I want to win a tie!

I haven't really given hubby a gift for a long time. A gift meaning something that he doesn't know about that's wrapped in some fancy kind of shiny material/paper. It's been a long time since I surprised him.

This is the reason why I want to win not 1, but 3 assorted ties from Kero's Celebration. Tiecoon.com were gracious enough to let her give away these great items after doing her review. The ties I want to win for hubby are:

I really wish I could win these. Even though the contest ends after Christmas, it's still within the season of giving :)

I have mail!

Yep! I received my prize for my win on My Thoughts for the day. I was surprised they were more than I expected.

Uploading pics now... check back in 10mins :)

Lady Luck strikes again

Thank you to Mommy Marjorie and her hubby for choosing my entry in her first online contest. Mommy Marjorie is the blogger behind My Thoughts for the Day.

At first I received an email that I was one of the top 3 contenders and she wanted to know my contact details in case I won. A couple of hours later she announced the winner and I'm so happy it was me.

I won P350 Havaianas Gift Certificate and P100 SM Gift Pass. I'm so excited to shop for my new Havs! Running around after a 2 y/o isn't easy but it can be comfy with a pair of Havs :) (and some treats from SM).

Thanks again so much Mommy Marjorie!

Win a Couture Nursing Sash from Kero and BabyBond

When I saw the giveaway at Kero's Celebration blog, I thought I would have no use for it right now. After all, I was done nursing and I'm not pregnant yet again. As I read her review, I found out it was an amazing product.

Yes I'm not nursing and I'm not pregnant. But the BabyBond Couture Nursing Sash is also a belly band. Now that is something I can definitely use. I have always been fat but somehow before I got pregnant, my tummy fat was firm. It didn't really "wiggle". But after I gave birth via C-section, it just wasn't the same. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, actually even a few pounds less, but it seems like my tummy is bigger because it's not firm anymore. I actually look as if I'm still pregnant.

I can't have an active lifestyle yet. I have a 2-year old to look after, I work from home almost 24/7 (2 days as a full time mommy meaning house chores) and have no helper at the moment. Maybe soon I can enrol myself in a gym or at least have more time to do more physical activity. For now, my aim is the BabyBond Sash as my belly band.

Are you still nursing? Are you going through post-pregnancy body changes? Join me now for a chance to win this great prize! Contest is open until Dec. 30th. Click HERE to join the contest at Kero's blog.

A different kind of win

Please humor me this one time.

I know this blog is about contests I join, or those that I want to share. Sometimes this is also where I rave about my latest wins. This time though, what I won is something different. I won a promise.

In November of 2007, we learned we were pregnant. Hubby and I both smoked (Marlboro Reds) but I immediately stopped. It was easy for me because I wasn't a heavy smoker to begin with. Hubby on the other hand, well... he's a different story. He used to smoke about a pack and a half a day. Because we were both working for the same company though, I understood the stress he was under.

He made a promise then. He'd slowly quit smoking and by the time I give birth, he promised he would have stopped by then already. I miscarried a couple of weeks after.

I did not smoke again. I told myself that if I was ready to quit then, I should still be able to uphold my decision. It wasn't just for the baby this time, it was for me too... and my future baby/ies. Hubby still smoked the same, if not more.

In February 2008, we found out we were pregnant again and he made the same promise. But that year was not very good for him. He lost his job and was in hiatus for a loooooooong time. I definitely understood his need for stress release through smoking.

Over the years, I kept making jokes about his promises and how it turned out, now that our little girl is 2 years old. His initial promise was 3 years ago. At times I would tell him that the stress in his situation will never go away, not for him, not for anyone. That would mean he would never actually be able to quit smoking.

Two nights ago something happened and he said he'd try to quit. He didn't say he would right there and then, he said he'd try. That was good enough for me. The next day was a weekend, and he only smoked 9 sticks. Today, he only bought half a pack instead of the 20-stick pack.

In my heart, I know I've already won. Please pray that he continues to fight this addiction. I know he tried several times already but something always comes up, with work, business or personal. This time I hope he overcomes whatever it is the will come and give him reason again not to stop.

I didn't get anything this time. No prize, no gadget, no gift certificate, nothing... just his word. But somehow this win is the most precious that I've ever won. A different kind of win, but the best one so far.

Another win from Pinoy Tech Blog

I received an email last Sunday asking for my mailing address. Apparently, I won again in another contest. It was for Pinoy Tech Blog's Referral campaign and I won a USB Bracelet. I can't wait to receive my package.

November has truly been a blessed month for me and my little girl. Thank you Lord and Bring On the Blessings please :)

Happy Hump Day everyone!

Another win from Kiehl Manila

I just received a private message from Esvi, a friend in Facebook saying I won in Kiehl Manila's Referral Campaign! Yay!

