What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman
- Attachments and Fan Girl by Rainbow Rowell
What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- The Fault in our Stars
What special days did I celebrate and how?
- MIL's birthday
- Long weekend!
- Early celebration of my birthday and Kuya Mike's
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- Because of change of weather I had flu-like symptoms for the past two weeks now. My allergies are acting up too. :(
What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Celebrated MIL in two parties! Super fun Mongolian and Japanese Night!
- Bonding with college friends at a friend's house
- Met up my dear friend Norin for snacks and girl bonding
- Dinner at home with my brother from SG
- Went to Morong, Bataan for a quick road trip
- Fellowship night with the household
- Early birthday lunch of Kuya Mike
- Early birthday dinner with my family
- Attended my co-Mommy's birthday at Edsa Shangrila Hotel ♥
What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- French Baker's Chicken ala King
- CBTL, Shangrila East Wing
- Banoi at Kapitolyo, Pasig
- Magnum Cafe
- Alba for my (early) birthday dinner
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- We went to Bataan for a quick getaway
- No shopping for me but Hubby gave me a nice coverup for my birthday. Thanks hon!
What have you learned this month?
- My highschool friend told me a couple of stories that made me realized how much I need to spend more time with God. How much I've lost contact and how much I felt disconnected from God for more than 3 years now. It was all my fault. I've been harboring something in my heart that I wasn't supposed to be doing - unforgiveness. I said I was so sorry and I pray that God will lead me to HIM again and again. I always pray that He will ALWAYS lead me to the right path, to the path where I'm supposed to be.
- Being a Christian is not easy. Being of service to God is not even easier. But if we focus our eyes and our hearts to God and Jesus, everything will fall into place. It is HIM who knows the way. It is HIM who visualizes the whole picture. We are His servants and what we only do is ask HIM to lead us, no matter what.
- There are battles in our lives that are no longer our battle. Only God can fight those kind of battles for us. HIM and only HIM.
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Sharing a very beautiful song by the YFC.
♪♪ Savior, mighty in power
Blessed redeemer, we fall down at Your throne
Oh Holy Spirit, flowing within us
So captivated by Your presence in our hearts
We will not be shaken
And fear won't have a hold on us today, today
We are not forgotten
We seek to see the kingdom of our Lord, our God
I live for You
I live for You
I live for You, my God. ♪♪
Here's another article that I love by my favorite author, BO Sanchez. Have a nice Friday!
Live Your Life With Presentation
Have you recently dined in a five-star restaurant?
Let me refresh your memory.
First, the waiters wear tuxedoes and toupees. The tablecloth is immaculate and the orchids in front of you are fresh. The ambiance is gorgeous.
Second, the dishes aren’t called on a first name basis.
You have to use their complete names, such as Aroz a la Cobanna, and Paella de Barcelona. Or Drunkard Ducks Who Failed the Twelve Steps Program and French Frogs’ Legs with Manicured Toenails. (I made those two up.)
And the menu describes each dish so verbosely, you’d think poets wrote them. The lowly “burger” becomes Salisbury steak swathed in thick gravy sauce, sprinkled with roasted garlic, mixed with delectable button mushrooms on a hot plate. Served with crisp, buttered vegetables, hi-land rice, and sweet Japanese corn.
Wow. Makes you want to eat the menu.
Why are they called five-star restaurants?
Because of presentation. Ambiance. Style. Design. Atmosphere.
I have a suggestion for you.
Live your life with presentation.
Don’t be cut and dried. Don’t just be functional. Don’t be a “get-this-day-over-with” person. Don’t be so goal-oriented and job-obsessed, you no longer open yourself to the rich blessings that God pours onto you at every moment of life!
Value yourself. Put a little garnish. Have some style. Create ambiance in your life. Be five-star!
No, I’m not talking about luxury.
I’m talking about enjoying life. About breathing with passion.
Sing. Dance. Dream. Stop to smell the flowers. Listen to the birds and watch sunsets. Play like a child. Pray like a child. Eat more ice cream. Embrace the people that you love. Take vacations often. Give more. Smile more. Worry less. Say “thank you” with all your heart. Have more fun!
