Cheese Pimiento

My Whole Wheat Crackers and Cheese Pimiento goes well together. 

For order and inquiries on how to get them, please do leave me a message here. 

To my little wildflower on your 3rd birthday.

Happy 3rd birthday to our first born! 

To the love of our lives.

To our little sunshine.

To our feisty girl.

To our dancing queen.

To the one who rocks the house.

To our little wildflower.

To my always extraordinary girl.

To the one who makes me laugh like no other.

To my partner in crime.

To my little angel.

To the one who finishes the icing on the cake only.

To the only child who prefers purple-colored icecream over chocolate.

The one whose voice stands out, literally.

To the one who can never stay put.

The only one who can make my heart jump when she goes running around barefoot.

To the only 3 year old who talks about having boyfriends and Bieber.

To my warrior and gladiator of some sort.

To the smartest little being.

You who takes up all the space there is, figuratively.

You, whom for always will be my baby and my little girl...

The one, whom I will always carry through. 

Happy birthday my dearest Julia! 

Oh how I love you so much! 

Daddy and I loves you to the moon and back! 

Dance the day away little girl! 

Love,

Mama 

To Sabel, on your first month.

Dearest Sabel,

How time takes its toll nowadays.

First, Daddy and I were surprised to know that we were expecting you earlier this year.

Carrying you inside my womb was one of the easy breezy task I could ever have done. Sometimes, I forget that you were growing inside of me. You, who were always good. You, who ultimately was so patient in all given circumstance. Never did Mama have any problem bearing you. 

Before the holidays, you came along. The best gift ever for this season I must say. 

Giving birth to you was literally one of the fastest episodes of my life. It was so smooth and quick. 

As you turn one month old today, I'd like to tell you how you've been and I know words wouldn't be enough. But because Mama has always been sentimental about monthly milestones, here goes my little letter for you...

You were just baptized yesterday. That's when I say, how time really flies...

You've grown so big already, getting heavier by the day. 

You've become a little lady that you are. Your name perfectly suits your beautiful and sweet face.

You have been the most patient baby ever. And I really want to thank you for that. You've made sleepless nights quiet easier by doing so. You've brought joy to everyone just the way you are. Your sister Julia has promised to be a great big sister to you. She will fight your battles as you get bigger each passing day. Trust me on that.

One month has passed since you've parted from my womb and was brought into the world. I can still vividly remember your first cry. The very first time I ever held you in my arms, so close, I can almost smell the taste of milk as you draw your breath in and out of your cute little mouth. Your beautiful hands, so little and so precious, as clasp them into mine. Your toes and how it reminded me of Daddy's toes. Your first smile as I carried you near the window to catch a little morning light, oh what a pretty sight to behold! And so perfect I captured it too for memory's sake. Your first feeding as I heavenly prayed for milk to nurse you for and how we failed a few times. Our first night together as we are still trying to memorize each other's personality. Your first bath, as Tita Ina and I hurriedly place you in a green tub of warm water with baby wash. Your first morning sun and how you slept at every morning sunshine. Oh how I can go on with your very firsts... 

Please always be kind. Always be the sweet baby that you are. 

Sabel, I pray to God and thank Him always for you. You, who are so good. You, who are so patient and kind. I pray He will always give you the gift of patience and understanding. I pray that you and your sister will always be God-fearing and prayerful.  I pray you both will be the best of friends. I pray you will be each other's person. You will need each other as you grown up. You will need Julia as much as she will be needing you. And for that, Mama will talk you through, someday. 

I love you, Sabel.

Love,

Mama

Thoughts on her 10th day.

First 10 days with the sweetest baby has been nothing but simply rewarding. 

Living up to her name which means "Devoted to God", she has been the sweetest baby. Sometimes, her angelic features would convince me that she as an angel has been brought to the world amidst all the negative forces happening all over. Sabel, as we all fondly call her, sleeps with all white noises here and there. Nothing scares her peaceful sleep all throughout the day. The only time she cries is when she soils her diaper, begging for it to be changed. She fusses shortly over at night time when we start putting the air conditioning on, so, I wrap her with all the latest swaddle blankets and even putting another thick sheet to keep her warm. She sleeps all by herself, and doesn't need much carrying. That's how understanding she is. From the moment she was born, until we took her home she has been nothing but simply amazing. She has his Daddy's beautiful nose, fingers and toes. And I for one would believe that maybe a tiny line on her face would be from me. 

Alongside her big sister, I make her wait for feeding as her sister demands to be served first. My little giant (Julia) is so funny in many ways, the first few days was the hardest for her. She meant the world to us and we gave her the world, she had trouble accepting how the world is meant to be shared with her sister. I thought to myself that the struggle is undeniably real when rearing two children, a toddler and a baby, particularly at night time. When Sabel cries, Julia would cry too. Julia wants to be cuddled all the time while Sabel truthfully understands her sister, waiting for her turn most of the time.

