Oooh Gelato!!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 / 6:10 PM
Sure, we are all soooo full after having hot pot for lunch.
But there is always still some room for desserts no matter how full we are!
Especially if its... GELATO! :)
MONDO GELATOIt was sure very tough to choose from all those tempting Gelato flavors.
But in the end, I settled for my favorite
Ferrero Rocher and
Black Sesame. :)
GELATO ON A CUPGoodness! Every taste is just soooo gratifying!
How can something as heavenly as this exist on earth? :)
* * * * *
MONDO GELATO
ABERDEEN CENTER
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, sweets
2 comments
Hot Pot on A Cold Day
Monday, March 30, 2009 / 3:12 PM
As we drove down the winding mountain roads, we realized how hungry we are!
We were so hungry that we can almost hear our tummies growl!
CATTLE HOT POTIt wasn't hard to get a unanimous decision as to where to eat.
Nothing beats a bowl of hot soup after being out in the blistering cold! :)
HOT POTWe cooked endless slices of beef, lamb, and chicken in the boiling pot.
We also threw in all sorts of balls, seafoods, and vegetables in the flavorful soup.
FRIENDS IN VANCOUVERFor $17.95 / person, I'd say we all had a good deal.
Just look at all those empty bowls and plates on the messy table.
We are so savage we literally ate to our hearts and stomachs content! :)
* * * * *
CATTLE HOT POT
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: Chinese cuisine, friends, restaurants
Cypress Mountain
Sunday, March 29, 2009 / 8:20 PM
In the city of Vancouver, spring has already began.
But up in the snowy mountain of Cypress, winter isn't over yet!
VANCOUVER GIRLS
Up
Cypress Mountain, I met some of my oldest friends and classmates.
I think the last time I saw them was waaay back in high school.
What a great scenic place to reunite and talk about the good ol' days! :)
SNOWBALL FIGHT
It was snowing and the temperature was below zero.
But the guys and the girls are excited to start some snow adventure!
SNOW TUBE After getting their tickets, the girls changed into their snow suits and shoes.
They pulled heavy snow tubes of different colors as they walked to the snowtubing park.
SNOWTUBING PARK...Everyone but the girl named Sab with a pink tuk. :(
I decided not to join the girls because I am already 4 months pregnant.
SNOWTUBING PARKSure, I'd love to slide down the slopes and get into some snowy adventure.
But I don't want to blame myself if something very unexpected happens...
Look at just what happened to Natasha Richardson while she was on a bunny hill!
SNOWMOBILESSo I walked around the snowy uphills and downhills while taking in some sights.
The thing is I don't mind being alone... I actually enjoyed my walk.
I guess I needed some solitary moments on my own to think and ponder.
When I felt cold, I went inside the
Nordic Cafe to have a cup of hot chocolate.
Ooooh! Nothing beats having hot chocolate on a cold day! :)
NORDIC CAFENot long, the guys and the girls came inside the small cafe to meet me.
They were all raving about their snowtubing experience! :)
To cheer myself up, I already made a snowtubing date with the girls next winter.
And I sure hope that I have B to slide down the slopes with me. :)
TILL NEXT WINTER, GIRLS!!! :)
* * * * *
CYPRESS MOUNTAIN
WEST VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: BC, Canada, friends, North Vancouver, sports, trips, winter
Salmon Teriyaki
Saturday, March 28, 2009 / 7:15 PM
Friday is the official Fish Day for the family.
In the season of Lent, abstinence from meat is observed by the Chua Family.
SALMON TERIYAKII simply marinated the salmon steaks in sugar and teriyaki sauce.
Then I just grilled the salmons, flipping over each side. :)
Labels: home-cooked
IHOP
Friday, March 27, 2009 / 8:25 AM
Last Sunday, the family has finally given up on Chinese and Japanese food.
And so, Daddy treated the family out for lunch at IHOP.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES
T-BONE STEAKThe steak, cooked well-done, was tough and hard.
The mashed potatoes tasted like paper.
Sadly, the only thing I loved was the French toast. :(
The thing is I've always loved the beef and the steak here in Canada.
It doesn't matter if I bought it from the grocery or ordered it in a restaurant.
