Yesterday, I watched two MMFF movies: Write About Love, and Culion. Both were superb! Then, I had some Starbucks Christmas Blend and spent some time crocheting.
I am determined to continue enjoying the holidays despite the grief that is weighing me down from time to time. My dad’s death is pushing me to celebrate life, and I am happy that I have a hobby such as crochet. It keeps me motivated to enjoy the quiet moments.
To more films and stitches to enjoy!
Christmas is never easy for us left behind. My dad passed away this year, so it’s just me and my mom now. Still, I am determined to have a lovely Christmas because the reason for the season is Jesus.
I dropped by my late friend Diane’s vault to kickstart my celebration. I realized that the departed never really leave us, they just remind us of how valuable life is. I won’t feel sad that I am left behind anymore. Rather, I will make it a Christmas gift to myself to have a full life even if I’m mostly by myself.
Merry Christmas!
Last night, I spent time with my Dubai-based friend Charms at Pound. We had delicious burgers and beer! I had the loco moco which was a yummy rice meal to go with my Brew Kettle beer.
Afterwards, we decided to have more drinks while watching live music at Conspiracy. It was my first time there, and definitely not my last.
It pays to have good friends to share quiet meals and live music with. I am thankful for the company and the conversation. ‘Til next time!
I am not a big hugger with people, but it’s the complete opposite when it comes to dogs! I am a total softie when it comes to pups, and this is evident in every visit to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I can’t resist their dogs, and each visit uplifts my mood.
I also enjoy a cuppa, whether it’s the weekend or not. If it’s a Sunday, you can usually see me sound tripping on ‘90s throwback FM while sipping my coffee. The combination of sentimental tunes and strong coffee just relaxes me.
I look forward to my next weekend with the same enthusiasm for my usual activities. I hope that you have also perfected your off-duty routine, as this will save you precious free time and energy.
Have a pleasant week ahead!
Yesterday was a fancy one. I had my hair and makeup done for a project which was a lot of fun to do. I am thankful to be offered opportunities that not only let me earn money, but also make me happy!
After work, I met up with my Dubai-based friend Charms for some late lunch and beers at Cafe Breton. It was a nice meal, and of course, it was lovely to catch-up with a friend.
I hope that there will be more friends to keep me company, and work to continue making me feel fancy! Life is good.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Yesterday, I finally met my favorite vlogger, Kim Enson! It was worth the commute to BGC as I also met her internet-famous mum and her boyfriend Tom, who proposed to her during the party!
Later that day, I attended my second party at the Human Nature Flagship Store for the core advocates. I won the Community Champion award for 2019! It was a testament to all my hard work during the past year.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve people and sell products that give back to communities. Please continue supporting my Human Nature online shop, and together, let’s make 2020 an even greater year!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
