Gift Card Sleigh

There are only nine days before Christmas, and everyone is busy shopping, preparing for dinner for the holidays, and decorating their houses. Buying gifts for your loved ones is always hard, because you wonder if they're going to like your present or not.

During this season, I can't help but miss my home in the Philippines, and I remember my school days during Christmas. We sometimes did gift exchanges called "monito-monita" (which is similar to "Secret Santa" in American culture), and it's very simple to do. Kids would randomly select a name of whom they will give a gift to, but not tell the person receiving the gift. It's more exciting and fun. Also, the teacher set a maximum price for the gifts, so that it would be fair for everyone.

Since I'm always busy at work, I usually prefer to just give a gift card or some money as my gift. It's so that my loved ones can just buy whatever they want, and it's easy and practical. For me, though, instead of just putting some money or a gift card inside an envelope, I made this gift card sleigh to make it more creative and fun. There are many ways to let your loved ones feel appreciated this holiday, but you can just do a little planning and include some creativity. Your gift doesn't need to be expensive. Just remember that it's always the thought that counts, not the amount.

I hope that everyone has a happy holiday. Feliz Navidad, everyone!

Materials

Stack the small chocolates on top of the Kit Kat bar in a pyramid shape.

Attach the candy canes to the bottom of the Kit Kat bars.

Finished! :)

A View From the Top (Beacon Rock)

“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.”

--Jim Watkins

Summer is almost over, so we're trying to enjoy the remaining sunny days. Last weekend, we went to Beacon Rock, and it's been on my bucket list ever since, but we never got a chance since we're always busy. We always pass by this place when we go to Bridge of God and I always wonder how it will be like to be on top of this big rock. As an added bonus it's located in the Columbia Gorge, which is one of the prides of the Pacific Northwest. This is one of my favorite places; with its breathtaking view and majestic mountains.

Halfway up

Overlooking the view 

The bridge

The top of Beacon Rock

It was scary at first, but it was worth it when we reached the peak. The view was spectacular and it felt like we  were on top of the world. I wanted to give up when we went halfway, since I felt lightheaded, but my daughter urged and encourage me to go on. I realized that the only way to overcome your fear is to face it. It's the same thing in life. Reaching for your dreams is like mountain climbing; it can be rough and perilous, but when you attain it, it's the best feeling in the world.

History

Beacon State Park is located in 34841 SR 14 Skamania, Washington. It was originally named by Lewis and Clark on October 3, 1825.

On 1811 Alexander Ross of the John Jacob Astor expedition called the rock Inoshoack Castle. It was known as Castle Rock until in 1916, the United States Board of Geographic names restored the name Beacon Rock.
Henry J Biddle purchased the rock in order to build a trail to the top. The trail was built, and in 1935 his heirs turned the rock to the state for uses as park.

Random pictures and a picnic at the end

Rice and Corn Pudding

During summer corn has been everyone's favorite side dish during backyard barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. There are several ways of preparing corn; whether they're corn on the cob, chowder, or pudding.

We recently went to a farm in our area and bought freshly picked corn. Locally produced food are better than the ones from the store because it's fresh and we are helping the local farmers.

This recipe actually brings back many memories of my childhood. During rainy days my mother would cook this as our meryenda (snack) after school. Sometimes we would go home soaking wet because of the downpour on the way home from school. We would play in the rain first then she would serve us this hot and steaming bowl of pudding. It's so comforting when you're hungry and cold. It's a special memory that I'll always cherish.

Ingredients: 
1 can cream style corn, about 2 cups
1 can whole sweet corn (I used fresh corn, about four ears)
1 cup sweet rice or glutinous rice
3 cups water
2 cans coconut milk (about 4 cups)
3/4 cup to 1 cup sugar
1 tbs flax seed
condensed milk (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to medium and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice cooked.

(If you want, you can replace the two cans of corn with 3-4 ears of fresh corn. Just cut the kernels off the cob with a knife and scrape the cob with a spoon to get the corn milk.)

Note: If you'd like, instead of using sugar, you can substitute with condensed milk. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. I recommend using the Nestle La Lechera because it comes in a bottle and is more convenient than the regular condensed milk in a can.

Apple Pie Bombs

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an old saying, but it's true, because of its healthy benefits that it provides. It's rich of vitamins, which our body needs to avoid getting sick. For this recipe, it calls for a gala apple, which is my favorite among the different varieties.

The combination of cinnamon and caramel is perfect and their smell that fills the kitchen is heavenly. That's why it's called a pie bomb; when you open the bun, it's gooey, and the caramel looks like it exploded.

