Transitioning and Coping

It's been more than 3 months since I gave up my job. I was a corporate slave since 2001. It was indeed to put it lightly - a major shift. But surprisingly, I'm transitioning really well (gauging by my emotional state at the moment).

When my husband and I shared this plan to some friends and family a couple of years ago, we were met with a lot of "apprehensions" and raised eyebrows. Did we think it through? Can't we just take a break?

While majority were cynical, there were a few who showed great support after hearing our rationale behind the decision. Even our company director did not hesitate to show support. Yes, I gave up what would probably have been a good career path given the growing team that I was leaving behind. If there was one thing I feel sad about leaving, it was giving up the chance to mentor and coach my new hires. Which I know has great potential, if only they're taught well. But I have great confidence in that they will blossom in their own perfect time. As long as they keep the fire of learning alive.

Other than that, I was ready. When the time came to pack my things, I walked out of the building with a light heart. I didn't even take a peek. I just walked straight ahead.

So what's keeping me busy these days?

Well, for one, I'm now 8 months pregnant so nesting instincts are on high at the moment. We have this room which ended up being a semi-bodega and I finally was able to clean it out, sort out the 'usables' from the 'throwables' and even manage to put up some in an online garage sale. I proved that there is definitely "pera sa basura". (Bubble thought: I can make a career out of this)

I am now about one-third away from finally finishing Kafka on the Shore which I started reading last quarter of 2017. Haha. It's record breaking considering the last time I finished a book was maybe 3 or 4 years ago (The Gift of an Ordinary Day, great book by the way).

I finished 3 tiny booties. And 2 petal flowers which I can make into a headband for Baby K.

I paint. And do some calligraphy practices. Although not as often as I'd hope I would. (And yes! I'm writing again!!! Isn't that amazing?)

I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. Hahaha.

So yes, I am transitioning really well. I miss checking my payslip come payday (like today, for example). But those things I can live without (with the right mindset, family goals and budgeting skills of course).

I now live for days when I see my daughter come home looking so cheerful because she knows I'm the one opening the door for her. And she can immediately share her day to me. She does this with no fail since school started. And I am learning and getting to know her more these days.

And look from my husband's face when he smells freshly cooked dinner when he gets home. He tells me waking up so early at 5am and scrambling to get to work early so he can leave early is all worth it. Because we all get to spend dinner time together.

Another major change is coming very soon. We used to be anxious about changes. Maybe this is how a 40-year-old mind works. Maybe it's a sign that we've matured. Maybe it's just us finally accepting that we're now adults.

All is good.

Flicker - Our Version of A Miracle

Some people welcome their 40s with a big celebration. After all, they always say that's when life begins.

Well I wanted to do the same. I planned to travel a lot, learn to drive, take guitar lessons, immerse myself researching on modern farming, spend more time painting and practicing calligraphy.

I liked planning ahead. I like being in control.

But God always has a way of letting you know who really is in control.

How I planned my life to begin at 40 isn't happening anymore. He had other plans. And the plan was to answer our - actually, MY - long-time prayer.

He sent us a miracle.

December last year, I visited my OB-Gyne to discuss the possibilities of a hysterectomy. In 2016, I was diagnosed with adenomyosis. It explained why we had trouble conceiving. It has been giving me so much pain and with no plans of trying for another baby, we have decided it's time to move forward.

Of course, though, the doctor's answer was a big NO. She still thought I was too young.

"Let's do an ultrasound first, then we'll talk again."

So after the holidays, I went for that ultrasound. It still showed the same thing. The adenomyosis even invited more people to the party - 3 small myomas and cysts in both ovaries. To cut the story short, it was a hostile environment. In my head, I thought - "see doc, it's time to take them all out".

But we never made it to the operating table. The next visit (just a month after that ultrasound) I paid to the doctor was to tell her the HPT I did that weekend came back positive.

"Hey doc, I'm pregnant"

Although we were ecstatic, Maia most especially, it was not an easy first trimester. I had to always remind myself to manage my expectations.

