It's my party (and I'll cry if I want to...)

Hula Hoop To Whittle Your Waist

2012-01-28T10:38:00.000+04:00

You don't need expensive gym equipment to slim that middle part of your torso. You definitely need not burn a deep hole in your pockets (and wallets!) to enroll in slimming classes like aerobics (although they greatly help too with the cardio) and the gym. There's a cheap and very common equipment you can use to whittle that middle part - the HULA!

Yes, this inexpensive toy we used to love when we were kids is a sure fire hit to a cheap and effective way to tone down your mid core. Doing the hula for 20-30 minutes several days in a week can help burn that belly fat and calories, increase your agility and improve coordination and strengthens your core muscles.

The kid version kind of hoop can do for starters but as you engage in the activity regularly, you may want to upgrade to the weighted hoop you can get from sports shop.

So, what are you waiting for? Start shaking!

This Blog Has A Page In Facebook

2012-01-28T00:04:00.000+04:00

It's a first! I have never created a page for any of my blogs in Facebook. A lot of my blogger friends have done this already and I am a newbie at this page thing. Alas! I have decided to spread my horizon and reach out to more audience in the blogosphere.

So if you're blog-hopping or simply browsing the net and spending time in Facebook, why don't you check out my page and "like" your stay there :)

Music Aficionado

2012-01-27T15:31:00.000+04:00

My husband's family are all music aficionados. They love singing, playing the guitar and the piano and deejaying. They have all sorts of musical instruments at home and the latest gadgets in sound technology and mixing. I think they may even have the gem rp-x equipment because sometimes, I can hear a perfectly played musical piece in different keyboard arrangement.

Their inclination to the field of music does not stop there. Most of my husband's family members love to sing but none are professional singers. They love singing in the karaoke and enjoys going to the concert. They can name songs from yesteryear and even songs from decades ago, even before they were born.

They just love music and I guess music loves them too. I wish I have the same passion as they have when it comes to music. Unfortunately, much as I love singing, I always can't get the lyrics right and carrying a tune is a different ball game. I don't even want to talk about it.

8 Natural Solutions for Removing Tough Stains

2012-01-27T00:38:00.000+04:00

Stains are a part of life. Even the most meticulous households must deal with the occasional stain. If you are raising a young family, then stains are most likely a part of your daily routine. Many stains can be removed with specialized, stain-removing formulas, which often contain harsh chemicals that can make sensitive individuals sick. If you have young children or prefer a more natural approach to stain removal, there are a number of options.

Many common household ingredients are extremely effective at removing tough stains. You just have to know what elements to use on each specific type of stain. For best results, get to the stain as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, which will push it further into the surface it rests on. Always use cold water, as hot will set the stain.

The methods outlined here will usually work on those stains, but sometimes you need some heavier artillery. If these tricks don't work, it's time to bring in the professional carpet cleaning equipment.

Grass Stains
Try this sweet fix for grass stains. Brush any remaining debris from the fabric, then rub a bit of molasses into the stained area. Let the molasses sit on the stain for 8 to 10 hours, then wash normally.

Coffee Stains
Clean up those dark coffee stains with your morning breakfast. Soak up as much liquid as possible by blotting the coffee with a cloth. Then, beat an egg with cold water and spread over the stain. Rinse with cold water and repeat if necessary.

Food Stains on Plastic
There is a simple solution for those stubborn tomato sauce stains on your favorite Tupperware. Wash as usual, and then rub a bit of baking soda or lemon juice all over the stained area. Set the container in a sunny location, and the sun's rays will bleach away the stain. Rinse the container. If the stain is still visible, repeat by placing in the sun again.

Grease Stains
Oily stains can stay around a long time if not treated properly. Soak up the grease by sprinkling chalk dust or cornstarch on the stain. Then, soak the stain in a mixture of baking soda and water. Launder as usual. If that didn't work, try a little rubbing alcohol on the stain before washing.

