December 29, 2014

Nature's Touch Monday: The Color of Spectrum

Two weeks ago, on our way to work, Mommy and I witnessed a very beautiful masterpiece of Mother Nature - Rainbow.

That day, the rainbow is very beautiful because it was a complete arc rather than just a portion. So I pulled the car and framed it. The photo below is actually two photos merged together using Photoscape.

"Rainbows introduce us to reflections of different beautiful possibilities
so we never forget that pain and grief
are not the final options in life."

- Aberjhani, Journey Through the Power of the Rainbow

Rainbow
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December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas ~ the Birth of Jesus Christ.

photo credits: hdwallpaperck.com

Merry Christmas everyone!
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December 22, 2014

Perfect Brownie Cutter and Banana-Raisin Bread

Mommy purchased another tool for my so-called baking adventures - Perfect Brownie Cutter which helps baked goodies cut into almost perfection.

Perfect Brownie Cutter
I immediately tried this tool and made brownies but I  did not shared the finished product since the cutting part is totally an “epic fail” for not  correctly following the instructions in using it.

The package contains a baking pan with a removable bottom plate, a stand, and the divider/cutter. All you need is to make your usual recipe, grease the mold and the cutter then bake the usual way. Although, it is Teflon-coated, you still need to place either aluminum or wax paper to prevent the batter from leaking at the bottom.

After baking, just remove the divider and you will have a perfectly-divided baked goody.
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December 11, 2014

Ready, Get Set, Shop at Lazada.com.ph Online Revolution culminating this 12.12!

Hey guys! It's Christmas real soon and sales are everywhere! Guess what? For those who loves to shop online, here's a great great news!!!

Lazada.com.ph will stage the biggest online shopping extravaganza this December 12!

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December 10, 2014

Free Blogger Opps: Homepage Text Links

Hello my fellow bloggers!

Sharing with a blogger opportunity.

An Advertiser is looking for a package deal of homepage text links, price range typically from $20-60 for 6-month placement, depending on page stats (page authority/page rank/domain authority). They are posting family-friendly links for their network of fertility and pregnancy content-based sites.

Yes, it's a simple text link on your blog side bar and they will provide you with easy instruction to follow. 

Fill up this form to sign up. You may register all your blogs. Once approved, the advertiser will directly contact you through the email address you will provide on the registration form.
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December 5, 2014

A Gift for Our Little Boy

With just 20 days to go, we are still undecided what gift to buy for our little boy.

One minute he loves Spiderman.


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December 3, 2014

Wordless Wednesday: The Stigma

"The frangrance of flowers
spreads only n one direction of the wind.
But the goodness of a person
spreads in all directions."
- Chanakya

The Stigma

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December 2, 2014

Tokwa Sisig Version 2

Original Sisig recipe uses pig ears, known as balingit or maskara. It is then boiled, roasted or deep fried, chopped into tiny bits and seasoned with calamansi juice. The flavor is enhanced using chicken liver then added with either pork brain or mayonnaise. Most of this dish is served sizzling hot topped with egg.

As far as I remember, I already posted tokwa sisig recipe in one of my kitchen adventures. This version is slightly different from the previous one. It is more of  “vegan-style”. I did not use any meat except liver spread as flavor enhancer.  Instead of balingit or mascara, tofu or tokwa serves as the main ingredient..

Tokwa Sisig
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December 1, 2014

Nature's Touch Monday: Mutalism

"Life is give and take,
we open up our heart and hold onto your trust.
We gift our love and are gifted with goodness.
If we don't give and take in our everyday lives,
then we have nothing to aspire or model to,
give and take it's the gift to life."
- Jasmina Siderovski


"Mutualism"
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November 27, 2014

Brazo de Mercedes

This dessert is one of my favorites. I used to buy this in our local bakery back in my hometown. What I love here is the sweetness of the custard-like filling.

Two weeks ago, I saw recipe of this sweet dessert (thanks to Rural Mom Kristine for sharing the recipe). The ingredients are easy to find and the steps are very easy to follow so I made my own too.

