I Am Enough

Yesterday, I continued journaling using the prompts from Abbey Sy’s book Always Be Creating which I have started last Saturday. I also shared some of my journaling using the book last Sunday, and it was empowering to both finish the book and realize these powerful reflections. 

Turns out, my power word is enough. I can’t wait to fulfill all the plans and opportunities that are waiting for me this 2019, and yes, I will always keep in mind that I am enough. 

After journaling, I had brunch at Falafel Yo at SM North Annex. It was delicious and filling! I really am a falafel fan to begin with, so eating this sandwich was a guiltless treat that made me smile. 

I also have a thing for floors, and I couldn’t resist their pretty tiles.  

Later, I bought a leather mini makeup bag to store my tiny essentials inside my handbag. I also used the 15% discount voucher that I received from donating clothes the other day at H&M. 

Then, I prayed at St. Joseph’s Shrine at Anonas. I prayed for my terminally-ill dad, my mom, and for myself- that I will have a good job, a kind boss, more opportunities this year, and a great relationship. 

I dropped by Anonas gem Baker’s Garden to buy bread for snack. 

This is my favorite spot at Anonas: where the sky meets the train station, the church, and the microcinema. 

I finally got to watch Kung Paano Siya Nawala at Cinema ‘76 and it was worth the commute! It was light and entertaining. I also liked that they featured one of my favorite charities, PAWS! 

My thing for floors continues. 

I ended my day with a hearty dinner: a steaming hot bowl of malunggay noodle soup with mushroom balls. Yum! 

I work hard, I pray hard, and I eat right. Here’s to the best year of my life! After all, I am enough.  

Closet Cleanup

Yesterday, I cleaned my room and edited my closet. I ended up donating 8 bags of old clothes to H&M for recycling.  

I got 15% discount vouchers for regular items in exchange for my clothes (note: I also donated a similar amount of clothes to another charity). 

Cleaning out my closet has allowed me to focus on what I use on the regular. I also got to buy new pairs of jeans using the voucher and the gift certificate that I got for another store.  

May 2019 be a well-edited year that’s light on my being and good for my soul.  

Monday Prayer

Yesterday, I visited St. Clare Monastery to pray for a good job (and a kind boss) this 2019. I also gave thanks for all the blessings that come my way, despite my dad’s illness and the current challenges that my family is facing. 

As I crocheted a new scarf, I realized that my priorities are on point. It’s just that I have to be more thankful in order to welcome more blessings into my life.  

I will also continue sharing my journey on this blog as I go along. I hope that with intentional prayer and action, I will be able to reach my goals this 2019! 

Sunday Slowdown

Yesterday, I heard Sunday mass with my family.  

We later had Chinese brunch as my dad wanted comfort food.  

Then, I packed all these stuff for my crafternoon at Makers Cafe. 

I went there to buy my minimalist stainless steel Catriona earrings. 

But I also went there to hang and knit!

I had carbonara and a long black to energize me as I craft. 

Then, I took out my copy of Always Be Creating by Abbey Sy and my journal to answer some journaling prompts from the book.  

I realized that I wanted a daily reminder of my late friend Diane, so I bought this side moon gold-filled necklace from Pulseras by Kim. 

Feeling inspired, I continued journaling using Abbey’s book. I also finished reading it in the cafe, and I no longer felt overwhelmed with my life. I realized that there is a process to pursuing my purpose and achieving my goals. And it pays to be creative in order to find beauty and meaning as I go along. 

I finished knitting my scarf. As I began crocheting a new one, I was privileged to witness the procession of the Black Nazarene. 

I packed my art bag and proceeded to Cinema Centenario to watch Rainbow’s Sunset. It was touching and heartwarming. 

I later had dinner at Get Greens. 

It was my first time there. Their green pesto pasta did not disappoint!

Then, I stitched my scarf together to turn it I tom an infinity one. 

I enjoyed my day at Maginhawa, and I got to do a lot!

Here’s to more crafternoons and warm memories. 

Homework

Yesterday, I stayed home to knit while listening to podcasts. 

