tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106162272024-03-08T07:21:59.821+08:00Let the Queen MuseMy mind and body are weak
What keeps me going is my soulAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-36453560652275659662017-01-09T13:34:00.002+08:002017-01-09T14:21:12.945+08:0052-Week Cooking Challenge W1: Choco Chip Banana LoafLast night, I decided to challenge myself to constantly improve my kitchen prowess by committing to cook or bake at least one dish per week for the whole year. The new house that we are renting in has a small kitchen but I like it better than the kitchen of our previously rented house for the reason of accessibility and unlimited water supply. The kitchen is equipped with cabinets, has an area for my refrigerator and my oven. Another plus is that the hubby has put the stock room just behind it. Baking and cooking becomes easy because things are now at an arm's reach.<br />
<br />
So with this 52-week cooking challenge, I will be doing a dish that I have not done before, before a week ends. Most of it may not be original as I only rely on some recipes. Some I will be putting a twist depending on my mood. I could go beyond the 1 dish per week depending on my schedule.<br />
<br />
I have been planning to make a banana loaf since. The last banana bread I made was half baked because I put it out of the oven with out testing it with a skewer. I only followed the temperature settings and the baking time only to find out that the insides are still runny. Good thing Mom has some Lakatan to share which I took home last week. I intended to have it ripened to almost trash bin worthy state so that it would be all mushy and sweet for the banana bread.<br />
<br />
So last night, I got my bowls and measurements out and my oven running for a bread I have been craving to make.<br />
<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf</b><br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<br />
2 cups flour<br />
<br />
2 ripe Lakatan bananas<br />
<br />
2 eggs<br />
<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
<br />
1/2 cup melted butter<br />
<br />
1/4 cup oil<br />
<br />
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts or chopped raisins.<br />
<br />
<br />
Instructions<br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 325 F.<br />
<br />
2. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda). Add sugar. Make a well.<br />
<br />
3. Add butter, oil and eggs. Mix. (No need of blender)<br />
<br />
4. Mash lakatan bananas in a separate bowl. Fold into the mixture.<br />
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5. Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts or raisins or combination of the three. Your preference.<br />
<br />
6. Transfer into a greased baking loaf pan or a cupcake pan lined with cupcake liners.<br />
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7. Bake until skewer or tester comes out clean.<br />
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Notes:<br />
I didn't use chocolate chips but I had a small bar or chocolate and chopped it finely. I baked mine for 1 hour and a half because my loaf pan is deep. I covered the pan with aluminum foil at the last half hour to minimize browning of the top part.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-42007809275867351232016-12-12T11:45:00.002+08:002017-01-09T14:09:53.689+08:00Brazos the MercedesAfter a long hiatus of my oven (and mixer) due to laziness, I have decided to do some chaos in kitchen. We have been craving for brazos de Mercedez and even bought a commercial one from Red Ribbon. So I decided to make one suiting my taste. I would like to share with you the recipe I used for my Brazos de Mercedez. Enjoy everyone.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the meringue:</div>
<div>
8 egg whites</div>
<div>
1 cup refined sugar</div>
<div>
1 tsp Cream of Tartar (CoT)</div>
<div>
1 tsp vanilla</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the yema filling:</div>
<div>
8 egg yolks</div>
<div>
1 can condensed milk (330ml)</div>
<div>
1 can water (330 ml)</div>
<div>
1 tsp vanilla</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instructions</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make the meringue:</div>
<div>
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.<br />
2. In a clean and dry bowl, whip in high speed the egg whites.</div>
<div>
3. Gradually add refined sugar while mixing. Continue mixing until soft peaks.</div>
<div>
4. Add in Cream of Tartar following the vanilla.<br />
5. In a cookie sheet, line a baking sheet and grease the surface.<br />
6. Place the meringue on the cookie sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.<br />
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or when the top begins to brown.<br />
8. While waiting to cook, start with the yema filling.<br />
<br />
To make the yema filling:<br />
1. Combine ingredients.<br />
2. Cook over a double boiler until thick.<br />
<br />
To assemble:<br />
1. Remove meringue from the oven and cool.<br />
2. Dust confectioners sugar and place wax paper on top.<br />
3. Place a new and clean baking tray of similar size on top and flip the meringue.<br />
4. Remove the old wax paper.<br />
5. Put filling and roll slowly to avoid breakage of meringue.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-51774774015641653812016-12-12T11:38:00.000+08:002016-12-12T11:38:17.018+08:002017 Philippine HolidaysAs I have previously posted, I have joined the ratrace. And with that, I now don't have the luxury of going on vacation ANYTIME. I have to reconsider taking vacations on declared holidays to minimize using my leaves.<br />
<br />
Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the regular holidays, special non-working holidays as well as special holidays for scools in 2017 through Proclamation No. 50. He declared the following dates as holidays:<br />
<br />
<br />
Regular Holidays<br />
January 1, 2017 (Sunday) - New Year's Day<br />
April 9, 2017 (Sunday) - Araw ng Kagitingan<br />
April 13, 2017 (Thursday) - Maundy Thursday<br />
April 14, 2017 (Friday) - Good Friday<br />
May 1, 2017 (Monday) - Labor Day<br />
June 12, 2017 (Monday) - Independence Day<br />
August 28, 2017 (Monday) - National Heroes Day<br />
November 30, 2017 (Thursday) - Bonifacio Day<br />
December 25, 2017 (Monday) - Christmas Day<br />
December 30, 2017 (Saturday) - Rizal Day<br />
<br />
<br />
Special Non-Working Holiday<br />
January 28, 2017 (Saturday) - New Year's Day<br />
April 15, 2017 (Saturday) - Black Saturday<br />
August 21, 2017 (Monday) - Benigno Aquino Jr. Day<br />
November 1, 2017(Wednesday) - All Saints Day<br />
December 31, 2017 (Sunday) - Last Day of the Year<br />
<br />
<br />
Additional Holidays<br />
October 31, 2017 (Tuesday) - day before All Saints Day to "strengthen family ties by providing more time for traditional All Saints' Day commemorative activities and to promote domestic tourism"<br />
<br />
Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr will be confirmed by the Muslim community and will be depend on Muslim calendars. <br />
<br />
The proclamation likewise cited Republic Act 9492 for moving holidays, unless religious in nature, to the nearest Monday.<br />
<br />
