OC Pinay

Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet: Great Deal at its Introductory Price

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:07:00 +0000

My husband and I stumbled on this Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet as we were going to the Planet Fitness in Katella, which was closer to our home but farther from work. We went here a few times for weekend workouts, but their non-24-hour weekends made it inconvenient for us to keep doing that.

Yesterday we went here to try out the newly opened buffet - a totally different kind of work out! Hehehe...

They have an introductory price of $7.25 for lunch until May 31, plus the price of a drink if you so choose - water is always free. Contrary to the Japanese-seeming name, it's not a purely Japanese buffet but an Asian buffet. They have a station serving sushi, but it wasn't dominant enough to justify the Japanese-like name.

They served sole fish that was a bit overcooked, but still very popular. They had manila clams, which I love, but it's very hard to not cook manila clams perfectly. Their cheese and spinach was very tasty. I didn't like their kimchi at all though. Their fried chicken wings were good. My husband said their steak tasted a bit like it was cooked kaldereta-style. Their sushi was freshly made, which made them better than most Asian buffets that don't specialize in sushi.

They had a pretty big dessert selection. I particularly loved their tiramisu-like cake, unlike most cakes in Asian buffets this was not dry, had the coffee flavor done right and was not overly sweet. Their ice cream in small cups brought me back to my early childhood days and the chocolate ice cream was quite tasty. They also had my favorite sweet fried bananas and sesame sweet buns - both classic Asian buffet desserts and they made them quite nicely.

Would I eat here again? Yes, at the introductory price, but I have to think about it after they raise the prices. The food they serve are good, but they are not out of the ordinary so I don't think I will be willing to pay too much more for it.

And that is my two cents on the Teppanyaki Grill Supreme Buffet. Happy eating, my friends!

Friday Night Movie Date - on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:11:00 +0000

I personally prefer not to watch a movie in 3D because I have such a hard time getting the 3D glasses to stay over my prescription glasses. At the time Jack the Giant Slayer came out, my husband and I agreed to just wait for it in the Picture Show cinema at the mall near our place. Regular movies are only $2 here, but you have to wait around 1-2 months to see the releases. So when the lady at the box office said it was only available in 3D, I reluctantly agreed to watch it in 3D. I figured my husband had waited long enough to see it.

3D movies only cost $4 at the Picture Show! I see a lot of families going here, I think it's a great deal if you have kids. You can take all of them to the movies and it won't hurt your wallet too bad. Even the popcorn is reasonably priced here.

I also noticed that the maintenance of the place has improved - even if the theatre is old, the community doesn't need to give up on it completely!

We had dinner at nearby Bruxie's for under $20, saw a 3D movie for $8 and had ice cream for under $10 - Friday night movie dates don't have to be expensive. These prices also allow them to be family-friendly dates. As long as you're spending quality time with the one you love, that is all that matters and in the end you'll save a lot more money for that special vacation you've been wanting to go on!

California Fish Grill: Fish However You Want It!

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:31:00 +0000

Being a web developer, systems administrators - who can restore anything I break and lead me through the perils of command line - are my best friends. Last Friday, they also showed me another skill I love about them - they know the best places to have lunch!

There are very few restaurants that cook fish well and even fewer that are not Asian restaurants in my experience. I love the diversity of the menu at the California Fish Grill. They have everything from grilled fish, fried fish, fish tacos, fish burritos, fish sides and fish on salads.

I had their charbroiled catfish in garlic and butter. I usually love catfish when it's fried, but I really don't enjoy the saltiness of the batter they put on it. They had another version of the grilled fish - the cajun seared version, which I am not opposed to trying the next time. I love how juicy the grilled fish was and it had just the right amount of seasoning - it was like they let the saltiness of the fish do its magic and steered clear of over-salting like most restaurants who serve fish do.

I love the fact that their grilled fish comes with rice - I was raised in the Philippines, what more can I say? I don't get the bread with the plate though, usually I either have rice or bread, but maybe they put it there for those who prefer bread over rice - you can also optionally have french fries with the rice, which is how the only other Asian in our lunch group ordered his. The shrimp burrito and the fish tacos seemed to be a big favorite of my coworkers as well.

I was so distracted by how big their portions were that I forgot to order the grilled zucchini side that I so wanted to try. I have a love affair with zucchini because I am unable to buy them fresh from the Asian stores I go to! So whenever I see them on the menu, I tend to order them.

The casual eatery ambiance is very relaxing. I loved these metal buckets that they converted into low-hanging light fixtures that hung over our table! There was exposed and distressed brick on the wall and industrial light fixtures that gave the place an air of being a warehouse on the docks. And it was very crowded the whole time we were there with very nice people - one gentleman who was eating solo even gave up his four-seat table for us and moved to a smaller table.

Great food and a relaxing ambiance, what more can you ask for? How about reasonable prices? They have that too. I am definitely taking my husband here soon, I know he will enjoy this restaurant as much as I did. They have a few more locations around Orange County, Gardena and even El Segundo so you don't need to drive down to Anaheim Hills to try it out.

Happy eating, my friends - may your journeys lead you to healthy deliciousness!

Pink's Truth About Love Concert Blew Me Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 16:12:00 +0000

There are some events in your lifetime that you just can't miss - and going to see Pink in concert was one of ours. My husband and I watched her Fun House concert on TV once and I told myself if I ever get a chance to go see her live I will! Yes, I was that impressed by her concert - so when I found out about her P!nk: The Truth About Love Tour at the Staples Center concert last year I found a way to get us tickets and it was so worth it!

The concert had everything. It had pyrotechnics, acrobatics, lyrical dance, comedy and of course a lot of great music!

