In a Corner, Happy and With My Book

If you love reading, it is vital to find time to read. It's a special kind of happy place. It can be a source of inner-peace and a simple form of self-care.  Here's another three books to find and try out. I enjoyed them and you might also. They are in the "Contemporary Romance" category and for adults.

Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels:  The beginning sequence in this story is gut wrenching and graphic and may be triggering for some that have suffered that sort of tragedy. I don’t want to give out any spoilers, but just be aware that this book has some very difficult themes about mental health and the consequences of life choices. Presley is the main “heroine” in the story and her strength through some tough adversities is inspiring. There is a whole slew of characters from a small town in Tennessee including Zach & his brothers. Zach and Presley have some serious history (and chemistry) that is hard for them to ignore and much drama ensues. It’s a heartwarming story of family and forgiveness and a ultimately a beautiful story about the enduring power of love. 

 

 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy: This story took me on so many emotions and I welcomed all of them. Hannah is a great lead—vulnerable yet strong, funny and determined. She has a tragic past she continues to overcome and she definitely has a inspiring vibe about her. Without revealing spoilers because I feel like if I say anything more specific about Hannah’s life and choices, it reveals the course of the story, I just want to say that I enjoyed the character of Garrett—talk about the dream guy—not overly sappy, but has all the characteristics to give any girl the feels.  These two form a great friendship….and the reader will have to check this selection out to see if anything deeper develops between these two.  Do it.  I had a great time reading this one. 

 

 

Fight the Spark: Sons of Sinners Part 1 by Grace James: The lead of this story is Amy, and boy does this girl go through quite a life journey in a short amount of time. She meets Connor and she experiences quite the adventure with him—all kinds of ups and downs—exciting and toxic. The reader is introduced to a cast of interesting & fun characters: Amy’s friends Hayley and Amy, then Connor’s band mates, most notably his cousin Blake.  There is so much drama in this story.  Even though it’s 474 pages, I went through it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down.  I just had to know what happens next.  This is only the beginning book…there is a sequel.

 

Just leave me be, I'm reading. 😄

The Way We Love Ghirardelli Square

A beautiful site indeed.

When people online/social media talk about things/products they love, it often comes with an intention to sell or make money off of the endorsement. Hey, we love these vitamins, you want to buy it? Here's my link...

We love Ghirardelli Chocolate & more specifically, everything that Ghirardelli Square Ice Cream Shop has to offer. Full stop--no hocking products or an intention to make money off of our "influence". Our specific favorite item is the Sea Salt Brownie Ice Cream Sundae--this comes with scoops of exquisite ice cream, hot fudge toppings and surrounded by two gooey (the most delicious) brownies. 

My sweet family...💓🍫Special appearance by Sundae and Hot Chocolate.

 

We were in San Francisco for four nights and I'm unashamedly (well, maybe just a little) admitting that we went and got this dessert every day that we were there. Our (solid, may I add) reasoning was that we were on vacation, we're allowed to indulge. And make no mistake about it, we indulged. We also got the hot chocolate--the best we've ever had, and I also tried (and loved) their chocolate shake.

Yes, this chocolate shake is perfection.

 

They have great chocolate squares, which technically you can get anywhere, but it's special coming from here. Don't fight me on that. Then on our last day, we got some additional brownies to have on our travel home. They are gooey, and oh-so-rich. I'm feeling no regrets about that.  

It's funny how this entry is vigorously giving off advertisement vibes, but I'm not selling anything. If you're in San Francisco, try it or don't. I don't know what excites you. But sincerely, this place is a family favorite for us....and holds a special place in our hearts. 

The very loved Ghirardelli Brownie Sundae.

What if, no hear me out, there was a magical trolley that instantly took us to Ghirardelli Square?

Our love affair with Ghirardelli Square is long-distance. And we can't wait to physically get back together with them. LOL Til next time...

Embrace your joys!

We love San Francisco.

Our Alcatraz Experience and Adventures

 

Family on the Island with a gorgeous view of San Francisco in the background.

Photo Cred: First-Born  This was a spontaneous shot I just love of me & the Youngest.

The First Born couldn't resist taking a picture with this photogenic Alcatraz bird.

Photo Cred: The Huz  Doesn't this bird look like he's literally posing for the camera? Too cute!

