Whatnots continued

Day 46 was weird but interesting. For the first time, I was able to watch a movie with my friend's family. It was something spontaneous. The thought of it makes me laugh because it was as if I intruded their family bonding, but I actually didn't feel left out. Or feelingera lang man jud ko. I saw how they loved their mom too. Great kids. Awp. :)

Day 45 was a sad day. The first and only time I saw my grandaunt after she passed away. Looking at her inside the casket made me feel sad. She was loveable, and indeed, she was one of the few people I like because she was genuine. She was single. She's in heaven now, for sure.

Day 44 was adventure day. So the family went to Oslob to see the whales. Long story short, I wasn't able to swim with the butandings, only saw them up close though. That was a first. And it was also my first time to go to Aginuid Falls. Didn't appreciate the water that much but it was a good experience. Glad to find out that my mother is still up for hiking adventures. I thought, at 58, she would easily give up, considering our Bega Falls adventure earlier this year (or was it last year?). Anyways, we also went to Kawasan Falls. To cap my firsts for that day, it was my first time to have a round Cebu south tour. Proud! :)

Day 43 and work was back to normal. I finished my report, but still needs some polishing. That day was the first time I gave a gift to my godson (whom I forgot the name, and didn't ask. Just because). It was the first time we saw each other after 12 years. Yep! I'm old.

Quick random fact: My eldest gonchild is turning 19 this year. Again, yep, I'm old.

Day 42, which is today was a first too. The first time I skipped afternoon work because I wasn't feeling well. At first I thought it was LBM (tmi!), but then I realized maybe it's pasmo. And I don't know the english for pasmo. :)

That's it again! Tomorrow I'm planning on buying chicken wings after work, or probably have my 30-minute jog. We'll see. Excited for tomorrow's firsts!

Mwah!

Whatnots

Check my counter out at the bottom of my page and you'll see that something is fast approaching. Hmm, it's my big 30! I'd like to say that it's not safe to post exact birthdates online, but please let this be an excuse. I'm turning 30 in less than fifty days!

I've always wanted to make a bucket list, but I am so lazy! So instead of that bucket list, I'll write down at least one thing insteresting that happens 50 days before my birthday.

Today is actually Day 47. Rather, there are 47 days left 'til I turn 30.

Day 50 was last Sunday. It was, I guess, the first time (in a long time, hehe) that I went to mass with family on an early Sunday moning. What a way to kick off the countdown! Although I really wasn't aware about it then. :)

Day 49, I bought roasted coffee for one of my officemates. After work, we ate at McDonald's. So, it was the first time I went to McDonald's before and after work. It was also the first time my close friend T hitched a ride with me after getting that new job. It was also the first time two of my friends met each other. :)

Day 48 was the first time I went jogging with my friend T. I surrendered, and eventually just stood by the side and waited for her. When she was nearing, she ran a bit faster and told me that a girl had collapsed. Okay, so who said push yourself to the limit? Because that girl obviously did.

Day 47, which is today, was my first time getting a massage at the spa. Yep, my first. I've been invited and told to go many times before but today was just too spontaneous and my back actually hurt so I was so excited for the massage. It was good! Surely not the best but it was really good. Hello Spa body massage was only for 250 for an hour. I chose the Swedish oil massage. Me and my 2 other girlfriends, Gee and Lai, definitely had a fun and relaxed time. Going back? Hmm, we'll see. With Ate P next time. 

Day 46 will be tomorrow. Can't wait.

Quick random fact: Our house number before was #46. I used to live at #46 Pabayo San Agustin.

That's it!

Mwah!

Of Notes and Novelties

I love hoarding little novelty items, whether to just stash in a box or to decorate my room with. From the smallest items, such as pens, to bigger things like furniture, I always like the things I possess to be creatively designed, unique and visually pleasing.

Most of my friends know this: I absolutely love cute and one-of-a-kind stationery, diary books, journals, posts it and everything in between. If you happen to drop by my room, you’ll know what I mean! ;-)

I’ve been recently looking for some new stationery as well as novelty items to decorate my room with.

