It's a couple of days late but I'm not gonna miss Raisa and Eileen's fun blog link-up where we talk about everything (literally!) that struck our fancy in the hopes of getting to know each other through our favorite things. 

Since, today's my rest day and I was planning on watching movies that I've missed and read books from my ever growing file of books to read, I thought of sharing my all time favorite tv shows because I'm feeling like a bum today and was a couch potato back then (and still is?). So here it is,

1. Sex and the City

It's been how many years since the last episode aired but here I am still watching reruns and pulling out my DVD Compilation when I needed a pick me up. Sex and the City have been on top of my list like forever and Carrie Bradshow, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes define squad goals for me. Forget about its sexual innuendos, Jimmy Choo's, Cosmopolitan and Designer Outfits but what I love about SATC is how it redefines the meaning of relationship for me.  Plus, it's the main reason why New York is on my bucket list.

2. Game of Thrones

No other show had kept me hooked up with its bloodiest and most shocking cliffhangers than what Game of Thrones does. Honestly, before the first episode was aired, I have already read the first two books from A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings (that's why I'm mostly Team Daenerys). I was doubtful at first how the tv series will give it justice because the books are epic fantasies and tv show budget (as far as I know) isn't that big but after the first episode, I was convinced and hooked. 

3. The Walking Dead

My cousin first introduced this zombie tv series to me. At first, I was a bit hesitant to watch this because I'm not really a fan of gore and horror (I thought it was a horror show) but after watching the first season, I was hooked. I love how it balances grotesque scenes with human feelings and I found myself looking forward to each new season and episodes. Just like Game of Thrones, what makes this show unique is its unpredictability. You watch your favorite character's die and you can't do anything about it because that how it goes. Speaking of which, Season 6 will start to air next month and I'm so damn excited!

4. Friends

Probably the best sitcom I've ever watched. Friends is this simple show, no special effects , no heavy scenes and heavy dramas but still memorable. Every time I catch reruns on this one, this still never fails to make me laugh.

5. That 70's Show!

The most underrated sitcom. It's hilarious and just plain wonderful. I wasn't able to watch it while it was airing but I got a DVD and watch all seasons for three days straight and got myself a good laugh. The reason why I haven't put it up on my list because it was never the same when Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace left. Kelso (Ashton) was really funny but I was in love with Erik (Topher), for me he was the backbone of the series and it was just never the same without him in it.

6. Dawson's Creek

Okay, I'm probably showing my real age here but this has been my favorite show back when I was still a teen. Pacey and Joey was my first favorite tv couple and I was really rooting for them (even in real life). 

7. The Amazing Race

Twenty-Eight Seasons (and counting) and I will never get tired of this reality show. This is one of those shows that you'll never know what's going to  happen to your favorite teams and the challenges are rarely the same. Plus, I love how they show the culture of each country they visited. It feels like I am also traveling with them. Fun fact about me: it's my secret dream to join this race.

8. America's Next Top Model

The models, photo shoots, guests and the behind the scenes drama, this show was my guilty pleasure!

9. Mr. Bean

Never fails to make me laugh!

10. Gossip Girl

I was a fan of the books before I watched the series. Though, the storyline was totally different from the books, Chuck Bass and Blair plus the gorgeous outfits and streets of New York, make up for it!

Honorable list: 

Skins, The Vampire Diaries, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Survivor, Family Guy, The Wonder Years 


How about you? What's your favorite tv show?

The "Ber" months are finally here! Cue in the "Christmas Carols, Christmas Decors, and the happy disposition because the Holiday Season is just around the corner! Sorry, I'm just so excited because Christmas is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I'm seriously counting down the days till December and is currently planning on what gifts to purchase! Okay, enough about that one. Since another month had ended and a new month came in, it's time for my monthly wrap-up post.

Seriously, I've been struggling for days on what to include on this entry because I feel like I didn't do much in August. I was so damn exhausted from the shift change at work (morning shift to a graveyard one) that my life lately has been on a work-eat-sleep-repeat schedule. 

