My Chocolate Coffee Break by Carmel Vellez

cured and healed

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:39:00 +0000

My family and I normally don’t get sick. Yes, we are quite proud of how healthy we are. Our lucks turned when my son caught acute bacterial nasopharyngitis. Sounds complicated huh? It actually means common colds, although acute bacterial makes it look more bad. And yes it was! My son had to endure high grade fever for 6 days! He is just 28 months old and all he can say was “ouch ouch mommy” when something is painful. He couldn’t eat. Apparently, even drinking water is painful. We rushed to him to the hospital from fear of dehydration. He had an iv and the antibiotics were directly injected thru the veins. As a mother, it was always so hard to watch your child suffer like that. I couldn’t sleep nor eat. I relied on coffee heavily. We were so glad when the doctors finally announced that he is well and could go home. When he was already feeling better, he started playing on his bed. I brought his favorite toys – Thomas the tank engine and friends trains, and his big crayons and coloring books. When the nurses took out the iv, he was already playing on the floor. We had to make one of the bedsheets as a carpet on the floor. I was so glad to see my little boy happy and well again.

On the way home inside the car, my son was all bubbly and talkative. Back to his normal self asking so many questions and singing “Lights and Shades by FLL.” It was such a sight! When we arrived home, the bad news hit me hard. This time, I’m the one who is sick. I felt all sorts of pain, from head down to my throat, to every other part of my body. I felt dizzy too and would very much like to lie down. My mouth went dry and had no appetite. I swear! When I tried to eat, I had to force myself not to puke. And swallowing was sooooo hard! I even had to dig my fingernails around inside my palm just to help me drink water. That’s when I realized how hard my son suffered. I felt so terrible. My fever went as high as 39.9. That freaked me out! The next day, my husband had to rushed me to the hospital gastric pains and allergies.

Today. I feel better now. No pain. No fever. No dizziness. No weakness. Yes, the medicines cured me. But the one that – no – the one who healed me is Jesus. I remember a day from this week, when my dad phoned me and prayed with me. Tears just flowed without even thinking. I felt a little power inside me. I continued to pray and pray, calling Jesus my Lord, Saviour and Healer. You see, I was getting really freak out by my family asking why have I been with fever for such a long time, that maybe something else is wrong with me. I was scared. Really scared. Well, not anymore because I am finally healed. Thank you Lord Jesus for healing me and my child.

Holiday shopping... would you do it online or offline?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:28:00 +0000

Counting the days til Christmas and here I am in front of my very reliable Toshiba laptop, hunting for unique Christmas gift ideas. As much as I would like to lie low and cut back on buying wonderful presents for my love ones, I really can't. Doesn't really matter how much the gift would costs (Budget wiser of course!) me. What matters is how much these gifts will please my family.

These days, thanks to the ginormous benefits of the internet, we can now buy all kinds of items online for our love ones. There are so many online gift shops and one that I would like to share is PinasGift.

(above is a screen shot of www.pinasgift.com)

I must say I am impressed! Not only do they have a wide variety of chocolates, flowers, wine and other stuff you're expecting from a gift shop, but they also have a wide array of furniture, appliances, computers, mobile phones, scanners, printers, etc. to choose from. Can you imagine yourself going online and ordering a refrigerator for your mom? Nice one right? The prices of course differs from that of an offline shop. It is relevant to remember that ordering in an online shop, one is not only paying for the actual gift item, but also for courier expenses. PinasGift uses a courier to deliver the gift straight right to the doorstep of the receiver. PinasGift delivers nationwide, seven (7) days a week. Same day delivery is possible for Metro Manila area only. Although, it is specified on their site, that during peak seasons such as Valentines and Christmas, same day delivery might be impossible. The customer can also track their gifts (packages) via PinasGift’s website. The prices are all in US$ so you might need to grab your handy calculator and check out the price in PH Pesos right before you hit that "order" button, just to be safe from confusion and making that big mistake of buying something out of your budget. We do want to celebrate Christmas reasonably and practically, otherwise we'll end up drowning in credit debt.

