DIY: Nativity Popsicle Sticks Ideas

Christmas is one of the exciting seasons in the year that ideas for DIY projects are simply unlimited!  Ohh, if only I have moooooore time.  Anyway, to remain true in the spirit & meaning of Christmas, I'm thinking of an easy and fun Christmas craft for my children in church with The Nativity in mind.  And what better way than to start with ready materials like the Popsicle sticks, right?

Wearable Art at Arte Pilipino

Looking for a unique wear or gift idea for Christmas? 

Sparkling Wine Ice Cream Float Experiment w/ Spy Wine Cooler

Thinking of something different for your Christmas drinks?  How about a sparkling wine ice cream float?  I know it sounds silly.  It was really just a crazy thought but after we tried it, eureka!

XX Days Before Christmas

Family + Friends = LOVE

Ohh, dear! Less than a month to go before Christmas.  Here's my list of things to do for before this festive season.  I know it's a bit late for this, but better late than never, right? 

1.  Clean House & Decorate

De-clutter to accommodate new things!  Can you believe last year's unwrapped gifts are still in our storage?  The fabulous diy Christmas tree is still in the works... I wonder if it'll materialize this year? But more importantly, all I want for Christmas is a spick-and-span house (including the walk-in-closet)

2.  Make a Christmas List & Budget

Christmas bonuses and 13th month pay are great but got to think long term.  In prep for next year's expenses, H & I will have to be creative with our gifts this year.  God help me with H's Christmas wish! x_X

3.  Calendar Events

Plan activities & prioritize to save on fuel, time, and money.  Consolidate events if possible, help plan events to manage expenses, and focus on things that will last - friendship, family & food? Lol

4.  Start window shopping & placing orders

Oh my.  

5.  Start on my dream board for 2013

More importantly, have a personal quiet time where I can start visualizing my 2013.  Then, start putting those thoughts to a collage or drawing book.  What I've learned about dreams/visions lately- "if I can see it (clearly), I can do it!"

How's your holiday prep doing?

Ohhthat! by Tin 

Photo Source: http://www.imagovitaphotography.net

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H's Christmas Wish

First, he wanted rubber shoes for running.  We bought a matching pair.

Then, he wanted sports attire.  His sister took care of it.

Now, he wants a folding bike.

I faint.

DIY Christmas Tree Ideas 2012

We still don't have a Christmas tree this year. But I'm glad H finally agreed to have a DIY tree as long as I don't spend a penny on it. Hay, pressure!  

Fact vs Truth

 A 'lil personal thought-trail today:

Fact: I'm sick

Truth: My God is able & willing to heal me.  I am healed in Jesus' name 

(Isaiah 53:5)

Fact: I am broke

Truth:  My God owns all the heavens and the earth. I am supplied with all my needs 

(Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33)

Fact:  Circumstances around me are just not right

Truth: My God is in control.  I am safe, I loved, I am His 

(Romans 8:28;  Jeremiah 29:11)

Today is God's gift to me, therefore it will end good & perfect!

Onward, soldier

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Fish To-Go by Chuck's Grub

Chuck's Grub Fish & Chips

Hallelujah for fish!  With all these chicken feasting lately, I feel I'm going to blurt tiktilaok (coo-coo in English) anytime now.

Modern Filipiniana Inspiration

(Left) Full skirts made of silk organdy by Danilo Franco (Right) Feminine blouse in floral/lacey details based on men's formal Barong Tagalog and bias-cut full skirt by JC Buendia

I'm planning for a modern filipiniana inspired-look for a costume party in the office. Instead of the usual terno or baro't saya , I'm hoping to put an edgy contemporary twist into it.    

Tingnan natin hanggang saan kayanin ng fashion-fasyonan powers ko! ;-)

Suddenly It's Magic

What can I say, Mario Maurer & Erich Gonzales' upcoming Fil-Thai romantic flick is sooo kyoot!

"Suddenly It's Magic" is produced by Star Cinema and will be released on October 31, 2012 in the Philippines.  I wonder if my husband will watch with me? Something to look forward to sa undas! 

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F&B World Summit 2012

Hi Loves!  Feels like ages since I last posted, how have you been?  Anyway, I received an interesting invite from F&B World Magazine for all the foodies here in Manila, that I can't just simply keep to myself .

On October 4, 2012 (Thursday), F&B World Magazine will be having F&B World Summit 2012 “Providing Quality Service & Beyond: Professionalizing the Foodservice Industry” at the Glorietta Activity Center from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Its a once-a-year event showcasing the latest trends in the food service industry.  Guests can look forward to food tasting, seminars, and new products to enhance food production.   Best of all, registration is free!

