My "I Can Eat These For Life" Food List

Its almost lunchtime and I am hungry. And because my motivation to write came from my belly, I am writing about the Top Ten Foodies I can eat for the rest of my life.

Filipino readers can very well relate to my Top Ten choices. If you happen to be anything else other than Filipino, I have added links for the recipes. I suggest you try them.

Here's my list:

1. Kare-kare and bagoong

Who wouldn't fall for this? The choice of meat would depend on the person cooking it. I prefer beef for my kare-kare. Chunks of beef simmered to perfect tenderness, the thick creamy ground rice and peanut sauce with eggplants, sitaw (a variant of string beans), and bok choy. Best served with bagoong alamang (Salted shrimp fry paste) and hot steamed rice. My mom makes the best kare-kare ever and I run over to her house every time she makes this. 

2. Lechon Kawali

This is a large slab of pork belly deep fried to perfection! The outer crunchiness of the pork skin combined with the tenderness of the meat is pure heaven! I love having lechon kawali with a dip made of soy sauce, calamansi (Philippine lemons) and chilis. Others would prefer a dip called "Mang Tomas" which can be bought in grocery stores nationwide. 

3. Ginataang Tulingan

There are many ways to cook Tulingan (Mackarel). Tracing my roots back to my ancestors who were born and raised in Batangas, the Tulingan is a staple. The most common way of cooking the fish is to to arrange it in a clay pot, seasoned only with salt and kamias (a sour fruit) and set to cook over a low flame for hours. Batangueños call this dish "Sinaing na tulingan." I prefer the other way they cook it - immersed in coconut cream and simmered over low flame. Batangueños add small pieces of turmeric adding more flavor to the sauce. The creaminess and spicy kick from the chilis are to die for!

4. Sisig

Love this exciting dish! It is a wonderful mixture of flavors and textures and would definitely would not be for the faint of heart. The original recipe is chopped portions of (just read the recipe). When I make my own, I usually get pork shoulder, boil the meat till tender and grill it for flavor before I start chopping it into little pieces. Sprinkled with a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi and chilis then topped with a fried egg. Goes very well with lots of rice. Perfect with beer too!

5. Steamed seafood (Shrimps, Crabs, Fish, Mussels, Oysters, Clams and Squid)

I have no recipe for this, and I could not find any on the web. Maybe because it is just that simple. Get your steamer ready, rub the seafood with salt and arrange them on the steamer. That's it! Others would prefer to grill it but I prefer them steamed. They come out more tender and yummy. You can eat them when they're done or toss them in a salad for more drama. The dip of choice for this would be spicy vinegar with a little fish sauce or salt. 

6. Pasta

I love pasta! Spaghetti and Meatballs, Mac and Cheese, Pasta Alfredo, Pasta Bolognese, whatever! However, I do not like the Filipino style meat sauce which is sweet and has sliced hotdogs in it. I want real authentic Italian pasta. When I make my pasta sauce, I usually place the ground beef in a skillet over low heat to render the fat. Then I chop onions and garlic (lots of it), toss it together with the beef in a crock pot, pour in a large can of Hunts' Italian Style Spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 4-6 hours. Pour it over our pasta of choice for the day, top with parmesan and voila! I'm in Belly Heaven!  

7. Potato Chips

I can never get enough of potato chips! I have no preference for brands or flavors. I just love them, period. It is the perfect companion for long work hours, movie marathons at home, blogging or simply relaxing with a good book.  With the vast choices out in the market today, I get to try a different flavor to satisfy my craving. Mojos and french fries are also likeable variations, but I still long for the crunch and flavor brought to me by no other than my favorite potato chips! 

8. Pizza

Pizza is heaven in a box! I know many people will disagree with me, but my favorite pizza toppings are shrimps, anchovies and extra mozzarella. I get my pizza only from one local chain - Shakey's. Their Friday special is my favorite, of course because of the shrimps and anchovies. I love their prompt delivery service! I have purchased a Shakey's Pizzanatic SuperCard which gives me a free pepperoni or cheese pizza of the same size with your order, plus a big bottle of Coke Zero. I pay only for one party size pizza and I get one more party size pepperoni pizza free! Great deal. Oh, did I mention that this pizza chain also gives you a free pizza on your birthday? Happiness! 

