My Happiest Day

My happiest day was when my first book, Speak Blog Live, was released. It was on October 7, 2021, when I finally realized my lifelong dream of becoming a published author. I had no expectations, other than to set my book free into the wild.

I celebrated with a cake that had my ISBN on it and my family with me. My partner and editor, Lorenz, spent the day with me. Since the pandemic was still raging on, we opted to stay at my house to talk about publishing the book with my mother. It was a lovely day.

When I became an author, I realized that it was possible to make my dreams come true. I did not need to do big, risky things in order to prove to myself that I can do it. It was not easy to become an author, but it was possible after sacrificing my time and putting in the effort to write a book. At the end of the day, my book was finished. It was ready to be read by the world.

When I will think of this day in the future, I will remember the exhilaration of becoming a published author. I will also recall all the hard work that got me here. To buy a copy of my book, please click here. I hope that you will support my dream by buying a copy.

Brewing Home Life

The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Personally, I struggled during the first few weeks of staying at home because I was so used to going out almost everyday. One of my pastimes before was having a cup or two of coffee. I enjoyed crocheting while enjoying a cuppa at a cafe.

When the quarantine was imposed, I found myself at home with my stash of instant coffee. While I also have my own instant favorites, I craved for freshly brewed coffee as I was accustomed to. Luckily, I found Coffee Buddy online.

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I initially purchased their Kalinga Dark Roast, Sagada Dark Roast, and french press. I learned to brew my own coffee, and it was definitely a game changer! It enhanced my quarantine experience as it brought back my coffee shop vibes. I also drastically cut down on my sugar intake, as I prefer enjoying my brewed coffee black.

I love Coffee Buddy’s local coffee selection so much, that I restocked from their shop yesterday. This time, I got Benguet Dark Roast and Espresso Dark Roast.

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This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of Coffee Buddy’s dark roast flavors. Learning to brew my own coffee has improved my home life, and has enabled me to enjoy my favorite beverage while on lockdown.

I hope that you will also find your perfect brew soon!

You are SAFE at The Manila Hotel

The historic hotel partially reopens in time for its 108th anniversary with upgraded hygiene protocols for guest safety; and launches special anniversary promo

Just a day before the historic hotel’s founding anniversary, The Manila Hotel plans to partially open its doors to its valued guests, with the famed Café Ilang Ilang, the Lobby Lounge, and the Delicatessen resuming operations on July 3, 2020. A rebirth of sorts after months of following the government’s quarantine protocols, the hotel has adjusted along with the rest of the world in navigating the “new normal,” and puts a high premium on the well-being of guests. 

TMH Lobby: The Grand Lobby of the historic Manila Hotel will light up again soon as the hotel partially reopens to accept guests beginning July 3, 2020

TMH Lobby: The Grand Lobby of the historic Manila Hotel will light up again soon as the hotel partially reopens to accept guests beginning July 3, 2020

With the lobby shining bright anew signifying eternal hope, The Manila Hotel commemorates its 108th founding anniversary on July 4 by welcoming guests with an enduring brand of service that is now focused on enhanced health, hygiene, and sanitation protocols in line with DOH guidelines. 

As the hotel prepares for the reopening, Atty Joey Lina, the president of The Manila Hotel, assures the public, “You are safe here. We have taken every precaution to heart so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind when you visit or stay with us.”

To its valued guests who are waiting for Café Ilang Ilang to open, The Manila Hotel offers its 108th Anniversary Promo that gives the first 108 customers for the first 108 days of its reopening (including Saturdays and Sundays) a special dining rate of only Php1,250 for lunch, and only Php1,550 for dinner. Café Ilang Ilang likewise returns with a new system for dining where guests can “order and eat all you can,” meaning they can order as much food as they want from the selection of dishes at a fixed price. 

