Beef Stew for my hungry Habibi!

I decided to cook some Beef Stew for Habibi today as requested. After I’ve finished talking to the SeaSide View Owner earlier I blog hop for a while and answered some comments on my Post entry yesterday and earlier. It was about Recording Trip I’ve made during Homesick moments. I decided to upload and share it here in blogosphere.

 

While I’m blog Hopping, Habibi was watching an all time classic film of Al Pacino entitled SCARFACE. I told him to watch it as it has a good storyline. ( You might find it interesting as well if you want to watch it ) .I then leave him to watch the whole film and then he texted me afterwards asking if I can cook a Beef Stew for him tonight. Yes we are also using our mobile even if I’m just upstairs and he’s just few steps away from me. You might be shock if I told you that he is also calling my mobile just to say “ MAHAL KITA.. BABY!”.. And I replied back , “ Yeah Sure no problem … For you, I’ll cook whatever you tummy desires..”

 

He then go straight to the shop to buy some ingredients for the meal including fresh beef chunks from the butchers. And when he got home, I started making the dish.

 

I love this dish not only because its one of the yummy dish but it is easy to make. All you have to do is to dice everything and throw it in your pressure cooker. Puts some ingredients and bring it to boil till its tender and you will have a nice Beef Stew. ( This is also recommended during cold season).

 

Check the picture for the finish product of my recipe.

 

Believe me it is really easy. You can make it even when your eyes is shut. Lol.

 

Try visiting this site for the complete direction on how to make this yummy meal.

 

BEEF STEW RECIPE

Mag-Brunch Muna Tayo!

Hayan recipe entry na naman ang ginawa ko today. At habang nga ginagawa ko ang post na ito, eh nagmamantika pa ang nguso ko dahil katatapos ko lang mag-BRUNCH.

 

Sabi ni Jamie gusto raw niya kumain pero wala siyang gana. Nagugutom siya pero parang ayaw niya kumain. Huh? Ang gulo nman niya? Kaya naman, Operasyon Google-search na nman ang lola niyo. Naghanap ako ng recipe na alam kong magugustuhan niya. At eto nga, nakita ko si HASH BROWN RECIPE.

 

Madalas pag pumupunta kami sa Bangor o sa Holyhead basta nakita niya ang magic M, nangininig na yan sa Mcdonald Big Breakfast. Tapos kukuha sia ng Hash Brown kasi sarap na sarap sia dun. Eh eto nga ako, bakit hindi ko i-try gawin for my habibi.

 

Mabilis pa sa alas kuatro na inihanda ko ang mga kailangan sa aking Hash Brown Experiment. Mukhang hindi nga ako confident kasi parang hindi nman sia mabubuo ng katulad ng sa Mcdonald. Pero cge try pa rin. Chop-chop dito chop-chop dun. Tapos heto na sabay-sabay ko nang ginawa ang aming brunch. 2 pan agad ang gamit ko. Habang ginagawa si hash brown, niluluto ko na rin si sausage at nakasalang na rin si scrambled egg sa bestfriend niyang microwave. Ahahay! Si Jamie hindi na makatiis. Nagugutom na raw sia sa amoy ng hash brown kaya inupakan agad ang una kong naluto. Mejo nasunog nga ng konti ang sausage ko kasi hinihintay ko ang kanyang comment kung ano ang lasa ni Hash Brown.

 

“ Perfect! Its better than Mcdonald..” sabi niya

Hindi ko alam kung nang-uuto siya o ano kasi pagkatapos ng unang hash brown eh sinabi niyang si Mcdonald daw eh gumagamit ng ready to fry nang hash brown. ( Siniraan pa ng loko!)Hmmm, pero maaari! Pero nman nun ako ng ang titikim sa gawa ko, mejo naglaway ako ng konti bago ang unang kagat! Wow! Mainit-init pa at lasang lasa ko ang bacon, pepper at onion na inihalo ko.. Ang sarap talaga! Kahit nag-amoy ginisa ang damit ko ayos lang dahil sulit. I-try mo rin para maiba nman ang breaskfast mo. heto HALUNGKATIN MO ULIT DITO para sa buong detalye ng recipe.

 

Habang nga kami ay kumakain, muntik na masira ang Brunch ko dahil itong si Jamie ko tumaya na naman sa kabayo. Eto sa kanan ang katibayan. Ewan ko ba hate ko talaga ang kahit anong klaseng sugal. Tapos naalala ko pa ang dabi ng tatay niya, na bakit daw ang mga wife galit sa husband kapag nagsusugal sila at natatalo. Pero kapag nananalo eh bati sila at humihingi pa ng balato. Sabi ko sa isip-isip ko, eh siempre ganun talaga. Nagagalit talga tayong mga wifey pag talo. Hindi mo na kaya maibabalik yung pera na yun. Tapos pag nalulong sa sugal eh di mas maraming talo hehe. Pero pag panalo eh dapat talagang me TONG! hehe

 

Dun nga pala sa picture, kabayo niya ang nauuna pero dahil Friday the 13th ngayon, natalo ang kabayo niya hehehe. Ayan buti nga sa kanya at nang tumigil na kakataya sa kabayo. Pag ako nainis gagawin ko tong kabayo eh hehehe.. Jowk lang!

