Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners

My Two Cents...

2009-12-11T10:53:00.003-05:00

I typically do not comment on gossip (really?) and entertainment news (no, really?) Alright, I am lying, but of this I am sure, I have never commented on sports-related entertainment gossip. Whew! That was a mouthful, but the truth, nonetheless.

But, on the Tiger Woods debacle, I really can't help myself today. Maybe because my husband is a golf professional, and my children recognize Tiger over any other athlete in this world, I feel the need to put my two cents in...

Tiger, seriously? Did you really have to be a pig?

Random Friday, Plus a Milestone Contest

2009-12-04T12:22:00.006-05:00

Just a couple of random thoughts this Friday afternoon:

1) It's Christmas!
The month of November whizzed past and now we are at the forefront of the Christmas holidays. Here, in the States, they have this rule about not putting up your Christmas decorations until after the Thanksgiving holiday. I remember in the Philippines, once Halloween and the All Saints Day holidays are over, the Christmas decorations go up instantly. Sometimes even as early as October.

It's only the first weekend of December, and already, I am feeling like I am falling behind on all things Christmas-y. Our Christmas cards have to be written and sent out. Our Christmas decorations are still up in our attic, with the still, broken stairs. The only thing I am not worried about right now is the Christmas shopping list, because this year, we decided to make a significant family donation for the victims of Typhone Ondoy in the Philppines.

Don't worry, I sent a message to all those on our regular Christmas list of our intentions this year and encouraged them all to do the same, or at least for what they had in mind for our family.

While it filled the hearts of my husband and myself to do it, the kids were not as happy to find out that they weren't getting as many gifts this year as they usually do. But, they'll learn.

2) Deep-fried Turkey is great!
On the Thanksgiving table this year was a deep-fried turkey. It was excellent. Now I understand when people say it's one of the best ways to have it. I agree.

Plus, the fact that deep-frying a Turkey is such a "manly" thing to do, it takes all the "womanly" duties over that bird away from me. Then I get to concentrate on making all the other stuff that make that meal one of the most memorable of the year.

All the horror stories about the dangers of deep-frying turkey scare me half to death though.

3) New Moon
I watched New Moon with my girlfriends on Black Friday, instead of going shopping. I don't care what people think, I liked it. It is already well known that I am on Team Robert, not Team Edward. But, that Taylor Lautner? Goodness me.

If he weren't so young, I could very well switch allegiance. Fine, I'm could be a traitor.

4) NaNoWriMo
I conceded defeat at NaNoWriMO. It's pathetic, I got as far as 700 words and could not write anymore. Maybe the story still was not ready for me to write. Yeah, blame it on the story.

In truth, I think I wasn't ready to jump into it just yet. I was working on other things and I thought maybe I could squeeze this in. I couldn't. Everyday that passed that I could not add to my word count became a source of pressure and tension to me. Writing the story for NaNo became something that was not making me happy. So, I stopped.

I was very happy though to find that there was a rather large group of NaNo participants from the Philippines. The group was even larger that the group in my local regional area.

I will try again next year.

5) This blog is reaching 11,000 hits.
My statcounter tells me that this blog is approaching 11,000 hits since it's inception in May 2006. WOW! In honor of this milestone, and as a thank you to those who have followed me for so long, I am having a little contest. The prize will be a specially hand-knitted item by me. The winner will get to choose the piece from five designs I will send him/her by e-mail. Delivery will be made by March 31, 2010.

In order to win, simply send me an e-mail at theknittymommyATgmailDOTcom telling me what your favorite blogpost was from the entire year of 2009. Please enter "Milestone Contest Entry" as the subject of the e-mail. The magic fingers of the Knittykids, K and R, will chose the lucky winner.

Deadline for entries is 12/15/2009.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Happy weekend everybody!

On The Eve of My Son's Birthday

2009-11-17T15:47:00.003-05:00

Back in March, I posted a poem I wrote for my son, R. He's turning six tomorrow and I thought it might be nice to re-post my little poem (rather than point to a link to it.)

He really does amaze me so...

HERO

My son,
today you think you are Harry Potter.
You choose to wear your corduroy blazer;
with a little school tie.
You've colored one of your drumsticks black with a permanent marker.
It’s a good thing I caught you,
just before you drew the famous scar on your face.
An eyebrow pencil will do just as well, in its place.

Two days ago, you were Spiderman,
the other day, the Blue Power Ranger.
Sometimes you are Buzz Lightyear, and even Batman.
How many more characters do you have inside you, my dear?
With all the heroes you portray, I think I have nothing to fear.

The realm of your imagination never ceases to amaze me, young man.
How I wish I could dare to daydream just as you do.
Without boundary; without care.
I wish to be as free as you.
I wish to run away in my thoughts too.
I wonder, wonder,
What will I bring back if I do?

Happy Birthday my favorite son... I only have one.

Psst... I have a secret...

2009-10-28T09:38:00.003-05:00

I'm typically not the type to tell people what I am up to, especially if it's something I want to come true. But this time around, I thought you just might want to know, and maybe you can help cheer me on.

I joined NaNoWriMo. 50,000 words in the whole month of November.

This is a first for me, and a huge step in the direction I wish to take my writing. Wish me luck, okay?

I'll let you know about the results and what I came up with after November 30, 2009. See ya then!

My TV Favorites

2009-10-15T09:05:00.011-05:00

I am a TV person. Anyone in my family will tell you that the first thing in my house to be turned on in the morning is the TV. It is also the last thing that is turned off, well, second to the computer. That's another story all together.

Anyway, this is the first TV season, that I really paid attention to the shows' season premiers, and the debuting series. Of the new shows to come out this season, here are a few that have gotten me hooked.

Flash Forward

Imagine having the chance to take a 2.17-minute glance of your life, six months into future? What did you see? Would you like what you saw? Would being your own prophet be an opportunity or a curse to you? What would you do, now that you know?

Starring Joseph Fiennes (from Shakespeare In Love) and Justin Cho (Harold from Harold and Kumar, and most recently, Star Trek), Thursday nights at 8:00 pm EST on ABC.

Glee

The quirky, highschool musical drama-dy that's taking the nation by storm. It's an extremely entertaining show, filled with songs and dance, teenage and adult sexual tension, and growing pains all-around. It just makes for a fun middle-of-the-week show.

Wednesday nights at 9:00 pm EST on FOX.

Now, this next show's first season has already finished, as it aired over the summer, but I just recently discovered it. Thank God for Showtime On Demand. I'm fully caught up on the first season, and eagerly awaiting the next one.

Nurse Jackie

"Make me good, God. Just not yet."

This show is so frank and honest about the vocation one must have as a nurse. Mind you, Nurse Jackie is certainly not what we have come to expect from the nursing profession. The only way to describe Nurse Jackie's character is amoral. I love the juxtaposition of such an amoral character(pain killer addict, cheating wife, unfiltered potty-mouth, and a mother with her own shortcomings) against the backdrop of a Catholic hospital. And yet, she has it in her to heal the sick, comfort the grieving, and help the poor. The whole sinner or saint thing makes such a compelling character, one you would love to love, or love to hate.

Starring Edie Falco as Nurse Jackie and Peter Facinelli as Dr. Fitch Cooper (I call him Grabby Coop - you have to watch to know why), on Showtime.

And no, I do not like the show just because Papa Cullen is on it. Although, I will admit that it was because of him that I first started watching it.

Oh by the way, who isn't looking forward to seeing how they've recreated V?

Premieres on November 3, 2009, Tuesday at 8:00 pm EST.

Happy watching!

It's Raining Boots! Alleluia!

2009-10-15T08:54:00.014-05:00

The seasons have changed here in the East Coast, and the warm, green summer that was, has been replaced with dropping temperatures and leaves of yellow and gold. Well, this weekend, its yellow and gold against a backdrop of grey. It's been raining for the past four days in our part of the country.

On rainy days like these, I am thankful that I live in the 'burbs of South Jersey, where everybody needs a car to get from one place to another and not have to walk a great distance in the rain. I just hate getting my feet wet.

But then again, when I see all the cool rain boots my NYC and Philly counterparts get to wear as they commute around the streets, I can't help but wish I worked there to actually justify buying myself a pair. The brand of the season appears to be Hunter.

I just love how they pull them over their pant legs and stylishly go sloshing around the city. Match that with their cute trench coats or vests, large leather bags, and oh so cute pocket umbrellas. Love it! Oh! did I mention the hat and gloves too? How about that scarf?

So, let me pretend to be a big city paralegal for a moment, and choose the pair of boots I would like to get my hands on:

From Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners

Hunter by Jimmy Choo
$325.00 on SaksFifthAvenue.com.
Do you see the leopard print lining peeking out from the top? Love it! But at that price point? It would make me go weak in the knees to actually use them for their intended purpose.

From Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners

Hunter Boots from J.Crew
$115.00 on Jcrew.com.
These are the classic ones that everybody is wearing. I love the classic design. Sigh... Alas, the price tag still does not do it for me.

From Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners

Chinese Laundry
$58.95 on Zappos.com.
Look closely, the design details are almost identical to the original. Hmmmm. But at just under $60.00, I would still like to have that little white and red label on top of it.

Well, then the old cheapo in me arises once again. There's always The Target option . The Knittymommy slumps her shoulders in acceptance. At $24.99 how can you go wrong? Right? How come I'm not feeling any better about it?

Oh well, I guess it's back to the drawing board for me. Well, maybe the writing desk, in my case. The only way I'll be able to afford the ones I really do want is when I actually sell that breakout novel. You know the one I haven't written yet?

Imaginary window shopping was fun though! Thanks for coming along with me.

Ondoy

2009-09-28T13:09:00.005-05:00

Just last Saturday, certain parts of the Philippines, particularly the northern part of Metro Manila, was hit by a devastating tropical storm. The city was inundated by a month's worth of rain in the span of six hours.

I was surprised when I opened up my facebook account and saw message after message of requests for rescues from certain locations. The pictures and news footage showed all the devastation around the city that I love.

You see, in the Philippines, there are barely any rescue and emergency resources available to its citizens. I listened in horror when the head of the National Disaster Coordinating Council related that there were only twenty five (25) rescue boats available for a certain area and that the stranded would just have to be patient.

Please take a look at this video compilation of photographs by Glenn Omanio on the aftermath of this horrible storm.

How can we help from here:

Relief Goods
Ondoy NY Disaster Relief Drop Off Center
Pandayan Center
406 W 40th Street
Between 9th and 10th Avenues
New York, NY 10018
Tel No.: (212) 564-6057

ABS-CBN Foundation (Checks accepted, please indicate in your letter that the donation is for Sagip Kapamilya)
Sagip Kapamilya
150 Shoreline Drive
Redwood City, CA 94065

Ayala Foundation USA- choose the institution "Philippine National Red Cross"

I will find other means for donations and from here in the US and our local area and post it here. As for me and my family, we'll be organizing an old clothes drive within our community of friends and family. If any of you would like to join us, please e-mail me or send me a private note so I can coordinate directly with you.

Let us all do our part to help all our kababayans (countrymen) in this time of need.

Random Things

2009-09-17T12:22:00.003-05:00

I haven't been blogging much lately on anything of real consequence. Just putting up clips of the movies I've been looking forward to for a while. I am not really sure where I'am going with that yet, but I still enjoy showing you guys a few things I find, here and there.

Here are a few random things that have been going on in the life of The Knittymommy lately. (Now, let's just pretend that you're all interested, shall we?)

