Happy Holidays! Home for the Holidays

The Week Before and Ahead
Just finished a very stressful week. It's great that my brother was here last weekend (now he's the one who comes in Friday night and leaving Sunday afternoon...deja vous for what I had to go through) and helped me out of some personal problems that was really driving me off-the-wall. My friends here too were worried. It was just too crazy...don't want to go through something like that but I think it's all just the beginning...

agnes b.
--> agnes b (ifc)
I'm proud to say that I'm a big Agnes B fan eversince I could remember...well...maybe the time I got my first Agnes B barret with the lizard logo. I buy a lot of that brand mainly because the pieces are timeless and will never go on sale - my wallet that I started with from Day 1 is still being sold in the stores and is still the same price. It hardly follows fad and if it does, it's turns it into a timeless piece that it worth of one's money. A lot of people here find it overpriced but I have to say that for what I get - simple yet chic - I'm happy. http://www.agnesb.fr/



I got a few more things for myself and some special friends this xmas. I got their promotion gift item of snowglobes too which was super nice and cool for the season! I also got two tin soldiers (xmas decorative) as part of the mall's promotional gift item also for spending a certain amount in their mall. Now, transporting them back home will be the tricky part.

agnes b cafe.
Due to a very stressful week, I just basically unwinded and relaxed my way @ agnes b's newest resto...what a wonderful reason to eat and be merry...especially because of the season.

Now, I just learned that they have opened an Agnes B Cafe (Le Pain Grille (agnes b. cafe)) in Hong Kong...the very first in the world! I was super excited and upon my first visit with my good pal, Susanna, and was already won over with just their tea selection! Booking was next to impossible since it just opened around a few weeks ago so our strategy was to just go after 9pm and try our luck through a walk-in. Since then, I couldn't resist a trip there as much as possible for me! (My mom would call to check up on where I am if I'm not online to talk and

Price is reasonable for the quality of food that you get. They have set meal courses for two courses at HKD130 or three course meal for HKD170. They also have a high tea offer that is a good deal too! Pastries start from HKD50, I think but I could be wrong.
I love their teas...that all came from France. I enjoy the quiet ambiance...very different to what HK is and it's a nice getaway from the normal.

I've been there basically once a week now...trying on every single dessert that I can find...from chocolate souffle, apple pie, apple tart, chestnut cake, mille fleure (Napoleon cake), and last night - got to try their blue mussels...that were impeccable! If you are there, check to see if I'm there. You never know! :P

If you want to book a place, their contact information is below:
Cuisine: French
Tel number: 852.2577-2718.
Neighborhood: Causeway Bay
Address: Shop 1, G/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Reservation: Highly Recommended
Special dishes: French Buchot Mussels in white wine & cream saurce, Black Angus Rib Eye, Grilled Duck Magret, Fish Soup, Escargots, Crepes, Strawberry Tart, Mille Fille
Review: Very nice environment, cozy and comfy, good food, unique in Hong Kong, friendly service!!
Must try: Blue mussels from Mt St Michel with white wine sauce. (500g is more than enough. 250g would be fine for 2 persons. It's a must!!!!), Chocolate Souffle, all the TEAS (~ liked L'Opera!)

**I will post more must tries since I could never go there for dinner...it's always fully booked up! I love the staff...very nice and friendly.
***Oh, one awesome note - they do not automatically include the service charge compared to other places that impose that policy. I ended up ended up paying more than the usual 10% service charge for two girls which I thought was really a bargain for all the joy and stuffs my friends and I got after each and every visit to the resto.

Going Home...
Too excited...will be going home...not only going home but going home for the holidays. Been going home often due to the geographical convenience of where I am but Xmas takes the cake home. The reason is extra special because of : (1) special family gatherings (2) friends
This year also is the last time I would be single by Xmas. :)
There will be so many family and friends gatherings that it would really be interesting. My parents and Ed's parents are going to be meeting formally for the first time too...my whole family and Ed's whole family (immediate family members, of course)...this will be something. I don't believe it was any different for my brother's experience but I'm sure that he felt the same way as what I am feeling now.