Both Café Ilang Ilang and the Lobby Lounge will be open with limited seating capacity. Thorough sanitation procedures will be implemented, and guests can order using disposable menu, eat using cutlery in sealed containers, and even use tables with acrylic dividers. Front-facing personnel communicating with guests like Guest Services Officers (GSOs) and waiters will don masks, gloves, and face shields. To limit contact with guests, Café Ilang Ilang is also fine-tuning its contactless ordering and payment system.

Adopting best practices, the hotel launches a comprehensive initiative to assure its patrons they are safe at The Manila Hotel. High-traffic public areas will have hygiene reminder signagesand distance indicators, and guests will be asked to undergo mandatory temperature checks, and health declaration procedure. Limited capacity will also be implemented in elevators, while several hotel facilities will remain closed including the spa, swimming pool, gym, and other areas.  

High-touch points like door handles, elevator buttons, public area furniture, and others will be sanitized multiple times per day using UV technology. Tests reveal that UV sanitation greatly reduces the bacteria count on surfaces, as demonstrated by lower RLU readings—whose value is used as a measure of surface cleanliness—after the procedure. 

 Barring announcements from the government to the contrary, the hotel also plans to start accepting room bookings by August 2020.  The public will be assured of rooms thoroughly cleaned first with UV-C light technology to eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses; followed by medical-grade sterilizing and disinfecting solution. A change of fresh and sanitized linens; sanitation of touch points in the room including remote controls, lamps, etc.; and thorough bathroom disinfection are also art of the procedure. Guests will also receive personal wellness kits, issued a UV-sanitized keycard, and arrive to guestrooms with a seal of assurance that they are the first to enter the sanitized environment.

Because taking care of its own people means they can take better care of guests, The Manila Hotel has invested on testing its staff upon return to work to ensure they are healthy. The culinary team strictly adheres to stringent protocols on proper hygiene, hand washing, and food handling. Staff will be required to wear PPEs as needed, and a strict implementation of distancing measures will be done in the offices, front desk, and other areas frequent by guests. 

The Manila Hotel looks forward to welcoming both loyal and new guests with the kind of service it is known for, with the assurance that “YOU ARE SAFE HERE” is not just a tagline but a commitment it truly means to uphold. 

Source: The Manila Hotel

50 for Lung Center

Yesterday, I dispatched 50 earsavers to the Outpatient Department frontliners of the Lung Center of the Philippines. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this hospital in my neighborhood. I am proud of how this institution is at the forefront of fighting Covid-19, given its specialization.

I am still volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, and we are still accepting volunteer crafters, materials donors, and delivery angels. For more details, kindly join our Facebook group. Hope to see you there!

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Stitching Home

I have been knitting scarves again since the community quarantine has been extended to April 30th. My yarn supply is running low, and I crochet fast. Knitting has regulated my crafting pace and also, helped me conserve my yarn.

Knitting at home has helped me process my feelings during this quarantine. I felt grief for the recent death of my loved ones, especially now that I am unable to visit their graves. I thought things through as far as relationships and friendships are concerned. I felt blessed that I am healthy and safe at home. And I felt thankful to have hobbies to keep my mind alert and preoccupied.

Stitching these scarves together has also helped me realized that home is a feeling, rather than a place. Someday, when this quarantine is already lifted, I will still continue knitting and crocheting. This is home for me.

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Basket of Happiness

I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.

Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.

I simply miss the outside world.

Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.

There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.

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One Barkin’

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has recently merged their two branches into one solid branch. Their north branch, which is located at SM North Towers, remains strong.

Their dogs from the east have all transferred there, much to the delight of their regular customers. Now, everyone can enjoy all of the Barkin’ Buddies under one roof.

The author gets kisses from Piolo

The author gets kisses from Piolo

I am a longtime fan of the cafe, and I am really excited to see all the dogs in one place.

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

Forrest enjoys scratches from the author

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The author is all smiles with Bubbles

The dogs have provided me with much-needed comfort during the darkest days of my life. They have also provided joy during my times of bliss.

