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California Raisins

When Gia was younger, she had this preschool teacher named Mrs. Brennan. She was the sweetest little woman who was so good at inspiring the little ones to learn. Her voice was high pitched and when she would get excited, it became even higher, often times sending the kids into an equally exhilarated state about the lesson at hand. 

Because I have always enjoyed packing lunch and snacks for the kids, even back then, I packed Gia’s snacks in her little lunchbox complete with juice boxes that featured her favorite Sesame Street characters. I remember when I ran out of juice boxes one day, I asked Mrs. Brennan if she could just give Gia water from the tap (yes, we drank water from the tap in NY) because I had yet to go food shopping. 

She quickly agreed and said that she will be sure to give Gia “God’s Juice,” at snack time. 

Nature’s Candy

I giggled and quickly agreed that water was in fact “God’s Juice,” and thought about what I usually packed in her snack box at that time. The little Sun Maid mini boxes that accompanied her snacks were a staple, and I quickly adapted to calling them “Nature’s Candy,” after hearing Mrs. Brennan refer to water as “God’s Juice.”

These were a snack staple for my (big) little girl when she was in Mrs. Brennan’s preschool class.

Fast forward to today, and Gia cannot stand raisins in her food, but tolerates them in trail mix or if they are covered in dark chocolate.

Luckily, my other “little” girl, Gelli, absolutely LOVES “Nature’s Candy” in any way she can have them. She loves them in her snack box (I still pack the little red Sun Maid boxes.) she loves them in her cereal, and in her trail mix too. In fact, lots of times she just asks for California Raisins and peanuts as an afternoon snack.

Actually, come to think of it, if we want to apply “Nature’s Candy” to ANY kind of dried fruit, we can. I just have a special affinity for California Raisins because it’s also a brand that I grew up with.

Naturally Sweet

In fact, even just the mention of California Raisins reminds me of this:

This was the commercial that was released in 1988 and yes, it harks back to my own childhood, where I would lay down on the floor with my feet up on the wall, watching tv on a huge box in the family room…all of which I have fond memories…

Healthy and Versatile

All of which, I pleasantly looked back on after attending the California Raisins event today at at Ikomai and Tochi. 

Chef James Antolin teamed up with Dr. Klaus Tenbergen to showcase exactly how nutritious and versatile this dried fruit is by incorporating raisins into the whole lunch menu, and by showing us two super easy vegan recipes where our sweet little treat shines.

Gyoza

From Wasabi Salad that was topped with a Crispy Raisin Fruit Leather, to Roasted Salmon, Gyoza, and Garlic Chahan, our entire lunch menu included California Raisins in ways that I had not yet imagined would work! 

Garlic Chahan

I was pleasantly surprised with the way Japanese food could be prepared using an ingredient not usually found in Japanese cuisine.

Vegan Raisin Cake

But because I am always looking for new ways to get my family to enjoy healthier alternatives to sweets, I was really looking forward to the vegan demonstrations that husband wife team Klaus and Priscilla would share.

Healthy Options

I was surprised to learn that California Raisins are:

  • naturally high in fiber (which means they are great for digestion)
  • rich in calcium, iron, and maganese
  • high in potassium
  • rich in natural sugars 

So here is something I will definitely make for the kids’ lunchboxes very soon:

Easy Coconut California Raisin Bites are packed with energy and fiber. I can see myself even adding some additional items for added texture, like chopped cashews, or even peanuts. It’s good to know that these can stay in the ref for about a week.

And this is something that I can encourage the kids to make when we are at Mama’s place (because she has a microwave) because they love baking and this mug cake is super easy.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mug Cake was so super easy to throw together and perfect for when the kids bring surprise friends over after school. Plus they can make it on their own because it’s throwing all the ingredients in one bowl and popping it in the microwave!

It truly was a treat to leave Ikomai and Tochi with a newfound inspiration in the kitchen!

So in honor of my new found inspiration, and of my childhood, Gia’s childhood, and the childhood that Gelli is enjoying with her own little red boxes of California Raisins in HER lunchbox, I will share a very ADULT like VEGAN recipe that reminds me of Autumn in New York.

There aren’t many things that I long for, now that we have been living in Manila for more than 12 years. In fact, I have slowly seen almost everything that I love and miss about New York (except for my family) become available here in various grocery stores and even through online purchases. 

