A Bucketful of Rainbow

Mabuhay!

Shopping is so much fun when I'm with the kids. Aryanna and I get excited on what goodies (read: art supplies) we'll discover!

During our recent spree at MUJI, Aryanna and I found a bucketful of rainbow and more...

A bucket filled with mini colored pens from MUJI

The "rainbow" in my life:

 Other things that add color to our lives:

Silicone Mini Doughnut Mold
You can ask the MUJI staff for a copy of their Yogurt Doughnut recipe

Cookie Cutters for Dylan

Cool Music Box for girls and boys

Hope this brightens your day:

Aryanna's drawing

MUJI is located at Bonifacio High Street and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell


Shoppingero/shoppingera, who adds "color" to your life?

Kids Stuff: Summer Workshops

Mabuhay!

Hi moms and dads!

School's out and I'm sure some of you are looking for summer activities for your kids. Look no further, here's a one-stop-shop where you can enroll your children in over 50 summer workshops and classes!

See you there!

All you need to do is buy the April issue of Metro Working Mom and get four entrance passes to the fair!


Shoppingero/shoppingera, what acivities/workshop would you like your kids to be busy with this summer?

Reader's Recipe

Mabuhay!

I am excited to share with all of you an email I received from another amazing reader!

Please read the telenovela she wrote me! Naiyak, natawa, nagulat, at napahalkhak ako ng bonggang-bongga! 

This will only take a minute of your time... If you know how to speed read. Haha! 

Hi Ms. Jenni,

Mabuhay from Beijing, China!

First of all, thank you for sharing all your easy-peasy and scrumptious recipes! I love each and every one of them. Geez, you made my "kitchen experience" an interesting one. Kasi before, I felt that my cooking and my dishes were too boring. Kahit sa presentation man lang, talo! Haha. That is why I religiously follow your blog since you started posting all your recipes and how you prepare them with all your creativity and love.  

I was also relieved that you transferred your blog in Blogspot. I don't know if you remember but I always complain to you on Twitter na di ko ma-open ang Multiply site mo despite the fact that I have a paid VPN just to get through all the blocked websites here in mainland China. Naloloka talaga ako and I always have a grumpy face pag hindi ko na o-open ang site mo noon. Kaya pati ikaw, kinukulit ko ng todong-todo! Haha.

So anyway, since today, you have a new blog entry and you asked us kung ano-anung recipes ang na try namin, here are a few of my contributions. Actually, since I religiously follow your blog, lahat-lahat(!) ng recipes mo na try ko nang lutuin, except the ones with tofu. Hindi kasi ako maka-tofu na tao eh. Kahit sabihin na natin nasa China, di ko pa rin siya like. I guess, trip-trip lang yan, di ba?! Haha!

Here are my top three favorites sa mga recipes mo (in order, #1 being the best):

1. Honey Glazed Chicken (because mukha siyang junk food, so if I'm craving for some junk foods ito na ang best (& healthy) alternative ko...haha)
2. Anchovy & Garlic Pasta (kasi kung may tirang isda sa ref namin, instant pasta dish na ang drama niya...so nag level up ang isda sa production ko...haha)
3. Glazed Beef & Veggie meatloaf (because I will never go hungry for the next two days sa dami ng nakakain ko! haha) 

I am sending you five pictures of your recipes, sana marami pa yan kaso sa sobrang gutom at napapasarap talaga ako minsan, nakalimutan kong picturan! Waaa. I have yet to try yung Argentina Corned Beef and Potato Hash Stuffed Bell Peppers mo. Hinihintay ko pa kasi ang monthly rasyon ng Filipino products galing sa Nanay ko. =D Wala kasi kahit isang Filipino store sa Beijing kaya best in demand talaga ang beauty ko sa lahat ng nami-miss kong pagkain sa Pinas. So last time, I asked them to send me Argentina Corned Beef  dahil you posted that recipe. Again, let me say, I religiously(!) follow your recipes... Haha!

Honey Glazed Chicken

Anchovy and Garlic Pasta

Beef and Veggie Meatloaf

From left: Biscuits with White Gravy and Ginger Garlic Fried Rice

Since you have been sharing your family recipes with us, your readers, please accept my own recipe, as my way of thanking you. Warning: This is not really a healthy one pero kung gusto mong mag cheat from your diet, carry on na! Kung ayaw mo, gawin mo na lang excuse si Aryanna... Waaa!

Here's my Black Sambo (parang chocolate mousse s'ya ;)) recipe:

For white:

6 sachets of Knoxx unflavored gelatin (you can use any unflavored gelatin if you want to) dissolved in one cup of hot water 
1 can condensed milk

2 small boxes of Nestlé cream

For black (chocolate):

6 sachets of Knoxx unflavored gelatin dissolved in one cup of hot water
1 big can of evap milk 

1/4 cup of Hershey's chocolate syrup (if you want your chocolate darker, you can make it up to 3/4 cups ;)) 

How to make it: 
Combine all "the white" ingredients first. Then place it in a deep, triangular size container. Note: Do not fill up the whole container because "the black" will be the other half to fill it up. Then cool it in the fridge for a few minutes, until the mixture has become solid. 

