My Baby Turned 3

 Where did my baby go? I see is a little girl with gentleness in her heart with a nurturing character towards two little sisters. I see a girl who is quick to learn even without the help of her mommy. It was a bitter sweet occasion that my baby is growing into a smart beautiful girl. She has no accomplishment yet, but oh how proud I am of her. It is hard to think that this little piece of beauty came out of me or came from me.

It was a small intimate bday celebration this year. No big number of guests and pinterest-y cake and decors. Just regular and simple party with the family.

This is us having fun at Mira's birthday photoshoot. A photo shoot that wasn't planned.

Extra Crunchy Fried Chicken Recipe

I have a little bit of confession here. This picture is a product of my own mix of recipes. I did not follow the exact recipe as below. I steamed my chicken drumsticks first to pre-cook and followed the batter recipe. The batter was spot on, and I used deep fryer. I never had a fried chicken that looked like this before.

Extra Crunchy Fried Chicken Full recipe as told by the book called Cooks Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking

1 cup plus 6 tablespoons buttermilk

1 tbsp salt

1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 lbs) cut into 8 pcs
   (discarded wings and back reserved for stock)

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

4-5 cups frying oil

1. Whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and salt in large bowl until salt is dissolved. Add chicken pieces to bowl and stir to coat; cover bowl overnight.

2. Whisk flour, baking powder, thyme, pepper and garlic powder together in large bowl. Add remaining 6 tbsp of buttermilk; with your fingers, rub flour and buttermilk together until buttermilk is evenly incorporated into flour mixture and resembles coarse wet sand.

3. Working in batches of 2, drop chicken pieces into flour mixture and turn to thoroughly coat , gently pressing flour mixture onto chicken. Shake excess flour from each piece of chicken and transfer to a wire rack set over rimmed baking sheet.

4. Heat Oil (it should measure 4/4 inch deep) in a Dutch oven  over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees. Place chicken pieces skin down in oil, cover and fry until deep golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove lid after 4 minutes  and lift chicken for even browning; rearrange if some pieces are browning faster than the others. (At this point, oil should be about 300 degrees) Adjust burner if necessary to regulate the temperature of the oil). Turn chicken pieces over and continue to fry uncovered until chicken pieces are deep brown on second side, 6 to 8 minutes longer. (At this point, keep the chicken from browning too quickly, adjust burner to maintain oil temp about 315 degrees.) Using tongs, transfer chicken to paper towel-lined plate;let stand doe 15 minutes to drain.

How My Kids Scare Me

I had just tucked my baby to the swing for an afternoon nap. I successfully snicked  out and came flying downstairs to quickly wash the feeding bottles when I suddenly missed a step. The next thing I found myself was, I was laying on the floor calling my husband for help.

Here's the unthinkable part. While I was on the floor screaming from pain down my foot, all I could think of was "oh no! How do I get back upstairs to prompted my baby's bottle back? She needs me." I wasn't thinking if I broke a bone or anything that concerns my painful foot. I was more concerned, I had to put my baby her bottle back? HOW SILLY IS THAT!?

4 years ago, I never thought I would be more concerned more about milk bottle over a foot accident. I find it fascinating how motherhood  can change my way of thinking. 

Its funny and alarming to think that I would care so much about someone new, someone so selfish and someone barely I knew more than my life.

There are many things that scares me. My children scares me in a different way. "They grow up so fast", is not just an expression. I had this sudden fear when my children look up to me as if asking me a question " I just turned two .So what's next in life?", knowing I am still figuring life myself. Responsibility is not what frightens me. To see them get hurt is like experiencing death while living. 

I do not recognize the old me anymore. I guess that's healthy? Motherhood opened my eyes to see a whole different level of love. It changes me.There's a peculiar strength motherhood brings.

Strength in forgiveness

Strength to sacrifice
Strength to deny myself

Strength to execute selflessness.

Kitchen Ceiling Update

This is a loong overdue video upload of my kitchen ceiling project. Now, I am currently in the process of finishing cabinet painting.

2017 Fall fashion Tops Ideas

My mantle set up is still on summer mode yet the store aisles are screaming “Autumn is coming!”. The summer air is quickly filling with pumpkin spice latte and the crisp smell of apple cinnamon spiced strudel is telling me my favorite season is here.

 It isn’t too early for wonderful season of warm colored wardrobes. Dust off those boots and don’t hold off on that suede boots on sale because you’ll going to need them very soon.

 It’s time to unbox my fall necessities and box up my outdated warm outfits. I am a stay home mom taking care of three children, re-doing the kitchen and keeping the house together. I deserve a little bit of TLC and shopping for new tops isn’t too much for a hardworking mom.

I looked for stylish women's blouses online for latest trends coming this fall. 

Vintage inspired outfits are coming back and chocolate color will not only be seen as your favorite hot beverage on this coming cold season.

Go Vintage

You can pull off these seventies look without looking like your mom or grandma. If you do, what’s wrong with that? If Mom or Grandma dressed like these, hey must have been cool back then.
I found these vintage-y styles at Yoins.com. The prices aren't bad so I can get the look I want without hurting my budget. 

