Earth Angel

Corona Virus - A Show Stopper

2020-03-14T22:17:00.002-07:00

For the first in many years, people all over the world are being slowed down. Countries have started implementing lock down in all their affected cities, some even their whole country. For the first time in many years, families are now beginning to get physically closer, and spending time at home.

If there is one thing, this dreaded virus has positively done in the human kind, it is giving us time to reflect more and appreciate the things and the people around us. Before Corona Virus, everybody was busy with so many things, forgetting to slow down and notice the wonderful creations of the One up there.

Today, after 3 years, I found myself constructing this post. The last one was in 2017. I do not know why I have stopped blogging when writing used to be a passion. Maybe, like everybody else, I was consumed with being busy. This community lock down has re ignited in me the desire to start blogging again. So many wonderful things have happened (numerous family travels) and I regret not having blogged those in ''Earth Angel''. Surely, I can still blog about those, only maybe a little later.

For now, the world is getting sick by the day. So many people had been afflicted. Some had already died. Some getting better. We may be from different races, creed, beliefs, and nation, but we are all humans. Corona Virus is not just one country's war. It is OUR war. This is the time that we as humans unite and ensure our continued existence.

2017-11-20T05:18:00.001-08:00

I am back! hopefully inspired to start posting the "going arounds" in my life...

It's been a long time....Happy New Year 2015

2015-01-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

I know I know, it's been ages since I last made a post but one of my resolutions this year is to keep my blog current. So, keep visiting my site...

Happy New Year to you all, from my family with love...

Dinner Rolls and Liam Neeson's "Taken"

2013-01-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

I found the best time to have a "me time" without the guilt...and that is when everybody is all tucked up in their beds. Baking is becoming such a therapeutic activity lately, so I guess, many a goodies will come out from my oven, for me to enjoy and hopefully for my love ones too.

One Saturday night, I decided to try to bake Dinner Rolls. I have been putting off the idea for quiet a while because the procedure would require for some waiting time before the actual baking happens. It turned out, making this dinner rolls would make me enjoy my "me time" all the more.

Unlike baking a cake, baking breads, specifically dinner rolls would require that the dough be left for an hour or two before you can make it into bread rolls, and ready for the oven. The window time allowed me to finally watch Taken via DVD that I have long purchased but could not find the time to watch.

Verdict? I was taken by TAKEN.. Liam Neeson would now be on my list of favorite actors. And the dinner rolls? Perfect! - form and taste.

dough formed into balls and lightly brushed with beaten eggs

Uncooked, those look more like siopao

nicely done

crusty on the outside, soft in the inside

Super yummy!

Salad ala Jen & "Basta Pasta"

2012-12-26T01:43:00.000-08:00

Creamy salad (fresh romaine lettuce, crunchy lettuce, with lots of cheese, parmesan, olive oil, walnut and almond nuts, pineapple tidbits, dash of pepper, tbsp of mayo, dash of salt, twisted pasta & some secret spices)

Up close

One afternoon, I decided to make use of Tostitos that was overstaying already in the ref

I am calling this Basta Pasta- or simply put- Pasta No name...hahahaha

Basta Pasta must be so delicious! My food critic said so!

My Joy, My Business

2012-12-26T01:30:00.000-08:00

Isn't it great that I get to earn from a hobby?

Sweet Juan- why not?, my son Juan is the sweetest!

Carrot Cake/loaf in Christmas box

Sweets Treats

Sweets in Christmas Boxes

Cakes Story

2012-12-25T21:23:00.001-08:00

First, there came the oven...originally, i first opted for a cheaper model but had to replace it with that beauty over there. Since then, the baking never stops at home...well, I am exaggerating of course :-)

With my able kitchen helper/chef boy and food critic, our creations are always gone in minutes

CARROT CUPCAKES

First attempt at making carrot cupcakes

Delicious carrot cupcakes!

