Hooked on Fish & Co.

Hubby & I had some errands to run in Makati. We decided to have lunch in Greenbelt after and as usual, we had such a hard time deciding where to eat. After strolling around, checking the different restos, plus lots of "what do you feel like eating ba?" and "you decide!", we finally ended up at Fish & Co.

The last time we ate here was probably a year ago. So our taste buds were craving the fish and chips dish once again! And it was just as yummy as we remember.

New York Fish & Chips

Dips

Baby Back Ribs & Onion Rings

Seafood Rice

Dalandan Juice

We were were definitely stuffed and satisfied after our meal. Though it was a tad bit expensive since our total bill came to about P1,300. Vins was joking we should have just eaten in Yakimix, buffet pa haha. But we were still happy with our choice. As we said in the survey they gave out after the meal: "ISDA Best!" (seriously we did write that down).

On my bedside table: Design Inspiration

My new books on decorating! Oh, how I wish I could hire Jonathan Adler to decorate our home. ;p

Photo of the Day: Strolling

Ate Miley loves pushing her baby brother's stroller whenever we go out =)

Despicable Me books

Remember how I told you here that Miley was obsessed with the movie Despicable Me? Well, there's this part in the movie where Gru reads this book to the girls called Sleepy Kittens. My sister mentioned that a friend of hers had the actual book, so when Vins went on a trip abroad, I told him to look for it. And he found it!

the cute finger puppet kittens

Miley loves it when we make the kittens drink the milk

the book doesn't come with a brush like in the movie, so Miley just used a regular comb to brush their fur

playing with the finger puppets

And that's not all. Daddy also bought another book, this time an abridged version of the movie! =)

happiness

doing the "does this count as annoying?" scene

Thank you Daddy for these new books! Can't wait for story time with the kids tonight. =)

10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Wife

I found this read so funny! And so true! Vins has said everything on this list to me at least once. Actually I think these are his favorite lines to say to me haha! Husbands take note please. =)

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It’s a pity no one states the things not to say to your wife ever. 

But if we had to had to bribe the pundit to read out the top 10 commandments of what a husband must never mention to his wife instead of wedding vows, this is what it would look like

1. “Maybe you should go on a diet.”

Yes, looking after your house and keeping it habitable has affected how she looks but if you can’t compliment her, don’t ever let her hear this one. Especially when you’re sitting with your perfect tyre in place.

2. “Why don’t you work as long as me?”

Yes, we get it. You’re irritated and need to spark off an argument but talking about what a great sacrifice you make by working is not going to help anyone. Especially if she’s quit her own job to look after the house and kids.

3. “Anand from Accounts is ….”

No, your wife doesn’t want to know about office gossip. When you’re home, she wants you to listen to her not your work problems. At least not every day!

4. “That one looks hot!”

If you have ever said this to your wife while checking out another woman and lived to survive the tale, you know what a landmine this sentence is loaded with.

5. “I don’t feel like talking.”

This can be excused if used sparingly. However, if you want to prevent communication problems in your relationship then you better learn to have an open channel all the time.

6. “All you do is nag.”

Desist from ever saying this. Your wife’s already short fuse will be completely blown if you such this incendiary sentence.

7. “Why do you want to go shopping again?”

Yes, she knows you hate it. But you need to entertain her too and if she likes to go shopping, then tough luck. Deal with it, don’t complain about it.

8. “You’re not really wearing that, are you?”

Unless you’re Narendra Kumar Ahmed or Sabyasachi Mukherjee, questioning her sartorial choices so bluntly is going to cause a major fight. Try and suggest your picks in a more delicate manner.

9. “Must be that time of the month.”

If you think you can use this line as a weapon for a clever retort, you’ve got another thing coming. This can be one of the most insulting, not to mention sexist, things you can ever say to your wife.

10. “You’re acting like your mother.”

The biggest no-no. No woman likes to be compared to another woman, especially her mother. Bear in mind you’re also passing a judgement on her mother with this one. Unless you want to spend an entire year apologising, refrain from ever using this line during your entire marriage.

A marriage is a union between two different people and it can be perfect only if both the people accept each other as they are.

A trip to Manila Zoo

While browsing through my files, I found our pictures from a trip to Manila Zoo a couple of months ago that I forgot to post about! Well, better late than never right?

The last time I went to Manila Zoo was years ago. I remember being so traumatized after seeing the animals. Most of them were so thin and dirty. I've been to the zoo abroad so it was definitely a shock seeing the animals in small, filthy cages that looked and smelled horrible. The lion, who was supposed to be the king of the jungle, looked like he could barely walk. I couldn't even see the animals in the water since it was so murky. Instead of fluffy fur, some animals looked like their hair were falling off. Instead of having a good time, I was so depressed that I swore when I grew up, I would do something to save those poor animals from this harsh prison they called home...

