Jo’s Read:The Language of God by Francis Collins

 

Can this clear the cloud in my thoughts and beliefs?

A good start of a good read, the first few pages are revealing...

Jo’s Read: The Magic by Rhonda Byrne

The Magic

Been a while since I bought a book... and this new book has a something special for myself.

Beer Date with Dennis at Belgian Beer Cafe

Off from a weekend event, Dennis and I head straight at the Madinat Jumeirah  to catch Art Dubai.  But then, we curbed our way to the Souk  Madinat decided to grab some good grub.  

Dennis and myself striking a smile for the cam, with our tummies screaming for food.

Ice cold beers arrived en punto: Stella Artois draft for Dennis, Hoagaarden light for myself.

DIY: Birthday Eclairs and Herb Tea Gift

I like to wrap gifts on my own and  use random stuff that I can find.  It is a bit challenging to make something be more special.  And for classic eclairs to have a good twist and give a smile to the recipient, I dressed my gift up a little bit: Birthday Eclair and Herb Tea Set

Eclairs bought from a local bakeshop, tied a gold string to make a ribbon. Printed a small card...

This is very easy to make. 

Back From the Hiatus: Hard Rock Cafe Dubai

I missed blogging so much, there was a lot to write about and and there was a lot in between as well. And as it’s been almost one month of silence, I break it back with an eager post of last nights Ladies’ night-out at Hard Rock Cafe - Dubai.

Hard Rock Cafe at Dubai Festival City opened on November 2011. (Photo credit from: yadig.com)

Old Hard Rock Cafe at Sheikh Zayed Road was shut down to open a 26,400 sq ft cafe that can accommodate 300 guests with a bar and convertible live music space, PLUS a 2,500 sq ft Rock Shop for Hard Rock’s limited-edition merchandise and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. (Photo credit from: trademiddleeast.com)

Hard Rock Cafe IS massive – walked past through the Rock Shop and all the way up to the Rock.  We found a good place just next to the bar, elevated from the restaurant and just beside the lounge.   I was surprised to see kids on stage dancing with a pre-programmed dance with the waiters.  There seemed to be a kiddie party or something.  It was entertaining as I saw a mix of crowd, happy enjoying their food and swinging their heads to the good ol’ music.  A couple of adult birthdays on board as there were random singing of  ’Happy Birthday to you…” in between.  The place is a good place to take good snaps, unfortunately, in the advent of iPhones who has better resolution than HD, I managed with blurry, dark images from my E71.  Pardon for the blurs below.

Go on reading. 

Gastronomic Fun: Japengo and Belgian Beer Cafe at Madinat Jumeirah

Friday.  After my weekend stint at an event at Safa Park, I dragged Emjei to explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah and probably attend the Arts Dubai.  Both first time experiences for Emjei, she happily obliged.  The Madinat was packed with lots of tourists, just getting off the cab took a while and had to squeeze by the entrance just to get in.  Starving, found our way to the places of The Meat Company, and sorts.  With the weather a bit breezy outside, we both agreed to dine at Japengo and people watch as we savour our late dinner.

Emjei and myself at Japengo, Madinat Jumeirah

Hot Chocolate Coffee

Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

Read more of the gastronomic adventures.  

APAT: Dennis and Jo Celebrate Four Years of Happiness and Love

21 March 2012.  Marks a special day in our hearts, as we celebrate our fourth anniversary:

The day has been busy for us both at work. Dinner is planned, we are going to the place where are spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying each other’s company exactly four years ago… at Qanat al Qasba.  Yes, we are going Japanese… finally!  I went a bit early from work, thankfully reached earlier than Dennis so I had some time to freshen up and dress for the dinner date, naks!

Dennis and myself on our 4th Anniversary dinner date.

My surprise gifts for Dennis. Self-designed wrapping paper+ self-wrapped gifts+self-design gift tags all done in brisk 20minutes.

Read more here…. 

Chicken Mushroom Chowder – Jo’s Gastronomic Experiments

Dinner.  I have confessed to Dennis that we had not been eating proper dinner food the past weeks, which really annoys me a lot.  Most of the time, the veggies we buy – rots.  The fish that was thawed out – spoils.  We end up eating just anything in the cupboard, or worse – fast food. Noooooo!  Thankfully, the really hectic days at office are over and I can reach home slightly earlier than few months back.  

Tonight, I created what I call: Jo’s Chicken Mushroom Chowder

Dennis’ verdict:  Delicious, should be a staple in our dinner menu!

Ingredients:

Sliced zucchini

Sliced fresh mushrooms.

Saute chicken thigh (skin removed) with canola oil, chopped onions and garlic.

Triggered at Leo Burnett – Jo’s Random Throughts

I was at Leo Burnett Dubai on Thursday for an event tie-up.  It was the lunch rush and after being away from ‘the zone’ that I was used to be part of when I was still in Manila about 6 years ago… just being at Leo Burnett triggered that something in me.

The 'signature' Leo Burnett signature

I was surrounded with a place of creativity, people breathing creativity, people living for creativity.

Creativity should be endless or better to stick your head in the wall.

I felt the intense passion, the longing that used to be there.

Going Healthy with a Twist of Junk: Rocca leaves and tuna toss

Reached home late and starving one Thursday evening.  In an effort not to binge and order a chicken shawarma, I rummaged the fridge and lucky to find a bag of rocket (rocca) leaves and tinned tuna in the cupboard.

Rocket and tuna toss.

Continue reading…