Arroz Caldo and Rice Toppings with My Tacook Ricecooker

Hey all! My Mom-Friday is still alive and active, heehee... just haven't been blogging as much as I used to. So, for today, I'll be sharing something that I've been using for a few months now, and it truly deserves a blog feature. Tiger Tacook JBX Rice Cooker -- the multi-tasking, multi-use, micro computer controlled rice cooker from Japan!

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Mom-Grocer Shops at SYSU Food Hub

I've always expressed how I enjoy grocery shopping. I consider it my me-time, and during those weekly rounds, I've discovered lots of good products that became our kitchen staples. Many of my favorite Mom-Grocer finds are from SYSU International, and it's not surprising. SYSU is a leading distributor of global brands that we have patronized for many years, such as San Remo, McCormick, Lee Kum Kee, Tabasco, and homegrown brand Clara Olé. And here's a new discovery that's worth sharing with all of you -- The Food Hub by SYSU, their retail store in Quezon City.

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Mom-Finds: Lock & Lock Anodized Hard & Light Frying Pan

Last Friday of the month:  Mom-Finds / Cookware

As a home cook, I am the one who makes decisions when it comes to what kitchen appliances and cookware to purchase. Aside from aesthetics, the product features, ease of use, and price points are my main considerations before I buy. One of my trusted brands is Korean brand Lock & Lock. I've been using their food keepers and tumblers even before I got married, and in recent years, they also introduced several lines of cookware, a few of which I have also acquired and use on a daily basis. So a new addition to my "collection" is always received with much delight. My latest discovery is their Hard & Light frying pan which I am showing off here. =)

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Knorr Lutong Nanay Recipe: Sinigang With Pakwan

I love food in general. I'm quite adventurous in trying new dishes and cuisines mainly because I grew up in a home of hearty eaters and good cooks. My mother is a great cook and I learned so much from watching her whip up a variety of dishes on a daily basis. Iba talaga ang sarap when it's lutong nanay. You know what's in your food, you know it's healthier, and meal times at home bring families closer.

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That's a Wrap!

I still feel like I have a holiday hangover. Do you feel the same way? The gastronomic feast we all had is still haunting me. And the leftovers -- ahhh, they are my life-savers! Since we've had no house help for almost six months now, I've been dragging myself to whip up something edible in the kitchen. With all the take-outs and excess servings from pot-luck parties and food deliveries, all I had to do is keep them fresh and ready for the next meal.

Let me get to the point. What saves me a lot of time from prep and heating and cleaning up are my trusty kitchen helpers. GLAD products are my everyday heroes, and I was super duper happy when they sent me a care package filled with GLAD items that I use and abuse. Ang saya ko talaga! Thank you! I've mentioned how GLAD helped me here, from being maidless (but not helpless). It deserves a solo feature today.

Here's how GLAD makes my life so much easier, while saving me time and money with their Cling Wrap, Press 'n Seal, and resealable plastic Storage bags.

• Keeps food fresh and protected.
• Cling Wrap now comes is a Mini size that's perfect for smaller food and surfaces.

• Leftovers go straight to the ref after it's covered with Cling Wrap or Press 'n Seal
• Can be heated immediately the next day to two in the microwave and food is ready to be served again.
• No need to transfer to another plate. 
• My favorite Press 'n Seal is even leak-proof!
• It's opaque and has a sticky side that seals the edge of the container when you press it down all around.

• Resealable plastic storage bags also comes in a smaller size that is great for the kids' baon and for food portioning
• Keeps food sealed in and ready for storing in the ref and freezer
• Can keep marinated and breaded raw food fresh and safe, ready to cook by portion
• Ideal for travel - sealed tight and extra secure with the wider seal, so safe to pack in bags or coolers.

You know your priorities have changed if you get excited from getting Cling Wrap and resealable plastic bags. Just like with women and shoes, there's no such thing as too many GLAD in the kitchen. They keep what you love fresh.

Actually, they're not just for food. I also use the Cling Wrap for packaging, and the plastic storage for storing almost anything -- accessories, toiletries, for organizing clothes when traveling, and the list goes on. I'm truly glad there's GLAD! (I've been itching to use that line, hehehehe!)

How else do you use GLAD? Share your tips here!

