Bacon and Cheese Roll

Here's a really sinful treat I found online you can greet the new year with (heaven help you!): Bacon and Cheese Roll.

Island Cove Family Fun Package

In one word, it's what Pinoys would call SULIT. Worth it to avail for a family of four (two adults and two kids). But of course, even the Day trip should make anyone happy since Island Cove is very near Manila.

The Family Fun Package currently costs P4,500 and entitles you to:
~ Room Accommodation (and extra bed)
~ Food voucher worth P1,000 for use at any of the Island Cove restaurants
~ Thirty-minute ride at a horse-drawn carriage (at the Animal Island)
~ Printed Souvenir Photo with a Baby Croc (at Animal Island, Crocs and Monkeys area)
~ Free entrance to Animal Island and Oceana Water Park
~ Iced tea for four (if you're eating at Fishing Village, better avail this one here since the iced tea at the Oceana Water Park resto is more water than tea)
~ Canvas bags to be painted on at Animal Island
~ Free use of Hotel Pool and Jacuzzi
~ 30 minutes free at Island Songs KTV
~ Complimentary bottled water

You can choose to arrive at the check-in time of 2 PM or come earlier, collect your coupons at the reception desk and start swimming your hearts out at Oceana Water Park already. You can frolic there all day and just check-in to shower in your room, then head to Animal Island and Fishing Village (the sunset in those places are breathtaking!).

And you can actually ask for another set of coupons for the water park for the following day (so you can check out early and spend the entire day at the water park slides) or prefer to enjoy the hotel pool instead.

Our only miscalculations were:

1) The water park and pool waters aren't heated... and is too cold even for the average adult in December, so our 1-year old kid couldn't enjoy it for all its worth... even at the height of noon.

2) We took the tram to the Animal Island on the first day, but it's really a big area so if you have your own car, you might want to use it instead. But for those who have the time and do not mind walking, the many animals (ostrich, deer, boars and other birds) and view of the sea (lake?) should make the walk engaging.


the tram, which runs on electricity,
that shuttles guests around Island Cove

OCEANA WATER PARK


main pool with slides


kiddie pool area with slides and fountains


the kiosk


area around kiosk

HOTEL


Island Cafe


rooms are air-conditioned, with cable TV,
tub, soap/shampoo/bath/toothbrush, ref


each room has a terrace of sorts

ANIMAL ISLAND


they have many big tigers there, but I couldn't
work with the cages for good pictures


we were told Ostrich eggs taste
just like chicken eggs


we paid P70 to feed the croc...
(there are some 167 crocs there right now)


the baby croc used for the souvenir
photo opps


where you paint on the canvas bags


animals for petting are available
on Saturdays and Sundays


the mighty deers

FISHING VILLAGE


dine over water and enjoy the sea breeze


make sure you order the pininyahang manok!
and their bagoong rice is also to die for!!!

ISLAND SONGS KTV


they charge P100/person per hour, but
that's consummable to food and drinks


certainly, do not go without one of
their white choco brownies (P55 each)

Take Care of the Grease

The Holidays usually bring with it the most sinful of foods... the most buttery, the most greasy, the most creamy of concoctions. So how do we take care of the grease and get them off our dining ware and Kohler sinks?

Of course, you would need to use the right cleaner. And its really best not to let all the grease congeal on your cookware and plates (especially if some of the cooking fat was burned). You can boil plenty of water and prepare basins of hot water with some dishwashing liquid for your dishes and utensils and pots. Let them sit there while you enjoy your Christmas dinner or while everyone is winding down with some tea or coffee (and some piece of cake). They will be easier to wash later.

You can also soak a rag in vinegar and use this to wipe countertops and stovetops.

Just make sure you deal with the grease as soon as you can, not only because cleaning them off is easier that way, it will also keep pests off your kitchen counters.

Anniversary Gift Idea: Bride's Bouquet

Wondering how to best get your wife remembering the magic of your wedding day, when you made your vows to love and cherish each other forever, without necessarily spending so much on a renewal ceremony?

Then do what my husband did. He had my wedding bouquet re-created.





It need not be an exact copy even, so feel free to utilize the services of any Dangwa florist. And yes, you can just go to any florist (especially if the flowers in her bouquet are commonly used) but you can also opt to pre-order (maybe from your wedding florist too!) for easy pick-up or delivery. It can also be just a miniature version of the original bouquet (less expensive but just as sweet).

Quick Cheesy Potatoes

Just boil potatoes (you might want to cut real large ones in half though, to make sure the center cooks well), remove skin and them slice according to preference (we did ours in round slabs, some might prefer wedges).

Fry some bacon (or ham or sausage, whichever you have) for topping/garnishing. Use some of the fat left to heat up your favored cheese spread. Pour over cut potatoes.

Perfect Time to Buy Christmas Decor

The perfect time to buy wonderful Christmas decor dirt cheap is NOW, because Christmas is past and manufacturers and sellers alike are selling these products at really lower prices.