What Have I Been Up To:

August was a crazy and at the same time fulfilling month at the office! Crazy because of the shift change that I still haven't adjusted yet and I am fulfilled because finally, I have bonded with my new team - in and out of the office. 

In case you missed it,

I've posted some of my favorite lines from one of my favorite self-help book, Mandy Hale's The Single Woman that you can check here. 

What Have I Read:

My Favorite Reads:

I gave a five-star rating to these books because they got me hooked up from start to finish and made me wanting for more.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover - Seriously, this book left me completely speechless. I went into this book with a clear head and no idea at all what this is about only that it's from one of my fave New Adult authors. I didn't read the blurb or any reviews because I wanted to be surprised and damn this left me out cold. If you want a book you simply cannot put down, get one from Colleen Hoover!

A Beautiful Funeral by Jamie McGuire - like Colleen Hoover, I'm also a huge fan of Jamie McGuire and her Maddox Brothers series. Fact: her book, Walking Disaster started my love and addiction for the New Adult genre and ever since then, the Maddox brothers has been a constant part of my list and this book is not an exemption. Though told in multiple POV's, it wasn't chaotic and confusing. Just a heads up though if you plan on reading this, read the other books first and prepare a box of kleenex ;)

Bossman by Vi Keeland - This is my 6th book from this author and it's my favorite so far! The witty dialogue, their unusual first meeting, their banter! AH! pure fun read. It has been a long time that I've read a hot boss hero and Bossman renewed it for me. 

Moonshot by Alessandra Torre - I've been raving about how talented Alessandra Torre is. Seriously, I haven't read a book from her that I wasn't satisfied. Every book of hers are different from each other yet at the same time you'd know that it's from her (you get what I mean?). Moonshot has everything that I wanted in a good romance novel - intense, second-chances, mystery, angst plus it's a sports romance that I haven't read in a while. 

...

Like the vast majority of the general public, and to also satisfy my Potterhead fangirl side, I got my hands on the newest Harry Potter Book, The Cursed Child. I haven't started reading it yet because I've read some not quite good reviews about the book online. Honestly, I don't want to ruin my love for the series that's why I've been pushing it back but maybe I'll start reading it this month. 

So there goes my August Wrap-Up post. How about you? How was your August?

I was supposed to write my monthly wrap-up post for the month of August but I'm currently suffering from a writer's or in my case blogger's block lately. The white draft sheet has been staring back at me for almost twenty minutes now and I still don't have any idea how to start it. Additionally, I had also injured my right pointer finger (from a paper cut) and my left pinky finger (with a knife ) so typing onto the keyboard is a real pain today. So for now, let me just leave you with my Sunday Currently post entry.

CURRENTLY

READING

Under the Lights by Abbi Glines. I'm currently on page 299 and so far I'm kinda loving it compared to the last one I read from her. This book somehow reminds me so much of her The Vincent Brothers series.

WRITING

This Sunday Currently Entry because I'm currently on a writer's block :(

LISTENING

I've been streaming Little Mix's Get Weird album for the past hour or so and currently it's on one of my favorite track from the album - I Love You. It's worth listening to guys!

THINKING

 .. about what to post for my monthly wrap-up and favorite things entry.

SMELLING

.. the aroma of the coffee I have beside me :)

WISHING

.. for a pleasant week and a good customer satisfaction survey result returns (wow! that was a mouthful)

HOPING

.. that my injuries today will be cured before I go back to work on Tuesday.

WEARING

a thin pink shirt and my underwear. Not too sound like a flirt or something but it's really so damn hot tonight!

LOVING

WANTING

.. Abbey Sy's new book, The ABC's of Journaling. She posted it earlier on her IG account and I'm already saving up for it! She's a very talented lady and she was the one who inspired me to take up modern calligraphy (which didn't last. HAHA) and now making my normal journal creative. I so want this book!

Speaking of which, she'll have her book launch on this date and place. I want to go but I live in Cebu so to all my Manila readers out there, you can check it out.

NEEDING

.. more sleep. I'm on a graveyard shift this week that has made me so damn tired from the lack of sleep.

FEELING

.. the pain caused by the cuts on my fingers that was a result of my clumsiness. Thus, I'm not gonna make this entry long. 

