Lovely Discovery | Sunday Paper Co


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I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days and I was stuck at home getting plenty of rest and re-watching five seasons of FRIENDS. I didn't have internet access for a while and consequentially, my drafts have been piling up. Such is this post that was supposed to go up a few weeks back. Well, aside from binge-watching TV shows, I usually spend some down time writing and doodling. I got quite excited when I came across Sunday Paper Co on Camie's blog, that I purchased a Kraft notebook right there and then. I can never emphasize how much I love notebooks and this one, in particular.

It's handy, simple and functional. I love to write on it and make sketches from time to time. I always have it in my bag in case I need to take note of something - it is officially my blog-post-notebook as I still write stuff down first before I type and publish them here.

I have loved collecting neat, dainty and pretty notebooks as a kid. I guess it's one reason I have loved writing so much.

Before I forget, I have already announced the winner of last month's giveaway via twitter. See, if you got tagged. I hope you guys are all having a great week!


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Korea Chronicles | Busan I

/ Day 9 / 





The 9th day was a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Half of me was looking forward to a new adventure while the other half was wanting for the 8th day to stretch a bit longer. Obviously I wasn't prepared to leave Bundang although I knew that an entirely different experience awaits in Busan.

At exactly 5:30 in the morning, I woke up to a mix of incoherent sounds from two mobile phones - C's and mine. I had another restful sleep - uninterrupted - much like the other nights, a testament to a full, exhausting yet fun-filled day that was. I went straight to the bathroom and took a quick shower. C's mom was already up and by the time I was through dressing up, a breakfast of sandwich and coffee was already waiting on the table. C was up too as she would send me off.

We were already at the door before 6:30, the chilly morning breeze hugging us. I said my goodbyes, and for the nth time in less than 48 hours, I thanked C's mom for accommodating me. "Thank you" wasn't enough though for their generosity.

We got to Yatap Bus Station before 7. I bought a ticket for 33,600 won ($33.60) and got to the bus a few minutes later. "goodbyes" and "take cares" were said and C headed back home. The bus left at exactly 7:10.

Twenty-Two | Five Fave Blogs








I love reading blogs as much as I love keeping one. It is always delightful to come across people who are brave enough to pursue their passion in life and be inspired by them in the process. Four years ago, it was a blogger (through this writings) who convinced me that sharing a part of my life in this corner of the internet can be so rewarding, and that I, too, can inspire others in my own little way.

Here's a list of my favorite blogs in no particular order. They inspire and amaze me everyday.

  • Wonderforest
    by Dana Fox

    This blog bursts with beautiful and helpful content each and every time. Dana, the amazing woman behind it, is oozing with creativity. I go to this site to learn a thing or two about technical and creative stuff. I love her tips on blog design, her quirky nail art  & outfit posts. Most of all, I appreciate the many beautiful ways she shares about her dreams & goals in life as well as the disciplined steps she takes to fulfill them.

    You should check out:
    Aim High
    Getting Started
    Blog Essentials

  • Wildspirit
    by Camie Juan 

    I came upon this blog when it got featured as Nuffnang's Featured Blogger of the Month (and that was in 2012). I was immediately hooked because of Camie's fascinating posts about her life as a student studying fashion, her love for vintage stuff, her desire to travel the world and so on. Her big dreams are contagious!

    You should check out:
    His + Hers: Letters to the Future
    The Happy List
    Adventures

  • Cakies
    by Ruby Ellen

    I've been a loyal reader of Cakies for four years now. What drew me to this lovely space is the fun family behind it. Cakies tells a story of a modern family and their delightful traditions through the writings and photos of Ruby Ellen, mommy of four girls - True, Brave, Soul and Glow. I look forward to checking her posts every single day - a healthy mix of DIY posts, healthy recipes, homeschooling tips, handmade dresses, etc. I especially love Ruby's honest and sweet tales of family life - the joys and challenges of  it.

