My Harry Potter throwback

After watching Breaking Dawn with some of my girlfriends, I have come to a conclusion that my obsession for Harry Potter really exists for a reason. And since my husband is a pure science-fiction-kind-of-guy, it all makes sense why he wouldn't want to go watch Breaking Dawn with me! Just the whole "human falls for a vampire, wants to be immortal" scenario is not exactly his kind of fiction. And just as I guessed, after Twilight came out - vampire love stories became a hype among teenagers, hence dominating the entertainment world. Thank God for J.K Rowling, whom I'd call a true genius (sorry Ms. Meyer..) for concocting such ostentatious imagination none of us would have imagined. Gone are the days when every children's fiction would have a morale to every story- and Harry Potter just made the cut.

As I saw the ending of the Harry Potter series, a question stuck in my head: "Where in the world did Ms. Rowling find these out-of-this-universe ideas & words...?" Think of it - Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort (I dont care if I say this out loud), avada kedavra, stupify, quidditch, polyjuice potion, and many many more. I couldn't even enumerate everything, you gotta read the book to find out what I'm talking about. Her mind-blowing imagination sent us to a thrilling journey. One big KUDOS for that! 

The Harry Potter saga may have ended, but the sparks it left in my pure imaginative mind will always remain. I ,therefore conclude, am a true blue Harry Potter fan at heart :D

"Something wicked this way comes!"

Wazzup wazzup?!

It has been more than a year since I last posted here in my beloved blog. Whew! What a loooong hibernation it has been for me! Seems like I have kept myself (and my hands) busy for the past year and so. Well, it seems like when you love doing something & you stop doing it - you will always go back. And that, my friends, is what you call passion. 

Being on a loooong break (or should I call it, procrastinating, eh?) enabled me to explore my other interests in life. Even the ones that I am eager to learn & still not so good at. Traveling opened my eyes to a whole new journey, not just in my own simple world, but to worlds unknown. My flair for photography never ends, and still on the prowl for those "unguarded" moments from my beloved ones. Of course, I still give them a good shot. I have also expanded my cooking knowledge - still on the trial & error stage but hey, I've been getting "thumbs up" signs from my husband! (which is a good thing, right?) Not to mention baking, I feel like I am in Julia Child's or Martha Stewart's kitchen (only in my dreams of course!). But just to clarify, I am still not a pro. Maybe I am just, in my slightest exhilaration, to share with y'all what's keeping me busy as a bumblebee these past few months (or year/s). 

So, hello again fellow bloggers & amazing readers. Or should I say, I am back :D

Moving Here

Guest post written by Arnoldo Acevedo

We moved here last year to help my husband pursue his music career and boy was that the best decision we ever made. We’re closer to my parents which is nice because they can help with the baby and I now get to be a full time stay at home mom which is so nice. I love being home with Sarah during the days and I also have time to start my own little business on the side which I’ve always wanted to do. I love that I can use my clear internet Nashville to get online and solicit new customers and I’m almost done with my business website which has been a total labor of love. I had to have a design student come in at the last minute on that one and help me finish it off but it looks really good if I do say so myself. My husband isn’t quite famous yet but one of these days he’s going to hit it big, mark my words!

Alone in My Big House

Authored by Rickey Combs

For the most part I like living alone, but sometimes it’s really difficult. I have to take care of the house alone, and it’s not easy to do all of the yard work and maintenance on my own. I like having my own space and not having to deal with a roommate, but lately I’ve been getting kind of scared at night. It’s funny because I’ve been living alone for years and this is a new development. I can hear little noises outside of my window some nights and if totally freaks me out. I know it’s probably just a squirrel or some other animal scurrying around, but it scared me enough to get an ADT Alarm Systems. I kept on thinking about all of the worse case scenarios and getting myself all worked up about it. I got a great deal on the alarm and it gives me peace of mind, so I know I made the right move. I wish I would have gotten one earlier. I’ve been sleeping much better since installing the alarm system. Now, when I hear a noise outside I know that no one can get in my house without an alarm sounding off.