So now, I'm excited to search on the interenet for seat sales to arrange our vacations accordingly. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-12596289223985463372016-12-09T10:33:00.002+08:002016-12-22T09:15:57.168+08:00Your taxes won't be wasted with meI have recently joined the rat race and after almost 4 years (my last stint was with Coke ended in December 2012), it felt new all over again. I am now with Sugar Regulatory Administration. Four years ago, I returned home from Singapore because of a job opportunity from SRA. I packed my bags, I attended the interview, ranked 2nd amongst the applicants and was ready for office (because Rank 1 turned down the offer) only to be neglected on the side because my mom is still with the agency. Rank 3 was chosen.<br />
<br />
So yeah, it took me 4 years to get this post. I have focused on establishing businesses while waiting for openings. I never applied to a private company because as per my mother, working for the governent has less stress, less pressure, and better opportunities which is really true. I have been with Manila Water and Coke and I could see the big difference.<br />
<br />
This venture is a mixture of excitement, pressure and whole lot of self reflection. The new job is exciting because new things means new learning. New environment means new culture and new people.<br />
<br />
It has been 14 days of work. I got the responsibilities my mother left when she retired last June. But because I am filling the big shoes of my mother, there is this certain pressure and responsibility to do better and to prove to everybody that I could do more. My mother is a hardworking woman, her work ethics is simply outstanding. I could never beat that but I only wish to be at par with her.<br />
<br />
I have done the 6-month backlog, learned other roles when my other officemate take their leaves. There are days when it seems there is chaos in the office especially when most of the clients clamor in the office at the of the week but there are days when you could just browse the internet away.<br />
<br />
The workplace is great. But the voice at the back of my head tells me that I should be in the middle of the ladder in my career right now. But here I am starting in the beginning all over again. While my contemporaries are already heading departments, here I am, a mere part of the workforce, following orders. So I promised myself, to work hard and smart. There will be opportunities waiting (a big portion of the employees are about to retire) and I make sure to grab each opportunity.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-88890782494417520302016-08-09T16:06:00.001+08:002016-12-22T09:16:11.009+08:00My love - hate relationship with SwimmingI have been urging Ron to exercise, not only to get fit but to avoid another hit of a heart attack or stroke. Because we are not working, we have the luxury of time, most of it wasted in front of a computer or the TV. We are almost 3 years into our marriage and we have gained more than 10 pounds each.<br />
<br />
Of the many sports (swimming, basketball, tennis) he is good at, he was allowed by his doctors to do swimming for fitness. It has been 3 weeks now that be has gone to the pool regularly (3-5× a week the most). As for me, I have decided to tag along.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirRk9FaF0A9lhX88UBGfD93_KIuo8c001ZsCQ2hAboobt9HsY6u_WyiALvCylbvjX1j88BIUJXhgjqDf0pmtfOdoboN2MVOL_ZJpZchOXAcnqCIIUigrGAsqGY95Fv7LbB8PCTg/s1600/20160805_155832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirRk9FaF0A9lhX88UBGfD93_KIuo8c001ZsCQ2hAboobt9HsY6u_WyiALvCylbvjX1j88BIUJXhgjqDf0pmtfOdoboN2MVOL_ZJpZchOXAcnqCIIUigrGAsqGY95Fv7LbB8PCTg/s320/20160805_155832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Swimming is not my sport. I don't enjoy it. When I was little, my mom enrolled me and my brother in a swimming class during summer break. I learned how to kick and flutter but never to float. The only stroke I learned was Freestyle. While I enjoy it at first, I easily get tired with my arm and leg muscle being sore and weighs like a 100 kgs after. And during class, my teacher urged me to finish a lap. I was midway when I decided to stop because I was tired and out of breath, my teacher was shouting for me to continue. I didnt, and because I didn't know how to float, I panicked and almost drowned. I never came back to that class.<br />
<br />
In UP, PE subjects have no unit weight thus no monetary weight in our tuition. So we enjoy as much PE classes as we want. So I enrolled myself in a swimming class hoping to earn a life skill. First meeting in that class, the teacher had us jump into the deepest part of the pool (10ft) to check who knows how to swim or at least float among her students. I was scared to death but I know I had to. I did. I jumped and water filled my lungs. And just like the other sinkers in her class, the teacher gave us a rod to grab and pulled us out of water. I never finished that class. It was the earliest class and was often late or absent even though the pool is just 5 minutes from my dormitory.<br />
<br />
When I got into a relationship with a swimmer (Ron), and later married one, the pool or the beach is always a destination. So I gave swimming a try one more time. And Ron is urging me to learn. He gives me tips in improving my Freestyle and just last year, he taught me the Breaststroke. <br />
<br />
It is a struggle. Swimming and exercise are struggles.. But I decided to learn and reach milestones every now and then. I am still far from the goal... but I will get there. And yeah, I want to learn how to float and tread, for dear life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-63774461988022702472016-08-09T15:30:00.000+08:002016-08-09T15:31:23.531+08:00Pokemon Go CrazeHave you got yourself go crazy over Pokemon Go? Are you one of those who was dying for it to hit the country after it was banned earlier because of a hack?<br />
<br />
Well, it has hit the Philippines, 3 days ago and a whole lot of people were hooked. I included, we are all transformed to hunters, looking for those pokemons everywhere.<br />
<br />
For 2 nights now, me and Ron rode his scooter to every pokestop in Bacolod for some pokeballs, eggs and other whatnot. Last night was the worse of the addiction, we stopped at the Bacolod Lagoon which is a pokestop because someone put a Lure. So for 30 minutes we waited for pokemons hoping to catch the rare ones. The worst of it all, we have done this with non-permitting weather conditions. But a lot has gathered last night. It is as if, not only pokemons were lured at Lagoon but Hunters as well. Hahaha!<br />
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I don't know how long I will get addicted with this game but for now, Gotta Catch them all!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-30440667958371059632016-08-04T16:57:00.000+08:002016-10-10T18:05:00.780+08:00Chilli Shrimp ScampiI have been in a pasta frenzy for the past 2 days and with the leftover linguine still in the ref, I checked into google of other pasta recipes. Thank you Jamie Oliver and Laura Vitale, I stumbled upon their videos on shrimp scampi. Because hubs wants it a little bit hot and spicy, I whipped Chilli Shrimp Scampi and here goes:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKCjM7cuqqo7W7-lh4l9gZWKNpmdaMUtspVis54TZIVCb1iog2kRFt9-K5EFrGNI_FE61z22A080ZaBp7Ky2_vybjNHIdRZwcLgcqGYCRIgzagx9CmvqIpcTwgDUQC5rP7Jn39g/s1600/IMG_20160803_233345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKCjM7cuqqo7W7-lh4l9gZWKNpmdaMUtspVis54TZIVCb1iog2kRFt9-K5EFrGNI_FE61z22A080ZaBp7Ky2_vybjNHIdRZwcLgcqGYCRIgzagx9CmvqIpcTwgDUQC5rP7Jn39g/s320/IMG_20160803_233345.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients</div>