1. My DH's brother and his wife were here in late August and we had a great time shopping and running around. We went down to Washington, DC where I realized one of the things I had dreamt of ever since I was a little girl. I saw the White House and the Washington Monument. Plus, I saw the Pentagon, too. I just don't know why, but that city stirred something in me. I can't imagine the stories that those streets of power hold.

2. My parents are both here now. I haven't seen my father in over four years, so it was a real treat. It's funny how when you eventually become an adult (in age, rather than in mind) you can actually speak to your parents with out fear of being spanked.

3. My blogger friend, the Manila Fashion Observer, posted the litte gift I made her first born, Baby Berry, on her blog. That was nice to have someone show off something I've made on their site. I've been so busy lately, that I haven't had time to post my entry about the finished piece myself.

4. I know I have repeatedly claimed to be a writer, but never really have shown anything of it other than what this blog contains. Well, I am now putting it out there, I write short short stories or flash fiction (approximately 1,500 words or less) about women.

Previously, I wrote privately (more like, in the closet) and have kept things to myself, mainly, because I was embarrassed or worried that people may call me a hack, or something like that. But this time around, I have come to realize that in order to improve as a writer, I do have to have people read it, and receive critiques and feedback. As such, I joined an online writing community called Scribophile. I have since posted four pieces there for the members to read and provide critique. Some critiques I have received have been favorable, some respectfully critical, and others downright scathing; but all, helpful. I have also joined a local writer's roundtable group that meets once a month at our town library. That has been very interesting too.

If any of you are interested to read something I've written, send me an e-mail and let's talk.

5. The family is off to Toronto this afternoon to drop off my parents at my sister's. It will be a quick and tiring trip, but should still be fun.

6. Last, but not the least, my brother-in-law brought with them Porky's Best microwaveable chicharon with them as "pasalubongs" and I have loved them to death. For the non-Filipino readers, chicharon is a snack of fried pork rinds. Not healthy at all, but oh so yummy! I have pictures of them in their "unpopped" form and their "popped" form. Love them! To any of my friends back home, this will always be a most welcome present from the Philippines in my house! - Hint, hint!

I just got goosebumps...

2009-09-11T00:35:00.004-05:00

Update: The video has apparently been taken down from Youtube due to a copyright cliam by Harpo, Inc. Sorry folks, but it was really fun to watch while it lasted.

When people come together to do something in unison, it's always outstanding. Oprah's season opener was great! Wish I actually got to see it.

Can you imagine if we all came together to do something in unison? What good do you think would come out of it? A lot, I bet.

Credit: I found this on my friend's Facebook profile.

The Lovely Bones

2009-08-25T08:55:00.005-05:00

One of the very first books I read after finally getting used to life in the United States was The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It was a beautifully written book about a depressing and horrible event. The event itself, the rape and murder of a 14-year old by her own neightbor, gripped and horrified me. I remember wondering why I could not put such a book down. After all, when things like that came out on the news, I would immediately switch the channel. I still do it until now.

But I still remember how this book kept me in. Now, it has been made into a movie, with no less than Peter Jackson directing the film. Susie Salmon is played by Saoirse Ronan, who played Briony Tallis in Atonement.

The trailer was released on August 4, 2009 and is scheduled to open in theaters here in the US in December 2009. The trailer does not allow embedding, so please follow this link to watch it.

You tell me, would you watch it with me?

Image taken from: www.slashfilm.com

Get... An Education

2009-08-24T16:19:00.002-05:00

Growing up my family always stressed to me that I should be this way... that way.... Go to this school... study this course.... Be this type of lady... that type of lady....

All the pre-set notions of what we were going to be; what we should be. What if you had a chance to be swept off your feet at 17 years old? Maybe not just by a man, but by an idea? An idea you just can't seem to shake off. An idea that filled your head with wonder? Would you have run away and followed your heart? I've always wondered that. Not that I've ever been a particularly daring person anyway. But I often wonder, what would I have learned then if I had?

I attribute these melancholy thoughts I have now, to this new film scheduled for limited release in October here in the US. The lead actress, Carey Mulligan, is getting a lot of notice for this film. It seems rather interesting. I do hope I get to see this in a theater near me.

I miss home!

2009-08-16T19:17:00.002-05:00

Flash Mob Dancing has hit the Philippines too...

For Jollibee at the Mall of Asia!

I love it! Just makes me miss home all the more!

Balls, balls, and more balls.

2009-08-12T10:16:00.004-05:00

My family and I have been going to the dentist a little too often for my taste this year. It seems that once we made our first annual appointment of the year, we needed to keep coming back for this, and for that. It has gotten to the point that my kids feel very comfortable roaming the halls of our Dentist's office. They're great by the way.

Last Saturday, we had to have some work done on all two kids, plus myself. One of the things the kids look forward to after each appointment is being able to dig into the treasure box under the receptionist's desk.

So, while I was paying for the day's work, R (The Knittyson, aged 5) goes on to pick out his prize and chooses four bouncy rubber balls. The type that come with the jack stones we all used to play with when we were kids. (Kids today DO NOT play jacks - go figure.)

"Mommy! Mommy!" R exclaimed. "Look! I got balls!" The whole room, full of adults, erupts in laughter. "I'm so happy I got balls, Mama!" he continued. I could not keep myself from laughing either. R goes on to play with his new toys, bouncing them on the floor and picking them up, and bouncing them again.

Ate K (The Knittydaughter,aged 7) was laughing too. I look at her, wondering if she's understood what we were laughing about. "K, do you know what people are laughing about?"

"Yes, Mama. R's a boy, he likes playing with his balls!" she answers. At this point, I am beside myself, just trying to keep a straight face and trying my best to get us out of there.

Oh, don't you just love the innocence?

New York, I Love You

2009-08-12T10:10:00.004-05:00

Okay, if it hasn't been obvious to you yet, I may have not been doing a good job of expressing it. I obviously LOVE New York City, I LOVE movies, and I LOVE romance. So how could I not LOVE a movie about romance in New York City?

I have been looking forward to this film ever since they announced it was going to be made. With a super ensemble cast... Can't wait for the fall!

Sherlock Holmes

2009-08-06T21:45:00.002-05:00

Anyone I went to high school with will remember that in our Senior Year, we were turned on to Sherlock Holmes by our English literature teacher, Ms. Tantoco. I still have my two-volume set of Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Short Stories, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I have read every single story in the set and I still love them today.

Thus, it is needless for me to say how excited I am about the next Sherlock Holmes movie, starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law (yum!), and Rachel McAdams. Out on Christmas Day.

Disney's Alice In Wonderland

2009-07-24T12:25:00.004-05:00

I love Johnny Depp. I have loved him since 21 Jump Street, Nightmare of Elm Street 1 and yes, that God-awful Resort movie he came out in early in his career.

It's funny that I have always loved him as the hearthrob, but now my kids will love him as The Mad Hatter.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Out in March 2010.

P.S. Watch out for the girl playing Alice, I think she has a bright future...

Robert v. Daniel by Jimmy Fallon

2009-07-17T13:05:00.002-05:00

I found this this morning and I simply couldn't stop laughing. I wish I had caught it on Jimmy's show last night.

By the way, I really love funny guys... Jimmy Fallon ranks very high on my funnyman love scale.

Probably why I fell in love with my DH... Even if he can get on my last nerve, he never fails to make me laugh. And I love him for it.

Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince

2009-07-17T12:57:00.005-05:00

The whole Knittyfamily went to watch Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince last night. I was so happy to finally be able to share my love for the wizarding world with my kids. This was the first time we were all able to watch it together, as my kids are now old enough to get into the movie theaters and behave.

I enjoyed the movie, but I understand other fans did not. Well, to each his own. I do have to say that this version was really the most different in feel to the other five. So, I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you liked it or not.

Have you ever seen something so amazing?

2009-07-06T15:09:00.004-05:00

No wonder the kids get so mesmerized by bubbles!

Image by: Richard Heeks

Originally found on: A Cup of Jo

A Scene from Dinner Last Night

2009-06-30T12:21:00.005-05:00

This actually happened last night . . .

R (The Knittyson) dances around the kitchen after I announce that dinner is ready.

We are having his second favorite meal; spaghetti. Like most five-year-olds, pizza is R’s favorite meal, but my spaghetti ranks a very strong second.

As I hand him the bowl of noodles and sauce, and a spoon and a fork too, he says, “Mommy, I’m going to need a knife.” He carefully walks his bowl to the dinner table and sets it down on his placemat. He quickly turns back into the kitchen and grabs a knife from the cutlery drawer.

“What are you going to do with that?” I ask him as he climbs into his seat.

“Cut my th-paghetti,” he answers.

“Cut your spaghetti,” I repeat. R is still a rather messy eater, so I usually cut his spaghetti noodles to make them a more manageable. It also helps to keep him from choking on a rather long noodle. Believe me, we’ve been down that frightful route before, so cut up spaghetti is the norm for him.

“Do you want me to cut your noodles for you?” I ask him as I approach the dinner table.

“No Mom. I’ll do it,” he says as he stabs his knife and spoon into the bowl. “I’m a big boy now, I can cut my own th-paghetti.”

A big boy indeed.

All this is being observed by R’s Ate K (The Knittydaughter), age seven, who is expertly twirling her spaghetti noodles on her fork against a spoon.

The Movie I am Most Looking Forward to This Year

2009-06-26T12:27:00.003-05:00

I feel like an idiot right now. All these past posts have been on movies I've been looking forward to. But the one I've been looking forward for the passed two years is THIS

I was very disappointed last year when they announced the delay of the release of the Half Blood Prince to the summer of this year. But now, it's just about two weeks away!

I am especially excited now, because the entire Knittyfamily can watch it together at the theater!

Move over Rob, It's Seth now!

2009-06-24T14:38:00.007-05:00

By now, you all know about my cougar-ish tendencies toward Robert Pattinson. But I must confess, I've always had a secret thing going for everyman, funny guy, Seth Rogen.

Ever since I saw Zack and Miri Make a Porno, I've been trying to get my hands on every movie Seth has made. I've only seen Knocked Up and Pineapple Express so far and have enjoyed watching him do his no-brainer comedies. Sometimes you're just in the mood to laugh, no thinking involved, just laughing... He's just so funny...

His next movie, Funny People is out on July 31, 2009. Here's the official trailer...

Update: Embedded movie trailer deleted...

Sorry Rob, while you've been busy filming your new movie in NYC, Seth's been keeping me happy... I just couldn't keep it inside anymore. Plus, my DH doesn't mind Seth at all.

You? He minds. Alot.

The 5 Things I Learned from My Dad

2009-06-22T09:54:00.005-05:00

I know this is a day late, but I am picking up after a question my blogger friend posed on her own Father's Day post.

What are the 5 things you learned from your Dad?

One: How to manage money.
Unfortunately knowing how to manage money doesn't always mean knowing how to save it. But to at least ensure that all our bills are met, that means a lot. Through him, I learned how to budget and having this knowledge at least keeps me sane. It also keeps me and my family afloat.

Two: The importance of being an independent woman.
My parents were married during a time when not many women really had careers in mind. My mother once told me that during her time, women like her were not expected to work, thus explains the joke of a college course she took, Secretarial Science. So my Mom always reminded me that the times were different for a girl like me. Women like me were expected to have careers and earn their own money.

