Typically I don’t write a lot of destination posts, but every now and then I experience something so special that I’ve just got to tell everyone about it. Sonya’s Garden, Tagaytay is a Bed & Breakfast situated in the hills of a tourist destination located about a 2-hour drive from Manila, Philippines.

Walking onto the grounds is like stepping into the pages of Alice and Wonderland. I half expected the Mad Hare to rush out from the flower garden at any moment in a frenzied rush to make his appointment with the Queen of Hearts.

Sonya’s Garden

A stone path meanders through lush gardens of flowering plants. Sunflowers crane their necks toward the sun. An Italian bicycle sits perched in front of a charming cottage bedecked with it’s own sunflowers in stained glass.

No detail is overlooked in this relaxing getaway
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No detail is overlooked in this relaxing getaway…from the freshly pressed linens to the mismatched china settings on the dining porch.

I spent two days in this lovely getaway. My experience was made even sweeter by meeting Sonya herself on our final morning. We had just finished our breakfast and decided to visit the apothecary for a few pampering treats to take home. As we walked back to our bungalow, there she stood on the path; dressed in a sun hat and laceless Keds with a floral scarf draped around her neck.

Sonya twirled around to greet me and asked, “Are you a model?” I knew then and there we were going to be fast friends. She asked if I had enjoyed her B&B and I assured her I was mesmerized by its charm. To which she exclaimed, “Isn’t it romantic and magical?!” Ah yes, those were the perfect words to describe this special place.

She grabbed my hand and whisked me away for an impromptu tour of the grounds. She flitted easily from flower to shrub; filling me in on their origins and various uses. She would bite into a leaf as she handed me another to sample…one would taste peppery, while the next would pucker my mouth with it’s tangy tartness. Holding up the lacy flower of the snake gourd, she proclaimed, “One look at this and it’s impossible to deny there is a creator,” and I had to agree.

“Do you know they sell oxygen in a can in China?” she asked. “Here, you get it for free!” she squealed with a twinkle in her eye.

Do you know they sell oxygen in a can in China? she asked. Here, you get it for free!
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When asked what inspired her to start her gardens, Sonya explained that she grew up in her grandmother’s garden and wanted to recreate the experience when she grew up. Originally, she started the gardens around her home where she regularly entertained friends. But often, her guests would enjoy it so much they just didn’t want to leave, so she built her first bungalow to house them.

Soon, the word spread. Sonya began receiving requests from suitors who wanted to do wedding proposals and eventually, weddings. “There was no plan,” she said, “it just sort of grew.” Her friends finally convinced her to open a restaurant where she serves all organic foods from her garden. Then, she slowly added bungalows one at a time so her guests could, “learn the art of doing nothing.”

I had complemented several employees throughout my stay. Their pride was evident as they talked about their gardens and their Sonya. On our stroll, Sonya explained that all the workers live in the surrounding community. A few neighborhood kids ran up for hugs while we were talking. They were on their way to her house to watch a rare cartoon.

“None of the kids drink soda,” she explained. They eat only organic foods to make them fit and strong. She pointed to the taller of two,”I promised to take her to Paris when she reaches my shoulder…now, I’m realizing she will be there soon!”

Rarely does one have the opportunity to step out of the everyday to experience such a slice of paradise. I left heaped high with organic tomatoes, basil, cilantro and ensaynada (a buttery Filipino pastry) that she had instructed others to pack up for me as we strolled the grounds.

We drove down the path toward home and just like that the spell was broken as the landscape returned to normal. But, the smell of basil lingered in the air; with it the memory of Sonya and her special garden hideaway. That may have been my first visit, but it will not be my last.

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the right side bar of the blog/home page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Also, check out the other fabulous lifestyle linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Sonya’s Garden,Tagaytay – Slice Of Paradise In the Philippines appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.

Three mornings a week I make a 30-minute commute to the gym. Usually, my trip consists of cars, cars and well, more cars weaving in and out in an attempt to get further down the road. But, this morning, I had the special surprise of seeing these cuties on the road.

They really put a smile on my face and took me out of the hum drum for just a bit. Instead of turning on the auto-pilot throughout the day, try to find at least one thing that’s unique, brightens up your day or makes you thankful for the life you have.

Enjoy Wordless Wednesday everyone!

Catch all my posts by subscribing with your email in the right side bar or Follow with Bloglovin’!
Check out the other Wordless Wednesday linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

This is our 50th week of the “Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday”,
and we would like to thank you for joining us each week.