Wine, Juice, or Berry Stains
Remember to blot as much of the liquid as possible before treating the stain. Then, try to lift the stain from the fibers of the material by soaking it in lemon juice or white vinegar. For red wine, soak in milk, white wine or club soda.

Gum Stains
While gum might seem like a messy stain, it's actually quite simple to remove. Just place the item in the freezer and allow the gum to freeze. If the item is too big for the freezer, place a few ice cubes on the gum. Remove the item from the freezer and scrape off the gum.

Candle Wax Stains
Place a paper bag or a towel over the wax and press it with a warm iron. The wax will be absorbed by the paper or towel. For any leftover residue, use a bit of alcohol.

Chocolate Stains
Remove chocolate by blotting or scraping as much of the chocolate as possible. Then, make a mixture of one tablespoon ammonia and a three-quarter cup of water. Spray mixture on the stain and blot. Repeat until stain is lifted.

When it comes to your health and house cleaning, the old ways are still the best ways. Rather than exposing your family to harsh chemicals, try these methods first. You should only resort to chemical cleaning after you've tried these safer methods.

Leaving Soon

2012-01-26T17:17:00.000+04:00

my two mothers :) taken at Dubai Mall

My mom and mom-in-law spent the holidays here and the days are getting shorter. They will be leaving soon and I am starting to feel sad. It's such a joy to have both of them around. My daughter is thrilled to have them both because she's acting super princess with them. I let her get away with it because she doesn't get to spend long time with either of them whenever she's in Manila for a vacation. It's different this time because they are both here at the same time so it was twice the fun!

I'm having a slight tug in my heart now. I will miss them again especially my mom because I can see how happy she is to be here with us. Her life back home is filled with problems and issues so hard to resolve because they are deeply rooted; having her spend almost 2 months here temporarily uprooted her from the bad stuff.

I am just happy to be able to give her that slight deviation because it means so much to her. I wish I can make her stay her longer. I just hope I'll find the financial means next time to make her stay here permanent. It will happen, in Jesus name...

Crafting Stuff

2012-01-25T17:17:00.000+04:00

I was invited by a friend to her daughter's open school day where I can showcase my handmade cards. My friend rented a booth for her paintings and other ceramic arts which she plans to sell. I feel honored to be a part of her activity this February. So, I am having double-time in making cards I can sell in the open school day.

I want to craft some beaded accessories too but I need to have more materials like curb chain, beads, findings and clasps and hooks. I only have few beads here and nylon cords but I don't think those will be enough to make a decent set of necklace and earrings.

I only have a week left to make a lot goods to be sold. I don't want to compromise on the quality of my handmade cards so I may just settle for few but really high-quality handmade cards.

The Perfect Teen Travel Companion

2012-01-25T17:07:00.000+04:00

Most eReader owners use their devices simply to read, especially when travelling. If you own a device that is not 3G compatible, you may find yourself in situations that preclude downloading a new novel. Fortunately, most eReaders have several other great functions that can allow a user to make the most of travel time.
Parents with traveling kids are wise to offer an eReader as a distraction. It is the perfect item for your traveling child or young adult, whether going away to grandma's, away at teen camp or traveling during a gap year.

A Multimedia Extravaganza
Depending on your eReader of choice, you can get a fair bit of mileage out of the device’s multimedia capabilities. Both the Nook and Kindle are capable of playing music, and both devices are capable of displaying photos (though the Kindle is monochrome-only). The Nook features the ability to view images in full color, and also features video playback capability. No matter what eReader you choose, you can get a good bit of mileage out of its ability to play music or view photos. Be careful, though, as both functions are much harder on battery life than reading.

A Studying Tool
Of course, eReaders are also wonderful productivity tools. Most major readers can display .pdf files, which can easily allow you to take most documents on the go. It is also possible to take notes on several of the major readers, though some do require the purchase of a separate note-taking application. Some eReaders even allow users to dictate notes, the perfect way for your child to journal his or her travels. The current generation of Kindle features a microphone, and it is quite easy to record messages on the device after you do not mind modifying a few files.

