Yesterday was a beautiful day to visit my favorite dog Ella and the other flufffy doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I received plenty of hugs while having coffee.
Dogs have a calming effect on me, and I can’t wait to be back in the loving arms of these babies.
What’s your coffee ritual? Mine involves dogs and furry hugs. Hope you also find your happy place!
Yesterday, I spent time with the furry friends from the East! I went to Barkin’ Blends Sta. Lucia branch for some quality time with dogs.
I was warmly welcomed by Reese.
I also missed Robin, my favorite golden retriever.
Julia took a nap on my lap, and I felt very sleepy too.
Bucci kept me awake when Julia woke up. She is still a puppy, and likes running around and begging for belly rubs.
A hug from Martha before I left the cafe warmed my heart.
After playing with my furry friends, I had some chicken mami from Ma’s Chicken Mami House.
Then, I purchased some budget-friendly pocket notebooks for my bullet journal setup.
I was delighted with their paper bag, which features a woman with a pixie- and she kind of reminds me of myself!
I completed my Papemelroti purchase with new stainless steel earrings.
By giving myself the entire Sunday to play with dogs, eat comfort food, and buy little things that make me happy, I am experiencing joy which will fuel me for the rest of the week.
Here’s to more Sunday hugs in the future!
I had a busy Monday. I found myself at Power Plant Mall yesterday for lunch, so I brought my starving self to Shawa Wama.
I ordered the red beet falafel rice meal with a side order of fried cauli. It was delicious!
I later proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City for a meeting. Later for dinner, I treated myself to this beautiful chicken and pasta plate from World Chicken. This outlet in the mall never fails to please me with their flavorful chicken and generous sides.
And before calling it a day, I spent time with my favorite dog Ella and her friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It is always a lovely time with these fur babies who love being with humans.
Having a good Monday is a state of mind. Even if I’m busy, I find myself eating the food that I want, knitting, and swinging by my usual dog cafe. Life is too short, so let’s make our Mondays count!
My helper Racquel and I attended a healing mass yesterday to pray for my terminally-ill father. It was held at the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium in Marikina City.
After mass, we proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind over food, milk tea, and dogs!
I was in the company of angels tonight. Thank God for dogs, people who can help, and loved ones who care.
Today is Ella’s fifth birthday! Since it’s Maundy Thursday, and Barkin’ Blends is closed, I visited her a day early to give her warm cuddles.
I also celebrated with the other dogs, such as Ella’s son Chocnut.
Five years ago, I was scared of dogs. Everything changed when I met a little black chiweenie named Ella who taught me how to love dogs like her. Here’s to more years with her and her pack!
Coffee with these dogs is always a good idea.
I visited Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe last Wednesday night to hug my doggo friends. It’s no secret that I’m going through a lot with my dad’s terminal illness, and I find that being with dogs keeps my spirits up.
It’s important that I have my happy place to go to whenever life gets too much to handle. It just so happened that mine has dogs and a lot of love.
I’ll be back soon!
Yesterday, I spent time with my beloved doggo buddies at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I was feeling cuddly with my favorite dog Ella.
I received kisses from Stitch the Frenchie.
For snack, I had the Chocnut Dinosaur froyo from Elait. This is my new favorite from this celebrated ice cream stand! It is delicious.
Then, I commuted to the Ayala Museum for a night with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.
I had coffee and knitted while listening to them play my all-time favorite classical piece: Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
To combat stress and fatigue, I find ways to keep myself happy. Dogs, ice cream, and classical music are just some of my preferred pastimes. Surely, I’ll find another concert to enjoy, and another afternoon with puppies.
As I face many challenges with my dad being terminally-ill and my jobhunting journey, I felt that I needed a break. I went to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to unwind with their friendly doggos.
I missed my favorite dog Ella’s kisses! She’s a tiny chiweenie with a big heart.
With Bonita, a tiny poodle.
Chocnut and Stitch!
With Stitch.
With Martha.
And Happy the Pug!
I had lunch with my family at Conti’s. Their chicken roulade was delicious!
For dessert, I had the Oreo matcha frozen yogurt from Elait.
Then, I dropped by the Barbie birthday event at The Block.
I’m a shameless Barbie fan. I got dolls for me and my goddaughter Kate.
I could hardly contain my excitement with my new doll.
