Pic of the Week

Being a proud Nanay that I am, I can't help but be a stage mom sometimes. Well, most of times. Mom Center have a weekly Pic of the Week contest. Since Bella just love to post for the camera, why not flaunt it.

The entry that I sent was among the 12 cute photos that she have that were taken on my Bella's one year birthday last June 4, 2010 at Pic-a-boo, Megamall.

Do you think this is the best photo that should be featured as the winner?

Should you wish to vote for my Bella

please go to this link: http://www.momcenter.com.ph/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2


Click VOTE NOW (just below the pic of the week logo)
Click Baby
Click lhenglang to vote for BELLA


Yours truly will very much appreciate your time.

And if its not much to ask, you may leave a message here after so I may be able thank you personally for your vote.

Wedding Vows

I became a blogger just recently, July 2010 to be exact. However, I have been writing my pieces for quite sometime now on different blog sites, multiply being my favorite. I decided to compile everything in one go. What I did was copy paste and click post options to change the date. So if you were wondering how I came up with a lot of blogs already with a short period of time, I hope that answer your curiosity and  I don't think its cheating. I am not defensive about it, I just want to explain myself. Hahaha!

Enough of that already. My Far-ouT and yours truly were just chatting while I was making this blog and an idea just came to mind. I asked him, and the conversation went like this:

lhenglang: tatay
lhenglang: gawa tayo ng bucket list

Far_out: paano yun?
lhenglang: hindi mo ba napanood yun?
Far_out: nope
lhenglang: ano ka ba
lhenglang: maganda yun
lhenglang: panoorin mo
lhenglang: 2 silang matanda
Far_out: i check ko kung me kopya ako
Far_out: lam ko yun
lhenglang: na malapit ng mamatay
lhenglang: yung isa mayaman
lhenglang: yung isa genius
Far_out: pero di ko pa napanood?
lhenglang: tapos bago sila mamatay gumawa sila ng bucket list
lhenglang: teka lang
lhenglang: yun yung mga activities nila bago sila mamatay
lhenglang: getting a tattoo
lhenglang: mag sky diving
Far_out: ah ok
Far_out: so papa tattoo tayo?
lhenglang: visit greece
Far_out: me indoor sky diving dito
lhenglang: drive a sports car
lhenglang: climb a mountain
lhenglang: syiempre sarili nating bucket list noh
Far_out: ok
lhenglang: bakit mo naman sila gagahayin
lhenglang: like
lhenglang: buy house and lot
lhenglang: buy car
lhenglang: travel to one country once a year
lhenglang: climb a mountain
Far_out: ok
lhenglang: etc
lhenglang: sige na
Far_out: anong sige na?
lhenglang: gawa tayo
Far_out: pagdating mo dito saka tayo gagawa ng list natin
lhenglang: pagisipan mo kung ano yung gusto mong gawin sa buhay mo
lhenglang: tas icompile natin
Far_out: okies
lhenglang: ok

That's my Far-ouT, always ready to entertain my ideas, even if its silly sometimes. He really makes me feel loved.  There's this one instance when I cooked ginisang ampalaya for dinner. I tried to perfect my dish but failed sometimes. To remove the bitterness of the bitter gourd, I usually soak the veggies in salty water, then rinse with cold one. However, I forgot to wash it and directly sauted it with the rest of the ingredients, including all the salt on it! When I was done, that's the time that I realized my boo boo. It was so salty! Even I couldn't eat it. I just ordered food from a nearby restaurant and told Far-ouT all about it. But being my loving Far-ouT that he is, he saved the food that I cooked for his lunch the following day and finish it all up. There were a number of times that he ate my failed cooked dish as if it was the most delicious food on earth. Sweetness...

Another one was during our wedding preps, I really didn't expect him to be a hands-on groom, but he surprised me when he was being supportive every step of the way. Giving in to all my heart's content even with the budget being blown out of proportion. And you know what, he even prepared his wedding vow earlier than I did. He had a copy to read during the church ceremony but lose it somehow, but it didn't matter because he knew it by heart.

He says…

"You have made my life more colorful, you have made me so happy and more fulfilled as a person. Thank you for welcoming me into your heart, for accepting me as I am, for loving me for what I am not.

I promise to always love you, respect you and to be faithful to you forever.

Today I choose you to be my wife and commit myself to you for the rest of my life."

