Saturday Was So Close Night

Its a Saturday. Sunday and Monday are still to come. Its a long weekend for everyone here in the Philippines. My husband and I decided to stay at home and relax with some homemade chicken wraps and a movie called So Close. We have been choosing between SEVEN (Brad Pitt) and So Close an action-adventure Hong Kong film. We chose So Close. This movie came out in 2002, I can still remember seeing the movie poster in Megamall while on a date, with still my BF then, now my husband. It really didn't attract me, thinking that it's another chick- action movie. Last night, I gave it a try. Besides, its nice to watch old flicks that is not from my usual preference.

My Chicken Wrap (recipe to be posted soon)

I didn't get disappointed, its the best action chick-flick I watched. Sorry to say, its better than Charlie's Angels. It's not that I want to compare, but the last chick- flick I watched was Charlie's Angel.
Smiley Face
So Close was distributed by Columbia Pictures. The movie went around the story of 2 sisters who grew and were trained to be hired assassins, computer hackers and espionage specialists. Who used their late father's advanced secret satellite technology to give them access and advantage over their enemies. At the beginning of the movie they assassinated the chairman of a top Chinese company. The older sister played by Shu Qi as Lin was the one taking action while the younger sister Zhao Wei – Quan assisted via satellite, studying the location and possible solutions for a clean mission.

In the aftermath of their successful mission, an intelligent Police Detective named Kong Yat Hung (Karen Mok) (the third lady in the poster) was assigned to their case and was able to track them down. The story became more complicated when the sisters became targets of the very people who originally hired them. More Here.

The fight scenes were the ones that got really into me. Its different for girls to go and battle the bad guys with various Kung Fu techniques. I bet, the cast studied and trained Kung Fu to give justice to their characters. Bravo!

So what's up for today (Sunday) and tomorrow? We'll see, we will be having lunch with my parents today. Later, might go some place else again... Tomorrow, might be a total rest day, for another week of work, school and chores. Have a lovely day!
Smiley Face

Mommy Moments--- Francis Is My Name

This week's Mommy Moments theme is all about "the name game". Meaning of name, story behind it and his recent picture.
My son's name is the combination of my first and my husband's middle name. For security reasons I won't be mentioning our full names. FRANCIS is his real-first name. FRANKY for short. Taken from St. Francis-Xavier.

Even before we got married, we'd often talk about names that we would want to give our first child. If it's a boy, we will combine our names, if its a girl we will combine our Mother's names. God gave us a boy, and so we combined our names together.

FRANCIS means FREEDOM or a FREE MAN. I learned about it, when a friend from America sent me a birthday card with a small thingy indicating what my name means. It feels great to know that of all meanings, a good vision of what and who it (name) stands for brings out an inspiration...that is being free. And freedom is what most of us seek for. Living freely, free from stress, free from all negative vibes. Anything that will make a person free and happy.

And this is my first child's recent picture. Took it today, after their Linggo ng Wika celebration in school. What a joy preparing him for this school activity--- that I used to celebrate too. Just 12-15 years ago, I was doing a folk dance in school, my mom helped me look for a costume. Now, its my turn to help my own kid in school.
Join Us Moms: Mommy Moments

Red and Chic For 199

I just recently received a white Liz Claiborne purse from my aunt in NJ. I imagined that it would be cooler to have it in Red. I found one today. But not Liz Claiborne and a lot cheaper.
I don't really care much if the bag is cheap or what. As long as I am able to use it properly, the question on how long will it survive is out. Of course, a bag this simple should be loaded lightly. It's fashion for me. I can carry this around shopping, strolling and I can use this on a date with my husband. I have been attracted to red accessories eversince, red is just so attractive. Well, here I go again with my nothingness. Have a nice day!

Healing Touch For Children

My dad gave me a book on Massage, Reflexology and Acupressure for Children by Mary Atkinson. As early as our little one's first month, a good massage helps with the development of the skeletal, muscular and psychological aspects of the infant/child. A parent's touch gives a full blanket of security to the child. Being a parent is the most rewarding that can happen to a person. But it is also the most demanding task. Modern living brings out stress, competitive nature and unwanted pressures. That's to us adults, can you imagine the effects of it on a child?

A mother or a father's touch helps to make them feel relaxed and at ease. This book I am going to share will give opportunities for us parents to establish again the importance of our healing hands. The gift of security is vital for the child's early growth and development.

Here are some benefits I found in this new reading: In both long and short term caring touch can...

