Better Us Than Them

Doctor, Doctor Am I Sick?

Mia is a year and 11 month old in the first set of pictures below. Jose and I knew she was not fine because she suddenly became tamed and would ask for cuddle and kisses more often. She got sick for four days but the GP said it was just viral so lots of fluid and fruits would do the trick. And thankfully, it did!

Braun Thermoscan Self Check!

Then it's Beanie's turn! :) Still so thoughtful even when sick!

The worst she had so far was this year, two months after her third birthday. I hope it would not happen ever again. You know... it's better us (parents) than them (children).

If you'd like to know the full details about how Mia braved the whole act and how hospitalization procedure goes in Milton Keynes' Accident and Emergency, please go here. Otherwise, you can see more on this subject by clicking this.

Why Didn't I Check Before?

Every occasion calls for a celebration and a celebration involves merriment and the merriment is usually backed with drinking – beer, wine, or for us, it’s got to be champagne. Christmas and New Year ’08, Valentine’s, our birthdays and even Mother’s day have passed but we haven’t had the chance to get ourselves a champagne bucket. It’s a shame that I actually never tried to check online. For a homemaker like me who literally does all the shopping through the web, it never dawned that I can look for a champagne bucket online. The thing is I always thought that it would cost a lot! But when I got into a site like Champagne Bucket's, I was shocked by all the available options. It could get as cheap as £10! Champagne Bucket's is basically this country’s leading site for champagne buckets and I am kicking myself now for letting the chilling job be done through the fridge for so long. Now, what I am eyeing for is a champagne bucket and stand set in stainless steel all below £50. If you’d like to see how it looks, you can always go to Champagne Bucket. Soon, we will be having our champagne served like in a restaurant or hotel style!

Twinkie in a Heart?

Last weekend, out of nowhere, Jose and I had a quick chat about tattoos and it went like:

Jose: Baby, we should get a tattoo!
Twinkie: What? Why would we get a tattoo?
Jose: Why not? I mean, I always wanted to put your name here (points to his chest) inside a heart.
Twinkie: Aw! That is really sweet! But of course you would like your name to be tattooed on me too!
Jose: Yes! Of course! You have to put it in your ankle. Your ankle will look nicer than it is.
Twinkie: Yeah, and the more you would like it because it will have your name on! You are very conceited!!!
Jose: You know that is not true!!! (LOL)

Now I am actually thinking of what I would get for myself. Would I make it plain? Would the color be black or colored? Would I put in Jose? What about Mia’s? And most of all, where would I put it? The ankle is not a bad idea but I am also thinking of my nape. Maybe we should go to tattoo chat rooms to know more about tattoos and who knows, we might end up not getting one each but more! :)

What?

Call me silly, overacting or crazy, but is it just me?

UK Swine Flu Cases Confirmed (Yahoo News)

Two people have tested positive for the virus and are being treated in isolation in hospital in
Airdrie, near Glasgow, while seven more people among 22 who have been in contact
with them have developed "mild symptoms" not confirmed as swine flu.

The pair developed symptoms after returning from a trip to Mexico, where almost 150 people have died following an outbreak of the H1N1 virus.Ms Sturgeon added: "I would reiterate
that the threat to the public remains low and that the precautionary actions we
have taken over the last two days have been important in allowing us to respond
appropriately and give us the best prospect of disrupting the spread of the virus."

Health Secretary Alan Johnson earlier said ministers have put in place "enhanced" port health checks on passengers arriving in the UK and will use its stockpile of anti-viral drugs if
the virus begins to spread widely.

Passengers returning to Heathrow from Mexico City are being kept aboard their planes while health officials ask them if they feel unwell. But other travellers at Gatwick airport said they had not been stopped as they returned to Britain.

The Government said it has enough medicine to treat half the population. The NHS
has a stockpile of more than £500 million worth of the Tamiflu anti-viral drug,
which has proved effective on patients in Mexico, and scientists are working on
developing a vaccine against the new strain.

Now, let's have a moment of silence to remember that whether or not this threatend pandemic actually reaches us, there are hundreds of lives of affected. Let's pray together that this bad dream stops right away.

