buttony muddle-headed...

I’ve been cooking these past few days. I might as well share this. I made some changes to the recipe. Made it more “lokal” but still “squisito”. Hehe.

Pancetta Pasta

¾ stick butter
6 cloves garlic
2 packs of all-purpose Cream
1 whole onion
12 strips of bacon (sliced in 1” pieces)
1 can of mushrooms
½ cup grated cheese
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Pasta of your choice, cooked according to procedure (tip: boil in 10 mins for al dente pasta)

2. Strain the water from the can of mushrooms and add to the mixture.

3. Add all-purpose cream, simmer.

4. Add cheese, salt and pepper (to taste.) Minimize salt addition though since bacon is already salty.

5. Top pasta with mixture.

Vwalah! There goes your Pancetta pasta…ohlala. hihi. ;-)

Labels: celebration, hubby discoveries, recipes

As what I’ve promised myself, I’m going to cook for my hubby. Originally a recipe for chicken-fried steak, I had to make some changes to make it work with what I have. And taraah! It worked! =D Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture. Oh well. =P

Chicken-fried Pork Chops w/ Gravy (4 servings)

5 center-cut pork chops (1/2 to ¾ inch thick)
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup lard or bacon fat
1 cup full cream milk
¼ cup water

1) Sprinkle pork chops with 1 teaspoon pepper on both sides.

2) On a separate container, mix flour, 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Reserve 3 tablespoons from flour mixture for gravy. In a pie plate, beat eggs.

3) In a skillet, heat lard or bacon fat over medium-high heat until hot. As shortening heats, dredge pork chops in eggs and then in flour to coat thoroughly.

4) Cook pork chops in batches until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer pork chops to a plate to drain and season with ¼ teaspoon salt.

5) Discard all but ¼ cup drippings from skillet, leaving any browned bits in skillet. Reduce heat to medium and stir in reserved flour mixture. Cook stirring until flour in golden brown for about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and water and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until gravy reaches desired thickness, whisking in remaining ½ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Serve gravy immediately with pork chops.

Labels: foodielicious, hubby discoveries, recipes

You’d probably think that being a work-at-home mom is the most convenient life there is. But I have proven myself wrong at that. When you’re working at home, there are always distractions. Well, I know it’s healthy to have distractions sometimes. But when there are lots of them, it no longer is. They can get too overwhelming.

Take for instance when I’m trying to work and then someone turns on the boob tube. I can’t help but watch what’s playing especially tv shows and movies. :hide: Consequently, I procrastinate some more when I go ahead and rant all my might as I express the critic in me. :hide:

So no wonder when I discovered Critics Rant, I felt like I had just dug gold. Hehe. It’s this ultimate place where I could share my opinion with everyone. Then I would have to mention the interesting movie reviews I read from there. Let alone games reviews for gamers!

I think you should visit Critics Rant. It’s a very good outlet. It might even let you win DVDs by simply ranting all you want. Isn’t that something? ;-)

Labels: earn in blogging, rant

It’s 4am and I chose to be awake. I got lucky to find my husband taking his break. By which that means I could use the computer for some time, one hour at the most. Hehe.

For days now, I found myself complaining because I was never used to having him around. The computer was always available whenever I would find the need to go online. :hide: But since he came, I had to stick to a 6am-8pm shift. Haha. Mind you, it’s a terrible imposition. Why, imagine the pressure you had to let your brain go through just to let all the (supposedly) “creative” juices out only between those times! Sometimes, I do hear my brain creaking. =P

Oh well. Now, I’m picking on my fingers. Restless at the remaining 15-minute time I’ve got. What to do? Probably what I do best when under pressure. Browse, browse, browse. Toink!

Labels: rant

A few days ago, I did share with you how I’ve lost more weight than I had intended to. Not that I’m complaining but it did get me worried. Now that I have a daughter, my life is not mine alone. So is my health. While it’s important to stick to my ideal weight, I know that what’s more important is that I eat healthy.

So I had to double-check my diet plan. Obviously, my diet plan works for me. However, I should scrutinize it in order to check if it really is a healthy diet. Healthy diet would mean that I am taking the right food and have considered the calories in food. That left me wondering. How can I keep track of that?

Then I found out about myfitnesspal.com. Thank goodness it has its calorie counter that’s very easy and fast to use. Let alone it’s free of charge! =D And I must not fail to mention its very helpful calorie chart.

