Celebrating the New Year!

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! Celebrate with the Nestlé Club's Crispy Rice topped with Chinese-style sauce, perfect for the occasion. 

Learn how to make it here: http://ww1.nestle.com.ph/recipe/nestleclub/recipedetail.asp?id=538

Happy celebrating! :)

Presenting: GoodLiving Webisodes Season 3

Hey, Kasambuhays!

Discover exciting and nutritious recipes for your child’s meals with this third episode of GoodLiving Webisodes Season 3 :)

Whip this up today :)

Try this creamy dip today to add some zest to your merienda.

Add a new flavor to your snack with Nestlé Club's Anchovies Dip:



For more recipes, like the Nestle Club on Facebook :)

Mechadong Cheesy! :)

Make your party an affair to remember with recipes and tips from GoodLiving Webisodes Season 2!

Beat the Heat with Cool Red Coffee

 

The sizzling heat of the sun is enough for anyone to want to cool down! Wouldn't you want a glass of this refreshing concoction pictured above?

Treat yourselves to a citrus drink with a kick of coffee with Nestlé Club's Cool Red Coffee! Find the recipe here. (:

Off the beaten track: See the Philippines in a whole new light!

Summer is here, Kasambuhays! Where are you off to this sunny season? Thankfully, beaches and waves are just a few hours away, wherever you are in the country. It really is more fun in the Philippines! :)

Road trips: More fun in the Philippines!

Our tropical country is filled with postcard-pretty destinations.  Some that instantly come to mind are Boracay, Chocolate Hills, Mayon Volcano, and Magellan's Cross.  But this year, try something different and go off the beaten track.  Explore what else our beautiful islands have to offer, and see our country in a whole new light.  Pay any of these places a visit – and don't forget to take pictures!
 
Anawangin Cove, Zambales
If you and your family are beach bums, then you'll definitely want to drop by Anawangin Cove.  This white-sand beach in Central Luzon is secluded, and so resorts and restaurants don't dot its shores.  There's also no cell-phone signal and electricity.  Bring your whole bunch here for some back-to-basics camping, as well as peace and quiet.  Here's another reason why you should go: On overnight stay at Anawangin won't cost you more than a thousand pesos (transportation, meals, and entrance fees included).

Getting there:  Take a 30-minute boat ride from Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales.

Camiguin
Found off the coast of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao, this “island born of fire” is home to seven volcanoes and other natural wonders as well as historical locales.  Troop to the most popular volcano on the island, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, where you can take a dip in its hot springs and waterfalls.  Visit the ruins of the Catarman church, which was damaged by a volcanic explosion during the Spanish era.  And before you go home, buy lots and lots of lanzones from Camiguin – known to be the sweetest of its kind in the world.  

Getting there: From Manila or Cebu, fly to Cagayan de Oro (CDO).  At CDO, hop on a bus going to Balingoan Port (a two-hour ride), and then take a ferry to Camiguin.  

South Cotabato
South Cotabato in Mindanao boasts of pineapple plantations and the beautiful Lake Sebu, which has seven spectacular falls coming from the mountains to the ravines 300 meters below.  If you are the adventurous type, ride the zip-line from Falls 1 to Falls 2 and enjoy the wonderful view.  If you are a culture vulture, visit the T'boli; watch their traditional performances and bring home some brass ornaments and tinalak fabric.  Trivia: This textile apparently depicts the weaver's dreams.

Getting there: Fly to General Santos City, and then drive to the city center, which is 15 minutes away from the airport.

Have a picnic in one of our country's scenic locations

Siquijor
There's more to Siquijor in Central Visayas than just magic.  This enchanting place is rich in natural wonders like beaches, springs, waterfalls, and forests.  Colonial-era churches can also be found on this mystical island such as the St. Francis of Assisi church.  Some must-visit spots in Siquijor are Cambughay Falls (which has several levels), the San Isidro Labrador church and convent (which was the largest convent in Asia), and the Bandilaan National Park (which has a butterfly farm).   

Getting there: From Dumaguete City, ride on a ferry that will bring you to the Siquijor port in an hour.