There were a lot of other things that Far-ouT made me feel special. When I got the chance to really tell him all about it, I vowed it to him

She says…

"Yes, I do take you Ian, as my husband. Sometimes I stare at you thinking how lucky I am to find you. You’re every man I picture myself to be with. Despite all the trials that God gave me, if I had known that you will be His reward for a job well done, at the end of life’s journey, I’ll go through it all again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. When I am at my worst, you stood by me, never giving up. And now, as we face a new chapter of our lives, I will not promise you anything, instead from this day on, I will try to be the best person that I can be…as your wife…your friend…and the same person you fell in love with 5 years ago.

Let’s grow old together, Far. Always remembering this day."

I was thinking of something else to write about when I started typing. It wasn't our anniversary, not even monthsary, it was just a time to say thank you, to someone who genuinely finds joy in the happiness of others. Someone who is soft at the edges and strong at the center.

-From someone who appreciate all that you are. All that you do.

Dengue? Not!

Bella just recovered from fever, cough and colds. She was sick last Wednesday, 18th August. Then we went for a check up last Saturday, 21st August. This time, she was sick only for 3 days when I decided to take her Pedia for check up. Unlike the last time she got sick, I waited for 5 days to take her to the hospital which worsen her condition. She was given an anti-biotic due to her severe cough and colds and tempra to relieve her on and off fever.

Bella doesn't want drinking anti-biotic and when she knows that it's time for drinking her medicine, she hides herself like this.

We were asked to return Monday, 16th August for follow-up. However, when we went back, her pedia was on sick leave during this time so we were referred to another Pedia. Bella was recovering already from her cough and colds but the fever was still on and off, that is why the Doctor  suggested CBC just to be sure.

They extracted blood from her and her cry was really heartbreaking.  During her first check up, her Pedia already told us that it was not Dengue so I was only a little worried on the result. But just to put my mind to ease, we went through with it. My sister-in-law works in St. Luke's so we just requested her to get the result for us since it will only be available after 2 hours. We followed up the result from her, but we just waited because we understand that she was still working. My sister informed us that she went 3 times to check the result but it was not release until late evening because they were already suspecting Dengue since the platelet count was down to 38000.

Around 11PM, my sister-in-law who was still at the hospital called and wanted us to check for rashes. She also asked for the advice of a pathologist and said to have the CBC repeated. Bella's pedia also called us to go to St. Luke's immediately for the blood test as she doesn't want to wait further for the result.

I have my moments of weakness and this is one of them. I asked my mom to accompany and hold Bella for 2nd blood extraction, because I coudn't bear hearing her cry again. Right after the procedure, I carried my daughter and pacify her. We waited for 2 hours to get the result as we will be admitted if ever they confirmed Dengue on my Bella.

When we got the result, the platelet count was on normal range. I don't know what went wrong, especially for a hospital like St. Luke's. I was disappointed with what happened. It was not easy for a 14th month baby to have experience blood extraction not only once but twice on the same day. I wanted to get  the copy of the first result but I was told they don't release those anymore since another result was given already.

Nevertheless, I am just thankful that Bella is now ok and hope she won't go through a very traumatic experience like that again.

Bath time products

It is best to rotate haircare products that we  use as so not get used to the same one over and over again. This is to avoid getting our hair immune to its ingredients and get the best of its effect. That is my usual practice for myself not only for shampoo and conditioner, but for any other body products as well. I keep  the same tradition for the products that I use for my Bella. I am hunting out the good from the bad and like to think that using product is like wearing a current trend, one fashion at a time.

We have used several products since the birth of my bundle of joy. However, I make it a point to research on the products prior to using it. This is to make sure that it is safe and only using what's best for her.

I can say that I am satisfied with our current fad, her Oilatum Bar.

This soap is a mild cleanser for dry, sensitive skin. It helps reduce dryness and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. The gentleness of this bar makes it suitable for skins including children's and infants'. It has been recommended by dermatologists around the world for many years. Gently cleanses without drying, moisturizes and protects and suitable for children and infants.

Contains: Mineral oil BP 75mg/g

As a caution: Avoid contact with eyes. Flush with water if lather enters eyes. If skin occurs, discontinue use and consult your doctor. Keep out of reach of children.

Directions: Work up a rich lather with a little water and cleanse affected area. Refrain from rinsing excessively to allow a thin film of oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry.

