One Year Ago.

I blogged...

Obviously, this big ballooned tummy of mine hasn't popped yet as I blog at the moment. Going 39 weeks this weekend, can't help but wonder when will Baby A finally make his grand entrance. I don't think I'm experiencing any "real" labor signs yet. Although contractions have been more frequent in an hour, still it doesn't progress to anything that would make me run to the hospital

One year later...

here I am, watching over my little son sleeping. He's celebrating his first birthday party tomorrow (actual birthday on the 2nd). Now I'm asking myself..where did the time go?

Random Questions #21.

1. What are you doing?

Blogging like crazy. I need to catch up on a lot of updates.

2. Do you feel awkward when strangers say hi to you?

Not really although here in Pinas, you seldom encounter such strangers.

3. Is anything upsetting you right now?

None right now.

4. Have you ever seen someone you knew and purposely avoided seeing them?

Yes..have done that before.

5. Do you know anyone with such a terribly annoying voice that you can’t even stand it?

Yes, and I'm glad I don't live with her.

6. Any message for your ex love?

None.

7. Do you announce when you have to pee?

Yes when I have to excuse myself from a group.

8. Do you give out second chances easily?

Yes. I'm a forgiving person actually.

9. Have you ever cried from being so mad?

Yes.

10. Last time you read a text message and smiled?

Just a few minutes ago...a text from Kathy.

Snagged from Chikai.

My Other Birthday Wish.

Since I'll be getting a new mobile phone from the husband as a birthday gift. Guess what I might be wishing for my Dad to get me before he flies back to Saudi.

No, it's not a new cam..nor a laptop.

It's something shining...shimmering and splendid! I'm really in love with this necklace that I found at Holsted Jewelries.

It's a Birthday Wish Genuine Birthstone and Diamond Heart Pendant! Lovely isn't it? And it's even lovelier because of the price. You wouldn't think that it's just below $50. I love each detail that this necklace has: the classic gold-over-sterling silver heart pendant, the twelve genuine gemstones (of course, it'll be aquamarine for me), its diamond, the 18" cable chain with a lobster-claw clasp...perfect! I should go and make a hint to my Dad about this website. Who knows my wish for a costume jewelry might also come true. Holsted Jewelries have plenty of them..not just ordinary jewelries but theirs are well crafted with high quality stones at a reasonable price.

The Venue Stylist.

Watch out for Asher's Dressed Up Party Venue pics soon. I just know that it will be the party setup of my dreams...lots of colorful mylars, squiggles, swags, animal standees, and other jungle-lific details. Why? Because I'm just so confident that Jacque of Partyboosters will pull it through with no sweat...just pure artistic hands and creative mind.

Check out her other party works here and agree with what I have just said.

Sheesh...I'm sweating out of excitement. Can't wait. :D

All About Makeups.

I love what I'm watching right now. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho is currently featuring everything about makeups. From doing a makeover of a young stay at home mom, to simple makeup application, to doing thematic makeups to guidelines to remember about taking care of makeups to even doing funeral makeups. This is quite interesting as I've recently find interest in makeup...specifically mineral makeups. When I was still working, I do wear makeup but I care less about the brand and shades that I use. Back then, as long as I have a lipstick, blush and eye shadow, foundation...I'm all set. It's actually ironic because I learned how to be specific with makeups when I turned into a stay-at-home mom. I discovered mineral makeups and I was astounded with what I've been missing. Now I'm yearning to learn more that's why I'm looking for beauty schools similar to cosmetology schools in houston. Regency Beauty Institute has been continuously expanding and their recent addition to their chain is this one in Houston. With their expansion comes along their mission to provide high quality training and exceptional cosmetology education. They are actually the fastest growing beauty school across the country. How I wish they also expand internationally so many Filipinos can also be trained and be provided with a "colorful" career in cosmetology.

Monday Meme on a Saturday.

What’s one of the simple pleasures in your life?
+ Hearing Asher chuckle.

What do you like to snack on when you watch a movie?
+ ice cream, popcorn and soda..do they make a good combination? For my taste buds..yes!