------------------

This helpful article is from your friends at the Nestlé Club.

For more helpful tips, sign up and be a Nestlé Club member today. :) 

Take a food trip!

When we taste food from a foreign land, it lets us travel without having to leave our seats. Make the journey more fun by sharing it with your guests! Give them this one-of-a-kind experience for their taste buds when they visit your home.

Source: www.colourbox.com

Today's post is brought to you by the Nestlé Club. Here, we give you three multinational menus this month. Pick your passport, and have a happy, healthy food trip with your guests!

Orient express
Invite your guests to hop on the train to different Asian destinations.

• Asian Chicken Salad: Add a dash of Asian inspiration to the usual salad greens. This recipe is exclusive to Nestlé Club members. Sign up today and get exclusive updates reserved only for members! To join, click here.
• Tasty Prawns: “Wok” like the Chinese with this seafood dish that's quick and easy to cook.
• Fruits in Cinnamon Pandan Syrup: This refreshing dessert's flavor is enhanced by the earthy taste of cinnamon and pandan.  This recipe is exclusive to Nestlé Club members. Sign up today and get exclusive updates reserved only for members! To join, click here.

Euro yummy
Take them across the European continent and sample its rich flavors.

• Seafood Gambas: Olé! Get your guests excited for the rest of the meal with tasty tapas.
• Lite and Creamy Garlic Pasta: Treat your guests to a healthy pasta dish that's high in flavor but low in fat.  This recipe is exclusive to Nestlé Club members. Sign up today and get exclusive updates reserved only for members! To join, click here.
• Chocolate Fondue: Let them dip cubes of fruit into pools of chocolate for a super sweet ending.

Viva Mexico!
Head to Mexico with your guests and have a food fiesta.

• Gazpacho: This light and cold soup is the perfect starter for a fiesta-inspired feast.
• Mexican Chicken: Make grilled chicken hot, hot, hot with chili and cumin.
• Mexican Custard: Leche flan and crème brulee come together like amigos in this dessert with a Mexican flair.

Make your own menu
Do you have a special occasion coming up? Let the Nestlé Club give you a hand with its Special Occasion Menu Planner. It makes menu planning as easy as pie! This tool is exclusive to club members only. 

The member-exclusive Nestlé Club recipes and the Special Occasion Menu Planner can be accessed when you join the Nestlé Club Online Community. Sign up today and get exclusive updates reserved only for members! To join, click here.

Why laughing is good for you :)

It's back to business after a restful and peaceful Holy Week!

To help you get back in the groove, let's start your Monday with something amusing and light-hearted! :)

Laughter brings many benefits :)

Some of you already know this--getting healthy can sometimes take a lot of effort. After all, sticking to a diet and an exercise routine is no walk in the park. But there is one thing that's so simple and easy to do and can do wonders for your health: just laugh! 

Now isn't that something! :) We'd like to share with you some of the health benefits of laughing: 

Laughing relieves stress
A laugh can start with a smile, and when the ball (or laugh, rather) gets rolling, the “happy hormone” or endorphins are released. It relieves not just stress but also pain. Laughing also gives you energy and lowers the levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone” and helps you cope with stress.

Laughing burns calories
Who says weight loss is no laughing matter? If you laugh for 15 minutes a day, you burn a total of 10 to 40 calories. You don't have to do so continuously. And if you have a 15-minute daily laugh for a year, you can lose four pounds!

Laughing boosts the brain
Have you noticed that you remember funny things well? That's because laughing may help enhance memory. It also helps fire up your creativity and improve problem-solving skills by stimulating both sides of the brain.

So go ahead and find something to laugh about :) We're sure your loved ones will gladly help! :)

------------------

This helpful article is from your friends at the Nestlé Club.

For more helpful tips, sign up and be a Nestlé Club member today. :)
  

Healthy and yummy for less? Sign us up! :)

Hey there, Kasambuhays! How is your week going so far?  

Today, we share with you some healthy and affordable (not to mention, yummy!) food items :)

Perhaps you've observed the same thing when doing your grocery-- food prices going up, which makes budgeting even tougher these days. Sometimes, we end up giving up some items on our grocery list. But that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice the good nutrition that our family needs to keep up with the demands of this fast-changing world.

