Christmas 2009

Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

How did you spend your holiday season?

Brittany Murphy

Just when I thought we are done with shocking deaths. Goodbye Brittany Murphy. Almost every girl (including myself) was a Tai back in the day.

Actress Brittany Murphy dies in LA at age 32

By ANTHONY McCARTNEY (AP) – 40 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES — The unexpected death of 32-year-old Brittany Murphy, who gained fame in such movies as "8 Mile" and "Just Married," appeared to be from natural causes but police are investigating, officials said.

Murphy died about 10 a.m. Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to the hospital.

Read more.

Sundried Tomatoes and Basil Torte

Our women's life group had a Christmas dinner Monday night and someone prepared this very delicious dip. It was so good I had to ask for the recipe.

I plan to replicate this dip on the next Christmas party. I hope what I make comes close to what I tasted!

Here is the recipe.


SUNDRIED TOMATOES AND BASIL TORTE

1 bar cream cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
assorted crackers

Soak sundried tomatoes in 1/4 cup olive oil.

In a processor or blender, add olive oil and basil leaves.

Add garlic.

Wash the processor or blender and add cream cheese and mayonnaise.

Blend until smooth and easy to spread.


To assemble:

Layer 1 - pesto

Layer 2 - cream cheese

Layer 3 - sundried tomatoes

Layer 4 - cream cheese


Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

My Christmas 2009 Wish List

I rarely receive gifts on my wish list (but I love ALL gifts that I do receive!) but I do find pleasure in listing down some of the little stuff that I know will put a smile on my face.

I also do not consider myself materialistic but I do feel very loved when someone takes the time to make, write or get me something that is tangible.

Here are some things I wouldn't mind seeing beautifully wrapped under my tree.


The Experts' Guide to Life at Home by Samantha Ettus


Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Edition Photo Printer


The 80's to 90's Combo Travel Game


Everything You Pretend to Know And Are Afraid Someone Will Ask by Lynette Padua


Canon LA-DC58H Conversion Lens Adapter for Canon G7 & G9 Digital Cameras


Electronic Guesstures


Divine by Karen Kingsbury



Underwater Case for the CANON Powershot G9


Wii Fit


NARS Everlasting Love Palette



What's on your wish list? :-)

My Tree and Me

I absolutely love it when I stumble upon websites that get my imagination running wild.

Robert and I live in a tiny apartment in the heart of Metro Manila. I just love how our small space encourages me to be creative in making our home beautifully decorated.

I just got done putting up a photo gallery by the entrance of our place. Right now I am looking around for more ways to brighten up our other walls.

One of my "future" projects (meaning: someday, when I have the energy and resources to do it) is to develop a family tree. I had no idea how I was going to make it look like but I knew I wanted to make one someday.

This is why I was so thrilled when I found "My Tree and Me" -- which designs customized and modern-looking genealogy charts.

Look at these designs to appreciate the work that My Tree and Me does.






My favorite design.


A lovely idea to give to our future children!

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

"The Noticer" written by Andy Andrews is really a tough one for me to review. To those who have been following this blog, I am part of the Bloggers' Review Program of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

A reader's reaction to the book will generally be categorized into two: it is either you really love it or you really didn't care much for it.

Those who end up loving it are those who find it refreshing to read a light, inspirational Christian fiction after a series of heavy reading.

Those who end up not liking it probably has read something similar in the recent times and might find the story a little bit cliched and probably very reminiscent of Tuesdays With Morrie.

I consider myself more of the latter. However, I have a deep appreciation on the heart behind the book.

"Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective" -- a reminder that we all need often. I know I do. The main character -- Jones -- is used as the messenger of wisdom-filled statements that catapult another character into a life-changing discovery. He challenges us to start noticing the little things we usually miss. These things usually do a lot in changing our approach to situations and problems.

Did I enjoy the book? I cannot say I did. I found a lot of the statements recycled. Example is an attempt to re-tell Dr. Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages."

Is it a nice, light, easy read? Absolutely. I guess I was just not looking for one at this time.

If there is one statement from the book I must share with all of you it is this wonderful definition of WISDOM:

”The ability to see, into the future, the consequences of your choices in the present.”

One thing I am about to check out and probably participate in:
“The Noticer Project: A Movement to “Notice” the Five Most Important People in Your Life.”

Anything that will encourage me to show love and appreciation to people is something I am always up for!

Congratulations Mel and Rhea Serondo!

Robert and I went on a fantastic trip to Bacolod this weekend. I am part of the wedding of one of my best friends from college -- Rhea.

She was also a bridesmaid at my wedding. We have seen each other through past boyfriends, nights out and slumber parties.

I will definitely blog more about the trip and the wedding itself. In the meantime, I am excited to share with you a short video that highlights the beautiful wedding of Mel and Rhea!

Mel & Rhea Wedding Same Day Edit from S. Kieron Tan on Vimeo.