MR. MINESTRONE

Haligilet loves minestrone! And so, to make up for the time I've spent away from him, I made an attempt to replicate his favorite minestrone experience here at home.

My recipe is more "Pinoy" because most of the ingredients I used where just the veggies I had in our ref crisper, and aren't found in the Italian recipe. Kumbaga, umeffort mag-experiment ba! Hahaha.

So here's my version of minestrone. Feel free to this healthy kiddie palate-friendly dish!

Ingredients

3 tbsps. butter
1 medium onion chopped
150 grams boiled chicken breast deboned and flaked
2 chicken cubes
100 grams cubed squash (to replace zucchinis)
100 grams cubed carrots (to replace the kidney beans)
1 pouch tomato sauce
1 cup cooked pasta, ideally macaroni
(but I used the leftover cooked spaghetti from Haligilet's birthday)
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 small pechay, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

1) Melt butter over low heat.
2) Saute onion and add flaked chicken breast.
3) Add chicken cubes, saute for two minutes.
4) Add squash and carrots and saute for a minute.
5) Add tomato sauce plus 2-3 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
6) Add cooked pasta and celery. Simmer.
7) Add pechay leaves (and celery tips) and simmer for an additional minute.
8) Add salt and pepper to taste.
9) Serve hot with crackers.
Makes 7-8 servings.

I attempted to take a picture of the finished product but couldn't get a decent one because Haligilet was getting impatient. And who was I to be a roadblock to his favorite dish? :)

Happy cooking (and eating)!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WEEKEND BUMMER

I am sick again. Check out my loot for the weekend... With the on-again, off-again rains and pollution bundled with stress, my rhinitis and asthma are doing an encore--and how! Getting sick on a weekend is the pits. Why couldn't I just get sick on a Monday? Hehehe!

I remember my worst rhinitis attack was back in my old office. So much was my allergies that my eardrums popped and I couldn't hear clearly for about a week! This I blame on the dust and mites especially since my old office had wall to wall carpeting.

After a series of cold spells doing the rounds on all my former officemates' respiratory system, the building administration FINALLY deemed it fit to hire carpet cleaners. A bit of scrubbing, a dash of shampoo, punctuated with vacuuming, and voila--our lungs finally cleared up.

Thanks to regular and systematic carpet cleaning, the world would be a much better place.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

A NEW JOURNEY

One down, one more day to go. Despite a satisfactory Saturday, I consider this weekend to be one of the longest and loneliest of my life.

I missed my husband and son all the more after getting off the phone with Haligi this morning. He called to tell me that my fil was toying with the idea of selling our Ford. Oh nooo!!! Our pick-up, Ivory, has a lot of sentimental value to us. You see, we took some of our first trips as a family aboard that white beauty. And although it could be such a gas guzzler, we loved it to bits. For practicality's sake however, we chose to have the pick-up exiled in Haligi's hometown, and took our subsequent family trips using our black van, Charcoal.

All alone here in Manila, I surfed the net for pictures of our Ford "friend" and did a bit of reminiscing. Over at TheCarConnection.com, I was able to see a wide array of pictures, reviews and specs of Ivory's Ford family in every form, make and size--from SUVs, to pick-ups, to sedans. I remembered the great memories and journeys made on that great vehicle. It will truly be missed.

I hope my fil will reconsider.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

IT'S A DATE: MEET AND GREET WITH A'S AUTO LOAN

What I thought would be a long and gloomy weekend is turning out to be better than I thought. Aside from my home decorating session scheduled for tomorrow, my best friend A, has agreed to accompany me while I go shopping for Haligilet's party.

A, who used to be connected with the world's premiere cosmetic brands (goodbye freebie make-up, goodbye!), is now working for one of the country's leading real estate firms. And since she recently got her new set of wheels via a company-guaranteed auto loan, she wanted to take me for a spin. Nakkks!!!

Speaking of which, it would be great if the online car loans were made available here in Pinas. An online car loan exchange like apexautoloan.com is ideal to cut down on, aside from paperwork, unnecessary queuing time, phone conversations, credit checks and what have you. Paperless is indeed the way to go!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

HOME ALONE

Haligi and Haligilet are away for the weekend. So it's my turn to stay home...alone! Huhuhu!

