what's your midnight snack?

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I should have been sleeping an hour ago. But, once again, I lost track of time.

After watching the late-night news I am now ready to go to sleep. But wait! The Nanny rerun is on right now! I will start sleeping on or before 11PM starting tomorrow. A promise (to myself) that I hope I won't break (for the nth time).

In the meantime, let me look in the fridge for a midnight snack. Kiwi fruit or the chocolate bar.

sick leave

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If I can only file for a sick leave from being a mom, just for a day. But of course, I can't.

I am very sick. Headache, runny nose, slight fever. I just hope RJ doesn't catch my cold.

I better rest now. Goodnight everyone!

help stop pollution

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I was standing on our balcony one early morning. And I noticed something that made me very fearful for our future, our children's future and especially for the next generations to come.

makati skyline

This is NOW, how bad will it be in the next years to come? Is this the WORLD that we want to give to our children's children? 

Are you doing something to help save our planet or are you helping aggravate the pollution problem?

FREE mobile internet

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Q: WHAT IS T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Its Smart’s one-day offer for all Smart MOBILE subscribers to enjoy using mobile internet services for FREE. That means there are no charges to visit all internet sites using your mobile phone.

Q: Who can avail of this?

A: All Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, Infinity and Talk N Text users can enjoy the service. Those using blackberry handsets (except corporate accounts) can also avail of T.G.I.Freeday :)

Q: When is T.G.I.Freeday available?

A: T.G.I.Freeday will start from 12:00 am of July 30, until 11:59pm of the same day. If you start browsing at 10pm, you only have 11:59 pm to enjoy free mobile internet.

Q: Do I need to register?

A: No registration needed. Just open your web browser, your Uzzap or GoMail application and go!

Q: Is there a special keyword or URL to visit?

A: No need to key in a keyword or a URL to use mobile internet. For as long as you have a data capable handset, you can do mobile surfing all your want. To get more information, text FREEDAY and send to 211.

Q: I don’t know how to use mobile internet. What’s the first thing I do?

A: You need to configure your 3G settings. Text SET send to 211 to get your 3G configuration for FREE. Save the configuration and then launch your mobile web browser to start browsing. As simple as that.

Q: Can I use 2G to browse the internet?

A: Yes you can. But for a faster and better experience, it is suggested that you take advantage of Smart’s nation widest coverage by using Smart’s superior 3G, HSPA, HSDPA network.

Q: I want to avail of a daily surfing package on Friday. Will this be allowed?

A: No. You will receive an SMS notification that today is a free day and that you will be able to use the service you wish to avail unlimited for the entire day.

Q: Will I be allowed to avail weekly and monthly package of the data services that I register to?

A: Subscribers can still avail of weekly and monthly packages every Friday but they will be reminded of T.G.I.Freeday Promo and they have to confirm their purchase before transaction is completed.

Q: I have a weekly/ monthly package. Will I be given additional 1 day extension as a result of T.G.I.Freeday?

A: Subscribers with current weekly and monthly packages that traverse on a Friday will not be given extra one day as a result of the free day Friday. The existing validity of their availed package will be retained.

Q: Is there a limit as to the number of services that I can avail for free?

A: For as long as subscribers have a data capable handset, there is no limit as to how many services subscribers can avail of for free.

Q: Is there a minimum maintaining balance?

A: Prepaid subscribers should have minimum balance of P1 to avail of the free services

Q: What if I browse after 11:59pm of Friday?

A: Should subscriber continue to browse even after 11:59pm, default charging P10/30 will commence and transactional fees for chat services will apply.

Q: What are the sites that I can access?

A: You can access all the sites that you want. All the Web Unli Sites offered currently at P20 per day by Smart will be FREE on TGIFreeday!

Examples of WEBSITES you can browse on mobile

Facebook
Friendster
Multiply
Twitter
Plurk
EYP
Inq7
Wikipedia
Flickr
Photobucket
Ebay
TMZ
Cosmopolitan
NBA
ESPN
BBC
Amazon

Q: I don’t have a mobile internet capable phone. How can I participate in the promo?

A: In order to browse the web using your phone, you must have at the least a GPRS handset. To find out the most affordable handset offers Smart has to offer, simply go to the Smart shop, http://shop.smart.com.ph/ However, you can still participate in T.G.I.Freeday because Go Mail can be done even with a non-internet capable handset. All you have to do is text MAIL and send to 7077. You will receive a notification message on how to register your email and receive and send email through your phone without having to connect to the internet.

Q: Is this open to Smart BRO prepaid or postpaid subscribers?

A: Nope :) This is just for MOBILE CELLPHONE users

wedding supplier

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One of the many work-at-home business that I tried was being a handmade wedding invitation supplier. I have limited skills in photo editing, just had to buy some nice expensive-looking papers and I was ready to start.

Easy right? No!

I didn't have a maid to help me with housechores. I didn't have a nanny and a driver to bring and pick up my son to and from school. My son is at school from 1pm-330pm only. So my time for the business is from 9pm onwards.

I advertised online and more than five clients inquired the first week, wohoo!

I got sick, really sick the first week. These about-to-get-married people were mean to me! Okay, just one couple. I did every single detail that they emailed but everytime I give them the finished sample invite - they had to add more details.

Lesson learned: Research, research, research first. And it's ok to ask for help. A contract is also very important or clients would take advantage of you.

Cast of Avengers Revealed!

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The Avengers, from left: Robert Downey Jr., Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, director Joss Whedon and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

The cast of 2012's super team movie, "Marvel Studios' The Avengers!"

Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson), Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (The Black Widow), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America) as well as newcomers Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye)

source: Marvel.com

belly fat gone forever! how?

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There are a lot of ways to get rid of stomach fat. But the BEST way is exercise combined with eating the right kinds (and the right amount) of food.

Cardio exercise is probably the best exercise to achieve a flat belly. Doing cardio exercises helps the body burn more calories. Burning more calories mean losing more fat which include fat around the stomach area. Crunches also helps tone the muscles thus helping achieve a flat belly faster.

Eating the right kind of food helps eliminate fat formation in our body. Fruits, vegetables as well as small portion of carbohydrates and protein-rich food will help pave the way to a healthy and sexier body.

lights out at 11PM

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The past two days were sleepless nights for me. I noticed that when it's past 1am already, eventhough I can barely keep my eyes open, my mind is still very much awake.

So starting tonight, my lights out is at 11pm.

There goes the alarm, 11pm.

Goodnight everyone!

rainy days are here again

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Typhoon Basyang hit the country two weeks ago. I could have enjoyed the cool weather after surviving the El Nino heat the previous summer. But no, I wasn't able to sleep the whole night. The generator of the apartment beside our condominium building was so noisy! The generator is located on the left side of the apartment and directly in-front of our bedroom. I can't even escape the noise, it can be heard all the way to our living room.

I hope no Typhoon will directly hit the country again. I don't want to experience another power interruption. I don't want to experience a sleepless night again because of the neighbors' generator.

I am dreaming of a caribbean cruise right now. How I wish the rainy season will soon end.

Willie out; Robin and Kris in!

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A new show will replace Wowowee starting this Saturday, July 31. The new show, Pilipinas For The Win, will be hosted by Robin Padilla and Kris Aquino. The show will also retain Wowowee ladies Mariel Rodriquez, Pokwang and Valerie Concepcion.

But... Willie will also have a new show. ABS-CBN will announce it in a few weeks.

what to ask your real estate agent

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I am not a guru when it comes to real estate*. But living in a condominium, and transferring in a new one for the nth time, the last 10 years of my life makes me a guru on "things to ask your agent".

1. FA - It is very important to know the floor area for comparison of other condominium units that you have yet to visit. As well as for the computation of association dues.

2. Association Dues - This should cover the security, maintenance, janitorial and administration people's salary.

3. Occupancy Rate - Who wants to live in a building "half-full"? That says a lot about the "popularity" of the condominium.

4. Amenities - Swimming Pool, Gym, Sauna, Playground?

5. Emergency Power Source - If ever there's a sudden power failure, does the condominium have a generator. What areas of the building does it cover? Elevator, hallway, individual condo unit outlets?

Not all condominium unit has a terrace or a balcony, so don't bother buying an outdoor furniture, especially if you'll just get a studio-type unit.

I hope my few tips will help you find a new place to call "home".

*condominium unit in the Philippines

do you want a free frozen swirl yogurt?

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is inviting everyone to their Frozen Swirl Open House. Enjoy a cup of their exclusive line of FROZEN SWIRL yogurt for FREE!

The flavours that you can choose from are: The Original, Lemoncello, Banana Caramel, Pomegranate, Berry'd Treasure, Classic Vanilla, Affogato, Caramel Affogato, Matcha Green Tea ...and their secret flavor too!

lose weight without sweating

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I for the first and last time will admit it. I don't want to stay too long in sweat-drenched clothes. Who, in his right mind, wants to stay too long drenched in sticky sweat anyway? I try to do 30-minutes of cardio workout everyday but I am definitely not, I repeat - NOT, thrilled feeling sweat trickling down my body!

I have been thinking of trying out an all-juice diet or I can ask around for proven safe weight loss pills available in the market today. I have never tried any weight loss pills though, except for the good ones -  vitamins. If ever, this will be my first time.

Which do you think is the better way to lose weight; weight loss pills or exercise?

wife-beater!

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I heard it on a radio station once and read it in "The Devil Wears Prada". I got curious.

What is a wife-beater?!

Wikipedia: A-shirt, a sleeveless undershirt.

About: a thin, ribbed tank originally worn by men as underwear. Men who wore it by itself as a shirt projected a low-class look (hence the "wife-beater" moniker). Although they started out as simple undershirts, slowly people began wearing them alone and they've become a favorite of celebs - from SJP to Paris Hilton (she likes to pair them with minis).

Online Slang Dictionary: a sleeveless undershirt. Origin: before wearing a wife-beater as one's only shirt became a popular style, the stereotype existed that they were worn primarily by alcoholics or people who were too poor to buy outer shirts. One stereotypical American image of an alcoholic is someone wearing an undershirt and beating their wife.

Now, I know! I won't get shocked anymore when I hear someone say he/she is wearing a wife-beater.

i heart books!

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...especially if it's on sale!

A visit to the mall or the supermarket will never be complete without purchasing books. I am currently reading The Devil Wears Prada and yes I did purchase it from a second-hand bookstore. I noticed though that the movie is quite different from the paperback. Do they always do that? Change the storyline of the book when they make it into a movie?

Although, I have to admit, I like the movie better than the paperback. I do like the storyline of the book but some chapters have irrelevant paragraphs.

I highly recommend this book if you don't have anything better to read or do.

charice admitted she had botox at 18

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I was shocked when I saw this on one of the feeds that I follow, "“Glee” Actress Admits To Getting Botox — Even Though She’s Only 18"

I got more shocked when I kept reading and learned that Charice is the "Glee Actress" that the article was referring to. She's too young to have Botox and Thermage. But I guess she has to follow the instructions of the "Glee people" or maybe it was Dra. Vicky Belo's advice.

yummy cannelloni pasta dish

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My son loves this yummy (and healthy!) dish and he doesn't know it's stuffed with veggies!

he's eating "yucky" carrots!

Do you also want to trick your child?

Here's what you should do.

1. Saute one minced onion, six cloaves minced garlic, 1/2 kilo ground chicken (or beef or pork-whichever your taste buds prefer) in butter and oil.

2. Add chopped sweet ham, one large cubed carrot, one large cubed green bell pepper, one can corn kernel and one can stewed tomatoes.

3. Transfer the mixture in a container to cool down.

4. Using the same pan, combine one large can tomato sauce, one cup fresh milk (evap will also do) and grated cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Stuff uncooked cannelloni pasta with veggie-meat mixture.

6. Pour 1/4 of the sauce mixture in a baking dish. Layer the cannellonis. Pour the rest of the sauce mixture. Top with grated cheese.

7. Bake in 160c preheated oven for 30 minutes.

I feel so victorious everytime I cook this for my son. But I also have to intensify my workout because I always end up eating 2-3 servings of this delish dish!

bookish or bookworm?

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bookish

adj. 1. Of, relating to, or resembling a book 2. Fond of books; studious 3. Relying chiefly on book learning: took a bookish rather than a pragmatic approach in solving the problem. 4. Pedantic; dull.  

bookworm

n. 1. One who spends much time reading or studying 2. Any of various insects, especially booklice and silverfish, that infest books and feed on the paste in the bindings

No, I don't think I resemble a book or any form of insect. And I definitely am not dull! I do admit that I am fond of books and spends my leisure time reading a good book. So, I guess you can call me a bookish and/or a bookworm.

