Archive for August 2014

New Books! Yey!

1:17 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

Oh well, yesterday I was at Festival Super Mall to bring stuffs to someone. (Yeah, I'm getting a little blushy here. :P) Anyways, back to the topic. And since I still have more time, I decided to stroll around the mall, hoping I would find something interesting.

At first, I was planning to buy new clothes so that I have something new to wear at office. But then, I just don't feel the designs I am seeing. (I know, I get a little picky sometimes. :O) So, I decided to just go home, after all I have an appointment with my dentist. Then, I pass by the BOOKSALE store. I can't help but to enter the store. And my eyes just got wide to see those books around me. There are fictions, novels, educational books, pamphlets, magazines, and many more.

What I love this book store is that all books are on sale. Yes, ALL books. And to tell you, they are all original. And what should a bookworm like me would do if you are in this kind of place? Of course, buy books! :D

I am searching for Mary Higgins Clark books, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find, only one. :( S I opt to buying other books, but with the same genre. I always love reading suspense-thriller themed books. I get to find a book with that theme. Then I got to find a romance-themed novel, so I bought it also.

I get to purchase only three books since I can't hold more books since I got no bag with me that time. So these are the three books I bought:



  • Weep No More, My Lady by Mary Higgins Clark. Her biggest best seller novel ever. It is a tale of mystery and suspense.
  • Ambitious Love by Rosie Harris. A story of a girl who is longing to find true love.
  • The Rosewood Casket by Sharyn McCrumb. A story about a family strife, dark secrets, and eerie legends among mountain people torn between tradition and change.
So there. I am excited to read these books. :D I am sure I'll be going back to that store soon. :)


If you want to visit BOOKSALE that I went to, you can locate them at:

Festival Mall 1
GF Festival Supermall near Food Court
Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Festival Mall 2
Space #K101 - GF Festival Supermall
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. 807-5630

Cheers to Essays.ph!

8:09 AM 4 Comments A+ a-

I am a self-confessed wild reader. From fictions, textbooks, even product labels; I read them all. Reading has been a part of my life since when I was only at grade school. But then, a realization hit me after I heard about Essays.ph.




Essays.ph is an online writing company where their hired writers can interact with their fellow writers while working with their freelance writing jobs and get paid in an instant. Today, it is known to be the only online writing gig in the Philippines. For over six years now, the company was able to hire over 50, 000 writers and counting.


Essays.ph is powered by Wooka Interactive, a Philippine-based online marketing company that focuses on online visibility for their clients, local and abroad. The company services include article marketing, SEO/SEM, PPC, social media optimization, and a lot more.

Easy Treats for A Happy Tummy!

3:11 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

I've been so inactive for days. Been busy with other things. :D

Anyways, I have just undergone an oral surgery and I am advised to avoid eating some hard-to-chew foods for at least a week. Meaning, I'm now on a soft diet. :P And that kills me. Hah! For a person, like me, who loves to eat, it's really a "pain in the heart" that I have to deprive myself from eating such foods.

Photo credit to www.prevention.com


So what's the purpose of my blog post today? Well, I'll be sharing with you some treats that I love eating during days and nights. Exceptions are the usual meals a person take in a day. I will be dividing them from foods I eat at the morning, afternoon, and night. So lets begin! :)

MORNING


I like to start my day with foods that are very delicious. It really kicks my day off. During mornings, these are the treats that i love to be served with.



  • Pancakes


Perfect treat to start a day. I really love pancakes. Well, that's obvious, I even make my own pancake recipe. Click here to view the recipe. :) Plus, if you pair with a good cup of black coffee. Perfect!

  • Toasted Bread and Nutella


Who could resist this combo? This is perfect when the bread is a little more hot to allow the Nutella to melt. Also good if served with Fresh Milk. Perfect when you are movie-watching. (Just like what I have done. :D)

  • Rice Cakes


Filipinos are known to be heavy eaters of rice. Carbohydrates are good to sustain your energy for the day. Rice Cakes are traditional morning treat for Filipinos. Made from Galapong (Rice Flour), these are perfect to keep you full.



