#AWOL

People, I haven't been blogging. I took a break from everything. As in everything. Even BentoMommas took a back seat, and I closed my kitchen for three whole months. Imagine that! I needed a breather. And yet, a breather I did not get.

Took two wrong turns in life, and found myself drowning in self-pity and what-not. But you know, God is good. His grace is forever sufficient, and today, I know exactly why those events had to happen.

So anyway, I am was AWOL. But you are hearing from me today, because I miss writing. I took an almost two-week trip to Sydney last month. Attended the Hillsong Conference and nursed a bad back. Came home with a cold, and a very bad case of acid reflux and IBS. Ouch.

Hillsong Church!

Day 2 of Conference!

Baking at home with my honorary godson, Marcus. Thanks, Maris, for this photo.

Obviously unwell, but loved bonding with KY.

But all is well and yes, I am eating well again. Oops. Today, I got back to BentoMomma duties, and I must say I am a tad rustyyyyy.

Back to bento-making. This one is a Pinkie Pie party for Katniss!

It's been pretty busy at work, and I need to prioritize. Unfortunately, the blog has been on the receiving end of time deprivation. :(

I hope you check back from time to time. And while you're at it, I hope you take time to follow my page on Facebook (and stay updated!).


See you around, Mate!

Change.

Photo from dailystampede.com

Change is good. Or so they say. But as mentioned in my previous post, I am set to overhaul my life and this blog.

The other night, while discussing possibilities with my friend M, an idea popped into my head. You know how you can't really write much if you aren't into something? Well, my blogger friends would agree that you would have to be passionate about something in particular for the words to just flow. The same goes for products that get sent our way. If the product isn't good, how do you find the words to write about it? Anyway, I digress.

My point is, I am no longer passionate about the underlying theme of this blog. I am throwing "First Wives Club" out the window. Not to divulge any details for the reasons behind this, because right now, I do not wish to disclose anything just yet.

So yes, please expect changes. Still on this site, so I do not confuse my readers. Just changing the header and the byline. Will start working on it over the weekend.

Can anyone guess the theme of the new blog?  

Life Update: FREAKING OUT!

If you follow my social media accounts, then you would know that I have been freaking out lately because of recent happenings in my neighborhood. In the past week alone, four people have been killed in our barangay - separate incidents, and on different days, but yes, possibly by the same culprits. What's scary is, a woman in her 20s was killed on OUR STREET! About four or five doors down the road!

I am beyond freaked out. I am more than paranoid. I do not even want to leave the house. In the mornings, when I have to bring A to school, we rush to the car. At night, I sit in my parked car for a few minutes to check on motorcycles passing by our street. I've been cancelling meetings left and right. I want to be home before dark. Earlier tonight, I rainchecked on a guest appearance on Live, Love, Lolz. As much as I want to meet Karrots in person and fulfill BentoMomma duties, I had to think about my safety, and that of my kids. Really, the situation is out of control. I do not care if the mayor says he is on top of it. Right after his radio interview Saturday night, where he assures residents that he has ordered police to catch the perpetrators, another victim falls prey the very next day - and at 9PM! So early! There I was thinking I'd be safe as long as it's early in the evening; I guess not. Nyar.

Already, my mom has been asking me to assess the situation, and maybe move back in with the family for a few months. Sigh.

So readers, may I ask for your prayers? I know that the Lord is in charge, and that His protection covers me and my little family. But just the same, please cover us with prayers.

God is my refuge and strength! (photo from www.wildwoodbytheriver.com)

Psalm 91 (NCV)

Safe in the Lord

Those who go to God Most High for safety

will be protected by the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection.

You are my God and I trust you.”

God will save you from hidden traps

and from deadly diseases.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you can hide.

His truth will be your shield and protection.

You will not fear any danger by night

or an arrow during the day.

You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark

or sickness that strikes at noon.