<div>
1/2 kg medium sized shrimps</div>
<div>
2 tbsp EVOO</div>
<div>
1/3 cup butter</div>
<div>
1/4 cup white wine</div>
<div>
1 tsp chilli flakes</div>
<div>
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped</div>
<div>
salt and pepper to taste</div>
<div>
bunch of parsely, finely chopped</div>
<div>
250 g pasta</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instuctions</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Cook pasta using package instruction. Drain and then coat with 1 tbsp EVOO for the pasta not to clump. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. In a separate pan, heat remaining EVOO. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Add in butter and cook until all butter is melted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Cook shrimp until slightly pink, about 1 minute in each side.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Put in chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Add parsely.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Add white wine. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Add in the cooked pasta. Mix. Make sure to coat pasta with mixture.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Serve with additional parsely on top.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">*I was not able to find parsely in the supermarket so I omited it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also devein the shrimps so that I could share the dish with hubs. He is usually allergic to shrimps when it is cooked without deveining it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How to Devein Shrimps</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Hold the body firmly, then pull the head downward.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Take the remaining shell off until the tail.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Take a knife and cut through the middle of the to reveal the vein.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Pull the vein.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span> <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-77154415800998138842016-08-02T19:37:00.000+08:002016-10-10T18:06:13.780+08:00Pasta Aglio Olio con Sausage e LonganizaIt is the 2nd day of the month. Nothing really special but we are celebrating our 71-month long relationship as boyfriend/girlfriend. Yes we are 1 month away from our 6th year of being together.<br />
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We used to celebrate these relationship milestones over Ron's Spicy Tuna Carbonara and so I was craving for it. I requested him to cook a batch but he has a lot of excuses that I thought of whipping one for myself. But since We dont have the complete ingredients, I hought of going for the simplest pasta dish, the Aglio Olio which is only Olive oil, garlic and herbs.</div>
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While cooking the pasta, I thought of putting out the Hungarian Sausage (Ron's favorite) and the Chicken Longanisa. Why not mixing it in? Oh yeah! Kitchen chaos, here I go! And this is how I came up with Pasta Aglio Olio con Sausage and Longanisa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNivvtEZmHGR5HzWwe0YI22pTJh0MN61gydBLAlYSHse3QVI2IUuRGJPR8fd_ac8pxS1SApBr2aoIXKzH6VHdp4hXOGnivG0xT4NFxn8ocz1JYkrys1NsrXBhh-HHXI5eJ5UTGA/s1600/20160802_185256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNivvtEZmHGR5HzWwe0YI22pTJh0MN61gydBLAlYSHse3QVI2IUuRGJPR8fd_ac8pxS1SApBr2aoIXKzH6VHdp4hXOGnivG0xT4NFxn8ocz1JYkrys1NsrXBhh-HHXI5eJ5UTGA/s320/20160802_185256.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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250g Pasta ( we have linguine available)</div>
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3 tbsp olive oil</div>
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8 cloves garlic (more the better) chopped</div>
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1 tbsp italian seasoning</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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2 pcs hungarian sausage cubed </div>
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4 pcs chicken longganisa cubed</div>
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parmesan cheese (optional)</div>
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Instructions</div>
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1. Cook pasta using package instruction. Drain and then coat with 1 tbsp EVOO for the pasta not to clump. </div>
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2. In a separate pan, heat remaining EVOO. </div>
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3. Brown hungarian sausage and longaniza.</div>
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4. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. </div>
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5. Put in italian seasoning, salt and pepper.</div>
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6. Add in the cooked pasta. Mix. Make sure to coat pasta.</div>
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Serve with parmesan cheese on top!</div>
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* I did not put the pasta all at once.... I put it in portion by portion because I want my pasta to be well coated to get the full flavor in every bite. It turned out, I only used 2/3 of the pasta.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-40001620357518519252015-05-11T01:28:00.000+08:002016-10-10T18:59:51.010+08:00Sauteed Fish in Honey and LemonMy husband is out for the Holy Week and I am left to myself alone in the house. Because I am too lazy to cook fancy, I once again whipped myself with what is available in the kitchen, white fish, lemons and honey.<div><br></div><div>So here is dinner for me:<br><br><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/20150402_220459.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20150402_220459.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/20150402_220459.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Ingredients</div><div><br></div><div>1 cream dory fillet</div><div>1 medium sized lemon, juiced</div><div>2 tbsp honey</div><div>basil</div><div>salt and pepper</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>1. Mix lemon and honey, salt and pepper. Pour over cream dory. Marinate for 1 hr.</div><div>2. Transfer dory in a foil, sprinkle basil and pepper. </div><div>3. Fold ends of the aluminum foil to ensure that the fish is covered tightly. This is to ensure moisture is not lost.</div><div>4. Steam fish for 20 min.</div><div><br></div><div>Enjoy!</div><div><br></div><div>Note: I cut my fish into bite sizes to easily absorb marinade and for faster cooking.