What Happiness Means For Me

Day 57: what is your definition of happiness
It's easy to make me happy: don't force me to do something I don't like. It's not super complicated at all. This line from What Happens in Vegas explains it all. I like it better when Ashton said this line but I can't see a picture of him so there we go.

The Ice Cream Story

Day 56: something you did as a child that other people remember you for
I was in first grade when I did this funny mistake. Wanting to bring home pasalubong for my younger sister, I bought an ice cream-on-stick at school and put it inside my Hello Kitty trolley bag. When I arrived home, my tita saw that there's something leaking from the inside of my pink bag. They looked inside it and found a melted ice cream. Sorry folks, I'm just sweet by nature.

Gorgeous Celebs at Oscars 2013

We know how big the Academy Awards is. It's not just about the trophy. It's also the perfect moment for celebs to flaunt their gorgeous bods and stunning wardrobe. Here are some of stars who rocked the red carpet last night.

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive gown, Jimmy Choo heels, and Neil Lane jewelry which I heard is million-dollars worth! Really?

Reese Witherspoon (who just gave birth five months ago) in Louis Vuitton strapless gown. Very simple ensemble Reese got there.

J. Law (Jennifer Lawrence), the Best Actress for Oscars 2013 in Christian Dior. The ensemble was really elegant but it looks like a wedding dress.

Anne Hathaway in Prada. She's so thin, isn't she? But I love the hair!

Olivia Munn in a red-hot Marchesa dress

And the last but not the rest, my top pick:

Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen halter gown and Lorraine Schwartz earrings. Super love her pastel makeup!

My Favorite Passage from a Book

Day 55: a passage from a book that has touched you
I love books. I always wanted to have a mini library in my house someday. Among my favorite reads are inspirational books like Danielle Steel's His Bright Light and all of Mitch Albom's works. Lucky me, I have friends who allow me to borrow their books, I have access to a ton of good reads. Today the question is about a book passage that touched me. I have been inspired by a couple of passages from different books but this passage from Mitch Albom is among my personal faves.

I was touched by these lines because I experienced death. Death, as in I don't enjoy my life anymore. But that was before, when I didn't have Jairus yet. When I experienced extreme sadness that's when I appreciate happiness. Maybe that's just the nature of things, because life is like a spin of wheel. Sometimes we really have to experience death to be able to feel life--a good life.

My Definition of Love

Day 54: Your definition of love

This entry reminds me of slam book days, when I'd think of my answer to the big question "What is love?" Since I was an active member of the children's Sunday school back then, my typical answer is the famous 1 Corinthians 13:4 Bible verse. Now, I still believe in that verse but I already come up with my own belief when it comes to love.

After being in a couple of relationships, I realize words are not enough to prove you really love someone. I'm speaking based from experience. Let's admit it, it's wonderful to hear those sweet words. But some people are just flatterers, when it comes to deeds they'are what? I like this quote from Nicholas Sparks. This is exactly my definition of love.

The 365 Day Challenge: My Day, in Great Detail

I was browsing at Wattpad a while ago when I saw this "365 Day Challenge". Obviously, it's a list of daily entry for the whole year-round. Sadly, I won't be able to start from Day 1 since it's already Feb. 22. It means we're going to plunge into Day 53 by this time. It's day 53: your day in great detail. To start with, here's what I did in the morning: I brushed my teeth, sipped my favorite coffee, and ate hot pandesal. It's already 8am when I woke up but I still feel sleepy. The weather is quite gloomy and it's cold. What's with rainy days...I feel so lazy.

After brekkie, I watched Kris TV, Atashin' Chi, and Chef Boy Logro. Then I feed Jairus, changed his clothes and nappy, and took a bathe. Since I'm breastfeeding, I eat every often so I ate two sets of lunch. The first is rice, hotdogs, and munggo then the next one is rice and tocino. Eventually, I faced the laptop and started talking with my client at oDesk. Then I blog, which is what I'm doing right now. It's 6:33 as of now so my day isn't over yet. In fact my day usually starts at night because Jairus is awake during holy hours. I just rely on caffeine to stay awake during the wee hours. After surfing the web, I usually watch the news and of course, the teleseryes afterwards. Later on, I'll eat again. I'm on a see-food diet. When I see food I eat it. But thank heavens, breastfeeding helps me burn the extra calories.

