I had "the dream" again last night. It's been a while since I've last had that particular dream. I haven't missed it at all and am actually angry that it's back. I used to have that dream very regularly (back when stress and pressure were regular parts of my day!). I thought I had gotten over it ... but apparently not.
The dream starts out rather innocently. In it, I am back in school (I can't really tell if it's high school, college or even graduate school). I am chatting excitedly with friends while waiting for class to start. Then the mood starts to shift. The teacher/professor walks in and announces a test. A big, important test that will determine if we pass or fail the entire year. A test that will determine if we become successful or failures in life. A test so important, everyone has been studying for it for the last couple of months. Everyone but me! In my dream, I realize, I don't even know about the test. I try to protest but the papers are shoved in front of me and a giant clock starts ticking. I look down at the paper and see the most mind-stumping Math problems (Math being my waterloo!). I notice everyone hurriedly scribbling away while I sit in cold sweat and too panicked to even write. I can hear the clock steadily ticking and I am in a real state of panic. I usually wake up during this scene. The dream always seems so real - I can feel my heart racing and my pulse quickening - I have to take a few minutes to remember where I am and to mentally reassure myself that I am done with school and that it was just a dream.
Back when I was working, I use to have this dream very often. It would usually coincide with my having a rather stressful day or when I am anticipating a huge project. I chalked it up to the fact that it was stress and pressure playing with my mind. My dad would tell me to relax and try not to let it get to me. It never really worked since I don't really handle stress all too well. I finally left that job and the dreams stopped. Last night was a shocker. I think I am starting to feel stressed again. It's been almost 2 months of job searching and nothing has come up yet. I mean, there have been some interesting nibbles here and there, but no concrete offer yet. Plus, I started this whole job search with very idealistic goals. I had this whole list of things I would look for in my next job and how I didn't want to have to compromise anymore. But lately, the market has been so awful that my list of idealistic goals have been narrowed down rather quickly. Of course, it's not just me, it's the whole country! Every one is still reeling from the effects of the recession and unemployment rates are still at an all time high. I know of friends and family who are in the same boat as I am. I know I am still lucky because we can still afford to be a one-income household and my family and friends have been extremely supportive. Jojo has been an absolute gem throughout all this. An incredible, loving, supportive, understanding, absolute gem! I can not stress enough how much he has been there for me. But just the same, I am still feeling pressured to find a job. It's been almost 2 months, and I have been willing to compromise, for crying out loud!
Okay, okay, I am going to calm down now. I had to get it off my chest. Jojo suggested I take today off from job searching and just relax and do things I enjoy. I think he's right. Looking for a job is almost a full time job and I need a break! So no more dwelling on this situation, and certainly no more stressful or pressuring thoughts - at least for today. I am going to RELAX and take it easy. I will also have to make a conscious effort to just go with the flow, to stay positive and to just keep at it. I know it'll have to work out soon.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sunday, March 07, 2010
A New Food Find!
Today, Jojo and I felt like having Indian food for lunch. I absolutely love Indian food. I can't have it every day but once in a while I get a really strong craving and it pays to know where to go for good food. We know of two places (one in Torrance and one in LA) for really delish Indian food, but we've been to both places so many times, we decided to try something new. So, where do we go for food finds? Why, the Internet, of course! We go to Yelp.com and Citysearch.com to be really sure. With the help of of these 2 websites, we have found lots of great new places. Today was no different. On Yelp, we found this place called Tandoori Nites. I was a little dubious at first since the name did sounded slightly cheesy ... but the place was ranked number one for Indian food in the South Bay. We also caught a glimpse of some reviews and everything was pretty positive. So off we went to try this place.
Tandoori Nites is located on Narbonne St. in Lomita. It's sort of easy to miss cause it's tucked away in a strip mall. Luckily we have GPS so we were able to find the place. FYI, the restaurant's exterior does not do the place any justice!
