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Tuesday, November 27

Busy As A Bee

I had a very busy weekend.

Last Friday, November 23, me and my kids (Pio and Bea) attended Bo Sanchez's KERYGMA Conference at the ULTRA. My mom, sisters, aunts and grandfather were also there. It was a blessed night indeed. Fr. Gerry Orbos celebrated the Holy Mass. Then, Nolyn Cabahug and Dulce both sung an inspirational song. After them, there's a Praise and Worship led by a former teen idol, Adrian Panganiban (that's how he was described in our programme booklet) backed up by a group of teen dancers. In the community, we call them, dance ministry members. After a long, long time of absence in the Catholic Charismatic community, I felt so alive again and refreshed after the 1st day of the conference. Of course, the last part is a talk by Bro. Bo Sanchez, a very very articulate and passionate preacher. He heads the community where me and my family belong, the Light of Jesus Community. He is also behind the Catholic Filipino Academy, the homeschool provider of my only son and the publisher of various Catholic magazines (Kerygma, Mustard, Didache) and inspirational books (which are as always one of National Bookstores' best sellers). I really admire the guy, married to my college classmate.
Anyway, we went home very happy, feeling so blessed and inspired.

Saturday came, I went to my kids' school to get their report card. I was expecting something wonderful, true enough, my two girls' grades are all ok. They're in the top 5 of their class (30 students in each class). Am really so happy.

In the afternoon, at around 3:00 p.m. we left our place to go to Cainta to attend the 1st birthday celebration of the daughter of hubby's distant cousin who lives in Brookside Hills. Hubby knows it's near Golf Valley (Antipolo). He didn't realized there is another Golf Valley very near Sta. Lucia (Cainta area). So we found ourselves cruising Antipolo and stopped at the Spaghetti Home. After so many calls from hubby's cousin, we went back to Marcos Highway where there's a monster traffic ahead. We finally reached our destination at 9:00 p.m.. Imagine, we were stuck in our vehicle for about 6 hours. We ate as soon as we step inside the very elegant home of the birthday celebrant. My kids enjoyed the choco cupcakes and brownies plus lots of Hershey's chocolates on the tray (on the center table). Then hubby just watched the band playing for older guests. The program for the kids was over, my kids just stayed at the tv room. There, I rested and watched the Disney Channel show. A charming, old lady sat beside me on the couch. We started chatting. She is the grandmother of the celebrant (no relation to us). I was so engrossed with her stories on the Japanese occupation, I didn't notice we were talking for two hours already. Will post her story next time, as soon as I get her permission.

Come Sunday, I did all the house chores and attended mass with my kids. My Gabbie has a mass booklet where the priest can sign (as proof of her attendance in church). My kids are studying in a Catholic school. I find nothing wrong with it (the mass booklet), really wanted my kids to grow up morally upright and practicing all the teachings of the Catholic church.

Yesterday, Monday, after doing some paper works at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), came across with a toddler (about 1 1/2 yr old) walking hazily in our street, I don't know if I will stop or drive because when I stop, she stops walking. Then, when I go on driving, she walks on my path. This is a busy road since our place is the way to the ecopark. Buses come and go. I decided to get the kid. No one else is around. She seemed lost. The toddler cried so loud and wiggled. She won't keep still. I carried her. I asked our neighbors who started to come out of their homes, if they know the child. No, they don't know her. I called the homeowner's roving patrol to check around for the kid's mother. After 15 minutes, the mother arrived. She's fuming mad, cursing the poor child, got hold of the kid and slapped her. The kid just embraced her and stopped crying. Then the mother just left. Without saying a word to me. I could have said you're welcome, instead, I kept quiet. I could have blamed her for not taking good care of her small innocent child. I just bit my lip. They live as informal settlers within our village and members of the small Muslim community here. I wonder how many mothers are as careless and as cruel as that one. My heart really bleeds for the kid. If I can only get the child and adopt her, I would. What would you do if you were in my place?

Sunday, November 25

Riddles

I just found this in my computer files, a project of my 2nd grader kid. Since I can't think of what to post, my mind is so focus with the upcoming business venture, will just settle for these riddles while I think of a better subject, ha ha ha....Until my next post...still thinking here...

