Long Live Prince William and Kate! Cheers!

The Royal Wedding in 60 seconds:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/video/royal-wedding-60-seconds-13490065?tab=9482931&section=1206828&playlist=&page=1


Alright, alright I hope this will be the last for my view of the royal wedding. I just can't help it. The little girl in me is still wishing good for all mankind. I tried to stay up to watch the live coverage and that entails 4am, Canada time, that's 10am in London. Now, may you live happily ever after!


Take a quick look at these breathtaking pictures that's just fit for a modern generation princess. Let your eyes feast on these pictures below:

http://ca.royalwedding.yahoo.com/photos/sets/1127/Kate%27s-wedding-look.html

She wore the Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. As much as it was simple and elegant fit for a modern day princess, I still love Princess Diana's. Now, that just me. What do you think?

Now, is everybody famish? Here's the menu courtesy of, www.perezhilton.com

Cornish Crab Salad on Lemon Blini
Pressed Duck Terrine with Fruit Chutney
Roulade of Goats Cheese with Caramelised Walnuts
Assortment of Palmiers and Cheese Straws
Scottish Smoked Salmon Rose on Beetroot Blini
Miniature Watercress and Asparagus Tart
Poached Asparagus spears with Hollandaise Sauce for Dipping
Quails Eggs with Celery Salt
Scottish Langoustines with Lemon Mayonnaise Pressed Confit of Pork Belly with Crayfish and Crackling
Wild Mushroom and Celeriac Chausson
Bubble and Squeak with Confit Shoulder of Lamb
Grain Mustard and honey-glazed Chipolatas
Smoked Haddock Fishcake with Pea Guacamole
Miniature Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Fillet of Beef and Horseradish Mousse
Gateau Opera
Blood Orange Pate de Fruit
Raspberry Financier
Rhubarb Crème Brulee Tartlet
Passion Fruit Praline
White Chocolate Ganache Truffle
Milk Chocolate Praline with Nuts
Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffle

Délicieux!!

Young Kids View About the Royal Wedding

This is so touching...Out from the mouth of babes. These kids are sweet and brutally honest about the Royal Wedding.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/young-londoners-royal-wedding-13479944?tab=9482931&section=12640792&playlist=&page=1

Royal Wedding, What?

Alright, everyone is talking about this Royal Wedding for weeks now. For me, it seems to be decades already. Both British and American media and the rest of the world are waiting and anticipating for this to unfold. Obviously, who doesn't want to live like a real princess, eh? Even Kate Middleton who's a commoner like me didn't expect this at all. I guess the world can't wait to see the whole fairytale wedding. Life is really full of surprises. I would also wait for years just to make sure that I get that crown and capture the heart of the future king. Congratulations, Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales! I wish Princess Diana is around to witness these important event of her son!

Here's the link to see the Official Royal Wedding updates:
www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/

No matter how people and girls fantasize about this matrimony a lot are still cynical and some citizens are said to fly somewhere to have a good vacation. However, not all brits are happy about this wedding of the decade.  Well, we can't please everybody that's for sure. However, let's just give this two people to live a life worthy of love. Oh, the hopeless romantic in me...What do you think? These couple looks like they will live happily ever after, right?

Look at the irony of life. While others are buying for some wedding memorabilia. Here are some anti-wedding memorabilia.

http://ca.royalwedding.yahoo.com/photos/sets/1108/Anti-wedding-memorabilia.html

Happy Easter Everyone

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

-Irish Proverbs-

Observance of the Lenten Season

I was watching OPRAH today and this video just confirmed what I have been feeling and searching for answers all these years. Here's some important questions we should ask ourselves: What's wrong with our world and what can what can we do about it? It's true we are compelled to acquire things and more things in our lives and still feels empty. I feel guilty about it at times and I am feeling disconnected with my real purpose and what's the reason why I am here on earth. I'm sure you all have heard about the world ending and stuff like that on television and the internet but instead of creating fear within us, why can't we cooperate and do our fair share to help or to be passionate of our calling, whatever it is. I believe that each of us has a reason why are here on earth and all we have to do is to search deep within ourselves and know that we are given a chance to fulfill that purpose. It's time to show our light to the world and make a difference in our own unique and special way. Feel free to post your comments and ideas. Remember, we are all brothers and sisters. Let there be love shared among us.

A Wonderful Story

All too often, we get caught up in the "hustle and bustle" of our lives and some of the simple things that give meaning to life can escape our attention for a little while and we take things for granted as well.

This story is a reminder to "stop-and-smell-the-roses" a little each day.
Let this be a reminder that life is fragile and it has be lived and appreciated every single day.


"Seven Wonders Of The World"

A group of young students was given an assignment to do in class...
They were asked to list what they thought were presently the Seven Wonders of the World.

Although there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Great Pyramids of Egypt
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. Great Wall of China
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So, she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, and then in a soft voice read,
"I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:"
1. "to touch"
2. "to taste"
3. "to see"
4. "to hear"
She hesitated a little, and then added,
5. "to feel"
6. "to laugh"
7. "and to love!"
The room was suddenly silent - you could have hear a pin drop.
- Source Unknown -

Those things we overlook as "simple" and "ordinary" are truly wondrous.
Reflecting on the power and beauty of simple things is good for the heart, the soul, and the spirit.

 If life is a series of dance steps, then, might as well learn them and have a graceful execution.

So Catchy, I Got the Clean Version!

Stanley Cup is Coming Home, J'espere!

 Take a careful watch at this video about the Stanley Cup. I am happy that the HABS made it to the playoffs. I am hopeful that they will nail it, however, I will have to wait and see I guess. I am hopeful, though. Some are not thinking that we have a shot of winning but hey, that's the positive side of me saying, why not, eh?

Very Uplifting Letter

I am in awe. I thank God for all His blessings in my life and that includes the air that I breath, the water that I drink, the clothes I put on everyday, the food I eat to nourish me, the health which is my greatest wealth, my beloved parents, siblings and friends through thick and thin. Life is still amazing and is full of surprises. One thing is sure, God's love for all of us. This is a beautiful letter and it's so encouraging no matter what situation we are in right now in our dear lives. Personally, I definitely can relate to. Remember, the only way to go is UP.

Let's Have a Good Laugh

Gosh, I can't stop laughing everytime I see these pesky animals! Let's be honest, they're so adorable, eh?
They do brighten someone's day...So, go ahead and laugh!

Stewed Beef Shank (Bulalo)

I love this recipe so much! It's comfort food especially during the cold weather. I remember a place back in the Philippines where the beef stew or "bulalo" is super yummy! Living in Montreal isn't a problem since we have a lot of stores that provides all the food from back home..So, here's something for everybody who misses home. I tweaked it a little bit to call it my own. I add some great spices that makes it more healthy and tons of vegetables as well.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef shank

shanghai greens, bok choy or brussels sprouts (I use the greens that are in season)

3 pcs corn, each cut into 3 parts

2 tbsp whole pepper corn

1/2 cup shallots

1 medium sized onion

1/2 liter of water

green chili (if you want it spicy)

2 tbsp fish sauce (optional)

Cooking Procedure

1. In a big cooking pot, pour in water and bring to a boil. (You can use a slow cooker or a pressure cooker)

2. Put-in the beef shank followed by the onion and whole pepper corn then simmer for 1.5 hours (30 mins if using a pressure cooker) or until meat is tender. ( I cooked it slow for a good 2 hours)

3. Add the corn and simmer for another 10 minutes

4. Add the fish sauce, shanghai greens, pechay, and green onion or shallots

5. Add a little paprika and turmeric.

6. Serve hot with jasmine rice. Enjoy!

Chocolate Biscuit Recipe Royalty-Style

I recently had this chocolate biscuit cake and I absolutely love it. I am obviously hooked with the idea of baking these days and try new things. So, I bumped into this recipe from the Canadian Living website. The Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake was provided by Michael Dunn, a former chef at Buckingham Palace. There you go, imagine yourself dining with the royalty in London just in time for Prince William and Kate's spring wedding.

