Weekend Ramblings

The first weekend of the month of April was most certainly a busy one but definitely a fun one =)

Back in high school, I had a couple of best friends. I probably last saw most of them on my eighteenth debutant party... If I calculate this correctly, over seven years ago. We unintentionally drifted apart; went to university, started working blah blah blah... how life generally goes on. Thankfully, it was time. A certain move I put on my 2011 list, which needed not to be ignored.

The girls, Lina, Alicia & I got together at a lovely, elegant cafe in Knightsbridge called "Cafe Concerto". There are a few chains around, one in Westfields I believe, but this was my first visit. Disguised by the crowds of West London,  it was a nice little place for us to do a whole lot of catching up. Doing that over lunch was just not enough time for us ladies, so we continued our stories over coffee at Harvey Nichols, Fifth Floor Cafe. It was such a pleasant day, we couldn't resist soaking a bit of heat from the sun by sitting outside on the terrace. It was such a pleasure seeing them; both looking fabulous and its always nice to know how well friends are doing right? No time wasted, we're already organising our next day out.

Cafe Concerto, Knightsbridge

Fifth Floor Cafe & Terrace @ Harvey Nics

My day was followed by a big birthday dinner for my close friend JR, at a new place that has just opened up in Beckton, East London. Just by Showcase Cinemas, for those who live in the 'ends' lol. Its called "Big Moe's Diner". Typical 50's American diner - great for burgers, hot dogs & chips, but even better for desserts & milkshakes. I was absolutely stuffed after my fish burger meal. Got to see my favourite faces, ate lots of cake, played charades (girls won, obviously)... its always a laugh!

Big Moe's Dinner, Beckton

Mother's Day fell on the Sunday. I've had this day planned for a while. Although Mum has just had her big party, I couldn't help but spoil her some more and also my Auntie from Philippines. We surprised them with a bunch of flowers; some very unusual ones. Cards and presents also (a lovely pamper day when they please).

Then took them out to a Thai restaurant in the evening; a hidden little gem by the docks: Nakhon Thai. Riverside views, authentic thai decor and the food was absolutely to die for. Succulent meats, seafood upon mild spices, coconut rice all beautifully presented. Cocktails for the girls, and beers for the guys to keep the moods light. The restaurant was also under the Tastecard offers too. It was a very delightful day; family time is always enjoyable.

Nakhon Thai, Royal Docks

"Your arms were always open when I needed a hug.

Your heart understood when I needed a friend.

Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. 

Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly."

 

(A quote I dedicated to all the mothers out there especially to my own)

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Mother's Day cards

My handmade cards for my Mum and Auntie. Floral embossed card decorated with floral embeliishments and ribbon to match.

My weekend was surrounded by friendly faces, even faces from the past, my loved ones and not to forget FOOD... a small taster of a great month ahead. Plus, it is half term in a week afterall (WOO!)

Girls just wanna have fun...

I have a group of friends, I so luckily met just over six years ago at Kingston University. Every time there is an occasion to meet up, its always something I really look forward to. We often enjoy eating out; accustomed to a very 'Sex in the City' kinda thing really =)

This time last week, we had arranged to celebrate my friend, Sarah's 25th at Masala Zone in Covent Garden. I've always heard great reviews about this place so that made it all the more exciting. En route to the restaurant, the aroma instantly hits you - you know you're near! Entering through,  I am immediately impressed with the decor; many Indian puppets hovering above you. Sounds a little freaky, but it brought life a different eating experience for us. The staff were very friendly which made it a lot more comfortable and the service was great.

Masala Zone - Indian puppet

There was so much to choose from the menu, I hadn't a clue. However, I was recommended by a couple of friends to try the 'thalis', so I gave that a go. It apparently accounts for two courses: a canapé, papadum and chutney, a choice of curry (I choose lamb), two vegetables (one green and one root), dal (lentil), raita (yoghurt), salad, freshly-made whole wheat chapati & rice. When it arrived, I was a little dumbfounded with all the different foods but I dug into everything and I absolutely loved it. I think I smiled through the whole thing lol.

