Hello Monday! (On Acceptance)

A personal fave of mine . . .

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If there are things that stress you . . that bother you. . .that worry you. . .that make you regretful . . .

Don't look back. . .just let go . . .  =)

The Many Facets of my Morning

Good Morning Little One =)

Can I take a picture of your two front teeth?

(Her two upper front teeth are coming out)

I guess that's a "NO"

Sleepy baby . . .

She . . I mean We . . .woke up at 5AM

And our day is just starting . . . .

Have a nice week ahead everyone!

Excited Much?!

I can't remember when was the last time I went to the movies. . . I just can't seem to find the time to do so.

But . . . I am definitely making time for this!

"C" is for Delizioso!

I'm not sure exactly when or how I heard about C' Italian Dining but there is one thing I am sure of. . . that their Panizza is a must-try (it is the home of the original Panizza after all).  This restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and since then, it has become a popular dining place that people from Manila take the 2-hour drive (depending on traffic) to Pampanga (which is located North of Manila) just to have a taste of this Panizza.

I've been meaning to try this place but just couldn't find the right time.  And since it's easy for me to go there (since I live in Pampanga), I was taking my time, haha!  Enough of this dilly dallying . .. so last week, I caught up with a friend over lunch at this place.

Let's see what the buzz is all about, shall we?

We started our meal with a complimentary bread (which was soft and served warm --- Thank you!) and pesto dip (so good!  you know you're in an authentic Italian place if your pesto tastes fresh and did NOT come out of a bottle, haha!  At this point, I knew we were off to a good start)

I can have this everyday!

We ordered their famous Panizza, just one of the many reasons (delightful reasons if I may say so) which put them in the culinary map of Pampanga.

Panizza Kristina

We had the Kristina, which was topped with bacon, ham, caramelized onion, mushroom. . . and sundried tomatoes! (YUM!)  Each panizza is served with a bowl of arugula leaves and alfalfa sprouts.  

How do you eat it?

Take a strip of Panizza, put some arugula leaves, alfalfa and drizzle it with chili oil (or the pesto dip---if you still have some left, after enjoying your appetizer, haha!)

And just roll it. . . .

Our "Work of Art"  =)

The nutty and peppery taste of the arugula and the alfalfa's earthy taste plus the mild heat from the chili oil enhances the savory taste of the Panizza (Ok, I wish I was a food blogger, they're better at doing this!  Haha!)  The thing I love about C's panizza is its super thin crust.  I think this is what makes their panizza more special compared to the panizzas offered by other establishments.

We also tried one of their white-sauced pasta . . . .

Pasta Roberto
(This plate has half-serving of the pasta since we split one order)

Pasta Roberto has gorgonzola cheese, white cream sauce, roasted garlic, and chicken then topped with fresh basil.  The menu offers a wide range of pasta but this had us at gorgonzola cheese! (Trivia: Do you know that gorgonzola cheese is a type of blue cheese?  I don't eat blue cheese. . . guess I do now, haha!)  This pasta is definitely highly recommended.  I have two words to describe it. . .sinfully good and if you ask me to describe it in one . . .heaven! *Big grin*

Goes without saying that we had a really good dining experience at C'!  Good food (on the pricier end though), good ambiance, good service.  We will definitely come back for more!  (Heard they have good risotto too)  

Enjoy your weekend. . . .it's a good time for some food tripping! 

*Special thanks to my good friend for these food photos. . . I'm glad we used your camera! Haha!
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Where can you have a taste of C's Panizza?

1) Main Restaurant - 1210 Don Juico Avenue (Friendship Road), Clark, Angeles Pampanga

2) C' Italian Deli Cafe - Bertaphil II, Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Clarkfield, Pampanga (it sits in the same lot as Petron gas station)

3) My Kitchen by Chef Chris Locher opened his own restaurant in Oasis Paco Park Hotel in Manila, bringing his delectable Italian food closer to the food lovers in the Metro.

Mind-Boggling!

The Little One can carry each of these with ease . . .

Hand Sanitizer - 16 fl oz
Lotion - 20 fl oz
Emergency Light - definitely heavier than the previous 2 items (haha!!)

But can't hold THIS??!!!  (It's not that she CAN'T . . .she WON'T!)

Her milk bottle - 6 fl oz!

Mind-boggling eh?! 

Hello Monday! (Finding Happiness)

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Sometimes in our lives, we find ourselves wanting more and probably even complain on how things are going on in our lives.  We take things (and people) for granted.  We spend so much time (and effort) looking for happiness that we don't realize it might be within our reach already.    

As I got older, I've learned that the key to happiness (at least for myself) is contentment.  It is good to dream big, to want more for ourselves but what I'm just trying to say is let us not forget to be thankful for the blessings that have come our way and appreciate what we have in our lives.  Finding the road to happiness is different for each one of us.  I hope you find what truly makes you happy.  