1. Can giraffes have babies?
No they only have giraffes.

2. How do rabbits travel?
by hareplane

3. What clothing does a house wear?
address

4. What shoes should you wear when your basement is flooded?
pumps

5. What kind of ties can't you wear?
railroad ties

6. What did the sock say to the foot?
You are putting me on.

7. Why are potatoes good detectives?
because they keep their eyes peeled

8. Why was the belt arrested?
for holding up the pants

9. What kind of eyeglasses do spies wear?
spy-focals

10. What do you call a funny book about eggs?
a yolk book

11. What do you get when you saw a comedian in two?
a half-wit

12. When is it dangerous to play cards?
when the joker is wild

13. What does the Invisible Man drink at snacktime?
evaporated milk

14. What kind of soda must you not drink?
baking soda

15. What part of your body has the most rhythm?
your eardrums

16. How does Mother Earth fish?
with North and South poles

17. Where is the ocean the deepest?
on the bottom

18. Where is the best place to see a man-eating fish?
on a seafood restaurant

19. What do whales like to chew?
blubbergum

20. What did the beach say when the tide came in?
long time no sea

21. What is a pickle's all time favorite musical?
hello, Dilly

22. What did one potato chip say to the other?
shall we go for a dip

Thursday, November 22

Have Fun With Online Games

When I was still young I remember playing bingo with my aunts and grandmothers. We were laughing, teasing each other and we used potato chips, chocolate bars or nuts as our bets. There were times, we bet with our five centavo coins in each card. The winner would treat us to a nice snacks after the game. By the time I reached college, I get to play games again. But this time, inside the casino. To ease the tension and pressures from his hectic work schedules, my Dad would take time to unwind. He would fetch me from school, have dinner and play in the nearby casino. Of course, I am allowed to get in, I was already 18 at that time. There, I get to play blackjack, roulette, slots and baccarat. I love it when I win and I usually win especially at the baccarat table. The card dealers would just sigh when I get my winnings. When I got married, hubby and I would occasionally visit a casino. And we have good lucks too especially when I was pregnant. We played in a non-smoking room and we just stayed there for half an hour. We were just playing for fun. Nice to reminisce those times. Now, in the advent of the internet, I found out to my delight that there's an online casino where one can actually play, bet and get his winnings through the net. Am sure those who like to play cards and at the same time dislikes the smoke and the noise inside the casino would welcome this activity in the confines of their own home, where else but the online casino. Playing online games can be lots of fun as long as we exercise caution and self-control.

Are You A Psychic?

I saw this post at Darlene's blog, since I've been drawn to the paranormal and psychic things like seeing my dreams actually happening, reading people's minds, experiencing deja vu and others, I decided to take the quiz. And I got this score,

You Are 100% Psychic

You are so very psychic.
But you already predicted that, didn't you?
You have "the gift" - and you use it daily to connect with others.
You're very tapped into the world around you...
Just make sure to use your powers for good!

Garage Floors



Since I stay at my hubby's family home which is about thirty years old, the garage does not look so good. There are oil stains on the floor and it is not a real good sight especially when it rains. Hubby and I are thinking of changing our garage floors. I needed something nice to look at and at the same time, safe for my kids for they play often in our garage. I am thinking of conrete garage floors with designs that is somehow similar with the house design. One which does not easily cracked, can be cleaned swiftly and sturdy enough to withstand the changing weather.

Tuesday, November 20

Setting Up A Business

When I was still a small girl, I would dream of having my own business. I started trading my stationeries and stickers, selling them at five centavos each to my grade school classmates. In high school, I lend my pocketbooks for a fee. When I was in college, a classmate encouraged me to sell Avon products and earned 25% from every sales I made. The earnings I got I also bought the products for myself. I felt so satisfied earning on my own though I never told my parents about it. I know my Dad wouldn't approve it back then. One time, he caught my sister and her Paulinian classmates working at the newly opened Jollibee Landmark branch, my sister tendered her resignation the next day. He wanted us to study first, then work later after we graduate. So when the time comes to do business again, I was ecstatic. I joined tiangge (bazaars) in Greenhills even manning the store with a friend. Then, I produced movie premiers. I also got into lots of multi-level marketing schemes like Forever Living, Lifestyle, Amway, Pi Water, First Quadrant, E-card and the one selling expensive kitchen wares (can't remember the name), just because I can't say no to my friends who invited me to join those companies. Unfortunately, I didn't earn from any of them. When I got married, hubby and I ventured into the construction and printing business, we also traded computer units, branded clothes, jewelries and seafoods. And I can say we earned from those ventures. Now, we are opening up a new business. I would like to share how a new entrepreneur could go about it.

