I finally tried Shake Shack yesterday! It was worth the hype. I had the single cheeseburger and ube shake. Both were delicious, and I’m glad that I made the trip to BGC.
Highly recommended!
Shake Shack!
Thursday Woofs
I spent time with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe SM North branch because I missed them so much! I was with them last Sunday, but I am really attached to these doggos. I can’t go on without seeing them every week.
They take my stress and worries away with every hug and lick. I hope to spend more time with them! And I hope that you can visit them too!
Back to Me
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon window shopping. I looked at yarns for some inspiration for future knitted and crocheted scarves. It’s a treat to surround myself with colors that make me happy. This definitely motivates me to continue being creative with my crafts.
Then, I attended A Geek’s Guide to Love, an event hosted by the Asian Institute of Management. I was tasked to pick one thing that I need from a set of choices. Of course, I chose coffee.
It was an insightful evening about love in the time of dating apps and social media. In the end, I realized that I should just continue being myself, and that the right guy will be there to pursue me at the right time. In the meantime, I’ll carry on with knitting, crocheting, and blogging.
Life is too short to wait for a man. For now, I’ll be the geek that I am and always go back to me.
KnIt, Mint, and soup
I just finished knitting the cowl that I began in Boracay. I continued making it in Coron and Manila, and it’s satisfying to see its completed state. I am pleased with the different pattern formed in the yarn, considering that I always hoard this variegated yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It’s also a cozy wrap to keep the chill away from the neck.
After knitting and running errands, I went to Moonleaf compound in Maginhawa to buy my favorite peppermint milk tea and patronize the new ramen place onsite, Yummy Tokyo.
I had the curry ramen which was a delightful bowl of happiness! The curry flavor was comforting in this gloomy weather. I was later joined by my best friend Luti and she seemed to enjoy her tonkotsu too.
I’m delighted to have finished a cowl, enjoy an old favorite and discover a new local ramen place! Life is about appreciating usual traditions and making new discoveries. Here’s to more finds and raves!
Boracay Cowl
I finally finished crocheting this cowl made of The Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn with sprinkles! I started making it in Boracay, then I continued hooking it in Coron, until I carried on with it here in Manila.
I am enjoying life’s adventures with crochet! It’s a simple hobby that I can bring with me wherever I go. Here’s to more places to explore!
The 7th day
I spend a lot of time at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe because it helps me regroup and put things into perspective. I am still grieving my father’s passing and helping my mom organize our lives, so I’ll need all the positivity that I can get. Dogs nurture my soul and they just uplift my mood. They are cuddly creatures who keep me going, and this is why I spent my Sunday with them.
I hope that you can also visit a dog cafe if you can’t have your own dog like me. Dogs really are angels on earth, and they will work miracles in your life.
Weaving Sunset
I spent my Saturday morning and afternoon weaving on my loom. I had spare yarns in colors that harken the blazing Manila Bay sunset. I wove with that specific scenery in mind, and the result is a moody woven piece made of orange and pastel yarns.
I am happy with the result, and I gave this to my friend Luti as her condo faces the Manila Bay sunset. How meta!
Greek and Tea
Yesterday, I got to eat dinner with my best friend Luti at a Greek restaurant. It was fun to indulge in healthy food for a change, and it was also nice to be back at Ortigas, which is my favorite CBD.
For dessert, we had Xing Fu Tang milk tea. It was reminiscent of my boba sesh with my maternal cousins from LA last week.
I really enjoyed last night and I hope to spend more time with genuine friends like Luti, who don’t judge and keep me going. Sumptuous food and indulgent drinks definitely make every reunion better!
Barkin’ Friday
I spent time with the fur babies of the Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe east branch after running some errands yesterday. I love these dogs as much as the ones at their north branch. They have bigger dogs here, and there’s more space for the dogs to run around. I don’t want to play favorites, but I do have a soft spot for Cheska the rescued husky, Bucci the corgi-beagle mix, and Forrest, the daddy Irish setter.
I say again and again that these dogs take my stress and worries away. Every hour spent with them is therapeutic for me. I can’t explain it, but I always leave the cafe feeling like a better version of myself. I keep coming back because the dogs (in both branches) are incredibly sweet, and the humans behind this cafe have already become my friends.
I’ll be back soon, for sure!
Eat and Share
Yesterday, I indulged in some fast food favorites: the seafood omurice from 8 Bowls (for lunch) and the garlic butter chicken from KFC (for dinner). Both were delicious! Then, I donated blood and it felt rewarding.
If you’re in good health and you meet the criteria of the Philippine Red Cross, I encourage you to also donate blood! It will save lives and it’s also good for the soul.
13 Vacation Lessons
I recently went on vacation with my maternal relatives from the US. I rarely go on holiday as I usually prioritize my career, so it was a refreshing change for me. I got to spend quality time with family that I rarely see, and I also discovered some lessons which I have learned by simply going to a new location (in my case, it was two: Boracay and Coron!).
Knitting and crochet (as pictured) while on holiday is a luxurious experience. Any hobby in fact, when executed on a vacation, is simply magical.
Podcasts make the journey (long waits in airports anyone?) bearable.