New Look

Tama ang nabasa niyo. New look nga ang favorite area ni Jamie. Promise nabaliw-baliw kami kakakalas-kabit ng mga kapirasong kahoy na ito bago nabuo. Isa itong Computer Hide-Away unit na nakuha pa namin sa Great Universal. 3 weeks ang nakaraan bago magdesayd si Jamie na Buuin ito pero ang sama neto kamuntik pang masira dahil pinilit niyang gawing mag-isa. Hindi man lang humingi ng tulong sa akin eh ako nman eh panay lang ang nood ng Love me Again ni Piolo at Angel.

 

Bumaba na nga ako dahil ng marinig ko ang malalakas na kalampag. Nakita ko na nakaupo sia sa isang sulok at stress na stress sa pagkakabit ng mga piraso ng kahoy. Gusto kong matawa kaso baka ibato sa akin yun Philip na hawak-hawak niya hehe. madali pa nman mapikon to pag stress hehe.

 

Dahil nga mapilit ako at to the rescue ang beauty mo eh tinulungan ko na siya at wala na siyang nagawa. Nakipukpok at naki lagay na rin ako ng mga screw. Pero ang pinakamahirap na parte dito ay ang pagkakabit ng cover. Yun dalawang isinasarang pinto sa harapan. Pano ba naman kasi hindi namin malaman kung bakit ung isang bahagi ay mas mababa kesa sa kabila. Ayaw ding sumara? Naloko na! Ito yata ang pinakaunang hide away unit na hindi mo maisara. Kaya kalas na naman kami at pilit na inaalam kung bakit nagkaganun ang resulta.

 

Pok-Pok-Pok! Ayan martilyo dito martilyo doon. Masasabi kong rubbish itong unit na nabili namin dahil sa mga parteng hindi kainaman. Gawa lang ito sa lawanit na tinakpan ng vinyl. So san ka nman dun? kaya pala mura tapos bubuuin mo pa parang puzzle hehe. Pero ayun nga nalaman namin na yun manipis na plywood pala na naikabit namin sa bandang likod nito ang siyang magbabalanse sa pagtayo nito. At kung ikinabit namin ang plywood na yun ng hindi chineck ang pagkakatayo nito eh talaga nga palang hindi sasara ang pinto. At isang rebelasyon nito, ako ang nagpukpok ng plywood sa likod dahil pakialamera ako hehe. kaya inalis at ipinukpok namin pabalik ng matantiya naming balanse na ang dalawang pinto na nakakabit sa harapan. ( Pambihira kasalanan ko pa pala haha) at tsaraaan!! Nagawa na nga.  Mukha namang palang maganda ang kinalabasan. Ang Computer ni Jamie ay hindi na mapupuno ng alikabok at pwedeng maisara kapag kami ay umaalis na parang lalagyanan lang ng damit. O diba? sino bang mag-aakala na computer ang laman niyan? Isa pa kahit mumurahin ang unit mukha na ring mamahalin dahil mukha nman professional ang nakaupo.( Sows! Salamat sa Lasagne kagabi—Siya ang nagluto ng dinner ) Ayan nakasalamin na sia nakita niyo? kasi nga eh mejo nasosobrahan ata sa gamit ng PC kaya sabi ko isuot para hindi na lumala ang sakit nia sa mata. Tingin ko nga kelangan ko na rin ng salamin. Pero naman! Hindi ako magtataka na lahat ng blagista eh nakasalamin pagdating ng ilan pang taon? Agree ba kau? At dahil sa kaadikan sa pagba-blog eh darating ang araw na konti na lamang ang matitirang blagista na may malinaw na mata ( Kinopya ko pa yan sa paghohost ni Korina Sanchez sa RATED K pag nagbibigay siya ng tsinelas sa mga bata haha.. )

 

Bweno, ng matapos ito, ako na rin ang naglagay at nag-instila ng computer ni Jamie pati na ang internet nito. Isipin niyo ang itsura ko na lumusot-tumuwad-humiga para maayos ang mga kable sa likod. Ayaw ko kasi na gulo-gulo ang mga kawad kaya ako na ang nagprisinta. Pag si Jamie ang gumawa niyan malamang na yun mga wire ng mouse at keyboard eh sa harap dumaan. Akala mo mga kawad ng kuryente sa Pinas na kung saan nagsulputan. Whew! Kafagud! Pag mejo umaraw-araw magsemento nman ako ng fireplace namin na nasibak ni Jamie haha..

