An Ode to Summer by Kinfolk

Kinfolk Magazine: Issue 4 (An Ode to Summer) from Kinfolk (kinfolk.com) on Vimeo.

Our promotional video for Issue 4 of Kinfolk Magazine (http://www.kinfolkmag.com), a quarterly publication based in Portland, OR. We are a growing community of artists, writers, designers, photographers, cooks and others who are interested in creating small gatherings and finding new things to cook, make, and do.

“The stories in this volume share ideas for creating summer traditions and travels, whether that means planning months in advance or taking off for a last-minute weekend in the sun… We hope these stories will prompt you to try something new—or old—during the next few months. The meals and activities we promote with Kinfolk vary, but they are all based on our goal to create and strengthen relationships and to find more meaningful ways to connect and entertain.” —Editor Nathan Williams

Unfortunately, Issue 4 is currently out of stock. Other issues and subscription options are available here: http://shop.kinfolkmag.com

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The film is produced by Andrew and Carissa Gallo of Sea Chant (http://seachant.co), a stoytelling outfit based in Portland, OR. For photos, see http://seachant.co/an-ode-to-summer.

I'd like to share to all of my lovely readers my favorite video of all time. This video captured my heart and soul. I love how the message of this video connects with the visuals and the music.

Whenever I feel like the world shuts me down - the sky turns gray, the water stops to flow, and the flowers wilt. I quickly load this short video and for a moment everything seems so perfect and endlessly beautiful. It's like I am living in a new world where flowers dance, birds sing to me in the morning and the wind carries me around the world. Sometimes I watch it with my eyes closed and I make my own scenes in my head - I like it more that way but still everything about this video is so enchanting and lovely....

I hope you enjoy and love it as much as I do. 

"Summer, after all is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people.
For those few months, you're not required to be who everyone thinks you are.
And that cut grass smell in the air, and the chance to dive into the deep end of the pool give you the courage you don't have for the rest of the year.
You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past.
Summer just opens the door and lets you out."

(Even though I haven't purchased any Kinfolk issue, I know buying one is worth it especially The Kinfolk Table Cookbook!

A Little Fun

For the past days since I blogged I was very busy.

- started with my school (I'm on my way in fulfilling my dreams)

- been spending a lot of time with my relatives

- also been baking.. as usual. I enjoy that time a lot.

I started with school a week ago. I met new people of course - they seem nice and easy to get a long with. We are only eight students in our class by the way but I don't really mind though. I thought our chef is strict, the kind of teacher who will give me jitters before going to school but he is great and a cool one. The teachers I had in my university, they were strict. LOL.

If you are wondering, I am studying culinary because I am so interested in cooking since I was a kid growing and I believe food connects people from all walks of life and any kind of occasions whether it is grand or not, there is always food in the table and conversations would tend to get longer and longer. And especially I want to be that person who will cook for their special events in life or simply cook for my own family and hoping to open my little café-bakery in the future.

There are a lot of things going around inside my head such as traveling - discovering new flavors, dishes, or family recipes from different people (this is the most exciting part), preparing Christmas dinner for the family, baking breads and cookies for my friends to be given during their birthdays, etc... I wish one of these things will happen in my life.

Last weekend, before my cousin went back to the United States we planned on having a little trip on the hill - we ate our lunch there and you know hike a little (it was very tiring - I got drunk the day before our trip so just imagine me walking up the hill with a hang over). It was a cold-windy kind of day very perfect for us since we live in a tropical country.

I love looking above 

On that same day, I baked a hundred cupcakes needed tomorrow morning. It was a challenge for me because I didn't have enough sleep, I had hang over and I was exhausted from our trip. We went home late and so, I finished past midnight. But thank God I have my day off the next day - the sweat and lack of sleep were all worth it because they liked the cupcakes.

This coming weekend, I will be out again with my college friends, I have to shop for the supplies I am going to use for school and I am going to bake hundred cupcakes again. So bring it on!

And... I have other things to do in preparation for Christmas!

But tomorrow is my rest day! Hooray!!

xx

Christmas Wish List (2013)

I remember I told someone I didn't want anything for Christmas what I meant by that was if there is someone who is so kind and sweet enough to give me something for Christmas. I hope or wish he/she would give me these.. at least one of these precious things I really adore and been wanting to have.

1. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Source

I have been going to every bookstores I ran into just to buy this book. Unfortunately either the book is out of stock or sold out but it would really really make my Christmas joyous if someone would give me this as a present. The title itself "The Language of Flowers" will give you an idea what it is about. Yes, the names of every flower has its meaning and are used to express our emotions/feelings...

