A Wonderful 2016!

2016 was WONDERFUL!
This place described everything about what happened this year and let me tell you how.


1. Fresh Air - this is HIS love for us. To always keep us safe and keep us warm.  Reminding us that without HIM, we will be nothing.


2. Big Trees - these trees were behind us -- this signified our family, our parents.  Whom all throughout the year was with us no matter what.  They were our support system and they continued to guide us.


3. Clear Blue Sky - this is how we (Sweets and I) look at our everyday lives.  That ultimately, after everything that happened, there will always be a clear day to remove all our worries and fear.


4. Decorative Plants - this year, we met a lot of people and we've realized how they played a part in our lives.  Some were thorny, some were flowery and some were plain people riding along the way.


5. Small Nipa Hut - this year was all about building our own home and this year was significant in making it all happen.


6. Couple Shirt - (which by the way was given by Mama Inday) means that we (Sweets and I) were together and we will be there for each other -- that our decisions will always be one same as our love for each other.


7. Healthy Soil - That no matter how far we've grown in our careers and in our lives, we continued to be grounded.  This coming year will be no less than the same and will continue to bring joy most especially to those in need.


8. Rocks - most of the time they were stumbling blocks but we made it a point to make it as decorative as possible and see the beauty in it.


9. Lamp Posts - one way or another, we both became a light to someone and we are proud of it.  It's as simple as sharing our time and effort to those who need them the most


10. Straight Path - saying that this year we knew where we were going and that the coming year we will continue to follow that path, TOGETHER!


How about you, what's the story of your 2016?
Was it exciting? I'm sure it is!
My two cents: What happened this year was a done deal -- it's either we learn from it or we continue to live the PAST!


Happy New Year Everyone!!

Christmas Hangouts

Christmas is the time of the year where in we have an excuse in spending a little extra money for our family.  Sometimes, we even save starting January to make sure that we have extra cash come December -- because this is really the season for merriment, gifts and eating (a lot!).

Now, we do not want to splurge all that cash so in as much as we want to spread cheers to our family, we also need to be careful on how we spend every penny!  The best (and yet boring) advice that I can give is to stay at home -- i will have a separate post on that so watch for it.

Of course, our kids, nephews, parents would want to spend a little outdoors.  Let me share some places where you can enjoy the Christmas Season and yet not destroy your wallets.

1. Amusement Parks -- these are the bomb especially for kids and they will definitely enjoy because there are a lot of rides (indoor and outdoor), food and games.  Visit the amusement parks that are near your place because you do not want to spend almost half of the day with traffic.  You can try to check these sites:

   a.Enchanted Kingdom (Sta Rosa Laguna)

   b.Star City (Pasay City) - they have e-ticket that makes booking easier

   c. Sky Ranch (Tagaytay)

   d. Liwanag Park (Meralco) - this one is free of entrance :)

   e. Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show

2. Food Markets -- if you and your family loves to dine out and wants to have a lot of selection in one place then this is the place to be.  You have Banchetto in Mandaluyong (Delivery Bay of Robinsons Forum) and Quezon City (Outside Araneta Center).  You can also visit Greenfield park where they have food stalls every Friday and Saturday nights.

3. Shopping Malls -- this is the ultimate wallet breaker if you cannot contain yourself.  You and your family can enjoy the malls by simply looking at their Christmas decorations and I assure you that they will not fail.

4. Bazaars -- I consider my self the tiangge queen and bazaars are heaven to me.  I have seen a lot from the internet and you can also look at them here:

    a. World Bazaar

    b. Trendsetters Bazaar

Ultimately, our goal is to spend time with our families this Christmas Season and these are some of the things that you can do.  Enjoy!

Xoxo

Happy Friday: Christmas Feels Like

As simple at it is, I think it's best to put up that Christmas Spirit in our homes. Every year, Papa will always prepare our simple Christmas Tree and as time went along, Louise and Mika prepared it.  Some years back this was our Christmas Tree but this year, Louise and I decided and pegged for a simple Orange and Gold themed Christmas Tree.

I feel that ribbons are still missing but I believe this is a good start -- I think we can still improve next year.

How about you? are you "Into" Christmas already? Few more days left and I'm sure you are all rushing with your Christmas Shopping and Christmas decorations but always remember the reason for the season and it's important that we know how to share our blessings to others. 


