Trip or Treats: December 2010

12.31.2010

Christmas in Pampanga & ToT's Kitchen

Before I go on another JuJu cleanse for 2011 to rid me of all the holiday cholesterol, let me greet everyone a very belated Merry Christmas and a happy happy 2011 from ToT's Kitchen & family!

Every year, we prepare a traditional Noche Buena meal for the family. This was our first ever Christmas in our new home with the kitchen I designed. Our meal consisted of:

This Sans Rival Can't Be Rivaled

Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered the best Sans Rival, or Cashew Torte, I have ever tasted. Good thing I went on the JuJu Cleanse to make way for this buttery wonder in my system.

Since holidays are opportunities for friends and loved ones to express their generosity, a TON of food gifts have been arriving in our household. One of them, this large red box that I found in the refrigerator. Seemed nonchalant, so I decided to open it to figure out if I was to recycle it and re-gift it to someone else (oh come on, admit it).

12.30.2010

My JuJu Cleanse Experience

Many of you who follow me know that my appetite is an ever-growing monster. After all the pre-Christmas holiday eating, and my weekly adulation for Mercato Centrale as a merchant and a diner, I was feeling extremely BLAH. Sluggish, bloated and overall feeling like a stuffed turkey,.I knew and felt tht I needed an overhaul before I could possibly continue on to the Christmas celebrations.

During a food-filled visit at Mercato Centrale, I chanced upon this guy touting the JuJu Cleanse. More captivated by the name than anything else, it promised a digestive overhaul that would give me more energy, reduce bloat, clear up skin, and weightloss as a happy side-effect. He didn't need to hard sell, since I've always wanted to try a cleanse but was to lazy to make them myself, so I mustered up the courage to Commit to the Cleanse.

After calling the number from the flier, I settled for a 3-day cleanse on Level 2. JuJu Cleanse can be taken for a day or for 3 days for best results. The levels go up as the amount of Green Bomb juices increase. My second level cleanse meant 3 Green Bomb bottles in my daily regimen of 6 juices. No Food for 3 days... Good God, help me survive!

12.14.2010

The 'Qi' to Wellness in the City

Since I'm on a 3 day juice fast (TBB), I refuse to write about any of my recent food finds for fear that I might devour the entire refrigerator. So, in the spirit of wellness, I'll write about a different type of Treat that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and out, and doesn't require ingestion of comfort food.

After an eventful weekend of Mercato Centrale, dining, and a string of Goodie Giveaways, I needed a break from the hustle of the city. Mr. S & I went to Makati to get some short-term bliss since we didn't want to leave Manila to go to a spa, but still wanted to get away from it all. No, we did not check in to Picasso Boutique Hotel.

But if you're familiar with Picasso in Salcedo Village in Makati, on the left hand side of the impeccable white facade is Qi Wellness Massage + Reflexology Centre. Their sign very nondescript, which also resonates with the property's exteriors.

12.08.2010

Holiday Happenings at Hotel Elizabeth Baguio

If you're in Baguio this Holiday season, drop by Hotel Elizabeth Baguio and celebrate the Merry Month with these fabulous Dining Specials!

And if you're wondering what to do for the New Year, Why not come celebrate at Hotel Elizabeth!

The Santorini ballroom will be the venue for the Big Bang New Year Dinner Celebration on the 31st!

12.07.2010

Holiday Goodie Giveaway #10.2: A SET of Vosges Chocolates!

CONGRATULATIONS BLANK PIXELS FOR WINNING THE VOSGES CHOCOLATES GOODIE GIVEAWAY!

CHECK YOUR EMAIL TOMORROW FOR DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS!

Guess it was just about unanimous. When I asked ToT readers which they would rather win as a Goodie Giveaway, you all screamed CHOCOLATES!!!

During my recent visit to California, I went to my favorite Whole Foods store to pickup some goodies for myself and for ToT-ers. I also stocked up on my ultimate opulent indulgence: Vosges Chocolates.

Jimmy Choo, Who/What are You!?

So this is my dog, Jimmy Choo, a few days before the shocker.

Jimmy Choo, Choobear, Jimmy Bear. He's my malte-poo mutt of a dog. Most people that have met him know he's a mutt with amazing disposition. He even converted my mother, who is known to "give away" our dogs because they smelled, into a canine loving lady. He knows how to project, too.