Happy New Year Everyone!

Greeting from my Family to Yours! More Happiness and Blessings this Year 2009 and Always!

Blog URL Under Transition

I have just switched the blogspot url of this blog to url domain and I am asking you my friends to please change the link into www.mysimplefamilylife.com. Thanks, friends :-)! Looking forward to your visit often and I will try to do my best in return. If you do add this blog to your blogroll, please let me know so I can add yours, too! Have a Wonderful Day and thanks in advance!

Thanks, Google!

I still can not believe it! This blog got a PR2 :-). I know this is not much compare to other bloggers, but to me, it means so much! And I would like to thank GOOGLE for this early New Year present :-). I will try to maintain the PR here and maybe it will go up again next time.

Busy but Enjoyable Family Day Out!

Talking about Monday, for me it is always my busy day even though I am just a stay at home Mom. Yesterday, we went to our dentist appointment; Jacob did fine with his check up. The dentist found few cavities and need some cleaning to make sure that his teeth need serious procedure or not. He was by himself with the dentist and we are so proud of him for that. Normally, he would freak out and cry like you are doing something bad on him or hurting him. But yesterday, he was very cooperative. I am hoping he will do just fine for his cleaning next week! After that, we went grocery shopping at Walmart.

In the morning, we went to the bank and deposited the check my in-laws gave to us as our gifts for Christmas, then afterwords, headed to the Mall and returned the gloves my hubby gave me, then I got the chance to shop at Old Navy and bought myself a blouse and camisole that goes with it. Ate lunch at fast food, then play games at the video arcade. Oh, man that was a long day, but I have no regret for we all have fun doing things together as family, plus were able to catch three opps despite of that before the end of the day.

Hilton Holiday Savings in Branson

Growing up in a family that has very strong family ties and observes traditions strictly especially during Holiday season, made me think skeptical on families who go on a vacation this time of the year. I was not used to it till I got here in America. I know now how it feels like and I sometimes find myself thinking of doing the same thing. We love to travel and spend days in places that have histories and places where we can enjoy the nature of God's. We have traveled a lot already and would like to travel more.

The one place that is number one in our lists is at Branson, Missouri; my husband and I read and heard a lot how beautiful the place is. And so, our next vacation would there. We really want to stay at famous hotels there like the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing which is located at the shopping and entertainment district, the heart of historic downtown Branson. Across the street is Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel which is also famous in hospitality like Hilton Promenade. Stays in either one of these hotels would give you a chance of seeing spectacular views of Lake Taneycomo and downtown Branson where you will enjoy shopping at outlet malls, dining in fine restaurants, playing golfs and seeing Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, Celebration City and more. If you are interested, book your reservation now by going to their website and select any of their four themed packages: The Thanksgiving Package, It’s a Wonderful Life Package, Santa’s Coming to Town Package or the New Years’ Eve Package where spa treatments, family style dinners, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves are just the beginning of what these two hotels have to offer. I would certainly pick Santa’s Coming to Town Package.

A Candy that Fights Bacteria!

After reading this article, you will never look at candy canes again the way you used to . The flavors and ingredients of this candy is the secret of it. What do you think? Read and find out more benefits of eating to our health.

New studies on peppermint, the key flavoring in traditional candy canes, reveal the herb may do everything from kill germs to treat digestive troubles.Some researchers now advise consumers to eat a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint, and other green herbs, daily.

Peppermint oil, found in most candy canes, also appears to have health benefits. A recent British Medical Journal study, led by McMaster University researcher Alex Ford, concludes that peppermint oil should be the first line of defense against irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain and irregular bowels that affects between 5 to 20 percent of the population.Peppermint oil, and other potent essential oils, may even one day be wafted in their vapor form over food to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Online Education for Teens

When I was in grade school, my teacher asked me what do I want to be when I grew up; I answered and said “teacher.” I really wanted to be a teacher even now. I know teachers help parents educate their children. Then when, I went to high school, English became one of my favorite subjects because of my teacher who made learning very fun experienced for us. I can not remember even a single time that we became bored during the class. She made us laugh all the time. With her good sense of humor, it made us look forward to learning English from her more and more.Then one day, I came across this website called Brightstorm, an online learning network specially created for teens, parents and teachers. This site provides subjects that are commonly taught in high school like Geometry, Algebra, Writing to name a few. I have checked the website and found it very interesting especially when I watched the video based class offered in short, personalized formats are very effective and worth paying for. So, I decided to sign up because I want to learn about writing. At Brightstorm every courses includes interactive quizzes, study guides and practice problems. When students use the video, they gain deeper understanding of the subject. The great thing about it is that teachers are very experienced and so creative in their teaching styles; they use everyday examples as well as step by step instructions to show certain scenario. If you have a child or children whom you think will benefit from this online class, then you need to Sign up for a free Brightstorm account.

