big & huggable

back to the real world again

admin_bighuggable — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:13:25 +0000

Happy New Year! It’s been three days since the New Year commence, but I can’t still get over the parties that happened. The thought of it really makes me smile and celebrate again. Unfortunately, it’s time to go back to the real world although there is one more occasion that we will celebrate this month and that it the birthday of my third child.

I’m not sure what to give her a birthday gift; my ideas were all exhausted during the Christmas. If we just have winter, I will give her heated gloves. I came across this at Cozy winter site while surfing the web. This is the one of the perfect gear for the winter riding. Unfortunately, we don’t have winter in this country so I have to forget about it for now. But, it’s good to know this information at least I know where to go and what to buy in case I’ll go skiing in the future.

For now, I will continue my search for the best birthday present I could give my daughter. I don’t have much time so I’ll have to do it fast. Wishing myself some luck for this one.

got a little busy preparing for Christmas

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:40:02 +0000

Oh my! It’s been ages since the last time I posted something here. I got a little busy preparing for Christmas – the gift shopping, the final house decorations, the menu, the games and so much more. Well, it all comes to an end – this year’s Christmas is indeed over. And, now I’m preparing for the New Year, which means house general cleaning. Good thing my kids help me with it so the task is easily done. As for the menu, it’s already made and planned accordingly together with my Christmas planning.

However, I still can’t take a rest. My third child’s birthday is coming January 5th is the date. I thought it would be better to use birthday cupcakes instead of the big one. Sharies Berries offers wonderful selection of tempting birthday cupcakes you can have your cake and eat it from rich and indulgent chocolate cupcakes, light, sweet and creamy vanilla cupcakes, velvety and delicious red velvet cupcakes and more! Why I prefer cupcakes for her birthday because they’re cute, colorful, tasty, sweet, and perfectly sized to enjoy alone. Plus, there’s no hassle in cutting it.

Oh well, I guess that’s it for now. Have a pleasant and prosperous New Year everyone.

Different Pancakes Recipes for Breakfast

admin_bighuggable — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:34:55 +0000

I love pancakes and it is not infrequent in our house that pancakes are part of the dinner meal as well as the breakfast meal. And since my three-year-old loves pancakes as much as I do, I can even sneak some healthy ingredients in the batter and she doesn’t even know it. Good tip for all you parents out there who want your kids to eat healthier: if it is in a pancake, your kids just might try it. While I haven t tried this with vegetables (I think even my three-year-old would get wise to peas poking out of her pancake), fruits, oats, and potatoes have all found their way into our pancakes. It is also a quick and easy dinner idea for those nights when you don t feel like taking a lot of time to cook.

Apple Pancakes

1 small apple
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Core and slice the apple into pieces. In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, egg, and oil. Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well. Add in the apple pieces. Pour the batter onto a heated griddle, flipping it to brown the pancake on both sides. Serves 4.

Oat Pancakes

1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Put a well in the center of the mixture. In a small bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, oil, and lemon juice. Pour this mixture into the well. Mix it just until moistened. Pour the batter onto a hot griddle and turn when bubbles form on top of the pancake. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Serves 6.

Baked Peach Pancake

2 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches
4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
ground nutmeg
sour cream, optional

In a small bowl, add the peaches, sugar and lemon juice. Mix well and set to the side for now. In a large bowl, add the eggs and beat until they are fluffy. Then mix in the flour, milk and salt. Mix well. Put the butter into an oven-proof 10-inch skillet. Put it in a 400 degree oven to melt (3 to 5 minutes). Pour the batter into the hot skillet right away. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pancake has risen and is puffed up. Take it out of the oven and add the peach slices mixture. Sprinkle the top with nutmeg and serve with sour cream.

sharing the best job I find

admin_bighuggable — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:27:08 +0000

Few months ago, one of the boarder’s sister arrived to take the board exam. It’s not her first time, but she is still trying to pass it. I’m sure she will with all the determination and hard work she’s putting into it. We aren’t that close, but I want to share my finds on the net regarding the list of medical jobs.

Actually, I was just looking for nursing jobs on the web for hubby’s sake. It’s unnecessary since he’s giving all his effort to find one, but I want to help. While doing so, I came across the Dental Hygienist Jobs, which reminds me of that girl. Luckily, I know her brother and it’s a great opportunity for her. I’m pretty sure it’s a bad thing to keep such good information in silent. So, I will share it to her; it will be up to her if she finds it useful. At least I share the information that could open great possibilities for her. Well, I just wish her good luck towards the result of the exam.

always dreaming about it

admin_bighuggable — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:33 +0000

A different kind of vacation hits my head after reading so many vacation destinations. I can’t help myself, but be interested in spending a day or two in a place different from what I used to have. A magical world like one of those of Disney World hotels vacation perhaps is perfect. By the way, I haven’t been to any Disney world. That is so unfortunate and unlucky of me. Good thing, I can always dream about it, right? Let’s just hope I won’t reach the age when it feels like too awkward going there.

trimming the Christmas tree

admin_bighuggable — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:39:32 +0000

Although it’s still the month of November, I feel that it’s Christmas time already. Thankfully, I’m done with the general cleaning last Sunday, so I already bring out the Christmas tree. My third child helps me assemble it since she too loves this season. But, we realize our ornaments can use a lot of update. They are old enough to be tossed and changed. For that matter the tree is still empty in terms of decorations.

