Frannywanny

This year flew by at record speed (and I feel that I've been saying this every single year) but seriously, with all the things that's been keeping us super busy in our lives, I can't believe that we're nearing the end of 2019 and we're less than a month away to welcome the new year. The holiday feasting and partying have surely began two weeks ago for me when I met up with my bestest friends. We've been best of friends since we were in high school so that means we've been friends for more than 2 decades already. Back when we were young (and silly), our group went by several names -- 4 Musketeers, Phantombunnies, The Mosquito Gang (don't ask me about this one haha) and many more. It shows how crazy we were but despite that, it shows how we just wanted a name that would bind the four of us together..forever. If you really think about it, we're four women with very different personalities. One is the analytical thinker, the smartest girl in our bark...

I was busy on my laptop while my Dad was watching the news last night and while I was pretty much passively listening to what was being talked about on TV, one thing that made me stop what I was doing was when the announcer said that we got "15 days to go before Christmas Day." WHAT?! That was my immediate reaction. I'm not ready for Christmas yet and judging on the non-progress made on our gift list, it looks like I will be getting into a shopping frenzy in the coming weeks...that is if I don't do anything about it NOW! It doesn't help too that Yaya M1 will soon be going on her month long Christmas vacation back in her province which means I will be extra busy helping Yaya M2 watch over my twins who are starting to enjoy half-walking/half-running around the room. I can't believe I'm saying this but as a busy Mom, I am so grateful for technology and online shopping. I've lost count of the number of times when technology and the ease of orderin...

This morning, Paul and I headed to my in law's house to join them for our Christmas lunch. Since last Friday, we've both been having a series of Christmas parties celebrated with both friends and loved ones. While waiting for everyone to be ready, we watched little Julia and Jairus open their presents. It was such a happy scene as they excitedly shriek with delight as the wrappers unfold their favorite toys. Sure, Mommy's living room floor was literally covered with paper wrappers, gift tags and ribbons but we, the adults, didn't mind cleaning up after them as they were both so happy in opening and playing with their new toys. This is what Christmas is all about. Listening to their excited chatters, feeling their warm hugs and kisses and spending quality time with everyone dear to us. After our annual Christmas Mass earlier this evening, we gathered around the table for our Noche Buena. Paul bought some Bibingka from our favorite seller and Mommy opened a bottle of...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!! :) May you all have a deliciously-filled Holiday spent with your dearest loved ones! :) Cheers, Frannywanny and Paul

2010 is a year that brings more optimism and hope. With a new president whom every Filipinos hope will be able to improve the current situation of the country to the growth of several business sectors, everyone is eager to welcome 2011 with a brighter, happier start. I've noticed that this year's Christmas is more festive too. Bright lights line up the streets, children are once again singing merry tunes and at the corner of Ortigas and Meralco avenues, stands a beautiful well-lit compound where the public can visit and enjoy with their entire family. Meralco once again opens its doors to the public this Christmas with a Paskuhan (Christmas) Village, Toy Town and a life-sized electric train. I was privilege to witness the lighting of the entire Meralco compound which was headed by Meralco's chairman Manny V. Pangilinan himself. After the countdown, the Meralco logo on the building lit up and the sky was filled with bright and colorful fireworks. Christmas is t...

Cookies are truly addicting, pair it with a glass of cold milk and it makes a perfect afternoon snack. For my family, we enjoy munching on a cookie or two after dinner. My personal favorite is Mrs. Field's White Chocolate Macadamia . I can never get over how delicious the chunky macadamia nut combined with its milky sweet chocolate. Mmm... I also remembered the time when I attempted to bake simple chewy chocolate chip cookies. I carefully measured all ingredients and followed the procedure to a T. Later, I drop spoonfuls of dough into my cookie sheet and carefully carried this to my pre-heated oven to bake. Like a little kid, I excitedly waited for my cookies to bake. Using a flashlight I would peek through the oven glass door hoping to watch my cookies take shape. To my horror, it went the other way. My dough started to flatten and spread all over, it was like watching a chemistry project gone wrong. Dumbfounded, I just stared at the oven and wondered what went wrong. The cookie...

Here's wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!