ADOBO LIFE

MY LIFE: PERFECT STORM

2010-09-12T05:40:28-07:00

It's been months and I don't think I am ready to go back to my blogging madness...Let's just say that I am not inspired and still figuring out what to do next....To my gorgeous family, feel free to send me an email and I will be delighted to respond to you directly!

MY LIFE: REALITY CHECK

2010-04-01T06:12:31-07:00

I can now sleep peacefully at night!

It's almost a year since I started this saving blog and I am giving myself a reality check to evaluate if all these efforts to save resulted to something productive. I started this blog with only a few hundred dollars in my investment portfolio and from where I started, I feel I am in the right direction. Staring closely at my closet, I can't believe I only bought two pairs of shoes (on clearance) for the entire year..Am I missing something?

Practice what you preach! My personal quest to count pennies in the simplest way paved way for the following. Rome was not built overnight - -It took me a year to figure this out...

Purchased daughters' first car in cash!
Mini vacation paid in cash
Paid off personal loan
Increase in personal investment by 30-40%
Set up emergency fund allocation
De-cluttered and donated to charity
Living a healthier lifestyle as I have been cooking like a madman
I've read more books and felt more relaxed
I reconnected to my mom/brothers in Manila

What first started as a saving blog ended up as a lifestyle change for me. I usually write down tips based on what works for me - " -My reality life in this la-la land" so to speak.

(Mini vacation: Spring Break 2010)

We were at the mall yesterday and the latest fashion doesn't interest me. Nowadays, all I can think of is ...how can I take this simple saving goal to the next level? Anyway: To catch up on my attempt to save, I've listed a summary of my saving quest (my personal reality check - -waaahh - I can only do so much!).

CLEANING CLUTTER CAN HELP CUT COST

CREATE A PRIORITY LIST

CUT ON GROCERY BUDGET

DO I NEED A HOUSEKEEPER?

FIVE STEPS TO BUILD AN EMERGENCY FUND

FIVE WAYS TO AVOID DEBT

HOW CAN I SAY GOODBYE?

HOW I SAVED $40 ON ENTERTAINMENT

HOW TO AVOID SPLURGING AT THE MALL

HOW TO BE FASHION SMART AND STILL SAVE

HOW TO COUNT YOUR PENNIES

HOW TO DECORATE ON A BUDGET?

HOW TO LOOK GORGEOUS ON A BUDGET

HOW TO MAXIMIZE TALENT AND SAVE COST?

HOW TO MAXIMIZE WEEKEND TIME

HOW TO SAVE $120 BY REVIEWING YOUR COSMETIC OPTIONS?

HOW TO SAVE WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO SAVE?

HOW TRACKING FINANCES HELPS YOU FOCUS

IS TRACKING EXPENSES GOOD FOR YOU?

LIVING GREEN HELPS REDUCE COST

MINIMIZE PET CARE COST

READ FINE PRINTS

READING ON A BUDGET

SAVE $1500 BY PLANNING A STAYCATION

SAVE BIG BY STARTING SMALL

SAVE MONEY THROUGH BREAKFAST IN BED TACTIC

SAVING THROUGH ONLINE SHOPPING

SKIN CARE ON A BUDGET

TEACH TEENS THE VALUE OF MONEY

UPDATING SUMMER CLOTHES FOR LESS

WHERE TO SPLURGE EXTRA MONEY?

WHY DO I FEEL RICH WHEN I HAVE NO CASH

RED VELVET CUPCAKE

2010-03-01T13:47:38-08:00

I have not spent quality time in the kitchen (and this blog) for two months now. Let's just say that I have been busy at work (and lacking inspiration lately) . Anyway, the youngest daughter will be celebrating her 16th birthday this week so we were pressured to release the invitations today. Nothing fancy, just simple dinner with her close friends (15 pax and still counting... yikes )

For someone who loves pink, we were so happy to find these cute stuff toys as part of her invitation----so adorable!

Dinner reservation is set, invites are done, gifts are hidden from her sight (we have few days to go and she'll be looking for it)

Now, let's try some cupcakes...

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter
3 eggs
2 1/3 cups of cake flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons of red food coloring
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Beat the butter and sugar in an electric mixer for 3 minutes .Add the eggs. Set aside
In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl whisk together the buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Combine all ingredients and mix well
Place in cupcake papers
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, I place a spoonful of ready made whipped topping and placed sugar sprinkles as decoration

MY LIFE: BIRTHDAY CAT

2010-02-04T14:18:24-08:00

I have been busy at work and literally has no time for blogging (let alone cooking) --but work or no work, rain or snow...there's no excuse NOT to celebrate the birthday of our youngest (or should I say oldest? ---He's already two years old !24 in human years --old enough to be drinking beer I guess)

Along with our party frog and birthday hats...

....endless appetizer for the birthday boy ....

...and ice cream cake for the party people!

Table is ready - - now here's the birthday pose!