This vintage plaid is a must! 

Get in touch with your soft side. Couch floral is on the list of big style this fall, according to Elle and Vogue. I don't like them patterns on my couch or window treatments but I fell in love with these soft flowy tops. Style and comfort is my choice of fashion. Check out these fashion cute tops for women, for a more feminine look. You could wear them as it is or match it with leather jacket and fashionable cute boots. Click the link for more inspiration.

Solid neutral colors are very versatile. Here are a couple of chocolate colored tops if you are aiming for a more street casual look.

 I hope you find this little fashion tips helpful. Thanks for joining with me. It was a great day shopping with you!
Cheers!

Dress Like Royalty without Breaking the Bank

I just turned 30-ish this last July. With tears in my eye, I told myself, I needed a more suitable outfit for my age. While the fact that I am getting a old, I have nothing to console myself but the words "There's beauty in maturity" 
I am aiming for a classy look this fall. My go-to inspiration for sophisticated style was Brit’s fashion icon Kate Middleton because nothing spells elegance than the dutchess of Cambridge. Eventhough we cannot all be the future queen of England, but we can look like one without breaking the bank.

I rummaged through Kate’s what-she-wore photos and here are my inspirations.

When I think of Kate, I had this image of her in her signature blue blazer. It is known this is her favorite thing to wear due to it’s versatility from casual to formal attire.

 I found this ensemble available at Yoins.com

Here's Kate in a casual comfort get-up, great to match up with a pair of suede espresso riding boots. 

Nothing speaks like royalty than bright pastel colors. Did you know the Queen of England strategically wore bright colored attire so she stands out in the crowd for security purposes? I thought she just like bright colored clothes.

I love the pastel blue coat over cute chiffon blouse paired with hounds tooth print skirt. 

I hope you find this post inspirationally helpful. 

Hope to see you all next time!

Cheerios! 

Potty...No Way

When she started saying 'no way' I thought she was singing Moana's Ancestor's Song watching it 50 times a day. But now, she made it clear no means no.

5 Months!

I cannot believe they got this big in a span of five months! 

Having two babies at the same time is quite a work. Hands down to those who have triplets or more than that! Bless your heart. 

But I want to encourage you sister, if you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, remember, they are not small forever. Consider raising your future best friends! lol!

To see them grow healthy and happy (except when they are hungry or sleepy or teething) is unbelievably rewarding. It is interesting to see how they develop different personality!

 There are so many that needed to be done and so many things I would wish to do. I have to keep to myself to take one thing at a time and my babies are my priority. If there was one thing I learned was, Don't expect help, but accept all the help you can get! Us moms have this idea in our head that nobody can take care of our babies better than we do, but sometimes, we just have to let go and not be crazy uptight that everything has to be a certain way

It has been 5 looong months, but sooner or later they will be running away from mama's arms! There are many things I wish I should have done for myself, but I never regret losing those 5 months of my life. I want to think of it not a loss but a gift exclusively for my wonderful babies!

Have a wonderful day brave warriors!

DIY Kitchen Redo Saga

Working on a house and taking care of babies can be stressful. It is important to keep this routine as light as possible. I don't really have much time to go out and do things I like, (by choice), But that doesn't stop me from doing things I love, so I try to do them at home.

Recently, I've been learning Adobe premiere which I didn't know I had till just recently will little time I have when kids aren't crazy. It was a part of adobe cloud bundle, a Christmas gift from my husband.

DIY Kitchen Update day 2: Removing Textured Ceiling

I am terrible at giving instructions, so this video should not be viewed as a tutorial. I like to take videos/photos of my work's before and after  with a little goofing around on the side. It makes my work a bit more fun. Removing textured ceiling is very easy but it is just very messy and takes time.

Project DIY Update the kitchen

I fell in love with the large kitchen area when we bought our house. It is a beautiful space but not exactly very functional and it wasn't my style. I am a stay home mom taking care of a toddler and baby twins so we don't have that extra budget to pay for professional contractors and designers. I am going to attempt my ultimate DIY project solely by self taught research and experience and help and construction tips from my experienced father-in-law. I will be documenting the befores and afters of my work. So here it is. Welcome to my KitchenSaga.

DIY 'Gather' sign.

"When life gives you free wood palette, make 'gather' sign."...

so I did.

Incorporating 80's design

This old toy box was ran down, beaten up, slammed and jumped on when three little boys were done with it. Now that all those boys are now full grown men (including my husband), this fun box is now handed down to a little girl who tenderly plays with it.

My father in law who is an amazing self taught craftsman made this by his own hands and I love that this has a significant history especially in my husband's life.

Dad reconfigured the toy box and installed soft close hinges for safety. I painted the front with chalkboard pain so the kiddos can have fun with it.

We have all seen that one shelf with grandma's old  figurines and spoon souvenirs. I knew what to do with this old shelf as soon as found it at the thrift store. I gave it a fresh new white wash paint and a chalkboard base just for fun. I completed the ensemble by hanging it next to a vintage chalkboard box when mom and I went on antiquing.