Their Facebook note said: "You won yourself a Ultra Micro Serum Deluxe! Please collect your gift in Kiehl's Greenbelt 5 Boutique!!" I'm so excited! The question is, when will I ever go to Makati again so I can claim it. My sisters also won so maybe I can have them claim my prize :)

God is good, thank you so much Lord!

Another win. Thanks Mommy Lace.

Another win for me. This time it's from Mommy Lace!

The contest required us to share our post-partum care tips. I didn't hesitate since even though I delivered via C-section, I also had a lot of guidelines on what to do when I went home.

To read what other mommies shared, please visit Postpartum Care Tips. I can't wait to claim my prize on Monday.

See you Mommy Lace and thank you!

I won a box of Funky Feet Socks

I received great news yesterday. I won a box of Funky Feet Socks!

This was a contest on Make or Break, sponsored by Funky Feet. I can't wait to get them. I'm so excited. Last I held baby socks were 2 years ago :)

This is what I won:

Love, love, love it! I don't have a son.. but I do know lots of little cutie baby boys waiting for them :) What a perfect Christmas gift.

Join my Giveaway

Join my giveaway! Head over the My Tots Exactly! to check on my first giveaway.
Contest is open to residents of the Philippines OR as long as you can have someone receive it for you in the Philippines. Good luck!

Happy Monday everyone!

Where are you Lady Luck?

Seems Lady luck has left my side for some time, thus the plateau of this blog. Unfortunately, I haven't been lucky enough to report anything new. On the contrary, there is one aspect in my daily life that seems to be going down the opposite direction.

It's been one week when hubby had a bit of a problem with our car. Thankfully, it all started as we were about to park in our garage. As he was waiting for me to open the gate, he noticed that his rear brake lights were still on, without him stepping on the brakes. He felt something fall from above his foot but couldn't be sure what it was.

As soon as we were parked, he tried to check what it was, and even tried to look for where it came from. But since it was almost 10pm, it was impossible with a handheld light so I thought he could just remove the fuse for the time being. We certainly could leave the lights on overnight.

The next morning, we immediately took the car to a nearby auto repair shop. The mechanic put the nut and bolt in, and the lights were off. You think it's over?? Of course not. A couple of days after, it happened again, but this time, hubby was on his way to work. He had to again stop at a small auto repair shop and they replaced his brake pads. Yay? Again, of course not. It happened again last Wednesday while he was on his way to work. This time, he took it to a known repair shop before going to the office. From there he took a cab to work.

We thought it would only last the day but just our luck, they said they had to check it overnight. Early next morning, hubby called to check if he could get the car around noon and again, just our luck, they said they weren't done with it yet. They finished the repairs around 8pm.

When hubby got home, I asked what they found to be wrong. Care to take a guess? Nothing. Since they had to do the process of elimination, they did replace a lot of parts, and the bill amounted to Php11k or roughly $350. Wow, that much for something that wasn't broken in the first place. Oh well.. at least, I told myself, it would be the end of all this unluckiness.

Not! Just tonight he had to stop at one of the exit points because his gears suddenly came loose. Good thing my brother-in-law, who's a mechanic was at home to help him. Together with my cousin, they went to where my husband was, at almost 11pm.

Now he's home safe.

Our car has been with us for more than 8 years. All these repairs started when the car audio receivers started to malfunction. After that, it was a series of noises from under the car which could be captured by one of those voice recorders. Within a month we replaced the car audio received and had the underchassis checked and repaired.

I hope this will be the last of it. Please Lady Luck.. where are you? Please stay by my side. I need lots of luck, or at least spare me from all these expenses. Thank you :D

Win a Nokia phone from the Manila Blogs Family Week 3

It's Week 3 of the Nokia and Manila Blogs' Nokia: My Life Promo and up for grabs this week are the following phones with respect to their specific blogs. It's so easy to join and you can join 5 times since each blog has its own prize! How cool is that? Interested?? Check out the phones below and the names of the blogs are all links, if you want to visit their site.

For Manila Reviews, win a Nokia 5230

Ever wonder what's up in the Metro? That's what I love about Manila Reviews. Their blog is updated with ongoing promos, contests and events. Be it about food, online contests, latest model searches or even just about the latest announcements, it's all there.

For Manila Mommy, win a Nokia 7230

Although, as the name implies, most of the posts are about being a mommy, a lot of posts are also about the goings-on in the Metro. Make sure to drop by this blog especially if you're a mommy. Lots of useful info, freebies and events for Mommies to be found.

For Manila Blogs, win a Nokia C3

For Manila Fitness, win a Nokia 3720


For Manila Shopaholic, win a Nokia C5

Win Regine's newest album!