Here's what I did:

Brazo de Mercedes
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November 25, 2014

Kitchen Improvement Plan

Two weeks ago, Mommy and I had a major clean-up in our kitchen. We tried to keep it more organized by separating the things I used in cooking and baking from the common tools I used in the kitchen.

We also disposed some items that are not used anymore like the old sippy cups and feeding tools of Matthew when he was still a “baby”. Though most of it are still in good condition and can be used by other, we decided to put it in disposal and wait for the magbo-bote.

Source: OVIS
One area in the kitchen that has a lot of unused space is the cabinet under the counter and sink. This space is only used to store laundry tools, like detergent and bleach. I am thinking furnish the area so it will be use as additional storage area for kitchen utensils. Also, I want to put pull out drawers where plates and dining utensils can be kept. This will make the counter-top more spacious. 

The space under the sink can be used to place a pull out waste container instead of placing trash can in an  obvious area in the kitchen area.

I hope I can make this project soon to add more fun working on my favorite "laboratory".





Do you have home improvement plans too?
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November 20, 2014

Bok Choi, Shitake Mushroom and Tokwa in Oyster Sauce

One of the foods that caught my attention in one of the seminars I attended is this bok choi with shitake mushrooms with sauce. I forgot to note the name so I cannot search in the internet a particular recipe for it.

Last week, I tried making a copycat of the said dish but I added tokwa or tofu for a change.

One dilemma for me is how to make the sauce. Relying on what I remember about the taste, I can taste the presence of oyster sauce and the finished product is almost the same.

Here it is:
Bok Choi and Shitake Mushroom in Oyster Sauce
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November 14, 2014

Two Beautiful Years of Crocheting and Counting

Last September, our crocheting business has turned two. I actually can't remember when was the exact date we started to accept crochet made to orders. But based on the photo uploaded on Momaye's Shoppe, the very first photo we uploaded under MTO album was on September 21, 2012.

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November 13, 2014

Tochong Bangus

Before the end of the week, Mommy and I were already planning what will be our menu for the following week. This will not only save you time in buying what you need in market but will also save you a bit of money since you will only buy what is needed in the menu list.

However, there are some problems doing this, you need to think a different dish every week ensuring that no same dish is made in the same week or even better, two consecutive weeks. Imagine:

7 days a week x 3 meals a day = at least 21 different dishes every week

One of the sites that I can get an easy, simple and budget-friendly recipes is Del Monte Kitchenomics where I found the recipe of Tochong Tilapia. Instead of using tilapia, I replaced it with bangus (milk fish)

Tochong Bangus

"Tocho is a Filipino dish that usually comes in either a black beans sauce base or a fermented bean curd base or both." (Source: Astig Vegan)

TOCHONG BANGUS

You will need:
 4-6 slices of Bangus
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup tausi (black beans)
250 grams tokwa or tofu, cut into cubes
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
4-6 gloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized ginger, julienned
1 stalk celery, julienned
1/2 cup tomato sauce
oil for frying
salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to do it:
1. Roll the bangus in a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch and 1 tsp of salt.
2. Fry until both sides turned golden brown. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, saute onion, garlic and ginger.
4. And tausi or black beans.
5. Pour about 2 cups of water and bring to boil.
6. Add tomato sauce and simmer for about a minute.
7. Drop in cubed tokwa, celery stalks and bring back the fried bangus.
8. Simmer for another 2-4 minutes.
9. Serve with steamed rice.

Tip/s: If your tokwa or tofu is too soft, soak it first in hot water for about 5 minutes. This will make the tokwa or tofu firm and easy to slice.

Read More »

November 10, 2014

Ginataang Ampalaya Recipe

Bored of the usual dish you can do with ampalaya or bitter gourd? Here is an experimental dish I made few weeks ago.

