Gourmet Me

Super glad that I have been a bit more adventurous with my "sauces" the past couple of years. Thanks to my mother dear! She's always been the gourmet one in the family - the original one - my other sister has followed suit earlier on! .... Rockmelon wrapped with prosciutto, cheese drizzled with honey, and many more!

Last year when my parents visited Sydney, we went to the Orange Blossom Festival in the Hills District and there my mum bought this super yummy Raspberry Orange Caramelised Balsamic vinegar from the stall by Your Inspiration at Home. Since then I have been trying out more of the exotic salad dressings and every now and then I even try concocting my own! One of these days I must order a few of their other delish products!

Understanding and Speaking

On separate occasions this week, I have had numerous unconnected conversations with friends about raising bilingual children. These are conversations I had with Filipino friends who are living overseas and have young children.

My eldest, B, has been coming out of her shell in terms of speaking Filipino - albeit, with a soft accent. In the beginning when she was younger she could understand my native language but she would deliberately respond back in English whenever I ask questions in Filipino. I persisted in getting her to talk back in Filipino and after a number of years, I don't need to prod her on this. She voluntarily speaks in Filipino. She is good at switching back and forth between English and Filipino. I am a proud mum. Ok, credits to dear husband too, who's played a part in all these.

I should talk about this topic again when I have my useful tips prepared. For now, I am signing off from the online world!

Photo from http://www.juanofwords.com/2012/08/whats-the-secret-to-raising-a-bilingual-kid-hiring-a-bilingual-nanny/

Change vs. Priority

Lately I have been feeling the 'need' to try and venture out of my comfort zone. I have been in the travel industry for more than 15 years now and I just want to explore my other interests. And by explore I mean dabble in something that would be income generating as well.

Although with our youngest still very young - I am struggling with finding time for myself, what more learn a new skill or get into a new industry. Sigh. Most days I feel this, but I know I really should get my priorities straight and focus on what is important now. Obviously it is taking care of the new little one.

I would like to dream though. Sometimes I imagine five years forward, when I would be back into building my career and having time for myself. Seems so far away from now.... Although, I know in a year's time will fly by fast. Just how it had with our now 6 year old. Beginning was slow, and then it just went turbo fast.

Credits http://www.thenewbornbaby.com/blogs/welcome-baby/index0be5.html?Tag=new%20mom

Looking up

Sometimes it's all about the angle.

From down here the flowers seem huge, sky-high, unreachable.

From across the screen the flowers seem to be real.

From behind the bunch the flowers seem to be fresh and crisp.

But really, the flowers are fake. The flowers are normal in size. The flowers are made of plastic.

Nonetheless, the flowers give me joy even if they are not real.

But, surely real flowers would give real joy!

Everything Coconut

For a while now, I have been into every single thing that's coconut! There's just that warm and comfortable feeling and fuzzy-ness that it brings to me. Especially now at the peak of winter!!

Today I am having my coconut hot chocolate by Jarrah! I know it isn't for everyone. It's not even for me when I am in my other moods. For now though, I am scooped up in my warm space, feeling wintry but tasting a bit of the tropics. I know this limited edition item will not last long in the shelves because it isn't as popular as the other flavours. I wish it can stay a bit longer though. Otherwise I should be on the lookout for other coconut things out there!

Saving for THE trip

Especially during this trying time. One can only try to think up of ways to save. And be healthy!
Cut down on junk food and soft drinks.Not only would one get to save a about thirty dollars a month, but also lose a bit of tummy bulge to be able to get ready for that beach holiday.Approximate saving per month: $30.

Walk at least thirty minutes a day.If one lived within an easy walk to work, it is smart and healthy to get exercise. Walk either to work, or from work at least three times a week, or more if one is not pressed with time. A good way to cut transportation cost, save on petrol, and get that lazy bum to walk.Approximate saving per month: $40.

Drop your gym membership.One can easily save big bucks by getting into shape the economical way. One need not be a member of Fitness First, or Gold’s Gym or whatever. We’d only need to stick to our daily regimen of walking, jogging and we’d be keeping fit and losing weight in no time. Truly being healthy does not have to be expensive. It is better to use hard earned moolah towards a much deserved holiday.Approximate saving per month: $70.

Give your plastics a break. I know some people enjoy retail therapy so much, but revert to being stressed again once the credit card bill comes in. Really, one does not need a new pair of jeans, shirt, underwear, shoes every week. Perhaps indulge every other month or two, maybe. But not on a weekly basis.Approximate saving per month: $100.

Cook at home. Bring lunch to work. I don’t know anyone who does not appreciate home cooked meals. They are a lot cheaper to prepare, way healthier (without too much salt, or MSG, or other unhealthy ingredients that restaurants or fast food put into your meal). Aside from hubby appreciating your time spent cooking that delicious and healthy food, you get to save.Approximate saving per month: $250.

At the end of the month, if you’ve been good, imagine having an extra $500 to spend towards that dream holiday. I know not everyone may appreciate that weekend away over something material (eg, hotel and spa pampering versus new camera). However, if you are a travel buff like myself, you would think up ways to save up for that goal: holiday! Come to think of it, spending wisely leads to a healthy lifestyle as well. Now, it is just a matter of putting to action all these nice things! 

Interestingly Galos

The concept of salt-iodine caves have been around since the year 2000. It's only recently that I have heard about it. The healing capabalities of the caves are still being tested, although it sure is a unique way to go for treatments. Galos caves offers an authentic sea micro climate on American soil.

There are a number of claims about the benefits when one undergoes treatment from the Galos caves. Some if them are: respiratory/rheumatic/ cardiovascular diseases. Apparently air,when seeped through salt stimulates the immune system. Galos caves are suitable for children as well as mature people. Rates per 45 minute session are from USD 15 per adult. Discounts for families or groups are available.

I would definitely be interested in trying a treatment. Who knows I could benefit from this type of treatment.

Galos Caves Open 7 days a week, 900hrs-2100hrs.
6501 West Irving Park Road Chicago Il 60634 USA