If I'm Getting Into Photography?

After I introduced the Canon Eos 1000D, people had been asking if I am getting into photography or is it my new passion. I'll be honest. I asked for a DSLR because I wanted to take "better" pictures. Better results than a digital camera. My only mistake is that, I bought a new digicam early this year without doing any research or reviews on the available options. I admit it, that was a pretty bad move and my husband got a bit disappointed with that action. But that's- that. It's water down the drain. And now with a new camera at hand, of course I will make the most of it.Early today, my parents paid us a visit. I showed them some of the pictures I took from the 1000D. My dad asked me: "so did you study about photography?"

My answer: I am still in the process of learning and studying the camera. And yes, I am opening myself in loving photography. I am willing to learn. Because it would be a waste if I will limit the soul purpose of the camera. Especially when the package includes a 3 day Photography Lessons with Canon. How can I resist such thing. But... I "might not" get into it 100%, my life is at home, most of my joys are with my family. So maybe the pictures that I will be able to share are with my loved ones.

Right now, I am just concentrated with what my Eos has to offer. I had some pics assessed by a friend who is very much into photography as a hobby and his dad professionally.
Assessment:The camera per se is really good. The features has the basic and professional combined.My shots are ok for a first timer. All I have to do is to study the gadget, angles and maybe think on what kind of photos my heart & mind desires the most.With regards to the type of photo, it's too early to tell. I want to experience everything first. Landscapes, portraits, art, everything! Part of it, is studying the different types of lenses that are "essential".So far, I am very satisfied and happy, that now, I am able to get better pictures of my family. (Which was my main reason) It's such a fulfillment reaching a certain goal. All I had to do is to learn to wait...And with the holidays' just less than a month away, oh boy, am I very excited to take more pictures.

I hope this entry will answer the question : Are you getting into photography?

Big Hugs!

Toy Hunt--- Toys That Talk

My Saturday Toy_Hunt Entry for Toys that Talk are characters from Shrek, Dora and Barney.

These are old toys actually. My son played with them when he was 2 1/2- 3 years. By the way, the Dora toy was given by a relative (again)

You can hear the Shrek characters talk by pressing a certain part of their body. They're just freebies from the Mcdonald's happy meal. For Princess Fiona---button on her back, Gingerbread Man---second button in front, Pinocchio---his nose.

And toddler years will not be complete without Dora and Barney. I play with the Dora toy sometimes. :) Both toys consists of sounds, Dora and Barney giving instructions and some music.

There goes my Toy Hunt.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Big Hugs!

What's Cookin'--- Tanigue Friday

It's an easy dish for today ladies. All you will be needing is your favorite fish, olive oil, salt and pepper, and herbs of your choice. Part of my mommyism is to serve white meat every friday or as much as possible, most of the time. Last week, I came up with my version of chicken cream.

It's been a busy week for the family. After my birthday, I didn't have the time to do serious blogging at all. And today,I made an easy meal for lunch.

Pan fried Tanigue

Fresh Salad & Rice

Nothing much. But it's healthy and my boys loved it.

Season your fish with olive oil on both sides, a tip -spoon of salt and pepper. Add a pinch of dried rosemary and thyme (my choices) on both sides of the fish. The taste will vary on the amount of herbs. Fresh herbs are always best in every meal.

No oil is needed in the frying pan. Heat up the pan. The olive oil will do the work and the fish will secrete it's own oil. Fry on low fire. Salmon, Tuna, Blue Marlin are perfect.

Have a healthy Friday everyone!

Big Hugs!

And oh, finally, I was able to learn how to make a watermark for my pictures. Happy!

Magnetic Dress Up Bear

Architech is giving out another toy again! I got attracted by the color and remembered that my niece loves playing this kind of girly toys. I sure do hope to win this one. But if not joining is fun already.

Go here: sweet,pretty,naughty

This is a commenting game, so who ever has the most comments will get the giveaway. Drop comments on any of her 3 sites, on any blog.

http://sweetprettynaughty.blogspot.com/

http://www.memoryfilled.blogspot.com/
http://www.sweetytots.com/

Have fun!
Big Hugs!

