Nita's Random Thoughts

I celebrated my birthday last September 13th but we didnt' have the chance to go out that day since dear hubby was busy at work. He work 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Sometimes, he work Saturdays and Sundays. What a busy life, eh?

Anyway, yesterday we went to the dentist for DD's checkup. Since Hongkong Buffet and Grill was on the way, we decided to go there for lunch. We both like the place since it's neat and clean and the food were delicious! We pigged out as usual. LOL.

Labels: Birthdays, Food, Food Trip Friday, Four Foods On Friday, Fun Stuff

I was craving for Chinese foods so I asked my dear hubby if we can go to Grand China Buffet in Everett, Washington. Dear hubby really like going to this place since it is clean and also close to where we live. As usual, I went for fried shrimps, string beans, and clams. ! I couldn't believe I ate a lot!

Labels: Food, Food Trip Friday, Fun Stuff

People say that there is a story behind every dish. A dish can tell a lot about the place where they originated from. The way they are made and even the ingredients used also speak of their place of origin. There is even a story how the dish acquired its name. If you visit valencia restaurants, you will surely be presented with many different dishes that you simply find it hard to choose which ones to start first. You may get to try out some that you may have heard or tasted before.

The food is there is so diverse, like the food in vienna, that anyone can surely find something that she will find very satisfying. If you are adventurous when it comes to challenging your taste buds, you can even try most if not all of them. You will surely have an exciting food adventure that you surely remember. Who knows, you might taste a dish that will become a personal favourite.

Labels: Blogging, Food, Travel, Vacation

A lot of entrepreneurs nowadays are thinking of ways to earn money by putting up their dream business, and since food is a basic necessity, the booming of restaurants around the world has become famous for both business-minded professionals and even stay-at-home individuals. However, there are a lot of things that should be considered when opening up a restaurant – location, target market, menu, advertising, employees, wages, customer turnaround time, and most especially, the type of restaurant you wish to put up. Would it be a steak house, pizza bar, fine dining, or buffet?

Labels: Blogging, Business, Food

Belgium is a famous European country, but not too many have put this wonderful country on the top of the vacation to-visit list. For those who do not really travel often and who have never gone to Europe, would most likely put London in England, Paris in France, and Rome in Italy on the top 3 spots of their vacation list. But have they really considered Belgium?

The country of Belgium is often heard during United Nations parades and programs in schools, where students really research and dress up (or at least try to) in authentic Belgian costumes. Then there is the Belgian chocolate and Belgian ice cream craze. They are known for these products. So if these are not reasons to go to Belgium, then probably their Antwerp Fashion would tempt you to go, especially if you are into fashion and would love to go shopping for new clothes.

Anyway, fashion Antwerp is fast becoming a central place for fashion enthusiasts and fashion buyers. Among its fast-rising designers are the Antwerp Six-that is their collective name. Antwerp has kind of earned a cult status in the fashion world because there you can find and enroll in the Royal Academe of the Fine Arts-a great school for fashion and the arts and one of the finest in Europe. Many of the fashion designers in Belgium have origins that can be traced from this school, which is no wonder why many successful fashion designers here have good academic and design backgrounds. It seems that the artistic inclination of students are very much nurtured in this school that they could produce really liberal fashion ideas that the world has embraced.

While in Belgium , you may also want to visit neighboring places like Valencia in Spain. The food in valencia is superb and not very pricey. You would want to sample their native cuisine in small restaurants that you will find in not-so-famous streets, as opposed to grand restaurants and hotel restaurants because their dishes are prepared by chefs. It would rather be nice to try out the foods prepared by the local mistress because that will be authentic local fare.

Labels: Blogging, Fashion, Food, Shopping

Many people say that the natural way is still the best way. You eat natural foods, meaning, those that are naturally occurring in the environment and drink natural fruit juices that are freshly squeezed from real fruits and not those flavored powdered juice drinks. And if you get sick, you just take natural remedies like herbal concoctions and teas. After all, if we operate in the closest possible way to nature, our bodies will be better and healthier because we are not robots but also natural beings.

