Cutty

I already made up my mind.  I wont be gifting myself with a bag this Christmas.  The collection I've seen are either too boring or way beyond my limit.  Then, I saw this. I hope this looks equally lovely in black.  I haven't gotten a black leather bag in years.

If you haven't gone to Baguio in ages (like me) and has to re-acquaint yourself with Baguio, here are some tips: 1.  Parking is always difficult in the city.  Park your car at Burnham Park.  Give your kids time to bike and ride the boat.  This also the best time to visit the local market for fresh produce and other Baguio products. 2.  SM Baguio is still THE tambayan.  It is incredibly crowded on weekends.  Avoid if possible. 3.  When you visit Wright Park and the Mansion, you will be asked to taste Sagada oranges.  They're quite sweet and seedless.  Don't be duped into buying.  The vendors mark it up by 100%.  It is still best to purchase them in the market.  I learned my lesson the expensive way. 4.  If your feet are tired from walking up and down the slopes, have a foot massage at Bellfrei Spa at the Techno Hub.  The massage and the view make the experience so relaxing. 5.  Skip Choco-Late. Spe...

I heard that Baguio is nice and chilly this time of the year.  When we were there two weeks ago, but it wasn't too cold.  A long-sleeved shirt would suffice.  Strawberries were still scarce.  Traffic and parking spaces were still difficult for us out-of-towners.  Nevertheless, the city wasn't lacking of tourists. I haven't been to Baguio in 5 years.  So much has changed.  John Hay now offers numerous nature-related activities.  The convention center didn't look as imposing as it did before.  There's an Ayala Techno Hub inside John Hay.  Well-known establishments from Manila have also taken up room in this area. As for the rest of Baguio, ukays were no longer in every corner.  Huge St. Bernard dogs were the attraction in Mines View Park.  It seemed that the view only came in second. It was also our first Baguio trip with the kids.  They were quite excited to ride horses and pick strawberries.  We accomplished the...

I've heard several times before that when we pray to God, we have to be specific. I haven't done so in the past. My prayers have always been generic. I believed that HE knows what I need even if I didn't ask for it. It was only in difficult times, when I conversed with God, have I really asked for specific things. Then, I realized that He really did grant what I asked for. What's amazing is I knew it was the answer to my prayer. One just needs to be selfless and patient. Have you conversed with Him lately?

Our trip to Japan in January is slowly taking shape.  We've encountered several hurdles, but we are slowly getting there.  I was so excited last night that I decided to read up on the place. Here's my Must-Sees. 1) The Moiwa Ropeway, a cable car service that provides great views of the city 2) The Clock Tower 3) Susukino 4) The Odori Park for the ice sculptures during the Snow Festival Maybe, if we have time, we can squeeze in a visit to Rera Factory Outlets and the beautiful port city of Otaru. Sapporo is the the birth place of Royce Chocolates.  It also has beer museums and chocolate factories.  In fact, they have a special edition beer that combines these two famous products.  I can't wait to try this out! Most importantly, I look forward to this                                                 ...

I like school birthdays.  It ensures that celebrations are simple and within budget.  It also means I don't have to exert effort months before the party.  In fact, I just ordered stuff for Javi's party only a week before the party date. I purchased graphics for the invitation from Etsy.  I am so happy about the convenience and the final product. I ordered the cake from a bakeshop in Kapitolyo, but I will pick it up at the Fun Ranch branch.  It will be our 3rd year using a Cars-themed cake.  It still is the little Kuya's favorite. All I need to do is order food for delivery at the school.  Loot bags are a no-no so I don't have to worry about that. Let's see if the party will be as worry-free.  In a room full of Nursery kids?  I doubt that. Cheers!

