tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24526535567463703452024-03-14T08:35:09.880+08:00Our Phenomenal LifeThe Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-89060032722136376452013-06-03T09:55:00.001+08:002013-06-03T09:55:45.339+08:00My Blog Has Moved<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home! </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I will still be writing about <i>our
phenomenal life</i>, it will now have a new name. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>the phenomenal mama</b></span></a> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnQazxH-oKzzlZ6LVGG7KVOFp5rQ0sXclhlOcfAFv6jVrblLTWRz1W4euONaC53N5JsT3HDXaLFmva47RYJ-1Tw06zz_TXix379jn0w_-nkp73h_XQvBQ7evNllOkzRjwiAP2WtuQhka/s640/blog+header+ombre+line+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!</span></span></span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts. But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-58733836679361153532013-05-21T12:08:00.000+08:002013-05-21T12:08:20.585+08:007 Layer Dip Roll-Ups<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEzyOfmq_G2nTnMp3ASjcX_L7a9Z_t6FlJwfAgOrg_hoXGXPkHOzPqR9L98jo2AMhy9_xozd2wrNrzgzVhXRe8GRUNusLfLDjJaPiId2zkjfjodu78_MaPh9FV4oxrKcm3wXbYzZyGQ/s1600/DSC_4797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEzyOfmq_G2nTnMp3ASjcX_L7a9Z_t6FlJwfAgOrg_hoXGXPkHOzPqR9L98jo2AMhy9_xozd2wrNrzgzVhXRe8GRUNusLfLDjJaPiId2zkjfjodu78_MaPh9FV4oxrKcm3wXbYzZyGQ/s400/DSC_4797.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the things I couldn't escape from this summer, aside from the heat, is my kids' big appetite. They are in the house a lot, and so it would seem that I am always in the kitchen cooking up a storm. I find that it takes up a lot of my time just to feed them; so whenever I can, <b>I try to make a huge batch of something, and keep a good deal of second servings in the fridge</b>. Whenever they are hungry again, like maybe after two hours (I kid you not!), they could just grab one roll and eat!:)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite recipes to do whenever I go this big batch route is the <b>7-Layer Dip Roll-Ups</b>. It keeps well in the fridge for upto 2 days, and it can be eaten cold which works really well for busy moms like me. Tee-hee-hee!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">F</span>rom what the name suggest, it should be made up of 7 ingredients to make up the layers, but I like to keep mine ex<span style="font-size: small;">tra busy so the more the merrier works for me.:)</span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELsm0hQeyV2iF18J35oAgiaq4UUVeDxKqihnbJ140uNRyGtwWTnBr7XZ5x828ZcOSTwokDXlG0s4km9XfvN3HT3XCHuoafEuzyieUcxDq7MIzU_nPSpW4UOXWfEWGFQRlHGIQix_sM1DM/s1600/DSC_2914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELsm0hQeyV2iF18J35oAgiaq4UUVeDxKqihnbJ140uNRyGtwWTnBr7XZ5x828ZcOSTwokDXlG0s4km9XfvN3HT3XCHuoafEuzyieUcxDq7MIzU_nPSpW4UOXWfEWGFQRlHGIQix_sM1DM/s400/DSC_2914.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7-Layer Dip Roll-Ups</span></span></span></b></u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">500 grams ground beef</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">one pack of Taco mix (I use Mc Cormick) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">one head of lettuce, shredded</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can refried beans</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3-4 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 container sour cream </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup guacamole (if I am out of time I just put in sliced avocados drizzled with calamansi and salt)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can diced tomatoes, drained of juices</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a few tablespoons of black olives, chopped</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup chopped green pepper</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef, and add taco mix. set aside to cool to room temperature. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Spread the ground beef into the bottom of a 9x13 inch serving tray. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc00sggkBTGgR7Ku50PqeUCbxDItRq_WPMO9qpa3KP9uhzQRnfTu37GziwTPg24aXQ-BfzyX4xX6qmYNdXtIH8sSaB9Uy-tzzSQlI089kf6hIAFiDzF2RU1pWQmP-w2pOdGrNAhvbQ4Zn/s1600/DSC_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbc00sggkBTGgR7Ku50PqeUCbxDItRq_WPMO9qpa3KP9uhzQRnfTu37GziwTPg24aXQ-BfzyX4xX6qmYNdXtIH8sSaB9Uy-tzzSQlI089kf6hIAFiDzF2RU1pWQmP-w2pOdGrNAhvbQ4Zn/s400/DSC_2917.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Layer in no particular order: beans, sour cream,guacamole/sliced avocados, diced tomatoes, olives, green pepper</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoLIA_UOe-5dG7nD-4HUIZCidJ43LCMiNgk8YA9sX6UjskWojrw6cL6yDXSLbkRC6pu3OE5C9qWRa9OpGdSFk32ufAOfOAGDfl_3vQgErXHs6UloOkSYbcTurSvABtlRWo_CIUFXIbbSY/s1600/DSC_2921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoLIA_UOe-5dG7nD-4HUIZCidJ43LCMiNgk8YA9sX6UjskWojrw6cL6yDXSLbkRC6pu3OE5C9qWRa9OpGdSFk32ufAOfOAGDfl_3vQgErXHs6UloOkSYbcTurSvABtlRWo_CIUFXIbbSY/s400/DSC_2921.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PvN7jaFZRJOTgc4AJ4UVYSVGkQ1jKwS8S293M7Mho2OpUdJ9HlD9eT9f7d6YyjBN4JqOB1FTrhwaMKUvsPdQvlHj2zmE5RYCgTuo2UumiRKkXhoG11TZBBGYl_ho7ORPInnl7he-BHML/s1600/DSC_2922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PvN7jaFZRJOTgc4AJ4UVYSVGkQ1jKwS8S293M7Mho2OpUdJ9HlD9eT9f7d6YyjBN4JqOB1FTrhwaMKUvsPdQvlHj2zmE5RYCgTuo2UumiRKkXhoG11TZBBGYl_ho7ORPInnl7he-BHML/s400/DSC_2922.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Sprinkle with a generous topping of cheese. And enjoy!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can serve this dish immediately with nacho chips, like how the Phenomenal Papa likes it; or refrigerate it over night and serve cold like a salad. If you are making this as a roll-up, s<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">pread a thin layer of the 7-layer mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up each tortilla, and wrap with aluminum foil to keep the rolls tucked in. Keeps in the fridge for upto 2 days.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjkapUZvCyR08AP9Jb9QlTK2i-Xwg9wlEXp-XFJytQKNT8oyQLNDrTXrNvCWFOfVWY2wqaGaTqUIxEbMqbf75RDLJmTKH8skdV5lFfr4wgDTI7P-V1SwfDpTmMMkk4qI0Qg5RAbH0A/s1600/DSC_4785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjkapUZvCyR08AP9Jb9QlTK2i-Xwg9wlEXp-XFJytQKNT8oyQLNDrTXrNvCWFOfVWY2wqaGaTqUIxEbMqbf75RDLJmTKH8skdV5lFfr4wgDTI7P-V1SwfDpTmMMkk4qI0Qg5RAbH0A/s400/DSC_4785.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBdNVWxZsRLjbiG8vDJdBN-bOCpSAvkxFgRpRi7HE8COJM-rNf8dGOoMODgPv7poEjJLDHOhE-_y0P5F38C2eFrzSnhzRHu27JKVYkYaEHeMIH6rBcyImqVEXQGMoWU_Jx-ghVrCyEA/s1600/DSC_4814.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBdNVWxZsRLjbiG8vDJdBN-bOCpSAvkxFgRpRi7HE8COJM-rNf8dGOoMODgPv7poEjJLDHOhE-_y0P5F38C2eFrzSnhzRHu27JKVYkYaEHeMIH6rBcyImqVEXQGMoWU_Jx-ghVrCyEA/s400/DSC_4814.JPG" width="400" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes for easy grab and go snacks for the kids <span style="font-size: small;">to eat in the car when we are in a hurry, <span style="font-size: small;">too</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk_h7Q82dzDx3YmaPKZ2tH9v-vY6312hMiOanmATxpXMvg9baPDAgjZK4HUmAmMXqH6W-9nGV35TGepzfJu78hV4Mx7f0IMJHtQj_5TQ-fBXBXXj5cFnKJ8wLI5YxMLFf06xFZ2MfRA/s640/blogger-image-1083431911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk_h7Q82dzDx3YmaPKZ2tH9v-vY6312hMiOanmATxpXMvg9baPDAgjZK4HUmAmMXqH6W-9nGV35TGepzfJu78hV4Mx7f0IMJHtQj_5TQ-fBXBXXj5cFnKJ8wLI5YxMLFf06xFZ2MfRA/s400/blogger-image-1083431911.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-30846569556961685572013-05-14T11:30:00.000+08:002016-05-05T11:51:37.973+08:00Phenomenal Tip: Eco-bags and Grocery Shopping<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: purple;">There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home! </span><span style="color: purple;">While I will still be writing about <i>our phenomenal life</i>, it will now have a new name. </span></div>
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<div style="color: #666666;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>the phenomenal mama</b></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnQazxH-oKzzlZ6LVGG7KVOFp5rQ0sXclhlOcfAFv6jVrblLTWRz1W4euONaC53N5JsT3HDXaLFmva47RYJ-1Tw06zz_TXix379jn0w_-nkp73h_XQvBQ7evNllOkzRjwiAP2WtuQhka/s640/blog+header+ombre+line+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;">I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts. But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">* * * * *</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">The city
where I live in has implemented the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance
since September of 2012. All business establishments are instructed to encourage the use reusable bags instead
of plastic bags. As stipulated<span id="goog_1047352394"></span><span id="goog_1047352395"></span>, the city shall be
imposing a fee of P2 to consumers who insist on using plastic bags. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
took me some time to get used to doing my grocery shopping using
eco-bags. There were days then when I had to ask the bagger to put
everything in a box for me because I forgot my eco-bags at home. In the early days of using eco-bags, one of the problems I encountered was how the bagger would just dump everything I bought in the 2 <span style="font-size: small;">large reusable </span>bags that I brought along, without any regard for grouping items together. Thus, the <span style="font-size: small;">toiletries would be mixed with the pantry items<span style="font-size: small;">, cleaning supplies and<span style="font-size: small;"> vegetables. <span style="font-size: small;">This makes <span style="font-size: small;">p</span></span>acking away at home a major headache also, since everything is topsy-turvy. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I just couldn't stand the disorderly way of bagging that I have since always placed<b> 5 reusable bags in all of the cars so I am never caught empty handed, just in case grocery shopping is an errand I have to do for the day. </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmwDLKQn-zhuQrHpAYTaZ4WgSsvQiq0fMTisR0ikeDZxsCFYghDDo3dojUhW3hYf0UyHd1sfTufa8HW1NwqQGG94MFU33WjtQLeYwxsXEQFTUZ8GEd44HFUGkV9HnFdblwELXsRwIe__3/s1600/600px-Bag-Groceries-Step-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmwDLKQn-zhuQrHpAYTaZ4WgSsvQiq0fMTisR0ikeDZxsCFYghDDo3dojUhW3hYf0UyHd1sfTufa8HW1NwqQGG94MFU33WjtQLeYwxsXEQFTUZ8GEd44HFUGkV9HnFdblwELXsRwIe__3/s1600/600px-Bag-Groceries-Step-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">My MO as soon as I step in the grocery is to </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">place five eco-bags inside my cart: <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">1</span></span>. fruits and vegetables; <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">2</span></span>. dry goods (pasta, bread, dairy, and other pantry items); <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange;">3</span></span>. toiletries and personal effects;<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">4</span></span>. cleaning essentials (laundry detergent, etc);<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: orange;">5</span></span>. frozen meats. As I start to shop, I place the items in the corresponding eco-bag.</span></span></i></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvP3Hucxp5zIneNGbfyAaP6ZPMqLlnG34zRRd_odRe2jnfG52d4L9wbri2foXsE8YK-ImZ7yFrCYqSeULHs2CLnVZpycgjZRjDhF8cjcm0U6VK04rPA60jQOHsG2JvhdVNJ4bRHeBhUNI/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvP3Hucxp5zIneNGbfyAaP6ZPMqLlnG34zRRd_odRe2jnfG52d4L9wbri2foXsE8YK-ImZ7yFrCYqSeULHs2CLnVZpycgjZRjDhF8cjcm0U6VK04rPA60jQOHsG2JvhdVNJ4bRHeBhUNI/s400/IMG_0490.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMUKij9LUDe6hqwyPVD9ihO_95ZxnhMOBqyzaXeuFfEUimvWsag2wwjZfKyuh9O0EQcVF09Ts_IOoPf0YpzNqILl4FZ5y5IGUTLD9VjpWfvOti35g9AL1X1o6taHWKZq8gR0BZhCj-Jd7/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMUKij9LUDe6hqwyPVD9ihO_95ZxnhMOBqyzaXeuFfEUimvWsag2wwjZfKyuh9O0EQcVF09Ts_IOoPf0YpzNqILl4FZ5y5IGUTLD9VjpWfvOti35g9AL1X1o6taHWKZq8gR0BZhCj-Jd7/s400/IMG_0491.JPG" width="300" /></a></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the time comes for me to pay at the counter, <b>I simp</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>ly just</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> load the 5 bags onto the counter and inform the cashier and bagger to return all the items to<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the bag where they </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>came from</b>. </span></span></span> This new system has saved me from putting each and every<span style="font-size: small;"> single item onto the counter. Whereas before, I would go back and forth between my cart and the counter multiple times to ferry each grocery item, I now only have to do that <span style="font-size: small;">in the same number of times as I have reusable bags. </span>Not only <span style="font-size: small;">have<span style="font-size: small;"> I put order in <span style="font-size: small;">the bagging of my groceries, I<span style="font-size: small;"> have also saved my back<span style="font-size: small;">! <span style="font-size: small;">:)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I have a dedicated bag for frozen meat, which is washed </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>after every use. Just to make sure that the meat drippings and food bacteria from raw meat do not contaminate other surfaces. </b> <span style="font-size: small;">If we are not careful, these reusable bags could be a cause for bacteria to trans<span style="font-size: small;">fer from th<span style="font-size: small;">e grocery cart to our kitchen and pantry.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And because I have this new system, grocery shopping is now <span style="font-size: small;">tolerable... slightly therapeutic, even.:)<span style="font-size: small;"> Sharing</span> a photo which I posted earlier in my Instagram account. </span> <span style="font-size: small;"> Belated Happy M<span style="font-size: small;">other<span style="font-size: small;">'s Day to all the moms!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Excuse the dressy outfit, I just came from a b<span style="font-size: small;">logger event. Such is the life of a <span style="font-size: small;">mom<span style="font-size: small;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Like this post? <a _blank="" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OurPhenomenalLife" target="">Subscribe here</a>.</span></i></div>
The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-71105825675698973622013-05-07T11:00:00.000+08:002016-05-05T11:59:17.350+08:002013 Palarong Pambansa<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: purple;">There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home! </span><span style="color: purple;">While I will still be writing about <i>our phenomenal life</i>, it will now have a new name. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>The Phenomenal Mama</b></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnQazxH-oKzzlZ6LVGG7KVOFp5rQ0sXclhlOcfAFv6jVrblLTWRz1W4euONaC53N5JsT3HDXaLFmva47RYJ-1Tw06zz_TXix379jn0w_-nkp73h_XQvBQ7evNllOkzRjwiAP2WtuQhka/s640/blog+header+ombre+line+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;">I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts. But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">* * * * *</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZqK__bAjfkCldrch-dPk5zjmXgCji42qAKgACJj2FeoNvBKBfDnGQJtIm9yxHhRC4-6X8G0DLVq7Uwea5sg0dd1kmicfrADWfSSCNLquPlZhSoCFh29iPUUt_XTrKGYHYORpHldDDmIN/s1600/IMG_1179+text.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZqK__bAjfkCldrch-dPk5zjmXgCji42qAKgACJj2FeoNvBKBfDnGQJtIm9yxHhRC4-6X8G0DLVq7Uwea5sg0dd1kmicfrADWfSSCNLquPlZhSoCFh29iPUUt_XTrKGYHYORpHldDDmIN/s640/IMG_1179+text.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I just came back from <b>Dumaguete </b>after doing chaperone duties accompanying my
eldest as she participated in the swimming event for the recently concluded <b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Palarong
Pambansa</span></b> which was held in the city of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental from April 21 to April 27, 2013. The Palaro, which has been held annually
since 1948, is the biggest sporting event in the country, composed of elementary
and secondary school students from public and private schools from all the 17
regions of the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Philippines</span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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We landed in Dumaguete just in time to witness the <b><span style="font-size: small;">colorful</span> parade of
athletes</b>, joined by a marching band and marjorettes<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> as they passed by the streets of Dumaguete<span style="font-size: small;">; </span>a thick throng of people
crowding the streets cheering for the student-athletes. It was a festive and lively display which I
enjoyed, in spite of the blaring afternoon sun.</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooEOoXqgQgcEmIQyrALkVvostjay6zMaDlhV2-RnIwbWYw0pTw9icaB20RV-XPVauvXp-9Kj2drnBbzNjnKf1CfU7gKoFktCu1dbBzQis2ejmIx_4xZcAd9niVX3NKUwzoBvlFYGEqtrW/s640/IMG_1438.PNG" width="640" /></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the uninitiated, the <b>Palarong Pambansa</b> is actually a series of meets,
starting at the school level,followed by provincial, then regional, and finally
culminates in the national games known as Palarong Pambansa. The process of selection starts in the first
semester of the school year, wherein preliminary meets are undertaken by the
individual or team athletes, and the top two winners in each school are
selected to represent the school in the district meet. The process of getting the top two victors is
repeated in the regional level until the final two athletes/team qualify to
move up to the national level of competition.
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Delegates were assigned billeting quarters in the different public schools
of Negros Oriental. For the delegates of
NCR, the Dumaguete City High School served as the temporary housing for all the
NCR athletes, coaches and support staff.
