Love and the Holidays

I've been home for almost a week now, and every single day has been filled to the brim with activities either by myself or with friends, family, and my love. I finally had my hair permed (yay!), caught up with some friends, been to and held some Christmas parties, spent quality time at the spa, and had Christmas traditions with the family. It has been a great/crazy week. Ahh, and now it winds down to my birthday weekend. How exciting. :)

My first day home, I took my car out and had some reuniting with Manila traffic while I went around doing errands: hair appointment + meeting with my fave designer to fit my birthday dress + office to pick up some cheques + and finally visiting my boyfriend's family at home. We went to the boyf's Dad's stables in Carmona for their annual Christmas party and blessing. It was a long drive especially with holiday traffic but the company made for a great road trip. Boyfriend's half-sister is here from Australia with her husband and super adorable kids -will make sure to take their pic sometime soon. 

Last Sunday I went to the Urban Bazaar held at the Rockwell Tent and ran into my fave accessory designer, Happy, who designs the line Get Happy. So good to see her again and I drooled all over her new stuff.. I got two necklaces which are absolutely fabulous. Will be keeping in touch with her to get the rings that I ordered. If you are from Manila, you should really check out her stuff at Rustan's.

 

On the 23rd, boyfriend and I hosted our annual Christmas dinner with our bestest friends. It was a fun potluck dinner with exchanging of gifts and playing Rockband on Wii into the am. 

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 24th of December

 

 

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December 25 with my Dad's side of the family.

[btw, the theme this year was shorts. hmm, disappointed me at first 'cause I had that pretty dress hanging in my closet waiting to debut on the special day of Christ.. but in the end my love for and loyalty to "themes" won me over and decided to make most of the whole shorts thing. I tried my best to veer away from any casualness the piece is widely associated with!]

 

 

   

Christmas at my grandparents house was über fun, as it always is with 30-plus grandchildren clustered in groups, the grownups mingling around, and a feast on the round table. Throw in some party games, gift giving, hot chocolate, and other desserts into the mix and it becomes my favorite holiday of the year. Of course keeping in mind and heart that Jesus is the sole reason for this season.. Best factor of all :)

  

We had some guests from London this year. My parents, sister and I visited with them last April and now they came to celebrate Christmas with our big extensive family. :) My grandmom welcomes anyone and loves to overfeed them too! I took pictures of pretty little Sophie Mae prancing around in her tiered floral skirt. Such a pretty little thing, and I can never get enough of her charming English accent. ;p

 

 

Happy Holidays everyone! 

Wishing you all the best of times with your friends and families :)

Susanna-Cole sent me the most fabulous card for Christmas, 

and I just want to share the love with all of you.

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On other news, boyfriend and I turned 6 years today. ♥