NUTELLA CUPCAKES

So filling, one cup will leave you full for hours

UBE CAKE ALA RED RIBBON

I followed a seemingly delicious ube cake recipe that promises an "ube macapuno cake ala Red Ribbon".

The result was a big disappointment.

The cake turned out to be more like a bread minus all the moisture and creaminess...

So, I made another one, this time following a much simpler recipe

This time, the cake was fluffier, moistier, and definitely tastier. Topped with creme cheese frosting and macapuno, the cake was gone in a day.

Creamy and super moist

Topped with macapuno, one slice is not enough...

CARROT CAKE

My carrot cupcakes are a success that I decided to make a cake out of the same recipe. The cake was as expected, a success too

Carrot Cake with creme cheese frosting

Can't get enough of carrot cakes, this time topped with almonds and walnuts

CHRISTMAS CAKE

As if the teachers in Juan's class know that I am into baking, my son was tasked to bring cake to share at their Class Christmas Party. I made a chocolate cake with magic frosting. tadah!- very Christmas-y huh?!

Chocolate cake with the magic frosting

The AFTER

The BEFORE frosting stage

FIRST EVER FONDANT CAKE

And yes, i tested my little knowledge and no experience at baking fondant cake. Our Andi had a pink and yellow themed cake when it should have been red and yellow when we celebrated his 2nd Birthday.

I realized, food coloring agents should be handled with care. I carelessly just happened to mix red with yellow while kneading the fondant..Yah, hands should be totally free of any coloring before trying a new one. The red mixed with yellow resulted to PINK color. Not a very Boy-ish color! Indeed!

The saving grace was that the chocolate cake tasted so goood!

UBE CAKE TAKE 2

I baked another ube cake minus the food coloring last Christmas eve. The taste was excellent plus the form was perfect. But it would have been more attractive if the color was purple/violet. Also, the magic frosting, I realized would be best used fresh. The frosting was a "left over" thing. Ugh, ugly ugly...

Happy with the way it was formed and cooked, if only....

Frosting not doing justice to my perfectly formed Ube Cake

First Family Pictorial After The Accident

2012-12-25T20:49:00.001-08:00

This is our first family pictorial after that fateful day of September 4, 2012. Jun was supposed to have the corneal transplant last December 12 but the available cornea was not good enough as per our Optha. The transplant is scheduled tentatively on the 2nd week of January 2013. Jun's eyes have greatly improved since the accident, however, he still could not see details. We hope the corneal transplant will be a success, and we pray that the soon to be donor will be blessed in the afterlife. His/her cornea will surely be put to good use.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Looking Through The Eyes of Love

2012-10-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

September 4, 2012 is a date that I wish would forever be erased in my consciousness. It was a hearth wrenching day for my family. How can one handle a very bad news while on the wheel on the way to work?
My husband had an accident, involving a caustic soda burst or leakage. He suffered 1st degree burns on his upper body, arms and face. I was told he was already brought to Royal Darwin Hospital in Australia. My honey, my ever prayerful honey! How could this thing ever happened to a man whose faith in God is unquestionable? I would have died from grief had I not thought of my children, my very young children. They need me the most now more than ever. It took forever when I finally got my passport renewed and granted Australian Visa. The travel was excruciatingly long when you wish to be with the love of your life who is out there alone and injured. The thought of almost losing him is unbearable. It felt like a part of me has already died.

The burns turned out to be superficial and immediately got healed. His eyes were the ones severely damaged. The eyes! I could not remember the last time I cried so hard like I did when I was told by the attending eye specialist that he would forever be visually impaired. I could not bear the thought of him losing his sights and not being able to see our children grow. Why did it ever happen to us? We are just starting? We have many dreams. We have very young children.

Back in the country, treatment still continues. We are hopeful that in God's grace and mercy, honey will fully recover and regain his visions. The doctors are upbeat that his chances to fully recover is possible.

For now, we lift up everything to the Almighty. We find comfort and peace in prayers. Family and friends are one with us in our prayers.