Offline shopping - means you will personally go to a shop and pick out that amazing gift. You can always choose where to shop. Department stores and boutiques inside malls.

(above is an image of a department store)

(above is an image of the “Midnight Market” in Tutuban, Divisoria)

If you happen to go to a tiangge such as in Divisoria, you might want to try haggling right before paying. Who knows? The store owner or salesperson might give you a PhP50 discount or higher, then lucky you! Downside of this, it can be very tiring! However, the whole adventure of gift hunting shall be rewarded most graciously once you have already given those special presents to your special love ones.

The Ingredients of a Chocolate Company

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Chocolates... chocolates... and lots and lots of it!

I have a great video of TCHO Chocolate Company which I found very informative, interesting and witty. Please take a look and see for yourself.

***I don't own the rights to this video. I figured it's great to share this.

Dove Chocolate?

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:01:00 +0000

My ears couldn't believe when I first heard about the Dove Chocolates. I gasped and said, "Doves are soap bars right?" Apparently, I'm wrong. Dove Chocolate has been around in Chicago, USA since the 1950s. Founded by Greek-American Leo Stefanos. He originally developed Dove Bar out of his concern for his family's safety, after witnessing his son running across the street for the ice cream truck.

Looking at their stunning site. The rich color of chocolaty brown is everywhere. Making sure that the person looking at it would certainly crave for that delightful sweet rich taste of chocolate. Clever huh? The site is amazingly informative. Their products all look so enticing. Hah! I don't know who else can resist these yummy treats! Oh yes I forgot I do! I have a friend who doesn't like to eat chocolates. I kept telling her she's missing half of her life LOL

What's amazing about Dove Chocolate is that they actually invite people to HOST A CHOCOLATE PARTY. Amazing! It's a perfect idea for people, family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances to celebrate Dove Chocolate’s silky smooth flavor while enjoying each other's presence. It has also been mentioned that this is one sure way of becoming a certified Dove Chocolatier. Furthermore, included in their ultra informative website are great chocolate recipes.

Yay! Sounds like this is going to be a gastronomically inspiring adventure for me today. Chocolates do make my stomach growl and my taste buds sweet. Dove Chocolate has been acquired by M&M/Mars in 1986 as the crown jewel of their company. They continue to go through the whole process of refining and perfecting that deliciously indulgent Dove Chocolates. What do you know? Dove Chocolate were first created out of love, and after sixty (60) years, it is still being created and served with love.

Chocolate Fangs and Skulls

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:36:00 +0000

Chocolates are mostly seen and eaten during sweet occasions, such as Valentines. Well, apparently the trend has changed. This year, master chocolatieurs such as Bond Street Chocolate, and Dean & DeLuca, both well known in the Chocolate-making Industry, have created series of shapes that are entirely fit for Halloween. Fangs and Skulls both pretty sell out, thanks to the Twilight Movie/Books saga, True Blood and other highly anticipated Vampire books, movies and tv series out there.

This may be seen as something new, however, in Mexico, people are used to making candies in the shape of skull and crossbones, a casket, or a skeleton, during the Day of the Dead (celebrated during November 1 and 2), also referred to as El Dia de los Muertos.

Now, after learning this, I just can't wait to grab a gastronomically inspiring chocolate fang... hmmm.. yummy... Anyway, I simply love chocolates and it doesn't matter the form or shape, as long as it taste heavenly.

Happy and Spooky Halloween!

I have fallen for Fallen

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:07:00 +0000

It’s been a while since the last time I read novels. The last time I read, it was Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer aka the Twilight Saga Author and a Goddess in her own right. I remembered trying to finish the last book as fast as I could, so that I would know the ending. However, when I got to the last pages, I found myself wondering how can I live another day knowing that I have no more lines to read. That basically, the end of the story was there in front of me. There was a little part of me wishing that Stephanie could write some more. Although, I have already had enough of vampires-wolves and other bad guys that could break Bella and her little half-human-half-vamp baby Renesmee.

