Sweet Melon Milkshake And Its Benefits

Since I was able to find sweet melon at the supermarket today, I've decided to make a healthy shake not only for me but for the baby inside me. My own recipe of Sweet Melon Milkshake is so simple and only needs three ingredients: sweet melon, sugar, milk creamer, and water. The only equipment needed to make my healthy melon shake is a blender. 

For a pregnant woman like me, sweet melon gives me so much health benefits such as:
1. Good for digestion 2. Perfect for maintaining healthy glowing skin 3. Has lots of essential vitamins and minerals 4. Helps boost substantial energy 5. Prevents stroke and heart diseases

Ways A Father Can Strengthen His Relationship With His Daughter

I always remember what my Papa always tell me, "You are the apple of my eye." Sadly, I won't be able to hear it from him again because he's already in heaven. I feel so loved and special because of those meaningful words from my Papa. Likewise, I know how my daughter feels towards her father, she knows that whatever happens, she will always be the apple of the eye of her daddy. 

Now here's a fact: Girls are twice as likely to stay in school and study hard if their fathers are involved in their lives. 

- This is how important the role of the father in every child's life. 

Remember father-daughter relationship is one of the most important aspects in every girl's life. 

Thus, if you are a responsible father and wants a long lasting relationship with your daughter/s as they grow up to become a lady, you should know certain ways you can do in order to strengthen your relationship with your princess/es. 

1. Love and respect her Mom

All the while your daughter/s loves you being their father, they consider their mother as their ultimate role model. Aside from taking care of your wife, showing your daughter that you love and respect their mom will certainly help your daughter to even love and respect you more. If your daughter sees that you belittle their mom, you are only causing a big gap between you and your daughter. Take note of this quote by Theodore Hesburgh: "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

2. Make and keep your promises

Whenever you make a promise to your daughter like taking her to school the next day, buying her favorite toy, or just about anything your promise always make sure that you know how to keep them. If you mess up and didn't do what your promise, then expect you'll be in a big trouble. Sure enough it's very easy to make a promise but most of the time it's not easy to keep them. That shouldn't be the case with your daughter because the best way you can build trust with her and become trustworthy is by making and definitely keeping your promises. 

3. Learn to listen a lot to what your daughter says

Because of your busy schedule at work or other activities, you probably don't have enough time talking to your daughter. That is why whenever you are home or have the chance, give some time for chit chats with your princess. Asking her how was her day at school, what she had for snacks and lunch will let her know you do care about her. If you're not that aware, your daughter loves to talk about almost anything and you should eagerly listen to what she's saying by staying focus. If you are able to talk everyday sharing stories with each other including simple secrets, then you two can build trust from each other. Just remember not to violate the trust or it can ruin your relationship and hurt each others feeling.

4. Take her on dates and make time for fun

Sure enough, your wife will understand if you ask some time bonding with your daughter alone. Taking your daughter for a special day together at least once a month is such a great way so you two can stay bonded with each other. There are actually so many fun and entertaining things you both can enjoy which will build fun memories and create a big impact in your lives. If you are able to do this even with your busy schedule, without a doubt your daughter will cherish every moment you have with her all through her life. 

5. Surprise your daughter by writing short notes and letters

Your daughter will surely be surprised and feel so loved if she finds sweet and encouraging notes from her father placed on her study table, bag, notebook, or lunch box. You don't have to do this every single day (but if you can, it would be awesome). Just take some of your precious time writing your daughter short notes and letters telling her how much you love her and how proud you are of her. Any sweet words coming from you will definitely mean a lot to your daughter and make her day positive and just happy.

6. Always tell her that she's beautiful in your eyes

Although it may seem a little bit melodramatic for some, telling your daughter how beautiful she is will make a big effect in her life. Just remember to explain to her the importance of being beautiful not only outside but more importantly inside. Also, make compliments whenever possible to put a smile on your daughter's face and brighten her day.

