DIY #2: Graham Tiramisu Refrigerator Cake

I consider December as a "Celebrations Month." Not only would there be a number of Christmas parties to go to, but there are also several personal celebrations this month. The first day of the month kicked off with SI's 6th month. After which, this was followed by JF's birthday, then, our anniversary as BF-GF. This is also SJ's birthday month. Would you believe that these 4 important celebrations transpired in less than 10 days?! Though we didn't celebrate each event in a grand way, I just made sure that we have something special on the table.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the cake completes the occasion. But since family occasions happen one after the other this month, my mom and SJ thought of making a refrigerator cake instead of buying one from a pastry shop. Not only does it tastes yummy but making it is a breeze even for a clueless cook like me. It was such a delightful breather from the traditional birthday cakes.

Affordable ingredients for a delicious homemade cake

Holiday Greetings from Mudraesque

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~ Burton Hillis

photo courtesy of anankkml

Enjoy every minute of the holiday with your loved ones. A very Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends!

DIY #1: Crunchy Choco-Banana Milkshake

Cooking has never been my cup of tea. It is just fortunate that JF had already accepted that fact even way before we got married. Some people would say it is unusual for a person like me with a Chemical Engineering background not to have the fondness in cooking because such task is like performing a laboratory experiment. Not that I didn't try because as a matter of fact I did and it turned out to be a disastrous Leche Flan. From then on, I told myself that the role in the kitchen that I can excellently perform would be the food taster.

Last week as I was having a hot oil and scalp treatment at the salon, I came across a magazine with a couple of recipes suitable for kids. I can't remember which publication was that. I was so into reading the recipes section that I was even tempted to tear off the pages and take them home. Afraid that I might be caught by the salon personnel walking here and there, I just took a cellphone snapshot instead.

Today, I took the courage to try out the choco-banana milkshake recipe that caught my attention. I have to say that I didn't hesitate to go ahead with this because it is very easy. The only difficult part was to prepare the ingredients. As soon as you have everything ready, you just put everything in a blender and mix them up!

Fresh from the gorcery: ingredients for the Crunchy Choco-Banana Milkshake

Weekday R&R: Thanks to SM!

Hay! Been away for quite long. Not that I'm complaining, just that I have a lot of ideas in mind which I really want to write down and publish here. It is unfortunate I only have 24 hours to fit all my activities in a day. Not to mention, I am such a sleepy head that I can not survive without sleep! Yes, take away food and water, it would be okay. But I can't be away from my slumberland. Truly, December is the busiest month of the year ever!

This afternoon, JF and I managed to do a little bit of Christmas shopping at an SM mall in a nearby province. I actually intended to buy a Kris Kringle gift for the company party and some toiletries. However, we were able to buy gifts for the kiddos instead. After all, Christmas is truly for them! :)

SM Supermalls Christmas 2011 TVC from YouTube

Weekday R&R: Celebrating with Betsy's and Chef Archie

There's no way I'll be on a ranty mood today. It's the first day of the Christmas month and SI just turned 6 months old! The past 6 months have been one hell of a ride most especially for a two-time newbie mom like me. How time flies really fast particularly when you're having fun. :) So much fun!

The Celebrant: 6-month old SI

Just like last month, we also celebrated SI's special day with some special food. (Read a related entry regarding SI's 5th month feast.) Today's treat somehow adapted a "Malabon Specialties" theme as JF and I found ourselves craving for pasta and cake from two of the best homemade food shops in the area. Although not as commercialized as their counterparts, these stores already created quite a buzz for themselves because of the specialty food items they offer. It's equally a great delight that they remain to serve Malabon locals for a number of years despite the huge probability of being successful in other nearby cities in case they wish to move or branch out.

Weekday R&R: Holiday Food Tripping at JT's Manukan Grille

Today is the 30th day of November and it's a definite "rave-y" Wednesday for me. Wondering why? First of all, it's a non-working holiday today as the country is commemorating Andres Bonifacio's 148th natal day. It is absolutely a great treat as we take a one-day breather from the hectic holiday rush. Secondly, majority of the work force are loaded since it's also a payday. Let's not forget, most of us might have already received the government-mandated 13th month pay. Summarizing this in one equation would be: no work + moolah = a great time!