These are the steps in setting up a new business:

-think of the business you would like to engage with, the products or services you're going to offer, the market for such business

-write down a list of business names so you have choices in case some names are already registered

-go to the Department of Trade and Industry (Highway 54 NCR Office, infront of SM Megamall) for business name registration (for single or sole proprietorship or partnership) or to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if you're setting up a corporation. The DTI certificate of registration can be issued on the same day you applied for it. For new business name registration, fee is P300.00. The registration certificate is valid for 5 years.

-if you're renting the place of business, secure a contract with the lessor. If you own the place, provide proof of ownership.

-secure a barangay clearance

-go to the City Hall and apply for a Business Permit and License

-City Hall BPLO staff will visit your place for site inspection, make sure you have fire exits and a fire-extinguisher in your business place/location

-once you have your business permit, secure a BIR registration. The Bureau of Internal Revenue office would provide BIR receipts to be used for the business operations.

-secure SSS registration/application as an employer and SSS applications for your staff if you have any

-when all of these things are accomplished, you can do business....

Goodluck to those who are thinking of going into entrepreneurship.

Kids' Partying

Last Sunday, we (kids and I, without a nanny in tow) attended two children's parties. One is a ball for my friend's daughter, Julienne, who turned 7 years old. It was held at the Penthouse of Tektite Towers in Pasig City. Gabbie and Bea wore their gowns because the invite states there's a prize for Best Costume, though we didn't know who won because we have to leave for another party. The kids happily joined the games and partook the very sumptuous banquet prepared by their caterers. Pio won prizes too when he volunteered twice when the magician asked for one. I am amazed how my boy (who is homeschooling) has totally overcome his shyness in gatherings like this where there's quite an audience. I think the giveaways have something to do with it, ha ha. Last stop is another birthday party at Shakey's Katipunan for the 1st birthday celebration of Tracy, lovely daughter of another college friend. Since we are all so full, we were given take out foods (pizza, chicken and spaghetti) and of course the lootbags. My kids had a really great time partying. Take a look at some pics.


the skyscrapers


the ortigas complex


another view from the top


the birthday celebrant


Nicole enjoying the sorbetes


more magic tricks


Gabbie wearing her gown


the magician doing some tricks with Pio as a volunteer


cotton candies


pio's paint


Bea posing for the camera


kids joining the boat is sinking game


my college friend Au with Pio at Shakey's Katipunan


the take-out food from Shakeys

Saturday, November 17





Join the hunt here

I LOVE MY KIDS



I love my kids more than anyone or anything else in the world. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with four adorable kids. They're the love of my life.

Tag: What's Inside My Wallet


my lucky wallet


inside my wallet


the abubot

I saw this tag around and I decided to post also though no one tag me to do this. This is my Nine West wallet given by my ever-generous SIL, Elmarie when we were shopping in Toronto. The contents are coins, bills, my kids pics, stampita of Our Lady of Manaoag, Banco de Oro, Union Bank EON & BPI atm cards, Timezone card, Mercury Suki card, Laking National Bookstore card, Rustan's FSP, Rustan's discount card and Rustan's Fresh card, SM Advantage card, my driver's license, Sunrise Holiday membership card, RCI card, Forever Flawless tracking card, Marie France session card, Philhealth card. There are times this wallet also contains lots of receipts. I kept those to account for all my purchases and because I may need them when I return some china made defective items which is quite often nowadays. And of course, hubby's college pics and another pic of my son's birth photographed inside the operating room by my ob-gyne. Though it isn't gross, this reminds me to just put it inside the photo album.

