Want to Live Longer?

Sunday before last the whole clan went apple-picking as part of our annual fall tradition. The rain did not stop us from harvesting two bushels of golden delicious apples for my family alone. I guess that's what happens when you have three nature-deprived kids who were raised in the city. It almost looked like they were hunting for treasure instead of gathering crop.

Since then I've been finding myself eating about three apples a day-- one in the morning, one while driving to work at 4pm and another one on my way back. Although I know that's a healthy thing to do I am not doing it for health reasons but out of guilt for spending nearly $50 on apples!

But after reading this article by Dr. Maoshing Ni called Apples: The Live Longer Fruit today on Yahoo! Health I am mighty glad that I've been gorging on this fruit for more than a week now. We've all heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," but after reading this article you will come to realize that whoever started that adage literally meant it.

If slowing the aging process is not enough reason to start making apples a staple to your daily diet click here to read about the other benefits of enjoying this very much unforbidden fruit!

photo grabbed from www.whiteonricecouple.com

An Adviser for Chicago Shoppers?!

Chicago is the city that shops and that is why I almost found it funny that Chicago Tribune (web edition) would find it necessary to have a "Shopping Adviser." Shopping adviser or not, shopping I am going and so would a lot of women I know. But hey, how could you resist reading an article entitled, "Battle of the Mega-Discounters?!"

In this article Ellen Warren compares two discount chains that we all know and love (well, I'm not so sure about the "love" part for everyone) TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Anyone who knows me would say that I would never be caught dead carrying an inexpensive bag but when it comes to clothes I am always about getting a bargain. The author takes us to the said stores' downtown Chicago flagship locations, and scrutinizes everything from their selections, to the fitting rooms and restrooms, down to the checkout lines.

It's been a while since I last visited any of these two stores but I think I'm due for another bargain-shopping spree. And although the author had a preference for Marshalls over Maxx, a cow-patterned broom for $6.99 sounds very intriguing! When the hell is my next day off?!

To read this mega-insightful shopping advisory please click here.

A Perfect World

"In a perfect world," Jake Gyllenhaal says, "I would love to do one play for every three movies." In a perfect world I would be sitting right next to him, telling him I'd support him all the way. But who lives in a perfect world?

On Thursday Origins was giving away free samples of the skin care line of your choice simply by listening to their spiel, and letting them try the Modern Friction exfoliant on you. And what do I pick? A Perfect World, of course! I'm a sucker for citrus scents, just like my perfume Sugar by Fresh. To quote the Origins website, the "aromatic orange, bergamot and spearmint fortify the feel-good factor" and believe it or not it actually is very uplifting! The little sample box included a deep cleanser, liquid moisture (toner), antioxidant moisturizer, and a body cream. I'd say they would last you about two weeks.

Anyone who knows me well enough would say I hate regimens-- diet, exercise, skin care, make up, etc. I'm just not high maintenance or systematic enough when it comes to these things. But since receiving these samples I've been looking forward to prepping up my skin! It's my me time in the morning and at night before going to bed.

So if you feel like giving yourself a treat, that you so deserve, one of these days visit Origins as through September 28 they are giving free 1-on-1 consultation. They will also be sampling a new product called Plantidote which is a face mask so prepare looking silly in front of other customers as well. If you live in the Oak Brook area I would recommend seeing Greg Coleman at the Origins counter within Macy's. He's very knowledgeable about his products and makes the whole experience a real treat. If I could get past my self-consciousness I might stop too and have him cover my face up with a mask. I guess no one could really recognize me once I have that on! Haha.

So don't forget your own treat! You may call Greg Coleman at (630) 684 2171 for more details.

So until I have Jake by my side I may not live in a perfect world, but at least my skin does!

Men and Their Cars Part II

This is a follow up to my previous post Men and Their Cars. If you haven't already, you might want to read it before continuing. Beware as this may be the first rant in my blog and it may not be good.

