She Said, she said

Pancakes are hands down our favorite breakfast food. We've tried lots of pancake recipes - banana, apple, chocolate, blueberry, and the list goes on. We love them so much, we sometimes have them for dinner!

We are currently obsessing over this recipe that calls for some tangy and creamy Greek yogurt. Light, fluffy and so delicious, these pancakes will absolutely melt in your mouth. And you have to serve this with a generous drizzle of warm, buttery syrup. One bite, and you'll be in pancake heaven. Promise!

With the Christmas rush happening as we enter the final stretch of the holiday season, we hope you all have time to slow down for some quiet time with loved ones this weekend. Maybe you can even make them these special pancakes : )

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Serves 2
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Butter, for frying

Warm Cinnamon Butter Syrup
*Combine all ingredients and heat until butter and sugar are melted. Serve with your pancakes.
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt, eggs and vanilla until combined. Mixture should be a bit lumpy.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt and baking soda. Add yogurt mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Do not over mix. Batter should be thick with a few lumps.

Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-low heat and melt some butter in the pan. Drop batter by 1/4 cup serving. Flip the pancakes when they start to bubble on the surface. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Serve with warm syrup.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com.

We've missed doing our book reading and art activities with kids so much! So happy that we were finally able to schedule one before the year ends. This part of our Acts of Kindness project is definitely the closest to our hearts. We love working with children and we hope to have more opportunities to share our time with more kids in the coming new year.

This is our second time to be invited to the Reyes' home for a "playdate." Aside from our regular singing and story telling on how to spread love and kindness, we also baked some cookies! We made a big mess but it was super fun.

The kids surprised their moms with a song number accompanied by Bianca on the ukulele!

Merry Christmas, everyone! Let's all spread some love and kindness : )

Thank you to the Reyes family for having us and to Doa Manaloto for the video.

View more photos of our Acts of Kindness project here.

As this year comes to an end, we once again would like to say our heartfelt thanks to all of you for making our 2014 awesome! Looking back at all of our posts, we can't help but give ourselves a pinch or two just to make sure we're not just dreaming. Did this year really happen?! It's been quite a year for the both of us, a year of dreams coming true and of reaching our goals, and we couldn't have done it without your love and support.

We'd like to share our favorite posts from 2014, and we look forward to an exciting new year with all of you!

We've been working hard on our Kitchen Stories and we hope you enjoy the recipes we post on the blog as much as we do. Kitchen Stories- Dark Chocolate Caramel Cookies

We shot our first video and posted our first beauty feature this year. Promposal Video | Prom Pretty

Our first travel diary also made its debut this year and we're definitely aiming for more travel diaries this 2015! Paris Diaries: The Mona Lisa Up Close and Hanging Out with the Locals at Jardin des Tuileries

We love putting together Inspiration boards. Inspiration Board: Holiday Gift Guide

And last but not the least, thank you for all the love you sent our way for our sentimental posts.
Jumping High | Dear Bianca | Mother's Day :)

Happy New Year!!!

The holidays have come and gone, and we're now busy packing away the Christmas tree. We have actually been considering just leaving the tree up because the days go by so quickly, and we're pretty sure it won't be long til we have to bring out the holiday decorations again. Do you feel the same way? :)

But since it's always better to start the year right and to keep everything organized, it leaves us with no choice but to take the tree down, trimmings and all, until we bring it out again later this year.

We're also sorting through our closets and checking our pantry and refrigerator for food that needs to be cleared out. We discovered several half loaves of bread, dinner rolls and packs of pan de sal tucked away in the freezer that have either been forgotten or that nobody wants to eat since we buy fresh bread twice a week.

It seemed like such a waste to throw all that bread out, so we thought of reincarnating them into bread pudding so we have less food waste. Stale bread is best for making pudding because it has become stiff and dry, thereby absorbing more moisture, making the end product moist and tender. Stale bread is also good for making croutons and breadcrumbs!

