Happy, Happy New Year!

Counting my blessings...Life is good, work is great and my world is spinning on its axis with my happily ever after. I'm ending this year with a comeback as a happier, stronger woman. There's so much to enjoy in life. I am blessed, I'm not sitting somwhere dwelling on the past. I'm glad that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and happy to be right here.
There's always farther to go and more to do and mountains to climb, that's what I look forward to. A fresh start to the year makes me grateful and inspired. I'm loving life not to the foolest but to the FULLEST!
Cheers! to each one of you, LOVE and ENJOY LIFE, LIVE and be HAPPY. May lovely, happy times and special memories brighten your NEW YEAR. Wish you a Great, Prosperous, Blissful, Healthy, Bright, Delightful, Energetic, Terrific and Extremely Happy New Year! Best wishes for the first morning of 2011 =)

Party...Party!

Araneta Coliseum was jammed-packed by Accenture employees as they celebrated their 25th Anniversary "Illustrious @25 DCN for Technology Christmas Party." My husband has been employed in Accenture for more than 5 years already and I've seen how his career growth turn into fruition. Luckily, I was given a complimentary ticket by his officemate or else I wouldn't be able to attend. The slots were already taken when my husband signed up and registered our name a week ago. He wasn't supposed to attend since I didn't get on the list of participants but with much luck I get to be part of this event because of his officemate who's name happened to be Michelle too.

My husband and I head straight at the venue and meet up with Michelle as soon as were done with our weekly grocery. We left our car in SM Marikina and rode the LRT going to Araneta-Cubao Station. When we arrived at the venue his officemate was already there waiting for us. Upon entering inside we were given food stubs and coupons. The food stubs entitled each one of us to a free meal pack: pizza, cheese burger, chicken tenders, pop corn, dessert, bottled water and soda.

The party started at 3:00 p.m., we were seated on the upper box level in front of the stage. An employee of Accenture who's also a stand up comedian and one of the hosts in Usapang Lalake (a program in Studio 23)  was introducing his co-host Ms. Sanya Smith (VJ/daughter of Pepe Smith) when we finally settled in our designated seats.

The first set of performers were Accenture's talented singers. There was this singer who caught my attention. I thought he was the real Arnel Pineda when I heard his voice singing the song Faithfully. Well, he was wearing the same wardrobe as Arnel and same hairstyle. The next who showcased their talents were the Accenture dancers "Move" (group name). According to my husband they already won in a dancing competition in ABS-CBN's  Showtime program. It was followed by the modelling sitnts of Mr. and Ms. Accenture Wannabees. There were 31 contestants and two of them will win the said titles through an online voting system.

While strutting their stuff on stage, participants and audience were serenaded by the Bloom Brothers band. They sang mostly the hits of the 70's. Just by looking at their costumes you will be reminded of the greatest British band "The Beatles". Then, there was the announcement of the winners for the Eco-Friendly parol making contest. The grand prize winner won Php 10,000. The most awaited part followed and that is the "raffle". Lots of prizes were given like the kitchen showcase, Ipad, Iphone, Netbook and more. After the electronic raffle, the band Tanya Markova performed (seeing their costumes and face paints reminds me of Halloween) and was followed by the star of the night "Bamboo". I am not a big fan of Bamboo but I enjoy listening to his music. I especially like the songs entitled "much has been said" and "masaya". It was the first time that I've watched Bamboo performed live on stage.

Over all I enjoyed the party. Lastly, I was able to meet the other co-employees of my husband from another project and of course seeing his old and new team members.

Our night did not end at the Araneta, we had to catch up and attend a birthday celebration on the same night. I was glad that we were able to drop by and be part of the celebration of his aunt's birthday in Antipolo.

Merry Christmas!

To all my lovely readers and followers let me greet you and your family a Merry Christmas! May the season of joy bring peace to you and your family. May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of LOVE, JOY, PEACE, HAPPINESS and BLESSING from the heaven above.

Blush is the New Black Goodies

This is another giveaway post. I'm joining in Blush is the New Black's giveaway goodies. I like using lip gloss and balms instead of lipstick because It makes my lips softer and smoother. The natural shiny lips looks fresh and simple. I only us heavy makeup on certain occassions. On a daily basis I just use face powder, blush, lip gloss and I'm ready to go. I hope to win this complete set.