9. Cakes and Pies

A diabetic with an insatiable craving for cakes? Yes, that's me! I love cakes and pies- Black Forest, Tiramisu, Devil's Food Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Apple pies, down to the simple homemade sponge cake with lemon butter icing. To feel that velvety texture on your tongue and palate is satisfaction with the capital S. I know it is forbidden to indulge in such things and I am proud to say that I still have control over my sinful desires. I indulge in a slice once in a while and that's it. I wish I never had this disease. If I could only make it disappear for one day, I would run to the nearest Red Ribbon Bakeshop and fill myself up with as much cake as my belly can hold! 

10. Ice Cream

Another sinful treat for me. I love ice cream all year round. I love having it in the summer, in the cooler months of  January and I even love having it during the rainy season! There are so many new flavors that have hit the market and I am eager to try them all. Selecta's Mrs. Field's Chocolate Chip Ice Cream is my current #1 favorite. Closely followed by their Hershey's Kisses Ice Cream. Magnolia Nestle has this delicious Speculoos Cookie Butter Flavor, currently my 3rd favorite. I have yet to try their Pistachios and Cashew variant. Before I do run to the grocery store for a tub of ice cream, I would make sure that I have my medications. I will be fine because indulgence for me is only 3 tablespoons max. 

I apologize to leave you drooling after reading my post. Would you share with me your Top Ten and make me drool too? Haha. I'd love to hear from you.  

The Relationship of Opposites: Our Top 15 Differences

The cliche "opposites attract" is definitely true. When complete opposites get into a relationship, everyday turns out to be a fun day. There are so many things to talk about, so many things to learn from each other. They are just like fish and chips, cookies and milk, burgers and fries, and kare-kare and bagoong. One without the other is just not the same.

My hubby and I are just that. We are opposites and we're loving every bit of it. I have listed our Top 15 differences:

1. He's Caucasian. I'm Asian.

2. He's 6'1". I'm 5'1"

3. He loves chicken. I do not eat chicken.

4. He's an insomniac. I'm narcoleptic.

5. He's Protestant. I'm Catholic.

6. He can't swim. I love swimming.

7. He hates cockroaches. I don't.

8. He says lizards are harmless. I am absolutely freaked out by them.

9. English is his native language. English is my second language.

10. He thinks brown skin is beautiful. I wish I had fairer skin.

11. He's hypoglycemic. I am hyperglycemic.

12. He can't stand the sight of fish heads. I love them deep fried and crispy.

13. He loves warm summer nights. I prefer cold winter nights.

14. He's unbelievably smart. I'm a smart ass.

15. He's HANDSOME. I'm GORGEOUS.

Do you agree with me that opposites do attract? Share your thoughts and experiences. I would love to read about your story too.

Give Yourself Some Personal Time

Every woman gets her own share of mood swings. Blame it on the hormones, the job, the motherhood tasks, the worrying about anything and everything. Sometimes I feel that I really do not have enough "me time" and it gets the best of me. Last Christmas, my office mate Mischy gave me a gift which I really needed. She must have read my mind.

She gave me a small paper box containing little cards with suggestions on how to enjoy your "personal time." Each little card provides valuable advice on how to de-stress, relax and just enjoy the moment.

This little box has helped me through my "blah" days. Those days when you feel worthless, run down, ugly, angry, sad, depressed,  - those days that have been patented for women. 

I have used the box four times since Christmas. The first card I randomly picked was this:

Blogging has helped me a lot. Writing has made me become aware of the sentiments of others. It has helped me find humor in daily mundane activities. Even if I do not blog everyday, I make it a point to take note of things around me - events, experiences, changes. I would say I wait for that "push." It is my heart that drives me to turn my thoughts into words. I need to feel it to write it. 

The second card I picked was this:

My mother always had flowering plants in and around the house. She has a beautiful collection of orchids which she religiously "talks to" everyday. She buys the best kind of plant food for them to keep them always in bloom. I guess I got my green thumb from her. I am more of the practical side though. Instead of planting flowers, I raise vegetables in flower pots. My latest crops are cherry tomatoes and all sorts of peppers. I tend to them every aftenoon, watering them and loosening up the soil to aerate the roots. I wish to see them bear their first fruit. My next project would be an herb planter.. or maybe I could try mushroom farming.