Actually, I only heard this recipe featured in Healing Galing Radio Program one Sunday. Instead of using tinapa flakes, I used pork chicharon and dilis.

ampalaya, bitter gourd, Easy recipe, ginataang ampalaya, recipe, simple recipe,
Ginataang Ampalaya


GINATAANG AMPLAYA

You will need:
2-3 pieces large Ampalaya, sliced to about 1/2" inch thick, soaked in salt water (1 litter of water with 1/4 cup of salt)  for about 30 minutes
1 cup coconut milk, first extract
1 cup coconut milk, second extract
1 cup dried anchovies or dilis
1 pack (about 50 grams) pork chicharon
1 cup malunggay leaves
1-2 pieces siling pansigang
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
4 gloves garlic, minced
salt to taste

Here's how to do it:
1. Saute onion, garlic and dried dilis in oil.
2. Add the second extract coconut milk and bring to boil.
3. Once started boiling, lower the heat and add amplaya and pork chicharon.
4. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until ampalaya is tender.
5. Add the first extract coconut milk and simmer until liquid is reduced to half.
6. Drop in malunggay leaves and siling pansigang.
7. Continue cooking for about 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve with rice. 

Tip/s:
1. Soaking ampalaya in salt water helps eliminate or reduce its bitterness.
2. You can also blanch ampalaya instead of soaking in salt water.
3. Choose the right quality of amplaya that is less bitter 
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October 20, 2014

On Making Our Christmas Gift List

Christmas will be here real soon. It's the time of the year again when you can feel the cold breeze, experience traffic jams and have Christmas sales here there and everywhere. Thinking of how time flies, I need to have my Christmas gift list as soon as possible.
photo source
Last year, we thought of making crochet accessories as Christmas giveaways. However, since we have limited time because of work and MTOs, we failed to do so. And I think for this year, we can not make this crochet accessories giveaway possible too.
Read More »

October 17, 2014

Random Shots Friday: A Failed Attempt to Frame the Lunar Eclipse

When I heard the news that Philippines will be lucky to see one of the four lunar eclipses that will happen this year until 2015, I waited for it since I haven't seen the so-called "RED MOON".

The four lunar eclipses is called Tetrad which happens on April 15, 2014, October 08, 2014, April 04, 2015 and September 28, 2015.

On October 08, I finally saw the said astronomical event and Here is a failed attempt in capturing the Lunar Eclipse. I really need a new lens. Hehehe.

Lunar Eclipse

Did you witnessed the eclipse too?
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September 20, 2014

Mini-Burgers

Another Matt's favorite is burger. Buying ready-made burger patties in the market is a kind of risky since most of it contains preservatives and flavor enhancers. Furthermore, the size is too big for him. Letting him bring regular size burger in school is not advisable since there are instances he will not eat all and bring it back home.

In order to let him enjoy burger in school, I made mini version of it. To make it healthier, I added malunggay leaves and used potatoes as extender instead of flour and baked in oven instead of frying in oil.

Mini-Burgers
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September 18, 2014

On Beads, Jewelry and Wedding Ring

When I was in high school, I started doing some bead crafts. I made rings, bracelet, necklace out of beads and strings. Oh I love making accessories and friends adored them.

But as my life get busier and free time became fewer, I lost in touch with bead crafting. I missed it actually especially when I saw one of my fellow blogger making bead crafts. For now, I am busy with crocheting but if I will have more free time, I will go back to bead crafts.

As I have mentioned, I used to love accessories and jewelry. But I don't know what happened (haha!) because now the only jewelry I am wearing is a pair of earrings and two rings, one of which is our wedding ring.
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September 13, 2014

Creamy Lasagna

To get out of the usual baked macaroni or baked spaghetti. Mommy and I made lasagna last Sunday. Mommy cooked the sauce while I do the cream sauce for filling and topping.

This is best paired with garlic bread.

Creamy and Cheesy Lasagna
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September 12, 2014

Crochet McQueen Car Hat (with some variation)


Yes, it's another crochet McQueen Car hat (one of our bestseller hats) with a some variation (and addition).

