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?

#BeKind #StaySafe

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 

Thank You Mom and Dad

My parents were strict. Honestly? It was annoying because I felt I had to keep a certain level. They only relaxed when I started working for an international company. I worked really hard even before I graduated. Of course, I became a workaholic.

And then I had a brain fart the other day while I was feeling under the weather. I retired early because of my health. I realized though that I was lucky I was able to retire with enough to afford my daily and medical needs. 

My parents taught me how to work hard, save and live simply. They taught me how to always be prepared for a rainy day. I'll be honest, I was only able to start saving when Miggy was around 11 or 12 years old already. As I progressed in my career, I learned to live within my means and save (it also helped that one of my VPs, Nelson, told me to take care of the bonus that was given to me. That's part of what's helping me now).

I'm just grateful now for everything my parents taught me. Thanks Mom and Dad. 

#BeKind #StaySafe 

Making My Mama Lola Proud

My Mom said my Mama Lola had a green thumb. She also manager to turn my Mom's brown thumb to green by encouraging her to just keep gardening. That's also how my Mom taught me how to garden. She said, "Just keep trying!"

I remember my Mama Lola had a prized pepper plants in my Mom's garden. My Mom had to set aside space for her plants because she liked growing fruit bearing plants and veggies. My Mom preferred ornamental plants and would grumble about Mama's pepper plants, haha.

I honestly can't tolerate very spicy food, but I'm happy I found some success in growing peppers and bell peppers. The sili plant I grew from seed is a huge bush now. I've been giving away the peppers, but lately we've been letting the birds eat it. The bell peppers we harvest for our consumption.

Anyway, I've collected some free sili the past few weeks. I let it dry and planted the seeds in two containers. I wasn't expecting it to grow since I felt I let the sili dry too much.

Nope.

I'll be busy re-potting them in two to three weeks. Maybe I can give them away for Christmas? 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Squabbling

I managed to pull myself together to water the plants today. I know they miss me a lot already and I know they need TLC from my absence. 

Anakin was unimpressed

When I stepped out the neighbor's angels were talking about washing dishes. The funny thing is it soon escalated to a squabble on the proper way to clean a dish. I got a bit scared because their voices were getting louder and louder. I mustered a loud AHEM and they promptly stopped. I was scared they might start hurling stuff at each other. I didn't want to get hurt in case things went crazy. 

After a few minutes, Sweetie found me and I whispered to him what happened. I guess they heard his voice because they dispersed and brought their discussion inside. 

Oh well, just another day in the neighborhood...

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Zzzz

Still recovering 😔 

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Unwell, Again

Honestly, I don't know what triggered it :(

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