Nick Jr. Birthday Buzz for Brent

thank you Nick Jr. 

It's Brent's 7th birthday. We're glad that he got featured in Nickelodeon Birthday Buzz for the month of February.

Brent's classmates were the first ones who told me that they saw Brent at Nickelodeon. They were ecstatic and delighted upon seeing him on T.V.

Thank you Nickelodeon for the buzzin' birthday greetings!

Watch the video here:

You can also have your kids be greeted on their birthday.

Be one of their lucky pics and get the chance to see their greetings on air and online at http://www.nick-asia.com. To join, just send your kid's photo, name, age, address, email and birth date to nickster@nick-asia.com

You can also snail mail to:
3rd floor, Silver City Mall
Frontera Drive, Julia Vargas St. Pasig City

This is open to kids up to 14 years old, residing in the Philippines. Take note to submit your entry at least 4 weeks before the birthday month.

Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their February birthdays. :)

Ballet Philippines' A Midsummer Night’s Dream

thanks for the tickets Special Education Philippines

My daughter and I had a wonderful time watching Ballet Philippines' A Midsummer Night’s Dream last February 16 at the CCP Theater.

It's remarkable how Ballet Philippines' gave twist to Shakespeare's timeless romantic comedy. I could not believe that it had been a light, comedy performance done with so much grace, youthful intensity and passionate movement.

I initially thought that my daughter would have a hard time appreciating this classic. Yet no matter how complicated the plot of the story may seem, glad that my daughter understood its sense somehow.

I say kudos to Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis. The contrasts and mythical fusion between the fairies and the human characters; and the city versus the Asian fairyland forest was amazingly recreated.

I love how the multimedia screen brings a different appeal on the whole ballet production. The great costume (fairies are without wings!) and lovely music makes the whole performance truly magnificent. The whole stage and the 3D illusions were stunning.

I can commend the precise movement and the classically sensual and modern dance steps. Titania and Oberon were magnificent in all forms. Helena, a mortal who's hopelessly in-love with Demetrius (who loves someone else), was splendid. She gave a comedic appeal yet with the poise of a ballerina. Her movements were full of emotions, which would make you love her from start to finish.

Puck was mischievously funny; his movements were unpredictable, interesting and powerful. Whenever he's on stage you knew that something funny was going to happen. Love-in-Idleness flower delivers a delightful and romantic energy. Her character made me smile whenever she comes on stage with all those hand stretching and wiggling movement. It was her "juice" that made the characters fall in love with the first person they see.

Puck’s mischievous ways causes chaos to couples and brought the audience to an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors. Funny how Puck made Titania set her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head!

Yet, it's also great to see how Puck and Love-in-Idleness share a splendid adventure and how lovers are reunited in love. Everyone, including the rustics, fairy ladies and men, all deserves a round of applause.

The story ends with Oberon and Titania blessing the marriages with their solemn pas de deux, and Puck giving a heart-warming close. Bravo!

the cast

This ballet performance depicts how the silly game of love can spin us into a complicated web. The language of love and music made this ballet performance truly splendid.

daughter adores Titania :)

carried by Oberon!

there's Puck :)

I'm glad that my daughter and I were able to witness this exquisite production. It gave my daughter another great experience and a whole new appreciation for ballet.

Thank you so much Special Education Philippines, especially to Teacher Ia, for this ballet tickets. We really had a great time!

Know Your Local Rotorooter Plumbing Experts

Always be prepared. This is one motto that we should always remember. It's not just for boy scouts, it's for everyone to uphold. This core value is about making your mind and your body ready at all times since emergencies can happen when we least expected it.

At home one of the first thing to do is to list important numbers that your family can contact in case of trouble. You and your children should know your family or relatives' cell phone number that you must contact when certain situation arises. Aside from dialling emergency 911, you should have a list of the nearest hospital emergency room, fire department, police department, family doctor and other 24-hour emergency numbers. If you're living in a village or condominium unit, saving the number of the security and administration office helps a lot.

Also make sure that you have every essential contact information for those household problems. You can include your insurance company, plumbers, electricians and cleaners in the list. Check if you have included http://www.rotorooter.com since plumbing is one problem that usually happens at home.

