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Showing posts from 2015

Crocheting a Summer Necklace

I really don't know why I am attracted to any shade of green that when I saw Oombawka Design's Forever Summer Necklace and Bracelet set, deciding to make one was no effort at all. Maybe because in my mind, I imagined having a similar color of thread and beads in my stash. Great! It didn't take long for me to assemble the needed materials. I made two strands of necklace that I immediately gave to a friend before I could take good photos of them. Now I'm preparing this post. Too late for me to realize that. So is there any better idea than making a new one? Thread, plenty. Beads, more than enough. I remember buying additional packs recently. I don't want to run out of green beads ;) Here, take a look... So, how do you like it? Actually, that's just one necklace photographed in three different views. After making the Sweetheart Beaded Choker the first time, I was so inspired that I told myself, "I'm definitely going to

Sweetheart Beaded Choker

This is my own version of the Sweetheart Beaded Choker  by Oombawka Design. I fell in love with this the first time I saw it a couple of months ago. I was able to post this photo in Instagram and Facebook but failed to write about it despite several attempts. While I was doing this, I've been wondering why it was so named. "Sweetheart," intrigued, I read the post a number of times to get an idea as to the story behind it. I gave the photos a scrutiny. Do the beads have anything to do with the name? Hmmm, I don't think so! How about the stitches --- the special stitch. Oh, yes, could it be the shell stitch? Two hdc, ch 2, two hdc. Oh, well, I rest my case to Rhondda to reveal the making of her Sweetheart Beaded Choker. Rhondda is the person behind Oombawka Design.  I liked working on this pattern. It was very easy to follow. Doing the shell stitches was so addicting, I had no difficulty memorizing the steps as I went along. I was able to finish the choker

Going Barefoot on a Summer Dream Getaway

This is one of those days when you leave the house, late for work, walk down five blocks to the bus stop under the scorching heat of the sun. For each stride you take, you feel a strong urge to plunge into the tempting waters of the beach or swimming pool. I'm no swimmer so I really don't have any other choice but stand by the gutter of the pool to watch people frolic. At times, I do regret having dropped my swimming lessons in one of the four P.E. subjects required in college.  Seated in the bus, feeling eeewww, a few minutes after finally landing on a vacant seat, I still continue to imagine the blue waters. I close my eyes and for a moment I see myself walking along white sands barefoot. Barefoot! Now, I remember those cute sandals I crocheted the previous year. Where have they all gone? Oh, yes, how could I forget? I have given out several pairs to some friends and colleagues at work. Using blue and light green variegated yarn, here are two pairs I made, inspired

Moshi is crying again!

Credits to Ayana Grace for this photo "Moshi!" Everybody would shout everytime Moshi cries incessantly. Well, we couldn't enjoy watching TV peacefully, that's why. Going 12 years old, Moshi has revealed so much of himself to us  ... to me. He would only cry when nature calls and whenever he would like us to do things for him such as getting his chair and beddings in place. Last and worse of all, he cries when he hears thunder and big bangs like fireworks.  Tonight he won't stop crying again.  Well, didn't I tell you? No use shouting and calling for him to stop. See, he simply saw it coming. The what??? Uhmmm... nothing but the downpour of rain!  Click here Moshi is crying, rain is coming!  and get to know more about our dear Moshi.  The rain has stopped now and Moshi is quiet once more. Oh, what a relief! Moshi, taking a breath of fresh air after the rain

Simply Mixed: French Beans with Zucchini and Chinese Cabbage

Saturday morning. Late breakfast... again! Not in the mood to go marketing but my hubby asks for fish for lunch. So to the market I must go! I really did. I was fortunate to buy my favorites--- tuna, salmon belly and white pampano.  Next stop, the veggie stall. But wait, my favorite veggie vendor is gone! Her stall is closed! Sad! That meant I really had no other choice but to visit the next stall. Looking at the vegetable display while thinking of a dish to prepare for lunch, a different kind of string beans caught my attention. The lady vendor said it's French beans (haricot vert or filet beans, ooopppsss, the veggie vendor didn't tell me that. I google searched for the term :)) Definitely not green ( Baguio ) beans. This type is longer, thinner and crisp. They look skinny and shorter than the regular long string beans ( sitaw ) commonly seen in the market, I was intrigued all the more when the lady said it's best for salads, though she gave me an

