Michi Photostory

December 09, 2014

Christmas Tree 2014

I’m always late in putting up our Christmas tree because we live in a small house so nasisikipan ko pag may Christmas tree. My son wanted to have Christmas tree as early as November but I have to delay it.

Finally, we put up our tree last Sunday, it is our family tradition that we build it all together. I did not buy any new decoration this year, our tree is already 5 years old and my ornaments are three years old.

I don’t really change my theme every year because ornaments are not cheap. I don't have enough space to store them and lastly, I can save money if I will reuse.

December 08, 2014

DIY Paper Christmas Wreath

Our day 5 activity in advent calendar is “Make a fun Christmas craft” so my son and I made a paper Christmas wreath.

Materials:
Paper plate
Colored paper
Glue
Scissors
Glitter
Fabric Tape

I make a hole inside the paper plate.

Let my son do all the pasting.

I place the fabric tape around the inner circle.

Write the word holiday and let my son put all the glitters.

This is an easy craft for the kids.

December 06, 2014

Lunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan

Two weeks ago we had a staycation in Canyon Cove and since the check-in time is still 3PM, we had a Batangas road trip first. My friend and I decided to meet up in McDonalds in front of Taal Vista Hotel for our breakfast.

Then we dropped by Caleruega, if you’ve been reading my blog for quite some time now, you know that we always visited Caleruega every year and sometimes twice a year since 2008. The entrance fee is P30.

We had early lunch at Kainan sa Dalampasigan. I thought we were the first customers but I was wrong. People were already busy waiting/watching Pacquiao’s fight.

My husband suggested this place, they also ate here before going to Canyon Cove last May. I remember that this restaurant was featured in one TV show. It was also featured in different magazines and newspapers.

We’re a group of 4 adults and 2 kids so we ordered Bilao sa Dalampasigan P850 (baked tahong, inihaw na baboy, garlic fried shrimps, daing na bangus and green mango salad) and Lechon Kawali P270. Nahirapan pa kami ubusin ang dami kasi ng rice nila. The price and serving is reasonable too. We spent almost P1500 for the food and drinks.

I find the restaurant big and almost all the tables are long, good for 10 people. The place was so relaxing too, yung tipong masarap tambayan. Honestly, after eating our food, ang sarap ng matulog. Hehehe!

So if ever you are in Nasugbu, Batangas, drop by this restaurant. Check the menu here.

December 04, 2014

Firefly Costume

Last semestral break, I thought we have time to relax because no school for five days but I was wrong, my son’s teacher gave “Firefly” poem that he needs to memorize for their Speech Contest.

Good thing that it was a group contest so I did not have a hard time in preparing for Firefly costume. Active moms in school volunteered to make the DIY Firefly costume and we just paid for it.

I love the costume, kung kasama lang ang costume sa criteria, winner na kami. Lol Anyway, my son’s section did not win the contest but he had fun in wearing the costume.

December 02, 2014

Delimondo Ranch Style Corned Beef

We are not really fond of canned goods but I still buy canned goods for emergency purposes like we don’t have time to cook, no food in the fridge and if there’s calamity and we can’t go out. There are three canned goods that I usually buy, they are sardines, spam and corned beef.

Speaking of corned beef, there are two brands in our cupboard, Purefoods and Palm, the latter is from balikbayan box but I usually buy Purefoods in the supermarket.

Two months ago my friend asked me a favor to buy Delimondo Corned Beef in S&R. I always see this corned beef and I thought it is an imported brand because the price is not cheap. Little did I know that this corned beef is a local brand owned by Katrina Ponce Enrile, the CEO of JAKA group of Companies.

The brand has no commercial or ads but it became popular through word of mouth. I’ve read and heard lot of good reviews so the following month, I bought this corned too. There are two flavors but I chose the Ranch Style P145.

Two weeks ago, my son went home from school and he couldn’t wait for my Chicken Tinola so I opened the Delimondo Corned Beef. True enough, there is no fat in their beef.

Like my friend said, you can just reheat it which I did. No garlic, no onion and no salt. The corned beef was already seasoned and flavorful, easy dish talaga. We all loved it so it is now included in my grocery list.

November 28, 2014

DIY Advent Calendar

I still remember when I was young, my aunt brought Kinder Surprise Egg Advent Calendar, we were so excited for our turn to open one kinder egg. Too bad Kinder Egg is yet available here in the Philippines and I don’t know if Kinder Joy offers it. I’ve been meaning to make an advent calendar since my son was 4 years old but I wasn’t able to do it so two days ago, I promised myself that I will make an Advent calendar.

