A Wonderful Journey 2014

As for my wishlist for 2014... all I ask for are continuous blessings: Good health for the whole family, more milestones as an individual and as a parent, a stronger form of protection against harmful elements, lots and lots of laughter and love...

2013 was a productive year for me. I learned a lot of new things. Though I kept on saying that starting a business is way away from my thoughts, it seems like opportunity itself keeps on knocking. A business may work but not in the near future. I see 2014 as a year for improvement, still a lot of things to learn and to experience, as I also need to establish knowledge and my foundation as an entrepreneur. The important thing right now is that I have my family's blessings. From my husband, my parents, my siblings, my in-laws and even our friends. The shower of support is just overwhelming.

It's really hard to point out what I want in terms of material or monetary blessing because time keeps on changing and so these things. For me, the best option for now is to work hard then later on reward myself with something I really want. It doesn't have to be in an instant, but the thought that I'm able to save up for something is already rewarding enough that maybe later on, will make me decide to keep it and save some more.

To sum things up, all I want is a continuous happiness and contentment. With these two around, life with surely grant one of a kind experiences as I grow for the next year/s to come. A wonderful journey worth remembering and meant to be shared.  Whatever is in store for me, I will love it and welcome it with open arms.

Rockin' The One Shoulder Look

A few weeks ago, my husband and I attended a wedding...

The theme of Black & White gave the whole celebration a simple yet an elegant feel.

The groom is the cousin of my husband. By the way, it was my first time to attend a wedding as a sponsor.

Well, I'm more of a representative for my mother-in-law who resides in America. We were all very excited preparing for the event. My gown was provided by my in-laws. They were able to come up with an exquisite look for me. The One- Shoulder Look.

It's been a long time since I got dressed up for a formal occasion, so please bear if I go crazy over this one. I never in my whole life did see myself wearing a one- shoulder dress. I'm so happy and thankful for the people who helped me ramp up a good look for the wedding.

I accessorized with Majorica pearls, matching bracelet and earrings and of course my wedding ring. I didn't wanna over do it, a nude shade for my nails blended perfectly. Gold clutch that can turn into an instant purse with short and long handles and Prissy Cosmic Dust from Naturalizer for my footwear.

For my make-up, I did it myself. I wanted a simple- not too flashy but still noticeable look. Then I went to a local salon in Tagaytay for my hair. I decided to go for a bun because I want to accentuate my shoulders and of course the one- shoulder strap of the gown.

I'm happy that my mother-in-law was very pleased. This is an important thing for me, considering my role as a sponsor and as an inspiration to the couple.

Married for 8 years and having a blissful relationship with that same person for 12 years.

My husband was very handsome, we both went back to the time.

There were times when I tend to forget to take care of myself with the work needed to be done in the house. That very same occasion made me feel so beautiful.  It reminded me that hey, even if I stay at home, it's important to look at oneself in front of the mirror and say "I am beautiful in a very unique way"...with that, you don't even need to dress up or wear make-up. I'll carry this positive thought with me forever.

A Blessed Rainy Day!

I started my rainy Wednesday by having breakfast with my husband. It was raining hard, I was having second thoughts of bringing my son to school. We commute going there. Lucky if my husband is bound to leave later than his usual, he's able to take my son to school. And today was such a blessed day. My husband was available to bring my son. Later, I was given the ultimate good news for the day. Let me count our blessings and be thankful...

-photo source-

I had a good talk with my son's teacher. She said that my son is doing great in school. Especially in Math. A smiling face was given to Franky for excelling. I have been very particular with my son's development. Few knows that he is undergoing difficulty in terms of language. He understands English more. Speaks in English and responds in English. One thought that has been bugging me, is his ability to be able to adapt and cope in a regular Filipino school environment.

Now, I can relax some more. After his first quarter in school, I know the second, third and fourth are going to be fantastic. Its good to see and experience the fruit of our hard work as parents. Especially for a first timer like me. Now I can guarantee that we are on the right path. I know my husband is feeling the same or even greater. Knowing that he is the only person behind providing us with a comfortable life. Another thing I am very thankful for is having him as a strong partner in life. We both have matured together to be more flexible, smart, wiser and to become simple Beings. He taught me a lot about life and the good values behind it. He is my mentor,and inspiration. I hope you're reading this baby...

Cheers to us for a job well done!

Stress Relief

Let me start my week with some affirmations. Since my husband and I got married, we never really had the chance to go on a vacation. If we plan, something more important always go in- between. It has been a goal every year to seek time to take a break.

I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
I CAN CREATE INNER PEACE

Last night I was just talking to my husband about stress. And the result of stress are showing lines and a dull glow on his face. I understand his concern. He is the only one working for the family. Since he started working, he literally never went on leave. We all have our limits. I think he reached his first. As we went with our conversation, we thought of other alternatives to make things a bit easy. Let's be realistic. Work pays high but it eats up a lot of your time. When it doesn't require so much of your service, it pay less.

