October 17, 2016

Ginataang Bilo-Bilo Recipe


Typhoon Karen struck Central Luzon this weekend. I hope you are all safe.

I was thinking of a perfect afternoon snack that is steaming hot but still sweet. All in my mind is Ginataang Bilo-bilo. This is called paradusdos in our hometown.


ginataang bilo-bilo, pinoy snack, recipe, Sugar Blend,
Ingredients

This is also time for me to try Sugar Blend. A sweetener with same sweetness yet fewer calories. Check my post HERE.


ginataang bilo-bilo, pinoy snack, recipe, Sugar Blend,
Ginataang Bilo-Bilo

GINATAANG BILO-BILO (PARADUSDOS)

INGREDIENTS:
250 grams.glutinous rice powder, turned into dough and formed into about 1/8 inch balls.
5 pieces large banana Saba, cut into cubes
1 piece large kamote, cut into cubes
2 cups cooked sago
1 cup Sugar Blend powder
3 cup coconut milk
5 cups watet

DIRECTIONS:
Mix coconut milk, Sugar Blend, and water in a pot and bring to boil.
Drop banana and kamote and simmer until half cooked.
Add glutinous rice balls and simmer until it floats.
When the banana and kamote are done, remove from heat and serve.

This is also good to serve chilled.
You can also add with langka strips.

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October 5, 2016

How to Plan A Family Vacation


Who doesn't love taking vacations? If you ask a working mom like me, a vacation with the family is love. That's why I always look forward to holidays and long weekends. Aside from I get a chance to take a break from my work, it's an opportunity to spend quality time with my family, to bond together and visit the other parts of the country or the world.

Actually, we haven't experience a vacation away from home. But Daddy and I are planning to have at least one vacation a year. It's very important to plan a vacation ahead of time. Here's how to plan a family vacation.

photo source
Define a budget

Defining the budget is very important as this will determine the destination of the vacation. The budget should include transportation costs, accommodation, food, and activities or entertainment. Luckily you can fly to different parts of the Philippines like Boracay on a budget since there are affordable flights available.

Also, don't forget to include pocket money for buying stuff and pasalubongs, haha.

Pick the destination

As I have said, picking up destination will depend on the budget. But it is important to choose a place where your family can relax and make great memories by doing fun activities together.

Plan the date

The most popular time of the year for family vacation is summer during children's school break. But some also plan vacation on birthdays or anniversaries to celebrate or during holidays and long weekends. No matter what, choose the date that everyone in the family is available and comfortable of.

Book the flight

When you already have the budget, destination and date, it's time to book the flight. Booking in advance allows you to get the best fares and of course, save money. Like what I have said there are available affortable flights now. You can check Traveloka before your final booking.

Book the accommodation

Booking accommodation in hotel or resort ahead of time will save us time. You can browse online and compare prices and you can also look for good online deals to save money. Aside from the prices you must also consider it's location, safety and accessibility to city, malls, museums and tourist spots. For hotels and resorts, check if there's a free meal included and if there's a kitchen where you can prepare meals. Always dining in will be very expensive so if you can prepare your own meal, that's a lot better.

Plan your activities

Like what I have already said, family vacation aims to create great and fun memories together. So it's important that you plan your activities to make spend the most of it together. If you plan to visit museums or amusement parks, make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time. Ask your children what activities or places they want to visit because they are the ones who must enjoy the most, right?

Make a list of the things you need to bring

This is I think would be the last step but is as important as the above. Start to list down all the things you need to bring at least 2 months before the trip. The things you need to bring depends on the place and season, and also to the activities you will have. If you will travel in a cold place make sure you include jackets ans sweaters, or boots if it is winter. But if you will go to the beach, don't forget to bring swimwear, sunblock lotion and slippers.

Make sure to bring medicine and vitamins, and food. Before the trip, check all your passports and get visa if needed. Ask also your kids to make their own list and have it check. Remember to just pack just enough things you need and travel lightly.

That's wrap up how to plan a family vacation. Have I forgotten something? Please let me know other tips in planning a family vacation. I would love to hear it from you.


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