I capped off my birthday week with waffles and bacon! (P.S. Those white streaks on my hair are from my wax! They’re not gray hair!)
And of course, doggo hugs!
Barkin Blends will always be my happy place, and it was only fitting that I celebrated my birthday there. I am thirty-two, but these dogs keep me forever young! Here’s to more cuddles with the creatures who give me licks, smiles, and kisses!
My alma mater, UA&P, had its Grand Alumni Homecoming the other night. I had to be there as I had happy memories there both as a student and as an employee. It was also a great time to catch-up with friends! I had a fabulous time and I will surely be back.
My birthday celebration continued the other day as I had lunch with my cousin Choi at CoCo Ichibanya and Scout’s Honor. It was a lovely afternoon of good eats and hearty laughter! I am thankful for priceless moments with family, and I hope that next time, we will have more happy stories to share with each other.
Yesterday, I had my usual toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and aligue. It was perfect with a book and coffee.
I was still hungry after finishing my meal, so I had this hot chocolate stirrer for dessert.
It was a delicious drink, I must say! The chocolate melted after ten minutes of stirring. It resulted to a full-bodied chocolate experience.
My early morning, post-workout feels melted along with this hot chocolate. I will definitely have it again at Breakfast Bin, which has already become my happy place along Maginhawa. I look forward to more simple breakfasts and moments along my favorite foodie street in my city!
The past week has been challenging for me, but I am still here! I didn’t die, and I am still able to crochet, blog, and have fun!
I had a relaxing lunch at Scout’s Honor yesterday with my family. I had their pesto mealballs rice bowl. It was delicious!
I also had their Americano and make-your-own cookie. Mine had a chewy base with dark chocolate, cream cheese, and Chocnut.
My visit to any restaurant won’t be complete without a powder room break. Their washroom did not disappoint!
I am digging their millennial pink walls and various frames.
I had a lovely lunch, and I am so inspired to begin again. Here’s to more lunches and possibilities!
Yesterday, I went to the Pink Sisters convent to pray and give thanks for 32 years of life!
Then, I watched Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WiFi. It was a beautiful film! Sue Ramirez was fantastic.
I had this fabulous shawarma rice from Persian Avenue and lemonade from Muscle Beach.
Before I knew it, it was time for my appointment at my derma.
After my treatment, I went to St. Clare for more prayers.
And I also went to St. Jude to pray for a better job opportunity.
I capped off my visit to Manila with some Yakult lemon tea.
And I had a windy selfie next to CEU’s pink wall.
I started my day with the Pink Sisters and ended my day with a pink selfie. I am a millennial with priorities, and that includes self-care and prayer. I hope to keep it up as I look for better opportunities and possibilities!
I was greeted by these balls of yarn when I got home from work the other night. These were my purchases from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and I was able to get them using my birthday discount as a funATTIC cardholder. I even got the multicolor mandala yarn cake (the one with the card on it) for free, as a gift from the owner. To say that I am thrilled is an understatement!
I also got to watch Bela Padilla’s new film The Day After Valentine’s yesterday. I enjoyed it because it featured baybayin and Paper Moon Cafe, which is one of my favorite dessert places. The story is also heartbreaking. Do check it out in cinemas everywhere!
The thing about yarn and film is that there is always the promise of possibilities about them. Yarn is used to knit and crochet beautiful scarves and wearables. Movies help us see reality in a better light through cinematic imagery. I am grateful for these mediums that allow me to experience creativity firsthand. I know that for as long as I have yarn on my needles and hooks, I can make things better. And while there are movies to watch, I can be inspired to live a more meaningful life.
Here’s to more possibilities, with every stitch and scene in between.
Yesterday, I experienced driving through really strong rains. By the time I parked my car, I was starving! I decided to eat breakfast at Jollibee while waiting for the P2P bus to take me to Ortigas.
I enjoyed my “stopover” meal of breakfast burger steak and coffee.
I also bought hot calamansi juice to sip while inside the P2P bus.
I got some work done in the morning, then I went to UA&P to check out the new caf inside MPC.
I had chicken siomai with java rice.
And I also had my favorite Chillers fresh avocado shake!
For early dinner, I checked out Ça Va at Podium. It’s a newly opened creperie and floral atelier.
I invited Anne, the lady behind 11*11 Handmade to join me! I really enjoyed catching up with her over good food and coffee.
My sriracha meatballs rice bowl was amazing! It went well with my flat white.
Food is my love language, but I prefer to eat it rather than cook it! I find joy in comfort food and coffee. I know that even when the skies are not blue, I will still be okay for as long as I know what truly makes me happy.
I turned 32 yesterday! I started my day by crocheting...
...getting work done...
...and hearing mass at my alma mater’s beautiful chapel.
For lunch, I had this chocolate cake and latte from Starbucks.
I was able to spend lunch time with Karen, my friend from work.
