U.P. Town Center Day

It was Sunday and that means it's bike day. My hubby and I started riding our bikes in February almost every Sunday morning. We went to U.P. Diliman and joined the other bikers & the joggers. After maybe 3 times around the oval, I suggested that we bike to look for U.P. Town Center. Yikes! I was actually nervous about the idea of biking on an actual road. But, I really wanted to see the new place. So, off we went! 

The street outside U.P. had lots of ups and downs that normally couldn't be felt when riding a car. But, on a bike, wow! I had to fight in maintaining my balance while pedaling upwards with all my might until we reached the end of the street. We then turned right on Katipunan Avenue and started down the road for a while before Rix stopped to ask for directions. Turned out, we were going in the opposite direction. Uh-oh! We had to cross the wide street with fast on-coming cars to make a U-turn. Twice! 

Imagine my relief when we finally reached U.P. Town Center. Too bad J. Co wasn't open yet. We just rested and had breakfast at Family Mart. I felt quite tired and my knees were kind of like jelly. Rix understood my predicament, so after the food was finished, he biked back to U.P. to get the car. Yes, I waited for him there. Pathetic, I know!

I walked my folding bike around to explore the place. I waited for him afterwards so we could go home.

That afternoon, we were deciding where to go to get donuts and have dinner. We promised the kids we would take them out if they had their naps. And they did! Guess where we ended up?

At U.P. Town Center again! It was swarming with people when it was bare that morning. Nary a parking space was available so we opted for valet. Dinnertime found us at Dulcelin Gourmet. Of course, I wasn't able to take food pictures (frustrated food blogger)! Ella asked for dessert after the meal and cannot wait to head outside to buy.

Donuts for dessert! I fell in line for almost forever and was a bit sad to see that some flavors were out of stock. Is it always like that in J. Co? This was my first time to try this brand. We always buy KK. 

On the way out, I felt tempted to buy a striped shirt from Cotton On. But, with three kids in tow? I pushed the idea out of my mind.

So, that's how our Sunday went. We visited U.P. Town Center twice in one day. Have you been there? What did you think of it?

Sharing: Infographic on Spouses/Partners Staying Connected During An Argument

Having an argument with our partners or spouses doesn't mean that either one should be angry and very disconnected with one another. Like you hate each other for the moment. Well, if you cannot help it, this infographic I saw from Wifely Steps should help you stay connected with your partner during an argument. It really would be wonderful for married couples to respond to each other in love, even if they don't agree with each other.

[Via: 7 Steps to Stay Connected to Your Partner During an Argument]

Just An Ordinary Day

Today is Valentine's day. Nothing special going on around here. It's a normal Saturday for me. I'm here at home, spending quality time with my daughter and my computer. My hubby is at work. In fact, he went to work even before I woke up. And, he'll be staying there until dinnertime. No date is going to happen for us. We don't even have gifts for each other. No exchange of greetings took place, either. I couldn't blame him, he's not feeling well. He seems to be coming down with a flu.

The novelty of this day has worn off for me. When we were going steady, we used to celebrate this day along with those who were scrambling to find significant others. He even gave me roses on two separate Valentine's. He's such a sweetie. But, now, the only "us" day that we celebrate is our wedding anniversary. That's acceptable since Valentine's is so much commercialized nowadays. We don't really know if some are sincere in looking for love and a life partner or they're just in for a one night stand.

For me, the little, everyday words and acts of love are the ones that matter the most. I think these are what make marriages work. It's the little sacrifices, it's forgiving the little pet peeves and quirks everyday, it's falling in love with each other each day.

Roses from hubby's sister and brother-in-law

I love him (and desserts!)

Do shopping, food and love mix? I think so.

I was looking forward to this day for the longest time. But it was just a week ago when I thought of taking a VL from work to spend it with my hubby. It was, after all, our 2nd wedding anniversary. Out itinerary was mapped out just a day ago, or maybe on the day itself. The only activity that we thought of ages ago was the dinner.

We pulled to a stop outside the gate of the office/warehouse/factory of a popular retail clothing company. We got out and I was glad that the rain that started moments ago stopped. It was a fine day again. A fine day it was for shopping, especially with a husband's consent and at his expense, too! Nope, we didn't shop the usual way which is at the mall or during sale's, the prices here are much more inexpensive because the ones sold here are overruns, the stocks are limited and the designs are a tad backdated compared to ones being sold at mall outlets at present. But the styles are quite nice nonetheless and definitely wearable. We first paid the manager a visit, since she happens to be Rix's older sister. Then we were led to a stockroom with a big working table in the middle. This was where the shirts were laid out. I first looked at clothing (mostly shirts and blouses) for Elhaym. I took each one out of their plastic bags and laid them side by side. There were puff-sleeved, with ruffles, with glitters, with beads, with large prints, sporty design...so many cute styles to choose from. Finally, I got 7 with unique designs that would look great on Elhaym. Next, Rix had his turn at the table. He even got several pants to go with the shirts. Lastly, I selected 6 shirts and 2 fashionable blouses. I hope they all would fit! *cross fingers* After we paid for our choices (the manager was generous and she did not charge us for Elhaym's blouses), we stopped by her office, thanked her and took our leave. Shopping together brought us closer as we get to solicit each other's POV on the styles, there were ones that he chose for me since I want to dress for him. I was excited to try on the shirts and blouses, but time was not enough and we had to prepare for our date as there was reservation and the restaurant only allotted 15 minutes as grace period.

