Who Would You Choose?

Part 2 of our seminar took place last Tuesday (last leg is this afternoon), and one of the topics that was discussed was about knowing that a person has a choice in everything he or she does. When the facilitator asked what were the times when we usually say we don’t have a choice, one of my officemates said “borrow money from money or mortgage lenders when finances are tight.” Another one said is “working in order to support the family, as against retiring to be a full-time Mom.”

What made me think though was the dilemma on who to choose to live, daughter or wife. Of course, in my case, that question would be daughter or husband. Very very tough question. I really wouldn’t want to be faced with a situation like this.

How about you? Who would you choose?

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Shall I Lose Weight?

Shall I try to lose weight? A lot of people have been commenting that I have gained a lot of weight already (in a good way, they said), and I feel uncomfortable hearing that, even if they mean well. Don’t blame me though, because for many years I didn’t have to watch my food intake, nor read diet pill reviews and buy pills to get thin. Plus I’m used to being told that I’m such a thin girl.

Anyway, I just thought of this because dear hubby is coming home soon (10 weeks to go!) and I’m already jotting down things to do and what to prepare. As for the weight thing, he told me that I look thin and I should still gain some more weight. Nah. Don’t think so.

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Enrique's Dilemma

Dear hubby has today talked to me (the fourth time!) about getting a macbook (or macbook pro if we get lucky) and I am really sensing that his dilemma is worsening. You know, saving vs. giving in to his “wants.” I told him though that if he would push through with getting one, if he finds the MacBook Pro to be a little too expensive, then he should at least get the MacBook with at least 160 GB computer memory.

I know, we have a lot of other expenses to take care of, but it really is for him and it will help him more in his work. In short, I’m secretly wishing he’d get one.

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No DVD's for 5 Months!

I’m really tempted to get Eanna the DVD series of Strawberry Shortcake, but what’s keeping me from doing so (at least for now) is the fact that our entertainment system has not been set-up after we have moved from the other unit. Yes, it’s been five months of no-DVD viewing at home. I’m just too lazy to sort all the cables (gash, I just wish we have an HDMI cable, it would’ve been a lot easier setting it up) and all. Plus, I really thought our TV and home entertainment system would be sold (thus a new one!). Unfortunately, the buyer who confirmed that she’d get it didn’t call back. Grrr. Oh well. I guess I just have to wait for Enrik to come home and set it up for us.

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Ghost at Home?

I have been wanting to blog about this for the longest time (since I discovered it at least), and it's just now that I'm thinking that maybe, there really is a ghost in our condo. Ok, I know, I'm just scaring myself, but how do you explain the fact that whenever I take a bath, and I completely turn off the heater and the faucet, the next day, the lever of the faucet is up (when it should be down!). My helpers confirmed that they never used my bathroom and that they even get water from the other bathroom whenever they clean ours. I talked to my colleague about this and he explained that it's because of the water pressure that's trapped in the tubes of the heater. So the lever goes up and some of the water leak (which "explains" the wet floors). Whatever, I still get so spooked out because of this. Why? because how can you explain the change of setting of the showerhead?

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My Dalagita

Look at my little girl... trying to stand up and walk on her own. Such a lovely lovely lovely sight.

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Elephant Eyes

Oh my goodness.

I had a major allergy moment last Friday night and though I was able to control my asthma attack, I was unable to contain the ballooning of my eye lids and undereye area. I thought it would subside the next day in time for me to attend our office seminar, but that didn't happen.

I looked (and still look) like a badly beaten boxer. I refused to leave my room, and did so when I couldn't stand not seeing and playing with Eanna.

If you guys watched the movie "Hitched" you would have an idea how my eyes looked like.

Hu hu hu.

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Learn, Girl

When will I ever learn the art of not trusting people that much?

I seriously want to be the anti-social right now. But maybe this will all the more backfire.

