DIY: Decor with storage rack and clothes pins

During the de-cluttering, I recycled a lot of stuff to:

a) Save space
b) Put into use stuff that I wasn't sure what I was going to do with any more
b) Literally save on cost

One of the things I recycled was his storage shelf where he kept his toys, which he had outgrown already. I'm not sure what they're really called but a similar one is the modular storage cubes. I took it down and recycled the parts.

*Image from website

Here's a piece that I took down, and got some clothes pin.

Hung one piece on the wall and pegged some of Matt's work to display it.

Dennis and I had so much fun with it. These pictures were originally pegged on a string that hung on one side of his room. Since I'm kinda changing  things around the room, I took it down but still wanted to put the pictures.

Recycled and useful way to decorate the room at no cost :o)

Dapitan Arcade

As much as I enjoy window shopping for clothes, shoes and bags, I also love antique, vintage and local inspired house decors. I often find a lot of neat and unique stuff at Dapitan Arcade. Good and interesting finds and reasonably priced, compared to the malls. Best part is you can also haggle with the sellers.

So on a hot and humid Sunday, we went to check what we could find. I wasn't actually looking for anything in particular but you know when you find an interesting piece, you just need to have it! Although I was in the middle of de-cluttering and organizing Matt's room, I wanted to get ideas on what to get to store different stuff. Baskets. While at it, I decided to take some photos to share.

A must place to go to for good finds.

I would have bought the horse with the blue saddle pad but both ears were chipped off. Boo hoo!

During Christmas we display our collection of small houses and actually have a small village. We bought the different pieces here.

I just love these jewelry organizers. They also make great gifts.

Of course the horse got my attention. 

The wheels are made of capiz shells. How creative is that?!

Vintage cars! I would have wanted to get the train but not within my budget for this visit. Perhaps next time.

Will share what I bought some other time :o)

Cooking: Squid with Green Beans

As mentioned, more veggies and seafood in the meals that I've been preparing. I promise to improve on the pictures and provide measurements but for now, I'll just share the ingredients :)

Veggies

• cabbage
• sayote (chayote)
• canned mushrooms
• onions
• garlic
• spring onions
• cooking oil
• sesame oil
• salt & pepper to taste

Quick and easy cooking. Sauté the garlic, onion and mushroom first, then quickly add the sayote. When the sayote has turned dark green, add in the cabbage last and switch off the stove. Avoid overcooking the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper and sesame oil and sprinkle the chopped spring onions.

Squid

• squid
• garlic (enough for marinating and sauteing)
• onion
• ginger
• green beans
• mushrooms
• honey
• kikkoman sauce 
• salt & pepper

Clean the squid by taking out the ink. If you want to include the tentacles (which I did), cut the top part of the head, just above the hard portion. Cut the squid in half and line it in a criss cross pattern using a knife. Mince the garlic and ginger. Put the squid, garlic, ginger, honey, kikkoman sauce, salt and pepper to marinate for 30 minutes.

Then heat a frying pan, add a table spoon of salt (and I like to add some butter). Once hot, sauté the onions, garlic, mushrooms and green beans briefly, then add the marinated squid with the sauce and all. Cook until squid curls but do not overcook, else the texture of the squid will be chewy.

Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa

When we were talking about a weekend getaway, I had Tagaytay in mind, obviously my favorite. Dennis wanted to go to the beach but I was trying to talk him out of it and since it's the rainy reason. It's been pouring cats and dogs and didn't think the beaches would be clear. Rain pouring down from the mountains will leave the water murky.

As you know, he's been in and out of the hospital and needed a break. So off to the beach! It had to be nearby as he couldn't drive long distance, without tiring himself and we're being very careful not to strain him or anything that might trigger another trip to the hospital. Subic is nice although the only decent beach we've been to is Camayan. Light colored, fine sands with clear sea water. That was an option. The other was try out a hotel somewhere in the mountains (for a change) and spend the day on the beach at Camayan.

Upon searching online, I came across Kamana Sanctuary Resort and Spa. Never heard of it and thought it was somewhere in Bataan, not realizing it was in Subic Bay itself. Seems pricey but we thought we'd check it out, nevertheless.

It's somewhere near Camayan and Ocean Adventure, but on a separate road like you're headed somewhere deep inside the forest. My first impression when we finally got there...it was indeed a sanctuary. Who would ever think you'd find such a place in the middle of almost nowhere, after driving through the forest? The stilt casitas got my attention as it reminded me so much of our honeymoon in Lagen, El Nido. But it was out of our budget. Anyway, we decided we'll be staying there in their supposed lowest cost room, which was beautiful! But the thought of sitting out on the balcony drinking coffee in the middle of the day, sipping wine in the evening and just listening to the sound of water underneath us, watching the sunset/sunrise was too good to resist. So in the end, we got ourselves a Casita, room C7. 

