October 21, 2013

Tagaytay Trip and More

Last Tuesday was a holiday and a holiday = family day. Since it was a holiday, we went early to Asian Hospital Derma Laser for my therapy again, good thing they are open from 9-12nn. Then after that, we went to Tagaytay, we wanted to check if there were Halloween costumes in Ukay-Ukay #kuripot but unfortunately, we did not find any costumes.


We had lunch in RSM Binalot sa Dahon, we chose this because we thought it was cheaper than fastfood and para maiba naman. So we ordered Grilled Liempo P130, Tocilog P108 and Turon P70. The meal had no drinks included so we ordered 1.5 liters Coke for P90.


They gave us free bulalo soup while waiting for our order. After eating our meal and paying our bill, nagkatinginan na lang kami ni hubby. We both knew that we were not satisfied with our food and sana nagfastfood na lang kami, mas mura at masarap pa.

The only good thing that happened was we saw a poster of Bali Village Hotel Resort and Spa in this restaurant so we asked if they had flyers so off we went to Bali Village to check the place. We’re currently looking for accommodation because we will attend the wedding in December.

Surprisingly, the place was good so we reserved a room already.


We also checked Hotel Kimberly Tagaytay if they have a promo for December but as of now no promo. But we’re having second thoughts because of the location; it is too far from Caleruega.

Then we went to Nuvali but on our way there, we saw Good Shepherd so we had a quick stop and bought ube jam P 130 and cuchipan P50.


At Nuvali, we’re looking for Halloween costumes and formal clothes for Ethan but we did not buy this because I don’t know the wedding motif yet.

After checking all the stores in Nuvali and Paseo De Sta Rosa, we did not find anything so we decided to go home. On our way home, my mother-in-law texted my husband to pick up his brother in Binan and ihatid sa Cabuyao, Laguna. Wheww! Di pa tapos ang road trip, so we were on the road for 10 hours. Stressful but fun. 

October 11, 2013

Mickey Mouse Birthday Party


When my husband celebrated his birthday last June, my son and I baked a cake. While baking a cake, my son said that he wanted a Mickey Mouse birthday cake, and since then hehas  always reminded me about his cake #repeat100times till he celebrated his birthday.


He even drew this picture to show me his theme so deep inside, I know that he really wanted a Mickey Mouse Birthday Party. I was planning and surfing the net last June for possible ideas, I ordered some party materials online, and started my preparation the last week of August. I witnessed the joy and excitement of my son every time he saw me preparing for his birthday.


We gave the invitation a few days before his birthday. The day before his birthday, I was not feeling well, so I decided that we would not go to school so I could take a rest. I took medicine to prevent it, and thank God, because I was able to go with them the following day.




When I entered his room, he immediately hugged me and said, “I love you, mommy”. He was indeed happy because he would celebrate his birthday. #thelongwaitisover. It was just a simple birthday celebration together with his classmates and teachers.

Mickey Mouse Cake from "Say it with a Cake"

Initially, I wanted to bake a cupcake, but since my son wanted a Mickey Mouse cake, I just ordered this from a friend. The party started with gift giving, then blowing out the candle, eating time, games, and lastly a group picture. Before I left the room, my son hugged me again and said, “Thank you, I love you, mommy”. I was really touched, sulit pagod ko sa pagprepare because my son enjoyed his simple birthday celebration.

Click here to check for DIY Mickey Mouse Party.

October 10, 2013

DIY Mickey Mouse Party Theme

Last year my son had Lightning Mcqueen birthday party and this year he wanted Mickey Mouse birthday party so a few months before his birthday I was surfing the net for possible ideas.

It is not easy to look for Mickey Mouse party materials here in the Philippines so I have to DIY everything. Thanks to Pinterest for leading me to a free Mickey Mouse printable.

1. Mickey Mouse Invitation – my DIY invitation.


2. Guest Frame - Guests will leave their thumb mark

3. Bottled Water/Spoon and Fork - water only because the school doesn't allow softdrinks. 



4. Giveaways - chocolates, cookie, notepad and puzzle. 


5. Banner - I used the template of my invitation for the banner and printed Happy Birthday Ethan letters.



6. Cake - I order the cake from “Say it with a Cake”



7. Food - Jollibee

I got my free printables here.

