Staying Connected with Friends: Ways to Strengthen Your Bond.

Maintaining strong friendships can be challenging. Between hectic schedules, distance, and unexpected life changes, keeping in touch can become increasingly challenging. But maintaining meaningful friendships is important to our emotional well-being and happiness. However, there are multiple ways of staying in touch, whether through technology, planned activities, or spontaneous adventures. In this blog, we will look at some methods that may keep the bonds you have vibrant and meaningful over time.

Photo credit: Askar Abayev on Pexels.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

Nothing brings people together like an escape from daily life for a weekend trip. From road tripping through the woods to beach resorts, a weekend getaway creates quality time together while deepening relationships and building memories of shared experiences. Exploring new places, tasting different cuisines, and taking time away from technology all help build new connections while creating memories that won’t break the bank. Sometimes all it takes to make it memorable is sharing an Airbnb and packing lunches to make this experience special.

Hold a Themed Dinner Party

Nothing creates more bonding moments than gathering around food. Hosting themed dinner parties is a great way to combine creativity with quality time. Themes may range from global cuisine nights to retro dinners inspired by the ‘80s. Encourage everyone involved to be creative, from making dishes and curating playlists to dressing up in costumes. Having everyone participate creates laughter, conversation, and an atmosphere of shared enjoyment, which are important ingredients in building strong friendships.

Hit the Clubs and Dance it Out

Few experiences compare to a night at your local club when it comes to energy and social buzz. From dancing to the latest tracks to sipping refreshing cocktails, clubbing can add excitement and break the monotony of everyday social life. Providing an opportunity for you to unwind and celebrate joy in each momentous experience. Remember, however, that the success of such nights out lies in making sure all guests feel included and comfortable during an enjoyable experience.

Photo credit: Curtis Adams on Pexels.

Organize Virtual Hangouts

Technology provides the perfect way to overcome distance. Virtual hangouts via video calls provide an easy but meaningful way for friends far apart to connect. Hold virtual trivia nights, movie viewing sessions with synced streaming or simply sit back together over coffee and laugh through laptop screens. These digital meet-ups provide perfect ways to bridge any gaps that physical meetings may not.

Game Nights and Board Games

Are you looking for fun at home? A classic board game night can be the ideal way to bring friends together at home and relive childhood memories. From Monopoly to Codenames or Dungeons & Dragons, these games create friendly competition that often leads to great conversations and laughter.

Conclusion

Staying connected with friends doesn’t need to feel like an uphill struggle. It’s all about prioritizing quality time, sharing experiences, and keeping communication open. From amazing getaways and themed parties to digital catch-ups and shared interests, there are endless ways you can maintain and strengthen friendships. Whether those involved physically are always around or just need some reminders of why meaningful relationships matter so much in this hectic life.

7 Natural Ways to Boost Your Mood.

We all get in moods that we can’t explain as though there is a cloud above our heads. Some of us call them funks, others don’t know what to call them, and they can occur for almost no reason at all. Whether you’re feeling down or know that you can feel better, there are ways to improve your mood. Here are natural methods for boosting your mood.

Kim Woo Bin in Uncontrollably Fond (2016).

1. Play With a Pet

Dogs and cats and great companions that can help you feel more relaxed and happy just by being around them. Anything from playing with your pet to petting them can instantly boost your mood. Even something as simple as seeing your dog get excited when you get home from work can make you happy.

Animals can often sense when you’re feeling down and will want to comfort you. If your dog or cat walks over to you and lays on or near you, take this as an opportunity to care for your own wellbeing and that of your pet companion.

2. Go for a Walk

When people are in less than ideal moods, they often leave the house to go for a walk. Walking can help someone who is angry calm down and ultimately boost their mood. Sports shoes for women are great for walks when you need to take some time to yourself. If you’re the type of person that uses fitness activities to keep their mind positive, these shoes also make a great running or cardio shoe.

Cha Eun Woo frosting a cake!

3. Make Yourself a Treat

While you should never stress eat, eating a sweet treat can boost your mood when you’re feeling low. If you take the time to bake your favorite dessert, you may also find your mind is taken off of anything that’s causing your bad mood. Then, after your treat has cooled down, you can slowly eat your cookie, brownie, or cake so that you focus only on the taste of the food instead of your surroundings or anything that’s causing you stress. This is a type of mindfulness that gets you to focus on your sense of taste so that you can free your mind of stress and anxiety.