The end of the month is just approaching but my kids are already tired of dressing up and asking for candies.  Hehehe. School was out since last Thursday.  On the day before that, Javi dressed up in traditional Korean costume.  This costume was "photo-finished."  Renting was too expensive.  Buying was not an option because I can no longer find one.    We asked my mother's nurse, who is a seamstress on the side, to make one four days prior to the school parade.  It turned out well.    Johann's attire was Hawaiian-inspired, courtesy of Landmark. On Thursday, they came as Woody, Buzz and Dora at Vic's office Trick or Treat.  It was better this year since they had a chance to nap before they roamed around the office buildings.  We've used Woody and Buzz in the past, but, this is the only time the costumes fit them well.  Bettina's costume was fuss-free.  It's a good thing she has Dora's backpack. Then, las...

I made it home in record time, 13mins to be exact.  Getting inside the house was another story.  It took me 15 minutes to wake the helper. I forgot my keys to the house, you see.  She forgot to turn off the phone. I had to resort to yelling their names using my barely-there voice.  Didn't work.  I hosed the windows from ground floor.  It didn't work either.  I ended up giving myself a shower instead.  Making the dogs bark didn't work too.  I found a plastic container to throw to the window.  That woke her up. Hay naku, award kami pareho.  Siyempre di ko mapagalitan kasi wala nga kong boses.

I was hoping that somebody had already invented a device that makes two individual strollers seem like  double strollers. Why is this a concern to me? For our upcoming trip, I don't think we'll be bringing a yaya. In addition to that, we already have three strollers and we don't want to purchase another one. Since it'll be just Vic and me tending to the kids full-time, I'd like us to be more mobile, with our hands free for other things.  Besides, I think Javi and Bettina would rather sit than walk all the time. With some carefully chosen words, I found what I needed in Google.  There are two available in the market.  Here's something from Prince Lionheart.  Amazon sells this at $13.49. Here's the one from Munchkin.  This costs around $9, shipping not included. Both come in threes, to be attached at the top and bottom frames.   I am just not sure which is more sturdy. Luckily, I don't have to purchase these from Amazon....

It looks like our trip to Korea isn't pushing through.  I was expecting it.  My SIL's back problem makes her unable to take long flights.  I am not too disappointed with the situation.  I like shopping in Hong Kong and my kids get to visit Disney again.  I'm sure they'll go gaga over Toy Story Land.  I'm happy as long as there's H&M and a hotel along Canton Road. Johann, on the other hand, was quite disappointed because he wont get to see the snow.  They're studying South Korea in school right now.  He was quite excited to see the place in person.  Oh well. Javi doesn't mind, as usual.  As long as there's Toys FOR Us, he'll be happy.  We just have to pack lots of chicken nuggets. I hope Bettina can still wear her winter clothes and boots.  They are currently crossing the Pacific Ocean.  My winter clothes wont go to waste either.  There's still Sapporo for THREE. As for Vic, I wonder what toy he'll get this...

I've always wanted to know what the fuss was about. I always see long lines in their donut shops. I heard theirs were similar to Krispy Kreme, only less sweet. I also heard that previous KK loyalists became J Co converts. Yes, I heard a lot more. So, when our KK favorites weren't available, we hied down to this newcomer. The shop was quite pleasant. It had lots of places to sit. It was adequately lit. I just had a hard time locating what I need from the menu board. Too many pictures distracted me. I was 6th in line.  But, it took them forever to attend to me.  The servers were going back and forth, causing traffic behind the counter.  By 11AM, some of the variants were no longer available.  I suppose they opened at 10AM.  How is that even acceptable? Their assembly line wasn't working properly.  At the rate people were purchasing by the boxes, one person doing the assembly simply wont cut it. I wanted to say, "Hello lang, did you even ...

They were dispensing Ventolin like crazy yesterday.  At least half of the drugstore's customers were asking for a nebule or a capsule.  I hope they don't run out. All the boys in my family are sick with asthma or really bad cough.  We thought Vic needed to be admitted to the hospital.  Javi has been coughing and had just recovered from fever.  Johann's had just begun. I love the cool breeze brought by the frequent rain showers.  I am just not loving the effect it has on my family's health.

