Picture Clusters

Change is good...

2011-12-19T12:22:00.000+08:00

...sometimes. :)

I'm Guilty!

2011-12-19T13:55:00.000+08:00

Yup, I do get my words in a jumble every once in a while. But most of the time when I'm not sure about the spelling (or it's use) I search about it online. Just to confirm and make sure I am using the right word(s). Still, if there's a misspelled word or misused word in this blog, then do pardon me. :)

Tasted Good!

2011-12-19T14:37:00.002+08:00

Last weekend my family and I did some Christmas shopping, and while we were out we decided to eat at T.G.I. Friday's. My youngest and I had their Mushroom Chicken Mushroom (deep fried chicken topped with mushroom and mozzarella cheese, together with corn, rice, and whole button mushroom in crispy batter) while hubby and the eldest had their Filet Mignon (tenderloin chargrilled to your preference).

Honestly, it was one expensive lunch (specially for a Scrooge like me! :D ), but everything tasted real good.

For dessert we decided to go to Krispy Kreme and I picked their Double Chocolate Kruffin. It was delicious...but too sweet for me. I had to leave out the sweet stuff on the center. Ate the rest of the doughnut, though. LOL. xD

Had one satisfied tummy that day! :tup

post shared over at:
Weekend Eating by Jenn

Food Friday (Merry Christmas!)

2011-12-21T00:01:00.052+08:00

Note: Since most (if not all) of us might be busy during this week (hey, Christmas Day is going to be this coming Sunday!!!), I've decided to open Food Friday two days earlier than the usual day. It will end Monday, as usual, though. Next week linky will be up early, too (and that's because next Sunday is going to be New Year's Day!). ^_^

Merry Christmas, everyone! <3

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This week's Featured in Food Friday player is....

Ms. Jenn, who owns the blog Tara, Let's Eat with her post:
Recipe: Diced Chicken with Cashews

I believe that the first thing you should do if you want to stay and keep fit is to change your eating habits; not all at once, but to do it in one manageable step at a time. Ms. Jenn has been doing that for the past few months and so far she's doing a very fine job! Her food posts reflects how she has been managing her food choices and how it's working for her. If you want to know more, or send some encouraging words her way, then do drop by her blog.

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My post for this week is Puto (Steamed Rice Cake). I wanted to do something that would involve my three-year old and this was just perfect!

Puto ... one of our fave snacks!

Ingredients used:

a box of puto mix (i used the 200g box)
muscovado sugar
cheese, water

What we did:

I let my youngest son help me with this...all we did was follow the simple instructions written on the box. Just a matter of mixing, measuring, and pouring (not necessarily in that order, lol)!
Then steaming.
Everything was done in less than an hour! :)

I wasn't sure if my sons and I would love the premix...but we did! It was a bit dense (maybe because my rice cakes were huge! lol), but we liked it! I wonder how it would taste if I used honey instead of muscovado sugar... ^_^
I know, next time maybe I should try making it from scratch...lol xD
Ms. Oggi does have a very promising puto recipe... :)

Reminder: Please link back here (you may use the Food Friday buttons located on the right sidebar, or a simple text) if you're playing... and don't forget to visit other players as well and leave them some comment love! thank you.♥

*if you have problems with linking, do send me a message (or make a comment below) since I might be able to help...would hate to miss a food post from you! <3

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Food Friday

2011-12-29T13:01:00.000+08:00

First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who took the time off from their busy schedules and post their Food Friday links!

Wishing everyone a Blessed and Happy New Year! <3

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The Featured in Food Friday player for this week is....

Ms. Chelo who owns the blog Home and Bahay, with her blog post: Caldereta: A Kin to Beef Stew

Caldereta is one dish that I love eating, but haven't really tried cooking. After reading Ms. Chelo's delicious food post (together with her yummy food shots) I told myself it's about time I give it a try! Whether you've tried it yourself, or not, why don't you check out her own version of caldereta...I think you might like her version, too!

