Just early this month, my letter was published as Letter of the Month by Smart Parenting Magazine May 2010 issue! T'was really unexpected!
Story behind the Story:
I'm an avid reader of Smart Parenting Magazine and Website since i get pregnant and became a mom just last year.. Many advices and stories are featured which are helpful specially for first time moms like me.. I even joined their SP forum/parent chat.. it's nice when you share stories with other moms, experiences, ideas, opinions on topic regarding motherhood,family and other things..
Just this January, i asked my husband to buy me a copy of their latest issue, Ms. Daphne Osena-Paez with the kids on the cover. I was so inspired by her story that i decided to write to the EIC of SP Mag and took my chance in getting/winning the Sesame Street DVDs!
After 2 months (March), I'm really excited to see if my letter was published.. but to my disappointment, it wasn't.. Good thing though, i haven't told anyone about this haha.. Or they will just laugh at me.. Then come April.. then I told myself, Maybe my letter will not be published.. and it'll be the last time I will write to any Mags hoping for prizes up for grabs or at least my letter be publish..
Then, 1st week of May, hubby brought home a copy of SP Mag.. i wasn't really excited about it.. If i could remember clearly, i am browsing my FB account and left the mag on the side of the bed. After "googling", i lay down and get the SP mag.. and to my surprise, i saw my letter! even publish as the letter of the month!! Yey!! Though i didn't get the Sesame Street DVDs (which was the reason why i wrote to the EIC), i'll be getting Loreal Products! Wasn't that the perfect gift for me on Mother's Day?! Haha..
Bad thing about this.. I think i wont be able to get the prize.. reason: Duty!! Waaahhh.. Well at least my letter's been published!
It's been months since we, the Familia Zaragosa had some fun time to together -- beers, cigarettes and laughters altogether.. I'm missin the times when we all gather and spend Sundays together-- may it be at the mall, house or parks..
I chanced upon our photos from the last Beer Getaway/Gimik/Tambay we had, and thought of sharing this to the world. I'm just so proud that from 7 original members (Ate San, Ate Awi, Ada Marie, Claue, AC, Jojo and Me), another has been added! Jeffrey- The first gimik he had with us! Welcome kiddo!
This Tagaytay getaway was the perfect "The Repeat" Alak-Yosi-Chika of Laiya BF Homes Gimik years ago.
Moments to Remember:
Date: 27 December 2009
Place: Knuckles Bar (formerly Cafe Lupe) Tagaytay City
Starbucks Tagaytay Branch
Time: 8pm-4am
Pick up-Destination-Drop off: Taguig-Gatchalian-BF Resort-Dasma-Tagaytay and vice versa
1) Catch up chikas!
- the last time we had this - i'm still single haha
- AC was still studying
- Sis Dada's Revelation (note: secrets)
- Ate San is still single
- Ate Awie as Dra. Holmes (haha)
- Mushi is late!
- Jojo is the official tagahatid-sundo and with former employer
- Jepoy is still a kid!!
2) Beers, Yosi and More!
On our way to the bar, Jepoy, being the youngest in the group commented "Hindi ko akalain nagyoyosi pla kayo!" And everyone laughed.. This is the biggest secret of the group - We're not allowed to smoke!
Moment caught on Cam: Lagot ka Ate San!! haha
The Drinks
and the tipsy Jepoy! Ayaw papigil sa alak! haha..
3) Mushi's Crying Moment
Lagot ka AC!! Well, t'was the first we saw Claue really cried - as in alot!! We're all clueless why, tsk tsk tsk AC! Ate Awie brought it up pa kc eh hehe.. But after the night ends, everything was settle- Whew!!
Lesson learned: don't let Ate Awie talk when she's drinking too much... Calling Dra. Holmes! Haha
4) Starbucks Tambay
It's a routine for us to do, that after some beers and yosi, Starbucks is the next! Good thing for us Jojo gave us GCs to spend! Muahh..
- The season where Starbucks give Planners for 2010! Nagaawayan pa kanino mapupunta ung stickers and planner! haha
- Jepoy made permission (to Ate san) if he could have a henna tattoo! Hello Galera?Boracay?! haha... he's still a kid -- yaan nio na! haha
- Not stop kwento - same topic - same people - more infos haha
- More yosi
It's a Getaway worth keeping.. I just missed them.. Ulitin natin next year,when Ate San's here in PI...
