Monday, October 23, 2017

Breakfast You Make While You Sleep

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you skip breakfast, you ruin your entire day. That's why my healthy, homemade breakfasts are a must for me and I wake up extra early to make them. But when I really have no time, overnight oats are my go-to breakfast on mornings when I'm in a rush. You just dunk the ingredients in a mason jar and place these in the ref and in the morning, you have a healthy, delicious meal waiting for you with minimal or no time to prepare.

This is practically one of the easiest breakfasts to make and there's no culinary skill required. I just need a mason jar, some basic kitchen equipment, and ingredients. I prefer using a wide-mouthed mason jar for this but a regular mason jar works as fine. Just be sure there's a cover.

For your basic ingredient formula you need:

1. Rolled oats. Not the instant one and not the steel-cut (that one you use for regular, slow-cooking oatmeal). Use old fashioned rolled oats. Have these with you because these are very versatile.
2. Milk - I use almond milk or soy milk for my milk but if you're not lactose intolerant like I am, then go ahead and use dairy milk. My ratio of rolled oats to milk is 1 part oats to 1 part and some more milk (like 1/3 cup oats to 1/3 cup plus a little less than 1/4 cup milk) , and you will see why.
3. Chia seeds - you can purchase chia seeds at a health food store like Healthy Options, S&R, or The Superfood Grocer. Chia seeds when soaked have this gelatinous coating that give the oats a nice, thick, creamy texture. That is why my ratio of milk is 1 part and then some more, so our chia has enough room to expand. I do this trial and error. If I see my oats look too thick and crowded, I just add a splash or two of liquid and give it a good stir and I'm good to go
4. Yogurt - Yogurt has all these yummy probiotics that are good for you. They also contribute to the creamy consistency. Use coconut yogurt if you're vegan. The best yogurt though to use for me is low fat Greek yogurt because of the protein content (for muscle!). There are also some recipes that use coconut milk or coconut cream instead of Greek Yogurt or a combination of both.

That's your base. Then you add in sweeteners, spices, toppings, or whatever. Sometimes, fruit is added already during the prep time. For the toppings, I usually place them before I eat them, especially nuts, so they stay crunchy. If I have time, I take photos and upload in Instagram.

Look online and there are so many recipes of overnight oats to choose from. Even restaurants and health food stores have their own versions





I have here in this post a few overnight oats recipes for you to try so you literally wake up to a yummy, effortless, and healthy breakfast every single day.

Banana Bread Oats

You can make your overnight oats as a snack.
If you want nuts, place them in a separate container.
This is like a warm hug to wake you up in the morning. Great for pre-workout energy food

You will need:
  • Banana
  • a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • a sprinkle of nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • Almond milk/soy milk
  • maple syrup
  • sea salt
  • vanilla
  • rolled oats
  • yogurt.
Procedure:
  • Place the banana in a blender and blend with soymilk until you get a smooth consistency. Allow the froth to settle a bit.
  • In a mason jar, dunk the oats, chia, a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix all the dry ingredients together.
  • Dunk a big dollop of yogurt, a splash of vanilla, and drizzle with maple syrup. 
  • Add your banana milk. remember the ratio (1 part oats to 1 part and some more milk).
  • Mix the whole thing up. Close the mason jar and place this in the fridge. Go to bed.
  • In the morning, get your mason jar and give the contents a good stir. If it's a bit too thick, splash some almond milk until you reach a desired consistency. 
  • Top with some more sliced banana and pecans and cinnamon if you wish and eat with tea.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oats


Chocolate. Peanut Butter. No explanation needed.

You will need:
  • Rolled Oats
  • Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Chia seeds
  • Almond milk/soy milk
  • vanilla
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • maple syrup or coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
Procedure:
  • Mix the milk, peanut butter, syrup/sugar, and cocoa powder until you get a chocolate milk like consistency
  • In a mason jar, combine well the oats and chia seeds.
  • Pour in the chocolate milk and give it a good stir. sprinkle a bit of seasalt and add a splash of vanilla. Mix Well. Cover your jar and store in fridge. Go to bed and dream pleasant dreams.
  • Eat as is in the morning or top with desired toppings. I like using banana, nuts (cashews and walnuts), cacao nibs, flax, maca powder, and shredded coconut. 
  • Optional: before eating, I take out the contents out of the mason jar and pulse it on the food processor for like 20 seconds until I get a porridge like consistency, like champorado.

