones who sold us our rugs said that they also do home service where they measure every inch of your house so that the house has a nicely put rug inside. I think that would be rich, decadent and amusing. It would be a dream for me. Walking on something soft and fluffy in your bedroom. Something tasteful with a very central focus in the living room. The hallway with something that makes the hall brighter. I think a rug when it is tasteful or beautiful is actually a cheap and a nice way to change how your house looks. You can even hang them on walls.

One thing I want to learn though while we're still talking about rugs is how to remove clay, modelling clay to be precise, easily from rugs. I think they are the stickiest of things and I don't know where my kids can play with them. Dried up clay is fine but new ones or ones that are still moist tend to stick to the rug. I've tried broomsticks but I usually get tired. Do you know of a simpler solution?

One thing's for sure. My kids have more fun on the floor. What about your kids?

My Plans if I ever go to California or New York

I have often wondered about living in the States. I often imagine that if I ever went there then by now I most certainly would be a professional in applying makeup. My cousins ..all of them looks so sophisticated. They know how to dress for a date, for going out with family, it comes so naturally and easy to them. They make it seem effortless.

I would love to stay at home and just watch tv. That to me, is the highlight of my visit to the states, to be able to see the tv series that I wait for so long here in the Philippines. Other things on my list would be to visit a Dollar Store, and Target or Macy's ...plain curiousity. Oh, I almost forgot to visit Radio Shack... and buy a gazillion of rechargeable batteries in all shapes and sizes imaginable and chargers too.

But knowing my Aunt and Uncle, if I ever do visit, they will surely make me visit tourist spots. In California, I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing the Walk of Fame, which my mom has photos of when she visited. An Ocean Park and probably Nevada. In New York, Broadway was where my Aunt took my mom when she visited.
I wonder how my aunt or uncle buys tickets for performances or sports events like United Center tickets, Daniel Tosh tickets , The Masters tickets, Jersey Boys tickets, or even Joel Osteen tickets. Maybe they'll buy online for convenience.

I just remembered that I also want to visit an amusement park, see a county fair and a flea market. Probably help in a soup kitchen as well. Visit a hospital to learn more about how they manage diabetes in the states and inquire about a lapband. I'd also open a bank account there if possible, for paypal. Buy myself a magicjack. Ask about Tivo. Ride a subway train. Eat hotdogs from a hotdog stand. Visit universities...maybe Long Island University. Get a Long Island Icetea at Long Island!!!  See my cousin-in-law's artist studio.

What about you? Been to the U.S.? What did you visit there?

Do you have a plan?

Unlike other blogging friends and blogging discoveries, I did not make a big deal out of my birthday this year. 31 isn't as pretty as 30. But with a new year added to my age, I can't help but think about getting insurance. I actually smile everytime I hear the commercial that goes, "What about you? Do you have a plan? Let's talk". I'd love to talk to you but then I'd have to a steady source of income first and foremost. 


It is better to be prepared in life. It is always better to have a plan, and then a plan b, even a plan c and a backup plan to all the other alphabets. My cousin-in-law has a sick dad in the states, I might ask her if she has availed of Aptus Insurance. Her dad is really sick and I wonder if she got him a seniors Burial Insurance as well. They say he's just waiting. 


Are you from the insurance industry? Then IIX.com is a site to visit for you. IIX is the number one in providing motor vehicle records to insurance professionals and employers. They help in keeping track and making your service more efficient.
So, what about you? Got a plan? I know for sure that I will be getting one for my peace of mind and security of my kids' future.

Dreaming of a Vacation

When would we ever have the time to go on a vacation? One of the things that's definitely on my list is going on a vacation... with the whole family and I mean the whole family including in-laws and my relatives. I shouldn't forget that my twin(non-biological) and I are also planning a trip to Paris. Paris just looks more beautiful specially when I saw the first episode of the newest season of Gossip Girls. Instead of Serena and Blair, I was imagining that it was my twin and I.
I dream of waking up in hotel Paris.  I am sure it would be fun to try out a bed and breakfast france style. I wonder which channel manager I should use for booking my trip. First thing I'm going to try out in France would be coffee! Yummy coffee. I would also be dreaming of going to museums and thinking of the movie 'Sabrina' as I stroll and discover delis, cafes, art and passion in Paris.
Could it be true that it the most romantic city? What is your most romantic city?
Mine so far is Baguio City, but that's just me and I haven't been anywhere else.

