I enjoyed the last Star Wars movie so much, that I needed some food to process my feelings! I had ube cheesecake from Coffee Bean, decaf coffee from Starbucks, and carbonara from Greenwich.
It is the end of an era, and I am grateful for the love that this franchise has given to us fans.
May the Force be with us all!
Coffee Holiyay
This year, I am continuing my tradition of collecting stickers for a Starbucks planner. Eighteen stickers correspond to one planner or travel organizer. I am aiming for a travel organizer for a change, and it’s been fun to drink coffee while running holiday errands so far.
Why a travel organizer this time around? I am open to different possibilities this 2020. I am hoping to explore and meet more people, and I already have a Sunnies Agenda. This would be totally fresh and yes, I do hope I can travel next year.
A new twist on a tradition I’ve been following for eleven years can spell beautiful change. I can’t wait to see where this will lead me to!
Doggo and Chill
Yesterday, I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe’s East branch. I got to chill with the bigger dogs, as they only have smaller ones at their north branch. It was a relaxing break from all the holiday shopping. I’ll definitely be back after the Christmas rush!
I hope that you can also doggo and chill at Barkin’ Blends soon!
Insecure No More
I just realized a few days ago that I finally got over my insecurities. I used to hate my bushy eyebrows. Now that it’s on-trend, I don’t tweeze them anymore. I used to hate my skin. I have since stopped wearing foundation and loved my imperfect face. I used to hate my thick lips. Now, I celebrate them with bright lipstick.
I guess it comes with age, as I am already 33. It was a long and winding road to being secure with myself. Strangely, getting piercings on my rook, helix, and conch have enabled me to embrace my own edgy style.
By wearing less makeup, staying fit and healthy, and maintaining a low key style, I became more at peace with my imperfections.
Here are some ways to begin feeling secure with yourself:
Wear less makeup.
Exercise daily.
Stick to a uniform wardrobe. I stuck to some neutrals and that made everyday dressing effortless.
Do something that will make you feel beautiful. For me, it was getting piercings!
Always stay hydrated and take good care of your skin.
Life is too short to stay insecure! Love yourself, and your confidence will surely open doors for you.
Foodtrip and a Party
Yesterday, I got to eat at SGD again, where I had my favorite danggit lamayo and SGD black.
Then, I had some fishballs at UP.
I killed some time crocheting over coffee at Starbucks.
Then, I had a fun Christmas party with my Barkin’ Blends friends.
Merry Christmas!
Metal and Beer
Yesterday, I spent my Sunday enjoying some simple joys. These include:
I bought a new stainless horseshoe for my rook! I like how it brings edge to my overall look.
I enjoyed the Ayala Triangle Gardens light show. It reminded me that Christmas is all about feeling grateful and remembering all the good memories of holidays past.
Lastly, I had a cold one with Santa Claus at Mercato.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Grief, So Far
Dealing with grief is not easy. I lost my dad to cancer last May. The only way I coped was to be grateful for each day. I took it one day at a time, and gave myself a chance to begin again every morning. Here’s how I’ve done it so far:
I celebrated being a fan, from crocheting Star Wars amigurumi to buying a Hello Kitty Beep card and Happy Meal.
I made sure that my Human Nature online store was up and running. I also regularly attended company events and launches.
I worked freelance, and wrote reports like my life depended on them.
I became a full-on foodie and just ate the best meals to satisfy my cravings.
I continued to blog here daily, even when I felt that there was nothing worth talking about.
If you are going through a tough time, I suggest that you take something out of my playbook and just keep going. There is always something to celebrate in the ordinary. You just have to try.
Sam The CHristmas Elf
Yesterday, I did some in-store shopping for some offline Human Nature orders. Christmas is definitely around the corner, and presents are flying off the shelves! If you also want some Human Nature presents, please order from my online store and have social enterprise gift boxes delivered to your doorstep.
Order today!
Truffle Lengua
Yesterday, I had lunch with my cousin Van at Lola, a Filipino restaurant at The Podium. We had truffle lengua, keso de bola fries, kimchi kaldereta, rice, coffee, and beer (for me). Everything was delicious! I’ll definitely go back for more of their food.
After our lunch, I went to UP to drop-off my gift for Nicole, a friend I met online. Then, I had dinner at Gubat, where I had my favorite carbonara and another beer to commemorate my dad’s seventh month anniversary.
I look forward to more great company and yummy food this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!
A Lit Friendship
Yesterday, I had dinner with my best friend from UA&P, Janis. Seeing her for the first time last month in three years was emotional for me. I had to stop our communication after my ex asked me to to, just because he didn’t like him. It has been two years since I ended my relationship with him, and now, I know better. I will never end a friendship just because a man tells me to.
We had dinner at Salamangka, where I had delicious Engkanto beer and sweet and sour meatball. Then, we had coffee at Nitro 7 and just talked about the good times we’ve had since uni.
I look forward to spending more time with Janis moving forward.
There are better days ahead for both of us, and it’s lovely to have found each other again this time around.
Support My Business!
Christmas is just around the corner, and I am already buying presents for everyone on my list. With the traffic, deadlines at work, and personal obligations on my plate, I understand that convenience is key to getting those presents purchased and wrapped with love. Support my Human Nature online store and get social enterprise products and toiletries for your loved ones and even for yourself! Hey you’ll even get to support me in the process.
Shop small this Christmas and buy today from my online store! God bless you!
Sinaya Volunteer
Yesterday, I volunteered to be a seller for Sinaya Cup. I got to engage with customers on this social enterprise that champions menstrual hygeine and sustainability. And I got to meet new friends in the Sinaya girls!