My Dad, on the other hand, had a different take on women like me. Ever since we were little girls, he always told me and my sister that we should be professionals when we grew up (he hoped I'd be an architect, while my sister, a doctor.) He wanted us to be professionals so that we would have successful careers and earn our own money, so that, when our husbands turned out to be good-for-nothings and left us, we'd be able to survive our own. I had always thought it odd that my father had such a dim vision of the married lives my sister and I would have.

But, no matter how untrue his prediction has turned out, about my married life, that is, his warning has always stayed with me. I must be an independent woman. It is what I wish for my daughter as well and I hope to equip her with everything she needs, just in case.

Three: How to enjoy the many delights of food.
While my father absolutely refused my requests for street vendor food in Manila, he usually led the way to the street vendors in Hong Kong. He would never let me buy fishballs, or green mangoes, or that mystery drink called scramble on Estrella Street outside the gates of my grade school in Makati. But he would happily buy me peanut butter smeared crepes sold by the street vendor at Queen's Pier in Central.

He also taught me to savor the local food of any country I found myself in. On my business trips to Singapore, I found myself taking the subway to Newton Circus (toursity, I know) and some other hawker's markets by myself, experimenting with the food sold by make-shift restaurants on the street. I remember trying to bring my area manager, Xavier, to one of the street restaurants and saw him cringe at the sight of some sort of egg being fried in a batter. To think, this French guy (gorgeous, by the way) lived in Singapore, already. I always thought the French were more adventurous than the average caucasian. That myth was dispelled quickly.

My love for indian food, chinese food, japanese food, thai, italian and all other cuisines, I attribute to him. I hope my kids will attribute theirs to me as well when they go on with their lives.

Four: To always dress appropriately.Now, while I struggle with my style, I have never found myself dressed inappropriately. While my mommy was a certified fashion plate, my dad always dressed appropriately for any occassion. I think he got this from his own Dad, who was also very dapper himself.

Making sure to dress appropriately simply ensures that you will be treated properly. While it is imporatant not to judge a book by its cover, not everybody will have the time to dig under your dishevled exterior to find out what a fantastic person you are. If you are dressed properly, you will never be dismissed, nor ignored.

Five: Real men cry.My Dad is a cry baby. I never knew it growing up because he always seemed to be so strict with me. But just because a man cries, it doesn't mean he's a wuss. My father is an emotional man, and that is alright.

I still remember my wedding day. I think he and my DH, put together, cried more than I did as I walked down that aisle. If you know me, that says a lot.

There are so many more things I learned from my Dad. I am sure my sister and brother will have more to share if they opted to blog themselves.

How about you? Care to share?

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-06-17T09:07:00.004-05:00

I have had The Time Travelers's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger on my Amazon Wish List for some time now. I'm happy to know it's been made into a movie.

Here's the trailer...

Out in August 2009.

Another one to put on my must see romantic summer movies... My DH is going to be sick of all this romantic stuff by the end of the summer. Oh well, that's what he gets for marrying a romantic like me.

Why I don't work/live/play in NYC

2009-06-16T08:26:00.006-05:00

I was born in NYC in the early 70s when my Dad was taking his MBA at NYU. After my 2nd birthday, we moved back to the Philippines and there we stayed. I had always dreamt of living/working/playing in the Big Apple, but it seems it was never meant to be... Or maybe later on in life, before I turn 37...

But yesterday I realized, there is a reason why I am not in NYC...

God knew I'd be one of them... and He didn't want me to...

hahahahahaha!

PS, Right now I can tell you, as I sit at my work desk about and hour and a half's drive from NYC, I would NEVER be one of them. Ask me again when I really do see him in person.....

Shutter Island

2009-06-11T12:48:00.005-05:00

Anybody in for a chilling thriller of a movie? Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese is due out in October...

The trailer was released today...

I just love Leo in Mr. Scorsese's movies.

Source: EW.com

PS: as you can see from my most recent posts, I love movies... I am not a critic of movies... Just a lover of them...

Go watch "Up"

2009-06-08T18:05:00.005-05:00

If you haven't already, go watch Disney Pixar's "Up."

It is hands-down, the best family film I have ever seen!

It's got a fantastic back story, extremely funny, and truly enjoyable to all ages.

I cannot say any more. Just go see it, ok!

My First 37th Birthday

2009-06-03T10:33:00.005-05:00

I turned 37 two days ago.

At some point in the beginning of 2009, I realized that I had an irrational fear turning 37. The number is rather arbitrary, I know. Most people fear turning 40, or even 50. I feared turning 37.

For some reason, I felt that I had not yet done a lot of the things that I thought I would have by the time I turned 37.

I haven't traipsed around Europe. I haven't lived in New York City, London, or Paris. I haven't swam in the Mediterranean. I haven't eaten my first Kobe Beef Steak. I haven't earned my second degree. I haven't bought my fabulous green energy house with stainless steel kitchen. I haven't been given that fabulous 2 karat emerald cut diamond ring. I'm not a famous... writer/businesswoman/lawyer/knitter/chef - take your pick.

So much I haven't yet done. I felt that I was running out of time to do all these things. And that if I didn't do it all before I turned 37, I'd never be able to do them at all.

Growing up in an all-girls Catholic high school, we had annual retreats up in the mountainside of either Antipolo or Baguio. One of the reflective exercises we did was to create a life timeline, depicting what happened before, and what we looked forward to in the future. For the life of me, I cannot recall what I thought my life would be after 35. But before 35, I know I had done some, if not all, of the things I listed above.

Maybe there is a way to stop time here and try to do everything I listed up there? It will mean that I'll have to stay 37 for a while. Maybe forever. But at least, I'll always be able to say, I accomplished it all, before I turned 37.

Happy First 37th Birthday to me...

PS. Now, I don't mean to sound as if I am utterly unhappy about how my life has turned out so far. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, two adorable kids who still think I am the Queen of their world, a comfortable home, and a stable job. I have the most wonderful frieds and family. I am thankful for all that. My life is full, I'd just like to make it a little more full - if you get where I am coming from.

Imagine this...

2009-05-27T10:06:00.006-05:00

Now, tell me you don't want to be here...

With him...

Honestly?

Images taken from: Chuvaness and RPO

I Love: Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video

2009-05-21T09:16:00.002-05:00

Brian & Eileen's Wedding Music Video. from LOCKDOWN projects on Vimeo.

Don't you just love how people can just let loose and have fun?

Video found on: A Cup of Jo
Joanna Goddard is one of my favorite bloggers around and she finds the greatest stuff!

I'm making a little something...

2009-05-15T12:03:00.004-05:00

My creative juices have been flowing lately so I decided to make a little something.

One of my first blogger friends is expecting her first baby soon so I decided to make her a little hat for Baby Berry. Hopefully she'll like her Poppy Hat by Justine Turner of JustJussi.com.

The hat is almost finished so I am looking forward to sending it in the mail to the excited parents really soon!

New Blog on the Block: Viva La Vida Mama

2009-05-15T11:57:00.003-05:00

My two high school classmates and favorite mommy duo have put up their own blog. These two ladies, Nona and Nana, absolutely revel in their mommyhood and love every minute of it. Join me in watching where their adventures take them!

I am such a sucker for this stuff...

2009-05-07T14:07:00.002-05:00

Found on Le Love.

Julie/Julia Project

2009-05-04T08:41:00.004-05:00

I know I am not the only food/knit blogger in this world, but I have yet to find someone who will actually admit that he or she might have been inspired by the Julie/Julia Project by Julie Powell. I am admitting it, I was inspired by her blog.

As with some of the more famous bloggers, Julie Powell became an author and her story, as well as Julia Child's has been made into a movie, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, no less.

When I started this blog exactly three years ago (I just realized that my very first post here was on May 1, 2006), we were still living in the poor house - don't get me wrong, we're still in it, albieit in a different location. One of our major downfalls was that, my husband and I, loved to eat dinner out, especially on Sunday nights, after we heard mass. That certainly did not fit well in our meager budgets. It still doesn't.

So, instead of driving my family further into debt, I declared an end to Sunday dinners out. To make up for what I felt we were missing, I decided to make Sunday dinner a special weekly event for my family. I would create a special meal, where I would try out a new recipe; replicate a famous dish; or just make an old family dish. I used the blog to preserve the memory of the meal or just simply share the experience.

I enjoyed it immensely, but found that I couldn't really sustain the plan. Other things came up, other priorities, other interests. I'll admit that there were times that I just did not feel like cooking at all.

But now, I am getting that cooking inspiration once again. Maybe, you'll see a few more Sunday dinner dishes pop up again. Hope you'll stay tuned...

Mabuhay Ka, Manny!

2009-05-03T15:30:00.005-05:00

Now, let me be the nth Pinoy blogger you'll see say a little something about last night's fight between Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton...

Mabuhay Ka, Manny! You put on a fabulous show and have done us proud once again!

Now tell me, that you didn't, for a moment, fear for Ricky Hatton's life as he continued to lay down on the mat.

As for the ceremonial stuff before the fight, I have to be honest, I was disappointed by Martin's performance. Crush ko pa naman siya dati... They should have just done a "Be My Lady" - "Sex Bomb" showdown.

Photos taken from: manny-pacquiao-vs-ricky-hatton.blogspot.com

500 Days of Summer

2009-04-30T15:49:00.001-05:00

Here's another movie I am so looking forward to this year!

T-t-t-t-wee-t?

2009-04-29T23:14:00.002-05:00

The Knittymommy is "twittering" too! Follow me if you wish! Tee-hee!

Paper Heart

2009-04-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

I've been on an indie movie kick lately ever since I started my Netflix subscription early this year. I've always loved movies, big Hollywood ones, English ones and some really quirky small independents.

Here's one I am particularly looking forward to:

Paper Heart by Nicholas Jasenovec and Charlyne Yi.

I actually saw Charlene being interviewed on Reelz TV one evening. Before it received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. She actually is like the way she is in the movie.

Can't wait to see if she actually realizes that true love does, in fact, exist.

It does to me. How about to you?

Inspiration Day - Le Love

2009-04-14T22:01:00.004-05:00

Pardon me, but I seem to be on an inspiration kick lately... I've been following this blog for a while, and thought you might find it cool too...

There is nothing more inspiring than love... in all its forms. Le Love celebrates romantic love through pictures. Enjoy!!!

By the way, its Spring time and 'tis the season for lovin!

Inspiration Day: Ichigo & Buko

2009-04-08T12:44:00.002-05:00

Today, I set out to find something that would inspire me and I found it quickly. A really good old friend of mine from many, many, many (ahem...) lives ago, who has been a popular style blogger for sometime now, has put up their own blog about their family. Enter... Ichigo & Buko

As you may know, I have been struggling with certain expression issues for sometime now, and I have been in search of new means of creative expression in my life. This blog is one of the means I have chosen to express in, among others. But most recently, I have been trying to embrace a certain side of me, one that has been stifled or suppressed for many years. Dare I say it? An artistic side... An expressive side... A freely creative side...

One reason I believe I have never nurtured this side of me is because I never felt any real encouragement from my family for it. While I don't believe they kept me from expressing myself creatively, I just don't think they knew I had the spirit in me. It is my firm belief that artistry and creativity can only be developed in an environment that allows it to grow and flourish. I hope to do this with my own family...

This is probably why, I am so excited about finding my dear friend, Jenni's family blog. Instantly, you can see how they embrace their creativity and own artistry (I used these words in my private message to Jenni, so Jen, sorry if I'm using them again!). I love it!

Bravo to Tom Epperson too, by the way! I will try to visit the gallery soon, before the show ends in May!

Someone take me here...