Tomato-Stuffed Grilled Milkfish

6:13 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

I made this dish about a month ago, so this was kind of a late post. Huhuhu. But I will still post it, because it is all about food. :D

 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Here is another delectable seafood recipe from my virtual cook book. Hahaha.

Tomato-Stuffed Grilled Milkfish

 Ingredients:

  • 1 whole Bangus (Milkfish), scaled and cleaned
  • 4 Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 Onion, minced
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Procedure:
  • Prepare first your griller.
  • Stuff your fish with tomatoes and onions. Season it with salt and pepper.
  • Cover the fish with aluminum foil.
  • Put your fish into the griller. Grill each side for at least 25-30 minutes before turning.
  • Serve with soy sauce with lime as its dip. Enjoy!



Hope you try this recipe of mine. Feel free to share your thoughts about this dish with me.
Good Eats!

LESSON 1: What is Happiness?

11:16 AM 0 Comments A+ a-

Every man  wants to be happy, but in order to be so he needs first to understand what happiness is.
--- Jean-Jacques Rousseau


This is the opening quote for our topic today. This is the one million dollar question that should be answered: WHAT IS HAPPINESS? Or should I rephrase that; WHAT IS REAL HAPPINESS? We sometimes thought that we only become happy when we get the things that we desire. Yes, a part of it contributes to our happiness, but it is more than that. Happiness is not measured by the things we see or feel. It comes from within.

Photo credit to nevalalee.wordpress.com


Happiness at Its Finest

7:17 AM 0 Comments A+ a-

Are you happy? If yes, where is that happiness coming from? If not, what things are keeping you from that happiness? If you don't know the answer, then I'll be here to guide you to know them.

Recently, I started reading this book about happiness. The book is The Art of Happiness written by Matthieu Ricard. What I love about this book is that it guides you in getting your happiness, not just by the things that satisfies you, but by also fulfilling your inner desires.


This is just an introduction to what I am going to blog about. Lets take each step in achieving happiness. these steps will be written just like a school lesson. Each lesson will be tackling about different topics about happiness.

Together, let us search for the true happiness--- Happiness that is genuine and incomparable.


"Happiness does not come automatically. It is not a gift that good fortune bestows upon us and a reversal of fortune takes back. It depends on us alone. One does not become happy overnight., but with patient labor, day after day. Happiness is constructed, and that requires effort and time. In order to become happy, we have to learn how to change ourselves. "
--- Luca and Francesco Cavalli-Sforza




Updated: August 16, 2014

Pancake Sandwiches

6:20 AM 0 Comments A+ a-

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it will provide you the energy that you need to do your activities throughout the day. But even if this meal is important to start our day right, we take it for granted. We usually skip this meal. and that's not good. According to some studies, skipping breakfasts will make you gain weight. So to avoid this, you should make your breakfast meals interesting.

I admit, sometimes, I don't eat take my breakfast, too. I find my meals boring and always repeating. Like for example, I was always served with the traditional bread of the Filipinos which is called Pandesal, paired with egg and coffee. Sometimes, I eat fried rice but cooking it will take me a lot of time. So I searched for tips and tricks on how I can innovate my meal, making it interesting.

I love pancakes. They are easy to make and delicious. But eating them like the usual is quite boring. So, I made an experiment recipe using them. well, instead of just plain bread and eggs, I substituted the bread with pancakes. Quite different, huh? I tell you, it really is good! And guess what, I am going to share you my recipe. So let's get down with the details!

Pancake Sandwich

10 Tips and Tricks For A Better Sleep

11:36 PM 2 Comments A+ a-

Sleeping will not be called sleeping if you are constantly getting awake at 3:00 AM. Then during the day, you find it hard to keep with your activities because you always feel that drowsiness due to lack of sleep. Actually, having a sound sleep is all under your control. Unbelievable? Then I make a list of tips that can help you establish a good sleeping habit.


  1. Set a sleeping schedule.
Photo credit from vitalitybrands.com
Make it to a point that you have the same sleeping and waking time everyday. This will set your internal body clock. Meaning, your body will automatically adjust with time, when it is already time to sleep and when it is time for you to wake up. Consistency is the key for this.