7.  Know who your daughter's friends are

Your daughter's set of friends or BFF's are among the important part of her life because they are the people whom she gets along and talk to most of the time especially at school. At some point, there are certain things your daughter will not tell you or her mother, only to her friends. Therefore, it's important that in some ways you personally know your daughter's friends. 

So as a father if you will be able to keep these ways in your mind, certainly you can create a loving and secure relationship with your daughter. 

Source: Fatherhood.about.com

Watsons Buy 1 Take 1 Beauty and Hair Products

Since I started shopping for beauty and hair products at SM Naga City, I get to know about Watsons Buy 1 Take 1 beauty and hair items. Watsons actually offer many special promo items and that's one thing I liked from them aside from the cheap prices of their products. 
Just a few months ago I was able to purchased Watsons items here at Legazpi since they have a branch here at Savemore. 

Buy 1 Take 1 Shampoo and Cream Body Wash

Buy 1 Take 1 Lotion

These Watsons products are definitely what I wanted to take care of my skin and hair. The body wash and lotion smells so good that I don't even need to put on cologne anymore. The shampoo also works perfectly for me, my hair feels so soft after using it along with the conditioner (sorry I don't have a picture) which is also from Watson.

How Couples Can Keep Their Love Alive

Everybody wants a happy ever after. Admit it even men dreams of growing old with the woman they choose to settle with. Keeping the love alive and the fire burning in every relationship are essential to make it last for a lifetime. But in order to make this happen, couples should work together hand in hand. They should never forget about what love really means and they should learn how to understand, respect, and forgive one another.

In connection with this, I am sharing with you this post I've read entitled 10 Habits of Happy Couples. This is perfect for every husband and wife who wants to improve their relationship.

Read on..

1. Go to bed at the same time

Remember the beginning of your relationship, when you couldn't wait to go to bed with each other to make love? Happy couples resist the temptation to go to bed at different times. They go to bed at the same time, even if one partner wakes up later to do things while their partner sleeps.

• It would really be sweet if you and your partner can go to bed together and spend some time cuddling with each other before finally going to sleep. 

2. Cultivate common interests

After the passion settles down, it's common to realize that you have few interests in common. But don't minimize the importance of activities you can do together that you both enjoy. 

• As couples you should always have time bonding together and enjoying the things you love most to do as husband and wife. Spending quality time with each other can surely keep your love going. 

3. Walk hand in hand or side by side

Rather than one partner lagging or dragging behind the other, happy couples walk comfortably hand in hand or side by side. They know it's more important to be with their partner than to see the sights along the way.

• It would be so sweet if you and your partner hold hands whenever possible like when you are strolling around the park, at the mall, or wherever you may go. It's also one way to make your partner feel secure. 

4. Make trust and forgiveness your default mode

If and when they have a disagreement or argument, and if they can't resolve it, happy couples default to trusting and forgiving rather than distrusting and begrudging.

• Knowing how to forgive and trust your partner is very important to make your relationship last for a lifetime. If you have any misunderstanding, it would be healthy for both of you if you can settle it before the night is over so you two can sleep peacefully. 

5. Focus more on what your partner does right than what he or she does wrong

If you look for things your partner does wrong, you can always find something. If you look for what he or she does right, you can always find something, too. It all depends on what you want to look for. Happy couples accentuate the positive.

• It would certainly help your relationship with your partner if you are both optimistic. If you find something you don't like with your partner, you can always tell him or her in a good way that he or she wouldn't get hurt.

6. Hug each other as soon as you see each other after work

Our skin has a memory of "good touch" (loved), "bad touch" (abused) and "no touch" (neglected). Couples who say hello with a hug keep their skin bathed in the "good touch," which can inoculate your spirit against anonymity in the world.

• It has proven that a kiss and/or a hug from your partner every morning before separating ways can make your day happy and stress free. In the same way, a kiss and/or a hug after a long day from work can end both your day contented. 

7. Say "I love you" and "Have a good day" every morning

This is a great way to buy some patience and tolerance as each partner sets out each day to battle traffic jams, long lines and other annoyances.