Salted Eggs and Tomato Salad

This salad is very simple and easy to make. Salted eggs and tomato salad is the traditional accompaniment for Tinapa (Smoked Fish), a perfect match for grilled pork or any fried or grilled fish.This is one of the foods I miss so much from the Philippines. I love it; still eat it every once in a while even though this is salty. And salty foods are not good for me healthwise.

How times fly so fast....

Here are four nieces of mine: Karla, Maureen, Camille and Arabelle (starts from the right)....
with my brother, Danny, mother and Maureen..
mother with Karla and Maureen...
with my mother and borther is Ara....
and here is the second to the youngest and third Camille and youngest, Ara! They were all chilling after the big Noche Buena!

Last night I got the chance of talking with my family again in the Philippines. Happy to see my mother feeling better and as usual she became emotional and cried. That is one reason I don't call often as much as I should because it is breaking my heart to see her on the webcam drying! I also saw some pictures of them taken at Christmastime this year. They also want to see Jacob, but Jacob was already sleeping for it was already 2:00 in the morning. I can not believe how fast they are growing up! I already have three nieces who are teenangers and two are already in college. Anyway, I have posted some of the pictures of them here.

Two in One Toaster!

You know those mornings when every second counts? This great gadget ensures that breakfast doesn’t get kicked to the curb! By the time your coffee is brewed, your poached eggs, wheat toast, and turkey bacon are ready to go!I would like to have one of this someday; maybe a birthday gift from hubby this coming March :-)

God is Good!

Thanks Richard for this Wonderful tag :-). I sure appreciate the thoughts!

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary
Because it means you've made a difference.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and,
they can become your blessings.

Below are the seven (7) reasons to be thankful for this year:

1. For giving me a wonderful and loving family.
2. For always giving me and my family good health.
3. For giving all the strength to handle challenges in life.
4. For new found friends through blogging.
5. For my mother's good health.
6. For watching over us everyday.
7. For all the answered prayers.

I am now passing it to All my friends in my bloglists :-) Grab it guys!

After Christmas Dragon Discount

Have you heard about the $50 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred? If not, then I am telling you now that you don't have to worry about buying this software. They are even offering coupon code for up to 10% to 25% off the price because of the holiday season. So you have to hurry up because the coupon expires at the end of the month. You can also write it off as tax deduction for this year 2008 if you buy the software for the company you are working for. I have heard that the software does a lot of good things like it enables a person to type faster than normal. I was impressed with what I read on their website and wanted to buy one for myself because it will definitely help me with my blogging. Isn't it amazing that you can type simply by speaking? Again, don't wait any longer for offer ends very soon!

• $50 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred
• $25 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 Standard
• $25 Coupon Code- DNSMSBG -MacSpeech Dictate

It's been a long day for us!

It has been a long day for me today and I think I need to rest now before I get sick from staying so much on the internet blogging, talking to my family in the Philippines and completing oppos. I am glad despite of being busy, I still manage to do my duty as a wife and mother. I have been blessed with such a wonderful husband who has been supportive understanding when it comes to my blogging. My son is also very cooperative, patient and such a good boy who entertain himself while I am busy.

Hilton Winter Savings in Branson, Missouri!

Since I got here in America seven years ago, I have been to at least 15 states for a vacation with my husband and son. I have never been to Missouri yet, but we are planning to go there in the near future to see the place and one of LDS Temple. It is our dream to go there because a friend of ours told us how pretty the place is especially when you go to Branson. She even gave us some pamphlets to look at. I hope that when we move again, it will be closer to Missouri.