A Night to Remember ( New Year's Eve )

I have grown up with the tradition of starting the year with a bang. And with a bang, I meant a huge celebration and all that fireworks and stuff. In the Philippines, New Year's Eve is one of the highly celebrated holidays aside from Christmas. But since I am 7,000 miles away from my dear family back home, my hubby and I decided to throw our own party with some of his family members and our very close friends. Although we can't celebrate it ala-Filipino style (again, with the fireworks and all that noise) but I guess I can say we definitely welcomed the year filled with food, fun, laughter, pictures, drinking, mingling, and a whole lotta music!

New Year pull-apart cake

finger foods ala carte

hubby, friends, & family by the bar

the crowd waiting for the NYE countdown!

OMEOMY band playing in our basement

snapshot with friends

CHEERS!!!!

This is by far, the biggest party we've had since I've been here in the US. There were a lot of preparations but then again, it was all worth it. I managed to be sober the whole night (as what a good hostess would do) and by 5am, we were off to bed. Seeing all their happy, smiling faces and their laughter filling up our house is like the cherry on top of this last holiday of the year. Now we are ready to brace for what 2012 has in store for us and hoping for those yet to come.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

" Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? 

     Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne! "

Another year has passed, but it all seemed like it was just yesterday to me. Time really does fly fast, and next thing we know, we're toasting champagne glasses and making noise to welcome the year ahead! As holidays were the busiest time of all, I realized that I haven't had enough time to sit down and write on my blog. And so before 2012 knocks on my door, I won't let this year pass without saying Goodbye 2011. This year has been wonderful and the more I lose track of time, the more lessons I also learn. Life has been good to us. And everyday I am very THANKFUL for all the blessings we received. Every once in a while we have our "moments" but then again, I am thankful for it. For it was those moments that made us who we are today. For every time we fell, we rose. And for every tear we cried, we smiled. And for every pain and loneliness, we find solace and bliss. God has showed us how powerful HE really is, and it is only HE who creates our destiny. It was only when I realized that what I got right now is what I really wanted from the start. And that the more we count our blessings, the less problems we have. 

As I look back and wave goodbye to another friendly year, I never forget the years that passed us by. If only life has a pause button, I'd gladly pause a few days before the end of each year and seize every last moment I have with it. But it will never be that way. So it is time for a new year, a new life, a new resolution. As long as there's always something to look forward to, our journey will always be an exciting one. We don't know what's in store for us in 2012, and all we can do is hope for the best. So let's raise our glasses and toast for a bright, wonderful, healthy, and blessed 2012!!!

From our family to yours,

A BLESSED HAPPY  NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺•☺

♥ Our 3rd year together ♥

     Remember, remember, the 7th of December...

It was my husband and I's 3rd wedding anniversary yesterday. And all I could think of right now are the sappy, mushy, and cheesy romantic stories. Speaking of sappy, mushy, and cheesy, I saw this chick flick last night, and this scene where they were reading poetry to each other really captured my heart. Well, actually the poem did. My cheesiness can be a bit overwhelming, but hey, that's just normal for a woman in love. If you share the same passion for romantic poetry like I do, then this poem would surely melt your hearts...

