Healthier and Happier

I had salad again yesterday! I wanted to eat healthful food again, so I had the Sicilian pasta from Juju Eats for lunch. 

It was refreshingly flavorful! 

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Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends for some cuddle time with my furry friends. 

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It was a quick but therapeutic coffee break from my responsibilities.  

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After running some errands, I had dinner at Go! Salads, where I had the Sgt. Steak again. Their chimichurri dressing is addicting.  

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I can’t wait to see how this healthy eating spree goes. So far, I feel fresher and more vibrant now that I’m eating salads often. With some furry therapy and a some coffee, I know that I got this.  

Stability Eats

Yesterday, I experienced driving through really strong rains. By the time I parked my car, I was starving! I decided to eat breakfast at Jollibee while waiting for the P2P bus to take me to Ortigas. 

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I enjoyed my “stopover” meal of breakfast burger steak and coffee. 

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I also bought hot calamansi juice to sip while inside the P2P bus.  

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I got some work done in the morning, then I went to UA&P to check out the new caf inside MPC.  

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I had chicken siomai with java rice.  

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And I also had my favorite Chillers fresh avocado shake!  

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For early dinner, I checked out Ça Va at Podium. It’s a newly opened creperie and floral atelier. 

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I invited Anne, the lady behind 11*11 Handmade  to join me! I really enjoyed catching up with her over good food and coffee.

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My sriracha meatballs rice bowl was amazing! It went well with my flat white.  

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Food is my love language, but I prefer to eat it rather than cook it! I find joy in comfort food and coffee. I know that even when the skies are not blue, I will still be okay for as long as I know what truly makes me happy.  

Macaroni and Knitting

I recently dropped by my uncle’s latest church assignment. I was fascinated with the CAT demonstration during my visit, as there was a graduation ceremony going on.  

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I beat the heat with this Php10 cone of dirty ice cream. Yum!

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Lunch was at Conti’s, where I had this comforting plate of chicken and mac and cheese. 

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For dessert, I had a slice of cookies and cream cheesecake and a cup of coffee. 

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It was a relaxing day of visiting family and eating delicious food. Here’s to more happy lunches for knitting and catching up!

Drawing Deliciousness

I spent my Monday reading, working out, and updating my Traveler’s Notebook. I have previously shared how I was pleasantly surprised with my return to creative journaling, and it has sort of awakened my inner diarist again. It is a welcome change, and it is glorious to have my hobby back.

Since my mom cooked sopas for lunch (it was delicious!), I was inspired to whip out my TN (traveler’s notebook) and drew my yummy meal. 

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Yes, I did have both coffee and hot chocolate! The rainy weather made me crave for comforting drinks, so I made both to satisfy my drowsy urge for caffeine and good vibes.  

My second illustration depicted my epic breakfast last Sunday. I bought bicho-bicho (traditional Filipino donut) and bananacue from a street vendor along UP Diliman during my brisk walk. You have to give it to them for their ingenious merchandising. 

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I plated it this way at home, and yes, both treats were HEAVENLY and simply satisfying after a long workout.  

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I am glad to be back to journaling. It has become second-nature to me again. Indeed, the best art moments are those which are spontaneous and unplanned. I look forward to more delicious meals and colorful illustrations ahead!

Gravy and Cheese

Yesterday was all about comfort food goodness. I finally gave in to my cravings and I am enjoying my favorite food, one day at a time. 

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I had the chicken ala king rice bowl from KFC. I usually top it off with four pumps of gravy. Yes, four. 

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Next, I had a cheesy binatog with salt, sugar, and milk. It was deliciously filling and at Php35 for the large serving, was a fantastic deal to boot.  

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I watched The Commuter starring Liam Neeson and it was enjoyable. As per my usual custom, I enjoyed the movie with McDonald’s premium roast coffee. I do enjoy action movies so if you have anything to recommend to me, do let me know! 

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And then, I had this glorious Chicago White deep dish pizza from Sbarro for dinner. This is how they usually serve it.   

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And here’s how I enjoy it: with lots of oregano, granulated garlic, and chili flakes! 

