Michi Photostory

May 26, 2013

Tips on How to Plan Your Travel Itinerary

I enjoy planning for future trips. I have a long list of “dream destination” so searching and planning will never stop. I’m not a full-pledged traveler but I will share with you how I plan our travel trips.

1. Destination

Since I already have a bucket list I’ll just check my list and choose which destination we want to go, domestic or international.

2. Date

It is important to know the date of our vacation so it would be easy for me to book just in case there is seat sale. Most of the time I choose those special dates like birthday and anniversary so we have reason to spend.

3. Days of Vacation

Overnight? 3days? or 1 week? This will help you in planning your itinerary. You have to list the “must visit places”, “must try food” and possible places that you can visit just in case you have spare time.

4. Budget

We always have a budget whenever we travel to avoid overspending. The budget is not that strict because sometimes we splurge too. Of course, we want to enjoy our travel.

5. Accommodation

Hostel or hotels? Sometimes choosing for accommodation is not easy because there are several choices but take your time to read reviews, blogs, and forums. Consider the location and budget.

6. Plan your itinerary

Planning an itinerary is very personal because it depends on your preference and lifestyle. Some prefer luxury trip and some prefer traveling on a shoestring. Whatever you prefer it is best to search and read, you can check tripandtravelblog to help you in planning a trip. Hope this helps.

Click here to know how to plan an itinerary

May 23, 2013

Oven-Baked Salmon

I’m a full time mom without nanny or helper so time is very precious to me. Preparing meals for my family is my everyday role and to make my life easier I always have weekly menu. My menu is not that strict. I just write menu for the whole week without specific day. If I’m busy I will cook the easiest meal listed on my weekly menu just like yesterday. I cooked Oven-Baked Salmon.

If you’ve been reading this blog for so long you know that I love salmon so from time to time I buy this fish even it is expensive. Aside from it is my favorite, it is so easy to cook too. You can grill, steam, bake or fry depending on your preference.

Sharing to you my recipe.

2 pcs of Salmon

1 Lemon Juice

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Powder

¼ cup of Melted Butter

Cheese (optional)

1.Preheat oven at 375F.

2.Prepare the Salmon. Rub the fish with salt, pepper and garlic powder according to your taste. Squeeze the lemon on top of the fish. Place the melted butter and add cheese if you want. You can put quickmelt cheese, cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese. I only have mozzarella cheese so that’s what I used. =)

3.Marinate the fish. In my case after I preheated the oven I immediately put the fish inside the oven.

4.Bake for 15-20minutes.

5.Serve.

May 22, 2013

Lunch at Razon’s of Guagua

Yesterday, my husband picked us up after his office and we went to the hospital for another lab test but the medical staff did not allow me because according to her, morning pee is needed for urine culture. My UTI is not yet clear and it seems that the antibiotic that I took last week did not respond to me so urine culture is needed. We just went to SM Sta Rosa to have our dinner.

We’re looking for a restaurant and we saw Razon’s. We tried Razon’s for a change because according to my husband masarap ang pork binagoongan and kaldereta nila but too bad, it is not available in Sta Rosa branch. So he ordered Sizzling Sisig meal P158, Dinuguan P98 and Ensaymada P45. Extra rice is P25.

If you notice most of the time we have bread or dessert because that’s the order of my son. He’s not fond of eating rice meal so we just allow him if we’re outside to avoid tantrums but if we’re at home he has no choice but to eat rice meal.

Anyway, we liked the food and my husband even ordered additional rice. He suggested that I should try Razon’s Halo-Halo because it is good but I told him I tried it before when we went to Hot Air Balloon Festival and I didn’t like it. He said, “kiosk lang kasi yun kaya di masarap, dito pino yung ice nila”. So I ordered Halo-Halo P96 and I agree that this Halo-Halo is really good. Now, I love Razon’s Halo-Halo. =)

Razon's of Guagua Pase de Sta Rosa

June 19, 2015

We’ve been eating at Razon’s of Guagua at SM Sta Rosa since 2013 because we love their halo-halo. Last Sunday, we were in Paseo de Sta Rosa and decided to eat lunch here. My usual order here is Dinuguan with Puto P160 but since it was lunchtime I added Plain Rice P28. My husband ordered Lutong Toyo with Ebun (egg) P130 and my son ordered Tocilog P160.

As I mentioned, I always order dinuguan and I don’t know why their dinuguan is so bland that time. My husband’s food is just ok, he even said, mas type pa niya luto ko. In fairness, when we tried the tocino it was good.

