To Rest in this Room

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When we have the resources in the future, I would like to redesign our bathroom and the bathroom vanities, here at our place and at my parents' home. For me, it is uplifting to go to the restroom and utilize a nice, clean and streamlined vanity. It would be like going to the toilet and bath of a five star hotel. It would add more meaning to the word 'rest' in the restroom.

It would be done in the contemporary style so it will be simple yet elegant. There would be a small magazine or book rack for when "one is sitting on the throne". It is my dream for our toilet and bath to have a double sink bathroom vanity. This is so that my hubby and I need not wait for our turns while putting on contact lenses or brushing our teeth. I would  also be able to brush my teeth alongside my growing toddler, which I like. There could be two separate mirrors above each sink and a medicine cabinet or an open shelf in the middle. Or one big mirror could also do, as it would make the bathroom look bigger. A shower enclosure would be nice, so the water would not splash the vanity and watercloset area. It is also my dream to have a bath tub! Would that be wishing for too much? My hubby would say 'yes'! 

It would be a great experience to design a nice toilet and bath and see it everyday, wouldn't it? I hope we could afford it in the not-so-distant future...




 
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Somniloquy runs in the family?

Did you know that there's a blog chronicling what a man says in his sleep? Check out the Sleep Talkin' man here. 

And there's another one, Nate at Night, claiming to be the original.

I know that I talk in my sleep. I am not sure if it's normal. But, my hubby sometimes does, and also my daughter, too. According to Wikipedia, it is very common for children to talk in their sleep. I am just concerned that she sometimes cries and is inconsolable when she's awakened by this or by shouting, when she dreamed of something unpleasant. Why, she even throw tantrums in her sleep!

There are times I would like to also record what I say during the night, but it may be very embarrassing. Don't you think?

The Dream Dollhouse For Me

 

  

Last Christmas, my daughter Elle received a dollhouse set from a couple, who are close friends of mine and my hubby's. Elle gets it out to play with almost everyday. The details of the dollhouse are fine unlike some other ones with less quality. The flooring of the different areas are not just flat. There is parquet for the bedrooms and den, tiled toilet & bath and kitchen, wooden boards for the attic and dining area. Pieces of furniture can be rearranged. There is a 4-seater dining set, two beds, a love seat, a lamp, a TV console, a TV, a bath tub and a watercloset with a cover that can be opened. The refrigerator in the kitchen can also be opened. The sink is recessed, the range and some items on the counter top are molded. The bedrooms have French doors leading to balconies. The dolls consists of a family of four and a family dog with its own doghouse attached to the facade of the house. The middle portion floors and columns of the house can be folded up so the two sides can be swung in to conceal the rooms and just show the outside of the dollhouse. What I don't like about it are the lack of imaginative colors on the outer and inner walls of the dollhouse and the detachable ladders that lack stability when put up. But, overall, this is a great dollhouse set children would enjoy.

If I were to design my own dream dollhouse, I'd have themed designs for every room. The kitchen could have a country feel with flowered curtains for the window, the same flowered design could be on the cushions for the wooden chairs with a matching table in the nook. The cupboards would have varnished doors in light oak. The walls would have be painted in sunshine yellow. There would be little baskets to hold some miniature produce. The living area would sport a contemporary look with an L-shaped sofa upholstered in soft beige leather. The walls would be of floor to ceiling faux glass. Other furniture would consist of a coffee table, a bar with bar stools made with materials that would look like glass and chrome. The den would have an accent rug in psychedelic design. Its theme would be a colorful retro style. Bright hues of red, blue, purple and orange shall splash the space. I'd like a Zen, spa-like theme for the master bedroom. With a simple yet relaxing surrounding, and colors of nature in its palette. If there would be a nursery in the dollhouse, the furniture would be painted in pastel colors and the wallpaper would look like this:

 

 I found this wallpaper design in the site of an online dollhouse components retailer, who can provide dollhouse-making enthusiasts with doll house kits. If I can't design my real house the way I truly like it to be, then I could probably do it with a dollhouse, right?