Fruity Lashes + Holiday Giveaway

It's all about freebies and giveaways this month and I'm loving it. I'll be glad to have one of the prizes from Fruity Lashes. Aside from the Christmas and New Year celebration she's also celebrating her blog anniversary. I'm hoping to win the second prize.

JuJu Jewelry Part 3

Saving the best for last. This is the 3rd giveaway from Juju Jewelry. A pair of Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Earrings on long sterling silver hooks. Aside from the giveaway I also like this Heir to the Throne Silver Key Necklace. Check out her online shop to see lots of gorgeous designs and unique creations.

This giveaway is open worldwide and ends on December 31, 2010.

Thunderbird Resorts Planner

Want a 2011 planner? then join and win this Thunderbird Resorts Christmas Giveaway!

The lucky winners will be announced on December 29, 2010.

Beauty Fulfilled's Winter Wonderland Giveaway!

More and more giveaways are coming. I just hope I'll be able to win. This time I'm joining in Beauty Fulfilled's Winter Wonderland Giveaway.

This giveaway is open world wide and ends on January 09, 2011

Christmas Parties!

In just a week my husband attended 5 consecutive christmas parties already. He even had three performances from different events. The Techno Themed Party, Rock N' Roll Event and The Greek Mythology Party. He was also invited by some other projects and attended them all, that's his way of saying thanks to each one of them.

Lucky me, I got included last December 18, 2010 in their Illustrious @ 25 Christmas Party. The event was held in Araneta Coliseum. I'll have my separate post about this later.

Parties are everywhere and seems to never end during December. We also have our very own family reunion. One on the side of my husband's family and relatives and of course mine. There's also a bit of extras on our list like the Home Owners Christmas party in our village and the wedding of my husband's officemate this coming December 28.

I'm excitedly looking forward to these events and more.

I Won Php 500 Prepaid Load!

Last month, I joined in Just Another Pixel's "30 Changes in my Life Blog Contest". Luckily, I won Php 500 prepaid load. I have been a postpaid subscriber of Globe for 4 years now. My second cellphone number which I'm still using up to now since I disposed my first prepaid kit 2 years after I got married. The reason why I changed my number was to avoid receiving text and chikka messages from a woman who hides from the names of Silent Echoes and Zpider_m.

A lot of my friends, even my husband and relatives change their cellphone numbers every now and then (from Globe to Smart and vice versa) but I keep mine and won't change as long as it's still working.

Aside from the Christmas gift that I bought for my sister I decided to give her the Php 500 prepaid load that I've won from Mhel of Just Another Pixels. I'm sure she'll be surprised once she received the load.

JuJu's Tokidoki Hair Brush and Flower Shaped Crystal Stud Earrings

Stephanie of Juju Jewelry is giving away a cute Tokidoki travel hair brush and Flower shaped crystal stud Earrings. This is only the part 1 of her December giveaway so you should check out her blog often to get updated on her latest giveaways.

Aside from this giveaway I also like this With love from Paris earrings from her store. I like the color combination and design.

photo: JuJu Jewelry

Carbonara A La LadyMishel

Cooking is my thing and I love preparing food for my family. One of their favorite dish is my very own version of Carbonara. I'm sharing this recipe to all of you and hope you'll like it. Maybe you can try cooking this meal for the Holidays. Let me know if you tried and liked it.

Ingredients:

Sauce:
1 stick butter
4 cloves garlic crushed and minced
1 can button mushroom - sliced thinly
2 cans Nestle Cream
2 packs of Nestle All Purpose Cream
2 cans Campbell's Cream of Mushroom
1 pack bacon or ham
1 knorr chicken cube
1 knorr shrimp cube
cheese

Fettucini Noodles

Procedure:

• Cook the noodles according to the packaging direction.

For the Sauce:

1. Saute garlic, bacon, ham, mushroom, knorr cubes in a pan. Simmer for 2 minutes. (low heat)
2. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the cheese and noodles.
3. Gradually stir all ingredients until the bacon and ham are cooked.

Serve hot and sprinkle quick melt cheese on top.

Gift Cards and Paypal Cash Giveaway!

Join and win in So Chic Bag Boutique's giveaway. Prizes at stake are 2 gift cards worth $50 GC to So chic Bag Boutique, $20 GC to Tempt the Senses plus $20 paypal cash.

Littomokaa's Holiday and Anniversary Giveaway

Littomokaa is having her first blog anniversary giveaway. In line with the holiday season, very soon she will be celebrating her birthday too. Let me greet you a Happy, Happy Birthday!

One lucky winner will receive this giveaway.

