Motherhood Teaches You To Be Creative

Early this week, I was asked by my son's teacher to prepare a box which he can wear and be covered with art paper. As explained, this is going to be for their monthly interaction activity. Every end of the month, the school organizes activities for the kids. They play, have fun and learn all at the same time. Its like giving the kids a break from the usual school work.

This month's theme was Robots' Antics & Frolics.

As I was buying the materials for the box, since its a robot theme, I decided to cover it as Bumble Bee (which is yellow and black). Then we were instructed to use recycable materials for the face of the robot.

I gathered perfume boxes, caps from drinking bottles, playdough caps. From the beginning my son started attending school, this mind of mine has been working pretty hard, creating projects for school. I like it everytime the school instructs us to use old materials. They give big value, not only for the parents' efforts, but also on the financial aspect. The children learn more than the lesson itself. But their exposed to the whole concept behind every activity. And not to forget, the mom learns to be more creative and resourceful too.

I Have A New Fish!

Last Saturday we went to Cartimar Pet Valley to canvass for a pet dog. We were choosing between a chow-chow, a labrador or a shih tzu. My sister and I have been thinking of getting into the dog business. Anyway, Cartimar is also known for fish lovers. As we were looking for dogs, I was also entering fish shops, and found Aj! This fish is the new member of the Cichlid family I have.

The only thing this fish lacks are long eye-lashes :D

Remember the movie Shark's Tale? Angelina Jolie voiced over this sexy fish who also has puffy lips. This Blue Dolphin reminded me of her in that movie. Also, Mrs. Angelina Jolie-Pitt is my favorite actress. I have been meaning to grow this fish for a very long time. And I was able to purchase it for a cheap price. Blue Dolphins reminds me of grace and femininity.

This fish earned its common name because it is blue and the shape of its head closely resembles the shape of a dolphin’s head. Other common names include Malawi Blue Dolphin, Dolphin Cichlid, Blue Moorii, and Hap Moorii. This relatively peaceful cichlid is gorgeous to look at due to its bright, shiny blue coloring. -source-

Tag and Tutorial---Reflexology

This tag is very timely. Thanks Mommy Jac of Mom’s Special Diary! I am now occupied with this book called Secrets of Reflexology. In connection with my recent post Stress Relief , this book serves as my guide on giving the perfect stress buster for my husband.

1. Collect the book that you have most handy

2. Turn to page 161

3. Find the 5th complete sentence

4. Cite the sentence on your blog

5. Pass it on to 5 other bloggers

The 5th sentence states: "In the winter, many people experience a form of depression caused by a lack of light".

I haven't experienced winter yet. We get same results with a gloomy, cloudy, rainy day. To continue---Therepies such as reflexology aid to the relaxation and improve well-being of a person.

I want to tag:

Shy of Simple Happy Life
Chris of The Mommy Journey
Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary
Recel of Rare Ordinary Thoughts
Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts
Willa of A Life That Is Less Ordinary
Kikamz of Just About Anything

Stress Relief

Let me start my week with some affirmations. Since my husband and I got married, we never really had the chance to go on a vacation. If we plan, something more important always go in- between. It has been a goal every year to seek time to take a break.

I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
I CAN CREATE INNER PEACE

Last night I was just talking to my husband about stress. And the result of stress are showing lines and a dull glow on his face. I understand his concern. He is the only one working for the family. Since he started working, he literally never went on leave. We all have our limits. I think he reached his first. As we went with our conversation, we thought of other alternatives to make things a bit easy. Let's be realistic. Work pays high but it eats up a lot of your time. When it doesn't require so much of your service, it pay less.

Its only either of the 2...or you start a business for you to call the shots. So, we ended talking on going for a short break from our everyday tasks... we don't have to spend just to be able to say, "hey, we went on a vacation". Straying away from the usual is already big. Work off your mind, means good relaxation. Then the body reflects the good thoughts, it rejuvinates.
Over the weekend, we arranged a spa-like area in our home. We bought meditation music, scented candles and oils. We went on Youtube to watch some techniques on massaging. Its even better than the real spa, because we can go over more than an hour. :D

Try it! -photo-

I will do anything to make things easy for my husband. As a SAHM, a spa treatment is all I could ever give to make his system feel relaxed.

There are benefits behind this stressful story. My husband still wanted me to stay at home. We want to invest on a good business soon. We haven't thought of what kind, but definitely, we will be considering. Personally, I would prefer handling a business, than working. Our conversation helped tone down stress a bit for my husband.