Just make sure to keep them well so you can use them next year. This way, you actually save money. That is, if you're one of those who really go all out with their Christmas decorations.

My husband's family loves shopping at Makro as well, for P10 trimmings that are cute and unique.

Pork Rambutan

Pork Rambutan is really just the same meat mixture used for lumpiang shanghai. Instead of wrapping it up, however, you shape it into meatballs and then roll it on crushed miswa (fine wheat noodle).

The basic ground pork recipe we used (we don't like stuff such as garlic and celery, hehe) follows:

1/2 kg ground pork
150 gms shrimp, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper

Combine all ingredients above and refrigerate. When ready to cook, shape the mixture into balls (about 1-inch balls for easy cooking), dip in beaten egg then roll over crushed miswa before frying in low heat.

suggestions:
* For tastier pork, add a dash of Knorr Liquid seasoning
** You can also insert a cube of quick-melting cheese in the middle of each ball for a cheesy surprise
*** Exchange a third of the pork with ground beef or your favorite sausages (chopped/ground)





This is perfect for the media Noche feast as its round :)

Dealing with Holiday Late Nights

Chances are, you're like me, sniffling from the cold and exhaustion of late nights and too many reunions, get-togethers and prolonged discussions at the dinner table. Too bad not all of us possess a nespresso machine for some quick pick-me-up. Then again, Starbucks is like a neighborhood convenience store in the city so we need not be deprived.

But really, any hot cocoa, coffee or tea will do.

Or better yet, make sure the short sleep you do get is of good quality, deprived of interruptions like a too-loud cellphone alerting you to text messages from friends partying the night away.

Make sure you eat healthy. Lots of fruits and vegetables instead of more sugar and carbs. And drink plenty of water. You need to keep hydrated especially if you've been drinking tea or coffee.

Most of all, take a nap wherever you can. Fifteen minutes of nap will do you a world of good especially in the middle of the day (say, before you eat lunch, while waiting for the food delivery)

Cookie Christmas Tree

My BIL gifted his wife with a Wilton Cookie Tree Cutter Kit which comes not just with cutters/shapers but also recipes for the cookie dough and icing.


a little blurry since kids were about


who couldn't keep their hands off the tree


their mouths too :D

Can't find a Wilton Kit? You can just purchase your own different-sized cutters from any baking supplies store, use your favorite cookie recipe (because the recipe provided by Wilton's gave a new meaning to TOUGH COOKIE, eventhough it tasted good) and decorate your own way.

You can even use different-sized bottle covers as cutters. You also have the option to attempt to carve your own leaf designs around each circle of dough. And yes, you can even use gelatin (just make it really firm) for the tree.

For the icing, any recipe will do. Just use food coloring. No piping bags? Be creative with sandwich bags! And any itty bitty candy will do for decoration (my SIL used Nips, a local version of M & Ms).

This would make a really lovely Christmas centerpiece... and your kids will have fun decorating it.

Candy Giveaways

At the corner of Tabora/Ylaya, mini candies are being sold in packs. The small ones cost P35 each. You can repackage these by putting them in mini plastic packets (I bought mine at Chocolate Lover but am sure they're also sold in Divisoria or Quiapo or other baking supplies shops).



The wonderful thing about these candies is that they're also differently-flavored according to color. So aside from being cute and definitely eye-catching, they're also very interesting candies. Of course, I cannot be sure if they're melamine-free (though, since you wouldn't exactly give candies to babies, am sure the kids or adults who ingest them will be alright).



I just put about a spoonful of these candies in the mini packets and stapled that (for the first batch, I actually put stickers on the plastic packets first). I believe I was able to make 26 packs from one P35/bag.



This is a cheap and cute something to include in loot bags or give away to kids (kids calling on your home and wishing you "Merry Christmas" perhaps?). And it isn't that sweet too.

Sales Jobs

Pondering jobs in sales as a career path?

The ability to relate well to others would be a very important trait to have, because you would have to deal with all kinds of personalities, in different types of moods. Being able to relate well would not only mean being able to establish rapport with somone, but also being able to communicate well with them, confidently answering their questions and engaging them to actually listen and be invested in your sales speeches.

Of course, a certain degree of intelligence is required. Some companies may even require a certain technical background (e.g. a medical background for med reps; an IT background for telephony services sellers, etc.). But even the mo9st succesful of sellers will tell you that a positive attitude is the most important trait to have.

The positive attitude will allow you to believe in the product you're selling. And the positive attitude will keep you motivated to consider every person/company a possible client. It will allow you to be brave and try, and try again after you've been rejected. It will keep you from feeling disheartened to give your best at every sale you attempt.

People often have this notion that charm gets people earning well in sales. But its really grit and the will to achieve results that get people in sales rich.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard: A Rave

I will admit, the fact that I am a Potterhead may have seriously prejudiced me about liking the book.