So, I searched online for something new to crazed upon. That’s when I saw Fallen written by Lauren Kate. The novel’s front cover was very mysteriously appealing to me. The girl on the cover, with both hands on her face, looked so sad, delicate and mysterious to me. Again, mysteriously appealing, which called my attention. So I decided to get one for myself.

Reading the tagline, “What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?” was electrifying to me. From the first pages up to the last, I found myself enjoying the whole ride, as if I was watching a movie but only my mind can see it. That is how I enjoy my reading, whenever the words from the pages turn into images in my mind. Fallen is about two star-strucked lovers Luce Price (a mortal) and Daniel Grigori (fallen angel). Not to be compared with Romeo and Juliet. This one is a different story. Daniel, eternally damned and Luce, always reincarnated after being killed whenever she finally finds out the whole truth about her and Daniel. They will always meet every seventeen (17) years. They will always fall in love, but time always seemed so short as Daniel would always witnessed the death of his Luce whenever she discovers their whole history and the truth surrounding it. This novel is very captivating and sexy. I surely recommend it. Fallen is a story not just for young adults but for everyone who enjoys suspense and heaven sent romance. This will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. Hold on tight and gasped at how the story unfolds. You will never guess what will happen next.

I believe from what I’ve heard online, that the sequel to Fallen will be out this September 2010. I can’t wait! I have fallen for Fallen and I will surely love the next book!

Baby singing Snow Song

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:50:00 +0000

Photo shoot with TPOL

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:49:00 +0000

My son was lucky enough to have been invited for a vtr/photo shoot. I just want to share his photos.

Since he was born, a lot of people have been encouraging me to look for talent/modeling agencies that can help Charles be seen and invited for project castings. We are fortunate to have been included in a casting project for a baby clothing line. From there, we have been invited again for two (2) more photo ops for talent agencies. Who knows? Maybe Charles might get lucky and end up on a billboard or even on tv LOL. Whatever happens, I wish for him to be happy and succeed in whatever he wishes to pursue. Me and my husband will always be here, to love, support, guide and protect him. Mommy and Daddy loves you Charles.

Charles’ first ever casting call experience

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:36:00 +0000

On a bright morning of July 4, 2010, my family and I all rose up earlier than usual. More anxious than on any ordinary day. It was because we are so excited for my little boy. He was invited to come to a casting call. On the way there, I was having butterflies in my stomach. I know my little boy is adorable and charming. But I was afraid that the joyful learning experience I was hoping for him on that day would turn out to be nightmarish for him. I packed all his favorites, from Thomas and Gordon (toy train engines), First Alphabet book, to his kiddie drinks. I was making sure that I have everything he needs and wants. When we got there, thinking we were really early, I was so surprised to see loads of parents lining up for registration. Fortunately, the line for last names starting in U to Z was really short. But still, I got #129.

After registration, we lined up for the photo shoot. All they needed was just one (1) good shot. Charles was a little psyched and I was glad that when it was his turn, it all went smoothly. The photographer smiled and said “ready,” then it is already done. Unlike the other children who were showing no sign of cooperation. We spent the next two (2) hours wandering around the mall, and treating Charles to almost endless kiddie rides and food.

When we got back, it was almost time for the VTR. We were told to line up again and expect the panel of judges inside the casting room. Our numbers shall be called by groups. Inside the casting room, our children will be asked to go on the stage and present themselves in front of the judges and a video camera. Charles was getting really sleepy and I kept singing on Incey Wincey Spider to make him laugh and awake LOL. I also pointed the big TV screen in front of us, describing what the other participants were doing. I said, “Look at them baby, they are just smiling and waving hello to the people and camera.” To my surprise, he charmed the panel of judges with his smiles, blowing perfect kisses and showing how adorable he is. The VTR went really well. The judges smiled at him and we were handed a congratulatory slip. Wow! My son just made it, I thought to myself with a brimming smile on my face. Once we were out of the casting room, my husband greeted us. I will never forget that proud dad smile on his face. He saw everything that happened through the TV screen, and just could not believe how charming Charles was. I swear, I was not expecting that.

