Home Improvements

It's been 4 1/2 months now since I moved here and believe it or not, I still feel quite unsettled. The house is basically complete with everything we need. But I feel like it still lack some homey touch to it. I've been spending quite some time moving furnishings around, placing decorative items on surfaces, experimenting what would look good in the space we have. It's challenging to decorate - aside from the fact that I don't particularly excel in interior design (other way of saying I have poor taste in that aspect) - this place is way bigger than my condo back in Makati - so much space I feel like I must fill in.

I finally had a chance to hang the photos I printed on canvas on December. I actually thought it's big enough for my plans on our wall, but apparently it still feels small. Nevertheless, I don't think I can afford at the moment to print this in a real big blow up canvas all over again as I find printing services here (good ones) quite pricey! So I guess at this point, I have to live with what I have.

Took these photos in Boracay Island, Philippines in 2009. This sunset series is my most favorite series of all the sunset photos I've ever taken. I feel accomplished that I finally got it printed - and hung.

It does look small. I'm sure it would look way better if it was bigger, but too late for that. 

This is what the side wall looks like. The scratching post on the wall is a must if we want to spare our shelf from cat scratches. The little grass plant under is a cat grass. It's completely destroyed now.

I've also found myself in love with succulents and cacti. I want to fill our house with it.

And of course, 2 out of 6 of my lovies - Lottie and Pansie.

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Support Pet Adoption

For a change, I'd like to share something other than cooking (and hopefully this will excuse me from not posting any recipe for more than a week).

I volunteered in an pet adoption event held by CARA Welfare Philippines last Saturday and covered it in behalf of Mark who's a member and their designated photographer. CARA (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals) is a non-profit, non-government organization ran by dedicated volunteers who aim to educate citizens in regards to responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and rights, promoting spay/neuter/TNR to control animal population. CARA offers low cost spay/neuter program and veterinary services to help low-income households be able to afford medical assistance for their beloved animals. A common misconception about the organization is that it is a shelter. Unfortunately, it isn't. The facility CARA have is a clinic. The rescues are fostered by members, and when they are ready, they are sent up for adoption.

I could write a whole lot about the sad facts about the lives of cats and dogs stray population in this country, why it happens, how people neglect them, how the majority of citizens are apathetic, and how much people feel sorry but never make a move to help be part of the solution. I could go on and on but that's another story.

Looking at the bright side, I'd like to share heart warming photos of people who dedicated their time to get these less fortunate animals find a loving home, and people who went to either adopt and open their homes to them, or donated for this cause. Even when I lose hope on people at times, there's still a tiny bit part of me who believes that there are still a lot of good people among us.

It was nice to see that there were a lot of people who have shown interest in the adoption. They may not all have adopted, but it's a great chance for us to educate people why we do what we do,  responsible pet ownership, and why it is important to consider adoption first rather than buying a pet companion.

Tireless volunteers assist people with questions how to go about adopting a cat from CARA.

Potential Adopters are interviewed and are asked to sign up an adoption sheet. Just like any adoption centers, CARA ensures that the animals will get to a home where they can be supported and cared for, provide appropriate food and medical assistance when necessary. CARA also makes follow up visitation to the adopter's home as part of the adoption policy. 

Here are the adorable rescued dogs that also came in the hopes that they will find a family and forever home . They are very healthy, well behaved, friendly and very loving.  The lovely girl on top is their foster parent who have at least 13 rescued dogs under her care. 

The two little girls were very excited to bring home these two cute cuddly tabbies. (Right) Handsome Antonio the cat was one of my favorites and I'm truly happy for him that he got adopted too by these two young ladies :).

The cats are very grateful to these wonderful families who opened their hearts and homes to them.

It was an eventful Saturday. I was tired but it was worth it. After the event, Gerry, Anton and I went to dinner and then had a full body massage after. Nice eh?

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What's In My Fridge?

If there are articles about women and their purses,of what things they always carry and can't leave the house without, I wonder, for a home cook's perspective, what are the things you can't afford to not have in your fridge?

I made a short list of my essentials. Here we go!

French beans is a must. I use it a lot not only because it's one of my favourites, but it's a perfect match for almost any dish - as a side or salad. There are also varieties on how you can serve it. Parboiled, steamed, stir-fried or grilled. All yummy!

I always stock up on tomatoes, both big and small. This is by far the most used vegetable/fruit in my cooking.  I love it in my scrambled eggs, soups, in my salad, tossed in my pasta, or just to eat it as is. I also use it as a relish mixed with salt and vinegar. It taste good too when fried, roasted, or baked.

I turn to potatoes when I cut down on rice. It's a great source of carbohydrates but wouldn't make you as bloated as when you eat rice. I can do a lot of things with it - hash browns, mashed potatoes, deep friend potato balls, boiled or baked!

I love Japanese cucumber over normal cucumber because it's thinner and smaller, easy to consume in one sitting.   It is my quick fix when I crave for something green and fresh. It's also great for quick salads, salsa,  and even a healthy drink!

I feel like I'm naked without lemon. Juice, tea, cocktails, soda, water, salsa, soup, sauces, dips, pastries - they all count on Mr. Lemon here. And I'm crazy about the smell!

Yes, we have a love affair. Kiwi is just irresistible to me and I must have it once a day at the least :P.

So I'm curious, what's in your fridge?

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Basil blossoms

I never thought basil can bear flowers! Seriously, I thought the plant is just all about leaves - not until my basil plant grew a bunch.


My basil plant at the balcony, over looking the busy intersection of Tordesillas and Gil Puyat.


Cute basil blossoms.

I love fresh basil leaves so much that at one point I felt like I was addicted to it. But I don't like buying them from the supermarket because you can't get a small portion. I prefer to not refrigerate them if possible because I want to keep it crunchy. But with the constant warm weather, it won't last long. And even when I refrigerate, it withers. So they always end up in the biodegradable trash bag :(. So we decided to grow one instead, this way we can get only what we need - no more waste! Plus, we are sure that it is pesticide free.

I always dream of growing my own herbs since I love herbs so much. But unfortunately, aside from a small space in the balcony I could spare for a garden, most herbs that I like don't grow on warm weather. For now, I only have basil and parsley. The parsley shares the same pot as the basil.



The parsley, on the other hand, doesn't grow. It doesn't die either. It's just as is! I'm guessing it's because the basil is taking all the nutrition from it. Next time I go to the mall, I'll get a separate pot for it, and maybe get my next herb so I can start realizing my mini-garden plans in that small space we have left in the balcony. I love plants. And I don't understand why I am living in a building where I couldn't grow them comfortably :S.

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