Cogo

If you plan to replace Lego with Cogo... I will tell you now... DON'T DO IT. Price wise, yes it's definitely cheaper! But the frustration in playing it... ARGH! This sums my overall feeling towards the toy.

Kalvin got this for Edward, his second Cogo toy... But on both occasions... There were defective parts. I rarely follow instructions/rules but whenever I am following one... I follow it by the book. That's why it's really frustrating to be not able to complete the procedure and moving on to the next step.

To add on... The parts doesn't fit perfectly. You fit two parts together and while doing the next step it all crumbles... How frustrating is that? And... And... While adding the finishing touch, it all crumbles again... Grrr... Have to redo everything. So... ARGH!!! I hate you Cogo!!! Never again!!!

Does this toy even have Quality Control? Save yourself the frustration and listen to me... Ignore Cogo!

Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Scoops ‘n Treats

Edward got this toy for Christmas and he loved it. He likes to watch a video in YouTube from Surprise Eggs Unboxing Toys that upon unwrapping the present, he wants to play with it already.

The first thing he did was to re-do the Popsicle in the video. Normally I don't allow him to mix dough colors. But he was so eager to follow the video, I just let him. I was so proud of him to do the Popsicle one at a time.

Next day, I was showing him to make the Popsicle in one color... But the dough was not enough for one. After putting the dough in the mold,when I closed it, I had to manually stick the two parts. I wish Play-Doh gave a bigger can of dough. Seems that the free dough are not enough. So... I think one way or another you have to mix colors. Yikes!

I tried reading about separating the dough after colors are mixed but it seems hard. Majority of the parents just buy new sets of dough. They said Play-Dohs are cheap. It's not the same in the Philippines... Oh well, I guess children do mix dough as they play. Just have to think of an alternative.

Fruit Salad ala Mama

Hi Folks... Advance Merry Christmas! For this day, we've decided a culminating activity... Inspired by Cambridge when they did a fruit salad. I've decided to share our family recipe for fruit salad.

It's super simple... Anyone can do it.

Ingredients :
Fruit Cocktail
Cream
All Purposed Cream
Condensed Milk (Half Can)

As you can see in the picture... different brands, you can use whatever brand you like.

Instructions:
1. Drain the fruit cocktail

2. Mix the cream, all purpose cream and condensed milk.

3. Stir until the texture is smooth. Oops sorry. Forgot to picture.

4. Pour the fruit cocktail in a container and coat it with the cream mixture.

There you have it. A simple recipe for you to enjoy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Bidding!!! Auction!!!

Just this month, I engaged myself in 2 auctions, 1 for a collectible item from Mc Donald’s and the other one is Edward’s painting in school. His first painting in canvas with his classmates.

For some reason, I was pretty lucky as I won both auctions. Is it a complete waste of money? For some… maybe. But for me. No! The money I’ve spent would buy my peace of mind and contentment. Especially on the painting.

I must say… it was pretty intense for both auctions, there were times where I questioned myself if I should raise my bid just to ensure winning. I’ve set a budget but I got way over it. But I’m still happy. Because deep inside I feel that it’s kinda redemption for the things I wasn’t able to keep as a memento.

I guess my weakness is there are some things that I really want to buy and must buy! So I guess my new year’s resolution for next year is fitting. For 2015, I promise not to hoard anymore. I’ll just buy the essentials, no panic buying of things. I’ll be a responsible parent.

Sounds like I’m convincing myself to be happy with the auction? Probably. I feel happy and guilty at the same time. But I guess, several years down the line when I see the painting… I know it is worth every peso. :)

Books For Less Warehouse Sale Second Haul

Finally!!! I was able to visit it and haul! Overall, I'm happy with the haul. Although, it's more expensive than the initial sale from 10 Php to 20 Php. But for the convenience of going there and the aircon... I'll glad pay the difference.

The haul is a mixture of books for Edward and me. It was hard digging through all the shelves but it's a must in order to find good bargain like Dr Seuss books or Eric Carle.

This probably is my last haul for the year...