 Some may agree some decors in the 80's shouldn't come back. I think 80's stuff shouldn't be feared to incorporate in new designs.

My choice of design may not speak new and grand. I like everything functional and simple.

DIY Tee Pee

As the kids reach different level of milestones, their personalities are becoming more apparent. My toddler seems to like having her own space, not too far to isolate herself for a long time but close enough to enjoy her baby sisters.

On her last birthday, we decided to give her a play tee pee. Like any other parents who are chose a shortcut to just buy online. But our tight budget limited my choice of design. I didn't want it to look like a part of the clutter, so I came up with an easy design that would go with the room design and I wanted it to be big enough that I could fit in it and play with my daughter. 

I knew I could make one myself under $16 compared to $60 one. I spent that low because I had wood around. All I needed was fabric. Off to clearance I went.

Simple joys does't have to be pricey. You can make something beautiful with a little bit of creativity and simplicity. A child's nature doesn't require perfection. Its the fun memories under the tent will matter and will be remembered.

Mess Cake

I made this for mother's day to appreciate my-mother in-love. I became the mother I am because of her contagious affectionate nature I found this recipe called 'Mess Cake'. I though it is imperfectly beautiful.

I didn't follow the recipe. As a busy mom, I took shortcuts. I used white cake mix instead of sponge cake from the scratch. However, I made the meringue cookies from scratch! It was a first time but it turned out fine. It is a messy cake thank goodness and you can't go wrong with too much berries or whipped cream! Here's the recipe if you want to follow it. 

This is dedicated to all mothers out there near or far!
 Happy Baking!

Conjoined Daisies

I just want to share something I found today at Lowe's  while taking advantage of their two for 10 plant deals today.

Usually anything two headed freaks me out but I found this (or these) beautifully fascinating! They remind me of my twins!
I don't have any information how did this happened. I wish I do. I'd rather enjoy it and look at the flowers

Green Bliss

I don't have a green thumb but that doesn't stop me from trying.

I chose snow princess to partner up with mint . I love the sweet scent of these flowers and its clean white color

The colors of petunias and the beauty of patience were calling. The smell of fresh watered herbs planted in moist soil gave a sense of inspiration to try new recipes on this perfect Georgian weather. I could get lost at the gardening section, but I was on a mission.

It is nice to have a place in the house where I can relax. Fresh greenery gives me a sense of hope that I can make it through the day in our crazy house. I chose plants that are useful for the kitchen that adds sweet fresh aroma I love

 I am not a flower type of person but i thought it would be nice to mix them up colors with my herbs to add a little bit of texture in the mix

dark knight with my basil/

If you are an avif fan of Fixer upper, elephant bush is one of Joanna Gaines' suggested indoor greenery. I personally love the combination of maroons and greens.

Welcoming Twins

 We only ordered one! I humorously addressed the doctor. As soon as she felt my tummy, she exclaimed, what if you are having two?

It felt so surreal like I was in a dream. All three of us (my husband, mother in law and me) gasped in disbelief that this is happening!

On the 13th of Feb, We welcomed ftraternal twins Candace Emily and Beatrice Marie. Weighing 5 lbs 14 oz and 6 lbs 4 oz.

First few days: They have found a great home in mommy's belly  and doesnt seem want to leave. I had to be induced on their 38th week. They still longed for that womb feel afterbirth. They always seem to find each other even we laid them apart.

I am fully aware that our lives now will be crazy now we have a 2 year old and 2 babies but we welcomed them with open hearts and we will never trade this life for anything else

I just always had to remind myself that from now on life will be messy but it sure is pretty darn sweet.

Tea For Two Baby Shower for Twins

I love baby showers! I said to myself, if I am having one, I like a tea party theme full of white and gold. 

When my mother-in-law told me she would throw a baby shower party for me, I immediately asked to be involved with decorations and food. It's just something I love to do. With all the idleness of being pregnant, I'd like to put my hands and creativity in use since it has been a while since I did something.

We were on a tight budget with a little amount of time so we did all we could and all we already had on hand. We bought the tea cups at the thrift store. $12 for 22 pcs! DeAL!

Sweets bar was provided for the guests. I whipped up a simple white cake with, with vanilla frosting topped with marshmallow fondant. 

...and angel cake with meringue topping

Vanilla petite-four with raspberry jam because its a tea party

pearly white and gold jelly beans are my favorite decorations.

When you don't have much time in your hands, make some mini cucumber sandwiches! 

Pregnancy is a difficult stage in a woman's life. I thank that someone who invented this tradition called baby shower.

For a moment, I forgot the feeling of pains, worries, anxiety and discomfort.

 

Those feelings turned into laughter and thanksgiving from the special people around me.

Me and my Mom  (mother in law)

Friends and family who were there to support me.I am very thankful I met these wonderful women from different walks of life who encourage me in many ways. Each one of them has a special place in my heart.

It was a simple and sweet affair, a celebration I will never forget.