Want a slice of this?

One Sunday afternoon, I was craving for a slice of cheesecake, along with several other cravings, of course. Then my mom called and requested me to come over. Guess what snack awaited me? Yes! Blueberry cheesecake! Yummy! She even made another whole one, but smaller, for me to take home. Thank you, Ma! You are so thoughtful!

Is skill in baking hereditary? If it is, I'm sorry to say it wasn't passed on to me. ;-P

Anyway, my mom bakes cheesecakes and other goodies like cakes, brownies, butterscotch bars, food for the gods, and many more. Let me know if you'd like to order. :-)

Hold It Down

Pregnancy is a journey a woman must enjoy. But, right now, I can't help but wish for it to be over and done with.

It was quite, quite different with my first baby. I felt normal, save for the fact that I was enormous. Not just my baby belly, I was "well-rounded" then.

On my 2nd journey, however, I was always nauseous and some odors make me want to throw up. I did so a few times and the feeling I really dislike. Once I even became feverish and cannot eat much. My head and body ached and I was always tired. It wasn't really doctor's advice, but I was told that I need to eat what I like after meals, something that could hold the food down and encourage me to have more food intake. You know what I like? Chocolates! It's the perfect excuse! And brownies, peanut butter and cakes! In moderation, of course. I wouldn't want to have gestational diabetes.

You know what I realize? I'm glad my doctors don't follow my blog...

Personalized Trinkets

Last Christmas, with the gifts I have prepared for my close lady friends, I included something I made myself. My aim was to add a personal touch, and in hopes of giving them a token of my appreciation, something I hoped they could decorate their things with. I hope they liked them!

Free Boracay Package Here!

After the holidays, it's time to plan your summer getaway!

Here's something to get you started. A free Boracay vacation Package!

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New Year Brings...

In an instant, it seems things have changed
In an instant, our lives rearranged
Into correct perspectives
Thinking over our objectives
Another chance to start again
To mend the ways we had back then
To reach the goals as we hope
Courage for trials to cope
Easier said than done
Challenges make a strong one
Stronger faith in the Lord
To keep as we gave our word

Happy New Year!

Last entry for the year 2009.
No sentimentality.
Just wondering what to look forward to in 2010.

My daughter Elle and I both need a haircut.
I suppose Elle needs to attend pre-school. School starts so early for kids these days!
Our second baby is coming soon. I guess I need to be more prepared than with Elle. I don't know if she'll understand the concept of having a sister or brother yet.
With another baby on the way, I realized I am not entirely sure I made the right decision to be a stay-at-home mommy. But this is no time for regrets. I need to make the most out of my situation and decision, and hand this concern over to the Lord.
I will strive more to be a better wife and mommy. And daughter, and friend.
I will be more content, more grateful and more selfless.
One of my close friends is going to get married. Welcome to the club!

I hope everybody will have great things to look forward to in the coming year.

Season's Wishes

There is something magical about the Christmas season. It makes us giddy with childlike expectations, as if something wonderful is about to come our way. It gives us a glimmer of hope, that some positive change is waiting to happen, that wishes do come true. Maybe it is in view of this that we make wish lists and hope that some kind soul will grant our hearts' desires. Another reason for making this list is for a practical purpose, so we would get exactly what we need or want and that our friends and family would not have to waste time, effort and money on something we would rather donate next Christmas.

They say,"Giving is better than receiving." Christmas presents us with the opportunity to be selfless. It is one of my wishes that our country be healed. That means the removal of the corrupt officials in position, that our fellow countrymen will love the environment and showcase the love of God as a Christian nation. It makes me sad to see that many people (and children follow their examples) throw their garbage, even as small as a candy wrapper, on the streets. Like the whole country is their trash can. I also wish that everyone will have enough - enough work to fill their needs, enough time for their family and friends, enough faith in God to face a daunting tomorrow, knowing He will make all things work for our good. Of course, I would wish for my families' and my friends' great health, which is very important, so they may enjoy the delicious food especially this holiday season. And to be able to try the yummy food features of NomNom Club, too!