So when the mixture has become solid, mix all "the black" ingredients. Note: Do not mix "the black" if the white one has not turned solid. Then place "the black" mixture on top of the white. Again, cool it in the fridge for a few minutes until the mixture turned solid. When the whole dessert chilled, it's all ready to eat. It takes around 30 minutes or less for the whole process.  

*I sent a picture of the dish, kaso hindi siya close-up. It was one of my desserts on my birthday last March 20. Kung may nakikita kang brown & pink na squares, ito na yun. Just to give you an idea of what it looked like. ;)

I hope you will like it ahhh. :))

My dearest Dinah,

I was overwhelmed by your email. Who knew that by sharing my recipes online, I would be able to inspire a reader all the way in Beijing? You inspire me!

I still can't believe that you documented all the food that you cooked and that were inspired by my recipes! Some of those dishes were from two years ago pa! Awesome sauce!

So, ikaw pala ang head ng "Complaints Department" ng Twitter! Haha! Thanks to you and my other readers, I moved to Blogger — it's one of the best things I've done!

Tanong ko lang: Uhm, Dinah... How come you cooked four big aluminum pans of the Beef and Veggie Meatloaf? Pinagkakakitaan mo ba ang mga recipes ko sa Beijing? LOL

Thank you for your Black Sambo recipe! I'll ask Aryanna to make them. She's our resident dessert-maker.

Belated happy birthday! As my birthday gift to you at dahil sa effort na ipinakita mo — ang luto-lutuan portion mo, I will ask Century Tuna and Argentina Corned Beef for a gift pack so that your mom can send you more Pinoy rations and you can cook some of the new recipes I will be posting! Humanda ka! Haha!

Here's wishing you the best in love and life!

Always,
Jenni


Shoppingero/shoppingera, keep sending me food shots inspired by my recipes. I'll blog them!

8 Ways To Dress Slimmer This Summer

Mabuhay!

It’s that time of year again to shed the jackets and wraps.
It's time to take it all off for the summer.
Shudder.

Don't let the heat dampen your style.
If there's a will (to look stylish), there's a way... 8 ways, as a matter of fact, to look slimmer:

Wear Colors

The best way to welcome summer is to incorporate colors into your wardrobe. Bold hues can highlight your best feature, for example, wear a colored top to accentuate your upper body and pair it with a dark-colored bottom if you're bottom-heavy.

 
Stylish Necklines

To better frame your face, use stylish necklines.  Cowl, v-neck or sweetheart necklines are your best friends. Stay away from scoop, boat, and off-shoulder necklines which broaden the look of the shoulders.  Vertical embellishments such as small pleats (tuxedo-style shirts) to simple necklines can draw attention away from an ample chest.

 
Wear Sleeves

Cover up batwings with 3/4-length sleeves. Cap sleeves can make your arms look bigger.  Draw attention to the wrist with a giant bangle.

 Boot Cut vs. Skinny Jeans and A-line vs. Pencil cut skirts

Skinny jeans are not for everyone.  They tend to expose imperfections in the legs and play up the width of the hips and a less-than-perfect bottom.  Instead, go for boot-cut jeans, which accentuate the thigh and balance the width of the hips with the length of the legs.

Same goes for skirts — an A-line skirt works better if you are bottom heavy, pencil-cut skirts accentuates it.

Accessorize Big Time

Think of accessories as your "flaw amulet" — they can draw attention away from the negative.

This season, wide-brimmed hats are hot!

If you must wear black... Keep it short and sweet!

If there's anyone who understands the need to wear black (even under the scorching sun), that would be me! I wore just black, rain or shine for three years! LOL

When it comes to your LBD for summer, keep it short and look for fun details like fringes, feathers, or clustered rosettes to give your outfit a "summery" feel.

If you must wear a jacket... Keep it light and add shoulder pads!

Choose cardigans or jackets in light "airy" fabrics.

Even out your frame by adding shoulder pads to your blazer.

If you want to rock the jumpsuit trend... Cinch the waist or go monochromatic!

Create an hourglass silhouette by wearing a belt. Elastic-back belts are making a big comeback!

If you are large up top, a broad belt that cinches in the waist defines a waist. A thick (not thin) belt works because it give definition to your torso and has corset-like properties.

Embrace your curves rather than hide them with a loose baggy top.

To create the illusion of long limbs, stick to monochromatic jumpsuits with a garter waist.

Tips:

1. Choose the right size. Wearing baggy clothes will make you appear bigger than you really are.
2. Invest on a good body shaper garment. The best ones are the "All-in-one" shapers, they cover the waist down to the end of the thigh.
3. "Attitude" is the best accessory! In the end, what's important is to have fun dressing up. A smile can also "brighten" any outfit!

Photos provided by Sinéquanone, available in Rustan's


Shoppingera, it's never too late to get fit for summer... For life!

Balancing Family and Fashion: Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez

Mabuhay!

On moments when I feel that I can't seem to balance family and fashion, I think of Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez.