Woohoooo! My sister and my brother-in-law are big fans of Regine (can't blame them because I like her too). I don't have any favorite OPM per se, but I've always loved listening to Jose Mari Chan and Joey Albert songs.

Nicquee of Pop ups of my mind is giving away Regine's newest album Low Key. I haven't been too lucky in contests and raffles but I am hoping that this will change my game. I'm so super excited!

It's so easy to join, just write a post about it and include your favorite OPM. Then scoot back to her blog entry here to leave your link in her comments section. One blog post equals one entry.

The contest is valid to all residents of the Philippines only, and Nicquee will gladly handle the shipping cost (thanks!). Contest runs from August 23rd to August 30th. JOIN NOW!

Nuffnang and HEAVEN Ice Cream invite you to a special screening of ‘SALT’

Divine ice cream pleasure is HEAVEN Ice Cream.

Give in to the richest, smoothest, and creamiest by NESTLÉ Ice Cream. Revel in the exquisite goodness of its four sophisticated flavors---Belgian Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Dream, Vanilla Almond Secret and Butter Pecan Obsession. HEAVEN Ice Cream is made with only the finest ingredients and contains no artificial food colors. Available in 800mL(Php 175) & 450mL(Php 115) tubs across supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores nationwide.

Twitter Hop June 24th and New Monetizing Opportunity

Join Twitter Hop Thursday to get more followers on your twitter!

Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).

2. Click on the Twitter for the six hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they’ll know where to follow you!

***New this Week*** We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is Mom State of Mind!!! They will be in the #6 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.

Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!!!

Many thanks to the following for hosting this linky:




And, I've discovered a new opportunity. For those who are actively monetizing their blog, you might be interested in sponsored reviews. I haven't had the chance to do any work for them or anything yet but wanted to share this opp in case it works out for you. Click on their badge below to know more about them.



Join the twitter hop here:

Fabulous Father's Day Foto Contest by Tooth Soap

This is my entry for Tooth Soap's Fabulous Father's Day Foto Contest -

I absolutely love this picture.

I am an advocate for BFing so when we're home, feeding time is definitely my time with the princess. When we go outside however, if circumstances make it uncomfortable for me and the princess to BF, hubby hurriedly volunteers to bottle feed her.

Although men can never feel the joy and connection of a mother and her baby when BFing, I give lots of kudos to him for trying his hardest.

Happy 2nd Father's Day Daddy.

Thank you for sharing this contest Supahmommy, and for the following for hosting this contest:





Click on any of the hosts' button above to join. Contest ends on Father's Day, June 20th.

I won a Tiny Tabs Ribbon Blanket!

Remember my post about Being Tazim's 30 days 30 giveaways? I got an email today and I won the giveaway for Day 8 - A Tiny Tabs Ribbon Blanket from Staci over at Just Sew Sassy.

I can't wait to receive one of these fabulous blankets:


I like the one on the top right with the flowers. I hope that's what I get. Can't wait for it in the mail, but I know it'll come in about a month since we're not from the US. Still... I'm soooo excited!

The giveaway isn't over yet. There are 15 more prizes to be won from June 15th to June 30th. Hurry and click HERE to go to my previous post about Tazim's giveaway!

Monday linkies June 14th

It's time for Mailbox Monday! Can't wait to subscribe to new and enjoyable bloggers!!



Hosted by Simply Stacie, This Mama Loves Her Bargains and A little of this A little of that…

Here’s how to join in the fun:

• Add your blog link to the linky
• Subscribe by email to the three hostesses. They will return the favour.
• Visit the other blogs on the list and subscribe by email to the ones that interest you. Leave them a comment with your blog link so they know you are subscribing from Mailbox Monday. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!
  

Everyone is welcome to participate. Each week a new linky will be generated so make sure you stop by on Monday’s to add your blog.

Your blog *must* have a place for people to e-mail subscribe. We will be subscribing to everyone’s blog who participates. If there isn’t an e-mail subscribe option, your link will be removed from the linky.

Let’s have fun and meet (and read via email) some new blogs!!

Little Apricot's Friday Giveaway

I joined Little Apricot's Friday Giveaway!

I would love to win a pattern for this gorgeous dress:

My daughter will look so fab in this!

This is my favorite item in her shop:

Join now. To enter the contest click HERE. Contest ends the evening of June 13th.

Handmade by Cole giveaway!

I'm joining Lindsey's (aka OttosMomBlogs) Handmade by Cole Giveaway.

This is what I'm joining for! I simply love, love, love it. I love this set of colors as it is, but you can also customize your order/prize with 1 or 3 colors.

My favorite item in her shop is this:

This is perfect for my not-so-little girl who's turning 2 in September!

Lots of super cute knitted booties but I have to wait until there's a new baby to order them. Hopefully that'll come soon ;)

To join, click HERE. Contest is open until 12mn of June 11th. Hurry!!

