And The Winners Are...

I would like to thank everyone who joined my recent anniversary giveaway! :)
There were 31 qualified entries...

1. pinay blogista (marissa)

2. willa

3. cazzapoeia

4. ac

5. enchie

6. random blog contest

7. kayeshane

8. melandria

9. sherry

10.charmie

11.tetcha

12. Mommy Rubz

13. vernz

14. ellen joy

15. tatess

16. yami

17. pehpot

18. lucky finds

19. chubskulit

20. kaye

21. eikcaj

22. genejosh

23. seiko

24. orangeendaysuite

25. lav

26. jules67

27. kikamz

28. Niko

29. i heart contest

30. busy girl

31. everything in life

I used random.org to pick a number for the 3rd place and...the winner is 24!

orangeendaysuite

WAHM sa Pinas - $5
MommaWannabe- $5
Pinayjade - One Year Free Hosting

for 2nd place and the winner is 20!

kaye

Mommy Rubz - $5
The Mommy Journey - $5
Chris Chronicles - $5
SEO Friendly Blog Directory - $5
Rubz Online - INFO Domain with Free Blog Hosting

for 1st place... the winner is 22!

genejosh

Seiko's Diary - $30
Topics on Earth - $10
SAHM Hosting - INFO Domain with Free Blog Hosting

I shall be contacting the winners shortly... again, CONGRATULATIONS!'

Inspirational Insights is 1!

This is a sticky post!

Inspirational Insights turns 1 this May! My main purpose of creating this blog was to give inspiration to other bloggers out there. I have given out several You Are Inspirational awards to noteworthy sites. And I hope that some of my other posts have brought inspiration to you.

In celebration of this joyous moment, I would like to invite everyone to join me in celebrating!

With the help of my sponsors, we are going to have 3 winners!

Cash prizes will be sent via Paypal.

Required steps to join:

1. Write a post about what inspires you and make sure you link back to this contest page saying it is your official entry.

2. Write another post about this contest with the list of sponsors on it.
Here is the list of my sponsors and the prizes. You can copy and paste this.

1st Place<br /><a href="http://www.adualcareermom.com/">Seiko's Diary - $30</a><br /><a href="http://www.topicsonearth.com/">Topics on Earth - $10</a><br /><a href="http://www.sahm-hosting.com/">SAHM Hosting - INFO Domain with Free Blog Hosting</a><br /><br />2nd Place<br /><a href="http://www.mommyrubz.com/">Mommy Rubz - $5</a><br /><a href="http://www.mommyjourney.com">The Mommy Journey - $5</a><br /><a href="http://www.chrischronicles.com">Chris Chronicles - $5</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogshaven.com/">SEO Friendly Blog Directory - $5</a><br /><a href="http://www.rubzonline.com/">Rubz Online - INFO Domain with Free Blog Hosting</a><br /><br />3rd Place <br /><a href="http://wahmsapinas.com/">WAHM sa Pinas - $5</a><br /><a href="http://www.mommawannabe.com/">MommaWannabe- $5</a><br /><a href="http://pinayjade.com">Pinayjade - One Year Free Hosting</a><br />

The contest will start from May 15 until May 30 12am EST. The winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on May 31.

Please leave a comment on this post with your posts URLs to be entered on this contest!

Friday Photo Flashback #55

This photo was taken in 1995.

My grandmother took us with her as she was touring China.
I was blessed to have been to the Great Wall of China in Beijing!

For more great old photos,

My Life Story With the Internet

So how has the Internet affected my life? Let’s see...

I can still remember when I started to enjoy the Internet in 1995. We just got our new computer and we had Windows 95 installed. It was a huge change from the DOS system we had before. But what is interesting is that our computer can now connect to the Internet. I was instantly hooked. I was an avid user of the BBS or Bulletin Board System and chatted the night away. I was instantly hooked and the Internet became a part of my life. I became interested in web page designing later and created my own site hosted by Geocities. Of course, it didn’t end there, I became interested to have my own domain and to find a good company who offers web site hosting.