I later whipped out my copy of Abbey Sy’s Always Be Creating because I was craving for some inspo to jumpstart the new year. 

I was inspired to get my new journal to answer some journaling prompts in the book. 

This pretty notebook was a surprise present from the kindhearted ladies behind my favorite local yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I went back to Abbey’s book and answered the prompts on passion points. 

Turns out, my passion points have not changed at all since childhood, and the same things still make me happy as an adult. 

Given my limited resources and packed schedule, I am able to pursue my usual habits with ease because I know myself well after all. 

I am still in the middle of the book, but I can say that it’s worth purchasing! It’s helpful especially if you are feeling the need to infuse creativity into your life. Also, it pays to have a journal on hand so that you can answer journaling prompts not just in this book, but from other influencers as well (you may search for prompts on the internet). The possibilities are endless once you commit to a creative life- and the best part is finding yourself in the process. 

Smooth Thinker

Lately, I’ve been having so many negative thoughts. It’s only fitting as I had to deal with my dad’s terminal illness. I also had to take over some tasks and errands for my family. However, I decided that things should change by starting with my food.  

I began eating healthier, and it has really cheered me up. Here’s the kuro salad garlic hummus from Go! Salads.  

And this is the breakfast smoothie from the same establishment, which I later had for lunch. I was full until dinner time, and yes, my meals did spark joy!

If you also need a few changes in hour life, your food can be a good place to start! It doesn’t have to be drastic- just eat healthful meals and you will definitely see a change in your disposition. Of course, it doesn’t mean that I will be staying away from junk food altogether. Life is about balance. I’ll just have to find the formula that works for me this 2019.

Keeping Up with 2019

Yesterday, I had another meeting. I think it turned out fine! 

After my productive morning, I had my pixie trimmed. Haircuts really have an amazing effect on my confidence, that’s why I get one each month. 

I had the Sgt. Steak salad and garlic hummus for lunch. 

Then, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and my other furry friends.  

I ended my day with a breakfast smoothie from Go! Salads. I like this place so much, I had my lunch and dinner there.

2019 is turning out to be a fruitful year for me. I am eager to keep up with this year’s challenges by looking for the right opportunities to pursue, and balancing them with my passions. 

Bring it on!

Working It

Yesterday, I had an early start as I had a meeting to attend. I had a fast food breakfast and some coffee to-go. 

I realized that I was at the namesake building of my venue a few minutes before my appointment. Good thing I walk fast.  

I was able to make it at a reasonable time. My meeting was a success! 

I thanked God by visiting Padre Pio at St. Francis Church.  

Later during the day, I got to walk at UP... 

...and indulge in some dirty ice cream! 

I also bought a bamboo toothbrush from Rags to Riches. 

Finally, it was time for late lunch with my best friend Luti.  

I used my gift certificate from Sunnies Santa . I won a pair of Sunnies Specs from them last Christmas. It was certainly the highlight of my holidays! As a bonus, my gift bag also included a gift certificate at my favorite restaurant. 

I got to knit while waiting for my friend. 

I also had a flat white to perk myself up. 

And I ordered a guacamole and salmon dip with taro chips to start. 

Luti and I had rice bowls for our mains. We had a fabulous meal! Thank you Sunnies Cafe! 

I am working on improving myself and celebrating small wins to motivate myself to keep going! Here’s to a productive year ahead. 

Training Day

Yesterday was a gorgeous day to drive and run some errands.  

After accomplishing some important morning tasks, I had breakfast and a couple of cups of coffee.

Then, I took a train to Cinema ‘76 to watch a movie. 

Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa was a moving love story between two people who cannot be together in real life due to convention. It still remains to be one of my favorite Filipino indie films, and I love how the film celebrates commuting, music, and walking while thinking introspectively.

I ended my me-time with some prayer and thanksgiving at St. Joseph’s Shrine, then I ran some more errands. 

I am grateful for people who care for me and check on me. Thank you for following my journey! I am taking care of myself so that I can also watch over my family and ensure that they receive the care that they deserve. 

I still have more trains to ride, movies to catch, and tests to pass. Let’s do this, 2019! 

