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5 Gifts I want for Christmas

Every year around this time, I like to share Gift Ideas that I like to purchase for my friends and family. I base this short list on gift items I have bought previously, and received excellent feedback. I have also used this time as an opportunity to promote my friends who have mindful products or food products (because food is a fantastic gift idea) because I love supporting smaller businesses for the different items that they might even have which are local.

Because I also love local.

I am differentiating this list from other lists I have written and shared, because I WANT these gifts for Christmas too!

1. Anything from Oliver & Maude

The holiday season is a time when entertaining is a must. While I have scaled back a little bit on the amount of entertaining that Nino and I do, in general, that doesn’t mean that I don’t take the opportunity to bring out the very best of the best when I have my super close friends and my loved ones over for a visit.

When I say the best of the best, l would like to share not only about a Homegrown line created by a woman I have known for years, but also the brand that started it all.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by 𝐎&𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 (𝐄𝐬𝐭. 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟑) (@oliverandmaude) on Dec 12, 2018 at 2:00am PST

I have swooned over Oliver & Maude’s beautiful pieces for serving for years. With monogrammed pieces that are perfect to bring to the table for special guests, to adding flair to an every day dish just because.

But here is where Kat can make your life easier when entertaining: Her bottled sauces, spreads, and jams, can level up any grazing table, charcuterie board, or appetizer tray in a way that will impress the most discerning palates and the pickiest of guests.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Last weekend’s lovely and tasteful welcome to a wonderful Holiday season at the Par8de ♥️ . Thank you, Lord for endlessly filling our hearts with joy! ♥️ We excitingly look forward to this year’s beautiful Happy Holiday celebration! 💋 #ShineForJesus #BiggerandBetterOandM ••• RG @oliverandmaude So grateful to once again be part of the PAR8DE. ♥️ Big hugs to the wonderful Par8de team, ‘til our next one! 💋 • Another abundantly blessed weekend with good friends, fabulous finds and great weather. Thank you, Lord for always showering us with Your Love and surrounding us with Your Grace! ♥️ #Par8de #JoinThePar8de

A post shared by 𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐀𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐥𝐞-𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬 (@katringonzalesdla) on Oct 2, 2018 at 6:58am PDT

2.Soap or a Soap Making Class from So True Naturals

I have written about my friend Mia on more than one occasion.

She is not just a wonder woman who is talented in more ways than one, she’s also a great listener, a loyal friend, and a creative entrepreneur.

I love how pretty her soaps her, and how good they are for your skin! Plus, she also has her luxury line, Laya Living which I super love as well. 

Check out this video from the recent soap making class that I attending in Alabang.

3.Anything from BrightBrands.ph

Y’all have seen my lunch box posts that I used to post very often.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Lunch and snack for @gelliaventajado today was packed by @jomay246. Leftover pork chops and grilled veggies on white rice. Cute little chick from @kumoriph in @festivalmall. Pumpkin seeds. And lettuce chips from @gourmetfarmsph. Let’s see what comes home in her containers today, because I think this is A LOT of food. Hehehehe. • • • • @brightbrands.ph just released the NEW Zuppa lunch container that’s great for hot rice toppings, soup, pasta, and anything else you want to keep nice and warm for your kiddo (or yourself) when packing lunch. And of course, I love how cute everything looks all matchy matchy with her snack box and Drink Box in her @montii.co lunch box! • • • • #hotlunch #lunch #packedlunch #baonforkids #baon #yumbox #yumboxph #brightbrandsph #healthy #yum #yummy #food #goodfood #good #forkids #kid #lunchforkids

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Oct 25, 2018 at 5:52pm PDT

But Cheryl from Bright Brands has more than just lunchboxes and activity sets for my kids. She has lunchboxes for Nino, she has Montii water bottles for me, she has safe non toxic nail polish for Gelli that can be washed off with soap and water, and she has nail care for me too!

 
 
 
 
 
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I’m always looking for gift ideas for my inaanaks. @brightbrands.ph makes #Christmas #shopping for the kids in my life super easy. Here are some of my favs: @_tigertribe_ Shrinkies, @safe_snails #nailpolish that is safe to use on @gelliaventajado and mix and match #unicorn erasers that I may have kept for myself instead of letting her play because she always loses pieces. 🙄😩😳✌🏻 • • • • Another thing that I love is the fact that you can order and have it sent to your place, or you can go to @rustansph and point at everything and then have them gift wrap!!! • • • • #winning #giftideas #gifts #christmasideas #christmasgifts #kids #kid #children #child #fun #playwithpurpose #mnmgiftideas #brightbrandsph #love #play #safe #tigertribeph

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 14, 2018 at 1:05am PST

4. A promised get away with my love to one of our favorite beaches.

Nino and I are not the types to travel extravagantly, but we do love good food, and comfort. That means great sheets, a cooly air conditioned room, and the ability to go out and do some fun things too. 

Boracay is one of our favorite places to go, and I’m so glad that Nino has jumped on board with my love for the sun, surf, and the sand.

5. The Gift of TIME.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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One of my favorite places to be with my loved ones is either sitting down at the table breaking bread together, or in the kitchen preparing something delicious for us to enjoy as well. • • • • On Saturday, I was able to get in the kitchen with my @bestbuddiesphilippines Buddy, Bugsy, and of course Gelli, too! We made Chicken soup, Pasta Pesto and chicken salad together. I feel so blessed when I get to spend my Saturday at home, resting, and spending quality time with the people who are important to me. • • • • #cook #kitchen #downsyndrome #downsyndrome #downsyndromerocks #downsyndromeawareness #theluckyfew #love #kitchencompanion #friends #buddies #bestbuddies #fun #inclusion #friendship #bestbuddiesphilippines #cooking #kids #kidscancook #gellibean #mybuddy

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Oct 21, 2018 at 1:21am PDT

I know only God can gift me with time.

I know that everything comes in His time.

And that He is the master and maker of all things beautiful and challenging in my life.

But if I could pray for a little more time in the day, I would spend it:

  • cuddling with my kiddos big and small
  • dating my husband and showing him how much he means to me
  • spending more time with my Buddy, Bugsy
  • involving myself in other ways in the community that give back
  • finding more creative ways to earn, so I can spend MORE time with my family
  • write or film parts of my parents’ stories for posterity
  • make sure I see my sisters for at least two weeks this year
  • in the kitchen coming up with creative, fun, and nutritious ways to feed my family
  • finding room in my schedule to exercise with Nino
  • writing my first book
  • praying, learning more about my Glorious God, and strengthening my faith

I’m sure y’all have a whole list of gifts you would like to receive this year! 

What’s on YOUR wish list?

Leave a comment for me so I can pray for that for you in the coming year…

2019 is gonna be a good one!

 

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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
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