BEAT IT.. Lucky Boy

Kanina nga ay napatagal ang pakikipag-usap ko sa telepono nang maglong-distance ako sa Pinas. Nakausap ko nga yun aking adopted brother eh, panay ang pagyayabang sa akin,

"Ate, kumpleto na ang Michael Jackson DVD Ko. Alam ko na rin yung ibang kanta niya pero un ibang liriks nakakalimutan ko.." Lucky

Taken December 2005 at NE Pacific Mall

Pagtapos hiningan ko siya ng sampol. Kinantahan ako ng mga apat na kantang pinasikat ni Michael Jackson. Beat it, Smooth Criminal, You are not Alone, at Bad. Hindi ko mapigil matawa kasi bukod sa matigas ang pagbigkas niya ng mga liriks ng kanta eh talagang naka-emphasize pa ang "RRRRR" sa bawat kataga. Palibhasa sa probinsiya nag-aaral kaya nahahawa siya sa mga kalaro.

Kung hindi niyo naitatanong eh 9 years old na si Lucky. Pero sabi ko nga mulang ng matutong magsalita eh nakahiligan na niya ang kumanta. Tanda ko nga eh "Laklak" ang una nitong natutunang kanta. Eto ang isang linya niya,

" Pabilin-bilinan ng Lola, wag nang uminom ng serbesa

Ito'y di inuming pambata, MAG-SOPAS ka na lang muna..."

Naririnig niya lang kasi yang kanta kaya pasensiya na kung mali ang liriks niya.

Dahil sa kami ay meron parentahan ng Videoke sa probinsiya, nagaya na nga sa mga kanta ng manginginom. Una na kasi sa listahan ng mga boy kanto sa lugar namin yang kantang laklak ( sa mga kabataan) o My way sa medyo me katandaan.

Isang araw nga eh nun 4 years old pa yun, umuwing pawisan. Meron dalang nakabalot na Piktyur Preym. Tinanong daw ni nanay kung san nanggaling. Sagot ni Lucky,

" Nanalo po ako sa Videoke Contest sa birthday ni Mayor. Nakakuha ako ng 100% na score "..

Si Mayor naman, manong pinera na lang hano? Neway, isipin mong sa edad na apat na taon maisipan niya na sumali sa kontest. Samantalang ako nung araw eh kahit impit o sipol hindi ako mapapakanta ni nanay sa harap ng maraming tao.

Totoo, meron din kaming mobile disco nun araw. At ang uso pa lang nun eh yun bang Multiplex na tape at yung plaka na pagkalalaki. Gamit namin un malalaking bapols, trompa at turn-table. Kung hindi niyo alam yun, yun eh yung mga sinaunang istilo ng component na makikita  mo sa pelikulang " The Ghost" ni Demi Moore. Yun na yun mismo! Oh eh ayun nga, pag gusto namin magkantahan noon, hala kelangan memoryado ang bawat liriks. At tapos kung hindi mo naman memoryado eh kelangan mong mangolekta ng songhits o di kaya makikopya ka na lang sa mga kaklase mo kung cant afford kang bumili. Dun ako sa huli hehe kasi cant afford ako nun eh. Isa pa gusto ko ako ang nagsusulat para naka-compile lang lahat ng gusto kong kanta sa isang notebook na tinahi ko pa mula sa mga natirang pahina ng mga gamit na notebook. Resaykel din hehe nagtitipid.

Yun dalawa kong kuya, walang problema sa pagkanta. Dahil nga madalas maisali sa singing contest sa school tuwing linggo ng wika eh nakakapagpraktis sila. Eh ako nun, bata pa ako at mahiyain. kadalasan eh nakikinig lang ako at maswerte na yung mapakanta ako sa banyo habang naliligo o habang nagwawalis ng bakuran (tiyempuhan mo lang at maririnig mo rin ang boses ko hehe). Minsan nga narinig ni nanay na nasa tono rin pala akong kumanta kaya pinilit-pilit akong kumanta ni nanay. At dahil hindi mapilit ng walang bayad, sa halagang limang piso ( un eh emilio aginaldo pa, na dating perang papel ng pinas - kulay green Ba yun? ) bumigay ang lola niyo. Kanta naman ako! Eh siyempre dahil mahiyain ako hanapin mo kung san ako nakatago habang kumakanta. hehe maaring sa silong ng lamesa o sa ilalim ng kama. Taguan-pung pa ang drama namin hano? Pero tiklo ako palagi kasi nga wired naman yung mic. Eh di sundan lang nila un mic kita na nila kung kaninong mala-dyosang tinig un umaalingawngaw sa trompa. Ngayon mo nga gawin yun sa mga makabagong gadgets natin pag di kahit sa itaas ng puno ng niyog ka kumanta ayos na ayos. Wireless na eh! hehe

Tinanong ko ulit si Lucky kung nag-aaral ng mabuti at kung ano na siyang top. Kasi nga matatapos na nman ang School year sa Pinas. Ang sagot,

"Hindi ko lang alam ate.. Hindi pa nman sinasabi ni Mam. Pero nun grade 1 ako top 5 tapos grade 2, top 6.. Ngayon hindi ko alam pero nung last kami nag-exam naka 92% ako out of 100... Ang hirap kasi ng mga tanong. Wala pang pagpipilian yung iba kaya hinulaan ko lang .."