I also received a small cake from the office.
I managed to crochet a bit in school before taking the train back north.
Then, I had this delicious violet bread for snack.
And before I knew it, it was time for dinner with my family and friends at Botejyu!
I had an amazing day and it was fabulous to spend it with the people I love and the food I enjoy. Here’s to more beautiful memories as I embark on my 32nd year of life!
I finally finished crocheting this scarf in shell stitch. The blue, green, and red yarns were specifically chosen as they match the color palette of The Little Mermaid.
I used the shell stitch to make this scarf. It was a technique I learned from YouTube, and I was fascinated with how relaxing and quick the process was.
I bought my yarns for this project from The Attic Yarn and Craftery . It is important to me that I support local suppliers to sustain my handmade lifestyle. In the case of the The Attic, they were able to extend personalized customer service when I was selecting my yarns and Furls crochet hook. And since I bought from their online store instead of their stockist at the mall, I was able to save money.
I am proud of this scarf because I crocheted it during my commute to and from work, during my breaks, and on weekends. I will definitely make more scarves, and I am happy that I am able to integrate fiber arts into my daily grind. Here’s to more stitches in between adulting, and fairy tale inspiration to take me further!
I celebrated St. Clare’s feast yesterday by dropping by her monastery. I braved the rain and offered eggs in her honor.
Her feast day is just a couple of days before my birthday, which is why I have a special devotion to her. She has been a powerful intercessor through the years.
It was also inspiring to be with other devotees on this special day.
I got home to my new Renegade Folk shoes in Timeless. This is my third pair from the Marikina-made shoe brand. They create shoes which are perfect for my style. Also, I can walk in them comfortably, and I love supporting local!
I later visited the annual Philippine Readers and Writers Festival at Raffles Makati.
This year’s festival featured author talks and signings, as always.
But I was delighted that this year’s festival pass contains free entrance to next month’s Manila International Book Fair!
I enjoyed browsing through books...
...saying hello to history bae Jose Rizal...
...and playing with the photo booth!
In the end, I purchased four local books, and I can’t wait to read them all.
As a Youngblood baby, I always find myself attending their workshop at the festival. Pam Pastor’s wit never gets old.
After the workshop, I proceeded to National Bookstore’s booth, where I won an advance reader’s copy for Ghosted by Rosie Walsh.
I had a lovely afternoon at the festival, and I am excited to be back next year!
As a bookworm, blogger, devotee, and lover of all things local, I can say that my Saturday was quite eventful! Here’s to braving the rain and participating in more activities that will remind me of how blessed I am, and how I can write about them all on my blog.
I have simple ways to unwind in between work tasks. For instance, I love Rodic’s tuna sisig, so I drove to Maginhawa to eat it for dinner one night.
I also love chocolate sundae, and I was happy to stumble upon this Davao chocolate swirl-all-you-can at Lawson.
I also love Lawson’s cappuccino and the snacks being sold by the vendor at my office building. Here are two of my favorites from his merch- pancake and puto flan.
Lastly, I make myself comfortable while working. I enjoy lounging on bean bags or on the couch while getting things done.
My time in this current work project is coming to an end, and I am now looking for another work opportunity. This time, I am hoping that I will get a job that is ideal for my credentials and qualifications. I am positive that I will find a suitable role soon, and that my simple joys will help me balance my life one I start working again!
I am not the type who has heaps of friends. I have a few genuine friends though, and they have been with me through the years. I am lucky to have them, because I know that they appreciate the real me.
They have never used me for their own personal interests. Best of all, they are always there to listen.
Earlier this week, I had coffee with my college friend Miya...
...and dinner with my high school BFF Luti.
More than the food, the conversations, and the company, it's the time that I appreciate most from friends like Miya and Luti. I know that they will never get that time back. I look forward to more meaningful moments with my friends, and with them, I am unafraid of tomorrow.
It has become my tradition to pose for selfies first thing on Monday mornings. It sets the tone for my busy week ahead. It helps motivate me not just to slay, but to also stay poised throughout every challenge that I encounter on a day-to-day basis.
I am not afraid to be judged for my self-timer pictures. I don't mind the stares whenever I take these photos. I simply focus on posing and hope that the shots will turn out fine.
I am quirky that way. and it is in posing patiently through each take that I get photos that can set the tone for the rest of my week. I am still a newbie at work, but I am learning fast. By posing patiently on the job, I am slowly enjoying the fruits of my labor. I am building rapport among my colleagues. And I find myself looking forward to another day at work.
Here's to more patience, more selfies, and more slaying- both at work and play!
I think that the love that I get from dogs is incomparable. I visit Barkin Blends whenever I need some doggo hugs, as both of my parents are allergic to dogs. Nevertheless, I am glad that I have a cafe wherein I am allowed to play with several dogs and relax after a busy day or week.
