I Am Sticking With Sweet Nothings

It's everywhere, I know, also confusing. So I was going through the process of the so-called "change" I wanted to make for this blog. As I was doing the planning, I found out that it would be impractical for me to make the adjustments.

1. I have Sweet Nothings registered to advertisers.

2. Though I have removed my Followers section, another realization is that I might get other readers confused. And I  want to give my readers a hassle-free visit.

3. Sweet Nothings already made a mark in the blogosphere. Not so much compared to some, but I know deep in my heart as the author. 

With these, I am sticking to Sweet Nothings. The only thing that's going to upgrade are the stories.

Thank you for the continuous visits.

This Site Is In Transition

That's right folks, Sweet Nothings is moving to a different domain name. As to what Google advised, the transition will take 3 days at the most. 

I'm really overwhelmed with this move. It's mixed emotions.

•  I'm a little scared, because I'm not familiar with the process, that I might miss out on some things that   might delete Sweet Nothings completely.
•  I'm happy because this is an achievement for me as a regular blogger. It really pays to  have your own domain name. It's self-fulfilling, because I know that it sheds  importance to the blogs I post online. The  "domain name" is a huge term to represent all stories.
•  In terms of money- generating purposes, might as well take advantage of it. Maximize what I can gain while I have my own domain name.
•  Xtraordinarymom will always be xtraordinarymom. This term truly defines me as a person and what I have accomplished and still achieving as a mother and wife.

http://www.xtraordinarymom.com/

I decided to stick to this 1 yr old design for Sweet Nothings made by Ms. Carlota of My Web Blog Dot Com. It's my site's first look that guaranteed me that--- "yes Enchie you now have a real website design and it matches one of the website must-haves". And I am very honored to have given this chance to meet people who are very caring like Ms. Carlorta.

Please bear if some widgets are missing or if you find it difficult searching.

Sponge In My Phone

I so love Spongebob! because even in my cellphone, I have him!

Sweet Nothings of Mr. Cruz

I have been sick for almost a week now. Fever, clogged nose, sore throat, the works! My husband never really left me. A very hectic day at work, he checks on me all the time. One evening , I  sent him a message if he could give me some more of that TLC, but this time with Double Yum from Jollibee .  Double Yum with TLC :D Well, he gave me more. He bought everything, all the stuff I like from Jollibee. Palabok Fiesta, Spaghetti, Burger Steak and of course my Double Yum with TLC. Talk about all the  real TLC in the world.

By the way, Double Yum with TLC is Double Patty with tomatoes, lettuce and cheese.

Anyway, over the weekend, I  felt that I'll get more sick if I just stay indoors the whole time. I've been a home buddy for the past 5 years, all a sick housewife like me needs is to stay away from this hot weather and  breath on something new. And really, the moment I stepped inside the car, I was already feeling  better.

The first thing I requested my husband is a cold drink from Bubble Tea. Being at the mall and having a relaxing conversation did it. I mean, I think that did it, it was enough to put me in  a better mood.

 We also went window shopping.

During our short window shop I made a list of things that I really need to buy soon: And most of them are books. Yes, my interest on reading is growing. That only means that I'm given extra time for myself . Now , that my son is all grown up, independent and responsible.

To continue, we visited 3 malls yesterday.

1. SM Megamall
2. Gateway Mall
3. SM City Cubao

From our small window shopping, we actually went shopping all the way. Well, my husband gave me and Frank a little treat. He bought new clothes for me from M& S, toys and colored pens for frank and the coffee table we wanted.
I gave my husband the freedom to choose the clothes. I love watching him shop for me, all I have to do is wait in the fitting room. There's a touch of adventure. I mean, here you are waiting and you have no idea  what clothes he'll hand you. But knowing my husband as a person with good taste, I didn't fear anything at all. It's fun. Our small shopping adventure was the ultimate cure for me. I enjoyed every moment of it. The set of clothes he bought... perfect. Exactly what I needed and what I wanted. He knows me too well...

 Thanks for the treat baby!

Good Morning Neighbor!

Today is officially our second week in our new home. Of course, it took time to blend in the community. We were a bit shy, but everybody (our neighbors) were very helpful and hospitable. Back in our old condo, I think we were the only ones who never failed to greet everybody everyday. The rest, they were just too busy and too occupied. It's different this time around. Our new neighbors were very happy to help us go about some rules around the subdivision. They showed concern asking how are we doing. Most of all, it was very polite of them to greet us every morning, lunch and even at night.

Good Morning! Good Afternoon and Good Evening!

I never thought that "such wonderful neighbors" still exist. What an inspiring booster to start the day right and happy.

