A Birthday Greetings....Liza

This Post is made especially to a very good friend of mine....whom I met through blogging...and became one of my very close friend. I am so glad to have known her.

Liz (This is My Life), I just want to say " Have a Wonderful Birthday". May All Your Wishes Come True....May Our Father in Heaven grants all the things you so desire! Thanks for you friendship and genuine concerns and love. I love you... like a family!

Get Out! Ride Your Bike!

My husband and I loves riding our bikes. We go for a bike ride whenever we have time. He even bought me one when I got here in the U.S. Before we got married, we stayed at my cousin's house in Costa Mesa, California for a week before heading to Texas. We rode my cousin's and her husband's beach cruisers every single day of our stay there since they live close to the beach. I have loved every minute of those days. We both have fun! Anyway, if you are looking for a beach cruiser, you need to visit XYZ Bike.com. They sell huge selections of beach cruisers. XYZ Bike's owner John Vanhara started his beach cruiser business after looking for an inexpensive bike for himself. He couldn't fine one that is he can afford, he decided to buy 150 bikes to the manufacturer and saved a bundle; rented a storage unit himself, put them up on website and sell all the 150 bikes in just a matter of month in 2006 except the one he kept for himself. After more than a year, their monthly sales have doubled to 300 beach cruiser. That was the time, he decided to moved into his own space in Torrance showroom, thus allowing the customers to buy the cruiser in person also. By the way, they also sell beach cruiser accessories. XYZ is operating in a huge market segment. Nationally, total bike retail sales - as well as parts and accessories - were $5.8 billion in 2006, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association in Costa Mesa. That was down from an all-time high of $6.1billion in 2005. They also also have a great special offer for all readers; all they have to do to avail this special offer is by using the following coupon code here Copoun: 5OFFXPP. This coupon is valid for two months only, where customers will get additional $5. They even have the best prices for beach cruiser bikes, plus many of their models are very affordable for only $100. Shipping cost nationwide is $25-45 except California which is $20 only. Isn't this deal great? Buy your beach dcuiser now and enjoy riding it everyday!

Eating Out : Tips for Ordering Healthy

Going out on that weekend date (or as a family activity) is fun, but it can be hard to know which selections and options are healthier than others. Salads can be even more fattening than sandwiches, and sometimes restaurants don't even offer fruit as an option.

For navigating some of those healthy-ordering dilemmas, here are a few simple tips.

• Avoid porterhouse, prime rib, rib eye, and T-bone steaks; keep the meat you do order to six ounces or less, and (at prepared-to-order restaurants) ask to have all visible meat trimmed from the meat.
• Eat only one or two helpings of bread; if you would like to eat more, enjoy only soup and salad, and not a traditional entree, afterward.
• Remember to ask for your dressing on the side! Salads typically have dressing to spare, which is unhealthy and can (as many have experienced) ruin the salad.
• When ordering Chinese, choose dishes made with chicken, shrimp, or lean beef in favor of duck or pork; also, go with steamed dumplings instead of egg rolls.
• Sandwiches should be no longer than six inches, and should be made on whole-grain breads, if possible.
• Use salsa or guacamole (which contains healthy fat) as the salad dressing for Mexican salads.
• For Italian dinners, go red and green--red sauces--instead of creamy, white sauces--and green salads.

Sources: Losing It! Melanie Douglass, R.D.; Deseret Book and AmericanHeart.org

Spring Cleaning Tips

The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming, but after a long winter, our homes may need some freshening up. Spring has finally come and that means cleaning and throwing stuffs you don't necessarily need. To make spring cleaning easier for every one in your household, here are some tips for bringing new life to some common items around your house.

Cleaning Blinds

Try cleaning vinyl shades with dryer sheets. This removes surface dirt and reduces static cling, so dust won't collect as fast. For wooden blinds, vacuum with the soft-brush attachment and use oil soap to spot-clean.

