Random Thoughts

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- [Nameless Series] Book 1.0 Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins
- [Nameless Series] Book 2.0 Clanless by Jennifer Jenkins
- [Nameless Series] Book 3.0 Fearless by Jennifer Jenkins
(Super love this series!♥♥♥)
- The Originals by Cat Patrick
- The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey (a bit boring at first but after half, I couldn't put it down already!)
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (nice read!)
- Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell
- Currently Reading: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Beyond Stranger Things (yes we are sooo hooked!)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Christmas Day! ♥♥♥
- New Year's Eve

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- Thank you dear God for keeping us healthy this month!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Met up with Highschool Friends for another Get Together for Christmas
- Fun Run with the whole family
- Fun trip with the whole family in Sydney, Australia

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Pazzo Rollo in Tiendesitas (yummy pizza and pasta and buffalo wings)
- Krispy Creme Cafe Latte
- JayJ's Catering for our CFC Household Christmas Party ♥
- Morganfields
- A bunch of restaurants in Sydney, Aus

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- Christmas Gifts!

What have you learned this month?

Just right beside the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral is another beauty - Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park. Divided by Park Street, the southern section of Hyde Park contains the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre, the pool of reflection and numerous monuments and statues. The northern section features the iconic Archibald Fountain and various theme gardens including Sandringham and Nagoya Gardens replete with public art works, monuments and water features.
SOURCE.

The park contains around 580 mature exotic and native trees including the historic central avenue of Hill's Figs which line the central pedestrian avenue running from Macquarie Street to the ANZAC Memorial.

The park plays host to a number of cultural events throughout the year including the Sydney Festival, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Food and Wine Fair. The park is a popular attraction, workers and tourists who congregate throughout the year to enjoy the varied sights and sounds of this green iconic and central public space. SOURCE.

Hyde Park is accessible and public toilets are available. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to public transport options to the park. Museum and St James train stations are beneath the park, and you can take your pick of many bus routes, as the park is bordered by several major roads. If you’re cycling in, bike parking is also available. There’s a café if you need a caffeine fix or want to satisfy your sweet tooth. SOURCE.

Hyde Park is located at Hyde Park Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

Check this out when you are in Sydney! It is a must see!

Another beauty that we is a must see in Sydney - St. Mary's Cathedral!

I will let you be the judge based on these photos...

St Mary’s Cathedral stands in the centre of Sydney as a Christian statement of grace and beauty. Generations of artists have bequeathed to it their magnificent gifts in stone and glass, designing a unique space of solace and prayer within this vibrant city. This Cathedral represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia. SOURCE.

It is one of Sydney's most treasured historic buildings and one of the finest examples of English-style gothic churches in the world. William Wilkinson Wardell, the 19th century architect, dreamed of a gothic structure shaped from the local yellow-block sandstone on which this city is built. The building was finally completed 100 years after the architect's death. The Cathedral is dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. SOURCE.

St Mary’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, and stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. SOURCE.

Constructed in local sandstone, the “Gothic Revival” style of its architecture is reminiscent of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. SOURCE.

The foundation stone for the first St Mary’s Cathedral was laid on 29th October, 1821 by Governor Macquarie. On 29th June, 1865, the church caught fire and was destroyed. William Wilkinson Wardell was commissioned by Archbishop Polding to design a new St. Mary’s. Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone for the present cathedral in 1868. SOURCE.

Aaah, it was indeed a beauty! These photos didn't do justice though...


I just wish I could have captured this beauty more. Best to see it yourself!

Want to check it out as well? Here are more details:

Opening Times:
Cathedral is open before first Mass and until after the last Mass each day.
Monday to Friday: Mass – 06.45, 13.10, 17.30
Saturday: Mass – 09.00, 12.10, 18.00pm
Sunday: Mass – 07.00am, 09.00am, 10.30am, 18.00pm
Public Holidays: Mass – 09.00am, 12.10pm
There are guided tours of the cathedral every Sunday at 12noon

Location
College Street, opposite Hyde Park

Our next stop, the Harbour Bridge. Another beauty and an unforgettable sight!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of Sydney, and Australia itself. The bridge is nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design. SOURCE.

Under the direction of Dr John Bradfield of the NSW Department of Public Works, the bridge was designed and built by British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough and opened in 1932.[4][5] The bridge's design was influenced by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City.[6] It is the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level.[7] It was also the world's widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver was completed in 2012. SOURCE.

It was indeed one of the BEST sights to see in Sydney. NEVER miss it!

Happiness is...

1. Looong Break! Woot!
2. Podcasts
3. Inspiring Youtube Vids
4. Christmas and Jesus
5. Family
6. Food, food, food
7. Gifts and Never Ending Blessings
8. Hugs from the Kids
9. Happiness
10. Family Bonding

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Aaaah finally, after dreaming of seeing this beauty in person (well since I was in Highschool!), it is finally right in front of my eyes.

This beauty.

And in person, it really was a beauty!

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the 20th century's most famous and distinctive buildings.[3]

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the building was formally opened on 20 October 1973[4] after a gestation beginning with Utzon's 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition. The government of New South Wales, led by the premier, Joseph Cahill, authorised work to begin in 1958 with Utzon directing construction. The government's decision to build Utzon's design is often overshadowed by circumstances that followed, including cost and scheduling overruns as well as the architect's ultimate resignation.[5]

The building and its surrounds occupy the whole of Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour, between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, adjacent to the Sydney central business district and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and close by the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

SOURCE.

These photos didn't do justice, I tell you. It was so different IRL!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope everyone is having a GRAND time with their families, kids, friends and relatives. Enjoy the most joyous day of the year! (*wink*)

How do you get around in Sydney?

