Day 25

ITS CHRISTMAS!!! And today it is all about L.O.V.E.

How ever you spent your day, I hope your hearts and homes were surrounded with love. 

Today is the last day of our advent calendar and we must say, it has been an amazing countdown to Christmas.  Its built up our spirit in a more broader sense than ever before. We have learnt to give more, to love and appreciate more, and to focus on the more important things in our lives.

Before we sign off, we just want to thank those who have taken some time to spare in reading the blog.

From us both, we wish you all a MERRY and WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and we hope your time has been filled with joy, laughter and lots of love xx

Day #15

Christmas lights are like the first sign of the festive season. You start seeing stands of fairy lights everywhere... you know Christmas is just round the corner. It really is a lovely reminder! Once accompanied with other decorations -- you're given the full picture then Ready, Get Set, Go! Non-stop celebrations.

So, today's task was to:

"Go visit Christmas lights of your choice"

There are sooooo many to choose from, especially in London; they are scattered everywhere. Some, we have already passed briefly on our travels into town. But for today, we decided to visit the good ol' Covent Garden Christmas lights... ONLY because my Christmas is never complete without seeing Rudolph! =) My other half couldn't say no hehehe.

The lights and decorations at Covent Garden were absolutely stunning. It was really nice to just stand and pause for a moment to take it all in. Its so amazing that festive elements like this can make such a transformation to the area and bring out all the excitement in you!

Speaking of excitement, prior to our Covent Garden lights tour, we got to enjoy ourselves with a few of our dearest friends at Winter Wonderland. Despite the crowds, we had a BRILLIANT time. We ate warm churros and chocolate (...mouthwatering), we drank mulled wine, and screamed on some rides. It was plenty of fun indeed.

And.... just in case our sister reads this, we did end our evening with her at Fire & Stone. Family time is always precious <3

Fun packed day for sure. I'm shattered.   

Day #10

"Write up and start giving out your Christmas cards"

This was an easy one. Funny though, how I was stuck with the duty to write them out but its okay... the mister took on the 'giving' part. Like Buddy says "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" but don't think people will appreciate us caroling at their doorstop LOL... I think Christmas cards are probably our better option.

Happy Giving! x

 

Day #9

"Laughter is the best medicine. Share a joke or two with those around you"

This is an everyday motive for the both of us, especially when we are together. Always up to our antics, no matter how ridiculous. So, the first thing we aimed for this morning was to share some morning giggles with someone and we knew exactly who to pick on!

Just remember to bring laughter into your everyday... whatever the reason.

Quote of the day: "Sometimes I laugh so hard the tears run down my leg." LOL (Love this)

Happy days to you all x

Day #6

Oh yay! The advent calendar has been pretty 'chocolateLESS' than the traditional ones we usually have. We were so relieved to open today's envelope to find this one. Big kid SMILE!

We were each given a Twix chocolate to enjoy but instead of savouring it all to ourselves, we were to share the other piece with whoever we wish.

The concept of today was 'sharing', not necessarily a chocolate bar, as we did but the thoughts behind it; the fulfillment of your intentions without expecting reciprocation. Sharing with someone a moment of joy, your hope and aspirations, fears and frustration or even just your smile; infuses them with the trust of your words or actions... and that's promising.

"Three things to more abundant living - caring about others, daring for others and sharing with others."

The fact that we are able to share this post with you today, we therefore express our fullest appreciation for taking the time to read it.

Happy Thursday x  

Day #5

"Have a drink and spend some quality time with someone who would least expect it"

Time flies by so fast; its December already for goodness sake! Time is just so precious but with everything going on; our daily grinds and usual distractions, there's just never enough of it. So, today we're putting on hold whatever needs to be done and taking a moment to spend with someone close.

A random visit to see a dear friend, warmed up the kettle and had a great chinwag over tea & biscuits. Moments like these are sparse... so I truly valued every second! As the saying goes, “Time is the most valuable thing that one can spend.” And tonight, I know I spent it well =)

Toodles x

Day #4

"To remind someone that you love them"

This coincidentally lifts off from yesterday's task as though it was meant to be a taster lesson of what to expect next year!

