Where to start, again?

It's been a long while. I know.

This place has been a comfort zone for me. And I didn't know why I gave this up. I always, always, wanted to start again, but its only (really!) today that I visited my site again. And guess what, that was just the extra push that I needed to do this again. And here I am, typing, typing what my mind simply thinking now, blabbing.. really blabbing. I thought, let me rekindle my relationship with my blog and document all the details and fun I had preparing my wedding. (Yes, I got married.. or more of, we had a church wedding. Yes, I finally agreed to it. I promise myself I would have a long post for it. I am proud that I arrived to that decision, and would love to share what changed in me that made me do that decision.) Now that I finally have rekindled my relationship with my blog, I might just do that long post here. While typing the first sentence, I thought too that I have a lot of new recipes that need to be shared. And I might just do that now. 

But here I am, still blabbing. I miss this, and I am even confused where to start.  

Before I lost myself to my own blabbing and reminiscing, I have decided where to start so, let me do what I intended to do. 

This would be a long process, and just like any other event, it start with the "pre". Part I is the "pre" -the prenup. While we are on this context, I am surprise to actually see the that term "prenup" is still associated with the old "prenuptial agreement". Google it, its like the top 3 results for the word. I know, it's kinda oldie and to my opinion, impractical. I mean, only the royalties and super rich is acquainted to that term. For normal people like most of us, the term "prenup" connotes a happier and more exciting meaning. Well, I know at least for all girls, it means just that.

When I think dream before of my own prenup, only one photographer comes into my mind is Josephine Sicad. We were old colleagues, and when I saw her Esessions (engagement sessions), I said to myself back then when I was a no-believer of church weddings, if I am to have a prenup even just for the sake of prenup (but no actual wedding), I would have no other choice but Jhoe. She is Singapore based and when I contacted her back December of 2012, she agreed right away. And what made it more Yes!-universe-granted-my-wish kind of moment was that she had plans of going home (home for her is Cebu). Not just that made my wish geographically possible, but made us save a few dollars because we don't have to pay for her airfare. Lucky!

We had 3 sets, first 2 was taken in Transcentral Highway, near Ayala Heights, where the view is breathtaking. Lush and fresh. We started to shoot around 8 am and finished around noon. But looking at the pictures there, you think that they were taken early morning. The lighting was perfect, the weather was exceptionally forgiving. It was a cloudy day and there were even a few drizzles, but the it didn't pour. Thanks to our weather angel!

Yes, this is a promise to our angel. 

Part 3, was more in tune with the theme of our wedding, The Godfather (yes, the movie). These photos were taken in Sugbu in SRP.

Had a great time with this shoot. But, I'd tell you in advance, I had greater time during the On the day shoot. Will posting it soon..

Mango and Pandan Sweets

I know, I know, its been decades. I have been turn between work, home improvement, blog reading, marathons with a long list of tv series (not to mention the a lot of series are starting a new season this quarter) trips (work and pleasure) newly ventured activities (which I would be telling you soon) and a whole lot of other things that would and could justify my absence. Hahaha But it doesn't mean that I'm away that I have zero stories to tell. Believe me I have a lot.. alright, lot is too big of a word, let me use "few" instead. So yeah, I have compiled few. And to start with.. here is a sweet dish I tried over Halloween.

Mango and Pandan Sweets

This has been something I wanted to do, Halloween came and I made it my excuse to whip this up. :) This is a simple dish requires 5 ingredients only. Prep time is longer though because you need to chill it before serving.

You'll Need:
Prep Time: 20 mins + at least 2 hours for chilling

L-R: Condensed Milk, All Purpose Cream, Ripe Mangoes, Cheddar Cheese, Gelatin -Buko Pandan flavor

You'll Do:
Step 1: Prep the jelly according to the packaging. Or not so according to the packaging :) My first batch was a bit more solid because I strictly followed the ratio instructed in the packaging. Tip: If you're going to use the same brand as I used above, add half a cup more water to achieve the perfect gelatin texture.

Step 2: Slice the pandan jelly, mangoes and cheese into cubes. The gelatin and mangoes into 3/4 an inch and the cheese in 1/4 and inch thick. A little trick to get the best shape off your mangoes.

