Back to Walking

I was feeling under the weather yesterday, but that didn’t stop me from taking a brisk walk at UP. 

It was a beautiful day for walking and jogging. I couldn’t resist the picturesque weather. It was therapeutic to do some cardio while listening to Top 40 hits.  

I had shredded corn with cheese and taho for breakfast.  

I was happy to workout even if I wasn’t feeling well. The sunshine energized me and gave me positive vibes. Whenever I feel down or under the weather, I find myself going back to walking. And everything just gets better from there.  

Sunday with Friends

I was able to spend time yesterday with my high school friends Luti and Mabs. We ate lunch at Japan Fudo Street. 

I liked my oyakodon as it was flavorful and filling.  

We bought drinks at Serenitea, where I had this delicious Okinawa Tea and Espresso mix. Yes  

It was so good! 

We then watched Never Not Love You on recliner seats.  

For early dinner, we bought Samyang spicy noodles.  

OMG IT WAS SPICY! But it was a memorable experience.  

I am thankful for true friends who are willing to enjoy new experiences with me. I hope to create more memories with them in the future. 

Swimming ‘18

I am not a huge swimming fan but I enjoyed my  swim at my high school friend Luti’s condo. It was fun to simply relax and enjoy the pool with my friends. 

We had a lovely staycation and I will forever cherish these happy moments. Thank you for having me and Mabs at your new place, Luti! 

Ox Brain and Knitting

I had my first taste of ox brain yesterday at Mister Kabab, and it was a delicious experience. I have been stalking this meal on Instagram for a few months now. I felt that I had to be brave enough to eat this, but when I finally did, it didn’t feel like a big deal. It was simply yummy and filling. The consistency was creamy, and the meat melted in my mouth. 

I had it with rice and this heavenly yogurt shake. 

Of course, I snuck in some knitting while waiting for my order.  

I drizzled garlic sauce on my meal. It was the perfect lazy Saturday lunch. 

I then proceeded to Human Nature to purchase my personal needs for April. 

Every visit to Human Nature is a pleasant experience. I had coffee after paying for my things. 

I feel better after overcoming a certain fear. Yesterday, I felt badass after eating ox brain. I guess it may not mean that much to most people, but for me, it was quite a milestone. If you want to feel better about yourself, I suggest that you also eat or learn something new. Your soul will thank you for it. 

Project Aral Flip Flops

I was fascinated with these flip flops and notebook sets at National Bookstore. I am a longtime supporter of their Project Aral campaign, where customers can buy kits to be donated to public school students. This season, they included flip flops in every kit. 

I hope that you will also donate a kit or two this summer! Let us help more kids walk with confidence this sunny season. 

Knitting x Kori Kohi

Yesterday, I spent the morning knitting and reading. 

I am currently reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. It is a novel set in Alaska, and the protagonist always wears flannel shirts. I knit and dressed like her, just because. 

After hearing First Friday Mass, I went to UCC for my usual spicy puttanesca pasta. 

I also had kori kohi, which consists of coffee ice cubes and warm milk. It is really comforting and delicious!

Knitting has helped me find my comfort zone as I explore opportunities to improve my present and future. I can’t wait to weave a better life for myself. For now, I am steadily creating a life that is memorable and meaningful, one stitch at a time.  

Strawberry Ice Cream

These days, I usually begin my day with a workout.  If I am on the stationary bike, I like reading and knitting while doing some cardio. Yesterday was no exception as I read my ebook and knitted at the same time. 

Then, I had lunch with my BFF Jay, who’s a professor at UP. 

We went to SGD, where I had this yummy etag carbonara. 

And for dessert, I had this delicious Cordillera Strawberry Ice Cream. 

SGD never disappoints! 

I also got this magnet from my BFF, who was recently in Cebu. Thank you!  

I really want to have that carbonara, strawberry ice cream and SGD black coffee again. ‘Til next time!

Prism Scarf

I finished knitting this prism scarf for a close high school friend of mine. It is made of self-striping yarn called Shawl in a Ball purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. In true branding form, I was able to complete a whole scarf using only one ball of yarn. 

I enjoyed knitting this baby as it was fun to watch the colors change from one color to another. It was magical to see the transition from my needles. It was also easy to work with despite having tinsel woven through the yarn.  

This won’t be my last time to knit using this kind of yarn. It was a joy to complete. I hope to knit in more interesting places and see colors pass through my needles again! 

Knitting, Kabab, and Coffee

I woke up extra early today, so I worked out before the rush hour. 

Afterwards, I decided to eat at Mister Kabab for breakfast. Their special chicken chelo kebab (double ground!) is my all-time favorite brekkie whenever I am up at an ungodly hour. It is best paired with coffee and knitting. 

