My First Yeast Experience

I have been baking for quite a while now but I never had the guts to try using yeast until a couple of weeks ago. Or maybe because I find it too time-consuming to knead and 'let rise'. My Prep daughter had a General Assembly and we need to bring food for the breakfast meeting. Yeah, the second part of the half-day affair where parents and teachers meet for a more level-specific concerns and updates. I was browsing online to see what I can bake and I bravely decided to go with cinnamon rolls. A brave move I should say, but really worth it!

So the photo shows the batch, not bad for a first timer.hehe. My version of Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls. My husband said it tasted good, considering that he is a picky eater. And my daughter loved it too! I just hope those who picked the rolls at the assembly also say the same. =)

The recipes and the steps will be in a separate post, so watch out. =)

Miss you B...

I so miss blogging. Missed you, Blogger.hehe. I just couldn't find time to write new posts, or I am just lazily not wanting to. But I have been a little busy lately really, after my 'reliable' househelp of 3 years left. Oh, long story.

So I have been trying to figure out the whole 'housewife' idea, doing all the chores in the house. You name it - washing, cleaning, ironing, cooking, at the same time taking care of my 6-year old and Hubby. Quiet enjoying though, that you get to do all these for them. The first two weeks were so exhilarating that I easily snap out on the sight of small 'kalat'. I have awkwardly adjusted to the setup I believe, with the help of a little organizing and prioritizing on the sides. I was trying to look for another help but thought to myself that this will do for the moment. And it is hard to trust people nowadays, you know what I mean. So, goodluck to me! =)

After the S&R Rush...

Another late post, this has long been overdue. Supposedly after the S&R Sale, which was like 3 weeks ago. We were there early morning, though not that early compared to those who were already in the parking as early as 6:30 in the morning. We left around 8:30 and it was already jampacked when we got there. Yes, literally. I have to go around and look for an available cart for about 30 minutes. And even if you have a cart, there is no way you can get past the other carts. Arrgh! So what we did is just leave the cart in line for the cashier, then just put things in there as we go around. That was a grueling 4-5 hours! Good thing we all love S&R's food! With pizza, chicken and ice cream on the side, the wait was not really that tough. And by the way, I took photos of what I bought. More on the kitchen necessities, though. The best buys I can considerably say are the dishwashing liquids and the sponges, since they are buy1 take 1.hehe. There are a few more 'buy 1 take 1' items but didn't interest me much. And oh, Corelle was also on super sale, but their stocks weren't enough that everything got sold out on the first 2 hours after the store opened. Could've been another good buy. Though I still have a few dinner sets still in their boxes.

Me and hubby waited for that sale in order to get some Ben & Jerry's but it was only like P100 off. Not that bad anyway, so we got one - Chunky Money! Yeah! =) the other things we bought: Kool-aid Jammers, Swiss Miss choco marshmallow, and Kraft mac & cheese for my 5-yo; Nissin cup noodles seafood and honey ham - my hubby's fave, and all the other things for the kitchen.

Hope to hear another S&R sale mid this year! =)

S&R Members' Treat!

I cannot just simply wait for next week's S&R Members' Treat! It will start March 16th up until the 20th, from 8am-9pm.

I have been waiting for them to go on sale again after the huge one they had just before Christmas. I was not aware back then, not until the third day, which only left us a few goodies left. But now, I am ready. I am now starting a few things on my list, and hope to just stick to it come Wednesday. =)

Here are their locations with their contact numbers:

S&R Bonifacio Global City
32nd St., 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City,
1634 Taguig City
Philippines

Telephone
+63-2 888.0640

S&R Congressional
30 Congressional Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay,
Bago Bantay, Quezon City,
Philippines

Telephone
+63-2 929.8888

S&R Alabang
West Gate Development, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang-Zapote Rd
Alabang, Muntinlupa City,
Philippines

Telephone
+63-2 771.9999

S&R Aseana-Baclaran
Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Blvd 2000,
Baclaran, Paranaque
Philippines

Telephone
+63-2 853.9999

S&R Cebu
Quano Avenue cor. E.O. Perez St.
Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu
Philippines

Telephone
+032 344.3399 / +032 346.7804

Summer is officially here!!!

Yes, March officially marks the start of summer here in the Philippines. Though we are going to experience a "rainy" summer this year according to PAG-ASA, we simply cannot deny that it's still going to be a long and hot season for us.

And the beach comes to mind when we talk about summer. The sun, the sand and the water... a breath-takiong view. A lot of us, especially girls, tend to do some preparation, in one way or another, to get ready for summer! And one on the list is the swimsuit.