To help out, we've rounded up some food items that are packed with healthy goodness but are light on the pocket. 

Source: istockphoto.com

Popcorn
Pop your own snack for family movie nights at home! Popcorn gives you energy and fiber and doesn't spoil appetite in between meals. A cup of popcorn can be as low as 31 calories; much less compared to 139 calories per cup of the usual potato chips.

Peanut butter
This yummy and favorite spread is high in healthy, unsaturated fat that's good for your heart. It helps your body absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Moreover, peanut butter goes well with apples, bananas, and of course bread.

Cereal
Jump-start your mornings with a good bowl of cereals. Not only are they easy to prepare (just add milk), they provide you with energy and fiber. So why not brighten up your kids' morning with a bowl of KOKO KRUNCH, which is high in iron and B vitamins. You can also snack on NESTLÉ FITNESSE cereals which is high in fiber for healthy digestion.

Canned tuna
Tuna is rich in brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is good not just for the brain but for the heart, too. Tuna makes it easy for you and your family to enjoy the benefits of Omega-3 and it's easy to add to your sandwiches, pastas, canapés, and more. 

Beans
Kidney beans, black beans, monggo, and garbanzos are some of the beans readily available in the market. Add them in your favorite soup and meat dishes (and even desserts like halo-halo) to beef up their protein and fiber content.

Source: istockphoto.com

Milk
We all think that milk is the best source of calcium. But there can be more to it, like iron, zinc, and vitamin C – which build up your child's resistance. Prepare a glass of NIDO Fortified or BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink for your kid while you enjoy a glass of BEAR BRAND Adult Plus.

------------------

This helpful article is from your friends at the Nestlé Club.

For more helpful tips, sign up and be a Nestlé Club member today. :)
  

Safe Travels, Kasambuhays!

This Holy Week, many will go home to their provinces, or do a bisita Iglesia. Summer is also here, so you'll probably have a few road trips planned out with your loved ones.

In today's post, we'd like to share with you some simple tips to help you have a safe trip :)

Remember that when you're traveling, anything can happen – but being just like a scout will help you avoid almost anything that can derail your journey. Be ready for anything by bringing along with you a safety kit on your next trip. Here are some of the essentials you must pack for safe travel:

 Flashlight
When the lights unexpectedly go out, you won't be afraid of the dark. A flashlight also comes in handy when you're looking for lost objects. Choose one in a small size, and then tie it to a lanyard that you can easily wear. Bring extra batteries, too.

Bandana
This single piece of cloth has multiple uses: mouth mask, bandage, pouch, scarf, hanky, headband, and more; your imagination is the limit. Always have a bandana in your pocket – or around your neck or hair – because you'll never know when you might need it.

Source: 123rf.com

First-aid kit
Tote a travel version of your kit at home, so you can still administer first-aid while in transit. Before you head to your destination, get these essentials from a drugstore: bandages, wound wash, cotton, aspirin, painkillers, motion-sickness medicine, and a thermometer. 

Alcohol and hand sanitizer
Wherever you may be, cleanliness is a must. When you have no access to running water and soap, you only have to open your bag and bring out your bottle of instant germ-busters, especially important before meals. 

Source: 123rf.com

Sunblock
Protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays with sunblock (or sunscreen), especially if you plan to spend a day at the beach. Spread the sunscreen on the exposed areas of your skin, and reapply it every two hours and after getting wet.

Insect repellent
Don't let the bugs “bug” you when you're traveling, especially when you're resting from a long day of sightseeing. Stay safe from diseases like dengue and nasty bites by spreading some insect-repellent lotion all over the exposed areas of your body.

------------------

This helpful article is from your friends at the Nestlé Club.

For more helpful tips, sign up and be a Nestlé Club member today. :)

Dishcover with Nestlé Club!

Sometime ago, the Nestlé Club held “Delicious Dishcoveries.” The final product is the result of the combined efforts of all Nestlé Club members in answering the poll questions on the Nestlé Club Facebook page. Their votes are the ones that have helped create this wonderful dish. Truly, the Nestlé Club couldn’t have done this recipe without the members' cooking inputs.