Sometimes I really want to just believe the "harsh" observation my Boss told me before, but I couldn't accept it back then for fear of being too haughty. Again, he reminded me to be careful and not trust people too much. I think I should seriously listen to him. Big time.

Damn if you do good. Damn if you do bad. Damn if you do nothing.

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"Mama Is Yaya" Day

Yesterday, Eanna’s Nanny called for an emergency leave to attend the funeral of her family member, so I took the day off for Eanna. Though we only stayed at home (I originally planned for us to go malling and all), it was truly a good day for us, as we just played and laughed and had fun together. Eanna was such a sweetheart and it saddened me a bit that every single day that I work, those were the moments that I missed. Right now, I only have time to play with Eanna during weekends, and for a limited time only because we usually go out, either to the mall or to the park.

Anyway, she’s a truly crazy little girl, that little Eanna of mine. She was giggling so much whenever we played with her cubes box (you know, the ones with shapes and we baby has to drop the shapes into the box for it to make a sound). I put the shapes in their proper holes, then Eanna gets them, and I just say enthusiastically “Oh, why did you get the shape?” and she will giggle and laugh real loud (but sweet!). She’s soooo adorable. Then when she feels like walking, she no longer wants to be held in both hands. She only wanted to be held with one hand. Amazing also was the fact that she can go down from the sofa.

*Sigh*. My angel is really growing up real fast. The next thing I know, she’s already a big girl. She would still me a baby in my eyes though, when that time comes. Love her like crazy.

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Stop Me!

Gash! All I can say is... this is soooo high school. Hahahaha.

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Lots of Awards

Thanks Jammy for all these awards.


I'm passing these blogs to Liv, Jen, Vannie, and the rest of my blogger friends!

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Feast 196

Gash, what a delinquent feaster I am. hahaha.

Here's my answer for Friday's feast # 196

Appetizer

When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

--> sometime April

Soup

Name one thing you miss about being a child.

--> Being care-free

Salad

Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.

--> Hmm... olive oil

Main Course

If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?

--> French, so that when I go to France I can communicate with them better. or Spanish, because I had previous education on that language.

Dessert

Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…

--> A stay at home or work at home Mom.

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Eanna's Shopping Day

And I thought I was gonna be the one to go shopping (when I started with a purchase from Una Rosa)!

After having lunch, we went to Rustan's Department to do our usual strolling. I remembered that I should buy something for Eanna's mosquito bites (and prevention of), so I got her a balm from Badger's. When we went up, I first checked out Toy Watch, unfortunately (actually fortunately!), they didn't have the one that I wanted. When we reached third floor, that was the start of Eanna's shopping. We initially checked out the toys I can get for her, and ended up buying the block shapes with a box, which lights up and sounds when the blocks are dropped into the box correctly. I originally wanted to get her the soft book, but she was more curious about the dangling bug than the book itself. At least, the one I bought had a kiddie mobile phone (which she loved), plus the blocks that she can toss here and there.

Then we went to the clothes section. She needed night clothes, and I was soooo happy to find a really nice strawberry-designed pajamas. So very strawberry shortcake! Speaking of SCC, I was gonna buy her some SCC stuff but the only one available was the doll that I know she wouldn't appreciate that much (maybe if she's 2 already). Other than that I got her a simple "jogging pants." I also got Eanna a nice little security blanket ( shocking price though hahaha) to replace her worn-out diaper. She loves holding that whenever she feels sleepy and until she sleeps. Lastly, I bought a new pair of jelly shoes since the first one she had didn't fit her anymore.




Gash, I really can't stop buying loot for Eanna. Hahaha. Well, consider those as my pre-birthday gifts. Nyahahaha.

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Cowboy Steak, Rosemary Potatoes, Squash Soup

Oh my goodness. I just had a really luscious dinner, I'm still recovering from that wonderful gastronomic experience.

Ok, ok. Maybe it may seem exaggerated to some, but really. It was an amazing time, from preparation to cooking to eating. Now I truly believe that when you lovingly prepare and cook your meals, you will love the result.