My tita was our first house visitor this sunny holiday. She really wanted to go to Tagaytay today but the idea came in late at 11 am. I know for a fact that if we pushed through with the spur-of-the-moment trip it would be tiresome instead of a relaxing one. I am familiar with the average travel time since I am a frequent SLEX traveler. I am certain if we left the house at past 11 am, there is no way we can make the most out of the long trip.

So instead of drowning ourselves with movie reruns on cable TV, JF and I together with my brother and his wife decided to dine out for dinner. No, we didn't have something fancy in mind just to make the day more special. Also, a shopping spree is far from my mind since I want to better manage my holiday cash gifts this year as compared to those in the past. (Read a related entry which talks about managing your cash gifts this season.) Instead, we opted to satisfy ourselves with a typical Pinoy comfort food - it's no less than Chicken Inasal for dinner!

A taste of authentic Bacolod Chicken Inasal

5 Steps to Raise Polite Kids

It is always nice to hear the word "please" when someone asks a favor from you. At the same time, hearing "thank you!" is equally delightful. Undoubtedly, everyone loves a polite individual. And I, as a mama, acknowledge the fact that it is my duty to raise polite kids since this endearing virtue will eventually be carried on to adulthood.

Be conscious to practice politeness at all times.

photo by Michal Marcol

Wisely Managing Your 13th Month Pay and Christmas Bonus in 5 Ways

Yes, Andy Williams got it all right. It is without a doubt that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Not only do we look forward to reunions with family and friends, but we also look forward in receiving our 13th month pay and for some, an additional Christmas bonus if the company has performed well during the year.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

from YouTube

Calling for Support: Social Media Users' Day of Action Against Child Abuse

I blogged a few days ago how disgusted I was with obscene content posted by some Facebook users (read about it here). I was afraid SJ, who would just use FB to play some games, might be able to come across these trash. How I wish I could stop the widespread of such rubbish, but unfortunately the world wide web is too big for me to handle. Feeling Supergirl, eh?!

The sisterly stare down: SI vs. SJ

photo by Ate G

Weekday R&R: Luscious Chocolate Discovery

I am guilty for being a sweet tooth. Ever since I was a kid, I would always prefer the sweet as compared to something salty or sour. Moreover, something bitter is definitely out of the question. With that being said, one would assume that I would certainly go crazy over cakes and ice creams. True enough, that was the case when I was still pregnant with SI. However, on normal days, being a sweet tooth would only push me to crave for cakes and pastries.

I love trying out cake and pastry shops, most especially those making homemade goodies. Brownies, Lemon Squares, Brazo de Mercedes and soft Broas are just some of my favorites. Of course, the chocolate cake is my ultimate all-time favorite. Well, who doesn't? Whenever I see this luscious creation in pastry and coffee shops, even mall food stalls, I can't help myself from checking it out.

Award-winning chocolatey masterpiece

Weekday R&R: Great Fastfood Find - Slammer Burgers

Since my job involves extensive traveling, I must say that I am familiar with most food offered by different fastfood chains. It is the most convenient and cheapest way to pacify my rumbling stomach at any time of the day. It's either the Bee or the King or the Clown or the Colonel that usually feeds me on weekdays.

Fastfood Discovery: Slammer Burgers

In one of our purposeless trips to the mall, JF and I discovered Slammer Burgers at Trinoma's food court. I must say that we tried it out because as far as I'm concerned it somehow mimics Wham! Burgers. I really can't say which aspect is similar but I've come to realize that Slammer is comparable to the tasty offerings of Wham!

How to Keep a Great Yaya

For working moms like me, the assistance of a nanny or a yaya is essential. Sometimes, even a full-time mom appreciates the presence of this assistant by her side. Given all the demands of the little one, the joint efforts of this mom-and-yaya team would make child care considerably easier.

5 months and going stronger: SI and Ate G

It's true it is hard to find a yaya. However, it is harder to keep a great yaya. So just like in true love, once you find the right one, never let the person go. Aside from the yaya striving to impress you, also strive to keep a harmonious relationship from your end. Below are some tips to avoid having misunderstandings and disagreements with your assistant:

Online Shopping 101: Spot a Legitimate Seller

It is clear as daylight that the internet opened endless possibilities and opportunities. Some tasks were made obsolete because of this technology. Sending out letters through the post office, lining-up in a bank to pay bills, making overseas calls to loved-ones are just some of the things of the past. Now, these mundane tasks are easily accomplished by connecting to the internet. Not to mention, working as well as shopping can also be done remotely.