Lazy Daisy...
I'm too lazy these days...been out and about. Didn't want to stay at home during this season...busy buying things left and right...super bad for my credit card bill!

My Tag
I got tagged by good pal, Michelle so here it is...
A - Available or single: single but engaged to someone really special
B - Best friend: too many to mention
C - Cake or pie: cake though hardly any sweet tooth
D - Drink of choice: Hot Tea
E - Essential item you use every day: Computer - home and at work
F - Favorite color: green
G - Gummy bears or worms: gummy worms
H - Hometown: Manila, Philippines
I - Indulgence: scrapbooking and "loungin"
J - January or February: February
K - Kids & Names: none as of date
L - Live is incomplete without: family and friends
M - Marriage Date: Dec 2007 (amazed that I can finally answer this)
N - Number of siblings: 1 big brother
O - Oranges or Apples: no preference
P - Phobias or Fears: uncertainty
Q - Fave Quote: Patience is golden
R - Reason to smile: a fulfilling life with no regrets
S - Season: spring or autumn
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Malou, Dana (Thompson), Dawn (Crafty Girl)
U - Unknown fact about me: I took equestrian lesson when I was a little girl...got all the helmet, whip, boots and pants/attire
V - Vegetable you don't like: Chinese Snowpeas (unchopped...too much weird noises when chewed)
W - Worst habit: Worrying too much about everything...even when things just need time to work out on their own...I have a tendency to "jump the gun"..need to chillout more...
X - X-rays: is something I try to avoid...too much radiation is not good for a person...unless terribly necessary
Y - Your fave food: Italian, Thai or Japanese
Z - Zodiac sign: Cancer


Happy Holidays you all!
I'll see you all when I get back!
Mwuah!


Kit Name: Imperfect Christmas (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit Designer: Doodleboogs
Font: ITC Franklin Gothic
Program: PS7.0
TYFL!

**Last 2LOs before I leave!**


Kit Name: Hugs & Kissmas (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Mikki Livanos
Program: PS7.0
Font: Californian FB
Journaling: Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance- a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. (by :Augusta E. Rundel)

Project Runway: Fast Track

I had dinner with a fellow collegemate visiting HK for the holidays. It's wonderful to see her...all married now and just finished her studies...it's now the board exams now. :)

Currently, I'm too hooked to Discovery Travel & Living Channel's Project Runway: Fast Track, so I've been going home on-time, if not early to make sure I'm focused and ready to watch that show by 9am. :) I don't know who to root for but I know I love each one's vision turns into a wonderful reality...well...most of it. :) It's just amazing to have something to look forward to each day (especially on a bad day) to sit at home and in front of the TV and see Reality TV unfold before me. I gotta hand it also...Heidi Klum really does "glow" when pregnant...and also the Best Dressed Pregnant Woman to me!


******************
Some of my work this week...
Kit: Hardy Dangerous Kit and 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
~this LO really came out fast...amazing on what a template and the right kit used at the moment can do. :) Had a bit of a time for the flower accent but managed somehow.


Kit Name: Believe in Magic Kit (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Font: Broadway


Kit Name: Believe in Magic Kit (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson


Kit Name: Boyz Will Be Boyz (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Font: Broadway

Kit Name: Boyz Will Be Boyz (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Teri Hanson
Journaling: When getting to know a friend, we often learn a lot about ourselves.

