The Pose..

"The pose begins when you want to get out of it."

Miramare Castle (Trieste)

After trying to go to Miramare Castle few times last year.

This year it finally happened. 

Last year's Spring was a lot of rain, like crazy. 

So we cancelled a lot of plans. 

This year we got lucky for a little bit.

Before the Rainy week started, We got to visit Miramare Castle in Trieste.

This castle is definitely more gorgeous in person.

The walk to the castle was breathtaking too!!

Miramare Castle or Castello di Miramare in Italian is a 19th Century Castle direct in the 

Gulf of Trieste, Northeastern Italy.

It was built from 1856 to 1860.

See more here (Wikipedia)

It was a bummer that the museum was closed when we got there but there were still people around.

Enjoying the Castle grounds.

And we enjoyed it too.

So beautiful!!

My loves.

It was perfect timing to get some pictures since there was not much people there.

The weather was perfect.

I felt like a princess in my Castle.

Definitely one of the most Breathtaking view I've ever seen.

Perfect place to enjoy and relax with my love.

It was also few days before our Anniversary.

So romantic!

Visit when you can!!

xoxo

-Jen

Few Months left in Italy.

With exactly 2 month left in Italy It's so nice that we are able to move around

and do things. 

Life here in Italy is starting to feel somewhat normal.

I can't believe we made it to this point. 

..And I can't believe that we are leaving soon.

It has been amazing 4 years of my life. 

I am ready for our next adventure. 

Back to the USA we go.

Now, that we are able to go places again.

We have been doing a lot of first times.

Which felt a little weird.

Our new normal definitely doesn't feel comfortable yet. 

With distancing with everyone, wearing mask wherever we go. 

None of these will feel comfortable for me. 

So these are all of the first time I've done recently since the lockdown was lifted.

Coffee downtown! 

I got to go to the Market again, I'm still not quite comfortable to bring the kids so I just went 

by myself.

It was nice!

Finally got fresh flowers after few months of not being able to get any.

The kids are able to get in the car again and go for a drive.

So we took them to one of the Aviano Gelato place.

One of my favorite because they have Strawberry Cheesecake Gelato.

It was a good day!

Then we visited Lake Barcis.

Probably our last time.

The beauty of this Lake will never get old.

I will always remember the first time I ever visited.

It was our first local sightseeing.

The beginning of our adventures in Italy.

It's so crazy how time flies.

Going to try and enjoy the last few months left here. 

So blessed to be here, I'm forever grateful for this amazing experience

xoxo

Jen

Enjoy the Moment.

"Calm the mind

Enjoy the Moment."

Location: Lago di Barcis, Italy.

Weekend Things (Birthday, Seafood dinner and more Filipino food!)

This weekend was nothing but amazing.

We celebrated my first son's Birthday at home.

It may be different as like every year.

But, I think he had an amazing time!

And that's what all matters.

We also finally got to get out of the house (Thank god)

The farthest I usually go is just in town and at the grocery stores.

So getting out, going to the playground, get some take out.

Was the best after this lockdown. 

We all had fun day!

I'm so glad the kids finally got to get out of the house.

Then one of my friend know someone who make Yummy Filipino food.

So I ordered a bunch and it just makes me so happy.

This is the Assorted Filipino dessert!

Saturday, we decided its a Seafood night so me and hubby prepared  a Shrimp foil packet cooked in the grill.

I didn't get a chance to take a picture of the Finish product but, I promise I will share next time we make it.

..And we also grilled some Fish, the other one is Salmon.

The other one, not exactly sure what it's called.

But, I bought it at the Local Italian grocery store. 

Seasoned with favorite seasonings, Stuffed with lemon, fresh parsley, dried dill.

Then grilled.

You guys, this was amazing. 

I wish we grilled more!!!

Chips and dip for appetizer.

Today is Mother's day.

It was such a eventful week for us so I decided today is just a relaxing day with my boys.