Tinanong ko nga kung sino ang highest, eto nman ang sagot,

" Hindi ko alam. Parang ako yata..."

Hindi nman siya mayabang di ba? humble lang hehe.. Chinachallenge ko kasi siya kasi nabili ko ang Nintendo Wii ng kapatid ni Jamie. Naisip ko ipadala sa kanya iyon kapag nakapasok siya ulit sa top 10.

Hindi pa nga natapos magkwento itong si Lucky at naibida pa yung ngipin niya na binunot ni nanay. Tinalian daw kasi ni nanay ng sinulid pagtapos ay hinatak bigla.

" Ate nanghihinayang nman ako sa ngipin ko. Kung alin pa yung pinakamaputi siya pa ang naalis. tapos nun tinalian naman ni nanay at biglang hatakin eh tumurit bigla! Hindi ko tuloy makita, ilalagay ko pa naman sana sa ilalim ng unan ko eh..."

Muntik nang manikip ang dibdib ko katatawa. Hindi dahil sa nabungal na naman siya kundi dahil sa sinabi niya na kung alin pa daw ang maputi un pa ang naalis. Pambihira oo... Eh naranasan niyo na ba yun? Kasi ako dati ginagawa ko rin un "Operasyon Sinulid". Kesa nga nman magbayad ka ng dentista eh talian mo na nga lang ng sinulid at isabit mo sa pinto saka mo biglang isara. Hindi nman masyadong masakit yun eh. Madugo lang at makati-kati ng bahagya hehehe..

December 2006 ito kuha habang kumakanta siya ng " Makita kang Muli" theme from the series Ang Panday! Kung mapapansin niyo eh medyo nakakagulat ang pagkalagas ng ngipin niya dito. Ang hilig nman kasi sa matatamis! Ayan tuloy ang nangyari.

Nakakamiss din ang kakulitan ng batang ito. Sana lang pag mas nagkaisip na siya eh hindi siya magbago. Sa susunod ko kayang tawag, ano na naman ang nakakatuwang kwento nito? Hmmmm.. isa lang ang aabangan ko. Yun ay kung aling song ni Michael Jackson ang latest niyang namemorize hehe!

Novelty Gift :Talking Toilet Roll Holder

Have you seen or used a Talking Toilet Roll Holder? Well I have a story about this one. I was like browsing and surfing the net looking for a gift that I could give my hubby this valentines and guess what I've found? A talking toilet roll holder. A day before, I've seen a coughing and screaming Lung ashtray which i though a good idea of convincing Jamie to stop smoking. But I've been so curious looking for other Items and found this talking toilet roll holder a good laugh.

This novelty gift is battery operated. You can record your own message as well and plays automatically whenever you pull the paper. Check samples below:

 

1.We're trying to conserve paper, please use both sides! ( I found it really hilarious talaga... I can't use both sides no.. Yuck!)

3. Please Remain Seated during the performance! ( Whoah? Ano kasi ang mangyayari pag nag standing ovation ka naman while performing? ... Hmp!)

3. Would you like a receipt for your deposit? ( Ehehe .. if not too much to ask why not! kaloka!)

4. This is a bathroom not a library! ( Oo nga naman! Karamihan kasi ng gumagamit ng toilet nagbabasa ng diyaryo)

5. You know Charlie a little fiber wouldn't kill you. ( Hehe this is good for those who dont eat fruits and vegetables.. kala nio ha? )

These are only some samples anyway but you can record a more sensible reminders like Don't forget to wash your hand or flush. The price of this item is around 9-10 Pounds on ebay.

I'm planning to buy one in the future as sometimes at night I always forgot flushing the toilet. Thought that if I will try it, going to the bathroom will never be the same again. Get one and have a Bathroom Voicemail at the same time!

Cutie Coolet at your service...

I've been planning to blog about my niece since Monday but I don't have much time to blog as my mind or should I say I'm occupied with so much things like finishing my game. Lol! But anyway, I'll be talking about my niece today named Rianne Nicolette Agustin. 

 

 

Nico, Rianne or Kulet as they call her was born July 28, 2007, 6:51 PM at Good Samaritan Hospital. This is her first picture and first cry after her mom gave birth to her. Ang laki ng bibig no? No wonder lalaki pa lang madaldal. hmmm...

 

 

 

 

 

This is her first month birthday. Akalain mo sanggol pa nagcecelebrate na ng birthday. And when I was still in the Philippines, her dad used to ask me, " ano ang regalo mo kay kulet?" then i'll buy her a cake as if naman makakain na niya un chocolate flavor cake na made to order pa from NE Foodshop. Well, I always buy her simple tokens like shoes, clothes whenever I go to the mall or every pay day. Spoiled yata no? I like baby girl kasi parang gustong-gusto ko na siyang lumaki agad so I can buy her loads of hair accessories at iba pang mga things na pang palanjutay daw eka nga. (Slang word namin sa malantod or garampingat sa ilocano --- Not literal meaning sa niece ko just using the word lang hehe... type ko lang bakit ba?)

This is her few days before I left. Hindi pa niya ako makikilala talaga. And whenever I took her from Ate Izz She will cry for a few minutes then after a while or lumabas ka at ituro mo ang tricycle, she will be fine and start giggling.

 

 

Now, this is her latest picture. At ang hitad naka two-piece suit na.Liberated ha? Tsk! Tsk! Sabi ni Jamie balak pa raw ata sumali sa beauty contest. Hmmm? Why not! She has the looks naman di ba? Look at her, not camera shy at all. She can open the door na nga raw and ask her mam to buy her "Aplim! Aplim!" ( In short, Ice Cream...heheh). At ayaw niya sa Jolibee or mcdo. Gusto niya sa Mall or Robinson. Huh! Mayaman? hehe.. Gusto niya kasi dun dahil pwede siyang maglaro sa arcade at mas maraming makikita. Matalino lang kasi nga naman sa mall they have everything. Hindi sia sasakay sa kabayo but she seem to like cars talaga like her Dad. Ewan ko ba sa bata no. Kahit nun sanggol pa pag iyak ng iyak isasakay lang sa tricycle or kotse ng Daddy niya, daig pa ang de-susi na humihinto agad. mga baby talaga oo.

Some more pictures na ninenok ko pa sa Friendster ng nanay niya hehehe. Copyright issues daw woh! Ehehe.. The baby is now a lady na nga ba? at balak din yatang maging office girl ang bruha. I remember when I talked to her last time, she calls me "Tita Duck" kasi I have a duck CD Case and she kept on asking her mom to have it. hehe.. Then sabi pa, she calls her Dad, " Daddy Go!" (Which means Daddy is Lasenggo). natawa ako kasi she's really bright although narinig niya siguro kung kanino hehe.. Tsismosa?? Anyway, I can't wait to see her again. She might not recognize me but i'll introduce myself slowly. naks! Sabi naman ng Hipag ko she's not like other kids na mahiyain at nagtatago whenever she met someone new. Walang hiya nga raw ang hitad ( meaning hindi marunong mahiya). But hopefully, much better if I have my own baby girl or boy na rin to look after. How I wish! :) Well, that's my entry for today! Have a great Wednesday!

Looking for some Cigarette Substitute..

Alright, I've been married for almost a year and until now I can't find answer on how my husband can quit smoking. He tried loads of smoking alternatives such as patches, chewing gum, nicotine inhaler and the like but its still not working.

Few days ago, I've read about this herbal cigarette from one site as a good substitute for cigarette. They'd be smoking the cigarette exactly the same as the normal one but the difference is, this herbal cigarette is composed of different herbal leaves like ginseng, jasmine, yerba santa and other dried flower and leaves. I did a research before pursuing to my plan of buying the cigarette to test but it puts me off in the end.

BBC News made a research about normal cigarette and herbal or vegetable-based cigarette and they end up not suggesting the herbal cigarette as a substitute for normal ones.. Why? Its because, the herbal cigarette might be nicotine free or has low nicotine substance but it still contain Tar and worst, carbon monoxide which is far harmful to our body. It seems like taking herbal cigarette is more harmful as you will be taking in carbon monoxide that will even harm your lungs.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas. In high concentrations - far higher than in cigarettes - it can be deadly.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, irritability and difficulty breathing.

Herbal cigarettes contain all the nasty chemicals in cigarettes, but they do not provide any help in dealing with nicotine addiction

I've read in Yahoo answers today that the only way to quit smoking is your perseverance within to quit. Just like thinking why love smoking when cigarette can't even love you back instead harming you and helping you die little by little. Others suggest that if you want quit smoking but you always have the urge to light that "deadly stick" and holding it just for the sake of habit or something else then the best way to quit is light the cigarette and don't inhale it. Its kinda funny but he is right.

Reasonably speaking, the best thing you can inhale is oxygen.  So do your body a favor: pamper your lungs, they're the only set you've got.  Don't smoke and stay away from forest fires!

The packet says " Smoking Kills" or You'll die young when you smoke but one more reality is that you're not only  harming yourself but you are harming those passive smokers or secondhand smoke (the victims) and carries the penalty or harm effects because of you. So, just think of it and quit smoking if you really care about them (especially the family, brothers or kids).

I want snow not hailstone!

Its been 5 days when Snow hit Great Britain. But its amazing that here in Cemaes bay, we dont have that snow. Too bad as I won't be able to see the real snow and will just be contented watching hail stone every now and then. My hubby says the reason why snow dont form in this area because we are near the sea and the ground is always wet. So even we get snow sometimes like last Wednesday, it will melt when it hits the ground.

Today, I took some pictures when there is hailstone outside. I opened our bedroom window and took some of these:

Big particles of hailstone .. " That's good! It looks like Blizzard.." Jamie

And another.. " Edna, i'll try to catch some hailstone on my hand for you.. Tsk! Too far to reach! Hmmp... nevermind. Just try taking some more pictures before it stops. It doesn't last long.." Jamie

Some hailstone trapped near our window...

