Daily Bread

There was a time that I read my daily devotion on a regular basis. I think I started during college days. Religion subject isn't my fave back in school, so this helped me a lot in understanding God's words in a layman's term. When I got married, naging irregular till nawala na yung habit. 

Yay on a Monday

Spell h-a-p-p-i-n-e-s-s on a Monday... :D

Package received!

busy on a Sunday?

I'm happy that I'm on my third week na of attending Sunday mass early in the morning...

I was five minutes late. First reading na when I arrived. Today is the feast of Sto. Niño. As His children, we are reminded to be childlike, always relying on God's presence and love in our lives.

Satur-day off

I did my laundry yesterday and I have nothing pending to do, plus the husband went to work and my son was still asleep, I decided to go to the mall and attend zumba class by noon time. I prepped my son's lunch too, re-heat na lang niya. I know I mentioned a while back that I don't go malling on weekends because I don't like mingling with too many people, so I thought I would go as early as possible. I arrived at the mall by 10: 15 am just right for the opening. I went around Landmark's Home department first. Ang sarap ng maluwag at di matao. Di nakaka-stress. :D

Friday be like...

Household chores + breakfast + surfing the internet with Spotify...

gym day + Tuna Pasta

I was able to squeeze in some 'me time' today. After my usual household chores, I told my husband that I'll go the gym for an hour of zumba. Muntik pa di matuloy. I felt lazy after lunch but willpower won. Maybe because I need to go to the bank and pay some of my online purchases. Yes, you heard it right. This early I broke one of my 2018 goals. Waaah! It was an impulsive buy but I really like the items and the rest is history. If there's any consolation, it's not that expensive naman. But I would really, really need to control myself next time.

my IG story

Guisadong Repolyo at Hipon (Sauteed Cabbage and Prawns)

Both my boys didn't go to work today. My son is on a rest day since he went to work last Sunday. My husband purposely didn't go to the south of Manila because he lacks sleep. He keeps on going to the bathroom to pee in the wee hours of the morning. Apparently, he drank too much water and tea before going to bed last night. 

Delimondo vs Palm corned beef

My sister sent us a message on our messenger group with my siblings informing us that our Mom wasn't feeling well yesterday. She had an over fatigue from last weekend's activities. I cooked Chicken Tinola for lunch and visited her. I dropped by first at the wet market to buy veggies, pitchi-pitchi and rice. Good thing she's feeling better na as in she's up and about. As always, I went home with my loot bag- she gave me organic eggs and popcorn!

Social Media hiatus

Since I promised to blog regularly, I finally turned our bay window in our bedroom into my blogging corner where I could just sit and blog away my thoughts. No excuses na talaga. Haha.

loving the natural light coming in. I would add a big make-up mirror here also...

plants update, Tortang Alamang, Cocina Peruvia

Since my husband was on his regular Sunday bike me time and my son went to work for an overtime, I decided to go to mass at 8:30 am. I find it solemn and cooler at this time of the day. Next Sunday nga uli. I proceeded to the wet market afterwards. When I got home, I cleaned my fresh produce, tucked them away in the freezer and did the laundry. I then started cooking Pork Sinigang(for dinner), Torta Alamang and Ginataang Sigarilyas for lunch. Yes, I was on a roll. I even had my breakfast at almost 11 am. Hay, sinabi ko ngang iiwasan ko na mag-multi task eh. Haha. 

Tortang Alamang(tiny shrimps) in progress...

gym at last + Ayala Vertis North

kumukutitap... I can't take my eyes off them!

I finally had the chance to go to the gym for the first time this 2018. I attended the 12 noon zumba class. I was a bit surprised that the dance floor wasn't that full. Maybe because it's a Saturday. Normally, the gym is overpopulated during week days much more it's January, when people are trying to shake off the excess poundage gained from the month long holidays. Our instructor Zin Sophia had the best props, her sparkling shoes! In the teaching world, we call it motivation.