Saying "I LOVE YOU" is easier said than done. I mean, I personally never shy away from letting those close to me know that I do but I feel that maybe we don't say it enough. Doing that initial gesture in whatever way possible and reminding someone that you do has an impact on them. Those three little words can really make a difference.

On reading today's task, we both already knew who our 'someone' was (not each other, silly!) We both have someone dear to us; don't often talk  but we know they're always there... close to our hearts. So, we shared those special words with that person with the hope of making them smile.

Thanks for dropping by x

First Birthday...

of my precious and very beautiful god-daughter

Alaya Chanel

This wonderful occasion was held this weekend with the presence of all her friends and family. She was such a happy character throughout the evening; smiling, laughing & entertaining all her guests. It was a great pleasure for me to attend and celebrate with her; I really can't believe she's ONE already.

Together with the fabulous food, marvelous Minnie Mouse cake done by a friend of mine, all the fun and games... I got to share a few treats especially for my sweet girl. 

[Pictured below: Chocolate Pop-A-Cake Candies]

Hope you all had a great weekend too. Many thanks for 'POP'ping by lol. Enjoy the rest of the week people =)

A Special Songbird...

Singing is one of the most perfect means of expression. Songs can speaks words hidden behind such complexities yet sound like the most beautiful thing in the world. I have a friend who has been blessed with a voice that always warms my heart; I have a friend and that's my special little songbird, Rachel.

In tribute to the late Etta James, who truly had an amazing voice of all time and will be greatly missed, I share with you my dearest Rachel Joy singing one her most memorable songs 'I'd Rather Go Blind'. Enjoy =)

 

Do check out her blog for more great videos and posts at RachelJoyful 

Thanks for stopping by y'all x

Christmas Fun

Hello one and all...

Unfortunately, I was unable to slip a post in before Christmas so "(Belated) Merry Christmas!" I do hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating this festive time of the year. Ate plenty and even more; drank enough that you sung to every Christmas song that played; watched all the movies that completed the day; opened your gifts like a big kid; and more importantly, enjoyed the company and presence of your loved ones & friends. I most certainly did =)  Here are just a couple of snaps of my Christmas weekend to share with you:

Hopefully you've all recovered nicely from your food comas and hangovers lol. Now it's time to prepare yourselves for the new and coming year. Resolutions anyone?!

Thanks for reading,

Ceejay x

A Fine Autumn Lunch for Two

At the beginning of the month, I had a lunch date with the bestie at Gordan Ramsay's PETRUS. This day was far too exciting for us. Thought nothing much of it; just endless talks of maybe dining there one day. That came sooner than hoped for. I had a random temptation to book us in... and at the spare of the moment, I did! Strolling the backstreets of Knightsbridge in our pretty heels and fancy tops, we finally were at its doorstep.

 

On arrival, they kindly took our coats and led us to our seats; giving us a moment to embrace the luxurious restaurant and elegant settings. Now, let me tell you something, I'm a huge sucker for eating out... fine dining however, I accept as a special thrill. This sublime restaurant had a selection of, what I personally saw as an exquisite variety to eat & drink. However, my friend and I were absolutely clueless by what was on the menu. Confession - we had to end up asking. Oops! After translation, we ordered starters, mains and added a genuine touch with a sweet tasting glass of wine, to feel the part. 

Though it was a rather busy afternoon, the members of staff were still incredibly attentive and charming and our dishes were served in good time. Surprisingly, we were showered with little compliments to assist our meals which was a fabulous treat!

What we found extremely interesting was the final course. Dessert was like magic - presented with a spherical dome of chocolate; then the waiter poured over hot chocolate sauce on top which melted the dome to a marvelous ball of honeycomb and icecream.

Kindly presented with another take away surprise on our way out... cheekily saved for our other halves! It was most definitely a fine dining experience to remember. 

Thank you Ramsay, till next time x

Tea with my Newbie

Afternoon Tea with my Gemma

With a couple hours spare, I pulled the bestie away from her very busy motherly duties and took her out to her first afternoon tea experience. I found a small, quiet hotel restaurant just off Belgravia. Nowhere too concealed; although... my Gems somehow managed to get swallowed in by the streets of Victoria and get herself lost. Beyond shadow of doubt, she found her way! 

