Friday, August 23, 2013

♪♪There's a rainbow always after the rain ♫♫

It has been a while since I updated you all. There are a lot of things happened beyond my control thus I have to set my priorities. It's not that blogging is not one of my priorities no, I love to write and I love sharing my experiences to all of you. I love that we share our thoughts to each and everyone through our own separate emails. :)
I just love it, it gives me a self of fulfillment. ;)
Any how, I would like to begin with sharing our dinner date (Ryan and I). If you have been reading my posts for a while now you'll know that Ryan is my Boyfriend - my better half.
We had our dinner at TGIFridays.
This is special since we ate here a week after we knew that the company where we are employed is actually closing down.
Does it sound weird? haha Celebrating yet we already knew that we are bum all of a sudden? The answer is no, it is not like what you think, the main reason on why I am sharing this is for you all to see on how we took the news in a positive way. We always look on the brighter side, maybe it was destined to happen for us to grow, for us to realize that indeed nothing is permanent. C'mon there are a lot of jobs awaiting for us there. We just have to stay positive! ;)
So what am I trying to say here? I guess what I really like to impose is that in every situation there is always the better side. You just have to stop, think, dig it and then you'll see it is not that bad after all.

As of now, I am already employed for almost a month. I already have friends. And I am enjoying my job. Just always remember that there's always a rainbow after the rain. ;)

XOXO,
Tina

Friday, June 21, 2013

Father's Day Celebration!

♫I'm broke but I'm happy, I'm poor but I'm kind...♪♪♪ Lately I've been listening to this song. hihi
I have been very busy this past few days looking for a new job, yes I'm bum. 
That's the main reason on why I haven't updated you guys. :(
Anyway, how did you celebrate Father's Day? I know this is kinda late but I wanted to share with you on how we celebrated the special day.
As for my family, we went to the church and then my cousin Eric and Tita Ai, bought something to eat for the whole Family. :)
We had Caramel Cake, Palabok good for 10 to 12 people and our favorite - Mochi! ;)
Whenever we have celebrations at home we always buy Palabok or Spaghetti either at Susie's or Lorinas, they have the best Palabok in Pampanga! ;) Above all these things, nothing is sweeter than celebrating this day with my Lolo, Tatay, and my Tito's. ;) We had fun, I hope you guys had fun too. ;)

How did you celebrate Father's Day?

XOXO,
Tina

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Father's Day Gift Ideas!

Daddy, Dad, Papa, Tatay, Itay whatever you call your dad, let me just say advance Happy Father's Day to them! 
I know, I know, my greetings is too early. But the reason behind this is I wanted to give you some ideas on what to give your Father on their special day.
Are you having a hard time thinking of a special gift for your dad? You know your father well more than anyone else, surely you'll think of a wonderful gift for him to cherish this Sunday - Father's Day.
But let me give you some ideas that your Father might like. ;)

If your dad works in a corporate world, then maybe a black tie will do?
You can choose any color of course, as for me I like black better. ;)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Summer Getaway 2013!

In my Summer Lovin' Inspiration post, I told you that First Aid Kit is a must have when traveling, I should have told you to bring some vinegar too. :D
Okay, okay so why the fudge do you need to have a vinegar with you when you are on the beach? Simple - so you have something to use when you get stung by a jelly fish. :(
Yes folks, my friend Naji and I was stung by a jelly fish. First time on a beach, and first time to be stung by a jelly fish equals trauma. (facepalm)
However, the entire experience was fun, the company outing was held at Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya Batangas.
I automatically fell in love with the place.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The 66th Red Carpet Celebration of Cannes Film Festival!

Movies + Fashion = Cannes Film Festival!
When we heard or talk about Cannes, first thing that comes into someones mind are great movies - well directed/acted and state of the art. But we also know that fashionable outfits will bombard the red carpet! ;)
The said event started last May 15 and will end on the 26th. Day 1 is the sccreening of  Baz Luhrmann's  Great Gatsby.
Leonardo Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire
Carey Mulligan and Justine Timberlake

Monday, May 20, 2013

Family Version of Gelatin!

The night before the Wedding, My auntie Arlene and Auntie Tess made our own version of Gelatin. :)
Since we don't have enough time and we have to serve something sweet to the visitors the next morning we decided to go with the basic - Gelatin.
With this post, I will share to you the step by step procedure as well as the ingredients needed to create your own Gelatin. ;) But please spare the photos I took since it's already late and I just used my ipod.