Font: Britannic Bold & Algerian

Kit Name: Seasonal Templates #2 and Imperfect Holidays (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)

Kit Designer: Doodleboogs

Kit Name: Hardly Dangerous (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)

Kit Designer: Doodleboogs

Okay okay due to overwhelming (!!) questions and requests...here's MY RING...this is very embarrassing for me. :) I'm too shy and embarrassed to post the one that had my hand on the ring. I'm still getting used to have a ring on my ring finger, to be honest. Although, it's not a huge one that some of my friends have, it means a lot to me that Ed did all this by himself (aside from letting him know what style I sort of want) and was very attentive to what I wanted ~ a labor of love. :)

To My Blog Friends!

Thank you for all your well-wishes on this - on the web. This is why I enjoy blogging - a lot good pals online...even if we haven't met each other in-person. We all share our own news and feel the same as the other somehow. :)
Getting some wedding details down...but still a lot to go! Thankful that I have the church and reception down. :)

Emily-Kate: let me know if you want to see the ring - I'll email you directly on this. :) Kinda embarassed to post this up.

Got a few kits done this week. ..
**************
Kit Name: Hugs & Kissmas Kit (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Mikki Livanos


Kit Name: Chocoberries Kit (DizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels
Font: Broadway


Kit Name: Chocoberries Kit (DizinesDigitalDen)
Kit Designer: Deborah Vessels

New Adventures...New Beginnings

Trip back home was productive and very interesting. It has its ups and downs.
It may not be Thanksgiving in Manila or HK but I am thankful for the life I have and the people I'm surrounded (physically, emotionally and virtually).

1) Visiting perks

• Ups: Got to go home and sleep on my own bed (!) and just relax for the whole weekend


• Downs: Didn't get to do my pre-reserved massage: Came on time at the said time but the receptionist didn't inform me that we had to shower and sauna before the appointment time (!); we never had this sort of thing with the other places and Ed and I have been to and was trying this new place out; they basically saw that we weren't there before 5pm, our couples room was given away (!)

2) Family and Friends

• Ups: Got to see my parents, hung out with my mom Saturday afternoon running some errands, visited my NR (no reaction) nephew and be with Ed for two days (Ed took the Saturday off so we were able to meet up earlier).


• Downs: I didn't get to meet up with the rest of the Chan clan on Friday night since it would be too tight for met to make it for their dinner celebration of a cousin's upcoming wedding in Jan 2007.

3) Food Adventures

• Ups: Ed and I were in an adventurous mood that weekend and thus got to try some great foods and newly opened restos.


• Downs: Wished we went to our favorites or tested places instead...Got to try some not so great foods...got a stomach flu after coming back...I think it's the baby clams pasta that I had...really came down badly; I wasn't able to sleep the whole night!

4) Airport Experience

• Ups: Good thing that I got home already before I realized that I got a stomach flu from the food I had for lunch before I flew back to HK.


• Downs: Flight was delayed for 45 minutes and I didn't call to check if there was a delay...so I was basically in the airport (already cleared by customs and immigration) for 2 full hours...I almost died from boredom and dozed on and off at the table in the lounge (thank goodness for lounges).

5) Saving the best for last...

• Ups: Ed and I are getting married!!!
  Ed proposed last Friday when we met up for after-dinner coffee - which he for some odd reason, insisted that we SHOULD go out no matter what(!!!) ; was just happy to see "my beautiful ring" (up to my specifications in style) that now I'm not sure if I really said yes to his question...I believe I did but the question didn't garner a yes or a no...more in the lines of I agree or disagree (Hahahaha!). Ed told me that he doesn't believe that I said yes...but since he proposed in a non-conventional manner, him putting the ring on my finger is a sign that I meant "yes". My funny fiance...I can finally get all this anticipation of the moment off of my chest and focus on the impending holidays & the upcoming wedding! These are the new adventures and beginnings for Ed and me...together forever. :D


• Downs: Planning for a wedding this year is a tough feat since a lot of the places in Manila are pretty much booked up already till 2008 (!) but we are progressing slowly...getting it somewhat done through baby steps.

