I have been wanting to catch up and write about a few things quickly because I have had an eventful week. It will continue to be busy all the way through the weekend and that’s ok, because there are lots of fun things coming down the pipeline.
If you didn’t know already, on my birthday, two years ago, I started this blog. So every year on my birthday it is also my blogiversary. It’s really so wonderful, because I get to celebrate my birthday and the birth of my blog on the same day.
I said I wanted to give a gift to myself two years ago and share my story about raising Gelli and what it is like to live in Manila, (since I grew up in New York and moved here) and make a life with my husband. So, starting this blog was my gift to myself.
Through out this learning process I have been given gifts many times over by my readers, by brands who found what I say to be interesting, and by children whom I have met through parents who reached out with questions for advice.
It has been another year full of learning, gifts, and giving, and all the while trying to remain present in my parenting and life. That’s not always easy, (as you all know) and sometimes it takes a lot more effort than others.
I had so much fun this week and I’m looking forward to the weekend too. Will just make this a quick post to fill you all in…
On Tuesday, I was able to participate in the Shell Fuel Save Good Choice Driving Challenge. While I will write a more detailed post about the entire experience I will share that my driving partner Sarah Tirona and I were able to snag FIRST PLACE in the challenge! It was a day that was filled with learning good driving tips, how to save fuel, and the practical experience of driving in a convoy with others to see exactly how much gas we could save driving from Balete, Batangas, all the way to Fort. We were so excited to take home the title of Champions together, and I have to say it’s the first time I won a contest like this so it will forever be remembered!
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OH YEAH BABY! 1.966 Liters from Batangas to Shell C5!!! @maeascan #ShellFuelSaveGoodChoice
It was a wonderful day filled with so much laughter and learning that I didn’t even realize how exhausted I was until the next day (which was my birthday.)
I think I also experienced what I think was my first migraine. This was not fun. I was texting my friend Neva some of my symptoms and I believe it was an honest to goodness attack that was only alleviated by drawn curtains, pitchers full of water, and sleep. I was finally able to get out of bed for a simple birthday (albeit belated) dinner with Nino on Thursday night.

I didn’t get out of bed all day, but I enjoyed a slice of my new favorite cake, once I was feeling a little better. Creme Brulee Cake by Camille Ocampo. If you would like to order this delicious treat you can email her at thepastrycart@gmail.com. Go. Order. Thank me later.
Today will also be a busy day, but again…filled with lots of fun stuff. Gelli will be participating in her Halloween Parade this afternoon with her classmates so be sure to look for the IG posts with The Bean in her Kangaroo gear.

Celebrating Halloween is made even more fun by enjoying Halloween Sweet Treats. Check out these Krispy SKremes! Aren’t they adorbs! (and they are just as good as the every day donuts too) We will bring these to share with Gelli’s classmates later for a pot luck party.
This Saturday, October 18th, marks the start of The Urban Food Collective here in the south. I will surely make time after my parenting talk, that I am giving in Southville International School to stop by and see all the treats from some of my favorite vendors.
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@tufph is a weekend lifestyle market that is coming to Alabang! @bakedbyanita will be there so we don’t have to travel all the way to Megamall for Anita’s delicious goodies. The Urban Food Collective Marketplace will showcase good food, great finds, and artisanal arts and crafts. What’s more? The socially responsible people behind the market will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the market to the Taguyod Bayan Foundation, which helps rebuild communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. To become a vendor or learn more about what will be offered, check out The Urban Good Collective on Facebook at tufcph!
Hope to see you at The Urban Food Collective! I will be there for sure.
Oh and guess what…only 9 more weekends till Christmas…Have you started your Christmas list?
belated happy birthday mish! i can finally comment in your post.. yey! stay blessed! Ü
Hi Pia!! Thanks so much for commenting and for always dropping by. I am honored to be part of your morning routine 🙂