Use a glass to peel the skin. Insert it on one side and just push the glass up to the other tip of the sliced mango.

Step 3: Combine all ingredients then chill for at least 2 hours. Tip: Don't freeze it as the chilled gelatin becomes soggy when served in room temperature.

Easy breezy, but enough to satisfy the sweet craving. Enjoy!

xoxo

Food for the Spirit

Pinned interest for this Sunday. A few words to feed our spirit.

Happy Blessed Sunday everyone!

xoxo

Kitchen Quotes

I love decorating my kitchen with quotes, they serve as my daily inspirations and at times, my "kicker" when I'm feeling not so good and I need a little push.

At the moment, they are stacked strategically in one place -above our fridge. Definitely, a place that's hard to miss, and an area of the house that everyone visits at least once.

I am thinking of adding more (or moving some) to our counter tops, I am not sure yet how to go about mounting them without punching a whole to our wall. (Let me know if you have ideas..) And ohh, most of them are DIYs. I am currently addicted to black + silver.

Please excuse my pics, bad lighting..

"Be Curious, Not Judgemental."

Black paper + Silver pen + your favorite quote + a frame = your Own Kitchen Quote

"This House Runs on Love and a Cup of Strong Coffee."

black paper + silver pen + your favorite coffee quote + a tumbler = Personalized Message on a Tumbler

"It's nice to have a friend to talk to all the time

Sharing all your secrets with someone

True and kind"

a ceramic coaster

What is your daily quote?

xoxo

Addicted to Corn

Over the weekend, I bought a few fresh corn in a husk from the weekend vegetable market near our place. I have been wanting to recreate a dish I saw from one of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation episodes.

On the show he featured a spicy fried corn (from one of his Mexican city trips I can't specifically recall where anymore), but since I am not more of a spicy gal, I tweaked it a bit. I went to the healthy crunchy fried corn route.

This dish is easy peasy and done in 5 minutes! Its a one-two dish yet its totally refreshing and healthy. Promise.

Sauteed Corn with Refreshing Cucumber Slices

You'll Need:
Corn
garlic, minced
onions, minced
a little oil
Salt and Pepper
Cucumber

You'll Do:
Step 1: Saute Garlic and Onions.
Step 2: When onions are translucent, add the corn and saute for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Before serving, add the slices of cucumber and a pinch of salt.

Told yeah its easy! Enjoy.

xoxo

Travel: Inspired by Limestone

Travel: The Rectory Shoot

Technically, this is not a Travel post. This is more of a going-home-to-hometown + impromptu photo shoot post. Anyways, just wanted to share the (again) impromptu photo shoot that hubby and I did. We (a nick more of me) got inspired by the beautiful limestone of the Dalaguete rectory and church.

limestone + gloomy weather

xoxo

Fashion: The Burberry Rose Gold Collection

When I saw these on my Facebook feed, I literally said "ooohh". Yeah, that long "oh" sound that is a mix of surprise, admiration and desire -that "oh" that usually accompanies swooning and drooling. J

Burberry and Gold in clothing, two of my favs in one collection. According to the release, this limited edition collection is in celebration of the launch of the Burberry Body Rose Gold Eau de Parfum. The range features beautifully crafted trench coats, dresses and accessories in elegant silk, intricate lace and striking metallic leather. I'm not much of a Parfum enthusiast, so I can happily settle with this clothing collection.

I admit, atm, I don't own a single Burberry (I would if I could, but I can't so I don't. Follow my logic? lol). But that doesn't stop me from wanting and loving these beautiful things. Their beige in tartan pattern trademark in bags and purses made me love them first. The clothing, scarves AND trench coats came second only.

without further ado, gents and girls, let's swoon and drool all together at these lovely, shimmering things..

"The Burberry Rose Gold Collection"

source

wow! nothing beats lace and gold! -except silk and gold maybe. lol

simple and classic! LOVELY!!!

Indian and cowgirl?

love the pleated design

metallic and gold. Shimmer + shimmer = clash
too much for my taste.

..and the winner is.. Gold and Silk Trench Coat.
If only the weather in the Philippines is made for Trench Coats..

What I originally liked with Burberry is the classic elegance of their design. This gold limited edition just made  me love them!

Just in case you wanna know more about BURBERRY.

xoxo