2009-04-01T09:00:00.003-05:00

Please?

Now?
Image taken from: Desire to Inspire

Hero

2009-03-26T22:11:00.003-05:00

If you know my son, you'd know that he loves his superhero characters. I think, like his dad, he has a little bit of a superhero complex. Who knows, maybe someday, he'll save the world.

I've been trying my hand at a little something lately. Let me know what you think...

HERO
By The Knittymommy

My son, today you think you are Harry Potter.
You choose to wear your corduroy blazer;
with a little school tie.
You've colored one of your drumsticks black with a permanent marker.
It’s a good thing I caught you,
just before you drew the famous scar on your face.
An eyebrow pencil will do just as well, in its place.

Two days ago, you were Spiderman,
the other day, the Blue Power Ranger.
Sometimes you are Buzz Lightyear, and even Batman.
How many more characters do you have inside you, my dear?
With all the heroes you portray, I think I have nothing to fear.

The realm of your imagination never ceases to amaze me, young man.
How I wish I could dare to daydream just as you do.
Without boundary; without care.
I wish to be as free as you.
I wish to run away in my thoughts too.
I wonder, wonder,
What will I bring back if I do?

Imeldific Tendencies

2009-03-12T08:42:00.005-05:00

Just when I decided to end my Don't Be Losyang blog, I am finding more and more things to think about along the lines of design and style. Oh well, I guess, seeking inspiration in this area is really now a part of me.

Yesterday, I came across this:

Image taken from: Desire to Inspire

This picture reminded me of the Imeldific tendencies of my past life. A life before being married and kids. Having worked for one of the biggest purveyors of luxury brands back home, allowed me the little(?) indulgence of buying beautiful shoes at great employee discount prices. I remember at one point possibly having almost 100 pairs of shoes. I actually once came home from a trip to California in the 90s with over 20 pairs of shoes. High-heels, flats, loafers, boots, sandals... you name it, I had them. I am pretty confident that I have possibly gone through almost a thousand pairs of shoes in my lifetime.

Alas, the day did come that I could no longer fit into my beautiful shoes. From a size 8, my feet jumped up to a size 9 after the birth of my first child. While I rejoiced at the gift of my beautiful daughter, I mourned the loss of my lovely shoes. While pregant with my son, my feet grew to a size 10. Thank God they shrank back after I gave birth to him.

Now that my youngest is 5 years old, and another child seems a little more remote as the days go by, I have found myself once again admiring those delectable little treats called shoes. Though I am no longer in the financial position to invest(?) in these lovely treats, I am now more confident that all the shoes I buy from now on will possibly stay with me until the end of my life, or until they are in style, at least.

Maybe, I can find a little cabinet like the one above to keep them in too!

I Won! I Won!

2009-02-20T13:00:00.002-05:00

I just won a giveaway, and I didn't even know it. Apparently I have been declared a winner for 150th post giveaway by fellow pinay knit blogger, Yarn Hungry Pigget.

Such yummy goodies are coming soon in a beautiful silver giveaway box. Thank you in advance Yarn Hungry Pigget! I promise to show off the stuff you have sent! Thanks!

8,000

2009-01-26T15:18:00.002-05:00

Just when I thought I was losing my blogging-mojo, I just got a little wake-up call. I was cross posting a couple of entries from my other blog when I noticed my site counter. I have just passed the 8,000 mark. Yoooo Hooooo! That's certainly cause for celebration!

I am so happy that I have been able to impart some knowledge and information to those of you who visit my site and read my words and stories. Thank you for your interest. This certainly is enough to make me want to keep on blogging.

Thanks!

Addicted...

2009-01-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

They say, one of the first steps to defeating an addiction, is acceptance that you do have one. After much denial, and if I am to, in any way, successfully defeat this, I am admitting that I am addicted to Robert Pattinson.

While I know, I am not alone in my addiction, just google his name and you'll find pages and pages of fan sites dedicated to him. I know. I've been scouring each and every single one of them.

For my sake, and that of my family's I must fight it off. And I will... I know I will...

Ay Diyos ko! Tulungan nyo ako! (Oh my God, please help me!)

This is my favorite picture of him.

I know these are old pictures of him, but these to me are some of the best looking ones. At least to me.
Images taken from: Robert Pattinson Online

Cross-posted from: Don't Be Losyang

I Don't Want to Go Back To This

2009-01-26T15:07:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to all! I have woken up from my stupor and have recently been jolted back into the real world. At least, my real world.

The month of December brought me to a very unusual and disconcerting place in my life. I still am not sure what happened to me. I have never experienced such a phenomenon in my life, and truly don't want to experience it again. I hope you don't mind if I share this with you. But I am hoping, by sharing it, I will be able to keep myself from slipping back into it.

You see, I got sucked into the world of Twilight. Yes. The books. It all started with the movie and all the hype it kept getting. Not to mention the actor who took my breath away. Since the movie was getting all this hype, and not having had a good book to read for a while, I decided to buy the first book to read. I cared so little about it, that I bought the copy that had photos of the movie actors on it. (If you really, really know me, I have a thing about my books - more on that another time.) Little did I know that it was the beginning of what I thought was a downfall on my part.

I read the book in about a day. Opened it one evening and then realized that daylight had come just at the last chapter. I was hooked. I bought the second book, and the third, and the fourth. I finished the series in less than a week. And during that week, I could not function. I did not cook, I barely concentrated on work, I took care of my children in a haze, I barely functioned at all. No knitting, no blogging, nothing. My DH was not pleased. How I managed to get through this holiday season is still a wonder to me.

Once the series was over, I thought I would be able to move on. But no. I became, embarrassingly enamored, with the actor playing Edward, Robert Pattinson. I convinced a friend to watch the movie with me... I had to... I almost brought my 7 year old daughter to watch the movie with me... This was not good. To tell you the truth, I barely remember the movie. All I remembered was him. I hadn't had a crush on someone in a long time (I am married, with kids you know!) so I had forgotten what it was like to have one.

I watched and read anything I could get my hands on him. Youtube, tmz, perez hilton, just jared. You name it, I checked it out. Pictures, old movies, interview videos. Everthing. Anything.

It was embarassing. I was discussing him with my 16 year old niece and I could see she was beginning to think I was getting creepy. And I was embarassed to say I was crushing on this 22 year old. Can you see the word "cougar" on my forehead? I could see it in my niece's eyes though.

I struggled with this. I desperately fought myself to come out of it. I wanted to understand what was happening to me. How had I come to this? Was I bored? What? Why?

Well, the epiphany came to me today. I had allowed my imagination to run free.

Something I have neglected to allow, or maybe refused to allow, for a very long time. In my quest to be the great wife, fun mom, creative woman I wish to be, I had shut down the one thing that can allow me to be all I wish to be. I was constantly looking for sources of inspiration from the outside. I forgot that I had an imagination that I could have drawn from as well.

I don't know why, when or how I shut my imagination down. I guess it all comes with being a so-called "adult." So when I succumbed to the Twilight and Robert haze, it felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. My imagination began to run wild, and since I was no longer used to recognizing it, I could not get myself back to the real world. I had to claw my way back. I don't think I am back completely just yet. I am still finding myself peeking at the showbiz websites for news about him, but I am much better now. But I am getting there (I do it only every 6 hours now)

I don't ever want to go back to this. I will allow my imagination to run free once in a while so as to never fall back into that stupor again. The more I let it run, the easier it should be for me to step back into the real world. The imagination is a very powerful thing. Let yours roam free. Join me in seeing what it brings back!

Cross-posted from: Don't Be Losyang

Distracted

2008-12-13T22:28:00.003-05:00

I have been distracted lately... My Handmade Christmas plan is suffering due to my latest distraction...

Image taken from here

Go Team Edward...

I have to say, the actor playing Edward is pretty distracting too.

Image taken from Times Online

He's definitely a freebie in my book. (For those who were in their twenties when the TV show Friends was on, you'll know what I mean.) Teee Heee!

Make your voice heard!

2008-11-03T19:18:00.003-05:00

Whatever your political inclinations are, tomorrow is a very important day where we have the opportunity to exercise our most powerful right! GO OUT AND VOTE!

J's Raisin Beret

2008-10-25T13:06:00.002-05:00

Janina's Raisin Beret, originally uploaded by theknittymommy.

Another 2008 Handmade Christmas Item down for our dear niece, J.
Pattern: Raisin Beret, by Raven Jakubowski
Source: Snowball Crafts in Hell
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool
10/3/2008 to 10/24/2008

Since I was making this for a child, I only repeated the lace pattern twice instead of the three times called for in the pattern.

Handmade Christmas Update: Baby N's 1st Beret

2008-10-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

Natalie's 1st Beret, originally uploaded by theknittymommy.

After some time in knitting limbo, I finally got myself to start working on my Handmade Christmas projects. The first completed item is for the latest addition to the family of our favorite Canadian friends, the O's!

Hopefully the knitting mojo will keep flowing as there are now only 12 weeks before Christmas!!!! Where has the time gone?

Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff

2008-08-20T13:12:00.004-05:00

I love Beef Stroganoff.... The best I have ever had was at Balthazar in New York City. My NYer aunt brought me there for my birthday once before my son was born. Ever since then, I have had a love affair with Beef Stroganoff. I have tried using all sorts of recipes. The Balthazar Cook Book doesn't even have it in the recipe. After trying and trying, I eventually figured a recipe for the sauce that is as easy as 1, 2, 3... well 4 really.

I will post on the perfect Beef Stroganoff in the future. But for now, I give you an alternative, the Portobello Mushroom Stroganoff. I am on a limited grocery budget right now, with gas and food prices still way above what they were last year, so I am looking for alternatives the meet my families dietary needs (Another post, really.)

I found some nice looking Portobello mushrooms at the local Asian Market (they are always cheaper than the regular supermarkets for produce). After being inspired by this, (see my comment?) I decided to give my suggestion a try. I grabbed some Extra-Wide Egg Noodles from the supermarket, and the rest of my ingredients are on my shopping list and went to work.

Here's the recipe:

Package Portobello Mushroom Caps (about 2 large caps), sliced in to big bite sized pieces

1/2 Spanish/Yellow Onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 cup Beef Broth (I use broth made from a beef bullion cube, Maggi or Knorr brand)

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1/2 C Sour Cream

1. Saute the mushrooms, onions and garlic in olive oil, until cooked. Season, lightly with salt and heavier with pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Deglaze pan with Beef Broth and scrape all the good stuff from the bottom of the pan and let simmer.

3. Lower heat and add dijon mustard and sour cream and mix continue stirring to prevent little curdles. (May be if you temper the cream with the broth, like how you temper eggs, it wont curdle too - I'll try that next time.)

4. Return the mushrooms into the sauce and pour the sauce and mushrooms over hot, buttered egg noodles.

Voila! See, I told you 1, 2, 3, and 4.

A Handmade Christmas

2008-08-05T09:44:00.004-05:00

Early this year, due to monetary constraints, our family is going to have a handmade Christmas. We've gone about seriously purging our Christmas Gift list, limiting gifts to those that really mean a lot to us as a family. Although, the Christmas card list will probably be longer...