So yes, I really, really enjoyed it and think its brilliant. The stories are very engaging and witty (and dark, if truth be told). I found the "The Fountain of Fair Fortune" especially romantic and the "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" particularly disturbing. Then again, so were the Grimm's Fairy Tales.

"Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump" reminded me a little of The Emperor's New Clothes.

If JK will decide to publish all the stories she originally thought up, this will really be yet again a lucrative series for her. After all, at P550, the book IS expensive considering it only contained five stories. And am not sure if they will ever issue it in paperback form.

Still, considering how expensive kiddie storybooks generally are, its also actually not remarkable in that area. Baby Einstein books are much more ludicrously priced (then again, they're usually in thick cardboard).

I really think even kids who haven't faithfully followed the Harry Potter series will find the stories here funny, and parents alike can use these stories to teach values and moral lessons. And if you juxtapose the stories with other storybooks, they aren't as fantastic that kids wouldn't be able to grasp them.

I really salute JK. I cannot wait to be reading this and having talks about it with my son.

*~*

True to form, Harry Potter fans made sure that this book is the fastest selling title of 2008, selling 2.6 million copies in its first week and raking up a cool $8.5 million.

Soften Those Lips

If the wind chill is already rendering your lips chapped and dry, do something about it. Wearing lip balm, or creamy lipsticks and sunscreen may already go a long way. Avoiding lip-licking is also another. Also, make sure you keep fully hydrated. If the chapping is really bad, get a prescription for ointments and avoid the cold as much as you can.

But for everyday softening, you can do either of two things:

1) Every brushing, brush your lips as well to rid it of dried skin.

2) Once a week, smear petroleum jelly on your lips and leave it there for some 30 minutes or so. After that, with an old toothbrush, brush your lips

Remember, chapped lips CAN become infected so it's really important that they be addressed. Besides, you wouldn't want anyone to say you do not have the softest of lips, right? :)

No Shortcuts in Weight Loss

Sure, after the holidays, you can probabaly turn to Leptovox to rid yourself of the weight you gained over all the merrymaking. That's probably okay if you only gained around five pounds.

Still, since you most probably gained those pounds over time (starting with the BER months when people started serving more, and sweeter, food as Christmas comes nearer), you should also lose the weight gained over time. Weight loss pills should still be coupled with the right diet and exercise. And no drastic weight loss is ever beneficial. Your bones, for one thing, will become brittle. Plus, your skin is more likely to sag if the weight loss happened too fast.

So take your time and relish the journey it takes to get you to your ideal weight and size again. Plus, it's always easier that way, when you give your body the chance to adjust. You'd resent the diet and exercise less.

The Gift of Literacy and Wonder

Lost on what to give your nieces and nephews for Christmas? Going insane on weighing the merits of a plushie over an electronic toy, and whether you should heed the "For ages 3+" guides on the boxes?

Why not give the gift of literacy and wonder instead? Give books. Personalized books may be specially-ordered ones, or just wrapped/scrapped nicely. Start on a series, and give one from it for each year till you finish it (there are many new classics now, like Harry Potter, Narnia, Series of Unfortunate Events, Amelia Bedelia, etc.)

If you can, give the book and a VCD/DVD copy of the movie (Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne has recently been made into a wonderful movie starring Brendan Fraser).

Sooner or later, the recipient is bound to pick up these gems and get lost in its stories. And books are the last gifts parents will be throwing or giving away.

Shop At Night

If you still haven't declared yourself as on recession mode, and if you've already got your Christmas bonus at last but cannot find the time to shop, be not worried because sellers have come to your rescue.

For instance, mall hours have already been extended even on weeknights. And since traffic is bad after office hours, you'd do well to while a few hours away shopping for gifts or new outfits instead. By the time you decide to get home, chances are, it will be easier getting a cab and traffic isn't as jammed anymore (except maybe on the last two to three days before Christmas).

You can also take advantage of the night market in Divisoria. Wares are being sold cheaper at night because sellers do not exactly pay for the stalls they put up at night. It will be easier to buy loot for those Christmas goodie bags you're preparing.

But if you're too tired at night, make do with Multiply and Ebay sellers instead. At least, it would just be a one-time meet-up thing for you.

Absolutely Yoneek - Pampanga Caterer

Absolutely Yoneek offers rentals, party planning and catering services to people from the North.

Contact Julita Liyett Dizon Tolentino
Km. 91 McArthur Highway
Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga

Branch 1: Alden Bldg.
Rizal Ext. Cutcut
Angeles City
Tel No. (45) 626-1060
cell No. 0916-4595668
esyoneek@yahoo.com


The flowers for my BIL's wedding were made by my SIL so am not sure about what they can offer in terms of setup. But the food was really, really great. We couldn't help bingeing on the ribs and their salad kept people coming back for more.

Few caterers will get raves from us... but they're definitely one of them. So if you're from Pampanga, let them cater your special occasion.