Look Who's 30 And Still Looking Fabulous

Here's my Birthday Roundup guys! This was one of my best birthdays ever. It's been a day full of surprises. Just a few weeks back my husband gave me the go signal to purchase a new camera. Which was the best news I received this year. But...I have to wait til December or longer than that to be able to purchase it. I agreed with all my heart as long as he already said yes.

Last sunday, I accompanied my Dad to Sm Megamall. Since the shop he went to was beside Canon, I asked him to take a look at the camera I wanted. Tuesday, yesterday, My Birthday! My husband took me to Canon and we purchased our first DSLR. It's "our" DSLR. We share when it comes to gadgets, especially with this, we only need one.

But without me, wishing for it, we wouldn't have had the intention of buying. Well, Canon Eos 1000D will answer our every need. It was built for those who are in transistion from P&S to Digital Slr and to those who are deeply into photography. It has a well-set package. The features? Just right! Nothing much, nothing less.

I now give my Big Hugs and Kisses to 2 of the most important men in my life. My Husband and my Dad. I got exactly what "I wanted" on my Birthday.

I spent it with my family. My husband took a day-off. Had lunch at Almon Marina. While waiting, we played with our new toy and took pictures.

Had an awesome meal of Stuffed Porkchop, Pasta and Burger

May I also include that early yesterday, my husband surprised me with these cool bags. I asked where he purchased it. He said: "I bought it online". I was really happy and touched by this loving gesture. It's not exactly the bags I wanted, but the effort alone, was very sweet. I can't imagine him shopping for bags, without asking for any help at least from a friend or family.
I am truly enjoying my new mommy bags. I'll be using the red bag for my camera for now, (until I get the bag from Canon). Sleek, roomy and safe.


Late in the afternoon, we had some Tea at Bubble tea. I had Jasmine. Milk tea for Him. Jasmine is my favorite tea. (Aside from the fact that it smells so good) I had to try it cold. And I loved it! We had dinner at Terriyaki Boy in Galleria and decided to go grocery shopping at SM Tiendesitas before heading home.
I am very thankful that I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday with a blast. Thanks for the greetings everyone. Right now, I am still having some hang-over. I need to study and practice my new buddy and update my blogs at the same time. Which is kinda making me lazy...doing both.

Anyway, I'm almost done with this, on to the next and maybe the camera later.
To end, I would like to thank God for Family, Friends ( who remembered my bday), Almon Marina, Terriyaki Boy, Canon and Kamiseta for making my Day extra special and one of the happiest. Now, 0n my 30th year.

Big Hugs!

What If Your Ex Says...

He says...Why did you let me go? Because I was busy looking for your brain.

He says...Can I win you back? No!no!no! hello!

He says...But I am very much happy with you back then. Ay Ganon! Parang hindi ka naka-connect sa answer #2 he!he!he!

He says...I still love you. Medyo mahina pandinig ko e...

He says...When did we last talk? Teka, isipin ko.

He says...Can you go out with me? Ano ba yun! Di no! Masaya ako sa buhay ko ngayon, wag mo sirain.

He says...Hey,can i give you/ask for a ride? Ha!ha!ha! baka ako pa maghatid sayo.

He says...Were you able to move on? Ano tingin mo? bakit ko sinasagot lahat to sayo ngayon.

He says...I regret losing you. Ay wag, madami pa diyan chicklet.

He says...My parents do not like you. Ay! luma ng balita yan.

He says...You have changed. Nope. I am just happier now.

To my friends abroad. I answered in Tagalog because with these type of questions, it's easier to give the safest but "in your face" answers in our very own language.

I am opening this Meme to everyone. Grab it!

Thanks Architech for the fun tag.

Big Hugs!

Busy As A Bee

A quick entry before I continue my house work. Actually I'm just taking a break after cleaning the bathroom (he!he!he! no worries, my hands are clean) I got sick over the weekend, and now my chores piled up. I didn't do any of them and my washing machine had a short circuit problem. Which was fixed early today. In other words, I need to do a lot of cleaning and laundry.