Advent is one of their lessons in Christian Living so it is the best time to make one and I know my son would be excited to countdown. The Advent calendar is a special calendar that is used to count the days in preparation for Christmas.

I was thankful for different ideas and free printables on Pinterest so making an advent is not difficult. Two nights ago, I printed everything I need and started cutting.

The following day while my son is still in school, I made DIY Christmas envelopes again because I need 12 pieces to complete the 24 days.

Place the number on each envelope and put the activity paper inside the envelope.

1. You get a piece of candy.
2. Write a note to Jesus.
3. Make a gift for someone.
4. Mom will read you a Christmas Story.
5. Make a fun Christmas craft.
6. Watch a favorite Christmas movie.
7. Play Festive Christmas songs and dance.
8. Pick out a Christmas Treat.
9. Make a Christmas cards to give your family.
10. PJ Day.
11. You get to play a video game of your choice for 40min.
12. Make a new ornament for your tree.
13. Watch a favorite Christmas movie.
14. Sing the 12 days of Christmas 12 times.
15. Make a Christmas craft.
16. Record yourself singing a Favorite Christmas song.
17. Read a favorite Christmas story.
18. Call someone you love just to say “hi”
19. Bake Christmas cookies.
20. Bake something special for someone special.
21. See Christmas lights.
22. Drink hot cocoa.
23. Read Christmas story.
24. Open a present.

Then I stick all the envelopes at the back of an old calendar.

I was happy with the result because I thought I couldn’t make it on time. I hang the advent in our door.

I also printed this Christmas tree for another countdown activity, put it in cardboard and cover it with plastic cover. I am still looking for Christmas ball stickers.

Sources:
Christmas countdown
Christmas Advent Calendar
Children’s Advent Calendar

November 27, 2014

The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Race Training

The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Race Training – An infographic by the team at CustomFitnessConcepts.com

November 24, 2014

10 Gift Ideas from The Mind Museum

Considering that we celebrate an extended holiday season--starting from the ber months to late January—you would think people would have enough time to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts that are well thought out. That's hardly ever the case, though.

Year after year, people rush to stores at the last minute, grabbing run-of-the-mill mugs, picture frames, toiletries, and what have you. Fun, right? Let's face it; getting an ordinary gift doesn't exactly usher in the spirit of the season. Why not wrap something remarkable?

If your loved ones are that special, you'd think of giving them the stars—something they clearly deserve. You can't exactly give them that, but a close alternative is made possible by The Mind Museum—along with other unique gifts that not only add a twist to your usual holiday flavor, they also inspire learning and further celebrate the season of giving.

1. The Scientific Date: How about a date in an artsy but science-themed gallery, or stargazing in cozy couches in a custom-made planetarium? Surprise your loved ones and the young ones with All Day Passes or gift certificates to The Mind Museum!

With over 250 hands-on, minds-on exhibits and live experiment demonstrations that unveil the remarkable science behind living and non-living things, a date or two in The Mind Museum is definitely a unique and exciting way to spend time together this Yuletide season. (The Mind Museum tickets all day passes is sold for only Php750/php)

Read: Our Trip to Mind Museum
Exploring Mind Museum

2. Name the Stars after Your Loved Ones: Do you know that you can literally leave your mark in The Mind Museum by naming one of their virtual exhibits? You can leave your names or your loved ones’ on digital exhibits found in the different galleries in the Museum, through a fixed donation that come with e-certificates. Imagine the delight of seeing your family’s name imprinted on the virtual stars that make up a constellation, or name a specific kind of dinosaur that inhabits a virtual era in history.

What’s more heart-warming is that all proceeds for this program go to supporting the institutions’ project of giving free museum visits to public school kids. (Virtual exhibits’ price ranges from Php1,000 to Php5,000, depending on your choice of show. For more information, visit http://exhibits.themindmuseum.org.)

3. The Key to Endless Discovery: A year-round, all-day admission to the first world-class science museum in the country—how does that sound? Interactive exhibits, a thoughtfully designed planetarium, meticulously laid-out 3D shows, and exciting science demonstrations await your lucky gift recipient. The Mind Museum’s Unlimited Science Pass also gives free admission to over 300 worldwide science museums, discounts on travelling exhibition tickets, birthday packages, and purchases inside The Mind Museum Store.

