"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."
-Unknown

Thursday, 20 June 2013

What I Am Currently Reading On Where

I have been dreaming about an ebook reader for some time now. I've done research and even compared prices. I think you can recall it here in one of my posts from way back. But when the mind wanders and the heart wishes, there are ways for just thoughts to materialize in actuality.

Last month, I unexpectedly received a big blessing from my grandfather which was already enough to buy a decent ebook reader. It served as an advanced birthday gift. I added just a little and it was enough to buy a good device- a tablet that can function well as an ebook reader. Now I think this is one birthday gift that still gives me the chills. It is one of the more extravagant presents I have received, (I would not even spend that much on myself). But I got my wish, and a better unit too.




So now, I am using the tablet as an ebook reader. As for the rest of the family, tablet means Candy Crush. And I just want to share what I am currently reading...

I found this book in one of my suki shops online and I thought I could first try out some resources online just in case so I could save money instead of buying books and having to pay for the shipping fee. Luckily, there is an epub version online.


I am enjoying this! It has a lot of rich experiences and insights- but I am not going to spoil it all, I have a book review next for this alright? But it has positive reviews online already. I will share my thoughts on this and a background on Tom Rachman when it's ready! 

Have a great weekend guys! =D



Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Gifts for the Classic and Modern Dads

Father's Day came and went and all throughout social media, there were greetings, stories, and also touching and creative expressions of love dedicatd to all the fathers out there. It is said that anybody can be a father but it takes a lot of effort to be a responsible one. My Dad is currently away from us because of work which allows him to come home only two weeks after every three months. However, the frequent phone calls and short messages can make it easier for us to catch up.

So what did you get for your dads? Early on I got him two bars of his favorite Theo and Philo Dark Chocolates, he likes his with the Barako Coffee because he is admittedly a coffee addict-now you see from which parent I got this trait from.


Image from Foodspotting

If your dad or if you know someone who deserves a treat this father's day from all the work, ferrying the kids from school to home, tutoring, cooking or just being an all-around dad or even granddaddy, he could definitely use some of this magic for inspiration. Whether or not your dad is a classic or modern dad, these picks could cheer him up.

When it comes to accessories, Dad could definitely use a watch to be stylishly on time. So all you have to do is choose which one he would prefer.



I think this one definitely spells classic Dad. It can also go well with most casual outfits for the weekend and don't be surprised if he will be reaching for this more often than his other watches. No numbers face bring back those old-world details thanks to Fossil. 


On the other hand, or wrist, if your Dad is the modern and active type, this modern version in all black is just the right edgy style from Marc Jacobs without being too overdone. 


As for scents, the same goes for both ends of the spectrum. 99 Perfume has a wide variety of scents that you can purchase to gift Dad whether he has a take on the classic indulgences or he leans towards the more modern take. 

Classic Dad would agree that this is the signature scent when it comes to special and various occasions. I think this is just one of the trademark scents that never get old from Drakkar Noir.

Modern Dad could use some invigorating scents that could help start his active day. For the adventurous spirited Dad, Adidas Dynamic Pulse Cologne for men by Adidas could be the right scent before he heads on out to do his thing in the real world. 

Both perfumes are available at 99 Perfume. 



Who could forget the aviator shades that conquered the world years ago? This style is as old school as the Wayfarer and the Gazelle. But one thing is for sure, Dad could use some extra stylish sun protection and he could use one like this too. 
Now there is for the modern Dad, and with sharp and crisp eyewear like this, it sends just the right message of  a man who can get the job done with speed and precision. The Rydon Polar 3FX from Rudy Project also looks dual purpose not just in business but also in sports. 

So what did you get your Dad? Until my Dad comes home later this month for a late get together with the family, I can hold on to those chocolate bars or even throw in a bottle of Adidas Dynamic Pulse for Men from 99 Perfume

Sunday, 9 June 2013

Designing Your Own Reading Corner with Fab Rooms

If you want to know, the current second floor of our house is messy right now because we intend to enlarge the library to house all of our books. It's also another reason to organize. Good thing, there is an online tool that allows bookworms like me, as well as homeowners, on how to design and organize certain areas of their house.