I hope you are all having a good weekend and Happy Mother's day Mommies!!!

xoxo

-Jen

Ginisang Ampalaya (Sauteed Bitter Melon with Eggs)

How's your week going guys?

Today is my Grocery day. 

I usually go twice a week but with this new decree we are thinking

about going to go out with the kids sometime this week.

It's gonna be my first time going out of the house not because I'm getting food.

Nothing crazy, just to get some fresh air.

I hope it goes well.

Anyways,

It's my son's Birthday tomorrow.

I got pretty upset that they won't let people buy non-food items at the

local grocery store that I usually go to.

I just wanted my boy to have the best day.

I hope what we got is enough for him to have a good Birthday.

On a positive note.

It's Watermelon Season!

This always brightens up my mood.

I love love watermelon!

I will probably have this in the fridge this whole season!

Look at these Beauty!!

We try to keep it healthy during the week.

So today's meal is 100% healthy.

Ampalaya known as Bitter Melon is a greenish, elongated, wrinkled vegetable that not everyone likes

in the Philippines.

But this is a traditional dish that most Filipinos cooks.

It's very bitter if you don't cook it right.

I remember how my mom always force me to eat this when I was a kid she keeps 

telling me its good for me because its healthy. 

It is indeed healthy.

It is packed with Vitamin A, Iron, Phosporus and Calcium. 

It's definitely been a while since I had this.

Not the first thing I thought about to eat when I was in the Philippines.

But, when the Filipino grocery had this in stock I had to order it.

I wouldn't force the kids to eat this.

But, I surely enjoyed it. 

Let me know what you guys think!

I highly suggest to soak it in water and salt 30 minutes before cooking!

Ginisang Ampalaya (Sauteed Bitter Melon with Eggs)

Ingredients

• 1 lb bitter melon (ampalaya)
• 1 large tomato
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Wash bitter melon, cut both ends and slice vertically to expose the seeds. Scoop the seeds out using a spoon.
2. Slice thinly about ⅛ inch thick.
3. Place in a colander and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt.
4. Mix using your hands and set aside for 30 minutes. The salt removes most of the bitterness.
5. Rinse under cold running water, gently squeezing them with your fingers. Set aside to drain while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
6. Peel garlic and mince. Also peel onion and slice thinly. Set aside.
7. Wash tomato and chop.
8. Place skillet on the stove and heat oil on medium high. Sauté garlic and onions till garlic has browned a little and onions become translucent, about 2 minutes.
9. Throw in tomatoes and sauté until wilted, about 3 minutes.
10. Add bitter melon and sauté for another 5 minutes until it gets soft.
11. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt, soy sauce, and ground pepper.
12. Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl and add it into the skillet.
13. Wait until the eggs starts cooking before mixing with the rest.
14. Cook for another minute before removing from heat.
15. Serve with warm rice.

Enjoy!!!!!

It was good, a little bitter but not that bad. 

Have a great week!!

xoxo

-Jen

Sunday Funday

Hello friends!

This week has been on and off rain.

It's crazy that it's raining late this year.

Last year's Spring time was a lot of rain. 

The rain stopped for a little bit so we decided to go for a walk/biking again for

the second time.

Officially next week the rules are going to be less strict. 

We can finally do more of this walking if the weather cooperates. 

I don't know anymore what to expect next. 

Our life right now still feels surreal. 

I would do anything just to get back to normal.

I feel a little sad, especially hearing that the kids school are officially 

cancelled the rest of the year. 

I feel so bad for these kids :(

But, I'm grateful I don't have to worry about them too much.

Because, I know they are home and safe with me.

The little things. 

It was a beautiful day!

Ohh..I finally decided to make a new Instagram just for food!!!

This makes me excited. 

I have somewhere to share my love for food!!

Today was grilling day!

I picked up these Ready grill meat from the Italian Grocery. 

They have amazing selections!

It's so nice that hubby had a long week off.

Tonight he's back to work though!

Look at these deliciousness!!

What's your favorite food to grill???

I hope you are having a good weekend.

xoxo

-Jen