more NYE pics!

So I was able to grab some pics from my cousin...basically most of the same pics but I loved the NYE pics we had!

The post-yuletide blues.

Okay, so the holidays are over and the merriment has stopped.  People seem to once again be as grumpy as they were before the official 'holiday season' started...It happens every year after the holidays...

..the Post-Christmas blues.

For those that turn to a Grinch during the holiday season, it's not much of an adjustment really, same grumpy selves just going about their days...For those of us that love the yuletide season and all that it brings, it's hard to just go back to the status-quo right away lol.

The day or two leading upto New Year's Day my mom had dragged me to the mall to run errands for an upcoming trip, and I noticed that there were just as many people at the mall as there were right around the days leading up to Christmas eve...hmm.. Don't people ever run out of money? lol.
How would one deal with post-christmas blues?

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year! lol.  two days late, but better late than never I suppose...

I trust everyone's new year was just as memorable as mine.  This year my bf and I opted for a celebration at a posh hotel and so I had to fit a family dinner before I had to go to the party.  It all worked well as we were able to fit both and had a ball!

Of course, having two events I came prepared with two outfits! lol.

Family Dinner outfit:

Forever 21 Turtleneck Lace top || Jacob spaghetti strapped tanktop underlay || H&M Tuxedo blazer || Leatherette Leggings || Over-the-knee boots ||

NYE Party Outfit:

BCBG pink mesh dress || Smart Set hairpiece || BEBE black jeweled stilettoes || Urban Behavior braided necklace || Juicy Braceleet ||

For the rest of my party pics...

Festival of Lights 2011

It's nice to have a day off and be able to enjoy the city for once.  The next night after the train ride, we went to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens for their annual Festival of Lights then dinner at Old spaghetti factory!

check out the pics below...

Bright Nights Train Ride 2011

As previously mentioned, The Bright Nights Train Ride at Stanley Park is an annual tradition that we try not to miss--not even in the rain!

We had a package with dinner included, but since it was packed at Old Spaghetti Factory we had to opt for a faster type of meal--Vera's Burger.  It was delish nonetheless!

We ended the night at Kwong Chow Congee Noodle House for their Congee and Spare Ribs in spicy salt and pepper.

Train Ride...The Polar Express!

During the train ride, there was a new attraction--Polar Express! The conductor (which would have been Tom Hanks in the movie) would dance around to the Polar Express scene and train backdrop...It was not bad actually, better to see it for yourself!

Train ride Part 1

 

An annual tradition for my bf and I, the Bright Nights Train Ride!

It was a package, dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory and two tickets to the train ride.  We tried to take advantage of having dinner before going on the train ride but since it was amazingly crazy at the restaurant tonight (was everyone using their dinner vouchers!?) we had to postpone for another night..

Here is the first video I shot at the start of the train ride.  With pics to follow!

Christmas in Vancouver..love!

My cuz and I decided to venture out to downtown Vancouver to check out their lovely holiday decor and take some pics...

Mery Christmas and Happy Boxing Day! (belated)

Hello lovelies!

I hope that everyone had a great christmas like i did this year...lots more blessings than problems so I'm happy!  Of course the holidays weren't without abit of drama but it's what makes life more real and interesting right?

Christmas dinner went of like a hitch even though a few people were more than an hour late, but the food was great...We had the traditional turkey, stuffing, beef rendang(!? lol) mashed and sliced potatoes, baked salmon and more!  It was a gourmet delight and we have my cuz and her familia to thank for slavin away all day for the feast!

Two days later was Boxing Day!

lots of goodies in store, and equally many shoppers eagerly shopping!  We got mauled a few times bu survived the day with stuff we wanted.  I got a good haul out of it! lol..I will post soon!

Next up....New Years Eve dinner at my house and party! lol.

How did everyone's holiday go?

The fine art of gift-giving

My tree is trimmed and the fireplace has its stockings.  I am all excited for the holidays which are now in full swing...

The one thing I have still to finish? The gifts! lol.

This year, I'm not going all out with presents, just for close loved-ones and the exchange gift at the family christmas dinner.  The one person who I am having a hard time for this year? my boyfriend.  For someone who ends up buying anything he may want or need, it's hard to find that special gift that says 'i love you'. 

What do you give your significant other for the holidays?

Christmas Party weekend!

This weekend was a crazy busy weekend filled with both mine and my boyfriend's work christmas parties.  The weekend started off with us rushing to get to River Rock Hotel & Casino, check in right away and then make sure that everything is set up at Tramonto Restaurant for the dinner.

Most everyone was late, and unfortunately my other boss didn't make it due to a personal reason, but all in all it was a great night and things went off without a hitch.  The field guys behaved themselves for the most part and we did our company name proud.

On Saturday, we went to my bf's work party at the Convention Centre downtown.  It was a little hard nursing a slight hangover from the night before but we made it on time to check in, relax and enjoy the room before rushing to get ready and getting down in time for the announcement to take our seats.  It was very different from my work christmas party as it was over 3000 people in attendance!  I had fun even if the headache didn't really go away.  The party was a success, and big enough that it included a football sized main area, and a small jazz lounge upstairs! lol.  It was an amazing night.

if you wanna see both my outfits and the rest of the pics...

Happy December 1st! Let the festivities begin...

The tree is up, fireplace mantle has our stockings hanging and the poinsettas are out on display...

yep, it's definitely christmas!

Now that it's December 1st, it's more socially acceptable to greet everyone 'merry christmas' and moreover, it is more than ok to string up the outdoor lights and sing carols--even have christmas parties! I am more than excited to go to two christmas work parties and enjoy the holiday festivities around town. 

What do you do in town to stay festive and merry?

If you're in town in the Vancouver area and looking for festivities, please don't forget these annual traditions:

Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.  It's been a tradition for me every year to go with my boyfriend and enjoy the lights, (the coldness lol) the dancing light show at their pond and take lots of pictures!

Bright Nights Train Ride at Stanley Park.  Another fun tradition for me and the bf, we take a 10 minute (i think) train ride through their nicely decorated holiday park!  I love taking a ride in their mini train.  We usually like to do the dinner and train ride package...A dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory with I believe $11 redeemable for an entree for each ticket and then a ticket to the train ride!

but....Don't forget a welcomed addition...

The Robson Square Ice Rink! It just officially opened today! Want to skate in the open fresh air and have hot chocolate right at the heart of downtown Vancouver!?  Here's your chance! It's open til' late every night!

I hope everyone enjoys the holidays as much as I am!

The party dress...

The end of this year has been quite a curse and a blessing for me.  My New York trip was cancelled for a serious reason, and as devastating as it was, I am glad everything worked out for the best in the end.  The holiday season has also blessed me with lots of fun events to go to!  Two christmas parties (my own work and my bf's work), New Years Eve in downtown and a wedding in the beginning of the year!

As such, I've been planning my outfits carefully so as not to repeat and at the same time spend too much! lol..

This is my first dress, to be worn at my bf's work christmas party...

Christmas 2011: 10 weeks away...are you ready for it?

Okay, so it doesn't seem like it's that close, but the holidays are approaching fast...I always seem to block out Halloween and Thanksgiving but after the last stat day, Remembrance Day--it will be full steam ahead for the holidays.

I noticed that my two fave retail stores have aleady set out their pre-holiday glitter and glam wear.  I thought I'd showcase a few pieces.