From EQ with Love: Freebies for Expecting Moms

Gifts for preggies out there- Show some proof and get a kit from EQ Diapers! Here's what you'll receive:

A doctor's certificate and ultrasound will do, I guess. Got a bun in the oven? Visit EQ Facebook page for more details.

Do You Believe in Miracles?

Have you experienced or witnessed a miraculous event once in your life? Miracles, anyway, are defined as wonderful, surprising event or thing. For sure you have encountered one. If you think you haven't, let me remind you how your mom brought you up in this world. Carrying you in her womb for nine months is already a miracle. We are all products of miracle...miracle of life.

Photo from Brosia

Today I read a news about a baby who was pronounced dead because of the frigid weather but discovered alive after two hours. She is a baby girl, who reportedly was born on the sidewalk. Her mother was supposed to rush to the hospital but she ran out of time. Too bad, as the temperature dropped below -15 overnight, as what The Star (click the link to read the full story) reported. That was effin cold! Thank God the baby survived. 

Super Mom Chronicles: Electrolux HUSH Happier at Home

Before anything else, let me introduce you to my household. They are in stick form, though. The family has grown bigger, now with Jairus joining the tribe. My younger siblings are still studying and my parents are working on weekdays. As for me, I'm tied up babysitting and freelancing at oDesk. The only time we get to bond are during weekends. And the perfect bonding activity? Doing a general cleaning on Saturdays--altogether!

That is the usual scenario every Saturdays. I really have to Thank God every Friday as the next day will be a day dedicated to what my mom fondly calls "decluttering". For me it's "hard work". But I'm used to that kind of life especially now that I have a son. Talking about my son, my little darling is now one month and five days old. Jairus, just like any infant, naps almost all the time. But he's become sensitive now when he hears a noise. He gets easily troubled by sounds around him.

Thus, I'm wondering if I should still pursue with my plan of buying a new vacuum cleaner. My mother advised me not to, since she believes its noise will only interrupt his grandson's peaceful sleep. But guess what, I have a recent discovery that's truly amazing. Electrolux comes up with a new range of appliances that will surely hit the spot of any mom. It's because they are made ultra-silent, meaning you can now enjoy cleaning the house not burdened about waking up your little ones or distracting neighbors. 

Electrolux Ultra-Silencer Vacuum Cleaner was said to be the quietest vacuum cleaner out in the market. Great feature. But actually, it makes me remember an author saying "silence is the birthplace of happiness." Perhaps there are psychological explanations to that. But it's easy to understand that when your mind is at peace, you are more likely to feel and be happy. Maybe that's what the makers thought of when they created this product.

This elegant-looking vacuum cleaner is the one I'm talking about. Imagine cleaning your house without that noisy sound from the vacuum's motor. It's a relief for moms, especially for someone like me who has a month-old baby. I can't stand it when Jairus cries, because I can't concentrate on my tasks. I am a nursing mom but I still want to do other things aside from babysitting my son. One of them is experimenting on the kitchen--nothing special though, just the easy ones like making french toasts and overly-frying stuff. And what could be easier than blending a smoothie?

As you see, this Powermix Silent Blender looks as elegant as the vacuum cleaner. Just like the vacuum cleaner, it also does the wonder of pleasing you with its ultra-silent function. Now you can chillax and make your favorite drink after cleaning the house! A happy baby plus a yummy smoothie equals a great weekend. If you want to learn more about this amazing discovery, visit the Electrolux Philippines Official Website  or follow them at Electrolux Philippines Twitter.

Ashton Kutcher-My Ultimate Crush!

Remember the last time you went gaga over a crush? Maybe those were the teenybopper days, like during your fifth grade? or junior year in high school? There is no definite time or right moment for us to feel kilig when we see the person we dearly call "knight in shining armor". Because even moms, like me, has the right to still feel that chill down the spine whenever we see our crushes. Well, I know, I'm just speaking for myself, because some girls would rather pretend that they are like Summer, in 500 Days of Summer, who you wouldn't see rattled when she sees a guy, or even her crush, we must say. But I'm just me, a simple girl, well, bias fan girl, as of this moment because Ashton Kutcher is the handsome-st, sexiest man ever alive.