Through stress/ challenges, we thought of new solutions, a new light--- putting up a business. we're able to have a healthy conversation, we seeked to understand each other and comfort each other.

I CAN SEE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AS CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES BRING OPPORTUNITIES

I Need Protection For My Cam

If there 's something on my wishlist for 2009, these are going to be it. A goal, that I'm hoping--- to reach before the end of this year...Hay...

One of the hassles carrying a big camera is bringing a big bag. If not, an extra bag just for it. Really, I didn't mind at first. Evetually, it became hard for my shoulders. I am talking about the smallest DSLR Canon had ever released. I can't imagine the more complex models (which are larger) and consider a tripod present. Apart from this dilemma, I also can't just leave my camera at home. This gadget has already found its spot on every outing we made. And to keep it light, I sorted out my personal bag, removed all unnecessary things in order to make room for my camera. The scenario--- I ended up carrying my camera around my shoulder and a small bag which I share with my son. I have an exposed camera with me... It could just bump into anything unnoticed, breaking the lense.

On Ebay $14

On our last visit at the Mall Of Asia, I saw a man carrying his DSLR covered with this camera protector (above). The material is "kinda" made out of foam, a very sturdy foam. It covered his camera and he carried his gadget swinging around his shoulders like he is not carrying anything at all. I thought, this could be the answer to my small situation.

A camera bag is essential when you're going to travel, change lenses or if it will take you the whole day out taking pictures. As for me, a basic, fully- charged cam and this protector will do.

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In a few months, my family and I are off to the beach again. This is an underwater protector for any Canon DSLR from Rebel XTi, XS, XSi, 500D. I am an underwater enthusiast. Last time we went to the beach, I went home frustrated. The underwater cam I brought had an expired date on it.

With this, it will give you all the fun taking pictures while on the beach and in the water. It will provide clear pictures without the thought that your cam might get destroyed.

On Ebay $120

Also perfect for capturing the lovely site of life from the world under...

Mommy Moments---First Steps

One thing that I don't have is a picture of my son's first step. Even on hard copy, I don't have it. For the Moms-to-be, make sure that you carry that camera with you all the time, so you will not miss a single bit of your little ones milestone.

Today, I will be featuring a video. It is one of my favorites. This video is just one of the many that we were able to take as part of his growth and development.

Join us Moms at: Mommy Moments

Solar Eclipse July 22, 2009

Was the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, lasting as much as 6 minutes and 39 seconds in some places. Actually, when I took a peek at our window at 8:30 am, it was on going already. I was on and off looking until 8:45 am. It was still partially covered.

-photo source-

The first phase of the partial solar eclipse is seen at an observatory in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, Philippines on Wednesday July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century pitched a swatch of Asia from India to china into near darkness as millions gathered to watch the phenomenon.

(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

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I had to blog this rare event because it was my first time to witness a Solar Eclipse. Not totally, but I'm all good. The last Total Solar Eclipse happened in 1991, I was in gradeschool then. It was only seen across the Pacific. This time, I had to experience it. I waited and observed early this morning, around 8:30am. Just right after dropping off my son from school. I hurried home and made an improvised eye protector. Protect kung protect.

With the partial eclipse, it turned a bit cloudy and cooler. The wind started to blow a bit too. Saw gray clouds surrounding the partially covered sun.
The next event from this series will be on August 2, 2027.

Awards For The Week

Spread the Love Award from this 4 lovely ladies---Chris of The Mommy Journey, KittyKat of Amazingly Me, Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts,and Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary.

The Best Blog Award from Musings Of A Vicks Inhaling Man and Joy of From This Side .

All 3 From Mommy Jac of Mom’s Special Diary

The Uplifting Blogger Award

The Adorable Blog Award

Elite Blog Artist Award

I will be passing The Elite Artist Award to these creative bloggers :

Make or Break - for being so thoughtful on uniting bloggers.
The Mommy Journey - thank you for giving us Mommy Moments.

Let me take this opportunity to share my thoughts about Niko's blog. Originally Niko's blog was on my Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers. I found out that her blog was already more than a year old. I had to remove her blog from the list :(

Niko’s Blog- This blogger possesses a very strong determination in life. Her writings about her daughter Yena brought out her brave side as a Mother. The loveliest and the most adorable stories about family is going to be found in her site.

All About Elizabeth - Beth's site was also included on my Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers... Its a good thing that she was able to read my story about her. A Mother carrying the true meaning of what a "supermom" is.