 -- Having a Coke with You --

is even more fun than going to San Sebastian, Irún, Hendaye, Biarritz, Bayonne

or being sick to my stomach on the Travesera de Gracia in Barcelona

partly because in your orange shirt you look like a better happier St. Sebastian

partly because of my love for you, partly because of your love for yoghurt

partly because of the fluorescent orange tulips around the birches

partly because of the secrecy our smiles take on before people and statuary

it is hard to believe when I'm with you that there can be anything as still

as solemn as unpleasantly definitive as statuary when right in front of it

in the warm New York 4 o'clock light we are drifting back and forth

between each other like a tree breathing through its spectacles

and the portrait show seems to have no faces in it at all, just paint

you suddenly wonder why in the world anyone ever did them

I look

at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world

except possibly for the Polish Rider occasionally and anyway it's in the Frick

which thank heavens you haven't gone to yet so we can go together the first time

and the fact that you move so beautifully more or less takes care of Futurism

just as at home I never think of the Nude Descending a Staircase or

at a rehearsal a single drawing of Leonardo or Michelangelo that used to wow me

and what good does all the research of the Impressionists do them

when they never got the right person to stand near the tree when the sun sank

or for that matter Marino Marini when he didn't pick the rider as carefully

as the horse

it seems they were all cheated of some marvelous experience

which is not going to go wasted on me which is why I am telling you about it

~ Frank O'Hara ~

There are numerous people in the whole wide universe we encounter day by day, and yet we still don't know who they really are. That's why there's a thing called love - because we'd rather spend our lifetime knowing that ONE person we chose to be with. Love doesn't come easy, but it really does move in mysterious ways. And it led me to my beloved half..

HAPPY 3rd ANNIVERSARY to us, Hun! We may have our ups and downs but we've got our whole lives to make it right. All I wanna do is grow old with you.. ♥♥♥

What are you thankful for?

Today is November 24th, and we are currently celebrating Thanksgiving Day surrounded by people we cherish the most - families, friends, and loved ones. As we sit on the dining table ready to share that bountiful feast, we are reminded of all the wonderful blessings we have graciously received the whole year round. May it be a new job, a new house, a new baby, or a new life - it is still a blessing we have to be thankful for. As for me, words are never enough to express the gratitude and blessedness my heart is feeling right now. But what am I really thankful for? My list is just simple:

I thank God for my wonderful, caring, and very loving husband who is also the "best friend" I've always hoped and wished for. My heart belongs to him.

I thank God for our smart and loyal dog, Kyodai. We love her so dearly.

I thank God for the family I left behind in the Philippines. No matter the ups and downs we've had, they will and always be the family I cherish and never will forget.

I thank God for my husband's supportive and caring family. They are my "home away from home".

I thank God for the new-found friends I have right now. They surely put smiles on my face.

I thank God for the old friends I still have. True and loyal friends, really, are hard to find.

I thank God for my life. It may not be extravagant, but it surely is worth living.

Yes, my list is simple as that. I could go into details, but space isn't enough. Being thankful is more than saying "Thank You". The heart speaks what our mouth couldn't utter. In other words - THANK FROM THE HEART...

Swaddle your little one

Babies are the daintiest among us all and caring for them doesn't just take a lot of time, but a whole lot of patience as well. I may not have one right now but I could say I've had some experience in caring and handling babies when my cousin was born. I was the only girl and so far, the eldest in my family among my generation so I was given the hands-on opportunity by my mom and aunt to care for my baby cousin. 

Generally, it takes all the time, patience, and effort in the world to raise a child. But one of the most important stages in their life that a mom could treasure is when they are still babies. You feed them, give them a bath, change their diapers, hum a lullaby in their sleep, and give as much attention to them as you can ( even if it's 101 % of your life ). But there's something else aside from a mother's touch that babies need, specially when they're all by themselves in their cribs or sleeping - being swaddled. 

At this time of the year, you might want to provide more comfort and warmth to your baby. And I'm talking about baby blankets. If you're very particular in terms of your baby's needs, you always want to have a choice specially when it concerns your precious little one. If you are pro-organic, then you might prefer using an organic baby blanket. Organic stuff are perfectly safe for baby and gives you peace of mind knowing that no harmful substance will affect your baby's health. And if you are the creative type, then you might wanna go for the personalized baby blanket. Whatever you decide is clearly up to you. And remember, a cared baby is a happy baby.

Candid Autumn

Two weeks ago, my husband and I together with his niece and her boyfriend, took a nostalgic steam train ride in the Wilmington-Western Railroad. They have this event called "Autumn Leaf Special" and we thought it would be nice to board the train and do some Fall sightseeing in one of Delaware's historical suburbs, Hockessin. So as I bundled up ( knowing it would be 40 degrees on that day ), I also packed my Canon SLR to see if I could take some shots aboard our No. 58 coach.

