Happy New Year everyone!!!! It's a brand new year and so as our hopes, aspirations, plans and objectives for the days ahead. I hope you had a fabulous celebration and welcomed the new year with a big bang! I am extremely delinquent in updating this blog recently but I am vowing to make big changes and an ultimate revamp of it soon. So while I prepare and execute my plans, let me share with you how we celebrated the New Year's Eve at home. 

This is the table setting for this year.

The beauty of the flowers never fails, so I made sure they are part of the centrepieces. As all Filipinos would know, it's our tradition to put numerous fruits on the table (12 kinds to represent the 12 months of the year, but others put 13 or even more) to symbolize prosperity. 

Fruits and flowers really make a very nice centrepiece. 

Some gold coins to make the coming year more prosperous.

There's a sweet surprise for the little ones too.

Because 2014 is year of the horse..



The daughter specifically requested for this - Classic Fish and Chips (I used Cod Fish and it's by far the best fish that should be used for this dish). 

 

 

Every little girl dreams of becoming a Princess someday. My daughter was so blessed, hers was granted on her 7th birthday. We recently celebrated her birthday at Hong Kong Disneyland and the experience was truly more than magical. Even I, was overwhelmed and elated with this unforgettable event in my daughter's life. Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel was a wonderful host to such a memorable occasion. We couldn't have chosen any other place.

In our room, we were greeted with this birthday cake towel complete with a birthday card signed by no less than Mickey Mouse himself. What a lovely welcome indeed!

Upon our arrival at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, we went straight to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for the Little Princess make over. Sofie opted to become like Princess Aurora of Sleeping Beauty since she's her favourite Disney Princess character. I reserved the Castle Package which includes everything that's needed - from the gown, make-up, hair styling, accessories and the works. All that's included, was ours to bring home. They were all nice souvenirs to keep. 

The staffs (aka the Fairy Godmothers-in training) were very accommodating and efficient in their task. It didn't take too long for our little girl to have the look she wanted.

 

The magical moments captured by the lenses were compiled into an exclusive Disneyland album. We had the option to choose which photos we want to be included. It's definitely, another memento worth keeping. 

One of the highlights of the birthday celebration was the meet and greet with the Disney Princess Characters at the theme park. Sofie's smile shows how delightful she was to mingle with them sans the long queue. She got an express pass to meet all the sweet, lovely ladies.   

 

 

At the Enchanted Garden restaurant, we had the birthday dinner with the much loved Disney mascots. It was another wish came true when Minnie Mouse delivered the birthday cake and lead the singing of the Happy Birthday Song. On the other hand, Mickey Mouse made sure that he also had a birthday surprise for the celebrant. He gracefully ushered the little Princess to a magical dance which we really adored. There was also a goodie bag that was filled with Disneyland keepsake and gifts. All in all, I am absolutely grateful that everything turned out so well as planned. Thank you Disneyland for all the wonderful memories! It was undoubtedly a celebration worth remembering; a family treasure that  will last a life time. 



 



It brings me pure joy as I see you grow into a charming, sweet girl. Your many wonderful handcrafted cards that bear your sweet thoughts are living proof to that. And it never fails to put a smile on me, each time I receive one.

As you turn seven today, you are about to celebrate a major milestone of being a full blown youngster. I know you are slowly becoming your own person now. Continue to explore and learn new things. Mommy will be here to support and guide you all the way.

 

 

 

 

This is the last post on my Mother's Day series. After hopping from one restaurant to another, we capped our Mother's Day celebration with a simple dinner at home. 

 

How time flies unbelievably fast. My son will turn 8 tomorrow and I have prepared a special birthday letter for him...

 



 

 

This was our third year to celebrate New Year in Singapore. Having used to celebrating it at home in the Philippines amidst firecrackers and noise, the Singapore way is completely different, utterly silent, pollution and smoke free. We stayed at Carlton Hotel to be able to view the much awaited New Year's countdown at the Marina Bay. From the club lounge on the highest level of the hotel, we managed to get some shots of the fireworks display. However, the music that goes along with it was hardly recognizable from where we were. It was a blocked view by the way. So, the best hotels to catch the fireworks display are still those facing the bay. 

 

Note: This is not a sponsored post.

Christmas Eve Dinner preparation last year went completely different for me. It was a first of many kinds. From our Bangkok vacation, we went back to Singapore on the 24th of December. We touched down Changi Airport at 4:30 in the afternoon. Hence, that only gave me a few hours to prepare for our Christmas Eve Dinner or Noche Buena to most Filipinos. I gathered whatever physical energy was left of me to be able to whip up the entire menu. Yes, to make it happen amidst jetlag and all, it was mind over matter. And thank God, everything turned out well.

For this year's table setting, It's still the same traditional colours of red and green. I had Christmas party poppers which the kids loved. The menu consisted as usual, of the family members favourites and food requests.   

 

Shrimps, Mango and Avocado Salad 

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday celebration with your loved ones! Cheers to more good food on the next holiday to come!