Sunday at the Clubhouse

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 This is just a quick post about our Sunday family day today. It was a gloomy morning to start with but we were thankful that the sun still came out. We spent our afternoon with the little girl at the clubhouse which she truly enjoyed. Our place has a mini-playground where kids can exercise their reflexes and just run around. You can just imagine how my daughter screams at the top of her lungs because of too much excitement! She keeps running and pulling her Dad. If not, she'll ask me to carry her just so she could go up on that plastic stairs and jump. The slide was kinda muddy as it rained earlier so she tried the climbing knots instead. It's fun observing her and how she loved simple activities like this. I'd rather see her active and lively even if that means we need to be full of energy too.

I would also like to share some candid snapshots I took. Isn't it lovely to see how Daddy's girl she has become? At 18 months, she knows how to melt her Dad's heart with her natural sweet affection. She can be tricky at times when she wants something bad but I guess that's the beauty of having a child. Give them milk when they're hungry or change their nappy when they feel uncomfortable and they will surely be sound asleep. Their innocence teaches us how possibly life could be a lot happier if we are pleased even with the most simple things.

I hope your Sunday is as happy as ours. We usually treat Sunday as our family day so I hope it was a day well spent with your loved ones! ♥

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Cafe Juanita, Burgos Circle

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It was a funny ride going to Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle. We were first instructed to meet the other half of the team at CBTL High Street, so we went off straight not knowing that what was meant was CBTL Burgos Circle. Funny how the ride literally went into circles! Good thing Dan's the one driving, otherwise, we'll all panic. Haha! Anyway, it felt so invigorating dining to a place where I don't frequent a lot. I am more familiar with BHS, although if you ask me where a particular shop is exactly located then I'm definitely not the best person to give you instructions. So going back to Cafe Juanita, it has been a month-long plan to visit this resto and originally planned to check out the Kapitolyo branch. 

I think Cafe Juanita is known for having a bohemian interior. You can see laces, sequins, knitted chair covers and bright tiny lights. It also has this gypsy feel, I was hoping to see a crystal ball or something.

We took the liberty of taking photos while all other tables are unoccupied. See how tables and lamps are covered in unconventional cloths. These lovely angel figurines also captured my attention.

Their chandeliers are also the main attraction. Really there's a lot of decorative objects around. We were seated at the second floor which can accommodate a bigger group and where the air condition is almost at freezing point. Brrrrr!

See the vintage photos perhaps of the first Cafe Juanita used as the menu cover. This reminds me of horror or suspense movies during first world war.

Although I kinda liked how the table was arranged. Mixed and matched patterns neatly laid are wonders that only an artistic eye can do.

We picked a few orders of Yang Chao and Crab rice and I think they were both good. Main course are the infamous Crispy Pata, Beef Kare Kare, Pinakbet. Nothing very remarkable about these dishes but they tasted like home-cooked meals, meaning the ingredients weren't limited and neither hurried to be cooked. This is one thing that please customers like me who keeps coming back. How I wish most restos would keep up to that.

The Crispy Pata is expected to be crunchy, juicy and tender.
I just wish they can make a little twist on their sauces.

I think the one on top is the Vegetable Curry with tofu which I would want to try at home. This deep fried Lapu Lapu was presented like a butterfly, it's good that I didn't taste the oil.

(Too late to realize I'm seated at the end of the table, no decent photos of the food.)

The entire food experience was generally ok and our bill is reasonable. (Php3,8 for 8 people) This deserves a second visit most probably with the family. If you ask me about the interior, I think the one in Kapitolyo is more eccentric. I wonder why others say it has a cozy ambience. For me, the style is diverse and overdone for an intimate gathering, but if you're with a bunch of people who are as funny and crazy as the glittery surroundings then this is a perfect spot to gather unlimited photos. Plates will surely be wiped out after.

You may click this link  to view the rest of the photos.
They were all taken in automatic mode and flash is mostly  turned on.