San Francisco has been a repeat destination for our family over the years and in previous times, The Huz has always said that he wanted to check out Alcatraz Island but for some reason or another, we didn't do it. On this particular trip, I intentionally went online to make sure I reserved the date. It's an easy process, just pick the date & time. The boat loads on Pier 33. 

We arrived on the loading pier a few hours early just to make sure we knew where it was and they told us we could go ahead and board the boat so we were able to get on the island before our scheduled time. Without planning it, we actually gave ourselves more time to explore the island. For those that typically get motion sickness, the short boat trip is definitely choppy so I suggest taking some kind of motion sickness deterrent (Dramamine works well for me, personally). 

Once on the island, there is an informative audio-guided tour that features fascinating perspectives of life in a maximum security penitentiary from the prisoners themselves as well as the guards who oversaw them. After that tour, guests are pretty much free to walk around and explore. It is a National Park so keep in mind that you shouldn't touch plants and wildlife and definitely don't take anything that you didn't buy from the gift shop. 

There is a lot of walking involved and many steep, upward and downward hills. Wear comfortable shoes. Also, it can get windy, so be prepared for that and definitely bring at least one layer.

We had such a good time. The Island is absolutely beautiful with some fantastic views of the Bay, the water, greenery and foliage all over. It has sights, sounds and picture perfect opportunities, but also profound history.  If you have the chance and opportunity definitely put this Island on your "To Visit" list. 

We love San Francisco.💓

"'Larry The Musical' now Playing in San Francisco"

Thankful to watch this musical as a family.

 

This is an incredible show, currently playing at the Brava Theater in San Francisco. 

As a Filipina American, I was excited to be among the first to see this musical play but I was also nervous because I wanted it to be good. Well, I am happy to say that I was extremely impressed by the entire production. The performances were fantastic--the acting, the singing, and even the choreography. The sets were simple, but it all worked. So beautifully written--with heart--and a wonderful tribute to the late great Larry Itliong. 

If you get the chance & opportunity, go see this musical!

This is a brilliant cast!

I wish this production continued success!

Something, then Rest

We went on a much anticipated week-long cruise a couple of months ago (deng, time moves fast) and somehow, during the first three days, I had some stomach issues and I wasn't feeling at my absolute best. I was able to participate and enjoy myself but in-between activities, I would go back to my stateroom and rest--lay down, even nap. I was disappointed in myself because I just wanted to be energetic and go-go-go.  But my body was letting me know it wanted something else. 

By about the third day of the cruise, I felt much better and closer to the energy I wanted to have. This cruise, as a whole, was super memorable for my family and we had such an amazing time. And I'm happy I allowed myself time to focus on resting the first three days in order to enjoy the remainder of the week.

Taken at the port of Ensenada, Mexico. As a family, we just naturally have a lot of silly moments, but rarely is it captured on camera since pictures are often posed & such...so I personally love this candid shot. So thankful for family. 💓

The idea of "something, then rest...something, then rest..." resonates with me in a literal sense, highlighted further by my recent experience on the cruise, but also how important the concept is in a figurative sense too--your mind, your heart, your senses....everything that makes a person a whole, strong individual. 

There are people who are go-go-go people and they thrive on constantly moving & filling up their calendars. And that's ok. Do what brings you joy or fulfills you. That being said, it's okay to be a live-in-the-moment, take-it-slow-and-rest person too. You can do something, then rest, physically and mentally. Give yourself grace. 

This is a non-judgemental zone. 🚫

Again, sending love & light to anyone that needs it. 😘

A Superficial American's Take on The Royal Estrangement

 

A compelling tweet, as it does for me, invoke a sense of truth.

 

I've been quietly following the Royal Family from a superficial perspective for quite some time since I was a little girl watching my Mom admire Princess Diana and her fashion, to being enthralled when Prince William & Princess Catherine married, then Prince Harry and Meghan married, to now watching the whole "Meghxit" & all that drama play out in front of the world (or whoever cares to pay attention).

It's such a roller coaster and people have strong opinions on both sides--it's almost like watching American politics--with all its vicious polarization. Ultimately, we're not them & we don't REALLY know what is going on behind the scenes except what is told to us by "insiders" so we can only comment on what we can gleam from interviews, books written, and frankly what is NOT said mostly by the Royal Family themselves. 

