August on Ibyangram

Ibyang + Instagram = Ibyangram

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

I love our August! It was the last month of Winter but it was filled with warmth from the company of loved ones. August was life-changing for me. The best highlight was spending a wellness weekend with girlfriends at a healthy resort in Byron Bay. It was an experience that recalibrated and rejuvenated my body, mind and spirit. Our social calendar was also quite busy as we had a friend who visited Sydney so we shared with her some of our favourite sights and eats in our city.

Here are some memorable highlights of my August:

Our Winter Fridate was about bringing out our creativity and exploring the many things we can do with our Lumix mirrorless cameras. Coming across delicious food and coffee were a bonus.

St. Mary's Cathedral. The most photographed church in Australia. Attended first Friday Mass which was officiated by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Tagle.

Momoka's last weekend in Sydney. Spent the day at Darling Harbour. Fun times with family. 

The Starbucks Pilipinas Tumbler. I don't collect tumblers but I appreciate good artwork. So when my friend Leny asked what I want from the Phils, I asked for this tumbler because I like the design. 

The Good Cafe Guide 2014. Coffee is serious business in Australia that we even have a guide to help us find the best cafes that serve great-tasting coffee.

Manly Beach on a Winter's day. The Husband and I in one of our favourite Sydney beach.

Leny in Sydney. This instagram was shared in the Husband's instagram account. She's one of our friends from Manila and she was here for a few days. Took her out for a day and shared our love for Sydney to her.

Wellness Weekend in Byron Bay. Spent a long weekend with three of my girlfriends at a healthy resort. We had a fabulous time! I hope I can blog about it one day. 

Clean Eating. One of the highlights of our wellness weekend was having a taste very healthy food. Such as this breakfast that had Fennel Flower. 

Organic Tea For Take-away. Tea was abundant from where I had my Wellness Weekend. I was able to take home a few flavours I like.

The Create-Your-Own Magnum Bar is back at Westfield Sydney. But only for 8 weeks so visit soon before it's gone.

The cold can never stop me from enjoying my ice cream. But look closely...I'm holding a bottle of water in my other hand. Need to wash out the sweetness so I won't get tonsilitis.

Magnum Party Inside Our Freezer. Salted Caramel, Honeycomb Crunch and Gateau Au Chocolate.

I love Shiseido's Eyelash Curler. So when Hubby's workmate asked what I want from Japan, I told her I want a second eyelash curler so I can have a back-up. She got me that and replacement rubbers. How sweet! And she even got us lolly & chips. Grateful for her thoughtfulness.

-0o0o0o0-

July on Ibyangram

Ibyang + Instagram = Ibyangram

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

Past Winter seasons were usually spent hibernating at home. July, being coldness month in Sydney, is when we spend weekends holed up at home, catch up on sleep and do nothing. That premise changed this year as this was probably the busiest July we've ever had. We celebrated Christmas in July with friends, found ourselves having dinner in the city a couple of times (so nice to walk at night in Sydney even if its cold!), helped Hubby with a photoshoot assignment and played tourists along with a visitor from Japan. 

Here are a few unforgettable photos of my July:

Sculptures on Six. An event hosted by Westfield Sydney where we found ice sculptures on the food court area of the mall. Here's award-winning ice carving artist, Kenji Ogawa with is creation, the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Christmas in July lunch with friends. Had lunch at Criniti's and caught up with our friends in celebration of June birthday celebrants and Christmas in July. 

We finally got ourselves a proper set of photography lights. Currently getting used to setting it all up. Quite tedious but oh so worth it.

Soju to give a bit of warmth on a cold night. And these wasabi green peas that are sooo addicting.

The Husband surprised me with a Cronut from Brewtown Newtown! Grateful for the Husband's thoughtfulness.

New Tim Tam flavours! The Red Velvet's higlight was the cream cheese filling which gave the Tim Tam a salty taste. The Peanut Butter tasted like Butterfinger--which I realised I didn't like. 

Weekend Juice: Cherries, Blueberries and Coconut Juice. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, and very hydrating. Perfect for Winter weather. The Snoopy & Lucy glasses were courtesy of my dear friend Hilda.