Whew! after the last blog i posted for the upcoming Sesame Street Party of Jacob, my plan turned 360degrees!! Most of the important details of the party has been changed! Good thing for me, as early as 2010 started, i'm already planning and setting my mind straight.. Here's what I've learned from planning half a year ahead of time:
a. Lots of time to prepare 1. finances - this subject worry me much from the start, though i know we have enough, alloted budget for this, but for me to give Jacob a perfect and grand 1st b-day party - it's one of a heck bunch of moolahs!! Adv: Good thing about this was, i have ample time to search for the best and affordable supplies, suppliers that would fit into my pocket. Disadv: Too many inputs, opinions shared by other moms on the forum added another page inmy party checklist! = more moolahs to spend!!
2. theme - though from the start Sesame Street was the only theme on my mind, but with the release of 2010 movies, my gosh-- i thought i gonna cancel all my reservations and considering other themes..
adv: as early as my theme was set, i searched where to buy supplies, favors that wil fit my theme. Scout for suppliers who could provide me with this.. disadv: Too many twist crossed my mind while "googling" ex. Sesame Street Party Live! etc. waaahhh!
Anyways, here's the updated preparation for my son's party
a. Date: originally twas set on his actual natal day, but for some reason that the venue couldn't accomodate us, and the convenience of the date it was moved a day after: Final: 12 Sept 2010
b. Venue and Caterer: at the 1st blog, i cited that we'll celebrate it at Shanghai garden Resort in Betterliving, but due to some consideration in the weather (Sept) and a possible distraction to the kids attention (by the pool), we changed the plan and decided to have it at Prestige Tower Roofdeck in Ortigas
Review and Details: Ms. Salou of Prestige Tower, is so nice that everything i asked from her for the party, she gave in... I just hope no one will book from 10am-2pm on Sept 12... Details: made DP (with contract on hand) The good thing abour Prestige is I saved around 8k-10k of money since we reached 15k of reserved order for the party, the venue is free-of-charge.
Menu
Steamed Rice
Chicken
Lemon Chicken
Pork
Pork Ragout
Pasta
Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
Vegetable
Mongolian vegetable
Dessert
Buco Lychees
Drinks (1) Round of Iced tea
c. Party details: Date: 12 Sept 2010 Time: program starts at 4pm Where: Prestige Tower Roofdeck
d. Decorator: Kiko's Balloons Services (www.kikosballoons.multiply.com)Review and Details: Ms. Kristine, the one who promptly reply and answer my queries is so nice.. I reserve and will avail their Package 4 of balloon decorations:
PARTY PACKAGE:
Balloon décor package 4
Inclusive of:
Full styro setup
-stage backdrop
-character standys
-personalized welcome sign for the entrance
Two balloon columns (upgraded with big foil character head)
Ten (10) pcs balloon table centerpiece with theme mylar balloons
Floating balloons (250 pcs) – balloon drops
Balloon burst
Balloon clusters for stage floor
Mini cake table arch
Cloth swags for ceiling (in color motif)
DP made and contract on hand! I'm excited to see this on Jakey's Party!!
e. Entertainment: Lambert Flores Bubble Show(www.lambertflores.multiply.com) I saw this on multiple and so amazed with his show, we booked him.. but for some reasons, we encountered problems a- he didn't informed us, that his 2nd team will be the one performing b- a nega review from forum We already made DP and i got worried.. So Jojo settled this thing up and made contract with them... Package 2:
PACKAGE 2
SPECIAL FAMILY BUBBLE SHOW and PARTY MOTIF SHOW
A.) FAMILY BUBBLE SHOW ,
B.) MAGIC SHOW with Live animal
C.) BALOON TWISTING SHOW
D.) HOSTING OF THE SHOW ETC!!!
1.) BUBBLESHOW - See above FAMILY BUBBLE SHOW LIST
2.) DAVID BLAINE STREET MAGIC
3.) BALOON TWISTING show before the start of the party
50 kids will be given a balloon twist
4.) 2 PARTY MOTIFS -– Winnie the pooh, Mickey mouse or any motif that you want to have for your party!
5.) HOST-We will emcee the entire party in English or Taglish
6.) PARLOR GAMES (EDUCATIONAL) - Games for the kids & Adults
7.) PARLOR GAME PROPS- We will provide for the props for the games.