While browsing online I found some really cool and unique stationery at Zalora.

can somebody get me these, please? :p

Although most people these days use technology such as social media or text messages to communicate with one another, I still find handwritten notes to be the most meaningful and sincere. We cannot deny that it is way more intimate reading a note penned in the handwriting of someone you love than in the generic font that text messages come in. That’s why I love writing notes!  
(which reminds me, I still have to give that note I made last night to...)
 Besides, with handwritten notes, you also get to pick beautiful letter paper to write on!

hmmm, Dear Diary...

For me, a birthday note written with different colored pens on pretty letter paper (sent via snail mail at that), certainly beats that insincere birthday greeting on your Facebook wall! Haha… ;)

__________

Image credits:

zalora.com.ph

showonfire.blogspot.com

P.S.
By the way, the last note (and journal) I made was for my friend on her birthday the other week.
She said she'd take a picture of the note and I relentlessly said NO! haha :)

Would CRAZY cover it?

I think I'm going crazy.

Or maybe I already am.

Yesterday I saw the book, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire on Booksale. I grabbed it. And paid for it. Along with other books. 

I haven't read any Linda Lael Miller. It's just so cheap and it's a series so I bought them :) It's going to be my first Harlequin read.

My mind said NO, you don't have money. But my hands were doing totally different things. I went out of the store with 4 books in hand. I had used my mother's money to buy the books, which were meant for some burgers and juice. Guilt-stricken, I went straight to the ATM and withdrew cash. Guilt washing away, I only returned half of the money I spent. Burgers aren't that expensive when they're from Jollibee anyway.

So where does crazy come in?

I've read Beautiful Disaster last December. It might not be that great, but I read it during an emotional low, that reading the book made me happy. I didn't fall in love with the guy (Channing Tatum/Derrek Ramsay, too bald and masculine for my taste!), but I did like the character, and his family. Okay okay.. moving on. I went a little fangirly after that. And the there was the cover-reveal of Walking Disaster, which is basically the SAME STORY but from another point of view. Not too interested but a fangirl (at that moment) can only squeal. And Warner bought the rights (or options?) for the movie! But then I had to move on. I read a couple of books after that. Then I came across this book called Requiem. The cover looked scary, the title was intriguing, so without even taking a glance at the synopsis or reviews, I read it. Some parts made no sense but I read it until the end. And I liked it. And I looked it up online only to find out it was the second book of a trilogy! Now that makes sense! :) So I read the entire trilogy and that was the first time I actually finished a paranormal series. An angel-themed series anyway (I don't know if I should still consider Twilight and I've read Torment but I stopped on the 3rd book). I got so emotionally invested in the book that I kept on thinking what I would have done if I were in Nina's place (did I just say emotionally invested?*.*). So I did more Googling when I realized that the Providence Series (okay, that's what its called) is actually written by Jamie McGuire. Oooh Jamie I love you! You sparked my love for YA Paranormal!

Wait, where does crazy come in again?

I've actually been saving money. My goal is to reach the amount by the middle of March. I've been saving to get to my goal but look, I've been spending on something that I don't really need. But I love Jamie McGuire. Sue me.

And to add to my savings, I've been selling my books. Which I don't really advertise because I'm secretly wishing no one buys them. When I mailed the first book, a hardcover bargain find of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns, it wasn't that heartbreaking (but I was tempted to remove the jacket for keepsake). But when I was wrapping my John Gray's Men are from Mars... and Mars and Venus in Love, I felt really really bad. I haven't read those books, I just kept them so that I can say, 'yeah, I have that at home', but never actually read them, didn't even stamp my name on them. I was so sad I had to ask myself if it was worth it. Sending away my books for money. I felt like a mom prostituting her kids! That bad. I told my mother about how I felt and we ended up fighting. She told me that if I tried looking for a job this wouldn't even be happening. Well I don't want to work! Not now, at least. Give me a month and a half more and I'll work my butt off.

I cried that night. Really. My mother and I fought again that evening because she asked me to go with her somewhere, but I wouldn't. Bad day just because I sold 2 books.