At your side one thousand people may die, 

or even ten thousand right beside you,

but you will not be hurt.

You will only watch 

 and see the wicked punished.

The Lord is your protection;

you have made God Most High your place of safety.

Nothing bad will happen to you;

no disaster will come to your home.

He has put his angels in charge of you

to watch over you wherever you go.

They will catch you in their hands

so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.

You will walk on lions and cobras;

you will step on strong lions and snakes.

The Lord says, “Whoever loves me, I will save.

I will protect those who know me.

They will call to me,

and I will answer them.

I will be with them in trouble;

I will rescue them and honor them.

I will give them a long, full life,

and they will see how I can save.”

BRB!

I interrupt normal programming with a special message from your blogger. LOL! Seriously, I am going to be absent from the blog for about a week or so. I will try my best to blog when I can, but my week (which actually starts tomorrow) is packed! But of course I will make time to announce the winners for the #HillsongSelfie contest early next week. So stay tuned.

This was supposed to be my weekly schedule, but I got lazy. LOL!

Meanwhile, stay updated! Add me on these social media platforms:

| Facebook: facebook.com/FirstWivesClubBlog
| Twitter: twitter.com/nappyKAYE

| Instagram: instagram.com/momma_makes_imbento

When Life Gets in the Way.

I guess you probably guessed that the last quarter of the year isn't exactly blogging season for me. A lot of things happen during this time, and I always find myself missing from the blog. Truthfully, as much as I want to get some writing done, something or someone would always get in the way.

It started towards the start of October, what with buying duties for the office, A getting Dengue, work overseas, meeting overseas, more buying for the office, the kids' family days in school, Christmas Sale at the office, R coming home, R leaving, R coming home again... You get the picture.

A getting her blood work done for the Dengue NS1 test, which later came out positive!

Work on Superstar Virgo for the Starfield gig.

Meeting with Hillsong in HongKong right when Yolanda hit the Visayas.

Family Day with the BentoMommas!

Today, I promised I'd get some writing done. But as I looked at that sheet of "Things to Write About", I felt I needed to get an explanation out first. Yes, the last quarter of the year will always be busy for me.

And no, I haven't had any Christmas shopping, what more wrapping and delivery, done. So far, I've only been able to plan. RL's birthday is happening next week, and already, I am stressing over how I'm going to get those Bento meals done for, wait for it, 25 people plus maybe one more (23 kids, 1 teacher, 1 teaching assistant and maybe the lady guard up front by the school gate). Just thinking about it is making me regret even texting RL's teacher that I was planning something for Monday.

Then all those parties. Did I mention I haven't done any of my Christmas shopping? I used to get about 80% done by September. Argh!

So yes, life is getting in the way, but do know I am thinking about you, readers. I owe you tons.

Leaving.

...for another trip. Was out for a whole week last week, and the week after that, A was in the hospital with dengue fever.

I would have blogged, only there wasn't free wifi on the ship - yes, ship. Went on a cruise for work (I love my job!). You had to get coffee for wifi (two hours) but there were a hundred and one competitors vying for good signal so I didn't bother. Instead, i savored the seas and the free time.

Anyway, I leave for another 2 days of overseas work today. Meeting a principal at an airport. I know, right?

I'll be back on the blog soon! 

Neglect.

Work has been crazy. I flew to Cebu to merch for The Planetshakers. Came home to a crazy schedule. I've been buying for the stores, managing everything in between that I haven't had time to write. Tomorrow - a holiday - we go buying again. T'is the season to be crazy-busy! Not that I am complaining. I love what I do!

Meanwhile, I have neglected the blog. So sorry. I have a thousand and one things to write about. I apologize for the absence and the delay. I shall get back to writing more regularly once the dust has settled. Meanwhile, I hope you are enjoying October so far. I can't believe we're so close to Christmas!

In other news, life has been good. Busy, but good. 

:) See you around!

The Big Book of Backlog.