MY LIFE: SUSHI AND SASHIMI GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

2010-01-17T08:36:15-08:00

January as expected is a busy work month --my calendars are full and just when I thought one task is over, another business trip comes along (plus..I was sick the other day). The temperature finally settled back to the 60s but yesterday's rain was brutal as I have planned a full day activities with the girls and we ended up lounging in our jammies. Oh well..clean the closet it is!

The girls were being a good sport as they rummaged through their closets trying to fill up my TOSS, GIVE and DONATE pile --took us almost 3 hours! So, for a hard day's work, we dismissed the heavy rain and traffic jam in front of us as we celebrated sushi and sashimi platters at a restaurant called RAIN (very timely) !

We started first with an edamame plate (steamed soy pods with kosher salt) and fried calamari tossed with pineapple and red bell pepper with pineapple dipping sauce (..it was gone before I took a picture) and headed straight to the 30 pcs of sashimi!

...we were so hungry ---so we added 2 orders of Tuna sashimi and Shrimp tempura (which only lasted 10 seconds) --and were still contemplating on ordering more...when we decided..we need to save room for ice cream (Rocky Road and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough) while we watch our latest DVD - FAME!

So tired tonight...hopefully next week is a lighter week for me!

VEGETABLE ROLL

2010-01-10T13:12:54-08:00

500 calories is definitely not a good way to embrace a Sunday morning but I need the extra caffeine burst to jumpstart my day today! Why do I wake up at 6:30 am on a weekend???

There's nothing planned but our usual errands to get the Sunday newspaper so I figured that it's best to use this hour as bonding time with my youngest teen....

...who's yelling at me for tempting her to this apple fritter ! No worries..you can jog off those nasty calories later...

Anyway, I am planning to bring bento lunches back to life this week to help me avoid buying baked potatoes served in our break room . Veggie roll is a basic asian dish that can be served fresh or fried. There's no strict guidelines to follow, just toss veggies together and season with salt, pepper and chicken seasoning. I like it crunchy and dipped in vinegar - - yum!

Since I am on a roll here in my kitchen -- I baked an eggplant, coated them with egg and fried on both sides for 2 minutes as another side dish too. Finally, I have my lunch fixes ready -- all I need tomorrow is roll up my salmon sushi! yum!

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 onion diced
1 packet bean sprouts
1 cup cabbage
1/4 cup diced carrots
salt, pepper
1 tsp beef or chicken seasoning
1 packet Nasoya egg roll wrapper

HERE'S HOW:

Saute onion and carrots in oil for 2-3 minutes

Add bean sprouts and cabbage

Dash with salt, pepper and seasonings

Cook until tender. Set aside

Lay out egg roll wrapper in flat surface

Spoon veggie mixture and fold

Fry until golden brown on both sides

BLUEBERRY CRUMB CAKE

2010-01-03T11:14:53-08:00

G1 is driving on her own now and we finally found a used Nissan Sentra for her. Getting a loan is easy but why pay the interest ? I want to pay for the car in cash and this means I need to sell some of my stocks this week. This car will be my first big purchase and this is exactly the reason why I have been saving money -- It's for the girls to use as I help them prepare for college (wow, I will be single again soon?). I'll call the broker tomorrow as this is my first time of pulling out money from my investment account (yikes, I need to pay for insurance too --oh well)!

Anyway, I took the girls for breakfast at Panera Bread yesterday -- I was tempted to purchase a loaf of bread ($7 each) but good thing I backed out as it's too pricey! Instead, I settled for a loaf of Asiago cheese bread (on sale at $1.80) at Walmart and since blueberries are also on sale ($1.50), I might as well make some blueberry crumb cake.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 tbsp butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups blueberries

Topping

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter

HERE'S HOW:

In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat butter with sugar.
Beat in the eggs
Beat in sour cream and vanilla.
Place in baking pan.
Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the batter.
In another bowl combine, together topping ingredients
Add the 5 tablespoons of melted butter and blend well with the fork.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the blueberries.

MUSHROOM AND LETTUCE QUICHE

2010-01-03T10:35:00-08:00

I'm cleaning up my refrigerator from all the leftovers this week! For the baked chicken, I converted them into CHICKEN PIE and the ham was used as crusty toppings for MAC AND CHEESE.

I got fresh mushrooms intended for a Mario Batali veal dish but since I am traveling on business this week to Philadelphia, I made them into a quiche (and added the lettuce hanging out at the chiller).

INGREDIENTS:

6 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper
2 cups sliced mushroom
1 cup slice cabbage
1 shredded Swiss/ mozzarella cheese
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Saute mushroom and cabbage in butter

Meanwhile, combine the eggs, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl

Add mushroom and cabbage

Pour the egg mixture on top of pie crust. Top with cheese

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the egg mixture is set.