Distant from the daily stresses of life, we sat & enjoyed the moment. Served with unlimited tea, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and enough sweet nibbles to keep us chit chatting away. A care-free, chic way to begin the week and with my favourite company =)

"A bit of stardust blown from the hands of God"

Saturday 2nd July was a very special day; my precious little wonderful, Alaya Chanel Apan (my best friend's baby) was finally baptised. The day was blessed with lovely, warm weather perfected to set the occasion. Babygirl made her presence into Our Lady of Lourdes Church with her beautiful Sarah Louise ivory silk robe with a laced overlay. It was a quick and pleasant ceremony surrounded with close friends and family. I was most delighted to attend this wonderful Christening day but even more gratified to have been given the honour to be one of the godparents.

The proud parents & godparents of Alaya Chanel

Gemma, Mark & Alaya

Alaya, Sean & I

The reception followed soon after at a nearby hall and as successful as most Filipino party usually are, there was food. Plenty of it! A buffet of Filipino cuisine & desserts; you were certainly spoilt for choice.

It was a great day for the little one indeed. Thank you Gem, Mark & Alaya for letting me be a part of it. I love you guys x

My precious God daughter, Alaya x

"May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways" 

-Psalm 91:11

Half Term Antics

Ahhh... the peaks of working within school grounds and receiving regular breaks which I have now learned, are very necessary to keep staff members sane; just general time to recover. This half term, I decided to stay on English soil. Though I'd often rather ship off somewhere (who wouldn't?!) instead, I spent some good quality time with some great people. Solely worth it!

Here's a run down of a couple of things that this Little Miss got up to:

• Dinner with my chicks at "Hi Sushi, Camden". Apparently, its a well-known restaurant according to my friends but I've obviously been missing out. Now, let me put out there that my boyfriend lives in Camden and I couldn't believe how deprived I was from this area. I must have mentioned it before on previous posts but I have a new found love for Camden. Yes... this experience at this restaurant was sensational. Platters full of favourite sushi rolls and hot nibbles were to die for BUT only made to the third round. Their company was a laugh and full of mischief. Closing our evening rambles with a glass of ice chilled baileys and 90210. Bliss!
• There's always one friend out there... although you don't always talk or hardly see them, you never question their existence because you know they'll always be there. That's my Mimi - its been an extremely long time since I've seen this girl of mine. Despite that time and distance, on meeting & greeting, felt like I only saw her last week. We caught up over a number of drinks on the roof top terrace at "The Big Chill" in Kings Cross. Minutes turned into hours, life complaints turned into jokes. I love this chick toooooo much!
• Fact: Favourite cuisine at the moment is Greek. Long running so far but tummy tingles for other cuisines can be easily persuaded. Sean & I were hungry after, so had a nice, fulfilling dinner of freshly prepared meats at "Karavas", a local Greek restaurant in Camden. Yum-meeeeee!
• On fiddling around our busy schedules, a priority was to see the best friend. A night in, us couples, chinese take-out, general rif raf about whatever. Oh and playtime of course with my precious baby girl Alaya, who is growing up too fast.
• Possible highlight of my weekend was the hen night of my friend, Dipika. More excitingly, my very first attendance at one. Yay! The evening was held at "Kenza Restaurant & Lounge" by Liverpool St. It was an astounding event; the venue itself was extremely alluring with its petal dropped staircases, Arabic decor together with flowers and floating candles. I don't wish to reveal too much about the evening but lets say it was very seductive! Belly dancers, snakes and truly amazing food; Moroccan and Lebanese authentic twist. Divine!

Although a week could never be enough, maybe not so productive either but I had a fantastic one. I cannot wait for the summer holidays. Now, that's a different story.

(I have a couple of photos I wish to include with this post but my hard drive is being a little difficult with me but do stay close)

Huge hello to those who have joined me, thank you for following <3 

My Midweek Remedy

I didn't think that going back to a full five-day week would be such a struggle, especially after having the half term holidays and the long royal wedding weekend (Gosh, I got to quit complaining sometimes). Anyways, as dramatic as that gets... I needed a midweek fix. So, Wednesday evening, I met up with my Uni friends to celebrate yet another big 2-5! The girls and I went to have dinner at "The Cuban" in Camden.

