Christmas Gift

A godchiled wished for an excellent doumbek at Musicians Friend.  But ordering from an international online shop wouldn’t be a feasible idea at this time (peak season) so we just decided to brave the mall last week with the high hopes of finding a good one.  We almost gave up and went home empty-handed. Good thing we found one at the last music store we visited.  The best thing about it is, it’s currently on sale!  I have imagined that he would be the happiest godchild in the world.  Indeed, he was when he saw the gift.

Merry Christmas!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the merry making this holiday season, may we remember the true meaning and whom we’re celebrating Christmas is for.  Have a blessed and merry one with the persons you love the most! Happy Holidays!

Wedding Nostalgia

We attended a close friend’s wedding last month and as always, it made me want to get married (to the same person, of course) again!  Every time I attend a wedding, I can’t help but reminisce our wedding six years ago and relive each majestic detail: from my simple yet stunning bridal gown, our quirky-shaped yet cute wedding cake, the romantic strum of each of the cello strings of our musicians, the romantic and wacky poses that our photographer made us do, our heartfelt vows as heard through the cervin vega at musician's friend speaker, the cute little flower girls and bearers of our entourage, the bountiful and yummy feast we ate all together..whew!  I really wish that we get to go through the same moments when we renew our vows hopefully, on our 20th anniversary.

Wedding Musicians

A wedding is one huge event that entails a lot of planning. It also involves a lot of suppliers to make it enchanting and truly special for the couple. One of the first suppliers to book for a wedding, along with the ceremony and reception venues, are the musicians. Usually, these suppliers who provides live entertainment accept one event per day only. Thus, if you have a preferred band or musicians in mind, better book them early. Take time to research for testimonials from previous clients, search for their videos that may have been uploaded and check out their gigs and take note of their equipment and instruments like cerveny 686 cbb at musician's friend, sound system, etc. Take note of the stipulations set in the contract before formalizing your booking with them.

I Couldn't Agree More...

I'm such a sleepyhead and this is so true. In fact, I could correct it and say..."there's a huge difference between 6:00 and 6:01. Hear, hear?

Craft Musical Instruments

On a rainy day, kids get easily bored at home. Giving them something to do like fun craft activities can keep them busy and entertained. Search the vast resources on the internet for ideas, tutorials and step-by-step techniques of easy, fun craft activities that kids of any age can do. Bookstores and craft stores also have craft kits that can be bought in a pack and just assembling them is what’s left for kids to do. For the musically-inclined kids, give them hand drum kits. The kit contains ready-made white card drum, coloured straws, ribbons and beads. Kids can personalize and decorate the kit with acrylic paint or deco pens. Or just give them a toilet paper roll board that they can transform to king trumpets. They will surely have a great fun making these noisemakers.

Guitar Wedding Cake

Having a music-themed wedding is not hard at all to pursue.  You can go on a general music theme and infuse elements such as musical notes, pictures or icons of musicians or a specific genre or you may go specific and choose a particular musical instrument.  If let’s say you or your better half is a guitarist, there’s no other interesting element to use other than a guitar and its accessories.  Like in the picture above (from google), there’s the traditional tiered wedding cake on the left and there’s also a guitar cake complete with a replica of a new boss guitar pedals at musicians friend.  Now that’s a better way of rocking and rolling your special day.

Digital and Computer Age

We live in the digital era. Ask people a time when they didn't know a thing about computers and they probably couldn't even remember. People can't imagine life these days without being connected to the internet. Pictures are countless thanks to cheap digital cards - no need for film. Communication has been made easier.

Computers have become more compact, faster, more interactive. Almost every family owns one and is familiar with pc tune up from Iolo.com. However, computers are slowly being overcome by smartphones and tablets. How can you compete with one that is as light as a feather, as thin as a newspaper and yet gives you everything the computer does?

Weekend Date Ideas for the Family

School has started and weekends have turned into bonding time for families. Spend time wisely with your children. While out of town trips maybe out of the question already, you can still have fun with your family right in the comfort of your own home.

1. If your kids have music lessons during weekends, make sure that he practices his piece and that your piano has the steel piano hinge working properly. The same goes for any musical instrument he is playing. Hear his piece and offer constructive criticism and praise.

2. Catch up on movies on the big screen - if going to the mall scares you right now (because of the throngs of people), you can have your own movie night at home. Serve popcorn!

