12 Days of Christmas: Hauls and Gifts

This Season is full of happiness, love, positivity, and sharing. I figure that five days left and Christmas just around the corner, receiving gifts is surprisingly but giving is granted the importance of Christmas.It was glad when you have presents in your loved ones. I’ll try to list all things that I received and people who I shall thanked and also shared the blessings that I’d received. ( Please come with me to sing the 12th days of Christmas!) Haha.

On the 5th day of Christmas,

A presents come to be;

Hauls and gifts from me

suprised from LK

A Tote bag that I will gave to my sister Ann

a nice hat from a boss

sweet treat to a strict boss:)

I’m so blessed that every year, I surprised with the little presents with the people who important to me and with the personal notes to spice up my gifts is a sign of my appreciation and giving back love to them.
How about you guys? did you already have gifts for your loved-ones, family and friends?

12 Days of Christmas: Cup of Serenitea!

We been discovered the serene place of Serenitea back at March 2012, at Jupiter, Makati (yahoo !malapit lang sa office) So every now and then, we constantly get there, lakas makahawa nang mga friends ko, J   I totally have tea passion. I love Serenitea indeed! Why? Aside from their company’s color (green) you know how much I craze for it, you can customize your drink, from sinkers to mix and up to the level of sugar. So, it’s good for everyone.

On the 6^th day of Christmas,

We had a party of tea;

A jumbo cup of Serenitea

create your own sinkers!:)

Hello Cha & Jem!

Strawberry with pearls and Okinawa with crystal

"not your ordinary cup of tea"

Nagasaki, Nagoya, Okinawa, Hokkaido, Minty choco, Nutty choco and Wintermelon are of their best sellers, and I'm delighted I tried it all. You can try also their other tea such as tea latte, yakult tea, frost series, brewed tea and the serenifruitea.

photo from Serenitea

"All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes." 

Good thing about Serenitea was you could purchased without delivery charge BUT only in their selected areas.Not bad at all though it will surely refresh you, truly NOT YOUR ORDINARY CUP OF TEA. 

Jumbo Nagoya milk tea

And since 4^th anniversary nang Serenitea today, they had their promo. You can buy the Jumbo milk tea as fixed as 100P. Wow! Perfect for tea lover! Just about I left more, and trending ang #jumboserenitea!

Happy Serenitea!J

12 Days of Christmas: My 10 Best Food for Babies

I forget to include in my post, that my princess’ having her check up because of flu, my Pedia recommends to increase food she intake, since Princess, now is getting bigger, and probably would miss the time of hard work and little sleep with her, the whole HER, but (still she’s my princess) I know, babies grows fast, we would never stop our baby’s growth and she’s now entitled to eat several foods that will benefit her a lot.

There are lots of healthy, baby-friendly foods out there, but some stand from the pack. I reviewed my subscription in Baby center and I’m surprised that some of the food I gave to my Princess was on the list. 

Here our ten absolute favorites;

squashy pumpkins

Squash-naturally sweet with creamy texture, with vitamin A and C (sometimes I do sprinkle it with parmesan cheese)

freshly spinach

   Dark green leafy vegetables-good source of iron and folate, especially the spinach

steamed broccoli

   Broccoli-known as cancer fighting ,with folate, fiber and calcium but it can also be soothing  during teething ( I just steam it into pieces and chilled)

one of my favorite as well as Princess' choice

 Avocadoes-it’ is good for brain development of the baby  (I just mashed and add cream cheese together with other foods like apple and tada!)

oranges for my celebrity baby:)

    Mandarin oranges- known best as high vitamin C and antioxidants (my princess’ really loves the flavor)

fresh prunes for babies

  Prunes-this is I insist to eat with my baby, cause it can help relieve constipation, as we introduce solids food (I normally serve it straight or sometimes I mixed with cereals or applesauce)

2nd Princess' choice

  Potato-this was my favorite hand pick to my princess, a good source of carbohydrates (I usually boiled and smash it)

munchy beans

     Garbanzo beans-best rich in protein and fiber (with sautéing with chickpeas to olive oil and left out for her munch)

a dish that I can cook for Boo family:)

Many of us don't think that meat as a typical food for babies, but it is one of top choice since it's good source of zinc and iron that easy to make, easy to chew and endless in it's variety. Just by adding different seasoning and veggies.

infant's first food.

As the saying goes' An apple a day, keeps the doctor away" it truly a wonder fruit that best for babies.
A lot of fruits advice to Princess'  but I will post it separately as "fruits for baby food"

Hope it helps as guide for your little one. It's seven days counting till the Christmas day.:)

*all photos are not mine

12 Days of Christmas: Bar of Chocolates

It is almost not surprising that many people simply enjoy chocolate, delight in it and see as it heaven-sent gift. However, there are still many questions arouse the curiosity of consumers like me. Like, why is it so popular? What are the difference between milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate? And last, if it’s true that Switzerland is world-renowned for their chocolate. 

m&m as I saw at Rustan's Makati

And how about the “colorful button-shaped candies” that we used to eat when we’re young? And still enjoys up to now.:) This is not from Switzerland but I bet. For almost 82 years of development and expansion, I may not be wonder; they got the styled as “The Official Candy of the New Millennium”.

