Joys of the Holidays...Thank You 2010!

Hooray for 2010! Welcome 2011!!!

It's the last day of the year and I hope you all spent your holidays with a bang!

There's literally food and merriment everywhere and the air is filled with the spirit of joy and giving. Best of all, the holiday season allows us to celebrate and reunite with family and friends. To borrow a line from my friend Tina, getting together is "to remind ourselves that these people are a part of our hearts".

THANK YOU God for 2010! 

It has been a colorful and blessed year for Mom-Friday and family.

Wishing you all good health, peace, and prosperity in 2011! 

CHEERS!!!


* Mom-Finds (regular Last Friday of the Month feature) will resume in January.

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Mom-Cook: No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake

After almost 20 years, I finally made this cake again during this most wonderful time of the year.

I used to make this with my mother when I was in high school.  I didn't know where she got the recipe but it was the first cheesecake I ever tried and I loved it! Blueberry cheesecake became an instant favorite and I can't help but compare every other cheesecake I've tried to this home-made version.  I may be biased, but I still put this at the top of my list. This cake was always present at family parties and I try to serve this when friends come over to our house.  It got all the compliments, unless they were just being polite. :)))

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Longchamp Handbag Surprise

My reluctant Christmas gift:  Longchamp LM Metal Handbag from Citibank Rustan's Card.

Longchamp LM Handbag in steel color (12"w x 11"h x 8"d) - photo from Longchamp website

When I read about this special offer in the papers last October, I so wanted to apply for a new credit card only for the free Longchamp LM Handbag. I like freebies! My friend Tina even blogged about it. But after checking the how-to's, I lost interest and just kinda forgot all about it. Then, when I attended the Ultimate Taste Test event last month, I was approached by a Citibank agent who offered me the promo. To make the long story short, the agent facilitated my application and finally, a week before Christmas, my welcome package arrived!

I am now a Citibank Rustan's Gold Card holder and a proud owner of a new steel-colored Longchamp LM tote.

Half of me was wishing I got the bag for free. But to tell you the truth, I was really not expecting to receive a Platinum card, which entitles new cardholders to a Free handbag. With the Gold card, the Longchamp bag can be availed at 60% off -- still an awesome deal, with 12 months to pay at 0% interest! So off I went to Rustan's, claimed this designer bag and charged it to my new gold card at only P288.33 (monthly installment for P3,460, from P8,650 list price). Hubby and I did not plan on getting anything for ourselves this year. But this came just in time, so I'll consider this my Christmas gift. ;)

List price from Rustan's @ P8,650

I stand corrected. I assumed, this being a "promo" bag, it will be in a small size. This LM bag actually is quite large -- very roomy, lightweight, and a practical everyday tote bag, with an 18-inch zip-top opening and flat inside pocket.

There are no compartments though, so I placed a bag organizer to house all my stuff, and there's still enough room for my dSLR! :))) Happiness!

'

You too can still get your own limited-edition Longchamp LM tote with an approved application by Jan. 31, 2011! Here's how: Citibank Rustan's Card.

Longchamp (pron.: long-shum)
LM Metal Handbag
Zip-top closure with leather flap snap and cowhide leather straps
In 2008, for its 60th birthday, Longchamp relaunched this line from the early 70s. LM stands for Longchamp Maroquinerie (leather goods).
Made in France

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Warm Wishes For Christmas

From my family to yours,

we wish you all a joyous and peaceful Christmas!

(card design from Tinyprints.com)

I hope you all get your Christmas wishes!

Happy Holidays!!!

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Dreamy Tutu Skirts Pour La Petite Princesse

'Rose are Red, Violets are Blue, Sugar is Sweet, and so are You.'

The classic poem came to mind when we received a special gift pour la petite princesse (for the little princess).


This post was meant as a Mom-Find feature but I just can't wait for the last Friday of the month.

A red-and-gold box was delivered several days ago when we were just about to leave for the grocery. When I told the girl that there was a surprise waiting for her, she dashed towards the box and quickly opened it.

Out came this soft, dreamy, cotton-candy-colored tutu skirt from Erin et Vivien. It instantly made the girl so giddy and wide-eyed. She just can't wait to put it on!

@ P499 / P599 (depending on size)

Erin et Vivien skirts are made from imported soft tulle strips, individually tied and knotted to create this sweet and charming skirt, handmade with love. It was indeed lovely! The girl was literally 'dancing and prancing' in her new tutu skirt!