• Just like the previous item, saying the magic words "I Love You" to your partner as soon as you wake up, before leaving home, as soon as arriving home, or whenever possible like before putting down the phone or thru a text message can absolutely make them happy and peaceful all throughout the day. 

8. Say "Good night" every night, regardless of how you feel

This tells your partner that, regardless of how upset you are with him or her, you still want to be in the relationship. It says that what you and your partner have is bigger than any single upsetting incident.

• Starting your day right with a "Good Morning" and ending it with a "Good Night" along with a kiss and tight hug will let your partner know how much special they are to you.

9. Do a "weather" check during the day

Call your partner at home or at work to see how his or her day is going. This is a great way to adjust expectations so that you're more in sync when you connect after work. For instance, if your partner is having an awful day, it might be unreasonable to expect him or her to be enthusiastic about something good that happened to you.

• Calling your partner or sending them a text message asking how they're doing is a good way to let them know that you think of him or her. But remember that it is not healthy if you will check on them every hour of the day. Give yourself some time to miss each other.

10. Be proud to be seen with your partner

Happy couples are pleased to be seen together and are often in some kind of affectionate contact -- hand on hand or hand on shoulder or knee or back of neck. They are not showing off but rather just saying that they belong with each other.

• Showing your love and affection to your partner would mean a lot for them. Doing it even in front of other people is fine just don't over do your public display of affection so you won't be misinterpreted by some.

Happy couples have different habits than unhappy couples. A habit is a discrete behavior that you do automatically and that takes little effort to maintain. It takes 21 days of daily repetition of a new a behavior to become a habit. So select one of the behaviors in the list above to do for 21 days and voila, it will become a habit...and make you happier as a couple. And if you fall off the wagon, don't despair, just apologize to your partner, ask their forgiveness and recommit yourself to getting back in the habit.

Source: http://www.womansday.com/

Interesting and Fun Facts - Part 2

Here's the part 2 of the Interesting and Fun Facts I would like to share with you all.

We should really know the main difference between Infatuation and Love.

Hmm?! Let's see.. 

Wow, I wanna live there. Surely I'll be able to save a lot of money.

Probably yes!

Nice view before you sleep and as soon as you wake up. 

Well, whenever I hear as if someone is calling my name, I just thought it was my Papa calling me. 

I would surely love to work at Ben and Jerry's and take home different ice cream flavors every single day!

This is way too big and so crowded.

How To Fold A Shirt In Under Two Seconds

I found this cool video on You Tube today about how you can easily fold a shirt in less than 2 seconds. Just imagine how much time you can save from folding your clothes if you will learn this awesome trick. I will surely try practicing this easy to learn technique. 

Dave Hax, the man behind this is definitely brilliant. From the write-ups I've read about Dave, he is known to create funny and clever videos and at the same time keeping them informative and definitely helpful.

The Story of A Blind Girl

Please take some time reading this short story. I saw this shared post from Facebook. 

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, “now that you can see the world, will you marry me?”

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying:

“Just take care of my eyes dear.”

This is how human brain changes when the status changed. Only few remember what life was before, and who’s always been there even in the most painful situations.

Together with this shared story was a very inspiring poem about life as a gift.

Life Is A Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word–

think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food–

think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife–

think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life–

think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children–

think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–

think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive–

think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job–

think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–

remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–

put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

Max's Restaurant Goodies

It's another long craving day for me. Oh, how hard it is for me to feel this way. Right now I've been dying to eat at Max's Restaurant. There are a number of Max's goodies that I want to devour on right at this very moment. How I wish I have a magic to make it all become available in front of me to eat. 
It's been months since the last time I was able to eat at Max's restaurant. And I'm really hoping to be able to taste their food real soon if not this afternoon. 
I particularly love Max's Kare-Kare. I've tried cooking it once but it was a failure.

Php 394.90

It's a little bit expensive but the overall taste is worth the price.

Another Max's goodies I would like to eat is Pancit Canton. The small size serving is generous enough for me.

