My Husband is a Good Cook

When I was still dating my then ex boyfriend and now husband, I found out that he started cooking since he was in 5th grade. His parents enrolled him in some cooking classes. He would cook for his family on several occasions. It was then that he found his passion for cooking. His skill developed over time. 

I would like to believe our family and friends loved what he would serve on our table. It was made out of love and sheer dedication to not only please our palates and but also satisfy our hungry stomachs.

Although he never got into any formal schooling, he was still able to come up with dishes that were really good. I am so proud of him and the many dishes he made. 

a feast made for 10 people

Vietnamese style grilled chicken

oreo cheesecake

baked  macaroni and cheese

mango cheesecake with dark chocolate crust

seafood fest for our anniversary

Arroz a la valenciana

chicken arroz caldo

mixed vegetables steamed in shrimp sauce with crispy deep-fried pork belly

pork belly

How I Paid Off My Debts

Living abroad doesn't necessarily mean I'm debt-free. Sure, I earn dollars but I also spend dollars. From paying our rent, monthly bills (car, electricity, phone, internet, insurance policies, etc), food & groceries to sending monthly stipends to the Philippines, they all pile up.

In Canada, it's easy to get a credit card. Most people do not bring cash with them because plastic is more convenient. And it's this convenience that also makes it easy to spend.

Here are some ways I did/followed that allowed me to pay off my debts.

• Unsubscribed from all promotional e-mails (especially my favorite B&BW and OshKosh/Carter's)---they're so tempting with all the BIG BOLD letters of discounts ranging from 30 to 50 to 80 percent off!
• Thought about all my purchases twice, thrice, or overnight--if I can't pay them in 28 days or a month, then it's a sure NO.
• Bought items in bulk (cheaper & economical) when they were on sale, and made good use of coupons (buy 1, get 1 or half the price) especially for our daily supplies like toothpaste, cooking oil, shampoo, mouthwash, etc
• Stayed at home on weekends, especially when I was trying to pay off my debts from those that I incurred when I had to suddenly go home to the Philippines to attend to my ailing mother. Staying home means big savings (no eating in restaurants, thus saving on tips & the entire bill, no gas/public commute, and the like)
• I made sure to make a list of my grocery items and to stick to it, helping me avoid unnecessary spending
• I always tried to pay the entire statement amount that I owed or at the very least, more than the minimum.
• Tracked my spending and identified areas where I can cut off my spending-- this will only work if I tried to be honest with myself

Doing all these allowed me to enjoy my monthly salary, down to the last cent. It was hard, but liberating to finally say I am debt-free.

But, we must remember that life is short, so short that we also have to enjoy the ride every once in a while. I don't forget to treat myself and my husband, when the occasion calls for it.

I wish everyone a prosperous, debt-free 2020!

Happy Anniversary

I've been married to the same man for a year now. We've been together close to seven years before we decided to take it to the altar. We just recently turned one, and I believe the best is yet to come.
Again, we thank the Lord for His faithfulness, everlasting love, and guidance that sustain our marriage. For with his mercy, all things are possible. :)