Unaccomplished Goals - End of the Year Notes

How many times you think that life is so unfair?
All the time?
Or rarely?

I have might say all the time some times ago, but now I have made peace with myself and try to be grateful for every single thing I enjoy up to this moment. I remember how ambitious I was when I was younger. So full of energy, so self confident. Yet time teaches me to slow down, pause a bit, enjoy the beauty of life while I can.

Now it is December already.
In less than 20 days we will be welcoming the new year.
2019 is waiting and I just can't wait.
So many new thing and new places that I would explore with my family.
So many exciting new plans have been made and kids get super excited as well.

But before we step into the new beginning, let's take a moment to see some of our unfinished business.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Apparently, I still have a long list of unaccomplished goals but I'll take my time to finish them. What are they? let's take a look.

Umroh and/or hajj - Pergi umroh atau ibadah haji

Umroh and Hajj are two things I have not done.
Plans were made but again some things come up and we haven't really done it.It is still in the pipeline and wish us luck, so that we can eventually realize it.
Ngga papa ya kalau aku berkali-kali menulis umroh dan/atau naik haji sebagai salah satu hal yang belum tercapai atau hal yang menjadi sesalan karena belum aku lakukan sampai sekarang?
Harapannya kalau doa ini disebut berkali-kali insya Allah akan terkabulkan ya.
Aamiin YRA.

Losing weight - Pengen kurus

Waktu nulis ini, aku tuh senyum-senyum sendiri.
Tepatnya mentertawakan diri sendiri.
Sibuk pengen kurus tapi I haven't really done a lot for that and I keep eating here and there. Aku harap Aku punya semangat dan energy untuk kurus di tahun mendatang, tanpa aral melintang. Terkadang aku membatin bisa ngga sih kurus because I have been plump like this since I was a kid. Yang penting sehat ya..dan kayaknya kalau ngga gemuk pasti bisa lebih sehat lagi. Ayo Indah, semangat.

Writing My Book - Menulis Buku

I have joined some collaborative writing and printed some books with my stories on it. But I haven't really written my own book. Maybe one day I can finally get a change to do , when things get quieter. 

Sebenarnya ide untuk menulis buku sudah baanvak, tinggal menuliskan semua ide itu. Bahkan saya juga ingin menerbitkan buku yang berisi foto-foto Perjalanan yang oku dapat. Plus aneka cerita di belakang layar selama bertugas. Aaah uda kebayang seru.

Learning how to sew - Belajar menjahit

I have been wanting to learn how to sew for a loooong time.
My hubby does it much, much better than I do.
I guess it won't take that long s long as I concentrate, right.

Cita-cita biar bisa menjahit memang terasa sederhana sekali tapi aku asli udah pengen banget bisa menjahit. Kebayang seru kalau segala baju dan jaket tenunku bisa aku sendiri yang jahit. Bisa ngga ya? Pasti bisa kalau serius!


Well, although the assignment is asking for 5 things, but 4 is a good number.
So, do you review your year as well?
Tell me the things you haven't accomplished and let's compare our notes.

Living with No Regrets

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way...


I was listening to Frank Sinatra’s famous song, My Way, on my way back to Jakarta.
It was raining. And I took the train to take me back home.

One sentence from the song strikes me here
About regrets. 

And just like Frank, I’ve had a few as well.

When I read the question for the next #BPN30dayChallenge2018 abot things that I regret now, I take some times to ponder.

Can we live with no regrets?

Knowing that we have tried to do our outmost in this life?

Thinking that we can not have it all?

Convinced that our path of life has been written as is?

Bicara penyesalan, saya kok jadi langsung termenung.

Di antara semua kegembiraan dan keriaan hati, terselip rasa sesal karena beberapa hal yang belum tercapai.

Belum saya lakukan tepatnya.

Entah itu karena belum sempat, belum ada waktu, belum rezeki, atau entah alasan 'belum' apa lagi.

Beberapa ada yang belum saya lakukan karena saya kerap menundanya.

Nanti, nanti, nanti.

Besok, besok, besok.

Dan kita tidak pernah tau umur, rezeki dan kesempatan yang diberikan oleh-Nya kepada kita.

