• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Blog

Things I miss about New York

So almost three weeks ago, I had to hop on a plane and go to New York.

I had very little time to prepare for the trip, and in the beginning it was in no way, a vacation. I had decided to come to New York to be with my niece who was in critical condition in the ICU, and my sister, who is her momma. I packed quickly, and jumped on the next plane so that I would be with my sister and her family as soon as possible after my niece’s surgery.

My younger sister and I planned to help out so that my older sister could catch her breath. My sis has always been an influence on me as we were growing up, and now that I have daughters of my own, I have always emphasized the importance of their sisterhood bond. Both my daughters know that despite the big gap in age that their relationship cannot be compared to any other relationship in the world forever and ever and evahhh…

Photo Credit: http://www.thewhatsappstatus.org/sister-quotes-love-and-funny-for-whatsapp-status-and-fb/

Photo Credit: http://tinyurl.com/nd3qtdq

So the good thing is, my niece has recovered. She is not at her best yet, but she is well on her way. She has a bit of a challenge in front of her, but I do think that if she commits to a healthier lifestyle that she will be able to take better care of herself AND recover FULLY. 

 

Every Thanksgiving, I ask the people sitting at my table to share one thing they are grateful for. Some people aren’t as comfortable expressing themselves as others, and that’s ok. However, I believe if you live a life of gratitude, it just feels better, and you’l resalize that you’ll have more things to be grateful for. This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the gift of good health for my niece @jess_ballinger. After hearing her condition a few weeks ago, I couldn’t sit in Manila and know what was going on so far away in the ICU in Westchester. I had to get on a plane and be by her side as she recovered. (Because I always had faith that she would recover.) I’m so glad you are on the mend Jessie. I love you! #family #thanksgiving #ressagirls #grateful #gratitude

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 26, 2015 at 8:26am PST

I miss cute and convenient things from the grocery store.

IMG_5302 copy

Ok. I do have a love affair with butter for my cooking, but it's not that serious. I just think it's the cutest thing that they have a HALF of a stick of butter conveniently packaged AND that butter comes in the shape of a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

Happy Turkey Day! Here's just one of the super cute food finds in my old grocery store during my recent trip home. #turkey #butter #instafind #instacute #thanksgiving

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 26, 2015 at 1:25pm PST

I miss my favorite pizza.

My favorite slice was always a corner "Fresca" from Posa Posa Too in The Woodbury Commons. Since then, they have moved and are at a new location still in town and still with the same great corner slice.

My favorite slice was always a corner "Fresca" from Posa Posa Too in The Woodbury Commons. Since then, they have moved and are at a new location still in town and still with the same great corner slice.

Ok, living in Manila was very challenging when I first arrived because I could not find my Italian American comfort foods right away. But the good thing is, after more than 9 years of living here, I have been able to find some very good comfort food (YES, PIZZA.) quite near by. I miss running into random high school friends that I get to keep up with only on Facebook because I live so far away.

I love coming from a town where we all know our graduating class. I graduated with a class of just a little over 300 kids. My nephew's graduating class is almost 4X the size.

I love coming from a town where we all know our graduating class. I graduated with a class of just a little over 300 kids. My nephew's graduating class is almost 4X the size.

Funny thing, when I was young, I couldn't wait to leave the small town that I was from. I wanted to get out, to see the world and to meet new people. I just didn't understand what I understand now. There is something to be said for people who knew you way back when...especially if those people are still your friends now...

I miss my neighborhood ITALIAN DELI.

This is the neighborhood deli that I would visit every Sunday with my father for our bread and Italian treats. It looks a little different on the outside, but the crew on the inside is all still the same. Photo Credit: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4306303/monroe-ny-what-to-eat-check-out-the-best-of-little-italy-

This is the neighborhood deli that I would visit every Sunday with my father for our bread and Italian treats. It looks a little different on the outside, but the crew on the inside is all still the same. Photo Credit: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4306303/monroe-ny-what-to-eat-check-out-the-best-of-little-italy-

Before moving away, I would go to this deli with my dad (and then later for my dad) to pick up cold cuts, raviolis, cookies, cannolis, and fresh mozzarella. (mooh-SA-rel, you can say it with me) This is the deli where everyone behind the counter knew your name, your wife's name, and your preference of products that they happily offered up to their patrons (usually with an Italian background.) They make their own ravioli, fill fresh cannolis when you order them, and hand pull the mozzarella every morning. P.S. I was able to learn a little bit about this age old process, and I will share that with you in another post.