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-12229722566448379592015-05-10T21:58:00.001+08:002016-10-10T20:21:33.506+08:00Vegetable Salad in a JarI have been trying to eat healthy, keeping off from all the meat. For months I have been off beer, sodas, and all bottled juices. I am not totally a fan of vegetable but I have been forcing myself to stick to the greens.<br /><br />So I planned on making some salad for dinner and to save on time for the next meals, I decided to prepare them in my mason jars.I would like to share with you a quick and easy, single serve salad that you could store for 3-4 days in the fridge and you could just grab when you need something light.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/9c122bfb-efa4-4244-aa8c-a67f54af5a59.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 9c122bfb-efa4-4244-aa8c-a67f54af5a59.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/9c122bfb-efa4-4244-aa8c-a67f54af5a59.jpg" height="400" width="368" /></a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 tbsp Thousand Island Dressing<br />2 -in long carrots, cut into strips<br />2 in long cucumber, sliced<br />quarter of apples, cubed<br />8 pcs grapes, sliced<br />romainne lettuce, sliced<br />cheese, shredded<br /><br /><br />1. Fill your mason jar with the dressing. <br />2. Layer carrots, cucumber, apples, and grapes inside the jar. Give the jar a tap so the empty spaces could be filled.<br />3. Add the shredded cheese.<br />4. Finally, all as much lettuce that you could fill the remaining space of your jar.<br /><br />You could actually, add more ingredients like tomatoes or turnip.. Likewise, you could change the dressing to vinagrette. It is all up to you. <br /><br />Happy healthy eating everyone.<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-30376400003548481122015-02-23T00:44:00.000+08:002016-10-10T20:24:21.264+08:00No Bake CheesecakeIt is hard not to give in to cravings. And since last week, I can't stop thinking of cheesecakes, my favorite cake. I had the chance to visit the local grocery and so I packed on some ingredients for a cheesecake.<br /><br />Because I still don't have an oven (I'm still saving for it!!!), I decided to try on the no bake cheesecake. I love the outcome of the cake. I would still opt for the baked ones if given the chance, but for those without an oven, this would still hit the spot. I shared this with Ron's family, and I was in the spotlight because of this sweet treat.<br /><br />Below are the ingredients and the steps in making a no-bake cheesecake. It goes perfectly well with any kind canned fruit. I made mine with strawberries!<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/20150217_141541.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20150217_141541.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/20150217_141541.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />Crust:<br />1 1/2 cup graham crackers crumbs<br />2/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/3 cup butter, melted<br /><br />Cheesecake Filling:<br />2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese<br />2 tsp lemon juice<br />250 ml all purpose cream<br />1/3 cup white sugar<br /><br />Topping:<br />1 can fruit pie filling (cherry, strawberry, or blueberry)<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Stir together crust ingredients in a bowl. Press into the bottom of the 8 or 10 in springform pan. Chill until firm.<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/66e4f627-9534-4d21-96e8-545e04395b1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 66e4f627-9534-4d21-96e8-545e04395b1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/66e4f627-9534-4d21-96e8-545e04395b1e.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />2. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Beat together cream cheese and lemon juice until soft. Add all purpose cream and beat until batter is thick. Add the sugar and continue beating until stiff. <br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/5d01c2c2-673f-459f-9036-aedbbb829d1a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5d01c2c2-673f-459f-9036-aedbbb829d1a.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/5d01c2c2-673f-459f-9036-aedbbb829d1a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />3. Pour batter into chilled crust. Even out the batter.<br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/f9483389-4d00-496c-b172-0b9703d233db.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo f9483389-4d00-496c-b172-0b9703d233db.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/f9483389-4d00-496c-b172-0b9703d233db.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />4. Top with canned fruit pie filling. <br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/20150217_000032.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20150217_000032.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/20150217_000032.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />5. Chill for 8 hours minimum or overnight. <br />6. Remove the sides of the springform pan just before serving.<br /><br />Enjoy!!!!<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-53411670674107560282015-02-05T00:33:00.001+08:002016-12-22T09:16:47.892+08:00On death and leavingToday, I came home from Iloilo. Ron and I crossed seas to visit Danes and her family and sympathize with her family as she lost a great man in his life, her father. That's the second wake/funeral that we have attended this year, with Ron's aunt as the first. <br />
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At our age, the reality of death is hitting us by the face. Our parents are getting old, weak, and going in that direction. I am not really afraid of death perse. I am perhaps afraid of losing a loved one over death. The void that he/she leaves you with, emptiness and loneliness sweeping your entirety. How could I overcome when that happens? That is what I am afraid of. <br />
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It dawned on me that indeed, death will come into our doorsteps, anytime. We are only left with limited time. As I am living away from my mom, as much as I can, I am spending time with her. Because I don't want to miss my opportunity.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-56283664512451199272015-02-04T21:44:00.000+08:002016-10-10T20:26:30.378+08:00Homemade IcecreamI love homemade or do it yourself projects. So even with food, I enjoy whipping up things and feeding all of them to my husband. Aside from cakes, I love icecream! Especailly chocolate icream! I love them so bad that I have been looking for some industrial icecream maker so I could have icecream whenever I can. So two nights ago, I tried making homemade icecream without an icecream maker. YES, you read it correctly, icecream without an Icecream maker!<br /><br />This dessert is timely as Summer is fast approaching.. we could surely beat the summer heat with a bowl of icecream,<br />So below are the ingredients and the steps and it is as easy as it can getsh, andy whenever we like it.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02-04%2022.34.06.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 2015-02-04 22.34.06.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02-04%2022.34.06.