Kalau sudah begini, penyesalan memang datang terlambat.
My mind suddenly remembers all those things that I procrastinate.
Well, one of the my bad habits is procrastinating.
I am not always a procrastinator, but there are times when I haven't tried hard enough to realise all those pending issues.

First, I haven’t done Umroh and/or Hajj. 

Saya belum sempat juga menjadi tamu Allah dan mengunjungi Baitullah.

Padahal cita-cita sudah ada sejak penempatan pertama saya ke Swiss tanin 2007 - 2011. Rencana kala itu adalah umrah sekembali dari penempatan di Jenewa, Swiss. Apa daya kami pulang membawa Obi yang waktu itu berusia hampir 6 bulan. Sebenarnya bisa aja umroh membawa bayi tapi Udi mengingatkan bahwa kondisi bayi yang memerlukan perhatian khusus malah membuat kita tidak bisa konsentrasi dan berpotensi mengganggu orang lain juga. Akhirnya kami ngga jadi umroh. 

Kemudian saat di NYC, saya dan Udi sudah berniat untuk haji jika memungkinkan, atau at least umroh. Namun Allah memang punya rencana lain. 2 tahun pertama saya di NYC diisi dengan proses pengobatan kanker payudara yang saya derita. Menjelang kembali ke tanah air, rencana berubah karena saya diperpanjang dan anak-anak plus Udi kembali lebih awal karena mengejar sekolah. Kami pun berkonsentrasi pada pemberesan biaya cicilan dan renovasi rumah. Padahal kami berniat naik haji dari luar Negeri arena antriannya tidak selama mika mendaftar dari Indonesia yang kuotanya selalu penuh.

Kalau sudah begini, saya dan Suami suka membatin kalau ini yang namanya belum rezeki. Ada aja penghalangnya. Tapi saya yakin, Allah SWT punya rencana terbaik untuk kita semua. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim...semoga kami bisa segera menjadi tamu-Nya dan menjejakkan kaki di tanah suci.

Second, I haven’t seriously looked for an oncologist in Indonesia.

This is bad! And I really need to find one ASAP. Well, I have been in touch with a few hospitals but somehow I haven't found the one that I like. And the bad thing is, I haven't looked for more seriously. My hubby and my family keep reminding me but somehow, I was either stuck with the works or I have to go out of town. Well, here's me being a procrastinator. And now that I remember my priority again, I will look for it ASAP! With me luck!

Aku masih punya beberapa 'penyesalan' yang rasanya masih bisa segera ditindaklanjuti sebelum benar-benar terlambat.

Doakan Aku yaaa.

Kalau kalian ada penyesalan apa yang massiv dirasakan sampai saat ini?

Share ya di kolom komentar.

Full-time of Part-time Blogger? You Decide

"Bang, can you read what’s written on my t-shirt? Obi asked her big brother.
“My mom is a blogger. Why, dek?” Responded Bo, my son.
“I though mama is a diploma... , aren’t you, Ma? Obi smiled at me as she said that.
“Well, what do you think, kiddos? What do you want me to be?” I teasingly answered their question with question.
“I think you are both.. like working as a diplomat at the office then blogging from home, right, ma?” Bo tactfully answered my question.

Well, this is not the first time my kids ask about my job.
And they got 2 answers
A diplomat and a blogger.
Sounds cool, right?

Now, which one is your real job?
Can I be both? 

I haven't really thought of the answer to that question as my kids haven't bombarded me with that one. 
But what intrigued me is that whether I want to be a full-time blogger or a part-time one.

Full-time of Part-time Blogger? You Decide!

Let's see what I have in mind about that question from #BPN30dayChallenge2018.

When I declared myself as a blogger, back in 2013 (or even before that), I never thought life will be so much different afterwards.
Starting it as my digital digital diary and photo albums, my blog has taken me to places and events I never imagined begore, meeting cool people along the way.
I get to learn so many new things from bloggers from every corner of the globe.
My horizon is widening and my knowledge is far deepening.
In short, blogging is so much fun!

