Gyoza wrapper

 Gyoza wrapper

I like this gyoza wrapper which was recommended by a friend.

500 g Mince pork ang beef

1 bunch spring onions/chives minced

6-7 pcs garlic minced

1 inch ginger minced

4-6 pcs cabbage, first immersed in hot water with salt, then salt. Then rinse. Pat dry. Minced

Sesame oil

Magic sarap

Gyoza wrapper

Mix spring onions, garlic,, ginger and cabbage. Add meat. Add magic sarap. Add sesame oil. Mix well.

Cook thru hob. With oil

5 mins in L2

2 mins in L4

Flip to 1 side

2 mins in L4/ until golden brown

Flip to another side

2 mins in L4/ until golden brown

Invinsible - Hunter Hayes

 Invinsible - Hunter Hayes

Easy Banchan - Leek Salad by Sanegeal Farmhear

One cons of living in the countryside is there are not enough shops for your Asian grocery needs. So I was craving for a samgyupsal meal and a banchan/s is/are a must! (Do not forget the most important item which is the kimchi!). I was planning to use the leeks for the miso soup but I thought of trying of using leeks instead of spring onions (which is not available in the supermarket here) was good actually.

I had some gochugaru flakes and was feeling lazy going upstairs so I used the gochujang paste instead!

Anyway, here is what I did:

Banchan - Leek Salad by Sanegeal Farmhear

Cut the leafy part of the leeks ( this will be used)

Cut them into strips (I found that leeks initiates more powerful tears), clean them thoroughly sometimes debris can be found inside them

Soak them in a cold water (to lessen the tears)

Soak them in hot water along with splash of vinegar and salt. Leave it be for some time.

Wash it again in cold water. Drain.

Dry up the strips with paper towels.

Add a teaspoon of gochujang paste

Add sesame oil

Add a dash of fine salt.

Adjust according to taste.

Enjoy!

Ye Olde Oak Hotdog

I am still trying out different kinds of hotdog, or sausage in the market here in the UK out of curiosity and I stumbled upon this Ye Olde Oak Hotdog. I think this costs around less than a pound?

Below are the ingredients:

This is already pre-cooked and can be eaten hot or cold straight from the can.

To be honest, this hotdog is like a bland and less peppery version of a Vienna sausage for me. Wikinger still tops the list in my opinion.

An Easy Carbonara Recipe by Sanegeal Farmhear

I was craving for pasta and looked up a carbonara recipe in the internet and tweaked it according to my taste and vision. The first sauce that I made was edible but a bit on the salty side as I only used 1 cream and there's no spinach. I also used the large flat mushrooms instead of the chestnut mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1/2-1 bulb of garlic, diced
• 1-2 pieces of Onion diced
• 5-7 pcs of smoked bacon, cut into 1//2 strips
• spinach, washed
• 2 double cream 300 g each
• 1 beef cube
• cheese de grano
• chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• pepper
• dried parsley
• Oil
• Butter

1. Saute garlic, onion and bacon in oil.
2. Add butter. 
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until halfway cooked. 
4. Add the beef cube. 
5. Add the double cream and the spinach. Simmer and cook until boiled. 
6. Add the cheese and simmer for a bit until thickened. 
7. Add freshly ground black pepper and add sprinkle of parsley.

Serve the sauce in a cooked linguini pasta (I watched a video that Italians did invent different types of pasta for different purposes - linguini pasta would tend to hold a lot more of the cream sauce) and toasted bread. Add salt, pepper or parsley according to taste.

Enjoy!

Fire And Rain - James Taylor

I'm looking up the song that I like which I also came across in YouTube and stumbled into this oldie but goodie song.

How to Properly Store Food in the Fridge - Food safety and hygiene

I came across a video in a social media where she talks about how to properly store food in the fridge.