Good Morning, Sunshine


This one I added a bit of turmeric powder. Don't get scared. The flavor of turmeric blends well with cinnamon. It also has a lot of nutritional benefits and gives your breakfast a sunny yellow color.

You will need:
  • Rolled Oats
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • Soy/Almond Milk
  • Cinnamon
  • Turmeric
  • Vanilla
  • Maple Syrup or coconut sugar
  • Yogurt
  • Dried Blueberries
Procedure:

Dunk them all  in a mason jar. Since this is the third recipe, you pretty much know the drill already.
In the morning, eat with nuts, bananas, mangoes, and cacao nibs. Add a dollop of coconut cream and a sprinkle of more coconut sugar for sweetness.


Ube Overnight Oats

Love local and lilac with this sweet treat
If you purchased a jar of ube jam from your recent Baguio trip, add a scoop of this to your oats for a pretty, lilac breakfast. If your ube is already sweet, you may skip the sweetener because that and the fruit is gonna make this breakfast so sweet. Since ube is like the new salted caramel or salted egg, I thought if I made ube waffles and ube pancakes, why not make ube overnight oats as well?

You will need:
  • Rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • Soy/Almond/Cashew milk
  • A scoop of ube jam
  • Coconut milk/Coconut cream
Procedure:

Place oats and chia in a mason jar and combine well. Add some coconut cream or coconut milk. Coconut cream makes it so much thicker and richer but milk will do fine. Add your ube jam and top with milk. Stir so the ube jam is well distributed onto the mixture. Alternatively, you can blend the ube and the milk in the blender for a more homogenous consistency of ube milk. Stir well and place in the fridge overnight. Top with fruits of the season. #Lovelocal with bananas, mangoes, cashews, and coconut flakes. For added sweetness, sprinkle with coconut sugar.

Have healthy, happy mornings with your overnight oats! Never skip breakfast and stay healthy!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Why I Put Myself in a No-Buy Makeup Challenge (and tips that can get you started too)

There comes a time when I asked myself if I really need that much makeup. Lately, I've been evaluating my rituals and observed that my routine has been simplified singificantly. I'm practically makeup-less most of the time since I spend most of my days teaching or practicing, and I really tend to sweat a lot. I used to surprise people when I appear without makeup. Now, people actually get surprised whenever I wear even just red lipstick.

Back then,  I kept justifying my makeup shopping as being a makeup artist, I need a whole lot because I work on different people with different looks and I need a separate stash for myself, one for clients, and one for practice sessions. Looking now at how my makeup collection has blown up to gigantic proportions that definitely needs intervention, I need to put myself in a makeup shopping ban, which I started at the beginning of the month. It's been a few weeks into this month and it has been quite liberating. Besides, even the busiest pro artists are also trimming down their kits.

Yes, there is such a thing as too much makeup
(Photo by Alfred Mendoza)
This No-Makeup Buying or Makeup Shopping Ban or No-Buy Ban has been going around for quite some time. Some girls I know are on that challenge (like for a year even) and there are some girls who even blogged about their own challenges to motivate them. There are those who even upped the challenge by including a Project Pan challenge, where they not only not buy new makeup but they have to empty out palettes or hit pan before buying anything new. The description of this ban is exactly what the name means: that I do not buy any makeup for a certain period of time (I'm doing a few months. I will see how my life fares after the first month. So far, I'm not foaming at the mouth yet). This, however does not include the makeup I buy for gifts to friends and loved ones or if I need to really replenish something (like I ran out of toner, sunblock, mascara, etc). This also does not include makeup that I receive as presents, presskits, or gifts (but before I get started, I will not ask for makeup as Christmas gift to go around this loophole).

I admit the first few days was hard especially when there are new collections coming out left and right just in time for the holidays. I actually thought that by the first week I might go into like a shocking withdrawal phase especially when I see all the reviews coming up. However, after getting over the first few days of withdrawal phase, I can now walk at the beauty section of the department store with a straight face and not even care or leave with a bag of purchases. I think back to what a blogger said after her challenge - that she ended up saving a lot of money. And more money in your bank account is a good thing, right?

So I thought as well, that while I'm in this no-buy challenge, I also learn to maximize what's in my current collection. I throw in a bit of a modified Project Pan challenge. This encourages me to appreciate what I have and challenges me to be more creative with my stuff - learn how to mix, be more resourceful and creative. Oooh now my mind can do somersaults - just like what I do in real life.