My daughters love it that when they wake up on Sunday morning, they can smell the buns. They're even ready for breakfast, before we go to church. It's kind of a tradition for us and we can bond after a long week. It also creates a memory that my daughters will cherish, even when they are old. When they have their own family in the future, they can continue this tradition.

If you would like the recipe, here is the link: http://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/09/crazy-caramel-apple-pie-bombs-recipe.html

Here is the procedure of making this bread.

International Rose Test Garden

"The promise of a bud is better than a full blown rose." 

--Author Unknown

One of my favorite flowers is a rose, especially the tea rose, for its fragrance. It has a variety of color and it can be made as a beautiful bouquet. It's the best selling flower during holidays, especially during Valentine's Day. We went to this place three weeks ago, which is just across the street of the Japanese Garden. This is a kind of plant that you can put in your garden, because it blooms the whole summer. They said flowers are created so that for a moment we can have a glimpse of paradise here on Earth. 

International Rose Test Garden is in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon. There are 10,000 rose plants of approximately 650 varieties. On clear days, you can see the view of Cascade Mountains and Mt. Hood. Each year a lot of visitors from around the world enjoy the sights and scents of the garden. 

Features

1.) Amphitheater - it hosts many events throughout the year. During good weather, it's good for picnics. 

2.) Shakespeare Garden - it originally contained botanicals mentioned in the books of William Shakespeare. It's popular for special occasions such as weddings. 

3.) Gold Medal Garden - it's a formal garden with award-winning roses, walkways, fountains, and a gazebo. 

4.) Royal Rosarian  Garden - it has paid tribute to Goodwill ambassadors and official greeters who serve in the many Rose Festival events. 

5.) Miniature Rose Garden - one of the only six testing grounds for the American Rose Society. The elevated beds at the entrance are popular for their unique varieties. 

6.) Abstract Stainless Steel Sculpture and Fountain - called the Frank E. Beach Memorial Fountain (1975) by Lee Kelly. 

7.) Rose Garden Store - opened May 1, 2000 to provide guest services 

History

In 1917 a group of Portland nurserymen came up with the idea of an American rose test garden. Portland had an enthusiastic group of volunteers and 20 miles of rose bordered streets. In 1905, Portland was already dubbed "The City of Roses." Between Portland Parks & Recreation and the American Rose Society, the garden soon became a reality. 

Jessie Currey, the president of the Portland's Rose Society at the time, petitioned for the city to serve as a safe haven for hybrid roses grown in Europe during WWI. Rose lovers feared these unique plants could be destroyed as a result of a war. Foreign hybridists sent roses for tests from many countries and the garden was an immediate success. Today, Portland is the only North American city that can issue its rewards to roses of merit throughout the world. 

*Note: We went to the Rose Garden twice, and this post includes pictures from both trips.

Portland Japanese Garden

“Gardens are a metaphor to give people insight and inspiration to change their lives.”

--Haichi Kurisu

There's nothing like seeing the serene Japanese Garden after a busy week at home and at work. It's a place to relax and meditate in, and it can influence the way you feel about life. It's peaceful, quiet, and clean with spectacular views. I felt so calm and energized after I visited the garden. It was worth the money to go there. I have always admired the Japanese style, architectures, and interior designs. They can be simple, spacious, and minimalist; yet it's classy and elegant.

History

This garden was proclaimed to be the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside Japan. It's settled in the scenic west hills of Portland, Oregon. It was designed by Professor Takimo Tono in 1963. It encompasses 5.5 acres with five separate garden styles; and includes an authentic tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and spectacular views of Mt. Hood.

Japanese gardens have an ancient history influenced by Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies. Upon entering a Japanese garden, the hope is to realize a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility. Three primary elements are used in every Japanese garden design: stone, “the bones of the landscape;” water; the life giving force; and the plants; the tapestry of the four seasons. Other important elements include stone lanterns, water basins, arbors, and bridges.

We strolled all the amazing pathways inside the garden. Let's have a tour:

1. Wisteria Arbor (leads to the antique 5-tiered pagoda lantern)

2. Strolling Pond Garden (chisen kaiyu shiki niwa)

3. Tea Garden (roji)

4. Zigzag Bridge (yatsuhashi)

5. Heavenly Falls and Koi Pond

6. Natural Garden (zoki no niwa)

7. Sand and Stone Garden (karesansui)

8. Poetry Stone (traditional Japanese poems)

9. Pavilion (used for exhibitions and special events)

10. Flat Garden (hira niwa)

We had a wonderful time, and we hope to go again next year. We plan on exploring more in the garden.

Here are some of the arts displayed inside of the pavilion.