So, am I crazy? 

I talk a lot of nonsense. 

I don't have money but I still buy things I don't really need. 

I want to buy something and I save up for it and I know I wouldn't be able to buy it anyway, not in the next 45 days. 

I sell my books but hope no one buys them. 

When someone actually buys them, I get emotional (oh there's that word again!).

I think maybe everyone has their own degree of craziness lurking somewhere. Mine is just not lurking anymore. It's fighting it's way out!

But I hope someone buys my House of Night set. I hate it. Without thinking I bought first 9 books! Anyone?

And I have 2 copies of Betrayed. Don't ask me why!

I almost forgot!

Today is the anniversary! Well, no celebrations, but here's something for you. Take a bite! I did that yesterday :D Valentine's Day celebration with myself :) And I ate one while my cousins and I were video chatting via Skype. 

First bite for Kuya, next for Meg, then Nica. :) And then they showed me their chocolates and flowers.

Good for them. :)

My friend K sent me a text warning me about not going outside because I might see the dating couples everywhere. Too late. We sent my brother to school (boy scout camping) that night. And yes, there were a lot of couples everywhere. And every corner, I could see heart balloons. It was crazy. For me, at least. And anyway, I needn't go out to the streets to see the couples smooching. It was all over my Facebook timeline.

Well again, good for them! :)

Happy Two to me!

< 3,

Simonette

P.S.
K also said that love comes when you least expect it. So she added, "don't expect".

ooowkay k!

5 more days!

And this blog'll be TWO!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to ME and FrostedComet ;-)

and


HAPPY VALENTINE'S TOO!

 

No news or giveaways of sorts. Just this. :D

Happy browsing everyone!

< 3,
SIMONETTE

Of ends and beginnings.

First off, let me say this:

HAPPY 2013!

 

I felt like I had a lot of things going on at the same time so I kept myself busy these past few weeks. By busy, I mean crocheting, cooking, and reading. The main goal was to keep my anxiety out.

While everybody else was busy with their resolutions, as usual, I had none prepared. I try to live with the mantra, one step at a time. With emphasis on try.

I thought new years were for new beginnings. Doesn't apply to all though. It was only a week into the new year and I've heard of four deaths. 

First was an uncle. We weren't close. Heck, I think he doesn't even know my name. But I knew him. And his children. And I cared. Because he went through the struggles of cancer.  And seeing how my cousin loved his dad so much, it hurt me too. I could never imagine my world without my father.

Then there was this lady lawyer friend who was a big inspiration. She along with others opened my eyes to alternative lawyering. And it was her who shared this to us, and I will never forget: the alternative law group 

are a group of swimmers swimming against the tide. And they call others to join them. There was more to it, and though it sounds like a cliche, at that time I first heard it, I felt like I have found my true calling. It's sad I won't be able to visit her wake. But I've said my prayers...

And then a Grand Aunt died. I loved her so much. Maybe because she was a lovable old lady. She died at 92. I thought she was going to live longer. I can't forget that time when she told me that she'd live long enough to see me get married. She'll be there on my wedding day. Oh well.

The latest one is my friend's father's death. We're not close, but somehow, I really feel sad. I feel sad for the sons and daughters who lose a parent at an early age. My greatest fear is to lose my loved ones. I don't know how I could handle that.

But death shouldn't be seen as sadness though. I think. It's the time when finally, those we love will live an eternity with our creator. They've left us behind but surely, they're in a much better place. Maybe the best place even, where one could ever be. There will always be pain, but everything will be healed in due time.

As for my 2013, I haven't seen past February. I only see a clouded future ahead. It's like I'm still hanging by a thread. And my bank account is dwindling. To start off, I think I need a job, ASAP.

and, when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.

Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

Lemonades, Burgers, PICKLES!

PICKLED MANGOES
A TYPHOON AFTERMATH

Once you kill a cow, you gotta make a burger.

 Okay, that was weird when I first heard that but hey, it was in Telephone's video! 

