A Valentine's Day Dream Vacation

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

I spent the New Year in LA without my Sweetest. Yes, that two-week vacation in California was spent without my Hubby. It was the very first time I went on a vacation without him since we got married. That is why, my happiness is not complete. I wished he was there with me enjoying the sight, the sound, and the taste of California.

But my Sweetest didn’t really want to go with me and said that he wanted me to have a real “me-time” with my cousin and Filipino friends. That is why, this coming Valentine’s Day… I was thinking of a very special celebration with him. I was thinking of something like an ultimate “do-not-disturb” getaway in a luxurious hotel and be far away from the rest of the world. I was thinking of the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

I was thinking of having a romantic dinner at the Hotel’s Level 2 Steakhouse. I would like to enjoy a romantic moment with him while having Lemon Sorbet for dessert. Or perhaps, sip Fresh Pomegranate Infused Champagne while enjoying the romantic piped-in music of the restaurant. Hmmmm why not? I want to make it “our-sweet-time” moment.

Well, it’s almost February now and I can almost feel the romance in the air. So the best way to enjoy this vacation is to avail the Romance Package which is available for the entire month of February. Here are the reasons why:

During your stay, you'll enjoy:
*Early check-in & pre-registration upon request
*In-room sparkling wine (where permitted by law) or cider upon arrival
*Access to hotel health club, pool and whirlpool spa (where available)
*Full American breakfast for two in their room (where available) or in the hotel's designated restaurant. At airport locations, guests can exchange their breakfast for a lunch or dinner discount
*On stays beyond one night, buy one entrée and get a second one of equal or lesser value at no additional cost. (Choose from either lunch or dinner in designated restaurant)
*Late check-out available upon request

Hmmm… I want that access to the hotel health club, pool and whirlpool spa so I can have a real relaxing vacation. Oh I can’t wait to go on this vacation. I already have everything planned out but there is a catch. How can I make Hubby say yes to this… when ice-fishing season is in full blast? Oh well, I really need to work on my charm even harder this time. So wish me luck.

Trees

Up above the bustling city of Angels is a refuge where nature is at its peak, literally and figuratively.

From a vantage point I can see the city life sits still why the cool, crisp mountain breeze brushes against warm cheeks. And as I looked across the horizon with the golden sun setting against the cosmopolitan backdrop... I knew then that it was such a rare occasion - at least for a tourist like me.

The Garden at the Getty Center - Los Angeles, California

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Californication Day 1: The Touchdown

Yes... I am still not over it. I still have hang-over of my California vacation and whether you like it or not... I will write about it. So please bear with me. LOL. And as I have mentioned in My Californication post... "I will talk or share about my trip in parts." So here goes...

I almost didn't make it. Three days before my flight to LA, flights at the Portland Jetport were all cancelled due to snow storm in the East Coast. I was already freaking out. But in God's grace the snow storm tapered off the night before my flight. I left Portland at 10:15 AM and as Continental Airlines took off... I looked down below and was awed by the powdery white snow covering Maine. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Too bad I had my camera in my carry-on bag overhead and didn't get the chance to take photos of the beautiful sight 30,000 feet below.

So I made it to LAX on time. My cousin Joey was monitoring my flight online [cool, huh] so she was updated. When the aircraft finally touched down, I finally felt a relief. It was a nice flight... except for the "pretzels" that the FA served us for the entire 6 hours flight.

At Salu-Salo Restaurant with my dearest cousin Joey whom I have not seen for more that 10 years.

I took the Flyaway Bus from LAX just as I was instructed and my cousin Joey and Javier picked me up at the Union Station. From there we drove straight to Salu-Salo Restaurant so I can have a descent meal. And yes, after 4 years from being away from home... I finally felt had my first taste of home -

sizzling sisig...

and adobong kangkong. Then, I instantly collapsed on Joey's bed after my first taste of home.

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

Football Pizza and Tom Brady

This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hubby introduced me to football not too long ago. I found it boring at first. I didn’t like it at first. And I only watch it at first… for the pizza.

But when I finally got the hang of the game and found how cute Tom Brady was… I was instantly hooked. I watch football not only because of the pizza but because of Brady too. Yes, I am a big Patriots fan.

But football game will not be complete without “football pizza”. Yes, it has to be “football pizza”! And what is “football pizza”? You may ask.

Well, it is any kind of pizza bought from any pizza store or any pizza box [regardless of its brand] taken out from the freezer section of any grocery… but with a dash of my secret ingredient – TABASCO® Original Red! Yes, it is not a “football pizza” without Tabasco because it makes it the perfect Super Bowl pizza.

Why?

