What I got for Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! This time of the year is so special and I feel so very blessed to spend the holidays with my family and friends that are close by. Although, I do miss seeing everyone in my family; like my grandma, uncles and aunts, cousins, and nephews & nieces. I got so many great gifts from family and friends :) I got a chance to use them this week and each one is as awesome as the next. 

Our beautiful Christmas tree with all the trimmings and presents under it! 

 

Awesome Batman shirt from my lovely little sister. She knew that my old bats shirt received too much love and it was time for a new one. Mom and Dad got me a New Year's champagne glass sweater. I glanced at it at the store andI guess they saw my "oh I'd like that" smile and got it when I was looking around elsewhere. They know me so well. In the words of mah bestie, "It's a Star Wars kind of year." How did he know I needed a new Star Wars shirt, I don't know but he got it for me. The force is strong! :)

So, Funko Pop makes characters from movies and shows into adorable bobble heads/figures and I happen to have a few of them already. I foresee my collection growing but I will try not to get too carried away...who am I kidding. I have to have the Star Wars Pop collection. R2-D2 and BB8 for the win! Now, Chewie has a new friend, Poe Damaron, and a rather small TIE fighter from mah bestie.

So, my uncle asked me what I would like for Christmas and I said I really need a watch. He asked me some of my favorite watch brands and I did. The first one that popped into my head were the Daniel Wellington watches and then I said pretty much anything else that isn't too big, like Micheal Kors big.    Much to my surprise he went with the Daniel Wellington Sheffield watch with the black wristband. It's beautiful!

Stocking goodies included a dual bite lipstick set, scarlet and mulberry, and the Benefit Porefessional primer. I so wanted to give these try and now I can. Yahoo!

Chocolates are a must for the holiday season and I snagged this picture before sister and I ate everything. We have Lindt Lindor truffles from mah bestie :] and Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates from a coworker. (oh and I'm not bragging just very blessed and thankful)

Breakfast Meeting

Early meeting at work with breakfast and a gift exchange is ten times better than a professional development workshop. Just saying...

I took bacon, egg and cheese mini quiches. It was the first time I made them and I was so scared they wouldn't taste as good as they smelt. I used the recipe from another blogger : Mother on a Mission.
It was so delicious that I am making them again for the family :)

We had a great gift exchange! I had a great time looking for a gift for my friend. I received beautiful gifts from a coworker whom I don't see very often. I got a necklace with a heart charm and a pair of earrings, a very soft infinity scarf, and French Lavender & Honey body cream. It's been a little chilly in the morning so the scarf comes in handy. I wore the jewelry already and they were just my style. The cream was so lush that it became one of my favorites for the month of December.

Four days till Christmas!!!

Cookies!!

Cookie exchange at work and it was awesome!

I took the Snickerdoodles pictured here and below :)

Oatmeal raisin cookies brought in a lovely platter that changes with the seasons. What?!?! The Christmas tree can come out and you can put it a birthday cake, pumpkin, wedding cake etc. to make it fit any occasion. 

Beautifully decorated Gingerbread cookies!

The scrumptious chocolate dipped cookies were...scrumptious!

By the end of the cookie exchange all cookies were gone and half were eaten by lunchtime. At least mine were. I took the rest home and they were eaten up by the next morning. I am so participating next year! 

What are you doing to celebrate the holidays at work?

Also, five days till Christmas!!

Candles galore!

So, I might have a slight obsession with candles. Hehehe. I buy these candles every year from Bath and Body Works. I hope they don't retire any of them ever. 

Marshmallow Fireside~Fresh Balsam~Sweater Weather~Flannel

~Marshmallow Fireside has smells a little sweet but the woodsy smell tones it down some. I like to light this at night to give my room a sweetish aroma.

~Fresh Balsam is Christmas in a candle! It smells like a freshly cut Christmas tree with some eucalyptus. 

~Sweater Weather also has some eucalyptus but this blend adds some sage and juniper berry. This candle just asks you to get in your cozy PJ's and drink some warm hot chocolate while watching a movie.

~Flannel has a stronger aroma because of the mahogany, musk and bergamot (I don't know what that is but it smells good) This candle is rather fall-y but I like it even in the winter. 

Christmas Decorations

Slanted star = a curious tree

Christmas decorations are up and looking loooovely! 

I'll let the pictures tell you a story rather than me. Some of our decorations are old, new, handmade, and some bought but each one has a story to tell about a previous Christmas. 

Made by my Uncle

Light up village and people

Tree with an attitude ;)

Snowmen and kissing angels

Nativity given to me by my mom

Pinterest idea for holiday cards

We might have a slight snowman obsession haha :D

November Monthly Favorites

November's been a roller coaster kind of month in every possible way. A cup of coffee helps most of the time but when I didn't have it close by or when I reached the bottom of the cup, I looked for these items.