A Fun Machine
Not only can you read on your eReader, but you can also play games. Most of the games on the Kindle and the discount eReaders are rather simplistic, but they are wonderful time wasters. The games available on the Nook are a bit more advanced, but all of the games available on eReaders tend to promote creative or logical thinking above button-mashing action. Most games cost a few dollars at most, and both the major readers have a few free games available. These games are great for killing time at an airport or a hotel, though they will likely never win any major awards.

Do your child traveler a favor and give them a device that amuses, informs and connects without taking up a lot of room in the luggage compartment.

My Daughter's Anime Plushies

2012-01-25T17:00:00.001+04:00

My daughter is really crafty. She moved from polymer clay to painting to drawing to stitching Japanese anime characters' plushies. She loves working with fabric felt and I must have bought her several colors already.

Her plushies are 6 inches tall and stuffed with recycled fabric fillings from old pillows that we threw. She stitches all of these with her hands and uses various colors of flosses and big needles.

Her friends and classmates ask for their favorite Japanese anime character which she transforms into cute plushies. She can also customize a plushie doll according to the preference of her friends and classmates.

So far, she has made more than a dozen of the plushies. Some she gives as presents and others she sells. My daughter is earning on her own! I guess I can stop working now :)

Here are the most recent plushie project she has done. Aren't they cute?

Weather Dips in Dubai

2012-01-22T20:26:00.000+04:00

Forecast for today is cloudy with temperature going as low as 13 degrees Celcius. This winter is not as cold as the previous winters in Dubai many years ago. I remember experiencing non-stop rains and hail storms. This year's winter is like the weather in New York on a mid-day fall season.

The sky has an overcast and I thought it would rain because of the gray clouds. It might rain this week and if that happens, it will be colder.

The wind is quite cold and bites. We all slept with our thermal pjs and socks with thick comforters to keep us warm. I know I said it's not as cold as the previous winters but the temperature at night takes a dip. We have to close the windows to keep the cold out.

The extended forecast until next week is still the same, max 18 degrees Celcius and a low of 12/13.

I love this weather - not very cold and not warm. I hope it's like this all year round.

In Need Of Capital

2012-01-18T18:27:00.000+04:00

There are plenty of business opportunities presented to me by my friends. Unfortunately, I cannot commit at the moment due to our tight budget. I feel like I am letting those opportunities pass. I cannot take loans right now because we have a big project this year and that is to start the construction of our dream house.

Some of my friends are into the trucking business back in the Philippines. One of them is asking me if I can share in the business but I am badly in need of capital. I wish I have plenty of savings so I can invest on the truck tracking and delivery service. I also did my research and it involves a lot of money. I do not have that kind of money in the bank.

Another friend of mine here in Dubai asked me to join a marketing scheme for electronic mobile loads to be used in the Philippines. Again, I need money as a start-up and I am sure the rest will be fruitful as long as I have the money to spare. I did not decline but I cannot confirm anything as of this time. I am still fixing my budget for the next few months. I just want to make sure that we have enough to cover our means while it is still recession.

I certainly hope that the opportunities do not stop from knocking. If I miss them, it is not deliberate. It is more of a choice at this point. I hope I can shake off my financial burden so I can jump to all the business opportunities around me and that will open the floodgates of money coming in.

Christmas Cupcakes

2012-01-15T21:29:00.000+04:00

Our budget was a bit tight this Christmas. Instead of buying customized cakes and yule logs, my daughter and I decided to make our own cupcakes. We baked and decorated and frosted the cupcakes. The quality is not as good as the bakeshop kind and not even close but we enjoyed every minute baking together. It's our mini-bonding time!

Here's a snap of our Christmas cupcake. Enjoy!

Great Valentine Dates To Always Remember

2012-01-14T10:32:00.004+04:00

Valentine's Day is a love it or hate it kind of holiday. To the cynics, it is overly commercialized and created just to give men and women another holiday for which they have to buy gifts. To the romantics, this isn't the case. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be expensive nor does it have to center around unnecessary gifts. It is about showing that special someone just how special they truly are.

