Choose kindness, always!

Here is what I picked in the #InspireEveryDay event! This is something I want to read every morning to remind myself that in every decision that I will make, I need to make sure that my future self will thank me for doing it!

I would like to thank @paintspilled and @alyssapaulafernandez for this little kindness that they shared with me through the #InspireEveryDay event!

Were you able to attend the event? Did you pick a postcard? :) I want to know what you picked!

Larraine xx

PS: In case you picked mine, please, please do let me know and I hope to meet you!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[18 of 100]

It's been three months

It's been three months since you joined our Creator.

It's been three months of not hearing you laugh or talk or shout or sing. 

It's been three months of not seeing you in the house or in Makati or in church or in the car.

It's been three months of not having a brother who I can talk to about anything under the sun.

It's been three months of not having you by our side.

I miss you so much, Remo. I know you're watching over us. Please guide us everyday. Hug Jesus and Mary for us as well as Inay, Lolo Juan, and Lola Aning. I love you forever, Mondee!

Larraine xx

PS: I wish I could hug you right now!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts
[17 of 100]

Postcards are forever!

Hooray for todaaay because I was able to drop off 4 handmade postcards at Ayala Museum today for the #InspireEveryDay event on Saturday! I hope one of you will be able to get one of the cards that I made and I hope you will also be inspired with the messages that I wrote at the back of the card.

Making personalized cards is really fun and relaxing to do! I should do this more often. I am sooo happy to let you know that I used my rubber stamps in signing the postcards! I should also practice my carving skills soon!

I feel so happy today that I was able to share some of my artworks at the #InspireEveryDay event! Hope to see youuu at the Ayala Museum on Saturday!

Larraine xx

PS: I'm thinking of doing an event similar to this. Will you participate? :)

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[16 of 100]

Floral kind of day!

Last Saturday, I went to my cousin's wedding in Batangas City. I was not part of the entourage so I got the chance to doll up myself on my own taste!

Here's what I wore on the wedding day. 

I wore a maxi dress from H&M. Thanks to my mom for sponsoring! Haha! I also brought with me a hot pink jacket from Tomato because earlier that day, the weather was kind of gloomy so I just need to be prepared. Shoes are from Primadonna. They are not comfy but they look good on me and on pictures so I really didn't mind wearing them for about 4 hours. 

I would like to thank some of fairy godmothers for helping me doll up. Thanks to Ate Les for my hair and Monique for my make up. You guys rock!!! Thanks also to Beks for the artsy photo! :)

What can you say about my outfit? Did you like it? :)

Larraine xx

PS: The dress was too long so my mom had to alter it. Thanks, Mom! :* #shortgirlproblems

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[15 of 100]

#InspireEveryDay

Hello dear readers! How's your Tuesday? :)

I hope you are all having a great day! If you'll ask me how's my Tuesday, well, my feet brought me to National Bookstore (NBS) earlier. How interesting, right? Haha! Just so you know, NBS is one of my favorite places in a mall, aside from restaurants! I spent some "me-time" and a bit of retail therapy. I bought some things that I will use for my new role in the office -- well, yes, I got promoted! Hooray! I bought a plastic envelope and a clip board since I want to organize some of the reports that were transitioned to me ang google docs don't seem to work for myself so I have to write all the things about the report on paper to understand them more clearly. Yeah, I'm kind of an old-school person who writes stuffs on paper instead of typing on computers.

I also bought some materials that I will use to make postcards! Yes, you've read it right! I will make postcards for an event!!! Please see posters below for the details! :)

I highly encourage you to do the same! It's nice to be able to make people happy through arts and inspirational messages. We have until Friday to send our artworks to Ayala Museum! See you also on Saturdayyyyy!!!

Larraine xx

PS: I hope I'll be able to send my artwork until Friday and I'm actually planning to do artworks with inspirational messages for all the people that I will be meeting in the future! I hope I'll be able to make them happen!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[14 of 100]

Spread LOVE like confetti!