But I love my job as well!
Being a diplomat is also fun!
It's not always a rose-colored glasses experience and frankly speaking, there are tons of tears, sweat, heartburn (literally) and pain along the way.
You might have seen us traveling around to different parts of the world, meeting people of all walks of life and visiting awesome places.
But behind all those wonderful achievement, smiley faces and cool pose, we must go through endless meeting, tough negotiations, sleepless night, early morning phone calls , tremendous pressure and airport trip in the middle of winter, just to name a few.
Nevertheless, seeing our national flag proudly stand along with others and knowing that you have contributed, no matter small, to the betterment of your people and other citizens in this world surely make you feel good.  
That, my friend, is half work and more like dedication, as my hubby put it.
And for that, I have to dedicate my time, my energy, my attention, and my heart of my work. 

So, back to the question again.
Full-time of Part-time Blogger? 

I guess I have to go with the part-time one considering the priorities and time management I have. I have to be realistic as well. As much as I want to be a full-time blogger, I know I still have to wait. It's not fair to sacrifice my hard-earned job as this point. At least not for now. 

But hey .. I have to say that blogging is way beyond a hobby, as I DO dedicate some time and energy to it. And even though I am not a full-time blogger, that doesn't mean I don't blog wholeheartedly. I pour my heart out when I blog. Well, not all the time, but most of the time I take it seriously. Because I love my blog and I want people to love it as well.

So, then perhaps, it's not about the question of being a full-time blogger or a part-time one. More importantly is how serious you are in blogging. How much you love your blog and what you are willing to sacrifice for your blog.

Full-time of Part-time Blogger? You Decide!

How about you?

Which one are you?

Cooking with Children and Tips to Enjoy It

“Ma, what's next? salt? pepper?"
My son, Bo, was holding the wok with sauted onion, scrambled eggs and steam rice, busy mixing them all with spatula.
I was cutting the sausages and bakso, Indonesian meat balls, that would be added to nasi goreng, Bo's favorite dish.
"Okay..add a pinch of salt and white pepper, then pour some kecap", I instructed him while adding those sausages and bakso to the wok, cooked it for a while and .
"Hmmm..I love the smell, bang! This will be perfect!" I said.
"Yes ma.. and I'm gonna eat them all!" he said, grining widely.

**

Cooking with Bo is one of the usual scenes we have at home lately.
Well, since we live in NYC, Bo has been showing big interest on cooking or helping me cooking his favorite food, to be exact.
Simple thing like martabak, telur dadar, pancakes, and nasi goreng, are some examples of food we love to cook at home together.

I love cooking!
And I guess my son loves it, too.
Of all the household chores I love,- or rather have to do, at home, cooking is on top of my list.
And that’s the question for #BON30dayChallenge as well.
What is your favorite household chores?

There is something relaxing about cooking.
When you are challenged to create something delicious with your bare hands, you have the power to use your imagination. Doing it with your kids make it even more fun!
Both Bo and I are foodies as well.
We love delicious food and instead of spending so much money eating outside, we love cooking at home using whatever ingredients we have.
Sometimes we revive my mom or my grandma’s recipes and try to compare it with our own creation.
There are time when we peep on YouTube to see certain cooking process.
For sure, cooking is quite a bonding experience for both of us.

And now, here are some tips for you who like cooking with children.

Try something simple

I always try to cook simple things with Bo before I can be sure that he’s up for this chore.
Cooking requires certain procedures that might be complicated.
So instead of confusing our kids and make them traumatic in the kitchen, better try something simple like scramble eggs and fried rice. Then if the kids seem to enjoy it, we’ll make martabak or soup which require more preparation.

Teach them about safety in the kitchen

This is really important! There are so many dangerous items in the kitchen, starting from the stove and the oven, knives and aharp objects, and hot, spicy.
Teach them how to handle those things and if they’re not sure about it, tell them to stop for a while and let us handle it. I always remind Bo that kitchen is not a playground. We can certainly have fun but we have to be fully aware.

Don’t critize them too much

Kids do make mistakes, just like us. 
And cooking can be complicated.
Sometimes we forget that they’re still kids and they easily mess things up. Of course we have to tell them what’s right and what’s wrong, but if we criticize them too much they will get discourage and loose their enthusiasm in cooking. We don't want this to happen, do we?
Let them create, make mistakes, mess things up. 
Then teach them to clean up with you and make things better next time.

Enjoy the process

That will be my last tip!
Don’t forget to enjoy the whole process with them.
Sometimes we focus too much on the results but we forget how fun the process is!
Don't forget that you are spending your precious times with your loved one.
It should worth the effort.

