Epson Outsmarted Me

I replaced my 3 in 1 printer last June because the scanner was broken. I’ve tried Canon and HP before so I want to try something new, I bought Epson ME 320 (Multifunctional for Economical, Efficient and Effective Endurance), knowing that I could save more.  

Save more with Epson INKdividual™ Cartridges

•Enjoy greater savings with Epson cost-effective INKdivdual™ cartridges. You can now maximise usage of your ink cartridges when you replace only the empty cartridge.

photo source

My black cartridge finally rant out and I went to Inkrite for refill like I always do but I was shocked when I learned that my cartridge is a disposable type and the only way that I could save for ink is to avail their conversion service which cost P2500.

I only pay P150 for my HP black cartridge refill but since Epson has a disposable type of cartridge, I need to spend P320 for one black cartridge which I think is not economical. Another disadvantage is, I can no longer use my printer unless I replace the empty cartridge unlike in my old HP. So now, I am back with my old printer because I am still thinking about the conversion thing.

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Baked Eggs

I haven’t read Before Ever After book of Samantha Sotto but I have this craving for her famous Baked Eggs. Inspired by her recipe, I made my own baked eggs using my available ingredients. 

3 pieces of bacon

1 clove of garlic

1 small onion

1 small tomato
¼ cup of canned mushroom

Slices of quickmelt cheese

3 eggs

1.       Pre-heat oven to 230 degrees Celsius.

2.       Chop all the ingredients and sauté. (start with bacon, garlic, onion, tomato and mushroom)

3.       Place the cooked ingredients in your dish. Set aside few for garnish.

4.       Place the cheese and crack three eggs over the filling.

5.       Bake for 12 minutes.

This is really a very satisfying dish and I would definitely try her recipe. Visit this blog for her recipe.

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Trick or Treats

This is the first trick or treats experience of my son and I was so happy that he wore his costume. He doesn’t look like a pirate to me; he looks like Peter pan in red. Hehe! We have the option to choose where we will attend, Mckinley, Cavite or Cebu, of course we choose Cavite because we are Southerners.

I have no expectations because I never attended any trick or treats event. After registration we waited for our turn for booth hopping.

Then we gathered in one room for Magic Show and Games.

Free food and ice cream stick for everyone.

Picture taking before going home.

My son enjoyed his first trick or treats. Tired…

…but happy with all the goodies he received.

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Figaro: Spider inside my Empanada

I’ve never been in Figaro so I was delighted when my husband gave me Empanada (Supreme Calzone) last night. I did not eat it because I was reserving this for my breakfast.

Breakfast time: I was so excited to try their empanada, so I reheat it and slice it into half, but I lost my appetite when I saw this….

My son even shouted SPIDER and it was indeed a small spider. I was so disappointed because I know Figaro is one of the famous coffee shops and my husband wasted his money for this empanada (supreme calzone P95). But I was thankful because I sliced the empanada; imagine if I did not slice it, I might eat the small spider.

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Teaching your Toddler

Teaching my son is really a challenge to me because I am not good in teaching kids. I am not patient enough to teach toddler that is the main reason why I do not like to be a teacher but of course when I became a mom, everything change, I have to teach my son whether I like it or not.

My son just turned three this month and I thought this is the best time to start teaching him how to read and write. I’ve noticed that he loves books and he reads books even he doesn’t know how to read. When he reads, he will just name all the pictures on each page.

I’ve posted before the books that I’ve bought for him, his top 3 favourite books are “Fly High”, Good Night San Francisco” and Plenty of Penguins. He can only read the title because we’ve been reading these books for the nth time.

Then I research and read different forums and blogs for some ideas because I am really clueless and I do not know how to start. I’ve learned about Dolch Sight Words, so I immediately list all the words and create a flash card. I just used my old checkbook and write all the words.

a	and	away	big	blue
can	come	down	find	for
funny	go	help	here	I
in	is	it	jump	little
look	make	me	my	not
one	play	red	run	said
see	the	three	to	two
up	we	where	yellow	you

Click here for the link.

I showed him the flash cards and read the word one by one, then I asked him to read but instead of reading the words, he spelled out each letter. For example, FUNNY, he will shout F-U-N-N-Y. Then I realized that I forgot to teach him PHONIC SOUNDS.

Someone suggested this video and my son enjoyed watching it so I am pretty sure that your kids will also enjoy this video and will have a LSS after watching it.

So far, he can read a, can, funny, go and I, we do not do this every day because there are days that he doesn’t want to read, he just want to play. I do not want to pressure him so I take one step at a time.

While doing my blog hopping, I stumbled upon 1+1+1=1  blog and spent most of my days reading her blog. I read and save her free printable materials and worksheet including Color by Number Sight Words. I have downloaded all the worksheet and this will be my little project this coming long weekend because I have to print and color each letter. I hope this will stimulate my son’s interest in reading.