What about you? How did your Sunday go?

Before I start this entry, I just want to say that I'm no beauty blogger and not in any way an expert on all things beauty and skin care. I don't hoard that much beauty or skin care products. In fact, I'm what you call a loyalist for I stick to what I've been using for years. So, imagine my surprise when I came home with a load of hair and skin care items after perusing some items from Watsons. 

Quite honestly, I went there to buy my regular eyeliner and some necessities and I couldn't remember what came over me and why I included a couple of items that wasn't on my list. I didn't plan on using it though and thought of giving it to my cousin but I ended up trying it for the sake of satisfying the amount I've shelled out and thank goodness I did because these items became a new favorite of mine!

Hair Treats Nourishing Hair  in Argan Oil

I love how this product has been making my hair soft, bouncy and smooth for weeks now plus it smells so nice too! As you know in my Facts About Me post, I have virgin hair. I didn't have it rebonded, permed. colored or treated. Thus, discovering products like this that work wonders for my crowning glory makes me feel happy.

Purederm Argan Oil Make-Up Remover & Cleansing Towelettes

I ran out of my regular Make-Up remover and when I went to Watson's they don't have it in-stock that time so I picked this one up mainly because of its component which is Argan Oil and Vitamin E. What I love about this product is how this doesn't leave my skin greasy after each use. It's also cheaper than my regular one, so this one's definitely a steal!

Purederm Cucumber Eye Patch

When you're working in a BPO Industry - tired eyes, dark circles and eye bags the size of a month long travel are a constant problem. I know that what you really need is a good night's sleep but in any case, you couldn't get one, this is an alternative that will help you. I've been using this for almost a month now so I haven't noticed any changes to my under eye circles and eye bags yet but I love how it soothes my tired eyes. I placed it inside the fridge when not in use so it adds to its cool sensation when I place it over my eyes. 

So there you have it! My Hair, Beauty, and Skin Care favorites from last month!

I would love to hear from you, What were your favorites last month?

It's the first Tuesday of the month and that means another round of the fun monthly link-up hosted by Raisa and Eirene where we rounded up the things that we really loved and liked from the past month which is awesome and super cool! 

Like what I mentioned in my June wrap-up post, last month was dull and monotonous. I didn't get to go out of the house - well except for going home to the province for a few days but other than that, I was only at home, doing nothing but reading books, internet surfing and watched TV. Thus, for My Favorite Things post, I'm rounding up the things that gave color to my monotonous life.

GAME OF THRONES
My fangirl heart was happy - no scratch that, so very happy with how Season 6 turned out. Battle of the Bastards (EP. 9) and Winds of Winter (EP. 10) did it for me. From Dany riding her dragons & seeing them in action, the battle scene at Winterfell, Cersei's EP. 10 Black Gown, Rickon running for his life etc. This show is a spectacle. Truly, one of the best!

P.S

Hats off to the ladies this season! Clearly, you showed who's the real boss.

I shed a tear when the closing credits were shown after EP. 10 because that reminded me that I have to wait another year for this to come back. Winter is here!


ME BEFORE YOU
I thought I wasn't going to get emotional because I've read the book, I know the scenes and the drama -  in short, I was prepared but my tear ducts betrayed me. I'm a hard person to please when it comes to book-movie adaptations because I always prefer the former and would usually get disappointed with the latter, but Me Before You was one of the best book adaptation I've seen.

FINDING DORY
Thirteen years (almost) of waiting and the excitement and happiness was still the same. My childhood heart was happy!

What are your favorites from last month?

• Reading two good books successively. It's a rarity for me nowadays to find good reads because reality always gets in the way but Love, Chloe and A Thousand Boy Kisses were awesome. 

• Funny twitter convos from the AlDub nation fandom (again, I'm a fan)

• a cup of Cappuccino every morning - the best!

• Backstreet Boy's Miss USA 2016 Performance. This made me emotional. I'm a huge BSB fan back in High School and it teared me up seeing them perform together in one stage, nostalgia!

