Hello 2015! Plus a Blog Resolution Tag!

It's only hours before 2014 bids goodbye and we say Hello to another year! This year has been kind and challenging to my family and I. We had difficulties and struggles but the happy and exciting moments make us stronger as a family. This year has been a good teacher to us both my hubby and I, as we learn more about being parents. I learned that our little boy has taught us more than we have taught him and for that I am grateful and proud.

I am looking forward to 2015 as I have a lot of plans for myself and family. It's exciting to start anew as it brings new chances, opportunities, and improvements.
As I previously stated in my posts, this year has been exceptional because of my blogging journey. In this journey, I have met a handful of people who has inspired and motivated me as a mommy blogger. Each one of you has been a blessing to me this year, so thank you!:) (hihi natouch na yan sila!:P)

So here's a list of blog resolutions I'll do for 2015.

1. Buy a domain :)

2. Make a blog plan. Making a directional plan for my blog so I will write better and become an intentional blogger. I'd like to be able to help others not just moms on my blog so having a plan will probably get me there. 

3. Improve blog designs

4. Read and learn more about blogging.

5. Attend writing or photography workshops.

6. Get to know more bloggers.

7. Attend more events and post within one week. 

8. Don't blog procrastinate.

9. Be more active in FB groups and pages.

10. Join more COMEX.

Here's a list of Bloggers I'd read more this coming year.

1. Martine De Luna www.makeitblissful.com

2. Lally Gonzales www.lallysreflections.com

3. Nadia De Leon www.nanaystrip.wordpress.com

4. Paulline Joy Flores www.milastolemyheart.com

5. Rackell Villareal www.mommyrackell.com

I would still of course read on my favorite bloggers but Ill give these moms more time so I'll get to know them more.

With that, here's a tag I'd like to start with my fellow mommy bloggers. You just need to state atleast 5 Blog resolutions you would do for 2015 and list down 5 Bloggers you'd like to read more about. Then tag 5 bloggers as well!

I'm tagging:

1. Louisa Mercado www.artofbeingamom.com
2. Lally Gonzales www.lallysreflections.com
3. Pauline Joy Flores www.milastolemyheart.com
4. Nadia De Leon www.nanaystrip.wordpress.com
5. Rackell Villareal www.mommyrackell.com

Please link back to me once you are done! Hope you'd be challenged to do this.

Happy New Year everyone!:)

Winter Wonderland Party of Mommy Bloggers Philippines

One of the highlights of my 2014 is being part of Mommy Bloggers Philippines. I remember the first time I did a product review, went to a bloggers' event, and met with inspiring and real-life members of MBP.

It was through the Halloween party that I felt belonged though I was just a new blogger - or a mommy blogger for that matter. Since then I find myself more motivated and inspired to blog because of them.

Last December 5 was the group's Christmas Party with a Winter Wonderland Theme. It happened in Spaces by Babyland in Ortigas. It was my first time to see that place and I was impressed by it.

Here are some of the photos of the venue:

Great venue for any kind of parties and ia kid-friendly too. This one sure made it to our list of birthday venues for our little boys.

The program was simple and sweet and sure gave mommies time to chitchat and get to know each other.

The opening remarks was given by Mommy Lani of www.tweenselmom.com and founder of Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

The Big Three. Mommy Lani with Mommy Louisa of www.artofbeingamom.com and Mommy Joy of www.joygurtiza.com. They organized the whole event. Great job, Moms and Thank you!!!:)

Then the program started with a speed dating game then eating time!!! Here are the photos of the yummy treats we shared together.

And my favorite of all the buffet was: Love Desserts!!!:)

The food totally satisfied all of us. But there was more in store for us which is the raffle portion!!! Wohooo! I won a cupcak tier from Lazada.com. Thank you, Lazada!:)

After all the raffles and prizes, mommies exchange Christmas gifts with each other. It's always fun to share gifts and laughter this season!:)

Then we were given our Christmas loots! Here are some of them:

Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors! You definetely made a lot of mommies happy this Christmas!:)

Love Desserts    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Desserts/332112096805039
Fly Ace    https://www.facebook.com/FlyAceCorporation
Nailaholics    https://www.facebook.com/nailaholics
Teleserv    https://www.facebook.com/citizenservices
Zomato    https://www.facebook.com/zomato
Trolli    https://www.facebook.com/trolli.fanclub.ph
Triumph    https://www.facebook.com/tipi.triumph
Nature Essentials    https://www.facebook.com/natureessentialsph
Yeah, Shoot!    https://www.facebook.com/yeahshootphotobooth
The Cream Factory    https://www.facebook.com/THECREAMFACTORYPH
Renuzit    https://www.facebook.com/Renuzit
Lazada    https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines
Abenson    https://www.facebook.com/abensonappliances
Babyland    https://www.facebook.com/babylandph
Krispy Kreme    https://www.facebook.com/krispykremeph
Posh Caterer    https://www.facebook.com/POSH.CATERER
Shekinah Dishes    https://www.facebook.com/shekinah.dishes
Kubiertos Catering    https://www.facebook.com/kubiertoscatering
Glorietta   