Here are some of my favorite shots ( sorry I couldn't post a lot as I am a fan of the burst shot LoL... ) and hope you enjoy the panoramic views through my camera's lens ( 'coz I did! ).

A front view of our steam train ( a vintage version of Thomas the Train! )

A combination of the orange, yellow, and green hues make up the autumn foliage

The sky makes an astounding backdrop for the trees' colors

One of the water views along the Hockessin border

Reflections of Autumn

We can only take pictures aboard the train, so these were taken from where I sat. I had to fumble with my camera's settings the whole time as I had trouble with the bouncing of the flash through the window and the sun beaming towards my face since we took an early afternoon train ride. But so far, I still managed to capture the beauty of Autumn right from my seat. 

Ahhh, Autumn what can I say?? Let me savor you first whilst I brace myself for your successor, Winter.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."  ~ Albert Camus

Zip it up!

Usually, it's the girls who get the chills easily... but how about the boys? Boys get cold too, you know. And just in time for the cold front to start saying "hello" to our bare skin, it's time to start zipping up!

I have a brother who, I might say, is a fashionista. He usually goes with the flow. But since he's way back home in the Philippines, I just send him stuff to fit his lifestyle. I may have spoiled him a bit, but he's my only brother and I love him to death. With him working come rain or shine, he needs something to protect himself from the nasty outburst of the typhoon. And that's where I come in. I love to shop, not only for myself, but specially for my loved ones. And one of my favorite stores offers these zip up hoodies which basically is the fad in teenagers and adults nowadays. Pretty cool and protective at the same time huh? He just loves wearing it not only for work but for play, too. The funny thing is, in Philippines, you will see guys wearing them even in the sunny weather! I guess you can pretty much say that's a fashion statement for Filipino guys there.

Fashion or no fashion, we need to shield ourselves from the excruciating effects of climate change. At this time of the year, we have to bundle up. Don't worry if you're wearing a bulky coat even if it's not winter yet. If you're feeling cold, I got three words for ya - ZIP IT UP!

Family Friday!

Another year, another Fall. Next thing you know, Winter's here. Sometimes it's hard to think that months pass by so quick it almost feels like I haven't done anything in one day. We are going out for a dinner tonight, and we're eating crabs. They say it's the last time of the year that we get to enjoy it. As I stepped into the shower, I noticed I have been using a lot of hot water lately. I remember in the Philippines we used water heaters to immerse in a pail of water. Good thing they have lowes hot water heater in the local hardware store here. Just brings back the good ol' days...

While enjoying my hot shower, I also couldn't help but notice our bathroom was all in pink. Well, not everything. Only the pink shower curtain which I bought as a set completed the dreamy peachy look of our bathroom. Thankfully, my husband wasn't against it ( knowing they are very particular with their THRONE) and he said it's pretty much up to me whatever I want to do with the house, as long as I don't touch the basement a.k.a his "man-cave" lol...

I couldn't decide what to wear, and so I just grabbed the first one I could find - my wrinkly striped sweater. I must have misplaced the iron headboard and so I wasn't able to give it a quick press. Even so, I still wore it. Nobody's gonna notice it anyway. And off to dinner we go!

I love spending time with my in-laws. Even if it's just a quick visit or a simple dinner together. They're what I call "home" away from "home" <3

♦○♦○♦ H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S ♦○♦○♦

     It's been quite a while since I last posted on my blog. The holiday rush gets me, and I have been very busy doing my chores and stuff. Decorate this, party here, bake there, and the list goes on....

   

 Speaking of bake, I've been busy in the kitchen most of the time working like Santa's trusty elf. Our kitchen becomes Santa's workshop or should I say, bakeshop, because I've been making cookies lately. Ever since I got here, we've kept the tradition of giving away Christmas cookies to our beloved family and friends.

     Here is a cookie tray I made for my Filipina friend's Christmas party. I wasn't able to take a picture of it after I had it wrapped as we were in a hurry to leave the house that time.