Php 148.50 (Small)

Php 214.50 (Regular)

When it comes to seafood, I love Max's Camaron Rebosado and Sinigang na Hipon. I love shrimp that's it!

Php 368.50

Php 346.50

To complete my fave Max's goodies, I want several pieces of this Caramel Bar.

Php 148.50
So that's it I'm really super hungry now. I think I need to finally decide about having my lunch at Max's Restaurant today. 

I Will Fall For A Boy Who Will..

I will definitely fall for a boy who will be very much willing to do all (more than) all these things for me. But I'm no longer looking for that somebody because I've already found him and that is my husband. I fall in love with him over and over again because he loves me just because. We've been together for more than 10 years and still counting to forever. We're blessed with two daughters, one is already an angel, and a new blessing is coming our way and we can't wait to see him or her in just few months. We're also lucky to have a stress reliever whom we treat like our own child, our wonder dog Mio. 

To all single ladies out there, it is really important to end up with someone who will love you for who you are. I'm no love expert but I've been into a number of relationships since I'm in highschool. I've met guys with different attitudes and perspectives about love and relationships. I have lots of friends, younger, of the same age, and older than me, some are still single, choose to remain single, married and happy, and some are into complicated relationships. I've heard almost all of their stories including their personal problems and in some ways can relate to them. I understand their own point of views about love and relationship and definitely learned a lot from their experiences. 

What's important here is having someone who will love you and grow old with you. Setting standards may sometimes be necessary but you should not always stick to it in a sense that you will not really be able to find someone who is "perfect". Just ponder on this quote, "You don't find love, love comes to you." And remember, happily ever after can definitely happen to someone who believes in it and make ways for it to happen. 

Things A Husband Should Never Say To His Wife

To all husband out there, if you want your wife to stay in love with you and make your relationship work and last for a lifetime, there are certain things which you need to bear in mind. 

In particular, I want to share with you this post I've read regarding the Things A Husband Should Never Say To His Wife. Read and understand each of them so you'll not find yourself in deep trouble with your partner.

1. "Are you expecting?" Honestly, it amazes me how many times this etiquette no no occurs. A slight weight gain or protrusion of the tummy area does not justify anyone to ask such a question. When a woman is expecting, it is her prerogative and privilege to announce the impending news...especially to her husband.

MY OPINION:

It simply means don't tell your wife she's fat! LOL! Or she's gaining weight that she doesn't look sexier than ever. In my case it's the other way around, my hubby complains that I'm definitely thin and that I should eat a lot so I can gain more weight so I won't look like a teenager. Oh well, no matter how much I eat and sleep, still I'm petite.

2. "You are just like your mother!" These words should only be spoken as a compliment, because if the intent is anything else, it could determine where he sleeps that night.

MY OPINION:

Husbands, be very careful in case you wanted to say these words to your wife. Make sure you'll explain to them exactly why you were able to tell that they're like their mother. Take note you should mean it as a commendation to them and not in a negative way that would hurt your partner's feelings. 

3. "You look good, but you're no Cindy Crawford!" It is never appropriate to restrict praise or make it conditional, especially if he's no Robert Redford. Perhaps if he wanted Cindy Crawford, he should have married her in the first place.

MY OPINION:

Never ever compliment and at the same time compare your wife to other beautiful woman out there. They will surely feel hurt and hate you for that! What's the point of telling them they're indeed pretty and yet you make comparisons. Just simply admire their own beauty and uniqueness, period!

4. "Have you tried putting the spoons in upside down in the dishwasher?" A good husband should never give instruction for any job his wife does regularly. Even if his suggestion is good, it won't be appreciated. The same rule applies to women - except for backseat driving. The safety of her entire family is dependent upon it.

MY OPINION: 

This is so true especially if your wife is the one doing almost all of the household chores. If your wife is the one who regularly wash the dishes after every meal, let her do it her way. She knows exactly what she's doing. If you have any suggestions, tell her in a nice way that she won't get offended. 