My first work was with an ISP or Internet Service Provider. I was their client but I applied as an OJT or On-The-Job Trainee. After I graduated, I applied and work as a Technical Support Specialist but not long, I moved on to an American Telecoms company as part of their CIO or IT Team.

Now that I am a Stay At Home mom, I am glad that we have DSL connection at home. I started to blog in the year 2008 and have been enjoying it since then. Certainly, the Internet has greatly affected my life. Wouldn’t you say? How about you?

Thankful Thursday # 25

I am thankful that God has been providing me with quite a number of blogging opportunities so we can raise funds since school is about to begin and we need to enroll Kyla in school already.
I am also thankful that the youth camp last week went quite well. Hubby preached at the sessions and the Holy Spirit moved in each individual life.
I am thankful that someone gave me a new domain and I am maintaining 4 blogs now. Hopefully, my other blogs would also be assigned with some blogging opportunities too.



For more Thankful Thursday, go to Women Taking A Stand

WFW - Proverbs 23:24

For more WFW this week, check out Susan @ Forever His!

Another School Year Is About To Begin!

Another school year is about to start and I really can't believe it but my little girl is now entering 1st Grade. Where did time go? I can still remember when she started going to formal school in Kindergarden... now, a new chapter begins in our lives as we have decided to homeschool her this year.

We want to homeschool her while she is still in her formative years. We want to be the first teachers and to be the biggest influencers in her life. We want to put an emphasis on Christian living and I just want to do this, because I believe that this is what God wants me to do.

Now, that doesn't mean I am not nervous, because I am. I am not sure if I can pull this off, if I am disciplined enough with time management, if I am skilled enough to teach 1st grade, if I am giving the best for my kids...

But at the end of the day, as I pray about this... I know God is with me in this. His peace guides my heart and the support of my hubby reaffirms that we are going in the right direction.

Glossy Business Cards

Business cards can be given a glossy appearance using a technique called offset UV printing. This produces an ultraviolet glossy coat on the card, which makes it shine when held before direct light. An additional unit on the sheetfed press is used to apply the glossy coating. This makes the whole face of your card look glossy. However, it is also possible to apply a glossy texture to parts of the card using a technique known as spot coating. This gives you greater control over the design of the card, since parts of it can be left uncoated and matte.    

UV coating makes business cards more durable. It makes the thin paper of stocked cards considerably thicker, and the paper is able to withstand greater amounts of damage. UV coating also makes manufacturing business cards faster. Glossy UV coated cards take less time to dry, which means ink from one card will not get onto the next one. So, this speeds up the process of printing cards.    

The problem with UV coating, however, is that because it is glossy, it is more likely to retain fingerprints than matte cards. This may not be a problem once it is manufactured; you can simply wipe off the fingerprints. However, if mishandled during the manufacturing process, glossy business cards may noticeably retain fingerprints. So, make sure that your glossy business cards are devoid of unwanted fingerprints.    

Rightly designed and printed, a glossy business card looks very professional. Many large companies prefer glossy cards because of their shiny texture. Glossy cards are also, generally, easier to clean than matte cards, and are relatively more impervious to dust and liquids.   

Nowadays, it is possible to print cards like this using some office copiers. While outdated copiers may find it hard to print using thick card stock, modern copiers are equipped with trays that can easily handle thick paper.  

Pixel Bug Weekend # 33

My kids graduated from the Sunday DVBS held at the church every Sunday for 5 weeks.

I was glad that Kyla is no longer shy to perform on stage :)

She performed another song this week in front of the crowd along with her classmates.

I was quite surprised that Toby won the Most Behaved for Beginners.

and Kyla won the Most Outstanding Student for Beginners!

I was so blessed! To God be the Glory!

Child or Adult?

After reading Seiko's post Is It Better to be a Child or Adult, I think I should post my reply here. I remember when I was 7 years old, my birthday wish was to never grow up. I don't remember why exactly that became my wish but I felt that being an adult, there was just too much responsibilities and decisions that needs to be made. So I think at that age, I knew in my heart it is best to be a child...

