Recipe: Chicken Macaroni Salad

Happy Holidays! 

Macaroni salad has been a staple dish in all of the occasions in our family. There are a lot of versions of this that came out but nothing beats the classic chicken mac salad I grew up making with my Lola Luming and Tita Linda since I was a kid. Been getting a lot of requests for the recipe, so here it is. 

Ingredients:

450 grams Salad Macaroni pasta, cook as per package instruction 

1/4 kilo Chicken breast, boiled and shred into small pieces 

230 grams luncheon meat, diced (you can also use cooked ham) 

165 grams Cheese, diced

1 medium size Carrot, diced 

1 medium size White Onion, cut in small pieces 

1 stalk Celery, cut into small pieces 

200 grams pouch Pineapple tidbits (or small can), drain 

2 tablespoons Relish pickles 

2 pouches 470ml  Mayonnaise 

Sugar, Salt & Pepper 

Procedure:

1. Cook salad macaroni pasta and chicken, Set aside. 

2. Prepare the rest of the ingredients: luncheon meat, cheese, carrots, celery, onion, pineapple. 

3. Place the pasta, chicken and all of the ingredients in a big bowl (I still have the old "enamel" basin which can fit all of the ingredients for easy mixing). Mix together. 

4. Add the mayonnaise, relish pickles. Mix well. 

5. Add a dash of sugar. 

6. Salt and Pepper to taste. 

7. Chill and serve.

This is a super easy dish to prepare. I am not an expert nor a chef, but I grew up helping in the kitchen so it's more of "tantsa" estimates, my gauge is really my taste buds. I used to make this since I was 11 years old and I am sure you will be able to make this. Happy cooking!

xo,

Chiq❤️

Japan trip throwback♥

Konichiwa!  This post is two years in the making.  Yes, it's been 2 years since my first trip in Japan.  Luckily before the pandemic struck, we (me and my sister's family) were able to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.  Going to Japan is always a wish, yes you've guessed it right - because I am a big Hello Kitty fan. (*wink!)  Kidding aside, I have also heard from my friends who have traveled there that Japan is a great travel destination.  

I wasn't able to share this trip right away here in my blog... and I can't really remember why.. haha..  It was a 5 day trip to Japan, we chose Osaka because the kids wanted to go to the Universal Studio. We flew via Philippine Airlines (PAL) and stayed at Holiday Inn (Osaka Namba).  Staying in Holiday Inn is one of the best decisions we made since it's just walking distance to Dotonbori. 

This welcomed us when we arrived at the Osaka International Airport

Our itinerary includes visit to Universal Studio, Temples, Nara Deer Park, Kyoto and the Rinku premium outlet.   Aside from the beautiful sceneries, good food, friendly people, we were able to learn about Japan's culture.  Like in Nara the deer there are not intimidated by the humans, and the deer were considered sacred animals that is why they are protected for many years.

Day 1:  Exploring Osaka

First stop is the Osaka Castle and we just went around Dotonbori because as I have said earlier it's just few steps from our hotel.

Osaka Castle

My first authentic Japanese meal - Salmon Sashimi

Day 2: Universal Studio (USJ)

When we arrived at the Universal Studio it was jampacked.  We went straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  It was really a magical place, truly mesmerizing.  The kids bought merchs and of course their own wand.  

Inside Three Broomsticks

Inside Three Broomsticks

Roasted Chicken with Cranberry Sauce

the famous Butter Beer

We had lunch at the Three Broomsticks and we tried the famous butter beer.  But honestly, I was not really a fan of the drink. (Sorry)

After lunch, it's my turn to visit the Hello Kitty place in USJ.  I had my first photo op with my beloved Hello Kitty and took some snapshots on the shops there.  It's a little tiring but it was worth it.  We did not try the turkey leg at the Jurassic world because we're still full.

Day 3:  Nara :  Deer Park, Japanese temples and Shrines

Nara Deer Park

Nara Deer Park

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji temple is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven great temples located in the City of Nara.

