I am waving goodbye to 2015 and welcoming 2016 with a long list of “This Year I will.” I made goals instead of lists, New Year, New Me– goals that are almost impossible to achieve in a year. In my case, it would take me forever. I have come up with lists I hope to accomplish instead of coming up with a new set of goals.

1. (Get drunk) and have a great night out with your best friends.
2. Attend a festival. Go on a hot air balloon.
3. Be in two places at once.
4. Blog. Write 200 blog posts with not lower than 750 words on each post. Improve grammar and expand vocabulary.  (Still working on it)
5. Buy tickets for a random flight. (Bought an RT Manila-Cebu, August 2017)
6. Climb a mountain. (Banaue-Sagada-Baguio, February 2017)
7. Create a youtube video. (Nahhh!)
8. Embrace fears. Sing out loud and own the floor.
9. Follow your dreams.
10. Fulfill your resolutions for 2016.
11. Get fit and a more defined body. Lessen eating pork and sweets.
12. Get out of debt. Pay credit card debts. (Still working on it)
13. Get rid of clothes I don’t wear. Invest in new wardrobes. Buy tailored clothes.
14. Go on a cruise or a plane ride. (Flown to Palawan via Air Asia, August 2016)
15. Go parasailing, kayaking.
16. Go to mass every Sunday.
17. Learn a new language.
18. Learn a new skill. Learn how to play the guitar.
19. Make your best friend’s dream come true.
20. Monetize the blog again. Increase network of friends. Socialize to increase blog traffic.
21. Organize an out of town with friends. (Banaue-Sagada-Baguio, February 2017)
22. Plan for the weekend/holidays. Stay outdoors without spending much.  (Still working on it)
23. Read lots of books. Finish 50 books in a year. (Does 20 K-dramas count?)
24. Release a paper lantern.
25. Run a marathon. Participate in a color run.
26. Run around town while listening to loud music.  (Still working on it)
27. Set up my Filofax. Bring back the habit of journaling/planning every day first thing in the morning.  (Still working on it)
28. Spend alone time in a spa. Meditate.
29. Start saving for the future. Open a savings account. (Opened BPI Savings Account February 2016 under dad’s name)
30. Tour hometown. Bike around. Pretend to be a tourist. Take lots of photographs.
    
31. Travel to my dream location. (El Nido, Palawan with my sister, August 2016)
32. Wake up an hour earlier (6:00 a.m.) to work on my goals for the day. (Still working on it)

What about you? What are your goals? Your plans?

Updated: February 14, 2017

Cooking up a storm in our little studio unit is always a delight, especially when we’re whipping up classics like Sinigang na Baboy, Nilagang Baboy, Chicken Pork Adobo, and Kinamatisang Manok. But let’s face it, sometimes the delightful aroma of our culinary creations can linger a bit longer than we’d like in our compact space.

Living in a studio means that every scent tends to waft its way through the entire unit, and coupled with the lack of ventilation, things can get a tad funky. But fear not! Here are some friendly tips to keep your cozy abode smelling fresh as a daisy:

1. Let Nature In: Make friends with fresh air by opening up those windows and doors whenever possible. A gentle breeze and a touch of sunlight work wonders in whisking away lingering odors and bringing a breath of freshness into your home.
2. Invest in Air Quality: Consider treating yourself to an air purifier or air cleaner. While it may seem like a splurge, trust me, it’s a worthwhile investment. These nifty gadgets help purify the air, bidding adieu to pesky airborne particles and leaving behind nothing but pure, fragrant goodness.
3. Cover Up While Cooking: When you’re whipping up your culinary masterpieces, cover those pots and pans to minimize moisture and smoke. And don’t forget to place a trusty bowl of white vinegar near the stove – it’s like a superhero when it comes to absorbing unwanted odors.
4. Mind the Closet Doors: Keep those closet and cabinet doors closed while cooking to prevent your clothes from soaking up any lingering smells and grease. Unlike hard surfaces, fabric can be a bit finicky to clean.
5. Clean Up, Stat: As soon as you’re done with your kitchen magic, dive into cleanup mode! Wash those greasy pans, give the countertops a good scrub with soap, and mop those floor tiles until they shine like new.
6. Get Crafty with Natural Fresheners: Why not get creative with your very own all-natural air fresheners? Simmer your favorite spices in some water for a delightful aroma, or leave a bowl of vinegar or coffee grounds on the counter overnight to tackle even the toughest of odors.

With these friendly tips up your sleeve, you’ll have your studio unit smelling fresh and fabulous in no time. Here’s to many more aromatic adventures in your cozy culinary haven!