One of the place we would like to see stay while there is the famous Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing hotel. If you are planning to go for a vacation there, this hotel is best during wintertime. You can avail of their Winter Escape Package they offer right now. There will be no problem especially if your budget is tight, plus the location is very close to the newest Branson Landing shopping and entertainment district.You can also get the same package when you decide to stay at Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Either of the two hotels, you can enjoy everything Branson offers like: shopping at boutiques, river walk attractions, and the heart of historic downtown Branson to name some. Don’t forget to view the famous Lake Taneycomo while there. What are you waiting for? Go to their site now and book your reservation for your holidays getaway.

My Multicolor Christmas Tree

You are Multicolored Lights

Your holidays are a time for cheer and excitement. You love so much about the holidays, and everyone perks up a little from your happiness. You try to be grateful for what you have this time of the year. Even if things have been tough, you can't help but be joyful.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

This is so true. No matter how much I tried white lights on my Christmas tree, I always eneded up putting multicolor one. I also love red, green and blue when it comes to decorations. I hope someday to put white lights and white Christmas decors on Christmas Day!

Loving my Red Van :-)

This is the van I am driving, the one our neighbor has chipped the paint off! We still haven't fix it yet because we need to wait till the weather is warm for the paint to drive properly. I love driving this car better than the Honda Element mt hubby is driving to work. Three weeks ago, I drove the Element and it almost got us in to wrecked. From then on, I told my husband I will not drive it again. This van is made by Chrysler and is very easy for me to drive. It has a DVD player and lots of features we needed when we are driving a long way. And Jacob is very comfy when he falls asleep.

Last Minute Gifts Shopping at Kmart

Four more days and Christmas is here, and yet I am not done shopping yet and there are some more gifts to be wrapped. The reasons? We have been busy with some commitments that have to do with the holiday season of course. Are you like me? If so, do you know that Kmart 25,000 quality last minute gifts under $25? Twenty five bucks is very good deal, don’t you think? I think so, so I am going to Kmart and purchase more gifts for my in-laws and also myself. Since my parents in-laws travel a lot, I will get Nextar 3.5 in. Slim GPS Navigation System; just this item alone I am already saving $60 bucks from $1159.00 to $199.00! Unbelievable! I am pretty sure they will love this GPS because they would be able not getting lost again. For me. I am getting myself a crockpot because our old one needs a replacement. I like this one because it has removable round stoneware, just like the old one we have. Plus it includes a free cookbook. If you are running out of time, go and do your last minute gifts from Kmart where you not only save extra bucks but also get quality items of your choice. Additionally, you can sign up at Kmart.com to receive the latest Kmart news via e-mail that includes updates on special store hours, in-store deals and online-only sales to find the best value during their holiday shopping. Hurry up for this sale will end on Christmas Eve.

Excited for the Holiday!

Last night I talked to my family in the Philippines and was happy to know that everyone is doing fine. They are all excited for Christmas. I told them that the Balikbayan Box will be coming but it would be late. They said it ok. They were excited for the package, too! Anyway, as soon as my mother got the money I send few minutes ago via internet, she started shopping for gifts and items for her little retail store that stands in front of their house. I am glad they are all happy. About us, we are about to spend our Christmas in my husnabd' brother in Durham. We both doesnt' want to, but they are very persistent. We just want to keep our tradition of staying home for a holiday. But oh well, this will probably happen once, so we decided to go and and leave the next day for our own Christmas celebration. Have a Wonderful Christmas Everyone! And A Blessed New Year to All!

Got a Wish?

I have asked my husband if he got a wish for Christmas and he just smiled at me and said “you know what I want” dear, and that is digital photo frame camera. I forgot about that. I remembered every time we go to the mall, he keeps telling me that he want one of those digital photo frame cameras he saw there. So I started looking and found Ceiva. I know the moment I saw it, that it would be a perfect gift for him. Plus right now, I can save $100 when I buy Ceiva photo frame where it was priced $229.00 before. CEIVAshare send photos directly to the frame from your family who lives away from you or anywhere in the world without using computer or internet connection required; and is great for parents, grandparents and everyone else. You can even connect it to an existing phone line, all you have to do is plug, play and enjoy! Right now, Ceiva has a sweepstakesgoing on. And in order for you to enter the contest, you have to visit their website and upload your photo and answer few questions, then you will be entered automatically and get a chance to win $500. Go to sitonsantaslap.com before the end of the holiday. Remember that there will only be 1 random entry selected for each day of the contest.