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

October 01, 2013

DIY Mickey Mouse Invitation

My son is fond of Mickey Mouse so there is no doubt that he chose this theme for his 5th birthday party. But looking for ready-made birthday party invitation was not easy. I really had a hard time looking for an invitation unlike last year “Lightning McQueen Cars invitation was available."

Thank god for Pinterest, I was able to get some inspiration and I got the idea in Oopsey Daisy site. 

Materials

Black cartolina for Mickey Mouse head
Red Cartolina for Mickey Mouse pocket
White Linen Paper for the buttons
Cardboard for pattern
Circle Invitation to be placed inside the pocket
Glue
Scissors

Steps:

1. First I trace the Mickey Mouse head in a cardboard to make a pattern. Then trace it on black cartolina.


2. Then I get one Mickey Mouse house head, folded it in half to make pattern for pocket.





3. Then make two small circles for buttons.



4. Paste it all together.


5. Finished product. 





A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

September 16, 2013

Stories + Mochi Cream

Honestly, I have so many stories to tell but I just can’t find time because my life is getting busier every day and if I have time my internet connection is not cooperating at all.

Well, just to give an update, I just started my phototherapy last Saturday, we have approaching World Psoriasis Day next month so we need to practice for our presentation, I’m preparing for my son’s 5th birthday, I need to review my son for first trimester exam next week, I need to help my son memorize his poem for poem recitation this Wednesday and I was looking for costume for community helper activity today and next Monday. Wala pa diyan ang household errands chores and personal challenges.

Anyway, as I was saying I started my phototherapy last Saturday so I will be in Asian Hospital thrice a week and hoping my psoriasis will clear up. My psoriasis is getting worse again due to super stress. 

Then after my therapy we went to Festival Mall to pay bills and scout for my son’s costume. Before going home I saw Mochi Cream kiosk, I’ve been meaning to try these Japanese Sweet Deli but the branches are too far so when I saw the kiosk I immediately checked the prices. 


As usual, I was having second thoughts because it is so expensive. The price ranges from P75 - P100. But because I was curious I bought 2 pieces, I wanted to try three flavors para tig-isa kami pero di ko type yung available. I bought Mango P90 and Caramel Pudding P75.


Thaw 10-15 minutes before eating

The taste is good and we prefer the caramel pudding than mango. My son and I liked it but my husband prefers macarons. We’re cheapskates so this mochi cream is too expensive for us; it is not something that we will buy every mall visit but I still want to try the chocolate flavors. 



September 02, 2013

Birthday Staycation: Acacia Hotel

If you still remember, last year I celebrated my birthday in Acaci and this year we had staycation in Acacia Hotel.

Read: Acaci

I saw the “The Long Weekend” promo in their Facebook page so I inquired and asked if they have promo for Friday since my birthday falls on Friday. Fortunately they have Friday Madness so I immediately reserved the date.

Days before my birthday, I’ve been contemplating whether to cancel or not my reservation because of the Typhoon Maring and Habagat but my husband insisted that we will celebrate my birthday in Acacia Hotel rain or shine.


But God is so good because He gave me good weather last August 23, 2013. We had lunch in Outback Steakhouse and I bought my birthday cake in Contis and off we went to Acacia Hotel.



As expected, the service was good from parking, reservation and they even ushered us up to our room while informing us the facilities, amenities and location of the pool, gym, restaurant and others. You have to tap your key card every time you use the elevator.



I can see the pool from our window so my son was so excited to plunge but my husband didn’t want to swim, “mainit pa daw” so my son swims in the bathtub muna. At 4PM, we went to the swimming pool and stayed there for almost two hours. There’s a complimentary drink so no worries if you’re thirsty.


At 8PM, we received free cookies.


The most exciting part of staycation is the buffet breakfast. Upon seated, they will ask you if you want hot chocolate or coffee. Good thing that my son has no charge yet because he only ate one roll and silken tofu aka taho. We took our time in eating our food para sulit. =)



Then my son had last minute swimming before we check-out. Actually, my son doesn’t want to go home anymore. He wanted us to extend our staycation but of course we have to go home at baka mapambayad ko pa pang tuition niya. Hehehe!