Since I am into a bit of online retail business, I found these super-sexy swim collections from Victoria's Secret. Not that I am asking you to check the site since I am now pooling orders, but just to share something that might interest you. =)

Here are a couple of the many personal favorites:

Dinner at Conti's

It was my hubby's birthday and we decided to have dinner at Conti's in Serendra. My first time to eat at that location though I have already dined at their Greenbelt branch. We arrived around quarter to 7 and the place was already full. I thought it was a bit small, with a few people on the side of the door waiting for their 'take-outs'. Good thing we were not on the waiting list since they have a small table available. Just enough for the three of us - me, hubby and our little kiddo.

This is what I had:

Salmon Salpicao - P295

Hubby's:

Grilled Porkchops - P270

My li'l princess's:

Cheesy Baked Macaroni - P95

I find my salmon salpicao great since I can really taste the garlic. And it is salmon, so you really cannot go wrong with the fish. Unless it's overcooked. Hubby's porkchop couple was kind of okay according to him, but would not order that again.hehe. My li'l kid also did not like her baked macaroni much, or maybe she is just biased since she so loves Racks' mac 'n cheese.

Overall, the food was good. Not absolutely great, but not bad at all. =) So that gives us a chance to try out their other entrees next time.

Here are their locations and contact infos:

PARANAQUE

(02)807-3388

GREENHILLS, SAN JUAN

(02)744 4184

SERENDRA, TAGUIG

(02)856-2352 to 53

TRINOMA

(02)900-5013 to 15

STA. ROSA, LAGUNA

(049)302-6050

GREENBELT 2

(02)756-0137

ALABANG TOWN CENTER

(02)556-7720

KATIPUNAN

(02)682-0812

Tuna Sandwich Boat

I am currently on a no-rice diet (again), trying to trim down a few pounds I have rightfully gained from the Holidays. So I always make sure we don't run out of bread, particularly wheat, in the house.

The one I am sharing to you now is not actually a dish, but the preparation of a tuna sandwich, a little change from how we traditionally prepare it. Ideally if you have some friends over. It's all in the presentation. =)

WHAT YOU NEED:

tuna spread

bread slices

lettuce

toothpick

HOW TO DO IT:

1. Wash lettuce and pat dry with a towel or salad spinner. Cut horizontally, enough to fit in your bread slice.

2. Using a spoon, scoop tuna spread and place it in the lettuce.

3. Arrange the lettuce and tuna wrap on top of the bread slice. Then pick one end of the bread and another end on the opposite side and poke a toothpick on the tip, sideways to seal the sandwich. This should look like a folded triangle, like a sail. Just be extra careful to avoid tearing the bread in half.
4. Arrange sandwiches in a plate and serve!

Sauteed Baby Potatoes

One of the easiest side dish I can get my hands on. Prepared this for the New Year Family Lunch and they liked it! My mother-in-law and a Tita asked for the recipe, so let me also share this to you.

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 kilo baby potatoes

1 tbsp olive oil (butter is an option)

3 cloves garlic, pressed and sliced

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp bacon bits (can use real bacon, minced)

parsley, roughly chopped

salt & pepper to taste

1. Soak potatoes in water for a few minutes. Then wash each potato in running water by gently scrubbing it with your hands, to make sure dirts are removed. Set aside.

2. Heat pan and put in olive oil. Add garlic and sautee until light brown.

3. Add potatoes and sautee with the garlic for about 2 minutes.

4. Gradually add in chicken broth, but just half of the mixture. Then cover potatoes and let it cook for 10 minutes.

5. Check potatoes once in a while, making sure it has not dried out. Add in remaining broth. Continue to simmer until potatoes are soft enough when poked with a fork.

6. Add a dash of pepper and salt, and taste accordingly. Then sprinkle bacon bits and add in parsley.

7. Prepare in a dish and serve.

Getting Back, Part2!

Yes, it's part 2 since I remember posting one last year. And yeah, also about going back to blogging, that never really happened because I only posted 2 after that.haha. But I am a notch more serious, this time. =)

So watch out sisters, I will be going back to the kitchen... =)

New Year, New Work

I resigned from work December of last year. Yes, I am unemployed. Doesn't sound so good but something I wouldn't want to argue about when you ask me the reason why. I spent a few sleepless nights just to ponder on the thought that I would soon be jobless, meaning no earnings of my own. But the main reason is something deeper.