"For better or for worse...", I will stand by my honey. He may not be seeing clearly these days, but I am sure, his heart is feeling much love. The eyes may not see, but the heart will..

I hope to be able to document the progress in the days to come, and I fervently pray and hope that each day would be better than the last.

DIY Minimalist Window Treatment

2012-07-02T19:08:00.002-07:00

This is our Living Room, and yes, our windows have been waiting to be dressed for like ages already!

The Hubby turns Handy Manny

Handy Manny in action

Cousin Ariel was an able assistant.

The shades half rolled

A closer view..

These window treatment are so easy to make. They may not be the best looking ones, but I am pretty satisfied with the way those have transformed my windows. I like the clean lines, the privacy and the protection from the sun those shades offer.

Tutorial:

Materials needed- canvas cloth, curtain rods, clip rings

measure your window, cut your canvas according to your preference (I opted to have my finished shades same width and about 3 inches longer vs window)

Make sure to make allowances on the sides for trimming, a little more on the top to make way for your rod.

Now, you are ready to sew!

Ever wonder what mechanism I use to make the shades half rolled or folded? I will show you how on my next post...

Family of Four- First Studio Pictorial

2012-06-24T19:30:00.001-07:00

Our Andi was a revelation. He likes posing to the camera!

A Star is born indeed!

Our Wawan was so self conscious that he couldn't seem to get the right smile

Our young man found it so hard to keep his focus

Here, he seemed to have managed to look straight at the camera..

And another....

Whatever, my kiddos are the best looking kids, aren't they?

One sunday afternoon, after hearing mass, we went malling and decided to pose for a family picture.

Our First formal picture infact, although done casually because we were not really prepared. Ideally, our clothes should have been coordinated. Well, these pics aren't bad, so we are sharing for the whole world to see.

DIY Roman Shades- No Strings Attached

2012-06-18T22:35:00.001-07:00

I love our big wide windows. Our house feels airy and light because of those. However, when the sun is up shining, my house screams of PROTECTION. You see, my living room windows remain undressed since their birth. Truth is, I am still deeply thinking what kind of treatment those beautiful windows deserve. Should I opt for draperies? Nah, heavy fabrics are a no no. Roman Shades would be best, but are so expensive!

I browsed and looked for inspirations to D. I. M- (Do It Myself ). But before I embark on this big task, I decided to make a sample- roman shades for our bathrooms (Masters' & Guest Room's).

By the way, I am getting inspirations from the ff links:
The Chaseys
33 Shades Of Green

So here's what I have accomplished:

Polka Dots Fabric from Pasig Market

Master Bathroom window prior treatment

Pop helping out with the hardware fixtures

Tadah! Faux Roman shades! Why faux?

Look closely...

No strings attached! Instead, the folds are kept in place by "hooks" like the ones at The Chaseys

Next time, I will try to follow the tutorials found at 33 Shades Of Green.

Wish me luck!

Antique Set turned Shabby Chic- The Great Reveal

2012-05-21T19:15:00.002-07:00

Tadah!

After a month long or maybe even more, the whole ensemble is finally ready for the great reveal!

For sure a lot of visitors will be drawn to relax in this cozy nook. I look forward to serving refreshments, coffee and whatever here ;-)

Up close

View from the formal dining area

One last look at the before...

It took me much time than I expected finishing this project, but it sure is worth all the efforts. What about you? Are you up to the challenge of doing a furniture makeover?

Sisters Act- Things Sisters Do And More

2012-05-06T22:21:00.001-07:00

A week never passes by without me and sister doing any of the ff:

Meet at Starbucks

- She frequents the place more these days now that she’s so hooked on blogging

- Even when we are out of town, we would always find ourselves drawn to spending time here. Why, even our youngsters are Starbucks patrons. So are the oldies.

Have dinner at town Center

- We frequent Fridays, but now are very much regulars of Abe.