And because the institution always interlinks its efforts with expanding the knowledge of today’s generation, this unli-pass directly supports free museum passes for underprivileged kids. For a group of four or more, avail the Unlimited Science Pass for only Php2,250/pax.

4. All for Science, All for Love: To celebrate the holidays in a different, more meaningful way, why not sponsor a trip for public school kids this Christmas? You can even ask your family or friends to join you in spearheading this project to further enrich the sense of wonder of these young ones. Don’t worry, The Mind Museum’s doors are open to plan and accomplish this advocacy of embracing and sharing the true spirit of the season. (To inquire about this project, please send your email to inquiry@themindmuseum.org.) The Mind Museum is a gallery of endless activities and possibilities so, of course, we have more in The Mind Museum Store for you!

5. If these shirts could talk: Let your friends “wear their wit” with these design shirts that are exclusively available in The Mind Museum Store! These shirts come in different colors and are tastefully designed with vibrant graphics and statements that will truly make science a cool fashion statement of choice this holiday season. (Prices range from Php379.75 to Php499.75)

6. Of Puzzles, Papers, and Pencils: Instead of those tired old notebooks or planners, try giving the young ones (or even your family and friends) this funky Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook! They’re, indeed, a safe space for random thoughts, important lists, or mind babbles. Here’s a tip: pair these notebooks with Puzzle Color Pencils and let its colorful tips become their wand to create their DIY-diary. (Human Anatomy Notebook and Science Alphabet Notebook are sold for only Php379.75, while Puzzle Color Pencils set is sold for only Php649.75.)

7. Own the Universe: While these kids are taking baby steps towards their dreams, you can show them the momentary short-cut in seizing the universe, literally, through the Star Planetarium! Projecting 3D stars, planets, and constellations, this amazing contraption also includes 3D glasses for a more mesmerizing virtual representation of what’s above and beyond the world, we’re living in. (The Star Planetarium set is sold for only Php2,579.75.)

8. Unearthing the Dinos: Be a paleontologist and travel back to the era of dinosaurs with the special edition of Dino Excavation Kit. Dig for the bones hidden in the gypsum block, assemble them and enjoy your very own miniature dinosaur skeleton replica. Top it off by learning more about the fossils you have just uncovered. (The entire Dino Excavation Kit is sold for Php2,699.75.)

9. Tricks and Treats: Put a little ease and fun in teaching kids using playing cards that are exclusively sold at The Mind Museum store. You can either get What’s GNU?—a 3-letter learning game deck or go for a game of speed and visual tricks with Hyperswipe! Grab these cards now, be the learning and game master at the same time, and let the enlivening game itself, too, serve as an added gift to these kids! (What’s GNU deck costs Php9,49.75 while the Hyperswipe set costs Php1,349.75.)

10. Build Your Own, Learn on Your Own: Teach your young ones the basics of gardening, without having to worry about landscaping your backyard, with these innovative plant miniatures! You can either let them grow the Sweet Leaf, which grows leaves that be used as a natural substitute for sugar; the Mini-Melons that will actually produce sweet mini cantaloupes in less than 2 months; or get really out-of-this-word with the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden that will even allow them to experiment right in their mini pots! (Sweet leaf and Mini-melons cost Pho829.75 each while the Curious George Outer Space Adventure Garden is sold for Php1,229.75.)

Happy Holidays!

November 21, 2014

Fulfilling their Grown Up Christmas List

Christmas is in the air, you will see bazaars, warehouse sales, and mall-wide sales left and right. People are now busy writing their Christmas lists and finishing them as early as possible to avoid the Christmas rush.

As a full-time mom, I always have a Christmas Planner, where I write our holiday menu, gift list, and Christmas budget to avoid overspending. Though there are times that you want to spoil your special someone by fulfilling their grown-up Christmas list. Most of the time this list is expensive gifts like gadgets and for someone who has a limited budget like me, I will take advantage of the Taiwan Excellence Christmas Contest.

TAITRA, is a non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan, which is one of the organizers that launched the campaign in the Philippines to promote different high-quality products in Taiwan. They aim to give an excellent lifestyle to our everyday lives.

Not only that, they are so generous to help Filipinos to wish for things for their love ones. Ten winners will be receiving the chosen Taiwan Excellence product this Christmas, with one lucky winner will have the gift delivered no less than Taiwan Excellence Celebrity Endorser for the Philippines, Iya Villania-Arellano, to the person your selected recipient.

