My version of Pesto Recipe

Ever since I saw on YouTube how to make pesto I've always wanted to recreate it in my kitchen. The ingredients are few and the procedure is easy to follow. I've tried doing it by chopping the basil using knife but it requires a major elbow grease. Maybe that's why chefs prefer to make it using food processor. Thank you to my husband's generosity because now, I can make pesto and other recipes that would require serious grinding and mincing using my very own food processor.

I cooked some wheat penne pasta and add pan fried chicken breast which I marinated in Pink Himalayan salt, ground pepper and dried basil for 4 hours and voilà - dinner is served!

Baga Manila in (All Home) Imus, Cavite

Lately, hubby and I have been going back and forth to All Home in Imus to buy some stuff for our house. This store is huge and has everything you would probably need from building to furnishing your house. That's why we would always be here for hours just window shopping. But after strolling, it would be nice to sit while having a snack. There's a kiosk inside All Home selling steamed hotdogs and siomai but you can also find this in other convenience stores. Good thing Baga Manila put up a branch at the parking space of All Home Imus.

lots of empty chair since it is still early.

Peach Mango Pop

This recipe was inspired by Jollibee Peach Mango Pie (obviously). I really like the combination of peach and mango either in my pie or in my waffle, so when I went to S&R last weekend with my husband and found this Dole Peach Mango on sale, I thought I could use it to make my favorite dessert. There was just a slight problem. I do not know how to make a pie crust and I don't have a waffle maker. I'm not an expert in the kitchen so I just settled for popsicles.

This recipe is so easy, the ingredients are very few, no need for any fancy kitchen tool, and you can do this at home with your kids too. Let's start!

Whole Day Pig-Out at Balay Indang (Indang, Cavite)

Whenever I go on a vacation, I always make sure that I get the value of my hard earned money since I only get to do some R&R after slaving myself to work for months. It’s nice to go in a place where you can relax and unwind and at the same time experience new things and worry nothing about where or what to eat. Good thing there is a B&B near our home that has everything I was looking for – Balay Indang. You may check my previous blog (click here) to know more about this place because this page is dedicated to all the sumptuous, delish, mouthwatering, plush, healthy, and hefty meals we had at Balay Indang. WARNING: Make sure you have full stomach before scrolling down because it is going to make you hungry. Go ahead, grab some food or better yet get a towel to wipe the drool off your mouth. JJJ

Staycation at Balay Indang (Indang, Cavite)

After some alone time with my husband, it’s time to celebrate my special day with my family. I rarely celebrate my birthday even when I was a kid. No big parties, cakes or balloons. It’s not because my parents don’t love me, but it’s because they are average earners who would rather spend their hard earned money for my education. My mom would just cook my favorite ulam and buy my favorite kakanin then we’ll have lunch or dinner at home. It's a simple celebration and I never ask them for more because I understand that we have to save for other important things. Fast forward to 2015, I’ve realized that our family never had bonding moments outside our home. We only celebrate special occasions at home and my parents have never experienced traveling for relaxation. They both hate long travel hours and I don’t want to spend too much time on the road either that’s why I looked for some place within Cavite where we could still relax and have quality time together. So, I decided to bring them to Balay Indang. At first, I was hesitant that my father wouldn’t like the place because there’s no television there. They both love watching Yaya Dub so the thought of not being able to watch Eat Bulaga might not be appealing to them. Of course, I didn’t tell that part to them when I initially invited them for a vacation. I only told them about it when it was already a few days before our check-in schedule. Hehehehe There’s one problem though, we don’t have a car and Balay Indang is somewhere out of route of PUVs. Argh!!! Good thing my mom suggested to rent the jeep we used on my wedding. This is it! Nothing could stop us from enjoying an overnight stay far from the hustle and bustle of Dasmariñas, hehehe.

Staycation destination: checked. Transpo: checked. Food: checked, checked, CHECKED! Let’s go!! 

Lurra Spa (Acacia Hotel Manila)

I’ve been looking forward for my birthday this year because finally, for the first time, my husband and I will be staying in a five star hotel (check our Acacia Hotel experience here). To take everything on the next level, we decided to make a reservation at Lurra Wellness Spa. Honestly, their packages were a bit pricey for us since we don’t usually go to an expensive spa except for Island Spa in Island Cove. We’ve tried their service twice and we were satisfied on both times we were there. Going back to Lurra Wellness Spa (Lurra means Earth), they claim as a haven of rest and relaxation.  They have well-trained therapists that could help you feel rejuvenated with the massages and treatments that they offer. Sounds inviting? Well wait ‘til you read the reviews of other guests who’ve tried their service and I’m sure you would want to make that call now to make a reservation. I know because that’s what I felt after reading blogs about Lurra Wellness Spa.



Lurra Wellness Spa Reception Area

Acaci (Breakfast Buffet at Acacia Hotel Manila)

When my husband and I were still dating, we like trying out different buffet restaurants. We’ve tried Vikings in MOA, Mercado in Resorts World Manila, Lola Maria Restaurant in Mandaluyong, Somethin’ Fishy in Eastwood, buffet breakfast at New Horizon Hotel, Cravings in Shang-ri La Plaza, Nanay Bebeng’s and Probinsya Buffet in Davao, and we’ve even tried the Sun Cruise Manila buffet. We really enjoy eating and we like feasting in buffet restaurants. Lately, we discovered the joy of staycation. You don’t have to travel far, no need to bring huge luggage, no plane tickets required, yet you get to relax, experience new things, and get to try international cuisines buffet style without having to bring your passport.

On my recent birthday, we made an overnight reservation at the Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa (read the story here). I was excited because aside from it's our first time to book in a five star hotel, I was also looking forward to try their buffet. We brought our food for lunch and dinner but we still sneaked in at Acaci to check their menu for dinner.