The boyfriend and I just got back from the majestic islands of Boracay, and, can I just say going back was so heartbreaking. If I could land a job there, you'd see me move in a heartbeat! I'll be talking more about the short vacay we just had on another blog post. For now, I'd like to psych myself into thinking that a salad makes the world a better place. If I want to get back in shape, eyes on the fucking prize--err, salad. I have to forget about the sumptuous meals we had in Boracay. Huhu Why is life so difficult?? 

Anyway, let me share this recipe I did a few weeks back. I was experimenting with balsamic vinegar and surprisingly, it tastes awesomesauce with Salmon. I scoured the intarwebz for the perfect balsamic vinaigrette recipe, but I had to adjust everything to my own liking.

Hi, everyone! How are you guys doing? Work is pretty hectic so I thought of squeezing in a not-so-new recipe as a reward for making it halfway through the week, yay! During the weekend, the boyfriend requested for Adobo. Since it was a weekend and we can splurge on rice all we want (thank cheezus for cheat days!), I gave in. Adobo is also y ultimate comfort food. I was under a lot of pressure during the weekend as I had to decide about tons of "Adult stuff". Adulthood, why are you so difficult. Creeeey.

Adobo is a very tricky recipe for me. It may seem so simple but it will stab you right back once you taste it, because all of a sudden, it doesn't taste like the one that your Mom used to make for you. I don't know if that was just me but, I had to learn at the expense of wasted chicken, soy sauce, garlic and vinegar. Normally, I would combine everything in a pot and just let it simmer until everything is cooked. But I saw a recipe online wherein instead of simmering the chicken, they would fry it first. I wanted to try it because maybe, just maybe, that's the secret so it'll taste like the ones that Mama used to make. 

• Fill out the Rafflecopter below. 
• Open to Philippine residents only. Non-bloggers are welcome. 
• Giveaway starts on January 12, 2014 and ends on January 19, 2014.
• I'll announce the winner on January 20, 2014. 
• I'll be taking care of shipping and handling, but I won't be responsible for damaged/lost parcels.

a Rafflecopter giveaway P.S. To everyone who joined my giveaway, thank you! Rafflecopter is being an ass, and it won't let me generate winners. I can't hand-pick the winner because that'll be unfair. Kindly give me a few more days to figure this out. Thank you! UPDATE Since Rafflecopter won't budge (still can't pick a winner), I've decided to manually do everything. Went to random.org to input the number of entries and I let random.org do its thing. I'm attaching the screenshots for everyone's peace of mind. I hate Rafflecopter. This is my first giveaway and they have failed me :( Anyhoo, let's go back to the contest! The winner of the 2014 CBTL Planner is...

It's a day before Christmas and here I am, still sick from last week's workload. I had to overwork myself last week so I can afford to be on leave for 2 weeks, major YAY! Last week may be tiring but I have 2 full weeks ahead of me--to slack off, sleep, eat and just do anything non-work related. Weeeeh! 

For today, I'll be a very quick recipe you might want to try it this Christmas--which is tomorrow! It's easy, quick and healthy!  By the way, it's on a microwaveable container because I made it as food for the office LOL. 

Procedure

2. In a pan, saute onions, shrimps, mushrooms and pesto sauce. 

3. Place cooked shrimp on the lettuce, top with cucumber. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. LG Pocket Photo Printer - I originally wanted an Instax camera but the film can be quite expensive. Also, the thought of not knowing how your photos will turn out does excite me, but frightens me too. Wasted photo paper is wasted money after all.

3. Adidas Fitness Boxing Gloves - After over a year of flushing toxins and fats out of my body, I don't have any excuse not to exercise anymore. I've been into boxing intermittently for the past months and I want to be consistent next year. It's also not very ideal to rent gloves where I workout, they can get very stinky. (Update : Gift from my sister!)

4. MAC Riri Woo Lipstick - Because I just discovered my unwavering love for matte lipstick. And because I've looked everywhere and it seems like some pyscho hoarded everything because I can't seem to find one. I also don't like online shopping that much so you're an angel if you can give me this. (Update : Got this as a gift!)

5. Elliptical Machine - I know no one's going to give me this because it's too expensive, but posting it anyway because I believe the universe can conspire to make things happen--or not? Haha! Aside from boxing, I need a steady home workout too. And I'm getting tired of Zumba so...

6. Xbox 360 - Because this is the perfect partner for out TV! And I'm not a gamer or anything but I love playing gory games and Dance Central! I want to give this to myself as a present, so if you know anyone sellin g their pre-loved consoles, hit me up! (Update : Got this for myself!)

7. Modcloth's Traveling Cupcake Truck Dress - This is the perfect summer dress. I'm ready for summer and this is the only thing I need!

When I was initially creating this post, I had two more items under it. A bed frame and a big-ass TV, but these items I've scratched off my list! Thanks to bibi for the TV and thanks to my 13th month pay for the bed frame! Yaaay! I think I've been pretty good this year so I'm hoping for a 5/7 on this Christmas list. LOLOLOL! Happy holidays, lovelies!