Here's a delicious and simple bread pudding recipe that we hope you get to try. So happy we were able to re-purpose our leftovers and it turned out so yummy that the whole casserole was wiped out in one day!

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

4 1/2 cups cubed stale bread

2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs slightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup raisins optional

For the Vanilla Sauce

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions for Pudding:

Heat oven to 350F. Prepare bread cubes and put in a mixing bowl with raisins, if using. Set aside. Combine milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Pour milk mixture over bread and let stand 10 minutes.

Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour into greased 1 1/2 quart casserole and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set in center.

Directions for Vanilla Sauce:

Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture thickens and comes to a full boil, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

To serve, spoon warm pudding into dessert plates and serve with sauce on the side. Store refrigerated.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com.

It's everyone's eternal New Year's resolution to eat healthier. But with all the temptingly unhealthy food choices out there, this resolution is the hardest and most difficult to keep.

I think one of the reasons why we've always failed at this is because we attempt the impossible by making big, sudden changes to our diet. So, this time we are taking baby steps, starting with what is known as the most important meal of the day- breakfast.

She Said: Bianca and I are not big breakfast eaters. We prefer a light breakfast of fruits, yogurt, toast with jam or cold cereal. So this year, instead of reaching for a cereal box laden with sugar and artificial flavors, we'll try to make better choices like whole grain, heart healthy oatmeal.

Oatmeal has long been proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol. High in dietary fiber and phytochemicals that have been associated with protection from chronic disease, it is the obvious choice for the health conscious.

Overnight oats became popular a few years back and are made by simply soaking whole rolled oats in milk overnight in the refrigerator to let them absorb all the liquid. It will be ready when you wake up in the morning. No cooking required!

The most common recipe is equal parts rolled oats and milk. This is your base. And now for the fun part! The toppings and mix-ins are all up to you: before they go in the fridge, you can add yogurt, sliced fruits, chia seeds, a pinch of salt or cinnamon powder, or some vanilla extract. You can customize your own by using different kinds of milk, like soy, almond or even coconut milk and experiment with different kinds of toppings.

she said: I love cold oatmeal! I prefer adding the sliced fruits in the morning, but it's totally up to you! You can also warm it up in the microwave, if you're not a fan of cold oatmeal.

Overnight Oatmeal

serves 2

1 cup whole grain rolled oats

1 cup milk (we like using almond milk)

1/2 tablespoon chia seeds

Our favorite toppings:

sliced strawberries

sliced bananas

toasted nuts or granola

honey, to drizzle

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or bowl, combine oats, milk and chia seeds. Cover with lid and keep in refrigerator overnight.

2. In the morning, scoop out soaked oats into bowls. You can add more milk, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your oatmeal to be. Sweeten according to taste with honey or maple syrup. Top with your choice of fruits and nuts. Oatmeal can keep for 3 days in the fridge.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com

I had been so tense and nervous in the months leading up to college entrance test results, but now that I've finally received all of them, I realize I am heading off to college much sooner than I thought! I'm relieved that all the waiting is over, and excited and scared that I'm soon taking my first step into the big world.

I want to be more organized when I start school in September - admittedly, I'm not the neatest or tidiest girl in the world, and I'd like that to change. I'm going to try and start making to-do lists, using colorful sticky notes, arranging my papers and keeping track of everything I need to do.I'm also going to need to fill my closet with practical staples that I enjoy wearing, and let go of the clothes I don't really wear anymore. All through out high school I had to stick to wearing a uniform, so college dressing will be a welcome but major change.

The Herschel Supply Co. Backpack, Ban.do Pencil Pouch, Mulberry Reversible Wool Jumper, H&M Bag, Mango Linen T-Shirt, Oasis Crepe Dress, 7 For All Mankind Skinny Jeans, H&M Organza Blouse, Klean Kanteen Water Bottle, Melissa Aranha 1979 Shoes in Pink Neon, Adidas Gazelle

I put together some of my favorite pieces in this inspiration board. It has just the right balance of comfy and cute, which I think is important for everyday dressing. : )

I turn another year older, today, and I'm hoping another year wiser too. Since earlier this month, Bianca has been asking me what I wanted for my birthday. She's always feeling generous with me this time of year because all her Christmas money is still mostly intact. I never really ask for anything from her except that she be a good girl, and she gets so frustrated every time I say this. "You say that every year mama! Please ask me for something, anything!"

