Dried Hydrangea Floral Arrangement

     Dried floral arrangements add a lovely element to your home decor. It can be expensive if you buy them in the store, but you can do it yourself to save money. It doesn't wilt and doesn't require frequent replacement. Summer is almost ending and most of my flowers in the garden are drying out and turning brown. So, I decided to make a dried hydrangea arrangement.

     I recycled a patron tequila container to use as a vase. I put shiny stones in the bottom of the container so that it can hold and secure the stems of the flowers. I put moss to cover the stems and add a decorative effect to the arrangement. We didn't spend anything on the materials because all of it was found in the house. 

Seafood Paella

     "There is no love sincerer than the love of food"  

- George Bernard Shaw

    Paella is a typical Filipino dish, but this recipe was originated in Valencia, Spain. Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards for many years, which explains the influences when it comes to food, customs, and traditions.
    Paella is made with meat, seafood, and vegetables. It seems that with Paella, almost anything goes! It's like a pizza that you can put anything on top. The only thing that you measure is the rice and the liquids which is important in making this dish.
    Another important ingredient is saffron but I used smoked paprika instead because it helps give a smoky taste. I like that you can put everything in a pan and it's complete with all the nutrients.

Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cup rice
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup tomato soup
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 10 prawns
- 1 crab
- 20 clams
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- olive oil (to saute)
- salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.) Boil the chicken stock, and then put in the clams. Cook until it just opens. Drain the clams, and then set aside.
3.) Take your Paella pan, and put oil. Fry the prawns until it turns red. Then, set aside. In the same pan, saute the garlic and onions. Add the rice and smoked paprika and stir well until it's coated with oil.
4.) Now add the bell pepper, the chicken stock, and the tomato soup. Stir, then bring to a boil. Taste, and adjust the seasoning to taste. Cover the pan tightly with foil, and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
5.) After 20 minutes, uncover the foil; add green peas, and fluff up the rice. Arrange the prawn, crab and clams decoratively on top. Cover the pan again with foil, and bake for 5 to 10 minutes.
6.) Serve with lemon wedges and sliced hard boiled eggs. Enjoy!

*Nutritional Bonus: 
Among other important vitamin and nutrients, this dish is rich with copper. It's essential for absorption of iron. Copper deficiency can result in symptoms similar to iron deficiency which is anemia.

Miniature Fantasy Garden

     When my daughters were little, they loved stories about fairies. They would dress up in fairy costumes, and pretend they were in a fairyland. This is the stage where kids have wild imagination.
     Since it's summer, this project is perfect for the kids to keep busy. It will help develop their interest in gardening, and allow them to be more creative. This garden is perfect as a centerpiece to a fairy themed party.

Summer Fashion: Cover-ups

     Summer is the time to go on a vacation; it's either go to a tropical island like the Caribbean, or to a pool in your backyard. This post is about cover-ups for your swimsuits. They are stylish and light, which is perfect for the summer weather. You can also pair it with sandals or flip flops.

Coconut Tart

     When you go to the grocery store or the farmer's market, you'll see the abundance of fruits in season. They are juicy, vibrant in color, and ripe to perfection. I'm taking advantage of this bounty, so I made a no-bake granola tart. This is perfect for breakfast or for a light dessert. You can put any fruit that you like as a topping.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup granola
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 box of Coconut Gelatin Dessert Mix*
- Fresh fruits

*Note: If you don't like coconut gelatin, use low-fat plain yogurt as an alternative.

Directions:
1.) First mix the granola with the melted butter in a tart pan. Press firmly to make crust. Refrigerate for one hour or more.
2.) Follow instructions on the box for making the coconut gelatin. Pour the mixture into the tart pan. Refrigerate for another 2 hours or until firm.
3.) Top with any fruit that you like, preferably fruits in season.

Spotted Crescent Dogs

     When I was little, we had a lot of animals around the house, but my favorite one was the dog. Dogs are one of the cutest pets around, especially when they are still puppies. I was browsing in Facebook one day and I saw Pillsbury's website, where they posted a recipe on how to make a "Spotted Crescent Dog" out of Pillsbury dough. It's perfect for kids who want to be involved in the kitchen to prepare meals. They love pets and are very picky eaters, so this is the perfect way for them to make preparing food fun and enjoyable.

 For the recipe: http://www.pillsbury.com/Cooking-Occasions/Occasions/Family-Night/Spotted-Crescent-Dogs-How-To?nicam4=SocialMedia&nichn4=Facebook&niseg4=Pillsbury&nicreatID4=Post

*Note: We used extra lean hot dogs for a healthier choice. You can also use 50% less fat turkey hot dog, and you can make your own dough.

Hike to the Peak

     "It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness" 

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

     This summer it's our goal to do an activity that involves the whole family. This week we went to Multnomah Falls and hiked the one mile trek to the top. I'm acrophobic; for years I have been scared of heights. Whenever I'm in a place with high elevation, it's hard to look down. My heart pumps faster, my knees get weak, and I can barely breathe.
     I always think of a way to conquer my fear, but to no avail. I can't even ride a Ferris wheel. We visit the Falls every year, but I never had the guts to climb to the top. I'm almost fifty now, and I'm not getting any younger. I decided to do it with the encouragement of my daughters. When we were halfway there, I almost gave up; but, I was determined. I thought it's now or never! I even surprised myself when I made it to the top. It was an exhilarating experience that I would definitely do again. There is no doubt that I overcome my fear. I overcame it because I was ready to let it go. It was amazing up there with the spectacular view. It was all worth it.