Are You A Foodie?

"You're a foodie, right?" Mike tells Rachel, then explains "because you're the only person I've ever seen who order shrimp, red pepper, and goat cheese pizza." - Mike Ross in Suits (TV Series) Season 1 Episode 3 "Inside Track" of USA Network
 

So what makes one a foodie? What are the signs you're definitely (or a border-line) foodie?  

Life Journal: He Knows My Name

"I am not forgotten, God knows my name"

This line from Israel Houghton's I Am Not Forgotten song really spoke to me this week.  As Psalms 139 says, God is mindful about everything and anything in our lives. He has known us from the start, and have destined awesome things for us.  And even if we are in our darkest & messiest pit right now, He is still with us.   We are not forgotten.  He knows our name, and continually sees us as His beloved.

Have a blessed Sunday & a great week ahead! :)

Tin

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A Bucket of Sun, Beach, & Surf on a Rainy Day

Sunrise Buckets.  Live. Love. Laugh.

Chicken again?  After the emergence of chicken restaurants in Manila from Mang Inasal & Manang's Chicken to foreign concepts like Chicken Charlies & Bonchon, I thought I've had enough Gallus domesticus this year already.   As in, quota na ako!

I Dream of Choco

Rainy days makes me long for Mary Grace's thick & creamy hot chocolate drink.  Just the thought of it now, gives me a warm comfort, something like snuggling with my husband under the bed sheets while listening to the wind & rain drops outside (ang drama!).

What We Did in The Mind Museum

Science Explorers for the Day

[SPOILER ALERT] Some scenes may hamper your experience in the museum.  But for the curious folks, here's a sneak peek of our The Mind Museum adventure. :D

First time of many bites!

Magnum Ice Cream - Belgian Chocolate Covered Icecream Bar

Life Journal: Let all says so!

(I am) Loved. Redeemed.

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His loving-kindness lasts forever!  

Let the people who have been saved say so. 

He has bought them and set them free from the hand of those who hated them." 

Psalm 107:2

I believe this picture speaks louder than words.  

Thank you Lord for Your unfailing love that sets us free!

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Basic Sewing Stitches A Girl Should Know

One of the valuable life-skills I learned in school is hand-sewing.  Now that I'm married, I fully appreciated the value of it since there's no more nanny or my lola to run to for occasional button replacements or hem repairs.  

The Bag & A Bag

Longchamp It Bag Horizontal Tote

Ever wondered why women bring 2 bags (or more), while men (in general) steer clear on bringing one?

When Science Meets Kitchen...

Science Lab:  Science Gadgets Invade the Kitchen at the Mind Museum, Taguig City

Ka-Boom! Explosion.

Life Journal:Situation of My Heart Today

 "The seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest." - Luke 8:15

Ohhthat! Turns One: WINNERS

Ready to see who won?

#BFF Keep in Touch

#BFF Keep in Touch

Blissful Belly Vegetarian Corner

Dining With Friends Goes Vegan Wednesday

Vegan Wednesday is now becoming our weekly routine.  My friend and I look forward to it as our mid-week break from everyday meat diet or our "mid-week meat fast".  Among the vegan restaurants we've been to, Blissful Belly would probably top our list of favorite vegan restaurants in the Metro.

Rainy-Day Must Have

Rainy season is officially here! Either we're school or office bound, here are some rainy day essentials to keep us protected and comfortable.

Life Journal: Life by the River

"Life will flourish wherever this water flows" - Ezekiel 47:9

Day in & day out, we are presented with so many worries and cares that drain the life out of us.  In Ezekiel 47:6-12, the Lord reminds us to stay near the river of life - the river that flows from His temple that brings restoration & healing.  If we stay close to Him, we are guaranteed that whatever this world presents, we will remain refreshed, strong, and fruitful.  

The Lord's great love is new every morning, great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 2:22-23).  Let us come to the river today!

Have a blessed Sunday.

Tin

Ps.  Photo credit to artsaus, "AutumnRiver Painting" of artsaus.deviantart.com

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Chillax Beer Night at Home

Toasted Pizza & Beer Battered Onion Rings

I put together a no-fuss meal to pair with the ice cold beer for our chillax (chill & reLax) night.  Best to stay dry and comfy at home in this rainy weather, don't you think?

Just Two Cups & A Cake Slice | Chocolate Fire

Chocolate Ganache Cake

Me & my team recently found ourselves in Makati, waiting for the downpour to stop before heading back to the office.  A cup of coffee was inevitable!

