Blood is Thicker Than Water: Is It Really True?

 We often hear the saying, “Blood is thicker than water.” In simple terms, it means that family bonds are stronger and more enduring than any other relationship. But as time goes by, I’ve realized that this isn’t always true.

Blood Isn’t Always the Basis

Yes, there are times when family is the first to catch us when we fall. But what if it’s your very own blood who hurt you, abandoned you, or was never there when you needed them? This is where the truth comes in—that sometimes the people who know us and understand us best aren’t relatives, but those who truly care and choose to stay.

Shared Experiences Run Deeper

There are friends who became more like siblings than actual brothers or sisters. Teachers who acted more like parents than parents themselves. People we met in the middle of struggles who, up to this day, never left our side. These relationships are not bound by blood but by trust, respect, and the depth of shared experiences.

What Truly Connects People

Blood is not the true measure of family. What binds people together is the daily choice to stand by one another. It’s the selfless concern freely given, the love that isn’t dictated by last names or lineage, but by sincerity and loyalty.

Reflection

If you think about it, “family” isn’t just tied to blood. Family is the people you choose to keep close in every chapter of your life—those who stay, even without obligation.

So perhaps the more meaningful question is this: Who is your real family—the ones connected to you by blood, or the ones who chose to love and understand you, even without it?

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Life Update: WE ARE NOW MOMMY & DADDY!

In December 2020, we received a very precious gift from God. After a decade of being married, we're finally blessed and expecting a child.

We went to my OB-GYN doctor to confirm, and yes we're having a baby!

But we needed to be extra careful as there's just so many factors and threats to my pregnancy - age, subchorionic hemorrhage, risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension, and of course the covid-19 pandemic.

I was in bedrest and had to take lots of medicines for my subchorionic hemorrhage during most of my first trimester bu fortunately, I didn't have morning sickness. I wore PPE (face mask, face shield, and gown) during my clinic appointments. I religiously monitored my blood sugar levels starting second trimester and my blood pressure during my third trimester. Despite all the hardships, we knew in our hearts that it's all gonna be worth it.

Part of being cautious, we only go out of the house for hospital visits. So, everything we needed we buy online to be delivered. We are also thankful for family members who tirelessly prepared and brought food for us.

As my due date drew near, we started buying baby stuff. We were overwhelmed with so many options online (as well as the amount of stuff we needed to buy), so we took our time to pick the best ones that are both high quality and fits our budget. Unboxing baby stuff made us even more excited to meet our baby. Oh, have I not mentioned yet? We're having a baby GIRL! 

Part of the hospital protocols these days is to present a negative RT-PCR test result to be admitted and the validity of the test is 7 days only. I had to take the swab test 2x. And it's totally fine that baby girl took her precious time baking inside mommy's tummy and be full-term ;) 

On the dawn of July 21, 2021, 1 week before the expected due date, I had the so-called "bloody show" and was already feeling minor contractions. So we informed my doctor, took a quick bath, gathered our hospital bags (which we packed on my 35th week), and went straight to the hospital as instructed. Ed did a rapid test for Covid-19 (negative). After being checked and done with the paper works, I was then admitted the same day at around 8am. I was brought to the delivery room at 2pm. The contractions intensify by the hour. I remember there was even a time when I'd almost jump out of the bed due to labor pain. Then, at 7:25pm, I gave birth to our baby via normal spontaneous delivery with epidural.

To our precious baby, Eliana Graciela, welcome to our lives. Now, our family is complete. We'll do our best to be great parents to you. We love you very much!

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The Life of Kerri-chan Comic Illustrations | GlaizaLegaspiArt

I have a female Persian cat named Kerri and she has been a source of joy since 2014. I decided to make a comic illustration series dedicated to her, which I will name "The Life of Kerri-chan".

This is my first original comic scene called "I fit!". This shows how our Persian cat, Kerri, would be more interested in a box instead of her canned foods. 

I also made this illustration called "Cat Needs Attention" showing Kerri being too needy. I was finishing some work that's already due and she kept scratching my leg as if begging for something. I gave her food but she decided to keep coming back and annoy me as she needed (or maybe 'wanted') all the attention at a very busy moment.

Then, I also did this illustration called "Peek-a-boo!" Because sometimes, Kerri pops up out of nowhere and likes to surprise me with her big round eyes and cute little nose. Sometimes she'd pop up from the edge of my bed, from my working table, and other random places. She's sweet, clingy, playful and silly. 

This last illustration is called "Can't wait for the weekend". Kerri is our only pet and I feel like it's one of the reasons why she gets bored oftentimes and gives me this mid-week mood! In a day, she's 70% sleeping, 10% eating, 10% playing and 10% asking for my attention! I wish we can adopt one kitty to boost her social interaction.

That's it for now. I'm looking forward to draw more comic illustrations of Kerri and other subjects or topics as well.

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Watercolor Typography in Adobe Photoshop

Here's a quick watercolor typography tutorial using Adobe Photoshop. Try this and tag me on your project photos in Instagram @glai.creativelife or hashtag it #gclinspired :)



Download links:
Green watercolor texture & Brown watercolor wash
Raustila font
Subscriber font

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Japanese Sushi Set No. 1 - Watercolor Clipart

For my love of Japanese food, especially sashimi, I created this watercolor clipart set that features ten (10) kinds of sushi.

