March 2010 of J. Crew

I just L-O-V-E J. Crew's March 2010 catalogue. Lots of really good clothing there.

I love Jenna's Picks as seen below.

I would have gotten all of them. If I could, I would.

Other stuff I love...

Click on J. Crew March 2010 Catalogue.

Why is there no J. crew here? Wahaaaaaaa.

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Style and Shop With Couturious!

Watch out, Looklet.com, there's a new baby in town... Couturious.com!

I learned of this site from theBudgetFashionista.com and I must say that I was really intrigued by this new style and shop website.

Yup, I made this simple outfit just to test it. And I am loving it so far!

Looklet fans, do check it out now!

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Living Room Design

There is something in this picture that inspired me in designing for our living room area.

Maybe it's the rug, which I have long wanted to get for our area.

Right now our color scheme is jade-y cream-y orange-y and i think I intend to keep this scheme (it goes with my investment painting hehehe), but I think this kind of set up will suit ours as well. and the rug will not be out of place!

Image from Alkemie.

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Expo Kid 2010

This is a report from Mommy Pages!

Come to EXPO KID and let your child experience fun and learning from the most dynamic activity providers today.

OPEN TO KIDS OF ALL AGES!

What to expect at Expo Kid:

• Fun, educational and interactive activity stations by Kids Ahoy Creative Playshop, My Masterpiece Movement and Kiddieparty.com
• Meet some of the country’s best activity providers for children (in art, sports, music, and more), preschools, party shops, etc.
• Shop for great finds at the Expo Kid bazaar
• On stage activities for kids of all ages
• Drop by for our educational+entertaining program of activities to be held on the EXPO KID stage!

Here’s what we have in store for you:

11:00 am Balloon Show by Jiggles the Balloon Lady
11:45 am Yoga Kids Demo by Michelle Ressa Aventajado
12:15 pm Games & Raffle
12:45 pm Sponsor’s Portion: Glaxo Smithkline
1:30 pm Musical Performance by Krissy & Ericka
2:45 pm Bumblebee & Co. Coolest Costumes Fashion Show
3:30 pm Science Explorations by Kids Ahoy Playshop
5:00 pm Tumble Tots Storytelling, Music & Movement Activity
5:45 pm My Masterpiece Movement’s Multi-Arts Show
6:30 pm Kids Ahoy Portion

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

Entrance to EXPO KID is just 25 pesos per person. Kids below 12 get in free:) All proceeds from registration go to the Kids Ahoy Little Rescue Mission We will also be accepting donations of art materials, school supplies, and children’s books at the entrance.

For more info, email inquiry@expomom.com, call 7809898 or text 09088657246. See you then!

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Olivia Palermo

She is just so PRETT-EEEEEH.

Image from The Sartorialist.

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Dreaming of My Own Company

Since I'm in dream-mode today, why not maximize it, right? Hahaha.

Anyways, I have finally decided that I would pursue studying Interior Design in PSID. This was after much thinking on what I really wanted. Tough considering that the other contenders were fashion design and culinary arts. So yup, that's the final answer. I will most likely start studying either towards the end of the year or early next year. Not immediately, as I have to prioritize Eanna's schooling first. But definitely, I will enroll her next year, morning session so that it will not be in conflict with my classes.

I'll complete the whole 2 years course, then set up my own interior design firm. Names... Atelier Pineda perhaps? hahaha. I gotta be more creative than that though. It's something that i really want to accomplish, and hopefully if the little girl in the future gets bitten by the design bug as well, she will "inherit" the business. Seems grand right? But hey, dream big, girl. Start small, but dream big. In the meantime, I don't have to worry yet about company stuff (registration, office location, appliances (do I need an epson receipt printer or should I just have them printed elsewhere?), or carpenters.

What I can do for now is continue exposing myself with design ideas (hello favorite design blogs) and maybe be more serious in reading the interior design free online course I joined a few months ago.

Start small, dream big, Vanessa!

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The Colorful World of Hermes

Forget the bags (for now at least). There is more to Hermes than Birkins.