I first met Mika years ago when she was still an upcoming model. She was kyoot, versatile, and professional. Since then, I have followed her career from being a model (she's part of the "Greenwich Barkada"), becoming a mom, to blossoming into a businesswoman... And now a money broker. She is only in her mid-20's, mind you. Wow, right?

She is one of the busiest people I know! What's even more amazing is her ability to balance her time among her family, friends (and sometimes that includes me at the club) and work, yet still manage to look fabulous all the time! Fine. Let's say she has youth on her side, but you can't deny the fact that she has achieved so much at such a young age. Ikaw na, girl!

Thanks, Mika for squeezing this shoot into your schedule! Haha!

Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez

Mika's style = Crisp shirt + Tailored pant + Designer bag + High heels + Classic jewelry + Light makeup + Well-groomed hair

What are you busy with?
Wife and mother of two. Entrepreneur, Gourmet Pao owner, Model/Co-owner/Manager  of Elan Models International, Associate Editor Luxe Magazine, Vice President PMAP, and the latest, my day job... a licensed Money Broker.

If you had an extra hour each day how would you spend it?
Spend it with my husband and kids :)

How do you balance family and fashion?
Family is and always has been my priority. I know it seems like I've got a lot on my plate- but it is quite manageable. And I still get to spend time with my kids everyday! :) Like I say, it's always about time management. And I'm totally stress-free.

Some people have this idea that life "ends" once you're married and start having kids, but for me, it didn't work that way. Life practically started after -- it blossomed and inspired me all the more.
Not to mention, dressing better too- I remember I used to dress up according to what I'd see on top of my closet, but now it's more put-together.

What's your 9 to 5 and after 5 must-haves?
I always have my Blackberry. My credit cards/wallet/checkbook. Mint. Alcogel. Perfume. Planner. Laptop. Company ID. Calling cards. Heels.

After 5: Home with my husband and kids- books, toys and playtime! I enjoy home service massages and watching DVD's.

What's in your beauty kit?
For everyday, a tweezer, moisturizer, concealer, blush, and lipbalm.

My entire kit at home has got everything -- palettes of eye shadow, blush, bronzers, foundation, all shades of lipstick- the works! I love makeup!

Where do you shop and what are your favorite brands?
In Manila, I love Loalde, Armani, Mango, Zara, Topshop for basics. I go to Rustan's and Bazaars for miscellaneous things.
Abroad, I buy H&M, Cotton On, American Apparel, BCBG, Herve Leger, Pedder.

For jumpsuits, dresses and gowns: Charina Sarte, Martin Bautista, House of Laurel, Veejay Floresca, Religioso, Rosanna Ocampo, Mich Araullo, Hindy Tantoco
Swimsuits: Nothing But Water / Swim
Shoes: Adora, Michael Kors, Stella Luna, Miu Miu, Marni, Christian Louboutin
Bags: Rocio, Chanel, Balenciaga, McQueen, and Hermès (still dreaming about the latter)

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
"I will always give my opinion and play devil's advocate- because I want you to weigh things out and decide for yourself- but once you make that decision, whatever it is- I'll back you up 101%." My husband.


Shoppingera, what have you been busy with lately?

Plato-Platuhan for Babies

Mabuhay!

Some days are extra special, especially when we receive gifts for baby Dylan! The folks at Youji&Me sent my baby his first complete set of plato-platuhan! Yay!

Even before I met the owners, Jasmine and Jehremee of Youji&Me, their shop has always been one of my favorite baby stores. (In fact, I even had my baby registry at their boutique.) Dylan's baby bottles are Nuby from Youji&Me (thanks to Lounell) and one of his strollers is a Silver Cross, also available at their shop. They have the coolest baby stuff!

Thank you, Jasmine and Jehremee!

Check out Youji&Me's newest Richell For Babies products:

Richell For Babies Feeding Set

As of now, Baby Dylan is still "Señorito" Dylan — he refuses to hold his own feeding bottle and vegetable sticks! Haha! I will keep the Richell for Babies Snack Cups for now and will bust it out when he's in pre-school.

From left: Snack Cup for Stick Snacks and Snack Cup for Small Snacks
Unlike similar items in the market, Richell For Babies Snack Cups also come with a lid so crumbs don’t end up in diaper bags and snacks don’t get “kunat” easily.

New! Mugtre from Richell For Babies. Support drink training for your little one. Safety valve prevents spills, even when Mug is tipped. When lever is opened, air pressure prevents liquid from coming up the straw.
As spout remains open, the valve works to keep liquid contained. Only slight spills even when mug is tipped.

I'm sure that in a few years, Dylan will start making his own brown rice onigiri just like "ate." For now, according to Aryanna, "The Rice Ball Maker is mine! Muwahahaha!"

A must-have for babies and mommies

I hope Jasmine and Jehremee don't mind me sharing their letter. Read the "P.S." part... Now who's excited?

Tune in for Richell For Babies giveaways!

All Richell For Babies products are BPA-Free.

* Richell For Babies products are available at Youji&Me, 2nd floor of Greenbelt 5, Rustan's, The Landmark, and Robinsons


Shoppingero/shoppingera, who wants to win Richell for Babies products from Youji&Me?