Maybe you can also contact them for food orders for parties.


setup at Paradise Ranch Leisure Park

No pics of the food though... so sorry we were famished and exhausted at that point already and it was already dark outside.

Constantine Place - Pool Pics

The mini pool (last pic) is the kiddie wading pool. Jets of water can also be turned on along the side of the main pool for a fountain effect. But the pool water at Constantine Place is not heated so its not really good for infants or babies in late afternoons or at night.

Talk on the Challenge of Parenting Teens

got this in my e-mail
==================


Title: Parent Talk 101 (The Challenges of parenting Teens)
Speaker: Clem Guillermo (Heart Line Counselor-DZAS 702, Director of
Back to the Bible Phil., Marriage Counselor)
When: January 17, 2009 (Saturday)
Where: Cinema 9 (SM North Edsa, Quezon City)
Morning Session: 9:00am to 12:00 noon
Afternoon Session: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Ticket price: P150.00

Event Partners: Proclaim His Name Christian Fellowship, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches(PCEC), 702 DZAS, Philippine Christian Book Store(PCBS), Back to the Bible

For more details, ticket reservations and inquiries, text Cristina at (63918)939-0171.

Binagoongan ala Mec

Ingredients:
1 Kilo Pork Belly (Liempo) cubed (slightly bigger than menudo-sized cubes)
2 tsps. oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 onions, chopped
5 small tomatoes, chopped (or as many as you want)
1/2 cup shrimp paste (Bagoong)
3 tbsps vinegar
3 eggplants, sliced diagonally
1/2 cup coconut cream
1 big chili (the green one for sinigang, pointed end chopped off to release flavor)
salt and pepper to taste
1 sachet Maggi Magic Sarap

Cover liempo with water and season with some salt and pepper as well as the Maggi Magic Sarap in a pot. Let boil for at least 15 minutes or until pork is tender.

Saute garlic and onions in a separate pan until golden. Add the tomatoes until soft then add the shrimp paste. Add the chili and the cooked pork pieces with about 1/2 - 1 cup of the pork broth.

Simmer for some five minutes before seasoning with the vinegar and some more pepper (or more chilis!). When pork is fork-tender, add sliced eggplants and coconut cream. Bring to a boil and simmer until mixture thickens and eggplants are soft (about 10-15 minutes). Feel free to add more coconut cream or pork broth according to taste.

* if using powdered coconut cream, use the pork broth to dissolve the powder in for more flavor
** add half of a pork cube if you want more flavor
*** use spicy shrimp paste available in groceries if you really want it spicy

Dapitan Arcade

Dapitan Arcade is located in at Kanlaon cor. Dapitan Sts. and is a haven for unique finds and discount furniture. Chandeliers made from rattan or capiz can be had for as cheap as P2,500 (the biggest one). Handmade paper in varying shades are also sold there as well as glittery matryoshka dolls (Russian nesting dolls).

Other ornaments that help beautify homes or come up with inspired celebrations can be found in the wrought iron products sold there. Iron frame stands sell for as cheap as P1,000 (including 4-5 wooden picture frames). Old-fashioned lamps can be bought for as cheap as P80.

There are also wicker baskets sold there, some even designed for kiddie rooms (and painted accordingly in baby blue or pink).

And of course, right now, every possible Christmas decor can also be found there, including different-sized and styled Santa Clauses.

Holiday Movie Marathon

Not sure what to do with your family this coming holiday season?

Delegate who'd be in charge of cooking the popcorn and the churros, or eat all the extra (or reject) baked goodies you're baking and selling while enjoying movie marathons with the entire family. Invite some cousins or friends over too, if you want. You can even turn it into a potluck thing.

Enjoy the home theater seating in your media room and pick themes. Like, for a certain night, its Star Wars. The next night, Harry Potter movies. And another night, all Home Alone movies. Or every Christmas movie you can think of. People can even bring their own movie along with the food and booze, so you can pick more generic themes (Disturbing Movies Night, Geek Movies Night, Chick Flick Movies Night, Julia Roberts Movies Night, Action Movies Night, etc.).

Am sure it would be a great bonding way... and will help you avoid crowds or spending too much eating out.

Goldilocks Bakeshp is currently offering Bailey's Cake. At P530 (I think) for the big one, you get the taste of Bailey's on the chocolate icing at the side of the cake (completely covered by the chocolate wedges in this picture) and lots of Chantilly cream.

The sponge cake itself isn't anything special but overall, the cake is at least not too sweet.

Is it worth the price? Maybe, since I don't know how much liqueur costs. But there are better-tasting cakes out there. Just add a little more to the cost and you can already order a cake by Alex Franco, one that would be filled with mangoes and mousse aside from cake and cream.