I guess as I have gotten older, I've been more practical, favoring simple, practical things over fancy gadgets or expensive gifts. Take me grocery shopping at my neighborhood supermarket or health food store, or even the drug store (I'm always buying something in Mercury Drugstore) and I'm a happy camper. Or maybe I'm just boring that way? :)

I am so grateful for all the blessings, both big and small, that the past year has brought me. I wish I could say that I am recovering from my Parkinson's Disease, but I'm not. I feel that I was physically stronger last year. But I will not and I refuse to dwell on that. I choose instead to move forward and to focus on what it is that I can do. Whatever I lack in physical strength, God has replaced with an amazing strength in spirit, courage and positive attitude.

During our recent travel, I had to be mostly relegated to a wheelchair while in the airport since I couldn't tackle the long walk from the boarding and arrival gates. I wanted to feel sorry for myself, but I couldn't stop smiling. I was, after all, going on a trip of a lifetime.

Still, there are those days that are especially challenging and frustrating for me when I can't perform even the simplest of tasks. On these such days, I allow myself to sometimes lose my cool. Nobody is perfect. But everyday, as if on cue, God points me in the right direction by giving me a reason to be thankful. And just like that, all the frustrations just fade away.

I am blessed with the unconditional love and unwavering support of my family and friends from whom I draw my strength. Thank you for standing by me. I would also like to express my gratitude to those who have written to me through the blog, for your words of support and encouragement. Thank you for your prayers. I may not know you personally, but I sincerely hope I get the chance to meet all of you someday.

Sharing with you some funny photos of me mustering all my strength to do my infamous jumping shot. Bianca and I kept laughing because I was failing miserably to get my feet off the ground, and I kept dragging her down with me every time she would attempt to jump. Hahaha!

And here we are, finally both airborne, with me just a few inches above ground. Look at how high, Bianca's jump is. Such a show off! My birthday jump was so much better last year. But the Eiffel Tower in the background more than makes up for it, don't you think?!

Thank you, once again, for taking the time to read my birthday post. I enjoin all of you, let's all keep moving forward and seize the day!

Valentine's Day is coming up! I think this entire holiday is just a big excuse to eat lots of chocolate and sweets in the name of love, but I'm not complaining. : ) My mom is my valentine, and though we don't have any major plans for the holiday, I still think it'd be fun to dress for the occasion. I included tons of pink and red in this inspiration board, which are colors I don't own a lot of, but I love. Hopefully mom and I end up doing something fun together!

Zara Asymmetrical Skirt Jacquard Dress, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, Mango Polka-Dot Top, Chinti And Parker Intarsia Hearts Hugs and Kisses Sweater, Valentino A-Line Dress, Mykita Pink Sherbet Mafalda Sunglasses, Kate Spade New York Dear Valentine Heart Studs Earrings, Comme des Garçons x Converse Sneakers, Essie Nail Color in Bump Up The Pumps, Tiffany Charm Bracelet, Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette, Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Large Monday Bag in Cabaret Pink, Lush The Kiss Lip Gloss

Just a couple of months back, we had the opportunity to experience the best of Filipino hospitality at Aruga by Rockwell's fully serviced apartments. Located within the exclusive Rockwell Center in Makati City, each studio apartment and one-bedroom & two-bedroom suites are designed to make every traveler feel like they are home away from home.

Spacious Living & Dining areas of a two-bedroom suite

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and with the warm, personal service of the Aruga team making a lasting impression on us, we couldn't wait to be back for more.