If you were a Survivor contestant, what would be your luxury item?
+ my mobile phone...but I think that's not even allowed at Survivor. LOL!

Snagged from Yen..thanks girl!

What's Cooking.

Saturday 9: What’s Cooking?

1. Which meal is the one you cook best?
:: Pork Humba. Nothing else..unless boiled egg, fried hotdogs and eggs are counted. LOL.

2. Tell us what you would never eat.
:: Exotic foods.

3. Is your hometown famous for anything or anybody?
:: Yes..it's famous because of the local dishes they expertly cook...dinengdeng and pinakbet.

4. Can you play a musical instrument?
:: Piano and guitar but not that much though.

5. Tell us about your second ever lover.
:: Hmmm...I've totally forgotten about him.

6. What is your favorite restaurant?
:: Kitchen and Avenetto.

7. If it were your call, how often would you make love?
:: Next question please.

8. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
:: President GMA.

9. Tell us about your job.
:: SAHM may be tough but it's the best job in the world. :)

Stand Up.

“Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.”
~ Norman Vincent Peale quotes ~

Dreaming of a Beach Vacation.

Have you seen my facebook wall message? Well, it says "Mai can't wait and is excited for Asher's party on Sunday. Weee! Happy Birthday asherito!!!" We're done with the preparations except for the last minute details but nevertheless, we're all set! And basically with an almost one-man team planner, I'm just glad that I was able to accomplish most of the details all by myself so after this grand celebration, I'm really looking forward to a nice relaxation. Perhaps, it won't be too much if I ask from the husband for some beach getaway this April. How about a mexico vacation? That's marvelous, isn't it? It would also be a nice treat if ever since my birthday is just two weeks away.

I'd really love to laze around and lounge on the cozy rooms of any of the Karisma Hotels. Situated on the secluded white-sand beaches of the Mexican Riviera Maya these hotels are just divine. After all, the word "karisma" is Greek of origin, meaning “divine favor.” Looking at the options, Azul Beach Hotel Resort is my choice. Simply because it has just been redesigned, and is the first boutique all-inclusive resort. Not only us, but Asher will also be pampered because of extra amenities like strollers, cribs, baby milk heaters, beach games, coloring books, refrigerators for milk and medicines, and even kid-sized bathrobes. Now that truly is divine!

On This Same Date Last Year.

I blogged:

Almost Ready.
Hello everyone..I'm still here and I'm on my 37th week. Had my check-up yesterday and was already given an admission slip, which cues that Baby A is coming out real soon. Baby A seems still thriving and enjoying his stay inside, though. According to my OB, he's still a bit floating and my cervix hasn't started dilating yet although it has ripened already. This means that my body is indeed ready for labor.

I'm really glad that I have my blog to revisit my memories. Can't believe that it's been a year. Same date last year, I was preparing for the coming of the little A. Now, I'm preparing for his 1st birthday. Geezzz..I better brace myself for another fast year ahead.

Friday 5.

1. What types of blogs do you usually read?
:: blogs of my friends.
2. What kinds of products do you usually buy when you shop online?
:: clothes, toys, make ups.
3. What kinds of online videos do you usually spend time watching?
:: any interesting video I find on youtube
4. Besides Friday 5, what weekly memes do you particularly enjoy?
:: Litratong Pinoy
5. Where do you like to go for streaming online music?
:: none :P

Safe Investments.

I don't know if it's far from over but left and right every night on the news, we hear of companies laying off not only a few but even hundreds or thousands of their employees. All blaming the world's financial crisis. They say, it's imperative that they do it or else the entire business will fall and the greater majority will suffer.

What's Cooking?

...it's not sweet.
...it's not coarse.
...it can't be eaten.

Then what is it?

Well, I'm cooking up a new blog. It's still taking shape and it's in the process of redirection. I just hope that I set the proxy settings right. Or else, it'll take some time before it'd be up.

Who's Next?

Guess who else will celebrate her birthday next month after Asher.

