changing lanes

MY FOOD BLOG.

2009-10-15T15:39:00.000+08:00

As my friends would often tell me: more xx, more fun...

Fill in the word that would best suit you. It can be more photos, more fun to some. Or more boys, more fun to none.

For me, it's more blogs, more fun...

After so many months of continuous nagging, prodding and begging. I give in to my mom's wish of making a food blog and start trying (not! hahah!) to love cooking like her.

This is my new blog. My food blog. You can visit me here: food and everything else in between. You can also add me up in your blogrolls and links.

Let's cook and eat together as I see you all there!

let the games begin

2009-07-11T23:53:00.000+08:00

source.

the dreamer

2009-07-11T23:36:00.003+08:00

Have you ever dreamed of owning a recreational vehicle someday? My husband has. And I guess, he still is. He has been frequenting these rv forums happily sharing opinions and thoughts with other enthusiasts. I have never seen him as engaged and as interested in something other than this. So getting one is not really a far fetched dream for him. All he needs to do is strive a little harder so he can save some more and buy this dream vehicle that he has been eyeing in a few years. Possible? Possible!

morning ritual

2009-07-11T23:25:00.003+08:00

Finally! After much tweaking (and with a little help from my friend, Babs), I am finally able to share with you the virtual affirmation card that I randomly picked today. And just like her, I wish to do this on a regular basis in all my of blogs. Check out yours if you do have time!

I am willing to learn. The more I learn, the more I grow.

my staple drink...

2009-07-11T23:12:00.001+08:00

..but this will take a back seat for now until after February of next year...

saturday 9 - wedding day blues

2009-07-11T23:01:00.002+08:00

1. If you have been or are married, tell us about your wedding. If you are not, tell us how would you want it to be.
>>>It was the perfect day. One of the most important dates that we remember in our lives. Our friends, colleagues and relatives remember that day as a warm, intimate and a day that was overflowing with love and happiness.

2. What age would you encourage your children to get married?
>>>I would want them to decide for themselves. Age is never definite. For as long as they are prepared - emotionally, financially and spiritually then they will have our blessings.

3. Who got married at the last wedding that you attended?
>>>My very close childhood friend, Blossom...

4. Do you enjoy weddings and receptions?
>>>oh yes I do!

5. Have you cried at a wedding?
>>>All the time during the bridal march...

6. Would you prefer a lavish event or a intimate ceremony?
>>>I have always favored intimate ceremonies over lavish, expensive ones.

7. Have you ever been in some one’s wedding party? If yes, do tell.
>>>Of course!

8. Does a wedding make you happy and sentimental or grouchy and skeptical?
>>>Happy, sentimental and it always reminds me of love and commitment...

9. Why do you think our divorce rate is so high?
>>>People are selfish.

Plans for today

2009-07-11T13:19:00.002+08:00

1. What are your plans for today?
Check up with OB. Bring the little girl to her aunt (who promised to bring her to Hannah Montana tonight!). Get a haircut.

2. Who was the last person you talked on the phone with? My mother in law.

3. What was the last tv program you watched? UAAP.

4. What was the last thing you ate? Chicken Inasal. I just blew everything an hour after. Darn.

5. What time did you get out of bed today? 10AM.

Saving money on groceries

2009-07-10T16:33:00.000+08:00

From Aggie.

Take a look at these basic tips about saving money on groceries.

1. Shop for basics first. The bulk of your grocery budget should go for basic foods that form the staple of your diet. Milk, bread, eggs, produce and a basic protein source such as beans or meat. These items can usually be found around the perimeter of the store.

2. Next, you want to stock up on filling foods, such as pasta and rice. You can purchase whole grain pasta and brown rice for a healthy diet.

3. For the bulk of the remainder of your grocery list, buy generic foods whenever you can. Today’s generic foods are tasty and of high quality.

4. Avoid the sweets and processed foods as much as possible. Not only are they not as healthy, but they are also very expensive. Make your own sweets to control the cost.

5. Use coupons only on items that you would purchase anyway, and for the least processed foods. Coupons can make you overspend if you aren’t careful.

6. Reduce the number of times you go shopping. This can help you avoid extra purchases and find creative ways to use what you already have.

7. Create a grocery budget and stick to it. Better yet, challenge yourself to beat it by a little bit each trip.

Here are some ideas and ways to cut items from your grocery bill that will lower your costs without drastically changing your lifestyle.

Paper towels

Purchase reusable handiwipes, absorbent dishtowels or thin washclothes (check the dollar stores) to use in place of paper towels for everything from drying hands and wiping little faces, to cleaning spills from the counter and scrubbing the floor. To clean windows and mirrors use newspaper or the thin washcloths. Running one extra load of laundry (for the towels and cloths) every two or three weeks is worth the savings in my book.

Expensive cleaners

Baking soda, vinegar and bleach are inexpensive and clean very well. They each go a long way to keeping your home clean. In fact, as soon as I started to spray a solution of vinegar and water in my shower I noticed that I didn’t have to scrub it as often. The vinegar kept the mold away.