Fabulous Giveaway from Tazim

Tazim of BeingTazim.com is giving away 30 prizes for 30 days, 1 for each day (just in case you missed it. The first item up for grabs is this fabulous Mommy Necklace.


Interested?? Contest ends today at 12mn PST for this first item.
This is only the beginning. Visit her site for the 29 more fabulous items!!

Blog Makeover

I joined WAHMaholics Blog Makeover contest!

I'm not really sure if I can handle a makeover but her designs are simply fab that I couldn't pass up the chance. Do check out her blogs and designs.



Contest ends today so click HERE to join!

Spa Naturals Package Giveaway

One Savvy Mom is giving away a Spa Naturals Package to one lucky reader (courtesy of Spa Naturals by South of France)

The winner will receive: (All full size products)

1 Canister of Spa naturals Citrus Mint Energizing Mask
1 Canister of Spa Naturals Orange Ginger Refreshing Scrub
1 Canister of Spa Naturals Citrus Mint Energizing Moisturizer
1 Canister of Spa Naturals Cucumber Aloe Soothing Cleanser
1 Spa Naturals Orange Ginger Refreshing facial bar
1 Abaca Tote



To view the complete mechanics and join the contest, click HERE.

Good luck!

BC Bloggers 3 now open

Calling all bloggers! Round 3 is now open... woohooo!

Calling all bloggers who want to gain friends in the blogosphere and build links at the same time – BC Bloggers 3 is now open. To join just visit Mommy Diary, read the requirements, and fill out the Application Form.

Win a Motivated Moms Planner

Cindi of Little Yaya's is giving away a Motivated Moms Planner (thank you Motivated Moms!). This giveaway is open to international entries.


To join, click HERE
Contest ends May 6th 10pm PST

Giveaway from The Ethertons

Laura of The Ethertons will be having a huge giveaway to celebrate her son Shane's 2nd birthday! Check out her blog to know more about the super exciting prize. While you're there, join her other giveaways too!

UNEAKS Customizable Footwear Giveaway

One Savvy Mom! is giving away 1 pair of U*neaks and 2 pairs of socks!



For her review and to join the giveaway, click HERE
Contest ends May 2nd.

Nintendo Wii Console Giveaway

Win a Nintendo Wii Console from One Savvy Mom!



One Lucky Reader Will Win!
Nintendo Wii Prize Pack will include:
One Nitendo Wii Console
One Wii Remote
Power cord
Sensor bar
Standard AV composite cable

To know how to join click HERE to go to One Savvy Mom!'s Contest Page.
Contest ends May 14th.

Good luck!

Win Face It Placemats!

Alphabet Plates is giving away 2 Face It Placements to 1 lucky winner.



For a complete review of the Face It Plates, visit One Savvy Mom!
To join, click HERE. Contest ends April 26th.

Honoring Earth Day

To honor Earth Day, my blogs My Tots Exactly!, My Tummy Calls, and My Game of Chance are now carbon neutral. A tree will be planted for each domain.

I really wanted to do this earlier on but waited since I thought it would be more timely today. I miss my mother's stories of trees, birds and clean water and by neutralizing my blogs' carbon footprint, I hope I am somehow doing my share if not for me, my daughter's and her future children.

Quoting from Kaufda:

Make your blog carbon neutral!
For free!

Being part of the initiative “My blog is carbon neutral” is an active contribution to help the environment! All you have to do is described here. Make it happen - make it green!

“My blog is carbon neutral” is an initiative, originally started in Germany by the “Make it green” programme, that has the goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We plant a tree for your blog and thereby neutralise your blog’s carbon footprint for the next 50 years! Everyone can make a small contribution to the environment. Every tree counts!

If you would like to join and make your blog/s or website/s Carbon Neutral too, please click HERE for the complete instructions.

Let us all do our share to conserve Mother Earth.

My Easter Egg - A New Beginning

~ from my family to yours! ~
Hope you have a good one!

Easter eggs, a symbol of rebirth and resurrection of Jesus, mark the culmination of Holy Week world over. - source: news in msn.com



I really didn't expect the Easter Bunny to deliver me an easter egg but she did. My bunny turned out to be someone from my new world, my blogging world. I've only been blogging for a little less than a month so what a surprise it was to receive this email from my "Easter Bunny" - Harriet of Harriet and Friends..

With this one, I now open my new blog, My Game of Chance. This is dedicated to all the contests and giveaways that I may be joining or may simply be interesting. It can only, from time to time, include posts about my opinions on certain contests and what-nots in my online world.

Please do expect however that the layout will change, for the better, once the new template I won has been installed. What a great way to start this chapter of my blogging life.

Again, Happy Easter everyone!! ~~ from my family to yours.