Valentine's Day dates don't have to be overly expensive. In fact, sometimes making them cheesy is the perfect way to make them memorable without spending a fortune. A scavenger hunt is a great way for a man to show his girlfriend or wife the importance of their memories together. The hunt can be centered on different memories, such as the location of their first kiss, where they saw their first movie or any other place the woman can go in order to find another clue. The final destination should be something or somewhere that is extremely important to the relationship, such as the restaurant where the couple's first date took place. This type of activity usually sits well with sentimental women.

Some women aren't into the mushy and over the top types of Valentine's Day dates. There are plenty of women who would rather go on a gorgeous hike or spend the day kayaking instead of sitting at a fancy restaurant in a dress and heels. An outdoor adventure can be turned into a romantic getaway. The man should carry a backpack with all the picnic essentials packed secretly away. Possible items could include a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers and, of course, a blanket. He should pull these out when they've reached the top of the mountain or another beautiful and memorable spot. While this type of date would cater to the woman's usual interests, it also has an unpredictable and thoughtful touch that is sure to leave her feeling special.

More often than not, love knows no bounds, and this includes financial boundaries. In today's world, women are juggling more, whether its school, work or even an entire family of their own. For this reason, it is important that the men in their lives take the time to pamper them. Taking a wife or girlfriend for a weekend retreat filled with massages and facials is a great way to make Valentine's Day all about her. For men who are usually not interested in these sorts of activities, it is a great way to demonstrate the lengths to which they are willing to go in order to ensure their significant other receives the attention she deserves.

Erica Simone currently writes for Viamedic.com, an online facilitator for Viagra, Cialis and Levitra online. Erica uses her research scientist skills to cover and uncover big pharma news she shares on the Viamedic Health Articles Section.

My Christmas Gift

2012-01-11T17:29:00.000+04:00

I know it is not Christmas season anymore but I still cannot help and gush over my new tablet - bb playbook. I am not a fancy pants but I think and feel that after working hard and following my goals (except for the weight loss part) to the letter, I certainly deserve a Blackberry Playbook.

I thought about buying the gadget for sometime but realized that I can use this when I am in a meeting or when I travel. I can read my ebooks and check my mails too on the go. It is a need for me and not a whim. Even my husband justified the reason why I should have one. I would have preferred it as a gift from him. However, he has already given me a fancy bag so I am happy.

I like this tablet a lot. It's only 7'' and a bit light to carry. It has wifi, bluetooth, Blackberry Bridge which can be used with my Blackberry phone and camera and video. Although the apps are not as many as the iPad, I really don't mind because the basic features are there which are more important than the myriad of apps I won't even use.

Here's a snap of my new toy. I am loving it!

No Pants Train Ride

2012-01-09T20:23:00.000+04:00

I saw my cousin's FB status few days ago regarding BART's "No Pants Train Ride" on 8 Jan. which was yesterday. I thought she was just kidding regarding that. So, I searched the internet a while ago only to find so many hits on the prank event. And mind you, it does not happen on San Francisco only. It's a world-wide event.

I wonder how one can put up a straight, normal face while half of your body is exposed to the cold elements? It's like hot on top and cold on the bottom. Shiver me timbers! Feel the cold sting! These people are cold. Really, really cold and I mean that literally :)

Here are pics I have taken from the internet. Credit to the owners of the photos of course.

Taken from BART, San Fran.

From Edmonton

From London

From Mexico

Are you brave (and probably, sane enough) to participate on this kind of event? Even if I have the best gams in the world, I don't think I'll carry a straight face through the whole ordeal. I'd probably turn blue due to hypothermia!

Down With Pharyngitis Again

2012-01-09T09:09:00.000+04:00

I have been inflicted with this condition twice already in a span of 4 months. The bad thing is, I just wake up losing my voice. I am not an ice-cream lover nor enjoy eating sugary and sweet food to make my throat sore but I still get this condition.

