
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Desigual

Friday, April 24, 2009
Doctor Fish/Fish Spa
It was a little strange at first especially the thought of dipping your feet with many strangers, who might not only have thick callouses but skin problems as well. However, as I look around they seem to have a continuous in-flow of fresh water and the staff said that they have a special UV light system to eliminate impurities such as bacteria and germs in the water. Well, okay...
We couldn't help but laugh and squeal the first 15 minutes.. it's so ticklish!! Whenever they start swarming to my feet, its either I pull my feet out or squeal. But afterwards we got used to it. And there I was wishing they eat all the dead skin cells and soften the callouses that I have been trying to put petroleum jelly on whenever I can, and the countless foot spas I had. i wish this is the answer. Forty minutes after the treatment, my feet really feels softer. Soo happy.. My next thought? I hope the callouse won't come back with a vengeance...
Well it's been almost two weeks today, and so far so good. It still feels soft with the help of my foot lotions. Yes, I will definitely do it again. Perhaps try the one in Manila. If not for anything else, the laugh therapy will do.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Penang
eighbor condominium, it became very convenient for us to go and shop as we please. What we discovered is that prices here are cheaper compared to Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. Esprit, make-up, Kerastase, bags and some international restaurants are cheaper! But of course, designs and brands are limited compared to other places. So when we see something we want, we buy!!! Hehe.What I miss now is the green tea ice cream cone and donut with Durian filling sold in Gurney Plaza basement. And the Fish head curry that my sister cooked. Oh, its so yummy!!
Carcinogens in kids products!
Before anything else, have you read this? It is really surprising to know that these baby products have ingredients such as formaldehyde and other stuffs that can be harmful to us. When we see baby products esp. from a good company, we normally assume that its safe. A small amount they say to serve as preservatives, but each exposure may develop bigger reaction. Perhaps they have to include these in their labels and it'll be up to the consumers to decide!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Happy to be back!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Summer Plans '09
Anyway, last week was the culminating exercise of Sage and this week is the start of our vacation. At long last!
What are our plans for summer? Well, we shall go to Malaysia and Singapore. When we come back, enroll Sage in a swimming class. And perhaps taekwondo, although I still have to look around for a good school. I have to start teaching him Math, Chinese and Tagalog. Chinese and Filipino are really important -- and of course, I don't want him to fail in class next year.
I went to different bookstores the other day to buy him activity books. Math activity books-- there are so many to choose from. I was able to buy 5. Filipino books? Not much. I want to buy a fun, story book so I can teach him conversational Tagalog. And am I so happy to find some in Fully Booked. I bought these 2 books.


Whats nice about them is that they are already in 2 languages - English and Tagalog - so Sage can know right away what it means. And they have drawings to make it more interesting. The ampalaya book is kind of hard for him but the Mayang uhaw is just okay for a 5 yr old. We are now on page 6. Haha!! Slow, I know. First, I ask him to read - making sure he reads them properly. Second, I explain everything to him. Third, ask him questions from what he read. Haay!!
By the way, here's the website of Adarna House. They even ship internationally!!
http://www.adarna.com.ph/index.php
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Spoonflower Customizable Fabric
the possibilities are endless.. Now, all I have ro do is think of a nice design...Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ay, caramba!
He had practice today for their culminating activity. When it was time to go home, I heared some of his classmates also starting to say this expression. Their parents may not find it as adorable.
Nothing... I'm just rambling because I feel that Sage is really growing fast. When he was 3 yrs old, he likes to say, "oh, men" from Swiper the Fox of Dora The Explorer. and now its Ay, Caramba! I wonder what it would be next time...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
gathering dust helps clean the house
me: We will meet with auntie tomorrow, let's give them your old crocs na.
Sage: Why should we? It helps you clean the house.
Me: Huh? How?
Sage: Remember, you always tell me it is just there gathering dust. Then, it helps you clean the house.
Hayy, I know he's not trying to be "pilosopo." Gathering dust is so vague. Have you tried explaining to a kid that not all things should be taken literally? Raining cats and dogs, break a leg and butterflies in your stomach... I don't know where to start.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wild Blueberries -- the #1 antioxidant fruit
Now, I am searching for the health benefits of wild blueberries. I’m surprised that this superfruit is not as known as the granny apple or cranberries, when its sooo jam packed with good things for us. Anyway, I’m sharing with you these things and perhaps you would also like to try them.First, this is the site of the Wyman brand that I bought http://www.wymans.biz/sitemap.php . It could be biased so I searched some more and found this very informative site. http://www.wildblueberries.com/
It has all the info that I need and more. Well, here are some of the important things I’ve learned:
a.) Unlike highbush cultivated blueberries, Wild Blueberries are not planted. These lowbush