Too full and lazy right now, but I will post the recipes. Sorry, wasn't able to take pictures though.

Goodnight!
------------------------

Here are the recipes!!!!

Cowboy Steak (c/o FoodNetwork - Ellie Krieger)

Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chili powder, or other chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons fine ground espresso coffee
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 pound shoulder center steak (Ranch Steak), or top sirloin, about 1 1/4-inch thick

Combine all ingredients then rub them in the beef. Instead of the beef mentioned above, I use the hanging tenders, and it was absolutely divine. Also, I added a dash of chili flakes for that teeny-weeny spice. The original recipe called for grilling the beef for 14 minutes and turning over once. Since I was going to broil some potatoes, I just put them together and broiled them under 250C for 10-15 minutes (depending on done-ness). I did mine for 15 minutes and it's just medium well. I wished I broiled the beef for just 10 minutes or so.

I totally loved how brown the steak got (thanks to the coffee). I'm not really that much into coffee but I surely liked this. Just to add a little more zing, I squeezed a little lemon juice, but don't use too much, it will drown the real flavor!


Rosemary and Mustard Potatoes

I got this from Foodie Magazine (maiden issue)

Ingredients
1/2 kg par-broiled potatoes (I used baby potatoes)
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp dried rosemary (recipe also said it's ok for fresh, but based on experience fresh ones will burn)
2 tbsp dry white wine
Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste


Chop the potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Whisk the ingredients (except the potatoes), then coat the potatoes with the mixture. Broil in 250C for roughly 20-30 minutes, until brown on the outside and soft in the inside.


Creamy Squash Soup

I got this from ShipShape CookBook. However, I just guestimated how much to use because the original recipe is for 12 servings

Ingredients
1 kg cubed squash
1 small brown onion - chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 Tbsp curry powder (I didn't have any)
1 Tbsp chopped parsley (I added this!)

Saute the onions in melted butter, for about a minute. Add the squash cubes and cook for around 2 minutes. Then add the curry powder (again, I didn't) and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil then simmer until squash are soft. Add the chopped parsley. Set aside to cool a bit then puree in a food processor.

Put the puree back into the deep pan then add the milk, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.


If you have sour cream, try adding a dollop into the soup. Add croutons too if you wish.

I hope I didn't miss any steps or ingredients.

ENJOY!

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The Domino Tag.

Making the Domino Tag come alive again

{BEGIN COPY}

Rule: Copy the entire list and add your name at the bottom. And tag at least 5 friends. (But you can tag as many as you like).
Note: Please link the blog where you posted the tag We appreciate you linking all your blogs but make sure you post the tag in the blogs too.

Mommy Talks | Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps | All Kinds of Me Stuff | The Salad Caper | Winding Creek Circle | Anorexic Queen | Apple of Yan Ple | YanPle | Howell and Abie | My Planet Purple | WomenXplore | Princess Bela | My Happy Place | I am Dzoi | Cliktrik | Life’s Simple Pleasures | Coffee Table Conversations | 100% Kelly | My Colorful World | Ramdom Thoughts | Scribbles of My Life | In This Game of Life | The Shopaholic in Me | Mommyhood and Me | My Charmed Life | My Joys | Sassy Finds | Celebrating Life | Life is Peachy | Belly, Baby and Beyond | {BloggerHappy} | {BerryScrappy} | Cellulitic Bliss | Underneath It All | Cellulitic Bliss 2 |Life.Love.Us. | My Lavender Fields |

{END COPY}

Tagging: Vannie, Jammy, Melissa, Karla, Sheryll.

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Invisible

Yes. This is what I want to be at work. Toxic work, difficult people, mentally and emotionally draining situations. If I can just take a break from this.

Virtue of silence. Speaking out is encouraged at work but I feel this has becoming an excuse and is being abused. Sometimes I feel the need for people to shut up, or at least think first before speaking. I know sometimes I need to shut up and think first.