I end up sitting in front of the computer looking at the different Christmas ornaments of Personal Creations. I love the colors of their decorations and wondered who might be behind it. Then, I find myself at personal creations linkedin page. At least now I know who are behind their brilliant product ideas. But, I’m more interested in buying the ornaments to liven my Christmas tree. The only difference now, I can decorate my tree with personalized Christmas ornaments that are customized with engraving, clay handprints, photographs, family characters drawings & more. I feel this would be very fun.

done doing general cleaning

admin_bighuggable — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:37:16 +0000

At last, I’m done doing general cleaning of the house. I decided to do it early so I can start putting the Christmas decorations. My third child is really excited and she continually bugs me to assemble the tree. But, it’s a good thing I do it because I was able to toss away the worthless stuff. One of the things I wanted to throw is the plastic drawers because it’s already dilapidated and broken.

My aim now is to buy the 6 drawer log chest. For sure this rustic furniture is really sturdy and will last for a long time. It is made from hand draw knifed White Pine. The top drawers have an aromatic red cedar lining for the bottom of the drawers and all the drawers in the 6 drawer chest have solid aspen boxes with dovetail construction and side mounted, epoxy coated, 3/4 extension roller slides rated for 100 lbs. It really looks attractive and fits perfectly well in our room. I hope to purchase it before the end of the year.

news that makes me happy

admin_bighuggable — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:34:20 +0000

I’ve heard my son-in-law will soon start working as a nurse. The news really makes me happy even though he is still processing his license. His future is much brighter with that as well as my daughter. That being said, I should help him find new nursing scrubs. He tossed away all his older scrubs and left the newer one here. Shipping the ones he left is very inconvenient, costly and time-consuming. Buying newer ones and shipping directly to him is the best choice.

Since he is new to the place, I’m confident he is concerned where to buy those scrubs. It’s difficult to search a huge place like UAE so it’s much better to do online shopping. Plus, they are somewhat busy so help is much appreciated. Good thing I have spare time in my hands. However, before I can proceed, I still need to know his size. I’m just worried when I will be able to spot my daughter to ask for that information.

Training Kids Daily Body Care

admin_bighuggable — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:38:02 +0000

Simple body-care tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair, eating healthy food and bathing are important skills for children to learn. Many are resistant to caring for their own bodies, however, because it takes away from playtime and other fun activities. To encourage your child to take care of her body, it’s important to make body care fun and easy, in addition to explaining its importance, according to pediatrician Dr. William Sears.

Basic body care doesn’t have to be a boring, monotonous task that takes children away from fun activities. Parents should make body care fun and interesting. Provide your child with a brightly colored toothbrush and try putting food coloring in water to encourage her to drink it. Children often master a task most quickly when they’re rewarded for trying, the authors of the book “Child Psychology” write. Try instituting a star chart system. For every day that your child completes basic tasks such as brushing her teeth, drinking water and choosing healthy snacks, give her a gold star to place on her chart. When the chart is full, reward her with a special toy or outing.

Toddlers should begin learning about the importance of washing their hands and brushing their teeth as soon as they can talk. Children at this age love doing things for themselves, so encourage your child to brush his own teeth and wash his own hands with supervision. Preschoolers can help you pick snacks and foods. Give them choices of two or three healthy items. School-aged children can begin choosing their own foods. Reward them for healthy choices. Encourage children to move, run and play and help them understand the important role exercise plays in health.

Parents often struggle with getting their children to perform basic hygiene tasks such as showering and brushing their hair. A hallmark trait of childhood is the desire to be independent and to have control over one’s own life, according to “Child Psychology.” Harness this desire to encourage your child to complete basic hygiene tasks. Instead of pleading with her to wash her hair, offer her a choice: Either she can wash your hair or you will do it for her. Ask your child if there are particular supplies she would like to have around, such as a special soap, a brightly colored brush or a tear-free shampoo. This gives your child control over her own hygiene — and child-friendly supplies make it easier for children to complete basic grooming tasks.

Trick or treat! Happy Halloween everyone!

admin_bighuggable — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:40:36 +0000

Trick or treat! Happy Halloween everyone! Have you gone to the cemetery to pay respect to those who already left this world? Well, my husband and I already do that. I’m also done preparing meals for our little get together. Now, there’s nothing more to do except getting some rest, eat and probably visit some online friend or surf the web.

However, after some deep thought, I realize it would be better to surf the web besides it is still early to retire for the day. I’m also still full so eating another meal would be a sin and my online friends are probably out to celebrate the day. This is the perfect time to learn the meaning of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy; what it is, what it does and many more. All I know about it is that it helps balance human hormones properly to optimize a person’s well-being. So, it will really benefit me to gather more information about it; who knows it’s the answer I’m looking to healthy body.