Now that August has rolled around, the time has come to seriously get to work. Here is a list of the projects I want to make as gifts this year - recipients names have been omitted lest they be reading ;P :

A Scarf Askew from Magknits.com - the site no longer exists so I had to link to blog post about it.
Gigi Scarf
Raisin Beret by Aeon of Snowball Crafts in Hell
Utopia Hat by Smairek of Smariek Knits
Ponytail Hat
Knucks - 3 pairs
Bainbridge Scarf by Mintyfresh of pepperknit.com
Earflap Hats - 2
Twinkle Toes - 2 sets by Chloe Sparkle on Knitty.com
Ballet Slipper Socks - 2 sets
Dashing by Cheryl Niamath on Knitty.com
Fetching by Cheryl Niamath on KNitty.com
Coronet by Alexandra Virgiel on Knitty.com

For the projects without links, I am still looking for the right pattern for the project. Hopefully I've chosen the right project for each person and my ability to complete them all.

UFOlympics 2008 - Game On!

2008-08-04T23:20:00.003-05:00

I am officially entering the Olympics... The UFOlympics that is... The members of the group declare a UFO to finish off during the 16 days of the Beijing Olympics.

I am entering my Gigi scarf into the competion. I was thinking of entering DH's A Scarf Askew, but lost one of my knitting needles. I haven't shared this yet, but I am in a self-imposed knitting related purchase ban. That's another story.

This scarf is to be a Christmas present for my dear cousin, R, who I bought the kit for when I visited the now-closed Sheeps Clothing store in Upstate NY.

I missed the project declaration deadline, which was in mid-July, so I won't be in the running for stats and prizes, but will knit-along with everybody else. There are quite a few just like me anyway, so I won't feel too put out. Plus the ultimate prize, of course, is the finished project.

Cheer me on!

Online Recipe Storage

2008-06-23T16:03:00.002-05:00

How do you keep your recipes? Me? I actually have an old handmade notebook that I hand write my recipes in. The old notebook is really nothing too special, its just a compilation of the remains of old spiral notebooks from grade school that I sewed together. You don't really see too many spiral notebooks nowadays, in the US specifically. I've had mine since I was a freshman or sophomore in highschool. Some of the recipes go back to my high school cooking class days.

Anyway, the book is just about to fall apart, and I found this new way of storing my recipes online. It's Keyingredient.com. Thanks to my favorite cooking sister, Baby Rambutan, I found it. It even gives you the option to print your very own cook book at some point.

While I do enjoy writing my recipes down in the book, I am afraid that the book may not survive the years before my kids start cooking for their own families. So, if I can find the time..... Oh time, precious, time. I'll start transferring some of my more important family recipes to it so I can print out some cookbooks in the future. But I'll still keep my old notebook as a back-up. You'll never know, when technology decides to flip you the bird.

FO - Baby Q's Kimono Sweater

2008-06-21T13:12:00.003-05:00

FO-Kimono Sweater1, originally uploaded by theknittymommy.

It's done! This is my new niece/nephew who is coming in October. My cousin and her husband have decided (at least for now) to not determine the sex of their first child.

Pattern: Seamless Baby Kimono Sweater, by Jackie Kelley of The Complete Fabrication.
Yarn: Lily's Sugar and Cream 100% Cotton
Needles: Addi Turbo Circulars US6, 32 inch and Knit Picks US6 DPNs, 8 inch
Start date: May 12, 2008
End Date: June 16, 2008

Food Finds at Whole Foods

2008-06-06T12:11:00.010-05:00

Every so often, when I feel like treating myself, I go visit our local specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes. On the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, by boss closed our offices at 12:00 noon to allow us to enjoy the first weekend of summer. So, being payday and all, I was feeling "reeeech". Plus I had to do some grocery shopping anyway, so I brought myself to the Whole Foods market near my town.

One of my most favorite edibles is cheese. All sorts of them. I have never really kept track of which ones they are, nor whether they taste nutty or what their made of, goats cheese, buffalo cheese, cow's milk, etc. I just love them for how they taste. Maybe, I'll start taking note on that for future posts. It's a pity this post won't have photos of the cheese I bought. Since the cheeses have all been consumed, it's really too late for that now. Hopefully the links I put in will give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Anyway, I grabbed wedges of L'Edel de Cleron, St. Andre Triple Creme (it was cheaper than the Brillat Savarin or the Brie de Meaux - I am on a budget, you know! - Kapal talaga ng mukha!), and a Gruyere (I did'nt notice the brand or anything.)

I also did find an interesting butter made from Buffalo's milk.

I first eyed this on my sister-in-cooking-mitts' blog, Baby Rambutan. Made by the Fattorie de Garofalo in Italy. It got me curious, so I tried some. The 125 g pack cost about $3.49. Certainly more expensive than good old cow's milk butter. while I couldn't locate the nutritional information, I could not determine the fat count. But this is probably one of the creamiest butters I have ever tried. It spreads really well, and does not completely melt into the bread when you spread it on. I really enjoyed this butter, but don't believe I will be buying it again, unless there is a truly compelling reason. It's just too expensive. But good. Maybe when I have made my fortune.

The other find was a package of Sweet Olive Oil Tortas from Seville, Spain.

When I grabbed these, I thought I was picking up olive oil type crackers for the cheese. However, when I opened them, I was surprised - a little disapponted, really - that they had been topped with sugar. "Oh Darn! Mali!" I thought to myself. But nevertheless, I am not one to let food go to waste, so since I had opened it already, I took a bite. Memories of the old fashioned homemade otap from my Lola's house in Cebu flooded over me. They were not as crumbly or flakey, but it had the same crispness to it. I also picked up a hint of anise in it. Not very strong, just a hint. In fact I thought I had imagined tasting it after my second bite. It came back after another bite.

It tastes good on its own. It also tasted pretty good with a dab of the L'Edel de Cleron on it. This would be perfect for a good old fashioned pinoy-style beach front merienda while chatting it up with your oldest and bestest friends.

While these great food finds set me back quite a few bucks, I really did not regret my visit to Whole Foods that day. Some will define the good life with beauty, fashionable clothes, shoes, bags (God knows how I'd like to be like them too), pedicures and salon treatments... I simply define it being able to eat good food...

Cross-posted on Don't Be Losyang...

2008-06-01T21:38:00.002-05:00

I saw it last night with my DH. I. LOVED. IT.

See it with your girlfriends, or your spouse, or anybody you enjoy life with!

Image taken from www.allmoviephoto.com

WIP Update: Baby Q's Kimono Sweater

2008-05-28T13:42:00.002-05:00

Kimono Sweater5, originally uploaded by theknittymommy.

This is what I have on my needles right now. Actually, I have two other projects, but I just couldn't help myself from starting this wee little sweater.

A cousin of ours is finally expecting in October. I had plans of making a blankie, but decided to go with the sweater instead to make sure I'd be able to finish it on time.

The sweater is made from one piece, top down, so it'll certainly be easier that hand sewing all the pieces together. I can't wait till its finished. I've got about 10 row repeats to go for the body....

Amish Friendship Bread

2008-05-22T20:24:00.002-05:00

We've all heard of chain letters and friendship circles. I've even heard about the Holy Bread Novena of Padre Pio. I recently was asked to try the Amish Friendship Bread. It like a chain letter, but you pass on a starter mix for a bread. The Amish are supposed to be the only ones who know how to make the starter mix. (You can find the starter mix recipe on the internet though.) Anyway, it goes on for 10 days and during these days you either mix the batter or add additional ingredients. At the end of the 10 days, you split the batter into four and pass it on to other friends and bake the batch for your family.

The bread produced is a nice dense sweet bread that reminds me of a banana or pumpkin type bread. Instead of baking loaves though, I opted to make muffins. I really enjoyed making this and the family really enjoyed the muffins we ended up with.

All Is Quiet

2008-05-21T11:16:00.002-05:00

I've been quiet for the passed few days because of a few things that have occurred over the past weekend. My family is okay, so it's not me. But a few good friends have had some major challenges come into their lives, that I cannot help but think inward for the time being.

A good friend of mine on Friday, advised me that her father's health is in jeopardy and is undergoing some major difficulties. My family and I have been praying for him and their family's acceptance and preparation for what may come next.

The next day, I received a phone call from DH informing me of the passing of the mother of another dear friend from a major car accident. This truly shook us both as we knew her well and felt a closeness to her and the family. We continue to pray for her and the family she has left behind.

Our family has been praying a lot lately. That's really not a bad thing....

What Blogs Do I Read

2008-05-16T13:13:00.002-05:00

What do I look for in a blog?

With the plethora of blogs out there, it's sometimes hard to discern what kind of blogs I like to visit regularly. In the beginning, I read everybody. But after a while, some of the blogs began to lose their lustre to me.

I truly enjoy blogs that have a journalistic touch or editorial or essayist air about them. From these blogs I find inspiration to create and think outside the box and way beyond my suburban life. I also enjoy those that show the humanity of its writer, from the humor he or she finds in his or her own life, to the beauty and style in which he or she lives, or lack of it.

I don't always post comments on other's blogs, but if you happen to recieve one (or a couple) from me, it simply means that you're certainly one of those bloggers I enjoy reading that I am taking much away from what you publish for my own self.

Hopefully, this is what I present to those that read me as well.

WIP Update: R's Gigi Scarf

2008-05-13T13:10:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've done a knitting post. So I just wanted to show you what I had going on on my needles. This is one of the 3 things I am working on currently.

This is my cousin R's Gigi Scarf. I promised this to her during the Christmas of 2006 for Christmas 2007. Now, it looks like it will be with her for Christmas 2008. I missed the mark last year because my creativity mojo got distracted last year. I barely managed to finish my projects last year. Although, I tell her that I didn't make it last year because she was going home for Christmas and didn't need a scarf in the Philippines... Ha! Kasalanan niya pa. Hahahahaha!

Anyway, the Gigi Scarf is Morehouse Merino Farm kit, that I purchased at their store in Milan, NY. The store is closed now. But this is in a classic feather and fan stitch is a lace weight yarn. Extremely fine. Right now it all looks bunched up, but once I block it, the beauty of lace will shine through.

The pattern is pretty easy (at least for the knitters out there). But since the yarn is so fine, it feels like it takes forever to make any obvious progress.

How Dare They?

2008-05-01T11:11:00.002-05:00

Warning, this is a rant.

When I saw this article this morning, this simply drove me up the wall. For the past 3 years, gasoline prices have gone up to crazy heights. While NJ has the lowest gas prices in the nation, at now $3.60++ a gallon, its simply crazy. The food prices are going up, credit card bills are going up, housing costs are going up, utilities are going up. Its simply so challenging. The people are so cash strapped that it feels like big business is ganging up on all of us. The gas prices go up, the food prices will go up because of the transport, as such you run out of cash for your necessities and end up putting them on your credit card. Then the banks are raising interest rates (they will eventually - the low rates now are just a stop-gap measure), so you end up deeper in debt. The cycle is endless.

This is what is going on in the US. I can't imagine how difficult it is now back home. Pero at least back home, they still smile.

How dare these investors be disappointed by the company's second most profitable period in its history! Ang kapal nyo!

When the time comes that we have to buy a new vehicle, we're paying more for a hybrid or one that runs on water. Of course by then, water prices will have skyrocketted as well!

Figures...

2008-04-30T15:28:00.003-05:00

Just when I get my blogging, knitting, cooking mojo back, my computer at home decides to give up on me. Granted, we've gotten about 3 to 4 years out of a hand-me-down, its still a bugger that I have to shell out some real moolah to replace the thing.

I was hoping for another year with it. Oh well. When it conked out this morning, it just hit me that I wouldn't be able to read my fave blogs from home. Since, I am trying to get myself back online, I really don't want to be doing it on my office's company time.... Ssssshhhhh. Don't check the time clock right now.