At the end of the day, all I could think of was how much Charles gained from that simple experience. How he enjoyed playing with other children. How much fun it was for him that we were all together. How much this experience contributed to his self-confidence. How much he has learned. How fun it was to have our whole family there, supporting my little boy. How much joy I had and will always have for my son.

I’m one proud Momma =)

A piece of bread

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 03:14:00 +0000

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” – Mother Teresa. Today is Sunday so me and my family went to the church to attend the Sunday Mass. It was pretty humid there so I decided to look for a fan or anything resembling it that can be used to fan off the heat. My son was happy reading his book while they were waiting for me. On my way out of the church, I saw two old men. My heart totally breaks every time I see old people in the streets, begging for little money or food. I always think what if I were in their shoes, or what if a family is in their shoes. I can’t bear the thought. I have no money in my pocket but a 100 pesos enough for our transportation fare. But I still can’t bear the sight of the two old men. It was as if I was meant to be there at that moment, that I realized I can share whatever I have. Generosity barely comes to people’s minds and hearts these days. With our economy down, we always opt to keep whatever we have for ourselves and our loved ones. But at that precise moment, something touched me. God’s grace touched my heart. I yearned to share whatever I can to these two old men. So I went to a nearby sari-sari store and bought each of them a piece of bread and bottled water, enough to satisfy one’s hunger and thirst. I approach each one and gave the bread and water and each one said their thanks. I just smiled and moved on my way back to the church. It really felt great to help someone. Inside the church, I kept praising God for that moment. Thank you Lord for that wonderful moment. Thank you Lord for that humbling experience of making me an instrument of Your love and mercy.

My son’s firsts…

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 05:32:00 +0000

No matter where they live, no matter what race, every parent is said to be proud of his/her child. I am no different from other parents. I am proud of my own little bundle of joy. Oh not so little anymore because he is growing really fast. Sometimes, I just want to stop the time from moving so I can have my little boy forever. But I know that won’t happen, so I just treasure each and every moment I spend with him. Holding on to each second that I get to be with him. I don’t want to miss anything. I want to be always there for him.

I am very fortunate to be working from home as a VA. This way I get to be with my son all the time. Sometimes, work can be also really tough and hectic even if I am working from home. However, I really try my best to juggle my schedule and see to it that I don’t lose time for my family.

When my son was just 9 months old, he uttered his first word “water.” I couldn’t believe it when I first heard it. As months passed by, words like later, daddy and mommy were added. Now at 20 months old, he can almost say anything that he hears. He calls my parents grandpa and grandma. He can even repeat words that he hears, so I told everyone at home to be very careful with their words. PG is very much needed. Two weeks ago, while we were watching Top Gun, he heard Maverick (Tom Cruise character’s) said “S**t!” and he repeated the word twice. I was like in a state of shock. I was glad that he can utter words clearly and can repeat them, but I was horrified that he can do it with much ease. I told myself that I have to talk to everyone at home and tell them to be careful with all actions and language they would use in front of my son. This includes all kinds of shows/movies they would be watching. Because my son is really good in imitating. He is too young to understand what’s right from wrong. Although, we have already started telling him, reminding him of do’s and don’ts, still we want to consistent.

He has also began enjoying reading books, well, mostly looking at the photos and describing it.