The steak here has never failed me until I had T-bone at
IHOP. :(
* * * * *
IHOP
BURNABY, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Garlic & Anchovies
Thursday, March 26, 2009 / 8:10 AM
Whenever I'm craving for something salty and garlic-y, I would always cook this pasta.
All I needed was a can of anchovies, cloves of garlic, olive oil, and spaghettini. :)
GARLIC & ANCHOVIES PASTA
Over low heat, I sauteed the finely chopped garlics in olive oil.Then I stirred in the shredded fillets of anchovies.I threw in the spaghettini which I already cooked al dente.I mixed the pasta thoroughly to evenly distribute the garlic and anchovies.Then I sprinkled the pasta with salt and pepper before serving it on the table. :)* * * * *This is one of B's favorite too... I would always cook this for him.Somehow, this pasta tasted not quite the same, without B sharing a bowl with me.Labels: home-cooked
Nana The Hairdresser
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 / 7:30 PM
I guess hairdressing doesn't run in my family.
Look at how Nana massacred Sophie's bangs. :(
JAGGED BANGSBut when one has a face as cute and adorable as Sophie's,
One can carry whatever hairstyle even one that has gone wrong,
Make a statement out of it and still be pretty! :)Labels: Sophie
Scared of Needles Still
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 / 9:45 PM
Today, I went to BC Biomedical to have my blood drawn as instructed by Dr. Ross. It was basically a routine blood test for all pregnant women. Dr. Ross wanted to check on my iron and hemoglobin levels and some other diseases that I might have that I am not aware of. As the lab nurse called out my name, I was led into a small cubicle. I sat on the chair and rested my right arm on the arm rest. The nurse started preparing test tubes and syringes. I was rather calm or I guess I was only pretending to be... coz just when the nurse was about to poke my arm, I stopped her. Then I told her I was scared of needles, by the way. Just so she can be more gentle and careful. Then I closed my eyes and told her to proceed. I winced at the pain of the needle breaking into my skin and puncturing my vein. My eyes started to wet as I took in the pain. I wonder how I ever labored and gave birth to Sophie. How can I be so scared of needles still? After the six tubes were filled with blood, the nurse finally pulled the needle away. She pressed on the punctured site with a cotton and then she placed the smallest bandage I've ever seen over it. I stood from the chair and I suddenly felt like the room is spinning. I sat back down and closed my eyes, feeling light-headed. The nurse was rather concerned and advised me to remain in my seat until I feel better. She gave me some apple juice to drink. Of which I drank only a few sips so I can save it for Sophie. Still feeling weak, I decided it was time to get up on my chair. Mommy and Sophie were still waiting for me at the other building.Labels: pregnancy
It's Officially Spring!
Monday, March 23, 2009 / 11:02 AM
NO MATTER HOW LONG THE WINTER,SPRING IS SURE TO FOLLOW.
TULIPS
IT'S OFFICIALLY SPRING! :) Labels: flowers, spring
First Prenatal Check-Up
Sunday, March 22, 2009 / 9:00 PM
Dr. Shelley Ross... She is said to be one of the best doctors in all over Vancouver. She drives around the city with a car proudly plated... "I Deliver." Many women want to see her in the course of their pregnancy. But not all are given the chance. I guess, then, I'm one of the lucky ones. :) Last Wednesday, I had my first prenatal check-up w/ Dr. Ross. As I walked in the clinic, the friendly nurse greeted me. I smiled and she asked me to stand on the scale. I weighed exactly 110 lbs. still. I haven't really gained, I thought. Then the nurse led me to a room. She told me to take off all my clothes because Dr. Ross will perform a complete physical exam and papsmear. Papsmear. I cringed at the word. She brought out a speculum from the drawer. I panicked. Then I asked her if she could prepare the smallest-sized speculum. She smiled kindly and nodded her head. Whew! A moment later, Dr. Ross came inside the room. She greeted me and congratulated me on my new baby. Dr. Ross did the routine prenatal check-up. I let out a huge sigh of relief after the papsmear was done. She happily told me that everything looks great and that I am going smoothly in my pregnancy. Then she started feeling and pressing my abdomen and gladly announced that my baby has a good size of about 4" crown to rump. Next, she used a doppler to check on baby's heartbeat. Baby has a heart rate of 152 bpm. It's amazing... hearing those strong thuds which only mean life... a new life. Before I left, Dr. Ross gave me instructions to do a bloodtest and prescribed me with a bunch of vitamins which I obediently bought at the pharmacy. :)Labels: pregnancy
Here Without You
Saturday, March 21, 2009 / 1:23 PM
CARVED BY B
LYNN CANYON
3.27.08
HERE WITHOUT YOU
3 Doors Down
A hundred days have made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don't think I can look at this the same
But all the miles that separate
Disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face
I'm here without you, baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you, baby
And I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you, baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl, it's only you and me
The miles just keep rolling
As the people leave their way to say hello
I've heard this life is overrated
But I hope that it gets better as we go
I'm here without you, baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you, baby
And I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you, baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl, it's only you and me
Everything I know and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won't take away my love
And when the last one falls, when it's all said and done
It gets hard but it won't take away my love
Labels: Brian and Sab, songs
BRIANNEBELLE.COM
Friday, March 20, 2009 / 6:11 PM
A few days ago, B left me a message with a beautiful link.