There are times when I question my career change. Sure I get loads of travel opportunities and get to earn more than my previous job. But will these measure up against the lost time with friends and family? Is it worth it?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MEET THEIR FEET

This was probably what Haligilet thought when he walked into the venue of the book launching event that we attended last night. After all, he was the youngest AND smallest guest in the room. But as you can see, he had no trouble blending in with crowd...
Oh, and he raised his OJ during the toast, by the way. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ITALIAN MADNESS @ MIDNIGHT MADNESS

Our family had a dinner date at the nearby shopping mall. A Friday night date has already been a tradition for Haligi and me ever since we started going out, and we carried on even after our wedding. And this Friday of all Fridays, was extra special because we had a special guest--our very own Haligilet.Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TELL ME WHY I DON'T LIKE (THIS) SUNDAY

Tigsh...Tigsh...Tigsh...a jeepney's speakers blared outside our window, rousing us from our sleep. Quite jarring, if you ask me, especially on an early Sunday morning. Plus, you really wonder what the hell a jeepney was doing on this side of the metropolis on such an unholy hour.

At times like these, I wish these modes of transportation discover the new wave of HD radios such as the Polk iSonic ES2. HD radios have been dubbed as the new generation of digital broadcasting, transmitting CD-quality sound for local radio stations--covering bother FM and AM bands. For the discriminating driver, one may even opt to do some iPod tagging with this new digital radio technology. Whichever method one chooses, the HD radio experience promises to be one tremendous technology leap from the past--a far cry indeed from the bass-y and hiss-y radio signals of yesteryears.

Here's hoping for more peaceful Sundays ahead!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

OFF TO A GOOD START

As promised, I will rest my body, mind and spirit this weekend. And this is what I call starting the weekend right...EKS-OH-EKS-OH

OH NOSE!

After being swamped during the past few weeks, I completely forgot about this... I would've wanted to offer my pass up for grabs to you, but unfortunately, it's non-transferable. Sorry guys. This weekend, I will rest my mind, body and spirit.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

DESTRESS

How I wish this long and toxic week will end. But it won't. Not until this Sunday at least.

I've got articles to write, an AVP to finish, another out-of-town trip to work on, a booth layout to polish, and a financial reporting document to decode. Saklolo!!!

Destress muna...

Happy weekend to everyone, except me. Huhuhu.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WEEKEND SNAPSHOT #5

Being cooped up in a one-bedroom "mansion" can be quite a stretch for an energetic toddler. And so he explores his surroundings every chance he gets. Welcome to Haligilet's playground...EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FLUSHED, LITERALLY

Pasintabi na muna po sa mga kumakain...

Last Sunday, after depositing my mil at the derma, I suddenly felt the urge to, uhm, well..."move". Hahaha. And so, with Haligilet in tow, we went to the the restroom of Rustan's, located at the 2nd floor. Poor Haligilet, with no one to watch over him, had to share the restroom stall, and endure the wrath of his maver's stinkbombs.

I stiffled my laughter as his expression shifted from jolly chitchatter to nauseous bystander. And when he couldn't contain himself any longer, he goes...

Haligilet: What's that Mama? Is that your pupu, Mama? Your pupu's bahu Mama!

(giggles outside the stall)

Maver (trying to maintain her composure): No, baby. That's
YOUR pupu. YOUR pupu's bahu.

Haligilet: No, Mama. That's YOUR pupu. YOUR pupu's bahu.

(laughter outside the stall)

EEEEK, DYAHEEE. Hay Lord, please flush my flushed persona down the toilet!!!

Sa mga nasa restroom ng Rustan's nuong mga oras na yun--opo, ako po yun. I will gladly sign autographs on toilet paper. Mwahaha.

Darn, I should've stayed at home.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TO BE OR NOT TO BE, WRINKLE-FREE

My in-laws just left after spending the entire weekend in our home. Since I was more of liability than an asset as shopping companion, my mother-in-law deemed it best to spare me the agony of limping around the mall (I was also temporarily off toddler watch to--greatness! Hehehe!)

Instead, mil decided to check out if Murad Resurgence is being offered at Heaven on the 5th in Rustan's. Totally not a bad deal for me because I could hang out at one of my favorite cafes--UCC. Wuhoo!!!