Some experts say that food allergies have really stemmed from eating unnatural foods. We have also developed food intolerance because our bodies have not been able to build strong defense mechanisms and immunities to these allergens because of lack of nutrition.

Vitamins supplements are another issue. There are many cheap synthetic vitamin and mineral supplements nowadays and they are just readily available over the counter but they are all chemical based. It is still best to choose natural vitamins that are derived from plant sources, especially those that are made from organically grown materials.

The problem nowadays is that we are busy with work and we do not have time to prepare natural foods. We opt for the quick and easy solutions offered by microwave dinners and canned goods. We would also go for cheap drinks and vitamin supplements that offer a quick fix but not long term solutions to our health problems.

This is an eye-opener and a wake-up call. We should really go back to eating and operating the natural way. The results will not happen overnight because the healing of our bodies takes time. But rest assured that if we persevere in doing this, we will surely reap delightful health benefits. We will be healthier, happier, and we will live longer lives.

Labels: Blogging, Food, Health

A fruit is what keeps you going, if you miss fruits even for a single day from your daily meals. It feels as if you have not taken some essential food. Fruits are really an important part of our meal and they complete the nutrition value by giving vitamins to the body. You need fruits, your body need fruits for growth. But, if you want to grow the fruits in your own garden, then you really have to work a lot so that you get what you are looking for. You can plant the Pomegranate trees, but be sure that you follow the guidelines which are mentioned on the booklets that re provided to you. You need to see them, so that you do as it is required and so that you do not miss on anything. You need to grow the Fig trees, you should do that, but you should take proper care that you do not miss things which are essential to get the quality tree in the end or the big, juicy fruits in the end.

If you wish to grow the fruit tree(s), then buy the plants from a place which gives you quality seeds or plants so that the base is strong and so that the tree can become strong as well. We eat not just food, we take fruits, we take dry fruits, we take water, we take medicines when we are not well and there are plenty of things we depend on to live a healthy life. If we just live on water and air, think how we will look after few days. We will not live for long and the same way, plants too need extra things to grow. Do this extra and grow more fruits.

If you are planning to grow fruit trees in your backyard such as Pomegranate trees and Fig trees, then you should check willisorchards.com or give them a call and their staff is ready to help you with all of your needs.

Labels: Blogging, Food, Home and Garden

Hey guys, I really wanted to join Food Trip Friday meme for weeks but didn't get around to it until today. So yeah, my first entry here, but hopefully not my last din :)

Scroll down to view the pictures

Japanese Pork Noodles - Taoyuan, Taiwan


Chicken Udon from KOBE (Chinese, Thai, Korean cuisine)

Free beef soup from Korean BBQ - The Grill King

Labels: Food, Food Trip Friday, Fun Stuff

Chocolates are the universal expression of love. These sweet, delicious treats have beguiled women the world over. This Mothers Day, why not give the most important woman in your life the sweetest gift she deserves – chocolates.

Choosing just one particular gift to give to your mom can be confusing even downright intimidating. It is because of the huge range of options out there. Also, you definitely do not want to disappoint your mom on this special Mothering Sunday.

With chocolates, you know for a fact that she will like it. Chocolates make a great gift for all women, of all ages. The mere mention of the word ‘chocolate’ makes our mouth water already. No woman can resist the unmistakable appeal of chocolates.

Chocolates make the perfect Mothers Day gifts. Any woman will feel special at the site of specially-wrapped chocolate boxes. It is a decadent treat that will make any mother smile with appreciation.

Also, there are all kinds of chocolates that will fit your preferences and budget. You do not need to spend a lot to please your mom. A simple box of delicious chocolate will surely elicit reactions of surprise and happiness from her, at the same time.

