Saturday, May 27, 2017

CELEBRATING 70 WONDERFUL YEARS OF CETAPHIL


I have come to terms that I have sensitive skin.  So as my teens.  They are now dealing with breakouts.  They come to me showing their pimply face and ask me this question over and over again --- "Mom, how do we get rid of these pimples"?
We've tried several products, from facial cleansers to facial masks, but nothing seems to be working for them.  



But recently, I attended an event and learned about this product that has 70 years of legacy in promising its consumers healthy vibrant skin.  It is the 2nd biggest brand when it comes to face care -- cleansing category in the Philippines.  And it is the #1 prescribed skin care brand by dermatologists and pediatricians -- CETAPHIL.


If it is recommended by pediatricians, then it must be really gentle on skin.  Cetaphil cleanses and moisturizes without stripping and damaging the natural barrier of the skin.


Tuesday, May 23, 2017

FUN SHOPPING TIME WITH THE TEENS AT METRO DEPARTMENT STORE

Summer is a time when children gets bored and would beg us mommies to keep them amused.  With two teens in the house, that are constantly hooked on their gadgets... I squeezed my brains out on how to make their summer vacation worthwhile, without putting a big hole in my pocket.  Dapat wise tayo mga mommies!

But before I execute my summer plan with my teens... Its good to do a little research on how the teenage brain works.  So we can make this summer an exceptional bonding time for us  :)


So here are MrsWise's ideas:

1.   I plan to put a SUMMER-IFIC vibe into our home by changing some decors and accents.  Let go of dark and heavy fabric draperies and curtains.  Instead, hang light fabric curtains that also let the summer breeze in.  So I assigned ate to choose curtains to be installed in the rooms.  






2.   Go Green!  I'm an avid gardener, and I decided to put some indoor plants to freshen the air at home.  I asked kuya to transplant some mother-in-law tongue.   















Find out other plants indoor plants that can purify your homes.










Sunday, May 21, 2017

SM CITY BALIWAG FOOD FEST: FEAST FOR THE EYES AND THE PALATE!

Ever since I started blogging, FOOD has always been a favorite subject... to photograph, to write about and of course, to taste.  Blogging has given me awesome food experiences. No one can beat that happy feeling as you describe the mouth watering dishes. Sometimes I ran out of adjectives to describe the gustatory satisfaction, that I just present to my readers, beautiful photos, hoping that somehow, the would be enticed to try it for themselves.


I learned that if I want to blog about food, I must learn a few basic in food photography.  So I started researching about FLAT LAY.  I'm still not an expert in this, but I am slowly learning the tricks.  So I was happy to be in the company of fellow foodie-bloggers at the SM CITY BALIWAG FOOD FEST for an afternoon sesh in food styling, photography and flat lay!








FLAT LAY / FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:

1.  Choose the HERO for your flat lay.  Once you've chosen it, the other elements (food, props) now become BIT PLAYERS.  It is also interesting to use different angles and lines. 



2.  HEIGHT is might in Flat Lay.  You might be needing a chair or stool to get the shot that you want.  




3.  Create a STORY.  

"Beat the summer heat"
"Gotta munch on that meatballs first"
"Morning!  What's for brunch?"



Hope you will have a fun time experimenting on your next food shots my dear readers.... as I enjoyed my Saturday afternoon at the SM CIty Baliwag Food Fest.



Get a glimpse of our super fun experience.... 









GET SOCIAL WITH SM CITY BALIWAG
instagram:   @smcitybaliwag 
twitter:  @smcitybaliwag








Sunday, May 14, 2017

SHOPPING AT METRO DEPARTMENT STORE

Ever heard of the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping?"  Don't get me wrong.... wala po akong pinagdadaanan hahaha!  But I am a firm believer that a momshie has every right to go on a retail therapy, once in a while. 