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />Icecream Base:<br />2 packs of All Purpose Cream<br />1 can of condensed milk<br /><br />Preparation:<br />1. In a bowl, whip all purpose cream until it doubles in volume. <br />2. Fold condense milk and continue whipping with a mixer until it thickens.<br />3. Refrigerate for an hour.<br />4. Remove from freezer and give another 15 minutes of mixing.<br />5. Send it to the freezer for another hour.<br />6. Add flavor of your liking. You may fold crushed oreos, cheesecake, chocolates, marshmallows, fruits, nuts. Anything you like and anything you crave. I added chopped cheddar cheese in our icecream because that's the only thing available. Send it to the freezer for hardening.<br /><br />As an advice, you may put portions of icecream base in clean mason jars and add your flavor so that you may enjoy plenty of icecream flavors in this one batch of icecream base.<br /><br />Enjoy your icecream friends!<br /><br /><br />-o0o-<br />I find the 2:1 proportion too sweet, you may lessen the condensed milk suited to your sweetness preference.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-36561954288759952512015-01-02T23:27:00.000+08:002016-10-10T20:30:14.400+08:00Banana Apple Slush2015 is here and what better way to start the year right than preparing heathy food for a healthier you this year. After all the pounds gained over the holidays, it is right time to shed it off. I am sharing with you a delicious but healthy drink, Banana Apple Slush.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150103_205325.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20150103_205325.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/Mobile%20Uploads/20150103_205325.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br /> You need:<br />2 Bananas<br />1 Apple, peeled<br />3/4 cup Non Fat Milk<br />Honey to sweeten<br />Loads of Ice<br />Cinammon (optional)<br /><br />Put all ingredients in a blender. Shake it up until smooth. Serve in a glass.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-80143253165264977592014-12-31T22:52:00.001+08:002016-12-22T09:17:55.541+08:00Waving Goodbye to 2014! Saying Hello to 2015!Happy NewYear everyone!<br />
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2015 is just two hours away and I am excited. 2014 has been an exciting year and I couldn't thank the Lord enough for the many blessings He has given us... for one, we have survived our first year of marriage: the adjustment phase in a new house with just the two of us. We haven't killed each other yet! We survived because we learned to compromise with each other, aside from the rock-paper-scissors game that we have to do to see who does the cooking and the dishes.<br />
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The business is a strong as ever but this time around, it was just the two of us making big decisions. We have to throw in new ideas to evolve our products at the same time retain its uniqueness and its original state which captured our loyal customers...We are pushing for expansion, hopefully 2015 would give us the edge. <br />
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2014 also gained us a lot of pounds to be shed off next year...Hahaha!! But seriously, doctor's orders, we have to gain our old weights back. But I'm thankful that there was no serious problem in health this year. No confinement in the hospital and no health bills to pay, which I thank the Lord for.<br />
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We were able to finish two of our projects this year. We finish off paying our lot for our house at the same time acquired a new property that we intend to rent out in 2015. We even minimize our interest and gained more on the rebates that the bank returned to us for paying more than the monthly required amount. It cut a lot in our leisure and travel fund but it gave us some maturity to learn to sacrifice and the humility to take on the responsibility of our commitments. I'm excited to invest more in 2015 or maybe start building that dreamhouse. =)<br />
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So there goes my 2014... not as travel filled as my single years but just them same, 2014 is awesome. I can't wait for 2015....and oh please come with good surprises!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-12939204597004672212014-11-24T16:41:00.000+08:002016-12-22T09:18:20.535+08:00TCC woesHow will you answer the question, "When are you having a baby?" or the worse and boggling question "Why we are still not having a baby?"<br />
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If only you would know when you will have one or why you don't have one, but those questions rests to the Creator and the future to be answered.<br />
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All we could do is wait, do all we can and all that we know of to get pregnant.<br />
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For a year now, Ron and I have been trying to conceive. There were months when I get delayed and we get excited, getting our hopes up only to be crushed again and again. There are times that my disapointment is too much, I get depressed the day I get my late period. And more depression comes from the envy boiling inside knowing that your contemporaries became pregnant, or those who just got married are now counting weeks at their pregnancy.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if I do not want it as badly, as the Lord sees that this is not my heart's desire. That maybe I wanted it only because I get so many pressures from family, friends and colleagues. Maybe because I am afraid of the words "abnormal or with defect" associated with not able to conceive, that I wanted a baby to prove them all wrong. Because maybe, just maybe, I want to conform of the norm: get married and HAVE kids.<br />
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So the next time, please ask no longer of the many reasons why we are still without a child. I still don't know why and I could not answer the when too. Only God knows.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-38008100065295571702014-08-26T23:39:00.000+08:002016-12-22T09:19:11.961+08:00Look Good, Feel GoodNowadays, though I may take full control of my time, I have been very busy to the point that I neglect myself. My routine everyday is take a bath, get dressed, brush teeth and then grab my bags and dash to the car for the morning rush. Nothing quite unusual but the little extra I put into myself eons ago seem to be thrown out of nowhere. I only get to comb my hair at the car. I sometimes miss putting on body lotion or a moisturizer. I haven't worn makeup since I can't remember.<br />
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I lack exercise, I eat too much. I keep on procastinating on the former. I have many excuses left and right. It is no wonder that I am gaining weight very fast. I am at my heaviest to date. I have bought work out clothes 2-3 months ago to inspire me to get my ass moving, yet, I have not gone to the gym nor opened my laptop to follow a 15 minute workout. <br />
