charmed life♥

Happy 2026!  I know most of us have are own plan / resolution this new year.  Of course we all want to start the new year right... This year I want to save more... invest... be more frugal.  I am not getting any younger, I really want to build my retirement fund. Here are some of things I am not buying for 2026:  source: Pop mart Plushie bag charms / Blind boxes :   Yes!  I admit, I splurged a lot on "anik-anik": from the Labubu monters, Hello Kitty plushies, Care Bears, Monchhichi and etc.  I promised myself - No more "unleashing the child in me " for the moment.  I hope that I could control myself.  I admit I love anything cutesy... but I have to do this.  There are boxes still unopened.  It took up so much space in my room.  (But of course, if it's a gift - I would gladly accept it. source: Google Tumblers : I have a lot of unused stainless tumblers at home.  So I think I should refrain from purchasing new one this ye...

Hello 2024!  I just want to share Mochi's best 9 for 2023.  There are a lot of milestones in his doggie life that is why it's really hard to choose his best 9. Saturday dates with Mochi are always the best.  I do take him with me every grooming time of this dog cousins... I love doing coffee dates with him and I feel that he loves it too. His first Tanay highlands trip, actually it's my first also.  I do love taking him on long drives and he enjoys it.   He turned 3 years old - last August 15.   One of my personal favorite is when he was invited by SM Megamall to join the Mega PupStar contest.  Even though he did not win the Grand prize, but he was chosen as one of the semi-finalists and finished Top 5.  (Not bad right?!) I don't really take him to pet events often... (coz I'm a praning dog mum, I don't want him to get sick).  There are only 2 events that we visited the one in Robinson's Magnolia and SM Megamall.  We met some o...

source: shutterstock Yes, you read this right.  I want to share about my menopause journey.  Before people or women in particular are really not open in talking about this.  But now I feel people are more open to talk about anything (especially menopause, let's admit this will happen to every woman whether we like it or not).   I admit I transitioned to menopause early... Just a little background: I have a normal cycle (regular period) and I did not experience severe abdominal/menstrual cramps (all are tolerable).   I am on my early 40's when I started to have heavy flows, irregular periods.  To me, it's not normal.  Honestly, I never thought that I am experiencing perimenopause that time.  I felt I was too young.  I decided see an OB-Gyne because I was afraid that I might have hormonal imbalance like my sister.  I did the blood works.. and yes the results are quite above the limits.  But the doctor told me that to be cons...

Many people thought that you are lonely if you are single or you are not in a romantic relationship.  I don't know why this is a big deal to some people.  Yes, I am single.  But I could look straight into their eyes and say "I am not lonely."   I am not a man hater, choosy... maybe it's my destiny.  Who would wish to grow old alone?  As a child, I also dreamt of walking down the aisle wearing a wedding dress.  But what will you do if that's your fate.  I never questioned God..  Honestly, I also hoped and prayed for that... but every time I meet someone.. I always pray to God, if he is or the not the one, give me a sign or enlighten me - so I could make a right decision.  I believe that God has always guided me in all the decisions I made.  And I don't regret it.  I have a lot of learnings and I am thankful for it. There are times I wished that I have someone... especially when I am not feeling well or too stressed at work ...

source: Google.com Recently I shared the on how I dealt with my dog being a picky eater.  Middle of last year he refuses to eat his dry dog food (kibbles), that's why I added wet dog food with it.  I tried different brands it worked until the beginning of this year.  Whenever I try to feed him with dry + wet dog food he just smell and not eat.  That's why I decided to add boiled chicken or liver sometimes gizzard.  There are also times when I add boiled finely chopped Baguio beans, broccoli, mashed sweet potato (camote) or mashed pumpkin (kalabasa).  He loved it!   source: Google.com But last week (when the weather started to become hotter) he just smelled and ate a little.  So the end result : he vomited the "yellow foam".  We fur parents know what that means - Vomiting yellow foam means his stomach is empty.   When I got home from work last Friday (active as he is when I entered our home): he barked, jumped for joy to see me,...

For months I have been meaning to visit Tanay, Rizal.  Recently, Tanay has become a popular spot for travelers especially the bikers and motorcycle riders.  I have been to Tagaytay last December and the traffic is worse.  Maybe that is why people opted to go to Rizal area aside from the scenic view, cool weather and most importantly - "no traffic". We drove to Tanay on a one fine Thursday morning... from our home to Tanay it took us 1 hour and 20 minutes.   We are welcomed by a spectacular view of the mountains and the super chilly weather.  Good thing that I brought a jacket but unfortunately I was wearing shorts (haha).   Had breakfast at Tanay Highlands Cafe while enjoying the breathtaking view: Overlooking the Pililia Windmills.  Fresh air, blue skies, all the greens, mountains and the cool breeze  - a day off from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. The Alfresco Cafe serves wide variety of dishes from Classic Filipino Breakfast, ...

