Another year older.

Today I celebrated my 34th birthday without much fanfare. It is far from what I was accustomed to since I am used to month-long celebrations, but it doesn't mean I enjoyed it any less. I spent the day at home with my family, bonding over good food and great stories.

We couldn't be together because of the extreme enhanced community quarantine, but my boyfriend J sent over a huge Mango Caramel Cake. It was perfect and delicious, and I wish I can send all of you a slice each.

Because the cake was a surprise, I ordered two chocolate cakes myself from Mina's aunt.

My Mama and brother who are chocoholics gave these two thumbs up, and that is all you have to know to see that these chocolate cakes are amazingly yummy. Get them for your birthday, or any occasion really. Make every day a Cake Day, I say. Let me know if you need Tita's contact information in case you want to order!

I got so many messages on all my social media channels greeting me and even though I haven't been able to answer yet, I got to read each one. It's so heartwarming, thinking that people took a few seconds out of their time to send me a sweet note, and carry a conversation even. 

After dinner I also donated money to my friends' fund raising drive F.L.A.T.ten the Curve. If you are able, I hope you can donate as well so we can give assistance to our kababayans who can't go out and sustain their livelihood because of the quarantine. Thank you for your consideration.

My heart is full.

I don't have any birthday wishes for myself except good health for my family and loved ones, and for COVID-19 to be completely eradicated within the next month.

Thank you. I am keeping you in my thoughts, friends.

I am turning 34 tomorrow in a couple of hours! Because of the enhanced community quarantine my original plans of spending my birthday weekend in Palawan to watch Survivor shoot in real life have been foregone and instead I will be holed up here at home with my family. Also ever since J and I became a couple, this is the first time we won't spend my birthday together, so you can just imagine how sad I am feeling right now.

At least there will be cakes. 

Exactly a year ago today, we flew to Singapore to spend a week there with my sunshine and serenade-in-a-box and good friend Ed. We already visited the tourist spots with our other friends Ronnie, Kayle, and JV back in 2017, so last year's trip was more relaxed and spontaneous. 

I realize I haven't really blogged about last year's trip, so for the anniversary of our April 5, 2019 flight, I am doing it now. Hee. I actually got a Photobook of my favorite photos from that trip, so why don't we walk down Singapore memory lane right now?

♡

Stuffed Photo on the right is of myself at my birthday dimsum buffet

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF OUR TRIP WAS OUR DAY AT THE ADVENTURE COVE WATERPARK!! Best decision we made was to forego Universal Studios since we already went there last time and opt for the less crowded waterpark. We went snorkelling at the Rainbow Reef and even though I almost drowned at first because I am not used to breathing using my mouth, it's one of my best memories from 2019, or even this lifetime. I loved this experience SO MUCH. My only regret was getting there after lunch and not maximizing the time we could have had inside the park, especially when the rides were shut down temporarily because of the rain.

More pasyal on my birthday Yep, the pages are not arranged chronologically

We also took the time to meet my friends Lauren and Nashe + husband there!

This trip wouldn't have been as fun and special if it weren't for these people: Ed, J, Ryan, Liz, Chyno, and Rory

We look cute together ♡

( ˘ ³˘)♥

I am so happy I will always have this Photobook to hold our Singapura Eleganza memories

My 33rd birthday belongs in my top tier of birthday celebrations, up there together with my 18th birthday party, my 25th birthday where Ed and our other friends set up a treasure hunt/ surprise birthday party for me, my 28th How I Met Your Mother-themed party, and my 32nd birthday where I had a weaving party with friends and J gifted me a Kindle Paperwhite.

It is not like I have been to a lot of other places, but Singapore is definitely one of my favorite places to go to, and I am longing to go back. For the food, the efficient transportation system, and the sights. Singapore is a great match for J and I, and sometimes we talk about building a life there in the future. Who knows. We'll see.

Happy almost birthday to me!

I believe in the value of celebrating even the smallest of wins, and today was a win for me! I finally got to try baking my very first banana bread, and it was a huge success with my family! 

