Why I love walking

Apart from the health benefits I get from walking, there are three reasons why I love taking walks in the afternoon:

1. It is a special time for me and my husband to regroup. We talk about anything and everything under the sun. It is also a good opportunity for us to plan the days ahead.

2. When not talking, we also get to appreciate silence while walking. We are both comfortable with silence and we're lucky that we're both okay with it. Silence is our form of daily meditation. Silence heals us.

3. Walking gives me more time to daydream. I'm a daydreamer and I love it. Lately, I've been daydreaming about our future house. I find it very therapeutic.

Everyday I look forward to walking...and to talking, silence, and daydreaming.

Success!

My husband's birthday cake just keeps getting better each day.  I now have the confidence to make my next cake from scratch.  Ina Garten's chocolate buttercream frosting is divine. The coffee really adds a different flavor to it.  My mother-in-law is my number one fan when it comes to my baking products.  When she found out that I made a cake, she strictly (and half-jokingly) prohibited us from eating it until our usual Sunday get-together.  Of course we didn't listen as that's still two days away.  Besides, it's my husband's birthday cake so he had to have a slice of it. 

My husband is now suggesting that we add another layer of fruits in the cake. Hmm, I'll think about it. 

I kinda like the messy icing look.


Tate's Double Chocolate Almond Cookies

Here's how mine turned out.  The recipe yielded almost three dozen cookies. This is what was left of it.

It was a hit. I'm pretty sure I will be making them again.

Otanjoubi Omedetou

To the man who I was born to be with, happy birthday! Thank you for loving me unconditionally, for accepting all of me, for loving everyone and everything I love, and for adding more zest to my already spiced life. I cannot imagine life without you.

I love you to the moon and back!

P.S.
I can't wait to bake your birthday cake.

upcoming projects

Our kitchen still smells of newly baked cookies.  I usually make them from scratch but today, I gave in and used a store bought mix.  Next week is my husband's birthday week. He is not a big fan of birthday parties and presents so I always have to come up with simple gestures which he appreciates more.

For his birthday, I will attempt to bake my first cake. I will be channeling Sandra Lee and make a semi-homemade chocolate cake.  For the icing, I find Ina Garten's basic chocolate buttercream as the easiest one to make.  Hmm...maybe I'll put some chocolate ganache in between layers.

My second project is Tate's Double Chocolate Almond Cookies. Here is the recipe from another blog.  I will post pictures soon.

I'm too excited I'm getting sugar rush already.

These shoes are made for walking.

I had retail therapy today (not that I needed one).  I shopped until my arms were tired from carrying all the loot.  The good news is, even though I was tired from shopping, I still managed to work out with my husband when we got home.  I was so giddy to try my new bestfriend. Behold, my new walking shoes...

It was pure luck.  New Balance just opened in the nearby outlet mall and they were offering additional 20% off of sale items. I just had to buy them!  They were so comfortable and lightweight.  My husband swears by the brand and wears nothing but.  I was so inspired and ended up walking 3 miles (plus the 3 hour walking we did in the mall).  I felt rejuvinated!

Next week should be fun. My husband and I vowed to keep on walking and to go to yoga regularly. Here's hoping!

For Japan

Prayers are powerful...

Photo via phandroid

and so are your donations.

The American Red Cross is one of the agencies helping those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  Let's help the people of Japan.

iShop

I am obsessed with love shopping.  I am not embarassed to admit that I am borderline shopaholic. Whoever invented the term retail therapy clearly knows what it's all about.  Last Sunday, Target came out with their GO International Designer Collective . As soon as they announced it, I marked the day in my calendar and vowed to be one of the first to view the collection. The day before, I was too excited and wished it were Sunday already. Oh, the collection is beautiful!! The dresses by Proenza Schouler, Thakoon and Zac Posen were TDF!  I wanted to buy one of each. Sadly, my conscience (read: the husband) talked me out of buying any. Oh it was heartbreaking. Deep in my heart though, I know that my closet is full of clothes (still with price tags) that I have yet to wear.  I was depressed for a day. When I got home, I turned on the TV and watched the news. Seeing the tsunami devastation made me realize how lucky I am and there's really no need to buy material things right now especially when in other parts of the world, there are people with no houses and clothes to wear.

My sister gave the most rational alibi: They are just clothes and everybody in your town will be wearing the same thing.

Ok, I feel so much better now.

Second Time's a Charm

Well hello blogging world...

This is my second attempt at blogging. The first time didn't work because I think I was propelled with the wrong emotions. I am hoping that this time is going to be different as I am letting my passion drive me. I love to bake, I love to shop, and I love to laugh. My posts shall revolve around these three things. With all the things that are going on in the world right now, I can only hope that staying positive in life will get me through it. So I will do my best to post only positive things or at least what makes me happy in life.

Let's do this, shall we?:-)