Making Crystal Sparkle

For a streak-free shine, fill a spray bottle with a solution of one part rubbing alcohol to three parts water. Spray crystal and wipe it dry with a clean white cotton cloth. Use a cotton swab to reach crevices.

Dusting Collectibles

For detailed figurines and other knickknacks, a feather duster doesn't do the trick. Try using a paintbrush with long bristles to sweep dust from surface details.

Polishing Wood

Make furniture gleam by using a foam pad to apply furniture polish, then buff with a lint-free material like a cotton baby diaper or T-shirt.

America’s Unhealthiest Restaurants

If you and your family likes dining out, you might want to think very carefully which fast food restaurant is best for your health.Here's the lists of restaurants report card for some of the Unhealthiest Restaurants in America.

Baskin-Robbins
Carl’s Jr.
Denny’s
Dairy Queen
Ruby Tuesday
Chili’s
Uno Chicago Grill
Chevy’s
On the Border
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Baja Fresh
Applebee’s, IHOP, Outback, T.G.I. Friday’s

For a comprehensive Restaurant Report Card on all of the other fast food and chain restaurants, please click here for the whole list.

and here's the Healthiest Fastfoods Restaurant:

Chick-fil-A
Subway
Jamba Juice
Au Bon Pain
Boston Market
Cici’s Pizza Buffet
McDonald’s
Taco Bell
Wendy’s

You can check out the complete Eat This, Not That! Restaurant Report Card here.

Shop Smart., Shop at Sears

I know it is crazy to talk about winter, but before we know it, fall and winter are here again. And it is time to buy gifts and clothes for cold season. I do like to shop during off season where items you needed for winter are on sale. If you are like me who is in to savings, then you should know that that Sears is offering a 75-80% off original prices on all fall and winter clothes. The sale is going now till the 18^th of April. So hurry, and avail yourself of these great deals going on!
Sears clearance clothing for the family is great because I can also buy clothes for my husband, son and even for my family overseas! Isn't it amazing? You need to go to Sears because this kind of sale doesn't happen all the time. And this sale is very timely, since the economy is still unstable, every penny counts. You can save a lot of money from going to Sears at store or online. They not only lowered the prices of clothing, but also shoes, appliances, electronic gadgets, televisions, computers, and digital camera to name some. What are you waiting for? Go to check their website or store now!

Pancit Palabok

I am missing our old friends in Texas who make very good Palabok. I tried making it many times, but I can't seem to get it right or at least the right taste. I want to make it out of scratch instead of the recipe using the ready made sauce you can buy at the Asian store.

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo miki noodles

1/2 kilo small crabs

5 cloves of garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons of atchuete seeds or oil

2 tablespoons of fish sauce

4 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved in water

1 teaspoon of MSG (optional)

1 1/2 cups of water

Toppings:

Tinapa flakes (smoked fish)

Cooked shrimps, shelled

Squid adobo, sliced into rings

Pork chicharon, grounded

Spring onions, chopped

Hard boiled eggs, shelled, sliced

Fried garlic, minced

Fresh calamansi (lemon), sliced

Procedures:

Extract fat and meat from clean crabs, set aside.

Pound crab and extract juice on 1 1/2 cups of water

On a pan, saute garlic and onions until golden brown then add crab fat, crab meat, 1 1/2 cups of crab wash, fish sauce and MSG. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add corn starch and continue to simmer while constantly stirring until thick.

Put miki noodles in a strainer and dip in boiling water for 5 minutes or until cooked.

Lay drained noodles on a platter and pour the palabok sauce. Garnish with toppings and serve.

