tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25777771545893874682024-03-14T02:18:37.752+08:00pearls on the pathfinding gems and joys in the everyday. counting blessings, spotting silver linings, simplifying life.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-15533759325461615092014-04-03T13:04:00.002+08:002014-04-03T13:07:15.111+08:00a cool idea for summer: frozen mint tea<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oz-3rq2d42s/UzzoskDjfoI/AAAAAAAAU-M/7eUIZmLY6Q0/s1600/mint1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oz-3rq2d42s/UzzoskDjfoI/AAAAAAAAU-M/7eUIZmLY6Q0/s1600/mint1.png" height="185" width="200" /></a><br />
Summers here in the Philippines are <i>scalding</i>, so surviving one means having to think of clever ways to beat the heat. Frozen mint tea is one of the smartest ideas ever. <br />
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Mint has a sweet taste that delivers a cooling sensation, and it's real nice when it's ice-cold. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: xx-small;">Image from Wikimedia Commons</span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Make mint tea.<br /><b>(Boil water, pour over fresh mint leaves; cover for 3 minutes, strain.)<br /><br /></b></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Freeze.<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Stick in blender for a refreshing drink.</b></span></li>
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Sometimes I like to turn it into a sorbet of sorts. I don't have an ice cream maker, so I have to do things the <i>creative </i>way:</div>
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<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Make mint tea. Pour into a container with a cover.<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Add sugar. Maybe milk too, and/ or a tiny bit of citrus.<br /><br /></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Cover and place in freezer. Break it up with a spoon every 30 minutes or so to keep it from completely solidifying.</b></span></li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hW9ej2b7BxQ/Uzzoryr3s6I/AAAAAAAAU-E/njqcsyIJrdc/s1600/mint2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hW9ej2b7BxQ/Uzzoryr3s6I/AAAAAAAAU-E/njqcsyIJrdc/s1600/mint2.png" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
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It's a really divine treat for a scorching afternoon. Mint tea cools and refreshes, and it also relaxes, so it's perfect for when you're winding down in the evening. It aids sleep, lifts your mood, clears the sinuses and promotes healthier skin, too.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-65423239509112526932014-03-14T17:16:00.000+08:002014-03-19T17:20:43.392+08:00breakfast for dinnerRemember how your parents told you not to play with your food, but you kept on doing it anyway? We love having fun with the stuff we eat, don't we? So much that we have to be told <i>not </i>to do it. Come on, admit it - even as adult, you can't resist the temptation sometimes. <b><span style="color: orange;">^_^</span></b><br />
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I'm not really fond of blogging about food and food places, but as this week's <i>happy thawts</i> are hinged on dinner, this'll sort of be about a food place. But no, it's not quite a review. <br />
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For years now, my cousin C has been egging me on about how we should meet up outside of family gatherings. We agreed it would be nice to go out like how we used to when we were younger, except not for teenagery stuff this time. Anyway, we were finally able to set aside some time to do it this week. And that's<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> happy thawt number one:</span></b> Seeing one of my favorite cousins on a workday. It was nice getting together like that. I'd almost forgotten how fun it could be to just hang out with her.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNEoCy_0DuQ/UylfddnQ2qI/AAAAAAAAU9E/ucexq44QZQM/s1600/20140310_190345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNEoCy_0DuQ/UylfddnQ2qI/AAAAAAAAU9E/ucexq44QZQM/s1600/20140310_190345.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">So here's an awful phone-cam photo of us, after-work eyebags and all.<br />Photoshopping this would take a lot of work, so forget that.</span></td></tr>
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Now here comes <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">happy thawt number two.</span> </b><br />
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We agreed to meet in Eastwood City, since it was a midpoint of sorts after work (both for her and myself, and for the Hubby, who was joining us). We walked around a bit and decided on a place called Slappy Cakes.<br />
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We were quite drawn to Slappy Cakes because of two things: the thought of having breakfast for dinner <span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: x-small;">(i <i>love </i>pancakes)</span>, and the thought of having some fun with our food. Each table had this griddle in the middle, where diners can cook pancakes just how they want them. The menu even offers several different kinds of batter, and a gamut of sweet and savory fillings and toppings. How fun is that for a pancake-lover, right? <br />
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You can make yourself something comforting like a a blueberry-strawberry buttermilk pancake...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zba9O4naMfM/UyKAk6iQg-I/AAAAAAAAU8c/qHagbK-YWAs/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zba9O4naMfM/UyKAk6iQg-I/AAAAAAAAU8c/qHagbK-YWAs/s1600/2.png" height="78" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or attempt a designer banana-walnut-peanut butter-salted chocolate pancake with Nutella, or a crazy bacon and cheese and mushroom pancake with mango syrup. Or not. ^_^<br />
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The batter comes in these nifty squeeze bottles that minimize the mess...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7HTFqbUVssdzMgSZm_ccFbG8BLpJgOLf0vysqFjd3_HuxHOe58aGqlGNC-6FNm-raTF2OfmkbiYKMrXPm_r3GPED-uOvpei4grm9j9lSLoC8zgVAglmVGie5htxIgZI5G0kTA7vSJYA/s1600/20140310_190505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7HTFqbUVssdzMgSZm_ccFbG8BLpJgOLf0vysqFjd3_HuxHOe58aGqlGNC-6FNm-raTF2OfmkbiYKMrXPm_r3GPED-uOvpei4grm9j9lSLoC8zgVAglmVGie5htxIgZI5G0kTA7vSJYA/s1600/20140310_190505.jpg" /></a></div>
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... so you could also make your pancakes into any shape you want to. Hearts or stars or letters and stuff. In fact, the folks in the other booth were spelling words out with their batter.<br />
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As for our table, we wondered ...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ciRuv6XYU/UyKAj5__ApI/AAAAAAAAU8U/E7m1d8hoLik/s1600/1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4ciRuv6XYU/UyKAj5__ApI/AAAAAAAAU8U/E7m1d8hoLik/s1600/1.png" height="81" width="320" /></a></div>
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So here's the Hubby on flipping duty ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHCXE-N5MRfVCUYxPFaQIdOW5Lt-JKvMpIVslBgrt7qPYTUY6K0R1TeANMJWgQwP7JDaLDNqMAgk58vxRr3uIU-Te1AC84Rs3zmOMsjjq8deVxr1WVfj4e0sk7ORQFNK-FV0yFRmsq1U/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHCXE-N5MRfVCUYxPFaQIdOW5Lt-JKvMpIVslBgrt7qPYTUY6K0R1TeANMJWgQwP7JDaLDNqMAgk58vxRr3uIU-Te1AC84Rs3zmOMsjjq8deVxr1WVfj4e0sk7ORQFNK-FV0yFRmsq1U/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and our mini vegan-batter pancake with banana and bacon, just about getting bubbly. There's nothing vegan about this pancake anymore though. We're not trying to be vegan, but we went for the vegan batter because the food server said it tasted good with bacon. Who would've thought, right? It was pretty tasty, actually.<br />
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It's the sort of place kids and non-boring adult pancake fans would like. I'd probably come back, but with a couple of nephews or a nieces next time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-80448488473767283082014-03-04T15:48:00.000+08:002014-03-04T15:48:12.369+08:00salt<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="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUmDHMmA3ONQF7lZIlKhEbchEryE7m5l2rPtQ1M7fwjKc9u-AkhkEwWsqv7K5VNdCyaGylKUoK3UKTZiyzZpMGvSa1ZdGS3Yimtkc7e7s7nsXOe8oiDvFUvCUtQEs854pxrRX6wtrZrs/s1600/salt+-+God+flavors.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image and sloppy Photoshopping by me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Mom's got a collection of these things <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/1loves/the-word-that-speaks/">here</a>.</span></span></i></td></tr>
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I love this version of this popular verse; it's taken from The Message Bible.</div>
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I've lately had a renewed appreciation for salt on food. For a few years I've skipped placing salt in my cooking, reckoning it was the wise thing to do after my Dad had a stroke and and my Mom had an open heart surgery. Their doctors had recommended low-sodium diets for them, and I thought maybe I should start early and avoid salt as much as possible. <span style="color: orange;"> :p </span>Of course that was a drastic move, so last year I decided that a tiny bit of salt is fine, as long as I make it a habit to eat more fresh food.</div>
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Anyway, I felt like I rediscovered what salt does for food, and my oh my, salt is <i>ah-mazing</i>. Lemme say that again: <span style="font-size: x-small;">AH-MAZING</span>. Now I like to put a tiny bit of salt on most of the stuff I eat (not everything. I'd still like to watch the sodium). <b><span style="color: orange;">^_^</span></b> Trust me, salt even makes cornflakes taste better. </div>
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In the Gospels, Jesus likens his followers to salt, calling us <i>the salt of the earth</i>. In The Message version, it says <i>You're here to bring out the God-flavors of the earth</i>. </div>
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I've read it over and over, but it stills strikes me as profound. When Christ's followers do their thing, it makes the world more flavorful, more palatable (?), and a generally better place.</div>
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Making this my personal mantra, <i>I'm</i> here to bring out the God-flavors of the earth. I've got it in me to give the people around me a dash of what makes them closer to God. I can touch lives, a tiny bit at a time. </div>
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I suppose I need to "rediscover" myself as the salt of the earth to see just how <i>ah-mazing</i> things are being a child of God. Not that life is dull. I guess I'm just getting less starry-eyed now that I'm older (and boy, do I feel older!) I've settled down considerably, and that's a good thing; but I want to realize something new and dynamic about my existence on earth, i.e., something I haven't experienced before. Is it too much to hope I feel about myself the way I feel about salt on food? (Dang. Awkward sentence. Anyway ...)<br /><br />I can actually write a detailed Bible study on this scripture, complete with cross-referencing, suggested worship songs and homework, but I'm not doing that. That kind of reflection has lots of merit, but I think I'll pass for now. Stripping things down to the basics also has much benefit too.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-71253838483985398542014-02-11T11:04:00.002+08:002014-02-11T11:04:36.379+08:0030 helpful hintsFrom a friend's blog. Click to enlarge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVIzQfE4wenVQp7FiV0WxjqeDHdBvronG-_8i9SwG6Lkh-LrhEmSAskCJCKBV-obb6BhuwRlcPVu9gTmBS-9k8RpBs4H0AZWGY-mQwMOZ73-pagGlx_wASuYrFq27LSt1R4IxzBebilI/s1600/Simple_Tricks-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVIzQfE4wenVQp7FiV0WxjqeDHdBvronG-_8i9SwG6Lkh-LrhEmSAskCJCKBV-obb6BhuwRlcPVu9gTmBS-9k8RpBs4H0AZWGY-mQwMOZ73-pagGlx_wASuYrFq27LSt1R4IxzBebilI/s1600/Simple_Tricks-3.png" height="640" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-27132546582323629212014-01-22T16:00:00.000+08:002014-01-22T16:00:39.966+08:00hello, january<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(Also posted in my other blog, <a href="http://irreverendmar.blogspot.com/"> irreverendmar.blogspot.com</a>)<br />
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The past several weeks have been <i>full of stuff </i> for me, and since I've never considered blogging to be anywhere at the top of my list of priorities, all my blogs have been fairly silent through last December. I hadn't made any heartwarming Christmassy posts, or thought-provoking New Year-related ones, tsk tsk. It's still January though, and I reckon I can still blog about my thoughts on the start of the year.<br />
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I'm not a New Year's Resolution sort of person. Never believed in resolutions. I'm more into setting goals for myself, with specified target dates and target numbers. Having goals instead of resolutions, i.m.h.o., is more conducive to productivity and affords a sense of accomplishment when reached. But <i>ha ha</i>, here I am this year with some resolutions instead of goals this time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMREbkLFXoI2pRAiOL38KEDccms0R1Dq1DvEr87BSB9AaJjNEazHnh-fFVWxIkzI8rlTPxlwB2GJ-0emtD0BhNCaa7FmOkJ6q8-7moF6jZ4ydjr6L7JI1v1qZiQJU_YqJsu3oDcsNmrYMD/s1600/THIS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMREbkLFXoI2pRAiOL38KEDccms0R1Dq1DvEr87BSB9AaJjNEazHnh-fFVWxIkzI8rlTPxlwB2GJ-0emtD0BhNCaa7FmOkJ6q8-7moF6jZ4ydjr6L7JI1v1qZiQJU_YqJsu3oDcsNmrYMD/s1600/THIS.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a>I've mostly set and reached similar goals every year (it's usually along the lines of <i>Get x ministry rolling by y quarter of year, Read z number of books by December 31, Lose n pounds by m month</i>), and though they are all good, life-enriching goals, I've gotten quite tired of them. I usually have them written out at the start of each year, but I haven't gotten to doing that just yet. I probably will in the next few days, knowing that my obsessive self will never forgive the lapse. But in the meantime, I find myself having a of list things that seem more like silly resolutions. Whaddyaknow.<br />
