11th Blog Anniversary Giveaway: Mystery Boxes and Surprises!

Wow! I couldn't believe I am celebrating my 11th year as a Blogger and Content Influencer! I never imagined that I would reach this point with the ups, downs, and everything in between.

 

Perks Be With You is my sweet haven. Throughout the years, I've met people online and in person with whom I did not know I inspired them, appreciated the things I shared, and liked reading my blog features.

 

And every year that passed, I would always think about how to return my blessings when my anniversaries took place.

 

For this 11th blog birthday celebration, I decided to give four mystery boxes and Gcash prizes to eleven winners.

 

You have four chances to win the mystery boxes (MakeUp, Skincare, Bookish/Bookworm, and a Suprise Box) because I am giving them away on one platform: FB, IG, Tiktok, and here on my Blogpage! 

How to get one of the Mystery Boxes? 

 

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite or most memorable read from the blog features since I began (from 2011 to 2022).

 

2. Indicate too what mystery box you want to win (Make Up, Skincare, Bookish/Bookworm, or a Suprise Box). One box only for this platform; you may join from Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok for the other boxes. 

 

3. Follow my social media accounts: 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576946835

IG:

instagram.com/perksbewithyou

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@iamperksbewithyou

 

4. Share this blog post via your Facebook account, tag me, and don't forget to put #Happy11thPerksBeWithYou on your post. Please make it public. 

 

5. Extra credit: Tag one or two of your friends in your shared post. This is a season of giving, so let's share our blessings!  

*The giveaway will run from December 9 (9 a.m.) to January 8 (8 p.m.).

 

*Announcement of winners: January 9 (9 p.m.) through a randomizer (7 Gcash winners), and I will personally pick the four mystery box winners based on their answers.

 

Thank you very much for supporting me throughout the years and for being with me since I started this blog page in 2011. 

My Five Days Balanced Plan Meals with Dear Diet!

Last year, I took the challenge of a one-month low-carb diet with my daily lifestyle. It changed my perspective on being healthy, and I learned a lot from the experience.

 

This time around, I re-examined my eating habits with a test. When I was given a chance last August to try five days of Balanced plan meals with Dear Diet, I was excited and worried. I even told my officemates about it, and one even commented that I am already thin, so I don't need it. But, I love challenging myself, so let's get it on!

First day (August 1)

Breakfast: Frittata Cups and Ciabatta Roll w/ Pimiento Spread

Lunch: Lasagna

Snack: Homemade Ferrero Rocher

Dinner: Flatbread Pizza Margherita

 

Thoughts: 

I really commended their lasagna! It was absolutely delicious! One of the best I've eaten! I'm not a fan of Ferrero, but the homemade Ferrero Rocher was unreal! I liked it! 

 

Second day (August 2)

Breakfast: Liege Waffles and Fruits 

Lunch: Belgian Beef Stew 

Snack: Speculaas Cookies

Dinner: Shrimp Croquettes with Potato Fries and Salad

 

Thoughts: 

I was definitely surprised that there was brown rice! Like when I did the Low Carb, no rice at all. The Speculaas Cookies were so good, I wanted to have a bite again. 

 

Third day (August 3)

Breakfast: Singaporean Kaya Toast and Egg 

Lunch: Chinese Roast Pork Belly

Snack: Red Bean Mochi

Dinner: Hainanese Chicken Rice

 

Thoughts: 

I had two rice meals and they were alright. My favorite, though, was the Red Bean Mochi! I was addicted to it! 

 

Fourth day (August 4)

Breakfast: Pretzel and Bratwurst

Lunch: Chicken Schnitzel and Rice Pilaf 

Snack: Lemon Soufflé 

Dinner: Swedish Meatballs and Pasta

 

Thoughts: 

I had a good time with the variations of meals for that day. Probably the one that I liked the best was the Chicken Schnitzel. 

 

Fifth day (August 5)

Breakfast: The Daily Oats' Blueberry Vanilla Pistachio Cheesecake 

Lunch: Coq Au Vin

Snack: Cream Puffs

Dinner: Salad Nicose Puff Sandwich 

 

Thoughts: 

For the last day of the Balanced Plan meals, the most exciting thing for me to try was the Daily Oats because of how colorful they are. I didn't even want to taste them. Yet the winner for me was the Coq Au Vin. The name might be hard to pronounce, but the dish was easy to satisfy my taste buds. 

 

Outcome and Verdict: 

The most challenging part for me of having Balanced Plan meals was not the portion of food being prepared but rather the time of delivering the meals per day. I struggled to wake up at 5 to 6 am, especially on my rest days. Yet, I was grateful to Kuya, who called me up when he arrived in front of our gate and waited for me to get the deliveries. 

 

I learned that you can eat rice (brown and red) even if you are on a balanced meal plan. As you remember, rice was a no-no during my low-carb month. 

 

It was a short but great experience and I would definitely do the Balanced Plan Meals again, perhaps even longer because Dear Diet has different variations every week. Go check out their social media pages and try it for yourself! 

MIBF: Yes it was back for 2022!

The Manila International Book Fair has always been a favorite event of collectors, hoarders, readers, and authors. 

I was over the moon when it was announced that the biggest book event in the country was back after being absent for two years. Yay!

 

It took place from September 15 to 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. I went there on the last day, Sunday because we had a book signing and meet and greet for TBC Publications. 

My solo books were there, and though we didn't own our booth, we were glad we shared it with other independent publishing houses. 

Thank you to the National Book Development Board and The Indie Publishers Collab Ph for the lovely Indie Village area.

 

It was my first time going to an event early, like 8 a.m., because I helped my good friend and TBC's founder, Jahric, with the set-up for the said event. It was my first time too that I didn't print a ticket but had this amazing souvenir. 

Hey exhibitor! :) 

I also decided not to line up for this year's book signing for known authors.  Instead, I focused on catching up with my fellow authors, meeting new friends, and just visiting the booths.

Cute children on the stage!

Love this creative wallpaper, Summit!

Instant prize!

The National Bookstore and Fullybooked, two famous bookshops that usually occupied big areas, were not present, and many people were disappointed not to see them. But for me, it was alright because the less popular publishing houses were given a chance to introduce their books and materials to a larger audience.

 

I had so much fun with MIBF2022 because I really got to see my author friends, which I missed a lot, and meet unexpected people who bought my novels (genuinely grateful). 

Lea who came all the way from Cebu!

Finally, we met Zandro!

Lady Boss Cindy nice to see you again!

I signed some stuff and purchased a few books and things. 

Miss Marianne of Shelf Esteem bought my book, thank you!

Thank you Ryan for buying my books!

Nice to meet fellow KinnPorsche fans, Aki and DL!

 MIBF haul! I'm very behaving!

Thank you for returning, MIBF, and see you next year! Congratulations on a successful four-day event!