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Blog Nurture

Gratitude Challenge 4

This post is inspired by the many Gratitude Challenges that have been popping up in my Facebook friends feeds. My sister Mary Jane took the Gratitude Challenge a while back, she asked me to take it as well. As I’m typing now, I am remembering that another sister asked me to do the same thing when she did on Facebook as well. Keri Wicklund posted a Gratitude Challenge before MJ and she tagged me, so this is for both of my sisters…one who shares the same blood, and one who became my sister in college more than 20 years ago. (OMG. 20 YEARS!)

I have had a restful weekend.

And I am thankful for that. 

I have been feeling a bit like a chicken without a head. There are some big changes coming down the pipeline for my family, and while I know we can handle the changes, at times the thought of what lies ahead can still be overwhelming. 

 

 

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Milk Chocolate Kit Kat and Tres Leches cupcakes from @larcyscupcakery His and Hers. Secret: I can eat two Tres Leches cupcakes in one sitting. @gia_jado Can you please learn how to make this cake already?

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I spent much of Saturday running errands with Nino and fixing things that needed to be addressed. It was like I was able to check off quite a few items from my “To Do” list and that feels just plain awesome. Aside from accomplishing lots of little things that needed to be done, I was able to get to bed early. I had a massage. I ate cupcakes. The kids (er, my elves…) made felt ornaments while I caught up on some more writing in my office. 

 

 

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So, I had three big kids (er three little elves) in my office yesterday, asking why we are sewing Christmas trees together when we didn’t even celebrate Halloween yet…

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It’s funny, but when Mercury Retrograde comes around (it comes around 4x a year) I find myself naturally drawn to staying home and doing lots of “home-y” things. I organize, I clean, I collate, I file, I purge. It’s a good time to cocoon. It’s a good time to be still.

Which leads me to the next thing I am thankful for. I am thankful for all the holidays and activities that lead up to Christmas! This is my most favorite time of year. Here in the Philippines they mark September as the beginning of Christmas. The Christmas decorations come out early, the carols are played in the malls, and the lists are made as early as September to start your Christmas shopping. I LOVE to be prepared! I love to make lists and prepare gifts for people who are special to me that I know they will enjoy. I try to think of gifts with meaning, gifts that are useful, and gifts that my friends and family know I picked out just for them. 

BUT as I said in an earlier post about the upcoming activities for The Mind Museum I also like the holidays that lead up to December. I love Halloween. I look forward to Thanksgiving. This whole time of year really kicks off a season of GRATITUDE. 

I am grateful for everything this time of year encompasses:

  • a time to slow down
  • a time to be grateful
  • HALLOWEEN and candy and dressing up
  • Thanksgiving and pumpkin pies and BIG gatherings for family and friends
  • the time to prepare for Baby Jesus’ birth…Christmas is just around the corner

If you would like to read my other posts about things that I’m grateful for check out my first, second, and third posts from last week.

Here is a photo stream put together from different Halloween Celebrations from the past few years. What is something you are grateful for at this time of year?

 

Gelli's First Halloween. As early as two months old she was already showing us just how fiercely strong she was. She truly played the part of the lion from The Wizard of Oz in our awesome foursome.

Gelli’s First Halloween. As early as two months old she was already showing us just how fiercely strong she was. She truly played the part of the lion from The Wizard of Oz in our awesome foursome.

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Gia started making Sugar cookies this year for our friends’ kids. 2012.

In 2011, my friends and I put together a pot luck Halloween celebration that brought us all together for fun and games for the kids. I made these Hershey bats to share.

In 2011, my friends and I put together a pot luck Halloween celebration that brought us all together for fun and games for the kids. I made these Hershey bats to share.

I really couldn't resist putting these fun things together for the Alabang Breakfast Club Kids. It was so nice because each of us put together a little something for each of the kids. There wasn't a need to go Trick or Treating anymore!

I really couldn’t resist putting these fun things together for the Alabang Breakfast Club Kids. It was so nice because each of us put together a little something for each of the kids. There wasn’t a need to go Trick or Treating anymore!

How cute are these hand sanitzers?

How cute are these hand sanitzers?

Even earlier than that...in 2008, Diego hosted some friends from school, at our house for a Halloween gathering. How fun are these cream cheese ghosts with raisins?

Even earlier than that…in 2008, Diego hosted some friends from school, at our house for a Halloween gathering. How fun are these cream cheese ghosts with raisins?

Or these Apple Bites?

Or these Apple Bites?

Or Goblin's fingers?

Or Goblin’s fingers?

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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