You can place this list in a visible and accessible area preferably one near the landline phone where everyone, especially your kids, can see it clearly.

Hiring professionals who can help solve our plumbing or drainage problems would save us from major hassles and worries. Wherever you are in the country, there is a local Rotorooter near you. They provide plumbing solutions for residential and commercial needs. Plumbing and drain problems that can't be easily fixed needs immediate assistance. You should know people whom you can depend on when you have plumbing problems. Since they provide fast assistance to water issues and water damages, you can be relieved from facing these stressful situations by yourself.

Know important numbers and keep a handy list. Saving emergency numbers readily available ahead of time gives you peace of mind. So take note of these and check if you have a list of emergency numbers in your phone or if you have posted a list in your houses.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however; all the points and views are my own.

Scent of Potentilla Home Fragrance

"Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived." - Helen Keller

 Potentilla Home Fragrance - Spice Vanilla in our living room

 Our family used to light scented candles or incense sticks at home. Recently, I decided to open the bottle of Potentilla Home Fragrance Spiced Vanilla to bring a different ambiance to our new home. Good enough, it does bring a huge difference. I love the relaxing and calming ambiance that the scent brings.

I placed the bottle with the 4 reeds near the living room. The fresh scent of Spiced Vanilla is not overpowering. It's like feeling the warmth and coolness of the Christmas air in the room. Whenever we enter the door, we could always smell its light and relaxing scent. Everyone in my family loved the smell. It's the first time that we get to try a room diffuser.

I won this 60 ml bottle from their Pre-Christmas raffle (Thanks again Potentilla!) This Christmas scent truly smells delicious and heavenly. Now, we're planning of trying their other scents for the other rooms in our home.

There's nothing more comforting than coming home to a place with a warm ambiance. We feel safe and at home as we entered the door. With the scent of Potentilla Home Fragrance, the air at home becomes more wonderful and uplifting.

Good that it can be purchased online at Potentilla Home Fragrance website.

Heart's Day Love

It's great how love continuously fills the air every Heart's Day. When flowers, chocolates and dinner dates rule above all.

I got cards and a chocolate from my kids and hubby. Simple, yet I'm still touched by the sweetness. They know that I don't need any expensive whatevers, when a greeting, a kiss and a hug are more than enough to make my day complete.

Happy Post-Valentine's Day! Keep the love alive! 

Short Sale Houses

Recently, I've been noticing several lots and houses for rent and for sale around the village where we reside. Even my sister takes notice of an online advertisement that one of her classmates house is also up for sale. Aside from that, there are also new condominium projects being developed in the city.

True, it is everyone's dream to have a house of their own. When a friend informed me that she also wanted to have a house of their own, I know in year’s time, their plans would also materialize. What they can initially do is to look out for real estate opportunities such as rent-to-own properties and those houses that are included in short sale like those in Las Vegas short sale listings.

Though owning your own house is not that easy. You have to be knowledgeable and wise enough to deal with all the financial costs, taxes and documents associated with buying and selling. Some initially start out by renting a house, an apartment, a townhouse or a condominium unit, until such time that they found a property in a good location that they can afford to purchase. One should also consider properties that are listed on short sale. This kind of real estate transaction has several advantages as well.

Homeowners who are selling their property in short sale usually avoid foreclosures even if they have to sell the property at a lesser price. It gives an advantage to buyers as they get to buy the property at a lesser cost or under the value of the loan. They could also agree to a favorable financing terms. However, buyers should also be aware that settlement of properties on short sale takes 60 days or more.

Real estate and the buying and selling associated with it seem to be a lucrative investment. If I have enough means, I would be buying lots and build houses for my family. One could also consider purchasing condominium units and have this rented out after the turn-over period.

Understanding how real estate works is always important for both buyers and sellers. To help you navigate through these processes, it is wise to consult real estate professionals and lawyers whom you can trust and who can provide you with all the information you need to complete your property transactions.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Local Emergency Services from Roto Rooter

Conserving water is very important. It's a very important resource as water in some areas and parts of the world are already scarce. Since we moved to a new location recently, I always have to remind my kids and myself as well, to make use of the water properly. Having three bathrooms and larger floor space really makes use of much water. Added to this is the high cost of water in the area. I know this time, our water bill will cost higher than what were paying in our condominium unit.