Since we’re not satisfied with our meal, we just ordered our favorite Halo-Halo P105. I was glad that the taste is still the same. I love the very fine crushed ice and flavorful ingredients.

Razon's of Guagua Mall of Asia
October 29, 2019

We went to the 4th World Travel Expo last weekend. We visited different booths and we can’t decide kung saan kami magbabakasyon and kung anong package ang kukunin so we decided to eat lunch first. There are food stalls at the World Travel Expo but the options are limited so we went to Mall of Asia. It was time for lunch so halos puno lahat ng restaurant.

I don’t want to eat heavy meals so I suggested Razon’s of Guagua so I can eat their Halo-halo. So we ordered Sisig Meal PHP199, Tocilog PHP168 and Halo halo PHP120. I just noticed na sa dami ng meals ng Razon’s, ito lagi ang order nami. Hehehe! The only thing na nagbago is yung presyo. As usual, nakalimutan ko kunan ng picture ng sisig meal at kinain agad ni hubby.

May 21, 2013

Revisited Enchanted Kingdom

Last week, I was checking my husband’s phone and I read a message from my MIL (mother-in-law). Yes, from time to time I do check my husband’s phone not to spy but to delete my messages and other messages because he has this habit of not deleting messages for months.

Anyway, on our way to my MIL to pick her up for our flu vaccine I asked my husband why he didn’t reply to his mother.

Hubby: E hindi naman ako pwede, weekdays yun.

Me: Hello! May 13 is holiday so we can go to Enchanted Kingdom.

Hubby: Oo nga no! Sige, tanung ko mamaya kung meron pa.

My MIL was asking if we wanted to go to the Enchanted Kingdom because she has 4 complimentary tickets that are valid on May 13, 14, 20 and 21. Luckily my SIL and BIL were not interested in going to the Enchanted Kingdom so we got the 3 tickets.

Fast forward to Election Day, I thought we couldn’t make it because we voted in the morning and I had my ultrasound in the afternoon too. Ang tagal ng waiting time dahil wala pa yung doctor. My husband didn’t want to go because it was raining on our way home but I told him “sayang ticket”, so we went straight to EK and God is good because the rain has stopped when we reached the theme park at 5PM.

My son was indeed excited because he really wanted to go back to HK Disneyland but of course no budget for that. I don’t know if he remembered that we’ve been in Enchanted Kingdom when he was three years old because looking at him parang first time lahat.

Since it was a holiday, I was expecting a crowded theme park but it wasn’t. I was so delighted because no long lines or queues and we were able to experience Enchanted Kingdom in less than 3 hours compared to our last visit. See my post here.

My son was able to try the rides that we’re not able to ride during our last visit because of height requirement.

We had fun in less than three hours. We were all tired so we went home early and again no more fireworks experience.

Last Saturday, my son cried because he thought we will visit EK again but sorry makikita lang siya sa SLEX on our way to Victoria, Laguna. I did not promise anything.

To save money, buy your ticket at Klook
Read: How I Purchased my Tickets at Klook

Klook.com

This post contains affiliate link/s. If you decide to make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.

May 20, 2013

Sanuk Summer Hangover

Yesterday, I was browsing my Facebook and I’ve learned that there was Sanuk Summer Hangover in Solenad so I immediately told my husband about it. Since last year I was convincing my husband to buy Sanuk Sandals but the price is not that cheap so of course the answer is always no.

Finally, I was able to convince him yesterday so off we went to Solenad even it was raining. I registered to join the raffle.

There were a lot of people so it was hot and it wasn’t easy to choose. My husband bought a pair for P1,200 only. So if you have time visit Solenad next weekend, May 25 and 26, 2013.

A repost from my old blog My Other Nook

May 17, 2013

Birthday at Dads, Saisaki and Kamayan

Dads, Saisaki and Kamayan is one of our choices if we have a get-together or reunion because we need a place where we could share stories while eating. #kwentuhanatkainan We are all aware that it is an “eat all you can” restaurant and they really have a wide array of food choices but most of the time we chose Kamayan only because it is cheaper.

I finally tried the Crossover, thanks to my SIL (sister-in-law) who treated us last Saturday. She decided to celebrate her birthday in Dads, Saisaki, and Kamayan so after our flu vaccine off we went to Glorietta.

Lechon, Steak, Lamb Chop and Turkey

Our sore arms did not stop us from eating the ultimate buffet. Since we always avail Kamayan, I focus on Dad’s and Saisaki stations. Enough said, let me share the few photos that I took because I became busy eating.

