Day 2: "Words."

Day 2: "Words" from my favorite co-worker, Aliee!

When I found out that I had to take pictures of words, I instantly thought of my co-worker's note. Her name is Aliee and she's is the sweetest girl you'll ever meet! I love working with her. Also, when we work together I tend to eat healthier cause she always brings me veggies and fruits for lunch since I always eat take out or bring the most unhealthy foods you can possibly think of. Love, love, love her!

Day 1: "Your view today."

FEBRUARY 2012 Photo A Day project.

I know that I'm only supposed to post one photo a day but I had to post two for February 1st, 2012.

It's my 4 year anniversary with a wonderful man, Chris.  I love him to death and he is really good to me. I'm very grateful to have him in my life. I love you babes!

We decided to try out a new buffet restaurant in Brampton called Wok of Fame for dinner.
Here is "My view today," Chris KO'd from dinner, haha.

In the main entrance of the restaurant there was Chinese Guardian Lions. I had to capture it because I had found them so majestic! Don't ya?!

I heard good things about this restaurant but if you ask me about my overall experience, it was good. I liked the selection of their Salad Bar, the coleslaw was tasty. The Hot Dish selection was good but they weren't fresh when I went. The live WOK cooking was great! the ingredients were fresh. What I love the most is the live TEPPANYAKI, the salmon was delicious! I went back for it twice. However, on my second round.. a different cook made it and it didn't taste the same. I didn't try the Sushi bar, I was pretty stuffed. The dessert selection is the same as Mandarin's. The Blueberry cheesecake was good.. I didn't see any fresh waffles though (insert sad face). Lastly, they offer unlimited drinks even the bottled Dole juices! (I found that amazing, lol) the coffee, tea & wine weren't but that's expected. I had a good time with Chris and it was definitely worth my $22.99. I would go back but I would prefer to go on a busy day because I know the food will always be fresh, lol. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends and family. Three thumbs up.

xoxo,

k

My $130.39 worth of donation to the Animal Shelter.

Donated to the Brampton Animal Shelter.

I am proud to say I have made my first donation to the local shelter. I got all these dog and cat foods for absolutely FREE. How? couponing. Wal-Mart even had to pay me $5 something bucks due to coupon overages, so i added more food. I can't wait to donate some more. It made me feel absolutely amazing knowing I am giving back.


A dog named Lucky just recently got hit & run, broke her jaw, her leg and her pelvis. She did very good in surgery and the shelter is in need of food and funding. I'm hoping to help out again.

My next donation is to the Men's Shelter. I've got a ton of Gillette Foaming Shave and Deodorants, lol.

xoxo,
k

I miss home.

Parents in Taiwan Airport.

Today, my parents left to go on vacation in the Philippines. We're going three weeks without our parents. I haven't been away from my Mom for more than a week since grade school. Yes, I'm a 21 year old who is very attached to her mother. Nothing wrong with that. My little brother already misses her. He prefers my Mom's bickering over mine. He says I'm too "strict." Anyways, I'm very jealous. I miss home. I miss my grandmother and the 52 cousins and counting JUST on my Mom's side. I've got plenty from my Dad's side too, lol. I wish I was able to come with. Hope you have a safe trip Mom and Dad. Have fun!


xoxo,
k

I paid $13.16 for groceries worth $89.88!

Cereals anyone? I've got 11 boxes.

Today, I decided to grocery shop. I only wanted to redeem my FREE box of Vector Cereal but I went crazy. I can never turn down a good sale and these shops just happen to have plenty! Here it is:

FOOD BASICS:
4 x All Bran Flakes Cereal 775g = $2.88 - $2 = .88 = $3.52
5 x All Bran Strawberry Medley Cereal 375g =  $2.88 - $2 = .88 = $4.40
1 x All Bran Original Cereal 525g = $2.88 - $2 = .88 = $0.88
1 x Old El Paso Smart Fiesta Hard Taco Kit = $2.99 - $1 = $1.99
1 x Toaster Strudel Raspberry = $1.99 - $1 = $0.99
1 x Hamburger Helper Stroganoff = $2.39 - $1 = $1.39
1 x Old El Paso Medium Hot Salsa = $2.99 - FPC = FREE
4 x Oasis Fruits Juice 960ml = $1.59 ea / $6.36 - FPC = FREE
1 x Betty Crocker Cream Cheese Icing = $0.99 - $1 = FREE + made 1 cent

*All Bran Cereals are $5.49 Regular x 10 = $54.90 and saved $46.10, score!