As a self-confessed internet junkie, a big chunk of my 24 hours is spent going online with trusty Google as my personal assistant. Not only do I surf the net for answers but I've also done some online shopping to purchase some of my guilty pleasures as well as stuff for my lovies, JF, SJ and SI. In the coming days, I'm sure I'd go virtual window shopping once more since the season of gift-giving is just around the corner.

Talk about fraudulent online sellers... read about it here

Photo from FashionPULIS.com

5 Tips to Keep Your Child Away from Online Trash

Browsing through my Facebook news feed these past few days has irked me. It even came to a point that my status sounded really annoyed.

My Facebook Appeal: Stop pornography in FB!

It just got into my nerves that something as amazing as Facebook is being used by individuals who do not have anything better to do. Apparently, the social network has been hacked with viruses containing porn links. In addition to that, there are a number of Pinoy groups that contain sexual content. With these types of vulgar content easily accessible online, it really is alarming most especially for parents like me. 

Weekday R&R: What Reminds You of Christmas?

With only a few weeks left before Christmas, one might still not feel the spirit of the holiday season because of too much work. Why don't you sit back, relax and anticipate what this occasion is about to bring.

Below is my personal list of things that reminds me of Christmas. Read on and just like me, I hope you would also look forward to fun-filled times ahead with the family.

1. Puto Bumbong and Bibingka

Bibingka at Puto Bungbong by busyPrinting

Weekday R&R: Grammar Tutor for the Sign Maker

Ever since I started mudraesque, blogging has always been on my mind. I can't stop thinking what would be an interesting topic not only for me but for my readers as well. However, since I am your regular working mom, the most that I can commit is to post content only during weekends. So, you might be wondering what am I doing here right now... it's only a Tuesday!

There is no way to cure my urge to write other than this. So, I've decided to come up with a series of weekday entries which I will call "Weekday R&R." You might instantly think that R&R stands for "Rest & Recreation." That is not the case because I definitely can not afford to enjoy that type of R&R on a weekday. For this purpose, R&R would most likely be "Rants & Raves" instead. 

Let's start, shall we?

As a debut, I will be sharing with you a sign I came across last Monday.

What the...?!?? In capital letters pa, huh?!?!!

Pinoy Pride: Puerto Princesa Underground River

This weekend has been a victory weekend for the Philippines. Aside from Pacman's controversial win against Mexican boxer, Marquez, there's another reason for Pinoys to celebrate.

At the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
with my girl friends

It was also announced this weekend that the Philippines' official entry to The 7 New Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, made it to the list. Alhough the final roster will be released by early 2012, the foundation's president, Bernard Weber already revealed that from the initial tally of votes, the Underground River is indeed included. It really amazes me how Pinoys exhibit the bayanihan spirit whenever online or sms voting is needed. :) Take a look at beauty pageants and it will be a big surprise if Miss Philippines won't win the online voting category.

Easy Tips to Tame Your Appetite

I am no stranger when it comes to weight loss. As of today, I've been through, not one or two, but several slim down and weight gain cycles. It is also because of this fact that I don't see losing weight as impossible. I've done it before. I know I can do it again this time and bid goodbye to the pregnancy/ post-pregnancy weight gain.

During my pregnant months, JF would always give in to my every whim of all-you-can-eat meals in Cabalen and Holy Cow!, pansit, Mang Jimmy's Lechon Kawali, Nelia's Dinuguan, cakes and ice creams. Now that a few months had passed since I gave birth to my adorable and cuddly SI, how am I supposed to reverse things around?

Mang Jimmy's: The Lechon Kawali is to-die-for.

(photo grabbed from Life is Fun)

Blogging on 11/11/11

Today is the 11th day of November and I HAVE to blog. I wouldn't miss it for the world for the sole reason that I want an entry with a date stamp of 11/11/11 (and hopefully, I'll get to publish this by 11:11 PM).  :)

once-in-a-lifetime occurrence

(photo from timeanddate.com)

Interesting dates in the past such as 08/08/08 or 09/09/09 or 10/10/10 had led many people to set significant life events, such as weddings, engagements and etc. with the belief that these dates were lucky. Some couples even made the conscious effort to schedule the conception of their child so that the birth date would coincide on those lucky dates. Also on those days, others chose to try their luck in the lottery or casinos. For 2011, today is of no exception. As a matter of fact, my cousin's daughter tied the knot today. 

