FTF: Vietnamese Foods

I don't know about you guys, but I am burned out with Chinese foods. To me, they all taste the same. It's like they're using the same seasonings or maybe sauce with their dishes and mind you they are very salty! Not good for my kidneys. We only eat at Chinese resto or buffet because of the crab legs otherwise we go to Vietnamese resto for they have varitey of dishes to choose from. In Richardson where we used to live has a resto called Bistro; they serve chinese, vietnamese, thai foods and japanese foods. So, we eat there every time we go to shop at Asian store next door. Anyway, here are the latest dishes we ate last time we were there.

This is like a salad with noodles on the bottom...very yummy; can't rememebr how they call it though :-)

our drinks...sprite, hal2x and thai tea with pearl...

and chicken fried rice...one of Jak'es fave food :-); he was being silly here in this photo.

Hubby had a pho (chicken). Sorry I forgot to take picture of it :-).

Click the badge above for more yummy dishes/foods.

Surviving Mesothelioma

Have you heard about Mesothelioma? If so, you probably know what mesothelioma means. It is a cancer caused by too much inhalation of a product called asbestos used in construction site. Mesothelioma Cancer affects most people who are exposed to asbestos. I can't imagine how hard it must be to the family's victim seeing him suffers and there nothing they can do to help, not to mention that he can't work anymore. If not cured, the patient would die helplessly.

On this case, it is time for the victim's family to step in and do something about it; for instance contact a lawyer who specializes on this type of health case, a Mesothelioma Lawyer maybe. This type of lawyer can help them have the company pays for medical bills, and other medical expenses. That's the least they can do...be responsible employer...don't you think?

Anyway, if you want to learn more about Surviving Mesothelioma, you can check their website for guide in dealing with this health situation. Paul Kraus is an author of the book who was a mesothelioma cancer survivor himself. His book is free for anyone struggling with he disease. So if you are one of them I recommend that you read this book so you will be informed on what to do to survive this deadly disease.

Aussie's Insurance Company

Nowadays, many people are very much concern about their future as well as their families security. They make sure that everything is done for them both financially and emotionally in case something happens to them. One thing they do is by purchasing life insurance that provides reassurance that their families will be looked after financially if they are not there anymore to support or provide for them. You get many benefits from having life insurance. It will help paid financial expenses such as mortgage, car payments, bills as well as other expenses.

And if you live in Australia, australian life insurance is very affordable compare to other life insurances. Australian life plan is also accessible and easy to understand. You can apply as long as you are 18 year old or older as 64 year old, choose a benefit worth from $100,000 up to $1 million, no medical or blood test, no forms to fill out, covers you partner as well, cover 24/7 worldwide, a 30 day money back guarantee, and more. Greta, isn't it? You can even choose other option such as children's insurance, total and permanent disability insurance, recovery insurance, and accidental death insurance.

At Aussie, they also offer: funeral insurance as well as term life insurance. And if you want to learn more about these insurances, check the links provided here. One more thing I like about the Aussie Life Plan is that you can pay out your premium of $100,000 up to $1 million fortnightly or monthly, at no extra cost. Applying is very easy, too!

Cosco Brand Car Seat and Stroller

Oh how I miss the time when I was still holding my baby into my arms dancing and singing lullaby. I wished that I can get pregnant again and have a new baby to care for. Now that my baby is six year old, I can only wish or adopt a new baby which hubby and I planned to. Anyway, one of the fun thing of having a baby is buying stuffs like baby stroller, car seat, clothes, furniture and more. I still can remember going to two baby showers and getting gifts...that was fun! We almost got everything we need from diapers to baby formula. We also got a combo stroller, but no car seat. And so we have to buy one which was on our list anyway.

Since we have Cosco membership card, we decided to buy a car seat there which by the way we still use since Jake is still under 40 lbs. :-). We really like Cosco brand car seat for it served its purpose so well. Now, Cosco has new Baby Travel System and Travel System Stroller, booster car seat, “cosco car seat vase” and many more. I bet many parents go to Cosco for their babies car seats and strollers for these baby products are quality made and are safe.