In addition shuttle buses were also provided to shuttle the athletes and
coaches from the billeting quarters to the playing venues.<br />
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Food is served for breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner - for free, ha! Moreover, fresh fruits, bottled water, juices
and Gatorade were also provided for free everyday during the entire duration of the
games. The DepEd of Dumaguete also made
sure that the sleeping areas for the athl<span style="font-size: small;">etes </span>were comfortable as the rooms were provided with padded
mattresses for sleeping. I have heard
that some of the previous sleeping accommodations for the past games were not
so comfortable, with the athletes being made to sleep on top of school tables,
or worse on the cold floor with just a banig .</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD47d14NsF6FBSHZb7UZPYfmw9Thyphenhypheng7fpHN-C1J9fYthAlkIX_Cs3OhPmGouUIo4Dy2O_BAJqc4uqmZA7YAz4GJhnipQ5CbYjr2ihDUjwZSA3El3c6Ci5xC1Nef_WhzzPWLYK7oWg60mwV/s1600/IMG_1439.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD47d14NsF6FBSHZb7UZPYfmw9Thyphenhypheng7fpHN-C1J9fYthAlkIX_Cs3OhPmGouUIo4Dy2O_BAJqc4uqmZA7YAz4GJhnipQ5CbYjr2ihDUjwZSA3El3c6Ci5xC1Nef_WhzzPWLYK7oWg60mwV/s640/IMG_1439.PNG" width="640" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But<span style="font-size: small;"> most of the NCR athletes, like us, <span style="font-size: small;">did not stay at the assigned biletting quarters, and instead each booked their <span style="font-size: small;">own hotel rooms. <span style="font-size: small;">But <span style="font-size: small;">there are a lot of other student-athletes <span style="font-size: small;">who slept at the pu<span style="font-size: small;">blic school, and most of them came unc<span style="font-size: small;">haperoned.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">T</span>he athletes who stayed at the quarters had to contend with doing their own chores such as washing their<span style="font-size: small;"> own clothes</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> cleaning up their dishes after <span style="font-size: small;">every meal. I<span style="font-size: small;">t would have been a very educational experience for J if she also had the chance to sleep at the headquarters<span style="font-size: small;">, even just for a night. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girl in the phot<span style="font-size: small;">o below is a member of the NCR-girls baseball </span>team<span style="font-size: small;">. I chanced upon a group of them inside the <span style="font-size: small;">girls' room cubicles washing their jerseys. I took a photo with the intention of showing my own daughter how washing her own suit after every meet is not a chore that should be met with dread, but should be viewed as an opportunity -<b> <span style="font-size: small;">a chance to develop larger life skills like independence, industriousness and self<span style="font-size: small;">-reliance. </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nY9kpfXMPCtFg4aoawP6wSkCJ-oHaCOK2ZxYO5hC6k54AmrZwxKXJEpX9lKisz3M4_t0q2c8LH2UQrc8T9X7ZnAOoNHrHKUV0dS2G3sxHMv98fxxNyDs-7pwCs4TD1ax3VFBJnvkN0Q3/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nY9kpfXMPCtFg4aoawP6wSkCJ-oHaCOK2ZxYO5hC6k54AmrZwxKXJEpX9lKisz3M4_t0q2c8LH2UQrc8T9X7ZnAOoNHrHKUV0dS2G3sxHMv98fxxNyDs-7pwCs4TD1ax3VFBJnvkN0Q3/s640/IMG_1181.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are the <span style="font-size: small;">NCR girls being briefed by their coach on the first day of the meet. A total of 8 girls to represent the elementary division<span style="font-size: small;">, and another 10 to represent the secondary division.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5kevY6Fh8nTiE8j5GIyVSO0N1EfLWZ5NFiydXRUfIX35gz7oZm7RXHuD5sg_BfTHl_JB7Lkht8GP8wRwg-JbV2Iq-H_J0AeZncE93RXi9m1ZZ1yRKoI64IEY4fuXFR5EZBbk60K8G5ie/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5kevY6Fh8nTiE8j5GIyVSO0N1EfLWZ5NFiydXRUfIX35gz7oZm7RXHuD5sg_BfTHl_JB7Lkht8GP8wRwg-JbV2Iq-H_J0AeZncE93RXi9m1ZZ1yRKoI64IEY4fuXFR5EZBbk60K8G5ie/s640/IMG_1227.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my daughter’s first Palaro experience, and the entire episode is
nothing but wonderful for her. She was
able to muster mental strength as she overcame her jitters in her first event, the
100-meter butterfly, to qualify for the finals, placing seventh in the morning prelims
with a time of 1:17. After prevailing
over her struggle to calm her nerves, she finally clocked in her personal best
time of 1:14 during the finals in the afternoon, shaving off 3 seconds from her prelims time. She was gunning for a third place finish, but
actually placed fourth overall in the 100-meter butterfly. Still, even without <span style="font-size: small;">the </span>podium finish, we<span style="font-size: small;"> are both satisfied with how she<span style="font-size: small;"> performed. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNHUDVfr8kA8m26Y1EoOBPEZrBGlPQr3mfhy9eOlnZVKW1F6HnzrvsTiiBAgCUg3EAJJYqYo0p9mpmzAnMHgfl0GmFPEvYxWCElIkNEwBT1YlaUi52k1N0dYjWXaQ1EnNgaemIkhfqJIo/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNHUDVfr8kA8m26Y1EoOBPEZrBGlPQr3mfhy9eOlnZVKW1F6HnzrvsTiiBAgCUg3EAJJYqYo0p9mpmzAnMHgfl0GmFPEvYxWCElIkNEwBT1YlaUi52k1N0dYjWXaQ1EnNgaemIkhfqJIo/s640/IMG_1234.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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She went on to win silver in her two other events: the 4x50 freestyle and the 4x100 freestyle.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGfxV6vxzxe1ioQVrgF6SnOCQ4fbSt7zu-YUkJ_4ZzbX0RRq30Zyr2IwE4UgXqLpG9_MbcVCC_o98JoRDpgpdgWPj2_oih4rrvZSeeWh7BjXrPo_tWny4OJ7QAUM6CxSC-_T1DwUPA364/s1600/IMG_1454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGfxV6vxzxe1ioQVrgF6SnOCQ4fbSt7zu-YUkJ_4ZzbX0RRq30Zyr2IwE4UgXqLpG9_MbcVCC_o98JoRDpgpdgWPj2_oih4rrvZSeeWh7BjXrPo_tWny4OJ7QAUM6CxSC-_T1DwUPA364/s640/IMG_1454.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">On our last competition day, <span style="font-size: small;">the parents of one of the NCR swimmers hosted<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>a thanksgiving </span></span>pa<span style="font-size: small;">rty for all of the NCR swimmers. It was a delightful change to see the swimmers <span style="font-size: small;">have the chance to talk <span style="font-size: small;">to each other outside of the pool for a change... wearing clothes other than swim suits, and their feet fitted with shoes other than the <span style="font-size: small;">usual</span> flipflops. The NCR coach<span style="font-size: small;">es <span style="font-size: small;">took on the task of hosting the program and providing <span style="font-size: small;">entertainment</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumMSUMXziS-SKTdSVAFlC-xHf3ydaqI9XwmFqp_uDKV7s1hKSYsa1TIKaODBPJXaGsWzTfq6L54H9kuGRfo0RqWKgWfCZvX0CGM40_wb3DPD7viN-skEARM2l-eNOwCxpOO2RAxmv2F5c/s1600/IMG_1442.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumMSUMXziS-SKTdSVAFlC-xHf3ydaqI9XwmFqp_uDKV7s1hKSYsa1TIKaODBPJXaGsWzTfq6L54H9kuGRfo0RqWKgWfCZvX0CGM40_wb3DPD7viN-skEARM2l-eNOwCxpOO2RAxmv2F5c/s640/IMG_1442.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dumaguete</span> lived up to their promise that this year’s games would be "clean,
green and high-tech." We are impressed
with our Palaro experience as we got timely results and photo updates via
various social media sites. Even the
Phenomenal Papa, who was left behind in Manila, got the game results a few
minutes after they happened. <b>Kudos to
the Dumaguete provincial government for one of the most organized Palaro games<span style="font-size: small;">!</span> </b></span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-69016154661100456912013-04-20T20:01:00.000+08:002013-04-21T09:54:02.733+08:00Phenomenal Tip: An Organized Kitchen<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meal planning and food prepping are two very important areas in my life as a homemaker. The Phenomenal Papa and the kids are big eaters, and so meal times are events which they look forward to with great anticipation. I always try to make an effort to prepare delicious and nutritious meals for breakfast, school lunch baon, merienda/after-school snacks, and dinner. But I am also a busy with other duties such as bringing the kids to and from their activities, helping my youngest with homework (on school days), and other things that domestic engineers <span style="font-size: small;">attend to</span>. Having said that, an organized kitchen makes my meal planning and preparation run as efficiently and smoothly as possible.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the areas in my house that I <b>intentionally maintain </b>to keep organized is my kitchen<span style="font-size: small;">, specifically my <b>pantry and </b></span><b>refrigerator</b>. </span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsZNW2fWhtr9sUsDGc7oIxs_ohYn8iYUMqvNtkijPuESfynK_t7RgCpcT8Xdt7KXRvIrnfOW6mYaOJKrkhWJzxVgJmX2KyOnyY8kINNAUIvV6y2tIeIjBEd2johf11JJkbrMsHqw3-Z5I/s1600/pantry+and+ref.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsZNW2fWhtr9sUsDGc7oIxs_ohYn8iYUMqvNtkijPuESfynK_t7RgCpcT8Xdt7KXRvIrnfOW6mYaOJKrkhWJzxVgJmX2KyOnyY8kINNAUIvV6y2tIeIjBEd2johf11JJkbrMsHqw3-Z5I/s640/pantry+and+ref.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like to keep a lot of things in my refrigerator; not necessarily leftovers<span style="font-size: small;">, </span>mine is more like a depository of the numerous condiments that I use in cooking. To keep everything in order, here are some of the things that I observe:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. USE PLASTIC BINS</b>. The single most important thing that I have implemented to maintain the order inside my ref is the use of plastic baskets that I buy from <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2010/04/store-for-japanophile-in-you.html" target="_blank">Saizen</a> or SM Megamall. I like to organize like items in one basket. <span style="font-size: small;">V</span>itamins in one container, condiments in another one, jams and salad dressing in <span style="font-size: small;">yet another.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhyMPoPBGWBtFl1vRKJMJNtVWJkKnS8JDqQHdbsOkRo0nE2B1rd7wIO_qILEwqb8l2k1hDD05smDXslP68iYjLkhpnZ90BzVdvh1DXw18QWrnHXp_ETD67DGaGt_AnOVvbwwuqOPIJm0N/s1600/dm+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhyMPoPBGWBtFl1vRKJMJNtVWJkKnS8JDqQHdbsOkRo0nE2B1rd7wIO_qILEwqb8l2k1hDD05smDXslP68iYjLkhpnZ90BzVdvh1DXw18QWrnHXp_ETD67DGaGt_AnOVvbwwuqOPIJm0N/s640/dm+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Similarly, each type of freezer item gets its own basket: beef, pork, fish, frozen vegetables and fruits for the kids' smoothies, etc. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This system works for me because it makes it very simple for me to see which items are running low
and need replenishment. It also cuts in half the amount of time I search for items in the ref and freezer. I just pull out a bin, get the item, and return. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2.
FREEZE THINGS FLAT.</b> To
get the most out of the freezer space, I freeze items flat (such as ground beef
and pork, etc) and then, once they are completely frozen I stand them up
in the individual plastic baskets. I usually buy meat by the kilo and ask the butcher to pass them through the grinder twice; then I ask him to pack them individually in 200-gram pouches. </span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx99h2UaLxV5pIZMNx2eEqXgSKWY817b-TWH1eOFG1IRdVdEykVMlUSznu25HjOvQdqTFPMu7vK3ut7k7BCDU3b0nH9FGyLNZY30ED3VJRUAGSjwF2ixZbnvzxVSflBNAmaHBnXcyCwFEx/s1600/dm+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx99h2UaLxV5pIZMNx2eEqXgSKWY817b-TWH1eOFG1IRdVdEykVMlUSznu25HjOvQdqTFPMu7vK3ut7k7BCDU3b0nH9FGyLNZY30ED3VJRUAGSjwF2ixZbnvzxVSflBNAmaHBnXcyCwFEx/s640/dm+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. FIRST IN, FIRST OUT</b>. I also follow the <b>FIFO</b> rule. I make sure that the newly bought item is placed behind the item that has already been there. Essentially what th<span style="font-size: small;">at</span> means is I use things up
in the order that I purchase them. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Label everything.</b> I usually marinate a portion of newly-purchased meat right after I get home<span style="font-size: small;">, </span>and I label every container so I don't have to double guess the contents. My schedule is always crazy since I bring the kids around to their different activities. <span style="font-size: small;">More so when it's a school<span style="font-size: small;"> day, since <span style="font-size: small;">my kids also bring lunch baon to school. <span style="font-size: small;">If I don't <span style="font-size: small;">prepare in advance<span style="font-size: small;">, I don<span style="font-size: small;">'t think I could afford to wake <span style="font-size: small;">up at the time I do, and have time to prepare their lunch. Since I already marinated most of the meat in advance, <span style="font-size: small;">all the maid has to do is <span style="font-size: small;">look at the menu the night before and move the correspo<span style="font-size: small;">nding <span style="font-size: small;">container</span> to the ref to let it defrost in the ref overnight.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEtW2K2tf2fAkNJnxegBOxDTNR0vclG4GRY3JFXQtAy7vbXcqCfN4MNjfMXDBq2HoTPvfUoNvNbCeRwB5jvYVG617ifzChx-VIY8-Ywqac69kgEiKV-df9GCYOD0ekRFIhuPnzT_Q-3x/s1600/1ca5b7aaa72811e2989522000a9f3c91_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEtW2K2tf2fAkNJnxegBOxDTNR0vclG4GRY3JFXQtAy7vbXcqCfN4MNjfMXDBq2HoTPvfUoNvNbCeRwB5jvYVG617ifzChx-VIY8-Ywqac69kgEiKV-df9GCYOD0ekRFIhuPnzT_Q-3x/s640/1ca5b7aaa72811e2989522000a9f3c91_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a few days<span style="font-size: small;">, I w<span style="font-size: small;">ill be flying out to chaperone my eldest <span style="font-size: small;">for the biggest sporting event in the country, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palarong_Pambansa" target="_blank">Palarong Pambansa</a>. So even i<span style="font-size: small;">f I won't personally </span>cook food for <span style="font-size: small;">the other members of my family, they won't feel it that much as I have already <span style="font-size: small;">prepared meals for them<span style="font-size: small;">, all just ready to be<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>cooked.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another area that I pay close attention to is my pantry. The pantry is one small space that has to function big. So it is important that it is organized in a way that keeps it easy to search for items on a daily basis. <b>I </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>love to visit my pantry, and I admit to <i>intentionally </i>leaving the <span style="font-size: small;">door </span>open a few times just to </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>look at it. </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>An organized pantry does make me smile</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>! </b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbeBDddItgPOrnWnvv_sO2cu4Df1eIXZ6ld9zig70UKTbJtAplrhgYwkm73_MwpDK3nL_6GYgZnNNGm4I6UjEpYD7TR1-H1YCMa_ruPq7i0_lNmcNVZbq54fWRFLfk6hzsKwnClhOB767/s1600/pantry+and+ref+open+door.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbeBDddItgPOrnWnvv_sO2cu4Df1eIXZ6ld9zig70UKTbJtAplrhgYwkm73_MwpDK3nL_6GYgZnNNGm4I6UjEpYD7TR1-H1YCMa_ruPq7i0_lNmcNVZbq54fWRFLfk6hzsKwnClhOB767/s640/pantry+and+ref+open+door.jpg" width="478" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFFr05pDyQ3-Ug9EeMAsF9cD4YYuRcXAI2XqRahyMFmT3MpTAQ7KA50WPs3x5z-PUvbO7_m95tFwrX-QbDAUzg6YPmq1IEdo6WAdt9m6AOYcsd_0KZmJQARj7N8yDHAqmV3D-EzC-Rv5F/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFFr05pDyQ3-Ug9EeMAsF9cD4YYuRcXAI2XqRahyMFmT3MpTAQ7KA50WPs3x5z-PUvbO7_m95tFwrX-QbDAUzg6YPmq1IEdo6WAdt9m6AOYcsd_0KZmJQARj7N8yDHAqmV3D-EzC-Rv5F/s640/IMG_1088.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like what I do to my refrigerator, my pantry items are also organized to type. <span style="font-size: small;">Similar items are placed together. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRrEgClPe_-8lX1umfIl0-q1c79_yqwXLhIo5FbivwWJrPJeQNn2PP5I6qEIpIAyXZ5WGVroql89CtPokfuPhQwbLUREG77PZCznJ7ch7VbxdtL4CIDHjw-kz8ZG6cUd2wRt-1Ckmcyoe/s1600/pantry+and+ref+label.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRrEgClPe_-8lX1umfIl0-q1c79_yqwXLhIo5FbivwWJrPJeQNn2PP5I6qEIpIAyXZ5WGVroql89CtPokfuPhQwbLUREG77PZCznJ7ch7VbxdtL4CIDHjw-kz8ZG6cUd2wRt-1Ckmcyoe/s640/pantry+and+ref+label.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My pantry is sized generously that I also have an area for all my baking ingredi<span style="font-size: small;">ents<span style="font-size: small;">, and even a space for the Phenomenal Papa's fave drinks.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7qHr66HMPUjSkNFyK-9IHqNUelT58TMS1P5rAWaQcAPkbOLhcRquF-kADsFS10bavBOWMVgRfRZXdwIl7zjwQcoRpFHbKwUU1qUNgnsmyQblSNQfUWWvVYrFkl443scfBbgjH6FCaK5b/s1600/pantry+and+ref+bake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7qHr66HMPUjSkNFyK-9IHqNUelT58TMS1P5rAWaQcAPkbOLhcRquF-kADsFS10bavBOWMVgRfRZXdwIl7zjwQcoRpFHbKwUU1qUNgnsmyQblSNQfUWWvVYrFkl443scfBbgjH6FCaK5b/s640/pantry+and+ref+bake.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you are able to pick up get a few of my tips on<span style="font-size: small;"> kitchen organization to use <span style="font-size: small;">in your own kitchen! <span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">w</span>ould also <span style="font-size: small;">like to hear how you keep your own kitchen <span style="font-size: small;">spic and span!<span style="font-size: small;"> Do share!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-68030917028045560892013-04-09T09:50:00.000+08:002014-01-10T12:45:48.315+08:00Phenomenal Tip: DIY Light Switch Dress-Up with Washi Tape<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My blog has moved. Please read more post at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the phenomenal mama</a>. I hope you follow me there to read NEW posts!</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIly9Ls74suBXQaaQlFdq2OnWRnCfo04av3WscnFR1dKKN2PM2xAVWFvAl3kqFwPx6jJADginRa_0kEfgrErBey6brZMhmhmowF0mcGQJYKun1PCTLaQFZspZsntbmusVpAqSaa_dHdv5c/s1600/IMG_1022text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIly9Ls74suBXQaaQlFdq2OnWRnCfo04av3WscnFR1dKKN2PM2xAVWFvAl3kqFwPx6jJADginRa_0kEfgrErBey6brZMhmhmowF0mcGQJYKun1PCTLaQFZspZsntbmusVpAqSaa_dHdv5c/s640/IMG_1022text.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s something about simple projects that makes me really happy! <span style="font-size: small;">I have purchased several rolls of washi tapes the past month, and they've all just<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>been sitting idly<span style="font-size: small;">. I intend to do some crafts with the kiddos using washi tape, but since <span style="font-size: small;">we have not gotten around to agreeing on what to do yet, I just went on ahead and got crafty yesterday afte<span style="font-size: small;">rn<span style="font-size: small;">oon<span style="font-size: small;"> - by myself! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh how fun it was to just have some time to do crafts by myself! When it comes to crafting, I usually supervise the <span style="font-size: small;">2 younger kids, so I do not technically <span style="font-size: small;"><i>do crafts</i>, instead I <i>watch over them</i> as they do the<span style="font-size: small;"> project. <b>This is one fun project to do when <span style="font-size: small;">you're one crafty momma who doesn't have a lot of free time on your hands.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Doing this <b>lightswitch dress-up with washi tape</b> took me less than 5 minutes, from taking off the switch plate to finally putting it back up. R<span style="font-size: small;">e</span>ally! It is that eas<span style="font-size: small;">y<span style="font-size: small;">. The only materials you need are<span style="font-size: small;">: washi<span style="font-size: small;"> tape <span style="font-size: small;">and scissor<span style="font-size: small;">s.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Remove plates from the wall using a metal spatula or scissors.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Choose washi tape to match the theme of the room. <span style="font-size: small;">The girls' r<span style="font-size: small;">oom is painted <span style="font-size: small;">a </span><span style="font-size: small;">combination of citron and aquamarine. So <span style="font-size: small;">I chose <span style="font-size: small;">my teal colored washi tape for this project.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Make sure to apply tapes in straight line.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgFOpvLtkqAEkcLpYaH4uIQFuN_4JTYHhi9f-6ZZOz2epgifASsRUhaeaJhz_Y7_vVaRBsnhv5jFbQ9aKNNvUNSOvpxs3CpinVdNDHRuM-G1n6jOCImjmpRMCzpCyaV3lvAiO0MP2TNT8/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgFOpvLtkqAEkcLpYaH4uIQFuN_4JTYHhi9f-6ZZOz2epgifASsRUhaeaJhz_Y7_vVaRBsnhv5jFbQ9aKNNvUNSOvpxs3CpinVdNDHRuM-G1n6jOCImjmpRMCzpCyaV3lvAiO0MP2TNT8/s640/IMG_1003.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. In addition, make sure the patterns are lined up against each other.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmMEgX3qjIPibgNjlc8_vMVZZTs5Yg6Cwt2zfkpqdnngxGOYQdYgtxLMkF5RRSh2RxuDqfisJSp8FC34NebTrAeD_d7lkCYKi5LVclQNtqwNWdJ1OXeVQVbFVb-qlodyGKrlDdumIl2Ow/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmMEgX3qjIPibgNjlc8_vMVZZTs5Yg6Cwt2zfkpqdnngxGOYQdYgtxLMkF5RRSh2RxuDqfisJSp8FC34NebTrAeD_d7lkCYKi5LVclQNtqwNWdJ1OXeVQVbFVb-qlodyGKrlDdumIl2Ow/s640/IMG_1008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Cut tape with scissors when you reach the ends and tuck it under the back of the plate.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7azz7cY4MrpY6Rsi41r8aO1RwNPIFsH6M4pP9-eEhWXKE4779vkhuc0q-f7rEmabZmJlhw4aLs3Nc18ibIA2z4JFoUDknvNZwOTma09XnqCWtFFVbH8hSeK0-u0H5AZcTrnrE_f-S21Z/s1600/IMG_1006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7azz7cY4MrpY6Rsi41r8aO1RwNPIFsH6M4pP9-eEhWXKE4779vkhuc0q-f7rEmabZmJlhw4aLs3Nc18ibIA2z4JFoUDknvNZwOTma09XnqCWtFFVbH8hSeK0-u0H5AZcTrnrE_f-S21Z/s640/IMG_1006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. When you reach the corners, simply cut along the edge.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SjARnxiyfzHSPEztZq9AgckXgUNpNlAIrZkZ_QEqOezng0i0gESX-tduNwTcf0PG1-J4jnStWMApp04XzAkDT7nlCcUcMPL0DBTC9rDNJd26heyYlwJaLW6aMp583_ZyCcG7adkdDn-n/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SjARnxiyfzHSPEztZq9AgckXgUNpNlAIrZkZ_QEqOezng0i0gESX-tduNwTcf0PG1-J4jnStWMApp04XzAkDT7nlCcUcMPL0DBTC9rDNJd26heyYlwJaLW6aMp583_ZyCcG7adkdDn-n/s640/IMG_1009.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Then tuck one part in.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oGGS9WB5sN1zRAog6xcSsLXCh__Xw_BcCKYziDybPI3GTuYPV9pkIQWYsMk734d6IKevhYf5zsuFYkbJhC5m6bIlbYEzVvX0OJjr5XqeiecnCQ45Lu-R7lRNPvSDZ5ghZxBSNDGX2wPN/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oGGS9WB5sN1zRAog6xcSsLXCh__Xw_BcCKYziDybPI3GTuYPV9pkIQWYsMk734d6IKevhYf5zsuFYkbJhC5m6bIlbYEzVvX0OJjr5XqeiecnCQ45Lu-R7lRNPvSDZ5ghZxBSNDGX2wPN/s640/IMG_1010.