What triggered mil's decision to have her facial in Manila was her LA-based best friend's (our Ninang V) raves on Resurgence, a clinically proven anti-aging remedthat helps restore lost moisture, accelerate healthy cell turnover, increase firmness and elasticity, and even help reduce hormonal breakouts. Looks like my mil was totally convinced after viewing the link to the Resurgence infomercial, which Ninang V emailed a few weeks ago.

The downside was, the Belo clinic was fully-booked! She just had to set an appointment to coincide with her next trip to Manila. Haaay, nakakadagdag daw ng wrinkles! Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

HOLY SMOKES

What is it with men and their cigars? Ooops, that didn't sound too good, huh?

Anyway, it puzzles me, up until now, why cigars are such a big hit. The first thing that actually comes to mind, is a vision of the supernatural puffing them cigars. Hehehe. So I am most amused by the sheer number of men, especially foreigners, sporting cigars at Greenbelt's Havana on weekends. The resounding Brazilian music can be quite irritating to, if you ask me, especially because it echoes up to our street! Also, more often than not, I become the receiving end of smoke coming from them cigars because hanging out at nearby Starbucks has become a weekend habit for me.

I guess it's safe to say that cigars have become a status symbol of sorts. It is also testament of one's social stature and discriminating taste because they, especially the paraphernalia, don't exactly come cheap. Over at famous-smoke.com, a host of superior quality cigars and a wide variety of cigar humidors, cigar cutters and accessories are readily avail accessible. You'd be surprised how imaginative cigar-smoking can be!

Do remind me though, to skip Starbucks the next time!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FRIDAY THE 15TH

I am reeking of liniment, and will probably be so for the next few days.

At noontime today, I landed on all fours on the sidewalk, twisting my ankle in the process. More than the pain of a swollen foot, what hurt more was a bruised ego, as I fell in front of the lunch crowd at the street across the New World Hotel. Anobuzzz, nakakahiyaaa!!!

I guess this is some divine intervention to keep me away from the Rockwell Urban Bazaar. Huhuhu.

The pain is unbearable. I've tried both hot and cold compress and am now on liniment therapy. I also tried browsing for other remedies for sprains and discovered magnet therapy. I found it at relieforganics.com, an interesting site on magnetic therapy products. According to the site, magnetic therapy refers to the use of magnets for rapid healing of inflamed painful joints, neck and back pains, and even sports injuries. Interesting indeed.

It sure won't hurt to try out these products. If only they were available in Pinas!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

S&R LOOT

S&R time once again. Wuhoo! Check out my cart stash--a limited edition. :D

Aside from the usual pizza, chips and dips, check out what Haligilet took home...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MURANO IT IS!

This weekend, sil mentioned that they were currently in the market for a new car. Their van has been with them for over five years now and they felt that it was time to retire it. Party to the Nissan line, she said that they were seriously considering the Nissan Livina because of its ideal size for their growing family and because of its fuel efficiency.

I suggested she consider browsing Nissan Dealer MA, an online resource containing a huge selection of new & used Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs. And while the site currently showcases services to Wellesley, Marlboro, Natick, Needham, Milford, and Framingham, MA areas, it would surely provide them with valuable insights and tips which would come in handy in the decision-making process.

True enough, they found the car they liked at Nissan Dealer MA. The fancied the Nissan Murano! The Murano combines the driving attributes of a car with the elevated seating position and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle. Also in its favor is a spacious interior, a powerful V6 engine and distinctive styling.

With its ideal and stylish frame, the Murano would surely provide them with a fabulous ride, while exploring the countryside or plying the streets of Metro Manila. Thanks to Nissan Dealer MA, my sil's family finally found the next car of their dreams.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LUNCH @ LEGASPI

With gas prices on the rise, Haligi and I decided to let the van rest for the day. Braving the overcast skies, and with Haligilet in tow, we walked to good ole Legaspi Sunday Market to hear mass and to grab today's brunch.Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BAG OF BEANS, LOADS OF CHARM

Our family trips to Tagaytay are never complete without a stopover at our favorite coffee place. Bag of Beans, that quaint, cozy, little bakeshop-cum-coffee shop (and now conference venue) is tucked away at a clearing right past the city proper, and serves a wide array of mouth-watering breads, desserts, and pies. Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH