May was such a horrible month and I’m still trying to recover from all that happened. I’m doing a lot better but I’m still not feeling like myself, at all just yet. I hate it. I hate postpartum and I hate what happened.
June was a little better, I managed to find favorite things or rather found myself ordering repeat foods. Emotionally though… still not better.
| Food
Bubba found these Mahalo Teriyaki 711 Jerky bags and I. AM. HOOKED. Literally, in June I went through like 5 bags of this stuff. Some in sadly one sitting. The downside? These are $10 a bag. But OMFG they’re so good.
In all the years I’ve eaten at Five Guys, I’ve never had their Hot Dogs. If I want a Hot Dog, I’ll take my ass to Costco, ok? Or Ikea. But I was craving and it sounded good so I went for it. Five Guys hot dogs are like… the upscale Costco dog. I got mine with Chili, Cheese and Bacon and I think I’m ruined ya’ll. It’s so good.
I’ve been back on my Salmon Sashimi kick again. I regret nothing. Except for when I forget to add Eel sauce to the order. I recently read a food article about how there’s no actual Eel in Eel sauce… did people think there was? I figured it was just a sauce to compliment the Eel? Idk, I just know that sushi and gyoza dipped in it is next level foodie heaven.
In the last 10 years Disney Springs has gone through a lot of changes. A lot of new and interesting places have opened up and honestly, I’m thankful they weren’t around when I was still working there otherwise there goes my paycheck… along with all the fucks I gave.
Everglazed Donuts is located on the West Side area of Disney Springs, right next to the AMC theater.
Their set up is a lot like Dunkin Donuts with the way that the donuts are displayed. They have a bunch of unique flavors including Purple Glazed Ube which I was super surprised to see!
They also have a food (and coffee) menu that features a donut burger and chicken sandwich. When I lived in Florida there was a place that had this pretty amazing donut burger. I wasn’t able to try it this time around, but I do plan on trying it next time!
I grabbed 4 of the donuts which are freakin huge:
Glazed, 50th Anniversary, Ube & Strawberry with Sprinkles
I was expecting them to be placed in a donut box but as you can see, they’re in individual containers.
I miss doing these posts and YouTube videos. It’s always nice to look back and see what your favorite things were throughout the year. I don’t think I discovered much “new” stuff in June, but I know I had a lot of favorites. Let’s jump right into it… before I get distracted lol.
Most of the list consists of food but you know what. That’s fine. We’re here for the foodie pics lol.
Red Bull
I definitely ended up kick starting my obsession with energy drinks again. But this time with Red Bull. Energy drinks usually don’t do anything for me but lately these have made me feel like I can do all the things. And it makes me want to do all the things. It’s just drinking it at 3am to game all night is not the move. I’m getting old ya’ll.
Does that mean Texas is low key coming up in the world? As far as a melting pot of food? Or am I just jumping ahead of myself since it is just Sugar Factory. It’s located in Uptown in a really cute area. We went for Valentine’s Day dinner and it wasn’t as packed as I thought it was going to be. There weren’t very many parking options, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Valet is only $10 so it’s not super horrible (then again I’m from San Francisco, anything under $20 for parking is “not that bad”).
I’ve been to the Sugar Factory in Las Vegas but never to eat at. Just to browse. I was curious to see that they opened one in Dallas recently and honestly didn’t think it was actually here. We didn’t make reservations and it worked out. The place has 3 huge dining areas filled with all these pretty walls that are prefect for photo ops and people definitely didn’t skip that part! They also had a small candy and ice cream shop where you can find the candies they put in their drinks and shakes as well as the iconic Sugar Factory lollipops.
For being the shortest month, Feb sure felt like one of the longer ones. I don’t mean that in a bad way… I’m glad at least one Feb in the last few years felt longer than usual. And so far, it’s been my favorite month. Full of trying a shit ton of new eats, seeing new cities, finding new favorite things, seeing some of my favorite people. My Feb was full of insane love from my friends, my support circle who’s been rockin with me for over 21 years. If I know what boundless unconditional love is, it’s because of them. They’ve loved me through all the rough and smooth stages of life from the jump and I’m so very thankful for every single one of them. Not having to feel like I’m being judged or having to censor myself is a feeling I took for granted, for sure.
Despite not really having a place to stay this trip, my BFF made sure I was comfortable. I literally didn’t have to worry about anything the whole week. He also had me drive and while I was SUPER nervous because it was a freakin nice ass car, it felt so good to drive through the streets of my hometown again. You don’t realize how free and liberating driving can feel after years of not feeling comfortable enough to do so. I also appreciate that if I’m PMS’ing he just feds me, tells me I’m funny and let’s me yell lol. I had the best week.
| WATCHED
I know I’m supposed to be working my way through my streaming queues but it’s kinda hard when you have a toddler who wants to watch Dinosaur videos lol. I’m not gonna knock her urge to learn things.