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My food post for this week is something really easy (and quite common, lol): Bacon and Potatoes in Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients used:

Eggs (two)
Bacon (roughly four slices, chopped)
Potatoes (two medium sized, diced)
salt, pepper .
milk (around a tablespoon)

What I did:

Place bacon on hot pan (no need to add oil) and brown. Take the cooked bacon out of the pan and remove most of the oil, leaving just enough to fry the diced potatoes.
In the meantime, beat the eggs together with the milk, salt and pepper.
When the potatoes are done, pour in the egg mixture. Top with the bacon bits.
Take out of the pan whenever you want; personally, I like mine 'fully cooked'. xD

Ate that together with an apple and some buttered toast, with my coffee. That was my lunch a couple of days ago. I am a breakfast person, meaning I love having breakfast any time of the day! LOL :P

Reminder: Please link back here (you may use the Food Friday buttons located on the right sidebar, or a simple text) if you're playing... and don't forget to visit other players as well and leave them some comment love! thank you.♥
*if you have problems with linking, do send me a message (or make a comment below) since I might be able to help...would hate to miss a food post from you! <3

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Future Trip

2011-12-29T13:00:00.017+08:00

Hubby and I have always dreamed of going out of the country together as a family (usually it's only him who gets to go abroad, and that's because it's part of his job) on a leisure trip. However, we want our youngest to be a little bit older so that he'll get to enjoy (and remember) the trip, too. That's why I have been looking online for one of those disney packages; something that I hope both our sons will enjoy. It will be a few years from now, but I guess I am a bit too excited about it. lol.

Besides, I do like to be ready for whatever awaits us..specially since this is going to be outside the country! Hopefully, when our youngest turns five or six (that's around two to three years from now) we can finally schedule our trip...and that gives us ample time to save some more, too! :)

Too Cheesy....

2012-01-03T13:31:00.001+08:00

Had some of these last weekend....cheesy baked tahong (mussels).
It was ok, though the cheese overpowered the mussel taste (which i liked). Still, that didn't stop me from eating more than my share! lol xP

ps...haven't been bloghopping lately..can't seem to shake off the 'holiday mode'. :D

post linked at:
Weekend Eating by Jenn

Food Friday

2012-01-06T00:01:00.012+08:00

This week's Featured in Food Friday player is....

Ms. Adjoa, who owns the blog A GIRL'S REFLECTIONS, with her post: Food Trends 2012

As I was browsing through the site, I couldn't help but notice the wonderful pictures that accompanies her posts...very sharp and clear! I wasn't surprised, then, when I read (in one of her recent posts) that she got mistaken for a professional photographer! Way to go, Ms. Adjoa! Do go and check out her site that not only offers good photography, but also good food!

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This week's food post was something that I needed that day; I was feeling pretty lazy, so all I wanted was to get comfy in a couch, sip/munch/chew, and when done: read a heart-warming book...I didn't find any heart-warming book to read, so instead I read The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus series) by Rick Riordan. lol.

This was what I made (and had) that day:

Pork and Beans with Mushrooms

Ingredients are pretty simple:

ground pork
a can of beans
a can of mushrooms
lots of tomatoes
mixed dried herbs (rosemary, basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, and sage)
onion, garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce

Procedure was equally fast and easy:

Thaw the meat and put in pan with water (just enough to cook the meat), soy sauce, salt, dried herbs, sliced tomatoes, and pepper. Let boil and mix. Let it be for a few minutes so that the ingredients get time to blend together.
Add the sliced onion and garlic. Simmer some more.
Add the sliced mushrooms and the beans (I didn't add the brine solution).
You can add in some more liquid (plain water or any stock that you might have); if you want, at this stage. Adjust seasonings...
Best eaten when hot. :)

I had a very happy lazy afternoon that day... <3 Reminder: Please link back here (you may use the Food Friday buttons located on the right sidebar, or a simple text) if you're playing... and don't forget to visit other players as well and leave them some comment love! thank you.♥
*if you have problems with linking, do send me a message (or make a comment below) since I might be able to help...would hate to miss a food post from you! <3

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Happiness is....

2012-01-08T10:49:00.000+08:00

Found a new meme and i love what it's all about: Happiness! <3

Happiness for me is going on road trips with my family!

shared over at:
Happiness is... by Ms. KM

Colorful Weekend...

2012-01-08T11:18:00.004+08:00

Another meme that I know am going to love... <3

...saw this tricycle loaded with lots of colorful stuffs! couldn't resist taking a shot. :)

shared:
Colorful Weekend over at Nshima Servings

New Year Ritual

2012-01-09T06:48:00.005+08:00

This New Year's Eve we got to spend it over at hubby's place and I had this plate of palutang/palitaw at around past midnight (i know, it looks like a lot...but i easily devoured them all! lol)...it is part of their tradition to eat at least a piece of this sweet sticky rice treat during new year's eve.

Palutang means "to float" so am assuming that it somehow signifies letting all those past worries "float" away from you. That's just my assumption, though. lol.