Now how did I survive the first month without foaming at the mouth or breaking into a hysteria everytime I'm in the beauty section of a deparment store? Here are tips that can work:

Empty out what you don't need

You might have had a clumpy mascara there in your kit, or lipsticks that have turned rancid. Throw out expired items and give away items that are still good but something you don't really need or like or probably just bought out of a whim.

Have a buddy

My friend Azaza is on a Project Pan challenge. She has a palette of the month where she uses to play around looks. Having a friend who's into this challenge or something similar gets you motivated. Instead of seeing this as a punishment, I'm seeing this as an opportunity to also get creative, exploring colors I don't usually use and looks to do because let's admit, we all have a go-to look.

Look for Dupes in Your Kit

Sometimes, when a collection comes up, they're actually just recycling old shades and repackaging them in new limited edition packaging. That super duper limited edition lipstick which costs like a week's worth of coffee may have a very similar shade that exists in your kit. Hey, when the color is on your lips, no one would know the brand.

Stop, Breathe, and Think


Sometimes when we buy, it's usually on an impulse. Think if you really need it or if you're just after the hype. Read reviews or watch vlogs first before buying, even super limited editions. If the product suddenly becomes out of stock because you didn't buy in a heartbeat, it's okay. You will survive without it. At least you are a few hundred (or thousand) bucks richer.

Have an encouraging goal

Think that for the money you save, you have money to for a trip or for a class you would want to take. I'm telling myself that the money I get to save can be used for future masterclasses, workshops, and teacher training programs. Education is an investment with no expiration date. Remember, you are not doing this to punish yourself.

Document your progress

It's like pole dancing where you take photos of your progress. If it helps to blog about it, then go. You can even blog together with your co-shopping ban buddy so you can monitor each other's progress. Post photos of the palettes you used that hit pan or the creative looks you come up with from the palettes. Sometimes when a goal is out there, people are more encouraged to stick to their goals because other people are watching.

Two weeks into this ban and so far I'm doing great. I'll let you know my progress. If you are in this no-shopping ban too, let me know your tips on how to get going on this challenge.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Boracay After 12 (Years)

I don't really get to travel much but when the opportunity beckoned once again, I was like omigod, can we go to Boracay again? The last time I was there was 2005 and I fell in love with it. Much has changed after twelve years from all the photos I see online and I wanted to go back once again.

When I said I shall be going back, I got asked a lot why I chose Boracay instead of Palawan, Siargao, etc. since Boracay has been so commercialized. I said why not? It has been so long and the last two times I was there (my first was in 2004) I had wonderful memories of the place. It was September anyway, so less of the LABORacay crowd or summer crowd that would cause the extreme introvert that I am to cower in fear. If it was really horrible as it is described now, then at least I can say for myself. If it gets rained on, at least it's still a beach trip, golden tan or no golden tan.

Back then, PAL would only fly from Manila to Kalibo so from the airport, we would board a van for a 2-hour road trip to Caticlan. PAL now flies straight to Caticlan so that shaves off  2 hours of travel. The Caticlan airport has really improved in their facilities with better lavatories, facilities, air conditioning, and stricter security. They also don't take you directly to the beach front anymore unlike before.  First, from the plane, you take a shuttle bus going to the old airport where you claim your baggage.  Then, depending on how much you want to spend and how adventurous you are, you can do like a worry-free transpo package to your hotel or take one trike that will take you a 10-minute ride to the Caticlan Jetty Port, take a ferry (or a pump boat) going to Boracay Island then another trike ride going to your hotel.  I prefer the ferry especially since I get super seasick and it's more roomy. Now depending where your hotel is, the trike ride from port to hotel varies. If your hotel is in station 3, then it takes a short while. But if your hotel is in station 1, maybe 30 minutes or so, depending on the traffic. The hotel was in station 1. The locals though were very nice and friendly and assured me that despite the slopes, our luggage at the back of the trike was still very much stable.

A view that's totally #nofilter and with lighting that's the best IG filter, ever.
A Boracay September low-peak season is pretty much perfect for the introverted person who wants quiet beaches. If you can spare a few VLs, best go there on weekdays as Stations 2 and 3 can get pretty much crowded on weekends. With regards to rains, it usually rains on early morning but the sun would be so generous enough and shine after. The waters aren't that icy cold. There seemed to be like built-in heaters in the ocean, even on 6 am. Contrary to popular belief, there are no green stuff on the ocean at this time. It's clear and gorgeous. Weeks before, we already checked weather forecasts and thankfully, there were no thunderstorms the time we were there. Thankfully, there are now movements and projects to clean up the beach so it still stays pristine white and the ocean water super clear.

"See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me."