Upper most section - ready to eat meals, leftover foods

2nd - dairy products (butter, cream, milk eggs ) milk and the eggs not in the door - as temperature in the door is not consistent and eggs need cold consistent temperature for it to remain fresh in the fridge

Meat - always on the tray or in a sealed container right the bottom as it is the part where it is the lowest, the coolest  and the meat requires that

All the sauces, condiments, spices that survive in the temperature slightly or higher can go in the side of the fridge. Always write the expiration date if you can.

Fruits and vegetables they need to be below separately because the boxes below in the fridge maintain the humidity level keeping your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer

Air vents in the side should not be blocked

If you want an odorless fridge, use an expired baking soda (can be also used for cleaning

Noah

Noah

I recent learned this website where you can check if an area in the Metro is prone to flooding. This is extremely helpful to those who are looking for properties or for rent. The flood in Metro Manila is getting worst year after year so it is wise to strategize where you reside.

https://noah.up.edu.ph/know-your-hazards

Mogu mogu

Imagine my elation when I found a Mogu Mogu drink in Home Bargains which costs around less than a pound ( I think). It doesn't carry the white one which I like and instead I bought the Peach flavoured one.

Here are the ingredients.

Interesting to know that this came from Thailand

Catheterization

I attended today a catheter training and the take-aways that I learned were as follows:

• When there are clots when inserting a catheter, remove and insert a new one.
• For the encrustations, encourage patient consume food and drink which contains vitamin C. Encrustations are calcium deposits which are small sharps. Encourage to avoid milk, calcium containing, medications.
• It is better to insert a new catheter to a patient when it is blocked. You might dislodged a big calcium deposit in the bladder and this might cause trauma.

Why We Shouldn't Hold Our Pee

 Why We Shouldn't Hold Our Pee

I recently attended a continence training and one idea that I learned is that holding your pee and making it a habit will bite you later in the back. 

How?

When you hold your pee, the muscle in your bladder weakens. Which will cause incontinence.

Aside from that, it could predispose you to urinary tract infections. Because there is stasis in the bladder and this is a good breeding place for bacteria to multiply.

Upgrade your Chia Seeds Experience with Granola!

Recently, I opened my bag of chia seeds. I haven't had any before and chia seeds from what I researched in the internet is a good source of fiber that can hydrate your gut. But, I noticed that I am bloating and farting a lot so I decided to decrease my consumption of almost daily chia from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon and it worked out so well! I still fart sometimes though (oopss!!)

I actually intended to consume chia seeds because aside from the fact that they're tagged as superfood, I'd like to have a stress-free and smooth defecation in the toilet. Talking about poo, you might want to check out the Bristol chart.

Anyway, here is my recipe on how I prepare my overnight chia seeds with granola

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

125 ml/ 1/2 cup of almond milk

    mix these two first in an empty glass like a biscoff jar so it would me easy mixing with no mess (just close the lid tightly!)

 then add

1/2 cup granola (nutty)

another 125 ml/ 1/2 cup of almond milk

2 tablespoons of honey

splash of vanilla extract

    mix thoroughly

    put it in the fridge at least overnight

Put in some berries or fruits of your choice. But I liked it as it is.

Enjoy!

 

 Hoka's W Transport Gtx Shoes

I've been on the look out for the best duty shoes that doesn't squeak and would make my feet comfortable since I mostly walk at work. I paid 155 gbp for this (not on sale!) and I've been wearing it for 9 months already. One thing that I can say about this shoes is that it is very much light to wear which surprised me. Though I still have squeaky shoes. I wonder if is it me?

Tesco's Finest Vanilla Chai

 Tesco's Finest Vanilla Chai

If you're looking for something interesting and to expand your taste on tea, I would recommend this Vanilla Chai.

Somehow it also tastes like Masala Chai

Marino

 Marino

Devil in Disguise

Crush

I discovered yet another interesting singer in YouTube music named Marino. I noticed he's always depicted with a drawn smiley in a brown paper bag 

Pork Adobo!

 Pork Adobo

350 g pork belly

1/2-1 bulb of garlic - half with skin on and pounded, others minced

1-2 lemon

1- teaspoon Knorr seasoning

Marinade overnight.