Hot Wheels Monster Jam

I was browsing in SNR one day and was surprised to see Monster Jam trucks in Manila. Too bad, the bigger die cast is Zombie, if it was different, I might have bought it.

After telling husband about it, he wants to collect it all. Haha. We're hoarders...

Buqo 36 Days of Christmas

From today until December 25, Buqo is giving a free book/magazine. Different title for each day. So make sure you check it out everyday. Just click on the banner from the app to see the freebie. For today it's I Saw Da Sign

Books for Less Warehouse Sale Haul

Everything at 20 Php until December 15, 2014 at SM Manila. They have thousands of books available. Ranging from Children's books and Coffee Table Books. They replenish every day! Although it's not 10 Php... The good news is there's Aircon.

Thanks husband for the haul. I am super happy!

Books for Less Pre-Christmas Sale

Last Oct 31 - Nov 2, Books for Less had a sale where everything is sold for 50% off. I was so excited! Overall I was happy with my haul.

Some of the good finds are the The Velveteen Rabbit, The Story of Babar and Today I Feel Silly.

Total damage of the Haul? 600 Php.

Mickey Mouse Bowl and Mug

Because Edward's mug has cracks, Kalvin bought Edward one from SM Manila Department Store. A set for 249.75 Php.

I find the set cute. And best of all, Edward liked it. He was excited to use it. I hope the spoon and fork from Amazon arrives soon...

Books For Less Warehouse Sale

While browsing... I saw this ad!!! I'm loving Books For Less more and more.

The warehouse sale is until December 15, 2014. Need to sked my visit haha.

Bistro Ravioli

For the Tuddies Getover, we've decided to try out something new in Glorietta. Bistro Ravioli is located at 2nd Floor, Glorietta 3. It's near Mc Cafe and Dippin Dots.

The place is really small, we were lucky to get the seat in the corner. That way, lesser passerby.

We tried the Mushroom and Mozzarella Ravioli, Spinach and Feta Cheese Ravioli in Pesto Sauce, Italian Sausage and Bacon Pizza, Carbonara and Chicken. Whew! And to think this is only for snack! I sure did miss this bunch of friends.

The verdict? I love the Ravioli and the Pizza. It has the right amount of flavor. And the tomatoes really complimented the dish. The pizza is also good. Soft bread and flavorful toppings.

The carbonara was a bit bland. Too bad I wasn't able to try the chicken and fries. As I was already full with the servings I've got.

About going back... Hmm. I like the food a lot. But the passersby are a bit distracting to fully enjoy the dishes. Probably would try their other branches or have the food to go. :P

Seoul Express

I have been a fan of Korean Food for the longest time. I've been eager to try out this restaurant located in Fort Strip. After 2 times of failure... The third time was the charm. We finally were able to get a seat.

Initially, I was eyeing to get Bibimbap but after browsing the menu and seeing the Kimchi Chigae. My choice switch instantly. The Kimchi Stew is priced at 250 Php without rice. If you want rice, you can add 30 Php.

I absolutely love the food. It brought back memories of my Korea trip. Right amount of flavor. Serving size is just right.

Would I go back? Definitely! To try the other dishes... Like the Japchae,  Bulgogi and Rabokki.

Here are the food tried out by my colleagues.

Katsudon

Bibimbap

Project Pie

We tried the make your own pizza for 285 Php and we were happy with the result. Here's a happy baby exploring. Haha. So the process starts with you giving the number of pizza you want and your name. A person at the end of the line would write down your order. Next you choose red or white sauce... Just like a pasta. We were a bit adventurous and went for the white sauce. My in laws got the red one. After the sauce, you select the cheese... I got Mozzarella and Parmesan. Next the meat... I got chicken, ham and pepperoni. Finally, the veggies... I got onions, green peppers, mushroom and tomatoes... After the selection, they put the pizza in the oven. And while waiting, you can pay for it. Whola! The pizza is done. I love the pizza we've created. The pizza size is just for snacks. But we would definitely be back. As it was a fun experience to create your own pizza. For those in a hurry, you can get the pre-selected ones for approximately 245 Php.