A CHEESY START of the DAY: LOW-CARB BREAKFAST EXPERIMENT

This morning, Jim asked what he could eat for breakfast since he’s trying to regulate his sugar levels. Coincidentally, I had been curious to try a bread substitute recipe I saw on YumMakers’ Facebook page the night before.

I followed the recipe closely—except I skipped the salt, using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar instead of creamy cheese. The result? A fluffy, cheesy omelette that worked beautifully as a low-carb start to our day.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella + cheddar)

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• Butter (to grease skillet)

Procedure:

1. Generously rub butter on your skillet.

2. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and half the cheese. Mix well.

3. Heat skillet on medium. Once hot, pour in the mixture carefully.

4. Let it set slightly, then spread the remaining cheese evenly on top.

5. When nearly done, sprinkle another layer of cheese and top with tomato slices.

6. Gently slide a turner under the tomato side, pull slightly from the other edge, and flip.

7. Press down lightly, let the cheese melt, and serve.

We paired this with bacon—and honestly, it was pretty good if I say so myself.

Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that begin with a question.

NATURE’S WONDERFUL GIFT- A SEQUEL

It all started with these two lovebirds—aren’t they beautiful? Just look at their vibrant colors. According to my daughter’s research, this species lives primarily in trees and only comes down to the ground to drink water. The more colorful one on the left is the male, while the female on the right has more subdued tones.

Remember the bird’s nest placed in one of my palmeras?

Well, by a lovely coincidence, my younger daughter—who lives abroad—excitedly shared that a bird’s nest was also being built on the fiddle leaf fig in her balcony. And now, I’m happy to share how that story has unfolded.

Take a look at that egg—it’s surprisingly large, isn’t it? My daughter managed to get a nice zoomed-in shot, keeping a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the nest.

She’s observed that both mama and papa birds take turns incubating the egg. According to her reference material, Papa bird takes the day shift from 8 AM to 5 PM, while Mama bird covers the night from 5 PM until morning.

Working from home has given my daughter the chance to watch their routine. She’ll leave her desk, settle on the couch with her laptop on the coffee table, and quietly observed the nest’s activity.

One morning, she messaged me:

“Papa bird was late today—didn’t show up until after 9. It’s almost 6 PM now, and Mama bird still isn’t here.”

I replied with a chuckle, “Well, don’t expect her to be prompt—Papa bird was late this morning after all!”

It’ll be a little while before these dedicated parents see their efforts rewarded, as hatching typically takes around 20 to 21 days.

We’re all eagerly waiting for the arrival of the baby bird.

CHEESEBURGER SOUP

I stumbled upon a version of this recipe on Facebook and decided to make a few tweaks of my own. This delicious, hearty soup really hits the spot—especially since Jim loves hamburgers. I’m hoping this new twist becomes a favorite! All I need now is a few slices of toasted baguette to go with it.

Here’s my version:

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter, divided

• 1/4 kilo ground lean beef

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots, squeezed dry

• 1 cup chopped celery stalks

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 2 cups cubed potatoes

• 1 cup broccoli florets, sliced

• 3 cups water

• 1 beef bouillon cube

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 160 g quick-melt cheese, cubed or shredded

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 slices of bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for another few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the dried basil, potatoes, and broccoli. Pour in the water and add the bouillon cube. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender.

3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.

4. Slowly stir the sauce into the soup, reducing the heat to low. Add the cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated. Then stir in the sour cream and let it heat through gently—avoid boiling.

5. (Optional) In a separate pan, cook the bacon pieces until crispy.

6. Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy bacon bits (if using), and enjoy with slices of toasted baguette on the side.

NATIRE’S WONDERFUL GIFT

Nature’s gifts are truly incredible and priceless. While rearranging my plants, I discovered a delicate nest perched on one of my palmeras, barely clinging to two branches.

I hadn’t planned on sharing this, but today, my daughter, who lives abroad, sent me a message:

“Forest feels—there’s a bird building a nest on our fiddle-leaf fig tree!”

“How nice,” I replied. “By coincidence, an egg just hatched in a nest on one of my palmeras.”

I had originally intended to move that palmera, but upon finding the nest, I decided to leave it undisturbed. In fact, I even asked my assistant to secure another branch to help support it.

Each time we approached, the mother bird lingered nearby, watchful and protective. We suspected there was already an egg inside. As I got closer, she remained on the nest—perhaps laying eggs or already keeping them warm.