Anyway, this will just delay further my new posts and pictures. Hopefully you'll be there when I get back.

Don't Be Losyang: A Scary Thought

2008-04-23T10:13:00.003-05:00

On Monday, I had a little health scare. Not to worry, it turned out to be nothing serious. I had been feeling some chest pain for over 3 weeks, and just could not shake off the feeling of impending doom that I was probably having a heart attack at age 35. After being told by my doctor's office to go to the Emergency Room if the pain persisted, I drove myself to our local hospital ER. If you know me personally, you will know that I am a smoker. I cannot say that I have quit completely, but I have certainly stopped smoking for approximately 2 to 3 years, but do indulge in a couple of sticks every so often. Anyway, I truly thought that it was the almost 22 years of smoking (I started when I was in my First Year of High School - kids, don't do this at home) that was now staking its claim over me.

However, with great gratitude and thanks to God (I am serious here) it turned out to be simply a strain in the cartillage that holds my rib and chest bone together. Phew!

But this was the truly scary thought for me, of course, other than the fact of possibly dying... I had my crummiest bra on that day.... Hey, even my husband, G, when he finally got to the ER after work, asked me... "Which bra are you wearing?"

Time to truly kick the horrible habit (and yes, I really do regret ever starting smoking so young), and to go shopping for new underwear.

A New Look.

2008-04-22T17:02:00.002-05:00

For the newly-inspired blogger in me, I have decided to go with a new look of the site. One day I will customize, but for now, I think this is simple enough to keep me going.

Blogging Milestone: 5000 page views

2008-04-18T08:50:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to mark a blogging milestone! I have had 5000 page views since I started this blog! Wooo Hoooo! Thanks everybody!

Sunday Dinner: Chicken Cordon Bleu and Brown Rice Risotto

2008-04-17T12:17:00.006-05:00

I was going through some old photos I had taken of several Sunday Dinners and found a few dishes that I have left un-posted. Probably because the photos weren't great. This was before an Uncle gave me a new digital camera for Christmas. Thanks Uncle I! Not that the photos are any better now, but at least clearer..... I digress.....

This was a partcularly successful Sunday Dinner with the kids. So I proudly present, Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Brown Rice Risotto.

I made up the recipe from a jumble of published recipes, cooking shows and blog entries. I forgot to write it down the recipe, but it was pretty simple. It was a great way to move out some of the green beans and ham that I had in the refrigerator.

To make this a healthier meal, I used bread crumbs made from the edges and ends of whole wheat bread and baked the chicken rolls instead of deep frying them. I used cheddar cheese and low fat cooked ham. It wasn't all that low fat, but certainly not heavy on it.

Since I don't have a recipe for this on hand, please e-mail me if you'd like me to recreate one for you.

Pasalubongs from The Gypsy Soul

2008-04-17T11:50:00.005-05:00

I should have posted this a very long time ago. I apologize to Christine for not publicly acknowledging the items she took pains to get to me last summer...

She sent me a box of those famous Jumbo Pastillas. Believe me, these did not last 4 hours in my house. They were fantastic and really reminded me of back home. Mind you, when I was young, the Pastillas came in that size as a matter of course.

She also sent me a jar of Mangosteen Preserve. When I was taking the wrapping apart, I accidentally ripped off part of the label. This was good, however I believe we have not fully appreciated it just yet because I haven't paired it properly with the cheese I think it would go best with.

This mangosteen preserve reminds me so much of the membrillo or quice paste. But I beleive the mangosteen jam will bring out the best out of a yummy Manchego and maybe an Idiazabal. It goes very well with a Triple Creme Brie. Hmmmm....

I am ashamed to say that the jam jar is still in my refrigerator. Time to go visit the store to get me some nice cheese. Will post pictures.... If we make it that far.

I need your help to decide...

2008-04-17T09:46:00.001-05:00

I have my blog "Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners" on blogspot. I had originally planned to keep it pretty anonymous so as not to expose my kids on the internet, but wanted to present a point-of-view of my two passions. Knitting and cooking. But when Multiply came along, they had a blog feature that allowed you to import your current blog and cross-post. I decided to do it. But now I have lost my anonymity... in a way. So today, I ask you all to help me make the decision... Should I keep my blog on multiply or hide it? Let me know how you feel by voting in my poll.

PS. I realize that if you're reading this from the blog itself, there are no poll buttons. In that case, please leave me a comment. Thanks.

My View

2008-02-29T06:36:00.000-05:00

I have been watching the goings-on in my home country with avid anticipation of what will transpire. The whole NBN-ZTE scandal has re-lit the fire under people's bottoms to once again attempt to fight for what is right. I will not say here my leanings toward who's who, and on which side I am on, etc. But I did just want to point out one thing.

Having observed it from thousands of miles away, I am seeing something more worrisome that I just wanted to point out. I hope I am not the only one seeing that the lines between the personalities and what they stand for are becoming blurred by all the excitement. You have Erap marching for the truth side by side with Cory Aquino. Didn't we all march against him not even a decade ago for the exact same reasons... corruption and anomalous transactions? Are we doing this all again to put someone like him back in power? I am sure this is not what we intending to do. Let's not forget what we are trying to do.

If GMA must go, let her go. By all means, I am all for ridding the Philippines of the diseased. Those diseased by corruption, sin, want of power, and pride. However, this time around, please, lets get rid of the diseased, not just replace them with another.

People Power and how it has made change possible in the our country should be a source of pride. But if we keep using it to make way for the same rule of law, one of corruption and lawlessness, it no longer becomes a movement of change... It becomes a movement of mediocrity.

I would one day like to go back and live in the country I call home. I certainly do look forward to that day. Hopefully, it will have changed.

Cross-posted to Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners from Multiply.

Sunday Dinners: Assorted

2008-02-28T18:39:00.000-05:00

I haven't had a chance to post some of the yummy meals we've had recently. Since my Mom's been here, I really haven't done as much cooking as she's taken over the kitchen. Fine by me. The meals have truly been yummy... Here are a few of the more memorable ones.

Steamed Striped Bass in Soy SauceSince it's almost impossible to find lapu-lapu (Grouper?) here, Striped Bass is the next closest thing. A great thing is you can have the fish cleaned by the fish monger when you bring it home and go to work on it right away. We simply stuffed the stomach area with lemon, ginger, scallions (green onions), cilantro (wantsuy) and steamed it. On the side we made the sauce out of sauteed garlic, ginger and scallions in some canola oil, added some soy sauce and a little black bean sauce. Once the fish was fully cooked, we transferred it to a platter and garnished it with the lemon and cilantro and poured the hot sauce over it and drizzled a little sesame oil. Serve it with some steamed white rice and you're ready to go.

The square thing are pieces of fish tofu that you can get in the Asian Market. I steamed those up too because I knew the kids would not go near the fish, in all its fishy glory.

Old Fashioned Lugaw (Congee) with all the trimmings.This we actually had just the other night after my DH's birthday party. We still had some leftover shrimps and veggies and white rice. We just souped it up with chicken broth and ginger. We served the congee in bowls with all the shrimps, sauteed ground beef, century eggs, green onions, sambal as garnish. Drizzle a little a little soy sauce and you have yourself a complete meal in one bowl. We also had some left over bean sprouts and sauteed those. Although I opted not to put them in my serving. I know, as the commercial goes... I could have had a V8....

Hap Kee Pan Fried Flounder

For all those Pinoy New Yorkers, I would find it hard to believe that you may not be familiar with this tiny basement restaurant on Mott Street in Chinatown. My parent and relatives have been going there for ages. My family and I had never been there, but we took advantage of an opportunity to have a meal from there on a recent trip to NYC. While I do not yet know how to make this myself, rest assured, this will certainly be an up and coming Sunday Dinner. And I may divulge the recipe....

While I go through my pictures, I have found a couple more previous Sunday Dinners that I have failed to post. They will certainly be coming soon... very soon.

Cross-posted on Of Knitted Tales and Sunday Dinners from Multiply.

FO: My First Placemats

2008-02-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

As the first project I embarked on with my new toy, I decided to make a set of placemats. I really enjoyed making them though it did take me over 3 weeks to make as I could only managed to sew about once a week. But I finished them and they are now in use.

My Newest Toy

2008-02-15T15:39:00.005-05:00

Tah - Dah! I thought I'd show you my newest toy. For those that know me personally, you'll know that my mom had a dress making shop as a business when we were growing up. The seamstress (in Filipino - "ma-na-nahi" or "kustorera") is still there, but in a different set-up.

I even dabbled in some fashion design as a teenager. Yes... My prom dress and high school dance dresses were all my own design. However, I never learned how to sew. I had always wanted to learn, but since the seamstresses in my Mom's shop were there as employees, I did not want to bother them to teach me how to sew. Plus, I didn't think my Mom would appreciate my taking up her employees' time.

Fast forward about 18 years later, and now I am finally learning to sew. And who's teaching me? My mom, of course.

It's slow going as sewing does take up some time and time is certainly very limited with the kids and all. But I have managed to make a set of placemats (8 pcs) from scratch.

Hopefully, I'll learn more techniques before Easter, when my Mom moves on to my sister in Toronto.

I can't wait to show you my projects.

Photo taken from www.Target.com.

Envirosax

2008-02-12T15:40:00.002-05:00

My friend from New Zealand, gifted me with an Envirosax re-usable grocery bag on her visit here over the Holidays. It's such a great bag for general use whenever I need an extra bag. I keep mine in my purse to have handy any time I might need a bag. Plus, I love the design of the bag she gave me.

This year, I'm making a conscious effort to stop using the plastic grocery bags that come from the supermarkets. I am so glad that most of the supermarkets are coming out with their own re-usable grocery bags. Now I can be a little more earth friendly and do my part in reducing the waste coming from this land of plenty. I just wish they came in more attractive designs and better materials. Although, they are usually sold at $.99 a piece, so there really isn't much in the design category in that price range.

The Envirosax are certainly a little pricey with each one costing approximately $8-$9. But they're so far the best quality I've seen out there. Hmmmm.....

Photo taken from www.Envirosax.com

My Fashion Manifesto

2008-02-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

As part of my Don't Be Losyang focus, I have been enjoying doing a little shopping here and there. I have enlisted the help of some fashion blogs, magazines and a book, called the Lucky shopping manual to get me on my way.

I realize however, that I have an issue. I don't have the extra money to actually re-vamp my look. The brands, the shoes, the price tags! Goodness. How am I to succeed?

And then I found this...

Okay, I didn't come up with it... This is Sarah Jessica Parker's own manifesto when she created her Bitten clothing line for Steve & Barry's. Her line comprises of fashionable pieces all priced below $30.00, including shoes. I am not advertising her line, but I do intend to use the manifesto to work on myself.

I am still alive

2008-02-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

To my readers and friends, I just wanted to let you all know that I am still alive. I've been busy, but I am still alive. I also wanted to let you all know that I have been knitting, I have been cooking, and I have a new toy. I will be posting soon...

Belated Happy New Year, Happy Super Bowl Sunday and all the other special days I have missed posting about in between.

The Knittymommy is coming back... very soon.

Presents and Gifts

2007-12-26T05:13:00.000-05:00

This year, I am afraid, I have been quite remiss in posting new developments on a regular basis. I guess, the juice ran out of me a bit towards the end of the year. Nevertheless, I will strive to work on this in the New Year.

Firstly, I would like to greet each and everyone of you, a very Merry Christmas and wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. We failed to send out Christmas cards this year, however we have not stopped thinking of all of you.

