Pink Heart

The Darling Man returned from an overseas business trip and brought home the following surprise for me: a sweet little Swarovski rose pink heart on a cord. It was presented to me over merienda in a dark blue box complete with a warranty card. I was speechless. Pleased. And touched.

TDM knows I don't wear a lot of bling, mostly character pieces or family heirlooms. This was perfect, because I could wear it every day if I chose. I honestly thought he would choose a memory card or some useful usb tech gadget, since he knows that I usually travel like some techie girl scout with a little pack of peripherals along with an ASUS eee in my handbag. This choice of gift makes me glad he thinks of me beyond my geekiness, in a most tender way.

Thank you, sweetie.

Lilo at the Little Gym

Joy and Tristan have been taking 2.5yo Lilo to The Little Gym in El Pueblo for the last two terms. They go for an hour every Tuesday morning, after which she takes her nap and later on, a late lunch.

Last Tuesday was Open House day, and this time they asked me to attend, in order to take pictures. Since Joy is usually behind the camera, she realized one day that she didn't have many photos with Lilo! Also, the night before, Teacher Clara called to ask permission for Lilo to be filmed by Jessica Soho's GMA crew, along with other select students. Lilo had bloomed so much in terms of strength, agility, confidence and social skills that she seemed like an ideal subject. She's also quite photogenic, attractive in a sporty, anti-Barbie way. Hands-down cute.

The GMA crew took shots of the children together with Teacher Maan, playing at each featured piece of equipment. Later on they interviewed Joy, asking why she enrolled Lilo in Little Gym. Joy mentioned something about wanting to develop her physical strength and dexterity along with social interaction skills. Tristan and his parents Tita Tess and Tito Ted were watching proudly from a distance.

They showed the segment in Jessica Soho's 9pm show the following Saturday, April 19. The whole show was about health and fitness in summer activities for Pinoys of all ages. Lilo was in most of the shots, in her white halter top, funky black shorts and "Disney Boo" hairdo (two little fountains on either side of her head). Joy was laughing, "Did you see my sweaty mommy face on tv?" I assured her that sweaty mommy mode is normal, particularly if the yaya is on vacation. Ninang Almond promised to ask a friend to get us a digital copy of the show.

Divisoria Haul

I hadn’t been to Divisoria since Tim’s wedding, but this latest trip was worth it. Joy and I have been in a needlecraft frenzy, she with crochet and I with knitting. We left the van at 168 Mall, and walked to Ilaya and Tabora Streets.

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Along Ilaya we found:

plain white 100% cotton tank tops (PhP50 @ for kids, PhP60 @ for adult sizes)

plain white 100% cotton nightgowns trimmed with eyelet lace (PhP100 @)

children’s lycra swimsuits (PhP70 @)

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At Yangco Market Pasilio P/Q leading from Ilaya to Tabora, we found:

daddy boxer shorts (PhP120 @ short/PhP140 @ puruntong)

children’s lycra bikini (PhP100 @)

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And at Wellmanson’s Tabora (distributor of Familia) we found:

sale yarns (P30 per 10-skein pack! 3ply!)

tapestry needles, buttons, clear elastic line, other sewing notions

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At Everson Tabora we found:

made in China nickel-coated aluminum 14″ knitting needles from size 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm & 6.0mm (average price of PhP35/pair)

set of four 9″ double pointed knitting needles, size 2.5mm/UK size 13 (PhP2

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At Skylab Commercial Tabora (distributor of J. P. Coats) we found:

Monaco/Cannon mercerized cotton, 175m balls (PhP19.50 @ dark colors / PhP18.50 @ light colors)

assorted birthday cake figurines (Disney princesses, Barney)

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At 168 Mall we found:

garterized knee protectors (PhP60/pair)

clip on led light powered by 4 watch batteries (P70@)

printed purses (4 for PhP100)

printed shoulderbag with matching purse (PhP250@)

smaller printed handbag (PhP150@)

leather calling card case with foldout cover (PhP80@)

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It was fun. Next time I’ll look for baby clothes for my godson Inigo, who is grower faster than we all realize.

I’ve started on the coral pink mercerized cotton, and have knitted the front and back bodice of a toddler blouse for Lilo.