A big applause to Queen Anne

Meet Queen Anne wearing a black and white ensemble. Luxurious white laces shaped of petals covers her top and flows down on one side of her waist.

The form fitting velvet skirt met at knee length a flounce of organza flowing from her back. A single diamond flower adorns her neck.

Intricate and classy, Queen Anne is a sight to behold.

Night and day, dark and light... Queen Annes' choice of gown has demonstrated her love of balance and equality. Precisely the sentiment of it's recipient.

____________________________________

This is her before picture.

A word from our Sponsor

We interrupt our regular programming to give way to an important announcement from our sponsor.........

We will now resume the Parade of Queens... thank you very much.

Let's give a warm welcome to Queen Sophia!

Queen Sophia is wearing a stunning royal blue evening dress created to allure the senses.

The gown features an eye-catching deep V-neck halter top and then falls elegantly into a mermaid skirt.

Diamond blue rhinstones has accessorized her waist. baby blue flowerettes were delicately placed around the skirt creating contrast and texture against the darker blue fabric.

And finally a huge ribbon at the back completed the whole ensemble.

Queen Sophia in all her dazzling presence...

_______________________

To appreciate Queen Sophia transformation, see the following photo

Ladies and Gentlemen.... meet Queen Victoria!

Introducing Queen Victoria!

Wearing a white gown accented with gold trimmings, Queen Victoria radiates the purity of the sun and the elegance of the clouds.



In a traditionally full skirted gown reaching the ankles, it is made of a luxurious fabric and laces of which are delicately and exotically trimmed.

The back is bare with a single flower lace delicately placed at the lower back creating a focal point. Queen Victoria is a sight akin to a royal bride and a winter Goddess.

To truly appreciate Queen Victoria's transformation, view her before picture by enlarging the next picture.

_______________________

Judges...please rate Queen Victoria's gown.

The Stage is Set....

This is the official stage for the parade of Queens.

Close up of the stage. I was thinking of adding a revolving platform but I guess that will be dependent on the production budget...hehe.

Hmmm.... all set for the most awaited parade of Queens...

and so does the official photographer :)

Parade of Queens, The Beginning

It’s that time of the year again. Christmas is just around the corner and I’m left with the dilemma of what gift is best to give. I know that it’s the thought that matters but wouldn’t it be great if I can make it a step better? Not to mention the fact that we had fun the last time we did this. I can also remember how delighted the recipients were when they received these gifts.

So here we are again. Last year was the parade of princesses. My mom, my daughter and I have embarked on a mission to transform ordinary ballerinas to elegant princesses. The same team is now embarking on the mission of transformations in the likes of Cinderella. I could have just bought this in the big malls but it is so pricy considering the fact that I can (with the help of my mom) make one and be able to design it according to the preference of the person i’m going to give it to.

One Saturday morning, we went to this specialty store that sells these jewellery holders mannequins at a much lesser price. It is priced so because the dresses were not that pretty. It doesn’t matter at this point because we are going to change the dresses anyway. I bought bigger ones this time because I want them to be queens after. Last year was petitie ballerinas, this time they are bigger.

Meet the future Queens. They look okay... but they can be really really better.

We went to the fabric store next to buy some supplies. We need some really nice fabrics but we hope to get some at low price. All we need to do is rummage through the leftover fabrics which were being sold in a much much lower price. We were very please with what we found. We also needed some really classy laces.

Then it's time to bring out the beads, crystals, flowerettes and all the ornaments we need. Our imaginations are in full gear by now. We have searched the internet of very good gown designs that we can replicate and hopefully apply our own personal touches.




This is our workshop. My mom is incharge of the sewing machine. Me and my daughter is incharge of the glue gun. We all have inputs to the design of the gown we will be doing. I'm also the official photographer for the whole production run.


Watch out! get the front seat! Calling on all fashionistas out there! Be the judge... who the best queen will be??!

The Farm and Mills & Boons...

My recent escapade to the farm has brought back a memory. It’s like I’ve seen this place somewhere before. Yeah... I’ve seen it in my imagination. The wooden barn, the stable of horses and the serene quietness of the place were all elegantly described in the romance book I was first reading during those teen years. It all reminds me of the Mills and Boons romance books. It is really funny now looking back. Those romance books characters would include Earls, Dukes to the extent of Prince and Princesses. A real classic romance fantasy in the likes of Princess Diana and almost like .... the Shrek! LOL

Below is a classic example of the Mills and Boons I usually read during my teens years.