The beauty of the place is that it has the perfect natural lighting with no need for Instagram filters. Most of my photos have no filter or photo editing done. The sand is powdery white and doesn't feel like granite when you walk barefoot but soft and pillowy. During low tide, the shore would be super wide (I would say, wider than EDSA) you can run from your beach bed to the water and you're done for the day's cardio. Whereas some people are annoyed at the existence of commercial areas and buildings, I welcome this commercialization as the perfect mix of urban city life and salty sea air for your dose of #vitaminSEA (think Hawaii or L.A. where a beach is just a tambling away and live your Sweet Valley High dreams of going to the beach every weekend or after school). For people who are more at home with cities and concrete, this is the perfect compromise. The best part I like at how urban this place is is the convenience at the event of an emergency.  If ever an accident would happen like allergy attack, asthma attack, or broken bone that may happen, or natural calamity, there is ample cellphone signal and a hospital to rush to. I swear if I were to be an island girl for the rest of my life and choose one island to live, this would be it.

The restaurants we love are still there. Manana is still there to serve yummy Mexican food and margarita in their gigantic glasses.

Mango Margarita virginized

Super yummy enchiladas
Jonah's Milkshakes is very near the hotel and still served their yummy milkshakes. This time, they have their own to-go paper cups for those sipping their drinks to-go instead of mineral water bottles (yay for less plastic). Tip too, if you have reusable stainless steel straws, please bring them with you in your checked-in luggage. Let's keep our oceans clean and be kind to the turtles by eliminating the use of plastic straws.

Jonah's Watermelon milkshake. Just watermelon and water.
No Sugar or milk. Super refreshing!
Straw from GozeroPH
Ti Braz Creperie and French Bistro has you covered with both sweet and savory crepes. On Tuesdays, their crepes are 50% off. So yummy! You can also order smoothie bowls by Fuel Bowls for your dose of raw fruit and superfood yumminess.


Did you know that I only got to see Real Coffee and Tea Cafe's Calamansi Muffins now? They are so good and are one of the most perfect breakfasts ever. So good with coffee. Real Coffee and Tea also does not use straws, helping eliminate more plastic waste. They also sell their muffins for Php350 a box of six pieces. Perfect for pasalubong.


The place has a breezy beach hut vibe where you can people watch while sipping your shake or coffee and eat some muffins.

Speaking of breakfast, I would have to say that the best place ever to have breakfast there (or any meal) is The Sunny Side Cafe located at Station 3 in Sands hotel. When you get there, the place is like morning every day with its sunny yellow and gray interiors I feel like singing Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles. So pretty!

You know how much I love real food made from scratch? This restaurant follows that principle. Everything is in-house: bread, ice cream, chorizo burger, bacon, patties, and pancakes, omigod their pancakes!


These are their ube and cereal milk pancakes. These are just so good and are a mixture of a lot of awesome sweet flavors in your mouth it will bring you happy tears. The Sunny Side also has airconditioning when you want to take a break from the heat and WiFi to Instagram all these food that's gorgeous as it is good enough to eat. I can probably eat all my meals there and then just run around the beach to burn all the calories off.

Familiar food joints like McDonald's, Starbucks, Shakey's and Jollibee were also seen in the island. I was also able to spot a few MiniStop branches and a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf by the main road. There was even a JT Manukan over there! I'm looking at the existence of these familiar food places as a plus for those travelling on a budget or with kids or yayas not really adventurous to try out food places or eat food very familiar with them. I know I remember when I was a kid I would crave for McDonald's everywhere we went.

Of course Boracay is more than just a strip of sea and sand. There are also activities to try like paddleboard and parasailing. I'm not much on the water sports since I really want the body and the brain to really chill during these four days and take a short break from training and working out and let some refined carbs in my system.  so pretty much I sunned out, happy swam, ate food (all the happy carbs!), and my workout was morning light yoga by the shore and walking along the beach.

I will be back, love. That's for sure

When the 2005 vacation ended, it was a bittersweet one. This one had me the same feeling that I didn't want to leave yet and four days felt really bitin. I know that I will be back once again. I actually liked and welcomed it being commercialized. I appreciate too also the fact that there are now efforts in maintaining the clean shores and water like clean-up runs and prohibiting of bringing back sand and corals back home. I really believe that this will be that perfect balance of island life and city life like I see in these shows like Sweet Valley High or 90210 where they take walks by the shores after a long day. If I get to go there even for work and some time on the sun, I will be happy. Maybe during low-peak season with not much people, yes?