Monday, October 31, 2011

Bless this child

Yesterday, my nephew was formally welcomed to Christianity. The facilitator put an effort in orienting the families and sponsors about the sacrament of Baptism. Makes the people involved focus more on the importance of the rites more than the reception that follows.

I have mixed feelings on having another nephew but more than anything I feel so much love for this little creature. He IS family. More like, it makes me rethink my family of three like most newborns do hehe. Oi honest! Anyways, I am glad hubby and I are on the same page and we both agreed our cups are full in that arena ;)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

GW Trick or Treat 2011


GW Trick or Treat 2011
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Together with her cousins, the little girl went trick or treating around our village.
GW Trick or Treat 2011
There was a slight breeze, it wasn't so humid. Kids had a great time walking from house to house.
GW Trick or Treat 2011
Although not all homeowners decided to participate, there were enough treats for everyone.
GW Trick or Treat 2011
The little girl, in fact, got her pail full and helped herself with some on our way back home.
GW Trick or Treat 2011
Later that night, all that energy from sugar high was channeled in a dance face-off :D

Friday, October 28, 2011

School Trick or Treat 2011


Trick or Treat 2011
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

This year is more organized than last year. Though there are fewer candies now, still the little girl had fun with her classmates.

Trick or Treat 2011

She wore a harem dancer costume. Nope she doesn't know what a harem is hehe She liked the color and she looked like Jasmine, except she's in fushia :D

We joined the newspaper dance and came second out of five pairs. When the host was asking for participants, I tried to hide but soon gave in when I saw her searching for me.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Ni Hao Ma


Ni Hao
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Meet my chinky daughter who initially wanted to represent Japan. Husband generously bought a chinese baby doll dress for her instead. I made the flag though the handle maybe a tad short, the little girl waved it proudly :)

Born Superstar


Born This Way
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

My sponsors are prolly wondering what's up in the land of Ooo. Just the other night I witness my cousin become a lady. Previously she just came from the printing press (the kind that prints Checkerboard Invitations and the likes at Recto) and showed me her invites.  It was a night with a bit of family drama on the side. Teenagers on natural high with Super Bass on the background :) Several tunes after, the singer was doing a cover of Lady G's Born this way.

My little girl went to my aunt and told her she wanted to dance to the same song. Much obliged, my aunt asked the emcee to announce a short dance number from the little girl. Among family and strangers, never self-conscious, she amazingly expresses her self.

I am stunned. Where did she get that self-confidence I wonder.

Itchy Feet, Cured?!


Home on the Range
Originally uploaded by Devil.Bunny

So my sister asked me, "Do you ever miss travelling?" What she meant was will I ever plan a trip again any time soon.

Ahh.. to be rootless. Like a hobo bound nowhere and everywhere. Driving a home without caring les for an rv insurance. We always want what we don't have, yes?

When you're alone, you want family. Once you have family, you want to be alone.

Back to topic. I love my family. So, when the dough comes rolling in again.. my family of three will be the first one to go zooming through the clouds. Till then, all selfish future travelogues will have to wait.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Music and Oppa

On a random note: I wish the seller had this in white gold necklace instead of sterling silver.  I love the design,  how the only one made use of the G clef and half note together with the double S and his initials :D  Recently he collaborated with a well-renowned jewelry designer for his signature necklace.  It bore his initials with pink and blue studs.  It was simple but it just screams "fan girl" should I wear it.  I prefer the pendant above as it's more discrete.


Kurre, kpop-rul bogoshipoyo.

Dionne Turns Two

My third nephew from my side of the family, baby D.  Soon we won't be calling him baby any longer.  I still haven't gotten used to calling him kuya.  Come his teenage years, I hope he won't get mad at me for shoving his photo here.  I wonder how he will grow up to be.  Maybe a nerdy 8-5 corporate-hungry blue collar worker or an outdoorsy marmot-jacket wearing extreme sports enthusiast.  One thing for sure, whatever the future holds for him, I am hoping for the best.

Two Circles

Before our tagaytay trip, I tagged along with Kers of CosmoPhoto as THE secondary shooter. These may not be scott kay wedding bands, they looked gorgeous nonetheless :D Like all weddings, it has its moments unique from the rest.  I think I got my groove back, thanks to the beautiful lenses loaned by zi brother.  As with any craft, I just have to practice and be better at it and deliver for the customer in every event.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

2D Yourself

Have you created your avatar yet? This is the little girl in pucca hair style :) We had fun trying out different outfit but settled with pink. After creating your character you'll proceed to Danville on a mission while meeting other characters on the way.