Birthday Noodles for my Mom's birthday. Cooked Pancit Bihon in celebration of my Mom's special day.

New Oliver Brown Cafe in Strathfield. Ordered a cup of Hot Chocolate with Crunchy Cereals coated in chocolate while waiting for the Husband.

Pandesal is Love. Pandesal and Nespresso coffee for our morning meal. 

Egg Pie, a beloved Filipino dessert, a favourite of mine and reminder of my childhood in Manila. Created by Starlight Bakery (Doonside).

Sushi fan from Japan! I love it!

Momoka-san in Sydney. Showed Momoka-san the sights of Sydney on the last weekend of July. She's a foreign exchange student from Japan and she stayed at my relatives place. We hung out with them so we can also spend time with my auntie, uncle and cousins.

Cabbage Flowers. Purple plants in Hyde Park. They reminded me of dear friend Biselle, who loves Purple. They looked lovely. 

-o0o0o-

May on Ibyangram

Ibyang + Instagram = Ibyangram

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

While my instagram photos are shared on my twitter page and sometimes on my tumblr and fb page, I would like to have a monthly dump of ibyangrams on AWCL too. It is thru instagram that I share everyday moments and random finds. I use instagram as my real time mini-blog. Every end of the month, I'll be choosing a couple of photos from my instagram and share it here because I have something more to say about a certain ibyangram.

After a subtle April, the last month of Autumn was festive and filled with sweet memories with loved ones. According to news, we've had a warm Autumn to the point of tagging the weather as an "Autumn Heatwave". A first time for me to experience such weather in Sydney. The nice thing about it was it matched the kind of month I had. The month of May brought warmth to my heart and I think it's a good way to end Autumn season.

Here are a few highlights of my merry month of May:

Last month of Autumn. Days are getting shorter. To watch the sunset, there is a need to be home early.

Buddha's Tears: Green Tea With Jasmine. Served in a flask. Having my "Me" time in a tea shop called T2. I love their teas. A must try when in Sydney.

What tea time looked like with my family when we celebrated Mother's Day.

Sweet treats from my sweetheart. A token of gratitude because I helped him with a recently concluded project.

Toblerone Crunchy Almonds. Something we picked up at the departure area of Sydney International Airport. I think it's meant for departing passengers only as I never see these in the arrival area of the airport or in aussie supermarkets.

Leisure reading and a cup of strong flat white at Kinokuniya. Friday "Me" time.

It's been awhile since I've cooked anything Korean. So instead of our usual Thursday dinner date in Koreatown, I went home early and cooked Beef Bulgogi. Jal meokkesseumnida!

Vivid Sydney 2014 started on the last week of May! It found the event quite crowded even on a weeknight. We went out to see thrice and took a few photos. I hope to share them soon.

His and Hers Taho. At our Sunday lunch party with relatives, one of my aunties taught us how to cook Taho (sweet tofu).

Friday Tea Time With Girlfriends. Spent an afternoon catching up with dear friends while savouring delicious cakes, coffee and tea at Cheeky Chocolate Cafe.

Rainy Saturday. The gloomy weather outside provides the perfect backdrop for my nap. Darkness is a gift when one needs sleep. 

Cadbury x Pascall collaboration = so good!

Japanese dinner at home! Okonomiyaki and sushi rice with seaweed. Itadakimasu! 

Goodbye Autumn, hello Winter!

Chasing Sunsets And Dreams

Be with someone who will chase sunsets with you.

- my Ibyangism on sunsets and things that matter to you

I love sunsets. I love them for their beauty and its spectacular colours. It's part of my everyday to look up and appreciate the sunset wherever I am. I have chased sunsets in every travel we've been. I even plan a part of our travel just to see sunsets in a certain place. I'm so glad the Husband always indulges me with my sunset quests. He plans our sunset chases with me and takes as many beautiful photos to amuse me. 

A few weeks ago, the Husband and I went sunset driving. We were driving on the highway, listening to our favourite songs and outside my window, the sunset was amazing.

Be with someone who'll chase sunsets with you. Be with someone who'll chase your dreams and passions with you. Be with someone who'll support and share the things you love to do. If it's important to you, it will also be important to one who holds you dear.