The link took me somewhere I've always dreamed to be.
BRIANNEBELLE.COM
MEMOIRS OF A YOUNG BRIDE Sure, I love writing and capturing moments.
However, I am definitely not web-savvy at all.But now I finally have a site I can call my own
without having to deal with any technical obstacle.
Plus, I get to cross something out from my WISH LIST. :)
THANK SO MUCH, HUBBY!
I LOVE YOU! :*
Labels: Brian and Sab, gifts
Clams in Oyster Sauce
Thursday, March 19, 2009 / 1:34 PM
It has been a few days already that I've been craving for clams.
Not just any clams... but Manila clams.
CLAMS IN OYSTER SAUCE
First, I sauteed thin long slices of onions in the wok.
Then I threw in the clams and waited for them to be cooked.
Lastly, I poured some oyster sauce and mixed them all together.
The clams were fresh, flavorful, and delicious.
But the sauce was a bit too sweet and heavy.
Nevertheless, the family enjoyed the sauce with hot steaming rice. :)
Labels: home-cooked
Gindara Teriyaki
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 / 11:32 AM
Now that I've temporarily moved back to live with my parents in Vancouver,
I realized that this is a good time to cook for Daddy and Mommy. :)
GINDARA TERIYAKI
At the grocery, I bought slices of Alaskan black cod (Gindara)
and a bottle of Kikkoman Teriyaki Baste & Glaze.
I marinated the Gindara in sugar and teriyaki sauce for half a day.Then I grilled the Gindara, carefully flipping over each side.
The Gindara, as always, was fine and tender.The teriyaki sauce, adding a sweet taste, was a good complement.The serving plate was wiped out in no time. Even the sauce was scraped out.I should humbly believe then that everyone loved my Gindara Teriyaki. :)
Labels: home-cooked
Nana's Little Girls
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 / 5:00 PM
Yesterday, cousin Anne came over with her two girls.
Sophie and Kimi welcomed and played with Caitlyn and Joey. :)
JOEY, SOPHIE, CAITLYN, AND KIMIFour little girls only mean four times the fun.
The girls played and ran around the house all afternoon!
Nana was overjoyed coz the little girls brought so much fun and laughter.
I guess it's true how children can make this home and world a happier place. :)
Labels: family, Sophie
Fireproof
Monday, March 16, 2009 / 10:35 PM
On our flight from Manila to Vancouver last month,
B and I watched this film about love and marriage on board. :)
"I have learned that you never leave your partner...
Especially in a fire."It's actually a religious film but it isn't boring at all.On the contrary, I find it inspiring, enriching, and life-changing. :)Labels: movies
Phone Call
Sunday, March 15, 2009 / 10:25 PM
It's just a simple phone call...
But it makes my day.
PHONECALLWhenever the phone rings, my heart races. Whenever I hear your voice, my face lights up.
Some days are harder. Some days are easier.
But one more day without you only means one more day closer to being with you. :)
Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Saturday, March 14, 2009 / 4:31 PM
Somehow, I do believe that...