Wishing you all a happy cooking session with your kids and have fun!

Five Simple Things You Can Do to Relax in the Weekend

Here comes the weekend, yeaaah!
Do you have any plans for your lovely weekend?
Or just relaxing at home with your loved ones doing noting?
Sounds like a plan to me.

Sudah lama aku merindukan akhir pekan yang tenang.
Akhir pekan yang benar-benar aku nikmati tanpa harus memikirkan bahan pertemuan, rancangan pernyataan atau butir wicara untuk para pimpinan.
Tiga bulan terakhir ini hari-hariku memang dipenuhi dengan berbagai kegiatan dan jadwal pekerjaan kantor yang luar biasa banyaknya. Mulai dari perjalanan ke luar negeri untuk berbagai sidang sampai pertemuan-pertemuan di berbagai kota di Indonesia yang jadwalnya pada merayap. Dalam tiga bulan, saya bertugas ke tiga negara danentah breara kota di Indonesia.
At one point I love it but I cannot deny that I am tired.

Makanya, saat ahir pekan tiba, I am sooo excited.
Kalau hari libur atau akhir pekan, biasanya aku punya banyak cita-cita.
Mau inilah, mau itulah. Ke sana, ke sini...
Padahal sebenernya butuh istirahat dan recharge.
Plus menghabiskan waktu dengan keluarga tercinta atau melanjutkn hobi yang mungkin sempat tertunda saat di hari kerja.
Jadi, mau ngapain kita di hari libur?

That’s the question for the 20th day challenge of the #BPN30dayChallenge2018.
Then it makes me think of 5 simple things we can do to relax in the weekend.
Well the question is during the holiday but I take weekend as my holiday.
Most of the time, I try to focus on relaxing or recharging myself.
So here are five simple things you can do to relax in the weekend.


Getting a massage - Pijat

Ini salah satu kegiatan favoritku akhir-akhir ini.
Pijat memang benar-benar bikin ak relaks banget.
How I love getting massage and this is what makes me miss Indonesia terribly
This is the place where you can easily go to one of the traditional spas or massage parlour or even order the therapist online and she will come to your house!
Go massage is one of the most -used apps I have in my phone and I'm super happy!
With Rp 110.000,- or less than USD 10 before tip, you can get 1.5 hours full body massage.

Listening to music and sing - Dengerin lags favorit dan nyanyi

Aku tuh paling seneng dengerin musik dan ujung-ujungnya pasti nyanyi!
Ini cara paling sederhana untuk boost up my spirit dan murah meriah, karena hanya bermodalkan Spotify or playlist yang kita punya, sambungkan ke speakers dan bisa nyanyi sambil bégaya. Pokoknya judulnya suka-suka deeeh!

Put on your favorite playlist, link it up to your speakers and voila, enjoy you favorite songs and sing them out loud! For me, music has a healing power and listening to those lovely beats and lyrics will bring back my energy and good mood. Don't forget to sing them! Let it out and sing it! You will feel much, much better and relax after that. 
Trust me :).

Watching TV at home with my family - Nonton TV bareng keluarga

Whenever Netflix or whatever paid TV you have at home has new movies or series suitable for you and your kids, make sure you watch it together with your family.
I rarely watch TV on weekdays so I try to catch up on my favorite series of movie during the weekend. It is much better and fun if you do it together with your loved ones.

Buatku bisa tonton TV bareng anak-anak dan Suami or keluarga itu adalah suatu kemewahan tersendiri. Beneran lho! Karena itu tidak bisa dilakukan setiap hari. Terasa istimewa banget saat kami sudah menyiapkan minuman dan cemilan favorit plus bantal untuk nonton film or seri kesayangan di TV saat akhir pekan or liburan. Priceless!

Cooking your favorite food - masak makanan kesukaan

For me, cooking is somehow relaxing!
Indeed!
Regardless the fact that cooking requires  preparation and follow certain protocols or process, for me, cooking is relaxing because I love it! 
Especially if you are making one that your family love so that they will devour it once you got it ready.
During the weekend, I usually cook something easy and fast but my family loves it. 
You know, like pancake, mie goreng or fried noodles and fried rice, soup then martabak.

