Yummy Christmas and a Helping Hand by Hunt's

Last monday when I was in the supermarket, a lady handed me a leaflet of Hunt's.  You see, I really do not like getting brochure or leaflets because it will just add to our already cluttered pad, unless what's in there really interests me.  But why did I get this Hunt's leaflet, and as if it's not enough, I cut a portion of a scotch tape and taped this thing in the laptop so I could not forget what's written there.  The photo above says it all.  By being a part of their fan page, there is something for the kids that need to feel how it is to have a merry Christmas.  Isn't that great?! By simply "liking" Hunt's page, you have done a very noble act of helping kids at Asociacion de Damas Filipinas celebrate Christmas with delicious treats from Hunt's!

Christmas too soon, I hope this post is not yet late to invite everyone to "like" Hunt's page.  So gather your FB friends and let's all make this happen.  Please go to Hunt's Facebook page www.facebook.com/yummyhunts  and let's all be a part of this cause.

Maggie Wilson's Prenup Video

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When I checked on FB last night, one of my friends posted Maggie Wilson's prenuptial video.  For those who are naive of what prenup thingie is all about, this is a photo or video to be taken BEFORE the wedding, hence the prefix "pre".  In my case five years ago, prenup photos were the craze.  Now, prenup video is the "in" thing. Back to Maggie's video, when I saw it, I initially thought maybe this is something Jason Magbanua did to advertise his name.  Jason Magbanua, by the way, is the most sought after videographer in the country.  Those in the know, know.  It has to be Jason Magbanua, or either change the wedding schedule to fit in Jason's availability.  So back to what I am saying, when I saw it, I thought it was Magbanua's advertisement until the video ended and flashed Maggie and Victor's name plus the date of the wedding. It was indeed a prenup video.

The video is NO DOUBT fantastic.  Jason Magbanua ba naman, hello?  What more can I say?  But then again I thought, that's supposed to be a prenup video, right?  Then why it appeared to me as a honeymoon video?  Yep, it looked like that, in my opinion.  There was this scene where Maggie and Victor went to the car, Maggie wearing seductive net stockings and sexy top, and upon reaching the car, removed her shorts and Victor and she kissed passionately--or should I say torridly?  And majority of the scenes are rich of touching here and there, kissing passionately, you get the rest.

I am not being hypocrite. We all know that now a days, THINGS happen before marriage, or even without plans of getting married, these THINGS happen (if you know what " things" in my statement really means).  But to have these scenes on a prenup?  I don't think so.  Maybe not for me.  And I believe not for the majority of us who live in the Philippines where majority is Catholic.  With morals dwindling, this kind of prenup video is not a good idea.

Just my two cents, okay?  Just my two cents.





And, oh, if there's something I really like in this steamy vid, it must be the the white car and the ring. :)




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Thanks for the visit!
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A tale of dog's loyalty (The Hachiko Story)

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My little man is not fond of watching television, unless the program is High Five, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, or Animal Planet.  Among these, Animal Planet makes him settled the longest.  One day while watching with him, the topic was about Akita dogs.  The program went on, my little man watched while I read my book, until the story of one Akita made me close my book and paid attention to it.  The story was about Hachiko.

If you have been to Japan, you might have noticed that there's a bronze statue of an Akita dog in Shibuya station.  That dog is the famous Hachiko.  What made him famous, and why did Japan give him honor?  Here's the story:



In 1924, a professor named Hidesaburo Ueno took in an Akita as a pet.  He named it Hachiko, because when the professor found the dog, he was wearing a tag that says Hachi.  The professor and the dog were inseparable.  In the morning, Hachiko walked with the professor to Shibuya train station, watched him enter the train until it faded his sight.  In the afternoon, Hachiko would be in the Shibuya station again,  on that place where his master would alight.  This went on for a year, and the professor and Hachiko became a sort of "attraction" in the station.  Commuters never missed a sight of the two together, until that day of May 1925.  The professor, while on his job, suffered cerebral hemorrhage, and died.  Hachiko patiently waited for his friend, but he never returned to that place where they would meet and walk home together.  Eventually, the professor's wife had to let go of Hachiko.  But still, despite being with a new master, Hachiko managed to escape in the afternoon to go to the station, settled himself there, and waited for the professor.  Commuters and concerned food-stall owners gave Hachiko food to keep him nourished. For a long nine years, on that same spot of the Shibuya station, Hachiko waited for the return of his master. 


One of the professor's students learned about the waiting Hachiko and he wrote several articles about this dog's loyalty to his master. After some time, one of his articles made its way to one of Japan's biggest dailies.  This put Hachiko's story of loyalty to the spotlight, and was made known to the whole of Japan.  Eventually, because of his faithfulness, Hachiko became Japan's national symbol of loyalty.