We left kind of early so we arrived just on time despite the traffic jam on the way to Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Our reservation was in the Spiral restaurant inside the hotel. This was my idea since I heard from my office mates that food there is great and they'd like to dine there sometime. I was feeling a bit confident in my white and purple dress with flower prints, purple piping and a purple silk ribbon around the waist and wedge sandals. The skirt was swishing around my legs as I walk. I powdered my face so it wouldn't shine with oil, I glossed my lips, and I had a handsome escort beside me. We were led by a lady in green who looked like an Amazon woman with her hair in a bun and sported large pieces of gold jewelry such as a double spiral-designed bracelet on her upper arm. The buffet table was very long and a person could start just about anywhere as there were plates below every corner. I got what was new to my sight and taste buds and some recommendations from Rix. He loved the cold oysters, which I didn't dare try. Different cuisines from different countries were represented. I haven't reached the Chinese and Filipino sections when the array of desserts caught my eye. I was trapped by the temptation and I was having dessert in no time! There were little cakes and cheesecakes, mousses in 3 flavors, creme brulee in 3 flavors, ice cream, chocolate and white chocolate fountains. The designs of the sweets were tempting and Rix couldn't help but take pictures of them, I was the one who ate them after their turns under the camera. Trying out new food at this new restaurant was fun for us as we got to exchange feedback on the different cuisines, texture and taste of the food; and of course, views about the other diners there. At last! We finished! So we took slow walks around the hotel to help our digestion along. The view of the pool area with greenery weaving around it was grand. Too bad taking photos here is prohibited. *pout*

We went home with protruding, contented tummies and a smile in my heart. 2 years down... So far, love is growing big and strong.

And then, like I always say: there's always room for dessert! *wink*

A date of late

Grocery night with Rix is date night. We would go either to Landmark in Trinoma or S&R on Congressional Avenue. We would sometimes take our dinner before grocery shopping or eat snacks afterwards. I look forward to these nights because we get to enjoy each other's company minus the baby. It's kinda like college once again, when we were still "exclusively dating". Going on a date is important for married couples, so they'd be reminded why they were together in the first place; what they love about each other, to hold each other's hands.
Some other things couples could do to keep the flame burning brightly:

• Relax together - go to a spa, get a massage or a foot spa in a couple's room; have coffee together, talk about anything while taking sips
• Sweat together - play sports together, bungee jump while holding hands (is that possible?), cycle in your favorite park; then smell each other! Ha ha!
  
• Daydream together - just staring off into space for a couple of hours, then ask what each other's revelations or dreams are
• Try new adventures together - new restaurants, new amusement park rides, new hotel rooms
• One thing I realize I like doing with my hubby is shopping for our home. When we first moved in together, we made a list of things that we still need like garbage bins, hampers, shelves, etc. It's exciting as it's like we're in on a project together. Making decisions on the size, shape, color and quantity.

Recently, we made a new addition to our rugs. I love the way it gives a little sophistication to the threshold of our bathroom. It is soft to the feet that even Elhaym likes stepping on it while wiggling her toes to really get the feel of the rug.









It was purchased here. (see below)


We took advantage of the sale for members. Some items were tagged as BUY 1 TAKE 1 and some prices were slashed into half. Many people graced the treat and we had to fall in line and wait our turn for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I looked at the carts beside us and was amazed to see how people could hoard so much stuff! They must have large houses with large pantries and storage rooms!

After we paid for our purchases, Rix suggested we do something that made me smile. We bought ice cream in cones! Yippee! I tried the banana split flavor. Yummy! I kept licking and licking and licking... I think I arrived home with a goofy grin on my face.



I kept on hoping that our next date would be a movie date, something that we haven't done for a very long time. :-)

One mushy stuff

My hubby and I are about to go into our 2nd year of marriage bliss in two months. It seemed only yesterday that we celebrated our first anniversary. I even wrote a poem for him last year.

Our First Year

One year down and a lifetime to go
More in love each day we grow
Help me to be a good wife
That I may please God with my life
I thank Him He gave me you
A loving and wonderful husband true
We were blessed with a beautiful daughter
May she bring us closer together
As we love and raise her
Entrusting God with what comes after
Any storm together we will weather
Troubles we will face with strength and laughter
Side by side I am yours and you are mine

With God we will establish a family divine