Yes, the struggle is so real when the big sister wants to do what exactly the baby sister is doing. Here she is taking and owning the tub after her sisters first bath.

On the 10th day, my body is sore, I don't feel comfortable at all. I sleep with 4 pillows on my back making sure I don't fall into a deep sleep as Sabel needs attention the most. But gazing upon my first born holding on to her pillow and sleeping like a princess and on the other side, my second one, always, for always, sleeping peacefully like an angel breaks all those blues away. I feel recharged and fulfilled. My two precious gems, are so oh-so-beautiful even with the tiniest spark of light that lit up our tiny room at bedtime. 

So yes, here's to sleepless nights (literally saying) and cluttered corners. Here's to all the Mama's who have made it through the years. To all Dads who shamelessly admit that they take part in all of these. Here's to us and to our beautiful gems, the sweetest children the Lord has bestowed us with. 

Mornings and sunshine with this sweet one. 

For you, Sabel.

As I make this note, I can feel your not-so-gentle kicks any longer. Your movement has become stronger each passing day. Makes me want to believe that you would want to help me as I fill in this space in honor of you. Oh Sabel, in 5 weeks, we will meet you and hold you in our very arms. Daddy and Mama can't wait to see you, your darling and sweet sister, Julia can't wait to see you either. She is always enthusiastic after every doctor's appointment in questioning me if I've given birth to you. 

Your kicks and somersaults are making me feel you are ready for the world. 

In tribute of Mama's wonderful pregnancy experience with you, I've decided to ask someone to take snippets of myself carrying you, along with Daddy and your sister Julia. 

One day, you will look back at these beautiful photographs and probably smile. For once, you were just a tiny growing bud in Mama's tummy. And by the time you will learn to browse upon Mama's little curve, you will be a fine lady, the least. 

This is for you Sabel, from all of us who loves you so...

 Happiness is on the way...

 You're first breath will take ours away, Sabel.

"The most precious jewels you'll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children."

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

Soon, there will be four of us. 

"Its the little memories that will last a lifetime."

"My little girl yesterday, my best friend today and my daughter forever."

"To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today."

 I am because you are...

I love you in the morning and in the afternoon, I love you in the evening and underneath the moon...

See you real soon our dearest Sabel. 

We love you, to the moon and back!

Love,

Daddy, Mama and Julia

DIY Curtain Holder

 Random acts of boredom would definitely result to something wonderful. This time it was a DIY project. I have a pleasant-looking bedskirt that was too short for my queen-sized bed. I thought of making table runners as giveaways for the Holidays which is coming real soon. But my curtain bothered all the time most especially when it gets windy and crazy. I only had snips of ribbons to tie my curtains with. So, one day, I decided to just cut it long and wide and make some curtain holders. 

Not bad right?

My trusty friend. A very cheap and affordable find from Lazada. Ill be posting some DIY projects soon which I made with Ming Hui. 

Close-up look at the finished product. 

Herb and Nut Spread.

 

This was an accidental experiment turned out great and excellent in all ways I can possibly think about. I was just looking for something to do with my walnuts stored in my refrigerator from the recent months of baking. I really didn't think it would turn out awesome. There was leftover butter sitting still behind my refrigerator door waiting to be picked up and there was an abundance of basil in all parts of our garden. I couldn't make pesto because there wasn't pine nuts that came in handy. So, I carefully mixed the washed basil, softened butter, lots of garlic and some toasted walnuts using my ancient food processor all the way back from Culinary School. I finished it off with a drizzle of Olive Oil just because I know it would taste better. 

I smothered it into a leftover bread and toasted it for awhile and the result was just oh-so-right. It was love at first bite. 

I tried making Pumpkin Soup once and just before serving, I drop a dollop of the spread into the simmering pot and it tasted so nutty and full of life. The flavour was spectacular in the palate that now I am salivating with just the thought of it. I should make it again! Soon. 

You can also serve it with Pasta alongside your favourite Pasta dish.

I tried making a simple Spaghetti in Olive Oil Pasta and drop a dollop or two before serving and it somehow tasted beautifully. Light and fresh. 

Here it is in its Temporary Label but Permanent bottle and Packaging. Will try to post the final one the soonest I get my final label. 

Isabel.

Here I am convening in my workspace. The very space that led me to writing, the very space that had me wandering and wanting. It’s a square-shaped desk, a mah-jong table to be particular that I’ve been using in my room at my Mama’s house. It’s like a table catchall. Anyways, I am staring at the sea and listening to the leaves sway here and there. Nat King Cole’s melody is also playing, carrying me to an inspiring mood. There is a low pressure somewhere and it has been nothing but gloomy with moderate winds this past few days. 

Everyone is busy. Everyone is out. The room is mine and how I am loving it.