Last One...for the week

Had to get one done and posted just before I leave...since next week is monthend and there are interviewees coming in for their exams. I feel like a teacher...preparing the test questions (deciphered boss' handwritings for the questions), photocopying the final copies and will be administering the exam by next week. :P Good thing I only check one section of this exam. The rest will be marked by a fellow coworker of mine. :P


Last LO before I head off for a weekend back home. Only there for the weekend...hay...oh well...Xmas and Chinese New Year will be longer. :) I can't wait to see Ed and my little nephew. I made my appointment for the latter meeting...never know since he might be sleeping then it wouldn't sort of count anymore. :)



Thank you, Rhea --> Check out my (*big*) nephew and his new Puma rubber shoes! I was told that he wears it each time he plays in his new gym. Oh so sweet...these days, kids are so overly fashionable. I remember when I was a kid where a no name CareBear t-shirt and nightgown was the coolest thing...now...fashion brands branched out to baby cloths and gear...Puma! My first Puma rubber shoes was bought about alittle over a year ago! It looks so similar to my nephew's! This guys going to be a big fashionista! :)






About the kits used for the LO below, I super duper love Mikki's stuff. Super thankful that she's still designing and that I'm part of her team. These crochet kit is so much fun!

Title: Love: Ed & Che
Kit: Mikki Livanos' Falling For You Kit and Crochet Flowers (Scrapbook-Elements)
Font: Curlz MT
Program: PS7.0

Odd Interviews

Work was the same...had to attend to one of the candidates since he requested for an early interview. Candidate came on-time I basically administered an exam for him as per my boss' instruction. While he was working on the exam question, I was on my desk at other room calling other candidates left and right while I multi-task on some other things. My coworker who attended to the candidate told me that he looked funny and was snickering when she told me that the candidate has arrived. :P Such a riot...though he looked just fine to me...seen other more odd people who applied with our company.

Hay...some were really nice and polite...some were just so dense. It makes me wonder if I was like that when I was looking for a job. It's wonderful to be at the other side of that...to be the interviewer than the interviewee.

I'm so on a roll...these templates are just purely addicting!
Check out Doodleboogs' Holiday Templates 4x6's and 8.5x11. So rocking!

***********************
Title: Cutie
Template: 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Tomboy by Angie Briggs(ScrapArtist)
Font: Curlz MT


Title: Baptism
Kit Name: Falling Leaves by Deborah Vessels (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Font: Monotype Corsiva


**A quickie before I head to bed**
Title: US
Template: 8.5x11 Holiday Templates by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Cosmo Kit by Mikki Livanos (Scrapbook-Elements)
Font: Galathea

Weather awful...but Mojo ever present...

Weather is just aweful...2pm looked like 7pm already! It doesn't help that days are really shorter during this winter season. Hope weather gets better for my impending trip back home. Believe mom's excited to be heading back too...she's packing her stuff already. :)

Got a few LOs done today...simple because they are templates...half of the mojo needed is done and I just needed to pick the papers and ribbons to go where they are suppose to. :) Super thank you for these, Doodleboogs!

Got a few more news about relationships breaking up - serious ones for the matter - all heading down the aisle. There is just too many going around these days on that. Really sad to have to hear that long term relationships put to the test, didn't pass even through time...or have it even take a start to a more serious level. Strongly believe that if it's not meant to be, then maybe it really isn't. Some were for very good reason
Never got to understand how someone could tell their partner that they would know if they want to be together or be married to them by a certain time like say "can we delay *this* to like July 2007*?" (*Note: hypothetical date and anonymously stated.) I'm so amazed on how one could pick that and say such a thing...like they can predict that exact on what they would be able to decide on that specific day. They should try using their psychic power to pick the lotto numbers instead.