But again, on a superficial level, I have formed my own opinions on the whole matter between The Royal Family & Prince Harry and Meghan. When the two first decided to leave for America, their statement(s) were leaning towards continuing public service and adding good into the world. But instead, they participated in a "complaining about everything interview",  they've put out a Netflix piece that basically trashed (at least that's what they intended, in my opinion) members of the family, have been dropped from big-cash media deals, accepted weird awards no one has ever heard of, inflated paparazzi attention and various other publicity stunts. Meanwhile, The Royal Family has continued on, without any public comment and been seen carrying out Royal duties supporting charities and bringing social issues to public attention. 

Now, there are concerning illnesses in the Royal fold and instead of being a help to the family, Harry and Meghan have put themselves in an untrustworthy situation and can not offer significant working assistance to the family. It's all unfortunate...but it could have been avoided if Prince Harry and Meghan did not go out of their way to talk negatively about the family and purposely cause such a tremendous rift. It's normal to have issues and not get along all the time--most families can relate to that. But when you blast your issues out into the public arena it puts you on a road of no return, which I think Harry & Meghan have put themselves in. 

As an American that doesn't know anything on the inside and have no true stakes in the game, I am Team William. I think he's been through a lot--losing his mother at such a young age, his grandparents, the current illnesses in his family and his (probably forever) rift with his only brother, caused in my opinion by his brother. He offers no statement on that matter, has not publicly renounced his brother, and probably will just continue on without mentioning him, ever really.  

And I don't think Prince Harry and Meghan feel they are in the wrong...which is a self-centered, dare-I-say narcissistic trait. Self awareness and reflection is the best way to work towards being a better human. It's easy to blame others, but what exactly is your own part in the situation? Public service is about doing--not about bashing others, elevating yourself with self-praise and accepting weird awards, which Harry and Meghan have many examples of doing. I still cringe at some of Meghan's speeches (you can find these on Youtube) praising herself. I'm literally cringing right now remembering some of her words (she definitely pats herself on the back as often as she's able to).

But I'm not trying to join the bashing side or anything like that. And I'm not trying to claim that I'm unbiased. But I feel I formed my bias based on what I've seen, heard and read about the situation. I liked them all at one point, but if you've been following the events, it's hard to remain neutral.

That being said, sending out love and light into the world, as usual. XOXO

  

Do it Your Way, Do it Differently

I am someone that naturally leans towards simplicity and the simple ways of life. That's such a general description and honestly can be taken any sort of way, but for me, it just means, I don't want for much. My main sources of joy are reading, watching entertainment (movies, TV shows, performances etc), eating good food & trying out new places & different genres as well as cooking and experimenting with food combinations, traveling and spending time with my loved ones. And if I can get bargains along the way & spend little money, I find that such a bonus. 

I've eaten at fancy restaurants, stayed in expensive hotels/resorts and been generally around people that put high value on money. Throughout life's ups and downs--struggles and anxiousness--I know the truest form of gratitude and I'm in constant thankful mode that I can even make the previous declaration--a privileged yet humble life. 

The absolute happiest and most content I am in life is when it's not about something expensive or fancy. It's a tasty, affordable satisfying meal. It's a feeling of wonder when I'm experiencing something new with my loves--like a new amusement park, a boat ride, a movie we enjoy, a belly clutching moment of laughter. I don't want a bigger home, I'd rather have a paid-off, charmingly quaint home. I'd rather save money than be in debt.  That kind of thing.

And I know that in this hustle culture of, more is better, bigger is best, my simple vibe--perfectly happy with less--isn't normal or maybe even desired. But it's ok. I know what makes me content. And I'm deciding to own that. 

Drink a lot of water, but it doesn't have to be in pink Stanley cup. Enjoy a good cup of coffee, but it doesn't have to be from a popular franchise everyone goes to. Buy the car you want or need, but it doesn't have to be the car that gives the perception of wealth. Travel with & to places that bring you joy, but not because you want to show off on Social Media. Do it your way. Do it differently, if that's what makes you happy. 

If you live in privilege, enjoy it & be thankful. But it's acceptable to choose to live a humble life--whether by necessity, or whether by choice. Embrace being de-influenced. You don't need permission or approval to have or want less. 

XOXO to everyone receiving it well. 😘