Here’s the Nestlé Club’s very first recipe collaboration!

WINNING INGREDIENTS:

Poll 1: PASTA
Poll 2: TOMATO
Poll 3: SHRIMP
Poll 4: SPAGHETTI

And the result is...

Nestlé Club Members' Shrimp Pasta

 

Get the recipe here! :) This fun collaboration is just one of the many perks of being a Nestlé Club member. Join the Nestlé Club today to experience what the Club has to offer! :)

Put those wine stoppers to good use

Happy Sundays, Kasambuhays!

Today, we're tackling the idea of 'new uses for old things'. Sometimes, it's all about looking at something in a whole new light. Here are some ideas, brought to you by your friends from--where else? :)-- the Nestlé Club. Find the original article here.

A perfect example is those cork wine stoppers; perhaps you've amassed a number of wine stoppers leftover after the merrymaking last Christmas. Here are some new ways to use them:

Place-card holder Add some sophistication to the dinner table when you’re having some guests over with cork place-card holders. Simply make a slot on the side of a cork and insert a card with your guest’s name written on it (PS: Your kids can even decorate the card with cork stamps!).

Pincushion Corks make great pincushions, too, because of their composition. All you have to do is simply stick your pins and needles – no other steps needed.

Jewelry organizer Keep your accessories from getting mixed up with this DIY organizer. Get a big picture frame, remove the glass, and wrap the backing with beautifully designed fabric. Next, glue one end of each cork onto the backing. You can now hang two to three necklaces from a cork or push a pair of earrings onto another.

Pushpin When the kids tire of their cork stamps, you can convert them into pushpins with flair for your bulletin board. Just slice a cork stamp in half crosswise, and then decorate the other half, too. Next, push the plastic end of a pushpin into a cork half (the design should be visible on the other end).

Knob For that shabby-chic look, redecorate your existing kitchen cabinets by replacing their handles with identical corks. Before screwing the corks onto the doors, you can decorate them with big buttons – just make sure these are coordinated.

Positive thinking :)

The weekend is upon us once again! Why don't you take the time to reflect on this article as you wind down over the next two days? :) You just might discover something new about yourself and your outlook on life!

----

Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? “Glass half-full people” always look on the bright side, and stress doesn't get the best of them. They can smile and laugh despite the challenges that come their way – and they overcome these setbacks.
 
Be just like these optimists with these tips:

Surround yourself with positive people
Good vibes are infectious, so stay close to the people that you think are positive. They are easy to spot; there's always a smile on their face, and you also feel good around them. Stay close to them so you can follow their example.

Look at the brighter side
We are the product of the choices we make, and how you view the challenges that come your way is a choice that you have to make.  You can choose to look at the bright side.  This allows you to smile, which makes you look better, and laugh, which helps you cope better with the hard times.  Remember, there's no problem that you can't bear, but you have to have faith.

Say good things to yourself and to others, too
Look at yourself in the mirror and look for something good about you as a person, and then do that to others, too. And here's the most important part: Say it. Say it to yourself and to the ones around you. Praise and be generous with your compliments. When you spread good vibes, these come back to you tenfold.

Count your blessings
List down every blessing – big and small – in your life.  Counting your blessings and being grateful have the power to make you happy and give you comfort even in stressful situations. Highlighting the positive in your life gives you a lift and makes problems seem not as big as they at first have seemed.

Block bad thoughts
Especially when you're stressed, these negative thoughts crop up and nag you: You can't. You're no good. It won't work out. You'll fail. Cancel them out with the blessings you've already counted. Let positive thoughts take over and strengthen you.

Source: Nestlé Club

Refreshingly good: Tutti Frutti Punch

Make this for your loved ones this weekend!










Get the recipe here :)

A short and sweet tip :)

Hey there, Kasambuhays! Are you ready for the weekend? :)

Today, we're keeping it short and sweet with this tip: When meals are cooked at home, they have less fat and higher amounts of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

 

Photo from www.facebook.com/maggi.ph

For recipe ideas, head on to the Nestlé Club, where hundred of recipes await you. Happy cooking!

