Saturday 17 October 2015

Pregnancy - First Trimester

Last week marked the end of my first trimester.  Some books said that first trimester is up to 14 weeks but my doctor said it's 12 weeks, so I will go with 12 weeks.

I can't say that I had an easy first trimester but hearing from other's I think, I am still among the blessed ones. I only got sick (threw up) thrice so far.  I feel great every time I wake up, but as the day progresses I am starting to feel nauseous and it gets pretty bad in the evening.  I have heightened sense of smell that leads to nausea.  I often joked that my sense of smell can probably solve a crime these days.  Also, I have to deal with frequent urination, bloating, constipation and vivid dreams.

I don't have extreme mood swings.  I maybe irritable at times (lalo na pag may makulit) but most days I am in good mood, I am happy that I am pregnant and maybe I just don't want to get mad or upset because I am thinking there will be an adverse effect to the baby.  I just hope this will last throughout my pregnancy, rational mind over hormonal changes haha.  Just one thing I noticed, I am more blunt these days, I can say things without sugar coating kahit di galit.   Also, I am more clingy to Dennis, pinaglilihian ko yata.  I have no cravings and there' a lot that I don't like to eat and smell and that includes RICE! yes rice, which is super weird.

Even now that I am over 13 weeks I am still feeling most of these.  Hope I will feel a lot better in the coming days.

No weight gain yet because I can barely eat.  My doctor said I'm still okay but should try to eat more.  I didn't know that it is imperative for pregnant women to gain a certain weight in every trimester. But I am happy that "eating for two" is a myth, just my normal diet plus more fruits and vitamins.




On my 12th week.
I know it will come but I can't wait to have a proper bump.  Right now it's just weird, I'm  barely showing in the morning but my tummy is literally 3-4 inches bigger in the evening, it's super tight and uncomfortable then it will deflate in the morning. I was concerned so I asked my doctor about this and she said bloating is very common specially in early pregnancy.  So I guess I just have to deal with it. :) 

   



Thursday 17 September 2015

In God's perfect time

Cautiously sharing this great news.

With CGA (was trying to finish before deadline) and other things in the way, we just prayed for God's will and right time to have a baby.  June, I wrote my last exams.  Two weeks after CGA confirmed that I passed, we found out that we're expecting.  Yay!





We also tested with pink dye. Haha


September 8th we saw our baby's heartbeat.  Ang saya!



God's timing is always perfect, never early never late.  We just need to wait because He has greater plans for us.  

Dennis and I will appreciate your prayers for healthy pregnancy, baby and delivery. 

Thank you Jesus for this wonderful gift. =)

Tuesday 15 September 2015

It's official

Yes, it's a big deal.  I am super happy that it's all done.  It was not an easy journey but all the hard work and sacrifices have finally paid off. Thank you Jesus!







Friday 28 August 2015

Visiting Ontario

The travel bug won't go away, specially now that it's summer.  I wish we have unlimited time and budget for travel.  :) :)


I am getting questions about our Ontario trip.  How we managed to visit Toronto, Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Ottawa by air and not renting a car when we were there.. Is it expensive to fly?  Was it convenient?  and so on... 

Driving is not an option for us.  We just took one week off from work and Winnipeg to Toronto is 21 hour-drive , one way.  Also, if we will consider the long drive costs ---food, hotel, gas, value of our leave credits (work leave extension to cover travel time)--- we will not save a cent and it’s super tiring.  Another thing,  Mom and Dad were with us on this trip and they don't enjoy long drives. 

This post is just a guide, I won't be very detailed because planning your own trip, doing your own itinerary, googling where to go, what to see, where to eat, what bus to catch are far more enjoyable than just going with the flow.


Airfare
Canadian flights tend to be expensive but I believe I got my money's worth on the airfare I found with Air Canada, it was multi-city for $511 (includes taxes) per person.


Toronto
While in Toronto, we used the city tour bus, hop-on hop-off,  that would allow us to explore the city at our own pace. The tour guides were really friendly and they gave us inputs on how to manage time and what are the best places to see.   I believe it's the best way to explore the city if it is your first time.  With the tour bus you won't waste your time figuring out where to go, what to see and how to get there. http://citysightseeingtoronto.com/
We picked these stops: Eaton Center, Casa Loma, CN Tower, and Harbourfront for the Island Cruise.
One day is not enough to visit all the attractions but that's all the time we got.   Tip! Don't miss the Island Cruise, it will give you a great view of Toronto's skyline.





