Being functional and fashionable at the same time is a good combination because most times it is either or. I am a type of person where I always carry a lot of stuff with me including my wallet, makeup pouch, cellphone charger. But being a mom, you are not only carrying stuff for yourself. We have to bring our kid stuff with us too.
That is why I fell in love with this bag. It let me put all my personal things plus my sons wet wipes, diapers, extra clothes, milk, snacks… In a fashionable way.
This one is very helpful when you’re traveling. I’ve used this when we traveled Abroad.
This bag is very durable. I’ll give this a rating of 4/5.
Does any of you also have a bag that they love which serves double purpose like this one?
Please share. I would love to hear them and know the product..
As I have been thinking about it. Do I need to change my lifestyle…. A healthy one?
It all started when I got pregnant with my second child. And I have been following one of the celebrity back home on Instagram and she has been talking about Health and fitness. She still looks good, very fit and healthy. She was truly an inspiration. So I said to myself. I wanna be like that, fit and healthy. And you know being pregnant made me feel so insecure because everything is getting big. I know it is just normal because we are carrying this precious child. And it also normal to feel that way. Most of the mom’s will be able to relate.
Second, I came across this article talking about health is wealth. Which is soon true. How can you work and enjoy life if your sick.
Third, being in the healthcare field. I noticed that there an increase of younger patients being hospitalized due to poor lifestyle. They made me realize that if I will not take Care of myself now. What will I be like 10 years from now. I still want to be able to keep up with my kids needs. Not just financially but also emotionally, mentally and physically.
The question now is how do I start? The way I work is. I always have a to do list. I started adding a lot of fruits and veggies with my diet. I also started drinking lemon water everyday and added Zumba to the side. Just following it on YouTube. So everything can be done at home. I also have a gym at home that I can use for weights. Instead of eating white rice I eat brown and quinoa.
Little by little I tried. It did not happen over night but now it became my habit. I even started downloading the nike training app. It helped me setup a program depending on my goals.
And just last lent. I gave up chocolates, everything, chips, fast food, pastries. I whole lot. And I just thought after 40 days. Whew! I did it. I thought those were the food I cannot live without. Now I eat chips, chocolate in moderation every once in a while hoping this will be a part of my lifestyle.
I just noticed too that I am stronger, my endurance has gotten better, I don’t get sick easily, my skin looks healthier. And when I did my annual physical exam. All my lab work was A ok!
This is becoming my habit now. And I feel good about it. Now I am trying to help my husband make that change too as he himself has to work on improving his diet. As per his doctor’s order. Then we can be a good example for our kids too.
If I can do it. I bet all of you can do it too. Discipline and determination is the key to a healthy start. You just gotta do it. You don’t have to wait for the New year to make it your Resolution. I just want to inspire all of you that everything is possible. You just have to think positive and just do it. Make it happen. I doesn’t happen overnight but it will happen.
Life has a lot of good things in store for us. If you have a healthy mind and body. Then you’ll be able to enjoy life to the fullest.
We woke up early to catch the train. It was uncle Jo and his girlfriend and Brendel’s turn to tour us. From Modena to Venice was 2 hour train ride each way. It was a nice ride since you get to see the scenery. And as we fast approach Venice. I really could’t believe that I am here now. The one place that I always imagine I will visit but seem to be impossible. But there I was, with my family. Such a blessing!
I should say that this is a very romantic place for me. Oh,I fell in love right away! I would love to go back and stay here for few days with just my husband. Every thing that you see was lovely! I thank the Lord for letting me see this place. I must say too that Italians are nice people.
As we look at the map to get to Saint Mark’s Square, all we know is that we all had to walk for us to be able to enjoy the view and every thing. taking nice photos nice Italian architecture.
Gondola.Got me some souvenirs..speed boat ride.
The Grand Canal.
Uncle Jo, Arlene and Brendel.
How long did we get to St. Mark’s Square? I’m not sure… Hats off to uncle Jo and my husband for they had to push the strollers, take note we had two because Brendel also needed one. He was only 2 years old. And mind you, stairs everywhere!!! As in 5 to 6 steps everywhere.
The kids were cool. They were playing with each other. Since it was spring. The weather was nice. We just had to give them a treat. Ice cream!! My daughter enjoyed chasing the dove’s too. Not too many tourist that day. This place was worth seeing for when you go to Italy.