Embrace change

Here's a little piece to inspire you on this Wednesday weekday :)

When change comes to our life, we tend to stick to what's existing and stay in our comfort zone. But here are three changes that can be good for you and tips on how to embrace them...and also thrive along the way.

Shifting careers
If you are unhappy with what you currently do, perhaps it is time to consider changing your career for your professional growth. It can help you broaden your horizons and develop new skills that will help you carve out a living.

• Look into yourself. Make an inventory of your skills and other assets as well as your interests.
• Do your research. Find out what it takes to succeed in your chosen new career.
• Beef up your skills set. Look for learning opportunities, training, and mentoring.
• Create a career road map. What direction do you want your career to take?
• Build networks. Your contacts can give you tips and leads for future career shifts.

Discovering social media
Social media gives you a great way to reconnect with old friends and stay connected with loved ones who live far away. It also helps you share memorable moments in your life with those you love.

• Check which site suits you best: Facebook, Twitter, Blogspot, Google+, and so on.
• Be careful in adding contacts to your network. Make sure you know them personally or they are at least friends of your friends.
• Read through your friends' posts and react. Keep your comments positive, and if you have nothing good to say, better not say it at all.
• Think before you click.

Sporting a new look
It certainly won't hurt to try a new look or to add some oomph to your existing style. Giving yourself a makeover, whether mini or extreme, can help you boost your confidence.

• Take a good look at your own looks: your type of body, skin, hair, et cetera. You need to take these into consideration when planning your makeover.
• Get some help from a stylish friend who can give you her expert and sincere opinion.
• Look for pegs and style inspirations. Study their style, and search for which feels comfortable and truly suits you.
• Be true to yourself. Make sure that when your friends and family see you after your makeover, they will still recognize you.
• Make sure your makeover is affordable. If you have to splurge on something, make sure it's worth the investment. Keep in mind, too, that little tweaks in your look can come for free.

Source: Nestlé Club

Mondays and Love Nests

Happy Monday, Kasambuhays!

If you're in a sweet mood, why not make this quirky and yummy dessert? :)

 

Grab the recipe here. Happy cooking!

What to Do with Leftovers

The holidays have come and gone and no matter how carefully you plan a meal, having leftovers is inevitable.


Here are some ways to turn your holiday leftovers into new and appetizing dishes with a little effort.



Omelet, the versatile leftover saver. With just a few eggs, you can whip up a tasty omelet with just about any meat, fish, chicken and vegetable leftover dishes! For example, cut up or dice chicken and sauté in onion and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, a dash of MAGGI Magic Sarap will make your omelet extra special. You can also mix in leftovers like fish and shrimp.


Meat Magic. Save the meat from your nilaga or the pork from your sinigang and make an exciting adobo with MAGGI Savor Garlic. Or, concoct a delicious soup by adding beans, vermicelli, celery stalks and MAGGI Broth Cubes for that extra flavor. Meat from mechado or afritada may be cubed and saved for sautéing with vegetables.


Leftover beef or ham is excellent for hashed potatoes. Mix the meat with boiled potatoes and onion. You can also turn leftover cold cuts, sausages, or chicken into sandwich fillings. Top it with NESTLÉ Cottage Cheese and you have a delightful sandwich.


Healthful vegetable reruns. Save excess vegetables for a soup medley later. You can have your soup from meat and chicken bones or chicken neck, gizzard, and wings. If these are not available, make an instant soup by dissolving MAGGI Chicken or Beef Broth Cubes in water. It has the same great taste of chicken and meat broth. If you have a blender, use it for better results. Puree vegetable leftover; perk it up with MAGGI Magic Sarap and some CARNATION Evap for a sure-winning soup.


Delicious fun with bread. Keep your bread's freshness and prolong shelf life by putting it in a plastic bag and then refrigerate. Leftover bread can be made into crumbs often used for frying. If you have plenty of crumbs, mix them with eggs and form into balls. Fry, then while still hot, roll in sugar and you have a different snack kids will love!


