Food, Travel... Serendipity

[Book Feature] Ready, Set, Let Go by Vea Mari Villasol Canare (Missterious Dreamer)

2025-08-11T20:54:00.000+08:00

“Ready, Set, Let Go” is the third installment of “The Perspective Series” trilogy. From “Glimmer of Light” to “Dear You”, Vea’s books hold a close spot in my heart, a way where God sends His messages to me in the times of my life where I needed it most. He really brings in help in perfect timing! It can be in any form: through a person, an idea, or in my case, this book.

"Ready, Set, Let Go" by Missterious Dreamer

I appreciate how the author, Vea, shares her story and her authenticity. She is able to strike a chord in my heart with thoughtful messages. She talked about ‘surrendering’, the ‘let go’ part of the title of the book. And letting go means letting God take care of the things that worry you. We can only do so much and when our capacities are exhausted, that’s the sign to let go.

The book spoke to me in multiple ways. The first chapters where she talks about the endless pressures of life are very relatable. The author shares her story of graduating from university and then the pressure of getting a job started to enter. I also went through the same phase where the pressure of society crept in for me to fit in with the real world. But then came reality, and it brought with it the realization that life in the real world is not easy. And in the world today, particularly in the corporate world, the pressure continues: endless chasing of a higher position, to travel, to own a house, to buy a car, to start a family… the list just goes on and on.

Another theme of this book that Vea tackles is the paradox that ‘life is short’, but some say, ‘life is not a race’. The pressures of this world clearly have the message that in order for us to be relevant, we have to do more and achieve more. Some people say that life is a race, but my opinion of this matter is that they might be referring to the corporate rat race which they have also extended to their personal lives. They are being too competitive that they have to race against their friends and families, too.

Vea shares how she takes life slowly by showing the readers photos that evoke gratitude in the simple things like the sky, plants, and her desk. These pictures carry the message that we can also take it slow and not participate in the race that other people have. We can take life at our own pace and timeline. And for this, I’ll share that I believe that indeed ‘life is short, but life is not a race’.

And of course, for book features, I always love to talk about the cover! “Ready, Set, Let Go” is very aesthetic! For this book, the autumn theme fits the message of the content inside. The warm colors evoke a sense of nostalgia. I like the details at the edges, too: the timer, the red recording dot, the camera logo, and the battery icon. These four elements resemble a video camera capturing life. And this is exactly what “Ready, Set, Let Go” is all about: to take it slow and capture life’s simple moments.

Finally, I like the personal touches, especially the photos that speak volumes and the poems that tug the heart. My most favorite poem is “Peace in the Unknown” where a line goes, ‘I started to appreciate the peace of not knowing’. For this, I am happy to have read all three books in the Perspective Series, and to see how life unfolds as we go through it. These books made me appreciate life and to see the extraordinary in the everyday mundane moments.

"The Perspective Series" by Missterious Dreamer

And if you would like to get a copy of this heartfelt book, or the whole trilogy, contact the author through her socials below:

Email: missteriousdreamer@gmail.com

Facebook: Missterious Dreamer

Instagram and Wattpad: @MissteriousDreamer

Bird Watching (and more!) at Bird Paradise Singapore

2024-03-27T13:28:00.000+08:00

The bubbly morning calls from the Bubuls, the dawn cries of Jungle fowl, nature feels right when it is filled with the cacophony of birds. It is pretty rare to see a zoo just dedicated to birds and it is so wonderful.

We went to Bird Paradise on our recent trip to Singapore! I was so excited to see a huge park dedicated to birds. And I can’t wait to share it with you.

Bird Paradise for birds of the world!

From Jurong Bird Park to Bird Paradise

You will be greeted with this beautiful nature facade.

They don't have paper maps at the park. It would be better if you download the app, which has the map and you can also check out various activities there.

The park is divided in to various aviaries, taking inspiration from the regions where the birds came from. They are all unique with their colorful feathers, too! Take a look:

Penguins at Penguin Cove!

Lots of Flamingos!

A beautiful Hyacinth Macaw graced us with its presence.

A tree full of birds!

Some do sit on the fence.

They walk freely and everywhere in the park.

A Shoebill perched on the roof!

Birds eating and in these stations.

Cutie!

An African Grey Parrot singing in nature.

Isn't it the cutest Red-Winged Starling? :)

A Guora!

Cutieeee!

Wonderful red colors!

And peaceful in their habitat

This is my favorite! A pink bird.

Cute and powerful at the same time!

The park also features shows that let you interact and learn about birds. Check the schedules first so you can plan it around while exploring the park.

The Sky Amphitheatre where you can watch the educational shows.

You can also check out the Mandai App for the schedules.

This was in one of the shows about predators.

And another show about the various birds of the world.

The closest I could get to a big bird!

Bird Paradise cafes are so on point. Like in the Penguin Cove Cafe and Shop, they have this cute cake with a penguin topper. While you are there, you will really feel like being one with the birds and in their habitat. You have visited the entire world in one park!

Penguin Cove!

Look at all the penguin-inspired pastries!

Yummy Raspberry cake!

They have this reusable Mandai cup that you can refill with drinks in the park!

One mission of the park is preserving species of birds. And they have a nursery for breeding and taking care of these delicate creatures.

Of course, I know most of you will love this next part: the souvenir shop! From T-Shirts, tumblers, and plushies, you can never have enough birds! You will love it!

Plushies galore in the souvenir shop!

Among the pictures of the birds, which is your favorite?

Go visit Bird Paradise on your next visit to Singapore! It was a nice experience for me that I am planning to visit the other Mandai parks, like the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, in the future.

Angel Mariel

Gastronomic Adventures in Singapore: Hawker Centers and Delicious Food!

2024-03-03T14:50:00.002+08:00

In every travel, one of the best things that we can do is experience the culture of the locals. Their places of interest, their sights, and their languages. And what better way to do that than by discovering it through their food!

On my latest trip to Singapore this year, we went on a Foodie Trip! The food is good and the best ones are from Hawker Centers, or the country's version of street food.

It was so flavorful and what a gastronomical adventure it was!

Read on for more...

At Bedok Interchange Hawker Center, we got this Kaya Toast. It differed from the usual toast, they used buns which brought with it a different experience. It complemented the Kaya Spread. The soft boiled brought out its flavors and the bread enhanced it more.

Kaya Toast set meal from Kopi Meow food stall.

We visited the Complex Food Centre in Chinatown for the Hawker Center on the second floor there. And we got these beauties: traditional Chinese food that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

From left to right: Deep Fried Yam Rolls, Popiah, Kueh Pie Tee

The Hawker Chan stall had a long queue as the chef who was awarded the Michelin Star was cooking there. So we just had to try. And woah! Saucy and tender chicken meat with rice and braised peanuts on the side! It was awesome! You gotta try it there!

Chicken rice, with added Roast Pork and Char Siew from Hawker Chan.

We complemented it with Milo Drinks: The Milo C and Milo Dinosaur! I love the gooey sweetness that comes with the classic Milo taste, in both hot and cold.

Milo C and Milo Dinosaur drinks for that extra sweetness! Yum!

For dessert, we got Oreo Soymilk Drink. What's amazing was that the soy was made fresh in the kitchen.

Ice Blended Oreo Soymilk from Gogo Beanz. This gotta be one of the best soy drinks I ever had!

Next stop was the Maxwell Hawker Center for an afternoon snack. It was a new experience for me to eat hot dessert. It was sweet and the temperature made the sweetness pop up even more. We complemented them with a Sugarcane and Rose Milk drink.

Pulut Hitam and Bubur Terigu from MS Dessert Shop.

Sugarcane Drink was slightly sweet and the Rose Milk Drink was sweeter! :D

At Bugis, we got more desserts! While shopping for souvenirs, we stopped by to eat Apam Balik pancake. It was a crispy pancake and I got the one in Peanut+Chocolate+Milk. Paired with a mango drink at the nearby stall and it burst with real fruity goodness!

