Cook and Brew.

For sure, our loots when we get back from Baguio will contain loads and loads of carrots, sayote and cucumber. As La Trinidad is called the Salad Bowl of the Philippines, vegetables grown there are sold a lot cheaper. Among these vegetables, we stock cucumber the most to make our favorite, Cucumber Salad. Also, my sister use cucumber as a simple home remedy for her dark eye circles. Here’s a simple recipe that I learned from my stepmom.

Ingredients:
* 3 large cucumbers, peeled, thinly sliced
* 1 cup white vinegar
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients. Store covered in refrigerator.

You’ll love the contrasting sweet and sour taste.

Research and statistics show that the current generation of kids are getting more unfit. Instant foods, junk foods, sweets and candies, then they get lots of distractions not to exercise like fascination with TV watching, ps3, wii, xbox video games and computers. So aside from giving them a healthy diet, parents should also get their kids to exercise. The best way to do this is to exercise together as a family. The motivation and good example should come from the parents themselves. After all, this also makes a great family bonding activity.

We attended a friend’s wedding yesterday and apart from the very contagious “so in love” mood, the thing that lingers in my mind (and tummy) is the self-indulgent buffet. Well, to be honest, that’s pretty much what most people remember in weddings. That’s why when we got married, I was so specific and made sure that our guests will get served with bountiful and sumptuous lunch.

I don’t know if you’ve already heard about one of a kind wedding reception concept called a “Gourmet Inclusive”. The Karisma group of hotels in Riviera Maya, Mexico are not only known as the ultimate destination weddings but they’re well-sought too for their Gourmet Inclusive style in which the cuisine is served in sleek and sensual sit-down locales and fashion-forward bars. It is not only intended for weddings but actually, expect that all throughout your Cancun stay, you’ll get served with cooking that meets the standards of the best restaurants. With gourmet a la carte wining, a dining and full service concierge, a lovely wedding setting…Karisma does not only guarantee your dream wedding made to perfection but also, the ultimate dining experience to you and your guests.

Even though our country was massively devastated by a series of calamities recently, I believe that the whole nation will still celebrate the Christmas season with a gleeful and positive spirit. After all, we’ve always been known as a pliant kindred and we always try to stand up as a nation no matter how tough the obstacle is that comes our way.

Jollibee’s mission of spreading Christmas cheer to needy children through their Maaga Ang Pasko program has always been commendable. It is the longest yearly Christmas donation drive where kids are encouraged to donate toys and books to kids who are less fortunate. It doesn’t have to be brand new or those latest gadgets like PS3, Xbox or netbooks. In fact, they are encouraged to donate their old toys or their current ones which actually teach and instill in them the true spirit of giving.

Kudos to Jollibee for this admirable cause.

*Photo snagged from philstar.com