My pepper plant seedlings ready for replanting in two weeks

Here's my third card:

It has been a while since I visited the schools I attended. All of them were Catholic schools, and growing up with nuns and priests taught me about not giving up in the face of adversity and the power of prayer. My love for family has its roots in the teaching of the Catholic faith and I will be forever grateful to my parents who spent a fortune on my education. The last time I went to my Alma Mater, the University of Santo  Tomas, was 3 years ago, when I took my son to enroll him for his freshman year. I did notice that so many things have changed. There were new buildings, a monstrous gymnasium, the Plaza Mayor, a student center, etc. Even student attendance is monitored by swiping an ID in the building entrance. We used to deal with a class roll call when I was a student. Now I feel so jurassic. 

The Main Building of the University of Santo Tomas. This is where I earned my degree in Zoology.

And for my 4th "blah" day this year, I picked this card:

Wake up call for me. I have to keep in mind that someone somewhere is having a worse day than me. Somebody has nothing to eat, or no roof over their head. I must be thankful of what I have. 

Although I did not follow the instructions on the card by writing names on a piece of paper, I always keep these people in mind and mention them in my prayers. In the next few days, I may be writing their names on pieces of paper and stick them in the part of the house where I am always at - in the kitchen and laundry! 

To keep our sanity, we need some quiet time all to themselves. Time to just curl up in bed with a good book, to sit with her feet up on the sofa. Time to explore the world outside the kitchen and the laundry. Time to be with childhood friends, to try a new hairstyle, to watch the sunset. Indulge in a few minutes of quiet time, to listen to our innermost thoughts and to allow God to speak to us. The only way we can effectively give love is to start loving ourselves too.

Take a few minutes off your daily routine. Bask in that much needed "Personal Time."

I did. 

Guess what? It helped.

(Thank you Mischy. I really really love the "Personal time" box)

Loving that #TruMoo Feeling!

It is the perfect time for family bonding! The cold, chilly weather may cut down on your child's outdoor playtime, however, thanks to #TruMoo, we can now enjoy a nourishing cup of Chocolate Marshmallow Milk. Its their new February flavor that your kids would surely enjoy! Its available in the dairy section at the grocery stores nationwide through the month of February. 

#TruMoo is the best milk in the market today. If you are mom like me who reads the labels before putting things in your grocery cart, you would discover that it has all the essential nutrients of regular milk - Calcium, Protein, Vitamins A, D and B12, Riboflavin, Phosphorus and Potassium. #TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow milk is made with fresh white milk sourced from regional dairies around the country - pure cocoa and just enough natural sugar to make it taste great!  #TruMoo milk contains no artificial growth hormones and no high fructose corn syrup. It is a nutritious and delicious drink that provides your child adequate nutrition during their growing years ensures proper bone and muscle development. 

Load up your grocery cart with this wonderful new #TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow Milk. Bring out the board games, teach your kids how to play chess, or watch a good family movie together. It is the perfect time to sit by the fireplace, share hugs and look at old family photos. Build memories that would last a lifetime. Share the warmth, spread the love and raise your glass for s'more!

Enjoy #TruMoo Chocolate Marshmallow hot or cold, whether you are young or old! Enjoy it hot and have yourself s'more!  You will also love their other #TruMoo Milk flavors - Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla and for a quick pick-me-up, try the delicious #TruMoo Coffee Milk! All natural, all nutritious without the high sugar content. What more can we ask for? Nothing else but S'MORE!

Create a Mark - Join #Markerly!

With the emergence of new marketing strategies, businesses are now trending towards influencer marketing. What exactly is influencer marketing? It is the ability to affect the purchasing decision of a target audience. Influencer marketing provides brands to connect with the purchasing public through a group of people called influencers whose task is to increase consumer awareness of a product which in turn leads to increase in revenue for the brand. That being said, let me introduce you to the best influencer marketing platform and blogging network I have ever joined. 

Markerly is a full service managed network with 24/7 blogger support. I love the way they provide me support whenever I need it. Unlike other blogging networks, Markerly provides prompt response to emails - not generic ones but detailed and personalized.  The founders of the company are very much hands-on in running the business, hence the prompt, personalized support. With these great minds bringing bloggers the best sponsored content opportunities, the company has added $600K in seed funding to match bloggers with brands.