Like

1. Service is good.
2. Bed and pillows are comfortable.
3. Location is good because there’s fastfood, grocery and restaurants around the area. 
4. If you want to go to malls, there are free shuttles.
5. Free wifi.
6. There's bath tub in the bathroom.

Dislike

1. No bidet and exhaust fan in the bathroom.
2. Children swimming pool is too small. 

Related Post


Lunch Buffet at Acaci Restaurant

Staycation in Alabang

Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue,
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa City 1781
Telephone: 720 2000 / 588 5888
Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsmanila.com
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August 30, 2013

Birthday Celebration at Outback Steakhouse

When I started working, my ex-bf (now husband) and I always eat out every payday and we wanted to try different restaurant that we haven’t tried when we’re still students. Since I work in Makati  we went straight to Glorietta after office.

We always see the Outback Steakhouse outside the mall building so we tried it out of curiosity. I can still remember while browsing the menu, lumalaki mata ko sa nakikita ko presyo. But since we wanted to try the food, we still order, pikit mata na lang sa pag-order. Ending we paid almost P3000 for our meal; it was too steep for us but charged it to experience. Since then never na kami bumalik. hehehe!


After 10 years, we tried this restaurant again because we saw the 30% discount promo if you will use your Citibank card and since it was my birthday, we have reason to splurge.

We’re the first customers, upon seated the staff gave us the menu and asked if there’s any occasion. I said, it’s my birthday and she greeted me “happy birthday”. I thought meron slice of cake or presentation pa like other restaurants pero wala. #feelingkolang.

yummy complimentary bread

Anyway, I did not order steak anymore; we ordered Grilled Pork Chop P599, Baby Back Ribs P699 and Kid’s Pasta and Fingers Combo P249.




The serving was big, my son just ate one piece of chicken and I only ate one slice of pork chop so my husband has no choice but to help me. Take-out na lang namin food ni Ethan because he was busy coloring and playing in this corner.


Well, the taste is just ok, you can eat this meal in other restaurants at a lower price. 

Outback Steakhouse
Parking 6 Theater Drive
Alabang Town Center
Ayala Muntinlupa City

August 01, 2013

Buying Furniture at Mandaue Foam Home Store

Since March, we’ve been contemplating whether to customize the cabinet or buy a cabinet. I’ve been meaning to visit Mandaue Foam but we could not find the time and finally last Saturday we paid a visit.

Read: Shopping at Mandaue Foam Sta Rosa




The store is huge and we checked every floor looking for cabinet and drawer. Some cabinets were already sold so we settled for this one. We bought it at a regular price but I availed the Mandaue Foam Card (P500) to take advantage of the 10% discount.


The service is good and they even have softdrinks, juice and water dispenser for clients.

January 13, 2014:  Mandaue Foam Holiday Sale

I saw this Mandaue Foam Holiday Sale photo in my news feed last week so I asked my mom if she is interested to buy mattress since there’s no extra bed in my grandmother’s house where she would stay. She said yes so I informed my husband that I will go with him sa pagpapalit niya ng gulong in Alabang so I can buy mattress and pillows.

We were in Mandaue Foam last October, my mother-in-law bought buy 1 take 1 mattress P1500 and pillows P350. But it is no longer available so we bought the next size (double) for P2000. My son wanted to buy B1T1 pillows too, P300 for the smallest size and standard size is P350. They fold it so it will fit inside the car. I informed my friend about it and they bought a mattress too so if you are interested, go to Mandaue Foam and take advantage of the sale till January 6, 2014 only.

Update: July 2014: Bed and Mattress

When my son was 9 months old we decided to remove the bed frame and just place the mattress on the floor to have peace of mind that he will not fall from the bed. We’ve been sleeping on the floor for years already and I’ve been meaning to buy bed frame and mattress also. Now that my son is already five years old, I think this is the best time to be promoted. #ayawnasafloor


Last month we went to Mandaue Foam to check for bed and mattress. We checked the different design and when I saw this I was sold already. I don’t care if there’s no headboard because I wanted a bed frame with drawers to maximize the space. Since our room has limited space we can only buy queen size. (masikip na nga sa queen) For the mattress we chose Gala Bed Chiropractic, this is the description according to the Mandaue website.


Description: Incorporates the world’s most advanced spring system for added spinal support and maximum comfort.

