Jan 30, 2009

versatile calamansi

About this fruit. Calamondin or calamansi is a fruit tree in the family rutaceae and very popular in Southeast Asia , especially in the Philippines.The fruit of the calamondin resembles a small, round lime, usually 25-35mm in diameter, but sometimes up to 45mm. It has the inviting odor of a tangerine with a very thin green or orange colored peel. In spite of its appearance and aroma, the taste of the fruit itself is quite sour, though the peel is sweet. Popping the whole fruit into the mouth to combine the sweet and sour tastes is quite pleasant, though a surprise the first time.Wikipedia
Bringing back the memories. Calamansi juice used to be my favorite drink to bring in school. My mother also use this fruit for herbal medicine and it works in our family, I remember when I was a child suffering from a bad cold, this juice was all I needed. And now whenever my kids suffer from coughing and sore throat during our stayed in the Philippines, I also used calamansi as a remedy and I would like to share it with you.
I used to cut in half a couple of calamansi to rub on their throat then wrap a clean handkerchief around their neck and also drinking a warm calamansi juice helps loosen congestion and good for oral remedy. I used to squeeze two to three piece of calamansi and add one teaspoon of honey. Here in Japan we use lemon as an option. The versatile calamansi is even use for personal hygiene such as deodorant and a whitening agent. Some expert says that after several application of calamansi to elbows and armpit will helps the skin exfoliate. Other soap manufacturers are incorporating calamansi in their products. But still, most Filipinos are following the old fashion way. During bath time, rub calamansi in dark areas of the skin and leave for at least 10 to 15 minutes then rinse off. Others use it as detergents, removing the grease from the hands, and as a cleansing scrub to dirty or stained clothes. What a fruit!!!

Jan 28, 2009

akasuri

Have you ever heard about this scrub called AKASURI? It is a Japanese and Korean tradition wherein attendants scrubbed the whole body. AKASURI tones and restores vitality to skin by first relaxing and cleansing the pores, and then any remaining bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells are whisked away during a vigorous rub down that will leave you feeling remarkably smooth and clean.There is a traditional rough-surfaced towel used only for AKASURI, but you may use an exfoliating mitt or loofah sponge with soap or lotion to thoroughly scrub, clean, and massage your body, sloughing off impurities and exposing newer, youthful skin. Though it may leave your skin looking a bit red at first (hence the "red scrub"), the brisk massage will promote increased circulation, stimulate the lymph system, and cleanse your skin as never before. Finally, you rinse in a second bath or shower and may choose to apply your favorite lotion.As a traditional beauty treatment, AKASURI is one way to immerse yourself where bathing and cleanliness represent the spiritual experience of washing one's soul and purifying oneself. Though it may be performed by a professional in a spa, AKASURI can just as effectively be done at home, in the privacy of your own bathroom. Either way, you will be left feeling clean and calm, with skin so smooth you'll glow.While it may not always be pleasant, exfoliating is important.

Jan 24, 2009

Piano Recital.


My eldest daughter started learning to play piano when she's in preschool and her first performance on stage when she's only four years old. My friend Rica encouraged me to enrolled her in piano school and she told me the benefits of early learning musical experience to toddlers. I got interested of what she had said. I am happy because both our kids enrolled in the same piano school. In that particular day we had a nice chat with teacher Suzuki and she told us the early childhood years are the important years when it comes to musical development. The children who play or sing regularly can perform better in school like in reading and math. Playing music increase motor skills and helps develop hand-eye coordination. Now that my two daughter Kei and Rio are playing the same instrument together hurray! I am happy that I realize the importance of early learning musical instrument to my children. Good job :)






stay focus

Kids enjoy mostly all types of exercise as long as they are accompanied by enjoyable companion such as friends and family. Here in our home we use to do this exercise its very affordable and you can do this anytime anywhere. STRETCHING we usually do this exercise two times a week (Saturday & Sunday) . I know that sometime my kids are under a lot of stress. Homework , pressure in school activities it all adds up. For me stretching helps them to feel relax and the importance of proper breathing to stay focus and calmed is what I like most about this exercise. There are many benefits of stretching to our body, like increases the blood flow in our muscles, good posture, better balance and stress reliever. Here you can see my daughter Kei when she do the actual stretching exercise.


Jan 19, 2009

Let's Cook =).


Our Menu
♥Chicken and Pork ADOBO♥
National dish of the Philippines




♥ INGREDIENTS ♥
  • 1/2 kilo pork cut in cubes + 1/2 kilo chicken, cut into pieces or

  • choice of either 1 kilo of pork or 1 kilo of chicken

  • 1 head garlic, minced

  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1 cup vinegar

  • 2 cups of water

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 5 laurel leaves (bay leaves)

  • 4 tablespoons of cooking oil or olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 3 tablespoons water

♥ COOKING INSTRUCTION ♥
  • In a big sauce pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil then saute the minced garlic and onions.

  • Add the pork and chicken to the pan. Add 2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, vinegar, paprika and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or when meat is tender.

  • Remove the pork and chicken from the sauce pan and on another pan, heat cooking oil and brown the pork and chicken for a few minutes.

  • Mix the browned pork and chicken back to the sauce and add cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken.

  • Add salt and/or pepper if desired

  • Bring to a boil then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

  • Serve hot with the adobo gravy and plain rice.

♥ COOKING TIPS ♥
You have the option to add crushed ginger to the onions and garlic when sauteing. Ginger adds a unique flavor to your pork/chicken adobo.