My first plate. Obvious na carnivore. Lechon, steak, lengua estofado, roast porkloin and paella.

Grilled Salmon. I tried sea urchin too, not my type.

May 16, 2013

Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccine is one vaccine that we need every year to protect us against influenza virus. It is highly recommended to everyone from 6 months old up to elderly people. People with weak immune systems and has chronic illness should get flu vaccine too.

We had our flu vaccine shot last Saturday care of my husband’s company. Even my son had his flu shot there because it is cheaper compared to his Pedia which is P1,500. Now that my son is four years old, he is really aware of injection and that is the main reason why he doesn’t want to go to the doctor anymore. In his mind, Doctor = Injection. As expected, he cried during his flu vaccine shot.

The last time that he got sick we went to different Pedia to avoid crying scene and drama moments. This is my dilemma now and I just hope next time no more dramatic moments because he needs MMR booster this year.

Read: What is Flu?

Grilled Tanigue

Grilled Tanigue is one of the easy recipes that you can prepare at home. I marinated the fish before going to the voting precinct and after I voted, I pan-grilled the fish and after few minutes lunch was ready.

2 pcs of tanigue

Salt

Garlic Powder

1 lemon

2 tbsp of soy sauce

1 tbsp of minced garlic

1 tbsp of olive oil (any oil will do)

Rub the fish with salt and garlic powder. Then put the soy sauce and lemon juice.

Marinate according to your preference. 30 minutes is fine.

Saute minced garlic in olive oil. Then set aside.

Grill the fish.

Serve with lemon butter sauce.

May 15, 2013

Kiddy’s Arts Town

I mentioned in my other post that I spent Mother’s Day waiting for my OB-Gyne and to kill time we went to Kiddy’s Art Town. Actually, we always see this kiosk but never dare to try this activity because we’re always in a hurry to finish our errands which is grocery and bills payment.

My son chose robot for P150 and we gave it to the staff. After few minutes, he gave us the materials including paint, cotton buds and tissue. I just hope they provide apron without even asking. I thought there was no apron but one girl requested for it but I did not get apron anymore because my son was already busy.

Since this was our first time, my husband can’t help but try this activity too. I kept on reminding him “do not help my son” and if he wanted to paint get his own stuff. =)

May 14, 2013

Baby Transport That We Have Ttried

Exactly five years ago when I’ve learned the gender of my baby, I was only four months pregnant when my doctor told me that we will have a baby boy. From that moment I started buying baby stuff listed on my “Newborn Checklist” such as baby clothes, bibs, towels, socks, mittens and many more.

Then few days after I gave birth we immediately bought our first baby transport which is a stroller. There are several baby transports that are available in the market. There are carrycots, baskets, slings, backpack, strollers, infant car seats, bicycle carriers and beautiful range of quality prams.

But I do not recommend that you should buy all stuff listed on your baby checklist because I can definitely say that there are things that you will not use. You will realize that there are stuff that are useful and some stuff are not helpful at all.

As I mentioned earlier, we immediately bought stroller only to find out that my baby didn’t want to stay in the stroller. So I tried a baby sling and to my disappointment, my son didn’t like it too. Good thing that I was able to sell the preloved stroller and baby sling online. I tried baby carrier and I was glad that our money was not wasted. My son was really comfortable in this carrier.

When he turned 6 months old, that was the only time that we started using a car seat, I did not only use this inside the car but we also use this at home so he was indeed comfortable using the car seat. If I need to go to the bathroom, I put him in the car seat while watching his favorite DVD.

Until now, we are still using a car seat, especially for long-distance travel. How about you? What is your favorite baby transport?

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is not something that we really celebrate, most of the time we will just eat out depending on our time and budget. Last year, I was blessed because we celebrated Mother’s Day in Taal Vista Hotel but last weekend I spent my day waiting for my OB-Gyne. I have to see my OB because for the third time UTI attacks again.

I had this feeling that I have UTI because I was experiencing abdominal pain. My Derma suggested to repeat my urinalysis because there’s possible infection so I repeat the test and went to my OB-Gyne. I’m prone to infection because I’m currently taking Methotrexate to heal my psoriasis that is why I have to regularly visit my doctor and undergo labtest quarterly.

My OB advised me to have transvaginal ultrasound too for my peace of mind. “Hindi naman kasi pwede UTI na lang lagi pag masakit ang puson, just to be sure na walang mga bukol.” She gave me request and prescription for my UTI.