Black and White Tie



From Food Network Kitchens

Black and White Tie
Oil, for brushing
3 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, 8 ounces), softened
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs
3 large egg yolks

Chocolate Icing:
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

White Icing:
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons warm water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush 2 baking sheets very lightly with oil.

Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl.
Whisk the buttermilk and vanilla together in a liquid measuring cup. Set aside.

Beat the butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat at high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs and yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. At low speed, add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the wet in 2 parts, beginning and ending with the dry to make a smooth batter.

Evenly mound 2 tablespoons batter per cookie onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2-inches apart. (A small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop is ideal for this.) Bake until the cookies are golden brown around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack and cool completely.

For the chocolate icing: Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over the chocolate. Shake the bowl gently so cream settles around the chocolate; set aside until the chocolate melts, about 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth, taking care not to incorporate too many air bubbles. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip with about half of the chocolate icing.

For the white icing: Whisk the confectioners' sugar, corn syrup, lemon juice and warm water together to make a smooth icing. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a small tip with about a quarter of the icing.

To Decorate:
For tuxedo cookies: Set the cookies on a rack over a rimmed cookie sheet. Pour the white glaze over the whole cookie to cover; set aside to dry. Pipe a bowtie and tuxedo lapel with the chocolate icing.

For a little black dress and pearls: Pipe an outline of a woman's dress with the dark chocolate and fill in with more icing. Pipe white icing pearls around the top of the cookie. Add silver dragees or candy pearls to dress up, if desired.

Let cookies dry completely, about 20 minutes. Serve.

Store cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 days.

Friday, November 16

I SIGNED UP FOR PPP

When I started blogging or having my journal on-line, I did not realize that this new world will open up new avenues for friendship and business opportunities as well. My morning ritual includes reading the newspapers and then blog hopping. In the course of this daily routine, I became friends with Girlie, who first introduced me to sponsored post, specifically PayPerPost. She encouraged me to sign up. So I did. Unfortunately, my blog was turned down. She then informed me that I should develop readership and should have links too. Since I am a little techie challenged, I didn’t even know what links are, I did some research, blog hop more and established links. Of course I got help too. In no time, I have readers and have links in my humble site.

Then some blogger-friends like Julie, Francine, KK and Rachel encouraged me to do or rather try it again. So I went back to PayPerPost. And luckily, my blog was approved the next day after I have registered.

I am ecstatic. Way back in college, advertising and marketing are my major subjects and I have done dozens of ads as our daily homework, few even saw print and aired on television. Now, I can use again what I have learned. I have been raring to do ads and now the opportunity has come. Where else can I do something that I love and at the same time earn from it or simply put, get paid to blog as long as I follow blog ethics.

Now I have done my first sponsored post and it seems like I was just telling a story about my college days, discovering the blogosphere, having friends and making bucks as well. I would be happy to share whatever amount of money I will earn to my kids and the kids in the neighborhood.



Thursday, November 15

Something Stupid

Click, watch and listen to one of my fave songs and of course by my fave singer, the legendary - Frank Sinatra.

Sunday, November 11

Mommy Day

Last Friday, I decided to have my Mommy Day after a tiring marathon teaching- reviewing sessions with kids for their quarterly exams, back-breaking trip to the North and all the stress I had lately, it's time to relax.

First stop is my favorite facial treatment at the Forever Flawless salon. I had a basic facial which includes facial steam, facial vacuum and a relaxing hand massage. While a friend had her facial treatment and diamond peel at Beverly Hills 6750 for P26,000.00. Well...I had mine at P300, wink..


the endorser (LT)


the attendant putting a facial cleanser and massaging my face


getting ready for a facial vacuum

Next destination, the Going Straight Salon for hair straightening. Since I have natural hair wave (my kids have curly hair too), I have my hair straightened twice a year. I used to have it done at the Jun Encarnacion's Salon (managed by the wife) in Laong Laan, Sampaloc near Dangwa but am not sure if it's still operational. And it's far from my place. So I just settle with this salon, which is ok for me so far. The procedure also includes hot oil, blow-drying and another head, neck and shoulder massage. Cost (depends on the length of hair) is P784.00 plus tip


taking pics while waiting at the salon


hair-drying after the straightening procedure


having a pedicure (same salon)- Cost P90.00


the new meeh with son Pio


bloghopping, chatting with Cess and Rachel over YM and watching MMK

How to Teach your Kids to Practice Good Hygiene

Having good hygiene can promote a child’s self-esteem, sense of responsibility and good appearance. Of course, it also plays an important role in staying healthy. Teaching your child to practice good hygiene at a young age will help them maintain the habit throughout their adolescence and adulthood.