In 1934, a bronze statue was erected in Shibuya station---the Hichoko's statue.  He was even present during its unveiling, but he must be old, weak and even sick by that time.  In 1935, we has found dead.

Aside from the statue, one of Shibuya's exit was also named after the dog--the Hachiko Exit.  Also, April 8 of every year, Japan pays tribute to this dog's devotion by having a solemn celebration in Shibuya station.

 Photo of Hachiko 

Statue of Hachiko in Shibuya Station

Photos:  Google Images

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clicking My Babbles found

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It's almost Christmas already

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Mabilis na lang 'to.  Mayamaya pasko na.


That's what I heard from a man who was seated beside me in the bank this morning.  And he's correct, actually.  In just a few days, it's Christmas already.  And so because of this, I changed my layout into something that has a Christmas-y feel.  And I love how it looks like!  I love the Santa Claus graphic, and I can feel my blog's happy mood. 

Soon enough though, since time is running fast as if it's being chased by death, Christmas will be over.  And that means I have to go back to my original layout. 

I must enjoy this layout as much as I can.

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The Legacy of Gat Andres Bonifacio

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As we look back, we shall never forget the persons behind the colorful, painful, victor and tragic past that significantly molded the history of our land.  One of these men, the Ama ng Katipunan, Andres Bonifacio, is my great, great grandfather.  As we celebrate his birthday today,  my cousin Patricia Page Bonifacio pays tribute to our grandfather by writing an article about him.

*****

The Legacy of Andres Bonifacio
by Patty Bonifacio

The last day of the month of November marks one of the most important dates in the history of our Filipino heritage. In 1863 a little baby boy was born in a small hut among a cluster of humble residences in Azcarraga (now Claro M. Recto Avenue), Manila. Twenty nine years later that child would establish the Katipunan, the secret society that would unite the Filipinos against the colonial forces. That man, later recognized as the Father of the Philippine Revolution and the Great Plebeian, was destined to change the story of the Filipino people. One hundred and forty seven years ago, Gat Andres Bonifacio was born.

            A poor boy who was orphaned at the age of fourteen, Bonifacio had to stop schooling in order to support his five younger siblings. In spite of his lack of formal education, he taught himself to read and write in Spanish and Tagalog, and was actually so good at it that he later got a job as a clerk-messenger at Fleming and Company. He was also a wide reader, always seen with a book open in front of him even while having his lunch. Later on, his exposure to novels that tackled American politics and the French Revolution would spark a sense of patriotism in Bonifacio that would fuel one of the greatest episodes in our history.

            But behind the wielded bolo and fierce, fearless stance lies great suffering at the hands of his fellow Filipinos. Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were unjustly accused of betraying the country, and were sentenced to death. One would be shocked to find out that contrary to popular belief, Bonifacio was not shot. Eyewitness accounts tell of a more gruesome demise: he was hacked to death by bolos and bayonets of Katipuneros ordered by General Aguinaldo to carry out the death sentence. His remains were buried in an unmarked tomb. As the years passed the great Supremo’s story was forgotten, until his memory was diminished to a footnote in the history books of our time.

            Where does Bonifacio stand thus, in the age of DotA, nightclubs, and jejemons? Does the memory of the Supremo of the Katipunan thrive merely on a once-a-year non-working holiday, ten peso coins, or cold, looming monuments? Sadly, Bonifacio is but a faded memory in the lives of most young Filipinos today: a paltry name memorized at the age of seven, forgotten by the age of seventeen. Nowadays the day of his birth simply translates to a long weekend. Who is Bonifacio, then, to the Filipino youth?

            Bonifacio was not merely a revolutionary; he was a Filipino who put his life on the line for a cause he believed in. Bonifacio was not just a supreme chief of some secret society; he was a leader who was determined to bring his people together in the name of solidarity and freedom. Bonifacio serves not just as a champion for the sake of bravery and bravado: he is also an example of a just, hopeful, and humane hero amidst the desolate condition of his country. Dig a little deeper, and one will find that aside from the countless revolts and uprisings he led, his values and principles also constitute his legacy to the modern-day Filipino.