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Those resolution thingies were sparked some wekends ago while I was having a late lunch/ early dinner with an old friend from high school. As we were bound to do, we mused about our early teenage years and laughed about how old and ricketty we've become and yadda. It was just a few days after Christmas, so we naturally went into our thoughts on how to make 2014 a better year. One of the things we brought up was the fact that we're both just a few years to forty, and it's about time we invest in better quality stuff. i.e., it's fine to wear a ratty top or tote a cheap bag when you're in your twenties, but when you still do it past thirty, it has a vibe of being irresponsible. And it's just plain ugly. Besides, why go for cheap, low-quality stuff when you can afford something better now? Go for well-made stuff, high-quality, the real deal. It isn't just about comfort or excess; it has more to do with being respectable and responsible.<br />
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So anyway, we spewed out some good ideas that day so we decided to write things down (she in her smartphone, and I in my handy dandy, low-tech notepad). This isn't the kind of thing I can easily write in goal form, so I settled with sticking to a resoltion-type to-do list. It kinda started out with getting better stuff (i.e., buy a smartphone), but things eventually rolled toward being a better person. Such as, learning new skills, seeing new places, and basically leveling up as a human being - but that's just basic yearly stuff. One of the more "special" things we agreed on is that we ought to become more visible to our godchilren, because yes, that's what respectable, responsible people do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdG9Z9D_C781RB_MHug0FETTZaPrbs0H59_QiqfBwereYZulueqAAHCoSmovTFYn0NR178C8dyfFO1BlpDoHGEvzR800KVjO0mh5F01fnIsTCo5PtiyoidBJ64BhuuAjZBMECZR2kkeIh/s1600/MARG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdG9Z9D_C781RB_MHug0FETTZaPrbs0H59_QiqfBwereYZulueqAAHCoSmovTFYn0NR178C8dyfFO1BlpDoHGEvzR800KVjO0mh5F01fnIsTCo5PtiyoidBJ64BhuuAjZBMECZR2kkeIh/s1600/MARG.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret is my first-ever goddaughter. I think she's graduating. <br />Her mom had her when she was quite young, now she makes us feel real old</span>.</span></i></td></tr>
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I had my list pretty much down pat when I wnet home that evening, and I re-wrote it on a clean sheet of paper that I taped to my desk. I thought my list ended at "Be a better godmother", but I added the most important thing a few days later.<br />
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At the bottom of my list, I had added <b><i>Be A Blessing.</i></b> I'd like to try my best at purposely being a living, breathing, walking, talking, blessing. I know, Iknow, it's something that the Christianity Clause sort of implies. But I've been following Christ for some time now, and I can't really say I consistently provide a positive experience for everyone I encounter. Since I'm doing resolutions this year, I might as well have it in there. Be someone who makes people feel blessed, loved, or just plain happy. Because that's what respectable, responsible Christians do.<br />
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Oh dear, that's a lot of work. I feel like scratching it out already.<br />
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The decisive moment came one afternoon, after an encounter with a particularly unpleasant cab driver. I had reacted to his cantankerousness by going on b*tch-mode, pretty much ruining his day. Other people would likely affirm me by saying that the guy had it coming, but I'm pretty sure Jesus would tell me to turn the other cheek. Tsk tsk. Besides, they guy was a cab driver. He's apparently less fortunate than I am; shame on me for not being more sympathetic toward a guy who's trying to make an honest living but is probably just on the 22nd straight hour of a bad day.<br />
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As I sat at home alone, I went into full-on remorse for being such a pathetic excuse for a social being. It's more or less socially acceptable these days to get all aggressive when someone offers you bad service (and it's even applauded in some circles), but being demanding is one thing, being b*tchy is a whole other. B*tchy doesn't really help anyone involved. It certainly didn't help the possibly-tired cab driver, and it didn't make me a better person. <br />
<br />
Not immediately anyway. But I hope to make something out of the remorse and the realizations that came after the experience. Like what they say about life giving you lemons ...<br />
<br />
So I resolved to Be A Blessing. I'm not just talking about "doing random good deeds"; I mean more like "be less of a b8tch" and "be more intentionally refreshing". <i>Ayown</i>. It's not natural for me; it's the sort of thing I have to remind myself about. It's always been easier for me to be a bitchessa than a blessing. MUCH easier. Believe me, I've tried my best, but at some point in the past several years, I decided to give up altogether because I'm just not good at being likable. But being a blessing has less to do with being likable and more to do with what's doing right and proper. I just want to be it because it's life-affirming, inspiring, nurturing; not just for myself but for the lives around me. <br />
<br />
So this year, on top of acquiring better things for myself, I'm acquiring a better "blessing persona" - well-made stuff, high-quality, the real deal. Because that's what respectable, responsible Christians do. Why go for low-quality when you can afford better, right?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-50506583929014115782014-01-10T13:03:00.001+08:002014-01-10T13:06:30.938+08:002013 bookwormeryAt the beginning of 2013, I made it a goal to read at least 50 books before the end of the year, and <i>whoopee!</i> I made it. I don't think I'll be doing it again this year; I'll probably just revert to my usual goal of 40. Like usual, I wanted to make a more-or-less even amount of fiction and non-fiction. <br />
<br />
So anyway, here are my 2013 friends (and the possibly the reason why nothing seemed to have happened in 2013). I've already read some of them previously, but I enjoyed them enough to read them again.<br />
<br />
My ratings:<br />
<span style="color: white;">--</span><span style="color: #f1c232;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span> Awesome; a fave for the year;<br />
<span style="color: white;">--</span> <span style="color: #e69138;">*</span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><span style="color: white;">-</span> Great fun.<br />
<span style="color: white;">--</span> <span style="color: orange;">***</span> <span style="color: white;">-- </span>OK. Cool. <br />
<span style="color: white;">--</span> <span style="color: orange;">**</span> <span style="color: white;">--- </span>Meh.<br />
<span style="color: white;">--</span> <span style="color: orange;">*</span> <span style="color: white;">-----</span>Rubbish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">I. Nonfiction</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Memoirs</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">1</span> Boy: Tales From Childhood <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ROALD DAHL] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">2</span> Going Solo <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ROALD DAHL] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">3</span> Eat Pray Love <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ELIZABETH GILBERT] </span><span style="color: #e69138;">** </span><i>(Oh, why oh why is this a bestseller?) </i><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">4</span> Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JOHN BERENDT] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">5</span> Summer At Tiffany <span style="font-size: x-small;">[MARJORIE HART] </span><span style="color: #e69138;">*</span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Christian Inspirational</span></u></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">6</span> Blue Like Jazz <span style="font-size: x-small;">[DON MILLER]</span> <i>(Re-read it for the second time) </i><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">7</span> The Heart of a God-Chaser <span style="font-size: x-small;">[TOMMY TENNEY] </span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">8</span> In the Grip of Grace <span style="font-size: x-small;">[MAX LUCADO] </span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">9</span> Re-Church <span style="font-size: x-small;">[STEPHEN MANSFIELD] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">10</span> Searching For God Knows What <span style="font-size: x-small;">[DON MILLER] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">11</span> The Spirit of Loveliness <span style="font-size: x-small;">[EMILIE BARNES]</span> <span style="color: orange;">*** </span><i>(Re-read; somehow it seemed much nicer the first time I read it)</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Humanities</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">12</span> Coffee With Michelangelo <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JAMES HALL]</span> <span style="color: orange;">**** </span><i>(Re-read)</i><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">13</span> Michelangelo and Raphael In the Vatican <span style="color: orange;">***** </span>(<i>Featured awesome full-color fold-outs of the paintings)</i><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">14</span> Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ In Art <span style="color: orange;">**</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">15</span> The Story of Art<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [E.H. GOMBRICH] </span><span style="color: orange;">***** </span><i>(Re-read)</i><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">16 </span>Van Gogh <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JOSEPHINE CUTTS, JAMES SMITH] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">17 </span>The World of Delacroix <span style="font-size: x-small;">[TOM PRIDEUX] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Other</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">18</span> An Inconvenient Truth <span style="font-size: x-small;">[AL GORE] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">19</span> Epicenter: Why Current Rumblings In the Middle East Will Change Your Future <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JOEL C. ROSENBERG] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">20 </span>Purple Cow <span style="font-size: x-small;">[SETH GODIN] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">21 </span>Speeches That Changed The World <span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">II. Fiction-Nonfiction Hybrids</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: #cccccc;">22</span> The Bell Jar <span style="font-size: x-small;">[SYLVIA PLATH] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">23</span> The Te of Piglet <span style="font-size: x-small;">[BENJAMIN HOFF] </span><span style="color: orange;">**</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">24 </span>Roald Dahl's Incredible Chocolate Box <span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">25</span> The Villain's Guide to Better Living <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NEIL ZAWACKI] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">III. Fiction</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Science Fiction and Fantasy</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">26</span> The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure <span style="font-size: x-small;">[WILLIAM GOLDMAN] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">27</span> Dune <span style="font-size: x-small;">[FRANK HERBERT] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">28</span> Foundation <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ISAAC ASIMOV] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">29</span> Foundation and Empire <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ISAAC ASIMOV] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">30 </span>Second Foundation <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ISAAC ASIMOV] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Chick Lit</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">31</span> How To Make an American Quilt <span style="font-size: x-small;">[WHITNEY OTTO] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">32 </span>The Kitchen God's Wife <span style="font-size: x-small;">[AMY TAN] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">33</span> Paint It Black <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JANET FITCH] </span><span style="color: orange;">**</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">34</span> Morrigan's Cross <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NORA ROBERTS] </span><span style="color: orange;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">35</span> Dance of the Gods<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [NORA ROBERTS] </span><span style="color: orange;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">36 </span>Valley of Silence <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NORA ROBERTS] </span><span style="color: orange;">*</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Thrillers / Mysteries</b></span></u><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">37</span> Children of the Furor <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ROGER ELWOOD] </span><span style="color: orange;">*</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">38</span> The Girl Who Played With Fire <span style="font-size: x-small;">[STIEG LARSSON] </span><span style="color: orange;">**** </span><i>(Would have given it </i><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><i>if it wasn't so dragging. Imho, not as enjoyable as "Dragon Tattoo", but still a good read)</i><i>.</i><br />