Tea Break at Starbucks [Photo Log]

Green Tea and Berry Cheesecake (Php 140)

I promise, even non-green tea lovers will like Starbucks' Green Tea & Berry Cheesecake.

Justice needed. Justice served [Photo Log]

Army Navy Burger

Remember this terrible photo?

Red Hot Oven Crack Pie

CRACK HIGH

Not yet hooked? Well, I am! Part reason why I asked my Sibs to set up Dad's Father's Day party at home is this incredibly addicting pie.

Nolita's Pizza by the Slice

Nolita (North of Italy) | New York Style Pizza Joint in Manila

By now, you've probably heard about this new pizza joint at Bonifacio High Street Central by Chef Cuit Kaufmann.  I brought my husband there a few weeks back for our date night.  He's a bit skeptic at first, but ever since I've started diligently documenting our food experiences, he gamely said yes.  After all, a pizza night is hard to say no to, right?

Life Journal: Commanding Our Morning

Today is A Good Day

Some mornings are just tough to get up to.  On these days, I momentarily forget why I need to be up and about, and a debate of 2 Mes usually play in my mind.

Why? What's the point? My mind asks.

Get up now, I can't be late. Reminding myself.

A little bit more... I plead.

Ay naku, hindi pwede!  I answer, snapping out of my slumber. Umagang-umaga, talo na. 

Then, I jump up from the bed and say, Today is a good day, in Jesus name. 

Life Journal: Every Good & Perfect Gift

James 1:17

We acknowledge that God, as our loving Father, gave us & continually giving us good & perfect gifts.  Everything He does are for our good.  His thoughts for us are precious and we cannot count them all!  Our family, our work/ business, our country are examples of God's gifts to us.  But do we honestly believe that everything the Lord gave are GOOD and PERFECT even if we see some flaws in them? 

Why, not? 

DIY: Solar Bottle Tubes

For the last 2 months, we've been rocking our brains out how to lower our electric bills.  For some reason, it doubled over summer!  Anyway,  for DIY day, how about an experiment?

♥LOVE PASTA♥ Stir-fried Spaghetti w/ Kanokwan Holy Basil Sauce

Warning: It's Really Hot

Ever wondered why they called it holy?  It's the chili, I mean, loads of it!

More ♥LOVE PASTA♥ Recipes:

Gourmet Cheesy Pesto in a Giff!

Creamy Tuna & Mushroom White Sauce in Spinach

Again, again, again, goo veggies!

An Exclusive Behind-The-Scenes of a McDonald's Photo Shoot.

McDonald's Cheeseburger | 2 versions of 1 Burger

Ever wondered why food looks different in ads than what is in the store?

For aspiring food stylists & photographers, here's an interesting youtube link to watch. ;)

My Weekend's Haul at MAFBEX

The 6th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX)

Note to self, bring a trolley or taga-buhat next MAFBEX!

Party rock is in the house tonight! ♪ ♫ ♪

Amaretto Seven, anyone?

For Father's Day, my Dad went for a no frill - low key celebration.  Pizza & booze at home, plus Magic Sing!

Our Father's Day Lesson

"I Am Following Your Footsteps Dad!"

Here's the lesson we did for our J12 tweens (8-12 yrs old) in Children's Church for Father's Day.  It's simple but, I believe, it spoke clearly to our children as it did to us, teachers.

Life Journal: The Joy of Discipleship

Sisters in Christ.  Bonded for Life.

 “The father of a righteous child has great joy; 

a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.” 

Proverbs 23:24 

Happy Weekend!

♥ Tin

P.S. Looking for some DIY craft ideas for Father's Day? Click here.

Happy Dad's Day! 

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One Rainy Day Bunker

Army Navy, Fort Bonifacio

Unpredictable weather these days.  Daig pa ako sa bilis ng pagpalit ng isip!

Life Journal: I Smile 'Coz You're Near

"Happy Flowers". Photo by Tin of ohhthat.blogspot.com. Edited via BeFunky.com

We thank you, O God!

We give thanks because you are near.

People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 75:1 

♥ Tin 

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DWF Goes Veggie Hunting

PIPINO: Vegetarian Food by PINO

Dining with Friends goes veggie hunting.  We've been having meat, meat, and more meat in the last few weeks & getting a bit tired of office food, so my office mate slash food-buddy and I decided to do a little food trip in one of the top green spots in QC, Pipino.

Freedom Day Pizza Feast

Ready to eat?

