ibyang.com

Please click the link below to see my new home in the blogosphere:

http://www.ibyang.com/

Hope to see you there!

June on Ibyangram

Ibyang + Instagram = Ibyangram

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

Winter officially started in June. The weather has become colder by the day. Although we have a lot of "sunshin-y" days, it can never be too warm as the sun has moved away from this part of the continent. The days are shorter, the nights longer and darker. This season calls us to hibernate, slow down, hug our loved ones closer and find comfort in the things that make us happy. 

While I would love to just sleep Winter away, life has never been busier. My June has been a mixture of staying at home, doing some photography, helping the Husband with his projects and spending time with loved ones. I miss blogging...writing and doing photography for the blog. I wish I could easily find time to sit down and blog as regularly as before but it's just not possible at the moment. The Husband and I are working on a new site we bought (ibyang.com) which will hopefully be up and running soon. I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy my compilation of June's Ibyangram.

The first day of Winter was cold and gray. Perfect for having a cup of tea.

Amused at the huge-ness of this Upo (long melon/bottle gourd). Oh the possibility of so many dishes I can make from this! Grateful to my friend, Rache, for sharing the harvests from your neighbor's garden.

The first Monday of June was a public holiday so we had lunch at home. Baked meatballs, stir-fried Long Melon some Banchan dishes: cabbage and radish kimchi.

I'm so cold that I just had to wear my ski socks on a Saturday morning.

I bribed the Husband with sweet watermelon & tea so he can watch The Legal Wife's finale with me haha. The Legal Wife is a Filipino tv series which I watched for a few weeks. 

My photograph entitled "Walking Under A Thousand Torii Gates" is now housed in a 42cm x 52cm frame. This photo was captured while the Husband was walking under the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. 

I seem to eat more ice cream in Winter. For tonight, Salted Caramel ice cream with wafer biscuits that tastes like Otap

A simple pleasure from America. My first Kate Spade bag.

The green stuff I bought all for $5.25! Some afternoons, I dropped by the Asian supermarket and find veggies which are on sale.

Winter Solstice. Shortest day of the year in Australia. It was a beautiful day so I hung outside our balcony and sunbathe for the a few minutes.

Sunrise hues of pink, orange and blue. The view from a moving train. 

My morning fuel. Whole grain flakes and various seeds & nuts topped with Avocado.

Pandesal, Ensaymada & Spanish Bread. Filipino breads for brekkie.

A pair of Winter slippers for a Socceroos fan. My twitter timeline were mostly about the World Cup especially in the morning. I'm not a soccer fan but I enjoyed reading news and hoorays of soccer fans around the world. 

From my parents with love. Finding comfort from chocolate-coated dried mangoes in this cold and windy day.

-o0o0o-

Thank You, Nuffnang!

Nuffnang celebrated its 6th birthday two weeks ago and they celebrated by giving out prize packs to their followers on twitter. The mechanics were simple. Twitter followers only need to reply answers to their hourly question from 9:am-5:00pm. 12 winners were picked and I was very happy when I got an email saying that I one of the chosen ones.

Nuffnang's gift arrived last Friday which included a DVD of "The Artist", a $20 Baskin Robbins gift certificate and a $20 iTunes card.

Thank you Nuffnang! It's a pleasure to be a part of your family. Belated Happy Birthday!

Nespresso: Loving the Machine, Loving the Coffee :)

The long wait is over. We finally found the right Nespresso machine for us.

The Husband learned about the wonders of Nespresso when he worked in Dubai. That was in 2007. When he arrived here in Sydney, one of his gifts to me were two sets Nespresso cups, spoons and a sugar holder. He told me that one day, we will have our own machine.

It was a mixture of prolonging my love affair with a French press and finding the right machine for us. 

Everytime we're at a department store, we always find ourselves passing by the coffee machines, thinking and dreaming of having one. Every visit, we'd have a favourite but we were never certain which one to bring home. 

One major reason why I've been hesitant to buy a Nespresso machine is because I love that I have different coffee brands at home. I've always loved making coffee manually, via a grinder and French press and with these two around, I can freely buy coffee beans anytime I want. I thought that having a Nespresso machine will curtail that. So everytime the Husband told me, "Come on, let's buy this machine." I would always say, "Not now, later." 

In August, we learned that Nespresso came out with a new machine. It was called Nespresso U. We liked its simple yet sophisticated design. It was love at first sight, I guess, because I kept thinking of it for days and imagining how it would look in our kitchen.

We read and asked the staff at Nespresso Boutique about the machine and here are some of its features:

• pre-programmed cup sizes. The three buttons on top of the machine refers to three cup sizes: Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40ml), and Lungo (110ml).
• soft touch interface
• automatic piercing and brewing
• automatic capsule injection
• modularity – adjustable water tank according to space availablility
• magnetic dip tray
• automatic power off mode
• no drip technology (stopping drips and automatically ejecting each capsule in the used capsule container)  which makes it one of the cleanest machines in the market.

