Monthly Archives: December 2008

Our Christmas Raffle

Happy Holidays everyone! How is the season going for you? I hope you still have that cheerful holiday spirit. I’m having a very restful vacation, with Christmas Eve as the biggest highlight. True to tradition, our little clan got together for the evening and had Noche Buena together.

One of our Christmas Eve traditions is holding a raffle. The prizes range from basic (seasoning and salt, shampoo) to lots of fun (chocolates and chips galore!). There are a lot of prizes to go around so everyone always wins!

What do you want to win?

Everyone picks a raffle stub. Instead of plain numbers on cardboard, my sister P made the stubs fun. She scanned and printed pictures of the two youngest in the brood. Then we both drew pretty borders to personalize each raffle stub. Notice that there’s a blank space at the center of each card. That’s where we scribble in the numbers.

The babies of the family

After we were done with the stubs, my cousin Maxine put them all in a box. Then she went to each one of us so we can pick a raffle stub, any raffle stub.

Let me pick a good number please!

My sister J drew the number 12. Guess what she won?

Cereal and canned tuna!

Everyone won two prizes. It was so much fun. My husband hosted the raffle and made silly remarks about each prize, making us laugh till our bellies hurt. I won Chocolate Crunchies and milk tea. Nice!

The raffle doesn’t end yet though! After everyone had claimed their prizes, the swapping began! My Mom traded her candies for the household help’s salt and liquid seasoning (booby prize!). My husband the health buff traded his bag of chips with the fruit cups my uncle the junkfood addict won. Perfect swap! My sister and I swapped too.

Sister swap! A box of milk tea for a can of tuna.

And oh, what happened to the raffle stubs? My Dad put them on the Christmas tree!

Deck the tree with raffle stubs…

Our Christmas Raffle is always fun. We look forward to this every year. I hope you had fun looking at some of the pictures too!

Now look at the raffle spread again… what would you have wanted to win?

Christmas time is here!

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Linus knows what Christmas is all about. Sharing with you some of my favorite characters and one of my favorite Christmas songs: “Christmas Time is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Christmas Time Is Here,
happiness and cheer,
fun for all that children
call their favorite time of year.

Snowflakes in the air,
carols everywhere,
olden times and ancient rhymes
and love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air;
beauty every where;
yuletide by the fireside
and joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here;
we’ll be drawing near;
oh that we could always see
such spirit through the year,
such spirit through the year.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

How to keep ants away from honey

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Ants are fierce where I live, and they sure love my honey. So I put my bottle of honey in a little water bath. The water keeps the ants away and there’s more honey for me! It’s simple and effective. Good thing there aren’t any bees. I wouldn’t know how to deal with that!

Honey in a foot bath

A night with Hot Toddy

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I had my first taste of Hot Toddy a few nights ago. New things are always good to try, so I went for it. This Toddy was hot, fierce and soothing. My senses were offended at first, but after giving this Toddy several chances, I began to fall in love with… it. Lest you think I’m getting into an extra-marital romance, this Hot Toddy is no less than a mixed drink that serves me well with my sniffles.

Sha gave me the idea when I was running out of ideas for treating my darn cold. Try a Hot Toddy, she advised. Hot tea with whiskey and honey was all it was. Eh?, I wondered. I decided to give it a whirl. After some searching on Google, I learned that a Hot Toddy is a comforting drink. It’s great for those with colds and a slight fever.

Here’s how you make a Hot Toddy:
1. Grab your favorite mug, put in a teabag and pour in hot water.
2. Steep tea for 5 minutes, then take the teabag out.
3. Put in two shots of brandy or whiskey.
4. Put in a tablespoon of honey.
5. Add juice of half a lemon in. Note: I didn’t have any lemons at home, so used lemon tea instead. It tasted good.
6. Mix well.

The aroma will be a little bit fierce if you’re not used to alcohol, but it is very soothing to that clogged nose. Best enjoyed when in your pajamas, wrapped in a cozy blanket while watching your favorite DVD.

There are many variations to a Hot Toddy. Some slide in cloves, butter; others use rum as the alcohol. Whatever combination you choose, it is best to enjoy this steaming hot. As delicious as it may be, don’t forget that alcohol dehydrates your body. Enjoy in moderation.

Now I’m off for another date with hot, hot Toddy. And yes, my husband’s fully aware of our nightly trysts.

I’m on the naughty list

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A story in three pictures.

Off with its head! It tasted yummy. The Snowman donut was from Krispy Kreme.

Veronika Decides to Die Movie Trailer

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Veronika Decides to Die is one of my favorite books. This novel by Paulo Coelho is about a woman who seems like she has the world, but decides to takes her own life. The story follows her fall into madness and the beauty she discovers in it.

The book has now been turned into a film. Based on IMBD, it is scheduled to come out in March 2009. The film version of Veronika Decides to Die stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Veronika. The movie also features Jonathan Tucker, David Thewlis, Melissa Leo and Erika Christensen. Take a peek at the trailer. It looks very promising!

“When you find out you will die, thats when you decide to live.”

Felix’s low fat ricotta cheesecake

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On the menu, it is called Amato. Perhaps it is an homage to a town in Italy? I’m not sure. But I do know that when I was craving for something light and filling, this slice of cheesecake hit the spot.

My eyes gravitated to “low fat” before “cheesecake.” Can this taste good?, I wondered. I took a chance and ordered it, along with some hot tea.

I’d call the flavor refreshing. Tart and light, but still savory enough to be filling. I liked that their crust was a bit oaty, not the usual graham cracker crust one finds at the bottom of cheesecakes. I would’ve preferred that the cheesecake were slightly chilled before serving, but it was good nonetheless.

Felix, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center, Makati City, Metro Manila. (02) 729-9062

I am thankful for sweet foggy messages

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I am thankful for sweet foggy messages
for the toothpaste-glazed toothbrush right before bedtime
for the blanket that covers me when I fall asleep first
for the kiss on the forehead, the kiss on the nose.

I am thankful for holding hands while you drive
for bringing home chocolates, fruits and other surprises
for setting up my favorite shows on your laptop
for making me breakfast for dinner just as I like it.

I am thankful for you, this year and always,
for calling me just to say you miss me,
for making me laugh from my heart, from my belly,
for helping me hold on to childlike wonder.

I am thankful for your sweet foggy messages,
I am thankful for you, this year and always.

*****

This is a poem for my beloved H, and my entry as well to Avalon.ph’s What are you thankful for? contest.

Thoughts at the top of my head

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A cup of tea for you and you and you…

C’mon, sit down and share a cup of tea with me. I’m nursing a cold and I’d like some company. Just answer the five questions below and we can start our conversation.

1. Now, would you like chamomile, jasmine, Earl Grey or English Breakfast? I’m having myself a cup of green tea with lemon. Would you like some of this?

2. How’s your health? This year has not been good for mine. I’d get sick at least once every quarter. I got the chills Sunday afternoon, and when I fell asleep watching “The Office” I knew I was really sick. Who falls asleep watching that show? Only a sick, sick woman. I’m much better now, but still have a sore throat and a bad cold. I’m trying not to talk much, because when I do, it hurts AND I have to repeat what I say since nobody understands me. So thank goodness for the written word. I hope you’re in better shape than I am.

3. Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? I haven’t even started! Sunday was supposed to be my shopping day but then I got the chills. The shopping spirit was willing but the shopping legs were weak. Oh well. I bet you’ve wrapped up all your presents too haven’t you? Lucky, lucky. I haven’t even started on a list.

“Why don’t you give love on Christmas day?”

4. How are you dealing with the economic crunch this Christmas? Times are hard. Really hard. I can really feel the crunch and it hurts. I haven’t thought of any Christmas presents yet, and this is part of the reason. How do you deal with it? Any tips?

5. What Christmas tradition are you carrying through this year? I LOVE traditions. One tradition we have is spending Christmas Eve at my maternal grandparents’ home, then Christmas Day with my in-laws. Must-haves during Noche Buena: chestnuts, my Mom’s piano-playing, opening of the gifts come midnight, Christmas ham, my sister’s fruit salad (shoutout to Patti!), our family raffle. That’s something I look forward to every year. I really pray that it doesn’t change this year.

Here’s to your good health, everyone. Cheers, cheers. I’m on to my 2nd cup of tea now. Would you like another one too?