<span style="color: orange;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">39</span> Interview With the Vampire <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ANNE RICE] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">40</span> John Dies At the End <span style="font-size: x-small;">[DAVID WONG] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">41</span> Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children <span style="font-size: x-small;">[RANSOM RIGGS]</span> <span style="color: orange;">** </span><i>(Almost rubbish. What can you expect from a story driven by found vintage photographs? Paradoxically, it was those photos that saved the book for me. Without them, this would be just another crap story).</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><u>Children's Fiction and Easy Reading</u></span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">42</span> Giant Treasury of Beatrix Potter <span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">43</span> The Phantom Tollbooth <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NORTON JUSTER] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">44</span> The Roald Dahl Treasury <span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">45</span> Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [JUDY BLUME] </span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #ea9999;">Other</span></u></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">46</span> The Count of Monte Cristo<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [ALEXANDRE DUMAS, Pere]</span> <span style="color: orange;">***</span> <i>(Re-read. It was immensely enjoyable the first time I read it years ago. This time, it wasn't so. The one I read this year is an abridged edition without some of the delicious nitty-gritties; i.e., a different, duller translation).</i><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">47</span> The Kite Runner <span style="font-size: x-small;">[KHALED HOSSEINI] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">48 </span>The Namesake <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JHUMPA LAHIRI] </span><span style="color: orange;">****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">49 </span>The Orange Girl <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JOSTEIN GAARDER] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">50</span> Skipping Christmas <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JOHN GRISHAM] </span><span style="color: orange;">*****</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">51</span> Veronika Decides To Die <span style="font-size: x-small;">[PAOLO COELHO] </span><span style="color: orange;">***</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-6989571395076112682014-01-06T11:47:00.000+08:002014-02-11T11:20:17.536+08:00my 2013 in a nutshell <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1380484_10151650109981650_326270707_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1380484_10151650109981650_326270707_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Year in a Word: Blah</span></b><br />
<div>
My 2013 was rather drab compared to all the color of the past few years. I thought 2012 was steady, but it's got a lot of drama and excitement compared to 2013. I wouldn't say the year was entirely uneventful, but when I reviewed my year through my Facebook posts, I didn't find much to review. <b><span style="color: #e69138;">:p</span></b> I actually thought of nixing this yearly practice of summing up the year in a blog post, because I feel like I won't have anything interesting to say about 2013. But yeah. For the sake of personal tradition, and for the sake of keeping this blog alive, <i>voici</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Hugest Joy</span></b></div>
<div>
Hmmm. This is a hard one. I'll come back to it later on. Not that the year was an unhappy one. In fact, I was rarely sad or depressed. It's just that nothing stands out.<br /><br />I suppose that's the biggest joy of the year - not having any deep or prolonged depressive episodes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Biggest Blessing </span></b></div>
<div>
Gaining regular, decent-paying clients for my ghostwriting stint. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Largest Frustration</span></b></div>
<div>
The results of the 2013 elections. Most of the people I voted for didn't make it, and some of those candidates I hoped wouldn't win did. I'm pretty sure it was an immense frustration for a lot of Filipinos too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Spiritual Principle for the Year</b></span></div>
<div>
Abraham moments:</div>
<div>
1 - Allowing a promised dream to die and continuing to trust in the Lord, whether He chooses to resurrect it or not.</div>
<div>
2 - Trusting in what God has previously said, despite not having constant affirmation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580555_10151175701031650_430663864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580555_10151175701031650_430663864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Nicest Place Visited</span></b></div>
<div>
Las Vegas, Nevada</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Best Personal Project</span></b></div>
<div>
Repainting and rearranging our room. It's so nice and clean now, and we were able to make it look like a studio flat. <span style="color: orange;">=D</span> I love it. That alone alleviates a lot of stress and frustration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Best Personal Accomplishment</span></b></div>
<div>
Learning to cook various kinds of sinigang from scratch, using different natural souring agents and absolutely no flavor mixes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And reaching my goal of reading 50 books.<br /><br />I told you it was a boring year.<br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv1MVb2_mjSRlkV7W9j_KLRVEDUMs-iULLznIO0JIb-BgUR9U3kvZruI5Y1atyDJjO1AsgkiuclJmp0JpZR2z-njsKZbjJ_JqCtEmCyHMnZE9hhEl8NW8dlF81K-IbijctBDNqG5HQ0Q/s1600/1472846_10151660324231916_878744161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv1MVb2_mjSRlkV7W9j_KLRVEDUMs-iULLznIO0JIb-BgUR9U3kvZruI5Y1atyDJjO1AsgkiuclJmp0JpZR2z-njsKZbjJ_JqCtEmCyHMnZE9hhEl8NW8dlF81K-IbijctBDNqG5HQ0Q/s1600/1472846_10151660324231916_878744161_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Worthwhile Contribution to Society </span></b></div>
<div>
Repacking relief goods and volunteering as a stress debriefing counselor for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Best Decision Made</span></b></div>
<div>
To go for better-quality stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Best Find</span></b></div>
<div>
A small, nameless church of sorts with lots of potential. Thinking of it makes me real happy. <span style="color: orange;">^_^</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Warmest Fuzzy</span></b></div>
<div>
Reconnecting with old friends from high school and college. And meeting some new ones. That was really nice.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Prettiest Thing I Made</span></b></div>
<div>
A painting requested by Mama. It now hangs on her wall. 20 x 23. Acrylics on canvas.</div>
<div>
<br />
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</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Greatest Encouragement</span></b></div>
<div>
Painting again. It made me want to keep making pretty things, but for other people, not for myself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Best Reads for 2013</span></b></div>
<div>
Nonfiction:<br />
<b><i>Epicenter: Why Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future</i></b> by Joel C. Rosenberg</div>
<div>
<b><i>Boy </i></b>and <b><i>Going Solo</i></b> by Roald Dahl</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fiction: </div>
<div>
<i><b>The Kite Runner </b></i>by Kaled Hosseini</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My Fave Movies for 2013</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Les Miserables.</i></b> It's really a 2012 movie, and I watched it in Vegas in 2012. But it was released in Manila in January 2013, and I watched it again then.</div>
<div>
<b><i>Man Of Steel.</i></b> Best Superman movie ever. </div>
<div>
<b><i>Star Trek: Into Darkness</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Now You See Me</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fave TV Shows</span></b></div>
<div>
Downton Abbey</div>
<div>
Doctor Who</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fave Gifts Received</span></b></div>
<div>
- A bunch of amazing make-up, from ate Wing. </div>
<div>
- A cool souvenir coin from the Louvre, from Tita G. A personal reminder that I will visit there someday. Soon, I hope.</div>
<div>
- A good-quality leather bag and a special Starbucks tumbler that I bought for myself. <br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fave Food for the Year</span></b></div>
<div>
Odd. Monggo soup. <span style="color: orange;">0_o</span> I haven't eaten monggo in a long while, but I started cooking it when I realized how cheap it was for something so filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare. And I've come to love it so much that I make some every other week. But it's not the traditional monggo guisado. Rather, it's a flavorful, chunky vegetable soup with lots of tomato, sometimes celery or carrots, then an abundance of rosemary, cumin, and a hint of cayenne. No pork or fish or anything. Just the veggies. And instead of kangkong or ampalaya leaves, I use fresh basil.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Worst Month: </b></span> Can't say there was one.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Best Month:</span></b> December. That's when we repainted our room, joined a non-stuffy life group, and we got to see some cousins over the holidays.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-50024751388615320312013-11-23T15:15:00.000+08:002013-11-23T15:15:00.146+08:00heartwarming haiyan images<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So yes, Haiyan. In the midst of all the turmoil and the drama, there are a lot of things that made us smile. I know everyone's probably seen all these by now, but I still want to compile them and re-share them.</div>
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<i>* None of these images are mine; they've mostly been nicked off social media sites.</i></div>
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Relief goods with notes of inspiration. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: Bianca Gonzales)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzT3oeICZLBq0OPKv5EY0eYXp5Eh3vd5MtuFCO7DBq1t8Z34Uf3_QWC7C78WpqH7unCM3NJxX7ybytYODA9ttwYgyYY0nuL6cdJIzizwLBXlA371Dp3SvaabWwgfO3FmxoaONXAOkDw4/s1600/10904686025_924792ac6e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzT3oeICZLBq0OPKv5EY0eYXp5Eh3vd5MtuFCO7DBq1t8Z34Uf3_QWC7C78WpqH7unCM3NJxX7ybytYODA9ttwYgyYY0nuL6cdJIzizwLBXlA371Dp3SvaabWwgfO3FmxoaONXAOkDw4/s1600/10904686025_924792ac6e_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some 400 tourists stranded in Coron, Palawan who decided to help out and pack relief goods. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: CNN iReporter Arnold BillSo)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVzmGxeHLw3REsgiuQFpPUaESQ9xxvDKlXO6Ii9AFFRuT2y1SS9N-M9gEnBqTH_8sFq_wgBhd3TasZfslxCrm8d_UxjH9Kx2irlahSRjJy6dP6p_6GZjCNalgzZPPK1jHPvPL_n-WAiI/s1600/484766_568390383215496_163625400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVzmGxeHLw3REsgiuQFpPUaESQ9xxvDKlXO6Ii9AFFRuT2y1SS9N-M9gEnBqTH_8sFq_wgBhd3TasZfslxCrm8d_UxjH9Kx2irlahSRjJy6dP6p_6GZjCNalgzZPPK1jHPvPL_n-WAiI/s1600/484766_568390383215496_163625400_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The story of the poor old lady who donated the only thing she could afford - a half-full packet of Bear Brand powdered milk.<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(From <a href="http://talk.ph/">Talk.ph</a>) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcs98ylI1m9wh2xZe48ndUnukOASpuzZJsAHm3QDX-Fj_Rq9XpkFLXcyMnIKaklFRalSNzNBPQuQwD-wIRDw34y2rkSMoOISQE4my8sHYbbfk9_dQEwDUs4t76Op43jCgeEp3cB_NyyE/s1600/Old-Lady-Bear-Brand-All-She-Can-Give.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcs98ylI1m9wh2xZe48ndUnukOASpuzZJsAHm3QDX-Fj_Rq9XpkFLXcyMnIKaklFRalSNzNBPQuQwD-wIRDw34y2rkSMoOISQE4my8sHYbbfk9_dQEwDUs4t76Op43jCgeEp3cB_NyyE/s1600/Old-Lady-Bear-Brand-All-She-Can-Give.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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As told by her neighbor: <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Naiyak ako sa kapitbahay naming matanda (byuda, labandera, pobre). Kahapon nag-house to house ako hingi tulong pangdagdag para sa koleksyon namin ngayong sabado... T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">inawag niya ako... Meron siyang inabot nakabalot sa plastic. Pagbukas ko, isang pack ng gatas na naka-open na. Sabi nya: "Pasensya na yan lang talaga maitulong ko sa taga Leyte. Walang wala talaga ako ngayon. Pero pwde mo yan itimpla sa mga bata doon. Magugustohan nila yan dahil BER BRAN yan". </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;">Di ako nakaimik. Tumulo luha ko sa harap nya.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 22px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(From </span><a href="http://talk.ph/" style="font-size: small;">Talk.ph</a><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">) </span></div>
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Students from Sendai (survivors of the 2011 earthquake + tsunami) send their love.</div>
