My Fave Thai Tea Drink

The other day after my doctor's appointment, hubby and I decided to eat at our fave restaurant called Bistro down Audelia in Richardson. Since we were both craving for Vietnamese soup called Pho, we went to Pho 95 restaurant, but didn't get serve. The waitress serve the other customer who came after us. We waited and waited for her to come and serve us but she didn't come. After awhile, hubby and I decided to leave. Just as soon as we got up, she showed up. Too late, you already wasted tow customers. What was this waitress thinking? She thinks we will wait there for hour? No way! If she is concerned about getting more customers, she wouldn't let us wait there waiting to be served in her own time. Disappointed, we left.

Anyway, we went to Bistro and got our Pho which was very yummy, plus we got to take one more soup because it was buy two get one free soup. What a deal plus their soup is cheaper than Pho 95. Here is my fave Thai Tea with Pearl or Tapioca, yummy. This served as my desert because it is a bit sweeter.

Pails and Buckets for Our Food Storage

At the church where we belong (LDS) we are all advised to be prepared, so when the calamity comes we are not going to be afraid. A food storage is one thing we need to prepare. It is very important that we have at least 72 hour kit for each member of the family. Obedient to our church leader, we build a food storage at home. We store those foods in buckets that are clean and reusable. Sometimes the food we order are packed in pail, buckets and sometimes barrels. Sometimes, I wonder where the manufacturers buy those pails and buckets; am thinking maybe they bought it at  drumsofsteel.com steel drum, an online company that sells metal pails, buckets, barrels and more.

Tons of Bearings

Watching my husband cleaning and organizing his garage, I can't help but notice the tools he accumulated for years. I am glad he uses them and not just for decorations. One thing that surprise me was the many bearings he keeps in his drawers. I wonder where those are for. It is just a lot! Good thing our garage has enough space to store them otherwise one of our cars would be parked on the driveway which we both don't want to do. We like our vehicles inside the garage for that is what the garage for anyway :-). I notice a lot of people parked their car either on the curve or the driveway though they have space for their cars in their garages. Honestly, it is bugging me. Come on people, park your car where they belong. I am sure you don't have much bearings in your garage as my husband do.

Safety First

Safety first is the motto we try to instill with our son's at his very young age. Practicing safety will save his life and the life of those people he come in contact with. Jacob has just learn to ride his bike and he is loving it. Everyday after he is done with his homework, he is allowed to ride his bike with his friend, Hector who is fond of riding bike and scooter. Ever since Jacob learned to ride his bike, he asks us every morning if he could ride his bike to school. Being a our only child and a protective parents, we told him that he couldn't ride his bike yet for he needs more practice not to mention the safety rules on riding a bike. He was disappointed, but understood what we were trying to teach him. And he can ride his bike when we think he is ready.

Hubby is also very protective of us. He doesn't want me to drive on Interstate because he thinks it is very dangerous. I understand him for his reasons. I can still drive running errands, going to church, and shop at the nearby outlet mall when I want to. Part of him being protective is making sure that our cars are running well and both are well maintained. He always check them making sure everything is working well. He check the rzr power steering, break, break pads and everything. I am glad for having such a good husband who looks after our needs and safety. Tell me am I a lucky wife or what?

To Play In or Outside the House

This afternoon, a friend of mine son's phone me asking if he could come to our house to play with Jacob since it is the last day of school this week and there is no school tomorrow (Friday) due to teacher's training day. I told him he could come anytime and that J is home watching his fave tv show. About half an hour later, Aaron came and played with Jacob with wii. After few minutes, J decided to ride his bike and Aaron with J's scooter. They we having fun till Hector, J's friend across the street came to join the boys. They played soccer a little bit but Aaron decided he didn't want to play outside anymore. My son was torn between his two friends; one who wants to play outside and the other inside. It is hard to decide, so my son went with Aaron to watch tv. He invited Hector to watch with them inside, but his parents don't want him to go inside our house, and so the poor little boy Hector went home sad. I told him to go back, but he sadly say that he would go home and watch tv himself. Jacob really wanted to ride his bike with Hector but since Aaron doesn't play with J's often...he chose to play with Aaron and then tomorrow he would play again with Hector just like they always do everyday. I am glad Hector is very understanding and patient with my son.

