So Proud!

He said....

Will You Marry Me?

She said...
YES YES YES!

Congratulations

Mike & Noel!

I know you will live
~Happily Ever After~
~~~
~~
~Forever Loving You BOTH

&

I am Always SO PROUD of YOU~
~
Mom
~
OX's

fin

CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS THE TIME OF GOODWILL FOR ME

Christmas is indeed, the time of goodwill. The time to share. The time to extend a helping hand wholeheartedly. Christmas is also a time to renew bonds, celebrate blessings, and to create new beginnings.

I am sorry for the lack of posts. I've been going through my recent posts, and I've realized that my heart and passion for writing wasn't there. To be honest, I am not in the mood to write for the past month. Basically, I'm just writing for the sake of updating.

My grandmother is dying. Since the time she stopped speaking (which was caused by a stroke), everything else was downhill for her from that point. After a week since she stopped speaking, she stopped eating. The she developed a lot of bed sores. And she was hospitalized for almost a month. It cost us tons of money. And I feel bad because I can't do anything to help my mother with the bills. But I am glad that my uncle provided financial support for our ailing grandmother.

And after a week of staying in our house, she had to be brought back to the hospital again because her tube on her stomach is leaking (she's being tube- fed already). And we discovered that she already had a lot of internal infections and kidney failure. So she had to stay in the ICU for a week. For the past month, she has undergone two surgeries. But luckily, God gave her another chance at life. Her kidney has recovered and she's bound to be released before the new year. But her vital signs are still low. And it's continually degrading. Her doctors talked to us and told us to prepare for the worst.

I have been depressed. But what can I do? Death is a natural thing. But the pain that you have to go through is exhausting. I also find myself praying that God silently takes her while she's in her sleep. I can't even believe myself that I am actually praying for her eternal rest to come soon and quick! But I'd rather see her sleeping peacefully than see her cry all the time because of all the excruciating pain that she's experiencing. Oh, if my grandmother could only speak again, She'd be cursing everyone and anything for the pain that she's going through!

And all of a sudden I felt regret-- Regret for taking my grandmother for granted. But just a bit. True enough, you'll never know how much a person means to you unless he/she's gone. Or in our case: Dying.

I didn't even put up the Xmas tree. For five years in a row, it is one of my pledges to put up the Xmas tree and decorations around the house. I even start as early as October! That's how excited I am for every Christmas. But for this Xmas, the house was dull. I didn't feel like putting up any Xmas decorations. In fact, I didn't even feel Xmas amidst all the decorated buildings I pass by every time I travel. To be honest, I didn't know that yesterday was the 24th, if my hubby didn't tell me.

But then again, you have to believe that everything happens for a reason. The day my beloved Shih Tzu King died was on Xmas day. I commemorated it last night by feeding his fellow dogs a big can of wet dog food. And this Xmas of 2010, I almost lost my grandmother.

After darkness, light shines again. I vowed to take all the events in my life now peacefully. For this Xmas, I tried unloading all the pain I've went through 'cos of my Lola for the past two months. Whatever happens, I will embrace wholeheartedly. I believe that there is life after death, and a new beginning is bound to happen.

So I took out a lantern, put up some Christmas lights and decorated the door, and wrapped some gifts. It is never too late to welcome Christmas.

Anyway, I've been telling you at the start of this post that Xmas is the year of goodwill for me and my mom. Since we're talking about happy endings and new beginnings, I decided to continue our pledge to distribute "XMAS GOODIES BAGS" to impoverished people around the streets, even if mom wasn't with me last night to do the deed because she decided to celebrate Xmas with lola in the ICU.

Here are pics of our goodies bags. If you will check my Christmas '09 posts, I also have pics of our goodies bags for last xmas too.

Each bag contains a tetra pack juice drink, a sandwich, candies, cookies, cupcakes, and jelly ace candies.

And here is a wood tray chock- full of snacks for carolers and people asking for aguinaldos.

Another box full of marshmallow pieces for kid carolers.

My brother, a house helper, and I went around the streets of Makati and stopped by people scouring trash bins, sleeping on the streets, guards celebrating a lonely Xmas guarding a building, pedicab and tricycle drivers patiently and sadly waiting for a passenger to stop by and gave them a little piece of Christmas. Oh if you could only see the smile on their faces! That indeed made my Christmas merry and bright!

Cliche as it may sound, doing something like this makes you really feel how blessed you are. I may be undergoing a lot of pain, and we might be tight with cash due to Lola's unexpected illness right now, but I can't complain. We can still afford to pay for Lola's hospitalization, I can still afford to buy gifts for myself and for others, I had a pretty good noche buena, and I still sleep on a soft bed, and in an air- conditioned room. At least I am not in the streets like the people I've mentioned.

In any tough situation that I am in, I vow to always remind myself that I am still lucky. There are other people who have more problems than me.

This Christmas has been great after all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. :)

CHRISTMAS GIFT HAULS

My remaining Christmas purchases were accomplished yesterday in less than 2 hours!

Whew! The malls were less congested yesterday. I had a great and breezy time shopping. :p

Christmas hauls! :)

Factory 2 u outlet purchases. :)

A satin headband and a pouch for my ipod touch. :)

Pouches for family members.

For moi: a pink panther nightie sando and a waterproof nylon bag. I'm using this bag today as an everyday bag. It's so spacious and lightweight!

Boxer shorts for my uncles!

A fred perry tee for a cousin.

The Realm tees for my male cousins.

A studded tee for another cousin.

A petit cherie cologne for my aunt. This smells so good!

A large and a super cute loofah and clear pouches with zipper from muji.

Hubby and I are having an exchange gift this Christmas. I asked for something colorful from him, and he asked for something scary from me. So this is my exchange gift. My hubby, who's eternally on a diet, will literally be petrified at the sight of my xmas gift! Harhar!

A new perfume for me! Harajuku lovers in lil' angel and a sweet- smelling makes-me-want-to-pig-out-on-cupcakes scented red velvet cupcake pocketbac by Bath and Body works.

Happy Christmas Morning!

Happy Christmas

Morning to

Everyone Everywhere!!