Sleeping - tidur

Obviously, something sleeping is the only thing you need.
During the weekend or day off, you have the privilege to have some extra time for sleeping. I won't think twice and will certainly use my time to sleep for a while. 
A short deep sleep is what we need. 

So, that's five simple things you can do to relax in the weekend.
Do you have anything else in mind?
please let me know :)

Have a great weekend!

Morning Beats to Keep You Energized

Morning beats to keep you energized

"Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you.."

My hands were busy banging the dashboard while I sang We Will Rock you with all my heart that morning. My hubby did the same thing and people outside the car who happened to take a glance at us would be wondering what we had for breakfast to look that crazy and fierce.

Then the tune changed to Maroon Five's This love.

Oh I sang along with the sexy Adam Levine, holding my brush which unceremonially turned into a fantasy mike. 

" This love has taken its toll on me

She said goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice 'cause I won't say goodbye anymore, 

hoooooaaaah, hoooah, hooooah.."

Done with it, my hubby put Bob Marley on the list.

Then our karaoke session in the morning continued, with Is This Love, Buffalo Soldiers, Three Little Birds, No Women No Cry and Redemption Song beautifully and loudly played from our player.

Traffic outside was crazy.
We were jammed packed with lines of other cars, buses, motorcycles and more.

All heading to the same directions apparently, making us trapped in daily traffic jam.
Jakarta, this is when I don't like you at all!

let's hit it!

But anyway, there are ways to beat the traffic jam for sure.

And music is always on top of the list as it has proven to be  helpful.

I am so used to having upbeat music in the morning to pump up the spirit.

My 9-year experience in the radio even gives me more privilege of memorising the lyrics of hundreds of top-40s, current hits, even the oldies.

So, as the 19th day of #BPN30dayChallenge2018 asks about ten songs I have on my playlist, I will certainly be more than happy to share my favorite tunes.

I have been musically raised up by my parents with hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, while I myself enjoy the 90s and beyond.

So, don't blame me for loving Queen, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Tony Bennet, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Franks, the Wham, the Supremes, and more.

I can go on and on and on remembering those great times listening to those golden tunes and singing them with my dad.

Really a melange of incredible and talented singers of their times!

I can say I learn English for the first time from those songs!

Then I love female vocalists, like Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, Amy Winehouse, Lisa Stanfield, Macy Gray, Tracy Chapman, Christina Augiliura, Natalie Imbruglia, Pink, Adele, Frente, Alicia Kara, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa and more.

As my hubby is a great musician (he mostly plays bass but he's a great guitarist and drummer as well), we usually sing the acoustic songs and we have lists of our favorite songs.

And as my hubby's favorite bands are also awesome, we both enjoy Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilot, Blues Travellers, Vertical Horizon, Bush, Oasis, Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses, Metallica, Sound Garden, Radiohead, U2, Imagine Dragons and more, besides the legendary BB Kings, Eric Clapton, Sting, and more.

Well I also love the latest singers like Shawn Mendez, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Cardy B, Justin Bieber and more. But again, what stay in my heart are those I love so much.

Oh my...I just can't stop talking about music!

So, before I forgot, here's the ten song I always have on my playlist in the morning

We Will Rock You - Queen

Thunder - Imagine Dragons

This Love - Maroon 5

We are Young - Fun 

Crazy - Aerosmith

I Try - Macy Gray

Ironic - Alanis Morisette

Valerie - Amy Winehouse 

Redemption Song - Bob Marley

With or Without you - U2

Surely I have more song I love to play in the morning.

I know they might have different beat and ambience but I just love 'em.

Don't ask me why I love them 'coz I just can't get enough of 'em!

Now, how about you?

What do you like to hear in the morning?

Tell me and let's sing together!

Lima Youtuber Favoritku

Siapakah 5 Youtuberku favoritku?

Continuing our #BPN30dayChallenge, here comes the 18th day of the challenge and today’s question is who are my favorite youtubers? I can only list 5 so again, I’m looking at my long list of favorite YouTubers here.

I love YouTube accounts which are entertaining, fun, and awesome.

Who wouldn't like those hilarious, viral contents, right?

I also love inspiring videos, be it on daily life, health, beauty, and beyond, - and religious contents which help me and my family learning more about our religion.

