Baguette Me Not

Friday 4 May 2012

Parang ang bilis lang ng linggong ito? It's a long weekend here coz it's Bank holiday on Monday. Sure it does not affect me coz I don't work Mondays pero at least off din nun si Papa E.


The day was uneventful, we just went to the supermarket to buy our weekly grocery after work and went straight home. On the way home ay nakita ko ang deli shop na ito. Buti na lang laging dala ang phone at nakuhaan ko sya ng pic. At tulad ng sabi ni Spanish Pinay, medyo corny sya pero nakakatuwa pa rin. Parang Pinoy diba? Bihira lang akong makakita ng mga posters dito na may humour =) Kaya sige na nga!

City Council Election

Today is the city council election day. This is our second time to vote and I wanted to share here how easy and fuss free it was.

Every year every household would receive a registration form that you need to fill in either online or via free post. You only need to confirm that the names listed on the form are eligible to vote (you have to return this form whether or not you are eligible).  And a few weeks before an election, each voter would receive a Poll card (the first photo on the right) that you need to bring with you on election day. Your name and unique voter number as well as your polling station and other details are printed on this card.

Our polling centre is at a community centre which was 2 minutes walk from the house, polling stations are open from 6am to 10pm.  When you arrive someone would greet you and collect your poll card, check your name from their list and give you your ballot. You would then go to the booth where you would put a cross next to the name of the candidate you choose and drop this in the box when you're done. And that's it.

You would notice that the there are no posters or any campaign materials anywhere near the station. There are also no representatives of candidates loitering about. We were in and out in less than 2 minutes!

How I wish that election at home are as quick, straight forward and clean as they are here...


We will find out the results tomorrow morning =) 

Ice cream

Saturday 10 March 2012

We've been blessed with a sunny day today! Hooray! After a long winter, sana ito na ang umpisa ng spring. The temp was 16℃ when we left to go to the park, a huge difference to negative or single digit temps we had for months. There were a lot of people around, most of them were basking in the sun. Ang lakas nga ng benta ni Mr Whippy ng ice cream, lol. Poj enjoyed running around the park and playing in the playground. 

One of the things I love about living here in the UK are the huge free parks where kids (& kids at heart) can go to relax and play.  I'm pleased that Poj loves to play in the garden or park coz Id hate for him to grow up glued to the tv or video games. Kaya roll on spring & summer, we've got loads of plans and we can't wait to get started =)

Unexpected Letter

22 February 2012

We got home a little late than usual today. We picked up some meds from the chemist and grabbed dinner on our way home. I wasn't expecting any letters so was surprised when a letter was addressed to me. 

The letter was from the House of Commons. The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the UK. It is a democratic body consisting of 650 members who are known as MPs or Members of Parliament (similar to our Congressmen at home). 

No, I was not in trouble or anything - though that could be ones first thought when you receive a letter from the government, haha! - Not that you've done something wrong, tamang duda lang coz we don't get these kinds of letters back home! 

Our MP for Southampton holds advice surgeries every month. I thought it is usually by appointment, what I didn't realize is that they also send out random invites like this where you could bring someone and drop in on the said time and date with any query or issue you may have with his work or about your area. 

I have not decided if I would go or what I would ask if I do decide to. I'm not really very interested in politics but I guess it's great that they have sessions like these where you raise your concerns. 

Sweet Little Cupcake

Saturday 18 February 2012

The lady on the right of the picture from my previous post is one of my work colleagues who usually bakes beautiful and tasty cupcakes as her sideline. She inspires me to bake cupcakes coz I usually struggle to make them look as beautiful. She has very kindly baked one for each of us yesterday.

I am surprised that I was able to take a photo before I ate the whole thing! I had a busy day so I took mine home and enjoyed it with a lovely cup of coffee. Seriously it was like a little piece of heaven =)
Thanks Ms ELH

Night Out With The Girls

 Friday 17 February 2012

One of our colleagues is moving to another department and we all went out for a meal to say goodbye and to wish her good luck with her new job. We went to a Chinese restaurant named Kachina and had the "order all you can Chinese." We all enjoyed the starter which we ordered two rounds of as well as the duck. But after these we were too full that we were ready for our dessert.
No one took pics and everybody was much too hungry that we all just tucked in. We had a lot of laughs and stories and it felt that we were there for ages.

The pic above is just a quarter of us that's there tonight, I wish they've put us in one table so that I could squeeze them all in one shot.

We had a lovely night though - a great way to end a long week!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bagong Tasa

Saturday 11 February 2012

Poj has been due his haircut in weeks. But it has been too cold and we've been really lazy that we've put it off. But his fringe was getting longer and was starting to poke his eyes. It was definitely time for a visit to His & Kids hair shop.


We told him why we are there and he sat on the chair without making a fuzz. The nice lady cracked on with the task at hand. She was surprised at how well behaved and cooperative Poj was. Little Poj was as good as gold and was done in no time. 