Day 4 was rest day. We get to bond with the family the whole day since we were flying to Paris at night. They took us to the park and Downtown Modena. I will never get tired of this place. People are friendly, good food! everybody was laid back. I wonder if they were stressed at all…
]
Day 5: Paris
We boarded another low cost carrier. RyanAir. Each passeneger were only allowed to have 1 hand carry and that was for free. Every extra baggage you have to pay. Since we were only staying for a day. We only had 1 hand carry each. It was a nice ride. Nice view from the plane going to Paris. Another downside of riding low cost carrier. We have to take a bus from the airport to get to Paris and it will be another hour ride. It was still worth it though. every experience I will count was an adventure. Still, my daughter was the best. She was just sleeping the whole time. Looks like she is getting used to travel. what a young jetsetter she is. So as when we were approaching the City of Light. Everybody in the bus was literally amazed by the stunning view of the Eiffel tower. It was already night time so we get to see the lights. Magnifico!!!
At the bus stop, we had to take a cab to the Hotel. I had to call the hotel as I could’t locate were we are exactly. The funny this was. He was asking where we were. I said Porte Maillot (por-te-may-liyot). He couldn’t get it. The he realized I was talking about (por-te-mayo) which was the correct pronunciation since it was French. lol!!
There was this one cab driver that was so rude and was charging us $20 up front. I was like, Are you gonna fool me? I was like I grew up from a third world country what are you talking about?! So we got another cab and he was fair. He only charged us what was on the meter which was $5. and we gave him $2 tip.
Checked in the hotel. It was like 10 minute walking distance to the Eiffel tower. Not bad!! We were also excited to meet My husband’s previous co worker back home. He was the one who gave us the tour of the city. We were only able to go to Ave Champ de Elysses, Arc de triomphe and eiffel tower. Like I side we did not have much time. I just inserted this Paris trip from our itinerary since we were already in Europe. Next time, baby!!
strolling the streets of Paris.our hotel entrance.
We met Maynard and His co worker her. He was based in Paris at that time. We got to ride their bus, train, taxi 🙂 Their food was good too. I must say though that Europe is very expensive. I will still choose to live here in the USA because of the cost of living.
Day 6: Milan
Milan was 2 hours train ride also from Modena. This time it was Uncle Fernan and Auntie Flora’s turn to be our tour guide. The best thing about all this tour, Our tour guide was the one paying for everything. Wasn’t that cool!!
Even though Milan is a City. If you will compare it to the other busy city of Hongkong, Manila, New York, Kuala Lumpur. I still felt that they were still laid back. People were not pushing each other in the subway station even if it was rush hour. everybody was taking their sweet time walking… moving. Maybe they office hours are flexible? I don’t know….
In this city, as a Catholic, we went to visit the Duomo Milan, We kneelled and pray thanking God for all the blessings! We went to the nearby mall. It was so elegant, all the luxurious brand was there. Of course I only did window shopping. Gucci, Louis Vuitton….. We also ate in one of their buffet places. my goodness! it was expensive!
This shot was a memorable one for my husband. It was terrifying. There were a group of people outside the church offered my husband they’ll take my hsuband’s pic. So my husband handed the camera, the guy took the photo and ask for $20 so he’ll return my hubby’s camera. What a thief!!
Day 7: Leaning Tower of Pisa.
It was Uncle Ruel and Uncle Emil’s with their kids who’s turn to give us a tour, That was 2 hour drive from Modena. Again, we get to enjoy the scenic views…. We bought a lot of souvenirs here from the sidewalk. Gorgeous place!!!
Day 8 Adi’s First Birthday celebration.
They all chipped in for this whole thing to be a success. We celebrated it at one of the buffet places there. It was all family only. Then there was an after party at Uncle Amante’s place.
Day 9: off to the airport heading back to Maryland.
If our relatives will be reading this blog….
We really appreciate all of you and your hospitality. We never felt that we were a burden to you. We felt all the sincerity in every way you showed us all throughout our stay. May God continue to bless you all. FYI, they just visited us here in the US last year just one family thought with Auntie Phening. They also enjoyed their stay here in the USA, as a matter of fact. It was Auntie Phening’s 3rd visit already.