During Christmas mass this year, the priest, in his homily, talked about the difference between presents and gifts. The words are often used interchangeably, but each word has its own distinct meaning. A present is an object that is given in public, while a gift may or may not be an object, and is bestowed by the giver to the recipient. This struck me as I have always used the two words interchangeably, but really meaning the object.

So from now own, I will always refer to actual items being given to a recipient as presents, for example, Christmas presents, Birthday presents, wedding presents... so on and so forth.

This year was marked with numerous blessings and gifts. I would like to take sometime to remember some of them with you. Some you may already know of, while some, you probably did not.

In the beginning of this year, I received quite a generous raise and bonus, from my company. The gift of security.

After the second quarter of the year, my DH was given a promotion and a proportionate increase in pay. This however was short-lived, as by the end of the Summer, due to dispute amongst the business partners and the eventual dissolution of the partnership, he was laid-off. The gift of humility.

A short period afterwards, DH was re-hired by one of the managing partners at a different club. With a lower title and lower pay scale, he went back to work at the new club. The gift of resilience.

As you all know, we were fortunate enough to buy our very own house, which we are now working on making into a home where we can raise our children and grow old in. The gift of stability.

This year was also marked by many re-connections in my life. Through the internet, I have been able to reconnect with so many old friends, from high school, from work, from college and a life lived before. With my old high school girlfriends, whom I regrettably hurt at some point in a time in my life where I was still trying to figure out who I really was. With my numerous friends left behind that I've shared good times and bad through all these years. With new online friends met through the blogs. The gift of friendship.

In addition to the other re-connections in my life, I have also been able to reconnect with myself. To allow me, to love myself and take care of myself. To demand from my DH and children that they show me the love and appreciation that I deserve. While this may sound selfish to some, this has been a true revelation to me and as you all know, I am allowing myself to celebrate me. The gift of self-discovery.

On December 2, 2007, my DH and I celebrate our 7th year of marriage. In February 2008, we will have been a couple for 10 years. While I know many of you have been with your own partners for a longer time, and have been through so much more, than we have, I still look at my dear husband, with the same love, giddiness, and kilig as I did 10 years ago. The gift of true love.

There are so many more gifts we have received this year. These are a few of the remarkable ones that I truly wanted to share with all of you. To all of you, may each and every one of you receive the same gifts as I have, and hopefully even more, this coming New Year!

From my family to yours, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

What am I Thankful For?

2007-11-21T06:12:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and it's easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on the details, versus remembering the spirit of what this special occasion is. While we were living in the Philippines, our family always celebrated Thanksgiving with a bountiful meal of Turkey and the trimmings. When we moved to the States, Thanksgiving is such a huge event here, that you just can't help but get mixed up in all the fanfare... and the shopping on Black Friday.

This year however, while I am still getting wrapped up in the details of hosting our first Thanksgiving/Housewarming party, I am pausing to think about what I have to be thankful for:

My dear husband, G.

For constantly being my rock, my partner, my lover (uuuuuyyyyyy), my best friend, my lamaze partner, my sparring mate. For still keeping me as his ultimate crush, despite my "losyang"-ness. For being the kind and honest man that he is.

My kids K and R.

For believing that I am the coolest, most beautiful, most fashionable, best cook, best knitter, most creative, most important woman in the world. While I know that this period is only temporary, I am making the most of this time in their lives. For keeping me grounded and reminding me... constantly... that all our choices and sacrifices are for them.

My job, and G's job.

For being the source of our livelihood. For being honorable and noble jobs. For being enjoyable ones, that we do not abhor and dislike. For making our daily labor all worthwhile. For providing us with what we need to achieve our goals and dreams (ie, our house, our cars, our food, etc.)

The internet.

For providing me a mode of expressing myself, for being a source of information and news, for providing avenues to get back in touch with family and friends left behind. The internet is such a major part of our lives, not just for the entertainment value it brings, but the for the ability it provides for us all to communicate in this new world we live in.

Our good health.

For keeping us going. For keeping us able to perform all our daily tasks without disability so we may provide for our family's needs.

All my family and friends around the world.

For providing me with strength and encouragement when I need it. For the extra prayers each on says for us. For the community we all need to live in this world.

The challenges we face each day.

For making us better people after overcoming each adversity. For reminding us of our need to be humble and not boastful and arrogant. For reminding us not to take all that we have for granted.

I know there are many more I should be thankful for, however, this list would go on forever if I did list them all. For all this, and many more, I thank the Lord God for showering his great blessings upon us. In this small way, I am sharing with you all that I am thankful to Him for.

What about you? What are you thankful for? I am tagging all who read this to make a similar list and share it with everyone too. At the very least, it will give you a few minutes to reflect on what you have received in this life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

Odds and Ends

2007-11-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

Just a quick entry of random things to update my little part of the blogosphere....

We bought a house.
We finally bought a house and as of last weekend, we've moved in. We had some initial problems with the electrical panel (which had to be replaced) that had the house without electricity for a week. No progressive work could be done at the house, without that. So we spent that week packing.

Once the electricity was back on, DH sanded the existing hardwood floors and we varnished it together. An act that apparently must be done with rubber gloves... I did not know that, and thus had to pour nail polish remover on my hands and use it like water to remove all the varnish on my skin. My fingers were stuck together all the way home.

And then of course the move. The house is a total mess, but we've gotten everthing to the house, so it's just a matter of putting things away.

My house has a small room that I am turning into my crafting room. It's very small, almost closetish, but will suffice for my needs. I am so very excited right now!

Hogwarts Sock Swap II Progress:
I am woefully late on my sock. I alerted my partner way before because of the current circumstances, so she's cool with it. However now, the participants are beginning to recieve their packages, and I am beginning to feel the pressure to finish the sock. I hope to send it out after Thanksgiving. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Sunday Dinners:
I have cooked none since the beginning of October. I will return to this however, very very soon.

I won in a raffle.
By the way, I won the Street Food cookbook from a raffle that Baby Rambutan was running on her blog. I am so happy as I have wanted this book for a while. My sister owned a copy and used to borrow it from her. That was before I moved oceans away from her. She's now about an 8-hour drive from me, living in Toronto (the home of my favorite knitting blogger/writer - The Yarn Harlot - I met her you know????)

That's about it for now. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things soon.

Tah-tah!

The Knittymommy meets The Yarn Harlot - Updated with Photos

2007-10-19T22:48:00.001-05:00

Tonight I had the great opportunity to meet The Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. She appeared at Borders in Marlton, gave a talk, and signed books. She was extremely gracious and very very funny. Ever since I started knitting and blogging, I have been a huge fan of hers.

She spoke about her adventures in knitting and how the world today views knitters. She was hilarious and had such a humorous take on the knitting world. Did you know that there are 50 million knitters in North America alone? We outnumber golfers 2 to 1, and yet the golfers have their own channel to watch all day long. Knitters only have about 2 to 3 30-minute TV shows dedicated to them. On cable TV channels at that. Interesting huh?

Knitters Unite!

Fall should be here by now...

2007-10-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

Although, the fall season officially began a couple of weeks ago, we've been having a hot spell here in the East Coast. We're talking 80 to 85 degree days for over two weeks now. But, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw on this morning's news that we're going into the 60s in the middle of the week. While the summer is great and all, there's just something about the fall that really makes you appreaciate the change of seasons.

You can actually see the leaves change color. And the atmosphere really does change. People are dressed better, no more belly baring mid-riff shirts, love handle showing tank tops, and cellulite revealing shorty shorts. The coats come out, the scarves come out, the boots are worn. To me, Fall is one of the most fashionable seasons of all. People can look so chic in their leather jackets, light sweaters, shawls, boots, stockings/ tights. There's still some style involved. Once winter rolls in, it becomes extremely difficult to dress up without looking like puff-ball, with the heaving coats, snow gloves and snow boots - altough the new UGG boots look quite interesting.

Pumpkin picking and going through a corn maze is almost the norm in every pick your own farm. This is as American as Apple Pie. (I picked this line up from my friend's photo blog on Multiply.)

Another great thing about the fall is the heartier, stick to your bones, comfort food. Soups, stews, casseroles. I just can't wait to try this dish out from 80 Breakfasts. Plus all the hearty desserts out there. MMMMMMMMM. This may very well be the season that will let me get my cooking groove back on. Plus, Thanksgiving is around the corner too... (Uh-oh- Christmas shopping is coming around too...)

Alas, however, fall does signal the shortening of daylight hours. During the summer, we were out and about all the way until 8:00 pm because it was still bright out, now, the darkness begins to roll in by 7:00. Around the start/end (I really don't know which) of Daylight Savings time it'll be dark by 5:30 pm. That part I really don't enjoy - it always feels like you're running out of time.

Other than that little bummer, Fall is an all around fun time, very family oriented, and full of love as it preludes Christmas, which, of course, is the most love-filled time of all.

My New Motto In Life

2007-10-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

To all my fellow mommies here in the States, without the extra help, we always need to keep this in mind... Don't Be Losyang! (Thanks to my old HS classmate TT, for providing me with this motto - it was given to her by another old HS classmate of ours, RW.)

Spelling with Flickr

2007-09-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

I came across this on one of the blogs of one my Pinoy Ravelers groupmates on Ravelry. I thought it would be fun to see what letter images would be available on flickr for my pen name. Check yours out at Spell with flickr

Re-Posting for Marco Diaz - The Validity of the Law

2007-09-25T08:36:00.000-05:00

Please copy and repost on your blogs. Help start something meaningful.

How can anyone think of fully pardoning Joseph "Erap" Estrada after he was sentenced to a lifetime in prison? I know we all think that most of the people in the Philippine Government are corrupt, but by even considering pardoning him, they prove that there is no real justice left in the country. Might as well let all the crooks out of jail (the murderers, the child rapists, the rebels, and everyone else) because for me, Erap's crimes destroyed more than one or some lives. Pardoning him for a flimsy reason such as "national reconciliation" is a hazy lie that simply translates to me as "Get to the top and you are beyond the Law." Every educated person sees it as a hypocrisy of the people in government, the degradation of the rule of absolute law. We are reconciled because the case has been decided and he was proven guilty by the Republic of the Philippines.

In the words written by George Orwell in Animal Farm "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

Is this what it means to be a Filipino? That we forgive those that have destroyed the future potential of perhaps a whole generation of our countrymen? Pardoning him is inviting yet others to do even worse to us, our children, and our neighbors. Perhaps they are already doing such things. By not doing anything, we have MADE the decision to let it happen.

Destroy a generation is what Estrada has done; his actions as president have affected every single one of us; local or OFW. He's pillaged the Social Security System, damaged the reputation of our stock exchange, supported and strengthened the base of political corruption through gambling pay-offs. It only takes looking at our neighboring countries to see what our potential is and what we are considering forsaking again.

No actor in the Philippines is worth the Php 1 Billion that the country is thinking of handing back to him. There is no way that he can prove he is worth more than Php 1 Billion; much less all those billions that he might have already been able to salt out of the Philippines.

Let's get real for a change. Write to your Congressmen and Senate representatives or just write a blog about it. If you can't be bothered, simply copy and paste this blog! There has to be a point where all this bullshit chokes us, where we can't hold it in and we vomit it out. I don't think that everyone in government is corrupt, but now is the time for everyone to speak out. If he is pardoned by or before Christmas, that 1 billion returned to him will be paid off to the top crooks in government and another criminal is allowed to be kingpin again.