FORTINOS:
1 x Kelloggs VECTOR Meal Replacement Cereal 400g = $5.49 - FPC = FREE
2 x Duncan Hines Milk Chocolate Brownies = $2.99 - FPC = FREE

Everything listed above cost $89.88 and I paid $13.16.
Yes, that's how much I paid. I've got the receipt to prove it, ha ha ha.

I am definitely proud of myself. Mom finds my couponing entertaining and my brother cannot stop telling me how badass I got so many stuff for such a low price. He's just glad he has months worth of cereals to eat and believe me, this kid goes through them fast!


xoxo,
k

Cheap is Chic.

Have you ever heard of that show called Extreme Couponing from TLC? Well, I have and I'm totally in love with it. Enter the world of bargain shoppers who have mastered the art of savings. About 98% of what they purchased were FREE. Amazing right? I mean who doesn't like freebies?

I decided early this month that I was going to try my hand at couponing. Yes, just regular couponing. I wish I could get everything for free like the Americans do. They have stores in their community that will double (sometimes triple!) the value of coupons. Coupon policies here in Canada are very different. Is it possible to be an extreme couponer in Canada? Yes, you can be an extreme couponer in Canada. You just won’t be able to get the same types of deals as those in the US.

I have definitely learned a lot about couponing the past couple of weeks. First, find coupons. The Sunday paper is always a great source to find some. Then you wait until there is a great sale (There are websites that will post weekly coupon match ups with Store deals) and that’s when you pull out your coupons. I also learned that having a list is a great tool. Otherwise, you will find yourself walking up and down the aisles. To save yourself some money, always shop with a list and never buy anything that is not on there. I learned this before I decided to try couponing. I like to cook and grocery shop. I found that without a list, I tend to buy unnecessary products that likely go to waste. Another thing to do is always check the clearance section. This morning I was bored and decided to go to Wal-Mart. Yes, I go to there when I'm bored. I'm sure people do too, ha. This was the very first time I got things for FREE. So imagine my excitement. Things didn't exactly go smoothly though.

Everything I purchased today. Missing: the Bananas, lol.

Before I left to go to the store, I made sure I calculated the deals. When I got to the cashier I was so darn confident of my coupons. The cashier had no knowledge whatsoever of their store coupon policy. After ringing my entire order, she was baffled that my coupon value exceeded the price of my items therefore Wal-Mart had to OWE ME. Amazing right? The cashier didn't think so. She got rude and I fired back telling her she should know how to do her job! (You should see how many screw ups she made on my receipt.) So, she calls the manager to come help her. Four managers later, my order was processed the right way. Sad, I know.

Out of the 4 managers only 1 actually knew the policy! The first 3 didn't know squat and thought they can just say YES OR NO because they're managers. Well guess what? I came prepared. I happened to have the Wal-Mart Coupon Policy printed out! (I'm terrified of public embarrassment so I did my research, lol.) Of course, I felt so damn good handing the print out to the store managers. Policy says: When coupon value exceeds the price of the item: • the excess amount can be given as cash or can be applied toward the basket purchase, at the customer's choice. How freaking wonderful is that?  As I was leaving, I saw the same 3 managers talking about if I hadn't added more items, they would've owed me! LOL, let me tell you. It was great.

My total was over $21 and guess how much I paid? $2.50. Yes, you read right. I'm quite happy knowing I only paid under $3. My order consisted of:
8 x Olay Body Lotion (Travel size) @ $1.57/ea = $12.56 - 3/$2 coupon and 1/$5 WUB3 = $1.56 (saved $11)
3 x Gilette Shave Foam (Travel size) @ $1.27/ea = $3.81 - 1/$5 WUB3 coupon = $0.81 (saved $3)
10 x Fresh Bananas @ $1.37/lb = $2.75 - $2.75 - 1/free 2lbs of Bananas coupon from Kelloggs = FREE
Total Paid = $2.50, Total Savings = $18.75

See all the voids the cashier made? lol.