On the 8^th day of Christmas,

My colleague sent to me;

Bar of chocolates for me

Mentioning the word “Switzerland", usually conjures up images of beautiful, snow covered mountain ranges, lush green meadows… and good chocolate from a good people in me.

My review? On the, 

The Fourre Cacao- a dark chocolate with a little bit bitter but good enough to be satisfied, 100g amounted to 3.72$.

Lindt Pistachio Chocolate- a milk chocolate with whole pistachio nuts in almond filling, 8.69$ as priced.

 The Goldina Original White Chocolate-this was the most tempting chocolate bar, perfect for the whole family not only in flavor but in price too, approximately 3.18$, flavours in milk, milk/nut, milk/raisins/nut, milk/rice crisp, and bittersweet

and lastly,

MINOR Chocolate-one of the best delicious Swiss chocolate,16$ per pack with 40-45 sticks

MINOR chocolate from a balikbayan friend:)

Cheaper price but satisfied pleasure for your taste buds, my personal top chocolate undeniably. Supreme chocolates that cherished by both young and old. Good enough for gifting idea, especially for anniversaries and birthdays. Absolutely can add touch of warmth and sweetness. (I remember my King when he’s courting me pa-famous brands today-Cadburry and Ferrero Rocher)But home-made chocolates are also good.

So really Swiss chocolate is the best? What do you think?

12 Days of Christmas: First day of Christmas Novena!

As we celebrated today, the first day of nine-day Christmas novena or Simbang gabi, in Tagalog. For every Catholic Filipino who’s in tradition to begin the nine-day celebration until the Christmas day. A morning masses that usually done as early as 4 or 5 o’clock from 16 to 24 December. I know everyone’s energized, every family united on this gathering. I remember when I was young; I do “simbang gabi” with my brothers and cousins, together with our lola and lolo. Though it was sluggish to get up since you’re in the zest of sleep, you inspire as the older says, ”Pag nabuo mo daw yung nine days ng simbang gabi, make a wish and magkaka-totoo daw, ..Haha.  Did you believe on that? How’s true? Well, suppose!..(Childish momentJ)

To highlight the tradition, di mawawala ang pagka-iconic nang puto bumbong, bibingka, suman and other rice pastries that cooked on the spot. So what’s your favorite?

On the 9^th day of Christmas,

My mommy sent to me;

Delicacies’ surely yummy

bibingka

 Whether bibingka galapong, malagkit, or cassava bibingka, it all taste good. A Philippine Christmas food indeed! Usually eaten along with Puto bumbong right after simbang gabi.

puto bumbong

Puto or rice cake named after the bamboo tube in which it steamed. Unusual among puto, being sticky and long and purple in color. It serves with grated and brown sugar. I bet I could cook mine cause it's my favorite:)

suman

Suman which basically malagkit (sticky) that wrapped in bana leaves or coconut leaves. My mom used to cook the wrapped malagkit overnight, but I suppose it finish in a hour. Perfectly rolled in a sugar OR sabi nila side dish of ripe manila mangoes. I dont know how it taste, I don't even try.

I’m not expert in cookery. But I love cooking and I wanted to try this one.:)

So let the bells of Misa de Gallo break the pre-dawn silence of the whole land.The bells offer a message of Hope in God and hope for peace on earth. Have a joyous Christmas novena everyone!:)

12 Days of Christmas:A Parisian shoes for me!

One of my favorite things in the world is to go-out, lunch date and shop shoe enthusiastically! I’d been dying to have them whether in heels, pumps, flats and boots. I may have wedges, but I don’t think it’s good at me. I know some of women mostly like to have wedges rather than heels. But FOR ME, heels are sexier to look at, shows more mature and elegant looking. It depends on you, where you are more comfortable. Dreaming of Gossip Girls wearing sneakers and made an impact of how they carry themselves in different shoes.

(photo source)

I been fan of this series, because of their different beautiful outfits and how their  fashion style goes and became an inspiration by everyone.

My King knew me how I fascinated with shoes, the two type of my shoes-heels/pumps and flats/comfy. I always had an extra flat shoes wherever I go, after working in a long day, I ‘l make sure, my feet would relaxed so that I bringing a this shoes.-a flat shoes indeed!
Here’s what I’ve’ got from going out with my King.

Wearing flats are more comfortable

True!it's more comfortable when we are wearing flats. They are really cute,and it shows young and confident. Flats that can be paired with casual,sassy and outgoing look.

(Just love it!)

On the 11^th day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me;

Parisian shoes meant to be

Every woman fascinated by these babies. We have own sense of style, how we carry and comfortable we are. Either it’s high heeled footwear of slippers, as long as you’re convenient, still YOU are who stand out the crowd.