Attempted to watch In the Heights but I just… got lost.
I watched Crazy Rich Asians the first night I was in Napa and there’s just something iconic and inspiring about that movie every time I watch it. Def made me want to work harder on my business; I wanna build something that’s going to outlive me.
Watched Cars… while in a 2 hour queue line for the Cars ride. I forgot how the first movie even went. But Lightning McQueen was a little shit head.
Watched Hamilton on the plane ride home to kill time since I couldn’t sleep. The girl next to me was watching In the Heights. Yeah even watching the little snips I did, I still couldn’t vibe with it.
| DID
Finally got to try Sugar Factory since they opened up one in Dallas and honestly, it was more instagrammable than the one in Vegas I always walked into. The food was amazing and the drink I got didn’t even taste like a drink. Def coming back here.
Growing up Filipino American had its ups and downs; now that I’m older, it’s clear my parents sort of had no idea how to navigate life in America + raising kids + being American. I was scolded a lot for doing things that “we don’t do in our culture” like hugging my boyfriend for more than 2 seconds. Or standing in front of his house in conversation before leaving to go home. I don’t know, it was just… weird. And it was usually my dad who said these things but it was also my dad who loved my bf’s being around versus my mom really didn’t. It’s like the ones my dad liked the most, were the ones my mom didn’t like even more.
I was lucky enough that I was surrounded by my culture everywhere I turned. I was born in San Jose, CA and raised in Vallejo, CA. I was lucky that Asian culture was strong in both places and everywhere in between. I could get Filipino snacks/food from my mom making them or I could buy them pretty much anywhere. I was also really lucky that I grew up going to the Philippines. In fact a lot of my favorite Filipino snacks have some kind of Philippines memory attached to them.
I haven’t been back since my Lolo passed away; it’s been way too long. But it’s harder to get there as an adult and with everything going on. I def owe him a visit. And speaking of, I owe my dad a visit as well. It’s going to be so weird going home and knowing he’s not there anymore.
My culture is incredibly important to me. My roots are my everything and I don’t hide that. I’m a combination of the people I’ve loved and lost and the things I grew up learning as a Filipino American. I just hope I can pass these things to my own daughter as well as these snacks;
| Durian Candy I know this is like… controversial, even in the Filipino community. My BFF who was born in the Philippines is even like “wait, you eat Durian? Why?” lmao. But I grew up eating Durian Candy. Every time my dad would come back from the Philippines or any relatives they would bring us some. And every time I went to the Philippines as a kid I would STOCK UP on this stuff! Because for some reason you can’t find these anywhere in the US. Like at all. I’ve searched loads of Asian grocery stores and even freakin Seafood City doesn’t carry them?! But hey, WHITE RABBIT FOR EVERYONE I guess lol.
And it’s so crazy cause growing up I never knew it was a thing people didn’t like. I guess because my family in the Philippines didn’t really act like it was a big deal. So it wasn’t until, I don’t know, I started dating my ex husband who’s half Filipino when I found out most people don’t like it. Probably one of the handful of things me and my ex father in law had in common — we both liked Durian. And the rest of the family didn’t lol.
| Otap Okay, seriously, how can anyone hate Otap? It’s basically a crunchy, crispy fried biscuit with hella sugar on top and if you know Filipinos, you know we LOVE our sugar. We LIVE for sugar. SUGER ON EVERYTHING PLS. I freakin loved these as a kid. And for some reason there was always some in my house even though I don’t remember my parents ever eating them… weird.
And now as an adult? Yep, still love them. They bring back so many good memories of making a mess in my mom’s house sitting on the floor just shoving these things in my mouth lol.
| Mamon I lived for these when I was pregnant and my mom would send me box full’s! I only like the butter one though. I feel like these have changed since I was a kid — I remember there being a cheese bottom and the top being more sweet. The ones now are just as good; if you’re needing something bland to eat but not boring I’d suggest these!
| Pastillas De Leche / Yemas I have so many memories growing up and this candy. I remember my Lola showing me how to make them in the Philippines and recently my brother attempted to make them as well and sent me some. They’re fairly easy to make and they’re super yummy. Especially if you like things rolled in SUGAR. Told you we like our sugar.
| Ice Candy I vividly remember when I first tried this; it was in the Philippines and my mom had made them. The coconut ones are my fav and if my childhood could have a taste, it would be this! She made them again when we got home, I’ve been asking her how to make them because I’ve been craving them. They’re basically Coconut milk + Coconut in a plastic bag almost but in a small popsicle shaped plastic bag, if that makes sense and frozen.
++++666666666666666666
They’re super refreshing on a hot day and the fact you bite in them in a plastic and suck makes it harder to make a mess, esp when it starts to rapidly melt!