I also went to Shoppers Drug Mart and purchased Crest Vivid 3D White Toothpaste that is normally $3.96that was on sale for $2.99 - $0.75 coupon = $2.63 including tax. Also went to Rexall and purchased 4 x Adidas Men & Women Deodorant @ $1.47 (Regular $4.99) = $5.88 - 2/$2 coupon = $1.88 (saved $4.) I paid $7.49 for everything I purchased today and I saved $48.55. Yup. I'm proud of myself.

To my conclusion, I honestly think couponing is a great way to save money. I mean who in the right mind would disagree? Those coupons are money. I used to be scared and embarrassed to use them but after watching that show I was totally amazed. If they can do it, I can do it. Cheap is Chic. I pride myself for being considered a good shopper. I mean, don't you feel happy when you save money? I definitely do. Money doesn't grow on trees.

DermaGlow Free Products!

DermaGlow Eye Lift and Foaming Cleanser

Today, I woke up very late. The first thing I do is go to the kitchen to find something to eat. Guess what I found? My mom quietly debating whether she should open up the box these products came in before I even got to them. Such a curious woman. Finally, she realized I was in the room. Like a kid on Christmas Morning, she quickly handed it to me and demanded me to open the box quickly! Oh mother.

I had forgotten all about DermaGlow sending me free samples. I signed up on Sheinspiresme's website in the hopes of winning a free trip to Varadero Cuba and they were sending out free samples of DermaGlow. No Purchase Necessary. Also, they ask you to write a 500 word story about Who Inspires You. Of course, my dear Mom. I honestly thought the samples were going to be in small sachets and mini bottles. To my surprise, I found a regular sized bottle of Foaming Cleanser and the Eye Lift Roller when I opened the box. Total score!

Anyways, I am huge when it comes to Skin Care. I started using the Clarisonic (Which I love btw! I'll write about that later) and the Gentle Cleanser that came with it last week. I'll do a product review on this sometime in the future when I decide to use it. Unless my Mom tries them before I do, LOL. To get your free samples, click here. Offers last until May 1, 2011.

xoxo,
k

I love a good shoe sale!

TAHOE Suede Boots by Chinese Laundry

My mom and I were doing a little shopping for sneakers for my little cousins over the weekend. I had banned myself from buying some shoes for a little while since I had gone a tad bit crazy on shoe shopping last month. I've got very tiny feet and shoes are a little hard to find in my size. So when I come across any pair that I love and they miraculously fits, I will buy them. No questions asked. And in this case, I just had to have them. I found these lovely pair of Suede Boots in Dark Grey by Chinese Laundry in size 5.5.

Now, here's the best part. These boots retails for $99.95 and guess how much I got these babies for? Nope, not $49.95. That's not even close. Take another guess. Okay, fine. I bought them for *drum rolls* $9.99!! OH YES. No lies. My mom found these Nike Basketball Shoes on clearance for $29.99 and the second clearance item would get 50% off on top of its marked down price, which was $19.99 for my boots. AMAZING RIGHT?!? I looooove a good sale. This was the first time I ever shopped in The Shoe Company and let me tell you shoeaholics, It is a lovely place to be.

xoxo,
k

F.A.M.E.

Chris Brown

YAAAAY! After waiting for this highly anticipated album, it had finally dropped today. And guess what? I have it. I have yet to listen to the entire album but from what I hear, CB delivered. Get yours today! TEAMBREEZY all day.

EDITED: APRIL 13, 2011 REVIEW
Hey guys! I have had this album playing in my car for a little over a month now. I must say, Chris Brown is back! his songs are awesome and I think the album is quite diversed. My personal favorite would be "Next to you" featuring Justin Bieber. Yes, I caught a tad bit of the Bieber Fever. I'm 21 years old and I'm not afraid to say it. The kid is talented and he's Canadian! Woohoo! Anyhow, I just wanted to share this with you. Get the album, you will not be disappointed. I can't wait for his FORTUNE album which is supposed to hit stores this year.

xoxo,
k

One of my favourite songs.