            The sacrifices, hardships, and death of Andres Bonifacio may be things of the past, but absolute recognition has not yet been granted to his name. Therefore, a humble plea for the Supremo: do not bury his name in the sands of time. Instead, remember his deeds and live by his example. Do not crush the dreams of the Great Plebeian: strive to live for the good of others, for the benefit of all, for the advancement of the Filipino people. Permit not the recurrence of his demise: do not slay the Father of the Katipunan by sentencing him to a death by lack of remembrance. Only then, only when we truly understand the significance of the last day of November, shall Bonifacio be justly honored.

with permission to grab from:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1698624272740&set=a.1698623912731.95270.1451890970#!/notes/patty-eliza-paolo-bonifacio/the-legacy-of-andres-bonifacio/173962959298846


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Package of Johnson's Baby Bedtime Soap

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Last September, Nuffnang gave me the opportunity to host a survey here in my humble blog that concerns mostly of baby's bedtime routine, activities and beliefs. It was actually a survey from Johnson's Baby Bedtime line. My survey needed one hundred respondents, and as a sign of gratitude, we are to receive tokens from Johnson's and Nuffnang. I got mine last week, yehey!!

 

Romulo Cafe experience, finally!

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Finally, we had the chance to experience the much talked-about restaurant in Quezon City.  Romulo Cafe's been buzzing for quite some time now, and I was itching, really itching, to land there.  A lot of reviews were written about how good--or should I say excellent?--the food is.  Prior to this which was few months back, upon knowing that the food served is Filipino cuisine, I gave my initial unfair judgement that went like:  yeah, yeah, another patriotic restaurant trying to make a statement. So, to be honest, I was really not looking forward to the food.  Initially, that is, and I am stressing that out.  What I was after for-- the ambiance.  The experience.  You see, I have been going in and out Google University's library, searching for images of Romulo Cafe, for I learned that the interior is interesting and unique.  True enough, the images Google gave me ignited my desire to visit the place.  I just had to be there to see and feel it myself.  Husband and I planned endlessly to have lunch or dinner there, to be declined several times because the place was always (really, always) full.  They asked us to make  reservation via phone but everytime, the response would be--maam, full na po kame sa dinner.  My lust for it dwindled.  Who would not?  Weekend after weekend, the same old reply with almost the same intonation was given to me:  the place is full. 

As our anniversary drew near, my husband gave me the task of choosing where to eat for dinner.  I learned that our special day would fall on a weekday and also, we will be tagging  our little man along. So that meant the restaurant had to be somewhere just near our place for the convenience of the three of us.  Aha! That was when my yearning for Romulo Cafe resurrected.  If it was always full on weekends, then maybe on a weekday it's....? Maam, full na po kami sa dinner Tuesday.  What?  Even on a weekday? Pero meron po kami maam sa labas nalang po.  Geez. But it did not stop me.  I blurted out: Okay then, please reserve me a table for three, outside.

November 16, Romulo Cafe.  Finally.

There was no parking space, so the streets were loaded with cars, courtesy of Romulo Cafe's diners.  It was perfectly safe, though.  Five to six manongs from different corners of the street that surround Romulo watched the cars intently.  As we stepped inside, the waiting area alone pushed my lips to say WOW.  A quite large sofa in solid black was in the middle of the al fresco dining area, which for me is something different.  I discreetly surveyed the place.  My vista led me from the al fresco dining area up to some point of the main dining place (on the first floor).  My eyes loved what I saw--clean, fresh and perfect combination of black and white interior. I just simply adored it.  Unfortunately , though I brought with me my camera, little man that time did not want to play with his daddy but wanted me to be his playmate instead.  The mother in me won over the picture taking so I just gathered pictures from Romulo Cafe's FB page so to give you an idea how lovely the black-white interior is.


 
    The waiting area, right in the middle of the al fresco dining area

 

 

 

Sadly, even if the place's diners are mostly of families, they do not have highchairs for the little creatures. I was a bit disappointed, but it did not qualify as one of my sentiments.  Personally, highchairs will look off for this place.  Anyways, we just brought with us the stroller, just in case Migo would not settle on an adult chair.  Kudos to the waiters, for upon knowing that we had with us our little man, they transferred us to a room upstairs, appropriate for the three of us (bigger space for the stroller and for the restless Migo).  Therefore, bye bye to al fresco dining... hello Kaligayahan Room!


 

 

 

 

  



 


The waiter handed us the menu, though I knew already what to order.  Best sellers are kare kare, flying tilapia and chicken relleno.  Since it would be just hubby and I plus a half-sized  man, we opted to just get kare-kare for meat viand and flying tilapia for fish viand.  I LOVE IT!!  The taste was heavenly!! The flying tilapia came with three kinds of sauces that were equally intriguing and delicious.  By the way, that tilapia was the biggest tilapia I have seen so far, and the flying effect made it look like a work of art.  The size could very well feed three to four heads. The kare kare which was a medley of meat, offal and vegetables, had the most generous sevings among the kare kare's I have tried in my lifetime. The sauce is a genuine.  By genuine, I meant no hocus pocus just to arrive to that delightful dish.  The dominant taste of peanut made this dish really authentic up to the last drop.  And can I just say that the bagoong alone can pose as a main dish?