Smart Mommy - Creativity is indeed possessed by Willa. Visit all of her sites.
Azumi Kawaii Princess’ Story- For the wonderful stories of being a first time mom. Thank you for refreshing our minds on our own sweet experiences.
My Little Angels - Artscow! I found out about Artscow through this blogger.
Inspirational Insights - Thanks again Chris for giving us a chance to share the things that inspires us.

La Mesa Ecopark

Private Transport: From QC Circle, take Commonwealth Avenue---Pass Sandiganbayan---Fairview Public Market---bear right look for Winston Street---Dunhill Street---La Mesa Ecopark

Public Transport: Fairview bus or jeepney that goes all the way to Litex. Go down at East Fairview Subdivision gate. Ride the tricycle to the ecopark.

The Park Map

Welcome to the La Mesa Ecopark!

Boat Deck

Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream...

Park rates and Amenities

Main park...perfect to play some games and to go on a picnic

Butterfly Trail and Hatchery

La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City is the primary source of drinking water of about 12 million Metro Manila residents. To sustain the Save La Mesa Watershed Project, Bantay Kalikasan, in partnership with the MWSS and the Q.C. Government, rehabilitated and renovated a 33 hectare public park located right outside the natural boundaries of the watershed and 40 meters below the reservoir. La Mesa Ecopark envisions a better environment for our children. Our mission is to spread environmental awareness through education and advocacy. La Mesa Ecopark is a venue providing for healthful outdoor recreation and a true forest experience. It is a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education and aims to be a center for biodiversity conservation. In 2006, over 280 different schools from all over the country, some coming from as far as Laoag, Bohol and Cebu, trooped to La Mesa Ecopark for their educational school field trips. Today, the park continues to be a popular destination for family outings and picnics; a more healthful alternative to shopping malls.-source-

We will be going back this weekend to go on a picnic, fishing and swimming :D

I Adore Nikon

Hehehe! yes, I do like Nikon's camera strap.

Moi with a Nikon D60

There's nothing really to it... I kinda relate Nikon on the professional side. When I think of Nikon, the thought that it goes hand- in -hand with profs pops-up. I see "photographers" carrying Nikon all the time.

But beyond that, if I adore Nikon... I surely LOVE my CANON!

-edited-

Mommy Moments---Playing Time!

Kite Flying at the Tagaytay Picnic Grove. This was December last year. The weather was perfect. It was windy and cold. As I was looking for some pictures for this week's Mommy Moments, I came across this folder of our last visit in Tagaytay for 2008.

Kite flying is one of the things/toys that fascinates my son (taking from his reactions). He loves seeing a kite up in the sky.

One afternoon his grandparents decided to make him experience the whole Kite Flying thing.

With his lolo, also our chef for the day :D
Finally it was up in the air.
And I didn't know that my mom (his lola) is an expert on Kite Flying. Even better than his Lolo.
Join us at: Mommy Moments

The Fishy Me

Another interest that I will now officially introduce to you guys. I'ved been in this hobby for 5 years. My brother-in-law taught me the secrets behind this fishy thing. Having an aquarium at home is very therapeutic.

"We are hypnotized by their peaceful and serene nature, creating a calming effect for a few moments in our hectic lives"-source-

For the past few weeks, I kinda changed my approach on blogging. Less drops and blog hops, limited posts... I decided to bring back the other things that used to brighten me up.

Just over the weekend I was able to accomplish 2! A set of Portraits and a newly overhauled 100 gallon aquarium.

Last sunday, my dad was very happy to give me a Flowerhorn. Yes, another hobby that we both love :D He has been growing flowerhorns for years now. There's this saying that Flowerhorns are also considered to be as lucky fishes. Those symbols on their body has meaning. And it will even bring more luck if you share it. Like, giving out the baby fishes, or just giving a fish to a friend. If not, they will absorb the bad luck that was meant for you.

*All these are based on stories from friends and some books. So far, the family's been doing ok. I mean, Alright!

This fish is only 5-6 inches long. The challenge to give it a big head and to make it red is still there, yahoo! I used to own Flowerhorns and other fresh water fishes. But within the past 2 years, we have been trasferring from one apartment to another. That activity became stressful for the fishes. Anyway, with some of the old fishes (a catfish, a parrot-heart and a frontosa), a new one joined in. During my free time, I seat in front of the aquarium. I can stare at it the whole day. My son was also happy seeing our aquarium up and running again. He grew up with these fishes around. As a matter of fact, one of the first words he uttered was "fish".

SoQuI

On Monochrome

Last Saturday I was out with my cousin. We went out for a movie and dinner. Later, I invited her to my place to hang-out and asked her if she could model for me. Its been a long since I took pictures.
I posted her album on my multiply. One thing I didn't share over there is the photoshoot set up we had.