The place was surprisingly soothing and spacious inside. They had high ceilings which immediately made the place seem much bigger. The dining area walls were a mellow mocha while the main floor was a mustard color. The drawn shades gave it a cool, almost zen atmosphere. There were some interesting Indian artwork, mirrors and sculptures around. Our host, Munish, was very gracious and led us to a nice corner table. He told us they had a buffet lunch that included drinks for $10.95 per person. Not bad, right?
After placing our drink orders, we headed for the lunch buffet. With Indian food, I always prefer a buffet, that way I get to try different things (dishes I would not normally order a la carte). And the best thing is I can go back for more of the ones I like and pass on the ones that I don't!
My plate had tandoori chicken (the one that looks like bbq chicken). It was very good. Moist on the inside and very flavorful on the outside. I love how it was not dried out even if it was on a food warmer on the buffet. Next to it, I had some lamb curry. This was my favorite dish of the day. Indian curry has a very distinct flavor that makes it different from other kinds of curry. It's all the wonderful ingredients they use (cardamon, ginger, turmeric, curry powder and so many more!). It's hard to identify just one taste in particular cause there are so many things going on at the same time. I also had a fried vegetable pakora which was okay. And of course, chicken tikka masala. It was also good, it had a creaminess to it that made it almost like eating comfort food. Lastly I had some lentils and chickpeas (sort of like "guisadong monggo"), which rounded out my plate.
To balance all the meat on my first plate, I had a side dish of veggies. One was called Palak Paneer which is like a version of the Filipino dish laing - this was made with spinach and was very tasty. The other was called Chicken Mathi and had leafy greens that were a bit tougher (like maybe kale) mixed with chunks of chicken. Both were interesting, slightly different in taste even if they looked the same. Jojo found them slightly spicy but I thought they were just fine.
It was really hard not to eat rice since one of my favorites in Indian cuisine is their fluffy and fragrant Basmatti rice. Luckily we had a basket of delicious naan bread. I love naan because it is the one thing that can be crunchy and chewy at the same time. This one was infused with garlic and parsley which made it extra yummy!
There were other dishes that I failed to try (one was a carrot dish, another had curried vegetables and there was also fried cauliflower. And I think there was a goat dish too). Also, I had to pass on dessert, but Jojo said the rice pudding was very good.
On our way out, we met and chatted with the Chef. He was a really nice guy who indulged me when I asked if I could take his picture.
The food was delicious and the service was extra good (they really took care of us the whole time!). This was a great food find and we will definitely be back for more!
P.S. Before I brought out my camera, I asked the host if I could take pictures (I always do this just to make sure it's ok). He told me it was fine but asked me what the pictures were for, so I told him about my blog. He invited me to link up my blog to their site and if I could maybe write a review for their website. So one of these days, I will. Luckily I liked the place, since it would suck to have to write someone a bad review!
Tandoori Nites is located on Narbonne St. in Lomita. It's sort of easy to miss cause it's tucked away in a strip mall. Luckily we have GPS so we were able to find the place. FYI, the restaurant's exterior does not do the place any justice!
The place was surprisingly soothing and spacious inside. They had high ceilings which immediately made the place seem much bigger. The dining area walls were a mellow mocha while the main floor was a mustard color. The drawn shades gave it a cool, almost zen atmosphere. There were some interesting Indian artwork, mirrors and sculptures around. Our host, Munish, was very gracious and led us to a nice corner table. He told us they had a buffet lunch that included drinks for $10.95 per person. Not bad, right?
After placing our drink orders, we headed for the lunch buffet. With Indian food, I always prefer a buffet, that way I get to try different things (dishes I would not normally order a la carte). And the best thing is I can go back for more of the ones I like and pass on the ones that I don't!