Too bad that I wont be able to see snow. Well I did but I want to play like a kid with snowballs and make some snowman hehe.. (I'm just excited..lol) Anyway, Jamie said if dad is well in the next few days, he might pick us up and bring us in England where snow is very common everyday.

Toyota SPA15 Flip Sewing Machine

Got my first sewing machine ever last Thursday. I really love it. I just have a basic lesson on using sewing machine when I was in high school. We use to have a subject called Home Economics (T.H.E) where we are learning about lots of handcrafts like cross stitch, sewing, cooking. We also learned basic child care, haircutting and even gardening.

Going back to sewing, I learned how to make my first pair of pyjamas, pillow cases and apron during high school days. And I am using an antique manual old fashioned singer sewing machine. Its quite hard using it because I need to familiarize myself in putting the bobbins, adjusting the stitches and using the pedal to make good stitches. But now that I have my Toyota SPA15 Flip Sewing Machine, it makes sewing really easy for me. Just after my sewing machine arrived, I ran in the attic and get one small fabric cut it in the desired length and sew my first pair of  curtain for my kitchen. haha!

This machine that i've got was Electric sewing machine. Check below for the full specification:

• Ergonomic design.
• Built in sewing advisor with 3 steps to sew, trouble shooting and guidance, threading information illustrated on the machine body.
• Large sewing area.
• 15 automatic stitches including blind hem, scallop, castle, fagotting, mending, straight, zig-zag, decorative overcasting and serpentine.
• 2 needle positions.
• Top loading bobbin incorporating automatic thread take up.
• See through bobbin cover helps see how much thread is left.
• Automatic bobbin winding.
• 4 step buttonhole.
• Zipper insertion.
• Twin needle capability.
• Push button reverse.
• Clip-on feet.
• Large dials and levers for ease of use.
• Includes zipper foot, buttonhole foot, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, spool cap, buttonhole ripper, battery dust cover.
• Size (H)28, (D)39, (W)22.5cm.
• Weight 7kg.
• Manufacturer's 3 year guarantee.

I've got mine in Argos at 89.99 Pounds. I'll give it 5/5 score since its my first sewing machine and was easy to use! All I  need to do now was to learn how to make simple curtains and pillow/cushion cases.

Check out some sample of my first try using this machine. I did the right thing on the second illustration though. The first picture should look like the second one. But since I'm not still used to it, I kept on pulling the fabric while sewing that why it looks like that. I told you I need more lesson hehehe. I'll be expert in it soon though. This is my new toy now so Jamie should kick my bumbum to get into it. All in all its a must buy sewing machine!

Dream House Update

Here's the latest updates of our house. I know its a long way to go to finish this big house but i'm pretty sure we will all admire the outcome of our hardships.

The picture shows Nanay and Tatay posing in front of our house. My Tatay said he's planning to put circle cement or bulb on those posts. Thats a good idea I should say to prevent robbers from getting inside the house. I was planning to buy them another dog. I got them one few years ago but because they usually go to Cabanatuan and no one left in the house, they then arrived one day that Marius (the Dog) was already dead. Poor Marius! His death is still not resolved hehe..

 

Side view of the house. Nanay is just showing me where the money goes when I last sent her money for the House Project. Hehe (The fence is nearly finished)

 

And another side view shot which shows how good it will look like when its finished. I can't wait to see the house finished. Nanay told me that we will all get rooms when we visit them. And the rooms will be designed in accordance to our requests lol! Of course I have my A/C installed as Jamie can't bear the hot weather in the Philippines. I should be investing too for a small bar where we can drink some wines and Gin?? hehe

Our New Living Room!

This is our new re-arranged living room.. Yay! That's the reason why i'm not online the whole day. I'm trying to fix and re-arrange everything ready for christmas ( Hmmm... my excitement is really obvious hehe) I've changed the long coffee table with this small one and just move the leather sofa near just near the fireplace since its getting really cold. ( Just don't know why we still have to use the real fireplace though when other village can use gas?) I also put 4 new cushions I bought from Morrisons last week ( Buy one, get one).

This next picture shows where I positioned the Television. yeah its really huge and old fashioned TV. We are trying to sell it for just 200 Pounds so we can get a better one that will suit better in this medium sized living room. Actually, I'm planning to move the other bookshelf from the front living room and move the Fish tank as well. Jamie suggested that I should put pictures of his family and mine on that wall and put the wedding picture in the middle where my solo one is located. I should have done that long ago anyway but we are just busy.. blogging!lol.

And this is Jamie's new workplace. He said he's gonna buy a new computer bigger than mine. A computer table better than mine and a chair more expensive than mine. That's if I approve him to do so. Just kidding!

Dreamhouse Updates

Time for updates! Few weeks ago, I posted here our house that is currently building in the province where me and my other siblings grew up. Today, my brother Jasper sent me updates of the house and the picture you see above was the House plan (It should look like that when its finished) and the picture on the right side was the current status of the house. Hmmm... its nearly looking the same.

We are all excited to see how will it look like when its finished. But hopefully, the roof will be finished by this month. My other brother is helping my parents now to finish this house and so we can plan going home maybe after another two years??

