Hospital Life

My dad is in the hospital again, and I was on-call to help with errands and tasks for my family. 

I crocheted in the hospital room. 

I ate my packed lunch, which was chicken pot pie (a Christmas gift from a family friend). 

I bought some washable cotton face masks as I’ll need to wear them whenever I’m with my dad moving forward.  

I finished crocheting the cowl! 

Then, I visited Cinema Centenario to watch Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus. The film’s lead actress, Iana Bernardez, was amazing!

Whenever I am sad, I always go to Maginhawa for a film or some comfort food. I’m glad I finished my cowl, watched a film, and got home feeling better.

Here’s to staying strong amidst struggles!

Christmas Treat

I treated our helper to some fried chicken and ice cream the other night. It was our Christmas celebration, and my simple “thank you” for all her years of service to me and my family.  

I also brought her to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to meet my furry friends. 

Helpers are indeed part of the family, and we should all take time to show them how we appreciate them. Don’t forget to thank them and get to know them better! They’re an invaluable part of our lives. 

Boxing Day 2018

Yesterday, I got to enjoy Boxing Day all by my lonesome. I donned the Samantha dress which was a Christmas gift from my cousin Choi’s online store, Snatched. 

I ran some errands for my family, then had the grilled cheese caprese sandwich from The Sandwich Guy.  

And for some cheap thrills: I finally got a USB speaker for my handy radio/MP3 player. I got mine from CD-R King, along with the USB wall adaptor. I can finally listen to the radio without needing to put on some earbuds!

I make life work by staying positive, and treating myself within my budget. Here’s to enjoying the rest of the holidays, and getting into the spirit of giving to myself!

Christmas 2018

I was blessed to have lunch with my parents yesterday at La Creperie. For my Christmas lunch, I ordered their Angelina’s hot chocolate.  

I also had the penne amatriciana with a side of crochet.  

I got to wear my new Sunnies and shirt from Ate Tina.  

Then, I got some cream cheese and banana frozen yogurt from Elait.  

I also received gifts from Barkin’ Blends’ owner, Bernadette! 

I roamed around the mall first while waiting for my turn at the dog cafe.  

I had Sandwich Guy’s English eggs for dinner.  

And some pretty dogs for dessert! 

My Christmas Day celebration was well-spent, and I hope that yours was also meaningful. Merry Christmas! 

Christmas Eve 2018

Yesterday, I got to eat lunch with my Lucas relatives. I wore my new Sunnies Specs glasses from Sunnies Santa and applied Sunnies Face Glowboss on my cheekbones for some extra sparkle. 

We chose Katherine’s Cafe at Vertis North as they had a wide range of food for our varied tastes. Since I was craving for pasta, I ordered this Vigan longganisa and salted egg number. It was delicious!

My goddaughter Kate was ready to eat pizza and bring some Christmas cheer that only kids could give. 

I gave her kid’s toiletries from my Human Nature online store. You may still purchase last minute presents and have them delivered straight to your doorstep! Shop now!

I also got her a special toy from Toys R Us. 

I received some lovely presents and I am grateful to be part of my relatives’ shopping lists!

There are still plenty of blessings to be grateful for. Amidst all the challenges that my family is facing, I am still thankful that we get to celebrate Christmas together this year.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Sunday Hugs

Yesterday was a fun one. I started the day with Sunday mass with my family. 

I crocheted while having lunch afterwards. 

I saw We Bare Bears mascots. 

And I got to cuddle my fave dogs again at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I also saw my friend Ate Tina, who is one of the kind people behind the dog cafe.  

I ended my day with some frozen yogurt from Elait. 

As we prepare for Christmas, let us never lose sight of what matters most, such as family, friends, and fiber arts!

Reading Again

I have recently begun reading again, and it has been wonderful. I started with the book that I was asked to review a few days ago, and now I can’t stop.

I have since moved on to Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, and yesterday, I took it with me to lunch at The Sandwich Guy. 

Ever since my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I have dropped some hobbies such as reading to give way to running errands and doing some work for him. Now that I have established a routine of sorts, I can already read novels again and enjoy a good plot.

I am thankful for new beginnings, and I can’t wait to see how these stories will influence me for the better.  

Pink Christmas

I recently ordered a millennial pink unicorn from social enterprise Mayown. I recently took an advance crochet workshop with its founder, Leen, so it was perfect to gift myself with their product this Christmas. 