1 chopped onion

2 Bayleaves

Whole peppercorns

Crushed peppercorns 

Saute onions until translucent.

Pan fry and sear marinated meat without the marinade until oil comes from the pork fat.

Add the marinade, cook in low heat and let it boil.

Add a bit of water. Add sugar and adjust according to taste. Cook until meat becomes tender

Vita Coco Coconut Water

 Vita Coco Coconut Water

I was curious how this coconut water tasted like and I purchased one from Tesco as it is on sale. This came from the Philippines so I was surprised (we don't have anything like this in the Philippines though).

I opened it today and the taste seemed already with a hint of like the coconut oil when you fry the coconut meat. Though nothing tastes like the ones you drink from the fresh coconut.

Chia seeds!

Finally, I was able to try out chia seeds. I purchased a bag when we were in Costco. 

I started on the 11th and am still consuming it early in the morning.

I started with a 1/2 cup for 2 tablespoons and later I found what I prefer

1 cup sweetened almond milk (bought in Lidl)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1.5-2 tbsp honey

Dash of vanilla extract

Mix well and leave it overnight. I personally like the small used jars (though they can be heavy and can take a bit of space in the fridge) cause it makes mixing easier and spill free.

Amble - Swan Song

 Amble - Swan Song

Cheers!

Manga Manhwa currently reading

Manga Manhwa currently reading

I don't want to remarry a tyrant - ep 27

Now That My Engagement With The Prince Was Cancelled, I Will Stop Pretending To Be a Fool ep 5

The Monster Male already under my bed ep 67

I Still Don’t Know About My Favourite Character’s Unwavering Obsession - ep 25

My Contract Husband Resembled The Male Lead ep 30

How to Turn a Gentle Male Lead Into an Obsessive Male Lead [EZManga] ep 19

Talented Baby Squirrel - ep 103

I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - ep 18

Authors: Cheong su pil

Artists: Dahin

My Students' Guardians Are Obsessed With Me - ep 40

I became the male leads target - ep 27

Treat Your Friends With Respect [Official] - ep 84

Reborn As the Character That Never Existed - fin

Joe's Ice Cream in Cardiff

 Joe's Ice Cream in Cardiff

We went for a short trip in Cardiff and bought this lovely ice cream from Joe's. It's very creamy and sweet, perfect for this sunny and hot weather! A small cup is more than enough for me.

Seo Kang Joon

 Seo Kang Joon

One of my Korean actor crushes is Seo Kang Joon. I really like his eyes.

NewGate Lentil Soup

 NewGate Lentil Soup

I haven't tried lentil soup up until my friend let me have a try when we went to an Indian restaurant in London. It was good, really. So, I remembered to try out Lidl's canned Lentil soup which costs around.

I'm not a fan, it could do some more work with it's spices. There's a hint of tomato puree in there.

Wikinger Hotdog

 Hotdog

If you're looking for a lesser Tender juicy hotdog which hits Filipino taste buds and closer to home, I think that this hotdog is it with being less salty

M&S Raspberry & Peach Iced Tea

 M&S Raspberry & Peach Iced Tea

While waiting for the next bus, I've decided to try out M&S Raspberry & Peach Iced tea which costs around. Sadly, I didn't like it.

Netflix: Korean drama - Resident's Play book

 Netflix: Korean drama - Resident's Play book

I'm smiling from ear to ear because they are cute! I liked the progress of the 2nd leads rather than the main character.

Warning. Next paragraph contains spoilers

Sa-bi and Jae-il

Ep 9 

Remaining 13:50 - Sa-bi was found out to be a long time fan of Hi-Boyz

Ep 10 Remaining 9:27 Churros

Ep 11 

Remaining 57:56 Wheelchair

46:41 wheelchair

36:50 grabbing coffee

Ep 12

26:13 Jae-il admits

Nam-kyung and Gi-on

Ep 7

7:30

Ep 12

23:40

Attempt to make Longganisa recipe

 Attempt to make Longganisa recipe

I tried the Savory easy recipe and it really tasted like a Longganisa which needed a bit of tweaking.