And I want to finish everything today, because tomorrow is My Birthday! Everybody wants to have a work-free mind and hands on their special day right?

I won't be asking too much this time, I'm old already and my life works like a busy Mommy Bee, sucking out the sweetest honey for the army. I will be celebrating my birthday with a simple dinner with my family. Not only that, may I share that, today is exactly Sweet Nothing's first month on blogger :) (nakatagal din sa wakas!) I'm this wowed and proud because, I am not really good on maintaining sites. With the help of my new friends on blogger, I was able to survive. Thanks so much to all.

Birthday Roundup Tomorrow Night!

Have A Blessed Week everyone!

Big Hugs!

Will do and return EC Drops tonight ;)

Go Power Moms!

The Power Blog Award

Thank you Ms.Liza for this Power blog. It's very much appreciated ;)

The Power Blog Award Rules:

1. Each blogger must post this rules.

2. You need to choose ten people to be awarded and list their names.

3. Don’t forget to leave them comment telling them they’ve been tagged and to read your blog.

I now give this Power blog to the Power Moms who truly deserve this.

Niko, Jhari, Umma, Wheng

Big Hugs!

There's A Lot To Be Thankful For...

I am blessed to have Ms.RAy share this tag to me...

Showing gratitude to the Lord for the blessings He's bestowed upon us should be done every day; so let us make this day and every day a Thanksgiving Day.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge. Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary. Because it means you've made a difference.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troubles andthey can become your blessings.

I am sharing the above Thanksgiving message to the following friends:

Azlina, Eds, Ms.Liza, SweetyTots, Jhari

0*0*0

Let me share an Inspirational Thought, I got this from an affirmation site.

CLEARING BLOCKAGES

photo: By Earlette on Flickr

I give thanks often. I appreciate all the beautiful things in my life.
I remember my dreams. They show me answers and solutions.
I allow myself to have more than I ever dreamed possible.

I believe, once in a while, we should just let go of all the earthly things that usually holds us down and feel free to enjoy nature, family and life as it should be. The things we should be thankful, for the simple joys we have right now.

Big Hugs!

Toy Hunt---City

This is myentry for Saturday Toy Hunt for multicolored/colorful toy.

He builds his version of a city with his blocks. Everytime we go somewhere with buildings, the moment we get home, he'll fix his blocks according to what he saw.

And lately he loves watching Spiderman 2.

And now, he has his train, thinking of New York City from the movie. He gets anything, like used white board markers in addition. The blocks you see was his first set. They sell those for P99 in Toy Kingdom.

Have a great Weekend!

Big hugs!

What's Cookin'--- Chicken Cream

Let me share my version of Chicken Cream

What you will be needing:

2 chicken breasts (adobo cut or chopped into desired size)
5 garlic cloves (minced)
1 medium onion (chopped)
6 celery stalks (chopped)

Celery leaves chopped
4 potatoes (cut into quarters)
1 red bell pepper (cut into quarters)
1 Cup full cream milk (this is a powdered milk & water mixture)
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup water

2 green chilis
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or any oil)

note: milk and water measurement are based on liquid measuring cup


How to:

Saute garlic with olive oil until golden brown. Add onions.
Add chicken breast
Add 1/2 cup water (add enough water if needed)
Simmer until chicken is half cooked
Add potatoes
Simmer until potatoes and chicken are cooked
Add milk
Simmer until the milk is a bit thickened
Add the celery
Salt & pepper to taste
Add red bell pepper

Top with Green Chili

Simmer for a minute

Ready to serve

note: you can slice the chili a bit to add a little spice.

Servings: 3-4

There's a big difference between simmering and boiling.

Simmering is below boiling point. Food that is simmered in milk or cream instead of water is referred to as creamed. (wiki)

Reduction is performed by boiling liquid (whether stock, wine, whiskey, vinegar, or sauce mixture) rapidly until the volume desired is reached by evaporation.