Click here for the link.

I do appreciate if you could share your ideas too so I can learn more from your experiences.

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Pancake

My son loves pancake and he can eat two pieces for breakfast so cooking 1 small pack of instant hotcake mix is enough for our breakfast and merienda. I used ¼ measuring cup to make 8 pieces of pancake.

This is the first time that I let my son do the mixing and he enjoyed this so I am now thinking to include him in my cooking and baking session. Another way to bond with my son.

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Halloween Costume

Last Friday, my husband sent me a message about their Company’s Trick or Treat; I never attended any Trick or Treat event so I am really clueless when it comes to costume so I search the internet for some samples and hoping that it is available here.

Though I was feeling low last Saturday, I still went out to look for Halloween costume for my son. This will be his first Trick or Treat experience and I do not want to miss the chance. We did not attend the past few events because my husband was not available to accompany us.

Unfortunately, there were few costumes left and no available size for my son. I like the fireman and policeman costume because it includes tools but it doesn’t fit. Then I saw this Pirate Costume and luckily it fits him so I bought the costume. I guess, this is the cheapest costume, half the price of the policeman and fireman set.

I just hope that he will wear this costume because right now, he doesn’t want to wear the belt and bandana.

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Iced Crème Brulee Macchiato

One week before the deadline of Starbucks Instant Rewards, we redeemed our free beverage. I ordered our all-time favourite Cinnamon Swirl P60, Ensaymada P65, Mocha Frappuccino P135 and tried the new beverage Iced Crème Brulee Macchiato P140. I’ve read not so good reviews about this drink but I want to try it and I have to agree with them because I dislike the taste. I’ve asked my husband to try my drink and he did not like it, too bitter for our taste.

A creamy mix of crème brûlèe flavoured syrup and freshly steamed milk marked with intense Starbucks® espresso, topped with velvety foam with a roasty, dark caramel drizzle on top.

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Starting All Over Again

My laptop crashed last Saturday morning, this is the reason why I’m so sad and it seems that I am just existing but not living. Eating my comfort foods doesn’t help and I could not even sleep because the whole day, I was just thinking about my files and if there is a way to recover it. I have a lot of things and errands to do but I was not really in the mood and because of that I wasn’t able to finish my checklist. It may look so pathetic but I just felt that part of me was missing, so I cannot really let go and focus. But I’m trying to move on and prepare myself just in case we could no longer save my files.

My husband has been convincing me to replace my laptop but I am still confused and I’m not sure if this is the right time to replace it. I’m not asking him to buy me one because I’m used in buying my own things and stuff, katas ng maternity benefits ko ang laptop ko so may sentimental value. But he left Sunday evening and went home with my new laptop. Since I can’t decide, siya na nagdesisyon for me.

I asked him why he bought a laptop and he said “yan nagpapasaya sa’yo, mabobored ka lang lalo sa bahay kung wala ka gagamitin.” Then I said, ayaw mo lang ko pagamitin ng laptop mo” (joke). But deep inside I was really touched and I realized that he understands my feelings, he knows what makes me happy and of course he loves me. (side effect na ba to ng fascinating womanhood).

So starting this day, no more sulking, it is time to move on and start all over again. But I am still crossing my fingers,( tagal kasi ng long weekend kaya di ko pa mameet brother ko.)

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Bite the Bullet

If there is one thing that I could not live without, that would be my laptop. It is really part of my everyday life and the only time that I’m not using it is when I’m on my vacation trip. Yesterday, I was doing my normal routine when my laptop just crashed down and I could no longer start my windows. It seems my world just stops revolving because I don’t know how I can troubleshoot my problem. I’m trying the safe mode so I can still save my files but unfortunately it is not working. I’ve been bugging my brother to help me, he told me to reinstall without choosing the format hard disk so I can save my files but there is no guarantee that I could save it.

I was really sad and I want to cry but I have no more tears left (naubos na yata sa speech ni “Budoy”). I’m so worried because I have no back up copy, I’ve lost my files since 2005, including my widget codes, blog posts, articles, pre-school worksheet that I have just downloaded for my son and my two itinerary for our upcoming trip. I’ve been doing this itinerary since September and I have to do it all over again. The saddest part is I did not save my picture since October 2010, just knowing this date gusto ko ng mahimatay because it only means I’ve lost our CDO-Camiguin, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Kota Kinabalu and Cebu trip pictures. My only consolation is the photos that I have uploaded in Facebook and here in my blog. Lesson learned: “do not ever forget to back up your files”

My husband is trying to comfort me, he was telling me na 3 years lang life span ng laptop (mine is turning 3) and maybe it is time to replace your laptop. I should be happy because he is willing to replace my laptop but of course I have to give up something. It is no secret here that I’ve been meaning to replace my camera but I have to make a choice. I am so confused and yet I have to bite the bullet.