If we are real "Christians" and treat our neighbors like we would like to be treated ourselves, then surely we would forgive Erap as a man, but let him stay in prison for his crimes.

I SEE ME!

2007-09-10T16:15:00.001-05:00

For my friends who have been reading this blog, you will know that I recently went through a bout of the blues. Being a working mom of two here in the US is challenging and difficult that one tends to forget to take care of herself as she put everybody first. I fell into that trap and have recently begun working my way out of it.

One of the ways was to pursue my knitting full on, I opened up an Etsy account and began creating knitting accessories to sell (and have actually sold some already), and have created this blog. I also started taking more notice of my appearance and clothes and have updated my make-up and wardrobe.

One big step I made was to have pictures of myself taken, by my dear friend and budding photographer, KC. Aside from being a test subject for her to practice on, it was an opportunity for me to see myself again. To some they may just be simply photographs of me, but to me, they are a reminder to me of who I am. For those who read this blog and do not know me personally... THIS IS ME.

KC was patient with me and encouraged me to try and let loose my inhibitions about myself. I may not have been easy to direct as I could not put on any other face or expression other than what was familiar to me. But I tried.

I absolutely love these photos. My husband loves them too. To KC... Thank you.

WIP Update: Baby I dT's Hooded Jacket

2007-08-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

It's done! However, I am keeping it a WIP (Work-In-Progress) because I still wanted to put a few accents on to make it a little more feminine. I decided on a crocheted edging along the hem and the front and hood in a rich dark pink shade.

Now, if I can only find a button for the closure and I will be done.

Her Crystal Palace

2007-08-17T14:45:00.000-05:00

In case any of you keep posted on the other Pinoy blogs, particularly the ones focused on the socio-economic ails of our country, you probably have heard about the Malu Fernandez issue. I must admit, I'm not one to typically comment on such issues, as I have never thought myself an authority on those things. After all, I no longer live in the Philippines, and felt that any comments or opinions I had about what troubled our native land, would be best left to myself or to my family.

Unfortunately, after reading the article and her succeeding comments after it, I felt deeply offended and disappointed in the things she had to say. I am sadly not surprised that some people in that segment of society of hers, the fashionista, jet-set, still think that way of people, the OFWs, the masses.

I believe that people like her - apathetic, callous, unresponsive and indifferent, contribute to the difficulty of Filipinos moving forward. People with the means to promote change, people with the words to inspire, people with the resources to uplift, decide not to.

It is quite unfortunate that she has failed to see what kind of a gift God has given her. She considers herself a writer, a newspaper and magazine writer at that. A writer for public media, public consumption. She has been gifted with the resources, the education and ability, to show people the world. She can teach the people about the beautiful cities she visits, what she learns from there and how other people there live. Yet she chooses to use the article, and her many other articles, to brag about what she can do, who she knows, what she has, and how uncaring she is of the plight of the Filipino.

She says that her closest friends found her article funny... If I were Crickette, Kitty, Tessa, Tim, Miguel, and Rajo, I would be ashamed to have people know that I shared the same thoughts and feelings as she does. If they did, I doubt if they would have been willing to have them made known publicly. Especially her favorite nephew, Miguel, isn't he supposed to be helping the people she so tragically insulted and offended. Isn't he supposed to be a man for the masses?

It is so unfortunate that she who can speak to the world does not do so with eloquence, grace, and love. The special gift she had has been wasted and tossed by the wayside.

When I was growing up, I was very lucky and privileged to experience some of the best things life had to offer. I too did not realize that there were those who were not like me, who were not as fortunate as I. I too thought that everybody I knew and felt the same way I did, about the masses, the OFWs, the Filipino, in general. Fortunately, I did not share her feelings.

Only one who has truly lived in a cyrstal palace will fail to see what the rest of the world, much less his own countrymen, are going through... Remember dear Malu, crystal does break. Hopefully, you do not get hurt when you palace comes crashing down on.

Random Thoughts...

2007-08-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

While I haven't had much time to talk about anything new going on, I thought it might be a good idea to just put in some random items about what's been going on:

Baby Hooded Jacket:

I have made some major progress on the baby hooded jacket I am making for G's cousin's coming baby. I am now working on the hood. Once that's done, I will just have to sew the seams, weave in the ends, and I'll be done. I am sure it'll turn out a little bit more complicated once I get to the seams... Take a look.

My First Guinataang Halo-Halo:
Last weekend, my friend KDC decided to put up a Thai feast at M's house. I was tasked to bring in a "fab" dessert. When I asked for ideas for a such a dessert, Guinataang Halo Halo was suggested. It's a good thing the ingredients are pretty easy to come by here in our area, with 2 Asian stores and 1 Filipino Sari Sari Store in the area. While I was missing a few items like langka, saging na saba, and gabi, I did manage to use Japanese Yam, Plantains and a whole lot of sago and galapong - my favorite part of guinataan... Take a gander... Everyone seemed to have enjoyed it.

Mystery Stitch Markers:
A few days ago, I received in the mail, a pleasant mystery surprise... Someone from Austin, TX has decided to gift me with these wonderful stitch markers. Thank you!

So much for now...

Responses to Last Post

2007-08-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

To my dearest friends, I thank you for all the words of encouragement and care you expressed to me from my last post. To MH for the phone call, to MA, NW, MD, R, for your encouraging words in the comments sections (on Blogger and on Multiply), to ML and KDC for the time you spent with me during the first few days. Thanks again to all of you.

It was all truly appreciated. Thanks.

And now.... to our regularly scheduled program...

My Dreams for me...

2007-08-04T10:25:00.000-05:00

For those that may have noticed, my blog has lacked any significant content in the past few months, for my taste at least. To tell you frankly, I have just not been into it, with life happening all around me.

I remember telling Wysgal that American life will come at her fast. It is interesting that at the time I had told her that, American life was about to come at me even faster... Don't worry, no one in the family is sick, no one is hurt, no one is in harms way... Suffice it to say, we're going through one of life's many bumps and hoping and praying that we get over it as better persons.

After weeks of being in a funk, I have decided to come out of it and get back to doing the things I love and enjoy. I once saw a segment on the Today show, about alpha moms v. slacker moms, and had an ah-hah moment: My dreams don't have to die for my family's to live. (This was actually a quote made by a slacker mom about her kids.) To some of my fellow moms, I know this may sound blasphemous, but I think I have found a new mantra in life. I don't have to lose myself in moving everybody along.

I think this is why I put up this blog last year, to share with everybody the few distinct things that make me me, aside from being a mom and a wife (which are both great things to be). I hope you enjoy watching as I move forward and fulfill the dreams I have for me. By the way... I may occasionally need some cheering on, so I hope I to hear from you once it a while. Thanks.

Hogwarts Sock Swap Round 2 Questionnaire

2007-07-24T10:48:00.000-05:00

I have succumbed to the second round of the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I have been christened Penelope Wigworthy for this round.

What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor, baby!

Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference? shoe size: 9, foot length: 9 3/4 inches, foot circumference: 8 1/2 inches

List your three favorite sock yarns.
a. Tofutsies
b. Sock Candy by Blue Moon Fiber ARts
c. Ultramerino by Art Yarns

Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand? Any of Dharmafey's Cosmic Fiber (available on ETSY) sock yarns.

Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn? either one will do

What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash? lighter shades - please no browns or greys.

What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle?
Lace and Ribbed

Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.) None.

Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them? No.

Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal? Not for this round.

PROTEGO!

2007-07-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

I just received the final installment of the Harry Potter series, and already, I am seeing that people have already finished reading it! I am conjuring up the shield charm to help thwart any and all spoilers coming my way.

I can't wait to start reading!

The Knittymommy meets wysgal

2007-07-22T15:35:00.000-05:00

Today, The Knittymommy and family met with wysgal whose about to start her new life in Philadelphia as student. Since she was going to be living in the city, she asked if we could do something New Jersey-ish. Other than a visit to the "shore" - the beach to NJ-ians. I tried hard to figure out what we could do to showcase NJ.

For lunch, we brought her to the hip town of Collingswood. We had plans of going to the Pop Shop but the wait was going to be too long, so we walked down the street to the Tortilla Press and had a nice mexican lunch. While this restaurant is not as authentic, mexican-wise, it was a nice place for lunch. They even had a lively guitar player who entertained our kids thoroughly while we enjoyed our lunch.

After lunch, we headed down to the Jose Rizal Memorial along the Cooper River. We couldn't help having a dose of Pinoy Pride.

We then headed down to the Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford, NJ for some vegetable and fruit picking. Despite its industrial exterior, NJ is actually a major produce state, famous for its Jersey Fresh vegetables and fruit, especially Jersey corn and Jersey tomatoes. Today they were picking Jersey White Corn and Blueberries. While the blueberries are ending their picking season, the corn was quite prolific. The kids certainly enjoyed themselves, picking their own corn for the very first time. I hope wysgal enjoyed it as well. She very smartly picked a quantity that she would be able to consume, all by herself.

We ended the day with dinner in Philly's chinatown, at one of our typical haunts, Sang Kee, for a noodle soup and soy chicken dinner.

We hope wysgal enjoyed the day with the Knittymommy and family. We welcome her with open arms and filled tummies. We wish her one of the best experiences in her life while she stays here during this period. We look forward to many more days like this.

New Spot of my Blogs that Inspire Me section...

2007-07-18T09:34:00.000-05:00

To my fellow mommies and foodies, you have got to see this site. I simply love it and am getting great ideas for my kid's lunch meals. I have simply too lazy to jazz things up for them. While I don't think my kids would like everything she puts in her kid's bento box, but just the thought of presenting some newer foods in a more visual manner, just might do the trick.

This site deserves a spot on my "Blogs That Inspire Me" section on my sidebar.

FO: Ravenclaw Jaywalkers - The Full Post

2007-07-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

Updated on 7/23/2007 - Now that my partner has received her swap package, I can now reveal what else I put into her owl post...

Woooo hoooooo!!!!! They are done.

The package:

The needles:

The stitch markers:

I hope she enjoys it.

Take a look here to see what she said about her package. I am glad she liked it!

WIP Update: Hogwarts Sock Swap Jaywalkers

2007-07-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on my Jaywalkers, I have just finished the heel of sock number 2 and I am working on the foot towards the toe. At this point, I can comfortably call my shot and say... The socks will be done and on its way by Owl Post by the week of July 18, 2007.

Cross-posted on the Hogwarts Sock Swap and Jaywalkers Knit Along Blogs.

Ravelry

2007-07-03T06:12:00.000-05:00

Today I finally received my Ravelry invite. It's almost like Multiply, but focused on knitters and crocheters. You can post pictures of your projects, stash, and anything knitterly. Get to know other fellow knitters or crocheters in the online community. Have friends and contacts and things that I haven't figured out just yet.

The site was developed by a young husband and wife team, Casey and Jess. I tell you, this couple is an inspiration. They had an idea and seized upon it. The quit their day jobs and everything to dedicate their time and energy to developing the site.

For my fellow knitters, if you haven't already, go over to their website and sign up as a beta tester. The invites take a while to receive (about 2 to 3 months) but I am sure it will be worth the wait.

Sunday Dinner - First Seafood Dinner of the Season

2007-06-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

Everytime the summer season rolls around, I yearn for the familiar tastes of home. At both G's and my house, Sunday lunch during the summer typically had some sort of seafood. My in-laws happily indulged by love for crabs and tulya soup. While I haven't figured out the tulya soup just yet, the crabs, I can proudly say, I have gotten the hang of.