I have to quit my job and stay home so I can be with my 5-year old. A little odd, huh? Well, me and my husband have been in the call center industry for abut 8 years now, and he still is. I got assigned to the graveyard shift third quarter last year. And that changed my perspective in life. Or should I say, helped me decide on things that I have been holding back since years before. Maybe my body was not anymore used to the sleep-in-the-morning, up-all-night scheme, after spending quite a few years in the morning shift. Or maybe I just got tired with the pressure it's giving me, deliverables and all, that haunts me even if I am already home. Or maybe I got fed up. Or maybe I had enough. Maybe, but one clear reason is because I want to be home for my daughter. With both the parents out for the night to work, leaving the poor girl with just the house help for company? Not an ideal picture.

So here I am, starting the new year with a new position - SAHM. Stay-at-home MOM. The pay? Doesn't say much. But the benefits? Truly rewarding. Sending your daughter off to school and seeing her come back home, helping her with homework, watching TV and playing together... priceless.

Happy New Year 2011!

Another year has passed...

Happy new year, everyone! Yeah it's kinda late, but I hope we were able to greet all those who made our 2010 great. There's a lot of things to be thankful about, good health, happy family, good friends, not to mention all the material things we got for the past year. And including the Christmas presents.hehe.

I got a brand new phone from Hubby, who, I think pitied my crazy-but-still-working Nokia 6600 slide. Yeah, got a few runs to have it repaired but still not working properly. And since I just resigned from work last month, I cannot afford to get a new phone, how much more the drooling I-must-have Iphone 4. Oh well, my new Nokia X03-02 works just perfectly great and I am good with it. =)

The holidays surely bring us a lot of great and no-so-great stuff, huh. The Christmas presents under the Christmas tree, the decorations and flickering lights inside the house, the Christmas carols outside, the reunions and family gatherings. And the food! I know, there is just something about Christmas that excuses us to stop the diet for the mean time. And that is the not-so-great stuff I was saying earlier. =( Tita's special lengua, Mama's creamy chicken potato salad, Auntie's sinful ref cake. And the list goes on and on and on. Ugh! Can't help it, it's Christmas! And eating the leftovers until the first two days of the new year.ahaha.

And soon enough finding yourself hating your appetite. You're not alone, sisters! =) So I guess it's now time to slowly burn those extra pounds we gained to better start the year right, don't you think? Yeah, I need more convincing. =)

Living Room Furnitures

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine. =)

It is really hard to find the perfect furnitures. It took us almost a month looking at Home Depots and Furniture Shops just to get the perfect one. Hubby decided to get a more sturdy one, considering that we may use it for quite a while, so we opted to get the hard-wood type. There's a thousand and one choices but mostly all upholstered-cushion kinds. Not our type.

After going around the city a few weekends just to get the perfect one, we finally tried at the Furniture Market in Marke-Market, Taguig, and alas! Aside from the ones they have on display, you can also take a look at their brochures and can even specify or personalize the dimension/color/material. WE decided to get the 3-seater sofa, with 2 single-seater and a center table. All for just around Php 35,000. Not bad, considering the material is already made of yakal(hard-wood) and cushions are of Uratex foams. Cover of the cushions are washable, so you don't worry about changing cushions once it gets dirty. It took them more than 3 weeks to make it, but it was worth it. We've been using it for 3 yeard now and it still lo0oks like new!

Ultimate Food Taste Test 4.0

The Ultimate Food Tasting Test for the year - May 14, 2010, 7pm, NBC Tent, The Fort.

After an invite from a friend, off we went to Bonifacio High Street to see and witness and taste it for ourselves. Wow, it really was indeed ultimate!

My Score Sheet! =) With over 50 suppliers with 2 or more featured items, we didn't have the time to taste everything. I was able to drag along my 3 year-old, paying half of the adult's entrance for P200.It was a parade of flavors, ranging from starters to main course, to desserts! One of my personal favorites - Manila Q and their spicy Vigan longganisa. Yum!

Mr. Awesome Planet himself - Anton Diaz. Food bloggers or not, everyone had a great, ultimate food tasting time! =)

My Little Princess

One of the first on the list in going to High Street - Club Princess. =)


A cute little store for your little princesses, with items from funky colorful bags to 'kikay' stuff. And a mini parlor too!


My little princess decided to get a flower tattoo, which only costs P95. You get to choose 3 colors, so she had pink, blue and orange. She loved it! Then silently whispered "Mommy. I want to still have this tattoo until I turn 16." That made me laugh. =)

Club Princess
Bonifacio High Street
Taguig City

Cupcakes by Sonja - not a two thumbs-up for me!

We had a couple of hours before the Ultimate Taste Test starts. So we went around High Street. Truly a splendid time with my little princess. =)

First stop - Cupcakes by Sonja. I have read a lot of comments about their Cupcakes, good and bad. So i thought it was good timing that we can finally taste it.