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: Maidless, Not Helpless

Second Friday of the month: Home & Living / Parenting

We've been without help for two months now. Well, we were able to hire a cleaning lady once or twice weekly, and was able to find a full time helper two weeks ago. Unfortunately, she only stayed for a week before she got news that her toddler was hospitalized. In short, we are still maidless as of this writing. This is how our kids' room looks like now. Horror!

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Serendipity in Discovery Suites

Second Friday of the month: Family Life / Home and Living

Blessed is an overused word already, but in this case, I can really say our recent staycation was another unexpected blessing. I tell you, my kids are the happiest every time we are treated to overnight accommodations like our stay in a Serendipity Suite of Discovery Suites Ortigas. There were so many surprises as soon as we checked in which made this particular weekend more memorable.

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Fun Friday: Cook, Snap, Eat, Chat with Mothers Who Brunch

Third Friday of the month:  Recreation / Hobby

I cook when I'm in the mood. I have an appetite for a wide range of cuisines, and also have fun taking snapshots of food then posting on social media. For me, it's about sharing my recipes, what I eat, and my foodie finds. Learning new tips and tricks in photo styling and framing really interests me. That's exactly what happened a few weekends ago at the Viking range showroom during the Mothers Who Brunch event.

Bacon Egg Cups

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Foodie Friday: Recipe Swap with Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce

First Friday of the month: Mom-Cook / Recipes

I can't say I love to cook, tamad kasi ako, but I'm quite comfortable working in the kitchen -- baking or cooking something simple for myself and the family. I avoid complicated dishes too, as you may have noticed in my food and recipe posts. Hence, I use a lot of quick-cooking cuts of meat, seafood, veggies, and my trusty brands of sauces to make my life easier as a home cook. Enter Lee Kum Kee.

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Chef for a Day at Global Academy Cooking Workshop

One Saturday afternoon, nag-feeling chef ako...feeling lang.  =) It was an exciting, exhausting, yet super fun learning experience being in a professional kitchen with some of my fellow SoMoms. We have to thank Global Academy for this unique cooking workshop especially prepared for us. It was definitely a kitchen adventure for the six of us who took the cooking challenge.

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Fun Cooking Session with the Dole Chef Moms

I consider myself a struggling (lazy) home cook. I can say I know my way around the kitchen and happy to be able to whip up simple dishes in minutes. But the main challenge is to come up with dishes that are considered healthy and will also gain family's approval. I always welcome new ideas and tried-and-tested recipes from family and friends. That's why, when I was invited to be a part of the Dole Chef Mom Program, I quickly accepted. Why? First, I do buy Dole products for my family, and second, I'll be learning new dishes with my friends who share the same belief that cooking and preparing meals should be easy, fun, and healthy for the family.

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Switch to Healthy - Summer SALE at Kitchen World

We're still in the middle of summer, and there are so many sales happening!  From grocery items, to fashion and beauty products, I've been keeping an eye on some products that I may be needing so I can avail of discounts, and kitchen wares are no exception.

I'm sure many of you are aware of the products I'm featuring here. My blog sponsor, CORELLE, the leading dinnerware brand in the U.S., headlines the list of brands you should watch out for in this BIG SALE!

Here are the participating brands of the summer sale:

CORELLE has been know for its clean and classic style, and its high standards of hygiene, safety and practicality with its products, made with Vitrelle.  This is a unique 3-layer laminated glass that will not stain, fade, or won't easily chip your Corelle wares.  You should see their new modern collections as I'm sure you'll find one that will match your taste and theme of your dining room or kitchen. =)

CORELLE Contours

I haven't tried using glassware for the stove - I'm scared it will break!  But my mom has used her Corningware and a few clay pots when cooking.  The only brand she uses is CORNINGWARE. They are ideal for stovetop and oven use.  I realized they're healthier for cooking too, since the glass is non-reactive and non-porous, so it won't absorb stain or odor from your dishes, preventing contamination from continuous use, just like Corelle. The cookware is also made from high-tech Pyroceram material which will not crack even under extreme temperature changes. Impressive.  I think I'll reconsider using one for stovetop cooking. No fears! =)

CORNINGWARE Lush 

Best part - I only need one dish, say a glass casserole, to cook, serve, and store! Again, that's what my mother has been doing all these years. From the freezer, to the fire, and to the table, they are stylish, safe, and so convenient.  The designs also match with Corelle dining ware so you can collect the whole set from cookware to dinner plates and coffee cups!  

