'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Christmas gifts

Our family Christmas Eve is always celebrated at mommy lola's (grandma's) house. It's where everyone exchange gifts, enjoys taking pictures and share in the simple Noche Buena. It's also the time when tito's and tita's working abroad made their phone calls. Lately, we're using the computer to connect with them and see one another online. It's wonderful the kids happiness as they get to receive all their gifts and as they line up for their Christmas "Aguinaldo".

Sharing some of our the pictures from our Christmas Eve celebration:

Cherish Memories with Photo Books

My first ordered photo book arrived before Christmas, which my husband claimed at the post office days today. I am satisfied with the result and I really love the two photo books I've created at Artscow.

front and back covers

I've been wanting to create and order photo books here in the Philippines since last year, but I could not find reasonably-priced ones. I came across Artscow months ago though it was only last November that I decided to create one. I tried making just two photo books to see if the quality is good and to know if I would really receive the item that I'll be ordering. Good thing, I did and I am satisfied with the result. It's amazing to see the photos in print and not just in my computer screen.

I made use of the free 8x8 photo book coupons and paid only for the shipping fee plus the additional pages - one is 24 pages and the other one is 32 pages. All these cost me only $23. If I did not take advantage of the coupons, I would have paid even more. 

Artscow photo book is stitch bound which makes the pages free from binding cracks. Stitch bound ones are better than glue bounded ones.

inside pages

I still have more photo book projects left to do and I am getting more excited to creating more! Creating a photo book is indeed a great way to preserve and cherish memories.

If you haven't tried Artscow yet, I recommend checking on the site for the numerous prints and gifts you can create with your photos at reasonable prices. New members get to enjoy - 1200 free prints credits and 3 8"x8" photo books plus other great photo gifts credits. Register now as the offer is valid for a limited time only, but there are more great deals once you become a member.

Click Here to register and create your own photo book.

Total Girl Photo Shoot: Behind the Scenes

After my youngest sister, Jalysa appeared in Total Girl magazine's December 2009 issue; she received a call again for another photo shoot. This time the photo shoot is with my daughter, Skylah.

This is Skylah's first shoot for Total Girl. Though a bit young to be a "total girl," as the magazine is created for tweens and teens, we are all glad that she is already part of it. I could feel her happiness while the make-up artist and hairstylist prepared her for the shoot. A simple makeup that fits her perfectly.

We're all excited to see them on Total Girl magazine's February 2010 issue. They would appear in the magazine's Totally True section, family best friend edition.

Here are some behind the scene shots.

Bidazzled Online Action: Bid and Fund a Charity

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bidazzled. All opinions are 100% mine. 

The online action market is revolutionized at Bidazzled. It makes online auctioning very simple. This time, bidding becomes less stressful and you could win your dream gadget while at the same time helping a charitable cause. Bidazzled is created to fund The Ruch Foundation, a charity for lung cancer.

What makes it different from an online action is that you need to purchase a bid in advance, which you will use to bid on the merchandise. With each placed bid, the price increases and a few seconds are added to the countdown clown. This would give other people the chance to bid for the item. The auction ends when no other bids are placed.

Nobody losses in their online auction concept. In case you did not win, you will also get up to 50 bonus bids. You can also purchase the auctioned item less than the money you invested in the auction.

Auction winners save over 80% off the retail price. Also, Bidazzled makes an offer to buy back the item either through cash (PayPal or check), cash and bids, or bids. All bids cost $1, which can be bought in packs from $25. Receive bonus bids when you purchase a bid pack.

It is amazing that you will get 15 additional bids if you use this code until January 15. All you need to do is enter this code- BBP1202A on the registration page, without any cost or obligation on your part. 

There is also a Viral Referral program. Register now and get dazzled with Bidazzled. This time, you will always be a winner!

Merry Christmas to Everyone

Wishing everyone not just happiness, but pure Joy;
not just wealth, but Heaven's treasures,
and not just serenity, but God's Blessings!

From my family to yours, I greet you all a Merry Christmas! May the spirit of the season always fill our hearts with warmth and love!

