Sincere Gratitude Evokes Joy and Positivity

I’m at the point in life where I believe that initiating kindness is always a win-win situation. When we are genuinely grateful – giver and recipient, both parties take home something golden from within. The act itself creates joy and positivity that again can be shared with a few other people. As we always hear – go forth and multiply. It was referring to this beautiful thing called kindness. It creates a ripple effect in our lives. And, by practicing kindness and gratitude, we aren’t just looking after ourselves here. We brighten our own lives indeed, but also foster the same to those around us.

Little and unusual Things to be grateful for

• Your child enjoying a memorable school educational tour – No more companions are requested by my 8th grader. She enjoyed their school’s educational tour as it did not just involve being independent but also land and water activities that required teamwork. 
• Your jeepney fare being passed on by a stranger
• The sincere smile of the cashier when you paid the exact amount
• Being able to visit your mom on Mother’s Day at the cemetery – It has been a while when we last visited my Mama at the cemetery, but this year is special as it isn’t just Mother’s Day we are remembering her for, but it was also her 81st birthday (could have been).
• A stranger opening up the convenience store’s door for you
• Web version and online availability of the childhood games we used to play – unusual to have gratitude for these but since we learned about this website during pandemic, I go back from time to time to play. I also encourage the kids to play here as it also allows them to learn math skills, marketing strategies, simple coding, business and planning abilities while still having fun. Our favorites are the grocery store games, restaurant simulation games, and kids liked the Run, Run Duck and the Treasure of the Apes too. 

• The lady you saw feeding stray cats and dogs at the park
• Being the first to know about your cousin’s wedding plans – Super happy and surprised about my cousin Mabel’s wedding. She told me about it just maybe three days before the actual wedding and I was the first to know (aside from the two of them). Totally teary-eyed and grateful she’s finally tying the knot and I am praying for their marriage and family to grow beautifully as well.
• Your girls enjoying cosplay events
• An instant family reunion – Though it wasn’t the family reunion we were planning, we, along with my cousins, aunts and only uncle left are still grateful being able to see and hug each other, especially in times of loss. Uncle Jose and Aunt Mely passed just few days apart. It was shocking to every one of us, but we all decided to accept and cherish the memories we have with them both.
• The giant tree providing shade from the sun

• Your child’s volleyball team winning a game
• A friend inviting you for a coffee date – To be honest, it wasn’t me and my friend who actually planned this meet-up but our girls. Who wouldn’t be grateful that your child is friends with your friend’s child? Their friendship may have started online; however, these girls are genuinely affectionate, thoughtful and supportive of each other. 
• Early class dismissal
• Being able to join a bazaar as a merchant
• Your kids excelling at school
• Delicious side dish given by your next-door neighbor
• Freebies from your favorite air-dry clay supplier
• The market vendor giving you discounts

• Your niece’s hugs and laughter
• Your pet dog leaps in joy when you arrive after 5 minutes being away
• New movie coming up from your favorite actress
• Beauty tips from your pretty cousin
• Immediate personal message reply from your high school friend
• Your grandmother gifting you with fruits – we often receive food gifts from hubby’s relatives, and we totally love it! Bananas, tray of eggs, rice, chocolates, noodles and recently, ripe mangoes. I decided to make mango shake and iced candies out of it and shared it to them as well. So nice to be able to re-share what was shared to you.

• Sold many items you sell online
• An old man sharing his pen when you forgot yours
• A full 8 hours of sleep during your work rest day
• Back massage from your other half
• Catching up the last train on your way home

The list we have here are just few of the great number of things we are grateful about. We come across life’s ups and downs in our daily lives but let us not allow those low days hinder us from being grateful people. As they say, grateful people are happy people. Developing a proper and positive mindset is one key to having a happy heart – a heart flowing with gratitude. We are looking forward to having more in this list in the second half of the year!

The post Celebrating the Little Things: Gratitude from the First Half of 2024 appeared first on 'Stitches of Life'.

Splash-tastic Summer at Water Parks

Beat the heat with a splash at Manila’s thrilling water parks. Head over to the kid-friendly zones and adventurous slides at “Manila Ocean Park’s Ocean Adventure.” With exciting water play zones, lazy rivers, and splash pads, your toddlers will be in wonderland, while pre-teens can conquer exhilarating slides to beat the summer heat.

Storybook Day at Museums

Make learning an exciting escapade at Manila’s interactive museums. The “The Mind Museum“ in Bonifacio Global City is a treasure trove of knowledge where kids can immerse themselves in science and discovery. For toddlers, you may want to explore the “Ayala Museum“, where interactive exhibits and workshops happen to spark creativity.