I know we've been a few days past the first day of June but I still can't believe May is already over! I'm still on a summer high from all the trips and activities that I did last month and truth be told, I'm not feeling a little bit excited for the rainy season which is a wonder for a pluviophile like me. Anyways, since today's the first Tuesday of the month, it's time to do Raisa and Eirene's fun link-up, My Favorite Things.

• Aloe After Sun Gel from Banana Boat. I had a terrible sunburn after Malapascua and this product has been my lifesaver. Not only does it cool and soothes my sunburn but it also help kept my skin refreshed - I didn't have any peeling at all!

• Ever Bilena Advance Lip and Cheek Stain (Very Red). They say great things comes in small packages and this product is a living example of that. This 20ml squeeze tube bottle gave me that just pinched look on my cheeks that lasted all day even after all those swimming. I just don't recommend using it on your lips though ☺

When in Malapascua: 

• Daño Beach Resort. If you're on a tight budget but still want a front view of Malapascua's Bounty Beach, you can check this resort. Their beach cottages with verandas overlooking the beach front are very affordable and clean. They don't have wifi connection though which is really good if you really want to unplug from the new world and just relax. 

It's already the 5th day of June and I still don't have any blog post(s) uploaded yet. It's not because I'm experiencing "blogger's block" since I have so many drafts created - though most of them are not yet finish. It was because I'm so busy and still on a high from the Summer Trip my family did in Malapascua and Bohol. So here I am again, making my Sunday blogging "productive". This is again a blog link-up from Siddathornton. 

So, I'm currently:

When I went back to blogging last month, I've discovered a lot of things and a lot of fun link-ups that has been going around in the blogging community that got me clicking and so I thought, I'll join the bandwagon not because its the norm nowadays but because I want to. I might be late but who cares? These link-ups are a sure fun way of learning something from fellow bloggers. Anyways, this one right here is from Raisa and Eirene called My Favorite Things, where we share anything that had caught our fancy last month. 

On my previous blog entries, I've always said that I haven't finished what I'm currently reading because I kept getting distracted. So let me share to you the things that  had overtaken my reading time:

Game of Thrones Season 6

Like this needs explaining. I've been a fan since Season 1 and have read the books and I've been waiting for the pilot episode after that last scene in Season 5. So yup! Rally the Realm, Monday Nights wouldn't be the same anymore!

Descendants of the Sun

Started watching last month after being so curious about it and now I'm hooked. Plus, its Song Hye Kyo aka the most beautiful Korean actress I've seen!

Lauren 

I accidentally discovered her channel while I was browsing through DIY videos on Youtube and gosh, I hit subscribed and went through her DIY videos everyday. She's so cute & her bubbly personality shines through each of her tutorial videos. Go check out her channel

Not Today by Imagine Dragons


Ever since the new trailer for one of my most awaited movie this year, Me Before You came out that I blogged about HERE, I can't get this song out of my head. This has been on a constant loop on my playlist.

CURRENTLY

READING 

Blog posts and stuff online. Honestly, I'm still not yet done with S.C. Stephens' It's All Relative. I really have to get back to reading but I'm so busy and kept getting distracted these days. 

WRITING

this and a draft for what I'm going to post soon on this blog. It's a topic that I am so excited to talk about so come watch out for it very soon. Well, hopefully I'll get it done before Wednesday so I could post it here soon after.

LISTENING

to the voices of Joy and Sadness in the background, yep! my daughter's watching Inside Out again for the nth time

THINKING

about what to design for a tarpaulin layout. I was asked by my cousin to do her husband's tarpaulin for his birthday - being the only one in the family who knows a little bit of Photoshop editing and all. She needs it ASAP but I still don't have any design plans  nor started anything *help*

SMELLING

Lavender and chamomile from our air-conditioning unit's fragrance freshener

WISHING

I had the strength to do all the tasks that needs to be done before I'll go on vacation this coming third week of May.

HOPING

for more moolah again! HA!

WEARING

a pink shirt that has a geometric pattern that I designed and silk screened by myself back when I used to do silk screen printing

LOVING

the Chicken Cordon Blue that my cousin cooked earlier. It was so yummy and perhaps the best one I've ever tasted. I asked for her recipe but she won't give it to me. Hmpf!