Crochet McQueen Hat
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September 8, 2014

Buying Hot Deals Online

The “BER months” has officially started today and speaking of “BER months”, Christmas is always the first thing we thought of. As early as today, some have already started buying gifts.

Malls are also started having sales especially every payday weekends offering hot deals slashing up to 50% or 70% discount on tag price.
Read More »

September 7, 2014

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Last week, Matt's teacher informed us that their class will be on a regular schedule already which is 10:00am-1:00pm. With this, we already sent a lunch baon for him. However, his teacher informed us that it was bit messy eating rice in the classroom for him. Anu pa nga aasahan mo sa 4-year old kid? So we just prepared a heavy snack pack for him and he will take his lunch at home after class.

I was baking cheesecakes several times already and as much as I want to let Matt bring this as his baon, again medyo messy kainin. How am I going to let him bring cheesecake in school? I made the cheesecake into a cookie.
Read More »

September 5, 2014

Christmas is Just Around the Corner!

Yey! The "ber" months are here. Hello to a cooler weather but I just hope no strong typhoon will hit our country again.

Anyway, do you already feel the December breeze? Yes, Christmas is just around the corner. I think everyone, young and young at hearts, are all excited for Christmas. It's that time of year when good friends are near and you wish you could give more than just presents from a store... I bet you love that Christmas song too.

When we talk about Christmas, aside from gift givings, mommies like me are also excited to decorate our home. Well, Daddy is telling me on the first day of September that he will set up our old Christmas tree. I told him it's still too early, but just as I am writing now I think he can set it up so we can see what else can we add to make it look new.
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September 2, 2014

Simple Chopsuey with Crispy Pork Skin

There are times we ran out of stock in the kitchen before our scheduled pamamalengke. Just like the other week, what's left in our refrigerator's crisper are cabbage, carrots and Baguio beans. On the other hand, freezer contains pork skin.

Since the three veggies are the main ingredient in cooking chopsuey, I did a very simple one. And to make a twist, I added crispy pork skin.

chopsuey, Easy recipe,
Chopsuey with Crispy Pork Skin

SIMPLE CHOPSUEY WITH CRIPSY PORK SKIN

Ingredients:

  • 1 small cabbage, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 8-10 pcs Baguio beans, chopped to about an inch long
  • 1 meduim-sized onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp water
  • cooking oil for sauteing
  • 1/4 kilo pork skin


Cooking Instruction:

  1. To make the crispy pork skin: Heat enough oil for deep frying. Randomly puncture the skin using fork then rub with rock salt. Deep fry the inner side first then flip until turns crispy.
  2. To make the chopsuey: Stir fry all the veggies until half-cooked. Add the evaporated milk and simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Serve with hot steamed rice

Serving size: 3-5
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August 29, 2014

Latest Crochet Creations and more...

Hi everyone!

It's been a long while but I know Daddy Allan always fill your eyes with yummy foods right? Now let me share our latest crochet creations so please keep your eyes wide open :)


Read More »

August 14, 2014

Oreo and Mango Cheesecakes

Cheesecake is one of our menu in our 6th anniversary. I made a No-bake Oreo Cheesecake. You can check the recipe on Momaye's Diary. Instead of using fruits as toppings, I used crushed Oreo cookies for this one.
No-bake Oreo Cheesecake

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August 11, 2014

Pancit Lomi ala Chemist Dad

Pancit Lomi ala Chemist Dad
There are many ways or versions of cooking pancit. Over the weekend, I tried making one inspired by Red Kimono’s Yakiudon. I used lomi noodles instead of the usual canton or bihon.

Read More »

August 7, 2014

Hearty Lumpia and Siomai Recipe

If you are having hard time to make your kids eat veggies, one is mask the veggies and turn it into something they love. Before, I turned puso ng saging or banana blossom into a hearty burger, now here is another suggestion. Turn it into lumpiang shanghai and siomai. To add another twist, the mixture is prepared the longganisa way.

Since the lumpia wrapper is not enough for the prepared mixture, I turn the remaining mixture into siomai.