These wonderful people started it all - Rahf, Justin, Sarah and Todd

This company trusted me with writing sponsored content for big name brands. I was ecstatic when I got approved to write for them. I was so nervous writing my first post for them. I wanted everything to be perfect!As soon as I submitted my article, I got paid in less than 48 hours! Now isn't that amazing?

With Markerly, you can get to work with big name brands like Levi's, Super Bowl, TruMoo, eMeals, Skillshare, etc. You can also get free products to review like wine from companies like Last Bottle Wines and Invino or get cool earbuds from Jaybird. All you have to do is to be able to write about how great these brands are and that's not difficult at all, considering the brands Markerly is working with are really great. 

Searching the web for hours looking for sponsored content opportunities can be frustrating. However, with Markerly, they make it easy for us bloggers.I get an email when I am deemed fit for an opportunity. I find this very convenient. I am offered to write about something that is in line with my interests and reader demographics. Markerly is very focused on quality blog posts and bloggers that have engaged audiences. One more fantastic thing that is offered by Markerly is that they give you heat maps of your entire post so you can see what people are clicking on.

I am sure you are all revved up to join. Markerly's network is open to anybody to join. If you have 10,000 page views a month or an average of 3 comments per post, then come on and be a part of Markerly. It is going to be a great 2014 for you.

Click here to join and start having a rewarding blogging career!

Dry Eyes Syndrome

Early this morning, my eldest son called me at work. He told me he was at the university health clinic with severe eye pain. I was close to panic and all I could ever think of is, "Oh please God, please don't let it be glaucoma."

Since I could not get off work right there and then, I asked my son to call me when the doctors were done with their tests. Two hours passed when I got to talk to him again.

"Mama," he said, "Its not glaucoma. The doctor said I have Dry Eye Syndrome." I gave a sigh of relief that it was not the worse case scenario that kept me on the edge of my seat. "The doctor said I may just be dehydrated, so she prescribed oral rehydration salts and told me to increase my liquid intake. I also have to get some eyedrops that I should use every 4 hours for two weeks," he added.

I tried to remember unusual symptoms that I may have overlooked. One week ago, my son complained of his eyes being extra-sensitive to bright light. He had to cover his eyes with a pillow before he even attempted to open them after waking up. I never thought it meant anything serious. Then he told me he had stringy mucus in his eyes. Again, I thought it could be nothing serious, and that he probably spent the day in an area where the pollution was bad.

That was until today.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome? And so I did my research. I read up on all online material I could get my hands on. I have to find out if there would be any other underlying cause for this Dry Eye Syndrome. So here I am, blogging about this disease that is affecting my college boy.

Dry Eye Syndrome may be caused by a variety of factors, and was discussed thoroughly in The Mayo Clinic website. I read about the symptoms that my son had - eye pain, stringy mucus, and sensitivity to light. The Mayo Clinic website provided easy to understand explanation of the symptoms, causes and treatment modalities. I am sharing with you very helpful information that I got from their website.

Symptoms:

1. Stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes (My son had this symptom)
2. Stringy mucus in or around your eyes (My son had this symptom)
3. Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind
4. Eye fatigue
5. Sensitivity to light (My son had this symptom)
6. Eye redness
7. A sensation of having something in your eyes
8. Difficulty wearing contact lenses
9. Periods of excessive tearing
10. Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period.

Causes:

1. Poor tear quality
• Tears have three components - oil, water and mucus. A deficiency in any of these three components can lead to dry eyes
2. Decreased tear production
• Decreased tear production (when you are unable to produce enough tears) are common in people over 50; postmenopausal women; may be associated with some medical conditions such as diabetes (this disease runs in our family), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders (this disease runs in our family too) and Vitamin A deficiency. Decreased tear production may also be caused by laser eye surgery and tear gland damage.
3. Eyelid problems
4. Use of certain medications
• Some drugs that use to treat high blood pressure
• Antihistamines and decongestants (My son uses these medications for his allergic rhinitis)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Certain anti-depresents
• Iso-tretinoin type drugs for treatment of acne
5. Additional causes
• Wind
• Dry air
• Tasks that require enough concentration that you blink less often

Treatment Modalities:

The Mayo Clinic website discusses about treating the underlying cause of Dry Eyes Syndrome. You may check it out for more in depth information.