Have a nice week ahead everyone!

My Little Cinderella

I have shared with you about the Little One's mismatched socks in an earlier post.  Well, another thing has gone missing from the Little One. *heavy sigh*  

As the title suggests, I think you'll have an idea what it is. . .

She wore these flats when we went out for dinner last week.  I clearly remember putting BOTH shoes in her bag's side pocket (did I mention that the side pocket didn't have a zipper? hehe)  I guess the other shoe fell off . . . somewhere.  

So I am just really writing this post to vent out my frustration (haha!).  She only wore this pair once!  This time, there are no dogs to blame but myself. *Believe me, I'm smacking myself in the head right now*.  

I do hope this is the last one I am writing about something getting lost. *fingers crossed*

Ain't she a cutie?

I can't believe it's Friday . . . AGAIN!

Whatever your plans are for the weekend . . .

I just want to wish everyone to. . . .

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Of Flying Kisses and Xian

The Little One (at ten months) has learned to do the following things: clapping her hands, waving her hand to say bye-bye or hello, salute (her grandfather taught her this one), make "mano" (a Filipino tradition where one kisses the elder's hand to show respect), she puts the phone in her ear and knows how to use a toothbrush.  She is slowly expanding her vocabulary (which includes diaper, tummy, nose, teeth, tongue, milk) and recognizes  the other members of the family.  But there's one thing she just can't seem to do easily. . . to blow a flying kiss. (I knowww!!!  She can salute or make "mano" but she can't blow a kiss?!  Haha!)  But as they say, Repetition is important in teaching a child.  You would surely see so many flying kisses being blown at our home everyday!

But this afternoon, while watching TV, I saw her put her hand over her mouth and OMG, did a "flying kiss." (Woohoo!)  We didn't tell her do it.  She just suddenly blew one when she saw this TV commercial. . . or shall I say . . . . when she saw "him".

"Him" is Xian Lim, a Filipino-Chinese model and actor.  I don't know if it was because of McDonald's or because of Xian, haha!

At any rate, guess this means that we have the same taste, we both love McD AND Xian! Haha!

I have to get Star Studio's latest issue for her then (I mean for us. . .teehee)

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Who knows, the magazine might come in handy. . . just in case she won't do her flying kiss again!

"Mood Board"

I was sick the whole day yesterday, too sick (fever, dehydration, splitting headache and indigestion!) that I slept a good part of the day and was back to my bed at 7PM!

I'm glad I feel so much better today!

Thought of posting random images (ala Pinterest, haha!) that I've seen which puts me in a happy mood.

I am not a tea drinker . . . but I wouldn't mind having one if it's served in these dainty teacups

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There's just something magical in flowers that makes you smile or makes you feel better when you see one . . .

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One of my favorite flowers. . . blue hydrangeas

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Don't you just love simple but elegant flower centerpieces?

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Reminds me of a beach house . . . just missing the sand, the wind and the beach . . .a perfect getaway 

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But the best part of my day. . . I get to play and take care of the Little One again!

Have a pleasant day everyone . . . . feel good! =)

Wanted: Baker Mom

We always celebrate the Little One's monthly birthdays with a cake (it gives us a reason to eat cake! Teehee).  And today, for her 10th month birthday, I thought of making her cake for a change. . . just want to be clear,  I said "make". . .not "bake", haha!  (I can cook but I still have to learn how to bake)

And so I "whipped up" a birthday cake for her . . .*smiling proudly*

With Krispy Kreme Kruffins, Chocolates

and ofcourse, there has to be a candle!

Yes, it's another DIY project (trying hard!) by moi for the the Little One.  I know, I know, this is not "Baking".  It's really a toss-up between being creative or being resourceful? Haha!

Happy Birthday Little One!

You just amaze us everyday by showing us the things you learn

and making us listen on what you are TRYING to say.  

You never fail to make us laugh.

 Thank you for being our Sunshine. =)

Love always,

Papa and Mama

Hello Monday! (Reaching for your goals)

From Positive Med's FB page

I was supposed to post this last night (I want to do it) but I spent some time with the Little One so I said, "I can't do it".  After our playtime, I thought "I'll try to do it" after I put her to sleep  . . . but I was too tired that I wasn't able to do it.

This morning I know I will do it. . . but I had to feed and bathe the Little One so I went back to "I can't do it".  (sigh)

But before the day ends, I promised I will do it!

After going from one step to another. . . I'm glad I DID IT!  (Finally! *Big Grin*!)

I've been going up and down with these steps most of the time (from starting to live a healthier lifestyle to running errands), I hope I get better and just go straight to "Yes, I did it!" all the time! 