Early Christmas Shopping: 6 Tips to Stretch Your Peso

It pays to be early. Time and time again, this famous line stands true. Whether you're early for your appointment or early to settle credit card obligations, you're sure to avoid unnecessary hassles. Now that it's only 48 days before Christmas, it won't hurt if we plan early for the holiday shopping. Below are some shopping tips in order to stretch out your peso and make it work to your advantage:

The tree says it all.

I need to do some Christmas gift shopping.

What's App: Kids Song All - 220 Songs by KYK

Aside from the usual stuffed toys that you bring along during your trip, what would be the other sources of entertainment for your kid? Just like everyone else, most children are also captivated by the pleasant sound of  music. When on the road, you could either have your little one's favorite CD on nursery rhymes play on the background. If your car is equipped with an audio-video system, you can load videos of Barney singing until you can't shake the lyrics off your head.

With today's technology, the iPad (also the iPhone and iPod) has become a multi-function gadget for everyone in the family. Aside from browsing my emails and the net, I interact with my 5-month old baby with the aid of some apps. Together with the baby flashcards app I previously wrote about, I found another baby-friendly app which can calm down your little ones anytime, anywhere.

Nursery rhymes collection arranged alphabetically

Baby Milestone: Is She Ready for the First Solid Meal?

It was such good news to hear when the pediatrician advised us that SI can already eat solid foods! JF have been asking me a few months back, when would be the right time to proceed. From my experience with SJ, we started feeding her when she was 6 months old and that instantly became my benchmark. So, it was a really pleasant surprise when our 5-month old already got the green light to chow down.

Another milestone: SI's first treat

Affordable Comfort Food at Silver Crown Food Center

When you crave for authentic Chinese food, you might immediately think of going to Ongpin in Chinatown. It is just fortunate that for those living in the CaMaNaVa area, you don't need to take the LRT in Monumento in order to reach the Chinese food haven located in the City of Manila.

If you are coming from Sangandaan, Caloocan City going to Monumento, be on the lookout for a BPI Branch on the left.  Beside that branch stands a restaurant that will give any Ongpin restaurant a run for their money. 

Silver Crown Food Center is just like your typical Chinese restaurant in terms of interior set-up. If you would like a fine dining experience, this is not the restaurant for you. It's more like a cafeteria set-up with several tables arranged side-by-side. During weekends, you might find yourself waiting for a table since this is a frequent reception place for baptism. It would be better if you'll dine in earlier or you'll just order and take them home.

Traveling with the Kids: 5 Tips to Remember

Not only do November 1st marks All Saints' Day, but it also reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner. Yay! :) I am so excited I can't stop imagining all the food, gifts, parties and family bondings. Of course, these family bondings would include travel with the kids. Double yay!

Family Christmas Holiday 2010
(photo from Tito T)

Buen Family: Author, SJ and JF.

SI was still in the author's tummy. 

(photo by Tito T)

Halloween Event with the Kids at BHS

Weekends are especially great to bond with your kids. JF and I anticipated this Halloween weekend for so long. Aside from the fact that the government declared it as a 4-day long weekend, we look forward to dressing up the kiddos in their Halloween costumes.

We initially decided to go to Cirque du Rockwell with the kids. However, an officemate of my sis-in-law earlier called her up that tickets were all sold-out! Looking through all the trick-or-treat options, we then decided to go to Bonifacio High Street's event, Once upon a Halloween.

Halloween event poster from BHS facebook page

Halloween Festivities for Kids

JF and I, together with my brother and sis-in-law, went out for a quick Halloween costume shopping for the kids. I was asking them if they remember celebrating this festivity way back then. I really have no memory going out wearing a scary costume for trick-or-treat. The only Halloween celebration I remember was when I attended this Halloween Dance Party at school but nobody even wore an appropriate outfit for the occasion.

Halloween Kids Costumes at Toy Kingdom

It just fascinates me that this tradition is already adapted by Pinoys. I've seen the crowded aisles of Toy Kingdom where parents search for the best costumes they could ever find for their young ones. It is also surprising that the assortment of kids' costumes has grown. Before, stores would only carry simple ones but now, you'll be amazed by the elaborate stuff they have on sale. Not to mention, the wide collection of accessories such as wings, wigs, hats, etc. You can definitely transform your kid into a (cute) scary creature!

We've been Stompified!