More than the gifts, food, and prizes finding a group that inspires and supports is the best gift I received this year. Thank you MBP and all the Mommies!:)

The Real Meaning of Christmas for Moms: Reflections of a Mom to a One year old

This year marked a better if not yet the best Christmas I have had. More than the stress of gift shopping, hectic parties, reunions here and there, what I looked forward to this holiday was celebrating it with my first born.

My hubby and I were even talking about how doubly fun the holidays are now that we have our little boy, Enzo. Though it's already his second Christmas, it's only now that he gets to really SEE and KNOW what Christmas is.

As a mom, I realized getting a gift for myself do not matter as much when I was still single. I would get excited more when I receive gifts for Enzo. I wanted him to have lots of gift wrapped boxes to open this Christmas eve. I even had the emotional intelligence not to open his gifts till the 24th and that's a big thing for me. Haha!  The decors and trees for Christmas had to be setp up so he'll know that the season is important and that it's a special day.

Coincidentally, I found this photo in facebook that sums what I truly feel.

Now I can officially declare that the real meaning of Christmas for Moms (well, atleast for me) is giving the best Christmas we can to our children. Being able to gift them with what they love and be their Santa makes all the hard work pay off. Every money, time and effort spent in exchange for a smile and a laughter is super worth it. (I hope you moms agree) Nothing is too hard or too expensive for our children.

This year and probably till the day I die, I will forever be grateful for being given the chance to be a mom. To nurture and care for someone is a blessing, and I have been greatly blessed.

To my mom, I love you! I never knew how much you prepared for all tge Christmases we had. Thank you for making Enzo's Christmas a great one! Now more than ever do I appreciate you because now I know how it feels. I am sorry it took me soooo long. Hihi. :)

To all the moms out there, or even fathers, to all parents, single parents, foster parents, house parents and every person who cares and nurtures children, Merry Merry Christmas!!!!:

PRESS RELEASE: Everyday Fiesta, Everyday Masaya with Fiesta 7

What if I tell you that you can WIN a SONY PLAYSTATION 4 this Christmas if you play Fiesta7? Isn’t amazing, right? How about if I tell you that there is an APP-GIVING- PRIZES-FOR-FREE that is already out in the market? It’s not a scam and it’s for real!

Experience an innovative and fun way of driving users to a mobile game application made available to Android and web browser that offers exciting all year round prizes. Its the newest, exciting mobile and web number game application where the players can join for free, play everyday and win exciting prizes everyday!

 

WHO CAN JOIN?

User has to be a a) resident of the Philippines b) Facebook users who are 18 years old above and c) uses a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone with internet connection.

There are only three (3) steps to win:

STEP 1: Download Fiesta7 application either in Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.cordova.fiestaapp&hl=en) or in www.fiesta7.ph

STEP 2: Login using your Facebook account. No purchase needed to join. Register and click Play.

STEP 3: Choose seven (7) numbers from 1 to 28 and submit your entries. (All entries for the day will closed every 6PM)

Wait for the winning result every 7PM from Mondays to Fridays, if you become the winner, a representative will contact you using the email address you use(d) upon registration.

What are you waiting for? Everyday there will be a variety of prizes all you have to do is to play everyday to join. No payment required for it is absolutely FREE! Don’t miss this opportunity as FIESTA7 have this awesome Christmas present for all of you.

 

“EVERYDAY FIESTA, EVERYDAY MASAYA WITH FIESTA7”

 

Stay updated from FIESTA7 by following us thru our social media accounts on Facebook (@fiesta7ph), Twitter (@fiesta7), Instagram (@fiesta7ph), Google+ (@fiesta7),, and Youtube (@fiesta7); we also encourage you to visit our website at www.fiesta7.ph to keep you posted and know more about FIESTA7.