For someone who one has been with for so long...you would think there would be some honesty or some "reputation-saving" act that would come out of all this. I guess not. Had to recommend this self-discovery book - He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt. This book really had opened my eyes to what men or what we, women, really have to think and not kid ourselves with "mixed signals". Harsh is life and thus we have to just treat is as harsh as it can throw on us. :)
One important thing I've learned from the book:

It's unfortunately the truth. My belief is that if you have to be the aggressor, if you have to pursue, if you have to do the asking out, nine times out of ten, he's just not that into you...Men don't forget how much they like you...If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will.

~by Greg Behrendt


http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/excerpts/2004-09-08-hes-just_x.htm
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200409/tows_past_20040922.jhtml




************Some LOs******************
Title: Merry Xmas ~From ASM
Template: Holiday Template #2 by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Falling Leaves by Deborah Vessels (DigizinesDigitalDen)
Font: Monotype Corsiva


Title: Fall to Winter
Template: Holiday Template #2 by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Winter Wonderland by Angela Sharrow (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Font: Monotype Corsiva
Photo Credit: Angie Li (Paris 2006 - Versailles)
Journaling: How beautifully the leaves grow old. How full of light and color their last days. (by John Burroughs)

11/20 Random Thoughts

Random things about this weekend and for next...

* First and foremost - excited to be going home this weekend...even if it's only for two days...it's always good to see family and Ed...Mom and I will be heading back together...miss traveling with her.

* Had a good weekend...Saturday lunch with my good gal pal and her hubby before they flew back to Mla; Sunday lunch with my godchild, Ally, and her family...sweet as ever...she showed me some ballet moves that she's learning.

* Paid for my Chinese New Year plane ticket - confirmed that I will be spending more than a week - about 10 days (wooohooo!) back home and will be attending a wedding around that time too...aside from me being involved in that wedding. :P Won't be going back this January and will just save my money for the Feb trip. Crazy that if I left HK on either 15th or 16th, ticket price is more than double the cost! Had to go home earlier so it would be normal price. Nice blessing all together since I get to go home early and stay longer. :) Super excited all over...even if it's more than two months away!

* Mom's still here so we went around HK and checked out shops...took the tram all the way to Western Market...got too much time and didn't know what to do by Sunday. I love my mommy!

* Got to finish some quick digi-LOs this weekend...Sunday night...enjoyed it since it's a template project and I basically had to just use some pp and nice photos.

* Lastly, I was able to get some more ideas in a project that I'm doing with mom's help and her shopping capabilities and I'm super happy with what we both found...now it's time to get it all rolling on this part of the world.


*****Some Recent Digi-LOs*****

Title: Paris 2006

Kit Name: Timeless (available at Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Brenda Johnson (Sweet Sodypop Designs)
Photo Credit: Angie Li
Font: Monotype Corsiva & Baskerville Old Face


Title: B*Y
Template: Holiday 4X6 Templates #1 by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Cosmo Kit by Mikki Livanos (Scrapbook-Elements)


Title: Family Memories
Template: Holiday 4x6 Templates #1 by Doodleboogs (ScrapOutsideOfTheBox)
Kit: Back Home by Deborah Vessels (DigiZinesDigitalDen)

Elsie's Fault for this one...but worth a try!

Visited Elsie's site and she posted some unique quiz results...so I had to try it...even if I got loads of work to worry about and worrying my sanity out! :P Sometimes...we just need to be goofy and smell the roses. :)

Dating Quiz Result:
You date like you are 28 years old.

You are a dating pro. You've been around the block a few times and know exactly what you like and dislike in a partner. Usually you can tell after one date if you would date them again. Take this quiz out at http://www.quizgalaxy.com/quiz.php?id=144

Obituary Quiz Result

Obituary Quiz...give it a go. :)
http://www.quizgalaxy.com/quiz.php?id=114
Give it a go and share some results. :D

********************* BLAST FROM THE PAST******************
Some of my past and favorite LOs as of date that I've been meaning to add to my blog. I think I'll add more in random to just have most of my work here than just 2peas. :)

Lime Tea Kit by Nancie Rowe Janitz


Crazy in Love Kit by Mikki Livanos


Bliss by Mikki Livanos


Life Unexpected SNAPlet Freebie by Royanna Lea Fritischmann

Mememe Tag ~from MizzM (Michelle)

I got tagged...not sure if I did this correctly but here goes...