Eat and Hot

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 05:11:00 +0000

“My (pronounced as ME) eat,” that’s what my 20 months old son just told me earlier this morning when we woke up. He uttered the word EAT for the first time on his own without any prompt. I was so proud. He now can tell me whenever he is hungry. A little after breakfast, I was checking my files on my laptop and his hands moved to the side of the blower. He felt the heat coming out and told me “Hot.” It’s another first for him. Usually, I tell him these words, describing anything for him. But today, he described it himself.

My family’s Holy Week 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:22:00 +0000

My Holy Week this year is quite different from the past Holy Weeks I’ve had. Normally, it would be an out of town trip to a beach. This year, my family and I just stayed at home, savoring every minute we are spending together. I’m so glad that I got to have a whole week leave from work. It’s really unusual, because I am working from home and not being able to touch my computer and laptop for days, is just like wow! I am so used to staying in front of my computer for hours and hours. Taking breaks for an hour or two to take care of my son, complete house chores or cook. Just juggling my time. I am so used to this life. So, to have a whole different week is really giving me a different feeling. Although I am missing my computer haha… I am also able to really breathe for a while. It feels great! I also got to enjoy another Visita Iglesia yesterday (Maundy Thursday). I am so happy about this Holy Week with my family that I wanted to share this.

This Holy Week, I also get to reflect on my self and the past year. So many things has happened that even the most depressing ones makes me feel very lucky. Some of these events were very humbling and taught me a lot. I guess I’ll keep on learning and I hope to learn not a lot from mistakes. But learn from other’s experiences and views through listening and being open minded. I have thought of what I can offer my Savior this Holy Week. I thought about giving up my FB and Twitter visits for this week and refraining from eating all my favorite food. It’s some sort of sacrifice on my part. So far I am successful. My husband’s sacrifice is stopping from smoking. I pray for his success. He has been smoking since he was about 15 years old and had already planned to stop for several times, but found no success. This time, I hope he wins.

Holy Week may mean different for each person. For some, it’s the time for family gathering, for some it’s holiday time, and for some it’s the time for reflection. This Holy Week, I am using this time for self-reflection and spending it for more quality family time.

Big Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:09:00 +0000

Last Saturday, after going to Sta. Clara convent, I decided to go and pay my husband a surprise visit in Mater Ecclessiae School in Pacita, Laguna. He had no idea that I was coming. I came with my son, my mom and my son's nanny. The four of us rode on a bus at EDSA. The bus was directly going to Pacita. On the way there, I kept thinking of how much my husband would be surprise. The last time I did this was about four months ago, when he was working on another school-client somewhere in Tagaytay. I remember how he kept staring at us with wide big smile on his face and could not believe that we were actually there. Hahaha! I love surprises! But I want me to be the one who will give the surprise and not the other way around, you see... When we arrived in the school, the nuns running the school greeted us and woke up my husband. Again, I saw the look, the surprise look. I felt happy. He told me that I was supposed to be one getting the surprise that day, because he had planned on coming home earlier even though he told me the other night that he was going home on Sunday. My husband likes to surprise me, "all the time." He will say one thing and then laugh and tell me the truth. He always surprise me by coming home earlier than what he has told me. So I thought, I will give him a taste of his own medicine LOL. His birthday is coming around. So I planned on another surprise. He had no idea that this year, he is going to receive an Ipod Touch. He has told me how much he would like to own one, and so I promised myself that I will give him one as a birthday present. That whole day of Saturday, until we arrived home, he could not stop smiling and thanking how much he liked the surprise visit. Then, when he went to our room to arranged things and get dressed for bedtime, he could not (again) believe the gift he found inside his cabinet. He was stuttering from too much excitement. I was laughing so hard from seeing his response. At the same time, I was also delighted and glad to see how much happy he was. His thank you's were non-stop, even until today.

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:43:00 +0000

6.1 aftershock quake rocked Haiti again! http://tinyurl.com/yecoq8h

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:41:00 +0000

6.1 quake - aftershock rocked Haiti again http://tinyurl.com/yecoq8h

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:15:00 +0000

... a java chip frappuccino is a very fine choice too....