8.) COLORING CONTEST - before the party starts
9.) ACTION SONGS - We will teach the kids Educational Action songs
10.) NAMETAGS-We will distribute Nametags before the party starts.
11.) STORYTELLING for the kids to LEARN valuable lessons
12.) CD MUSIC- We will provide CD Music for the party
13) NAMETAGS (We only use standard white nametags)
14.) TABLE MAGIC at the start of the party
15.) 1 ASSISTANT
f. Cake and Cupcakes - Sugarbox by Ms. Emily-Uy (www.ilovesugarbox.com)
A.50pcs cupcakes Set Up
Inclusive of: Cake stand Rental
Cake for blowing 2 layer ( 10x3 and 6x3)
Top layer
Packaging ( Box – additional 2.00 each, Dome cover – no extra cost)
Price: 6,500
I really wanted Ms. Emily to make Jacob's cake, eventhough i still search for other cake makers, i still choose and made DP with her. Just waiting for the cake layout for approval.. Weehh..
g. Photography and Photostudio/Photobooth - Sophia Photography (sophiaphotography.multiply.com)
I had constant exchange of SMS wkith Win of Sophia's and made DP of only 1k.. i saw one of his photostudio setup and loved it-- and i just wanted it be part of my son's party.. I'm still waiting for the contract and details for the party setup.. I really need to see this and have copy of it.. haist..
h. Videography - Mediamonsters Productions (www.mediamonsters.multiply.com) At first, i'm really considering and about to make DP with Thorproductions, but i find them quite expensive, and one time, i saw mediamonsters site and after some queries they already sent me proposal! I'm really impressed. (i'm a type of person who wanted everything be in black and white eh).. With their offer, i pencil booked my date and will DP next month.
Prizes: Major Prizes: Plush toys and candy machines orderd from adollhouse.multiply.com
Minor Prizes: Pen holder SS customized design as per order by me
School supplies/stationery set (SS theme) Hand towels and face towels c/o SM
j. Dessert Station - My Chocolate haven (www.mychocolateheaven.multiply.com)
I pencil booked my event with Ms. Emmalyn and will DP next month. I will avail their platinum package and 100 gourmet donuts
Platinum Package
Php 5,500
–4 hours service (inclusive of setup)
–Your choice of 4kl chocolate fondue on two 2-layer chocolate fountain
–Your choice of 10 dippings
o4 regular non-fruit,
o2 special non-fruit,
o3 regular fruit, and
o1 special fruit
–Free colored sprinkles and honey coated crispies
–Good for 150-180 pax
–**Add P1000 and exchange two 2-layer chocolate fountain for one 3-layer fountain.
k. Candy Buffet - DIY Ate San from US is so generous that she will send package for jacob's party including candies and chocolates for the buffet.. i hope i could pull this thing off!! On hands are candy scoopers, some candy containers and canisters and a notebook full of ideas! haha...
l. Table centerpieces - DIY I really wanted a personalized table centerpiece and decoration for the party.. As early as april, i'm scouting for the centerpiece design that will fit SS. And i'm just so proud of myself!! I almost done with 2 table centerpieces.. take a peek!!
Not yet done with that, but i'm just so proud of it!! 10 tables more!!! m. Party headgears -haileighshaven Though i have partyhats on hand, i really wanted a unique party headgear for the kids and adults (for early birds!) will just order 50pcs (both adult and kids).. i saw this site at multiply and contacted, though they weren't as prompt as other suppliers in replying with queries, i'm still gonna avail their service. At first, i'll be the one who will make this gear but i'm so overload withwork and other DIYs for the party, i decided to hire them.. Here's the sample i asked from them. and subject for approval for other character designs i asked.. waiting for the samples!
n. Invitations and thank you tags,nametags etc - DIY
I have lots of ideas for this, but after sometime i settle with this designa and about to print for production weeehhh!!
Invites will be placed inside a handmade envelope with feather (from Bigbird haha) and the thank you tags will be tied up and stick to the giveaways/prizes/favors
i just took picture using my iphone, unrecognizable file format for attach haha)
I hope you enjoy my blog as much as i do, and as excited as me!! Hey, it's Jakey's 1st bday!! Haha..
