Slow cooker meal: Tasty's Baby Back Ribs!

One of the things I was most thankful for last Christmas is this: receiving a "kabuhayan showcase" worth of gifts from my dearest ones to complete my little kitchen. Yahooo!!! :) Seriously now, while I was thinking of slowly building up my cooking appliances and other paraphernalia, there I was, a completely surprised recipient not only of a cast iron skillet (supposedly the hubby's gift but I was the one who got it from the store hahaha) but also of fine silverware (thanks Tita Carmen & Tito Ven), a turbo broiler (thanks Tito Tony) and this slow-cooker (thanks Mommy & Daddy!!!) Oh, if I could only give you all a tight hug!!!! :D

For our first try, we followed Buzzfeed Tasty's recipe to the letter; for our next batch, we used the spices as dry rub

While my first attempt at using the slow-cooker was an utter, utter failure (grabe, sobra, hindi makatarungan..huhuhu!!!!), I've come to love this little kitchen helper. That is, after careful research. --> I'll reserve a post for this so you'll learn from my mistakes too :) But you're here for the ribs, aren't you? So let's get cooking!! Uhmmm...slowly! ;)

SLOW COOKER RIBS (adapted from Buzzfeed Tasty)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of bbq sauce (we love, love, love Sweet Baby Ray's)
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 4 Tbsp. of cider vinegar
• 3 tsp of oregano
• 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp. of cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp. of chili powder
• 3 lbs of baby back pork ribs (got ours from SM at approximately PHP 450-500 for this size)
• Salt & pepper

Directions (adapted from Buzzfeed Tasty):

Buzzfeed Tasty's version: Combine bbq sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl.

Salt and pepper the ribs. Place ribs in slow cooker, and cover in sauce. Cook low and slow for eight hours or high for four hours.

Mommy Meowmeow's version:

• Defrost and clean the ribs. Pat dry with clean towel. Salt and pepper the ribs.
• Combine oregano, cayenne pepper, chili pepper and use as dry rub. I promise, there is a difference in flavor! [Be careful not to touch your face or your child at this point. Make sure to wash your hands well.]
• Combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce. 
• Place ribs in slow cooker and cover in sauce

• Cook high for 4 hours OR Cook high for 1 hour (to get the temp high enough and keep the meat safe from the temperature danger zone) and switch to low and cook for 6 hours. [If your slow cooker does not have a timer, you can buy one from your trusted hardware shop like the one below]

• Optional: Baste with extra sauce and broil in a pre-heated oven

• Plate and serve

Buzzfeed Tasty's version: After the ribs are done, spoon the bbq sauce in the slow cooker over the ribs before removing. Cut the ribs, serve with bbq sauce.

The result? It's really a fall-off-the-bone ribs dish. And I really love the medley of spices used in this recipe. My mom even said that it was close to Applebee's. The house was unanimous...Rice pa please!!!! :) 

Note: This dish has a little bit of heat due to the spices added so tone it down a little if you'll be serving to kids too. Enjoy and let me know how your slow cooker ribs goes! :)

Hmmm..I think the Valentine's weekend warrants some rubs for the lovin' hehehe <3

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A trip to Divi-landia

Contrary to how I perceived it when I was a lot younger, it seems that going out with friends as an adult can be much harder to plan and actually do. At 30-something we all have lots on our plates - a husband or a significant other, a kid or two, managing the home, trying to get something done..you get the drift :)

So when we finally did have the chance to get together, we were a truly ecstatic! Oh wheee! And, it's not a casual Friday night dinner and drinks...we all agreed to have a food trip in Manila's Chinatown on a Tuesday morning. That's some of the things we "oddballs" get to do because of our scheds Hehehe..

Ninang K navigating through Chinatown with a little help from Waze :)

Original plan: to try out Royale Sharksfin Seafood. After navigating through traffic and not finding a decent parking space (it is after all the busy week before Chinese New Year!), we had a change of plans. Might as well park and eat at Lucky Chinatown Mall and then see where the day will take us. 

And so we started scouring for nice restos yet we ended up eating from a hotpot shabu-shabu kiosk Hehehe...well, it wasn't at all bad for PHP 130 - 150.00 per bowl. Ninang K also found a stall that sells fresh lumpia, we loved it! Cravings satisfied! :)

PHP 150 Shabu-shabu hotpot meal at the kiosks to the side of Lucky Chinatown Mall

A mango graham drink for Ninang W

Since we were literally just a stone's throw away from Divisoria, well we just had to go. With only a few hours to spare, I'm really amazed the three of us were able to have great finds (Wannie, especially!) thanks to Kathy for being our guide.

From 999 mall Wannie got sheets, and a cute pants for me. 168 got me crazy with the wooden toys at a fraction of the price from malls. Amazing discounts already for kids' toys, in fact..nahihiya na ako tumawad pa hehehe. I think this is where I got so excited to build up my "homeschool" loot. Take a look at some of these 'manipulatives' that my child already loves.