It will be nice to spend a vacation here if we will be able to save some money for the flight. And I can feel that my parents have joys in their hearts while seeing every details and progress of the house each day. Let me think which side will be our room in this house.. hmmm.. Right side? or Left Side?? I told my nanay I'd choose the side where there is a good and relaxing view hehehe..

Loosing Pounds...

Alright, alright! I admit, I gain weight last year. I even reached 50 Kilos. Eating too much Jolibee, Mcdonalds, Chowking, Greenwich meals and the like. You know, restaurant meals that's always ready when you feel hungry. On the go when you feel lazy cooking meals. Drinking too much fizzy drinks like Coca-cola every after meal especially when it's too hot and you need some refreshing drinks to cool you down during summer. Whew! I end up gaining weight! From 45 to 50 kilos. But after that, I realized losing weight is really hard and expensive. The fact that you have to remove all your Extra-small or Small sized trousers and pants are really pain. I have to work and earn more to buy new clothes that will fit me and will make me more comfortable without trying to flatten my belly (check the picture below if you know what I mean) I've even experience openning my trouser's zipper when I am sitting so I can sit comfortably and breath right. Well I tried doing "After - 6" (eating anything you want before 6 P.M.) That's one way of losing weight but I'm always tempted. I always feel like eating at night while chatting to Jamie. And I always cook food like papaitan, pinakbet, sinigang na hipon as well as making graham cake which are really fattening.  I find it really hard. So I failed and try the next step. Cutting Rice intake. From 3 plates every meal to just one cup? I don't think so! What if the dinner in front of you is really tempting? I told myself, "No Way!". I'll eat more I can take in my stomach. I always love rice anyway. So I quit dieting then. And then I came here to UK. No changes from the first few months. After checking every month, my weight is slowing down. 50... 47...46.. then ended 42 kilos at the moment.

"Whaatttt???"

I am really shocked! My hubby is even more shock when I told him earlier. 2 more kilos and I can join the Olympics 2012 in track and field, high jump, long jump and even gymnastics! I'm really thin! Oh no!

'You need to eat more Mahal..." Jamie said.

On the other side, I like being thin. That means it will be more easier for me to get my clothes. Uh-oh! Not in this country though. As they seem to be oversize to me. Good thing there's petite clothes that I can chose from. I wonder what will my mother-in-law will say when she see me next. When I was winning about my fat belly she said,

"Edna, you're not fat... Your body if fine. You'll look anorexic if you will look thinner than that.."

Hmmm.. Let me just rewind the reason for losing weight. First, chocolate here are really cheap. but I'm not tempted to eat too much chocolate because I'm not really a fan of sugary products. Next, I ate rice in fact but maybe about 1-2 times a week. I always eat bread and make sure I eat vegetables within the week. Next, I'm not just sitting! I have a part time job that maybe burns some calories. Not really a full time job but working as a hotel cleaner really needs to be attentive, quick and needs more energy to do it in a certain time given. Whoa! Next, I like drinkng fizzy drinks but I also love Coke Zero and Max Pepsi. Lol! They are drinks that has less or no sugar. Hmmm.. Maybe these are the things that helps me lose weight. Anyhow I love the result! I don't need to go to gym nor go for a jogging like everyone else do. It just happen normaly without sweat! hehehe

Christmas Time!

Take a look at my early Christmas Decoration for 2008. Finally, I put up my Christmas tree. I'm really excited and the house looks alive when its decorated. I feel like its Christmas tomorrow! Well, my hubby said it's too early to put up the tree as its only October 27 at the moment. But who cares? I'm a Pinay and in the Philippines, once September started, lots of Christmas garlands, Parol, and other Christmas decorations can be seen in the mall and public market. Gosh! I need to be honest, I miss the Philippines in times like this.Christmas in the Philippines is still the best Christmas at all times. Anyway, this year will be second Christmas here in UK. I arrived here last year 23rd of December. Just 2 days before Christmas and I've enjoyed it.

These are some of the pictures I saved last Christmas. The Big paper bag on top left corner was the first big Christmas Paper bag I've ever received in my whole life. I've even received lots of presents from Jamie's family and I'm quite shocked. I didn't even know I'll receive gifts then so I'm not bothered at first. But when Christmas Day arrives, I'm a bit ashamed as I don't have something to give them. Next picture was my sister-in-law Rachel and her Bf John cuddling in the sofa while watching for others to open their gifts. At the bottom part was a picture of me and mam when they take me for a Christmas Shopping at Birmingham. Next picture was me and Jamie on the couch at Wirral, England. And the best gift I've ever received, Nokia N800 which I then sell on Ebay after few months lol! I just realize I don't need it especially I'm just at home doing nothing but blogging.

This year, we are planning a lot of things. I want my next Christmas here to be memorable and happy of course even I'm away from my family in the Philippines. Right now we are busy saving every penny to buy gifts for everyone. Wow! I like Christmas! This is the best time of the year! Giving gifts, sending cards and sort of. Hmm... I'm also looking forward to a roasted turkey on my table lol! Jamie said his family will spend Christmas with us so finger's crossed, it could be one of my big christmas in UK. Hehehe.. Wonder what gift will I receive this year? Or should I make a wish list and send it to them? hahaha! just kidding!