     Holiday season may be the happiest time of the year, but it's also the busiest. Best of all, there's something about seeing all those twinkly lights and the smile it puts in our hearts remembering that it's not about the gifts we receive, but what we give and share that makes others happy.

 

from our family to yours.....

   

○♦○  SEASON'S GREETINGS 

and a 

BLESSED NEW YEAR ○♦○

♥ Happily Ever After.... for the 2nd time! ♥

December 7, 2008 ~ the day we said our "I do's" and walked hand in hand to face the future together

     Yes, we've reached our 2nd year!!! I can't believe how time flies so fast. It still seems like it was just yesterday when I wore my wedding gown and saw him wearing his Barong Tagalog. But counting the days, it all doesn't matter. As long as those days were filled with beautiful memories of us together. I am blissfully married to my partner, my best friend, my soul mate, my lucky charm, my husband, my EVERYTHING. He's everything I needed to complete me. Words can't express how blissfully ecstatic I am for tying the knot with him. I dedicate this song to my dearly beloved husband...

 

     

     Can I just see you every morning when I open my eyes...? ♥

                Can I just spend my life with you? ♥

♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥

Counting my blessings :)

     

      Sorry if it took a while before I posted this. We've been busy lately specially with the holiday season just around the corner but better late than never right? Anyway, I just wanna share my Thanksgiving moment with my husband, in-laws, and friends. And by the way, I drove all the way there on a Wednesday which I would say, is my first experience on a 1-hour drive in the highway ( I'm still on a learner's permit though). Thank God for keeping us safe!

     This turkey was made by my hubby last Saturday so that we can have our very own little post-Thanksgiving dinner. I wasn't able to take a picture of the turkey on the Thanksgiving dinner so I took a shot of this one instead. I'm supposed to be the designated photographer of that day but unfortunately I've been slacking. Not even a group shot of the family on that day :( I'm blaming it on the turkey and my full belly LOL :D

     Can't believe how time flies so fast! The memories of last year's Thanksgiving is still fresh on my mind and its been a year now. But it's not the days that pass that make every year memorable, it's what you do that make each day of your life count. Words can't express how thankful I am to GOD for blessing me with a wonderful husband, a precious dog, a loving family, and a circle of good friends. No matter the ups and downs, I still find that life is worthwhile. Thank you God for another year, and more years to come in my blissfully content life ♥

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." ~ W.T. Purkiser

Pumpkins & Oktoberfest

Fall season is here! What is the best thing that we all like about Fall.....? Yep, it's the changing of the colors! It's amazing how it used to be all green and lush in the Summer then suddenly when Fall hits, the leaves turn in shades of orange, yellow and maroon. Beautiful isn't it? But it's all funny games until our temperature drops down to 50 degrees and we start bundling up ourselves in layers just to keep ourselves warm ( Brrrr.... ). 

Anyway, Fall is also the beginning of Oktoberfest and....... Halloween! Speaking of those two, last weekend we went shopping for pumpkins and decorative gourds to put in display for Halloween. Yes, we're gonna carve our pumpkins and make them look as ghoulish as possible. We stopped by Fifer Orchards to grab some face pumpkins and apples as well. I love the apple cider doughnuts we had, they're so yummy. We didn't go apple picking as the apples we like aren't in season yet. 

Then we went for the Oktoberfest in St. John's church in Milford. It was our second time to go there. Same as it was last year, there was a whole variety of food served. Polish Kielbasa, Mexican, Funnel cakes, International desserts, Filipino, and of course, German. It was fun watching the band play some nice melody, made me imagine we were in Germany that time because they played some German tunes as well. They were even dressed up in time for the event. 

It was such a nice weekend and such beautiful weather as well. That was the last time I saw the sun. It has been raining here for days already, makes me wish I could see the sun more. But for me it's okay, rainy days don't always get me down :)

More than a pet

We call her "Ky" (short for "Kyodai") which in Japanese means "the brothers". A female part German Shepherd, part Collie breed. Yes, I'm talking about our precious dog. 