Here's a reminder for all of us:

"Spread LOVE everywhere you go. Let no one come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa

This quote is so much easier said than done. There are really moments when you want to make a person happy but s/he her/himself doesn't want to make that happen. You should really exert efforts at times to make people feel how much you love them and how much you want to make them happy. There will be times that you think you are doing good deeds for others but they don't think what you're doing are really for their own good. Sometimes, you don't anymore where to place yourself.

May the quote from Mother Teresa reminds us to be loving to others even though we don't get anything from them in return. May we spread LOVE like confetti in all the places that we will go.

Larraine xx

PS: I pray that we may be able to show some love to all the people around us especially those people who are very hard to love.

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[13 of 100]

Watercolor is LOVE

Ever since I got my Sakura Watercolor Set from a workshop, I've been in love with watercolor. I believe it is a very good therapy for the mind, body, and soul. I get to express myself through painting using watercolor. I get to say what I want to say through writing calligraphy with watercolor. I get to relax through mixing colors and I get to exercise my creativity skills. Watercolor painting is such a great way to destress and express yourself. It is a very expensive hobby that's why I haven't fully pursued it yet but definitely it is something I am looking forward to do in the future. For now, to be able to pursue this hobby, I want to solicit to all of you some watercolor pads. Please show some support and send watercolor pads in my house lol! I am just kidding!

If you feel that we share the same passion or if you want to learn how to paint using watercolor, please do shoot me a message and let's exchange some tips about painting or writing using watercolor or I can teach you some of the basic stuffs that I have learned from the workshops that I have attended.

Larraine xx

PS: Let's have some watercolor session, yes? 

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[12 of 100]

Girls of Inay

...and we are complete! This is one of those rare moments that we get to see each other and bond with each other. I have always been close to my cousins (mother-side) since we spent most of the holidays together while we were growing up. Now that we are older and wiser, we still meet for some of the holidays but it is seldom for us to be complete, especially the girls of Inay (my Lola, mother of my mom), because of our schedules and distance from each other. So, I thank God for today because we got to catch up and bond just like the old times! :)

Larraine xx

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[11 of 100]

Le Petit Soufflé

Looking for a fancy diner with scrumptious food choices? You should try one of the newest restaurants in Century City Mall -- Le Petit Soufflé! The place has a vibe resembling to streets of France. The ambiance is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing dining experience.

I actually fell in love immediately with the name of the place when a friend of mine mentioned it to me when I asked him to treat me to dinner. Haha! I usually browse first the menu online just to know what to expect and to excite myself on the food that the place can offer. My heart literally jumped for joy for the menu includes a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine which is really a very good combination.

My friend ordered Foie Gras Mac and Cheese for his main course. It was actually our first time to try foie gras (food made of liver of duck or goose). I am never a fan of liver. I really don't like eating liver but since foie gras is expensive, I did try it. I actually did not like unlike my friend who love it. The texture is not like the liver of pig and it's kind of soft. My friend told me that it tastes like "balut"! Haha! I haven't even tasted a "balut"! I ordered Squid Ink Rice which is really good even without the seafoods toppings, I will be able to eat it happily for the rice with squid ink and egg tastes like heaven! I highly recommend that dish! For dessert, we had Matcha Soufflé Pancake and Strawberry & Lychee Parfait! The desserts are super delicious! I really want to try more desserts but I was already full since the serving of each main course is too big for just one person. 

You have to try this place because it is really awesome! The chef really invested a lot of effort in preparing all the dishes. My friend who is really a good cook was satisfied with what we ate.

Larraine xx

PS: Le Petit Soufflé is the place to be if you are a matcha lover because they have a really wide range of desserts with matcha!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[10 of 100]

The Wholesome Table

Last Tuesday, I spent my evening catching up with a vegan friend in an organic restaurant in Makati -- The Wholesome Table.

The place is amazingly nice and neat! The owners really invested on the vibe and setup of the place! Every detail around area perfectly complimented each other.