My Grab car yesterday was cute! It had Doraemon seatcovers.
Then, I dressed my new doll in her new Hello Kitty outfit.
She’s a Made to Move Barbie, and I had fun posing her.
There’s nothing wrong with playing with toys as an adult. Being forever young helps me manage with life’s stresses with positivity and good vibes.
Here’s to more happy days ahead!
I had some time to spare after my conference at ADB the other day, so I went to my happy place- Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe at SM North Towers!
I was happily greeted by my favorite dog Ella, who enthusiastically gave me kisses.
My Barkin’ Blends visits were never sponsored. I simply love going there to de-stress and play with their doggos.
Their tiny poodle, Coco, is also a frequent playmate.
I can’t wait to go back! The cafe has become my sojourn from the demands of adulthood. I think this is a fabulous place to relax over a glass of lemonade or a cup of coffee.
‘Til next time, Barkin’ Blends!
Yesterday, I went to Barkin’ Blends Sta. Lucia branch to decompress with the big dogs!
While I am a frequent visitor at their SM North Towers branch, I also missed their bigger breeds. It was worth the trip, as I got to cuddle with almost all of their resident doggos.
Time spent with the dogs will always be priceless. I can’t wait to play with them again!
Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time!
I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.
After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.
Then, I continued my Valentine’s Day tradition of visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly!
Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.
I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you!
I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.
I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!
Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.
I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you!
I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.
It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!
I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed.
Yesterday, I attended a meeting for a brand that I have been supporting for many years now. It was fun to interact with other ladies who also advocate for the brand. I can’t wait to see how our ideas can translate to better marketing strategies for this brand, and I certainly look forward to more collaborations with this brand in the future on an advocate basis.
The meeting surprised me, because I realized that I have so many ideas to contribute and share. I am truly passionate about this brand because it gives back to communities that need work. It empowers people through dignified wages. And as both a core advocate and an end user, I am happy to help them improve by sharing my expertise.
After my fruitful meeting, I went to Barkin’ Blends to spend time with their friendly resident doggos.
It warms my heart that my favorite doggo, Ella, is always this excited to welcome me to the cafe.
Spending time with her and the other doggos is priceless, and the comfort they bring is second to none.
For dinner, I had Tapa King, which is a favorite from my childhood.
I also had a cookies and cream frappe from Farron Cafe. It was delicious!
And before going home, I watched The Girl in the Orange Dress at Cinema Centenario. It always feels like home for me in this microcinema. I have a favorite seat there (G5!), and it’s the best way to end a productive day.
I’ll always support brands that promote goodness and purposeful living in my own way. And in the course of my journey, I’ll find ways to unwind by spending time with dogs and supporting local films. Here’s to more purposeful Saturdays!
Yesterday, I started Chinese New Year with a visit to the Pink Sisters.
Then, I played with my furry friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe!
I also got some souvenirs from Thailand from Ate Tina, one of the owners of Barkin’ Blends who has since become one of my good friends.
I treated myself to a matcha soy refresher.
For late lunch, I had a Falafel Yo! with no chili.
I had a simple Chinese New Year celebration which I began with prayer. I hope that this year will be my best one yet!
Yesterday, I started my day with a P2P ride to Makati.
I bought puto from the vendor at the bus station, and it was very good!
I went to AIM for the 2019 SWS Survey Review and it was insightful.
Then, I proceeded to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe to play with my doggo buddies.
I ended my day with some kimchi rice at the weekend bazaar near my parking space.
I had a productive Friday which was a balance of learning, cuddling, and eating! Hopefully, I’ll receive more invitations to learning opportunities and seminars.
Yesterday was the third and last day of the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Masterclass.
I learned that rather than have survival hacks, we must implement systems in order to reduce or contain risks during disasters.
After class, I went straight to Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe for some cuddle time with Ella and the other resident doggos.
And for dinner, I had binatog!
Life is all about the systems we put in place, and the places we go to in order to live to the fullest. Let’s maximize our resources and opportunities in order to create possibilities not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
The other day, I was determined to have a great day before my dad entered the hospital again (he is terminally-ill).
I started my Thursday with a burger from this kiosk at the mall. It was delicious!
Then, I got this postcard from Papemelroti. I sent it via snail mail to a customer at my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me!)