He again loved the well done sticker that was given to him after his haircut & she also gave him a lolly before we left. Well done, Poj! 


 A photo after his haircut is here =)

Do You Drink?

Friday 10 February 2012

I don't drink much, I usually just have a glass of wine when we go out for a meal with friends or a couple of cocktails when we go out for drinks - which is not very often. 

But today while food shopping, I saw this Sidekick vodka mix drink with toffee flavour. I couldn't help but smile coz I remembered some of my friends in the Philippines (a million years ago) when they went gaga over the flavoured lambanog. Meron pa ba nun ngayon? 

Anyway, I thought I could bring this to my friend's house the next time we get together. Apparently it comes in 10 flavours (Choco orange, Cookies & cream, Strawberries & cream to name a few).  I'm not even sure if I'm going to like it coz I'm not a big fan of Baileys. I've read good reviews though, which said it was sweet and tasty but can be too sweet that you could end up drinking more than you planned to.

Kayo, do you drink?

Boring Shoes

Thursday 9 February 2012

This is by far the most boring shoes I've ever bought. 

I am part of a panel who would be interviewing for 3 posts for our department. So it means I have to look a bit smart, para naman kagalang-galang ang lola, lol.  When I went to look for a pair of shoes that would match my black dress for the big day, I realized that I don't own one that would do. The shoes I've got at home are much too high(Example here).  And since I have to go back to my ward after the interview (booo I know) I have to wear something that's a tad more sensible. 

Thank goodness for Marks and Spencer that's just 3 miles away from home. They have a huge selection of shoes, and I found this pair which is a bit "Manang" to be honest, but are perfect for tomorrow. They are also very comfy and reasonably priced. 

I have never interviewed anyone before so am nervous.  Although I'm sure the candidates are more nervous than I am. Haha, wish me luck!

The View

Wednesday 8 February 2012

This is just one of the things you'll see when you go up the elegant viewing tower, the Spinnaker Tower. The building is situated on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays.

So thank God for weekends and days off. Without them we would not have the chance to see such views. Although it was cold and grey, it was a good thing we were able to take some photos to share.

At dahil libreng mangarap, we left imagining that one of those boats there are ours, hehehe =)

What Time is It?

Tuesday 7 February 2012

We have been teaching Poj how to tell the time using our wall clock in the lounge or his Thomas the Tank Engine wall clock in his room. So we were not planning of buying him a toy clock until we found this at half price. It was originally priced at £2.99 (₱201.83) but reduced to just £1.49 (₱100.59). One can't go wrong with that price, right?

It was a simple toy that serves it's purpose. It does not come with lights and push buttons that emit sounds - which is a plus. He's already got a lot of toys that talks, plays music, animal sounds etc. Another plus is that each number comes in a different shape, and his enjoying learning about shapes as well. 

You know I'm a sucker for good bargains, and I'm so glad we found this. What's his favourite time? It's 8 o'clock. That's the time he starts nursery in the morning and that's his bedtime as well. =)

Arroz caldo Ala Papa E

Monday 6 February 2012

One of the things I'm thankful for is that I have a loving husband who loves to cook.  His food makes me less homesick because he tries his best to prepare us good Filipino dishes.  He loves reading blog posts especially foodblogs and would usually give them a go.   And he also takes requests coz he complains that he's running out of ideas. 

And because the temp has plummeted here in the UK, I wanted to eat something simple but warm. So I requested Arroz caldo (Filipino congee).  His version this time has chicken, egg and Chinese fish balls, garnished with spring onion, roasted garlic and a splash of lemon. Y.U.M.M.Y!

Normally when he cooks this, he would also prepare fried tofu and/or spring rolls o lumpiang togue. Yung parang complete order na sa karinderia ni Manang. But on this occasion we didn't, we were worried that it'll be stone cold when it reach the dining table - sayang lang. 

Kayo, what do you love to eat during the cold season?

Friday dinner

Friday 3 February 2012

Friday is usually our "take away" night. We are generally tired (and/or lazy) that we resort to either Chinese, Japanese, Indian or Fish and chips.  But Papa E arrived early today. And since little Poj is still a little unwell, he decided to lovingly fix us this delightful dish.

The Chicken noodle soup was absolutely perfect for the cold night. Yes, the temperature here in Europe has dropped considerably this week. That's why somehow I am a little glad that nursery didn't agree to have Poj today. We've spent the day bonding and we spent most of the afternoon wrapped up in our duvet. =)

TGIF! Have a lovely weekend everyone! 

Spinnaker Tower

Saturday 28 January 2012

The Spinnaker Tower is a 170-metre high landmark tower in Portsmouth, England which represents sails billowing in the wind.

It has 3 viewing deck at the top of the tower. The first deck boasts a glass floor where tourists can feel as though they are walking on air. There is a cafe on the second deck and the Crow's Nest on the 3rd deck, which has a mesh roof, enabling visitors to be in the elements. These viewing decks provides a 350° view of the city and Portsmouth harbours.