On Plumbing

I was worried about our bathroom last night. The water from the shower is not going down the hole as fast as it should! As I’ve mentioned in our HomeCare insurance here, it covers this type of problem so I would try to do some observation first if I should really give them a ring. If Jose would not be able to solve it by putting some proper solution (I don’t know the brand name) then I must ask for the service that we are paying blindfolded. :D People in Minneapolis (and far beyond) are very lucky to have Rogers Plumbing where 80+% of their customers are referrals. How’s that for good quality service? They specialize in Residential - New Construction and Remodel, Commercial - New Construction and Remodel, Lower Level Bath Finishes, Install Water Heaters (Water Heater, I can’t live without!!!), and General Plumbing Service and Install. Finding a good plumber is essential in keeping a worry-free home. A drip that we actually experienced as mentioned here should not be slept on. Action should be done immediately. So giving expert plumbing services like Rogers Plumbing a call should be done immediately. Hmmm... Shall I still wait for Jose to come home then?

On Roofs

Yesterday, I can’t help but notice the very vast view that we have from our bedroom. The city center can actually be seen through our window! MK is not a very old place. They said it was developed just some three decades ago and knowing how “old” some of the actual old houses in this country are, I must say that we can take some good breathing that our house, and roofs for that matter,will do just fine. Maybe re-roofing services like Tulsa Roofing who has 25 years of experience could tell if it’s needed. They specialize in Residential & Commercial Re-Roofs, Pitched Roofs - Composition & Wood Shake and Flat Roofs - Built-up, TPO & Duralast . Speaking of roofs, I took a picture of the closer view that I was talking about as seen on the left. Yes, we are on top of MK, so apart from trees, we can see roofs. It’s so entertaining to look at them especially when different kinds of birds are on it. When it’s snowing, the view is also very nice. Some may take it as an eye sore but for me, I like it. I like the fact that our neighbors are close to us. Hehehe!

Fifi's Wellies

Theme: TOY WITH SHOES

Fifi with Pink Wellies

Wellies are a must for kids in this country. Not because it floods but because it rains (like forever). And wellies are the most convenient because they keep the feet warm, away from dirt and most of all, dry.

Fifi is the first toy that Mia ever asked to have. As soon as she saw her in Newcastle's (Monument) Debenhams, she screamed, "Fifi! Fifi! Fifi!" She was barely a year old then and we were really living in a very tight budget. (Not that we aren't now!) Jose and I were not that good in saying NO before and since it was the first, we were really caught off guard. (Nakakahiyang 'di pagbigyan!) Fifi welcomed us to the real world of toys here, I mean price-wise. This little doll if I remember right costs £15! And the exchange rate then was 1 is to 90? Well, that's maybe because she's got a bottle of perfume inside her. :D Thing is, after a couple of years or so, she hasn't lost her flowery scent yet. Plus there's no denying that in UK, Fifi is let's say, quite as popular as Dora. So there.

Come and enjoy shoe hunting erm... toy hunting with us by clicking here. Happy weekend!

Labor of Daddy's Love

Daddy Moment

He's got to put it together...

Then he has to "put" her daughter in it too.

I planned to create an Animoto video like this for Jose's "Daddy Moments" with Mia but I guess the "bike moment" says it all. Well, Daddy Jose is always there for Mia from beginning to end. Even if sometimes, that means he has to let go. :)

Happy MM everyone! More daddy sweetness here.

~o~

I got to say, the new color revamp of my blog is mainly influenced by Mia's bike and its accessories. (And according to an adware from Jose's iPhone, it is MY color.) But sometimes, it's better to seek professional advice from smart people who knows all about web designs. And no one knows better than Hawaii Design. Blogs and Blogging is just one of their expertise when it comes to internet marketing tools. From the name itself, Hawaii Design? What can be cooler than having, say, island inspired designs? Hey! You'll definitely not get lost from a sea of competitions ei? Plus, just like us who tries to be more environmental friendly by using bikes instead of the bus, they too are environmentally focused. With Hawaii Design, expect to make more than a splash on the internet! Do you think I need them? Oh I do! :D

I would like to thank Lola Weng for the bike money that she has given Mia last Christmas. I was really saving it for a Dora bike but lo and behold! Just when I thought that the price will change for the better, it soared to £20 more! That's just the bike without any accessory. So the very practical person in me surfaced once again. I was able to get a very pretty deal from Amazon and Argos. The whole package - bike with dolly carriage, Disney Princess basket, Disney Princess bell, safety pads, and helmet costs even a liitle less than the Dora bike. Imagine? Even if I had to add more from Mia's bike budget, I still felt relief that I am not tossing everything in just one item.

