Mom-Finds: CookPlus and Boroseal from Lock & Lock

Last Friday of the month:  Shopping / Kitchen finds

"From the leading food storage solutions comes a new line of cooking aids that have gone from just a shelf item to a healthy cooking utility." - Lock & Lock

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Kid-Style: Ready for the Rain

Wow, second Kid-Style within a week! I just got inspired by our crazy Philippine weather -- it's still the rainy season in our side of the globe.  I'm taking this chance to feature these cute and adorable tykes in their fun and stylish rain gear.

It's been sunny and rainy, on and off, for months now, so let's take a look at how these little ones gear up before heading out on a rainy day.

Keeping it cool - my girl, in her favorite hoodie vest, Salt Water sandals, and rainbow umbrella

Siblings Z and X in coordinated colors -- X in chic blue polka coat

N is pretty in pink, sunny and bright from head to toe

You won't miss little boy D in his oversized bold red jacket

Handsome DW as the dark knight, ready to brave the rain

Baby M, warm and bundled up in her pants and hearts-printed jacket

T is all suited up for a foggy drizzling day in Baguio...love her boots!

Such a girly-girl, S is very dainty in her dress and sweater

Little miss M is pink and proud in her fancy Hello Kitty ensemble

Now and then, M is one stylish kid, well-dressed even on dull rainy days

These kids' big smiles and stylish get-up will surely brighten up the most dreary days! =)

Typhoon season is not yet over in the Philippines.  What's your typical rain gear?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Are You Getting 8 Hours of Sleep?

I'm not a morning person.  I'm the type who can stay up late until dusk... just don't let me go hungry!  I'm also not the type who can just doze off anywhere.  It takes some time for me to get sleepy.

Wish I could sleep like a baby!

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Kid-Style: Best in Filipiniana

Five Fridays for August... today is the fourth... time for Freestyle Friday!

I can't believe I have not posted a special Kid-Style feature in over a year!

Since August is also the National Language Month - "Buwan ng Wika", schools celebrate with cultural programs with students garbed in their best Filipiniana costume.  It used to be just Linggo ng Wika (national language week) in my time, but now the commemoration is the whole month of August.  Why August?  It's the birth month of former president Manuel L. Quezon (August 19), who is considered the father of the national language (Ama ng wikang pambansa), so it's like a tribute to him as well.

In line with Buwan ng Wika, KID-STYLE presents these adorable children in their most creative, most formal, traditional, and fabulous Filipiniana attire. =)

From the Cordilleras... an elegant Kalinga / Ga'dang-inspired ensemble

X, 7 y.o.

Cute girls in a classic Patadyong (wrap skirt) and Kimona top

T, 4 y.o.

A, 3 y.o.

Handsome twins in formal garb - a modernized Barong Tagalog

Twins G and G, 5 y.o.

Off to battle in a native Katipunero look

J, 6 y.o.

Traditional southern Datu Raja inspired costume

E, 10 y.o.

A crafty take on Visayan ruler Lapu Lapu

G, 7 y.o.

The Philippines has diverse cultural influences throughout our history, and these are reflected in the various Filipiniana costumes, as presented by students during celebrations such as the Buwan ng Wika.

Can you imagine these 'costumes' were a regular attire then?  =)

p.s. In case you're wondering, my kids are not featured here since they do not have any Filipiniana costume. Only the boy had participated in school three years ago and I can't seem to find a photo of him.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Cranberry Cocktail Drink

I've been buying Tipco 100% Fruit and Veggie juices for several years now, and it's one of the many juice brands that I include in our grocery list.

I can't tell you enough how healthy their juices are, having an impressive set of health benefits in every pack -- made with no preservatives, no flavorings, no colorings, nor sweeteners.  Among it's 22 fruit and veggie juices, one of our favorites is the superfruit variety, Cranberry mixed fruit juice.  Superfruit is classified as being nutrient-dense and high in antioxidants.

You may be wondering - how did I end up making a cocktail out of this very healthy drink?

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Own a Letter Necklace by Panopio for Zalora!

I love jewelry. I appreciate good design and fine craftsmanship.  For a short time, I even ventured into selling loose diamonds and limited edition jewelry pieces.  So yes, I know my way around precious metals and stones. =)  I really consider them as an investment, and if I were to choose, I'd go for fine jewelry over designer shoes and bags in a heartbeat.

Here's the newest addition to my modest jewelry collection - a shiny new 'M' letter necklace courtesy of Panopio. This beautiful and classic Block Letter Initial Pendant is part of Panopio for Zalora - a custom line of jewelry exclusively designed and crafted by Panopio for online store Zalora.

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Fun Friday: McCelebrations Take-Out Party for the Grannies

Third Friday of the month:  Events / Celebrations

Can you imagine a kiddie party especially prepared for grandparents?

Well, we did just that.  Last Sunday, we had a McCelebrations "party delivery" - made possible only by McDonald's!

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Not Just Breakfast Drinks

"Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper."
I believe in this saying, and I've already written about this on my nutrition post here.  But I admit it's difficult for me to follow especially with the morning rush to work or school.