We don't need to have a lot of money to be able to buy gifts for our loved ones, actually, what's more important are the things that money cannot buy -- classic example would be the TIME that we can give to our loved ones -- the memories that we can spend with them is something that can be cherished forever! All we need to capture that memory is to take a video or picture of the event and the memory will last forever. 


These are the things that sometimes (well maybe most of the time) even rich people would want to receive.  So this Christmas -- give the gift of TIME, ATTENTION and GENUINE CARE!

Xoxo

Christmas Greetings from Meralco

Every Christmas, I always get to see the lights of Meralco as we pass by Ortigas Avenue.  I always peak from the window and tried to see what's inside.  This year is different because I get to see what people were actually talking about every Christmas.  How beautiful it is when you visit Meralco!


Last week, their Christmas Lights were officially opened.  I am not certain of the theme but based from what I saw, they've highlighted different tourist spots from different countries -- Inside you will see the likes of the Eiffel Tower from Paris, Twin Towers from Malaysia and Ms Liberty.

Let me share with you a glimpse of the lights and sounds inside :)










If you want a simple feel of Christmas without breaking you wallets and at the same time have your kids enjoy a simple train ride then this is the place for you!  They also have food bazaars and I bet you will all have a wonderful time!


Enjoy their "LIWANAG PARK"!
Weekdays                                                  6:00pm - 10:00pm
Weekends & December 25 to January 1        6:00pm - 11:00pm




Xoxo

My best Relaxing Gift! Ever!

Christmas indeed is the best time of the year -- this is the season where it's too easy to share whatever it is that we have because we want to share happiness and joy to the people we love.  Last night was one of the best nights! Why? I got a wonderful treat from my brother -- Mika!


Out of the blue, he asked, "Te, gusto mong magpamasahe?" I made a dramatic response by saying "Mika, gusto mo akong ilibre ng masahe??".  He didn't expect that I would agree! But hey! why should I let go of that "rare" opportunity -- when i know it's his first "LIBRE!".


San Pablo (Laguna) already has an array of Spas and Massage Parlors and with it's cold weather it made it even relaxing.  That night, Mika chose to have his treat at Sparadiso.


I'm from Laguna and this is the first Spa that I've been.
It's not your usual Spa (in the metro) but it's unique.  Let's see why..

It's an old home built to cater a Spa (massage and nail care).
While we were waiting for our turn, we stayed in a private room

and we sipped our tea -- I am uncertain though if it's a tea or a hot calamansi juice -- either way -- we loved it.

We had Aromatherapy for our massage.  It's an hour and a half massage with scented oil.  We both enjoyed it!

It's very homey and the interiors were all warm and cozy!

A great gift to kick off this Christmas Season!
Again, Mika! I am proud of you and I wish you continue to be mature and blessed! One step at a time!


Xoxo

Tips to Keep Calm this Season!

Two weekends to go and it's Christmas. Are you prepared? What if not? Because you are so pre-occupied with work, school or at home.  Don't fret - i have here a list of what to do if you only have a few days left.

1. List them down - list every Christmas activity that you will be attending.  You have to consider your budget and your time.  We want to attend in every activity there is but in this time of year where we only have 4 weekends, you have to learn to PRIORITIZE.  Also, there is an entire year to meet with all your friends and family -- think of those who are only available during Christmas (like Balikbayans).

2. Prepare another list - list of people that you want to share your blessings with.  Christmas is the time of sharing and there is always gift giving but REMEMBER it doesn't need to be expensive.  Because of our busy schedule it is likely that you will go to the mall (to buy your gifts) only once, therefore, it is imperative that you have this list at hand.  It would help to categorize your post into 6 segments. 
See sample below:

Male - Kids / Female - Kids
Male - Adults / Female - Adults
Couples / Titas and Titos


3. Personalize it - i really find it hard to think of a gift to give. I always go for personalized gifts. I feel that it's closer to my heart.  Also, there are vendors who can create personalized gifts all in one (no need to go different areas in the mall).

Lastly, SMILE, SIT BACK and RELAX! It's the time for cheers and joy so we should not stress ourselves!

I'm ready for Christmas! How about you? 

Xoxo