My plate had tandoori chicken (the one that looks like bbq chicken). It was very good. Moist on the inside and very flavorful on the outside. I love how it was not dried out even if it was on a food warmer on the buffet. Next to it, I had some lamb curry. This was my favorite dish of the day. Indian curry has a very distinct flavor that makes it different from other kinds of curry. It's all the wonderful ingredients they use (cardamon, ginger, turmeric, curry powder and so many more!). It's hard to identify just one taste in particular cause there are so many things going on at the same time. I also had a fried vegetable pakora which was okay. And of course, chicken tikka masala. It was also good, it had a creaminess to it that made it almost like eating comfort food. Lastly I had some lentils and chickpeas (sort of like "guisadong monggo"), which rounded out my plate.
To balance all the meat on my first plate, I had a side dish of veggies. One was called Palak Paneer which is like a version of the Filipino dish laing - this was made with spinach and was very tasty. The other was called Chicken Mathi and had leafy greens that were a bit tougher (like maybe kale) mixed with chunks of chicken. Both were interesting, slightly different in taste even if they looked the same. Jojo found them slightly spicy but I thought they were just fine.
It was really hard not to eat rice since one of my favorites in Indian cuisine is their fluffy and fragrant Basmatti rice. Luckily we had a basket of delicious naan bread. I love naan because it is the one thing that can be crunchy and chewy at the same time. This one was infused with garlic and parsley which made it extra yummy!
There were other dishes that I failed to try (one was a carrot dish, another had curried vegetables and there was also fried cauliflower. And I think there was a goat dish too). Also, I had to pass on dessert, but Jojo said the rice pudding was very good.
On our way out, we met and chatted with the Chef. He was a really nice guy who indulged me when I asked if I could take his picture.
The food was delicious and the service was extra good (they really took care of us the whole time!). This was a great food find and we will definitely be back for more!
P.S. Before I brought out my camera, I asked the host if I could take pictures (I always do this just to make sure it's ok). He told me it was fine but asked me what the pictures were for, so I told him about my blog. He invited me to link up my blog to their site and if I could maybe write a review for their website. So one of these days, I will. Luckily I liked the place, since it would suck to have to write someone a bad review!
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
My 10 Favorite Beauty Products (Below $50.00!)
1. Benefit’s Hoola which is an amazing and versatile bronzing powder. You can use it as blush, bronzer and even eye make-up. Plus one little package lasts a really long time. I've had mine for more than a year now. 
2. Nivea Q10 Body Firming Lotion – my skin gets super dry especially during the winter season and of all the lotions I’ve tried, this is by far my favorite. It does not have a strong / sickening smell, it lathers on easily and is not greasy, plus it is a firming lotion too! Basically it replaces the elasticity in your skin, making it firmer and toner too.
3. Lush Shampoo Bars. Perfect for traveling. I like the Stimulating and Reviving Mint bar. It's a great pick-me-up when you're in the shower.
4. Tarte Natural Cheek Stain (natural shade) – love the natural wax stain that serves as my blush. I use this cause it’s "goof proof" (it looks good even if you don't know much about make up!). I also like how it lasts all day and it has natural ingredients like acai berry extract and Vitamin C antioxidants.
5. L’Oreal Revitalift Day and Night Cream – I get the one made especially for Asian skin. It’s never too early to think about fine lines and wrinkles. Also I like that the Day version has SPF18 and the night cream works for moisturizing and skin whitening too.
6. Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Powder Foundation (Beige). Okay, this may be above $50.00 if you buy the whole kit, but just under $50.00 when you are getting just the refills. This is the only face powder/foundation that works for me.
7. Moisturizing Hand Soap from Bath & Body Works - my favorite scents include: Moonlight Path (lavender), Coconut Lime Verbena, and Nectarine Mint. Since we wash our hands often, it's nice to have a soap that not, only cleans but also moisturizes. You can literally feel it after you use it! Every sink in our home has this and we always have it in stock too.
8. Human Nature – Pearl Powder, Aloe Vera and Cucumber shampoo. I blogged about this shampoo before. It's a great product (minimizes hair fall and gives my hair more body) and from a great company too (helps the environment and local communities in the Philippines too). You can't beat that!
