I was able to drop by what is now one of my favorite organic farms to date. We were given a tour before (during my first trip there) around the entire perimeter and the ins and outs of the farm (as well as it’s operations) were explained to us. I loved the meals (sort of like a buffet) that I was able to try out there immensely because all of them were delicious, had no preservatives (even the dessert!) and everything was quite fresh and organic (all picked from the farm itself). I also love going over the different produce that they were growing there, as well as the herbs which the owner handpicked himself and asked us to taste right off the bat. Don’t worry, it was quite safe to do so actually because they don’t use chemical fertilizers and sprays, which means that we can simply pick some arugula or even some mint, wipe them off a bit (even the side of your shirt will do for the wiping, just make sure it’s clean! Haha.) and stuff them in our mouths. The taste and the flavors of produce are simply amazing when they are grown the right way and are quite fresh. Big difference there. Gazillion pictures below. 
Since I was a little kid, I had always loved chocolate. Before my affinity for ice cream, cupcakes and dumplings – chocolate was always at the forefront. When you break off a piece of the chocolate block, and as you take a bite, all that lusciousness and that richness, that sweet chocolatey goodness creates a lovely symphony in your mouth and your taste buds would mutter a thank you. Plus it makes you happy too (haha).
Over the course of my existence (how profound! haha.), I have tasted quite a number of varieties (I’m not saying I’m an expert) and I am in love with all of them. I usually prefer the milk chocolate ones, the ones with almonds at times, with honeycomb, with rice crispies, with toffee, with mint in them or with caramel or the biscuit ones – Ok, I love almost all of them (haha).
They say that chocolate has chemical properties that may be responsible for those hard-to-place feelings of contentment and happiness. When feeling a bit blue, do have a bite or two but do so in moderation. Lately, I’ve been indulging myself with some dark chocolate and I suggest you do too. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and is good for your heart as well.
Two things to remember about chocolate – 1. If craving for some , do try eating dark chocolate instead, 2. Keep them away from your pets since chocolate is harmful to them and considered poisonous.
What are your chocolate favorites? ♥
P.S. I had a mellow weekend with the family and I am thankful. I also ate a lot. Haha. On a side note, if you have some time on your hands and would like to know some fun things about chocolate, do click here.
P.P.S. Visiting Guylian, this was a very amazing day. I had fun taking pictures as well.
I have always loved anything Mediterranean – the cuisine (I even love watching cooking shows with amazing ingredients influenced by cultures near the Mediterranean Sea), the details in the design style (Sparkling sunny days, vibrant produce, vivid turquoise waters), it is basically relaxed design and nature is quite apparent in the architectural elements.
I will expound more on Mediterranean design in a separate post for those of you who wish to know more about it or wish to incorporate in your interiors.
A good example of an interior concept that I am especially in love with right now is the Blanc Restaurant and Lounge of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona. It exhibits a settle Mediterranean feel in a more contemporary setting (I love it! ♥).
Patricia Urquiola, the brilliant designer for the space, made use of creative spatial layouts and a dramatic openess through the ceiling decorations. The palette is mainly neutral and oh so refreshing (to the point of making me gush even. Haha.).
P.S. Yup, having lunch here someday is definitely in my bucket list. (Lunch is between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Noted. Haha.)
(Steak Salad Photo Credit – Thomas J. Story)
A really great day actually with all sorts of good things – penguins!, cupcakes, chips, manatees, turtles, jellyfish, funky music, mermaids (I love The Little Mermaid!), touching shark eggs, among other things.
I clicked away and thus the bajillion pictures below. Art and design inspiration everywhere. All these beautiful colors. Awesome sauce ♥
Have a great weekend everyone!
Yesterday was a good day. I even reckon it was a great day.
It didn’t particularly start off like it was gonna be something that would conjure significant memories but it slowly made its transition. I wasn’t able to wake up really early and by the time we did leave, it was raining and the day had a gloomy feel about it. When we got off the train, things were starting to turn around – we were getting excited, we were chatting up a gazillion words per millisecond (nerdy look insert here), I was snapping pictures away and the rain made way for the sun to say hello (hang around) until what was left of the day was up.
Spending time with Ate Tatie, my sister, is simply priceless. We got to catch up, discuss things and store up on memories we can reminisce later on. Our “amazing adventure” or day together was complimented with a perfect meal in my opinion. With a love affair with food, the waiter definitely asked a couple of times if we could finished all the stuff we ordered or if we were sure if it is a wise thing to do – ordering all those dishes (haha). These tiny girls who have big storage compartments for stomachs. Tsk. (haha)
Happy Little Girl
We gobbled all of it up and chatted all throughout the meal until the last piece of strawberry and pancake. It was a very good moment. Their chicken caesar is the best I’ve tried so far and the ribs were cooked just right and were quite tender (the perfect example of a good barbecue rib dish). The dessert dish was quite luscious – coined as Devil’s Delight, it consists of chocolate pancakes, strawberries, cream, chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce drizzled all over. I know – I love food!
We looked for the waiter (he is Polish by the way) to sort of show him the empty shiny plates that once held food – we were a couple of smug girls. (Haha. I kid.)
P.S. I love you, Ate Tatie! Looking forward to more adventures in the future. On a side note, a couple of moi shots below.
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
~Anthony J. D’Angelo
Earlier today, I was able to go (squeeze in some time) and check out the One Cebu Expo 2010. It is one of the featured activities for the 441st Founding Anniversary of the Cebu Province. Local products from the different towns of Cebu (examples include Dumanjug, Carcar, etc.) are on display as well as furniture and various world-class products.
Pretty Flowers
The said Expo is also expected to strengthen relations (in trade) with participating countries and Cebu’s local business (helping out our local business is a plus). Delegates from other countries such as China, Malaysia and Vietnam are expected to attend.
The Expo aims to – 1. Highlight Cebu as a tourist destination, 2. More importantly, as a place of creativity (as expressed through the various products of our manufacturing industries).
The first level features stalls with local delicacies, locally made soaps and even fresh produce. There is an events display as well – with table setting and couture cakes. There is an art gallery featuring paintings for local well-known artists – my art professor from our fine arts department in college had his amazing paintings there as well.
The second level features furniture (their usual protocol is that picture taking is not allowed – especially for furniture companies displaying their designs), home accessories, jewelry and mixed knick knacks – like a bazaar. Participants to the One Cebu Business and Sustainability Summit for 2010 were there - their convention was taking place at the second level.
Once again, a gazillion pictures (haha. I love taking pictures.) to show you what the Expo is like. Have fun!
At the Exhibit
Snack Time
Congratulations to all the participants and the people behind the One Cebu Expo. I for one appreciated all the hard work you guys had contributed for the event. The Expo is at the CICC (Cebu International Convention Center) from the 7th of August to the 16th.
My friend, Pongee, (and their furniture company) is one of the exhibitors as well. Please drop by Clear Export’s Display if you can.
P.S. Too much stuff for such a petite person. The mirror was quite dusty (very random).
There I am. Hello!
P.P.S. I just wanted to let you know that I had dessert as well (finished all of it). It is the most important part of any meal (in my opinion).