They have recently released their numnums, which are homemade treats for dogs. Guests may purchase them to-go for their pet dogs at home.
I got to bond with my favorite dog Ella, a chiweenie!
It was also my first time to try Barkin Blends' rock salt and cheese milk tea. It was delicious!
Psyche the beagle slept on my lap, and it caused me to feel sleepy too.
It was picture-taking time with all of their big dogs.
But at the end of the day, I still chose to cuddle Ella again.
I will definitely be back for more doggo hugs and cuddles. 'Til next time, Barkin Blends!
One of my favorite saints, St. Clare, celebrates her feast day on August 11. Since my birthday is on August 13, I find myself preparing for her feast day in the same manner that I reflect on all my blessings in anticipation of turning a year older. I am thankful that I was able to build a devotion to an intercessor whose feast is close to my birthday.
I visited the Monastery last Sunday to pray, give thanks, and take note of the upcoming fiesta masses.
I am excited to celebrate with other devotees on the eleventh!
There are always blessings to be thankful for, and petitions to pray for. I look forward to lifting them all up to God on Saturday!
Now that I am working full-time, I ensure that my weekends are spent well. I always begin my days with a workout, whether it’s a weekday or the weekend.
Last Saturday, I was reminded to count my blessings and be myself as I dropped by my usual waxing salon.
Then, I went to Human Nature to shop for my needs this August. I stocked up on moringa chocolate chip cookies...
...had some brewed coffee in the store...
...tried the new bath jelly (which was fun to use!)...
...and treated myself to a bar of Theo and Filo 70% dark chocolate!
I am also a fan of Human Nature’s new initiative to encourage shoppers to bring their own eco bags.
After shopping, I went to Breakfast Bin for even more coffee and pancakes.
And then, it was back to Human Nature for me as we celebrated our get-together with my fellow core advocates.
It was a fun night of potluck eats, karaoke, and friendship!
My Saturday was a relaxing one, because I got to eat, shop, and party for a good cause. I am glad that by supporting Human Nature, I also help Gawad Kalinga communities and provide jobs. I look forward to the rest of my workweek knowing that my weekends are spent with my advocacy. It makes all the hard work worth it.
I love my handmade lifestyle! I enjoy crafts like knitting, crocheting, and creative journaling. These are crucial in my mindfulness journey, especially now that I am working full-time again.
As I explore the possibilities within my current role, I am also guiding myself in balancing my life. I am adjusting well to work, so I just need to enhance my days with some journaling.
To inspire myself to keep on creating and writing, I reached out to Anne of 11*11 Handmade. I commissioned her to make me a traveler’s notebook in salmon pink Argentinian vegetable-tanned leather.
Anne is a one-woman mompreneur who makes all her journals by hand. She takes pride in using vegetable-tanned leather, and guarantees that each journal will age beautifully.
Her journals have been used by fountain pen enthusiasts and calligraphy hobbyists. Since I sketch my food and label my entries with brush lettering, I felt that I deserved a new handmade journal to last me through the years.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that she resides near my office, so we met up when my journal was already completed.
The eco-friendly packaging won my heart during my “unboxing” process.
Say hello to my new synchronicity journal! Anne refers to her creations as synchronicity journals because they serve as vessels for our dreams which will be manifested through action.
I requested for my blog’s name to be embossed on the leather, and yes, it was hand-embossed!
I was pleased with my purchase, and I crocheted on the P2P bus ride home.
I look forward to using my new journal, and living up to my handmade lifestyle everyday! There is always something worth creating, whether it’s a blog entry (yes, I believe this blog is also a craft!), a scarf, or a sketch of my lunch.
The possibilities are limitless!
I walked through really strong rains last Friday morning. Good thing I was wearing boots and a blazer along with some tough clothes. I felt a bit shaken though because it was my first time to walk in strong rains in a long time. But I was happy that I got to work on time.
I was sad to hear yesterday that a friend of mine lost her house to a fire. It was devastating as she lost everything, and nothing was saved. At least she and her family survived the ordeal, and plenty of people have raised funds to help her.
When I experienced chills earlier after the rain. I realized that I am still fortunate. I have warm clothes, a job, and coffee. I am still very luck. And there is always something to be thankful for.
As a new employee, I am challenged to face existing processes and enforce new ones in my workplace. I am still learning and adjusting. I recently faced a challenge, which was thankfully resolved because I was working with a competent team. It also helps that my superiors are a call or email away to guide me through.
I feel valued, and that is why I am also compelled to be a valuable member of my team. I cannot attain progress alone, so I reach out to people more. It is a win-win solution because I get to improve my interpersonal skills while getting things done!
And as always, the right outfit helps me slay.
I am powering through each day with faith, grit, and a lot of coffee. I am determined to make things work as I grow as an individual. And while I have a great team, I also rely on a generous God. It is the combination of hard work and unwavering faith that gets me through each new day!
