Happy 2014 everyone!

Happy New Year! *my best shot using my phone*

I hope I am not too late to wish you all a Happy New Year! It is a new year and I look forward to another discoveries, challenges, new memories to create and cherish and many things to learn. What things do you look forward to? I just can't believe I am turning 21 in May (finally legal in most countries) Scary how time flies so fast, isn't it?  

2013 had been a very fulfilling year for me - it was the year I graduated in college. There are few things I remember, most of them are meant to be forgotten but you know some memories are cruel they stay in the back of your mind, you thought they are already gone but in one snap you remember everything vividly.

And of course, what is life without 'dramas' which I don't want to talk about. I was lost - lost as to which path to take but everything is quite good now. I found the path and I know it will lead me to my dreams or if not I will thank myself for taking risks. 

The next best part of my 2013, I did a lot of baking and cooking it probably saved me from all those dramas I encountered and which is why I'm studying again. This is it! This was also the year I saw The Killers and Linkin Park live! I waited for these two bands and I was indeed very happy!

To summarize: last year was finding how I will make my dreams come true and this year is all about making my dreams a reality. One step at a time though to make sure I get there. 

I don't want to make this entry long but I am leaving you all with quotations and words to get you by  for the rest of the year - hoping they will inspire, help and motivate you.

mooonlightfright:
2014 is going to be a good year. You wanna know why? Because I say so. Stop asking 2014 to be good. Demand it. Kindly. The universe gives you what you put out. If you put out negative iffy vibes then that’s what you’re gonna get. You deserve the best. Its time for you to believe it.

from Pinterest
My favorite of all!

from Pinterest

image source

image source

And I'm also sharing the two songs that I loved and was so obsessed the entire year:

Woodland - The Paper Kites

Listen here

Listen here

Listen here

I hope all of us will have a great year! Love and happiness!

XO

Three Words: I cooked dinner!

I can finally cross out the no. 23 in my bucket list. I never had the time and courage to cook dinner for my family though it's just a simple pasta but the fact that no one has taught me yet (though I'm enrolled in a culinary school, I decided to not wait for our pasta class) and they finished it all especially my brother liked it so much that he had two full servings, it made my heart smile and melt. 

Linguine pasta with bacon and some shredded leftover turkey

I could not give you a detailed description on how it tasted but it tasted good for a first timer! The tomato sauce, the bacon, parmesan cheese and basil leaves gave it more flavor and taste! I love the linguine pasta. Hopefully this year I'll be able to do a lot of cooking and baking!

Bon appétit! 

An Ode to Summer by Kinfolk

Kinfolk Magazine: Issue 4 (An Ode to Summer) from Kinfolk (kinfolk.com) on Vimeo.

Our promotional video for Issue 4 of Kinfolk Magazine (http://www.kinfolkmag.com), a quarterly publication based in Portland, OR. We are a growing community of artists, writers, designers, photographers, cooks and others who are interested in creating small gatherings and finding new things to cook, make, and do.

“The stories in this volume share ideas for creating summer traditions and travels, whether that means planning months in advance or taking off for a last-minute weekend in the sun… We hope these stories will prompt you to try something new—or old—during the next few months. The meals and activities we promote with Kinfolk vary, but they are all based on our goal to create and strengthen relationships and to find more meaningful ways to connect and entertain.” —Editor Nathan Williams

Unfortunately, Issue 4 is currently out of stock. Other issues and subscription options are available here: http://shop.kinfolkmag.com

—

The film is produced by Andrew and Carissa Gallo of Sea Chant (http://seachant.co), a stoytelling outfit based in Portland, OR. For photos, see http://seachant.co/an-ode-to-summer.

I'd like to share to all of my lovely readers my favorite video of all time. This video captured my heart and soul. I love how the message of this video connects with the visuals and the music.

Whenever I feel like the world shuts me down - the sky turns gray, the water stops to flow, and the flowers wilt. I quickly load this short video and for a moment everything seems so perfect and endlessly beautiful. It's like I am living in a new world where flowers dance, birds sing to me in the morning and the wind carries me around the world. Sometimes I watch it with my eyes closed and I make my own scenes in my head - I like it more that way but still everything about this video is so enchanting and lovely....

I hope you enjoy and love it as much as I do. 

"Summer, after all is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people.
For those few months, you're not required to be who everyone thinks you are.
And that cut grass smell in the air, and the chance to dive into the deep end of the pool give you the courage you don't have for the rest of the year.
You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past.
Summer just opens the door and lets you out."

(Even though I haven't purchased any Kinfolk issue, I know buying one is worth it especially The Kinfolk Table Cookbook!

A Little Fun

For the past days since I blogged I was very busy.

