Changes.

My life changed all of a sudden. I am now a Mom of two. My sweet boy (let's call him JG) and my new pretty baby girl.

Hubby and I were blessed with a second baby six years after. Imagine the years. I feel like a new Mom. Good thing my boy can fend for himself... and is even another hand when my two ones are not enough.

Honestly, I wanted another boy. I did not believe that I am a Mom fit for a girl. And I love the way boys adore and "fear" their Moms -- oh yes, selfish reasons.

But my girl is so adorable. I cannot believe I wished for a boy. Never mind how cranky she becomes when sleepy. Never mind how hard it is to bottle feed her -- she likes my boobies more. Never mind that she mostly does not sleep long during the day. She makes up for them with her numerous bedimpled smiles, her interesting goo gaa stories, her 7-8 hour sleep at night and many, many more.

Blog, meet my AC. You will hear a lot about her.

Awesome Stuff.

Isn't it great that there are so many intelligent human beings who have a passion for inventing things to make lives better?

We are waaaay past the Stone Age or the Renaissance period so we may not have a 'rock-my-world' kind of invention anymore. And we do tend to take new things for granted now... because things change so fast and life is overly complicated. So, many of the good stuff go unnoticed.

Anyway, I do have a list of awesome stuff that are extremely useful to my boring life. While I can still imagine life without them, I am still raving the fact that they exist and are very affordable to common people like me.

The 3M Command

3M describes it as "Damage-Free Hanging Solutions". And yes, it is true to its promise. The secret is actually the sticky mounting strips and a user who is willing to follow the instructions carefully. 

Our home is filled with it -- for picture frame hanging, hooks, even bathroom stuff.

It can be a bit pricey but your walls are kept intact and bathroom tiles are not damaged. If you do have heavy paintings to attach to the walls -- still best to do it the old way though.


Colored Printers, Photo Papers

At this day and age when a kid's homework involves the use of too many visuals, I am so thankful for printers and photo papers... add on the digital cameras and Google. We do not need to scramble through numerous magazines (cutting them would be heartbreaking, too), rush to a nearby Photo ID shop, or rummage the old cabinet for old photo albums.


The Bra Strap Extensions

I know this is old stuff but has been a very useful bit while pregnancy. For a mere Php50 (price of each one), I was able to manage additional pregnancy girth with this sweet little thing.

The Epilator

This is one of the best advices (if not the best) my sister has ever told me.

Gone are the days of spending too much time plucking. Gone are the days of hair ingrown and chicken skin underarm.

Hello to quick and easy hair pulling. And the best part is... hair grows back thinner!

Why didn't I find out about you years back?!

Ladies, if you don't have one... get one!


I do have some more in my list. But these are my favorites. Whoever invented them, thank you so much. You all made things easy indeed.

David Rocco's Meatball Spaghetti

David Rocco is hubby's favourite chef to watch (man crush?). Probably because he is suave. Lol.

Once in a while I watch Mr. Rocco's cooking show with him. I chanced upon his Meatball Spaghetti that is surely Italian, exciting to taste and looked easy to make.

Ingredients for the meatballs...

Lean ground beef, about 1 Kilo

Ricotta Cheese, 200g

 

1 egg

Sundried tomatoes, chopped

Parmigiano cheese, 1-2 cups grated

Your usual salt and pepper

For the tomato sauce...

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1 onion, chopped

Tomato sauce (or puree if you have)

Salt and pepper

I have given measurements above but please feel free to experiment. I am sure your sense of smell and taste will find their way.

How to prepare:

1) Combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, egg, sundried tomatoes, grated parmigiano, salt and pepper. Make sure they are mixed well and evenly.

2) Using your hands, shape the meat into balls.

 

3) You may add the meatballs uncooked to your sauce or fry them with EVOO. I wanted them fried!

4) For the sauce, cook the onion in EVOO until translucent. Add the tomato sauce then bring to a boil.

5) Add salt and pepper to taste.

6) Throw in your fried meatballs then cook for 5-10 more minutes.

7) If you opt to put in the uncooked meatballs, throw them in the sauce and cook for 30 more minutes on medium heat.

8) Don't forget your pasta.

9) Plate. Serve. Enjoy.

Have some wine to achieve a more Italian dinner!

A More Personal One.

Dear Blog,

I suddenly felt disconnected from you. You should have known by now because it took me months to visit you again.

I did become busier and more distracted. And perhaps, one indeed loses passion at some point.

One sleepless night.. I just thought about how I call you. You seem to be one of the many blogs in Google. You do not sound like you are mine.

And so I thought... maybe it is time for a change. You are all about me and should have a name close to my heart.

My home is where I am happy, where I find myself and where I feel so loved. So, I am changing you and giving you the name of my happiest place on earth.

Hello again, Blog. You look good in lavender.


Sincerely,

Lalaine Ann

Almost A Year.

Indeed.

I have never thought I would be this busy. From trying to conceive to being pregnant.

Yes, I am pregnant again with my second child. It has been a six-year journey... filled with ups and downs. Finally, the baby is coming very soon -- and she is a girl!

God works in mysterious ways.

The boy is now going to a big school. Hubby is enjoying work. Things are okay now. I am thankful that I am blessed.

In the next few weeks, I will be busy prepping the house... making it baby-ready and, at the same time, maintaining the 6-year old's space. Tricky.

To start with.

My boy's hand-me-down crib still looks like brand new. This was purchased six years ago - at half the mall's price. Thanks to my good friend from my former office.

The first purchase at Php 6,000 is an old school rocking chair from Market Market's Home Market. Made in Vigan. Something very useful for sleepless nights... and for a not so sleepy baby (oh, please be sleepy!).

 

Slowly getting back into the groove and revisiting my creative side. I miss it a lot.

I will see you a bit often again.