I haven't been blogging, I know.
I'm in a spin and my life is a blur.
Let me list down the things on my to-write list.

An easy-to-cook meal helper post.
Forgive me, please, my dear PR friend.
When you invited me, it slipped my mind...
That the brand competes with a brand we own.
And yet I love the product (no longer new, well... NOW),
And I promise I shall write a nice review.

Albeit late.

I hope you understand. I need my day job.

A nice and effective alternative to a great product.
My friend, you forgot to send me that update.

A review on a product I love, but I can't find the photos and the price list.
A new beauty service at a posh salon.
A friend's online store.

Five.
That's not bad
I think.
Plus that talk I attended this week. One I am itching to write about, but just can't because I don't quite have my thoughts in order at the moment.

Am I missing a post I had promised to write for you? Let me know.

In the meantime, I've resolved not to accept any invites to events until I get these out of the way.

OH, TOMORROW, Please be good to me.

Hello!

Why, hello there! I'm alive. In case you've been wondering. Here's a short life update, and an approximation of when to expect me back on the blog. Haha! Yes, I am on hiatus, but only for a few more days.

HOME
I am currently in the middle of cleaning the house. My nanny's kids are back (she drove her cousin-in-law away over the weekend, so I have had to open my home to her two daughters again). Yes, AGAIN! I cannot say how stressed I am with the idea, but you know how it is better to choose the lesser evil? Well, this, right now, is the lesser evil. I am choosing the two kids over hiring a new nanny I do not trust. So yes, I am praying God fixes this situation soon. Meanwhile, I have this itch to start homeschooling the girls. You know, to keep them busy so their mom gets to work.

My neighbor's son has been infected with the Dengue virus. And according to my other neighbor, a nun across the street (we live right across a home run by nuns) has it, too. So I am filled with panic and paranoia. We are cleaning house this week! I am tempted to stay home tomorrow just to clean (or maybe on Wednesday when I'm coded) and declutter.

R was home a couple of weeks ago. Yes, R. I think I made a few wrong turns there, and we both ended up sorry the visit ever happened. RL somehow thinks his dad is this angry man, so he's been refusing to talk to his dad for over a week now. Sigh.

Meanwhile, A received an award for her excellent performance in school last year. I was going to post a photo, but couldn't edit out her full name so raincheck on the picture! Hehe.

My little boy has been enjoying school so far. His teacher says he is able to make friends easily, and likes one girl in particular. Ay-yah!

He loves school! No longer a baby! :'(

imBENTO
So remember my last post? Well, I'm still at it. Blame it on my group of bentoholics. LOL! And I'm actually starting a new blog (please stay tuned) featuring just that - BENTO. I already have a new Instagram account up and running for it, actually: MOMMA_MAKES_IMBENTO.

Here are a few of my recent attempts at making Charaben/Kyaraben.

Veggie Wednesday:
Minion Pesto Bread, Pesto Pasta, Broccoli and Caesar Dressing. 

Sandwich Thursday:
Cheese and Spam Bee-wiches and Hotdog Flowers.

Made this for A when RL didn't have school one Friday.
Nutella Hello Kitty Sandwich, Oreo Cookies and Lemon-drizzled Bananas with a Biscoff dip.

Fruit Tuesday:
Mango Yellow Angry Bird, Red Angry Bird and Rainbow Pancakes with Clara Ole Syrup,
and a Kiwi Minion Pig!

Veggie Wednesday:
Chicken and Mixed Veggie Stir-fry with Rice and a Gouda Cheese Triangle.

Stay tuned for that new blog address!