Apam Balik Pancake is the crispiest dessert I have had that day.

Mango Jackfruit Juice from Long Juan Feng Juice

At Simei Kopitiam, we got Fried Rice with Pork Chops for dinner and Black Sesame Pancake for dessert (yes! 'coz there's always room for more desserts!). The pancake may not look much but it was so good! I didn't expect it and I am happy to have tried it!

Soft pork chops paired with savory rice is perfect for dinner!

Black Sesame Pancake from Munchies Pancake. I didn't expect it to be soooo good!

Hawker Centers are a major landmark of Singapore. Each place is a melting pot of cultures, and all of them fused together in the food of the country.

Try them out on your next visit to Singapore!

Angel Mariel

[Book Review] Dear You by Vea Mari Villasol Canare ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2023-01-22T16:03:00.007+08:00

Happy New Year, dearies! How was your new year’s celebration?

Today, I will feature a new book I got from author Vea Mari Villasol Canare (Missterious Dreamer). I initially wanted to go to MIBF last September 2022 to join in the events where this book was featured. However, at that time I was swamped with commitments and missed the events. But no worries, I’m very grateful that the author sent me a copy of this book. It’s like I didn’t miss MIBF at all. The Special Gift Set of the book came with a tote bag, notepads, stickers, and a bookmark!. I love them! 😍

Dear You, book by Author Vea Mari Villasol Canare

Dear You is a self-help book by Vea. Her first book was Glimmer of Light. Click on the link to read more about it with a short author interview. Following Glimmer of Light, Dear You takes on the theme of encouragement and positivity.

I like the book because it gave me advice on life matters. My favorite is the “You are capable” section as it resonated with me in my line of work whenever I feel that what I do is not appreciated or rewarded enough. There are also letters that take on topics like love, work, and friendship. Vea’s poems in the book also struck a chord in my heart.

The book cover stands out, as well. It is designed like a postal letter from the author to you. And Vea makes it feel like it is personalized for every reader. The layouts and the design of the book pages are also on point. It is a work of art through and through, full of creativity, from words to pictures.

Take a closer look at the cover art of Dear You.

Overall, the book was a good read. There were no boring parts and I enjoyed reading every page. I was able to read it in two days.

I am proud of the author that at such a young age, she is full of wisdom and she is able to help me by giving me advice and positivity in my life. It is beautiful in content and design. And thank you so much for giving me a rare signed copy! I'm so kilig!

Thank you for this signed copy!

Check out her book, Dear You, by messaging the author on how to buy it.

Dear You is published by TBC Publications.

Contact the author below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vea.mari

Twitter: @vea_mari

Instagram: @vea_mari

Wattpad: @MissteriousDreamer

See you soon, Dearies!

Angel Mariel

Glimmer of Light by Vea Mari Villasol Canare [Review and Author Interview]

2022-01-30T11:19:00.009+08:00

Heya, Dearies! It's time for another book review! Special thanks to the author, Missterious Dreamer / Vea Mari Villasol Canare, for giving me this book.

When the package arrived, I was blown away! The contents were so wonderful and in my aesthetic color pink. There were stickers, a tote bag, and bookmarks. I fell in love with it right away.

Glimmer of Light package included stickers and a tote bag! Yay!

Glimmer of Light is a memoir of the author and it is full of encouraging real-life stories. The cover is awesome! It features a pinkish sunset with a tree in the foreground. I admired the cover so much that one look at it evoked a feeling of positivity in my heart.

Glimmer of Light by Vea Mari Villasol Canare

Reading the book gave me hope. Even if I am working and not in school anymore, it reminded me of how our experiences are the same throughout life. The challenges we have may be different but in the end, they teach us the same lessons.

My favorite page in the book is on page 20 and it had that passage that goes: "You are a work in progress. Celebrate small wins." It resonated well with me until now.

I give 5/5 stars for the inspirational content of this book, and for the creative cover, too!

Wait, there's more! Here we have the author, Ms. Vea Mari Villasol Canare, for a short interview. Get to know this young author and what she hopes to convey through her book.

The author Vea Mari Villasol Canare (photo credits to the author)

Angel Mariel: What made you decide to publish Glimmer of Light?

Vea Mari:

Ever since I was little, writing has always been my form of self-expression. I was not confident in sharing my thoughts and emotions with other people, so writing had become my friend. Also, I was very fond of reading and collecting different genres of books. Every time I would enter a bookstore, I would imagine my name to be on the cover of one of those books. However, this vision would always be shaken up by doubt. I used to think that for you to publish your own book, you’d need to have a wide market of readers or followers. It felt hopeless so I had to set aside that dream for a while, but it was always engraved in my heart.

I had dealt with a lot of unspoken battles. Every time I’ll read or hear about someone close to me finding those battles, I have this huge desire to reach out, to remind them that everyone and everything has a purpose. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who constantly serves as a source of hope and light, and so I wanted to share that light to other people. It was my cousin who made me see that it was possible to do so. When I saw he had published his very own book, I got inspired and thrilled to start writing again. That is when Glimmer of Light came into the picture. I wanted it to touch the hearts of people who are feeling anxious, lost, and uncertain. It may be too idealistic to give that absolute light to others and to be completely hopeful all the time, but I hoped that even in its own little and simple way, this book will help other people find even just a glimmer of hope and light.

Angel Mariel: Any inspiration for its title?

Vea Mari:

I had a lot of working titles for the book, but nothing seemed to be a perfect fit. I went onto my YouTube account and saw a song that I was listening to every day since the pandemic and since the start of online classes. It was entitled Glimmer in the Dust by Hillsong United, recommended to me by my cousin. It was perfect and it remained true to the purpose of this book, but it needed to be clear with the light that it aims to give. Thus, Glimmer of Light was made. This book may not be able to give that 100% encouragement, comfort, and peace. But I hope that through this book, people will see even just glimpses of the wonders and beauty of life, humanity, and God’s grace.

Angel Mariel: What about the cover? Why did you choose that scenery and those colors?

Vea Mari:

As for the cover, I already had a draft of what I wanted it to look like. I had this artwork we had to make as part of our school requirement, and it perfectly depicts the theme of the book. The sunset reminds us that there is always something to be thankful for and there is beauty in the unknown. I love taking photos of sunsets, especially when it shows uniquely fascinating colors. It just gives off an inexplicable peace and calmness. It seems like a reminder of how much blessed we are to witness such wonderful gift right before our very eyes. The music player-inspired cover was drawn from the source of the book’s title. I wanted the book to be picturesque, but at the same time minimalistic. I am quite familiar in editing and layout, but since this was going to be my first book, I decided to entrust it to TBC Publications’ artists. From the layout of the book, the illustrations up to the design of the bookmark and postcard, I was very keen and specific to details. We cannot judge a book by its cover, but it’s quite undeniable that what can be seen by the naked eye is what initially attracts the viewers. I wanted the visuals of the book to give off that light and hopeful feeling.

Angel Mariel: Lastly, a message for your readers.

Vea Mari:

Hello to all Mysterious Dreamers out there! First, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been with me since the very first time I wrote and published a story on Wattpad up to this moment where my dream as a little girl has finally come into a reality. Thank you, my glimmers of light! I am beyond grateful for your love and support for “Glimmer of Light”!

I hope that this book will continue to serve its purpose- to remind you of how blessed and capable you are. Whenever you feel anxious, lost, and uncertain, may you remember that He has greater plans for us and that someday everything that we are going through now will eventually make sense. Don’t be afraid to explore your talents and capabilities. There is no harm in trying. Take that leap of faith. Believe in yourself and in Him. You are blessed and you are a blessing!

The author and her books! :D (photo credit: Vea Mari Villasol Canare)

Hope you enjoyed, this review and author feature, Dearies! You may reach out to the author on the following links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vea.mari

Twitter: @vea_mari

Instagram: @vea_mari

Wattpad: @MissteriousDreamer

Feel free to comment below and give support to Vea Mari. We hope to see more published books from her soon!