Since this is an organic restaurant, let's first define the word... ORGANIC. So, according to our dear friend, Mr. Webster:

or·gan·ic

\ȯr-ˈga-nik\

adjective

• of food : grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals
• : not using artificial chemicals
• : of, relating to, or obtained from living things

Now that we are aware of the meaning of organic, let's now dwell into the food that we ate in this organic restaurant.

While waiting for our main course, they asked us to try their potato breads which are part of their complimentary starters. They taste really good that we had to ask for another round! Also, they remind of me of the pudding that my mom prepares for us everytime we have leftover breads. We also ordered for hearty tomato soup which is actually also good. The serving of the soup is too generous for its price.

We also had vegetarian baked bolognese and enlightened bowl. Since I'm with a vegetarian friend, all of the food that we ate do not include any kind of meat. Having been able to try the food without meat from The Wholesome Table made me realized that I can really survive without eating any kind of meat though I think it will really take time and courage to do it because I am still craving for that meaty flavor while I was eating these foods. 

If you are a person who really loves to eat very healthy, clean, and non-meaty foods, this restaurant is the best place for you.

Larraine xx

PS: This place might just convert you to being vegetarian! Go for it!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[9 of 100]

What I really want to do

If you will get paid for the rest of your life to do that one thing you really love to do, NONSTOP (aside from the job that you have which we all know is you also love but I doubt if you are willing to do that nonstop haha!), what would be that thing?

Doing arts & crafts would be the job that I want to do forever even if I will get paid or not. I always have so much passion for arts and I don't mind working in an art studio doing some paintings or rubber stamps until I'm sixty. I always try to allot some time for my artsy hobbies every week just to relax and to make me happier. I am into watercolor calligraphy recently and I usually use this medium as outlet for some words or thoughts that I want to share to people in social media.

So, dearest blog readers, the real point of this post is to let you know what I really want to do for the rest of my life lol -- not really! My real goal is to encourage you to pursue the things that you really love. We will grow old and we should all grow old with happiness in our hearts rather than regrets for things that we haven't done.

Larraine xx

PS: Allow yourselves to do the things that you really love. Invest even an hour or two at least weekly for your real passion. It will really make your heart healthier! Trust me!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[8 of 100]

"Let Go" of what you cannot control

Some say that to be really happy, you have to let go of things that you cannot control. I believe they are right. Many of us are afraid to let things or people go. Maybe some are not afraid but are not also ready to let go. Why is it hard to let go? Why is it so hard to let go of things or people who just give you sufferings or make your life complicated or in simple term -- things or people who don't make you happy?

Maybe you are still hoping for something wonderful to happen to save a very toxic relationship that's why you aren't ready to let go. Maybe you are afraid to be alone that is why you still choose to mingle with "so-called" friends who you know for yourself don't really care for you. Maybe you are stuck in a workplace where you are not happy but leaving cannot be an option because you have bills to pay or family to feed. These are just examples of scenarios which are causing you stress and anxiety.

To all my beloved readers who are in the situations above or having a really hard time to let go, think very well. You have your choice to let go of things that you cannot control. You have a choice to leave an unhealthy relationship. You have a choice to avoid the people who do not contribute good vibes in your life. You always have a choice no matter what. Even if the situation you are in seems to be going out of control, you always have a choice to focus on what you can control like your emotions or attitudes, which would give the situation a better and positive perspective.

Do yourself some favor and start letting go. Free yourself from those toxic situations you are in. Aim for a healthier lifestyle by letting the stress and anxities go. For sure, your future self will thank you for having the courage to leave those situations that make your life miserable.

Larraine xx

PS: Let go all the hurts and pains and let God renew you. Regain your strength through Him.

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[7 of 100]

Rustic Mornings

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo is one of the restaurants in Marikina that I really want to try because of its artsy feel. 

It is just too far from my place that made me realized that it is not worth visiting during my regular working days.

Luckily, when I had an overnight in my cousin's place, they decided to take me to Rustic Mornings for breakfast after we attended the morning mass. I was giddy when they mentioned the place since it is very familiar to my ears and I wasn't expecting that they will take me there.