CARROT FANTASY
I was supposed to post walkthroughs two weeks ago (I've had them on draft for over a week now!) Alas, the new update meant easier Extreme levels! So yes, my walkthroughs are different from actual play now. I wonder, do you still need them? The levels aren't as hard as when the new ones first came out.

~~~

So yep, I've been pretty busy lately. But I did take one Bored Mama Day to hang out with friends down south. I wanna be a "Bored Mama". Sadly, I don't think that's ever gonna happen. LOL!

See you when I get back to the blog by the weekend!

Hello!

I haven't been posting. I know. I have been in a lot of pain the past week. First, it was stomach problems. I've always had tummy problems - a Gastro thing I got from college, and because this is a "lifetime" thing (they say), I got it last week and it was bad. I still think it's because of all those food from Korea, but maybe (I think) my liver is acting up. I need to start eating right.

Photo from bubblews.com

Then, after lunch Friday, my tooth started hurting. I am due for a root canal soon, and my dentist was at a dental convention over the weekend. I wanted to pull my tooth out right away. Let me tell you, I would rather give birth than get a toothache. Ang sakit!!! 

Today, after taking pain medication for the nth time, I finally received word that she can fit me in for that root canal tomorrow! BEST. NEWS. EVER.

So please excuse the absence. I shall blog again when I am no longer in so much pain. Haay!

PRAY FOR ME!

The Week That Was.

I hope you don't hate me by now. I've actually been contemplating shutting this blog down as I have not found time (nor the energy) to blog lately. Aside from work-related stress, Habagat's visit and RL's dengue scare, my heart is in grief over Piero's passing.

Yes, Piero passed away Sunday night last week. If you are a Facebook friend or have been following me on Twitter, then you already know his system shut down after a bad lung infection, septic shock and eventually,  organ failure. I have no words to express my lament, so I will leave you with what I left on his dad's wall:

"At a moment like this, silence seems to be the only emotion that fits. What can we, as mere men say to a grieving shattered heart? We speak today because we have a living hope. Death is no respecter of persons. Death is no respecter of youth. Death is a painful intruder and a pernicious reminder of our human condition. But I stand before you today to declare that we have a living hope and that causes us to rejoice greatly. If your hope today is found in the fact Jesus is no longer entombed... Because He lives, the grieving broken heart has hope, and reason to rejoice." (From the Movie, Courageous*)

If you haven't watched this film, I seriously encourage you to do so. Life is short, as it is also borrowed time. DO NOT WASTE IT. You are only given one chance to make things right. Some people don't even get that chance. Don't miss the boat.

Piero, I imagine you are having a swell time running on Streets of Gold, exploring Huge Mansions, dining with the King of Kings, and listening to stories while sitting on the Father's lap. Give Him a hug for me.

Fly high, Piero. Fly high.


*Collector's Edition Courageous DVDs are available at House of Praise Stores. 

Excuse the Absence...

...but my daughter has exams.

UPDATE!

I haven't blogged in weeks. Well, blogged-blogged, that is. I've been so busy with work and tutoring duties that after all that is done (oftentimes, it's late at night), I'm too tired to get out the laptop to write. That, plus the Blogger app on the iPhone/iPad isn't photo friendly.

So yeah, sorry. I know I have a ton of backlog to finish. Plus that Blogger Giveaway still needs a few installments! Argh!

I have a couple of events this weekend, but I hope to be able to write soon.

Birthday Blowout - DAY 5!

HERE'S ANOTHER ONE FROM HOUSE OF PRAISE!

There is a good reason why I love Citipointe LIVE. Back in 2009, right in the middle of the R Controversy, I went touring with this group from Brisbane, Australia. It was their first time in the Philippines, and they went around Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Manila.

Stu, on the jeepney in Dumaguete. Joel and the rest of the team inside.