You had better check out myfitnesspal.com now. It will surely help you lose weight the healthy way. ;-)

Labels: diet plan, earn in blogging

Guess what made my day balmy today? I got an approval from Smorty! =D

With Smorty, I get paid to blog. In short, Smorty is a service that connects advertisers with bloggers. Isn’t that amazing?

While this may not be the first of the services I signed up for to earn extra cash in blogging, I admit that Smorty has this special place in my heart. Why? Well, it’s not that easy to get in. Hehe. Honestly, I got rejected the first time I submitted my blog. But after I’ve worked things out, I resubmitted this blog and finally made it! Wehew! Consequently, I have to give a perfect score to Smorty for giving a speedy response to my request. :jumpclap:

Moreover, when I logged in, I have nothing but admiration in Smorty’s site layout. It’s very user-friendly and very easy to explore. They’d never get you lost in the road to earning extra cash while blogging. ;-)

I just can’t wait to get started cashing in with postings. =D

Labels: celebration, earn in blogging

If you may not know, I have another hobby other than blogging. :hide: That would be making handcrafted stationeries. Always keen on making extra cash, I have tried to monetize it. In fact, I’ve sold quite a few sets to my close friends and families. Despite that most of them are located in different countries and states, I somehow managed. However, business is not that regular partly because the products are not visible and accessible as it should be online.

Although I do have a separate website that features the stationeries, it hardly helps selling at all. It doesn’t work like an online store. I would have loved to turn the site into a store but e-commerce is trickier than the term itself. There’s going to be lots of object-oriented programming involved. Why, how do you think a “shopping cart” would work? :scratch-head:

But then I’ve stumbled upon Ashop Commerce. Oh, you wouldn’t believe it. But they do have all the solutions I and everyone would need for e-commerce. They’d provide you with effective and affordable ecommerce software. Consequently, I’m gushing at their shopping cart software. Why, it’s integrated with major banks, gateways and third-party processors such as Paypal!

I should get that 10-day free trial started now. =)

Labels: e-commerce, earn in blogging

My husband and I first found this cheap heavenly treat at Robinson’s. It was actually my husband who got enticed to try it seeing “pesto” in one of its flavors. If it’s not obvious, he eats anything with pesto! Hehe. Anyhoo, to get to the point, we loved it and even came back to the place the next few days. Unfortunately, the stall could no longer be found. =(

So when my husband found out that they’re in BTC, he was ecstatic and frantically called me to bring the oh-so-yummy good news. And now that he’s here with us for a week, he brought with him a bag of the goodies. Nam-nam, Tea Square Breadbites! =D

Labels: celebration, foodielicious, hubby discoveries

When I was still single, my friends and I used to sign up to different dating sites for fun and to cure our curiosity in this never-ending online dating craze. :hide: Consequently, we enjoyed the experience. We got to meet a lot of people from all over the world and it was indeed worth the time spent. However, there was one aspect of these online dating sites that spoiled everything. That was when they start to charge you after a month of trial-period. >=( Suddenly, the foundation we were trying to build with other people turned to sand.

Then recently, I’ve come to discover existing free dating sites. Although I’m already married, I still think it’s exciting especially to those who are into free online dating. One of the sites you should visit is www.JustSayHi.com. It works just as effectively as those of paid dating sites. Let alone it doesn’t require credit card information from its subscribers who would want to start building meaningful relationships online. In JustSayHi, anyone can join and browse through thousands of online profiles. You can also post in the community’s message boards. And if you get lucky, you’d be one of those newest members featured in their home page.

So if you like free dating check out JustSayHi now. ;-)

Labels: dating, earn in blogging

When I’m not working, I’ve got a lot of spare time especially now that my daughter is not that crabby anymore. =P And during these vacant times, my mind wanders off to thoughts of my friends, new and old, located all over the world. I just feel like calling them and talk about anything under the sun. But it would be irresponsible of me. Why, they might be busy with their own lives and I can’t afford a long phone bill. :hide:

Besides, why spend on long distance calls when I’m hooked all day in the Internet. I can always keep in touch with them through free chat rooms. Cost-free and 24-hours available, I can chat with my friends at any time convenient to all of us. It’s a virtual place conducive to organizing events and parties! Plus, we get the chance to meet new friends. I definitely have nothing to lose here. =P

I just can’t wait to chat with my friends tonight. I’d be meeting a friend of a friend who sells cakes. I heard her cakes are sumptuous. If her rate is fair enough, I’ll order one for a cousin’s birthday. Thank goodness I needn’t have to leave home to do that! =D

Labels: earn in blogging, friendship

I’ve lost weight more than I intended to. Now, my skinny jeans feel like loose pants. =( Oh well.

