Good bye 2009, Hello 2010

Today is the last day of the Year 2009, looking back, this year has been good to us. All honor and glory is of course to the Lord.

In my birthday wishes posted here in my blog (click link to read post), I had four material wishes and two of them came true. Its kinda surreal kasi parang suntok sa buwan din when I wished for those things. This year, we were able to buy our own house, my material wish number one. And together with the house, the previous owner also sold his entertainment system for a very reasonable price, with a LCD TV, my material wish number four. Next year, I'm eyeing on an oven para makapag aral na mag bake. And my last material wish then, ang manalo sa lotto. I guess I have to bet first before winning huh? This one I can't promise since Im not fond of betting. I'll just do my best to be able to be more giving/generous ng maitreat ko ng bonggangbongga ang mga mahal ko sa buhay (family & friends syempre).

I don't really make resolutions. I just do my best to change whatever needs to be changing. As per my personal evaluation, i hope to be more patient, more organized, more understanding and more giving.

For wishes and hopes for me and my family: first and foremost good health for all, second: blessings that are enough to have a decent living for anything in excess is not good and more time to spend together.

As the year comes to a close, in all that has been said and done, I wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. In everything that we do, the key is to do your best and leave the rest to our Lord and all will be fine. God bless Everyone.

Best Buy sa Riles

I bought this early this morning at our local palengke here in Caloocan. Dun nakapwesto sa may riles at kailangan mo pang pasukin para makita. Simula nung nahilig ako magluto, naging interested din ako sa mga ceramics to where I will present my cooked dishes. And since I go for the "cheaper alternative" having good finds like this makes me giddy inside. Its a good thing I was able to wake up early to go with my mama. The medium size bowls cost me Php 70.00 each. I find them cute. Dun ko lalagay pag nagluto ako ng pansit or chopsuey. The big pot with the swirls I bought for Php 100.00. I was planning to transfer my herbs there na hangang ngayon nasa plastic container pa din simula nung binili ko sa Sonya's garden sa Tagaytay nung anniversary namin. I hope to find more "good finds" the next time I go there.

Pic A Boo Pics

Kahit nung mag bf/gf pa lang kami ni hubby, we make it a point that we have some studio pics together everytime he's on vacation. Last year, may family picture kami nung binyag ni Marianna, maliit pa nga lang sya nun syempre kaya di pa display worthy yung mga kuha namin. This year, we were glad we had the chance to have our pics taken sa Pic - A - Boo sa SM City North - the Block. The top frame costs us about Php 3600+ including the pictures and the actual shots syempre. Marianna was allowed to wear three outfits. The dress that she has on for our family portrait and two costumes. Mark and I choose the Snow White and Duckie outfit for her. Madami naman mapapagpipilian na costume and it took as quite a while to decide on those two settings for her. Kung di nga lang medyo mahal, i would like all the pictures to be on a frame. Super cute kasi. May kuha pa sya nun sa Snow White outfit nya na kinakagat nya yung apple. Snow white na snow white talaga talaga yung dating. Tapos nun sa Duckie naman, super cute din yung mga kuha kahit yung nag iiyak na sya kasi nag mamaktol na. Pagod na kasi ang bata. Sobrang dami ng nagpapakuha dun, biruin nyo, we were there 1pm, 6pm na kami nasalang. Kasama nga namin sila mama and sila Ria and Raine, papapikturan ko din sana kaso gabi na. Nagpaiwan na nga lang kami kaya kami nakapag pakuha. Anyways, nung nakuha naman kahapon yung mga pics namin, sulit naman at tuwang tuwa din si Marianna. Hangang ngayon nga lagi syang nakatingin sa picture nya na nakasabit sa ding ding namin.

And here is the solo framed family picture. I insisted on this one kasi di ko masyado feel yung kuha ko dun sa isa. But since cute na cute naman ang mag ama ko, i agreed on that picture na din. This one is also placed in our living room. Ganda ng anak ko dito syempre. Very angelic with very round innocent eyes like mommy. he he.

Our next studio picture will be next year. Pag dating ulit ni Mark for vacation from work.
In our family, we haven't got the chance to have our picture taken as a family except nung debut ko na ginupit ko naman yung album at kailangan kong i-scan para sa mga tita ko sa US.
Ngayon na may sarili na akong family, I will make it a point that we'll have our family picture as often as possible. I want these moments to be saved for Marianna to appreciate in the future.