The members became my friends. Most of whom stood with me in prayer during THAT difficult time in my life.

Eek photo, but yea, friends from Brisbane, Australia.
The girls (Cathy and Becky) bending down to my tiny self. LOL! #iLove.

Playing fan girl with Joel Ramsey.

With lead singer and Citipointe Church's Worship Pastor, Aaron Lucas. 

I have many more photos from recent tours, but 2009 is closest to my heart. These people actually prayed for me, and I will never forget that.

Here's your chance to own not one, but TWO signed CDs (CD+DVD, actually) from Citipointe LIVE! The folks at House of Praise (wait, that's me, LOL!) have generously given us 5 signed Devoted CDs (Citipointe LIVE's best-selling album) and 5 signed Hope Is Erupting CDs (their latest release).

There will be 5 winners, winning one set each - 1 Devoted CD + 1 Hope is Erupting CD, both signed by the members of Citipointe LIVE!

Rafflecopter is scheduled for June 9, 12:01 EST. That means, you can start joining this promo around lunch time, Saturday. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Facebook: /HouseofPraise
Twitter: @MyHouseOfPraise 

5 BLOWOUT DAYS down, 9 more to go! Yay!

Birthday Blowout - DAY 4!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Can't believe it's time for school again. Pretty soon, it'll be basketball season. In our household, school spirit is split 50/50. We have blue bloods and the green ones. My youngest brother and I come from the school on the hill, where bright Loyola colors fly. KY and my other brother... well, they're green blooded. LOL!

I guess you can say I'm torn in between. They're both great schools. But since KY went to DLSU, I guess it's fair to say I'm neutral. Hehe. Anyway, KY and her bff KA started GREEN BLOODED as a school project - pretty much the same way my brother started his shirt company. Today, GBT or Green Blooded Tees is a full-fledged business. Yep, two young girls pursuing their dream. I guess it runs in the family - this T-shirt thing. LOL!

Anyway, for Day 4, we have Green Blooded Tees, who generously gave us 5 sets - each consisting of a shirt and a lanyard.

3 sets Religio Mores Shirt  + DLSU Lanyard,
and 2 sets DLSU Shirt + DLSU Lanyard! 

Raffle will be in this order:

Religio Mores SMALL Shirt + DLSU Lanyard

Religio Mores SMALL Shirt + DLSU Lanyard

Religio Mores MEDIUM Shirt + DLSU Lanyard

DLSU SMALL Shirt + DLSU Lanyard

DLSU MEDIUM Shirt + DLSU Lanyard

Get as much as 15 entries for this giveaway! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posting Day 5 in a few minutes; Stay tuned!

BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT DAY 4 IS BEING BROUGHT TO YOU BY GREEN BLOODED TEES! (Thank you, girls!)

http://www.facebook.com/greenbloodedtees

http://twitter.com/GreenBloodedTs

Birthday Blowout - DAY 3!

CAN YOU SAY KIKKOMAN?

Well, Day 3 is all about the world's leading soy sauce brand - Kikkoman. In the middle of writing that post about Kikkoman's NEW! Gourmet-nator, I got serious cravings for Chicken and Pork Adobo. Or steak. Or Humba. Anything tasty, please! Bah! Did you hear your tummy call out for food as well? LOL! Don't blame me. I am writing this post at 3am, and I AM HUNGRY!

So anyway, down to business... today, I am giving out 5 Kikkoman Gifts Packs - each comes with a 250ml bottle of Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade with Honey and Soy plus! a 1-liter bottle of Kikkoman Standard Soy Sauce!

WIN 1 OF 5 KIKKOMAN GIFT PACKS FOR BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT DAY 3!

You know the drill. Rafflecopter will draw 5 winners after about 3 days. Remember, the more Rafflecopter options you fulfill, the more chances you get to win this prize. You MUST be able to pick up (or have a representative do so) your prize from a House of Praise store.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 Days down, 11 more Blowout Days to go. Yay!

Birthday Blowout Day 3 has been brought to you by KIKKOMAN - Over 300 Years of Excellence; Over 300 Years of transforming everyday dishes to gourmet. 

Kikkoman's Corner on Facebook
www.kikkoman.com

Birthday Blowout - DAY 2!

TODAY'S BLOWOUT IS FROM HOUSE OF PRAISE!