See you soon, Dearies!

Angel Mariel

Elf of the Eternal Glades [An Excerpt]

2021-10-17T18:39:00.002+08:00

Have you read Merman of the Undersea? Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback I have received from it. 😍🧜‍♂️🙌

I am full of gratitude for all the support and I am very much encouraged to continue on with the series. Yep, that's right! The Ealirenm Series will have a Part Two! This is about a new world in the land of Ealirenm. This time, our protagonist is the High Elf, Kailah.

Elf of the Eternal Glades

[ISBN 978-621-96573-2-7 (epub); 978-621-96573-3-4 (mobi/Kindle)]

Elf of the Eternal Glades eBook cover

Here is the blurb:

Kailah is one of the Elven Hosts’ best scouts. Excellent and gifted in every hunt and search mission. But she has one secret: a prohibited relationship with her race’s sworn enemy. Beholden to an ancient curse, they are forbidden from ever touching each other. Until she finds a shapeshifter, who gives her a way to make it work. What would she be willing to give to be with her true love? Would she betray her people for this chance?

Get to know her more in this excerpt:

-------------------------------------------------

“I’ll have your neck if this won’t work!” A delicate female voice whispered in the dark, tone stern with threats unspoken.

“Trust me, Kailah! It will! My source guaranteed it. They are proficient in the magical arts,” a serene low voice replied.

“Hmm, we shall see,” she retorted, holding the vial in her hands. She twirled it, letting its purple content swirl in a slow viscous manner.

“Maybe so… but those people are best at curses and rebellious magic.”

“Elves stamp their deeds with their names. Tell me yours.” Kailah put the vial in the inside pocket of her velvet vest.

“I’m known as Nightshade.”

“Huh, you expect me to trust the name of a poison? On a shapeshifter?”

“You have to.” Nightshade looked at Kailah intensely, memorizing her features. In this darkness, she didn’t bother hiding her fierce face and golden eyes. Her long silver hair was tied in a braid. Her strong personality was a contrast to her feminine tone and lithe physique. “See you in a few hours. Honor this deal.” He turned his back and moved to the shadows.

Kailah sighed, looking beyond her shoulder. She also turned and readied her arms and legs. She propelled herself at the tree branches, heading for the way home.

She moved stealthily. The spires of her homeland were breaking into the night horizon, but she felt her necklace vibrate. A heartbeat later, she pivoted her feet to the eastern direction, forgetting the call of home.

Kailah ran and jumped along the branches, her steps noiseless and calm; but her heart was pounding. She searched for the thickest spruce tree and climbed at the top center, a few feet below its tip.

“Kailah!” A deep voice came from the other side.

-------------------------------------------------

Curious? Reserve a copy now at a special pre-order price of PhP89. On the launch date on October 30, 2021, it will be at its original price of PhP99. Just fill up this form. → https://bit.ly/3zPRZTg

*Note: You need an e-book reader app to install on your mobile device (Ebook Reader, Aldiko, etc.) for you to be able to read this novella. Coming to Amazon Kindle on October 30, 2021.

Come join our virtual launch on October 30! Watch out for more announcements! See ya, dearies!

Angel Mariel

Merman of the Undersea (The Ealirenm Series, #1) Out Now!

2021-08-28T14:58:00.000+08:00

And it’s now out into the world! Thank you, thank you, thank you, dearies!🧜‍♂️❤🌊🤩

It has been a great journey with Maoui. I hope you would enjoy reading his story in the Undersea. Read the excerpt here.

Order your copy now! Special discounted price of PhP 89 (regular price PhP99) is only until today (August 28, 2021 PH Time). And it will still be eligible for a raffle draw for a free tarot card reading by The Tita Tarot. Yay! → https://forms.gle/E6Ut37v6CdojjiQa6

Blurb:
Merpeople aren’t supposed to go to the surface. Maoui made sure to follow the rules and bend them as needed, but the waning magic and the crisis in the Undersea led him to ponder breaking the most sacred law to save his own kind. When the arrival of a skiff got him to meet a mysterious shapeshifter who convinced him for a deal, he took the risk.

Merman of the Undersea (ISBN 978-621-8272-00-2)

*Note: You need an e-book reader app to install on your mobile device (Ebook Reader, Aldiko, etc.) for you to be able to read this novella.

Coming soon on Amazon Kindle, dearies! And more books to come from this series. Thank you for your overwhelming support. :D

See ya, soon!

Angel Mariel <3

Merman of the Undersea [An Excerpt]

2021-08-21T19:45:00.001+08:00

Hi dearies, I'm back! Though I am not quite active in blogging that much, I still write a lot. Creativity and writing is always there. It just transformed into a different platform.

Let me take this opportunity to share with you my upcoming story. This is a novella, a part of a series in one Fantasy world. For now, it will be released as an eBook. And depending on the reception and the success of the whole series, I might release a physical copy as a compilation (*crosses fingers*).

Presenting, Merman of the Undersea (ISBN 978-621-8272-00-2):

Merman of the Undersea eBook Cover

I invite you to pre-order it. And to convince you, here is an excerpt:

***

A shadow of a skiff passed by the sea, obscuring the illumination of the moon in its depths. Silence filled the expanse, except for the soft paddles of the person on board. The merman wondered how the boat got past the guard, the leviathan that their Kingdom calls The Kraken. It was trained to allow only Merpeople into this cloistered ocean area. Unless…

  He knew it was against the rules. He had swum too far from the Mainsea doing his job. But as a Resource Hunter; he has always violated rules if needed be, if the survival of their Kingdom depended on it. And this time, it might.

  He had never swum this close to the surface in his lifetime. He was careful not to give a hint that he was there, and halted at the threshold. The law was sacrosanct: merpeople should not breathe the air of the land, though it was never explained why. Doubt entered his mind; death was not something he wanted today. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. He could just ignore the boat, whoever is on it won’t survive the rage of the ocean, anyway. He made an inch of turn to go back.

  But the skiff halted. And a voice echoed...

  “Is somebody there?”

  The merman stopped in his tracks, and floated under the water, still and silent. The voice continued, “Don’t be afraid. I come in peace. May I go down? I just need to talk.”

  He didn’t know how to respond. Some fish creatures can jump out of the water but he didn’t want to risk it. So, he just flipped his fish tail on the surface, hoping the stranger could get a hint.

  He heard a splash nearby. Turning his head, he found another merman swimming towards him. He has a smooth dark fish tail. But he didn’t have scales between his fingers and his ears were round, unlike the merman’s fanned gills. An alien creature. He swam a pace back, senses ready for any defensive action.

  The stranger stopped in his tracks, careful not to trigger him. He raised his hands over his head, a sign of surrender, and the merman calmed down.

  He remained where he was. “People call me Slippery Goldfish. As you can see, I am a shapeshifter. I’ll leave as soon as possible.”

  “What do you need? Why do you speak our language?”

  “I studied the languages of the world. Part of the job,” He slowly put his hands down and relaxed, and approached the merman. “What is your name?”

  “My name is Maoui. And what are you, strange creature? You, not telling me your real name is suspicious.”

  “Maoui,” Slippery Goldfish replied. “Not knowing my real name is better for you. Trust me on that.”

***

Hope you like it. And if you want to know more about the story of Maoui, pre-order your copy here --> https://forms.gle/KfqiN7dSpXMbSG727

And here's more! If you pre-order, you will get a chance for a raffle entry to win free Mermaid Themed Tarot reading by a professional Tarot card reader, The Tita Tarot! So grab this deal now!

It be released on August 28, 2021. Thank you for all your support, dearies!

See ya!