Hello 2023!♥  2022 is not a walk in the park, even though we lost a family member, we are still grateful for all the things that happened.   Happy that I was able to spend time with my family and relatives more, especially my cousins from down under was able to travel here in the Philippines after 5 years. Received a lot of blessings in 2022:  Got my first payout from Google Adsense, my Mochi was chosen to be a part of the 50 Most InPawential dogs of 2022.  My online boutique is still in business and on it's 11th turning 12 this year. Wishing for a prosperous and blessed 2023 to all of us. xo, Chiq♥

Happy 2022 everyone!   This is my first post for the year.  Actually I was planning to post something on the first week of January, but unfortunately a lot of things happened.  My nephew got sick (his family is living with us), and our family doctor advised us to isolate for 10 days.  He did not required us to have an antigen test anymore, because we are all fully vaccinated (and majority of us have been boosted).  I am super worried also because I have senior parents but "Praise God!" that they did not get sick or had any symptoms (that's why - vaccines really help!). Quarantine Celebration:  I never thought that I will celebrate my 50th birthday on isolation.  When the pandemic started last 2020 I was very optimistic that by 2022 we will be back to normal.  Unfortunately,  we are still in this situation, I was hoping to celebrate my birthday even with my family and close relatives.  (Since the cases last December was low).  I...

source: Google In this time of pandemic, one of the solutions that our government could offer is vaccination.  There are a lot of news about the vaccine. I remember at first I have hesitations and choosy with the brand, but as days go by and with the growing number of cases (especially with the surge in India with the new Delta variant) - I realized that I should not be choosy and be open for it.  I still believe that whatever vaccine you will get - it's the one meant for you and you will be protected.   Last June 2, I got my first dose of Sinovac vaccine.  Yes, the controversial China vaccine, I need not elaborate or write about it because I am not a medical expert.  All I know is that it was approved by the Philippines' Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and it's safe for emergency use here in the Philippines.  Honestly, my choice is either Pfizer or Astra Zeneca but when I went to the vaccination site only the Sinovac vaccine is available. Falling...

Another year!   And I thank the Lord for it... I am grateful to my family, relatives and friends...  My fervent wish is for the Covid-19 to disappear forever, so we can all go back with our normal lives.  Yes, the pandemic taught us a lot of things and we will carry that learnings wherever we may go and whatever we will do.♥♥♥ Thank you Lord for life, family, relatives, friends...  good health, work, business... and for all the blessings... I am not perfect but you love me Lord despite of my imperfections and flaws...

Happy New Year!  2020 has been a challenging year to all of us, and I know we are all hoping for a better and healthier 2021.  I want to share my last year's best nine.  Although we really don't want to look back on what transpired in 2020 (because we really want to close that chapter), but I am still grateful...  Yes, I'm grateful and thankful for a lot of things:  Me and my family are safe and healthy (even though Covid19 is still present until this day), I still have my job  (we all know that a lot of people lost their jobs because some of the businesses closed out),  my small online business is still open and that really helped me especially during the pandemic. Top nine (part 1) When Metro Manila was placed under quarantine there are no other things to do at home: it's either you clean, organize, bake and cook.  Well I did all of that... but that period really brought back my love for cooking and baking.  It's my first time to bake (a ca...

We often hear this term nowadays.  Do you consider yourself a Tita of Manila?  For my own personal opinion... "Titas of Manila" is the best description for the powerful and independent women of today (the age of the Millennials).  Yes I do consider myself a "Tita" but not yet a Lola.. (hahaha).. I'm in my late 40's but who cares... age is just a number, what's important are your learnings and experiences through the years. Here are some of the things you should know if you are one of us: Clothes - we opt for classic looks... plain top or bottoms.  We are more into classic white, black or dark/navy blue, army green.  But sometimes we also love adding a splash of colors into our outfit but not too loud.  source: Google.com Slip-ons/Slippers - when we reached the 40's mark we tend to experience back pains... (I do experience this too).   I used to wear sky-high heels, stilettos...  now I am more comfortable in wearing flats, sli...

Source: Google There are a lot of learnings that happened during this quarantine.  Maybe one of the positive things that  Covid-19 has taught everyone : having an emergency fund.  When I started working I admit, I buy anything and everything that I wanted.  (A new phone every year, clothes and bags etc).   But 5 years after I realized that I need to save so I opened my savings account in China Bank (this is not actually my first, I had a Banco Filipino Happy Saver's Club account before).  This is where I started saving money from my salary.  Saving P500.00 to P1,000.00 per payday, is not that bad, right?! From that time I realized the importance of being frugal.  Though I still buy things that fascinates me but I think about it first 1 million times before splurging. (hihi)  As time goes by I wanted to grow my money more I tried researching for different ways, like investing my money, getting mutual funds and etc.  I also tried the ...