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. The other remaining part, you cut diagonally before you tuck in. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGKhwiBKgHz3-iJ_JcD4IImJqXDhpuueNJ5Gxr6hLp_wvk8KyRDYRxKl8y3vZOjF_3a9GlqnNQ_NRnvGFbNptoJqSZM1Zb4_OwdFOl8XxAv5m_zBioERkMwh6UWGnVzaiZLjFiSMIKLFM/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGKhwiBKgHz3-iJ_JcD4IImJqXDhpuueNJ5Gxr6hLp_wvk8KyRDYRxKl8y3vZOjF_3a9GlqnNQ_NRnvGFbNptoJqSZM1Zb4_OwdFOl8XxAv5m_zBioERkMwh6UWGnVzaiZLjFiSMIKLFM/s640/IMG_1011.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Makes for a clean finish!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3Bl3qOtkA-GlhK2rSG9_pe3bEc7TD7mKl6v7hvYT4v9qU34KtYyfFZP8LSg58hp1ywmRPX6_GRb4Lr_5mdCajdzP4jBK_ASNhOX1XKwUIKYeVd7NJ2enifZQZNk59IGJedhMWOn0H5cD/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3Bl3qOtkA-GlhK2rSG9_pe3bEc7TD7mKl6v7hvYT4v9qU34KtYyfFZP8LSg58hp1ywmRPX6_GRb4Lr_5mdCajdzP4jBK_ASNhOX1XKwUIKYeVd7NJ2enifZQZNk59IGJedhMWOn0H5cD/s640/IMG_1013.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Put back plates. Step back and admire your handiwork! </span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMczKocWX3ReweBGaMyaOcpNO-6v8t3SijuxrgSZcBCAZFyJjT_88xMZWYTEgxZNvMIDn9U-IltzYerbB_rJIheUo_YhUxHhALICnGmTn-Bh7YPa7dKeW5cHqnS07X9szzQ8s7PGyYqp7/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMczKocWX3ReweBGaMyaOcpNO-6v8t3SijuxrgSZcBCAZFyJjT_88xMZWYTEgxZNvMIDn9U-IltzYerbB_rJIheUo_YhUxHhALICnGmTn-Bh7YPa7dKeW5cHqnS07X9szzQ8s7PGyYqp7/s640/IMG_1021.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIly9Ls74suBXQaaQlFdq2OnWRnCfo04av3WscnFR1dKKN2PM2xAVWFvAl3kqFwPx6jJADginRa_0kEfgrErBey6brZMhmhmowF0mcGQJYKun1PCTLaQFZspZsntbmusVpAqSaa_dHdv5c/s1600/IMG_1022text.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIly9Ls74suBXQaaQlFdq2OnWRnCfo04av3WscnFR1dKKN2PM2xAVWFvAl3kqFwPx6jJADginRa_0kEfgrErBey6brZMhmhmowF0mcGQJYKun1PCTLaQFZspZsntbmusVpAqSaa_dHdv5c/s640/IMG_1022text.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can view more washi-tape<span style="font-size: small;">d light switches </span>right <a href="http://crabandfish.blogspot.com/2012/08/collection-of-washi-taped-lightswitches.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-12492531625381204562013-04-01T10:30:00.000+08:002013-04-01T10:30:01.930+08:00BYS Make-up 101<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a mom to three active kids, I rarely have time for long beauty treatments, nor a daily full-on beauty regimen. My daily make-up routine usually lasts all of 10 minutes: tinted moisturizer with SPF, powder, blush, gloss! I normally just tie my long hair up in a bun to get things moving along faster. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But coming from a recent make-up 101class, I <span style="font-size: small;">realized that taking an effort to fix myself up<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">offers me an extra dose of <span style="font-size: small;">happy in an otherwise regular day.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Blmbjys3sJYk5uAESp0qGilYNZANfJyLjK87URY8GVbJnrpIJxSrmE3Z8Z8A3Oy0D85rtg7BaohYgn5EqCMXS4qdgN7mTrd6rpyfj5BVgP1mrhd13v3X013lwe02AUO6PXAhccWBL441/s1600/IMG_0508.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Blmbjys3sJYk5uAESp0qGilYNZANfJyLjK87URY8GVbJnrpIJxSrmE3Z8Z8A3Oy0D85rtg7BaohYgn5EqCMXS4qdgN7mTrd6rpyfj5BVgP1mrhd13v3X013lwe02AUO6PXAhccWBL441/s640/IMG_0508.PNG" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few weeks ago, I was invited for a make-up training session hosted by <b>BYS Cosmetics</b>. I was daunted to find myself face to face with this huge box full of make-up. I am not a make-up junkie, so seeing all these beauty products in one place really overwhelmed me. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl2oUdITjkwc5Ad285hLFZHC_58BK5nzNZCOG36UaBdxYYPtue9gO9A3WnBsxJlDuGZZLmlilYneGgV8RFNjOpH1GeQ8pzrBl1qftjY-W5RcBDp21HMO9qpUftyL670uX4AiSj057frBm/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrl2oUdITjkwc5Ad285hLFZHC_58BK5nzNZCOG36UaBdxYYPtue9gO9A3WnBsxJlDuGZZLmlilYneGgV8RFNjOpH1GeQ8pzrBl1qftjY-W5RcBDp21HMO9qpUftyL670uX4AiSj057frBm/s640/IMG_0392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I came out of the session feeling more confident of <span style="font-size: small;">my newly-found make-up skills. </span> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a step by step on how to put on<span style="font-size: small;"> make-up </span>that will<span style="font-size: small;"> surely get you compliments<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 1. <b> PRIMER</b>. Apply primer to entire face, and let set for 1 minute.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2. <b>LIQUID FOUNDATION</b>. <span style="font-size: small;">The <b>BYS matte</b></span><b> liquid foundation</b> is perfect for oily skin as it offers coverage without the extra moisture. <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>n extra thirty seconds is well-spent to make sure that <span style="font-size: small;">you</span> blend the foundation carefully.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 3. <b>LOOSE POWDER</b>. To make sure that make-up stays on longer, set it by sweeping some powder with a kabuki brush.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 4. <b>EYEBROWS</b>. Fill in brows with an angled brush and some powder. Personally, this step is so important for me as they bring my face out </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 4. <b>BRONZER</b>. Bronzer is used to contour the face and </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">gives it a radiant, luminous glow</span></span></span>. Apply on the side of the face<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> on the <span style="font-size: small;">forehead, near the hairline</span>; sides of the bridge of the nose to give illusion of height.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 5. <b>BLUSHER</b>. Apply on the cheeks </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to provide a natural, long-lasting highlight to cheekbones.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. <b>EYELINER</b>. Use a shade of warm brown as it is less harsh looking than black. Line upper lid, and finish by curling the eyelashes.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 7. <b><span style="font-size: small;">EYESHADOW <span style="font-size: small;">and </span></span>MASCARA</b>. Using soft, gentle strokes, add neutral colored eyeshadow first to <span style="font-size: small;">act as the base; follow <span style="font-size: small;">with a d<span style="font-size: small;">arker shade on the crease;</span></span></span> finish by adding a very light eyeshadow <span style="font-size: small;">(or some loose <span style="font-size: small;">powder</span> will do) on the browbone. This will serve to clean-up theyour eyes and give the illusion of . If you have time to spare, <span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span>wipe mascara one or two times on upper lashes.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 8. <b>LIPS</b>. Apply a tinted lip balm for the day, or a long-wearing lipstick <span style="font-size: small;">for special events.</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now, anytime I feel l<span style="font-size: small;">azy and pressed for time, all </span>I just have to do is look at my before and after pics to convince myself that a<b> few added minutes to my morning routine can spell the difference between frumpy and fabulous.</b>:)</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k3U1Aq7EIoTdQ63Y_hU7WaTrcIVrZ_e-XsBKHbnKN20RojH16469TJq8B7uem6qLYMf2UX0Dnpr6RAtaJj2YXeIBijrPg4Qq-PVUyyQAhPMG7luzwea6cLRsJ9DCiGhptNDgteOlDFQj/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0k3U1Aq7EIoTdQ63Y_hU7WaTrcIVrZ_e-XsBKHbnKN20RojH16469TJq8B7uem6qLYMf2UX0Dnpr6RAtaJj2YXeIBijrPg4Qq-PVUyyQAhPMG7luzwea6cLRsJ9DCiGhptNDgteOlDFQj/s640/IMG_0495.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The BYS swag bag. Complete with all the essentials!</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BYS Cosmetics</b> is an Australian cosmetics brand which has recently made <span style="font-size: small;">its</span> way into the Philippine market. I love the <b>BYS Minerals Naturale</b>
line. Their mineral make-up is formulated with all-natural ingredients
free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives and talc. BYS mineral products
are quick and easy to apply, and provide a complete, smooth, natural
coverage in just one step. <br /><br />Another standout from <b>BYS</b> is its line
of Baked Cosmetics . The Baked Bronzers and Blushers are made with a<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>formula that keeps oiliness and moisture at bay and hides
impurities. Texture is ultra silky and may be used wet for thicker
coverage and dry for a more natural, lighter effect. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-lnuNBxbRDGmL5mvibNeKfFuCc38i7jRwHtyfB5PrzF5NZGBNDyegeOGUphVZqMmGDGP5EWWTaYBDqRASTDjnuQ27ui6giJl2qGrfG3rgxruz2WVGOXlt6N8H8OoSEcyNIo6p1TaL7J5/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-lnuNBxbRDGmL5mvibNeKfFuCc38i7jRwHtyfB5PrzF5NZGBNDyegeOGUphVZqMmGDGP5EWWTaYBDqRASTDjnuQ27ui6giJl2qGrfG3rgxruz2WVGOXlt6N8H8OoSEcyNIo6p1TaL7J5/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="300" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BYS is a new affordable cosmetic line in the Philippines now available in 26 selected SM and Watson’s outlets in Metro Manila and a few key cities like Cebu. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BYSPhilippines?fref=ts" target="_blank">BYS Cosmetics on Facebook</a> to get updates on products.</span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-43055382954966323982013-02-26T19:00:00.000+08:002016-05-05T11:53:19.249+08:00What's In My Cart: My Favorite Pancake Mix <div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;">There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home! </span><span style="color: purple;">While I will still be writing about <i>our phenomenal life</i>, it will now have a new name. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>The Phenomenal Mama</b></span></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnQazxH-oKzzlZ6LVGG7KVOFp5rQ0sXclhlOcfAFv6jVrblLTWRz1W4euONaC53N5JsT3HDXaLFmva47RYJ-1Tw06zz_TXix379jn0w_-nkp73h_XQvBQ7evNllOkzRjwiAP2WtuQhka/s640/blog+header+ombre+line+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: purple;">I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts. But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">* * * * *</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB72sEeQ4pBM06zsbzjSfss5g9hvxq_t2RkrlFnMVomQ_RA-a0ZAq4VWLu8QBxdSzawUjtclNxxclmcAPYFRH-7-vaF9TRxosuxp0btfL_7J-OE_8KFkos-r0CdHCNErsfXB-Nob9HueW/s1600/DSC_8757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB72sEeQ4pBM06zsbzjSfss5g9hvxq_t2RkrlFnMVomQ_RA-a0ZAq4VWLu8QBxdSzawUjtclNxxclmcAPYFRH-7-vaF9TRxosuxp0btfL_7J-OE_8KFkos-r0CdHCNErsfXB-Nob9HueW/s640/DSC_8757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my family's favorite breakfast food is pancakes. They love it when it is piled this high and layered with maple syrup, whipped cream cheese, and bacon. Scrumptious!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB_aRJey6G1OPkOEXOSmk7zLADoSjhj9hYk0paPscmVPNDopa_-CSq2M9B7KGsF0_cwBv6YmST72yfwN_zSDXn1iy_E7NQWZnOlxywnbptXGw64XcddN8QHxbUWSP-xOJcfsE77QNAsUD/s1600/DSC_8761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB_aRJey6G1OPkOEXOSmk7zLADoSjhj9hYk0paPscmVPNDopa_-CSq2M9B7KGsF0_cwBv6YmST72yfwN_zSDXn1iy_E7NQWZnOlxywnbptXGw64XcddN8QHxbUWSP-xOJcfsE77QNAsUD/s640/DSC_8761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no shame in admitting that I use a pancake mix. When I prepare breakfast, time is usually of the essence, especially if the family want to sit down and eat together on the table before C leaves for the office. With a pancake mix, I just add egg, water and oil, and pancakes are served in no time. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have tried almost all the pancake mixes available in the market. For a long time, I've been a loyal <b>Pillsbury</b> user, and then I shifted to <b>Magnolia Pancake Mix</b>. I prefer to add my own eggs so I do not buy the one-step pancake mix, where all you have to add is water. Between the two brands, my kids like Magnolia better, but I found it a bit too sweet for my taste.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53_cmJI8v5KKx2qtAfKOLJDYDMVkJ7BA1mLXSJrhJj3sBostjWAW1E2yVanxjatbIlQwrzvZtUDkzPNpG2ArXn8FET21QOWrmKT5HiaEutTuViFNdC4HZBg9W3MukDcOY7lPHYfTRNPML/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53_cmJI8v5KKx2qtAfKOLJDYDMVkJ7BA1mLXSJrhJj3sBostjWAW1E2yVanxjatbIlQwrzvZtUDkzPNpG2ArXn8FET21QOWrmKT5HiaEutTuViFNdC4HZBg9W3MukDcOY7lPHYfTRNPML/s640/IMG_0124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have tried the imported mixes like <b>Betty Crocker </b>and<b> Krusteaz</b>, but we did not find the flavor and texture outstanding; plus the gigantic boxes they came in made storing them in the pantry a hassle. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbec2m_ZOFjIw2g49OjDbI6CH5yso1_YNaPutJ5p8SjhErezWcntnPPhiOSwn8G2wbx91u34rw0zJ5rdbtYt-FWm4yW3WpFKd4UrPKhOimDyuIwM2-wH5epkpt25f14mHFsZ-AfVPFE1l/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbec2m_ZOFjIw2g49OjDbI6CH5yso1_YNaPutJ5p8SjhErezWcntnPPhiOSwn8G2wbx91u34rw0zJ5rdbtYt-FWm4yW3WpFKd4UrPKhOimDyuIwM2-wH5epkpt25f14mHFsZ-AfVPFE1l/s640/IMG_0228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1D4yyBxEl2Ap1PzB-2axrNNC2Whv91F8FQAgrVGmZebTsp8XzOThkio0UX-aoT8FaFRIwGRj0T_Wsc8l_rmVHFLyfWoHI6QGIhSEOQvkWJH8InABeJ1KlgbdccmwUdarea8mFi5wfbt6/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1D4yyBxEl2Ap1PzB-2axrNNC2Whv91F8FQAgrVGmZebTsp8XzOThkio0UX-aoT8FaFRIwGRj0T_Wsc8l_rmVHFLyfWoHI6QGIhSEOQvkWJH8InABeJ1KlgbdccmwUdarea8mFi5wfbt6/s640/IMG_0229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>fter testing almost all the brands available, our family have found our favorite:<i> </i><b>M</b><b>AYA</b><b> Original Hotcake Mix</b>. As they claim in the package, it is really <b>fluffy and tasty</b>. The 500-gram box comes with 2 plastic packets inside, but we are a family of big eaters so the entire box is just right for my family of five, with no leftovers. </span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B4sps3q5IetnSfETUiBWzBwa8F6b_pRZwXx8jE-gpwjNfHMDDrkK3vK-jPJVMI1XHQIhk-ke5LNUfF2LX92-A_LBsKW3wJGle5iPvvyqn0O774nzqyH2HyQQZpA5GjgSboh5eQgDesE-/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B4sps3q5IetnSfETUiBWzBwa8F6b_pRZwXx8jE-gpwjNfHMDDrkK3vK-jPJVMI1XHQIhk-ke5LNUfF2LX92-A_LBsKW3wJGle5iPvvyqn0O774nzqyH2HyQQZpA5GjgSboh5eQgDesE-/s640/IMG_0126.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And beca<span style="font-size: small;">use <span style="font-size: small;">the bacon bits really did make me happy today, here's my recipe for the</span></span></span><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Pancakes with Bacon<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">Whipped Cream Cheese, and </span></span>Maple Syrup</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pancake mix</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">bacon, cut up to bits </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 ozs. cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 tbsps all purpose cream </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">maple syrup, or if not available from your grocery, any pancake syrup </span></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">{Pancakes:}</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.follow package directions</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">{Bacon Bits:}</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.Cook bacon bits in a non-stick pan <span style="font-size: small;">without</span> putting o<span style="font-size: small;">il. Cook until the bacon has rendered its own fat and the bacon bits are nicely brown.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.Drain oil<span style="font-size: small;">, and put on kitchen towels to take out <span style="font-size: small;">excess oil</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.Let cool<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">{Whipped Cream Cheese}</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.Whisk together cream cheese and cream until light and airy. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ass<span style="font-size: small;">emble in layers and <b>enjoy</b>!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xf62M5uHvCf9OWjtOtZMXt_jPSBDUcaPcDKHXO2rLwQWz01U22Z3vo93y26fLgIUM76FRvG64YIE4FKo2amvd1jhUrA9qLwnicoVas8G3AIFy2unLSb9zc8697Ww5LmPkavpbJa7bzL_/s1600/DSC_8755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xf62M5uHvCf9OWjtOtZMXt_jPSBDUcaPcDKHXO2rLwQWz01U22Z3vo93y26fLgIUM76FRvG64YIE4FKo2amvd1jhUrA9qLwnicoVas8G3AIFy2unLSb9zc8697Ww5LmPkavpbJa7bzL_/s640/DSC_8755.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-51777204111840367162013-02-19T19:30:00.000+08:002013-02-19T19:30:02.223+08:00The Cheese Steak Shop Food Truck<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">C and I are great fans of <b>The Food Network's</b> <b>The Great Food Truck Race</b> hosted by Tyler Florence. We've always wondered how Manila would welcome gourmet food trucks. Mobile food peddlers who sell their wares via push carts are no stranger to our streets<span style="font-size: small;">, but we've always wondered if <span style="font-size: small;">food trucks would hit it big in Manila.</span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Last December, when my family was traveling along Ortigas Ave., we saw this huge food truck parked at the complex of <b>City Center (between Madison and Roosevelt sts.)</b>. We knew we had to do a u-turn to get to the other side of the road where this big red truck is.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Cheese Steak Shop</b> is an original franchise from the U.S. Cheese Steak Shop that is famous all-over California. The <b>Cheese Steak Shop Food Trucks</b> are <span style="font-size: small;">now</span> roaming the streets of Manila, bringing the taste of authentic Philly cheese steaks to almost every corner of Manila.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">I have no idea how many food truck they have<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">;</span> but</span>, this food truck has been in the same spot since <span style="font-family: inherit;">December<span style="font-size: small;"> of last year.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our server boasts that almost all of the sandwich's i<span id="default"><span id="CCT_Article">ngredients are <b>all imported from the U.S</b>. commissary. And even the bread for the famous hoagie is imported from <b>Amoroso's Bakery</b> from Philadelphia. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We ordered the <b>7" classic philly cheese steak, King of Philly, and Italian hoagie</b>, plus sides of <b>onion rings </b>and<b> garlic fries</b>. Sorry no <span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">food</span></span> </span></span>photos aside f<span style="font-size: small;">r</span>om the one of the fries below. <span style="font-size: small;">The sandwiches were ginormous<span style="font-size: small;">, and eating them in the car was a fe<span style="font-size: small;">at unto itself. <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>aking photos in the car was an impossib<span style="font-size: small;">ility</span>.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>We ate all the sandwiches in the car - drips and food spills, notwithstanding. Yeah, family of gluttons.:)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I found it a bit pricey. But it really tasted soo good... the <span style="font-size: small;">steak</span>,bread, and f<span style="font-size: small;">ries</span>, it <span style="font-size: small;">makes it</span> all totally worth it. We will be having some<span style="font-family: inherit;"> more again </span>very soon! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Cheese Steak Shop Manila has two branches, located at <b>140 Amorsolo St. Legaspi Village, Makati</b> and <b>The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig</b>. The food truck goes around so it might not be at the City Center in Ortigas b<span style="font-size: small;">y</span> the time you are reading this.</span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-35014162104573494892013-02-12T19:30:00.000+08:002013-02-12T19:30:04.873+08:00Nihonbashi Tei<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had our usual Sunday lunch at <b>Nihonbashi Tei</b> in Makati. I can't remember the last time I ate here, but I know it was a long time ago, maybe around 3 years back. The place looks exactly the way it did the last time we visited. The place was already packed with diners by the time we got there at close to 12 noon, and it's a good thing we were able to get a function room, away from all the diners.</span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBiFTsb11y4Y3OVT3w5NUCpIoMJKyooTpqO5T6qwcQnFmycLf9cuaY-t_6Do5M4y8JltR0EUqDIk0Z-j2GMoyfJx6xESELx8WZc5AMEPFxYhyphenhyphenU7rXAcrxbSoKIcC-87GN43pVFbkNOUwJ/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBiFTsb11y4Y3OVT3w5NUCpIoMJKyooTpqO5T6qwcQnFmycLf9cuaY-t_6Do5M4y8JltR0EUqDIk0Z-j2GMoyfJx6xESELx8WZc5AMEPFxYhyphenhyphenU7rXAcrxbSoKIcC-87GN43pVFbkNOUwJ/s640/IMG_0115.JPG" width="640" /></a> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whenever we eat at Japanese restaurants, my kids always order the <b>california maki. </b> This plate is already half<span style="font-size: small;">-eaten as the kids devoured the sushi rolls as soon as it was placed on the table.</span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLEbeAO4smzQAxvEYUwqGKvCr_b78l5Dl8X5hg8glRw2ApsveTuaxfSe81Zp4XT9J2u0mH0N5VV5WjK4LjX2jH9O4JNFVALvr52zEv-uUZBJGxnOr-0NCuB2a6759ARCLPZMWx1g_ylJQ/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLEbeAO4smzQAxvEYUwqGKvCr_b78l5Dl8X5hg8glRw2ApsveTuaxfSe81Zp4XT9J2u0mH0N5VV5WjK4LjX2jH9O4JNFVALvr52zEv-uUZBJGxnOr-0NCuB2a6759ARCLPZMWx1g_ylJQ/s640/IMG_0113.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>spicy salmon sashimi</b> is not really that spicy. It<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666;">'</span></span>s thinly-slivered marinated salmon