Braised Collard Greens

Green leafy vegetables are my favorite side dishes; they are not only yummy but also full of vitamin A, fiber and vitamin C. It is here in U.S. where I learned to cook and eat braised collard greens, mustard greens and turnips. Oh boy, I tell you these are very yummy! I am sharing this recipe in case you want to try it. I made some of this side dish last week and served it with my in-laws this week and they loved it! They loved my brussel sprout, too :-)!

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound bacon slices, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups chicken stock
1/3 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 big bag collard greens, ribs removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
In a large pot heat oil and bacon over high heat until bacon is well browned. Stir in garlic and cook 45 seconds. De-glaze with chicken stock and vinegar. Add sugar and greens and partially cover. Lower heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Come Help Save the Gulf

I bet almost everyone where saddened from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Many people were affected by it including people rely on fishing for living. What is more devastating was the species living under the water. We can help save them and the gulf by doing a volunteer job, donate money, or even purchase gifts for gulf at Cafe Press. If you are looking for save the gulf t-shirts, posters, bumper stickers, CafePress has a large collection of unique gifts to choose from. You can also customized t-shirts or personalized t-shirts if you want.

Want some more? Why not buy posters or motivational posters? Yes they have those, too. I might buy a poster for my son's bedroom wall since he loves wales, turtles and flamingo. I would buy myself a t-shirt as well as hubby....for this is the only way we can help save the gulf since we live far away from the Gulf of Mexico. For you last minute gift shoppers, don't worry for they will shop your order within 24 hours; plus all products are back with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.

Interested on helping save the gulf? If so, them wait no more... buy any of the items from CafePress...posters, stickers and Save the Gulf t-shirts or Save the Gulf shirts and make a difference by supporting the save the gulf. Remember, little things goes a long way!

FTF: My Comfort Foods

These are few pinoy foods I miss so much....they're pretty easy to cook and yet very yummy and comforting :-). These dishes become my son and hubby's fave foods, too! Come and dig in with me :-); anyway for more yummy food entries...visit Willa's Kitchen.

Corned Beef with tomato....

Fried Rice with chinese sausages...
and sauteed cabbage....yum!

FTF: Pineapple

These days fruits are my cravings and pineapple is one of them. I so love this fruit because they are not only good for you but also loaded with anti oxidants, not to mention the fiber. It is a great source of vitamin C, too. You wouldn't believe me if I tell you that every time I do grocery shopping this is always on the top of my list :-). My son and hubby eat pineapple, too but not addicted to it like me. So here is my share for this week's Food Trip Friday.

Yup, I took time to peel it myself and patiently took the eyes out of it. I noticed here in America, they peel it differently and I think they don't get much out of it because of the way they do it; am sure you've seen how they peel it on TV. Anyway, head on Willa's Kitchen for more sumptuous dishes/foods.

Magic Sarap

Have you tried this seasoning before? If so, then you already know that this helps make you cooking taste even better. I started using this when I saw it on soap opera "Only You" starred by Angel Locsin and Sam Milby. Angel was a chef on that tele novela and used the seasoning to make her foods taste better. Anyway, since it is difficult to find it in any Asian market here in Texas, I asked my brtother in the Philippines to send me some which he did. I used it every once in awhile, since I still prefer to cook foods from the scratch. I just think that without seasonings and mixes, foods will still taste better if you use it naturally just like before these stuufs were made.

I still miss my Mom/s cooking though :-( because she never uses seasonings and mixes still.

FTF: Roasted Chicken

Here is my entry for this weeks. I don't usually roast chicken for I am not fond of it especially when I am the one who baked it for it doesn't taste good to me. But this one actually tasted better than the previos ones. I got so much compliments from hubby and son. Not that they don't like my cooking :-); but I myself was very pleased.

Willa's Kitchen has more sumptpus foods...so head on to her blog ang and drool like I do.