"Only unfulfilled love can be romantic."But romance is only temporary madness.It erupts like a volcano and then subsides.What good is it when it only lasts a moment in time?After much thought...I'd still rather be loved and cherished.For romance is fleeting... Love is lasting. :)PS. But I still want to receive roses and tulips.
To be kissed ever so passionately. :)Labels: movies
Little Bulge
Friday, March 13, 2009 / 9:25 PM
Just when I'm about to leave the house,
I hurriedly took this photo of my little bulge. :)
LITTLE BULGEI'm 14 weeks pregnant and I'm on my 4th month. I've just started on the second trimester of my pregnancy.I'm slowly losing my waistline and my denim mini is getting a little too tight.It might be the last few times that I can wear my petite-sized clothes.But not to worry coz I already asked B to bring my loose dresses on May. :)Labels: pregnancy
Spring Promise
Thursday, March 12, 2009 / 5:24 PM
You and I...
We have a promise.
A spring promise.
MAY 24, 2009Till I see you again in spring time, Hubby.
Till then... I will be counting the days.
Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
Little Sophie's Lunch
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 / 4:20 PM
Sophie started out to be a messy eater.
But look at her now... She can already feed herself. :)
MUSHROOM SOUPOne of Sophie's favorite soup is
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom.
She would finish a big bowl of soup and small bowl of rice. :)
DRINKING FROM A CUPIt's about time to say goodbye to nipples and sippy cups!
Sophie can hold and balance a cup and drink without spills. :)
I can't quite believe that Sophie is no longer a baby.
But a little girl who can already eat almost independently.
She hardly needs a bib anymore... Especially when she loves the food. :)
Labels: Sophie
Snowfall...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 / 9:10 PM
Exactly one week after B left, snowflakes fell from the sky.
SNOW IN OUR BACKYARDExactly one week after B left, tears still fall from my eyes.It seemed like forever... Has it really been just one week?Labels: family, reflections, winter
He's Just Not That Into You
Monday, March 9, 2009 / 8:50 PM
After the heavy lunch and heavenly dessert, it was time to burn the calories.
Mel and I walked down to Tinseltown where we watched a movie. :)
After the long walk in the blistering cold, Mel and I finally relaxed
As we raised our legs and beautiful boots in the warm and cozy theater. :)
WINTER BOOTSMel's suede boots have cute pom poms on the side.
While my sheepskin boots are simple and classic. :)
Mel and I wanted to watch something light and chic...
HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
"If a guy treats you like he doesn't give a sh*t,
it's because he doesn't give a sh*t." I guess it has been looooong time ago when Mel and I were still single.
We have kinda forgotten what it feels like to be lonely and searching.
Though we tried so hard to relate with the women in the film, we failed.
Because now, Mel and I are both happily married with our wonderful hubbies. :)
Labels: movies, shoes
Hot Crepe on a Cold Day
Sunday, March 8, 2009 / 6:12 PM
Girls always love a sweet and happy ending... in love and in food. :)
After having pasta at Milestones, Mel and I suddenly wanted something sweet!
CAFE CREPESo Mel and I crossed the street to
Cafe Crepe.
We sat ourselves in the cozy dim-lit interior of the small cafe. :)
BANANA NUTELLA CREPEMel blamed me for luring her into
Cafe Crepe + making her eat an entire crepe.
When, in fact, she seemed to enjoy every bite even when she was already full. :)
STRAWBERRY NUTELLA CREPEI made no mistake in choosing my favorite berries with cognac and nutella.
It was heavenly and absolutely sweet and satisfying. :)
Sure, the crepes were delish but I guess... Too much of something is always bad.
Mel and I were both so full that we wonder why had to eat so much.
I can hardly button my coat anymore and I literally felt like a whale. :(
* * * * *
CAFE CREPE
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: cafes, French cuisine, sweets
Sisters Can Date Too
Saturday, March 7, 2009 / 8:41 PM
Sometimes, I feel like I need to dress up, go out, and have a good time.
So that, even for awhile, I can stop thinking about how much I miss B.
And so... I went out on date with Mel last Saturday. :)
SAB & MELISSA
There are some things that only women can understand.