Oh My Daylight!

My husband told me last night to change my clock time One hour backwards as the Daylight Saving will happen at midnight. I really don't know the reason why it has to change every now and then but I listened and changed the time in my mobile (Using it as my clock). Before we sleep, I asked him again if the time in my mobile is right and he answered me a loud "YES". So I started resetting my alarm so I can wake up 1 hour early before my work schedule and so I can have more time for a cup of coffee and a piece of toasted bread before I go.

Earlier, I woke up many times as if theres hailstone or big drops of rain hitting the window glass. Due to staying up late last night, I just didn't bother to stand up and checked but I manage to get my mobile under my pillow and check the time.

"Oh , its 6:55 o'clock and I still have 1:05 minutes to catch up on sleep."

So I fell asleep again only to wake up with a big loud voice from Jamie shouting,

"Edna, its already 9:35 in my clock!!".

I did'nt bother to open my eyes even if he's in a rush waking me up. I just check my mobile and saw there that its 7:35 am. I stand by the words he told me last night so I close my eyes again and told him,

Jamie its only 7:35 on my mobile. That means I still have 25 minutes to doze while waiting for it to alarm.

He answered back,

Yeah! But according to my watch its 9:35 and that means go back 1 hour and the right time will be 8:35am! Get up now sweetpeach or you'll be late to work!

I'm in a go to argue with him but rather than talk I just get up and budget the 25 minutes left for getting ready to work. I didn't realize that my clock could've been automatically adjust the time. Gosh! I should be careful next time or i'll lose my job!

The Dream House

Its been 10 months now since I left the Philippines and the picture you can see in this post is our house in the province where me and my 3 brothers grew up. My brother sent me this picture. 10 years ago, this lot was full of mango, eucalyptus, ilang-ilang and coconut trees. I can still remember how it looks like when I left our province to study my degree in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. The front was lined with Yellow bush plants, 2 mango trees on each side, 1 tall ilang-ilang tree in the middle front, kamote plants on the right side ( where sometimes I plant squash, ampalaya, saluyot, siling-labuyo and sort of). The front was fenced by bamboo or what they called Isiw. and on the left side is a deep well. I mean "deep-well or balon"where we used to "limas" during rainy season. lol! But look at it now? Its completely different. When my second brother worked in Nigeria, he spent some of his savings to start this house. I shared few bucks to complete the toilet,kitchen and studio. Now, my third brother was helping my parents to finish this house. I was so inspired when I saw it. Even my husband was completely shocked when he saw it because when he first saw this house, its completely mess. Take a look at this next picture:

This is how it looks like when Jamie first saw this house. He can't believed that the floor is muddy. Lol! He told me that at first he was afraid if its ok to tap his cigarette and mess ashes in these muddy floor but then my father (tatay) came to give him some ash tray. For him, it was a funny experience. Can you imagine a British man sitting in that muddy living room, in a wooden sofa and using a fan that's nearly a decade old? hmm...

But few more months and hopefully this house will be finished. My nanay and tatay told me that this house will have about 4 rooms dedicated to all of us. We are all married now you see and they are hoping that one day, when we visited them next again we have each room for each family. Nanay wants to see lots of grand child playing in this house. Well, I'm looking forward to see this house personally, maybe next year or 2010? Sounds exciting!

Caffeine Withdrawal

I have a mild headache earlier and was checking why could I suffer for headache every now and then. Could it be my migraine again or my eyes? Upon searching and of course asking my husband about it, he told me the possible reason could be "Caffeine Withdrawal". I didn't know about this till I found out myself that it could be the positive reason. I tried drinking juice yesterday morning so I can cut down coffee intake. But sadly, I can't just stop it instantly. If you're like me who likes a hot coffee most of the time ( especially now that is officially Autumn), here are the symptoms:

Irritable

Restless

Muscle stiffness

Difficulty concentrating

Headaches, moderate to severe

Chills and/or hot spells

Sadly, I felt all these symptoms. So I go back making a cup of coffee again this morning after the heachache attack and it goes away without even taking paracetamol or Ibufropen.

I also found out that excessive intake of caffeine has even more side effects. I only take coffee about 1 - 2 cups a day. But I remembered Jamie when he was in the Philippines taking more than 10 cups of coffee a day. Flippin' Heck! That's what you say excessive intake. 3 cups of coffee is considered moderate dose but more than that is too much! Check the following effects of excessive caffeine intake:

Jitteriness

Difficulty sleeping

Headaches

Anxiety

Flushed face

Nausea

Accelerated heartbeat

Be cautious! Taking tea or hot chocolate doesn't mean that these drinks are free from caffeine. They have less caffeine but not completely free of it. So if you want to cut down taking too much caffeine, do it slowly by cutting it by half cup of tea a day or use herbal tea as alternatives.