 View from the Island Cruise Boat


Toronto Skyline
View from the Island Cruise Boat



Casa Loma

Niagara Falls
Going to Niagara we took the megabus, that was only $18 per person. Our friend in Toronto dropped us off to the terminal. It was an easy and very convenient trip.  Megabus customer service is great, you can ask questions through email if you have questions like luggage allowances and stops. 
In Niagara falls, most attractions are "walkable"  but if you like to navigate the neighboring parks and wants to go to Niagara-on-the-Lake they have a tourist bus system called WEGO.  At $7 you can hop-on-hop-off the bus for 24 hours.  There's so much to do in Niagara falls my highlight was the Hornblower cruise ($26 per person) to the falls (Maid of the Mist for those in the U.S side).  It was one breathtaking experience.  



Canadian Side of the Falls

America Side of the Falls


This picture is showing the Hornblower (Red raincoats)
and Maid of the Mist (Blue Raincoats)


Niagara-on-the-Lake
This is one charming town, the shops are so cute,  we really enjoyed our short stroll here.    Going to Niagara-on-the-Lake there is an additional fare on top of wego's $7 a day pass, you can take a look on their website for the rates.




Going back to Toronto to catch our flight to Ottawa we took a cab worth around $200, not the most economical route but we were thinking about convenience.   We decided not to take the bus because it will be another taxi ride from megabus' terminal to the airport.  We will only save around $50, plus the inconvenience with all our luggages.


Ottawa
I really love Ottawa, I can see myself living in this city.  It's kinda laid back but not too quiet.   Our Hotel is in Gatineau, Quebec.  Gatineau is only a bridge away from downtown Ottawa but hotels are a lot cheaper on that side.

Airport-Hotel is around $30 taxi ride.

Again, we use hop-on hop-off bus to see the city.  We were able to see the Governor's house, Parliament, Byward market, pass by the PM house, and visit some Museums.



Ottawa - Gatineau

Parliament

 Rideau hall




We did all these for seven days, that include travel times.  It was so much fun!


Linked above:

Toronto Hop-on Hop-off Bus
WEGO
Megabus 
Ottawa Hop-on Hop-off Bus


**This post is not sponsored




Sunday 31 May 2015

Closet remix

We had great church today, I am so blessed on how the little kids were worshipping during altar.  It was so pure, priceless!
Matthew 18:3 "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

We didn't sing this at church this morning but this song's been in my head all day.  I am just so thankful for God's mercy.  This is an old song called Mercy Saw Me  you can go directly to 1:25 to listen.  I really love this, I hope it will touch your heart like it did mine.

To the outfit, these are old pieces again.  I don't promote regular expensive shopping.  Stretch your closet, remix!
Not trying to go all model status, just having fun blogging :)

It was pretty nice today, very sunny and not humid at all. I wish it will be like this every single day.  Haha. 

I got the top from suzyshier they have some modest clothes, just look.  The skirt was from Winners
owned this for over two years.



Do you like stretching your closet or you love shopping all the time? :)

By the way, If you want to monetize you blog, use this link to apply to revenue hits.

Sunday 24 May 2015

Pentecost Sunday

Today we are celebrating Pentecost Sunday.  Pentecost is real!

Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)

 When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

I want to share this song for this week: Like a Fire

Be blessed!

What I wore today, mint and floral :)





Blazer (repeat) from Forever21, Blouse from Urban Planet, Skirt from Sears, Purse (linked similar) Michael Kors, Shoes (linked similar) Le Chateau




Tuesday 28 April 2015

Simple Pleasures

There are so many things around us that we fail to notice because of our busy lifestyle.  We are too focused on our daily tasks and errands that we missed to appreciate those what we think are trivial.  I have learned though that it is the simple pleasures that are more enjoyable.  When I discovered that mixed jackfruit and coconut bubble tea was so good, I was ecstatic and hubby thought I was silly.   It is very important to pause and appreciate God's goodness on little things.  That's why, most weekends me and Dennis love to drive around, have some frap or bubble tea,  sometimes we park somewhere, talk, laugh and just appreciate things.  I find this more enjoyable than shopping and it's way cheaper, right?  Bonus part,  now it's not hard to find where to take outdoor outfit photos because we've already known some unique places from these weekend drives.  Though I appreciate the "likes" and sweet messages I get from social media,  I find that the backstory of our photos are more enjoyable.