It's just great to be part of a good environment. A good environment for me is a place where people don't mind you but you know anytime you can approach them. A good environment is a place where intrigue (intriga, chismis) does not exist and are not even welcome. A good environment is a place where people respect privacy. A good environment is a place filled with simple people with simple minds. A good environment is a place where our children can play and just do their adventures.

-photo source-
A good environment is a state that makes a person happy, inspired and complete.

10 Things Behind My Happy Life

Link the blogger who shared this Sweet Tag with you, then share the top 10 things that makes you happy. Thank you Chris of The Mommy Journey and Kikamz of Just About Anything for tagging me and to Willa of Smart Mommy who opened this tag for everyone.

Let me share the top 10 things that's currently making me happy:

1. I'm happy because we are planning and shopping--- redecorating the moment we transfer to our new home. We plan to make our room cozier by playing with the colors of black, off-white and red.
2. I'm happy because we get to spend more time with our Friends. 2010 is going to be different.
3. I'm happy that we're nearing summer (vacation time!)
4. I'm happy because our year started well. We welcomed 2010 by fulfilling a goal. It may be stressful moving out, but it's ok.
5. I'm happy because I was able to eat Green Mango with Shrimp Paste, finally!
6. I'm happy because I will be seeing some bloggers again on Thursday. Thanks Red Ribbon!
7. I'm happy because my life is so simple yet very meaningful.
8. I'm happy because I'm married to a sweet, thoughtful and loving man
9. I'm happy because I don't have to try so hard just to be happy
10. I'm very happy because I know that I will always have my family with me no matter what Life has in store for me.

Thank You 2009

Another year will soon leave and a new beginning to set place. We're still very thankful for the material things that satisfied us. But the most important are the reasons and purposes, the thoughts that made 2009 a worthy year, inspite of the hardships and loss. Tell me, CHANGE played a big part this year right?

On a personal note, 2009 has been very kind to me and my family. So much milestones as a parent has been achieved. So much lessons learned and discoveries made to take as motivators.

Related Entry: Thanksgiving Entry

Thank you 2009 for these achievements, discoveries and lessons. It made us complete, it made us open ourselves to new perspectives.

With that, we gladly accept every challenge for the years to come and look at it as opportunities in disguise.
With that, we will continue to keep a healthy mind & body.

With that, we will continue to show our love in service to other people.

With that, we will live a simpler but a meaningful life.

With that, we are greatly honored to have reached a new chapter in our lifetime.

No more fears, only new beginnings... Let us take every challenge to the next level and take it as a learning curve. Pray & Hope for a good, humble, a God-Fearing, God- Loving leader who will serve as guidance to a cleaner government system. Good life, Good Health, Clean living for all Filipinos. Inspiration for others and Being a Positive Thinker.

Fireworks Sm Mall of Asia

My life in the blogosphere will remain the same. The things that will make it different are the new tales that I will share with my boys as another year unfolds.

Celebrating Sweet Nothing's First Blog Anniversary

Life continues. Stories of happy, sad, fun and Xtraordinary. As I was assessing my blog's survival for the past year, there is only one motivating factor behind it. The CHALLENGE of what my life has got to offer in order to share. Its all about life. Life, life, life. How colorful it is, how dull and bland it may be.

One thing that I totally forgot for the past 6 months though... the main purposes and reasons why I started blogging.

Theme: It's all about My Life's Purpose. Providing inspiration, learning from others, accepting adversities and making it as a strong point of starting all over again, opening up for change and simply releasing some thoughts that are worth sharing and maybe life changing. I am blessed with a life that most women enjoy. Some, they dream about, and others become very envious of.

Being a Mother and a Wife.

Just yesterday, I was aksed by a famiy and a friend. "So what's for you now"?

I answered: Where my husband goes, I'll trust, I'll follow and support him. Being a Mom and a wife is IT for me. There's nothing else IN for me. I am very satisfied with the life I have with my family. It's all about my family now...

Sweet Nothings will always be about our (my family's) Nothingness. The little but sweet nothings that makes our everyday extraordinary. Sometimes we don't see. It's just there, we all have it. It may be the smallest factor, reasons why we are happy. Sweet Nothings will stand with or without ads, EC, blog hops, and comments. With another year ahead of me, it is an opportunity to reflect on the old, create a happier set up, and for sharing new fairy tales, stories of love, laughter, sadness... whatever comes.

To my blogger friends and readers:

Thank you for the blessing of friendship, love, and inspiration. Thank you for the one of a kind experiences, the laughter, the "kilig" moments from your stories, learnings, and for the stories that define who you are.