blueberries are primarily spread by rhizomes or underground runners, which give rise to
new roots and stems. All shoots arising from the same rhizome system have similar characteristics and are referred to as a blueberry clone.
b.) Wild Blueberries may be small but they pack a healthy punch! Sweet, tangy and intensely blue, Wild Blueberries are rich in phytonutrients — antioxidants such as anthocyanin, as well as anti-inflammatories. These natural substances, found in fruits and vegetables, are believed to protect
against disease and promote healthy aging… and with their powerful natural antioxidant qualities, Wild Blueberries are at the top of the antioxidant “A-list”! Here’s why antioxidants are such a hot topic today: they help our bodies protect against disease and age-related health risks. Every day, our cells wage a battle against free radicals - unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Dietary antioxidants come to the rescue. These phytonutrients, natural substances found in fruits and vegetables, neutralize free radicals and help prevent cell damage. Antioxidants also protect against inflammation, thought to be a leading factor in brain aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases of aging. The potent antioxidants found in Wild Blueberries include flavonoids and other phenolics such as anthocyanins; Wild Blueberries are higher in anthocyanin content than other fruits and vegetables.c.) Potent antioxidants are highly concentrated in the deep-blue pigments of Wild Blueberries. Scientists around the world are studying the ways in which the Power of Blue may help combat disease and promote healthy aging. The many potential health benefits of Wild Blueberries include:
0 Brain Health: Ongoing brain research shows that blueberries may improve motor skills and actually
reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging, making blueberries a natural “brain food.”
0 Cancer Prevention: Research shows that blueberry compounds may inhibit all stages of cancer.
0 Heart Health: Research indicates that blueberries may protect against heart disease and damage from stroke.
0 Urinary Tract Health: Like cranberries, blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections.
0Vision Health: Research around the world has indicated that blueberries may improve night vision and prevent tired eyes.
d.) In a recent test by Glycemic Index Laboratories, Inc., Wild Blueberries scored 53

on the Glycemic Index (GI) scale making them a low GI food. Consuming low GI foods causes a smaller rise in blood glucose levels than consuming high GI foods — an important consideration for people with diabetes.
Understanding the glycemic values of food makes healthy meal planning easier — especially for people with diabetes. Nutritionists are also interested in the effect GI foods may have on weight loss and appetite control. Research is currently under way to evaluate these claims.
e.) The FDA has concluded that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as fresh and may even retain their nutritional value longer — which is good news for consumers who want the Power of Blue™ every day.
After reading all these, I think you will also be convinced to give this superfruit a try. I'm sure I'll be going back to get my second pack. Perhaps try the organic ones if they are the wild ones. In this super hot summer that we have, a yummy and healthy smoothie will be perfect!!!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
healthy and yummy -- why not??
Last month, I saw fresh and preserved blueberries in Santi’s Tagaytay. Since we are not yet going straight home, I promised myself to buy the next time we come back. Last week, I saw some frozen packs in S&R. They have the wild blueberries, the organic pack, and the mixed berries pack. Hmm… so what’s the difference? I don’t know much about berries except for the sweet memories I had in Malaysia. What’s the difference of the plain blueberries vs the wild one? We all know that organic is better but it is much expensive and I’m not even sure if we will like them. I finally chose the Wyman’s wild blueberries. The wild blueberries doesn’t have the strong blueberry flavor and smell that we often taste in cheesecakes or preserves. It has a very mild flavor.
Anyway, I made a wild blueberry smoothie yesterday. I put 2 cups of the wild blueberries, 2 big bananas, few slices of melon, yoghurt, honey, 1 lemon and ice. Put in the blender for a few minutes. And my son love it so much!!! It made around 5 cups. It has a nice ube color when freshly made but after an hour it will become a little brown in color. Make sure to make only the right amount. I know better next time.
I looked at the packaging and read that wild blueberries is nature’s #1 antioxidant fruit. In fact, in the chart, it is remarkably higher compared to the cultured blueberries and cranberries and other berries and granny apples. Hmm, this is really interesting.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Abracadabra and Please -- What do they have in common?
Me: Huh?
Sage: Open this.
Me: I think you are forgetting the magic words…
I'm waiting for him to say one of the magic words (pls, thank you, sorry) in that teeny weeny voice of his when he knows he has done something wrong. Although sometimes, instead of saying the correct magic word he deliberately interchange them.
Me: If you want me to open that, you have to say the magic word.
Sage: Alakazam?
I was taken aback but amused. Hmm… yeah, alacazam is a magic word…
Me: No! (pretending to be serious) That's not it. Think carefully…
Sage: Abracadabra???? (in his teeny weeny voice with a serious innocent expression)
Me: SAGE!!!!
Well, come to think of it... they are also magic words.
Monday, March 2, 2009
First Visit to the Dentist
a.) We don’t have to put too much toothpaste. Small amount is enough.
b.) After brushing our teeth, children don’t have to wash off the toothpaste anymore. Toothpaste has fluoride which protects the teeth and makes them stronger. No effect to adults anymore.
c.) Children don’t need mouthwash yet.
d.) Dentist confirmed that electronic toothbrush is better than manual toothbrush.
What was his comment? “Going to the dentist isn't as bad as I thought it would be.”
And Sage went home happily with stickers.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Boom de Yada
I hear it whenever we stay in a hotel. Since the hotel doesn't have a Playhouse Disney channel, we always watch Discovery Channel there. And when we hear this commercial the three of us will immediately sing along. It'll be our last song syndrome and we will be singing it for a few more days.
While Sage was waiting for me to go to bed last night, he watched Discovery Channel- Human Body. And when I entered the room, he said….
Sage: Mommy, do you know what happens when we sleep?
Me: What?
Sage: We will become energized, learn faster and remember more.
Me: that's right.
Sage: Can we stay up a few more minutes? I want to learn.
Very good. He learns a lot. Back when we don't have our Playhouse Disney Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet are his fave. Pretty impressive, don't you think?
And then there's the Boom de Yada song again..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0
Here's the lyrics:
It never gets old huh? Nope.
It kinda make you wanna..break into song? Yep.
I love the mountains
I love the clear blue skies
I love big bridges
I love when great whites fly
I love the whole world
And all its sights and sounds
Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada.
I love the ocean
I love real dirty things
I love to go fast
I love egyptian kings
I love the whole world and all its craziness
Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom de Yada Boom De Yada.
I love tornadoes
I love Arachnids
I love hot magma
I love the giant squids
I love the whole world
Its such a brilliant place
Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada Boom De Yada.
Fyi. The part with collection of people on the beach was taken in Boracay, Philippines. nice place...