This little buddy will keep me company this Christmas, and beyond. I’ve decided to name him Stitch!

Leen was so sweet and she even included an octopus bag charm. 

Stitch surely looks good with Ella the knitted dog and Chubbs the cat!

Yesterday was special as I claimed my new pair is Sunnies Specs from @dearsunniessanta. 

I selected the Dakota in Pale Nude. My new specs are lightweight and stylish. 

I ended my day by cuddling with Ella from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe and placing my glasses on various sleeping dogs. 

Times may be challenging for me and my family, but with the will to wish and the drive to celebrate small (and big) wins, I know that I will have a memorable holiday season!

#dearsunniessanta

I recently won the @dearsunniessanta giveaway hosted by eyewear brand Sunnies Studios. I was one of 100 winners. 

Photo from @dearsunniessanta 

I wished for a brand new pair of Sunnies Specs as my old Harlow pair already had moldy temples (I’m hyperacidic). 

 Photo from @sunniesspecs

 Photo from @dearsunniessanta

So yesterday, I claimed my Sunnies Santa goodie bag from Sunnies Specs SM North Edsa, and it was magical! 

I received festive merch aside from my specs.  

And choosing my new pair turned out to be challenging because Sunnies Specs has so many options! 

I finally chose a nude acetate pair, which I will claim after 24 hours.  

To give thanks and continue praying for my personal intentions, I proceeded to St. Clare Monastery.  

I went to Mendiola to continue praying and pose by CEU’s famous pink wall.  

No trip to Mendiola is complete without a stopver to St. Jude.  

Then, I went to St. Joseph at Anonas.  

My last stop for the day was Cinema ‘76 to buy my Goyo DVD. Special thanks to relatives who generously gave me Christmas money to buy presents for myself.  

I am really thankful for all the blessings that I continue to receive. Christmas is best enjoyed when there is hope for the future. Winning the Dear Sunnies Santa competition has inspired me to dream and to keep my eyes on the prize- that is, a brighter tomorrow. Here’s to us who dream, and to us who never stop believing!

Flipping the Script Book Review

I love supporting local authors, especially those who are just starting out. One of the ways that I do so is by reviewing advanced reader’s copies (ARCs) of new novels and novellas in the #romanceclass community. The said community is a growing family of Filipino authors, both seasoned and newbies, who mostly write romance novels. They also write beyond that genre, so it’s inspiring to see the group diversify and grow through the years. Founded by bestselling Filipino author Mina V. Esguerra, the community fosters partnership and engagement between its members, and reviewing new works is a fun family tradition.

I was thrilled to be one of the first to read the ARC for Flipping the Script, a novella by newcomer Danice Mae P. Sison. It follows the story of Miri Dela Merced, a seventeen-year-old high school student who interns at a film studio that is owned by her family’s rival, Santelmo Pictures. Her Lolo Ikong used to be the studio’s prolific director, until its matriarch, Barang Santelmo, had a huge falling-out with him. Decades later, Santelmo’s heir Pabs Paglinauan meets Miri in the said internship program. Sparks fly between the two, and in between the mundane tasks of film production (sticking masking tape! coffee runs! all-night film editing!), the two get to know each other beyond their families’ rivalry. 

I truly enjoyed this novella because it was more than just a predictable teenage love story. There was a strong cast of support characters, and I liked Tetet most because she complemented Miri’s tomboy style and sensibilities. I also appreciated the pop culture references to 90’s Pinoy movies that I grew up with.

The story was believable in the sense that the author did not try hard to draw us into the story. With her witty writing style that includes chat groups, recommended 80’s flicks, film studio descriptions, and light banter, I felt seventeen again and totally transported into the world of campus life and filmmaking.

I wish that the novel was a bit longer, but I felt that the story was already a complete one. I just couldn’t get enough of Miri and Pabs, and it would be nice if this could have a sequel. All in all, I would give it five stars. I strongly recommend this novella! 

Flipping the Script will be out on February 2019. According to romanceclass, it will be released “worldwide, in digital and print formats, via Amazon, The Ripped Bodice, The Book Depository, and other retailers.”

For more Filipino novels, novellas, and awesome resources for authors and readers, visit  http://romanceclassbooks.com/. You may also follow Mina V. Esguerra and Danice Mae P. Sison online. 