Jan 17, 2009

SHE DID IT -




My sister asked me while we're chatting about what are the reasons why kids tell a lie? I told her Sometime it depends on the situation. Kids lie for many reason, not all of them are bad. Sometimes it is embarrassment and fear. Other kids use to lie because they think lying is the only way out of the situation. For me as a parent, we should know how to handle this kind of situation. My two daughter Kei seven years old and Rio five years old they are started blaming one another whey they think something has been done wrong, "like who broke this glass?" When I asked them who did it? As usual it's like a recording machine that plays all over again, SHE DID IT and the other one said NO I'M NOT .YOU DID IT! After I heard those words, I told them to sit down and if they tell me the truth mama will understand why the glass broke. And I made it to the point when I talked to them I always assure their feelings that I am not mad. I told them if they continue to tell this lie ,I  would not listen to them anymore because it is useless to talk to someone who's lying on his word Then after a few seconds .MAMA I AM SORRY. I WAS THE ONE WHO HAD BROKEN THE GLASS . After I heard this confession I tell them whatever silly things you do mama will understand, since you tell the truth. Mama will forgive you.


Jan 16, 2009

Sad farewells of 2008



Last year has been the best and the worst year for me. My uncle and grandma passed away last year and I recently ended a two year relationship with a closed friend. Sometimes it’s so easy to look back at the “should a, could a, would as” but it’s really counterproductive. All I know is this. Given that we have no control over another, we just have to state our perspective, and let that other person do the same. Sometimes there are no pleasant good-byes, but at least there are new beginnings. I hate to say it but usually when a relationship end feelings are hurt and emotions take a beating. It cause most of us to say and do things we aren't proud of later. It shouldn't be this way but most of the time things happen, words are said and the next thing you know it’s to late to take it back and the damage is done. The lesson here was some people come in our lives and are meant to stay. Others are here and gone with not enough time to know what we learned from them, But each friend is a learning experience and we should feel bless about it.
♥ Welcoming the year 2009. Thank God for the blessing like, now proud to say I am permanent resident here in Japan hurray !!!! 4 months of waiting is all wort it. And I found a new career a new friends and a wonderful learning experience through the help of my family and friends. Happy =)) and contented !!!!Looking forward this year.


the test of time

They say when you get a new friend don't be quick to trust. Rather test that person to see if he or she is worth to be your friend. True Friends are really hard to come by, there are few acquaintance! But a true friend takes some time. It is really hard to tell if he or she is the one you can call a best friend. Some of us they have to test their friends to see if they are true to them. If you feel you have to test your friendship without a true need, I would not want to be that friend. If you think they are your best friend, then you would not feel the need to test the friendship. But if there are trust issues, then they are obviously not a BEST friend type.

Jan 15, 2009

Family karaoke


Monday afternoon at shidax the family karaoke restaurant.



No school for today and I don't want them to say they are bored. 



Jan 10, 2009

precious gift


People are concerned about the quality of the water they drink. We all know the importance of water, but why our society continues to contaminate this precious resource. Did you know that water covers 70% of the Earth and only 1% of the Earth’s water is available as source of drinking. Take note only 1% of water is usable to us. Water is one of the nature’s most important gift to man kind, essential of life. We should take this topic seriously, what will happen if there's no clean water to drink? For hygiene how can we take a shower ? etc ... Water supply is commodity necessary for our survival. We should make a effort in order to save water.

♥ Water Conservation.
In simple ways we can help. Let's start it in our home by learning how to conserve water is the best thing to do. Few hours ago I was talking to my mom through phone, and she told me that the water bill in her house fluctuate since four months ago. I came up with the idea of sharing this chart to her and at the same time ask her if she consumed water properly. Take a look at the chart
Average indoor water use
♥ Bathroom:
The bathroom is where most of the home's water is used. Shower and baths consumed about 30% of water used indoors. You can save water by keeping each shower short, running the water only when it is needed lather up and rinse off.
♥ Toilet:
Toilet is the second most used in our home too. Some of us use this toilet as a garbage disposal don't do that, flush only when its necessary.
♥Washing Machines:
Washing your clothes is a necessity. However, keep in mind that laundry uses 22% of all water in your home! In order to maximize the efficiency of your laundry, only do full loads. Another way to save water is to ask yourself "Does this really need washing?" A lot of times, people wear clothes for only a few hours, and then discard them as "Dirty". Use discretion in when you wash your clothes
♥Faucets and Dishwasher
For faucets replace washer-less faucets and tighten the waterline connection and valves ,for dishwasher look for water drips or stains underneath or in back of the machine. For more information about this topic visit Water Service and Meters

Remember water conservation means doing the same with less. It is the management of water as a resource to eliminate waste and maximize the efficient of use. Use water wisely...


Jan 6, 2009

baby tooth


My 7 year old daughter lost her left front teeth today. Our dentist needs to pull it out because her permanent teeth is coming in right behind her baby tooth. My daughter is so brave, she told me she'll be fine and nothing to worry about. I was the one who is so scared after I saw the needle OMG.
Right beside her is her sister Rio. In that room I saw that they are looking at each other and Rio gently grab her leg and told her sister I am here don't worry...


Jan 3, 2009

a tipsy new years eve



We are completely intoxicated, as in . Our new years eve here was kinda hilarious, my sister was completely drunk ... Bad thing for her she can't remember anything about last night. I said to her. That was funny!! No wonder so many of us drink and get buffoonery sometimes, about you last night hihihi, you should have a star for that.. Well ! She said, its New Years eve and we deserve to have some fun.





Hello blog, it's been a while.

 Finally I am back! But first, let me take a coffee! Hi everyone, I know that it's been a long time since I have a blog post, my apologi...