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  Encourage better-quality sleep, leading to an improved temperament.
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  Encourages a healthy immune system, helping to prevent fight infections.
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  Provides a valuable opportunity to share time together---having fun.
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  Builds trust and intimacy through non-verbal communication.
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  Tales away child's mind from worries and doubts.

Avoid Massage, reflexology and acupressure if :

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  Child has been vaccinated previously.
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  Has an infection.
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  If child is undergoing medical care. Best to seek pediatrician's advice
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  Working over cuts and bruises
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  Be aware on skin allergies if you're using oils and creams.

Basic Massage Routine---head, shoulder and back

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  This series of movements takes around 7-10 mins. Perform it gently with soothing strokes.
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  First fold---resting your hands on your child's shoulders
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  Back Circles---Stroking your hands up and around your child's back at the shoulder blade area.
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  Back Rubbing---Rubbing across the upper back, tops of the shoulders, upper arm in small zigzag movements.
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  Shoulder Kneading---Gently knead the soft flesh beneath on your child's shoulders.
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  Beating On The Upper BAck
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  Back Stroking
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  Arm Patting
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  Arm Kneading
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  Shoulder Stroking
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  Neck Rubbing
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  Head Rubbing
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  Hair Shampooing
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  Tabla On the Head---Gently drum the pads of your fingers in a random fashion all over your child's head.
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  Head and Shoulder Stroking
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  Temple Circles
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  Forehead Stroking

This is just the basic. There's a lot more that will greatly help in giving your child a healing touch. I suggest you go get the book, especially for the Moms. Its Healing Touch For Children by: Mary Atkinson.

There are also massages on treating common ailments such as asthma, hayfever, cough and colds, sinus problems, sleeping problems, eye strain. All the techniques in order to provide comfort for our children are all in this book.

Photo Here, Photo There, Photos Everywhere

Let me clear that I am doing this as a hobby. As promised here is the entry from my picturesque weekend. The photo shoot was a sudden activity. Saturday morning, I went to my hometown to do some things for my mom. Went to DFA'a satellite office with them to help them get their passports. While waiting, my sister and I talked about headshots, facebook, multiply and the likes. I got excited and asked if they want to take pictures that very same day too. And so we went on with the plan called my cousin Soqui. We ordered a bucket from KFC, enjoyed a fantastic dinner and talked about stuff. It was like a slumber party. My cousin Jordon, who is a make-up artist was suppose to join us too. But he had an activity prior to our invitation, so we ended up doing our own faces.

My Mom actually lent us her new set of make-ups. I really didn't have anything. So thanks mommy!
Smiley Face

Photo shoots for me is a fun activity. Its playing around with the camera. Only, the camera is bigger and has better features. We coached each other on the poses and copied some from a magazine. It was very fulfilling to be able to get great pictures. If not great, shots beyond the usual.

In our guestroom, I turned on the AC and I assembled my set (as if I have the real photo set-up) just some lamps, and my reliable black back-drop. Black makes the subject stand out that's why I love it. But don't worry, I do have intentions of using lighter backgrounds, natural light and more props. I started with my sister Ella.
As we all know, she's my favorite subject. There were daring shots. I'm talking about half-naked pictures (see my FB if you're my contact). It turned out nice, but since blogspot is an open network, I decided not post everything.

-My sister Les-

She was the hardest to capture. She has braces! She's not really the only one, we both don't know how to strike a pose.
Smiley Face It will take hundreds of test shots for us to be able to nail a pose and a smile. Over-all, the pretty girl with braces was able to find her forte.

And finally, SOQUI. We all knew her from my last set of portraits.
If you noticed everyone was wearing their t-shirts. We totally forgot to change to our intended clothing. But I liked the color of Soqui's shirt. Its the face not the shirt. There was something I didn't like that night though... I got fewer shots compared to the first batches. I was really tired from a full day of activites. While shooting the last person, my eyes got all watery and blurry, I couldn't see clearly through the viewfinder. It was really bad. I could have gotten more. I apologize to my sister Les, for not being able to give my 100%. With this empty space that made me feel incomplete, I asked my dad to accompany me to go on location for another shoot. I will take my time, have fun, and be 100% ready.

It still brought a great feeling. I was able to bond with my cousin and sisters, we enjoyed laughing making-fun of each other's poses. It was awesome. And thank you to my blogmates who gave such wonderful comments on Facebook (you know who you are).
Smiley Face

I Badly Need A Watch

My Dad just recently bought a luxury watch for a very cheap price. I mean, when he went to the shop, its the only Rolex in the delicate glass stand. But doubts are there if its real or not. Watches ought to be of good quality and of great value. We all know that we will never get quality for a cheap price. I am all willing to pay extra for that so-called quality time.