Well, that didn't happen. I graduated, worked, and had kids of my own, those poor animals forgotten. Until the day that I decided to go back to the zoo. Both my kids love animals so I figured we could go and visit Manila Zoo to see how it is now. I've heard feedback from some people that it was definitely better so off we went! We went during a weekday at around 7:30am so that it still wasn't that hot. Entrance fee was P40 for adults and P20 for kids below 4 feet.

The first thing we saw when we entered was the elephant. He looked lonely but at least his cage looked clean. Although I think it was still too small for him! 

The place was definitely a lot cleaner (and better smelling) than I remember. At least this was an improvement from the last time I was here. The kids were still amazed with the animals they saw. =)

baa baa black sheep

black and brown zebras

at least the tiger looks healthy

this monkey was just freely roaming around (eating a lollipop!) I was scared it would jump on us!

crocodiles

owl

Side kwento - what was funny is that there was a shooting for a GMA show when we went there. Of course, my mom who was with us wanted a picture. Here she is with Miley having their photo taken with Elmo Magallona haha! ;p

The main zoo was okay but the highlight of our trip was really the Kinder Zoo. Right before you exit, you'll see the entrance to the Kinder Zoo which is basically a petting zoo. What was irritating though is that you have to pay another fee to go inside - P100 per person! I almost didn't want to go in anymore, but I figured it will be a nice experience to interact with the animals inside.

Right before you enter, you can have your picture taken with some animals like this baby croc. I was so scared to touch it (can you see how excited Miley looks as well?). Vins however loves this kind of stuff so we gamely posed for the camera.

Since we were there early, we had the whole Kinder Zoo to ourselves! I guess the entrance fee is put to good use since this part of the zoo was so clean and nice. =)

amazing lego displays scattered around

What's nice is that you can roam around freely and touch the animals. Its a good learning experience for the kids too.

Daddy getting a turtle for Miley...

but she ran away! (akala niya hahabulin siya ;p)

the BIG tortoise! the zookeepers kept telling us that we can sit on its' back while we were taking pics (kawawa naman)

There were also lots of birds just perched on the tree branches...

Then the zookeeper brings out this monkey for us to play with. Honestly, I was really scared of the monkey being close to the kids since you never know what it might do (baka parang When Animals Attack!). And actually, after we had our photo taken with the monkey, it suddenly ran away and the zookeepers had such a hard time getting him back!

Daddy with his newest baby

Now this is the highlight of my day. The annoying zoo attendant suddenly placed this parrot on top of my head without any warning! As in one moment I was admiring the bird, then the next second it was on my head! 

Then he proceeds to dump the parrot on Miley's head!!! With the dirty chain hanging from its foot! Not cool. Poor baby! Good thing she was just chill, not like mommy who was freaking out. (siyempre Daddy was there to document everything ;p)

Here we are at the entrance again getting our photos taken with the parrots. There's actually a professional photographer there who takes and prints your photos after a few minutes for P100. We decided to get the one below as a souvenir. =)

I can honestly say we had a fun day. Manila Zoo still has a long way to go in terms of providing the animals with the best possible living environment. But at least I've seen some improvements. I do hope in the future though, this zoo can be renovated into a place we can truly be proud of.

Btw, we were told that Kinder Zoo accepts bookings for parties which can be held at the Kinder Zoo Party Barn (no air-con though). You just have to pay for the entrance fee of all your guests and of course arrange for catering and decors. Just another alternative party venue for parents out there. =)

Our wedding photo in Kasal.com

A was pleasantly surprised when a friend of ours emailed us this link to Kasal.com's Facebook wall which featured this photo:

Yes that's us! =) I have no idea how they got hold of this picture though, maybe through my designer? But thanks for choosing our photo!

Before & After: Upholstered Baby Armchair

This chair was given to my sister as a gift when she was a baby so it has been around for almost 2 decades. Good thing my mom never threw it out even as we were growing up since it has now been passed on to my kids! =) The original upholstery is now faded plus Miley even ripped out the fabric on one side causing this sorry state below.

Good thing I had some fabric which I told you about here. I brought the chair to a nearby upholstery shop and they finished the job after 1 day (probably since the chair was so small haha). So can you guess which fabric I used? Well, here's the reveal!

I decided to go with the floral one since it was my favorite out of all the fabrics. I love the bright, bold statement it makes and it goes perfectly inside Miley's room. Now the chair looks as good and as new as ever!

Looks like I'm not the only one happy with the finished product! Here's Miley chillin' on her couch (now you can see how small the chair really is)...

and here's the little boy engrossed while watching cartoons!

The kids are happy, but mommy is happier! Hooray! =)