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

Virtue of discretion. That's all I can say. How I wish I have that French attitude.

Oh well. I really just want to be invisible first. Well, not in blogging though. Ha ha.

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Rants for the Day

Ok, I just have to rant about these things that bugged me for the past few days:

Can I dart their hands?
While driving, the people inside the car in front of me must have thought that the street is one big garbage can, this “hand” tossed trash outside the window. What the???? I thought this was sooo “out” already, especially since there is a growing movement to be more environment-friendly and to observe cleanliness. Gash, I secretly wished I have darts or tiradors so that I can target those nasty hands. Nyahahaha.

Thick-faced
I really try hard not to post anything political or religious, but heck, I feel it really is the height of being thick-faced that GMA has appointed Mr. Neri as head of SSS. Hello, just because the ZTE scandal hasn’t been the talk of the town for a while now, doesn’t mean we Filipinos have forgotten the issue. Gash. What is this government doing?

Contraceptives…?
I am Catholic alright, but oftentimes, I just wish the Church will rethink about the stand when it comes to use of contraceptives. Poverty is one of the major problems (or is it the biggest? Oops, corruption I guess is the No. 1) faced by the country, and we have to seriously address this. The Church said that education about natural family planning is more important than outright saying use of contraceptives is ok (yeah, because it might be abused especially by those curious youth). There is a point… but still. I don’t know, I can’t fully express it but I hope that there will be some resolution. I really am torn about this issue though.

Gasoline prices
Gash, I have no more words to speak (or type) when it comes to gas prices. GRRRRR.

More rants, but I prefer to minimize them. Hahaha.

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Una Rosa's Temptation

Just when I just said I will hold my horses when it comes to buying clothes (for me), I get this newsletter...



ACK!!!!!!!!

Me just lookie-lookie, ok?

*Cross fingers*

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Os So Sweet Award

Thank you so much Jammy for the award!

Sweet Bloggers:

1.) Janeth Vicy’s Life Journey 2.) My Precious 3.) Just ME.. Eds 4.) Eds Mommy Life 5.)Fun|Fierce|Fabulous 6.)Me,Myself+2 7.)Supermodel Wannabe 8.) My Life in this Wonderful World! 9.) My Online World! 10.) malditang bunso's journal 11.)Life.Love.Us. 12.) My Lavender Fields 13.) Your Blog

Now it's time to tag my other sweet friends! Liv, Jen, Che, Karla, Sheryll, Con, Melissa. Vannie also, although I think you did this tag already.

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Friendship Flame

A symbol of spirit of unity. The burning icon of love. Undying picture of hope. The hot symbol of oneness. And now, it's your turn to flame yourself! Meet new friends. Discover friendship. Make bonds.Copy this post starting from the PICTURE ABOVE to the end and add your blog on the list below.

Let's start FLAMING!

Tiklaton: We are the witness
Janeth's Vicy's Life Journey
My Precious
Pitstop
Thea is Blogger Happy
Thea is Berry Scrappy Too
Scribbles of My Life
In This Game of Life
Shimumsy's Republic of A
Princess Vien
Our Journey To Life
Life. Love. Family. Work. Travel.
Practical Tips and More
The Working Mom
Joey M.D.
Tsinay
Gossip Gehl
Underneath It All
Life.Love.Us.
My Lavender Fields

Tagging: Jammy, Karla, Che, Issh, Con, Nikki, Sheryll, Melissa, and everyone else in my list!

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Success! Lasagna!

Last weekend, I have succeeded in doing something I was really scared to do... Bake Lasagna. I was sooo happy that I didn't burn it, nor it tasted like S%!t. Just look at this lovely thang...



It's called Lasagna with Chicken Cream and Tomato Mushroom Sauce.