Great Deal on Brand New Cellphones

The recession has affected our finances very badly, not to mention my husband has just lost his job. The results , cutting off some of the things enjoy like cable tv, gym membership, eating out and more. Part of the plan to cut expenses is to get rid of our landline phone and get cellphones for both of us. We are trying to decide which cellphones to buy. We are looking for best deals online and found that Verizon Wireless phones is the best for us and our budget. If you are trying to switch or buy a new cellphone, you need to visit BestCellPhones.com because they have the largest selection of free cell phones such as T-Mobile, Sprint, Alltel, Nextel, AT & T and of course the Verizon wireless. Imagine, you not only get a free phone, but also can earn cash back after rebates and a bonus of Blue Tooth headset. Hurry up, this great deals won't last. Visit their website now!

Manic Monday #160

Join us and have fun here.



Do you screen your phone calls?
Yes, so leave a message if you want me to call you back!

When was the last time you lost your temper?
I can't remember, ask my husband because he keeps track on that :-)!

When you're lost, do you ask for directions?
Yes, always. I don't know why is it hard for men to ask directions? Do you know?

Safest Device to Quit Smoking

My mother and us the kids have been trying to persuade my father to quit smoking for a long time now, but it isn't working at all. We don't know what else to do until I found this non-flammable electric cigarette device that has similar effects to those of the traditional cigarette. It can help satisfy the smokers addiction while making them happy and relax as they go through the process of stopping smoking. Using this device is like smoking with out any toxins and a safe substitute for traditional cigarette. As I said, it is safe and will save you 80% of cigarette costs every year. You do not have to worry, too for it is CE and ROHS certified. This is the best gift I will ever give to my father on father's day. If you are trying to quit safely, try this e-cig now!

Do You Love Corn on the cob?

I know it is high on carbohydrates, so you need to just eat half of it if you are on a low barb diet like me. I just love corn that is why I still eat it.

Look for: Pale to dark green husks with moist silks; each ear should feel heavy to the hand, the cob filling the husk well.
Grill: Pull back the husks without removing them; pull out the silks. Replace the husks; soak the ears in water for 20 minutes. Preheat grill. Place corn (in husks) over high heat and grill, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove husks before serving.

Microwave: Husk corn and cut ears in thirds; place in a large glass baking dish or microwave-safe container. Cover tightly and microwave on High until tender, about 4 minutes.
Sauté: Remove kernels from cobs. Melt 2 teaspoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn kernels; cook, stirring constantly, until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1⁄2 teaspoon white-wine vinegar before serving.
Steam: Husk corn, then break or cut ears in half to fit in a steamer basket. Set over 2 inches of water in a large pot over high heat. Cover and steam until tender, about 4 minutes.

Dinner Made from Heart on My Birthday!

My husband and I are trying to be more frugal. We are doing our best to lessen our habit of eating out so we can save money. Every time we dine out before, it costs us a lot that sometimes by eating one time out, the money spent is worth a week of groceries or at least five meals. So instead of eating out for my birthday, we decided to make the dinner we want to eat ourselves...and it didn't cost us much! He prepared the dinner himself because he doesn't want me to. So here is the meal he made for my birthday.

shrimp cocktail
wheat crackers topped with cheese and stuffed olive
asparagus, french fries and steakand salad. It was a nice dinner and I thanked hubby for that :-)!

A Gift from a Good Friend, Liza

This Dinuguan is a gift from a good friend , Liza whom I also met through blogging. She is from the province, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines where I came from. A Mom of Four, who is also thoughtful, generous, sweet and a devoted Mom and Wife to her family. A happy and Pretty mother as well. Who would have thought I will meet a true friend online? She is also like a sister to me. Thank you so much dear for this very yummy dish which reminded me of my mother's dinuguan. I love it!

