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Showing posts from June, 2013

All His Favorites

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Before dinner, hubby and I were going back and forth on where to have it since we were already in the mall. When the son suggested Japanese, we sort of told him Japanese is reserved for when his elder brothers are home on college break. Japanese is for special occasions whereas Chinese or native/Filipino is for our regular weekend fare. Haha... For some reason, we decided to have Japanese and ordered his favorites, ebi tempura and fried gyoza. While eating his food with so much gusto, 9yo son exclaimed: "Wow! Thanks Ma / Pa! This is so much better than spending for a toy!". Judging from the dried out sauces and the cleaned out plates which he finally let go of, part of me thought he really must have been famished to be able to say that. I thought toys trumped all other things, including his fave food. But truth be told, my heart was filled with joy at his genuine expression of gratitude for a simple treat. Some people could learn a thing or two here. --- Gra

Early Dinner For Three

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Only Because The Other Coffee Shops Were Full

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He Grew Wings

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We chanced upon this board with printed wings at Ayala Center Cebu and thought it was a good prop for photo op. Here is our 9yo son as my model. :)

Smile! :)

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I guess I just grew weary of seeing facebook or online photos of women or girls distorting or contorting their faces and thinking this is better than giving their best smile for the camera. No offense...

Lunch At Food Market

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Every Saturday, the BTC mall in Cebu holds a food market quite similar to the one at Salcedo Village in Makati. Today we enjoyed having our lunch of sisig and rice combo, fresh lumpiang ubod and fried dumplings. Then we bought a baguette and several cornetti with jam. Both stalls selling the fried dumplings and Italian bread are owned by good friends/former officemates. It's nice to have this kind of venue for local entrepreneurs to showcase their product/s. There's always something to look forward to at the food market. I can hardly wait for next Saturday's food trip.

Saturday Morning Coffee With Besties

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She is my good friend and real estate broker. This morning, she went the extra mile (not common to other brokers) to accompany us during the turnover of a modest condo unit which she helped us acquire. Finally, after years, the unit is ready for occupancy. Though we need to spend for a few things, we are excited to furnish it and have it rented out. I'm happy to share this piece of good news and highlight of our day. :)

It's Not Often That The Eraser Outlasts The Lead

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I sort of kept breaking the lead in one of Jake's pencils as I was sharpening it this morning. It ended up too short for writing but I kept it inside his case for the eraser. And... because I found it amusingly short, I took a photo of it. This photo reminded me of a quote that says "No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers." ~Author Unknown. So I looked up quotes about perfection and found the following favorites, quite thought provoking... When nobody around you seems to measure up, it's time to check your yardstick. ~Bill Lemley Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence. ~Vince Lombardi Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ~Salvador Dali Even the best needles are not sharp at both ends. ~Chinese Proverb They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds. ~Wilt Chamberlain There are no perfect men in

How They've Grown

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Looking at old photos is becoming my favorite activity to pass time. Thanks to popular memes on instagram and the instant access to pictures at flickr, I get to dig them up, view them and be transported back in time... in a snap.

Carpool Is Here

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Last week, Jake brought to our attention that he almost got to class late. Apparently, one of the riders usually kept the carpool waiting. Hubby casually talked to the operator about it and the latter replied he would address the concern immediately. So this week, we actually noticed the carpool arriving on time. I hope it stays like that...

Everybody's Out Except Jake And Me

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... and it's quiet as quiet can be.

Red Bean Green Tea and Mocha Cookie Crumble

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Were you able to avail of the "buy one take one" promo of Starbucks (all Philippine branches) today (only) from 2pm-5pm?  

Studied Civics and Culture Here

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After lunch with my in-laws, hubby, son and I went to the mall for our weekly grocery trip. Because we were a couple of hours ahead of schedule, we made use of the waiting time at the coffee shop by reading back the past week's lesson on social studies. This was for Jake to be ready for the week's review. After all, he spent the entire afternoon yesterday on a birthday playtime. We're just balancing things out.  And then Jake spent the rest of the time checking out toys at Rustans nearby, his way of spending the remainder of his weekend break.

Inspired By Miranda

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My reluctant paparazzi 9yo son took this shot after mass while we parked at a mall to buy ngo-hiong for our potluck lunch with the in-laws.  Again, it took several attempts and only this one was decent enough.  Hihi... It's not really the same as what Miranda Kerr was wearing on the left though... 

Birthday Playdate

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Our youngest (the one in red) had fun attending the birthday celebration of his classmate/friend at the Playmaze in Parkmall. I found it extra special for him when I learned that not everyone in his class was invited but only a chosen few. I guess our son is considered a good friend by the celebrator to be included in his guest list. Pretty awesome thought. :)

All These For Php2

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This would be our choco fix for a while after we claimed this canister of 12 kitkat bars from Robinson's BTC (Cebu).  It's our first time to redeem from our Citibank card for only 2 pesos.  A pretty good promo if I may say so.   Have you claimed yours?  --- Added 6/23/13 You only have to have your Citibank credit card checked by the promo in-charge. They would insert it in a machine that will read your previous transactions to see if you have transactions that qualified (single transaction worth Php2500) within the period. Very convenient. No need to bring your charge slips. :)

Early Morning Surprise Visitors

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Jake's cousins are on their way to Siargao and are only in Cebu for a few hours.

Would You Dare The Flare?

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I did (dare to wear wide leg trousers)... at this morning's honors' assembly where our youngest son received a silver medal for last year's academic performance (related post below).

