Every now and then, we meet people we connect with through shared passions, hobbies, and interests. Most of you already know how much I love cooking and entertaining. When I discovered there was another food blogger on Manitoulin Island, I was so excited! Oh, and she's not just another food blogger! She's also a fellow Food Bloggers of Canada blogger! I became a member in … [Read more...]
Tortang Talong ~ A Filipino Recipe: Manitoulin Style
Last year, I took my then 3 year old daughter across the ocean to visit and spend time with my grandmother before she died. Despite the circumstances, it was an amazing experience for my little girl and I was thrilled that she was able to see what life in the Philippines was like, be immersed in the culture and get to know her family in San Jose, Batangas. Little One often … [Read more...]
Turón Bites ~ A Spin on a Filipino Street Food Fave
As a little girl, I remember my Mom, grandmother, and aunts sitting around the kitchen table, telling stories, laughing and wrapping Turón. The ladies would expertly wrap sliced up plantain, jack fruit and sugar in spring roll wrapper, and fry them. It was always a special treat and a family favourite.Whenever I have this Filipino treat, I think of my family and my childhood.I … [Read more...]
Filipino Bistek (Beef Steak) @CanadianBeef #LoveCDNBeef
With May being the month my Lola (grandmother) passed away last year, I've found myself making a lot of Filipino dishes. We're now into the beginning of June and I find I'm still cooking a lot of Filipino food. This has totally been done unintentionally. I think it's perhaps because I really, really miss my grandmother right now. I've also been missing her cooking and by me … [Read more...]
The Saddest Day
I was finishing up some last minute work for a campaign when I looked at the clock on the bottom right hand corner of my computer screen. All of a sudden an overwhelming sense of sadness washed over me. The date! The date made me burst out in tears. It was a reminder of the saddest day of my life.My grandmother passed away a year ago tomorrow.May 15, 2012. I still cry every … [Read more...]
The Nesting Dolls
The soft light of the sun filtering through the filmy white curtains in our temporary room caused Little One to stir in the morning. Our morning routine while in San Jose would be getting up early, having a Filipino breakfast prepared by great-lola's helpers, showering, and getting ready for our commute to a neighbouring city to visit great-lola in the hospital.At the time, my … [Read more...]
Monday Musings: Sometimes She Cries
**WARNING** Not my usual happy, light, fun post :)It's been just a few months since my grandmother passed away and so far I've been holding things together just fine. Things are busy, life must go on, and there's a little person who needs me to function like a normal human being. It just hits me sometimes though. It comes in waves. The overwhelming sense of loss and the … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday: Family
It's been a few weeks since my grandmother passed away. Looking at photos and videos of my grandparents makes my heart hurt. Some days I'm just so wrapped up in work and family responsibilities that I forget the sadness. That feeling like something is missing always seems to resurface during the more quiet, pensive moments.I guess this post isn't much of a "Wordless" Wednesday … [Read more...]
Family
At the risk of sounding depressing, I thought I'd post more of my "Grandma (aka Lola) posts". I don't want to keep posting about my lola's death and have you think I'm dwelling too much on things. I'm fine...for the most part. I have my moments. I'm trying to convince myself that I know this is best for her and that she is no longer suffering. I'm trying.It's been a week … [Read more...]
Missing in Action – Filipino Adventures: Part 1
This is my second trip to the Philippines, and once again, it's not a pleasure trip. I wish circumstances were different. This time, we're here because my grandmother (Lola) is in Intensive Care.I packed up my three year old for her first international trip, and off we went. The flight was long, but Little One fared well. She was such a great traveler.As soon as we got to … [Read more...]