Our Next Mom & Son Date at the Carnival with Working Mom's ALL ABOUT KIDS BAZAAR

I am a work-at-home-mom of two active adorable boys. Despite my very busy schedule, I make sure to spend quality time with them together and individually. Kuya Ross, my eldest, already goes to school and stays there for 11 hours. He goes to school and returns home with my husband, who is a Science Teacher in the school where he studies. Obviously, they have more time together while my youngest spends more time with me. To have an equal share of their attention, I set up a "Dating Day" with Kuya every other month while my husband has his own with my youngest. We do this because we believe that it is the best way to know our sons and vice versa.

Kuya looks forward to our "Mom and Son Dating Day". We plan together the activities that we would do and places we would visit. It makes him more excited knowing that he does his part in decision-making.

 

Even in his art work, it shows that Kuya looks forward to our Mom and Son Dating Day!

Next month, our dating day is already scheduled but we are still thinking of something special, not the usual movie and lunch date. Good thing that ABS-CBN Publishing's WORKING MOM MAGAZINE is organizing "ALL ABOUT KIDS Bazaar" to be held on August 10, 2013, Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Rockwell Tent.

According to Miss Abby Pel, Working Mom Magazine's Marketing Officer, "ALL ABOUT KIDS event ups the standards on shopping for the family with not just a great find-filled bazaar, but a unique, one-of-a-kind indoor carnival-themed shopping destination for both kids and parents to enjoy."

"On August 10 at the Rockwell Tent, Working Mom will be putting together a day that will be filled with all sorts of dazzling sights—bringing more than just a shopping experience, but a fun bonding day for the whole family."

"Super sales and discounts that go up to 70% off on baby, mommy and kiddie essentials, educational toys, apparel, school supplies and books are just waiting to be discovered. Items from Babyland, Banana Peel, Nurture Nook, Baby Mama, GPG Bulilit Bookstore, Fatty Brain Toys and Rusty Lopez Kids are just some of the treats that are in store for the family."

"What sets this bazaar apart from all the rest, however, is that there is so much for the kids to have fun with. Being a miniature carnival in itself, jugglers, magicians, and other performerswill be around to give the little ones an experience worth remembering. Lulu Nails and Dry bar will be giving free Little Lulu manicures for the kids, and there will also be fun favorite carnival food stands that serve cotton candy, shaved ice and popcorn. Even cartoon favorites Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star will be around to join in on the festivities."

"The ALL ABOUT KIDS Bazaar is being brought to you by KOOLFEVER, in cooperation with Baby Company, and Jolly Corn; with the participation of Johnson's Baby."

We will not miss out "ALL ABOUT KIDS Bazaar"! Entrance is very easy! We will just bring along a copy of Working Mom Magazine’s August 2013 issue, which will also be available for purchase on the spot.

Isn't it awesome? You get a good magazine to read at the same time get a chance to take part in all the great and memorable festivities prepared for the whole family especially kids will enjoy!

For more information, visit Working Mom Magazine's Official Facebook Page. See you there!

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Things That Make Our Marriage Work

 
There's no perfect marriage. Ours is not an exception to that. Trials, anxieties, and problems may arise. I think that what makes our marriage work for nine years is due to the following reasons:

1. Our marriage is rooted in best friendship.

My husband and I were classmates and best buddies in college. We have a lot of common friends of good influences. We know each other well and we are in the same wavelength.

 

 

2. We share the same likes and interests.

We used to work together in the same organization. We are both teachers too. We love to sit down and have a nice cup of coffee while having good conversations. We can talk about anything under the sun without any hesitations. Both of us love to write, read, watch movies, hang out with friends, eat, cook (I admit, he is better in the kitchen!), and we are both home buddies who love to spend time with our family. 


 

3. We grow together.

We support each other in all the things that we love to do and try to be involved in them.We push ourselves to grow more, enhance the skills that we enjoy. We never hinder each other's own ways of reaching our goals and fulfilling our dreams.

4. We respect each other.

We believe that if there's respect, there's love. We never  hurt each other physically nor verbally. We argue but we do it like we are just having an ordinary conversation. When I am feeling down, he's there to lift me up or vice versa.

5. We never end the day without mending our misunderstandings.

It is a pact between us that we would not sleep without talking things over and mending our misunderstandings. We don't want them to accumulate. 

We saw other couples separate thinking that the cause of their separation was their current misunderstanding, not knowing that their previous fights that piled-up were the reasons why they split-up. 

We are also trying to avoid conflicts as much as possible.

6. We know how to compromise.

We have our own share in doing the household chores, taking care of our two sons, doing business stuff, and consulting each other for the good of our chosen careers. When one is not available or not feeling well, we do our very best to substitute for each other.

7. We know how to listen.

Both of us are open-minded people. Problems are easy to solve, misunderstandings are easy to mend, we can meet half-way and make compromises because we listen not only with our ears but with our heart and mind. 

8. We are COMPLETE for each other.
I realized that married couples should not complement each other by  covering up each other's weaknesses. One must be COMPLETE in all aspects especially emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually in order to cope up with all challenges that they may encounter. 

One must learn how to change his or her own weaknesses and flaws to help each other grow and move forward in this lifelong journey.

For me, it's improper to say to my partner, "You complete me!", rather I say, "YOU MAKE ME MORE COMPLETE!"
We love, respect, support, and understand each other more each day that's why "WE COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER." 
 
  
9. We know our priorities. 
Both of us were prepared before getting married when reality sets in. 

Romance is in the air when couples are still dating but how about the real stuff when kids are born and financial obligations arise--- "Who's going to look after the kids?", "How do we budget and manage our finances?",  "How about the hospital bills when a family member gets sick?", "How can we save for our kids' tuition fee and allowance when they go to school?". They are inevitable. We can never escape from them.