Source Wikipedia:

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken… The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply passionate, romantic love and pink roses a lesser affection; white roses suggest virtue and chastity and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can indicate either haughtiness or respect… Gerbera(daisy) means innocence or purity. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents the sending of a message. An Anemone signifies disappearance of hope. A pansy signifies thought, a daffodil regard, and a strand of ivy infidelity…

I also would love to know how the novel was beautifully written. I heard the author did a great job writing it in terms of the story and development of the character. And besides of falling in love with flowers and books, what I truly like about books is they give me a sense of belongingness that I cannot have in reality, lessons and all sorts of realizations that I never thought can happen in one's life. Books are like teachers and adventurers to me :')

2. A planner/organizer

A sample - not the exact planner I want but I like the design
Source

Since I entered college a planner became an essential notebook to buy yearly - it helped me to become more organized, to remember important dates and appointments, allows me to have my private space for doodling - using my colorful set of pens (write down everything that will motivate me throughout the year such as lyrics from a song, quotes, or poems etc.) and record all the events I do not want to forget and I also staple or stick receipts, movie/concert tickets, flowers, etc (the best part of having a planner) ohh let us not forget those cute and vintage post-its : - )

With the design I am very meticulous in choosing which design or pattern to buy. Sometimes it takes me 30 or 45 minutes to choose (my mom gets mad at me for being like that) it's like shopping for clothes. I want a planner that suits my personality or interests/likes. 

Well if you are curious with my likes or interests: I am giving you hints

I like sea, clouds, boats, letters/postcards, and flowers.

It's also my wish to TRAVEL - set my foot on each continents that would be the last thing I will ever do before I die.

3. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf 

details: http://www.sephora.com/flowerbomb-P255506
source

This soft, floral, and sweet perfume is a must-have for every ladies especially for a girl like me who wants to smell like a flower! : - P I have no words for this. I want it so bad though it's a little pricey but it's worth it you know.

So if ever someone is planning to give me something for Christmas here are the things that will make me truly happy for the holidays and I will definitely cherish it. But you know, since Christmas is about giving love, spending time with your loved ones and sharing what you have. I am not going to be 'pushy' about this list. I can purchase these things someday. Your presence and greeting is enough to make my Christmas an unforgettable one!



xx

Te esconder, desaparecer, nunca

"To hide to you, to disappear, never"

Nunca - Trails and Ways

Every time I listen to this song whether it's a rainy or stressful day, it never fails to lift my mood. I close my eyes and pretend I'm in the beach - there's the clear blue water, I can smell the salty air coming from the ocean, I hear the sound of waves and the sound of trees when the wind blows. Ahhhh... the good life!

I hope everyone will have a great and extraordinary day when you listen to this song!

xx

For Yolanda Survivors

Monday:

I started my week with an order of 200 cupcakes for Tuesday, a dozen of cookies and another two dozens for Wednesday. The 200 cupcakes is for an art exhibit to be held on Tuesday - the major proceeds of this art exhibit will go to the Yolanda survivors. It's really for a great cause! 

Patiently waiting for the other cupcakes to bake in the oven...
24 out of 200 Dark Chocolate cupcakes

Voila! (A sample)

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies.. yum!

Tuesday:

My friends and relatives ordered red velvet cupcakes (My made-from-scratch cream cheese frosting is sooooo good!) Everyone is digging on this cupcake.

All set!

Banana Walnut Bread

Yesterday had been productive unlike the previous days. I went to my alma matter - fixed my school papers then hung out with my close high school friend. It was very fun catching up with her after many months of not sitting down on the same table, eating lunch and chatting with her. After that, I planned to bake my Banana Walnut Bread (this is probably the best thing I baked so far).

Cooling for five minutes

This is very very delicious especially with a hot coffee

Also, since my grandmother's brother passed away, I decided to bring it at the wake so that I can contribute something. I was very nervous because the second time I baked this I forgot to toast the walnuts - it didn't taste good it was dry. So this time I made sure I incorporated all the ingredients and toasted the walnuts (I don't want to let them eat something that's not worth eating). I don't want to commit any mistakes this time though it was over baked but everyone really loved it! I was surprised with the comments I received from the people at the wake. I didn't expect that they'll love it because I over baked my bread.

I baked this with all my heart - for my relatives especially our 'lolo'.

I hope someday I get to bake more different breads. I'd love to see people smile when they eat my breads, that's one of the best things in the world ever.

Treats to Heaven

Chewy Sugar Cookies 

Out from the oven 

Ready for selling

Sweet cookies

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Today was jam packed with orders! We had to bake four dozens of our Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies,  a dozen of Dark Chocolate and two dozens Red Velvet Cupcakes and something that I'd like to try were the Chewy Sugar Cookies.