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Blog

Things I miss about New York

So almost three weeks ago, I had to hop on a plane and go to New York.

I had very little time to prepare for the trip, and in the beginning it was in no way, a vacation. I had decided to come to New York to be with my niece who was in critical condition in the ICU, and my sister, who is her momma. I packed quickly, and jumped on the next plane so that I would be with my sister and her family as soon as possible after my niece’s surgery.

My younger sister and I planned to help out so that my older sister could catch her breath. My sis has always been an influence on me as we were growing up, and now that I have daughters of my own, I have always emphasized the importance of their sisterhood bond. Both my daughters know that despite the big gap in age that their relationship cannot be compared to any other relationship in the world forever and ever and evahhh…

Photo Credit: http://www.thewhatsappstatus.org/sister-quotes-love-and-funny-for-whatsapp-status-and-fb/

Photo Credit: http://tinyurl.com/nd3qtdq

So the good thing is, my niece has recovered. She is not at her best yet, but she is well on her way. She has a bit of a challenge in front of her, but I do think that if she commits to a healthier lifestyle that she will be able to take better care of herself AND recover FULLY. 

 

Every Thanksgiving, I ask the people sitting at my table to share one thing they are grateful for. Some people aren’t as comfortable expressing themselves as others, and that’s ok. However, I believe if you live a life of gratitude, it just feels better, and you’l resalize that you’ll have more things to be grateful for. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the gift of good health for my niece @jess_ballinger. After hearing her condition a few weeks ago, I couldn’t sit in Manila and know what was going on so far away in the ICU in Westchester. I had to get on a plane and be by her side as she recovered. (Because I always had faith that she would recover.) I’m so glad you are on the mend Jessie. I love you! #family #thanksgiving #ressagirls #grateful #gratitude

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 26, 2015 at 8:26am PST

I miss cute and convenient things from the grocery store.

IMG_5302 copy

Ok. I do have a love affair with butter for my cooking, but it's not that serious. I just think it's the cutest thing that they have a HALF of a stick of butter conveniently packaged AND that butter comes in the shape of a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Happy Turkey Day! Here's just one of the super cute food finds in my old grocery store during my recent trip home. #turkey #butter #instafind #instacute #thanksgiving

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 26, 2015 at 1:25pm PST

I miss my favorite pizza.

My favorite slice was always a corner "Fresca" from Posa Posa Too in The Woodbury Commons. Since then, they have moved and are at a new location still in town and still with the same great corner slice.

My favorite slice was always a corner "Fresca" from Posa Posa Too in The Woodbury Commons. Since then, they have moved and are at a new location still in town and still with the same great corner slice.

Ok, living in Manila was very challenging when I first arrived because I could not find my Italian American comfort foods right away. But the good thing is, after more than 9 years of living here, I have been able to find some very good comfort food (YES, PIZZA.) quite near by. I miss running into random high school friends that I get to keep up with only on Facebook because I live so far away.

I love coming from a town where we all know our graduating class. I graduated with a class of just a little over 300 kids. My nephew's graduating class is almost 4X the size.

I love coming from a town where we all know our graduating class. I graduated with a class of just a little over 300 kids. My nephew's graduating class is almost 4X the size.

Funny thing, when I was young, I couldn't wait to leave the small town that I was from. I wanted to get out, to see the world and to meet new people. I just didn't understand what I understand now. There is something to be said for people who knew you way back when...especially if those people are still your friends now...

I miss my neighborhood ITALIAN DELI.

This is the neighborhood deli that I would visit every Sunday with my father for our bread and Italian treats. It looks a little different on the outside, but the crew on the inside is all still the same. Photo Credit: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4306303/monroe-ny-what-to-eat-check-out-the-best-of-little-italy-

This is the neighborhood deli that I would visit every Sunday with my father for our bread and Italian treats. It looks a little different on the outside, but the crew on the inside is all still the same. Photo Credit: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4306303/monroe-ny-what-to-eat-check-out-the-best-of-little-italy-

Before moving away, I would go to this deli with my dad (and then later for my dad) to pick up cold cuts, raviolis, cookies, cannolis, and fresh mozzarella. (mooh-SA-rel, you can say it with me) This is the deli where everyone behind the counter knew your name, your wife's name, and your preference of products that they happily offered up to their patrons (usually with an Italian background.) They make their own ravioli, fill fresh cannolis when you order them, and hand pull the mozzarella every morning. P.S. I was able to learn a little bit about this age old process, and I will share that with you in another post.

I miss shopping at The Woodbury Commons

 

The beauty of shopping in a country that is coming up on winter, is the sales for summer items. #score A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 17, 2015 at 2:49am PST

Truth: One of my first jobs while I was in high school was working in a retail store in The Commons. While I was living so close to this super outlet mall, I took it for granted...now that I have moved away, I can appreciate all the deals and the steals it has to offer.

I miss the sights, the sounds, and the smell of Autumn in NY

I snapped this photo in the car with my friend Fayth. We had hot bagels in the back and were looking for parking so we could go up to her place.

I snapped this photo in the car with my friend Fayth. We had hot bagels in the back and were looking for parking so we could go up to her place. This is a very different sight than the trees up in Monroe. Most of the leaves had already fallen by the time I arrived.

 

  Apple cider is one of the many things I miss about Autumn in NY. Thanks Lara for making apple cider sangria and thanks Jenn for bringing my favorite apple cider doughnuts from #jonesfarm #autumnflavors #thanksgiving #home   A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 22, 2015 at 12:20pm PST

 

Jones Farm was one of my favorite places to visit in Cornwall, NY. Besides having the best apple cider donuts and the best carrot cake, they also had a small petting zoo and cute country gift shop that I would spend at least an hour browsing around while the kids would play outside.

Warm boots and coordinating layers are one of my favorite outfits to welcome the change from Summer to Fall.

Warm boots and coordinating layers are one of my favorite outfits to welcome the change from Summer to Fall. #sisters

I miss my friends and family.

Screen Shot 2015-11-29 at 7.29.23 AM

Not sure if you noticed or not...lots of the things that I miss are the people and the food that I am familiar with. That's why we call it comfort...It's what we know, what's warm and fuzzy, just like what we grew up with. 

I am all for growing up, moving on, and leaving the place where you grew up, because it's only by leaving your bubble that you can expand your understanding of the world around you. I think that travel is the best gift my parents ever gave me. They gave me the gift of travel while I was still young and impressionable. I experienced a great many things that I would not have understood if I had stayed in Monroe and never ventured out.

But now, after living abroad for more than 9 years, and making Manila my home, I also enjoy the chance to go back to upstate New York...to reconnect with my roots, my childhood friends, and soak up the love, craziness, and excitement of being in a place which is so familiar that people know your name, and they know who you were when you were much younger....

 

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Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    November 30, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Nice post Michelle!

  2. Kristin says

    December 1, 2015 at 3:09 am

    I’m so glad I got to see you while you were here!

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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