Angel Mariel

The 2021 Starbucks Planner

2021-03-14T11:43:00.000+08:00

Three months into 2021! How are you doing, Dearies? I hope life is treating you well and kind. And even if it doesn't, take heart! We will persevere. Look at me! I've gotten so lost that I have pushed back this feature for a while. Maybe it's lack of inspiration? Time? Or maybe... I just got caught up with life.

I'm sharing with you today my work planner. You have seen my personal/hobbies planner, which is the BDJ Power Planner. That one is a beauty, too! For career, I separate the lot and leave this one in the office.

Here it is, guys! Of course you would know from the title, the 2021 Starbucks Planner!

The 2021 Starbucks PH Planner in Youthberry

From the selection, I chose this Youthberry version with the siren tail. Why? Hmmm... maybe because I need inspiration in writing my mermaid novel. And what more perfect way to remind me than to see it everyday at work. And the second reason being, that yellow is the Pantone color of the year! What sweet timing!

Every year, they come with stickers, rulers, bookmarks, and what not. Check out what came with 2020 planner here. For 2021 we have coffee stickers and a bookmark, which are too cute that I don't want to use them.

Coffee stickers! :D

A bookmark commemorating 50 years of Starbucks.

As always, here are a quick tour of the pages:

Divider pages feature their yummy beverages.

The clean layout makes it perfect for scheduling work.

And yes! More, more coupons year round!

Yes! And this feature is not complete without a slow-mo!

What do you think, Dearies? Do you use Starbucks planners, too? Or did you choose the organizer? The black Reserve one was so cool! But nah... I failed in getting that one.

A cute embossed Starbucks logo in the planner.

That's it for today, see you next time!

Angel Mariel

The Tita's Lifestyle Curated Box

2021-02-13T15:25:00.021+08:00

Hi Dearies! Time for a feature! I'd like to share with you my first blogger mail for this year. It was such an honor to collaborate with Tita's Lifestyle. If you click on the hyperlink, you'll get to their website. It contains tips on how to navigate life, like trends and lifestyles. I find it heartwarming that they also give advice on how to be a better you. Their business truly comes with a heart.

And of course, they have a shop that caters to our Tita needs. Take a look at their curated box. The contents are awesome!

What's inside the Tita's Lifestyle Box?

Did you miss my unboxing video in my Instagram? Don't fret! You can watch it on this link.

See the full unboxing in my Instagram account! Yay!

And you know me, I just had to make reviews!

I love coffee and you can read about their Drip Coffee here:

http://www.myangelmariel.com/2021/02/review-titas-lifestyle-drip-coffee.html

And what I think of their incredible essential oils here: http://www.myangelmariel.com/2021/02/review-titas-lifestyle-essential-oils.html

Visit their Pages:

Tita’s Lifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/titaslifestyle/

Tita’s Lifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titaslifestyle/?hl=e

Lastly, I'd like to thank them for the extra love! This bracelet made by Katie Velez and this coaster to go with my coffee. Yay!

Fabulous freebies!

Gorgeous! If you want yours, you can contact Katie Velez

I had a great time using and reviewing the products. They are of top-notch quality and I'm proud to have worked with Tita's Lifestyle!

Thank you, Cindy and Katie!

Angel Mariel

[Review] Tita's Lifestyle Essential Oils ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2021-02-07T13:00:00.006+08:00

Every Tita needs to get that R and R. Self care should be at the top of the list, even if we do get busy with work and life. Tita’s Lifestyle encourages wellness through essential oils. It is one of their wide range of products, and they also have coffee. If you want to check out my review on their Drip Coffee, check out this link.

Essential oils have done wonders to me. Back then, I would use Tea Tree Oil to cure my skin problems. Now, with my collaboration with Tita's Lifestyle, I can tell you about Orange and Sunflower oils.

Tita's Lifestyle Essential Oils in Sunflower and Orange.

Let's get started with the Orange essential oil:

Orange Essential Oil by Tita's Lifestyle

The outstanding feature of this cute little bottle is that it packs a punch! A few drops in and poof! It diffuses well in the air. I put two drops on my handkerchief and it just wafted freely. I could smell the sweet citrusy fragrance even a meter away. It works like that even without a diffuser. Just imagine your room if you have one! Yep! But if you do have a diffuser, go put this one in and tell me all about it in the comments.

One of the wellness activities that I practice is meditation. It has helped me calm down any stress and worries that come. I find that having a nice scent from the orange essential oil helped me reach calmness and concentration.

Scent: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Packaging: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Effect: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars (I love it!)

Next up, we have the Sunflower Essential Oil:

Tita's Lifestyle Essential Oil in Sunflower.

Now this one, unlike its orange counterpart, is unscented. It is also more viscous. My blogger friend Perks Be With You suggested that I should try putting this on my hair. Indeed, one use of essential oils is hair care. And the thick consistency of Sunflower Oil made it perfect to use.

I heeded the advice of my friend and applied 2-3 drops on my palms, then I rubbed in all over my hair. And the result is amazing! It instantly made my hair soft and smooth. I’ll definitely add this into my daily hair care routine! It’s a big help in taming my dry hair.

Scent: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars (yes, being unscented is perfect in this variant)

Packaging: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Effect: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars (I love it, too!)

Are you interested in getting yours, too? They have more essentials oils to choose from! Go check out the Tita's Lifestyle pages:

Tita's Lifestyle page: https://titaslifestyle.com/

Tita’s Lifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/titaslifestyle/

Tita’s Lifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titaslifestyle/?hl=en

Orange and Sunflower Essential Oils

Tell me all about your experience with essential oils in the comments! And maybe you can suggest more ways on how to use them, too!

Angel Mariel

The 2021 BDJ Power Planner

2021-02-06T12:09:00.003+08:00

Every year I feature Belle de Jour Power Planners. It just gets better, the theme and the colors are always on point! For 2021, we have crystals and healing, it's quite apt for current circumstances of the world right now. This version is the 15th year edition and I'm excited to share the pages with you. I use BDJ planners for my personal life, and this year, I’ve decided to add social media schedule into it as well. All in all, it has become my errands and hobbies scheduler. Amazing, right?

I chose the original classic cover. The photo just connected to me on a different level. And would you agree? It looks gorgeous and elegant!

Fabulous cover for 2021!

It comes with a coupon booklet and magnetic bookmarks. Since I bought this during their anniversary promo, I got a BDJ decal and another bookmark. Yay! I personalized my copy, too, for that extra oomph!

The coupon booklet, decal, and bookmarks.

The back is oh so gorgeous, as well! Sparkly! :D

My own personalized BDJ Planner!

And of course! Take a look at what's inside the coupon booklet.

Lemme take you into a photo tour of what’s inside!

A positive statement at the second page.

Something to map out your life's journey.

My favorite page ever! Jotting down 2021 goals and a coloring page!

I love this one, too! Get creative with manifesting your dreams!

More planning pages... this one is new.

Positive and encouraging monthly dividers. Example, for January...

...for February...

....and for July.

Plan your days and week in one go!

Read quotes of affirmation above...

And also at the bottom page.

And here’s a quick preview of the planner in a short slow-mo video:

Fabulous, isn’t it? The pages make me hope for healing this year, especially after what is happening nowadays. A beautiful planner, a piece of art, is what we sometimes need to continue moving forward.

What about you? Do you have a planner for personal life, too?

[Review] Tita's Lifestyle Drip Coffee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2021-02-01T14:42:00.001+08:00

Heya dearies! Happy 2021! This post is literally my first entry of the year and I’m proud to write something close to my heart! Yep, coffee! I’m more excited to feature this because it is sourced from Philippine coffee farms.

I’m in a collaboration with Tita’s Lifestyle. Their myriad range of products are suited to meet your Tita needs. I’m here to give you honest reviews about them. First stop: Drip Coffee. Now, every Tita knows that coffee is part of our busy lives. There's nothing like caffeine to get the day started!

Tita's Lifestyle Drip Coffee

Drip Coffee in Vanilla Flavor is what we'll be reviewing today.