I don't remember how many times I was surprised and totally amazed by what Pink did. She opened the concert with Raise Your Glass, shooting up from the floor of the stage with fireworks, getting everyone cheering. There were so many songs that she played while swinging in the air - she had this metal cage that spun and swung, she had this cloth swing she sang from with 4 other acrobats and several other types of harnesses. She also performed the lyrical dance in her music video, Try, that I loved so much. She had toned down numbers too where she wore a dress, while still barefoot, sang with a grand piano accompaniment and had acoustic sessions. And just when I thought she couldn't do anything more, she comes out in a gold outfit and flies! Thank you, Lisa Sanchez for posting this video on YouTube.

This was one of P!nk's amazing performance at the Truth About Love Tour in Los Angeles. Harnessed to several anchor points, she flew across the floor and over the audience. All everyone could say was, "Wow!"

Pink has made me a big fan after this concert. The type of fan who will go see her every time she has a show and buy the DVD afterwards because the show was that good!

But I did successfully curb my impulse buying tendencies and did not buy any of her $40-shirts - thanks to my wonderful husband who rationalized the purchase with me the 10 or so times I was tempted to buy. Yay, for me and my wallet!

One of my resolutions is to save money, but there are events in my lifetime that I will never regret spending money to see and Pink's concert is one of them. She definitely tops my list of must-see performers - joining U2 360 in the ranks of best productions ever!

I will never forget this moment when one artist just blew me away with all that she can do. Happy weekend, my friends, and may your journey through life be as entertaining as mine!

Chocolate + Marshmallow Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:56:00 +0000

I have too much unsweetened cocoa powder in my pantry and since it's almost Valentine's Day, I thought I'd try a chocolate cupcake recipe for a change. I generally try to stay away from chocolate flavors when I try recipes out - I usually go for fruit-flavored cupcakes because I want cupcakes to be my way of getting picky eaters to eat fruits. I actually had a coworker who doesn't eat fruit at all ask me, after I got her to eat samples of my roasted blueberry, strawberry and raspberry cupcakes, "How many types of berries are there?" I certainly got her interested in fruit!

But I tend to buy the ingredients I love and I do love chocolates... And chocolates kind of pair nicely with the season of love so I made an exception.

I found this scandalously named recipe from the Cupcake Project blog - the blogger called it, "Better Than Sex Cupcakes" so of course I had to try it. It was basically a chocolate cake recipe with chocolate chips mixed in. She actually had a chocolate mousse filling and a dark chocolate ganache with white chocolate drizzle for the frosting, but those didn't quite make their way into my cupcake.

I used my special Buttercream Frosting to top the cupcakes off, which is basically unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and my secret ingredient. I piped it on using a big star tip. Usually, I just put a great color on the frosting and add an edible topper or sugar sprinkles. But it's a special occasion and I saw this great blog post at Baa, Baa, Cupcake with step-by-step instructions on how to make these beautiful flowers from marshmallows and sugar sprinkles. And because I had always wanted to learn how to make these, I got a big bag of mini marshmallows and started snipping!

It was a simple process that takes a lot of patience. Cut a mini marshmallow in half diagonally. Once cut, you will have a sticky surface that you dip in a plate of sugar sprinkles (Left). Starting at the outermost part of the cupcake, lay the marshmallows - with the sugar sprinkles surface facing up - side by side to form a ring. On the next layer, start laying the petal in the middle of two petals from the previous layer then complete making the ring. Do the same for the next level, depending on how wide your cupcakes are, 3 levels would be sufficient to cover the whole cupcake. Play with the colors a little to contrast the petals with the center of the flower. I just used sugar sprinkles on mine, but you can use M&M's or any round shaped candy that would create an interesting center. You can even just continue building the flower up and not have a center.

Play with your flower colors and you'll end up with an amazing bouquet of flowers that will amaze the friends you share these cupcakes with - guaranteed!

I've had great reviews from my hubby and our neighbors who bravely took on the task of being my taste testers. They all say the cupcake has an addictive quality and have been unable to resist eating a second one the first time they try it. This recipe is definitely going on my favorites list!

So if you're looking for a special treat for your significant other this Valentine's Day - this is the perfect tasty gift! You can even have the kids involved and make it quality family time with an end-product that everyone will love.

Happy hearts day! Hug the one you love today and everyday - let them know you cherish them whenever you have the chance - say it with cupcakes...

Business Lessons From Our Mechanic

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:29:00 +0000

Last week as my husband and I were getting ready for a 30-mile drive to Hermosa Beach, we smelled something burning from the air conditioning vents of our old truck. When my husband opened the hood there was smoke coming out from behind the engine near the dashboard. We tried to figure out where it could be coming from - my husband scanned the pages of the truck's manual and we tried to see if the truck was leaking fluid. We could not figure out what the problem was and, since we needed to replace the different belts in the truck anyway, we decided it was time for another visit to our mechanic in El Monte.

Now a lot of people ask us why our mechanic is located so far from where we live. We have had the same mechanic ever since I migrated to the US in 2003, he fixed our old station wagon for us and when we had our truck we'd bring it to him for maintenance. He always made it a point to service our vehicle first when we came in (after we set an appointment by phone). He would advice us on what needs repair and would tell us which parts are still good and do not need replacing. He would always charge us a fair price for his labor too. To us, he is more like a friend helping us out than a service provider - and that's what keeps us coming back.

When we brought the truck to him last week, I was stressing at the cost of a major repair for that smoking part. He took one look at where we said the fumes came from and told my husband to tighten a gasket there - and voila! No more smoke! It took a great weight off my chest to know that my old and reliable truck was still a dependable ride. It still needs a bit of maintenance with hose replacements and what-not, but it's not going to be major (a.k.a. expensive) repair work.

I value people who are honest with me - we have been to mechanics who fabricate a million little things that need to be fixed and quote us an exorbitant amount of money to get the work done. I have encountered people who would employ scare tactics to pressure me into "buying in" to a service they provide and that is a big turn off for me. I know times are hard, but using underhanded tactics will not make me a fan of your service. Treat me right and I will come back and refer you to my friends.