I just followed the recipe found in the box, but tweaked it a little. Instead of making my own pasta (or buying the regular spaghetti sauce as per the ingredients), I used the 4-cheese spag sauce (I forgot, Del Monte or Hunt's) to add more cheese flavor. I didn't want to buy any additional cheese because they're sooo expensive now (I only topped the lasagna with grated cheddar cheese and my Parmesan leftover).

For the chicken cream sauce:
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
700 grams minced chicken
Olive oil

Heat oil, saute onions then garlic. Do not brown them. Add chicken. Add flour then slowly add milk. Stir constantly. Season with S&P to taste. Cook until chicken is cooked through.

For the Tomato Sauce:
Olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 big can of 4-cheese Spaghetti sauce

Heat oil. Sautee mushrooms. Add spaghetti sauce. Set aside.


Assembling of lasagna:
Pre-heat oven to 180 C.
Put tomato sauce in the container (18 x 18 cm?). Layer in the lasagna. Add the chicken cream. Layer with lasagna. Add tomato sauce. Do this until container is filled. Top with cheese. Put in the oven and cook for 45 minutes.

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Mall-less Weekend

This weekend I have decided to just stay at home and be the lazy person that I am (haha). I felt that after I had another purchase when I went to Powerplant to have dinner with my parents and sibs, I was still weak whenever temptations faced me. Save for going to the grocery (which in itself was still a temptation - gash I bought so much again), the idea of going to the mall meant I would most likely drool over clothes, shoes, and bags that I knew I wouldn't be able to resist.

It was a good decision though, because not only I was able to enjoy a much-needed rest and nap hours, I was also able to fully enjoy my little baby. We danced, we walked, we cooked, we stayed in our balcony (except when it rained hard that we even had to bring in our outdoor furniture), we played like crazy. It would have been the most ideal weekend, except that dear husband, lover, and father wasn't with us. Oh, I should stop pining over that because it would get me depressed over and over. Anyway, this morning we walked going to the Church to hear Mass, a first for Eanna to walk the streets of a city. I however gave up upon reaching the parish, so when Mass ended and we had to go home, we just took the tricycle. Another first ofr our little angel. Hahaha.

We stayed at home for a bit before going to my in-laws' place for lunch. They were very very happy to see the little Enriquita, and boy did my baby didn't disappoint. She's such a sweetheart! Later we're off to my Grandma's house for dinner. This week really started out well, and I thank the Lord for it. I pray that the rest of the week would be a wonderful and blessed week for us.

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La Greta Moment

Well... almost. Hahaha.

Anyway, the other day, I went to the gasoline station to well, fill up some gas. I asked the gasoline boy if the price of gas would go up again, and he said it would this Friday. So, I told him I'd get full tank. When it was done, I got my card and gave it to him. Then I nonchalantly asked how much it was. "2,527" WAHATTT???? I was half expecting it to be 2k only, a little more, a little less. That was how bad our gas prices are. The last time I had the tank full, it only cost me around P1,500? Geesh, was that a long time ago?

So anyway, I asked the gasoline boy to help me filling the tires with air, so I just waited for my card while doing so. And waited. And waited.

I had that little panic... Oh no, what if my card was denied, a la Greta? Will I call my boss to ask him to help me and give me 2,500? I didn't have cash too! Can I say "That cannot be, we own the bank?"

Good thing the card came. Whew. Hahaha.

Anyway, just as I had my tank full, that evening news broke that there will be a 1-Peso rollback. GRRR. KILL...

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Early Christmas Gift Plans

As early as now I’m thinking what Christmas presents to give to all our department’s personnel. Last, year, I have given them these cute little paper/picture holders that they truly liked.



It really makes me feel good that I see them using my little gift to them, so I plan to give them more personalized items that I know they can use daily. I thought of giving them personalized pens this Christmas! I know this might be a little more expensive than usual but hey, I have received a lot of blessings this year so I wouldn’t mind it too much if I shell out more than usual. It’s for them anyway. And I know I would really feel happier whenever I see them use those pens.