 

 
Needless to say, I bowed my head in shame.  The food, despite being straight Filipino, tasted soooooo delish!  I was after the ambiance, but I paid more attention to the food as it arrived, and I forgot all about the interior that initially influenced me to visit the place.  I was glued to the food!  And as I observed, my husband and the little man enjoyed and appreciated the food, too.  Little man clapped every after a spoonful of rice and kare kare sauce, which meant that the taste passed his discriminating and picky taste buds.  Overall, the food AND the place--- SUPERB!!

Can I just also share this? My husband compared it to Abe's.   But with an interior, ambiance and--beat this-- affordable price to boot, plus servers that are so accommodating, friendly and neat-looking in their handsome and crisp black uniform, we will definitely be Team Romulo. Though there's no competition going on ;)

Romulo Cafe is located at 32 Scout Tuazon corner Dr. Lazcano, Tomas Morato Quezon City.  Please make a reservation days prior.  332-72-75 is the number to dial.


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Happy November 16, honey!!

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November 16 has always been so special to me and my husband simply because---it's our anniversary!!  Today, we are celebrating our seventeenth year of being committed to each other, and our fifth year as a wedded couple.  This year, as my pasabog, I made a special video composed of our wedding photos which had stories to tell behind it.   It took me just three days to finish this thing.  I did it last month, October 13 to be exact and finished on October 16--a month before the big day.  I wanted to surprise him by posting it on my FB account on the day of our anniversary, and of course, tagging him.  But for whatever reason, on the night of October 16 and exactly one month before the big day, he opened the laptop I was using (the laptop that he never touched for months and I almost own) and found my secret.  Needless to say, he found my hardwork, watched it up to the credits, went to bed (I was already sleeping by that time), shook me a little (to wake me up), and gave the most nakakainis smile.  My eyes were half-open and it almost popped out when I saw the beaming laptop.  All he said was:  Thank you, hon.  I love you, too.

Our (small) family's write up

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The Kimpo clan will be having again a reunion this January of 2011 and as a part of that grand get-together, souvenir programs will be distributed.  Hubby paid for a whole page ad and I was given the task to write a little something about the three of us, plus the layout.  Here's a sneak peek of what our page will look like:

 

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

posts.  Please look for

MY BABBLES on the 

right side of this page.

Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

 ..............................

The Mother Love Connection Effect

Isn't amazing how mothers can be awaken from a deep slumber by the slightest move her child makes, while  the horrible loud sound of the drilling machine just few meters away from her room cannot even move her?  How, by just a simple lullaby, she can put her child to sleep. How, by just holding her little treasure's tiny hand, the child is convinced that the dentist in a white coat is a friend.  How, by just kissing her tot's slightly wounded knee, she manages to take away the pain. That's how unbelievable mother-child connection can be.  But this does not zero-in to "physical" connection, for there are also ways on how we can connect to our children even if we are not physically by their side.

My latest read talks about connecting to our children in any way, and the benefits it brings. It says:

When you are feeling stressed, a simple phone call from a loved one

can be as good as a hug.  In a new US sudy, a group of girls aged

from seven to 12 years had to make a speech and solve math problems

in front of a panel of strangers, which sent their levels of cortisol - a 

hormone associated with stress- soaring.  Immediately afterwards, a

third were comforted by Mum in person, a third received a phone call 

from Mum, while the remaining girls watched an "emotion-neutral" video.

The children who interacted with their mothers, whether in person or over

the phone, had almost the same hormonal response.  Namely, their levels

 of oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") rose significantly, and

their raised cortisol levels dipped back to normal.

Article source:  Reader's Digest Asia October 2010 issue
Image source:  Google Images

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Wearing My Hubby's Shirt Is Bad For Me

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Last night, I chose to wear my husband's shirt as my sleepwear.  He's about to hand it down to someone and I stopped him because when I felt it, it's so thin already due to years of use and that's exactly what I wanted for a "dress down" night (my husband does not like the idea of me wearing lousy sleepwear).  He was already asleep when I stepped out of the shower, which is a good thing, so he won't be able to see me wearing the lousy, old shirt.

When I woke up this morning, he had the sweetest words for me-- okay naman pala yung t-shirt sa yo e, hindi malaki tingnan.  Which for me translates to:  hindi naman pala gano kalaki tingnan yung t-shirt sa 'yo kasi malaki ka rin naman.  Okay, yung malaki means mataba. 

