~For the love of Coffee

I. Love. Coffee. Yes, admittedly guilty of being addicted to coffee!

That is why, when I saw this FB page weeks ago, without hesitations, I jump in and knew my way to join. Awryt, I guess it mattered too that I know the blogger personally and I could relate to some of her posts -she is a mom, a blogger (she is the face behind the blog Living.Loving.Learning ) and a coffee lover too. Connect, Check!

It was my first time to join a contest hosted by bloggers.. I have been stalking a lot of bloggers and some of them hosts contests like this. But only now that I really found the confidence to join.. AND I was soo happy to win!!! weeeeeeee I am not sure which thought made me happier, the idea that I won or the thought of getting Starbucks coffee for free! :) Admit it, we all love libre.

Weeee, ang saya-saya!!!

Thank you for the Christmas gift Ms Joy! My personalized dedication pa talaga.. sweet~

My Toffee Nut Frap. Nom nom..

weeee ;)

I can't still get over the thought that I won free coffee.. pasensya!

Thanks Ms Joy for making me so giddy and happy! ;)

xoxo

Paskong Pinoy 2011

When you get to have kids and a family of your own you find and give more meaning to every opportunity of family bonding.

"The family that spends Christmas together, stays together." ;)

Our Christmas 2011 was about family. And I indeed felt the warm of Christmas in the company of my own little family, my parents, siblings and my extended family. Sobrang dami kaya sobrang warm! This year, Team Abritz, Team Abritz Sr, Team Lim and Team Garcia decided to have a join Christmas celebration. Dami dba?

Team Abritz

Of course, Christmas is all about my Miguel too. His father and I are excited to start our own Christmas traditions. Finally, this year we were able to actualize it..Miguel acts like a little adult now and we introduced him once more to Christmas (hubby and I attempted that Christmas of 2009 and 2010, but on both instances he just slept, despite the fireworks and noise). It was quite hard to determine who was more excited, Miguel to open his gifts, or me to piktur-piktur. lol

Sa sobrang excitement at para di ma ruin ang moment, we advanced our midnight opening of gifts. It was still 11:00 pm and Miguel was already sleepy (in fairness, he tried his best to stay awake and entertain his grandparents) so we ended up opening his gifts an hour before midnight. Anyways, he doesn't have the sense of time pa naman.

my sleepy bugoy.. 

Oppss..lets backtrack a bit, shall we? I was excited to cook too! I was picturing out myself cooking while sipping a little wine. :)

Hubby's take on Fish Kebab. nom nom! He was super excited to cook the kebab too.. It was a success Sous Chef! :) Congratulations!

Desert section..

tsibog na..

This was my fourth glass I think.. hehehe I had no intention of getting drunk, just feeling the festive mood.

Miguel and Lolo..

Miguel and Papa..

















Now, lets fast forward.. Christmas day -morning, we heard mass at Gethsemane Parish church and after siesta we went to SM for a little strolling-strolling, picture-picture and Dinner at Shakeys.

We capped the long Christmas day off by chilling at IT Park. Miguel had fun with his hotdog on stick and the adults enjoyed popcorn and mango shake. Of course, hindi mawawala ang picture-picture.. Maybe I would have time later on to post my "cam whoring" c/o hubby later after the holidays..

xoxo

PS: whew! It took me 4 days to complete this blog. busy sa work kaya i was able to dedicate a few stolen work-time only..

Fame and 4Tune - Anniversary Party

If not for this post, I wont notice that I have not blogged about work or about the people I work with yet. How ironic, because I usually create my posts when I am at work (sshhhhhh, secret lang to). Oh well, what better way to introduce the people I work with than this post about our Anniversary Party..

Last December 18 (post Anniversary celebration), we had our Anniversary combined Christmas party with the theme Fame and 4Tune. Yes, 4Tune because we turned 4 this year. The place is worth mentioning, not because its nice or of its excellent service or of the delicious food but because of the total opposite! It was a lesson learned for us.. To the management of the The Orchard, rest assured we won't be coming back!

Nevertheless, our Anniversary reminded me of one fact, when and where you spend it won't matter if you are in the company of friends. We had a blast..specially when its video time. hopefully I would find time to post our videos too.. it was super FUN!

You could mistaken our theme as "Mano Po" too, whahahah! 
Our version of the Mano Po poster. (L-R: Ang Legal Wife, Ang Husband, Ang Second Wfie, Ang Eldest Daughter, Ang Ate (Ate Shawie), Si Bunso, Si Tita, Si Cousin) bwahahahah

And since I don't need costume to be Chinese, I went with my casual dress. No effort needed.