    2.   Create your pre-sleeping routine.

It is important that you set activities that will make it easy for your body to adjust with the transition from being awake to going to sleep. Keep in mind to AVOID strenuous activities hours before sleeping. You can try relaxing bedtime rituals like reading a book, listening to music, or take a warm bath. Don't worry about the belief that taking a bath at night will cause low blood. well, studies proved that is not true.

    3.  Take less nap, or if possible don't nap at all.

Many people take power naps as part of their day. Actually there's nothing wrong with this. but if you are really finding it hard to sleep at night, it is recommended to lessen your nap time, or if you can, omit it from your daily routine.

    4.  Don't take heavy meals at night.

No-Bake Soft Chew Brownies

3:41 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

Chocolates. One of my guilty pleasures. They are irresistible, aren't they? And when I got time to bake, I make sure that chocolates are my star ingredient.

I started baking when I was still in high school. I learned about the basics when my school back then introduced the Electives subject, and I get to pick Culinary class as my subject. And since I am a self-confessed foodie, I was able to learn it that quick.

Anyways, I am doing baking in a different way. Since many easy-to-do baked goodies mixes are already out in the market, I always look for alternative ways of baking goods, perfect for those who are, I might say, lack of equipment and ingredients.

When we say baking, this includes cooking foods with an oven. But who would have thought that you can do baking with the use of steaming process. Well, you will be surprised that you actually can! And i will show you how. J

This is my own recipe of brownies, and take note, no OVEN-USE,  just the power of steaming. What is nice about this recipe is, it leaves the brownies gooey and moist. Almost like a cake already. This is easy to prepare, you can have this treat any time of the day! J

 So let's get started!


ON-TRACK: We Can't Stop

4:47 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

Since I wasn't able to post last week, I'll make it up this time. :)

The week's featured song for On-Track is WE CAN'T STOP by Miley Cyrus.

SONG LYRICS:


It’s our party we can do what we want
It’s our party we can say what we want
It’s our party we can love who we want
We can kiss who we want
We can see who we want (2x)

Red cups and sweaty bodies everywhere
Hands in the air like we don’t care
Cause we came to have so much fun now
Bet somebody here might get some now

If you’re not ready to go home
Can I get a hell no
Cause we gonna go all night
Till we see the sunlight alright

So la da di da di, we like to party
Dancing with Miley
Doing whatever we want
This is our house
This is our rules

Dandy's Snacks: Captain Curls Cheese Puffs

12:03 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

Who wouldn't love cheese? With its tangy taste, you will surely have that unique bite. And when incorporated with a snack, you will definitely could not resist it.

Two days ago, some of my fellow technical team members went to Subic to do some company marketing and on-site calibration job. My superior brought home to us a big container of cheese puffs. And I must say, they taste wonderful!

But before I get into details, let me just CHEEZIFY your minds a bit.


  • The French term for cheese puff is "mais gonfle."
  • Did you know that there are a lot of cheese puff-related pop quiz all over the net? And it may surprise you that these quizzes are about cheese puffs becoming giants, then eating people. Weird, huh?
  • Cheese puffs can be made in two ways: the first one is using choux pastry, while the second one is through extruded corn dough, which is usually used for commercial marketing.


As a said, my superior brought home this large container of Dandy's Captain Curls. Again, I never get to take a picture of the real thing, as we get too excited munching on them, I forgot taking a picture of it. Hah! Well, this treat is perfect for sharing with your family and friends. Its crunchy bite and totally big puffs will give you the best cheese experience.

They were able to buy this cheese puffs at Subic Royal Duty Free for only $2.43 (that is roughly about Php105.00). and with that kind of price, you are really getting your money's worth, or I should say it's more than that.

To know more about Captain Curls and other snack products offered by Dandy's Snacks, feel free to visit their Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/dandysnacks.


P.S.

Well, aside from this, since Subic is known to be a free port zone, we can't forget buying chocolates, of course. We got some Hershey Kisses treats. Yum! :)


More of Subic, soon! :)

When your Mind is Bombarded with Ideas

7:52 AM 0 Comments A+ a-

When this happens? It explodes.

