Foto #60: You're Unique

Stones from the seashore of Marina Massa, Tuscany, Italy,  that i brought home

Foto #59: Just Throw It

I have this mannerism not to throw away receipts/tags/letters right away, and without noticing, it accumulates all the drawers in the house. I always tell myself to relist/recopy the items' prices, to know where the budget goes. Hub said, "what's the point of keeping those receipts. We got the bank's copy." Good point.

Foto #58: Be Always Thankful

Inside the miniature of Duomo di Milano @ Melide, Switzerland

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. (Ophrah)

Foto #57: I Love CJ

He was born barely 1.750 kilos, premature and got a urinary infection. For the first time, he made me a mom. Life just taught me a lot after his birth. He didn't grew up with me, but as much as i could i find time to be "with him". Thanks to the techie stuffs now, facebook is the number one way for me and my son CJ to communicate. Feels just like he's just beside me. He's 18 now and studying what he really wants. He failed me in some ways, but i hope he's taking all his time to make it all up to me. He's my son, i will always be there no matter what.

Foto #56: Friendship is Like a Thief

Freesia & Zendra @ Giardini Pubblici di porta Venezia, Milano

Friendship is like a thief. It just comes without a warning. 

Kids i guess easily find friends without that big effort. 

The story of Zendra and her new friend, Freesia, started during one of our trips. We went to Verona, Italy and there she is, always want to be near Zendra. She was a friendly one who didn't hesitate to come with us while we are having our pictures. And that was it, i found not only one friend, but two: Freesia's parents, Ivy & Frei.

Lucky us!

Foto #55: Man on Wheels

My hub and our little Z @ Esselunga Supermarket

I always find a man going out with his daughter so sexy. I don't know why, but i did. It's always my duty to know more of the needs for the house, and yes i make my list. Only that i always forgot my list at home, or i might bring it, yet forgot to buy the ones listed, and bought the ones not on that list. Just how many of you arrived at home and will say, "Oh, i forgot the eggs, or oil, or something!" And yet, it's on your list. Funny, it's turning to be a habit for me. So, when my hub got some time to go with me in a grocery, i always tell him to remind me of the list. 

And i don't understand why men keep on passing through the liquor section, checking out the price or something. In the end, picking up a champaigne or a beer. Well, at least, my hub got his "domestic side". He ends up buying plants! (obviously, not on my list). =)

I'm not an expert in "husband psychology", but i think the very thing to consider before asking your husband to do the grocery (alone) is to never send him with a long list without specified brands/names. Chances are, he'll end up calling you every now and then. Sometimes you'll end up saying, "leave it honey, i will buy those later if you can't find them." 

Foto #54: Breather

Marina di Massa, Toscana

Everyone needs a break! That's true. After almost 10 months of cold and snow, a beach break is all we needed. Sun visors, sand and ice cream. That's all you'll ever need. =)

Foto #53: Sweet

Taken in front of Bachmann's @ Luzern, Switzerland

The store gate itself got gigantic macaroons and when you come inside Confiserie Bachmann's store, you will find all the sweets in the world. They got different types of chocolates, made from different sizes, shapes and flavors. There's also a corner where you can just help yourself pack and weigh them in order to get its price. But, of course, don't expect the chocolates to be cheap (just because it's all made in Switzerland. Bring enough money or you might find yourself, just drooling around and having a watery mouth. =)

Foto #52: Hub's Baby

I have been a struggling "gardener" lately, buying flowers and keeping them alive. Hub got him a plant too. "Mas matagal itong mamatay at madaling i-maintain." He used to pick up lavenders on sidewalks and put it in the vase too. "Para mabango", he said. 

Peg kung peg!

Foto #51: Godsend

Sometimes, the thing that you least expected, least thought of and least remembered, just popped out at the very right time. I found this envelop inside my folders of receipts and documents. 

Happiness! 

Foto #50: Fairy Tale

I do believe fairy tale exists, in an odd-unique-modern way. Every woman becomes Cinderella when she found the right love. That's priceless.

Foto #49: Italians Do It Better

an Italian Restaurant in Friesland, The Netherlands

I remember during our world history subject in college, our professor said (in his exact words), "kahit saan kang panig ng mundo pumunta, laging me intsik." and i agree with him those times.

That was almost 20+ years ago. 

Now it's my turn to say, "kahit saan ka pumunta, merong italian pizza!" =)

Foto #48: Peace

Magnificent sunset at Makkum, The Netherlands
during our 2012 summer vacation

Sometimes you are just lost for words.
You just tend to listen to beat of your heart.

Foto #47: Classic

Goldilocks Classic Polvoron (butter cookies)

I don't want any flavors. 

I don't want any brand.

It's Goldilocks classic polvoron or nothing.

It's the only thing i always ask back from home.

Foto #46: Two Bodies: One Soul

Me and my hub walking along Makkum Beach (The Netherlands)

I have been married for almost 12 years now, yet literally me and my hub have been together for 14 years. Marriage isn't an easy thing to decide. We lived-in for two years first and, i believe God has His ways always to tell us "this is the right time to get married". I'm not the type (even i sometimes day dream about it) who wants a grand wedding. Hub did the same. We had a simple (and funny) civil wedding back in the Philippines. Funny, in the sense, that the judge who officiated the wedding rites is my dad's buddy since college days. From time to time he kids around while having his judge rites.

Judge to my dad: "Pre, me pagkakataon pang komontra..." while asking, "may tumututol ba sa kasalang ito?"