First, the scarves. I have long wanted to get me one of these,m but held back. After all, during that time, my income was still small and could not afford it. Well, I can't afford it all the more now since I'm no longer working (hahahaha) but maybe dear ol' Santa Claus will hear me, if I'd be good this year. Weeeeeeh. Hahahaha. The purple one above is what caught my fancy. Love, love love.

Well, if the cost of the scarves are unjustifiable... There's always the Twilly. Since orange is my favorite for the year, I pick this one. Again, L-O-V-E.

This last one made my heart skip a bit when i saw it at the Hermes shop....

The Hermes Mosaique 24 Collection. I would LOVE to have this as my dinnerware. it was displayed together with this other design, and it was a perfect combination. Just imagine, these lovely plates while you're vacationing in your beach house. Wow.

The price however is beyond me. at around US$ 120+++ per plate, no amount of credit repair services will save me from financial bury if ever I get them. Hehehehe.

Dreaming and wishing is free anyways, right? But *sigh* the plates. The dinnerware. L-O-V-E.

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The Butterfly Test

You Are Whimsical Yet Elegant

You definitely have your own personal style, and you're one of the few people who can pull of "quirky" without being weird. You are uniquely chic, and others admire your taste. You always seem to know what's going to be in fashion next. You are creative and even a bit zany. You are willing to take risks, and your risks always seem to work out. You have a keen sense of intuition. You seem to always know how much you can push boundaries and limits.

The Butterfly Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

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Insert Title of TT Here

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you byBerleen, the color of your keyboard, and the number 4579.

1. Who is the craziest person in your family?
My sister! Though she mellowed down already, hehehehe.
2. If you could make turtle shells any color you wanted, what color would turtles be?
My fave colors right now are turquoise and orange, so I guess a combination of those two!
3. How fast do hotcakes sell?
Really fast. That's why say an object is "selling like hotcakes!" if it runs out really fast and very in demand!
4. Can cannibals be arrested for being under the influence of alcohol if they have eaten someone who was drunk?
Eh????
5. If I had my legs amputated, would I have to change my height and weight on my driver's license?
Tough question... Maybe not? Hahaha!
6. Where do people in Hell tell other people to go?
You won't like ti here, go to heaven instead!
7. Do you make stupid little baby noises when talking to your pets?
Got no pets, so I don't!
8. Is the light on in the room?
Nope. There's still sun here.
9. Did the voice tell you that the light is on in the room?
Uhm.... what voice?
10. If you were to name an alcoholic drink, what would it be called?
The Temptress. My friends called me Bar Temptress during the time when I was into heavy drinking and serving them drinks. Hehehe.

Everyone wants to know~ Why haven't you joined ICForums yet? There's a new contest coming up where you can win a hold-in-your-hand type prize!


JOIN US HERE!

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Spring Cleaning of the Kitchen

Looks like the husband is really serious about spring cleaning the whole house! He has targeted yet another part -- my turf, the kitchen.

I was thinking about this too since I really wanted to free up some space for more loot to come (hahaha). While taking out items one by one from each cabinet, we discovered that we had a lot of mugs - some that were given to us the past few Christmases. We decided to just keep around 4 of them; the rest, we give to our in-laws.

A set of plates too, which we haven't used in a year, were also dispatched. I checked our cooking utensils and pans and all and so far all of them are still ok.

It is our intention to strip off a lot and go down to the basics, then take it from there. I really want our kitchen to be revamped too but I guess this would have to wait, along with the other redecoration plans. Country, Scandinavian, or Modern?

GapInteriors.com

Aluminare.com

TheKitchenDesigner.org

Still don't know, but we are still leaning towards Modern Scandinavian for our little modest home.

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Olay Products to Try

fter my pledge to abstain from buying anything (personal effects), which is after the Lenten season, I would like to try these two products and see if the results will be as spectacular as they have promised:

Olay Total Effects A Touch of Foundation

I have already used Olay Total Effect moisturizer before and I know it does well with my skin, but I would want to see if the tinted moisturizer will be just as good, or even better. Hopefully it will match my skin color. if this works out, then maybe it could be my alternative to Smashbox's Sheer Focus tinted moisturizer.

Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream

I also want to try a night cream and the Regenerist line has been heavily marketed as one of the wonders of Olay. Hope this will not disappoint too!

More on Olay HERE.

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Cool Laptop Skins

Found these laptop skins by DecalGirl and I am loving the designs!!!

These are just some of the designs offered. They have a lot of categories that fit every personality. Each skin is about $ 19.99++. Shipping to the Philippines costs at least $ 5++.

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Query on Canyon Woods

I received a query on Canyon Woods when I posted THIS blog entry a few weeks back...

To answer...

Hi Roy! Thanks for dropping by my blog...

1. On Using the Free Accommodation
I havent used my free accommodation because we are still thinking on whether we use it locally (Bora or Batangas) or internationally (Malaysia). Using it in Canyon Cove (Nasugbu, Batangas), one of their establishments, is possible - it really is a nice place. I hope though that when we use our free accommodations itnernationally, we will not be disappointed!

2. On the Membership
Sayang, you didnt get the investment (i call it that). We went to Canyon Woods over the weekend and I was finally convinced that the investment we made was well worth it. The facilities were good, and there are a lot of activities you can do while you're staying there, even just for the day. What got me more interested was the clause to convert the membership to be a downpayment when we decide to buy a property there. The place is really nice and we have decided that when budget permits, we will get a property of our own there, even without relinquishing our membership. I just hope that the place will be maintained and further expand (I'm sure it will on both accounts since Canyon woods has been operational for quite some time already).

Let me know if you are still interested in it, maybe I can try to convince our agent. The cost depends on what membership you get, but it is relatively cheaper compared to others, given the scope and privileges you get out of it. Can't really say how much because they said the price changes and the one I got might be cheaper than the price now. And there is no hassle when it comes to requirements - no need for an online credit report for you to be eligible for membership.

Hope this helps, and you guys, let me know if you are interested. There's no harm in hearing them out.

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Smashbox Master's Class

I attended Beauty Bar's Smashbox Master's Class with Lourd Ramos last Friday, and though I can say that I pretty much know about make-up, the class gave me more insights, tricks, tips, and most especially the right way of doing things - cleaning the entire face, how to put moisturizer the right way, among others. I love how Lourd "conducted" the class. Funny, witty, very knowledgeable, everything you want from a "teacher" of the class!

My look was very natural looking, though during the entire session (3 hours!) I have used a gazillon products!

I used all of these:

Smashbox products by evepin on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Smashbox - Photo Finish Lipstick with Sila Silk Technology Delightful..., $25
Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner Midnight Purple, $22
Smashbox - Lip Enhancing Gloss Candid ( Sheer ), $22
Smashbox - Tinted Treatment Lipstick with SPF15 Beam (Sheer Pink Nude), $22
JET SET WATERPROOF EYE LINER, $22

My favorites were: Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer in Fair, Lash DNA (no need for the perfect lash curler, this is the perfect mascara!), Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, and the Brow Tech in Taupe.

I was really tempted to buy at least one of the;m but what held me back was my "sacrifice" for the Lenten Season, which is to refrain from purchasing personal effects during the entire season. Funny, but I am serious about this, among other "sacrifices" I pledged (not even our much-needed plasma mounts for our TV sets!).

Anyway, I promise to come back though and get me one of those. My top choice is the Lash DNA. Love love love the effect!

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26 Ways To Keep The Music Playing

I came across this article by Lucy Torres-Gomez in the Philippine Star, and I really found it be a good, one, citing ways on how to keep the love, respect, and understanding between husband and wife (or any other couple). There's nothing new to what was written, but it gives us a compact list of reminders that we often forget because of our busy lives, and even possible our quest for self reliance or individuality (or whatever you call it). The article is entitled: 25 Ways to Keep the Music Playing, but I know this is just a typo, since there really are 26. Hehehe.

1. Dream together.
2. Make your home a happy home.
3. Keep yourself attractive. And interesting! (best weight loss pills an option perhaps? hahahaha)
4. Smell good. Always.
5. Never take each other for granted.
6. Be gentle, especially with criticism.
7. Do not have a Plan B (marriage is for keeps!).
8. Argue. Discuss. Fight. (though I would add to do these not to fight each other but to fight for your marriage).
9. Cuddle in bed at night.
10. Don't lose yourself in the other person.
11. Eat together.
12. Pray over your man (or woman, may I add!) while he (she) is sleeping.
13. Do not make marriage a license for him to always see you at your worst.
    