Yes, we all took the necessary care and precaution but I didn't want anyone coming out of all this heartbroken.

I needed to stay positive still. So despite the anxieties brought mostly about by hormones going wild - I took each day as miracles.

Come 13th week, we were finally cleared off our bedrest. Kerker (what we fondly call our growing fetus for now) is such a fighter.
On the first ultrasound at 6 weeks, we already saw good cardiac activity. On the 9th week, we saw how firmly he/she was implanted already.

Our next ultrasound is going to be on the 24th week for the Congenital Anomaly Scan. Doctor decided to postpone the gender reveal by then as well.

We are in no rush. We just want to take each moment in. Enjoy every bit of it.

We're only halfway through this journey. But I continue to hold on to the God's promise of this tiny miracle. He will hold our hand till Flicker's arrival.

For now, I leave you with photos from our DIY photoshoot last weekend. We took advantage of the decors that my co-workers set-up for my farewell party at work.

Why I Blog

I blog because it helps me make sense of nonsensical things.

I blog because it helps me clear my head and process unfolding events in a more organized perspective.

I blog because it challenges and improves my communication skills.

I blog because I always have the nagging feeling to take note of every milestone I go through - regardless of the significance or impact it has made on my life.

I blog because I always believe that knowledge is power and that somewhere out there someone may benefit from my experiences.

But of late, I stopped blogging.

I stopped because I couldn't see sense out of anything.

I stopped because I couldn't clear my head no matter how hard I try.

I stopped because I couldn't communicate anymore.

I stopped because I couldn't see any milestones happening anymore.

I stopped because knowing didn't feel good anymore. It felt destructive, in fact.

And then, one day I woke up and decided to shrug off all that negativity.

It's time to get myself together and start writing again.

Why? Because really...there is so much happening around me that is worth taking note of.

There is so much to document. And share.

Life is good. It is hard sometimes. But being alive and able to experience living is already great on it's own.

Agree?

Photo Courtesy of Life Is Good

One Day At A Time

Saw this in ETSY last night.

My mantra for these past few months has been this. Monday is always exceptional heavy for me. If I can just lock myself at home for one more extra day I would. But no, I have to pull myself up. Face the day with conviction and all the positivity that I can muster.

Hang in there people! Before we know it, Friday's already around the corner.

Slowly Picking Up The Pieces

I have been away for sometime. I have been in and out of not so good times. But things are starting to be pieced together now. And I can only hope it's heading for the better now. What else is left for me to do anyways.

For the most part, I only held on to prayers. And of course, my family. 

Half of the year is almost gone. I hope that the remaining half of it is going to be all perky and bright in here. Gotta stay hopeful, gotta hold on to that tinge of positivity that's left in me. 

Ahhh always, always stormy days at this time of the year for me. Have to always remember, it only gets better from here.

On Making Choices

Just wanted to drop a quick hi! No i'm still not over my current predicaments but I do hope they will soon find their closures on their own. I sound really funny I know but when it's work issues I promised myself I will never, ever talk about them in detail here.

Apart from the eternal exhaustion, I do find silver linings on my daily struggles. I am learning a lot. And I really mean A LOT. That is enough for now. One day. My break will come. Note to self: Just sit tight. Be patient. Never forget.

Image Source

Optimism

My boss tells me I'm too optimistic.He wonders where I get it. When everything around me seems to be crumbling down.

He tells me that's good. But I should try to be cautiously optimistic.

I agree. But I don't have the slightest idea how to do that. Because I feel that the minute you start doubting your optimism (and creating plan B's, plan C's and D's) that's not being optimistic anymore.

So I would just rather remain as is right now. Cancer probably does that to you. Grows your faith. Keeps hope afloat on your side of the world.

Is being overly optimistic bad? They say anything in excess is always bad. Sigh.