Yup, bonding with the little girl includes playing games online. Sometimes we'll go YTubing for Howdini Cake decoration tutorials. I got an email telling me our moshi monster is missing us.

I'll miss these moments once I pickup one of those leather briefcases and join the rat race once again.

Crafts and Treats for Halloween


Gold Chocolate Coin
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Got a flyer from the homeowners association inviting us for this years Trick or Treat. If my memory serves me right, this'll be our third time. Admittedly, due to budget constraints, my treats had lessen in quantity. However, we included this chocolate coins which is the little girl's current favorite. It reminds me of personalized coin I saw from wedding photos called unity coins.

Anyways, I saw some halloween decorations from dani's school last I visited. One of which is a black spider paper plate. Surprise, surprise, I have paper plates at home.

Paper Plate Monsters

Finish product. Made in half an hour or so with the help of Akihiro :p After one bat, the little girl wanted to make an angel monster (who apparently is in love, note the hearts).

Scavenger Hunt


Adventure Time
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Yesterday, my morning was spent making the Adventure Time characters cutouts. Afterwards, I scattered them in the house and waited for the little girl.

Adventure Time Scavenger Hunt
I didn't tell her anything and was quite surprised to see Finn on top of her closet.

Adventure Time Scavenger Hunt
Then she spotted Jake on top of the computer table.
Adventure Time Scavenger Hunt
Princess Bubblegum was caught pondering mathematical equation hanging out by the piano.
Adventure Time Scavenger Hunt
Meanwhile, The Lumpy Space Princess was enjoying the view on the bookshelves.

Adventure Time Scavenger Hunt
She had a hard time finding Beemo but eventually found it sitting pretty beside the TV.

Barely 15 minutes has passed and all characters where safely collected. It was fun and as expected, she liked the princess the most.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Beauty Knick Knacks

241 of 365
by Lady Pandacat
Awhile ago, I saw a groupon site promoting discounted heated eye lash curlers.  I know I sound like a groupon fanatic.  Currently, 775 must have wanted to shape some top lashes and create long lasting curls in like seconds!  I am just not one of them teheh I'm just too lazy.  Also, I'm a bit scared I might end up looking for eyelash growth products afterwards :p
Maybe when the late bloomer vanidosa in me kicks in, you might just read FOTD -- face of the day -- posts from then on.  Until then, there are those who knows these things and I'll leave it for them to blog about :D

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jake and Finn


what time is it?
Originally uploaded by intermusings

I want, I want.

Note to self: Search for OST :D and cutouts tomorrow

Monday, October 17, 2011

We're just one big family


taylor and jason mraz
Originally uploaded by redeemed.

Yeah, someone's having a concert on Oct. 30. Even if I just might be able to afford a GA ticket, it's just too much effort for me. Or call it Ahjumma syndrome maybe what with the late night and all :D

I don't know what I'm doing YTubing around for an hour now. Tsk. Tsk. Pining, pining still...

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Ah bu ji, Saengil Chukahamnida!


Happily joined by my family, we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday by:


Giving Dionne a makeover :p


Burning those calories, yeh!


Can't wait for our next session now that I have Just Dance 3 and Just Dance Summer Party cds :D

On a serious note, I'm just happy to be with my family. Recently, I'm scared to have a serious talk with my dad but I know he knows I love him :)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Lucky Alien Has Landed


Background music while cleaning the house?! I like.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Guilt Trip Party of One


A Closer look at the Melo's Tenderloin Wagyu Steak
Originally uploaded by crispyparty

I wish I can give my dad a big party for his upcoming 60th birthday..

Light Reading


Light Reading
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Relentless I was in updating our wii games collection, I had to stop as in right now. Figured I should at least enjoy and finish a game or two before loading another one. Still, I must confess I'll be busy for awhile.

Housekeeping took a back seat, I thought I was going back to the corporate world. Hubby gave me some slack, two months tops. Hehe goodluck.

Had a hard time going back to sleep, I woke up at 2AM earlier. Forgot to wear socks, I guess. Couldn't find a decent streaming site for the movie. Oh I found one, but it's in french tehe. It's better I read the book first anyways :D From the trailer, Fafa Jim is just so handsome *sigh*

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Soon to Expire


White
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Ayayay, caramba! Didn't notice Flickr sent me a note about my Pro Account which was supposed to expire 2nd of September *sigh* If only someone will sponsor me..