Despite spending a lot of time in high school making Halo Halo’s, Buku Pandan floats and whatever that drink with the balls (kinda like boba but not) I don’t eat any of those snacks lol. I’m really not a fan of Halo Halo, and when I do feel like eating it, I’m super picky with what’s in it.
Have you tried any of these? If not which one would you be more likely to try?
Is it just me or does it feel like March just passed right on by? I remember planning my Middle Grade March TBR and suddenly I have 1 1/2 days until March is over?! How the hell?! I made zero progress with the TBR btw. I mean, I have 2 hours left on the book I’m currently listening to but I have no idea when I’ll be able to go finish it. So. Yeah, the reading was kind of non existent this month.
And it was taken over by… depression! Me and depression have a long and twisted relationship. Before anxiety decided to crash the party, I had figured out a way to take my depression and turn it into art. Writing, singing, graphic design, and even poetry. But since anxiety, that doesn’t happen too often anymore. Now most of the time when depression steps in, I pretty much don’t do anything. And I really hate that type. Where anxiety is crippling and manipulating my thoughts and even sense of sight, here comes useless ass depression. Like bro, at least inspire me to make something? Seeing skips of content just pisses me off when you decide to up and leave for the weekend or some shit. Mothafucker.
At the end of Feb somehow my stuff started to break: first my keyboard (which was my fault, I’ll admit) then my laptop (which was Tums’ fault but honestly, it was bound to happen and of course I tried to avoid it from happening but if you have/had toddlers.. you’d know they just auto break everything they touch. I remember when I was toddler and me and my brother did a LOT OF HIDING my moms shit when we’d do something we KNEW we weren’t suppose to be doing in the house; 99% of the time it involved playing catch). And my iPad randomly decided to stop charging.
My kuya was nice enough to get me a new keyboard (a cool aesthetically pleasing clicky one btw) as an early bday gift and tbh, I’m SO obsessed with it. Like, I just want to type FOREVER. It’s so satisfying! Also, we’ve been friends for 21 years and this is the first time he’s gotten me a gift lmao, just saying. But seriously, this keyboard is the thing of good feelings lol.
My mom replaced my laptop as an early bday gift. It’s cool cause the finger pad doubles as a num pad. It gets confusing when you accidently turn it on (yes you can turn it off and on) but it’s a really cool concept. This one STAYS OUT OF TUMS REACH at all times. Idc if she cries. Throws her shit all off the bed. Whatever. She’s not touching this one lol.
I finally gave in and took my iPad to Geek Squad where they told me that Apple doesn’t usually “repair” your stuff, they just send you a new one. And they don’t really care to even tell you what was wrong with your broken device either. So, yay for getting a replacement but booo for not knowing what was wrong. While I waited for that to come in (they told me 3-5 days but it ended up taking like 3 weeks) I ended up getting the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. There are pros and cons to this tablet, imo. But I’m a hardcore Apple fan when it comes to devices and a Windows fan when it comes to computers. The one thing I will say is that the pen for the SGT is a lot lighter than the Apple pen and it kind of throws me off?
I also finally upgraded my iPhone to the iPhone 12, from the iPhone 8. I was super hesitant since the last text message and phone call log from my dad was on my 8. But the dude said I didn’t have to trade in my phone since it was paid off, so whew. I opted OUT of the mini this time for my phone. I didn’t get the one I dub spider eyes, I just got the 12 in the normal size. And the best thing about new iPhones? THAT NEW BATTERY LIFE. So nice. I can actually not keep it on the charger all night! I can play games! I can FaceTime and not deplete my battery! So fun! So amazing! Man I hate this new tech shit.
If you’ve scrolled through the news lately you’ve probably seen the shit show that Texas is right now with the cold front and snow. I’ve pretty much been stuck at home since the day before Valentine’s Day. It snowed all day Valentine’s Day which is weird since Texas doesn’t really get snow and the Dallas area def doesn’t. And absolutely not all day. A few people I know lost power for over 3 days and it sucks that there’s no way to help since every other Texan thinks it’s a cool idea of wipe out the shelves. So there wasn’t any food, water or wood or anything. Nothing. Texas was not at all prepared for this and the people had to suffer.
Luckily today the sun is out and it sounds like the snow is starting to melt. I’m thankful since they were saying last night we were suppose to have another hard freeze warning.
Man I’m ready for SPRING SPRING, hell even Summer.
Being stuck at home really made me think about food. I want to be better prepared; LoveFood lists 50 Favorite Comfort Foods a few of these will be making their way on to my next grocery run.
MediaFeed is dropping some Year of The Ox knowledge; yes I believe in this stuff! And I have super high hopes for this year!
MediaFeed is also dropping how to know the difference between a W2 and a 1099; As a review blogger I had to file my first 1099 n 2017. I had no freakin idea what that was. But it’s not as hard as you’d think. I kinda thought it was easier than filing a W2 for sure.