The other night I got to meet my husband's new (which is not by any means new!) purchase that day: a really old beat up Geo Prizm. Because our condo allows us just one assigned parking in the garage, which obviously belongs to his baby, the Land Cruiser, the Camry and this poor looking fellow will always be found parked on North Avenue (as seen on photo).

This purchase, just like the Land Cruiser, was not approved by me. Actually I did semi-approve of the Land Cruiser in the condition that I will never ever hear him complain about bills. Before we bought it we had a Toyota Sienna in excellent condition that was, just like the Camry, paid for. Did I hear complaints? Of course I did. A lot actually.

(Just a side note: Notice what big Toyota fans we are? 4Runner, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sienna, Geo Prizm (rebadged version of the Toyota Sprinter), and an MR2 that we donated about 2 years ago. They're the most reliable cars out there!)

So why did he insist on getting this old car? Because of his new big boy job, remember? In fairness, this little one is a real gas-saver. He filled it up at less than $50 two days ago and as of last night it's run 290 miles and the empty light still hasn't turned on. I just feel that it's too soon to be making this decision considering that he hasn't even been doing this for over a month. But does my opinion count? Last time I checked it doesn't.

Anyway, after meeting the car the other night I got to ride it yesterday. I took advantage of my day off to see a Filipino movie, which is a rare phenomenon here in Chicago. Kai and I had gone to Macy's to get a present for Megan's 2nd birthday and my husband and I agreed that we will leave for the movie (that starts at 1:30pm) as soon as I was done shopping. All he had to do was get out and we'd be waiting outside, with the kid already strapped on his car seat, the engine running, and myself waiting on the passenger's seat so he could drive.

I don't exactly know what happened between the time I had left the mall and arriving home but he wants me to get out of the car because we're using the other car. I insisted we use the Camry since we're all set and ready to go but all I heard was him yelling, "Park your car!" So I move the car, move the baby and move the shopping bags just so he could give me a peek of his ugly car with exposed insulation on the entire ceiling. To make matters worse when we get to the movie theater I asked him to pop the trunk open so I could stow my bags away and he hands me the key. Oh. I have to manually do it. And as I walked away from the car he again yells at me, "Lock your door!" Oh, no power locks either.

And just when you think the day could not get any more horrifying, he points at the ticket booth and commands me to pay for our tickets-- a ripoff at $15 each. If you've been to the Pickwick Theater at Park Ridge you'll know what I'm talking about. The seats do not have cupholders and the upholstery is so worn they might as well strip it entirely. The floors are sticky and the unkept heavy Victorian interior adds to its misery. At this point it was hard to decide which was more saddening-- being in this depressing theater or being on a date with The Grouch. Wait, did I just say it was hard? I'd pick the theater any given day!

So if your boyfriend tries to impress you with his car, enjoy the days because as soon as you say I do nothing's too ugly for you. You think men are jerks? Try husbands!

Men and Their Cars

My husband finally found his big boy dream job. For now. We'll see how long this phase lasts. He works for a company that mostly delivers medical supplies from pharmacies to hospitals, nursing homes, and the like. Sometimes he also finds himself running around downtown like a madman delivering documents-- a disaster. The one time I came with him to help him with directions (since GPS won't work downtown) and watch the car too, in case a tow truck comes, he came this close to losing it and dumping people's paychecks on Lake Michigan. The good side of it though is that I get to drive the good car, and he gets to drive the okay one. Why with the high gas prices it only makes perfect sense!

Last night after coming home from work he asks, "How's the Land Cruiser?" I say it's fine. Then he goes, "You know when I bought that truck it was really you I had in mind. I remember when I first saw you in my 4runner (this was 7 years ago)-- you really looked good driving that truck. So now that you've put on some weight I thought I'd get you something bigger!" LOL! So I say, "So if I put on more weight what are you buying me, a dump truck?" He answers, "Why do you think we bought that dump truck in the Philippines?!" Men, oh men! And in case you were wondering what this picture to the right is for, this is where he wants me to park whenever I use it-- away from other cars, people and traffic! Now I'm not too sure if this really is a good thing!