By walking!

And we had so much fun checking out the architectures in Sydney.

Just look at these beauties...

So, so beautiful aren't they?

I thought I was in Europe!

Aaaah, Sydney, I'm in love with this city already! ♥♥♥

After a quick hot cholate at Oliver Brown, we went straight to the Train Station to start off our day.

Ooh, and look how gorgeous their trains are!

WOOT! WOOT! Definitely amazing!

And after a almost half an hour we arrived at the Main Station and look at our discoveries at the mall while looking for breakfast...




This is going to be a SUPER fun FIRST DAY! I know it will be! (*wink*)(*wink*)

What's the first priority of the day?

COFFEE and a very good breakfast.

We chose Oliver Brown! Aaaah, the coffee was so, so perfect! I'm so loving Sydney now! ♥♥♥

Happiness is...

1. Christmas Holidays!
2. Family Bonding
3. Dad is here! Woot!
4. Dinner at Morganfields
5. Friends
6. Hot Chocolate. YUM!
7. Noche Buena and Christmas Eve soon!
8. Extended Family
9. Get Togethers
10. Friends from CFC

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

...Chinese food! HA!

I just couldn't believe that we missed the Asian food already. Here were are at the nearest Chinese Restaurant having rice, pork, and this sumputous Ramen or Tom Yum (I think!)

And boy, it was so, so good! Yummy, yummy, yummy!

Not bad for our first meal in Sydney! (*wink*)

SOURCE.

A happy song or a sad song? What do you think?

So, this is it after 8 long hours, we finally arrived SYDNEY!

WOOT! WOOT!

And oh boy, we are surely excited for this trip! Look at the sights that we so far found...

It's the Harbour Bridge! And let's see if you can find this wonderful sight in this photo...


Yes, Peek-A-Boo!

And this beauty...


It just took our breaths away!

Exciting! Exciting! Exciting! (*wink*)(*wink*)

This is it! After planning for almost a year for this trip, we are finally leaving for Australia!!!

My first time. And I'm leaving with my Mom and Brother to visit my dear sister in Sydney and cousin in Melbourne.

How cool is that? I felt truly blessed and grateful for this trip. One of the best! So watch out for my photos and stories soon!

Yes, right after our family trip to Bohol a couple of months ago, we went straight to this place...

Can you guess where is it? Watch out for my posts and photos! (*wink*)(*wink*)

Happiness is...

1. My Simplicity Journey
2. Minimalism Articles and Blogs
3. Family
4. Freshly Brewed Coffee
5. Family Day
6. Blogging and Preserving Memories
7. Photobooks
8. The Husband
9. Highschool Friends for Life
10. New eBooks

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Don't you think so too?

SOURCE.

Here's a nice song for you today...

Have a blessed Sunday you all! (*wink*)(*wink*)

Allergic to Exercise? How To Get Fit When You Hate Working Out by Trisha Bautista of MomCenter.com.ph

If you want to get fit but hate working out, you don’t necessarily have to give up your fitness goals before you’ve even started achieving them. Sometimes all you need is to get creative—working out can mean everything from lifting weights old school to taking your kids out on a walk in your carrier—and a little adventurous. Try these and feel the difference.

1. Ditch the elevator and escalator.

If you work in an office or live in a condo, you have the perfect workout at your disposal thanks to the flights of stairs to get to your floor. Start with baby steps. Take the stairs one flight up if you’re starting from zero, and work it up from there. You can go from taking zero flights of stairs to five, ten, or even twenty daily, and you’ll notice your legs getting toned and stronger and your endurance getting better as you progress.

2. Take walks with your kids or your baby.

Have an infant? Forego the stroller and strap them in your carrier for their regular dose of sun and fresh air. Keep doing this even as they gain more weight—your body will get stronger and progress as they get heavier. Have toddlers? Take them to a safe, wide, open space (think a park or a clubhouse) and let them run free as you chase a long. We all know how tiring that really is! If you have older kids busy with activities, consider joining a sport they’re learning, too. That way, you can play with them, too.

3. Invest in a proper trainer and a gym you can definitely go to.

Enroll in a gym that’s nearest to your house (or office), get a good trainer, and pay all the needed fees in advance. Nothing is more motivating than the idea that you wouldn’t want your money to go to waste. The good thing about having a personal trainer is you don’t have to do much other than show up—he will guide you every step of the way and help you achieve your fitness goals.

4. Take up a sport

It’s never too late to learn something! If you have a competitive spirit, channel that energy into a sport. Enroll in a new sport that’ll involve breaking a lot of sweat—you’ll feel the pounds melting off soon enough!

5. Enroll in a dance class

Aside from the exercise you’ll be getting, you’ll also find a community of people who have similar goals—you’ll also feel sexier and more body confident when you learn how to move freely.

SOURCE.

I can't believe it's been months before I remember to post this super good "pasalubong" from my brother.

It was our first time to try the famous Irvin's Salted Egg Potato Chips and man, oh man, we were soooo hooked!

Can't wait to buy another one soon because I heard they recently opened a stall in SM Megamall. (*grin*)

How about you? Have you tried this treat already?

I leave you with these beautiful photos of our last sunset in Bohol. Aaaah, this vacation has made the family even closer, bonded for a couple of days and made us even more grateful for the blessings that God has always been giving us.

These photos are enough to prove how much God loves us!


Do you think so, too?


Aaah, this is indeed a beauty!


This perfect view is embedded in our hearts forever!


Bohol was one of the best islands in the Philippines. I've been here for the third time and it looks like I will be back again maybe in the next few years!