Enjoy!

Big Hugs!

Pasalubong

Since I was sick yesterday. My husband bought dinner before going home last night.

Rufo's Tapa and LiempoHe knows how I love Rufo's

Best tapa I tasted. First time I tried it was after my husband's gig in Makati. Best early in the morning, and an awesome meal for dinner. It's a good thing that there's a nearby Rufo's and is open for delivery, 24 hrs.

Not only that. He also gave me...

My Starbucks sticker card for this year!

He told me that he was cutting back from caffeine. So he got 1 card instead of 2. Still sweet... The Starbucks Planner 2009 comes in 3 colors, Red, Blue and Black. And it is hardbound. Well, that is my Pasalubong delight for last night. Hope you had a good night too.

Big Hugs!

Sick But Inspired

Yesterday, was a pretty bad day for me. I was down with colds and at the same time, I needed to purchase some supplies for our house and tried to keep my son busy with some stuff so he won't get that close to me (I don't want him to catch my colds). Getting sick gave me a lot of advantages. I didn't do any house work for the day, I surfed and surfed the net, which eventually, gave me the strength to visit my blogger friends.

One thing officially made my day, was a YM chat with my classmate from Montessori. She's one of the nicest people who welcomed me when I transferred from Assumption. I won't mention her name...

Our chat started with a question, if I worked before I became a housewife. I was literally a full-time housewife. I didn't enter any work of any kind.

All she said was...your blogs inspires me...In a way, you changed my perspective in life.

I'll be honest, I told myself that I will not blog about it. But her story inspired me more, that's why I am here sharing it to you.

Girl, you are one of the few who touched my heart. Now I know why I'm blogging.

The soul purpose of my online journal is to be able to release the sweets and spices my life is made of.

I am not a writer. I am just your typical girl next door. I don't ask so much in life. And I love discovering things, helping people, and now inspiring them.

Nowadays, being a housewife has become a privilege. A position that requires so much! (emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual) and you don't get paid for all the work you do everyday, 24/7. Now, how can a person survive this kind of situation...It's the reason/s why you are at home. The chores doesn't really matter. It's all 4 aspects (if you can add more, better). These are the things you will not only give yourself, but to your family too. Giving a full TLC, support to your husband, keeping an over-all healthy relationship with your famiy and developing your child/ children into a God- fearing and loving person.. My statements are all based on my experience for 4 years and inspirations from my mom, full time, for 33 years.

Finding the right partner in life is a big factor too. I also wanted to work. But I saw the deeper meaning of looking after my family 100%. And my other half couldn't agree more.

My stories comes naturally. I am also the same in person. Me online, are for the people I couldn't reach physically. My blogging life started June 2007. Due to some turn of events, I removed my first site, created a new blog on Multiply "One Woman's Tale", and now, another one from Blogger "Sweet Nothings". I couldn't go for a more serious title because my family has a very pleasant personality. My husband alone, can make the funniest jokes and pranks with a snap. One Woman's Tale is filled with my personal stuff. That's where my friend got inspired...There are stories in between that my readers outside my friend's circle doesn't know. I hope you'll understand.

Here in Sweet Nothings, I share the other part of me. The Nothingness, that makes my and my family's day extraordinary. It's nice to share to everyone the small things that can spice up life. That not all can appreciate and see. I hope this site will also inspire people to look at tiniest things and happenings as blessings to a happier disposition.

Big hugs!

SweetyTots Will Give Out Another One Of A Kind Giveaway

A year's memebership at KIDSAHOY!

Which Includes:

Play time: 4hours free play/mo at the Kids Ahoy Creative Play Shop (Q.C)Available weekday play hours 10-12nn, 1-3pm or 3-5pm, or Saturdays 10am-12nn Learn/Study Time:

5% discount on Kids Ahoy creative, fun programsReading Time:

use of reading room (for in-house reading only)

• Certificate of Membership, ID card

• Subscription to monthly e-newsletter : Forum, kid-related news, events, product reviews, updates.