- While sister would incessantly remind me to lose weight, she would always insist to dine out. Talk about support!

Have a spa session at Mandarine

- This is our ultimate relaxation mode

Salon appointments

- Hair cut, hair treatments, foot spa and nail treatments

In all of these bonding moments, usual topic would range from household & family matters to work issues. Lately however, I am barraged with a line of questioning such as,

“how’s my hair? Does my eye shadow looks good on me? How’s my skin? Blah blah blah…" Midlife crisis? Nah, more of a “second wind” thing I guess…hahahaha

While our houses are practically just blocks away, we find ourselves still doing these things. Maybe these keep our sanity from all life's pressures. In the process, our relationship as sisters gets stronger than ever.

What about you? Do you have sisters whom you spend much quality time with? I only have one, but I got more than what I will ever need in her!

Cholesterol, please be low!

2012-04-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

My recent lab results did not show any improvements. I did not expect any. Running shoes were used only twice in one month. Diet, unchanged. French Fries, meat, white rice, cakes and coffee. Cups and cups of coffee. I was bad. very very bad... It even feels like I have gained more pounds the past three months. I don't wish to stand on the scale for reasons so obvious..BUT, i have to SOONEST.

I need to A.C.T. As in Act, Care, and Triumph from this health problem. I need to be fit and healthy if only for the children. It would not hurt if in the process, I lose weight and get my confidence back. How I long to wear outfits and color scheme of my choice. My wardrobe are currently a poo poo...Who would have thought that I was once a 100 pounder?

Tomorrow, I promise to have a new lifestyle- One that is geared towards my goal to achieve complete wellness.

Wish me more determination.

If Rene Z. can do it, so can I

My Nephews, Miguel and Rojo

2012-04-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

Miguel and Rojo at Laiya, Batangas

My nephews are my "first children ". My life revolved around them when I was still in my singleton days. I have loved them as my own. I still do.

The young Miguel as sandwiched by his mommy and tita

Miguel is growing up to be a responsible big brother. It feels like only yesterday when sister and I would wonder when "Iggy" would start acting "his age". Iggy used to be so playful, always engaging his little brother Rojo and then later my son Juan, to some rough games. We would always find ourselves screaming on top of our lungs for him to stop, for fear of the little ones getting hurt. Today, Miguel is still playful but mindful of the fact that he has grown up. I have always believed Miguel is gifted. He can easily identify shapes of objects when he can barely talk. When a toddler, he could easily disassemble and then assemble his toy cars. Even as a sickly child as he would go in and out of hospital, he was not hard to take care of. He easily got used to needle injections and blood samplings showing exceptional bravery, the kind nobody can expect from a two year old lad. His IQ is superb and so is his EQ (Emotional Quotient). He doesn't easily get affected by negative things around him. I remember just one incident when I saw him cried pool of tears. My heart was bleeding at the sight of our Iggy weeping so badly. I knew how crushed he was that time. It was when he lost his school bag while playing inside Timezone. I was driving the car, him seated beside me while his mom was at the back, cursing and saying mean mean words against him. (I didn't know what got into my sister that time, but she later apologized and all was well between mother & son).

Today, our Iggy or Miguel as he prefers to be called now, is a 15 year old teenager. He plays guitar, plays basketball and sings very well and dreams of putting up a band. He is a loving young boy. He likes to hug and kiss. He kisses his brother, Juan, Andi and Nanay, his grandma the most. Can anyone blame nanay if Iggy is the favorite "apo"?

Titay (Me) and young Rojo

Now, on to the younger nephew Rojo- Don't be fooled by his built. He may be looking meek and weak but I can swear, that little guy can kick ass and how! Rojo is the serious type. He means business and a no nonsense little charmer. As a young toddler, he would always get away with just about anything. His armour? He would cry his lungs out until he gets what he wants. When he was less than a year old, during his first airplane ride, he almost cause the delay of the flight plan when he accidentally choked on an apple, making all nervous. The stewardess had to reprimand sister in public for her seemingly carelessness.