Ingredients:
Some of the ingredients
10 cans of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
4 sachets of Jelly powder mix (we used Mr. Gulaman) - you can use 5 0r 6 depending on your preference, the more the jelly powder the chewer the gelatin.
1 jar (340 grams) of Sweet Jackfruit ( You can also use fresh)
1 jar nata de coco
2 pcs or more sweet corn
1/4 white sugar
(You can also add some fresh she coconut strips, and kaong/sugar palm)

Procedure:
  • Cut the nata de coco in two, cut the Jack fruit into strips.
Cut the cubes into two.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Tying the Knot!

"Congratulations and Best Wishes! Keep the fire burning! Love, Tina"
Exact words I wrote on my Kuya Ryan's Guest board. He and his girlfriend already tied the knot Yesterday, May 15 2013.

Tying the knot - nobody said it was easy, but no one said it was hard either. It requires a lot of time, effort and money. Everyone involve in the planning, preparation, day of the wedding and after the wedding should have a lot of energy and patience!
Planning
Kuya and York (his girlfriend) as well as the families of both parties decided and agreed that the wedding will be held at Beltran's Residence at San Isidro Lubao Pampanga.
They set the date of the wedding to May 15, and already planned on where to buy the wedding dress, the flowers, and the cake. Even the simplest things like candles to be used, veil, and cord.
Choosing the wedding cake!

We thought of using cupcakes instead of the usual cakes!
We end up choosing this. ;)

Thursday, May 9, 2013

The Great Gatsby's Beauty and Glamour!

This is just a preview of the film's glamorous fashion!
I thought that this will be a nice article to post so you'll have a closer look on the beautiful fashion outfits of Carey Mulligan (Daisy Buchanan). I will also share some of the Tiffany & Co's - The Great Gatsby collection!
This is how a 20's 's Retro Party looks like, with the feathers, dazzling diamonds and bigger/glamorous parties with lots of liquors!

The wonderful jewelries used by Buchanan are all included in "The Great Gatsby Collection by Tiffany and Co."
I personally love this shot, Buchanan's Dress is awesome!
She looks spectacular here. ;)

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

2013 Met Costume Gala

This year's theme for the Met Red Carpet Gala is in honor of their latest exhibit: "Punk: Chaos to Couture".

Fiercer and bolder celebrities like Jessica Alba, in Tory Burch, looks absolutely stunning and Anne Hathaway whose named the most influential film haircut of all time walked the red carpet with her new blond hair.
Jessica Alba
Anne Hathaway

Monday, May 6, 2013

Jack's Loft

If my boyfriend and I have something in common it will be about food. ;)
We both love to eat, I remember last March we celebrated his birthday in a Dampa Restaurant (Filipino Restaurant, where you can buy fresh sea foods and you can ask the restaurants to cook them for you.) at Macapagal Avenue. We had Tempura, baked oyster, calamares, and crabs. Yes, it's just the two of us. hihi
Moving on, last Friday after office hours, we decided to eat at Jack's Loft, well it's our first time there and we thought all along that they only sell cakes and pastries but yeah we're wrong. ;)

Cheese Sticks with Marinara Sauce
For the appetizer, we ordered cheese sticks with marinara sauce. Well this is quite disappointing, I expect every bite to be oozing with cheese, or at least gooey, but they served it cold so my expectations died. ;(
Maybe if they served it hot, it would have been a different story.
Steak and Mushroom Gravy

Friday, May 3, 2013

Game of Thrones!

Last week, my friend Neil asked me to watch Game of Thrones, at first I was like, sure when I have time since I still have plenty of things to do. I am not familiar with the HBO series, I don't know what to expect, and didn't bother to research about it thinking that after seeing the first episode I might just stop watching it.  Another friend of mine - Naji, also happen to like the said series and so I decided to give it a try. I thought after the first episode, I will find it boring but I was wrong. I enjoyed every episodes on the first season and can't help my self watching the next after the other one. It's like reading a good book, the more you read it the more you like to continue and then you end up finishing the whole story before you put it down. And that my friend is what I felt. :)
While watching the first season there's a point wherein I felt it was gross seeing blood flows from the throat of a man or watching Khaleesi eating which for me looks like a heart with blood. When, Sansa beg King Joffrey for her Father's mercy, I felt it was stupid, honestly I was really pissed off..
Then the scene where Khaleesi said these words to Drogo: When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east then you shall return to me my sun and stars..  it was heart breaking.
I realized then and there that I am also hooked with the series! It persuades me, it makes me feel mixed emotions and I want more after the other!
Just looking at the poster, it looks like a new online game. Lord Stark looks really good here. :)

