Twenty still going on 16

I don't often have birthday parties as my actual day falls after New Year so most of my friends are away with their families for the holidays. So I planned a post birthday get together for all of my college friends as the two decades needs to be marked with a celebration. After class we went to my favorite secret spot for dinner. I just love how dainty and intimate 10 Dove Street is.

Turning 20 is another milestone from childish heydays and saying goodbye to the frolic of teenage years and into the full throttle of responsibilities. Well even before I turned 20 I've already got my hands full of responsibilities! Aging is not much of a difference as the blog post implies, I am still going on 16. Really though.. Last Monday I went to the bank and chatted with the teller she then asked..

Teller: Highschool?

Me: No, college

Teller: First year?

Me: No senior Ma'am

Teller: Oh this generation is turning younger and younger.

Surprising? No. I'll get to work on that forever school girl look in my favor soon. HA but sometimes I fret upon the weight of not being able to getaway from my usual kooky self and foolish antics. 

I hope being 20 will open more doors and happiness for me although I'm pretty much stuck with the chuckle of a childish heart/mindset and especially face.

What I've been up to lately..

Hi! Happy New Year everybody! The holidays was great to me. I wish it's always Christmas when everybody remains festive.

Anyway I spent my 20th birthday on January 2 with my family and on the following Monday school resumed and I went out on a birthday dinner with my college friends. I took snaps of the things that happened over the days such as little mementos of events like the birthday pin I wore and... excuse my knobby knees but I absolutely love my moccasins. Lighting up sparklers on Christmas day and the adorably kooky and colorful Krazy Cookie Dough from Blue Bell (my #2 favorite ice cream) it's a party in your mouth just like eating a rainbow cake; very fitting for a birthday indeed which we got for a treat on the first day of class with my friends. Here's to more celebrations and reasons for ice cream this 2014!

Christmas Kisses

Hello December! -to the most wonderful time of the year. For the days leading to this month I've actually been dreading it for some reasons of a case of seasonal affective disorder or simply melancholia for the ending year. Up until the festivity I find myself getting into the merriment and anticipating for this season. I would like to share a few December favorites of playing around bokeh lights and some holiday dressing.

I constantly find myself listening to nothing but Christmas songs the whole day long. I feel like every music I should tune into should have the season's spirit as I only have a month to enjoy listening to it. I especially love Ariana Grande's Christmas Kisses Album and its beautiful cover art.

I hope everybody's is having the time of their lives going around parties and coming home to their families!

Ankle Strap Flats

If the magic mirror would ask, Valentino rockstud shoes would probably be the fairest of them all. But we all can make do if we can't shell out about $900 or Php 44K. So I looked for more or less something like it and stumbled upon EZRA on Zalora.com.ph.

 I ordered this studded ankle strap flats online and it arrived 5 days after which is not bad. It's a brown faux leather with rose gold lining. 

Cons: the studs were not properly aligned and it has a slight scratch which is barely noticeable. The straps are not very sturdy and it still has some loose thread. I think the clasp won't hold out well and will probably slip off my ankle because the holes were not properly tacked. 

This is my first time buying shoes online. I would have to rate the experience fair. I don't often buy shoes  over the internet because I'm not really sure about the accuracy of the sizing. But I'm glad it did fit me well, I normally wear a size 7.5 and I ordered an 8 to give ample space for my wide feet. I've been looking all over the mall for another pair of ankle strap flats and I haven't been very successful with my search I think the shoes are decently priced and perfect for holiday dressing. I can't wait to wear them out. I'd give this 3.5 out of 5 stars.

A Year in Books

 In 365 days I've been in different lifetimes and places. Books are indeed the closest thing you'll ever get to travelling. And the cheapest! There's a lot of splurging, laughters, mind blowing, sleeplessness, fights and some tears on the course of acquiring and reading my most beloved stories.

It has the most intricate cover art the under the book flap is a dragon sketch. Funny how my letter of complaint got me this book and a lifetime discount card over a petty customer service misunderstanding.

Hands down Gillian Flynn has the most mind fucking thriller and crime stories. Gone Girl literally blew my brain away reading the books became an obsession. The blurb even said "Read it and stay single" coy huh?
Sharp objects was another star on my shelf. It's a wicked devious read.

Do you ever have that feeling after you're through reading and you seem to have an existential crisis over the end of a character. And then you'll come back to the blur of reality that is life. Well here's to more years and  books to come!

All I want for Christmas

 As I got older the emphasis of Christmas gifts is not about receiving but the satisfaction of giving. Most importantly Christmas is not manifested on material things but for the true reason it is celebrated for. In the spirit of Christmas it's that time of the year when we bring up our wish list. But this is a list most likely I would fulfill myself because most of the time I work and spend for my own gifts. Aaand my birthday is coming up right after New Year and my gifts tend to be rolled into a combo. So much for festivities!

• A girl can't have too many bags: I have been looking all over the place for these mint and brown satchels/cross body bags. All I see are those hard box type which do not particularly suit my liking.

• Moleskine Minnie Mouse Limited Ed Notebook: I browsed through Fullybooked's website and got fooled by the error pricing they listed when it's actual very pricey than expected. Sigh. Maybe I'll look for an alternative but equally cute journal. I'll be writing more for the next year!

• Audrey's LBD: Hello to celebrating my birthday in style.

• The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan: This book revolves around a courtesan in 19th century Shanghai. I'm preparing to snag a (paperback) copy. I cannot wait to be enthralled by Miss Tan's comeback. Also I'd like to include another of Tan's book The Opposite of Fate: Memoirs of A Writing Life.

• And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini: Another most anticipated good read. I hope a paperback copy will be available soon.

• Daisy by Marc Jacobs: Although for sure I won't be getting it this year, but wishful thinking that I will save up for this by my graduation as another achievement gift for myself. And I badly need a signature scent other than smelling like laundry and shampoo.

• Quilted mint wallet: I really do love teal and mint color. And a new replacement for my worn wallet. I don't believe in buying my own wallet, it's an old wives tale they said to keep money coming in someone has to buy you a wallet! Figures..

• Maroon dress: Perfect for the holiday color scheme.

Do you remember 28th night of September?

Here is a picturesque view of my grandparents wedding reception on the 28th of September. It has been 50 years since that afternoon wedding in 1963. And this is the celebration of what matters most- family.

By far September has been the best month of the year spent with the entire family. This has been a momentous occasion my immediate circle of family has ever witnessed. I can never be more proud of my grandparents, truly 50 years of marriage is a remarkable stepping stone. True enough my grandparents relationship was never like sweets and roses but it's like old wine that gets better with time.