It is moist, soft but not crumbly, and most importantly, it is delicious.

Getting ingredients is quite challenging given the enhanced community quarantine; online stores are almost always out of stock of the things I need, and delivery takes too long. I really appreciate my Papa and Mama combing the neighbourhood market in two separate occasions to look for my ingredients. 

However, some ingredients just can't be found anywhere at this time so I had to improvise, and that's why I was so worried! If there's anything I learned from my friends who know their way around the kitchen, it's that baking is a science and the ingredients should be followed to a tee. Good thing banana bread recipes are quite adaptable so I didn't mess it up. I am not being biased when I say it's one of the best banana breads I have ever tried, and if it were made by someone else I would be more than happy to pay for a loaf or two!

I combined recipes by Sally's Baking Addiction and Food. for this. I wish I took photos of the entire process, but I was too entranced to remember!

INGREDIENTS

1⁄2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 bananas, finely crushed
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate chips and/ or unsalted nuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. After removing the odd pots and pans from the oven, preheat it to 350ºF or 180ºC for 15 minutes.
2. Cream together the melted butter and brown sugar.
3. Add the eggs and bananas. Combine well.
4. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter-brown sugar-eggs-bananas mixture. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
5. Mix just until combined. Do not over-mix.
6. Add chocolate chips and/ or unsalted nuts, if you want. We don't have unsalted nuts but I put in a handful of chocolate chips.
7. Pour into a non-stick or greased loaf pan.

8. Bake at 350ºF or 180ºC for 55 minutes.

Working from home afforded me a little bit of extra time so I was able to dig drafts and stored photos, and I realized I haven't published my review of Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush despite it being my go to-blush for a year now. I am posting quick reviews and swatches of the first five shades they released here.


Please note though that I am not sure if they are phasing these shades out as these are almost always out of stock online, but you may also check Ellana's stores when the community quarantine is lifted.

I have since bought more palettes to hold all of them, tyvm

Perfect your tipsy flush with this super-moisturizing, cocktail-inspired drunk blush. Made for lips and cheeks! This multi-stain glides on smoothly, with a soft, natural-matte finish and creamy, hydrating texture that is infused with Camellia “Tsubaki” Seed Oil. Your Lip Drunk Blush is all you need to glow on the go. You’ll notice your skin just gets better and better every day!

You only need a couple of light swipes because these are very pigmented. You may apply using clean fingers or brush. Personally I prefer using my ring finger to swipe and blend.

From left to right: Autumn Martini | Mimosa | Sangria | Strawberry Daiquiri | Pink Flamingo

See how much color one swipe can generate?

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Autumn Martini on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Mimosa on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Sangria on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Strawberry Daiquiri on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Pink Flamingo on my cheeks

I even used to swipe a little on my eyelids as a light shadow for a monochromatic look until I saw the note of Ellana founder/ formulator that there are pigments that may not be safe for the eye area. Eep!  So, yes, a word to the wise: the Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush are only for your lips and cheeks! (You may use the Multipurpose Color Cream if you want an all-around product that you can use as eye shadow, blush, and lip color.)

At Php 449 a pop, these can be a little more costly than your average drugstore brand blush, but the quality is so much better than a drugstore brand's, and staying power is also A+++. You can get a lot of use out of one refill so your Php 449 can go a long way.

The only comment I might have is the scent. I don't mind and the scent fades after a while, but some people might find it too strong. I hope the new shades have addressed it.  

Last year I had the opportunity to customize my own Lip Drunk Blush shade and it was a lot of fun! There were plans of extending that service to the stores but I haven't seen it yet, although Ellana released four new shades, two of which I have already ordered: Peach Bellini and Espresso Martini. Give me another year and perhaps I will be able to share my review and swatches of those as well. Heh.

Did you like any of the shades I featured here? Do you have plans of trying Ellana's take on the drunk blush trend? Do you still do your makeup while working from home? Let me know in the comments!

By the way, if you did like this review and are thinking of getting your own, please use my referral link so we both get Php 100 Ellana coupon each. TYSM!

