What Makes You Happy Recently?

1. A nice gift for hubby. Isn't it a wonderful feeling when the person loved the gift you gave him? Beaming that smile like you've never seen before?

2. Good reads. No matter how much time spent in front of our computers, it's still best to smell the pages even of an old book. Feed your soul.

3. Travel tickets and passport. I didn't get to use my new passport yet and now I have to change it again to update my surname and status. Funny!

4. Breakfast. I'm so thankful that my boss adjusted my work schedule. I don't need to cram each morning plus I get to spend a hefty brekky with my hubby. Sweet!

5. Being able to spend the first day of the year with my best friend. I hope and pray that you soon have that one true love you deserve.. It's about time, my dear. 

6. This and the next item is the top most source of joy recently. Daphne being able to walk on her own. Well technically, she can only stand and walk in her crib where she can hold the sides so not to stumble, but I am so happy to see such improvement! She has this confidence and eagerness to try and try. I admire her so much and I want that level of confidence, too.

7. Showing off her four front teeth! Ha ha! She just know how to strike that smile once she sees my camera flash. Our home is filled with laughter because of my pretty little princess.

These are things that bring joy to me and I look forward for more and countless reasons to paint a smile on my face. Things that money can't buy regardless if you have plenty.

How about you? What makes you happy recently? :)

Foodspotting: Pepper Lunch

Once again, Tuesday is dedicated for "me-time". I believe everyone needs it not just because you're bored doing nothing or stressed with work. For me, it's like a medium to rejuvenate yourself, to explore new interests, to balance your perspective on things and situations, and to gauge social independence. This could also serve as a day to cook up surprises for your loved ones, right? A few hours won't hurt being away from home, as long as of course you inform everyone who might be waiting for you.

If I'm not mistaken, this is my fourth time to be at Pepper Lunch. Something is obviously bringing me back here. Hubby and I visited their branches in Eastwood and Mall of Asia. I liked their wall prints. They were like huge paper trays neatly pasted on the walls.

I couldn't recall what I've ordered with our previous visits but this one below really left a mark. I got Beef Curry Pepper rice with cheese. Boy, it was smoking when they served it to me. I read something inside that their secret to perfection with their meals is this electromagnetic plate. I actually thought it was just an ordinary but unconventionally shaped sizzling plate. Their curry rice is so good! It's not the usual red colored curry powder and I really liked how they perfectly measured the right amount of powder on my rice. Bad thing is that I only settled for water and their cups were too small. I felt like my mouth was flaming. I just love it! I love spicy foods!

Indeed, I enjoyed my food today after a long walk looking for good buys. Just when I was about to leave the mall, hubby text-ed that he is on his way home, but before we met, I squeezed an ample amount of time to check out Forever 21. Ha ha! I didn't buy one (as it takes me minutes if not hours to choose an item), but I still aim to get something chic here. :-)

Enjoy the rest of the week guys! :)

Pepper Lunch

SM Mega Mall
Building A, Ground floor
Mandaluyong City

Foodspotting: Cafe Amadeo

I decided to load up some caffeine after work yesterday. My body only felt the stress a day after all my deadlines have been delivered. Sort of an aftershock or could also be a delayed reaction. I didn't opt to go somewhere far from the office as I really want to make use of my time to have a good rest. I then realized there's a coffee shop just outside the building of California Gardens. What a relief!

Once you've entered the shop, you would immediately notice the strong aroma of their coffee. The shop is exactly called as "Ala Eh! Cafe Amadeo", meaning the shop probably originated from Batangas (from the expression Ala eh), a place commonly known in coffee industry.

Funny but when I went to the counter, I first asked if there's milk tea available. See, I'm really weird. I settled for Hazelnut frappe though. For the price of Php110, similar to an almost venti size in Starbucks, that's way better right? Although it was kind of disappointing because my frappe lacks sweetness, I was even waiting for this bitter aftertaste in my mouth but there was nothing. I've been there for several times and it was OK before so maybe the barista wasn't in the mood when I had my hazelnut. I wanted to try their pastries too but there's nothing displayed.

Anyway, the best thing is that I don't need to take a cab going home. I should even be grateful that we have shops like these in our place. Some are dying to have them. If there's one thing remarkable in Cafe Amadeo, that would be their ceiling with good lights. Overall, I'll rate them 2 out of 5.

Ala Eh! Cafe Amadeo
California Garden Square, Libertad St.,
Mandaluyong City

Froyo Monday - Tutti Frutti

Rushed to SM Megamall right after work only to know that hubby can only leave at 5pm from his site in Sucat. So instead of getting my feet tired from checking all the stores in their two buildings, I decided to try Tutti Frutti in Mega Atrium.

If you are an 80's kid, you'd probably still remember that Tutti Frutti was a fruit-flavored chewy candy. (Don't deny your age *wink*) Just like milk teas, a lot of frozen yogurt stores appeared in Manila (maybe because it's more fun here in the Philippines, he he!). Summer season is just about to enter once again and this will surely be a hit even with kids who prefer sweets and sundaes. This reminds me then of Jonah's Shake in Boracay - Choco-Peanut Banana shake (oh no, I so missed Jonah's!)

Anyway, my waiting time today was truly worth it. It was my first time to try Tutti Frutti and I consider it now my favorite! My top 5 is now complete and it is now one of my ready-to-go spots if Red Mango, Bubble Tea, Serenitea or Happy Lemon is nowhere found.

What makes Tutti Frutti nice is that customers have the freewill to try matching their toppings and choose whether they want that sweet or sour yogurt. Design your own. Make it as colorful and as yummy as you can. If you don't mind paying for a heavier froyo then toppings are limitless. It's fun plus it's healthy... And they do have a cozy place!

Below are the varieties of sweet frozen yogurts.

Pick your toppings and unleash your creativity!

Wow, I own the place for a few minutes, perfect for snapshots!

I guess I really don't have a spot for design or art or creativity. Whatever you wanna call it. Presenting my froyo for today! :) I had three toppings: those M&M chocolates, cashew and strawberries! I chose Original Tart for my yogurt (the sour one). It' drool-worthy regardless of my poor presentation. LOL

I only paid Php 160 for this. Each topping is Php20. 

Just want to share too that on my way to TF, I found this pretty Cath Kidston iPhone4 case in SM Accessories. *giggles* We're meant to be! :)

(photos in this post were taken using my phone in HDR)

Tutti Frutti SM Megamall 

4th level, the Atrium of SM Megamall

Happy New Year!

A prosperous 2012 to all of us!
Good vibes and positivity!
Cheers!