Christmas Holiday Contest

Two days from now, the world will be celebrating Christmas. I love Christmas and the celebrations that goes along with it. I love to feel the Christmas spirit and breathe the Christmas air. I love to see people busy shopping, exchanging and giving gifts. Seeing the smiles as people celebrate Christmas, no matter how simple or lavish it could be, is truly delightful. Of course, my favorite Christmas tradition is spending it with the whole family and relatives. Every year, Christmas Eve would be spent at grandma (lola's) house for the Noche Buena and gift giving. Christmas Day would be spend in my in-laws house. This would be followed by visiting my lola and relatives from my papa's side.

This Christmas holiday, Marie is having a holiday contest. I'm one of the contest sponsor and I should have blogged about this as soon as the contest starts. The contest started last December 1 and will end on the 25th. Hurry, you still have 2 says left if you are interested in joining the contest. 

Prizes and Sponsors.
1st Prize:
$5 Paypal funds- Crayons n' Pencils
5000 EC credits - Wonderful Things in Life
4000 EC credits - Simple Happy Life
2000 EC credits - Blog Fusion
2000 EC credits - Life's Journey
2000 EC credits - My Crafts Stores Online
2000 EC credits - Blog de Manila
2000 EC credits - Mara's Personal Bubble
2000 EC credits - Mommy's Little Corner
2000 EC credits - A Woman Remembers
2000 EC credits - My Life's Adventure
1250 EC credits - The One Minute Guide
1000 EC credits - Meow Diaries
1000 EC credits - Take a Coffee Break
6-month 125x125 ad - Gossips of a Princess
1-month 125x125 ad - Azumi ★
1-month 125x125 ad - Life Expressions
1-month 125x125 ad - A Momma's Journal
1-month 125x125 ad - Walking Newspaper
1-month 125x125 ad - Pinoy Medical Doctor
1-month 125x125 ad - World Travel and Vacation
1-month 125x125 ad - Pinay Mom
1-month 125x125 ad - Travelin' With Marie
1-month 125x125 ad - My Journey to Life
1-month 125x125 ad - isherrygo
1-month 125x125 ad - My Mom's Best
1-month 125x125 ad - iLUVcontest
1-month 125x125 ad - Sherry Rambling
1-month 125x125 ad - Bloguardian Hellsite: OVERCASHED 

2nd Prize:
$5 Paypal funds - Cotton Candy Buzz
5000 EC credits - Nessa's Mumblings
3000 EC credits - The Fountain of Happiness
2000 EC credits - Momgen Craft Corner
2000 EC credits - Kaya Mo, Pinoy!
2000 EC credits - The Mommy Journey
2000 EC credits - A Simple Life
2000 EC credits - Random WAHM Thoughts
2000 EC credits - Bloguardian Hellsite: OVERCASHED
2000 EC credits - Milestones
1250 EC credits - Cornyman's Money-Blog
1000 EC credits - Mara's Appetite
1000 EC credits - This is My Blog
1000 EC credits - Wishing on a Falling Star
1-month 125x125 ad - Home Buddies
1-month 125x125 ad - Couple's Love Book
1-month 125x125 ad - Garden of Moments
1-month 125x125 ad - Latest Buzzzz
1-month 125x125 ad - Walking Newspaper
1-month 125x125 ad - Leilanie's 101 in 1001 Challenge
1-month 125x125 ad - Blog de Manila
1-month 125x125 ad - Fab Momma
1-month 125x125 ad - Yashiro
1-month 125x125 ad - Happy Thoughts Happy Tot
1-month 125x125 ad - Mine all Mine
1-month 125x125 ad - Lurvevertyhing
1-month 125x125 ad - Shopping
1-month 125x125 ad - Hotels For All
1-month 125x125 ad - Another Contest 