Bella is also currently using Kids Nature, an organic shampoo and body wash. It is gentle, no-tears formula. I love the smell of Banana on her hair. It is 100% biodegradable, 100% natural and 100% no animal testing. Absolutely no SLS/SLES, parabens, phthalates or other toxic substances.

Ingredients: organic alow barbadensis leaf juice, purified water, vegetable glycerin, cocoaamidopropyl betaine (coconut cleanser), sodium chloride (salt), natural vitamin E, organic banana fragrance oil

How to use: Pour a small amount on your palm and lather onto your kid's hair and scalp. Have fun in the bath then rinse completely.

Oilatum Bars are available in Mercury Drugstores whilst for Kids Nature, you may check

http://www.humanheartnature.com/ for more details.

 

Ace Water Spa

Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for pain relief and treating illnesses. It is highly effective form of natural therapy. It has a lot of health benefit and if you are suffering from any form of sickness, hydrotherapy can target these problems effectively.

Far-ouT and yours truly decided to try a different kind of massage at Ace Water Spa. They offer hydrotheraphy with waterfalls, lazy river and 25 massage systems to target the different part of your body. They allow you to stay at the pool area for 4 hours, but we weren't able to stay that long since Bella was not feeling well and staying in the water for such a long time might aggravate her cough and colds.

We arrived at Quezon City around 11:00 AM so we decided to dine in first at Ace Coffee Lounge. As usual, I ordered my Pinoy favorite breakfast, tapsilog, I was surprised that Ace is serving great tasting menu as well.

After finishing our food, we proceeded to change into our swimming attire. They have separate changing rooms for the boys and girls which also goes directly to the pool area. Bella and I went to our assigned station and were given keys for the locker to keep our stuff. We change into our bathing suits and took a shower. Ace  practice good hygiene as they are strict with their policies so a fitted swimwear is a must.

 Far-ouT was already waiting for us when we were done with the cleaning procedure. Since it was just the 3 of us, Hubby and I took turns so one of us can take care of Bella while the other were trying the different massages Ace Water Spa has to offer.

Their management are only after the safety of their customers so they have strict compliance that cameras / videos and other things excepts towels are not allowed to go inside and if it is about it, then I am up for it as well. This is as far as my camera can go.

I believe it was a right decision for us to eat lunch first before heading for our massages, not only that our stomach was full, since food and drink are prohibited at the spa area, it was also the best time to enjoy the place with only a few number of people to share the systems with.

After relaxing at their massages area , Far-ouT and I headed to the hot herbal pools area, again took turns while the other was watching after Bella. I went first and I must say this is so far, my favorite among all their facilities. I tried the 3 herbal pools, Mint, Jasmine and Lavander Pool. Just a word of advice, be sure to dip in their cold pool each time you use their hot pools. This is what they call Contrast Therapy Plunge.

"It is a special hydrotherapy experience wherein an alternate plunging in the hot herbal pool and cold pool is involved. Immersion on hot herbal pool will open up pores to allow the release of body toxins while stimulating blood flow to the core of the body while tightening the pores. Alternate immersion is recommended to keep your body temperature and heart rate at a healthy level."

After Far-ouT's turn, we decided to call it a day so we headed back to the locker rooms to take a shower and fix our things then grab a quick bite again at their restaurant.

It was such a wonderful experience to try hydrotherapy, not only did it made us feel relaxed, it was also a family bonding time. We decided to come back when Far-ouT return from abroad. So that would be next year. Hahaha! Till then, Ace Wate Spa.

Ace Water Spa is located at 399 Del Monte Avenue (near cor. Banaue St.)SFDM, Quezon City. 

One Fine Dining

Have you experienced buying food not only for its taste but most importantly for their overall look? Its not something that you will find on an everyday dish. Its more of fine dining which most of us Filipinos are not fond of. At least for the majority of us who you may call, MASA.

Yours truly was given an opportunity to experienced this once in a lifetime I-don't-know-what-utensils-to-use.

I have ordered Prawn and beef tenderloin. It was so yummy, you'll forget who you are. Hahaha! Kidding.

After that sumptous meal, I ordered Mango Crepes for dessert. It was just so hard to eat after putting it in the plate this way.

Not the usual mango crepe right? After sometime, I finally was able break the beautifully done dessert and enjoyed tasting my friends desserts as well.

The chocolate lava. I have such a high respect for people who make this sweets turned into a barbie doll kind of thing.