on a bed of sushi rolls, topped with crunchy tempura crumbs. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl7bq369MdfYTdfaLxnzjNzq3XWJsSuj1902Cx0YBx-ssw0RhIoT0uH19OHCIPyYEF00Wf-xrNB0et2t-LAJkv6xEhh0XusRpyc4nhS0Rho1xkMMkQvFyCayet_cG6TnJQzhqFi-icRJh/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl7bq369MdfYTdfaLxnzjNzq3XWJsSuj1902Cx0YBx-ssw0RhIoT0uH19OHCIPyYEF00Wf-xrNB0et2t-LAJkv6xEhh0XusRpyc4nhS0Rho1xkMMkQvFyCayet_cG6TnJQzhqFi-icRJh/s640/IMG_0117.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>t<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>k<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>yaki</b> is forgettable. I found the bits of minced octopus rubbery and hard to chew. </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJieEzf5qrz2-b6XFGMoV1bB8AXJo5caxpfYCj7Irzb53aDAdpexNPO-oMRFc__LeY8nuzf56eLXzQiEzguI_7vO6OcBmAYgb8mj8mcEu_7edi1dUI3Wxb99xThwcsHUO8tGfNVXoGBqK/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJieEzf5qrz2-b6XFGMoV1bB8AXJo5caxpfYCj7Irzb53aDAdpexNPO-oMRFc__LeY8nuzf56eLXzQiEzguI_7vO6OcBmAYgb8mj8mcEu_7edi1dUI3Wxb99xThwcsHUO8tGfNVXoGBqK/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJieEzf5qrz2-b6XFGMoV1bB8AXJo5caxpfYCj7Irzb53aDAdpexNPO-oMRFc__LeY8nuzf56eLXzQiEzguI_7vO6OcBmAYgb8mj8mcEu_7edi1dUI3Wxb99xThwcsHUO8tGfNVXoGBqK/s640/IMG_0123.JPG" width="480" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">The <b>salmon onigiri</b> came with the bento lunch set; and while not spectacular, was able to satiate hungry tummies.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0GJB9WXlp-0ps6yCnP6_aUAGbX5LkMBAwJwytbMOQE7SrpNbhYGC10ewfslWdD5icWh5JiKQngsdoTSE2JXxPkvwlRMi4Y918xXSQSNJLpYsv8i4tyd-Dwu8LZmuoZeFYw50gYL4dVux/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0GJB9WXlp-0ps6yCnP6_aUAGbX5LkMBAwJwytbMOQE7SrpNbhYGC10ewfslWdD5icWh5JiKQngsdoTSE2JXxPkvwlRMi4Y918xXSQSNJLpYsv8i4tyd-Dwu8LZmuoZeFYw50gYL4dVux/s640/IMG_0118.JPG" width="480" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We ordered the <b>chasho shoyu ramen</b> (shown below) for the kids to share and the <b>shrimp tempura ramen </b>for C and I to share, (no photo of the shrimp tempura ramen beca<span style="font-size: small;">u</span>se C finished off before I could take a photo.) He saved some for me in a small bowl; but I thought the tempura batter was overwhelmingly thick, and made the shrimp look smaller that it already is. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9cDgYc-_RqBcUdpDn5gkRTf_dYNmZI5hw_GbzEydQFuhnnSUYLm7c5X98ZFioh23hvaOnjA0sDJ3aBvkp-R7IsWxZDI57zBF580fdqfppJJQIl6aww8zaT3JzAfXmt4y2Qc07TzJLXJk/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9cDgYc-_RqBcUdpDn5gkRTf_dYNmZI5hw_GbzEydQFuhnnSUYLm7c5X98ZFioh23hvaOnjA0sDJ3aBvkp-R7IsWxZDI57zBF580fdqfppJJQIl6aww8zaT3JzAfXmt4y2Qc07TzJLXJk/s640/IMG_0119.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">C loves sashimis, and he usually orders<b> salmon and hamachi</b>. We were initially happy to see t</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hat the price of the<b> hamachi sashimi</b> was not as high as other Japanese restaurants<span style="font-size: small;">; <span style="font-size: small;">b</span></span>ut we were disappointed when the hamachi came, for it was not </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">as </span>fresh as we would've wanted <span style="font-size: small;">it. <span style="font-size: small;">Probably<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>be<span style="font-size: small;">cause it was not a very fast m<span style="font-size: small;">oving item <span style="font-size: small;">because</span> of its price point. </span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0lC64dsaFzrUg0sn7das0-PyYk0OFUDNW0LYkBHZwVBuElRm1c3BnGRNMzBu6PK9G3BGWZJjk5_Y-nH4ImaV6gzXrwCkb3N-pXW6IYjAMRHOi2Q3aKzvgdnFT-9_e60lrFVzuQCJ5rMM/s1600/IMG_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0lC64dsaFzrUg0sn7das0-PyYk0OFUDNW0LYkBHZwVBuElRm1c3BnGRNMzBu6PK9G3BGWZJjk5_Y-nH4ImaV6gzXrwCkb3N-pXW6IYjAMRHOi2Q3aKzvgdnFT-9_e60lrFVzuQCJ5rMM/s640/IMG_0122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <span style="font-size: small;">Asari </span>clams</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> could be better. The buttery sauce was a bit bland, but nothing that fresh clams couldn't make up for.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Saf96hXnSJobiRv4Myu4uXX-UM-W03Yn8BwfOCMH4Wz7FYQJVhQ0EBzeAeVxUbhYshzrVea0H2iFI4qTeDWfXQNdFN5oj3YbZ8uIGBFG7Z3J-ZakkPSNdvHKBOoZtgOXUaK4MnWwghyS/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Saf96hXnSJobiRv4Myu4uXX-UM-W03Yn8BwfOCMH4Wz7FYQJVhQ0EBzeAeVxUbhYshzrVea0H2iFI4qTeDWfXQNdFN5oj3YbZ8uIGBFG7Z3J-ZakkPSNdvHKBOoZtgOXUaK4MnWwghyS/s640/IMG_0120.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids love the <b><span style="font-size: small;">b</span></b></span><b>eef teppan</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, but I didn't get to taste it.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZSeo-NfPPnBbrDT6FFykAl5ZucMHsaGuSt7XgfxQ8sZtOvhhkSkbt3cCOplw9XNxBgp4ykcPJtn-zsbhaunszmmf1ch13UAQSubE8nlGIlVh2YAGdlH6LiSScAiA0idBt9cO9LZeUKL/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXZSeo-NfPPnBbrDT6FFykAl5ZucMHsaGuSt7XgfxQ8sZtOvhhkSkbt3cCOplw9XNxBgp4ykcPJtn-zsbhaunszmmf1ch13UAQSubE8nlGIlVh2YAGdlH6LiSScAiA0idBt9cO9LZeUKL/s640/IMG_0116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's a wall full of <span style="font-size: small;">Japanese</span> beers<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and liquors</span></span></span><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">right in front of our private room, but surprisingly C didn't order any.</span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtTh0WURcrMmWw0ofhyWZYMZa8-jJNxWR1jXTil-dQc9CnQLdYSeP2ejrKs_b0pQiN-Pi3AS6EcSgdWARnMyWOEQQVvoPKCJ5UIhEjN3j9F8UCIjGErvLmObIgOhvGnXRHNW6u5UFkrpr/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtTh0WURcrMmWw0ofhyWZYMZa8-jJNxWR1jXTil-dQc9CnQLdYSeP2ejrKs_b0pQiN-Pi3AS6EcSgdWARnMyWOEQQVvoPKCJ5UIhEjN3j9F8UCIjGErvLmObIgOhvGnXRHNW6u5UFkrpr/s640/IMG_0114.JPG" width="480" /></a> </span></i></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found the <span style="font-size: small;">quality of the food suffered compared to the last time we ate here. While the food was not bad, it <span style="font-size: small;">failed to impress. <span style="font-size: small;">Maybe it was because it was a busy Sunday lunch, and the kitchen found <span style="font-size: small;">itself overwhelmed. Still, e<span style="font-size: small;">v</span></span></span>erything on the menu is affordable<span style="font-size: small;"> and the staff is efficient and friendly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, a place to go if you want fast service<span style="font-size: small;">,</span> affordable and decent food. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nihonbashi-tei Makati</b> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">806 Arnaiz Avenue, Pasay Road, Makati City, Metro Manila. Philippines. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tel: +632-818-8893</span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-91987285735490446532013-01-31T19:30:00.000+08:002013-02-01T11:39:27.324+08:00Phenomenal Tip: Ways to Re-Purpose Your Child's Old Crib<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have long donated all my maternity clothes; my baby stroller and car seats have been given away as well; newborn onesies and booties have found new owners, too. I've given them all away since I don't have any more plans to get pregnant - ever again. (saying this with fingers crossed... in both hands. hahaha!)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are lucky enough to have managed to hold on to your crib and crib mattress, I found several photos that show the many ways on how to repurpose old cribs and mattresses. The projects look so dreamy, you'll be tempted to make one yourself. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is the crib re-purposed into a toddler arts and crafts table. Just take out one side of the rail, add some chairs, hang some supplies, and your kids now have their very own crafts center. I wished I had seen this earlier, when my kids were younger and easily impressed. This is a really efficient and cheap way to repurpose the crib. No additional hardware or carpentry works necessary. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/94012710943025834/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="389" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/94012710943025834_X0OjzxYB_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It could also just be repurposed into a simple toddler study desk... because good study habits are easier taught when kids are younger. I love the chalkboard tabletop, where kids can doodle all they want without the parents having to worry about the walls.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/62346776062159320/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/62346776062159320_5zPp7P9X_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148531738760/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The photo below shows a grown-up take on the repurposed crib. I would love to have one like this. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/71635450293065186/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/71635450293065186_ulEh8QLW_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cribs can also be made into a love seat, with a few carpentry works required. <span style="font-size: small;">The crib matress <span style="font-size: small;">also doubles as cus<span style="font-size: small;">hion. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/166492517445927737/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/271553052501669244_oyRAMQ4N_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/62346776062159320/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love the "princess and the pea" look of this multi foam sofa. <span style="font-size: small;">P</span>erfect for a little girl's playroom. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179158891396597022/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="544" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/179158891396597022_KIwzki4Y_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">with a few modifications, the crib frame can even be a hanging daybed</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/380906080953500766/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/211809988695076343_GEtFGBk9_c.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Should you go ahead and <span style="font-size: small;">convert the crib into a toddler desk<span style="font-size: small;">, t</span></span>he crib mattress is not a lost cause as it can also be used alone As you can see, it easily converts into a two-seater daybed. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/17381148531738760/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="575" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/244390717248769842_0AF9B56T_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This one looks right at home in a Japanese minimalist home </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/31314159879099749/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/264305071851355878_oI22TaJ8_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And even that crib bumper pad, can be repurposed into a bench cushion. Just cut the bumper pad in half and put the two halves alongside each other and tie together.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/108508672241536317/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/108508672241536317_RPcVNGTL_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I bet I have you looking for that old crib and mattress.:)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*double click on the photos for the source</span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Like this post? <a _blank="" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OurPhenomenalLife" target="">Subscribe here</a>.</span></i></div>
The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-14285154102608663102013-01-22T19:30:00.000+08:002014-01-10T12:46:12.854+08:00Posh Nails Magallanes<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My blog has moved. Please read more post at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the phenomenal mama</a>. I hope you follow me there to read NEW posts!</b></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After all the last minute shopping for gifts, meeting up with friends and family reunions that I did last December, it was really such a treat for me to experience the pampering treatment at <b>Posh Nails Hand &<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Foot Spa - Magallanes</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I entered the spa, I immediately felt <span style="font-size: small;">relaxed<span style="font-size: small;"> for it</span> was painted in soothing shades of of white<span style="font-size: small;">, pink and lilac. The place looks so feminine<span style="font-size: small;"> and comfortable, especially with its soft couches and plu<span style="font-size: small;">s</span>h pillows. The<span style="font-size: small;"> chandelier at the center of the room also gave the room a<span style="font-size: small;">n added touch of fancy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7vh976SBt7HXvoFcS1hLAoR0eq-_MTt0Uu30cI2o7aqxc_LB13CEmXECZmLew29oOX2zgKht5T_BDFYvO353-2JClIWVhjUkovQxIhEEH4ItW2DLLkgjR4FzIrS0d2L_g8nmMJ_bt777/s1600/IMG_0812+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7vh976SBt7HXvoFcS1hLAoR0eq-_MTt0Uu30cI2o7aqxc_LB13CEmXECZmLew29oOX2zgKht5T_BDFYvO353-2JClIWVhjUkovQxIhEEH4ItW2DLLkgjR4FzIrS0d2L_g8nmMJ_bt777/s1600/IMG_0812+copy.jpg" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">just</span> love <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he quatrefoil pattern on the <span style="font-size: small;">divider - certainly <span style="font-size: small;">added <span style="font-size: small;">to the chicness.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<b>Posh Nails Magallanes</b> offers ultra luxurious pampering packages for
both hands and feet. Among the most in-demand services include the hand
spa, hand and arm scrub, foot scrub, foot and leg mask, foot spa,
reflexology, Posh spoiling, Basic Refresh, Green Tea pedicure, Coffee
pedicure, eyelash extension, Paraffin dip, nail art and waxing. </span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Posh Nails is the first spa chain in the Philippines to offer themed manicures
and pedicures such as Green Tea, Coffee, Chocolate lovers, Margarita,
Cremee Brulee and Citrus. Themed manicures and pedicures differ for each
month to keep clients excited and up to date with nail salon services
all across the globe. Posh Nails Magallanes also offers cocktail drinks, coffee,
tea, hot cocoa along with the themed service."</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<ul><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first thing I noticed <span style="font-size: small;">as soon as I took me seat on the couch, was how <span style="font-size: small;">immaculately clean the place was. <span style="font-size: small;">My <span style="font-size: small;">attendant</span> made sure to sanitize her hands before </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>she started my treatment. <span style="font-size: small;">She said that all the instruments were <span style="font-size: small;">sterilized</span> with a disinfectant after every use. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">She also shared <span style="font-size: small;">that </span></span>should you <span style="font-size: small;">have the desire for instant pampering</span></span></span></span>, and finding yourself dressed inappropriately (read: skinny jeans), <b>Posh Nail</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>s Magallanes</b> also offers the use of shorts and robes so you can avail of their services comfortably. </span>The <span style="font-size: small;">staff of <b>Posh Nails Magallanes</b> are very friendly and well-trained. My attenda<span style="font-size: small;">nt made my experience even more comfortable by offering a robe <span style="font-size: small;">and drinks. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After washing and soaking my feet for a few minutes, my attendant rubbed a mixture which looked and felt like a brown sugar scrub.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1W77H8m7IoErwu9JGuIdkddKaZBALO8FPVYyu5IAPWz9uC4RkqundfxPueCmPJM6zvfuC565apZZ32qMFt_1Js5nNi79RIMuidMhMYGIXjxzm3fIqFa6-ynqVn_63YCJH88qmW69bgoP/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1W77H8m7IoErwu9JGuIdkddKaZBALO8FPVYyu5IAPWz9uC4RkqundfxPueCmPJM6zvfuC565apZZ32qMFt_1Js5nNi79RIMuidMhMYGIXjxzm3fIqFa6-ynqVn_63YCJH88qmW69bgoP/s640/IMG_0816.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once it was all washed off, she began to apply this peppermint mas<span style="font-size: small;">k</span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljQupgOhPChHJ3OcZq71ikpCWS6tVa6Etkj3wyzGpiI1Zz1hn6w1O_ADMgB9qRAFW-X_K38fVWSrDJmIXqIsfcXoO_77HqaWlVnJIMcEk-7Xbr6dQzCZ-aXHoQNi6PkmVGVzd5scqFlSJ/s640/IMG_0817.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh3sCI44u6QvMnka_XhB815P-9gs5dUJDR7VKbyndXSajPUBSUaCk8aRPFv1806jHZ9hwZ7llIkZa7l98fFUuZxE3vFBEbUFrSi03aEppFBONEJbqb1bRPhr_WEkMb-LdmrJvZjBLXeJv/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh3sCI44u6QvMnka_XhB815P-9gs5dUJDR7VKbyndXSajPUBSUaCk8aRPFv1806jHZ9hwZ7llIkZa7l98fFUuZxE3vFBEbUFrSi03aEppFBONEJbqb1bRPhr_WEkMb-LdmrJvZjBLXeJv/s640/IMG_0819.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had the <span style="font-size: small;">hand and nail treatment, so I felt like a princess for close to an hour. Thanks so much <b>Posh Nails Magallanes</b> for thi<span style="font-size: small;">s lu<span style="font-size: small;">xurious treat!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The nail spa offers an all imported nail polish selection.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRmQ2_FL5ByFC398MM_UJSB3NJdvzzLyUq7QLD8pZgN3ZElVLk7iKtg_bHFiXUKmS3-tj9WWAa0i8_pJE0-ZDtPVkDN1C-MJgnmxjWb4X8l6k_hsqcPIlmAvzisJQHRrOb-fBaE4mW7dS/s1600/IMG_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRmQ2_FL5ByFC398MM_UJSB3NJdvzzLyUq7QLD8pZgN3ZElVLk7iKtg_bHFiXUKmS3-tj9WWAa0i8_pJE0-ZDtPVkDN1C-MJgnmxjWb4X8l6k_hsqcPIlmAvzisJQHRrOb-fBaE4mW7dS/s640/IMG_0818.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the affordable rates below!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziOZ__zRIVKmf36zKXtWsc0xqB8MsZZD0LqW9W0l_dNCCP1S1AKwtH-4_UqXAxs_5JsgbqGk6HoIwoOBU5uVmD7SpkIqTIGD-TJxCp2lhgoqvNWTZDlmnJZikTi5XwsqCA0Ved9910Sav/s1600/IMG_0815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziOZ__zRIVKmf36zKXtWsc0xqB8MsZZD0LqW9W0l_dNCCP1S1AKwtH-4_UqXAxs_5JsgbqGk6HoIwoOBU5uVmD7SpkIqTIGD-TJxCp2lhgoqvNWTZDlmnJZikTi5XwsqCA0Ved9910Sav/s640/IMG_0815.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/POSH-Nails-Hand-and-Foot-Spa-Magallanes/171304906327894?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Posh Nails Hand <span style="font-size: small;">& Foot Spa -Magallanes on Facebook</span></a> </span></i><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Posh Nails Hand <span style="font-size: small;">& Foot Spa -Magallanes</span></span></i></b><br />
3/F Unit 308 The Gateway Center, </div>
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Paseo De Magallanes, Magallanes Village, </div>
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Makati</div>
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Phone (02) 703 6517</div>
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Hours Mon - Sun: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm<br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-68423442275500621852013-01-17T08:00:00.000+08:002013-01-17T11:18:52.587+08:00Bento Mom<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back to school after the long Christmas break is usually an effort for me... back to waking up early to help the kids get ready for school, back to helping the youngest one with his lessons, and back to thinking of what to prepare for their lunch baon.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But for one of my mommy friends, back to school means that she is back as the resident cool mom, as far as her kids and their lunch-mates are concerned. You see since the last quarter of 2012, she has been churning out one creative bento lunch after another. Her kids have been the star of the school cafeteria, and even the lunch teachers have been looking forward to the daily bento creations.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqelzgqFSJ-4aQncSlM0gyA81O8wYs6sAvW1qcn6GLGxrR1RWHbwyV4ordahJC1DG5GQ-mkei8n1mtECChsZK2Iv0KqhAjjrvp8FVmUJOTOTsoYgbpSVxbmPB7_5dxJJIPV4jbaIHZR-DF/s1600/001+collage4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqelzgqFSJ-4aQncSlM0gyA81O8wYs6sAvW1qcn6GLGxrR1RWHbwyV4ordahJC1DG5GQ-mkei8n1mtECChsZK2Iv0KqhAjjrvp8FVmUJOTOTsoYgbpSVxbmPB7_5dxJJIPV4jbaIHZR-DF/s640/001+collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have known Che for as long as my youngest has started pre-nursery. We started out as co-parents and started talking, along with the rest of the other moms, as we waited for our kids to get dismissed. When our kids moved on to different big schools, we kept in touch with occasional breakfast dates, and our group's annual dice game and Christmas party. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUuHrqw8l33ahTaOfz3Sq2WL5QT6ZqRliGT-O4fNJygVjOSUV_5X5e3kzXt7UGvUQJRcw21ziIV6Xr0AGb7NYEx1nf1xze4RW-YuGX9chqy3jXzFhlQvceftE00jW7NlwVN0heDMA8Lpz/s1600/373886_10150994070995029_823673644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUuHrqw8l33ahTaOfz3Sq2WL5QT6ZqRliGT-O4fNJygVjOSUV_5X5e3kzXt7UGvUQJRcw21ziIV6Xr0AGb7NYEx1nf1xze4RW-YuGX9chqy3jXzFhlQvceftE00jW7NlwVN0heDMA8Lpz/s640/373886_10150994070995029_823673644_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This mom is as gorgeous as her bento box creations. <span style="font-size: small;">And of course, her "hard work</span>" pays of<span style="font-size: small;">f as she sees her <span style="font-size: small;">kids' lunch box wiped clean at the end of the day. <span style="font-size: small;">To complete her happiness, <b>the creative bento lunches have al</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>so encouraged her </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>daughters to try a wide variety of foods</b> that they would otherwise have turned their noses up<span style="font-size: small;">: <span style="font-size: small;">f</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>resh lettuce, uncooked carrots</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>, cucumber slices </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>that serve as garnish for the bentos are </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>now being eaten</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> - </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>without </b><span style="font-size: small;"><b>any fuss</b>. And that, for her, makes all the effort worth it!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDemaBw7ieLFgrgsJ3CGKrQ_JKCQluCs0-cLaeTJzeou9ZZOvSt0LeT4lw99rWAi8dLbHBYSpptEXNuJl6aGgJWp47SjJkkAn-Z18yTWPPCOXKT8fkHpkGtwG30GZLN6TJTmMp7-S9yh9A/s1600/che.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDemaBw7ieLFgrgsJ3CGKrQ_JKCQluCs0-cLaeTJzeou9ZZOvSt0LeT4lw99rWAi8dLbHBYSpptEXNuJl6aGgJWp47SjJkkAn-Z18yTWPPCOXKT8fkHpkGtwG30GZLN6TJTmMp7-S9yh9A/s640/che.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some samples of her creations, there are a lot more posted on her Facebook wall.