My top gift picks for Valentine's Day

Heart's day is near and I don't get that giddy feeling anymore. Maybe because it's the first sign of ageing...I think. OMG! Like seriously I am ageing at this stage already? Haha! Anyway, enough of my dramarama. It's just my excuse because I usually don't have much experience with regards to celebration of St. Valentine. It's not sucking me anymore. Promise! Yeah, I know it's such a boring love life thinking that I have a partner. He's not really that ma-surprise or mooshy kasi, kaya ganito ang drama ng lola nyo. That being said, sanay na ako. Yes! Sanay na sanay na talaga ako! Haha!

I enjoy giving advices to friends whose on the hunt for Vday gifts because I'm always a fan of researching for all things lovely, cutesy, hearty, and sweet. All those kind of things make me so kilig even by just looking at them. With nonstop Instagram and Pinterest stalking, my eyes are always in awe as in like busog-lusog sa lahat ng nakikita. So here's the list of my top gifts which I think would give 10K pogi points to the guys if they'll give them to their girlfriend. 

1. Flowers

The Glass House Flowers is one I've been eyeing on when it comes to preserved flowers, specifically Ecuadorian and preserved roses. I prefer their simplicity when it comes to packaging. All their flowers comes in an acrylic box designed to serve as a vase and water tank. They have different packages for your preferences or you can also request for them to make specific arrangements according to what you like to have in the box. But of course, don't forget that great gifts comes in great great prices. These flowers are a bit pricey because they are guaranteed to last longer that the usual roses or flowers we buy at the shops. With proper care (care instructions included in the box), they said that it will last up to few weeks to months. As for now, you can order to them thru their online boutique because they don's have a physical store yet. You may reach them at their instragram and facebook page.

 Preserved Ecuadorians in acrylic boxes. 

Preserved flowers which comes with macarons inside a mini drawer under the box itself.

These are the Beauty and the Beast movie inspired roses which are also preserved.

Beauty and the Beast inspired in full colors.

2. Surprise Balloons

Who doesn't love balloons? Lalo na when it's super big and colorful, and artsy. 

I came across this balloon boutique thru instagram and to my surprise, they are Philippine-based shop. They make super big balloons that actually floats and they may also be customized. Name the color and message, they'll surely have it! They also have different shapes like stars and hearts. Tassels are also available in different colors and shapes, handmade. :) These balloons aren't for Vday only, it may also be a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and of course a good idea for proposals.

You can find BLLOONS on Instagram and Facebook.

Such a sweetheart balloon!

Balloons inside of a balloon with confetti.

5. Luxe Sweets
These are the trending sweets I usually see on instagram and pinterest.
They are so gorgeous, you don't wanna eat them! Common to these are the strawberries, they put some chocolate coatings then sprinkle it with dragees, sugar pearls, gold leafs and dusts, and many more. You can also have them in boxes along with many other stuffs like flowers, wine, macarons, and many more. One brand that provides this kind of stuffs is the Aperitif. They are Philippine based luxe brand of grazing tables now providing luxury sweets boxes that you can order for any occasion. But I think they don't customize for this sweets boxes though.

Beef tips in Oyster sauce with Sitsaro

Hello, Mommies! ❤

It's a daily struggle to prepare meals for the family on day to day basis. Yung mag-isip kung anong ulam iluluto is what stresses us out. I know everybody can relate to that. What to prepare that the kids will eat and at the same time dapat healthy, right? There are times (well, most of the time for me) we're a bit drained because we already run out of ideas and recipes so the tendency is we invent. Whatever is available and viable in the fridge goes out and voila! It's a new ulam na! That is the typical diskarte of mommies in the house. We make all things work out, hindi pwedeng hindi! Haha! And speaking of that, here's a healthy meal that I made because I was a bit lazy to think what to prepare and I promise this is satisfaction guaranteed masarap. Please don't judge me when I say I'm lazy ha. Haha! By the way, this recipe is super easy to prepare and it would only take less than thirty minutes of your life. So, here it goes.

Ingredients

• Garlic
• Onion
• Beef tenderloin tips
• Oyster sauce
• Kikkoman Soysauce
• Sitsaro or Pea pod
• Sugar (optional)

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Hello Mommies! ❤

I'm super excited to share to you my recent ulam discovery courtesy of THE famous home chef Maangchi. Actually, hubby prepared and cooked it because I was a bit lazy that moment and since he's always bragging that he's more masarap magluto than me, eh di sige, push! He did all the work and effort. Of course, it's super super masarap naman talaga. It has been my favorite fried chicken recipe since then. It's close to Bonchon's chicken but of course making this at home is way cost efficient and special. 

So much thanks and praises to Maangchi for sharing this recipe for everyone!😄

Anyway, enough of my blah blahs... Here's the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken wings (or chunks of chicken)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup potato starch
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
• 4 cups cooking oil (corn or vegetable oil)

For honey butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup white or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons honey

How to apply for PWD ID in Manila

Here's how to get your PWD ID:

1. Secure a Medical Certificate or Abstract from your doctor. You may also get this from a licensed physician at any government clinics and hospitals.
2. Barangay Certificate for your proof of residency
3. Bring 2 pieces 1x1 ID pictures
4. Go to MWSD at the Manila City Hall to fill out a PWD Registration Form.

4. Submit your medical certificate and ID pictures together with the completed form. 

The whole process should only take a few minutes if your requirements are complete. The PWD ID comes with a booklet which will serve as a track record of your medicine and basic goods purchases.

Balancing Life and Work

Success takes hard work, and your life & family should not suffer in order for you to be successful. 

Many people believe that you need to sacrifice some thing in order for you to get ahead of "the" other thing. That may be true, but of course any aspect or your personal life must not be compromised. 

Like for Health, it is said that "Health is Wealth" and I couldn't agree more. When I was in tip top shape I always maximize my energy for the whole day, I sometimes abuse my self by not taking rest even when I'm super tired. I don't like to sleep much because of my personal belief that "There's plenty of time to sleep when you're dead." As hilarious as it sound, I literally applied this motto in my life. 😂  Then came back my Lupus, because of stress and non-stop abuse of my physical body it triggered my 16year old sleeping Lupus to wake up once again. So my advice? Taking care of your body should be your number one priority. Set up a healthy routine and keep it consistent! Healthy foods and regular exercise will help a lot. Plus fun and leisure time after an exhausting day at work or for the week end will help you release all the negativity that had accumulated you in mental and emotional aspect.

Then Family, the other term for life and love. We're all vulnerable when it comes to stress. And sometimes, we forget that stress from work must only remain within the four corners of our workspace and that it shouldn't be brought home. It's a mortal sin to make your family or any of your family member (at least) to have a taste of your ill-mood when you got yourself a deadline for reports and others. It's totally unfair for them, right? So, create a lining between work and home life. Once you're with your family, focus on them, reconnect, and treasure every single moment. As cliche as it may sound, it's still one of the best advice anyone can have. ❤️