Sarah Tirona

RESPECT - R. E. S. P. E. C. T.

2019-04-03T13:12:00.000+08:00

Imagine coming home after being away for a few months only to discover that the life you left was packed, discarded and thrown away like trash?

That happened to me 23 years ago.

Why am I writing about this only now?

Because after all this time, it still bothers me and it even bothers me more now that I have a daughter who's at the cusp of the age I was in when this whole mess started.

GAMCHEON CULTURE VILLAGE TRAVEL GUIDE | BUSAN

2018-01-16T19:48:00.001+08:00

A quick google image search of Gamcheon will show you photos of a pretty mountainside lined with colorful pastel houses.

But there's much more to Gamcheon than just scenery.

Click more to find out how those layered houses came about and what else you can do in this little charming village located just 3 hours away from Seoul...

gamcheon culture village

BUSAN: 9 THINGS TO DO IN 24 HOURS (SAMPLE ITINERARY)

2018-01-15T20:47:00.001+08:00

What you can do in 24 hours and why you need to take a side trip to this charming coastal town called Busan.

Wether your into Korean Pop Culture..k dramas, k pop, food, skincare, shopping, sightseeing...

South Korea's second largest city and busiest port town has something everyone can appreciate.

When travelling to South Korea, why not make side trip to Busan? Here's 9 things you can do in just 24 hours...

sample itinerary busan south korea

SOUTH KOREA TRAVEL DIARIES 1: SURVIVAL INSTINCT

2017-12-27T18:17:00.003+08:00

plaid pants street style

Why I didn't travel much this 2017?

I used work as an excuse but the real reason behind it was fear. Which I found a bit weird especially given my (travel and adventure) history. For some reason, I experienced an overwhelming fear of flying this year.

PUREFOODS HEAT AND EAT CRISPY PATA AND LECHON KAWALI

2017-12-24T10:08:00.000+08:00

Look what I found while browsing for gifts in the grocery!

purefoods heat and eat

AIGLE IS FINALLY IN THE PHILIPPINES

2017-12-16T16:16:00.000+08:00

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The French outdoor lifestyle brand Aigle finally makes its way to Southeast Asia via the Philippines, as it opens the country’s flagship store in Uptown Mall in Taguig City.

So why am I so excited about an outdoor lifestyle brand?

Because unlike other competitors in the market, Aigle ups their outdoor gear a notch by injecting each piece with the kind of style only the French can create...

DESIGN STORY: STUNNING SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN + QUALITY

2017-11-23T12:19:00.002+08:00

When extra thought is put into the design of something ordinary, it transforms it into something extraordinary, a piece of art that will be cherished for many generations to come.

I think that's what Design Story is all about.

A place to shop for special pieces that's meant to be passed down.

Also, if you're a chair person like me, you'll love this store!

Also, if you're looking for something to gift that someone who seems to have everything, you might find something pretty affordable and yet precious here, click more to see some of my favorites.

design story ph

CHEWY AND HELGA CHRONICLES VOL.1

2017-10-12T11:56:00.002+08:00

I miss writing and sharing stories just for the heck of it so let me tell you a story about Chewy and our new dog, Helga the Schnauzer! 😜

After months and months of "thinking about it", we finally found the one! Not sure if Chewy feels the same way though...

dog chronicles

#RETURNTOREAL: 3 CHEESE MAC AND CHEESE WITH SUNDRIED TOMATOES RECIPE

2017-10-04T14:21:00.000+08:00

I LOVE CHEESE. WITH A PASSION. Seriously. When I’m at a restaurant, when something has cheese on it, you can guarantee that I’m gonna order it. It’s the best PMS and comfort food. That’s why cheese dishes are a constant in our household especially on “special days” like Sundays and holidays. Basically, anytime the family gets together for a nice meal.

KRACIE HADABISEI ALL IN 1 FACE MASK REVIEW (THE NEW ONE!)

2017-09-18T15:34:00.000+08:00

You remember those posts that used to go viral a lot about being "busy" and how not to use "being busy" as a badge of honor? That irritates me sooo much. Obviously, the one who came up with those memes certainly wasn't juggling roles as a mom, homemaker, entrepreneur, blogger, someone trying to stay healthy etc.