I gave him the face, and he knew he said something wrong.  Maybe it was really nothing for him.  He meant no harm.  Maybe since it's still early in the morning, his still snoring mind was not able to process the fact that girls (ladies) do not like to be noticed of their figure, unless it is something that spells s-e-x-y.   But if it is something that spells f-a-t,  oh no, here comes WW3!

So, wearing his shirt is not a good idea at all even if it is the most comfy shirt I have ever worn.  And because of that honest comment, I am having a hard time concentrating on my work today.  ;(

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

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Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

..............................

Things Inside My Mommy Bag

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Forgive me, but I cannot help but do a follow-up post, because I also cannot help but notice some mommies or ate's carry such a putok na putok mommy bag.  Before I proceed, when I say ate, I refer to baby caregivers.  I am having a hard time calling my baby's caregiver yaya and I am much more comfortable with ate, so let it be please.

My little man is already 17 months old.  He started going out with us when he was still two to three months old.  During those fragile times, I also would bring tons of baby needs with me.  I stuff it all to my poor mommy bag, which I must say did a great job of accommodating them all.  I brought with me five feeding bottles with water, milk container, tons of bibs, mittens and booties, cap, extra clothing, baby blanket to keep him warm inside the mall, changing mat, three to four diapers, wet and dry tissue, and an alcohol.  Did I forget anything? These things, even if tiny, can cause terrible back pain once they decide to group themselves in the mommy bag.  And often times, I end up not using majority of what I brought.  So I learned my lesson and did what I had to do:  bring only the stuff that the baby needs.  How did I do it? I memorized by heart his poop and feeding sched, plus I considered the number of hours we will be out of the house.  I also calculated how many clothes he will be needing in the given amount of time outside our home.  Given that equation, I learned the exact number of things he will be needing and so, I was able to trim them down.

Now that he is already a bit bigger and is very active, my mommy bag is getting lighter and lighter.  Since he is already given solids, feeding bottle is reduced to two. We also go out after he pooped so there's no need to bring tons of diapers anymore.  I also do not bring him that much extra clothing, but since he terribly enjoys walking and sometimes gets really sweaty despite in an airconditioned mall, there are some extras always ready in the car.  Bibs are now transformed into face towels with fine fabric and that should always be present, along with wet and dry tissue, and alcohol.  Booties, mittens, caps, and blankets are obviously not needed anymore.  Even our stoller is not needed anymore, thank God!

I hope other mommies like me were also able to trim down the baby stuff they carry along so they can fully enjoy the baby and the shopping without the hassle of a fat mommy bag and a back pain.

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

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Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

..............................

And They Should Be Called Mommy Bags

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When I was still pregnant, I was so excited shopping for different baby thingies as well as new-mom stuff for myself.  One of the many mommy stuff that really drove me wild was diaper bag.  Diaper bag, to my darlings who do not have any idea what that is, is a bag specially designed for all the baby stuff a mom might be needing in case she and the baby go mobile.  Diaper bags have around six to ten pockets or compartments that are all ready for stuffing feeding bottles, milk containers, diapers, changing mat, wet wipes, dry tissues, alcohol, baby bibs, face towels, and a lot more.  Nope, I am not talking about the baby cabinet, but it comes close to that when it comes to functionality.  Only, this one takes a form of a bag.

I actually have two diaper bags.  As mentioned, I loved looking at diaper bags in all the stores that had them, it may be an actual store or an online store.  But truth of the matter is, even if I fancied over their dainty designs, I did not buy a piece for I was certain that I would be receiving one as a gift.  I was correct, and twice correct at that.  I received both as a baptismal gift courtesy of my little man's ninong Anchi and our neighbor Lola D.  I was really excited to use them and they became my badge as a mommy.  I proudly carried it with me, along with my baby in the stroller.

And who would not be proud to display diaper bags?  Aside from the fact that it loudly announces to everybody that I am a proud mommy the reason why I have one tucked in my elbow, diaper bags these days are not that--for the lack of proper word-- baduy as it once used to be.  I remember my mom telling me "ay, andyan pa pala sa bodega yung diaper bag na ginamit nyo noon at sigurado ako pwede mo pa gamitin yun kasi matibay yun at buhay pa, kailangan lang ng laba".  Goodness, when I was able to find the diaper bag that my mom advertised for free, heck,  no way I am going to use that!  Yep, it's matibay for sure, because it still is so much kickin' up to this day and just ten days of non-stop laundry will make it look brand new.  But THE PRINT!!  Oh yeah, the prints!! Animal prints, with alphabet and numbers and all that colorful stuff that dominate the entire bag.  Colors from neutral to pastels to loud ones.  Thanks mom, that was a good one, but no thanks.