It is essential that we maintain and keep our homes in good condition. Any problems such as leaking faucets and clog drains should be fixed immediately. For minor house problems, I know that is can easily be repaired by my father or my husband. But for those major ones, a professional service like those from Roto Rooter is needed.

One of the most common plumbing problem that household encounter are dripping faucets and toilets. As we do not want water to go to waste, these should be fixed immediately. For some, small drips seem to be small problem and leave their dripping faucet unrepaired. What they don't realize is that it leads to lots of water wastage and worst thing is, it eventually adds to their water bills.

When water starts to leak, the first thing that needs to be determined is what causes it to leak and knowing if it needs to be repaired or tightened. Major leakage means that a faucet needs to be replaced already.

Another common problem encountered by homeowners is clogs. This problem requires immediate attention. Places with drainage problems are very frustrating especially during rainy season. Those clogged sewage systems are the major cause of flood in some areas. The assistance of a professional to get the job done quickly is needed.

All those plumbing and drain problems can easily be fixed by a company like Roto-Rooter. It gives professional and invaluable services 24/7 in almost all states of America and across Canada. It means that you'll receive faster response even in emergency cases. All you need to schedule an appointment with them and let them fix your household problems.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post however, all the points and views are my own.

Back to Normal

I had been very busy as soon as year 2013 started.
We spent weeks packing our things for the big move.
We spent days reviewing for mi kid's quarterly exams and preparing for their school activities.
Days when it seems that the hours we had was never enough.
Stress. Busy. Challenges. Worries.
There had been a couple of things and work that I had failed to do.
Still, I remain to be thankful for what life had given me and my family.
Life had remained to be great.
Our family had been blessed more.
The greatest blessing is celebrating our son's 7th birthday.
A celebration which turned out to as simply the best.
His simple birthday wish was granted... and I saw more than happiness in his eyes!
Soon, hopefully in days time, things will get back to normal.
I know it would be. 

Valentine's Love Delight, the Mister Donut Way

When lovers go on dates amidst the crowd and traffic.
When roses, chocolates, teddy bears and love messages filled the air.
When people get mushy, and couples wear red.
When little kids get creative with their handmade cards filled with hearts and cute handwritings.

Ohhh, these are just some Heart's Day moments that creates such timeless memories! It proves that LOVE is the most beautiful feeling in the world.

All those kilig-factor, though sometimes corny for some or commercialized for some reason, still puts spice and dashes of sweetness on everyone's lives. After all, what's not to love about LOVE? When the one of the best thing in life is to love and give the best love that you can give! And, I LOVE being in love!

Valentine’s Day isn't just for couples; it's for everyone, young and old alike. So this Valentine’s Day, I will let LOVE rule and conquer my world. It's the most romantic day of the year!

Through many occasions and in those just-because we-love-to-eat-donuts-day, Mister Donut had been our sweetest companion. Knowing about the newest offerings of Mister Donut (read my recent post about it here) makes me inspired to celebrate the Love Month in the sweetest way possible... in the best way I knew how.

Since I'm passionate about giving gifts with personalized touch, I'm creatively making these surprise treats for everyone in my family. The love of my family makes life sweeter and more meaningful. Yes, ALL of them are my Valentine!

For My Kids

These Belgian Bites ice cream will surely bring wonder and appreciation in my kids’ eyes. I can't wait to see the twinkle in their eyes and that happy smile as they get to receive these Valentines treats from me.

Now, they can enjoy their chocolate-coated ice cream in a cone that doesn't melt.

Since they also love celebrating Valentine’s Day, I know they'll surely ask me to help them make more of these so they can share it with their classmates and teachers.

Belgian Bites ice cream cone

For My Sisters

These Belgian Bites necklace and lollipop would be perfect for them. It's a sweet way of letting them know how I treasure them and how they make my life sweeter in their simple, little ways.

Belgian Bites necklace and Bavarian Doubles lollipop

For Mama and Papa

These wonderful people in my life fill our family with love, good food and interesting knowledge. To start their day right, a cup filled with their favorite coffee and tea, covered with Bavarian Doubles donut would be the best gift for them. It will surely keep their donuts warm as they prepare for work or as they watch a movie at home together. Belgian bites with coffee and tea makes a perfect pair. You've really got to try this one!

