When I started writing this monthly roundup a few years ago, I wanted a screenshot of what I loved about the past 30 days. I wanted something I could look back on and remind me of good memories.
It’s clearly getting harder to look at the bright side of things when everything else in the world says otherwise. But isn’t that all the more reason to remind ourselves of the good things we’re fighting so hard for?
Music Monday
Not exactly music, but my FME friends Chinggay and Patty have started a podcast called But Make It Hallmark! Admittedly, I am not a big podcast listener. I’m a late bloomer and only really started subscribing and listening to podcasts when I realized they were the perfect companion in traffic. That said, even if I’m not well-versed in Hallmark movies (I’ve only seen a couple), I love listening to this podcast because it makes me feel like I’m in the same room with them. Give it a listen!
Tasty Tuesday
I’m the one who shops for our groceries and I truly miss my twice a month visits. But ever since we’ve been ordering our groceries and produce online, I’ve also been trying to learn how to make a lot of things from scratch.
From my usual cafe orders (mocha, Spanish latte, check) to granola for my yogurt in the morning, I’ve slowly been learning how to make them with what we have in our kitchen.
A few things I made in May: Chocolate Mousse that tastes like KFC’s; Shokupan or Japanese milk bread; coffee buns like the ones from Kopi Roti; sweet potato burger buns; lumpia wrapper (!); and butter chicken (with naan).
Wishful Wednesday
I wish for better leaders. Those who put their constituents’ needs and welfare first before their own. Those who apply the same law to themselves as they do to regular citizens. Those who are accountable and are transparent with their plans and strategies. Those who are committed to serve those who they promised so much to during the elections.
I’m not at all influential and I know only a few people visit this site, but if you come across my page, I encourage you to please register to vote this July. Aside from speaking up and calling out our lawmakers and officials on issues, I truly believe every vote matters. And when choosing who to put into office, consider reading up on their platform and not just their slogans and social-media-friendly campaigns. Engage with your neighbor, your friend, your relatives. Don’t bully people into agreeing with you. Explain your stance and listen to what their opinion is, too. It’s easy to not have these difficult conversations but when we take time to hear each other out, more often than not, we come to the conclusion that we all want what’s best for our country.
Thoughtful Thursday
I designed something for Dandy Ona’s Hawak Mo Kapalaran Mo ring. The proceeds of which will go artisans, creatives, and no work, no pay Filipinos whose lives have been affected by this pandemic. I sketched out several versions of a peony and we ended up with this design. My 3 wishes for anyone who wears this ring: a bountiful life, the kind of love that makes your heart sing, and a world where kindness is king.
Fashion Friday
So, I finally bought something “non-essential” this May. I got myself some dasters in cute prints because it gets so hot in the afternoons in my room. Plus, they support the livelihood of mananahis from Taytay, so I feel like it’s not a completely frivolous purchase. They remind me of my mom’s dasters, which I wish I kept for myself.