I see it as a gloomy way of saying,  

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

Right? Uhm.. okay.

 

Anyways...

PAG-ASA announced that typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha) might possibly cause great damage in the Philippines since it'll be stronger than the typhoon which hit the country around this time last year that caused deaths. Thankfully, our place wasn't severely affected. A few times there were strong gusts of wind and heavy rainfall, but it didn't last longer than 10 minutes, and they were so far apart that I was thinking there's no typhoon afterall.

Bad news though...

Our house (my grandmother's actually but I always consider it as "ours") which was situated facing the Pacific Ocean, was damaged. Good thing it wasn't totally destroyed, no one was hurt, but the glass windows were all broken. The biggest problem however was that the shoreline receded. The house is in danger of being washed away by the waters. The neighboring houses which weren't made from sturdy materials were totally washed out. And a restaurant by the sea was totally washed out. It was that bad. I wanted to share photos but its totally heartbreaking, I'd rather not.

On the other side...

 Ever heard of pickled mangoes? Okay, I think I made that up.

When I woke up this morning, I saw this: 

Magazine pages, leaves, and mangoes everywhere. There were too many mangoes and it would be such a waste just to leave them there. They were too small though. Some were too ripe, some were too green, and almost all weren't fit for eating.

And an idea...

Why not feed the overripe ones to the chickens? My mother said the chickens would eat them.

And the unripe ones? PICKLES!

So I picked up those that could still be salvaged. One bag was for the chickens, and another was for my pickles! Okay, more like thinly sliced mangoes in brine. Me and my sister used to make these when we had too many mangoes we didn't know what to do with them. I just made a jar-full.

When I looked at the picture, I get that watery feeling.. that type when you salivate (eeewww) when you see something sour.

You can follow me on Instagram! Here o! :D

 I'm not sure if you could relate though. But geeezzz, for me it really looks (and tastes!) delicious!

So, when life gives you typhoons...

Go ahead and make pickled mangoes!

And since I'm trying to spread some optimism here...

 I joined a GIVEAWAY over at Zoey and Nana's World.

It's HERE. Find out how. ;-)

Banana muffins!

Ever since we sent my friend to the emergency room for being low on potassium, I promised myself that I will never take bananas for granted. And since then, I have tried to become creative. :D

I am not a big fan banana cake or muffins, but what else do you to overripe bananas?

sorry for the nails

I'm not good at baking, and this might look ugly, but take my word for it, it was delicious! I was inspired by the vegan recipe I found on PETA's website. But as usual, I don't follow instructions. I'm happy it turned out great still.

Give it a try too!

Banana Muffins

 4 ripe bananas (small)

1/4 cup oil

1/2 cup muscovado

1/2 cup regular brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Mash bananas. Add oil and muscovado. Mix.

Sift flour, salt, and baking soda together. Add to the banana mixture.

Mix until flour is blended.

Pour in muffin pans. Bake at 360 °F

Uhm, I wasn't able to time my baking. But hey, by the time nothing clings to the fork and it comes out clean when you stick it to your muffins then you're good to go! Well, that's about 15-20 minutes.

I made a dozen small muffins :)

Instead of regular sugar, I used muscovado, which explains that dark brown spots on the muffin. And because I wasn't very confident on using muscovado, I only used half a cup, hence the other half cup of brown sugar. And well, honestly, we don't have white sugar (only confectioners'). 

According to Wikipedia, muscovado was one of the most prominent export commodities of the Philippines, especially from the Negros region from the 19th century until the late 1970s.

Okay. :D

HAPPY WEEKEND! 
oh, HAPPY DECEMBER!

Christmas Chevron

I have always considered myself domesticated not because I love staying at home and do household chores (noooo!) but because the things that make me happy are actually the things that I can do at home.

Since I'm unemployed by choice, I have kept myself busy with projects that just pop out of my head.

First accomplishment on the list is my Christmas chevron table runner. And because I ran out of yarn (and patience), it ended up the size of a placemat. I now use it as a telephone mat, or something like it. :)

I'm glad to say this is my first Christmas 2012 Project!