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Still wide awake dreaming of a double chocolaty chip frappuccino... hmmm....

Enjoying play time

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:26:00 +0000

Tagaytay trip

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Charles at 9 months old

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:17:00 +0000

These photos are unsorted. All were taken when Charles was just 9 months old.

Champorado Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:48:00 +0000

In response to Ms. Cinnamon's request, I am posting this Champorado Recipe. I also got this from another post. Actually, if you will search it in the internet, you will be able to see lots of recipes. A little different from each other, but I bet it all leads to a hot-steaming-wonderful-tasty Champorado!

You shall be needing the following ingredients.

Ingredients:
1 cup malagkit(glutinous rice)
3 tablespoons cocoa
5 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk, evaporated

Procedure:

Wash malagkit and drain.
Add cocoa and water. Boil, stirring constantly.
Add sugar and milk.
Stir and cook 2 minutes more.

Yield: 6 cups.

Bye bye toothache

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:23:00 +0000

I've been suffering from toothache for almost a month now. On one night that I had a really bad toothache, my boss advised me to use an antiseptic mouthwash and added something new. She told me to use garlic and salt solution. I was puzzled if it would really work. I tried and waited. I was so surprised it did! I discovered that garlic has antiseptic abilities. Actually, I already went to see my dentist. Unfortunately, I couldn't find her. Apparently, she moved to a new place and I don't know how to contact her because I lost her number. I was really disappointed that I couldn't get in touch with her. Anyway, I went to another dentist. I had my checkup and I was told that I needed an oral surgery for my damaged 3rd molar. It has to be removed otherwise, it'll keep on giving me toothaches. Aside from that I needed cavity fillings for 10 teeth. I had my cavity fillings and I just needed to look for an oral surgeon. Good thing, I remembered healthway clinic and inquired if they have oral surgery procedure. I confirmed it with them that they do have it and I was scheduled for an appointment immediately. I went there 2 days ago with my husband and son. But, when I arrived, they told me that the oral surgeon was not around and they were giving me another dentist. This time the new dentist performed oral prophylaxis and xray. These procedures were necessary prior to my scheduled oral surgery.

While the dentist was cleaning my teeth, I was imagining myself having the oral surgery. I really wanted this bad tooth out of my gums and mouth. However, when I think about the surgery, I got anxious. Aside from the syringe, I was scared of pain. Although I already had C-section (giving birth to my son), I was still nervous.

The xray showed that I had an impacted 3rd molar. Oh my! It certainly confirmed that I needed to have that oral surgery. Yesterday, July 8, 2009, I finally had my oral surgery. It was soooo painful! I was given anesthesia but no sedative for me to sleep. Apparently the anesthesiologist was not around. The oral surgery took about three and a half hours. I was in so much pain. The only thing I could think of was that, the surgery was needed to save my teeth and gums for further damages. It was needed to save my health. It may be three hours of pain but a lifetime of "No toothaches."

Transfering to a new home

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:10:00 +0000

It's been weeks since the last time I sat in front of my computer to blog. I was so busy with work that I could not find the time to just let my thoughts flow freely and blog on anything I like. I think in a few days, I shall be able to do this. Plus, I might be moving to a new home, WP. Take note of the word, might, meaning I'm still not sure. Blogger is so user friendly. WP the opposite but I want to try. Well, let's see what will happen in the next couple of days.

We eat chocolate for breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Carmel Vellez) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:42:00 +0000

I don't know if you guys knew that Filipinos can eat chocolate for breakfast. Yes we do! It may come to you as a surprise, well most do. We call it Champorado or Chocolate Rice Porridge. I remember, my grandma Lola Anding used to cook it all the time. You can eat it any way you want, with milk or without. You can add more sugar or not. The most famous way is serving it steaming hot together with a fried salted dried fish which Pinoys call Tuyo. Hmmm... yummy!