Earn while you shop!!! ^_^

Calling all shopaholics!

If retail therapy is your all-time stress reliever - then the malls are your clinic and the bills are your prescription. I didn't say it is the only cure, but IMHO it sure works for me at times when I need it the most. I don't go out much, and I don't shop very often either. I tend to fall under the savvy shopper category, and always have the needwant in my head, "Do I need this or do I want this?". And if it falls on the want, then I shrug my shoulders and leave before I change my mind. On the other hand, if it is a matter-of-life-and-death-kind-of-need, (OK I am exaggerating) then I scour the internet and find the best deals. And that's how I found Ebates. Who says you can't spend & earn at the same time?

Whenever I go online, I make sure I log into my Ebates account. What is Ebates? Ebates is the pioneer and leader of online cash back shopping. It pays members cash back every time they shop online as well as provide them with the best coupons and deals online. Best of all, it is FREE to join!  For example, if you are a Macy's fan, you earn 3% cashback regardless of how much you spend. And sometimes if you are lucky, your favorite store might even give double cashback. Right now, Macy's is one of them so you earn 8% cashback. Cool, huh? Once you've earned $5.01 or more, they will either send you a check or thru your Paypal account. Or if you're feeling generous - you can even choose to donate your earnings to a charity of your choice.

I just got mine, and here's the proof:

For first-time registrants, you will get a bonus $10 gift card. Just make sure that you log onto Ebates everytime you shop online for you to earn cashback, otherwise you won't. Sometimes I tend to forget specially when I'm in a hurry and how I wish I could redo it if I could (darn!) but anyway, there's always a second chance.

Interested? Sign up through the link below and start earning!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Eb1eBUE6n96zV8Zutj2uXg%3D%3D&eeid=26471

They say it's better to give than to receive. In this case, you can do BOTH! Sweeeeeeet!!

Wazzup wazzup?!

It has been more than a year since I last posted here in my beloved blog. Whew! What a loooong hibernation it has been for me! Seems like I have kept myself (and my hands) busy for the past year and so. Well, it seems like when you love doing something & you stop doing it - you will always go back. And that, my friends, is what you call passion. 

Being on a loooong break (or should I call it, procrastinating, eh?) enabled me to explore my other interests in life. Even the ones that I am eager to learn & still not so good at. Traveling opened my eyes to a whole new journey, not just in my own simple world, but to worlds unknown. My flair for photography never ends, and still on the prowl for those "unguarded" moments from my beloved ones. Of course, I still give them a good shot. I have also expanded my cooking knowledge - still on the trial & error stage but hey, I've been getting "thumbs up" signs from my husband! (which is a good thing, right?) Not to mention baking, I feel like I am in Julia Child's or Martha Stewart's kitchen (only in my dreams of course!). But just to clarify, I am still not a pro. Maybe I am just, in my slightest exhilaration, to share with y'all what's keeping me busy as a bumblebee these past few months (or year/s). 

So, hello again fellow bloggers & amazing readers. Or should I say, I am back :D

Moving Here

Guest post written by Arnoldo Acevedo

We moved here last year to help my husband pursue his music career and boy was that the best decision we ever made. We’re closer to my parents which is nice because they can help with the baby and I now get to be a full time stay at home mom which is so nice. I love being home with Sarah during the days and I also have time to start my own little business on the side which I’ve always wanted to do. I love that I can use my clear internet Nashville to get online and solicit new customers and I’m almost done with my business website which has been a total labor of love. I had to have a design student come in at the last minute on that one and help me finish it off but it looks really good if I do say so myself. My husband isn’t quite famous yet but one of these days he’s going to hit it big, mark my words!

Alone in My Big House

Authored by Rickey Combs

For the most part I like living alone, but sometimes it’s really difficult. I have to take care of the house alone, and it’s not easy to do all of the yard work and maintenance on my own. I like having my own space and not having to deal with a roommate, but lately I’ve been getting kind of scared at night. It’s funny because I’ve been living alone for years and this is a new development. I can hear little noises outside of my window some nights and if totally freaks me out. I know it’s probably just a squirrel or some other animal scurrying around, but it scared me enough to get an ADT Alarm Systems. I kept on thinking about all of the worse case scenarios and getting myself all worked up about it. I got a great deal on the alarm and it gives me peace of mind, so I know I made the right move. I wish I would have gotten one earlier. I’ve been sleeping much better since installing the alarm system. Now, when I hear a noise outside I know that no one can get in my house without an alarm sounding off.