Luxury Vacation Package to Greece

Are you ready for a summer getaway this year? Do you know where you want to go? If not, let me tell you that there is a place in Greece that attracted many visitors for thousands of years. I myself would like to go there someday. This charming country is a great place for a romantic vacation. It is cozy, private with the incredible beauty. I love that this peninsular country is mostly mountains because I love to see beautiful vistas and views. Surrounded by Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Greece has also wonderful beaches where you can enjoy gentle breezes. If you are interested, contact Travel to Greece (Travel2Greece) because right now they have Luxury Vacation and Holiday Custon Packages to Greece and the Greek Islands, which is a 12 Night package that includes 2 nights in Athens, 3 Nights in Mykonos, 3 Nights in Santorini and a 4 Nights Greek Island Cruise on a private 50 feet Catamaran Enjoy your Greek Island Vacations . As for me, right now, I would like my dream which is to be at Greek Dream & Private Yacht .What about you?

Real Age Food Bites

Spread These Around: 5 Grown-Up Alternatives to Peanut Butter

What’s not to love about nut butters? Okay, the high fat and calorie content is a bit of a bummer, but remember: A little goes a long way. What might seem like a skimpy 2-tablespoon serving is actually a thin spread of nutritional heaven, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, iron, and vitamin E -- not to mention a hunger-halting trio of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Just skip the grape jelly and white bread. These are way too good for PB&Js.

1. Almond Butter
Almond butter can be a bit runny, but its smooth almond taste makes a perfect dip for raw veggies and apple slices. Or try this Cherry Almond Smoothie or Carrot Salad with Almond Butter Dressing.

Our pick: Whole Foods’s house brand, 365 Everyday Smooth Almond Butter ($5.99)
2 tablespoons: 190 calories, 16 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 5 milligrams sodium, 6 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar, 7 grams protein

Bonus: Look for a butter that has lots of brown specks -- they’re flecks of almond skin, which is full of antioxidant vitamin E.

2. Cashew Butter
Cashew lovers (who isn’t?) should try stirring this nut butter into soups, sauces, and curries -- instant yum. Or just spread it on wheat toast when you need a creamy-crunchy snack. For a quick sweet treat, whip up these Chocolate and Nut Butter Bites:

Our pick: Arrowhead Mills Creamy Cashew Butter ($5.99)
2 tablespoons: 160 calories, 13 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 0 milligrams sodium, 9 grams carbohydrate, <1>

Bonus: Compared to other nut butters, cashew is significantly lower in fat and calories and has a little more iron, too.

3. Macadamia Nut Butter
Give broiled tilapia or flounder a surprisingly flavorful twist by brushing it with a little melted mac butter. If you’re into sweet ’n’ salty combos, spread it on a lightly salted rice cake.

Our pick: MaraNatha Creamy and Roasted Macadamia Nut Butter ($5.99)
2 tablespoons: 230 calories, 24 grams fat (4 grams saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 0 milligrams sodium, 4 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 2 grams protein

Bonus: In studies, macadamias have shown heart-healthy cholesterol-lowering powers.

4. Pecan Butter
The subtle flavor of pecans can get lost on bread; instead, smear it on thinly sliced apples or jicama sticks. Delish. Love peanut noodles? Try this Pecan Pasta Sauce recipe.

Our pick: Artisana Raw Organic Pecan Butter ($12.99)
2 tablespoons: 213 calories, 20 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 0 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 4 grams protein

Bonus: Pecans are high in beta-carotene and gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that helps keep LDL cholesterol from gumming up your arteries.

5. Walnut Butter
Since walnut butter’s a little bitter, pair it with something sweet -- say, a drizzle of honey or apricot jam on a whole-grain bagel. For extra protein and a fresh flavor kick, add a tablespoon to hot oatmeal on a cold morning.

Our pick: Artisana Raw Organic Walnut Butter ($11.99)
2 tablespoons: 205 calories, 19 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 0 milligrams sodium, 4 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 5 grams protein

Bonus: Walnuts are a top-notch source of alpha-linolenic acid (AHA), which turns into good-for-you omega-3 fatty acid.