Cut up slices of baguette for croutons on salad. Create instant mini pizzas with any leftover bread: put tomato sauce on top, beef or ham on top, sprinkle with cheese, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, and enjoy!
Try these unique ideas and discover the ease of recreating leftovers from everyday meals and parties into new dishes.
Source: Nestlé Club

How to stay healthy during the holidays

2013 is only a few days away--you know what they say about new years and new beginnings, right? :) It's the perfect time to renew your New Year's Resolutions and commit to it!

This holiday season, give the priceless gift of health to your family and to yourself. Being in good shape will surely help you beat the holiday rush and make the most out of celebrations and gatherings. Here are some easy ways to stay healthy during the holidays:
 
Boost your immunity 
You're more likely to catch a cold – or worse, flu – now because of the cool weather and the holiday stress. Build up your immune system by...

• Loading up on food that strengthens your immunity, like citrus fruits, green and leafy veggies, berries, almonds. Drink a glass of NESTEA which contains 100% of your vitamin C need to help maintain your optimum immune system. Or you can have a glass of BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink which contains vitamin C, zinc and iron to help build your body's resistance.
• Getting enough sleep, because your body repairs itself as you sleep

Get – and stay – active
The temptation to slack off during the holiday break is strong, but don't give in. Below are some easy ways to keep fit:

• After attending simbang gabi, go jogging, walking, or running. Take advantage of the cool, crisp air during the early morning.
• Volunteer to be one of the performers at your office Christmas party. Not only will you burn calories as you practice your moves with your friends or coworkers – you also get to have fun with them.
• So that the holiday rush won't get to you, let your body release some endorphins (a.k.a. “the happy hormone”) by getting active with your kids. Play some outdoor games like habulan and patintero for extra helpings of fun!

Eat right
You'll surely go to many holiday gatherings that are overflowing with food. Here are some tips to help you make healthy food choices.

• Eat a lot of fruits and veggies. Put as many different colors as possible on your plate. Remember to use My Wellness Plate as your guide to healthy eating by loading ½ of your plate with fruits and vegetables, ¼ with carbohydrates like rice and pasta, and ¼ with protein like meat and fish.
• For portion control, choose a small plate. Put just the right amount of food on your plate – only what you can finish.
• Choose water or fresh fruit juices instead of sodas.
• Want to go back to the buffet table for round two? Wait! It takes your brain 10 to 15 minutes to realize that your stomach is already full.
• Bring something healthy to a potluck party – share the blessing of good health with your loved ones! Search Nestlé Club's database of recipes for healthy dishes.

Source: Nestlé Club

'Tis the season to do some rekindling

We have grown accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle. Gone are the days when we can just simply take our precious time accomplishing our daily tasks. Oftentimes, we get so caught up with our to-do-lists and deadlines that we forget to leave any room for the people we truly care for, such as your old friends, childhood buddies included.

When did you last see them? Have you contacted them recently? Remember, people are priceless and true friends are real treasures. So why not make it a goal today (right this minute!) to re-connect with these people? If you're at a loss as to where to begin, here are some simple tips that you can do. Let Project Reconnect begin!

Royalty-free image from 123RF

Go Virtual!
Almost everything is now on the Internet. Nowadays, the best way to track down old familiar faces is to use the different social sites available on the web. Facebook is a great starting point, as well as other classmate-related websites.

Old-school phone book
Don't underestimate the usefulness of old phone directories! The odds that your friend's family still lives in the same area are pretty big. Work up the courage to call and ask about your friend. They may have all the necessary information, specifically his/her mobile number.

Chat and catch up!
Once you've found these friends, follow through with a phone call or a text message. Just make sure to keep your messages light! After all, you don't want them to feel uncomfortable. After a series of correspondence, suggest you meet up for a night or an afternoon of catching up and reminiscing!

Communicate, communicate!
Like other relationships, friendships are best nurtured with a whole lot of communication. Keep your doors open for your friends. Don't let your killer schedule rob you of the joy of spending time with these amazing people--most especially those that have taken up a huge space in your heart!

Source: Nestlé Club