Here are the reasons why Tabasco makes my pizza perfect for the Super Bowl:

• Original Red was the first sauce introduced by the McIlhenny family back in 1868 and continues to be their most popular sauce of 6 total sauces.
• Additional Information: TABASCO® Original Red is not about heat for heat’s sake. It’s about what heat does to the flavor of food. The simple combination of salt, red pepper, and vinegar are perfected in a 3-year aging process that produces a hot sauce with the uncanny ability to bring the most out of your food. Other hot sauces add their own specific flavor to food. TABASCO® Original Red simply enhances the flavor of food.

So have you tried “football pizza”? Well, you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy football pizza nor it has to be a football season to enjoy good food. For me, any food is good as comfort food as long as it has TABASCO® Original Red on it because Tabasco ® Original Red makes any dish a comfort food. It enhances the taste of every food and unlocks its flavor, making every bite – a touch down.

So if you are a foodie like me and a football fanatic… check out Tabasco website and pick out simple ideas from their Game-Day Party Menu or browse on their Pizza Perfected page and create your own “football pizza”… or “football nachos”. And that makes every game a call for a super bowl - quite literally.

My Californication

I was away from the computer for almost 2 weeks because right after Christmas, I flew to California to meet my cousin...

With my cousin Joey and gracious host.

two of my long time friends...

With Ate Emms

With Marlon

and a couple of former students whom I have not seen for years...

With Carmen and Loike [with her cute son Sean who happens to be my nephew because she is married to my cousin Paul who is also her HS classmate and former student of mine.]

and some blogger friends whom I met online not too long ago.

The Salitype Sistahs [R-L: Me, Betchai, Chay and Tes... plus Rose]

Two weeks of hectic yet exciting escapade in the Golden State ... a thousand plus photos...

Photo Credit: Betchai of The Joys of Simple Life.

ten pounds of weight gained due to endless feasting...

Having Korean BBQ with Carmen.

hundreds of dollars spent on shopping...

At Tiffany's... shhhhh!

and thousands of miles spent on foot... in a car... or on the bus - exploring different important landmarks of California...

The Hollywood sign as seen from Sunset Boulevard.

The Getty Center

The Palace of Fine Arts.

The famous Golden Gate Bridge.

Fisherman's Wharf.

 The Lombard Street as seen from the Crookedest Street.

The Victorian Houses as seen from Alamo Square.

meant that I have a lot to blog about - so I will talk about it in parts. So in the meantime... this is my Californication - in a nutshell.

Note from the Blogger:

Since USA is now officially my HOME... this will be the start of a SERIES OF BLOG POSTS about the United States of America. And I will call this series 'MERICA. This will be the start of a regular posts dedicated to my new home where I will share my experiences as I travel to the different parts of country to explore its culture, enjoy its tradition and live with its people.

Ruthi Orona-Gregoire

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

He Went to Jared!

Yes, He went to Jared!

But a couple of weeks ago he told me that he will not get me any more gifts because he already got me 4 rings. 

Yes, he got me 4 huge rings or shall I say "rings for my car". I needed new tires for my car especially this time of the year where the winter road is wickedly dangerous and unforgiving. So I was already all set considering that those rings aren't cheap.

But dear Hubby never fails to charm me... both literally and figuratively. So this Christmas... he went to Jared and got me some "charms"... Pandora Charms!

He got me birthstone charms for each birth month of my loved ones.

He put the bag under my pillow and he passed out... so I got a peek before I went to bed and pretended that I didn't know. wink*

Yes, Hubby went to Jared and I got new tires for my car. So, t'is was indeed a wonderful Christmas.

Life - is like a tube of toothpaste!

This post brought to you by Toms of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

I used to feel that life is tough but I was wrong. Life – is like a tube of toothpaste. Yes, when you got that bitter taste on your mouth… just brush your teeth and you’ll soon enjoy a fresh cool breath. LOL

For an immigrant like me, change is a huge thing. When I moved here from Asia, a lot of adjustment has to be made even as simple as using an unfamiliar toothpaste. Why toothpaste? Well, bear with me, I am talking about metaphor here.

Life is predictably unpredictable. Life is full of Wicked Fresh moments, memories, experiences and discoveries and in my case… I had to adapt and blend in. I had to use what is available and at my new home… Wicked Fresh Toothpaste is the universal toothpaste and Wicked Fresh Mouthwash is the official mouthwash… and I have no choice but to use them. Hahahaha

So what’s up with the toothpaste? Oh yes, I am talking about Tom’s of Maine – the leading local company that has been committed to supporting people, communities and the planet for 40 years here in Maine. They manufacture oral and personal care products made from natural flavor oils and botanical extracts for cavity protection and fresh breath. My family loves the products not just because of the protection we get from them but because they are locally made and we buy local to support Maine economy.