Hey guys! Listen to Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine.
Absolutely timeless.

My attempt to create"Bokeh."

Attempting "Bokeh" last Friday while hanging out with my little brother. I love my Nikon D3100.

Bokeh describes the appearance, or "feel," of out-of-focus areas. Bokeh is not how far something is out-of-focus, bokeh is the character of whatever blur is there. For more information on Bokeh, Please visit this website.

Click Here to visit my Flickr page.

xoxo,
k

Thrifted: Vintage Leather Bag

Vintage Genuine Leather Bag

 I have been itching to go thrift shopping downtown Toronto this weekend but weather has been so up and down lately. Of course, mother nature decided to rain on my 3 days off and I didn't get to go at all. Mondays are never my days but I had a 5 hour break. So, I drove myself to the local thrift store to kill some time.

Today, I found this lovely Vintage Genuine Leather Bag made by Romaity from Italy. I totally scored. I bought this bag for $4. Yes, you read right. I take great pride of being known as a good shopper and the "OMG! I need to go shopping with you" friend who finds great deals. Ha ha ha. 

Anyways, I thought I would pair this up with a floral high waisted skirt. Awesome bag if you're travelling light. 

xoxo,
k

Lens Cap

Photo taken by katrinajoan

I have a weird obsession over my Nikon D3100's lens cap. Ha ha ha. My uncle has been pressing me to put up my pictures on Flickr but I'm still learning and this is the first picture I have ever uploaded using my DSLR. Hope you like it! Click Here to visit my Flickr page.

xoxo,
k

My new baby, the Nikon D3100.

Nikon D3100

For anyone who is close to me, I am pretty darn sure they know I have been wanting this camera for a long time. I finally have it in my possession and I'm so excited! I was torn between the Nikon D3100 and the Canon T2i for a while but after some time, I liked how the Nikon pictures turned out more than Canon. I'm teaching myself Digital Photography and i'm sooo excited. I have heard great reviews on this camera and the quality of the pictures that are taken by this beginner DSLR blows my mind! I am completely in love with it.

xoxo,
k

Old Photography.

Taken with Canon SD1400IS

Easy to make Crêpes

(Crêpes with Pecans and drizzled with Maple Butter Syrup.)

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are my days off. I had a sudden urge to make Crêpes today. Crêpes are very thin cooked pancakes that can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. The common ingredients include flour, milk, eggs, butter and a pinch of salt. Crêpes originated from Brittany, a region in the northwest of France. They're served with variety of fillings from the most simple with only sugar to flambéed Crêpes Suzette or elaborate savoury fillings. Click Here for the recipe.

(Crêpes au Sucre)

I remember when I was a kid and lived in the Phillipines, there was this lady going around our area selling these pancakes otherwise known as "hotcakes" with butter spread and sugar. I absolutely loved it. I know it isn't just a regular pancake, I'm still hunting down the recipe. However, Crêpes are the only thing that comes close. Besides, the ingredients are basic kitchen ingredients and they're so simple to make! YUM!

xoxo,

k

Tiramisu Mousse Cheesecake Cups

Tiramisu Mousse Cheesecake Cups

Tiramisu and Cheesecake are one of my absolute favourite desserts. They are just so delicious, indulgent and very irresistible. My mouth tends to water at the sight of it, every time.

This was a request from my kid brother. I decided to make cheesecake cups rather than the standard 9 inch round pies. I thought it would be more fun. Most of all they were manageable servings and fairly proportioned for each member of my family. This was my first time making cheesecake and it turned out great! Very simple to make. My brother Keanu was once again accompanying me in the kitchen and being the best guinea pig I could ever ask for. (He also makes a good dishwasher!) Anyhow, I was in a rush so I didn't get a chance to garnish these babies.