14. Love is an everyday commitment.
15. Feel free to admire others openly.
16. Get used to being affectionate.
17. Remember that your man does not have a crystal ball (Women don't too, you know!).
18. Listen to great old love songs.
19. Make time for what you choose to have in your life.
20. Fan an interest in what your man does. I think this is applicable vice versa too.
21. Spirituality is important.
22. For those with children: do not be a great parent at the expense of being a great spouse.
23. Have loving conversations always.
24. Be affectionate, encouraging, and warm.
25. Do not be too breathless with life.
26. Do not sweat the small stuff.

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The New My Pilipinas Moleskine

I like!

Pocket size priced at PhP 995 while the larger size is PhP  1480. Soft cover only.

The MyPilipinas Moleskine will be exclusively distributed at Collezione-C2 branches and selected National Bookstore outlets.

for more info, click HERE.

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Eanna's School Options Narrowed

My husband and I finally got to sit down and seriously discuss about Eanna's future schooling. This was after I had the parent-teacher chat at Julia Gabriel, where our little daughter is currently enrolled (EduPlay). The teacher was all praises for Eanna, highlighting her skills: fast learner, has focus, responds well, good social skills, and her good disposition and attitude towards learning while at play. Teacher has recommended that Eanna be enrolled in the last term, of which she is quite confident that the little girl will be recommended for the N2 class this June.

Initially we had two options:

1. Take a break from school then get enrolled in June - teacher felt though that a long break then suddenly schooling is everyday and no parents are present will shock Eanna.
2. Take the last term of Play school then I will home school her for the year. official school to start next year. Besides, Eanna will only turn 3 this September.

To take play school then straight to Preschool was not an option for us. But we'll see.

Now, down to the schools. Though I came from a traditional school (Poveda is still traditional though they have individual learning), I have been researching about progressive schooling. The more I learn about it and experience it during Eanna's play school, the more I am convinced that I prefer the progressive method of teaching.

Again, two options now:

1. Explorations Preschool. What's good is that they have a progressive grade school as well, the Keys Grade school.
2. Julia Gabriel / Clayton Preschool. Advantage is that Eanna knows the people already, plus their facilities re really good.

Though both schools are near our place and tuitions are on the same range (expensive *sigh*), Explorations has the advantage in that it has been operational here for quite some time, while Julia Gabriel will only have their pioneer class this June. It is however classified as an International school.

There are also quite a handful of progressive schools in Manila but unfortunately the ones I know are in the Quezon City area. Husband and I agree that even though the schools there are a bit cheaper, the travel time is just too much and might be taxing for Eanna, considering that classes will be daily.

Anyway, both husband and I are inclined to our second option, with the husband even wanting that I start homeschooling Eanna after her term ends this March instead of enrolling again. Now for next year, I am leaning towards Explorations, while the husband still prefers Julia Gabriel, mainly because of the very good facilities and structure and familiarity.

Now, when it comes to elementary school? Poveda is still an option though I honestly have a growing liking for Keys. But we'll see. We'll cross the bridge when we get there!

Interesting websites on Progressive Method:

• What is a Progressive School / Teacher Tina's Blog
• People For Progressive Education

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Re-designing our Condo

The other night I wasn't able to sleep at all, and the morning after I realized that it was because of the Bread Talk Hot Chocolate laced with Espresso. I rarely drink coffee so drinking espresso has killed my hopes in getting good sleep that night.

My mind in those grueling moments went overdrive. I couldn't think of anything except design ideas for our home. I wanted a new layout for our bedroom. Wanted new modern furniture for our dining area. Wanted new lights as well. Wallpaper for all or if not, most of our walls. Wanted a major overhaul.

The next day, as soon as I realized the sun was up and that the husband was half-awake, I suddenly bombarded him with my design ideas. I also told him that I will pursue my interior design formal studies and set up a design firm (Atelier Pineda? hehehe). I love designing and I wouldn't mind working if this will be my work.