5. "Are you really going to eat all that?" When a woman hears this comment, she instantaneously wants to eat twice as much. A man should ask himself, is that really his goal?

MY OPINION:

This is quite similar to the first item. Asking your wife if she's going to eat all the food available is like an insult for them to the point that they might not eat at all or choose to eat as much as if they won't care if they get fat.

6. "By the way Honey, I've invited the boss and his wife for dinner tonight." As a general rule, women don't like surprises unless it comes in a little velvet box or in the form of a weekend getaway to the coast. Making this announcement could roughly be compared to a woman saying to her husband, "By the way Honey, I invited my mother over to declutter your man cave."

MY OPINION: 

Agree! Do not surprise your wife with visitors especially those that they don't really expect to come at your house. In case you wanted to invite your friends or any family member, inform your partner days before so she could prepare not only herself but also your living space.

7. "If I had known we were having broccoli for dinner tonight, I would have stayed at work." This comment only gives a woman more reason to serve broccoli. A good rule to follow is whatever is on the table when he gets home is exactly what he was hoping for.

MY OPINION: 

It's okay if you will not eat every dish your wife prepares but never ever tell her that you would have stayed at work, just eat outside, or brought a food at home to eat. Even if you don't like what she serves, at least give it a try and say a simple and more importantly positive compliment so they would somehow feel appreciated for their effort.

8. "My (fill in the blank - ex-girlfriend, ex-wife, mother) makes the best blueberry pie ever!" Those days are over dear, move on. I can assure you, she doesn't want to hear about it.

MY OPINION: 

No wife would want to hear any comparison from their husband especially if they're being compared to the ex-partner, sister, mother-in-law, or any woman out there. Do not ever make comparison period!

9. "Don't you want to comb your hair before we leave?" Or, "Is that really what you're going to wear tonight?" Men should know that on most days, their multi-tasking wives get more accomplished by noon than he likely gets done all day. The last thing a woman wants is her better half needlessly draining her confidence. One friend has taken to reminding her husband, "A lesser woman could not have done as much."

MY OPINION: 

Your wife definitely needs enough time to prepare herself and every thing else before you go somewhere else. If you do not like the way they look including the dress she's wearing, you can always tell her in a good way and not to the point of hurting their feelings. You as the husband should always be the one to boost their confidence most especially in front of others.

10. "Yes, that dress makes you look fat." No, no, no gentlemen. She never looks fat. Ever. There are more diplomatic and peace preserving ways to address the situation, such as, "In my opinion, the navy blue skirt is more slimming." Or, "You always look wonderful to me."

MY OPINION: 

Like what I said in item no. 1 it's a general rule not to tell your wife that they're fat. It's the least thing they would want to her from their husband. A good compliment should be given most of the time to make her happy and not to let her feel less beautiful.

"The most important guideline in a marriage is to remember that kindness is critical. This is our forever partner, the love of our life, our best friend! We should never do or say anything that might hurt their feelings, embarrass them or cause them to pull away from us.

Fortunately, men can learn to navigate the tenuous paths of marital bliss. By avoiding these ten serious blunders, he will have the confidence to bypass an assortment of potential setbacks and become the husband she always wanted."

Source: FamilyShare.com

My Own Recipe: Adobong Chicken Gizzard

It's another day for me at the kitchen. Lucky that I'm able to find and buy chicken gizzard at the wet market yesterday. 1/4 kilo of chicken gizzard at Php 30.00 is just perfect for my adobo recipe today. 
I definitely love adobo and I will be experimenting a dish today. Instead of using pork as the main ingredient, I will be using chicken gizzard. My hubby cooked adobong chicken gizzard about 2 years ago and I really loved its taste. 
So here's the ingredients for Adobong Chicken Gizzard

Last night I've already marinated the gizzard in soy sauce and vinegar and have it refrigerated.

Cooking adobong gizzard is fairly easy. Enough time is just needed in simmering the gizzard to make it tender. 

And here's the finished product.

This is just 1/4 of the chicken gizzard I've marinated. I've saved some for tonight's dinner. 