And if you would like to join us in November as a Co-Host, check for details below.
Our event is an opportunity to meet new bloggers and make new friends.
And this week we are featuring tons of Halloween and Fall Inspiration!!!
Where do you blog from?
Oh My Heartsie Girl & Co-Hosts Welcome’s you!! And now….
#OMHGWW starts early ❢❢

:❢:❢ And if you looking for something special from last week, there are so many good
recipes and crafts you can find them here All The Entries Here :❢:❢

But Now….We look forward to your recipes, reviews, diy crafts, Halloween,
beauty ideas, jewelry you make, paper crafts and Linky Parties,
We Want To See It All! And Please Feel Free To Pin A Few Features

~ MEET THE HOSTS of #OMHGWW ~

Karren-Host // Oh My Heartsie Girl // “Take 2 Coconut Banana Bread” // A revised recipe, making it even better with the addition of coconut oil for moistness, cinnamon for enhanced flavor and coconut on top before baking
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Ashleigh // Simply Wright // Eyeball & Fly Fruit Salad // Planning a Halloween party or looking for a spooky dish for the kids?! Well, look no further! This Jello fruit salad is ooey, gooey, gross… only it tastes delicious and the kids are sure to love it!!
Facebook | Google + | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

Co-Host Christine // Cherishing A Sweet Life //French Apple-Cherry Galette // One of my favorite Fall comfort foods has to be anything made with Apples. Today I am sharing with you, this delectable and rustic French Apple-Cherry Galette. It’s almost like having the best of both worlds, with Apple and Cherry tart! The crust is delicate and buttery, and the Salted Caramel sauce finishes off this lovely dessert!
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest

Co-Host Evija Roberts// From Evija With Love // Home Design – New Addition To The Blog//

Expanding the blog a little and share with you some of my design and home inspirations in the form of my favorite picks, mood boards and so on.
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Shellie Bowdoin // The Fab Journey // Your College Kids – How To Make Communication Happen // It can be tough to know how to navigate the separation process with our college-aged kids. We want to encourage them to find their own way, but, there is a fine line between allowing them to explore their new-found freedom and seeking to maintain the parent-child relationship.
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest |Instagram

Co-Host Pili // My Sweet Things // How to transfer on fabric in less than 5 minutes // I’ve been receiving questions about transfer into fabric since I posted my romantic pillow or lavender sachets and I thought that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I decided to make a little tutorial to show you how to do it, and maybe you decide to give it a try!
Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Co-Host Heather Aguayo // Milk Momology //How To Fix A Plugged Duct Fast // Breastfeeding is hard work! Plugged ducts happen – and frequently. Here are some tips to keep that liquid gold flowing smoothly.
Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Indah // My Purple World //Finish The Fight Get Your Mammogram // As we are in October, the breast cancer awareness month, let’s help spread the words in the fight against cancer
Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Your Co-Hosts Picks From Last Week

Karen’s Up On The Hill // Fall Home Tour 2015
15 Blogs participate in this fall home tour and while you are there
you will be able to take a tour of Karen’s beautiful Philadelphia Countryside home in farm style!

Lovely Livings // Cloches & Pumpkins //
If you have ever visited LuAnn’s blog you will see she uses cloches in so many ways to
decorate throughout her home and now with Pumpkins Beautiful!
Flamingo Toes // Fall Home Tour
If you need inspiration for a fall pourch, see this Fall on the Porch-Home Tour

Weekend Craft // Washi Tape Pumpkin Art
What a cute pumpkin made with washi tape and framed…Very unique!

Amanda’s Books and More // Moist Pumpkin Scones Recipe //
A pumpkin scone recipe made from Queensland Blue (an Australian pumpkin variety in South Africa)

Heaven Smiling Above //Soft and Sweet Cornbread: the Ultimate Dinner Bread
The softest sweetest cornbread you will ever eat!

Much More Creative // Halloween Displays
What a great way to display Halloween and other possibilities!!

Celebrate and Decorate With Chole //The Birds Have Invaded for Halloween!
// Beware the birds should you come trick or treating at Chloe’s house this year!

Flourish and Knot // Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Luminaries #HomeForTheFallidays
Made from recycled materials Sarah created these great luminaries for Halloween!!

Cooking With Carlee // Ghosts-In-The-Graveyard-Dessert //
Made with a chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding, and ghosts created with a meringue icing.

Mrs. Aok a Work in Progress //Dollar Tree Pumpkin Redo //
How about a thumbtack pumpkin to add to your Halloween decor?

Have you ever wondered how to attract more traffic to your blog? Co-Hosting a Wordless Wednesday is a great way to build you blog.

And We are looking For Co-Hosts For November

Co-Hosting will increase page views, you will meet new bloggers and help your blog get noticed, Sound Good !!!! If You Would Like To Co-Host with us Wednesdays, signing up is Free!! The Form Is Open For November // Read All The Details and find ⇒ Information Here ⇐ ❢❢❢

Disclaimer: When you add your link along with your email, it will be used only to send you an invitation to join us for the party. It also gives Oh My Heartsie Girl permission to share your posts, pictures and links if featured in upcoming posts. Any content used will be given proper credit and link-backs will be provided.