Honestly, I was a little bit worried and praying that everything would be fine. So the following day, after we voted we went to OGUSCA in Festival Mall to have my transvaginal ultrasound and I was happy because there’s no lump and my reproductive organ is fine and normal.

Even I was not able to enjoy Mother’s Day and I was not able to rest and relax, I felt relieved that my abdominal pain is not that serious. I will see my OB again this Saturday for peace of mind again, I need papsmear.

“Health is Wealth”

P.S.

Last Sunday, I heard my husband and son’s conversation.

Hubby: Ethan, let’s buy gift for mommy.

Ethan: Yes, let’s buy candy crush.

#kaloka

“To make WOMEN happy. Give her these three things: ATTENTION, AFFECTION, APPRECIATION”

May 13, 2013

Grilled Liempo vs Lechon

Last Friday, I cooked Grilled Liempo for our dinner and my husband went home holding a plastic bag with lechon. He asked me if we I wanted to eat the lechon or grilled liempo. Ahh, hello tinatanung pa ba yun!?! Of course I chose Cebu’s lechon. Thanks Mel of Mel’s Hidden Passions for the pasalubong. =)

We just ate the grilled liempo the following day. Sharing with you my Grilled Liempo with Herbs recipe.

Liempo

Salt

Cracked Pepper

Garlic Powder

Italian Seasoning (I used my homemade Italian Seasoning)

Rub the liempo with salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste. Marinate for 30 minutes. Grill or bake at 180C for 25 minutes or until cooked and nicely browned.

May 09, 2013

Activities Suitable for Kids in Vancouver

Deep in the heart of British Columbia is the magical city of Vancouver, one of the most spectacular places to visit in Canada. Not only does it embrace children with the countless recreational parks and activities throughout the city, but the fantastic museums and monument landscapes are an excellent backdrop for tourists too. Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions to keep kids amused this summer in Vancouver.

Granville Island

Only a short walk from downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the city. Getting to the island itself is one of the main highlights, and kids will be able to hop aboard an aquabus – a half motor vehicle, half boat form of transport – and experience the wonders of the clear-blue sea on their way!

Once your children get to Granville Island, there are plenty of great things to see and do. Not only is there a public market, where a variety of homemade dishes, deserts, souvenirs, and clothes are made, but there’s also an indoor adventure zone, where children can play all day long!

From a water park to magic shows and evening entertainment, the adventure zone has it all, and prices are kept low all year round. There are also street performers that line the streets of Granville Island, and you can even have your portrait painted while grabbing a bite to eat!

Water Activities

Vancouver has some of the best water activities available in Canada, meaning there are plenty of activities for your children to take advantage of. From swimming pools to public beaches, you’ll be able to watch over your kids as they revel in the fantastic recreational entertainment parks in Vancouver, and there are even outdoor heated pools if you fancy a dip too!

If you’re looking to keep dry throughout the day, however, there are various options for you and your kids to enjoy. Firstly, there are many picnic areas situated near the water activity hotspots in Vancouver, meaning you can simply watch on - ice-cold drink in one hand, sandwich in the other – as some of the city’s professionals take to the waves. During the summer months, the weather can reach the high 20s too, meaning there’s always an opportunity to top up your tan!

Capilano Suspension Bridge

From Lego to Meccano, all kids take an interest in building their own structures at some stage, and there’s no better way to feed this interest them showing real-life amazing structures. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and offers some of the most fantastic views in the city.

Not only does the bridge stretch all the way over the Capilano River, but there are a variety of activities to participate in one you get to the other side! If you’re looking for great car rental dealerships on your trip to Vancouver, make sure you compare prices online before you travel.

Science World

No trip to Vancouver would be complete without taking your kids to see Science World, and from interactive exhibits to live science shows, you could literally spend the entire day here. Offering an educational approach to science, instead of just child-friendly entertainment, there’s no doubt that you’ll all leave Science World with a renewed interest in the amazing scientific wonders of the world.

Nutella Cookie

My husband and son kept on bugging me to bake chocolate chips again. They finished the triple chocolate chips in just two days and they want me to bake again. I’ve run out of instant triple chocolate mix and I have no chocolate chips at home so I bought chocolate chips last weekend but still lazy to bake the best-ever chewy chocolate chips.

I’m too lazy to measure the ingredients but since my husband and son wanted cookie, I just baked Nutella Cookie. It is one of the most pinned pictures in Pinterest. It took me a long time to try this recipe because my Nutella Brownies was not successful. But since I only need three ingredients and no mixer needed I tried it.