3. Don't forget to go to mass! You can dine out afterwards. Most families celebrate this tradition.

4. Visit grandparents!

5. Make sure to turn in early on Sunday night to make sure you will have a great start for the first day of the week!

The Local Music Scene

The music scene has been experiencing a plethora of foreign bands and artists coming to the local concert scene to stage concerts. It’s a great advantage to concertgoers but can be a disadvantage to the local music artists in general. Most concertgoers would naturally watch foreign artists with the reason that they can catch a local artist’s show next time.

The key here would be to improve the music scene in general. Concert artists should improve their repertoire. Publicists should amp their marketing. Bass and other musical equipment should be state of the art as well.

Don’t End Too Soon, Summer.

Summer will end in a month’s time here in our part of the world.  And I should be alarmed because I haven’t worn my beach wear and haven't gone for a good swim in the beach or pool yet because of my very busy schedule with my work.  Hopefully, I’d be able to trim down my work tasks so that it’ll be somehow manageable and I can sneak out for a brief vacation.  Wish me luck.

Wishing to Head to Somewhere Cooler

The summer heat has been unforgiving these past few days.  These make me want to hit the road with the family and just head to the mountains of Baguio where the climate is much cooler.  I’m sure my kids would be ecstatic as well because more than the cool weather they always look forward to enjoy their favorite activity at the Wright Park: horseback riding!  They care less if they don’t have the proper riding attire like the mens riding pants, all they care about is they’d be able to mount and have a cool ride with a guide, of course.

Engaged!

A friend of mine just recently engaged with her long time boyfriend.  She shared the video on how her fiance proposed to her and I must say that it was sweet.  I’m sure every girl would envy how her fiance planned and staged the proposal with the cooperation and help of their colleagues.  You can see how my friend was so surprised..shocked and speechless even.  She cried actually most probably out of surprise and overwhelming emotion amidst everyone’s big smiles.  I suddenly remember how the husband proposed.  It wasn’t really a surprise nor a grandiose proposal but nevertheless it was still sweet, special and meaningful.  I was actually more excited on the planning: shopping womens and mens wedding rings, trying out my bridal gown, meeting and booking suppliers and all those things. After all, the wedding and marriage are far more important than fancy proposals.

Candy Crush

When I first heard about how my friends are going gaga over the mobile app game, Candy Crush, I vowed not to check it out because I don’t want to get hooked.  I’m already busy with a lot of things and I knew for sure that it will just be a distraction.  And so I thought, I keep that vow.  Guess what..I’m now on Level 35.  Now I can perfectly understand why everyone’s so into this game. It’s simply addicting.  At one point, I’m glad how it comes with a limited life or turns.  At least, I don’t get to waste hours of my time on time. LOL.

Simple Wedding Bouquet

Source: acrimsonkiss.com via Christina on Pinterest

What a simple yet very stylish and refreshing wedding bouquet.  I love hydrangeas and peonies and if I were to wed again (of course, to the same man), I would love to have this kind of simple and sweet bouquet.

Chocolate Gifts for Valentines

Valentines is synonymous to chocolates and flowers.  They have long been a favorite gift for lovers and popular tokens when wooing someone.  Chocolates signify sweetness while flowers convey appreciation for beauty.  Here are some chocolate gift ideas that you can share with your special someone over a romantic meal.

Source: bitingmyhand.blogspot.com via NRDC BioGems on Pinterest

Source: herbanlifestyle.indiemade.com via IndieMade on Pinterest

Source: lakechamplainchocolates.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Love Chalkboard Art

Source: thediaryofdaveswife.com via Crystal on Pinterest

This is a wonderful chalkboard word art frame not only for Valentines but whole year round for everyone in the family.  It’s great to hang on the living room wall, the bedroom or on a space where it can be very evident.  It’s a great reminder and affirmation not only for couples but everyone in the family.

Effective Time Management

Life has been extra busy these past few months with both my online work and with the online store that I own.  Most of the time, I fail to finish all the things I needed to do in a day that’s why I really try to manage my work time effectively.  But then, there are times that work pile up that fast that I wish I have the extra hands, mind, extra computers and extra multiple monitor mounts so I can attend to all the tasks at the same time.  I’m not complaining though because being busy means I’m blessed with projects.  As I have said, I really just need to manage my time (and stress) more effectively.

ISO: Wooden Frames

These are the wooden frames that I have been scouting.  If you have any leads whether an online store or in physical stores, please let me know.   I’m needing a few for the photo wall that I’m planning to have.  Also, I think they make a great photo prop for my headband business.

Source: smallchichome.com via Kelly on Pinterest