I spent my afternoon cuddling my favorite doggos at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
Ella (the dog that captured my heart years ago) is an expert at cheering me up!
Apparently, Ella and my new buddy Stitch are friends.
Ella’s son Chocnut also offered his warm furry body for me to cuddle.
It was also my first time to hug Raven the corgi.
Yes, it was difficult to leave.
I bought socks to remind me of my doggo friends wherever I go.
Then, I got a honey soy refresher from Soy Yummy! It was really yummy!
And for snack, I for Nacho King. I was brought back to my grade school days.
And for late dinner, I drove to Army Navy (thank God it’s 24 hours!) for some adobo flakes. So good!
It’s up to us to find ways to keep going amidst trials. We just have to find the perfect formula that works. For me, it’s doggo + food. I hope you’ll also find yours!
Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).
I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia.
I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.
Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.
All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.
I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...
...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.
I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.
Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.
Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek.
Yesterday, I drove to a meeting near my house.
But before the meeting, I managed squeeze in brekkie in the form of a coffee kick smoothie from Go! Salads. It was filling and delicious!
Then, I got a leather coin purse for my MP3 player and earbuds. I also got a couple of postcards which will be mailed to clients of my online shop (please buy Human Nature products from me).
I dropped by the post office after my meeting to mail my postcards. These floral stamps are lovely!
I grabbed lunch from Falafel Yo!
This Jesus diet thing is really uplifting. Instead of eating greasy food all the time, I am eating more vegetables and healthful meals.
I also watched a movie starring Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon. Sakaling Maging Tayo is set in Baguio, with some scenes shot in Teacher’s Camp, which holds a special place in my heart. I won a national award in extemporaneous speaking at CMLI (which was held in Teacher’s Camp) back in 2003.
The movie was funny and entertaining. I highly recommend it.
I had coffee at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe...
...where I bumped into my preschool classmate Veronica...
...and high school classmate Maja!
I later bonded with the dogs.
I had truffle fries from Potato Corner for snack.
And an Okinawa milk tea from Happy Cup to perk me up.
Before the day ended, I had pesto pasta from Juju Eats for dinner.
I like dogs, healthy food, simple local finds, and coffee! I hope that you will also find the things that make you smile.
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon playing with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. Yes, again. I’m there at least twice a week. Sorry not sorry!
I got to play with their new dog, Buchi. She’s a beagle-corgi mix, and she is assigned at their SM North Towers branch.
She’s really playful, and she seems to like my pixie!
Of course, no visit to the dog cafe will be complete without some cuddle time with my favorite, Ella.
Before going home, I also got to meet another new dog, Bonita the poodle.
I’m really attached to Barkin’ Blends’ dogs and the humans behind this cafe. I will definitely be back very soon!
Yesterday, I attended the grand opening of Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe’s second branch at SM North Towers. I had so much fun!
I was greeted by Finn the golden retriever.
And I was drawn by their display of food for dogs!
Yes, dogs! You can date your dog here!
Since it was their opening, I was treated to salted egg chicken wings and carbonara which are only available from their Sta. Lucia branch.
I totally dig their inclusive restroom.
Here I am with the owners, Ajie and Ate Tina, who have already become my close friends.
Their doggo treats are reasonably priced.
They also offer made-to-order doggo cakes!
Finally, here are a couple of pictures with Bern, the main girlboss begins Barkin’ Blends. She’s wearing my Christmas present, a cowl which I have knitted for her.
I also got to cuddle their resident doggos, like my favorite Ella.
Here I am with Stark the pomsky...
...Booster the Lhasa apso...
...and Stitch the Frenchie!
Here’s a sample of their doggo meal, the arroz dogubana.
Buchie seems to like it!
For dessert, I dropped by their neighbor, Elait.
They are known for their deaf crew and frozen yogurt and custard.
I ordered the strawberry mango cheesecake frozen yogurt and it was delicious!
Props for using local dairy, Elait!
I started knitting a new cowl while having coffee.
Later that night, I had soup and fishcake from Korean joint Samjin Amook.
I also had shawarma bratwurst and rice near SM Hypermarket.
I capped off my day with Bayani Brew...
...and a 30-minute chair massage.
I will definitely go back to all the places I’ve been to yesterday, especially Barkin’ Blends and Elait! See you again soon!
