Some Updates

This is going to be one of the most exciting Christmas for me. Even if I haven't started with my Christmas shopping or at least plan our Christmas menu, one thing kept me very busy... Preparing my kitchen for a baking showcase. 

Here's my situation for the past months since I started baking: I go all the way to my parents house just to bake. In the condo we're renting, a kitchen stove that runs thru gas is not allowed. As of the moment, I use an induction cooker which has become a blessing because of it's healthy and budget- friendly benefits (in another post).

Aside from the stand mixer my parents gave me as an advance gift for my birthday, I just found out that I am also going to be gifted with a brand new countertop oven and new baking materials. Like I said in my previous post, all I wanted to do is to bake for my family. 6- 12 cupcakes will do... I don't really need anything big or heavy duty in order to achieve something that is easy to make. This countertop oven is the answer to what I need at this point in time. I am really excited because now, I don't have to travel far and disturb anybody just so I can create and bake something. I can experiment without having too much wastage.

Practice, take time, practice, take your time, practice... that's what my parents would often tell me. We believe that nothing's going to be achieved in the right way if we will suddenly jump into things. Time is of the essence in a way that I don't need to rush things. But at the same time, I need to put in mind that each day counts. Just like 2 weeks ago, I was invited to join a Christmas bazaar. It is a wonderful opportunity.

Again, this bazaar is not going to be possible if it weren't for the people who thought about me... I am truly grateful to be blessed. I am just happy to be surrounded by people who are very supportive of what I do. 

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I apologize for the long absence of recipes and food features on this blog. The recent calamity that hit our country was devastating that me and my husband couldn't bear if we don't do anything. For the past 2 weeks, I helped my other half prepare for a relief and medical mission in Leyte together with a team of doctors, firefighters and medics. It was a life- changing event for all...

His Health and Wellness

Low testosterone is a very common condition, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Men's testosterone levels begin to decrease in their early thirties, and continue to decline over time. There are also some medical conditions that can cause low testosterone. The symptoms of low testosterone include:

Poor concentration

Memory decrease

Depression

Dimishing body hair

Low sex drive

Erectile dysfunction

-source-

Raising testosterone levels is easy, and there are several ways you can do so naturally.

1. Weight loss and exercise. Interval training and strength training, combined with short periods of fasting, have been shown to increase testosterone levels. Since obesity is also linked to decreased testosterone, it has added benefits.

3. Increase your intake of certain minerals. Some minerals, like zinc and vitamin D-rich sources of calcium, have also proven effective. You can get zinc in a number of dietary sources, including raw milk or cheese and beans. The recommended amount of vitamin D for most adult males is between 50-70 ng/ml.

4. Cut down on stress. Stress effects every system of the body, and it can decrease essential hormone levels, as well as increase levels of bad hormones.

5. Lower your intake of sugar. Sugar in moderate amounts isn't necessarily harmful, but the whole body will benefit from a diet that's lower in refined sugars.

Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both men and women. If you need a little help increasing your testosterone levels, there are supplements available. Nature's Plus Testosterone Booster is an example of a product that helps raise your testosterone levels safely and naturally, without the use of synthetic ingredients that can have harmful side effects. Natural testosterone boosters are created from herbs, such as fenugreek, and can give you just the boost you need.

My Birthday in 2013

This year, I did not plan anything in particular because my husband was away on a mission. I thought I skip the "celebration part" with respect to the people who are badly affected by the recent typhoon. For some reason, fate had a different plan for me. I may have decided not to celebrate my 35th year, but some people were very nice and thought of ways to make my birthday memorable for 2013.

I look at birthday celebrations as a good way to share my favorite things, especially food with the people close to my heart.

To begin, the week my husband was away, I was practically juggling everything on my own. I kinda lived the life of a single parent. My parents were the only people available to help me with some things. One afternoon, my mom paid me a visit and invited me for lunch. We went to a nearby restaurant called Banapple.

For lunch we had pasta. Dishes we haven't tried in Banapple: Penne Bolognese and Trio of Sausages Fettuccine. It's my mom's advance birthday treat. Times spent with my mom and dad are often spent with a good conversation about life, their experiences as parents and lessons they've learned, things I'm still learning.

Monday, I took my kids out for some ice cream and more pasta at the newly opened Iceberg's Katipunan Avenue. I enjoyed my tall mug of strawberry float and the company of my children. My husband surprised me with a cake when me and the kids got home from Iceberg's. It was a blessing that my husband arrived safely from his trip on my special day.

Then, gifts in huge boxes came in... This has got to be one of the most memorable moments in my life. The intention to sacrifice for those in need was attained. I wasn't expecting anything in return but when I thought I had nothing, blessings poured in. When I thought, I was alone, people I love surprised me.