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Everytime I look at myself in the mirror, and compare it to my old pictures of 3 years ago, I feel that I am the dull version of myself. Because I don't feel good of what I see, insecurities creep in.<br />
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I have been so busy, I neglected my responsibility to myself: To Look Good and to Feel Good. I know it is not obligatory but sometimes putting on a red lipstick boost your confidence or wearing a 3-inch heeled shoes makes you feel empowered. I would like to open my closet and won't get limited because I could fit into all my clothes instead of me squeezing into my jeans which I could no longer button. I would like to have curves unlike my surfboard of a body. <br />
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So yeah, I know I should have started exercising or pick up the make - up kit than blogging my woes and ranting on my shitty self. I guess, I have to put it in writing, some sort of a promise to taking care of myself, to a healthier, fitter version of me.<br />
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P.S.<br />
I started my 15 minute zumba workout and extra 30 jump ropes in my new sports bra and nike kicks.... Im far from having flat abs but I'm getting there. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-29811843590991320122014-08-23T14:33:00.000+08:002016-12-22T09:19:42.719+08:00I'm Too Blessed to ComplainToday, we arrived at the store with one of our staff saying, "Manang, may sala gid ko sa imo" (Sister, I did something wrong). I kept on guessing her fault with no avail until she confessed that she left the gas range open with the stove still on, overnight. I have a section at the store that sells burgers, fishballs, french fries and the like. And she was assigned in that section the other day. When the whole First Shift Team opened Raji Mart yesterday, the store was full of smoke because the burner was on all night. We were too blessed the store didn't burn in flames, else, I am now a pauper, stressed on how to pay the goods as half of the items at the store are still on loan with the suppliers. Also, we are only renting, we may get sued for negligence or if there would be injuries, we will be required to take care of all of it. So, yeah, I am so blessed and grateful that amidst all that was, Raji Mart is still running.<br />
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I didn't get angry nor give a reprimand for the negligence of my staff. I was too overwhelmed with the blessing. Ron gave her a 3-day suspension as penalty and to teach her a lesson she'll never forget. She agreed right away as she knew it was her fault in the first place. No bad words said, unlike the movies. <br />
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As for my team, it was a lesson to be careful all the more. Negligence is a no - no if we still want Raji Mart operational and them having work to feed mouths. As for me, I still have to save up for an insurance for the store for unforeseen like this. But for now, I only have You, Lord, to save me and the store from all the troubles. Thank you po!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-49430808292877996892014-07-29T16:33:00.000+08:002016-10-10T21:07:43.157+08:00Microwave Mac amd CheeseThis quick and easy recipe is a sure hit for the busy moms who does't have that much time to cook.<br /><br />All it takes is less than 10 minutes and you will have a delectable meal for the family<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn6chOUUx7MhaSiaTZC42P_Wt3dn1aPLKkXootyyGNdggn5HwLPhuBSTphLYf2_jXiYoYAhyoqXjwhB6VmyzE2Hit8cPMvSx9Dij9S27rzveYxrbxL50iee8hqEiFtUEPCUhfhg/s1600/2014-11-23+01.31.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGn6chOUUx7MhaSiaTZC42P_Wt3dn1aPLKkXootyyGNdggn5HwLPhuBSTphLYf2_jXiYoYAhyoqXjwhB6VmyzE2Hit8cPMvSx9Dij9S27rzveYxrbxL50iee8hqEiFtUEPCUhfhg/s1600/2014-11-23+01.31.58.png" height="618" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />1/2 lb pasta (cooked, we used small Macaroni)<br />1 cup whole Milk<br />2 cups shredded cheddar Cheese<br />3/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp ground black pepper<br />Basil (Optional)<br /><br />Preparation:<br />1. Place all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Stir.<br />2. Place in microwave for 5 minutes in Medium High setting.<br />3. Stir again.<br />4. Microwave for another 2 minutes.<br />5. Stir until smooth amd creamy.<br /><br />Serves 4<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-83907076499829330232014-05-13T14:03:00.001+08:002016-12-22T09:20:08.207+08:00MotherhoodIt is cliche-ic to write about motherhood on Mother's day. And I still don't have the right to write on the topic because I don't have a child, nor am I bearing one as to date. This is no greeting nor sharing of experience of someone.<br />
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Today, I write on motherhood because I think I am not ready to be one. I am scared of the responsibility. I'm scared that I could not live up to expectation of being a good mother. It is too much that someone's needs is dependent on you. <br />
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Somehow, I still don't feel the attraction for children. I have a complicated time understanding them. I have a nephew who, one day wants all your attention, giving you hugs and entertaining you with all of his skills yet also knows how to say no whenever he doesn't feel like it. He is only 4 but he oftentimes outwit me with his demands and I don't like a bit of it. Ron's niece came to Negros for a month's vacation and instantly I dislike her. She's 7, plays dolls, orders her Mamita (lola) around, doens't share her food which my husband bought and she gets a hold of the family's laptop amidst her owning a tablet. I don't entirely get allergic reactions with kids. I enjoy their company but once the crying starts or they get bitchy, they no longer interest me.<br />
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I see how tiring but selfless it is to care for a child. Looking after their welfare, tidying their poops, tending to their bruises, is entirely intricate. I am scared with all of it. I don't know if I could handle.<br />
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Every night I pray that the Lord God will bless our marriage with a child. We are already in our thirties and I want to spend as much time as we could with our children in the future. I believe that the early we start, the earlier we would be finished rearing our children, and so we could move on to retiring stress free. Now, on our 6th month of marriage, we are continuously trying to have a baby. While others are saying that we should enjoy our marriage as husband and wife, our folks, uncles and aunts are asking of an apo. But I believe, the Lord will bless us with a baby once we are ready. Children are blessings and given only to those who deserve them. Maybe the Lord delays his gift because He understands the desires of our hearts more than we do. He is above the norm of the society and what ot dictates. Maybe we are not yet ready. Maybe His time for us to be parents is not yet now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-67639068716513149852014-03-04T14:37:00.000+08:002016-10-10T21:08:18.742+08:00Cream Cheese Brownies<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083359.