New Heights of Fun at WiiJUMP Philippines

Looking for a thrilling adventure that will take your excitement to new heights? Look no further than WiiJump Philippines! Nestled in the heart of Quezon City at Fairview Terraces.

The park offers an unparalleled fun and memorable experience of bouncing, jumping, and flipping like never before. It promises fun and laughter for everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s also the perfect destination for parties and team-building activities.

Zoofari Magic

Embark on a wild adventure at “Manila Zoo” where kids can marvel at different creatures. Don’t forget to pack a picnic, as the zoo’s lush greenery provides a perfect spot for a family feast.

Another zoo that the entire family can visit is the “Avilon Zoo” located in Rodriguez, Rizal. Kids and tweenagers can even interact with numerous wildlife creatures. Although a cafeteria is inside the zoo premises, they still allow their visitors to bring packed food or snacks of their own.

Kiddie Summer Workshop Extravaganza

Nurture your little ones’ creativity at “KidZania Manila” where pretend play happens. KidZania is like a mini city built just for kids. Toddlers can explore miniaturized versions of real-world activities in a safe and engaging environment, while tweens can unleash their creativity and curiosity through interactive experiences. From firefighters to chefs, the possibilities are endless, fostering both fun and skill development.

Picnic Paradise at Rizal Park

For a laid-back day in the heart of Manila, head to “Rizal Park” (Luneta). Bring a blanket and snacks and let the kids enjoy the open spaces of the park. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic, kite flying, and maybe even a friendly game of frisbee.

Beachy Day at Manila Bay

Head to the “Manila Baywalk” for a beachy vibe and a stunning sunset view. Your kids will enjoy strolling along the walk with ice creams on hand to cool off, while your tweens may also enjoy biking. And for a truly Filipino beach experience, don’t forget to grab some of your favorite street foods.

Summer Thrills at Dreamplay

Another great indoor park option for families with toddlers and tweens in Metro Manila is “DreamPlay” at City of Dreams Manila. Designed in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation, DreamPlay promises a day of endless fun and adventure for the whole family, making it a must-visit destination for summer escapades in the city.

Manila’s summer playground awaits you and your family, promising endless smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From water parks to wildlife encounters, from fun workshops to delicious food adventures, there’s something for every member of the family. Don’t let the summer heat hold you back and gear up now to create sizzling summer adventures in Manila. There could be other great places to come back to or new ones to discover too.

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If you are working from home and a frequent delivery app customer, you have an understanding of the ins and outs of navigating this realm. But, let’s enumerate what we can expect when ordering through these apps beyond just selecting items from a menu:

Food Delivery Quality and Presentation

This is mostly what we, as customers should take into consideration first. Food quality is considered the most important aspect of the online food delivery experience. While delivery apps strive to maintain high standards, slight variations in food quality may occur due to factors such as transportation time and handling. So, expect that the presentation of your meal upon arrival may differ a bit from what you see on the menu.

Streamlined Ordering Process

While the convenience of ordering online eliminates the need to physically wait in line, it’s important to understand that restaurants and fast-food chains may still experience high volumes of orders – for delivery and in-store. Their order queue affects wait times for food preparation, especially during peak hours. You gotta embrace patience, it is a vital key as your order may take longer to fulfill as the staff meticulously prepares every meal or order they have.

Traffic Considerations

Factors such as weather conditions, road closures, and traffic congestion can impact the delivery time of your order. While these delivery apps provide estimated delivery times based on prevailing conditions, a little understanding goes a long way if unforeseen delays arise. Empathy is highly important as we move to the next important expectation when ordering online.

Delivery Person Communication

Once your order is placed, you’ll typically receive updates regarding its confirmation, preparation, and delivery status. The delivery person may also communicate with you directly through the app, providing order preparation status, estimated arrival times to and from the store or restaurant, or any other necessary updates. Clear and respectful delivery instructions, so as timely communication between you and the delivery person ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience.

Interaction with Store Staff

While you may not interact with store or restaurant staff directly when ordering through online apps, their role is crucial in ensuring the accuracy and quality of your order. Each of the store staff contribute significantly to the whole delivery experience. Remember to express gratitude for their hard work and dedication to providing excellent service by a simple thank you call, rating your delivery experience, or inserting a message of appreciation just before you place your order.

Customer Feedback and Support

Customer satisfaction is always the top priority, so feedback is valued too. Notice that after each of your completed delivery, the website or the app would send you a form or a page where you can rate them? If you encounter any issues with your order, such as missing or incorrect items, wrong deliveries, broken, dented, or spilled items, most online delivery apps have a customer support team to address your concerns promptly. This may be through chat or phone call support. Ensure to reach out to them as soon as possible and if you can, include or provide photos as proof of the issue that occurred.