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Two American girls raising funds by selling lemonade. They made $200, which they gave to UNICEF.</div>
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Six-year-old Shoichi Kodoh giving his piggy-bank savings to the Philippine Embassy in Japan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxbTZWzraFdwLrYnh9iQ6UF3YxAsOLA2wqGAm-5Xvu35kBvv9cqt8UcjgNdl0EvuIv4nn51IsXdCkptS9QrzwhTRpwBciCXfS5MspYc0-KrxrF4pN61Asmu4G_awHGKqiWs2OFc9jhd0/s1600/10904718936_f310485a72_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxbTZWzraFdwLrYnh9iQ6UF3YxAsOLA2wqGAm-5Xvu35kBvv9cqt8UcjgNdl0EvuIv4nn51IsXdCkptS9QrzwhTRpwBciCXfS5MspYc0-KrxrF4pN61Asmu4G_awHGKqiWs2OFc9jhd0/s1600/10904718936_f310485a72_z.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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P. Diddy's kids setting aside some of their clothes to donate to the survivors<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: TMZ)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHsOKIearslUo_eRCdViSVv0WTOxKNcnAIYZJ08x6XrPOmoWN0n0VKRbSxTL0MsWmmQlfRBVMAdoN_l6aR62qE6hgRBAJk7sF4vL1H-cKHVpJzacTWikq9oTlgk9XDv8hkOChmtUxyY0/s1600/10904719146_aec41c3e03_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHsOKIearslUo_eRCdViSVv0WTOxKNcnAIYZJ08x6XrPOmoWN0n0VKRbSxTL0MsWmmQlfRBVMAdoN_l6aR62qE6hgRBAJk7sF4vL1H-cKHVpJzacTWikq9oTlgk9XDv8hkOChmtUxyY0/s1600/10904719146_aec41c3e03_z.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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The colors of the Philippine flag in New York.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jE4_oNtQL6WL06Sn_nomhuFqMT4LR5bpbZM2T4MQ3ldKC13Xvzzkxo5kFIZBximjEzFuj1PRH9x9r3282RPRpW2myz5Nz5PWN-5xRdregwFsNTNA7uhgUPhF-nV-f3g9Cw14jsyTsrA/s1600/10904815704_f82eeaa751_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jE4_oNtQL6WL06Sn_nomhuFqMT4LR5bpbZM2T4MQ3ldKC13Xvzzkxo5kFIZBximjEzFuj1PRH9x9r3282RPRpW2myz5Nz5PWN-5xRdregwFsNTNA7uhgUPhF-nV-f3g9Cw14jsyTsrA/s1600/10904815704_f82eeaa751_z.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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And in Houston.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jl8comiclol">JL8 Comic</a>.</div>
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The first baby born in the Israeli Defense Forces field hospital after the storm. His mother named him "Israel".</div>
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Anderson Cooper keeping it real in Tacloban. </div>
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Japanese rescue worker Shihegiro Matsuda, who speaks impressively fluent Tagalog. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://rappler.com/">Rappler.com</a>)</span></div>
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US Marine Maj. John Orio came to Manicani Island, Eastern Samar to distribute relief goods, and he was welcomed with local treats - fresh crab and coconut. That's Pinoy hospitality for you. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Photo: Philippine Star)</span></div>
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A rainbow over Tacloban, some days after the storm. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: Dr. Greg Suarez)</span></div>
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And another in Ormoc. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: ABS-CBN / Chiara Zambrano)</span></div>
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And a rare double rainbow in Eastern Samar. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: Abdel Elecho)</span></div>
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Survivors in Tacloban take their mind off their troubles by building a basketball "court" from the rubble. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: David Guttenfelder)</span></div>
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And these guys made a boat out of salvaged refrigerator parts so they could go out and catch fish.</div>
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Staying strong. </div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">(Image: Ernie Penaredondo)</span></div>
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To everyone who helped out or are still helping out, <span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>a big thank you.</b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-4913870323760422362013-11-22T07:13:00.000+08:002013-11-22T07:13:00.307+08:00get over the hate - donate!Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know about Supertyphoon Yolanda/ Haiyan - so I won't waste time reiterating everything other people have already said about it. Days after we were visited by the strongest typhoon to ever hit land, we're still in a storm of sorts. For one thing, there are still a lot of people in need of help. And for another, social media is swirling with controversies, criticisms, gossip, and myriad opinions on what should be done, how things should be done, and so on. It's quite tiring actually, to have to see all that, especially when people are craving for something to lift their spirits.<br />
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Anyway, I promised that this was going to be a purely-good-vibes blog, so I won't go into that. <br />
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I'm quite thankful for the positive memes and photos going around - testaments of hope and resilience and a general sense of love for fellow man. To people spreading the positivity - thanks, cheers to you, you are a breath of fresh air. <br />
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I know we're not supposed to ignore the not-so-nice realities, but truth be told, I already feel so exhausted. Exhausted physically and emotionally. So I'd really like to take a break from all the negativity, thank you very much. <br />
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If the problem is so big that you can't offer a solution, just don't be a part of the problem. i.e., Instead of wasting your time speculating, use your energies doing something good and helpful na lang. Instead of <i>hating</i>, go donating. <b><span style="color: #f6b26b;"> ^_^</span></b><br />
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So here I am repacking rice for those relief packages. It's a tiring and muscle-numbing task, especially after midnight (that's the time The Hubby and I, together with The Sister, decided to help out, figuring there will be less people then). But really, it's fun. It's like playing in a sandbox! Only with rice instead of sand, and adults instead of kids. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmiPCR3JcbaBGdht7v6eUhHywJo8Js5uPU6JpJmt2gwtjl6nrEMOeBFdOSi6gJkU4g32ejuA6kYnoJWNl7G48yIfIvvjHBYKTUuQNI2BoQlxXggTXoeBEE0Y-tGhmtqAWofEnE4OCz8g/s1600/1463924_10151660348061916_1480090076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmiPCR3JcbaBGdht7v6eUhHywJo8Js5uPU6JpJmt2gwtjl6nrEMOeBFdOSi6gJkU4g32ejuA6kYnoJWNl7G48yIfIvvjHBYKTUuQNI2BoQlxXggTXoeBEE0Y-tGhmtqAWofEnE4OCz8g/s1600/1463924_10151660348061916_1480090076_n.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some naysayers are forecasting that all that hard work will come to naught since a lot of DSWD relief packages don't get to their destinations. But I don't care. I will just do what I can in good faith, and trust the system. If someone drops the ball somewhere along the line, I can be sure that it isn't me.<br />
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My family and I also volunteered to do some stress-debriefing / psychological first aid with the newly-arrived evacuees, but there was a surplus of counselors that night, so we eventually went back to repacking.<br /><br />
Right now there's this whole brouhaha over the operations. So sad when politics get in the way of good things. I have some opinions about that too, but I'll shut up now.<br />
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I'm no one important, and I honestly feel mostly useless - I mean, I'm not a rescue worker, I'm not a doctor, I'm not a media person, and I have just about no influence. But I can still help in my own way. Like the proverb goes, <i>walang piso kung walang isang sentimo. </i><br />
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I intend to keep volunteering and giving and praying in the weeks that come. This is far from over, and I won't sit in the sidelines.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-27989979778060222212013-10-25T13:24:00.000+08:002013-11-22T12:53:01.908+08:00no-bake blueberry cheesecakeI haven't made this in a while, and I thought of making a batch as a housewarming gift of sorts . No-bake cheesecake is one of the easiest desserts to assemble; I learned it when I was a teenager. I love sharing this trick with cheesecake-loving friends, because it's so amazingly simple.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-D2yX9IGmFUowbOhaJTsvK0AxwpYdj0NXV0iYz44LO5sVZXHh9rTTd0zPfYFMMxVTzRyQ0b72lnzvDXlNSgzzPwA8-u8MNr4MFAgRJI1ItEg8JF4y05QbW9ijgcEHjS1Oth1ZtGAdls/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-D2yX9IGmFUowbOhaJTsvK0AxwpYdj0NXV0iYz44LO5sVZXHh9rTTd0zPfYFMMxVTzRyQ0b72lnzvDXlNSgzzPwA8-u8MNr4MFAgRJI1ItEg8JF4y05QbW9ijgcEHjS1Oth1ZtGAdls/s200/blue.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><br />You Will Need:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>butter, softened</li>
<li>graham crackers</li>
<li>cream cheese</li>
<li>blueberry preserves</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Here's How You Make It:</span></b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. The easy, mess-free way to do this is to place them in a resealable bag and roll a rolling pin over, but any which way will do.<br /><br /><i>How much crumbs do you need?</i> It depends on how big you want it to be, or how thick/ thin you want your crust. I normally use a little less than a cup of crumbs for a 9-inch pie pan. <br /></li>
<li>In a bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Add about a pat of butter at a time so you can control the consistency. Your goal is a putty-like consistency, moldable like clay, but a bit crumblier. <br /></li>
<li>Place the crumbs-and-butter mixture onto your pie pan and spread it until it covers the entire base of the pan. This will be your crust. I personally prefer a thin crust, about one-fourth thick, but hey, it's your cake. Press it down with a spatula or the back of a spoon. <br /></li>
<li>Soften your cream cheese. It would be nice to have an electric mixer, but a bowl-and-wooden-spoon works fine too. Like it much sweeter? You can stir in some sugar or all-purpose cream.<br /></li>
<li>Lay the cream cheese right over your pie crust. Stick it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.<br /></li>
<li>Slather blueberry preserves (or any other fruit jam you like) over the layer of cream cheese. voila!<br /></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">Get Creative! </span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Don't like blueberries? Make it a cherry cheesecake! Or a strawberry one.</li>
<li><i>Make your own fruit jam for topping</i>: Combine one part each of canned or fresh fruit, sugar and water; bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until gooey. </li>
<li>You can even use this trick to make an Oreo cheesecake. Just use Oreos instead of Graham Crackers - be sure to scrape off the filling first. Take the filling and some more crumbs, and mix it all into the cream cheese layer. Top with crushed cookies.</li>
</ul>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-36539870562246329952013-10-18T17:45:00.000+08:002013-11-06T17:48:09.677+08:00making sinigang from scratch - with santol ^_^When cooking, I try as much as possible not to use those "artificial flavor enhancers" that happen to be outrageously high in sodium. I only resort to them when I'm in a hurry, or when there's a particular flavor that I have a hard time capturing - like the mouth-watering asim of sinigang. <br /><br />One of my goals this year is to experience cooking different kinds of sinigang from scratch, using the various natural sour ingredients, or "pampa-asim". That means no short-cuts, no flavor packets, no MSG. The easiest natural "pampa-asim" to use is fresh calamansi juice, and I've even tried using lemon juice when I visited my mom in the 'States. I have yet to experience making traditional sampaloc broth - I have it scheduled for the week after next.<br /><br />My latest triumph has been sinigang sa santol from scratch. I hardly see santol fruits these days, and I was quite happy that someone gave me a bunch. After snacking on a fruit or two, I decided what to do with the remainder: Use the santol for sinigang.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Santol broth is quite easy to make:</span></b><br />
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1. Peel the fruit, discard the peel. Cut the fruit into wedges, careful not to break the seeds (any broken seeds must be removed). Use 1 fruit for every 2 cups of water.<br />
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2. Place in a pot and cover with water. Boil for 30 to 45 minutes.<br />
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3. Remove the santol wedges using a slotted spoon. Discard the seeds and mash the flesh. Put the mashed santol back into the broth; cover and simmer for 3-3 minutes.<br />
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Ta-dah! Santo lbroth from scratch! No need for those high-sodium flavor powders. It's all natural and <i>sooooooo </i>divinely flavorful.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">To make the rest of the sinigang:</span></b><br />
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1. Boil cubes of pork in the broth until sufficiently cooked. Don't forget to add a bit of salt.<br />
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2. In a separate pot, boil slices of gabi (taro root) until soft. Remove from water and add to the broth when cooked.<br />
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3. Add 2-3 banana-peppers.<br />
