Busy ant

The ant was too busy to notice me...good thing I didn't seem to disturb him! lol. ;)

Food Friday

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

Ms. Ann, who owns the blog Ann Ordinario: Wife, Mom, PT (Celebrating Life), with her blog post: Dinner at Tony Roma's Ribs Seafood Steak

Ribs, seafood, and steaks...now who wouldn't be enticed by those three yummy words! Plus of course those tempting shots...if you want to learn more, then do visit Ms. Ann's blog. I love her header (though of course it has nothing to do with the featured post, lol. I just love how she personalized it) and the simple and elegant lay-out of her blog. Expect not only yummy food posts, but also some amazing nature shots! 

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This week's food post is Fried Rice (with cheese, squash and tofu). I know, kind of weird, right? ;)

Ingredients:

• steamed rice
• squash (cut into thin strips)
• tofu (sliced and fried)
• cheese slices (I used cheddar cheese)
• scrambled eggs
• cooking oil, pepper and salt
• fish sauce (optional)

Procedure:

• I marinated the tofu slices overnight first (soy sauce, paprika, mixed herbs: rosemary, sage, thyme, and basil), then fried them. After letting them cool, I sliced them thinly.
• while waiting for the pan to become hot, prepare the rice (usually we use leftover steamed rice for this dish; much easier to handle). Just a matter of separating the grains, making sure it will be heated through.
• Saute the squash slices; this wouldn't take long, adding a bit of salt, if you want. Remove and place together with the tofu.
• Cook the scrambled eggs, then remove and place together with the tofu and squash.
• Usually the scrambled eggs will absorb all the oil, so you need to add another tablespoon or so of cooking oil.
• Once hot, add the rice and stir to make sure it's heated through. Add salt and pepper, if you want.
• Add the scrambled eggs, squash, and tofu to the rice and mix again. I added fish sauce at this point. Once you're satisfied, transfer to a serving plate. Top with sliced cheddar cheese.
• Enjoy together with your viand.

I paired the fried rice together with some fresh tomato slices and fish (cooked in a bit of water, vinegar, salt, pepper, chili, and lots of garlic).  :)

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

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Interesting Green Bug

The cats were playing with this bug when we found it...we were sure they weren't going to eat it, but still we had to get this bug away from the cat's paws and mouth! We set it free after I took some shots... :)

Food Friday

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

Ms. Kriska Marie, who owns the blog Sweet Nothings, with her blog post: Tender Bob's

I must admit, I have a sweet tooth myself so I would definitely go for one of these! Good thing that's not the only one that Ms. Kriska Marie had posted...there are lots! So let's go and check out what's she's having and how she's liking (or not liking) them, so far!  

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Burger Patties in Mushroom Sauce...one of my easy to-go-to meal when am pressed for time. Like a couple of days ago. :D

Ingredients:

• ground pork (or beef)
• seasonings like pepper, salt, different dried herbs (i used thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano), and soy sauce
• rolled oats (around a fistful)
• eggs for binding
• onions and garlic finely chopped

Sauce:

• a can of mushrooms (or you may use fresh), sliced and water removed
• cornstarch and water mix (i used about a tsp cornstarch to half a cup of water)
• chicken stock
• butter, milk
• salt, pepper

Procedure:

For the meat:

• Mix everything then set aside for a bit to let the ingredients get to know each other.
• Then form into patties and fry. Or you may bake them (way healthier, I think).
• Set aside again, and make the sauce.

Sauce:

• You may use the pan where you fried/baked the patties. Remove excess oil (around a tbsp. or two should be enough). Add the butter, then chicken stock. Let boil till it has reduced somewhat.
• Add mushrooms and milk, then the cornstarch/water mix. Mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper, if needed. When you're satisfied with the thickness of the sauce, remove from the fire and spoon over the patties.
• Dig in!

I paired the patties with some tomatoes and peas. Would have wanted to have it with rice, but was really pressed for time, so we had it with bought bread instead. It was an ok dinner, I guess. Nothing fancy but it did fill some hungry stomachs! lol.

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

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Rainy Days

The rainy days are definitely here again. I like rains, but not when there are floodings. Like yesterday at North Avenue..saw a picture and I was honestly surprised that the water level there could reach that high!

sigh.

What you wear...

Do you have a friend (or a son/daughter) who likes wearing hip hop clothes? I know it's a phase (like most of everything else) and I honestly like it. I guess am not much into formal wear (quite unlike hubby, lol) and if you'd take a peek at my wardrobe you won't find any gowns there or anything. Well, save for my wedding dress (and I can't even say it is very formal - I designed it myself!), which am sure doesn't fit me anymore! LOL.

I guess for me comfort ALWAYS comes first. So, as long as it looks decent (no overly revealing get-ups, please) then it's fine with me! :)

Weird

I know that looks weird. I inverted the colors and added a lomo-ish effect. Courtesy of picasa3, of course. :)

Random Thought

When I delivered our sons hubby wanted to try one of those gurkha cigars and offer them to friends. I know, they are not really a tradition around here (as far as I know, lol), and that's why he couldn't give some away since he didn't know where to get them! Good thing getting them online is now possible, but those days internet access was limited. Unlike now. The internet's more accessible now; there are more free wifi spots around the country (though sometimes the speed is questionable) and there are more sites to choose from!

Honestly, am loving this internet evolution! :)

Busy Me?

Lately I haven't had much time to go online since there seems to be more things that I need to do than ever! Well, I know it's just a matter of prioritizing things, but...I guess I choose to make taking care of the kids more of a priority now. Oh, don't get me wrong: they have always been my priority. Only, now I choose to actually cook more than have food delivered most of the time.