If you like the flavors, scents, and the feel of Autumn, (like I do) then you must try this deliciously healthy salad which evokes all the earthy feels of leaves changing, crisp weather, and wearing cool fall sweaters while sipping on warm apple cider. 

[yumprint-recipe id=’40’]https://calraisins.org/
https://www.facebook.com/californiaraisins
https://twitter.com/LoveYourRaisins
https://www.instagram.com/LoveYourRaisins/

 

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In honor of #NationalSiblingDay... • • • • In honor of #NationalSiblingDay...
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#sibs #siblings #brother #sisters #love #family #ressagirls #fierce #familyfirst #teamgellibean #mytribe #ilovethem
Excited to be part of this international gathering Excited to be part of this international gathering of women! @strongertogetherevent is less than a two days away! Mommas from all over the globe will gather for some #RealTalk. We will open up to share struggles and triumphs with other mommas through candid conversations where participants can get real answers to their questions about this crazy ride that we call motherhood. There is strength in numbers ladies!!! Sometimes all we need is to hear someone else’s story to know we are on the right path. Sometimes we just need to hear someone else’s story to know that we are not alone in our frustration, our fears, and the smallest of victories. 
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Swipe left to see the schedule and the speakers, the healing modalities, and informational sessions on how to find your groove as a momma of a kid who may be extra. If you want to purchase your ticket, click the link in my profile and use the code MISH (case sensitive) for a $5 discount!
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#Motherhood ain’t easy, but when we gather, the load is lighter. Even as women we are  #MoreAlikeThanDifferent. 
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This conference will include mommas with podcasts, mommas who have written books, shared their truths, walked together and walked alone. #YouCanSitWithUs too. 
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I’m so pleased to announce the mommas who will get to attend this conference with me! 
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Thank you @sineadquinnofficial @justwhenyouthinkshesdown and @elle.frazzetta for making magic happen for the following mommas:
@akiko.guevara 
@trishcc 
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No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Nina No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Ninang’s place. I haven’t had the mind to work at all. I lost one of my sorority sisters earlier this week, and someone very dear to our family yesterday morning. I have been doing my best to focus on this little one, keeping her busy, and having mindful conversation with her. Reminding myself to stay present and grateful through this overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. I find myself having these little conversations through out the day with Jesus. Thanking Him for His sacrifice, and for the most meaningful Easter, I have had in a long time. I try not to question the loss and the pain that I know so many of our friends and family are suffering. But I’m human, and well, no one looks forward to loss 😔
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I keep coming back to the idea that there is purpose to the pain God allows for us. And the promise of something beautiful when we have lived a life where we do all we can, for His Glory. In this conversation I had with a Friend late last night, I shared this newfound understanding that recent events provided for me. It is through all of this loss that I have learned how grief and gratitude can both lighten and anchor my heart at the same time. That I can be grateful to have experienced the gifts of friendship and sisterhood yet grieving the loss of a human being who was luminous, generous, and Godly in everything she did. 
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And this little girl reminds me. Reminds me of His Grace. Of how precious each moment is. And how when she sees us full of sorrow, that we may need to dance. And we did that. We danced. We danced for @faithoverfearheal, prayed for everyone who has suffered loss in this very difficult season, and thanked Him for His Grace and His Love. 
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Grief
Gratiude
Grace
Love
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Even through the tremendous loss, I am reminded that God has a plan. And that there is a circle of life. Gelli and I celebrate Savi’s first birthday with his giveaway craft from @antspocketph that @sinfullysabrina sent out last month. We crafted, celebrated, and were able to remain thankful even through the most difficult of times. 🙏🏻🌹💙💛
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#gritandgrace #love #HisPromise #faith #Jesus #ThankYouJesus #loss
I have been so blessed by friends that share their I have been so blessed by friends that share their talents with me. I have never been so talented with paint or the arts, but I can appreciate all the work that goes into honing these skills. Especially, when it reminds me of the reason why I started blogging almost 9 years ago. Thank you @gingdsantos for this #Bespoke #Watercolor #Painting. I am humbled by your gift and the thoughtful note you scribed. This is such a beautiful representation of me and my beautiful @gelliaventajado. 
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Good Morning IG Peeps! Happy Hump Day! What’s on your list to check off today? 