Gourmet chocolates would make fabulous Mothers Day presents. Most gourmet chocolates are placed in attractive and unique boxes. Some chocolates are handmade sweets which are made only from the best ingredients. These chocolates may command a higher price, but they will definitely be worth it.

If you do not know which chocolate your mom likes best, it will be safe to buy a gourmet chocolate gift basket. This basket often contains a mix of various kinds of chocolates from truffles to candies to chocolate dipped foods.

For a unique, chocolate-inspired gift, you can coat various fruits that your mom loves with rich, dark chocolate. You can place these chocolate coated fruits like apples, strawberries, grapes in a pretty-looking box. Tie a ribbon around the box and your choco dipped fruits are ready.

If you want to give your mom flowers, why not give chocolates that are shaped into flowers. A number of entrepreneurial people have come up with this distinctive idea of forming chocolates into various objects such as flowers. There are also heart-shaped chocolates available.

Giving chocolates is one way of making your mother feel special. Instead of giving her practical everyday gifts like a cooking pan or an apron, chocolates will make the day even more memorable and distinctive. After all, your mother is no ordinary woman and Mothers Day is no ordinary day.

Labels: Blogging, Food

I was craving for Korean foods for days. So yesterday, we went to The Secret Garden Korean BBQ and Buffet but they weren't open. So, the whole family went to H Mart and we ended up eating at Hometown: The Taste Of Korea. As usual, we pigged out! We ordered the following:

Labels: Food

Finally, after years of waiting, The Jollibee at Southcenter/Seattle opens September 16th. My cousin from Louisiana came over for a week vacation and she's looking forward to go to the Jollibee but they weren't open at the time. I have been craving for Jollibee food ever since so last Sunday, I told my dear husband I wanted to go to Jollibee. I ordered 2 burgers, Jollibee Spaghetti, and Chicken Joy. It's a bit far but what can I do?

Please scroll down to view the pictures

Labels: Food, Jollibee, Travel

There aren’t many luxury brands who acknowledge that their products are produced by people with much, much poorer livelihoods than those who buy them. Fewer still are active in doing something about this. Hotel Chocolat, a British cocoa grower and luxury chocolatier, is one of the rare examples of companies who are busy working to address this problem.

Hotel Chocolat runs an ‘Engaged Ethics’ program to help cocoa farmers from some of the world’s poorest countries, by enabling sustainable development in the communities where the cocoa is grown. The company website gives interesting information on this work, and the special effort that goes into producing some of the finest luxury chocolates available. It is interesting to read how Hotel Chocolat is not part of the high profile Fairtrade scheme, as it doesn’t believe the way it works goes far enough to make a difference for cocoa farmers.

For chocolate gift ideas Hotel Chocolat is very good, with lots of choice at a range of different prices. This is a great website to remember for when Christmas shopping time comes around!

A perfect birthday gift for children is the crunchy and crispy, yet meltingly smooth ‘Rocky Road Giant Slab’, with handmade chocolate chip cookies, lively pieces of puffed rice, and generous white chocolate chunks stirred together in a rich milk and dark chocolate mix.

Extravagant gifts for a special occasion, or corporate gifts for a valued client, can be found in Hotel Chocolat’s amazing hampers. The ‘Adventures in Chocolate’ hamper is perfect for families and friends to share. There’s something for every chocolate lover to explore – from sparkling prosecco to nibbly chocolate batons. For a simpler gift for a smaller budget, ‘Purist’ bars give you a taste of the company’s Rabot estate fine cocoa in silky high cocoa editions.

The website has some exciting Chocolate Christmas gifts, with stocking fillers such ‘Orange Tangs’ - pure set orange juice simply enrobed in dark chocolate, as well as Advent Calendars and Christmas Crackers.