Convenience foods

Did you know that there are only two extra ingredients to add to flour to get a baking mix? Flour is much cheaper than those boxed mixes, and there isn’t much of a convenience to be gained. Plus you can avoid all of the extra preservatives that come with the mixes.

Likewise, anything that is in a kit or frozen can be recreated at home with fresh ingredients. Have you noticed the serving size of some of these foods lately? I could feed a family of five with double helpings on what it would cost to purchase just two or three of those frozen meals.

moving in

2009-07-07T13:51:00.002+08:00

There are so many things my cousin needs to fix when they finally move in to their brand new house in a couple of weeks. She and her husband has been frequenting shops, DIY stores and hardwares as they are in search on stuff particularly bathroom safety products since they have a toddler tagging along.

I advised her to check products online so she won't have to be wasting too much time, energy and effort in searching for nice products for their house. I hope she heeds my advice this time...

Time Out!

2009-07-07T13:29:00.002+08:00

My roommate and I once: stalked a crush in college in the wee hours of the morning.
Never in my life have I: ridden the rollercoaster
High school was: F-U-N.
When I’m nervous: I shut up.
My hair: is worn down, wet.
When I was 5: my mom left for the US.
When I turn my head left: I see the airconditioner.
I should be: researching on Anoretix by now.
By this time next year: I should be taking care of my newborn :).
My favorite aunt is: my dad's sister.
I have a hard time understanding: how programming languages work.
You know I like you if: I have all the nice words for you.
My ideal breakfast is: toasted bread, sunny side up and orange juice.
If you visit my home town: you'll be in awe on how much it has evolved through the years.
If you spend the night at my house: you'll complain of tummy ache due to constant laughing on my daughter's antics.
The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: seagull?
I shouldn’t have been: sitting up long enough.
Last night I: had an easy sleep.
A better name for me would be: Gabriela
I’ve been told I look like: a lot of actresses here.
If I could have any car, it would be: Pink Bentley

soon...

2009-07-07T13:23:00.001+08:00

Watch out!

my little musician

2009-07-06T17:18:00.003+08:00

I am a frustrated musician. Although I can play basic piano and strum a little guitar, I did not get the talent from my dad who is a singer, a drummer, a guitarist, an oido pianist all rolled into one. Maybe, that's the reason why this early, I am already seriously considering of enrolling my little girl to piano lessons which will make her a great pianist someday.

She is musically inclined, I would say but I still want to hone her talent in music by engaging her in classes that will bring out the best in her.

a mother's love

2009-07-05T14:17:00.003+08:00

My mother would always remind me when I was younger to always wash my face with soap and water before bedtime. I never took this advise for granted because I know that this is for my own good. And true enough, because I heeded her advise, I never had problems with zits, pimples and acne. I didn't have to spend effort, time and money for all those acne treatments simply because I never had one.

My heart goes out to my friends who spend a good portion of their hard earned money for these treatments and medications that go with it. I guess they didn't heed their mother's constant reminders when they were young heee!!!

what is left...

2009-07-05T14:11:00.000+08:00

birthday present

2009-07-05T13:57:00.005+08:00

My husband will be turning a year older in a few months and as early as now, I am thinking of what to give him as a present. Last year, I gifted him with a TV and a portable DVD so he can bring it to work. Now, I am bent on getting him a consul so he can really say that he's got everything already! I am scouting for nice PS3 online and I have seen some that are really worth considering.

Aside from that, I am also thinking of getting him new stuff for his car but that's really not a priority right now. I know that he will be happier with a new game consul. I have a couple of months to decide before D-day. I hope I'd be able to do that soon. Any suggestions?

Beach Vacation

2009-07-02T00:13:00.001+08:00

Once this year is over, I promise I will treat ourselves to a grand family vacation – we deserve it. Who knows we can even afford to go to the Caribbean and experience the Riviera Maya! I know it is primarily known for honeymoon destinations, but there is a family oriented beach resort just opened by the Karisma line of hotels. Azul Beach Hotel Resort, on a beautiful stretch of the Bahia Pentempich beach in Puerto Moreles, re-opened this season after being completely redesigned, and is the first boutique all-inclusive resort. With just 98 rooms, a gourmet-inclusive dining philosophy and many family-friendly amenities, Azul Beach Hotel offers families a new way to vacation. Parents are pampered with adult-sized indulgences as well as extras like strollers, cribs, baby milk heaters, beach games, coloring books, refrigerators for milk and medicines, and even kid-sized bathrobes.

News

2009-07-02T00:09:00.001+08:00

1. Where do you get most of your information about current local events?
+ TV
2. Where do you get most of your information about current national and international events?
+ TV and the internet

3. Who in your family always is most likely to know what’s up with everyone else in your family?
+ ME!
4. Who at work (or school) always seems to know what’s going on?
+ My husband
5. What other kinds of news do you try to keep up-to-date on and where do you get it?
+ Hollywood celebrities – hello TMZ!