Today, Rojo is still his mommy's little guy, who demands that his mommy reports to him her whereabouts. He cant stand not seeing his mom soonest her work in the office ends. When his mom isn't around, my presence is a good substitute. I am his "second" mom after all. He affectionately calls me Titay. Slowly though, as he realizes that he is now a Big brother to my son Juan and Andi, he is starting to show maturity and independence. I am proud of how he has grown all these years. He's got some kind of finesse, not regular to boys his age. He talks with sense and acts like a young gentleman. Many times, I would hear him scold his kuya for some naughtiness, and would even "preach" his kuya of GMRC (good manners and right conduct). He too, like his kuya, is generous in giving my sons lots of kisses and hugs.

Andi may be too young to notice and feel but my elder one, Juan is so blessed to have his two Kuyas. While Juan idolizes his kuya Iggy much, Rojo is his sparring partner. Juan nowadays does not mind me not being around as long as his two kuyas are. All together, they explode of cuteness, naughtiness, wit and everything in between.- Our bunch of gangsters.

Kuya Iggy and Juan

Kuya Rojo and Juan

The Three Stooges

The Gang

Simply Happy - A feel good blog read

2012-04-23T18:57:00.002-07:00

My Sister finally got herself into the blog land via a feel good blog that tells about her love for life, focusing on the goodness of all there is in the motherland that is earth.

Visit her page on this link: Simply Happy
Cheers!

Antique Chair Turned Shabby Chic

2012-02-12T05:26:00.001-08:00

I have been putting off this project for quite a while. The whole set were already sanded. The gallon of paint I bought many weeks before was already beginning to harden (initially, I tried using spray paint but was not happy to realize, I might consume more and spend more). That's when I knew, I have to DO IT ...

I failed to use primer on the first piece, so here's the second one about to be completely "primed". Notice how old looking the chair is? My eldest nephew is in his teens already- about 14, this chair together with the rest of the set (2 single seater, 1 center table and 1 two seater) is much much older than him.

This is the end result of the first piece done without primer. The rest of the set, I plan to prime for smoother and better paint finish.

Upclose

What do you think of the color? This is my sister's choice. Mine too.

Do you like the AFTER or the BEFORE better? Wait till I am done with the rest of the ensemble. Hopefully, they will all turn out to be picture perfect.

Banana Leaf, Abe, Bon Chon, Antonio's Grill..

2012-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Banana Leaf

At the Rockwell Power Plant, Makati

Haianese Chicken

No oil, healthier? definitely!

Antonio's Grill

Tagaytay City

Best tasting grilled foods in the area

A little pricey

Fried Hito with Alige sauce

All vegetables Bicol Express

The best tasting fresh Ubod ever!

Abe

Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Native dishes- Kapangpangan

Super delicious!

Pricey

Must try/recommendations: Fresh Lumpia Ubod, Crispy Tadyang

Crispy outside, juicy inside

Too sweet for my taste

Bon Chon

ATC, Alabang Muntinlupa City

Crispy Chicken- As in!

Korean Invasion? Owners are said to be Koreans

Definitely a threat to KFC, & Jollibee, both locators of the Mall

Baked Spaghetti Ala Jen

2012-02-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

Spaghetti noodles, mushrooms, pepper & salt to taste, cheese, hotdogs,ground beef, tomato sauce, some secret herbs...PLUS a lot of LOVE...

My very first attempt to make baked spaghetti

Basil leaves straight from my herb garden used for the very first time

OK OK...I know right? Im just trying to show you a better shot

Delicious!?

That's for my critic to decide....
(Oh sorry, I forgot to make it picture perfect)

So what d'ya think?

I tricked him into eating vegetables- Mushroom in Baked Spaghetti?
Are mushrooms vegetables?

"YUM YUM Mommy!"

