A frugal wanderer. Agriculturist. Lover of life and people. Adventure seeker. A typical human being who tries to live a healthy life and is occasionally lost in time and space.
She was a person with a good heart. She was one of my sisters from another mother and father. She was a loving daughter, sister and friend. She was smart. She was friendly. She was passionate on her craft. She was generous. She was thoughtful. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was fast. Her cancer cells were too aggressive that it took less than a year before she left us. We used to regularly call each other to rant, discuss scientific findings, and tell all the recent happenings in our lives. And I miss her.
I miss her random phone calls.
I miss her surprise visits.
I miss her rants.
I miss going out with her.
I miss her.
I met her 5 years ago, and like magic we instantly became friends. I admire her for being a loving daughter to her parents, sister to her siblings and friends, and aunt to her nieces and nephews. She was one of those people with genuine passion for research not for her own gain but for the end-users’ benefit. She might looked like a strict teacher to her former students but the people around her knew how much she cared for them – she wanted them to really learn and excel to what they are doing.
February last year I received a call from her. Her voice was the usual voice I always hear but as she went along with her story, the tone that started lively ended with a bad news in a sad voice – she had breast cancer. For 2 months she was updating me on her treatments and other side stories. Before she cut all her communication lines from all her friends (including me), she told me that she was not getting better. I was still hopeful that she’d survive but unfortunately, her mother contacted me to tell the sad news August last year. She is now in heaven.
I am writing this to show the world how beautiful she was inside and out. And if you can read this right now, I want you to know that I am grateful that the universe allowed us to meet, that I met a beautiful soul like yours. Until we meet again, my dear friend.
And to those people who have someone close to their heart experiencing a bad situation, listen to them, treasure them while they are still with us. Tell them how much you love them. Visit them if you can. Create as many memories as possible.
Hey milk tea addicts like me! Just want to share with you why I stopped buying milk tea. At the start of 2020 I said to myself: “No more buying milk tea!” and just 2 days after the new year’s eve I found myself in a line waiting for my turn to order salted caramel milk tea! See what I did there? (Maybe I’ll just put it on my 2021 new year’s resolution? lol). Milk tea is life! Then lockdown happened!!! And most of the things we enjoy were not available and we ended doing DIYs!
Firstly, I learned how to make my own milk tea more that a year ago! Raw materials are always available in convenient stores and groceries (shops that were still open despite the strict lockdown). For your basic milk tea, you will just need a bag of your chosen tea variant, hot water, milk and sweetener. Making one is sooo easy and it will take you less than 10 minutes of your time! Here’s how:
Since I have learned how to make my own milk tea, I realized that making my own at home will give me more savings! Let’s say on the average, you spend 100 pesos per cup of milk tea from your favorite milk tea shop and you drink twice a week or 8x a month! It is 800 pesos per month or 9600 per year! Versus if you buy your raw materials, here’s a sample computaion (in pesos): 200 for 25bags of oolong tea, 95 for 1 liter of milk good for 4-5 glass of milk tea, 60 for 1 kg sugar and 75 for 1 kg raw black pearls. This supply sums up to 430 and would last up to 3 months if you drink twice a week (just add another 4 liters of milk). For 3 months, buying milk tea would cost you about 2400 versus if you are gonna make your own (810). You will have an additional savings of 1590 per quarter or 6360 per year. Saving that you can put in the bank or use invest in a small business or stock market.
Lastly, with the milk tea I make, I know and have control on the stuff I put in there. Nutritionists and doctors won’t recommend too much intake of your milk tea because it can increase your sugar level which can lead to diabetes. If you are the type of person who cannot stop yourself from drinking one every week, then you might consider concocting your own milk tea. Choose healthier alternative sweetener like sugar-free sweetener, stevia, or honey. Aside from the sweetener, you can also choose the tea and milk that you like. Do you want green or black tea? Are you lactose intolerant? Why not try soya milk? You have the freedom to choose the ingredients of your milk tea. Take a photo and in the caption why not name your unique mix?
So there’s the tea (pun intended) lol. The next time you pass by a milk tea shop and crave. I won’t stop you from buying one but consider asking yourself first…is it worth it or I can do it at home?
A year ago, I tried my own DIY hydroponics set-up without thorough understanding of the technique. Fortunately, I was successful growing my Brassicas! Here’s how I did it:
However, my tomatoes grew but did not bear fruits. So, I attended a seminar about hydroponics and there I learned my mistakes as a beginner. I listed ten of those!