Yesterday, we went to two different malls scouting for laptop but we went home without buying one because I was still hoping for a miracle but there was no miracle, still can’t use my laptop. I am hoping and praying that my brother could still save my files because it means a lot to me.

But for now I have to make a decision, “to buy or not to buy”.

Sorry for the senti post.

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Pocky Almond Crust

I saw Glico Pocky Almond Crust last Saturday and decided to include this in our grocery cart. I only got one box because I am not sure if my son would like it. Yesterday, I gave this to my son for his snacks and it was an instant hit, he finished this in one sitting. Out of curiosity, I checked the wrapper if there is something left so I could taste it and lucky for me, there is 1 inch piece of stick left. It is indeed yummy. I checked my grocery receipt and I was shocked because it cost P64.50. (expensive for a snack). But I will still buy Glico Pocky Almond Crust and will try other variant.

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Fascinating Womanhood

I bought this book last July not because my marriage is in danger but I was so curious how this book will help me to become a fascinating wife. Fascinating Womanhood is a best seller book of Helen Andelin, it tackles eight rules to help you in having a lifelong love affair and there are many testimonies and success stories that this book can really saves broken relationship.

We’ve been married for almost six years and I admit that our marriage is not perfect; of course there is no such thing as perfect, we also have our own share of dramas but still I am happy and satisfied with our marriage. I feel that I was so blessed enough for wanting more but after reading the book, it makes me realize that there is more that I can do to build a truly happy marriage. I hold the keys to my own happiness.

Being a stay at home mom, I am always preoccupied with household chores, taking care of my son and doing my part time job (if there’s any). Little did I know that I am neglecting the needs and wants of my husband and I forgot that I was a wife first before I became a mother. Even my husband is too old enough to take care of himself; he also needs love, care and attention. I was too absorbed with my duties and obligations and not conscious enough on my husband needs.

This book teaches me to accept, appreciate and admire my husband. The most important thing is to make him number one, we have to admit that we tend to put first our children, household chores, career and many more before our husband. This is a reminder to all of us.

“If you treat him like a king, he’ll treat you like a queen”

“Don’t put the comforts and whims of your children ahead of your husband’s basic needs”

There are more things that you can learn on this book so if you want to have a happy marriage, give this a try. I just finished the book just this week and I am still trying to apply it on my marriage, I know that this would not be easy for me because number one role that I need to learn is to be submissive. I admit that I am not a submissive wife because I grew up without my parents beside me so I used in making decision and important plans on my own. I’m a leader and not a follower, but I have to change for the better, good luck to my journey.

“ A loving marriage is the foundation of a happy family, and a happy family is the foundation of a stable society. Most of the problems in this world stem from troubled homes. If we are to have peace in the world, we must begin at home. – Helen Andelin

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Fun Poster Paints

I was decluttering my son’s closet last Saturday and I found poster paints. I am pretty sure that my son will love to use this. I cannot say that my son has gift of art but I know that he loves to color and scribble. It is pretty obvious on our walls, furniture and his stuff, just like this table. I bought this last summer before his summer class and after few months, the table is almost filled of crayons.

I called my son and gave him the poster paints, paint brush, scratch paper and cup of water. I let him to do his own thing.

He really enjoyed this activity because after an hour, he was able to finish 6 pieces of artwork.  It was messy but fun.

On the same day, we attended birthday party and the loot bag includes this

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Heaven on Earth Cake

While waiting for my friends at Starbucks, my hubby bought Heaven on Earth P130 cake for my son. I’m not fond of mousse cake and Heaven on Earth is a six layer mousse cake. I had a spoon bite of this cake and it is not sweet. My son is a picky eater but he was able to finish the whole cake so for sure it is yummy and delicious.

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BC Bloggers

One commenter invited me to join BC Bloggers, so I did. As a new blogger, I know how significant BC bloggers on my site, it will help me gain backlinks and virtual friends. I love to read blogs because I learned a lot through their experience. It gives me new information on upcoming sale, discounts and promos. It helps me to do my itinerary if I have upcoming trip.

To learn more about BC Bloggers visit http://www.mommydiary.net/ and sign up.

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My Pizza Hut Story

Last Sunday we went to Enchanted Kingdom and we all know that bringing of foods and drinks inside the theme park is not allowed so we had quick snack at Pizza Hut. We order regular super supreme pizza and use our pizza hut card to avail free pizza. My husband gave his credit card and pizza hut card; I left the counter to buy Dairy Queen Ice cream for my son and look for vacant table. Then my husband came without the pizza, I asked him.