Now that I am grown up, I still believe that its best to be a child.. because being a child, you get your life still ahead of you and its filled with possibilities and life is optimistic. When you become an adult, life gets harder and more complicated. Its just the way life is.

But don't get me wrong, I am thankful and blessed with my life now... I wouldn't trade it for anything. :)

My First Youth Camp Experience

Because we attended a youth camp recently, it reminded me of my first ever youth camp. My experience was on year 2000. I attended that camp as a youth staff and I was in for a surprise. We held it at J.E. Camp Site in Antipolo. It was a military camp site so we slept in bunks and the CR was really horrible. In short, the place wasn't very nice and it was the worst camp I had attended ever. I don't remember having any pictures taken at that place at all.

Because of this, I learned to appreciate all the camps that followed :)

Join Yuuki's Twin Blogversary Contest

1st YTBC (Yuuki’s Twin Blogversary Contest)

Come and join us, as we celebrate It’s Not Always About ME and Drama Queen turns 1 this May2010!

My Blogs

It’s Not Always About ME oBizz
the food, the place and the bad trips!
Drama Queen
Scientific Blabber
busy reading…

Meet My Sponsors

A Mom’s Life and Loves: The Blogger Hub: The Tsinay Writes: Simple Pero Rock: My Red Hot Reviews: Spread the W.O.R.D!: Pinkville: Pink and Magic Convergence Zone: The Sexy Techie Liz: MT Girl M3O:Make More Money Online Everything Nice!: Health and Beauty Geek: Mommy Rubz: Rubz Online: Random Blog Contest: My Thoughts, My Heart, My Turf: Home Buddies: Lovely Moms Cafe: Just Another Pixel: Pinay Online Money Maker: In This Side Of Town: Mom Fashionista: Travel Junkie Mommy: In My Psyche: Pinay Mom:Pop Ups Of My Mind: Elai’s Haven

Cash Prizes
Major

1st Prize – $100

2nd Prize – $30

3rd Prize – $20

Raffle

$5 x 5nos

Special Awards:
FC (First Commenter) Blab Award

1 month Adgitize GC
1 info domain and 1-yr blog hosting (Pinay Mommy Online)

Best Blog Review Award

1 month Adgitize GC

1 info domain and 1-yr blog hosting (Pinay Mommy Online)

Friday Photo Flashback #54

This photo is taken in year 2000 at Singapore. I was there for a business trip.
It has been 10 years since I last visited this country. I really hope we, as a family, can visit Singapore soon! There have been major attractions and improvements in Singapore!

For more great old photos,

What Would Jesus Do?

This was the theme song from iPOD (In Pursuit of Godliness) youth camp 2010 at our church.

What Would Jesus Do?

By: Big Tent Revival

Some people just want to survive
And I don't know about you
But I am alive
Lately it seems that I need a hand
In a fallen world, I just want to stand
What would Jesus do walkin' in my shoes
Workin' at my job and goin' to my school?
And I hear people say, "Jesus is the way"
I believe and that is way I'm asking you

What would Jesus do?
And as we all know
Life can be tough
And all that we need is love - sweet love
So where do we go? Well here's what I see
To change my world
I gotta change me

Sometimes choices don't seem black and white
And they can leave you black and blue
What would Jesus do - He'd give His life for you
If you follow Him - you'll give your life to them
Shine on - Shine on - Follow with Jesus
Shine on - Shine on - Follow with Jesus

Join Me at My Party!

It is my turn to host the blog party! Do drop by for a visit!

Pixel Bug Weekend # 32

Brought my kids to the mall over the weekend and they had a blast with the amusement rides!

How Do You Handle Changes?

Our original plan for today was to go to SM Sky Dome near SM North Edsa. I have read several blogs saying that this is a nice place to visit especially that there is a Safari display until May 31. But because of the fire in Muntinlupa City and the construction at SLEX, traffic got really bad and our plans changed. My sister arrived quite late from Manila and decided that we go to SM Sta Rosa instead.