Masala Zone -Thali

We obviously ended the evening with our usual 'surprise' birthday cake (which, by now I think all of us know its inevitable and still act surprised haha). Although she expected that, she wasn't expecting our other surprise gift we had under our sleeves.

Sarah and her 'surprise' cupcakes

It was a wonderful evening. Dinner was delicious. Got a lot of catching up done... and had a good laugh. Not far till the next date ladies.

My crazy psychologists =)

 

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Birthday Butterfly

Handmade open butterfly cut with purple embellishments. Matching insert for my personal message inside.

  Happy Birthday Miss Ma!

Ten fingers, ten toes =)

On the 21st March, late into the night, we receive a long distance phone call... barely able to hear my Auntie speaking as it was drowned by the cry of a new born baby. She need not to say anything; we knew! We've been awaiting the arrival of this wonderful bundle of joy: 

Miss Ellianna Kidwell

Welcome to the world Babygirl x

My dearest cousin, James and his girlfriend, Keani. We wish we were there to meet her and see you both. But until then, from your family here in London, we are so proud of you and miss you so much. Good Luck & God Bless your new family. 

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Babygirl card

Handmade bottle cut card in pink, ready and flown back with my Auntie & Uncle (from Colorado Springs) in time for the arrival.

60 and Beautiful

For months upon end, my family and I had been planning on a big day for my mother dearest. As Filipinos do, marking a momentous stage in their life, whether its 18, 21 or 60 - we make it big, themed & cultural.

Mum in her welcoming dress

It was pretty hard work; sleepless nights from stress, countless thoughts and never- ending to-do lists. But by the end of it... it was totally worth it. My Mama deserved every second. She has done so much for our family and like anyone else would say... I couldn't count on any other woman but her. She is a wonderful blessing of mine - the Queen of my heart.

My Mum on her special day!

The presence of her Candles & Roses; Mama's closest of friends/ family. What made it even more extraordinary was having family fly half way across the world (from Colorado Springs and the Philippines) to attend this occasion. The food was great; lots of Filipino dishes (though I had to ignore many of the chicken dishes... sad times); courtesy of Mama's work colleague, we had Indian dishes too, yum! Good friends of mine also took the time to bake hundreds, and I mean hundreds of delicious cupcakes for the party: Thank you Bernie, for the generous gesture and also to Joyce & Roy for your kindness, efforts and wonderful presentation of the cakes. Please do check out my friend's website with the link below for more information and orders

Saint Joyce Cupcakes

My boyfriend and I had even prepared a 'one off' duet performance of 'Always' - Atlantic Starr, as a special request from the celebrant. Hehe, nerve wrecking but all for fun.

It was a fantastic evening! The sound of fun and laughter are always a good sign. People dancing away with no hesitations. My feet were killing me but I didn't care =) There's a handful of people whose efforts, help & participation that mean a huge deal to us all and we wouldn't have pulled off such an amazing celebration without you guys. From myself and the rest of my family: We are forever grateful.

My family & I

 SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Birthday card

Handmade birthday card that I made for her 60th birthday. A fan design, accommodating separated messages from my family and I.

 

Till the next occasion (hehe)... Toodles x

Happy Birthday Aash!

Shout out to my girl Aasha,

'Happy Birthday!'

Wishing you all and everything

for this very special day.

Have a good'n

x

Senseful Creations // Cupcake Luvin'

My handmade birthday card for her. Such a coincidence as she brought 

in tins of cupcake treats to work, YUM! =)

 

Dude, there's a monkey on your car!

Driving a good couple of hours to Wiltshire would seem such a waste if all we drove down for was to see the Stonehenge. For that matter, the night before, we researched other places in around that area that we could possibly go visit. We thought Windsor and also Bath but we wanted something a bit more exciting. Not that the other two options aren't, of course.