One of the things I haven't done in the past is make my own Kare-kare.  I found it too intimidating.  Grinding peanuts for the sauce and preparing the numerous ingredients are just too much for one dish.  We usually order from Barrio Fiesta or ask Vic's Tita to make for us.  But visits from Vic's Tita and visits to Barrio are quite seldom these days. When I found this prepared mix in the grocery, I just had to try it out.  It only called for 5 major ingredients:  ox tail, pechay, string beans, eggplants.  It seemed pretty easy.  I just had to tenderize the meat.  Saute it then add the sauce and veggies.  I enhanced the flavor with Barrio Fiesta's peanut butter, some sugar, salt and pepper.  I served it with Barrio's bagoong.  What came out was not the same as the one they serve it restaurants.  But it was good enough. Last night was a first for me.  It will definitely not be the last.

A collection agency called me about my outstanding balance for a terminated phone line.  I was surprised to get the call because I remember paying for the entire bill. To clear things up, I called up Globe Customer Service because there was no use arguing with a third party service provider.   It was only then that I found out about my over-payment.  Apparently, I over-paid P3000 for that account.  Since I can't get a refund, I've made arrangements for the excess to be transferred to my existing phone line.  Ang galing talaga. He really makes everything right.  He finds a way to make it all right.  If I didn't get the call, I wouldn't have known about it. 

I am in my sleepshirt and boots.  Hehehe.  I am stretching out knee-high boots.  I hope to make them comfortable enough for my winter trips by the end of the year. I wore them once last winter.  After several hours of walking, it rubbed against my leg.  I couldn't wear them again during the trip.  I just wasted luggage space on something I wore once. I am going to wear them everyday until it is not too snug.  I am going to wear them every morning till they're comfortable enough to dance in.

Since I've transition to a desktop, I have never opened an email attachment successfully.  I always received this error "filename path contains invalid characters" I never really understood what it meant because I couldn't see invalid characters in the attachment filename.  Until I stumbled on a forum that suggested changing the folder name from "\XXXXX" to "/XXXXX." Amazingly, it worked!  I have forgotten how one measly character can cause so much problem when dealing with computers. I hope this helps you in the future.

The dim sum buffet at the Summer Palace had come and gone.  I felt as if the price wasn't worth it.  The dim sum carts were too far in between.  Most of the time, our favorites weren't on them.  We often had to request the waiter for siopao, spare ribs and scallops.  The add-ons (soup, noodles and taro-sago dessert) weren't something to rave about. On another note, there's are other food promos from the other EDSA Shang restaurants. Unfortunately, this offer expired yesterday.  Here's another one you might be interested in.  I apologize for the creases, but you get the message anyway. With the function rooms and ballrooms undergoing renovation, I feel that this won't be the end of the food promos.  I'll be waiting.

I can't believe it's only September.  After the Habagat flooding, a bout of viral infections, and Papa's Angioplasty, I feel so tired.  Sometimes, I feel like I've already used up my annual energy ration.  Forgive me if I just want to laze around in bed till noon.  Those are rare, these days. Christmas is just around the corner.  I am not quite ready for that.  Before Christmas, The Ateneo Chamber Singers will stage four concerts.  Then there's this year-end trip with the family.  Immediately after that is the ACS trip to Hokkaido. My days till June 2013 are already accounted for.  I hope that there won't be too many MAJOR changes to my schedule.  Asa pa ko! Then, there's this spa business I need to set up before November. I am not complaining.  I am grateful that the Lord is keeping me busy.  I just wish I could squeeze in some ME time, and maybe a few leisure trips. I will start off with this on Thursday Then ...

This week has been too much for me to take in.  I didn't know where to begin and what to prioritize.  You bombarded me with work-related concerns, ACS stuff, family and household matters.  I feel so silly trying to find some alone time in the confines of my car during lunch break.  Yet, I have nothing to say but thank you for helping me cope, for my support system and for giving me inspiration to go on. All these, I offer up to you.  Amen. Whew!

I've disclosed to some friends that I'm in the process of getting a spa franchise.  I've gone through the interviews and the feasibility studies.  I've secured our site a couple of months ago.  I just need to get the necessary permits and documents. Today, we started the orientation and the training. Hopefully, in a couple of months, I'll be able to run a spa all by myself.  It's scary and exciting at the same time. It feels good to be "working" again.