At one point in your life you would realize something... you have to let go of something so precious... something so special... May I quote Marie Kondo if it does not "SPARK JOY" anymore you have to let it go.   source: Google That does not mean you don't love the person anymore but you need to learn to love yourself more.  When you are starting to lose your self-respect.  I guess it's about time to move on to the next chapter of your life.  I know it will not be easy but I have been through this couple years ago.  Through prayers and support from friends... I was able to pick myself up.   Baby steps... healing will not happen overnight... but I know in time my heart will heal... wounds heal... but the scars from the past represents my experiences and learnings... I always believe that there's always sunshine after the rain... and rainbows will bring colors to my life again... ♥

source: Google.com I have been into online selling since 2011.  I started in Multiply, one year before it closed down - I have already shifted to Facebook where I created a page and weeks after that - Instagram.  I still have both accounts on Facebook and Instagram, though I am more active on the latter.   Yes, I have encountered different types of buyers..and sellers (I also shop online).   Well let us concentrate first with the "Buying" side.  I can say that around 95% of the buyers online are amazing, remaining 5% are so-so. :)   I am writing this based on my experience and hopefully it will help old and new buyers/customers if they wanted to purchase something online. BE POLITE : Be well mannered when inquiring.  Try to be courteous and ask the seller in a nice way.  Start with a "Hi or Hello" before you inquire about the price. DON'T CHANGE THEIR RULES OR GUIDELINES : Most sellers (that includes me) have t...

Happy Chinese New Year to all!♥  "Kung Hei Fat Choi", "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (which means : "Wishing you great happiness and prosperity") I am not a Chinese but I really follow their tradition (same with our Filipino tradition) every new year. Giving away ampaos, having pineapple and kiat kiat or oranges on the dinning table on New year's eve and etc.  I think there is nothing wrong with it.  I was born in the Year of the Boar/Pig, this is actually my year.   They say that Pigs are considered number two Auspicious or Lucky signs in Chinese, on which Dragon is number 1.   I do make research: watch or read anything online regarding what's in store in the Year of the Pig for me. Yes, I buy charms and enhancers for my luck, security and protection.  But of course, that we still need to work hard in order to accomplish every thing, and pray and be thankful to God for all the blessings that we receive.♥ xo, Chiq♥

source: Google I was not able to go to the public veneration of the incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio in Manila Cathedral yesterday.  The incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio arrived here in the Philippines last October 5 will stay until the 26th.  Today is the last day at Manila Cathedral and it will be flown to Cebu and Davao.  Last stop will be at the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Batangas.  I really feel bad.. but thanks to my good friend Mhai for getting me this handkerchief.♥ His presence, St Padre Pio (the miracle worker) Few years ago, I had a wonderful and unforgettable experience with St. Padre Pio when my Lola was confined in Cardinal Santos.  I prayed to him in the chapel, I held his hands and asked for healing (for my Lola). While I was standing in front of his image praying, I felt a cool breeze and started to have goosebumps all over... I really felt his presence... So I hurriedly went back to my Lola's room and ...

All my life I will be grateful to these two special people... They are my second parents. Aside from my parents, they are my rock!  I have a lot of fond memories of them.  My Lolo usually walk me to school whenever I stay with them, he is the one who taught me to become an entrepreneur. I am his stock clerk and sometimes his store assistant.  Lola is my strength, she was a strong woman.  Raising 9 children, juggling her role as a wife and mother.  She was really the "Ilaw ng tahanan" which really fits her name Iluminada... She taught me a lot of things: from buying in the palengke (market), cooking.. being prayerful and loving my family.  I am lucky that I was able to spend more time with them.  And until now I still miss them...But I know they are watching over me/us in heaven.  I will never get tired of honoring them... Happy Grandparents day in heaven! I love you both!♥ To the millennials, love your grandparents...try to spend your tim...

I won't miss posting this today...   Happy birthday Dear Mother!♥♥♥ Thank you for always keeping us in the cradle of  your love. I love you Mama Mary!

I totally love the movie!♥  Now I want to read the next book China Rich Girlfriend. I am not a bookie.. I'd rather watch than read, but after watching the movie I'm completely drawn into it.  It was a nice story... "Love really conquers all"...  At first I thought it was just a hype and they are just overrating the movie, but when I watched it last night - it was really a great film.  Now I can't wait for the sequel which I read somewhere online that it's on the planning stage. Favorite scene/s: I have a couple of favorite scenes:  Entrance of Princess Intan - Ms. Kris Aquino on the film (which I am really proud of because I am a Pinay).. Mr. Kevin Kwan is right, she's one of the highlights of the movie.  I really waited for it... It was short but with impact to us Filipinos.  I just wish that the Michael Cinco gown was show  Mahjong scene of Rachel and Eleanor - tissue moment My ultimate favorite - I love the wedding scene... Wh...