Forrest likes kissing the author

Forrest likes kissing the author

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

The author snuggles with the sleeping dogs

One last kiss from Forrest

One last kiss from Forrest

I do hope that you will also visit their north branch one of these days! Promise, you won’t regret it.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe

Instagram: @barkinblends

Barkmas

Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe has became my destination for good vibes. I have been a regular since 2014, and I have spent my Christmas breaks with their dogs for five years now. This year is no exception, as I braved the MMFF mall crowd to hug my furry faves Ella and Piolo. It is indeed a Merry Christmas with these dogs around.

You will definitely find me here even when the holidays are through! Hope you can also visit one of their two branches soon.

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Digital Transformation

Yesterday, I got to attend the Rocket Boosting your Business through Digital Transformation conference at the Luxent Hotel. It was hosted by GEP Solutions. It aimed to impart new views and insights, teach new business trends, and allow industry disruption.

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It was an honor to meet fellow blogger Loida of Happy Pinay at the event. One of the perks of attending industry events is networking. I am really blessed to meet like minded individuals every time.

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It is important to know now that we are in the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that change is inevitable. Thus, we have to innovate in order to survive. As keynote speaker Andrew Chow from Singapore said, “technology is our friend, not the enemy”. We must learn to embrace the resources available to us in order to digitally transform our business and improve the quality of our lives.
My key takeaway is that digital transformation is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. With GEP Solutions, it is possible to have an infrastructure that is capable of operating in and adapting to the rapidly changing FinTech landscape.

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Many thanks to GEP Solutions and to Rotary Club of Commonwealth for having me!

Happy Monday

I had a busy Monday. I found myself at Power Plant Mall yesterday for lunch, so I brought my starving self to Shawa Wama. 

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I ordered the red beet falafel rice meal with a side order of fried cauli. It was delicious!

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I later proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City for a meeting. Later for dinner, I treated myself to this beautiful chicken and pasta plate from World Chicken. This outlet in the mall never fails to please me with their flavorful chicken and generous sides. 

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And before calling it a day, I spent time with my favorite dog Ella and her friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It is always a lovely time with these fur babies who love being with humans.  

Having a good Monday is a state of mind. Even if I’m busy, I find myself eating the food that I want, knitting, and swinging by my usual dog cafe. Life is too short, so let’s make our Mondays count! 

Forever Young

As I face many challenges with my dad being terminally-ill and my jobhunting journey, I felt that I needed a break. I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind with their friendly doggos.  

I missed my favorite dog Ella’s kisses! She’s a tiny chiweenie with a big heart.  

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With Bonita, a tiny poodle. 

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Chocnut and Stitch!

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With Stitch. 

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With Martha. 

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And Happy the Pug!

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I had lunch with my family at Conti’s. Their chicken roulade was delicious! 

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For dessert, I had the Oreo matcha frozen yogurt from Elait.  

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Then, I dropped by the Barbie birthday event at The Block. 

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I’m a shameless Barbie fan. I got dolls for me and my goddaughter Kate.  

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I could hardly contain my excitement with my new doll. 

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My Grab car yesterday was cute! It had Doraemon seatcovers. 

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Then, I dressed my new doll in her new Hello Kitty outfit.  

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She’s a Made to Move Barbie, and I had fun posing her. 

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There’s nothing wrong with playing with toys as an adult. Being forever young helps me manage with life’s stresses with positivity and good vibes.  

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Here’s to more happy days ahead!

Videoke Night

Last night was a lovely opportunity for me to be grateful for all the blessings. My Human Nature family and I had our Core Advocate Night, wherein we focused on our theme for 2019: Matthew 6:33 (But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV).

I am thankful for all the support that is extended to me as a Human Nature Dealer. Please continue doing so by purchasing from my Human Nature Online Shop!

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We closed our fellowship with a potluck dinner and a videoke night! I had fun belting out my Aegis and Whitney Houston favorites. 

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And of course, it was lovely to sing with friends.  

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I found my tribe in this amazing company. I am excited to see us all grow together this 2019! 