Forever Nude palette from BH cosmetics

First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser

Lush Cosmetics massage bar 

Bath and Body works Stress Relief lotion

Bath and Body works Sweater Weather candle

Starbust candy 

Time to get ready for December shenanigans :) Our Christmas tree is up and it is beautiful! Can't wait to share our Christmas decorations and funsies with you!

Post Goble Goble

Turkey day was fantastic! When the rest of the family arrived, which was late. Our hunger beat the camera. No picture of Dad or Grandpa carving the turkey at the table. No instagram-y "look at my plate of food" picture. None. We just ate it all!

It's Black Friday! The day where many great deals appear before our eyes and we impulse buy because "it's on super sale and I just might need that." I'm pretty sure we've all fallen victim to our shopper self think that phrase above. I know I have, but this year I stayed away from the stores. Most of the sales were online anyway and some were better than in store sales. Besides I'd much rather shop at the comfort of my own home, in my Pjs, and a warm cup of coffee to sip on.

Temptation to put more things in your cart is possible but thank goodness for that remove button or the error message when we mistype our card number. It has saved me a few times from buying things that I just don't need but needed to make it to the free shipping minimum. I had to figure out if the item was truly worth it or not. If it wasn't then I removed it but if it was there had to be a very good reason. Many stores include shipping because they figured you wouldn't just buy a sweater for your brother or a scarf for your best friend. Although the deals were pretty spot on in some stores I stuck with good ol' trusty Amazon. I finished my Christmas shopping and stayed under budget, way under budget. Go me! I did some shopping at Nordstrom too; spoiling the family a bit and myself.

Continuously thankful for each and every one of my blessings!
Hope you guys had a great shopping experience in store, at home or both :)

Friday already?

Well, Thanksgiving is just three days away. Where has the time gone?? Truth be told, I am glad that tomorrow is my Friday and hopefully for many of you too. Thank you work! oh and I'm so very thankful for the many blessings I have. Like getting together with family and friends, turkey (gobble, gobble), stretchy pants (have to make room for pie and ice cream), football/movie and a nap or two. Oh, I can't wait for Thursday and all the food goodness!

We have gone through a lot this year. Everyone has ups and downs but it takes a lot of strength to get back up even in our lowest point. & we did it! We have a lot to be thankful for and don't want to waste a single second not appreciating it. So, here are a few things that I am thankful for: my nerdy family, friends near and far, pets that I have now and in the past, and so much more but that can happen another day.

What are you thankful for?

...Keep on the lookout for a Thanksgiving dessert recipe or two!

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Just one

Why do you taunt me

With your slick lines and cool moves?

Every time that I see you, I ache

Knowing that all I can do

Is watch

Not touch.

I just hope to one day

Feel your hand on my face 

And maybe then that blasted 

Tear will come down.

The sun’s rays keep me warm

My heart holds its beat

But then you appear

The orchestra goes out of tune.

Slowly I catch my breath 

Feels like I just ran a marathon.

So many questions come to mind

I just know the answers will hurt me 

Thankfully, my angel came

The pitter-patter of tears 

Failed to come rolling down my cheek.

His arms embracing me, his heart

And mine beat as one.

Now that he is here

There’s no need 

For your presence to hurt me anymore

My angel, my best friend arrived.

Everything changed

My life, now, has a different meaning.

I am indebted to him 

For helping me find 

A new pebble of hope,

One that reminded me of the pearly keys

From the grand piano.

His tune calmed me

Kept me happy

Maybe someday I will let that one tear go

Or maybe it already has gone with the 

Tears of joy when my angel came back.

written by yours truly.

Ideal day off

When I think about taking a day off from work I hope that it will be relaxing. I picture myself waking without the noise of an alarm. I go through my morning routine; shower, face routine, brush teeth, comb through hair and dress in lounge like clothes. Eat a bowl of cereal, drink a cup coffee with yummy toast and begin the day reading up on blogs, catching up on YouTube videos, reading new comic books and mangos, watching anime and my favorite classic films. Everything else after that is just a day spent chillin' like a villain. I'd probably do some laundry because it will bug me seeing it sitting there when I have 24 hours in the day. That's just reality there.

How do you spend your day off?

Pray for Paris

My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones or are waiting for them to get better in hospitals. The moment I heard of this tragic incident I was speechless. The only thing I wanted to do is make sure my friends and their families were safe in France; either on vacation or living there. Fortunately they are safe and sound. I hope and pray that those of you who lost someone or are waiting for them to get better from the attack don't lose hope. You can keep them alive in your hearts. They will not be forgotten. Again, my heart goes out to each and every one you. #prayforParis

(Picture from this blog. Check it out!) 

