What's Up: Three Summer Activities (My Activities) // High School Buddies

 

Wednesday! Time is so FAST! I suddenly remember the Quotation from the 2006 Japanese Animated film

"The Girl Who Leapt Through Time"; TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE. So instead of waiting and waiting and waiting... let's go with the flow and see what will happen in the future... but of course PLANNING is still better to have a somehow ORGANIZE lifestyle.

 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES:

 

READING

 

One of my hobbies is READING. People often says that I am a BOOK WORM, BOOK EATER, WIDE READER and a nerd... I sometimes post my book hauling adventure in this blog. I LOVE BOOKS! Every time I see my bookshelf, I feel happy; every time I visit bookstores, I feel happy; every time I buy books, I feel happy; every time somebody give me books, I feel VERY happy; every time I read books, I am one of the happiest person in the world.

 

That was exaggerated. But yes... Books make me happy. Recently, I've been into reading History books, specifically England's History. I am interested with Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII and I started researching other monarchs in England. Aside from that, When I visited a Government Agency's Library I saw a lot of Japanese, Korean and Asian History and Cultural books. And you know what? I was amazed with the titles available there. I asked my mother

"Ma, can I bring them all to our house?". Haha.

And this is me. I was so engrossed and absorbed with all the books in front of me.



COOKING

In my recent blog posts, I shared my versions of smoothies and pancakes. Recently, I feel the urge to cook and to learn the art of cooking. Why? Because as a woman, I think it is imperative to learn how to cook. I remember a saying
"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach." So, I wonder if this is really true. Will I be able to? What do you think? Haha! Cooking makes me feel like I'm a woman... physically and psychologically. Weird, right? That's why I asked my mother to teach me more recipe. The last time, I learned how to make "Beansprout rolls" and Miki Noodles with a lot of veggies and they were very delicious and healthy!

And when I met my High School best buddies, we cooked and ate a lot of foods. Who says I don't eat? I EAT of course!

Some of the foods I cooked are in my INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT ( )

WRITING

I always write. In the train, while walking, in the bath room... ANYWHERE! That's why I always have my notebook with me. But this time, I am trying to write about other things... not about my emotions, sadness and depression but about things and other people... like Anne Boleyn.

It's a little difficult for me because I need to put myself in their situation to be able to understand their feelings. It's like entering their mind, body and soul and the mind penetration process is the hardest part. Nevertheless, I am enjoying even if only few people could appreciate them.

________________________________
 

HIGH SCHOOL BUDDIES

 

 

I missed my friends so much! That's why I was very glad when I met them yesterday. I was not supposed to go out but it's once in a blue moon meeting with them so I sacrificed my other activities.

 

I had a great time with my buddies. Nothing has changed except our physical appearance. haha! I can be me with them... being with them is like FREEDOM! We can laugh out loud, we can eat in the same plate, use the same glass and spoon and fork... use the same shirt, cologne and slippers... We're like sisters... really.

 

I really hope to meet them more often but we're all have busy schedules... Somehow, I felt very happy yesterday even if there's something BOTHERING ME. I am really bothered. However, what's the point of thinking too much in the middle of Fun? Right?

Have a great day everyone!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

 

 

Things that made me happy:

1. Meeting up with my best buddies.
2. Cooking with them.
3. Eating with them.
4. Watching movies with them.
5. Talking, laughing and hugging with them.
6. Reading history books.
7. Cooking my foods.
8. Writing this blog.

Made With Love: Carrot Pancake (My Version)

 (Photo by: Erica/Erix)

 

I am a PANCAKE LOVER! Are you? However, since most pancakes are very sweet, high in calories and fats I couldn't eat them frequently.

 

Until... I decided to make my own pancake mixture. I had enough of buying ready made pancake mix. Yes, they are outrageously delicious BUT I prefer healthy foods.

 

I found a Carrot Cake Pancake Recipe but it's very complicated for me to follow so I made my own version.

 

Carrots are high in beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A; an anti-oxidant.

 

Uses For Beta-Carotene:

• Prevention against cancer and heart disease
• To slow the progression of cataracts
• To prevent macular degeneration
• To boost immunity
• To protect the skin against sunburn
• Asthma
• Depression
• Infertility
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Cervical dysplasia

(Source: Beta-Carotene)

However, most kids don't like the taste of Carrots... and some adults... like my cousin. LOL. <3 Including Carrots in pancakes is a great way to make your child eat the vegetable since they cannot really taste the carrots.



Carrot Pancake (My Version)

Calories per pancake: 85 Calories

Number of Pancake: 14 (Approximately)

 

Ingredients:

 

1 1/4 Cup All Purpose Flour (Or Wheat Flour)

2 Tsp. Baking Powder

1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp. Salt

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

2 Tbsp. White Sugar

1 1/2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

2 Large Egg (Lightly beaten)

2 Cups Finely Grated Carrots

1 Cup Soya Milk (Or Low-fat Milk)

1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For cooking)

 

 

Procedures:

1. Grate the Carrots.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl; flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar and salt.
3. Lightly beat the eggs.
4. Combine all the liquid ingredients (Including the egg); vanilla extract and soya milk.
5. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl.
6. Mix until blended well.
7. Preheat the stove. Use 1/4 measuring cup to measure the pancake mix.
8. Cook 1 - 1 1/2 minutes for each side of the pancake.
9. Serve with pure honey on top and butter (optional).