A Night to Remember ( New Year's Eve )

I have grown up with the tradition of starting the year with a bang. And with a bang, I meant a huge celebration and all that fireworks and stuff. In the Philippines, New Year's Eve is one of the highly celebrated holidays aside from Christmas. But since I am 7,000 miles away from my dear family back home, my hubby and I decided to throw our own party with some of his family members and our very close friends. Although we can't celebrate it ala-Filipino style (again, with the fireworks and all that noise) but I guess I can say we definitely welcomed the year filled with food, fun, laughter, pictures, drinking, mingling, and a whole lotta music!

New Year pull-apart cake

finger foods ala carte

hubby, friends, & family by the bar

the crowd waiting for the NYE countdown!

OMEOMY band playing in our basement

snapshot with friends

CHEERS!!!!

This is by far, the biggest party we've had since I've been here in the US. There were a lot of preparations but then again, it was all worth it. I managed to be sober the whole night (as what a good hostess would do) and by 5am, we were off to bed. Seeing all their happy, smiling faces and their laughter filling up our house is like the cherry on top of this last holiday of the year. Now we are ready to brace for what 2012 has in store for us and hoping for those yet to come.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

" Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? 

     Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne! "

Another year has passed, but it all seemed like it was just yesterday to me. Time really does fly fast, and next thing we know, we're toasting champagne glasses and making noise to welcome the year ahead! As holidays were the busiest time of all, I realized that I haven't had enough time to sit down and write on my blog. And so before 2012 knocks on my door, I won't let this year pass without saying Goodbye 2011. This year has been wonderful and the more I lose track of time, the more lessons I also learn. Life has been good to us. And everyday I am very THANKFUL for all the blessings we received. Every once in a while we have our "moments" but then again, I am thankful for it. For it was those moments that made us who we are today. For every time we fell, we rose. And for every tear we cried, we smiled. And for every pain and loneliness, we find solace and bliss. God has showed us how powerful HE really is, and it is only HE who creates our destiny. It was only when I realized that what I got right now is what I really wanted from the start. And that the more we count our blessings, the less problems we have. 

As I look back and wave goodbye to another friendly year, I never forget the years that passed us by. If only life has a pause button, I'd gladly pause a few days before the end of each year and seize every last moment I have with it. But it will never be that way. So it is time for a new year, a new life, a new resolution. As long as there's always something to look forward to, our journey will always be an exciting one. We don't know what's in store for us in 2012, and all we can do is hope for the best. So let's raise our glasses and toast for a bright, wonderful, healthy, and blessed 2012!!!

From our family to yours,

A BLESSED HAPPY  NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺

HOUSE SWEET HOUSE

Thanks to Olga Quinn

My house is my pride and joy and I just love spending so much time making it perfect. I had my mom come in and help me decorate because I had absolutely no taste at the end of the day and I knew I’d make the place look like a hot mess. I went to texas electricity providers to keep my energy rates down and I even planted some flowers in the front yard which has just been the best thing ever in terms of my morale and I’m actually planning a housewarming party (which I’m a little late for) very soon! I can’t wait to show this place off to all my friends and hopefully get a gift or two for the house. I really need to get a doormat and I also need some new lamps so you know, I’ve got a ways to go. My mom is coming back for Easter so hopefully by then I’ll have bought everything I need to get this place in the shape she wants it in!

♥ Our 3rd year together ♥

     Remember, remember, the 7th of December...

It was my husband and I's 3rd wedding anniversary yesterday. And all I could think of right now are the sappy, mushy, and cheesy romantic stories. Speaking of sappy, mushy, and cheesy, I saw this chick flick last night, and this scene where they were reading poetry to each other really captured my heart. Well, actually the poem did. My cheesiness can be a bit overwhelming, but hey, that's just normal for a woman in love. If you share the same passion for romantic poetry like I do, then this poem would surely melt your hearts...