AT this point though, I think staying a little more optimistic is the best thing for me to do. When I come to work, colleagues would ask where I get my energy or how do I keep my sanity intact despite every thing that's been happening around me lately. From my faith I guess. I learned how to surrender. And believe that every bad thing has an ending. And there is always a chance that tomorrow is going to be way better.

Right?

***all photos/quotes grabbed from Pinterest

Recipe: Very Dark Chocolate Cookies (Just The Way We Like It!)

Did I mention baking pastries scares me?

But like a true-blue masochist I never give up. Today I tried baking another pastry recipe. I had a big bottle of dark chocolate spread that nobody wants to eat and an upcoming playdate for the little miss. I thought what perfect excuse for me to try testing my luck at failures once again.

I scoured food blogs for a cookie recipe that's easy to follow and one that lists most of the ingredients I already have on hand. And this is the closest recipe I found. Except for the mixer, I have everything else on the list. So off I went to get my hands busy.

After about 12 minutes of baking, the cookies just came out perfect! Perfect even if just in my book.



Yields: 2 dozen 2 inch bite sized cookies
prep time: 1 hr and 30 (including freezing time)
baking time: 10-12 mins per batch

What You Will Need:

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (omit if using salter butter)
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup chocolate spread (the recipe called for nutella but I only have Nusco dark chocolate spread on hand)
1/3 cup full cream milk
chocolate buttons for topping (I used Goya dark chocolate buttons)

How I did it:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Farenheit (about 200 degrees Celcius)

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder and baking powder.

3. Cream butter and sugar until smooth (on electric mix 2 mins medium speed). Add the extracts and beat for another 30 secs. Add chocolate spread until thoroughly mix and consistency is smooth.

4. Add half of dry ingredients and mix. Next add milk and mix. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix completely.

5. I took the mixture out of the bowl and shaped it into a log after. I covered it with plastic wrap and refrigerated it for about 20-30 minutes (You can also make this 2-3 days ahead and just store in the fridge)

6. When you are ready to bake, grease your baking pan or line it with baking sheet/parchment paper. Cut the cookie dough in your desired thickness and size (our was about half an inch thick and 2 inch wide, just bite size piece). Roll it into a ball and flatten with your palms. I pressed a piece of chocolate buttons in the center since I'm a real chocoholic but you can opt to add a piece of walnut (or pecans or marshmallow) as well if you would prefer to use other toppings.

7. Bake for about 10-12 mins. Take out of the oven and let cool for about 5 mins.

Enjoy with your favorite tea, coffee or ice cream!

Update: Herb Garden

We went up to Tagaytay around the 3rd weekend of January to finally pick up new plants for our herb garden. I had so much fun picking I almost forgot we will bring them home to Cavite via public transport. We ended up getting about 9 plants for just P560. Quite a steal, considering we went home with a fully mature and already heavily flowering pot of cherry tomatoes.



I just harvested a handful of ripened cherry tomatoes a couple of days ago. I couldn't help. I had to take a photo. And they were good. I immediately whipped out a breakfast of greens and finished them with a very, very slight drizzled of Japanese mayonnaise.

When I visit my thriving garden in the mornings, I can't help but think: Life is good.

Recipe: Newbie Baker's Double Chocolate Loaf Cake

I love dessert! In fact, I am proud to call myself a dessert monster.

But me and baking, no we don't get along well. It all started, this fear to bake, during my sophomore year in high school. We had a group baking project then at our home economics teacher's house and I can't remember exactly what I was designated to do then but I just ended up with burnt cookies. I thought then that me and the oven are never going to be good friends.

Baking is one of the skills I am dying to learn but am so scared to try. But just as the cliche goes: Face Your Fears. So that is exactly what I did.

Guess what? I faced my fears and defeated it!!!