I hope you're having a more productive day than I am! Haha!

Have a nice day ahead! =)

Two Peas in a Pod 4

I caught the movie "The Crazies"  last Saturday in Star Movies and when I saw its lead actor, Timothy Olyphant . . .

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I remembered seeing him in the TV Series, "Justified", where I mistook him for . . .

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Josh Duhamel!

And here are some more pictures I saw from the web. . .

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They just don't look almost the same, they're both HOT too!

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! =)

Too cute not to share =)

From Convaid's FB Page

I know. . . we've all been there, Haha!

All Choked Up. . .

This was what exactly happened to me when I watched this video in GodVine.  ( . . .told you, I'm a "cry mommy"!)

And when she said . . ."What is worse than not having a mom?"  I couldn't breathe anymore!  (okay, call me overacting! Haha!)  Those lines just tugged my heart strings.  Her selflessness (choosing to keep the baby over getting treatment for her Cancer) truly showed how great a mother's love is.  There is indeed nothing a mother won't do for her child!    

Listening to this mom's story also emphasized the following life lessons (which are overused that we are probably tired of hearing them already).  

1) Life is too short.  As they say, live each day as if it is your last.

2) It's never too late to go after your dream.     

It is truly inspiring to see someone who took each of these lessons with all of her heart and see her succeed and overcome the challenges she faced.  I hope we do the same thing in our lives.

Have a nice weekend ahead!  

Fill it with Love, Happiness and Gratitude! =)

Food Find: Clara Olé's Kung Pao Pasta Sauce

I've read about this pasta sauce from My Mom-Friday's blog.  Her preparation of the pasta reminded me of Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan pasta.  I haven't had this for a while so I thought of trying it and see if we can actually have our favorite pasta from Yellow Cab at home!  (Or at least something that is closer to it. . . )

The cooking direction actually just calls for heating the sauce and pouring in the noodles.  But being the "sauté queen" that I am (Haha!), I sautéed the chicken with garlic, onion and bell peppers, poured the sauce (which  smells good by the way!  I can smell its sweetish, salty, chili flavor while simmering it---it is Charlie Chan-ish!) and the noodles and voila! .. . .

It actually tastes okay, it is worth trying.  I think it would be perfect if I didn't dilute the sauce with a little bit of water (I added a little bit of water because we minimize our salt intake at home)

  

I would definitely buy another pack and the next time I cook it, I will remain true to the Charlie Chicken pasta which we love. . . it will have roasted peanuts, shiitake mushrooms and spring onions!

Clara Olé also offers other pasta sauces which will definitely be part of our kitchen pantry  =)

Happy Cooking!

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I Knew It!

. . . that letting the Little One sleep at 7PM would mean she would still wake up later in the night. . .and she did . . . at midnight!  

After feeding her and letting her play with the keyboard and mouse. . . with her pillows. . . with the digital camera, my mobile phone and the tv's remote control (she prefers these things over her toys). . . she was getting antsy. . .so we watched her favorite nursery rhyme in You Tube (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). . . she's getting bored so I let her laze around the bed, I sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to her (until I had to  stop because I was about to fall asleep!) . . . she played with her empty feeding bottles (?!!), sets them aside. . .  and then I let her play with the ear thermometer case!  (I'm running out of things to give her, haha!). . .And fed her again.  

After 2 hours . . . 

The Little One is finally asleep!  (Yayyyy!)

Goodnight everyone . . . time to get some Zzzzzzs =)

Note to self: No more sleeping at 7PM for the Little One. . . .afternoon naps are meant to be taken from 2-4PM!

Flaunt your CURVES!

Wearing a smile might be just what you need to turn your day around.

Have a smiley day ahead and . . . flash those pearly whites! =)

Wanted: Crafty Mom

Yes, I want to be one!!!  I've read mommy blogs where moms share their DIY projects. . . parties, costumes, home and kid stuff. . . I wish they could give me some of their creative dust!

(I'm not creative, I've never been good in anything that has to do with Art.  I even asked my Dad to do my project in my Art class in High school. . .I hope Ms. R isn't reading this blog! Haha!)

In my eagerness to find the "crafty Mom" in me, I tried doing some DIYs.

I want this one for the Little One's clips . . . 

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And this is a "trying hard to be a crafty mom's" take on it, haha!

A pink hanger and recycled ribbons!

And for her headbands. . . I just used a plastic container which I saw at the kitchen, heehee

Ugh. . .I think I have to do something about that yellow cover!

Dear Little One,

I promise to find the "Martha Stewart" in me . . .and I hope I find her in time for your first Trick or Treat.  

Love always,

Mama

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Dear Lord,

Please bless me with a creative mind and capable hands.  If these are not meant for me, please continue to give me a loving heart which would make me do anything for my Little One in ways that I can.   