This is how I want to run my own business, being a helpful friend to my customers instead of being that salesperson who pushes clients to making a purchase. I want to develop a relationship with my clients so that they come back to avail of my services/products again in the future. I believe that a good business has a huge number of returning customers who are happy to recommend it to people they care about.

Isn't it funny what we can learn in the most unlikely places? Running a good business and customer relations - our mechanic does it right. And in a state like California where your car is a vital part of your lifestyle, having a great mechanic is a need not a luxury. So if you need a good one, and you live in the Los Angeles area - leave me a message and I'll refer you to mine.

Happy journeys, my friends!

Living Vicariously Through the Pioneer Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 18:47:00 +0000

Ree Drummond was one of my favorite bloggers, I love the simplicity of her recipes, her photographs of life on the ranch and her stories. I think she is an amazing writer and she manages to tell stories of her life as a Pioneer Woman in a way that captures my imagination.

As a child I had dreams about living on a farm that is self-sufficient. A wide open space in the middle of nowhere with the man I love and our family - milking cows and goats, churning our own butter, making cheese, having our own garden that provides all our fruits, vegetables and herbs. I think we also grew our own cows, chicken, pigs for food in that fantasy. Yes, it seems pretty close to the life Ree is living in her frontier. So maybe that is why I loved reading her blog and now I love watching her Food Network show.

It's just that the love of my life isn't exactly cowboy material. Although I do think he will enjoy living on a farm, my husband will probably be the one experimenting in that big kitchen instead of me. I would just come in for the occasional sweet or dessert that needs to be baked. Plus whatever will we do without movie theaters nearby, my beloved Disneyland and venues to watch concerts and plays in!

But back to Ree and her show... I love how colorful she makes the cooking part of her show. She uses bright orange, deep blue or bright red pots, pans, and even plates. Her recipes are very simple - like how she used ketchup, onion soup mix, hot sauce and water to soak her beef brisket before baking it in the oven for 6 hours until it falls apart and melts in your mouth. I probably have to check her blog or the Food Network website for the exact temperature she used to bake, but other than that I was able to remember how she made her main course without difficulty. She makes the cooking process seem so easy that cooking doesn't seem so intimidating at all - even to a beginner like me.

And then she incorporates the fun things like the Ranch Games that her family organized. A day of chasing calfs to get the ribbons tied on their tails, riding a horse plus bobbing for apples and even a goat milking competition between Ree and her sister. The show gives her audience a complete picture of her life on the ranch, how her family makes living in the middle of nowhere seem so exhilarating.

Plus the bond she shares with her husband and her kids makes for a prime-time-worthy TV show. The Pioneer Woman is a great show to watch with the whole family - it has values that is great for the iPhone generation to learn. It has an existential, down-to-earth lifestyle that city dwellers like me should be able to appreciate.

I have an inner yearning for the country side - for a quiet and somewhat solitary life away from the crowds and the noise of a metropolis. I have dreams of a simpler life that may involve more manual labor than computers. I would love to have my own frontier, but in the meantime I am living vicariously through Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman!

I hope you get a chance to watch this show and appreciate it as much as I do. Happy journeys, my friend - may you find and discover your own frontier the way I have - if only for 30 minutes a week...

Pomegranate Tea for Lingering Coughs

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 02:50:00 +0000

Lingering coughs are the bane of my existence. I have had them since I was a child. After my pediatrician had exhausted all the medicines in her arsenal for coughs, my parents resorted to herbal medicines and old wives' concoctions.

When I had a lingering cough a year ago, a coworker suggested a remedy that her mother makes for her when she is sick. It involved vinegar and oil - it helped make me feel better then, but I don't really remember what the recipe for the remedy was.

This time around a friend from my prayer group gave me pomegranates. She said to cut them in quarters and boil them to make tea. She also said to add quartered citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. My husband added a bit of honey to the tea and I add sugar to stave off the bitterness.

I've had this cough for 2 weeks, but when I started drinking the tea last weekend I began to feel better almost immediately. It felt like the scratchiness in my throat had just dried out and a soothing coolness coated it. I still haven't gotten my voice back completely, but I feel so much better now and I know that I am recovering - without the aid of antibiotics. An overdose of vitamin C - it makes sense, doesn't it?

So if this flu season gives you a bout of lingering cough that doesn't want to go away - try boiling pomegranate tea with some citrus fruits and honey before taking those antibiotics. A healthy dose of vitamin C, a natural remedy, an old wives' cure - all that matters is it works - the cough goes away.

I love how nurturing my friends are. Every prayer gathering I've been to since I got sick, I've received all sorts of cough drops, citrus fruits and natural remedies from friends. And I got a pomegranate tea that actually worked, I am so blessed with so many people who care.

I hope this natural remedy blesses somebody who truly needs it too! Have a healthy life, my friends, and happy journeys to all...

Prison Break: Engineering Applications + Brilliant Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:19:00 +0000

One of the perks of having Netflix is getting a second chance to watch the shows you thought weren't any good when they aired. I remember when Prison Break was broadcast on TV from 2005 to 2009, I didn't really like the premise from what I could tell from their trailers so I never watched it.

One of our friends gave it great reviews, saying that it was the type of show that you start watching and never want to stop. My husband found it at Netflix and we started watching it. I was still doubtful that I will like it, but after the first episode my only thought was, "Wow!"

Maybe I was biased because Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) was an engineer and I understood the premise of blueprints and specifications of the tools he needed to break out. Maybe the novelty of the idea of applying engineering concepts to a prison break was what got me. When I was studying strength of materials or the concept of structure load, I never would have connected it to a single piece of metal rebar perfectly placed to be able to keep an underground tunnel from collapsing. When I was studying basic electrical engineering concepts, I never thought of using what I learned to short out an old key card lock.

I was watching Prison Break and I was gaining new respect and new interest in the field I had studied and lost sleep over for five long years! If my professors ever ask me for suggestions on how best to get students interested in engineering subjects, I will suggest that they make them watch Prison Break - truly it was that good for me.

