Hi, guys! It's been a while since I did a run down of the things I'm happy and thankful for since I've been crazy busy the past few months. But I realized this is the perfect time to do another listicle so before I procrastinate some more, let's begin!

1. I got a new job! Well, not a new new job but a sideline! I have to work hard because the lifestyle I decided on is expensive, lol. Actually, it's not even expensive. Cost of living here in Manila is just insane! You virtually pay for almost everything. I pay for my utilities, food, accommodation and even my safety aka my daily Uber rides. Hence, the new side job. 

2. I'm close to revealing my next project. Probably a few more tweaks here and there and I'll be ready for the big reveal! It's not much but it's a step closer to putting myself out there. :)

3. More restaurant reviews! I've been getting more and more invites to do food and restaurant reviews everyday! My only problem now is that I can't accommodate all of them since I also have a day job, and now, I also just got the other job. In the future I wish to be able to do what I love the most, eat good (or bad) food and talk about it. For now, I'd have to say no to some. 

4. My acne breakouts. And yes, I am thankful for these little and huge zits sitting on my face right now. If not for them, I wouldn't be pushed to really research on products that would work well for my oily and acne-prone skin. I have yet to visit a dermatologist but I've completely revamped my skin care routine and I can say it's working slowly but surely. But I'd also want to get myself checked. Any recommendations?

5. Our recent Divisoria trip! I got myself a couple of organizers that will help me redesign my room, or the condo in general. I've been living in the same condo for over 2 years now but somehow haven't found the time to decorate my living room, kitchen, bathroom etc. And Divisoria is just the perfect place to look for cute wall designs, mirrors, organizers and a lot more. I even got myself a few DIY arts and crafts. 

6. Living a minimalist lifestyle. Prior to implementing this mantra, I used to have a whole bunch of clutter beneath my queen-sized bed. I'm happy to report that those are all gone now! I was able to throw away a ton of stuff I've been keeping just because I love hoarding things. The ones I don't use, I've either sold in a garage sale or donated to someone. I've yet to clear up more space in my room; but up next, clothes, huhu!

7. Decorating my room. I tell you, my room is more basic than a basic bitch. I'm a lazy person and I hate putting up stuff for aesthetics purposes. I just like hoarding things, lol. But with my newfound minimalism, I've been utilizing more space in my room than ever. I was also able to free up a space that I can use for short workout sessions (as if!), haha. But now, I don't know why, it feels as if I want a zen-like place to come home to every night. No more clutter! #titasofmanila

8. Leveling up in Pokemon GO! I'm now a level 21 Pokemon trainer! I've been meaning to create an article about Pokemon GO because I've been a raving fan ever since forever. But I can't think of one that's not yet already out there, lol. If I discover something throughout my Poke journey, maybe I'll share it with you guys. For now, I need one more Eevee to I can evolve into Vaporeon. Any suggestions where I should go?

9. My sister's successful operation. Earlier this year, a huge cysts was observed on my sister's left breast. Good thing when the biopsy was done, they found out that it's just a benign cyst. She's in the process of recovery right now, but your prayers will be appreciated!

10. Celebrating my first year anniversary with the boyfriend! I can't believe it has been a year since I decided to say yes to love again. I know it's quite the cliche but you guys know the terrible past I've had to deal with. But anyway, I'll share a couple of photos maybe on my next blog post. Most of my photos were blurry because I was too happy that night. <3 p="">

Hey, guys! Sorry for being MIA for the past few weeks. As mentioned, life in the real world has been crazy and I am LOOOVING it! There were a few times wherein I was almost tempted to give up despite loving my job to the core, but after seeing the results of my hard work, I am reminded time and again why I do what I do. After a few rants on Snapchat and a little make up retail therapy, I'm good to go. Speaking of make up, have I told you guys that it is my new obsession? I don't understand why I didn't realize this sooner, but I'm super thrilled to show you my beginner make up kit. More on this addiciton on my upcoming posts!

For now, let's talk about this haven we discovered in Baguio when we had our visit a couple of months ago. When I was still a student, I had a favorite Japanese restaurant along Session Road, but it closed two years into may stay in Baguio. It was the cheapest Japanese restaurant that my student budget can afford, and I was really saddened because after that, I wasn't able to indulge myself anymore since most of the ones available around were too expensive for my budget. When I came back a couple of months ago, I knew I had money to spare so my family and I decided we had to try Chaya!

Shakshouka or shakshuka (Arabic: شكشوكة‎‎; Hebrew: שקשוקה‎‎ ) is a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin. It is believed to have a Jewish, North Africa origin. Shakshouka means "a mixture" in Libyan Arabic or other Maghrebi Arabic dialects. It is likely that it was first known as chakchouka, a Berber word meaning a vegetable ragout,although "shakshek" means "to shake", in Libyan Arabic, Berber and Hebrew, giving a possible Punic origin to the name of the dish.(via)

Ingredients

1 can diced Tomatoes

4 large Eggs

4 cloves Garlic

1 big Onion

1 tbsp Tomato paste

1 tbsp Salt (adjust as necessary)

1 tbsp Pepper

1 tsp Paprika

1 tbbsp Chili Powder (optional)

1 tsp Cumin

1 tbsp Sugar

1 red Bell Pepper

Parsley (for garnish)

Olive Oil

Procedure

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute onions and garlic until soft. 

2. Add the bell pepper and saute for about 5-7 minutes or until they're cooked to your preferred texture.

3. Once the bell pepper is cooked, add cumin, paprika, tomato paste and sugar. Stir well and allow mixture to simmer for a few minutes. 

4. Once the mixture has simmered, add the diced tomatoes. At this point, you can adjust the taste and add more sugar or salt and cayenne pepper based on your preferred flavor. 

5. Crack the eggs, one at a time, on top of the tomato mixture. Making sure that there's enough space in between the eggs. 

6. Cover the pan and cook for about 5-8 more minutes, depending on how you want the eggs to be cooked. 

7. Once the eggs are cooked, you can top it off with pepper and garnish with parsley. 

A few notes on the dish, I had a bit of trouble making sure there's enough space between the eggs so make sure you use a large skillet. The canned tomatoes also tasted a bit more sour than fresh tomatoes, which in turn prompted me to add more salt. Next time I make the dish, I'm using fresh tomatoes. Other than that, I loved it! This dish is easily customizable and is best served with hot garlic bread on the side!

I know I promised my birthday video several posts ago, but to be honest, I was a bit reluctant to share it. I haven't even shared this on my Facebook timeline, lol. It's fun for me to watch it because these are my precious birthday moments. Can't say the same for those who will be viewing it as it's not informative in any way. It's also not a ~vlog~ per se, since it's just a compilation of the fun moments we've had during our stay. But after thinking through it, what the hell, right? I love looking at the memories I create or have created, regardless if they make me cringe or not. I may delete this in the future, or not. For now, I'm keeping it up.

I'll be writing mote about my day on a separate blog post. The resort that we stayed in was wonderful. We got lost on our way home, but never mind that. I had an awesome time with the best person I could've spent my birthday with! Regardless of my current weight (I've gained a lot, btw), this birthday is definitely one for the books! :)