3rd Prize:
$3 Paypal funds - Mara's Appetite
5000 EC credits - Yashiro
3000 EC credits - The Wonder Mom
2000 EC credits - Moms...Check Nyo
2000 EC credits - The Joy of Life Forever
2000 EC credits - Rewards Station
2000 EC credits - Worth's Road
1500 EC credits - Pinay Mom
1250 EC credits - Cornyman's Blogreviews
1250 EC credits - All About Babies and Kids
1000 EC credits - Philippine USANA
1000 EC credits - Mariuca's Perfume Gallery
1000 EC credits - Yummy as Can Be
1000 EC credits - Life's Sweets and Spices
500 EC credits - Elai's Haven
1-month 125x125 ad - A Shopaholic Diary
1-month 125x125 ad - Pinay in States
1-month 125x125 ad - Pinoy Medical Doctor
1-month 125x125 ad - The Latest Buzzzz
1-month 125x125 ad - Travelin' With Marie
1-month 125x125 ad - Kaya Mo, Pinoy!
1-month 125x125 ad - Philippine USANA
1-month 125x125 ad - Handy Reviews
1-month 125x125 ad - Online Scoop
1-month 125x125 ad - ibloagholic
1-month 125x125 ad - nameSherry
1-month 125x125 ad - heartrandom
1-month 125x125 ad - Sherry Contest
1-month 125x125 ad - A Woman Remembers 

Special Prizes:

10 various postcards from United States - Travelin' With Marie
1 pair of earrings (Worldwide shipping) - Momgen's Corner
4 sets of mixed handmade cards - DarlingRose Paper Goods
$10 gift certificate to Etsy shop- DaisyBookworm

MomsToday Magazine's Precious Moments

My son Brent, got included in the last issue of MomsToday Magazine. His picture appeared in the Precious Moments section for the theme " What I Want to Be When I Grow Up." This time, it is my daughter Skylah's turn. She got included in the November-December issue of the magazine. It's also for the Precious Moments section with the theme "Namamasko Po!"

Unlike before, I seldom send their pictures nowadays, still, every magazine appearances keeps me happy. 

At the start of the new year, I'll be claiming another set of gift pack from Growee. It's a prize for being featured in MomsToday magazine.

Around the Clock

Time is never enough. It is every December that I wished to have more time in my hands. In between doing my work and attending family events, I have been frequenting shopping malls, toy sales and bazaars. I always find myself looking at the clock whenever I went outside, to make sure that I would not miss my daily works. When at home, I regularly check on the computer clock and wall clock to see how much I still have left to sleep and do other tasks. Every minute and every second counts.

Clock plays an essential part in our lives. It even helps beautify a room, which makes it a perfect home decor. Though I seldom see a home with a grandfather's clock on it, thus, I feel delighted everytime I got to see one.

It is quite interesting that timepieces can also be worn as a piece of jewelry. You can wear decorative pieces of pocket watches as necklaces or pendant watches or a pendant the shape of a grandfather's clock. See, clock jewelry can also be an interesting trend.

Of course, it is always amazing to own an interesting or unusual howard miller clocks. 1-800-4CLOCKS offers different clocks to choose from that would definitely suit everyone's taste. Choosing just one clock to buy would be hard. It is great to consider their huge selections of grandfather clocks. It's a clock that you can even pass down to future generations. Aside from the grandfather clocks, they also have wall clocks, mantle clocks, alarm clocks and grandmother clocks. If you have no idea what a grandmother clock is, you should visit 1-800-4CLOCKS website. They even offer free shipping on orders over $100 across the USA and Canada.

Winning Free Ad Space From Cornyman's

I joined Cornyman's Holiday Contest last November 19. Luckily, I won three ad spaces on his blogs. I only neglected to create a blog post, thus, I did not qualify to win Entrecard credits. Still, it's amazing to know that my badge will be shown on his blogs for free.

Here are the three prizes I got:

1st Prize - 1 month ad @ Cornyman's Blogreviews 
From December 18, 2009 - January 17, 2010

2nd Prize - 2 weeks ad @ The One Minute Guide 
Effective January/February

3rd Prize - 1 week ad @ Best Travel Pictures in the World 
Effective February/March

Got a Heart 2010 Planner Giveaway

I appreciate art as much as I appreciate people involved in worthy causes. Of course, I love planners and I love giveaways. Nowadays, there's a lot of planners to choose from - traditional planners from the bookstores, stylish planners from different establishments, and a lot more.

The blogosphere is not spared from giving away Starbucks and Belle de Jour planners. I haven't joined blog sponsored contests giving away these two planners. 

Taking a peek at Verabear's 2010 Got Heart Planner post made me interested and I never hesitated on joining. The great thing about it is - she's giving away a planner! It's a planner from Got Heart Foundation.