We would love it if you would help our party grow, Either Grab The Banner or Link Back, Leave a comment so we know that you follow so we can follow back. Help us by Tweeting When You Linkup, We Would Appreciate it!

The post Cuties On The Road – Wordless Wednesday appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.

My week got started with a soaking-wet rainy day, which is quite common in this tropical climate. Often with rain comes flooding in Manila, so that meant a longer-than-usual commute home behind sedans who were frightened of floating away with like logs in a swollen river.

The funny thing is that rain means “party time” for kids. I snapped these pics of some kids making the most of the new “pool” in their front yard!

Me? I was just glad to get back to my warm and dry home! Enjoy your Wednesday and the rest of your week just like these kids enjoyed their rainy day!

Catch all my posts by clicking the little red follow button at the bottom of the screen or Follow with Bloglovin’!

Check out the other fabulous Wordless Wednesday linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

The post Rain Means Party Time – Wordless Wednesday appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.

Hi all, did your week get off to a good start? Mine started with a soaking-wet rainy day, which is quite common in this tropical climate. Often with rain comes flooding in Manila, so that meant a longer-than-usual commute home behind sedans who were frightened of floating away with the rain.

The funny thing is that rain means “party time” for kids. I snapped these pics of some kids making the most of the new “pool” in their front yard!

Me? I was just glad to get back to my warm and dry home! Enjoy your Wednesday and the rest of your week…it’s time for the OMHGWW Linkup!

The “Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday” began 46 weeks ago. Each week we share new features from our Co-Hosts blogs and then they choose features from the previous weeks links. I am sure that you will find it both fun and interesting to meet and make friends with bloggers from around the world. We are honored to have visitors from the USA, Spain, South Africa,Germany, Australia, Asia, Europe, UK, Japan, Austria, Romania and more!!!
Where do you blog from?

Oh My Heartsie Girl & Co-Hosts Welcome’s you!! And now….
The Co-Hosts make the choices for our Featured Guest and are highlighted from the party from the past week.
#OMHGWW Wordless Wednesday where we start early ❢❢

:❢:❢ If you looking for something special from last week, you Can See All The Entries Here :❢:❢

We look forward to your recipes, reviews, diy crafts, gardening hints, travel, beauty ideas, jewelry you make, a card you have made and Linky Parties,
We Want To See It All! And Please Feel Free To Pin A Few

~ MEET THE HOSTS of #OMHGWW ~

Karren-Host // Oh My Heartsie Girl // Almond Joy Cookies // I made Almond Joy Cookies, and they taste like macaroons, with coconut and oatmeal. They are gluten free with no refined sugar! They were a hit at our business lunch!!
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Ashleigh // Simply Wright //Sweet Potato & Sausage Stuffing // With Thanksgiving and the Fall months just around the corner, this sweet stuffing recipe is sure to be a great addition to your holiday meals!
Facebook | Google + | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

Co-Host Christine // Cherishing A Sweet Life // Pumpkin-Ginger Poundcake with a Maple Cheesecake Filling and Icing //I am *SO* looking forward to cooler and crisper mornings, so I can throw open my windows to let the fresh air in!! I couldn’t think of a better recipe than pumpkin poundcake to be my first pumpkin recipe for Fall! How excited I was to open my first can of pumpkin?!
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest

Co-Host Freda // Coupon Diva // Staying Out Of Debt and Surviving The Holidays // The holidays can put a strain on your finances. Learn how to stay out of debt and survive the holidays all while being stress free.
Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | YouTube
Co-Host Evija Roberts// From Evija With Love // How to Paint Old Furniture //One of my favorite things to do is to paint an old piece of furniture and completely transform it. Here are my tips on how to paint old furniture..
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Donna Wirthlin // Two Chicks And A Mom // Frito Chili Salad // Another quick yet yummy main dish for lunch or dinner. Sure to please kids and husbands alike!
Twitter | Bloglovin | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-Host Shellie Bowdoin // The FABulous Journey //Is Fitness A Goal For You?// Stories of people who are healthy, fit and strong inspire us. Is fitness goal for you? Here are some tips for establishing a fitness lifestyle.
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+ | Facebook | Pinterest |Instagram

Co-Host Ritu // Rocket Looks // Wedding Diary – Ring Ceremony // A Visit to Indian Ceremonies.
Facebook | Pinterest |Instagram

Co-Host Celeste Meredith // The Whole Serving //Napa Summer Salad //Crisp, sweet and savory all together in one delicious salad. Fresh fruits from the summer, use your seasonal fruits before they’re gone.
Twitter | Bloglovin | Google+| Facebook | Pinterest

Your Co-Hosts Picks From Last Week

Cherishing A Sweet Life // Fantastic Portabella Mushroom Crepes

Couponin Diva // Super Ways To Have Fun Free With Kids

Spoonful of Flavor // Do you know the first 5 things to start a blog?