YES I AM BUSY. And I'm not apologising for it. The little down time I have I cherish for quiet moments and writing posts like this which I believe is worth sharing :)

Sorry, it really takes a lot of time to shoot nice photos, upload (esp when your internet is real shitty and takes half a day to upload a batch of photos 🙄 hello PLDT, that's you. )

But I do miss sharing things I like so from now on, I'll just post whatever with very little filter and editing just cause I miss sharing these tips with you.

So if you find me rambling. Sorreee :) Just keep in mind that I'm very honest. 😝
For now here's a long overdue post!

hadabisei all in one mask review

WHY YOUR KID NEEDS DHA (MUST READ)

2017-09-07T14:25:00.001+08:00

Health is wealth. There is no statement that holds more truth than that. I found out the hard way when I spent most of last year sick. It doesn't matter what you have or how much you have, if you aren't healthy, you won't be able to enjoy it.

That realization made me rethink my diet and daily eating habits even more. I began to pay more attention to the things I put in my body. Something that kept popping up in my research was DHA.

DHA is Omega 3.

It's why we grew up hearing how fish is good for you and why our parents would force us to have fish oil etc etc.

SO HOW DOES DHA help our bodies?

HOW TO HAVE A NICE DAY: 5 EASY STEPS

2017-08-17T16:53:00.002+08:00

I had the nicest day ever. In the city. Whaaaaaaaat.

With all the negativity going on lately (hello, ltfrb, animal abusers and north korea. thanks for my new wrinkles. 🙄), it's hard not to feel frustrated and disheartened with life in general.

I've found the best way to deal with this is to focus on ways to make yourself feel good instead. Look in not out. Because when you feel good it resonates with the people around you which in turn makes them feel good and so on and so on.

So join me on this quick journey to good vibes. Click more to unlock the secrets.

bo's coffee primo

#CUSTOMMEJORE: ATTAINABLE LUXURY FOR YOUR HOME

2017-08-04T13:59:00.000+08:00

I have always been a frustrated interior designer. Way back in college, I would paint my room each year and change up it's theme. I almost went to PSID but laziness got in the way cause I found it too far away from where I live...which is also by the way one of my biggest "what ifs".

Landing the cover of Real Living is still by far my most favorite media feature of all. I love styling homes more than dressing up. Oh yes x100!

Which is kinda sad because I guess few people know this so I hardly get invited to home/interior events but when I do, I really make it a point to attend.

The most recent one I was invited to was perhaps also on of my most favorites ever. It was for the launch of #CustomMejore.

#custommejore

QUICK, EASY, JUICY, 7 INGREDIENT ROAST CHICKEN RECIPE WITH OUR #PAMBANSANGMANOK

2017-07-27T16:26:00.000+08:00

A few days ago while scrolling down my Facebook feed, I came across a status that caught my attention. I can't exactly recall word for word but the basic gist of it went something like this...

"Gourmet, Grass-fed, Braised, etc. At the end of the day, it just boils down to having something in your belly."

I cannot disagree with this enough. It is soooo wrong on sooo many levels. Especially nowadays.

And I honestly think that's just laziness speaking. Seriously, it isn't that hard nor expensive to eat healthy and stop filling your body with poison. All it takes is a bit of research and minimal kitchen skills.

I'm sorry if I might come off as too adamantly serious about it, it's just with people left and right getting sick lately, it's something I take very seriously, especially with my family. I really believe in the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and what better way to do it than with good, healthy food.

roast chicken recipe for dummies

#ANELLOINMANILA: LAUNCH OF ANELLO AT SM MEGA FASHION HALL

2017-07-24T09:51:00.001+08:00

STYLE + FUNCTION.

That pretty much sums up Anello and that's also probably why Filipinos can't get enough of these Japanese/Italian bags.

Truth be told, we are one of the biggest consumers of Anello Bags worldwide which is why they decided to open shop here...

#anelloinmanila

PARFOIS END OF SEASON SALE

2017-07-03T17:28:00.000+08:00

WHAT CAN P1000 BUY YOU AT THE PARFOIS END OF SEASON SALE?

LOTS.

1902 TRADITION EAU DE COLOGNE

2017-06-19T19:36:00.003+08:00

Hi guys! This'll be quick since I'm sure you all don't really care to read about top notes, mid notes and such.

Just want to share my two scents on this new fragrance.

1902 eau de cologne

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SPENT QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FATHER?

2017-06-18T22:09:00.000+08:00

Nandito ako, kasama mo

Fathers may not often be associated as nurturing and warm individuals but they continue to be the light and pillar of the family through his hard work, determination to succeed, and selflessness.