 

Unfinished. I still had to clean the sides after. 

How To

I liked the idea of crocheting a chevron pattern. So I scanned through my stitch collection book and found this! If you want to make your own, here are the instructions. I also included the stitch key, in case you're like me who couldn't read patterns.

Easy, right?

click to enlarge

 Photos scanned from the pages of Textured Crochet by Helen Jordan ©2007.

It wasn't perfect but I liked how it turned out.  

And I realized it was hard to crochet with long fingernails - the side of my right thumb was really sore.

So there goes the domesticated princess' first Christmas project.

What's yours? ;-) 

Giving Thanks: Family

from http://sadiegirl10.tumblr.com/

 Philippines do*es* not celebrate Thanksgiving, but hey, that's not a reason not to be thankful!

I'm thankful for my parents who love me unconditionally.

I'm thankful for my brother who hates me, I know (aren't brothers-sisters supposed to be like that?).

I'm thankful that I have a sister. Though she had made her decision and we're not in good terms anymore, I still cherish the memory that I once had a loving and well, most of the time, selfless sister. Still optimistic though.

My favorite Tito, and my cousins. They're just the best!

===========================================================

On another note...

Okay, I know this must be rude that I ripped this off somebody's Facebook wall (random, not even my friend), but still, I had a great laugh when I saw this. So I sharing it, anyhow (without permission and without credits :p).

I believe this was written by a kid for a school activity. :D

Happy weekend!

{Not So} WW: Memories

 

 

{Breaking Dawn} Didn't see that coming

Today, me and my movie buddies, my best friends in the entire world, watched Breaking Dawn Part 2. 

Truth to tell, I fell in love with the books. It was only on 2007 that I started reading the first installment. It was also the first time I tried novels in audiobooks. I've had Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and some fairy tales in audio when I was a kid, but this one was different. The audiobook was about 13 hours long, read in the first person... and well, yeap, somehow, I fell in love with Edward Cullen (ugh!). I just didn't like the last book, it was too long, and dragging.. and I didn't like the sound of Reneesme.

The baby was weird, cute, funny, and scary - all, at the same time!

 Anyways, move forward to what happened today... Honestly, I enjoyed the movie - especially the fight scenes. I didn't watch the Part 1 when it was out in the cinemas (I didn't have high expectations) but then decided to watch it last night to trigger my excitement. And it did. 

My friend gripped my arm when Carlisle lost his head, literally, and we were like, "that was not what happened in the book." As compared to the book, it only suggested what could have happened if a battle erupted, but not as brutal as was portrayed in the movie. But still, it was a great! I kept on thinking that there must be a "Filipino twist" to the movie and somebody will wake up and say "masamang panaginip lang pala (just a bad dream)." Close. :)

At least, here's a movie where there's an effective portrayal and elaboration of an almost forgotten part of the book... and I had to admit, I didn't see that coming!

I also loved the closing credits. And Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. Just perfect (the song + credits, I mean).

I say 7.5 out of 10 stars.

 

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Oh, and say hi to my friends! ;-)

It was also Dutch's and Gem's birthday. :D
Whatever movie we watch together, even if it's the worst, I still find it enjoyable haha.

I have loved you for a Thousand years I'll love you for a Thousand more

Read more: CHRISTINA PERRI - A THOUSAND YEARS LYRICS

{Not so} WW: Interiors

Renting a fully-furnished condominium unit wasn't at all what I expected it to be. Well, in some aspects, at least. We weren't able to check the unit out personally so we just trusted a friend when he said that the unit was ok. Overall, it was, really. But it had way too much uncomfortable wooden furniture as should have been placed in a 50sqm unit. The furniture was new - the style and feel (and taste) of it wasn't. One day I was thankful for the really wide dining table, the next I hated the really hard chairs (I bought my own seat cushions, by the way). But the place was perfect though when you think of safety and accessibility. 

After a month (and an estafa) later, I eventually assessed my plans of having my own unit in the future. I still want to give it a go. Perhaps after getting my own car? 