Aside from the comfortable beds, one of the parts we liked most about our suite was the fully equipped kitchen complete with an electric stove, microwave, toaster oven, and coffeemaker, among other amenities. In-house guests have the option to prepare their own meals or you can even plan a cooking party with a small group of friends or family.

We didn't get to use the kitchen much during our first visit, so we were excited to be back, and this time we were prepared and ready to cook! A supermarket is conveniently accessible at the nearby Power Plant Mall so shopping for ingredients was a cinch.

She Said: Our Kitchen Stories feature recipes that we prepare and cook at home. I was very excited to cook in Aruga's fully equipped kitchen! Housekeeping services are available round the clock to assist you with every need. They can even do a quick run to the grocery for you if you forget something.

This flavorful chicken recipe is marinated in lots of garlic and olive oil. Serve this family style on a big platter with roasted potatoes and some asparagus for your greens. It's the perfect dish to make for your loved ones this Valentine weekend.

Grilled Marinated Chicken with Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes

6 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 pounds baby potatoes
2 bunches asparagus trimmed and cut into thirds
olive oil
coarse salt and
fresh ground pepper

*Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a sauce pan, melt 1/2 cup salted butter. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook until tender. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat leaf parsley.

How To:

1. Cut chicken breast in half so you have about twelve smaller, thinner chicken cutlets. Salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large baking dish or bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons minced garlic, about 1/4 cup olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Add the chicken, turning several times to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

she said: Whenever we make this dish at home, I'm in charge of scrubbing the potatoes clean and I help in cooking the chicken :)

4. Cut potatoes in half or quarters and place in a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle some olive oil and toss until potatoes are well coated. Spread out potatoes into one layer. Roast for 30 minutes or until brown and crisp.

5. While potatoes are in the oven, preheat a grill pan to medium heat and brush with some oil. Lift chicken from the marinade and grill until browned and cooked through, 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside cooked chicken pieces covered in foil to keep warm.

6. In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add asparagus and cook, stirring often, until crisp tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Arrange chicken, asparagus and roasted potatoes in a large serving platter and serve immediately with warm *Garlic Butter Sauce.

Treat your loved ones for a Valentine staycation this weekend at Aruga by Rockwell! For bookings and inquiries, call 818-0000, or visit www.arugabyrockwell.com.

This article also appears on Philstar.com.

The classic grilled cheese sandwich is our go to for a quick and easy lunch or snack. We often make it at home with different kinds of cheeses and bread. This chocolate variation is a new favorite of ours. You can serve this as dessert after a light meal. So, so very delicious and scrumptious! We hope you get to try it out.

Summer will be soon upon us, and as the heat becomes unbearable in the coming months ahead, we're planning on spending less time in the kitchen by preparing meals that are quick, easy and hassle free. Stay tuned for our Kitchen Stories: Summer Edition!

Grilled Chocolate Sandwiches
(adapted from Martha Stewart)

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
4 slices thick cut bread (1/2 inch thick)
4 ounces thin semisweet or milk chocolate bar
2 tablespoons butter
Confectioner's sugar for dusting

1. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk. Set aside.

2. Form two sandwiches with the bread and chocolate. Break the chocolate as necessary to cover the bread without extending over the edges.

3. Dip both sides of the sandwiches in the egg mixture to coat.

4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer sandwiches to skillet and cook until golden, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.

5. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Cut sandwiches in half and dust with Confectioner's sugar before serving.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com

We've been cooking a lot of chicken dishes lately, particularly white chicken meat, which has a little less fat and fewer calories compared to dark meat. We are really trying our best to make healthier choices when it comes to our meals. Chicken breast meat has more protein and less cholesterol, so it's the better choice. We like adding it to our salads, or serving it with some roasted or steamed vegetables and we look forward to sharing our chicken recipes with you!

She Said: Our New Year's resolution to eat healthier meals has been going well so far. We've been eating more fruits and vegetables and we're slowly choosing lean meats over fatty cuts.

she said: Now, we only hope to be successful when it comes to desserts! We both have a weakness for all things sweet and can't resist chocolates, cakes and cookies, but we're really trying our best most especially for the Lenten season.

