WHAT’S BREWING AT SM HOMEWORLD

Over second and third cups flow matters of high finance, high state, common gossip and low comedy.  [Coffee] is a social binder, a warmer of tongues, a soberer of minds, a stimulant of wit, a foiler of sleep if you want it so.  From roadside mugs to the classic demi-tasse, it is the perfect democrat.  ~Author Unknown

The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., "Over the Teacups," 1891 

No One can understand the truth until he drinks of coffee's frothy goodness. ~Sheik Abd-al-Kadir

The popularity of coffee has in recent given rise to a lifestyle where people congregate, talk, write, read, surf the net, and play games in coffee shops while enjoying a great brew. There is nothing, after all, like sipping the perfect cup of coffee individually or in the company of friends and family.



The good news is that you can have the coffee culture experience right in your own home, with cool coffeemakers from SM Homeworld. These are not only sleekly designed and compact, but make it easy for you to be your own barista at home.

There are Electric Drip machines where hot water is poured over ground beans in a filter for cups of fresh gourmet coffee. If you prefer more traditional brews, there is the French Press Coffeemaker wherein the grounds are filtered with a mesh instead of paper filter to capture the coffee’s flavor and essential oils.

Espresso Machines make rich brews with a thicker consistency by creating pressure for water to flow through a tightly packed container of finely ground coffee.  This extracts more of the coffee goodness, giving you a richer, fuller, stronger cup of coffee.  Multi-function Coffee Makers, on the other hand, are designed to give you a great cup of espresso, cappuccino, long coffee, and latte with just one press.


How to make that perfect cup of coffee – and bring the coffee shop experience - at home?  Making blissful brews is an art, which the Italians refer to as the four M’s – La Machina (The Machine), La Miscella (The Coffee), La Macinadosatore (The Grinder- Doser), and La Mano (The Hand).

• Multi-function Saeco Xsmall Steam Coffeemaker brings the coffee shop experience to your home with its espresso, cappuccino, long coffee, and latte functions.

• Make delightful cappuccinos to start your day right with his Krups coffeemaker.

• Krups Pump Espresso XP5200 Series with Krups Precise Tamp Technology that can be set for 1 or 2 cups at a time.  It also has a selector knob for brewing or frothing.  

• This elegant Bodum Eileen French Press Coffeemaker was developed to honor the great Irish designer Eileen Gray, as well as all of the coffee connoisseurs who frequent the bistros and cafes of Paris, Gray’s adopted city. 

• This sleekly designed tall clear glass is perfect for lattes and frappes.

• Start your day right with this Delonghi Cappuccino Maker Compact Series.

• Stylish white Luminarc Sweet Line cup and saucer for your cappuccino, macchiato or brewed coffee.

• Coffee culture. Saeco Nina Bar coffee machine for espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and long coffee.

• Brew your coffee in less time in this Black and Decker Drip Coffeemaker with a glass carafe.

• Red and black Moulinex Drip Coffeemaker.   

• Cappuccino cups and saucers by Symphony.

 

Here are some tips to keep in mind while making your homegrown brews from SM Homeworld:

·                 Start with high quality beans.  Whether you prefer gourmet roasts or homegrown artisan brews like the Barako from Batangas and Cordillera coffee, choose the best beans from supermarkets and delis.

·                 Buy fresh roasted coffee.  Coffee’s freshness begins with roasting, so check out labels when buying coffee from stores.

·                 Use the right ratio of coffee to water.  This makes a big difference in taste and intensity. Some experts recommend 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.

·                 Use high quality water.  Coffee, after all, is 98.5 to 99 percent water, and it’s best to use clean fresh cold water with minimal mineral content, otherwise known as soft water. Store bought filtered water is also recommended.

·                 Use the right grind.  This is especially crucial when you are grinding your own beans.  The best grinds are fine, but not powdery – it should feel sandy to the touch.

·                 Make sure the coffee maker is clean.  A dirty coffee maker can ruin the cup.

Best served in stylish cups and saucers to complete your coffee experience.  The collection is available at Homeworld located at SM Stores.  Designs may vary per branch.  

Love at first click

"The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and had it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it move again, since is it life "

reflets de moi-même

While going through my archives in the past couple of days, I have noticed that one of my passions is taking pictures. Whether using a point and shoot camera, SLR, DLSR or just the mere camera from my cellphone, photography is a way of expression when words fail me. Something I absolutely love about taking photos is the way it alters life. The process itself gives me serenity, a chance to clear my mind and a sense of perspective.

My Reflection

A vivid memory of the day I got hooked in photography plays in my head from time to time. Going back to how I felt at that moment to how far I have come in my life since that memory was pretty amazing. I am grateful that I made it this far and how my life continues to unfold before my eyes. There is an inherent stillness in capturing photos and an unspeakable joy looking at it. That very moment you captured in a creative fraction of second creates a hundred of stories. It is like recording a gamut of feelings and finding something interesting and special in ordinary things, places and people.

Stop. Look. Listen
I did exactly what the sign says and captured the moment.

Peace, hope and joy permeated my thoughts whenever I take photos.

Indeed, it is love at first click! ♥

Serenity

Unedited. My first shot and his first ride in a bicycle.
Pierce Peter. Washington. 2005

Testing my new cam. Captured the perfect smile.

New Hope. New Mornings.
Walking means everything to jada (dog) you could see her ear below... She is an adopted dog from a shelter. She found new home and found new hope.

Didn't remove the date and time..
31st of August 2005. 8:38.AM. Washington. DC. USA

DAZZLE WITH SM’S MODERN METALLICS

Starlight, Star bright! Sultry metallic halter dress shot at Arena's Event Bowl.

Shine on. Shimmering metallic tank dress.

Gold Rush. Dazzle day to night in a metallic gold top worn with black pants.

Dressing Room Drama. High-collar, cut-out back dress with metallic bodice.

Glitz and Glam. This long metallic bronze dress makes a strong statement at the Barker's Alley.

Midas Touch. Seal a deal or watch a high-powered concert in the cozy Corporate Suites of Arena in a pair of metallic pants worn with tailored blazer.

Heavy Metallic. Amp up your fashion voltage with this metallic textured jersey top shot at one of Arena's modern-designed smoking lounges.

Metallic Diva. Steal the spotlight in a one-shoulder metallic number, shot at the Event Bowl

All that glitters! The facade of Arena, with its dash of metallic pewter and stone finish, is the perfect backdrop for this pair of metallic silver pants worn with a sheer black top.

The future is looking bright as Modern Metallics celebrate the start of a brilliant new year at SM!

Metallics, after all, have been adding shine to Spring 2013's fashion runways with designers like Burberry Prorsum, DKNY, Alexander McQueen, and DVF taking the lead. And with boho queen Sienna Miller recently illuminating the London scene in a cool metallic gold top, SM Ladies Fashion brings on the glow with textured metallic jersey pieces.

It's a luxe look with fluid, light reflective pieces in glitzy gold, sparkly silver, bedazzling bronze, and polished pewter.  There are high-voltage sultry dresses, shimmering tops, and metallic cocktail trousers that create richness and playful elegance by putting a fresh spin on more timeless looks.

Beautifully photographed at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Modern Metallics collection dazzles at the new state of the art venue for world -class entertainment.   Located on an 18,214 square meter side at the SM Mall of Asia complex, the new 64,085 square meter five storey landmark by the Bay can accommodate a seating capacity of 15,000 with a full house capacity of 20,000.  Designed for concerts and basketball games, it can also be configured for boxing, theater, fashion, and ice skating shows.

The Modern Metallics collection is available at the SM Department Store, Ladies Section of SM STORES.