I believe that my MIL started this, but now that she's gone the remaining family members had second thoughts about continuing the ritual...personally, I think the ritual is wonderful. It was suggested that sticky rice still be used during New Year's Eve, but in another form (something savory, perhaps).

Let's see next year... :)

post shared over at:
Weekend Eating by Jenn

On Finding that 'Perfect Trip'

2012-01-12T14:49:00.002+08:00

Honestly, I have always dreamed of going on a vacation with my two kids and hubby. I mean, going somewhere where we can all enjoy the sceneries, laugh, play, and just basically enjoy each other’s company. We’re not swimming in gold, and that’s why the budget has to be considered. I have been trying to search online for good deals in one of those budget hotels and maybe secure an online reservation.

Looking around for those deals is no easy task for me, though. Specially since my time online is a bit limited (I still have to take care of my two sons and attend to their needs, you know. Plus, the house chores...don’t let me get into that! LOL). It’s a good thing there are some social websites that actually caters to budget-conscious persons (like me!) who want to go on vacations but doesn’t have that much time to look for that ‘perfect trip’ online. One such site that came recommended is Tralopia.

At Tralopia you will be able to get in contact with the travellers who chose a similar trip to what you’re planning, and even get access to travel guides, if you need one. Comparing hotel deals is now an easy task too (and their coverage is world-wide). Now, isn’t that time-saving! I want to know more, and so am posting their video here. Feel free to check them out, too!

"This is a sponsored post. However, the views and opinions are all mine."

White...

2012-01-12T15:49:00.001+08:00

...with a bit of some green and brown. :)

I totally forgot what these flowers are called. But they do look real pretty. :)

... sharing over at Tina's Weekend Flowers.

Food Friday

2012-01-13T00:01:00.169+08:00

This week's Featured in Food Friday player is....

Mirage, who blogs over at Mahlzeit! with her post: Rinderrouladen

Mirage (or "G", as I like to call her), is another blogger who not only cooks up wonderful dishes, but also takes awesome pictures of her creations. Living in a country totally different from what she's used to, she strives to learn more about her environment and blogs about her experiences. Browsing through her food blog is a joy and I am sure you'd love her site, too. So why don't you go over and check out some of her elegantly captured yummy treats!

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This week's food post is something that I tried for the first time: Toge (Mung Bean Sprouts) with Cumin

Ingredients

toge (mung bean sprouts, about two handfuls)
eggs (2, medium sized)
ground cumin (half a teaspoon; the taste could be overpowering if you're not used to it)
milk, flour, salt, pepper
oil for frying

Procedure:

Scramble the eggs; then add in the milk (about three tablespoons {i used evaporated milk}), salt, pepper, cumin, and flour (around three to four tablespoons).
Mix evenly,and make sure it's not too 'watery' or too dense. Once you're satisfied with the consistency, add the mung bean sprouts.
Heat the pan and pour in the oil. Fry the mung bean sprouts mix in batches.
Once cooked (doesn't take long), remove from pan and drain in paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve hot. Or at room temperature...together with your favorite dip.

Had that with some ham slices and rice (yes, it was brunch). My three year old and I loved it dipped in sukang Iloko (made from cane vinegar, hence slightly sweeter); we also liked it dipped in balsamic vinegar. :)
...in case you're wondering what it tastes like, well...it reminded me so much of the vegetarian samosas that my sister and I usually get from an Indian deli. :L

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! <3

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Win $40!

2012-01-17T12:48:00.002+08:00

Now who wouldn't want to win $40??? I know I do!!! \m/

Sponsors:

Here's a link to the post: Click Here.

Lots of luck to us all! <3

Chocolatey Weekend

2012-01-17T13:11:00.000+08:00

Had some of these last weekend...I know, it's a lot. For me, anyway. xD Even if I <3 chocolates!
There are still some left in the refrigerator. As of now. Tomorrow, not too sure. :D

My fave there is the Burnt Almond. <3

Shared over at Jenn's Weekend Eating

Toast to 2012 Giveaway

2012-01-17T12:43:00.007+08:00

Yup, another giveaway!!!! I just love 'em! But hurry, this giveaway is ending today!
Click here.

Lots of luck to us all! :)

$60 Paypal Cash for HD$50! Open WordWide!!!

2012-01-18T13:13:00.002+08:00

It's Wednesday once again and time for our 1-day event through Hump Day $50 Giveaway! The task for today is Twitter Follow and for all entries to be valid, you need to complete the first 2 mandatory tasks. There are a total of 33 entries for a chance to win $60, yes we have $60 in the pot today instead of the usual $50.