Bavarian Doubles coffee/tea cup cover with Belgian Bites on the side

For Dear Husband-

For the man in my life who completes me in the remarkable way he knew how!

For waking up earlier than I am, to prepare our breakfast, I'll give him a Bavarian Doubles donut clock set at 3:00 a.m. (that early, so he won't get late for work). It's my simple way of letting him know how much I appreciate all his daily efforts... and my way of showing him how I value every single minute, hour, days and years we had spent and will continue to spend together.

Bavarian Doubles Clock

Of course, to complete the day, I'll make him a Belgian Bites dessert plate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a plate full of Belgian Bites that signifies the words I LOVE YOU. Words so deep, yet meaningful. I'll let these sweet treats from Mister Donut speaks for itself.

His Valentine's Day will truly be a day filled with much love and sweetness!

Letter I - Belgian Bites breakfast

Letter L - Belgian Bites lunch dessert

Letter U - Belgian Bites dinner dessert

All these pieces of heaven are from Mister Donut. Both the Bavarian Doubles and Belgian Bites Valentine Gift Set from Mister Donut gets a thumbs up from me. These treats surely give smiles to our faces and tummies and brings warmth to our hearts. Not only are these delicious and affordable, it's very Heart-y as well! See, how very appropriate it is for Valentine's Day!

Definitely, these sweet treats will give my family pure heavenly bliss in a bite.
Seeing their happiness doubles the joy that I will feel my heart.

Well, the red tin can and bear that comes with the Belgian Bites Valentine Gift Set is mine to keep. It will remind me how Mister Donut spreads love and sweetness, and how it made our heart smile this Valentine's Day. It will also make me remember that Valentine's Day will always be worth celebrating with the people you loved most.

So, how will you spend Valentine's Day? Share your thoughts and remember, it's the togetherness and letting them know that they are special matters most.

Now, better head over to your favorite Mister Donut shops or kiosks and create your very own Valentine’s Day masterpiece.

Hope these ideas will also keep you LOVE-inspired!

Donuts Overload with Mister Donut

I enjoy eating donuts with my family. There's something magical about donuts that never fails to keep us smiling. Everytime, I would went out without the kids, I'm sure they would always look forward to their "donuts pasalubong."

With this passion for donuts, I'm glad I was able to attend the Mister Donut's event held at Bigoli, Eastwood City and taste its newest offerings!

+ Bavarian Doubles

This year, Mister Donut continues to give excitement to everyone. I'm sure most of you had seen the Mister Donut TVC featuring comedian Michael V. and cute little Miss Philippines 2012 winner Ryzza Mae Dizon.

Who wouldn't get excited with eating a donut with two fillings? You can only get that from the Bavarian Doubles. That's two delectable flavors in one donut!

I love the Bavarian and Choco Fudge! My son loves it more. He can finish three Bavarian and Choco Fudge Doubles in one sitting!

Double the fun, double the enjoyment.

For only 130 pesos for a box of 10, or Php 13/piece, you can already enjoy these yummy treats.


+ Spread Love and Sweetness this Heart's Day

There's also a special Valentine’s Day treat from Mister Donut.

You can get 6 pieces Belgian Bites in a heart-shaped tin can plus a heart balloon for only Php 120. You can also add a bear for only Php 165 (so cute!). That's a complete gift already!

I love these sweet treats!

These belgian bites is something that I want to indulge in everyday!


+ Welcome Chinese New Year with DoChi

It's the first time that I've get to try this one. DoChi is a fusion of donut and buchi.

These are donut balls coated with toasted sesame seeds and filled with different flavored creme fillings - strawberry, mango and chocolate. For only Php 8/piece, we can already have a round and sticky treat for Chinese New Year.

You must try this to have "doble swerte" this year of the snake. It's available for a limited time only.


Have you tried these new treats from Mister Donut already?  Well, this is just the start. I'm sure Mister Donut will have more sweet surprises for everyone this year!

 Wag nang pahuhuli sa bagong kinababaliwan ng bayan. Head on to your nearest Mister Donut store and bring all these home.