The 3 toys all cost me less than PHP 450.00. Can you imagine?? I'm glad I did not bring more money..oh the temptation!! Nakakabaliw di ba? Hahahaha :) [Not in picture: a PHP 50.00 bell shaker Added already :)]

And then there was this one "secret store" where Kathy brought us and I think Wannie got too excited with the goods!! Even I had to restrain myself. I think it was a wholesaler that had toys, school supplies, fashion accessories, etc..the works! I was able to get a 6-pack set of pearls (fake / fancy of course) for PHP 28.00 Gaaaaaahhh!!!! Now, imagine what Wannie was able to score..hahaha I shall not tell! :p

We were also amazed by the unique party supplies and Valentine's offers, but, we had to head back. While we would have loved S&R pizza for merienda, time would not permit. We just contented ourselves with buying tikoy from Eng Bee Tin and very tasty gelato from Caramia. I tried the Mango Berry and ang saraaaaappp!!!

That's it pancit, Happy Chinese New Year everyone! :)

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Video: Z's 2nd Birthday

After a couple of weeks, I'm finally done editing this home-made video of our 3-in-1 January celebration. *happy dance!* 

Since I'm using a personal / consumer hand-held video and audio is not usually the best, I instantly resolve to just turn my works into a music video presentation. And sometimes that's where the problem lies....choosing which song best embodies the feel of the event. You know, something happy-upbeat-fresh-clean - especially on the clean part since this is for a 2nd birthday. I don't want lyrics with very dark or suggestive overtones because most probably, Z will be watching this a million times and soon she'll memorize the lyrics too! So since I can't find any Disney song that was appropriate for this one, I turned to some of my fave feel good movies from beyond. Hahahaha :)

So I was able to find this song, "Perfect Day" by Hoku and what do you know, seems it's really a great match..just watch this video til the end and you'll see what I mean *wink*!

Enjoy our video! :)

Youtube version:

Vimeo version:

Zara's 2nd Birthday: Purr-fect Day! from Andrew Lim on Vimeo.

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All-out, All-in

At 31, I don't have everything figured out. Quite frankly, where I am now is in a much different place than I have planned to be when I was younger (emotionally, physically, professionally, etc.). There was a time in my 20's when I envisioned myself living and working in a foreign country. There was a time when I'd be all for joining marathons and all the training that comes with it. Basically, there was a time when I thought I'd be everything I want to be and have everything I want to have by 30. 

Such a lofty and arduous ambition, right? At some point during the last couple of years, I was not okay with most everything that's happening..or not happening. I felt like there was a barrier, a road block to those aspirations. The struggle is REAL, so to speak. 

There were also times I'd question myself if I've made the right decisions, at the right time. Was this xx too soon? Is this xx too late? Should I have done this xx instead?? During my lowest points (okay, I'm not even going to blame hormones on this) I'd read, cry and sulk (all the feels!!!!) while my family's asleep. Sometimes Daddy A would wake and see me crying and comfort me, and sometimes he's just asleep! Hahaha.. Real talk? 2014 was especially challenging when we became parents for the first time. Changes here and there, pressure points everywhere.

I can't say I've gotten over all these..but what I can say is that I'm coming to terms with most of them. What helped me most was my husband's love and patience, rediscovering Mama Mary's help through the Rosary and of course, reading God's Word through some helpful books I've stumbled on in those dark times. 

One story that knocked some sense in me was the journey out of Egypt and in the desert for 40 years. Imagine that! Long story short, I truly could relate that right now in my life, I'm in the desert. This does not pertain to where I'm living but rather, what I feel within. But my hope is in God that by leaning in, praying, trusting Him and His plans and working for His glory, He will one day lead us out of the desert season of our life. 

I may be afraid but I will not let it paralyze me. I know now that at 31, life is just beginning for me and my family. And it's okay to not have everything figured out by now. A huge part of our success or failure lies in how we take action. I am God's work in progress. Sure there'll be mistakes, but I'll learn from them. Starting today, I'm going all-out and all-in!

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THE Tagaytay trip with the Girlies

So this just happened!!! :)  The Tagaytay trip we almost weren't able to go to. Sooo sooo soo much fun! Thank you so much for hosting, Ayee :)

Wish you were here Ina, Grace & Kathy :)


Tagaytay, let's Marvin Gaye and get it on! from Andrew Lim on Vimeo.
Blogged here ==> www.mommymeowmeow.com
Music: Charlie Puth - Marvin Gaye ft. Meghan Trainor

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Zara's Second Birthday at Guevarra's by Chef Laudico

Last week we celebrated an important milestone in our family's life - our daughter's second birthday!!! :) That's two years worth of diaper changes, mommy-baby tactical negotiations, working part-time / full-time parenting, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, sneaking in sexy times (hahaha) and everything in between. As I always say, it's not always easy but it's definitely worth it. 