Last Sunday, I was telling Dennis I want to go to a pond to take photos, while driving he saw this artwork.  It's on a far end of a school, for sure people just ignore this piece of art.  Well,  we love art.  We don't know the basics of painting, we just love to hang around on art galleries (specially during festivals when fees are waived) appreciate those great works and make our own weird interpretations on abstract arts.

So, back to the artwork,  when he said he wants to take pictures there I was hesitant because my outfit blended well on the painting colors, I might be lost somewhere in the picture.  But anyway, I guess it turned out well, you just need to find me because it seems I became part of the painting.  :)


These are old pieces,  I just shopped in my closet then mix and match!

We still went to a pond nearby and again my turquoise blazer matches the water and the sky. 




Finally, from the message last Sunday, I have this song in my head  :  Glorious Day (linked).  
When my heart is overwhelmed  I just think that one day at the sound of the trumpet  we will see Jesus!  What a Glorious day that will be!

Friday 24 April 2015

Matchy-matchy

According to Wikipedia this word was just  recently added to the dictionary. It is a term that describes an outfit that is too color or pattern coordinated.  According to some designers matching too much is not a good thing, my take on it, as long as you are comfortable with what you are wearing, it's modest and you think it works then go for it!  What I am about to write is just my personal taste. Everyone has its own style and preference, others don't even care about fashion at all.  I am no fashion guru I just love putting outfits together, reading style books/magazines and  browsing pinterest.  I don't always get it right but I am trying.

Personally, I am not a fan of matching purse and shoes, I think it's boring and dated.  Well, I want to break my own rule and tried matching, red purse and flats! I think it works if there is one complementary(contrast) colour in the outfit, on this one it's mint green.  If my top was also red that would be another story.  What I really love in an outfit is "pop of color"  (been doing this even before it becomes a trend) and color blocking (I am now braver to be able to do this).  Of course the classic black outfits, specially with pop of color, is still on my list.   

This was last week, it was windy and sunny, perfect weather!
Is it nice to just chill and relax to that bench on a pretty afternoon like this?










Thanks for stopping by! :)


Note: My blog recently qualified for adsense, not all ads on my blog reflect my views and beliefs (e.g. daring clothes...).  I did filter what I want to appear but what google posts is beyond my control.

Tuesday 21 April 2015

Visiting Alberta

Highlight of 2014 was my parents' six-month visit here in Canada.  We had the chance to show them the beauty of this country.  Alberta is one of my favorite places so we can't skip that. Just can't get enough of Banff and Jasper Rockies, last summer was my second time in Banff and I am still in awe.  As expected, my parents were also in love with the place.

Alberta trip


Lake Minnewanka, Banff

Gondola

Lake Louise
one of my favorite places on earth :)

Lake Bow
so picturesque (love!)

On our way to Jasper, I think that's a moose (just beautiful!)

Glacier at Jasper

Mom and Dad at Jasper Skywalk
(This is a newer interest in Jasper, you will be walking on a glass and below you is a cliff!) -linked-

It was super fun!!!

Sunday 19 April 2015

Floral Craze

The previous week was crazy, I had to finished couple of cases for CGA. Sorry if I don't have a decent entry this week.  Blogging is my happy distraction, reading accounting cases every single day is so stressful.  I love weekends because at least I have couple of hours for myself and hubby.  

It was raining all day today, so no chance to do some outdoor photos.

I love the floral dress I wore, it's spring(y) and really pretty.  The fabric is very comfortable and nice.  I got this from Alexa, my sister in law.  If you are in the Philippines visit our facebook online store, Renda and Alexa's Collection, current available clothing items are from Alexa's supplier. They got really beautiful dresses. 



Mirror selfie for a closer look.


The recessed lights in our house are not really helping us to get a nice photo (re: shadow).  I am not good in figuring out the manual settings in our camera. 