If any of you given a chance to travel. Visit these countries. You’ll definitely enjoy here!!!
Safe travels everyone. Good night. Tomorrow might talk about health and fitness…
Reminiscing our trip to Italy and France May 2011…. We planned this trip to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday. She was our first born and we want it to be special. Since my husband’s relatives lives there. They kept on inviting us to come over and visit them since some of them had been here in the USA to visit us. We were like, sure! we have funds since we got our tax refund… did I say it loud? wink*
As being a Filipino citizen still. We have to get a visa to Italy before anything else. It was not hard we just followed all the instructions in their website and we got it on time. Our relatives there already have itineraries for our 9 day trip. 6 of his uncles live there.
Okay now, this will be our first time traveling with a 1 year old. We made sure we had everything to keep our little girl comfortable. I booked her ticket as baby on lap so we only paid taxes for her ticket. I jot down all the things needed for this trip, all baby stuff and gifts for our relatives since we will be staying with them. And it is customary also to give them some gifts.
The day came. We were all packed up, I had to give Adi milk during take off and landing. So for all the parents out there who will be traveling with a baby. This work out since they will be swallowing their ears will not hurt. No crying babies on board, make sure bring a lot of different small toys to entertain. Our daughter was very charming, She was so quiet and just sleeping most of the flight time. All the other passengers specially the elderly enjoyed playing peek a boo with her.
We landed in CDG, France for our layover. Oh man! it was a huge airport and they did not have train unlike most of the airports I have been. We had to rush to get to the bus stop to get to the next plane ride to Bolognia, Italy. By the way, we are going to Modena, Italy. That’s were our relatives live.
To summarize the whole trip.
Saturday: the day we arrived at Italy, Uncle Amante and Auntie Phening welcomed us at the airport. they took us home to get to meet the other cousins, uncles and aunties. Then they toured us around Maranello were they have the factory for the Ferrari. They bout us a ticket as for my husband to be able to drive a Ferrari. In the streets of Italy, Man! OH! that was one heck of a ride!
with John, My husband’s cousin. He paid for the ride. It was 90 euro to drive a ferrari.joy ride.
checked out Ferrari Museum with Sincere, John’s big sister.
we get to visit the Ferrari museum where they have the different models and different engines for the Ferrari’s. Dinner time was bonding time with the clan.
Day 2:
Trip to Rome: It was Uncle Amante and Aunti Phening who drove us there. That was a 5 hour drive to get there and another 5 to go home. We just slept the whole time. It was a Sunday Morning, the best time to visit the Vatican too. Pope Benedict was the one preaching. We did not get inside the church because there were a lot of people lined up. That was the thing when traveling with babies. We have the stroller so it was a hassle if we will get inside the chrch or go up the church tower and also to get to Fontana de trevi. Pretty much, Rome was so magnificent! get to see the Colosseo. let’s talk about some ancient history. wink*
with the swiss guards
Saint Peter’s squareeating some gelatto
with uncle Amante and Auntie Phening
with the Romans.
authentic Italian Pizza. Nom! Nom!
Colosseum
to be continued tomorrow guys… I am so sleepy now. It is allergy season and I just took an allergy medicine. It is also late.
If you have been reading my blogs, then you know that this is my 3rd country that I visited. My husband has never been to any other country. So I decided to plan this trip for his birthday. I found another cheap deals online for everything and grab the opportunity.
At the airport, you can get a welcome booklet on how to get around HongKong. I did not have to pay for any city tour, we just did it by ourselves and just followed the map. It was so easy. This city is very high technology for me, their train system is very organized even if it looks so complicated. The bus was like in Malaysia, they are organized too. We get to enjoy a lot of Chinese food here. They really taste good. We enjoyed eating at Cafe de coral. In short , we really enjoyed our stay here.
First time traveling overseas together for his birthday.Our bus to our Hostel.Our Hostel.
Ocean Park
with Bruce Lee
If any of you is planning to go here. Do not make our mistake not going to the Victoria peak and take the tram. Then you’ll get to see the whole Hongkong top view.
Oh well, another year have past after this trip. We are just awaiting for our departure date for our flight going to the USA. We are migrating there for work. So we decided, since we Liked our first visit to this wonderful country. Why not asked our family to come with us. And viola! as soon as I checked online another cheap deal I found and booked!