There are a couple of wishes I have for myself. First is that I won't be idle being a housewife and a stay-at-home mommy. I wish I could be making something I love and others will love, too, in the comfort of my home while having a small income on the side. That way, I will not be so much of a burden. Second, is that I will have a safe pregnancy and delivery of my second baby. And that he or she will be healthy and happy and would get along with his or her older sister very well.

These are my wishes this Christmas, and also my prayers to the Lord.

My "Nightmare" Before Christmas

Ah, next week is Christmas already. So fast. I am a bit anxious as I have not finished what I needed to do yet. *almost panic mode*

What can I say about this holiday season? Christmas brings out the best in people. They are kinder, more patient, more generous, they smile more often. I hope this lasts the whole year through, though. Christmas also brings out the worst in people. Counterfeit money are being produced, and more robbers prowl the streets. I fell victim to two of them a few days ago. It was a scary experience, thank God they just wanted my bag and they didn't stab me. I lost my cellular phone, home keys and a couple of ID cards. Good thing my ID cards don't have my residential address. On top of my Christmas tasks, I also have to replace those ID cards. *sigh*

I was afraid I'll dream of the scary robbery scene when I go to sleep. At that time, I was reading the Twilight Saga. I don't know why, but I dreamed of Jacob (but I haven't seen New Moon yet!) instead. So weird! I guess the book had me distracted, I'm thankful for that. But there are times I stare off into space and the images come to my mind's eyes. I had to shake them off. I am sure I won't be going to that place alone anymore.

Anyway, since my cellular phone "died", but not of a natural death, my dear hubby bought me a new one. I am so glad! This is my very first official Christmas gift.

Planning on planning with your planner?

Planners are quite popular this month of the year because of the new year ahead.  There are some people like me who like the old fashioned way of encoding appointments, shopping lists, etc; but without the alarms, of course. Still, I like seeing them on paper, especially on a nice looking planner.

Vera is hosting her first giveaway of a Got Heart planner for those in the Philippines. Please visit her post to know more.

Note To Self

Since I have limited movements after my operation, I admit I have been lax in my beauty regimen. My skin has been experiencing dry spells lately, especially now that the cool weather is kicking in. I really need to do my favorite ritual as soon as the pain and discomfort are gone. Thanks to a reminder (also a blog contest) from YesNoMeh - a review blog by Josh, my high school classmate and his girlfriend Lizz.

What is my favorite beauty ritual then?

After taking a shower, I put slather on facial moisturizer, most preferably with SPF (I am so liking Olay Total Effects with a touch of foundation SPF 15 at the moment as it makes my face look smoother), if I am going out, and an ordinary moisturizer before bedtime. I plan to switch to a night cream when this moisturizer is all used up. I then apply lotion all over my body, I prefer ones with SPF or UV ray blocker. That's it! It's not much of a beauty ritual, I know, but it makes me feel more of a lady.

Of course I did not skip grooming altogether. I could cut the nails on my hand. It was hard for me to bend down and cut my toenails, so I had a foot spa with a pedicure last Saturday with my friend. It was nice, and since I was already there, I decided to add some color to my toenails, a light shade of purple. I am still deciding what to do with my long permed hair, so I put off cutting it for now. Grooming is quite necessary for a civilized and clean person. If one is unkempt and has long nails, he/she is more prone to attract germs and has the chance to ingest them or pass them on to his/her loved ones. I wouldn't want that to happen!

A Twisted Fairytale

This story was inspired by watching fairytales with my daughter.

Once upon a time, in a make believe kingdom where the sky was lavender dotted with baby pink balls of cloud, there lived a fair maiden named Cazzelle with skin as smooth as flower petals, whose hair was like silk and her eyes were like two shiny black diamonds. She had two stepsisters who were twins and twice as lovely as she was. But, she had no feelings of envy or jealousy for she believed that to each her own unique personalities and abilities that define. Briana was a good cook and loved to try new recipes that she always let Cazzelle have the first tastes. Brieta designs patterns for pot holders, coasters, scarves and Cazzelle was the one who would sit down for hours and knit them all.