Our Grader Got A Silver

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This capped our grader's hard work for grade 2 (last year).  The medal was given this morning and it was inspiring to see young student awardees with their parents, grandparents or guardians standing proud of their achievements. This sets the bar for this new schoolyear.  We hope and pray our fun-loving and easily distracted boy (haha!) stays focused on his academic responsibilities.  Gold next time? :) *Pressure*

Mid AM Snacks With Our Seniors

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They were with us in school this morning to watch their "apo" receive his academic medal. And because we were all up early to beat the traffic on the way to school, we were already famished by mid-morning. They chose McDo even after being given more fancy options on where to eat. So, McDo it is.

Before We Became 5

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A Throwback Thursday post showing our growing family 10 years ago when I was still pregnant with our youngest boy.  This was also a time when our elder boys were aged 10 and 7 and when they looked so innocent and carefree.   Back in those days, they carried stuffed toys, little cars or Lego figures around.  They held our hands or tugged at our clothes to keep pace when their Pa or I walked a bit too fast.  They openly hugged us and slobbered us with wet kisses to express their affection...  They're big boys now, living away from home and making do with their meager allowance as they try to make a mark in their chosen courses. Gone are the days they used to tag along with me or their Pa. Instead, we are the ones trying our darnedest to keep pace with their young adult affairs. Uhm-hmm...   Time flies, I sometimes wish they remained child-like.   

Copycat Tries A Batwing Top

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Thai Dinner For These Fathers' Day

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My Hubby's Minions

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The pics are from 2006 and the present.

Spaghetti For Snack

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Flashback 2008: Boy of Steel

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With Superman In Classic Outfit

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Date With Our Little Man Who Couldn't Keep Still

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Shared Stories And Red Velvet Pancakes

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Quick Thursdate

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Macarons For The Road

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Chocolate and pistachio...

When Our College Boys Were Little

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#TBT Eight Years Ago

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Callos Con Pane Toscano Salato

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I have to admit, I kinda went overboard with this at dinner earlier.... Uhm, I had slightly more than what I would consider as a moderate portion.  I kept reaching for more of this to put on my plate that my hand seemed to have a mind of its own.   No rice though, I just had 2 slices of yummy artisan bread called pane toscano salato which owner and good friend Donna gave us this afternoon.  It was the perfect match to mop the sauce on my plate with. As a guilty reflex, I downed a mug of hot green tea in the hope of flushing the calories out.  Hehe.  I'm kinda iffy to get on the scale by tomorrow morning, but we'll see. 

Independence

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This year for the first time, Jake is taking the carpool by himself.  Last year, he had his Di-hia Kyle with him who helped him with his ginormous school bag.  I wonder how he would feel now that his Di-hia Kyle has joined A-hia Matt in Manila for college.   Tomorrow is a holiday to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day and today my grade 3 son, Jake, brought a homemade flaglet for a school activity. How fitting it is that the holiday has an added meaning for me this year.  Our elder sons have grown wings.  And Jake, o ur 9 year old, kissed my cheek, walked out the door and rode the carpool all by himself. All is good from here on.

Almost Forgot About My Avocado Pops

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My guilt-free recipe is made of 2 whole avocados, low-fat milk and Superfoodgrocer's coconut sugar (to taste). The picky-eater son loved it.   A serving of fruit for the day = mission accomplished.

The Copycat Is At The In-Laws' Place

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We were at the house of my mother-in-law for our regular Sunday lunch today.  And this shot was taken right before the weather became gloomy.  Then it rained.    I must have annoyed the heavens. :)

Bruschetta Breakfast

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Hubby made this for breakfast this morning. Yum!

Jake: "Oh... No... A Mirror!"

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I kinda light up when I see a full length mirror just about anywhere... Seeing it has the same effect on me as one would have when a huge discount or a "sale" sign is spotted. Haha. To me, it means a chance for a "mirror shot", "vanity shot", "selfie" or "ootd (outfit of the day), etc. Earlier this afternoon, while we were at True Value, I saw the mirror display. I literally dragged my son to it, much to his dismay, I guess. Jake: "Oohh... no.... a mirror..." Me: "Ready?" - CLICK CLICK CLICK -

Savoring An Early Saturday Dinner

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Repurposed Dress

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aQnanNGsSQ/ This is one way to "extend" the use and get more value for money spent on this Php600 (?) Terranova find. 

Unplanned Coffee Date

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aQQk5FmscU/ I am generally a homebody but I always look forward to the times I spend with my cousins and girlfriends.  Other than the immediate family (my hubby and sons) it 's healthy to be around people who are easy to get along with.  :)

P50 Palabok For Snack

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aQFwk8msVU/ And how do you beat that?  :)

To The Mall!!!

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aP13aAmscL/ A little red lippy today for the mall.  TGIF! And... check out the photobomber behind.  LOL.

Pane Toscano Salato for Breakfast

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aPguG6msXt/ ... topped with tuna and cheese...

Glued To The Tube

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aPS94rGsTM/ It's times like this when it's best to get his attention ONLY during commercials.

Hard To Do In Jeans

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aNesjzmsZS/ Okay, what was I thinking? I told hubby to help me and take pics because apparently, doing a headstand is harder when in skinny jeans, with a belt and without the yoga mat.   Don't try it at home. :)

Blanket Stitched Patches

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aM0qUBmsUC/ It's that time of the year when I sew by hand the patches for our grader... another item off the task list.

Museo Sugbo

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via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/aLCUkImsUH/ It used to be a prison for more than 150 years. Now it's a museum in Cebu.  For P30/adult or P10/child, seeing a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia is truly a treat for history aficionados.  Instead of spending time in the mall today, we went to see the historical displays- pre-Hispanic era up to the present.  The collections were impressive it's worth another visit.