A few weeks ago, Vic remarked, "Buti pa si Javi di nagkakasakit."  I whole-heartedly agreed.  Johann and Bettina easily get sick due to weather changes.  Either Javi doesn't catch whatever's bothering the two or he recovers right away. Then I realized, though Javi is the least sickly of the three, he is the most accident prone.  No week goes by that he doesn't hurt himself while playing.  Before he turned two, he tripped and lost four of his front teeth.  Last summer, he nearly drowned because he turned upside down in his floater.  Last week was the worst of all, he tripped and hit the door of his classroom, resulting to a big laceration on his forehead.  It necessitated a trip to the ER and to the OR.  Our brave little boy didn't complain of any pain. Here he is in the Operating Room Lounge, prior to sedation.  When he was finally asleep and taken to the OR, I had some time to myself.  It was then when all the pent up emotion...

It's been some time since I updated you with what's happening in my life.  It's been hectic, but I am not complaining. First off, I finally found the help we needed at home.  I have my issues with them but I it's nothing major.   School started on the third week. Javi is now a nursery student, while Johann is in Senior Kinder.  I'm quite proud that Javi adjusted quite well.  He can be left alone with the teacher on the first day.  No tantrums or crying episodes from him.  Johann is glad to be back with friends.  Relationships with co-parents were forged once again.  Masyado ata akong nagpa-bibo last year.  So now, I have more volunteer work in my hands. Johann also celebrated his birthday on the third day of classes.  He initially wanted THE WORKS.  He wanted a party with posters (tarps), games, magicians, balloons, a big cake, etc.   I finally convinced him to tone it down.  We settled on a Superman c...

Instead of celebrating the usual style, my parents decided to charter a boat for Papa's party.  They tried it a few months ago and had wonderful time.  They hoped to share the experience with close friends and family.  We gave the boat company the guest list for insurance purposes. We boarded the boat shortly after 8PM.  We were advised by the crew that it was going to be a bumpy ride.  They suggested having the dinner first before sailing.  As soon as we are settled, the ship sailed.  Let's just say, we didn't expect it to be that bumpy.  We were rocking sideways.  It was like riding a roller coaster.  We didn't expect it to be that way.  Even my father was apologetic to the guests, half of whom were dizzy, sleepy or barfing. We had a hard time entertaining the guests.  The people I counted on to perform were too unsettled to stand in front of the other guests.  I had to stand in several times to distract them from ...

Located at the ground floor of the Megamall Atrium, you'll find this Japanese restaurant that serves nothing but Katsu.  You won't miss it.  There will be always be a group of diners waiting to be seated.  That is how popular the place is. You get to choose from different types of pork, chicken, fish and other seafood.  You can order the set meal, shown below.  My meal (Rosu with original sauce) came with miso soup, shredded cabbage, pickled veggies and fruit slices.  This cost me P315.  Considering the serving size and eat-all-you-can cabbage, I'd say, the price is just right.  With the creamy, tender pork slices, you'll never regret this meal. Each table also has a selection of Japanese condiments, Tonkatsu sauce, sesame and vinaigrette salad dressings.  Even the salt looked like expensive Himalayan kind, with the pink specks.   Kiddie meals are available at P195 each.  With a smaller rice portion, fruit, potato cro...

I love receiving my magazines in the mail. It is one of the things I look forward to every month. Since i got them online, I pay only a fraction of the local market price. The only drawback is not getting an issue on time or not getting it at all.  Reporting them to the publisher is also a pain.  I can no longer count how many copies I haven't received. Because of this, I'm contemplating on  getting a digital copies.  I heard that there are videos clips imbedded in digital magazines.  Oh, I'll surely miss the samples and the perfumed pages when I finally transition to digital copies.  But before that, I have to adjust to the iPad's glare.  Is it just me?  Am I just being too picky?  I just don't get that personal connection from an e-book or a digital magazine. 

