In just a few days, I’ll be turning a year older. Can you guess my age? Haha! This year has been a roller coaster ride for me. However, I am still grateful that I have a stable job and my family’s health is not affected by the COVID-19. Yes, there have been challenges and changes, but it boils down to realizing your blessings amid the struggles.

The months passed by so swiftly under the implementation of Community Quarantine and here I am again, turning another chapter in my life. I know that material things can only give you temporal happiness, but I’d like to share with you the little and simple things that can spark joy this upcoming “special day” of mine.

I’ve indicated the prices and stores/ sources so you can be guided where to find them if you are planning to surprise me. HAHA!

1. Cakes

I like the subtle sweetness of Ube cake and I won’t get tired of eating this at any time of the day. My other favorite flavors are Mango, Red Velvet, and Blueberry Cheescake.

Here are my top picks:

Ube cake from Caramia, Php 900

Where to buy it: Caramia store/ Caramia online store/Food Panda

Ube Bloom Cake from Red Ribbon, Php 632

Where to buy it: Red Ribbon store/ Red Ribbon online store/ Food Panda

Conti’s Blueberry Cheesecake, Php 675

Where to buy it: Conti’s Bakeshop or Conti’s Online Store

2. Skin care products

Lately, I’ve shifted my interest from make-up to skin care. Here are my top faves:

3W Clinic Collagen Clear Softener, Php 300 to 350

Where to buy it: Lazada or Shoppee

Nacific Phyto Niacin Whitening Essence and Fresh Herb Origin Serum, Php 1350

Where to buy it: Nacific Official Store in Shoppee

3. Lipsticks

IN2IT CXM03 Peach, Php 280

Where to buy it: Watsons

Maybelline Mauve Powder Matte, Php 299

Where to buy it: Watsons

4. Sneakers

I’ve been working from home most of the time and the only places I go to are supermarkets or malls. I like to have these comfy footwear from:

Stansmith UK Size 5 from Adidas, Php 4800

Where to buy it: Adidas

CAPTAIN’S CVO W LEATHER in Rose Dust Color, UK Size 5, Php 3435

Where to buy it: Sperry

5. Anything for my kitchen

I love cooking. Anything I can use in the kitchen would be appreciated. I’m not particular with the brand or price, for as long as they are usable and of good quality. Here are some of the items I think I can use often:

Set of knives

I dream of owning a knife from Nacionale Bladeworks but they are too expensive. Who knows, I can own one someday, right? That one above is Php 3500. Their prices range from 3k to 12k!!

Apron
Oriental Plates or Vintage Plates
Native placemats
McCormick Spices
Wooden Serving Board

6. My Favorite Food

I have a long list of my best-loved dishes but here are my top faves. You can either cook for me or order online: (In short, everything masarap! haha)

  1. Filipino food: Kare-kare, Crispy Pata, Beef Steak, Sinigang na Hipon
  2. Japanese food: Tempura, Sushi, Baked Sushi, Sashimi, Yakitori, Ramen, Katsudon, Gyoza
  3. Chinese food: Yang chow fried rice, Beef Noodles, Stir-fried noodles
  4. Persian food: Shawarma rice, Kebab
  5. Italian food: Pasta
  6. Seafood: Shrimp, Squid, Crabs
  7. Dessert: Milk Tea, anything cookies and cream

7. Small bag

So that’s it for now. More than the material things, I always value the people and their efforts in making this day a special one. Also, receiving these items is just a bonus. What is important is that I am happy and contented with my life right now. The Lord has been faithful to me through the years. For me, that is more than enough.