PYREX is synonymous to baking.  Honestly, I don't know anyone who does not own at least one Pyrex pan or bowl! Actually, every bridal registry I've seen, mine included, always listed Pyrex products - proof of it's reliability, durability, and affordability which has been time-tested. Pyrex wares are non-porous also, so they're odour and stain-resistant, and designed to last for generations.  It never goes out of style.  Bake and serve in the same dish - that's what I do. It's transparent, so you know what's happening while mixing or baking.  Some designs come with airtight silicon lids, keeping the raw ingredients or cooked food safe and fresh.

PYREX Clear Seal Storage

From these featured brands, this is the least familiar to me.  It looks and feels like Pyrex, but VISIONS is amber-colored. It also allows you to see through the cookware, and it's easy to clean.  Visions is ideal for liquid-based cooking.  It is thermal-shock resistant, can be used on stove tops, in ovens and microwaves, as in refrigerators and dishwashers, making it the most versatile cookware that every home should have.  I should have this too, heehee...=) And because the glass material is also non-porous, it's healthy to use 'coz it does not absorb food smell and is stain-resistant.

VISIONS Cookpot

If you're a home cook like me, you'd appreciate stylish, durable, and pro-health cookware and dining ware like these - a must in every home.

Have you decided what you want to have from this list?  Then head over to Kitchen World, stat!

SUMMER SALE SHOPPING at Kitchen World, Eastwood Mall!

Up to 70% discount on CORELLE, CORNINGWARE,

PYREX, and VISIONS kitchen and dining wares.

From May 15 - 25, 2014 only!

Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, and Visions are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Raffles and Company, Inc.

For inquiries, call Raffles and Company, Inc. :  (632) 687-4715 to 16, local 33 to 34
Visit www.raffles.com.ph.  
You may also email: marketing@raffles.com.ph.

Note: All photos from Raffles and Company, Inc. 

Are you a mom with a flair for healthy and stylish cooking and dining? 
Join the Women of Health and Style Club now! 
Members can enjoy discounts and perks from Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware. Just send your photo via social media using one of our brands with the hashtag #ilovecorelle, #ilovecorningware, #ilovepyrex, #ilovevisions or #ilovesnapware.

Follow World Kitchen:

Facebook: worldkitchenAP

Twitter: @WofHS

Instagram: @womenofhealthstyle

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
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Mother's Month Gift Idea: Limited Edition Corelle Set

It was all about treating moms last weekend.  We did not plan anything except we had Saturday dinner with my side of the family and my mom.  I was hoping for a surprise from J or the kids, but didn't turn out as expected, hahaha... just Sunday family lunch with them and my in-laws. Well, May is still considered mom's month, so if you still have not given your mom any gift last Mother's day, you an still have a chance.  Here is one great idea that I know my mom (and myself) can appreciate - getting a beautiful new set of Corelle dinnerware.

I've mentioned in my earlier Corelle feature that I grew up with Corelle. I love how well-made their products are.  Their dinnerware is made of vitrelle glass - lightweight yet resistant to breaking, chipping and cracking.  Corelle's non-porous surface also resists bacteria, stains and odors.  No worries about icky smells stuck on the plates, no food stains, or toxic contamination - making it safe and healthy.

Speaking of moms and Corelle, I remember when I was younger, I dropped a plate and it fell flat on the floor.  My heart stopped and was scared it will shatter.  Nothing happened! No crack, no chip. I was so relieved 'coz I know I'll upset my mother if our set will be missing a plate. 

Corelle has so many new collections now that's just perfect for modern women and young homemakers.  I am eyeing a few new designs myself. They're thin, stackable, oven and microwave safe, and dishwasher safe. Designs can be matchy-matchy too with the Corningware cookware lines. We like having the same or complimenting patterns on our Corelle and Corningware casseroles that can be used from kitchen to table.  Both pretty and convenient to use.

Now, here's the good news from our friends at World Kitchen:

Own stylish limited edition Corelle sets for as low as P2,450!  

Surprise your mothers with a set or two of their lovely dinnerware, or use it to bring her breakfast in bed with her brand new plates!

