Where did time go?

I was browsing through my hard drive and saw my son's dedicated folder.  I browsed through the gazillion photos that I took of him ever since he was a baby and boy did it make me nostalgic!  I look at him now and I cannot fathom that I already have a very energetic toddler.

Once a upon a time he was this tiny little creature, so fragile at 5.10 pounds.  All he did was cry, sleep and drink milk.  Those days seemed like eternity and my husband and I were itching to get some normalcy in our lives (in the sleeping department, that is).  Well, that took quite a while .  But those sleepless nights, although it sucked out all our energies, were actually the times that I treasure the most. There was somehow a sense of calmness despite all the crying.  I felt like I could be anything and would do anything for my son.

As he turned one, we have already established his sleeping habits. When the clock strikes nine, he's a goner.  Sleepless nights were replaced by never ending  muscle pains as he attempted to explore the world with his own two feet, with us trying to run after him.  He learned the alphabet and numbers and attended his very first summer class.  I was one proud teary eyed momma during his 'graduation day' as I watched him perform the songs that they learned in class.

He is now two and I honestly need to keep up with his energy, which has made me think about how physically fit I am now a days (more on that on a separate post).   He is starting to affirm his independence.  As a mother, all I can do is try to let him be and explore the world on his own even if I am already at the edge of my seat, wanting to help him or do it for him.  


Soon, he will be going to school, have friends of his own. One day, his hands will no longer look for mine in every step that he makes. And so now that I have all the time to be with him, I am trying to savor every moment of it, regardless how annoying sometimes he can get.

To my little Pippo, do not be in a hurry to grow up. May you learn to enjoy your childhood and be able to appreciate the simple things that make life worth living. Remember that I will forever be your greatest fan. To me and you Dad, you are already perfect and we are truly blessed to have you. We love you so much!

From birth to three months.  Look at the (weight) transition.

Barely a year old.  Stopping to smell the orchids in the garden.

At Summer school, climbing the fence!

  

Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Below is a guest post from Michele Gill of  mommybloggerdirectory.com.  Cool ways on how to save money on school supplies!

Ways to Save on Back-to-School ShoppingProviding your children with the appropriate supplies for school may seem simple, but each year it seems that parents are required to buy more notebooks, more pencils and more miscellaneous items that teachers feel are essential for students. Fortunately, it is also possible to save by following a few simple tricks.

Buy in Bulk

Items like pencils, notebooks and tape do not go bad, so it is possible to purchase a large number of items and stock up for several years. Buying in bulk will help bring down the per-unit cost so that the actual expense for each item is reasonable. 

Purchase Non-Brand Name Items

Instead of reaching for the big brands, select a store brand or an off-brand alternative. Crayons, colored pencils and similar items will have the same basic colors, even if the brand is different.

Buy it Used

If it is necessary to purchase a book for reading projects or similar items, then buy it used or check it out from the library. The cost of new books can add up, but used copies are usually a fraction of the cost.

It is not necessary to spend a small fortune on back-to-school notebooks, folders and pencils. By taking measures to cut back, it will be easier to stay in budget. Also keep in mind, many banks offer cash back rewards on their credit cards. Take advantage of these types of programs.

Mommy Eats: Gavino's Japanese Donuts

I came to discover Gavino's from a friend, who I bumped into SM Megamall one Saturday afternoon.  She made me taste the mochi-like donut.  I liked the unique texture (gooey and oh so chewy) and the fact that unlike other donuts out there, it not too sweet!

I  quickly headed to their kiosk at the Basement of building B, just outside the entrance of SM's Department store and ordered away!  The donuts come in 24 flavors and are very affordable.  Price for the regular donuts are at P29 a piece, the premium donuts at P39 a piece and the mochi balls at  P15 a piece.  If you order by the bulk, it comes out cheaper.  

I ordered the choco almond, glazed, strawbery sprinkle, green tea cheesecake, old fashioned cinnamon and choco crunched.  I have always loved my donuts plain and boring and that's why the Glazed donut topped my list.  For me, no amount of fancy flavors can hide a good donut.  My little R on the other hand devoured the Old fashioned cinnamon donut like there was no tomorrow (and that was because I was also taking a bite on his donut).  They also have mochi balls, which I believe are the mini version of the donuts.  In addition to that, they also sell coffee and chocolate drinks! Perfect combination, a must say.

I did some research to find out where Gavino's originated.  I did not know that it is not an international franchise. The owners were inspired by their travels in several Asian countries that  served such donuts.   They started selling these babies at the Mercato Centrale weekend market two years ago and because of the demand, they have expanded their business and now have five branches.

Alright, I am now salivating and craving again! Boy am I glad that these pon de rings have found their way to Manila.  I now have a go to place to satisfy my donut cravings!

                       

                                      

  

                                      

Find your way to the Gavino's branch nearest you!

Quezon City:

Unit 5, Greenhills Town Center, 2 Granada Street, Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City

808 Banawe Avenue, Quezon City

Ground Floor, Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato, cor. Scount Madrinan, Quezon City

Manila:

4/F Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place, Ermita, Manila

Mandaluyong:

Lower Ground Floor, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City

Lower Ground Floor, Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

Mommy Eats: Maple

I completely forgot to post pictures of the desserts that we ordered from Maple Shangri-la!  Shame on me.  Maple is Pancake house's high-end sister restaurant.  For me, a visit to Maple will not be complete without pancakes, being that Pancake House is one of our favorite restaurants for ages.  They just serve  the best pancakes (second is the Maya hotcake mix, hahah).We were just there for dessert and ordered the Bourbon Bread Pudding and Maple Buttermilk Pancakes with coffee.  Yum!  Boy were we in dessert heaven.

Bourbon Bread Pudding

Maple Buttermilk pancakes with coffee.