Reading a book makes me forget my worries for the future and my problems at the present time. It's a wonderful avenue to learn new things as well.

Why don't you grab a book now and be a bookish slash a bookworm just like me.

i want my ex back!

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I had lots of problems with this ex. For so many months, before saying adieu, I had to put up with waiting all the time. Such a waste of my precious time. I just couldn't take it anymore, I decided to get a new one.

I am not talking about an ex-boyfriend or ex-husband but my ex-laptop! I have to wait for 30 minutes (I am not kidding!) for it to boot. After much contemplating, I decided to buy a netbook. It's so much easier to bring anywhere and it doesn't take too much space inside my bag.

But I have lots of pictures and important files stored in that ex laptop. Since that laptop is considered a senior citizen laptop already, I therefore can't use the laptop warranty. I have to start looking for someone to fix it. Someone who doesn't pretend really knows how to fix a laptop and that someone shouldn't charge too much! Can anyone recommend a reliable technician?

blog layout

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it takes a real man to wear pink

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... but playing sorority life on facebook is a different story. I know of a guy or two, one is even an uncle *gasp*, who registered and has been actively playing this facebook application for some time now. I wonder if they were half-asleep when they registered. Maybe not, if they still play it up to now.

The people behind Sorority Life should then start making a Fraternity Life version. These men should be stopped from invading Sorority Life.

I may sound seriously disturbed about this but I actually am not. Go ahead REAL MEN, invade the girly-games-that-I-don't-play on facebook. I don't really care.

Search Amazon.com for pink shirts for men

thank God for my checklist

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Being a stay-at-home mom is not easy-peasy. That's what people-so-naive-hasn't-even-tried-it always say. "You don't have anything to do, I have loads of things to do in the office, you plan a get-together." Believe me it takes lots of will power to smile and say, "Sure"!

I chanced upon an Oprah episode that talks about keeping a list of "goals for 10 years". Right then and there, I started my list. It did help me become more productive. More productive than those whose life revolves around being a slave-to-their-bosses-24/7.

I have yet to find a more profitable business, being a wholesale distributor perhaps. I have a lot of plans to add to my list. I will now change my list to "goals for 20 years".

free VIP membership

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Join the club, get a free VIP membership and invite your friends! You can get a Bounty Fresh and Chooks to Go products and premium items like kaChooks Club shirts for free!

time: 12 minutes

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That's a record! The shortest time I spent in the shower. I was running late in picking up RJ so I had to scrub for just a few seconds! I even forgot to use conditioner on my hair. But I did use the acne body wash, I didn't forget that because it's-that-time-of-the-month. And when it's-that-time-of-the-month, acne's and bruises are all over my body.

my bathroom caddy

My bathroom caddy has two different brands of my shampoo, facewash, conditioner and the body wash is on the other rack. 12 minutes then is an impressive time to choose between two brands of everything right?

FIFA World Cup 2010 Schedule

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source: balls channel

abs-cbn publishing

secret to a sexy body

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Yes, that is my secret to a sexy body. I don't have "that" body yet but I'm slowly getting there! I have been trying different strategies ways to lose weight and I recently discovered this very easy way to sweat-like-a-pig-to-a-sexy-body. The coconut husk.

The pregnancy vitamins and milk helped my son's development while he's still inside my womb. But it also helped me gain a few pounds and pounds of unwanted fat.

Using a coconut husk is very easy. **
Step 1: Put your foot on top of the husk. Right foot if you're right-handed.
Step 2: Move your foot forward, applying a bit of force.
Step 3. Move your foot backward, applying more force.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until floor of entire house is glistening-you-can-see-your-face-clearly.

Note: Don't forget to swing your arms to tone biceps and triceps.
**Will only work on wooden floor.

health benefits of sweet potato

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3 July 2010

RJ is at his friends house, again. He was there from 9-11:30 PM last night. This morning, he again asked if he can play with his friend Nathan again.

sweet potatoes and coffee for lunch

I don't have to cook lunch because his friend's Mom called and asked me if RJ can eat lunch with her son. Hmmm, this is getting a weekly habit already RJ! Anyway, I am not going to complain about it right now because I am too lazy to get out of this chair and cook lunch.