I was happy with result and my husband who is not a fan of Nutella liked it too but still prefers chocolate chips. It is best to pair with glass of milk.

Sharing the recipe from Butter Baking site.

1 cup Nutella (280g, 10 oz)

1 cup plain flour

1 egg

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) and line 2 trays with baking paper.

In a large bowl, mix together the Nutella and the egg. Add the flour and stir until incorporated.

The mixture will be quite thick. Roll teaspoons of dough into balls and place on the lined trays. Using the base of a glass, press each cookie down firmly.

Bake for 6 – 8 minutes. Makes 24 cookies. (I bake it for 10 minutes)

May 06, 2013

Carbonara

Just like that, we already finished the first month of summer vacation and few weeks from now the school year will start again. Last Thursday was Ethan’s last day in swimming lesson and first day of summer class so we’re still in busy mode.

Honestly, I’m not yet ready for June. I’m still lazy to go to back to school hopefully sipagin ako because I need to pay tuition, buy books and uniform. Anyway, last month I received a lot of cream of mushroom so I cooked beef with mushroom and just recently carbonara.

One of my favorite pasta is carbonara but my husband and son prefer tomato based pasta. My son called it “red spaghetti” and whenever I cooked cream based pasta he will always say “Ayaw niyan, red spaghetti please”. But they have no choice because I want to use the cream of mushroom.

Carbonara Recipe

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 medium minced onion

200 grams of bacon or ham, sliced

1 small can of sliced mushroom

1 pack of all-purpose cream

1 can of cream of mushroom

¼ cup grated cheese

2 Tbsp dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta Noodles

1. Cook pasta as directed.

2. Cook bacon and sauté garlic and onion. I used the fat from the bacon so no more butter or oil.

3. Add mushroom.

4. Add cream of mushroom and all-purpose cream. Stir.

5 .Add cheese and dried parsley.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste

7. Toss the pasta and serve.

May 03, 2013

8 Life Lessons Taught By Candy Crush

It’s not a secret here that I’m so addicted to candy crush and this is the only game that affected and stressed me when I can’t complete one level. Especially this level 305, I’m really losing my patience and I even posted this on my FB and Twitter.

I did my best, lagi na lang ganito. Natetempt na ko bumili ng lollipop

I don’t know how many days I’ve stayed in this level but I know it is more than two weeks. I was so delighted when I finally finish this level, just this morning. I was really shocked when I saw level completed. “Persistence is the key to success”

Now I need ticket to move to the next episode.

Sharing with you the 8 Life Lessons Taught By Candy Crush by Joni Cham

Candy Crush is the sweetest addiction to hit our smartphones this year, by far. It's a huge time sink and despite being immensely frustating in the later levels, people just can't stop playing.

In many ways, Candy Crush is just like real life, with 8 lessons we can use four our day-to-day lives.

8. Life is not always fair. Sometimes you get lucky with a good board, sometimes you don't. Deal with it.

7. Persistence is the key to success. If you persist long enough, one of these days you are bound to get it right somehow. Or get lucky. Or both.

6. Ask friends for help when you need it. You'll be surprised at how many are able and willing.

5. Help friends as much as you can. Life is all about give and take after all.

4. There will not always be friends who can help you out. It happens. Suck it up and wait.

3. You won't always understand what's going on. That's fine, you're not expected to.

2. Chocolate is evil. It will mess things up.

1. Life is equal parts fun and frustrating. It is full of challenges every step of the way, yet it can also be sweet and colorful!

Source: http://8list.ph/site/articles/8-life-lessons-taught-by-candy-crush-206.html

May 02, 2013

Iron Man 3

Yesterday was Labor Day and we went to the mall to pay our bills, do grocery and of course, watch Iron Man 3. My son loves Ironman and Avengers but honestly, I haven’t watched Iron Man 1 and 2 before Iron Man 3. I watched some parts of the movie because my husband and son watched it at home for the nth time.

I enjoyed the movie, so after watching Iron Man 3, I watched Iron Man 1 and later I will watch Iron Man 2. I love Tony Spark already. After watching the movie, we ate our lunch at Shakey’s. We ordered our all-time favorite Bunch of Lunch, Mojo’s and Dip, and my son requested for Raisins Ala Mode.

May 01, 2013

Living Well With Psoriasis

If you have psoriasis, please take time to answer this survey. It is a short survey to find out how you are living and coping with your psoriasis treatment. PsorAsia wanted to know how you manage your skin condition.

If you know someone who has psoriasis, please do share this survey. Click here to answer the survey.