Postal Service

I regularly send out postcards via snail mail to similar-minded friends and family. Most of them live abroad, so a handwritten card goes a long way in reminding them of memories we have shared and things that are worth celebrating. Since it’s the holiday season, I sent some Christmas postcards from Papemelroti. I spruced them up with some washi tape which I conveniently bring inside my planner. 

I am so excited for them to receive my mail! I will definitely continue my postcard tradition in 2019. 

Playtime with Dogs

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Yes, again. I’m there at least twice a week. Sorry not sorry!

I got to play with their new dog, Buchi. She’s a beagle-corgi mix, and she is assigned at their SM North Towers branch.  

She’s really playful, and she seems to like my pixie! 

Of course, no visit to the dog cafe will be complete without some cuddle time with my favorite, Ella.

Before going home, I also got to meet another new dog, Bonita the poodle.  

I’m really attached to Barkin’ Blends’ dogs and the humans behind this cafe. I will definitely be back very soon!

Sunday Breakthrough

Yesterday, I got to catch the first night of Simbang Gabi for Sunday mass.  

Then, I joined my family for my second mass of the day. 

We had lunch at Amici, and I had this delightful combo of Aglio Olio pasta and ube gelato. 

It was a good day because my dad was able to go out and have mass for the first time in months. Here’s to more breakthroughs and positive moments!

Budget Happiness

Yesterday was all about being happy on a budget! Here are some of my money-saving ways to indulge on a weekend while helping others along the way. 

Please take note that this is not a sponsored post, and I spent my own money for everything.  

I took advantage of the last day of Elait’s opening promo at SM North Towers. I got myself a solo cup of their matcha oreo frozen yogurt for P100 (regular price is P140- still affordable!). It was delicious! And it matched my knitting project too. 

I will always be a fan of Elait’s frozen yogurt and advocacy, which is to employ deaf employees.  

Since I’ve been eyeing Muji’s P500 stationery gift sets but don’t have the budget for one of those, I selected a blue green ballpen and a light gray highlighter from National Bookstore. I threw in a slim plastic pencil case, and voila! Instant Japanese-chic stationery set. 

I was so happy with my savings, that I donated a book for National Bookstore’s Project Aral campaign. All books and school supplies will be donated to their partner public schools and libraries. 

Next, I got this Careline peach stick, which is a product that retails for Php205. It can be used on the cheeks, eyelids, and lips. 

It would be nice to have a healthy complexion this holiday season, so I picked up this affordable product to try.  

And it didn’t disappoint! It truly gives off a natural peachy glow for such an attainable price point.  

I was happy with my makeup purchase, so I moved on to salvaging an old lippie.  

I was terribly sad when my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Mood broke because it was such a flattering shade on me. Instead of purchasing a new tube, I bought a 3ml container from Beabi, scooped out the remaining content from the tube using a small spatula from my Human Nature makeup remover, reheated it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and let it cool until it hardened again. 

I also got this retractable mini lip brush from Fashion 21 for Php85 to help me apply my lippie. 

I also got this 5ml atomizer bottle from Beabi and transferred some baby cologne there. 

And there you have it! These are just some of my budget tips and thrills. I will definitely share more saving hacks in the future, and I hope that this will also inspire me to conserve and properly use my resources.  

Lucas Specs

After winning a pair of Sunnies Specs from dearsunniessanta, I was able to free up my budget (consisting of monetary holiday gifts from relatives abroad) in order to buy presents for myself. This year is different because my dad has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I chose to buy gifts for my parents aside from just spending for myself, in order to cheer them up this holiday season. 

Thanks to the recent 12.12 Lazada sale, I was able to buy four pairs of Sunnies Studios sunglasses. This isn’t a sponsored post, and I bought these with my own money. 

It was satisfying to open my delivery yesterday. 

The sunnies pairs were neatly packed, and they all looked amazing! 

The top two pairs are for my parents, while the bottom two are for myself. I got them at a steal, and admittedly, that sale was fun! 

I will never forget that moment when I won those specs, and will forever be grateful. I will support the Sunnies group when I get a job soon. For now, I will rock these sunglasses with flair, and I will enjoy the holidays with my family. 

Piece of my Heart

Yesterday, I visited a micro cinema, some churches, and a dog cafe. I also did a good deed.

My first stop was St. Joseph Shrine at Anonas, Quezon City.  

Then, I went to Cinema ‘76 across the street.  

I watched Hintayan ng Langit while knitting my new scarf and I loved every minute of it! It was funny and dramatic. And I can’t get over how lovely sets are! As always, Gina Pareño was a gem. I highly recommend this film!

