charmed life♥

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,...

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 St...

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 l...

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. 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 freed...

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...

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 hi...

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 fr...

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♥