I can still recall the first time I met her which was 2 years ago, she seemed huge for me. And the way she welcomed me in her cozy home wasn't just a lick and a wag of a tail but rather, a leap in the front and some barking. I was shocked at first, because I've never encountered a dog like her in my whole life (though I've seen Rottweilers in our neighborhood in Philippines but she's different) and looking straight in her eyes is like a sign that says, "Hey, we're gonna be buddies!". Maybe she, too, was shocked after realizing that I'm moving in with her and her loving master. It was like meeting another member of the family, just not in human form. Feeling the same nervousness, I tried acting casual so that she won't think I'm just there to steal her master away from her. It wasn't bad though, the whole meeting thing, coz' it just took us a few months to get used to each other. My husband would always tell me that normally, she's used to going out for 2 or 3 times for the whole day just to pee and poop. In my case, it was 20 times. Just because I was the newbie, she figured she'll take control of me and make me believe that she had to go out as often as possible because that's how it should be. Then I realized, wait a minute... she got me figured out! And so I learned my lesson, be the Alpha and lead the pack. And that's what I did from that time on. 

Then came the treats, the bones, the meat. I felt like a mom feeding her baby, and for the first time I felt the responsibility it takes to have a dog, and she's no ordinary dog. She is very smart and well-trained. The whole time and patience that my husband devoted in training her has paid off. It was a job well done. We talk to her like a normal person and she understands very well. I love the way she gives us her "puppy look" with those beautiful brown eyes, it just makes my heart melt. I love the way she jumps in our bed and squeezes herself between me and my husband, as if she owns the entire bedroom. I love the way she follows whatever command we say. I love the way she looks when she's drenched in water ( pitiful as it may seem, but she's never cold.. she's so cute!). I love the way she comes to us when she feels that something's wrong, and lends her paw to comfort us. I love the way she sleeps with her hind legs all raised up. I love her thick fur and her pretty face, and looking at her makes me want to hug and pet her. There's just so many things we love about her. 

Sometimes I wish they never die. That they live as long as we live. But it's just not how it is. People come and people go, and so do they. She's 10 years old now but we keep imagining she's only 8, because she doesn't look like a 10-year old dog at all. Still healthy and active, and she runs and barks like a male dog.

The many things a dog can do for us, is irreplaceable. They are faithful and loyal. They join you in good times and bad times. They know when you're happy because they can feel it. And they know when you're sad, because they get sad too. We must realize that our pets are not just animals, they also have souls. Giving them a good shelter, feeding them good food, and treating them with tender loving care is the only way we can thank them for all that they have done for us. 

Ky is our beloved pet. No, she's more than just a pet.... she's FAMILY ♥♥♥

Journey to Love

"All our young lives we search for someone to love. Someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope. All the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, there's someone perfect who might be searching for us..."

Three years ago, my journey began... From a struggling breadwinner with a singing career, to being happily married to the man who loves me unconditionally. Who knows this would happen? We are all not capable of predicting our own lives, our future, our destiny. Despite the fact that happy endings only happen in fairy tales, we still believe in the so-called "ever after", and I am proud to say I am definitely one of them. Sometimes I ask myself, is this for real? Am I dreaming? coz if I am, I never want to wake up. I used to be one of those kids who would collect tons of fairy tales and read them until I memorize each of the story by heart, hoping someday my prince will come. And he did. But it was not an easy journey. There's no easy way to a lifetime of happiness. I had to go through a series of heartbreaks, pain, and recovering - hoping to find THE ONE. Never did it occur to me that at the end of that rough road, is a meadow full of pure happiness and love. 

Blissfully married to a wonderful and amazing man, who is now my husband. Some people may not believe in marriage, and I respect their opinion. I just honestly believe that two people who are in love, must be joined together as one in the sanctity of God. The vows we exchanged are not merely just words, but rather the promises we make to love each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.

It may not be soon enough that I finally met my Prince, but he is definitely worth the wait. He is my everything, and more...