On most mornings, I end up drinking my usual oat or cereal drink. Since we've been experiencing chilly, rainy days lately, I thought I'd share what I've been drinking to warm me up, even during the afternoons.  And if you've been following me on Instagram, you might have seen these already. =)

The newest addition to my list of preferred warm beverages is Milo Overload Cereal Drink with Soya.  Just like our usual Nesvita Cereal Drink, Milo Overload is very tasty with it's chocolate flavor, and can keep me full for a few hours until it's time for my lunch.

Milo Overload is not as chocolatey as regular Milo. This is lighter in flavor but mixed with cereal bits which is what I like about these types of drinks.  This will definitely be added to my regular grocery list.

SRP @ PhP 6 per sachet

Among the many different tea variants I've tried, this Yogi Seven-Berry Antioxidant tea remains to be one of my favorites!  This was part of a Christmas basket we received, and I later discovered that Yogi brand carries a wide array of flavors and healthy tea varieties.

This berry tea is slightly sweet and fruity.  I even add a teaspoon of honey at times.  On warmer days, I steep the tea for a few minutes then pour it over lots of ice for  an instant refreshing iced berry tea! Each tea bag even has a quote at the end of the thread.

I am not a coffee drinker, but if I do have a cup of instant coffee, it's either a decaf, or Kopiko Brown 3-in-1 Coffee!  I really like the aroma and rich creamy flavor.  Sometimes, I mix a tablespoon of Hershey's cocoa powder when I'm craving for a cafe mocha. =)

The new Kopiccino with extra choco granules is a winner too!  My husband also loved it's sweet frothy goodness, so we got the biggest pack on our last trip to the supermarket.  He doesn't use his granules so I get a double dose of choco topping when I get a cup in morning or for an afternoon coffee break.

This is NOT a drink... but who wouldn't want to have a bowl of champorado on a cold rainy day?  If I have the time to make some, this will be for brunch. ;)

What's your favorite breakfast drink?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Oysters Teriyaki with Cookplus Ceramica

A quick post for today...
I have quite a few features lined up for the coming weeks and I just have to put this in before I totally forget - I promised to share this dish sometime back.  Of course, my spanking new Ceramica pan inspired me to do this super quick and delectable seafood dish one dinner time.

After attending the Lock and Lock event last month, I finally got to tick off an item from my kitchen wish-list -- this CookPlus Ceramica frying pan in mustard yellow! =)  And they're 20% OFF!

These were my actual Instagram shots I took as soon as I got home, and the oyster dish above, just minutes after cooking.  I'll tell you more about my lovely Ceramica pan in another post, plus the Korean dish that I also cooked with it but did not make it to my last Foodie Friday post.

CookPlus Ceramic #26 :  SRP @ PhP 2,099.75

Fresh oysters from the supermarket + new ceramic pan = Inspired cooking!

Here's something for those of you who love these succulent mollusks. I got these fresh shucked oysters from SM Hypermarket in Pasig for PhP 170 per pack (sorry, I failed to notice how many grams per pack).

OYSTERS TERIYAKI

300 - 500 grams fresh oysters, rinsed and drained

Ginger, minced

Garlic, minced

Red onion, chopped

Bell pepper, chopped

ground black pepper

Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce

Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste & Glaze

oil

To cook:

Heat your non-stick pan, on medium, add a bit of oil

Saute the ginger, garlic, onion, and bell pepper

Let it sweat and put in the oysters

Toss quickly for a minute, then pour about 3 tablespoons prepared Teriyaki Sauce

Adjust amount to your liking; add a dash of ground pepper

Simmer for another minute, or until oysters are round and firm
(Do not overcook as they will shrink)

Remove from heat and plate. Drizzle with Teriyaki Glaze.

Mix and serve immediately.

As I always say, I rarely measure when I cook, so I just eyeball the amount of the spices and sauces. Adjust seasoning to your taste. The Teriyaki sauce is salty and has a bit of tang, while the Teriyaki Glaze is salty-sweet. I like that contrast for this juicy sauteed oysters. 10 minutes is all you need.

This Japanese-inspired dish will make a great appetizer or as main viand, served with steamed rice!

*Sorry for the grainy photos, first time to use the iPhone for the food shots here

Update:  Lock and Lock is having a WAREHOUSE SALE Up to 80% Off!!!

August 18 - 21, 2012 - Only at LOCK & LOCK Araneta Mega Store

G/F Megastate Bldg. Araneta Ave. cor. Agno st. - beside Sanctuarium

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Family Friday: It's TV & Movie Time!

Second Friday of the month:  Parenthood / Kids

Every room in our house has a television. We even have a mini theater room made for my movie buff husband.  I'm sure many of you have raised their eyebrows after my first sentence. But it's true. I married into a family that can't live without it.

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Why Wear the Wedding Ring on the Fourth Finger?