Why I do it?  One, I have a valid excuse to stroll in the mall and do some walking. What a fun way to exercise huh!  Two, I always want to be updated with latest trends when it comes to home decorating and furniture.  Home and furniture sections of department stores are my happy places on earth  :)   Third, hey Mother's Day is just around the corner. Isn't it a valid reason to shop... to reward myself for this 24-7-round-the-clock-career that I have?


If my reasons aren't enough... here are other justifications why retail therapy works

MAKING YOUR HOMES SUMMER-IFIC!

With the teens out of school, and the days getting hotter, WISE mom like me focus my energy on my humble abode.  You should too!  Here are my WISE suggestions for appliances you might consider buying:


1.  Focus on heat generated by summer.  Equip your homes with electric fans that will help you keep refreshed all day long.  














For an added cooling effect, fill a large metal mixing bowl with ice and put it in front of the fan.  A budget friendly alternative to airconditioning units. 










Thursday, May 11, 2017

AN AMAZING & DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE AT BURGERS & BREWSKIES

When it comes to burgers, Burgers and Brewskies definitely know what they serve!  And yes, they serve one of the meanest burgers in town!  





They started the business by joining food bazaars and yes... people were literally lining up to have a taste of burgers creatively named as Call the Nurse and Kandi Burger.  As a restaurant, B & B has been in the business of satisfying your burger cravings for 3 and a half years now.  And still going strong.   








According to Chef Marc, their secret is really simple.  First, they just want to serve great tasting burgers, that is best paired with beers that are readily available in B & B.  Second, they want to create the ambience of "eating good food with friends and barkada" -- thus the laid back atmosphere in the resto.  And third, they keep on innovating their menu. They want CREATIVE and non traditional dishes, they never wanted to be referred to as a "gourmet resto".


Chef Marc with Mrs.Wise

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH HOME FOODIE SEASON 3

Working moms will surely agree when I say... it's really very challenging to prepare delicious and easy-to-prepare meals.  What if you have an application that will help you solve your cooking concerns?

Presenting the HOME FOODIE Madalicious Meals Mobile App.  One of the reasons why you should catch the 3rd season of HOME FOODIE with celebrity couple Drew Arellano and Iya Villania and the San Miguel Purefoods Celebrity Chef -- Llena Tan-Arenas, RJ Garcia and Rene Ruiz.





REASON #1:  Madalicious Meals Mobile App


With digital technology on our side, moms like me now have a cool "cooking companion" to help me with my kitchen concerns.  You can download it for free on Google Play or App Store.




This mobile app include the following features:



FULL RECIPES OF HOME FOODIE MADALICIOUS MEALS (Seasons 1-3)

WHEN HUNGER CALLS... IT IS TIME FOR A PITSTOP!

If you love food and you are always on the look out for something interesting, creative and delicious to munch on.... then visiting a food park must be on top of your list.  Definitely one of the hottest trends in the foodie industry -- food parks will never disappoint the foodie in you.  One, the choices are unlimited.  If you go with your friends or family, you can simply "disperse", choose what your appetite dictates, then simply merge again to enjoy your choices... probably have a taste of what the others ordered, and eat and drink the night away!



This is exactly what I experienced with the hubby when we were invited to the opening of the latest food park in Quezon City -- PITSTOP!

Wiktionary defines PITSTOP as "a stop made during an automobile race" -- hence the automobile-related design in PitStop Foodpark!   (pic of signage etc, flags)






PITSTOP FOOD CHOICES:

If you compare the food choices here at Pitstop to car racers, then the competition is definitely aggressive and fierce  There are several food stalls waiting at the finish line just to satisfy your cravings.


Saturday, May 6, 2017

GRAND UPTOWN SHOWROOM IS NOW OPEN AT BGC

Whether you are a career driven millenial, or a young couple looking forward to starting your own family... the dream of living conveniently in the bustling township of BGC is on top of your goals in life.  Why stress yourselves out with traffic and long travels to work, if you can LIVE, WORK and PLAY within an area.  This is Megaworld's signature township elements --- LIVE, WORK and PLAY -- Closer is Everything!