Let me stress this out--- diaper bags are for MOMS, not for babies.   Fortunately, mommies of our generation need not to suffer from diaper bags from dinosaur era that had zero fashionlife.  These days, pregnant moms, new moms, and wanting to be moms can drool with dainty, fashionable, and really pretty diaper bags, that often times because of its hip and updated look, do not even look like diaper bags at all!  I should now, I once drooled over these bags, too!

Note:  Photos not my own.  They are courtesy of Google Images.  Thank you.

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

posts.  Please look for

MY BABBLES on the 

right side of this page.

Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

...........................

ADHD: What Is It?

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Again, I am sharing an article that I am sure mothers like me find very relevant especially in monitoring child's development.  This article was emailed to me by WebMD, so it only means that these are not my own words.  Thank you.




ADHD:  What Is It?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that robs children of their ability to focus and pay attention. Kids with ADHD are fidgety and easily distracted. This makes it difficult to stay "on task," whether it's listening to a teacher or finishing a chore. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 3% to 5% of kids have ADHD, but some experts believe that figure could be as high as 10%.

ADHD Symptoms: Inattention

The main symptom of ADHD is the inability to pay attention. Kids may have trouble listening to a speaker, following directions, finishing tasks, or keeping track of personal items. They may daydream often and make careless mistakes. Children with ADHD tend to avoid activities that require sustained concentration or that might be boring.

ADHD Symptoms: Hyperactivity

Another component of ADHD is the inability to sit still. Children may run and climb on things constantly, even when indoors. When they are seated, they tend to squirm, fidget, or bounce. Some kids with ADHD talk excessively and find it difficult to play quietly.

ADHD Symptoms: Impulsiveness

A third symptom is impulsiveness – cutting in line, interrupting others, or blurting out answers before the teacher finishes a question. This aspect of ADHD makes it difficult for children to wait their turn or think before they act.

ADHD's Impact on Daily Life

Without treatment, ADHD can affect a child's development socially and academically. The inability to focus often leads to poor performance in school. Kids who interrupt or cut in line may have trouble making and keeping friends. These setbacks can lead to low self-esteem and risky behaviors. ADHD also increases the risk of childhood depression and anxiety disorders.

Causes of ADHD

Children with ADHD have less activity in areas of the brain that control attention. They may also have imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. It's unclear what causes these irregularities, but ADHD runs in families, so many experts believe genetics play a role.

Diagnosing ADHD

There are no lab tests to detect ADHD. Instead, doctors rely on the patient's response to questions, the family's description of behavior problems, and a school assessment. With ADHD, a child must display some combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with his or her age. Onset of the symptoms need to have appeared no later than age 7.

Types of ADHD

There are three forms of ADHD. Combined type is the most common and applies to children who display inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. In the hyperactive/impulsive type, children are fidgety and can't control their impulses, but they are able to pay attention. Kids with the inattentive type, formerly called attention deficit disorder, have trouble focusing. But they are not overly active and usually don't disrupt the classroom.

Medications for ADHD

Stimulant medications can help increase a child's attention span while controlling hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Studies suggest these drugs work in 70% to 80% of patients, although they have some troubling side effects. Non-stimulant medications are also options for some children.

Special Education for ADHD

Most children with ADHD are educated in standard classrooms, but some do better in a more structured environment. Special education is a type of schooling that is tailored to meet the specific needs of children with learning disabilities or behavioral disorders. Not all children with ADHD qualify for special education.

The Role of Routine

Parents can give kids more structure at home by laying out clear routines. Posting a daily schedule will remind your child of what he or she is supposed to be doing at any given time. This can help a child with ADHD stay on task. The schedule should include specific times for waking up, eating, playing, homework, chores, activities, and bedtime.

ADHD Diets

Studies on ADHD diets have produced mixed results, but many health experts believe foods that are good for the brain could reduce symptoms of ADHD. High-protein foods, including eggs, meat, beans, and nuts, may improve concentration. It's also helpful to replace simple carbs, like candy and white bread, with complex carbs, like pears and whole-grain bread. Talk to your pediatrician before making any dramatic changes to your child's diet.

ADHD and Junk Food

While many kids bounce off the walls after eating junk food, there is no evidence that sugar is a cause of ADHD. The role of food additives is less certain. Some parents believe preservatives and food colorings worsen the symptoms of ADHD, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says it's reasonable to avoid these substances. One brain researcher recommends kids with ADHD steer clear of red and yellow food colorings, MSG, and aspartame.

ADHD and Television

The link between television and ADHD is unclear, but the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting young children's exposure. The group discourages TV viewing for kids under 2 and recommends no more than two hours a day for older kids. To help your child develop attention skills, encourage activities like games, blocks, puzzles, and reading.