Today, I choose to focus on Life's small gifts,
a touch, a smile, a fragrance.
Today, I choose the Good that Life has to offer.

0o0o
So how did I celebrate my first year?

My husband went on a 2- week leave from work. Everyday- from Monday, we were out loving our time. Enjoyed each other's company, danced around the kitchen together, brought our son to and from school together, made Franky's Halloween costume together. It was just all about being Extraordinarily together... everyday.

Plus, plus, plus

A 6-hour pampering in the new hair salon I just recently discovered. Hair treatment, foot massage, pedicure. Well, it's that time of the year when I pour time for myself. Might as well do it in celebration of my blog's first anniversary.

My little boy, happy to accompany me. Thanks to my husband who took care of everything

Getting To Know Each Other

A tag that will definitely make my week from blogging complete. I'm in a very low mood lately. Been very busy and tired. I guess, after a week of excitement, that's the time you will get that tiring feeling. But this tag from Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary woke me up.

GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER:
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30am
2. How do you like your steak? Medium

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Ice Age 3!

4. What is your favorite TV show? Rachael Ray or The Tyra Banks Show

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I'm still here. Nothing beats the comforts your own country can give.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Ham, scrambled eggs, toast and my Taho!
7. What is your favorite cuisine? My favorites play between Italian, Chinese, Mexican and other exotic flavors.

8. What foods do you dislike? Anything too spicy.

9. Favorite place to eat? I've always been a Mexicali fan.

10. Favorite dressing? Italian dressing.

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? I used to drive my Dad's van, now I drive my husband's Honda Civic.

12. What are your favorite clothes? Comfy shorts, racerback tops and slippers.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Georgia
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full

15. Where would you want to retire? Out of the city where I can plant herbs and flowers.

16. Favorite time of day? Night time

17. Where were you born? Mandaluyong City

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Lately...UFC or Boxing hehehe!

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Hmmm...I really don't know.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? Mommy Jac, TeJan, Chris and Willa.

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Blogger friends in my bloglist.
22. Bird watcher? Yes! Very much.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night Person (used to) (I still want to.)

24. Do you have any pets? Yes! Fishes.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? We will be out this weekend. Tagaytay bound!26. What did you want to be when you were little? A Flight Attendant.

27. What is your best childhood memory? I had a worry-free childhood. I played a lot.

29. Are you married? Yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yes!

31. Been in a car accident? Nope!

32. Any pet peeves? People playing smart.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Mushrooms, Pineapple, bell pepper.

34. Favorite Flower? Lilies
35. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate (dark, chocolate truffles)
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? KFC!

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? never

38. From whom did you get your last email? Rach a good friend.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Marks and Spencer

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? none

41. Like your job? Yes! Very Much!

42. Broccoli? Love it!

43. What was your favorite vacation? Anything that will keep me out from the usual and spent with my family.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My whole family. (dad, mom, siblings, niece and nephew and my family)

45. What are you listening to right now? BASIA
46. What is your favorite color? RED and NUDE

47. How many tattoos do you have? none

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? Everyone in my bloglist!

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 9:25am

50. Coffee drinker? Used to, but not anymore.

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.

Sweet Nothings...A New Look

The new look indicated a new beginning for this site. I can now finally say that I official have a site. This is my first to have a permanent design. And this is the most rewarding thing I received this week. I was worried since Monday because my son is sick with Flu...I did have the time to make some drops but I never posted that much. But no worries it is just an ordinary Flu.

One evening of this week, I went through my blog and decided to ask Ms. Carlota of My Web Blog.Com for a header and a signature. I was just planning for these 2, but she gave me more and something better.

Ms. Carlota is one of the kindest here in the blogosphere. I mean, I was wondering that she might be busy with something more important. But she gave time on this layout. I greatly appreciate it...My big and warmest hug for this kind gesture.

She even gave me a bonus---a new EC button!

Thank you again! Until our next!

Hal Urban's 10 Commandments of Common Sense

What a great book of inspiration and guidance to a better living. I got in touch with this reading through my dad. I opened to my parents about my life. I'm at the edge of it right now, getting nervous and confused if I will be able to give justice to my role being a Mother and over-all, as a Parent.

Financially, it is driving me nuts. New priorities came and I forgot that sooner or later I had to adjust and make room for more important things. Life now is different, especially with my son going to school. We're used to spending everytime we go out, we dine in a restaurant often, go shopping, go for spa treatment, anything that will satisfy a person both inside and out.  Now, everytime we are tempted to buy something, even if capable, we choose not to and save the money instead.
 

Part of the comfort and advises my parents gave me was to look into this book. It's reality telling me to use it as an opportunity to grow and learn.

