Beautiful Sunday # 351 - Recovery

A few weeks ago, I was complaining how the first month of the year seems to be so long. It was physically and emotionally draining. Set aside the freelance works, it was a challenging month. When February came, I told myself this will be my month of recovery. Half way this month, I can say that I'm gradually coping. I hope so ... I hope this will carry on this week until the succeeding months. 

I've been counting the days to weekends. As always, the best way to start the weekend is to have a great breakfast. Blame a local cooking show, I decided to have mashed potato and chorizo for weekends. It's my first time to make mashed potatoes from real potatoes. I skipped the convenient powdered version sold in supermarkets. With the help of cheese, milk, butter and bacon strips, I was able to make my own perfect version. Though I admit, the bacon was a sinful addition. ;) Maybe next time, I'll add strips of vegetables or use asparagus as side dish instead.

Reviewed! 1919 Grand Cafe

A few months ago. I encountered a Facebook post featuring this Cafe. Its location was quite a surprise. It is situated in the stretch of Juan Luna Street, a few steps from Pasig River dock in Manila and the popular arch of Binondo. The surrounding area is not really the safest place in Manila. I never imagined a grand restaurant to be emerge in the area. 

National Bookstore Superbranch Cubao's Book Blowout

The four-storey National Bookstore in the heart of Araneta Center has always been one of my favorite places. I had so much memories from this bookstore. I visit the branch with my mother for our annual back to school shopping. In college, I relied on it for hard to find textbooks. I still remember how this branch was considered as the grandest bookstore in Manila. The ground floor was filled with the usual school and office supplies. The second floor housed the fiction reads. The third floor was devoted for text books, school references and those expensive coffee table books. It even has a coffee shop and library where anyone can grab and read a book. The last floor is my favorite. The entire floor was a home for all bargain books. As an additional treat, the glass panel windows provides a skyscrapping view of the Araneta Center. 

Today, the branch maintains only two floors. :( I cannot remember when the management downsized its operations. The school and office supplies remained on the ground floor and all books squeezed in the second floor. I still drop by the branch occasionally. I still love it, although admittedly, so much can be improved from its operations. I'll devote that in another post. ;) 

I think I said a lot. :D The real purpose of this post is to share my experience from an unexpected book sale. I wasn't aware that this branch is hosting a three-day book sale, not until I saw a sponsored Instagram post. The timing was perfect since it was Friday payday. My initial plan was as always, to look around. I arrived around 7 pm but soon enough, I needed a basket to carry my purchases. ;)

Beautiful Sunday # 350 - Taking time off from work

The past weekends were always spent rushing some freelance works. After several weeks, I finally have a free weekend. I didn't plan anything, all I wanted was to spent much time sleeping. I had more than enough, but as of typing this, part of me still feels that this weekend was not enough. Or maybe, I just feel lazy to return for work. 

The past week was quite full. It started when we braved the streets of Binondo on the eve of Chinese New Year. We had dinner and watched the dragon dance in Ongpin Street. Though I noticed, the decors and festivities seemed to lessen over time. I went home full and spent the holiday at home. On Thursday, I took time off from work and I have to say, it was a great decision. I attended to some errands, had a bowl of laksa, dropped by Landmark (the home section is my favorite) and also checked out Zara's ongoing sale. :p  To all the working girls reading this post, I highly encourage taking a leave from work, when you feel the need to have it. It does not necessarily mean an out-of-town getaway. Visiting a nice place within the city, trying a new restaurant, buying your comfort food, visit the spa, sleep for at least eight hours or spend it with people, who makes you feel better.  It clears your mind, provides a temporary escape and from experience, makes you a better person when you return to work. 

Slow and relaxing mornings - There's no better way to start the day with a full breakfast without the need tor rush for work.