Yes, it's me. Our birthdays are just 10 days apart so after his party, it'd be me who will blow the birthday candles next. No, I won't be having a party and as always, we'll just have a little feast at home with my boys. That's actually what matters most to me. Even though I'm longing for a lot of material things like gadgets such as netbooks, lens for Nikky, a new mobile phone, etc - nothing beats the fulfillment that my family brings. As long as we're together, we're all healthy and blessed with so much love..I couldn't ask for more.

Tag Train #19.

1. What's your latest addiction?
:: if party planning is an addiction, then that's it.

2. Are you expecting a thing in your mailbox today?
:: Yes, and hopefully, I have them soon.

3. When was the last time you got pissed off?
:: Hmmm the other day I think.

4. What comes first to your mind when you see a dollar bill?
:: USA. It's their money right?

5. Would you rather be a babysitter or an elderly caregiver?
:: Babysitter eventhough babies are so delicate and fragile.

6. If you were invisible for a day, what would you do?
:: Stalk a favorite celebrity at his home.

7. If you could expand one room in your house to twice its size, what room would it be?
:: It would be the living room.

8. What's your headline for today?
:: I'm bored.

9. What do you have handy at your bedside?
:: My mobile phone.

10. What dream job would you like to have?
:: a lawyer...specifically, Mesothelioma lawyer.

For those who want to chug along, you can catch up on these train stations:
For those who want to chug along, you can catch up on these train stations:
Tag Train #1; Tag Train #2; Tag Train #3; Tag Train #4; Tag Train #5; Tag Train #6; Tag Train #7; Tag Train #8; Tag Train #9; Tag Train #10; Tag Train #11; Tag Train #12; Tag Train #13; Tag Train #14; Tag Train #15; Tag Train #16; Tag Train #17; Tag Train #18; Tag Train #19; Next Stop.

A Hit.

I'm helping my sister scour for a new pair of eyewear and in my search I read Zenni Optical in the New York Times?! I've known about Zenni for a long time as their Prescription eyeglasses for only $8! are really a hit. In these economic hard times, they're surely the supplier to turn to and depend on. Seeing Straight Without Breaking Bank is their humble mission. By the way, they have a vast collection of stylish frames, go ahead and I'm sure you'll find a pair that will match your preferences and style.

Valentines Dinner.

Just four nights to go then it's the most awaited day of the lovers. Have you planned or thought so far where and how you and your better half will spend that special day? With all honesty, I haven't. Hubby and I haven't talked about it. I wonder if he's up to something again. I'm not yearning for anything fancy. After all, splurging is at the least of our priority these days especially with the little one's birthday party two and half weeks from now. Perhaps, just a simple dine out in a not so posh or elegant resto. Our fave fast food in Glorietta's Food Choices will do. I'm craving for a World Chicken meal so I'd totally be delighted if I'll be treated to a yummy roasted chicken feast. But if the husband has saved for a romantic dinner in an elegant resto like Spice China or those other Denver Restaurants in Colorado, then who am I to resist? I've just read a review on Spice China (located in Boulder) and they got a two thumbs up from the critic.

Bouganvillea.

The husband has been testing shots in manual mode and this is one of his best.

Nope, this not one specie of those Japanese Magnolia trees. It's the bouganvillea plant that is common among countries with warm climate. My in-laws have them in the garden and it's such a pretty sight when they bloom. Asher is, in fact, also fascinated with these flowers when he sees them. He'd love to touch them but I stop him because he'd just rip the flowers mercilessly out of fascination. Nevertheless, as young as he is, he already has the eye for beauty.

The Giveways.

I have been yakking in my other blogs about the party preparations I'm doing for my son's birthday next month. Well, it's kinda exhausting doing all by myself the nitty gritty details but all the more that I'm excited to see how will everyone, especially Asher, enjoy the party. Almost all details have been ironed out including the souvenirs. It took me quite a long while thinking of a nice token. In fact I even checked out the catalog of a custom promotional product supplier to get an idea. But the featured products, although nice and unique, are quite costly. And so I settled with these home made chocolates I found over the web. The best thing about this is that the choco wrappers can be customized by none other than me. And so, here's how will it look like:

The chocolate is sweet but the whole of it is made sweeter because it is done with a labor of love.