Sony VAIO Tap 20

Since I am 'babysitting' a Sony VAIO Tap 20 for a week, I thought of giving this gadget a 'test drive' to find out it's special features. I'm no expert on gadgets but I just like to share my thoughts for those who are planning to buy one. 

Key features: 20 inch, Intel Core i5-3317U processor, 4GB of DDR3 system memory

+ First thing I noticed is it's sleek design. It just looks professional and sophisticated together with the wireless keyboard. All the 'bulkiness' of a normal desktop are all hidden.  

+ I liked that it had a whopping 20 inch screen which is perfect for my solo movie marathons and even for movie dates with the barkada or for the family.

- Since it had Sony TV technology, I expected the image quality to be impressive but it's just okay  

+/- It is way heavier than a normal tablet (around 5 kg) but still transportable around the house. It is supported by a very strong stand so it could be adjusted to your preferred angle. 

 

+ You could finally enjoy Windows 8 with its touchscreen aspect. 

+ It had original Vaio applications like Family Paint which kids and the kids at heart could enjoy. 

- Battery only lasts up to 2 hours (more or less) It could be just a movie then it will be dead =( 

- The sound from the speakers is not so good. I may have expected a lot from the speakers since it's from Sony but I was a bit disappointed. 

- It is too pricey for me (around P50-60,000)

- The touch experience was okay but had some lagging when I used Facebook. Also, disrupting my view are my own fingerprints (downside of a touch-screen).  

- The front camera has only 1.31 megapixels (not good for Skype and selfies) 

Overall, it looks like a tablet but it's more of a desktop PC. (I'm not even sure which category it would fit.) If portability is your main criteria, this is not for you as it's not meant to be carried around casually like a tablet. But if you're looking for something basic and MOVABLE around the house or the office then this could be for you. Would I buy it? Maybe not. I find it too pricey and it doesn't have a star feature which would make it standout from the rest of the all-in-one desktops. As much as I enjoyed using it, I still used my desktop PC for my daily tasks and surfing sprees. 

I hope this was helpful. If you own one or have tried using it, let me know what you think! =)

Feta - Turkish.Greek.Mediterranean - by Chef Ibrahim Keskin

Annapolis Street in San Juan is known to be a 'mini-hub' for restaurants namely Choi Garden, Uno Seafood Restaurant, Papa John, Brasserie CiCou, Everything at Steak, Deli Master (which I still have to try), etc. I pass by them everyday when I get off at MRT Santolan-Annapolis Station. A month ago, a friend and I discovered a new place being built beside One Beverly Place and we both wondered what cuisine they will be serving. The place is called Feta and all I knew is that it was a type of cheese. When my dad and I visited my uncle who lives near the area, we both decided to drop by.

Upon entering you will see their small deli where you can buy some Greek goods and freshly baked bread.

We wanted to buy Simit unfortunately, they were sold out. 

We asked for their best-seller and they it was the Lahmahcun (pronounced as "Lamajoon") which is a thin piece of dough topped with minced meat and mixed vegetables baked on wood fire served with salad and a slice of lemon. [Price P120]. It is commonly called 'Turkish Pizza' and it was really good. It is the first time I have tried it and I'm glad I did. It's my new favorite! The dough was perfectly baked and it was full of toppings. It was already good as it is but our server taught me the 'Turkish Style' of eating it which is pouring the salad on top and rolling it to a wrap (see photo below).

 

We ordered Penne Arrabiata [Price P249] which is a simple pasta dish full of tomato flavor and just the perfect hint of chili. I think I had a bad angle, the plate looked too big but it had the right amount of serving.

I love Kebab and they have a lot of meat entries. We had a hard time deciding and ended up with Sis Kebab (Cube Meat Kebab) [Price 300 -Beef]. It is originally from Persia. Kofte (Sis) kebab is made of minced beef meatballs mixed with parsley and mint and grilled on a stick. Served with rice and salad. By the way, sorry I wasn't able to remove the pita bread on top of the kebab when I took the photo. I also had to ask for some 'garlic sauce' or yogurt. It just seems incomplete without it. The meat was tender and tasty.   

After our meal, we asked for their traditional Turkish Tea (free only for your first glass). I watched as their staff poured it from the caydanlik (aluminum kettle) and served it in a small tea cup. Tea has been a part of Turkish culture. They usually offer it to guests as a sign of their hospitality. It was a perfect way to end my meal.

I was curious on how they make their bread and the lovely Ms. Skeeter of Feta allowed me to take pictures of their beautiful oven and we also had a quick chat on their best-sellers.

I wanted to try Baklava which is a famous Turkish dessert but I was too full with all the rice, pasta and bread  that I ate (#carboload). They had Pistaschio and Walnut Baklava (priced at P180 for 3 slices).

I'm not sure if they had Borek but that would definitely be in my list to try when I get back.

This is definitely one of the best Mediterranean restaurants I've tried so far. =)

Wait, there's good news! If you happen to live along Annapolis Street, they offer free delivery but for a limited time only. Call them at 7057238 to check if the promo for free delivery (annapolis only) is still on.

