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. 😘