So, after Stonehenge, we jumped back on the A303 towards Warmister and an hour in, we arrived onto the extensive grounds of Longleat. I remember watching those nature programmes a long time ago referring to this place but I didn't think much into it as it was far. But guess it was time =)

As we drove into the enclosure, we were given a CD which was to accompany us during our drive through the Safari Park. Burst of excitement, we couldn't help but go to that first. Now, with the Longleat Safari, you are provided with the freedom to see wildlife animals with no barriers or boundaries and best of all, in the safety of your own car. Its at your own pace BUT you will be warned that Longleat are not liable for any damages etc. Charming... we weren't worried lol.

Our first stop was to see the wallabies, giraffes & zebras. I found this part really incredible; being able to go up close to these animals, close enough to see their intricate patterns. The giraffes really amazed me especially. Seconds turned into minutes just watching them. Unfortunately, I was dragged back into the car to move on.


Next stop was the East Africa Reserve, where we got to experience other wildlife animals such as the monkeys, deers, rhinos, ostriches, wolves, tigers, lions and many many more. I tried to take a couple of pictures along the way but I often found that difficult because I didn't want to miss out on anything, whilst trying to fiddle with lens or buttons hoping to capture a perfect shot.

Our favourite part of the Safari Park journey has got to be the monkeys. Now, we were a little weary bringing the car into this section, simply because we've heard the reviews; 'vehicles will get tampered with!' But we risked it and it was absolutely great! Monkeys jumped onto our car, even whilst we were moving along; finding bits to eat from between the wipers, stamping on the spoiler, biting the rain guards, breaking into fights on the car, nibbling the antenna - they were so entertaining. Thankfully enough, the car was fine, no serious damages - just muddy footprints everywhere (just when we had got it cleaned). Others, on the otherhand... well, they won't be seeing their antennas or windscreen wipers anymore as they'll be used as ornaments in the monkey habitat LOL.

There was also the Longleat House owned by Lord Bath; the estate was enormous. You couldn't miss this from a mile away. We personally chose not to visit inside as we were running short of time but I'm sure it would be rather interesting. Instead, we went and looked at more animals: common ones like rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, iguanas, ferrets... the list is endless. We were entertained by parrots, which even till now astonishes me how clever they are. I was pecked by a random turkey that was roaming around. We got to hold a snake, which was a first for me. Sean held a giant centipede (yeh, no thanks). The meerkats and chipmunks were really cool to see. We also spent a little time in the butterfly house. I'm such a butterfly fan, having them fly around me felt like a fairytale; they were so pretty. All these animals were obviously monitored by staff but they roam free in their environments; that's the great thing about this place.

It's sooooo awesome. A fun day out to spend with your family for sure. To those with little ones; you'll have a blast. I definitely recommend the visit. We had the greatest time, so thank you Longleat x

The website offers 10% online discount which is a bonus. Click on the link for more information Longleat

Prehistoric Marvel

It's half term at the moment (ahhh a week off from work; general recovery much awaited indeed). I didn't have very much planned for the week but I did intend to have one big adventure out somewhere. One place I have been longing to see is:

...STONEHENGE...

So, Thursday morning, we woke up super early, packed us some snacks, or let me rephrase that, 'junk', topped the car up full tank and set off on road "Road trip!" It wasn't the most pleasant of drives in the beginning; somewhat managed to get caught in traffic and to annoy us more, our Sat Nav decided to die on us. But we chose to ignore these inconveniences and made anything and everything fun =P Hours of driving and even longer on the never ending A303 in sight of trees and fields, ha and sheep too. But in the midst of all that, there is was before our eyes, Stonehenge.

I know this long-standing attraction just seems like a bunch of rocks plotted in the middle of nowhere but for a very long time now, I've always been curious of its existence. So that day, I got to experience that. Despite the restrictions, it was close enough for me; examining it from all sides and angles. The abundance of its time and chronology was so detailed for me to take in but having it within your vision, somehow empowers you with its history; opening the mysteries of ingenuity revolving around this very one monument.

Although we were there for a short time only, we had a great (educational) time there. If you are fond of history and anything touristic - it is definitely an impressive construction to visit in Britain... a 'living part of the landscape of Wiltshire' i say.

Part II of my adventure, soon to come. Stay tuned x