Anyhoo, please allow me to digress. :hide: I received goodies today. There are chocolate cupcakes from Postrio, Amazing Glaze from Go Nuts Donuts and V-cut chips to give the palate some balance. Wehew! :jumpclap:

Labels: celebration, rant

This is the time of the year where I look forward for things to come the most. I can’t stop thinking about the upcoming Halloween celebrations and can’t seem to wait get my hands on making spooky Halloween treats. Haha! Moreover, who could ever resist the thought of thanksgiving and best of all, Christmas? To all women out there, you know what this would mean – a time of giving and a time of shopping! =P

But I can’t be impulsive at buying unnecessary, costly things. That’s why as early as now, I’m keeping a gift list for immediate families to dear friends and at the same time, collecting online coupons for great discounts! These ways should save me from getting tempted to buying on impulse.

This year, I admit things are going to be a little different, though. With my 7-month old tot in tow, personally visiting shops could be quite a hassle. Thank goodness for The Children’s Place where I could browse through gift ideas for my daughter, nieces and nephews. Let alone, there’s Gap for my girl friends.

We’ll, I’d better get going and update the gift list now. You had better do it, too. =P

Labels: earn while blogging, shopping

A week ago, a friend called up to share sentiments of how inconvenient life can be if you don’t know how to drive. It stops you from getting things done without relying on someone to drive for you. So she decided to learn to drive next week.

Consequently, she couldn’t help but feel anxious about the results. What if she were a poor driver? I told her she shouldn’t worry about this. The driver in me knows she’s going to be good at driving over time. I just have to remind her to get one of those good auto insurance plans. Consequently, if she really ends up being a poor driver, she needn’t worry. There are, after all, competitive poor driver auto insurance rates. I suggested that she should go ahead and get a couple of insurance quotes online.

She felt a little relieved after our talk. Now all she needs to worry about is how not to close her eyes when she’s on the road! =P

Labels: driving, earn in blogging

I feel so honored getting this badge from Aileen. Coming from one of the people I admire the most, why should I stop myself from feeling flattered? Hehe.

But come with this badge is the chance to thank the rest of the people whom I am in awe of (according to height. Haha. Jk)

Tiris…what would I do without you? :hide: Didn't we had a rough start? Haha! But guess what? =D We can talk almost about anything until the rooster crows in the morning. Hihi. I truly am grateful to have met you and your warm family. Honestly, your family is second home to me. Can’t wait for January-February to come! ;-)

Ai…I still remember what you wore on our very first EB. =P I always thought you were just as warm as the writer in you. Sometimes, your writings can be too warm it touches the most insensitive of hearts. A writer of the senses, you are. Through silence and clamor, you will always be in my heart. Friends Forevah! =D

Chelo…Honestly, when you dropped my multiply blog a comment I had a hard time thinking of what name to call you. Haha. Then tiris introduced us and all was history. I always thought you were friendly. But another thing I admire in you is your beautiful outlook in life. It’s contagious. That’s why I thank the heavens everyday to have brought you close to me. I admit I’m a pessimist but when I see you, I see pure happiness! Suddenly the glass turns from half-empty to half-full. =D

Ayen…One of the most wonderful, dedicated mothers of the world there is. And a classmate of josh at that! Haha. I admire you and your discreet little ways. I see you as discreet, really. =D Always thoughtful and kind, you’re a writer who listens to whispers of the heart. You’re always in touch with your inner soul. I can’t wait to see you and Nikki soon! =D

Labels: celebration, friendship

My aunt and I are maybe thousands of miles away from each other but we always manage to keep in touch through phone. Sometime during one of our conversations, I encouraged her to get online because it will save her a couple of bucks on the long distance calls. Finally, after a few months of pondering, she gave in. Now, I’m glad she’s online.

A week ago, we chatted and she shared with me her concern about traveling to another state to visit a friend. She’d always wanted to do it but she just doesn’t have the time to personally drop by an agency to get a ticket and probably a vacation package. Consequently, I know just about the solution to her problem. I then sent her a link for Hotel Reservations. She got giddy. I got giddy, too.