1. Early or late seed pregermination
Pregermination of your seeds is a crucial part and this should be done 1-2 weeks before transplant. Seeds usually can germinate without any nutrient because they have reserved ‘food’. As the seedlings grow this reserved food will be used up and if you transfer the seedlings days after they consumed their food, these seedlings can experience stress which can eventually limit growth. On the other hand, premature transfer of seedlings might mean that some important plant organs are not there yet to successfully grow in a hydroponics set-up.
2. Bad choice of planting material
Herbaceous plants or plants with soft stem like lettuce are commonly grown in hydroponics. But, not all plants can be practically grown in a hydroponics set-up. Maize, an herbaceous plant, can be grown in a hydroponics but this is not a practical thing to do if you are into large scale farming because of the farm gate price of maize versus the associated cost of the set-up. If you enter the hydroponic world mainly for business, consider doing a cost and return analysis. Also, make sure to choose a plant that can thrive in this kind of environment.
3. Incorrect size of container
There are plants that are bigger than lettuce but can be grown in hydroponics. One of these plants is tomato – I mentioned that I tried growing one but was unsuccessful and I realised that I underestimated the rooting capacity of this plant and used a small container. With this kind of set-up, the small container I used was always empty and the leaves of the tomatoes were droopy by the end of the day. Think of all the crops you want to grow and either you choose a plant that will fit your container or get a container with proper size for your chosen plant.
4. Use of fake nutrient solution
These days, it is easy to buy bottles, label hydroponics solution and sell. Do not get fooled. Look for legit sellers. Fake nutrient solutions can lead to wasted time and resources. Your plant will die if the solution set you bought is just water and coloring because basically it does not have the nutrient your growing plants need. There are different hydroponics solutions in the market you can choose from which are true nutrient solutions. Here’s where you can get one (https://shopee.ph/SNAP-Hydroponics-Solution-Set-(August-SALE!)-i.86521262.5717286140)
5. Improper mixing of nutrient solution
As I said a while ago, there are different hydroponics nutrient solutions in the market. Some brands offer the solution in solid form and other in liquid and both need to be incorporated in water, and they usually come in sets (solution A and B). One is macro- and the other is micronutrient – both are important in a hydroponics set-up. They are made separately and making the stock solution needs to be done in a chronological order – one of the reasons is to prevent the build up of salts making the nutrient/s unavailable to plants.
6. Harsh pH
Too high or too low pH of the nutrient solution affects availability of nutrients in the solution. Most nutrients are available at pH around 5.8-6.5. But hey stop right there! You do not need to buy your pH meter right away. Hydroponics solutions in the market are often product of thorough research and intended to be used by consumers easily. Just follow the instructions carefully and you will most likely end up with nutrient solution at favourable pH.
7. Uneven surface
First, make sure that you have a levelled set-up – that the height of one end is the same with the other. One thing I experienced during my first hydroponics attempt was the uneven growth of my plants. The plants in the first half of the box were bigger than the other half and I found out that the surface where I put my box was uneven; the side with higher elevation had smaller plants. If you want your plants to grow almost evenly, then double check your set-up for uneven surfaces.
8. Too high or too low nutrient solution in the container
Fully submerging the roots in the solution will create an environment with low to no oxygen. For plants to grow, oxygen is a vital part. Depriving your plants with oxygen means killing them. Meanwhile, plants with roots that barely touch the solution are not getting enough nutrient and water which can lead to dehydration and eventually death of your plants. So, monitor the roots and the level of the nutrient solution – there should be enough space for the roots to get oxygen, water and nutrients.
9. Extreme weather conditions
Just like your plants grown in the soil, plants grown in hydroponics do not like extreme sunlight and heavy rain. Extreme sunlight can cause death of your plant if left unattended because of high transpiration rate brought by high light intensity and high temperature. Rain on the other hand is not needed by your plants in the hydroponics system because aside from your plants are practically submerged in water, the rain can further dilute the solution. Better establish your system in an environment with roof and enough light.
10. Allowing light to pass through the container
You do not want algae to dominate in your hydroponic system because aside from they are messy, they can also compete with your plants. Algae are plant-like and they need water, nutrient and light – your set-up is their perfect place! Growing plants in a sterile environment is tricky especially if you are a beginner. Preventing any light to pass through your container is the easiest way you can do to prevent growth of algae.
For those who are about to start their own hydroponics system whether as a hobby or business, try not to repeat the mistakes I did as a beginner. This will prevent wasting of time, energy and resources.
This recipe is easy to make and ingredients are all plant-based. Get your pen now!