Of course, I do enjoy food in moderation. I make sure to burn calories with exercise. Life is too short for boring food. Make each meal count and burn it all with a workout while listening to your jam! 

Nourishment

I have always appreciated a delicious meal. I eat to nourish myself, but I also make it a point to make each meal count. To achieve this, I go for food which is both healthy and memorable. I also do not deprive myself, as I workout everyday and I need nutrients to sustain me. 

I have recently started eating taho again as a morning snack. It is satisfying after my brisk walk, and I like it warm and served with lots of sago.  

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Another regular food I enjoy is Pho Hoa’s chicken vermicelli bowl. I eat mine with lots of sriracha. 

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For a cheap and yummy dessert, I go for McDonald’s strawberry or hot fudge sundae. Both flavors complement their brewed coffee, so I often pair it with a large cuppa. 

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Whenever I find myself at Cibo, I usually have the Farfalle alla Genovese. However, I felt like having my other favorite yesterday, which is the Penne Al Telefono. It is creamier, cheesier, and more gooey compared to the farfalle. However, it is simply as comforting as my usual. It felt like a hug from a close friend, or a shower after a long workout. Believe me, it is that good!

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I will be eating more meaningful meals this 2018, and I look forward to sharing them with you via this blog! For now, I am looking forward to my next walk, my next breakfast, and my next cuppa. 

Here’s to staying hungry for positivity this year and beyond! 

Angel Food

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I am currently having angel hair puttanesca wth San Mig Light. It reminds me of my carefree university days when I would have beer with almost all my meals. It was a great time to reminisce, but I would rather focus on the present. These days, I am praying for my jobhunting while enjoying life. It may not be my ideal way to enjoy 2017 but I am grateful that I am able to read books, workout, and enjoy the company of my family, friends, and of course, my A. Here's hoping that I will get a good job very soon so I can buy more books and eat my heart out while maintaining my figure through fitness!

Living A Full Life

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I am currently enjoying spinach ravioli on this Monday holiday. I am happy because I am with my family. The ravioli is delicious! It has the right amount of cheese and spinach to make me giddy over a plate of ravioli. I always order this whenever I am in an Italian restaurant. My ultimate favorite pasta dish, gnocchi, is not widely available here in the Philippines so i have to settle with ravioli.  

I realized that I order this because it is easy to eat, as it is technically pasta dumplings. I enjoy life to be full and flavorful, and like my favorite ravioli, I let it satisfy me with simple ingredients yet complex flavors. I live life to the fullest no matter what my circumstances are. It is my hope that I can have more ravioli in the future to fill me up! 

Ciboptimism

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Today, I had solo lunch at high school/college dining staple, Cibo. I had my usual pumpkin soup, farfalle alla genovese, red grape shake, and americano. It was comforting to eat growing-up food while being unemployed and waiting for my next opportunity. I remember being uncertain about the future too as I enjoyed Cibo food before. I was and I am not miserable. I believe that returning to an old favorite renewed my belief in myself and just like my days in uni, I see the world again as full of possibilities, rather than limitations. If you are also undergoing challenges at the moment, I suggest that you return to an old haunt. Who knows, you might also gain a new perspective- or return to your optimistic self.  

Cup of Joy

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Yesterday, I had a sinfully good cup of ice cream at Papa Diddi's. I had a wicked combination of tres leches and chocnut scoops. Both flavored complemented each other well. When combined together, the taste would remind me of frozen hot chocolate. It may not have been my cheat day, but I enjoyed my ice cream with gusto. I savored every spoonful. Since Papa Diddi's only uses carabao's milk, their scoops are creamier, richer, and smoother. It was a lovely experience, considering that A was with me and the raindrops were falling on the rooftop.

I worked out this morning, and I realized that the ice cream made me happier because it reminded me of simpler times. Back when I did not worry about counting calories, I enjoyed each meal and dessert. Having dessert these days is a luxury which I cannot always afford, as I have budget and health considerations. Nevertheless, an occasional cup of ice cream to remind me that life is beautiful will not hurt.