So we went ahead and scoured everything my aunt would need. Hotel Reservations’ site looks very crisp, by the way, and very user-friendly, with tabs and links that are very easy to locate. Moreover, the search box came very handy since my aunt only had to enter the city (not just the ones in US, mind you!) she’d be visiting and voila, all that has to be done gets done by just clicking and typing away. In a couple of minutes, my aunt was able to figure out the hotel she wants to stay. Thanks to Hotel Reservations’ detailed description of the hotels and the corresponding rates. Without batting an eyelash, my aunt booked a flight and a hotel and kept gushing at the great discounts she got and the $100 rebate guarantee! Furthermore, she went ahead and arranged a car company to pick her up at the airport. The rate was competitive, she said. And I couldn’t agree more!

After wrapping up everything, my aunt went on to scour some more in Hotel Reservations. Enticed by HotelReservations’ fantastic vacation packages, she can’t wait to head to her next destination – Italy.

Now, my aunt can’t stop thanking me. And I can’t help thanking Hotel Reservations for making things convenient for me and my loved ones!

Labels: celebration, earn in blogging

I thought earning and generating extra income would be impossible in blogging. Until, Blogsvertise came along.

Once your blog is approved by Blogsvertise, you’ve got nothing to lose but so much more to gain. You’d only have to talk about websites, products and services in your blog then you’d get paid! Let alone, you’re making your blog more interesting and informative to blog-hoppers. How amazing is that?

I can’t wait to get started with Blogsvertise. I hope I soon will! =)

Labels: earn while blogging

I’ve spent days worrying whether my blog gets approved or not. Then I got the email telling me I got in. Yippee! I’m finally a member of Pay Per Post.

With their approval, I’d get to do what I like –blogging and getting paid at the same time. Isn’t that something, eh? Up until now, I still couldn’t believe what I got myself into. This truly is a blessing.

Signing up for PPP was never an excruciating decision to make. I’ve blog-hopped and found quite a large number of fellow bloggers into PPP. It got me curious. So I probed and consequently found out that PPP isn’t the kind of opportunity you pass up. In their hands is my chance to earn in something I love to do. In short, I’m getting the best of both worlds at the same time – writing and earning. I’m so glad Pay Per Post shares this passion to all bloggers.

With this good news, you’d get to read some worthwhile blog marketing from me. I wouldn’t mind at all. Aside from earning cash doing so, I’d also get to share information that could be useful to everyone dropping by this blog.

Thank you for the opportunity, Pay Per Post! =) I can’t wait to start writing!

Labels: celebration, earn in blogging

All I’m seeing now is the moving hands of the clock and its ticking. I can be such an impatient bee in a line I could not even make a picture of.

Then aside from the waiting, there’s the uncertainty of what lies ahead. If all goes well, I’d get one step higher. But if not, I’m back to square one.

Labels: life of an ordinary

After many years of blogging and blog-hopping from here to there, I’m finally giving in to this “earn while blogging” hoopla. And I have every reason to make it sound like a commotion because nothing could create much excitement to earning extra money in something you do (blogging) almost every day. =P

Consequently, I’m glad that I found Bloggerwave. With Bloggerwave, you get paid while you blog about certain services and products. Upon signing up with them, I found out that they get back to you in a timely manner as they inform you if your blog got accepted or not. This really impressed me because this shows how much they value you and your time.

So if you like blogging and want to earn extra cash, check out Bloggerwave right here, right now.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the opportunities they offer! =)

Labels: earn in blogging

I've been tagged by two of my friends. One was about 8 random facts about me and the other one was about domestic faux pas. I feel the urge to go ahead and play tag but I really don't know where to begin.

I'm quite hesitant to do the "8 random facts" because I find it a very long list to do. :hide: And in regards to the domestic faux pas, I'm afraid there's nothing for me to write. After all, I was just married for a year and...oh well, getting into details can be quite annoying, thus, my hesitation to do the 8 random thingy. hehe.

Well, maybe I will...later, tomorrow, soon. We'll see. =P

Labels: myself, playing tag

This policy is valid from 15 August 2007


This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact janegrecia@gmail.com.


This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Labels: disclosure policy, earn in blogging

I feel the need to write but cannot. It seems that the parts of speech have connived with each other to leave me a button hole.

And I can’t find the button to push in. I guess I’m too confused to look for it. No wonder I’m so busy picking on my fingers. That’s what I do when I feel “unoriented.”

What do you do when you’re confused? Let me pick (on) you. =P

Labels: feelings, rant