Now tell me which is better? These...

Bike / Basket

Bell / Safety Pads and Helmet

Or just this?

I am not sour graping or anything but based from the reviews that I've read from parents, grandparents, aunts and even uncles alike, my daughter is better off without it. Besides, when I made Mia choose between this one and my package, she instantly chose... the pink option! Well, that's her favorite color for one. Anyway, she's got a Dora scooter already. (Which, by the way, I also got at a very reasonable price). :D

I am one happy Mommy, Jose's definitely a happy Daddy because we have a happy "princess" Mia! I just hope she masters biking real soon.

Easter Treats

As if our Easter break was not enough, I would like to share some of our amazing bits and bobs bought and gained during this Easter season.

First (and my most treasured) in line is the compact fluorescent light! You would not believe the power that "white light" gives to a Filipino family. Our relatives from Slough has a sack full of "as promised" white lights but recently had a breakthrough by discovering the real white light at Daniels in Windsor. So a couple of weeks ago, before going to Windsor Castle, I begged Jose to go there even if they ran out of stock due to popular (Filipinos in Slough) demand. Luckily, Jose found more than two bulbs but he was still apprehensive to panic buy for spares. Now, my kitchen is indeed MY kitchen. And our bedroom is just like any Filipino bedroom; no more yellow "cozy" color there. :D

Next is our our Easter chocolate treats from Jose. I'll not say much about Cadbury eggs, although Mia really liked them. But we sooo love the Ferrero Collection! I am not a huge fan of dark chocolates and chocolates with coconut but Ferrero Rocher really did an amazing job in creating Rondnoir and Raffaello. They are sooo yummy and they all look nice too.

Easter Chocolate Treats

Now here's another book bunch. I am telling you, this is becoming an addiction - the book collections and reading to Mia in a very animated way! Oh I love hearing her laugh!

Chameleons' 10 Book Collection, Harry and the Dinosaurs 10 Book Collection, The Large Family 5 Book Collection

Lauren Child's 10 Book Collection - Another must have!

And because I've been a valued multi-title set shopper, I finally got something for free!!!

Jamie Oliver's Shopper Bag

Another freebie is this Bookstart Treasure Chest for toddlers aged 3 or more. It's mandatory that all kids in the UK get a pack. This is one of their ways to promote the love of reading to youngsters. This is Mia's third and final loot.

Generous Bookstart Treasure Chest

After the Easter break, and as she came back to preschool this afternoon, Bethany and her Mom approached us with this:

Personalized Note Pad from Bethany

The sweet conversation went like this:

Bethany: Hello Mia! I have something for you! It's got your name on! Look! What will you say? (In a very cute voice).

Mia: Wow! Thank you Bethany! I like it sooo much! Mom Look!

And their Moms' went like this:

Bethany's Mom: I have been buying presents for Emily's (Bethany's older sister) friends then Bethany asks what I have for her friend Mia. All week she went Mia this and Mia that and she even asked why not bring Mia with us! And I went erm... I don't think so sweetie!

Mia's Mom: Aw! Same with Mia! She tells us about Bethany's dolls all the time too! And why not? (Thought Bubble: As long as I can go too! Kahit isang kilometro pa layo ko, carry lang!).

Then the main door opened...

And surprise, surprise!!! For the preschool's Easter raffle, Mia got some of the top prizes! Woot!

Hair Curler / Upsy Daisy Robe ( What I was really hoping to get!)

BHS Chocolate (So delicious!!!) / Shaun Sheep Clay Set

Parang sinukat!

I've been telling Ate Twinkle how blessings pour like rain lately. With such luck, we also discussed about possible business ventures that would appeal to people who actually have extra money to spend. Women who love luxury shoes (and those who would not compromise design and quality for price) came to our minds. I told her about Kameil Shoes. They will have an exhibit at London Fashion Week later this year and I am really considering to go there and just see how a business like it runs. Who knows, we may be Kameil Shoes' Asian stockists! So we'll see. I hope they would make it as big as Jimmy Choo!