Got Heart Planner features twelve indigenous communities in the Philippines, the paintings of an Obo Manobo, Retchor “Ettok” Umpan, and passages written by young indigenous peoples. Checking their multiply site, I found out that sale proceeds would benefit indigents in the country, specially a T’boli School in Cotabato.

You too can join Verabear's giveaway which runs until Christmas day.

Meteor Showers Lights Up Monday Night Sky

[Photo Source: National Geographic]

Geminids meteor shower would be visible in Manila skies from December 14-15. Good weather and clear Monday skies will allow us to see the meteor shower, based on a  forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It would be amazing to see these shooting stars as it lights up and brightens the night sky. Astronomers predicts more than 140 meteors will be crossing the sky at its peak.

The Geminids are slow meteors that create beautiful long arcs across the sky—many lasting a second or two.

The Geminid meteors all appear to be chips off a mysterious rocky object called 3200 Phaethon. Other meteor showers come from material shed by melting comets—which are massive chunks of dirty ice and rock—as they pass close to the sun. [Source: National Geographic]

It's time to watch the sky. Don't miss this Geminids meteor shower, which is at its peak Monday night, December 14, up until midnight. It's one of the best meteor showers of the year.

Sky watchers at Space.com suggest these sky gazing tips:

• - Dress warmly
• - Find a location away from porch lights and streetlights
• - Bring a blanket or lounge chair so you can lie down
• - Give your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness
• - Scan as much of the sky as possible

Items That Came On Our Doorsteps

Weeks ago, I received my 6 pieces. Johnson & Johnson's body care lotion delivered by LBC courier. It came from Femalenetwork’s Share the Gift of Soft Skin promo.

This week, I got these items were delivered by the courier - two 1L Nestle Chuckie chocolate milk drink, for answering their online survey months ago and three boxes of different Doublemint candy mint variants, for my entry on their Closer to Confidence promo.

It’s great to receive these freebies. Yes, these are just small things; still the best things in life are free!

Give Brent Your Vote

This is Brent's campaign card for the ongoing contest at Kidsandbabies.org. If you have a Facebook account, you can give Brent a vote. 

You can easily vote at Facebook becoming a Fan of Kids and Babies. Just click on the Like button and post a comment to vote. 

CLICK HERE to become a Fan.
Click LIKE and Post a Comment on Brent's Campaign Card HERE.

Twelve babies and kids will have the chance to be the Calendar Image Models. I need more points and votes so we can make it on the Top 12. To those who would support my son, thank you so much. 

The Exciting World of Kidsandbabies

I am proud seeing my daughter Skylah as one of the kid models in Kidsandbabies.org, the newest website for kids and babies. It's a site wherein our little ones can become superstars.

You can see Skylah in the banner header and in the side bar together with the other kiddie models-superstars.

Kidsandbabies.org is still in beta stage though I am inviting you all to register and have fun with all the mommies and daddies. The December contest is already ongoing. There would be a contest all year round for 2010 where you can join your little ones.

To those who are joining, I hope you can also give my son Brent a vote. He's currently part of the December contest. I joined him in the contest, even if I don't have much time to make points, for I want to take part in the exciting world of Kidsandbabies.org.

Joining BHO's First Contest

Liz of Bloguardian Hellsite: Overcashed is turning 25 and she's having a contest.  I am inviting you to join her birthday contest celebration and get a chance to grab those fabulous prizes! My blog is also one of the contest sponsors.

Celebrate 2010 With Carlsberg's Wish in a Bottle

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Syndacast. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all have wishes that we want to come true but helping others to get their wish would also bring us more happiness.

This coming New Year, we can help Mike Teo's wish come true. He has six wishes – 1) Disco Roller Girls, 2) GI Janes with Beer Soakers, 3) Beer Fountain with Your Mates, 4) Beer Foam Party with Your Mates, 5) Mechanical Bull Riding, and 6) Bungee Jumping with a Santarina; and Carlsberg is going to grant the best one to Mike and his friends at Celebrate 2010. It's the biggest countdown event at The Float @ Marina Bay on 31 December 2009.