- started with my school (I'm on my way in fulfilling my dreams)

- been spending a lot of time with my relatives

- also been baking.. as usual. I enjoy that time a lot.

I started with school a week ago. I met new people of course - they seem nice and easy to get a long with. We are only eight students in our class by the way but I don't really mind though. I thought our chef is strict, the kind of teacher who will give me jitters before going to school but he is great and a cool one. The teachers I had in my university, they were strict. LOL.

If you are wondering, I am studying culinary because I am so interested in cooking since I was a kid growing and I believe food connects people from all walks of life and any kind of occasions whether it is grand or not, there is always food in the table and conversations would tend to get longer and longer. And especially I want to be that person who will cook for their special events in life or simply cook for my own family and hoping to open my little café-bakery in the future.

There are a lot of things going around inside my head such as traveling - discovering new flavors, dishes, or family recipes from different people (this is the most exciting part), preparing Christmas dinner for the family, baking breads and cookies for my friends to be given during their birthdays, etc... I wish one of these things will happen in my life.

Last weekend, before my cousin went back to the United States we planned on having a little trip on the hill - we ate our lunch there and you know hike a little (it was very tiring - I got drunk the day before our trip so just imagine me walking up the hill with a hang over). It was a cold-windy kind of day very perfect for us since we live in a tropical country.

I love looking above 

On that same day, I baked a hundred cupcakes needed tomorrow morning. It was a challenge for me because I didn't have enough sleep, I had hang over and I was exhausted from our trip. We went home late and so, I finished past midnight. But thank God I have my day off the next day - the sweat and lack of sleep were all worth it because they liked the cupcakes.

This coming weekend, I will be out again with my college friends, I have to shop for the supplies I am going to use for school and I am going to bake hundred cupcakes again. So bring it on!

And... I have other things to do in preparation for Christmas!

But tomorrow is my rest day! Hooray!!

xx

Christmas Wish List (2013)

I remember I told someone I didn't want anything for Christmas what I meant by that was if there is someone who is so kind and sweet enough to give me something for Christmas. I hope or wish he/she would give me these.. at least one of these precious things I really adore and been wanting to have.

1. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Source

I have been going to every bookstores I ran into just to buy this book. Unfortunately either the book is out of stock or sold out but it would really really make my Christmas joyous if someone would give me this as a present. The title itself "The Language of Flowers" will give you an idea what it is about. Yes, the names of every flower has its meaning and are used to express our emotions/feelings...

Source Wikipedia:

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken… The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply passionate, romantic love and pink roses a lesser affection; white roses suggest virtue and chastity and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can indicate either haughtiness or respect… Gerbera(daisy) means innocence or purity. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents the sending of a message. An Anemone signifies disappearance of hope. A pansy signifies thought, a daffodil regard, and a strand of ivy infidelity…

I also would love to know how the novel was beautifully written. I heard the author did a great job writing it in terms of the story and development of the character. And besides of falling in love with flowers and books, what I truly like about books is they give me a sense of belongingness that I cannot have in reality, lessons and all sorts of realizations that I never thought can happen in one's life. Books are like teachers and adventurers to me :')

2. A planner/organizer

A sample - not the exact planner I want but I like the design
Source

Since I entered college a planner became an essential notebook to buy yearly - it helped me to become more organized, to remember important dates and appointments, allows me to have my private space for doodling - using my colorful set of pens (write down everything that will motivate me throughout the year such as lyrics from a song, quotes, or poems etc.) and record all the events I do not want to forget and I also staple or stick receipts, movie/concert tickets, flowers, etc (the best part of having a planner) ohh let us not forget those cute and vintage post-its : - )

With the design I am very meticulous in choosing which design or pattern to buy. Sometimes it takes me 30 or 45 minutes to choose (my mom gets mad at me for being like that) it's like shopping for clothes. I want a planner that suits my personality or interests/likes. 

Well if you are curious with my likes or interests: I am giving you hints

I like sea, clouds, boats, letters/postcards, and flowers.

It's also my wish to TRAVEL - set my foot on each continents that would be the last thing I will ever do before I die.

3. Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf 

details: http://www.sephora.com/flowerbomb-P255506
source

This soft, floral, and sweet perfume is a must-have for every ladies especially for a girl like me who wants to smell like a flower! : - P I have no words for this. I want it so bad though it's a little pricey but it's worth it you know.

So if ever someone is planning to give me something for Christmas here are the things that will make me truly happy for the holidays and I will definitely cherish it. But you know, since Christmas is about giving love, spending time with your loved ones and sharing what you have. I am not going to be 'pushy' about this list. I can purchase these things someday. Your presence and greeting is enough to make my Christmas an unforgettable one!



xx