When dads get promoted, who do you think benefits from it the most? His family of course. With every success and triumph, it is his family whom he wants to share these big moments with, it is them that continues to fuel him to do well no matter how tired he gets.

While it can’t be helped that sometimes he won’t be around much at home if work gets too busy, there’s always a way to create family time.

This Father’s Day, why not bring the celebration to dad instead of waiting for him?

BEST BARGAINS FROM PROMOD'S SS17 END OF SEASON SALE!

2017-06-17T12:17:00.000+08:00

I visited Promod, Megamall last June 15 for the first day of their ongoing end of season sale...85% of the boutique is on sale with most items costing less than P1000!

Here are some of the best bargains I spotted...

VIVO V5S: TAKE YOUR SELFIE GAME TO GREATER HEIGHTS

2017-06-17T08:37:00.000+08:00

The wait is finally over for all selfie lovers out there as top five global premium brand¹ Vivo brings to the table the newest member of the perfect selfie V5 line—the Vivo V5s—that will take the “selfie game” to greater heights.

In a big reveal at SM North Edsa last May 19, Vivo launched the V5s as the newest perfect selfie phone that caters to the arising needs of millennials, working professionals, and people from all walks of life. With a 20-megapixel front camera with f2.0 aperture, the V5s gives you crystal clear, high-resolution selfies, wherein all the details are astonishingly visible. Its 13-megapixel rear camera with f2.2 aperture and an ultra-high-definition mode also renders stunning ultra HD images of up to 52 megapixels.

HOW I GOT RID OF MY CYST AT HOME

2017-06-13T19:56:00.003+08:00

A couple of months ago, I noticed a lump "down there".

It was a particularly stressful month and my period was delayed for a few weeks so I thought I'd wait it out before panicking. Maybe it was related to my menstrual cycle since there were a couple of times when a pimple showed up a week or two before my cycle only to disappear on its own afterwards.

This wasn't a pimple though. It was larger and it didn't go away even after my super strong and very much delayed period came and went.

That's when I decided it was time to go visit a doctor.

effective home remedy for cyst removal

TIDY HEIDY INSTANT STAIN REMOVER REVIEW

2017-06-08T14:28:00.003+08:00

I received an email a few weeks ago from some students who were doing their thesis.

They were asking me if I could help spread the word about their product: a pocket friendly, non toxic and locally made instant stain remover ala Tide 2 go.

I am always getting spaghetti stains on my clothes so why not? Plus I LOVE getting emails from enterprising young kids +++ points since it's also locally made.

Here's my unbiased review for your reference.

tidy heidy review

BROWHAUS TRINOMA + NEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS

2017-06-06T10:51:00.001+08:00

I love Browhaus, I follow them everywhere they go. As of this writing, I am still frustrated that they have not yet opened a branch in Greenhills or Shangrila. I am patiently hoping, waiting and jealous of the fact that people up north now have one so conveniently tucked away along the driveway of Trinoma.

Not only that...

browhaus trinoma

HONEST REVIEW: BLUEWATER DAY SPA HILOT

2017-06-02T14:43:00.002+08:00

I was invited for a day of pampering to celebrate Mother's Day a couple weeks ago at BlueWater Day Spa.

We were allowed to choose between 3 services: a cellulite melter massage, a variety of body scrubs or a traditional Filipino hilot.

I have been trying to find a good "hilot" to hire for the longest time so I decided to give theirs a try.

Here's what I think.

bluewater day spa review

#BELOBABY TALC-FREE POWDER REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

2017-05-24T16:54:00.000+08:00

Probably the most common parenting philosophy in the 70's and 80's was

BUT DID YOU DIE?

Mom, I stuck my head in a can of cornstarch and can't get it out! Okay, but did you die?

Dad, I scraped my entire elbow on the street pavement! Okay, but did you die?

Mom! Dad! I ate my entire bottle of Flintstones Vitamins! Okay, but did you die?

Okay, we didn't die.
We're all obviously here and find it hilariously funny now growing up as kids in the 70's and 80's + all the ironies that came along with it.

I'm not about to go full on granola with you guys, I'm just saying that it's so much easier to be a "better parent" now with all the good stuff that's easily available to us now. Not to mention the new health studies, parenting groups and organic forums that are so accessible with just a couple of clicks on our keyboards.

belo baby talc-free powder