Kasuga Tashia Shrine

Oldest and largest Wisteria tree known as Sunazuri - over 700 years old 

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

After Todai-ji temple we proceeded to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.  The shrine of the Fujiwara family and it's considered as one the sacred sites in Japan.  The interior is famous for its bronze lanterns, as well as the stone lanterns that lead to the shrine.

 

Lunch at Hotel Asyl Nara Annex gave us the taste of the Authentic Japanese Pork Ramen which is sooo good.

Day 4 : Kyoto tour

Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion

Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion

Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan.  It's well-known for it's numerous temples, shrines and palaces.  We were able to go to the Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo grove to name a few.  Honestly, it's a little hard to take photos on the Bamboo grove because there are a lot of tourists on the trail.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

But even if its super cold, we did not miss trying the soft served ice cream - which is really a must try when in Japan.  I had the Cherry Blossom flavor!♥

Japan did not disappoint, yes it's kinda hard to travel to countries during winter season but it's worth it.  Our travel in Japan made us experience two seasons : Autumn (end of fall season) and Winter (beginning of winter).  Of course one of the most important highlight of this trip is my photo with my favorite girl - Kitty White.♥

I so love autumn... seeing the red and yellow leaves... that we don't have here in the Philippines... And of course the chilly feeling of winter. Find Japan winter colder than Sydney winter (when I was there in 2011).

To sum it up, it was a great experience and we want to go back... I hope this pandemic will end soon... So we can go back to Japan... without the quarantine requirements and etc.

Til next time...

xo,

Chiq♥

Tidbits: We super love Don Quijote and the small sanrio shops at Dotonbori.  We also bought some stuff at the Rinku Premium outlet (we weren't able to take photos).

I am an Army Tita♥

source: google.com

Geez... I think, I am already bitten by the BTS bug.  Recently I am into listening to BTS music.  This started when they released their hit song Butter.  I don't know but I really liked the song.  Love the beat! -  For a Tita who is into singing and dancing, I started listening to their music.  Yes, I am a Tita already.. My nieces are into BTS since then, I felt I am too old for K-pop.  (I used to buy them BTS stuff)  Honestly at first I cannot relate, but when I started listening to their music I learned to love it. (Nakaka-bagets as they say.. haha).  One of my cousins told me that I am already an "Army" well maybe an Army Tita haha..

Aside from their music, what I love about these boys is that they so down to earth and humble... even though they are so popular worldwide you can see that they are very respectful and good people.  I remember when I watched some fan clips of their Crosswalk Concert on The Late late night show with James Corden I saw them helping the staff move the props across the road.  They are setting good example to their fans (the Army)...  and they always show their appreciation to the Army.

source: google.com

source: google

Who's my BIAS?

Each boy have their own uniqueness that you will surely love.  Yes, at first I have a favorite... but lately I find each of them amazing.  I learned to admire all of them.  But V will always have a soft spot. (*wink)

source: google

What's my favorite BTS song?

Of course Butter will be very memorable because it's the song that drawn me to them.  Aside from Butter, I like : Life goes on, Spring day, Telepathy, Boy with Luv, Dynamite, Permission to Dance, Idol and of course their newly released collaboration with Coldplay - My Universe..  I also like their cover version of Fix you and I'll be missing you.♥

til my next entry...

xo, 

Chiq♥

How to manage your 13th month pay♥

source: Google.com

Many of us have been waiting for this... some may have received this already but according to the law, 13th month pay must be given to employees on or before December 24 each year.  A little explanation about the 13th month pay : "Under the law, 13th month pay shall not be less than 1/12 of the total basic salary earned by an employee within the calendar year."  

So how do we wisely spend our 13th month pay?  Please don't let your 13th month pay go to waste and be a "one day millionaire"  and spend everything.

Based on our experience during this pandemic if you don't have savings or emergency fund where can you get the money to pay your bills and buy your daily needs.  

Here are my suggestions on how you will handle your 13th month pay or if your company provides year-end or Christmas bonus.