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Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed w Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed while watching worship service. Pinwheel sausage from @santisdelicatessen @usblueberriesphl @realcaliforniamilkphl cheese @bountyfreshph eggs salted pretzels from @lartizan @hummingbirdspreads and @ilovewhisk jam was perfect with our ciabatta too. And because I realize that alcohol has been affecting my digestion lately, we switched over to a little sparkling @welchs_ph to add to our meal. 
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********GIVEAWAY ALERT*********** Read all the way ********GIVEAWAY ALERT***********
Read all the way to the END!!!
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@strongertogetherevent is a gathering of women from all around the globe sharing the triumphs and trials of their very special motherhood. We will come together because we know there is strength in numbers, in sharing, and how our stories are intertwined and intersectional. The raw gritty parts of motherhood, burnout, and the mountains we face can only be faced with our faith and women by are side who really “get” where we sit, stand, and fight for our children. Women who know that we sometimes struggle to own our own identities, and self care, too. Want to join the LIVE conversation? 
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All you have to do is:
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Up for grabs is a total of 8 tickets to attend the LIVE event which will include panel discussions, talks from celebrated authors, and advocates in the differently abled community!!!!!There will be healing sessions, yoga classes, and talks on wellness and self care to help us navigate our motherhood in current times. I will announce the two winners on Friday, April 9th! Good Luck!!!
Thank you @elle.frazzetta for sponsoring an extra ticket when you purchased your own!!!
Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado fo Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado for Easter Sunday. She has perfected this delicious recipe. From tweaking the cake to mastering the ganache, I think she has it down right perfect! 👌🏻❤️🍫
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#chocolatecake #cake #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #delicious #onmytable #chocolate #gavinosph #homemade #homebaker
Struffoli. • • • • Little chewy round bal Struffoli. 
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Little chewy round balls of fried dough coated in honey and rolled out with a hint of citrus, generously topped with rainbow non-perils.
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This sweet tower of dough would always come out after Christmas and Easter dinner with the Sambuca or the Grappa, when I was growing up. My mother’s table would have ham and Turkey, stuffing and pasta, eggplant and sweet potatoes. We would celebrate Easter Sunday together with my Titas and Titos, my Nana and my Lola, and all my cousins. My Dad would take his place at the head of the dining room table which was extended into the living room by saw horses and a make shift table top that he built for family gatherings when we had overflow. 
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Our gatherings are smaller now. But they are filled with so much more meaning. I was able to rest. Spend time in the kitchen with my best girls, break bread with my sister, face time my parents, and #BingeJesus by watching @thechosentvseries all afternoon with @manila.gent. 
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Happy Resurrection Day!
Christ is Risen!
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#eastersunday #easter #italianamerican #italian #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #struffoli #frieddough #dough #honey #honeyballs
This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong to each other. Thank you Lord for making it so. There are so many things happening in this world right now, that may not make sense without our faith. 
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Loss. Suffering. Pain. Sickness. And as the realities of the pandemic are giving us so many more reasons to be thankful, I am clinging to His promise. His Love. And the understanding that He has plans for us. So we will do our part, stay safe, and take this time to reflect while giving thanks, and being mindful. 
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Holy Week has never been so full of reflection as it is for me now. Praying for my friends, my family, our frontliners, and all of those affected by COVID19. 
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Perhaps the wisdom that comes with age and life experience in your faith, involves knowing and understanding that the extreme emotions of pain and loss, grieving and gratitude, joy and happiness CAN exist in the human heart all at the same time. Not taking any of His gifts for granted. 🙌🏻
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#latepost #family #teamgellibean #familyfirst #giamynina #miggymange #jbirdicusprime #gellibean #manilagent #mommanmanila
@bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard D @bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard Dip made by @migaventajado with ingredients care of our #Easter #Basket from @momzillaph. As March is coming to a close, I am thankful for all the women I have met because I started blogging who are passionate in their purpose. I am thankful for Best Buddies and the successful month of awareness activities we mounted with partners who believe in what we do. And I am thankful that my family is safe and sound. Stay safe IG Peeps. Stay Home. Stay grateful. 
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Praying for all of our friends and family who are struggling with this virus right now. My heart is breaking but I know we have a Big and Mighty God. He can move mountains. Make miracles. And raise Jesus from the dead.
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