Sobra Sobra!

We watched the first Eurovision Asia show last night and was so happy when the Philippines won! We were represented by Carmelle Collado who sang "Sobra Sobra". The song was composed by Nica del Rosario and Mat Olavides. It's a beautiful song written for women. Nica explained in one interview she wanted to give back the power for women.

It was also a rare treat to watch a contest with contestants from different countries. The timing felt very appropriate for the Asean Summit happening this week. It also reminded me of the days when I was a scout and had teammates from all over the world. That time was so precious and a unique and unforgettable experience for me. It's also a great experience for all the country representatives to meet singers like them from other countries.

I enjoyed watching the show last night and watched closely what kind of song each country performed. There were ballads and some dance songs. I was especially curious about Mongolia since we rarely see anything about that country. Bangladesh also sent a boy band and I couldn't help but remember my GSAs from there (and, of course, Monirul my bro!). But ah, I'm biased for the Philippines and Carmelle since I also got to watch that day she became the grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan (plus she's Bicolana!).

Here's Carmelle's performance last night, I hope you enjoy it like I did!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Trying Dish Gardening

A friend gave me a few pots of cacti and I jumped at the chance to use a succulent pot another group of friends gave me for my birthday. The succulents did not make it since it was planted on mud and it was raining like crazy for a month more after my birthday. The conditions was just not good for the succulents to survive (plus I haven't really learned how to care for succulents, ha!). 

Anyway, I thought I could turn the pot into a dish garden. I honestly didn't even know what decorating a pot with cacti and succulents is called until I searched for samples on Pinterest. My Mom liked to combine several plants in a pot. It was usually ornamental plants, it was my Mama Lola who had a cacti and succulent collection when I was growing up. 

The weather has also been perfect to resume my gardening adventures. I took a look at the pots of cacti my friend gave me and thought I'd combine a couple of smaller plants together. I like how it turned out and I think I'll turn some of my Mom's old pots into dish gardens too. 

I may have stumbled on a new hobby! Haha. 

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Yummy Arroz ala Cubana

I surprisingly had some extra energy yesterday and decided to cook arroz ala cubana since we had banana saba. It really hits differently when you eat it with saba!

This time I just sliced the veggies and let Miggy take the lead to cook. He loves cooking, so I take the opportunity to teach him what I know. 

Here's the recipe: https://recipesformyson.blogspot.com/2023/10/recipes-for-my-son-arroz-ala-cubana.html

Let me know if you try making it!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Throwback Thursday: 30+ Christmases Ago

I just can't believe how time flew by so fast. It feels just like yesterday when Miggy was just a few months old when he experienced his first Christmas. We missed celebrating one together during the pandemic. I cannot imagine being far away again from him during Christmas. 

I scanned old photos again today. I realized I need to get that to reduce the stuff that we have around the house. I've only made a dent on one out of the 13 boxes of albums. I don't even know most of the people in the older albums Mom left. I'll just prioritize the albums that have me in it. 

Christmas is just around the corner. Days are ending so fast lately and I'm almost at the "cramming" point already to prepare for Christmas and New Year! Haha. For now, I sit back and look at old photos from over 30 years ago. Most of my nephews and nieces are already married and have started populating the next generation. I wonder when we'll all get together again since everyone's spread across the world. 

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Finally, Some Rest

Sweetie and I both came down with something last week. We're not sure if it's stomach flu, food poisoning or just a bout of LBM. We both had very slight fever, but felt fatigued and not up to anything. The illness came after Halloween and after we hopped from one Depot to another to complete the architect's list of things to buy. 

At Animate!

We were both forced to rest and cancelled all outdoor activities. After weeks of running errands, I was actually relieved we were able to have some rest. I enjoyed the busy days though. I felt it was a way to stretch the capacity of my body and my mind. After a whole day out, I'd work on stuff we still needed for the project. It meant I'd fall asleep faster, haha. 

Miggy also completed his PT sessions. His doctor said we'll just do our own diskarte for now and see how he fares with home exercises. I also missed my pulmo rehab last week, so I hope I'll be able to do it tomorrow. 

With heavy traffic all around since Christmas is just around the corner, we probably need to plan our outdoor activities. I also started on my Christmas list. I don't want to end up cramming like last year!

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My Christmas Quilt Projects

I have been so busy with other stuff the past two months, I haven't been able to sew! I'm almost done with the October task list and I'm now gearing up for Christmas, so I thought I'd inspire myself and go through what I've done the past few Christmases.

My most favorite Christmas quilt project are the peppermint pinwheel throw pillows and piano cover I made. It was almost new year already when I finished these -

One time, I embarked on a crazy project. Hand sewn pouches with embroidered names. I think I made at least 20 of these. It won't happen again!

Christmas tree skirt -

Placemat, coaster and potholders -

And Christmas covers for kitchen appliances -

What should I make this year?

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What We Should have Included Planning for Our Future Home

It took years before we finally decided to demolish my childhood home and build a new house. We knew early on what rooms we needed and what we wanted for our future home. We even knew where we wanted to have electrical outlets and faucets, haha. BUT, I think we should have thought about more storage. 

We were able to properly put everything in place when we moved to our current home. We basically merged our Manila and Singapore home. It was hard, but after we finished organizing, everything had a proper place. The nice, cozy, organized home lasted for only a year.

My Mom passed away and for two years we worked on clearing the childhood home. We donated and cleared out 90% of the items. We just kept some of the kitchen stuff, a gazillion photo albums, and Mom's craft materials. We were only able to transfer some furniture and the rest were stored in a hut on the garden. 

Going through everything was overwhelming. We have an inventory of the furniture and I opened the file again last week and I'm trying to figure out what we can still use and what we'll let go. Good thing I didn't go on a spree when we moved back and just got essentials.

Wish me luck!

#BeKind #StaySafe