July 1993

This was the date written on this birthday card. . .which makes it 19 years old!  I saw this while fixing my drawer and was given to me by M, my best friend.  (She is probably my first friend too. . . EVER!  Haha!  We met when we were both seven years old while practicing for a school activity.)  

It's so nice to read her personal message (again) which I found funny and amazing at the same time.

Amazing how she foresaw all the possibilities that can happen in my life (teehee)

Betchamygollywow, I'm NOT nineteen anymore!

I got married

I got into stocks (and got out of it, haha!)

I got a job (Before I got married)

One of the things I am thankful for in my life is having a great set of friends.  They are a blessing in my life.  We may not see each other as often as we want to and we may have seen changes (major) in our lives but I know our friendship remains the same.  So . . .

To M and to my other best girls, thank you for being "a friend for life".  =) 

Hello Monday! (A Garfield Monday)

I know, weekends go by too fast . . .

Photo Source

And that we all hate Mondays

Photo Source

BUT . . .

Photo Source

When I was still working, I thought Wednesdays were the worst because they seem to be the busiest day of my week, haha!

But for now, I love Mondays .. . because each new week brings us closer to seeing Zola's Dad!  (He's coming home!  *Happy dance here*)

Whatever your favorite day of the week is, I wish you a week full of humor and laughter!

P.S. Don't you just love Garfield?

Siesta Time

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon, it's 2:30 pm, I am lazing around the bed, the TV is on (I can hear the Divine Diva belting out a song). . . but I'm also reading the newspaper and then I suddenly feel my eyes getting heavier, the sound from the TV slowly fading and I know what's next. . . .it's time for my siesta!

Photo Source

BUT. .. this  was before the Little One came along. . . 

Being a mom means getting some sleep doesn't come in easily (not that I'm complaining).  

This afternoon, I was soooo sleepy that I thought of two options:

First, I bargained with my sister (she helps me with the Little One when she's not working) and asked her to give me just 20 mins of power nap (and she gets an hour) 

OR I give the Little One sleeping meds!  (Just kidding!!!)

But Luck is on my side!  The Little One asked for her bottle and is now fast asleep.

And me. . . well, sleep has escaped me! (Arrgghhh!) 

And that is why you are reading this post. . . .

Now that my sister is awake, let's see if I can do something about my siesta. . . again.

Hope you all had a nice weekend!

Happy Hour!

I went to Hotel Vida yesterday (which is located inside Clark Freeport Zone) and saw this . . .

Drink all the cocktails you want for just US$ 7?!!!  (Drinking Cocktails. . . it's definitely more fun in the Philippines!)

THAT is absolutely a good deal!  I am sure my good friend J would love this!  (J, you have to take a 2- hour drive to Pampanga though to enjoy this!  Haha!)

Have a relaxing and exciting weekend everyone!               

Leche!

Yup, "leche"!  

This post is not about "leche" being used as an expression when one is pissed off (which Filipinos do) but refers to the Spanish  word for milk.   

We have some chicken lollies and thought of cooking them for lunch.  Among all the recipes I saw at the Net, I liked the recipe of Pinay in Texas the most.  I also saw some recipes which calls for milk as a marinade as it makes the meat more tender and moist (hmmm, interesting!  Our homemade fried chicken gets dry when reheated).  So I just got some parts of Pinay in Texas' recipe and thought of saving her actual recipe for another day. . . just so I can try this milk thing (teehee) and see if it really makes a difference.  And I'm happy to say. . . the chicken lollipops turned out pretty good!  Tasty, crispy and moist!   

For our recipe, we used the following ingredients:

(I'm so sorry I don't have measurements as I just usually estimate and adjust according to taste)

1/2 kilo chicken lollipops 

Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper

Evaporated Milk (small can)

Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Breading:

1 Egg 

Flour 

Panko Bread Crumbs (I highly recommend the Kasugai brand)

Cooking Procedure:

1. Mix the dry ingredients and rub it on the wings.  Pour the milk and marinade the chicken for at least an hour (in the fridge).

  

2. For the breading, dust the chicken with flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, followed by the Panko Bread Crumbs (Trivia: Panko bread crumbs are usually made from the center of the bread instead of the crust.  It has a coarse and lighter texture which make fried food crunchier and also maintains the crispiness longer as compared to using the traditional Western breadcrumbs.  I've also read that it contains less salt and calories!) 

3. Deep fry your lollipops until golden brown.

4. Serve (and enjoy) them with your favorite dip.

I really wish I have the knack for food styling, haha!

Happy Cooking . . . and Eating!

I can't think straight. . .

Must. Declutter.

Housekeeping Mode (more of "Roomkeeping" actually) ON.

Favorite Music. . . ON.

A Ball of Energy

Crawling (not underneath the computer table) but ON TOP! --- while "skyping" with her Dad

Either she's trying to find other uses for her basin or 

she's just plain bored during the car ride.

(Just in case you're wondering why we have one in the car. . .

well, let's just say the Little One sometimes get "sick" 

after drinking her milk. . . if you know what I mean) 

Bag raider!

You should have seen her trying to put this AND a pen in her mouth. . . 

AT THE SAME TIME!  (Big Gasp!)

Yes, Little One, I'm watching you like a hawk!  

Can I have some of your energy please?