Preventing ADHD

There is no surefire way to prevent ADHD in children, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. You can increase your chance of your child not having ADHD by staying healthy during pregnancy. Start by avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco during pregnancy. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are twice as likely to develop ADHD.

Outlook for Children With ADHD

With treatment, a large majority of children with ADHD improve. They should continue to undergo regular follow-up since many kids grow out of the disorder as they get older. But more than half of patients continue experiencing symptoms once they reach adulthood.


Source:   http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/slideshow-adhd-in-children?ecd=wnl_prg_101710

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MY BABBLES on the 

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Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

.............................

Personalized Fragrance Christmas Gift

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Christmas is fast approaching and it's time for gift-giving again.  One of the nice things about the holidays is the search for the perfect Christmas gift for our loved ones and dear friends.  However, due to budget and time constraints, plus the terrible traffic in almost all the roads during the holidays, finding a gift that will put a smile on their faces comes close to failure.  Isn't it hurting to know that they fake their reaction once they open the gift by pasting a wide smile on their faces, as if they are the happiest person on earth to receive such a present.  In fact, what's inside their screaming mind might be:   "what the heck is this?"  or  "who shall i pass this on?"  or "okay, another scented candle to feed the trash bin." 

I maybe blunt.  But that's true.  Admit it, it happened to you not just once, but A LOT of times in your supposedly happiest time of the year.

I know, you want to throw me hundreds of not-so-good reactions that I am certain will take a form of this well-loved cliche--it's the thought that counts.

But it will also be nice to give something they will appreciate and love, right?  Something that will give you peace of mind and not deprive you of sleep thinking for weeks if they will throw your gifts or, give it to someone else, or... yeah, they will simply keep it (because it has no use!) or not keep it (if it has no use, why keep it? simplify life and trash it!)

Stop it right there, Irene.  You are being that person again-- blunt and straightforward.  But don't we just have to be like this sometimes? 

Okay, I will be soft and gentle.  Here it goes... I simply want to say...

Scents Symphony is offering again  Personalized Fragrance Gift in time for Christmas.  This was first introduced last year, which was a major, major (major, major!) success.  It was so overwhelming that we had to stop accepting orders because we could not accommodate them all.  This year, as it makes it comeback, we are also accepting wrapping services in case you, our buyers, have a limited time to do it.  We have prepared special wrappers for these gifts that are uniform to the different labels we have this year.  Isn't that unique, hip, chic and pretty?  So please, if you beautiful people out there are interested, please let me know ahead of time to avoid delay of delivery.

For complete details, enlarged pics of labels, price, sizes, and other inquiries, please go to our websites

http://www.scents-symphony.com
http://www.scentssymphony.multiply.com

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

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MY BABBLES on the 

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Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

.............................

The UST comeback

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UST pep squad, whose members belong to the internationally acclaimed UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, has been known-- and feared-- in the cheerdancing field. Always positioning itself on the top spot, it was such a surprise and a big disappointment when it landed 4th place in last year's UAAP Cheerdance competition. This year, armed with unique moves, fresh acts, death-defying stunts, and a couple of "aaww" and "ooohhh" factor that were never seen before, it landed again in the coveted top three posts. It bagged the third place, not bad for a group that is slowly--but surely--inching its way to protect its cheerdancing legacy that once was dared and stained.

Thanks for the visit!

Feel free to read my other 

posts.  Please look for

MY BABBLES on the 

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Have a blessed day!

Lotsa love,

.

...............................

Everything at steak!

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Last Friday-holiday, honey and I visited a friend we have not seen for a long time. We had a falling-out due to location constraints. We terribly missed our friend and we looked forward to the day we would meet again. And so last Friday, when we found ourselves in San Juan, we headed to that corner of the road where the friendship all started. We visited our friend, revived the moments, and every second of that limited time felt sooooo good! And when it was time to say goodbye again, I wondered, when would be the next?

Everything at Steak. The moment we tasted its steak, we considered it our friend. We had the first taste of their offering in San Juan, and we were informed that they had a branch in West Avenue which was just thirty minutes (even less without the traffic) away from our place. So from San Juan to West Ave., the friendship grew and grew. Then the bad news dawned on us when we learned that they closed the West Ave. branch. We wondered why, for it was always full and the branch had a huge following.