It's been years since I had a nice watch. It was stolen together with my son's baby bag. What is it doing in a baby bag, if you might ask. Well, so precious, I had to remove it because we had to travel with our car windows open. As we went to have some snacks in a restaurant, I left the baby bag in the car, got whatever is just needed. When we got back, the car door was open and the bag was gone. I can't believe that the thief would even get a baby bag. Well, I guess he sensed that there's something important inside.

As I was surfing the net for possible sellers, I found http://www.bestoftime.com/. You know what, they exactly have the watch my Dad bought just a few weeks back. And its on sale. I would love to have one too if given the chance. And I want this Rolex.

Its like the Rolls- Royce of watches.

HE Painted Over Our Weekend

My picturesque weekend started last Friday. My husband took me and Franky out to the Mall of Asia. Originally, we're suppose to check the Science Discovery Center. But when we got there, the majestic sunset and the Manila Bay caught our attention instead. Well, the sun went down already... but that didn't ruin our afternoon. Looking at the people by the bay, made us appreciate family, nature and what a looonggg weekend is about.
The clouds above was naturally painted with red and orange... My husband took most of the pictures. He said: God just finished a new wonder...

I looked up and it was very beautiful. Then, I looked around, families everywhere enjoying the fantastic day. It was heart-warming seeing Filipinos have a good time.

Photographers from all over came to shoot the sunset...little they notice the sky above them.
Later that evening, as we were strolling and looking at some guitar shops, we heard a loud bang. My guess was right. Its fireworks time!

It was amazing.
I didn't get nice shots, or at least clear ones. I ran all the way from the guitar shop to the bay area.I was everywhere and my camera too.

My picture-full weekend didn't end with fireworks though...
PORTRAITS will be posted soon.
Smiley Face

Have a lovely week!

How Old Is Old?---Updated

My apologies to Cathara of Cathara and Secretly Sinning, thanks for letting me know that this is part of your contest...

Thanks to Kikamz of Just About Anything and KittyKat of Amazingly Me who shared this tag with me asking How Old Is Old?

Is the question asking how old the word "old" existed or is it asking on our point of view on what really "old" pertains to.

Here are my answers basing it on 3 different kinds of perspective:

Physical--- the skin gets all wrinkly, cool gray hair takes over, movement and comprehension is slower. But still capable of doing a lot of things.

Age--- We shouldn't worry about aging. It's an experience (getting old) that we should fully live and enjoy. They say that as the person matures over time, the "true" physical beauty comes out.

And I see it in my husband. I look at him everyday... In my eyes, I see a more handsome fellow, than before when we first met. It makes me fall in love over and over again.

History--- Considered as something from the past. An event, thing, experience, person. That or who, once existed or has become part of.

"Getting old is also an opportunity to live again the life we had once when we were young. Only, with gray hair." Less responsibilities, more free time and a more relaxed life as we retire.

Bloggers I would like to hear from:

A Life That Is Less Ordinary
Mom’s Special Diary
Pensive Thoughts
From This Side
Heavenly Delight

To join the contest, visit here: Cathara

Travelling The US

It has always been our plan to visit America. October of last year was suppose to be the month of our grand vacation. Grand for me, because it is going to be my first and I poured so much time in 3 months just to get Visas for me and my son. But it didn't push through. As we weighed our priorities for 2009, we decided to move our travel to a more convenient time. Keep those fingers crossed. Of course, I got very excited. Especially after receiving my visa. We did prepare for this trip, including our itinerary. I may be visiting one country, but what a big one.

There's a lot to go to in America. First thing we had to figure out is our accommodation for every state we will be visiting. From Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey and New York. Surely, Chicago is one of them. We thought that Chicago Apartments is going to be one of our options when we visit Illinois. Chicago Hotels would also be great. With these options, I think everything will run smoothly when we get there.

My husband mentioned to me that it's also nice to visit California. We have a relative in San Francisco and my husband has been there several times. He stayed at various San Francisco Hotels.

Looking for a good, yet reasonable place to stay is not going to be a problem. Well, I pray for that convenient time to come sooner. Right now, school and my husband's hectic schedule at work is keeping us. We surely need a big break!

Thankful--- Increase Your Link and Awards

For every tag and award, THANKFUL is going to be my main title post. This is for treasuring the thought and smile given by another blogger...