I have these ideas on my mind, but I don't know where to start. I have this, I have that. In the end, I've got NOTHING.

I just felt writing this one to release the stress in me. I feel like floating in nowhere. I need a break, actually. Where I can just sit and write everything I wanted to say.

This is not going anywhere so I am going to cut this off. Two more days and I'm off to my safe haven. :3

P.S.
By the way, I've got a unique recipe for brownies so better check out for it. It will be posted as soon as I have my day off.

 Yeah, the real purpose of this post is just to plug. Naaah. Kidding!


Hope you all have a great day! Ciao!

Goldilocks' Coffee Crumble Cake

7:35 PM 0 Comments A+ a-

Birthdays are one of the best moments to be celebrated. We surprised our co-worker with a cake as he celebrates his birthday today.

We chose to buy a cake from Goldilocks. Goldilocks is one of the premier bakeshops in the Philippines. As it is known to be making sumptuous cakes, we purchased one of their new cake products which is the Coffee Crumble Cake.

The Coffee Crumble Cake is made up of chocolate chip mocha flavored chiffon cake, frosted with coffee-flavored icing. It is garnished with two-toned icing rosettes (coffee and choco buttercreme flavored), topped with coffee bean-like chocolate decor.

When we have indulged ourselves with the cake, we really tasted the coffee flavor, but it is not overpowering. Actually, the cake has two layers. In between the layers, there's a hint of banana-like taste. I'm just not sure if it is with the frosting, or with the cake itself. But that doesn't matter for it compliments the taste of the cake.

Since we are too excited to eat the cake, plus the fact that I am too shy to take a picture of it, I will not be able to show you the real cake. But from the bakeshop'site, here is what the cake looks like.

Photo from goldilocks.com.ph

Overall, this cake has a very unique taste, perfect for those who are looking for a new taste for their palate.

You can contact Goldilocks at: Goldilocks Cake Plant
                                                498 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
Contact No.: +632 532-4050

Love Language

12:00 PM 0 Comments A+ a-


In this world we live in, we are surrounded by many people yet we still feel being lonesome. Each one of us has an emotional tendency to feel loved. When we felt it, we get to reach our maximum potentials. However, if we didn't, it is as if we are living just to exist.

In order to love and to be loved, one must know what love language is to be used. It is dependent of what personality does an individual has.

I just read a book of Gary Chapman entitled, The Five Love Languages. This will be a sort of a book review, but I will be only giving a brief discussion about the love languages.

What is the right language?


Of course, we can speak any love language that we want. Naturally, we speak of a love language that will make us feel loved. But the problem with this is that, even if we speak of a certain language that we prefer, if it is not the love language of the person we are expressing it to, then the thought would not mean the same as what it meant for us.


This is when frustration comes in. That is why it is important to learn not only our personal love language, but also someone's primary language in order to feel loved.

The Five Love Languages


Learning to speak of a language that you and others would understand is that best way to develop and succeed in any human relationships.


The five love languages are as follows:

  • Words of Affirmation
  • Gifts
  • Acts of Service
  • Quality Time
  • Physical Touch
Each will have an in-depth details and let's see what language are you using.

Chef Tony's Gourmet Popcorn: Belgian Butter

10:30 AM 1 Comments A+ a-

Who would resist munching on popcorn? I guess, there would be none. And I would attest to that, especially if you are served with Chef Tony's Gourmet Popcorn.

We are given with Chef Tony's Belgian Butter flavor. It is one of the classic flavors of Chef Tony's. And I must say, it is that sumptuous. It has a light, buttery flavor, with a little touch of saltiness to give the popcorn its signature taste. The aroma alone will make you excited to dig into it.

This treat is a sure stress-reliever and will give you an exciting popcorn-eating experience.


Chef Tony's Belgian Butter: Php 175.00 (Net Weight: 350g)

Visit www.cheftonys.com for more information.
You can also contact them at telephone number +632 414-4462 / fax number +632 410-0378
For local concerns: inquiry@cheftonys.com
For international concerns: international@cheftonys.com


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