Find Your Happiness

Nathaniel has a mirror in front of his car seat and it keeps him occupied sometimes because he thinks it's another baby. Here we are, a few weeks ago, waiting for my husband since we decided to meet him for lunch at work. Nathaniel was blowing raspberries but it quickly turned into something else. He wasn't really frustrated and the only word I can think of to describe it is the Tagalog (Philippines) word " Gigil ," which does not have an English translation. According to Tagalonglang.com it means: " trembling or gritting of the teeth in response to a situation that overwhelms your self-control ." Here are great scenarios of this Tagalog word. Or see photo #4 :) And here's an animation version to put it all together :) Linking up to: Simplicity: Photography Challenge---Blooper!

Puto (or Steamed Rice cake) is one of the well-known Filipino delicacies because they are light, sweet and just plain delicious. They can be eaten for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, as a snack with hot chocolate or by itself, which is my favorite. The traditional way of making puto requires soaking sticky rice overnight and then grinding it to a paste-like consistency but sticky rice is not always easily accessible to some. So my best girlfriend shared this quick and easy recipe after making a batch for me during our summer visit in Indiana. And then my grandmother in the Philippines sent me puto cups/molds last month so I was finally able to make them myself this past weekend. (You can use small ramekins, too.) I do have to say that I am not allowed to make them again anytime soon per Hubby's order. In my defense, they turned out light, airy, and super delicious and that's why I can't make them again. Dean ate most of them in less than two days. Makes three d...

My grandmother often used leftover rice we had for dinner by cooking fried rice for breakfast the next day. Growing up, it was one of my favorite breakfast dishes but since it is usually just me and the little one for breakfast, I tweaked this recipe so it could be more substantial, nutritious, and fit for dinner that the whole family can enjoy. Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 (12oz) Hickory Smoke Spam, cubed 1/2 onion, diced 2-3 gloves garlic, chopped 2 eggs 1 tablespoon milk 3 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old) 2 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional) 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional) Directions: Sautee onions and Spam in vegetable oil. When onions are soft and translucent, add garlic and cook for a couple minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour mixture into the wok/pot and stir constinously until eggs are cooked. Add rice, vegetables, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Continue to cook until r...