The whole time we were on the floor! Soqui seated on the black backdrop. Table lamp as our lighting source, basic cam kit and on MF. I love taking dramatic shots... I find it artistic. The model gets to emote and at the same time it will not require make-up. The facial expression gives life to the photo.

It was a great pleasure SoQuI! There's a lot of lessons to learn in Photography... And my heart is calling out for photo workshops and group photo sessions. A friend just invited me to join her group every Saturday. I got very excited of course. But with my son going to school and without a helper around, it would be difficult to squeeze it in my schedule. Anyway, there's some good news set to come for this hobby soon.

You Are Inspirational--- First Blog On My Bloglist

I have 2 sets of Blogrolls. A list of the Blogger Moms, and a set of random sites I enjoy going to and would highly recommend for you guys to visit. I just filtered my bloglist after getting my new template. This entry is going to be based on the new bloglist.Both blogroll are randomly arranged.

For the Xtraordinarymoms, Mommy Jac's Mom’s Special Diary is first on my list. First time I visited Mommy Jac's site, I felt warmness.

I haven't met her, haven't heard from her yet that time. But it gave a good feeling that this Mom Blogger is a friend for everyone. And knowing her through her sweet messages and stories, she is indeed a great person.

The Awesome Sites first feature on the list is the Weekend Snapshot.

My very first meme since I joined Blogger. Weekends are always spent freely. We choose to do whatever we want. And I found the idea of posting a weekend snapshot a perfect way of sharing an experience at the same time photos for shutter- bugs.

I met most of my online friends through Weekend Snapshot. The Weekend Snapshot is now being taken cared of at Slack-Jawed. Please still join this Weekend Meme!

I will be back as soon as I settle my tasks.

Do join Us at: You Are Inspirational

Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers for 2009

This writing project will not be possible without the support of the following sponsors:

Absolute Traders, My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, http://www.eventsatwork.com/, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, Budget hotel in Makati, and Blog4Reviews.com.

Here is my list of the Top 10 Emerging Influential Bloggers for 2009. I divided my list into categories based on how these bloggers inspired me.

Family, Life, As a Blogger, Being a Foodie and My Love for taking Pictures.

1. The Mommy Journey - is a site where I grabbed some strength to be able to establish Sweet Nothings. Chris' site showed the meaning of being selfless. She is one of first Mother Bloggers I met early in my Blogger (pertaining to blogspot) career. Her thoughts about family and life continues to inspire me each day.

2. Smart Mommy- Fickleminded. I see Willa as a Mother gifted with special abilities. From digital photography, digi- scrapping, various food adventures and her love for her family. I followed this site from the very beginning I joined the community, and I was impressed on how colorful this Mother's life is.

3. Mom's Special Diary- First time I visited Mommy Jac's site, I felt warmness.I haven't met her, haven't heard from her yet that time. But it gave a good feeling that this Mom Blogger is a friend for everyone. And knowing her through her sweet messages and stories, she is indeed a great person.

4. My Little Angels- Is Reality itself. Jes is a very honest Mother/ person. Her stories signifies great truth of what life is all about. And it answers that, it is having a happy family.

5. Just About Anything- It is really Just About Anything! The free-flow of Life and Family. The Author and her family travelled most of the time. The stories from her travel experiences opened my mind to a different meaning of what an extraordinary life is all about..

6. Yummy As Can Be- My influence to post recipes and some thoughts on food. Liza owns several sites that featured recipes of different kinds. Cooking tips I've never known before. I was thinking of posting her other sites, but then, she already created a Cooking and Dining site. We actually created our food blogs both at the same time. And congratulated each other for this new blogging milestone.

7. A Great Pleasure - If I'm going to choose a site that says it all, it is going to be Jean's. It is one of the sweetest sites I discovered in this blogging journey of mine. I quote from a recent post: " The comments that her readers leave, signified a relationship not only between bloggers but as friends. "

8. Make or Break- Talk about having good and smart sense of humor. This site has all the positive a person could ever imagine. I like Mommy Peh for introducing the real side of being a person and a friend. This site contains equality and various posts that society needs to know. From events, stories on life, laughter, inspiration and interests.

9. Sassy Mom’s Corner - Short, but I have a very important reason why... I truly admire her photos! I'm even too shy to ask what camera she's using...

10. Musings Of A Vicks Inhaling Man- A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words. Every photo in this site has a story to tell.

