Birthday Ideas for Grandpa

My grandpa (father side) will be 73 on February 14. Yes, he shared birthday with Valentines! When we’re still kids, on his birthday, all of his children and grandchildren will gather around to celebrate his special day. I love our grandpa whom we fondly call “Tatay Wennie”. He’s a farmer, a Barangay Healthworker and most of all; he’s a strong man of God. He’s considered a hero in his town because he helped delivered babies who the midwives find difficult. In fact, he delivered almost all of his grandkids! We’re blessed to have a grandpa like him. I'm so thankful to have a grandfather like him. There is no other who could fill his shoes.

A lot of history is covered over my grandpa’s 73 years of life. There is nothing that demonstrates love for Grandpa better than a birthday party that celebrates these years. I’m sure that my family won’t fail our grandpa how much they love him by dedicating a day toward celebrating his birthday. If I were just there I have this idea (which you could follow too!). I would love to begin the day by making him a cup of coffee and placing a sticky note on it wishing him a happy birthday. I would make plans of surprising him like bringing him to his surprise birthday party!

Here are some birthday ideas you could do for your grandpa:

For food preparation, bring back his childhood by serving small bowls of comfort food like chicken and dumplings, home-style macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and grits. Offer common foods like fried chicken and pork chops, deviled eggs and potato salad. Complete the old-fashioned food theme by making popcorn balls. In honor of his birthday, offer shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque, two foods that he would only have eaten in celebration. If your grandpa has a favorite dish, build the menu around it and stick to his favorite foods. By serving guests a variety of foods you ensure all in attendance will find a food they are happy with.

For great gourmet birthday present for grandpa, visit Berries.com. Their sweet bakery desserts, stunning gift baskets, fabulous birthday cakes, signature chocolate-dipped strawberries, outstanding picnic hampers and food presents large and small are quite simply perfect for saying happy birthday to Grandpa. Here’s what I’m drooling at the moment which I believe my grandpa would love:

Berries for Him Gift Includes

• 4 Berries Dipped in Milk with Chopped Almonds
• 4 Berries Dipped in Dark with Dark Chocolate Chips
• 4 Berries Dipped in White with Dark Swizzles

Incredible, mouthwatering creations! Each succulent strawberry is dipped in milk, dark or white and covered with toppings. The end result is a heavenly combination of flavors.  This is really something that will tempt his taste buds!

What gift to give? How about a pocket watch with a small note in it expressing your love for him? Include a line that addresses his ability to make time for you whenever you need it. Or a "Grandpa" coffee mug, gourmet coffee and a cap that can keep him cool while he is outdoors in the summer.

Just change the label to "Grandpa". This gift is both functional and fun. This mustache-coffee mug filled with Chocolate Delite Trail Mix is a great way to tell your grandpa that he's special. I'm sure he’ll love how you keep his gifts stylish and tasty!

Any other birthday ideas for grandpa? I would love to hear from you!

October is a special month for me

There are so many things to celebrate this October- our 4th wedding anniversary, Hyzyd’s 3rd birthday, my father’s 50 plus birthday and my niece’s 2nd birthday. I love to shop for gifts especially that there’s PersonalCreationsCoupons.com where you'll find a series of active coupons and discounts that can save you up to 20% on a wide variety of customized merchandise. Whether you are looking for anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, shirts, mugs, baby clothes or anything in between, you can get an incredible deal by simply clicking on the discount links they provided. 

With or without gifts, I’m forever grateful to God for giving me a wonderful family. I have someone to curl up with when the world seems cold, who's as concerned as I am when someone’s ill in the family , having a hand that keeps checking my brow when I’m not well, and a shoulder to cry on when I’m in my most trying times.

To my hubby, hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. When my time comes to leave this world, it's your face I want to kiss goodbye. It's your hand I want to hold as I slip into eternity. I want to look into your eyes and see that I mattered. Not what I looked like, or how much money I made, or even how talented I was. No, I want to look into the eyes of someone who loved me and see that I mattered.

To my son, Hyzyd, let me tell you that when God blessed your dad and I with YOU, He blessed us REAL good! I cannot think of a time since your birth that you have not been a joy to our hearts and a blessing to our lives. Know that I love you and always will. You are starting out on a weird, scary, daunting, but ultimately incredibly wonderful journey, and I will be there for you when I can. Godspeed.

To my Papa Ben, I want to acknowledge your unconditional love and protection for me and my siblings . Your blessed marriage with Mama inspires us to be the best in our marriage life. Your commitment and undying devotion to God encourages us to continue serving God through thick and thin. No matter how old I am, I'm always be your little girl. I love you papa. I always pray for you.

To my beautiful niece, HJ, you came into this world and made it a more beautiful place. For many countless reasons I'm glad you're the niece I got. You are loved for your sweetness and your very special ways. Mwaaaaahhh!