I got tagged twice by Mommy Peh of Make or Break and Mommy Jac of Mom’s Special Diary for the Increase Your Link Tag.
We all know how links greatly contribute to our site's traffic right? I can't pass on this one.

-Try to make a post just like this one and mention this process.

-From the list of blog sites below remove the number 1 and move the rest in the list 1 step higher (i. e number 2 becomes number 1, and so on). Add your blog name in the 5th position. Don't forget to copy the links. (Here's my list-my site added in the end)

From Mommy Peh:

1.Christmas Ring
2.EV Tourism Portal
3.Home of good ideas
4.Make or Break
5.Sweet Nothings

and Mommy Jac :

1. Just About Anything
2.Mom's Special Diary
3.Pinay Mommy Online
4.Simple Happy Life
5.Sweet Nothings

List five of your friend's blogsite here with the link and inform them of this post and ask them to do the same.

Here are my friends:
Online Mommy’s Corner
Seikos Diary
Kizuna
Smart Mommy
Laine’s Abode
Insights

0o0o

Thank you Joy of From This Side for the Loyal Friend & Visitor Award. Thanks to TeJan of Insights for the Humane Award!

These awards will go straight to this lovely bloggers. Thank you for the visits and lovely messages...
Abie
Meryl
KittyKat
Clarissa
Online Mommy’s Corner
Kikamz
Mommy Jac

Goodbye Canon Ixus 70

I started to love taking pictures when I bought this baby...the Canon Ixus 70. It's one of Canon's old digital cameras, I know.
Believe me, I was choosing between this and Olympus' new waterproof cam. I still chose this. Aside from being sleek and light, this camera has a viewfinder. Once you've ran out of battery, the viewfinder is always available to assist you in taking more pictures. And to add, Canon was the first to release digital cameras (if I'm not mistaken, they started with Poweshot 600 in 1996). Then the release of PowerShot S100 Digital ELPH or Digital IXUS in other regions (2000). Of course, as to what have many told me, Canon holds the best lenses too.

You wanna see some pictures ?

All are taken from the Canon Ixus 70. It's nice to have a small camera to bring around. By the way, these are all old pictures. I really concentrated using my entry DSLR since I bought it. The only difference is the weight and size, and yes, a digital camera is more convenient to bring around.

But I am after taking better shots with a better camera... If I have the will to get my hands on it, I made sure that I also have the strength to bring it (dslr) around.

It was quite an investment (dslr), its such a shame if I will only leave it at home, and still end up with my digital camera.

Color Accent 101

And today, I am officially saying goodbye to my Canon Ixus 70. I sold it to my Dad some months ago. My sister accidentally dunked their digital camera in the toilet bowl. That time, my Dad was bound to leave for Singapore, and he desperately needed a camera. Later on offered to pay for it. I can still use it though... But I already have a new camera. Besides, if this is the case, there's something new to look forward to next year... a new digicam!

Giant Xmas Tree Araneta Center Cubao

Joe Lovano Playing Double Sax

All photos taken with Canon Ixus 70.

The Dreamer Will Stop Dreaming In Her Dreams

This may be something negative on first impression...please read on.

"I am free of the past and the future. The moment I live in is now, with no history affecting my choices in the present".

If there is something greatly attaching me to this world... that would be my dreams. Its nothing negative on my part. I have been telling myself that for every dream, it will come in the right time, and live what is in the present.

I guess, I had a hard time stopping from dreaming... and I ended grasping for some breathing air, running after what I wanted (plans & goals). Whether it is for my family, myself or for others.

Over the weekend, I was awakened to stick with what is happening at the moment. And I will start to go through the week taking it step by step living each day fully. Once in a while we need to have a little enlightenment of what we used to have as a perspective in life. Well, I thank God for the life he has given me, and I'm able to take dreams as inspirations not as an aiming point. If it's really meant for me or for my family, why not, we will glady accept it with open arms.

Work and stress combined, makes us think beyond the life we have right now. And we exceed with the use of so much time, we drain our brains, and physically, we get exhausted. When in fact, if we were only thinking of the task to be finished that day, we should be excelling and preserving our strength for another successful day. Which will definitely, still contribute for a brighter future. We don't lose anything and we will still gain a lot.

Have a great week ahead!

Mommy Journey's 1st Blogversary!

A good friend's blog is turning 1 on September 10! The Mommy Journey!

Congrats in advance Chris! You did a lot for the past year. You brought inspiration to us moms and smiles to our hearts. You're one blogger that I surely would like to meet in person...

It is very easy to join:

Just write about this blogiversary celebration at your site.