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 1/3 cup Kikkoman Soy Sauce
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, pressed
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crumbled
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
* 3/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 (4 pound) whole roasting chicken

Directions:

1. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; cut each piece crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place with onion in large, shallow foil-lined baking pan. Combine next 7 ingredients; drizzle 1 Tbsp. mixture over potato mixture and toss until evenly coated.
2. Discard giblets and neck from chicken. Rinse chicken under cold running water; drain and pat dry. Place chicken, breast side up, in center of pan, moving potatoes aside. Brush chicken, including cavity, thoroughly with soy sauce mixture.
3. Roast in 375 degrees F oven about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part not touching bone registers 180 degrees F, brushing chicken with soy sauce mixture every 30 minutes and stirring vegetables. Remove from oven; let chicken stand 10 minutes before carving. Serve with potatoes.

Spice Makes Everything Nice

Just want to share this article I read from beprepared.com which is very interesting stuffs to be included in your foods storage if you have one. As a member of LDS church, our church leader encourages us to be prepared for emergency by storing foods consumable for at least 1 year. Hubby and I wanted to follow the admonition of our church leader and went ahead and purchased a year supply of foods for three person for one year; now we are secure and no worries when emergency comes. As the saying goes...it is better to prepare and prevent, than repent and repair.

You're preparing your family's favorite spaghetti sauce. You've added most of the glorious ingredients. But, you fail to add the delicious Italian seasonings. No big deal right? Wrong! What would your special sauce be without the seasonings? What would apple pie be without the cinnamon? How would your chili taste without the chili powder? You've got it now - you need some spice in your life!

As you gather your various preparedness foods, take stock on which spices and seasoning would help make your food storage items the best they can be. For example, a wonderful can of tomato powder won't quite make that special pizza sauce without some garlic, oregano, and other Italian spices. Think about making a soup from all those freeze dried meats and vegetables you ordered. Don't you think you should have some stock on hand to add flavor to the broth?

If you answered yes to the questions above, then it's time to learn more about all the wonderful seasonings and spices available for food storage. Think about all the possibilities of ground beef if you have the proper seasonings. You can add taco seasoning for a Mexican flair. Add a pinch or two of sloppy joe seasoning for that beefy sandwich your family loves!

Meat isn't the only food that benefits from seasonings. Cinnamon sugar is a staple at our home to top toast or fruit. Onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken stock added to rice make a wonderful side dish. During the holiday season, I like to add cinnamon and allspice to some simmering sliced apples and oranges for the most wonderful potpourri. The possibilities are endless! The great thing about many of these seasonings, is that not only are they wonderful for food storage, but they are helpful for your everyday meal planning, too.

So take a close look at those cans you have stored away. Could some of your foods benefit from a spicy kick? How many different meals can you prepare from one item, with just a quick switch of seasoning? You'll be surprised how much flair and flavor you can add with a dash here or there. As they say, variety is the spice of life, so make sure to store all your favorite spices and a few new ones as well!

Source: BePrepared.com

High-Impact Meeting at Branson Convention Center

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Branson Convention Center. All opinions are 100% mine.

A month ago while checking my Facebook account, I once again reconnected with my long lost cousin who now lives in Manila, Philippines. At first, he didn't recognized me and asked me if I can refresh his memory. And I did. He immediately recognized me. It's been years 30 years or more since we last seen each other. Now we are both married with kids. As we chat, I got to know more of his whereabouts and vice versa. I was happy to know that he is now a professional working at a Toyota company.

With the kind of work he does, he gets to travel overseas to attend meetings, seminar and conferences. In fact he is now here in United States attending a conference in Branson, Missouri. His meeting is at Branson Convention Center. He is amazed with the professional amenities, stunning technology Branson Convention Center offers. Staying at Hilton, which first name is hospitality, are on hand to create a customized backdrop for high-impact meeting or event at the Branson Convention Center.