All you have to do is register at http://www.MadeToEnjoyTheLife.ph and select a Taiwan Excellence gift for your loved ones, upload your photo, and share why you want to give your Taiwan Excellence gift to your selected recipient. No purchase is necessary to enter and/or win the contest. When done, feel free to share the Taiwan Excellence - Made to Enjoy Christmas with your family and friends.

Advertorial

November 20, 2014

Zoobic Lodge

I won Zoobic Safari Package last month, the package includes 5 entrance tickets, 5 free rides and 1 overnight package in Zoobic Lodge. I got excited because I haven’t stayed in this hotel so I immediately search for it. I have no idea that the zoo offer rooms too because the last time that we went to Subic, we stayed in Camayan Beach Resort.

I was having a hard time in getting information even the website have limited information and photos of Zoobic Lodge. Then I found out that Zoobic Lodge a.k.a. Tiara Hotel is the former Crown Peak Homes. Waah!, I stayed here 14 years ago, yes more than a decade already. I went here with my college friends. My excitement was gone already because I know it was already an old hotel. I’ve been reading reviews pa na it looks creepy, knowing me na sobrang matatakutin and I don’t watch horror movies nga, parang I don’t want to go na. But my husband said, sayang and kasama naman daw siya.

So I asked my husband to call the office to check if we could use the gift certificate even on weekends. There was a note kasi na “not valid for weekends and holidays”. The staff said yes because there is an available room. Day before the trip, my husband called to confirm our reservation and he was surprised because there was no reservation under his name. We emailed the gift certificate to reserve and still no reply. My husband called again to follow up and reserve na nga daw.

We really hoped that it was really reserved but we prepared ourselves for worst scenario, just in case makalimutan ulit. That is the reason why after our Zoobic Safari tour we went immediately to Zoobic Lodge, to check if we could check-in because if not, we will just go home.

Good thing that our room was really reserved. After watching the Animal Parade in Zoobic Safari, we went back to Zoobic Lodge. The hotel was really old and I was praying na sana marami kami nagcheck-in. #paranoid

I must agree with other reviews because I find the place creepy. Everything is old and really need an improvement. Actually, the room is big, it has a kitchen with fridge, you have an extra bed pa, Thank God that the aircon is working fine.

The bathroom has hot and cold shower, it has a bathtub but you can’t use it kasi wala naman pantakip sa butas. Lol I thought they won’t provide towels but they deliver it to our room without asking. Soap, toothbrush and toilet paper for toiletries.

Zoobic Lodge has a mini restaurant where you can eat so we did not go out anymore for dinner. There is wi-fi too in the restaurant but I haven’t tried it.

P95, grilled liempo for my son and porkchop for me +iced tea

P85, one veggie and one meat + iced tea

I told my husband that we will go home after breakfast but he promised my son that they will swim. Around 7AM my husband asked the staff what time open ng pool, he was informed 8AM kasi lilinisin pa daw niya pool. So we had morning walk around the area while waiting for 8AM.

We went down and only to find out that the pool was still closed. My husband looked for the staff and was told na 9AM pa daw at maglilinis pa. My son cried already because he wanted to swim but we have no choice but to wait.

Ready to swim na but still closed

We went back to our room, I took a bath and persuading my son to take a bath too so we can go home. But he was determined to wait til 9AM so he could swim. At 9AM, they went to the pool and it was still closed. And the staff was eating and saying, mamaya na bumalik na lang kayo at maglilinis pa nga. Oh my goodness, we wasted our two hours waiting for the pool, I don’t understand bakit ayaw niya iopen. Maglilinis pa? Two hours na nagdaan, ni hindi naman niya ginawa. #lokohannaito High blood na kami mag-asawa so my husband and son took a bath and we went home.

The staff at the reception asked?

Staff: Sir, di na kayo maliligo.
Husband: Hindi na.
Staff: Sir, pasyensya na po kayo dun kasi Blah! Blah! Blah!

Hindi ko na inintindi kung ano sinabi niya about dun sa isang staff na ayaw buksan ang pool. All I knew is, we wasted our two hours waiting for nothing. I don’t know if that staff is under the Zoobic Lodge. We’re not dying to swim in that pool, it just so happened that my husband promised my son that they will swim, trust issue ito. So we convinced our son that the pool is dirty at may mga frog. We promised that we will swim in other pool na lang.

Anway, although the place was creepy for me, wala naman ko nakita o naramdaman na kakaiba. Lol The service was ok except for the pool staff. I don’t know about the room rates but I saw this in our room.