A Car Lift for Hubby

I am lucky to marry a guy who loves me for who I am. Someone who is very patient and understanding. And not to mention that my ex-boyfriend now is a good provider and a handyman, too! He can fix everything around the house from electrical, plumbing to car repair. Having a handyman at home saves us a lot of money. We don't need to hire a professional to fix things for us. Last week, he changed the break pad of his Toyota Camry. I can tell that he really needed a car lift to make his job easier. Too bad he gave away his car lift to a friend when we moved to Virginia three years ago. Next time he needs to fix his car, he better borrow that car lift or buy himself a new one. Now, I am wondering which one he would do, borrow or buy...hmmm let see :-).

The Perfect Wedding Gift Anniversary

The other day, my dear husband and I went to the mall to return the white and gold necklace he bought for me on our 10th wedding anniversary. He didn't want to return it, but I told him that I already have a gold necklace and that I don't need expensive gifts. The dinner at my favorite seafood restaurant with him and our son was enough to make our wedding anniversary celebration memorable. I suggested that instead of expensive jewelry (if he really wants to get me a gift) that we buy a new bedding for our bedroom, and he agreed since it's been awhile since I last bought the bedding we have now. I asked him to pick the color and the thread count. And walla, he found the color that exactly matches the color of the window curtains in our bedroom. He told me he was torn between the peacock alley bedding versus the country living brands. Thanks goodness he made the right choice :-). I love our new bedding. Thanks Honey for the perfect wedding anniversary gift.

Indeed I am A Contented

It is amazing how this blogthing says about me. It is actually me who this post is talking about. It describes all about me as a person in general.Yes, I am a serious and quiet person that is why a lot of people misunderstood me. They think hat I am a snob and intimidating person.Oh well, whatever they think of me...one thing for sure I don't really care as long as I am not stepping on somebody else's shoes I am fine. I love simplicity for it is a beauty and contentment for me. I am an organize freak person who loves my family so much!

You Are Content

Quiet and serious, you are well prepared for whatever life hands you. You like to have a place that centers you and grounds you. Nothing is more comforting than feeling at home. You are good at formulating and carrying out plans. You thrive when you're able to organize. You are very family-minded. For you, family always comes first.

The Windowsill Flower Test

    

Pregnancy and Birth in the US

I don't know about you guys, but Infographic always catches my attention. And this one really fascinates me. I got pregnant twice; one had to be induced due to stillbirth while the other one was born premature due to hypertension. It is amazing to know that in US alone, a baby is born every 7.4 seconds. Amazing isn't it? Believe it or not US spends $50 billion on childbirth than any other nation in the world; and that is a lot!

Via Sonogram Technician.org

The Human Body

At school we studied about human body; and yet there are still interesting fact about our bodies that we don't really know well. As I look at the data below closely, I can't help but be amazed. Indeed, it is really true that we cannot tickle ourselves :-). I like infographic for it gives me more information I have never known before.

Click for expanded version
Originally found at www.RadiologyTechnician.com

Saving for My Fave Watch

It's been awhile since I last bought myself a watch. I think it is time for me to get myself a new one; and I know which one I would like to get. A couple of weeks ago when Emely and I were out at the mall shopping, I saw a purse and fell in love with it, but it was quite expensive since it is a Michael Kors brand. I told myself that I'll purchase that purse as soon as it goes on sale. Actually, I really didn't like the color of it and so I decided to pass on that one. The michael kors watch that I spotted while looking around was really cute! I wished I have had a budget for a watch that day so I could buy that watch. Oh well, there is always next time and I am pretty sure that that watch is going to be there when I have enough money to get it :-).

Freschetta Pizza, Our Fave Brand of Frozen Pizza

My son and I are having pizza for dinner tonight. Nope, I didn't make it if you ask. This is a frozen pizza, Freschetta brand. This brand is our favorite because it is very yummy. A Little bit expensive compared to other frozen pizza available, but it is worth the money for it is not salty and greasy, and the crust is to die for (if you know what I mean). The fire baked artisan crust is my new favorite among all their pizza :-). Intrigue? Try it, they are available in any grocery store near you.