At Branson Convention Center, you will enjoy wall-to-wall modern meeting technology, endless audio-visual combinations and effects. 220,000 square feet of dynamic meeting space, not to mention the immersed style and luxury everyone would have dreamed of. I like that it is very accessible to finest hotels, upscale shopping, sumptuous dining, and world-class live performances that make Branson the entertainment capital of the Midwest. And with the newly-opened Branson Airport, accessing the comfort and value of the Branson Convention Center is easier than ever!

The Branson Convention Center offers the value and accessibility as the perfect venue of your next meeting or event. Whether it’s a trade show or convention, small or large meeting, wedding or family reunion, the Branson Convention Center, and its Hilton managed staff, will work to make your event truly one of a kind! If I were to attend meeting, I will make sure to visit nice places in Missouri such as the Silver Dollar City, amusement parks, theaters, Ozark Mountain and more. I would go for a river walk after the event I have attended....which will be very enjoyable and relaxing.

So for your next meeting, why not submit your Request For Proposal (RFP) and/or booking event by visiting http://www.bransonconvention.com and http://www.bransonconvention.com/meeting_rfp.php for a delightful business getaway. Hurry, reserve your space now!

La Mer

If you feel like going to the beach but isn't possible because you are nowhere near the ocean, just like here in Texas, then these ideas might interest you especially when you have kids to entertain on a hot summer days.

Summer is a time when our minds turn to water, getaways, and beaches. Get into the mood with one of the following oceany date ideas:

Visit the aquarium. The cool temperature and low light of an aquarium will provide a refreshing contrast to the heat and brightness of summer. Look at all the different kinds of fish

Grab some seafood. Take your date out for dinner and enjoy the bounties of the sea. If you live near the ocean, try to find a restaurant near the beach where you can enjoy the salt air while you eat.

Go to a waterpark. Take a dip in the wave pool and imagine you’re at a real beach. Ride all the two-person slides you can and entertain your childish side. Don’t forget to stop by the park’s other amenities (such as an arcade or fair rides area) to keep the fun going.

Take a moonlit walk. This works best for those who live by the ocean, but a nearby lake works nearly as well. Grab some ice cream cones beforehand and walk barefoot while you eat.

Contact Homesure Services for Home Warranty and More!

Home maintenance is one thing every homeowners should take into consideration to ensure that everything in their houses are working just fine. As we all know, things happen when we least expect it. Appliances like dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer, as well as plumbing can be very frustrating especially when you are not handy enough to fix it, but if your husband can fix them, then you have nothing to worry about. Anyway, Homesure Services is a trusted company who has been in business for years now and is back by Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can be sure that they will give you the best services they offer. They are open 24 a day 7 days a week to answer any questions you have regarding appliance repair and replacement and plumbing. I heard many good things about Homesure Services and I think that they are the one we need when emergency happens in our home especially that hubby is not home all the time. If I were you and in need of home services and warranty, I would check Homesure Services company without delay, who knows they are the answer for your home maintenance problems. Click the link provided here for more info.

Cross Country Home Services, an EOE Employer

Have you heard about Cross Country Home Services before? In case you haven't, let me tell you a little bit about this company and what services they offer for a homeowner like you in the future. This company has been in business for 25 years serving North American needs on home warranties, home service plans, and homeowner emergency assistance. They have licensed and insured service technicians nationwide that you can rely on and ready to assist you in every way they can including emergency and non-emergency home repair you need. What I really like about this company is that they are open 24 hours a day to provide services include plumbing, electrical, HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning), and appliances. And by the way, if you want to know where their headquarters are located, they are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Cross Country Home Services also is an Equal Opportunity Employment employer where they give emphasis on how important it is that every employees enjoy what they do. With that philosophy, everyone will be happy which I think is an asset for this company. I myself doesn't really care much how much I get paid for as long as I am happy with what I do...money doesn't really matter. Who wouldn't want to become part of the company team that is friendly, family-oriented, and roll-up-the-sleeves attitude.