Join Cruiser Community

Are you a motorcycle rider? If so,have you thought about joining a motorcycle community. It would so much fun I think and interesting as well as exciting! The community.cruisercustomizing.com is the website motorcycle riders all over the world can connect with other bikers, share their experiences, have some fun, teach each other, and learn a thing or two! Why don't you check out the site and discover what are the benefits of joining the community? Let me tell you few of the many benefits you will get from joining: You have access to the number one resource for motorcycle product information, you can connect to like-minded motorcycle riders, gain access to tons of FREE MOTORCYCLE PARTS giveaways and PRODUCT DISCOUNTS and more. Did I get your interest? Are you ready to sign up now?

Penmanship Tag

I like doing this tag, the only problem is I did have trouble using my pen. As you can see it is very hard to read.


Instructions:
1. Write down who tagged you. Niko, Amy and Imelda; thank you, dear friends :-)
2. Answer these:
- your name / username/ pseudo
- right-handed or left-handed?
- your favorite letters to write?
- your least favorite letters to write?
Write “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
3. Tag five persons. I am now tagging: Liza, Dhemz, Clarissa, Rose and Analee

25 Random Things About MeTag

I was tagged by Liza of This is My Life or Mom of Four. Thanks dear for this one :-). I grabbed it because I love answering questions and sharing something about me to friends who don't know me yet.

1. I am a quite and serious person.
2. But can be funny at times.
3. I have a sister who died young and that is the reason why I grew up without having a sister to look up to.
4. I look younger than my age.
5. Due to poverty, I didn't get the chance to go to college.
6. I was able to work and attend technical school at the same time.
7. I had a stillborn baby girl.
8. I came here and married my husband in Sept. Of 2001
9. Started working after I finished High School till I got married.
10. My first job was at a retirement home.
11. I am a happy Homemaker.
12. And a generous person, too!
13. I am an organize freak.
14. I love to cook.
15. And married someone who loves to cook, too!
16. Kitchen is the heart of our home.
17. I am a shopaholic.
18. I am afraid of water and heights.
19. I am addicted to pickles.
20. I am a transplant recipient.
21. Been to the Philippines once since I came here.
22. I have four nieces.
23. I was born premature with a premature hubby and son.
24. I love steak and hate sushi.
25. I love playing scrabble.
I am tagging Clarissa, Maria, Hazel, Analee, Cacai, Cookie, Shydub, Amy, Dhemz, Race, Redge and everyone who wants to share a little bit of themselves.

The Best Vacations Are Free!

Winning a vacation is one thing I always wish to happen. And if that happens, I will definitely jump for joy! Imagine a free vacation to Kissimmee, Florida, amazing! I would do a lot of things with my family. Since I love to shop, will go shopping first at the sunny boardwalk of Kissimmee. Then, I will join my husband while walking at the boardwalk. I will also head over to East Lake Toho in St. Cloud for a full day of free family fun revolving around a beach, a playground, and several lakefront fishing spots including a tranquil fishing pier with a gazebo. It’s also a great place to settle in with a good book. At the end of the day, how about dinner in one of the finest restaurant with my family? The Old Town Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex is a great place to spend a day, because admission is free.

If you want to win a free vacation, Kissimmee is giving away a three days weekend getaways (it includes a 3 day 2 nights) for and a two week vacation for a family of four. In order to win the sweepstakes, you need to go to their website and register at Kissimmee and you will be automatically entered to win the vacation of your dream! This would be a fun getaway for you and your honey and you and your family. What are you waiting for? Register now and win and your dream vacation later!

Something Green, Key Lime Pie

You Are an "A-OK"

Your life philosophy can be summed up as, "Whatever will be, will be." Your greatest wish is to live each day a little better than the next. You are naturally calm and stable. Some people would call you a rock. You feel one with the world. You are a spiritual person, though no one who knows you would guess it.

What Hand Gesture Are You?

Rock Branson at Young Christians' Weekend!