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20140228_083359.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083359.jpg" height="335" width="500" /></a></div><br />Last New Year's Eve, when we went home to my husband's hometown, I met his cousins from Manila. I instantly love them because they all love food and they all love making good food. His cousin Tin, brought home some baked goodies, a delectable brownies topped with cream cheese. It was so awesome, I think I have 5-6 of those small squares while my husband had about the same.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Last night boredom hit me once more. And what else to do but to do some kitchen fix and have the oven running. I remembered how much husband and I loved the taste of Cream Cheese Brownies and I thought why not try making one since we have a big slab of Chocolate untouched for about 4 months now.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I love about this brownies is the complementing taste of the dense fudge-like chocolate brown with the cream cheese. The tanginess of the cream cheese tempers the rich chocolate taste. I definitely enjoy eating two of my favorites, chocolate and cheesecake in one bite.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083405.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20140228_083405.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083405.jpg" height="335" width="500" /></a></div><div>I would like to share this wonderful treat with the recipe below:</div><div><br /><br /></div><div><b>Ingredients</b></div><div><br />Brownie Layer:<br />110 grams unsalted butter<br />115 grams sweetened chocolate<br />200 grams sugar<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />2 large eggs<br />65 grams all purpose flour<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br /><br />Cream Cheese Layer:<br />225 grams full fat cream cheese<br />65 grams granulated white sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />1 large egg <br /><br /><b>Instructions:</b><br /><br />1) Preheat oven to 325 F or 160 C.<br /><br />2) Ready a 9 inch pan lined with aluminum foil.<br /><br />3) In a bowl, mix butter and chocolate. Place in a pan of simmering water to melt mixture.<br /><br />4) Remove bowl from hit and whisk in sugar, vanilla extract all purpose flour, salt. Add in eggs one at a time. Mix together.<br /><br />5) The secret to a fudge-like dense brownie is less flour, no leavening and an addition of air into the mixture. So whip mixture vigorously to add air and to have a homogenous mixture. <br /><br />6) Remove a 1/2 cup of the chocolate batter to be used later. Pour the remaining mixture into the 9 inch square pan.<br /><br />7) In a food processor, place cream cheese, egg, and sugar. Mix until smooth and have no lumps.<br /><br />8) Spread mixture on top of the brownie batter.<br /><br />9) Spoon 16 dallops of brownie batter evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture. <br /><br />10) Run a knife back and forth through the two batters until you have a marble effect.<br /><br />11) Bake for 30 minutes or when the toothpick comes out with a few crumbsafter inserting it into the brownies.<br /><br />12) Cool down or refrigerate before serving.<br /><br /><br />Fresh from the oven!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/ocabirtaniger/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083831.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 20140228_083831.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/ocabirtaniger/Mobile%20Uploads/20140228_083831.jpg" height="500" width="335" /></a> </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-87680272911176793492014-02-27T14:18:00.000+08:002016-12-22T09:25:36.072+08:00Some Things I get for FreeWho says things shouldn't come for free? Who says every thing should have a price tag?<br />
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I love freebies. I love free tasting. I love going to trade fairs for free samples. During college, we often wait for free admission movies at the UP Film Center. And even if I have no one to drag for some good Eigasai films, I still take the chance to watch. I love watching plays too. Free plays the most. Ron and I were able to snag 20 minutes of our time to wacth Serbis the other week beacause it was free. Free starbucks from the Brit bosses or the free meriendas during work huddles was a delight.<br />
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Ever since I came home, the freebies became different. It was purely related to the outcome of our business. I now enjoy gadgets wheneer we hit yearly targets. I got a laptop and a phone frome suppliers. I get gift certificates, perks of our purhases. I also get free BPI treats with the consistent use. And soon enough I could get a new gadget with the reward points I earn.<br />
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But above the free material stuff that I get, I am happy with the constant hugs and kisses given to me by my husband. The giggles of my nephew or his inquisitive look are priceless as well. The bonding moments I have with my brothers over food or volleyball is awesome. I wouldn't experience this now if I didn't choose to go home. So I may have sacrificed some freebies but I gained more than I could ask for.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-8773188235251799382014-02-19T14:26:00.000+08:002016-12-22T13:04:46.366+08:00Unemployed EntrepreneurI am unemployed. My husband is unemployed. And we enjoy the unemployed life. <br />
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We are NOT trying to look for a good paying job. It was a decision we both made to stay unemployed, a couple of months before we tied the knot. Ron has been grueling night hours at the BPO industry taking calls shift after shift. After two visits to the hospital, I knew for a fact that life at the call center will take a toll on him. As for me, I came in terms with myself, accepting that I may be an Engineer, licensed at that, but I am not going to employ forever. The corporate life offer fame, awards and opportunities in exchange for stress and poor health. So I finally took my retirement at age 29. I'd rather use my time and energy in more important things: my family and my future.<br />
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So how do we get by?<br />
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RAJI MART STORY<br />
After I said goodbye to my career in Manila Water, I have built my first business venture. This was not at all part of MY plan. But it was God's way of laying his plans for me. At the time when I was looking for work at my hometown, opportunity struck my family. A big grocery is about to close and it was offered to my mother. She is interested but she does not have the time. I was the only bum kid at the household, so who else is given the responsibility but me. Without any knowledge in business, I took the challenge. What I learned in my corporate life, I taught to my people. We opened the grocery with it half full. Money was scarce, as I was given a very limited budget. But I told myself, one day, I will have my grocery full and I could leave it running with little supervision. Months later, Raji Mart is one big key market player.<br />