We're headed to Pampanga this weekend to attend a birthday party.  It was supposedly a day trip.  But the SIL decided to make it a family outing.  She booked three villas in Fontana.  I was glad to hear that since there's no need to rush back to Manila for family obligations. I am quite excited for my kids to try out the wave pool.  I don't know if it is still that good.  My last dip in that pool was 7 years ago. Being a big fan of great food, I am looking forward to trying out C' Italian Dining and Azur as documented by Ivan Henares.  I don't know if we have time to visit the ancestral homes Pampanga is known for.  Let's see what we can fit in an day and a half.

Just when I am short-handed (yes, still need one more yaya and/or house help) and there are events and meetings to attend to in the next three days, I get sick.  It may be due to fatigue and the ever-changing weather.  I hope our remaining yaya doesn't catch it too. At this time, I am alone in the house.  Vic dropped the kids off at my parents' place so I can rest.  I am already suffering a bout of boredom.  I just may get a massage and a snack before I pick them up.  The fever is gone.  What's bothering me now are the achy joints.

I am not into skin whitening as most Pinays are into these days.  However,  I am in the quest for the best and most economical nail whitener.  Due to my love for pedis and nail color, I noticed that my toe nails have gotten that undesired shade of yellow.  In the past, I've used this de-yellowing serum from Sephora.  It is a clear polish with a tint of pink.  I think it is more of a cosmetic remedy than a nail treatment. I also tried brushing my nails with whitening toothpaste.  I may not have done this too often so I haven't seen any significant color change. Other measures I've taken were: Veering away from local brands (read: cheap) because I heard that they contain formaldehyde.  This ingredient has been known to cause yellow nails. Using nail polish removers without acetone.  Allowing nails to breathe.  If I have nail color this week, my nails will be without color in the next week. Not letting my polish stay for mo...

The big brother and I went to Starbucks to have coffee and dessert before getting his meds.  It was one of those moments when he gets noticed and gets acknowledged as "pogi."  When we got back in the car, I asked him if he understood what "pogi" means.  He said no.  How about "guapo?"  He doesn't know it either. As a mom, that's reassuring to hear.  There is no malice or pride tied to those compliments.  I wonder if I should explain what it's meant.

Now that Javi doesn't have a full time yaya, I get to spend more time with him.  Last night, after drinking his milk, I noticed that there were traces of chocolate milk splattered on his face, neck, arms and shirt.  I asked, "Natapon ba yun milk mo?"  He said no.  Then I asked again, "Eh, bakit ganyan itsura mo?"  He answered, "Eh Mama, ganito itusura ko eh." Oo nga naman.

It has been two weeks since that telenovela drama took place.  Since then, every adult in our household has been preoccupied with chores and tending to the kids.  I do almost all the cooking and kitchen cleaning.  Our remaining yaya does the laundry and most of the dirty work (taking out the garbage, feeding the dog, poop cleaning, et al.)  We split yaya duties - looking after and grooming the kids.  When I can manage, I clean a specific area at a time.  I have sorted the pantry, the den and the master bedroom.  Next will be the kids' room.  I have put off ironing for so long, I have big piles of clothes ready for pressing. Fortunately, we still have clothes left in our closets.  Vic does his share also, to lessen our load. The kids are also becoming more involved in keeping the house orderly.  Johann has been helping me with washing the dishes and setting the table.  Javi and Bettina can bring their plates and cups to the sink....

Here's a quick run down of what my family did last week.  I'm sure yours was just as busy. Unlike most Manilans, we decided to stay in the city this year.  It was usually a quick trip to Tagaytay and Visita Iglesia along the way.  We spent some part of the Holy Week checked in a hotel.  I used up my membership's complimentary night stay.  We enjoyed the pool and the sumptuous dinner buffet.  I was tempted to enjoy the spa as well, but I didn't give in to temptation.  It was a relaxing stay until our latest household drama. That same night, a stranger entered our almost-empty house.  It seemed that two of my yayas decided to let Yaya A's boyfriend inside.  On the morning before we left, we were informed by the neighbors that the boyfriend has been sneaking into the house late at night.  Then he sneaks out at dawn.  Vic authorized the guards to capture the trespasser and to turn him over to the Baranggay police.  Needless to ...