4. Try Yoga

Similar to other fitness activities, yoga can improve your mood by making you focus on the task at hand. Not only that, but yoga also makes you focus on your breathing. With your mind completely focused on your yoga session, you’ll be able to free your mind of anything that’s bothering you, helping you boost your mood. Also, because exercise releases endorphins, your mood will be instantly boosted after you’ve finished your routine.

5. Pamper Yourself

If you’re feeling down, you can try pampering yourself to boost your mood. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be able to reprioritize and put yourself first, something that you might not be doing. You can pamper yourself in a number of ways that don’t require a trip to the spa. Instead, you can do your nails at home, put on makeup, and do your hair so that you feel your best. Giving yourself that extra bit of confidence even when you’re home alone can boost your mood while giving you something to do.

Chani, Cha Eun Woo, and Hwang In Yeop in True Beauty (2021).

6. Call a Friend

Talking makes us feel better when we’re not feeling like ourselves. Calling a friend and talking about anything can help you take your mind off of any stress and have a fun conversation that lifts you up. Whether you call your mom or your bestie, you can vent about what has got you down so that you can release some of the stress that you’re feeling while ultimately taking away its power over you.

7. Eat Healthily

Believe it or not, sometimes it could be your food that’s making you feel down. Eating unhealthy, salty, greasy food can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. Eating better snacks like carrots and cucumbers can help you feel better because it helps your body digest, giving you more energy.

3 Ways To Care for a Friend With Cancer.

Hearing about a cancer diagnosis can be difficult for anyone, but it is especially devastating when it is one of your friends. You may feel uncertain about what the future will hold and wonder if your friend will be okay. While there is no perfect solution for caring for a friend with cancer, there are a few things that you can do to make this time easier on them. These include spending time with them, making a care package and being willing to listen.

Jealousy Incarnate, 2016.

1. Spend Time With Them
Things can get lonely when a person is taking cancer treatments and spending a lot of time at home. Consider visiting with your friend when she is feeling up to it. Bake her favorite treat and leave it at her house. If she feels like spending the day out, you can help her shop for wigs Westchester County NY. Just showing up makes a big statement about how much you care.

Special care package for men.

2. Make a Care Package
If your friend is having to take chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you can make her a care package to make things easier on treatment days. Your package does not have to include anything fancy; a soft blanket, good book and hand lotion are great things to include. This will show how much you care, and it can do a lot to brighten her day. You can add in little gifts that made you think of her, and even ask what things she could benefit from during her treatments.

Kim Woo Bin, diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017.

3. Be Willing To Listen 
Being diagnosed with cancer is difficult for anyone. Your friend may feel sad, lonely or confused. She may need someone to just talk to. You must make sure that anything that is shared is kept in the strictest confidence. You can offer comforting words or just be there to simply help take the load off. While you may feel that anything you do is not enough to help your friend, doing little things for her can show her how much you love her and cherish her friendship. It is a difficult thing to talk about, but be sure that you do not ignore the situation entirely. Instead, let her know that you are there for whatever she and her family may need. This can be a difficult time for you and your friend, but by sticking together, you can get through this.

2019 | My Roller Coaster Ride of a Year.

Hello everyone! I've been extremely busy lately (so many things to do at home!) that I hardly have the time to sit down in front of my laptop, and update my blog. But because this has become a tradition of sorts, I definitely wouldn't miss the chance to do a year-end blog post.

2019, for me, was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. This year has been quite good to my family despite Yue's hospital confinement because of pneumonia.  Husband is doing well in his job (and still with his same old employer), my boy is doing great in both academics and sports (three karate tournaments this year with good results, still with high honors in his class), and as for me, as you can see, my blog is still alive and kicking. I've worked with some really awesome brands this year, and even became a Beauty Ambassador for BeautyMNL.

However, unlike the previous years, we weren't able to travel to Korea for the holidays, or anywhere outside the country for that matter. We had planned to cut back on (travel) expenses this year as we're saving up for something big (ergo, our own home), and thankfully, with the help of my dear parents-in-law, we're almost reaching our goal.

It would have been awesome if my best friend could see this dream of mine finally come to life; unfortunately, 2019 also gave me the biggest heartbreak. My best friend passed away all of a sudden last August, and it took me awhile to come to terms with the fact that he's gone. I miss him terribly, and I break down in tears whenever I think of him - which I still do very often.

"The best is yet to come" so goes the Frank Sinatra song, and I do hope that the new decade will bring better, brighter, and happier things for all of us. Welcome 2020! Happy New Year! :)

Thank you, 2019!

My First Airbnb Experience + Tagaytay Food Trip.