~~~

~~

Muah!

~~

fin

~

image from greige

I'M GOING NUDE

Thought that the title would catch your attention.

I've been wearing a lot of colors lately. So I choose to go Au Naturel for today's FOTD.

FACE:

Bobbi Brown Skin foundation (Warm Natural)

Sephora Mattifying Compact Powder (d35 warm natural)

EYES:

Maybelline Unstoppable Brow liner (black)

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (black)

Givenchy Phenomen'eyes mascara (black)

CHEEKS:

MAC Blush ombre (Springshine)

LIPS:

MAC Lustre Lipstick (Fresh Brew)

TOP THREE NEWS HEADLINERS

Here are my top 3 main headlines that put the Philippines in the hot seat.

THE AZKALS GAVE HOPE TO THE FILIPINO ATHLETES

- The Azkals gave hope to the Filipino athletes when they were part of the finals against Indonesia in a soccer tournament. This just goes to show that with enough support and subsidy from the government, the Filipino athletes can shine with their innate ability in sports.

PACQUIAO DID IT AGAIN!

- Pacquiao defeated Margarito, a strong and talented boxer in his recent fight in Texas. A much- awaited match against Mayweather is being requested by boxing fanatics from the pound-for-pound king.

CONVICTED SUSPECTS OF THE VIZCONDE MASSACRE CASE- FREED

- Families wept and rejoiced as the Vizconde Massacre was put to an end. After 15 years of waiting in jail for the court decision, Hubert Webb, along with other suspects of the Vizconde Massacre were freed. Lauro Vizconde, the father of the murdered family is still up to fight for his family's justice.

FIVE PRODUCTS THAT ROCKED MY 2010

Time flies so fast, and here I am again, typing my year- end entries.

Here are my top 5 best products for 2010

JEANNE BY LANVIN

- Smells lovely. I never fail to get compliments whenever I am wearing this one. And the light floral makes me smell pretty and feel pretty too!

GIORGIO ARMANI SHINE LIPSTICK

- One of the best lipsticks I've used! Texture is fabulous, and the colors are pretty. I always find myself reaching for my GA lipsticks everyday!

BOBBI BROWN POWDER BLUSH IN ROSE

- A versatile color that goes well with my nude, rose, and pink lipsticks.

BOBBI BROWN POT ROUGE IN CALYPSO CORAL

- The color never fails to give my face a happy vibe! The color is so unique, and I love how it accentuates my tanned skin!

CLEAN PERFUMES

- Clean is definitely one of my most favorite discoveries for 2010. I love their fresh- smelling renditions of classic favorites!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 BEST PRODUCTS FOR 2010?

DEAR SANTA

Dear Santa,

How I wish I'd see this under my Christmas tree.

And I can also give you time until my graduation and birthday! I'm not in a hurry. And I don't mind. :p

Fred Perry Shirt (Red)

BENEFIT BENETINT

BOBBI BROWN NATURAL FINISH FOUNDATION

JAMES JEANS

J BRAND PENCIL LEG SKINNY

TRUE RELIGION JOHNNY JEANS

And lastly, a Harajuku Lovers Love perfume. I love the soft and feminine scent of this one!

But ultimately, I want you to whisper to God to give me my ultimate Christmas gift ever: Tell him to make lola feel better, and I hope she gets out of the ICU and celebrate at least the New Year with us.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHRISTMAS WISHES?

BEAUTY HAULS

Haul time! :)

After a looong time, I have purchased again some beauty products. :)

ELF Cream Liner in black for me, which totally impressed me, Baby Bench cologne for my cousin, and Maybelline Fruity Jelly gloss for another cousin

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!

