My friend is pregnant with her first child and I with my third. We thought of having a sort of joint photoshoot and stayed at Makati Shangri-La hotel to put some vouchers to good use. Caleb and I were warmly welcomed with smiles, the front desk ladies were enamored with his cuteness. The one assisting me even carried him while I sign some documents. I was disappointed with the Superior Rooms we were assigned with. They were so small and we didn't know if the shoot could be done there. We … [Read more...]
Incentive, Cymplified!
We all need something to motivate us at home (chores, anyone?), at work, and even for the (supposedly healthy) lifestyle that we lead. Our efforts should always be rewarded somehow. One challenge I am facing at present is how to encourage my 4-year-old daughter to do her homework. What incentive must I employ to get her to have the desire to do her tasks from school? She is smart and I know she would do them well if only she wants to. "What's in it for me?" A question we sometimes … [Read more...]
Helper, Cymplified!
Helper needed, but not always wanted. Here in the Philippines, helpers and/or nannies are considered needs. It seemed the demand for them had risen higher over time. Before, employers had the luxury of choosing a suitable one for their household. It was the helpers who were wanting to be hired and would work hard to please the moms. But nowadays, it is the helpers who call the shots regarding their salary, their working schedules, and whether they would help with the kids or not. Almost 5 … [Read more...]
Books of the Bible Song, Cymplified!
One of the ways to really know God's Word is by studying it. I really admire the people who know the Bible verses by heart. People absorb knowledge in different ways. Some by looking at photos, some by watching tutorial videos, some by reading words. If you learn by music or by singing it out loud, then this song could help you commit to memory the books of the Bible. What an interesting way of memorizing! Until now, I have not done so, even though I came from a Christian high school. … [Read more...]
Promise, Cymplified!
"Promises are made to be broken." It seems this holds true these days, even among friends and family. And it is sad that words aren't honored anymore. And there's nothing we can do but to forgive them for breaking their promises. It is just disheartening to count on them anymore. I feel such a huge guilt because I promised my daughter we would take her to the beach come vacation. School is about to start and we haven't gone out of town yet. It's too bad that we cannot afford to, yet. But I … [Read more...]
Harmony, Cymplified!
God is a God of love. He is slow to anger and His mercy abounds. The way He loves us is unconditional and He wants us to share His love. God doesn't want us to fight, to put down other people, to say bad things about our peers. He wants us to forgive like He does. He wants us to live in harmony with each other, especially with fellow Christians. Image Source Harmony, something a Christian aims to achieve in all of her environments. It is very important to have harmony at home and among … [Read more...]
Dishwashing, Cymplified!
Days like these, when our household is devoid of a helper, I should be an expert in washing dishes. It is a nonstop chore, after all. I keep these reminders in mind, tips that either a family member told me or I read somewhere. • rinse everything • take a sponge with dishwashing soap and do the cups & glasses first • then the cutlery comes next • third are the bowls and plates • the pots and pans come last, the greasiest of them all • rinse everything again The following are … [Read more...]