Journey to Faith

Yesterday, I rode a couple of trains to... 

...St. Clare Monastery! I gave thanks and prayed for my personal intentions.  

I had a hearty and healthful lunch. The Wild Wild West salad from Go! Salads was so delicious. The ranch dressing definitely brought a unique punch to my midday.  

I continued to do some work on my phone while cuddling with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I was welcomed by my favorite dog, Ella the chiweenie. 

Stark the pomsky was camera-shy. 

I also bonded with Ella’s son Chocnut and Happy the pug.  

It was hard to say goodbye even if I’m a frequent guest at the cafe.  

Before going to bed, I transferred these two scents into travel perfume bottles from Beabi. I was proud of myself for finding a way to transfer the DKNY perfume to the smaller bottle as it was difficult to open. Thank God for online forums, and I was able to research how to open the bottle.  

Both scents were Christmas gifts to me.  

I restore my faith by continuously praying, communing with nature (in the form of furry dogs), and surprising myself with a new skill (even if it’s as simple as transferring perfume). Life is a journey, but it can be easier with some faith and belief in oneself. 

Sunday at San Miguel

Yesterday, I went to San Beda’s Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey. I was able to witness their morning prayer or lauds. It was beautiful. 

Then, I walked to San Miguel Parish for the 8AM Sunday mass. 

Since it was Epiphany, there was a blessing of calendars. I was able to have mine blessed, along with my scapular. 

I dropped by St. Jude as this patron has been a blessing to me. I continued praying for my intentions.  

I had Go! Salads’ Sgt. Steak wrap for lunch. 

It was delicious and filling!

It was best paired with their vanilla lemongrass tea.  

I can’t get enough of churches because they are my physical link to the Lord. I also enjoy eating healthily because I would like to think that it helps with my overall well-being. I hope that I can contribute more for my family now that my father is terminally-ill. 

I hope that God is listening to my prayers for a job and continuous blessings for me and my family! 

Doing Good with Doggos

Yesterday, I had the Sgt. Steak salad again at Go! Salads. I am addicted to their chimichurri dressing. I simply can’t get enough of it.  

After my hearty meal, I proceeded to Human Nature to purchase my personal necessities and get orders for my customers. 

You too can support me and my family by making a purchase at my Human Nature online store! To all those who have already purchased, thank you for your support! Please continue patronizing my small business, and I hope that you will spread the word about my shop. 

To cheer myself up after spending time with at the hospital with my terminally-I’ll father, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to hug my furry friends. 

I’m wearing a fabric mask because I can’t afford to catch airborne sicknesses! My dad has very weak immunity, so I need to be in tip-top shape.  

I went back to Go! Salads to try another selection from their menu. This time, I had the Bayani Salad, which is known for its adobo flakes. I liked it, but I think I’m more of a Sgt. Steak girl. 

Before going to bed, I depotted my Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick in Hot Sauce. While the lipstick brand is known to break easily, it’s color payoff and opacity are out of this world. I had to salvage what’s left of my tube by transferring it in a 3ml jar, microwaving it for two minutes to set it in the container, and letting it cool on room temperature. 

I have chosen local products and produce today. Human Nature is a social enterprise, so each purchase benefits a poor community that the company supports. Go! Salads supports farmers and ensures that their produce is pesticide-free. Barkin’ Blends welcomes people of all ages, genders, and statuses in life. And Sunnies Face is part of the Sunnies Group, which is known to have charitable donations, such as their Christmas giveaway Dear Sunnies Santa. 

By taking care of myself and supporting brands that do good, I know that I am doing the right thing with my limited resources. I hope that you will also find some brands that support others, and that you will continue paying for goodness to continue growing.  

Coffee Break

Yesterday, I had lunch with a friend of mine at Sunnies Cafe. I had the caramelized spam bowl and a cold one. 

I had fun with their neon-lit washroom. 

And we went to Kape Tayo for some coffee. It was really good!

I had a lovely lunch and coffee break with an old friend. I also got to knit.

May the rest of my 2019 be just as memorable.  