Cafe Juanita
Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City
(02) 403-1952

Let’s Move & Let’s Love

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Since I became a first time Mommy 18 months ago, I came to realize that a Mother's love is indeed without boundaries. I used to think of myself alone and my personal needs, I realized how selfish I was without considering a thought of extending a major act of kindness to anyone who is very much in need. All I know is that I need to earn so I can maintain a lifestyle and travel as much as I can, without even sparing an amount as any form of pledge.

Now, my eyes have finally seen a lot of distressed families, especially those affected during the recent typhoons whom I thought I can help in my own little ways. I watched one documentary a few months ago about the suffering of a single Mother who's painfully watching her kids' situation. There is no mode of transportation in their area so these kids need to walk about six to seven kilometers back and forth just to reach their primary school. They said that they can bear the long walk even in barefoot however what's more challenging is the fact that they need to stay at school for a day without having anything to eat. Aside from that, oftentimes they can't even afford to buy a pen or paper.

I was so moved and burst into tears while watching it, saddened by the fact that some of these kids decided to stop studying at the middle of the school year. I then placed myself in the Mother's situation and felt the agony if you are unable to give the best education that you want for your child, especially to your kids who are more than willing to learn from school. 

This led me to a small step which is to pledge a few amount each day that can certainly help one deserving kid here in our country. Having your own foundation is like shooting the moon but why not share the love by having one scholar for a school year to start with? The idea makes me truly happy as a person and as a Mom, and after series of research, I've come up with the best organization who can support this advocacy.

Having said all these, it's never too late dear friends so let's move and let's love! Now's the time to act with kindness may it be with a good gesture or something romantic. In line with this, United Colors of Benetton launches two of their newest fragrances, Let’s Move for men and Let’s Love for women. These fragrances will challenge us more to come up with different ways to move and love. Why not click the photos below to find out this latest offer. ♥

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

What's In My Bag?

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To support Zalora's ongoing contest "What's In Your Bag", I decided to join myself and have fun. I've been wanting to post something like this before but I don't know why it never happened. So let me give you an idea on what I usually carry on a regular basis. I must tell you though that I only bring a few of these items when I'm with the little daughter as most of the stuff inside are for her. All if not most, actually.

1. I love tote bags or anything really big because I also use it as my baby bag on weekends. Obviously this one is Michael Kors, one of my favorites.
2. That pink Clinique make up pouch was given to me by my sister-in-law where I place all of my kikay stuff.
3. A book "The Five Love Languages" was lent to me by my close friend Abby, which I aim to finish reading this week.
4. My maroon eyeglasses. In case you're not aware, I have astigmatism and both eyes on 175.
5. Victoria's Secret Love Spell body mist.
6. Green Cross sanitizing gel. If you notice Dad's on the upper right, those were sanitizing hand wipes from their buffet. (I hoarded, haha!)
7. Colgate Plax mouthwash. 
8. My water-based Celeteque facial moisturizer.
9. For make ups, I always bring my Clinique compact with blush and two shades of eye-shadows inside.
10. Lip collections - my Aqualicious lipstick from Fashion21, Maybelline Watershine and Maybelline Baby Lips.
11. My In2it waterproof eyebrow color.
12. My Laneige Snow BB which I've been using recently. Beside it is my Maybelline Clear Smooth Aqua Gel foundation. 
13. My ELF Waterproof Eyeliner pen in coffee. 
14. My house keys.
15. My iPhone 4s.
16. My purple pen in 0.3 ballpoint.
17. My Paganini lavender hairbrush. 
18. My Liz Claiborne wallet which is nowhere found here. I didn't notice that my little girl grabbed it. Ha ha!

Oh my, 18 items? And more of it if there's umbrella, camera, etc etc inside? Ha ha! This is fun, I think I should do this more often. Anyway, if you wish to join Zalora's contest, here's the link and follow the instructions. You can submit your entry until midnight! Join na! :)

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

I Gave Up Facebook

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Yes, it's been almost 24 hours since I deactivated my Facebook account. For some reasons, I don't find it useful anymore, aside from the fact that it consumes a lot of your time just by logging in and checking your timeline. I tried to weigh the pros and cons of having a Facebook account and sadly, the cons won for me. The only advantage I come up with is the convenience to communicate with relatives outside Manila. But I thought, if you really matter to them and if they really want to reach out, there's always a mobile phone or email. Aside from iMessage and Facetime, there are also tons of applications for our smart phones that enables us to call or send SMS for FREE. Failure to communicate nowadays is just a lame excuse.