Chips and Dips

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY this week
I had these prepared yesterday for our movie marathon for Noche Buena
Cheese, Chili con Carne and Salsa dip for Chips
With ice cold root beer and green tea, a perfect snack that would keep you awake and alert to open and give gifts this Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone. Happy eating :-)

HS Buds Mini Christmas Party

Yesterday, a mini Christmas party was held here at our house. Attendees were good friends of mine that were also my former high school classmates at La Consolacion College Caloocan. I'm very fortunate to have friends like them and that we don't loose touch through the years. Counting, its been 13 years since we graduated from high school, through these years, its nice that we still get to see each other once in a while to chat. They were so gracious enough to bring food and we had a mini feast to share. I prepared some tuna fussilli pasta and tacos. I had a great time Florence, Peachy, Emielyn and Romelia. Hope to see you guys again soon. Merry Christmas !!!

2nd Year Wedding Anniversary Celebration

It was our 2nd year wedding anniversary last 15th of December and to celebrate, we decided to go to Tagaytay. We left Marianna with Mama Wena and Tita Rio and its just the two of us who went there. We got there by bus and was able to check in the Taal vista hotel at approximately 3pm on the 14th. Swerte na din at nagkataon, there was a promo on the superior suite. It was normally priced at Php 6,500.oo/night but because of the promo to SMAC (SM advantage card) holders, we were able to avail the same room at Php 2,888.00. A room with a king size bed, a bath tub and a great view of the Taal lake, not bad huh?

Front view of Taal Vista Inn

Great view of the Taal lake, taken from the hotel.

From there, we had a quick snack at a near Mc Donald's place and head on to Picnic Grove and Peoples park. Wala kaming sasakyan kaya nag tricycle lang kami. Kinontrata kami of course, he asked for 500 pesos. We agreed and then we head on our way.


Zip Line at the Picnic Grove. Mark is willing to try this but not me. I'm not the adventurous type.
Kabayo nga ayaw ko sumakay e. Nagsawa lang sila kakaalok, he he.


Medyo gabi na when we arrived at the tallest part of Tagaytay, the Palace in the sky/Peoples Park.
Sooobrang lamig dyan. Ang lakas lakas pa ng hangin.

After this, we were able to stop by at a convenient store to grab some stuff then I insisted that we stop by BAG of BEANS and the MUSHROOM BURGER store to grab some food to take out for our dinner. Our tricycle service was gracious enough to take us there.


Blueberry Cheesecake and Caramel Machiado from Bag of Beans for Me

Royal Mushroom Burger for Mark

The next day, as suggested by Laarnie, a good friend of ours, we decided to go to Leslie's for Brunch.


We had Sinigang na hipon, Sizzling mixed seafoods and Leslies Special Turon for dessert.

We ate here in the resto's "kubo type" dinning area

Site from the Kubo Dinning Area of Leslie's

After checking out from the hotel, i insisted to go to Sonya's Secret Garden to buy some of its famous Parmesan Cheese hopia.
Taken at Sonya's Panaderia. We bought some hopia and kapeng barako for mama. I also bought a pot of basil and mint plants.

I just can't resist not having my picture taken in this set up.

We're very fortunate that we had the chance to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary together considering hubby frequently leaves for work.
Sweetie, having you with me, during this special time means a lot to me more than anything.
Looking forward to more anniversaries to celebrate.
You and Marianna means everything to me.
I love you always.

Leslie's Special Turon

LESLIE'S SPECIAL TURON

We had this for dessert when we ate at Leslie's in Tagaytay (Php 175.00).

I was expecting finger food turon and what we had were 3 extra large version of the ordinary turong saging. It has lots of langka. I presumed that the bananas were pre boiled before it was rolled with the lumpia wrapper and fried. Topped with condensed milk, langka, sesame seeds and cherry halves, they are really a must try if you happen to pass by Tagaytay.

This is may entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Happy eating and Have a great weekend ahead

TACO BELL'S NACOS BELL GRANDE

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week.

We had a quick bite at Taco Bell's last week while on a mall trip at Trinoma.