And this is the best scene for me so far, aside from the scene where she said: When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east then you shall return to me my sun and stars to Drogo . ;)
 I like how the story revolves however, I will not recommend this to those whose age are below 18 for there are scenes which  are not appropriate for them to watch and needs to have a proper guidance of their parents. :) I am currently at Season 2 and looking forward to see Season 3. :)

Have you seen Game of Thrones? Do you also like it?

Images from: HBO


XOXO,
Tina

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Salted Caramel Nutella Brownies

I have confessed with you my love for sweets in my previous post especially when it comes to chocolates.
This time I would like to share with you on how to make salted caramel brownies! I have read several articles online which has several ideas on how to make a gooey, creamy, and luscious brownies. And saw an article about Salted Caramel Brownie, and since I've already tasted something like this at my Father's friend house. (I'm not the one who baked nor bought it. ;p ) The one I tasted was different the caramel is in between the fudgy brownie not like the image below.
I felt the urge of showing you the ingredients as well as the procedures on how to make this for you to try. :)
This one is indeed a piece of heaven in every bite, but I have to warn you if you are on a diet, this will not help you in any way, (sugar and calories overload)  but if you have a sweet tooth like me and not much concerned with your diet well this is good for you.;)
But before I proceed with the ingredients, I must tell you that I am not a baker myself, and that I don't have the equipments to do so. But given the opportunities and if I have the equipments I would love to try!
I like the salted caramel brownie version of vittlesandbits since she added Nutella spread in the brownie. :)

Salted Caramel Nutella Brownies
Image source:vittlesandbits
For the ingredients you must have the following:

Ingredients:

Brownies
  • 1/2 C. flour
  • 1/2 C. unsweeteend cocoa powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1/4 t. baking powder
  • 1 stick (8 T.) butter, melted
  • 3/4 C. + 2 T. sugar
  • 1 t. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 C. Nutella spread

Caramel Glaze
  • 1/4 C. heavy cream
  • 1 C. sugar
  • 1/4 C. water
  • 2 T. butter, cut in pieces
  • 1/2 t. salt,
  
Procedure:

For the Brownie

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees.
  • Greese the pan that you will be using.
  • Combine the dry ingredients like cocoa, flour, salt and baking powder.
  • Melt the butter until smooth and add sugar & vanilla.
  •  Add eggs one at a time then add the cocoa -make sure all is well combined.
  • Melt the Nutella and pour it into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the can and bake it within 27-30 minutes.
For the Caramel Glaze
  • Warm heavy cream in a low heat but do not boil.
  • Combine sugar and water but do not stir.
  • Cook until mixture turns and looks caramelized.
  • Remove from heat and warm cream, butter and the salt
  • Stir until well combined.
  • Pour over cooked brownies.
I got this recipe from: vittlesandbits.


Have you tried this version of Salted Caramel Brownie?

XOXO,
Tina




Friday, April 26, 2013

Summer Lovin' Inspiration

What comes into your mind when you hear the words, sun-kissed, ocean breeze, beaches?
Summer! (Yes you are right!)  It is once again the time of the year where you can flaunt your bikinis/swimsuits which stayed on your closet the whole year! ;p Wasn't it just yesterday when you enjoyed building sand castles with your friends and love ones? When you enjoyed holding your smores on a stick over the fire until roasted and playing truth or dare with your friends in front of a bonfire? Time flies so fast and its summer once again. Below you'll find some summer outfits, and must have things when you're in a beach. :)
Summer Outfits

Summer Must Haves
Sun Glasses to protect your eyes from sun's harmful rays.
Fashionable hats to protect your hair from the sun.
Don't forget your sunblock, you might want to get tan but not burned. ;)
Image Source: school.discoveryeducation
First Aid Kit is a must! This applies not only when you're on the beach but wherever you are. You must at least have some paracetamol, alcohol and band aids.
And lastly, don't forget your camera's! You don't want to miss the chance of capturing the beautiful scenery as well as the happy things that you and your family will be doing. Whatever your plans this summer, wherever you will go, be safe and cherish every moment! ;)

These are my Summer Lovin' Inspiration. What's yours? 