I miss shopping at The Woodbury Commons

 

The beauty of shopping in a country that is coming up on winter, is the sales for summer items. #score A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 17, 2015 at 2:49am PST

Truth: One of my first jobs while I was in high school was working in a retail store in The Commons. While I was living so close to this super outlet mall, I took it for granted...now that I have moved away, I can appreciate all the deals and the steals it has to offer.

I miss the sights, the sounds, and the smell of Autumn in NY

I snapped this photo in the car with my friend Fayth. We had hot bagels in the back and were looking for parking so we could go up to her place.

I snapped this photo in the car with my friend Fayth. We had hot bagels in the back and were looking for parking so we could go up to her place. This is a very different sight than the trees up in Monroe. Most of the leaves had already fallen by the time I arrived.

 

  Apple cider is one of the many things I miss about Autumn in NY. Thanks Lara for making apple cider sangria and thanks Jenn for bringing my favorite apple cider doughnuts from #jonesfarm #autumnflavors #thanksgiving #home   A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 22, 2015 at 12:20pm PST

 

Jones Farm was one of my favorite places to visit in Cornwall, NY. Besides having the best apple cider donuts and the best carrot cake, they also had a small petting zoo and cute country gift shop that I would spend at least an hour browsing around while the kids would play outside.

Warm boots and coordinating layers are one of my favorite outfits to welcome the change from Summer to Fall.

Warm boots and coordinating layers are one of my favorite outfits to welcome the change from Summer to Fall. #sisters

I miss my friends and family.

Screen Shot 2015-11-29 at 7.29.23 AM

Not sure if you noticed or not...lots of the things that I miss are the people and the food that I am familiar with. That's why we call it comfort...It's what we know, what's warm and fuzzy, just like what we grew up with. 

I am all for growing up, moving on, and leaving the place where you grew up, because it's only by leaving your bubble that you can expand your understanding of the world around you. I think that travel is the best gift my parents ever gave me. They gave me the gift of travel while I was still young and impressionable. I experienced a great many things that I would not have understood if I had stayed in Monroe and never ventured out.

But now, after living abroad for more than 9 years, and making Manila my home, I also enjoy the chance to go back to upstate New York...to reconnect with my roots, my childhood friends, and soak up the love, craziness, and excitement of being in a place which is so familiar that people know your name, and they know who you were when you were much younger....

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Johnson and Johnson Outreach at Virlanie
Cycles at 10 YEARS! »

Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    November 30, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Nice post Michelle!

  2. Kristin says

    December 1, 2015 at 3:09 am

    I’m so glad I got to see you while you were here!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café
  • Netflix Updates and ECQ Season 3.0

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Peter A. Ressa on Inay Ko Po
  • michelle on 4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine
  • Marycor Valencia on 4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

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!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
Brunch feels with beautiful ingredients. Tous Les Brunch feels with beautiful ingredients.

Tous Les Jours Toasted Ciabatta with toppings for everyone.

Exhibit A: Miso Peanut Butter Chickpea Salad with grated hard boiled eggs and fried onion strips
Exhibit B: Herbed Cream Cheese with Avocados and Everything But The Bagel seasoning
Exhibit C: Whipped Peanut Butter with Raspberry Merlot Peppercorn Jam and fresh berries

Thankfully, I was able to have a bite of each one. I cannot choose. Which one would you call dibs on?

A  B  or C?
If you love #Brunch and seafood the way I do, then If you love #Brunch and seafood the way I do, then this Seafood Tower @jonesalldayph will tempt your tummy and make your tastebuds sing. 🎶

You’re welcome! 🤗
Such a fun evening with @elle.frazzetta and @arlug Such a fun evening with @elle.frazzetta and @arlugomez. 

Catch up convo while introducing two dear friends was so@etching to break up my time in the city. It was made even more fun because I got to catch a bit of the Summer Concert Series at #HudsonYards.

Definitely not enough time with these two!!!
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2022 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...