Now, the aroma is outstanding! The moment you rip the package apart, the coffee smell just fills up your senses! Yes, I love that addicting coffee whiff!

Look at that ground coffee beans! Ah~ Smells heavenly, too!

I am not familiar with drip coffee and so I googled how to use it. You tear the bag and flip it open. Then, you put the paper handles on the sides of the mug. Then go pour hot water on it. Wait until it filters off into your cup.

The sealed coffee bag, tear the upper part open to get started.

Yes, add hot water then wait for it to drip!

Check out the video below! Ah! Watching it is so satisfying.

The result is pure black coffee. I’m not sure of the water ratio but I didn’t want my coffee to come out strong. So, I left it as that and I diluted it with more water. But it all depends on your preference.

Look at that beautiful cup of coffee! :D

And the verdict?

Aroma: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Packaging: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5 (Certified Yummy!)

One sip and it perked up my senses! It has that strong caffeine kick, no doubt! It is the trademark of Philippine grown coffee, after all. And it didn’t disappoint! By the way, I tried out the Vanilla flavor in this review, but it is so subtle that I couldn’t taste it. The stronger part is the coffee, and that is the most important part, isn’t it?

There are more flavors to choose from, like Hazelnut, Mocha, and so much more! Check out their Facebook page if you want to order. Their drip coffees are very affordable and perfect for every coffee-addict Tita!

Tita’s Lifestyle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/titaslifestyle/

Tita’s Lifestyle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/titaslifestyle/?hl=en

But I’m not done yet, I will try the Classic Sagada Brew next time (check it out on my Instagram page soon!). And if you’ve tried Tita’s Lifestyle drip coffee, do mention it in the comments!

‘Till next blog post, dearies!

Hershey: My Micro-Fiction Entry for 8Letters LitFest!

2020-08-01T21:11:00.000+08:00

Hi dearies! It's a writing spree for us now, isn't it? After Artizia, here comes my next literary journey...

Join us in the 8Letters LitFest this month. Come and read various written pieces from writers and authors. I, for one, decided to also join in the festivities and write a micro-fiction. It was a challenging feat for me... to be able to write something extraordinary out of a few limited words.

Aaaand... I'm glad it got chosen as one of the top 20 entries in that category. I took the inspiration from our pet dog, whose name is embodied in the title.

Click the link below and leave a Facebook reaction or comment. Lemme know what you think!

Link: https://www.facebook.com/8lettersbooks/photos/a.3414544248565255/3414666995219647/?type=3&theater

I hope to see you in the event, guys! It starts on August 5. There will be more books and stories and poems and micro-fictions there!

My Short Story, Artizia, at the Top 20!

2020-05-12T18:39:00.000+08:00

Heya Dearies! Recently, I have been practicing creative writing. So to challenge myself further, I joined contests! Believe me, it was really hard conjuring up a good plot, making characters, and incorporating all those other elements. But it was something I enjoyed. 😍

Last month, I joined in a writing contest called Misty Moon hosted by Jahric Lago. It was in the Fantasy genre, my forte. So I grabbed the opportunity to try and submit an entry. Fortunately, my short story made it to the Top 20! Yay! 😀🥰

Artizia is a story about a mermaid whose decisions would determine her future, something uncertain but of which she is sure to take.

Read the excerpt here --> https://www.wattpad.com/883224006-jahric-lago-presents-misty-moon-online-voting

And if you like my story, please vote for it. Online voting is 20% of the criteria. Your support matters a lot.

Many thanks, Dearies! Hope you enjoy reading Artizia!

Hope and Flowers

2020-03-26T15:36:00.000+08:00

Have you watched Mulan? The animated one? As much as I was looking forward to seeing the live-action movie, it has been put on hold because of the Covid-19 pandemic. On that note, how are you, dearies? I hope you are doing fine. Please stay at home. I always pray for your safety and for everybody who is still out there working.

It has been a morose month for us. Negativities surround the news and our social media timelines. I have been struggling to cope up. So for now, I have lessened my Facebook time. Being at home helped me realize a lot of things about life. Like having a second source of income, having an ample amount of savings, and spending time with family. I have also picked up a few hobbies to continue: like reading my TBR pile (I know right! Haha~), working on a coloring book, or even gardening.

I have always collected cacti and succulents, placing them by the window or in my room. When I was busy working, I didn't observe my plants and see how they're doing. But now, they have taught me one important lesson: To have hope.

My blooming Black Gymno

My cactus, a Black Gymno variety, has bloomed! And the flower looks so happy. It makes me smile just by looking at it.

View this post on Instagram

And my cactus bloomed, reminding me of hope. 🥰❤️🌵 #blackgymno #gymno #cactus #plants #flower #bloom #cactusandsucculents

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Mar 25, 2020 at 1:21am PDT

And only one quote entered my mind: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

Yep, that's from the original Mulan animated movie. It's one of my favorites, especially the part where Li Shang sings, "Be A Man". That song is about toughening it up when times go bad and seeing your true potential to survive.

image source

So yes, my dearies, we can get through this together. Even Mother Nature gives us hope in the form of a blooming flower. Don’t give up, dearies! :D

The 2020 Starbucks Planner

2020-02-04T20:12:00.000+08:00

As promised in my previous planner post, I will now share what I use at work. For business tasks, I use the Starbucks Planner. I leave it in the office and doodle on it my daily tasks. Having two planners helps me focus on things... to only do them one at a time. And well, if left undone, schedule them for some other time, right? Hahaha~

It's now February and I've used up the January pages of this beautiful planner. And so, without further ado, please welcome... The 2020 Starbucks Planner in Frost Grey:

The 2020 Starbucks Planner in Frost Grey

The whole set comes with a 2020 planner, a case, a bookmark, and a set of stickers. The color is perfect for business related stuff. One thing that stands out is the fabulous texture! Tough, leathery, embossed and debossed at the image. For this version, the siren's tail is featured, but the highlight of it all is the cup of coffee. The velvet case is something to drool at, too.

See the Siren's tail debossed and embossed at the covers!

A close look at the bookmark and stickers.

The details at the velvet case.

Love this zipper featuring the Starbucks Siren icon.

Come! Let's flip through the pages...

Gotta love this page... this is the first you'll see after flipping the cover.

More information on coffee. :)

The monthly dividers give us understanding of all things coffee! Wow!

Some reminders on Holidays...

The weekly planner spread. Tasks on left and Notes on right.

Subtle details at the side page: highlights on the day and a mini calendar.

And of course, I use this regularly... great deals with the Starbucks coupons.

Starbucks Planner 2020 coupons galore! :D

So what do you think? Isn't it gorgeous? Quality Starbucks workmanship at your fingertips! I feel so inspired just seeing this everyday, it makes my work day better! What about you, what planner do you use for work? :D

A Full Moon: My Second Fanfiction is Here!

2020-01-16T20:53:00.001+08:00

Heya Dearies! Following my first fanfiction The Path of The Unspecialized (The King's Avatar Fanfic), which was posted in Webnovel, my next story is now ready to be published! I'm very excited to share this with you.

One of the video games that I have played for a very long time is The Sims. Started around 19 years ago, thereabouts. Until now, I don't get tired of creating Sims and building houses. Though yes, there have been times where I was disappointed at how buggy the game is... but yeah, it hasn't stopped me from playing the game. Hahaha~

The Sims is a life simulation and oftentimes, I create stories for my sims. What would they look like? How would they start out? Where would they live?

With The Sims 4: Vampires game pack came Caleb Vatore, who became my favorite pre-made sim. I would pair him up with a sim of my own. And in the process of playing, I eventually got inspired to write down how their story would go in my version of The Sims 4 world. So presenting...