Now I think this is one great idea because with Fab Rooms, not only do you get to make a creative collage and design inspiration that is truly your own but you can also mix and match the elements, furniture, add or remove items and most importantly, view and compare costs of the furniture that you want to see in your own space-and in my case, a reading room. It allows you to explore your own personal style and you can conveniently make you own collage depending on what you want.


This is the inspiration collage featured for Fab Rooms very own reading room. Isn't it comfortable and relaxing?

As for my own reading room, I would like to lean something towards the printed word. Even if it is just a part of my bedroom, I could still use a reading corner to identify it as a place to stretch and read and let the imagination run wild. Perhaps the scheme of vivid oranges, wood textures and some simple details and accessories could do for a comfortable and adventurous retreat. If you are curious as to what I came up with, here it is. You can also see that I added good lighting fixtures that comply with the orange-wooden theme. 



If you like it, I am sure you could do better and design your own spaces at Fab Rooms. You can design your wardrobe, garden, nursery and even your bedroom. If you have wondered what similar furniture and fixtures look like together, now is the time to put your design skills to work. You can now gain a step closer to your own space with color and style. 

How about you? Which room or private space would you want to design? What pieces and accessories would you want to have? Drop me a comment! 

Thursday, 6 June 2013

Sta. Cruz with Family

I've been living in Zamboanga for already more than 20 years and I haven't set foot in Sta. Cruz Island. Poor me, I know. My Mom and her brothers used to go there a lot when they were teens. And now is the only time that I can do so. I even went to some beaches in Basilan, but I just got to see a glimpse of Santa Cruz. Even if it is a little late, I am still glad that I had a day to unwind with Mom and my cousins.














My cousin gave me a sea urchin shell and there were tiny hermit crabs inside. I released them back in the ocean before we left the island. 


Here is my collection of seashells that my cousins gave me. 


And these were the books that I brought along to read so I could enjoy an unplugged day. 

Monday, 3 June 2013

Our Flores De May @ Pamucutan

No, it's not me who attended Flores de Mayo in our barangay. To tell you honestly, I don't have a memory of attending Flores de Mayo except for one occasion where I just stood up to recite prayers in front of the kids who were my age. I think that's it. I just went for a single day and that's it. Lol what a memory. It must be because I attended a Protestant elementary school despite being Catholic because it was near our house and even if I had my first communion, I don't remember where it took place. Now talk about bad memory!

Flores de Mayo is an annual activity where Catholic children spend the afternoon learning prayers and listening to praise songs as well as bible stories. I think the bible stories really get their attention. The whole activity lasts from the first day of May, ongoing throughout the weekdays and until the last day of May where everybody else meets at church for the culmination. Now this is my favorite part. Even if I no longer attend Flores de Mayo, my family is always approached by the coordinators for a little help. In return, we share what we could give to the children. And this is what we always prepare for them.




We went to town and shopped for the school supplies that we were going to hand out to the children. We also added some treats like biscuits, small chocolate bars and also cakes. Why school supplies, you ask? School is just around the corner and we thought that the little contribution could help motivate the kids so that they would do well in school.




We showed up at exactly three o’clock in the afternoon to help distribute the goodies at the church. So each kid received a notebook, a one-foot ruler, pencil, sharpener and eraser as well as some treats. Even our aunt contributed for the children.


The only thing was that the letter arrived on the day of the distribution itself, even if we were already shopping for the supplies two days earlier. We prepared supplies only good for sixty children and nobody told us that there were more children. But at least we gave what we could. I felt sad for the children who went home without our goodie bags but we have already thought of ways to remedy that. 

How about you? Did you attend Flores de Mayo? What did you do during summer when you were kids? Share your thoughts with me! =D