Serve

MY LIFE: Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T05:27:00-08:00

Since we moved here in the US, we don't get to celebrate the noche buena feast and the traditional opening gifts when the clock strikes at midnight - - -so girls are looking forward to waking up early (yes..at 4 am, i heard) so they can rummage through the mystery boxes!

Is there a difference when the girls were 5 years old versus the teens in front of me eagerly waiting for their names to be called??? Hmmmm...

I wish my dad can see them now --for sure, if he is alive, he' ll be spoiling all the "G grand kids" -Arbie, Anna, Michele, G1, G2, G3, Jenny, Joan, Gabbie, Ryan and Gerard...

Oh well..to my family across the miles ..... Merry Christmas (Thanks to my brother Jojo, for the generous 7 lb ham last night! Yeah! )

DEVIL'S FOOD POUND CAKE

2009-12-22T13:52:39-08:00

Caught in the act! What do you mean it's not you?? Hmmm....while we were sleeping someone rummaged through the pile of gifts....

The bizarre thing is: From the 50++ stocking stuffers at the fireplace, he picked the gift that is intended for him and chewed through the wrapper......Yikes - -how did you know?

Anyway, I took a day off with the intention of laying in bed all day ---until a video ad of Old Navy pulled me out of bed as they are selling $5 inner shirts (originally $12) - Fine!...one more shopping....

Enough shirts for you little girl....

So much for shopping today....I need my coffee break! Lately, I am craving for pound cakes -- thanks to my recent visit to Starbucks where I bought stacks of gift cards for my staff and admins. Hmmm...love the Starbucks pound cake selection at the glass counter- ---but $2.75 for a slice? Holy Moly - -No way - I'll make mine instead....

As always...I skipped the chocolate glaze topping as we prefer whipped cream on the side!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 stick butter, soft
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

HERE'S HOW:

Combine all ingredients together. Blend well

Place in greased bundt cake pan

Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees

MY LIFE: Happy Shopping to all !

2009-12-21T13:28:37-08:00

To Benj/Boyet and Mom:

A few days before Christmas and I still haven't decided what to ask Santa! I've been blessed with a great family and lately all I want is just peace of mind plus the comforting thought that you guys are in good health ......

We were planning to send you a big box this Christmas but I don't want you to be stuck with endless crap you don't really need. So - -please call Jenny and so you can start shopping for those goodies that I want to send -- but have no time (and less budget) to spare.

IRISH SODA BREAD

2009-12-19T07:08:42-08:00

I'm craving for a danish pastry with apricot filling but I'm too lazy to make one. So I decided to tempt the girls out for breakfast at a nearby Waffle House but they are already out jogging. Hmmmm... hungry and lazy ? This basic loaf with only 4 basic ingredients will do the trick!

I tried this Irish Soda bread when I was in New York a couple of month ago and I like the simple taste with the crumbled texture. At that time, it was served as part of the antipasto but all the time I was thinking that it's perfect for dunking with my coffee (Well -- Irish tea for the real Irish --duh).

No one wants to go out? Fine, saved me $40 today....Oh....I added a cup of dried mixed fruit to give this traditional Irish bread a flair on my end. Tastes like somewhere in between a biscuit and a scone.....yum!

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 cups buttermilk

HERE'S HOW:

Place flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl and stir to blend

Add the buttermilk and stir until dough comes together

Knead for a minute

Place dough on a greased cookie sheet and slash an X across the top

Bake for 50 minutes at 375 degrees

LEMON LOAF CAKE

2009-12-15T12:55:12-08:00

The thrill during the holidays is going through the process of making a list, deciding on an item and hunting for great deals - -but in as much as I would like to arm wrestle with another door buster shopper at the mall - -we just feel it's more practical to send gift cards so our family will have the flexibility of indulging to what they want most (and saves postage too!). We still have to fall in line at the counters but we have completed our Christmas shopping spree in less than an hour ....and gifts will be on its way tomorrow.

Today, one daughter is sick and doesn't really have an appetite for anything...I hope this lemon cake will cheer her up! Unlike a traditional pound cake, this version is fuller, yet moist! To make it even more special -- I placed a lemon glaze on top by combining 2 tbsp of confectioner's sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice and 3 tbsp of whipping cream.

INGREDIENTS:
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/8 tsp salt
Grated zest of 3 large lemons
1 3/4 cups cake flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 stick butter, melted
HERE'S HOW:
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Add in the zest
Place flour and baking powder over egg mixture. Mix well
Add heavy cream and butter. Blend
Bake at 350 degrees in an oiled loaf pan for 45-50 minutes

SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE

2009-12-14T16:03:14-08:00

Ice Cream ... again? Not sure what's happening in your area but suddenly the craving for ice cream started the moment this cold weather kicked in. So happy that one daughter loves running to Walmart (yes ..she loves the random errands with my credit card in tow) -- so grabbing another bucket of Chocolate Cookie Dough and Vanilla ice cream is definitely convenient nowadays.