The recipe says to REFRIGERATE for 4 hours. I personally find that crazy. How can you make a delicious cheesecake and not eat it right away?! The cups cooled quickly within half an hour since I placed them in the fridge after baking. Then I spread the topping; sprinkled with chocolate and voila! My brother couldn't stop eating. This is a good twist to your regular plain ol' cheesecake. I love coffee and cheese. This recipe is literally the best of both worlds. Click Here for the recipe.

xoxo,
k

The Best Chocholate Chip Cookies, Ever!

Oh My Goodness! I am not over exaggerating when I say that these are the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies ever! I've been meticulously using the same old recipe I got from my High School cooking class in 2005. I've tried different recipes too but nothing pleased me as much as my HS recipe.

Today, I decided to try this new recipe and Goodness! I could not stop eating the batter right out of the mixer's flat beater. I couldn't wait for it to be done. The batter produces cookies that are crispy on the edges and so chewy in the middle. And that my friend is exactly how I love to have my cookies. Pair this with a tall cup of fresh milk and voila! Heaven.

I'm going to stop ranting now. I strongly suggest for everybody to try this recipe. It is a MUST.
A GUARANTEED LOVE AT FIRST BITE. Click Here for the recipe.

xoxo,
k

So many books, so little time.

I love to read. I can't stress that enough. Emily Giffin is one of the authors I am really fond of. Her talent lies in making her characters are easy to relate to and believable. I kept walking by her books for some years with a fair amount of curiosity. I thought it would just be another typical love story. Yes, I know.. Don't judge a book by its cover.. but come on? book covers sometimes has influence on people too. Anyways, I heard really good reviews about the books.. the same went for Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. Which by the way, annoyed me the heck out of me since the character kept making the same mistakes over and over again. I knew just because I didn't like the books of one author with good reviews, I shouldn't look at other authors that way. Otherwise, I shouldn't ever read!

I finally picked it up one day when I was book hunting. I love to bargain hunt. In the beginning of 2010, I had gone inside Value Village in Mississauga for the first time. I discovered a fairly large selection of used books. I remember Fiction hard covers were sold for $1.99 and buy 4, get the 5th for free! LOL, oh the joy. I came out with 12 books that day.

After that, I tried the The Salvation Army's Thrift store which sold paperbacks for $0.99, soft covers for $2.99 and hard covers for 3.99! I was absolutely in love. After some time.. I found Something Borrowed, Something Blue in soft cover and Baby Proof  in hard cover in one day. I was expecting to pay $7.97 and that's when the cashier had told me that would be $3.97! I stood there dumbfounded thinking "Say whaat?", haha I HAD to ask WHY?! She said the two books were $0.99 each. I finally left and boy I was very happy. To this day, I still think she thought they were just paperbacks. Hm? Oh well. No complaints here.

I read Love the one you're with before the other books. I got the hardcover off Chapters online for under $10. I thought that was a lovely story. After reading the books, I grew fond of Emily Giffin. I think her work is really good and well written. I would definitely recommend her books to others who enjoys chick lit. Now I just need to get my hands on her latest novel, Heart of the Matter.

P.S. I cannot wait for Something Borrowed and Something Blue MOVIES to come out! The cast includes Kate Hudson, Colin Farrell, John Krasinski, Ginnifer Goodwin and Colin Egglesfield. How exciting is that?!
Like I said before.. So many books, So little time.

xoxo,
k 

Fried Chicken, Caribbean inspired.

Fried Chicken

As you can see, this is my very first recipe post.  YAY! I'm really excited about it, lol. Anyways, I've been looking for Fried chicken recipes that are similar to KFC or Popeyes.  I love chicken, fried and crispy. I finally came around a caribbean inspired recipe but I tweaked it a little bit and at this weekend I was craving caribbean spices, badly. I hope you enjoy! Click Here for the recipe.

Give this a try and I guarantee you`ll be amazed how tasty it is. My family and boyfriend were all my guinea pigs and they all loved it! It was a boost of confidence to see all that was left in their plates were bones and hearing complaints of having "itis". I was very pleased with myself!

I'd really appreciate if you leave a comment! thank you.

xoxo,
k