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Joyce's Diner Tagaytay


The front desk of the inn is situated beside the entrance of the restaurant. Before we proceeded to our room, the receptionist asked for our orders for tomorrow's breakfast. Later when we were settled inside the room already, we received a call from her asking if we'd prefer to have breakfast in our room. We opted to eat at the diner instead at 8am.

Our accommodation comes with two free breakfast.

Joaquin's B&B
First came the Pork Tocino, Scrambled Eggs with Garlic Rice for me.

Joaquin's B&B
Then Boneless Bangus, Sunny side-up Eggs with Garlic Rice for Hubby. I ordered plain rice for him though and didn't bother to have it changed when the food arrived.

Joaquin's B&B
Followed by two cups of brewed coffee.

Joaquin's B&B
We ordered Pancakes with Bacon for the little girl. In retrospect, Candy didn't ask me the drink for this set and none came that day.

Fruit of the day: Bananas.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast

I liked their version of tocino, the serving was more than enough for me, I had to share some with hubby :D The hearty breakfast rightly filled our tummies, perfect way to start the day.

Now here's the tricky part.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast

I decided to settle our bill immediately, so we won't encounter any hassle by checkout time. As I gave Candy my P500 bill, she in return gave me two pieces of P100 for change. I remembered because I gave her both bills, the P100 for her and the other P100 for housekeeping. Either the pancake costs P300 or the menu prices are outdated, even when I add tax and service charge, I'd still have P20 change. I didn't argue anymore, neither did I ask for receipt.

Lunch at Bag of Beans Tagaytay


Garlic Prawns with Vegetables
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

I always come back here for the Blueberry Cheesecake. That reason alone however is not valid enough to convince hubby to drive all the way here. So there is no question about it, we'll just have lunch here then.

Chicken Breast Fillet
For Dani: Chicken Breast Fillet with Cream Sauce

Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes
For Hubby: Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes

BOB
For posterity

Dani had fun talking with the black myna bird. She always make sure she stop by its cage for a quick chat :D It is with regret that we left the place without even buying anything from the bakeshop.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast, Tagaytay


Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Last Sept. 19, I saw their offer in Ensogo and called up the Inn's number to inquire for room availability. Candy, the front desk staff, confirmed that the purple room with mini-garden is still available. Sept. 22, I successfully purchased the voucher and called again, booked our room, gave her my voucher number and confirmed our check-in date.

Oct. 2, Sunday, despite the reservation hullabaloo, we ended up with the Purple Room.

Joaquin's B&B
Room view from the doorway. King-sized bed, Dani approved!

Joaquin's B&B
Bathroom, to the right. Towels, check. Hot water + great water pressure = Superb!



Toiletries were provided.


Opposite the bathroom: Closet, Complimentary Coffee, Tea, Water, Mini-Ref.

Joaquin's B&B
Room view from the garden door.

Joaquin's B&B
Room from the outside.

Joaquin's B&B
The four lower level rooms with mini garden. Our is the first one from the right.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast
Taal Lake View from the room.

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast


Joaquin's B&BJoaquin's B&B
Taal Lake View from the Garden

Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast

I loved the shiny wooden floors but dislike the uneven parts near the bed. I wonder if it was made with quick step flooring? We didn't have a hard time sleeping on the comfy bed and pillows. Sheets and covers are a little bit worn out but are soft and smells of clean laundry. The room was spacious enough, with coffee table and chairs. Cable reception and internet signal (Globe) is horrendous. But we didn't come here for that. If weather permits, your toddler can safely blow bubbles or roam and run around the garden.

Joaquin's Bed and BreakfastJoaquin's Bed and Breakfast
It would be a challenge to climb and up the stairs though. If it's raining, expect to get wet on your way to the room. Although the steps are not that slippery, Hubby prefers to piggy-back the little girl to be faster and safer as it was drizzling most of the time. Since our room is situated at the lower ground, no street noise reached our room.

Breakfast was sufficiently filling, will do a separate detailed post. View from the restaurant deck and room garden is priceless.

Service:

I hope they improve on their reservation policies and booking procedures to avoid unnecessary "overlooking" of client's preference details. Had I been lenient with them, we could've ended up with the twin-sized bed room instead. What's the use of booking a room which at the time of reservation was available only to find out on the arrival date that the room is unavailable? Honestly?! I'd hate to think my discount voucher has reduced my consumer power that I was shoved aside for a much higher paying one.

So, will we come back? Maybe. There are lots of B&Bs in the area we have yet to try. However, for the discounted room price of P2,688, it was worth it.