My son was prescribed eye drops (GenTeal), 1-2 drops every 4 hours for two weeks. I have to make him learn to use a warm washcloth over his eyes and massage the corner of his eyes where the oil (Meibomian) glands are. I will make him take a Vitamin A supplement regularly and encourage him to keep himself hydrated. Most importantly, I will be more vigilant in taking note of other symptoms that may point to either diabetes or thyroid disease which both run in the family.

My family's health is one of my top priorities. It is always a good thing to address the illness at an early stage than to put off the symptoms and regret it later on.

I hope I was able to give you some useful information today. Credits and thanks to Mayo Clinic.

How Did You Know?

(please turn up your speaker volume)

Today I share with you a beautiful song performed by one of our country's finest singers, Gary Valenciano. This song is included in the official soundtrack of the movie "All my Life."

I have written about so many different things but I have not yet made one single post about the man who made me believe in love again... and this song says so much about it.

I remember so well the day you came into my life. You asked for my name, you had the most beautiful smile. October 15, 2006. The day "you" and "me" became "us" and "we." I found my soul mate, my best friend, my buddy. I met you, my sweet Poppa bear.

How did you know I needed someone like you in my life? How did you know, baby? Did you feel the void in my heart? Among the billions of women on earth, how did you find me?

You came at the right time in my life. We were both coming out of broken relationships. We shared our sadness and hurt. It helped to have someone who understood. It was heartwarming to be give and receive the love and care we both longed for. You went ahead and took on the responsibility of helping me raise my kids when their own father turned his back on them. Thank you for saving me and my children.

I'll never forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life and took all the worries and fears that I had. After my marriage with my first husband ended up in separation, I lost all belief in love and marriage. Whenever I see a young couple getting married, all I could think of is "He's going to find another woman and dump her like trash." All that changed when I met you. It was you baby, who made me believe in love again. In God's time, we will seal our love with the bond of marriage.

I guess what I'm really trying to say, its not everyday that someone comes my way. No words can express how much I love you. Love is best expressed in ways and deeds. Between the coffee and cigarettes, the occasional bottle of beer we share, new recipes and wonderful cheese, its the loving glances we exchange with each other. The soft smile, the caring gestures, lots of hugs and silly laughter are things that make our day complete. I am looking forward to a lifetime with you, sweetie. My pinky promise! We'll grow old and wrinkled together, count grandchildren, get our own "His" and "Hers" walking sticks, or wheelchairs, or diapers, or what-nots. We will live a full life together. Our children will look to us as models of how love and family should be. You will be my forever sunshine, my cuddly bear, my sweetie pie. I love you baby. You've got  this feisty dragon all mushy right now.

From Light Weight to the Right Weight

Losing weight seems to be a worldwide trend. However, we need to take a look at the other end of the scale. There are some individuals who are desperately trying to gain weight. These may be young adults who want to be buff, or athletes that need to gain more muscle mass. Others may be recuperating from an illness while a handful are those who are recipients of the gene for skinniness. I am particularly involved in finding a way to gain weight the healthy way because the hubby needs to regain the weight he lost over the past months.

I have done my research and read lots of articles about how to gain weight safely and effectively. Out of all the articles I read, there is one common advice - INCREASE YOUR CALORIE INTAKE.

Increasing the daily calorie intake entails choosing and eating the right foods, not those that are high in calories but provide zero nutrition (i.e. sugary snacks). In weight management, the diet for gaining or losing weight are basically the same. We should consume portions from all the food groups, only in different proportions - more of it if we want to gain and less if we want to lose weight.

Here are some tips I have collected that would help provide healthy weight gain:

• Start with hydration. 50-60% of the human body is composed of water. It is only logical that we drink up to keep our cells healthy and receptive to assimilate nutrients. Coconut water is a refreshing drink that contains more potassium than 4 bananas.

• Stimulate your appetite. A short walk before a meal can jump start our appetite. A light round of exercise or any activity that would make us move around is encouraged. Exercise is also essential in weight gain.

• Get Meaty. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs and Seafood are all allowed. Always ask for an extra serving. These would give our bodies amino acids which are the building blocks of protein.