If you have not tried Tom's Of Maine, it’s about time and share your Wicked Fresh moments for a chance to win Wicked Fresh!™ Prizes at ThatsWickedFresh.com (http://bit.ly/9aCdAJ). Check out That's Wicked Fresh contest page here. And yes, you can get social by joining Tom’s of Maine on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter @TomsofMaine.

And boy, did it change my outlook in life? Yes! Big time! Seriously speaking… the toothpaste is just one of the many changes that I need to accept with good faith. Life is tough but with new fresh thinking and wicked humor… I can breathe Maine’s air with cool understanding.

When I woke up today

So today... I woke up to a cold... no! I woke up to a very cold morning. It was just 12 degrees but it did feel so cold sans the snow. Yes, all the dusting we had the other day was all gone! With all the rain the following day... it all melted it away. Whew!

So today... I woke up today to a nice cold snow-less day. It does feel like winter less the snow. And I am not in a mood to sing "Let it snow." No way. Because the whole day today was a nice cloudless sunny day. Yey!

So today... I am going to go to bed hoping that tomorrow will be another snow-less day because tomorrow... is the 2nd Anniversary of my traumatic car accident... which made me hate the snow.

And today... I celebrate my second lease on life.

T’is the Season… for shopping.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Before the countdown there is such thing as – the list. It is important that I count down the special people on my shopping list so I won’t miss anyone. Whew, holidays are always tough especially in this tough economy. But the holidays is always about family and friends so I bet everyone wants to make sure that it will be a wonderful one worth remembering without hurting one’s budget.

Good thing I stumbled upon Pier 1Import’s website and found hundreds of stylish and affordable items they have for the holiday season from gifts to candles and fragrance… from dining to home furnishing, accents and décor. And more importantly, they also have seasonal items and special values that can save me a lot of dough. Check them out and you will be surprised how cheap the prices are but not the items because if you will ask me, they are definitely gorgeous.

This year, a new dinnerware set tops the list of my “must haves” for the holiday entertaining. And since I miss home, I want something with Asian touch like the Tranquil Dinnerware set which cost only $5-$6 a piece. This set will surely set peaceful mood at the dinner table and with the price like that… a peace in my pocketbook.

But since I am a busy person and the only time I really have in my hand is the time I spend in front of the computer, I bought most of my holiday gifts for the people I love online... at Pier 1 too. I got some nice fancy jewelries for my stepdaughters, mohair throw for my MIL, clock for my FIL, one of a kind toys for Brandon, a peacock rocker for my Sweetest and scented candles and oils for myself. And yes I also got some cute toys for Toys for Tots.

And speaking of toys do you know that during the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy and/or making a cash donation at the register or you can spread the holiday cheer by liking Pier 1 Imports on Facebook.?For every new fan they get, they will donate $1 to Toys for Tots. So what are you waiting for? Just click “Like” Pier 1 Imports on Facebook and have yourself a wonderful holiday.

Why am I surprised?

I woke up to this sight this morning.

Though I am not really surprised at all considering the fact that it is already December. This is not actually surprisingly ridiculous either because based on my experience since I came here in Maine... around this time of the year we should have accumulated around 10 or more inches of snow. So I am still happy just waking up with a little dusting on the ground even if the temp dove to single digit. Brrrrrrr!

It is not officially winter yet but signs are all over the place. This photo above is taken during my very first winter. I remembered running outside the house when I saw the snow falling on the ground. I was so amazed considering that I lived in a tropical country all my life. It was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen in my entire life... so I thought.

After awhile I got tired of snow storms...and ice storms... and bundling up... and shoveling... and freezing!

That is why, I am just so happy that we only got some dusting today. And hoping that we'll have snow in April... just a day before Spring. LOL.

Say... Lobstah!

I am craving for something yummy the other night. But since I didn't do my grocery a day ahead, I helped myself with yogurt. Well, I can't complain now. Life is tough as it is. I just psyched myself up that "probiotic" is good for my digestive system.

Anyway, I was browsing some of my photo files when I stumbled upon these...

Urgh! Come to think of it... I didn't have any lobsters this year. I took these photos one weekend when I was driving my client home from the Apple Festival and we saw a long queue of people lining up around some steamy huge metal square buckets.

It was a Lobster Lunch for fund raising. We could have stayed and have some servings of lobsters, steamers, corn on a cob, baked potatoes and yes our famous clam chowder... but my client had a huge fit. So there goes my appetite! Maybe next time.

And oh, by the way... here in Maine... we call it - Lobstah!

For more Weekend Memoirs... Visit OWM Here.