• 5% discount on Kids Ahoy products

• Profile picture & info inclusion online (database of kiddie talent pool)

• Priority invitation on Kids Ahoy Trailblazers Club exclusive activities/programs

Now tell me, who wouldn't want this for her child.
Every week, I bring my son to a play area. Since he is my only child, my husband & I thought that play areas (reliable ones) will help him interact with other kids (in preparation for school). Kids Ahoy offers more than that. That's why I want to win this one. And it is located in QC, where we live right now.

To join, visit http://www.sweetytots.com/ Please include my name "enchie" with your comment. It's for additional points. Thanks!

This is such a treat Architech.
Big Hugs!

This Mom Is Sick

Hi guys! I'll make this short and sweet. I'm down with flu today. I'll try to drop by your sites tonight. I had to finish some errands early today, acquired a very bad cold.

I wanted to do a lot of things...But once you get hit by this virus, you're down. I'll continue making EC drops and Dropping- back by tomorrow. 'Til then!

Big Hugs!

A Busy Evening Cleaning My Havaianas

As I was fixing our shoe cabinet, I found these 3. It's been awhile since I wore them. I recently bought a nice ladie's slipper from SM. And it's been catering to me since. I stopped buying Havaianas because I noticed, with these, I can't figure out which one to wear. Anyway, I had to take care of my little ones. I clean them regularly, but not for the past 2 months.

All black from dust and all kinds of dirt.

All good to go.

To clean, I used an old dishwashing scrub. The old ones are already soft and safe to scrub over the rubber. A drop of an All Around Home Cleaner on each flop, did the job. A little woosh- woosh here and a srub there, it's all good as new. My clean Havs inspired me to use them again. Now, all I need is a reason to go out....Hmmm...

Big Hugs!

Questios Of The Week # 40

It's my third.

If you’re joining, please try to leave some love to other participants! Specially to the one up above you!

A link back to this post or to this blog would be appreciated.

To Join: QOTW

1. What measures have you taken to cut back expenses?

- I unplug the fridge at night. I buy in bulks for some: like our toiletries, canned goods (it's a lot cheaper than to visit the store everyday or every week.)

2. Have you ever bought a book and used the receipt as a bookmark?

- Yeah. This is funny. Sometimes I use my grocery receipts (mas makapal kasi).

3. Can you recall any traumatic, embarrassing or troubling events as a child that you still remember vividly? If so, care to share?

- I find it "now" embarassing. Writing love letters to my crushes. he!he!he!

4. What is the strangest question you have ever been asked at a job interview?

- If I'm willing to work in a motel? What!!! I applied for a hotel job, that happened to be their front so that they'll get applicants.

5. Does it make you uncomfortable if a woman is breastfeeding her baby in public?

- To be honest, yes. It may look so natural. But we don't really know what's going inside the public's mind and how they view it. We have breastfeeding areas in malls now.

6. Do you know anyone who has an unpredictable temper? Who?

- Nobody.

7. What did you have to learn “the hard way”?

- Finding the right man. Oh boy! the heartaches I have to go through. But I'm thankful for that. My husband came to the rescue.

8. Have you ever been dishonest about the origin of a bruise?

-No. This is something serious to be honest about, it concerns our physical health generally.

9. Have you ever gotten any kind of envelope in the mail without the senders return address? Did you found out who it was from?

-Nope

10. It’s our 40th QOTW. I am giving away something. Can you tell me why should I give it to you? It’s just a little something to spice up this little Meme!

-Well, first of all. The questions you give have meaning. Meme's such as this one, gives me a chance to share some thoughts to everybody. Thoughts, that are rarely spoken of. And with this kind of Q&A, the person learns how to be open and still be on the safe side of sharing facts about herself/himself.

It's my first month on blogger. And I'm on my third QOTW. Will still continue.

Big Hugs!

The Lemonade Award!

Thanks UMMA. This is a one of a kind award. Such a cutie...If I may say, I am dedicating this award to my son for the colorful Lemonade Stand. Maybe one day, he'll be inspired to put up his own.