My husband always says I have a lot of "useless information" stored inside my head every time I blurt out some random answers, trivial facts or information. Important things I forget, trivial things I remember.  Go figure! Even my friends ask me (in amusement, I hope!) where I get those tidbits of info that I occasionally blurt out mid-conversation.  My answer is, I don't know! I really don't.  I like trivia.  I read up on what interests me, and maybe they just stay dormant in my memory until needed. =)

Anyway, here's another trivia I got from my Inbox and I thought it would be interesting enough to share here. Though I'm pretty sure many of you might have received this already, or have read it somewhere, feel free to skip this post and read more interesting wedding-related posts here.

I am re-posting the exact content of the email, and the image below. I don't know the origin of the text and photo so I cannot credit them to anyone.


Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger?
There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese:

Your thumb represents your Parents


Your index finger represents your Siblings

Your middle finger represents yourself

Your ring finger represents your Life Partner


Your last (pinkie) finger represents your Children


Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together -- back to back. Then open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb tip to tip.  As shown in the below:

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing your parents) if they will open - because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong and have to leave you sooner or later. 


Please join your thumbs as before and separate your index fingers (representing your siblings) they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now, join the index fingers and separate your little fingers (representing your children) they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own someday.

Finally, join your little fingers and try to separate your ring fingers (representing your spouse).

You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT, because husband and wife have to remain together all their lives -- through thick and thin!

(Anonymous source)

Gorgeous Cartier wedding bands - http://www.bridal.cartier.com/

I'm sure you're trying it as you read this. (",)  Were you able to separate the ring fingers? Do you believe this is a good explanation?

I've tried doing this several times in the past as a hand trick, without knowing there's a possible "meaning" behind it. I was able to separate my ring fingers just very slightly for a few seconds. Maybe because I dropped my elbows a bit. I can tell you it really is almost impossible to separate them unless to bring your wrists closer together that your fingers will naturally open up and separate easily.

Do you know another story behind the ring finger? Share your trivia here. =)

p.s. Thanks to reader Czjai for reminding me about the more rational reason behind the ring finger -- how could I forget this:  the ring finger is where the vein connects to the heart, ergo, the best finger for the wedding ring
I was simply amazed by the philosophical reason above :)))

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Foodie Friday: Choco-Marshmallow Cookie Surprise

First Friday of the month:  Recipe / Baking

Cookie won over Korean!

Okay, that sounded weird....read on and find out why this cookie recipe is here on today's Foodie Friday.

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Flu Season Calls for Germ Killer!

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
It's a cliché, I know, but flu season is here once again and all of us need to take extra precautions for our family's health.


Enter Germ Killer! Two months ago, I was sent this line of disinfectants from McKenic. We've been using them for over a month now and, to tell you honestly, I'm very satisfied with them.

Germ Killer is a range of powerful water-based disinfectants from Singapore. The different products cater to specific usage, and contain broad spectrum bactericidal and virucidal action that is safe for those who use it.

• All GK products kill at least 99.9999% of both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Choleraesuis)
• They offers up to 24 hours of protection from harmful bacteria, by preventing bacteria growth on surfaces
• GK Surface is effective against MRSA (hospital super bug), H1N1 and HFMD

Pretty impressive, don't you think so? They got me at H1N1! =)

Germ Killer says "Germ-Proof Your Personal Space!" I agree!
I know I cannot protect my family from germs and viruses from the outside, but at least we do what we can to clean and sanitize our home. This will also help prevent bacteria and virus from breeding.


GK® Surface

Cleans and disinfects in one single step with it's multi-action formula. Effective against MRSA, H1N1, HFMD (hand-foot-mouth disease)!

SRP @ PhP 559

We've been using this spray mostly for the bathroom toilet, sink, and often-used work surfaces.

This is my favorite variant. It also works like our regular alcohol, only more powerful.  I want to get that smaller Surface spray too - perfect to bring along wherever we go for instant cleaning and disinfecting, like at public toilets, parks, malls, restos, etc.

Screen capture from the website www.gk-germkiller.com

Screen capture from the website www.gk-germkiller.com

GK® Concentrate

Great for everyday disinfecting around the home. It has high dilution rate.

We use the Concentrate for the bathroom tub, tiles, shower room, and kitchen area.  Rinses easily with no residue.  It leaves a faint fresh smell too.

Also great to disinfect kids' and baby's room, and washing toys!

SRP @ PhP 499

GK® Air

It's not your ordinary air freshener. Air also eliminates odours and improves indoor air quality. We use this spray for the bedrooms, bathrooms, even on upholstered chairs and sofa. I love the green tea scent.

SRP @ PhP 399

Germ Killer Disinfectant products don't come cheap. But based on their claims, their formulations are indeed more powerful than others.

What I also like about GK products:

• Formulations are extremely safe on all surfaces -- including fabrics
• Non-hazardous to end users
• Safe for daily use
• Light, fresh scents - does not smell like bleach or strong chemicals
• Easy and convenient to use

Try Germ Killer Disinfectants and let me know what you think. 

They're available at:

Ace Hardware

Handyman

Citi Hardware

Super8 Grocery Warehouse

Wilcon Depot and Wilcon Supply

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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