Oh and by the way, this is not a paid post entry...I just want to brag about it for we love, love, love this pizza so much! I can even eat the whole pizza if I want to. Unfortunately, I am diabetic and this is rich in carbs that can increase my blood sugar level.

In Need of Additional Capital

In the community where we currently live there is no store nearby. In order to get groceries, gas, eat at restaurant, we need to travel at least 20 to 25 minutes one way...even longer if the traffic is heavy. It would be nice if there are nearby shops, but there's none. Hubby and I always talk about putting up a small business or maybe a franchise store or fast food chains like pizza restaurant or hamburger house. A barber shop, salon and convenient store would be nice. But since we don't have enough money to open up a business, we would need help to get unsecured small business loans for our plan to materialize. We are hoping we would get the loan we needed. We are so tired on working with a not very nice boss or employer. It is time for us to change. Hubby especially needs to switch career into a better and not stressful working environment.

Women Love Flowers

Every woman loves flowers. Some like Roses, some prefer carnations, some Lilies and I prefer Tulips. Don't get me wrong but I love Orchids and African Violet, too. As a matter of fact, I do have African violets at home. I have purple, pink, and red African violets. Flowers makes me happy; it lightens my days. One more thing about flower is that I can send it to friends and family anywhere nationwide. At Seattle flowers by ProFlowers, you can send fresh flowers, gift baskets and many more to anyone you like. Their flowers are fresh all the time. I wish I have a friend at Seattle so I can surprise her/him with fresh flowers or even gift baskets. My mother in-law is very lucky because she always receive her favorite flowers on Mother's Day and her birthdays, too! Unfortunately, my Mom lives thousands of miles away from me that is why I couldn't send her one. Oh well, I am sure he is always happy with the gifts we give her every time. Hubby bought me fresh flowers for our anniversary aside from taking me to my favorite seafood restaurant (Red Lobster) and his surprise gift (necklace).

Surprise Gifts for Both of US

Before our 10th year wedding anniversary this week, I thought of giving hubby a gift. What I have in mind was to buy him some kind of  a gift basket for men that would please him or he will actually use or eat. But knowing him, he doesn't want gifts even on his birthday. So, I decided not to buy him this time for I am pretty sure he would not be very happy. He always say that he doesn't need any gifts. But guess what? He would be getting this gift basket for men whether he likes it or not. It is Christmas after all. Talking about the gifts, he was generous enough to give me a surprise gift the other for our anniversary. I got a new while and yellow gold necklace. I love it, but it was very expensive though it was marked 75% off. A two hundred dollar necklace it the last thing I needed for I already have one. I told him that we need to return it or at least exchange it to a cheaper one if he really want to get me something....and he agreed. So, next week after my doctors appointment, we will stop by at the mall to makes some changes.

A Perfect Lunch Box that is Personalized

I love personalized stuffs. If I can only personalized all my stuffs, I would do it. But there is no way I could do that. It is not possible.However, I think I can still do it with my son's stuffs especially those he uses at school such as backpack,  and personalized lunch boxes for my dear husband and son. My son would surely love that idea for he likes to put his name on everything that belongs to him. A personalized lunch box for my son is perfect because it would stand up of all the rest of lunch boxes at school, plus if he lost it...we would find it easily for it is different and unique from the rest.

Meeting My Long Lost Cousin

After eight years, I was finally reunited with my cousin in California whom I last saw before my wedding in 2001. He has grown so matured considering I was older than him. But with regards to his personality...he didn't change a bit. Too bad that the reason we met once again was because of our grandmother's passing away. We both loved her so much because we both grew up with her. She was like our mother since our parents lived far away from us during those time. It's been two years since she passed away, but we still feel the pain of losing her. But we have to move on with our lives. Richard is a very successful guy. He works at Bank of America and every once in awhile attend to some conference calls. He does that because he works at home now. What an easy job he has. I wish my husband would work at home, too so we would spend more time together with our son who growing so fast. We both don't want to miss ever important events in his life....and that is the reason why we make quality time with him as much as we can.