Buffalo Wings Fajita

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Buffalo wings. That’s one of my all-time favorite dishes. Dip a wing in sour cream and ooh la la, feel the spice on your tongue. I love it. Especially if the skin is crisp but softened a little with the chili sauce. During a visit to Chili’s, H & I noticed a new item — the Buffalo Wings Fajita. It intrigued us and so we ordered it.

The boneless buffalo wings were served on a sizzling plate along with caramelized onions and sliced green pepper. It was topped with crumbles of blue cheese and bacon. You can already imagine the flavors exploding in your mouth!

After my first bite, I found that they were a bit too salty for my taste. Good thing they served tomato salsa, sour cream, cheese and guacamole with the fajitas order. The only bummer here was that I ordered extra guacamole and they gave me extra tomato salsa.

Anyway, if you find the wings as salty as I did, the guacamole and tomato salsa helped tone town the saltiness. You can also do without the bacon and the blue cheese crumbles. That way you can still enjoy the flavor of the buffalo wings in your fajita.

Here we go! My Buffalo Wings Fajita. It was good, but because I found it too salty I didn’t enjoy it as much. Nevertheless, it was an interesting experience. Next time though, I’ll just go for the original Buffalo Wings in a basket. Sometimes it’s best not to mess with a classic.

Weekend Soiree #49: A game of comment interaction

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The game is easy! I will ask a question. The first person who comments will answer my question, and will leave a question for the next person to answer. This next person will answer that question, and leave a question for the next next person to answer. I am sure you get it!

To make things more fun, the questions have to reflect the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is EXERCISE, all questions should relate to that topic. What kind of cardio exercise do you prefer? Do you have a gym membership? As much as possible, let’s not repeat the questions for added fun! You are also welcome to play more than once.

No times for diet with our 49th weekend soiree!

The theme: FOOD

The question: Do you have a strategy when you go to a buffet?

Click here for past themes.

Twilight Puppet Saga, New Moon news

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OMG! Or should I say OME! This is one hilarious Twilight puppet video. One friend said it’s better than the movie. I don’t know about that but I did find this really entertaining. I want me a James puppet!

Thanks to J. Ana for the link!

New Moon News: So Catherine’s out, Chris Weitz is the rumored new director, a new Jacob could be cast, the budget slightly increased to $50 million, and pre-production is slated to start on Dec. 15th. (source) Rushing much?

O Christmas Ham, O Christmas Ham

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When I think Christmas food, these are the first things that pop in my head: Fruitcake. My Mom’s fruit salad. Puto Bumbong. Bibingka. Quezo de Bola. And yes, ham. I’m not a big ham eater, but I do make exceptions when the holidays are here.

My favorite Christmas ham would be the one that’s a little sweet and a little salty, with a little fat (oooh indulgence!), thinly sliced. I’d drizzle it with sweet pineapple glaze. Then I’d use it as palaman (filling) for pan de sal. Or eat it with steamed white rice. Or layer it with thin slices of quezo de bola. Or eat it on its own. Then I’d sit in front of the TV and watch those old Christmas clay-mation shows. Christmas morning bliss!

O Christmas Ham, O Christmas Ham. I don’t have any Christmas ham traditions. My late grandfather used to make his own pineapple glaze which I thought was absolutely kickass. That’s the only ham tradition I grew up with. He’s gone though, and I’d rather eat food than cook it, so the quest for my perfect Christmas ham with the pineapple glaze is one I take every year.

Yey for me and H, we were gifted by a family friend with our first round of Christmas ham.

Can you say yummeh? It’s from New City Grocery, Quiapo. It’s just the right amount of light, salty and sweet. There’s that little fatty border I like, and their pineapple glaze is sweet and savory too. The store’s details are in the picture above if you want to know what their other products are and their price list. I can vouch for its yummy factor.

Now please excuse me while I go grab myself some Christmas ham, sit in front of the TV and watch Rudolph. Come join me.

How do you like your Christmas ham — glazed, non-glazed, with pan de sal, quezo de bola, rice, or on its own? Do you cure it yourself or do you buy commercial ham?