Pretty Shabby UK // 15 Ways To Syndicate Your Blog

Simply Joys // Crepe Paper Rosettes

Repurposed For Life // Repurposed Farm Table

Medium Size Family// Why We Don’t Save Our Kids from Disappointment

Penny’s Vintage Home //Fall Container Gardening

A Pretty Life // Saskatoon Berry Galette

This Feature Was the Most Clicked On Link From Last Weeks Party
Beautiful Sunflowers she has been sharing for several weeks in different stages!!!
Aquariann Sunflower Photo Shoot

As you can see above we do it up nice with features!!

And when you Co-Host with us, it will increase page views, meet new bloggers and help your blog get noticed, Sound Good !!!! If You Would Like To Co-Host with us Wednesdays, signing up is Free!! But This it the last week so jump to the Form Is Open For October-Read All The Details and find ⇒ Information Here ⇐ ❢❢❢

Disclaimer: When you add your link along with your email, it will be used only to send you an invitation to join us for the party. It also gives Oh My Heartsie Girl permission to share your posts, pictures and links if featured in upcoming posts. Any content used will be given proper credit and link-backs will be provided.

We would love it if you would help our party grow, Either Grab The Banner or Link Back, Leave a comment so we know that you follow so we can follow back. Helps us by Tweeting When You Linkup, We Would Appreciate it!!

The post Rainy Day! – OMHG Wordless Wednesday appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.

I am excited to be co-hosting this month’s Great Blog Train, a special travel-themed monthly linkup. This month, the Great Blog Train is stopping in my adopted city: Manila, Philippines!

Scroll down to see my spotlight feature on Manila, along with the Blog Train link-up and a giveaway!

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Tweet #GreatBlogTrain

The Great Blog Train

A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!

<a href=”http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/great-blog-train.html” rel=””nofollow”” target=”_blank”><img alt=” Great Blog Train” src=”http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/BlogTrainNewest300_zpse83d52e1.jpg” /></a>

The Great Blog Train has 7 Engineers

plus a “Destination Co-host”!!

If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 8 different blogs!!!

 

Please meet our Destination Co-host:

Shellie from “The FABulous JOURNEY“

This month we will be travelling to Manila, PHILIPPINES

Also, remember to visit the DINING CAR on one of the Engineer’s blogs!

 

If you are interested in being a Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)

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The Great Blog Train’s Great Giveaway!!!

1 Lucky winner will win the following:

– $10 Amazon Gift Card from Laura

– 1 Insulated Travel Case for a Flat Iron/Curling Iron by “Thirty-One” from Lisa

– 1 Monthly Ad Space ($15 value) from Angie
– 1 ebook “My Cookie Creation Countdown” by Angie

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Destination: MANILA, PHILIPPINES

  My family and I have lived as expats in the Philippines for six years. For the last four years we’ve called Manila home. The Philippines is actually an archipelago of 7,107 islands. Manila is the capital city located on the northern island of Luzon.   The metro Manila area, comprised of 12 defined metropolitan areas, has a population of around 12 million people within a 244 square mile area. To put this in perspective, my home state of Florida has just short of 20 million people in an area that covers  3,794,083 square miles.     Not surprisingly, the crowds are a prominent feature in the city as it is one of the most densely populated places on the planet! People are everywhere and typically they see to be traveling from one place to another.   Manila is infamous for it’s traffic, which is a conglomeration of cars, trucks, tricycles, motorcycles, buses and, of course, jeepneys. This is a far cry from the small home town I grew up in.     Jeepneys are the people-movers of the Philippines. The first jeepneys were actually repurposed American military jeeps left over after WWII.

  Filipinos love to be together and they love family. In fact, the word for home in Tagalog is “sa amin”; which means our place. The people have a fierce determination to overcome even in the midst of considerable hardship, an inspiring national pride and a fun-loving spirit that makes every day a party.   The official tourism logo is “It’s More Fun In The Philippines!” Check out their website to learn more about the exciting destinations there.   I live as an expat in Manila, Philippines and I love my adopted country and it’s people…Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 

 

 

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Linking up to the Train is as easy as

 

1, 2, 3!

After the Great Blog Train has arrived to it’s destination we will be featuring 3 boxcars with the most “clicks”.  By linking up you agree to allow us to promote your blog through Twitter, Google+ & Pinterest

 

 

 

Sign up to receive emails about The Great Blog Train

The post The Great Blog Train: Spotlight On Manila, Philippines appeared first on Shellie Bowdoin | The FABulous Journey.