    You should check out:
    Glow's Birthday Dress
    It's Tradition
    An Ode to Summer

  • Thirstythought
    by Kryz Uy

    I rarely follow fashion blogs because truth be told, I'm not that into OOTD posts. But Thirsty Thought, though mainly a fashion blog, got me quite interested because of Kryz' beautiful writings that almost always accompany her equally beautiful photos. Lately, she's been posting a lot about her trips - highly visual and interesting narratives that leave you breathless and dreaming about your next getaway. I also think that she's totally grounded and very much sincere - such pleasant traits.

    You should check out:
    How to Look Slimmer in Photos
    What's Up Shanghai?
    Charmed Life
  • Of Trees and Hues
    by Latrina

    This blog is a relatively recent discovery but it has immediately topped my list of favorites. I adore Trina's photos - always sharp, dreamy and full of life - as well as her well-written columns that mostly inspire others to live at the moment and enjoy life's simple pleasures. I particularly like Between Lenses, a photography challenge, I have participated in a couple of times already. I can also say that she values her readers a lot and always takes the time to let them know and feel that they, too, are awesome.

    You should check out:
    Between Lenses
    Life in Stills
    A Journey of Self Discovery

So there goes my list! Not exhaustive, but pretty much the ones I read most all the time. Can't wait to see the favorites of those joining the Blog-tember Challenge!

Brave Love Blog


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Korea Chronicles | A Day in Bundang

 / Day 8 /

I am writing this to continue chronicling my summer adventure in Korea as well as to join in the Blogtember Challenge. This is my first post for the said challenge on it's 18th day which is about a tale of traveling, a city or country you've been to or a favorite vacation. Click here, if you'd like to participate!

Brave Love Blog

After a day of hanging out in Jongno-gu, my stay in Seoul was wrapped up with an early dinner of Korean street food - teppeokki, soondae and twiguim - at an underground shopping mall in Banpo + patbingsu (Korean Halo-Halo) for dessert at Tom N Toms. At around 7pm, I was on my way to Bundang with C. My ten days in Korea was about to end and my 8th day was more of just chilling out with a family so dear to me. While the last two was crazy busy and crazy fun (more on that later!)

We got to the Yoos in less than an hour through the Shinbundang line (subway) and a short bus ride. What welcomed me is C's mom's warm smile and H's tight hug. Apparently, H didn't know I was coming until that very day. She felt so bad that we (I, R, K & C) got to go out together while she had to study so hard.

H & C (and their parents) are especially close to me because we lived together for almost a year a few years back when they were still here. Living with them is an entire story on its own but to keep this simple (and short), I have to say that that they were not just students to me then, they were like sisters. To see them again was something I had looked forward to for years. I was ecstatic to be in their home, it was a joy to hear them reminisce about their time in the Philippines. When H & C's father came, he joined in the chatter. The night turned out to be a lovely exchange of "what I miss most in the Philippines..." and "what I like most here in Korea..."

Giveaway | Spice Up Your Blog With Envye




I find writing much more enjoyable with the perfect combination of two things - my favorite pen + the right type of notebook or a piece of paper. When OCD strikes, I like my notes without erasures or anything totally distracting. It's the same thing with my blog. I feel more motivated to come up with posts with an easy to navigate lay-out, a blog design that speaks about who I am, and an overall virtual space that is clutter-free. That is why I like Envye so much. Its selection of blog themes fits any creative person's preference - may it be a minimalist design or a theme much more ornate.

Just look at these awesome themes! 



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Envye offers premium Blogger templates and Wordpress themes as well as a selection of other ready-made content for your blog or website. With instant downloads and easy installation, your blog can undergo a professional makeover in just a couple of clicks! Visit www.envye.com to get started.
 
I have been in search of the perfect theme and I'd be rewarding this blog (that just turned four!) a new look soon. Above are my top 5 picks! And if just like me, you've been dying to re-design your site, or are planning to start a blog, you are in luck because I am giving away a BLOGGER template from Envye!

The main thing you need to do is visit www.envye.com and let me know through the comments section which blog theme you'd like to grab for yourself. Don't forget to use the Rafflecopter below for your entries to be counted. You may increase your chances of winning by completing a number of optional entries. 

Head over Envye and have a blast picking your favorite blog theme! Giveaway ends on the 30th.

Goodluck!

Join the giveaway after the cut!