Last week, I remember praying every night and all I asked was for His will, be done. I had a very nice chat through magicJack with one of my aunts in the US and I was telling her how I have been smiling like crazy because I don't know what to feel anymore. She just advised me to take the day at a time. She also said that the Lord did not allow us to be here just because. That we were brought here not to be abandoned but to grow. That no matter what, we have to remember how proud they are of what we have become. Of where we have gone at such young age. She also said that we have to give ourselves a big pat on our backs for coming out all mature and generous, loving kids from such a looong and not so easy way. And lastly, we just need to trust and lift up EVERYTHING. These words came from a super successful but very humble person and I can't thank enough people like her and all of you who said a little prayer for our family. It's really tough nowadays. Appreciating little things makes wonders. Smiling even when hurt uplifts the soul. Believing even when all things around are shaken makes life worth cherishing. I know the loong way is still looong. But getting recognition from our elders and co-bloggers like Jes and Genebei who gave me the I Love Your Blog Award makes that way bearable. I truly appreciate it girls! Thanks a lot! I now pass this award to Cee, Cheche, Che-che, Chris, Denden, Joy, Kuya Keith, Ate Meeya, Ate Weng, and Ate Pinky because I truly love your lovely blogs! Have a fantastic day! :D

My Big Bag

Purse Talk's Rules are:

1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you can't go into your closet and pull out your favorite purse! We want to know what you carried today or the last time you left the house.
2. List how much it cost. And this is not to judge. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, we'd love to hear it.
3. Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you're showing everyone your bag.

______

1. Purse? What purse? :D Well I have a BIG bag, that's for sure! Lately, this warm grey Nine West tote bag is the most popular among my BIG bags. I got it as one of my 27th birthday gifts from Jose as mentioned here.

2. The price was not in the tag when I got it but the silly plastic had a little sticker on it marked at £75 / €115! So that's how I knew the amount. Anyway, I like it to bits. Even Mia's teachers and her classmates' mommies in preschool raved so much about it! (With gasping and all... seriously.) I especially like the non-zipper feature of it. That way I can just pop things in and out. That being said, just look at how it holds everything that a mom with a toddler needs!

It doesn't look bulky and doesn't bulge in the wrong way. The leather is so soft that it can double as Mia's pillow! Plus, it hangs on my shoulders perfectly no matter what type of fabric I'm wearing. Yes, Jose got this oh so right!

3. Cee, Denden, Apple, Jane and Peachy, kindly show us what you got. Genebei and Che, thanks a bunch for tagging me. You know how mommies love their purses or bags for that matter. ;D

Phoenix HVAC

While I was changing bedlinens this afternoon, I can't help but notice the sudden change of temperature in our home. I was supposed to put in the usual dark colored plain fitted sheets but changed my mind into having a very nice and fresh spread. It has yellow and pink tulips for design and I thought it was just perfect! While doing this, I thought of having an air conditioning unit in our room. Well, it snowed when it usually does not snow last winter, so I am really thinking (and dreaming) of a very hot summer come June or July. Thus, an ac unit could be needed. People in the US are so lucky to have Phoenix HVAC. HVAC stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. So what do licensed Phoenix HVAC people do? They simply bring peace of mind to their clients - that's just feeling cool during summers and warm during the nippy seasons. It is so costly to have central heating or air conditioning maintained but Phoenix HVAC gives you before anything else, an accurate quotation. They are not after their customers' money but just giving quality service all the time. Old systems are their favorites to tinker on. They make sure that you get the best of what you have but when that old system needs to go, you know it really needs to because Phoenix HVAC contractors are real experts that you can truly rely on.

I've heard how hot it is in the Philippines right now. I know central heating is not needed there in any time of the year. I just hope that there will be a website Filipinos can go to just like Phoenix HVAC's when it comes to air conditioning solutions or even just for professional advice.

*Disclosure Policy at the bottom part of homepage.

Honest!

In sum, choose a minimum of Seven (7) Blogs that you find Brilliant in Content or Design to pass on this Award. Then list at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Cee, thank you for including me in your list! The 10 totally random honest things that I can think of now are:

1. I am so thankful that Jose got past the 2nd wave of redundancy; it was announced today. Thanks to everyone who prayed with us.
2. I enjoy reading aloud stories with Mia.
3. I love hugging and kissing her. I hope she would want me to do it until... forever!
4. I want to have my own domain and get serious with paid blogging. Who knows, I may also get so big (it's free to dream) that I may need the services of WHG. From there, I can choose the best web host provider. They are so reliable that all webhosting plans under them offer a 30 day money back guarantee! How's that for reassurance? Just go to web site hosting and you'll be amazed at the reviews, ratings and awards they have since 2004. They do Top 10 Web Hosting, Multiple Domain Hosting and even Green Domain Hosting for ratings. Best Reseller Hosting, Best Dedicated Hosting and Best Email Hosting to name a few for awards. For Geeks' Blog, they highlight Web Hosting 101, Web Hosting News, Web Hosting Types and many more.
5. I am so thankful to Ate Twinkle and Jd for helping Nanay to choose the best priced spanking new CPU! Woot! I can't say enough how grateful we are for all your help.
6. I cancelled my little armpit operation for tomorrow because I'm scared.
7. I am worried about Jose's back problem and also annoyed with the health system because it's taking ages before he can get the referral from our GP; that way his treatment may be covered by our private healthplan.
8. I am sooo excited to see Mia's Cinderella doll from her Ninang Twinkle and the Minnie Mouse doll from her Ninang Angeli. Many thanks to Tita Belle for taking charge in bringing them (and some more bilins) with her when she flies back from the Philippines by the end of this month.
9. I get annoyed with people leaving comments in my blog who obviously does it, just for the purpose of promoting their sites. (Magbasa man lang ng kaunti or wag na lang mag-comment).
10. It's the 2nd day for my "red flag's up" day. I am relieved I have done more than usual and hoping dysmennorhea will be gone for good!

I am passing this award to: Che-che, Cheche, Chris, Denden, Joy, Beth and Enchie simply because you girls are also brilliant to me! Hehehe! :)

Hunny Bunny

Theme: BUNNY TOY/S

Aside from Mia's rabbit toy here, other rabbit related stuff that she has are these:

Bunny Ears with Flashing Lights / Bugs Bunny Inflatable Chair

Last Sunday, we celebrated Easter at Guliver's. Sadly, there were no rabbit toys on sale in their gift shops not even Easter eggs! So let me share with you the best of what I found that goes with this week's theme.

Bunnies Galore!

We also had quite a few shots with the Easter bunny because every time someone takes a picture of him, a handful of chocolate eggs are given away! So whenever Jose sees the mascot, he would run towards him and hug him in exchange for the chocolate eggs. Hehehe!

Gulliver's Easter Bunny

Please do some hoppity hops here! Happy weekend!

~o~

With the promise of Gulliver's Theme Park in MK of holding a "grand" Easter egg hunt, Jose and I decided to gamble on the weather even if it was clearly announced on every weather report on tv and the net that IT WILL RAIN. The Easter spirit brought us to believe that it's actually for the better. Like the park will be all ours? So probably there will be a bigger chance of getting more eggs? Yippee!

And so it poured the whole morning... By noon, it wasn't all sunny and springlike but we were just relieved the rain eventually went away! The total letdown (probably as a result of greedy thoughts) was the hunt itself. Because A. There were no eggs to look for but a paper with questions to fill out and B. The prize (yes, just one) is to be raffled off. Great! We stayed the entire day just to find out that the winner will receive a return family ticket to where else? Anyway, it is our first to be at Gulliver's and the place was quite nice for a local theme park. There were lots of rides and attractions (around 60!) enough to keep us awake from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Here are some of the rides...

Balloons Ferris Wheel / Horses Carousel

Giant Tea Cups / Veteran Cars

Tree Tops Swing / The Buccaneer

And here are my hunny and bunny. They are in a love-hate stage right now (I mean, Mia with her Dad...) and it just melts my heart whenever she gives in to what she really feels towards him. Pakipot pa! Hmpf!

Flying Carpet / Fire Engine

Crazy Barrel / Jungle River

The only generous thing about the park was the visibility of different mascots. Good thing Mia was not scared of them.

Gully Gang Everywhere!!! (Easter Bunny, Ellie Elephant, Gilly Mouse and Gully Mouse)

Now, this is what we really paid for... (Well, on top of the frenzied egg hunt!) Dora and Diego were scheduled to appear four times and of course, we were always in radar!

Thank Goodness For Dora and Diego's April 2009 visit!

Too bad, come Monday morning (and as of writing), Jose and I are under the clouds. We both have really bad temperature mixed with nasty cough and cold. I guess that's the price we have to pay for being very optimistic. The miracle of it all? Mia is doing just fine and that's what matters most. All in, it's been a fun Easter week for us; I hope it's the same with you. :)