On our last visit at Nespresso Boutique, the staff informed us that they were having a promo for some of their machines in store, that if we buy a machine we'd get a AUD$50 cashback. The promo was until September 9. So I had to think about it fast. Four days before the promo ended, we bought our first Nespress machine, U.

Nespresso U is reasonably priced at AUD$299.00 and it comes with an Aericcino 3 Frother and 16 coffee capsules. Because of the AUD$50 cashback promo, it means the total cost of the machine and frother for us would only be AUD$249.00. Great timing and value!

Nespresso Capsules. Better known as the Grand Crus, it comes in 16 different coffees. That means sixteen flavours, aromas and different levels of intensity. The intensity is defined by a coffee's degree of roasting, its body and its bitterness; it does not refer to the amount of caffeine found in the coffee.

Best to note that their decaf capsules are decaffeinated using the Swiss Water method to remove all the caffeine naturally and leaving a smooth full tasting long coffee. So their decaffeinated capsules are perfectly safe and healthy.

Nespresso currently sells a Limited Edition capsule, the Crealto. It's strong and rich but smooth. You can buy a pack of 30 capsules for only AUD$25.++. We were told that it will only be available for a few more weeks so if you haven't tried it, get it soon.

Current favourite Grand Crus. Of all the Grand Crus I've tried, I enjoy Crealto, Arpeggio, Dulsao de Brasil and Decaffeinato Lungo the most. It seems that my taste palette leans on the high intensity coffees. 

Blessing from blogging. The money I used to buy this machine came from what I earned from blogging. At least everytime I see our Nespresso machine, I can always say "This one came from my blogging efforts." I'm so grateful that I'm able to buy something useful from my writing endeavours. Like I always mention, never in my wildest dreams did I see myself being active in the blogosphere. God knows how long I've hesitated and resisted to be active in this digital world but believe it or not, it is only recently that I've fully embraced it. So far, the universe has been very kind to me. And I'm very grateful to everyone who reads and supports my blog (Thank you, dear readers and advertisers!). 

The perks of being a Nespresso Club Member. Every member gets to have a card or key once a machine is purchased. Members get discounts in some Nespresso accessories or capsules. Given a minimum order of 200 capsules, they will deliver to you for free.  They also offer machine assistance service and if your machine needs repair, they can loan you with a machine (depending on availability). My favourite benefit is dropping by the Nespresso Boutique and going to the Piano Tasting Bar where you can have a cup of coffee to taste. 

They can recycle used capsules! Just go to Nespresso ecolaboration website and know more of this project.

We are very happy with our Nespresso U. It's so easy to use and the Nespresso Grand Crus tastes so good. We are enjoying every cup that this machine is making. If you're thinking of buying one, it's a good investment for the home especially if you love having great coffee all the time.

September Surprise: A Very Early Christmas Pressie

Last year, the Husband surprised with an iPhone 4s. Last Friday, he surprised me with a MacBook Air!

It was just a matter of time until I get a new laptop, I just didn't know when. I've always been a Windows user and have been happy being one. I'm just a simple girl really when it comes to computers. There's a non-techie part of me that will always be terrified at learning new technology. The Husband has been encouraging me to switch to an Apple laptop but I've always hesitated. 

This year, I gave my netbook to my dad so for the past few months, I've been writing and doing photography tasks using a desktop computer and an iPad. However, this year, it's been quite a challenge doing tasks via our desktop because we've been using it to watch TFC Online (we've subscribed so we can watch Filipino shows and news). So I had to think about getting a new laptop again so I can catch up on my blogging and other digital projects I've been conceptualising for the past months. Along with the thinking, I've been saving up money in case I do decide to buy one. Lately, the road seemed to have led me to buy a MacBook Air as it answers to a lot of my needs.

Last Friday, we head down to the city and went to the Apple Store. I've decided to get the MacBook Air (MBA) but I was also ready to walk out the Apple Store empty-handed in case my gut feel tells me otherwise. I didn't know the Husband was brewing something in his mind while I fiddled with the MBA. His instagram below said it all...

So we talked to one of the Apple genuises about purchasing an MBA and willingly accommodated us. He told us that if we decide to buy, we can just go to the counter and they'll get our purchase ready for check-out. We went to the 2nd level of the store and had a look at accessories and when we're ready to go, we stopped by the counter and that's when the Husband started talking to the staff. 

He was getting a MacBook Air!!!  And then he told me, "This is your Christmas gift!" I was shocked, surprised, overwhelmed and elated when I heard what he said.  Oh wow!!!!  :) :) :)

Like a kid, giddy and giggly when I got my MacBook Air. 

That evening at home, the Husband gave me a crash course on how to navigate the MBA. Oh ha? Si Husband, benefactor na, trainer pa! LOL. 

Right now, I'm still in awe of the Husband's surprise and in happy disbelief that I'm writing this post using my new writing partner, the MacBook Air. 