This recipe calls for skinless chicken breast fillets. The accompanying sauce is a French classic, made with mustard and heavy cream which you can substitute with milk or even plain yogurt. It makes a perfect sauce for pan seared fish and as topping for pork tenderloin too. Serve this with some steamed string beans and rice on the side and you've got yourself the perfect lunch. Enjoy!

Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce

(adapted from The Pioneer Woman)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream or substitute with plain yogurt

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried)

coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper

1. In a medium frying pan, heat oil over moderate heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to pan. Saute until cooked through, about 10 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

2. Pour chicken broth into the hot pan, cook stirring until broth is reduced in half. Whisk in cream yogurt, mustard and tarragon. Cook whisking until thickened, about 2 minutes.

3. Pour in any accumulated chicken juices into the sauce and mix until combined. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and serve with steamed French string beans and rice.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com.

Here's a light and easy fish recipe for those meatless Fridays of Lent. The addition of lemon slices during cooking helps keep the fish moist and flavorful. A simple sauce made with a combination of white wine, butter and lemon juice is the perfect compliment for this dish.

Sole with Lemon Butter Sauce

(from marthastewart.com)

3/4 cup dry white wine

3 sole fillets (about 330 grams each)

coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

18 very thin lemon slices (from 2 lemons), seeds removed

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

4 tablespoons cold butter

fresh dill sprigs

1. Pour white wine in a large lidded skillet. Slice each sole fillet into 3 smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper and arrange in the skillet. Lay two overlapping lemon slices on each piece of fish.

2. Bring the wine to a boil; reduce heat to medium low. Cover skillet with lid and simmer gently until the fish is opaque through-out, about 3-5 minutes. With a spatula, carefully transfer fish to serving plates.

3. Return the liquid in the skillet to a boil and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup. Remove from heat, then whisk in lemon juice and butter until smooth. Season with salt; strain if desired. Serve with the fish and garnish with fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper.

She Said: I love lemons and can't help but add a squeeze of lemon juice to just about everything! I have also taken up the habit of drinking warm lemon water in the morning, so you can be sure to find a regular supply of this tangy, sour and fresh smelling citrus in our kitchen.

she said: I was really surprised that this dish was really simple to make! This one's a keeper, because the recipe is so easy I can do it myself! : )

This article also appears on PhilStar.com

I don't think I ever expected my graduation day to come so quickly. The thing about high school is everything happens in a little bubble. You've got permanent classmates, a set schedule, rules to follow - and you get used to the routine, to seeing the same faces every day, and you start figuring out the campus until you know it like the back of your hand. And then it's time to go, and it feels really weird because you're not going to see the same faces anymore. Everything is changing, and suddenly everyone expects you to be very responsible and grown-up because you're going to college. It's really overwhelming. A lot happened in the past four years, and I feel like Freshman Bianca and Graduate Bianca are two very similar yet very different people. #growingpains

I'm definitely gonna miss the spots my friends and I used to hang out in, and how going to school every day had a certain familiarity to it. And I'm really going to miss having hot lunch sent to me every day. Shoutout to you, mom: You the best! Here's what my last lunch looked like - my favorite grilled chicken, roast potatoes, carrots and apples. My mom always cuts up my food (because in my mom's eyes, I'll always be her baby) and makes sure I have fresh fruit to munch on, too.

I will always be grateful for the friends I made and for the support system I had. There were days where I had work piled up in front of me and I just wasn't feeling up to it, and days where I accomplished a lot and felt really good about myself. Then there were those days when I couldn't stop crying, but there were also lots of days where I couldn't stop laughing.

Through all these moments, I will always remember how my friends and family stood by me and taught me what it really means to be there for someone.