You will need:
1 pack tofu/tokwa, sliced into desired cut 3 tbsp garlic, minced 1/2 cup red onion 1/2 cup onion leek, chopped 1 tbsp coconut or olive oil 2 tbsp soysauce 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp hot pepper flakes 1/2 cup water 1 tsp roasted sesame seed (optional)
Procedure:
Fry the tofu/tokwa in oil or if you have non-stick pan, you can opt not to them in oil. Prepare the sauce in a bowl by mixing soysauce, sugar, salt, hot pepper flakes and water, stir and then set aside. In a pan, sauté garlic, onion and leeks until they caramelize. Add the sauce mixture. Mix until the sauce gets a little thicker and then add the fried tofu. Make sure each tofu is coated with the sauce. Add some sesame seeds for added flavor.
If you are looking for an inspirational post about living your life, I hope you get something from my post. I too is questioning my existence…my purpose in life. I’ve been contemplating for years now about the reason why I am here on earth and binge watching Grey’s Anatomy made me question myself even more. Do not get me wrong. I find life beautiful. People, places, things – they make life worth living. Despite life being good…I am at that point that I do not know what is the point of living. By that I meant, where are we going? We do our best to live this life to the fullest but all of us will sooner or later breathe the last breath. Why do we keep on fighting for our lives? Others are even in search of becoming immortal? We are born at one point and then we meet struggles and challenges along the way, then comes growth and success and then we die. See? What is the point of overcoming all the struggles and challenges in life?
And I am thinking that maybe living this life is about influencing other people’s lives. What legacy do we want to leave? Maybe we are living not for ourselves but for other people. We do not know right now why we are living but let us give our best shot in everything that we do. Your life is a piece of domino on earth and each action you make will affect others directly or indirectly. I do not know life after death but I do know that this life on earth is so beautiful and worth living. No matter where you are and what you are going through at this moment, remember to still live your life and give everything that you can. Hopefully, one day we will wake up and see that life makes sense.
What products do you think you can get from these? If you thought of cassava cake, you’re obviously right! LOL. But, do you know that aside from the usual cassava cake you can make from this crop you can also derive other stuff? Here I list 10 of those:
Wikipedia says that lumpia are various spring rolls commonly found in the Philippines and Indonesia. However, in our locality, lumpia specifically lumpiang gulay can be wrapped (spring rolls), wrapped and fried (fried spring rolls) or unwrapped (lumpiang hubad). This post is not intended to get you confused about lumpia. This is for those vegetarian who are looking for budget-friendly dish.
Estimated cost: 100 pesos good for 5-6 persons
Ingredients:
5 cloves garlic
1 medium-sized onion
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 cups mungbean sprouts
1 cup tofu, sliced to small cubes
1/2 cup sliced carrot
1/2 cup sliced sayote
1/2 cup onion leeks, chopped
2 tbsp soysauce
1/2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
Procedure:
Fry the tofu until golden brown then set aside. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in coconut oil. Add the fried tofu. Add water, soysauce, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix in the mungbean sprout wait until it simmers. Add the sayote and carrot. Mix everything. Simmer for 2 minutes then add onion leeks. If you want to thicken the sauce, just add cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 cup water.
One of the things that happened during the quarantine period was that more people are now into growing plants. Unfortunately, not all succeeded or they were able to germinate them but after a week their plants started to wilt despite the love and effort they put in. And the common question is WHY can’t I successfully grow this plant? I listed 15 possible answers here:
1. Dormant or dead planting material
Have you noticed that the seed you’ve planted and given with favourable environment is not germinating? It is possible that your seed has innate dormancy that needs to be broken or it is already dead prior to your planting.
2. Excessive fertilizer
Do you know the saying that anything in excess is bad? It also applies to growing plants. I know you want your plants to grow big and healthy but be mindful on the amount of fertilizer you apply because it might become toxic.
3. Overwatered
Not because your pot is not overflowing with water would mean you are not overwatering the plant. Some plants (like succulents) require lesser amount of water than others. Too much water will limit the oxygen available to plants.
4. Not enough moisture
I mentioned that overwatering can kill your plant so is not watering them. Water is an important factor in growing plants (you can even check your basic photosynthesis lesson) that is why you should never deprive them with water.
5. Nutrient deficiency
Did I say that excessive fertilizer can kill your plant? Aside from toxicity it would bring, it can also make other nutrients unavailable to plants. Different plant species require different amount of essential nutrient you need to provide.
6. Compact soil
Are you having fun compacting the soil inside your mini plant pot? Do not overdo it even in large scale gardening. Too compact soil will limit the air supply your plants need and it will also restrict root growth.