Feta is located at Ground Flr. Intrawest Building, (Between Atlanta Center and One Beverly Place) Annapolis St. Greenhills, San Juan City. 

They are open from 10am to 10pm.
You can also visit their FB page here.

Love at First Bite: Segovia's Cakes and Recipes

I once got a taste of this super yummy mamon baked by a family friend, and I never forgot it. Finally, after months of craving, my folks and I finally dropped by their cafe - Segovia's Cakes and Recipes along Vicente Lim St. in Little Baguio, San Juan. 

 

I finally found a place where I could chill and enjoy my 'alone time'. 

They offer pasta, rice meals,sandwiches and desserts and they have affordable prices.

I liked their customized furniture with the owner's old Archie comics collection. It brought back childhood memories.

They prepared for us a very delicious snack- tuna sandwich and their best-selling chicken sandwich which is REALLY REALLY GOOD. The secret is that they make their own special bread for the sandwiches.

With all the food that I ate, unfortunately my tummy didn't have space for dessert =(

But I have already tried their chocolate cake and their cheesecake before and they are both good.

 

I have to try their custard cakes next time.

It is a perfect place to enjoy a quiet Saturday afternoon. It is tucked away from the busy streets and it's not crowded like the usual coffee shops.

Ofcourse I wouldn't leave without ordering their melt-in-your-mouth and famous mamon. 

In fact, it just came out of the oven when we arrived and the place was smelling like butter.

Since a piece wouldn't be enough, we bought a dozen. (#takaw)

It was really soft and tasty and it is perfect with a good hot cup of coffee. I brought some to our office and everyone who got a taste of it was instantly hooked.

I will definitely be back for the pasta and more cakes. Special thanks to Tita Carmen Segovia for the delicious meal. 

Visit them at #28 Gen.Vicente Lim St. Little Baguio San Juan City (near Xavier school)

or if you wish to order their cakes and super delicious mamon, call them (preferably a day before) at 7252849/ 7274616/ 4772229 

The Tipsy Pig

First of all I would like to thank my best friend Monica who introduced me to this awesome place and took the photos. After going to a bridal fair at MOA, we went to Capital Commons (near Kapitolyo) and had a late lunch at Tipsy Pig.

Address: Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City
Tel. No. 570-4620
Open from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Monday to Friday) and until 4 a.m. (Saturday to Sunday)

My favorite was the Belly Sisig Tacos (P280). It was really unique and surprisingly good. I was expecting to see the usual sisig (swimming in oil) but this one was creamy. I loved that it has some chopped pork belly which added crunch and it had sauce for more flavor. THE BEST!

We also ordered Flaming Wings (295), which was really spicy. I wasn't able to handle the 'hotness' but with the dip, it was a good combo.

My second favorite would be The Dirty Mexicana (360) which is perfect for sharing. I loved the tortilla chips (thin and crispy) and how soft the beef is. The cheese and sour cream on top just made it addicting. 

We also tried the Rigatoni Pasta with Spicy Shrimp (P260) which is a tomato-cream based pasta. If you're the type who likes their pasta plain and simple (like me), then this one is for you. You might like to share it with someone because you might find the sauce too rich in flavor and not be able to finish it.

To cap off our meal (and to tone down the spicyness), we ordered lemonade and red iced tea. (Can I just say I also love their mason jars?) =)

While Tipsy Pig is known for their signature drinks (their salted caramel beer got me curious), I must say they also have good food and nice ambiance. This place is packed 8pm onwards, especially during weekends. Good thing they are still open until wee hours of the morning (habol pa). I'll definitely be back and try their salmon steak and some cocktails.

What's In for 2014?

2013 wasn't the best year. I can't recall doing something exciting and memorable. I feel like I've bummed out the whole year and that is just sad. The good thing about a new year is a clean start and another chance to set things right.

Here are some links that you could find helpful if you're on the verge of doing your yearly resolutions:

1. New year resolutions for twentysomethings (Buzzfeed) and (thoughtcatalog)

2. The truth may hurt but could change you for the better (cracked.com)

3. Finding inspiration for the year ahead (tinybuddha.com)

4. Ditch resolutions? (huffingtonpost)

(photo from Instagram/ Beautiful Minds FB Page)

I'm still creating my list and I am very hopeful that I would be able to accomplish a lot (if not all). Hello exercise and savings, we meet again!

Let's do this guys! May we all have an awesome year ahead =)

Simple Look for a Roaring 1920's Party

The theme for our 2013 Year-End Party was The Great Gatsby (Roaring 20's). Since I didn't want to spend a lot for a new costume, I just worked with the stuff I have in my closet and borrowed some items and bought a P20 headband to get the look.

With a plain black dress, I just used a lot of accessories to be a 'flapper girl'.

1. A fascinator (borrowed)

2. Chandelier earrings

3. Beaded Headband (bought at P20)

4. Gloves

5. Feather Boa (borrowed)

6. Long Pearl Necklace

7. Strappy Sandals

 

Too bad the curling iron didn't work on me. A red/ dark lipstick could also make you look more dramatic.

I know it looks really simple but I still fit in the 1920's right?

What's your Christmas party theme for this year? Let me know your plans for your costume =)