Well, nowadays YouTube has been bombarded by soooo many creative people with their out-of-this box ideas, contents and creations. I really salute those people who dedicate themselves in providing such world-class entertainment. Sometimes I feel ashamed of claiming myself a YouTuber if I take look at my super simple and modest videos. Well, but then I said to myself that I put my video in Youtube for my own memories and hopefully it will be beneficial for others as well, not for  mere publicity.

Of course we do have some bad and negative influence in YouTube so we really have to filter those ugly, hideous contents and protect our children.  I am also trying to find great YouTuber who will be as entertaining for my kids as for us adults. It's not always that easy but there are many family-friendly contents out there. 

Hopefully we can be persistent in protecting our children from YouTube bad influence!

Anyway, here's 5 YouTubers I love to watch 

Zach King

He's the king!

Kami sekeluarga seneeeng banget dengan Zach King karena memang videonya itu luar biasa> Keren, menghibur, dan kebayang buatnya susah, hehehehe! Rasanya idenya memang ngga habis-habis dan semuanya asli keren. Anak-anakku juga suka bangeeet nonton videonya Zach yang heboh-heboh dan selalu membuat kami tersenyum. Aaah pokoknya favorit deeeh!

Huda Beauty

Call me old fashioned tapi di tengah gempuran banyaknya beauty blogger yang asli keren-kereeeen, Aku masiiih tetap setia dengan Huda hehehe.

There is something about her yang membuat Aku ngga mau ketingga;an video-video terbarunya. Aku juga suka dengan berbagai tutorial yang dishare di akunnya. Huda tuh terampil banget dan kayaknya semuaaa gampang deh kalau dia yang dandan :).

Pinodita

Papin Pinot and Mamin Dita are our favorite! We can always watch their videos again and again. Besides, they are our neighbours! Literally loving a few blocks away from my house in Astoria, NYC. At this point, they share a lot of Ditut’s sketch book works and bwlieve me, they are amazing! 

Aku suka banget liat Dita gambar.
So effortless yet beautiful!
Her strength works are with watercolors and she did a lot of amazing works. And now she has produced a lot of stuff such as scarf and tote bags.

Raditya Dika

Kalau ngga mau pusing dan pengen ngakak ya pantengin ajaaa channel Raditya Dika :).
Hal-hal sederhana aja bisa jadi super lucuuuu di tangannya.
Aku sebenernya kenal akun ini dari suamiku yang sudah lebih dulu suka menonyon stand up comedy. And he is now very famous indeed.

Marischka Prudence

I love to see her diving videos!
Asli bikin mupeng beraaaat! Dan juga perjalanan lain yang ia lakukan.
Dan videonya pun kereeen- kereeen.
Quite inspiring!

So that’s my favorite YouTubers so far.
I bet you know them all.
Which one is your favorite?

Sepuluh Blog Favorit untuk Blogwalking

Mau tau sepuluh blog favorit untuk blogwalking? 

Lagi-lagi saya harus berpikir keras untuk menentukan sepuluh blog yang sering saya kunjungi. 

Yang pasti, ada buanyaaaaak banget blogger keren di luar sana yang blognya sering saya kunjungi, baik itu blogger Indonesia maupun blogger dari luar negeri. Dan seperti pertanyaan blog favorit, aku pun punya banyak kategori untuk blog traveling, lifestyle, beauty, fashion, technology, curhat dan lain-lain. Belum lagi para blogger yang saya penal secara pribadi dan memang orangnya menyenangkan. Rasanya mau protes ke #BPN30day Challenge2018 tapi rasanya memang itu tantangan utama untuk tentukan mana yang masuk dalam daftar. Jadi, semangaaaat!

So, let's give it a try!

Here come the 10 blogs that I usually explore for blog walking. 

theresasmixednuts.com

Again, I really enjoy reading her blog as it has so many interesting features that I love, especially all those yummy, yet easy to prepare food. She writes a lot about tips and tricks  on daily life as well traveling and recommendation or reviews for so many products. I like the way she shares her stories. 

Dan yang aku senengnya tuh, Theresa selalu BW balik ke aku dengan komentar yang tulus dan genuinely show interests to any Indonesia-related posts I have put on my blog. And you know I put a lot about it! Yang pasti, Theresa juga sangat humble dan menyenangkan.

anapleaday.com

Alissa is also one of my first blogger friends in the Big Apple! I got connected to her through Theresa as well and Alissa is a lovely art teacher who really appreciates many things I love. 