My voice is still horrible and broken for 5 days now. I am into medication again and the cough syrup is making me very groggy. I am okay with the twice-a-day antibiotic dosage but I don't know how I am going to survive work tomorrow feeling like this.

I still have my very dry cough and sad to say but I am already getting headaches every time I cough unproductively. The doctor said that a lot of steam can help loosen up the mucous and I will try that today.

I wonder if I got this from my relatives who were here recently. They didn't lose their voices but I did and I was not even going out of the house often. I think I need to crack up my immune system again. I stopped drinking Vitamin C when I took my uric acid medication. I just couldn't take all these pills/tables/capsules anymore. I hope I will be more healthy this year because I have more challenges to face this time.

So people, if you are feeling a sudden ache in your throat, visit your doctor right away. The climate is harsh these days and does not help so avoid drinking cold and eating sweet stuff. Don't strain your voice too much. Gargle with salt water. Drink plenty of fluids. Have plenty of rest. Have steam.

I hope to recover soon. I am back to work tomorrow despite of the lack of voice. I'll be a pantomime show there!

Fresh Start for 2012

2012-01-04T18:01:00.000+04:00

I have been praying for good things to happen not just for myself and my family, but for everyone too. I am giving myself a chance to grow and one of doing that is to jump out of my comfort zone. I started with my career. I was not getting anywhere with my career in the place where I am in so I thought, the only way to go forward is to apply for a lateral move somewhere I can showcase my talent and skills. And God has been good to me. He knew what was best so he gave me the position I applied for. So, by end of February 2012, I will be reporting to a new department with new people to meet and new challenges to face.

My health is another aspect in my life that I want to give a new lease. I started walking again. It's still early to say if it's going to be regular but I am envisioning myself to do that. I just hope my determination to wean off my other medications will be a great impetus for me to carry on with the weight loss. Also, I am working towards making myself fit enough to carry another full term pregnancy. My daughter has been bugging me for a sibling and I am pushing 40 this March. I think it's not yet late for that.

The financial aspect of my life is getting better too. Although there are still plenty of bills to pay, I can finally scrimp enough to save some which will eventually go to our dream house project.

My personal life is rosy too! It's mostly rosy anyway but this year will be more of family solidarity and giving time to people who truly matters.

So, I welcome 2012 with open arms, new hope and a better perspective in life. I pray that God will have more compassion to humanity inspite of the negativity surrounding us. I know God is good and He will not forsake mankind. I just pray that 2012 will be great for everyone.

2011 - What A Year It Has Been

2011-12-31T09:38:00.000+04:00

I thought, when 2011 rung in last year, it would bring hope and prosperity for all of us. When I recall on all the events that had transpired in 2011, the negative outweighs the positive. There were political unrest in the Middle East, natural calamities like erupting volcanoes and earthquakes, the tsunami in Japan on the first quarter and deadly Typhoon Washi hitting my home country before the year ends, deaths of famous people, financial trouble still on the fore and poverty and unemployment reaching new heights. Money was still scarce for most and jobs come far in between. Despite of all the hardships we have seen and been through, 2011 came to pass. A new beginning is coming.

2012 is the year of the water Dragon. Chinese astrologers believe that the mythical beast brings calm and flowing ideas being the water dragon. It balances the right brain activity and the left side for logic. The year of the water Dragon brings innovative and fearless leaders just like the most revered Chinese mythical creature.

Personally, I am not particular with the meaning of 2012 because I believe that we all make our destinies. We can only hope and pray that we listen with our hearts and believe that our Lord will guide us through another challenges in our lives.

I want to believe that 2012 will bring new hope, new beginnings and fresh start in all the aspects of our lives. It is up to us how to accept the challenges and channel the energy towards something good. I want to believe that despite what we read about the Mayan Calendar and other dooms-day sayers, 2012 will still bring a new promise for all.