Once one is finished wasting some time at the stalls and looking at artifacts along the way, you stumble upon this great restaurant/bar embedded in the Stables Market. As busy as Camden usually gets, the restaurant was surprisingly empty. We got the second floor opened to us where it was relaxed, very casual but with a Cuban twist. Entertained with some salsa music hitting in the background; its a great chill out place. Even better, the place was serving 2-4-1 cocktails; exactly what every girl likes to hear. We ordered a whole load of tapas dishes; all were very appetizing indeed. Stuffed by the end of it. I had plenty of fun as I'm always up for a catch-up =D

The Birthday Girl

Tapas board for the meat eaters

Our usual birthday cuppies

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Dandy Dragonfly

  Lilac card fold, bordered with purple print paper. "D" to highlight the birthday girl's initial. Scattered with dragonflies as a final touch.

Happy Birthday Dipika!

Merry Merry Month of May =D

I cannot believe it is May already! I have only just got used writing April in the kid's school books and now its a totally different month (yes, I know its only three letters... but still!) Anyways, to welcome this beautiful month... I got to celebrate two of my top girls' birthdays. Yay!

Before the partying began, Sean & I thought wise to top our tummies up with some gooooood Japanese cuisine. I was extremely craving for a bento box. Camden at the time was heaving with people because of the 'Camden Crawl' but little me managed to dodge and delve through and found a small place to eat. "Bento Cafe" (Click for website) was a surprise... amidst the hustle and bustle, this restaurant is a gem. Our dishes were delicious; many bits were very new to me. Inexpensive and very enjoyable. The staff were ever so friendly too.

Then... I stuck my dancing shoes on, off to Yate's and partied the night away with my chicka, Rachelle. Very good night; one I don't particularly remember but stories the following morning are always fun. And the photos, well... thats just evidence lol.

The other birthday girl, Sarah Jane was soaking up sun in Palma at the time but on her return, we went out for din dins at La Tasca. Went a bit wild with our choices from the menu =) Mmmmm tapas. Totally stuffed our faces but made room for dessert (DUH!) and some hot chocolate too. It was a pleasant evening indeed.

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Hello, Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty cut out, handmade especially for Rachelle x

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Humming Special

My handmade hummingbird special for Sarah Jane x

Easter Joy

Yes Easter is gone and I'm sure many off you are back to work. I'll be joining that crowd tomorrow and for one, I am nowhere near ready too. Two and half weeks holiday has really pulled me out of the swing of things. On the brighter note... its two days of work and then a long weekend off for the 'Royal Wedding'. Cheers W&C!

Asides from that, I hope you all had a lovely Easter, a joyful one in fact. Stuffed yourselves with chocolate eggs and enjoyed the good weather (in most places anyway). Got a call from Colorado Springs, to tell us they were having 'White Easter!' Anyways, I had plenty of fun this Sunday. Sean & I went to Church; the hymns chosen really perked up our moods. We also renewed our baptismal vows to start a fresh. Then straight after, we made our way to my best friend's house to celebrate her birthday. Since it was such a great day, it was more than perfect to hold a BBQ (my first one of the year). Here I can finally say, is where Sean & I so happily broke our fast for chicken. I'm afraid, another time Nandos.

Our plate for of chicken lol

Their daughter; my precious, Alaya

The birthday girl and her other half

We sat there nibbling away, totally absent minded; savouring its taste we so evidently missed. I continued to enjoy the rest of the day in the company of some friends, the BFF and her family including my little precious wonderful and an endless table of food and desserts. It was divine and I so couldn't think of a better way to spend the day. The night didn't end so young as we went to watch the new 'Fast Five' movie which totally topped off my hype for the day. It is an absolutely fantastic film by far - action, suspense, love... the works! And there you go, that was one's fun Easter =)

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Flutterby Birthday Card

The card I made for her: Brown textured card scattered with gold stars and pink flowers to compliment followed with a cut-out butterfly for a final decoration. Together with a Thomas Sabo charm bracelet.

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!)