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3Tn1X6xMQ9zOANWMCs-6Chq-DfwTImgVDrN1GinJpxrjZFsMZmRtkj_whnBln65a6KNBCexmuHccgqKnQAyCWdpVYDd3jyT43IkQQHvass5uSQRblvPXvk4CCjlGe1RkvUb1wpb6lLf6/s1600/Ninja+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3Tn1X6xMQ9zOANWMCs-6Chq-DfwTImgVDrN1GinJpxrjZFsMZmRtkj_whnBln65a6KNBCexmuHccgqKnQAyCWdpVYDd3jyT43IkQQHvass5uSQRblvPXvk4CCjlGe1RkvUb1wpb6lLf6/s640/Ninja+Girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoTo2POsBSshTxcKgIaQFtX-WXO4ix2gfw4ebi_IXiegVlJqCNj-Mk81fV7CWYd6nunvfT2g_E97t0tKKMjUEmcE3xUj-YWxZbNGThfYt85ZHk8gdXLz6y6D2sbJ9YMSaN6hyphenhyphengPxv7soH/s1600/001+collage+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoTo2POsBSshTxcKgIaQFtX-WXO4ix2gfw4ebi_IXiegVlJqCNj-Mk81fV7CWYd6nunvfT2g_E97t0tKKMjUEmcE3xUj-YWxZbNGThfYt85ZHk8gdXLz6y6D2sbJ9YMSaN6hyphenhyphengPxv7soH/s640/001+collage+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WRwezpTA9vSOL3lyFWO7oRiRW25STIlC16-1-2ltj_i-5VvoCqTSW10rj3Uvi5sqh7hg4h8bu3N3t2Vgv6x16k9QAQa6pp4vnDH169F5Wxv0Zk3CXQVrdT-IpZtDlzMs7Z36_upWm0-N/s1600/001+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WRwezpTA9vSOL3lyFWO7oRiRW25STIlC16-1-2ltj_i-5VvoCqTSW10rj3Uvi5sqh7hg4h8bu3N3t2Vgv6x16k9QAQa6pp4vnDH169F5Wxv0Zk3CXQVrdT-IpZtDlzMs7Z36_upWm0-N/s640/001+collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1GlJQQpWzklcizfkoXaVvnKQ8mLXpbiB7T0-nTngna33toAI6x2LPX-0pBgOY0Uj5_dse2xlLHmMAJuZrymB8EnhOwdYc3jAw04KGBCZj711qT5BggK7OoH1PtRV9ONCQ56ujA-LrmV3/s1600/001+collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1GlJQQpWzklcizfkoXaVvnKQ8mLXpbiB7T0-nTngna33toAI6x2LPX-0pBgOY0Uj5_dse2xlLHmMAJuZrymB8EnhOwdYc3jAw04KGBCZj711qT5BggK7OoH1PtRV9ONCQ56ujA-LrmV3/s640/001+collage+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And <span style="font-size: small;">one of my favorite<span style="font-size: small;">s... the Japanese girls.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqelzgqFSJ-4aQncSlM0gyA81O8wYs6sAvW1qcn6GLGxrR1RWHbwyV4ordahJC1DG5GQ-mkei8n1mtECChsZK2Iv0KqhAjjrvp8FVmUJOTOTsoYgbpSVxbmPB7_5dxJJIPV4jbaIHZR-DF/s1600/001+collage4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqelzgqFSJ-4aQncSlM0gyA81O8wYs6sAvW1qcn6GLGxrR1RWHbwyV4ordahJC1DG5GQ-mkei8n1mtECChsZK2Iv0KqhAjjrvp8FVmUJOTOTsoYgbpSVxbmPB7_5dxJJIPV4jbaIHZR-DF/s640/001+collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Here is a short Q & A with Che:</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) <b>How long have you been doing bento lunches? What made you start in the first place?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>I started doing bento lunches just recently, sometime September this year. I was prompted to try it when I saw a post from my friend in Cebu who was creating bento lunches for her kids. They were really cute and healthy. So I told myself, maybe I can do it for the kids too.</i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.) <b>How long is your prep time? How does the entire process go? Any tips to speed things up?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>It takes me about an hour and a half to make two sets. A longer time would be ideal so you can enjoy making it. Haha! I start at 4AM and I end or have to end at 5:30 since I have to wake the kids up and give my little one a bath. I usually begin by steaming the rice early. While it is in the cooker, I cook all the other food like the meat and the veggies. I also boil the carrots and fry the eggs, which I mostly use to decorate my bento. When the rice is cooked and cooled, I mould them using a rice mould or with a cling film in whatever animal or character I have for my design. </i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>To speed things up, I usually boil the eggs the night before if I need them for the bento. I just warm them on top of my steaming rice in the morning. Sometimes, I pre-cut hard designs at night and stick them on cling film like the ninja’s bangs in one of my bentos. I called that one a challenge because I used tomato skin for the bangs, and it was very difficult to cut. Also, a well-planned design should be ready at night. I draw my designs at night and label everything as to what I’m going to use for each part. If I’m not sure how it looks, I sometimes colour my design. So come morning, I know exactly what to do and what I need for my bento.</i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.) <b>Where do you find inspiration for your intricately designed bentos?</b></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>There are dozens of bento makers on the internet. I get inspiration from them. I also get ideas from the kid’s toys, books and other stuff. When I’m out and I see something cute, it automatically becomes a part of my bento list. J I am always on the lookout for ideas. Everything becomes an inspiration. </i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.) <b>What are the essential props and where do you get them?</b></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>The most common bento items that are needed are lunchboxes of different shapes and sizes, rice mould, food cutters, dish cups, and food picks. Locally, I get them from Japanese stores like Daiso, Japan Home and Saizen. But since there isn’t much bento supplies found here in the Philippines, I bought a few online from Bento sites.</i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.) <b>What kind of food do you include in your bento? Is the food temp still a concern for you/your kids? Do they take their food hot/warm/cold?</b></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>There are a variety of foods that can be included in a bento. Mine consists of some part meat like tender cuts of chicken, beef and pork , seafood like shrimps and fish, vegetables ( beans, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, etc.), pasta ( not tomato based ), egg, fruits and a little sweet treat. </i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The kids take their food in room temperature. Since I make it very early in the morning, the heat doesn’t last till lunchtime. It’s a good thing that the kids are already used to taking their lunch in this temp even before I started doing bento lunches. Actually, bento lunches can be heated on a microwave oven but the school canteen has no provision for that.</i></span></span></span> <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6.) <b>Are your kids the envy of the lunch room? How do they show their appreciation?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- <i>Haha! Yeah, they are already the talk of the school canteen. J Some teachers take photos of their lunch box. Even if it’s not my schedule to make bento lunch, the kids ask if I could make again the following day because their teacher will take some photos. The kids love their bento lunches and they show me their appreciation by “trying” to finish it. And I can see also that they are more open now to trying out new food. They make me happy when they say they’ve finished their veggies or even simply by trying out a slice of carrot. My daughter learned to eat fresh lettuce too, even if I just used it for lining the lunchbox. Kidding aside, they remember to bring back my decorative props and not give it out to their friends. Haha! </i></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Che, this post serves as a reminder that Iam waiting for your tutorial on DIY Bento Lunch.</span></span></span></div>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-1128195404287340572013-01-08T19:30:00.000+08:002014-01-10T12:46:57.214+08:00Iloilo: Where To Eat & What Pasalubong To Buy<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My blog has moved. Please read more post at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the phenomenal mama</a>. I hope you follow me there to read NEW posts!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">lloilo sits on the southern shores of Panay Island; and the city itself is just across the Guimaras Island, so naturally, fresh seafood is in abundance. I've been to Iloilo before, a very long time ago<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> but I still remember those seaside restaurants serving fresh seafoods with fondness. Coming to Iloilo <span style="font-size: small;">this time around</span>, I was expectedly looking forward to reliving those memories. And this trip had a lot of those deja vu moments of food glory.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a few hours after our plane landed, a swimming co-parent who hails from Iloilo whisked us off for an early lunch at <b>Tatoy's Manokan</b>. It is an unassuming and rustic-looking restaurant, but is one of Iloilo's best seafood restaurant<b><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kaTug6VCz7LsG09EyGv0g3vgzwYB_mZFmxrHIMnsCg13DHZonQth1ZS1Q6SqYCSW4ZHizefud-QrdvVCHdnVpP3z2zLcaKW8RWsHJwEgyYcVrrc7QQBr_-xDUjEjybCp8JqYJsX1nbXi/s1600/IMG_0368.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kaTug6VCz7LsG09EyGv0g3vgzwYB_mZFmxrHIMnsCg13DHZonQth1ZS1Q6SqYCSW4ZHizefud-QrdvVCHdnVpP3z2zLcaKW8RWsHJwEgyYcVrrc7QQBr_-xDUjEjybCp8JqYJsX1nbXi/s640/IMG_0368.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ordering is easy, just point to whatever is on the display stand.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnlOGEd033v-VJr6siEvSDtCYKlTWEdRXK-Eyr-8kVlEHusDzV-AYz2poXStUmvJzjlRn2tTR3WeODCADtK53tCkkY1KsluMBGbv_znEwsKL153sZEbL045-pLNyKmC8hhw9fxW7izrt5/s1600/IMG_0372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnlOGEd033v-VJr6siEvSDtCYKlTWEdRXK-Eyr-8kVlEHusDzV-AYz2poXStUmvJzjlRn2tTR3WeODCADtK53tCkkY1KsluMBGbv_znEwsKL153sZEbL045-pLNyKmC8hhw9fxW7izrt5/s640/IMG_0372.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had our lunch in one of the nipa huts across the street, which offered us a wonderful view of the sea and Guimaras Island further across.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5w3MihoHn3Qhxsnqt_n4PopZj-sZYbgZYn66SiQ_doW3eexyjdgNm2dGfOV6ZKiKzeOyhCSVJCKauHn1bsOuB_9nzT_8FvDkIW1w1jQFg2Xqo8KQ-jcl3-pVlM_3HqrfMr6qe8S5IgWn/s1600/tatoys+beachfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5w3MihoHn3Qhxsnqt_n4PopZj-sZYbgZYn66SiQ_doW3eexyjdgNm2dGfOV6ZKiKzeOyhCSVJCKauHn1bsOuB_9nzT_8FvDkIW1w1jQFg2Xqo8KQ-jcl3-pVlM_3HqrfMr6qe8S5IgWn/s640/tatoys+beachfront.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl8g4Pp1XO3etf2fS28bbqtd5AgH9BQz6mqeY2gqcpzC5KvWQJ1A2WwcZ3fv28miycQ_PhR58pf2VgVHtsnEEE58gfNRn_jFq77u0PkxCCyXpz5eVA2ROUQPng9XSSskbJ8JDm5s3r1kL/s1600/IMG_0380+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl8g4Pp1XO3etf2fS28bbqtd5AgH9BQz6mqeY2gqcpzC5KvWQJ1A2WwcZ3fv28miycQ_PhR58pf2VgVHtsnEEE58gfNRn_jFq77u0PkxCCyXpz5eVA2ROUQPng9XSSskbJ8JDm5s3r1kL/s640/IMG_0380+copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At <b>Tatoy's</b>, I simply can't get enough of the <b>fresh oysters</b> dipped in spiced vinegar, the <b>baked scallops</b><b>, lechon baboy, lechon manok </b>(house specialty... <b><b><span style="font-size: small;">it's </span></b>Tatoy's Manokan, </b>after all), and the best <b>grilled Managat</b>. The <b>Grilled Managat </b>is one of the best tasting dish I have ever come across during my visit to Iloilo. The fish is very meaty and sweet. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their <b>Bake</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>d Scallops</b> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">is among the best I've ever tasted</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. A lot of restaurants </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">have these on the menu, but the seasoning of Tatoy's is different; the mixture of calamansi, butter, garlic and cheese is just so yummy<span style="font-size: small;"> my plate was full of scallop shells when the meal was over.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1vJZXl0OnDaYHEZliF6dxwDo3ASlLAaAi0DWRnXM8kbVyI5lwb-qmzRfXnurViEQurmXPjR5qi1k7nQyDw30aHZ1ZMjF_iWWKCKEUPcjKrNDY_EkURyxX1ksQwGhb7Zt1YQuLdEzyV92/s1600/IMG_0396+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1vJZXl0OnDaYHEZliF6dxwDo3ASlLAaAi0DWRnXM8kbVyI5lwb-qmzRfXnurViEQurmXPjR5qi1k7nQyDw30aHZ1ZMjF_iWWKCKEUPcjKrNDY_EkURyxX1ksQwGhb7Zt1YQuLdEzyV92/s640/IMG_0396+copy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The kids were amazed that fresh buko juice is served with the husk, and so a flurry to take instagram photos ensued.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9aKGyJVIBusr5M1YzcauSZpSHbm-SJlG6AB2RmLBKN6x1CU11Q1Y2xueUuahG2-qvo9AbSUs5bhf50SDVHSQDZYpBZXjU-dYEjo-YPtGiotJn0MFToV_A1S-hGAFuZ_LnZme-AN79eo2/s1600/buko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9aKGyJVIBusr5M1YzcauSZpSHbm-SJlG6AB2RmLBKN6x1CU11Q1Y2xueUuahG2-qvo9AbSUs5bhf50SDVHSQDZYpBZXjU-dYEjo-YPtGiotJn0MFToV_A1S-hGAFuZ_LnZme-AN79eo2/s640/buko.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still, <span style="font-size: small;">another</span> <span style="font-size: small;">seaside</span> restaurant <span style="font-size: small;">that is one every visi<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">tor's</span> must-visit list is </span></span><b>Breakthrough</b>. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">T</span>his restuarant is similar to Tatoy's<span style="font-size: small;">, but the seashore is <span style="font-size: small;">more conducive to walking around </span>and the view more scenic.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gBawPOAaggrYs-eerKDMT0eC3UQmq7i-nago57XWdGgc-NVDdwEu0ihmENoHCRTZkCVxdQQ4qRa6Omyx77tKzRJbGXq-EfHHWXTDBLqcxNya6diPPPxZ0sDZF_cFSlsc7krxpEnUk_nr/s1600/breakthrough+shoreline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gBawPOAaggrYs-eerKDMT0eC3UQmq7i-nago57XWdGgc-NVDdwEu0ihmENoHCRTZkCVxdQQ4qRa6Omyx77tKzRJbGXq-EfHHWXTDBLqcxNya6diPPPxZ0sDZF_cFSlsc7krxpEnUk_nr/s640/breakthrough+shoreline.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydfNDOJ14UarOLEHooSnrEXWTl7NAtNC5ec5-oxzaRAnJgK3vCU-pZMFzB4vboCKetoAB3vD3Z6UfZLGoU6RoHrUByRujyLf47Q3K5QJFXM2i61dsHRReAwkKJbfvkMG2AzHQI89OV5Gz/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydfNDOJ14UarOLEHooSnrEXWTl7NAtNC5ec5-oxzaRAnJgK3vCU-pZMFzB4vboCKetoAB3vD3Z6UfZLGoU6RoHrUByRujyLf47Q3K5QJFXM2i61dsHRReAwkKJbfvkMG2AzHQI89OV5Gz/s1600/IMG_0518.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">I had another taste of my favorite<span style="font-size: small;">, Grilled Managat.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpD-NVHsWG-VYGCOZBT-AUblyiyRJ5Mo79iw314o3vWIBqOjQb7KXq5OsidAT3MayLUs788elir-RGXtXXReD19im4u5t7CevhbcWmXdiM1uP6rjnk2JSYl3OqrqDl6eaXZ80tknbVrLP/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpD-NVHsWG-VYGCOZBT-AUblyiyRJ5Mo79iw314o3vWIBqOjQb7KXq5OsidAT3MayLUs788elir-RGXtXXReD19im4u5t7CevhbcWmXdiM1uP6rjnk2JSYl3OqrqDl6eaXZ80tknbVrLP/s400/Untitled-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another dinner was hosted for us at <b>Bauhinia</b>, <span style="font-size: small;">located with</span>in the complex of Smallville. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The family of one of our swim co-parents own the strip of <span style="font-size: small;">restaurants located at <span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Avenue</b>, within the <span style="font-size: small;">lively </span>Smallville complex.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>e were able to sample an array of specialty dishes in the <span style="font-size: small;">b</span>uffet dinner prepared for us that night. We got to taste the ribs that <b>Mojave Grill<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">& Steak House</span></span></b> is known for. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dessert that night was<span style="font-size: small;"> from <b>Tinapayan Bakeshop</b><span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">The Banana Cream Pie and Mango Pavlova was <span style="font-size: small;">a worthy excuse to pile on extra calories. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><u><i></i></u><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"></span></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3fgmJU6OsJPlE1Y1XQ7kUqgKpP37gYN1Zed69ryT5kM6kM3urXzgOYdRoApoHDxXnrjfBsELaGoR74ZoLjYRrNkh0HKl7fGAkl5C23Qdn1wKeiXCpx6ZicSyuVkKiN0dfY67bHzQlzM1/s1600/bauhinia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3fgmJU6OsJPlE1Y1XQ7kUqgKpP37gYN1Zed69ryT5kM6kM3urXzgOYdRoApoHDxXnrjfBsELaGoR74ZoLjYRrNkh0HKl7fGAkl5C23Qdn1wKeiXCpx6ZicSyuVkKiN0dfY67bHzQlzM1/s640/bauhinia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Smal<span style="font-size: small;">lville complex also has <span style="font-size: small;">a hotel within the vicinity, the <b>Smallville 21 Hotel</b>. </span>Some of the swimmers <span style="font-size: small;">who </span>stayed in this hotel</span> liked the accomodation<span style="font-size: small;">. While I haven't seen the interiors, <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he hotel is relatively new <span style="font-size: small;">so I am sure the rooms are very comfortable. <span style="font-size: small;">It is </span>located in an ar<span style="font-size: small;">ea <span style="font-size: small;">that is </span>known for <span style="font-size: small;">being <span style="font-size: small;">the premier entertainment and dining center in the city. I can <span style="font-size: small;">safely assume that <span style="font-size: small;">because</span> of its proximity to the dance clubs and <span style="font-size: small;">KTV family </span>bars<span style="font-size: small;">, hotel guest can expect some<span style="font-size: small;"> noise <span style="font-size: small;">especially</span> on weekends. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJET_5a7XZmhbAi9G_N75oWvBT4pSrSMjY6bB63abh5IPw_f6Scv5m-E3H-xdwTl_I8ih9s9-r0Xwwl_i09NZOLqqB8l8Xb-0y2aXE-7IwQ65Zf389yxi1qz1d0oq6nNOSHsDdYc6pUIgf/s1600/smalville.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJET_5a7XZmhbAi9G_N75oWvBT4pSrSMjY6bB63abh5IPw_f6Scv5m-E3H-xdwTl_I8ih9s9-r0Xwwl_i09NZOLqqB8l8Xb-0y2aXE-7IwQ65Zf389yxi1qz1d0oq6nNOSHsDdYc6pUIgf/s640/smalville.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, no visit to Iloilo will be complete without <span style="font-size: small;">having the Lapaz Batchoy. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We ate at Deco's Lapaz Batchoy because it was <span style="font-size: small;">also conveniently be<span style="font-size: small;">side <span style="font-size: small;">the pasalubong store. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Just to be honest, I d<span style="font-size: small;">id not find anything spec<span style="font-size: small;">tacular to rave about, but maybe it's just me.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UrcD0SywxpiEP4v8MiV1Nku48zWfeGemXXzkAzLarE31uNOlgfmubBf9UVLqW8243usphq1vtlMPHiBRUM6A1CumN04SAQx6WYTx6X6Lk_u0NwTZCBBhnVfcCKizdb50T67m3oc1Cv91/s1600/batchoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UrcD0SywxpiEP4v8MiV1Nku48zWfeGemXXzkAzLarE31uNOlgfmubBf9UVLqW8243usphq1vtlMPHiBRUM6A1CumN04SAQx6WYTx6X6Lk_u0NwTZCBBhnVfcCKizdb50T67m3oc1Cv91/s640/batchoy.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I did all of my pasalubong shopping at <b>Deco's Pasalubong Shop</b>. After<span style="font-size: small;"> the group had l<span style="font-size: small;">unch at Deco's <span style="font-size: small;">Lapaz </span>Batchoy, <span style="font-size: small;">we went next door<span style="font-size: small;"> to buy our pasalubongs. <span style="font-size: small;">It made shopping for pasalubongs so convenient<span style="font-size: small;"> since all of Iloilo's most famous delicacies are now housed in one store. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The products include the famous butterscotch, barquillos, biscocho,
<span style="font-size: small;">cri<span style="font-size: small;">s</span>py squid<span style="font-size: small;"> rings</span>, </span>preserved foods and pinasugbo from Biscocho Haus, Panaderia de Molo,
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span></span>Trappist Monastery Food Products,
Wewins, JD Bakeshop, Rosy's Delicacies, PJ Delicacies, Deocampo
Barquillos Mama's Kitchen and Mrs. Fudge.</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They <span style="font-size: small;">can even put it all in a box for you to make sure that <span style="font-size: small;">a</span>ll the yummy treats stay in its original condition and can withstand the airplane transport.</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxqZEQIqCwKuTCVsPjrxXaIspjdWHjc2Jda9TVbRcIJsV9xUhXAjoDhlZn1IbpPDPXR9szLKgqg2Wd1i6uYfTczNLXXgbvCitPM8WlBzZ_jOzUUHCpvh_8O4aROi0hcMzR7zKpIFUH_E1/s1600/IMG_0533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxqZEQIqCwKuTCVsPjrxXaIspjdWHjc2Jda9TVbRcIJsV9xUhXAjoDhlZn1IbpPDPXR9szLKgqg2Wd1i6uYfTczNLXXgbvCitPM8WlBzZ_jOzUUHCpvh_8O4aROi0hcMzR7zKpIFUH_E1/s640/IMG_0533.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant</span></span></span></b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="streetAddress">Villa<span style="font-size: small;"> Beach</span>, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span itemprop="streetAddress">Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City</span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>BREAKTHROUGH Iloilo</b></span><br />Villa Beach, Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo, Philippines</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b><u>Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine</u> </b>and<b> <u>Mojave Grill and Steak House</u></b><br />Smallville Complex, Diversion Road, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DECO'S Lapaz B<span style="font-size: small;">a</span>tchoy</span></span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span itemprop="streetAddress">La Sallette Bldg. Valeria St. Iloilo City</span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-58001168670897979672013-01-03T19:30:00.000+08:002014-01-10T12:49:43.295+08:00Iloilo: Where To Stay<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My blog has moved. Please read more post at <a href="http://thephenomenalmama.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the phenomenal mama</a>. I hope you follow me there to read NEW posts!</b></span> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I initially planned to do a travelogue on the province, thinking that our 5 day stay there for the <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2012/12/iloilo-batang-pinoy-national-champs-2012.html" target="_blank">Batang Pinoy National Championship</a> would provide sufficient time to squeeze in a city tour<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> but quickly realized after having spent half-day cheering my daughter on by the poolside, under the humid Iloilo sun, I was too pooped to actually go around the city. Nevertheless, I was lucky to be in the company of some great people who managed to make our stay there fun and super-comfortable. So even if I can't share city sights with you, you will still be getting the dish on Iloilo's must-visit restaurants in my next post. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We took PAL's first flight out, and got to the province at the first crack of day. Typhoon Sendong was making its arrival the same day, and expected to make landfall early evening. While, it did spare Iloilo from its wrath, the other provinces were not as lucky. News reports days later tagged <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/242058/news/nation/sendong-among-deadliest-cyclones-to-enter-phl-in-12-years" target="_blank">Typhoon Sendong as among the deadliest cyclones to hit the Philippines</a>. So lucky<span style="font-size: small;"> for us that</span> <span style="font-size: small;">the <span style="font-size: small;">ty<span style="font-size: small;">p</span>hoon's path </span></span>spared Iloilo! <span style="font-size: small;">Look</span> at the flooded streets of the nearby province<span style="font-size: small;"> of Cagayan de Oro</span>.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACIENN8skjMncVMskUIbx49iuioWgI1WexdwiBn8K-Iy6Qytd35UeaL2miFTVpGTY8zGgL5c3xHOPXRP5hP1SqJzVVaPDfmQY4yf5aNwRfuNRUoPgJyP4ll3ZjvgkzI5ZcO_EFZDK8gOr/s1600/cagayan-de-oro-sendong-aftermath-i12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACIENN8skjMncVMskUIbx49iuioWgI1WexdwiBn8K-Iy6Qytd35UeaL2miFTVpGTY8zGgL5c3xHOPXRP5hP1SqJzVVaPDfmQY4yf5aNwRfuNRUoPgJyP4ll3ZjvgkzI5ZcO_EFZDK8gOr/s640/cagayan-de-oro-sendong-aftermath-i12.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, to move along... </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For now, I wi<span style="font-size: small;">ll post about where we stayed.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stayed at the <a href="http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/philippines/iloilo-city/days-hotel-iloilo/photos-video?partner_id=&hotel_id=10433&campaign_code=&propId=DI10433&checkout_date&brand_id=DI&children=0&corporate_id=&ratePlan=BAR&teens=0&affiliate_id=&iata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1" target="_blank"><b>Days Hotel</b></a>, <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> booked the <b>classic deluxe room</b>, <span style="font-size: small;">which</span> we found roomy for its class. Our room had two double beds, which could easily have accommodated a family of four. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is how the <b>classic deluxe room</b> looks like</span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTFE8MGPGQCkAqgWcBsg6UkzmVxirOerd2fZQKdBCOpIKDfObf51tdAqC71GrZKgQm2Ug0-froMpZ67EpUzyCJ5bDPKy_R5-mdtjONel7sy3Ml3r9IxmAXKjEnhvrsm9UTNVjGpFWAqUH/s1600/days+hote+room.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTFE8MGPGQCkAqgWcBsg6UkzmVxirOerd2fZQKdBCOpIKDfObf51tdAqC71GrZKgQm2Ug0-froMpZ67EpUzyCJ5bDPKy_R5-mdtjONel7sy3Ml3r9IxmAXKjEnhvrsm9UTNVjGpFWAqUH/s400/days+hote+room.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/philippines/iloilo-city/days-hotel-iloilo/photos-video?partner_id=&hotel_id=10433&campaign_code=&propId=DI10433&checkout_date&brand_id=DI&children=0&corporate_id=&ratePlan=BAR&teens=0&affiliate_id=&iata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1" target="_blank">image source</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is how the <b>modern deluxe room</b> looks like. </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa9rXu6bRUvazpD-nsHMJ5XTviZ3l1N3XACfbGypkbe3Rhr1YuYBacwBgGdGP2KlGgfCd9vjbR8G59Wm8bbpV-E42T3PdAA3H7fT_Wy2AaFrbjF2byyhJ9wUlb8tMFt7NCzySPjl1nUa0/s1600/days+modern+de+luxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa9rXu6bRUvazpD-nsHMJ5XTviZ3l1N3XACfbGypkbe3Rhr1YuYBacwBgGdGP2KlGgfCd9vjbR8G59Wm8bbpV-E42T3PdAA3H7fT_Wy2AaFrbjF2byyhJ9wUlb8tMFt7NCzySPjl1nUa0/s400/days+modern+de+luxe.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.agoda.com/asia/philippines/iloilo_guimaras/days_hotel_iloilo.html?asq=Ib2XeL9%2bj8%2f3lSu%2bVCua%2bUkkeDAFT1Q1gG%2fNgAY6HdE0sQ4Vih63NU0Ys4R4syVkSmtAb9zy6ZEx%2fuCnWoIpChEe0ZfKPKcpoUt5PK%2fJSscw%2bwoH9QOYf%2buU3nz3WDav4FapfX9K11iZ%2fSrljSbdh7hFEtCXJswL1fr94UmuCjg%3d" target="_blank">image source</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The classic deluxe room wasn't as pretty as the refurbished room, which they called modern deluxe room,