But I would definitely not have this interior design as an inspiration.

:)

So, what do you think?
Livable, yes. But...

Don't get me wrong, I really liked the place. It's not about the small area, or the hard chairs, but the people you were with, and the experience itself. :)

So..

So I said see you on December. But then I've got nothing else to do!

What happened these past few months?

I graduated.
And I honestly thought I wouldn't. Looks like it was worth all the worries and teacher-stalking.

I grew a year older!
Older, but not wiser. Oh I wish this year brings more blessings. And love.

I took the bar.
Weird, while I was taking the exams, I suddenly thought of making a new blog: The Adventures of a Bar Flunker. Yes. It was difficult, and looooong! But I'm still praying. I hope I pass. At this point, all I can say is that I did my part, and Thy will be done.

Okay, that's about it. Yep, that's what happened. I had just put my life on hold. And it's back again! ;-)

And oh, we got swindled.
More on this on another post. All I can say is that not all friends can be trusted - especially with money.

So, lately..
Since I've got no job, and decided not to apply yet, I'm at home the whole time. I'm back on books and a lot of crocheting. And TV series, and movies. I wanted to enroll in Education, since the state college where I live is offering a sort of, crash course. My decision was made, I was going for it... until my parents weren't that supportive, financially.Haha! Oh well, there's always a next semester!

Merry Christmas! In advance. :)

Blogversary!

I'm so happy the blog survived a year - barely, that is. I had lots of *CRAPPY* posts. haha!
Thanks to everyone who dropped by since I started. You don't know how thankful I am.

I had big plans, but bigger things got in the way.

These bigger things are obviously more important. That's why I'm temporarily shutting down.

See you on Christmas! <3 That is, if we survive the end of the world! ;-)
Take care everyone!


Love,
Simonette

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick post as I'd like to greet everyone a

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

It's already 7:55 pm here in the Philippines- 4 more hours before Christmas Eve! 

Filipinos go to mass and celebrate Noche Buena at midnight but we won't be going to mass tonight since my father isn't around, no one will drive us to church. It'll be dangerous to just walk since there will be a lot, and I say, a lot, of fireworks by the road tonight. Noche buena can wait till my father is back. It'll be Media Noche then (for New Year's Eve).

Anyways, right now, my Nanay is asleep, I'm tired from my last minute shopping earlier (I had too for my brother's camping on Monday), and my brother has set up his tent in the middle of the living room! Really! We won't be opening presents at midnight.. because there are no presents!haha We decided to do that on New Year's Eve instead. Also, our poor 10-foot Christmas tree had an accident and now she's shorter by 4 feet. :P We removed all lights to keep it away from even graver danger. :D It badly needed a chiropractor! Our house is a mess to since the construction for our ceiling isn't done yet (hence my brother's camping in the living room).

I'm preparing some salad though and maybe pasta for tonight. I still haven't decided. It can wait till tomorrow. If time permits, I'll be baking some cupcakes too!

Oh I just wish my father was here so that we'd be complete.

----

Let us not forget the true essence of Christmas. My Christmas may sound lonely, but no, it's not. As the song goes, Christmas is in our hearts (or, something like that).

I'm still blessed. My father isn't around because he's at work. My brother is camping in the living room because he's excited for his week-long camp starting Monday. My mother is asleep because she just wants to rest, haha. Our house is a mess because of the construction. Our Christmas tree is still standing. And we have food and still-unwrapped presents. I'm content. I'm blessed.

Compared to the people in Mindanao who experienced the flood, lost their belongings, their houses, their loved ones, their own lives. Will they still be able to celebrate Christmas? Do they still have Christmas trees? Have they already prepared for Noche Buena? Above all, do they still have homes and families?

Who am I to complain? I'm still happy, I'm still blessed.

Okay, let us not be sad :) Together, let's pray for them. We can all help too!

Again, Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you have a good one!