Don’t be ordinary.
Because you’re not.
You’re His child.
Live with gusto!
I especially love this part - "Sing. Dance. Dream. Stop to smell the flowers. Listen to the birds and watch sunsets. Play like a child. Pray like a child. Eat more ice cream. Embrace the people that you love. Take vacations often. Give more. Smile more. Worry less. Say “thank you” with all your heart. Have more fun!"
Brussels was one of the cities that we haven't explored that much, simply because we didn't have much time! But we were still thankful that we were able to see some famous spots around.
FIRST STOP: Atomium.
A very interesting
The Atomium, symbol of Brussels and Belgium, is an international tourist attraction. This unique piece of architecture, created on the occasion of the World Fair of Brussels in 1958, became the most popular monument of the capital of Europe. SOURCE.
After we took a couple of photos WITH the famous Atomium, we went around and saw these beautiful places.
I couldn't remember what they are called though but definitely worth posting.
SECOND STOP: Brussels Town Hall
We were all amazed by the beauty of Brussels Town Hall the moment we laid our eys on it.
The City Hall of Brussels is a masterpiece of the Gothic civil architecture of the 15th century. The wealth inside also makes it one of the most luxurious city halls of the country. It possesses an important artistic and historic heritage (paintings, sculptures, tapestries).
Inside the City Hall various styles and time periods mix. The reconstruction by the States of Brabant left us a row of luxurious rooms in the style of Louis XIV at the beginning of the 18th century. Some are used for the meetings of the College and the City Council today. SOURCE.
THIRD STOP: Mannekin Pis
Ha! This is quite interesting (and unique too).
Manneken Pis. ("Little man Pee" in Marols; French: le Petit Julien) is a landmark small bronze sculpture in Brussels, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. It was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in 1618 or 1619.
FOURTH STOP: Roaming around Grand Place and window-shopping!
Oooh, we all LOVE this square!
he Grand Place or Grote Markt is the central square of Brussels. It is surrounded by guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the Breadhouse (French: Maison du Roi, Dutch: Broodhuis). The square is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels. It measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 361 ft), and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. SOURCE.
And look at this particular store that offers really good Belgian chocolates... Oh YUM!
I would love to go back to Brussels simply because of the chocolates. Yes the chocolates were that goooood! ♥♥♥
1. Quick trip to Bataan
2. Long Weekend!
3. Super fun households last week
4. Homemade Tacos. YUM!
5. Milk Tea
6. Beach!
7. Fresh air
8. Family Bonding
9. Attachments by Rainbow Powell
10. Long nap ♥
To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.
After our very exciting Heineken Factory Tour, we crossed the road and started our Canal/River Cruise. It was a little boring probably because it was raining and the headphones that we were using were a little bit broken. We kind of drifted off during the tour. And it took us more than an hour! So I wasn't able to take photos of the cruise since the windows were closed anyway. But, I was thankful that right after the cruise, we were able to go around the city and look, we appreciated Amsterdam more.
WE started with our own walking tour and saw this corner with a bunch of bicycles!
Pretty, isn't it? But this alley is even more prettier.
And when we saw this, it just took our breath away...
Amsterdam is a beautiful, beautiful city. Even if the weather didn't cooperate with us on the first few hours of our day, still, it left a mark in our hearts.
Next, Dam Square.
When in Amsterdam, never miss going to Dam Square.
Shops are everywhere and the stuff that they are selling there are definitely interesting! (*wink*)
After checking out the whole square, off we went for our last dinner in the city.
Hot tomato soup, roasted chicken and fries, and dessert. We couldn't asked for more!
I just finished this book and the movie is going to be shown soon! Oh I can't wait! This is going to be shown TOMORROW.
I hope I can go straight to the moviehouse as soon as I'm done with work. See you soon, Jonas! (*wink*)
After a very interesting tour at the clog and cheese factory, and a shopping spree of souvenirs and cheese, we went straight to the Heineken Factory which was full! It was raining that day so we were thankful that our next tour was actually inside a building, plus we are also looking forward to our FREE beers. Yebah!
So here goes....