Dan Theresa maupun Alissa juga rajin BW balik ke postingan aku plus berbagai referensi untuk mendapat postingan berbayar USD juga lho. Ada bêberapa sponsored posts kami yang serupa.

wordlesswednesday.blogspot.com

Ini salah satu blog yang tiap minggu menyelenggarakan linky party untuk mereka yang publish postingan dengan foto tanpa kata or cerita. Well, ada sedikit cerita juga boleh, tapi jangan kaget kalau ada juga yang hanya menaruh satu foto saja.

I have been following the link party since 2014 and I continue to share my version of (almost) Wonderful Wednesday up until now.

It's a fun way to stay connected with bloggers from different corners of the world without being bogged down by long posts. Besides, I also got tons of photos to share!

shintaries.com

Seperti yang saya pernah tulis sebelumnya, blog mba Shinta banyak 'contekan' bermanfaat yang sangat membantu blogger awam sepertiku. Aku yang buta ilmu per-SEO-an mulai sedikit-sedikit belajar dari dirinya. Dan semua itu ilmu yang berharga banget lho!

jalanjalankenai.com

Aku kenal Mba Chie, baik di dunia blog maupun di luar, sudah lumayan lama dan aku cukup sering BW ke blognya yang penuh cerita menarik tentang berbagai perjalanan yang dilakukan oleh Chie dan keluarganya. Banyak tempat-tempat wisata asyik dan pas untuk keluarga yang pernah didatangi dan Aku jadi suka 'nyontek' itinerary or jadwal perjalanan dan tempat yang didatangi. Thanks for sharing it yaaa Mba.

etramping.com

Ini salah satu blog traveling yang diasuh oleh 2 teman baik, bukan sepasang kekasih ,walaupun mereka berteman sangat baik dan sering berpetualangan berdua. Mereka juga suka berpetualang dan mencoba berbagai hal baru setiap kali tiba di suatu tempat baru. Just like us!

beyourselfwomen.com

Mba Lus, pemilik blog ini, adalah sosok ramah yang sempat saya temui di beberapa kesempatan. Aku bahkan kerap menikmati berbagai kado istimewa barang-barang crafting yang dibuatnya. Beberapa Aku bawa ke New York City juga. Dan Mba Lus sangat consistent dengan blognya yang sarat Do-It-Yourself projects serta arts and crafts. Keren keren dan doable banget.

Fitrian.net

Aku ngga tau harus bicara apa soal pemilik blog yang satu ini tapi Lia, panggilan akrab kita semua untuknya, adalah ratu Blogwalking, termasuk mampir ke tempatku. Dan Lia juga rajiiiin banget update blognya. So, here we go, kalau ngga mampir ke sini rasanya ngga afdol.

bethere2day.com

Ini blog yang isinya benar-benar menghibur karena hanya berisi postingan lucu dan nyelenah tapi juga selalu membuka link party. Saya seneng mampir ke sini karena selalu ketemu blogger-blogger lain yang menikmati hiburan yang sama lalu saling mengunjungi via wordlesswednesday atau link lainnya. Tidak ada yang spesial banget tapi entah kenapa saya rajin main ke sini. Mungkin cari-hari saya sudah penuh dengan pekerjaan serius kali ya, jadi pengennya cari yang lucu.

fromevijawithlove.com

Kami pernah co-host bareng di weekly link party dan Aku suka banget dengan blognya Evija yang penuh dengan tips dan tricks untuk rumah, termasuk berbagai proyek DIY. Bahkan saat Evija membangun dan menghias rumah barunya dari nol, ia membaginya di blognya. Bener-bener menginspirasi lhooo!

So, that's my post on the list of blogs for blogwalking.

Kalau teman-teman suka blogwalking ke mana aja?

Ada alasan tertentu nutuk blogwaking ke blog tersebut?

See you on the next post.

Akun Instagram Favorit? Ini Dia Daftarnya

Taraaaa..

Here comes the questions for Day 15!

Wuhuuuu..it's half way already!

For the next question we have for #BPN30dayChallenge2018, the question is 10 favorite Instagram accounts that I love the check. Now now, 10 is a decent numbers but I guess I will have to scrutinize lots of accounts that I ocassionally visit. As an introduction, I guess it’s good to mention that I love Instagram for its vast information and entertainment provided. 