Amusing Myths and Old Tales About Pregnancy

As of today, I'm on my 16th week of pregnancy. This is my third time to get pregnant and everybody else in the family is super excited about the new baby that will add so much joy and happiness to our lives. After what happened to me and my second baby last year, I became extra 101% careful about everything else. Most importantly, I do not go out of the house unless there are important and very urgent things that I need to look after too because I'm afraid I might get sick again. 
Part of being pregnant and being specially careful about it this time around, I take time researching and reading everything I need to know as far as being pregnant is concerned. From the Internet, magazines, to people I know, I learned a plethora of helpful information, the do's and don'ts including advice in which some of them are funny and far-fetched. 
With regards to that, I have here quite a long list about amusing myths and old tales about pregnancy that I'd like to share to all especially pregnant women. I don't really believe in these myths and tales but they're quite interesting to know. Enjoy reading!
1. 

The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. 

2. 

If your legs get really big while you're pregnant, you'll have a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, you'll have a girl.

3. 

If your husband gains weight while you are pregnant, you'll have a girl. If he doesn't gain weight, you'll have a boy.

4. 

The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90% when it comes to predicting the sex of your baby. It is being based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. 

5. 

If you experience heartburn throughout the 9 months of  your pregnancy, you'll have a baby born with a full head of hair.

6. 

If you dream about having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, you will have a boy.

7. 

If you're graceful throughout your pregnancy, you'll have a girl. If you're clumsy, then you'll have a boy.

8. 

If your baby's heart rate is above 140 bpm, you'll have a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then you'll have a boy.

9. 

If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, you'll have a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.

10. 

While pregnant, if you often see ugly people it is said you'll have an ugly baby too.

11. 

If you look pretty while pregnant, you'll have a girl but if you don't look blooming enough, then you'll have a boy.

12. 

If your baby is born with light-brown birthmarks in his/her body, it is said that you have drank too much coffee or had unfulfilled cravings while pregnant.

13. 

A full moon was believed to cause a pregnant woman to go into labor and give birth.

14. 

While pregnant, if your face gets fuller and rounder you'll have a girl. If your face is long and narrow, you'll have a boy.

15. 

If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she'll have a girl. If he doesn't show interest, she'll have a boy.

16. If you crave for foods that are dark in color, you're baby's complexion will be dark too.

17. 

If the areolae part of your breast have darkened, you'll have a boy; if not, you'll have a girl.

18. If you are long haired, it is said that you'll have a hard time giving birth to your baby.

19. I

f you prefer to lay on your left side when taking a rest or sleeping

 you'll have a boy. If you prefer on your right side, you'll have a girl.

20. 

If you are a moody pregnant, you'll have a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you.

21. Dying your hair and painting your nails while pregnant are harmful for the baby.

22. 

If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you'll have a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, you'll have a boy.

23. If

 your feet are colder than usual now that you are pregnant you'll be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before and during your pregnancy, you'll be having a girl.

24. 

71% of the time as mom-to-be you know what you'll having.

25. 

If you 

crave for salty foods while pregnant, you'll have a boy. If you crave for sweets, you'll have a girl.

26. 

If your hands are constantly dry while you are pregnant, expect to have a boy.

27. 

If you are experiencing headaches than the usual, you'll have a boy.

28. 

If your left breast is larger than your right breast, you'll have a girl. If the right breast is larger, you'll have a boy.

29. 

If you feel that your nose is getting bigger and wider you'll probably have a boy.

30. 

Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. It is said that if the ring swings back and forth you'll have a girl; if it swings in a circle you'll have a boy.

31. 

If you raise your arms above your head while pregnant your baby will get the cord wrapped around its neck.

32. If you have acne while pregnant, you'll have a girl.

33. 

If the color of your urine is bright yellow, you'll have a boy. If it is dull yellow, you'll have a girl.

34. You should not attend anyone's wake when you're pregnant.

35. When in labor, you should eat one raw egg to have an easy delivery.