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4. Meanwhile, boil more water in another pot. When boiling, dunk kangkong and slices of eggplant and okra. Add the veggies to your stew just before you remove it from the heat.<br />
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5. Season, and serve hot.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-49632965321521293802013-08-10T12:26:00.001+08:002013-08-10T12:26:56.702+08:00i did WHAT with milk?My Dad gave me two cartons of milk the other day, saying he noticed I like drinking it. I actually prefer almond milk, or sometimes low-fat milk when I need to stretch the budget - but I just received two liters of the full-fat variety.<br />
<br />
I'm not exactly willing to drink full-fat milk, but I decided to accept the gift because it was a sweet gesture (minus my Dad's story about how he can't properly digest the stuff anymore, hee hee). So I did a web search for recipes I could use milk in. Just then I remembered a snippette I read in a teen magazine several years ago, about using milk as a homemade hair mask. I remembering trying it out back then and that I was very happy with the result.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynWvkUXFX_VI4XfpxusqM8PIlbLydS3YlgBuJeW03Kvxv0NSL5vj0unnHEN1VXRmPE9EaFpGiglJJsYXS2BNBqz0ys5YsdYKa1Ag2XWhjr_8Iwo3d8pdZ396X5cYIgaR37KyFXpzGYDo/s1600/milsk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynWvkUXFX_VI4XfpxusqM8PIlbLydS3YlgBuJeW03Kvxv0NSL5vj0unnHEN1VXRmPE9EaFpGiglJJsYXS2BNBqz0ys5YsdYKa1Ag2XWhjr_8Iwo3d8pdZ396X5cYIgaR37KyFXpzGYDo/s320/milsk.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image from yahoo.lifestyle.co.nz<br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul></ul>
So this is one of the things I did with the milk:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>milk as a hair treatment</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>After shampooing, apply milk to hair. A spray bottle makes it easier.</li>
<li>Work it into your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes. For even better results, leave it on for thirty. A shower cap is a good idea.</li>
<li>Rinse well.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>The result: </b> soft, silky tresses. I find it more effective in taming my hair than store-bought straightening conditioners.<br />
<br />
I was surprised to find a lot of beauty blogs discussing the wonders that milk does for hair. I've read that it helps to remove product residue accumulated through the years, and it provides nourishment. I also learned that the creamy beverage was used as a hair and skin treatment way before commercial shampoos were available. This practice goes back all the way to Cleopatra, who bathed in milk because she believed in its healing and beautifying properties.<br />
<br />
A lot of women are opting for traditional hair treatments nowadays, and milk is one of the ingredients in some homemade shampoo recipes. This method of washing hair in milk is an all-natural, sulfate-free alternative to conditioner.<br />
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-7522892059091554032013-05-24T21:24:00.001+08:002013-05-25T20:04:15.564+08:00refreshing rosewaterI bought myself a small spray-bottle of rosewater when I stopped by a charming country store in Tagaytay. I love the clean, delicate scent of rosewater, and I thought it would make a lovely linen spray. I looked around and found that aside from its fragrance, there's so much more rosewater can be used for.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>the many (other) uses of rosewater</b></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">1. Rosewater is a mild disinfectant.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Who knew, right? (Well, I sure didn't) In effect, it can be used as a non-drying, sweet-smelling alternative to hand sanitizer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">2. It can be used as a facial toner.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Given its antiseptic properties, rosewater is also an effective moisturizing toner. It's a non-toxic, alcohol-free alternative to commercially-bought toners or astringents. Simply dab on with a cotton ball.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">3. It de-frizzes and moisturizes hair.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was another pleasant surprise. I swear, a few spritzes of rosewater into my hair made it softer and more manageable. It's lighter and a lot less sticky than leave-on conditioners.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">4. The scent of rose helps you get a more restful sleep.</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Known to be relaxing, rose fragrances can help people (like myself) who have trouble sleeping at night. So it's an absolutely clever idea to use it a linen spray!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
Food-grade rosewater can also be used in recipes, but I've never tried that yet. I have no experiences to share about cooking with rosewater ... but that's a thought for a future blog entry. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl3y73kTMifi3N0Y5IJBOWe5HPq-UFt4pyC9OROckSAZ6nlYI7XDqagyS38L1bUIJP-x0Z0qbrcQ_PJWmM1TgBjBBpOVWy_cThfRZbuYHoTdodFZBjbJiIuiFrNifjdvNZKnVNiSILPM/s1600/DSC_5192e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl3y73kTMifi3N0Y5IJBOWe5HPq-UFt4pyC9OROckSAZ6nlYI7XDqagyS38L1bUIJP-x0Z0qbrcQ_PJWmM1TgBjBBpOVWy_cThfRZbuYHoTdodFZBjbJiIuiFrNifjdvNZKnVNiSILPM/s400/DSC_5192e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-8020776841338060372013-05-17T15:19:00.001+08:002013-05-17T15:19:37.841+08:00no-cook fruity oatmealHere's a clever way to enjoy oatmeal - without any cooking required. This really works for me, since there are so many things to do at the start of the day, and I really appreciate a <b><u>nutritious </u></b>breakfast that spares me the unnecessary hassle. All I have to do is prepare it the night before and refrigerate it so I can eat it in the morning.<br /><br />"Why opt for this when there are instant flavored oatmeal packets available from the supermarket?," you might ask. Good question. My answer is that those instant thingies are often loaded with sugar and preservatives, and they have much less nutrition than good old classic oats. Furthermore, their oat bits are near-pulverized, so they don't provide the same satisfying texture. More importantly, no brand carries the delicious flavor of fresh, succulent, Philippine mango - which is waaaay different from what imported products try to pass as "mango".<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup old-fashioned oats</li>
<li>1/2 cup fruit juice or milk</li>
<li>slices of fresh or dried fruit of your choice</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Optional:</span><br />
<ul>
<li>a little bit of cinnamon, honey or brown sugar, or whichever sweetener you prefer</li>
<li>whichever nuts or seeds you like</li>
<li>6 tbsps plain yogurt.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Procedure:</span></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Combine all ingredients and mix together.</li>
<li>Cover and refrigerate overnight.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's it! </span>No cooking required - soaking the oatmeal in milk or juice will make it nice and soft by breakfast time. In the morning, you could stick it in the microwave for a minute or two if you want it hot; but it's nice as a cold treat too, especially on scalding summer days.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>Suggestions:</b></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Apple-cinnamon oatmeal</b>: apple juice + bits of apple + a pinch of cinnamon + a pinch of brown sugar</li>
<li><b>Mangoes and cream</b>: milk + mango slices.</li>
<li><b>Banana-walnut:</b> slices of banana + milk + honey or brown sugar + crushed walnuts</li>
<li><b>Honey-almond:</b> almond milk + honey + slices of almond</li>
<li>If you're watching your weight, pass on the sugar and dried fruits (which often have a lot of sugar). You could ditch dairy milk for almond milk (or your preferred substitute), or choose all-natural fruit juice with no added sugar. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-65927005336309867192013-05-06T17:54:00.000+08:002013-05-06T17:57:10.695+08:00newspaper seedling pots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekLt5ftL6nB0vTmELl7hM-R6vTlHwJw5SoNoiQdE5jBwM8hB7MD2r15MPfF1tCAiPWmavsjnaf17vgnzEgBMCEIgqi8yrEmIdmwFobaIrJHZNN93s3DGYOpyqTczX-lB7ii7c93Jhvik/s1600/pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekLt5ftL6nB0vTmELl7hM-R6vTlHwJw5SoNoiQdE5jBwM8hB7MD2r15MPfF1tCAiPWmavsjnaf17vgnzEgBMCEIgqi8yrEmIdmwFobaIrJHZNN93s3DGYOpyqTczX-lB7ii7c93Jhvik/s200/pot.jpg" width="150" /></a>Here's a brilliant recycling idea, which is particularly handy if you have a garden at home: seedling pots made of old newspaper. It's an eco-friendlier, biodegradable option to the usual material (e.g. plastic cups, tin cans, or the often-used plastic seedling bag). It's pretty convenient too - you can drop a "potted" seedling right into the soil. <br />
<br />
It's surprisingly sturdy, and once you fill it with soil, it's stable. And it's real easy to make, so <i>voici --</i><br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How To Make Newspaper Seedling Pots</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>You will need:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>old newspaper</li>
<li>a can or bottle</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Procedure:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>step 1.</u></span><b> </b></div>
<div>
Open up your newspaper and separate it into sheets. Tear a sheet in half along the crease, then tear in half again, like so:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0b9a-Om2KsJMt4xWnYcP4ViwqfnO4EHhmZxcRsQYLJGEiKAv_lJ1KgM7qHyR-hl2iUz0gO-NZexmDpKeRg2ojnwz_6M6P6lyZMGQ2dDPp2UFuXgl_0hI5EV_Z7qILAeEW9YFo2BSxbg/s1600/20130430_190934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0b9a-Om2KsJMt4xWnYcP4ViwqfnO4EHhmZxcRsQYLJGEiKAv_lJ1KgM7qHyR-hl2iUz0gO-NZexmDpKeRg2ojnwz_6M6P6lyZMGQ2dDPp2UFuXgl_0hI5EV_Z7qILAeEW9YFo2BSxbg/s320/20130430_190934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
All you need is half a page, or one-fourth of a sheet to make one pot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKEAlP8ye7gTj4HwycVl14H_J9fneOjovtzGVbMod-CnFS1x1nOZyn369c9GeZUccO6KFWAzcdx73eKSIA9cVy7wS57UFFfGHpybhdubbxHrTz9X5WR3ahdtK6bejbOooK4CPxCFjc1Q/s1600/20130430_191013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKEAlP8ye7gTj4HwycVl14H_J9fneOjovtzGVbMod-CnFS1x1nOZyn369c9GeZUccO6KFWAzcdx73eKSIA9cVy7wS57UFFfGHpybhdubbxHrTz9X5WR3ahdtK6bejbOooK4CPxCFjc1Q/s320/20130430_191013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>step 2.</u></span> <br />
Fold this lengthwise, leaving a margin of about 1-2 inches from the ragged edge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho2W3qO5bieIq0PKOFbb9La3qFXQjT2b7Fo0cINtr6_joFgE4yvryvXVy_TtHyih4PZFlaE5T6FN-82vhgDAxmeiS2hx3AYyYA7dAjwxE9QGR18sQ8bhFhTlbN43PkUZr7kS3M2czEjE/s1600/20130430_191041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho2W3qO5bieIq0PKOFbb9La3qFXQjT2b7Fo0cINtr6_joFgE4yvryvXVy_TtHyih4PZFlaE5T6FN-82vhgDAxmeiS2hx3AYyYA7dAjwxE9QGR18sQ8bhFhTlbN43PkUZr7kS3M2czEjE/s320/20130430_191041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><u>step 3</u>.</span> <br />
At the folded edge, and make another fold to create a "lip" about half an inch wide. La la la ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3lSuV4ng7Pv6WeMI5-2W4Vbs5lybGS4R6C16Pglt0DDrWkyBFQETDbNIKYSFPdxaG6scAT_8un3iLGBap-9wkCIJ4R9fW5Vg_9R9mOrHNs-ZpRu4BwVMoere2vplpyweTBAWwP8noo/s1600/20130430_191122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3lSuV4ng7Pv6WeMI5-2W4Vbs5lybGS4R6C16Pglt0DDrWkyBFQETDbNIKYSFPdxaG6scAT_8un3iLGBap-9wkCIJ4R9fW5Vg_9R9mOrHNs-ZpRu4BwVMoere2vplpyweTBAWwP8noo/s320/20130430_191122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><u>step 4. </u></span><br />
Next, roll the folded newspaper snugly around a can or bottle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypWfeMqn-5ivZT6c3Q0joBfKhWNaiOHyh_C9FX7gREWfuYAmHVDvQRKQ_cC1c6kNJAjDtx6-93zBeAnzwIuTZnnErlkoPZ5Kts34nzTb_oB6mfszuoE_9qVxNcMnhFRYkGIVm_HKLb3E/s1600/20130430_191220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypWfeMqn-5ivZT6c3Q0joBfKhWNaiOHyh_C9FX7gREWfuYAmHVDvQRKQ_cC1c6kNJAjDtx6-93zBeAnzwIuTZnnErlkoPZ5Kts34nzTb_oB6mfszuoE_9qVxNcMnhFRYkGIVm_HKLb3E/s320/20130430_191220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It doesn't really matter whether the "lip" faces, just make sure the folded edge of the newspaper is parallel to the rim of the can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">step 5.</span></u><br />
Holding the newspaper in place with your fingers, turn your can (or bottle) so the ragged edge of the paper faces upward.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rR9Wm_cnFKt8wGa4WGEwhmG1zHMZhxcHyUF9WHT1jURE-ibKVkCZue9fJUeeCwFOHAcRxwl2aDjLs-vozlm1sMzqfbtN8qyUkjkdmLDXdUQJ2YBU5at3Clgrzn33H8e_MNF2OOjcRTU/s1600/20130430_191331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rR9Wm_cnFKt8wGa4WGEwhmG1zHMZhxcHyUF9WHT1jURE-ibKVkCZue9fJUeeCwFOHAcRxwl2aDjLs-vozlm1sMzqfbtN8qyUkjkdmLDXdUQJ2YBU5at3Clgrzn33H8e_MNF2OOjcRTU/s320/20130430_191331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><u>step 6</u>.</span><br />
Fold the ragged edge in, like you would a parcel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFZWlux1ptuyG2R4g8dYhG2cEklJQ0IRlEMHyuWo_jjHHUlmU6dXBQyXH13cMNgHzp3ZwTNtb84YNmdg3B28e5-EWg0keYTAEhCZXwOYCMbMQZ2SoGwe7oDb9k3yd9vEfh1t52NpNS20/s1600/20130430_191407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFZWlux1ptuyG2R4g8dYhG2cEklJQ0IRlEMHyuWo_jjHHUlmU6dXBQyXH13cMNgHzp3ZwTNtb84YNmdg3B28e5-EWg0keYTAEhCZXwOYCMbMQZ2SoGwe7oDb9k3yd9vEfh1t52NpNS20/s320/20130430_191407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Keep folding. As tightly as you can.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU-AU6XzX-m5r_hc89cvHDZhEulhXwGWToY6jF_sdjiIHEUkgXVD_mFxDFqzYs9Lq1zr0Y6WAxz-UNLlN6huKTU1_bqkRq3xYjb588GxsYWAIXphbX4FNfMY9e0hvJi63Y85xfIoe1nw/s1600/20130430_191430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU-AU6XzX-m5r_hc89cvHDZhEulhXwGWToY6jF_sdjiIHEUkgXVD_mFxDFqzYs9Lq1zr0Y6WAxz-UNLlN6huKTU1_bqkRq3xYjb588GxsYWAIXphbX4FNfMY9e0hvJi63Y85xfIoe1nw/s320/20130430_191430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDagDirQ4clhuT33Q70IbEbdSf-juWhgakhCKLQLOucj3EcFahqv46HXzpoSMrlOFkcnOMuTR1HfwWYFG5ZDGskFLXCaUL0ldbqXl5VMthOqloCouekXMgCbCVCxxExKrU5Ud2qMbYuw/s1600/20130430_191500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDagDirQ4clhuT33Q70IbEbdSf-juWhgakhCKLQLOucj3EcFahqv46HXzpoSMrlOFkcnOMuTR1HfwWYFG5ZDGskFLXCaUL0ldbqXl5VMthOqloCouekXMgCbCVCxxExKrU5Ud2qMbYuw/s320/20130430_191500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">step 7.</span></u><br />