What I love most about Ashton? Besides his man-sandwich features., he's got a very manly personality as well. What I mean, is that some hunks are Adonis-like and good-looking enough but they got that soft personality, that some people often mistaken them as G.A.Y.S.

 But too much for that. Actually, I am excited about Ashton's upcoming movie Steve Jobs which is set for release this year, as the news says. This is a challenging role for any actor because in the first place, Jobs is a one of a kind man and we'll need a one of a kind guy as well to portray him. And who would be the best man to do that?

 Now we know why Ashton got the role. He looks a lot like Steve in this picture, which I think was taken decades ago. See, the smart man behind our beloved brand Apple is as handsome as my Ash baby. Hey, Mila Kunis, if you ever see this, forgive me for being obsessed about your dear boyfriend. Pfft.

 Look, Ashton looks sexiest when he's naked. Well, who wouldn't look sexy when he bares his yummy bod? But he's Ashton. Ashton. Ashton. Is it obvious I can't think of any word aside from his name? This is taken during "Spread" days, his movie in 2009. That's one of my Ashton filmography top picks. I also like What Happens in Vegas, No Strings Attached, and Killers. And I fell in love with him at A Lot Like Love because we share the same zodiac in there. Hoho. But yes, let's get to the point, he is the best man ever. Well of course just next to my little guy Jairus. Hi son, if you ever read this in the future, I want you to know you still own the greatest space here in my heart.

That stare? It's like saying "You want some good time with me baby? Look at my beautiful eyes, they are telling you how sexy I am." Yes, Ashton, I know you are.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Yay it's Year of the Water Snake already. We Filipinos welcome new year on January 1st but our Chinoy friends just celebrated it lately. And we also take part into that celebration. Why not, as Filipinos and Chinese have established a good relationship even before the Spaniards colonized Philippines. Barter, anyone? Anyway, I'm also looking forward to Chinese New Year because I sooo love tikoy!

My husband Jhe bought this one last week and I just stock it on the ref until I saw the expiration date so I cooked it before it got wasted. Trivia: Tikoy or Chinese New Year's cake is called Nian gao in Chinese, which means "higher year". The name tikoy was derived from its alternate name tikay. They say it's better when you receive it instead of buying it.

Motherhood Means Unlimited Patience

If there is one thing I wish to master now, it would be patience. I know I've been giving my very best since day one, when I first held and saw my son. But now that he's growing very fast, he's changing a lot as well. He's become a crybaby...and sometimes I cannot decipher why he keeps on crying.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaah! Neighbors, wake up,"

Now I have become less nervous when Jairus cries (thank heavens). During his first few days, I would even cry, because I can't stop him sometimes. He's awake at night and he keeps on crying even while I'm already feeding him. But now I realize there is nothing to worry about, I just tell myself, grown-ups cry, so do babies. I just hope he changes his sleeping pattern soon since he really cry loud on wee hours the entire neighborhood hears him.

Get the Look: Mila Kunis at the Cinemacon

Friends with Benefits star Mila Kunis flaunts her legs at the Cinemacon of Walt Disney Studios in April 2012. Try this look with this ensemble! :) I customized this get-up from Polyvore, hope you like it.

Uniqlo
uniqlo.com

Gestuz blazer
$165 - zalando.co.uk

Witchery short shorts
$105 - witchery.com.au

Jimmy Choo high heel shoes
mytheresa.com

Ryan Gosling is L.O.V.E.

Wow. I was browsing at Pinterest and my eyes went big when I saw Ryan's mouth-watering chest. (Do I sound like a maniac? I hope not!) I just loooooove this man so much!

Thanks Google, I'm able to see Ryan's body...And I can't be any happier when I saw this picture from Tumblr. How I wish he'll say this to me.

Hey Ryan, Yes...I don't blog a lot. It's like three times a week only. But if I did, and I post about you most of the time, will you read it every day? Hahaha! (I secretly wish you'll see this) Lovelots!