1. Please make sure your post has a link to this contest page and that you copy the prizes with the sponsor's links.
2. Please leave a comment with the URL of your post.

1st winner

blogspot makeover by Momgen Designs

4000 EC credits from Nishas world and baby Alisha

1000 EC credits from Blog Fusion

1000 EC credits from Worth's Road

1000 EC credits from Mouth's Delight

125 x125 ad space for 1 month from There is Happiness

125 x125 ad space for 1 month from Twins Happiness

2nd winner

blogspot customized template by Web Blog Designs

$5.00 from Thoughts and Obsessions

5000 EC credits from Simple Happy Life

2000 EC credits from Bitz n Pieces of My Life

125 x125 ad space for 1 month from Also Mommy

125 x125 ad space for 1 month from TH Corner

3rd winner

5000 EC credits and 125x125 ad space for 1 month from The Mommy Journey

$5.00 from Inspirational Insights 125x125 ad space for 1 month from iluvcontest

125x125 ad space for 1 month from another contest

4th winner

3000 EC credits from Chuchie's Hideaway

2000 EC credits from WhereAbouts

$5.00, 1000 EC credits and 125x125 ad space for 1 month from Just About Anything

125x125 ad space for 1 month from Sherry Contest

125x125 ad space for 1 month from Sherry Rambling

5th winner

$5.00 from Our Family Story

5000 EC credits from a housewife's journal and an extraordinary path to parenthood

125x125 ad space for 1 month from That Blog 4 Me

125x125 ad space for 1 month from Travel Blog

Creating A Photo Blog

Its been almost a year for Sweet Nothings, more than half a year for my Food blog (From My Kitchen and Beyond). Now, I am thinking of creating a new site for my photos. I have been thinking about this for a very long time. Its not easy to maintain 2 sites alone. Adding another might just make things a bit complicated.

Just in case I come up with this Photo blog, a webhosting solution should be the first thing to consider. As for me, I like a webhost that offer free domain names. Its one of the things I greatly like my sites to have. My own domain name.I want to make this 3rd blog of mine, to be a bit personal.

I checked several webhosting sites and I found some that might cater to my ideas. And it ain't easy. Finding the best webhosting service for my website is very confusing. There are endless options from the top hosts or the least expensive service.

Since I'm at the verge of taking my time, a detailed review of these webhosting sites should be done. from their rates, reliability and speed, especially on the technical support aspect. I sure do hope that by the time I'm able to make up my mind, a good webhost is also ready to cater to my every need.

Mommy Moments---Gotta Wear Shades!

One thing I noticed, I seldom take pictures of me or my son wearing our sunnies. The pictures I will be sharing are all taken a very long time ago. Me still with short hair, and my son with his 2 front teeth.
I always bring more than 1 pair of shades. On our way somewhere, we played with the cam and I made him wear the other pair.
Later on, I bought him his own. This time, with one tooth in front.
Smiley Face

Join Us Moms at: Mommy Moments

Have a happy weekend!

My Hair Got Axed!

First of all, I'm not really afraid to try any hairstyle. As a matter of fact I think I already tried almost everything. Not to the point of shaving my head.
Smiley Face

From super short hair...

To having some bangs...

Over-all, my hair is happy if its long. It's easier to manage in a sense that you can do anything with it. Tie it back, tuck it behind your ears, it also looks good with some bangs, and most of all, women always look best with long hair flowing around their shoulders.

In 2007, I decided to cut my hair short. But my husband didn't really like it. He's used to seeing me with long hair. As requested, I grew my hair back since 2008 up to the present. My last visit to the salon (before today) was last December. I am determined to grow my hair right below the armpit area. I had plans of having it permed by the time it reaches that length.

Today, I went to David's Salon to have an inch taken off and to get my bangs back. To my disappointment, the hairstylist wasn't paying attention to what I am instructing him. He trimmed my hair shorter. Worse of all, he gave me layers. I hate layers for my hair. Its hard to manage. I thought he knew what I was telling him, he kept on answering yes, ok, yes. By the way, he is not my real stylist, that's why... My mom's stylist is also mine. But I can't find time to go all the way to my hometown just to have my hair trimmed.

The result was ok. Its something different, something new. Its way better than having a shorter hair (as seen above). But I had goals and plans. I have been growing my hair for 1 1/2 years now. Half of it got axed even before reaching the desired length. That's the disappointing part. I had to email this picture right away to my husband just to know his opinion. As long as he is happy with how I look. Everything is fine with me.
My affirmation for the week---Keeping An Open Mind. I'll just grow it back.
Smiley Face