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Theres so much Blog Sites I wish to include... Every site in my blogroll has great influence in my blogging life. I even share with my husband how I love all of these sites. May I also take this chance to share that for every site that captures my heart, that site goes directly to my list. Regardless whether we exchange links or not. Any site that will make me smile. Thanks to those who embraced Sweet Nothings by linking it up.

Pink Roses

What do you get when you're very much in love? Flowers!

Guys this thought is for you... it doesn't require to have an occasion to be extra sweet :D

My husband was one of the sweetest thing that ever happened to me. From the first time we met, I knew that he is such a sweet person. My journey with him has become a nesting place with a lot of sweet nothingness. It's one of my inspirations why my site is called Sweet Nothings.

Pink Roses, originally uploaded by MomChie.

And I love it eveytime he surprise me with simple gestures. Like last night, when he got home, he asked our son to give me these 3 pink roses. He knows how I adore flowers.

The flowers are now the centerpiece of our dining table. When I woke up this morning, there was this "fresh" feeling seeing the flowers. It started our day pretty good.

We all know how condo life is a bit dragging. No garden to plant flowers with, or even a playground for my kid.

These 3 pieces of roses is like a dozen for me. It brought nature back to my home. And having fresh flowers, helps bring good vibes to our little shack.

Have wonderful weekend!

My Photobook Is Here!

I received my parcel exactly a month ago. I actually thought that it will be delivered in my door steps since its UPS and shipping was kinda expensive. So I asked my Dad to get it for me since he is the person with the most flexible schedule. So flexible that he alsmost forgot about it too.

Its a good thing that Jes, mentioned that the parcel is only good for 1 month. I immediately called and reminded my Dad to get it. And so, he delivered it to me yesterday. We all loved it!

It met my expectations. Hardbound, the paper used was nice, the pictures are all clear. It's exactly the same with the soft copy from Artscow.

I am on my third photobook today. Officially my second. It will contain portraits I took from the time I bought my DSLR. The second photobook will be entitled FACES!

The photobook in- between is for my in- laws in the US. I plan to make a book filled with my late father-in-law's memories.

This is the back cover of the photobook.

It feels like I'm actually reading a book with pictures, and the captions as the story. Just like a fairytale book.

Tearful On MJ's Memorial

One of the presentations that captured my heart was Mariah Carey's song number of I'll Be There. She was joined by Trey Lorenz, who recorded with her a duet of the song, which became Mariah’s first worldwide number one.

I wasn't a big fan of Michael Jackson. I heard about him in the 80's, but I was just a little girl back then. The 90's era that consist of my generation, was also Michael Jackson's peak. I am very grateful that I was still given the chance to know him even more. I love his music.

Many have asked, why now? why wait for the person to die in order for you to listen to his music again? I listen to his music every now and then.

New ones come, the old ones go.

I am listening to his music right now because I want to remember him, I want to revive the excitement listening to his legendary music.

Last night I watched Michael Jackson's Memorial live on television. It was the most intimate memorial I have ever seen. It was heart-warming and it brought tears to my eyes.

Everybody who loves Michael were there. Including the 17,000 fans who were randomly picked. From the bottom of my heart, I thank his family for sharing his memorial to the whole world. Even if I was viewing it miles away from Staples Center, I could feel the sadness of losing a loved one and prideful for the dignified person who passed away.

You Are Inspirational---Truly A Great Pleasure!

First Blog I Really Admired... Jean's

Author of 2 more blogs.
Time Goes By
Glossalicious

A Great Pleasure was one of the sites I often visited. I only have my Multiply back then. She was very warm. Crossing from Multiply to Blogger wasn't easy. Some bloggers snubbed me. I found it very rude. Blogging will always be blogging regardless of what domain you're using.

In order to break the sad feeling from that unpleasant experience, I created my own Blogspot and worked my way to connect with other bloggers. This time, I searched for people with humility. One of them was Jean.. She welcomed me to the Blogger world with open-arms.

A Great Pleasure is a site composed of her stories featuring her artistic side, inspirational thoughts on life and especially her love for food. Through her site, I met friends (like Janice of This Is A Miracle) and I got introduced to various tags and memes such as the Weekend Snapshot. Not only that, she made me feel even more special when she created a Multiply account just to be able to comment on my blogs.

Isn't she the sweetest! Jean is a very thoughtful person. I haven't met her yet, but I know she's that very same being, or even better when I see her. Jean's site reminded me of friendship. The comments that her readers leave, signified a relationship not only between bloggers but as friends. By the way, Jean does Blog Makeovers too!

Lastly, I am thanking Chris for opening this opportunity to give thanks to the blogs that inspired us from the very beginning.

Share with us your source of blogging inspiration at: You Are Inspirational