As most of us take advantage and navigate into the world of online food delivery, it’s truly important to keep that patience and understanding. Let us set realistic expectations and value the essence of the apps and the efforts of the people behind each delivery.

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Peace of Mind

Access to the internet is no longer limited to stationary desktop computers; instead, it’s available at our fingertips, enabling us to stay connected on the go. People can connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, fostering global connections. With this, how can we achieve peace of mind?

We know for a fact that these innovations were unimaginable in the past decades but has significantly made our lives easier. And of course, we needed to ensure we are safe using the internet too. To achieve this, we need to practice some strategies to ensure a safe and positive online experience, all the time.

Internet Safety

As mentioned, there are a lot of things you can do to ensure safe internet usage. Always update privacy settings of your devices, ensure two-way password protection and authentication and be mindful of sources are just a few things you can do. Aside from these actions, it is important to avoid internet conflicts or engaging with arguments online.

Practice empathy and respect with all your interactions. Best to also take breaks from all social media platforms especially if negative contents start to affect your peace of mind.

Self-Discipline

Setting boundaries for your screen time is on top of our list to prevent the use of internet or social media contribute to life stressors that may give you anxiety. Be mindful of your online interactions and emotions. Avoid oversharing and limit information shared on social media. Believe that there is a ripple effect in all that we do. So, share positivity and it will come back to you too.

Self-Care

When you decide to take your needed break from the internet, it is best to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as meditation, exercise, hobbies, or spending time offline with friends and family. Spending quality time with the family away from the digital world with physical activities is a fun and wise way for a much-needed self-care.

Though mobile devices have become indispensable companions for self-care and hobbies nowadays, ensure that you stick using the ones that aren’t stress contributors. If you want to keep learning, install educational apps. There are language learning platforms too that you can use.

If you’re into self-care that is more physical like hiking or biking, a reliable GPS tracker is of great help to keep you safe and allow you to explore the world around you. Remember that there are also mobile apps that provide personalized workout plans, mindfulness exercises, and even reminders that you can set for your self-care practices.

Keeping these valuable things in mind and ensuring the responsible usage of mobile devices and the internet contributes to achieving a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle in today’s digital age.

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Bathroom Mirror

The first one in our list and one of the easiest things to update in your bathroom is the mirror. With the right materials and a little of your creativity, you can achieve a stylish mirror that enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. You may want to check out surplus or dollar shops in your area to get an eye-catching mirror that will perfectly match or fit your bathroom style.

How can a bathroom update be complete without a pretty mirror in it? Small or big ones, this is one essential part of every bathroom there is.

Indoor Plants

Did you know that adding plants to your bathroom can be a great and easy way to enhance your space? There are many plants that thrive in the humid conditions typically found in bathrooms, such as Aloe Vera, Pothos, Peace Lily and many others.

Most bathroom plants thrive in indirect or filtered light. Ensure that you know the needs of the specific indoor plant you pick. These plants add a touch of nature to your room, making it an inviting, fresh-looking and a pleasant space.

TOWEL Hooks

Adding a towel hook inside the room is yet another simple and budget-friendly DIY project that can make a big difference, overall. At your local shops, there are plenty of hook options to choose from whether you’re going for a sleek and modern look or wanting to achieve a more rustic feel.

DIY Bathroom Rug

Here’s another simple yet effective way to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your room, a rug. A well-chosen rug not only adds warmth and texture to the space but also provides numerous practical benefits.

Instead of stepping onto a cold tiled floor after a soothing shower or bath, why not step into a cozy and warm rug surface. A non-slip rug can also provide traction when stepping out of the shower hence slips and accidents can be avoided.

These rugs come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to express your personal style and find a match to your room’s theme or vibe. These are also easy to clean and maintain, so the convenience of having one is just so practical.

Vanity Tray

Vanity trays maybe small but adds so much style in your room. You can get vanity trays from Home Depot or even a thrift shop. This is a pretty way to organize your skincare stuff, candles, and small indoor plants too. It’ll be one easy access to all you need for your me-time routine.

Did you also know that vanity trays can protect your countertop or vanity surface from water, spills, and stains? They do! With this, any moisture or water residue doesn’t directly contact the countertop, which potentially may damage it over time.

These are just 5 of the easy DIY updates you can do but there are plenty more things you can add to accomplish and achieve that relaxing vibe you may have always wanted. These tips will sure make your space look refreshing; you may not want to get out from it. Go grab your tools and get started on transforming your bathroom today!

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