I've never been a solid concert-goer. It's not that I don't like the arts. I do. As a matter of fact, I love to dance (until today) and I was even the president of the Glee Club when I was in highschool! :) The only thing that I can think of that prevents me to go to concerts is probably the hassle of swimming through a crowd of excited fans.

Until recently, a TVC of an international show caught my eye and even SJ's. Both of us agreed to catch one of their limited performances in the Philippines. The group is not categorized under mainstream artists but I am quite sure those who frequent the cinema (like us) know who they are.

YouTube Video: Stomping for Dolby

What's App: All-in Yoga HD

Right after the first time I attended a yoga class, I became a fanatic. I instantly loved it not because I have to keep up with the “in” thing but I found out it really does wonders. I frequently complain about back aches and a good massage would never fail to soothe me. I was unaware that the practice of yoga would alleviate the pain in a more lasting level.

This favorable effect immediately made yoga a very personal choice for my fitness routine. However, now that I recently gave birth, I find it hard to attend a yoga class because of mama duties that I have to fulfill first. It is just fortunate that there’s an iPad app that lets me practice just like the way I used to.

The All-in Yoga HD: 200 Poses and Yoga Classes developed by Arawella Corporation is the closest approximation of an iPad app to a real yoga class. There are ready made programs from which you can choose from.  What’s even more amazing is that there are different levels of difficulty so that you can make the most out of your practice. It even has a pose data base containing over 250 poses with accompanying instructions, photos and videos for perfect execution.

Yoga Classes from All-in Yoga HD iPad App

Family Bonding through Sickness, Storm, Flood, Brownout and Check-in

It has been our family's practice to celebrate a baby's monthly birthday on his first year. For SI's 4th month celebrated last October 1st, I believe it will become one of the most memorable. Why?

Number one: October 1st was the day after we were discharged from the hospital. SI was confined September 25th due to coughs and colds which was later on diagnosed officially as pneumonia. It was really heartbreaking to see the nurse attaching the IV needle to my daughter not only once but thrice because SI was so fidgety. How JF and I wished that if only it's possible, we would rather be the ones to endure all the pain instead of our little angel. Without thinking twice. Without hesitation.

It was also that week of September 25th that Tropical Storm Pedring devastated a huge portion of Northern Luzon including Metro Manila. Being in the hospital was blessing in disguise for us. If we stayed home, we would be trapped just like everyone else in Malabon. What if her condition got worse and we need to bring her to the hospital? What if all roads were closed due to floods? We were thankful we got to the hospital 2 days before Pedring arrived.

So on September 30th, after days of medication, SI was allowed to go home. However, we realized that MERALCO still hasn't restored power in our area. That was another problem we didn't anticipate. As a go-home instruction, SI had to be nebulized every 6 hours which meant that we need electricity! In short, we had to find a comfy evacuation center not only for SI but also for SJ.

What's App: Baby Flash Cards from eFlashApps

I would like to think I am a techie. Not because I am well-versed in tinkering with any software or hardware. I just enjoy using every piece of gadget that I have. As a matter of fact, I've had my iPhone for almost two years now and model upgrades later, I am still using it. I don't think I'll find a better phone than this.. well, except for a newer model but that's not in mind at the moment.

The latest "toy" I bought was also an Apple gadget which is the iPad 2. It took me several days dreaming about it. My husband, JF, told me if I really need it and I can pay for it, then by all means, I should buy it. Though I haven't given much thought on JF's words of wisdom, I bought it without hesitation. Now, not only do I love my iPhone but I also love my iPad 2 as much. Little girls, 9-year-old SJ and 4-month-old SI both feel the same way as I do. Yes, that's right. My 4-month-old has her own set of apps too!

The first set of apps I downloaded from iTunes are baby friendly. Never did I knew that moms nowadays do utilize the iPad to entertain their kids. I found the eFlashApps' Baby Flash Cards app very nice. So did SI. You can see her ear-to-ear smile as soon as she hears the word "APPLE" until the last flash card "ZUCHINNI." I am so entertained in return.

Baby Flash Cards start-up screen grabbed from their website

The Birth of Mudraesque

I remember a few weeks back, this was what my tweet said:

I've been thinking of putting up my blog for sometime but I keep on procrastinating. Not because I am not serious with the new "project" but it is because I have a lot of things to do. I'm not complaining; I'm just saying :) After 35 days, now here I am ready to share what it's like to be a mama-of-all-trades.