Here are some tips to help you make good hygiene a lasting part of your child’s life:

Be a role model. Children will naturally imitate your own positive behaviors. So if you practice good hygiene habits, they will make these their own, too. If you bath regularly, wash your hands before and after eating and whenever appropriate, brush your teeth after meals, and generally take pride in cleanliness and neatness, then you are teaching your child in the best way you can-by example.

Help your child make hygiene a habit
. Make sure they do their hygiene practices regularly to the point of making them a routine. Routines are the cornerstones of a child’s behavior. For example, at bedtime encourage your child to use the toilet, wash up, brush teeth, then have a special story time. With your supervision, this simple ritual will likely develop into habits for life.

Make it fun. Liven up bath time with tub toys, puppet washcloths or crayon soaps. You may also use washable dolls to help toddlers practice bathing, combing hair and dressing. If you have problems getting the kids to the bathroom for a shower, try drawing straws to see “who goes in first”; the idea of beating other kids will push them to draw the straw.

Allow them to make choices
. When shopping for toiletries, encourage your child to select their own shampoo, toothpaste, or toothbrush. This is fun. More importantly, this will help develop their sense of responsibility for and interest in personal hygiene.

Reward with words. Always compliment your child’s efforts at good hygiene, even if the results are not perfect. Praise the child if he brushed his teeth after breakfast without having to be told to. Positive comments lie “You combed your hair wonderfully” will reinforce the behavior.

Source: Nestle Club website

What to Do with Leftovers

No matter how carefully a homemaker prepares a meal meant to be finished in one or two sittings, having leftovers will remain inevitable. Eating the same food day in and day out can dampen the eating habits of your child or make mealtime less enjoyable for your family.

In today’s trying times even leftovers are too precious to throw away. Almost every family experiences the dilemma of having to eat leftovers again and again. However daunting the task seems, leftovers can be recreated into new and appetizing dishes with a little ingenuity and effort. From reruns of meat dishes to bread, here are some practical tips every household can find useful:

Omelet, the versatile leftover saver. With just a few eggs, you can whip up a tasty omelet with just about any meat, fish, chicken and vegetable leftover dishes! For example, cut up or dice chicken and sauté in onion and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary, and you have a whole new dish. A dash of MAGGI Magic Sarap will make your omelet extra special. You can also mix in leftovers like fish and shrimp. Taken with a vegetable salad, you’ve got a more healthful meal.

Meat Magic. Save the meat from your nilaga or the pork from your sinigang and make an exciting adobo with MAGGI Savor Garlic. Or, concoct a delicious soup by adding beans, vermicelli, celery stalks and MAGGI Broth Cubes for that extra flavor. Meat from mechado or afritada may be cubed and saved for sautéing with vegetables.

Leftover beef or ham is excellent for hashed potatoes. Mix the meat with boiled potatoes and onion. You can also turn leftover cold cuts, sausages, or chicken into sandwich fillings. Top it with NESTLÉ Cottage Cheese and you have a delightful sandwich.

Healthful vegetable reruns
. Save excess vegetables for a soup medley later. You can have your soup from meat and chicken bones or chicken neck, gizzard, and wings. If these are not available, make an instant soup by dissolving MAGGI Chicken or Beef Broth Cubes in water. It has the same great taste of chicken and meat broth. If you have a blender, use it for better results. Puree vegetable leftover; perk it up with MAGGI Magic Sarap and some CARNATION Evap for a sure-winning soup.

Give your soup from leftovers a bistro touch by adding cheese or croutons. Another excellent soup enhancer is a tiny piece of leftover ham leg. You can use the ham leg two or three times before the flavor runs out.