Knowing the Meaning of a Freak Accident

A few days ago, November 19 to be exact, I learned the true meaning of the word freak accident. I think I'm telling this story, embarassing and crazy as it sounds to serve as a lesson to others.

It was around 11 in the morning. The Revo(van) was parked in a slanted manner because our garage goes downhill then flat. Sort of a ramp going down then flat. It was parked in an incline. I offered a ride to my aunt who was going near my son's school so she could save fare. We were ready to leave in about 5 minutes, the driver was going to get the tank of gas(for cooking) he was going to load. I offered my aunt to ride at the back, to wait and I would start the engine so she can have the aircon running. I saw that that the handbrake was up so I had no worries, my aunt got in, and my one foot was in the passenger side and I reached in to turn the ignition while my door was still open and my other foot was outside.

Guess what happened!


The van went roaring backwards. My aunt was screaming inside the van. 2 doors were open. I was flying backwards. My singular thought was TURN IT OFF, TURN THE ENGINE OFF. I don't know how long it lasted. I noticed that we were out the gate which was actually closed so you must know the speed of the van forced the gates open. I noticed that the other vehicles stopped as they were nearing us. I noticed all that as I finally got the engine turned off.

What stopped the van? 2 open doors. The doors were almost torn off their hinges.  Doors were totally bent outward, you couldn't close it. The only injury I got was at my toes, it was as if my toe was sandpapered by gravel as I went flying backward, and a deep muscle bruising at my lower right leg.

Till now, I dread thinking of that simple action I've done so many times and have not caused me harm.
The simple act of turning the ignition key makes my blood run cold. But that was my terror, I gave the driver and my mom, and my aunt who was riding inside even more terror.

What is the Lesson of the Story?  Don't touch a vehicle when you don't know the circumstances. Mine was truly an accident, a freak accident, the van was in reverse because it was parked inclined. I didn't know. I expected the vehicle to not move because of the handbrake.

Check out the doors!

Christmas Gifts for Him

Does anyone else out there have a difficult man to shop for? I know I do! My husband won't give me any suggestions on what he wants for Christmas this year. So, I've decided that I will just try to figure something out for him on my own!

 One idea I had was getting him a toy watch. Now, toy watches have been featured on Oprah's Favorite Things and are all the rage in Hollywood. If you haven't seen them yet, they are fun watches that remind me of some of the styles we had back when I was a kid. They have designs with interchangeable bands, ones that have a soft jelly textured band, some even dripping with diamonds. They are a colorful and whimsical accessory that are just plain fun! I think my hubby will really like something like that this year.

 Another idea I had for my husband gift is an iPad. He mentioned, at one point, that he thought they were really cool. So, maybe I'll splurge and get one for him. The only problem is, trying to hide the transaction! He's always checking our bank statements, so I'll have to come up with a stealthy way to sneak the money out.

 There's always the old standby gifts: things that he actually needs. Ties, shirts, socks, underwear, you name it. He could use a number of things like that. Come to think of it, he really needs a new pair of sneakers. So, I guess I could pick out a pair for him and wrap them up for under the tree.

 I have also thought about getting him something that he really won't like. By doing so, maybe he will try to be a little more forthcoming with his Christmas list next year!

On Being Single and Dating....

I have been married for 5 years now. In a relationship with my husband for 12 years now. I remember the days of being single and carefree. I have a few of my friends who are still single and one of my bestfriends who is my non-biological twin is still single and not taken. We are of the same age and I think if I were still single now, I'd probably be one of those who are already posting their profiles on best dating sites. I think I'd call myself a boast, but parents usually like me, the guys don't. So, if there was a date my parent show, I'll totally win. But for me to post my profile in a dating site it should pass a Wix review.

Dating is certainly something that isn't easy and isn't to be taken lightly. Sometimes, you have to take that risk since that risk is worth the effort. At times, it opens up to fears and disappointments, of dreaming that he is the one, when you are just many of the other ones he is dating. To tell you the truth, from what I've learned, you have to love yourself first, be the best version of yourself for yourself and the one for you will appreciate who you are. If it isn't time, or you're getting impatient... just think of it this way. God has a much bigger plan and a much better person in store for you.

Suddenly, I remember a quote from my dorm in college it was etched on my desk. " When all else fails, lower your standards." But I disagree, you need to find your match. Because when you lower your standards, then you are just settling for someone. Don't settle for somebody.  Find your match, perhaps at Match.com.