All we need is common sense in order to execute things the right way. And if things are done properly and "right", then there's no need to fear on what's in store for us in the future. The pretty part about this reading? it teaches us to go back to the Scriptures as guidance. Faith.

"They're hard to put into practice, but when we do, the rewards are beyond description." As to what the Author, Hal Urban experienced. He hopes that the result will be the same for his readers.

There's more to this, a copy is going to be worth it. It's going to be an everyday Bible full of reminders and words of encouragement as we go through a normal day with trials as part of it.

The 10 Commandments:

Don't be seduced by popular culture. It prevents you from thinking of yourself.

Don't fall in love with money and possessions. It will make you greedy and shallow.

Don't use destructive language. It hurts other as well as yourself.

Don't judge other people. It's better to work on your own faults.

Don't let anger get out of control. It can wreck relationships and ruin lives.

Keep a positive outlook on life. It's the first step towards joy.

Bring out the best in other people. It's better to build up than tear down. Have impeccable integrity. It brings peace of mind and a reputation of honor.

Help those in need. It is really better to give than to receive.

Do everything in love. It's the only way to find true peace and fulfillment.

Hearty Thursday

Aside from being blessed with my son graduating from summer school today. On our way home, he (my son) pointed me this wonder up in the sky.
It was magnificent. My first time to see an unusual cloud formation. These things are real. You know those movies when kids sometimes see a rabbit or a tree in the sky.

We were drawn in aweness today by a heart. After taking the picture, we made a turn, then it vanished.

Time To Make That Change

Simple. I'm bored with the old look of my blog. I'm more fond of some basics, like Black, white, red. From the very beginning I wanted these colors already. But I thought it might not go well with my title as "Sweet Nothings" it may be too strong for it.

My original plan today was to create a photo blog. With my schedule getting tighter (and my son attending school), it is going to be impossible for me to maintain it. So I decided to pour that urge (for something new) to this site once more.

I am a woman with a very strong disposition (not personality). Anything that will make me happy and comfortable, I go for it. Change has always been a healthy thing. It encourages me to be creative.

I decided to go with who I really am. First, I love experimenting. Even with my other sites. Change is never new. I enjoy tweaking, adding and removing widgets, discovering and learning new tricks. It is fun!

And since this is a family and a wholesome blog site...my chosen title will be best supported by my entries.. Not the colors or the look.

And with this constant change, I am very aware that my PR will go down all the way this time. (Weather- weather na lang lol/ In Time). I'm so happy that with my current PR, I'm still getting ads. And I am still looking. I'd be a hypocrite if I say I'm not.

For the past weeks, I have also been reading some blogs wishing for a make-over. If not, at least for a little change. Those posts inspired me to change my template again :D

Go ahead guys, tweak with your sites, set free the person in you. It will even add inspiration to your blogging.

A Perfect Rehabilitation

I have been following news and articles on Hollywood actors. Some of them have issues with drunk driving. And it is in a way, very alarming. I have been driving for several years now, but I never let myself get involve with drunk-driving. Whether you're a celebrity, a famous person, a VIP or just plain ordinary, other people's lives are at stake, once you're on the road.

To make things easier for you controlling this kind of dilemma, a famous alcohol rehab is ready to cater your every need to overcome issues such as DUI or driving under the influence (of drugs or alcohol).

Promises is designed for clients who are used to high level of privacy. That includes celebrities, business executives, government officials, and others. High quality addiction treatment with a beautiful setting and where the highest privacy standards are required.

Located at the Santa Monica Mountains with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean, Promises will give you a memorable experience. It is surrounded with a rehab facility for anyone wanting the finest quality while experiencing the highest quality addiction treatment program.

What's Cookin'---Its Mr. Crabs!

Just last weekend, my Dad took home some fresh Crabs from the waters of Quezon Province. Fresh---it was still moving with its claws tied up.

As we placed it one by one in a huge cooking pan...Oh boy, these things are fast even without the help of their claws.

The process:


Steamed whole sprinkled with salt.

Perfect with soy sauce & Calamansi...chili (sili) for those who wants it spicy. I added Crab paste to give it a little something-something... Warning: Take in ModerationHappy eating!

What's Cookin'---Lechon Paksiw

Christmas 2008 my family celebrated with this Lechon(roasted pig) from Lydia'sLechon. To be honest, this was never included in my list of favorites. It's a pretty big Lechon for families and people looking after their blood presure on Christmas Day LOL.

What happened? left-over galore!

This is somewhat a late food entry. I was fixing my picture folders when I came across this Lechon image. Now, it reminded me to make a post about it.