 -- Having a Coke with You --

is even more fun than going to San Sebastian, Irún, Hendaye, Biarritz, Bayonne

or being sick to my stomach on the Travesera de Gracia in Barcelona

partly because in your orange shirt you look like a better happier St. Sebastian

partly because of my love for you, partly because of your love for yoghurt

partly because of the fluorescent orange tulips around the birches

partly because of the secrecy our smiles take on before people and statuary

it is hard to believe when I'm with you that there can be anything as still

as solemn as unpleasantly definitive as statuary when right in front of it

in the warm New York 4 o'clock light we are drifting back and forth

between each other like a tree breathing through its spectacles

and the portrait show seems to have no faces in it at all, just paint

you suddenly wonder why in the world anyone ever did them

I look

at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world

except possibly for the Polish Rider occasionally and anyway it's in the Frick

which thank heavens you haven't gone to yet so we can go together the first time

and the fact that you move so beautifully more or less takes care of Futurism

just as at home I never think of the Nude Descending a Staircase or

at a rehearsal a single drawing of Leonardo or Michelangelo that used to wow me

and what good does all the research of the Impressionists do them

when they never got the right person to stand near the tree when the sun sank

or for that matter Marino Marini when he didn't pick the rider as carefully

as the horse

it seems they were all cheated of some marvelous experience

which is not going to go wasted on me which is why I am telling you about it

~ Frank O'Hara ~

There are numerous people in the whole wide universe we encounter day by day, and yet we still don't know who they really are. That's why there's a thing called love - because we'd rather spend our lifetime knowing that ONE person we chose to be with. Love doesn't come easy, but it really does move in mysterious ways. And it led me to my beloved half..

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY to us, Hun! We may have our ups and downs but we've got our whole lives to make it right. All I wanna do is grow old with you.. ♥♥♥

What are you thankful for?

Today is November 24th, and we are currently celebrating Thanksgiving Day surrounded by people we cherish the most - families, friends, and loved ones. As we sit on the dining table ready to share that bountiful feast, we are reminded of all the wonderful blessings we have graciously received the whole year round. May it be a new job, a new house, a new baby, or a new life - it is still a blessing we have to be thankful for. As for me, words are never enough to express the gratitude and blessedness my heart is feeling right now. But what am I really thankful for? My list is just simple:

I thank God for my wonderful, caring, and very loving husband who is also the "best friend" I've always hoped and wished for. My heart belongs to him.

I thank God for our smart and loyal dog, Kyodai. We love her so dearly.

I thank God for the family I left behind in the Philippines. No matter the ups and downs we've had, they will and always be the family I cherish and never will forget.

I thank God for my husband's supportive and caring family. They are my "home away from home".

I thank God for the new-found friends I have right now. They surely put smiles on my face.

I thank God for the old friends I still have. True and loyal friends, really, are hard to find.

I thank God for my life. It may not be extravagant, but it surely is worth living.

Yes, my list is simple as that. I could go into details, but space isn't enough. Being thankful is more than saying "Thank You". The heart speaks what our mouth couldn't utter. In other words - THANK FROM THE HEART...

Swaddle your little one

Babies are the daintiest among us all and caring for them doesn't just take a lot of time, but a whole lot of patience as well. I may not have one right now but I could say I've had some experience in caring and handling babies when my cousin was born. I was the only girl and so far, the eldest in my family among my generation so I was given the hands-on opportunity by my mom and aunt to care for my baby cousin. 

Generally, it takes all the time, patience, and effort in the world to raise a child. But one of the most important stages in their life that a mom could treasure is when they are still babies. You feed them, give them a bath, change their diapers, hum a lullaby in their sleep, and give as much attention to them as you can ( even if it's 101 % of your life ). But there's something else aside from a mother's touch that babies need, specially when they're all by themselves in their cribs or sleeping - being swaddled. 

At this time of the year, you might want to provide more comfort and warmth to your baby. And I'm talking about baby blankets. If you're very particular in terms of your baby's needs, you always want to have a choice specially when it concerns your precious little one. If you are pro-organic, then you might prefer using an organic baby blanket. Organic stuff are perfectly safe for baby and gives you peace of mind knowing that no harmful substance will affect your baby's health. And if you are the creative type, then you might wanna go for the personalized baby blanket. Whatever you decide is clearly up to you. And remember, a cared baby is a happy baby.

Don't get lost

Ever been in a situation where you get invited to somebody's house for the first time and went to the wrong address? Or driving in the dark trying to find your friend's house and the GPS says "Destination on the right" yet you still couldn't find it? We've been there folks...

My husband drives me around so I can familiarize myself with our neighborhood. I like taking a good look at other people's houses too, which has something to do with my fascination for architecture. Believe me, I am not knowledgeable in construction stuff but I can pretty much tell if a house is just right for my taste. One thing I noticed though is that here in the US, people are free to design their house the way they want it. But the sad thing is, some just don't care. And I'm talking about address plaques. Some people have designed their house too elaborate that they forgot that tiny detail that would make it convenient for their family and friends. Like some of the houses we saw, I couldn't find the house numbers even in broad daylight. I love designs, but I just wish that homeowners would pay attention to some of the essential details of their house. You wouldn't want your loved ones to get lost looking for your house, would you?

Family Friday!

Another year, another Fall. Next thing you know, Winter's here. Sometimes it's hard to think that months pass by so quick it almost feels like I haven't done anything in one day. We are going out for a dinner tonight, and we're eating crabs. They say it's the last time of the year that we get to enjoy it. As I stepped into the shower, I noticed I have been using a lot of hot water lately. I remember in the Philippines we used water heaters to immerse in a pail of water. Good thing they have lowes hot water heater in the local hardware store here. Just brings back the good ol' days...