Verse of the week:  Parable of the compassionate Father (Prodigal Son), Luke 15:11-32
Song of the week: The Greatness of our God


Have a great week ahead! :)

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Skirt girl

Do I mind wearing skirts all the time? If you ask me now, I don't mind at all, but when I was still in school, being young (and let's be honest, we all want to fit in) there were times that I was affected negatively with those weird stares and persistent questions why I never wear pants.  I am not frumpy back then but not stylish either.  So, every time I am tempted to go buy some pants I just remember what the bible says about being disobedient and reminded myself that I am just simply obeying what is written in His Word. 
Ephesians 5:6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 
Deuteronomy 22:5:  A woman shall not wear man's clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.


It maybe hard but if you surround yourself with the right people it gets easier. I have great supportive friends from my high school and college years.  We respect and we are considerate with each other's  beliefs. In our walk with God, it is really important to be in the right circle.

Some may think that skirts are too old-fashioned, I have to disagree!  I believe that we can be stylish (in skirts) without sacrificing modesty. Let me borrow this line: "Being modest doesn't have to be frumpy".  It's a good idea to know our church specific "dress code" and work around it.  Skirts are fun and there are so many style possibilities and believe me when you get used to it, it is comfortable.  Please don't get me wrong, there's no need to be overly vain, I am just trying to point out that not able to wear pants is a shallow reason to drift away from  our Faith.  Let's embrace what we believe and be proud to be a Skirt Girl!  I am a happy Skirt Girl!!!  :) :) :)              

This is what I wore last Sunday, skirt and purse are the only current ones.  The rest are older,  I just love to mix and match to stretch my closet.

Top is older from SmartSet, A-line Skirt from the clearance section of Rickis, Blazer is one of the oldest things in my closet, this is one of those pieces that I am willing to pay a little bit more because I want it to lasts, I believe I own this for five years already! Floral Shoes is older from Stitches' clearance, got it for $10, not the most comfortable pair of shoes I have but not too bad, let's say I last praise singing in these and was jumping during altar 'high-powered' songs last Sunday.  Purse from Call it Spring , got it for $20.99 during Easter weekend sale (linked).



Color blocking is just so fun!

I got so much traffic here in my blog since I shared it publicly last Friday.  Thank you for you kind words via google, facebook and instagram, I really appreciate it.  You can leave comments here and say hi! :)
I turned off the google+ comment widget so everyone can leave a message even without a google account, unfortunately all comments from my previous post are gone.  Sorry :(  Just so you know, I didn't delete your comments. 

Friday 10 April 2015

Easter Sunday 2015


We know that Easter is not all about eggs, bunnies, chocolates and pretty clothes.  It is the best time to celebrate God's love for us.  Jesus died for us and overcame the grave,  He is alive!
"1 Peter 2:24(NIV) He himself bore our sins, in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”

We had a great three-day Revival services with Evangelist Tim Greene.  I won't forget Friday's message, it was about Faith!  Sometimes we don't walk on waters and tend to put a timeline on everything. The message was a great reminder that God works in His own perfect time we just need to believe.  The song we sang for altar is still in my head (as of writing), you may want to listen "Ocean" from Hillsong.  I was scheduled to lead worship for Friday but also sang Saturday and Sunday to cover for someone.  It was all good, anything for God!

To this outfit, It's Easter, it's spring, so it's time to be colorful.  It's just funny how I love colors now,  at some point, my outfits are mostly black.  That time, when you open my closet all you see are black and white.  How boring! I still love black but been adding colors to my outfits specially for spring and summer.



Shades is old I can't even remember where it's from, Top and Skirt from Urban Planet and are under $15 each (cheap!) Blazer from the clearance section of Forever21, Watch from Suzy Shier,  Purse from Guess and Shoes from Aldo.
Sorry I can't linked them because the only current ones in this outfit are the coral top and floral skirt and I can't find them on the Urban Planet website.  I bought them in store.  I love this top it hides my tummy (haha I know I need to exercise).
If you know me, I am budget conscious, I will look at the clearance section first, will use coupons and will find promo codes.  I rarely pay full price. :)  I may splurge on purses/bags and shoes but never on clothes.

When wearing a top like this, be careful when its windy.  I have an inner cami so we're safe here hah!






Credit to hubs for taking these pictures.