I found this pound cake recipe from www.allrecipe.com and looks simple enough to make for tonight

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1/8 tsp baking soda

HERE'S HOW:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add sour cream and eggs

Add flour and baking soda

Pour in greased bundt pan

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: MAKE A LIST

2009-12-02T17:52:43-08:00

I wonder if Santa got the memo that gone are the days when he can pop up under the chimney and surprise us with Christmas goodies from la-la land! Times are definitely getting tougher and this should correlate to being more practical in spending your hard earned money!

Relax kids...we are not cutting the budget - -we are just spending it more wisely!

(taken from Christmas 2006)

In as much as we want to surprise the teens with those mystery gifts --as each year passed by, the thrill of opening 20 boxes is not as enticing to their sophisticated lifestyles (duh - the joy of drama teens). So rather than being stuck with unwanted stocking stuffers and random items, it's always best to encourage each family member to come up with a wish list! Tonight , we are making one to ensure that we beat the 9am Saturday deadline Santa imposed earlier (with his iron fist)!

One teen made more than 20 (and whispered in my ear that she'll add 5 more)

While the twins decided to go for the Green (Big Bucks) -- very smart!

There will be no chocolate as stuffers (we'll do it after Christmas Sale )
Dear Santa - -.I know you'll only place envelopes in our socks - -but no worries..we'll still place your favorite milk and cookies combo just like the way you want it - -PROMISE

(Santa's leftover - Christmas 2006)

CHALLAH

2009-11-29T06:47:29-08:00

I have not seen any braided bread in my side of the world lately and I felt the need to try it out to to test my unhidden skills in the baking arena. Julia Child refers Challah as a Eastern European brioche (with a texture slightly lighter).

I borrowed a baking recipe book from the library (saves me $30) and I will be cradling it in my arms for the next 20 days - - I never visited the cooking section and Barnes and Nobles will surely miss me now that I discovered the library...

INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup sugar
1 stick butter
1 cup milk
1 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
6 1/2 all purpose flour

I don't have a bread machine so I used the traditional method of punching the dough (good thing G3 helped). Actually I loved it as it feels that I was transformed to where I was in Montpellier France as I watched the baker cursing and yelling in his high pitched tone as he prepared the dough at the back side of his boulangerie. Of course, he doesn't speak English so as I fumbled with my french words pointing to a baguette - - he will curse even more and it took us more than 10 minutes for one transaction. Love the aroma of fresh bread baking....
HERE'S HOW:

Whisk the yeast into the water. Add a pinch of sugar and let rest until the yeast has dissolved and creamy

Microwave the milk and butter for one minute until fully melted. Place mixture in a bowl and add the remaining sugar, salt and honey. Stir to dissolve.

Add the creamy yeast to the milk mixture. Then add eggs and stir with wooden spoon to mix

Add the flour 1/2 cup at a time

Place the dough in the work surface and knead with your hands until dough is elastic (8-10 minutes)

Transfer to an oiled bowl . Cover and and let it rest for 1 hour until the size doubled

After an hour, deflate the dough and punch for 2 minutes and let it rest again for another 45 minutes.

When fully rested, divide the dough into 6 equal parts

Roll each piece into a rope

Align 3 ropes vertically and start braiding from the center down. Repeat process for the other 3 remaining dough

Transfer in baking sheet and create an egg topping( by combining 1 egg with 1 tbsp water or cream).

Brush egg topping on each dough . Place sesame seeds and coarse salt

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 -20 minutes or until golden brown

SOUR CREAM MARBLE CAKE

2009-11-28T14:32:04-08:00

We stormed the malls at 5am to wander sleepily like zombies during the Black Friday Sale. Nope..we don't need anything - -we're just curious bystanders randomly going through the racks to see the hundreds of door buster items laid out for the brave shoppers. Other than a couple of shirts, slipper socks , a big headache and an empty stomach - -we got the shopping frenzy out of our skin by 10 am.

Today is another random day as we browsed through endless Christmas decors and stocking stuffers at the library bazaar (What are we doing here..we don't have a Christmas tree?) . We need a Christmas list.....but wait..we're giving out cash to the teens ....(or maybe not, says this teen who made a list 10 months ago - - huh? a giant bear?)

Teens will be watching New Moon with their friends tonight -I might as well have fun with the chocolates we got on sale at Walmart last week as they will surely be hunting for some mystery food in the pantry when they come back...

INGREDIENTS:

For Marbling:
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp coca powder
2 tbsp light corn syrup
3 tbsp water
1/4 tsp baking soda

For Batter:
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1//4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 stick of butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
powdered sugar for dusting
HERE'S HOW:
Make the marbling:

Make the marbling by combining the marbling ingredients in a bowl.

