Weekday R&R: Posh Dining at Dolcelatte

If you are looking for a cafe to go to aside from Starbucks and you are in the Quezon Avenue area, why not try Dolcelatte for a change?  I was fortunate to try out a few items in their menu since it was the venue of the 4-day seminar that I needed to attend to. I have to admit, I was delighted as soon as I stepped in. Located beside the C & E Bookshop (they are actually connected at the 2nd floor), one might get intimidated because of the classy facade and interiors. I am sure that you will not only love the ambiance but you will also love their menu just the same.

photo from GELOVINO

Welcome, 2012!

If it didn’t bring you joy,

Just leave it behind.

Let’s ring in the New Year

With good things in mind.

Let every bad memory go

That brought heartache and pain.

photo courtesy of Sicha Pongjivanich

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)