Yeah, those food delivery services were very happy to have us as loyal customers. lol. Now we're trying to lessen the urge. Actually, I am. That's why my internet time has been cut-off. Going to the market, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids...and at the end of the day am beat.

ZZzzz. No more time to go online. I.Need.Sleep. Like now. :D

Online Business Protection

Going online these days is so easy and relatively affordable compared to how things were around ten years ago. Well, at least in my country that's how it was. That's why owning an internet/online business is profitable, as long as you know how things run and of course, if you know how to protect yourself and your business (specially if you handle online sites for clients). There are bound to be errors and omissions one time or the other, and if your clients can't log into their site for an hour or so then they are bound to complain. Or worse, they may sue!

I actually thought of partnering with someone who owns an online business, but have backed out since I wasn't sure if I could commit my time.

Seems like I need to do some more research before I venture into it. I still like the idea, though. :)

Food Friday

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

Ms. Jenn, who blogs over at Tara Let's Eat, with her blog post: Lunch, the Cafe d'Asie Way

What a tempting shot! Ms. Jenn's post last week might be picture-heavy, but it was definitely worth it! Lots of yummy shots, it was almost like I was there with them! If you want to see some more well-taken food shots, then don't hesitate: Go and check out her site! :)

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Another simple and easy dish for today: Avocado, Tomato, and Lettuce Salad!

Ingredients:

• avocado
• tomatoes
• lettuce
• dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, dried dill, chili flakes (optional)

Procedure:

• Slice the avocados and tomatoes.
• Shred the lettuce (or any greens that you like). Put on a bowl together with the avocado and tomatoes.
• Mix the dressing ingredients in a clean empty jar. Shake well. Pour over avocado, lettuce, and tomato mix. You may chill the salad, or consume them at room temperature.

I ate my salad right away; I love avocados! :D

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

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Food Friday

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

Ms. Peachkins, who blogs over at The Peach Kitchen, with her blog post: St. Dalfour Fruit Conserves and a BIG Breakfast.

We all know that it is important to eat breakfast. Whether it' be a hearty breakfast  or a light one, what's important is that we get the energy we need to help us kickstart our day! The breakfast featured in Ms. Peachkin's post is definitely one that my family would absolutely LOVE! Most of us would want, if given the chance, lol. There are other yummy treats posted at The Peach Kitchen, so why don't we head on over there and check them out!

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The main ingredients for this week's dish is something that I almost always have around the house, but this is the first time that I got to cook them together: chicken and oranges. Yup, this week we had Orange Chicken. :)

This is the recipe that I followed: Asian Orange Chicken (click here to go to the site), with loads of "revisions" on my part. :D

Ingredients

• Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
•  
• Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
3. In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

**Obviously, I didn't use chicken breasts and instead of coating them in flour and frying them, I cooked them first in the marinade (I wanted to be sure that my chickens were cooked through) for about 30minutes before the frying process. I reduced the remaining liquid a bit then added the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken it. Drizzled the finished sauce on to the fried chicken.

**I also used 1/2 cup orange juice (instead of 2tbsp) and 1/4 cup calamansi juice (instead of lemon).

I was surprised that it did taste like it was supposed to; yes, I was expecting the recipe to be a failure but I was happy that I was wrong! lol. Even my sons liked it. :)

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

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#Giveaway: Get Fit! Healthy Awareness Event

Hi There! Welcome to the Get Fit! Health Awareness Giveaway Event hosted by a delicious obsession!This event is help kick off the summer and hot weather with some products that will help you get on the right track to a healthier life, getting in shape or staying in shape, etc. I'm hoping this event (and prizes) will help motivate people to get outside and enjoy the weather and to help people learn about healthy eating, exercising, and more.



This event will be running from July 1st to July 15th. The giveaway will end at 11:59pm on the 15th. There are over $240 in prizes. Most of these prizes include books, but they are very beneficial books that will help you with healthier eating, exercising, stretching, and more. There will be one winner. Thanks and lots of luck to all who enter!



Prize #1: TranscenDance CD - This CD is a very inspiring music CD that will be great to listen to while you're working out, running/jogging, dancing etc. It's by Michael Bernard Beckwith. Valued at $17.95.



Prize #2: The Fat Chick Works Out! {Book & DVD} - A book that's about fitness that is suitable for all ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities. Valued over $35.



Prize #3: Kendall GelThotics - Silicone gel shoe inserts that will relieve foot/leg pain so men and women and stay active. It offers the highest level of shock absorption than any insert on the market. It fits all men's and women's shoes. Valued at $59.99 per insert.



Prize #4: Why You Can't Lose Weight - This book is great for the person who has tried many of things to lose weight but can't seem to get it off. It will help you identify any possible health problems that you may have that are keeping you from losing weight. Valued at $16.95.



Prize #5: Bite It & Write It! - This is the perfect book to help you keep track of what you eat and drink. It offers journal space and weekly goals. It will also provide you with a list of healthier foods to choose from. Valued at $7.95.



Prize #6: The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Quick Total Body Workouts = $14.95
The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Pilates on the Mat = $16.95
The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Belly-Fat Weight Loss = $18.95
The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Eating Paleo = $18.95

Gym-Free and Ripped = $16.95 



Prize #7: 30 day supply of Smart Mune - Smart Mune is an all-natural immunity supplement. It's an natural supplement that is clinically proven to safely strengthen your body. A 30 day supply is valued at $39.95.  



Prize #8: Men's or Women's Tank Top from My Good Gear - Good Gear has active-wear that absorbs quickly which will help keep the wearer dry and odor-free. Winner's choice on item valued $22. 




To enter this giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter form below.

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