Hurry!!! Avail of this special offer which runs from today until May 18, 2014 only!  
So, head over to any of the following outlets to get Corelle sets:
SM, Robinsons, Landmark, Metro Gaisano
Other leading department stores nationwide

For inquiries, call:
Raffles and Company, Inc. :  (632) 687-4715 to 16, local 33 to 34
Visit www.raffles.com.ph.  
You may also email: marketing@raffles.com.ph.

Note: Top photo from World Kitchen AP Facebook page.

Are you a mom with a flair for healthy and stylish cooking and dining? 
Join the Women of Health and Style Club now! 
Members can enjoy discounts and perks from Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware. Just send your photo via social media using one of our brands with the hashtag #ilovecorelle, #ilovecorningware, #ilovepyrex, #ilovevisions or #ilovesnapware.

Follow World Kitchen:

Facebook: worldkitchenAP

Twitter: @WofHS

Instagram: @womenofhealthstyle

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

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Search is On for CORELLE’s Women of Health and Style

My mother is a great cook and serves her dishes with love. Laboring in the kitchen comes with an appreciation for beautiful and quality cooking and dining wares. Corelle is one of those trusty brands my family uses to this day, even Corningware and Pyrex - all brands by World Kitchen. I grew up using all those brands, eating from Corelle plates (Spring Blossom Green) and serving platters every single day.  That is why you can imagine how thrilled I am to have them as my new blog sponsor! Woot woot! =)  

The company takes pride in their role as partners of modern women and mothers in providing families healthy, safe and stylish dining, cooking and baking experiences. I can attest to that! In line with their thrust, I’m happy to announce that this summer, Corelle has launched something special for Pinay mommies in the metro as they open their search for CORELLE’s Women of Health and Style.

CORELLE is looking for:

• Beautiful modern Filipina moms (MFMs) who love to cook
• MFMs who embody and radiate health and style – the brands’ core features

How To Join:
1. Candidate must email the following to marketing@raffles.com.ph :

• Short description of herself with full name, age, city of residence

• Health and style mantra

• Original healthy recipe using the brands and reasons why she uses and loves the brands

• Attach a solo picture of herself and a picture of her family using at least one of the brands: Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions, Snapware.

2. Search is open to Modern Filipina Moms in Metro Manila only.
3. Candidate must be 25-35 years old, married, and user of the brand/s: Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware.
4. Submission of entries is from March 21 to April 20, 2014.
5. Six (6) winners will be chosen by World Kitchen Asia Pacific and Raffles and Company, Inc.
6. Finalists will also be voted on via Facebook for a chance to win.
7. Formal awarding will be announced this May 2014.

PRIZES:

1. Kitchen make-over from Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware

2. Special feature with their healthy recipes in the brand brochures, website, Facebook page and other social media sites

3. Winners will also enjoy more perks and prestige of being Corelle’s Women of Health and Style.

Mommies, JOIN NOW and be one of CORELLE’s first brand ambassadors! 

Invite your friends to join too, if you know they embody the modern Filipina mom. Let them inspire a healthy and stylish change, and celebrate women and their achievements as CORELLE’s Women of Health and Style.

For more details, call (02) 687-5467 or email marketing@raffles.com.ph.

Visit www.raffles.com.ph and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more updates!

Corelle, Corningware, Pyrex, Visions and Snapware are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Raffles and Company, Inc. via authorized dealers, independent distributors and leading department stores nationwide. Visit the brand showroom at Kitchen World, 3F Eastwood Mall.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

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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Home-Style: Seamless Duplex Remodeling

Freestyle Friday: Special Feature


A duplex house is defined as a dwelling having apartments with separate entrances for two families. This includes two-story houses having a complete apartment on each floor and also side-by-side apartments on a single lot that share a common wall. - Wikipedia


Today's Home-Style feature puts the spotlight on this formerly 150-sqm. duplex unit which was transformed into a 400+ sqm., 2-storey single house with a basement in 2007. The house sits on a 300 sqm. lot, nestled in a quiet village in Quezon City, owned by my co-parents from school. With two young kids and three dogs, this beautifully remodeled home has a generous living space for a growing family, that also accommodates A's and C's many personal hobbies and interests.

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