2011 has come and gone. Let 2012 begin and let's welcome the new year with a prayer from St. Francis of Assisi.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury,pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Prescribed Medications

2011-12-25T17:13:00.001+04:00

I am fully aware of the numerous parties and the eating I will have this holiday season that my medications are on stand-by. I am regularly taking my hypertension medication and for my cholesterol. I am very careful of the food intake at this time because of the many temptations around me. I don't want to end up eating too much and putting my medications off track because of the binges. My doctor's appointment is not too far from now too so I better be careful and have those numbers in check or else, my doctor will prescribe more medications for me. Of course, I don't want to end up having too many prescribed drugs for fear of prescription drug abuse addiction or relying too much in the aid of various medication.

It's really tough facing this festive season without taking into consideration my health. I just have to keep reminding myself that I want my blood test to come out good in terms of lower cholesterol and uric acid levels. That way, I don't really have to keep taking medications for my hypertension and high uric acid.

A Career Move

2011-12-24T18:33:00.000+04:00

God just heard my prayers. He gave me his early Christmas gift in terms of my career. No, it was not the promotion I have always wanted (and so deserve) but something better in terms of going to a different direction in my career.

I received a call from the Human Resources on 23 Dec. and was informed that I was selected for the position. It took me a while to process the news and I was really not expecting a call the day after my interview. It was just too soon to get the news. Not that I don't want it. Of course, I have been waiting for that for the longest time. Now that I have it, I will have a better perspective in my career this 2012. Fresh start in my career... what more can I ask for?

Christmas Food For The Family

2011-12-18T02:54:00.000+04:00

Our household will be doubled in number in few days time. My mom, mon-in-law, sis-in-law and her family will be spending Christmas with us this year. We want to make this celebration as festive as possible because we haven't been home for Christmas for sometime. I haven't seen my mom too for more than a year now.

I am researching the internet for great recipes for the holiday season. It's public knowledge that I don't fare well in cooking so I am looking for easy to prepare and cook.

Here are some of the recipes I found which I feel will be viable for me to make. Let's just hope I don't end up feeling lazy and will probably dial the nearest restaurant for a home delivery!

Roast Turkey
(from Food.com)

Ingredients:
1 (16 lb) frozen young turkey
For the brine
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon allspice berry
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
1 gallon ice water
For the aromatics
1 red apple , sliced
1/2 onion , sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water
4 sprigs rosemary
6 leaves sage
canola oil

Directions:

Combine all brine ingredients, except ice water, in a stock pot and bring to a boil.
Stir to dissolve solids, then remove from heat, cool to room temperature refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Early on the day of cooking, (or late the night before) combine the brine and ice water in a clean 5 gallon bucket.
Place thawed turkey breast side down in brine, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area (like a basement) for 6 hours.
Turn turkey over once, half way through brining.
A few minutes before roasting, heat oven to 500 degrees.
Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick and cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
Remove bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water.
Discard brine.
Place bird on roasting rack inside wide, low pan and pat dry with paper towels.
Add steeped aromatics to cavity along with rosemary and sage.
Tuck back wings and coat whole bird liberally with canola (or other neutral) oil.
Roast on lowest level of the oven at 500F for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and cover breast with double layer of aluminum foil, insert probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and return to oven, reducing temperature to 350°F.
Set thermometer alarm (if available) to 161°F.
A 14-16 pound bird should require a total of 2-2 1/2 hours of roasting.
Let turkey rest, loosely covered for 15 minutes before carving.

Macaroni and Cheese
(from Food.com)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
2 cups macaroni , cooked
1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Directions:

Make a roux by melting butter in pan and adding flour. Stir constantly and cook until it is the color of caramel candy. It burns easily so stir stir stir!
Slowly and carefully add milk while stirring.
When milk starts to steam add cheese and seasonings and stir until melted and well combined.
Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and serve.