Books to be kept forever, marriage surprises, and cleaning (Part 3 of my interview with Batjay)

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This is Part 3 of my interview with Jay David, a.k.a. popular blogger Batjay. In Part 1 of our interview, Batjay wrote his 12-year-old self a letter. In Part 2, he talked about health, laughter and adobo. In this part of the interview, he shares his thoughts on books to be kept forever, marriage and a very important cleaning tip.

Toni: “Blankets” is one of my favorite books. You recommended that book to me and now it’s on my “To be kept forever” part of the bookshelf. Thank you! What other books do you recommend that one keeps forever?

Batjay: Interesting question. The books I keep going back to that are similar to Blankets are…

1. The bittersweet Jimmy Corrigan’s “The Smartest Kid on Earth” – like Blankets, it’s a perfect example of what a graphic novel should be like.
2. Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” – the true story of a little girl growing up in the Ayatollah’s Persia.
3. Joann Sfar’s “The Rabbi’s Cat” – A talking cat owned by a Jewish Rabbi and her daughter.
4. “One Hundred Demons”, Lynda Barry – Half Pinoy author/artist telling semi-autobiographical stories through comics.
5. Maira Kalman, “The Principles of Uncertainty” – there’s nothing like this book. Jet found this in a bookstore one evening and it’s been our favorite ever since.

Fiction without pictures
1. The World According to Garp by John Irving. Funny and true.
2. Jem, Atticus and Scout in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
3. Noli, Jose Rizal.

Toni: You and Jet are one of my favorite married couples. Throughout so many years, you’re still very much in love with each other. You know each other in and out, but still, the two of you seem like you’re still dating! It’s like you’re always learning something new about each other. How important is it to keep the element of surprise alive in a marriage?

Batjay: The element of surprise. I don’t work too hard at it because it just comes. Oo nga, we’ll celebrate our 18th year of marriage this May. Not bad for a childless couple, no? We just have fun when we’re together. Normally, we just stay at home and cook, watch DVD movies, have sex all the time. Sometimes we go out for dinner, watch a movie and have sex afterwards. Is sex important in a marriage? Hindi naman.

I also try to be cool as much as I can. It helps when you’re upset. For instance, when I’m mad, I’d rather go out for a 3 mile run instead of lashing out or writing an email. Hindi mo na kasi mababawi pag may nasabi ka o nasulat na hindi maganda.

Oh and I always say yes all the time kahit hindi.

Toni: You have a beautiful home. How do you keep your house so clean?

Batjay: I have an obsessive compulsive wife.

Toni: Last question. Could you share a special message to your fans and soon-to-be-fans? Kumbaga sa slum book, ito yun “Dedication” portion.

Batjay: Dear Wifelysteps Readers,

Maraming salamat sa pagtangkilik ninyo sa interview post. Sana nag enjoy kayong basahin ito katulad ng pag enjoy ko sa pagsagot sa mga tanong. Iba talaga pag matalino yung nag interview, nag-iisip ka rin ng matalinong sagot. Dahil dito, wala na akong matalinong masasabi hanggang sa April 2009 dahil naubos na sa kakasagot ko kay Toni. Sana huwag akong pagalitan ng boss ko pag tinanong ako kung anong oras na at sinabi kong “oras na para mag techno gas fan”. Kung natawa kayo rito, malamang ka edad ko kayo.

Bago pa ninyo tanungin kung “Ano ba ang pinagsasabi ng bwakanginang BatJay na yan?” ay magpapaalam na ako. Maraming salamat Toni. Sana hindi ka magsawa. Kamusta na lang sa iyong pinakamamahal na animal husbandry.

Stay pretty and cool.

Jay

*****

Thank you Batjay for this awesome interview. And thanks to Shai for a great round of 52WoC!

Weekend Soiree #48: A game of comment interaction

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To make things more fun, the questions have to reflect the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is FASHION, all questions should relate to that topic. Do you dress more for comfort or for style? What fashion blogs do you subscribe to? As much as possible, let’s not repeat the questions for added fun! You are also welcome to play more than once.

Let’s max out our credit cards for for our 48th weekend soiree.

The theme: SHOPPING

The question: What was the most recent item you bought on impulse?

Click here for past themes.
Image credit: Jade Gordon