Melt chocolate by placing on top of pot with simmering water

Set aside

Make the batter:

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in one bowl. Set aside

In another bowl, combine sour cream, milk and vanilla . Set aside

In a big bowl, beat melted butter with sugar. Add eggs one a time

Reduce the mixer into low speed and add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream mixture

Mix until well blended

Combine marbling and batter

Place batter in 9 inch oiled bundt pan

Spoon chocolate on three different areas

Using a knife, spread the chocolate by rotating the pan until chocolate is distributed across the batter

Bake for 55 - 60 minutes

Remove cake from oven and let cool

Dust the top with powdered sugar

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: ELEGANT DINNER FOR LESS

2009-11-26T11:46:22-08:00

You can enjoy an elegant dinner party with your family without breaking the bank! Happy Thanksgiving to all and I want to share how I achieve an elegant dinner party for 5 with a working budget of $40!

Plan menu in advance: I have a picky family who has a strong opinion on food. Hubby hates turkey, G1 loves sushi, G2 wants to go vegetarian, G3 demands for steak and I hate leftovers! The risk of overspending may be prevented if you allocate a few days in advance to involve the family in your decision making process. Here's some suggested tips to help you plan 3-4 weeks before the actual date:

List down all the food requests and place them in categories - Appetizers, Main Dish, Dessert and Side Dishes
Go through a process of elimination where you will limit 2 -3 dishes under each category
Regularly check your local deli or newspaper ads and determine items on sale
Make a decision on desserts that you will create versus store bought - - in most cases, homemade desserts can save you more than $10

For our thanksgiving dinner, we have decided to go with simple dishes we all enjoy

Main Dish:
Baked WILD SALMON WITH GARLIC SAUCE AND CAPERS (similar preparation)

Mario Batali's DEVIL'S CHICKEN: Pollo al Diavolo

Side Dishes:
Garlic and Herb Couscous
Au Gratin Potatoes
Steamed Carrots
Buttered Corn on the Cob
Garlic Bread

Dessert:
Classic PUMPKIN PIE
WHITE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Set a budget that you can afford:

If you have been following this blog, you will know by now that we encourage frugal living except when it comes to food. We literally spend more than $50/week on fresh fruits alone as we encourage our teens to snack on fresh produce rather than chips and junk food.

I had the tendency to splurge on extravagant dishes (plus spending money on centerpieces) for our dinner parties in the past. Yes, I love having more than 4 desserts, 3 choices of antipasto, setting up my buffet table to hold my fish/chicken/beef/pasta entree (I have 3 choices of pasta delivered) --that I spend more than $200 -- Yikes - -No More !

The trick: List only the essentials and plan to spend $10-$15 per head

Avoid using paper products: I understand that convenience is important specially if you are like us with a weird pet peeve that one food cannot touch another food (It's pathetic --sorry). I love changing plates and in the past I used those cute themed paper products from Target so I won't have to clean up. The problem: I enjoy the themed party effect that I spend more than $10 for tissues and cups alone - -That's it! Yes it's convenient as you can just toss them in the trash bag but so expensive that I now let the dish washer help me in this quest.

Recreate your settings: I love going to restaurants with the "ambiance" (sometimes more than the food) so every opportunity for me to lay out a good setting is most welcome. If you plan to purchase a centerpiece but the cost associated to fresh flowers or new decoration may be a challenge - -Try using wine glasses with a floating candle inside or use those simple candlestick, table runner or any random accent that you can find. Tonight, I am keeping it really simple by having my two reliable ants do the magic (Yes ! I didn't spend anything on centerpiece)

Okay...table is done..-Happy Thanksgiving!

MY LIFE: DRIVING MAKES ME NERVOUS

2009-11-25T20:44:48-08:00

I am a bad driver to begin with , but forget about me, but the thought of.... not one, not two but three teens who will be driving on their own gets me nervous!

Oh no...more expenses! The joy of having teens -- expenses associated to driving . I am not going to start on the part where the mom is worried about safety as I will take more than 10 pages in this blog

We have the twins who will officially start driving their own car and another one who is dreaming of a pink car that is also starting to learn her gears - -Oh my!

I had my own car at 21 --brand new and provided by the company I worked for - -so I really don't have any issues about maintenance, gas and best of all insurance.

I need to write a note in my diary that I need to tighten up the budget even more as I need to allocate a portion of my salary to pay for their modest car plus insurance in the next month....Breathe...breathe...hhhaaaayy--all good!

WHITE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SWIRL CHEESECAKE

2009-11-25T19:37:07-08:00

Dear Mama,

Do you remember this? This was taken the day of Thanksgiving while we were preparing our dinner when we were in Colorado. Do you remember the turkey that Dr D. prepared for us?

Tomorrow, it's thanksgiving here and I am planning to give the turkey a rest and we'll have baked salmon and DEVIL'S CHICKEN: Pollo al Diavolo as our main entree with couscous, au gratin potato and steamed carrots on the side.

I remembered how it took Dr D the whole day to prepare the dinner as you try to watch him mess up our small kitchen then. Well, we have a huge kitchen now and that means bigger room to clean (oh no!) so I am going to have a head start by making the desserts tonight so I can save at least an hour or two on preparation.