All the rooms had the leaf decor. This was a deluxe room where we were supposed to stay. See how spacious and lovely it is?

So instead we transferred here. Matt and I checking the view from where we stood and I was already thinking of what food and drinks to buy from Duty Free for our lazy afternoon/evening on the balcony.

The room is very spacious which includes a huge sofa bed on the right hand side.

His & Hers sink.

The sun was almost setting. There's Matt waiting for me so we could get ready to swim.

Pool area with the sun already starting to set.

The next day, we got up early to enjoy every minute. Water was very clear.

So beautiful! We didn't want to go back home.

Souvenir shot :o)

We shall return!

Cooking: 1

Since this is my online journal and write about anything under the sun, I will try to include some of the meals I have been preparing for my boys. I love to cook...as much as I love to eat. However, I'm not much of a veggie person, nor do I enjoy fruits and fish - which hubby loves. I'm an unhealthy eater and can live on fast food for the rest of my life. That bad. But, I am doing my best to include all the healthy stuff and be a good example to Matt. So to accomplish this, I am ensuring that every meal on the table includes vegetables and fruits.

Lunch:

• Crispy tokwa (tofu). Dip made of soy sauce, vinegar, fresh garlic and onions
• Fried tilapia
• Pork binagoongan with gata

I normally add chives to almost everything. Aside from the taste, it adds color to the dish.

I should get a better camera or take a better picture. The food was really yummy (and not just because I did the cooking) but the picture did not do justice.

Again, I'm not much of a fruit person, either. So instead, I make them into shakes and just add a lot of ice and I get my daily dose of fruits. Melon is my favorite but my boys prefer the mango and banana shake. If you're like me, this is the best way of including fruits in your diet and much tastier, too.

More cooking experiments to come :o)

Typical day for Vodka

As I went about my business today, I couldn't help but snap some pictures of Vodka. He's such a character with a personality which Matt and totally love about him, while Dennis sees him as just a cat. 

One of his many favorite areas of the apartment where he feels superior as he looks down (literally) on everyone. 

A shot from below.

Maybe he's too heavy and it looks like he can't carry himself too well, sitting like this.

Anyone would mistake him for a fur rug if it weren't for those yellow bright eyes.

Yup. He always takes over the couch.

Dennis caught him in the act and took this photo as a reminder of not allowing him on the bed or kissing him. He was just thirsty and wanted fresh water. Hahaha! Don't worry, the bowl was clean. When the water in his water bowl has not been changed (has to be changed twice a day), this is where he goes.

The mornings after...

After working for a total of 13 years (11 straight years with my recent ex-company), my mornings have completely changed. Now that I have plenty of time on my hands (especially for myself) and can do what I love, but couldn't while working, first thing on my list is to spend more time at the stables. I think only a horsey person will understand the joy & happiness of just being around horses, the smell of them and leather of the saddles, the sight of stables, bullring, hay, tack room....etc. Aside from the days I go riding, I am at the stables four times a week just spending time there. It's not just about riding a horse but learning to take care of them, proper way of handling and safety, understand their temperaments, learning from the grooms and the best teacher is experience by being hands on. Better horsemanship :o)

Learning to lunge with Romeo. This was a bit tough. Controlling the horse from the ground and have him trot and canter in circles wasn't that easy. For one thing, you don't have that much control unlike when you're on the horse. They can easily drag you if you're not careful. Another thing, at the end of the exercise I was pretty dizzy.

Alright. Time to go the other way.

Unlike with My Little Pony toys, you only need one brush for the mane. In reality, you need at least 4. Different parts of the horse requires different brushes at different stages. Brushing and cleaning one horse (includes cleaning their nostrils, ears, eyes and hooves) is a 30 min work out! This is the third horse I brushed that morning. 

From the corporate world to a stable girl. This is a dream and I'm lovin' every minute!

Time to slow down

A lot has happened in June. From working 11 years straight to coming to a complete halt. So many times I thought about doing something different but just wasn't brave enough to leave my comfort zone and saying goodbye to people I have grown very attached to after so many years. I am one of those fortunate people to love their job and the people they work with.

The day finally came when I had to bid my adieu. I am truly grateful for the wonderful people around me and it's times like these when you really know who you meant to, and actually cared. Although, not to harbor any ill feelings but can't help point out, I was disappointed with one or two people. Considering the help asked every now and then, was totally unrecognized when it would have been the best time to show their thank you. 

Mais, c'est la vie, n'est pas?

The friendly baristas of Starbucks in WCC.

...the last day...

The ladies who organized it

Their Mini-Me gift, which the yaya broke in less than an hour.

Goodbye for now, Corporate World. I'll try not to miss you too much :p