I trooped to St. Clare to continue praying for my intentions.  

Then, I went to Mendiola...

...to pray at St. Jude.  

I also donated blood at the Red Cross bus which is there on all Thursdays of December. December 13, 2017 was when I had a memorable date with a guy I know, but things didn’t work out between us. While he’s still one of my best friends, we don’t have feelings anymore for each other. But that was still an unforgettable evening. To commemorate that night, and to remind myself that I have the power to help out in my own little way, I shared a piece of my heart- my own blood- to the Philippine Red Cross. 

I ended my day with some iced tea while playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. 

I had a fun December 13, and I know that I will remember this day moving forward as the day when I shared a piece of my heart. Here’s to more warm, fuzzy memories ahead!

Bright Gray

I love the color gray, and I own a lot of clothes in that color palette. I finished knitting a gray scarf, and it was a process that took me from coffee to dessert. 

I finished this scarf in less than a week as I used chunky yarn purchased from my favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

The result was this beautiful graphic scarf that wraps warmly around the neck.  

Before going home, I managed to snag a pair of white sneakers from local brand So Fab! at 50% off during the 12.12 sale. I am thankful for the cash gift from a relative which I have used to buy these shoes.  

I stictched the scarf together by the time I got home. 

And I made it into an infinity scarf for easier wearing!

Before going to bed, I started a new scarf using yarn from the same store. 

Gray may be a drab color to some, but for me, its simple elegance makes it a versatile hue to work with. I am inspired to keep on knitting, as I enjoy life with coffee and things that matter. 

World Vision Christmas Card

I have been a World Vision child sponsor for more than eleven years now. What started as a way to share part of my allowance to educate a child in need has become a cornerstone of my career. I am inspired to hustle smarter because I have a child to support. It is already enough for me that my girl is happy and healthy in school. What makes this journey even sweeter is that my girl is an honor student and pageant winner at that. 

Child sponsorship has profoundly changed me. From simply caring about myself, I have learned to see the bigger picture whenever I make decisions. I always factor in my sponsored child whenever I think of major milestones, such as getting a job or entering a relationship.

As the holidays are fast approaching, and we welcome a new year soon, I hope that I will make better decisions and enter more stable relationships. And I also hope that you will consider child sponsorship with World Vision today. This is not a sponsored post, as I am simply advocating for this worthy cause.

Thank you for following my charity journey, and I will continue sharing about my advocacies in this blog and in real life. 

Cut and Specs

Yesterday, I had my pixie trimmed at the affordable salon near my home. 

I feel renewed whenever I have my monthly haircut. I feel grateful for the support of my loved ones in this difficult time as I am still able to pamper myself within my means. 

I received some Starbucks top-up from my loved ones, so I was able to collect enough stickers for a 2019 planner. My solo coffee sojourns have provided me with clarity amidst the challenges that my family is currently facing. 

I also returned to Elait for some hand-rolled frozen yogurt. Their desserts are delicious, but even better than that is their advocacy, which is hiring deaf servers who whip up these awesome treats. 

I continued enjoying my Monday as I went to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers to spend time with my favorite doggos. 

This is still my favorite dog cafe because the dogs are treated well. They are walked outdoors and they have enough food, water, and updated shots. Best of all, they are happy and trained to be sociable with human guests- even with kids!

I drove home feeling warm and fuzzy after spending time with the furbabies. So imagine my heightened happiness when I received news that my wish for a new pair of plastic specs has been granted by @dearsunniessanta, the social media gift-giving arm of my favorite eyewear brand, Sunnies Specs. 

I am grateful to everyone who are helping me get through the holidays now that my dad is terminally ill. Self-care is important as it enables me to provide better care to my loved ones. I am definitely loved and I will pass it on this holiday season and beyond! 

Birthday Scarf

I received a ball of Lion Brand Mandala yarn from my favorite yarns and notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery during my birthday. I finally finished knitting an infinity scarf out of it, and it turned out to be quite lovely. 

I enjoyed knitting this piece in between my busy schedule, like before meetings, at the P2P, and at my go-to cafe. Knitting has become a fundamental part of my life, and I like keeping my hands busy especially when times are tough. 

I have already started knitting a new scarf, using yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s in-house brand. I can’t wait to keep going with life, and I know that with yarn and needles in my hands, I will be alright.