I pass this heart-warming award to my fellow Moms:

Chris, Ms.Liza, Sweetytots, Jes, Wheng

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Be sure to link your nominess in your post

3. Let them know that they received this award by commenting on their blogs.

4. Share the love and link to this post.

Bug Hugs!

A-Z Meme

Another tag! Thanks to Chris & Jean

A. Attached or single ? — Attached. Life's more colorful.

B. Best friend? — My hubby Dolf! may I add some more ? My Mom & My Sisters

C. Cake or pie? — Cake

D. Day of choice? — Saturday and Sunday. No pressure from work and from my everyday tasks. Pure relaxation with the family.

E. Essential item? — It's item/s for me---Internet & Mobile Phone and TV!

F. Favorite color? — none in particular as of the moment. Anything will do to fit my mood.

G. Gummy bears or worms? — Both. Yum!

H. Hometown? — Sta. Mesa Manila &Taytay Rizal

I. Favorite indulgence? — Chocolates

J. January or July? — January, with the cool breeze.

K. Kids? — I want 3!

L. Life isn’t complete without? — God and Family

M. Marriage date ? — June 3

N. Number of magazine subscriptions? - None. Booksale I Love!

O. Orange or apple? — Orange. Need Vitamin C!

P. Phobias? — Ati-Atihans. Long Story. I can watch them now, but at a certain distance or at least something is between me and them, like a wall or a gate or a car.

Q. Quotes? — This my favorite. My son's Lola left this quote in one of my slideshows.

"To Love and Be Loved, Is To Feel The Sun From Both Sides"

R. Reasons to smile? — A happy, contented Me & Family.

S. Season of choice? — /s Autumn(Haven't experienced it yet. Love the colors) and the Holidays!

T. Tag 5 people - Wheng, Lara, Niko, Jes, Kate

U. Unknown fact about me? - OC when it comes to sanitation or cleanliness.

V. Vegetable? — Yes. It's an essential for a healthy body & mind.

W. Worst habit? — Eating too much...I could be a couch potato some time.

X. X-ray or ultrasound? - Untrasound.

Y. Your favorite food(s)? - Pasta (any), Burrito, Sushi (new in my list, i learned to love raw fish)

Z. Zodiac sign — Sagittarius

I had fun! I love tags because it's an easy way of sharing some facts about myself or my family. And still on the safe side.

Big Hugs!

On My Successful 1st Month on Blogger---edited

I have to say that I am very proud of myself. I was able to keep this site for a month. This was my third attempt. I am very thankful that I was very successful. Not only that, I was able to meet some people of same interests and became knowledgeable of important things that I am not yet familiar or even aware of. Blogging is now a part of my life.
A part, because I know at a certain point in this lifetime, I was able to share my story and was able to inspire somebody else. Who? I don't know...maybe it's you. I thank my other half who gave me this laptop. He is very supportive with the things that I am very passionate about.

Thank God for Family and for the chance given to me to become a Mom and to have my own home to nurture.

I guess being true to everybody made Sweet Nothings go all the way with flying colors. Everytime I visit a site, I leave a message. Sincere messages I want the person to know I dropped by & that I enjoyed reading his/her stories. The messages you leave in mine, are very much appreciated. Through that, I was able to discover your lovely sites too.

For a time, I thought that I will never meet the standards or create a readership for both One Woman's Tale and Sweet Nothings.

All I needed to do was to wait, be real and not be such a try hard.

Like a break in the clouds and the first ray of sun

I can feel it inside something new has begun

This life this love what sweetness

I feel so mysterious yet so incredible real

It's an uncharted sea it's an unopend door

But you got to reach out and you gotta explore

Even though you're not sure, till the moment arrives.

-First Time-

I now give my BIG THANKS to you...

Keep your stories comin'!

Big Hugs!

note: I have to clear one thing. The date for this post is not exactly the date for my first month in Blogger. This is an advance entry. And another is in the making for the day itself :) Thanks!