Let me share you a couple of disadvantages and realize it for yourself.

1. Negative status messages. - I've seen so much of this even written in caps lock with inappropriate number of exclamation points. I used to be the emotional person and randomly posts whatever I feel that day, but now, I really don't see the point of doing so. Well maybe it releases the frustration but posting it on your wall and silently hoping that the person you intend to scream at reads your status message is just really crazy. Besides, if you treat that person as your enemy, why have them on your friend's list? That's just a higher level of hypocrisy, don't you think?

2. It triggers envy. - According to the Bible, envy is defined as a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by another's desirable possessions or qualities, accompanied by a strong desire to have them for oneself. (source: bible.org) I so agree with this and what makes it terrifying is that envy is part of the seven deadly sins. Example, you see the profile of an unfamiliar face who happens to be your long lost classmate and is now doing very well with his or her chosen profession or you see your friend's photo albums who visited so many countries in Europe. Or worse, you see your ex-boyfriend / girlfriend who's now happily married with two kids while you stayed single after ending your relationship with them. Stuff like these triggers envy, wishing that you were in the same shoes. However, if you deny this fact and don't feel unearthly at all, then maybe this is not for you.

3. You sneak at a person's life. - I'll leave this as a statement or a question for yourself.

4. You laugh at somebody else's pictures. - Oh yes I've seen people doing this and laughing out loud just don't satisfy them. They even say nasty things about the person. There were even some who gets my attention just so I could join them laughing. Cruel! To think that the person is supposedly their friend. Tss! How would you feel if you were their object of ridicule?

5. Unethical sharing of photos. - There's this what we call "think before you click". I know we all want to share awareness but we also have to pay respect especially if what we want to share are photos of dead people caused by major catastrophes in the country. You may disagree with me but really, I just meant respect and privacy. Why not share important phone numbers instead or awareness on how to donate? But of course, things like this are uncontrollable so it's better to filter what you want to see on your timeline.

Honestly, I still have a lot of reasons to share but I'd rather eat my chocolate now than stress myself. I'm not a Facebook-hater, alright? Actually, I may reactivate it sooner than I think once I start missing my friends, but for now, I'm very much okay with Twitter and Instagram. This will also give me more time to focus on writing / blogging.

Now I'm wondering, did anyone even notice I'm nowhere seen on Facebook? ^^ Happy weekend y'all!

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Securing NBI Clearance

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I was actually having second thoughts of posting an entry about this but perhaps I need to share helpful tips and reminders to our fellow citizens. It's been nearly four years since I last had my NBI clearance, so technically, I wasn't aware of the recent "major" changes. I'm not even sure if these were recent. I got mine last Tuesday via their satellite office in Mandaluyong City Hall. Prior that morning, I had a quick research on the requirements I need to carry just to make sure I have everything on hand. Please refer to this link for helpful details, to save time and effort, before deciding to visit any satellite office. I somehow freaked out when I saw that two valid IDs are required as I only have one with my married name on it.

Anyhow, I still decided to push through with one recent ID and the rest (like my passport) with my maiden name still printed. Exactly 7:30am when I got there and mind you, there were already about two hundred people on site! I saw some people lined up near the booth and the first person was sleeping, almost lying on the floor, with his jacket on. Seriously, he looked like he was there as early as 3 or 4am. I immediately went to the counter to fill out the form but the lady asked me to sign it first. Ladies and gents, please don't ever forget to bring a black pen. I always have one in my bag but my daughter probably took it so I am forced to buy one for 10pesos. They won't let you borrow their pens so imagine if you only have the exact amount to pay for your clearance! Tsk.

