Tranquil refreshment

[11th April 2011] This day was spent in Kensington Close Hotel at the eMotion Spa & Leisure Centre. For Valentine's, I purchased a Spa Day experience for the other half. This was Sean's first time and even better, I thought it was a great idea to kick start out Easter break holiday. He's been working so hard in his teaching course... he most certainly deserved this.

We used the gym facilities and worked out together for the first time heehee. Thank goodness he was familiar with most of the equipment there, making it so much easier and fun =) We swam some lengths in the 18 metre swimming pool then hit the jacuzzi to relax. Feeling much more refreshed, we then both prepared ourselves for our treatments. A full body massage to last the hour; untangling the knots piled on from the school term's work. It was exactly what we both needed! De-stressing & deep tissue... absolute bliss.

To wrap it up, we got a late lunch at STRADA restaurant, which merely prepared us for our adventure to Italy. It was a nice, rejuvenating day spent with none other than my love.

A Sugar Sweet Saturday!

What a beautiful day it is today. Decided to take the laptop out into the garden and seek some form of motivation from the spring time atmosphere. It has been a little while since I last put an entry through. I do need to do some serious updating, as quite a lot of exciting stuff has happened this half term and would love to share with you. It'll be a bit back dated but gives you something to read, hey? Enjoy otherwise x

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[9th April 2011] I had a lovely lunch date with a couple of my girls. It had been a long while since we've been out altogether, so it made sense to arrange something small & sweet. We met up and made our way to Westfield, London. It was such a nice day too; the weather had just started to pick up at that time so we thought it would be a great idea to find a open-kinda restaurant to enjoy the scene. 'Kitchen Italia' was our best bet which was another first for me. We all chose different types of dishes particular to our taste buds and virgin cocktails to complete the meal. I had myself a pasta dish with salmon - simply because I quite fancied the ribbon shaped pasta lol. There's always room for dessert, everyone knows that! So, we extended our time and got ourselves a 'SNOG' frozen yogurt. It was very tasty and perfect for the type of weather; although personally it doesn't quite beat 'Pinkberry' from the States. As girls do best, we filled in the missing pieces, gossiped & had a laugh. It was really nice and it is always such a pleasure when seeing these beautiful ladybirds of mine. Love yous plenty <3

Quick kodak moment at Kitchen Italia (L-R: Sam, Lorz, Myself, Jen & Rach)

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! =)