XOXO,
Tina

Images from Polyvore

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Last Tuesday, I asked a very good friend of mine Naj to share with us her baking prowess! Gladly she accepted my offer though she was hesitant at first.
Naj is my friend since College, we are both a Mass Communication graduate from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. (We are proud to be Iska by the way. ;) ) We don't have the same group of friends but yeah we remained friends. Moving on, I asked her to provide the ingredients and step by step procedure of her Moist Chocolate Cupcake, so if ever you would like to try baking something like this you'll have an idea how. Want to know more about Naj? Below is a message from her, you can also take a look at the things she loves to bake and cook here.
"I’m Jonna. I bake as a hobby and hopefully it will be my career in the future. I belong to a family of food lovers and I’ve been cooking since I was 9. Since I love cooking, I review cookbooks from time to time and I felt restricted before since I don’t own an oven. So when I started working, I saved enough money to buy a small electric oven. Since I’m just starting to bake, I am just experimenting and I am just trying the basics.I like to share this recipe to you because it is easy to follow. I got this recipe from: thefarmchicks"
I think I’m not really in the position to give tips since I’m still a beginner.  However, what I can say is, just try and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – these mistakes are edible anyway. Happy baking!

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream (add a little food coloring on the frosting)
Disclaimer: This is a little sweet. ;)

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder 
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs 
1 cup milk 
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Procedure:

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit.  
*Fill muffin pans with 24 cupcake liners.  
*Sift dry ingredients into a mixing bowl.  (I recommend a batter bowl to easily pour the batter into the cupcake liners).  
*Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.  
*Beat with a mixer for about two minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.  *Add the boiling water, and beat, just until blended.  (Don't be alarmed - the batter appears watery).  
*Evenly ladle (or pour) the batter into the liners.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the center of the cupcakes spring back when lightly touched.  Cool and frost.
*Vanilla Buttercream Frosting1/3 cup butter, just slightly cooler than room temperature3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2-4 tablespoons milk, depending on desired consistency1 1/2 tsp vanilla food coloring, if desiredBeat butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl until creamy.  
*Gradually beat in 3 cups of the powdered sugar.  
*Beat in milk and vanilla.  Blend in remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar.  
*If desired, tint with food coloring.  (For the perfect pastel colored frosting, only 1 drop of food coloring is necessary).

Do you also love to bake? 
I hope you guys enjoyed the post, and if you did try to bake something like this, please share it with us! :)


XOXO,
Tina

 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Fashion Icon Marilyn Monroe!

She is a Fashion Icon, Singer and a well known Movie Star of the 50's and 60's she is none other than Marilyn Monroe!
I recently watched American Pickers in History Channel and Mike Wolfe saw a life size Marilyn Monroe who is looking smoking hot! (Mike's description. You can watch the video here.)
He bought the image for a thousand grand! And so I decided to create a post about her, because there's no doubt that she is still one of the few fashion icons being looked up till now.
 Image still from American Pickers Video

As you may noticed, there's nothing significant about the dresses she wore, she doesn't even have some fashion accents  to accompany her style. But look at her, still looking magnificent!
Norma Jeane Mortensonor also known as Marilyn Monroe was born June 1, 1926, she was well known for her crafts and her sweetest smile!
Some of her films are:  "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955) and "Some Like It Hot" (1959).
Wonderful Cherry Dress!
There are a lot of controversies about her lovelife, she was married 3 times to (James Dougherty (m.1942–1946) (divorced) Joe DiMaggio (m. 1954–1954) (divorced) Arthur Miller (divorced).
There are also some rumors that she allegedly had an affair with JFK (John F Kennedy), that's how controversial her love life was! ;)
Sexy and Stunning!
She is indeed a fashion icon, a wonderful and powerful woman of her time. With her beauty, fashion style, and her exceptional acting prowess she has captivated the heart of every men and women.

Do you also love Marilyn Monroe? How about her fashion styles?

XOXO,
Tina

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All images belongs to MarilynMonroe
Source: Wikipedia and tcm