I had the "Nachos Bell Grande" (Php 119) and hubby ordered a Beef burrito (Php 89.00). We both had bottomless iced tea ( Php 59.oo ea) and had it filled up again to carry it with us as we continue malling.

The Nachos are worth every penny. It tastes really good.

Have a great weekend everybody. Happy eating :-)

Sampung pisong kaligayahan

Yan po mga kaibigan ang sampung pisong kaligayahan ko nung sinakay ni Mark si Marianna sa cowlike contraption na ito sa isang grocery/mini mall malapit sa amin. Sa halagang P 10, nasiyahan ako sa pag kuha sa kanila ng litrato gamit ang aking cell phone kaya naman kahit na may kalabuan ang mga kuha ko ay malugod at masigasig ko itong pinapakita sa inyo. Talaga nga naman di mo matutumbasan ng salapi ang tunay na kaligayahan.

Twilight Saga : New Moon

Mark and I watched New Moon last Monday at the Robinsons place ermita movie theater. The last time I went out to see a movie is also with him and its Twilight. Im predicting that the next time we'll get to see a movie again is for the 3rd installment of this book series. Anyways, i would say this is better than the first one. Medyo bitin lang ako sa mga fight scenes. I kept on waiting for Victoria to attack Bella, pero nabitin lang ako. I don't read the book kaya I can't really say if the movie adaptation is lacking. What I can say is TEAM JACOB ako, he he. Taylor Laughtner here is so buff and beautiful as Bella said. I was wondering why I was so mesmerized by Edward nun sa Twilight. Nawala appeal nya sa kin nung nakita ko si Jacob dito. Lampayatot sya and maputla (vampire effect) unlike Jacob na very musculine and well-built. Oh well, kakasal na si Bella and Edward next and we'll be watching again to follow this movie franchise up to the end of the series.

Missed blogging

Grabe. Isa lang entry ko ng November ! I have been busy with work, being with hubby and baby, doing chores (mostly cooking) and playing cafe world and country life(nauubos oras ko dito). Enough of these excuses. I have to give atleast 10-20 minutes a day for my blog. Its already December, my goal is to make at least 15 entries for this month. Wish me luck. At sipagin nawa ako.

Marianna's First Trick or Treat

Last Saturday, we went to Sm north edsa for Marianna's first trick or treat. After lunch na kami nakapunta at siniguro namin na ok na panahon.

Kuha namin ni Marianna sa harap ng Toy Kingdom.

Dun na din kami bumili ng pumpkin na lalagyan nya ng candies.

She dressed up as a fairy. Set yang outfit na yan nung binili ni mark with skirt, wand, wings tska headband. Yung wings tska wand lang nagamit nya kasi ayaw nya suot yung headband tapos di ko na din pinasuot yung skirt at di naman kagandahan.

Silang mag daddy sa may stage sa baba ng the Block. May activities mga bata pero di na kami nakisali. Nag picture picture na lang kami.

Kuha namin sa Face shop. Ako ang nanghihingi ng candy at nag sasabi ng "trick or treat". Nag iikot lang kami para mag pa picure, he he.

Yan yung last picture namin na hawak nya yung wand nya. Nabitawan nya kasi at di ko naman napansin na nalaglag na pala. hay ....

Yan ang laman ng lalagyan nya. Konting candy, lapis tska sabon. Yaan mo anak, next year, cacarerin na natin yan talaga. Pati si mommy mag cocostume para panalo, he he. Di bale, nag enjoy naman kami at natuwa naman si Marianna kasi nga madaming bata. Next year for sure mas matutuwa sya at kasama na sya sa mga tatakbong mga bata.

Chicken Adobo Flakes

I often make this for Mark since he loves to eat adobo flakes for breakfast and I find the store bought ones a little expensive considering its quite easy to prepare

Ingredients:

One whole chicken breast (bone in)

One half bottle of adobo marinade ( i often use silver swan - Php 15 per small bottle)

3 pcs laurel leaves

a few peppercorns

one cup water

Procedure:

Mix marinade, laurel leaves, pepper corns and water.

Boil in chicken with mixture in low heat for at least one hour or until chicken is very tender and meat is separating from the bones.

Drain chicken from the sauce. Reserve sauce for later use.