Last week, our sixth-graders had their spiritual retreat at the Carmelite Missionaries Center of Spirituality in Tagaytay City. Worried about the fact that our kids will be out of town, on their own, for the first time in their lives (yes, yes, we're paranoid stage mothers like that, lol) my mom squad and I tagged along. We did not spend the night with them at the retreat house, of course. But we did stay close by, at a vacation home along Kabangaan Road which we rented through Airbnb.

Roadside sign to show you the way.

Secured fence + front entrance to the balcony.

Listed as 'Modern Splendor Tagaytay', this charming bungalow is everything you'll want in your dream home - immaculate interiors, posh furnishings, wide hallways, a spacious and modern kitchen. I fell in love with the place as soon as the caretaker, Kuya Dan, ushered us in!

The living room with extra beds on the side,
plus a 55-inch curved Smart TV with Netflix.

The dining area and kitchen.

Side by side fridge with ice cubes dispenser.

Kitchen bar counter.

Love their fully-equipped kitchen!

And the Himalayan Salt Lamp for that zen effect, haha.

The house has 2 bedrooms fully en suite (ergo, there's an adjoining bathroom), each with beautifully dressed beds. Both rooms are air-conditioned, as well as the common area. 

One of the rooms inside Modern Splendor.

The bathroom, complete with towels for the guests.
There's hot water, and a hair dryer, too.

Guests are allowed to cook in the kitchen, and can use all the utensils in the kitchen cabinet. We chose to dine outside, though, but we did use the some of the plates and cutlery, and the electric kettle for coffee and tea, which were provided by the hosts, Letecia and Donald.

Pool table + outdoor dining area. 

Garden + undercover carport.

This swing seats two! :)

Aside from the classy interiors, Modern Splendor also boasts of an outdoor entertainment area complete with a pool table, dart board, videoke machine, and a barbecue grill. There's also a wicker swing to complete that country home feels!

With my Mom Squad. :)

Groufie mirror shot!

Sweater weather. :)

My mom squad and I truly enjoyed our overnight stay at Modern Splendor. Our hosts were nice and very responsive to my inquiries, and the caretaker was quite attentive to our needs. The place is cozy and commodious, and is situated in a quiet area that's close to the city market, restaurants and convenience stores, and just minutes away from Picnic Grove. I would definitely recommend this home if you need a place to stay while in Tagaytay.

Oh, and speaking of restaurants, here's a glimpse of our Tagaytay food trip. We pretty much did nothing but eat and shop in Tagaytay, I felt like I gained a kilo overnight, haha!

Carmela's Banana Cakes.

Banana Chips by Carmela's.

Lining up for Ube Jam at Bahay Pastulan.

Special Ensaymada by Cecilia's.

One of the best buko pies in Tagaytay.

Grilled Seafood platter.

Crispy Pata.

Bulalo.

Dinakdakan.

Best piaya ever at Balay Dako.

Balay Dako Deli.

Pasalubong goodies at Balay Dako.

Shopping for flowers while watching the Tagaytay sunset. :)

We had planned to have dinner at Balay Dako, but alas, the restaurant was closed because they were having their staff Christmas party that night. We visited them the following morning so we can buy piaya for take-out. My friend's mom had raved about their piaya so much, and boy oh boy, she was not kidding. Balay Dako's piaya is exceptionally good! Another reason to visit Tagaytay again soon! :)

Creative Ways To Celebrate the Holidays.

Time-honored traditions are fine in their place. Every once in a while, however, it can be fun to try something new. Who knows, a creative celebration that you try this year may become a new tradition.

You may have several celebrations with different groups of people: family, of course, but also friends and/or co-workers. The celebrations you hold with each group are likely a little different from one another. However, you can find creative ways to celebrate with all three.

Christmas at Lotte World. :)

Anyone Holiday gift baskets are appropriate in almost any context. They can be customized to the occasion. Click here to learn more.

Another great idea that can work with almost any group is to work together to do something charitable during the holidays. There are plenty of ways to spend time together while supporting a worthy cause, such as a toy drive, a bake sale, or serving food to the disadvantaged.

A very Korean Christmas basket.

Co-Workers 
The holidays can be a touchy time at the office, especially if your workplace is particularly diverse. However, you can change this perceived negative into a positive by holding a multicultural festival. Just about every culture has some sort of celebration this time of year. You can ask workers to bring traditional dishes and take the opportunity to learn more about the backgrounds of others.

An ugly sweater party is also a fun way to celebrate without privileging any one culture. The popularity of such parties has given rise to a whole ugly sweater industry, and looking silly together at a gathering puts everyone on the same level.