Here are the ingredients (recipe adapted from allrecipes.com):

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsps baking powder
1 1/4 cup fine muscovado sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted at room temperature
2 eggs, whisked lightly
1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate chips or shavings
1 cup full cream milk

How I did it:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celcius.
2. Sift together all dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder). Mix with sugar.
3. In a separate bowl mix melted butter, eggs and milk. Mix till thoroughly combined.
4. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until mixed thoroughly.
5. Drop chocolate chips/shavings into the mixture.
5. Spoon the mixture slowly into small (I used 8x4), greased loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes until toothpick test comes out clean.

ENJOY!!!! (I'm now so excited to try other cake/pastry recipes. I'm hoping to try using flax seeds and oatmeal next time. Care to share your recipes?)

Yields: 1 8 lb loaf cake (about 10 half inch slices)

Happy Birthday To The Love Of My Life!

I wasn't in the mood to throw a surprise. I was just tired coming from a 2-week vacation with no yaya in tow. I am not complaining really. Just stating a fact. The past 6 years that we were married, I always try to put together a simple surprise but this year, well, I had to improvise. Or rather be spontaneous. And make do with what was available.

So the kid insisted on cake blowing. I wanted to buy cake but the husband insisted it is not necessary. Still. We did our best with whatever was edible from the charred Calamansi muffins that I tried to bake the night before.

We sang happy birthday. And yes, I caught him getting teary-eyed. He lovingly thanked us and heartily kissed me and Maia. HE WAS HAPPY. And that's all that really matters, right?

Happy birthday hanibants! Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for all the support (or the lack thereof, yes, I still thank you for it because you always sort of balance my impulses). Cheers to 50 or even more (God-willing) birthdays we will celebrate together! We love you. To the moon and back. To infinity and beyond. To bottomless ka-corny-hans.

And yes, hard to believe but you are indeed 35!



And Maia takes credit for every word written on this card. I didn't have to say a thing. She just knew what she wanted to say.

Ready to Tackle 2014!

So it's a new year again. A fresh start for everyone. Have you listed down your resolutions? Well, I've personally stopped listing down mine a long time ago. But what I do is draft a plan for the year. Last year was a grand one that was put t a halt because I had to make a big room for a major change at work.

For 2014, I still am making plans. But nothing grand. I do not want to be overwhelmed this time. Just one project every quarter.

Q1 - Herb Garden Project. I've been keeping a Pinterest board for that project since the beginning of 2013. I hope to finally start that this weekend.

Q2 - Baking lessons. Tibs bought me a gas oven as a 2013 parting gift (also to commemorate all of the hardwork I've put in 2013. I plan to learn how to bake in Q2 in preparation for the kid's birthday as I want to make a homemade birthday cake for her this time.

Q3 - DIY Party for Maia's 6th birthday. I plan to do more crafts this quarter, improve on my artistic skills since I'm not really very creative. I'm one of those moms who really thank God for Pinterest. I want to do more DIYs this year. I want my little girl to feel I've put in more effort this time to make her birthday party more special.

Q4 - Home improvements. I plan to repaint our house this year. The last time we had our house repainted was Oct 2008 when I gave birth to Maia. I think it's high time we have it repainted. I've been planning to repaint it with teal. But the 3 of us will take a vote. We'll see how that goes.

That's how rough my plans are for 2014. Not filled with details but I'm just happy I got to list them down. I need to be constantly reminded so I'm posting them here.

How about you, have you drafted a list? My friend Toni's goals for 2014 are very inspiring. Go check it out here.

2013: In Retrospect - Career Defining Moment

I welcomed 2013 with a steady mindset. I didn't foresee anything exciting for the year but I looked forward to it with a fresh outlook. Just as how I've always viewed the new year as new beginnings.

But before the first quarter was over, I found my plate filled with totally unexpected new challenges. I was offered something that would eventually rock my world. Something that eventually forced me to put my mothering career aside and instead focus on my other love...that is mentoring. I couldn't complain. It came at the right timing. I had extra time in my hands anyways and the kid was not dependent on me anymore.

