My Little Spanish Matador

Finally the day has come. The UN Day Program at AJ's Montessori. As I have mentioned a few  weeks back, he was assigned to represent Spain and Matador was my inspiration for his costume. I admit that I am a crammer. Even if I had the materials weeks prior to the event, I waited for the last weekend and the day before the event to finish up his costume. I sew a red and gold ribbon at the edge of his vest and the side of his pants. Then I sew the hem of his pants to make it 3/4 shorter. Then I sew a red cloth on one side of the cape that I bought. And  nights of carefully sewing it together and praying that it will look good in the end, I'm so glad to say that the end result was great.

my little Matador

During the Program they sang and dance and the pre-schoolers shared some famous places in the world. AJ was assigned to say something about the Stonehenge. And I am one proud momma because he really did memorize it (a month long of helping him memorize per phrase was worth it). And he did very well during the presentation. He missed a preposition but thats fine. He did very good at age 4. They also danced to the tune of Bailamos and sang I am but a Small Voice.

And to end the week,yesterday at Olivia's 1st birthday party which is a Halloween theme party. He was suppose to be a Bandido or Zoro but the costume I bought is too big for him so I end up dressing him his UN day costume. And it was for the better since he won the best in costume in the kids-boy category :) got a 500 GC as price :) and that's more than half the cost of the entire ensemble. haha! my hard work paid off!

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Before I was just ordering this from the restaurant whenever me and my hubby eat out. But now, I cook it whenever I feel like eating  this healthy (asparagus and olive oil) but sinful (bacon) food.

Thank you to Rachael Ray for this recipe. I just added the oyster sauce so its not too dry.

• 1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears (trimmed 4-5 inches long tips)
• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
• A few grinds black pepper
• 4 slices center-cut bacon or pancetta
• 1/2 cup oyster sauce

Lightly coat asparagus spears in EVOO. Season the asparagus with black pepper. Take a quick count of the spear tips. Divide the total number by four. Gather that number of spears and use a slice of bacon to wrap the bundle and secure the spears together with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

heat the stove top grill, place bundles on hot grill and cover. Cook 10-12 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus bundles are tender. drizzle with oyster sauce.

**if oyster sauce is not available, make this as substitute:

Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tbsp sugar, pinch of ground pepper, 1 tbsp of corn starch and 1 tbsp water.

Bon Appétit


xoxo,
S

Pork Binagoongan (Pork with Shrimp Paste)

Making most of what I have in the kitchen is a feat. And when my husband said that he is craving for pork binagoongan (pork with shrimp paste) for lunch, I was hoping with all might that I'd have every ingredient I need to be able to make it. I haven't made this kind of viand so I check the good 'ol reliable google for the ingredients.

And as I scan through our refrigerator,  I found some bagoong (shrimp paste) stashed by my mom. I don't know how long it has been in there but upon inspection, there's no mold nor doesn't smell spoiled. Good! That's one down. I also saw some green chili for the additional kick of spiciness. Didn't have brown sugar so I substituted it with the regular white one. As soon as I have everything, I went on with it.

And the result? Tadah!!

a delicious Sweet Sour and Spicy Pork Binagoongan

Ingredients:

1kilo pork (Liempo) with fat (cut into cubes)

2 cups of bagoong alamang (Shrimp Paste)

1 head of garlic (minced)

1 big onion (minced)

4 tomatoes (diced)

4 chili peppers (minced) or according to taste

½ cup vinegar

4 tablespoons brown sugar

½ cup water

Cooking procedure:

 1. In a casserole, put water and boil pork in a low fire until water evaporates.

 2. When oil from pork starts to come out, fry it until it's lightly crispy then put in on the side.

 3. Saute' garlic, onion, chili and tomatoes with the oil from the cooked pork and pour pork and mix it.

 4. Add bagoong/shrimp paste and cook for 5 minutes.

 5. Pour in the vinegar and stir well, add the sugar and let it simmer for few minutes until it's cooked.

Bon Appétit,

xoxo.

REVIEW: The Blind Side

The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family.   
                                              
I missed this movie on the big screen but I'm glad I was able to see it on video. It amazes me that there are still people who are selfless. And Sandra Bullock's character as Leigh Anne Tuohy is heartwarming yet strong and firm with conviction in everything that she believes in. A supportive family is also important for one endeavor to achieve the desire to help a stranger, another human being.

I find myself crying in almost every scene where Leigh Anne and  Michael Oher are in it. I guess I am overwhelmed with love  and the scenes transcends it effectively to me as a viewer. Like I am witnessing a miracle right in front of me. The feeling was amazing. Wonderful. Happiness.

For me, this should have been the best picture at the 2010 Academy Awards. I hope everyone who gets to watch this movie would be touched and start to see goodness in others even in the most unexpected situations.

xoxo.

Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I have waited for a Dan Brown novel after reading his Digital Fortress, Deception Point and of course the action pact Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. I was excited when the Lost Symbol was released but I have to be patient for the release of the paperback (for cost efficiency reasons of course) plus I want it be be handy that it can fit into my daily purse.

And so when the paperback was finally released and NBS has a book-cut-sale... I didn't think twice of what to pick. But I was disappointed. I mean very disappointed. First of all the suspense is not that evident unlike in  the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. Next is that its too predictable. I was able to predict the true identity of the antagonist even before the confrontation. And the ending was very dragging. After the revelation of the identity of the antagonist and knowing that I was right all along...I was having a hard time finishing the book in one sitting. The ending was not as grand as I hoped it would be. I found my self saying... That's it? that's the Lost Symbol?

This is not one of Dan Brown's best work. The Da Vinci Code is still his best so far.

Matador Costume for UN Day

Spanish Matador

The day i learned that my son will be representing Spain for the upcoming UN DAY celebration at their montessorri, i immediately went to work with my hands in googling Spanish costumes for kids. I found photos of Spanish dancers with colorful raffles but i don't want my boy to wear those.. that will look good on girls but not on my boy.. also some sites suggested Zoro / bandido outfits but I think thats not a good example to kids..so that one is one.. and then finally.. the MATADOR.. manly, brave, warrior just like the meaning of my son's name..Andre. Perfect!

And so yesterday, while waiting for my husband to pick me up, i took advantage of where I am.. I was at Market Market! and decided to go to the department store.. unfortunately, no Matador costume.. there were Spanish dancer costume for girls though. I passed by some Halloween costume for kids and I saw a Bandido costume. And so an idea came up! If I can't find a Matador costume, I'll make one myself.

I was so excited with the idea that I went online using my mobile phone right there and then and search for some inspirations. Again though google. And so I picked up the Bandido costume.. I'll  make use of the black pants, black cape and will cut the black longsleeve shirt to make it as a vest. Then I headed to the bookstore and  bought some gold laces and shiny golden ribbons to accessorize the costume. I just need a while long sleeve polo shirt and a black necktie and i'm good..

I can't wait to start this project.. I just hope it will turn out great.

this is the finished product i hope to achieve.

xoxo.