Tiktok - Fintech Founder

 Tiktok - Fintech Founder

I like how she was able to explain things in a sensible way. She dissect personal finance in a simple way which is digestible (don't take it literally).

The 50 quid in the UK

 The 50 quid in the UK

If you're going to the UK and is planning to spend money using cash (though everything is pretty much cashless nowadays here), it was advised by my UK based agency not to get the 50 quid (or pounds) as you would only be suspected of having fake notes. The 50 quid is not commonly used.

Kani cucumber salad

 Kani cucumber salad

There were ingredients in the fridge that has been there for a long time and I was hungry so I decided to make a kani cucumber salad tonight.

Here are the

Dive - Olivia Dean

 Dive - Olivia Dean

Kind words from a colleague

 Kind words from a colleague

At the end of the shift, I'd had the opportunity to talk to one of my colleagues and the conversation somehow went into how long have I've been a nurse.

Then, I had the feedback that I've been doing well and I am good with my patients which is very much kind of her.

Fern - Aleksiah

 Fern - Aleksiah

Villains Are Destined to Die

 Villains Are Destined to Die

I'm absolutely engaged in this manga series. I've stop at 164 episode (end of season 4)

Valentine - Kina Grannis

 Valentine - Kina Grannis

When I was on my break during my night shift, I suddenly reminded of a song and it seems at the tip of my tongue. I tried to rack my brain to retrieve it. 

Luckily, I was able to. This is such an OG song. I personally liked the animation in the video. 😁

Hash browns!

 Hash browns!

Hey there! How are you today? I hope you're alright with the sunshine today I'm the UK. 

I think that I'm definitely in the right country. I always liked potatoes, absolutely adored mash potatoes, can't get enough of their chips (it's called fries in America) and my dream of having hash browns to my hearts content!

I used to order it in McDonald's in the Philippines during breakfast but as not frequently as much as it is a bit pricey for a small one. Im talking like less than the size of my hand.

In here, you can purchase a frozen one less than a kilo gram for 2-3 pounds and enjoy.

Got my third credit card yesterday!

 Got my third credit card yesterday!

I just tried on my HSBC and I got another one with a 3k limit. Woohhoooo!

Decoding my P60

 Decoding my P60

I thought I was taxed the wrong way but it was a good thing to go through over it again as I was ready to email the payroll!

I received my P60 for the year 2023-24. So in the Pay and Income details, just add all the basic pay, pay arrears and deduct the NI pension and there you will have your final Income for the whole year.

Making Spinach Dip

 Making Spinach Dip

Though it's not my first attempt in making a spinach dip. I like this version better

Blanch spinach in boiling water and rinse in cold. Drain and chop using scissors

Saute minced garlic and onion in butter until almost translucent.

Add chopped spinach.

Add cream cheese and cheese

Add salt and pepper.

Adjust according to your desired taste.

Top this on a toasted bread.

 

Gyoza dipping sauce

 Gyoza dipping sauce

This is my favourite dip so far that I invented

Knorr Liquid Seasoning

Blue Dragon Mirin or mizhan Mirin

Spring onion, add a lot!

Better if one red chili or if not available, chili flakes

Pepper

Lemon

Braised Salmon

 Braised Salmon

Salmon fillets

Dark soy sauce and Japanese Mirin 1 espresso cup:2 

Minced Ginger

Spring onions

Marinate at least overnight

Panfry the salmon

Add the marinade

Add the chopped spring onions

Simmer

Yippee! Got my 2nd credit card approved!

Yippee! Got my 2nd credit card approved from Capital One!

And yes! Being the bearer of good news today.... I got my 2nd credit card today!! Woooohooo!!

To tell you a story, it was in my mind for weeks now to increase my total credit card limit minimum of 4k pounds so that it could also increase my credit score.

I was contemplating on applying for a credit card increase in my first credit card with a credit limit of 1k but when I did some search on how much should I ask for an increase so that there is a high chance for it to be approved, it says around max 25% of your current limit. So that is like 250 more.