Ingredients:

20 arrowroot biscuits, (4 oz/125 g) 8 oz (227 g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (Belgian if possible) 1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream 1/2 cup (125 mL) granulated sugar

 

Preparation:

Line 5-3/4- x3-1/4-inch (625 mL) loaf pan with waxed paper; set aside.
Break biscuits into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces; place in large bowl. Place chocolate in heatproof bowl. In saucepan, stir cream with sugar; bring to boil. Pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) of the chocolate mixture to biscuit pieces; stir to coat.
Pour biscuit mixture into prepared pan; smooth top. Cover and refrigerate cake and remaining chocolate mixture separately until cake is firm, about 4 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
Remove remaining chocolate mixture from refrigerator; let come to room temperature.
Invert cake onto serving plate; peel off paper. Using small palette knife, spread remaining chocolate mixture over cake. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.) Slice thinly.

17-Day Diet, Anyone?

I am still hopeful about this! What not to love, it's just 17-days, right? I'm interested. I hope this time it will work. People of the world, let's go and try this one. Yeah, I tried watching what I eat and really cutting my sugar intake but darn those baby fat is just not going away. Yeah, excuses, excuses! I just hope to really putting my mind and heart into seeing myself healthy and fit again! ;)

Now, that spring is here it's time to bring that lovely feet out and walk to a nearby park.

This video became viral and we got people talking...Hmmm...

I'm Charlie Sheened-Out

Oh, the great Charlie Sheen! This man is mad as hell and he's really cashing in a lot of money for all the things that's going on about his life. A lot of people are so supportive, however, I'm super Charlie Sheened-Out at this point. As much as the guy is really talented and has the charisma to the maddening public. Let's all get some rest..I wish him all the best and hope that he would get better for the sake of his kids and his future. Not that I am concerned, the guy is just all over the place and we all have other stuff to worry worldwide. Duh!

Meanwhile, let him do what he thinks is better for his merchandise. As for me, I'll have a little pause. I want to win in my own life's challenges as well! I've learned something, "Money can make you mad sometimes."

Is It A Miracle or Just Sheer Luck?

 

First and foremost, I really don't know where to begin with this blog because it's way too personal for me but I love the positive result of what took place and the events that unfold, thereafter, that it's it important for me to share it. So, let me bring you back to the memory lane. I still vividly remember that it was 30th birthday. I received this lovely pair of princess cut diamond earrings as a gift from a special someone. I loved it so much to the point of wearing it everyday.  Anyway, we all know that time flies so fast...Let's fast forward, I've been loving it and using it for about two years or so when I decided to clean it one day. Just for the heck of cleaning. Well, I went to the sink and let the faucet ran and it all happened to fast, one of the earring was swept directly by the water down the drain. I was speechless of course. I was super sad and I don't know what to do. It was very special for me and the sentimental value was way too much more than the value of the earring. So, instead of sulking at the corner and feel bad about it I just said, well, it's just a material thing and I won't let it affect me. But honestly, I am really sad. Well, to make the long story short, after two years of having lost that special present. I kind of forget it really. However, I don't know if it was sheer luck, but one day there was a problem with the sink that it needs to be changed. So, I was there to overlook the job and I said to the plumber, please give me the valve and anything that's stuck with it. Geez, it was really disgusting. In my heart, I really wished that somehow that earring is still there. But alas, I really took a hard look with the dirt and forget how ridiculously crazy it was. Voila, I saw the sparkle in the middle of the dirt. I can't believe what I saw! I am very happy and elated! I was there to see it all! Enough said!