9. Burt’s Bees – lip shimmer (Rhubarb shade). I use this as my lipstick. Aside from a natural looking shade, it’s also good for the lips with ingredients like Vitamin E, coconut and sunflower oil. It also has a minty tingle that leaves my lips feeling refreshed.
10. Orange Soap – it does not have a brand since it’s made by my sister-in-law’s friend. I love it cause it's all natural and it does not leave my skin dry like other soaps. It also smells very clean and not cloyingly sweet like other soaps. Plus it clears up blemishes and scars too. It’s not yet commercially available but I’ll blog about it when it goes on the market.
2. Nivea Q10 Body Firming Lotion – my skin gets super dry especially during the winter season and of all the lotions I’ve tried, this is by far my favorite. It does not have a strong / sickening smell, it lathers on easily and is not greasy, plus it is a firming lotion too! Basically it replaces the elasticity in your skin, making it firmer and toner too.
3. Lush Shampoo Bars. Perfect for traveling. I like the Stimulating and Reviving Mint bar. It's a great pick-me-up when you're in the shower.
4. Tarte Natural Cheek Stain (natural shade) – love the natural wax stain that serves as my blush. I use this cause it’s "goof proof" (it looks good even if you don't know much about make up!). I also like how it lasts all day and it has natural ingredients like acai berry extract and Vitamin C antioxidants.
5. L’Oreal Revitalift Day and Night Cream – I get the one made especially for Asian skin. It’s never too early to think about fine lines and wrinkles. Also I like that the Day version has SPF18 and the night cream works for moisturizing and skin whitening too.
6. Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Powder Foundation (Beige). Okay, this may be above $50.00 if you buy the whole kit, but just under $50.00 when you are getting just the refills. This is the only face powder/foundation that works for me.
7. Moisturizing Hand Soap from Bath & Body Works - my favorite scents include: Moonlight Path (lavender), Coconut Lime Verbena, and Nectarine Mint. Since we wash our hands often, it's nice to have a soap that not, only cleans but also moisturizes. You can literally feel it after you use it! Every sink in our home has this and we always have it in stock too.
8. Human Nature – Pearl Powder, Aloe Vera and Cucumber shampoo. I blogged about this shampoo before. It's a great product (minimizes hair fall and gives my hair more body) and from a great company too (helps the environment and local communities in the Philippines too). You can't beat that!
9. Burt’s Bees – lip shimmer (Rhubarb shade). I use this as my lipstick. Aside from a natural looking shade, it’s also good for the lips with ingredients like Vitamin E, coconut and sunflower oil. It also has a minty tingle that leaves my lips feeling refreshed.
10. Orange Soap – it does not have a brand since it’s made by my sister-in-law’s friend. I love it cause it's all natural and it does not leave my skin dry like other soaps. It also smells very clean and not cloyingly sweet like other soaps. Plus it clears up blemishes and scars too. It’s not yet commercially available but I’ll blog about it when it goes on the market.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
10 Things I Would Like in My Dream Home
1. I'd love a tiled path and driveway that leads to the house. Preferably one lined with flower beds with lots of blooms. 
2. I want a proper foyer where guests can hang up their coats and where I can unload stuff when I get home.
3. A reading room with built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelves and large comfy chairs. It doesn't have to be a separate room altogether ... it could be a corner of the living room ... but designated just for curling up with a good book and housing my book collection.
4. A home office with his and hers writing desks. I like craftsman style work desks - they are functional without looking like office furniture.
5. A large, bright and open kitchen. I need lots of workspace, lots of storage, an island that people can gather around and lots of windows to let the light in. Doesn't this kitchen just make you want to entertain?
6. A roomy walk-in pantry to store my dinnerware, glassware, serving pieces and my dried goods too. I've always liked the pantry of Paula Deen - this one is a close second.
7. I want a master suite. Right now we have a master bedroom (bed, bureau, dresser and tv ... not much space for anything else). I like having the sitting area and the extra space to just hang out.
8. Walk-in closet with built in shelves and organizers. This would be a dream come true. I'd gladly give up a fourth bedroom to get this!