Their steaks are not like the ones being offered in high-end steak houses like Melo's, Tony Roma, or even TGIF wherein waiters ask how you want your steak. There are no medium rare, medium well, or well done going-on atop the flamed grill. No 3/4 inch and no grams to boast and talk about. One thing's for sure, though. Hiding from that plain-looking grilled meat is the best affordable steak in town. One order can stuff the tummy, along with the rice and the side dish(es) that come with it. The place in San Juan (which now looks so bright with a cozy feel because of the new interior) can accommodate around twenty five to thirty hungry ones. But those who are regulars here know what to do if the place is full: wait until someone bills out. Since people come here to satisfy their steak cravings and nothing else, once they are done with their meal, they immediately leave. Eat and run, as they say. That being the case, getting a table is not that a long wait.








Everything at Steak is located at 5 P. Guevara St. cor. V. Cruz St. San Juan, Metro Manila. I am not aware of their other branches, but you may call them at 726-2386 to ask if there's a branch near your place.


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Pagbabago

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Fresh out from highschool and still naïve on what commuting is all about, I spent my first steps towards college life with my mom discreetly on my side. She was with me when I took my entrance exams, when I enrolled to the university, on my first day in college, and few weeks more after. Thanks to my friends who inspired me to fully grasp that portion of college life, I told my mom that I was ready to take the route home all by myself. The truth was, I was really not alone, for I was with my friends who served as bore-busters while on my way home. Since my dad drove for me from gradeschool to highschool, I found commuting really interesting. What made my adventure more special were the Goldilocks goodies bought in front of our university. We happily shared fluffy mamon, tasty polvoron, caramel popcorn and even took turns in sipping the sago gulaman with jokes, laughter, and stories in between. We were students with limited allowance and we made most out of our extras by sharing the Goldilocks goodies we had.

It was second semester when Elmer, one of my friends, FINALLY spoke up and expressed his intentions. Yes!! That was the reaction that I almost blurted out, but I instantly kept my composure and kept it to myself. The truth: I had a huge crush on him too! Who would not? He was tall, smart, and lastly, a good-looking guy. He captured my heart the first time he talked to me in class, and luckily he belonged to my circle of friends. I got used to having him around, but to be wooed by him, which made us separate from the group, was a different thing. A different yet super-kilig thing for me. Our group would have lunch in Goldilocks but the two of us were on a different table. Needless to say, as part of the ligawan thing, he became my companion going home, still with the caramel popcorn and the fluffy mamon that I also willingly shared to him.

Not long after, he heard my answer. Since then, we were inseparable. We were classmates from first to fourth year college. He was one of the many reasons I had a colorful college life. Eight more years after graduation, we finally said both our “I do’s” in front of the altar. Having him as a boyfriend for twelve long years, I thought I already saw, experience, and got the best of him. Boy, I was totally wrong! To say how great he was as a husband was beyond words. I was one lucky person to have a husband like him.

May 10, 2009, that day marked the fulfillment of my dream. We were blessed with a baby! I never dreamt of something really big in my life, for I believe riches deplete and careers take a downfall, but what I prayed for was definitely huge—to be a mother. “Mothers are God’s helpers in creating better people”, so they say. And I so wanted to take that part. So when I learned that there was a life inside me, I was more than delighted. First trimester was all about morning sickness, mood swings, and cravings. My sweet cravings could only be pacified in the form of Goldilocks sago gulaman. Yes, just like in college, this tamed my sweet cravings until I gave birth. The crushed ice, the firm sago, and the sweet syrup—still very much like in college, and still very much enjoyed by me. And oh, this I should say—after I gave birth, this little creature named Miguel Inigo competed to the attention I gave to the sweet Goldilocks drink. And Goldilocks sago gulaman had to concede, Miguel Inigo, or fondly called Migo, won my heart, wore the crown, and claimed the throne.

Migo turned one this year. I could vividly remember how the mother in me was more than excited to take charge of everything. Since I had no yaya, I was on mommy mode in daytime, and hurriedly shifted to events planner at night. From the balloons down to what the three of us wore during the party, I was in total control. My siblings and in-laws were as excited as I was and they willingly sponsored and helped make the party a success and it made the planning more enjoyable. When I was asked to decide on the cake, which had some sort of a competition between one who looked really fashionable if it was a dress and the Goldilocks cake, no doubt I chose Goldilocks. It was obvious enough that all through the significant changes in my life Goldilocks was with me. And the first birthday party of our son that marked our one year full of tiny laughs, tight embrace, and cute kisses from the adorable one, Goldilocks had to be there. The cake tasted and looked great, especially with the Mickey Mouse topper who the little man plays up to this day.

My life, like everybody else’s, faced different changes. It took turns, it shifted gears, it went up and fell, it cried and smile, it failed and won. Change, no matter how big or small, is part of me, part of us. But no matter how many changes my life has to endure, my core, my substance, and my values remain. And I believe that is the most important.

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