Happily imperfect

One of social media’s advantages nowadays is a person could create a “superstar status” even one isn't a celebrity. The bad effect here is  one ends up depending their social-esteem on likes or thumbs up, no. of shares and comments on whatever they post in their accounts. For those people who have low self-esteem, it doesn't help either. What would they come up our posts that would give them a good impression on whoever their audience is even if it screams superficial. They wouldn't mind that because the adulation feeds their ego. 'Peer pressure' has transformed into something bigger in this era.

payment day + unexpected mall hop

After my boys went to work, I did my laundry chore (by machine) and prepared to go to the mall with me thinking of going to the gym for the first time this year after I settle our(my son and I) SSS and Philhealth payments. Traffic was moderately heavy but bearable. Although I have to wait out for twenty minutes with my payments, it's such a relief that I'm done with my first agenda. I went to the LTO satellite office just beside the SSS and Philhealth offices and asked if I can already get my driver's license ID which I renewed April last year.

Larawan

We didn't watch any MMFF movie during the holidays because we didn't feel the need to. The last one that my husband and son watched was the latest Star Wars installment. Upon knowing that Larawan is a must see movie, we headed to the mall to catch its theater run last night. We saw it at 7:30 pm after a quick dinner at Tokyo Tokyo. I had Tempura as usual, while my husband had Chicken Teriyaki. We just found it weird that on a Monday night, there was a long line at the cinema and the resto was jampacked, too. Overpopulated na talaga ang Manila. 

First Sunday 2018

Like what I’ve said, one my goals this year is to go to mass regularly. Today, I woke up by around 8:30 and was up by 9:00 am. I hurriedly prepared and was there just on time for the 9:30 mass. It’s a good thing that the church is just a five minute walk from our house. 

2018 goals

I always say I'm not into resolutions but more on setting goals for the new year. We all have 12 new chapters and 365 chances to look forward to. So why not put it into good use, right?

Here are mine...

getting fat

convo earlier with the husband...

H: Ma, tumaba ka na nga! (You’re getting fat)

Me: Talaga? Pangit ba? (Really? Do I look bad?)

H: Hindi. Mas maganda nga eh.  (Nope. You look better) 😩

Apparently, he likes my version with a five pound excess poundage from my ideal weight. 😄

Cheers to 2018

Hello, blog! I miss blogging! There are days that I would say I think I should blog about this or that but IG,Twitter or FB or offline life would always get in the way until I forgot about it already. 

Well, 2017 has been generally a good year. Here’s why:

new 2018 hair color

I was torn if I'll have a haircut or a new hair color at first. March this year I had my below shoulder length hair cut changed to a pixie cut. My favorite hair stylist Mr. D of David's salon was stunned when I asked him what I wanted for my hair, "Sigurado ka?! Although, bagay sa iyo kasi maliit mukha mo." Those were the exact words that he stated. Hindi naman ako depressed but I was unhappy with a few hair loss plus I'm just bored with it. And I have a good excuse, summer or hot days were coming na. Haha. Yup, I'm really experimental when it comes to my hair ever since. I'm not afraid to have it cut short or grow it long. Siguro nga kasi maliit mukha ko. Kahit ano daw bagay.

Pixie hair  March, 2017 Canyon Cove

Butter cake

Still on a Yuletide high and savouring the last pieces of this butter cake I baked last week. 

Ilocos Norte 2017

Day 1

We left home at 8: 30 am. Passed by NLEX and TPLEX. Sun was out, no weather disturbances. It was a good day for a roadtrip.

took a pic and tweeted this at 9:45 am somewhere along Tarlac TPLEX 

Balikbayan dine out

Because I was assuming that I'll be devouring yummy food later, I went to the gym first today.

Our friend is based in San Francisco, California. She's on a short visit because it is her Mom's birthday. We decided to eat at Bagoong club which specializes in Filipino food.

Ampalaya salad for appetizer. Yummy not bitter at all...

Seafood Kare-kare

Crispy Dinuguan

We planned to visit a sick friend(lung cancer) but he was unfortunately scheduled for a check up so we didn't pursue. Instead, we had our dessert at nearby Cafe Breton.