Legolalaland Discovery Centre in Chicago (well, Schaumburg, really)

So as I promised my kids we did go to the Legoland Discovery Centre today and we even managed to bring Cholo and Jesie! My husband got caught up at work so he told us to go ahead and just meet him there. Unfortunately it took him even longer than expected so he didn't make it until we actually got out, and the only participation he had was helping Kai assemble his tiny little Lego car with this tiny little driver (who, by the way, wore a helmet and safety glasses!). And buying us lunch. And buying them their gym shoes later on. Which pretty much took care of everything he made that day! Haha!

For those who have been giving the place bad reviews I don't really know what their deal is. Maybe they really are cheap, like I said yesterday, or they just have no appreciation for art, creativity or wild imagination whatsoever. Just thinking how much time these crazy people spent building Mr. Einstein alone so he could greet me at the door, with his tongue sticking out and his eyes rolling from one side to the other is in itself worthwhile of the entrance fee (yeah, my buy one get one free entrance fee!). Add to that that we got to ride the Dragon Ride twice, watch a 4D movie with Lego characters in it who didn't talk (somewhat a weird movie that's almost not kid-friendly), play at the playground, build with an endless supply of blocks big and small, and hey, take photos with Batman, Harry Potter and Mr. Krabs! For a good couple hours I didn't hear any whining and crying from my three kids. What better things can your $10 buy?!

To prove my point, here's a slideshow. Enjoy and leg godt!!!

My Big Plan for the Weekend That I Hope Happens

Ever promised your kids you're taking them somewhere fun over the weekend but you end up oversleeping (or uhm, feeling too lazy) that you settle for an activity that requires less effort (ie, ice cream, McDonald's). Well I must confess my husband and I are guilty! And I'm very embarrassed about it.

Which is why I'd like to make a big announcement that for tomorrow I plan on getting up early so we could check out the newly opened and first of its kind in the country Legoland Discovery Centre in Schaumburg, to put me in an even more embarrassing situation if I once again change my mind. The 30,000 square-foot "playground" promises a lot of family fun and entertainment but because it's so new I haven't really heard any reviews from someone I personally know.

I know coupons are always out there so I googled "Legoland Discovery Centre coupons" and I found buy one Adult ticket and get a Child ticket for free. Not bad, considering kids pay $15 apiece! I stumbled upon a few reviews while shopping for the best coupons (like buy one kid ticket and get the adult in for free maybe? Hey, it's the kids who really wanna be there in the first place!) and it's quite a mix of critics out there. What I noticed though is that people who complained simply complained about the entrance fees being too high. Maybe they paid full price. Maybe they're just cheap. I'll take that back if I ever complain about the same thing tomorrow.

Look What We Found at the Shedd!

Yes, we found him, his dad and their friend Dory but I'm not talking about finding Nemo. We found something more magical and marvelous at the lower level of the Shedd Aquarium...

WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES!! Who knew the Philippines could be this close to Chicago?!

But did you know that...

Yeah, well, that might be a given. But did you also know that...

Well, I sorta knew that too. But hey, here's another one...

Ah yep, I knew that too. But in case you didn't you learned something today. And you didn't even have to pay the $25 entrance fee, you lucky nosy creature!

Visit the Shedd Aquarium! Now through September 1st they are open daily from 9-6. Make sure you bring a Chicago City resident with you for a 25% discount. The Lizards and the Komodo King will be leaving on Labor Day so come see them soon. I was kind of disappointed that this Komodo Dragon didn't slobber as much as the one I saw on Discovery Channel, but I think he was gross enough. Haha! The Beluga whales were enchanting (call me weird but they remind me of unicorns!) and the penguins adorable I wanted to take one home.

View more photos of the magical Beluga whales here.