This is all thanks to our wonderful blog partners and sponsors who continuously support Hump Day $50 Giveaway every week. After entering on the Rafflecopter form, please feel free to visit their blogs via the direct links below:

My Tots Exactly | Frugal Experiments | Money Saving Mindy | The Late Bloomer | Diva Fabulosa | Wonderful Things in Life | Fabulous Deals and Steals | DeDa Studios | Experience of a Super Mommy | Cash and Investment | Sonya's Happenings | Tinkerputt's Turf | It's not always about me | Filipino Virtual Assistant | Penny Pincher Jenny | Picture Clusters | Retail Therapy Lounge | LEVYousa | Mommy Coupon Swappers | My Sugar Free Sweet Life | Shop Vintage Clothing | Life's Cheap Thrills | Teach Me 2 Save | My Online Journeys | Hott Mama in the City | Nanay Blogs | Gladiator Goddess | Full Price Never | WAHMaholic | Topics on Earth | Cognitif | Blog Contests & Giveaways

A note: Please join only on one blog/page PER GROUP. A maximum of 33 entries will be considered. If you have more than 33 entries, the host reserves the right to delete duplicate or fraudulent entries. Also, please use only one name and email address, or Twitter account for quicker validation of entries.

On the first mandatory entry, please write PICTURE CLUSTERS referred you. You must complete the first 2 tasks for each group before the others are enabled.

Thank you very much and good luck.

By filling up the form below, you agree to the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of the form. Contest is open all-day Wednesday, from January 18th, 12:01am EST to January 18th,11:59pm EST (January 18th, 12:01pm Philippine time to January 19th, 11:59am Philippine time).

read more...

If you have difficulty entering, you can go to the Facebook HD50 link here: (please don't forget to write PICTURE CLUSTERS as the blog where you entered the giveaway. thank you, and lots of luck! i hope you win!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We All Appreciate our Fans!!!

2012-01-18T04:24:00.002+08:00

Are you a blogger? Do you want to increase your social media exposure by rewarding your fans with a chance to win a cash giveaway?
If you answered yes, then you should join our upcoming cash giveaway event, which will run from February 1-11th.

Sign-ups are open now!

Prize: Cash sum which will be determined by participation - the more bloggers that join, the larger the amount of the cash giveaway.
Eligibility: This giveaway is open Worldwide, prize is in US dollars, Paypal account is required.
Cost: $5 per entry link - Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, Email subscription, RSS subscription, or other (could be either a voting link, entry into a different giveaway you are running, or if you are still with blogger a GFC link, etc. whatever - your choice). Each type of link will be listed together in categories on the Rafflecopter form beginning with Facebook pages and moving through all the options in the order listed above. Each entry link in the category will be listed in the order payment was received. Sign up and pay as soon as possible for your chance to be near the top of the list.
Payment: Accepted via Paypal - send to frugalexperiments@gmail.com.
Blogger Prize: There will be a cash prize for the participating blogger that refers the most participants. Total prize amount will depend upon the number of participating bloggers. Minimum prize amount of $10 and will go up $1 per participating blogger that signs up after the initial 10 so this would be a progressive prize amount.
Requirements: You will be required to post twice about this giveaway. Once before the giveaway begins to announce your participation and to tell other bloggers how they can participate also. Your second post should go live after the contest begins, detailing the giveaway and containing the Rafflecopter form so your visitors can enter this awesome giveaway.

Sign-up Now Through January 28, 2012

Your payment will be pooled with the payments from all other participating bloggers and will go toward the total prize (minus Paypal fees, blogger prize and administrative fees). In exchange, your blog will be included with all other participating blogs in the Fan Appreciation Giveaway as an entry method.

Happiness is...

2012-01-22T03:33:00.001+08:00

....a bowl of fresh strawberries! <3

shared over at: Happiness is...

Chinese New Year Giveaway

2012-01-24T05:18:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai!
It's time to ring in another Chinese New Year.

To welcome the year of the water dragon, I have teamed up with The Coffee Chic and some other awesome bloggers to bring you the Chinese New Year Cash Giveaway. Try your luck and enter the rafflecopter form to win $100 Paypal Cash or Amazon Card (Winner's Choice).

Just like the Facebook pages, follow Twitter Accounts, add Google pages in your circle and Subscribe via Email for a chance to grab the prize. Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email or FB message. He or she will be given 48 hours to send a response. Otherwise, his or her winnings will be forfeited and a new participant will be chosen.