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Life Insurance

Because of the recent sinking of a passenger vessel because of the typhoon, I am becoming all the more convinced that as early as possible, I should get dear hubby an insurance policy. I know, you might think I sound so morbid today, and honestly I do not like thinking of such things. But for the sake of our future (more importantly, Eanna’s), it is best that I talk to my agent and ask for life insurance quotes. It is a reality that our little family largely depends on the second head of the house (first head of course is God). Sheeps, I really don’t want think about this. I should just stop. This makes my heart palpitate. Erase, erase, erase.

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Spare Glasses

I recently blogged about me not being able to contact lenses in the near future, so I bought a nice little red eye glasses. I talked to friend J about it and while I was reading her blog, I got curious on an online optical store called Zenni Optical that she was raving about. I was amazed at the products featured, at very affordable prizes. They manufacture their own frames, and since they do not have any middlemen nor any grand advertising campaigns, they have kept their price tags at a minimum. The Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses don't look bad at all. Had I known about this website earlier, I would've just bought my glasses there. Or rather, I should have regularly watched Fox News (or read the website daily), because Zenni Optical was on FOX news!

Anyway, no use crying over spilled milk. I totally loved checking out the Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni and here's what I would like to buy as my alternate glasses, you know, for home use and all...




Really funky, buy I don't care. I LIKE! Yoohoo... J, are you there? hahahaha. Kidding.

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Battle Field

Our whole day meeting today was a very intense, disappointing, mentally draining, anger inducing, and extremely tiring one, but I must say that it really was an eye-opener to me.

I'm too tired to blog about it now and I may or may not post anything about this in the future. But reminder to self...

At work, know your place, your capabilities and at the same time your limitations. Never overstep and be blinded by your ambition or your notion that you are the best. Never act as if you're smarter than anybody else. The higher you go, the humbler you should be. Lastly, a team has a common goal. Don't just think about yourself or your work alone.

I do hope these reminders will serve as eye openers to that poor soul, although I highly doubt it.

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10 Months

After a long, hard, and tiring day at work, the only thing I wanted to do was go home and cook the food for our celebration of our angel's 10th month. I prepared the menu yesterday but we didn't push through with it. As soon as I started heating the water for our pasta, my MIL texted me that she ordered pizza and delivery guy was already on his way to our place. Really, she is really such a great MIL. Not to mention she raised my beloved lover husband, and boy she did well. So it really wasn't a suprise that she'd be very good to our little family. Favorite child, favorite grandchild? Nah. Ha ha.

Anyway, I decided to forego our cooking plans and just opted to cook chicken lollipops with, dig this, tamarind sauce as our dip. Yummy! Of course, Eanna didn't take the sauce. But she surely enjoyed the chicken and the pizza!

*Sigh*

Our baby is really growing up fast. Time flies so fast. In two months she'll be a year old. Wow. Can I cry now? I'm getting sentimental here. Ha ha!

Ok... Logging off now. Until tomorrow...

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Necking

Just browsed through Style.com to check on the latest trends for Fall 2008 (I know, I'm looking a little late than usual), and I'm very happy that designers have focused on one of our most sensual body parts: the neck. Here are some of the looks I liked (pics are from Style.com:

Gian Franco Ferre
Brian Reyes
Alessandro Dell'Acqua


I am a huge fan of clothes that have dramatic necklines, which is why when Tyler opened ages ago, I was hooked on them. They featured a lot of tops that are simple but necklines were gorgeous. My Mom used to think I'm so crazy for buying those tops, but look at Tyler right now. They're famous for their tops.

Anyway, I really look forward to browsing some more (I have to work first, you know!) but really, the Fall/Winter collections are the ones that I really look forward to. For me, designers get more "creative" and they produce a lot of sensual clothes. Example, some few years back (and even until last year, I haven't check this year), we saw equestrian clothing become oh so chic. I never thought I'd be a fan, but I became one.