Easy recipe, Hearty lumpia, lumpia, recipe, siomai, siomai recipe,
Hearty Lumpiang Shanghai and Siomai

HEARTY LUMPIANG SHANGHAI AND SIOMAI

You will need:
¼ kilo ground pork
1 medium-sized puso ng saging (banana blossom), minced
1 medium-sized carrots, shredded
1 medium-sized onion, minced
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp salt
½ cup tomato sauce
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
Lumpia and siomai wrapper

Here’s how to do it:
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Wrap about 1 tablespoon of mixture using lumpia or siomai wrapper.

For the lumpia: Deep fry until the wrapper turns golden brown.

For the siomai: Bring water into rolling boil. Steam prepare siomai for about 15-20 minutes.

Serve with whatever dip you prefer.
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August 6, 2014

Up, Up and Away Wednesday: Nueva Ecija Sky

"Clouds do not really look like camels
or sailing ships or castles in the sky.
They are simply a natural process at work.
So too, perhaps, are our lives."
- Roger Ebert

Nueva Ecija Sky (By-pass road, Cabanatuan)
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August 5, 2014

Homemade Pizza

Mommy and I planned to celebrate our 6th anniversary in Shakey’s or Pizza Hut since both of us are really craving for pizza. Unfortunately, our anniversary falls on the centennial celebration of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and heavy traffic was reported going to SM Marilao.

To satisfy our pizza craving, I made a homemade one. I used the ready-made Del Monte Italian Style Pizza Sauce.


Homemade Pizza
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July 18, 2014

Baked Spaghetti

Just like I mentioned in my past post, sayang naman ang init kaya lubus-lubusin na. Here is another meryenda suggestion. For spaghetti and baked mac lovers this one is perfect – baked spaghetti.


Baked Spaghetti
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July 12, 2014

Crochet Pacifier Souvenir

It's been a while since I posted about our crochet creations here. Like always, I have been so busy with my everyday duties. Thanks to Daddy A for keeping our family blog alive through his yummy recipes and amazing photos (you owe me one on this dear, hehe).

Now let me share our latest crochet creation that will definitely make your party be remembered.

Crochet Pacifier Souvenir
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July 11, 2014

Random Shots Friday: Maroon

Here is my entry for the day: MAROON

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared."

- Buddha

The Maroon Candle

This shot is taken few months ago at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Marilao, Bulacan.  If not mistaken, last April or May 2014.
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July 9, 2014

Up, Up and Away Wednesday: Blue

It's mid-week already and here is my entry for the week.Talking about "up, up and away", BLUE will be the easiest color you can think of.

"Clouds do not really look like camels
or sailing ships
or castles in the sky. 
They are simply natural process at work. 
So too, perhaps are our lives."
- Roger Ebert

Nueva Ecija Sky
Read More »

July 8, 2014

Flower Power Tuesday: Pink

Here is my today's entry for challenge. PINK

"I believe in pink.
I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.
I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.
I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."
- Audrey Hepburn

The pink calachuchi
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July 7, 2014

Nature's Touch Monday: Green

I've been in hiatus for a while in my Captured Moments post. In order to get back on track, I set a challenge for myself this week. I will try to post different photos with a theme - COLORS. To start, I choose GREEN for Monday.

"Green is the prime color of the world,
and that from which its loveliness arises."
- Pedro Calderon de la Barca

The Green Sepal

A sepal remained after all the petals of a gumamela (hibiscus) fell off.
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June 30, 2014

Chocolate Chips-Raisin-Oatmeal Cookies

Since our little Matt is already in school and as parents, we are thinking on how make his snacks at school healthy and be sure that he will really love it. This is one of the reasons why Mommy allowed me to have a baking oven at home.

Instead of buying ready-made biscuits, cupcakes and other baked products, I made some two Sundays ago (late post due to very busy workload) and Matt loves the finished product. Hindi nga umabot ng one week. Aside from school baon, meryenda din sa bahay. Next time to make it more appealing, I will make different shapes.
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June 19, 2014

Crochet Character Hats

A mommy ordered these three character hats. 