THE TART SHOPPE by Phyllis Taylor Pianka

The sign outside The Tart Shoppe door came as a welcome relief to Lady Constance. She and her Aunt Millicent were travelling from Cornwall to London. Yet afflicted as she was with a violent illness, Constance simply had to lie down. Surely this country house would not deny them lodging for the night? The inn was unexpectedly comfortable and strangely ornate. Little did Constance suspect what events would befall her. In her exhausted slumber she didn't know that Jeremy St. James, a rakish earl, was frequenting the establishment, nor did she stir when he knowingly entered her bedchamber!

LOL. I wished I have saved even one of those paperback pocket books.

Cedarbrook Farm - corporate offsite destination

This is where the company decided to hold our offsite conference. It is a farm outside of the city. It’s actually near our Burlington facility but it really doesn’t matter because I’m coming from the city which is 1.5 hours away.

When I got the notice for the offsite meeting, I was bit excited because they have chosen a rustic place. In a farm and we will be using a barn for our gathering.

This is how the farm is described by the website.

Cedarbrook Farm is offers a unique venue that will be of special interest to larger groups. It is a turn of the century post and beam barn that has been renovated as a large open concept meeting place. It boasts lots of natural light, has 30 foot ceilings, a magnificent stone fireplace, two washrooms, a smaller break out / meeting room, loft area and kitchen.

It provides a uniquely private, comfortable space for workshops and meetings. We combine elegant, casual seating as well as board table set-ups. Meals and snacks can also be served in this space.

The Barn is part of "Field Mouse Farm" and abuts Cedarbrook Farm. It is only a short walk from Cedarbrook, across a bridge and stream and up a pathway to the barn. During break times, the property provides picturesque walking trails through woods and fields.

The barn is so spacious and bright. Everything is made of wood. The floor is solid wood and it does not go well with heeled boots.

The huge wood chimney keeps us warm.

This is the upper loft area which we use during breakouts and group works.

Breakfast on the second day. Goody goods! Food was so nice. Lunch on the first day was slad greens, beef meatloaf and mashed potatoes and for dessert cheese cake with drizzels of caramel and chocolate. Lunch on the second day was green peas, chicken curry and rice and dessert was ice cream with drizzel of chocolates.

How was the meeting? Being confined inside a barn for two consecutive days is a pain in the butt literally!! Hehe. I am used to be always on my feet at work. Although it was nice to finally meet the rest of the QA team for both facility and really get our heads together to prepare for next year’s strategies and plan of attack.

A short video of the barns surroundings. There's not much greens to see since it's already approaching winter. All the leaves have fallen and the remnants of snow from last night can be found on the grounds.

To read more about the farm click here.

It's raining men!! err.... leaves....

When I saw the leaves falling down fast... it reminded me of this song:

Hi - Hi! We're your Weather Girls - Ah-huh -

And have we got news for you -

You better listen!

Get ready, all you lonely girlsand leave those umbrellas at home. - Alright! -

Humidity is rising -

Barometer's getting lowAccording to all sources, the street's the place to go

Cause tonight for the first timeJust about half-past ten

For the first time in historyIt's gonna start raining men.

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! -

It's Raining Men! Amen!

I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get

Absolutely soaking wet!

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah!

It's Raining Men! Every Specimen!

Tall, blonde, dark and lean

Rough and tough and strong and mean

God bless Mother Nature,

she's a single woman tooShe took off to heaven and she did what she had to d

She taught every angel to rearrange the sky

So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! -

It's Raining Men! Amen!I

t's Raining Men! Hallelujah!

It's Raining Men! Ame---------nnnn!

I feel stormy weather /

Moving in about to beginHear the thunder /

Don't you lose your head

Rip off the roof and stay in bed

God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too

She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do

She taught every angel to rearrange the sky

So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy

It's Raining Men! Yeah!

Humidity is rising - Barometer's getting low

According to all sources, the street's the place to go

Cause tonight for the first timeJust about half-past ten

For the first time in historyIt's gonna start raining men.

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! -

It's Raining Men! Amen!