Prize

Staying Organized

• Started to clean and compile all the bills of year 2010 and put everything in a storage box
• Claimed my Hedgren Journal and Platypus water wear yesterday
• Received a Sodexho GC worth Php 500 for the second time
• Wrapped some of the Christmas gifts and placed them under the Christmas Tree
• Made a  checklist of things that I need to buy and to-do list

Places, Food and Prize

Places, Food and Prize, all these in just one day. Today was a happy, busy day, filled with adventure. Exploring every places that I've never been to and the food that I've never tried before. I am blessed beyond measure and I thank God for everything. I guess I'm just a simple woman loving and appreciating every little thing that comes my way. But even if I'm a little bit busy here and there I never forget about the free stuffs! Good thing I was able to claim my Platypus Australia prize today. I am simply happy that I received a nice pair of light blue rash top and boyleg shorts for my son. This pair is perfect for him. He can use these 2 for his swimming lessons every saturday. Good to know that Platypus Australia's Sun Sea and Safe water wear will be my son's protection buddy from the harmful effects of the sun's UV radiation. I read that the Ultraviolet Protection Factor of the fabric in this garment is rated UPF 50+ which means that greater than 97.5% of ultraviolet radiation is blocked. Skin covered with this fabric will have at least 50x more protection against ultraviolet radiation than unprotected skin. That's great all I need to do now is apply sunscreen to the exposed areas of his skin.

Witoxicity's Rituals Cosmetics Giveaway

I'm curious and I want to try this Dutch brand makeup from Rituals Cosmetics. Witoxicity is giving away Duo Eye Shadow, Ruby Lips Lipstick, Super Shine Lipgloss and Eve's Kiss Silkening Lip Treatment.

This giveaway is open world wide and ends on January 6, 2011.

The Flower Collection's Must-Haves this Holiday Season

I'll definitely go for the Flower Collection's halter top with cowl neckline and long garterized pants. The cut and the design of the top is figure flattering it could hide those flabs away. I believe it was designed in such a way as to fit any body type perfectly. The garterized pants looks comfy and stylish, I also like that the pants is slightly flared at the bottom as it would make me look a bit taller and my body will also look proportioned. And of course It would not emphasize my big hips. These two will be my statement-making pieces for the holiday.

Halter Top with Cowl Neckline



Long Garterized Pants

I want a stylish combination from The Flower Collection this Holiday!

Ashlyn Wrap-around Top

3 Tana Plain Long Pants

I look healthy, glowing and well-rested in shades of pink, red and purple. I choose Ashlyn Wrap-Around top and 3 Tana plain long pants because these pieces looks really flattering on any body type and I know the color red works well with my skintone. This combination exudes simplicity yet still looks very chic. I also like that these clothes are very breathable, easy to wear yet versatile and modern. I love how it will emphasize my sexy curves.




.

My Fashion Statement

What others see from your style

Although to the untrained eye you may seem like a plain dresser who avoids trends, you actually wear carefully designed accessories and clothes that emphasize your uniqueness. You value your freedom and have an artistic mind. You are neither aggressive nor timid, but you believe in yourself.

On my Mind and In my Heart

•  There is no greater success than raising my child well
•  I like the fact that I get to meet a lot of interesting people from all walks of life
•  I believe that Patience and Flexibility are important in a service oriented business
•  Dealing with different personalities makes work challenging
•  If I succeed in business and other areas of my life but fail as a mother then nothing much that I achieve matters

Victoria' Secret Giveaway

This is La Bella Vita's new year giveaway. One winner will win this Victoria's Secret Love Spell Silkening body splash.

This giveaway is open to Philippines residents only. You can join until January 10, 2011.

Win Louis Vuitton and Gucci Bags

I love bags as much as I love dressing up. A bag can turn an outfit into something unexpectedly chic and sophisticated. I like the different kinds of style, shape, rich colors and design. How about you do you like bags? How about signature bags? If you want to have one that perfectly match your style and personality then  be one of the 5 lucky owners of  Louis Vuitton and Gucci Bags. Register here.

