Generally, I'm not really fond of Coach bags...

But for some reason I'm liking this one...


I love the retro feel. The boxy shape, the gold hardware and the pinks and melons.

I just got back from a jewelry party and I'm tired. i can't take a nap though since my adrenaline is still pumping. I was planning to make my last weeks here totally work-free since I will be plunging into non-stop work mode when I get back. I didn't realize it would be so much busier in the last weeks. For some reason, people like to order when its closing time. I have so many projects lined up, I'm missing my Lovely (assistant) back home.

My baby (business) is growing and I'm forging into the mass production market. My customized items will be limited now once I go back home to the Philippines. More exciting things coming up and though I'm really, really sad to leave my family, I am glad I have something waiting for me back home in Manille. ;)

Charmed Life by Ysa Yason accessories are available in KK & Co.

More of a wishlist...than a shopping list

Compared to my past visits here, I am on a shopping diet. I guess that's what happens when you get married. I feel guilty spending too much (that, and also because I'm spending my own money now;)).

I realized now that I'm close to going back, I haven't bought a lot of stuff for myself other than my new wallet and stuff for my shop. I've been editing my shopping list since last week and came up with these final things.

1. A new point and shoot camera. I gave my old one to my little brother and figured out I need something with a nice P&S macro setting. Instead of buying a really expensive Macro lens for the SLR, I'm sticking with a more compact P&S Camera for travels.

2. One of the best things about having sisters (and more loaded sisters, too) is I get the most fabulous hand-me-downs. I haven't been shopping so much because I get so many clothes and shoes from them. I only need one pair of really good classic flats for running around back home. I've always liked taller shoes but sadly, my lifestyle doesn't call for so much heels shopping anymore.

3. I need a new stack of nail polish. Although I work with my hands, I always wear nail polish to protect my nails from chipping. I want a light, frosted purple one like Lippmann's Purple Rain by Zac Posen and I've been eyeing Gold Fiction polish for the longest time. Its a great alternative to the usual neutrals.
(Photo from makeupandbeautyblog.com)

4. A stash of the perfect Pink-nude lipstick: MAC Politely Pink. Since its less expensive here, I'm stocking up on MAC.

5. I've been investing on new gemstones and chains that are definitely pricier but of best quality. I'm stocking up on Gold-plated and Gold-filled chains and toggle-locks. I'll be posting new designs soon that are much daintier and definitely for keeps.

In the City I love, with the man I love.

Up until now, we still celebrate our anniversary of getting together. So thats two celebrations in one year: A wedding anniversary and the bf anniversary. This year, I took him all over downtown to see Chicago for the first time. It was one night of being away from my whole family.

I was so excited showing off Chicago to Pao. =)
Between the two of us, he is the more travelled one. He had been to most parts in Europe and several places in Asia whereas its only between USA and the Philippines for me before we got married. After getting married, Pao took me to other places and I was always the clueless one. He does all the itinerary and planning.
Well, this time it was my turf. ;)

Nothing's better than seeing a place you've always loved through the eyes of a person you love who's seeing it for the first time.

Nothing's better than seeing a person you love seeing the place you've always loved for the first time. =)

A day at the museum

The last time I was at the Field Museum in Chicago was over 8 years ago. Still, it's one of my fave spots in downtown, well say hello to my nerdy side. My favorite exhibit was of course, the gemstones of the world. Coming back after 8 years in this particular museum, I have much more appreciation for this section. Loooooove all the stones, it was an inspiration overload moment for me.







Pao and were equally fascinated and creeped out with the Ancient Egypt section and decided not to take photos of the mummies. :/
Field Museum in Chicago is also known for "Sue." The most complete, comprehensive and best-preserved T-rex specimen in the world. =)






I promised myself I will be bringing Paolo to the museum and I'm just glad he loves it as much as I do. :)

I had been awfully quiet the past few days. I had been spending every minute with the family and my business I just couldn't find time to squeeze in a few minutes here. Pao just went back so now I'm less busier. Hello again, blogspot.

Things are much quieter now. We spent the last month running around everywhere since its Pao's first time, we had to bring him all over Chicago. Now, I'm just basking in the long summer days at home and savoring each minute before I leave and go back to old manille. I'm sad that our vacation is over yet I'm relieved and determined to iron out a few stuff since this vacation did answer some things the hubby and I were pondering on.

It's always when I come here where I come to decisions that I always put off whenever I'm in my comfortable and cushy spot in the Philippines. Now it's really time to roll up my sleeves. *Sigh.

My first jewelry party

I had my first jewelry party in Chicago and though I was a bit anxious since I didn't know how it all goes down, everything went perfectly well. It was a lot of fun and we were able to sell so much more than expected.

Thanks Ate Vi for the big support! You have always been my biggest supporter with whatever I do! I love you so much!

I'll be working on new stuff for next week, can't wait. I'm really excited for a lot of things brewing in my little shop: things I'm working on back in the Philippines although I'm on the other side of the world. I hope all things go well. Soon, my Charmed Life will have its home. =)