Purple

Taken at Choklit Park

Each thought we consciously form, each word we utter, and each action that we take either builds or destroys. - Didache, September 30, 2012

Fall

Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. - St. Francis of Assisi

Back To School

First day of school marks the unofficial end of summer. This only means hello to falling leaves, cozy sweaters to be adorned, cooler weather which signals life to turn indoor and the return of seemingly endless school activities for new and old students.

A call from my husband at 6am this morning prompted me to wake up and prepare my student's breakfast. Thank goodness, a cup of tea perked me up! 

Breakfast is necessary because it refuels our bodies after a long period of fasting. What we fuel up on is entirely essential as when.
I presume that all mothers like me know that when children skip breakfast their cognitive function decreases making them incapable to focus in school. Moreover, enjoying healthy breakfast on regular basis provides children a good jumpstart to a very busy school day.

Catering a nutritious breakfast is not a daunting job. There are easy and quick ways to prepare delightful yet healthy breakfast without compromising our time and tight schedule. 

Fried rice is surely a big heat to every Filipino family especially when paired with scrambled egg or fried fish. Not only that, it is inexpensive and a great way to make use of our leftover rice. We can also add fresh fruits to our ordinary oatmeal and cereals like fresh blueberry, strawberry and bananas. Whole wheat options, smoothies and breakfast parfait are also enticing breakfast ideas. Involving my daughter in the planning, presentation, preparation process like allowing her to make custom sandwiches and home-made trail mixes makes her meal more feasting.

While school cafeterias offer abundance of youngster's favorites, I prefer my daughter to bring home-cooked meal for lunch and merienda. I always tell her that packed lunch ensures me that she's having the balanced diet and it is always cheaper.

As the familiar adage goes 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day'

Fried rice and crispy Tilapia fillet

Recipes are freely available online.

One thing I've learned when I was pregnant is that we can always consume our usual portion of cheese, egg, peanut butter, meat, fish, lentils, tofu and nuts. And the foods can be used without measuring throughout the day are as follows: Asparagus, Beans, Bitter Melon, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Egg Plant, Greens, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Okra, Onions, Spinach, Sauerkraut, Tomato wedges, and Zucchini. (just thought it's worth sharing for expectant moms!)

Happy first day of school B.C. students!

Black and White

She's playfully sophisticated!

My old Cotton On polo looks perfect on her!

"Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh." - Luke 6:21

Stuffed Bell Pepper

The first day of September indicates that Holiday Season is just around the corner. We Filipinos especially children usually start to think of our wish list and we also conceptualize our Christmas gifts. We also begin to set aside family conflicts and differences and let love, peace and joy reign in our home. In addition, we also plan for the sumptuous holiday dishes.

Ingredients:

4 pieces bell pepper

ground beef

3 pieces longanisa

1 beaten egg

1 cup mixed vegetables, (carrots, corn, and baguio beans or sweet potato instead of corn, green peas instead of beans)

green onion

2 calamansi

salt and pepper

banana ketchup

olive oil 

onion 

garlic

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and soak them in a boiling water for at least 2 minutes.
3. In a skillet, add olive oil and saute the garlic and onion. Follow the Pinoy style of sauteing.
4. Put the longanisa, ground beef and brown. Add salt and pepper.
5. Add the mixed veggies and put ketchup.
6. Scoop the cooked mixture into each bell pepper. On top, drizzle 2 tbsp of beaten egg and sprinkle green onion.
7. Arrange in a baking dish and bake for at least 20 min.
8. Voila! Enjoy your meal!

KainangPinoy deserves the credit.

God's mercy knows no end. - Didache

Happy BER months! May our Christmas be merry as yours!