----

Notes on Typhoon Sendong and how to help,

visit: The Philippine Red Cross

Images

Meet me on Monday: Christmas Edition

   CHRISTMAS EDITION!! FIFTEEN QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK! :)

Questions:

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper!I love wrapping them up. You get to put more love in it than simply placing them inside gift bags. Also, you get to be more creative. I don't care if it's torn apart after. As long as they look really good, I' happy. :)

2.Real or artificial tree?
Artificial. I'm from the Philippines, and that should probably explain a lot!

3.When do you put your tree up?As early as September, IF possible. Yes, and it gets too dusty come Christmastime! But this year, we had it up by November. YES, we're a bunch of excited people!

4.When do you take your tree down?After the Three Kings Festival (Epiphany), which us January 6. We try to take all decorations down on or before that. But we had one set of decorations that are always there - yes, year round. HAHA!

5.Do you like eggnog?
I've been reading a lot about eggnog on my timeline in Facebook recently, all from my non-Filipino friends. It has probably something to do with Christmas, which I am not aware of.

Well, this is the eggnog I know, and YES, I like eggnog. ;-)

6.Do you have a nativity scene?
We wanted to, but we never had time to shop. So, no. We did have in our previous house, but that was owned by my grandmother. :)

7.Favorite Christmas Movie?
It's a Wonderful Life. 

It really makes me cry every time. I love it! Oh, George Bailey!

 8.Favorite Christmas cookie?
Okay, limme change the question to "Favorite Cookie".. Chocolate chips! 

via

Christmas or not, it's my fave. Better if there's mint!

9.Where will you eat Christmas dinner?
At home. With my Nanay (mom), and Brother. My Tatay (dad) will still be at work and he'll only be able to join us for New Year's. So well, Christmas dinner will be at home, with family.

10.Angel, bow or star on top of your tree?
Star!
I wanted to show you our tree but then there's some minor construction going on at home right now so I better not stand there and take a pic. Those guys might think I'm taking a picture of them!
11.Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Traffic! Everywhere!!!

12.Do you like Fruitcake?
No.
It's hard, and well, I dunno! The rhum, or whatever it is mixed with it doesn't appeal to me. If someone gives us fruitcakes, we end up just taking a bite from time to time. It'll reach Valentine's. :)

13.What are you most excited about the holidays?
Staying at home, wrapping and giving presents and of course, getting them!

14.Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Eve. We can't wait!

15.Will you still be wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
I still haven't made/bought my gifts. I'll probably be wrapping until New Year's! Merry Christmas!! 6 Days before Christmas!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...

So I've been downloading, uhm, illegally (it's Christmas anyway), some albums recently.

And my theme? CHRISTMAS!

***
So that some of you may know (according to ME), today (December 16) marks the 'official' start of Christmas in the Philippines.
Though malls and radio stations play Christmas songs as early as September 1, I consider Christmas to officially commence with the Simbang Gabi, or the 9-day dawn mass until Christmas day. They say that if you get to complete the 9-day mass, your wish will be granted.

I wasn't able to wake up and join the mass this morning, so let me move on. *bitter*
***


Anyway, so much for the segue, back to the albums. Here are my favorites:

I like Zooey Deschanel's voice, it's so distinct and just, beautiful!

Genre: Indie Pop

My favorite: I'll be Home for Christmas

All I know is that Michael Buble is a crooner but does this album belong to the Jazz genre?
Anyway, my favorite from this album: Jingle Bells! It's so cute!
Also, the album made me feel like Michael was singing to me. Eek! haha :D Never knew a Christmas album would make me feel that way.

Meet Christian Bautista. He's a Filipino yet he's very famous all over Asia. He has a Christmas album too.

I'm still looking for a copy of his album though. I heard that it went platinum so  it must be good! 

Here's a preview:

I don't know why I'm doing a post like this. I just wanted something Christmas-sy to post about!

And I like listening to Christmas songs. I love the gloomy-sounding ones. :D 

Winter Wonderland, I'll be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

9 Days before Christmas!

I just couldn't resist posting these photos. 

Don't you just love those eyes?

*This post was published/finished on December 16. I changed the settings to have the date changed but then it wouldn't. WHY!?
Finally! It's fine :D