Bernard and Michelle Prenup Photos

Boston Lobster Feast Orlando, Florida USA

I couldn't stop craving for lobsters. Not just one but LOBSTERS.
I miss this!

This was our only photo. Couldnt be bothered taking photos -- I was busy attacking the feast!

These lobsters - oh! so sweet and fat, full of roe. Finger lookin good! 

Lobsters are cooked just steamed. But hey, they have this devilish butter sauce and some sour vinaigrette, selection of salads to complement the dish.

I finished 3 and my husband finished 5, together with some snow alaskan crablegs, about a dozen oysters (all u can eat!), shrimps, crawfish, scallops, mussells,sushi, steaks and lots and lots of desserts.

 

I am such a glutton. I went very dizzy after the feast - think I have gained 3 kilos after devouring all of these. I ate like there's no tomorrow! hahaha.

Imagine, the buffet was for $35.00 and my Aunt got a $5 coupon :-) so we only paid $30.00 per person. Kids have the option not to partake in the buffet and was offered kids meal which was $4.00 (mac and cheese with icecream and drink).

Thank heavens they are not here in Australia. Have they been here, we could be giants soon!

Boston Lobster Feast 

International Drive

Orlando, Florida USA

Mother's Crepe

Mother's Crepe, a Japanese crepe place has just opened in Westfield Parramatta last Thursday. 

Since it was their grand opening, they offered buy one take one for some of their crepes. And woow! 

a lot of people lined up (including us!), curiously wanting to have some bite of their delicious offerings. 

Whats unique is that they serve their crepe shaped like a cone.

They have variety of crepes to choose from. Both from savoury and sweet fillings. 

We of course have chosen the sweet ones. We ordered strawberry, banana, whipped cream, with yummy fluffy japanese cheesecake and chocolate ice cream on top.
It was glorious! 

Compared to other crepe places, theirs are really good. Price is reasonable $6 - I will be willing to pay more considering I couldn't get that yumminess anywhere else.

Don't eat it as a dessert. It can make you really full. You can have it as light lunch or snack.

The downfall? Service was rather disappointing. We had to wait for more than 30 minutes to get all our orders. The busy store only had 2 crepe makers! I counted that they have about 8 staff. Imagine yourself seeing later customers get their orders earlier than you. We were no.80 and we can loudly hear they have served no.98 already! We also had to repeat our orders 4x and clarify what was in our receipt more than 4x to some of their staff. I think the main problem was that most of their staff do not really speak and understand english and that they are not really familiar with their recipes yet. :-(

It was sad. They have a really great marketing concept, good product, yummy offerings but I just think they are not really prepared to open the store yet. Inadequate staff training and poor customer service are the things they would really have to work on. 

I fully understand they are on the baby stage of their operations so for now, I will only go back if I have a lot of spare time on my plate. Or, I will wait for some months hoping that when I go back, staff were already trained and service will be better.

Mother's Crepe
Basement (adjacent to Gloria Jeans)
Westfield Parramatta

New bag obsession: Pippa Handbag

I couldn't take my eyes off you

The "Pippa" bag

Its a classic chic gray leather bag. I reckon I can match it with any of my outfit, may it be work clothes or just casual. I can also use it season after season never worrying on current trends.


I guess this is kind of more realistic for me. It only cost £169 compared to Princess Kate Middleton's Tods "D" Bag (about $1500) which I can only own in my dreams.
 

Photocredits: Marieclaire UK

Hoping I could someday lay my hands to it. And it would probably be the nearest I can get to the Royals :-)

You can order this "Pippa" bag here from Modalu London.
I heard we need to hurry as orders are coming in and the latest it can be delivered would be by October.

Summer Dreamin'

It is freezing cold today. How I wish its summer again.

Reminiscing our Great Barrier Reef trip last February.

We had an awesome and relaxing stay at The Peppers Resort in Airlie Beach (Hamilton Island) and then went to the Fantasea Ferries for a day trip at the Great Barrier Reef.

Who said we cannot swim?

Oh yes. Both of us cannot swim. See my right arm? I was holding the bar connecting to the boat. We were in the middle of the great barrier reef ocean! Only Lawrd knows how deep was that!

We love these fishies!