The dove alighted on the fence for the 25th time. Cazzelle untied the green ribbon from its leg and took the letter from Prince Andrei, her quill pal. "...looking forward to seeing you in person, Cazzellina, my princess!", she read aloud, crossing and uncrossing her legs at the ankles while seated on her favorite green lounging chair by the bay window in her room. Weaving with words and pouring out her dreams in a letter was one thing, but actually talking to Andrei was another thing. Shrugging, she knew this day would have to come. It is in a person's nature to want to know everything, to unravel the mysteries that this world presents. She would have to do all the chores and knit all of Brieta's designs before he arrived in the afternoon. He said that he would be wearing a green cloak and would be atop his white horse with a red mane, so she would know it's him.

No dove this morning. There was no need, Cazzelle saw everything that transpired. The feelings that exchanged. She draped herself across her bed face down and allowed some tears to roll freely down her cheeks. Andrei loved adventures, he had written her detailed accounts of his experiences at sea and his island discoveries. He loved to tinker with small objects, he told her he changed the face of one of his pocket watches and made the numbers into pictures. She would have loved to see that! He seemed easily pleased and interested in her boring life and in her boring poems. What started their writing exchange was when she wrote a poem she was bursting to share with the world, to inspire anyone with it. So she tied it to a leg of one of her doves and had let it fly. She never knew it would reach one of the princes in their kingdom. There were many things she liked about Andrei, except for his preference for the physical appearance. He didn't look back at her when he decided to pursue Brieta.

When a sob escaped from her lips, millions of tiny, sparkling lights filled up her room. When all of it cleared away, Cazzelle was astonished to find a little old lady in a yellow hooded dress, sitting beside her on her bed. "Do I have a fairy godmother that I didn't know about?", she wondered aloud. "Apparently.", the lady answered, winking. "My name is Divonne, Cazzelle. Why are you crying?"
"Matters of the heart..."
"Oh, I cannot help you with that, then. Sorry."
"Can you at least bestow on me a slim figure, like my stepsisters?", she tried.Divonne shook her head. "I thought you needed something material, things for a ball, like Cinderella." Cazzelle was disappointed. "Oh." "You could try exercising.", Divonne suggested."Or letting Briana taste her own concoctions perhaps." "So, I won't have my prince then?" Cazzelle asked with a touch of sarcasm. Divonne put a finger under Cazzelle's chin and lifted her face a bit, "In time... I suppose. I am unsure of these things, Cazzelle. I just know that you deserve someone who will love you just as you are." Cazzelle sat up and nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Divonne." They hugged. "I hope you come here and visit me more often so I could get to know you. Not just when I am crying." They smiled at each other. Cazzelle knew that this was not the 'happily ever after' that her heart had desired, but she decided to choose to be happy, even without a prince. She would continue composing poems, something that she loved to do. Perhaps, another prince would receive her poem, one who was meant for her.

Realizations

Souvenir: gallstones

Gingerly, gingerly... That's what I've been telling myself these past few days. I still could not move like I normally do; when sitting up from bed, when getting on and off the car, when picking up something from the floor. Simple actions like those. Six days after my operation and the wound still hurts. I could see a hint of disappointment in my daughter's eyes when I tell her I couldn't carry her yet. I also couldn't eat as much as I like (which is good, I guess, because I am already horizontally challenged).

Anyway, I am just glad this is over. The possibility of another pain attack wouldn't haunt me now. This experience made me realize things in my life, again. There are also some things that I saw for the first time.