Its only either of the 2...or you start a business for you to call the shots. So, we ended talking on going for a short break from our everyday tasks... we don't have to spend just to be able to say, "hey, we went on a vacation". Straying away from the usual is already big. Work off your mind, means good relaxation. Then the body reflects the good thoughts, it rejuvinates.
Over the weekend, we arranged a spa-like area in our home. We bought meditation music, scented candles and oils. We went on Youtube to watch some techniques on massaging. Its even better than the real spa, because we can go over more than an hour. :D

Try it! -photo-

I will do anything to make things easy for my husband. As a SAHM, a spa treatment is all I could ever give to make his system feel relaxed.

There are benefits behind this stressful story. My husband still wanted me to stay at home. We want to invest on a good business soon. We haven't thought of what kind, but definitely, we will be considering. Personally, I would prefer handling a business, than working. Our conversation helped tone down stress a bit for my husband.

Through stress/ challenges, we thought of new solutions, a new light--- putting up a business. we're able to have a healthy conversation, we seeked to understand each other and comfort each other.

I CAN SEE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AS CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES BRING OPPORTUNITIES

Its' So Nice To Be Happy

Shalalala! Happy! It's so nice to be happy! I have been jumping for joy since yesterday! Talk about good timing. Happy Easter everyone! I was out yesterday to kill time in various malls like Greenhills and Megamall. My day started pretty well. I was able to get myself 2 nice pair of flats.

Its been a long time hunting for a good pair. Nothing fancy or overly expensive. Next, I was happy that my husband was finally able to buy the toy he wanted so badly. This collectible, Macross VF-25 Messiah Model.

From Greenhills, we went to another mall to buy some goodies for our Easter Celebration. Of course, part of our journey was to visit some of our favorite shops. Mine, included the Canon Store! I made an inquiry on the available lenses they have. The next I plan to buy is a Telephoto Lens. I know I can buy this for a very much cheaper price somewhere. But security wise and for complete satisfaction, I don't want to risk it. I was told that they (Canon) are selling this Telephoto for Php11,000 ($200+). The EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III.

Don't worry I have researched on this lens. I know why it's cheap and how it works. Anyway, I called my dad and immediately told him about it. Another thing made me happy, He will try to purchase this lens in Singapore next week while he's there!!! It's going to be cheaper. I might add a Speedlite 430EX II, if its going to be really cheap that is. Plus I also gave my dad another option:EF-S 18200mm f/3.55.6IS .

Lastly, the photography magazine I like is featuring Portraits and Proper Lighting.

Its exactly what I want to learn. All these happened in one day. And even if my desktop died on me yesterday, eating up all my photos and stuff, its fine with me. The hell with desktops (lol). I still have my laptop (which I'm using now by the way). I'm still recovering from all the excitement.
And today we celebrated Easter at my parents house. It was a fun sunday. We had an Easter Egg Hunt and a bonus game! Later in the afternoon, my husband and I had an awesome full body massage at a nearby spa. It was great! I still feel that I'm floating.


Anyway, I might not be able to make much drops. I need to fix my files and all sorts to be able to get back on track again. I'm so dying to share some photos...Well, that will follow! Have a great week! Hugs!

I'm A Mother; I'm A Wife

My big THANKS to Eds of Eds Mommy Life and Nisha of Nisha’s World and Baby Alisha
Rules PLEASE:

1. Link with the person who tagged you.
2. Copy above images.
3. Post this on any or all of your Blog/s.
4. Answer the two-part questionnaire following these Rules. (Feel free to elaborate your answers. For questions 8 - 14, post only the one (1) which you believe best describes your choice.)
5. Share this with at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll.
6. Come back to Living A’ La Mode (DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK PLEASE.) and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.

Master List:
A Sweet Taste Of Life
Living A’ La Mode
My Life In This Wonderful World
Life With Style
Eds Mommy Life
Sweet Nothings

7. Have fun!

~ Parenting Style ~

1. Do you exercise full or minimal control over your child’s / children’s behavior?
Yes! I make sure that my son knows that "I'm The Boss"

2. Do you expect your child / children to obey 100% or let her / him / them do what pleases her / him / them?
No, I'm not expecting 100% from my son. He's going to be a big boy soon.He was created to be a different person. He's free to do whatever he pleases. It's our job as parents to lead and guide our children towards the path to goodness.

3. Do you welcome discussion or you simply set rules?
I am very open for discussions. I weigh things through that.

4. Do you reprimand?
Yes.

5. Do you use spanking for punishment?
Yes.

6. Do you use some kind of a reward System for motivation?
Yes, but in a very healthy way and purpose. It motivates the child to do better all the time.