but I figured if I took out the tacky green duvet, the room won't
look as bad. And I am right! Save for the headboard, lamps, <span style="font-size: small;">duvet cover</span> and the outdated
upholstery, the rooms are seemingly identical. </span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHQ1hwwQrTbCDPtT2J3K5DwXP7WC9sGe_czfrkzHAOmtg1M2eOPscUSXFQUMbQzj3xFJMlgnc2J1jqdFBwjv31mSpBXWl0Vc3YiVKRT9MHNUkTA7WFyBG4o_j9mXSbaf9O4SofqHPRTey/s1600/IMG_0361+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHQ1hwwQrTbCDPtT2J3K5DwXP7WC9sGe_czfrkzHAOmtg1M2eOPscUSXFQUMbQzj3xFJMlgnc2J1jqdFBwjv31mSpBXWl0Vc3YiVKRT9MHNUkTA7WFyBG4o_j9mXSbaf9O4SofqHPRTey/s400/IMG_0361+copy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">look at the difference it made to the room with the tacky duvet half-drawn down</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the rooms are clean and well-maintained, the <span style="font-size: small;">lighting could be improved on. </span> </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you'</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ve read my blog post about <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2012/01/singapore-2011-where-to-stay-how-to-get.html" target="_blank">Swissotel @ The Stamford</a> when we celebrated the holidays last 2011 in Singapore right <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2012/01/singapore-2011-where-to-stay-how-to-get.html" target="_blank">here</a>, you'd know my preference for a bright room. Nothing that a request to housekeeping can't fix. <b>The <span style="font-size: small;">true gem of <span style="font-size: small;">Days Hotel is clearly the </span></span>wonderful and accommodating hotel staff, all armed with that <span style="font-size: small;">distinct</span> Ilonggo hospitality.</b> <span style="font-size: small;"> The housekeeping staff quickly</span> provided my room with bulbs of higher wattage and even added a floor lamp. </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
also has a sitting corner and an office desk, which we found very
useful as J needed to review/ do advance study after the day's
competition to make up for the long absence from school.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our ro<span style="font-size: small;">om came </span>without window views<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> I opened up the curtain to a blank wall. But the lack of view did not really matter to me. The bathroom is adequately sized, with the toiletries being refilled everyday. We brought our own body gels and shampoos, and just used up the hotel's hand soap, but the staff kept refilling the hand soap each day with a new one. The open closet was provisioned with several hangers. And there was even a safe where to put one's valuables in the
comfort of the room, though I did no bother to use this amenity. <span style="font-size: small;"></span>They claim to offer free wi-fi<span style="font-size: small;">, but <span style="font-size: small;">the signal was choppy<span style="font-size: small;">, at best. </span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our hotel stay came with daily complimentary breakfast. <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>here are a lot of food choices, but I am a creature of habit; if available, I usually start my breakfast buffet with congee. <span style="font-size: small;">O</span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ne of my best Iloilo memories is having authentic Filipino/Ilonggo breakfast while
watching the early morning traffic <span style="font-size: small;">from the window <span style="font-size: small;">across</span> my table.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF05HWp1DdhY-FbP-KrnwYzHeUyKnDO3hl6c0XDjQqdN8_edhUTTfvauqz93lbzXdAjVxFLy9Zxy-PysnMY5mcZ4MSdP2KARvOY1k-wBNhTmFZSElLfm23-SIsGXQjAm8fVy9koK_v1Xgv/s1600/IMG_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF05HWp1DdhY-FbP-KrnwYzHeUyKnDO3hl6c0XDjQqdN8_edhUTTfvauqz93lbzXdAjVxFLy9Zxy-PysnMY5mcZ4MSdP2KARvOY1k-wBNhTmFZSElLfm23-SIsGXQjAm8fVy9koK_v1Xgv/s400/IMG_0525.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Days Hotel</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">right
at the heart of a very busy commercial area. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> three-star h<span style="font-size: small;">ot<span style="font-size: small;">el<span style="font-size: small;">'s layout <span style="font-size: small;">can be confusing initially as i</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">t sits on top of the
<b>Atrium Mall</b>, with the hotel lobby at the fourth level of the mall, and the <span style="font-size: small;">guest rooms on the fifth level. </span> The first to third level house a
mini mall which includes a grocery, and food court. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaESSjwhO4c9M19P5YTk343Jbe12FZPxcdCUW7L5YaTwbJQIJga2F01tyMmqWHPnEOicKtrIry-lTgkl1L0IBCUINajvsorxblByxguNiwmIPnLiifO3ISVEh4qtgUN3BQ7IX6qouWbXn9/s1600/days+hotel+lobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaESSjwhO4c9M19P5YTk343Jbe12FZPxcdCUW7L5YaTwbJQIJga2F01tyMmqWHPnEOicKtrIry-lTgkl1L0IBCUINajvsorxblByxguNiwmIPnLiifO3ISVEh4qtgUN3BQ7IX6qouWbXn9/s400/days+hotel+lobby.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/philippines/iloilo-city/days-hotel-iloilo/photos-video?partner_id=&hotel_id=10433&campaign_code=&propId=DI10433&checkout_date&brand_id=DI&children=0&corporate_id=&ratePlan=BAR&teens=0&affiliate_id=&iata=&rate_code=&adults=1&checkin_date&rooms=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hotel lobby. </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image source</span></a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="font-size: small;">f I </span></span>would go back to Iloilo next time, I would definitely stay here again. The <span style="font-size: small;">room</span> rates are very affordable, and <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he <span style="font-size: small;">hotel's location makes for convenient travel for everyone: t</span>he grocery store on
the first floor, the <span style="font-size: small;">st</span>eady stream of cabs on the street fronting the hotel, <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he free breakfast buffet<span style="font-size: small;">, the <span style="font-size: small;">food court on the lower level. And <span style="font-size: small;">not to mention that </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>SM Delgado</b> <span style="font-size: small;">i</span>s just a few walks away. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Days Hotel Iloilo</b><br />Address: : 4F The Atrium Mall, Gen Luna St., Iloilo City<br /> Phone: 63-33-3373297</span></span></span>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-62340717404954758732012-12-30T08:30:00.000+08:002012-12-30T08:30:00.649+08:00Christmas Eve Dinner 2012<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the last several years, we have been out of the country during Christmas. But since we stayed home this year, I was able to personally prepare our Christmas eve dinner. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember a few years back we had a <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-eve-buffet-dinner.html" target="_blank">Christmas eve buffet dinner </a><a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/02/christmas-eve-buffet-dinner.html" target="_blank">in Hong Kong</a>, I didn't fully appreciate the food spread because of the limited time available. Add to the fact the two younger ones were so much younger then, and needed more assistance. Eating at home is so much more relaxed. It is made more enjoyable if, like me, you also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I decided that ALL the food are going to be home-made, I started prep work in the kitchen mid-afternoon to make sure that <span style="font-size: small;">I</span> won't be hurried. I wanted to enjoy the process since I was going to make it for my family for Christmas Eve. after all. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pardon the photos since they were all just taken with my daughter's iPhone cam. As you know, my hands are tied in the kitchen.... <span style="font-size: small;">So anyway, here<span style="font-size: small;">'s what we had for our simple celebration:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">C</span>aprese <span style="font-size: small;">S</span>alad on <span style="font-size: small;">S</span>kewers.</b> Grape tomatoes, basil leaves, truffle noir cheese, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, generous sprinkle of freshly ground peppercorns and sea salt. This is a family staple<span style="font-size: small;">, even on ordinary days as this is so easy to prepare, and the flavors just pop in one mouthful.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG6ZNh1_H4IDgK1O7zuRoQM4nfNEJDnu9zSIn097IKZMB72B9aYUInaKZ0OMTimASG1SZlN3eNhVEt6888R6KzXHRMNf5jlhne1_S-QGnTxPlxpGVGYq6Oi3ljGfYklUe8OJbJv1LgsZS/s1600/caprese+skewers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG6ZNh1_H4IDgK1O7zuRoQM4nfNEJDnu9zSIn097IKZMB72B9aYUInaKZ0OMTimASG1SZlN3eNhVEt6888R6KzXHRMNf5jlhne1_S-QGnTxPlxpGVGYq6Oi3ljGfYklUe8OJbJv1LgsZS/s640/caprese+skewers.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z8oGPU1vZVZ64s-oIH-963acrEy6q_c_B_Z0Gq-miq4QCqY_c1LuX2SufZj2cRPI9ytLWsmI83-tmOV2Yhs-p75FiJWyRd_WMcEhyB_8Rt48i5CAcwqyjYzADWIeHzkxcNPMFt4RZA22/s1600/baked+brie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baked Brie with <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>ruff<span style="font-size: small;">le <span style="font-size: small;">M</span>ushroom<span style="font-size: small;">, topped with <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>oasted <span style="font-size: small;">H</span>oney <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>lmonds. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">You cannot see it here but underneath those roasted<span style="font-size: small;"> almonds is a layer of crusted brown sugar. <span style="font-size: small;">This is hands down the favorite dish of the night. So easy to prepare<span style="font-size: small;">, but it made my family think the world of me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJdyStlv8id_B3HLMfAfvrC7edeKP1p_k6KNMZ2MnuVVK2XgR757GkSJjBrLydCocK2i7OaJ1RbORGkjP2n5Y0ztEnL5e2UxeoZvQCnNMQrc-NL9VR14UYgAf3IMqvv-xtsWHUYmK0AFJ/s1600/brie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJdyStlv8id_B3HLMfAfvrC7edeKP1p_k6KNMZ2MnuVVK2XgR757GkSJjBrLydCocK2i7OaJ1RbORGkjP2n5Y0ztEnL5e2UxeoZvQCnNMQrc-NL9VR14UYgAf3IMqvv-xtsWHUYmK0AFJ/s400/brie.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baked pears with caramelized balamic vinegar topped with crumbled <span style="font-size: small;">stilton cheese</span> and pistachios. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The kids usually <span style="font-size: small;">refuse to eat any kind of blue cheese, but somehow this one was tolerated<span style="font-size: small;"> somewhat... or they were just being cooperative and grateful<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJACgPBcFqnJEn9OjWLjcHIFDIxDG1ppzlLOFK07Wfyvlb6L3y5ZEjnCgnHsM9fP4xLXBbX6U4VoGqZ0GzwQRBGJFC7uDlNweD5ViI1B7knZpmgQilFo-A1JkvchHO_L_TtsLbRQ37og9/s1600/baked+pear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJACgPBcFqnJEn9OjWLjcHIFDIxDG1ppzlLOFK07Wfyvlb6L3y5ZEjnCgnHsM9fP4xLXBbX6U4VoGqZ0GzwQRBGJFC7uDlNweD5ViI1B7knZpmgQilFo-A1JkvchHO_L_TtsLbRQ37og9/s640/baked+pear.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Roasted chicken with garlic and lemons. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This <span style="font-size: small;">roasted chicken is another family favorite, and <span style="font-size: small;">on the few <span style="font-size: small;">occasions that ther<span style="font-size: small;">e are leftovers, I find that they taste even better the next day.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQNGMz95sWGfEdFxtNSfwpVVxTPu4A-fwKzhwgtUc5Ll5k15BuE1On7SDe2Ixj5d_sncHYnJ6bPdulJ3mIwPiifvottf0tRMnYjuMgO63MFzrhLdGbPYuFPd6etvf5rFXrj6sUhU0rymk/s1600/66743_3770955847111_1618747657_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQNGMz95sWGfEdFxtNSfwpVVxTPu4A-fwKzhwgtUc5Ll5k15BuE1On7SDe2Ixj5d_sncHYnJ6bPdulJ3mIwPiifvottf0tRMnYjuMgO63MFzrhLdGbPYuFPd6etvf5rFXrj6sUhU0rymk/s1600/66743_3770955847111_1618747657_n.jpg" /></a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And I just love the roasted garlic... <span style="font-size: small;">I simply press at the ends and all the garlicky goodness <span style="font-size: small;">slides out easily. Mash and eat<span style="font-size: small;"> with <span style="font-size: small;">the chicken.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUi9IFdRpl-t4rc4r5SPm6bfXEbMVsxf-PXCP2YA3qclsqDUBUF8bjTajLHHbNiX2o0GPNgqGYVxEfiQD2KGbnKLHdaC2RR0RztiE_D-ISTLKcZIsnzMz9n2yOSxw-MsnGP-SVKQl80jj/s1600/roasted+garlic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUi9IFdRpl-t4rc4r5SPm6bfXEbMVsxf-PXCP2YA3qclsqDUBUF8bjTajLHHbNiX2o0GPNgqGYVxEfiQD2KGbnKLHdaC2RR0RztiE_D-ISTLKcZIsnzMz9n2yOSxw-MsnGP-SVKQl80jj/s640/roasted+garlic.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grilled rib-eye steak on a bed of <span style="font-size: small;">arugula</span> and strawberry salad, drizzled with balsamic vinegar dressing. </span></span></span></b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My carniverous family could not let a meal pass us without red meat, so I grilled a few slabs of rib-eye and placed them on top of the salad<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hate to admit<span style="font-size: small;">, but <span style="font-size: small;">I prepared the salad <span style="font-size: small;">to find a way to limit their consumption of red meat.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-FASAXd-TbGrjBjH6FeatXSeC1_5Ep2kyAT7qzGnxOCd8TIucDAVEwAph-IFsh3GUYoPkKppbRV2HyzmCPKUjeJoCF7jDx7wfUvGY_Q3b5GKx5NGy-zpgfw-DwkZTkC1MspfqLfbH_pe/s1600/arugula.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-FASAXd-TbGrjBjH6FeatXSeC1_5Ep2kyAT7qzGnxOCd8TIucDAVEwAph-IFsh3GUYoPkKppbRV2HyzmCPKUjeJoCF7jDx7wfUvGY_Q3b5GKx5NGy-zpgfw-DwkZTkC1MspfqLfbH_pe/s400/arugula.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Linguinie with mushrooms and garilic with truffle cream sauce.</b></span> <span style="color: purple;">This is a special request from C, and I made sure to make the sauce generously cover the pasta as everyone loves the cream sauce... no fighting over food because it's Christmas Eve.:)</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FM0L1Zelhi7eiSt4ibFosdr3MNCSTDLqrkjORHtooeIyM60OxOz2ehN_3ozBsCXtLbmJ4SHikWWBGK_GHg7lSKRZomYPXU5tuqIcLF3VQABSmIzdXIgAmrAHVmIsXdabM2XElTeQHJfb/s1600/linguini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FM0L1Zelhi7eiSt4ibFosdr3MNCSTDLqrkjORHtooeIyM60OxOz2ehN_3ozBsCXtLbmJ4SHikWWBGK_GHg7lSKRZomYPXU5tuqIcLF3VQABSmIzdXIgAmrAHVmIsXdabM2XElTeQHJfb/s640/linguini.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">You might notice that I was very generous with using truffle oil, using it even in several dishes; and that is because I bought it at <b>Bacchus Epicerie over at PowerPlant Mall</b> the day before Christmas for 20% off. I bought a small bottle of <b>black truffle oil</b> (about 25ml if I am not mistaken) from them about six months ago for P1,200. And for this recent purchase, I just paid less tha<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> a thousand only. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did not prepare desserts anymore, but I want to share with you that the <b>red velvet cake from Karen's Kitchen</b> is such a stand out that it will soon be a staple on every celebration! It's so good, so moist and just the right amount of sweet. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EaZs-PZXEG8fMTIlsDh0PklpJezvXvAkUNrI0rKr1GI3ua-vBC8P39g_g90l5k_qksYM4fy_1ijaST1Ulqms277lVjpMfip7x3-db1t4azyzeq472Yzi8JZoaerQeEOlj7_VlrBRTtIp/s1600/red+velvet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EaZs-PZXEG8fMTIlsDh0PklpJezvXvAkUNrI0rKr1GI3ua-vBC8P39g_g90l5k_qksYM4fy_1ijaST1Ulqms277lVjpMfip7x3-db1t4azyzeq472Yzi8JZoaerQeEOlj7_VlrBRTtIp/s640/red+velvet.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's about it. Leaving you all as I celebrate the New Year with a staycation. See you all 2013!</span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-12529714105024430452012-12-13T20:00:00.000+08:002012-12-13T20:00:16.334+08:00Iloilo: Batang Pinoy National Champs 2012<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just came back a week ago from accompanying a daughter to Iloilo for the <b>Batang Pinoy National <span style="font-size: small;">Champ<span style="font-size: small;">ionship</span></span></b>. It's J's first time to travel for a swim meet, and she was naturally excited for it. The 5-day sojourn practically seemed like a mini-vacation for her. Imagine, not having to go to school, and being in the company of her good friends. What more can a girl ask for? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In<span style="font-size: small;"> a way, it wa<span style="font-size: small;">s also a vacation for me<span style="font-size: small;">... <span style="font-size: small;">4 d<span style="font-size: small;">ays of not having to drive/tutor/cook. <span style="font-size: small;">Could pass for a <i>b</i></span><i>akasyon grande</i><span style="font-size: small;">... hahaha!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKnC7Z9MZa7v_U3hCpXs1tZGU5kVxobctYPFFnKT6ERaR1bU0DtMQGNiEDT6fEmU_2crfg5zpkUvowWDdqCbZfBZvRvH4br-xpPPYmFevCwtYH4mjbVZjxrvm-lc6uH9gAG0QKRomZ3Om/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKnC7Z9MZa7v_U3hCpXs1tZGU5kVxobctYPFFnKT6ERaR1bU0DtMQGNiEDT6fEmU_2crfg5zpkUvowWDdqCbZfBZvRvH4br-xpPPYmFevCwtYH4mjbVZjxrvm-lc6uH9gAG0QKRomZ3Om/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">grabbed from my daughter's instagram photos</td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the scheduled day of the opening of the <b>Batang Pinoy</b> games, Typhoon Sendong was also expected to make landfall in the Visayas, causing not a few athletes to be stranded in their hometown. Hence, the games had to be moved a day later, leaving us all with a free day!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQee_fgdvA-sbvqk4vwLBzEofgAl6pIbtOz8QBzxZpe1klgQCftXLdjrmE_i9u-1qNvvQ9dIlwtD8enokCiH2ktWeZiJoQEuuk65N0IIoR-zrl8SiKYS74YM7rUytKKI7MUQMPRsliQo2/s1600/breakthrough1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQee_fgdvA-sbvqk4vwLBzEofgAl6pIbtOz8QBzxZpe1klgQCftXLdjrmE_i9u-1qNvvQ9dIlwtD8enokCiH2ktWeZiJoQEuuk65N0IIoR-zrl8SiKYS74YM7rUytKKI7MUQMPRsliQo2/s1600/breakthrough1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspite of the typhoon warning and the storm signal that w<span style="font-size: small;">as</span> raised all over the Visayas, the sun dominated the sky in our part of the province.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxayh_3_E1T3I00s6Uz00xjFH4mIPhew2aAV2LKWZvBK0wzUOfmifQhaYc7oTd1UunQUwux9imPfEIXWdoSfpLZ1_xEcfITK2Jh6W0gH2Mas6HO40M8H1vVZpMY4PpAl12OmKdMHsaz2y/s1600/breakthrough+shoreline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxayh_3_E1T3I00s6Uz00xjFH4mIPhew2aAV2LKWZvBK0wzUOfmifQhaYc7oTd1UunQUwux9imPfEIXWdoSfpLZ1_xEcfITK2Jh6W0gH2Mas6HO40M8H1vVZpMY4PpAl12OmKdMHsaz2y/s1600/breakthrough+shoreline.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instagram photos from</span> the daughter's phone.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Photo-op with Akiko Thompson after the awarding.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl2bfLQsT0fko_RoujWOdWqeeVYfnB1Zq1usB_doQ8Nl4gy8GGfTZpw3O2R0DkpjNjAYnMJnyGH-n6r_nJ8lvMCNjxxmwH9jL8N2OeqEzI3efcONpgG3z7uEuJHcKA-WQk8SJRnYmMC6b/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl2bfLQsT0fko_RoujWOdWqeeVYfnB1Zq1usB_doQ8Nl4gy8GGfTZpw3O2R0DkpjNjAYnMJnyGH-n6r_nJ8lvMCNjxxmwH9jL8N2OeqEzI3efcONpgG3z7uEuJHcKA-WQk8SJRnYmMC6b/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And before you now it, we are on our way home</span></span></span>. <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just as well, since I was starting to miss the husband and two younger ones already.:)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Next post: Where to stay and eat in Iloilo</span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-15968254936872516762012-12-03T19:30:00.000+08:002012-12-03T19:30:05.227+08:00Kipling: A Brighter Christmas for a Brighter Tomorrow<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">December is already upon us. Are you done with your Christmas shopping already? Gifts to the <i>inaanaks </i>are already wrapped and waiting to be delivered <span style="font-size: small;">next week</span><span style="font-size: small;">;</span> but there are still a few names on my shopping list. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you who are <span style="font-size: small;">still looking for what to buy, <b>Kipling</b> offers sporty and glam bags that are perfect adventure companions for your daughter, sister, best friend, or even as a gift to yourself. I love the vibran<span style="font-size: small;">t red color of the </span>Holiday collection<span style="font-size: small;">. Your recipient won't be the only one thanking you for this <span style="font-size: small;">fashiona<span style="font-size: small;">ble </span>gift, the </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">children <span style="font-size: small;"></span>sponsored by World Vision will be thanking you for your generosity as well. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>For every Kipling bag or
luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to
World Vision. </b></span></span></span></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What a fun and generous way to be fashionable!</span></span></span></span><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Press<span style="font-size: small;">-kit</span> :</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <i>This season of giving, Belgian bag
brand Kipling joins forces with World Vision to bring <b>“A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow,”</b> a program that aims
to provide additional funds for the education of children under the care of the
world renowned Christian development and advocacy organization.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> According to the
Benjamin Go, President of Greyhound Marketing Corporation, exclusive
distributor of <b>Kipling</b> in the Philippines,
the partnership is a timely effort to spread the fun and happiness that’s
instilled in every <b>Kipling</b> bag. “There is no greater joy this Christmas than
knowing we have brought smiles to others, especially children. Through “A
Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow” program, we can make not only the
holidays, but also the future, brighter for the children of World Vision.”</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “We are very delighted
to have this partnership with Kipling, which is known globally for bringing fun
and joy through its fashionable bags. We're happy that this time, Kipling has
decided to reach out and bring the same kind of goodwill to ensure the education
of children sponsored by World Vision,” says National Resource Development
Associate Director Jun Godornes.</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Joining Kipling and
World Vision in celebrating the launch of this meaningful endeavor are some of
the country’s biggest celebrities who are also extending their support to the
program. These include Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla and
Jessica Connelly. </span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Fashionable ladies
on-the-go can also share in giving children a brighter tomorrow by shopping for
a cause. <b> </b><b>For every Kipling bag or
luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to
World Vision.</b></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCtvEYzmyJflJfz82hkI8Z5xkUp54dSa0R1da5C1iKbFIKpbZIG1Tta3dACIGr8Yt4hkUlMBM_0nxq-6Yk9y-MeGJwV8cVmTwtSQCzuzbAWwU7MBCxOkcxBdlbbd9rlK2WK0S8TXVJyYe/s1600/New+Image+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCtvEYzmyJflJfz82hkI8Z5xkUp54dSa0R1da5C1iKbFIKpbZIG1Tta3dACIGr8Yt4hkUlMBM_0nxq-6Yk9y-MeGJwV8cVmTwtSQCzuzbAWwU7MBCxOkcxBdlbbd9rlK2WK0S8TXVJyYe/s640/New+Image+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With Kipling Philippines distributors, Benjamin and Polly Go; event host, Miriam Quiambao; and myself</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kipling
is available online at zalora.com.ph and at SM Mall of Asia, SM North
EDSA The Block, SM Megamall, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cebu,
SM Lanang Premier, Robinsons Place Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center,
Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Landmark
Makati, Landmark TriNoma and soon-to-open Centrio Mall in Cagayan De
Oro. </span></span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To know more, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KiplingPhilippines?fref=ts" target="_blank">Kipling Philippines on Facebook</a> and get to find out more exciting news and promos from the lovable monkey. </span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-56457670535367175932012-11-29T19:30:00.000+08:002012-11-29T21:41:14.480+08:00Wishful Thinking: {Wardrobe} Swim Mom Uniform<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sports has always been a part of my kids lives, especially for my eldest, J<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">A</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>lthough the level of intensity was not so heavy back then when she was younger<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>e initially started with soccer camp during summer, and then moved to once a week soccer lessons, and this increased to twice a week of soccer training when she played for her school team<span style="font-size: small;">. This was </span>long before the Azkals were formed and the Younghusbands entered the local football scene. While playing for the school soccer team, she decided she also wanted to swim, so <span style="font-size: small;">she </span>mixed swimming training on alternate days when she doesn't train for soccer.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those days are long gone, as she has already made up her mind that swimming is <span style="font-size: small;">THE</span> sport for her. She has gone a long way since she started <span style="font-size: small;">3 years ago<span style="font-size: small;">, competing at the D-League (developmental) level<span style="font-size: small;">, moving up to <span style="font-size: small;">class A category, and </span></span>finally, qualifying for the Batang Pinoy National Champ<span style="font-size: small;">ionship this December. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">She has always made me proud of her simple achievements in the pool, each hard-earned medal made more significant because she was able to successfully combine academic excellence while being a student leader and a competitive swimmer. </span></i> <span style="font-size: small;">Although she <span style="font-size: small;">has a <span style="font-size: small;">million more laps to swim </span><span style="font-size: small;">as far as swimming internationally is concerned</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, I am hoping she gets there... eventually.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">... Otherwise, how can I channel my inner Victoria Beckham while <span style="font-size: small;">cheering for her during competition</span>s? Hahaha!</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/27162403972603975/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/27162403972603975_2GVwx4S6_c.jpg" width="614" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://blog.ctnews.com/penny/2012/03/18/sweet-treat/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Source</a></span></span></span></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Being a swim-parent means being in charge of logistics, food provisions, motivation, etc. I am always there with my kids every training, 6 days a week. Oftentimes I am multi-tasking as I wait by the pool deck, trying to meet the needs of each of my three kids<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> And because of that, I thought to myself that I deserve a new wardrobe... even if it's just wishful thinking. :)</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love Breton shirts, and pairing them with <span style="font-size: small;">C</span>onverse all-stars lo<span style="font-size: small;">w-cut is a great way to being a chic sporty mom.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/214695107206375609/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/214695107206375609_3oc9jSel_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">source</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i></div>
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<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Don't fancy red? Blue and green is a great sporty fashion combi, too. </span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/214695107206401355/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/214695107206401355_SyDuJWAm_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://elaine-koenig-delgado.polyvore.com/busy_mom/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3852333&id=49137160" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">source</a></span></span></i></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this fashion template shows us all that pink doesn't have to be <span style="font-size: small;">always prim and proper.</span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/214695107206401205/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/214695107206401205_XPK35xfW_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://elaine-koenig-delgado.polyvore.com/mom_on_run/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=3852333&id=49135293" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">source</a></span></span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gray and white looks crisp and clean. <span style="font-size: small;">Perfect for those all-day swim meets</span>. Just ditch the <span style="font-size: small;">hoop earrings.</span></span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/16184879880957503/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/16184879880957503_FwAVuqi3_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/untitled_99/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=0&id=43010336" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">source</a></span></span></i></td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And if you want to stand out in the crowd, making it easier for your kids to spot you in the hundreds of spectators, <span style="font-size: small;">wear something bright like this yellow tank.</span></span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/265360603014211217/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/265360603014211217_3fWaUQSi_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://cynthia335.polyvore.com/sporty/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=0&id=44971851" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">source</a></span></span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What about you? What is your daily uniform like?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Like this post? <a _blank="" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OurPhenomenalLife" target="">Subscribe here</a>.</span></i></div>
The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-24561892974499733222012-11-27T19:00:00.000+08:002012-11-27T19:00:09.565+08:00Lemon Water<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOyrNcURiSLH7dpqJU8ORzoSoCB57XePIlhV30Kq74-M1wg9n4yZnKhdfmEj5cTxJUuzPjH4GWsf48CyBk37szqMiMc7ZZpSQQOwic1U5SlwZj2bDEqi5pqmYKDys6T_khoNQ__oLRc8i/s1600/lemon+water.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOyrNcURiSLH7dpqJU8ORzoSoCB57XePIlhV30Kq74-M1wg9n4yZnKhdfmEj5cTxJUuzPjH4GWsf48CyBk37szqMiMc7ZZpSQQOwic1U5SlwZj2bDEqi5pqmYKDys6T_khoNQ__oLRc8i/s640/lemon+water.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">One of the recent things I have added to my family’s routine is to make
<b>lemon-infused</b><b> water</b> available
during breakfast and dinner. Now that my
kids are all older, I have stopped giving them milk in the morning, and have
instead alternated mornings between honey-infused warm water and lemon-infused
warm water. They still get their daily
calcium fix from yogurt and chocolate milk taken after their swim training.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Lemon-infused
water is <b>super simple to do and the benefits are just too good to ignore</b>. Water
and lemon, that’s it.!Since I am
making a batch for my entire family, I simply just fill up a pitcher with warm water
and squeeze one lemon. This makes enough
for my family to drink in the morning, before we eat our breakfast. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Three
times a week, I make <b>warm lemon water in the morning</b>, which we all drink before
we take in anything else. Come dinner, I
also serve an <b>icy, cold lemon drink that is infused with ginger, tarragon, and
cucumber.</b> Lemons by themselves are acidic and they only have an alkalizing effect
once they are digested by our bodies. I want to be cautious and not serve this everyday/too much to protect their teeth
from the natural acids of the citrus.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">According to my
sister-in-law (who told my husband, and who in turn told me), <b>mixing lemon with
water that is warm will provide the most health benefits.</b> On the contrary, mixing lemon with cold water
reduces the digestive benefits of lemon.
I have searched it up on the net, and it does say that warm water allows
for the release of the full enzymatic properties of the lemon. But, drinking fresh lemon juice at any temperature is better than not
drinking any at all. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br />What Are the Lemon Water Benefits?</b><ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><i>Boosts immune system</i><b>. </b> Lemons are high in Vitamin C
and potassium. A great combination
for my kids as <b>Vitamin C makes sure that their bodies are well-equipped to
fight infections/colds; and potassium stimulates nerve function to
avoid muscle cramps during swim training.</b>
Potassium also helps C control his blood pressure. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><i>Balances body’s pH level</i><b>.</b> Lemons are an <b>incredibly
alkaline food</b>. It is <b><span style="font-size: small;">true</span></b> that they are acidic on their own, but once it
is metabolized inside our bodies they start to have an alkalizing
effect. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><i>Good for stomach</i><b><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></b> Lemon water has excellent
digestive properties because it helps loosen toxins from the digestive tract. It <b>eases constipation, heartburn,
bloating and other digestion problems, especially when mixed with warm
water</b>. Lemon juice acts as a liver
tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more
bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. In large
doses, it is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><i>Cures Throat Infections</i> Lemon is an excellent fruit
that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat
and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. Warm lemon water offers relief from cold and flu symptoms
while providing some much needed Vitamin C.</li>
</ul>
<b>Icy Lemon Water infused
with ginger, cucumber and tarragon</b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i>Ingredients </i><br />1/2 cucumber, washed thoroughly and sliced thinly<br /> 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced thinly<br /> a handful of fresh tarragon leaves ( you can also use mint. I just use tarragon because I have a wild bush of them in my herb garden<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">that needs to be tamed</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>)</span></span><br /> 1 whole lemon, washed and brushed thoroughly, sliced thinly<br /> 1 pitcher water <br /> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Directions </i><br />1. Peel and slice ginger. Clean tarragon leaves. Brush the outside of the lemon and clean thoroughly. Wash cucumber thoroughly. <br />2. Pour hot water over the ginger and let steep for 5 minutes, depends on how you like the flavor of the ginger to come through. <br />3. Add tarragon to the ginger water and let it steep addition 5 minutes. <br />4. Add slices of cucumber and lemon. Add enough water to the brim of the pitcher. <br />5. Let it sit inside the refrigerator, to allow flavors to meld. <br />6. Serve icy cold. <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i>
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-23669750368386491522012-11-19T08:00:00.000+08:002012-11-19T08:00:09.204+08:00Kitchen Project: DIY Cream of Anything Soup Mix<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4mw4aJUxDVf9Hp_Whv0n6pfeMMcx_zAgXzJbS_eZSF6zFGQhZL7zkAONdANrcH_uuUaqlCt8bhVfRE8by0uyKj402jzT4da0Gc1lb6F56W9A9sGPiJdtR4x2oDNm_QLD2v4Ta4hb3T2S/s1600/cream+of+anything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4mw4aJUxDVf9Hp_Whv0n6pfeMMcx_zAgXzJbS_eZSF6zFGQhZL7zkAONdANrcH_uuUaqlCt8bhVfRE8by0uyKj402jzT4da0Gc1lb6F56W9A9sGPiJdtR4x2oDNm_QLD2v4Ta4hb3T2S/s640/cream+of+anything.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most days, it's a lonely lunch time for me. I do not enjoy cooking for one, and I'd be just as content eating a sandwich instead. I am only eager to cook if it's for the entire family, so the big cooking production always happen come dinner time. <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>here are days, like when it's rainy, when I want a cup of soup to go with that plate of <span style="font-size: small;">food</span>. But I am not willing to go slave in the kitchen just for a cup of soup. Thankfully, I have now found a quick fix solution for anytime the soup craving sets in.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is so easy to make, and so tasty that I do feel like patting myself on the back.:)<i> </i> It is a DIY dry mix that you just add with water every time you need cream soup (think Campbells cream of mushroom and the like). </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">Incidentally, when I first came across this on the net, I had just made a fresh batch of my <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/08/kitchen-project-diy-celery-salt.html" target="_blank">home-made celery salt</a>. So instead of suing the bouillon specified on the original recipe, I just substituted with 2 tablespoonful of my homemade celery salt. The DIY celery salt is another kitchen project that has turned into a routine already whenever there are celery leaves available. I have used it to make<a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/09/baked-eggs-with-ham-and-tomato.html" target="_blank"> baked eggs</a>, <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/08/kitchen-project-diy-celery-salt.html" target="_blank">minestrone</a> and a whole lot more . </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>DIY Cream of Anything Soup Mix</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Recipe found via Pinterest, inspired by pinner: <a href="http://1orangegiraffe.blogspot.com/2011/07/anything-you-wanna-call-it-casserole.html?showComment=1310864846151#c3489139395376988271" target="_blank">One Orange Giraffe</a> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup non-fat powdered milk</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup cornstarch</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup bouillon/seasoning granules (if you have cubes you have to smash them up, or you can also substitute this, like I did, with 2 tablespoons of celery salt)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons onion powder</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried basil</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried thyme</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon pepper</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>To make mix</i>: Just dump in everything in a bowl, and mix them up properly. Store in a tightly sealed container, and it will keep for several months. I keep mine inside the refrigerator since the celery salt is homemade so I just want to extend shelf life. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><i>To cook</i>: combine 1/3-cup mix and 1-1/4 cups cool water in a
small saucepan. Do not use hot water as it will cause the cornstarch to lump up. Stir it well and bring it to a boil over medium
heat. Boil and stir for a full minute. Remove from heat. It is now
ready to use in any recipe calling for a can of Cream of Mushroom or
Celery or Chicken Soup. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">You can use the mix as is, or you can use it as a base for making cream of mushroom, just add fresh mushroom), or whatever you want to make a cream of. I have also used it to flavor the white sauce of my lasagna and baked pastas.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;">I just love it that the Phenomenal Papa thinks the world of me whenever I serve this for breakfast. He doesn't know the story behind is that I really ran out of breakfast ideas, and all I have in the kitchen are days old ciabatta. </span><span style="color: purple;">The crusty bread is a perfect mix for this cream soup.</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">just make this mix as </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">is, and top with freshly picked thyme, reheat the ciabatta in the oven... breakfast is served in less than 5 minutes!:)</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-36076156727602000092012-11-12T19:03:00.000+08:002012-11-16T08:36:49.520+08:00Of Birthdays and Beauty Marks<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting very near that "supposedly" wonderful age of forty (yikes!) must do wonders for my self-esteem, for I have finally learned to come to terms that my body will never be the same as it was
before I had kids. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, I am that kind of woman who has dozens of "issues." You have heard me whine about <b><a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2009/04/she-walks-in-beauty.html" target="_blank">my unpreparedness to be called someone else's tita</a></b>. You've also seen how I was cornered to admit that I was <b><a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-birthday-to-me.html" target="_blank">(serial) lying about my age</a>. </b><span style="font-size: small;">You've also been a witness on <b><a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2010/03/sun-sea-and-shameless-vanity.html" target="_blank">how I (desperately) try to camouflage a less tha</a></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2010/03/sun-sea-and-shameless-vanity.html" target="_blank">n perfect beach body</a></b>.</span> </span>There are times when I'd get really conscious
about the extra
layer of skin and fat that has permanently wrapped itself around my
belly; made more irritating by the fact that it seems to laugh at me as I
put on that tight fitting pair of low-slung jeans... there it shows
itself - giggling uncontrollaby at my attempt to pull my pants up all
the way . :) You know what I mean.:)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After
more than a decade of the Phenomenal Papa's assurances that when he looks at them he just sees beauty and sacrifice, I am finally beginning to believe him... yes, gullible me. The<span style="font-size: small;"> marks</span>