While enjoying my hot shower, I also couldn't help but notice our bathroom was all in pink. Well, not everything. Only the pink shower curtain which I bought as a set completed the dreamy peachy look of our bathroom. Thankfully, my husband wasn't against it ( knowing they are very particular with their THRONE) and he said it's pretty much up to me whatever I want to do with the house, as long as I don't touch the basement a.k.a his "man-cave" lol...

I couldn't decide what to wear, and so I just grabbed the first one I could find - my wrinkly striped sweater. I must have misplaced the iron headboard and so I wasn't able to give it a quick press. Even so, I still wore it. Nobody's gonna notice it anyway. And off to dinner we go!

I love spending time with my in-laws. Even if it's just a quick visit or a simple dinner together. They're what I call "home" away from "home" <3

♥ Happily Ever After.... for the 2nd time! ♥

December 7, 2008 ~ the day we said our "I do's" and walked hand in hand to face the future together

     Yes, we've reached our 2nd year!!! I can't believe how time flies so fast. It still seems like it was just yesterday when I wore my wedding gown and saw him wearing his Barong Tagalog. But counting the days, it all doesn't matter. As long as those days were filled with beautiful memories of us together. I am blissfully married to my partner, my best friend, my soul mate, my lucky charm, my husband, my EVERYTHING. He's everything I needed to complete me. Words can't express how blissfully ecstatic I am for tying the knot with him. I dedicate this song to my dearly beloved husband...

 

     

     Can I just see you every morning when I open my eyes...? ♥

                Can I just spend my life with you? ♥

♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥

More than a pet

We call her "Ky" (short for "Kyodai") which in Japanese means "the brothers". A female part German Shepherd, part Collie breed. Yes, I'm talking about our precious dog. 

I can still recall the first time I met her which was 2 years ago, she seemed huge for me. And the way she welcomed me in her cozy home wasn't just a lick and a wag of a tail but rather, a leap in the front and some barking. I was shocked at first, because I've never encountered a dog like her in my whole life (though I've seen Rottweilers in our neighborhood in Philippines but she's different) and looking straight in her eyes is like a sign that says, "Hey, we're gonna be buddies!". Maybe she, too, was shocked after realizing that I'm moving in with her and her loving master. It was like meeting another member of the family, just not in human form. Feeling the same nervousness, I tried acting casual so that she won't think I'm just there to steal her master away from her. It wasn't bad though, the whole meeting thing, coz' it just took us a few months to get used to each other. My husband would always tell me that normally, she's used to going out for 2 or 3 times for the whole day just to pee and poop. In my case, it was 20 times. Just because I was the newbie, she figured she'll take control of me and make me believe that she had to go out as often as possible because that's how it should be. Then I realized, wait a minute... she got me figured out! And so I learned my lesson, be the Alpha and lead the pack. And that's what I did from that time on. 

Then came the treats, the bones, the meat. I felt like a mom feeding her baby, and for the first time I felt the responsibility it takes to have a dog, and she's no ordinary dog. She is very smart and well-trained. The whole time and patience that my husband devoted in training her has paid off. It was a job well done. We talk to her like a normal person and she understands very well. I love the way she gives us her "puppy look" with those beautiful brown eyes, it just makes my heart melt. I love the way she jumps in our bed and squeezes herself between me and my husband, as if she owns the entire bedroom. I love the way she follows whatever command we say. I love the way she looks when she's drenched in water ( pitiful as it may seem, but she's never cold.. she's so cute!). I love the way she comes to us when she feels that something's wrong, and lends her paw to comfort us. I love the way she sleeps with her hind legs all raised up. I love her thick fur and her pretty face, and looking at her makes me want to hug and pet her. There's just so many things we love about her. 

Sometimes I wish they never die. That they live as long as we live. But it's just not how it is. People come and people go, and so do they. She's 10 years old now but we keep imagining she's only 8, because she doesn't look like a 10-year old dog at all. Still healthy and active, and she runs and barks like a male dog.

The many things a dog can do for us, is irreplaceable. They are faithful and loyal. They join you in good times and bad times. They know when you're happy because they can feel it. And they know when you're sad, because they get sad too. We must realize that our pets are not just animals, they also have souls. Giving them a good shelter, feeding them good food, and treating them with tender loving care is the only way we can thank them for all that they have done for us. 

Ky is our beloved pet. No, she's more than just a pet.... she's FAMILY ♥♥♥