You can help by voting for those 6 wishes. Voters also have the chance to win and enjoy the exciting experiences that Mike will have. These great prizes are at stake:

• (2) Grand Prize Winners - $5,000 each + VIP tickets to Celebrate 2010 for winner and 3 friends
• (5) First Prize Winners - VIP tickets to Celebrate 2010 for the winner and 3 friends. This include access to the Carlsberg Lounge on the floating platform, free flow beer and finger food, and a chance to meet Mike and experience his wishes.
• (100) 2nd Prize Winners - General admission tickets to Celebrate 2010 for winner and 1 friend.

You can vote on Mike's Wishes at Mike's Facebook Page. You can also vote through SMS by sending Carlsberg Name NRIC Wish Number to 78111 (Example: Carlsberg John Lee S7911111T 2). The number at the end stands for - 1 for Roller Girls, 2 for G.I. Janes, 3 for Beer Fountain, 4 for Foam Party, 5 for Bull Riding, 6 for Bungee Jumping

Don't miss this biggest event of the year by Carlsberg, the Best Beer in the World! It would definitely be a celebration full of excitement and lots of fun! It's time to celebrate 2010 differently with Carlsberg's wish in a bottle!

Top Entrecard Droppers for November

So here's my top EC droppers for the month of November. Because yesterday is my birthday and I am grateful, I am giving each one EC credits again - 150 credits for those who made 31 drops and 100 credits to the rest.

The Way I See It [31]
Trends Finder 24/7 [31]
CAP News [31]
Jean sQuared [31]
Cooking Japanese Style [30]
Cornymans Money-Blog [30]
Wirez and Circuitz [30]
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles [30]
The One Minute Guide [30]
Mom's Place [29]

Again, thank you to all those who keeps on visiting my blog, reading my posts, leaving comments and posting messages on my chatbox. I might not return the drop or left a comment on your blog, but this is letting everyone know that I appreciate you all.

Hope to see more of you here!

Celebrating 30 Years of Fulfilled Life

Today, I turned a year older, wiser and more grateful. I now look forward to the life of being 30!

I appreciate everyone for filing my email inbox and YM messenger with messages... for posting greetings in my Facebook wall... and for all the text messages on my cellphone. Of course, thank you for the blog post from a good friend. And also, for all those who will still give me their belated birthday greetings.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes, greetings and messages. I appreciate each one of you - my family, my cousins, my relatives, old friends and new friends, college "barkada" and college-mates, former schoolmates, mommy friends, online and blogger friends, and new acquaintances.

Thank you to those who love me, you make me a better person
Thank you to those who hated me, you make me stronger.
Thank you for everyone who makes each day brighter, you keep me inspired.

I only wished and prayed for a peaceful and blessed life, yet God gives me more than I asked for.

My December Love Affair

I loved you first and I will keep on loving you. I am enjoying this bliss... this love affair that started way before I first fall in love and before I started my journey to Forever.

I can still remember every happy memories of the past, the emotions pouring at the moment, and the delight as I look forward to every year of celebrating this love affair. Yes, I can't help but continuously feel the love... the feelings are quite unexplainable.

You keep on showing goodness.
You keep on giving me hope.
You make me smile and fill my heart with much joy.
You never fail to keep the love burning.

I love the cold breeze as I feel the warmth of everyone around me. With it, I see the beauty of waking up each day with a smile. As the song says, "it's the most wonderful time of the year..." Yes indeed, it's my Most!

As I start December celebrating my birthday (which is a few hours from now) and ending it celebrating my wedding Anniversary, is really wonderful. In between those dates, family members celebrates their birthday's too - my sister, my cousins and my nephew.

Ironically, amidst all the hustles of Christmas shoppers, the congested traffic, the bulging bellies and burning wallets, I am still delighted for with it comes every meaningful Christmas celebrations, parties, reunions and get-togethers.

December, I will never ask you to stay for I know that you will leave without me without tears and sadness. Whenever the 31 days is over, I love celebrating with the world with fireworks and merriment to welcome a new year. You give me reasons to start my year filled with more hope, as I bring with me love, happiness and all the good times that you showed all throughout.

You made my year complete, and for all these and the countless blessings, I am more than thankful.