I've been working for Praise for almost 5 years already. I must admit I was reluctant at first, as I've always done better with food products. But this is God's business, and our family's ministry. It's awesome to see God work in the hearts of people through music. My dad's dream was to unite all churches through Christian Music. When at first, it seemed impossible; Today, our music is being sung for mass and worship services alike. When my daughter came home one day excited to announce that they sang "One Way" (Hillsong United) for First Friday Mass, in a conservative Catholic school at that, I knew we were achieving purpose. I am honored to be part of His mission.

Today, I will be giving out SIGNED (Yes, signed!) CDs of Delirious? Farewell Show, Live in London. These CDs have been signed by no other than Martin Smith, composer and lead singer of the defunct band Delirious?! Now, doesn't that fact make these CDs extra special? Hehe.

Win 1 of 5 Delirious? Farewell Show: Live in London CDs signed by Martin Smith! 

Like yesterday's blowout, I have 5 prizes to giveaway. Join this blowout via Rafflecopter below. If you joined yesterday's blowout, NO WORRIES! You can join this one, too, and the 12 other blowouts coming to you this month. You can win once per blowout day, so keep those entries coming!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have a BONUS Q only readers of this blog would know. YOU HAVE TO GET THE RIGHT ANSWER or your bonus entries will not be included in the raffle. :) Hehehe. Also, please make sure you follow through with leaving a comment on this blog post (entry 1). You will be asked to input a security number! So far, I only have one valid comment.

https://www.facebook.com/houseofpraise
https://twitter.com/myhouseofpraise

Birthday Blowout - DAY 1!

TODAY IS GETBLUED/ THE 12TH MAN DAY.

Win 1 of 5 GetBlued or The 12th Man merchandise! Make sure you follow all instructions below to get the maximum number of entries.

Prize 1 - Medium

Prize 2

Prize 3

Prize 4

Prize 5:  Large

How to join? Get as much as 10 entries to this giveaway! Check out Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's Blowout has been brought to you by my brother's shirt companies (hehe!). The prizes come in specific sizes (shirts) and cannot be exchanged for another size or prize. You must be able to pick up your prize from any House of Praise Store (Panay, SM North Edsa, V-Mall, Robinson's Galleria, SM Megamall, St. Francis Square or Festival Supermall).

Thank you, K, M and Sioti K of KCube.

https://www.facebook.com/getblued.ateneo
https://www.facebook.com/12thManFutbolPH

But that's not all! I have more to give away. Come back everyday to check for the next blowout!

Yay! Happy Birthday to me!

Missing!

I've been swamped the past two weeks! You can't imagine how I can possibly fit everything in 24-hour days! But I've managed - only this blog had to suffer. I AM trying to get everything back on track though. (Can you feel the stress? Lol!)

Today, I took a break for a few hours because my missing-in-action friend and colleague FINALLY visited after four years! FINALLY!!! (can't reiterate that enough)

H used to work for us, but left to work for her church. She's been very instrumental in how I changed my outlook on dealing with a verbally abusive spouse, and I praise God we crossed paths once upon a time. Today, after four long years, she came for a visit, and D and I took time off to catch up!

I miss the good ol' days. Especially those times when we had at least 3 people to share the workload in the office. Haha! If I had this team with me today, I wouldn't be missing out so much on blogging and keeping this blog updated. Lol!

But I WILL be back this week! With a bang, nonetheless! Watch out! You wouldn't want to miss my comeback!

Happy MOM's Day!

Photo from: 1800baskets.com

I am having a very busy week. So let me go ahead and greet all my mommy friends a Happy Mother's Day! (Lest I forget to drop by tomorrow)

Cheers to all the self-sacrificing, selfless, nurturing, loving, compassionate, hardworking and beautiful mothers out there! YOU ARE LOVED AND BLESSED!

Proverbs 31:28 "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."


PS. I will be back on the blog on Monday. :) Have a great weekend!