Four Foods

2009-07-02T00:08:00.001+08:00

1. What’s the biggest kitchen blunder you’ve made?
+ Burning everything

2. What’s your favorite snow day beverage?
+ Cocoa!

3. What’s your favorite way to eat celery?
+ In soup

4. What’s the most most unappealing looking food you can think of?
+ Durian?

Stocks

2009-07-02T00:00:00.001+08:00

A friend of mine recently got hitched to a stock broker. I really dont know anything about stocks and the stock market. It was such a nice relief to see them in action when I saw the movie "What Happens in Vegas" (Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher). There has always been talks of stock options trading in my previous company but I have never had the chance to really sit down and learn from it. I think they used PowerOptions with options express. Along with a complete suite of educational materials and premium toll-free customer support, PowerOptions provides the essential data you need to invest with stock options. PowerOptions offers you the convenience and control required to automatically sort, filter, and analyze all 2,900+ optionable stocks and 190,000+ options online to find investments to meet your profit goals.

Sat Social on a Wednesday

2009-07-01T23:59:00.001+08:00

Today’s Saturday Social Question:

Do you donate to charity?

My Answer:

Yes, we do. I also try to teach my daughter to be charitable and generous to those who are less fortunate. I believe whatever we give comes back a thousandfold!

Saturday Social Rules:

Post your answer to the Saturday Social question(s) in your blog. Be sure to put in a link to this entry and the blogger who tagged you too!
Come back HERE, sign Mr. Linky and why not leave me a comment too
Tag your friends… better yet, tag a stranger (what a great way to meet someone new!) You can tag 1 or 100, it is up to you. The more you tag, the more you will meet.

Six at Wednesday

2009-07-01T23:58:00.001+08:00

1. How often do you visit a coffee shop? If you do, do you drink coffee there, or just pick it up to go?
+ Everyday because of work

2. What is the latest time of day you can drink regular coffee (or tea) without messing up your sleep?
+ Hmm..It is every time my work starts. I need my caffeine fix

3. What is the highest number of cups of coffee (or tea) you’ve had in a single day?
+ Maybe 3?

4. Take the quiz: What flavor of latte are you?
+ You Are a Hazelnut Latte
You often having the craving for something exotic. You get bored easily.
You are a true adventurer. Nothing makes you happier than traveling.

You’re a very cosmopolitan and worldly person. You have sophisticated tastes.
You have a keen attention to detail. Little things matter to you - you are a bit of a perfectionist.

5. Consider the highest price you’ve ever paid for a cup of coffee and the highest price you’ve paid for a gallon of gas: which of the two items was more expensive?
+ Gas most definitely!

6. What is your favorite holiday-flavored coffee?
+ Peppermint Mocha!

Join, Here.

discount designer jewelry

2009-06-24T12:04:00.003+08:00

Diamonds are a girls' best friend.

... and so they say...

Many girls fancy jewelries so much and they will skip meals just so they can spend their meal money in jewelries - whether its real or fancy. A lot of them are really into discount designer jewelry collection. At HolstedJewelers.com, they offer different variation of jewelries from the simple to the more intricate ones. This is a way for them to show that they have all the designs every woman needs, no matter what their taste or budget is. And since this is not available elsewhere, you can rest in the thought that your style is unique and one of a kind.

Simply put, to truly appreciate the beauty, craftsmanship and quality of our product, you must see if for yourself!

touch and and go

2009-06-24T12:03:00.001+08:00

Nobody said that
Life is always fair
Sometimes it clips your wings
While you're in mid-air
But there's a thread
Between your life and mine
And when you're losin' hope
This rope won't unwind

REFRAIN:
Hold on tight
'Cause life is touch and go
It's sink and swim
But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call
To break your fall
I'll never leave you
Even when life
Is touch and go
Or hit and run
We'll never break
If we take it as one
I'm here to stay,
I pray you know
I'll never touch
I'll never touch and go

Someday you'll find
There's nothin' in the night
That wasn't there before
You turned out the light
Straight from your mind
The monster 'neath your bed
The voices in the hall
They're all in your head

REFRAIN:
Hold on tight
'Cause life is touch and go
It's sink and swim
But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call
To break your fall
I'll never leave you
Even when life
Is touch and go
Or hit and run
We'll never break
If we take it as one
I'm here to stay,
I pray you know
I'll never touch
I'll never touch and go

When you feel lost
You're only spun around
Tumbled and tossed
But never run around
Life is a townful
Of strangers at best
I'll help you home
God help the rest

REFRAIN:
Hold on tight
'Cause life is touch and go
It's sink and swim
But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call
To break your fall
I'll never leave you
Even when life
Is touch and go
Or hit and run
We'll never break
If we take it as one
I'm here to stay,
I pray you know
I'll never touch
I'll never touch and go

Life is touch and go
It's sink or swim
But never doubt
If you're out on a limb
I'll get the call...

affimation of the day

2009-06-24T12:02:00.000+08:00

My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open.

I got this from one of my super close friends' blogs but can't seem to figure out how to paste the affirmation card in my blog so until I get her to teach me how, Ill content myself with just sharing with you my daily affirmations fresh from this site.

This is fun, this is enlightening, this is most of all, empowering. Why don't you check out yours too?

love...

2009-06-24T11:57:00.000+08:00

"Love is staying awake all night with a sick child. Or a very healthy adult." – David Frost