Crochet Thomas, Donald Duck and McQueen Hats
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June 17, 2014

Adobo sa Dilaw ala Chemist Dad

Tired of cooking the usual adobo? Why not try the Adobo sa Dilaw? Yes, dilaw. Your adobo will be yellow rather than the usual black or brown.
Adobo sa Dilaw ala Chemist Dad
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June 14, 2014

Chicken and Potato Salad

Looking for a healthy and complete meal? You may try this one – Chicken and Potato Salad.

This dish can be considered an all-in-one meal for it has the carbs (potato), protein (chicken) and fiber (vegetables).
Chicken and Potato Salad
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June 13, 2014

Crochet Minion Newborn Set


Hello everyone! It's been a while since I posted here. Daddy Allan is the one who posts a lot here lately. But all are good at the tummy naman so it's just okay right? Soon, his kitchen adventure will be upgraded as he already have his much wished for... Hmm, I will let him show them to you na lang.

Meanwhile, I will share with you our latest crochet collection. One of our school mates living in Canada ordered a set of crochet Minion for her baby, who's still inside her tummy by the way.

This is the crochet Minion booties I made.

Crochet Minion Booties
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June 6, 2014

Scarlet 2

"Your greatest responsibility
is to live a life that nourishesyour highest truth."
-Mollie Marti

Scarlet
I took this shot in a by-pass road in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
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May 29, 2014

Ensaladang Kulitis

The other day, together with my colleagues, we had lunch at Rustica-Concepcion, Tarlac. One of the dish they ordered is the Ensaladang Kangkong (I didn't take a photo of it. Nakakahiya.)

When all of the order was served, I remember one dish I made with kulitis the other week. They are look very similar.

Aside from stir-fry, here is another easy-to-do recipe using kulitis - Ensaladang Kulitis.

Ensaladang Kulitis
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May 28, 2014

Cutie Felt Cloth Hair Bows

Crafty morning everyone! Let me share another cutie hair bows made of felt cloth.

Felt Cloth Hair Bows
The bows look like hard to do but you just need the felt cloth, thin band, scissor and glue. Although I had a hard time looking for the bow pattern exactly like the bows above so I did my own.

I made a bow pattern using the Word Document and it looked like this.


 And here's the edited version.



You can print it directly on a board paper, trace on the felt cloth, cut and glue the pieces to look like these cute bows.

Felt Cloth Hair Bows
You may attach a thin band or a clip. Cutie bows right? Come on grab your materials and make one for your little girl =)

Happy crafting!

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May 24, 2014

Choco Crinkles

Here is another oven-toaster goodies that you can try. Perfect for your kids baon for school. Chocolate crinkles.

Ingredients: Creations by Sharon Choco Crinkle Mix, cooking oil, egg, corn starch and white sugar
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May 20, 2014

Flower Power Tuesday: Yellow Bell

"Flowers are restful to look at.
They have neither emotions nor conflicts."
- Sigmund Freud

The Yellow Bell
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May 19, 2014

Banana Bread + Milk Tea

Milk Tea + Banana Bread (Oven Toaster Cake)

Here's another oven-toaster bread from Maya - Banana cake. I made this two weeks ago and to beat the weekend's summer heat, I also prepared milk tea (recipe included in this post)
Read More »

May 16, 2014

Italianni's New Breakfast Menu

Hey guys! We all know that breakfast is the more important meal of the day. That's why I am so sure you will love Italianni's New Breakfast Menu this May.

From the Press Release Kit:



Mornings are usually perceived as fresh beginnings. At the dawn of each new day, one is filled with enthusiasm and optimism for better things to come. Italianni’s has come up with great things to start your day right as it launches new dishes to add to its extensive breakfast menu made up of some 40 international, gourmet and Filipino fare. 
Served daily from 7:00 to 10:30am in Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street and Greenbelt 2 branches,  there’s also free coffee for every entrée, all the more to perk up your day.
Read More »