If you will recall, we conveniently bought our pie from Krogers and just popped it in the oven ..but since I started this blog, I am able to learn how to make PUMPKIN PIE plus a lot more !

First things first...I am taking my Christmas decors out of the closet - - Oh well ..do you recall that we have 2 Christmas trees? Since we have our new spoiled cat, I can't set it up as he will destroy it for sure in an hour ( Do you remember all those after Christmas shopping at Target? Hmm--We have more than 4 boxes of new decors that I can't use because of this cat - -waaahh).. For now, I'll only use the Christmas stockings - -and yes..the smallest sock is for that cat!

Speaking of the cat...look how he took over the sofa in the sitting room...

Anyway, I want you to go to the local bakeshop tomorrow and get yourself a cheesecake ok? Why? Cause I am baking one tonight and I want you guys to celebrate Thanksgiving dessert with us plus celebrate Jen's recent achievement in school. This cheesecake is really easy as I bought a ready made crust (OREO) and all I did was to mix up the cream cheese, eggs and vanilla and baked it in the oven...but don't worry about baking it on your end...just buy one!

That's all for now...Ask Jen to open the computer tomorrow so you can see what your crazy family in the US is up to ...ciao

INGREDIENTS:
2 package (8 oz each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 OREO Pie crust
3 tbsp strawberry preserves

While I was baking the cheesecake, G1 made the PUMPKIN PIE

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla with mixer.

Add eggs and mix until blended

Stir white chocolate

Pour into crust

Microwave preserves for 20 seconds and dot on top of cheesecake

Using a knife, spread out the preserves in a circular motion to achieve a marble effect

Bake for 40 minutes

Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight before serving

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: FIND GEMS IN THE RUBBLE

2009-11-25T17:53:19-08:00

I was thinking of having a garage sale to convert some of our old gadgets to cash - -Seems like a great idea in my head, but reality tells me that the time spent on waiting for some random buyer to drive in our front lawn is not appealing.

Last weekend, we unloaded 3 large boxes for donation and since we gave out items that are slightly used (game boards, clothes that were worn once or twice, kitchen gadgets that were recently upgraded etc), one teen suggested that there is a high potential that she can find a gem out of the pile at Goodwill . Hmmm..we are donating and unloading some of our stuff -- now you want more? Fine..let's just browse....

(Oh by the way - I plan to declare the items when we file our taxes through our accountant Download DONATION TRACKER by adobolife)

...True enough, she found a couple of classic books at $1.99 each (Retails $12 ) and I got a John Maxwell book (Retails $24) that I was browsing through the other day at Barnes and Nobles.

One teen found a picture frame for $0.99 cents and a wall art for $1.99 that matches her pink room

After an hour of going through the aisle of random items we don't really need, we left the place with two bags loaded with books and it only cost me $20 (I'm sure it's more than $200 at retail). So happy that we took the time out to check this out as the $20 is surely worth 3 months of reading materials for my voracious readers.

BUTTERSCOTCH SCONES

2009-11-25T06:15:18-08:00

It's the day before thanksgiving and I woke up feeling so lazy. I have two meetings today and in as much as I want to stay in bed all morning, I have to kick my fat ass off the bed and start my day.

So hungry and I only have 30 minutes to spare! So tempted to grab something at Starbucks but I think I can manage creating something so I don't have to spend $7 before 8 am in the morning.

Perfect! Scones is my easy way out ----I love butterscotch candies and the combination of brown sugar and butter totally helped me recreate the flavor I desired.

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl set aside

Add butter into the mixture

Whisk eggs and cream together, add to the the bowl and mix until well blended

Form into a ball, place in work surface and flatten to form like a pizza dough

Cut into 8 pieces using a knife

Arrange scones in baking sheet

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown

HOW TO SAVE MONEY: HOW TO MINIMIZE PET CARE COST

2009-11-24T16:24:00-08:00

We have a SPOILED CAT who:

prefers canned food versus dry food
prefers to take a bath every weekend
celebrates his birthday

If you add the hours spent on his grooming, giving him a bath, vacuuming the kitchen, cleaning the litter - -3 hours every weekend is spent (not to mention time keeping him company at 3am everyday)

So much time spent for a small guy! The good thing: B4 is a cat...how much more if he is a dog..a big dog..a show dog (who requires a trainer, dog walker, dog sitter etc etc) Yikes.don't want to imagine!

Which makes me think , how much budget do we need to allocate for total spend per year associated to pet care. And where do we cut cost?

Here's something for you to consider on how to save money:

LEARN HOW TO GROOM YOUR PETS AT HOME: Average cost of grooming ranges from $30 - $60 per visit. To help us save money, we purchased his own grooming kit (approx: $90). Initially, it was a stressful activity for both B4 and Dr D hubby (both were afraid!), but after 2 sessions, we developed a system and B4 became more relaxed.