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Nuts..

2012-01-25T14:48:00.001+08:00

...yup, had pistachios while checking out the bills last weekend... :)

post shared over at Jenn's Weekend Eating

Food Friday

2012-01-20T00:01:00.002+08:00

The Featured in Food Friday player for today is...

Ms. Algene who blogs over at chic food trips (tales of her food adventures...), with her post: Weegol's Restaurant.

When I lived in the southern part of the country for a couple of years most of my friends there loved getting together almost every weekend. Of course, that also means food (and lots of it! lol) and I noticed that most of them like grilling their food. It's no wonder then that some of the best 'inasal' (grilled or roasted) food comes from the area! Ms. Algene's blog is relatively new but am already loving the restaurant reviews that she has posted. Am sure you would, too (if you're interested what and where you can find some good food around her area), so do go and check her out!

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My food post is something really simple but one of my comfort foods (you know me..the simpler the better! lol): Jackfruit (Langka) in Coconut Milk.

Ingredients:

unripe jackfruit (skin removed, and the fruit cut into bite-sized 'chunks')
coconut milk (around three-four cups; if you also have coconut cream, then much better)
salt, ginger, onions, fresh chili
fish sauce (optional)

Procedure:

Boil the jackfruit together with the coconut milk, salt, onion and ginger. Boil until tender. You may add in more liquid if the water gets too low.
Add in the coconut cream and fresh chili. Mix. Add fish sauce (optional).
When it starts to boil, turn off the fire.
Serve hot.

**...but my sister likes it better when it has cooled down. lol

Love that any time of the day...yes, even during breakfast! Weird, huh?! :D

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! <3

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Food Friday

2012-01-27T00:01:00.192+08:00

This week's Featured in Food Friday player is...

Ms. Kriska Marie, who blogs over at Sweet Nothings with her post: Welcoming the Year of the Dragon.

Just look at all that food! Every time I see LOTS of food on the table I can't help but gravitate towards them! My hands get itchy, wanting to get some on my plate and savor each and every dish. Honestly, I would have no idea which viand to get first...though usually I go towards the desserts section first since most of the people will be busy on the main table. If you want to look at some of her enticing food shots, then don't forget to click on that YUMMY shot!

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My post for this week is inspired by Pinoy Kitchenette's Steamed Tilapia in Ginger post..she steamed her tilapia, while I added coconut milk in mine. Am calling it Tilapia with Coconut Milk and Mustard Greens.

i know, not the best of photos but we all loved the dish! <3

Ingredients:

tilapia (2-3 whole fishes; you may cut them in half, if you prefer)
coconut milk (one cup thick cream, while around two to three cups thin coconut milk)
chili, pepper, salt, ginger, onions
fish sauce (optional)

Preparation:

Clean the fish (remove gills and scales; or you can have that done by your local fishmonger). Sprinkle salt and set aside. Clean and cut the mustard greens. Set aside.
Prepare the coconut milk. Since I used freshly grated coconut meat, I had to hand-press it. This is definitely more tiring, but I like my coconut milk this way. lol. After adding about half a cup of lukewarm water and pressing, I reserved the liquid (about a cup by then), then added half of the sliced onion. I added more water (about two cups) to the coconut meat and did some more pressing again. The resulting liquid I placed in a deep pot. {Or you can use the coconut milk in cans or in powdered forms. Follow the instructions on the container.}
Added the crushed ginger, sliced onions (half), salt, and chili to the pot.
Placed on the burner, and left to simmer for a bit.
The cleaned fishes are then added.
Simmer some more..maybe around ten minutes. Add the mustard greens. You may add some more salt or fish sauce..your choice.
Add the thick coconut milk with the sliced onions, then remove from the fire when the greens have wilted.
Best served hot...and eaten with steamed rice.

...the first time we had this dish was at my SIL's place, but bok choy was mixed in instead of the mustard greens. My Aunt-in-Law mentioned that normally mustard greens are added, so I decided to cook this dish using the greens. The coconut milk tasted different (almost nutty), but it was a welcome change. I thought my 3yr. old wouldn't like the slightly bitter taste of the greens, but he also liked the dish! I was/am so glad...I know I'll be cooking this dish again. Hopefully, with much better pictures next time! ;)

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! <3

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Not-too-sweet Sweet Potato Chips

2012-01-30T17:49:00.001+08:00

Had some sweet potato chips...loved them!

...it wasn't too sweet at all, which made me decide to buy a pack again when i get the chance. :)

post shared over at Jenn's Weekend Eating