• God really is super good to me. He has blessed me greatly, and is now calling me to be a blessing to others.
• My hubby truly, madly, deeply loves me!
• My daughter could be obedient, caring and understanding sometimes, even if she's just 2 years old. She knows that I can't carry her yet, so she asks her daddy or the helper to carry her out of her playpen.
• There are some people I could count on.
• There are nice nurses and nice doctors, with "nice" professional fees.
• It was hard to stick a needle into my veins on the back of my hand for the IV, they said they couldn't find a "suitable" one for the big needle.
• Antiobiotic that's injected on the arm hurts sooooo much! Because I didn't have IV yet, the nurse injected it directly.
• Nurses don't really follow all of the doctor's orders. My surgeon told a nurse to give me a head shampoo so I could feel refreshed, but she did not. She even argued that the bedsheets have already been changed.
• Celine Dion's husband was her first and is her only love. I had lots of TV time at the hospital. Good thing they have cable. I even watched Twilight again, on Star Movies. Too bad they don't have free wireless Internet so I could tweet the happenings and my hubby wouldn't be too bored, ha ha!

The Inevitable

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It was apparent that I really need to undergo the operation to remove my gall bladder. I went to consult with a surgery doctor who was referred to me by my friend. And nope, he doesn't hold office in the hospital where I don't want to get sick in. That's one thing, another thing I like about him is that he explains what's going on in my gall bladder, he even showed me pictures from his book. I can see that he aims to help people, especially those less fortunate financially, since he had no fixed consultation fee, the patient determines the amount. I also like the fact that he tells me upfront that he makes small incisions only, that there's no need for big ones, plus he will be getting an x-ray while operating so that he'll see if there are more stones in the ducts that should be removed. He didn't want the patients to endure more pain when the need to remove the stones in these ducts arises.

Still, I feel scared just by thinking about it. My schedule would be next week already! But if not now, when? I know I can't put it off any longer. The doctor said I cannot get pregnant unless I have it removed. When the pain attacks, the baby couldn't take pain killers. I guess it would be hard to have an operation with a big belly. Tomorrow, the doctor's secretary will call to confirm my schedule. The apple juice therapy didn't work on me, I promised I would have this operation...

Song Of Dreams

Here in my song

My dreams I realize

I know I will soar

High up to the skies

Places I'll go

My wings will take me there

Lovely scenes I'll see

I'll leave behind each care

Dreaming of a castle

Built on em'rald hills

There I am a princess

Don't need to pay the bills

I can be a fairy

With magic to spare

With a wave of my wand

Needs are met everywhere

In my song, anything I believe

Will take place

All the tears, from the hurts will be gone

From my face

And my heart, with each beat it skips to

The melody

In my song, I am whole, I am me

I am free

They're here!

My very own Ugg Boots! My early Christmas gift! Although, I don't know yet how to wear them in a tropical country like mine. But, it came just in time before the cool months of December and January kick in, so there'd be opportunities to don them, I hope. Click here if you want to win a pair yourselves. Thanks to Odette of little miss firefly for blogging about this, that's where I learned of this offer. I ordered the Classic Short, but I think they shipped the Classic Tall to me. Should I have it changed, I wonder?

A Call From God

More than a month had passed since the devastating typhoon Ondoy hit our country. Our capital was targeted and many people lost their homes and material possessions, what's worse was that there were lives lost, too. Massive relief efforts were made, especially by those fortunate to have their homes intact.

What struck down our homes,

When the strong winds blew,
Thick curtains of rain
Made pools of flood water,
Thick, soft carpets of mud;

Also struck a chord,
A call to realize:
God's longing for us,
To look upon heaven
As our permanent home,
Earthly things fade away.

We are very blessed,
In turn be a blessing
To those in dire need,
Thus serving the Lord,
This is our ministry.

Chowder you doing today?

I just realized, I love making chowder (although this was just my second time to make it). It's yummy and easy. I like thick and creamy soups like this. I just tweaked a few ingredients from Big Oven's Tilapia Corn Chowder recipe. I also added some cheese on top. If only I had no allergic reactions to shrimp or other seafood, I'd make Shrimp Chowder or Clam Chowder. I do not know why I was suddenly having super itchy lesions whenever I ingest shrimp and sometimes, I don't know what. They just appear all of a sudden. So, these days, Zyrtec is my very good friend. My guess is that my blood is already very polluted due to my fatty liver. Hmm... I wonder what other ingredients I could use for my next chowder?