Ira's Coco Macaroons

Ingredients:
1/4 kilo dessicated coconut (high fat)
1 can sweetened condensed creamer
1/2 cup sugar
50 ml evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
100 gms grated cheese


Combine wet ingredients first in a bowl. Add all the remaining dry ingredients. Drop by teaspoonful into small corrugated paper cups. Make sure to mix the batter once in a while as you're filling the cups since the coconut tends to settle at the bottom.

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes at 350 degree Fahnrenheit. Cool completely before serving.

Shades as Gifts

Got a fashionista for a girlfriend or wife and don't know what would be an absolutely perfect gift for her?

Look to classic icons such as Audrey Hepburn and hit Ray-Ban stores for a pair of Wayfarer sunglasses. Choose a different (think funky or loud) color frame if you think she'd want something modern-ish or if she's the type who likes clothes and accessories to match.

This would be even more perfect if it will come with an itinerary, or a promissory note of sorts, for a beach vacation where such will come in handy.

(Image source: Google)

Nestle All Purpose Cream - Strawberry Flavor

Maybe in anticipation of the Christmas Season, Nestle is now selling limited edition Strawberry and Buko Pandan flavored all purpose cream.

We've only tried the Strawberry flavored one. It's a thicker cream than the usual and already tastes sweet. I used it for my Cathedral Windows recipe and my strawberry-loving loved ones loved it. However, you might want to lessen the condensed milk in the recipe as the cream already tastes sweet.

Digiscrapping with Digital Candy

Wonderful downloads await registered members at Digital Candy. I am talking of major freebies here, with entire mega kits and quick pages alike to choose from. What's more, the kits are usually broken down into smaller downloads (some even label them thoughtfully so you can only download elements or frames if you only want them).

There are already so many Christmas kits and pages to choose from for those who are already digiscrapping tags and storybook gifts for loved ones and friends.

Have fun downloading and always leave some love!

Wanted: Sales/Marketing Assistants and Product & Layout Designer

got this in my e-mail

================================

Sales & Marketing Assistant

Job Description
• Develop calling and selling strategies - Develop selling strategies via telephone & personal sales calls
• Prospecting - aggressively gain new customers via telemarketing & personal presentations.
• Expand and generate growth in existing and new users of products
• Set up appointments within assigned sales territory to introduce new clients to products offered.
• Develop the existing corporate account base by continuously strategizing with clients and penetrating other departments.
• Develop and maintain a sustained relationship with each client by providing excellent customer service.
• Work closely with marketing to develop appropriate selling and presentation materials
• Ensure effective execution of sales and projects through merchandise research and extensive account follow-up.
• Ensure a high degree of satisfaction with the company's products and services
• Provide quotation to clients

Job Qualifications
· Graduate of any Business Course, preferably Marketing
· With Good Communication and Public Relation Skills
· Excellent in Oral and Written English
· Willing to work in Makati
· Preferably with Driver’s License
Ability to:

· Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
· Enter data or information into a computer terminal or other keyboard device
· Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting



Product & Lay-out Designer

Job Description
· Design new products according to the client’s needs.
· Request quotation of newly designed products from suppliers
· Provide layout or artwork to be sandblasted on the crystal pieces
· Request approval of artwork from clients
· Develop miscellaneous promotional materials
· Develop miscellaneous name badges and business cards
· Design special displays for tradeshows and outlet stores

Job Qualifications
· Ability to operate various computer applications such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Auto cad
· Ability to comprehend instructions well
· Keen eye for detail
· Graduate of Design, Fine Arts or other related courses


APPLICANTS MAY PERSONALLY AT 80 SEN. GIL PUYAT AVE. BRGY, SAN ISIDRO MAKATI CITY OR SEND THEIR RESUME VIA EMAIL AT nori@crystal-catx.com

Appliance Shopping

When shopping for appliances, especially in this grand merry season of Christmas, always make sure you get your money's worth. Do not be fooled by freebies. Make sure you've compared prices beforehand to make sure those freebies weren't actually included in the selling price. On the other hand, make sure to inquire abut freebies too.

See, most manufacturers have actually included the cost of certain things with their products. For example, most TV sets come with free tv stands now. PLasma TVs come with free mounting services.

And make sure you inquire about warranties and compare wattages. Go green when you can. And stick to trusted brands if you know you'll be using that certain appliance a lot.

Moving and Merging

One of the things soon-to-weds forget to anticipate is the moving and living together thing after the wedding. So, understandably enough, few get to research on moving services available to them until they're only a few weeks away from the wedding, and already superbly stressed with the wedding.

So make sure you include packing and moving costs in your wedding budget. The things that you know in your heart of hearts that you'll never use again, sell them in garage sales or on Ebay. Do not leave them in your family's home to continue occupying space (plus, if you leave to your parents the sifting through, they might end up throwing things that ARE precious to you). This way, you earn some extra bucks to buy something else for your new home.

In the Filipino culture, where most kids only leave home when they get married (sometimes, not even then), there may be few furniture and appliances you'll be bringing with you so you may not need a moving truck. But if you had your own place before and you and your spouse-to-be are living in a new place after the wedding, make sure you get professionals to help you.