I am the type of person who likes to lay out plans and lists... So when plans change, it frustrates me. Sometimes, it gets me upset and I feel confused. I guess, this is a disadvantage because life is filled with changes. I know that I shouldn't be affected and know that God still is in control. This is an area where I need to watch myself in.

But thankfully, God reminds me that He is sovereign and that everything that happens happens because of His will for my life.

Friday Photo Flashback #53

This was taken in my parent's house in me and my sister's room.
A-HA was one of my sister's favorite band back then.
I guess I was around 12 years old when this was taken.

For more great old photos,

Thankful Thursday # 24

I am thankful that I was able to vote easily last Monday. I am so blessed that it only took me less than an hour to finish voting unlike my hubby who waited for 4 hours. I am also thankful that generally, the elections was peaceful and our country is moving forward. It was the first semi-automated(in my opinion) elections.
We are still waiting for the proclamation of the president, though we already have an idea who will win it. My prayer is that he will be able to stand against corruption and deliver his promises to the nation.

For more Thankful Thursday, go to Women Taking A Stand

WFW - Titus 1:6-9

⁶An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

These are the attributes of an elder or a pastor but we are all called to live a godly lifestyle. These qualities should be what we aim for too. Just this Monday, our country elected a new president that would rule our country for the next 6 years. I can only pray that the new president would have even a few of these qualities too...

For more Word Filled Wednesdays, check out http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/

Kids Safety

When you have little kids at home, you need to make sure you baby proof your home. Baby or child proofing your home is important especially when your home is like ours. We have a staircase and it without a helper to follow your baby or child all day, it is important to protect the kids from accidents from staircases.

There are many baby stairway gates available but it is important that as parents, we check the quality of these gates. There are also many types of gates available to choose from such as Pressure Gates or Extra Wide Baby Gates.

I am glad to have found kids safe blog site too. I have read so many informative articles about baby and child safety measures at home. Most of the time, I just take these safety measures for granted. It is good to be reminded about them to make sure that the home is safe place for the kids.

Our Car

When it comes to cars, I am not the best person to talk to you about them. I don’t really know about the latest models or best brands on the market. So when I was asked about the Chevrolet Silverado, I had to research about it on the net since I wasn’t familiar with this vehicle at all. You see, the car that we own has been with us since 2002. We love her as she is like our second home. We have been to different places together.

But lately, we have heard some noise. We definitely need to bring her to the repair shop like Dallas auto repair, because she needs to be checked out since the noise comes from the rear part. We need to have a brake job done and have our brake rotor checked.

It would be better if we can have our car replaced with a newer one since our car is almost 9 years old! Now, if only God would bless us with a new one soon!

Friday Photo Flashback #53

This photo was taken while I was less than 5 years old I think!

For more great old photos,

A Home Worth Visiting

When I was younger, I wanted to become an interior designer. I loved designing houses, rooms and making a house a home. Now that I am older, I wasn’t able to fulfil that dream but I still have a part of me which is attracted to houses. But as I have learned, houses can be empty without people and when relationships aren’t thriving!

House is a structure intended for living. Home is a place where one can find comfort, love and happiness. Niko's home is definitely a place where you can be comfy, slouch on your chair and read her articles about Posh furniture for your home. Discover how she want her future house will look. See what kind kind of bed she think Yena will sleep soundly. And you can even find cool tv racks design for your LCD. If you have known Niko for her famous and sometimes naughty Girls Talk, prepare to know her domesticated side on Niko's Home.

You will be surprised to know that this office girl is also a homebody. She talk about her dream bedroom, which is actually the room she stayed in a resort in Batangas. Yo can also read about her newest portable DVD (which she bought from her prize in the biggest contest in blogniverse) and she even talks about food. Every Friday, the site publish food photos that can really make each readers drool. Make Niko's Home your everyday stop and be comfy, sit back, relax and enjoy her home.

Pixel Bug Weekend #31

The kids attended Daily Vacation Bible School the entire week last week. They finished the course and enjoyed it. I am glad that they were able to join DVBS this year!