Confessions of a 90-year-old Mother's Daughter

Everytime I read and receive greetings about mothers and Mother's Day, I couldn't help but feel awkward and embarrassed. Firstly because I am far from being the godly woman described in Proverbs 31: 10-31. Secondly, because I have been guilty of defying God's command in Ephesians 6:1.  Last Sunday, as it has always been every Mother's Day in the past years, our church honored all mothers present during the service. I felt my heart crushing as I joined the other ladies who were called to occupy the first few rows of pews. Yes, I managed to smile and greet back all who greeted me, though deep within my heart was crumbling in humiliation.  Surprisingly, our Pastor didn't preach about the Proverbs 31 woman. Instead, he expounded on the first nine verses of Proverbs 31. These verses talk about King Lemuel's lessons of chastity and temperance, lessons he learned from his own mother. I confess I haven't been a good daughter during my childhood and

Kilawing Labanos (Sauteed Radish): A legacy from my mother-in-law

Today, while reviewing some old posts in my dashboard, I came upon this article I posted almost three years ago. Click this link  A Legacy from my Mother-in-Law   to read. The post features a recipe book owned by my husband's mother that he (Billy, my husband) gave me after we got married. Tomorrow, being Mother's Day, I thought of making a sequel to it by featuring a dish I learned from this book. That is to honor its owner, the woman whom God used to bring to life my husband, even if I never came to see or know her in person.  So here, I'm featuring the original recipe of one of Billy's favorite dishes found in Aling Charing's recipe book. Oh, here's my disclaimer for you who might also own this recipe book. I took effort at translating the recipe because almost the whole book is written in Filipino. Kilawing Labanos Ingredients: 8 medium-sized radish, sliced thinly 1/4 kilo librillo at lapay ng baka  (may substitute shrimps or pork) 1 oni

Simple and Easy Crocheted Friendship Necklace

Inspired by Oombawka Design , I attempted to make my own version using almost the same color but different shapes for the bead frame and the beads. This is what came out. I wanted to send a gift to an old friend but I've been going home late from work. I didn't have much time to go out and buy something so I browsed through my Pinterest board, Crochet Patterns I Like . The goal was to look for a pattern that I could do in one sitting because the kind lady who offered to bring the gift was leaving the following day. I had to finish it before my eyelids drop for the night. Oombawka Design's pattern for the Simply Easy Crochet Necklace was exactly what I was looking for. Simple and easy to make, indeed, it was! Instead of the usual friendship bracelet as souvenir, a friendship necklace it has become. Symbolizing a long-lasting relationship, I thought the circular bead frame I found from my stocks was just perfect! Not only that, the chain around the neck could be

Sauteed Corned Beef with String Beans: Fast Food Meal

This is one of those days when I would prefer to just spend more time in bed but I'm left with no other choice but force myself to get up to fulfil some domestic duties. One, prepare food. Two, the garbage.  Opening the cupboard oftentimes offers a speedy solution. I see a can of corned beef grinning down at me. The veggie bin also has more to offer. There are string beans. So after frying three eggs for a late breakfast for my two daughters and myself, I use the same pan to cook the corned beef. Presto! Lunch is ready! Ingredients: Oil 1 medium onion, sliced thinly 1 medium tomato, sliced 1 can corned beef 1 bunch of string beans, cut into 2 inches long salt to taste Steps: Spray oil on pan. Sautee onion and tomato slices.  Add corned beef.  Add string beans. Allow to simmer until string beans are tender. Add salt according to taste.  This is one such good idea if you are looking for a simple and easy dish. Exactly what busy moms and beg

Zucchini-Spinach Veggie Pizza

Pan de Amerikana: the Upside Down Resto in Marikina City

Telling a person that he or she has turned one's life upside down gives a romantic undertone. But in this post, I use the expression in its literal sense. Take a look at this photo to get a clear picture of what I mean.  Credits to  The Woman and Her Exiguous Aspirations  for this photo. Now, see what I mean?  I wasn't able to take a view of the whole facade as shown above when we stopped over for breakfast in this place. I just had enough time to take a portion of the whole view. Look at the photo below. This is Pan de Amerikana Bakery and (Upside Down) Restaurant located at 92 Ordonez Street, Marikina City where you can enjoy pan de sal and various breakfast menus anytime of the day.  Map from Google   This is what the place looks like up-close.  The entrance I know, I know, I'm not good at taking photos, but do you notice the unique design at the entrance door. Come on in!  Photo by Grace Kayanan Near