Oh, I miss our grand stay at Amorita Resort a couple of years ago. So this is what I'm sharing for Flashback FRIDAY.
Look at our gorgeous room for the weekend...
One weekend last summer, Hubby and I needed a quick break away from errands and from "being parents" so we decided to eat out. We had dinner at Cafe Mediterenean. Ever since we tried it, we were hooked!
We both specifically liked the Greek salad.
Yes, as early as this hour, I'm actually craving for a hot ramen. Something like we had at Kichitora Tokyo.
Happy Tuesday! School has just started again. I can't believe that summer just went by like that. Now, we're welcoming the new school year. It's also time to shed out those extra lbs gained over the summer.
Here's a nice article I came across online.
9 Easy Ways to Sneak in Exercise
Speed walk your errands
Instead of eating lunch at my desk, I lace up my sneakers and do my daily errands on foot during my lunch break. I use my to-do list to map out a walking route, grab my wallet and iPod, and head outside for an hour of heart-pumping activity.
Sometimes I need to drive to a shopping area first, but then I cruise around on foot checking items off my list. I love that getting my errands and workout out of the way frees up my evening for some serious relaxation!
Play in the park
Instead of meeting friends for Happy Hour after work, we head to the park for a couple of hours of play. We bring a Frisbee or bocce set and play a few rounds together. This way, I can incorporate some activity into my social life—and avoid those cocktail calories!
Stand and flex
When waiting in line at the grocery store or bank (or any other establishment), I flex my abs for 10 seconds and repeat 10 times.
It helps make the time pass, and it's a quick and easy way to work your core without anyone noticing.
Go the long way
You've probably heard this one before, but it really works: Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Find a parking spot far away from your building so you get a little extra walking. If you ride the bus or subway to work, get off a stop before your office and walk the extra distance.
It might take you a little more time to get to your destination, but all of those extra steps really add up!
Email and call less
When I worked in an office, instead of calling or emailing a coworker, I got up from my desk and walked over to chat with them. Usually, we got a lot more accomplished in a quick in-person meeting, and I burned a few calories walking to their desk.
It might not seem like a lot of activity, but all of those small steps can equal big gains when they're continued all day long.
Nix the shopping cart
If I don't have a huge shopping list, I nix the cart and use two reusable bags to carry my groceries. I throw a bag over each shoulder and walk around the grocery store collecting items. Carrying two heavy bags is a great workout, and, at the same time, I get my grocery shopping done for the week.
Wake up and give me 50
Before I get into the shower in the morning, I do 50 crunches and push-ups on the floor of my bedroom. It takes me only about five minutes to complete, but it sets the tone for my day.
Plus, if I can't fit in a full workout for the day, at least I did something!
Add 15 minutes to Fido's walk
I walk my dog every morning before work. On the days when I know it'll be tough to fit in a workout, I add an extra 15 minutes to our walk, and I make sure that I get the most bang for my buck by power walking or running those extra steps. And, of course, Murphy loves the extra exercise too!
Be a weekend warrior
It's easier to fit in a workout on the weekend, but not when your household tasks take over most of your free time. Instead of missing out on a workout, I turn these tasks into exercise.
SOURCE.
A couple of months ago, we celebrated the kids' school achievements and we decided to have it at Casa Filipino.
The whole family was there to celebrate with us too!
This one is dedicated to all the Daddies/Dadas/Fathers/Tatays out there...
This came in handy when I was planning our monthly menu. So Mommies, this might help you too.
More Ways to Save Money on Healthy Food by Carolyn Richardson
Here are my 6 favorite tips and tricks for stretching every last grocery dollar.
Plan a Week's Worth of Meals
When it comes to saving money at the grocery store, much of it happens before I even leave my house. Typically, on Sunday afternoons, I take the time to meal-plan for the week.
Poke Around the Fridge
The first thing I do in my meal-planning process is take stock of what I already have in my kitchen. I take the time to move things around in the refrigerator and scour the cabinets to see what I have on hand. Most of the time, I am surprised by what I find—a jar of marinated artichoke hearts, a can of pinto beans, a half-used bag of coffee. Instead of buying these items again or letting them go to waste, I incorporate them into the coming week’s menu.
Consider Your Schedule
Before I visit the grocery store, I look at my calendar as well as my husband’s for the upcoming week and create meals around when we will be home for dinner. We typically plan a meal for each night at home and make sure to take into account meals with lots of leftovers—like casseroles or homemade pizza. I keep in mind that Fridays and Saturdays are usually "wing it" nights because we’ll often end up going out to dinner or meeting friends for appetizers and drinks, so I don’t buy extra food for those nights.
Don't Be Afraid of Bruised Produce
I always check out the reduced produce area with the hope of finding some good deals. Usually, this produce has a single bump or bruise that can easily be cut off. But, I only buy produce that I plan to use right away or have something in mind for. It’s not worth buying damaged produce if I don’t end up using it. Lately, I’ve been buying a bunch of bruised produce that I immediately peeled and freeze for smoothies.
Stock Up on Staples
Sure, you’ve heard of the “make a list and stick to it” tip when grocery shopping. It’s a great piece advice, and I usually keep it in mind. However, I also make sure to stock up on my favorite products when they go on sale. My husband and I plow through peanut butter and oatmeal like it’s our job, so when they go on sale, I make sure to buy them even if we haven’t run out yet. I know that we’ll use these items at some point, so I might as well stock up and save a little money.
A couple of weeks ago we finally tried Green Pastures. And look, what greeted us!