It's Raining Men! Hallelujah! -

It's Raining Men!

The prodigal son has returned. Alleluia!

He went on his way late July and I have never seen him after that. No news, no calls, nothing. I got worried for he never reached his destined place. I was despondent and heartbroken. Where could he be? Was he lost? Is he all alone? Is he safe? Will he be coming back to me?

August came, September too.... I have resigned on the knowledge that he is gone forever.......

Until there was a knock on the door.......

My lost package has found his way back home! Oh, such jubilation! He was lost and was found again. From his appearance, he looked weary and worn. He has seen many things and has endured everything. I am so glad to get him back.

I’ve checked and I’ve poured my attention on him. I almost had a party to celebrate his return. It looks like a genuine case of “return to sender” to me. The owner of the house (destination address) doesn’t know the addressee.

And look... he still has the treasure he's supposed to keep and deliver! Awww....... thank God!

Dear book... your owner has missed you, i know you're weary from all the travels you've done and i'm really glad to see and hold you once again. But, somewhere out there is your true owner and I am sure she is also longing to hold you in her arms. So again, in a bigger box you will go and travel again. This time we'll make sure you won't get lost....

My Energizer Batteries :D

My flashlight is so bright,
I gotta wear shades! :D

So thankful for the angels that shared their bit of sunshine to me
Now, whenever I drop my mind in the midst of darkness
I will have my flashlight ready so I can recover it back.
And because my light is so intense in brightness
It may help others around me too!

Spread the sunshine !!!

______________

Many many many thanks.....

fragments of conversations.......

how are you?

I’m okay. Not the best but okay.

how are you really?

Hmmmm....I guess what ever my first answer is not enough. So let me think again. Hmmm... i still think i’m okay. Although.... I miss someone. But she is just busy and soon she’ll be able to have time for chats again. So i’ll just wait and wait. I’m never going anywhere anyway.

i hope you're doing fine.

Hehe... i am okay. I’ve been better though. It’s that time of year when one can easily get depressed. I go out of the house when it’s still dark and I get out of work when it’s already dark. everyday is a perpetual darkness for me. Hehe...it’s in these kind of trips through darkness that most people lose their minds specially in this part of the world. That is why I always have a flashlight in my bag. Just in case I drop my mind on my way home or on my way to work. It served me well. But lately my flashlight isn’t so bright....



..... i know... I just need extra energizer batteries. Pahingi naman.

Anything I want Mommy? ... uh, who said that?

I remember telling one of my kids to ask anything and I’ll give it. Hmmm.... it’s because he made it to the honour roll and made mommy so proud. He also said he doesn’t need anything right now but would like to keep the option open. Completely fine with me.

Meanwhile... the other kid thought she could also ask anything she wants. She probably thought that since her Kuya can’t decide what he wants, maybe she could give it a go? And go she did! “Can I have my birthday gift in advance? Please?” Oh, here we go again. Night and day she negotiated. She bugged us to death.

..... until we gave in. A gift that is 2 months early. What can I say? Anything for peace and quiet. :)

Her Kuya’s eyebrow raised and his jaw dropped when the gift arrived. Well, you are just too darn slow!

My two kids are on opposite poles. My son doesn’t want anything and my daughter wants everything! How convinient is that? I guess my daughter is so happy to have a kuya like that....

A scandal by the pond

There I was, beside the pond, basking in my own reverie,

When my eyes were caught by a malicious duck not far from me,

He's doing something you see, not once or twice. I lost count after three,

You'll know what I mean, If you see him you'll agree,

Is this duck mooning me?!?!

I think he is!!! Oh! Scandalous to the Nth degree!

_

________________________

I should apologize to the duck... I know I'm the one with the malicious mind. Guilty, your honor!

But I did asked permission from the duck so I can post this .... :D But he's just so busy doing that.... I think he's talking to a mermaid... but he should know that people above the water are blushing everytime he does that!

It’s Bring your child to work day!!

“So, how any of you guys find everything so far?” That was my first question to the kids this morning. Actually that was already half hour after noon and they just enjoyed a free lunch together with their parents and the company HR. They already went on tour on several of the company’s department before it’s my turn to face them and enthral them of the wonderful world of QA.