La Pinay

Cafe Latte

Sarsa at UP Town

My husband and I agreed to meet up at UP Town today. I drove there while he went earlier by bike. Every Sunday is his biking day aka "me time". Normally, I'm home.

Ginataang Tilapia

No frills Ginataang Tilapia{in coco milk} for today's lunchie. I usually put Pechay leaves for my veggies but eggplant is what's available in the fridge atm. 🐟

Bruno Mars' 24k Magic tour

I totally forgot that tickets will be on sale by the 7th of Sept. After thirty minutes of selling the tickets, it was sold out. I prayed for a day 2 and alas, it was granted!

This I miss

One of the things that's consuming my 'Me time' besides exercise is Instagram. I have 2 accounts, one is personal and private while the other one is for my hobby/interest.

Fitness inspiration

This outfit{not a sponsored advertisement} has been with me for a couple of years already but it''s only now that I got to notice

~ it could be a great inspo for my next lazy day. Wait, can I add also this comment from a Mom of my former student slash zumbamate, "ang sexy mo!" Haha!

Tuesday ganap

Early morning read. 

source: The Best Half of Life

A quick{long} update

How's your Monday? After a very active weekend, I chose to slow down today. I had a hard time sleeping last night because of that Vietnamese coffee I drank yesterday afternoon, but still, I was up early today and spent it doing my usual morning chores- cooking and doing the laundry in between taking my breakfast.

Welcoming 2017

We are celebrating the NY in contrast with Christmas. We decided to have an overnight stay in a resort here in Subic. Though I crammed in reserving for a room during this peak season, I succeeded. There's no better way to end the year with seasalt in the air and in natural bliss.

Before the year ends, I'm taking the time to thank the Lord for keeping my family safe and in general, healthy. Though 2016 wasn't that smooth as the recent ones, I'm grateful. I thank all the people who made my life easier and happy. May the coming year be a brighter and peaceful one for all of us. 

RIP 2016! Happy New Year!

my gift on Christmas day

This year was a bit different from last year's (me personally and health wise for my husband) but we managed to pull it through. If not for the power of prayers, patience, positivity and strong family ties, I think I would end up depressed and all. There were sleepless nights and tearing up(couple of times) but I prayed hard for proper discernment especially during the last quarter of this year. I got worrisome sometimes for no reason. Sabi ko pa, menopausal na ba ako? Bata pa naman ako ah. Kaya siguro kahit regular exercise ko I would end up having colds and cough every month. I was stressed.

prepping for Christmas 2016

Woah, Merry Christmas! I've been meaning to update but 'life happened' once again. How was your Christmas?

Just like in the recent years(pre-Christmas), I spent most of my time in my kitchen to prepare my baked giveaways and our Noche Buena. In between cooking, I could be found in malls, palengke and groceries shopping of course. Anywhere related to food. Haha.

I baked brownies(for my sis' office giveaways), cupcakes and cookies a week before.

injured

Last Thursday, the stand fan in our bedroom suddenly stopped. I thought of replacing it with the other one from our sala(living room). My boys were out so  I tried to lift it by myself. I didn't realize that the base wasn't properly screwed to the upper part(head). Ayun, bumagsak sa paa ko yung kalahati. Ooooouchhhh...

the culprit

Jack Reacher

I didn't watch the first installment of this movie but when husband asked me if we could watch last Tuesday, of course, I obliged. I like Tom Cruise, plus action movies, too. 

And we're glad we didn't miss this movie. It was intense and action packed, indeed.

Bluetooth earphones

It was just a casual conversation. I told my husband that I think I need one because while I was running on the treadmill last Tuesday I was holding my phone while listening to the music to prevent my earphones from falling off. When I was that active in running six years ago, I used headphones. Siguro naka-dalawa rin ako kaya lang nasisira. Wear and tear.

We were in the mall earlier and he surprised me with this... 