So I thought why now apply for another one? If I could get another (since the 6 months period has passed, so it's safe to apply for an account), then I could add another 1k into my total limit.

God is good! All the time! I was approved from Capital One with a credit limit of 1.5k!

How to increase credit score in credit karma

 This is something that is like trial and error.

But I discovered that you can increased that by maxing up to 25% of your credit score and leave it until end of the month.

Miso soup

 Boil water with diced onions

Add dashi and dissolve according to instruction

Add bokchoy

Add tofu

Add miso paste

Enjoy!

Ginataang kalabasa

 

Saute ginger then garlic and onion until light golden brown. Add small amount of butter

Add the shrimp. Let it cook halfway. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper 

Add the kalabasa. Saute for a bit

Add Blue dragons coconut. Season with Patis, salt and ground pepper. Adjust according to taste

Credit score Uk

 

Less than 25% utilization

Before end of month pay

Before generation of statement date

The Romance Between Tiger and Rose

 The Romance Between Tiger and Rose

Why is Sweden anti alcohol

 

I was talking to my patient and he was saying that Sweden and they had laws on alcohol and it has something to do with their history

Kdrama - Shadow Beauty

I'm mostly bed rotting when I'm home because of the cold weather. It's nice for a change that I have accomplished finishing a series of Korean drama though it is only 13 episodes. Technically, I watched it in one go. Yay! You can watch this in Viki.

The story was good. It revolves around Koo Ae jin, a high schooler who is bullied for her looks so she has her alter ego, Genie, a popular influencer which she made using her photoshop editing skills.

What also made me watch this drama is Cho Bomin. I thought that he looked familiar. He was is 18 again and I found him cute there. I looked him up and was surprised that he is an idol.

 Yutaka White Miso Paste

I was craving for a sour broth in salmon with miso which we call in the Philippines as "Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso". I remembered that in the social media I saw, some use the miso paste instead of the usual white miso that can be found in the local palengke when in the Philippines. 

This costs around 1.75 GBP for a 100g in TESCO which I can gauge be used 1-3 times for dishes. 

It has a great depth in umami flavor which is quite different what we normally have. White Miso in the local palengke/supermarket in the Philippines has coarse bits of the soybean and it is usually sour (because it is fermented).

Melitta Coffee Filter #4

Because I was able to brought back my favorite ground coffee beans from the Philippines, I need some coffee filter paper. Unfortunately, UK supermarkets doesn't have readily available coffee filter papers as I researched that they are more consuming espresso drinks which I have not verified this yet.

Anyway, I've looked in Amazon and they costs around 2.99 GBP for 80 pieces per box. This can be used for filter coffee machines. I haven't anticipated that the pour over coffee which I also bought was smaller so it looked like this:

Probably a #2 then. Ahihihi. 🤣

Anyone care for some pink onions?

Would anyone care for some pink onions? Well, it caught my attention that onions has also a pink variety.

Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso using paste

Sinigang is one of the known signature Filipino dishes. I've been craving for some sinigang, but make it a salmon as one of the main ingredient. Head of the salmon could make this dish a chef's kiss, but I'd kept it simple for now.

Ingredients:

• Oil
• 4-5 chopped garlic
• 2 big red onion diced
• 5 cherry tomato
• Fish sauce/Patis (approx 2-3 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp Miso paste
• 500 ml water
• Salmon fillet
• Pak choi

In a heated pan with oil, saute the garlic, onion and tomatoes until soft and translucent. Add the patis and the miso paste. Mix well. Add water. Once near boiling, adjust broth according to your taste. Add salmon.  Cook for around 6 minutes. Add the Pak choi and simmer until soft (6-8 minutes). Enjoy!

You can also add cut long beans, radish/Daikon, eggplant into the mix. Just put it before the salmon.

 Italiamo Pecorino Romano

I'm still constantly looking out for a cheese which has a resembling taste to Eden cheese back in the Philippines and this one I think is the most nearest taste that I've tried so far. Only that, it has more depth of flavor. I bought it at Lidl for 1.99 GBP.