Try a complete one-dish meal with soup
. Add canned creamed soup or dissolved MAGGI Broth Cubes to leftover rice. Put in leftover carrots, potatoes, diced meat, leftover chicken, etc. Dishes like these are quick, hot, and nutritious TV dinners the children can get accustomed to.

Delicious fun with bread. Keep your bread’s freshness and prolong shelf life by putting it in a plastic bag and then refrigerate. When you have enough, you can make them into puddings by adding egg and CARNATION Coco Evap plus raisins, nuts, or fresh or candied fruits.

Old or leftover bread can be made into crumbs often used for frying. If you have plenty of crumbs, mix them with eggs and form into balls. Fry, then while still hot, roll in sugar and you have a different snack kids will love!

Cut up slices of baguette for croutons on salad. Create instant mini pizzas with any leftover bread: put tomato sauce on top, beef or ham on top, sprinkle with cheese, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, and enjoy!

Try these unique ideas and discover the ease of recreating.

Source: Nestle website

Friday, November 9

More Awards

When I arrived from our family's short vacation in Cagayan and Ilocos, I am so excited to open up my computer, read mails and see my blog and bloghop as well. I haven't been able to surf for 5 days because there's no internet access in the resort where we stayed in. Much to my delight, awards are waiting for me. I am so thankful to my dear friend Rachel - Heart of Rachel and My Soulful Thoughts for giving me the First Class Friendship Award.



And Rachel stated,

Rowena ~ "Thank you for your regular visits and all the kind comments on my blog. I appreciate when you send me text messages to wish me a good day ahead or to tell me of a great update . I think of you as a dear friend and hope before the year ends, we can make time to meet one another in person. I know you're on your way home from Tuguegarao and you have missed blogging for several days now. Have a safe trip home and see you on-line later."

And then another Halloween treat from Francine (La Place De Cherie) and two awards again from the lovely lady in France.







Thanks so much Rach, I hope we can finally meet soon. I am so thankful I've discovered the blogging world and gain so much friends. My life becomes more colorful with friends like you.

To you Francine, Merci Beaucoup. And best wishes again. Hope to see you in Manila soon. Prends garde!

I would be posting soon the blogs and blogger-friends whom I want to share these awards with. In the meantime, to spread some cheer, I'm sharing the Creative Site Award to all the blogs in my blogroll. Cheers!

Thursday, November 8

ONE WORD MEME

I was tagged by Belle (simplybelle)to answer the following questions with just one word. Here are my answers.


• Where is your cellphone? dresser

• Relationship? passionate

• Your hair? short

• Work? sahm

• Your sister? three

• Your favorite thing? shopping

• Your dream last night? issues

• Your favorite drink? tea

• Your dream car? mercedes

• The room you’re in? bedroom

• Your shoes? sandals

• Your fears? heights

• What do you want to be in 10 years? entrepreneur

• Who did you hang out with this weekend? hubby

• What are you not good at? budgeting

• Muffin? chocolate

• One of your wish list items? laptop

• Where did you grow up? Manila

• Last thing you did? bloghop

• What are you wearing? house-dress

• What aren’t you wearing? jewelries

• Your pet? goldfish

• Your computer? busy

• Your life? fabulous

• Your mood? cheerful

• Missing? Tagaytay

• What are you thinking about right now? business

• Your car? 4runner

• Your kitchen? organized

• Your summer? colorful

• Your favorite color? green

• Last time you laughed? yesterday

• Last time you cried? Monday

• School? Stepping-stone

• Love? Cloud-9

I am not tagging anyone, feel free to do it and have some fun....

Blogging Tips

Few weeks ago, I was tagged by Julie on some blogging tips. Although I'm a newbie blogger, I am happy to give some tips as well.

Here’s how it goes: When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.) Write your own blogging tip for other bloggers. Try to make your tip general.

Tag as many people as you want.