It's a tradition that we select Stars of the Night, and this is how we chose the winners this year. The nominees were one by one called on stage and during chow time, we voted.

...and the winners were... Congrats Khenn and Loraine! Bonga ni Khenn, second time na nya to win. Bonga din because the crown ng Best Female Dresser has never left my team.

1st Year: Your's Truly

2nd Year: Michelle Villamor

3rd Year: Sandy Sampang

4th: Loraine Audiencia

Hubby has this cool Cam app in his Android with a feature called China Red. It captures/highlights all things in Red and turns all other else in B&W. 

Kewl dba? I love how it highlighted my Red Lipshook and Nailpolish.

Effortlessly Chinese..

Alin ang naiba?

My kwela Team..

Cam whore moment.. hahaha

Happy Anniversary and Merry Chrismas TM Cebu!

xoxo

Bahay-bahayan, Platu-platuhan

This post would just be quick.

Finally I have laid my hands on these babies..

Been coveting these 'rainbow' plates from Collage for quite sometime already, and finally, they're mine! Thank you to sponsors who made me sooo happy.

xoxo

Holidays @ Starbucks

Let me just say, I patiently waited for December to post this, what a good way to open/start December than blogging about my favorite Coffee Shop while sipping a Praline Mocha or Cranberry White Chocolate Mocha perhaps (oppss, they don't have Praline Mocha this year).

I Am A Starbucks Loyal! and I am a regular @ some Starbucks branches all throughout the year..but there is something different with Coffee and Decembers. Ohh I wish I could describe and share to you all the joy and that holiday-festive feeling I feel everytime a visit a Starbucks store on Decembers. The smell of coffee triggers happy Christmas memories as well as childhood hopes associated with Christmas.. I don't know but, you know that feeling when we were children and we were told stories of  Santa Claus and how he give gifts?.. no joke! that's almost (if not exactly) what I feel when I am on a Starbucks shop, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee on Decembers.

Aside from the featured Holiday drinks, what excites me during Christmas too are their planners. I am a collector of Starbucks planner and unlike others that they just like looking at their planners blank and unscratched, I like mine used and full, documenting my whole year (parang planner and diary in one). For me, it defeats the purpose of having a planner if you won't actually use it all throughout the year.

2009 and 2011 Planners. I failed to make on time to get the 2010.

This year, they chose to have smaller planners with wooden covers. Don't judge the planner by its cover, these are real wood and you can select from Polar, Cherry, Spruce, Bamboo or Oak. The wooden cover is so chic and rustic at the same time. I'm not a big fan of the overall design though, I personally think reducing the size is a bad idea. I don't like small space to write on, I like to blab, even in my planners so I feel that the space is not enough. Nevertheless, I would be getting one.. I can always add post-its if I need more space, dba? *wink

As of this writting, I am a few stickers away from these desirable planners but I, slowly but surely, will hold one in my hands before the year ends.

xoxo

Christmas Eve Feast: The Planning

Still 27 days to go before Christmas Eve and I am already feeling the pressure of what to prepare for the Christmas Eve Feast. Gosh, I even read one food blogger said that she bookmarked recipes for Christmas Eve months before December. Reading that definitely made the pressure rise up one knot higher. It made me realize too that its about time I start planning.

So, what to do? Where to begin? This is a tough question for every mom who wants to serve an impressive and festive Christmas Eve buffet for her family.

Well, one thing for sure, there would be a Pasta dish. Hubby and I tasted lately a very delicious Pasta with Creamy Mustard sauce from Spaghetti Factory, so I think, that's the way to go this Christmas. Time to source out the net for recipes of a yummy Creamy Mustard sauce (here I go again! most people would not dare serve experiment recipes or try a recipe for the first time for holiday feast. Not me! experimenting recipes on holidays or big celebrations has always been my knack. hahaha and oh yeah, I had a mishap or two but most of them was a success, so I don't think I would have to stop myself from doing it. lol!) Going back, I found one and I'm bookmarking it.

Next? Something beef. Stroganoff? or should I bust again my all time favorite Beef with Broccoli? I know this by heart, I have been preparing this dish since my college days.

How about desert? Now this is a tough one. Desert has never been my strength and I would admit, I don't practice this as much as the other dishes. I would have few more days to think about it. Or to decide if I would make one -or buy one! lol! Setting my deadline to December 1st then..

I am planning of buying more glass wines too. Surely, there would be Red Wine for this Christmas Eve. Hmmm..I am looking forward to sipping wine under our Christmas lights. Hahaha Emo mode on Christmas eve.

Oppsss, don't get me wrong..I am not serving these 3 only. Christmas Eve (and New Year) feast is always a collaboration between me and Hubby. He would have his suggestions, and of course, he would be cooking them. Have I mentioned that he wants to be a good cook too?