... when the sun finally decided to show up, I decided to start on the summer activities I have lined up for the kids. We planted seeds and played in the lawn.  When it was cool enough, the kids rode their bikes to the playground.  We played in the swing while Javi munched on his snacks.  The breeze was cool and the sun stayed away. What can I say?  It was fun... and it didn't cost me much.

One of our yayas has gone back to her province for her annual two-week vacation.  Times like this remind me to think of ways we can be more efficient at home.  It is also the perfect opportunity for the kids to learn new things. I admit, now that the kids have matured, they are less handful.  They still drive me crazy when they fight over toys and about who gets to pretend what during playtime.  However, they are more "independent."  Bettina doesn't need to be held all the time.  Javi can go up and down the stairs by himself.  Even Johann can be asked to watch over his younger siblings.  I am glad that they are all in that stage where they can play by themselves.  I am even more pleased that we no longer need to entertain each child all the time.  We no longer watch them with eagle eyes.  At this time, we only need one yaya to oversee the three children. I wonder how long should we wait till we allow our eldest to bathe all by...

Here's something to perk up your Friday morning.  Vic was telling me that he was listening to this on his way home.  Just imagine how hard we tried to keep our noise level down, so as not to wake the kids.  Enjoy! Funny Names of Places in the Philippines 

 1. In Laguna 2 towns next to each other, Anos and Bayog. So when asked where Bayog is: 
“Paglagpas mo sa Anos, makikita mo na ang Bayog.” 
2. In Malate: Barangay Kabantutan.
 3. In Cebu, a town called Baklayon.
 4. In Pandi, Bulacan: Barangay Masuso.
 5. A town in Tarlac is called Dara Bul bul.
 6. In Bocaue: Right after Pogi Street, you’ll find Kalye Buntisan.
 7. In Batangas, you’ll find “Mababang Paaralan ng Mataas na Kahoy”.
 8. In Infanta: Barangay Katamblingan.
 9. In Palauig, Zambales: Barangay ti ti -on
 10. Bisa, Sorsogon: Barangay Ticol.
 11. Sexmoan, Pampanga.
 12. There’s a barangay in Batangas called: Barangay Walang Balahibo Ibaba.
 13. In Barangay Inuman in Antipolo, you’ll also find Inum...

Tomorrow's Moving Up Day.  That means Johann will be Senior Kinder next school year.  Javi will officially be part of the Nursery Class.  That also means starting this Thursday, days wont be as structured as it had been in the past few months. This has been bugging me for the past few weeks.  I don't want to let my kids watch TV or play with the iPad or iPhone all day.  For some reason, I'm not too keen on the summer activities being offered in school and in the nearby learning centers. So far, here are my options: 1.  Work on book pages that the kids didn't work on in school.  Start on those Summit and Kumon workbooks. 2.  Get a tutor to visit a couple of days a week. 3.  Teach them street games. 4.  Visit the pool for quick dips I am still open to suggestions.  Do you know of any summer activities for children below 5 years old?

Once Sonja came up with the red velvet cupcake, it seemed to have sprung into every baker's repertoire.  Though Sonja's was very popular, I wasn't really impressed.  I kept on searching for the one that is really to die for.  I found one in Manay's kitchen.  She got the recipe from a famous person's favorite things. When I found Cukay's stall in Eastwood Mall's Weekend Gourmet, I just had to sample it.  This particular cake comes highly recommended by Lori Baltazar of DCF.  I can understand why.  It is very moist and flavorful.  I had to stop myself from finishing the whole 4x3 piece all by myself.  I finished it in two sittings instead.  It is very reminiscent of Manay's red velvet.  They may have same recipe. My only concern was I can feel the powdery texture of the sugar in the frosting. I was hoping for a thicker coating of the frosting.  Maybe I was expecting a more whipped texture I've tried elsewhere?  All in al...