The tower is open to tourists but could also be hired for private functions.

Although it is new (it opened in 2005), it is fast becoming as one of the popular landmarks in the country. We never fail to bring our friends or family here whenever they come to visit.   

So Sweet!

Friday 27 January 2012

I love cakes and chocolates but were never a big fan of candies. But when I saw these at West Quay Shopping Mall in town I just couldn't help but smile.  Somehow it reminded me of the sari-sari store ni Manang a few blocks from our house when I was a kid. She had those massive clear jars with colourful goodies similar to these on display. 

Little Poj asked if he could have some Minstrels chocolates. I said yes coz I know it would only dispense a few and thought I'd give him a treat. Papa E and I went for the Bubble King. Its the round bubble gum that comes in different colours and costs 50 pence each. It was a lot bigger than the ones Manang used to sell but has the same sweet taste on the outside.

Buti na lang the mall was closing in 15minutes and the place was nearly empty, we stayed there for a bit and looked at all the goodies. I could not believe how many kinds of candies were on display! (Talo ang tindahan ni Manang!) Poj must have thought it was magic, coz when his Ama turned the dial, the sweets came out.  And I have to add that he was even more impressed when Papa E started blowing bubblegum bubbles =)

Hayz, buti na lang Poj knows it's only a treat and after we had our fun, he was more than happy to say"goodbye candies!"

Gunwharf Quays

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Today we visited an outlet shop in Portsmouth, Hampshire, the Gunwharf Quays.  It is 18 miles away from where we live which is approximately 30-minute drive. 

They have popular shops like Nike, Oakley, Crabtree & Evelyn, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Ugg, Gap, Cath Kidston and a lot more. It is also a popular destination for gimmicks because of the different restaurants & bars, there's also a comedy club, cinemas & a bowlplex. You'll never ran out of things to do here. 

 We went because I needed to get something, it was our first time to go there midweek after work - it was like a ghost town! Normally the whole place is buzzing with busy shoppers, tourists or gimikeros. Ok lang naman coz it meant no queues, so we were in and out. 

It's not just a shopping outlet with a view (the Portsmouth harbour) with great restaurants, the  best part of course is when the shops go gaga on sales! Which is usually after Christmas and when they do their end of season sale =)


Hayz, too many lovely things, so little sweldo, lol =)

7 Years Ago Today

Wednesday 18 January 2012

It's Wednesday today and that can only mean one thing, it's back to work for me. I'm usually excited to come to work after being off for four days to look after Poj. But today, I'm just not feeling the love for some reason =(

So before going in the the hospital, I stopped outside and had a good look at it (I usually come in through a different wing of the hospital). It registered that I haven't looked at it for a long time. Doing so reminded me of my first day here, one January morning - 7 years ago. 

Somehow that made me feel better about coming in. It made me appreciate how lucky I am that I have a good job & working with a lot of lovely people. =)



Friday The 13th

Friday 13 January 2012

Hay naku, na-Friday the 13th ata kami! 

We woke up to a cold, 2℃ morning. The car was frosted for the first time in weeks. When Papa E went to switch the engine on, it just won't start! He tried several time to no avail. And since neither of us know anything about cars, we knew we need to call RAC, our breakdown and recovery cover. 

They told us that we need to upgrade our cover because it does not include breakdown at home.  So we had no choice but to pay them £60 upfront to come to our rescue.

When "Chalky" arrived and diagnosed Tony (our car), he told us that we needed a new battery - this costs £75.  So we were £135 (PHP 9,047) poorer and it's not even 9am! 

But nevermind, Tony and it's battery is  now 5 years old, so the batt must really be at the end of it's life. And looking at the bright side, at least it happened when we were at the comforts of our home and not when we were in the middle of nowhere.  And even when we were an hour late for work, both our managers were understanding about what happened =)



A Drink On A School Night

Thursday 12 January 2012

One of my best mate, Sally & also little Poj's ninang has finally arrived from her 3-month holiday in South America =) We went out to dinner with our other colleagues to welcome her back as well as to celebrate her birthday. It was a great night filled with stories, laughter and great food. 

We were told that the servings are quite huge so most of us skipped the starters and went straight to the mains. I had their homemade steak burger with onion marmalade, crispy smoked bacon and melted cheddar. This was served with chips and ribshack coleslaw and I'm happy to share that it was simply the most scrumptious burger I've ever had! => sorry walang pic, we all tucked in sa sobrang gutom coz it was already late.

And of course I also enjoyed my fave drink, the White zinfandel rose´  



Young Sexy Lovely

Tuesday January 3 2012

Every girl loves a good perfume, getting one for free is even better. This perfume usually costs £20 but got it for free using my Boots card. Boots is one of the big chemists here in the UK which also sells health and beauty products. Everyone who has a Boots card earns a point for every penny spent (or more for promotional products). They had this item on sale and was pleased when the cashier told me I could get it for free using my Boots points! Fab!