I haven’t posted in awhile.
I have been so busy. I know I know I know…there are a ton of blog posts out there saying how we are so busy that we are not really seeing all the beautiful things that life has to offer. But believe you me…I have been seeing them. I just haven’t been able to write about them all.
So I’ll make this post a summary of the past two weeks that have been amazing…
Not every day was amazing. In fact, two out of the past 14 days were actually pretty crappy. I have been experiencing migraines again, and since this is the second time in two months, I figure I better get something checked out. A friend of mine mentioned that I might be too acidic. This is the second time that I have had an issue about being “acidic.” I know how to alleviate this problem. I just have to take time to address it by eating healthier again.
In fact, I’m going to research a little bit about this and get back to y’all on how being acidic is so bad for our health.
The other mention of being acidic came during a make up class that I took with my friend Tina Henson Ngkaion. Truth be told-I put make up on and I don’t really think about it all that much. I rely on moisturizers to keep my skin soft and blemish free, but I do have the occasional breakouts and skin problems when I am stressed and when I lack sleep. BUT one thing I never knew was that if you are acidic you should be sure to invest in a good foundation that is almost 3 shades lighter than what you would normally wear because as the day goes on, your make up will change color. WHO KNEW THIS???

Thanks Tyn for teaching us the tips and tricks I know that Gia and I will use when applying our make up.
I also learned how to make my own sausage from scratch. One of my very good friend’s Vangie, introduced me to her neighbor who is not only a great cook, but a fabulous baker. She makes her own bread (not from a bread maker like me) and pretty much makes everything her family eats from scratch. She graciously offered to teach us how she makes her own sausage. AND now I’m ruined forever. I think I will be knocking on her door from now on with kilos of meat to make those tasty fresh sausages that CANNOT compare to the ones we are buying in the local delis. Home made really is the best.

This is a machine I would need to invest in if I would like to make sausage for the family more often.

Thank you Vangie and Martina for spending the morning with me making sausage! I can’t wait till we do it again!
Have you noticed that Christmas is upon us? Last week, we were invited to the Meet And Greet of the Fabulous 5 from Australia. If you don’t already know who I am talking about then you definitely don’t have a toddler at home. If you do have a toddler, you don’t allow said toddler to watch Disney Junior. Hi-5 was at Megamall to kick off their Christmas Celebration!!! How plucky lucky were we to be invited as one of the VIP families to not only get to see Hi-5 perform some of our favorite (Yes I did say OUR bc I know the songs by heart too.) songs and some new Christmas tunes!!! Just look at my Gellibean and how STARSTRUCK she is to see Stevie LIVE and in PERSON!!!

Gelli was so super shocked to see Stevie in person. If you could see the thought bubble above her head here, I think it would read something like this, “Stevie? Is that you?”

Even the boys had a great time watching Hi-5 LIVE! Thank you SM Megamall for inviting us to the VIP night to ring in the Christmas Season!!
That entire week before Hi-5 was also really great for me because one of my favorite people from NY was able to come to Manila. My cousin Triccia was tasked to train the staff of the newly opened Crate & Barrel store (again in Megamall Fashion Hall) so we were getting together as often as we could after she would finish up with her work day responsibilities.
YES. YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY. CRATE AND BARREL IS NOW OPEN IN MANILA!!!
But there is something to be said with a little R&R with your favorite people. Especially, if they are part of your support network. And my cousins…are definitely part of my support network so it was good to spend time with her to recharge and remind myself what is important in this world…FAMILY.
I also had the opportunity to speak to a bunch of lovely women through Business World. Twice a year, Business World hosts a Ladies Who Lunch Forum where empowered women come together to learn something new, make new friends and connections, and further each of their causes. I was contacted by Denise from Business World a while back after she had seen a dessert buffet that I had put together with the help of some friends and she asked me if I wouldn’t mind sharing how to do it.

I have always enjoyed entertaining my lady friends 🙂 Part of what I enjoy is putting together the details. Like this rustic picnic napkin with a printed menu on butcher paper, and a simple chocolate dipped pretzle which doubles as a place card and a give away.
If you know me, you know I love entertaining. So, I happily obliged Denise’s request and I had a great time meeting new women who I know I will learn a lot from…not just in business, but in life.

Thank you Business World for inviting me to be a guest speaker, and thank you Mia for this action shot 🙂
Ok-other amazing things that have happened? Best Buddies Philippines just held their first ever LOCAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY and DLSZ was included. I was able to bring 8 enthusiastic students together with Ms. Juay to the sponsored venue where they learned more about Best Buddies as an organization, leadership, and being the best Buddy they can be through hands on training, breakout sessions, and lectures.

We had an incredible time training the students from different schools to learn how to be a buddy and a better friend.
But that’s not all…
I also have a big surprise for all of you lunch packers!!! So many of my instagram followers have been asking what kind of lunch box my kids use…so I contacted Kelly over at Easy Lunch Boxes and she said that she would be more than happy to sponsor a give away for my readers!!! This give away will consist of a bundle of 4 easy lunchbox containers AS WELL AS the soft handled lunchbox that you can store your lunch boxes in when your child brings them to school.
And…Nino and I attended another wedding…
Y’all know how I feel about weddings right? They always make me feel warm and squishy inside, just like births and baptisms of babies….all of these things are good for me, good for my hubby, and good for my kids.
So on that warm and fuzzy note, I will leave you with an image from my cousin’s wedding 😉 Hope you enjoy it. This is the kinda photo that bring me back to my own wedding day…