A Full Moon: A 'The Sims 4' Fanfiction

Cover of A Full Moon (with thanks to my sis for editing)

This has taken me almost two years to create, Dearies. It was that hard. Hahaha~ Actually, I started with this first before my The King's Avatar fanfic. I love them both equally. It has been a great opportunity for me to practice and enhance my writing skill. This time, I decided to publish this on Wattpad. One chapter of A Full Moon will be posted weekly, so stay tuned! 😃

Check out the blurb below:

The vampire Caleb wakes up from a long sleep, without any memories of what transpired a month ago. Together with his girlfriend, Averie, they retrace his path and it opens up realizations of love, magic, and old enemies. A full moon is only a speck of time for an immortal, but will this spark an eternal clan war?

This is my first fanfic from The Sims 4. Caleb Vatore is my favorite pre-made Sim. I liked him the moment I saw him in the Sims 4 Vampires Trailer. Playing the game for a long time inspired me to create this fanfiction. Characters and world setting belong to Maxis and EA.

You are welcome to leave comments and reviews for me. 😃📚✍🏻🧛🏻‍♂️

Read A Full Moon in the link:

https://www.wattpad.com/story/211641503-a-full-moon

Thank you so much for all your support, Dearies. Watch out for chapter 2 next week! 😃

The 2020 Belle de Jour Power Planner

2020-01-15T20:11:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year, dearies! The occasion usually calls for a choice of planners for the year. For me, it has always been a yes! I began using one on the year 2008. Yep, I’ve been using planners for more than decade. I find it useful if you are adulting: juggling work and life together.

And yes! I’m sharing with you today my planner for my life events. During New Year’s, I really couldn't decide an article to write. Should it be about encouragement? Or last year’s highlights? And always, I end up writing about the planner that I would use. So here I am…

My life events and hobbies planner is the Belle de Jour Power Planner. I’ve been using BDJ since 2011, so it’s like… nine years now. Woah! Has it been that long? I love this planner and I get inspiration from its pages. So presenting... The 2020 BDJ Power Planner in limited edition cover:

BDJ 2020 Planner (Limited edition cover)

Isn’t it Pretty? There were other covers to choose from. All of them were equally beautiful. But this one… the whorls and astrological symbolism appealed to me. The gold foil is also such a delight for the eyes. But wait, there’s more beauty inside it.

A pretty information page. :)

A quote to brighten your day.

I always fill the goals page up. :D

And yes... the coloring page.

Filling up the Dream Board is my favorite part!

A bucket list for the year.

What a gorgeous monthly divider!

A closer look at the graceful photo.

Every month comes with this full calendar.

The pages reveal a weekly planner.

Some inspirational quote for the week. :D

And there are new pages, too. I really like the “Attract Your Starlight” page as it is a good way to remind yourself of your dreams every hour.

Hey... this is a new one! Like a Dream Board! :)

Yeah... this one!

And a page on gratitude.

A freedom page! Imma let all the creativity flow on this one.

The 2020 Declarations Page.

The planner comes with a cute magnetic bookmark of planets and the BDJ 2020 motto.

The BDJ 2020 magnetic bookmark

Aaaaand there’s more! One of the best features of BDJ are the coupons and the BDJ card! Discounts, here we go! Wheee~

The BDJ 2020 card and coupons booklet.

Coffee, anyone?

Ooooh, shopping!

So what do you think of the awesome pages? I hope it inspired you, too. The year 2020 brings about new dreams as we welcome a new decade. Happy 2020, dearies! ‘Till next post (hint: I’m pretty sure it will be about my work planner! heehee~).

Yay!

My The King's Avatar Fanfic in Webnovel

2019-11-03T13:25:00.002+08:00

The King’s Avatar is one of those stories that have left a mark in my heart. It’s a masterpiece full of adventure, wisdom, and thrill! I knew of this because of Netflix. It appeared on the suggestions list and poof! Then, I was addicted to the series. Hahaha!

After that, I went to explore the story further and it has led me to Webnovel. Now, I'm reading it...

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Currently reading and will be reading for a looooong time. This Webnovel here is all about the video game Glory and how it brought people together. I like it! All the MMO terms, man! I’d already be logging in if Glory was a real game! Ten chapters down, 1,697 and more to go. 😳👩🏻‍💻🎮 #thekingsavatar #butterflyblue #webnovel #glory #ebook #yexiu #lordgrim #teamhappy #bookaholic #bookstagram #bookstagramersph #bgphfamily #book #booklove #booklover #bookish #bookworm #booknerd #booknerdigans

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:02am PDT

Of course, the ending of an epic novel is always a bittersweet moment. Happy that we have finally come to know the conclusion of the story. And sad because, well, we will surely miss our beloved characters.

Lord Grim (image credit: Webnovel)

As the English translated version comes to an end, Webnovel is hosting a TKA Ending Party. I have joined a fanfic writing contest to celebrate it. It’s been a really long time since I’ve completed a story, my last being in High School. Hehehe~

So here I am again trying. You’re free to read and if you’re in Webnovel, throw ratings and Power Stones my way, too. 😃 Every feedback is appreciated. Many thanks to all the people who edited and critiqued my fanfic.

The characters and settings all belong to author Butterfly Blue. I’m thankful for Webnovel for hosting this TKA Ending Party and for giving me a chance to try writing again. And my thanks also to author Butterfly Blue, all credit goes to him for writing The King’s Avatar.

Read my fanfic by clicking on the link:

https://www.webnovel.com/book/15257816406753705

The cover of my first fanfic in Webnovel

Thank you so much for your support, Dearies! :D What about you? Have you watched or read something that inspired you to create a fanfic? Let me know in the comments below. :D

Getting Lost in Everland

2019-09-13T12:01:00.003+08:00

It feels like a good time to be a kid again! During our trip to Korea last May, we went to one of the newest tourist spots. A land of enchantment and dreams… Everland! We took the bus to get there. It’s quite far from the urban city, around an hour ride’s worth. Upon arriving, the first thing I noticed are the tall spires of the entrance palaces. You can also see the famous T-Express in the background. Are you adventurous enough to go ride it?

Welcome to Everland!

A magnificent adventure awaits! :D

Spires! Those spires!

Me and my excited self! :D

We arrived at Everland quite early. Apparently, it opens at around 11 AM. Most of the attractions were still closed except for the Panda World in Zootopia. So we visited it first before lunch. The pandas were so cute! Even in captivity, I could see that they were in a good hospitable environment. They looked healthy and happy. And it’s my first time to see a real panda! Especially a red one! :D

Cute Panda! :)

A Red Panda on a tree. Cutieee!

There are also other animals, aside from the Pandas

After the Pandas, it was time for lunch. Wheeee~ We went looking for a restaurant. There were lots of cuisines available there. And we chose Italian! Time for some yummy pizza! :D

The food in Venezia Pizza was pricey but delicious. The thin crusted pizza is packed with flavor and the cheese and herbs stood out. 5/5 would definitely recommend! :D

We ate yummy cheesy pizza for lunch.

After lunch, we went back to the zoo. My mother wanted to see a tiger and truth be told, I wanted to see one, too. So we headed for the safari to see them.

A mighty tiger! It went right past me. :O

The cage that they were in is full of trees, as well.

We further explored the safari and ended up in riding one of Everland’s main attractions, the jeep ride called The Safari Adventure. It was a looooong wait getting there, though. Like, almost 2 hours on queue. Woah! But it was worth it at the end. I enjoyed the ride as I saw a lot of animals out and about. It was my first time seeing Tigers, Lions, Zebras, Cheetas, and more in real life! They even let us go near the giraffes!

On to a Safari Adventure! :D

One of the first animals we saw is this bird.

Woah!

... and Elephants! :D

Zebras!

This was the closest I got to a giraffe!

Cute pink flamingos

Oooh~ Rhinos!

And Cheetas! :D

Next stop were the gardens. It’s a wonderful world of flowers out there! And the fountains and castles give it a fairy tale vibe. The Rose Garden is my favorite Instagram spot in Everland. It featured different roses from all over the world. All of them were so elegant, beautiful and vibrant.