Do you check-in with Bing?  I found it on a stranger's FB page and clicked on the icon.  It gave me the location of that person, down to the street name. Be careful with apps like Bing, FourSquare etc.  The information we put out there may be used against us.

This time last year, I had three trips lined up.  Now, I have made no travel plans for the rest of the year.  It seems that I've used up all my travel allowances.  But if I were to go anywhere this year (and if the money tree bears fruit), I would like to explore parts of the United States I haven't gone to.  I am targeting the New England area.  I want to see Martha's Vineyard,  the Vanderbilt mansion in Rhode Island, and drive up to the Canadian side of the Niagara.  I don't what's there to see in Maine and New Hampshire.  Fortunately, The Vineyard and Newport are less than 1.5  hours drive from Tito Rae's house in MA.  Yes, I checked Mapquest already. I'd also like to re-acquaint myself with Boston, Harvard and New York.  There are friends we'd like to visit in NY and NJ.  Hopefully, we also get to spend time with relatives in Chicago and Pennsylvania. Europe and Japan will have to wait till 2013.  I don'...

There are some things I don't like about summer.  Apart from the dreadful heat and my children getting sick because of it, summer is the time when yayas take a vacation.  In our household, if the helper stays for a year, I give the incentive of paying for her round-trip ticket back to the province for a two-week paid vacation.  When she comes back, she will also be entitled to an annual salary increase. This time of the year is one of the things I dread most, because I am always left wondering if the yaya will come back and work for us again.  I always fear that she might find a better opportunity and leave us in a lurch. Now that they've gotten used to our routine, I wouldn't want to start all over again.  Gone were the days when household help stay for years.  But I still hope and pray that all will be well.

When we travel without our kids, we go for the most economical arrangements without sacrificing comfort and quality.  This time, Vic booked our stay at Hotel Benito.  It has a nice black and white lobby, very much like any other boutique hotel's lobby.  But the similarities end there.  The rooms were pretty bare except for the basics.  The floor layout, particularly the placement of elevators, gives the impression that it wasn't well-planned.  It's as if the hotel just sprouted in the middle of the city. As I said in my previous entry, the hotel is strategically located in Tsim Sha Tsui.  It is literally across the TST MTR entrance.  I love the location of this hotel because it is a stone's throw away from McD, KFC, Watsons, Bonjour, etc.  When you are tired from all the walking, you won't complain about the long walk back to the hotel.  That's how I felt with the Marco Polo hotels.   It is a block away from Granville.  T...

My husband and I just spent the weekend in Hong Kong for a much-needed break and quality time together.  It was one of those one-time big-time thingees:  a celebration of our anniversary, a belated Valentine celebration (according to him), and an advanced birthday blow-out for both of us.  We hit three months' worth of celebration with this trip. Without our kids in tow, it was quite a relaxing trip.  3D/2N was quite enough to enjoy the city.  We didn't bother ourselves with the usual tourists traps.  We went around the city by bus and MTR.  We rarely took the taxi.  We stayed in Hotel Benito, situated strategically in TST.  We lounged in the hotel till it was time to go shopping. We ate countless dim sum and visited our favorite spots. The weather was quite cool, averaging at 13deg.  Ideal for walking all day. What can I say? It was my kind of trip!  What more can I ask for?  Maybe, more pocket money next time =D Sa u...

I've recently decided to turn a skill into an income-generating activity.  I have talked to one prospective client and it was a very pleasant meeting.  He gave positive feedback and was very encouraging.  I am just waiting for the GO signal.  God willing, Cathy's Kitchen will be in full swing by next month.  Aaarrrggghhh!  Wish me luck!

Since last quarter of 2011, I've been pining for this pair.  I only acquired this a few weeks ago, from my hard-earned baking money. Somewhere between saving up and acceptance (of not getting it), I realized that I was compensating for the "loss" with several other pairs of shoes.  Oxfords from H&M   Jelly shoes from Melissa    My replacement Fitflops   Sparkly shoes from Payless What's the lesson in this?  I could've just bought that first pair with all the money I spent on the others.  But, where's the fun in that?  I'm close to broke but I'll live.