Modeling her colorful 'Lia' tutu

I immediately thanked Virna of Erin et Vivien for this thoughtful present and I would like to share with you the story behind the company and their pretty creations.

Erin et Vivien was the brainchild of two sisters, Virna and Mira. Mira, a mom of one boy and two twin girls, has always been into crafts and sewing.  She wanted to make really nice things for her kids and this tutu skirt was one of them.

"Erin et Vivien came from the middle names of my sister's twin girls. They're fraternal twins, each having different personalities, and they look as different as night and day! The line was inspired by these two beautiful babies", revealed Virna. She added that each little girl has a unique gift and unique personality.  "There must be something that they can wear that reflects their uniqueness, something to twirl in as the little princess that they are, and yet enjoy their childhood, letting kids be kids."

Erin et Vivien is planning to release new designs in time for their Spring/Summer collection in 2011. Currently, Erin et Vivien is available online and at selected bazaars in the metro. 

What's nice about their skirts is that they can be fully customized to suit a girl's personality, with the cutest of color combinations. Since these skirts are made from soft tulle strips hand-tied to an elastic waistband, don't expect a circle skirt and lining underneath. It's fluffy and frilly, and that's what makes the skirt unique and innovative.

My girl is wearing a 'Lia' skirt here, with dainty pink, yellow, and purple colors that are just so girl-y! You can find more skirts in different hues from their website and order for your little princesses now, just in time for the holiday parties. They can wear them over colored tights and leggings, bloomers, or any way they want! Babies and toddlers would equally look adorable in these skirts. Girls really have all the fun!

I also found these colorful, comfy-looking  'kimono shoes' for baby boys and girls, from Erin et Vivien's Facebook page...too cute to pass up for the hippest babies!

@ P199 (photo from their Facebook page)

Happy shopping!

Erin et Vivien
Website: www.erinetvivien.com
Facebook Page

Update:
My girl was also featured here by Erin et Vivien.


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Yummy Soyami, The Good Chip

Incorporating soy into meals help decrease fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories, and increase fiber while still providing children with key vitamins and minerals. Soy contains many essential nutrients important for growth and development, and works well as a primary source of protein without contributing excess calories. - source: Soyami Soya Chips

I received a sample pack of Soyami Soya Chips from my 'loot bag' during the recent mom bloggers' Christmas party. I couldn't wait to try and share it with my kids, especially to the girl who loves her chips and candies, so I wanted to introduce this healthier alternative to the usual stuff she munches on.

@ P39.00 / 50g  :  Light, crisp, and healthy soya chips

"It's yummy mommy, can I have all?"
Those were her exact words after she took a bite and grabbed the whole pack to eat by herself. I liked it too! One pack was not enough for us to share though.

Munching on her Soyami original flavor in her Harry Potter glasses!

The taste and texture of Soyami Original flavor reminded me of the imported Tostitos tortilla chips. It's lightly salted, with a clean natural taste, and very crispy. It tasted a bit bland at first but after a few chips, I found myself wanting for more. I would not mind buying several bags of this when I get the chance. Consider this a good food find.

Soyami Soya Chips is made from 100% real soya. It has no MSG, no trans-fat, non-GMO, and is certified Halal. It also comes in Pizza and White Cheddar flavors which I would love to try as well. Available at leading groceries and supermarkets.

Try Soyami and you'll be surprised that you can enjoy and serve it in more interesting ways that the family and friends will love. Aside from having it for snacks, here are other serving suggestions:

• Serve as side chips with your favorite sandwich
• Pack in your kid's lunch box as snack in school
• Crush chips and use as breading for chicken fingers or fried fish fillets
• Crumble to bits and use as topping for your soups or salads
• Serve as 'Chips and Dips' with a variety of dips like cheese, chili, and salsa
• Use as a tasty alternative to tortilla chips for your 'Taco Salad'

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Fun Friday: Tales of a Pathological Picture-taker

Third Friday of the month:  Hobby / Recreation

Embroidery, stamp collecting, baking, sketching, scrap-booking, etc., etc. I used to have so much passion for my childhood hobbies. None of the digital stuff then. As much as I would like to take on a serious hobby now, there's just not enough time in a day and I can only squeeze in blogging and "picture-taking" in between kids' schedules and home management. I am not even comfortable using the word "photography" since I am far from being a true hobbyist. I simply love to take pictures!

I can still remember borrowing my mother's Pentax camera every time we have school activities and field trips. My high school scrap books are solid proof of those click-happy days.