FREEdom day indeed! With office work out of the way, H & I were able to accomplish a lot of things we've been setting our minds to do but can't find time to do it.  We checked out a condo unit on sale with Dad & bro this morning, attended our G12 lunch meeting (Tita Zeny's super halo2x special was a winner!), spa date & haircut this afternoon, and then, dinner in our all-time favorite spot - Pizza Hut!  Well, what's a holiday without pizza, right?  At least, in our family. ;)

Life Journal: Freedom Day

"Paint the Town Red" InstaOTD
(Floral printed top - Landmark, Sansan Nail Polish, Solemate from SM Dept)

Life Journal: Still in Plan A

The Road Less Taken

Ohhthat! Turns One: Rags2Riches + Giveaway

RIIR by Rajo Laurel

I recently dropped by Rags2Riches (R2R) headquarters to catch up with Matt Pardinas, one of the passionate people behind this Manila-based for-profit social enterprise.  I met him in a Young Leaders' Forum in Tagaytay sponsored by the US Embassy earlier this year, and was instantly impressed on his dedication to his job as R2R Marketing and Corporate Relations Manager.  Matt & I, together with other local NGO representatives we bonded with in the Forum, made a pledge to support each other in any way we can to promote our cause/s - which we believe will build our beloved nation. Naks!

Craft Ideas for Father's Day

Where to begin?

I think I placed a little pressure on myself for Father's Day when we pulled off the lolli-flower craft (posted here) in our Children's Church for the Moms. 

Good thing, there's Pinterest to squeeze some creative juices in me.  Hah-ha!

Life Journal Entry: Show Me Your Fruit

 "So the, you will know them by their fruits" - Matthew 7:20

Ptr. Bert Pretorius' teaching on "Just Change" spoke loudly in my heart - (in paraphrase) "you will know if YOU are maturing in your faith through your disciples & their disciples."  As I was listening to this G12 podcast in g12europe.com, I thought of other people in church who should be listening to this... then, it suddenly hit me - "no Tin, it is YOU (talking to myself) who should hear it."

PASALUBONG PLEASE | Tablea Chocolate Cafe

Bring Home A Box or 2  For Me

My brother is heading to Cebu this weekend for a post-graduation & pre-board review break.  Our family usually grabs every chance we have to hop on the plane to visit my sister there.  Well, that's the excuse we make... but really, we love Cebu!  Though the city is bustling with new developments already, the selection of beautiful beaches & local delicacies continually make the province a favorite haven for Manileños like us.

Ohhthat! Joins BC Bloggers

Remember those days you need to beg for links or follow backs?  Ohh yes, I did have those moments. 

Through some blog-hopping, I found BC Bloggers of MommyDiary.net, a (secret) link exchange group that promises to assist you in connecting with other bloggers and even increase your web presence.

BC Bloggers can help us connect with other bloggers so we can enjoy reading new blogs and at the same time connect with them.  Thus, building our network and filling our blogrolls the fast and easy way.

At BC Bloggers, we will find other bloggers that have the same passion and would also be happy to connect and link with your blog.  New bloggers have found it to be a great tool in spreading the word and putting their blogs on the “map” so to speak.

Bloggers who earn through their blogs know too well the importance of their blogs’ network and reach. BC Bloggers builds on the one way traditional method of commenting on other blogs(to get the connection you need), by presenting bloggers with a two way meeting point. With BC Bloggers, interest goes both ways, you connect with people who are also willing to connect with your blog.

For those interested to join, sign up at BC Bloggers now.   (Lol, I guess the secret is out!)

Tin

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Life Journal Entry: Keep on

"...keep on loving others as long as life lasts - Heb 6:11"

Last night, our cell leader (and coincidentally my mother-in-law) challenged us to mature in our faith and have deeper understanding of our calling.  

We are "meant for better things, things that come with salvation," more than knowing and believing what Christ has done for us on the cross but to experience its fullness and the power of the grace of God.  Like what Jesus said, "...those who believe in Him will do greater things than this" (Jn 14:12). Only that, we keep on "faithfully" loving God & loving others to the end.

Inspired by Patsy of Heartworks , I'll start posting my life journal entries from now on.  This way, not only can I keep track of my quiet time daily but I get to share the highlights of it to you. Then perhaps, inspire & encourage you as well. 

♡ Tin

Like what you read? Subscribe to Ohhthat! by Tin now for updates.  Apologies to the image owner, I downloaded this years ago and I can't trace where I got it.  Please message me for proper recognition.  Text taken from Hebrews 6:11.