I'm not as sentimental or nostalgic as I thought I'd be. I'm happy because despite the ups and downs, I can say I've had an amazing four years. I'm positive that it gets better from here! Happy Easter everyone : )

Cooking during the summer can be a bit of a challenge. With the rising temperatures and the sweltering heat that is upon us right now, we all want to spend less time in the kitchen and get dinner to the table as quickly as possible.

Summertime meal preparation is all about fast, easy methods and with a little bit of planning, you can serve up an uncomplicated meal that's both satisfying and delicious. This recipe calls for grilled chicken which you can prepare and cook in advance.

She Said: One of our favorite things to make at home is grilled chicken fillets. We often cook more than what a recipe calls for and keep the rest for future meals. They keep well in the freezer! Just thaw and reheat to mix with salads, pasta dishes and as filling for sandwiches.

she said: To prepare the chicken, simply brush with a little olive oil, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook over a charcoal grill or grill pan, about 5 minutes per side. We hope you get to try this creamy, cheesy pasta recipe with a zesty lemon flavor!

Ricotta & Spinach Pasta with Grilled Chicken
(adapted from cookingclassy.com)

4 large chicken breast fillets, grilled and sliced into strips
500 grams spaghetti or fettucine
1 bag fresh baby spinach, steamed until just wilted
1 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan
zest and juice of 1 lemon
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cut off the thick stems of the spinach and discard. Clean by filling a large bowl with water and soaking the spinach to loosen any dirt or sand. Drain the water and rinse the leaves, then repeat soaking and draining process once more. Set aside.

2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Place washed spinach in the bottom of a colander then pour out the pasta to drain. The boiling hot pasta water will cook the spinach until just wilted.

3. Return pasta and spinach into pot and set over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup pasta water, olive oil, ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice and toss to coat until ricotta is heated through. Add in more pasta water if needed, season with salt and pepper. Add in sliced chicken. Serve warm topped with more parmesan if desired.

This article also appears on PhilStar.com

She Said: Calamansi or Philippine lime can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. I like using it in marinades for meat or as a dipping sauce for grilled fish. It's actually my first time to use calamansi juice in baking. These sweet and tart muffins turned out delicious, I'm already looking up other calamansi dessert recipes to try out!

she said: I've been taking advantage of my summer vacation to catch up on some sleep. On most mornings, I'm up late so I generally miss breakfast time. Good thing the English invented brunch! I love "brunching" with mom. These buttery muffins are just perfect when they're hot from the oven. Now I'm ready for some bacon and eggs. Yum!

Calamansi Muffins
(adapted from pepper.ph)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature, plus more for muffin tin

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup calamansi juice

Preheat oven to 350F. Using a pastry brush, coat muffin pan with butter. This recipe makes 8 to 10 muffins depending on the size of your pan.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy. Add in the sugar and continue to mix. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine calamansi juice and the milk- it will look curdled, but rest assured that it's alright.

With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of the calamansi mixture.

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm.

With traveling comes the challenge of packing your stuff. I hate feeling like I forgot something. so I tend to over-pack. I've learned the hard way that bringing way too much stuff is never a good thing. The best choice is to bring a lot of versatile pieces that can take you from day to night - I especially love this striped dress which I think can be dressy or casual. Plus, it's easy to layer on a coat or a pair of tights (or both!) if it gets chilly.

Being away from home means your skin gets really confused and can break out or get super dry. Mom has been a loyal Clinique user ever since she was a teen and she passed on the good stuff to me. We both have sensitive skin and this brand is honestly the only thing that works for us!

I am also obsessed with this suitcase that's got a punchy floral design. It will surely stand out from all the others on the baggage carousel! : )

Traveling is one of our goals for the summer. We're keeping positive and we're hoping to experience new things and see lots of new places!