After filling out the form, I was ushered by someone to a mini gate, with a staircase behind it, where the line seemed unending. There's this old man who somehow whispered, "Ma'am, di nyo naman po kailangan pa pumila kung gusto nyo", in a very soft but clear voice. (What he meant was I don't need to fall in line if I wish.) Well, what else can I say, that's pretty common here in the Philippines, unfortunately. So I just ignored him and did quick steps as I look for the last person on queue. The line reached the 2nd floor up to the parking area of that building. Take note, I stood for nearly three hours. Horreur! Glad that I brought my headset and something to read.. but, I forgot to bring water! Please don't ever forget to bring one in reusable containers, as much as possible.

It was about 830am when we finally moved slowly and like I said three hours of waiting time just to get to the cashier's booth. I chose for travel purpose and paid Php115. After that, a funny man in a very loud voice will start calling your last names as he leads you to your proper seats. Take note, you still need to constantly move as the seat is also on queue going to the encoding section. It took me about 30mins to finally reach the window. You will then need to present your ID (one ID will do) and confirm from the flat-screen monitor facing you if the details entered were all correct.

Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion

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This lovely gift from Laneige finally landed in my hands. If  you haven't had yours yet, all you need to do is like their Facebook page and check out the instructions from this Facebook application. In case you're wondering who's the Laneige endorser, she's no other than "Jessie" of the Korean drama Full House! Grabe, she hasn't aged a bit! How I wish we all have the same youthful glow! 

Anyway, here are the shops where you can claim your very own sample of Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion:

Shangri-La Plaza Level 3, TriNoma Level 3
Mall of Asia Level 2, South Wing, Main Mall
Robinsons Manila Ground Floor, Midtown Mall
Robinsons Galleria Level 2
Robinsons Magnolia Upper Ground Level

I can't wait to test this and experience the 5 benefits: Sweat-proof, Whitening, Hydration, Make-up and SPF 50+ PA+++. Another product to consider when it comes to skin care!



A few of Laneige beauty products which you can also try. These brochures were given to me by their Shangrila branch. Will definitely come back soon! Thank you, Laneige! ^^

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Choosing Baby Toiletries

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I believe most Mommies like me are very much particular in choosing the right toiletries for our babies. My cousin who's given birth few months back has struggled on her newborn baby because of skin rashes. Again, this is something that we should consult with our baby's pediatrician. A word of advise from friends may somehow relieve the situation but in most cases, it's best to trust the experts. Daphne had rashes too on her first month and I really couldn't stand looking at her skin condition especially all over her face. I tried two different brands back then for her baby bath but none of them helped. They were known and trusted brands but I just can't ignore her skin reaction that time. My Mom then asked me to try Lactacyd baby wash, which is by the way the same wash that worked for me 31 years ago. ^^ Our pedia agreed to use it for Daphne and little by little I saw how the redness fade on her skin. I can attest its mildness that is really suitable to our baby's delicate skin.

Those two baby wash I mentioned earlier worked for her though from her 6th month onward, probably because her skin has already adjusted on the usual ingredients. One of which is the Avenoo Calming Comfort Bath that my sister-in-law from the US gifted us. Mind you, it nearly took a year to empty 3 big bottles (500ml)! I like how it worked for Daphne and the lavender scent lasts longer. I used it as her top to toe wash. She can play indoor all day long without me worrying of her skin becoming sticky, or worse, maasim. Too bad I didn't notice I ran out of stock last month and unfortunately this brand is not yet commonly available, though I've seen a few in Rustans and Trinoma recently.

 

So in the meantime, I tried these alternatives for her. So far, Nivea Baby Silky Shine Shampoo is doing well on her hair. My nephew (from my cousin's side) experienced random white flakes at 8 months old. I was still pregnant when I saw his condition so that's one thing I kept mind until giving birth - no to dry scalp or dandruff for baby. Nivea Baby shampoo has  a very light scent but it doesn't stay longer, although that's fine with me a long as it doesn't cause her flakes or falling hair. A healthy and shiny hair is noticeable after a few weeks of use.