Care for more fruits?

The term fine dining brings to mind all kinds of images, from crisp white table cloths to waiters in tuxedos. Fine dining, just as the name suggests, offers patrons the finest in food, service and atmosphere. It is also the highest priced type of restaurant. It is for special occasion, so the food must not disappoint - in either selection or quality. You don't need to feature a huge menu, but it should be interesting, offering unique items that patrons wouldn't find at any other restaurant.

Kitchen

Have you tried Kitchen lately? Located at the Ground Floor, Greenbelt 3. I've been to this cozy restaurant a couple of times before, with it warmth and ease you'll definitely come back for more.

The menu offers Asian and European dishes and with their big servings, you'll get your money's worth.

We have decided to try their caps rolls and lettuce wraps (Php 130) as appetizer. This was actually recommended by the one who served our food. Unfortunately, I didn't like it that much, it was so sweet for salad, and will not pass for dessert as well.

I liked their Swirl around mixed sea food pumkin soup (Php 100)

As my main dish, I ordered On-barbies-cue (Php 235). It is a combination of meat and seafood kebab.

I wasn't impressed with the taste though, nothing special. My friend ordered Belly flop consist of grilled salmon belly and garlic vegetables on pandan rice (Php200) that I like even more.

Wasn't it intriguing to see mint leaves inside the bottle of water

The big plate, spoon and fork with long wooden tables was a nice homey touch as well. An ambiance of like dining at your own place. I just wish they'll do something with the customer service of their staff which is poor.

The overall concept of Kitchen was nevetherless, something to come back to.

Buffet style at Manila Peninsula

The Peninsula Manila combine Eastern and Western hospitality to provide unmatched service and luxurious comfort. Located in the heart of Makati's business and financial district, on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue. It is best to dine in this hotel with their wide variety of foods to choose from.

The good thing about buffet menu is you can choose a little bit of everything and know how they taste. A buffet is a system of serving meals in which food is placed in a public area where the diners generally serve themselves. It is a popular method for feeding a large number of people with minimal staff.

I am feeling Japanese...

and just a little bit of everything

From these plate, you will find chicken spinach ricotta roulad, beef caldereta, tanguingue dill and caper cream, lamb cutlet with rosemary, mashed potatoes, and sucking pig.

To give you an idea on the list of menu that I got, I have picture it separate

There was also a wide range of desserts you'll really enjoy.

Green mango juice, chocolate fountain, Panna-Cota, and bakes cheese cake. Simply yummy.

What the doctor didn't tell you

We always rely on our doctors for all our sort of pains. Medicines, ointments, anti-biotics. But before you head to your doctors, maybe you want to read below and see some items that maybe available in your house.

According to my research, almost all remedies on pains and other house problems can be found in our home. But the best of it all is safety. So trust your instincts and be vigilant.

Did you know that drinking 2 glasses of gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain reliever."

Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly---even though the product was never been advetised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer plus cold medicine is not the same and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)

Honey remedy for skin blemishes...Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus...Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Easy eyeglass protection...To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Coca-Cola cure for rust...Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer...If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure...cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine...a powerful antiseptic

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process

Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.

Rainy day cure for dog odor...Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Eliminate ear mites...All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing

Quaker Oats for fast pain relief...It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

A banana a day keeps the doctors away?

I was suprised to find such a lot of health benefits from banana as I am not fond of eating this fruit, whenever I eat it, it gives me the hard stool. Now that read all about it, I am thinking twice if it was the culprit. Just a tip from my mom, it is better to eat Latundan over Lacatan and never eat the latter on an empty stomach. She said the former is more healthier and easier to digest. I used to be confused with these two types of banana, until recently.

Here are the details I got about the wonder fruit.

Did you know that bananas contain 3 natural sugars? sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a babana also gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Reasearch has proven that just two bananas provide energy for a strenous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt muchbetter after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, atype of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier,

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anmeia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium and low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to mak official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: Banana boost your brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the proble without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and , with the help of honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels while the milk soothes and rehydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so it you suffer from heartburn, try eating banana for a soothing relief

Morning sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood suger levels up and avoid morning sickness

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over chronicler cased. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

SAD: Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan

Smoking: Banana can also help people trying to give up smoking The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, heko the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the beartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high potassium banana snack

Strokes: Eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill of a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape.

So a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe it's time to change awell-known phrase, we can say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away."