Ted Baker London Opulent Bloom Hard Shell Suitcase, Passport Holder & Luggage Tag, Zoe Karssen Day Dream Sweatshirt, One Kings Lane Linen Scarf, Illesteva Leonard II Sunglasses, Clinique 3-Step Skincare, Warehouse Stripe Dress, Michael Kors Stainless Steel Watch, Warehouse Swing Coat, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Chiara Ferragni Hot Dog & Soda Slip-Ons, American Eagle Outfitters Crop Jeans

I am sure all parents feel an overwhelming sense of pride for every accomplishment and milestone our children go through. When I became a mom, I wholeheartedly embraced the joy and the responsibility of raising my daughter whose life I was entrusted with. I changed from dreaming for myself to dreaming for us both and visualizing a happy, fulfilled life for my daughter and myself.

Bianca recently graduated from high school, and in the morning of her graduation day I gifted her with this Dr. Seuss book which I bought way back in 2008. I meant to give it to her when she graduated from college, but I know in my heart that she is already going places and the timing couldn't be more perfect.

When I saw her go up on stage to receive her diploma, I was bursting with so much pride and joy. She's always been self motivated and responsible and never once gave me any reason to doubt that she can accomplish all that she is set out to achieve.

My Dearest Bianca,

Congratulations! I am so proud of you. My only wish for you is to be happy. Continue to dream big. Do not fear the future, because I always have your back. I am your biggest fan and supporter and I am with you through thick and thin.

So, go out and see the world as you have planned, and whenever possible, take me along with you? :)

"Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!"

- Dr. Seuss

I had actually forgotten about buying this book. I wanted to give Bianca a meaningful graduation gift, and suddenly remembered that I had kept this book at the back of my closet all this time. I have always taught her to live with purpose and with intention, and this book perfectly sums up my hopes and dreams for her. ❤

My love for stories started when I was in my mom's womb and she would read to me, and reading continues to be a huge part of my life. When I was younger, I had a book club with my neighbors and friends. That really encouraged me to read regularly. Books can transport you to different worlds, help you realize truths about living and following your dreams, and really good books can change your perspective and stay with you forever. These are a few of my childhood favorites, that, in my opinion, are timeless. I hope you get the chance to pick up some of these books - though they are written for children, I think that everyone can enjoy them! Happy reading!

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild: Ballet Shoes is a story following three adopted girls who launch themselves into performing arts to support their poor family. It's taught me loads of lessons about growing up and balancing studying with my other responsibilities and interests. It was first published in 1936, a completely different era to the one we live in right now, but I quickly fell in love with it when I was just six years old - it was the very first book I read for my book club. It's both humorous and moving, and I'm pretty sure I've flipped through this tattered copy over a hundred times...this is a book I'd recommend to everyone!

Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M.M. Blume: When Virginia Somerset moves into the apartment next to eleven-year-old Cornelia Englehart, Cornelia becomes fascinated with the older woman's stories about her adventures all over the world. I love this book because it fueled my love for traveling and seeing new places - and it was the first time I had ever come across the word 'audacious!' At its simplest, it's a tale about love, friendship, and crazy wonderful adventures. It's definitely a timeless story to me.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall: One of the most charming stories I've ever read! This is the story of the Penderwick sisters' summer vacation in a rented cottage behind the sprawling Arundel Hall estate. These were girls that I immediately considered my friends, and as I continued on reading I naturally identified with them. It's been said before, but reading this book is like the literary equivalent of a summer day - easy-breezy, memorable, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: O.K, so this book might've guided me into my most annoying phase as a tween - keeping a confidential spy notebook and writing down my inner ramblings as well as what I really thought about everyone I knew - but it taught me to be curious, and it taught me that it's okay to be myself, and it's okay to have bad days. Harriet is just a kid trying to figure herself out, and this book deals with rejection and loss. But it's also ridiculously hilarious and optimistic.

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett: I've always been intrigued by mystery and suspense novels. It's a challenge to bury clues within text without giving the entire plot away. As young Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay solve the case of a stolen Vermeer painting, they uncover a chain of events intertwined with real-life art history. This book really makes you think and read between the lines. Plus, the illustrations are amazing!