Farm Saturday

Yesterday, I visited the GK Enchanted Farm with fellow Human Nature Core Advocates for a tour and immersion. This was my sixth visit to the farm. My previous tours were as a social business camper and with friends. Now, I am back as a core advocate with my own Human Nature Online Shop.  

But first I needed to fuel up at McDonald’s.  

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We met up at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

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We were also given some nibbles by a fellow core advocate.  

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Then, it was time for our journey!

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We reached the farm at around 9:30am, and we started the tour.  

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Our bubbly tour guide, Gelai, is a graduate of the SEED School. She speaks French, English, and Filipino!

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I had a wonderful day of touring the farm, it’s various social enterprises, and of course, enjoying the delicious bounty of the earth!  

It was time for our ride back to the city.  

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And before going home, I enjoyed an early dinner of toasted naked longganisa at Breakfast Bin. 

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I needed the farm tour to realign myself with my values and to appreciate life more. I am proud to see the farm grow, and to be in the company of kindhearted friends.

Here’s to more goodness and opportunities!

Valentine’s Clutch

I’m single and happy on Valentine’s Day. While I’m looking for a partner, I’m also happy with myself. I think that’s the perfect foundation for a relationship, because I’m already fulfilled on my own. 

Having said that, I finished crocheting this clutch using cotton yarn from my favorite local notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery.  

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To celebrate, I got myself some ensaimada and iced coffee from my neighborhood cafe.  

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I also got a pixie trim and I feel fabulous! 

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Self-love is the best foundation for a relationship. I am fortunate to have found fulfillment with my own talents, such as crochet! I know that whoever will date me in the future will be a lucky man because I’m already comfortable in my own skin. 

Homework

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

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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. 

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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

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

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

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

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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. 

Coffee Break

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

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I had fun with their neon-lit washroom. 

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

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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.  

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!  

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I missed this salad so much!

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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. 

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I knitted while having coffee.  

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Then I had a chair massage after running some errands! 

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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. 

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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!

Boxing Day 2018

Yesterday, I got to enjoy Boxing Day all by my lonesome. I donned the Samantha dress which was a Christmas gift from my cousin Choi’s online store, Snatched

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I ran some errands for my family, then had the grilled cheese caprese sandwich from The Sandwich Guy.  

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And for some cheap thrills: I finally got a USB speaker for my handy radio/MP3 player. I got mine from CD-R King, along with the USB wall adaptor. I can finally listen to the radio without needing to put on some earbuds!

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I make life work by staying positive, and treating myself within my budget. Here’s to enjoying the rest of the holidays, and getting into the spirit of giving to myself!

Christmas Eve 2018

Yesterday, I got to eat lunch with my Lucas relatives. I wore my new Sunnies Specs glasses from Sunnies Santa and applied Sunnies Face Glowboss on my cheekbones for some extra sparkle. 

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We chose Katherine’s Cafe at Vertis North as they had a wide range of food for our varied tastes. Since I was craving for pasta, I ordered this Vigan longganisa and salted egg number. It was delicious!

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My goddaughter Kate was ready to eat pizza and bring some Christmas cheer that only kids could give. 

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I gave her kid’s toiletries from my Human Nature online store. You may still purchase last minute presents and have them delivered straight to your doorstep! Shop now!

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I also got her a special toy from Toys R Us. 

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I received some lovely presents and I am grateful to be part of my relatives’ shopping lists!

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There are still plenty of blessings to be grateful for. Amidst all the challenges that my family is facing, I am still thankful that we get to celebrate Christmas together this year.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Playtime with Dogs

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Yes, again. I’m there at least twice a week. Sorry not sorry!

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I got to play with their new dog, Buchi. She’s a beagle-corgi mix, and she is assigned at their SM North Towers branch.  

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She’s really playful, and she seems to like my pixie! 

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Of course, no visit to the dog cafe will be complete without some cuddle time with my favorite, Ella.

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Before going home, I also got to meet another new dog, Bonita the poodle.  

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I’m really attached to Barkin’ Blends’ dogs and the humans behind this cafe. I will definitely be back very soon!