ENSURE VACCINES ARE UPDATED: Yearly vaccines/visits to the vet (approx. $70 -90) are essential to ensure long term care for your pet. Keep your files in one folder and set up veterinary appointments in advance. Also do check at local pet store in your area for seasonal vaccination specials.

FEED PET WITH QUALITY FOOD (and in moderation): We have a finicky cat who hates dry food. One day, I tried to substitute his canned food and I regretted this move. For one, his tummy did not like it and secondly, I wasted $15. It took a while before we figured out the brand he prefer but it is worth the cost to spend a little more on quality food with flavors he like . Read the label carefully and follow feeding guide (usually twice a day)

KEEP ESSENTIALS HANDY: Keep a drawer/ storage bin for your pet's gadgets and ensure that the products are replenished on a regular basis

CONSIDER SPAY/NEUTER: I definitely cannot go to the same path similar to the 101 Dalmatians ...and besides..studies shows that a spayed/neutered pet has more beneficial effects.

PLAN FOR EMERGENCY COST: Pets are like our kids, so if you don't have a pet insurance at this time, plan to start saving for incidental expenses related to medical cost (ranges $300 - $600)

Having a pet is not easy! Just like our kids,they need our time, love, attention and deserve the best of care.For me the best way to save is to KNOW your budget and ensure that you FOLLOW your budget plan. We have a small cat and his yearly budget is $900++/ year. Again..don't want to imagine the cost if he is a dog! - -All good!

PITA BREAD

2009-11-22T15:21:58-08:00

I am torn between making a sushi or a sandwich tonight as I don't want to be stuck with leftovers in time for Thanksgiving. This afternoon, I spent quality time baking DEVIL'S FOOD CUPCAKE and since I cranked up the oven, I might as well make some bread.

Pita is fun to make as you will see the bread puff into a balloon like shape inside the oven.

I can't believe how easy it is to make this --so I got crazy with the filling:

CHICKEN CURRY (cut into cubes)

SIRLOIN STEAK (same preparation on the pork steak recipe in the link but I used sirloin and cut the beef into strips)

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups all purpose four
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

HERE'S HOW:

Stir together the flour and salt

In a separate bowl, whisk the yeast into the water. Add olive oil

Stir the liquid into the flour until dough is evenly moistened

Beat dough for 10 minutes

Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl.

Cover and let sit for an hour

Place dough in work surface and beat for 3 minutes.

Form into wedges and cut into 12 pieces

Form into balls and cover with a towel or plastic wrap for 15 minutes.

In the meantime, set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 500 degrees

While oven is heating, roll each dough into a disk using a rolling pin until it flattens

Cover for another 15 minutes

Place in cookie sheets and bake for 2-4 minutes or until breads are well puffed and golden brown

Transfer pita to cooling rack until deflated

DEVIL'S FOOD CUPCAKE

2009-11-22T12:55:38-08:00

I took the teens for breakfast prior to our routine Walmart run this weekend ..and except for a simple combination of eggs and toast , there's really nothing interesting on the long list of fancy omelette selection from the restaurant.

For the last 3 months, our grocery bill averages at approximately $900++/month and I need to reevaluate some of my menu choices so I can reduce the Walmart bill next month- -Yikes.

Anyway, I'm craving for a cupcake...and I am skipping the chocolate ganache frosting as I took the whip cream off my list earlier (saved me $3). Hmmm..house smells like chocolate now and good call on skipping the frosting as this tastes so good as is.

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup hot water
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 sticks of butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream

HERE'S HOW:

Whisk together cocoa and hot water. Set aside

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside

Melt butter and add sugar. Beat for 3 minutes. Add egg one at a time

Add vanilla and cocoa mixture

Add flour mixture , alternating with sour cream. Beat until fully combine

Fill evenly on lined cups

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes

FRENCH BREAD

2009-11-17T17:36:22-08:00

It's 67 degrees inside our house and I'm freezing! Oh no...our utility bills will surely be high as consumption due to heater use will be rampant as winter kicks in. This afternoon, I have not turned the heater on but let's see if the fireplace in the main hall will help heat up the ground floor....

Nobody is hungry ...so we are just having french bread, cheese and hot chocolate (wine for me) for dinner! This is my first attempt to this crusty bread we love....I don't have a bread machine so I used the traditional way of rolling and punching the dough with my bare hands - -Ouch!

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups all-purpose flour
5 tsp active dry yeast
2 tsp salt
2 cups warm water
1 tbsp cornmeal
1 egg white
1 tbsp water

HERE'S HOW:

Whisk yeast with water and salt

Stir in flour, one cup at a time. Mix until fully blended

Knead for about 10 minutes. Form into a ball.

Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise for 30-45 minutes

After the size is doubled, punch dough and let it rest for 10 minutes

Divide into 4 and form into 4 oblong like loaves

Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle with cornmeal

Place loaves on the baking sheets and brush with egg whites mixed with water

Cover with a cloth. Let rise until nearly doubled, 35 to 40 minutes

Using a knife, make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of each loaf.

Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with egg white

Bake for another 15 minutes

CHOCOLATE BABKA LOAF

2009-11-15T12:56:44-08:00

Babka is probably of Eastern Europe descent but I grew up having this loaf of bread as my afternoon snack. I have not seen a babka in our local deli or supermarket here in the US so I am creating one for the girls to try...

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups milk
5 tsp active dry yeast (2 envelopes)
1 stick melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
6 egg yolks
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour (plus more for dredging)

CHOCOLATE FILLING:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup walnut or pecan, finely chopped

HERE'S HOW:

Warm the milk (about 110 degrees F and place in a bowl. Add yeast and whisk. Using an electric mixer whisk in butter, sugar, salt, egg yolds and egg.

Using a spatula, add the flour and beat until well blended

Beat the dough for 2 minutes

Place in a bowl and cover. Palace in refrigerator for 1 1/2 hours

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining chopped chocolate, sugar and cinnamon.

After the dough has been chilled, place dough in a work surface dusted with flour and flatten using a rolling pin

Evenly scatter the chocolate filling and place nuts on top

Rill gently into a log

Place in loaf pan (sprayed with non stick spray on the side). Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place babka

Bake for 40-45 minutes and transfer on a rack to cool

Slice and enjoy!

MINI OREO CHEESECAKE

2009-11-13T19:40:51-08:00

I grew up knowing only two brands of milk - - Carnation and Alaska. Back in the days, we don't have the milk in those fancy gallons lined up at the chiller aisle accessible to us. IF you want a liquid milk - -the canned version (either evaporated or condensed) is your option - -so it's either you buy the canned version or have the maid go to the market to get fresh cow's milk. Of course - -later on I realized that there is the carton version but maybe we just don't get it ?

As a kid, my favorite breakfast was chocolate porridge (champorado - made of sticky rice with sugar and Hershey's chocolate) ...and this is why I am familiar with Carnation's Evaporated milk - - as I grew up placing the milk on top of my porridge almost every day!

Tonight, I wanted to create a new dessert yet I am not bold enough to play with the unknown. We love cream cheese so we thought of mimicking the happy feeling we get when we savour the taste of Eli's Chocolate Chip Cheesecake by being creative and making use of Oreo, Cream Cheese and Carnation Evaporated milk (take note - -Fat Free version says the teen holding the can)

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 pkg Cream Cheese (8 ounce per package), softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Carnation's evaporated milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
16 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Fresh fruit

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat cream cheese, Carnation's Evaporated milk , sugar and vanilla in large bowl until well blended

Add eggs and beat for another minute

Place 1 cookie in bottom of each paper-lined muffin cups

Fill evenly with batter

Bake for 20 minutes

Refrigerate for 3 hours

Place fruit on top

( “Share your favorite recipe using Carnation Evaporated Milk and enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa GC http://bit.ly/1H5KkF”)

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

2009-11-13T19:19:55-08:00

Teens can burn more than $50 easily at the mall in less than 2 hours! Instead of running around spending on unnecessary things to entertain themselves on a Friday night (or who knows where they hang out), we feel that spending quality time at home with great friends and a freaky scary movie is more appropriate.

Tonight, we have teen bakers - Chef H and our regular JD (our sous chef for the cheesecake) helped us mess up our kitchen as we taught Chef H on how to make cookies (yeah - - he created this on his own) . The result? Cake like texture, not too sweet for the figure conscious and crunchy at the bottom that you will enjoy....

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (1 large)
1 cup old fashion rolled oats
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

HERE'S HOW:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. Set aside

Beat butter and both sugars with electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla.

Place banana and add the flour mixture. Mix until combined

Add oats and chocolate.

Using an ice cream scoop, drop dough in a greased baking cookie sheet

Bake for 13-15 minutes

ROAST BEEF OPEN FACED SANDWICH

2009-11-13T16:42:52-08:00

"Shawarma" - a Middle Eastern sandwich - like wrap is one of my favorites! A colleague of mine recently discovered a small hole in the wall family owned diner where they only serve shawarma and I can't wait to try them as I practically grew up eating those yummy sandwiches.

I am tempted to mimic the flavor as I have the basic ingredients in my freezer - -but naahh-- my friend Cat (the jet setting Filipina who is surely shopping again in those ginormous Middle East malls) will surely nag me at Facebook if I don't get it right. For now..I'll just make my tried and tested open faced roast beef sandwich that we enjoy...

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups shaved roast beef (cut into strips)
1/2 onion
1/2 green bell pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
HERE'S HOW:

Cook onion in olive oil . Add green bell pepper and continue cooking for 3 minutes

Add roast beef and soy sauce and cook for another 3 minutes

Season with salt and pepper

Serve on top of toast