It has been a tradition for some family to go on a vacation during spring break where kids are out of school. Some go overseas and some just visit families and friends. There are lots of places to go and explore. If you want something new and big, why not try taking your family to a great place called Branson, Missouri where every member of your family will and enjoy. There are things to see at Branson such as museums, theme parks which are perfect for kids, golf courses for Dads and lakes on top of Silver Dollar City. And after a day out treat yourself by staying at Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and HIlton Branson Convention Center Hotel which by the way both are close to everything, not to mention the offer for guests access to shops, boutiques, restaurants, a river walk and other attractions. What more can you ask for? This month, join thousands of people across America for a weekend of energizing music, thrilling rides, awe-inspiring speakers, praise and worship for Young Christian’s Weekend March 27-29, 2009 at Silver Dollar City! Witness concerts by the powerful vocals and intelligent lyrics of DownHere!, Kutlass and the sounds of Leeland along with additional mini-concerts and spirit-filled worships throughout the park. The Midwest’s premier Christian youth event features messages that feed the soul from Joe White of Kanakuk Kamps and others. Additional ongoing events include the exciting international folk music and cuisines of World-Fest at Silver Dollar City, the first ever Branson Air Show at the new Branson Airport, and the Great American Pie Show! Visiting Branson, Missouri is indeed a perfect family fun get away!

Fil-Am Foods in my Kitchen

Last week, my husband asked for a baby back ribs, so I did baked him one. The two dishes are Chicken Gizzards and Sauteed' Petchay. My son and hubby both like these two also.

Baked Baby Back Ribs
Fried Chicken Gizzards

Sauteed' Petchay, a Pinoy food.

The baby back ribs are served with pinto beans and roll

Pies, Prizes, Hilton and Al Roker… in Branson!?

Spring time is fast approaching; as we all know this is the time where families go for a vacation. If you are planning of going on vacation why don't you try going to Branson, Missouri? There are lot of thing you and your family would enjoy while there. Everything you want for a great family vacation is there. The hotels Hilton Branson Convention Center and Hotel Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing are great places to stay with after long days of touring 49 entertainment theaters, shopping at outlet malls and playing golf at the nearby golf courses. I am sure you and your family will really enjoy visiting museums, theme waterparks and more. My family and I love water and we will absolutely enjoy the Big Surf Waterpark. Right now, there is a great event going on like the Branson has ongoing events for everyone’s entertainment like the exciting NAIA college basketball championship, FLW Bass Tournament, first ever Branson Air Show, live entertainment and theaters and the Great American Pie Contest. The Branson and Taste of Home magazine are sponsoring this new national pie recipe contest which features Al Roker from the Today Show! Your favorite pie recipe could win you one of several prizes, including a first prize of $2,500 cash, plus a trip for two for a 4-day/3-night fun-filled vacation in Branson. The hotel is also offering special rates from April 20th to April 29th due to the Great American Pie Show, this is the best time to make a reservation for you and your family.

Angel Food Cake

This is one of my son's favorite cake; found this recipe at Allrecipes.com and I decided to give it a try since then, this very moist and light angel food became a family's favorite at my house. Since the snow is still not melted, I am pretty sure that there will be no school again tomorrow! I will make one for my son tomorrow.
For a fatless dessert, serve angel food cake topped with fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Procedures:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

In a medium bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, cake flour, and cocoa. Sift together 2 times, and set aside.

In a clean large bowl, whip egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on high speed until very stiff. Fold in white sugar 2 tablespoons at a time while continuing to mix. Fold in flour mixture, a little at a time, until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla. Pour into a 10 inch tube pan.

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for approximately 1 hour, or until cake springs back when touched.

More Pictures with the Snow!

Here are some more pictures taken this morning while we were out playing with the snow :-).

Jacob enjoying the snowman they made :-)
Jacob, Angelica and me with the Snowman :-)
Daddy and Jacob standing in the deep snow!
Mommy and Jake together in front of our apartment :-)
Jacob making a snow angel :-); he loves snow as you can see!