Yema Balls

Ingredients:
I can condensed milk/creamer
12 egg yolks
2 tbsp. calamansi juice
2 cups sugar

Directions:
1. Combine first three ingredients in a pan. Cook in low heat, stirring constantly until mixture leaes the sides of the pan.

2. Cool then shape into 1/2 inch diameter balls. Let stand for 10 minutes.

3. Caramelize sugar. Using a toothpick, dip yema balls in the caramel, making sure the entire ball is covered.

4. Arrange in greased tray and cool. Wrap in cellophane.

Yield: About 24 balls.

Watch How Much of What You Eat

This Holiday season, watch how much you eat of what, otherwise, you might have to also watch what you pop in your mouth as a consequence. Or quick fix-it.

It's the season for sweets and pastries and everything creamy and spiced with alcohol. It's the season for cured meats and pies and roasted game. Everywhere you go, you're sure to be following parties. From here onwards, every weekend will be occupied by some get-together or yearend reunion with friends over food and drinks. How else can one be merry if not dining and drinking with loved ones?

It's no myth. We gain weight during this time of the year. And sure, Orovo pills and the like may help in the end but a better attitude would be making sure we wouldn't have to depend on weight loss pills. So if you must indulge, do it in moderation. And make sure you already pay the price now for it by increasing your physical activities (like dancing at same party, instead of just sitting down; taking the stairs up and down; making love more; jogging; longer gym time; doing more housework; etc.)

We should also remember that all those calories don't only result in weight gain, they may also result in heart attacks or high blood pressure. So be mindful of your body as your spirit enjoys the season.

Nestle Ice Cream Party Package

Got the flyer from my Good Living subsciption.

Nestle now offers their deliciously popular iced treats (pinipig, twin popsies, pops, chuckie, etc) for birthdays and other celebrations. Order now and bring out the child in you and your guests!

Package 1
Minimum P950
50-99 pieces assorted frozen novelties in a non-refrigerated icebox for 3 hours

Package 2
Minimum P1,500
100 pieces and up of assorted frozen novelties in a carrito (with vendor) for 3 hours

For inquiries, call:
~ greater Manila area: Doreen (722-3000 or 722-3218)
Edwin Vcerra (0917-6653198)
~ central Luzon: Francis Fernandez (0920-9537756)
~ north Luzon: Rowell Ramel (0917-5270923)
~ south luzon: Jiv Cinco (0917-3299708)
~ visayas: Francis Tuquib (0916-3631286)
~ mindanao: Joenard Gamao (0920-9533175)

Oceanarium Kiddie Party: Upgraded Package

Package Price: P80,000 for50 persons
In excess: P600/person

Menu A
Chicken Lollipopps
Mini Burgers
Pork Barbecue
Spaghetti with Hotdogs and Meatballs
Fruit Juice

Menu B
Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Flavored Fries (cheese or barbecue)
Mini Rolls (Pork Asado and Ham)
Buffalo Chip Cookie Bars
Fruit Juice

Package Inclusions:
~ choice of Menu A or B
~ buffet set-up for the menu of choice
~ complete catering equipment and utensils
~ assistance of well-trained waiters and catering personnel
~ use of Batis Function area for 4 hours with basic sound system c/o Manila Ocean Park
~ complimentary Oceanarium tour for 50 kids.(Additional park entrance rates shall be charged P350/head in excess)

Party Amenities:
~ 25 theme party invitations
~ 25 theme party name tags
~ 25 theme loot bags with goodies
~ 25 balloon sticks
~ 8 kiddie table setup with balloon arrangements
~ 2 balloon pillars
~ choice of 2 confetti poppers or 25 party poppers
~ 1 balloon burst with candies or pabitin/pinata with toys
~ 1 theme cake 10x14 (cake flavors: orange or mocha)
~ entertainment party host with balloon show
~ choice of face painting or kiddie salon
~ choice of popcorn or cotton candy food cart
~ free use of tarpaulin backdrop
~ entrance signage/welcome banner
~ bubble machine
~ mascot standee
~ package is VAT exclusive


* exclusive catering by Manila Catering Services
** important note: at the mock setup we saw, they dressed the tables with fake pearls and beads to further channel the theme, but these could pose a choking hazard to your kiddos.