Suffice to say, it has been one heck of a rollercoaster ride since. For someone who totally abhors rollercoasters, this rollercoaster I'm riding has not stopped yet. And I don't think it's stopping anytime soon. Some days, it actually feels dizzying. But then again, I really couldn't complain. I am extremely blessed to be given this opportunity and the best way to show my gratitude I believe is for me to make good use of this blessing by providing the people I am mentoring the proper guidance and ensure we are all heading at the right direction.

My 2013 was also defined by travels. I planned for a lot of things mostly rooted to improving my home in 2013 but none of them were realized. Most of our weekends in 2013 were spent unpacking and then repacking our bags. But yes, I couldn't complain. Travels are great sources of learning and I am very grateful we had the chance to do that for our daughter.

Lots of lessons were learned in 2013 - career, relationships, roles. I learned the real meaning of priorities. I made the effort to be more prayerful and I discovered that prayers indeed work. YES. THEY. DO. and YES. THEY. WORK.

2013 was a huge year for me. And I am extremely grateful to everyone who made it the YEAR that it was for me. 

Six.

We're starting a new tradition this year (a tradition that I'm not really sure if we can sustain...but...), the morning of our anniversary we set off to fly out of Manila and into one of the most beautiful places here in the Philippines.

We never had a grand honeymoon so this serves as our little redemption. An 'almost' honeymoon with the kid and her yaya in tow.

No fancy dinners here. No fireworks. Surprise gifts for this year. But this place here. It's more than amazing for me.

Happy anniversary my hanibants. Thank you for taking me and your little princess here!

Scenes From Japan: Tokyo Skytree

So the night of our 4 cities in one day adventure, my coworker and I decided to head right straight to the Tokyo Skytree after checking in at the hotel. We were famished having skipped lunch so we can finish as many invoices as we can during our short stop at Gunma. We only had a piece of Onigiri each and a can of coffee to get us through our hunger. I guess we're also just too excited to rest that we both silently agreed to just directly attack the paper pile in front us till it was time to leave.

We left Kumagaya at around 4:30. Took the Shinkansen to Ueno and checked in at the hotel at around 6pm. We freshened up a bit and got ready for dinner at the Tokyo Skytree Town.

The Tokyo Skytree is a very popular landmark in Tokyo. It's a tall skyscraper currently ranking number 2 as the tallest structure in the world next to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. During my first trip to Tokyo, one of my coworkers pointed at the Skytree while we were on board the train to Kumagaya. It didn't really piqued my curiosity so when I came back it still wasn't on my must-see places. But my coworker convinced me it was really pretty in there at night so we decided to grab dinner there. It took us about 3 train transfers and less than 30 minutes to get to the Skytree from Ueno.

When we arrived at Oshiage station, we decided to explore Solamachi and the Skytree Town first. My co-worker being a frequent Japan visitor, has been here countless times but she was gracious enough to pretend as if it was her first. We considered trying out the tour but eventually decided not to push through. I was too cheap to pay for a the tour and I have not really gotten rid of my fear of heights yet. So after walking around for about 30 minutes, we decided to head up and eat. I couldn't remember now exactly which floor we decided to eat but it was definitely that part where set meals are served (hahaha). We were initially aiming to dine in one of those open kitchen restaurants but we didn't want to go home broke so we opted to remain within the range of practicality.

After dinner, we walked a little bit more but my coworker had to meet friends in Shibuya that night and I wanted to call home too so we headed back to Ueno at around 830. Is the Skytree a must-see even for people like me who avoid tourist-y places? I must say, yes. It still is. Go at night. I think it's beauty is really best appreciated at night.

(more photos after the jump)

Scenes From Japan: Four Cities in One Day

May 24

Tokyo, Japan

On the last day of our week during my travel last May to Niigata, my coworker and I was asked to help out the accounting staff in another site with some month-end invoices. That site is located in Gunma which is roughly about 2 and half hours by bullet train (Shinkansen) and bus from Nagaoka (the city we stayed in while we were in Niigata).