This was an amazing place. They have the deepest, clearest blue water seas.
Incomparable to the beaches in the Philippines (dont get me wrong! I still looove Boracay and Palawan!) I bet, we could have enjoyed more if we dive deep down.

We will definitely go back. We had to bring our kids to a friend's place to get this 2 day get away just by ourselves. And it was fantastic. Thank you dear friends for taking care of our Marstians! We can never repay your good hearts.

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Goals before 2011 ends

Its June and its the end of Financial Year. 

Aside from the excitement on the numerous SALE's everywhere, Im also anxious in meeting my goals before 2011 end.

Below are the things I super need to accomplish:


1.    Pass driving test. Get "P" license.
-- so then, I can have my first LV! The deal was HH will reward me with an LV bag once I passed the driving test :-)
2.    Scout for new private school for the kids. 
3.    Make Martha's 7th Birthday a truly memorable one.
4.    Start leading/hosting our own connect group (bible study).
4.    Build shelves in our wardrobe.
5.    Bring motherduck to Uluru and Goldcoast.
6.    Plant new flower seeds in our backyard.
7.    Lose 5 kilos
8.    Help HH lose 10 kilos.
9.    Fill up 3 boxes of "balikbayan boxes" to be sent to the Philippines in time for Christmas.
10.  Pay our credit card debts.

There's more but these are the top of my priorities.

Passionately praying that God will help me finish these through.

My new Sunnies

Just got my new Sunnies!
and you know the best thing about it?

I got it for FREE! yey! :-)

Thanks to my private health fund. My optometrist approved that I can get sunnies in lieu of the normal glasses which I dont need. No matter how hard I trick cheat that reading test, it would still result to my 20/20 vision. Well, there was one Optometrist who said its 25/20 -- hahahaha :-)

I just couldnt accept that yearly, the benefit only goes to the Handsome Husband - yes,
new eyeglasses for Him each year! how unfair was that?

But, the God is gracious!!!! This year, he allowed me to get the benefit and score this:

It was PRADA. If I will buy this, it would cost me $$$$459!!! which never in my life will I decide to buy. 

I would rather give the money to my needy family back in the Philippines. I was choosing between this and a Purple Furla, but decided to get this instead as Furla is more expensive and I have to pay extra $$$.

Perhaps, another 2 years and I can get the Purple Furla. 

For now, I am more than happy to use this basic black sunglass. I can match it with any of my bags :-)

For all of you out there, if you have a private health fund, MBF/Medibank/HCF etc. you better go to your nearest optical shop and see if you can also avail of a FREEBIE. You have until 30th of June before the new financial year starts, so dont waste the benefit!

Chux Magic Eraser

The time that the "Martians" scribbled some "art" in our small home, I was devastated.
I was worried that we will spend a lot of money repainting our walls.

They used a black ball point pen coupled with a purple texter. Huhuhuhu!!!!

Indeed, the Lord has his ways!
I chanced upon the free stuff I got from The Royal Easter Show and found this:

I was very excited to try to check if it really works.

You just have to damp the foam like eraser and start slowly scrubbing the affected area

with The Handsome Husband documenting my little experiment

Voila!

Pardon my hand, its dry and wrinkled! I was born with it. Perhaps, I can try hand creams next :-)

Its amazing! Our walls restored like brand new again.
We saved at least $300! from not repainting our walls.
Could never been happier!

Winter Blues

Its lunchtime and my energy level is now down to 10%. I badly need a can of redbull.
My mornings are a rush. And this morning was INSANELY tiresome.
I brought the kids to school. Prepped their brekky and lunches.
Walked back to my office. Answered emails and numerous phonecalls.
Attended Tenants concerns. Reported to my Boss.
I started pulling my uncombed hair down and realized I AM TIRED. I AM HUNGRY.
I blame it on this COLD WINTER WEATHER! coupled with the rain pouring outside.
Sydney is definitely officially cold!  My days are now gloomy and nights are dreary.
No, Winter does not agree with me, and neither do I, with her.

When Mother nature has gone psycho:
My clients laugh at me because I’m wrapped in my coat inside the office the whole day.
I shiver in the chilled foods aisle at the grocery.
I whinge as soon as the temperature falls below 25C.
Computer work is a challenge when my hands are stone cold.
I think of a lot of excuses so we can order home delivery and so I will not cook.
Sometimes I just don't feel like doing anything but curl up in bed and sleep all day.
I tend to spend too much on Winter clothes.