Now, slip the can out, and flip your little newspaper cylinder over. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0icjBq879VfXqoCGNZpL0kXpnGmQFkYtHjcR3-duSyTtS-PoTqZOxQyuZPLKq9qVd28mcmc-DXSSm-KNTpeVPjkNE65uCdgnc88EFCbVRndGfontNqcxENV-s8wgEtsySNei47IGcmg/s1600/20130430_191541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0icjBq879VfXqoCGNZpL0kXpnGmQFkYtHjcR3-duSyTtS-PoTqZOxQyuZPLKq9qVd28mcmc-DXSSm-KNTpeVPjkNE65uCdgnc88EFCbVRndGfontNqcxENV-s8wgEtsySNei47IGcmg/s320/20130430_191541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">step 8.</span></u><br />
Remember the half-inch lip you made earlier? Simply tuck your newspaper into itself to lock your pot in place. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjmXaVqw1fbShyphenhyphenyTDzwQO-wWQTVCDz_orz2DZhSHhO8aTNjz38uOgpGsmQTSMuU3LQgLHOliUdsEoJDneLcYpDscXAw6cXKqOAr51XhyphenhyphenyOnX7PBdoqFKyJKlQJBIqF7amxNb3aSb_EBE/s1600/20130430_191613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjmXaVqw1fbShyphenhyphenyTDzwQO-wWQTVCDz_orz2DZhSHhO8aTNjz38uOgpGsmQTSMuU3LQgLHOliUdsEoJDneLcYpDscXAw6cXKqOAr51XhyphenhyphenyOnX7PBdoqFKyJKlQJBIqF7amxNb3aSb_EBE/s320/20130430_191613.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Ta-dah! It's ready to use.<br />
<br />
Repeat the process to make several paper pots.<br />
<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/AVvXsEh6pKf5Rsh6qqGSgo_rEqWC68Y2NP_5lRyIMvFJj9rCs7LaBf1fVne3i3xE-wQEjXVQB0B1EWcVF8nnXwBtoJIWWq9I7vagvWdJQMMNVRunMoEFXLQFX4g6USOcT70OEFeRFSgqm99Rcc4/s1600/potts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pKf5Rsh6qqGSgo_rEqWC68Y2NP_5lRyIMvFJj9rCs7LaBf1fVne3i3xE-wQEjXVQB0B1EWcVF8nnXwBtoJIWWq9I7vagvWdJQMMNVRunMoEFXLQFX4g6USOcT70OEFeRFSgqm99Rcc4/s320/potts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepper Potts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
er, <span style="font-size: large;">paper pots!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllT0rTWi_rB2tswF5RFakNMyswhHOYS-X-nBeyFelk4z0kpYChMMvk0IUsOP7GMLr5p8R_659haltuwrc82EbY45Z2sb0dB316LUXIPP2DDg3I5qsFsvmN1HDdK-2nRD7m33w8AO3K1o/s1600/20130430_191648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllT0rTWi_rB2tswF5RFakNMyswhHOYS-X-nBeyFelk4z0kpYChMMvk0IUsOP7GMLr5p8R_659haltuwrc82EbY45Z2sb0dB316LUXIPP2DDg3I5qsFsvmN1HDdK-2nRD7m33w8AO3K1o/s320/20130430_191648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Fill with dirt and plant your seedlings. <b><span style="color: orange;">^_^ </span></b>Here are the ones we have at home, poised right where they will be transplanted soon:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-10195172126916575602013-04-19T15:40:00.000+08:002013-04-19T15:40:23.421+08:00how to make your own all-natural, chemical-free household cleanser /disinfectant<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I picked up this really brilliant idea from<a href="http://mandtribe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> a friend's blog</a>, and I decided to try it out myself. It's quite useful and it costs next to nothing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtsePQClmzyqqIzVT91G7Zr66qbfbrCl7pY3pgeYGp7Ktt6-7IBAKzwjJQoGhPJfY3wIyutqm6VLr-eTTilLMCs1sK57IAtT9jqvSG53l0UvpIEjwlBpVqneXp81-749JHawl3sYI30c/s1600/orenji.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtsePQClmzyqqIzVT91G7Zr66qbfbrCl7pY3pgeYGp7Ktt6-7IBAKzwjJQoGhPJfY3wIyutqm6VLr-eTTilLMCs1sK57IAtT9jqvSG53l0UvpIEjwlBpVqneXp81-749JHawl3sYI30c/s400/orenji.png" width="163" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You will need</b>:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A clean jar (or any container that can hold liquid) with a cover</li>
<li>White vinegar</li>
<li>Orange peel</li>
</ul>
<div>
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div>
<b><div>
<b><span style="color: white;">.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">You will simply have to</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Pour an amount of vinegar into the jar.</li>
<li>Immerse the bits of orange peel.</li>
<li>Cover and let stand for a week or two, then fish out the orange peel from the liquid.<br /></li>
</ul>
<div>
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and the orange peel will neutralize it's rancid odor.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to use</b>:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Transfer the liquid into a spray bottle - or any bottle you think will make it easier for you to pour out.</li>
<li>Spray directly on surfaces (careful though - don't use it on colored material or anything that reacts to acid).</li>
<li>Wipe with a clean, dry rag.</li>
<li>If you need a less potent solution, dilute with drinking water.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Clever, huh? I really appreciate this because I'm quite iffy about those commercial kitchen cleansers and disinfectants laden with all sorts of chemicals; I feel as if those things are not exactly safe for surfaces where I prepare food, like kitchen counters and table tops. I mean, those products are poisonous, and what if the vegetables I'm chopping accidentally come in contact with the residue on a chemically-treated marble counter top? Well, vinegar and orange peel are completely non-toxic.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
An all-natural homemade cleanser is also safe for cleaning things that pets or children use (like toys that they tend to put in their mouths). No need to worry about poisonous residue. <b><span style="color: #ffd966;"> ^_^</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-36894798431991537702013-04-11T17:11:00.000+08:002013-04-19T14:46:32.296+08:00kind words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrQlyzxhxYU262Yxwv52TPxrRa8GJQbhNIZ7wZAQ2JL8-wrw53uEOZEFhXpno5oe4Rbuzvf-PS5dNbJc_vLME0SeT_-P4JrxLUf0ViyDAOIhKaPiTCWr7gG1yT3wCtFfvgb109CpoWUk/s1600/kind+words+heal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrQlyzxhxYU262Yxwv52TPxrRa8GJQbhNIZ7wZAQ2JL8-wrw53uEOZEFhXpno5oe4Rbuzvf-PS5dNbJc_vLME0SeT_-P4JrxLUf0ViyDAOIhKaPiTCWr7gG1yT3wCtFfvgb109CpoWUk/s400/kind+words+heal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-20121591180492997662013-04-07T14:52:00.000+08:002013-04-07T14:52:56.642+08:00lazy summer spag<br />
The basil plants in our garden usually dry out during the summer, but they're flourishing this year - the Hubby discovered that basil plants actually love sunlight, and they simply have to be watered well in the dry-hot season. So now, summer means more basil.<span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><br />
<br />
Summer also means bigger, brighter mangoes and tomatoes. <br />
<br />
And hazy, lazy days when I'd like to spend as less time in cramped kitchen as possible.<br />
<br />
I hate the heat and the suffocating humidity and the fact that we can't afford to have 24/7 air-conditioning, but I'm thinking my happy thawts now. I do <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>love </i></span>basil and tomatoes and mangoes (trying to stay positive here ... it's so hot and dizzying).<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;">lazy summer spag for lazy summer days</span><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Olive oil<br />
Garlic, one half small head or 2-3 large cloves, minced<br />
Onion, one whole, large, chopped<br />
Tomato, 2 large, diced<br />
Fresh basil leaves, a whole lot, chopped<br />
Dried rosemary, 1 tbsp<br />
Olives, sliced, about a fourth to half of a cup<br />
Parmesan cheese, as much as you like<br />
Spaghetti noodles, whole grain is nice, about 2 fistfuls<br />
<br />
<b>Optional: </b><br />Tuna flakes, 1 can<br />
1 ripe mango, cut into cubes<br />
A dash of black pepper<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Procedure:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Cook noodles as directed on package. Drain and set aside.</li>
<li>Swirl garlic and onions in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the onions are slightly transparent, add tomato and rosemary and swirl further until tomatoes soften. </li>
<li>Smile. </li>
<li>Add the tuna flakes. Or not, if you'd rather go vegetarian. Remove from heat. </li>
<li>Stir in cooked noodles, cheese, pepper, olives and basil (and mango, if you like). Toss to coat. </li>
</ol>
<br />
Makes 2-4 servings.<br />
Nothing fancy, but The Hubby and the Sister swear it's good.<br />
Nice with a tall glass of ice-cold cucumber shake.<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-81216666663819975862013-03-24T22:42:00.001+08:002013-03-24T22:42:04.709+08:00how i got started on eating healthierIt was just last year when I decided to take "healthy eating" more deliberately, purposely removing certain things from the grocery list and opting for more fresh (ish) vegetables and fruits. I wasn't really attempting to lose weight (although I admit, that <i>would </i>be a pleasant side effect); I just wanted to do what I could to make myself less prone to fatigue, heart failure and other ailments when I get older. There isn't any way to quantify the effects of my food choices, but I do feel proud of myself that I ... wait, what is it exactly am I proud of? <b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">^_^</span></b> Proud that I care about what I put into my body? Proud that I've set a strategy of sorts and stuck to it? Proud that I don't feel like such a heifer? All of the above, I suppose. Plus the added benefit of better well-being. The point is, I feel good about myself. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9byFD_9NCScBJYQxtNEK8LhFcbLMuBAK3Zr8728-dZwyYS5N8oec93376ma4XE7wgDSMQQljyQRM-GoSGLOWIyJe5E_AjTYITnHQl-8SZ4MDAR9pTTzlXD8flPFyNZQdA796P1N05Fs/s1600/554891_448316441904471_981287814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9byFD_9NCScBJYQxtNEK8LhFcbLMuBAK3Zr8728-dZwyYS5N8oec93376ma4XE7wgDSMQQljyQRM-GoSGLOWIyJe5E_AjTYITnHQl-8SZ4MDAR9pTTzlXD8flPFyNZQdA796P1N05Fs/s400/554891_448316441904471_981287814_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">my easy plan of sorts</span></b><br />
<br />
A good intention doesn't amount to much unless there's some sort of plan to make it happen. And a plan isn't much of a plan unless it's doable and time-defined. It's a good idea, me thinks, to set out with a soft start if the goal seems overwhelming. I initially took it easy on myself and set objectives that I knew I could accomplish.<br />
<br />
I started by declaring that every Monday is Meatless Monday. Just every Monday - not a huge lifestyle shift there. I could eat anything I wanted, as much as I wanted, as long as I don't eat meat of any sort. No starvation required. <br />
<br />
As I got used to the occasional meatlessness, I extended the no-meat policy to every dinner. Just dinners - I can eat what I want during the day, as long as dinners are light, like soup and crackers or tomato juice and carrot sticks. Seriously, I grew to love the taste of raw vegetables, and veggies became my new snack craving. <br />
<br />
Of course all this entailed overhauling our regular grocery list too. Out with the processed, the high-fructose, the reconstituted, the overly sugary. Okay, not entirely "out", but more like limiting severely. In with the fresh and green.<br />
<br />
I then permitted myself to have soda on the weekends only. Eventually my liking for soda waned until I no longer needed to bother restricting myself. <br />
<br />
I also adopted the habit of drinking a fiber-drink in the morning (or before pigging out), to make me feel full without eating so much, and to ensure I make, er, <i>regular deposits</i>. Every now and then I take a spoonful of coconut oil (for its various benefits) and sometimes I have a relaxing drink of tea before bedtime.<br />
<br />
Just recently, I phased out dairy milk and replaced it with soy / almond milk, and did away with the usual cooking oil and substituted coconut oil. I also added No-Carb Wednesday to the Weekly Schedule, In addition to Meatless Monday. So far so good.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><b>how i've seen it's good for me</b></span><br />
<br />
There's no way to tell for sure if there's any direct correlation between my new eating habits and my general feeling of wellness, but I've observed I've become less prone to depression and fatigue. I sleep a lot better too. That's gotta be good. <br />
<br />
I didn't set out to lose weight at first, but last I checked, I lost some <span style="background-color: black;">eight</span> pounds. So now I think I should set a weight goal as well. But I need to buy a new weighing-scale first. <b><span style="color: #f6b26b;"> :p</span></b><br />
<br />
Eventually, the Hubby voluntarily went in on the "healthy eating" attempts too. He saw the notes I posted on the door, and he apparently thought it was a good idea. I initially didn't think of inviting him to Meatless Monday and No-Carb Wednesday because I was pretty sure he would hate it, but then he started doing it on his own too. <span style="color: orange;">^_^</span><br />
<br />
One of the best benefits is that my new habits have curbed my cravings - it isn't so difficult to resist unhealthy eats anymore. It's not that I prevent myself from having them (I actually don't believe in depriving oneself of of enjoyable food) but it has just become more natural for me to want healthier options. I used to be able to gobble a large bag of potato chips in one sitting, but potato chips aren't as interesting anymore; I still love them, but I'm neither interested nor able to eat as much. My craving for sugary sweets has also lessened somewhat.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;">and next</span></b><br />