No-Bake Pecan Chocolate Pie
(from celebrations.com)

Ingredients:
For the Pecan Cookie Crust
2 cups Pecan Cookies Crumbs
6 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, Melted
2 tbsp. Sugar
Chocolate Cream Filling
4 ounces Chocolate, Chopped
1/3 cup Milk
4 ounces Cream Cheese, Softened and at Room Temperature
2 tbsp. Sugar
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 cup Pecans, For Topping

Directions:

To make the pecan cookie crust, combine the pecan cookie crumbs, the melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the crumbs soak up all the butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Place the pie plate in the freezer to firm the crust, about 15 minutes.
While the crust is chilling, make the chocolate cream filling. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat the process of microwaving for 30 seconds and stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Place the melted chocolate in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the cream cheese, milk, and sugar. Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool.
While the chocolate mixture is in the refrigerator, wash and clean the mixing bowl. Return the bowl to the stand mixer and place the heavy cream in the bowl. Whisk the cream until soft peaks form, starting at low speed and slowly increasing to medium-high speed.
Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and, with a spatula, carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the mixture into the center. Using a small spatula evenly spread the filling until it is smooth.
Arrange the pecans in a circular pattern on top of the filling in. Place the pie in the freezer to firm, about 3-4 hours.

Chicken Galantina (my favorite!)
(from lutongpinoy.info)

Ingredients:
1 chicken, dressed and deboned
1 cup of Vienna sausage
1 1/4 cups of ham, ground
1 1/4 cups of pork, ground
4 eggs (2 raw, 2 boiled)
1/4 cup of flour
clotted chicken blood
1 carrot, sliced lengthwise
calamansi juice
soy sauce
soy sauce
salt and pepper
parsely (for garnishing)

Directions:

Marinate chicken in calamansi juice and soy sauce.
In a blow, combine flour, ground ham, ground pork, sausage, and raw eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill the chicken with the meat mixture. Insert into the sides the clotted chicken blood, boiled eggs, and sliced carrtos.
Wrap the chicken in cheese cloth, making sure that the cloth is tightly tied.
Steam the chicken for 1 1/2 hours then set aside to cool. Tighten the wrapping further, if necessary.
Refrigerate the chicken for 24 hours.
To serve: unwrap the chicken, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices, put in a platter and garnish with parsely.

Pineapple Sliced Ham
(from betterrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS:
3 lb Spiral Sliced Ham
1 can Pineapple Slices

DIRECTIONS:
Place ham in baking dish and arrange pineapple slices over ham. Pour juice over ham and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

The above recipes look very easy to do. I hope they are actually easy to do or else! Merry Christmas!

Camping During Winter

2011-12-15T21:21:00.000+04:00

Winter in the U.A.E is rather pleasant compared to the other countries in the northern hemisphere. The temperature does not dip so low and the breeze is cool. However, the temperature can be a bit harsh in the desert area or near the mountain. Inspite of the slight change in temperature, it is still generally acceptable to go camping during winter.

Most of my friends do this annually because the winter is so short so everyone is taking advantage of the season. I have not tried camping yet because I catch colds and flu so easy. I just get so scared exposing myself to the elements even if I love the cold season.

Some of them are already planning a trip near the mountains to camp. The campers have their own instruments and even fancy Big Agnes King Solomon tents to use. My husband and I bought a small sleeping bag but I still don't have to courage to commit in the camp.

I am not sure if I will be up to the challenge even if the activity sounds interesting. I am still thinking about the idea. I am cool for a long drive or an overnight in a hotel near the mountains but sleeping outside is something I am still mulling.

Assessment is Over

2011-12-15T20:42:00.000+04:00

I had the assessment for almost 4 hours this morning. There were 3 parts in the assessment. First was to sell yourself by telling them why you are best for the position, second was the role-playing (and I was so conscious because I don't like acting at all!) and lastly was the written exam. I came prepared and studied really hard but I still forgot some items in the examination. I think I was ok in the role-playing and during the first round. I still have to find out whether I passed to proceed to the next level which is the last screening - interview.

I am looking forward to a successful assessment so I can move on to the next round because this is the moment I have been waiting for. I know it is time to move on and learn new things. This can be the impetus that will spring my career to greater heights.