The menu has a great number of choices of food and drinks. I ordered Waffles, Buffalo Chicken Strips & Salad for 275 pesos. The serving is quite generous and I believe the value of food is just right for its worth.

Rustic Mornings is a great place with extraordinary ambiance. You have the option to stay indoors with the chinawares or outdoors with the plants. There are also so many painting all over the place which are all pleasing to the eyes.

If you like to treat your friends and family for breakfast somewhere in Marikina, Rustic Mornings is the perfect place to visit. Grateful that my cousin and her parents brought me to this place. I got to tick off this place from my list of restaurants to try in Manila. Yehey!!!

Larraine xx

PS: You may opt NOT to park inside since the pathway going to the restaurant is very narrow. 

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[6 of 100]

Sip and Gogh

Nowadays, art classes or workshops are very easy to find. They are almost everywhere. There are so many people who are really pursuing their inner Van Gogh or Picasso and are creating classes or workshops for people who want to destress or just try some art like painting and calligraphy. You just need google to look for your desired workshop, choose the one nearest your place or any place that is convenient for you to go to, sign up, and ta-daaa -- you are good to experience art. 

As an artist (since I consider myself as one), it's really my dream to paint anything on canvas and experience what real painters do.

Finally, I got to try some painting session in a real studio! My cousin, Jean, and I went to a studio in Quezon City where you will paint while you drink wine and eat cheese and laugh with some great company. They call it Sip and Gogh. 

I've been really dying to try this art studio since last year when it was featured in a TV show. I really want to experience how to paint in a canvas and just relax in a studio surrounded by paints, paint brushes, and canvas. Good thing, my cousin also want to relax and felt like being artsy so we finally decided to try Sip and Gogh.

The place is really cool and the atmosphere is perfect for those who just want to paint their hearts out. So in this place, you will be asked to choose a painting that will serve as your reference for the masterpiece that you will be making. You will then be assigned in a spot where you will paint, drink and eat, and enjoy.

Of course, there will be people who will teach you how to paint and will guide you with the strokes and blending that are needed for the painting.

This is a really nice place to bond with your friends and family, especially those who are into arts. This is a also a perfect place to get to know more your creative side because I believe each one of us are gifted with creative talents. Sometimes, we are just unaware because we aren't exposed that much to arts.

You should try Sip and Gogh at least once! It is a great and relaxing experience! :)

Larraine xx

PS: Shout out to the staffs who helped us finish our masterpieces! You guys are the best! :)

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[5 of 100]

Archery Night!

Last Tuesday, I got to try archery. Yes! Finally!!!

5 years ago, I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in the country -- DLSU. We are known as the Green Archers. Haha! Sorry. I just have to mention that I'm a green-blooded archer who never tried archery during my college days. 

So now, I am proud to say that I was finally able to try this sport with my elementary bffs and new found friends! Horaaay!!!

T'was such a fun experience and a tiring one but I definitely learned sooo many things from it:

1. Let go -- you can't hold the arrow for too long once you set it. You have to let go. Immediately. The more you hold it, the more you'll get hurt.

2. Focus -- check your stance, set the bow and arrow, aim for the goal. You have to focus to be able to hit the target. If you're pre-occupied with things around you, you might miss your target.

3. Keep the faith -- there will be times or sets which are not good, meaning, you did not hit any of the inner circles... and that's fine. There'll be another set to be better and another chance to hit the target. Never lose hope! :)

You should try archery! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Shout out to all the friends who played with me last Tuesday! I super enjoyed your company!!! We should do this again!!!

Larraine xx

PS: Kodanda in BF Homes Parañaque has really great and accommodating staffs! Visit their branch soon! :)

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[4 of 100]

You deserve the BEST

Here's a little reminder for the readers of this blog:

"Do not go back to less just because you're too impatient to wait for the best."

Many of us just settle for less because we don't think that we deserve the best. We experience doubts in ourselves that force us to stay where we are and stop exploring and seeking for the "best" that God has set for us. We settle for mediocrity because we feel that we are not worthy to experience greatness. 