<br />
I still intend to keep up the healthier eating habits. I'm thinking of adding "Fat Free Friday" to the weekly schedule, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. <b><span style="color: #e69138;"> :)</span></b> Maybe a Fat-Free Thursday is more manageable. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-17928111204736411632013-02-28T15:07:00.001+08:002013-04-06T12:05:17.169+08:0030 dr. seuss quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8LbF-7WV-kTcDIwiNO16c-X2DEt2MIiNXdQdwERX86oXfmmUnRJkYs9zrDK0hxbSJDwKr4COtdvB5PVAsUg6uN0-vsIFvLsQFXo3EBZBHzLho9Z3t-jpzkspuRF7iGbSE_ZlFxzn-M8/s1600/30DrSeuss_quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8LbF-7WV-kTcDIwiNO16c-X2DEt2MIiNXdQdwERX86oXfmmUnRJkYs9zrDK0hxbSJDwKr4COtdvB5PVAsUg6uN0-vsIFvLsQFXo3EBZBHzLho9Z3t-jpzkspuRF7iGbSE_ZlFxzn-M8/s1600/30DrSeuss_quotes.jpg" style="height: 1385px; width: 465px;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taken from <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4150/30-Dr-Seuss-Quotes-That-Can-Change-Your-Life.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-60121510230993881872013-02-20T12:46:00.003+08:002014-01-22T16:05:56.532+08:00yes, he will! :D<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/AVvXsEgaoMV1wLt5ZLy6tsuW7cYfyuKqoRe0qMFJMSOtEbxdiNTT5Ia0l1ERneFE2MCe_HFZA7-45I97XAmMveRiK62_rQDzhXVgSOrTPAdiHr5STtxjQ9Jeb2CrmMdrzT8ir_qwUXpMZr-wxrs/s1600/the+Lord+will+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoMV1wLt5ZLy6tsuW7cYfyuKqoRe0qMFJMSOtEbxdiNTT5Ia0l1ERneFE2MCe_HFZA7-45I97XAmMveRiK62_rQDzhXVgSOrTPAdiHr5STtxjQ9Jeb2CrmMdrzT8ir_qwUXpMZr-wxrs/s640/the+Lord+will+complete.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo and graphic by me.</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-39097566352912526772013-01-20T15:48:00.001+08:002013-03-02T09:04:56.675+08:002012 bookwormery tally <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1eCFcCu30Kx0usQ2Esfsun0i7D2piBzeHhZnXQeU1AxMp10kJRx7P7K7M4rWsEKl6f8tETVtwIKCRV8CP49bDxBkDREUAYtM0zkHzPMLtZ-ftpAwHfkYzD13e7v4Ztr8FKDNA4SK_X8/s1600/91326930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1eCFcCu30Kx0usQ2Esfsun0i7D2piBzeHhZnXQeU1AxMp10kJRx7P7K7M4rWsEKl6f8tETVtwIKCRV8CP49bDxBkDREUAYtM0zkHzPMLtZ-ftpAwHfkYzD13e7v4Ztr8FKDNA4SK_X8/s200/91326930.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;"><i>photo from gettyimages</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think I said in an earlier post that I aimed to read at least 40 titles in 2012. Did I say 50 titles? Well, maybe I did; I don't really remember how many exactly, and I'm too <strike>lazy </strike>busy to search through my old blog posts.<br />
<br />
So how did I do? Lemme make a list of the past year's books.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">A. Fiction</span></b></h3>
I often play safe by selecting something from the bestseller list, or those with good recommendations from reliable sources. But of course, finding a good book is hit-and-miss. The underlined titles are the ones I took the most pleasure in, i.e., highly recommended by yours truly. The ones in grey font are i.m.h.o. awful, i.e., don't even bother.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi2fStkFf0fmIEOKzBVvwSGm0uZfIaVPp06Qqy-2Acc4-teEz1iGhF_s2Yv3D9NkZjizfjXod-nqw9QD9NM7u2Jqc6yXnbsiLmNaqatks0q5-sgebnocIHVxcxScIUL7EpZBft21smbY/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHi2fStkFf0fmIEOKzBVvwSGm0uZfIaVPp06Qqy-2Acc4-teEz1iGhF_s2Yv3D9NkZjizfjXod-nqw9QD9NM7u2Jqc6yXnbsiLmNaqatks0q5-sgebnocIHVxcxScIUL7EpZBft21smbY/s200/g.jpg" width="113" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><i>My fave novel<br />this year.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>(1) Classics and Bestsellers</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li>Love in the Time of Cholera <span style="font-size: x-small;">[GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ]</span></li>
<li><u>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[STEIG LARSSON]</span></li>
<li>One Day <span style="font-size: x-small;">[DAVID NICHOLS]</span></li>
<li><u>Summer Sisters</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JUDY BLUME]</span> <i>*second re-read</i></li>
<li><u>Atonement </u><span style="font-size: x-small;">[IAN MC EWAN]</span></li>
<li>The Lovely Bones <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ALICE SEBOLD]</span></li>
<li>Dracula <span style="font-size: x-small;">[BRAM STOKER]</span></li>
<li><u>Memoirs of a Geisha</u><span style="font-size: x-small;"> [ARTHUR GOLDEN]</span> <i>*second re-read</i></li>
<li><u>Bridget Jones' Diary</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[HELEN FIELDING]</span></li>
<li>The House of the Spirits <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ISABEL ALLENDE]</span></li>
<li>Life of Pi <span style="font-size: x-small;">[YANN MARTEL]</span></li>
<li>The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure, the Good Parts Version <span style="font-size: x-small;">[WILLIAM GOLDMAN]</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
(An observation: Books #1-11 have all been made into movies, some of them very recently)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>(2) Lesser-known Titles</b></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Choke </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">[CHUCK PALAHNIUK]</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Four Play </span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">[FIONA WALKER]</span></span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angelology </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">[DANIELLE TRUSSONI]</span></span></span></b></span></li>
<li>The Family Tree <span style="font-size: x-small;">[CAROLE CALLAWADR]</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;">Picture Perfect <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JODI PICOULT]</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Joshua </span><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">[FR. JOSEPH GIRZONE]</span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>(3) Story Collections</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Shame in the Blood <span style="font-size: x-small;">[MIURA TETSUO]</span></li>
<li>After the Quake<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [HARUKI MURAKAMI]</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>(4) Easy Reading and Children's Books</b></span></div>
<ol>
<li><u>Hope for the Flowers</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[TRINA PAULUS]</span> <i>*hundred-umpteenth re-read</i></li>
<li>The BFG <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ROALD DAHL]</span></li>
<li>100 Cupboards, Book 1/3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">[N.D. WILSON]</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">B. Nonfiction</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pM0WDSCn_2_7nF2SG51EG3MNxqKlzldqWZ05g80SWncKlfdOirko_VHBoabQ2Dye1MM1rzJyqESfnc08oZ4Uxd4Gh2G4g_7iCMNCoVTze6Q9TS-zwFXzkLw0OyHZUWV-W1vskWoRhLo/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pM0WDSCn_2_7nF2SG51EG3MNxqKlzldqWZ05g80SWncKlfdOirko_VHBoabQ2Dye1MM1rzJyqESfnc08oZ4Uxd4Gh2G4g_7iCMNCoVTze6Q9TS-zwFXzkLw0OyHZUWV-W1vskWoRhLo/s200/f.jpg" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="color: #cccccc;">This year's fave <br />non-fiction read.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I endeavor to read as much non-fic as fiction. It helps provide a balanced literary diet, me thinks.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>(1) Histories and Biographies</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u>Band of Brothers</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[STEPHEN AMBROSE]</span> <i> *third re-read</i></li>
<li>Conversations With Michelangelo <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JAMES HALL]</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>(2) Self- Help</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u>Wide Awake</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[ERWIN MC MANUS]</span></li>
<li><u>How to Walk In High Heels: The Girl's Guide to Everything</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[CAMILLA MORTON]</span></li>
<li>The Pocket Muse 2: Endless Inspiration for Writers <span style="font-size: x-small;">[MONICA WOOD]</span></li>
<li>Home Spa <span style="font-size: x-small;">[CHRISSIE PAINELL-MALKIN]</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><b>(3) Treatises and Research-paper types</b></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u>The Prince</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NICOLLO MACHIAVELLI] </span><i>*first re-read, not counting required reading for school</i></li>
<li>Origin of the Bible <span style="font-size: x-small;">[Multiple Authors]</span></li>
<li>The Manhattan Project: Big Sciene and the Atom Bomb <span style="font-size: x-small;">[JAMES HUGHES]</span></li>
<li><u>The Case for Christ</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[LEE STROBEL]</span></li>
<li>Leading With a Limp: Turning Your Struggles Into Strengths <span style="font-size: x-small;">[DAN B. ALLENDER] </span><i>*first re-read</i></li>
<li><u>Rx: Coconuts (The Perfect Health Nut)</u> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[VERMEN M. VERALLO-ROWELL, M.D.]</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><b>(4) Coffee Table Books and Others</b></span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>1000 Jewelry Inspirations <span style="font-size: x-small;">[SANDRA SALAMONY]</span> <i>*umpteenth re-read</i></li>
<li>Dear Mom</li>
<li>Great Mysteries of the Past <span style="font-size: x-small;">[READER'S DIGEST]</span> <i>*umpteenth re-read</i></li>
<li>Mysteries of the Unexplained <span style="font-size: x-small;">[READER'S DIGEST] </span><i>*umpteenth re-read</i></li>
<li>Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ in Art <span style="font-size: x-small;">[NEIL MACGREGOR]</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My 2012 total: </span></b> 40 books (not including the Bible, which I read every year anyway, at least in part). <br />
<br />
I've reached my goal of reading 40 titles, but if my goal was actually 50 - aw, shucks - I'm a mere ten books shy. Now I kinda feel bad for taking a break from reading last October/November. <b><span style="color: #45818e;">:/ </span></b> Oh well, Even 20 titles ain't so bad, especially since I had a lot of fun and I learned stuff. Going for better in 2013. <b><span style="color: orange;">^_^</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: white;">.</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-35431588309419615572013-01-18T13:04:00.001+08:002013-01-18T14:11:35.474+08:00painting again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the last few days of my Vegas visit, I spent some time painting again. It's been a long while since I put my brushes to a canvas, and it felt nice being reunited with my "old friends". A perfect opportunity to go on <i>Artist Mode</i> opened up - my Mama needed artworks for her bare walls, and a fantabulous arts & crafts supplies store was within walking distance from her home. As a pleasant plus, top-quality art materials are much cheaper in the U.S. than back home, so it was fun to go shopping for ready-made canvases and paints. </div>
<br />
My Ma showed me a photo that she wanted me to use as a peg, and after four days, voici: <br />
<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/AVvXsEi7bBcAO_sRDdNd8g-d-U5q9BYXi6ym_ZEk9Gs-Fe_9ItIuuJmEDztMASyX_u5Wdco7hjE_lcSM2KOHf0NOEUix1qSSGvCuRVVVLo75n7qqy-b6UHb57ITNN34y7uNhvsIKD9QNl2pAj7k/s1600/DSC_5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bBcAO_sRDdNd8g-d-U5q9BYXi6ym_ZEk9Gs-Fe_9ItIuuJmEDztMASyX_u5Wdco7hjE_lcSM2KOHf0NOEUix1qSSGvCuRVVVLo75n7qqy-b6UHb57ITNN34y7uNhvsIKD9QNl2pAj7k/s400/DSC_5125.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20x23 acrylics on canvas by me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div>
This, beside a painting made by my sister, now hangs in Mama's kitchen wall. It's not quite done, as I would've wanted to add more detail and create more depth, but I needed to do a lot of packing that week. I thus needed to curb my obsessive horror-vacui impulse and settle for the above finished product. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even if it isn't exactly as I intended it to be - and though it was a rather stressful week that week with all the packing and last-minute stuff going on - there's this sense of satisfaction over painting again. At my core I know I'm an artist, and making visually interesting things feels like home to me.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-6624497183059231102013-01-11T15:56:00.001+08:002013-02-28T15:28:27.961+08:002012 was pretty good ^_^<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS_H267C2VAG7BxxEZL2UuLQD0Gl7DmWC0kXb_a5bkF2ajMwsdDzRlcoGvkj9j6uzpZB4XVzY3I_tp2CEVrO1QUzFb93fbb94cSm-VkjAj6EAr2pp5NNP52-RmeXf96qwmtpBlh63EZs/s1600/DSC_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS_H267C2VAG7BxxEZL2UuLQD0Gl7DmWC0kXb_a5bkF2ajMwsdDzRlcoGvkj9j6uzpZB4XVzY3I_tp2CEVrO1QUzFb93fbb94cSm-VkjAj6EAr2pp5NNP52-RmeXf96qwmtpBlh63EZs/s320/DSC_4139.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS_H267C2VAG7BxxEZL2UuLQD0Gl7DmWC0kXb_a5bkF2ajMwsdDzRlcoGvkj9j6uzpZB4XVzY3I_tp2CEVrO1QUzFb93fbb94cSm-VkjAj6EAr2pp5NNP52-RmeXf96qwmtpBlh63EZs/s1600/DSC_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS_H267C2VAG7BxxEZL2UuLQD0Gl7DmWC0kXb_a5bkF2ajMwsdDzRlcoGvkj9j6uzpZB4XVzY3I_tp2CEVrO1QUzFb93fbb94cSm-VkjAj6EAr2pp5NNP52-RmeXf96qwmtpBlh63EZs/s1600/DSC_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>As I've made it my personal tradition every January to make an inventory of the previous year, here goes my recollection of 2012. All photos in this entry mine.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>General climate of 2012</b></span><br />
Hmmm. Steady. Not exactly ecstatic this year, but peaceful and content. <br />
Quite a productive year; possibly the most productive I've been in a while. The latter half was also rather restful.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">The best decision I made </span></b><br />