It was an awesome idea to treat myself to a Persian breakfast at my usual place. I love knitting at my go-to locations where I can let my hair down and simply be myself. I hope that you have that kind of place in your life. The kind that you drive to when you’re up extra early or when you simply need to soundtrip, eat, and chill (for me, it’s knitting!). When you do find that place, always make time to come back. It is good for your soul. 

Easter Monday with Ella

I celebrated Easter Monday with a visit to Barkin Blends Dog Cafe. I missed my furry friends, and I also got to enjoy my favorite dark chocolate milk tea and pesto pasta. 

Also, how adorable are these dog treats for sale at the cafe! 

After paying for my meal and one hour stay, I finally received kisses from Forrest, Ella (I’m not supposed to have a favorite, but I do love this little girl), and Skye. 

Each visit to the cafe is a relaxing endeavor. It transports me to another world where problems don’t exist.  

Everything can be solved with a nap and milk tea! 

After my cuddle time with the dogs, I watched Never Not Love You starring James Reid and Nadine Lustre. I loved it! It was real, gritty, and well-acted. 

I got home to my new necklace and earrings from an online store. I am happy that yellow gold is on trend again, and I am pleased to sport 90’s jewelry these days. 

My Easter Monday was fun and chill. I do have my constants, and Barkin Blends is one of them. I hope that you will also find your own go-to happy place.   

Easter Sunday 2018

I celebrated Easter Sunday by getting fit and eating out!

My morning was spent brisk walking at UP.  

I missed soundtripping while walking. Also, the weather was really nice.  

My breakfast consisted of shredded cheese corn...

 ...and a dirty ice cream sandwich!

I knitted before mass.  

Then, we had lunch after church. We chose Torch as we were craving for meats, pizza, and maki. 

This was the volcano roll. It was a deliciously spicy dish. 

This Philly cheesesteak pizza was a crowd pleaser. It was satisfying and flavorful. 

The steak, fish and chips, and chicken yakitori were all yummy as well! 

My Easter with family was well-spent. I hope that next year, it will also be fabulous! 

Black Saturday 2018

I began my Black Saturday with a workout and a hearty breakfast. 

I posed by the townhouses near our hotel which resemble the San Francisco houses in Lola and the Boy Next Door.  

On our way home, we passed by the Calamba Rizal Shrine. I am a Rizal fan, so this felt like a homecoming. 

The Php1 coin I was holding was a tribute to my idol, as he is featured on the currency. 

Rizal had a dog!

We also dropped by the church where Rizal was baptized. 

It was located right next to his house. 

That was a fun visit!

My family and I had late lunch at Mom and Tina’s. Their Shepherd’s Pie is still so good after all these years!

I enjoyed reconnecting with my idol and eating delicious food. What a way to celebrate the Holy Week break. I look forward to more memorable moments in sentimental places. 

Good Friday 2018

Yesterday, I got to unwind in Batangas with my family. I started my day with my usual workout. 

After which, I had breakfast at our hotel’s cafe.  

The egg white omelette and cinnamon rolls were my favorites! 

I had local coffee of course. Then, I cleaned up and went to Montemaria for some Holy Week reflection. 

I knitted on the way there.  

Finally, I saw Our Lady. She was breathtaking.  

We visited other churches as well during our fime here, and had dinner at the hotel. 

This Asian Spicy Fusilli was divine.  

So was this blueberry cheesecake! 

I worked out before bedtime, just because. 

My view while doing cardio wasn’t too shabby!

I had a productive day combining prayer, balanced eating, and working out. It was a nice vacation in the country. I look forward to more meaningful breaks on special occasions. 

Revisiting Padre Pio Shrine

Yesterday, I got to visit the Padre Pio Shrine For the second time. This time, I was with my family. 

I started my day with a breakfast takoyaki rice bowl. It was surprisingly delicious! 

I knitted in the car.  

And before I knew it, we were already there at the shrine. I purchased a magnet for my collection and a bottle of pain relief oil for a friend. 

We walked along the Shrine and prayed at the various spots in the compound. My favorite spot there was at the main church, where this huge sign serves as a reminder for everyone. 

The place holds a special spot in my heart because Padre Pio is a powerful intercessor. His life is also a shining example of the transforming ability of faith. 

Indeed, I will pray, hope, and remind myself to don’t worry!

I also bought personalized keychains from this fun stall. 

I feel blessed to have revisited the Shrine and I am thankful that this time, I am stronger in faith. I will keep on going, because I am confident that Padre Pio will always pray for my intentions. 

Breakfast and Blush

Yesterday, I started my day with a hearty brekkie at Breakfast Bin. I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and egg. 

I was still hungry, so I went to Papa Diddi’s for dessert. 

I love brands with a story, and small ice cream stores with unique flavors. 

I always appreciate how affordable Papa Diddi’s ice cream is. 