I love no occasion gifts. 

the high road

As I was scanning my FB timeline this morning, I was surprised to see a High school classmate post- a pic of a girl she labeled as home wrecker. She did this to serve as a warning. I understand her hate and anguish being a wife and Mom also. Some people really crosses the line-mapa lalaki yan o babae. I prayed that she'll have proper discernment and support that she'll need during this times.

Feeling...

Because of yesterday's rigorous fitness activity, I'm...

but one step stronger!

Amazed with today's candy colored sunset. One of those days that you're glad you stopped whatever you're doing and decided to just stare...

Inferno and Bakit Lahat ng Guwapo may Boyfriend

It seems we missed watching movies in the theater that in a span of a week we watched two current films. 

Last week(Monday), while having dinner husband asked me if we could watch Inferno by Tom Hanks. We headed to the mall and caught the last full show. I must say we're more impressed with the first two Dan Brown movies than this one.

catch me if you can

I'm happy that I didn't stop and didn't run out of breath. Almost 5 km today!

First thirty minutes...

brisk walked here most of the time

then the next thirty...

then ran the entire time...

After 10 mins of stretching, I was off to the grocery. 

thriving

Oooops, I've been neglecting my small urban garden because of other concerns the past few weeks. Yesterday, I managed to have a bit of gardening-- collected dry leaves with my trusted walis tingting(broomstick), cut long and stray Sampaguita stems, weeded out...

Saturday good vibes

Started my day yesterday with this on mind- maging magaan at positibo kahit may mga pinagdaraanang problema o pumangit at magkasakit dahil lagi kang nega, galit o masama ang ugali sa kapwa. Walang taong perpekto pero we always have a choice. 

Plateau anew

I decided to go to the gym yesterday though I'm still recovering from a pesky dry cough and colds over the weekend. What's important to me is that I'm not dizzy at all and I don't feel sluggish or weak to pursue exercise.

ADN Festival 2016

ADN means Aldub nation. It is known that I'm a follower of Aldub loveteam- Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza since day 1. Just click on this link to read my previous posts about them. 

Ginebra surprise

Tonight, I'm one of the millions of Ginebra fans that prayed for their win. My boys have different fave teams. They just watched the last quarter. 

birthday noodles

As I've said in my earlier post, we dined out on my husband's birthday due to some errands. I was still recovering from colds and cough I earned from last week, it was only now that I was able to cook my husband's birthday noodles-Spaghetti in meaty red sauce. I shared it to my Mom and siblings. I just bought two Goldilock's half rolls(Mocha and Ube) for them.

Hubby's natal day 2016

His operation was barely three weeks ago so my plan to have an out of town trip as we always do to celebrate was scratched, understandably. Two months ago, he scheduled for an appointment for his passport renewal without knowing that he'll have an operation last September and incidentally, it ran right smack on his birthday. In addition to this, his driver's license is also overdue. When it rains, it pours indeed.

Messy Frankie

I was able to document yesterday through IG story how our doggie eats. The first time I saw him eat, I was heartbroken. But my husband assured me it was because how his mouth and nose is designed. Anyway, naubos naman lahat nang nasa paligid. Kahit yata isang piraso walang natira. That's how a pug eats.

Pork Binagoongan

We had this for dinner last week. It is one of the optional dishes that you can cook aside from sinigang, adobo, inihaw, afritada or pan fried.

guiltless

After a one hour zumba(yup, two days in a row!) session yesterday I went home directly. I was trying not to window shop because when I checked on my finances towards the end of the year, I realized I didn't meet my expected savings of the year. I have so many unnecessary purchases this last few months(plus health emergencies). I need to keep my wallet close. And one tip is not to linger in the mall, if possible stick to my schedule that is.

Batman says

Convo between my husband(a self-confessed Batman fan) and I last night:

BIB: May dalawang fruit bats umaaligid sa puno ng Atis! (anxious)

Batman: Oo nga malalaki pa. (deadma)

BIB: Marami kasing bunga sa taas di ko na maabot para pitasin.