are quite ugly to look at and they make my stomach look like a mess, but my husband looks at them as "beautiful battle scars." <b>The marks that showed I lovingly carried each one of his three precious children into the world.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/34691859600432019_ZwB5l2e4_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/34691859600432019_ZwB5l2e4_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I inch myself closer and closer to that age of living fabulously, I have come to terms that the stretch marks,
the c-section scar, the wider hips, and the mom-flabs that have taken over my entire body, they do make me look
more beautiful - <b>even if it's just in my husband's eyes.</b>:)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes! this time of the year always work like a magic charm; <b>blessings are always counted twice, and</b><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>setbacks are <span style="font-size: small;">intentionally </span>overlooked.</b> Jus<span style="font-size: small;">t so grateful to be a part of my family. </span>I look at my husband and see a <b><i>loving man
whose strong arms have, at all times, protected me; whose generous heart has
always prioritized me<span style="font-size: small;">;</span> whose forgiving spi<span style="font-size: small;">rit has, time and again, deliberately ignored my <span style="font-size: small;">s</span>hortcomings</span>. </i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I see the kids
and I am thankful that they are healthy and into sports, that they are doing
well academically, that they have a close <span style="font-size: small;">relationship with Go<span style="font-size: small;">d</span></span>. <i>But<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, I am also thankful for having them, all three of them, when I need to wear a swimsuit.<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">.. yes, </span>most especially, when I need to wear a swim suit!!! <span style="font-size: small;">Otherwise, what good excuse ca<span style="font-size: small;">n I have for <span style="font-size: small;">that belly<span style="font-size: small;">. tee-hee-hee!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz2KjEKsdwDr27-0rc1tZCjQA7d964ba3ijRGOBa1XWsEJOBDqFeFiYQhSGd4U88qbqRwudTenCl9Qc8hrQjUadeivxQYOedTLdjItWbX60Z2tzx4clvEPG_LYTbqNEQFyP4FBLa5M2uH/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz2KjEKsdwDr27-0rc1tZCjQA7d964ba3ijRGOBa1XWsEJOBDqFeFiYQhSGd4U88qbqRwudTenCl9Qc8hrQjUadeivxQYOedTLdjItWbX60Z2tzx4clvEPG_LYTbqNEQFyP4FBLa5M2uH/s1600/kids.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And as always, this verse just uplifts and inspires:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For
I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. </span></span></span></b></i><br />
<blockquote>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Jeremiah 29:11</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/34691859600432019/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></i></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading "Our Phenomenal Life." If you subscribe to the blog via RSS feed or via email, you'll get new posts sent straight to you, for free! </span></i> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Like this post? <a _blank="" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/OurPhenomenalLife" target="">Subscribe here</a>.</span></i></div>
The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-37852005637860482482012-10-09T19:11:00.000+08:002012-10-09T19:11:00.181+08:00Phenomenal Tip: DIY Tarte Flambées<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tarte Flambee seems to be on every foodies' lips nowadays. What's up with all the buzz? Despite its fancy and sophisticated French name, it is just simply a thin crust pizza. I enjoy the occasional date-night with the Phenomenal Papa, but I am not overly eager to order this on the menu. BUT, I am fervently dying to re-create it at home - in my own kitchen, with the kids... not to mention that it is so much cheaper!:) </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiu-5RjTeGdQC_z83B_7OXg16R7IzyKWqsAW4ld7soU5u3IGb-UEnXOAzkhyyro_Tm65qOSUHWP6oaeXd_wg3J65S5eiGthACa5HntFM5PCS7JOdA4fYYXtoN2ZyDZ1uGDPcpeKo7_H4/s1600/tarte+flambee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBiu-5RjTeGdQC_z83B_7OXg16R7IzyKWqsAW4ld7soU5u3IGb-UEnXOAzkhyyro_Tm65qOSUHWP6oaeXd_wg3J65S5eiGthACa5HntFM5PCS7JOdA4fYYXtoN2ZyDZ1uGDPcpeKo7_H4/s1600/tarte+flambee.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We regularly have <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2010/06/tiny-hands-kitchen-pizza.html" target="_blank">pizza nights at home</a>, <span style="font-size: small;">with the toppings all lined up so everyone can just make their own pizza by liberally piling on whatever they wish on the dough. So, last weekend when it was the designated pizza night, I told everyone that I am putting all the glitz for our weekend dinner for the spectacular <i><b>"T</b></i></span><i><b>arte F</b></i></span></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">lambée</span></span> N<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">uits</span><span class="hps">." </span></span></span></span></span></b></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">Little do they know that is just a fancy renaming. Haha! </span></span></span></span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps"></span></span></span></span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></b></i>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">Allow me to share with you my version of an easy to do <b>tarte flambee</b> using my favorite store bought <span style="font-size: small;">"</span>pizza dough." It is not actually a pizza dough, but a tortilla. </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">I have never been inclined to make my own dough, so when it is pizza night in my house, I always use Village Gourmet's tortilla. It always gives the same results: pizza that is ultra thin and
crispy. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWSjN2VyKVGORmH5rBvF9Qv-kTdGXC83S8lXlmj8voTOK1C6siRfQIsXyQzHoX6D-0adNDZGX9ZgkwYI3CrXlnGesDLNF8UAX90NLR2xHpwlvhW5shs5QikwzS_txqKMcHXAiUm5lTW-p/s1600/tarte+flambee+tortilla.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWSjN2VyKVGORmH5rBvF9Qv-kTdGXC83S8lXlmj8voTOK1C6siRfQIsXyQzHoX6D-0adNDZGX9ZgkwYI3CrXlnGesDLNF8UAX90NLR2xHpwlvhW5shs5QikwzS_txqKMcHXAiUm5lTW-p/s1600/tarte+flambee+tortilla.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="fr"><span class="hps">For this particular night, I prepared thin slivers of smoked salmon and maple-smoked bacon. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPqbgjVj9s_tBl1qJ1DkHmYhhVRXcrqTV6tQWWQR6dA_dhLKjBxH6CoJ2rxWTt4X3qPB0BvF7y-G7HRYeI7FXnuhMjxU5cxwBIfOtOS51Q-vcl2WrTb4mXtfEi78w3VkWqtVCDMOa8kvp/s1600/tarte+flambee+ingredients.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPqbgjVj9s_tBl1qJ1DkHmYhhVRXcrqTV6tQWWQR6dA_dhLKjBxH6CoJ2rxWTt4X3qPB0BvF7y-G7HRYeI7FXnuhMjxU5cxwBIfOtOS51Q-vcl2WrTb4mXtfEi78w3VkWqtVCDMOa8kvp/s1600/tarte+flambee+ingredients.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the tortilla is very thin</span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, there are a few things to keep in mind when you want </span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">to get a crisp texture: <i> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>first,</i> pre-bake the tortilla; </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>second</i>, put care when piling on the toppings... definitely do not overload with toppings; </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>third</i>, have a light hand when using tomato sauce and/or creme faiche, as too much liquid will make the crust soggy</b>.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Tarte Flambee with smoked salmon, capers, fontina and gruyere cheese, creme fraiche </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhS2tCkGOw8hlesLWgs8Nc9lT_0zJHtDEAPiNM6KAzmQ45x3fgrFmULpYAFS8CBvzv5GWLPAxxbRjd0PU0SdKTrKhMgx8JF0t0HkMJ2h_UdJL-cE5lnU8bE_WqxjFA_p00dUKRp_qERah/s1600/tarte+flambee+salmon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhS2tCkGOw8hlesLWgs8Nc9lT_0zJHtDEAPiNM6KAzmQ45x3fgrFmULpYAFS8CBvzv5GWLPAxxbRjd0PU0SdKTrKhMgx8JF0t0HkMJ2h_UdJL-cE5lnU8bE_WqxjFA_p00dUKRp_qERah/s1600/tarte+flambee+salmon.jpg" /></span></a></i></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhS2tCkGOw8hlesLWgs8Nc9lT_0zJHtDEAPiNM6KAzmQ45x3fgrFmULpYAFS8CBvzv5GWLPAxxbRjd0PU0SdKTrKhMgx8JF0t0HkMJ2h_UdJL-cE5lnU8bE_WqxjFA_p00dUKRp_qERah/s1600/tarte+flambee+salmon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></i></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tortilla bread</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pre sliced smoked salmon</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">slices of fontina and gruyere</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">capers (you can also fry them to a crispy flower if desired)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">creme fraiche, (<a href="http://www.americastestkitchenfeed.com/do-it-yourself/2011/11/how-to-make-creme-fraiche/" target="_blank">I made my own, following the DIY recipe here</a>)</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Brush surface of tortilla with a very light coating of olive oil and place on baking tray. Pre bake for about 3-5 minutes until warm and toasted, taking care not to leave it so long that it changes color. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Remove from oven and put desired toppings.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Return to oven and bake for another 4-5
minutes or until tortilla turns lightly golden.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Drizzle creme
fraiche after final baking. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Slice with pizza slicer and serve with freshly cracked pepper and/or chili oil.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Tarte Flambee with maple-smoked bacon, balsamic caramelized onions, tomatoes, mozzarella, creme fraiche </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaGMnNAtYAz_WR8hVlF9-dYmWNklqY3lx3NHHUS4Lu_hVvl6llHzgV2xWP29Zljwf98Ep8rPxwD3puJWFXowJVgyBVQSW1mYezMlZyBgm4HNOFi4xUMDDSac2t4SemvJ_H7nqPIBSpTU5/s1600/tarte+flambee+bacon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaGMnNAtYAz_WR8hVlF9-dYmWNklqY3lx3NHHUS4Lu_hVvl6llHzgV2xWP29Zljwf98Ep8rPxwD3puJWFXowJVgyBVQSW1mYezMlZyBgm4HNOFi4xUMDDSac2t4SemvJ_H7nqPIBSpTU5/s1600/tarte+flambee+bacon.jpg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">tortilla bread </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Olive oil</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">bacon </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">caramelized onions (I used this <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-carniverous-feast-porchetta-and.html" target="_blank">well-loved, super-easy recipe right here</a>)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">chopped tomatoes: cut thinly and use just the meaty portion, and drain any juices</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">creme fraiche, (<a href="http://www.americastestkitchenfeed.com/do-it-yourself/2011/11/how-to-make-creme-fraiche/" target="_blank">I made my own, following the DIY recipe here</a>)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fresh herbs, you can use any. I used sage, basil and thyme because that's what was available from my potted herb garden.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush surface of tortilla
with a very light coating of olive oil and place on baking tray. Pre
bake for about 3-5 minutes until warm and toasted, taking care not to
leave it so long that it changes color. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Heat a medium pan over high heat. Chop the bacon into
bite-size pieces, then add them to the hot pan. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove
them to a bowl or plate, keeping about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Make the caramelized onions, <a href="http://tinalamong.blogspot.com/2011/11/one-carniverous-feast-porchetta-and.html" target="_blank">following this recipe here.</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Spread the creme fraiche, making sure to go lightly–too heavy a hand will make it soggy. Top it with the chopped tomatoes, caramelized onions, crispy bits of
bacon, mozzarella and herbs. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Return base to oven and bake for another 4-5
minutes or until tortilla turns lightly golden.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Slice with pizza slicer and serve with freshly cracked pepper and/or chili oil.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I assure you, there will be plenty of compliments from some very pleased diners about how a good cook you are.:)</span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-46569964706037124482012-10-03T08:58:00.003+08:002012-10-03T08:58:43.198+08:00Ganso-Shabuway: Japanese Style Hot-Pot<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My kids love to eat shabu-shabu style; they find the DIY process so amusing. Not too much for me, because once the novelty of cooking wears off, after the first 20 minutes, I am stuck with cooking the rest of the items on the platter. Last Sunday when we were at Rockwell, we tried <b>Ganso Shabuway</b>. While we've tried other chinese-style shabu-shabu restaurants in the past, this is our first time to have it Japanese style.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I learned that the main difference between the Chinese-style and the Japanese style shabu-shabu is simply the soup base. Ganso Shabuway offers traditional sea-weed, original miso, and spicy miso. We shared two pots between the five of us so we were able to try all three soup base. The boys got the spicy miso and sea-weed broth. While us girls got the plain miso broth.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tyGS9yhy-Q56kcFNLFMdsVZKjvwrnR9QR96mhaoLxgRhZI2YCiUKWXTeNAtrvpExETurcF2Q6gMzWCY3RUydb-PxNlPgR6l7OLiX41YTJ3pjuzQCWL5k7Dm7pniawlqq18AotG8Hy6fg/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tyGS9yhy-Q56kcFNLFMdsVZKjvwrnR9QR96mhaoLxgRhZI2YCiUKWXTeNAtrvpExETurcF2Q6gMzWCY3RUydb-PxNlPgR6l7OLiX41YTJ3pjuzQCWL5k7Dm7pniawlqq18AotG8Hy6fg/s400/IMG_1085.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we eat at any shabu-shabu restaurant, we always order a set menu; we find it to be the most economical way to order shabu-shabu. We ordered the menu set D for four (P2,045.00), which came with 2 plates of Angus beef slices, 3 vegetable plates, 4 cups of rice, and 2 hot pots of our broth of choice. We also ordered two bowls of udon, and an extra order of the deluxe plate of vegetable and mushrooms. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI6fYNqem53IJQjt5Yi53RXqCBMfMOMxEDKlemsy0jo_q9g2bfwXyuRAaJ6MbKJgKAF2NMfAaAZptopyjHSlZHQS_cYISZMnRHsLbKGxmLbXb-XuoErodMccCDj5ip5RzYdUoVZ0D-WdS/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI6fYNqem53IJQjt5Yi53RXqCBMfMOMxEDKlemsy0jo_q9g2bfwXyuRAaJ6MbKJgKAF2NMfAaAZptopyjHSlZHQS_cYISZMnRHsLbKGxmLbXb-XuoErodMccCDj5ip5RzYdUoVZ0D-WdS/s400/IMG_1087.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The restaurant only serves Angus and Kobe beef... to ensure the beef remains tender, the slices should be cooked by dipping it in the boiling broth for 10 seconds or so only. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQCcqXzpLSlzynA_qtYomiSiKa9nO5SeHqTJD6b3S7X4kGaQZ8dbc_1rJn583yGaD2_mn8uMy_WMaUdrJ7KhlTDGT9IrJ-UOvhFtxVmgBYYeOMTUJJ-c4QHzdjeKFUsLzgx7Ftx-Zurxz/s1600/IMG_1092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQCcqXzpLSlzynA_qtYomiSiKa9nO5SeHqTJD6b3S7X4kGaQZ8dbc_1rJn583yGaD2_mn8uMy_WMaUdrJ7KhlTDGT9IrJ-UOvhFtxVmgBYYeOMTUJJ-c4QHzdjeKFUsLzgx7Ftx-Zurxz/s400/IMG_1092.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then we dip everything in either one of these 2 dipping bowls. Similar to the chinese-style hot-pot, they also offer two kinds: ponzu sauce and sesame sauce. There are other condiments like green onions, carrot paste, and garlic paste. I prefer adding green onions to the ponzu sauce. I did not really like the sesame sauce, but C said it went really well with garlic and the spicy miso soup base.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGfb87fK8H1MMfrDvQ3Apjt6hIBlr6CQ87k_RABifrtJm2_9Yf4pJb6nxjUm-Kjoy0g-oV9ovBIxELb9F1Ly-XhuWDB96mxzf2NIZY2qr91C_xDpuxPB1_wzCv6B-2PPJGZPqhn3lW8eR/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGfb87fK8H1MMfrDvQ3Apjt6hIBlr6CQ87k_RABifrtJm2_9Yf4pJb6nxjUm-Kjoy0g-oV9ovBIxELb9F1Ly-XhuWDB96mxzf2NIZY2qr91C_xDpuxPB1_wzCv6B-2PPJGZPqhn3lW8eR/s400/IMG_1084.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all agreed that aside from the extra-tender slices of beef, the balls were something to come back for. The kids just love that the balls came with filling, an extra burst of flavor with every bite. And unlike other shabu-shabus, this one did not make us leave the restaurant smelling like food. Not a hint of garlic on my dress that day, so I indulged the kids with some desserts from a nearby cafe.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped at the Sugarhouse for some sweet fix...</span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zQPUTzKDFOd4OOTsAa1x_k19SiSbc2P1ezItLVoI3aAPodkPaK6fEJMc1hdB5D3_YtPL8iec1bWGWTTdoyo76RD5r2xqTIjXPKkTPCCSdnfbNkjg5fWwNG1HDitDfy8L3aXOQcqyW1_v/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zQPUTzKDFOd4OOTsAa1x_k19SiSbc2P1ezItLVoI3aAPodkPaK6fEJMc1hdB5D3_YtPL8iec1bWGWTTdoyo76RD5r2xqTIjXPKkTPCCSdnfbNkjg5fWwNG1HDitDfy8L3aXOQcqyW1_v/s400/IMG_1094.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">New York cheesecake while reading her book of the moment, Divergent</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDohz4NGyVL0WNVeDg1rFQqoomRG95OtttcGSncrG2t2s7LXYrpsW2pUKLEEBbvrYt-GrhhODzQLaDOVYlicfUIcXvkx7GtIK-aYQ-G820uYttQezE0EqsogU6WH3jkngW7CT5dG0wmvjA/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDohz4NGyVL0WNVeDg1rFQqoomRG95OtttcGSncrG2t2s7LXYrpsW2pUKLEEBbvrYt-GrhhODzQLaDOVYlicfUIcXvkx7GtIK-aYQ-G820uYttQezE0EqsogU6WH3jkngW7CT5dG0wmvjA/s400/IMG_1095.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marjolaine, while playing her fave game on the ipad... something she can't do once the weekend is over.</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't wait for another weekend.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2452653556746370345.post-59108096104616147162012-09-28T09:18:00.000+08:002012-09-28T09:41:34.893+08:00Surya Fitness & Yoga<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know I should carry my lazy self off to the gym while the kids are doing laps in the pool... but sitting poolside and chatting away is just so tempting.:) The past few years, I have found that my body is less able to fight off the unwanted pounds. I admit defeat; but what the mind desperately wants to do, the uncooperative body is (yet) not willing to yield.:) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For those of you with more discipline than I do, I urge you to try out <b>Surya Fitness & Yoga</b>. </span></span></span><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Surya Fitness & Yoga is located on the 4th floor of the Medicard
Lifestyle Center in Makati – a wellness center designed with health
related concerns in mind and presented in a homey and inviting
atmosphere. The studio is a spacious and welcoming space with lots of
beautiful natural light, pleasant breezes and relaxing views. They offer a
variety of fitness classes for all levels of experience. Their qualified
and nurturing teachers are committed to offering you guidance in the
practice of yoga in order to help you achieve better health and well
being.</span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="userContent">BASIC YOGA with Corey Wills, every Wednesday at 7am</span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tHCnDyik9SXsF28uVkIxPsYV8j9xoLYNKgNInL2fa_wvTR4GwQnDXNpXcw0ZlPYlbvTsLgDI1i3GR8m4LnxIYsGLQ50FiRXHNstlWcjQoSdlqAw4stteiDrQetemlWpJiOI857cgRdbS/s1600/corey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tHCnDyik9SXsF28uVkIxPsYV8j9xoLYNKgNInL2fa_wvTR4GwQnDXNpXcw0ZlPYlbvTsLgDI1i3GR8m4LnxIYsGLQ50FiRXHNstlWcjQoSdlqAw4stteiDrQetemlWpJiOI857cgRdbS/s640/corey.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="fbPhotoImage img" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423438_385003298183654_1989784716_n.jpg" /> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/486430_490962710921045_2053408103_n.jpg" /></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Puja Fire offering</span></i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423723_398031696880814_997734854_n.jpg" /></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">the locker and shower room </span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="fbPhotoImage" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405627_384494298234554_840501126_n.jpg" /> </span></i></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">this is the lobby, with a Sugarleaf mini mart offering lavazza coffee</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="" class="fbPhotoImage img" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/166907_384495791567738_1725672745_n.jpg" /></span></i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>the spacious parking</i></span></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoPageCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><img alt="" class="fbPhotoImage" id="fbPhotoImage" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405776_384494198234564_149993875_n.jpg" /> </span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Surya offers several yoga classes: Basic Yoga,Hatha, Vinyasa, Beginner's Ashtanga, and Yin Yang Yoga. </span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Moms looking for a way to nudge their children towards a life of health and fitness, will be delighted to know that the center also offers <b>Stretch & Grow</b>. <b> Stretch & Grow is a program designed by child development experts that promotes exercise
and wellness for children. Helps develop good eating and fitness habits
in order to give kids a healthy foundation to build their future
habits, confidence and self esteem. </b></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">all photos are from Surya Fitness & Yoga </span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Surya Fitness & Yoga</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Medicard Lifestyle Center</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">51 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Makati City, Philippines</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tel. 02 994 0744 / 878 5122 </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mobile 0908 886 4793
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Surya-Fitness-Yoga/384483978235586?ref=ts" target="_blank">Surya Fitness & Yoga on Facebook</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="mailto:suryafitnessyoga@gmail.com">suryafitnessyoga@gmail.com</a> </span></span></span><br />
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The Phenomenal Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13473918805848282327noreply@blogger.com3