The place resembles a superb ancient Greek garden.

I just couldn't help but take a pic with all these lovely plants.

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There’s this garden in Everland that transports you to the land of roses... 🥰🌹🎢 #everland #rose #roses #rosegarden #southkorea #flowers #plants #garden

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jul 5, 2019 at 4:38am PDT

We further explored the park and basked in its beauty!

It's like all castles in there!

And this one is like a little Holland village...

A pretty windmill-like building is perfect for more IG-worthy shots.

This gothic structure houses a souvenir shop.

And all the while we were going around Everland, we always stopped by for a food or drink. And everything in there is just so delicious! My favorite is the buttery caramel popcorn which could be found at kiosks all over the place! :D

Ice cream to keep the heat away!

These churros are the longest I've seen. We shared it with my sisters.

This popcorn is my favorite of all. We ate it all in a few minutes. So sweet! :D

A theme park is not complete without cotton candy!

Of course, what better way to remember the experience by buying some souvenirs.

Everland ref magnets

Everland cute plushies!

Oooh~ My favorite one of all -Panda plushies which remind me of Aggretsuko.

Everland is such a huge place! We weren’t able to explore it all in one day! If ever you would come to visit, I suggest getting the late bus ride back to Seoul, or a two-day trip for it. The queues are so long that most of your time will be spent there. My family and I weren’t able to explore all the attractions. I wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel and all the others. But uhm? T-Express? I’m not yet courageous enough for that but who knows. I might try something out of the box next time. And yep, you read it right! There will be a next time, most definitely!

[Game Review] Ride-or-die: A Bad Boy Romance (Choices) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2019-08-12T14:05:00.000+08:00

Hey dearies! I’m back after weeks of hiding in the cave! Inspiration hit me quite fast this weekend. So I’m writing something down before my inspiration disappears.

Thanks to another Choices book, I have written again after a while. Kudos to the Pixelberry Team! And thank you for making these wonderful stories. Choices is one of those games I have stayed on. The fresh content always make me come back.

So this book in Choices that captured my heart is about race cars and crime and romance, aptly titled Ride-or-die: A Bad Boy Romance.

That's one sexy cover!

And as the saying goes “Never judge a book by its cover.” Don’t get me wrong. It’s a beautiful cover. It captures the essence of the title itself. However, it gave me a perception that it’s going to be focused on the romantic aspect only.

I’m not really into the romance genre. But! I love cars, especially badass ones! And this book has a lot of it. Sexy and fast cars!

....but this cover is sexy, too!

To be honest, I decided to play this to earn Diamonds. But just like my other favorite, Perfect Match, Ride-or-die became into one where I actually spend Diamonds on.

And unfortunately, I didn’t take a lot of photos at first so I kinda can’t share with you some deets. But hey, you can play Ride-or-die and see the amazing stuff first hand!

Art and music:

The characters are well depicted. The way their art is done makes it possible for me to imagine the appropriate voice for each. Like uhm... rebellious voice for Logan and sweet girl voice for my MC?

And yep, the customization part is one of Choices’s best features. I got to play a naive high school girl for this book so I chose the perfect look!

My main character in a gorgeous outfit.

Woah! I can’t believe I get to choose how a love interest would look, too. So I decided...

Meet Logan, my chosen Bad Boy.

But the best art in this book are the classy, sexy, and fast cars! They come with cool names, too. Look out for them in the chapters! My jaw literally dropped at that black and orange speed demon. But my favorite car is definitely Logan’s. Too bad I can’t have it. 😲

That's one sleek ride, y'all!

Oooh! Vintage!

And woah! Motorcycles are here, too!

The art and the background music fit like a glove. It changes in every setting and it enhances the mood of the book.

Vroom! Vroom! That roaring engine sound can be heard in a lot of chapters. It’s the first time I heard that and only in this book. So I guess it’s a new sound. It sure revs up the thrill in every ride.

Writing Style and Plot:

I like how they presented the plot and the subtle twists and revelations along each chapter. Woah... my character’s dad is a what? Investigating who? It blew my mind in the first few pages. And that gave me a reason to continue playing the book. I even analyzed the contents and think how the writers would fix the conflict. Or how it would play out in the ending.

I wonder how that would work out?

Ride-or-die explores some issues like teen angst and life-of-crime and first sweethearts. Like in high school but with badass cars. Plus, it adds the forbidden romance trope in the storyline. Well, it’s on the title, right? “A Bad Boy Romance”. Heehee~ 🥰 Didn’t expect it would develop into a good story with substance.

He's dreamy, isn't he?

One thing that struck me is the feeling of adrenaline. Yep! Whenever there are heists, I can feel my own heart beating fast, as if I’m behind the wheel for real. You know, I went to battle with Kenna Rys a lot times, fought in the fray with Hayden and other androids, and clawed out some vampires with Adrian Raines... but never had I been more scared in a Choices book like in Ride-or-die!

Woah!

Yep... I can feel it while reading, too!

Probably because I’m used to playing battle scenes in video games that going into one doesn’t scare me anymore. But I sure as hell don’t know how to drive! And that, my friends, gave me a fright! I held my breath and concentrated hard on each mission with the Mercy Park Crew. It was then that I fell in love with the story and the protagonists... with Logan, Mona, Toby, Colt, Ximena, and Kaneko.

And that bittersweet ending just tugged at my heart. I’m gonna miss the characters and most especially, Logan. Nooooo! I can’t say goodbye! It’s too soon! 😭

Conclusion:

My rating: 5/5 stars

Ride-or-die is an excellent and well written story. The art, the music... everything came together to give the audience a great gameplay. The book gave me a roller coaster of emotions, too. It clearly is a work of love, as what Pixelberry promises in every Choices book.

My one regret? I didn’t get the Diamond choice badass car that I wanted. I chose the free car that came with the book. And worse? I don’t even have a picture of it! Ah! This calls for a reread. I’m taking that one sexy car and paint it red or pink or flashy yellow like Logan’s! Or... a motorcycle? I don’t think it was in the options but Colt would definitely agree! Ha! 🤣

Lemme think about it, Colt.

Here’s to hoping for Book 2! The ending held a lot of potential for another high octane love story. And please, more riding shotgun with Logan. 🚘

Godiva Chocolate in KR

2019-07-05T08:35:00.001+08:00

Lotte Tower was one of the destinations that we visited during our trip to Korea. It got me into another chocolate adventure as I spotted a Godiva cafe along the way to the Seoul Sky. It was such a luxurious show of chocolate! It instantly got my attention.

The last Godiva cafe I visited was in Singapore. The soft serve was very delicious and I have been craving for it. And that was enough for me to make a stop and try another in Korea.

The displays of chocolate were so beautiful and they all looked delicious, as I’m sure they are!

Rows and rows of chocolate!

... and moarrrr chocolate! :D

Wanted to try this.. but time ah!

Boxes and boxes full!

I wanted to stop by and take a breather for a while in the cafe. You know, try their coffee, too. But we were rushing, on our way to the Han River. So, I decided to have another scoop of the famous dark chocolate soft serve.

Range of drinks and other cafe snacks

Gotta have the new flavor! Yum!

See, they had a limited edition flavor! Part of the Carnival Gold Collection, here comes Mango Raspberry soft serve! And you know me, I just had to have it! 😃🍦

I’ve contributed to the #godivaicecream photos on Instagram once more!

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Another chance at Godiva when I was in Korea! I saw it and I just had to have another of their delicious, ultra creamy, and luxurious chocolate ice cream. This one is a new flavor, Mango Raspberry. Gotta agree the toppings make it all the more regal! 😋🍦🍫 🇰🇷 #AngelMarielInKR #godiva #godivaicecream #chocolate #korea #latepost #seoulsky #mangoraspberry #icecream #yummy #nomnom #foodphotography #foodie

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 6, 2019 at 4:49am PDT

A close up of this uber delicious soft serve! Luxurious!