Random Thoughts

-we both received and declined a scheduled interview on the same day with the same company
-claimed another free phone at Abenson Cainta
-tried Laksa Soup but didn't like it
-done with our weekly grocery at SM Supermarket
-forgot to claim my Hedgren journal at SM Megamall...maybe this week I'll drop by and claim it together with the Snapper Rock items
-excited with my new look, curls why not
 -looking forward on EJ's soccer career
-EJ's new idols are the "Supa Strikahs"
-happy to know that I inspire you everyday
-glad to know that I get you motivated to do your best
-everything is going to be okay..I know
-I am happy, thanks to you and our little bundle of joy
-don't you know that you inspire me too
-we both work hard for what we have and we deserve it
-it's not just luck, hardwork and perseverance made us achieved these blessings
-I'll always be here no matter how big or small that problem might be
-I'm happy, you're happy, we love each other and that's all that matters
-thank God for my answered prayer

Shopping Time with my Kid

I had a date with my not so little one last night while his dad attended a christmas party. We went malling for hours, bought clothes and shoes that he likes. I was glad that I was able to buy all his stuffs with my 5k budget for him. I was given a Php 200 discount coupon for purchasing worth 2k of clothes at the boys section. I must say that my son is a big spender and not a savvy shopper like me, lolz! He is definitely like his dad who never looks at the amount or brand, as long as he wants it he'll buy it. But I did like his choices especially the shoes. He also liked the Skechers chopper rubber shoes worth Php 3,000  but I told him we'll go over our budget if we buy another shoes, and we might not be able to buy a toy. I explained to him and good thing he understand. When were done shopping we had dinner at his favorite restaurant and waited for our driver (his dad) hahaha! just kidding!

As soon as we got home. He called his grandmother over the phone. He told him about Chopper! and I thought he already forgot that shoes. He told his grandma and aunt Ria that he wants that shoes and its only Php 3,000. I laughed when Ria told me how EJ explained to her the details of the shoes. At first she was puzzled  as to what kind of brand is Chopper, she thought it was a Nike.

I am simply amazed how EJ made a way to get chopper in just minutes. The little boy gets what he wants over a phone call with a little charm.

Amanda's Samsung HDTV Giveaway

Part of Amanda' s 2010 Holiday Giveaway  is this Samsung 22in LCD HDTV. I'm joining and I hope to win this amazing holiday giveaway from her.

Two days ago my mom-in-law and I were talking about HDTV and she said she'll send us one. I think HDTVs are on sale there and prices are way cheaper compared when we buy here. I'll be glad to have both. I love free stuffs. One will be placed in our bedroom and the other hopefully for my son.

Sassy Chef's Giveaway

Win these star ingredients and enjoy! I'm participating in Sassy Chef''s New Year Giveaway. Prizes are not yummy food or desserts but these are definitely sweet giveaways. A maroon velvet glam pouch, La Senza Super Rich Body Butter in Sweet Embrace (White Orchid, Vanilla, and Italian Mandarin), and Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Orange Sapphire Shower Gel, Gold, chrome, and bronze bangles, plus two consolation prizes of $5 each thru Paypal.

Christmas Giveaways

Christmas is in the air and yes lots of giveaways are coming in. Pink Go Green has an ongoing contest for her followers and these are the prizes you can win.




1st Prize:

$ 15 or Php 600 via paypal
1000 EC credits (Pink Go Green)
3 month space 125 x 125

2nd Prize
$ 10 or Php 400 via paypal
500 EC Credits (Mapeh Homepage)
1 month space 125 x 125

3rd Prize
$ 5 or Php 200 via paypal
300 EC credits (Hymns and Prayers)
1 month space 125 x 125

8 Consolation Prizes
$ 2 or Php 100 (e-load)

I'm joining and hope to win the first prize. This contest ends on December 15.

Deathbyflatporm's Christmas Giveaway

There are lots of online contests and giveaways going on and I'm loving each one of them. This time I'm joining Deathbyflatporm's Christmas Give-away hoping to win a lovely pair of Gold Dot shoes and Hauterfly eyelet shorts.

Holiday Goodie Giveaway

Another giveaway that I want to have are these Vosges Haute Chocolat Bars from Trip or Treats. For me chocolates are the most glorious food. I hope to win this set because I love chocolate!

My Fave Freeway Valera Collection Piece



photo: Freeway Online


It's always refreshing to see a classic dress turned into something different and modern like this Dress with bejewelled neckline and sleeves from Ramon Valera Collection. This piece enchances the quality of women's lives today, a look that a woman can wear from day to evening.

I hope to win this item from Freeway Online's facebook contest.