In short, it’s fun, fun, fun!

I myself have multiple accounts of Instagram and don’t ask me how many ;).

I usually ‘browse’ for fantastic photos of Indonesia and wonderful places to visit across the globe; Kementerian Luar Negeri or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia; United Nations and things surrounding it; underwater schemes and everything related to scuba diving; fashion; cosmetics; recipes and amazing food photography; and sample sales, among others! For the last one, sample sales, I always follow the IG account and its Insta Story. 

Saya juga banyak mengunjungi para influencers maupun akun teman-teman bloggers yang memang aktif di IG. Tapi karena jumlahnya lebih dari 10, even hundreds  (and I love them all) sepertinya agak kurang adil jika saya masukkan hanya beberapa saja. Jadi nanti kalau diminua listing 100, aku akan kasih semua :).

So now, without further a do, here are 10 favorite Instagram accounts I love!

@natgeotravel

Frankly, I love everything about National Geographic. It has a few accounts including @natgeo, @natgeotravel, and @natgeowild. For sure you know why I prefer @natgeotravel as it showcases those incredible spots in the world, including Indonesia. 

@christinehmcconnell

Oh my .. I love her one-of-a-kind, quirky and vampire-inspired style on her food! I don't know about you but I love those unique, out-of-this-world art works! Asli kereeeen banget! Salah satu yang Aku suka banget adalah kue khusus yang didedikasikan untuk Freddy Mercury, khususnya setelah film Freddy drills. The details of her work really blows my mind. No wonder she has 464 million followers, including me!

@ditut et @pinot

Ini tetangga favorit kami  di New York City! 

Kami dengan innocentnya bertemu dengan salah satu influencer kondang di Instagram dan Twitter, tetanggaan yang cuma beda berapa blok rumahnya dan anak-anak sekolah bareng. Again, both of them are AWESOMEEEEE! Ditut is super talented with her drawings and Pinot is crazily creative! Both of them have been internationally recognized for their works, including by Adidas, Google, and Zach King, and they are INDONESIANS! You guys go ahead see their works yourself. No spoilers :).

Some of my favorite IG accounts :)

@hudabeauty

I don't know when I started loving her and her works but for sure I usually check her account to see tips, tricks, and the latest updates on her collections as well at her other account @shophudabeauty. I am A BIG FAN of her lipsticks, and so far I have been using  6 shades of her matte lipsticks! She also has so many beautiful palates and more. SO, what are you waiting for!

@sephora

Nothing else to say but this is my ultimate reference for all beauty related. Well, I know we have so many other choices out there, but again, I am soooo in love with Sephora since 2004 when I first shopped at its bling-bling outlet at Champs-ellysez, Paris! I remember buying 1 bag of stuff and got another bag of free stuff! Wuhuuuuu...Sephora really knows how to wow people, especially ladies. Its IG account is also wonderful and give you more tips, tricks and more all beauty enthusiasts love!

@unitednations

Needless to say I keep following this account for all the important global issues being discussed at the United Nations. Even more, so many important references are highlighted in this account, not only the glimmering and successful stories, but also all the problems that we all face. It might sounds very heavy but go check it out.

@kemlu_ri

Akun IG kantorku tercinta! 

Kenapa saya sering cek? karena senang ajaaaa.

It's good to know that my office is keeping up with the latest technology and use up-to-date approach in spreading the news as well as our works. 

Teman-teman suka cek juga ngga? Seringkali ada kuis dan giveawaysnya lhooo. 

@paditravel

PADI is the world-wide famous diving certificate provider and besides providing the technical expertise and skills related to diving, it also provides latest tempting information for courses and diving trips! Dan Aku selalu moping kalau melihat akun mereka ini. Bawaannya mau bilang: take me there!

@indtravel

Ini akun wajib untuk yang sering kangen dengan Indonesia dan yang suka traveling di tanah airku tercinta!

I love to see those vivid colors and living photos which spark your energy and desire to explore more of Indonesia! I will definitely check their account and get more information about those wonderful hidden treasures.

So, 10 akun Instagram favorit aku seperti di atas!

Jadi penasaran dengan akun pilihan teman-teman..

Let's see then!