The dark chocolate ice cream was velvety and soft, just as I remembered it in Singapore. The sprinkles give it a contrasting texture of roughness. And the yellow and red syrups gives out the mango and raspberry flavors, respectively. The sweetness is just right. Overall, it is a heaven-on-earth experience!

And because it’s so yummy, I finished it in a fleeting moment! Noooo... there’s no satisfying my cravings for Godiva chocolate from where I live. Hopefully, there’s a Godiva cafe in the next country that I’ll visit. 😃

See you soon, Godiva! :)

Subway Food in Seoul

2019-06-15T17:28:00.001+08:00

The Seoul subway does not only house one of the best train systems in the world, but also delicious food! Our main transportation while we were in Seoul is the train. And yep, it also allowed me to take part in a great gastronomic ride!

This is my second post for my Korea Trip series, my first one is about street food. And yes, the subway food is as good as the street food!

Subway food can be found in stalls before you arrive at the train platform. I’m sorry if I get the location or the exact station wrong here. As a foreigner, it was hard to take note of the place. The subway was a labyrinth to me, you know. And Seoul has like... a lot of train lines! Haha! But I’ll try my best.

Pastries are always my weakness. One particular store I fell in love with is this one selling croquettes at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park station. My favorites are the sweet whipped cream filled and Italian croquette. The cheese was unforgettable for the latter.

The croquette stall in DDP station.

This whipped cream croquette is the champion!

I had the Italian Croquette at the right and it was filled with cheese and other meat. It was a savory treat.

These are simple but it reminds me of childhood! :D

Another pastry stall that I like is somewhere in Sindang station, where I’ve tasted the best coffee bun ever! Sadly, I forgot to take a solo photo of it. But it’s among the pictures below.

That coffee bun at the top is awesome!

More cakes and rolls!

And colorful macarons on display

Subway eats also have the traditional Korean street food on sticks, like Odeng (Fish Cake). Below is from Jamsil station, where we stopped by before going to Lotte Tower.

A selection with Odeng.

Odeng FTW!

More choices of food on sticks!

Manjoo! Who here likes manjoo? A custard filled pastry that's filled with happiness! Manjoo Cafe is also in Jamsil station. They were selling waffles and coffee, as well. But time constraints made me try only manjoo. 😋

Bring me back to Manjoo Cafe! :D

Fresh and hot manjoo is the best!

You know it's good if there's more custard filling. Yum!

The subway is full of people every time. No wonder it gives a lot of choices when it comes to food, as well. These few I’ve tried in my visit there only proves that there a lot more subway eats Korea can offer. Next time, I think I’ll try going on a train joyride, stopping at every station just for the food. 🤔😃😋

Street Food Exploration in Seoul

2019-06-11T16:10:00.002+08:00

Heya dearies! It’s been so long since my last blog. I’ve been cooped up with this thing called ‘reality’ these past few weeks. Plus, the uber hot summer weather is not good for my creativity. Ugh... But recently, I traveled to Korea to take a break. And yes, you’ve guessed it! I’ll be talking about it in the next few blog posts.

I won’t be writing it itinerary style, though. I’m sure there are a lot of other bloggers out there that can guide you on that. I want to focus on each experience and to feature Korean culture in detail.

Of course, we’ll begin with my forte... food! Specifically, street food! 😃

Street food can be found everywhere in Seoul! Just look for those food carts on wheels. They sell anything from savory food to desserts. The taste is outstanding and of quality, too.

And I’m impressed by the way the food carts are maintained. You are assured that what you’re eating is safe for consumption as the carts are really clean and hygenic.

The first street food we had is at Changdeokgung Palace. This food cart convinced me that Korean food is not only healthy, but delicious, as well. Yum! 😋

Those little fishes contain a red bean filling.

The red ben filling. Yum!

The cart also has these egg topped pastry. It's delicious, too.

Up next is Myeongdong... The place is a picture of colorful buildings and busy people. Cosmetic stores, wholesale shops, and cafes are everywhere.

One of the lively streets of Myeongdong!

We had our first lunch there in one of the food stalls and I was immediately impressed by the taste... how soft and buttery the beef was.

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Rice topped with Bulgogi for my first lunch in Korea. 😋🍚🥢 #bulgogi #myeongdong #korea #koreanfood #yummy #nomnom #beef #rice #foodie #foodphotography

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on May 20, 2019 at 11:20pm PDT

Spam and Cheese Kimbap for my sisters...

... and Bibimbap for my mother's lunch.

Here comes the best part! Once late afternoon hits, food carts start to come out and Myeongdong really becomes a street food heaven! Wheee~ Seeing the merchants set up their carts gave me a giddy feeling. I was so excited to try the food!

And especially desserts! See photos below for a sweet adventure!

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Strawberries here in Korea are a must-try! They’re so big and sweet. This food street cart in Myeongdong serves them plain or with toppings. Of course, I just had to try the chocolate sauce! 😋🍓🍫🇰🇷 #AngelMarielInKR #strawberry #korea #myeongdong #streetfood #foodie #yummy #nomnom #chocolate #foodphotography

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on May 22, 2019 at 3:32pm PDT

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Cutie Line Friends! The ice cream soft serve is so milky and creamy. Cookies topping gives it texture and more flavor. 😋🍦🍫 🐻 And that’s probably the biggest plushie I’ve ever seen. 🥰 🐻 #AngelMarielInKR #korea #linefriends #icecream #sweet #plushie #myeongdong #yummy #nomnom #foodphotography #foodie @linefriends @linefriends_kr

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on May 23, 2019 at 4:19pm PDT

A mochi of strawberry and red bean! Yum!

We also tried other savory Korean dishes. Each one is delicious! Yes, everything! If only my stomach could hold more. Hahaha!

My mother bought these dumplings and my first bite wanted more! :D

Deep fried food of various choices... and all of them yummy!

More dumplings... plus Tteokbokki at the side

Tteokbokki: the spicy flavor is not for the faint of heart.🔥

It was in Myeongdong where I first had Fish Cake (or locally known as Odeng). I liked it and craved for it all the more! 🤤

It's one delicious Odeng!

My favorite among Myeongdong street food is this ice cream carp food stall. The most expensive one I spent at KRW 5,000 but so worth it! My sister even bought her own after trying out mine. 😃

My favorite food stall in Myeongdong

The parts of the specialty.

Yay! Oppa putting the honeycomb topping on the ice cream.

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One of my favorite street food desserts here is this ice cream carp. The gentle sweetness from the honeycomb topping stands out because of the vanilla ice cream. I didn’t mind the cold temperature at all. 😋🍦🍯 #AngelMarielInKR #myeongdong #streetfood #korea #koreanfood #koreandessert #yummy #nomnom #foodphotography #foodie

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on May 24, 2019 at 10:58pm PDT

When nighttime hits, the street food stalls in Dongdaemun were our sanctuary. It’s beside APM place. Yes! Food quality is excellent, as well!

My mother couldn't get enough of these dumplings. Well, me, too! 😋

We also had ramen with the dumplings. There were a lot of options but we chose the only non spicy one in the menu.

A menu of Korean ramen.

Pork Soup Ramen was savory and the serving was so big, you'll surely get your fill!😀

The other side of the street featured more carts!

Oooh~ Tteokbokki again!

Waffles! :D

Yes~ Odeng!

There was also a drink cart near the subway entrance. It was there that I bought a bottle of Yakult at KRW 500. And a bigger and beautiful bottle at that, too.

I looked all over convenience stores for this. Luckily, I found a food cart selling these.

And speaking of subways, more food deserves to be featured in there, too! I’ll write about subway food in detail in the next post. Watch out for it! 😃

Korea is very rich in food culture. Among the tall buildings, lush parks, and narrow alleys, food is something that gives a sanctuary to the busy people of Seoul. And I'm very happy to have experienced it through street food, the same way as locals would.