The Speech I Meant to Say That Night
I wrote a speech for Kali’s 18th birthday. I didn’t quite deliver it the way I planned… so I’m sharing it here. Continue reading The Speech I Meant to Say That Night
Author: vanessa gonzales
I haven't fully recovered, and yes, it's been almost10 years since my stroke! how time flies. I don't think I would ever get to move my left limbs voluntarily, but what the heck? Life still goes on.
My Latest Obsession: Soup Kits 🍜🍜
Ever since I started working from home, lunch has always been the easiest thing to neglect. Most days, I relied on leftovers, a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and nuts, or nothing at all if a nap felt like the better choice. It wasn’t ideal, but it was convenient, and convenience usually won. Then one aimless scroll on TikTok changed that. I came across the … Continue reading My Latest Obsession: Soup Kits 🍜🍜
The Time I Finally Gave In to Jjajangmyeon
A review of Jjang Kae Jjang Kae #109 Kalayaan Avenue, Quezon City I’ve always wanted to try jjajangmyeon. I was curious about its dark color and bold look, especially after seeing it so many times in K-dramas. It always made me wonder, “What does that actually taste like?” Then, out of nowhere, my TikTok feed was suddenly flooded with jjajangmyeon and Jjang Kae reviews (algorithm … Continue reading The Time I Finally Gave In to Jjajangmyeon
Affordable Ways to Build a Coffee Corner You’ll Love
Mornings for a work-from-home mom like me start fast. One eye on emails, the other on the clock, and a schedule that barely leaves room to breathe. Working for around fifteen hours a day sounds flexible, but in reality, it’s long stretches of focus broken up by brief breaks. Coffee stops being a treat early on. It turns into fuel. That’s where the idea of … Continue reading Affordable Ways to Build a Coffee Corner You’ll Love
A Belated Reading Month Tribute to the Stories That Shaped Me
November slipped past me so quickly that I didn’t even get the chance to post anything for National Reading Month. One morning, I found myself staring at my empty draft folder thinking, “Well… that’s another deadline I missed.” Still, a late post feels better than skipping it entirely—especially when it’s about something that has shaped me since I was a kid. My love for reading … Continue reading A Belated Reading Month Tribute to the Stories That Shaped Me
Which Starbucks Traditions 2026 Reward Should You Choose?
This year’s Starbucks Traditions collection stands out for its quiet elegance—stylish, balanced, and created for all kinds of personalities. Once you complete 18 drinks, you can claim one of these exclusive items until January 7, 2026. Many stores run out before the holidays wrap up, so it helps to begin collecting soon. You may choose from the following: 1. 2026 Siren Planner with Carrier The … Continue reading Which Starbucks Traditions 2026 Reward Should You Choose?
The Hidden Life of a Psychopath
A review of the miniseries The Beast in Me ⚠️ Spoiler Alert ⚠️ — If you haven’t seen The Beast in Me, you might want to watch first before reading! I’ll admit it—I pressed play on The Beast in Me mostly because I was curious to see Claire Danes again. It’s been a while since she’s been on my screen, and I still remember her … Continue reading The Hidden Life of a Psychopath
Starting My 2025 Starbucks Traditions Journey: A Season of Joy in Every Sip
The holidays have officially kicked off — and for me, that means one thing: it’s time to begin my Starbucks Traditions journey once again. This year’s theme, Invite Joy, couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s been a challenging year for many Filipinos. Typhoons, earthquakes, corruption, and loss have tested our spirit more times than we can count. Yet, somehow, we always find a … Continue reading Starting My 2025 Starbucks Traditions Journey: A Season of Joy in Every Sip
Why Splurging on a $300 Perfume Doesn’t Make Scents 😜
There’s something almost magical about a good perfume. A few sprays can make anyone feel put-together, confident, and ready to face the day — even on mornings when everything else feels off. I’ve always loved smelling good. Over the years, I’ve collected a few designer scents: YSL Black Opium, a gift from my husband; Versace Bright Crystal, which I proudly bought years ago and now … Continue reading Why Splurging on a $300 Perfume Doesn’t Make Scents 😜
It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life
Not everyone will stay — and that’s something the heart learns the hard way. A few days ago, I saw a TikTok post from Rica Peralejo where she talked about friends who had cut her off — and how she’s learned to be okay with it. What she said really hit me, so I decided to write this. Twelve years ago, I suffered a stroke … Continue reading It’s OK When People Unfollow You in Real Life
From My Corner of the Couch 