What can I say, we may be far from being a perfect family but my two fellas right here make it bearable and a really enjoyable everyday living. 

Of course you could obviously see more than 1 cake in our pictures and that's part of the reason we decided to celebrate in a restaurant to accommodate our guests. It was a 3-in-1 celebration for our not-so-little Z, Daddy A's upcoming birthday and my parents' wedding anniversary. So that's really a "happy we"! Am I making sense here?? Hahahaha :D

All these lovely and yummy cakes were Pinterest-inspired and tweaked a bit by our supplier, Sweet Home Bakeshop.

What started as a 30-person party quickly turned to 50-ish as we wanted to spend time with our nearest and dearest families and Z's godparents. This is, in comparison with Z's 1st birthday bash, a pretty much unplanned event, giving us 2 weeks give or take to book the restaurant and invite our guests. Really so glad that they were able to join us despite having it on an odd schedule - yup, a Monday dinner party hehehe :)

It was good that Guevarra's restaurant is located in San Juan (387 P. Guevarra cor. Argonne St., San Juan City) and it's like in the center too of Metro Manila so makes it a bit easier for our guests to locate and to come on time. Parking is very convenient too.

Daddy A's Badminton Cake

My parents' anniversary cake

What made us decide to hold our event here at Guevarra's is primarily their superb buffet offering - tasty Filipino dishes that are reasonably priced. With drinks na yan ah! Of course the ambience is so nice too! Feels like I'm transported back in time to the 20's or 30's in a hacienda having a feast after attending to town concerns. Hahaha #feels ba? [P.S. Thanks so much to Ina & Reggie for inviting us here for A's homecoming, such a great recommendation]

But I tell you, for us it is sulit na :) Dinner from 5-8 pm with the spread that they have....ahhhh, I just want to come back and feast on their buffet again!

Daddy A and his architect friends also appreciate the fact that this is an old house from that period that was preserved and repurposed for many things - Guevarra's restaurant is just the latest incarnation. 

It helps too that the place and the over-all design was just pure understated elegance. Nothing over the top and not too zen minimalist. That's why even if we were not able to finish our DIY mylar balloons, carry na rin! 

I was only able to take photos of some dessert spread. At this point there were may people lining at the buffet and dyahe na ako to take pics. Baka gutom na rin sila :p

What I was telling you earlier. These aren't all our guests, ah. They have several function rooms that can accommodate from just a table to 50 pax. The buffet spread is shared amongst all diners. No worries since they replenish almost immediately and the hallways area large and spacious so the buffet station is really still just a few steps away from wherever you may be seated. 

I really like their angus beef tapa, lechon, kare-kare with bagoong and dessert. Almost everything, actually! 

Yep, you definitely are in Mommy Meowmeow's blog! Hahahaha...obvious much? Hihi :)

Again these are Pinterest-finds that my hubby kindly (out of mercy sa kawawang DIY-er?!) reproduced for me. Thank you so much! 

My grandma who travelled all the way from Quezon just to get here :)

Mommy and Baby Meowmeows! :)

My mother-in-law who helped me source balloons and lootbag contents in Divi-landia. Thank you so much po! :)

The kids ARE alright! Maybe a bit drunk looking here??

Guevarra's Mabini Function Room - can hold up to 50 persons, has male/female comfort rooms which are shared with the rest of the restaurant diners. If ultimate privacy and exclusivity is what you want, that might be a deal-breaker.

Mabini function room

Rivera - Lim - Ang families

With Z's godparents

My uncle and my (pretending to be) drunk dad hehehe :)

Girlies represent! My friends from high school, Z and Ate J

Me with the birthday girl, in her party hat....which I totally forgot about until we were about to hand out the lootbags!! Aaaackkkk...hahahaha :D

The singing waiters.

Time for you two to make a wish! [Cause I already made a wish and you both came true! Naks!!]

The front porch is just as picturesque as the inside. I really wanted us to have a class-picture-style photo taken here with all our guests but, it's a logistical challenge.

I felt Mondays would be more relaxed with less people but look, not only did they have a wedding reception, they were also celebrating Guevarra's staff Christmas party right smack in January :)

This is a photo of the function room that's good for at least 10 pax, I think..

Good night! Sweet hugs and kisses to my two loves..I love you both so so so very much :)

Food & Venue: Chef Laudico Guevarra's
Cakes by: Sweet Home Bakeshop
Photo / Video: Mommy Meowmeow; also great shots by my bro Arvin in his album; as well as my in-laws Gen & Athan :)
Hello Kitty Photobooth prop: Daddy Meowmeow (Andrew Lim)
Lootbags: Super thanks to my mother-in-law mama Medy & my mommy Madeleine for taking care of this :)
Godparents' caramel apple: The Bad Apple

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