Healthier and Happier

I had salad again yesterday! I wanted to eat healthful food again, so I had the Sicilian pasta from Juju Eats for lunch. 

It was refreshingly flavorful! 

Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends for some cuddle time with my furry friends. 

It was a quick but therapeutic coffee break from my responsibilities.  

After running some errands, I had dinner at Go! Salads, where I had the Sgt. Steak again. Their chimichurri dressing is addicting.  

I can’t wait to see how this healthy eating spree goes. So far, I feel fresher and more vibrant now that I’m eating salads often. With some furry therapy and a some coffee, I know that I got this.  

Waking Up to Hope

Yesterday, I dropped by St. Clare to pray for my dad. I also prayed that I will have a job soon, and that I will also find someone with a good heart to date. 

I also got a Sgt. Steak salad from Go! Salads for lunch. 

I liked their chimichurri dressing and it went well with the seared steak and mushrooms!

I had Mang Cha-a iced coffee to offset the strong taste of the chimichurri. 

And for dinner, I had the meatball marinara pasta salad from Juju Eats. 

I wake up for myself, so that I can help my family during this difficult time. I need to take care of myself first by eating right and praying hard. And tomorrow, I’ll have to repeat these steps until hopefully, my dad is healed.

Here’s hoping that I’ll find more reasons to hope this 2019! 

Living Coral

Yesterday, I welcomed the new year with a living color top, my new specs, and a fresh outlook on life.  

This year, I vow to be straightforward in everything I do. If there’s anything that I want, I will go for it! Life is too short. Let’s keep it simple. 

My first lunch of the year was the Darling Breakfast Salad from Go! Salads. It was delicious thanks to the ground longganisa bits and tomato honey vinaigrette. 

After lunch and some malling, I heard mass at the Pink Sisters Quezon City convent.  

I prayed for good health, healing for my family, a job, a good boss, and most of all, a boyfriend! 

I ended my day with some baked salmon for dinner, which was a gift from a family friend.  

I am optimistic that 2019 will be a remarkable year, and I am determined to work smarter, not harder, to achieve the dreams that I have for myself and my family.

God bless us all!

A Fresh Start

Back when I was still working at Ortigas, I would have lunch at Juju Eats Podium. Their pesto pasta salad was my favorite as it was filling and refreshing! 

For my last lunch of the year, I had it again. I love their sticker: GOOD JUJU!  

I missed this salad so much!

It brought me back to the good old days. As I welcome 2019, I remain optimistic that the days will be good, bearable, and blessed. 

I knitted while having coffee.  

Then I had a chair massage after running some errands! 

I am welcoming the new year with a new bag and wallet. I chose local brand Heartstrings because all of their bags are designed and made in the Philippines! Also, this colorful rainbow design is cheery and bright. I am straight, but rainbows just resonate with me. 

I know that it’s up to me to make 2019 better than the last! So with a growth mindset and optimism, I know that I got this!

Rizal Day 2018

I’m a Rizal fan, so December 30 is always a special day for me. I celebrated Rizal Day by visiting Luneta and the National Museum! Here’s a photo dump of my adventure.  

‘Til the next Rizal Day! 

Snacking and Knitting

I had to be in the hospital with my dad yesterday, so to cheer myself up, I got myself some Potato Corner sour cheese fries. 

I also got Mang Cha-a Iced Coffee. 

It did lift up my spirits!

I carried on with my knitting and focused on the positive. 

One of those positive things was that my dad was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon. We will be back next week.  

Snacks and knitting keep me going these days! It may seem too mundane, but in these challenging times, it’s the simplest things that truly keep us alive. 

Snail Mail Faith

I received a Christmas card from my godmother in the US. It’s charming to receive greeting cards by snail mail because it is no longer customary in the age of social media and text messaging. 

I also got this letter from the Pink Sisters Convent. I am touched that they keep me in their prayers, and that my family is also remembered in their masses. 

I keep the faith through analog traditions such as snail mail which restores my faith in humanity in an automated age.

Here’s to more reasons to be grateful, and to believe more in prayer and family.