My prayers:

Lord please help me survive this season.

Lord please don't make it too cold.

Borders Parramatta closing down sale 90% off!!!

Borders Parramatta is closing down in 5 days! its now 90% off!!!
Everything is on sale! From books, bookshelves, greeting cards, gift bags, dvd cases, tables, everything inside the store! I bought twilight tshirts for a dollar each! that is MASSIVELY Cheap!!!!


Borders Parramatta
4th flr Westfield
Parramatta

We bought this for only $7.00!

We got this for only $10!

Missin Sunrise

Taken at Bantayan Island, Philippines in 2006

Our Love is a journey; Starting at forever and ending at never

True love doesn't have a happy ending; True love doesn't have an ending.

Lowenbrau Keller, The Rocks

Its lunchtime and me and my friend/workmate couldnt decide on what to eat!
I dont know whats happening but I just couldnt stop thinking about PORK KNUCKLES!

I suddenly remembered that I do have photos when we ate at Lowenbrau Keller at The Rocks last year. Here are the photos:

We started with this Mushroom crunchy thin crust pizza

  Im SALIVATING!!!!

The EXTRAVAGANT Schlachtplatte!!! with Roasted Pork Knuckle; I gained 2 kilos after eating this :-)

Crispy outside and moist inside, salty, slightly sweet and buttery crackling,flavourful meat. Superlatively delicious!

The Handsome Husband ready to devour voraciously!

Im a big fan of cheese platters!

Lowenbrau is Sydney’s most famous Munich Style Bavarian restaurant.
Its an absolutely beautiful place. They have Cute waiters in lederhosen and waitresses in low cut traditional dresses. Inside the restaurant, we felt like we were in Germany!

Lowenbrau Address

Cnr Playfair St & Argyle St
The Rocks NSW 2000Their website here 

Furla Candy Bag

Here's my new bag obsession:

Aren't they pretty? Looks yummy too :-)
I seriously couldnt stop thinking and dreaming about them!
Im leaning towards the blue or red or yellow or pink or green..or whatever colour! I just wanna have one!
The handsome husband already approved my Mother's day bag wish which was the Cambridge Satchel (purple) and have yet to arrive. Sooo I have to save money or think of ways to get more moolah so I can buy any one of these :-(

Sadly, i still couldnt find where I can buy these here in Sydney. I called the Furla shop in Canberra but they said they didnt order these and they have no plans of ordering it soon :-(  The only way is buy it directly from Furla in the US and ask my friends to send it via courier to me which would again attract shipping costs, huhuhu!!!

Thank you RBA

What a relief!
RBA decided to hold their interest rates this week.

Financial analysts reckon its because of the natural disasters.
Natural disasters both here and overseas; earthquakes in NZ and Japan, flooding in Queensland and Melbourne, cyclones, tsunamis, etc.
These horror run has rattled confidence.

Our finances are definitely inadequately prepared to cover the rising costs of home loan repayments. Since we bought our house, our monthly repayments had increased to $500 more than we used to pay.  That's $500 dollars $$$$$$.

That's more than a month's pay of a normal worker back in the Philippines! 
In the Phils with that money, a family of 6 can survive.
Pay for their rent, buy food, pay utilities, buy new clothes etc.

Its unbelievable to think, but back then we were just paying $150.00 in rent (Manila).
Now, we are paying more than 15 times of that.

But still, Thank you RBA for holding your interest rates for the moment.
With that, we probably saved about $60 per month.
Eagerly hoping that it will not increase for the whole year!

Reminders from HIM

(Repost: Blogged in 2008) 

Reminders from HIM

Last night, when I sought the Lord in prayer, I was reminded of my failings as His Child.

I was reminded of my discontentment and ungratefulness. I have forgotten that I am very blessed for what I have become and for what I have in my life right now. I have always been whining and searching for more wordly pleasures whilst the reality just lies in front of me — I am already blessed and the Lord never fails to shower me with a lot more.

I was reminded of my petty compromises in what I stand for which are never petty in God’s sight.

I was reminded of my inability to completely carry out what the Lord is commanding me through His Word and my tendencies to be charmed by the vain things this world has to offer.

I was reminded of my sinfulness.

And as I prayed, I silently cried out of sorrow for my foolishness. Its true what my friend Clarilyn exclaimed to me " Magtigil ka Lady Lauriz Tenorio, maraming tao ang mas may malaking problema sayo!". Such an awakening for me.

He gently reminded me of His grace — grace that is so amazing, so wonderful. I should perfectly know that as He has constantly been with me since my childhood, my school days, college days until now that I am now a real "LADY". It never ceases to leave me wondering in awe how God offered it to me freely despite my iniquities.

I am relieved to be reminded of this truth.

Starting today, I will list down all the things I should be grateful of to remind me always that I am blessed. For me to stop wandering away from His sight. For me to be more appreciative of life’s little pleasures. For me to be always happy and contented. For me to placidly carry on in our new journey here in Australia. For me to be a more loving Wife to my Husband and caring Mom to our kids.

Truly, God talks to us — in prayers, in more ways, in different ways.

10 Reasons to Thank God for

(Exported from my old blog in 2008) 

10 Reasons to Thank God for

Dear Lord,
I am eternally grateful for the following reasons:

1.   For having a loving husband. Thank you for being a responsible dad and a supportive partner. I can list down all the good things about you, but ill write those on another entry.

2.   For having my kids. Martha and Sebastian, you kids are so cooooolllliiiittttttttttt!!!. They are a handful but my heart melts every time I see how they have grown. 

3.   For my supermom.  You are the greatest Mom in the whole wide world. You are the most patient person I know. Thank you for everything. Thank you for not giving up on our family and continually doing the best you could to take care of everything. Thank you for the recipes. Thank you for your endless care for your grandkids. Please go here na.

4.   For my sister Kaye and brother LR. Thank you for taking care of Mom and our siblings while I’m away. Thank you for your sacrifices. 

5.   For my Lolo and Lola. My heroes. Heroes of our family. Heroes of their children. Heroes of their grandchildren. Community Heroes. Thank you for the good foundation you have given me. For raising me well. I am a good person because of you. We will be there soon promise! Thank you also to my Ninang Edith and Tita Neri for helping me during my college days.

6.   For newfound friends. Marrickville girls.Thank you for accommodating us. I am eternally thankful for everything you have done for us. May you all immediately have a fun lovelife. Michelle, Thank you for everything. You are our entertainer, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist,etc. We can never repay your professional fees as your help is priceless. Eileen, Thank you for untiringly listening to all my kwentos ( i know nappagod ka rin, hehe ). We could never have survive our first months here in AU without all your help. We are forever indebted to all of you.
7.   For old friends. College Lybat Superfriends, College Baste Friends i soo miss you all. Infonxx kumares. Noemi, ruchie, kira, ghail, angie etc (dami nyo kc) buong TITANS na lang ni Kokie. Miss you all so much!!! Bingle and Lorie, I miss you both- life is short make the best of it! Ms. Lanie, Mami Grace, Erika and Laiza —-I miss you, thank you for all your support. Lets go to Boracay again! To all of you:  Please always update me to the latest CNN chismis, I crave for that…
8.   For Ms. Mayet, my former GM. You are the most generous person I know. You have inspired me to share selfless care and love even to common people. You have taught me to always aim for perfection. Thank you for believing in my capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me. Most of all, I really am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I miss you so much, i miss our food galore, our numerous shopping runs to mercury drug (our kind of store!), i miss your shoes, your bags, etc . You really inspire me!
9.   For The Westin Sydney Family. Meagan, thank you for the opportunity you have given me. Thank you for the five star experience. Thank you for the human truths. Ressies, I will miss you guys! you crack me up! Promise, I’ll return if i could get a reliable babysitter
10. For my AIM Front Office Family. My babiessss. You have literally grown! especially shayne, frances and Rk. Marian, I am proud of you. Just continue learning and always remember to do what is right, do not be afraid to ask questions and share suggestions. Jeff take care of Marian. Jha, i couldn’t believe ur a mom already! I’m so happy for you! Boys, please faithfully love your wives, OK? Thank you all for your support. I will be very delighted to see you all grow in your career so please focus and aim for your goals. Always support Ms. Duds also, If you have concerns just tell her, I’m sure she will listen, its just that her hands are full already so continually remind her that you also need her…I will see you all and I’m really hoping I could join you on your next dampa seafood/kuhol pigout!.