1. Pay off your debt - You don't have to pay it in full, but at least paying part of it lessens your burden, and this will lead to financial freedom in the future.
2. Set up an Emergency Fund - I have already wrote a blog on this topic, on how to set up an emergency fund : just click on the link.
3. Open or start a small business - If you love cooking or baking you may start selling to your family and friends.  If you are into crafts, arts and etc.  there are a lot of things that you can sell especially now online selling is very "in" nowadays.  There are a lot of opportunities all you need to have is "sipag at tiyaga".  Based on my experience I have been in the online business world for 10 years and it's not a a walk in the park, but it's worth it.  Because all your hardships will pay off.  I remember going to Divisoria to buy ribbons and beads for the bracelets and headbands that I make when I was starting.
4. Start Investing - I have also discussed this on my previous posts, there are a lot of investments being offered out there where you can earn passive income.  But remember invest only on reputable banks, investment companies and etc.  As for me I have investments in Pag-ibig MP2, SSS Peso fund, GInvest and BPI, it's not a huge amount but at least I have started already.
5. Open a Savings account - That is if you still don't have one.  Please note that this is different from your Emergency fund.  For me having a savings account is like building your retirement fund also.  You can save P500.00 every pay day so in a year you will be able to save P12,000.00.  If you are 40 years old when you turn 60 you will have P240,000.00 (P12,000.00 x 20 years) exclusive of the interest that your deposit will earn from the bank.  

If you still have excess money you can get the smartphone or the branded bag or shoes that you have been meaning to get as a gift to yourself.  It is not wrong to indulge sometimes, but make sure that you have already saved something for the rainy days...

Another thing if you have extra funds - Donate to Charity.  

xo,

Chiq♥

Benefits of having a grocery list♥

For years, I am guilty of going to the grocery store or supermarket without a list.  Just recently I realized that I should have one every time I go shopping..

Having a grocery list helps you avoid buying things that you don't necessarily need.  It's either you have them already in your pantry or you don't really need them.  During the pandemic I bought a lot of things (by impulse or panic), then went grocery shopping every month or every two weeks without checking the pantry.  So the end result: I threw away a lot expired items, which is really a waste of money. 

From that time on, I always inventory check our pantry and make a list of the things I need to buy.  This practically help me save money.  And helped me set a budget for my monthly grocery. 

I feel more organized since the time I started making a shopping list.  And I am completely aware what's in our pantry and fridge.  If I need to replenish or buy again.

Aside from the money saved, it also help me save time and energy: like running back and forth to the grocery because you forgot to buy an ingredient for the food that you are going to prepare.

.

There you have it!  So the next time you are planning a trip to your favorite supermarket, don't forget to take your grocery list with you.  It will surely save you money, time, effort and energy.

xo,

Chiq♥

Review: Reliq Mineral Dog Shampoo♥

source: Reliq Philippines

When I got Mochi last year, aside from what dog food I should give him.  I am also in the hunt of what shampoo and home grooming products.  Of course, who wants a smelly dog?  But aside from a good smelling shampoo one thing that I really consider in choosing the product is - it should be made from natural ingredients and free from toxic chemicals that may harm my dog.  I have tried a three shampoos and colognes, until Mochi had his first grooming at Mr.Paws.  

Mr. Paws used Reliq Mineral SPA Shampoo (Green Tea) on him... Who doesn't like going to a SPA for pampering?  After his SPAw sesh at Mr. Paws his fur was so fluffy, soft and he really smelled good.  When we got home Mochi was so relaxed and slept longer than usual.  (I told myself he must really enjoyed his grooming day).  Based on my experience Mochi smelled good and it lasted for a week, not too strong but you can still smell the hint of green tea on his fur and his coat was still so soft and fluffy.  And I can't help sniffing him every time I carry him.  So that pushed me to buy the product. (And him having a furry god mum who is a shampoo addict).

It's quite a "budol"  because I bought a couple of their products: Mineral Spa Shampoo in Lavender  500ml (it was actually my favorite personal scent in the world), Lavender Odor Eliminator, Reliq Botanical mist in Green tea and Mineral Therapy Paw Spa (to keep his paws soft).  Pricey yes a bit, but anything safe for my Mochi.