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JCE STORY<br />
Stabilizing Raji Mart, I entered Coke. Half a year later, I hang up the red shirt. Leaving Coke was a decision, so easy for me to make. I think, the Lord allowed the opportunity for me to realize that being in the manufacturing setting, or being employed for that matter is not His plan. I was always tired. I haven't gone to vacations. I work 6 days a week. I spend less time with my family. Life sucks then.<br />
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After I left, I was bumming again. Raji Mart became a routine. Looking for another venture and joining the Japanese Cake craze was the answer. It was intended to help with Raji Mart's rent but it became full blast as we took advantage of the public's positive reception and put them in key locations. I thought, why not give the sole Jap Cake distributor some competition. We made a hit. Now we operate in 8 locations in Bacolod and Talisay and 3 more locations in Iloilo. And we are not stopping from expanding.<br />
<br />
-o0o-<br />
Opportunities are many. It is up to us to put our fingers into them and get a hold of them. Struggles will be everywhere and it will hit you anytime. But it is up to us if we want to saddle up and hold them with a tight rope. Fear of failure will never go away. But with the Lord's grace, a little risk, a prayer and loads of perseverance, we will reach our gold mine.<br />
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Being an Entrepreneur is more than a plan, or a choice. IT is about letting God be your employer, because only He can make you one.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-68646361872308761792013-10-19T22:59:00.000+08:002016-12-22T09:24:03.031+08:00Love is a DecisionRon is once again in the Sanitarium. Stroke. Mild, but at his age, it is alarming to actually have it. As I watched him at the ER, his left body numbed, his speech at a half slur, I could not imagine how I was still standing there. I am about to marry this man. Am I prepared for the worse? Or maybe perhaps, your question is, have I stayed, or have I flown free while I had the chance?<br />
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Yet, I stood there. Watched him. Listened to the doctors. Waiting. I held his hand from time to time. It was more of strengthening me than me encouraging him.<br />
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It was an easy thing to go. Love, above mercy or duty, made me stay. Because I know, even if I leave, I would never be happy without him. I am ready for what is beyond. Health, weakness, tragedy and joy, as long as he holds my hand, we can overcome. I am ready for marriage. I am ready for a life with him.<br />
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Less than a month now, we will say our I Dos. I am in no apprehension. I am in no doubt of my decision to stand before God with Him. I love him. THAT IS THE DECISION.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10616227.post-59750663993288925082013-10-04T17:51:00.000+08:002016-10-10T22:29:24.993+08:00Tips on Bidding Foreclosed Properties with UnionbankSo after winning at the property bidding with Unionbank, I just feel obligated to share some tips I learned from the bidding. I will divide my tips into Before, During and After bidding.<br><div><br></div><div>Before Bidding</div><div>1. <b>Do Due Diligence</b>. This is a no-brainer tip. Acquiring a property involves money and of course we don't want to put to waste the money we earned with our sweat and blood. Check at the location site and see for yourself what you are buying for. Know the topography and elevation of the area. you wouldn't want to have a property which is flood prone, it would take a toll on you in the future.</div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>Check the copy of the title of the property at the local Registry of Deeds</b>. Titles are a public property and you could request a photocopy with a fee. This is to check on the Encumbrances at the back of the title. Unfortunately, it take 2-3 working days before they release the copy.</div><div><br></div><div>3. <b>Prepare your show money</b>. At Unionbank, bidder has to prepare Php20,000 per property he wishes to bid. This money will be collected when the bidder won the property. Other banks will require you to have manager's check of do a deposit before bidding. Always inquire with the nearest bank of their show money requirements as this may be one reason that others get disqualified during biddings.</div><div><br></div><div>During Bidding</div><div>1. <b>Don't be late.</b> Bidding usually starts on time. And bidding on a property takes only minutes. You wouldn't want to miss on the opportunity of acquiring the prime lots. When we attended the bid, the bidding only took 20 minutes. While we were filling up forms, another couple arrived to bid (they were after Priority Lot #1 as well). yet the bidding was over. If they have come, they might have won our property as the guy partner was a foreigner.</div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>Do Computations while Bidding</b>. Compute for the total price and price per sqm of the property you are auctioning. Foreclosed properties are usually of lower value, and we are after that opportunity. But as bidding continues and prices climbs, it is good to check the price per sqm to check if the value is still viable.</div><div><br></div><div>After Bidding</div><div>1. <b>Read the contract</b>. So you have won, Congratulation! But you are not fully committed to the property unless you signed the contract. READ it. If you are ammenable to the terms written in the contract, sign it.</div><div><br></div><div>2. <b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Know your capacity to pay.</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> The bank will offer you the term of payment. You could have it as short as 3 months or as long as 10 years. The longer the term the higher the interest. </span></div><div><br></div><div>*Note, Unionbank does not allow the use or any improvements in the property unless it is fully paid, so unless we fully pay, we can't build our home. This is one of their terms which is beneficial to know when you read contracts.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. <b>Submit other requirements</b>. The bank will require other requirements like IDs and other documents they wish you to sign. As for Unionbank, we were required to submit post-dated checks based on the payment schedule.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div>4. <b>Follow the payment schedule</b>. If you want to avoid penalties for late payments, follow their schedule. Fund your checking account to ensure that the checks you submitted have funds. This does not only avoid you from bank penalties but also an estafa case.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I hope you guys, got a thing or two from these tips. If you happen to join a property bidding, share your experience in comments below.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Happy investing everyone!</div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09710777128890051209noreply@blogger.com0