 

10. In all that we do, we do it for God's glory.

We put God in the center of our relationship and we do our very best to be good examples to our kids.

I learned so much from my nine years of being married. Richard Poon was right when he said on one of his exclusive interviews with his wife, Maricar Reyes, that "MARRIAGE IS HARD WORK." 

Marriage is not a fairy tale that when boy meets girl, they kiss and live happily ever after. Marriage would surely stand the test of time if properly nourished and taken care of.

 

 *****************************************************************************
 
 
 I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Hector, for 18 years of best friendship, 15 years of loving relationship, and 9 years of challenging but happy marriage.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and unconditional love especially in times when I was very emotional, unreasonable, and impatient.
If God will turn back time, I will still choose you to be my lifetime partner. I love you very much! 
Our marriage is young. We have more challenges and trials to overcome and fond memories to share. 
 I thank God that you are the one whom I am with for the rest of my life.

 

Photo Credits: Happy Wives Club and Time-Warp Wife

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Chicken & Veggies in Barbecue Sauce Using Mama Sita's Barbecue Marinade

This is one of my inventive recipes that my sons love! This is very, very easy  to make, tasty, nutritious, and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/4 kilo chicken breasts cut into strips or small cubes
• 1 large white onion, sliced into rings
• 1 big head broccoli, cut in small florets
• 1 big carrot, sliced thinly
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into small wedges
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into small wedges
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 small pouch Mama Sita's Barbecue Marinade
• 1 sachet Maggi Magic Sarap OR salt, sugar, and pepper to taste

 

Procedure

 
1. Cut chicken into small strips or cubes. Marinade in Mama Sita's Barbecue Marinade for 15 minutes.

 2. In a small casserole, boil marinated chicken with occasional stirring until sauce is reduced . Set aside.

3.  In a wok, heat oil and saute onions until transparent.

 

4. Put carrots and stir fry for a minute. 

 

5. Add broccoli and stir fry for a minute. 

 

6. Add bell pepper and Maggi Magic Sarap OR salt, pepper, sugar to taste. Stir fry for 2 minutes or until veggies are half cooked. 

  

7. Pour cooked chicken together with its sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

 
8. Serve while hot. Best served as a rice topping.

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My Favorite Filipino Clay Artists

 

RockyBeads

a.k.a. Rocky Antonio
Location: Sydney, Australia
She is my... ULTIMATE FILIPINO CLAY ARTIST

I love her because... she is a faceted, well-rounded, creative, and knowledgeable clay artist who generously shares her prowess to aspiring and other seasoned clay artists worldwide. 

It's nice to know that... she has a blog that is a must-read for clay enthusiasts. It is rich in tutorials and other topics about clay art. She also teaches through Digital Beading Magazine Australia. You may purchase her beautiful creations through her site at Etsy, Rocky Antonio.

Labor of Love 
a.k.a. Love Roxas-Lu
Location: Bacoor, Cavite

 She is my... ALPHA-NUMERIC MOLDERS EXPERT

I love her because... she creates a wide-array of alphabet and number molders. Her site on Facebook is a one-stop-shop for clay and resin enthusiasts who are looking for very affordable materials. It is also due to her good marketing strategy and customer service that makes her business grow. Her Starbucks Charms used to be one of the bestsellers in UST when she became my supplier a few years ago.

It's nice to know that... she is open for distributorship of her newest venture, Clay Love Polyclay, a clay brand that is cheaper but of good quality. She also teaches basic polymer clay and resin art.

  

Clay Thinz
a.k.a. Thina Villanueva
Location: Kawit, Cavite

She is my... CHIBI QUEEN

I love her because... her collection of "chibi" or cute clay dolls are so detailed and intricate! I've never seen other clay artists make such adorable masterpieces!

It's nice to know that... she works at Twin Hearts Learning Center while running her online business. She shares her knowledge through workshops.

Basta Clay
a.k.a. Weng San Pedro and kids
Location: Binan, Laguna

They are my...CLAY CHARMS and NAMEPLATE DARLINGS

I love them because... they are adept in creating charms, nameplates, frames, and other bling-blings!

It's nice to know that... they teach polymer clay workshops in very affordable rates. They are also behind O Chocolate.
 

 

Xander's Gift Shop
a.k.a. Riezl-An Leabres-Carpio
Location: Quezon City

She is my... CLAY EARRINGS DIVA

I love her because... her earrings and studs are very nice, colorful, and attractive.

It's nice to know that... aside from creating assorted clay items, she also accepts printing jobs---shirts, mugs, and paper works! 

 

Purple Luggage
a.k.a. Jen Cruz
Location: Metro Manila

She is my... DAINTY CANING MASTER

I love her because... her creations are very unique! Her caning skill is incomparable! Among my favorite pieces are her headbands, lockets, pendants and encased hearts. She's really great!

It's nice to know that... she's a beach-going, dog-loving, crafty musician. You can get to know her more by visiting her blog.

Crafting Time
a.k.a. Melody Manalaysay
Location:  Taguig City
She is my... VINTAGE CLAY ACCESSORIES GODDESS

I love her because... she makes very lovely vintage-inspired pieces! She is an advocate of reusing and recycling scrap materials by incorporating them into her clay creations. She does crafting with her loving mom like I do.

It's nice to know that... she's into paper and resin art too! She teaches clay bead-making and other clay art techniques  through workshops. She was featured on TV5!

Visit their albums on Facebook and you'll see all their nice creations! For sure you'll be amazed! How artistic and talented they are! They make me feel proud to be a Filipino!

They inspire me to try clay art! I hope that someday I'll have a chance to attend one of their workshops.

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