Carry Capacity: Medium / HeavyComposition: Foam and Fabric backing with anti dust mite and anti-bacterial ticking

Height: 11½”

Mattress Layer

1. Cover – Multi-needle quilted to 28 Kg/m3 density foam and fabric backing with anti-dust mite and anti-bacterial ticking.
2. 1 – layer of 1 1/2” 35 kg/m3 high-density fire-retardant foam to add comfort. 
3. Cover – Multi-needle quilted to 28 Kg/m3 density foam and fabric backing with anti-dust mite and anti-bacterial ticking.
4. 1 – layer of 3/4” 35 kg/m3 high-density fire-retardant foam to add comfort.
5. 1 – layer of 3/4” 35 kg/m3 rebonded foam for additional comfort.
6. Parallel plastic net to add protection over the pocketed coils.
7. 2.3MM single wire chiro springs made of anti-rust, high carbon steel wires.

So far we are happy with our bed and mattress and the only thing I dislike is, the mattress is too heavy for me that I'm having a hard time lifting it when I'm changing the bedsheet. hehehe By the way, if you want to have an additional 10% discount you can avail of the Mandaue Foam Card. Discount applies for regular items only.

Mandaue Foam Las Piñas City 
487 Alabang Zapote Road
Brgy. Almanza Uno
(02) 556 5621 or (02) 556 6086

Update: Mandaue Foam Card is already P700 

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Read: Buying Furniture at Furniture Source Philippines
Buying Furniture at San Yang Furniture

July 30, 2013

Retuned Check: Error in Check

Two weeks ago I’ve made payment in SM Payment Center and last Tuesday I received a call from my bank. Actually, I did not answer the first two calls because the number was not in my contact, good thing that they called me again. Yes, I have this bad habit of not answering a call if it is not listed in my contact because I feel that it is just customer sales rep who will offer a credit card.

The branch manager informed me that I have an error in my check and she confirmed if I really wrote the check. She said it will be a returned check but she was so kind to give me a chance to correct the error. I have an error in my date; she said I wrote July 12, 20113 and the date should be July 12, 2013.

I composed a letter, printed two copies and asked my husband to fax the letter the following morning and I went to the nearest BPI branch to let them send the original letter to my branch. I was really nervous because I don’t want to pay returned check fee which is not cheap, I guess P2000 + will be the damaged.

So lesson learned:

1. Always answer the call.
2. Be careful in writing checks

July 17, 2013

Dinner at Yakimix



My mommy friend in school treated us last Saturday in Yakimix. Actually, we’re just teasing her last summer kung kelan ang victory party nila because her husband won last election. We’re not expecting na tototohanin naman niya so when she asked us if we are available for dinner in Yakimix, we immediately said yes.


She called Yakimix for reservation but no more reservation for the weekend so we went there as early as 5PM. Rain or shine we went to Yakimix – Alabang. I always hear and read mixed reviews about Yakimix so I never dare to try this restaurant. The branch in Alabang Town Center is not that big and I was not impressed with the food choices compared to other eat all you can restaurant. My son who only ate ice cream and ebi tempura were charged P380 already. #lugi


My plate, shared pa kami ng son ko sa tempura. Dessert: ice cream and leche flan lang.
smokeless grill

Verdict.

1. Though the restaurant is small, it is clean and organized.
2. The food choices are quite limited compared to the other branch. My husband tried Yakimix - MOA.
3. The service is quite different, the wait staff is only there to refill the food and your drinks. I tried other buffet restaurants and the wait staff will tell us pa, “Ma’m if you need anything, just call me, I’m (insert name)”. Then pag-nauubusan ka ng ebi tempura or fresh shrimp, mag-offer pa sila, “Sorry Ma’m bilis maubos, dalhan ko na lang kayo sa table niyo”.

Good thing that I did not pay anything for this dinner because P660 (dinner) and P75 (drinks) are not cheap. I do hope they will improve their customer service.

Read: List of Buffet Restaurant in the Philippines 
Birthday Celeberation at Yakimix SM Sta Rosa

Yakimix Buffet Rate

Weekday (Mon-Fri)
Lunch - Php 520
Dinner - Php 620

Weekends (Sat-Sun) & Holidays
Lunch & Dinner - Php 660

Kids Rate (Children below 4ft) - Php 380
Drinks – P75
Klook.com