 

Your Carrot Pancake is done! If you don't like the taste of Soya Milk you can definitely use any kind of milk but it will increase the number of calories. I use Soya Milk because I have allergic reaction to some Dairy products. Feel free to add raisins or chocolates if you like for added flavor... again, it will increase the number of calories. Nevertheless, the health benefits of Carrots are still in your pancakes!

 

Have fun!

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

 



Collection Of Words 12: Oozing White Smoke

 

Oozing White Smoke
Written by: Erica/Erix
Photo by: Erica/Erix
Date Written: January 2014

The oozing white smoke, I watched
As it turned to nothingness at once
The smoke above the hot green tea
I really wished... it was me.

_________________________________________



 

Why I wish to be like the white smoke above the hot green tea? Because I want to disappear. I want to be gone...

 



Made With Love 3: Green Smoothie Detox Drink (My Opinion)

 

(Photo by: Erica/Erix)

 

Every time I see fruits and vegetables in the market... I feel very HAPPY and HUNGRY.

 

The reason is that I want to be more healthy and I like the feeling of CLEAN BODY... free from junk foods and preservatives.

 

I don't want to go back to that life again; junk foods, high calorie and cholesterol foods, instant foods etc... well, it's not so bad to eat them once in a while... but ONCE IN A WHILE ONLY.

 

Before, I eat a lot of meat and junk foods and after that... I always feel like a CRAP. I always find myself so stress in flushing them out.

 

I did a lot of health article reading for the past few days and I stumbled upon "Healthy Smoothies".

Green Smoothies are said to be very healthy since they are:

1. Loaded with anti-oxidant which flushes out the toxins in our body
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. Anti-cancer
4. Reduces the possibility of heart diseases
5. Cleanses our intestines
6. Aids constipation
7. Helps to give glow to our skin... etc.

There are a lot of BENEFITS... I think they are uncountable.

 

Since I like SPINACH, I decided to try the "Green Smoothie".

 

 

GREEN SMOOTHIE DETOX

Servings: 2

Calories: 74 (Approximately)

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

1 Cup Spinach

2 Mango cheeks

1 Cup Pineapple (diced; not canned)

1 1/2 Cup Water

1 Tbsp. Honey (Optional)

 

PROCEDURE:

1. Cut the spinach into tiny pieces. Diced the mango and pineapple. Segregate each ingredient.
2. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water, together with 1 cup spinach into the blender. Puree until the spinach became very smooth.
3. Pour the remaining ingredients and honey (if you like). Puree until everything became very smooth.
4. Serve.





Done!

 

Your Green Smoothie Detox Drink is ready to serve. If you want your drink to be more concentrated, just use 1 cup of water... you will have a 1.5 glass of Green Smoothie. I usually use cold water for this... no ice for me. I drink this after I exercise or at lunch.

The taste? Very great. My mother told me so. <3

 

Have fun and stay healthy!

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Art: Incomplete // The Story Behind The Art

Title: Incomplete

Model: Random Picture in Google

(If this is your photo please contact me. I'll put credit. Thank you.)

Tools: .5 Mechanical Pencil and Soft Pastel in Gray Tones

Date: April 14, 2014

 

It's been four months since the last time I did an art. Yesterday was Monday and I have a one week vacation due to Holidays. I decided to take a break from my job and give time to myself... because lately, I felt like I am neglecting some part of me.

 

Some part of me... my art, my photography my love for literature. I am the type of person who always make time for everything that makes me happy. Life is all about sacrifices, right?

 

I must confess that I miss drawing, sketching, painting and expressing my emotions through art. I miss listening to rock music while doing my art. Rock music and its sub genre always help me to build the emotion I needed to move my hand and create things from my imagination.

 

Again, I must confess that I can't make "Happy" art... this kind of art is not me. I can only make dark, dramatic art which talks about the deepest secret of my heart, mind, body and soul.

 

Whenever I couldn't express myself through words... I use colors to ease the pain in my heart... to lessen the burden and to just be myself.

 

Rock Music while doing art is like a dance to me. My hands dance as each notes of the songs flows through my veins. I sing as my soul dances and makes heed to the emotions which are being awakened by the Music.

 

Incomplete. Because I am incomplete...

 

Have a nice day Everyone.

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

 

Things that made me happy:

1. Talking to my older cousins. Their experiences taught me lessons and I always like talking to them.
2. Creating my Soft Pastel Art.
3. Singing to Rock Songs from my 2007-2009 playlist. Listening to them is Nostalgic.
4. Playing "My Heroine" by Silverstein in Guitar. I am still terrible but it's fun.
5. Summer Class.
6. Eating Vegetables and Fruits.
7. My Lemon Water in the Morning
8. Exercising. Exercise helps me to relieve depression and sadness.