*1. Don’t let money change ya! http://www.therandomforest.info/

*2. Look, read, and learn.http://www.neonscent.com/

3. Be, EXCELLENT to each other. http://www.bushmackel.com

*4. Always reply to your comments. http://chattiekat.com/

* 5. Blog about what you know & love. http://sugar-queens-dream.blogspot.com/

6. Don’t use filthy language-buy a dictionary. http://shinade.blogspot.com/

*7. Blog about something educational. http://climateofourfuture.org/

*8. Be yourself; others will follow. http://sfgirl-thealiennextdoor.blogspot.com/

9. Don’t have too many blogs that will become a chore to maintain.
http://cubicledenizen.blogspot.com/

*10. Keep it simple, user-friendly, interesting and organized! http://erishaling.blogspot.com/

11. Keep the blog simple and sweet!! http://www.leslieho.com/

12. Share with others your thoughts and don’t be shy! http://groovy-olives.com/blog

13. Never ask for link exchange. Blog hop to increase traffic. http://www.jessieling.com/

*14. Don’t clutter your blog with ads all over the place. IT’S IRRITATING. http://oliviasy.blogspot.com/

15. Don’t comment for the sake of commenting. Some looked too fake and its a big turn off! http://sashablablabla.blogspot.com/

* 16. Share something interesting and you will gain more readers. http://judychow.blogspot.com/

* 17. Show that we care to all bloggers, treat each other as friends. http://mummyinvain.com/

*18. Pictures say a million words. Keep them coming! http://familyfriendsnfood.blogspot.com/

*19. Blogging should be fun or you’ll get tired of it pretty soon. http://justmyrambling.com/

*20. Don’t think people will come to your blog if you’re not willing to pay a visit to them. http://joshualai.blogspot.com/

*21. Everyone loves read short posting and best, illustrated with a picture. http://www.demoments.net/blog

* 22. Try not to publish more than 5 posts in one blog a day. Even if it’s from feed reader, it’s quite hard to digest and catch up reading everything. http://montessorimum.com/

*23. Blog, the other window to peek into people’s life, minus the trouble. keep a certain level of privacy to yourself. http://www.babyshern.blogspot.com/

**24. Use simple words, not like the ones that require your readers to consult the dictionary. Girlie of http://www.hipncoolmomma.com/

**25. Take time to visit your friendly links WITH OR WITHOUT SPONSORED POSTS, probloggers are required to update their blogs so expect they always have something new. Marie the Vanidosa http://mariegvergara.com/

*26. Be kind and appreciate your readers by taking time to really know them. Take time to read their blogs and comment with your heart. Even if you’re into problogging, don’t forget to blog with your heart not just for the sake of the money.
Emmyrose http://www.emmyrose.com

*27. Share your blog awards to blogger friends whose blog inspires you and open your mind to another perspective in life and even to less-visited blog which you think their blog and thoughts are unique. Arlene of http://sunshineforlife.wordpress.com

28. Be factual and do not rely 100% on gossips/hearsays especially if you are writing about sensitive topics. Back up your facts with links from reliable sources, if needed. Julie of http://www.teacherjulie.com/

29. When you blog hop, leave sincere or witty remarks, the author would check you out for sure. Try to post useful tips for mommies, career women and students as well so you’ll have varied readers. And make lots of friends thru your blog.
Rowena of http://www.thesweetlife-rowena.blogspot.com

I am now tagging Ann (Me and My Angel), Chats (imomonline) and Cookie (ScroochChronicles).

Tuesday, November 6

Our Cagayan/ Ilocos Trip


nicole by the waterfalls


the cottage near the falls


the Portabaga waterfalls, Sta.Praxedes, Cagayan


cascading waterfalls


kids with the view of the windmills


windmills in bangui, ilocos norte


kids playing at the pagudpud white sand-beach


typical cottage near the beach, pagudpud


kids playing


my nephews


the pagudpud beach


the view on the way to Ilocos Norte


the big catch, Taggat lagoon, Claveria, Cagayan


the newly arrived boat at the Taggat lagoon


Nicole still at Taggat lagoon, waiting for fishermen


nipa hut (bahay kubo), Claveria


Minanga Beach, Claveria, Cagayan


hanging bridge, Magapit, Lallo, Cagayan


FIL's tomb


visit at the cemetery, Tuguegarao, Cagayan