(So excited to wear this, and match with this season)J Till next time gals, ByiesJ

12 Days of Christmas: A Giant Christmas tree

As we celebrated the commemoration of the birth of our Jesus Christ, I’ll just thinking that I should have my “12 Days of Christmas” theme. ("On the First day of Christmas, my true love sent to me; A partridge in Pear tree") Don’t you just love the melody? I like indeed! Hihi. Who doesn’t excite about this holiday? Does anyone?:( Did you know that it is the most festive holidays in many countries which celebrated around the world? Woohoo!I feel more Christmas now! The wintry sense at night, Christmas songs that aired in a radio, Christmas lights that twinkle at the streets, the decorated houses with trees and snowmen and other Christmas figures.

Though twelve days from now, Christmas na, Mas feel ko mag-shopping today. Yay!I just wanted to hoard all booths, Christmas sale, and gifts for my loved-ones.:) So what I've got?

On the 12^th day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me;

A giant lights in a Christmas tree

This is one of the attractive Christmas tree I’ve ever see. The Enchanting Christmas lights turned different colors in every 5 seconds. It lighted in red, green, gold/yellow and I spotted the blue oneJ isn’t nice? Is it?

On the 12^th day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me;

More Santa Clause in a Christmas tree

Did you know that this is not a real Christmas tree? Precisely! Hihi. This was decorated table filled by balls (gold/silver shimmering) same with usual Christmas tree, but this one was loaded by different sizes of Santa Clause. HoHoho!Ang cute diba?

Is it the end?

Today is 12-12-12. So what? Kidding aside.! Such some discussion and points of view of everyday people on the “end of the world” neither on 12-21-12 as others believe it to be. Even the song titled  2012 by Jay Sean which emphasizing end of the world in this year. "What your views on that subject? Is it totally the end? For concern? or a load of nonsense? What did you think of it?

12.12.12 destiny?

But in my opinion, we, who decide to create our destiny, but with continues faith at God, nothing is impossible. With Him, we are in covenant. And I’m glad good thing was happened to me in 12.12.12 day.We headed to Ayala Triangle Gardens to witness the Enchanting lights and Sounds Show AND of course to visit our friend’s booth (Sinude). I personally want this bag! It’s leather indeed! Woot! ( discount !discount! discount Kaye! )Haha. If you want to know more about their items, kindly visit their website.

I should have the brown and the red one:)

 Almost done looking at the bazaar loop, we ended to Wee Nam Kee's bestseller of the Chicken Rice; this was my first time to eat this food, because I'm not into Chinese food.nyak! And I take the risk of eating white chicken. Haha

Actually, they had two style of chicken they serve, the hainanese and the roasted one, but me and my friends much enjoyed the roasted one, but I tasted the Hainanese poached style and it's good!

white chicken with roasted one (888P)

Hainanese style (888)

 It is refreshingly juicy but not too oily to taste with sprinkle of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Lemon chicken (250P)

Cereal prawns (375P)

They also have the Lemon chicken and Cereal prawns. I so loved it! :) the prawns were medium sized but good and very tasteful, in a way, people commented that the creal taste a bit sweeter like Nesvita.hehe

Sambal Kangkong (190P)

I love veggies.:) we had the Sambal kangkong 

Chicken rice (40P)

 and the best chicken rice I've ever tasted. (rice palang, ulam na talaga!)

Barley juice (55P)

full load! (busog!)

 Full pack kung full pack! Hihi. we had our big tummy:) I may say that it's truly authentic.

with kaye and bella:)

hi APEC Team!:)

smooches! cheers!:)

 So really is it the end? Hmm..With the good people, with the good food and place, so what else? For some 2012 will be an ending,  but for me and to the others, it would be the beginning. It depends on how we created with consciousness. I might bring my family here and try the Hainanese Chicken rice.

So indulge yourself with this one, you can be without leaving Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG) houses Wee Nam Kee. Happy 12.12.12!:)

NOTD:First Crush of Amber!

 I wanted to have a “Nail of the Day”  or simply as NOTD post since I have the habit of buying and having unusual nail polish, and pinauso na rin lang ng makeupalley dot com  or MUA in short, let's be in drift. As chronicle to my post. Here’s the sneak peak; boasting with my first crush! (Oopsy, this is not the usual crushes when we are in elementary or high school days) It was the longest years nail brand, Caronia. Yup! I had tried so many brands (The Faceshop, Sally Hansen and) but Caronia’s existed! This trusted local nail care brand and being the pioneer and successful in marketing can be comparable to other US brands available in market.

Caronia's First Crush

approved to my first crush

My princess just wanted to be like her mommy Queen. She even feel like to do what mommy Queen does. She even know how to put a lipstick on her lips and spray perfume. Nakakatuwa lang!  I’ll be discussing that nalang in a separate post. Hihi. Another milestone of my princess! wooot! This would be Amber's first crush. Yay!

princess' foot

Let’s lacquer ourselves with love and color it with happiness just like what Caronia make to us, polish last longer. Happy Sunday everyone!:)Byies!