PROJECT ONE STOREY COMPACT HOUSE - For Our Parents

2012-01-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to record the progress of the construction here but it took me only now to finally share these pictures...

Construction started middle of November last year. It's been taking a long while because we had several issues against the contractor. Dad was particulary not very pleased.

Meantime, here are the latest pics of the soon to be abode of our parents- Boy & Carol.

Construction is now in full swing, so they say...

A view of the lanai from the side of the lot

The Dining Area

Shared Bathroom
( I know, one may be not enough right?)

Counter Top
( I guess a nice mosaic back splash would be perfect, plus of course some built in cabinets)

Flooring preparation
( Flooring would be "mimicry" by APO. I don't exactly know what these are made of. I will just add the pics later. Those are supposed to be low/easy maintenance, and non-skid which are great for senior citizens )

Living Room

Another View of the Living Room

House Front View
( Who's that cute-y?)

(I don't have the latest pics yet of the bedrooms, the painters are currently working double time, I could not get in to take pictures. Maybe tomorrow...)

There you have it, the parents' house under construction...

Our Little Andi and Viral Infection

2012-01-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Andi would not take his milk and was very feverish. There were no signs of cough nor colds, so off we went to the emergency. He underwent blood testing, result of which were normal. He was found to have an inflamed tonsils but the physician did not give us any meds except paracetamol in case fever persists. (did'nt administer any to the little one, afraid of its impact on his very young liver).

The cutie was crying the whole time but these pictures would tell otherwise yeah? When we got home, the fever was gone. Thank God...

Andi has been thumb-sucking, so his chances of catching germs, virus and the likes are always a possibility. Therefore, keeping things around him clean is a must. His hands are frequently washed nowadays too...

Collectibles!

2012-01-22T05:14:00.000-08:00

Sister has been collecting various figurines depicting Couples. She has some really cute ones displayed in her living room as well as in her formal dining room.

Inspired by these collections, I thought it would be fun to start hunting for my own treasures...

A visit just this morning to a thrift shop selling mostly Japanese surplus and what have you(s), I guess I found my treasures....

A Japanese handwriting(?) at the bottom gives some more value to this little lovely pot, yeah?

I have yet to find which material these are made of. These could be earthenwares. Definitely handmade! the imperfections in shapes contributed to the primitive look.

Hand painted...

Tadah! presenting my new collections...
I hope to find some more odd, primitive earthenwares, to add to these lovely cute-sies...

By the way, I got these so CHEAP!

Bad McDonald's Mcflurry and French Fries

2012-01-19T01:16:00.000-08:00

After an impressive 2 km run around Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last night, yours truly indulged today on a Mcflurry and French Fries....Sugar...Cholesterol...BAD, VERY BAD!

My numbers are still diappointing. I need to keep things under control PRONTO!

New Year, New Resolutions, New Beginning

2012-01-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

My 2012 Action Plans

Lose weight, ensure good health of all family members, the old & the little ones most especially.
Minimize credit card usage
Start a Business
Start house landscape
Do house blessing
Boracay with family
Acquire one furniture at a time
Do regular DIY projects
Explore career opportunities
Be kinder but not to a fault
Organize! De-clutter!

Some of My Wish List items

1. Landcape and more plants around the house

asian landscape design by los angeles general contractor Carolyn Wesling

asian landscape design by los angeles landscape designer Jesse Im

2. Mudroom

3. Home Office and Craft Room

contemporary home office design by los angeles architect Narita Architects

contemporary home office design by new york interior designer Nanette Baker of Interiors by Nanette

4. Lighting Fixtures

5. Kitchen Island Table

contemporary kitchen design by kitchen and bath Peter Cardamone

contemporary kitchen design by toronto design-build Schnarr Craftsmen Inc

I found most of these inspirations from http://www.houzz.com. Check out this site and you will be so addicted that you will find yourself daydreaming...

Happy New Year! Welcome 2012, Please be soooo good to me!