Category Archives: Family

Wanderlust and Motherhood: Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Travel-Inspired Twist

Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women who have nurtured and guided us throughout our lives. This year, why not infuse the spirit of travel into your Mother’s Day celebration? From creating lasting memories to exploring new destinations or simply embracing the joy of wanderlust, a travel-themed Mother’s Day can be an extraordinary way to honor the adventurous spirit of moms. Here are some ideas to make this day a delightful and wanderlust-filled celebration.

Destination-Inspired Brunch:

Transport your mom to her favorite travel destination or a place she’s always dreamt of visiting with a destination-inspired brunch. Set the table with decor, dishes, and flavors reminiscent of that place. For instance, if she dreams of Paris, adorn the table with Eiffel Tower-themed decorations and serve croissants, macarons, and café au lait. This culinary journey will awaken her wanderlust and create a memorable dining experience.

Travel Memory Scrapbook:

Gather cherished travel photos and create a scrapbook capturing the most memorable moments you’ve shared with your mom on your family trips. Include handwritten captions, ticket stubs, and little mementos from your adventures. This personalized gift will take her down memory lane, evoking laughter, nostalgia, and a sense of gratitude for the extraordinary experiences you’ve had together.

DIY Travel Jar:

Create a DIY travel jar filled with small notes, each describing a special travel-related activity or adventure. Ideas can include a day trip to a nearby scenic spot, a picnic at a local park, or a movie night featuring travel-themed films. Let your mom pick a note from the jar and embark on a mini-adventure that will bring the excitement of travel into her day.

Virtual Travel Experience:

If distance or circumstances prevent physical travel, surprise your mom with a virtual travel experience. Set up a video call and take her on a virtual tour of her dream destination, exploring famous landmarks, local cuisine, and cultural highlights. Research interesting facts and stories to share, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience that will make her feel like she’s there.

Travel-Inspired Spa Day:

Pamper your mom with a travel-inspired spa day at home. Set up a relaxing environment with scented candles, soothing music, and spa treatments inspired by different countries. For instance, offer a Swedish massage, a Moroccan-inspired facial, or a Japanese-style foot soak. This indulgent experience will transport her to a place of tranquility and rejuvenation.

Travel-Themed Gift Basket:

Curate a travel-themed gift basket for your mom, filled with items that enhance her travel experiences. Include travel-sized toiletries, a cozy travel blanket, a travel journal, a world map to mark destinations visited, and a guidebook for her next dream vacation. This thoughtful and practical gift will fuel her wanderlust and inspire future adventures.

Conclusion:

By infusing a travel theme into your Mother’s Day celebration, you can create a unique and meaningful experience that celebrates both your mom’s adventurous spirit and the special bond you share. Whether it’s a destination-inspired brunch, a travel memory scrapbook, a virtual travel experience, a travel-themed spa day, a DIY travel jar, or a travel-themed gift basket, these ideas will ignite your mom’s wanderlust and provide a memorable and heartfelt celebration. Embrace the joy of travel and honor your mom’s love for exploration and adventure this Mother’s Day. Celebrating with a travel-inspired twist will create lasting memories and show your appreciation for the remarkable woman who has guided and nurtured you. From destination-inspired brunches to virtual travel experiences and DIY travel jars, there are plenty of ways to make this day a wanderlust-filled celebration. Let your mom’s adventurous spirit soar and make this Mother’s Day truly extraordinary.

Fun Summer Activities for the Whole Family

Leave a reply

Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor activities to beat the heat, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some fun summer activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Outdoor Movie Nights: Set up a movie screen or projector in your backyard and enjoy a movie under the stars. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Beach Day: Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks and spend the day at the beach. Play in the sand, swim in the ocean, and soak up the sun.
Water Park: Take a trip to a nearby water park and enjoy water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
Hiking: Take a family hike in a nearby park or nature reserve. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Picnic in the Park: Pack a basket of sandwiches, fruit, and snacks and enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park.
Camping: Pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars. Tell stories around the campfire and roast marshmallows for s’mores.
Visit a Museum: Beat the heat and take a trip to a local museum. Many museums have special summer exhibits and programs for families.
Road Trip: Plan a road trip and explore a new city or state. Pack snacks and games for the car ride.
Visit a Farmer’s Market: Spend a morning at a local farmer’s market and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy summer meal.
DIY Ice Cream Bar: Set up a DIY ice cream bar with different flavors and toppings for a fun summer dessert.

In conclusion, there are plenty of fun summer activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor activities to beat the heat, there are plenty of options to choose from. Remember to prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Observing All Saints’ Day in the Philippines

1 Reply

Family tradition

I grew up in the Catholic tradition of visiting the cemetery to honor the dead every Nov. 1. We would brave the crowd to bring flowers and candles for our departed loved ones. The occasion itself serves as a family reunion to us. Aunts, uncles, and cousins would come to the house to share a simple meal prepared by my mom and aunts.

They would cook sumptuous ‘sinigang’ or ‘nilagang baboy’ for lunch. And before we head to the cemetery in the afternoon, the oldies would prepare ‘kakanin’ usually, ‘biko’ for our snack.

My late uncle. He raised my sister and me as his own.

No more burial grounds

It was sad that we no longer practice the tradition because there are no tombs to visit anymore. The area where once the cemetery stood for decades is now the haven of a big commercial establishment. Oddly enough, the commercial place in Alabang is said to be haunted by ghosts.

My uncle failed to recover the remains of my grandparents. But, he was able to acquire an empty place for them at the next town cemetery.

(Update) Sadly, my dear uncle passed on last June. Another family member has joined his Creator.

Light a candle

So for many years now, our family commemorates All Saints’ Day at home. I would light a candle beside the picture of my grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousin and say a little prayer for them.

For our family members no longer with us, these candles are for you.

I also lit some candles outside our door. Our oldies said the lights from the candle would guide the spirits leading them to the other side.

Ghost tales

Aside from hearing the stories about their late great-grandparents, my kids also loved to hear ghost stories when they were little.

I think they got the fancy for horror and supernatural stories from me since I grew up watching horror flicks despite my being so afraid or frightened of creepy characters.

There are a lot of fond childhood memories to share about All Souls and All Saints’ Day but, a single post is not enough to accommodate all of them. How about you, how will you spend or celebrate All Saints’ Day this year?