Please consider following Sinaya Cup on Instagram to buy menstrual cups, heat packs, and other feminine products. Also, be updated on their advocacies and future bazaars. ‘Til next time!
He Cares This Christmas
Here are a few reasons why volunteering for He Cares Mission is a good idea:
You get to serve delicious lunch to underserved children.
You get to be with friends! Here I am with college friend Kath.
You will believe in God’s providence! Their kitchen is enough to restore my faith in a generous God.
You will bond with the kids who are essentially the heart of the mission.
You will be reminded of God’s mercy and love, with every plate you serve to these children!
Please consider being a donor or volunteer at He Cares Mission! For more information, please visit their Facebook page.
God bless you!
Greenwich Lasagna Supreme
I don’t cook, so I’m always on the lookout for delicious meals on the go. Last night, I had Greenwich’s lasagna supreme and it was a trip down memory lane. I used to eat this a lot when I was still a kid, and it instantly cheered me up. This is not a sponsored post, I am just a fan of this yummy fast food staple. It is still so satisfying after all these years. Sure, there are fancier lasagnas out there, but this will always taste like simple times and home.
Thursday with Friends
Yesterday, I had lunch with my high school friends Luti and Rozzanne at Galleria. We discussed our upcoming Christmas get-together, among other plans.
Then, Luti and I went to UP for some merienda at Chocolate Kiss. I had the sour cream cheesecake and brewed coffee. It was a delicious combo.
We later went around the campus for some brisk walking, and I took some random snaps.
Thursday with friends is always a good idea!
Attic Support
Last week, I dropped by Common Room Power Plant to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s shelf. This local yarn and notions store has become my go-to dealer for my knitting and crochet needs. The ladies behind the brand have even become my friends in real life, and they even invited me to visit their HQ earlier this year. The brand has become a staple in my life, as knitting and crochet became my everyday hobbies.
I went to look at The Attic’s stock because I was nervous at that time. It was my first time to be in a crop top in quite a while, and being surrounded by my favorite things has greatly boosted my morale. The result? I was able to party in style and with confidence at the charity event of the year, Hotel Sunnies!
If you feel nervous before a big event, don’t fret! All you need are a few objects of comfort to ease you into your day. And if being fidgety has become a serious issue, get a hobby! Mine happens to involve yarn, and I have learned to be more patient and focused in the process.
Get your yarns and notions from The Attic Yarn and Craftery! Say hi to the owners, and who knows? They might end up becoming your friends too.
Carousell Lessons
Yesterday, I shipped my last item from the recent Carousell 13th Month Sale. I had fun cleaning my room, preparing items for sale, and uploading photos of my pre-loved items. More than making money out of this side hustle, I consider my Carousell shop to be a learning lab of sorts.
Here are a few lessons I have learned so far:
Taking photos of items is a lot of work, but it is a journey back in time. Seeing my pre-loved items reminds me of the memories I’ve made with each item, and how tactile moments can be.
This selfie was an accidental snap as I was taking photos of my items for sale!
People online can be mean and rude. It is up to me as the seller to extend my patience. It is also rewarding to encounter nice and understanding customers.
Lastly, I learned that I have way too much stuff! Decluttering has been healthy and relaxing. I look forward to selling more and using more of what I have. Indeed, life is too short, and we don’t need that much to live on!
Support me by buying from my Carousell shop! Thank you and hope to see you there!
UP Diliman Food Trip
I was at UP Diliman yesterday for a meeting, so I maximized my visit by checking out new places to eat, and hanging out at the cinema.
Here are my recommendations for a full day at UP Diliman:
Eat lunch at Mosh! Their beef bulgogi was delicious, and they have quirky tableware.
Buy a fresh fruit shake from the fruit stand near the Post Office. Their mango chocolate shake was refreshing!
Combo meals are still the best merienda on campus. My current fave: pancit canton (calamansi flavor) and chicken balls, with a side order of Kopiko Blanca in a bottle.
Go for a movie or two at the UP Film Cine Adarna! They show quality art and commercial films at Php200 or less. Yesterday, I watched Concerto, a WWII period movie for free!
Go for a brisk walk around the oval and burn some calories around the picturesque campus.
End your day with a tasty shawarma rice bowl from Shawarma Boss.
I spent less than Php250 for my meals, shake, and bottled iced coffee on campus. A leisurely day does not need to be expensive. I highly recommend U.P. Diliman for your next feels trip, whether you’re alone or with friends. Enjoy!
Barkin’ Sunday
I spent my Sunday afternoon with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. As usual, it was a lovely time to reflect on the past week and move forward with my plans for the upcoming one. These dogs help me stay thankful for all the opportunities that come my way, and hopeful for the days to come.
In a world where negativity thrives, I choose to stay positive with creatures whose job is to make me happy.
If you also need a place to unwind, visit Barkin’ Blends! If you have your own dog, they have healthy doggo meals and treats available for dine-in and takeout. Hope you can visit soon!
Aero Winner
Yesterday, I won two awards at the Aerosports 2019 Zumba marathon at Quezon Memorial Circle. It was thrilling to win awards as I didn’t expect this. I have been exclusively working out at home for the past year, and yet I was able to dance for three hours straight. I also enjoyed the event and sang along to the retro songs.
I won Ms. Gorgeous and Ms. Aerosports. It felt awesome to win something and have fun in the process.
Here’s to continuing my fitness journey, and to more wins to come!