Grab this perfect button from Shabby Blogs

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Celebrate and Relax at Legend Villas

This past weekend was very memorable for me. Aside from attending this year’s Philippine Blog Awards as a finalist, I was also able to go to my first mommy bloggers’ Christmas party last Saturday afternoon held at the Legend Villas!

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Mom Bloggers Go Wild, Wild West!

Last Saturday, I went to my first (mom) bloggers' Christmas party. I was quite excited to meet other mommies as I only know very few of them ever since I began attending blogger events recently.  This was one riotous holiday get-together and a welcome break for these busy mom bloggers. 

Cowboy hats, little girl and big girl boots!

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My Mom-Friday: 2010 Philippine Blog Awards Finalist

Honored, excited, humbled, giddy, perplexed -- a mix of emotions from a sophomore blogger, this recognition from The Philippine Blog Awards came as a surprise, and Mom-Friday is truly grateful!

(click on badge for list of home-parenting, humor, lifestyle finalists)

It's still quite unbelievable for me! I never imagined I'd even be nominated for my 19-month old blog. And I could not have made it this far if not for my readers and followers like you! This recognition is such a blessing. THANK YOU!

Congratulations to all the finalists of The Philippine Blog Awards  2010! Good luck to everyone tonight at the awarding ceremonies! :)

Update:
AND THE WINNERS are...
The Philippine Blog Awards 2010 Winners
12 December 2010, 7 pm
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium - RCBC Plaza
Makati City

I did not win, but to be chosen as a FINALIST was more than enough recognition =)

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Family Friday: Time for Family Game Nights!

Second Friday of the month:  Family, Kids and Parenting

Scrabble. Monopoly. Sorry. Clue. Snakes 'n Ladders. Boggle. Pictionary. 
These are just some of the super fun games I used to play in my younger years with family and friends. And we can play them for hours!

In this digital age, most of the younger generation would not even recognize some of the popular board games that we, the parents, used to enjoy so much. How can these compete with "exciting" video games, high-tech toys and gadgets, and the ever growing number of cartoons shown on cable TV? My own kids would easily choose to play with their Nintendo DS over our Monopoly in a snap!

I'm still hopeful, especially now that I've learned about the Family Game Night by Hasbro, maker of the most popular board games. To tell you the truth, I was excited to know what this "game night" thing is all about when I got invited for an afternoon get-together hosted by Color Mix Corp., Philippine distributor of Hasbro board games.

The group of parenting bloggers was welcomed by Color Mix head Daniel Dionisio (above, left) and his lovely wife Roanne at Borough (in The Podium mall). After the introductions, we were asked to share what our favorite games were and everyone ended up reminiscing about the good 'ol days! It was so much simple then. We were also enlightened by child psychologist Jingo Zara (above, right) about how game nights with his family made a positive impact on him and his children, with its numerous benefits:

• strengthen bonds between family members and practice respect towards each "player"
• teaching moments during the games like learning math with "play money", improve reading and vocabulary with word games
• gain life skills through teamwork, following rules, patience, and accepting defeat when losing a game
• bring fun and laughter with each new experience, creating happy memories
• money-saving too if you played your game in the comforts of your home with some yummy snacks on the side

Who knew that playing a simple board game can bring a lot of good?

Mom bloggers were so game to play Taboo, as explained by Daniel Dionisio

It's only a matter of time for my kiddos to get interested with some of my favorite games and reap the benefits of playing together as a family. With the help of Color Mix and Hasbro, I'm looking forward to start my own Family Game Night, and who knows, this could be the start of a new tradition in the family!

Let's get started:

1. Schedule It : Choose the day or night and mark your calendars. It's gonna be like your once or twice weekly date with the family
2. Create a Tradition : Serving a favorite family meal before the game, or maybe extend bedtime by 30 minutes can become a much anticipated ritual
3. Keep a Family Scoreboard :  Everyone wants to know the scores and keeping a written record you can display adds excitement; a motivation to play more, to win, and have more fun together
4. Invite Guests : Spice things up and invite neighbors or friends over; perhaps take the games with you to outings and gatherings and share the fun

Thanks to Color Mix, we can now start our Family Game Night with 'The Game of Life'

Here's what we've been playing lately...

Towering blocks of fun

...and these two are my favorites! =)

Can't decide which games to play? Check out this game recommendation guide for your next game night!

Related post:

No power, no gadgets. Time for blackout games and activities.

Hasbro Games
Exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Color Mix Corporation
Products are available at leading toy stores and department stores.

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