I'd like to remember Paris like the picture above. 

Serene like a warm cup of tea.

Liberté, égalité, fraternité

Nekocon 2015

It's been a week since Nekocon and I thought I'd share my experience. If you don't know what Nekocon is it's an anime convention where many geek friends get together and geek out, fangirl over cosplayers etc. I had a a great time at the con! Since pictures are worth a thousand words keep scrolling...

 Backhand Proposal Cosplay as Dragon Age

How to train your Dragon- Astrid 

Big Hero 6

Blue Exorcist

 Soul Eater

It's morphin' time! 

Masquerade Skit: Toy Store 

(As soon as I find out what group performed this skit I'll tag it) 

GROUP SHOT!

Star Wars Funsies

Hello hello! It's been a while and that's due to having too much fun in the month of October and the beginning of November. Sadly, part of October I was sick in bed with quite possibly the worst cold I've had in my life. Anyway, in case you didn't know, halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love wearing costumes and embracing the character. This year my family and I went to a family fright weekend event at the Air and Space museum. We had so much fun that we are going back next year. Since, the new Star Wars movie is coming out in December pretty much everything was Star Wars themed.

In the presence of royalty O_O

All the feels!!

Beloved Family Dish

There are many dishes that we love in my family but one that I love the most is called Aji de fideo. I believe it's a Bolivian dish but I'm not entirely sure. It's a pasta with beef, veggies and potatoes all in one pot. Easy to make and delicious to eat. My mom makes it the best! I don't know what she adds to the food when she cooks it but its just out of this world. I could eat it just about everyday! I like to think of this dish as my feel good dish. My siblings may or may not feel the same way but I know that if all of us were to pick one dish it would have to be my mom's invention called Mom's food. Another one pot meal that is very versatile, in the sense that you can add as many veggies as you'd like and it will taste good in the end. Mom's food is a pasta with veggies, hot dogs, and eggs. Another feel good dish!

My first time...

Many of you  might read the title and say to yourself, "Oh la la!" .  Well, no juicy adventures in the night here just a girl who took her first fitness class! It all started with a day adventure into one of my favorite places in Virginia; Charlottesville. I absolutely love it! From the small town vibe, to the university gatherings, to the awesome vineyards. I took a barre class at a friends' studio, Barre[d]. It's a great little place that packs a punch of a workout! I took the Sport Barre class that was about 45 minutes long. I got to work out various parts of my body; arms, legs, flutes, back etc. I definitely felt the effects off it the next day when I realized that I've been missing some ab muscles in my regular workout  routine. Now, I am looking for barre classes in my neck of the woods. It'll be a great way to change up my workout routine during the week. I guess you could say that I am hooked! After that workout I got hungry and needed an energy boost.
So, a small group of us went to grab a very yummy cup of coffee at Mudhouse coffee. Afterwards my bestie and I split from the group and went to Brazos Tacos for a late morning snack/early lunch. Great decision! I am going back to both places the next time I am there. After all that food goodness I had to change from sweaty workout clothes to clean clothes to walk around town. I thought it would be a good idea to check out some antique shops, and maybe find something unique. I found a cute little fox box to hold some Starburst sweetness. The other antique/second hand shops had many interesting things, had it not been for my friend there I probably would have bought a few more things. After visiting those lovely shops it was time for me to head back home. Overall it was a great day with great friends!

Labor Day Weekend!

Fall is around the corner...what?? Summer has been a blast and will be for a little while longer ( I just can't give up on summer yet. it's. too. soon.) There are a few things that made August a great month this year, aside from birthdays. :)

A great outfit can turn any ordinary day into a great one, not too mention awesome accessories.

(Top: Skies are Blue from LeTote , Jeans: Aeropostale skinny jeans, Sandals: Aerosole, Bag: BCBG, Sunglasses: Ray Ban-Clubmaster)

(Arm Candy: Alex & Ani Feather and Piece of the Puzzle Bangle)

As much as I love movies, one did top 'em all this summer.

Summer Wars! Yes, it is an anime movie & it is awesome! I watched it on my birthday weekend. Another movie that I can watch many times is Howl's Moving Castle!

A show that I've been watching is Fairy Tail. I haven't finished the last season yet but I will soon. Another one that I just couldn't stop watching and saw myself in the main character was Toradora.

Fairy Tail

 

Toradora

Nom, Nom, Nom... Spaghetti!!