Amen.

Food Find: Tilapia Longganisa

Yes, you read that right, Tilapia Longganisa*!  

*Longganisa is our local sausage.  It is one of the popular Filipino breakfast food (but can be eaten anytime of the day).  It is usually made from pork but other varieties like chicken, beef or tuna are also available in the market.  Each region in the Philippines would have their own version of this food (e.g. some are salty, garlicky, sweet, etc).    

I was really having second thoughts about trying this one.  I've had Chicken longganisa and liked those.  But Fish?  Ummm. . . I don't think so! Haha!  (I like Fish. . . but not in longganisa form!)  

Verdict:  My dad had to ask if they were really made of fish!  (And it pays to have low expectations, Haha!)

The longganisa weren't "fishy" at all. . . and more importantly, not salty.  If you tried Jollibee's longganisa, this fish longganisa has a "Jollibee-ish" taste in them (though they have a more subtle sweetness).     

Thanks to the brand, Nile Pacific, our first taste of Fish Longganisa was a pleasant one! (Whew!)  

Nile Pacific is available in SM Supermarket and S & R Club.

Happy Easter!

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When I was young, Easter was all about frilly dresses, the Easter bunny, Egg hunts and candies!  But now I know that Easter means more (much more) than those things.  

This joyous celebration signifies a new LIFE!  Jesus showed us that after going through all the pain, suffering and death. . . He rose and came back to Life.   

May we be inspired by this thought. . . that when life beats you down and you feel like quitting . . . remain hopeful because each new day means new beginnings, another chance at living your Life! 

Happy Easter!

Sorry. . .

Growing up, two of the earliest words my parents taught me were "Thank You" and "Sorry".  I said "Thank  You" when I got gifts, when my parents let me play in the rain, when Mom bought me a new dress or when Dad treated us for ice cream  . . . but somehow, saying "Sorry" just didn't come easy.  My elder brother and I used to fight a lot (okay, sometimes I start it! Hehe) and I have to get that "evil look" from my parents (they don't have to say a word at all!)  before I can say. . . .THAT word.

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And then as I grew older, I realized how important and powerful this word was.  This word can make someone feel better, can make YOU a better person, it can make you humble and it can even mend a broken heart (depends on the person I guess, hehe) and I've learned that saying "Sorry" makes a big difference in any kind of relationship. 

I've brought the same lesson in my relationship with God.  I try my best to make Him happy but I know there are times (most of the time) that I come short.  Sometimes I get distracted during mass or I forget to say my morning and evening prayers.  But I would like to believe that I have a personal relationship with Him in my own special way. . . that saying SORRY comes easy because I know He listens and doesn't judge.    

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I am SORRY Lord for hurting you and for the countless times I took you for granted. . . And THANK YOU for showing us the Greatest Love of all. . . We are truly humbled by your unconditional love. 

John 3:16 

For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Travel Light

When I was still working, I always want to travel light for my business trips.  Traveling light for me meant packing enough clothes to wear (I already plan what to wear each day), one pair of shoes (I try!  Haha!) that would match all my work clothes . . .but STILL, I use a regular-sized luggage, haha!  Confession to make ---The extra space is for a "just in case". . . for "new stuff" I might get during the trip (read shopping, hehe)  

Just want to share with you an article I read in The NY Times which is really helpful for travelers.  It shows how a flight stewardess can pack her stuff (good for 10 days) in a Carry-On.  All of us have different travel needs/essentials but I think we can learn a thing or two from her.  (I usually fold my clothes but I'm rolling them now!)

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The article is in a slideshow.  To view it, please click on this link.

While writing this post, a thought just set-in. . ."traveling light" doesn't only apply to the trips that we take but also how we live our lives.  Life is a long journey.  Travel light and let go of the things that hurt you in the past.  Leave the pain that can't make you move on, the worries that weaken you and the fears that undermine your growth.  Let go and Live. .. and Be Happy =)

Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week!

Happy Monday! (Being Grateful)

Yes, there is always something to be thankful for everyday, no matter how small.

Be thankful.  Be happy! =)

  

CHEAT DAY!

Since it's April Fool's Day today, I was supposed to post this pix and blog about my "so-called" first attempt in baking!  But I think no one would EVER believe me because this doesn't look like it was baked by a first-timer!  Haha!

So I just have to confess that today was my "cheat day"!   I usually have good eating habits during weekdays and "reward" myself on weekends (teehee).  I had this blueberry cheesecake for afternoon merienda (snacks) and probably tonight for dessert (I'll think about it, haha!)  

Just like in a car's rear view mirror . . .
Object may appear larger than it is! *wink*

I had a really nice weekend with my sister and the Little One. . . thank you sis for the weekend treat!  XOXO

Hope you all had a nice and relaxing weekend!