“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”- Dr. Seuss
Most of the books on my shelves were found at Booksale, my go-to happy place when I'm looking for diverse reading material. I love that I can pick up classic treasures, books that I truly consider gems. In August, I bought a self-coaching workbook about parenting and three children’s books. I was lucky because there was a discount on each, and I got them all for only 125 pesos. As the shop's name suggests—Book Sale.
I want to add more stacks of children’s books to my shelves in case we have little visitors at home. I’m a strong advocate for the mindful use of screen time, so I hope to spark an appreciation for books in them. My vision for our home is to be mindful of the comfort of children who visit—to be patient with them, and to give them a space for playing and reading.
1. Don't Wake the Bear, Hare! by Steve Smallman and Caroline Pedler (Illustrator)
This is an easy read and a good bedtime story. The illustrations were catchy and colorful. I love that it can capture children's curiosity about what will happen to the bear if it wakes up? oh no!
2. Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Another story about a bear who made a new friend. There is a bit of mystery before meeting his new friend, the owl. The illustrations were commendable! I love the harmony of colors because it gives me ghibli vibes.
3. Oops-a-Daisy! by Claire Freedman and Gaby Hansen
I knew I have to pick this up because of the lesson about resiliency and being patient with learning. Daisy rabbit was struggling to hop but her mother reminds her that some of the other baby animals struggles too. Until then that Daisy realizes that everyone needs practice when trying something new.
4. Swings and Roundabouts (A Self-Coaching Workbook for Parents and Those Considering Becoming Parents) by Anna Golawski, Agnes Bamford, and Irvine Gersch
I originally bought this to help my colleagues struggling about parenting and post-partum. Parenting is not easy for some and some are unsure about their parenting skills. As a psychologist aspirant, I am willing to delve more in understanding about this topic even though I am not a parent yet.
Sushi has always been my favorite, and making this dish two years ago was a proud moment for me. I see cooking as an extension of my creativity...just like art, but on a plate.
Best ingredient? love.
I start by prepping all the ingredients.
Seaweed wrapper and for the filling: Imitation Crab Sticks, Mango, Carrots, Cucumber, Colored Rice.
Natural food coloring for the rice: Turmeric (yellow), Barley (green), Carrots (orange), Butterfly Pea Flowers (blue).
Once the rice is ready and the fillings are cut lengthwise, it's the perfect time to roll everything together and make sushi!
Start by placing the seaweed flat on your sushi rolling mat.
Add a small amount of mayo, then evenly spread the rice by color. Top it with your choice of fillings.
This part takes practice, but carefully roll the seaweed, wrapping everything tightly and securely. Finally, slice each colorful sushi roll into pieces.
P.S. I love adding extra mangoes on top for a sweeter touch!
I can’t go a week without having this healthy shot in our fridge! I take a shot every morning and evening, and Mama enjoys it too. She told me her digestion improved in just a week, which makes me happy knowing it’s benefiting both our digestive and immune health.
This is my first attempt in making healthy immune-boosting shots. Ingredients were not difficult to find as it is available in our veggie garden and local market. Mama is my taste-tester and her initial reaction about the taste is that it tastes similar to Mountain Dew. I am flattered because sometimes I just eye-ball the proportion.
The sourness of lemon combined with the kick of spice from ginger and the mint flavor of oregano leaves, plus the sweetness of honey added together formed a similar taste as Mountain Dew. However, it may still depend on your personal preference in proportion.
I find that adding apples can help reduce the bitter aftertaste of Malunggay, making it more enjoyable for those who are not fond of bitterness.
We often complain about the repetitiveness of our days. Day in, day out, the same. Morning alarm, breakfast, housework, work, looking after everyone else, dinner, baths, bed, wake up, repeat.
But do we ever stop to think how much peace is in consistency? How lucky we are if everyday is the same? No big disasters or nasty surprises? How there is so much value in enjoying home life? To get up and do the same tasks day and night is actually a blessing.
Laying your head on a pillow at night and thinking of what to cook for dinner the next day is a level of restfulness some people will never experience in their whole lifetime.
This world can be cruel and unnecessary; so if you have the peace of a 'boring' home life, you really have won the lottery of life.
I have been dreaming all this time to write a blog post about our humble casa which is close to my heart. This is where I grew up and spent most of my life. I'm happy to share about the gentle atmosphere and the calm ambiance it brings. This place is far away from the city and although there are downsides, I'd still pick and choose this place because of the slow paced lifestyle.
This mini-garden set is my relaxing spot to chill. I love drinking my coffee here and observe the plants in the morning. It's very meditative!
Watching this cat resting beside our gate reminds me of sceneries from the studio-ghibli.
This little cute too! Birds are one of the creatures that starts the day with a song.
House chores including organizing the kitchen and displaying plants are one of my favorite things to do.
Across our home, we have another lot dedicated for vegetables and ornamental plants. It's like a free market! moments of harvesting is a bliss!
If there are scheduled blackouts, I love making lit-candles using oil and salt. We have emergency lights but this adds a soothing smell around the house. I add thai-basil flowers and leaves into the oil. Freshly picked from the garden!
Little corner for yoga and fitness. I use yoga-blocks because my hamstrings still needs a little love for stretch.
I’ve been lukewarm in reading the Bible. These past years, I have experimented with different sets of routines. I wake up around 4 AM and jump-start my day with self-centered intentions. I have been disconnected spiritually and although I've immersed myself in nature and enjoyed meditation- my heart is still longing for something. The comfort is different when I connect with a loving God that reminds me of His grace. Also, as a woman, I want to clothe myself with strength and dignity. That’s why, nowadays, it is becoming important to me to review/study/read God’s word first in the morning. It helps me to slow down, set mindful intentions, and be reminded of my worth in God's eyes with His infinite wisdom.
A spirit that is secured in His love will never perish. I mention frequently in my prayers that He will bless my mind and heart. To bless my circle- friends, family, and home.
I dedicate this journaling notebook (my personal planner) to having a space for devotions and personal reflections. This is teaching me the value of having a gentle and quiet spirit. It doesn't mean that you have to be silent. It means a spirit that is trusting in God. You rest in calmness that whenever you feel you are in trouble, God is always there.
My late grandma, Lola Nena, was a subscriber to Health and Home Magazine, a journal dedicated to better living. Initially, I wasn’t interested in its contents, preferring fiction or textbooks instead. But during my elementary years, curiosity led me to explore its pages, and I discovered how enriching and inspiring the articles were.
Through this magazine, I was introduced to the beauty of intentional living—valuing God, family, friends, and nature. Its gentle wisdom became a source of calm and inspiration, shaping my habits and encouraging me to live mindfully.
Though we’ve lost most of the hardbound issues over the years, I treasure the few we still have and hope to resubscribe someday. I’m deeply grateful to Lola for introducing me to something that continues to influence the way I live and create.
As a reminder of that inspiration, one of my favorite verses found in its pages is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Thank you, Lola, for teaching me to embrace health, cherish home, and find joy in the simple richness of life.
This is just a desk update while I prepare for board exams. I love the sunlight in my room; it helps the plants thrive. I hope to do a proper blog update once I finish my personal goals for this year.
I have so many things to do this week, and I can already feel the burnout 🥵 So, I decided to move my desk, redecorate it for a fresh space, and print some anime posters. It helped shift my mood. Yay!
Welcome to this blog! I'm finally back after years of being inactive on tumblr (started in 2014 but went back this year of 2022). This has always been my safe space to tell personal life stories. Thank you for being in this space. Let's grow together, shall we?