It is never wrong to ask questions.
Souvenirs, when done sparingly, are not tacky at all.
Leave seashells and natural resources behind.
Take as many pictures as you can.
Time is precious. Make the most out of it by planning ahead. Yes, bring a notebook or planner on vacation!
Sunblock is my new BFF.
Lipstick and blush are all you need on vacay.
Church should still be a priority while on holiday.
Coffee is delicious, so finding local cafes is a must!
Handmade purchases are always the best souvenirs.
Investment pieces show their value while in the middle of trying situations, such as bumpy rides, flight delays, and long walks under the sun.
Carbonara dreaming
Yesterday, I had lunch at Cafe Mary Grace, which has become a staple for ladies who lunch. I got myself a carbonara with a half serving of wild mushroom soup, and of course a cuppa to finish off my meal. It was delicious, as always.
What I like most about eating at cafes is that my mind gets to wander. I usually have a notebook with me, so I take the time to list down my upcoming tasks, regroup, and write down some inspos. I also get to write my dreams for the future and goals in life. I don’t normally get to do this at home, because I have errands to do there, or I am just there to rest. Cafes keep my mind going as I savor my meals and down my coffee.
I am looking forward to more cafe dates, whether by myself or with my loved ones. There is always another cafe to explore, and another cuppa to enjoy.
Starfinder birthday
It was our loyal helper Racquel’s birthday recently, so I took her out yesterday for Greek food and a good time!
Then, we went to Starfinder Optical to have our eyeglasses made. She is nearsighted, and I wanted to give her a clearer perspective. It was also her first eye exam ever, but the team was exceptional in making her feel comfortable and explaining astigmatism to her (she also has astigmatism).
I chose a pair of modern titanium specs that are understatedly edgy.
It was rewarding to share the gift of vision to someone who has served our family for years and years. I am truly thankful to have her in my life, and I hope that she will continue to be with us for more years to come!
Different sunday
Yesterday, my relatives and I went back to Greenhills for more shopping. I had lunch at Spicy Chick for some halal chicken adobo served pastel-style: with a huge cup of rice (covering the chicken adobo flakes) and inside a banana leaf. It is meant to be eaten with your hands, and they provide plastic gloves. It was delicious and moderately spicy.
I also had pancit pinoy and brewed coffee from People’s Champorado stall. Then, I got myself a freshwater pearl bracelet and ended my day with some vodka apple before saying goodbye to my relatives.
I enjoyed their stay here in the Philippines, and I hope they did too. It was a fun experience to have family over to visit, and it felt like a holiday too for myself.
Here’s to more fun experiences with family and friends!
Foodie Saturday
I enjoyed my brewed coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts. I was on flu medication, so I needed the coffee to wake me up in time for dinner.
We had delicious dinner at Niu by Vikings, where I had pizza, truffle pasta, cocktails, beer, and coffee. It was the last dinner with my relatives, and we all enjoyed the variety at the buffet place.
I will surely miss my relatives when they fly back to the US tonight. I hope to see them again next time.
Workout and PearlOut
Yesterday, I worked out at the hotel gym where we stayed with my relatives in the US.
Then, I purchased my first golden South Sea pearl studs. They just make me feel regal and dignified.
For dinner, I had Kipp’s Chicken burger. It’s only available at SM Foodcourt at Megamall and Southmall. It’s simple, underrated chicken.
I enjoyed a blind massage before calling it a day. I had a good one with the help of self-determination and a pair of genuine gems. Here’s to more eventful days!
Burger and Friends
I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know my cousins from LA this week. We had burgers at 8Cuts, a local burger joint. It was fun, and I was able to enjoy their burger bomb (burger steak with rice).
Later during the day, I had a meeting at Edsa Shang and dinner with family friends at Sugi. It was a healthy balance of work and play.
I am definitely getting the hang of work-life balance now!
Las casas day
Yesterday, I got to visit Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, where I got to check out some heritage houses. It was a real treat to see Casa Lubao, where some scenes in Goyo was shot. After our tour, I had dinner at my aunt’s place in Pampanga, where I got to spend time with my cousins and their dogs.
It was a lovely day full of sunshine and good scenery. Looking forward to my next trip to Las Casas someday!
Palace and Pups
Yesterday, I got to visit the Malacañan Museum with my relatives from the US. It was remarkable to see Pres. Quezon’s desk and other memorabilia.
Then, we all drove to my the columbary where my dad is buried.
Then, I took my cousin Kimberly to Barkin’ Blends and Human Nature. It was fun to take her to my favorite places.
I enjoyed spending time with my family and I hope that there are more chances to be with them in the future!
Simple Joys with Cousins
Yesterday, I got to treat my cousins from the US to milk tea in Ortigas. It was nice to show them around my area. It was surreal to have them with me as I’m not used to having cousins with me in the Philippines, so this visit was a treat for me as well. Also, I got to tour them around the malls that I frequent.
We all had dinner at my aunt’s friends home, and it was lovely to bump into some beautiful models from the 90’s. I had quite an interesting day, and it was memorable to be with people that I don’t usually see.
I am glad that I was able to reconnect with my family and friends this week!