Then, one day, we heard a soft tweet—the unmistakable sound of a baby bird. Before long, two birds, likely the parents, took turns visiting the nest, bringing food.

We kept our distance and let nature take its course. Eventually, the nest was empty—the baby had likely learned to fly. My assistant, who had grown accustomed to the frequent visits, remarked that the place now felt lonelier without them.

But we haven’t touched the nest. Who knows? Maybe one day, the mother bird will return to lay another egg or two. That would be another beautiful gift from nature.

HALO-HALO: THE ULTIMATE FILIPINO SUMMER DESSERT

Summertime is here, and almost everyone I know is talking about halo-halo—some even boasting about finding the best spot to enjoy it.

Halo-halo is a beloved Filipino dessert made with crushed ice or snow ice, layered with a medley of sweetened local fruits, and topped with rich ice cream and creamy leche flan. A generous drizzle of evaporated milk ties all the flavors together, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

Back in my adolescent years in the province, halo-halo stalls would pop up on almost every street corner during the summer. One year, my friends and I even tried our hand at selling it ourselves, hoping to make some extra money.

These days, if you have an ice crusher and access to fruit preserves, making halo-halo at home is easy. But isn’t it more fun to gather with friends in a cozy café and catch up over a tall, icy glass of this refreshing treat?

For me, monthly meet-ups with my sister wouldn’t be complete without stopping by our favorite spot for a delicious serving of halo-halo. 

Recently, I invited some friends to a well-known place in town that serves one of the best versions of this iconic dessert. We had a great time, and as always, halo-halo did exactly what it does best—keeping us cool while bringing us together.

BREAKFAST WITH THE WALK-NATICS

Breakfast with these walk-natics was an absolute blast!

It must have been raining since midnight, and it was still coming down when I woke up at 2:30. I thought for sure our walk would be canceled. But at 4:30, a message popped up on my iPad: Meet at 5.

It was still drizzling, but being the diehard walkers we are, we couldn’t miss a day. I quickly laced up my black New Balance sneakers and got ready.

Armed with umbrellas, we braved the drizzle, completing three rounds—and yet, none of us were ready to part ways. Just as we lingered, chatting in my garden, the drizzle finally stopped. What a perfect morning!

Feeling the moment, I invited them for breakfast. Luckily, I had made spinach dip the night before, and there was a fresh baguette. A quick pasta with garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan seemed like the perfect pairing. And since I had plenty of callos from last night’s cooking, I shared some, too.

It felt even more special knowing that Celine and Dolly are off to Japan next week. We’re going to miss our two regular walking buddies!

The morning was filled with laughter—especially with Dolly’s endless supply of hilarious stories. We simply couldn’t stop laughing!

Wishing Celine, Dolly, and their partners a wonderful trip and an exciting vacation. What’s even better? Joy has already prepared her home to welcome them. I have no doubt they’ll have an amazing time.

Safe travels and happy landings, Celine, Dolly, and partners

CONNECTING WITH NATURE

A Backyard Sanctuary

Summer is almost here! And when it’s summer, garden talk is relevant.

Our backyard is our breathing space—an unwinding corner of our home. It is a haven of possibilities that I keep editing, a living work of art where creativity has no limit while keeping the budget. 

A Space for Relaxation and Gatherings

It is our place for relaxation and entertaining family and friends, allowing us to embrace alfresco living. It welcomes both conversation and tranquility—a space where memories flourish and friendships are sealed. 

Creating a Cozy and Natural Ambiance

Every day, I try to make it more like a sanctuary of peace, arranging and rearranging plants to create a cozy environment for those who love a natural vibe. It’s a palette that is both vibrant and soothing.

Simplicity and Elegance in Design

Our garden celebrates simplicity, showcasing individual elements without clutter.

The terracotta tiles, elegant and timeless, mimic earthy textures, creating a grounded and calming atmosphere. 

The combination of white pebbles along the edges adds a tactile experience, enhancing the terracotta’s raw beauty—designed to be both ageless and timeless.

A Thoughtfully Arranged Landscape

The garden’s layout is simple, allowing plants to showcase their natural form with minimal upkeep.

One wall is fully covered with lush ivy, while another is gradually transforming as I encourage climbing vines to take over.

A mango tree offers cozy shade

Opposite stands a calamansi tree, carefully trimmed to encourage more fruit within easy reach.

A Timeless and Ever-Changing Retreat

The balance between simplicity and elegance makes this space a true sanctuary. The garden is ever-changing, yet its essence remains the same—a place of rest, beauty, and connection.