We're in Mactan!

We're in Mactan for our long overdue honeymoon and our 6th anniversary getting together. It's our First Day in Shangri-La Mactan. I don't want to go back home anymore. =)

Channeling Rachel Ray

I was talking with my bestfriend Janna over YM last night when she suddenly reminded me of Pao's proposal which was exactly a year ago yesterday. I was in the mood of celebrating it so I had ate Lulu run to the grocery to pick up a few things. Since grilling is a no-brainer and Salmon doesn't take long to cook, I was able to whip up Grilled Herbed Salmon in Cream Sauce with Wine. Au contraire to my fam's popular belief, I do believe I have more cooking mojos than my hubby. Although my dessert turned out to be a lame bowl of fruit cocktail with Almond Jelly since preparing the Salmon took up all my time. It was a success though since Pao is all about the effort. =) I'm discovering I'm loving these little wifey things every now and then.

Randomness

I was talking with my sister this afternoon and it got me into thinking…

I’m one of the devoted followers of chuvaness’ blog and I remember her writing that a BLOG IS LIKE A HOME. It’s personal, you are welcome to visit but if you realize that it doesn’t suit your taste or if it offends your sensibilities, you are free to leave anytime. I for one wouldn’t change my home just to please other people. It’s a sanctuary: A place where I keep everything dear and cherished.
I’ve included my blog link to all MY net pages, not in some business or classified ADS. =) As long as my blog is not intrusive, I don’t use it as a SPAM: I don’t force it on other people. See my feedjit Live? YOU arrived on my site. YOU searched for it… ;)
So enjoy life, send out positive vibes and do WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT. =)

Now I can really attest to serendipity. When it’s meant to be, nothing’s stopping destiny. I remembered I blogged last year around January 2008 about my infatuation over a Juicy Couture leather fluffy bag. This particular design that I like wasn’t being carried at Rustans. I finally saw one in ebay but I for one am never a great fan of segunda mano or the more chic term. “vintage.” I let it go at that time and it haunted me to great depths. I finally saw one again and I consulted my ever-reliable mama even though I knew what she was about to say. She was like, “you are way past Juicy Couture. Go for Gucci.” As if there is a strong correlation between the two. My mama btw is a bag snob. I figured at 25, maybe I should really let go. This particular bag is not really as expensive or as precious to lose over a sleep or two but any collector can attest that an item harder to find, is the one more sought after. Just for my peace of mind, I bought the used Juicy Couture bag I saw in ebay. But the haunting never stopped, it is just not the same. I wasn’t happy at all…
I was thinking about the bag the other day and at the exact same time, my local contact who imports Juicy Couture from the States called me. I didn’t save her number anymore just so I could move on, dramatic as it may seem. She has a new bag that I so wanted for the longest time. It was like as if the universe aligned for us to be finally together. So, hello Juicy and goodbye to dining out for a month. This is not the best bag that I have nor the more expensive but I think I’m going to love this one a little bit more…

It's Christmas!

Randomness...

First thing in the morning and my husband’s face is the first thing I see, I usually go, “damn, I married my crush.” Such a great, great feeling. ;)

FitFlops

I’ve been hearing a lot about FitFlops lately which supposedly trims one’s gams and bum while walking. I’ve meaning to buy a pair slippers for our upcoming Cebu trip when I finally chanced upon FitFlops at Res Toe Run. Admittedly a bit bulky for my taste, I was sold with the idea of putting these on and voila, instant work out! I am yet to discover its magic and I am hoping for the best, so far the reviews and testimonials are good. I’m going to wear it to bits considering the money I had to cough up for a measly pair of miracle slippers. It’s very comfortable though and the Walkstar III in Gold is really cute. =)

My Bag Wishlist.

White Gucci Jolicoeur. Juicy Couture Baby Fluffy Chocolate leather. And I'm done for this year. Amen.

Chocolate Kiss

I’ve always loved Chocolate Kiss inside the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman Campus. We still go back every now and then and every time, I always wonder how many of those inside are really from UP. You see, I don’t think it is still a well kept secret since the place is always jam-packed even on weekdays considering the location is in the middle of a dead place at night. I first learned of Chokiss on my sophomore year when I had my introduction dinner with a certain Sorority sponsoring my pledge for a membership. I only ordered fruits and yogurt back then because I was nervous. I remember I so wanted to be a part of that sorority because my papa who is also from UP encouraged me and wanted me to be a sis of that particular sorority that was strictly by invitation only. Well, that didn’t work out since I dropped out on my initiation. I vowed the next time I go back to Chokiss, I’m going to order heaps. My second time with Chokiss was with Paolo and Pao’s brother, John who is a heartthrob professor in UP ;) I remembered ordering Chicken a la Kiev and though I’ve tried all the other entrees after that, it became my fave up until this day.
I sooo love their iced tea as well that doesn’t taste fake and powdery like the ones they serve in Louis Vuitton in Greenbelt. I was shocked considering, hello; powdered nestea is not really an epitome of luxury. But I digress; anyway their French Onion Soup is also lovely. The devil cake and the Dayap cake are my absolute dessert faves. Good thing I can still enjoy these without an I.D., though like every iska, I know my student number by heart. Its 10581. I won’t say what year though. ;)

Way cool wayfarers. =) I.am.obsessed.

I made this crystals and lucky charm bracelet for my birthday. It's made up of Ruby and diamante crystals, Purple Agate stones and a Red Rose Coral. Ruby crystals for love and beauty, Agates are stones of strength, protection and support. Relieves tension, stress, fears and they are believed to be powerful healers of emotions. Red Corals are used as protection and to destroy bad energy vibrations. They are also traditionally worn by newly married couples. Not to mention the bracelet is just plain pretty. The meanings behind the stones are only icings on the cake. =)I believe we all have different meanings and interpretations of the most mundane things in life. But half of the beauty of anything is our own story and significance.I love the Red Rose in full bloom: It reminds me life is beautiful.