But it couldn't have been just the novel application of engineering that I loved, it was also the plot. I have great respects for the writers of this show. There were so many twists, subplots, character definitions that it kept you wanting to see what happens next with every episode. The final season was especially amazing - what with the brothers' long-thought-of-as-dead mother turning out to be the villain, revealing that they weren't blood brothers after all, and letting them take the fall for her struggle to power.

Enter the big emotional draw that held this whole show together, the concept of real brotherhood, of families that are forged by friendship and not born into. The different forms of love between adopted brothers, loyal friends, family and loving partners was the force that moved this story line through to its bittersweet end.

I doubt that I would have experienced this show the way I did if I didn't watch it on Netflix though. I can't imagine the agony of waiting a whole week for what happens next! This was the first 80-episode show that I watched from start to finish - and still hoped for more when it was done.

Thank you, Netflix, for giving me a second chance to watch this show. Thank you to the producers, writers, cast and crew of Prison Break for giving me hours of entertainment and a new found appreciation for engineering. If you have any engineering background or if you have kids who are considering taking up this field of study, I recommend you watch Prison Break. If you are a fan of shows that make you think, that surprises you at every turn - then Prison Break is also a great show for you! It's literally one of those shows without a single dull moment and you're sure to enjoy every minute of it.

Oreo Cupcakes: A Big Hit

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Martha Stewart's snickerdoodle cupcake recipe has been my go-to recipe for making large batches of cupcakes for friends and family. The recipe is easy to follow and the results are always delicious.

This Christmas, however, I found an Oreo cupcake recipe from the Beantown Baker. My first try had disastrous results because I was over-thinking while baking - and used too much milk. I'm glad my hubby and foodie friend encouraged me to try again because they said the flavor was worth it.

And so I brought the cupcakes to my uncle's place and my cousins, nephews and nieces loved them! Oreo is apparently vegan-friendly and was the only treat my cousin could have when he began his healthy lifestyle conversion. His kids love Oreo cookies as well so the cupcakes were a big hit!

My husband's nieces loved them too. They enjoyed how the Oreo cookies were suspended in the cupcake and complimented the cake as well. My cream cheese frosting with Oreo cookie crumbs complimented the cupcake so perfectly - this recipe is officially getting into my party favorites. It is not as easy as the snickerdoodle cupcake recipe, but the flavor and delight from my family and friends is worth all the hard work.

Roku for Baby Boomers

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Roku 2 XS was one of the hottest topics of conversation at our family's Christmas Party last night. My cousin got one set up for his dad earlier this year and my uncle has been so happy with it that he has been telling all his friends about the little box.

And since I recently got a box for our old TV as well, I was able to tell them about our experience with it.

They thought that Roku was only for Smart TVs, which we explained was not the case and the reason I actually got one is because my old TV is not internet-ready. My cousin also said that if you are looking to buy a new DVD player most players come with internet-ready features now too. I actually noticed this while window-shopping for DVD players earlier this year as well.

My uncle's friends were also very interested in Netflix - which had an outage last night. Aside from singing Karaoke, they love gathering around the TV to watch movies and my uncle loves the selection he gets on Netflix. Streaming movies and TV shows seems to be the biggest draw for Roku for my uncle's close friends and my cousin has introduced them to all the possibilities that this little box provides.

I love how my uncle's generation is so quickly catching on to the technology that makes their interests easily accessible to them. They have even caught onto social media - last Thanksgiving's hot topic of conversation was Facebook.

This is what I hope new technology would achieve for every generation - give them access to the activities they love while saving them money doing so. For less than the price of 1 movie ticket per month, you get access to streaming movies and TV shows from Netflix and social media lets you connect to family and loved ones across the sea for free bringing you closer together, making our world smaller.

So if you ever wondered if your parents or grandparents can appreciate gadget gifts, show them how to use it - make it as easy for them to use as possible and see how much enjoyment they get out of it!

Merry Christmas, my friends, and happy streaming!

Candlelight Processional: Christmas Comes to Anaheim

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 16:18:00 +0000

John Stamos narrated Disneyland's last Candlelight Processional of 2012. Instead of the customary 2 shows per year, the resort had 20 shows this year and gave annual passholders the opportunity to have reserved seats for the shows. Nowhere in the United States does it feel so much like Christmas, but at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Even as we fondly remember and pray for the 20 children who will never go through the gates of Disneyland again last night, we also prayed for peace in the world. A crowd of complete strangers prayed together for a non-violent world where our children are safe and happy.

Don't ask me to try and duplicate the effect in my husband's shot. He tried to take a photo of the choir as they were walking up into the stage and got these beautiful trails of light. A combination of angelic voices sang the wonderful songs of the season - leading up to the grand finale with Handel's Messiah. I love that song! I know it by heart ever since our choir group sang it in high school - I dare not sing it anymore though, my tone is not as it used to be, hahaha.

The blare of trumpets that I have sorely missed from the days when my husband and I watched The Glory of Christmas yearly seemed to announce the arrival of the Messiah with utmost flare. There were hand bells, an orchestra and what seemed like hundreds of cherubic voices singing about Jesus' birth.

Here is one of the best performances of the night for me, I found this on YouTube from the 12/12/12 show.

Merry Christmas, my friends! Happy journeys in the new year...

The Hobbit: Going Back to Middle Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:07:00 +0000

My husband and I visited The Shire last January while we were in New Zealand for my daughter-in-law's wedding. Our tour guide said that Peter Jackson's crew had just left the week before we came - they were shooting The Hobbit.

We went to see the movie last night and were transported back to beautiful New Zealand. It was the type of movie that made you forget your worries and take you straight to middle earth - with 12 dwarves, Gandalf the Grey and a young Bilbo Baggins.