It's Snowing Magic

Walking through this season...

I am happy.

I think about all my wishes

that have come true~

I also remember those I love that

are not with me.

I miss them.

I know that our hearts will always be one~

My Nephew Andrew

When I see my nephew growing so fast.

I know that fairytales are true,

&

I know that

it is snowing magic right

Now!

~~~

~~

I send you all

Big Warm Hugs

&

Cups full of Magic!

~~~

~~

fin

~

Photo 1,2 Wabi & Sabi

Photo 3 taken by My Sister Julie Miller

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: CLEAN SHOWER FRESH EDP 30ML

Here's an initial review on CLEAN SHOWER FRESH 30ML EDP

PRICE: AROUND 35SGD (APPROXIMATELY 1000PHP+)

PLACE BOUGHT: SEPHORA, SINGAPORE

OTHER LOCATIONS: MALLS; http://leperfumerie.multiply.com

DESCRIPTION (TAKEN FROM FRAGRANTICA.COM)

Clean Shower Fresh by Clean is a floral fragrance for women. Clean Shower Fresh is a new fragrance and it was introduced in 2007. The fragrance features orange, orange blossom, mandarin orange, musk, jasmine, woodsy notes, lily-of-the-valley and lemon.

THE VERDICT:

The time when I fell in love with Clean's Warm Cotton, I was sure that I am going to try more of Clean's fragrances. So when mom was in Singapore and asked me what I wanted as a pasalubong, I asked for a Clean perfume. I wanted to surprise myself so I told her that it's up to her on what Clean scent it's going to be. And Shower Fresh is what she got me.

Warm Cotton smells great, but Shower Fresh is love! I am a fan of anything fresh and clean- scented stuff. And that's what Shower Fresh is all about.

Shower Fresh resembles that I-just-stepped-out-of-the-shower feel and smell. The soapy aroma just revitalizes my mood so much, and it also makes me feel fresh all over. I spray this on if I feel sticky or icky at any time of the day because the smell is reminiscent of my daily bath moments. And the staying power is absolutely wonderful! The scent lingers for more than 3 hours.

What made me love this perfume more is because it reminds me of my favorite blue- colored Rugrats foaming bath soap. It was my most favorite body wash when I was young. I was so sad when it was pulled out from the local Duty Free market. I tried asking my uncle to get me some of the Rugrats soap from the USA. But apparently, my well- loved body wash was nowhere to be found there.

I am so glad that mom got me Shower Fresh as a pasalubong. It's perfect to wear on days when I want to smell anything but perfume. And best of all, it smells like my fave body wash! Lusted by friends. Approved by the boyfriend. A must- try according to The Beauty Junkee.

Cookie Dough Confession

Ever since I can remember,

it was the cookie dough

that I really couldn't wait to eat!

Every year my Mom & I made our batch of

Frosted Christmas Sugar Cookies together~

The bowl of delicious DOUGH was honestly to me, too good to be true.

It was better than anything I ever ate.

The Thick, Creamy, Buttery, Vanilla,

sweet but not too sweet heavenly dough melted slowing in my mouth.

I Absolutely loved it...

Especially after my Mom made it pale green

for the Christmas Trees~

Shhhhhhhhh.........

Confession time is now and I promise I won't ever tell..

Did you like the dough or the cookie best?

Now it is the sprinkles on the green frosting

I love most~

Have an extra Bright weekend

my darling friends!!!

Hugs!

fin

photo 1 from Jacqueline at Home

photo 2 & 3 google images

STARBUCKS COFFEE PLANNERS FOR SALE

Tired of collecting stickers? Or you want to own a planner but you don't want to get fat by sipping high- calorie coffee drinks? If you can't wait to own one, here's your chance to buy--- AND AT A CHEAPER COST!

If you purchase your planner via the sticker book, that's around 2600- 2700php worth of drinks. I can sell it to you at a much cheaper cost.

Why pay more when you can get one easy and most importantly, CHEAP!

Starbucks 2010 planners for sale. Available in Wood and Velvet covers.

PRICE IS P1000.00

Thank you and happy holidays!

Fortnum & Mason

Where in the world have I been?

I know it takes me a while to catch on

sometimes....

BUT

I seriously cannot believe

I just discovered via Carol over at

{Paris Breakfast}

FORTNUM & MASON!

You can build your own F&M "hamper" that looks like this!

It must be that time of year....

for me to discover a brand new obsession for myself~

Located in London since 1707 ~

These hampers out for delivery must be full of presents for the all the good little ladies & gentlemen this year~

Like these Amazing rain boots~

Or maybe the special "homegrown"

Superior Honey
right from the buildings very own bee hives~

Santa could make his job so simple
with just one stop at
Fortnum & Mason


This F&M hamper empty
would truly be enough to make me happy
forevermore~


XOX's


~I'm wishing you all a week of calm & festive cheer~

fin