Cutty

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 ...