9. I am not particular about bathrooms. I don't need jacuzzi tubs or fancy bidets. I do require his and hers sinks though. These are an absolute must for me =) Also, I kind of like having hardwood floors in the loo.
10. Recessed lighting - I love how they provided ample lighting without looking obtrusive. Also, this particular style makes for an interesting architectural detail in the room.
Additional things I'd love:
- a mantled, wood-burning fireplace
- crown molding and baseboards
- wainscoting in the dining room
- French doors that lead to the backyard
- an open floor plan in a one story home (a Loft-like atmosphere would be perfect!)
* Photos courtesy of Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and the HGTV website.
2. I want a proper foyer where guests can hang up their coats and where I can unload stuff when I get home.
3. A reading room with built-in, floor-to-ceiling shelves and large comfy chairs. It doesn't have to be a separate room altogether ... it could be a corner of the living room ... but designated just for curling up with a good book and housing my book collection.
4. A home office with his and hers writing desks. I like craftsman style work desks - they are functional without looking like office furniture.
5. A large, bright and open kitchen. I need lots of workspace, lots of storage, an island that people can gather around and lots of windows to let the light in. Doesn't this kitchen just make you want to entertain?
6. A roomy walk-in pantry to store my dinnerware, glassware, serving pieces and my dried goods too. I've always liked the pantry of Paula Deen - this one is a close second.
7. I want a master suite. Right now we have a master bedroom (bed, bureau, dresser and tv ... not much space for anything else). I like having the sitting area and the extra space to just hang out.
8. Walk-in closet with built in shelves and organizers. This would be a dream come true. I'd gladly give up a fourth bedroom to get this!
9. I am not particular about bathrooms. I don't need jacuzzi tubs or fancy bidets. I do require his and hers sinks though. These are an absolute must for me =) Also, I kind of like having hardwood floors in the loo.
10. Recessed lighting - I love how they provided ample lighting without looking obtrusive. Also, this particular style makes for an interesting architectural detail in the room.
Additional things I'd love:
- a mantled, wood-burning fireplace
- crown molding and baseboards
- wainscoting in the dining room
- French doors that lead to the backyard
- an open floor plan in a one story home (a Loft-like atmosphere would be perfect!)
* Photos courtesy of Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel and the HGTV website.
Monday, March 01, 2010
A Spring in My Step!
It's Spring! Well, not yet technically. The first day of Spring is not till March 20th. But in Southern California, it seems Spring has come early this year. The weather outside is absolutely gorgeous. The sun is shinning but the air is cool. The grass is lush and green again, no longer the dull brown of winter. The flowers in our front yard have started to bloom. I've never been much of a garden-person but I can't help but smile when I see our lovely pink and yellow roses (huge ones too ... as big as my hands wide open!). The amazing scent of our lavender and jasmine plants are intoxicating. I also love how our backyard lemon and orange trees are heavy with fruit. It is such a privilege to witness Spring time in California! Even if I am a winter-and-autumn girl at heart, it's hard not to feel happy when Spring arrives.
And with Spring comes wedding season! My brother-in-law, Jay, is getting married in 5 weeks. My best friend is getting married next year. And who knows who else is next!? This last weekend we were in "wedding mode". I finally found a dress to wear to Jay's wedding. It has not been easy. My first option was a dress made in Manila. It was made by our family mananahi (seamstress). I designed it but when I saw the finished product ... well, it wasn't quite what I had in mind. I am so not cut out to be a fashion designer! Luckily it didn't cost too much and I can still have it altered when I go back home. My second choice is a black cocktail dress I got a few weeks ago. It is really nice and quite slimming. Even Jojo liked it when I tried it on. But then wearing black to a Spring wedding may be too severe. So I scrapped that idea. My third choice (after much searching!) was a lace and satin cocktail dress I found in Nordstrom. I liked it and my sisters-in-law gave it their approval too. But when I went back to get it, it had sold out! How tragic! For my female readers, you know what I mean ... it's almost impossible to find the "right dress" and when you do, it's almost like a mini miracle! Jojo could not understand why I was so frustrated. He kept saying "just get another one". Which for a guy is easy but for a girl means going through the painful process of finding the perfect one - the right style, the right color, the right fit, the right price ... and most of all one that doesn't make my butt look big! It's TOUGH!