Aldi snacks have been flooding Instagram, or maybe it’s just my feeds, idk. But they’ve really stepped their snack game up! I’m going to hunt my ass off for these pudding cups as soon as I can get out of this dang house!
I was hoping to find more Spring themed or Easter themed articles. But maybe it’s still too early? I mean, then again, there’s still snow on my balcony… so I guess there’s still time lol.
Did you find anything interesting this month? Share it below!
I’m still working on a title for this, suffer with me.
Also I never know what word is and isn’t capitalized in titles sometimes, so yes, also suffer that with me lol.
This week has been draining; I don’t know how SAHM’s do it. For years. Cause I’m ready to go back to work — happily!! I love my kid and the only reason why I’m so hesitant to go back to work is because I don’t have anyone here that I trust to watch her if I do work. My brother has been asking me what do I want in life lately and I wish it was that easy to say this or that and do it like I use to. I hate the idea of marriage because I don’t feel free. I don’t feel like I can be myself whole and unapologetic. And I hate it.
I miss my Stars fam and my Stars house… {2016
This week has also been a trip. A reality slap into well, reality. Things I can’t really talk about cause I feel like nowhere is even safe anymore. But it absolutely shook my foundation and I wasn’t expecting that to happen, at all. But it also went without explanation and a lot of reflecting. But hey, that’s life, right?
I’ve also been enjoying these homemade Peppermint Mocha’s, still have yet to get my red cup from Starbucks for this year. But at the same time… I’m not at all in the holiday spirit. I was, but now I’m not and it sucks. You’d think that having a kid and 3 tree’s in the house would idk, make it feel less empty I guess? But I’m right back to where I started. Granted I shouldn’t let other people change my mood or my intention for the holiday and yet I always do. Next year will be happier, I hope.
I’ve been missing my friends so fiercely lately. It makes my heart hurt even more when they say they miss me. I’m counting down the days until I see them all again and get my millions of hugs I requested from them. I did end up swapping gifts with a few of them — who have all said they weren’t going to open their’s until I got mine/on Christmas.
Found my favorite Sour Cherry candy from 8th grade!! I use to smack on these so hard and it would piss my cousin off lol. This is one of those childhood Dollar Tree finds. It’s been years since I saw these!
I got my clothing haul from Shein, and I’m trying to figure out how to do a haul video? Post? Idk. Clothing and me are so weird. Tums is wearing her Easter raincoat I got her from last Spring, it surprisingly still fits her. She also got to take her rainboots out of the house for the first time! Really wish I could find those baby shoes that light up that aren’t rainboots. Toddlers are impossible to take photos of. Goodness.
Speaking of; she got 3 new plushies yesterday at Game Stop. She also has been stacking things like crazy all over the apartment. I randomly find things stacked on things so nice and neatly. And she stole my eggroll while I was on the phone with my friend. Which is weird cause the box was right in front of me and I was looking in that direction the whole time?? Toddlers are sneaky.
My friend and I have always came up with like… secret club names. I don’t know why. We’ve always been this way. We started with MOD (which we should had taken more seriously), then with oG_3 and now like 18 years later (shit we’re old) we have MAS. It’s just what we do. But it’s nice having bits of the week feel like we’re just two teenagers on the phone feeling like high school all over again — until one of our children cries. Then that whole thing is just SHATTERED lol.
And some smaller things to note this week; I got my clammie of Department Store Santa from Honey Soda Co which I LOVE. I really need to post my hauls/reviews of her stuff cause they’re some of my favs from this year. But this scent literally makes my room smell like Starbucks in December. No joke. Not even “slightly” like SPOT FREAKN ON. It’s amazing.
I spotted some super fancy chocolate bars at Central Market. These always interest me but they’re also so expensive. I think this bar was like $9. That’s a dang investment lol. Some day I’ll do a taste test video. Maybe whenever JR gets to Texas! That’ll be fun!
I also finally, after like 4 months, got sushi. And you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find Udon around here?! Like we have Ramen places for days but Udon? Not so much.
I’m in a such a depressed mood today, ah. I’m really hoping I can cheer up before bed and do something productive that my future self can thank me for lol.
Northern California is full of amazing eats and places to discover. I moved away from home eight years ago and it was such a different place back then; I hear a lot has changed. Including some of my favorite places I frequent that have closed down. I’m a little too scared to actually see if this is true. I loved driving all over The Bay and honestly up and down Northern Cali to find my next favorite meal. My ex husband was such a good sport and just dealt with my crazy plans to sit in traffic for 2 hours just for some amazing pasta. But living in Cali, traffic is just part of life and doesn’t bother you too much after awhile lol.
It was a bit hard to narrow it down to just 3 places but honestly, I either couldn’t remember the name of other places or I didn’t have pictures! Weird.