So, I recently wrote about my spaghetti and thought I'd share the recipe with you. :) My family requests it whenever it's my turn to cook. I try to make enough for two nights but it usually is just for the night and maybe a lunch or two for the next day. It's a pretty basic recipe with a few added ingredients. (by the way I can't don't know the exact measurements for the spices and such because I eyeball and taste test it)

Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

1-2 lbs of ground beef

2 medium onions

2 medium tomatoes

1 can of tomato sauce (16 oz)

1 can of tomato paste (8 oz)

Vegetable oil
1 cup of water

Oregano 

Basil

Garlic (powder or minced)

Salt

One large pot
wine

Preperation:

Chop the onions and tomatoes. Sautee the onions in the pot with some oil until they are slightly see through. Add the ground beef to the onions and fry for a few minutes. Add a little bit (aka a three shakes of the spice bottle) of the oregano, basil and garlic to the onions to give them some flavor. Give it a good stir and then add the meat. Once it is nearly all cooked add the tomatoes and a cup of water. As soon as the water begins to boil add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pot. Stir it some more. Add some more of the spices to enhance the flavor, three more shakes. Add a cup of water and some wine. I put in about 4 large spoonfuls of wine. Let it come to a boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer for about 30 minutes and stir every once in a while. While that's cooking make some pasta & enjoy! I hope you like this spaghetti recipe and much as we do :)

self help books...yes? no? which one?

I've been through some ups and downs in life and I'm pretty sure it's just the beginning. In some of the downs I looked to books for comfort and guidance. (They kind of hold a special place in my heart :) ) I'm a kid at heart so naturally the first thing I grab from my bookcase are comic books, Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson and Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. They helped bring out the kid in me that knocked some sense in older me. But when comic books didn't quite help me the way I needed I went to a particular author's books, Max Lucado. (Facing your Giants and Traveling Light) His books are great! They helped me when I was down in the dumps. I admit that there are moments where I slip and fall but I know I can and will get back up stronger. I really love to read motivational quotes and really just about any quote. Something about reading a saying or proverb puts a smile on my face and I feel at ease.

Birthday Fun!!

Mah birthday! I'm the kind of girl who doesn't like to be the center of attention contrary to what many Leo's probably are but that's just me. I'm usually on an airplane for my birthday or at work (like many) but this year I was in neither situation. Yay! So, this year like most we had BBQ, at my grandpa's house, and some chocolate cake with cookies n' cream icing. Absolutely delicious!
These past couple of years I've been getting myself a little treat or two for my birthday just because. The one thing that I really really wanted but not necessarily needed was a purse/backpack from Mulberry. One day I will buy that bag and it will be a great day! I got myself my two first blue ray DVDs- Summer Wars and the first season of Fairy Tail. I also got some candles from the Bath and Body Works summer sale, half price on the candles is a winner deal. My brothers got me a purse and shirt of my choosing from the Le Tote online shopping event. My grandmother sent me a big bag of my favorite chocolate candies from my country. My mom and sister gave me some great earrings, owls and skulls.  My sister also got me a ring with skulls around it. They know me so well ^_^
I couldn't have asked for anything better on my birthday than to spend time with them. The presents were just a bonus. I'm so blessed to have the wonderful, crazy, qwerky family that I have. It was a great birthday!

Advice from a stranger or a close friend/relative...

Advice huh? Well, I prefer to get advice from someone close to me but I know from experience that getting advice from a stranger can be a good thing. For starters they won't be biased on their advice or try to console you as much if you didn't like the advice they gave you. I got some good advice from people I just met at work but the best ones were from family and friends. Didn't make up my mind on this one, did I?... Two sides of advice and I'll take 'em both into consideration. (picture from here)

Three things I'm at expert at...

                                                                    (personal photo from Miami) 

"The expert at anything was once a beginner." -Helen Hayes

So, its been a while...my bad. I had some serious writers block and time got the best of me. This month I'm hoping to get into the swing of blogging by participating in the NaBloPoMo! The theme for the month of August is Know and yesterday's prompt was what three things we're an expert at.
I thought about it for a little bit and came up with this:

Spaghetti!- It was the first meal I prepared for my family at the age of twelve. I remember that day very clearly because I had a mixture of emotions, nervous and excited. What if there isn't enough salt or oregano? I can't believe I'm cooking a meal for all of us! It turned out pretty good. Throughout the years I learned to make it better. I know that it is good because it's one of the meals my siblings ask for the most whenever I cook.

Pj's- I've become rather good at sewing pajama pants and shorts for my family. I try to sew some other clothes, half the time it works and the other half it turns out a little wonky.

Sister- I am the oldest kid in my family. I have two brothers and a little sister & I think I have mastered the art of being the elder sister. Annoying, caring, nerdy, encourager(is that a even a word?), defender, teammate, confidant, and sarcastic leader. I am so blessed to have three awesome, nerdy, goofy, sarcastic siblings!

(prompts from NaBloPoMo)