I must admit that I wasn't sure that I was going to like it. I mean I am not very fond of movies with no strong female leads, but for some reason The Hobbit seems to be an exception. I was hooked on the paradise-like sceneries of middle earth, the action scenes, the different types of creatures, the great story line and the good-looking dwarf prince (who knew, right?). The cinematography was so perfect! The movie really engaged my imagination and transported me to a world of fantasy that Peter Jackson made so real.

And the moral of the story really hit home for me. Sometimes we become so used to safe and predictable - to our everyday that we forget that we are unhappy and that we want more. There is a whole world out there, the world of your dreams, and sometimes you need a big push to get out on that limb, take the risk and fly! You may miss the Shire like Bilbo Baggins for a while, but soon you will realize that it was worth it all and that you were destined for that great adventure that is your life.

This is a great movie to see with your family during the holidays - bring your children and see their imagination grow. This magical world definitely promises to take all your worries away! I would recommend this to all my friends - definitely the greatest adventure movie of the year.

My Gift for the Hubby: Samsung Galaxy SIII

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:22:00 +0000

My husband had been long overdue for a phone upgrade and my budget was so tight I couldn't imagine how I would be able to get him a new phone. This year's Thanksgiving Sale came to the rescue when Sprint offered the Samsung Galaxy SIII for $49.99 - and they did so conveniently online.

I must say the customer representatives who helped me through the process of getting my Confirmation ID (after clicking print and going to a blank page without writing it down first) for the transaction and the one who helped me activate the phone and link it to our Family Plan after it was delivered were very accommodating and very knowledgeable. They got the information I needed and had me signed up in a very timely manner. I am so satisfied with the service they provided.

My husband is so happy with his Galaxy SIII. My husband is a very simple person, he calls, texts, goes on my Facebook account to reach out to friends, takes photos and videos of scenes he loves. He is able to do all that on his Galaxy SIII! I must admit that I haven't figured out the Near Field Communication sharing that both our phones supposedly have, but I will probably eventually get that set up.

And the stress test - yes, it hasn't been a month yet and my husband has already dropped his phone. It doesn't have a case currently, but it was durable enough to not get broken/shattered when he did drop it - and mind you it fell on jagged asphalt.

I think the Samsung Galaxy SIII is a great deal for the price and a phone my husband can enjoy for years to come. And it's pretty to look at too!

So if you're looking for the perfect smart phone for the techie or tech-handicapped in your life, this smart phone makes a great gift. Happy holidays, my friends - may your days be merry and bright!

Rise of the Guardians: Childhood Magic at its Best

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:14:00 +0000

When I was growing up, my parents did not really make too much effort to make us believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny or Mr. Sandman. And because I grew up in the Philippines - with beautiful tropical weather and no snow - I didn't really know of Jack Frost until I read about him mentioned in books. My parents did not tell us to not believe though, they just let us form our own opinions about them.

I remember the feeling of being a child though - how protected I was, cocooned in love and stability. Even though I grew up amidst the chaos of dictatorship rule and then a lot of government instability, I did not feel frightened as long as I was home I was safe, untouched by the violence. Even though we had gone through tough economic times, I didn't worry about how we will survive - I knew my parents will provide for me and we will be all right. My parents were true guardians - they were always there for us, they love us and they protect us.

As an adult I am now privy to the worries and fears of my parents - my mother and I discuss problems and have a very open line of communication even from across the ocean. The protective blanket has opened up a little, but the magic of having wonderful parents is that even as a grown up whenever I feel that I am troubled or fear something greatly - I know that as long as I can go home to my family I will be all right.

The Rise of the Guardians is childhood magic at its best. It is a story of the guardians children believe in and why they are there. Santa Claus protects childhood wonder, the Tooth Fairy protects childhood memories, the Easter Bunny protects childhood hope, and Mr Sandman protects childhood dreams. In this movie, we are introduced to a fifth guardian chosen by the Man in the Moon - Jack Frost. When he became Jack Frost, he had lost his memory of who he was, but he remained true to himself - he had fun and helped children have fun even though they didn't believe in him or really know who he was. He was always frustrated about the children not believing in him, but he cared for them anyway.

When a sinister spirit called Pitch Black a.k.a. the Bogeyman threatened to takeover the world by replacing children's beliefs with fears, the five guardians had to come together to save and protect the children.

I think this movie is the perfect holiday movie to watch with your kids, especially in these tough economic times - the children are exposed to the hardships parents are going through. They are affected by lost homes, jobless parents, the general uncertainty of how to survive - the children need something to believe in - some reassurance that they will be safe. At a time when stress and anxiety probably prevents a lot of parents from protecting their children from the harshness of the world around them - maybe it is time to get children to believe again. Give them back their childhood, keep their wonder, their happy memories, their hope, sweet dreams and let them have fun! Childhood years are so short after all, soon they will be exposed to all that real life brings - but while they are young let them dream and let their imagination take them to magical places you can never take them to yourself! The Rise of the Guardians is the perfect movie to jump-start the holidays.

Happy journeys, my friends - may you never stop believing... And may part of you always be that child, full of wonder, happiness, hope, dreams and a lot of fun!

Wreck it Ralph: Life Lessons from Video Games

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 16:57:00 +0000

I find it amazing that after almost nine years of marriage I can still learn something new about my husband. He actually played video games when he was younger! Maybe it's because I have gamers stereotyped in my head, but I would not have guessed that he enjoyed video games at all.

This discovery came during our date to watch Wreck It Ralph two weeks ago (I know, this review is really late, sorry!). I love the richness of the colors in this film and the life lessons weren't bad either!

Ralph's journey was the path to acceptance and appreciation. He wanted to be liked and appreciated by his peers, but in the process he grew to like and appreciate himself - who he is and his role in his community.

Along the way, our hero meets Vanellope Von Schweetz - who was on the same journey. They both wanted to prove that they belonged, they both wanted to be accepted by their community.