Anyway, last Saturday, I got lucky and I found one. I first saw it at Macy's and tried it on. Perfect! - or as close to perfect when it comes to shopping for a dress. And even better, I found it next door at Nordstrom (yes, the exact same dress ... and it was on sale ... ON SALE at Nordstrom!). Halleluia - the stars and planets have aligned! I was slightly hedging only because I wanted to get a second opinion ... but Jojo made me get it right away since I think he was afraid he would be dragged on another dress-searching expedition! So, I got it and I am happy. No second thoughts whatsoever ... that's a good sign. Then on Sunday we went shopping for bridal magazines for my friend, Les. I found a gorgeous bridal journal for her too. Now I have to find a way to send it to her! I am so excited for her to get these. Hopefully the mags give her some great ideas and inspiration. And the journal helps her jot down the things she needs to get done. Since I can't physically be there to help her ... I'm hoping this makes it a little bit easier =)
So, Spring is here and weddings are things to look forward to and celebrate. I know the world is still not perfect (there are recessions and calamities happening all over and I am mindful of that) but for a little while, in my little corner of the globe, I am thankful, and happy and just glad to be so blessed =)
And with Spring comes wedding season! My brother-in-law, Jay, is getting married in 5 weeks. My best friend is getting married next year. And who knows who else is next!? This last weekend we were in "wedding mode". I finally found a dress to wear to Jay's wedding. It has not been easy. My first option was a dress made in Manila. It was made by our family mananahi (seamstress). I designed it but when I saw the finished product ... well, it wasn't quite what I had in mind. I am so not cut out to be a fashion designer! Luckily it didn't cost too much and I can still have it altered when I go back home. My second choice is a black cocktail dress I got a few weeks ago. It is really nice and quite slimming. Even Jojo liked it when I tried it on. But then wearing black to a Spring wedding may be too severe. So I scrapped that idea. My third choice (after much searching!) was a lace and satin cocktail dress I found in Nordstrom. I liked it and my sisters-in-law gave it their approval too. But when I went back to get it, it had sold out! How tragic! For my female readers, you know what I mean ... it's almost impossible to find the "right dress" and when you do, it's almost like a mini miracle! Jojo could not understand why I was so frustrated. He kept saying "just get another one". Which for a guy is easy but for a girl means going through the painful process of finding the perfect one - the right style, the right color, the right fit, the right price ... and most of all one that doesn't make my butt look big! It's TOUGH!
Anyway, last Saturday, I got lucky and I found one. I first saw it at Macy's and tried it on. Perfect! - or as close to perfect when it comes to shopping for a dress. And even better, I found it next door at Nordstrom (yes, the exact same dress ... and it was on sale ... ON SALE at Nordstrom!). Halleluia - the stars and planets have aligned! I was slightly hedging only because I wanted to get a second opinion ... but Jojo made me get it right away since I think he was afraid he would be dragged on another dress-searching expedition! So, I got it and I am happy. No second thoughts whatsoever ... that's a good sign. Then on Sunday we went shopping for bridal magazines for my friend, Les. I found a gorgeous bridal journal for her too. Now I have to find a way to send it to her! I am so excited for her to get these. Hopefully the mags give her some great ideas and inspiration. And the journal helps her jot down the things she needs to get done. Since I can't physically be there to help her ... I'm hoping this makes it a little bit easier =)
So, Spring is here and weddings are things to look forward to and celebrate. I know the world is still not perfect (there are recessions and calamities happening all over and I am mindful of that) but for a little while, in my little corner of the globe, I am thankful, and happy and just glad to be so blessed =)
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