Things to Consider When Buying Men's Watches

When it comes to choosing watches, my hubby is very meticulous. Because for him who doesn’t like to wear other accessories like ring, bracelet and necklace, he was left with watch as the only accessory he could have own. If it’s not an essential style element, I doubt it if he would like one. You see, he only wears watch on school days but on weekends you’ll see it kept in a corner. Worst, expect them to be given away especially on vacation. That’s what happened to his 2 Everlasts watches. On the other hand, I’m proud that my hubby is a generous man. He loves to give away things that are dear to him (not to mention that they’re pricey). So it’s up to me to limit him in giving because that will left him with nothing especially with his wardrobe. Last April, when we visit Philippines, almost all his shirts and pants were given away to my younger brothers. They love to receive hand-me-downs from him because they don’t look as one rather they look brand new and of good quality. Watches were given and yeah his brand new converse shoes were among the loot.

Now, let’s go down to business…he..he…I’ve mentioned earlier that my hubby is meticulous in choosing his watches. Here are the few things he considered in buying his watches: 

1. His lifestyle.
My hubby is a high school teacher so he choose a watch that looks great both when he’s in school wearing long sleeve and ties or on casual days wearing T-shirts and sports shoes.

2. The Face

Another thing that gets him when it comes to watches is the size of the watch face relative to his wrist. He wanted watches that have larger than standard faces. He doesn’t like a watch that once worn ends up like a ladies watch. I personally love bigger watch faces whether you're a big guy or not, it's a great look. 

3. Water Resistance

For hubby he considered it because he’s driving motorbike and sometimes along the way, he get caught in the rain, he doesn’t need t worry. And by the way, water resistant can mean several things so he makes sure he ask to what degree the watch really is resistant. Some watches will resist moisture from accidental splashing, rain, sweat, etc. and others will resist moisture up to certain depths such as 50 or 100 meters. 

4. The Color of the Face and Strap

Hubby’s usual color choice is the tried and true colors that will blend and look appropriate both in formal and casual setting. He chooses dark blue or black. 

We went to City Chain , one of the leading watch stores in town and here’s my hubby’s pick:

This looks fashionable to me , reminds me one of the St. Moritz watches we’ve stumbled in internet. With a 60% discount, his watch became affordable to me ($400 with a 60% discount, you do the math) ..he..he…It’s a perfect travel companion. This chronograph black dial watch combines functionality and modern style. Light stainless steel case with genuine leather strap fits snugly and comfortably.

wearing the watch on casual days...

wearing the watch on Sports Day

wearing the watch on formal days

If you have other things to consider in buying your men's watches, please do share. I would love to hear from you.

Flood again?

We're in alert right now. Older folks in the neighborhood warn us of the possibility of another flood. Some of our friends already moved their valuable things on the first floor to their 2nd floor. They already bought and stocked food, drinking water, candles and other necessities. If we based on the weather, it's unlikely to have flood because the weather's been so good to us except for occasional rain in the evening and very chilly dawn that made you wish you have heated mattress pads to keep you warm. But yet, it's better to be prepared than be sorry later. You see, Hatyai City will be submerged if the dam in Sadao will be opened. A moderate southwesterly monsoon covered the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand. These conditions had caused torrential rain in the Central area including Bangkok and nearby provinces, as well as the East and upper South. And we're in South folks...*sigh*....

Just yesterday, I heard from the news that there's a plan to evacuate people from 13 districts and eastern zones of Bangkok located outside flood barriers because some parts of the capital will be submerged by overflows from the Chao Phraya.

The weather bureau said Saturday that a monsoon trough still covering the lower Central and Eastern region would develop into a low-pressure cell in the centre of the South China Sea.

Eastern parts of Bangkok likely to be flooded are Min Buri, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang and Klong Sam Wa.

The 13 districts at risk are Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphan Thawong, Bang Kholaem, Yannawa, Klong Toei, Bang Plat, Bangkok Noi, Thon Buri, Klong San, Rat Burana and Thawee Wattana.

Some nine canals in the capital would also be flooded, the National Disaster Warning Centre also warned.

The centre reported that the level of water in Bangkok was rising drastically, especially in Klong Bang Phrom, Klong Bang Wak, Klong Prem Prachakorn, Klong Lat Phrao, Pak Klong Talad, Klong Bang Sue, and Klong Maha Sawas. Officials were urged to prepare relief for people living in areas at risk of being flooded.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Saturday that torrential rain caused flooding in 17 areas across Bangkok. Ratchadaphisek Road was the hardest hit area. "We will still handle the flood situation in Bangkok," he assured.

The level of water around the intersection between Ratchada and Lat Phrao was 30 to 40cm deep, which paralysed traffic in the area.

Other areas affected were Ratchayothin intersection, Lat Phrao intersection, Lat Phrao Soi 22, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Kaset intersection, Pradit Manoo Tham Road, Phaholyothin, Srinakarin Road and Nawamin Road.

I pray hard for the safety of the people here in Thailand. Please pray for us here in Hatyai City that we'll be spared. I can't imagine having to undergo such mess again we experienced last November 1, 2010. 

So help us God.