I think there was some kind of osmosis because surprisingly, he agreed with me in all aspects. We stood up, went to our living room and he just kept spring cleaning the area. Then we talked about major renovations. The floors, the walls, lighting, and yes, the cabinets in both rooms. Plus cabinets in the bathrooms as well. Oh and yes, the utility room too. Major overhaul, hahaha.

I told him we cannot do it in one go (though this is ideal) but we have to plan ahead. He said we can stay somewhere in a week while the place is being renovated. We'll see. In the meantime, he told me to just make a master plan and design layout. This is probably going to be my first ultimate design endeavor!

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He Got It At Last!

Thank heavens, the husband has finally decided and actually bought his dream basketball shoes.

Adidas Derrick Rose TS Supernatural Creator

For the longest time he has contemplated on getting new basketball shoes, but always ended up not buying one. He felt before it was too much considering that he only gets to use it whenever he's just home. This time however, he has found new "friendly neighbors" plus his guy friends, and they have agreed to make basketball as their daily routine.

I loved seeing him very happy. His face glowed as he got his latest loot (which came with a free basketball after shooting required hoops in a minute) and couldn't wait to wear it.

The long search is over, and I guess it is worth the wait!

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The Yogini

Hahaha, how I wish I can call myself one but hey, I know I'll get there someday.

Anyway, I got all the more inspired with my yoga practice when my husband surprised me with a new yoga mat from Adidas! Maybe he saw that I was serious in doing yoga, so even if I told him not to buy first while I look for cheaper alternatives, he went ahead and got me one!

How I wish it was the Stella McCartney yoga mat but there was only the regular Adidas one, but it's ok, I'm very happy with my hubby's gift!

He also wanted me to get the Stella McCartney yoga clothes but told him they're expensive, maybe next time.

At least I know they have the line here!

I have yet to decide if I need to get some flats, but in the meantime, I'm ok with being barefoot.

I'm very happy right now. I love how yoga makes me feel, inside and out. I still go to the gym and use the available fitness equipment like the treadmill, but I want to focus more on yoga.

Anyway, hope you guys try it out and if you want to be yoga mates, tell me! Hahaha!

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The Canadians Will Be Here!

My Aunt and my cousin has confirmed that yup, they are coming here in Manila to spend some vacation time this March! Last year, they initially told us of their plans but was still uncertain, which was why they have asked if we wanted to go to Canada instead. Although I would love to go back there (I loved my last stay there, where we went to different recreation centers, shopping malls, and even trips to Toronto hotels), deciding to be a stay-at-home mom limited our budget. Next time perhaps.

So anyway, aside from them staying here, they also booked themselves to join the cruise with my Uncle (and his family). This was actually a condition of my Grandma when my Uncle told her to go with them. At least, that's another good thing that arose from them going here. Grandma has stayed far too long in the province and while she's still very fit, I believe it would be nice if she go out and explore the world. Hehehe.

I can't wait till my relatives are here. I hope hubby is still here when they arrive, though this of course depends on when hubby will leave for work.

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Boyfriend Shorts: Quest is On

For Summer, I am declaring (wow, naks!) boyfriend shorts to be a must, at least in my closet.

I checked out Gap here and unfortunately there was no size. Must check out other Gap stores and hopefully get myself one.

I also went to Zara and saw a rally nice one but again the size was too big for me. Eeps!

Actually, I prefer denim boyfriend shorts, something like this...

Not losing hope, I will continue to hunt my perfect pair. Hehehe.

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Nasty Black Dotlings

Has anyone ever tried using blackhead extractors in the hopes of taking out those nasty little dotlings on your face? Or do you rely on going to the derma to have those stuff professionally extracted?

I am one of those who refuse to go to the derma to have facials because I simply believe that the pain after is too much for me considering that my face is mostly clear all the time. Yup, I tried a facial once and I disliked it. Too much effort for me. Hehehe.

But I dislike it when I chance upon looking myself at the mirror (I rarely check myself out hahaha but did out of boredom) and saw that I have these nasty dots around my nose. And I really want those out, especially since HD video / ultra tech cameras are already "in". Ack, the vanity bug strikes. Hahaha.