We all laugh.

Hub even kidded: "wala na pong atrasan, me nakatagong shot-gun"

And i laughed more (and louder)

But then, it was a very memorable day. Present were my dad, my cousin and his wife, my hub's cousin. 7 in the room including the judge. After the wedding, we just ate at the restaurant. No parties, no guests, no grand events, and no one has been told we just got married. Thatìs how we wanted it to be. Tipid pa! =)

Anyway, for both of us, the most important thing is that we were officially united: as one.

Marriage is a two way thing. Give and receive. Receive and Give. That's why it's called a union. Two bodies in one soul. And for that, i will forever be grateful we got each other until the end.

Foto #45: What I Loved Most

Obviously, two of my loves:  Z and butterflies

Simple Things Are What We loved The Most

Since i have hundreds of what i loved most, let's just stick to one of my five ones.

The order is not of importance. I just have to jot what first comes into my mind.

1. BUTTERFLIES

I'm always fascinated by butterflies. I don't know why, but i am. earrings, rings, pendants, necklace, wristwatch, hair pins, stationaries, tshirts, wall displays, mugs, etc etc. Everything that has butterflies on it! I just adore them! Everyone has their own vanities. =)

2. VIOLET & GREEN 

If you will buy me something, i will suggest to take note of these colors. 

I love every shades of violet (lavender, magenta, indigo, lilac, eggplant, etc). 

I also love every shades of green (moss, jade, hunter, mint, persian, etc.)

3. SNICKERS & BACI

Talking about chocolates! There are only two brands i would die for (kiddin'), Snickers and Baci (italian chocolate). Need to explain more? 

4. READING

Of course, who wouldn't love reading? I read everything! novels, magazines and of course, blogs!

reading makes me feel alive. i ought to learn a lot of things while reading. reading may not make your live longer, yet it will make your life worthwhile.

5. MUSIC

Just like what i always say. Without music, life is dull. Life is so boring when you don't even hum a single tune. I love music. If there's no technology, it doesn't cost to sing out loud. =)

Foto #44: Challenge Yourself

Photo taken at Aqua Zoo, Friesland, the Netherlands
http://www.aquazoofriesland.nl/

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you.

They're supposed to help you discover who you are.

(Bernice Reagon)

Foto #43: Red Daisies

Daisy is a common flower which everyone knows. My lady boss says (who got fantastic flowers in her garden), told me that this is a great flower for beginners to start with. Even if you have a so-called brown-thumb, you may be able to grow it. White is one of the most common daisies. But, honestly, i'm not a fan of white colors, so i chose red gerbera daisies. 

Here's a little trivia:

Red gerbera daisies are a symbol of love, passion and desire. Their beautiful round shape represent the vast amount of deep feelings that are incorporated into the rich and beautiful petals of the red gerbera daisy. So, if you are ever wondering of how you can express your love and you don’t want to be dull using red roses, red gerbera daisies may be an excellent choice!

Foto #42: Being Alone Doesn't Mean You're Lonely

“It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone.” 
- Marilyn Monroe -

Foto #41: Play-Doh

"a birthday cake" by Me and Z

When i was a kid, all i have is a dirty clay in the neighborhood to play with forms and be creative. We are not that rich but then, my dad used to give us, as much as possible what we need, sometimes what we want. My daughter Z loves playing with Play-doh, imagining and making what she wants. Lucky me, she shares toys i never had. 

Foto #40: Think Different

Mini Crisp Bagel Snack: Jaki's fave!

It is not always best if we all think alike!

That's why we have discussions, arguments and opinions.

In the end, different perspective make a good result.

Foto #39: If Others Can, Why Can't I?

3 weeks and still growing is an achievement for a non-green thumb like me. =)

Foto #38: Invasion

My Ipadmini. Look who's invading the GB's. All Z's 100 games!

Yeah ok, i surrender. It's hers! Thanks for this electronic thing, Z never gets annoyed everytime she has a photoshoot or casting. It always saves the long-day's work.

Foto #37: What's Behind

Photo taken backstage during photo shoot

Having a model-daughter means i'm always there "behind-the-scene". Each time she got photoshoot, casting or audition, i'm always ready to capture some backstage moments. Funny, sometimes, backstage photos are funnier or lovelier. I love this particular shot!

Foto #36: Recycle

Zendra's Art Work in Preschool

Topo Matteo (Matthew The Rat, in English)

ears: cottons

eyes: buttons

nose: button

mustache: thread

mouth: cotton

whole face: bathroom tissue paper tube

Recycling means giving a new life to the "garbage".

It's fun. Try it!

Foto #35: I Love Music

i can live without tv.

but i can't live without music.

Foto #34: Green Morning

My fave: buko pandan cupcake

My dad always used to say:

"in the morning, always eat like a queen!"

Foto #33: Funny Sign

A funny sign that we caught outside a restaurant in Schaffhausen, Switzerland

Two BEER or not Two BEER: William Shakesbeer! =)

That's the question.

TO BEAR! That's my reply, hahaha!

Foto #32: The Netherlands

Zendra during a train ride from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Centraal

Our very first trip to The Netherlands. We had our 4-day vacation there and had so much fun.

Windmills, cows, sheeps, blue skies, lake, dam, boats and lot of white sands!

We will be back for sure.

Foto #31: Welcome July

Welcome July!

New month, new photo look, new blog adventure.

after a sumptuous dinner