Aside from his trips to Mr. Paws, he enjoys his weekly SPAw at home and I use Reliq products on him.  Just recently, I bought another Mineral SPA Shampoo 500ml in Green tea even though I still have the Lavender shampoo.  All scents are equally good but each scent have different benefits : Green Tea, Jasmine, Lavender, Pomegranate and Rosemary.  So one of these days I am planning to buy the 50ml  pouches to try those scents at home.

Overall, Reliq is an amazing product, I really find it best for my dog...  and I highly recommend it!

I give it ♥♥♥♥♥!

Tidbits: When I checked the Reliq website they already have new shampoo variants the Cherry Blossom and Coconut.  I hope these will be available here in the Philippines soon...

https://www.reliqpet.com/

Extras:

This November Labskypetsupplies.ph the official and authorized distributor of Reliq products here in the Philippines celebrates its 2nd year.  To celebrate this milestone they are giving 20% OFF on all Reliq and Howlpot products exclusively at their website : https://labskypetsupplies.ph/ in collaboration with Royal White Duo.

They also featured Mochi in one of their posts on Instagram...

Thank you very much Labskypetsupplies... even without the feature I really love Reliq♥.  (Mochi loves it too!) 

xo,

Chiq♥

***This is not a sponsored post.

   

My Alice + Olivia Collection♥

Before I start this I just want you all to know that I am not sharing this to brag... each and everyone of us have our own favorites and we love collecting things that we love from stamps, coins, stationeries and etc.  As for me aside from Alice + Olivia, I also collect Hello kitty, Starbucks planners, Mugs and etc.  But for now I will be sharing with you my AO collection.  Actually most of them are from their collaboration with Starbucks.  I hope you will like them too. :)

A little background on Alice and Olivia, it's a New York based contemporary clothing company owned by Stacey Benet (its founder and designer) it was launched in Barneys in 2002.  

What made me like this brand?  The iconic Stace face really caught my attention.  The girl face wearing extra large sunnies in black with red lips is super love.

This is my very first Alice + Olivia tote that started it all.  It's their collaboration with Starbucks in 2017.  I bought this from a reseller because this was sold out right away in stores.

stainless tumbler

This SB x AO thermos was released in Thailand, and I also bought it online from a reseller on Instagram.

The following year (2018) they collaborated again with Starbucks and this time I got a couple of merchs, from double wall mug, tumbler and of course the tote.  What I love about this collection is the color - Pink!♥

mascara & lipstick

In 2019, Maybelline released it's collaboration with Alice + Olivia exclusively in the Asia.  I got the limited edition mascara and lippy.

face mask and the 2018 tote

Then the pandemic came... AO released their own signature face masks with Stace face design...

This year 2021 as of this writing, there are a two of Alice + Olivia collaborations.   One is with Casetify which was released last January.  I bought two (2) iPhone cases, in classic Stace face and the new Rainbow faces;

 

iPhone cases for 8 and XS

and two - their 2021 collaboration with Starbucks was released this month (October).  I used all my powers to get the items that I really wanted from the tote, tumbler, mug, straw with holder, leather coaster and they also released exclusive online merchs which I got from Lazada (coin purse and stainless tumbler).

Tote, Stainless tumbler, mug & double wall mug with lid

stainless tumbler - rainbow face design

Leather coaster & straw holder

Online exclusives : Coin purse / Stainless tumbler

I love collecting things that I can really use.  Some of them I bought extras especially the tote, tumblers.  That is why I am hoping that they will bring back collaboration with Casetify.  Hoping that there will be more AO collabs in the future.

Hope you like my collection...

xo,

Chiq♥

Sneak peek: Starbucks Planner 2022♥

source: Starbucks.ph

Having some palpitations at the moment, because Starbucks uploaded a photo of their upcoming planner and travel organizer for 2022.

It will be launched on November 2.. 

Sugar rush... hahaha..

Let's wait and see...

To those collectors like me... Are you ready?

Well I am excited with the comeback (i hope) of Peppermint Mocha...♥

Will share my planner journey soon....

xo, 

Chiq♥