7. Do you enjoy being a Parent?
Of course, who doesn't! It made me appreciate life more, and my bond with my husband, became stronger than ever.

8. Are you a hands-on Parent or do you have a full-time Nanny?
I am a hands-on parent. My husband and I agreed for me to stay at home full-time. We don't trust (100%) anybody else aside from family, to handle our kid or kids.

9. At what age would you let your child make simple decisions for himself / herself?
Now! He can make simple decisions already. We let him decide on simple situations, like getting caught between 2 toys.

10.Do you and your Husband have the same Parenting Style?
Nope. We meet in the middle, when it comes to discipline.

~ Wife Style ~

7. How long have you been married?
5 years

8. How do you feel about being a Wife?
I feel very, very special. I feel like a child, with all the love and care I get from my husband.

9. What has been your typical sleeping attire since you got married?
Still the same from my usual. Pajamas and socks.

10. How do you show how appreciative you are of your Husband?
I thank him all the time...whether he gives me something of none. I say I Love You as much as I want to.

11. What do you do when your Husband annoys you?
I surprise him with a prank. I don't get mad that easily, like seriously. In the end, we'll be caught laughing at each other.

12. You are buying or planning to buy your first house as Husband and Wife….
Yes, we are in the process of planning, gathering more info. Plus, we're not in a hurry, we want it to be perfect. Something to be preserved for our children and grandchildren.

13. How does your house look like at the end of the day when Hubby gets home?
Depends on what day? Monday---stuff around from a weekend activity. Tuesday---Laundry, Wedenesday---I have dry clothing piled up somewhere (for folding) Thursday---the whole place is free from clutter, but not from my son's toys, Friday---definitely, my husband will come home to a well-organized and clean home.

14. How do you feel about running a household?
Like a QUEEN! :D

15. What is the sweetest gift you have given your Husband so far?
I think his Bubble Footspa Massager. That's 100% pampering, which Calvin Klein or Giorgio Armani can't give. :D

I am tagging all the Moms and Wives!

Me Time On Wednesday Night

It has been a very tiring week for me. I did some major cleaning since Monday. Major and general, meaning, every corner and small space we're occupying, must be cleaned up.

It's a good thing I'm free and relieved from the stress of grabbing ads. Or else, its going to be a hectic one. Anyway, all the work I've done for the past 3 days made me super lazy. So I thought, pizza and a nice movie would be great.

The best pizza in town today...Shakey's Grand Slam Pizza! I just love it. The dough is soft and the pizza toppings are fresh. For every order, it comes with a bottle of 1.5 coke and ice. Just right for a perfect Me- time.

My husband will work over-time, my son will go to bed soon. It's going to be just me with this 18 inch temptaion and Mr. Freddie Prinze Jr.

I love this movie. It's one of my favorites. This was shown in 1999. That time Freddie Prinze and Paul Walker (Fast & the Furious lead) were the teeny- bop sensations. Now, Paul Walker has moved on to be a great actor, and Freddie Prinze is happily married to Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy). My husband is not a fan of this kind of movies, so the timing is perfect. Wednesday night, was really meant for some me-time...

Official OST

Kiss me - Sixpence None The Richer
Kiss me out of the bearded barleyNightly, beside the green, green grassSwing, swing, swing the spinning stepYou wear those shoes and I will wear that dress.Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilightLead me out on the moonlit floorLift your open handStrike up the band and make the fireflies danceSilver moon's sparklingSo kiss me.Kiss me down by the broken tree houseSwing me upon it's hanging tireBring, bring, bring your flowered hatWe'll take the trail marked on your father's mapOh, kiss me beneath the milky twilightLead me out on the moonlit floorLift your open handStrike up the band and make the fireflies danceSilver moon's sparklingSo kiss me Kiss me beneath the milky twilightLead me out on the moonlit floorLift your open handStrike up the band and make the fireflies danceSilver moon's sparklingSo kiss me

Replacing My Cup Of Coffee With Tea

I have been drinking tea since I was a kid. My family loves it. It has always been part of our diet. I enjoy drinking it, especially Jasmine. But as I aged I discovered a lot more about this magnificent drink.

But I stopped when I started studying Nursing. I was on coffee and cigarette diet then. I had no time to fix myself a warm cup of this refreshing goodness. But now, I don't choose the type of tea that I drink. As long as it's the real one. I also make iced tea using the very same traditional health tea we know. How To? will post it on my food blog soon ;D

Taste good cold. You can also add milk and sugar. From the usual tea cup, I upgraded it to a full coffee cup. I take- in 3 to 5 C daily. And I saw a big change. I noticed that my tummy has gotten smaller and I feel lighter inside.

And so, I changed my usual caffeine fix and replaced it with tea. I would normally take tea after eating, but lately, it's different.

I love drinking it while in front of the computer, doing my stuff. I also stopped craving for junk food, I now eat in moderation. Feels like the tea's doing the eating for me. Cravings? a cup will stop it.