So, if you decide to apply and become part of Cross Country Home Services, lucky you for you will receive employment, training and promotional considerations regardless of age, race, national origin, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or marital status. How I wished I could apply, but maybe someday when my son is already grown up. If you want to know more about the company and the benefits they offer, just click the link provided here.

Call Cross Country Home Services

Owning a home is everybody's dream. I for one couldn't stand living in an apartment anymore after owning a home once. There are many benefits associated with it as well as responsibilities. But no matter what those responsibilities are, hubby and I still chose to own one again and that is what happened. We once again own a home and it is very new. There nothing to worry about repairs and stuffs, but maintenance. I just think that maintenance is easy than repair. Maintenance means avoiding hassles and extra expenses. We are committed to take care of this house so we can live here as long as we want to. And so, before the closing, we spoke to a home warranty company to make sure that everything is okay before we signed papers and stuffs.

Anyway, when we talk about future assistance, Cross Country Home Services is a company you can rely on for they offer comprehensive product suite – that includes home service plans, home maintenance, energy efficiency products, emergency home assistance, line protection and custom products, is designed to offer our clients both standardized and highly flexible home services solutions to meet their unique needs. Cross Country Home Services customer service staff is available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year and is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of support. Homeowner needs are quickly resolved through their existing national vendor network of over 40,000 pre-screened, highly qualified HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance service providers. We will definitely contact Cross Country Home Services when something happens that is out of our control like the services this company offers.

$300 Worth Brand New COACH Satchel Bag Contest

In celebrating Nancy's (Umma) 6th Wedding Anniversary next month, through her blog, Mom Conversations COACH Satchel Bag Contest! Good luck to us! is holding her 1st contest ever! The first of her monthly giveaway contest she will be holding. Because I really like all her blogs contents, plus she's one of a blogger friends I met online two years ago, I am joining this contest with a hope to win this beautiful satchel bag/purse. So, if you want to win this bag, you should click the badge below. This contest by the way runs until the 28th of July 2010. What are you waiting for? Hurry , join now and and give yourself a chance to win this COACH Satchel Bag Contest! Good luck to us!

Main Sponsors:

College Grants for Women : Fun Family Vacations : Pontoon Boat Cover : Baby Shower Theme Idea

Level 1 Sponsors:

Beauty Tips and Tricks : Get Smart Blog : Practical Beauty Tips : Spices of Life : Review My Opinions : New Haircuts and Hairstyles : Fabulously Frugal : Weight Loss the Healthy Way

Men's Cosmetic Concealer Stick

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of The Men Pen. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband would be very surprised when I tell him about mens makeup or mens cosmetics. He uses my face cleaner every once in awhile, but that's about it. I have many cosmetics and most of them are name brand given by a friend who works at Neiman Marcus; but I really don't use them much. I just wear make up when I go to special occasion like parties and on Sunday when we attend church service.

Anyway, let me talk about this Men Pen cosmetic concealer stick. For those men who want to hide something from their faces, this product is the answer for it can hide every skin imperfections and blemishes such as acne, scars, moles, redness, rough spots, and etc...No wonder why many people especially models, actors and movie stars use it. Mens also use it if they want to look good during their prom, meetings, clubbing and other special gatherings and events. Men Pen cosmetic is also a way of helping men to improve their confidence and impress their looks to their special someone. Indeed modern technology has gone a long way now when it comes to cosmetics and make ups as well as inventing such cosmetic made especially for men.

FTF: Turon

Turon is one of my fave snack I miss most. So I made some one time and hubby liked it. Jake who is not fond of banana started liking it again when I introduced "turon" with him :-).

Join us for more decadent and yummy foods by heading to Willa's Kitchen.

One Year Free Website Hosting

Are you looking for a free website hosting for at least one year? If so, then you should check Robson Communication for they offer this deal without any contract or anything like that. They will help you transfer your present hosting provider without any obligation. All you need to do is check their website and then type in the promotional code which is : VHP25589 to avail of the 1 Year Free Website Hosting. Hurry for this promo ends on the 30th of Sept. 2010!