Oceanarium Kiddie Party: Basic Package

Package Price: P68,000 for50 persons
In excess: P500/person

Menu A
Chicken Lollipopps
Mini Burgers
Spaghetti with Hotdogs and Meatballs
Fruit Juice

Menu B
Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Mini Rolls (Pork Asado and Ham)
Buffalo Chip Cookie Bars
Fruit Juice

Package Inclusions:
~ choice of Menu A or B
~ buffet set-up for the menu of choice
~ complete catering equipment and utensils
~ assistance of well-trained waiters and catering personnel
~ use of Batis Function area for 4 hours
~ complimentary Oceanarium tour for 50 kids.(Additional park entrance rates shall be charged P350/head in excess)

Party Amenities:
~ 25 theme party invitations
~ 25 theme party name tags
~ 25 theme loot bags with goodies
~ 25 balloon sticks
~ 25 party poppers
~ 8 kiddie table setup with balloon arrangements
~ 1 balloon burst with candies or pabitin with toys
~ 1 theme cake 10x14 (cake flavors: orange or mocha)
~ free use of tarpaulin backdrop
~ entrance signage/welcome banner
~ bubble machine
~ package is VAT exclusive


* exclusive catering by Manila Catering Services
** important note: at the mock setup we saw, they dressed the tables with fake pearls and beads to further channel the theme, but these could pose a choking hazard to your kiddos.

Beware of Overspending on Supposed Cheap Buys

I'm sorry but I can't help it, I have to at least say something about it.

What with Christmas season coming up, and around 90% of the population are feeling pressured to shop for gifts, one really cannot fault someone for wanting to capitalize on people's generosity or lack of time to shop.

I just saw someone advertise cheap toys for her friend in our ygroups... and most of the toys were things I saw being sold in Anding's Toy Shop in Divisoria. I even bought some of the same items (the flashcards, I got for P25 only, but they're selling it for P60).

I mean, I know going to Divisoria is a hassle... but it's also a hassle to meet up to get the items right? So why not brace yourself for a one-time big hassle and just shop in Divi?

Plus, although I understand the trouble it takes to scour Divi for good buys (after all, I spent my Wednesday afternoon there), surely a self-respecting reseller wouldn't double the price of something?

Toshiba Satellite: One Cool Computing Companion

Christmas shopping for a gadget? Consider getting yourself (or your beloved) a Toshiba Satellite laptop PC. It's the perfect techie gift to cover all the important bases when it comes to a laptop. Toshiba offers a selection of processors with generous storage and memory options.

It's really affordable too. The bestseller L300 costs around Php30,000 ($580) and offers a 15.4" widescreen.

Truly, Toshiba doesn't lie when it touts its Satellite line as the AFFORDABLE PORTABLES.

Shibari Photo Exhibit

Shibari is a Japanese word that literally means "to tie" or "to bind". It is used in Japan to describe the artful use of twine to tie objects or packages. The word Shibari came in to common use in the west at some point in the 1990s to describe the bondage art Kinbaku. Kinbaku - is the word for "bondage" or Kinbaku-bi which means "beautiful bondage".

Shibari is the Japanese style of binding which involves tying up a captive (usually during wartime) using simple yet visually intricate patterns several pieces of thin rope (generally 6mm or 8mm).

Tori-Nawa-Jutsu (Photo Exhibit of Traditional Japanese Binding)
Venue: Penguin Gallery Cafe' - 604 Remedios Street Malate Manila very near the Remedios Circle - tel number 710 8056
Date: November 21, 2008
Time: 9pm onwards

There will be a live demonstration of the rope craft by Rope Artist - John "Bo" Roxas

===========

got the above from an e-mail. Am sure this one will be a very interesting date, even for married couples.

Pastillas de Leche

Ingredients:
1 can Carnation Condensed Sweetened Creamer
2 1/4 cups full cream powdered milk or powdered cow's milk if you can get them
2 tbsps. butter
1 tsp. grated dayap (rind)
1/4 cup sugar

Procedure:
Combine first four ingredients, mixing well until mixture can be handled. Put mixture between two wax papers and flatten with a rolling pin to about 1 cm. thick. Cut into strips and roll on sugar. Wrap individually in colored cellophane.

Makes about two dozen.

======

* you can use Nido full cream powdered milk, or, for a creamier pastillas, use Birch Tree

Indulge...Not Overindulge

Sometimes, the prefix "over" can spell the difference between needing diet pills after the Holidays and not.

Let us be kind to ourselves. Let us feel free to indulge. The Holidays is the season for baked goodies anyway, so might as well help ourselves to a cookie or two. Plus, Christmas Ham doesn't really taste as delicious if eaten when it isn't Christmas.

Let us indulge.

But let us not overindulge. The Holidays, like pregnancy and a break-up, shouldn't become a scapegoat for our gluttony. Eating a little of everything may be fine, eating a lot of all that passes in front of you is not. Eating a slice of cake is fine, eating the whole cake is not. And eating a slice of cake after every meal is also not swell.

Moderation is the key. You'll find that when you know you can enjoy some of the party food, you're also less likely to feel such a tremendous need to eat a lot of it. We have such issues with forbidden fruits, so help yourself to a glazed apple. One a week won't kill you, anyway.

Urgent Job Opening: Call Center Agents

My cousin in law is currently looking (and very URGENTLY, I might add) to fill 30 slots of Call Center Agents-Technical Support. Successful candidates will be assigned at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with a starting rate of P20,000.00. This is for permanent/regular/Full-Time position.

