Frannywanny

There's truly no place like... home . This Christmas is extra special as both Paul and I are able to catch up with friends and spend a lot of quality time with our families. I can't really imagine being anywhere else during this special time of the year without our loved ones around us. Of course, with all the bonding comes a lot of eating. We've been feasting, munching and partying for days on end! Tis the season for lots of merry-making, after all. Check this festive Christmas Stocking cake that Paul and I got from Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore . It's so pretty that I actually hesitated for a minute before slicing it. Inside, you get a moist vanilla butter cake that goes so well with a mug of hot chocolate. It's light and creamy perfect for those who wants something different from the usual Chocolate-flavored cakes. However, we also got a couple of chocoholics in the house (yes, O and Paul I'm looking at the two of you!) . They both enjoyed the Chocol...

"I'm craving for bola-bola siopao with no salted egg." This was what I suddenly told my friend I in the middle of our Facebook chat. Of course, I's natural reaction was "huh?"  While Singapore has a very strong Chinese influence, sadly dimsum is quite hard to find still in this part of the world. Thus, whenever the craving for a delicious bowl of congee or some steamed dimsums comes about, it normally would take me days before I can finally find a place that will answer to these cravings. Where oh where are all the delicious dimsums in town? This is also the reason why I was literally jumping with joy when I found out that Hong Kong's famous Tim Ho Wan finally opened in Singapore . Now, we finally have real good Hong Kong-style dimsum and it's just a few minutes away from my office! Well, that is if I have the patience to line up and wait everytime. Tim Ho Wan opened it's first branch in Plaza Singapura early this year and yet everyday...

As soon as the contest ended a week ago, I immediately got down to business. The first task was to be organized and to divide all those who chose the Philippines and the Singapore planner. Okay, now that task #1 was done, then comes the fun yet challenging part -- reading through all the 190++ entries and choosing for the best ones. Most entries were really sweet and amazing that I ended up with more than 40 shortlisted ones and I know it will take me a couple more day to narrow that down to TWO . I will stop blabbing now and will go straight to the point... The lucky reader who will be receiving a 2014 Starbucks Coffee Philippines Planner is... Ira Tasha Balucan I was really touched by Ira's answer on how she will be sharing the Joy this Christmas: In light with the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda, I would try my best to make the victims feel that there is still hope in their lives. More than the relief goods, the food and the clothes, it is still es...

♫  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...everywhere you goooooo  ♫ Here I am again going around town in search of the yummiest things to give this Christmas! It's not a difficult feat as Manila is literally bursting with so much talented home bakers and chefs thus the challenge actually lies in knowing how to best fill your tummy with all these goodies! As I'd always tell visiting friends, be ready to pack in a few pounds during the holiday season as you'll surely be surrounded by all these mouthwatering creations 24/7. During my quick visit to Manila, a bright yellow box was delivered to my home and the packaging was the first thing that caught our attention. The box was created using corrugated sheets and it was just so cute and innovative. As you must have noticed, my family loves pretty and creative paper creations so even before we got to opening the box, we all ooh'ed and ahhh'ed by just checking the packaging out. Now, the grand unveili...

Just like that ladies and gentlemen, my search for the best tasting American buffalo wings in Singapore has finally came to an end. Yahoooooo!! *throws confetti in the air* Moving to another country made me realize how strong the American and Spanish influences have been to the Philippines. Actually, it was more on the food for me. Once in a while, I'd crave for a delicious llanera of Paella Negra or for some good juicy burgers and wings. Singapore is a truly a food mecca but I got to admit that having all these numerous choices around makes it harder to choose and look for the best. When it comes to wings though, nothing beans enjoying crispy deep-fried chicken and coated with a wide array for flavors. Yesterday, Paul and I traveled across the country to check out the newly opened Bedok Mall . I've never been to this part of town and I was really excited to see what yummy food gems one can find in here. Well, I just have to say that I was amazed that Bedok Mall has a n...

When my dear friend and fellow blogger Ria told me she's coming over, I was really excited to take her to try some of my favorite restaurants. Over our chats, the idea of her conducting a yoga class led to us organizing this exciting activity happening on Monday. Come December 9 (Monday), we would like to invite all Singapore-based readers to join us in a Benefit Vinyasa Yoga Class from 730PM to 9PM. It will be 90 minutes of slow flow poses that will surely relax you after a crazy day at work.  What makes it so meaningful and exciting is that all proceeds will be given to the Malongs for Mothers, an organization that Ria strongly supports. They provide malongs to all mothers affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region.  I really look forward to meeting all of you however there are very limited slots available so.....please sign up NOW and help me spread the word too! http://bit.ly/yogawithlove

Taking a break from our usual rice toppings / packed lunch / healthy salads and sandwiches options, our team decided to head a little further out for lunch one Friday. Our choice that day -- The Rotisserie along Telok Ayer street. We have been passing by this restaurant for some time now and noticed that it's always packed during lunch hour. Given that people here are such foodies, having a long queue or a jam-packed restaurant is definitely a clear sign that the food must be good. The system here is a bit different from a normal restaurant. You have to queue for the cashier first, place your order, pay for it then head over to the counter to get your food. It was quite a challenge for me as I really like choosing my food slowly as I see it before finally making my decision. Well I guess I just have to be a little bit more flexible at times right?