Well, the pressure is lesser now that I have a few ideas for Christmas feast already. I still have 2 more days to complete my list.

xoxo

Angelica - You never fail to meet my expectations..

I would like to think of Angelica Bakeshop as a discovery! I mean a lot of us know Red Ribbon and Goldilocks cakes (we are talking about birthday cakes here, ok?) those 2 are like household names and we often go to them for birthday cake needs, but only a few know and have tested Angelica (sorry, I know these bakeshop offer other types of cake but the most common we go to them are really for birthday cakes, thus the distinction on birthday cakes).


I'd say my hunt for cakes started when I got Migz.. a mom would do whatever is necessary to give her son or daughter a fun and memorable milestone, right? Anyways, this hunt goes way back to the prep of Christening days. I discovered Angelica late and only tried them for his first birthday. I chose to try other bakeshops -and Yes! I had a few mishaps too, like the cupcakes for Miguel's Christening.. dah.. 


Let me say that Angelica never failed to meet my expectations!


When I needed a cake that would fit Miguel's first birthday theme -Penguins of Madagascar, they gave me this..

When I needed a cake that would fit Miguel's 2nd birthday theme - Cars, they gave me this..

When I thought of having Velvet Red and White Cupcakes to go with the Car Cake, they gave me these...

Like anyone, when I conceptualize a party, I already have a vision of what the decorations would look like, how to go about with the food presentation, and of course, what the cake would be. And, just like they're seeing the vision in my mind, their products are exactly how I always envisioned it. Or so far at least..

On top of that, the cake itself is near to die for.. I always choose the chocolate flavor. Its chocolatey but subtle, but, what makes their cakes standout is its fullness and moistness! Sa mga ka-level nya, its the most moist cake I have tried.. I volunteered myself as Angelica's ambassador. Self proclaimed, ika nga. Every time we order for cakes and we have left overs, I bring it to the office to let others try and be coveted by it. Every time someone I know is looking for cakes for birthdays or any other occasion, I recommend Angelica, with full description of the cake's goodness as well as where their stores are. Ambassador na ba ang dating? lol

Angelica Bakeshop

 G/F JY Square Mall

 Salinas Drive, Lahug

 Store Hours: Same as the Mall hours

 or

 Grocery Section, Banilad Town Center

 Banilad, Cebu

 Phone #: 416-2271

 Store Hours: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm

xoxo

All Adorned for Christmas

Planning:
Hubby: I want a Christmas tree for this Chrismas Ma..
Me: SUre!


Preparation and Buying:
Hubby: This one Ma..lets buy this too..
Me: No, I dont like the color.


Hubby: Let's buy this one (red socks and Santa's cap) and hang it in the living room.
Me: no!
Hubby: Let's hang this one in the Christmas tree Ma..
Me: It doesn't go with out theme Pa.
Hubby: *sigh


Actual Decoration:
Hubby: How do you want the Christmas lights to be hung?
Me: Follow the arch..
Hubby: Add more flowers on the tree..
Me: No, our theme is minimilistic.


In summary, he conceptualized it, I executed it. He who conceptualized has no-say on how the implementation was done. However, both parties were happy with the outcome!

Recycled Milk Can ni Migz + an old Candle + a few store-bought
plastic pine leaves with Gold and Blue accent and a poinsenttia

3 ft plastic Pine Tree

Our color scheme is Gold and Red, and again, the theme is minimalistic and modern. We bought our tree in Ayala, Basement 2. They have different sizes and colors, but we chose the traditional Green Tree (it would go best with our Gold and Red theme). All the ornaments were grouped by color too (not by type, like most stores would do) so if you're like me who had a color scheme in mind already, choosing the decors would be a whole lot quicker in Basement 2.

a little more detail

the red Angel

Balls and Leaves, all Gold!

the curtain christmas lights

This is hubby's part -setting up the Christmas lights.It looks so dramatic and makes the duyan more inviting. Totally suitable to emo-emo moments.


I'm glad Christmas and New Year's eve are on weekends. Looking forward to spending the eves under our Christmas light or under our small tree..


xoxo

Awesome Siam

It was not my first time in Siam, in fact, it is worth mentioning that Hubby and I had our full and Red wine during our 2nd anniversary there.. however, I would say our last visit there was the best so far. Best by category of satisfaction, not just with food, but overall experience. Whahaha.. Let the pics narrate the overall experience.

However again, let me just iterate that Siam is a must-visit and must-come back because of their awesome lighting -the even yellow lighting! Oh well, must-visit and must-come back with a camera! Don't get me wrong, the food on its own is superb -affordable for its caliber, the service is not impeccable but not bad also. The staff is accommodating, serving of first round of order is fast.. noticeably though, second or additional orders takes longer. 