We came back May 2008 with my husband whole family, This time we already know where to go, since we only have 4 days to stay here, I told them, Why not go to Macau and it is just one ferry boat ride too. I told them that Macau is like Las Vegas of Asia. They have all the nice hotel and Casinos there. So same thing we went around the city of Hongkong, did some shopping at the night market, Ate authentic Chinese food and went to Macau jsut to visit the Ruins of Saint Paul and the famous Largo De Senado.
Ferry ride to Macau.
Macau Tower, they offer bungee jumping here. of course I did not tried that.
Just like the sea world they also have their own Shamu.
thsi time we stayed in a 3 star hotel.
tired.
Just want to let you all know that Hongkong was once a British colony and Macau was Portuguese Colony. I should say, twice is a charm for Hongkong. If given a chance I fly again there. So add this place to your bucket list in Asia, this is a tourist friendly place.
Malaysia is the second country I visited. It was in 2006 still, few months after my trip to Guam. but why? My friend Michelle and I were thinking of going somewhere since two of our co workers went to Singapore. First of, we want to travel to a country where we will not need to get a visa, plus we were on a budget. We saw this ad on the newspaper about Air Asia. It was one of the low cost airline in southeast Asia, We took that opportunity to book our flight. We talked about going to see the Petronas tower. They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world as per wikipedia. They also have Genting highland where they have casinos and them park. The problem was we don’t know anybody there unlike our co workers who went to Singapore, they have a friend there and viola they had free accommodation. So went online and research on where to stay cheap. I came across these hostel sites… www.Hostelbookers.com. I saw a room that was worth 459 pesos I forgot how many ringgit was that but if you’ll convert it to dollar then it was only $8 a night. OMG!!! what a great deal. so we booked it!
Here comes the day! We were on our way there. Michelle and I was so excited because it will be just be the girls trip. I tell you, I you will be traveling just by yourself and and if you’re all girls. stay alert! Let me tell you about what happened next. So at the airport in Clark, Pampanga. All the passengers were lined up to get our boarding passes. Behind us was a group of Golfer men about 5 of them with an age range of 50 and up. One from the group started asking us where will we go in Malaysia, we said In Kuala Lumpur. He said “is it your first time going there?” we said “yes”. Then he started talking about different places that we can go to, he even told us where he work and they only stayed in the Philippines to play golf with their business partners. Michelle and I were like okay he is friendly.
Boarding pass ready! Since this airline is a budget one. We didn’t have a seat number. You get to seat where you want to but you should be fast enough to be able to pick a good seat. So we all sat in the plane… ready, set… take off. when the seat belt sign was turned off. The Malaysian guy went to seat beside us since it was vacant and started talking again about KL (Kuala Lumpur), he even gave us his calling card in case we need help to get around the city. Still appears to be a nice guy. Then before he went back to his seat he gave us 50 ringgit saying keep it as our shopping money. lol! so generous of him even if it was only $13 if you will convert it. Then his other friend came to talk to us. Maybe this one thought we were easy girls. He started talking about his business and all that stuff and we were like in our minds… “okay now, D.O.M. (dirty old man) stop this. He was scary because he started asking us how are we gonna get to KL. We told him by bus. He was insisting to give us a ride to KL saying he has a driver waiting at the airport to pick him up. Michelle and I were becoming uncomfortable, If I had watched Taken the movie prior to this I probably call for the air marshall’s help. Then we kept on telling him we are good. we want to explore the city by ourselves. He was still insisting but got tired afterwards and went back to his seat. Michelle and I started thinking on how we can escape this man. What is he will kidnap us when we land in KL.
We were thinking and thinking and we happened to look at the other seat. We saw 2 older fellow Filipina. I spoke to them and asked them to pretend that we know each other and that we will all go together at the baggage claim. The plan went well. We landed at KLCC airport and then we met Ms. Rose Yabes and ate. They help us getting a bus to KL, we rode the same bus and chit chatted got to know they traveled all over the world already and we went separate ways. We just exchanged numbers so we can still keep in touch when we get to the Philippines. Here are some pictures for you….
with Ms. Rose Yabes… we still keep in touch on facebook. and ate.Toll road, expressway to KL.Asian pose at the Chinatown.At the hostel. These is were we should put our shoes. Those were the shoes of the other backpackers from different parts of the world.This is their welcome board.It was so foggy, We just found out that there was a forest fire in Indonesia. one of their neighboring country.Map of Genting highland
inside Genting Highland. ala Venetian Hotel style.cable car ride.inside the cable car.Standing behind us was one of the owners of Equator hostel. I forgot the name of the caucasian lady from Germany.