1. I am happy and excited to go home for Christmas and Chinese New Year.
2. My family knows me best.
3. I feel ...tired at the moment from work.
4. the most important thing in my life is ...my family and bf.
5. I always carry ...a cellphone, house keys and wallet.
6. I think tomorrow will ...be another hectic day for me.
7. I’m at my happiest when I'm ...back home with my family and friends. I get homesick a lot.
8. on a Monday morning, you can find me at ...work, busy as bee.
9. my favorite food ingredient is ...garlic!
10. my eyes are ...brownish-black.
11. my favorite material possession is ...my watch.
12. to relax, I like to ...sit in front of the tv and veg.
13. the town I live in is ...nice, quiet and convenient.
14. my worst habit is ...being a big worry-wart.
15. my guilty pleasure is ...shopping for no reason at all!
16. when I look at someone, the first thing I see is ...their appearance.
17. I think I will go off ....to bed now.
18. I can live without ...my laptop!
19. I wish I had my own...24/7 maid and cook.
20. my life is ...the way I would have lived it, if I was to relive it again.

Kit Name: Belizean Dream (Deborah Vessels) - available at DigizinesDigitalDen



Kit Name: Falling Leaves (Deborah Vessels) - available at DigizinesDigitalDen


PS: I'm tagging Malou, Valerie and Dana on this! :)

Stressed & More Stressed...Thank God for Mothers

Busy week (and -end) but have done a few more LOs.
Hope things get better. I'm currently worried and stress with some work and added responsiblities outside of work. I'm glad to hear some "good news" (that it can be done) just now but the price that involves is far more than what I hoped/expected that I wish there was a way around it...
Happy though that Mom's here visiting and helping me out. :)


Title: Maxine
Kit Name: Honey Vanilla Chamomile (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Brenda Johnson (Sweet Sodypop)
Font: French Script MT
Journaling: The beauty of a girl cannot be mimicked, fabricated, or created by human means, it only occurs naturally. -- Pam Callaghan
Program: PS7.0


Title: Blessed
Kit Name: Honey Vanilla Chamomile (Scrapbook-Elements)
Kit Designer: Brenda Johnson (Sweet Sodypop)
Font: French Script MT
Program: PS7.0
Journaling:
You came from heaven, oh, so sweet
As pure as an ocean's pearl
And here on earth we finally meet
Our beautiful baby girl!
People will say you've got my eyes
And daddy's wonderful smile
But we're just happy that you came
We've been waiting for you a while.
Now every night before we sleep
We thank our Father above
For sending us a special gift
That fills our home with love.


Title: S&L
Kit Name: A Bit of the Blues (available at Divine Digital and Scrapable)
Kit Designer: Veronica Spriggs (Vivarant)


Title: PC
Kit Name: A Bit of the Blues (available at Divine Digital and Scrapable)
Kit Designer: Veronica Spriggs (Vivarant)

Happy Birthday Michelle! (also Elsie Update)

***ELSIE UPDATE 07 NOVEMBER 2006***
Just to let you guys know - Elsie replied back to me when I emailed her to let her know my supplies for LO above and this is what she told me -

"thanks for the kind words!!!! you are so sweet!!!! ~elsie"
Mon, 6 Nov 2006 09:13:54 -0800 (PST)

This is so rockin'!!!

ON ANOTHER NOTE...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIZZM!

Birthday greetings to MizzM! Happy birthday girl!!! Hoping and wishing you everything wonderful and great on your special day! Wishing you also a lot of scrapbook mojo that it would never run dry!!! I got you a nice cake over to celebrate! :)

HUGS!

Some unposted LOs...