Some of us do not to take risks at our workplace for we are afraid of rejections. Some of us settle for uncertain relationships just to let people see that we are "happy and in love" even if we don't feel loved and we don't feel secure anymore. These are just some situations that we don't try to leave just because we think and feel that this is where we are destined.

We are all destined for greatness, that's for sure. We are not created by the Lord to settle for less. Maybe at this moment, you are already happy at the place or position you're at, brace yourself for I know that is just a foretaste of the life that the Lord has planned for you. He always wants the best for all of us so please desire and pray for that "best" that He is preparing for you. 

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Larraine xx

PS: Happy Friday, everyone! Stay safe and dry! Enjoy your weekend, loves! <3

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[3 of 100]

Friendship never ends!

15 years of friendship and counting! Thank You, Lord for giving me two amazing bffs who I can't count on even if we don't see one another for a month or even a year straight! Haha!

For the amazing folks who are reading this blog, I would like to introduce to you two of the best friends who have been an authenthic part of my childhood, Karla and Elaine! Yaaay! (Karla's on my right while Elaine's on my left)

These amazingly tall ladies are my elementary best friends. I can still clearly remember the days when all we just do on Fridays are to roam around the streets of our subdivision and eat grilled tilapia at Elaine's place. Those days for me are my "chill days" and days of pure bliss -- days that we don't have to think about much of the future, days that we're not pressured or stressed out, days when there's still no facebook and streets are our playground, and days that are full of laughters instead of worries. Oh, I really miss those days!

Last May 10, 2015 at Nike Women's 10k Run!

Even though there's no way for us to bring back the "old" times, I'm still blessed to have in my life until this very day the "old" friends whom I shared all those wonderful memories. The kind of friendship that we have is something I will treasure forever even if we just see each other for 2 or 3 times a year.

I guess for this year, we're really exerting efforts to meet and catch up with each other despite our busy schedules. We're really making up for all the lost times. I can't believe that we already made 4 catch up sessions this year and I am just sooo happy that I also got to try new things with them. Our most recent catch up session was last Tuesday where in we tried archery. I will do a separate post for that because there are so many feelings and emotions which I felt while playing that I want to share with you! Haha! 

Actually, before we went to the archery class, we ate dinner first in Flaming Wings (BF Homes) which also has a branch in Taft. I was craving for ramen and korean foods before I came across in google (when I was searching for a place to eat) this restaurant which is close to my heart. Flaming Wings was really one of my favorite places to eat in Taft back when I was in college. What I love in this place are the chicken wings and their wicked oreos! These foods are to die for lol! By the way, thanks to my bffs who agreed to eat in this place! 

I will always be grateful to God for allowing me to meet this ladies 15 years ago. I hope that this friendship that we have will last for a lifetime! I know deep in our hearts that we love each other and we care for each other even if don't talk or meet often. That's really what you can call #friendshipgoals :)

Larraine xx

PS: To Karla and Elaine, know that I love you both and I'm praying for both of you and I will always be here for you!!! Huuugs and kisses!!!

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

[2 of 100]

#100consecutivedaysofblogposts

Thank you for this great idea and challenge, YummyliciousLady! I think I will try this and I will really push myself to finish this challenge with flying colors! I guess this is what I really need to be able to blog as often as possible. 

Blogging is a commitment just like any other hobbies. Laziness is my number one enemy which hinders me from blogging. I am just to lazy to organize my thoughts and to write posts. There are so many things that I wanted to share with all of you (because you might just learn from the things that I experienced) that I haven't shared yet because I was just too lazy. So, this time, I will really try to do my best to organize my life, my thoughts, and to blog away all the things that might help you in the future! 

I do really need some "push" to make this happen so please help me by encouraging me! I would really love to hear/read some words of encouragement! Thaaank youuu in advance!!!

Larraine xx

PS: this will count as my first entry to #100consecutivedaysofblogposts [1 of 100]