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Spectacled

I went to the optical shop with the intention of buying a new pair of contact lenses. I thought that my old pair was wearing down because whenever I blink the lenses move, and my eyes felt very irritated and heavy. The doc checked my eyes to see if my grades went up. It did. She further checked my eyes and inner lids and found out that I'm suffering from an irreversible condition known as lid roughness. Basically my lids have small rough dots, and these will never go away. It's a common condition for contacts wearers. It's not in the worst stage but I was still worried. Now I can't year contacts for about two weeks but to be on the safer side I plan to stay away from contact lenses for more than that.

So I bought a new pair of glasses. I hope it doesn't look too big on me! Oh well, I am loving them right now.

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Here's Eanna's Video!

Yipee! I finally got to upload the video where Eanna is "dancing"...



Isn't she just soooo adorably amazing?


gash, I'm such a proud Mama!

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Ironing Out My Kinks

My hair is going back to its natural curly state, and much as I would like to have it rebonded, I’m too lazy to go to the parlor and stay there for a good number of hours. I tried to address this by buying myself a ceramic flat iron, but it seems like its efficiency in ironing my hair is waning. I tried looking around to see what is the best flat iron that is suitable for me, and I found a great site solely devoted to providing what a girl needs to know about flat irons. I find it really interesting because the full features of each flat iron are provided, and some even inform the viewers which product is suitable for what type of hair. I was a little intimidated by the price range of the flat irons but come to think of it, I wouldn’t trust a really cheap one for my already-brittle hair. I personally like to get titanium wet and dry flat irons. I tried one and the result was really nice. I chickened out before because I thought it was too expensive. Now I regret getting the cheaper one. Anyway, it’s not too late. I can get one and then just give my old one to my sister, who has less curly hair than mine.

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Colon Care

Some years ago there was a craze over colon cleansing, and much as I wanted to do this, I had no time (either that, or I was scared, or it wasn’t really my priority). They said that it’s good to do this at least every ten years in order to take out all the toxins that have remained (or formed and hardened?) in our colon. Blame it on being 30 (hahaha, another opportunity to bring up this excuse), but I’m seriously considering to colon cleanse this year; at least this time my better half will go with me. I wanted to do this because I know that ever since childhood I’ve felt that there is something wrong with my “system” and I just want to know that after 30 years of existence, I’m still in the pink of health. Care to do that as well?

And to those who have done this... share your thoughts please!

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Acne Alert?

Is it because of the weather or am I developing adult acne? My officemates have noticed that I have two big spots in my cheeks, and since these spots were flat, I thought they were just mosquito bites. That, or me wearing eyeglasses had something to do with it. However, It’s been days already and the spots went up from two to three. Now this should get me alerted (vain vain vain?). If this persists then I have no choice but to buy a good natural acne treatment that would suit my skin type (I’m allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, the common solution for acne). Please please please… hope nothing will erupt soon.

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Delayed HK Plans

I feel a bit bad right now. Looks like our HK trip will be delayed to a later date because I have to attend the seminar for all employees, and the schedule is in conflict with our trip. Well, I secretly hoped before that our family trip will be delayed to some other time, when Enrique is already here. First, I always want to be with Enrique whenever I travel. Second, both of us do have travel plans (you know, second honeymoon), so maybe this can be a 2-in-1 thing. At least we don’t have to buy HK travel guides because my Dad knows HK and we need not feel our way into the city. Oh well, whatever will be, will be right? If ever I push through with going to HK without Enrique, then I would have to suggest that both of us go to another place for our canoodle-fest Round 2. Hehehe.

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Money Isn't Everything, You Know.