 



Made With Love 1: Obviously Orange Soya Smoothie Recipe (My Version) // Perfect for Lazy Thursday

 

 

(Photo by: Erica/Erix)

 

Summer Heat! Summer time is drastic in Manila. Manila Heat is tremendously and terribly unexplainable and unfathomable. It makes me want to go outside wearing nothing at all!

 

Nevertheless, I'm doing my best to prevent all negative health issues that might target me this Summer Season.

 

Since, I love fruits and vegetables and I emphasized this fact too many times in this blog... I've been experimenting a lot with my favorites. I plan to make a lot of Smoothie recipe that are PERFECT for this SUMMER SEASON and don't worry because I always consider the Calorie content of my recipes.

 

 

Obviously Orange Soya Smoothie

Recipe

Serving: 1

Calories: 191

 

Ingredients:

1 Orange

Mango (1 cheek part)

1/2 cup Soya Milk

5 cubes of ice

 

Procedure:

1. Peel the orange. Make sure not to remove the white part because they are rich in FIBER.
2. Remove the seeds using fork or knife (be careful in using the knife).
3. Cut the mango into cubes.
4. Prepare the Blender and pour in all the ingredients; ice cubes, orange, mango and soya milk.
5. Blend until all the ingredients are mix well.
6. Serve with Pure Honey on top (But this is optional).

 (Ingredients. Don't mind the Carrot Juice... It's not included. I was drinking it while Blending my smoothie. :) sorry.)

 (Procedure 1 and 2)

 (The seeds are bitter, so make sure to remove them.)

 

Your Obviously Orange Soya Smoothie is Done! This is worth trying for. I think kids will like this. Try to serve this with your homemade oatmeal cookie. I'll share next time how to make oatmeal cookie using Turbo.

 

See you!

 

Ps: If you want to increase the number of serving, just double the amount of each ingredients.

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix



Made With Love 2: Lemon Water Detox (1 Month) // My Opinion



Do you like eating in Fast Food Chains? Do you most of the time eat out or order dinner outside? Maybe the reason why is that you don't have much time because of your hectic working schedule or your hectic school schedule.

Every time I travel from my house to work and university, I always see a lot people eating in fast food chains. Name it! And the line in the counter is always LONG. I can't blame them because fast food chains are developed and established for the sake of making the life of consumers convenient. Most people nowadays DO NOT have time to prepare their food... breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yes, most of them rely on these Fast Food Chains to feed them whenever they are hungry.

For me Fast Food means FAST LIFE. Instant Food means INSTANT DEATH.

Let's see. Almost all of the foods offered by them contains HIGH CALORIE, high saturated fat content, oozing with MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), artificial flavorings, preservatives so on and so forth. Click the link for Nutritional Data of Fast Food Chains you love so much.
Nutritional Data of Fast Food Chains

These things are bad for our health. However, even if people know this FACT, most of them do not have a choice but to eat these oily and calorie-full foods because of TIME CONSTRAINT and mostly because they are DELICIOUS.

The good thing is... We can detoxify our body by drinking Detox drinks like Lemon Water. It is one of the simple ways to flush out toxins and to feel healthy inside and outside.

What you need:
1-2 slice/s of Lemon
Warm Water

Note: There are different ways to prepare Lemon Water Detox, but this is how I prepare mine. As much as possible I want it to be low in calorie.

What I do is that, every morning after I wake up, brush my teeth and wash my face; I go straight to the kitchen and grab my lemon. I squeeze 1-2 slices into my glass and pour in warm water. I drink this prior to eating any food in the morning.

It has been said that Lemon Water:

1. Helps our digestive system to digest food more easily.
2. Burns fats and helps us in weight loss (with proper exercise).
3. Boost our Immune System. Lemon is high in Vitamin C.
4. Clears our skin. As we take Lemon Water, it flushes out unwanted toxins. It also helps in clearing our blemishes in our body. (It depends on how long you've been drinking Lemon Water).
5. Maintain Elasticity of the skin. Helps to avoid getting premature wrinkles.

There are a lot of Benefits and I have here the list of articles around the web for further reading. I hope they will help you.

1. mindbodygreen.com
2. tasty-yummies.com
3. lajollamom.com
4. livestrong.com
5. naturalnews.com

I started drinking Warm Lemon Water on the first week of March and I could say that it helped me to feel better about my body. The reason why I started drinking this is actually for my digestive system. I have a weak metabolism and I needed a natural way to make it better.

This Lemon Water Detox is worth trying for. :)

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

_____________________________

 

Today is Wednesday. HOLIDAY! However, I might not enjoy my day because recently I have a minor eye infection. My eyes are very sensitive to heat and pollution and I must be careful all time. Last week, I forgot to apply my eye ointment which causes my eyes to be vulnerable with dust, heat and sweat. So, I must rest and do hot compress. People also suggested that I should wear sunglasses to protect my eyes... but sunglasses are not good on me...

 

Nevertheless, Have a good day everyone! Stay healthy!

 

Things that made me happy:

1. Food shopping. Shopping for foods is one of my favorite things to do... lately.
2. Playing guitar... as always.
3. Talking and laughing with my friends.
4. Healthy conversations with my colleague. Recently, they started to eat healthy foods... and I AM ONE OF THE REASONS. haha. :)