Me: bakit nandito ka na?

Hubby: pinaupo na niya ko at bumalik na lang daw.

After few minutes, my husband claimed the pizza and he called me and said “Di daw pwede yung card” So I gave him P500 then he said, kulang.

Me: paano magiging kulang e regular pizza and 1.5 pepsi lang yung order.

The manager came holding two boxes of family pizza and the staff said, ma’m regular lang ba?

Me: yes, dalawa lang naman kami kakain.

The manager gets our P500 bill and gave the two family size pizzas and said, we will just give you the change. So we got two family size pizza and 1.5 liter pepsi for P380+.

I love pizza but I did not enjoy my pizza that day, (feeling ko sasakit tiyan ko at hindi yun ang order namin). Good thing that the credit card did not work that time or else I will charged P550+ for their mistake.

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Milk Dilemma

My son has been drinking Gain since he was six months old and we did not have any problem when we shifted to Gain Plus Advance when he turned 1 yr old but now I am having a problem because he doesn’t like Gain School Advance. I smelled and tasted the milk and I do not see any difference.

Since yesterday, he’s asking for milk but after tasting it, he will no longer drink it. Now, I am thinking if I will stick to Gain Plus Advance (1-3 yrs old) or should I try other milk. Do you have similar experience?

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Enchanted Kingdom

I bought 3 Enchanted Kingdom voucher from Ensogo last August for P300 each. It was a good deal since regular pass cost P500. We’re supposed to use it last Tuesday for Ethan’s 3^rd birthday but Enchanted Kingdom is closed from Monday to Wednesday. Almost two months of waiting and we are so excited to use the voucher before it expires so yesterday, rain or shine we went to Enchanted Kingdom.

After seven years, I was back and this time with my family. We started our tour in Victoria Park; of course we tried the Grand Carousel.

Then we went straight to Boulderville, almost all kiddie rides are still closed except for Boulderville Express.

We proceed to Midway Boardwalk and tried Roller Skater, Up, Up and Away and Wheel of Fate. My son’s height is only 38” so we are restricted to enjoy some rides. But even if my son is allowed, I will not ride Anchor’s Away again, one is enough and I will never ride EKstreme Tower Ride and Wheel of Fate, I did not join them when they ride the Wheel of Fate.

At Jungle Outpost, the only ride that we tried is Swan Lake because my son is not yet allowed in Jungle Log Jam. Then we had a quick snack at Pizza hut and Dairy Queen.

We only passed Spaceport because I won’t dare to ride in Space Shuttle Max (feeling ko buwis-buhay to, I love my life).

Next stop is Brooklyn Place, I was so disappointed because my son is not allowed in Rialto Theater, he likes penguin pa naman. Anyway, we enjoy the mini concert of “Ian Jacinto and The Siblings”, they are really talented.

My favorite ride is Rio Grande Rapids, of all the rides that we have tried; this is my son’s favorite. Tuwang-tuwa siya na nababasa siya. Lucky for me, hindi ako nabasa. Hehe!

We went back to Boulderville to try the kiddie rides and for the sake of my son, I also rode on these kiddie rides like Stone Eggs and Dinosaurus except for Air Pterodactyl.

We rode Grand Carousel again before we went home; we only stayed for six hours.

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New 7 Wonders of Nature

Our very own Underground River is one of the 28 finalists for New 7 Wonders of Nature and I am very proud that I was able to see and experience the wonder of this nature. If you want to support please vote here. I think we only have 35 days left to vote.

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What Women and Men Should Know

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RIP Steve Jobs 1955-2011

"Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything _ all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."  – Steve Jobs

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me…Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful…that’s what matters to me." – Steve Jobs

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true." - Steve Jobs

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A Hug Can Save a Life!

This is an inspiring story that I saw in Facebook. By: Dr Jeff Mullan

Twin girls, Brielle and Kyrie, were born 12 weeks ahead of their due date. Needing intensive care, they were placed in separate incubators.

Kyrie began to gain weight and her health stabilized. But Brielle, born only 2 lbs, had trouble breathing, heart problems and other complications. She was not expected to live.

Their nurse did everything she could to make Brielle’s health better, but nothing she did was helping her. With nothing else to do, their nurse went against hospital policy and decided to place both babies in the same incubator.

She left the twin girls to sleep and when she returned she found a sight she could not believe. She called all the nurses and doctors and this is what they saw (refer to the picture above).

As Brielle got closer to her sister, Kyrie put her small little arm around her, as if to hug and support her sister. From that moment on, Brielle’s breathing and heart rate stabilized and her health became normal.

From then on, they decided to keep both babies together, because when they were together they kept each other alive.

“A hug is worth a thousand words”

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