Batman: Hayaan mo na para sa kanila na yun.

BIB: Natatakot ako. Nangangagat ba sila?

Batman: Ma, huwag ka mag-alala hindi ka naman prutas. 

BIB: Sabi ko nga. (grrrr)

Pitch black

My Tuesday is action packed. Last Friday, I called off my facial appointment just because I binge watched the Netflix series "Stranger Things"(I"ll have a separate post on this). Kaya ayun jampacked today. I deposited at the bank first, then facial/diamond peel and lastly, zumba. Ay meron pa pala, grocery. Mukhang tatlong beses na ko nag-gro-grocery since Thursday ah? Kaya siguro when I weighed myself earlier I was three pounds heavier. Aaargh. A case of "Tinimbang ka ngunit sobra." 

Be kind

There are a lot of stressors around but we should bravely confront it by not letting it consume us. Positive vibes should reign so that we could radiate it to other people instead. 

Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou 

Have a great week ahead!

Sunday mix

I started today with blog updates over coffee. I missed out on the last two days. Losing the momentum once again would make me lazy kaya I pushed myself to update.

giving thanks

For the first time in two weeks my husband was able to work. Of course, I have to accompany him in case traffic in the metro becomes unbearable. We were up by 5:30 am. 

Hospital episode

Last September 22 my husband finally had his surgery(neither minor nor major) at a local hospital. I can't disclose much for privacy reasons but I assure you that it's nothing cancerous or critical. It just required immediate attention because it was giving him discomfort already.

Chicken salad macaroni

Though we consider it a classic in our family Christmas dinners as a kid, I rarely prepare this salad. Maybe because I didn't like the aftertaste of mayonnaise. Plus I love prepping baked mac instead. 

This was our merienda for two days. I like it chilled with no overpowering mayo taste. So, I tweaked this recipe a bit.

ran today

It's been a long time since I ran. I think mga 4 1/2 years. I can't remember if I already mentioned it here but my husband and I used to join marathons back in 2009-2011.

I joined 3k and 5K marathons then. In 45 mins I could run at least 7 km with a speed of 8 in the treadmill. There were times that we run also at ULTRA's oval. 

snapchat

Nilagang Beef Bulalo (Stewed Beef shank)

It's a rainy day today. Hmmmm... seems what I cooked for lunch is on point. Habagat rains call for something hot and soupy. I'm missing my fave cabbage and Baguio beans here because I thought I could drop by the wet market this morning. Oh well...

Monday motivation

I was hesitant if I will go or not. My husband has a check up(final) and I want to accompany him but he insisted that he can do it by himself na raw. He'll drop me off na lang daw sa mall if I want. I thought I can go to the gym and attend zumba after two weeks of absence. Yesterday, I tried to spin for thirty minutes here at home, but I ended up dizzy and having a migraine the whole day. I needed Paracetamol just to get through the day.  :( 

Senator Dick Gordon

After cooking breakfast and lunch, I started prepping for today's grind- bank errand, check up for my husband, zumba and grocery shopping. 

I've been following both Senate and Congressional hearings for the past few weeks and caught it today once more. I like that Senator Gordon took over the Chairmanship of Extra judicial killings hearings. He is objective, calm and speaks appropriately as Chairman of Justice and Human rights.

Reminder

I'm slightly guilty with this, but in my family I'm still the one who is mindful when it comes to using cps especially when we are at the dining table or at the car. 

Don't. Technology is helpful but nothing beats personal interactions and conversations. 

Weekend mode on

After catching the anticipated mass at 6:30 pm today, we had dinner at home afterwards. Husband asked me if we could have some coffee and dessert somewhere near just to unwind.

Posted this on my Instagram story...

Chicken Curry

It's October! After days of monsoon rains and a week of house arrest(this deserves another post soon), it's a great feeling, well at least for me, to wake up to a sunny day outside. Sun worshipper talaga ako. I'm sad whenever we have a gloomy kind of weather.

Anyway, I just want to share what I cooked for lunch today.