Exciting times are ahead as we bid farewell to our beloved home of the past three years and embark on a new chapter in a new place. But let’s be honest, moving can be quite the ordeal, especially when it comes to packing. So, let me share with you some moving tips that have been a lifesaver for me, and I’m sure they’ll be just as helpful for you:

1. Start Early: Don’t leave packing until the last minute; it’s a surefire way to stress yourself out. Begin as soon as you can after finding your new place. Trust me, packing always takes longer than you think. I gave myself a week for packing since we’re not drowning in belongings, but for larger homes, you’ll need even more time.
2. Declutter as You Pack: While you’re packing, take the opportunity to declutter. Toss aside items you no longer use or need into a separate box. Consider holding a garage sale, passing things on to friends, or donating to charity. I’m still deciding on this step myself since time is tight, but it’s worth considering.
3. Label Everything: Make life easier for yourself by labeling your boxes sideways according to their contents. I went for simple labels like “shoes,” “clothes,” and “others.”
4. Don’t Overfill Boxes: Be mindful not to overfill your boxes; they might not withstand the weight and end up breaking, leaving your belongings scattered. Pack lighter items in larger boxes and heavier items in smaller ones to keep things sturdy.
5. Keep Drawers Intact: Seal drawers with packing tape to prevent them from moving and save yourself the hassle of unpacking and repacking their contents.
6. Quick Closet Packing: Keep your clothes on hangers and slip them into clear plastic bags for a speedy packing solution. No need to fold and refold later!
7. Pre-Clean Your New Home: Take a pre-move visit to your new place and give it a good clean. Since our new unit is bare bones and we needed a bed, we made sure to purchase and install it before the big move.
8. Finish Packing Before Moving Day: Avoid keeping everyone waiting on moving day by ensuring everything is packed and ready to go beforehand.
9. Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a box containing essential items you’ll need immediately after the move, such as your next day’s uniform and toiletries. Keep this box handy and make it the last thing you pack.
10. Say Goodbyes: Before the hustle and bustle of moving day, take a moment to bid farewell to friends, roommates, landlords, and neighbors. It’s a nice touch before diving into the excitement of your new adventure.

Here’s to smooth sailing and happy packing!

Living as a bed spacer has been our practical choice ever since college, and it’s been smooth sailing thanks to our wonderful landlady, landlord, boardmates, and friends. In the bustling city of Makati, my sister and I have called a cozy old house our home for about five years now. It’s nestled in a gated compound, boasting four decently-sized bedrooms, a solo room, a living area, kitchen, three bathrooms, six toilets, and a laundry space.

Though it’s not palatial, it’s spacious enough for us, especially compared to other options. Each bedroom is equipped with three double-decker beds, ensuring a maximum of five occupants to prevent overcrowding. Still, with the house being wooden, you can’t escape the occasional sensation of movement when someone’s walking around. It’s a small annoyance, especially for our sensitive new roomie, but nothing too serious.

What makes this place truly special is its convenience. It’s a stone’s throw away from both my workplace and my sister’s, with malls just a short ride away and plenty of eateries and churches within walking distance.

Sure, you could opt for a more lavish setup without limits or curfews, but for us, simplicity and practicality reign supreme. Besides, we’ve just found our next home sweet home, where we plan to settle in for the foreseeable future.

Life’s meant to be enjoyed, no matter the circumstances.

It’s been a month of tireless searching for the perfect apartment, studio unit, or room around Makati, conveniently located near our workplaces in McKinley Hill and Oranbo, Pasig. Despite our efforts, we haven’t found a place that ticks all our boxes – one-month deposit and one-month advance terms, no post-dated checks required, guests and pets allowed, and within our budget range of Php 5,000 – 6,500.

We’ve also been mindful of the Valley fault lines, ensuring that our new home is at least a kilometer away from them. Many have questioned why we’re still on the hunt, especially when Orense, our current location, is so accessible and convenient in terms of transportation and amenities.

To address that question, I’ve compiled a list below of the reasons why we’re eager to move out:

1. Need for Privacy and Space: My sister and I crave a private space beyond just our bed and closet.
2. Flexible Working Hours: With my work often extending into the late hours, having a curfew is simply not feasible. We need the freedom to come and go as we please without disturbing others.
3. Restrictive Visitor Policies: The strict “no male visitors allowed” policy prevents Dad, my sister’s boyfriend, my boyfriend, and even Mom from visiting and staying with us for extended periods without incurring additional charges.
4. Limited Socializing: Hosting friends for hangouts or sleepovers is out of the question, limiting our social life and opportunities for bonding.
5. Desire for Home-cooked Meals: I miss the joy of cooking and working in a spacious kitchen, free from the overcrowding and messiness of our current shared kitchen.
6. Entertainment Restrictions: Our landlord prohibits additional appliances, meaning we can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of watching our favorite shows on television.
7. Lack of Personal Space: It’s challenging to engage in personal activities like working out, crafting, or DIY projects in a cramped and shared environment.
8. Noise and Sensitivity Issues: Our current roommates’ loud and off-key singing, coupled with the sensitivity of our new roommate, creates a tense atmosphere that hinders our comfort and relaxation.

Despite the conveniences of our current location, these factors significantly impact our quality of life and well-being, motivating us to continue our search for a new and more accommodating home. Here’s to finding the perfect place where we can truly feel at peace and at home.