• Complex carbohydrates are your ally. Potatoes, legumes, whole wheat bread, corn, and yams are your new friends. These foods rates not only provide us energy, it also gives us good healthy fiber for easy digestion.

• Go nuts over nuts (and seeds). Devour nuts and seeds by the handful. It is a known fact that nuts and seeds contain protein, fiber, minerals and healthy fat (mono-and polyunsaturated fat). Make a habit out of snacking on peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazel nuts, cashew nuts, and coconuts. Oops, not the last one. Coconuts go into a different category.

• Daily Dairy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are tops in providing protein and calcium. So raise your glass and drink up. Word of caution to those who are lactose intolerant: Read the label and make sure you are getting the lactose-free kind.

• Have fun with colorful fruits and vegetables. Pack those vitamins and minerals by having dense fruits like apples and pears. Have your fill of veggies. If vegetables are not your thing, make yourself a fruit and vegetable smoothie and enjoy. Mix and match different fruits and veggies to suit your taste.

• Choose your oils. Olive, Palm, Canola and soybean oil are rich in Vitamin A and are classified as "healthy oils," because they are unsaturated fats and do not cause an increase in the blood cholesterol levels. Use liberally on salads and for preparing food. Avocados also contain a lot of healthy oil so start making a large batch of guacamole!

• Snack Attack. There are numerous ways to prepare high calorie healthy snacks. A bagel smothered with peanut butter and washed down with a fruit smoothie is relatively easy to make. 

Now that I have mapped out a plan to put the hubby on the path of regaining strength and body weight, I would be happy to see him gain a pound a week.

Do you have any high protein or high calorie nutritious recipes to share? Please do. It would be much appreciated. 

Are you a Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself Mom too?

It was seven years ago when my spouse and I got our own little apartment. During our first Christmas together, he asked me, "What do you want for Christmas, sweetie?" Without batting an eyelash, I said, "A toolbox"

I assume most men were wanting to hear "I'd like a necklace" or "A new purse" or maybe "A pair of designer jeans and shoes." Well, that's not me. 

All I wanted was a toolbox - complete with screwdrivers, a wrench, a small hammer, a vise grip, long nose pliers and a wire cutter. I also wanted some washers, a few nuts and bolts, nails, electric and plumbing tape, hooks and screws. My reason was for practicality. I am not the person who would be on the phone calling a plumber to fix a leaking faucet. I can do that myself. Saves me a lot of money. I can assemble my own electrical extension cord, change washers, install clotheslines, and tighten door hinges. I can craft a small wooden stool out of scrap. 

I learned these skills from my Dad. I guess he really wanted a boy for a first born but instead, he got me! Haha. Tough luck. Nevertheless, I did not regret having grease on my hands, getting a few cuts, or hitting my thumb with a hammer. I learned how to properly position a jack and change car tires all by myself. Neat, huh? I am a true-blue HANDY-WOMAN, Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself mom.

Well, I did get my wish and I have my own set of tools that I use for minor repairs around the house. The hubby is so proud of me. He is simply amazed at how a woman like me can do things like that. Maybe its because I am Filipino? Unfazed by adversity? Or is it just because I was trained early in life to be independent? I have no idea. All I know is that it saves us money. Maybe next Christmas I would ask for power tools. 

How about you? What was the most unconventional  present you asked from your spouse? Are you a true-blue HANDY-WOMAN, Save-Your-Money-And-Do-It-Yourself mom too?

My Last Day of 2013 in Pictures

Its the first day of the New Year. Whew!

Its 2014. Another chance at making the world a better place (in my own little way).

Here are some pictures of how I spent the last day of the past year.

Woke up and took pictures of nature in bloom:

Aimed my camera up in the sky and took captured one of the bluest skies I've seen:

Asked my boys to take charge preparing lunch. Oh yes, they were grilling pork chops in our tiny charcoal grill:

Watched the annual Christmas Street Party for the neighborhood kids:

Paid my mom a visit (She lives on the next street from ours). Mama didn't like to have her picture taken because she said she's not dressed nicely and does not have any lipstick on. Haha. My mom the fashionista. 

Walked home and captured the last sunset of 2013

And finally, had a blast watching the fireworks and taking pictures of it. These are the only decent ones I was able to capture. My shutter finger was too slow. :)

Welcome 2014! Peace, love and blessings of prosperity to everyone!