All elements are available in individual PNG with transparent background, JPEG, and Illustrator EPS files. The images can be used digitally or in print on your projects.

Available at Gumroad: 

 

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Grilled Squid Recipe | HomebasedChef

Here's a video recipe of an easy grilled squid recipe that is a perfect at-home meal with the family, especially during summer. It can be paired with freshly cooked steamed rice together with an ice-cold beverage. I shared how to clean the squid so you will know what to do especially if it's your first time to handle squid. If you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #homebasedchef and share it in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter. Enjoy!

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Japanese Katsu Curry Recipe | Homebasedchef

Here's a video recipe of Japanese Katsu Curry using three kinds of meat - shrimp, pork, and chicken. This recipe is good for 5-6 persons and is perfect for a weekend lunch or dinner with your whole family. Feel free to create the one that you prefer. If you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #homebasedchef and share it in Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter. Enjoy!

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15 Beach Essentials

Here are 15 beach essentials you must not forget on your next beach getaway.

1. Sun Hat ... to lessen the damage to your skin by blocking UV rays.
2. Flip-flops ... to casually roam around the beach.
3. Sun Screen / Sun Block ... to protect you from UVA/UVB rays and sunburn.
4. Swimwear ... to feel comfortable swimming and having fun on the beach.
5. Camera ... to capture all the fun memories of you and your friends.
6. Towel ... to keep you dry after swim.
7. Reusable Water Bottle ... to keep you hydrated while avoiding single-use plastic bottles.
8. Sunglasses ... to protect your eyes from light, debris, dust and wind.
9. Tote Bag ... to carry all your stuff.
10. Waterproof Phone Pouch/Case ... to protect your phone from water, dust and sand damages.
11. Hair Comb ... to keep your hair tangle-free.
12. Lip Balm ... to protect your delicate lips from sun and keep it moisturized.
13. Tank Top ... to cover up before/after swim or pair with shorts for casual wear.
14. Scarf ... to cover you up, protect you from mosquitoes, or use as blanket / pillow; it is multi-purpose!
15. Sleep Mask / Eye Mask ... to have the best sleep after all the fun and activities throughout the day.

Now, go grab your stuff and have fun at the beach! 

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My Art Supplies for Watercolor Painting

There are many different brands and kinds of watercolor art supplies in the market and these are what I have acquired in the past years: Prang, Pentel, Faber-Castell, etc. These are cheap products, more like beginner sets but are totally workable! Plus, they are available in most bookstores here in the Philippines.

But recently I invested in artist grade ones like Holbein watercolor tubes from Pens Galore Philippines and Escoda brushes from ArtWhale.PH. These cannot be found in the shops near my location, so I'm glad I found these online shops.

From left to right:

• Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Round Brush - Size 3/0
• Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 2
• Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 4
• Escoda Aquario Squirrel Round Mop - Size 10
• Escoda Reserva Kolinsky-tajmyr Sable Round Brush - Size 8
• Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Rigger Brush - Size 4
• Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Bright Brush - Size 10
• Escoda Versatil Synthetic Kolinsky Fan Shaped Brush - Long Handle - Size 4

I also am using cheap watercolor papers for now. I bought both Canson and Fabriano watercolor papers at National Bookstore. But I am eager to try other brands like Saunders Waterford and Bockingford. I'm looking at buying at ArtWhale.PH since they have sets like this.

Lastly, the tools I'm using - fabric brush holder, brush suspender (for air drying), brush washer, and ceramic mixing palettes. All these are bought online as well, from Lazada. 

Do you have recommendations of what product/s I should try? Please let me know in the comment section and I'll try to source it. Thank you for your time! Til my next post :-)

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Quick Shrimp Pasta Recipe by HomebasedChef

Home-based Chef recently shared a shrimp pasta recipe that is very easy to make and healthy too! I highly suggest that you try it and you'll be impressed with how light and at the same time savory this recipe is. I personally think it's better than some overpriced, over-hyped pastas that you order in restaurants.

Here's the link to the recipe. Enjoy!

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HomebasedChef at your service!

HomebasedChef is where you will find quick and simple recipes that are easy to follow and re-create. It is dedicated for people who are newly-weds, always on the go, and even independent bachelors and bachelorettes who want to try to cook varieties of food for themselves, friends or for their family.

While it is true that it is very convenient to just dial the phone and have fast food delivery or buy cooked meals from the nearby food stall, we would never know how they are prepared, cooked and what's in them. As you may notice, HomebasedChef's recipes include very little (to none) MSG products as they inspire to bring healthier home-cooked meals on your table.

HomebasedChef also aims for its audience to develope food appreciation in a new level. If you know an effort was given to a certain product or exercise, you will appreciate and value it more, right? HomebasedChef would like to believe that eating a meal cooked for you by your friend or loved one will always feel and taste better that anything else.

If you like to know more about HomebasedChef and see/watch the recipes, please subscribe and follow on the social media accounts below:

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You may also request for a specific food recipe and it will be cooked for you :-)

Email: homebasedchef@gmail.com

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