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Spring Cleaning our Medicine Box

The husband got OC yesterday, and spring cleaned part of our house - mostly the little boxes here and there, hahaha. He unearthed items that should be thrown away already - flyers, ultra past bills, broken trinkets, etc.

Then he checked out our medicine box. He frowned when he saw that not only are there medicines that we should have but don't, but also there were expired medicines already - prenatal vitamin, antacids, anti-diarrhea, etc. Hehehe, OOPS. What he disliked the most though was when he also checked my bag, he unearthed a very expired anti-asthma inhaler, which he saw me use just a few weeks back. Double oops. I gave my excuses, all of which sounded lame to him. Hahaha.

Anyway, when we go to the grocery later on, we will replenish our already depleted medicine box. so to you readers out there (whoever you are, if ever anyone reads this hehehe), please don't forget to check out your medicine boxes once in a while!

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Gifts gifts

The first quarter of the year is always a time of merrymaking for our family because almost all members celebrate their birthdays at this time.Along with this of course, is gift giving heheheh!

First one up was my dad, who just turned 50 a week ago. All of us "collaborated" and pooled together our funds in order to give him a surprise birthday party with all the people who are dear to him. Next is my Mom this s February too, and I am quite sure she's just say that our girls only trip is our gift to her. Hehehe.

Then my brother this early March. It'sbeen a while since I have last given him a splurge present, so maybe this time I'd sponsor his skincare regimen, Proactiv.

He used to have really bad "teen-age skin" then I suggested that he try Proactiv. It truly worked on him (click here to learn more about proactiv)!

Now, for my sister... Hmm. Another set of makeup perhaps? I am sure she'd love to have a new concealer, so thanks to my friend Issh, she introduced me to a multiply site that sells HD makeup, HD Makeup Studio.

I love the color of the Nyx lipsticks and maybe I would give my Mom and sister each too. Hmmm.

Next up are me and our youngest brother, but we're still in May. Hahaha. That's topic altogether!

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Sunday Stealing: The Clown's Meme 1

1. How old will you be in five years? Uhm... 30? Hahaha. Secret!

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? Husband and daughter!

3. How tall are you? Uhm, 5'2 1/2?

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Spending more time with the husband before he goes back to work.

5. What’s the last movie you saw? on TV, Nottinghill. Oh goodness, I forgot the last one in the movies!

6. Who was the last person you called? Hmmm... My husband?

7. Who was the last person to call you? My sister, asking if she could have my spare lens container.

8. What was the last text message you received? Happy valentine's greetings from a friend.

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? Uhm, no voicemail. Didn't activate it.

10. Do you prefer to call or text? Call.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Snoring? Hahaha. hugging my husband whiel we're asleep.

12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Nope! Still together!

13. When is the last time you saw your mom? My Dad's birthday, Feb 7.

14. What color are your eyes? Medium brown.

15. What time did you wake up today? 7:05 am. Exact hahaha!

16. What are you wearing right now? Raspberry color top and grey boxers.

17. What is your favorite christmas song? Oh Holy Night.

18. Where is your favorite place to be? Somewhere nature-y or the beach!

19. Where is your least favorite place to be? In a white room with no furniture, no nothing. Hahaha.

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? France or European tour!

21. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years? Still here, happily married and with my family!

22. Do you tan or burn? More often than not, burn. (ergo, the need for an anti aging product since I love going to the beach)

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Ghosts! or those exorcism devils!

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? Hmmm... my daughter finds ways to make me laugh always!

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2, one strictly for Eanna's videos.

26. How big is your bed? Queen size!

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Laptop!

29. What color are your sheets? Ivory / cream-ish!

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? Two! The three are for my husband!

31. What is your favorite season? Autumn!

32. What do you like about Autumn? The weather, colors, mood.

33. What do you like about winter? Playing with snow!

Join us HERE!

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Eanna's Chinese New Year Celebration

The class of Eanna in Julia Gabriel had a small Chinese New Year celebration, where each member brought food for the party.

Here's the little girl preparing for her party:

Here are some pics during her class:

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