I'm glad I have a sister like Mel... She's the sister I never had. :)
MILESTONES
Walking down the busy street of Downtown Vancouver,
Mel and I decided to have lunch at Milestones. :)
SEAFOOD FETTUCCINI
Wild west coast salmon, Mexican Corvina sea bass, and shrimps
Tossed in a spicy chardonnay cream with fresh spinach and lemon gremolatta
I was so excited to have a taste of my favorite fish... sea bass.
This pasta is just bursting with so much flavors... I give it 5 stars. :)
* * * * *
MILESTONES GRILL & BAR
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, sisters, Western cuisine
Mommy's Little Kitten
Friday, March 6, 2009 / 10:41 PM
LITTLE KITTEN
This photo was taken a few days ago.
Because her easter egg toy suddenly cracked,
Sophie accidentally wounded her left cheek.
Leaving her with a long scratch like a kitten's whiskers. :(
Labels: mishaps, Sophie
I Love Strawberries!
Thursday, March 5, 2009 / 10:18 AM
Hi! I'm 12 weeks pregnant and I've been loving...
<
STRAWBERRIES
I bought a pound then another pound...
Then 3 whopping pounds of giant strawberries.
I finished them all and still want MORE. :)
Labels: foods, pregnancy
One Day At A Time
Wednesday, March 4, 2009 / 5:22 PM
When I asked B how I can take being away from him for this long, he said we'll take it one day at a time. That we won't notice how time will fly. Then it will be spring time and we'll be back in each other's arms again. So I'm just taking the days one day at a time. The days seem to get better and better as I've slowly learned to cope. I still let some tears fall every now and then. It's hard and I have to struggle to get by. But in the midst of all this, I realized that I have grown more mature. I'm no longer crazy and impulsive enough to book the next flight back to Manila... as I was two years ago. I realized that it's not that bad to be faraway when B has left and given me the most wonderful gifts I will ever have in my entire life... Sophie and our little baby in my womb. Giving me hope when I'm in despair and giving me courage to face this journey.
Labels: Brian and Sab, pregnancy, reflections
Take Me Away
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 / 1:47 PM
Why didn't you just take me away?
VANCOUVER VESPA
2.28.09
TAKE ME AWAY
Lifehouse
This time all I want is you
There is no one else
Who can take your place
This time you burn me with your eyes
You see past all the lies
You take it all away
I've seen it all and it's never enough
It keeps leaving me needing you
Take me away
Take me away
I've got nothing left to say
Just take me away
I try to make my way to you
But still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all and it's never enough
It keeps leaving me needing you
Take me away
Take me away
I've got nothing left to say
Just take me away
Don't give up on me yet
Don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
But don't let me stay here alone
Labels: Brian and Sab, motors, reflections, songs
LoveBook
Monday, March 2, 2009 / 8:24 AM
B bought me a new Mac just before he left.
LOVEBOOK
It's not really on top of my wish list.
But I was touched when B asked me if I wanted one.
As he carried the box, B asked me if I was happy.
I said... Not really. For only a day or two, I guess.
I would rather you don't go.
Labels: Brian and Sab, gadgets, gifts
Gone
Sunday, March 1, 2009 / 10:08 PM
It was the best two weeks of my life. Winter was warm because of him. He would fix me breakfast everyday. He would tuck me to sleep. He would make sure I was dressed warmly enough. We would take the train and go to places. We would share an umbrella under the cold rain. We would talk about anything and everything and never run out of things to say. We would do everything together. I felt like I lived in a bubble. I felt like the day would never come. That he will forever be by my side. But last night, he started packing his clothes in his luggage. I shivered by the door. How could he leave me when everything is so perfect? He made me promise to take care of myself and Sophie. He told me how much he loves me. He told me to take one day at a time. He told me to be strong. He insisted to walk me back to the car. I insisted to watch him go. Then suddenly, he disappeared behind the double doors of the airport. Has he really gone? But he was just standing beside me. He was still holding my hand a few minutes ago... He was still kissing me even if my lips were chapped a breath ago... One moment he was here. The next he's gone. How could I have let him go? Now I stood alone in the middle of the busy airport. Lost and cold. My heart broke into a million pieces. Somebody had burst my bubble. I refuse to believe that he has gone.
Labels: Brian and Sab, pregnancy, reflections
MONDO GELATO
GELATO ON A CUP