Shopping Early for Christmas

Fall season is almost here and before we know it, it's Christmas already. Oh how time flies so fast. Where did the summer go? I think it is time to prepare for the holiday. Buying gift can be done starting now so we would save ourselves from stress due to last minute shopping. I don't like rush shopping and crowds that is why I started shopping for gifts already; now I have plenty of time to fill the Balikbayan box for my family in the Philippines for Christmas. I plan on buying stationery, and Christmas cards at personalized stationery from invitationbox.com for they are not available yet. Anyway, I love putting personalized stationery, pens, notepads and little things in stockings and also giving them away to friends. I am pretty sure that the personalized stationery will be loved by the receivers :-). Personally, I would be happy to receive one myself. How about you? What do you want for Christmas?

Cooking, My Kind of Thing

When I was still single, I don't really know how to cook. My Mom did all the cooking when I was still young. She told me then that I need to watch her cook so when I grow up I will know how to and that I can cook for my husband once I am married. And that is what I did. I watch her every time she cooks. She really cooks yummy foods and healthy foods for us. Back then, she serves us mostly veggies and fish and occasionally meat (white and red). I am glad I listen to her and followed her advised. Now, I am proud to say that I can cook yummy foods that even my in-laws love the dishes I make for them when they come visit us. I feel like I can even put up a restaurant where I'll be the cook and hubby would be the cashier and server :-). Every once in a while, I tell him how much I want to have a restaurant of my own. And when we  are driving up on the way to our favorite restarant, we always see this building that sells restaurant supplies. We always say we need to check it. I bet they have variety of cooking utensils, pots and pans and more.

A Tire Chain?

Six months ago, one of our vehicle needed tire replacement; we didn't know where to purchase tires that are not very expensive. My husband kept looking and looking till he found a shop that sells tire that is quality made, and at the same time very affordable....we even looked online. But no luck! Then we remember to check Costco. We went and found the tires our car needed. We even save $75 for the four tires! What a deal!

Anyway, talking about tire, I never know that there is such thing as tire chain till I saw it on the internet. Honestly, I don't know why tires need chains Is it for safety....in case somebody tries to steal the tires? Or there is more about tire chain that I didn't know yet? Oh well, I better ask hubby about that :-)!

On Being on Shape

Losing weight is very hard for me and my husband. We have been trying to be on shape again and be healthy for our son's sake for years but no success. But we are not giving up; we will do our best for our son. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes few weeks after the transplant, and that was nearly four years ago. Since then, it dramatically worsen it. Now I am on medication, both insulin and oral medication. I think  I don't have a choice but to do the hGC weight loss program a chance. I found out that there is hcg Austin.There they can help us lose weight without concentrating on drugs. I like that their program includes utilizing bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and are striving to keep any pharmaceutical treatment as targeted, with the shortest duration possible. I think it is great!

Their Favorite Thing to Do

Two of my favorite men in the world love to swim, scuba dive and snorkels. When we were in the Philippines this summer, we went to Hundred Island in the northern part of the country. There we enjoyed the ocean with my parents and siblings and have had so much fun! We even went to the Pacific ocean where we swam and rode a motor boat on the way to the white sand.

My son didn't have a snorkels that time and wished he had one. Had we thought about buying him a couple of scuba dive mask like the 3.1MP camera goggles, he would have had so much fun. As soon as we got home from our two weeks trip, hubby bought our son one, but it doesn't have camera in it. It would be nice to get one so we can video ourselves using this hands-free goggles with camera. It would be cool, don't you think?

Real Football Widow

Author: Elias Massey

Any advice for a lady who can’t seem to pull her husband off the couch this time of year? I jokingly call myself a football widow but to be honest with you, I’m not really kidding since I hardly get to see my husband once the games start. We both work long weeks every week and when the weekends come I like to have some one on one time but that doesn’t really happen when it’s football season. I guess it’s my fault because I got him DIRECT TV a few years back and ever since it’s been a downward spiral. He was bragging about how he’s in four fantasy football leagues this year and he’s even more into college ball than the NFL so I guess that should give you some indication of how into the sport he is! I guess it’s good he doesn’t really like basketball or I would literally never get to see him but to be honest, I need to find a hobby so I don’t miss him so much!

Finding Ways to Save Money

 The US economy is not in good condition right now. People are having difficulty managing their finances and we are not exempted. Hubby is the only breadwinner in our home and since I just stay home, I am constantly searching for ways to help him pay bills and save at the same time. I do online job, and get paid for it without much hardship compared to hubby's job. I must say that I am able to help him if not a lot, but at least am bringing bacon at the table, too every so often. Lately,  I have been hearing a lot about using coupons and savings. Some of m friends are good at using coupons and I think I better ask them how they do it and where they find these coupons. I know there are coupons that are available online. I love perfumes; I wonder if I can find armani exchange coupons at dropdowndeals. And if I they do, then I would be able to get hubby the perfume I am plan to give him for our wedding anniversary. I am pretty sure he would love it. Anyway, I better find out where else can I find coupons for groceries and even clothes, too!

Izusu Custom Floor Mats

Before I got married, I used to lived with my grandmother at my Aunt's house in Manila, Philippines. My Aunt has a big house enough to accommodate at least two families. That is why, most of my grandmother's grandchildren lived with her. My cousins and I took turns taking care of our granny her needs. We love being with her because she loves each one of us fairly. Sh cares for us as well. My grandmother has a small business to keep her occupied and sane. My Aunt was generous enough to buy her a car she can use to buy the stuffs she needs at her convenient store. Since, we drove the car a lot, she suggested that isuzu custom floor mats can help maintain the cleanliness of the car's floor. And so, my Aunt bought floor mats for the car; and the car floor looks cleaner and the mats are easier to clean. It's been 20 years, but the car is still running well, thank to my Uncle who is he owner of it now...he really takes care of the car that is why it is still in good condition.

Tired and Exhausted

At the beginning of summer, my husband, son and I went to visit my family in the Philippines. It was a two weeks vacation where we enjoyed the company of my parents, siblings and their families. We were all busy going from place to place swimming, sight-seeing , talking and eating our fave foods. Almost everyday, we are all tired and exhausted, but had a blast every time.

This photo of Jacob is a sure proof how tired he was. He didn't even make it to bed. He fell asleep while waiting for me to help him take a shower. So, I took the liberty of taking this shot. Hubby and I was giggling when we saw him laying like this on the edge of the bed,lol :-).

In Demand Job

Talking about friends. I am a firm believer of the saying that "no man is an island." I have my own family (husband and son), parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, grandparents and relatives, but I still need friends. I don't know why, but to me, friends are different than family, friends even relatives. Friends are the people I don't think I can live without, just like my families. They are part of my life and are playing an important role in my life, too. That is why, I enjoy having friends whom I can talk to be with, laugh with and cry with. I am glad that God gave me true friends like, Emely, Lyn, Juliet, Marivic, Jubie and Ate Delia. They are my confidants. Anyway, last week, I had the chance of spending time with one of them (Emely) who is a nurse in one of the hospitals in Dallas. She and her husband work as a nurse, but in two different hospital. They don't have kids yet, but they are happy. They are hardworking people who know how to save their income. Their work are not easy as most job are, but they love it. I bet I'll be happy, too if I work like them with the job that I love. It is one of my dream to become a nurse myself someday. Then, she told me that there are plenty of  Licensed Nurse Jobs anywhere and that I don't need to worry landing a job in medical fields particularly as a nurse....for this job is really in demand. I was worried, but when she mentioned it to me...I was relieved. Now, all I need is to pursue my study.

Tool for Multitasking

Few months ago, a fellow blogger posted a photo of business desktops in one of her blogs. At first, I didn't realized she wants to buy one for her to be used while multitasking at home. Until one day, when he posted on her FB wall that her order has arrived. Curios as I am, I asked her where he bought the business desktop and how much she paid for it. She said that she bought it online at Walmart.com and the price was very affordable. She said she loves it for she can do her online work even when she is working at the kitchen. Being a busy Mom, I think it is a good idea since I do a lot of multitasking myself. I plan on getting myself one, one of these days. Am pretty sure it would help me a lot, too!