Disclosure: All products here were not sponsored. I bought them using my own money.

I am a huge 'celebrate anything and everything girl' and I always hold month-long celebrations for my birthday, but I need to keep things low-key this year because of the pandemic.

J and I were supposed to go to El Nido to watch Survivor being taped there, but obviously that is out of the question now. I am actually still at a loss on how I am going to celebrate given the limitations, but I wish I can get cakes. Yes, note the s. If worse comes to worst, at least I already have ingredients for banana bread and lasagna.

Oh man, I can't believe I am turning 34 on Monday.

Take a peep at this watercolor portrait that Ging made for me. It's so charming and I will treasure it forever!

I don't have baby photos anymore you see, since we lost our house in a big fire back in 2001. So for my one remaining childhood photo to be immortalized like this is very special, indeed.

Sometimes I still wonder if this is just an extended simulation game and someone's rolling the dice for us. I guess we'll never really know until we get to knock on the pearly gates. If such gates exist, in the first place.

My birthday wish is for this pandemic to end and for a better, more efficient, and humane Philippine government.

I am going to have a helluva birthday celebration when this is over.

Barring that time I was given a two-month break from work to stay home and heal after my myomectomy, I believe this is the longest I have been home. I am privileged to be part of a company that allows employees to work from home and even anticipated the need for it as we were able to do a dry run prior to the quarantine order.

I am thankful I was able to pack my stuff from the place I was staying at in Makati and head home to my family or else I would have been left with nothing to eat, and that I was able to do so before the "enhanced quarantine" aka a euphemism for lockdown was declared.



The last thing I want to be is seem ungrateful. I recognize that I am privileged to be able to work from home with a steady Internet connection, with hot meals on the table, and be with my family. But I am anxious and worried and afraid. I wish this is just an extended bad dream but, no, this is our current reality. We are in the middle of a pandemic that apocalyptic movies are made of.

I miss my boyfriend J so much and at the rate things are going, I honestly don't know when I can see him again.

Still, I am happy to be able to spend time with my family especially my beautiful Lola

The best thing I can do right now is pray, compartmentalize and keep my emotions in check, and make sure my and my family's immune systems are healthy.

We are also doing our part in assisting our brave health workers and front liners. J will 3D print face shields for them, while I am helping in getting the supplies needed. One batch of filament and set of acetate films can produce 100 face shields, but he only has one 3D printer and printing one piece takes one and a half hours. If I have blog readers who can direct me to someone who owns 3D printers and can print more, I can help with funds needed for the raw materials.

There are also a lot of SMEs doing their part, and I am in awe of their generosity.

My friend Sarah who owns BEACHBORN has donated so much to good causes, and it would be great if we can help her help more by supporting the brand. I can vouch for BEACHBORN's products' effectivity and I will shout this from the roof tops 'til kingdom come! Check out their new products Feather Locklear, Skin Reviving Cleansing Oil, and Age-Defense Luxury Glow Oil. I also purchased The Beach House Hand Sanitizer although I was not able to take a photo of it. Force of habit has made me spray it on my hands even when I'm just at home, and it doesn't dry out my skin!

I am also a fan of Liz's In Her Element's products and aesthetic. They recently launched the In Her Element Butterlips and I have been meaning to purchase but I had to curb my spending, but when they announced that 100% of Butterlips sales until April 2 will be donated to the Philippine General Hospital, I checked out my cart without hesitation! I have yet to receive them because of the lockdown, but I am looking forward to trying them after watching Beauty by Tellie's vlog with swatches!

If you are looking for more ways to help beat COVID-19 in the Philippines, my friend Mikael of FlipScience put together a [very] comprehensive list of fundraisers and donation drives you can support here. Every little helps.

There is no way that things will go back to what we were used to after this. It is said we will still feel the brunt of it by October. We may not go out unscathed, but hopefully we will still be alive.

Take care, you. Please keep safe and stay at home.  We can hold a huge cookie party after this.



:)