Getting out of a stress-inducing situation.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">The greatest joy</span></b><br />
Taking a trip to the U.S. to see family and take a break from the madness that is Manila.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>The greatest challenge</b></span><br />
Same as last year - Not having as much money as I want / need.. ^_^ I suppose that's a constant for everyone.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Biggest success</b></span><br />
The fact that I gained the most income I've had in a while.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Biggest fiasco</span></b><br />
Oh. The one in my opinion was precipitated by an external <i>epalistic </i>otherwise moral organic molecular unit that veritably contained non-foster information and supposedly good but otherwise careless intentions that were detrimental to for his own welfare as well as that of others.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Biggest blessing</span></b><br />
Spending time alone and unattached.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">The year's vice</span></b><br />
Used books. Just couldn't get enough.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Best discovery</span></b><br />
The joy of string cheese. ^_^<br />
And the alarming rate at which a diet that consists heavily of fastfood accumulates unwanted pounds. 0_o After all my supersizing caused me to become supersized myself, I vowed never to subsist on such evils again.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Best finds</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Neutrogena products unavailable in Manila. </li>
<li>The used books store in SM.</li>
<li>Thrift stores in Vegas, where I was able to buy a ton of used books. Paperbacks in great condition at 99 cents each (around Ph<strike>P</strike> 40), hardbound editions at $1.99 (around Ph<strike>P</strike> 80). </li>
<li>1-cent used books on Amazon.com. <i>Wow</i>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Nicest place visited</span></b><br />
the white beaches on Panglao Island, Bohol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKvkPkZOnQBz5Cr4IAbDa_x2mTB0FxKNVuuD1zX4Ao_74EAnjNVtezxzU74NJCYWSa4mTO4gB6Su9TOV0WusdaNS4XJVNwT9nQqnzHOUYihfKbTqr4wDBONA91Qkd3n-mQXOzg20I-7AM/s640/DSC_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKvkPkZOnQBz5Cr4IAbDa_x2mTB0FxKNVuuD1zX4Ao_74EAnjNVtezxzU74NJCYWSa4mTO4gB6Su9TOV0WusdaNS4XJVNwT9nQqnzHOUYihfKbTqr4wDBONA91Qkd3n-mQXOzg20I-7AM/s400/DSC_0506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Worst loss </b></span><br />
Another church. :/<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Best loss</span></b><br />
Six unwanted pounds. :D Hooray!<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Biggest disappointment</span></b><br />
The falling away of friends and the failure (so far) to assimilate new ones.<br />
And finding how someone who posed as a friend turned out not to be one after he decided he didn't need us after all<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Ministry</span></b><br />
Cut short and henceforth nonexistent. Which isn't so bad, since it freed me up to take a long trip.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Spiritual principle for the year</span></b><br />
<i>God loves misfits and outcasts.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQFZ7SwN-tL_BjrfSUhaXa0tFxVjs5z4WdTtQ0vQLUKQfNFBhBjKK9RqPUXIeTul1SlAoGEWxguHDl_xtS_0n5r4OpHKhkFiAZ2TIx38PjxFgQ176d82RiE-DYvKnTazY70xjUEqi2Yo/s1600/DSC_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQFZ7SwN-tL_BjrfSUhaXa0tFxVjs5z4WdTtQ0vQLUKQfNFBhBjKK9RqPUXIeTul1SlAoGEWxguHDl_xtS_0n5r4OpHKhkFiAZ2TIx38PjxFgQ176d82RiE-DYvKnTazY70xjUEqi2Yo/s320/DSC_4839.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Most fun projects</span></b><br />
The various cupcake experiments done with my sisters.<br />
And the multitude of snowflakes for Mama's glass doors. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Greatest frustration</span></b><br />
Being the young visionary who saw how giants could be slain, but being told by the older "experts" it can't be done, it shouldn't be done, and that I should know my place. <i>Puh-leez</i>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Greatest encouragement</span></b><br />
Evidence of how much God has grown me in the past decade, and how I've been able to deal with personal issues. <i>Oh yes</i>. ^_^ It's a <i>Praise the Lord</i> moment.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Best reads</b></span><br />
Nonfiction:<br />
<i>Wide Awake.</i> Erwin McManus.<br />
<i>The Case for Christ. </i>Lee Strobel.<br />
<br />
Fiction: <br />
<i>The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. </i>Steig Larsson.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Best movies</span></b><br />
2012 was a good year for movies, me thinks; but my faves for the year are<br />
<i>Les Miserables, </i><br />
<i>The Hobbit,</i> and<br />
<i>Life of Pi. </i><br />
(I'm so glad I wasn't in Manila when <i>Les Miz</i> came out. Due to the yearly film fest,<i> </i>screening in the Phils was pushed to January, forcing avid moviegoers to wait three weeks. Since I've been in Nevada, I was able to see it day after Christmas. Woot, woot! ) <br />
(Coming to think of it, I watched all of my 2012 faves in Nevada.)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Fave TV series</span></b><br />
Still <i>Doctor Who. </i>Quite sad about the Ponds but very pleased with the new companion.<br />And I am <i>Sherlock</i>ed. Frustrated that series 3 will be postponed.<br />
I also discovered 2010's <i>Outsourced </i>and found it enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Fave snack</b></span><br />
Celery sticks and tomato juice. Glad to go healthy. ^_^<br />
Last year it was red velvet cupcakes. I've gotten sick of it since; maybe because I've been eating too much of it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Fave gift received</span></b><br />
A $50 gift card for clothes and accessories. <i>(Thanks Ate S. and Mr. W! You guys are big blessings!)</i><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Fave people met</b></span><br />
There wasn't much of a relationship formed due to the limited time, but the community group my sister and I joined (in LV) made quite an impression. Nice, smart people. The couple that owned the house was a perky blonde and a half-Filipino dude. There were also: a young lady who works with orphans, the Canadian girl who taught us how to make peppermint bark, a smart geek type, a sweet guy from Wisconsin, and the smiley guy with the biceps. I liked them all so much I wished I could pack them in my bags.<br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Best new skill</b></span><br />
Learning to cook kare-kare <i>(Thanks, Tita Haidee! We love you so much).</i><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Prettiest thing I made</b></span><br />
If it isn't <a href="http://miratemplen.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-clever-christmas-tree-idea.html" target="_blank">this Christmas tree</a>, it must be this<i> Amethyst </i>necklace that I'm pretty proud of:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX86z6yQtBNA-P2nPrlsxu90J42fkUCw2r_fF9dsfUeHBdUuJMmMIeEuC6lxZ9JwovR8qTFOqQ_XHCBU5DghMjmkfjA0NLrOksO5aOepMEeMpZe6pKptPY9KNoA3ZAIcHlgm8B0IN_1Q/s1600/IMGP5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX86z6yQtBNA-P2nPrlsxu90J42fkUCw2r_fF9dsfUeHBdUuJMmMIeEuC6lxZ9JwovR8qTFOqQ_XHCBU5DghMjmkfjA0NLrOksO5aOepMEeMpZe6pKptPY9KNoA3ZAIcHlgm8B0IN_1Q/s320/IMGP5197.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br />Most worthwhile thing I've made</span></b></div>
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A non-churchy discipleship manual, the kind stripped of Christianese platitudes to help make Bible-truths more meaningful, but still heavily Biblical.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Fave photos taken</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panglao Island, Bohol. February.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estrellas de Mendoza, Laiya. Batangas. March.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i>Aviation Nation</i>, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. November.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Worst month</span></b></div>
June.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Best month</b></span><br />
November.<br />
<span style="color: white;">.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2577777154589387468.post-89297490744988973122012-12-17T08:53:00.001+08:002012-12-17T08:53:23.505+08:00how to make peppermint bark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnubboIuA6d0v8Bo5jqC-dOKKrx6JdfRLw_4LszjCMAcNzqr9YtS4fOzrjJvOIEZXn4qNVAGpgbtJMVaXpPl2EZ0fBKWcFmg2Ff6ASAliGtJ3S4KPs4Mg722gCGEGt2qeKgi4KPmh6Sks/s1600/DSC_4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnubboIuA6d0v8Bo5jqC-dOKKrx6JdfRLw_4LszjCMAcNzqr9YtS4fOzrjJvOIEZXn4qNVAGpgbtJMVaXpPl2EZ0fBKWcFmg2Ff6ASAliGtJ3S4KPs4Mg722gCGEGt2qeKgi4KPmh6Sks/s400/DSC_4390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cheers to a brilliant, easy, Christmassy gift idea that doubles as a dessert! I've never tried making (or eating) peppermint bark before, but I've recently become acquainted with it and I reckon it's a common holiday treat. I learned this recipe from a girl named Allie, whom I've had the privilege of meeting during my short stay in Vegas. </div>
<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #e06666;">You Will Need:</span></b><br /><br />8 oz semisweet chocolate<br />8 oz white chocolate<br />Candy canes or peppermint candy<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>How To Make Peppermint Bark:</b></span><br /><br /><b><u>STEP 1</u>:</b> Crush the candy canes (or peppermint candy). Make about 1/3 cup of crushed candy, then set this aside. <br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HfgaF5gwh6gZYcnf3xcVuV2ECnmlPA7SXIVVV31v-yYawdB5DHCO8zBD3IcMLrfbn9gmy1qQm0pWj37bG5Kv4fabFzDeFf7oSpHxD26YPtfj4cKZR1XVqlLYbE97n5DrwVMQ9i4OP8s/s1600/DSC_4373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HfgaF5gwh6gZYcnf3xcVuV2ECnmlPA7SXIVVV31v-yYawdB5DHCO8zBD3IcMLrfbn9gmy1qQm0pWj37bG5Kv4fabFzDeFf7oSpHxD26YPtfj4cKZR1XVqlLYbE97n5DrwVMQ9i4OP8s/s320/DSC_4373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><b>Note: </b> The finer the candy bits are, the less they will stick to the chocolate later on, so you'd want to make the pieces rather coarse, not pulverized. About the size of rice grains. We used a kitchen knife today, but I think using a mortar-and-pestle is a smarter option.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>STEP 2</u></b>: Melt the brown chocolate using a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, improvise with two saucepans: boil water in one saucepan, and put another pan on top of that one. Place the chocolate in the top pan. The steam from the bottom pan will rise to the top pan, melting the chocolate nicely. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUVcsec9Gp13k7Mm3K1eP0_xeQjDSHiQcsq9RltQVsqM7Yxggo2psrkuvlcSH9zrIBn1bBYhOOstYU5suJLMQOxKIW9yMyxTlnQ0hFNdw5iiDXbzlACqy5cHjqh3YcHBwamFEBpuvmxM/s1600/DSC_4374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUVcsec9Gp13k7Mm3K1eP0_xeQjDSHiQcsq9RltQVsqM7Yxggo2psrkuvlcSH9zrIBn1bBYhOOstYU5suJLMQOxKIW9yMyxTlnQ0hFNdw5iiDXbzlACqy5cHjqh3YcHBwamFEBpuvmxM/s400/DSC_4374.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
<br /><br />It's important to use this double-boiling method so as not to scald the chocolate. <i> Burnt chocolate = gross = not good</i>.<br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;">(Uh ... I'm really no good at photo-documentation because I get distracted so easi... <i>oh look, a teddy bear!</i> I'm so sorry I wasn't able to take shots of the other steps. *sheepish grin* )</span><br />
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<b><u>STEP 3</u></b>: Pour the melted chocolate in a cake pan. Spread with a spatula to make a nice, even first layer.<br /><br />The size of the pan you use would depend on how thick you want your peppermint bark to be. We wanted ours to be real thin, so we used a 10x12 pan to make quarter-inch-thick pieces. A smaller pan of course will yield thicker layers. A rectangular or square pan is ideal, but I suppose a round one will do if you're not the type of person to obsess over even-sized pieces.<br /><br /><br /><b><u>STEP 4</u></b>: Stick the pan into the freezer until the chocolate hardens.<br /><br /><b><u>STEP 5</u></b>: Melt the white chocolate this time. Pour the molten white chocolate over the hardened brown chocolate layer - and similarly, spread to make it even. Let cool.<br /><br /><b><u>STEP 6</u></b>: Before the white chocolate hardens, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over it. Let this sit in the freezer awhile to let it solidify completely. <br /><br /><b><u>STEP 7</u></b>: Slice into neat, even-sized 2-inch squares.<br /><br />
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Okay, fine. It isn't so easy to slice them neatly. Irregular, uneven pieces are an excellent idea too. You can tell your friends later that this adds character. <b><span style="color: orange;"> :)<br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br />Yields:</span></b>6 to 8 regular servings, or<b><br /></b>2 candy-lover servings<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Prep time:</span></b>1 hour (it depends on your freezer's capabilities, actually)<br />
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<br /><span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Serving Suggestions:</b></span><br /><br />I think peppermint bark is pretty straightforward, but I imagine it would look good with green jellybean garnish and / or those edible sparkly thingies.<br />Several pieces in a clear candy bag tied with Christmassy ribbons would make nice giveaways. <br /><br /><span style="color: #999999;"><i>* All photos in this entry are mine.</i></span><br /><span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422118582205918105noreply@blogger.com1