7. Lack of oxygen
Waterlogged and compact soil are conditions that limit oxygen. Oxygen is an important element for plants. All plant cells require oxygen to live because without oxygen they can’t breakdown their food to get energy.
8. Fertilizer damage
If we are not careful in applying fertilizer, we might cause damage to our plants. Fertilizers are damaging when there is direct contact. Make sure not to put them directly on the leaves or roots.
9. Uncontrolled insect pest
Some insects are beneficials but some are damaging to our plants. Make sure to control those pests before they cause significant loss to yield or worst they kill your plants. Make sure to use proper measure to control them.
10. Underlying disease
You might be wondering why your sooo healthy plant suddenly wilts. It is possible that a vector brought a virus to your plant. Or your soil is contaminated with fungi or bacteria that can infect your plant.
11. Extreme sunlight
Beauty experts would always say: “You can skip every step of your skin care except the sunscreen”. Plants need sunlight – yes. But depending on species, some would be sun loving while others don’t.
12. Too low or high temperature
For those countries with four season, notice how plants change from summer, fall, winter and spring. Again, depending on species, there are plants that would require an optimum temperature to survive.
13. Unfavorable soil pH
Is your plant growing in acidic (low pH) or basic (high pH) soil? If yes, you might want to correct the pH because it is probably limiting the availability of some important nutrients your plants need.
14. Competitive weeds
Weeds are unwanted plants. They do not only compete with your main plant for resources (like water, nutrient and sunlight) they may also release chemicals that can kill your plant.
Have you ever attempted to become a minimalist but failed several times? I do! But I think that’s okay. It is a process. In each mistake you’ll learn and eventually you’ll become the minimalist you are striving for.
My first step was to donate my clothes that I hadn’t wore for a year because surely I won’t wear those for the next coming months. I realised that I was not using them at all. But why did it take so long before I gave them? I guess the answer lies to our emotional attachment to things. You think of all the memories you had with them – shirt you wore during your first job interview, the dress that your friend gave you, etc. If I list every reason you have in mind, you’ll end up not giving up even the most faded polo you have.
But you see, your eyes will betray you at times and you’ll add that another piece of clothing to your cart. If this continues for sure your closet will overflow with clothes. Do not let buying another closet your solution to this. Sell or give your old clothes you are not wearing anymore – that way you’ll earn extra cash or make another person a little happier.
I know I am just starting and still far from the minimalist person I am aiming but I feel like I am on the right track. Why? Because I learned a crucial step – the art of letting go. You need to train your mind not to hold on material things and keep only what really matters. If you gave or sold a thing that had been so close to your heart, congratulations! You are making progress!
It seems that I am enjoying giving my things a new home! I made an instagram account to sell some of them – @letgoproject2020. My first collection will be launched on August 7, 2020. Make sure to check it out. *wink*
We all hope for everything to be better right now. And when that happens, some of us are planning to travel. Philippines has a lot of tourist destinations worth visiting. I had seen quite a number of places and here are my personal favorites.
1. Enchanted River (Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur)
This one is on top of my list. If you’re gonna ask me just one place you should visit, I won’t think twice and will immediately suggest this one. I guess I will be forever under the enchantment of this river. THIS ONE IS JUST SOOO GOOD!!! ❤
2. Magpupungko Rock Pools (Siargao Island)
Not your ordinary beach destination. I would recommend that you go here during low tide to better appreciate the place. There is a beautiful beach in the place but what caught my heart more was the rock pools and the waves.
3. Kawasan Falls (Badian, Cebu)
If you want that adrenaline rush this one is surely for you. You will climb, swim, jump or do free fall. The color of the water is mermerizing – some parts are opaque and some are clear with different shades of blue and blue green.
4. Gigantes Island (Carles, Iloilo)
Who loves inexpensive seafood? This place is our heaven on earth! Eat different kinds of seafoods without breaking the bank. Imagine having scallops at P 1/pc! Aside from the food, the island offers a postcard view and exciting activities.
5. Kiltepan (Sagada, Mountain Province)
Witnessing the beauty of the sea of clouds, orange picking, and spelunking are just a few things you can do here. I am telling you a 4D3N trip is not enough that you’ll immediately plan your next visit to this place. And a breakup is not required to appreciate the place. (LOL)
6. Cagsawa Ruins (Daraga, Albay)
Visiting this place will give you a quick time travel. The first time I was here, I remember the picture from my SIBIKA textbook – I felt nostalgic and amazed by this picturesque view – the cone volcano and the buried church.
larswrites 