FIESTA7 was developed by MIRAI D3SIGN a DIGITAL Solutions for Enterprises and a subsidiary company of Paris Miki Inc. that has been duly registered in the Philippines focusing on Web and Mobile Applications. Paris Miki Inc. was founded in Japan in 1930. Since, then it has grown to become Japan's largest optical chain store and one of the largest in the world with more than 850 shops in Japan alone and 150 shops across the globe.###

 

References:

 

KEIJI OTA

Executive Vice President, FIESTA7 - Mirai D3sign

(02) 687 0483 | 0916.766.11.94

 

ANNA TOLENTINO

Public Relations Manager

(02) 687 0483 | 0916.766.11.94

A Christmas with Fly Ace Corporation: Two Pasta and Dessert Recipes for Christmas Eve

Christmas is so near so before the lines or internet get jammed up, I would like to greet you a very Merry Christmas from me and my family, and this blog too!:)

Aside from the greetings, I'd also want to gift you with two pasta and one dessert recipes you can serve your family tomorrow on Christmas eve. These are from Fly Ace corporation products such as Al Dente Pasta and Tomato, Jolly mushrooms and Jolly Cow milk. I am grateful to these company as they showered our homes with their nutritious and delicious products. Thank you Fly Ace and Mommy Bloggers Philippines!

Jolly Fettuccine a La Carbonara

INGREDIENTS:
500G fettuccine, cooked
500ml evaporated milk
3tbsp butter
3tbsp all purpose flour
100g bacon
1/2 cup Jolly Pieces and stems
Pinch ground nutmeg
30g grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE
1. Sweat bacon in a pre-heated pan. Add butter and Jolly Mushroom Pieces and Stem. Stir fry until mushrooms are tender.
2. Add flour and cook until it starts to change color.
3. Pour in evaporated milk and let it simmer until sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg.
5. Toss in fettuccine and serve with parmesan cheese.

Al Dente Lasagna with Bechamel Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
1 box Al Dente Lasagna Pasta
4tbsp Dona Elena Pure Olive Oil
1pc medium onion, chopped
3pcs clove farlic, chopped
1/2 kg ground pork
1/2 kg ground beef
1can 198g Jolly Pieces and Stems Mushrooms
2cans 400g Dona Elena Diced canned tomatoes
2tsps dries oregano
2tsps basil
2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups Bechamel sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

BECHAMEL SAUCE INGREDIENTS
5tbsp unsalted butter
4tbsp All purpose flour
4 cups Jolly Cow Fresh Milk
2tsp salt
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg (optional)

PROCEDURE:
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400F
2. Saute onion and garlic in saucepan using Dona Elena Pure Olive Oil
3. Add ground beef and pork anf cookbfor 10 minutes
4. Add mushrooms and cook until soft
5. Add the canned tomatoes and dried herbs. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes stirring occassionally.
Remove sauce from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Lasagna:
6. Ladle enough red sauce to cover the bottom of a 3qt ovenproof baking dish.
7. Arrange a layer of lasagna on top of the sauce and another layer of sauce. Drizzle roughly one third of bechamel sauce evenly on top of the red sauce.
8. Repeat the previous step two or more times- lasagna, red sauce, bechamel sauce until you have three layers in place.
9. Spread the shredded mozzarella on top of the lasagna then sprinkle with grated parmesan.
10. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for about 10 minutes more or until the cheese on top has browned slightly.
12. Remove lasagna and let it cool for ten minutes.

Bechamel Sauce Procedure
1. In a medium saucepan, heat butter ofer medium heat until melted.
2. Ads flour and stir until smooth. Over medium heat, cook until the mixture turns a light, golden sandy color, about 6 - 7 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat milk in a separate pan until just about to boil.
4. Add the hot milk to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a boil. Cook for ten minutes, stirring constantly then remove from heat.
5. Season with salt and nutmeg.

Buco Lyche Creme

INGREDIENTS:
1 can Jolly Lychees in Syrup drained, reserving syrup
1 cup Lychee syrup
1 envelope unflavoree gelatin
2 cups buco water
1 cup grated fresh buco
1 cup all purpose cream
1/4 cup condensed milk

PROCEDURE:
Dissolve gelatin in lychee syrup and buco water. Bring to a boil until gelatin has completely dissolved. Pour in rectangular or square mold. Chill in the refrigerator until set. Cut into cubes then set aside. Mix together lychee, buco and gelatin cubes.

In another bowl, combine all purpose cream and condense milk.

Pour over lychee, buco and gelatin and mix well.

Chill before serving.

I hope you find these recipes as helpful as they are to me. I am planning to serve lasagna for Christmas eve and Buco Lychee Creme on New Year's eve. Thanks again to Fly Ace Corporation, as they have and provide everything I need to serve delicious meals this holiday.