This is when Ralph stopped being so self-centered and began caring for another person. This is where he showed real heart - and when Vanellope turns out to be just as important to her game as he is in his they both learn what really matters in the end - true friendship and unconditional love. A person (or in this case, a video game character) does not need to change who he is to be loved by a true friend. A true friend will bring out the best in you - and sometimes bring out the worst in you, but still accept both sides of you with no hesitation. A true friend loves the whole package - no matter what happens.

The way Disney told this story is amazing! Video games have become such a big part of every day life in America that our kids should learn something from them other than hand-and-eye coordination. Great job on this movie - may the creatives bring us many more of these in the future. I will certainly look forward to it!

Club Nokia: Bright Lights and Upscale Hollywood Vibe

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Alanis performing at Club Nokia, November 2, 2012

My husband and I watched Alanis Morissette's concert at Club Nokia last Friday. I was doubly excited because my sisters and I listened to all of Alanis' cds in the late nineties - I am a big fan and now I am getting to see her perform live - plus I get to explore a new event venue, Club Nokia.

We have never been to the LA Live area. I have watched basketball games at the Staples Center, we have attended several events at the LA Convention Center, but we've never actually been across the street to the hip-looking Nokia Plaza.

The lights were bright, the streets were sparkling, and the restaurant/hotel interiors that we passed competed with Las Vegas luxury. There was a dramatic Hollywood vibe, like you're about to step onto a red carpet at any time.

Parking was hard and quite expensive to come by, but if you are willing to pay the West Garage is one of the best places to park. We competed for parking with a lot of people who were going to see the Lakers vs Clippers game, but we didn't have any problems securing a parking spot.

Club Nokia is located at the Paseo, we took 2 escalators up, passed through a security check and took the stairs to the third level. There was a bar and lounge when we came in. Reserved booths and a dimly lit sitting area welcomed us as we waited in line for the doors to open into the concert venue. The lounge area was going for an upscale and exclusive look, but some of the finishes they used did not inspire awe.

The general admission concert area had 3 levels, the farthest level from the stage had the bar. The level we stayed in was slightly narrower than level 3 and the pit area, but we were early and were able to secure a front row spot leaning into the steel divider. A few reviews I read compared it to the House of Blues, I've never been to the one in LA, but Club Nokia was a notch or two better than the one in Anaheim. I actually think it's more comparable to The City National Grove because of the raised levels that give people better views. The club had seating on a second level, which seemed inconvenient for people who wanted to dance while watching the concert, but I think all the Alanis fans were happy to see her again - no matter where they were located.

My husband and I had a great time. Security staff at the event were very efficient handling drunken concert-goers and keeping the area safe.

I disliked the fact that people just left their empty (sometimes not empty) plastic cups of alcohol on the floor though. I think trash/recycling containers should be visible in the several general admission areas so they can be properly disposed of. The show did not start until well past 9 PM, the crowd got impatient waiting for even the front act - which happened to be Alanis' husband, Souleye - to appear. Our concert tickets indicated when the doors opened but not the time when the show actually started. Their speakers were not as good as I would have liked, if they're going for the expensive look - I would have gotten better speakers. It was a good thing, Alanis had such a great voice that the speaker quality didn't really take away anything from her performance.

All in all, despite of all the cons I listed above - I would go see a show at Club Nokia again. It's an intimate and fun venue - convenient to get to even with a Lakers game across the street. I would recommend this place to friends who enjoy the Hollywood club scene vibe - especially if you're going to see great artists perform.

Happy journeys, my friends! May you enjoy every day - and dance to your own tune like no one is watching...

Fancy Dim Sum at the Irvine Spectrum

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:46:00 +0000

My coworkers invited me to get dim sum for lunch yesterday and we went to Capital Seafood Restaurant at the Irvine Spectrum. The restaurant was truly a feast for the eyes! I loved the very tasteful and elegant decor, each area of the restaurant had something beautiful to look at. I was so impressed that one of the first thoughts I had was to show this place to my brother-in-law who designs hotel and restaurant interiors in New Zealand. The decor engaged me so much, it distracted me from the ongoing sale at La Sur Table next door - now that is saying a lot!

I love how they made the restaurant ornate with contemporary touches - yet they did not completely remove the Asian touches. You are still in a Chinese restaurant after all. I love that the hosts that greet you when you come in are wearing traditional Chinese dresses - I think Asians have beautiful national costumes and they should wear them more often.

Now you might start to wonder how I liked the dim sum - I loved it! The servers pushed carts with the different choices around the restaurant, but they did not crowd the restaurant. They came in not-too-frequent intervals so that you had enough time to finish what you had ordered first before the other cart comes by. The dim sum is warm when it gets to your table.

I loved their spare ribs with black beans - I have never had this dish with that much flavor in any of the Chinese restaurants I've been in. And we used to live in Monterey Park so I have been to a lot. I also loved their delicious noodle rolls - especially the one with beef. Their shu mai is very good too, moist and seasoned just right. And, of course, the pineapple and custard dessert with the almond cookie on top was amazing! I can't wait to share this dessert with my niece who is in love with the egg custard tart - I am sure she will have a new favorite after trying this.

My food expert friend has informed me that there were a lot more dishes we failed to order yesterday so I look forward to coming back and trying these dishes out. I would definitely recommend this place to all my friends!

Happy journeys, my friends - may your travels be filled with sumptuous feasts for all your senses...

What a Difference a Mouse Makes!

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:29:00 +0000

My desktop is a few years old, it still runs on Windows XP - and it was being bogged down by so many programs at start up. I hardly ever use it anymore because it seems so slow and my input devices are giving me headaches. I actually thought it was on its way to the PC cemetery. I even started looking up new desktops online, but although they were inexpensive I still had no budget to get a new one. Plus I actually pay quite a hefty sum to have my desktop protected by Norton 360 5.0 Software - 1 User/3 PC - Security & Utilities (Google Affiliate Ad) so I know there is really nothing wrong with it.