More Christmas Shopping

2011-12-13T17:46:00.000+04:00

I feel like an inner dormant volcano awaken within me. Our previous Christmases were very quiet and gift-free because of the recession and the very tight budget. However, the economy is slowly picking up in our region and we are starting to ease (just a wee bit!) with the budget to accommodate gift-giving this year. Besides, we have all worked hard and so a little reward is not bad.

I am still not done with my Christmas shopping. I thought I was almost done but I found out that I missed few people from my list so I have to go back to the mall or check online for promotional deals to help me save money. I have some friends who are so keen into reading so I the 2012 barnes & noble coupons will be really helpful for me. If I have those coupons, I can save extra money. I just hope they offer it soon or even before 2012.

My other family members need some gifts from me as well. They are not asking for the gifts but I want to give them because they deserve some recognition for the help they have extended to my and my family. It's high time to repay them back, if not monetarily, at least in kind and small tokens.

My godsons and goddaughters will need specific gifts as well due to age factor. Some are already in their middle school and others are on their teens. I have to base my gift selection according to their age now. Gone are the days when I just have to buy generic kids' stuff to satisfy all their childish whims.

So, my weekend will be very hectic. I have to drive around town to check the malls for special offers and sales. Oh my! I hope my budget does not get dented badly.

Career Assessment

2011-12-13T17:33:00.000+04:00

I should be used to all these career assessments by now. I must have been to a lot of assessments already in the span of 21 years of service. However, I always feel it is something new each time I am invited to attend one. I always have this knot in my stomach and I feel nauseated. I am not sure if that is accounted for my diminishing confidence, my age, loss of belief in the system or simply because I am just tired going through all the process only to be rejected in the end.

This assessment on Thursday is not even for a higher pay scale. It is just a lateral move for me to be able to learn new things and expose myself to the different operations of the airlines. It will not give me any monetary improvement but it will certainly make my resume heavy and it will make me a strong contender for planning and scheduling positions that will become available in the future.

Anyway, I just pray I can pull it through. I know my qualifications and knowledge, albeit not very in-depth, will help me fulfill the new department's requirements. Good luck to me!

Christmas Gifts for Less

2011-12-11T16:51:00.001+04:00

Photo credit: yahoo images

I know the recession is still on and a lot of people are still out of the work-force. However, there are still some who are willing to spend few bucks to keep the spirit of sharing this holiday season alive.

Gift-giving this Christmas need not be very extravagant. It is nice to put the "it's the thought that counts" in the fore why we are giving presents in the first place. Here are some tips to make the spirit of giving a successful, budget-friendly and meaningful this Christmas time.

1. Make your own gifts. If you are good in crafts like painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, quilting or any handiwork then make use of those precious skills and talents. Make wonderful and thoughtful creations from your creativity.

2. Take advantage of the major sales happening before the Christmas rush. Some establishments are offering great promos like buy 1 get 1 free deals.

3. Check online for steals and bargains. Most online shopping networks offer promos for early shoppers, coupons and discounts. Use them.

4. Go to flea markets and you'll be surprised to find precious stuff your friend or a relative will like. You may even find one for yourself as a gift.

5. Go to 1$ stores and other inexpensive retailers and find the perfect gifts for families and friends.

6. Check classified ads for unwanted items being sold on a slashed price. Most of these items are either unwanted gifts or the objects of a compulsive shopper.

7. Check you collections. You may have unused and unopened stuff that has been gathering dust in your closet or storage area. It's time to give them a new home.

8. If you're giving gifts to families, try giving one collective gift that everyone will enjoy like a board game or colorful picture book. This way, you don't have to buy one gift per member of the family especially if they are relatives. That will surely dent your budget.

9. Bake some goodies. Nothing beats the fresh smell of baked goodies straight from the oven. You can put the goodies in canisters, jars or boxes and present them with ribbons and nice tags.

10. Lastly, if you are so pressed for cash and you still want to give something special because you have thought of your family and friends then send them free e-cards. Like I said earlier, "it's the thought that counts."

Merry Christmas in advance and let's remember this: "The reason for the season is HIM."