Top to Bottom: yumyum Tom Yum, Tropical drink (forgot the exact name),
Siam Sampler and Chicken with Walnut.

Oppsss, before I'm lost, let me go back to the topic. What made a great impact with our recent visit was the splendor their lighting would do to our photos. We were just using a 12.1mp Digital Camera but the product was two-thumbs up! There are a lot of resto that would offer good food, good service, affordable dining experience but only a few would give all those PLUS awesome lighting for awesome documentation produce. oh, diba.. endorser na ako ng Siam.

Papa

Miguel

Me

See what i meant? =)

So, for good food + awesome documentation, visit Siam.

Siam Thai Cuisine

Ground Floor

The Terraces - Ayala Center Cebu

xoxo

Taco Bar

My 2nd food post for the week.. Food Porn too.


The recent activities and celebrations gave me more opportunity to have new creations and recreate previous successful food experiments. So, for this blog's feature.. tan ta dan... Taco Bar! This is a "re-creation", from the successful "make your own taco night". First experiment model was sold out thus as a hypothesis the experiment was a success. As well as the succeeding "models". =) I believe, this recent model (and the source of these photo documentation) arrived to the same hypothesis! hahaha so scientific.

so mouth-watering, right?

This is one of the dishes I prepared for Papa's birthday beach party.. and presentation was more of a Taco Bar but the concept of making your own Taco was still kept.

You'll Need:
For the Beef Salsa:
1/2 kl Ground Beef
1 can of your favorite Tomato Sauce
6-8 large near ripe Tomatoes
1 red Onions
2 cloves of Garlic
Salt and Pepper


For the Taco Garnish:
1 large White Onions, julienne
1 medium/large Lettuce
1 block of Cheese, grated


You'll Do:
Slit the tomatoes skin, length of 1-2 inches is enough. In a pot of boiling water, drop the tomatoes for 5 seconds, just so the skin would separate from the actual tomato. Remove from the boiling water after 5 seconds and submerge it in ice cold water to cool down the tomatoes and stop the cooking process. Peel them once they're manageable to work on and cut into chunks. I love using near ripe tomatoes because you can actually feel the tanginess of the tomato even if it is incorporated with the store-bought tomato sauce. 


Cook the Beef like you are cooking the Spaghetti sauce. Saute the garlic, onions and beef until the juices of the beef will disappear. Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Salt and Pepper to taste. Add the chunks of tomatoes and leave it over fire for no more than 1 minute. There is no need to cook the chunks of tomatoes, you just want them to be incorporated with the sauce..

Assemble the Taco as you wish.. However, a piece of advise -we eat with our eyes so having an enticing presentation sends signal to our brain that what we are eating is *yumyum!!! Plus it makes you (the cook) look like a pro. whahah

So, here is my arrangement. Taco-Lettuce-White Onions-Beef Salsa-Cheese

A Pastry Experiment

These little adorable tarts.. oh so beautiful tarts.. lala la la.. these tarts makes me sing and imagine that great feeling one feels when we see our creation turned out beautifully and artistically!

It was my first real venture on the pastry side. Yeah, yeah, I did a little cheat.. awryt, half of it was a cheat! I didn't have an oven for my perusal yet.. but that didn't stop me from wondering what beautiful creations I could make.. Eventually, the wondering led to something.. led to these..

A little bit of history first, if I may.. I found this bakeshop that sells beautiful breads and other goodies that for the price it present, is already a real good deal (is my penny-pinching getting real obvious na ba? hehehe). So, i grab a few of those beautiful tarts they sell and added own fruity touch to it.. It added sweetness and freshness to the egg tart and at the same time, I created a whole new tart variety.


You'll Need:
Egg Tarts - You can buy "ready-made" like what I did or if resources will permit it, you can make your own.
5 tbsp of freshly squeezed Orange juice -if you want the tart to be a little more juicy, you can add more..
1 tbsp of Lemon juice
1 tbsp of Orange zest
1 ripe Mango, diced
1 ripe Apple, diced
2 tbsp brown sugar


You'll Do:
In a nonstick pan, add the brown sugar and juices and let the mixture simmer and make sure that all the brown sugar has been dissolved. Once you see little bubbles appearing, add the zests and apples. Let it simmer under medium fire for 2-3 minutes or until the apples become soft.
Let the mixture cool down before you add the mangoes. 
Add the fruits and juice to the tarts, depends on you if you want more or less. I would recommend for it to be a little juicy though so be generous in adding the juices.


Serve with a smile.


xoxo