Lechon Paksiw is a famous Filipino Dish. It is often served during town fiestas and celebrations such as Baptism, Birthdays and it is also best for the Holidays. It is served with thick liver sauce cooked with vinegar, sugar and herbs, popularly called the sarsa (sauce).

We had our fair share of this juicy meat with crispy skin. To preserve the meat, I turned it to Lechon Paksiw. The process was very easy. By the way, you can buy Lechon from any of our local sellers per kilo. Anytime, we can now prepare this meal without buying one whole lechon :)

What you will be needing: Good for 1 Kilo of Pork

1 Cup vinegar (add more if desired)

1 1/2 Cup water(add more if desired)

1/2 tbsp granulated pepper

tsp tip of salt

330g regular Mang Tomas Sauce

1 Cup Lechon Sauce

How to:

Boil pork with vinegar, water and pepper (Paksiw process)
When water is reduced, add the Mang Tomas sauce and lechon sarsa
Simmer on low fire
When sauce is thick add salt to taste
*you can add more water and vinegar to satisfy your taste

It is going to be Sweet, soury and savoury combined...

Happy eating!

Christmas Eve 2008

Hi guys! It's been a long time since my last entry. Busy, busy with family activities this holiday season. Here in the Philippines, the government announced an 11 day vacation for everybody. No work from Dec.25- Jan 2. All families are taking advantage of the gift of time given. To bond and to simply enjoy a stress free and pressure free week.

Since we celebrate Christmas on my side every 25th of the month. I asked my sister Ella to join us on Christmas Eve. It looked easy to prepare Noche Buena good for 4 people. Guess again! it's not. Especially, when I still wanted everything to be extra special even if there's just the 4 of us. My sister helped me cook our Christmas grub for 2008.

Later on, we had gift giving. Over-all my husband & I were the only ones who had an exchange of gifts. The rest, are for Ella and Franky. I got my hubby a 320 GB storage disk. He keeps on forgetting to buy one for himself, and he needs it badly. So, I thought I'll make sure that he gets it this time. The moment he received it, he unwrapped and started transferring files from his computer.

By the way, here's our Christmas table:

I prepared--- Baked Macaroni, Grilled Liempo, Dory Fish Fillet, Chopsuey, Keso De Bola, Fruit Salad. As I was preparing, a bad cold hit me. I was still thinking of buying flowers and cake but, I wasn't feeling very well. So, I missed those this year.

Anyway, it was a blast for the family. Being together with our loved ones is already a gift, a blessing. We're very thankful for the food we shared and gifts we received.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In Celebration Of The True Meaning Of Christmas

The Birth of Christ Our Lord and Saviour

The Filipino Version of The Holy Family

Setting up The Holy Family every Christmas' been part of the family's holiday tradition, commemorating the birth of Christ. My family inTaytay had let go of the Christmas Tree and replaced it with The Holy Family as the center for the holiday season. I am blessed to have given a set of Belen ( Holy Family from my in-laws) for my very own home.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17source

The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love.

Happy Holidays Everybody!
I Wish You All The Blessings for the next Holiday Seasons to come...
Have A Meaningful One...
Big, Warm Hugs!

Chocolate Lover

I'm back in making chocolate candies and other chocolate goodies this Christmas. It's an easy procedure. All you'll be needing is a double broiler, basic spatulas and chocolates!

Double Broiler--- Pots stacked together with water in the bottom one heating the top pot. Preventing scorching and separating. Ideal for melting chocolate or perfecting sauces.

I had to go to Chocolate Lovers---a famous place that povides the basics and extras for baking and making pastries. I started making chocolate candies when I was in college. From chocolate lollipops, chocolates stuffed with the finest, imported nuts and plain chocolate candies of different molds. It replaced the usual Kutsinta (a native Filipino dessert) that we used to give away every Christmas.

I prefer using Dark or Bitter Chocolate Bars. Of course White Chocolates are also included. It's our xmas giveaway for close family and friends. This year, I used walnuts, rice crispies, combination of white and dark chocolates as the main highlights.

I had to finish everything yesterday. Today, while making this entry, I'm also waiting for my ride to attend a whole day affair. Tomorrow, I need to pass some papers for my bro-in-law before Christmas. Next thing I'll know, I need to prepare for our Noche Buena already. How time flies by so fast.
2 months ago I was just planning about the holidays. And now, in 2 weeks it will end already. Anyway, here are some of my finished product. It was very tiring rushing my chocolates, but fun. My kitchen is a one whole inspirational room inside my home.



Merry Christmas Everyone!
Big, Warm, Hugs!