*can you see your Ec in the picture

Let's Talk About Perfume

Basically, perfume is a mixture of fragrant. Oils, and other essentials taken from flowers, plants, fruits and even wood. The only difference it makes is the selection we will consider to fit our body's chemistry. On a hot and humid day, you might want to stay away from musky or hard scents that will leave you sticky at the end of the day.

As I was browsing, I found this interesting new perfume blog. It contains reviews of perfumes, its description and mixture of scents. It also includes results on the perfumes' final smell after taking a few spritz. It is an interesting site for people who loves perfumes and for those inspired by scents.

I have several perfumes to fit all types of occasions. It is an essential to me. Plus, the fact that I married a man who's very much into colognes too. We (my husband and me) believe that the smell of a person, reflects his/her personality or being.
The better you smell, in a way, says that you're a clean person and vice versa when people find you smelling weird.

I personally don't know how to gauge finding the right one. I just try everything and later on, a particular scent will stand- out. And it will go all the way, years and years, until you can find a new one. Another interesting smell to replace it.

Need help on finding one Talk Perfume may help you out.

How Do I Love My Husband

I keep on mentioning over and over how marriage changed me and my over-all perspective in life. I used to be the type of person who would seal herself in a box and view the world on one side. Until I met my husband.

Two complete strangers, with different philosophies and ideologies.

My husband was my brother's schoolmate and bandmate in DSLU. Actually, he was the only person from my bro's circle whom I haven't met during their band days. There were times when he would go to our house, but, it's either I would be sleeping or out with friends. Then there were times when my bro would invite me to join them. But for some odd reason, I couldn't join them.

On my 21st birthday, I invited my brother's friends, sent an invite to Dolf, so I could finally meet him. But during that time, he had a girlfriend and I just got dumped by some guy. When I finally met him, he was very charming and quite a gentleman. 7 months later we met again, I went on a blind date with some goofy guy. It was actually a double date with my bro and his girlfriend. We went to Malate, to watch my brother's band play. And to my surprise("eyes twinkling"), I saw him.... It was Dolf... sitting by the bar. The feeling was refreshing. I was sooo bored with my date and decided to walk over to him and have a quick chat... So, that's when it started for us. The next thing I know, he texted me and invited me out for a movie. It was a very flattering experience. Then, in 2000 we made it official to everybody.

8 and 1/2 years of being together... 4 years married...How Do I Love My husband?
 
I love him back because he brought out the real person in me
I love him back because he has brown eyes
I love him back because he accepted me for I am
I love him back because he is a very patient person
I love him back for being a God-loving and fearing person
I love him back because he knows my heart's desires even if I don't say anything to him
I love him back because he is a good, responsible, sweet, and loving Father to our child
I love him back because he is full of wisdom
I love him back for being simple and humble about himself and his achievements
I love him back for the hugs and kisses he gives me everyday
I love him back for making me enjoy the luxury of staying at home
I love him back for being "the chef of the day" when I'm sick
I love him back because he plays sweet pranks with me
I love him back for his corny jokes and baluktot tagalog words
I love him back because he knows how to listen or to hear me out
I love him back for choosing me to be his partner and to spend the rest of his life with...

Sample Shots 2---Whatever Catches My Eye

I am proud to share another batch of images I took, for this month...I honestly don't know how to rate them. The whole month I took shots of whatever that called my attention.
There you go, another reason why I can't go practice photography 100%.
These random photos are taken from different ocassions and time.

Wildflower. It covered our parking space when we were in Laguna. Pretty nice for a parking space. I was thinking, why place this pretty one, where it could only be stepped on or trampled.
Fern plant from my Auntie's Garden. This is literally a lucky shot. I held the camera and faced it down. There were stuff between me and the plant so I had to hold a certain position while taking it.
The wooden bird cage is actually hanging on top of the fern plant. I was after the sun light towards the thing. As mentioned, there were stuff (gardening materials) between me and the plant. (tabingi) (excuses!excuses! he!he!he!)
The wooden bridge was taken from a farm. My son and his grandfather went boating, while I took advantage of the bridge (lol). This is one subject I wanted to shoot. The texture of the wood and how the bridge was made--- very dramatic.

And this drop of water...from my placemat. :)

I might concentrate on these kind of photos, also portraits. It doesn't require so much time and money to enjoy a fun- filled photo session. Still learning!

T.G.I.F!!!

Becoming an Inspiration

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 in a sense that 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.
 My answer: I was literally a full-time housewife. I didn't enter any work of any kind.

All she said was...your blogs inspire 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, (emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual).

These are the things you will not only give yourself, but to your family too. To provide some love and care, 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 wanted to work. But I saw the deeper meaning of looking after my family full- time, 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 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 own 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 the smallest things and moments as blessings to a happier disposition.