Meet My 29-Year Old Self

What could be a happier birthday than one spent with the family? Well I could think of one. A birthday that's celebrated with even more family members!

Last week I received a message via Friendster from my cousin's wife that they are flying to Chicago on Tuesday, August 5th. They've always known that I've lived in the US for quite some time now but because we never kept in touch they had no idea where exactly. But again, thanks to Friendster, they found me! I was very excited to know that they've picked a special day to visit the city. Not only was it my birthday, it was also my day off work so we were able to pick them up at O'Hare and tour them around for a bit.

But Kuya Jaymard was here about the food. He wanted to make sure he ate Filipino food during his stay, so for dinner we went to Little Quiapo, a buffet-type Filipino restaurant. Need I say we ate to our hearts' content? To top it off, aside from dessert we also had halo-halo and sago. Yum!!!

So aside from starting my new year by pigging out, what's there to expect? I'm not sure exactly. This morning when my six-year old greeted me a happy birthday, he asked me a very profound question. As soon as he gave me a kiss and a hug, he asked, "So Mommy, what changes now that you're 29? You don't look any different, but I hope you stay that way. I don't want you to look like a lola (grandma)." He would every now and then ask me these kinds of questions and each time I am taken off guard. I would usually say, "Oh baby, that's not gonna happen!" because I'm not about to complicate things for a six-year old. But I realize maybe the best way to keep my word is to stay as healthy as possible, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. So I'm making that a goal (a major one!) for this year. For the rest of my life, I should say!

Thanks, Tita Susie, for the flowers. They're very pretty! :)

Kai's Artwork On Exbihit at the Elmwood Park Library

Yeah. That kind of exhibit.

That's Chicago Love

Today on the business section of the Chicago Tribune Web Edition an article was written about Chicago locals being the most content with their city.

"Survey finds Chicagoans are happy with their surroundings, beating New York and Paris as most loved city by its residents." Read more...

By the way it's not a habit of mine to read the Trib online every morning. I knew about this article through the Eric and Kathy show on 101.9 (The Mix) this morning. Kathy made a very good comment about the article. She said something like, "I bet they conducted the survey in the summer!" Haha! I would say, better yet, maybe in the spring! :)

Photo of Ohio Street Beach grabbed from Wikipedia

Here they Come, the Beautiful Ones

Louis Vuitton Oak Brook to open the second week of Oak-tober! Watch out!

The Oak Park (Detour) Experience

In my attempt to offer unsolicited advice to Cholo who, up to now, has not decided where he's taking the family for his triple celebration tomorrow (for graduating college, passing the NCLEX and celebrating his 23rd birthday) I decided to make a detour from my usual route home to see about the Flat Top Grill in Oak Park on Lake Street. Someone whom I used to work with live in this village and he highly recommends it. But nearly as soon as I make it to the front I receive a text message from Mr. Celebrant saying that he's finally made up his mind, and that the winner is the Cheesecake Factory at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. I'm so excited!!! Maybe we'll do FTG next time.

I didn't want my detour to end in vain so I decided to make a quick pass along Chicago Avenue and check out one of my favorite places in the world, the Frank Lloyd Wright (my favorite architect too, that's for sure!) Home and Studio. I've been wanting to volunteer here forever since it's only 2 miles away from home but... I don't know what my excuse is.

Even with the scant lighting limited to the middle part where the

stork capitals are, the place looked majestic (note that it's almost 10pm by now). Only problem is I didn't bring my camera (I should really get into the habit of bringing one, if I were to take this blogging seriously). I wasn't about to use that as an excuse so I bring out my camera phone and take a snap. And another. The result is the photo on the left, in case you were wondering what the black box is all about. Haha. Pathetic! But the point is I was there, enjoying this piece of art many regard as one of America's must-see places before you die. So if you ever make it there before you die, please ask one of the volunteers for Kristine. You never know, I could be giving you the tours by then. Or ringing up your souvenir, postcard and fridge door magnet purchase for you, you little tourist, you!