Key responsibilities for the post include, but are not limited to:
~ Providing first level support
~ Assisting in documenting solutions to resolve customer issue.
~ Ensuring incidents are properly resolved and / or escalated to second level support
~ Informing management of incidents that have a significant business impact
~ Submitting suggestions for process and procedure improvements
~ Ensuring a high degree of customer satisfaction

Required Skills:
~ Preferred Bachelor degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
~ Preferred 1 year of Call Center experience
~ Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office
~ Excellent proficiency in U.S. English
~ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
~ Excellent reasoning and troubleshooting skills
~ Strong sense of urgency with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

PLEASE FORWARD YOUR COMPREHENSIVE RESUME AT ccantos2002@yahoo.com (for good samples, check out some Manhattan resumes).

A referral fee of P300.00 is given to those who referred successful hired applicants so please do not forget MEC (after all, I am unemployed!) :)

Baby Shower Idea: Book of Tips and Tricks

If you're the one organizing, forewarn the invited guests that you are preparing note cards (any embellished cardstock will do) where they will be required to write a favorite/trusted/tested tip or trick (based on superstition, tradition, personal experience and/or medical science) in caring for and raising a baby.

Guests should feel okay to share even the wackiest ones they've done or heard and the parents wouldn't be under any obligation to follow any of it. After the party, you can lump together the suggestions/advice per topic and presentitto the infanticipating Mom as a scrapbook of sorts that hopefully will make her feel more armed to tackle the task of parenthood.

And sure, you can buy helpful baby books too... but they won't feel as personal as this one!

Free 2009 Executive Planner at Elegant Weddings 2008

Pre-registered soon-to-weds coming to the Elegant Weddings 2008 will get a chance to own a limited edition 2009 Themes and Motifs Executive Planner/Datebook. This planner is perfect for planning your special day, with provisions made for important dates, suppliers contact info and your own personal notes.

Make sure to register now! The event is happening this 29-30 November 2008 at Edsa Shangri La.

For a Better Tokwa't Baboy

Aside from using the freshest of ingredients, you might want to consider exchanging the usual pork and pig ears/stomach lining with lechon kawali. The change really lends more taste to the dish.

Google Better

Today's generation is very Google-dependent. It's a quick fact and spell checker, a handy thesaurus and dictionary, a rich resource for formats and guidelines and standards.

But sometimes, because of the multitude of information out there, searching for what we want takes some time. We sometimes even have to weed out the really usable and interesting sites from the crappy ones. How then do we make sure we get more of the useful sites? It's what you type in that box that sometimes spell the difference between what's useful and not.

For example, you get 4,040,000 if you key in "hotel las vegas" but get 5,270,000 sites for "las vegas hotel" and 9,680,000 for "las vegas hotels". Plural forms and articles like "a, an, the" or other words like "in, about, at, etc" can broaden the scope and generate more sites. So stick to the basics as much as you can and try various combinations of phrases.

Adarna House - Christmas Showroom Sale

Adarna House books will be going on sale from November 15 to December 22 at the Adarna House Showroom (2/F FSS Building, 20 Scout Tuason corner Scout Castor Streets, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City) — up to 70% off on selected items! Storybooks will go for Php 50.00 each. The showroom will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays through Saturdays.

So if you still haven't decided yet what to give your precious kids, nieces and nephews, grandkids and godkids... head to the Adarna Showroom and give the gift of wonder and good values through storybooks.

Party Boosters - Balloons and Party Needs Supplier

I didn't want to promote Party Boosters till i've had the experience of working with them since I didn't want people to think that am only being kind since I am friends with Jacque.

But it was because I was friends with Jacque that I know I could trust her to work with me on a budget, and trust her to be professional and deliver what needs to be.

Suffice it to say, we were satisfied customers. She does not get her supplies from Divisoria (which may or may not equate to higher expense) so her balloons are of better quality. She used pearlized ones for the whole party and managed to make our venue festive.

They were aso very early at my in-laws to do the initial work since there was a morning affair at our venue and they coudn't set up just yet.


balloon drops


crystal balloon :)


the big venue, Dazo Hall


the pillars in front


Jacque is very professional, dependable, helpful and accommodating. She's also very resourceful and creative so I really highly recommend her services, especially for people from the North/QC area.

My guests took home all the balloons they could. We were able to bring home to my MIL one of the pillars and its still standing strong. Truly the perfect testament to how well it was made :)





Party Boosters can also hook you up with other party suppliers like entertainers, cakes and cupcakes, food carts, printing needs and backdrops, sound system needs, game booths and personalized giveaways.

Just contact JACQUELINE FERMIN-TAN
Mobile Numbers: 0917-898-5227 / 0922-888-7739
Landline number: (02) 692-2366
Email: partyboosters.inquiry@gmail.com
Multiply site: http://partyboosters.multiply.com


========

my suppliers' ratings can be found here