SIGH

My friend had this idea of sending someone a message on the most important day of this person's life. At first I didn't like the idea, I mean why bother but my friend insisted and said that she would treat me for lunch If I win, so I agreed and we had a bet. If the person replied to the message she sent she wins but if the person ignore the message and did not reply to her message I win. I did win but I think I made a big mistake, I'm sure that person thinks now that V****** sent that message. I shouldn't have let my friend do it, and I shouldn't have let myself be part of her stupid idea. I should have known what would be the outcome. It was so unfair on V's part, he had no idea. I am sorry for letting my friend manipulate me and intrude with our life. Now, I don't know if I could still call her friend.

Most Memorable Vacation

The best vacation that I've had so far was in Bohol, Philippines. I get to visit, see and experience some of the most beautiful sceneries and historical places like the very famous Chocolate Hills, Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Python in Albur, Hanging Bridge, Loboc River Cruise, Bilar Man-Made Forest, of course the Tarsiers and last but not the least the beautiful Panglao Island beach.   

Bare Escentual's Bare Minerals

I've always wanted to try Bare Minerals makeup when my sister-in-law introduced me to this product. According to her this product don't expire so it's safer to use for a long period of time than any other cosmetics.  I've been wanting to try Bare Minerals Matte SPF15 Foundation and my favorite Mineral Veil that gives a flawless finish for any kind of skin complexion. These two are in "My Wishlist" this christmas. Good thing I was able to find this product in House of Flair's new arrivals album.

photo: House of Flair

Women from the Past

I don't want to go back with the details because I've forgotten most of it and it happened years ago, but I still remember the last conversation that I had with her. The boiling point, that was when I read a message meant for my better half and then the last straw was when her friend get into the situation. After those incidents I started receiving hateful text messages and I was left puzzled as to which of the two were sending me those messages. Up to now I still don't who's behind it but I decided to let go of everything and forget about them. I don't know these women and I never met them so why bother.What's important is my relationship with my husband and that's all that matters to me.

I Just Love Prizes and Surprises!

[Friday]

I received my prize from Phoebe Anne. Pictured above was the giveaway that I've won from her Sweet November Giveaway.

Surprise...surprise! New job means new friends and opportunies...wow! I'm really excited. Thanks my dear husband for being my PA and driver for the whole day hahaha! I love you.

[Saturday]

I claimed my prize in Trinoma mall. I won a pair of Cushe footwear from Cushe Philippines' LIKE, POST and WIN promo on facebook. I received a Vinyl Frontier in Brown Canvass. I have to say that it's one of the best prizes that I've won for the past contests that I joined in and I love it! The shoes was worth Php 3,390.00. I really, really like the style and design of my first Cushe footwear. Thanks to Cushe Phillipines and of course to Ms. Sarah Lyn.

My husband also claimed his freebies from Mrs. Fields ( a dozen of cookie nibblers) and Seattle's Best Coffee (Java Chips). After that we had our dinner at T.G.I.Friday's, we had Jack Daniel's steak, Sizzling Chicken and Shrimp, Kiddie meal for our little one plus my favorite cranberry juice.  He was supposed to buy a new cellphone from Nokia because their offering 70%  off  on that day and it's been more than a week that he was not able to use his cellphone because we brought it back to samsung service center to be repaired. I don't know what happened to the quality of these samsung phones. I've  had a brand new samsung phone last July and I was able to use it only for two weeks. It was a bit hard having no source of communication but the landline in his office. We forgot to visit the Nokia store we only remembered about it when we're on our way home.

I missed to watch the Gay Pageant in our village, but we were able to workout and burn calories in Marikina Sports Park.

Anyway, I remembered the birthday of this person who I considered before as my worst enemy. I told my husband to greet this person but he didn't like the idea, saying there's no reason for him to greet that person. I told him that I was happy I get to know that person because I learned lessons that I would never forget, lessons that made me unbreakable.

Anyway, another prize will come and I'm really excited about it!

My first week of December was full of fun-filled surprises and most of them were unexpected. Good things come my way and I'm loving it. Thank God for all these blessings.

*note: I'll share some of the photos once I uploaded it all to my pc... I greeted that person just don't know if that person received it, anyway it don't matter anymore...I know we're both happy and that's the good thing!
  

Win J&J Gift Pack!

Here I am sharing my first post for the month of December. Today, I was surprised by Listerine Philippines! yes they drop by our home and given me the prize that I've won from their facebook promo. I received a J&J gift pack for sharing a mouthacular video, luckily they picked what I submitted and was chosen as the Mouthacular Video of the Week. You too, can win a gift pack! their promo is still ongoing. You might be the next winner so join now!