Uptown Bonifacio is the most recent township of Megaworld in Fort Bonifacio, As of today, three residential projects are slated in the township:  he nature oriented One Uptown Resident, the "all suites" Uptown Ritz and the privileged Uptown Parksuites.  All three are strategically located within walking distance to BGC's newest retail and entertainment hub, Uptown Mall. 

What is more exciting... is the opening of Megaworld Corporation's newest showroom in BGC -- the Grand Uptown Showroom. Located at Uptown Parade Cluster 2, the showroom spans approimately 1200 square meters and features a contemporary architecture with its floor-to-ceiling glass wall.

It opened its doors to the publick last April 22.  It showcased the cosmopolitan lifestyle Uptown Bonifacio is known for, featuring modern interior designs at the mezzanine, bar and lounge, gallery and business areas.

I was privileged to have been invited in the Grand Uptown Showroom''s opening and this is what I experienced... 






For more info on Megaworld Corporation's luxury residential condominiums in Fort Bonifacio, you can visit their website

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

GLOBAL FOOD TRENDS

As promised my dear readers... I will share with you the interesting recipes to 5 Global Food trends of today.  Now you can make these recipes at the very comforts of your home. Be a top chef for a day, and surprise your friends and family with these dishes that will tickle their taste buds and will bring them to one gustatory journey that they will never forget.

Ready?


              Get-set!


                               Cook!


Maui Ahi Poke is a dish originating from Hawaii.  And I swear this recipe is so easy to do. All you have to do is mix the ingredients and let the marinade penetrate the raw tuna. If you are fans of tuna sashimi or kinilaw, then you will definitely enjoy this dish!



To cook Pork Carnitas, you need to devote a LOT of time, but this dish makes it very ideal for celebrations.  The pork shoulder will undergo a dry rub marinade, then thorough grilling, then boiling until the meat is tender.  The roasted root vegetables is a superb side dish.




MRS.WISE SUPER FUN AICA EXPERIENCE



I have admitted so many times in this blog.... I-DONT-COOK!  But I didn't say that I won't at least give it a try.  I am thankful to this blog for giving me unlimited opportunities to get my hands active in the kitchen.   



I was so glad to have been invited to AICA or the Academy for International Culinary Arts in Pasig.  Having been in the industry for 12 years, AICA has established itself as a premiere culinary training  ground for aspiring top chefs.  It prides itself in its well trained instructors who are masters not only of the traditional disciplines of cooking but the different 21st century applications of these skills as well.




HAWAIIAN TREAT:   POKE

A YOUNG CULT CLASSIC:   TEX-MEX STREET TACOS

SECOND WIND:  SHRIMP ROLLS

      AN EMERGING GIANT:  SOUTH AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD

FROM EAST TO WEST:  UBE DESERTS



Now... I-WAS-LITERALLY-PANICKING!  My mind was trying to compherend how can I cook all of those "complicated" dishes, when I am just a kitchen newbie?  Waaa.... How can I survive this experience?


The cooking was intense!  We were doing everything.  Yes, we had AICA interns to help us. Yes, the ingredients were prepared ahead of time -- chopped, minced, sliced, etc.  Yes there was Chef Marlon guiding us along the way.  But I still felt the pressure.  We were treated like real culinary students.  The grind was tough.


In a nutshell.... these are the things I did.



  • made potato rolls using the kitchen aid mixer
  • made the marinade for the Maui Ahi Poke by simply mixing everything in the bowl. 
  • prepared the chimchurri sauce, and marinade the chicken on it
  • cooked some refried beans
  • made meican corn tortilla from scratch.  from prepping the dough, shaping and frying 



Check out the video to see how we prepared most of the dishes.  How we worked so hard. How we jumped from one dish to the other.