In short, we had a blast. Got to know that when pointing at something here it is rude to use your pointing finger, you should use your thumb to point at objects. They have a specialty dish called nasi lemak which was good except for it was sooooo spicy for me. I have a very low tolerance for spice. I get to learn that majority of their people are Muslims, We came there during their Ramadan, They have a very organize transport system which was subsidize by their government. It was a great experience. I learned a lot. and also, Trust your instincts.
Did I ever thought of visiting different countries? No, It all started with my dad. Ever since I was 6 he kept on saying. Take up nursing when you get to college so you can go to the USA to work as a nurse since that profession is sooo in demand there and I heard that the salary is good too. since then I started wondering about that country and of course by watching Hollywood movies. Every time I think about USA gives me the vision of the Statue of Liberty in New York or Hollywood in California. It must be really nice there.
Years went by and I’m already in my 4th year in High school or 12 grade here in the U.S. I have to decide which course to take up in college. I already know I wanted…..I want to be a doctor. And we had this career orientation in school some of our alumni’s talked about different professions they took and stating how they became successful. Being a physical therapist caught my attention. From the way that Physical therapist talked about her profession was like…. Hmm… I think this will be good. She even said that it will be a good pre-medicine course because they tackle a lot of anatomy and physiology. So there we go I became a Physical therapy student, worked hard and graduated. I wasn’t able to pursue being a doctor because our family’s business went bankrupt. I almost ended up not graduating, thanks to my friends Connie which is a doctor now and Aise which is also a PT here in the US. Without their help I won’t be able to pay my tuition on time. We were able to repay them.
Of course, as a physical therapist in my country, we were all aspiring to come to work here in the USA. I said to myself, that will be my gateway for travels. in 2003 I had to work as a therapist in a slimming center where I get to know and talked to a lot of rich people who talked about their travel experiences and did part time as a home health PT. That even gave me more insights about traveling. I got really excited when my boyfriend, now my husband got me a birthday gift. A trip to the beautiful island of Boracay in the Philippines.
We had to fly to get there. Oh, it was a lovely experience, what is even better is he proposed to me there and of course I said yes. We’ve been dating since 2000 just so you all know. He was the one opened my eyes in traveling places and see its beauty. I got to ride the plane for the first time.
Then my application to the US pushed through that I had to take the NPTE (US board exam for PT) so I can practice in the US. the company that was sponsoring me wanted me to take the test in Guam which is a US territory.Because it has to be taken only in the mainland USA or its territories. then the rest goes on and on and I was able to travel places.
I work here now in the USA as a PT and loving it. I got here with my husband in 2008, We got married in 2006 by the way and we now have 2 beautiful kids Adrianne turning 5 next month and Aidan 20 months.
Guam, USAI and Mavic Chang.
my fellow examinees.first time staying in a hotel in a different Country by myself.Church were I prayed for me to pass the exam.
Let me share to all that I joined this Glowrun 5k this coming April 25, 2015 in DC at the RFK stadium. I’ve been really wanting to sign up for those type of events since I am into fitness and health. And I also know it is gonna be fun even though I’ll be sore and tired after. Well, it’ll be all worth it. So last week my co worker and I decided that we should practice first just so to build endurance. So yesterday was the day.
We parked at Belle haven park in Alexandria, VA. From there up to the overpass on the Maryland side and back is a total of 5 miles.
So then we started, I felt like… oh well I haven’t done any running. I don’t think that I ‘ll survive this. I only do brisk walking when go to this trail with my daughter and husband. So my co worker and I started running and whew! We did a mile without resting, thanks for my comfy running shoes. I didn’t know I will last that long. There goes the saying “you’ll never know unless you try.” That felt good. I did it! We did like 2.5 mile walk and 2.5 mile run. And I just want all of you to know the view here is so nice. You get to see the Potomac river, the national harbor, DC monument and DC capitol.
So for any of you feeling they can’t do things. Try it first and see. we all have strengths inside us that we just don’t know.
