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Blog

Inspiration

Through conversations with my momma friends, who used to write actively on their blogs, we have realized that many of us lost the inspiration to write consistently. Many of us have expressed how busy we are, how blogging is different now, and how we often lack the inspiration to put our fingertips in a meaningful way to the keyboard. 

CAN YOU SAY RELATE MUCH?

A couple of weeks ago, as I was listening to DC Comic Artist, Harvey Tolibao, share his story about how he found his career of illustrating, I realized a few things. In fact, because this is a blog post about inspiration, I will share a few things that have inspired me, as of late…

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This weekend some of our buddies participated in an Illustration Workshop sponsored by @staedtlerph at @smnorthedsa. Everyone had a grand time and definitely learned something new. But my biggest aha moment was when @harveytolibao shared the secret to his success. Harvey is a self taught artist who has had many careers in his lifetime. He shared that his success wasn’t because he was driven by money and financial gain. Instead, he has honed his craft and fueled his passion for illustration because he really loved what he was doing. He continued to try and try again and the financial success came naturally. He also confessed that in order to become good at something, you have to work on it EVERY DAY. The commitment to learn and improve has to come from within and if the moment strikes you, you must, absolutely must have follow through, because inspiration can strike anywhere! 🚽🧻🚽 • • • • Thank you Harvey for your warmth and sincerity. Thank you for inviting our Buddies to participate in your workshop! Thank you for sharing your talent with other Filipino aspiring artists of all abilities! Mabuhay! • • • • #staedtler #staedtlerph #staedtlerpens #artist #artists #vicosartism #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesph #autismawareness #fun #workshop #inclusion #inclusionmatters #dcartist #marvel #marvelcomics #marvelartist

A post shared by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Oct 20, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT

Condensed and Concise

Forgive me for grouping all of these things together, but I will be honest in sharing that I TOO, have had trouble getting my thoughts out to share with all of you. Shucks, maybe it’s been so long, that some of you have not visited in a while because you see my inspiration in sharing something personal, and meaningful is also lacking.

Perhaps, it’s better this way, since many people don’t also like reading blogs that much anymore and so much of the content we look for nowadays revolves around videos, VLOGS, summaries , and listicles that take only minutes to read instead.

So where have I found inspiration in the past few months?

Best Buddies and being COMMITTED

So much of what drives me to keep doing more, are the smiles and the laughs that I enjoy when I’m with my Buddies. I say MY Buddies, because I love all of them and want so badly for everyone to feel accepted, and loved, and supported in what they do. Having some kind of ownership, or responsibility in creating activities for them reminds me of the commitment I know I must uphold.

So Harvey taught some of our buddies tips, tricks and techniques to illustrating, nurturing imagination, and harnessing inspiration when it hits.

Harvey reminded me of a fact that I know very well. If you want to get good at something, and if you want to pounce on the opportunity of inspiration when it hits, you have to be committed. Truth is, I have so many commitments to my family, my business, my husband, my kids, and myself, that blogging and writing has fallen to the wayside. I used to try and write every day. Hopefully, I can go back to this soon. Establishing a routine will certainly help me find my blogging mojo again…

The inspiration that comes from being with my buddies is pretty simple. I just have to see how a simple act of friendship and kindness can turn around the whole day. And this happens often when I’m attending chapter functions with Best Buddies Philippines.

My Kids

Because two of my kids are in college, they also have their own social lives. They have their schedules and commitments they have to honor. Gelli is always in need of my full attention, and because we don’t have a dedicated yaya for her, I realize this is another challenge to writing when the inspiration hits me. I cannot just sit down and focus on my thoughts because most of the time, I’m doing 4 things at once. 

This is why, when we have all of our four kids together on a Sunday, for LUNCH at Makati Shangrila, I get excited. It’s when I get to watch them interact. Hear their laughter. And enjoy the time we recently made for each other during THE COOKOUT.

A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed a long leisurely lunch in one of our favorite places and I found myself taking notes. Taking notes on how my older kids are FRIENDS. They genuinely like each other (sometimes) and of course, they all care for Gelli. It reminds me of God’s goodness when I see them together like that (not fighting) and laughing, and of course, enjoying the sumptuous buffet that Circles Event Cafe has leveled up with new items and features.

I take notes on the kwentos (stories) they share with one another, and with me and Nino. The stories Miguel comes home with from school, the tests that Gia might be studying for, and the games that Diego recounts which he played and scored. Gelli doesn’t have many kwentos right now, BUT she does come home with statements. She shares that a classmate may have cried. Or that someone shared her snack with her. Or that Teacher said “No, no, no.” In this case, all of us wait patiently as she DOES finish her stories and usually, we marvel at her growth in conversation.

Quiet Moments

You know what happens when I get to observe? I get real quiet.

When I am quiet it means I can listen. Not only is it important for me to listen to my kids, (You can’t listen if you are the one doing all the talking.) it’s also important for me to listen to Him.

 

My friend and I were talking about inspiration and when it comes…and when God speaks to us…Sometimes, we just have to be still…

I love these opportunities that I have to listen to Him.

I have learned that sometimes, God speaks to us. 

Sometimes He whispers.

And when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I remember to just stay still. When I’m still, I can observe. When I observe I remember to be grateful. When I’m grateful, I can hear Him. And when I can hear Him or see His work, then I am, once again, inspired.

Music

When I was younger and had my own room (now I share a room with Nino and often times share a bed with a little one) and  I always had music playing in my space.

As I got older, music became a way I could identify and express my feelings. From the angsty verses that I would scream out when Alanis was talking about the irony of life, to winding down with classical music by Pachabel when I knew I needed to get some studying done. The soothing, rhythmic, methodical nature of classical music muted out all the other noise inside my head and allowed me to focus. 

So, depending on my mood, I will play gospel, classical, folk, or even R&B. Each of these types of music inspires me in different ways to do different things. I love that a song can bring me back to a wonderful moment that I have frozen in time…it’s like that sometimes. Like our sense of smell…the memories we associate with these things are deeply rooted and vivid.

This is one that has been on repeat lately in the house. It’s is happy music. Grateful Music. Reassuring Music that let’s me know I’m on the right path and He is there with me.

Quick Clean Up

Sometimes, when I’m overwhelmed, it’s because my space is overwhelming. Meaning, there is kalat (a mess) everywhere. It could be kalat from deliveries, or Gelli’s mess because she forgets to pack away one thing before starting another, or it could be Miguel’s paints and art materials from the night before. 

Doing a quick clean up and putting things in their proper places, ALWAYS helps me refocus my efforts and sharpen my mind. When it’s messy, I tend to get foggier and cannot concentrate because I’m looking at all of the other things that I know, need to be put in their proper place.

I think this also relates to the whole Tidying Movement.

Sometimes, it really is just that much easier to focus when your space is neat and free from clutter.

When you are tasked to do something and looking for inspiration, what do you do to focus your energy? 

 

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

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@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

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Here’s how to enter to win:
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3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
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