HOLIDAY HAUL 2013

I know, I know, who really cares what I got for Christmas? Hahaha! Besides the fact that I just love everything I got, I’m making this entry so I’ll always be reminded of how sweet and thoughtful my family and friends are to me and so that I can thank them too!

First of…

I’ve been wanting to get myself a pair of black leather boots for a couple of years now but I haven’t been able to find anything that I love, or when I did, they’d either be sold out on my size, uncomfortable, or too expensive. I have a pair of brown ones from Steve Madden which I love because it can be worn three ways and are just utterly comfortable. I use them to walk around for days in New York City and my feet wouldn’t hurt at all. If everything goes to my favor, I’ll be going to Paris and Italy early in 2014 and I knew I needed them soon for all the walking – and picture taking too, of course – that we’ll be doing. I’ve never been to Europe. It’d be my first time and I would want to look as good as I can! So I’d like to thank my special someone, A, for these beautiful Stradivarius black boots! I can’t wait to wear them!

I was so sad when I ran out of my favorite perfume – Hierbas de Ibiza. I wrote about it and why I love it in detail in a previous blog post. So when I got a Rustan’s Department Store wrapped package from my mom and dad, I kind of had a feeling it was that and felt really giddy already even when I hadn’t opened it yet. I got this 200ml bottle! The only thing that kind of bummed me out was that the bottle cap was damaged and it didn’t have a spritzer, so I had to exchange it. I have no idea if it’s true but when I did try to have it exchanged, the salesman said it was the last one. I decided to stick with it even though I wasn’t sure if it was used already. Still, it’s my favorite scent and I’m still so happy I have it again.

My parents also gave me this powerbox which is pretty cool. I didn’t even know there was such a thing. I’m not a techy person at all. They told me they got it for me because my iPhone always runs out of battery. I hope I don’t forget this at home or forget to charge it though. Haha!

I also got heat tech shirts from Uniqlo which I’ll hopefully get to use soon!

We’re getting our house renovated and expanded so that means more space – and right now, it’s more like… empty space. My sister Jessi had this great idea of giving us framed portraits that we get to hang on new walls or place on new shelves. Here’s mine:

These I got from my friend Kat F. who picked me in our CrossFit Alpha Strike exchange gift. I’ve been eyeing The Hippie Project’s set of notebooks and I was so happy I got one from Kat! I’m a sucker for notebooks without any lines and I think the cover is a good reminder for me to try to tone down my feistiness. Haha. She also gave me adaptors which I’ll be needing for when I travel. I’m so thankful that she gave me these, I didn’t even know I needed them!

I also got a notepad set from our own momma and poppa in the gym/box, Tita Yvette and Tito Peque. I love how it’s European themed; they’re designed with the Eiffel Towera and the Leaning Tower of Pisa which are actually both in out itinerary. I hope it’s a sign that our trip pushes through!

This next one is one of my favorite body washes. I got these for my mom and sister and decided I’d get one for myself also. The Body Shop’s Olive body wash smells heavenly! It’s a soap=free cleanser with Community Fair Trade cold-pressed olive oil from Italy. It’s amazing how the scent sticks to me almost the whole day. It’s a strong but delicious scent that, for some reason, makes me feel all grown up and luxurious. Hihi.

Since I know I’d be needing a jacket for really cold weather, I went on a hunt for one!

I finally decided to get this anorak (thought it was a down jacket) from Stradivarius with Christmas money from my Ninang (godmother) Doris.

I saw the last piece in gray (first photo above) in their Shangri-la branch but it was in a large so I decided to check out SM Aura’s the next day. They didn’t have the gray but had a denimish and a maroon one both in small. I thought the maroon one looked better on me and kind of brightened my complexion more (I know, how right??) This was the cheapest coat I could find. It’s half the price of everything else I saw! The only thing missing now is a historic Italian background or the romantic streets of Paris!

Lastly, I got myself inexpensive makeup from SM Aura Department store which I will blog about soon and a top from American Eagle Outfitters, also in SM Aura. Ugh, I know, it’s so… American.

But the laid back, comfy, feel of their clothes jive perfectly with my supposed “casual cool” style. My fashion designer sister makes fun of me, saying my style’s a mix of “LA trying to be New York/Grunge/Pambahay" mode. Haha! I kind of don’t care so much anymore about what I wear everyday. All I know is I’m comfiest wearing my 10 year old American Eagle denim shorts!

This shows the back of the shirt. I love how versatile it is… How I can wear it with trousers and a dressy skirt with pumps or simply with must my tattered denims and gold capped-toe black velvet Mango ballet flats.

I also got sweets from my friends Evee, Cat D, and Sab Ong but I ate them already! I also got a really special note from my friend Tin, which wasn’t exactly for Christmas, but really made me feel special! Thanks guys!

Thank you so much to everyone who made my Christmas, and my 2013, a fantastic and memorable one! You know who you are! Nothing will beat the gift of family and friendship! Hope you all had a joyous Christmas and may the new year be as wonderful to you as you were all to me!

Wishing you get many many kisses (and makeup) this 2014!