The store itself is interesting, I liked the cupcakes bouquet displayed on top of the shelves. Pretty yellow cupcakes in a pot, cute! =) My little girl was awed by the little cakes in different colors but just chose to have the mini ones. Maybe because we just baked a few batches last week for a friend's daughter's 2nd birthday. Green, orange and yellow Vanilla Sunshine, priced at P55 for the three. A little pricey I think, since I remember selling a box of 12 for these mini versions for only P80. And that was just last year! Or did I price it too low?

Anyway, the seats inside are occupied, so we went out to get a bite of the cakes. My daughter's first comment - "too sweet!" So I took a bite and yes, is indeed sweet. I ended up removing the frosting for her to just eat the cupcake itself. The cake was moist enough but I think it lacks a bit of vanilla flavor. "Your cupcakes are way better, Mommy!", she added. Aw, my sweet, loyal daughter. =) Good thing I didn't decide to get a couple big ones. Or maybe that tastes better. Maybe. I looked around and they have these on display- Banana Monkey Cream Pie, Mocha Motion, Mint Condition, Chocolate Surprise, and Red Velvet Vixen. Their cupcakes range from P55 to around P95 each, depending on the flavor. I'm not sure if I'm going to go back. Or if I am, might try the bigger ones.





Cupcakes by Sonja
First Level, Serendra Piazza
11th Avenue
Bonifacio High Street
Taguig City
02-856-0308

Getting Back

I have asked myself to get back into blogging. Kinda missed it. So here I am. =)

Alas, it's my off! An early weekend as usual, from getting Friday and Saturday off. And I am excited to go to the Ultimate Food Taste Test tomorrow at the NBC Tent. Good thing our friend Eumir invited us over. And since it is a bonding day with my 5-year old princess, she is coming. My first time, so I'm really excited. =)

I'm planning to go there a little early, go around Serendra so we can still have some mother-daughter time. Not so sure if Hubby is coming, he has work. =(

Happy Mom's Day!

It's been ages since my last post. Busy bee. Aargh! And since it is Mothers' Day, let me take this chance to greet all hardworking moms out there. We should celebrate, we all deserve it. =)

We had dinner last night at Racks to celebrate My Day. =) It was a simple dinner with our order of our favorite Baby Back Ribs and my little girl's macaroni and cheese. Another stomach-ful meal. Burp!

We went to Rustan's Supermarket after, to get a mini ice cream for Keisha. She chose Chocolate, which she later said that it's Mocha 'pala'. She noticed the bitterness in her cold dessert and suddenly blurted out " my favorite is still strawberry!".haha

I remember posting an entry last year, with technically the same details. Dinner at Racks and ice cream for dessert. Hmm.. That was a year ago. How time flies.. =)

V-day

Day of the Hearts was yesterday. But nothing so special for me, I mean I do not really take it as such a big deal. Even when I was still single, a few years back. It's nice to get a bouquet of roses, or a box of chocolates, yes, but that's just it. Don't call me KJ, because I think everyday can be special, not just on February 14. Hope you get what I'm trying to say here.hehe.

ButI did something new this year. Just to break my no-Valentine-gift-giving tradition. I bought a giant greeting card and mailed it to Hubby, so he'll get it as a susprise in the office. Hope he really was. Thought that was sweet. My first time.lol

Though we're going out later for a dinner treat for our little girl. Where to? Her fave resto - Racks. Because of the mac and cheese. And us, the ribs! Can't wait to pig out again. Sigh!

Post-Xmas Post

Another late post for me... Busy days..

Oh yeah, this is supposedly a continuation of my previous post. I talked about the menu, on what to prepare for the 'supposedly Christmas but turned out to be New Year Lunch' with my family. I practically just prepared two dishes: beef with mushrooms and a heathy tomato-based tuna pasta. Well, the latter, Hubby cooked it. =) It was just enough since three of my Titas brought Lengua, a Steamed Lapu-lapu and soem kind of a sauteed Chicken in tomatoes. And it was only us, a small family with visitors of about 6. More than enough. Still sitting in the dining table, chit-chats were exchanged, while a variety of desserts were served. My mother-in-law brought Fruit Salad, alongside with a moist chocolate cake and the sweet Leche Flan. All was good. Burp!

11 more days.. and counting

It's the time of the year again and my favorite! Our Christmas tree was already up first week of November, so just can't say we are not excited about the Holiday Season. =)
Strange ,though. I have not started wrapping gifts yet, and have not even gotten anything yet for a few people in our list. So I guess it will be a busy week next week. Taking about Christmas Rush..
And one more thing that I need to prepare - my Christmas menu. =) Though I'm planning of just doing a mini-lunch or dinner, but it still excites me to prepare the banquet.hehe.
Update you soon..