When chicken is cool enough to handle, remove meat from the bone and flake meat into desired thickness.

Put chicken flakes back to reserved sauce and continue cooking until sauce evaporates completely.

Place mixture in a container and freeze overnight.

Fry flakes in cooking oil until desired crispness is achieved.

Serve with salted egg and tomatoes on the side if desired.

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Happy Eating !!!

Home Made Chicken Embotido

Made this last week just to give it a try and it turned out to be good.

I'll be making more next time.

Got the recipe from kitchenomics.com and just added some ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 ground chicken meat

3 pieces cheese dog, cut into small pieces

1 small can green peas, drained

1 small carrots, cut into small pieces

2 small pack raisins

1 piece egg

2 slices pan americano, cut into cubes and soaked in evaporated milk

salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

COMBINE all ingredients.

WRAP every 3/4 cup of mixture with aluminum foil.

ROLL.

STEAM for one hour.

COOL and CHILL overnight.

UNWRAP and SLICE .

FRY before serving if desired.

This is my entry for this week's FOOD FRIDAY

Have a great weekend everyone.

Happy eating !!!

Big Better Burger VS Hot Shots

Big Better Burger (BBB)









Versus




Hot Shots









Mark and I often eat out at Burger Joints when we go out. Gusto daw nya protein para pang build ng muscles. he he. Here's what we ordered at Big Better Burger (BBB) and Hot Shots.
Magkaibang araw yun ha? at medyo matagal na din pero ngayon ko lang naichika sa inyo.

Mark's Meal:


BBB - Jalapeño Burger (approx php 160.00)

verdict: masarap daw sabi ni mark. juicy yung burger nila at sulit na din. separate yung potato wages (approx php 50.00) pati yung cheese dip bukod bayad (approx php 25)


Hot Shots - Cheese Burger (approx php 130.00)

verdict: di nagustuhan ni mark. parang lasang luma daw yung cheese. may kasama namang potato chips on the side. medyo oily nga lang.








My Meal:


BBB - Fish Fillet (approx Php 160.00)

verdict: nagustuhan ko sya. crispy yung patty at juicy naman yung fish. i ordered tartar sauce on the side. yun kasi bagay pag fish fillet sandwich.


HOT SHOTS : Fishermans meal (di pa nga ko sure kung eto nga exact na tawag sa inorder ko, he he- approx Php 160.00)

verdict: fish sandwich din inorder ko kasi nga bihira ako kumain ng beef. suprisingly ok sya sa kin kahit may wasabe. masarap nung mga unang kagat pa lang. pero habang tumatagal, parang may kakaibang after taste na din sya kaya di ko din naubos.


Overall verdict namin mag asawa? Babalik ulit kami sa BBB at sa Hot Shots, malamang hindi na. he he.

Spicy Shrimp and Tuna Spaghetti

This is my entry for this weeks' FOOD FRIDAY

SPICY SHRIMP AND TUNA SPAGHETTI

Very easy, very quick, very tasty recipe.

Ingredients:

Cooked spaghetti (cooked according to package directions)

Garlic

Olive oil

Dried Basil

Spicy Tuna (canned)

Peeled Cooked Shrimps (cooked in some chili and butter)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

Saute garlic in Olive oil

Add in canned spicy tuna

Saute for about 3 minutes

Add in cooked spaghetti noodles

Mix noodles with tuna then add the peeled cooked shrimps

Add in about 1 tsp dried basil and salt and pepper to taste

Serve hot and with buttered toast or baguette if desired.

Have a great weekend everyone. Happy Eating.

Mark's Egypt Adventure

Before going home last 16Th of August, my husband, Mark had the chance to have a tour around the Great pyramids of Egypt since his flight was canceled for one day.

Here he is. Pointing at the Pyramid as if he's a giant.

Enjoying at his camel ride as he tours around the pyramids.
There are 9 pyramids all in there according to him.

View shot of the site.

Then he went to the museum where he purchased a papyrus of us and of Marianna that is now framed in our living room. He also bought me some oil of rose, mint & Cleopatra (perfume).

Tour Guide & Camel Ride - $ 100.00
Papyrus - $ 7o.00

Oils - $ 40.00

My husband has toured almost around the world. One of the perks of his job. Hopefully someday, Marianna and will I get to come with him.