Lee Dong Wook makes an ugly sweater look good. :)

Friends
In 21st-century America, people tend to associate costume parties with Halloween. Traditionally, however, masquerade balls were held during the winter holiday season. With post-Halloween markdowns, you and your friends should be able to find inexpensive costumes easily, and for a touch of class, you can rent a ballroom and hire a DJ for the occasion.

During the festive time of year, people in communities all across the country decorate their houses with lights to create some stunning displays. It costs very little to find or rent a car for the evening, drive around, and dazzle yourselves.

EXO Christmas!

Family
One great way to spend time together as a family is with a holiday-themed read-aloud. These can be the traditional seasonal stories, but they don't have to be. You can choose new favorites as well. You can stretch this activity out over several days or weeks, allowing each family member to choose a book to read.

Yue loves Christmas in Korea! :)

You do not need to confine the decorations to one or two areas of the house. You can help your kids decorate their own rooms for the holidays and encourage them to get creative.
Creative celebrations are a good way to remind yourself and those around you what is important this holiday season: spending quality time with people you care about.

How to Make Friends When You’re Traveling.

Today’s employee has freedom. Millions of people work from home. Countless others are enmeshed in the gig economy, picking up work where they can. For these workers, going to the “office” is a rare or impossible event.

If you’re in this position, it means you’re free to travel. In fact, the modern workplace is so flexible that you may have this option even if you’re not a remote worker. Unlimited paid time off is becoming more and more common.

Traveling solo can be a ton of fun if you plan correctly. One of the biggest challenges, however, is making friends. When you’re an adult, your social life is most likely formed around your job. If grabbing drinks with your coworkers isn’t an option because you’re not going into the office, you have to ger creative. The fact that you’re traveling adds an extra layer of difficulty.

On board Air Asia for another round of Seoul Searching! :)

Take a Class
In most major cities, you can find a class that meets regularly. It could be a workout group, a cooking class, a bible study. The options are endless. What matters is that you get out of the house (or hotel room) and do something that interests you. Making friends will come naturally. You’ll be engaging in an activity with like-minded people.

Let’s say you’re traveling in Texas and you interested in kickboxing in Kingwood TX. At Elite MMA, their classes “combine techniques from Thai kickboxing and western-style in order to provide a program that will teach you how to defend yourself and will give you a great workout while you are learning. You will learn with your colleagues by sparring at different levels.

Kimchi and bibimbap cooking class in Seoul.

Go Online
You can use the internet to enhance your social life. To start, you can find new friends online. By joining chat groups, commenting on social boards, etc. You can even go online to create a real-life connection. If you know that you’re going to be traveling in a certain soon, you can scout events to go to in advance. You can try to forge a connection with one of the attendees.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a group of friends and acquaintances across all of the cities where you travel.

Stay in Hostels
One of the easiest ways to meet people when you’re traveling is to stay in a hostel. They're designed to appeal travelers. A lot of hostels cater to a younger clientele, but there are plenty that accept guests of all ages. You will encounter a range of different accommodation options. The bunk bed, dorm-style option is the cheapest option. It’s also an automatic way to meet people. If that doesn’t suit your needs, you might be able to find a private room.

With Kim Jin Ah of Teseum in Seoul.

Go to Bars
Going to a bar is a classic social event for a reason. People go for the atmosphere. If someone simply wants to get drunk, the can do it at home for a fraction of the price. No matter what city you’re in, you can probably find a friend if you head to the bar. Now, these may not be lasting friendships. But who cares? You’re trying to expand your social circle. Having a casual acquaintance can be a blast.

Bar Da in Seoul.

Use Dating Sites
Dating sites and apps are a useful tool to meet people if you’re willing to put yourself out there. You’ll meet a lot of duds. But you may meet some fun people as well. If you’re completely against the idea of dating someone, there are apps geared toward friendships. However, it can take a while to find someone who you actually click with. Expect people to be very flakey.

Go Outside 
This is a simple one. Just go outside. Play Pokemon Go, walk around the park, hang out at the local pool. If you’re cooped up indoors all of the time you’ll never meet anyone new. Another benefit of going outside is that you’ll become more familiar with the area. It may feel strange at first if you’re walking around aimlessly, but it’s actually a good way to meet people in the neighborhood.

Yue playing Pokemon Go. :)

Ask Friends
If you have any friends in the city you’re traveling to, see if they can introduce you to anyone new. It’ll be easier to get invited to events if your friend can vouch for you. Other people will know that at least one person thinks you’re socially acceptable and fun to hang out with. Making friends doesn’t get any easier as you get older.