His Funny Responsed

My son used to like going out with us. He enjoyed running errands with us or wherever hubby and I went. But not anymore. He loves to stay home now unless he wanted to buys something for himself such as toys, his fave food or playing with friends or going for a swimming. 

One time hubby and I were craving for an ice cream for dessert after dinner. We told him to get dress so we can go to Braums for some ice cream and also to get some milk since were running out of it. Hubby and I just laughed when we saw him came out of his bedroom. He was wearing his pajamas. And when we asked way was he wearing his jammy, his answer was: because I don't want to go out...just want to stay home; you guys can go! Yup, that is his way of telling us that he wanted to stay home, lol! Good one, my son!

Effortless Shopping for Tall Mens Clothing

Did you know that it isn’t only women who have a hard time deciding which dress or shoes to buy when they go out shopping? Yes, as opposed to the belief that men can shop without hassle, finding the right clothes for most men can be quite challenging. That’s because not all men have the same height. Unlike women who can wear short dresses and get away with it, you can’t expect a very tall man to wear a pair of pants with a hem that falls only to his knees. That would be very awkward.

Oftentimes, you have to take both the height and built of a man into consideration when shopping for men’s clothes. The built of a man’s body may sometimes have a bearing on the actual length of the clothes he should be buying. Online shopping for men is a tad too risky. Basically, the quickest and easiest way to shop for men is to actually visit stores.

Tall Mens Clothing stores always carry items that would perfectly fit men who are much gifted when it comes to the height department. Of course, when you shop for clothing for tall men, always make sure that the measurements you have on hand are current. You can never use outdated measurements when buying clothes or rely on your better judgment. Keep in mind that looks can be deceiving. At any rate, if you can’t find anything suitable in stores, then resort to the next best thing which is to have the clothes tailor-made.

Never Heard Such Life Insurance Before

Honestly, I never heard of  high risk life insurance till today. I didn't know that kind of life insurance exists. Oh well, I think I didn't know such thing because I am not the one who takes care of our insurance stuffs. Maybe if hubby told me all about it, then I wouldn't feel ignorant :-(. I should have involved myself more when it comes to life insurance and all. Well, guess what/ It isn't too late for me, right? From now on, I will stick my nose closely when it comes to our financial management and insurances.

Waiting Can Be Very Frustrating

Just like every Mom, I get to be very busy at times even though I only have one kid. But unlike many of them, I am busy with doctors appointments and lab works. It isn't easy being Mom especially if you are a stay at home mother with health conditions like myself.  So, when hubby is at work, I get to do a lot of stuffs like household shores, tending to our son's need and my needs as well. One thing I have doing is grocery shopping especially when it is time for check out and loading and unloading the groceries. Sometimes I would have to wait long at the check out counter because the receipt printer is not working. Honestly;y, it is annoying since I still have to deal with the traffic going home from shopping. I just wished they would finish fixing the roads for I really hate driving on detour road or way. I heard that it would take at least one month to finish the road works :-(.

Our Labor Day in Tyler, TX

Yesterday was Labor Day and of course there was no school. A day like this is always spent in our household doing things we all enjoy doing. And so, we went to Tyler, TX which is about an hour and a half drive from our place. First thing we do as soon as we got there was went to the Caldwell Zoo. It was a small but neat zoo; perfect place to walk around, sight see and exercise at the same time, yes we did have so much fun especially when we fed the wild birds :-). Before we know it, it was already lunch time, and so we drove to the closest McDonald and bought ourselves chicken nuggets, burger and drinks. Then, headed to a nearby state park (Tyler National Park where we ate lunch, watched people swam and then afterward rode on a pedal boat. Oh man, it was fun riding that boat. Our boat ride lasted for almost an hour. Ten dollars an hour is not bad for the three of us :-). Anyway, here are some photos we took that day.