Brownies Unlimited

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Brownies Unlimited is probably one of the few stalls inside malls which I try to ignore. Not because it doesn't look appealing at all but merely because I'm afraid that I might discover something that might turn to a new addiction. I've tried a variety of their brownies but most of them are pasalubong or boxes we received during Christmas. I really don't buy one for myself but I prefer them than fruitcakes. Ehem! ^^

Anyhow, hubby and I were about about to go home one day when he decided to buy some Sylvanas for Daphne. He insisted that it tasted really good when his boss brought some at work. Since I rely him when it comes to sweets, and maybe out of my curiosity, I agreed to buy half a dozen. Unfortunately, the last few pieces were sold to the person before us and only Sambos were the ones left. 

According to the staff, they are technically the same. Sylvanas are meringue sandwiched and coated with buttercream and rolled in cake crumbs whereas Sambos are the chocolate version, I think they used chocolate coconut sprinkles for Sambos. They're soft and chewy but they're challenging to eat. They're almost the size of a tennis ball. The sweetness wasn't bad for me so I think it's OK to try the Sylvanas next time. One piece is enough per person.

I will never ignore you the same way again. Ha ha!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Experience The Beauty of PLDT Telpad

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Being an 80's kid, I've seen how land line phones evolved back then and after a few decades. Before, with its limited features and capabilities, who can then forget the famous "collect calls" abroad? Our means of communication can be really ill and frustrating especially if it's for an urgent reason. With the emergence of mobile phones, thank goodness for SMS, and now with smart phones and tablets, our social interaction made everything a lot easier.

What more by having our own PLDT Telpad, which for me is a genius land line! When finding the right gadget, I'm always particular about something that can help me provide even the most explicit information I need right on my fingertips. And since we all connect globally through social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter should always be at hand. Plus, multimedia entertainment must be readily available through thousands of hosted applications. Well, these are just a few things the PLDT Telpad has to offer!

The PLDT Telpad also has an exclusive application called "TelMeHow". A person like me who's struggling  in the kitchen can use this as an aid for cooking tips. That's an instant online educational companion for categories like cooking, fashion, photography, travel and a lot more! It also allows you to do online transactions with your Meralco bills. This device can also be used reading eBooks and streaming you kids' favorite cartoon videos. Having said all these, I find the PLDT Telpad very convenient and efficient!

I suggest that you check their website now at http://telpad.pldthome.com/ and see how this great innovation from PLDT can redefine our communication experience!

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Maven: Beyond The Blush

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Hello my lovely readers! I'd like to share another beauty blowout brought to us by Maven Magazine!

Come and join on September 15, 2012 at the Ground Floor, Glorietta 3 and experience a big day of pampering, pro advice and beauty freebies! 

They have also organized workshops about hair & make up, beauty, career and personality development. I'm so thrilled as I look forward to this event! 

Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MavenMagazine and 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeamMavenPH for more details!

Hope to see you there! ♥

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Greenhills and Shakey's Family Day

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Mom and I had an earlier conversation about Unimart and that she hasn't been to Greenhills for quite a while. Just to give you an idea, when we do our bulk groceries back in college, Unimart is our go-to place. The travel distance is not a joke coming from Antipolo, where we used to live, but we just find the entire place a perfect destination for grocery and shopping needs. And since I'm currently almost running out of work clothes to wear, I decided to drag the three of them to Greenhills. I'm not surprised to see busy shoppers at the tiangge area. I've also sighted a few lovely satchels. Really tempted to buy but I don't need one. My MK and LC should be my last bag purchases until December! hohoho! Speaking of which, have you heard Christmas carols yet? Pinoy's are always way ahead of time and I shrieked with glee when I've thought of our soon colorful Christmas tree with my little girl below. 

We all got exhausted after sweeping the stalls at the ground floor and if you got great bargaining skills, then you can always stretch your budget with a little more items. We ended our hop at the pearl stores where Mom got a lovely South sea pearl stud earrings in lavender.

Mini Haul: Forever 21

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Forever 21 has been my favorite spot whenever I feel the need to pamper myself with some girly stuff. Some say that the value of their items have deteriorated, but so far, I still feel the glamour whenever I enter any branch and see their glitzy accessories and striking sequined dresses. And since I'm really into bangles or anything strapped on my wrist, who can resist leaving the store empty-handed? There's always something in there that  will surely bat your eyelashes!