If you want a customized bracelet, please check my online shop at http://thebeadbar.multiply.com/. You can also reach me through my email at isabelyason@yahoo.com. =)

Great Birthday!

Hubby and I spent my 25th birthday, my first one as a married woman on a weekend in Tagaytay. I love Sonya's Garden! That's because I love everything shabby chic. =) Can't wait to go back.

I have so much to be thankful for: A great family, the best and kindest husband and a good life. A charmed life it has been for me for the last 25 years. =)

Happy mothers' day =)

I especially miss my mama this year, today: mothers’ day and my birthday. It’s really true, one never gets to truly appreciate one’s mom until you get married and live a life of your own. Mama, you are the most wonderful mom in the world. I love how fab, cool, and humorous you are. I miss you going around the house, cleaning all the time and redecorating every minute even sometimes you’re being ruffled and stressing over the littlest things. You are truly one of a kind. I love you. =) I’ll be with you guys soon!

Our Rock

My family is one of life’s greatest gifts to me. They are my pillars of strength, my greatest sense of stability. I must admit I’m a bit flighty. I went thru different phases and I’m still maybe going thru some from time to time. I’ve tried out different careers, hobbies and interests but having such a well-grounded family gives me that sense of security amidst the changes.
Back in school, when we were having these circle group reflections and sharing, I always get surprised about some classmates sharing deep family problems that I can only imagine. Back then, my problems and concerns compared to theirs were...well, shallow for lack of a better term.
February 10, 2009. My nephew Elijah Rocco was born. He was every bit of a perfect baby: handsome with so much promise in life. He was born to a wonderful marriage and to solid families with so much to guarantee his place in the world. Then after 4 hours or so of such elation, we were told that he has one of the complex congenital heart conditions. Suddenly, my “perfect family” for the first time is pushed into an unknown dark territory. At first, there are questions. You never think about things like this happening to your family, until it does. None of us had been hospitalized for any serious condition; we were terrified beyond our midst. We were scared mainly because it is something unknown, unchartered. My sister Hazel is my twin, and knowing her pain wrings my heart so badly.
I have always been a spiritual person, but it is the first time in my life that every word uttered in my prayers is said with so much longing. After the storm had subsided and we got to a comfortable level of chaos, things dawned to me. I’m turning 25, I’m quarter of a century old yet this little baby, our little warrior is teaching me so much. Suddenly, my worries and problems seem so small. Suddenly, life is brighter, more intense than it ever was. Suddenly everyday is a celebration, a gift. He is God’s reminder to our family: Life, everything in it is not a right but a gift and a privilege. Suddenly, I started appreciating life a little bit more.

Elijah, you are one of the most precious gifts to us. God gave all of us different hearts; some may be more vulnerable than others. Sometimes, it may get weak, may be a bit broken. But hearts can be mended, because of love… And it is something you will never ran of. We love you so much. I can't wait to play with you.

Tita Gem, my mama’s friend is hands down the best chocolate maker in this side of the city. That’s not a small thing coming from a choco connoisseur, yours truly.Although my taste for chocolates are not really as complicated and as expensive. Sure, give me a Royce or Godiva anytime or maybe even a Fritz Knipschildt! But if you're looking for just plain comfort food, this is the route to go. I asked her to make my chocolates for my wedding candy bar and the personalized chocolates I gave to our principal sponsors. I even got the best wedding gift ever:A bouquet of the creamiest white chocolate roses! Nothing spells y-u-m-m-y better. My sisters always send us chocolates and every year when we come back, we always hoard on different chocolates from the States. They are still all here and I just usually take a bite or two; on the other hand, I can finish off Tita Gem’s chocolates in a flash and I wouldn’t have noticed it! I just love how uncomplicated her chocolates are. They are just simply delicious without being overwhelming and “nakaka-uyam.” The Milk chocolates are rich and sumptuous, the white ones are just oh so creamy but my absolute fave is the cookies and cream, it’s even better than Hersheys! Sorry mama, but I can’t wait to finish off my box! (hehe, eat your heart out ate hon!)
For orders and inquiries, please text Tita Gem at 09228933492. Her chocolates make great gifts, giveaways or just plain treats. =)

Late lunch at Sonya's Garden. I love the shabby chic atmosphere in Sonya's. Not to mention the sumptuous meals. Yum. I'm going back on my birthday, lest I get lazy again and not do anything over the weekend; we booked a bed and breakfast for my birthday... just to be sure ;). Yay! Can’t wait for my weekend birthday! (Ahem, ahem…)

Long Weekend Part 2

While waiting for my hubby to finish up...

I’d rather stay in a room than gallivant around in any place. Much to my family’s exasperation, I only summon enough enthusiasm in any trip, local and abroad when it’s all about shopping. So it’s major challenge for me since this time my travel companion is a one adventurous trekker. So it’s very important that I have a nice room and an even better bathroom. ;)

Long Weekend

Hubby and I spent the long weekend on a roadtrip down south in Batangas. We stayed in PonteFino for our much deserved R and R. It’s just so nice to escape the City once in a while. Paolo is the best travel buddy ever because he takes care of our things and does all the planning. What’s even better was I didn’t have to worry about the time. =)

My Birthday Wish...

LV Takashi Murakami Multicolore Insolite Wallet in color ANIS. YUM.