So because I'm anticipating more workload that I need to do from home, I decided to work on my old reliable desktop and get it up to speed and ready for duty. I defragmented it and realized I have a lot more storage available on it. I then followed online instructions on how to remove programs that load on startup. And I got an inexpensive Logitech MK320 Wireless Desktop Combo 920-002836 (Google Affiliate Ad), which was my only expense on this PC resurrection.

What a difference it made! My desktop is running like new again. I don't have wires that may get damaged from the way my home office is set up. Considering that I have an LED TV as a monitor and Bose Companion 2 Series II Multimedia Speaker System - Graphite Finish - 40274 (Google Affiliate Ad) attached to this workhorse, I'm glad I was able to salvage my investment. And it was definitely cheaper than getting a new desktop!

So maybe a little sweat equity applies to technology as well as your living space! In this throw-away society, it pays to maintain what you already have so that you want for nothing.

Live smart and thrive, my friends!

Share God's Love by Serving Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 14:09:00 +0000

It's been 3 days now since I started feeling that little nip in the air that just makes me feel that the holidays are coming. Doesn't that just make you smile?

Even if I know I'm on a stricter budget than I've ever been since coming to the US - the season of giving still manages to raise my spirits.

Although I have finished the care package (a.k.a. balikbayan box) I'm sending to my family and am possibly almost done with the one for my sister-in-law in the Philippines - I know I have a long way to go still.
The one thing I've always wanted to do though, but have never actually gotten around to doing is to volunteer at a soup kitchen for the homeless. When I think of volunteering at the mission, I have always thought about the Fred Jordan Mission in Los Angeles (which is a wonderful organization that helps a lot of people), but I didn't know that there was one closer to home...

My former coworker was so lucky to find herself working for the Orange County Rescue Mission and because she is my Facebook friend, I have been able to see what this amazing non-profit does to minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last and the Lost of our community.

Have you noticed the increasing number of homeless people in your neighborhood? Do you wonder what happens to the victims of violence because of gangs and violent crimes who have nowhere to go? With the unemployment the way it is in our country today - do you ever wonder what happens to those who cannot feed their families anymore and those who cannot afford a roof over their heads? Do you ever wonder how they get by when it gets cold? Do you ever think about our less fortunate neighbors during the holiday season as you share a feast with your family and friends?

Have you ever wondered how you can help?

If you find it in your heart to want to help someone who is hungry, they have a Meal Ticket program going on daily. I applied to volunteer a month or so ago and received mail for their Christmas and Thanksgiving meal tickets. They only send you one letter for funds to prepare for those two special holiday meals. What a great way to share our blessings!

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, it is often easy for us to think that sharing the Word of God means purely evangelism. But I feel that evangelism creates more impact on a person's life if you partner it with love and action. Feed the hungry and they will feel blessed - and they will be touched by God's love. Give those who have nowhere to go shelter and they will feel thankful for the kind of person we have become through the love of God. And once those who have been blessed by God in their darkest times triumph over their obstacles - they too will want to bless those who need it the most just as they were blessed. Without preaching one word - through your act of kindness and love - you have ministered the greatest lesson Jesus has taught us - love.

May your journeys be filled with blessings, my friends - and may your hearts be overflowing with love to share with the least, the last and the lost of our community!

Alanis Morissette: Trading Angry for Happy in Havoc and Bright Lights

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 13:10:00 +0000

When I heard about Alanis' Club Nokia concert in November, I couldn't resist researching ticket prices - wishing they were within my budget. The cheapest ticket prices (which was what was easily available one hour after the show went on sale to the general public) put us in the General Admission area at floor level. I don't mind standing for a concert - especially since her new songs motivate some hip-swaying.

I haven't purchased a new album from iTunes in such a long time, but because my husband and I are going to see her I knew I had to download her new music. At the back of my mind I was wishing that her music had matured with the passing of time.

I was just as much of a fan of Jagged Little Pill and her angry music as much as anyone who spent their teenage years in the nineties, but I knew that her voice was unique enough to make beautiful music even without all the angst. And she did!

Havoc and Bright Lights is signature Alanis Morissette - her ethereally cool voice, her tone, her pitch, even her volume is that familiar tune from the nineties - just devoid of the bitterness and sarcasm. I think this new-found happiness brings a purity to her music that my more mature self enjoys. She has the gift - she doesn't need the anger to make people want to listen to her.

Coming from someone who was only influenced to like Alanis by my sister's monopoly of our entertainment system in the nineties, I can honestly say I love Havoc and Bright Lights - and I am more of a fan of her mature music than I am of her early compositions. Like fine wine, Alanis and her music aged gracefully - keeping her identity, but growing in depth. I can't wait for the concert in November!

Happy journey, my friends!

Peanut Butter & Stuff: Try Something New

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 05:08:00 +0000

I love trying new food - especially the type that other people would find strange. This was exactly how my husband felt the first time he saw me place a banana with peanut butter into a sandwich. It was a sandwich recipe my youngest sister taught me and I think it's a great twist to a peanut butter sandwich.

When my coworkers and I went to lunch this past week, I walked into Specialty's Cafe and Bakery - and all the recommendation I could remember about this place was the chocolate chip and white chocolate and macadamia cookies. I can't very well have cookies for lunch!

I was going to get the four cheese because I love a great grilled cheese, but one of my coworkers who probably noticed my lost look told me about how she heard that the Peanut Butter & Stuff sandwich was good. Now bananas and peanut butter, I was used to - but add apples and cranberry sauce - it was awesome! Not only did it look pretty, the blend of sweet, nutty and tangy just came perfectly together like a symphony of flavors in my mouth. Yum! My walk on the wild side paid off with a little help from my friend.

Now the cookies lived up to their reputation, I prefer the chocolate chip cookie to the white chocolate and macadamia because of the degree of sweetness. Although the cookies were kind of pricey they were very thick and delicious - quite worth it actually.

And the moral of the story is if you're trying out a new restaurant, it always helps to get recommendations, but do not be afraid to try something that seems really interesting to you. Live with no regrets! Happy eating, my friends...