Bucketful of Sunshine

When I woke up today at 7am-- a feat, considering I've been getting up at around 10 on normal days recently-- I didn't mind so much that I was losing at least 3 hours' worth of sleep. Why, you ask? Because today I was coming home with a bucketful of those sweet round pretty yellow Rainier cherries!

The 2-hour drive from Chicago to the Jollay Orchard in Coloma, Michigan was bearable. Because we own a large SUV all the kids in the family (six in all) usually prefer to ride with us. It was a lazy Sunday morning and the highway was near empty, thanks to high gas prices! Cholo also rode with us and we chatted the ride away until we reached our destination. I loved the scenic small road we took. Lovely homes, wineries, orchards and a fine chocolate shop were just a few pleasing sights to behold.

At last we get to the farm. Not only was the place abundant in parking spaces, it was also..... unusually empty. We momentarily find out that we are two weeks late from the picking season. I guess that's better than being just one day too late! Unless, they said, we'd be interested in tart cherries. I guess tart cherries are better than no cherries.

Or not! The cherries were so bitter none of us could tolerate them. We are not a baking kind of people either, so there really wasn't any use for these fruits. I thought they looked cute though--they reminded me of my old Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Cerises! LOL.

So I guess we're unlucky this year. Which, by the way, would've been my little family's first. But that doesn't mean we couldn't pick raspberries! So picked we did. That's me, taking it very seriously :) However, my husband, the two boys and my 8-year old niece had a different idea about having fun and used the Radio Flyer wagon to coast down the hills. As expected, it ended with pleas and screams from the two-year old who didn't want to stop.

Even though I didn't expect this kind of conclusion to our family outing I was very glad that we did go. Part of that is because when we left Chicago this morning it was kind of cold and gloomy (it was pouring throughout the day yesterday). The Michigan weather was beautiful, and while some people are just okay with a pocketful of sunshine, we got bucketfuls! :)

Bringing Home the Birkin

A few weeks ago I requested a book entitled "Bringing Home the Birkin-- My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag" by Michael Tonello to be brought over to our library from another Chicagoland location. Unfortunately this library won't share their copy (hmmmph!) probably because it's so new. So what's my library got to do?

Buy it just for me!!! See the "NEW" sticker? :)
And today I am Bringing Home the Book.

Oh I love the Elmwood Park Library! My kids do too, and they all have their own accounts (well, not the 2-year old). Co-workers would always ask me if I've read the book (I was the one who first found out about it but they grabbed copies as soon as they knew about its existence) and I would just say, "I'm still waiting for the library's call" and I get the "You actually use the library?!!" look. I don't care! I'll borrow it and if it's worth keeping I'll grab my own copy. Meanwhile I'm going to start reading and if it's a worthwhile read you'll hear about it again. Oh I just love the smell of new books! And old ones, for that matter <wink>.

Brookfield Zoo

Unaware that the weather's going to be in the mid-90s today we decided to visit the Brookfield Zoo. We were so excited we decided we wanted to be zoo members. For $101 we get unlimited number of visits in a year, with free parking, 6 free guest tickets (plus we can bring one guest for free each visit), 4 tickets to the dolphin show, 4 tickets to motor safari tour and discounts to select shops and restaurants. I told them that I have 4 kids because I know one of their cousins would always want to tag along, so that's what my membership card says. Perhaps I should take offense that they actually believed I was mother to four! LOL.

It was a lot of fun. Kai saw a lot of babies-- a term he uses for anything cute, big or small. Dolphins, elephants, chipmunks, monkeys--even his dad!--they're all babies and equal :) A little tip for those who want to visit: bring food and tons of beverages, as they're allowed. Their bottled water and soda run for about $3.25-$3.75 each! Also, make sure your camera's battery is full. Because it's so impromptu I didn't even think of that, so five photos later (all shown) our battery's dead. Luckily we're members now, so all we have to do is come back again! Yay!!!!! :D