Well, hello there! I'm so sorry we've been so quiet here on the blog. This summer heat has been particularly difficult for me, leaving me feeling sick and weak with little energy to do anything. All I wanted to do was stay in a cool, air conditioned space and never leave. But, life must go on and I'm relieved that the heat is slowly letting up and we're finally experiencing occasional rain. I've put Bianca in charge of our Instagram and Facebook page, and we hope you've been following and enjoying all the photos and updates she's been posting.

I'm slowly getting back into the kitchen - I've missed cooking and sharing our recipes with you! Here's one we made last week. It's quite simple, and you won't break a sweat, we promise! Do try it out soon!

Pan Grilled Sausages & Apples

8 Sweet or Hot Italian Sausages, or a combination of both
2 Apples, we used Fuji apples, but you can also use Granny Smith
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon brown sugar

Core and slice apples into thin wedges and toss in a bowl with brown sugar, set aside. Put a non stick grill pan over medium heat, add sausages and cook until nice and brown, turning occasionally about 5 minutes. When sausages are cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.

Warm butter in a skillet, then stir in apples with brown sugar. Cook, stirring gently until caramelized, with still a little bit of crunch to it. Slice sausages as desired and mix in pan with apples. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Hello! I'm back. And hopefully, for good this time. I have been missing in action on the blog for most of the summer. I wrote in a post earlier that the summer heat was difficult for me, and I'm just so glad that it's finally over! Having Parkinson's Disease, my body is always in motion. From fine hand tremors to bouts of whole body shaking, I'm constantly moving and breaking into a sweat, so the escalating temperatures were just too much for me to bear. I lost my appetite to eat, and had little energy to do anything. I reserved my time for family, house chores (because they need to get done even if you don't want to) and for taking care of myself. It took a lot for someone to coax me to get out of the house. It was just too much trouble for me to get ready and dress up.

I was thankful when the heat started letting up in June. I had so many plans and a long to-do list that I put on hold and was eager to get a move on. I was already getting stressed and frustrated because I wanted to accomplish so many things. But, by some twist of fate, a much needed house repair which included a re-piping of our water lines (sigh and double sigh) needed my attention and supervision. Just looking at the chaos of construction materials, the diggings around the house, the dust and the whole mess of it all just made me sick all over again. Everyday, I would summon positive thoughts to reassure myself that after the repairs were done, everything will be beautiful and in order. At the tail end of all this, my sister, who helps take care of me and who is in charge of preparing our meals, was leaving for a two week trip abroad, so I had to prepare myself physically and mentally to manage the household alone.

And, yes, finally, all is quiet and back to normal in the house again, except for some bit of tidying up in the living room, which I will get to as soon as I catch my breath. Bianca's well into her first two weeks as a college freshman, and in between house repairs and what seemed liked a mad dash to get her ready with everything she needed for school, I had no time to feel sentimental that my one and only child was beginning what will be the last chapter in her life as a student. More on that soon.

Bianca on her first day in grade school. Where did time go?

I must admit that it took some time to get my groove back into blogging and writing again. It's always a challenge whenever you stop and re-start something. But although I was away from the blog these past months, my mind was constantly composing sentences and paragraphs for stories I wanted to share. I am very proud of myself that I was able to get through this very long hot summer, and more importantly, that I managed not to set the house on fire while the sister was away! It might seem trivial, but for someone who has limited mobility and compromised cognitive functions, it's an accomplishment. I always say that I started this blog as a journal for Bianca and I to look back on. It is and will always be our happy place and I'm pretty sure I will be glad that I wrote this post when I come across it years from now.

Dear Bianca,

Thank you for taking good care of me this summer. I know it was hard sometimes because I was short tempered due to stress. I will always be grateful for your patience and kindness. I love you!

We might not have accomplished our goal to get to London for your 17th birthday. It seemed like we were getting closer and then suddenly further from our dream. But you know I never give up. We shouldn't give up. I am positive that it will all happen in good time.....because all good things take time.

Always,

Mama

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