We woke up early to catch the 530 am train to Kumagaya so in turn we can catch the 8am bus to Gunma. I travel light but with a heavy laptop strapped to my back while walking and running around, my body was screaming tired already. But we gotta do what we were there to do and that is give assistance to anyone who needed our help so we shrugged off the exhaustion and pulled ourselves together to make our legendary four Japan cities in one day trip. As a headstart, we decided to skip breakfast at the hotel and just grab a quick one at the Kumagaya Station.

Early morning view of Japan from the Shinkansen

We arrived in Kumagaya around 730 and decided not to make a dash to catch the 755 bus anymore. We lingered a bit at Starbucks after grabbing breakfast and while waiting for the next bus at 810. I also took advantage of the rare treat to access wifi and spent about 15 minutes on Skype with my family back home. It felt good to finally see them after 5 days. 

After answering a few more emails, we headed to catch the bus and managed to get to the Gunma office at around 10am. We immediately attacked the tasked that was handed over to us hoping to finish and leave by 4pm. We wanted to get to Tokyo by 7-ish. And we did manage to do so.

Exhausted? Yes we were here. But the smile isn't faked because the following morning, we are heading home!

Next up, I'm going to share lots of photos and a short narrative of my first visit to the Tokyo Skytree. 

Hello September!

If this blog can talk, it probably would have stopped talking to me now due to broken heart and deep resentment from my neglect. I've been an absentee blogger. And yes dear blog, I deeply I apologize for that.

It is not my intention. But I'm probably just aging. And admittedly, I just couldn't make time to blog anymore. And they blocked everything at work now so I couldn't even squeeze blogging in during lunch breaks. Bummer, eh!????

So even if September is almost ending, I am compelling myself to finish this post.

September marks my anniversary with my current employer. This year, I celebrate my sixth year with them. That's the longest I've been with an employer. I usually remember my exact anniversary date but this year, I surprisingly forgot. Aging, I blame you again.

During my commute home on the day of anniversary, I reflected on the things I learned in the past six years. I think I was able to finish an 800 worded essay if I had a word processor installed inside my head then. It has been one heck of a roller coaster ride for me. First 3 years was a real struggle, then on the 4th year things started to make a turn for the better. On the 5th year, my efforts are starting to get noticed. This year, I can honestly say, I'm happy where I am now.

Through the years, I've learned that patience indeed is a virtue. But as virtues are, it can be earned and nurtured. I learned patience the hard way. And admittedly, I was a late bloomer in that department. Having less of patience on those early years, I did attempt to leave. But luck wasn't really on my side then. The first series of rejections really broke me and almost left my esteem bucket almost dry. I was jaded and was almost coming to work in auto-pilot mode. The enthusiasm left me.

I'm a totally changed person now. And I'm glad I am now in a place where my passions can be openly pursued. I love mentoring people. Young or old. I just hope the spark I have now will finally rub on the people that are with me now.

Ahhhh, despite confessing to being happy, I know I still have a long way to go. So I continue to pray for strength and wisdom to make the right decisions.

Enough senti. Hello and almost goodbye, September.

Happy Place: Mandaue Foam

This weekend has been a very productive one. We accomplished a lot and yet still manage to maximize rest by claiming the entire afternoon for siesta. Ain't that just the perfect weekend?

The highlights of this weekend were my date with the little miss yesterday and my furniture store date with the husband this morning.  I already documented about yesterday's highlight here, so let me rave about this morning this time.

Mandaue Foam has been in my list of must-visit-shops for sometime now. But the when it comes to shopping, my husband and I have this silent rule to never go to a must-visit-shop unless the necessity arises or unless there's an ongoing sale. Saves us the heartache brought about by either impulsive buying or not being able to buy anything because we can't effin' afford an item.

Today however fit both of our criteria so we made the trip even if we both hated going out of the house on a Sunday. We don't regret it because the trip was a success.

We've been saving up for a replacement to sofa for sometime now. And finally we found that replacement at 25% off. I don't know if it's because we were in the shop early so the staff had lots of energy to help us but I really like how helpful they were without being too pushy (if you know what I mean). And they seem to be very knowledgeable about their products which is another plus.