*Sigh*

This is the time when I just want to relax. The time to let go of whatever work concerns I have right now. The time to commune with nature and free my mind, heart, and soul. If only I could own a place somewhere luxurious and peaceful, such as in Winter Park real estate and cocoon myself after a very toxic workday…

Too bad such wants are, well, just that… wants. Sometimes I wish I can just stop working, or find another industry to be in. Working for this industry can be very tiring, stressful, and even emotionally draining and scarring (especially if you deal with very difficult people who only think of money, money, money, and themselves). No matter how much I believe that work should not affect me that much and that I should be thankful that I have a job, sometimes I just wish for something else. Oh well. This feeling shall pass. I’m happy with what I have right now. I couldn’t ask for more. Which is probably why blessings keep coming in (or shall I say, I notice that everything that comes my way are blessings). I just hope other people will see that too. Like what I read somewhere, “Happiness is not want having what you want, but wanting what you’ve got.”

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Eanna Dances!

I'm so happy, I caught Eanna dancing and bobbing her head while listening to the tunes from her walker! When she noticed that she's being video-ed, she stopped dancing and went forward to take the camera. Hahaha!

Unfortunately, I don't have my phone's cable so I could not upload the video and show it here. Hehehe.

Anyway, remember I blogged about me being sad that it seems like my little angel wants to be with the Nanny more than with me right? I did a little experiment last night wherein I "ignored" her when I came home from work (usually she's the in living room when I get home, and she smiles soooo lovingly) and see if she will want to have my attention. You know what my little angel did? She moved forward and signified she wanted to walk/crawl. So the nanny placed her on the floor. Eanna crawled towards me, put her hand on my leg so she could stand up, then raised her other hand as if to say "carry me Mama."

Hehehe... experiment is a success. Eanna's just too cute. Thank goodness she knows me already.

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Tag From Sheryll

Dear God, we pray for the quick recovery of all the sick and the dying especially those suffering from LUPUS and CANCER. And to those 700 plus lives who have lost during the Princess of the Star Voyage tragedy during the typhoon last week. I pray that their bodies will be found and if not they will rest in peace. My heart aches for them... Amen.

To those who will be all you have to do is keep this circulating. Even if it’s to only one person. In memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by a serious illness like Lupus or Cancer or is still living with it. A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle. Blogs who prayed: 1.) Eida’s Closet 2.) My Precious 3.) Just Me.. Eds 4.) Me and Mine 5.) In This Game of Life 6.) Because Life is Fun 7.) Mommy Talks 8.) Anorexic 9.) Me, Myself and I 10.) A Multiple's Choice 11.) Our Family Adventure! 12.) Life.Love.Us. 13.) My Lavender Fields

Please Keep This Candle Going!There will be a cure soon. Continue to have hope and continue to pray.

I'm Tagging: Che, JenB, Liv, Jammy, Melissa, Concon, and everyone else...

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Grilled Salmon and Arugula Salad

It's been a while since I last posted a recipe, so here's one now. I had this for dinner last night (sorry, no picture) and got the salmon recipe from FoodTV.com. The arugula salad, I drew inspiration from the one that I had when i ate in Pepato a few years back... Very simple but yummy!


Grilled Salmon with Sherry Vinegar and Honey Glaze

Ingredients:
1 cup Sherry Wine Vinegar
1/4 Cup Honey
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 Tbsp Chile Powder (original recipe calls for ancho chile powder)
Salmon Filltes (4 pcs maximum)

Reduce the vinegar in a saucepan over high heat, until it is only about 1/4 cup. In a bowl, mix the vinegar with the honey, mustard, chile powder. Season with salt and pepper. Let it rest for around 30 minutes (I didn't.. too hungry already). Heat the grill. Brush the salmon steaks with the glaze. Grill 3 minutes on each side for medium cooking.

Another version of the recipe adds 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Will try this next time.

Simple Arugula Salad with Honey Dressing

Ingredients:
Arugula greens good for 2 (if you find this too bitter, use baby romaine)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon (sorry, I really like a little sourness to it!)
around 2 tbsp honey (depends on your taste)
Shaved Parmesan cheese

Mix the oil, lemon juice, and honey. Pour over the greens. Drizzle with shaved parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

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