Do you have other recipes you do with these products? Please do share them with me :)

Food Panda PH: Food Delivery Just Got Better

My family and I live in an area of carinderias, silugan, inihaw, and almost all ready to eat food. We don't usually cook our meals so we tend to buy from these stores. You'd say it's so much easier buying than cookong, right? Though it may be true at some point but eating from similar food all time can be challenging. It gets too routinary and we somehow gets tired of having the same menubover and over again.

Fortunately, my family and I got the chance to try Food Panda through Mommy Bloggers Philippines. Thanks for this opportunity cause we got our tummy satisfied thrice this week!!!:) Before I share with you our Food Panda experience, here's a little bit of background about them.

Food Panda.ph is an online delivery portal that makes it easier for customers to order from the best restos in the country and have it delivered to their homes. They cater to about 160 restaurants in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and many more.

How to Food Panda? It's really very simple. Just follow these simple steps.
1. Log on to their site:www.foodpanda.ph, you can also download their app on Ios or Android.
2. As you sign in it will ask for your location.
3. You will then see a list of restaurants that are online and those that delivers to your area.
4. Choose from the menubod your desired resto and place your order.
5. An SMS, call or Email will be sent to you for order
6. Wait and enjoy your food!:)

Our first food panda experience is from Greenwich. After a tiring Christmas shopping I wantef to reward myself with pasta and pizza. We ordered 1 all meat double pizza and 2 lasagna. It arrived less than the estimated delivery time so we were really impressed.

The next day we tried ordering for lunch just so we can see how fast their service was. We ordered from Hongkong Noodles and Dimsum house located in Dominga which was quite near to us. We ordered their HK Fried Chicken and Lomi which was good for 2-4 persons. It arrived earlier than the estimated time of 45 minutes and we got to eat our food delicious and hot!:) Not included in the photo is the Chicharap and sauces including ketchups and chili sauce.

A meal is not complete without drinks right? And because my hubby loves milk tea we decided to try Moon Leaf Tea located in The Columns. I was impressed that Food Panda PH delivers even beverages so it's really one of the reasons will definitely order using them again. We ordered two House Milk Tea and my favorite Lychee Nata Juice.

Being a working mom, Food Panda has been a great partner to provide different kinds of meals that my family and I can try. Food delivery has made our lives easier because we don't have to go to our favorite restos anymore and be hassled by the traffic in the metro. It's very practical and we get to enjoy our meals at the comfort of homes. I also love the feeling of being able to share with my hubby's family food we love through Food Panda. Being in their old age they don't prefer to get out and dine out so with Food Panda they get to try other restos and food without having to go out.

Our experience of Food Panda can be summed up to three words: Convenience, Guaranteed, and Satisfying. It is convenient not only because its online but more because they also have an app that can be used in android or ios. I love that kind of convenience because I can bring it anywhere.

Guaranteed because they confirm orders and they arrive on time or event earlier. That 's the kind of security any home would like in a food delivery service. That orders will arrive on time and with its best condition.

Satisfying. Not only the meals the restos offer but the service provided by Food Panda. You'll surely want to order again and again

.

Food delivery service truly just got better.

I just hoped/ wished Food Panda will deliver from more restos in our area so we could try other as well.

Thank you again www.mommybloggersphilippines.com and foodpanda.ph for this opportunity!!!:)

Converse Warehouse Sale 2014

It is only this year that I got to explore Christmas shopping in warehouse sales. Traditionally, I would go to bazaars to buy gifts or when all else fails I shop in congested malls just to complete my Christmas list. Aside from gifts, December is usually my time to shop for myself because all that I need are on sale. Hihi.

Then I read thru Mommy Marie's blog about the Converse Sale in Parang, Marikina. I knew I had to visit because I have been wanting to buy some chucks!:)

Here's what I scored in the sale:

A white high cut sneakers. Original price is Php1,650 warehouse price: Php800!:)

Starplayer. Original price:Php2,950 Warehouse Price:Php1,150

Jack Purcell. My hubby bought this boat shoes for Php2,450. I don't know the original price though.

A friend's pakisuyo. Original price:Php3,190 Warehouse price:Php1,900.

So all the travel going to Parang, Marikina was worth it with the savings that I got. Why buy the original price when you can have it on sale right?

If you were not able to go this December, fret not because they'll have another one on March!:) Read on to find out when :)

Just so it will be convenient for you, here's how to get there in two ways:

Through LRT:
1. Ride Lrt going to D. JOSE. Php12.00
2. Ride the Lrt 2 get off at Katipunan. Php14
3. Ride jeep or fx going to Parang. Fx ride is Php30.00
4. Tell the driver to drop you off at the warehouse sale.