Labels: Blogging, Food

We've never been to IHOP for a while. But yesterday, I saw their IHOP Kid's Eat Free commercial on TV and I was like, this is it! We have to go to IHOP to avail this promotion! You'll receive one free Kids Meal with each adult entree purchase from 4pm - 10pm every day in August.

Free meal valid for kids 12 and under on "Just for Kids" menu items. Drinks not included unless otherwise specified on "Just for Kids" menu. Dine-in only. Available at participating locations only for a limited time. Not valid with any other discounts or coupons. Visit www.ihop.com for more details!

Labels: Food

The whole family went to Bremerton, Washington yesterday. We spent the entire day driving around the city. After that, we went straight to Ranch 99 Market in Edmonds, Washington and bought some fish. I've been craving for grilled fish so I decided to cook Grilled Pompano with Lime for dinner. Yummy!

Grilled Pompano with Lime Recipe

Ingredients:
4 to 5 pieces pompano fillets
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1/24 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 limes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions:
1. Rub the fillets with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Grill the fillets skin-side up over a medium-hot fire for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip them and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the fish is done.
3. Remove the fillets from the fire, drizzle them with the olive oil, squeeze a half lime over each, and sprinkle them with the parsley.

Labels: Food, Recipes

I'm sure all Baskin Robbins lover will love it! Hurry, visit your favorite Baskin Robbins location right away! Too bad can't go there right now. Hubby won't be home until 11:30 so better luck next time.

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America's firefighters. The Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Participating stores will reduce prices of ice cream scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities. Source: Baskin Robbins

Labels: Food, News

Do you love Filipino foods? Well, I do. In fact, these are the 10 foods that I love to eat.
1) Pork/Chicken Adobo
2) Seafoods (shrimp, fish, squids)
3) Lechon Kawali
4) Kinilaw
5) Dried fish
6) Salted fish
7) Lumpiang Shanghai
8) Mangga with Bagoong
9) Suman
10) Champorado

Labels: Food, Fun Stuff

Pick and get your favorite bulk candy flavors. I love candies and I found a site where you can buy bulk candy for a reasonable price. You can purchase your favorite candies at sugarstand.com. They have over 2,000 selections of different candies that made you crave more of sweets. Sugar Stand is your way to get bulk of candy. You can even get bulk of orders for your stock at home or business selling. The advantages of getting in bulk is for you to have big savings than buying it one by one in store.

In many ways, candies serve as a special treats for parties, events, holidays and other special occasion it may serve. Sugar Stand also specialize in customize candy orders online. Their shipping costs is not a problem since the cost is very minimal, still if you sum up and compare the over all total of the costs per pack you can still save money. Hurry up get your own candies and share it to anyone who loves as well. Make sure to check candies from popularity like M&M, Caramel, Gum, Hard candy, Mints and lot more.

Labels: Blogging, Food, Shopping

We had fried crabs for dinner! Yummy!

Fried Crab Recipe

Directions:

Preheat frying oil to 350 degrees F. Roll in cornmeal mixed with salt and pepper. Fry until golden brown for about 2 to 4 minutes.

Labels: Cooking, Crabs, Food, Recipes

(click to enlarge)

Okay, I cooked this Fried Pork Chops last night for our dinner. Isn't it yummy? This is my own version of cooking Pork Chops.

Ingredients:
2 pork chops (with bones)
2 gloves garlic
5 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon vetsin

Directions:
In a bowl, mix pork chops with garlic, soy sauce, ground pepper and vinegar. Put them all together in a saucepan. Cook until tender. Add virgin olive oil and let it stand for 1-2 minutes. Serve with hot steamed rice!

Visit more Food Friday here!

Labels: Cooking, Food, Recipes

Boy, what a beautiful day today. It is 85 degrees outside. I was craving for something sweet. Luckily we have ice cream in the freezer so I decided to have an Ice Cream Float. Dear daughter was complaining because her glass isn't big like mine. Marunong nang mag reklamo kahit 4 years old pa lang yun ha?

Labels: Food