End of Watch: Bromance at its Best

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 04:22:00 +0000

I wasn't very enthusiastic about watching this movie. I thought it was just another police drama - the trailers didn't present it as anything different. Frankly, they didn't do the movie justice.

It was a very engaging film. You get pulled into the friendship of the two police officers from beginning to end. You would think that patrolling South Central Los Angeles would be unbelievably stressful and scary, but Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña laugh in the midst of their dangerous surroundings - demonstrating a true passion for their profession. The movie did not just concentrate on fighting crime - it was about two very different men who just happened to be friends.

Michael Peña comes from a big and traditional Hispanic family. He got married a week after prom and had never loved anyone but his wife. He became a police officer after high school because it was a great career that did not need a college degree to earn a good income.

Jake Gyllenhaal started out as a man who could not stay in a committed relationship. He loved recording everything with his video camera. By the end of the movie he had found a woman he could not live without and married her - with the help of some great advice from Michael.

They were an amazing team of crime fighters with the heart to save children from a burning house if they have to. But their zealousness to stop crime put them in the cartel's radar and soon there was a price on their heads.

The movie is quite gory. Some of the camera effects made me dizzy, but it was a very touching story about love, friendship and the bond of brotherhood that does not need to involve blood. It's a great movie to see with your best friend or your significant other. Two thumbs up!

Brain Training for Adults

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 12:13:00 +0000

A screenshot of how memory improved for Lumosity trainers and the changes in brain activity of persons who use Lumosity - Source: Lumosity.com

I am in my mid-thirties, I use my brain every day in a very challenging career that involves problem-solving and critical thinking. In recent years I have noticed that my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be. I remember the days of organic chemistry and biology courses where memorization was my forte, but today I forget where I put things, I spend time trying to remember why I walk into a room and sometimes even forget how I did a project I worked on just a few months ago.

I've been taking Gingko Biloba to help my memory and focus, but I was still not content with my brain's capacity. One of my biggest fear since watching my father-in-law, who was a brilliant lawyer, struggle with dementia was memory loss and the loss of other important brain functions as I grow old.

My mother has Parkinson's disease, a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking, difficulty in walking, movement and coordination - this disease is said to run in families. Parkinson's occurs when nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. Dopamine is used to control muscle movement. There is yet no cure for this disease.

So you see, I have a lot of worries when it comes to losing brain function. One day I saw this ad on TV for Lumosity - a website that trains your brain. Scientists have discovered that our brain doesn't stop developing when we grow older. We can stimulate it with activities to stop the brain's decline and improve brain function. Neuroplasticity is what they call it - findings that the brain can be changed and improved even as adults has challenged the age-old belief that the brain grows static.

I tried Lumosity for a week, missing 2 training days - but I definitely have seen improvement in the quickness of my brain's response to challenges at work. There were times in the past when I have felt my brain lag - feeling like an old computer with a slow processor - especially at work where I am faced with problems that have to be solved immediately all day - but this week has been a good week for my brain. There was still a challenge that I did not solve yet, but I am confident that I will be able to. I think I will continue training with Lumosity - and I am even considering upgrading to the paid version if my progress continues.

I'm tired of feeling my brain's decline. It's time to face my fear and to do something about it. Along with a lot of prayers, I am now relying on science to fight memory loss and the potential loss of my brain's other important functions.

Thank you, Lumosity. I actually feel better at my chances for a long and happy life - with all my memories and brain functions intact.

Home Fragrance: Luxury or Necessity?

noreply@blogger.com (Liza Cordero) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 02:51:00 +0000

When I was a child, my grandmother placed those perfume-like soaps in our closets to keep them smelling good. My grandmother taught me how to keep a home clean - she also taught me that a sweet-smelling home is one you enjoy returning to at the end of the day.

So aside from cleaning products, plug-in air fresheners, fabric fresheners, scent sachets and other home fragrance products are always part of my grocery list.

I use plug-in air fresheners behind my sofa, by my bathroom vanity and near our bed. I use relaxing scents for the bedroom and the living room - usually a lavender scent. In the bathroom, I prefer scents that remind me of the spa or the outdoors. I use Air Wick for my living and bed room - the kind that Costco sells wholesale. But I have a decorative Wallflower from Bath and Body Works plug in for my bathroom - that doubles as wall art.

I like using fabric fresheners for my microfiber sofa and bed - especially in the warm months when the smell of perspiration is often an unwelcome interloper in my home. I even spray my display towels with it - it adds a level of cleanliness to my linens that I love. My go-to brand is Febreze.

When my husband fries fish or cooks seafood, he makes use of the many scented Yankee Candles that friends have given me as gifts to clear the air. They are very effective, only a few minutes of the lighted candle eliminates fish odors from our kitchen. I'm still thinking of an effective way to put home fragrance in our kitchen, I used to have a Wallflower plug in there, but it doesn't really work as well as I hope.

At least I found a way to deodorize our garbage disposal unit in our kitchen sink. I found these Plink balls that you drop into the disposer and removes the foul odor in my kitchen.

Then I use Fresh Scents by Willowbrook to perfume my cabinets and drawers. My recent favorite scent is Summer Romance - and I placed them in my bedroom closet. My bathroom closet and drawers have the Spa Day scent and I placed pomegranate-scented sachets near the trash can in our kitchen.

I am so thankful for these various products. I love how easy it is to keep my home clean and smelling good. It certainly makes a difference on how you feel about coming home when you look forward to how warm and cozy (and freshly scented...) it is.

Ever since I got married, I try to make our home a place my husband likes staying in because he feels comfortable in it - a good way to keep your man at your side is how I see it. And I have verbal confirmation that in that aspect of being a good wife, I am excellent!

Home is where the heart is - make your home a place your family loves by keeping it clean and fragrant. Some may say that home fragrance is a luxury - and maybe it is, but my family is definitely worth it.