In a day, I only get to have 2 hours of peace all for myself. An hour has already passed by. Two hours is very precious for me. It’s from 10 am till noontime. The little girl is out at school during these hours. It’s the only stretch I get to sit, get cozy, be sluggish and daydream like no other. At times, I get to miss my single days when things I did daily was all mundane but it made me pleased in a way or two. Today, all is different. Being a mother is such a great accomplishment. Especially seeing your little one blossom to a very beautiful and smart aleck that she is now. Being a mother doesn’t mean that all is picturesque and impeccable. It unquestionably does have its low moments too. I for one just had a recent low down as I call it. Being 6 months pregnant and having a toddler who goes to school everyday is hard. Hormones are raging and the little one is grumpy at times when not being attended to, and there is our tiny baby growing in my belly who just understands. So much for my blah blahs as I have fifty-eight minutes to be exact till she comes home from school and tells me all her stories which I have to be 100 % attentive to…

This post is actually for my little one growing in my belly. Telling the world what she will be.

My pregnancy has been so smooth sailing. Compared to my first born where I had to lay down in bed for almost 8 months because I had a complicated pregnancy. My second pregnancy is so great. I get to go out and actually wear maternity clothes that I can pick myself. I can proudly show everyone my baby bump.

We found out last month that our baby is going to be a girl. We are all delighted about it and so is Julia. She is the one who would constantly say that the baby I have in my tummy is a girl as opposing to everyone who would always tell me that I am having a boy.

Getting crafty with garden blooms from Mama's garden.

We started calling her Isabel. I’ve always been charmed with the name Isabel and so she’ll be called “Sabel”. Isabel means, “Consecrated to God”. She just gave me a little somersault as I wrote her name. She has been so good all throughout my pregnancy. Thank you dear Lord for her!

Unlike Julia, Isabel has been moving so much. She bounces back when I caress my belly up and down, as if telling me she appreciates it. When it is all still at night and everyone is asleep, I set my earphones on my belly as I make her listen to the songs that Julia listened when she was in my tummy too. It’s a playlist of all Classical Music and some rhymes. I know that she loves it because it makes her calm and she stops moving so much.

My dearest Sabel, I cannot simply wait for you. I get teary-eyed when I think about you and our growing family. You are a blessing and you are God’s gift. Daddy and I will try our very best to be amazing parents to you and your big sister. Julia has had her toys and DVD’s arranged for you. She has lots and lots of stories to tell too. There is never a dull moment with your big sister as she is like a bird that never stops gabbing. I pray you will be as smart and beautiful as she is. She will teach you her bedtime prayer and all her tactics. She is naughty at times but you need not follow her.

Your BIG sister Julia helps me put this little beauty for us to take a photograph with. 

Mama is trying to make floral pillowcases for you. I’ll make everything beautiful as I welcome you out to the world. You will be loved and cared for by everybody. Deep in my heart, I know that you are eager to come out too. It won’t be that long anymore my dearest Sabel.

We will see you soon.

Love,

Mama

Healthy Chocolate Snack

I'm craving for my cousin Rachelle's Choco-Oatmeal Bars. She's out of the country right now enjoying the streets of Tokyo. She'll be back before the month ends and I cannot simply wait. 

So, I searched for the healthiest recipe I could ever find. Being 4 months pregnant makes you crave sweet and salty food all together and at times I do end up eating the bad stuff meaning chocolates and the ones that aren't supposed to make you healthy. 

This recipe calls for Whole Wheat Flour, Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Coconut Oil which I substituted with Canola Oil, Eggs, Raw Sugar, Rock Salt and 75-80% Dark Chocolate. 

With the simplest procedure --- just mix the dry ingredients all together and combine it with the wet ingredients and you're good to go. Bake in a 350 degree oven and cool slightly. Cut into bars and enjoy it with tea or coffee. If you're a breakfast person like me, it's good to crumble the bars and mix it with plain yogurt. :) 

Cheese Pimiento

Homemade Cheese Pimiento.

The very first time I’ve tried Cheese Pimiento was during my college days in Cebu. I would have it for snacks with very soft bread and coffee. But this particular one was just store-bought. The second time I’ve ever tried it was just last year, during our holidays in Manila. There was overflowing of gifts from friends of my in-laws and amongst all that belonged to the food category, there was the Cheese Pimiento.

I remember it was a Saturday afternoon. There was hot bread, particularly hot pandesal in the kitchen waiting to be ambushed. We all gathered in their lovely dining place and had a snack attack. There was leftover spam, which was steamed just because it would taste way better than the fried one and it was tasty, less oil and just yummy. I tried a bottle of Cheese Pimiento from what came to be a pretty neat packaging and smothered a teaspoonful into my hot bread and oh, a slice of spam too. The taste --- oh was just oh-so-yummy. I had another piece lest the spam and it was so good.

My homemade Rosemary Crackers.

What better way to pair up the delicious spread than to make yourself some homemade crackers. I am so happy with the outcome.