Well, why are these kids at work in the first place? It’s a regular school day and they are supposed to be at school learning (and minding their own business...hehe). I should know really! Because my son was also here last year bugging people who are supposed to be focusing on manufacturing products. The answer is ... today is what we call “Bring your Child to work day”. It’s a school and workplace initiative for all grade 9 students to go with their parents to work and experience firsthand the workplace environment. So these grade 9s are excused from school today but they need to go with any of their parent to work. Why grade 9? Beats me! Hehe. When I came in Canada it was already like that. hehe.. there's probably a good explanation but as of this writing... google isn't helping. I promise to have it by next time I posted another bring your child to work day.

So, the first question was cast. I was hoping these kids were the bubbly, hyperactive type but somehow all I got was stares. I almost thought I slipped and used my native language so I tried again. “You’ve all been to some of our departments and have seen quite a lot. Is there anything that caught your interest so far?” Stares again. Youthful faces with half smiles but closed lips. “None?” I looked at the HR standing at the back of the room listening, grinned and without thinking said “Oh my God, ours is one boring company!” contorted my face and laughed. I knew I had to resort to Plan B. What is Plan B? This is Plan B - Stop asking questions!!! So, I stopped.

I went on to describe why we need QA in the business and hopefully they get each explanation and its importance. Would they want to be a QA person when they grow up? .... ehem... I can’t ask question remember? J

Their day started with a brief description of the business. Then on to tours of the different departments where they need to wear oversized lab coats of their parents and oversized steel toed slip ins. They looked so cute trying to drag their shoes while walking. Then after that they spent the rest of the day at their parents’ side observing them as they work.

I should say that it is nice to have some kids at work. Let them see how hard and proud we are to be working day in and day out. To let them see the sense of our work and how our products fit in the intricate schemes of the world. And hopefully they will dream of working hard and believing that the world can be made better.

Musings on a whim....

Cassava Cake ala Ems

A lot of my co-workers love this dessert. They would always request it when there's pot luck at work and would ask for the recipe. I've always promised to give them. That was a long time ago and a many pot luck later. I guess its mighty time to fulfill the promise.

So here's how I do it.
















Ingredients:


2 packs Grated Cassava (defrosted)

2 cans Coconut milk

1 can Condensed Milk

6 pcs Eggs

1 can Evaporated Milk

1/2 cup Sugar (optional)

1 bottle Macapuno Strings


Note: the grated cassava can be found on the frozen section of most asian store, as well as the Macapuno strings.


What to do:

1. Prepare two mixing bowls. One big and one small.

2. In the big bowl, mix 3 eggs, 3 egg whites, 1 1/2 can coconut milk, the evaporated milk, 1/3 of the condenced milk, the sugar and the macapuni strings.

3. In the small bowl, mix the 3 egg yolks, 1/2 can coconut milk and 2/3 of the condenced milk. Set this aside for this will serve as the topping.

4. Pour the mixture in the big bowl onto buttered pans.

5. Bake in 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the cake is firm.

6. Pour the mixture of the smaller bowl on top of the cake and broil until the top turn brown and spotty :)


Thats how easy it is! Broiling needs to be looked at though because the top can burn so easily.

Happy Baking.


PS. My daughter would always forget what this cake is called. She would always call it Cavassa Cake....

Happy Na, Birthday Pa!

Maligayang Bati! Maligayang Kaarawan!
To a mother and a grandmother!
Lots of best wishes, lots of love
to a wonderful person from heaven above!

Little did she know, little did she see,
how important she is in our lives
how we see her as our hope and our light
to the path we are treding day and night.

To you grandma, we wish the best!
May many more birthdays be your yearly guest
May we be the source of your pride
as you are always ours!

___________________________

My mom's birthday is always a holiday back home. We used to spend the day and celebrate at Loyola cemetery. Some days were rainy, some days were really hot but all of them fun and fulfilling. It's been our tradition to do so every year. Now that we are in a different place ... the tradition have been tweaked somehow. We still go to the cemetery and pay our respect to our departed loved ones but we can't saty too long. It is cold and it will be a feat to stay warm unless we bring some portable heaters. Now, we celebrate her birthdays at home. This year, I cooked her some pansit, roast chicken and buttered asparagus.

To you mommy.... I thank you for everything that you have done for me and for my children. I love you always!