WANTING

a good rest

NEEDING

a good whole body massage for my tired muscles 

FEELING

really feeling exhausted from today's activity

This week has been extra exhausting and uneventful. All I ever did was go to work and go home. And to make it worst, commuting to/from work was so mentally and physically draining. Looks like Cebu traffic is slowly catching up with Manila *sigh*. Also, my daughter got sick so I didn't have any time to get a full rest and didn't have time to finish what I'm currently reading - again. To be honest, I thought I don't have anything to post today because I can't remember anything that put a huge smile on my face for this week  but then Friday came and a movie trailer changed the week for me.

So for today's entry, I'll talk about the new trailer from the highly anticipated movie adaptation of one of Jojo Moye's beloved book,  Me Before You. 

People who know me knows how much I love this book from Jojo Moyes and how ecstatic I was when I first heard the news that we will be seeing it soon on the big screen. So going back to the new trailer, I love how it was different from the previous one. If the previous trailer left most of us (fans of the book) crying ugly tears, this one is guaranteed to help us shed happy ones. I also like that they choose my favorite scenes from the book as part of this clip because those were indeed happy scenes. And can I also say that it made me happy that Imagine Dragons' Not Today is part of the soundtrack! Gah! Im a fan of the band and this song is so perfect.

I don't know about you but I've been hitting the replay button more than once. AH! I can't wait for June!

If there's one thing that I like about Fridays' aside from the fact that tomorrow's a weekend, is the fact that local radio is playing 90's - early 2000's music all day long. I was a 90's kid and I'm not ashamed to admit that I love the 90's - the music, tv shows, the memories -  not so much with clothing though. So I was on my way to work when I heard this song being played and so I thought it would make a good Flashback Friday post. So for today's #FBF, I'll be sharing with you this music video that is perfect for the summer season - Summer Girls by LFO. 

I've been meaning to join this link-up blog series from Lauren of Siddathornton  since last year when I saw this series making its rounds on the blogosphere. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do so because I went on a hiatus and didn't get to post anything since my Aubrey Hepburn post. So this one right here is one of my attempt to make this blog active again when I decided to come back to blogging - well sorta. Like what they said, it's better late than never, so here it goes:

CURRENTLY

It's not that I don't feel the pain, it's just I'm not afraid of hurting anymore

Though exhausting at the most, I happily admit that this week has been one of the most memorable one for me. I had so much to be thankful for and so many tasks that I was able to get done before the weekend starts. I am still on a high on the week that was and can't wait to share it with you here. So here is where we begin, my Happy Smiles for this week:

• New Blog Layout. Along with a new post, I also had the time (finally) to changed my blog layout. I finally let go of the pink cherry blossom theme I had since 2014 (sniff..sniff) and went to a Black and White minimal theme. Yes, it was a hard decision to make because I really love my pink theme but I guess, along with my growth and maturity, my blog needs to upgrade as well. Cherry Blossom pink theme (according to my friend) is too cutesy and I'm not, again that's according to her.

Welcome to Flashback Friday, a personal blog series where I talked about sharing my favorite memories from the past -  a photo, video, archived posts or anything from my memory lane. Join in the fun if you'd like.

Well, to be fair, this is my lame attempt to update this blog. I know! I was (and still am) on hiatus for far too long and this is me, going back to blogging (sorta) to make use of this space I rented off the world wide web for free. Hopefully, I could keep this one up and laziness won't bit me anymore.

So for today's #FBF, I'll be sharing with you a photo close to my heart. Taken more than 10 years ago, that's me (in a blue-green top) and the very first set of friends I made back in College. 

This was one of our random road trip that ended with us spending the night swimming in one of the beach resort in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. A lot has changed since then, The beach that we went to isn't the same anymore -  too crowded, too unclean (?). The other group (those guys in the background) that went with us on this trip pretty much vanished into thin air. Five of us are already married,  four already have kids, three are still single after all these years and two are in a long- term relationship. 

I choose this photo because after a decade and physical distance (two of us migrated abroad), we've met again last Tuesday (will post about it here soon). I'm just happy that after all these years and changes our friendship is still the same.