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Zushi Sushi & Baskin Robbins at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre (Broadbeach, Queensland)

If I had one free week, I'd go on a blogging holiday and I'd do nothing but blog.  While I'm not pressured to update this blog on a daily basis, I do like writing about my food and travel adventures because more than anything else, I blog for myself.  Keeping a blog has become a useful tool for me as sometimes I go back to my previous posts on places, restaurants and recipes when the need arises.  I still haven't figured out how to I will share our Philippines, Gold Coast and Melbourne trips (they all happened last year!!!) as efficiently and concisely as possible but I have an inkling of a plan.  In the meantime, let me share with you a restaurant that fascinated us when we visited Gold Coast in December 2011.  


On the morning that we arrived at Gold Coast our room wasn't ready yet (we were early for check-in time) so our first agenda was to attend mass (it was a Sunday) and then find a place to have a meal and hang out for a few hours.  Our relatives recommended to visit the biggest mall at Gold Coast, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, located at Broadbeach.  


We found St. Monica's Church not too far away from our hotel so after mass, we took the bus to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.


Arrived a little after 12noon, we felt famished and a bit tired.  We assumed all the getting up early and travelling to Gold Coast had taken a toll on us.  For lunch, we wanted something fast but fresh.  At one corner of the mall, we found a Japanese Restaurant called Zushi Sushi and immediately cheered when we saw the sushi train.


Sat ourselves on the sushi train and wondered, "Where are all the sushi?"


Then suddenly, we saw a miniature train on the sushi train tracks!  Oh how cute!!!

Behind the miniature train were the plates containing yummy sushi.

We only got two plates of sushi, both freshly-made and delicious.

We ordered a plate of stir-fried spicy beef with rice, soup and salad.  It was good enough to share.  The beef tender and juicy.

For our first meal in Gold Coast, we enjoyed the food and were greatly amused by the creativity that is the miniature train.  This is one sushi train experience we will never forget.

We had a good walk around Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and we instantly felt how laidback it was at the Gold Coast.  If Sydney feels laidback, Gold Coast is more of that.

It was during dessert at Baskin Robbins when I told the Husband, "I want a life like this--simple, more laidback."  The Husband agreed.

Zushi Sushi & Teppanyaki - Pacific Fair
http://www.zushisushi.com.au/
Shop 148 Western Food Court
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Broadbeach, QLD 4218
07 5572 7877

Keyboard Case For My Tablet

In less than two months, my iPad 2 will turn a year old and honestly, the only protection it's ever had are the plastic screen protection, clear case (for the back), smart cover and an oversized laptop sleeve which is originally for my netbook.

For the longest time, I'd stare at iPad cases in every gadget store, hoping to find the perfect case for me.  And everytime I'd choose one, I'd bring it back to the shelves after a few minutes, unsure and hesitant.  Sometimes, I'd lust over iPad cases from Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs but again, I can't find enough logic in me to buy them.  While I understand that they're designer cases and pretty, I cannot succumb to shelling out money only for aesthetic reasons.

And then there's the keyboard.  Anyone who blogs or writes would find it easier if their tablet has a real keyboard.  The Husband had suggested buying me an Apple keyboard before we went to Seoul last year but I shunned the idea because I didn't want an additional gadget to think of when I travel.  I've read a story about a blogger who owns an iPad and a separate keyboard which resulted to the blogger forgetting the keyboard at her hotel.  I wouldn't want that hassle on me.  

Late last year, I thought I found the perfect iPad case for me which is an iPad case and keyboard in one.  I didn't buy it because I thought it wasn't urgent anyway.  I recommended the iPad Keyboard Case to one of my workmates because he said he wanted to use his iPad while attending classes in university.  He bought one and found it really useful.  Instead of writing down notes, he types his notes during classes on his iPad.

With plans of being more active in writing this year, I've decided to buy the iPad Keyboard Case soon. It didn't occur to me that the Husband had the same idea.  Yesterday, he once again made a gesture of thoughtfulness and generosity as he handed a post-birthday present.   

AWCL turns Four Years!

Five years ago, I started blogging via my Multiply site and then a year after, a few months after I got married, I officially created "A Wife's Charmed Life" (AWCL).  Since then, it has been a great ride of sharing experiences, thoughts, gastronomical and travel adventures through writing and photographs, meeting friends and somehow creating a community of bloggers who share the same interests as mine. 

Last year, this blog has gifted me with the opportunity to be a part of a Filipino newspaper here in Sydney called "Ang Kalatas".  From my little world in the blogosphere, I also now share my life experiences through my column "Life Down Under".

It has been truly a wonderful journey of writing and sharing photographs that I'm still enjoying enormously and I will continue doing so no matter how busier my life gets. 

I'm grateful
...for every story you share back with me
...for every comment, question and email you sent my way
...for the "likes" in FB and retweets in twitter
...for the links back to my blog entries
...for every appreciation you've let me known
...for recommendations, tips and leads so I can share it via my blog
...for spending time in my little home in the blogosphere.

If you have passed by AWCL, thank you very much!  And if my story and photographs have made you smiled, made you feel good or let you learned anything, the honour and pleasure has always been mine.

Cheers to more years of writing and sharing!