After paying for the tickets, you will get a bracelet that looks like this. Only people with a wristband like this will be allowed inside.
I'm not much fan of Heineken but my Hubby is, so I was looking at the tour with great attention all because I wanted to tell him ALL about it when I get home.
But unfortunately, there were no guides inside so we didn't understand some of the things being done.
But it didn't stop us from being amazed at how wonderful the factory inside was!
...and finally, after the tour, we were able to get hold of our FREE beers.
Thank you, Heineken! ♥
Breakfast was one of the highlights of our first whole day in Amsterdam. Just look at this uber chic restaurant, everybody would enjoy their meals here.
And thanks to the awesome coffee machine, I definitely started my day right.
Coffee was the best! ♥♥♥
After the sumputuos breakfast, off we went to our whole day tour of the city.
Our first stop: the cheese and clog factory of Rotterdam. We traveled for a couple of minutes (that was not an hour), before we arrived and saw this beauty.
Those flowers are really cute! And mind you, this is just an entrance to a cheese and clog factory.
And, look, this is what greeted us to the factory. A bunch of cheese! YUM!
We also met the guy in charge of the factory. Such a nice fellow.
After a quick overview of the factory and an explanation of how they made the clogs, we went to the most exciting part - SHOPPING!
Look at all those clogs!!! I was tempted to bring a pair or two.
These are so beautiful. Wish I could have brought a piece too. Aargh! Too late for that! But I'm glad I was able to buy two clog little souvenirs and a block of smoked cheese. (*grin*)
Join The Project Pearls as we Run Against Poverty! A charity run for Project PEARLS with The COLOR BLAST RUN!
To register and run with Project PEARLS Team, please send us an email at info@projectpearls.org.
"THE HISTORIC walls of Intramuros will be the backdrop as the Color Blast Run Philippines series hits Manila for the very first time on September 21, 2014 (Sunday) starting at 5:00 AM.
This event is presented by the Lyceum of the Philippines University Central Student Government (LYCESGO) in cooperation with the Pinoy Aspiring Runners (PAR) and Global Excellence and Events Promotion. This will be a non-competitive race but will definitely be the ideal weekend bonding activity for family and friends while helping fund the charity works of Project PEARLS or Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, Smiles.
More surprises await the runners not just during the actual race but also before and after. Several celebrities have been invited to grace the occasion with some actually running the course. " - Anthony Servinio, Sportscaster
This is interesting. Hubby and I might join this activity. We'll see!
Europe 2014: Checking out Central Station and Red Light District during Our First Night in Amsterdam
Aaaah, Amsterdam, we wonder what it has in store for us?
Nope, not just this ice cream. Ha!
Our first stop was at the Schipol Station which is very insteresting.
There are groceries and restaurants in this station too.
Then after figuring where and how to ride the train, and after a couple of minutes of travel in the train, we finally arrived the Central Station.
We walked just straight ahead and found this view.
There were also a lot of shops in this area where we brought souvenirs and hat to conquer the cold city.
Then off we went to the red light district. (*grin*)
Sorry, photos were not allowed so no photos during our walk there. But yes, I tell you, it was interesting. (*wink*)
I've read this book, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn a couple of months ago (or that was probably last year) and I can't stop reading it! As they would say, it was "unputtable". And now, a movie is coming soon. Look!
Interesting, right? Oh, I can't wait for October! ♥
Aaaaah, after not just a couple of hours, but long hours of road and ferry ride, we finally arrive the city of Amsterdam.
We were greeted by our local tour guide before we all went to our cute and homey hotel.
Look at this house, I can't believe I'm seeing this in person. I remember seeing these types of houses in the movies. (*grin*)
I think we drove for a couple of hours before (finally) arriving to our hotel. And boy, we were amazed. It was one of the beautiful hotels we've ever checked in...
Yes, this is the lobby of our hotel and this is not a house. Although it looks like one!
Nothing can be as homey as this lobby. And yes, they even had a grand piano where one of our tour group played.
The moment we were inside, the tired feeling suddenly went away. I was so ready to conquer Amsterdam!
First, DINNER. (*wink*)
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