The husband and I found several items that we think we also need at home but we have yet to make room for those in our budget so we had to forego. But Mandaue Foam has now definitely found it's way to our list of happy places. We'll definitely go back. Hopefully, they do another one of this major sale soon!

Here's a list of MF branches here in Metro Manila:

RIZAL
Cainta, Rizal
KM 23, Ortigas Avenue Extension
Brgy. San Juan
(02) 660 6457 or (02) 656 6804

MANILA
Mandaluyong City
#489 Shaw Blvd.
Brgy. Addition Hills
(02) 721 0661 to 65

MANILA
Quezon City
Quezon Ave. corner BMA Street
Brgy. Dona Josefa
(02) 711 0801 to 03

MANILA
Las Piñas City
487 Alabang Zapote Road
Brgy. Almanza Uno
(02) 556 5621 or (02) 556 6086

The branch nearest to us is the one in Las Pinas and this was a 3-storey building filled with all the good stuff. And at first, I thought they were really expensive items but drop by during sale season like this and the catalog prices won't be as intimidating anymore.

Sharing photos I took from this morning's trip. Unfortunately, their sale ends tomorrow. But if you badly need a furniture fix, a trip to Mandaue Foam tomorrow might just be worth it.

Sale starting at 25% off and up to 40% off

everything just looks beautiful!

sofas for as low as P8000 (catalog price, no discount yet),
sets going for P15000 (no discount applied yet)

view from the second floor

throwpillows and cases starting at 250php

Recipe: Breakfast Burrito

photo posted in Instagram

A few weeks ago, my college bff who is now based in the US was here from a month long vacation. We got together over dinner with our respective families and other college buddies. We started reminiscing about my brief stay with her when I visited the US in 2007.

The day after our dinner meet up, I remembered the first meal I had in CA was a fat tasty burrito. I took an early flight out of Phoenix then to spend a weekend with her in Orange County. She picked me up from the airport and we drove through a burrito place. That memory had me craving for burritos. Luckily, I saved a packed of tortilla bread in our freezer. I quickly searched the web for a simple breakfast burrito recipe and realized that well, I can easily make my own recipe up...with whatever is available in our fridge.

So I thawed the tortilla out. Heated the pan. And started chopping. I didn't think my family would like it, but they surprisingly did. It was a hit, especially to my little girl.

Shared a photo in instagram and a few friends asked for a recipe. So here goes, my very easy quick breakfast burrito recipe.

Cooking time: really quick, like 5 mins
Prep time: depends on how fast you chop and how many you would be chopping but roughly 10mins in my case

What you will need:

- tortilla bread, I used herbed tomato tortilla from French Baker
- shredded lettuce, I used iceberg for this one
- plum tomatoes, chopped
- white onion, chopped
- bell peppers (red, green, yellow, whatever you have), chopped
- grated cheese
- scrambled eggs
- Japanese mayo
- optional -- diced leftover chicken, longganisa, tocino

tortilla

How to assemble:

- reheat your tortilla bread, takes about 1-2 mins per side or when the bread is already soft enough to roll
- squeeze about a teaspoon of japanese mayo and spread thinly unto one side of the tortilla.
- dump in the veggies. I took a spoonful of each since the tortilla is small (just about 6 inches in diameter)
- top with scrambled eggs and grated cheese
- roll firmly to form a log.
- enjoy!!!

Ryan Says...

I just love this guy. (Unfortunately, he doesn't love me back. Haha. But I'm equally happy with the love I'm getting my the hubs and yes, of course, I love him more). I'm still hungover from watching The Place Beyond The Pines. I'm no movie critic so I won't post a review of that movie. Although I am strangely drawn to movies of this nature (Have you watched Drive and Blue Valentine? He was amazing on those movies, too.). And I just have to say this -- dress him in rags and he'd still look gorgeous. Haha. 'Nuff said.