Cutty

I am not Chinese so I have no business celebrating the new year.  However, with offerings such as these, who could resist celebrating with our Chinese brothers and sisters? C'est magnifique!

For this anniversary, we initially wanted to go on a trip to celebrate.  But because we had so many things planned for the weekend and because travel arrangements didn't fall through, we decided to  to stay in Manila instead.  On our anniversary, we landed in Lemuria. It was tucked inside a residential area in Horseshoe.  Down the sloping drive way, this was the sight that greeted us   We had the usual bread, butter and vinaigrette  to start the meal. Vic had the Onion Soup while I had one of the most wonderful salads I've had in ages.  Look up La Tomate et Citron in the menu.  With candied walnuts and dried figs, how can I not like it?  The white strips are grilled ricotta cheese strips.  Yes, it was definitely yummy. Vic ordered the rib eye (served with peppercorn sauce and a side of veggies) while I had the Kurobuta pork belly as shown below.  Again, it had my favorite dried figs.  Though t...

When I picked Johann up from school, I had a chance to talk to his teacher.  She mentioned that she is quite happy with his performance, specially in helping his classmates tell the time.   He is also quite a leader, according to the teacher.  Johann is now in Junior Kinder.  By now, he has mastered numbers (1 to 10, at least) and has been using them ever since.  I never realized the practicality of knowing numbers until Johann recognized them.  Here are some of its practical uses: switching the fan or A/C to its correct setting changing TV channels telling time dividing or portioning food knowing the value of money determining which items are inexpensive or not Slowly, I understand the value of putting our child in preschool.  I'm amazed at me how we've taken these simple things for granted and how we've forgotten the value of the basics we learn preschool.

I'm always excited to try out new products.  I've tried these new products and found them to be very satisfactory.  I hope you get to try these out too. 1. Soap and Glory's Clarity - I was about to become Rudolf, the reindeer, before I found this.  It stopped my zit from becoming a full-blown center-of-attraction.  It has a very refreshing smell that is very much needed after a sweating it out the whole day.  Available at Sephora stores. 2.  Mocha Rose by Rosebud Perfume Co -  If you like the Rosebud Salve balms that come in small tin pods, you will love this product.  It comes in an easy-open tube for convenience and effortless application.  The application tip has a velvety texture unlike most balms in a tube.  More importantly, the balm is so effective, it took out the dryness on my lips in a couple of applications.  Also available at Sephora stores.  ...

I thought that by now, Vic and I are experts on travelling with kids.  In the past five years, we've taken five or six vacations with them.   One of which is a long haul trip.  No major incidents took place in the past, so I guess we did things the way it should be done. I knew what to expect.  I was set on not being able to do all things I want to do.  We made sure not to pack all days with strenuous activities.  I have made a mental note of where to take the kids so they'd be entertained.  We also have allowances for resting.  I was even prepared for tantrums. On our recent trip to Singapore during the New Year Weekend, I was quite confident that we could pull it off.  Together with my husband's side of the family, we took the afternoon flight to Singapore last Thursday.  Vic and I reserved a row of Choice Seats so we will be comfortable with the kids.  We brought Johann (4 y/o), Javi (3 y/o), Bettina (1 y/o) and yaya....

The mad holiday rush is over.  My husband has gone back to the office.  Johann and Javi will start school tomorrow.  We are all slowly going back to our routines.  Since 2012 is the THE dreaded year in Mayan calendar, I don't really know what to expect this year.  Being a full-time mother, I am pretty much at my family's disposal. But here are some major events and milestones I'm looking forward to: Our 7th wedding anniversary next, next weekend An upcoming trip in February, which will serve as a belated anniversary trip for Vic and me Apart from the usual family birthdays, my father's 60th birthday party Planning the ACS Hokkaido trip on Jan 2013 To liven up my pretty boring life, I'm targeting a couple of weekend bazaars for Cathy's Kitchen to participate in.  I'm hoping to squeeze in a few more baking courses since the last one I had was years ago.  What about you?  What will you year be like?