Through MRT:
1. Ride the MRT to Cubao
2. Ride an Fx en route to Parang Marikina.

This is what you will see from the road. There is a banner that you can see from the outside.

Tips in scoring the converse shoes for you in their warehouse sale:
1. Visit early. We arrived around 1pm and was surprised that there were a few people. After a while people arrived and it was swamped.
2. The middle area has cheaper price but some have defects or unclean. Better check the shoes carefully before purchasing them.
3. Bring ecobags. Marikina has a no plasthc policy so they recommend bringing your own ecobags.
4. All credit cards are accepted.
5. Enjoy the search!:) hihi

Before I forget, I know you are anticipating this! So here it is the next warehouse sale is on March 14 - 22!:)

Save the date and get your converse fix in a discountef price!:)

PRESS RELEASE: Bierra Paluto Restaurant

From the moment you walk through our door, you can expect a warm welcome, lively atmosphere and a burst of exquisite flavors.  Take a look and you’ll find a host of authentic features, the freshest ingredients and mouth-watering delicacies that capture the very essence of all things Filipino in Tex Mex Style.  Put all of these together and you’ve got a vibrant and laid-back fiesta feeling that Bierra has become famous for.  So sit back, relax and enjoy as Bierra takes ordinary dining into an extraordinary experience.

Bierra’s extraordinary experience will take you to a good food experience that no other Paluto Restaurant   can do. Bierra’s must try dishes are the following: Buttered Shrimp with Garlic is sumptuous and very buttery with a hint of garlic. Sinigang sa Misong Tanigue will surely make your day, the soup is not too sour and the fish is very delectable. And last but not the least for their must try food is Sizzling Gambas has a lot of flavor and spiciness that you will ask for it every time you go to Bierra.

                The Bierra’s menu boasts a wide variety of delicacies of seafood, chicken and meat.  To excite your appetite, here is a glimpse of what’s in store at Bierra:

Seafood:

 Calamares, Buttered Shrimp with Garlic, Baked Tahong with Cheese, Sizzling Tanigue Steak, Prawn in Chili Sauce, Sinigang sa Miso, Halaan Soup and Ginataang Kuhol.

Chicken:

Sizzling Chicken, Tinolang Manok, Buttered Chicken and Fried Chicken

Meat (Beef / Pork):

Sinigang na Baboy, Pork Adobo and Ihaw Marinated BBQ.

Veggies:
Adobong KangKong, Chopsuey, Ensaladang Lato and Ensaladang Mangga.

Bierra’s décor  is engaging and have earth hues, it has Mexican feel and ambiance, but truly Filipino in taste. They have a nice wooden glass door, 4 wall light fixtures. The dining room can seat 100 plus people and they accommodate Baptism, Company Christmas Party, Debut and other occasions. They also have Live bands, Acoustic Nights, Stand Up Comedian, Videoke Nights and Rock Bands.

It’s all here waiting for you at Bierra Paluto Restaurant!

Bierra Paluto Restaurant is located at Unit 105 Seaside sa Ortigas, Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.  Street parking and public lots are readily available. Visit the restaurant on their Facebook Page, facebook.com/BierraPalutoRestaurant.  For reservations, please call (650)367.7974.

PRESS RELEASE: Brick Adventure at Adventure Jungle

PRESS RELEASE

Brick Adventure at Adventure Jungle

Adventure Jungle, the 2000 square meters zoo and private facility inside Manila Zoo has a new and exciting activity and just launched on November 30, 2014.

The Brick Adventure is a place for young at heart to play this famous toy building brick (Original Lego Toys) The bricks can be assembled in different ways to breathe any object your mind desires. In adventure jungle, we created lots of different animals from Lego blocks, like a giraffe (6 feet high) or even the amazing seating lady taking care of them all name Andria, the exhibit truly is a site to see and not an ordinary brick construction because of the gigantic construction of the toys from the usual 3 to 4 inches miniatures.

A site to see and touch also among the 58 different species we have are our amazing 50 years old Mr. T (Tortoise), Blu (Hyacinth Macaw from the movie Rio) and Gabbie (Gibbon).

For this holiday season, let's go, play, check the brick adventure and exhibit then meet our amazing feathery and furry friends only at Adventure Jungle.

For more info, check Kinder Zoo Adventure Jungle in Facebook, @Kinder_zoo on Twitter or send sms to Neng at  +63 928 834 3476.

Address: Manila Zoo,Adriatico Street, Malate, Metro Manila.

Reference:
Grace Bondad Nicolas
M: 09213191471
E: gracenicolas@yahoo.com

----

Kinder Zoo inside Manila Zoo.