My lunch - sweet potatoes and coffee.

What did I get from eating sweet potatoes?

sleeping late is bad for your health

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...but I can't miss the reruns of The Nanny! I have been sleeping really late the past few days. I hit the sack at around 1am. Don't you dare put the blame on Fran Dresher!

The episode that I am watching right now, yes exactly right now, is so funny I can't turn off the television. Fran is trying to conceive and can't wait to buy the best prenatal vitamins. Even when Mr. Sheffield is guesting on Hollywood Square, Fran took her ovulation test right then and there.

best advice buffett has ever received

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The advice has nothing to do with money.

The power of unconditional love. I mean, there is no power on earth like unconditional love. And I think that if you offered that to your child, I mean you’re 90 percent of the way home. There may be days when you don’t feel like it, it’s not uncritical love, that’s a different animal, but to know you can always come back, that is huge in life. That takes you a long, long way. And I would say that every parent out there that can extend that to their child at an early age, it’s going to make for a better human being.

He credited his Father for that advice. For teaching him how to live, and explained that all parents can make a "better human being" by offering their children unconditional love.

source: Yahoo News

running is not for me

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I just came home from doing some rounds on the track oval of Philsports Arena. RJ was even doing more laps than me. I have to blame it on my running shoes. The left shoe is bigger than the right one... I think. I have to visit some sneaker stores tomorrow when I pass by the mall on the way to RJ's school.

But honestly though, I would rather do belly dancing or aerobics. Running for me is sooo boring. Shhh... no telling RJ please. He needs to run some days especially since he hasn't been joining his team in swim training for a few months already.

can you lend me some money?

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That line is not new to me.

I have written a post about a friend asking for money, unashamedly. This time though, that line came out of my former maid's lips. And yes, I was so stupid to advance her salary. She was just working for a few days when she told me, "RJ's Mama, can I advance my salary for this month? I still haven't bought school things for my kids." I already gave her son the shoes and raincoat that RJ doesn't use anymore.

My heart was saying, "Awww, don't you feel sorry for her kids?". But my mind was saying, "Don't be stupid! Remember it happened a million times already with your sisters! If it's not the kids...it's the parents or the siblings!"

Because I didn't listen and wasn't using my brain at that time, I gave her full month's salary the next day.

These people, they are no different from robbers.

She didn't report to work 30th of June, she still owe me four days worth of work. Should I still try to get my money back? Or should I let it go. Apparently, she has been doing a "Runaway Maid" act a few times already. I want to teach her a lesson. But, is it worth my time?

She even turned off her cellular phone when I tried calling her. I already wrote a letter to the Building Administrator, banning her from entering the building. 

So yes, Hilda Esconde of Kapitolyo, Pasig, you are a bad person. I am sure your kids, grandkids and great-grandkids will search for their name a few years from now. They will land, hopefully, on this page and see for themselves that you are not somebody to be proud of! You even used your kids to rob money from me.

spare keys?

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Don't even think about it. Don't ever give spare keys to your maid! I didn't fully trust the stay-out maid I hired a month ago. Although I wasn't using my head when I gave her an advance salary, I am glad I didn't give her spare keys to our house. She's a stay-out maid and she lives a few minutes away from where I live. She was referred by the maintenance man, in the building where I live, who also did the repainting of my house. That's another story, my disappointment with the repainting of our house. Apparently, the saying "Birds of the same feathers, flock together" is very true.

I am right now angry and also worried at the same time. I am trying to get my money back from the maid and the carpenter for their  unfinished work.

So glad that I have double-locks installed on my door. That will keep us safe inside the house.

paperback or ebook

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I'll choose paperback anytime. I've tried reading ebooks, a couple of times, but it's really not for me. My eyes get watery after a page or two. I am a big fan of detective, mystery or CIA/FBI inspired stories. When I can't find a good book, after doing my weekly rounds of my favorite second-hand bookstores, I borrow my sister's Johanna Lindsey books.

currently reading

What about you, do you prefer holding a book or reading pdf files?