I chose the Treat serving in coffee addiction and cookies and cream. It was a delicious combination!

I ran some errands in the mall and later found myself at Yoshinoya for late lunch. Their beef bowl is still so good!

I walked around and found myself at blk cosmetics’ boutique at Trinoma. I tried on their lip and cheek tint and fell in love with the cherry shade. 

It was great value for money, and the color payoff was fantastic. 

It was pigmented and it goes well with my strong lippie from J.Cat. 

Last night, I did my weekly facial detox by applying my favorite Human Nature Pollution Defense Mask. It is made of bamboo charcoal, and is locally-made! You may purchase it from my online store. 

I hope that you will also find time to indulge in food that brings back wonderful memories. Also, don’t be afraid to discover new favorites, like makeup from local brands! You will definitely be surprised on how affordable (and empowering) it is to achieve your desired look. 

Macaroni and Knitting

I recently dropped by my uncle’s latest church assignment. I was fascinated with the CAT demonstration during my visit, as there was a graduation ceremony going on.  

I beat the heat with this Php10 cone of dirty ice cream. Yum!

Lunch was at Conti’s, where I had this comforting plate of chicken and mac and cheese. 

For dessert, I had a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and a cup of coffee. 

It was a relaxing day of visiting family and eating delicious food. Here’s to more happy lunches for knitting and catching up!

Sunday Sunset

I crave for Mister Kabab every now and then, and I am lucky that I live close to their flagship branch. I always order their special chicken chelo kebab, and last Sunday, it served as my early dinner.  

I put lots of yogurt sauce on my entire order! It is still so good and affordable after all these years.  

After my kabab dinner, I returned to UP for a brisk walk. I was greeted by this sunset.  

It was magical to have witnessed this sunset last Sunday at one of my favorite places. I hope to catch more sunsets in the future, as I burn calories and listen to upbeat music.  

Taho x Chocolate Sunday

Yesterday was a fun one. I had taho for breakfast at UP, where I usually take my brisk walks. 

Then, I met up with my high school friend Luti and we dropped by Pink Sisters for our Lenten prayers. Apologies for the blurry photo. 

We had lunch at La Creperie, one of my happy places. 

I had this delicious chorizo breakfast plate, while she had the corned beef one. 

Of course, we had to have their Angelina’s hot chocolate.  

It is the best hot chocolate for me in this side of the world. 

We then drove to Centris for some retail therapy. No I didn’t buy anything from this dreamy ceramics surplus shop. 

Instead, I had this delicious cookies and cream ice cream. 

Sundays are for resting and relaxing. Our foodtrip did not disappoint! I hope you will also find your favorite hot chocolate and enjoy your Sunday mornings sipping it while looking forward to a sweeter future.  

Online Seller and Old Books

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to learn more on my online business with Human Nature. If you still do not know where to buy affordable and quality natural products, please check out my online store and support my little business! Thank you in advance and may God bless you!

After my training, I went to UP Town for lunch. Then, I proceeded to Biblio, a secondhand bookshop with a fine selection of vintage books.  

These handsome books are beautiful and in good condition.  

Look at how old these books are! 

I purchased an economics book for an uncle born in 1966. The book was published on the year he was born so it will definitely be a unique present as he has just started on a new job assignment. 

Since my purchase met their minimum requirement of Php300, I was able to enjoy a fresh cup of brewed barako coffee on the house! I knitted while sipping my cuppa and it was awesome to do so inside a beautiful bookshop.  

I may be an online businesswoman, but I do crave for analog experiences. I hope you will also visit Biblio for your next book purchase and who knows, you might also capture a vintage book that speaks to your heart beyond the words on its pages. 

Learn, Knit, Nom

Yesterday, I finally finished the scarf I was knitting for my best friend. 

It was my first time to make a man scarf so I hope this works well during an overseas trip or two. 

I started another scarf, this time for one of my closest girl friends. I am using the popular Shawl in a Ball yarn. 

I was giddy because I was also wearing my new leather mules which I purchased from local brand Tutum. They looked fab with the floor at Pablo. 

I continued knitting at Pablo. Their mini chocolate cheese tart was delicious with their coffee. 

Their coffee maker was also adorable!

After finishing my coffee, I proceeded to the Asian Institute of Management to attend the lecture on Technology and Big Data lecture I was invited to. 

More knitting ensued as I waited for it to begin. 

The professor’s credentials and the topic of our talk are on the screen. 

It was an insightful lecture and I was happy to attend it!  

I was craving for pasta after class so I went to Cibo for my favorite Farfalle Alla Genovese.  

I also had a chill P2P ride home where was able to knit and nap. 

I had a lovely Friday and I couldn’t ask for more! I look forward to more opportunities to learn, try new food, and knit in colorful spaces.