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?

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.

Girls' Night out!

I haven't had time to post these pics up....Usually our happy hour girls' night outs are thursdays, but this time we had it on a friday.  Perfect night since it didn't rain, although it was a little chilly outside.

The night started out at The Keg Thurlow for dinner...

After dinner we ventured over to our fave spot, George for some drinks...

I just love the ambiance of the lounge...

An uneventful but fun girls' night out...It's always fun to catch up and have some girls time =)

I wore my Black Marciano Bandage dress, Black&white tweed cropped blazer and Zara Cape.

Annual Christmas Eve Family dinner!

T'was the night before christmas and the night of our christmas dinner.  Just before the dinner I thought I'd curl my hair and change up my 'do this year..

After a quick outfit change (last minute), I settled into a comfy burgundy sweater dress and my fave cream blazer from Zara...I finished it with gold jewelry to make the red pop!

The festivities went on their way and after dinner, we had asti to wind down the night while we watched 'Miracle on 34th street'.  I loved that movie, so sweet and full of faith in the spirit of christmas.

Af

We thought we'd get a photo-op after dinner as well...

Another year, another christmas eve dinner done and over with! lol..As usual, family dinners are never perfect, a few whiny people who shall remain nameless, others that can't accept a no--otherwise it was nothing short of a weird but normal family dinner...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve greeting!~*

It's December 24th and all the kids must be buzzing with excitement while their parents are panicking to do last minute prep work for the climax of the holiday season-Christmas Eve and Day.

I felt more stressed this holiday season and felt less of the christmas cheer I usually do during the holidays.  It was tough for awhile, but closer to christmas I started to get into the spirit--and just in time too!

I want to appreciate all the good that has happened this year, and learn from the bad.  I want to be thankful for my family and friends, that everyone I hold dear is safe.

As usual, wishing for world peace and world debt relief is at the top of the list, but it's a big elephant in the room that will be easier wished than done.  I hope that everyone has a great, fashionably beautiful christmas!  May everyone be merry and happy!

Santa Baby....Can I have an LV?

Okay, so I was a little naughty this year... I am still hoping that Santa would be kind and at least humor me about my wishlist haha..

I absolutely LOVE my LV speedy bag.  It's not the most expensive nor the most stylish, but it gets me around and carries all that I need to get through the day.  I am appreciative =)

So with that said, here are others that I would wish for santa to put under my tree lol (or what I may get someday)

Galleria PM - from LV website

Berkeley - from LV website

SC Bag Monogram - from LV website (sophia coppola collection)

Eva Clutch - from LV website

 I am inlove with the craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton.  I admire quality work that withstands time.  I carry my speedy with pride--not because of the brand name--because it is made well and I know that someone's hard work went into manufacturing the bag.  I love bags, and excluding big investments like a house or car (which are duh--obviously great investments) I think that investing in a good quality bag that pays per use is just maah-velous!

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas eve 'eve' - 1 more sleep to go!

Christmas Eve is one more sleep away!

Time for reflection on the year's events when it's starting to draw to a close...

Have I been naughty or nice? maybe abit of both lol.

It's been a tough year, lots of ups and downs.  One significant part of my life is losing someone dear to my heart--our maternal matriarch.  A devastation and realization at the same time...

Presents are finally wrapped and everything that needs to be done is done.  All I need now is my Family Christmas dinner outfit.  Time to shop the closet! especially now that it's fnally all organized!

2 more sleeps til' christmas!

beats:: serena ryder - calling to say

OOTD:: Marciano White boyfriend Tee, Black Garage cotton terry leggings, Black Zara Boyfriend Blazer, Sirens over-knee high boots

fave fashion accessory of the day/moment:: Burberry Scarf

Simply put--Christmas and the whole holiday season is my most favourite time of the year, of course tied with the changing of season to fall.  I can't stress enough how excited I get over anticipation of decorating my whole house for the holidays, filling the air with the scent of baked goodies and even seeing a snowfall or two staring out of the window while at work.  The holidays have been in full swing and it's now 2 more sleeps until christmas.  I am so excited and finally in the christmas spirit, but at the same time sad.

It's finally almost here, 2 more sleeps and it's all over, folks! lol.  All the festivities and activities culminate into two days--Christmas eve and Christmas day!

This year, true to my word, I have minimized the gift-buying and uber-shopping for useless things.  I have tried to simplify my holiday season to minimize the dent in my wallet.  Of course it didn't make much of a difference, but a more simplified holiday season means hardly any unnecessary stress! haha.

With the holiday season nearing an end, I look forward to another time-honoured tradition--Boxing Day shopping! lol Think of it as like a Canadian Black Friday, only on the 26th.

I will mos def miss christmas! I always have christmas withdrawals hahaha..

Sales, Sales, Sales! Last minute shopping madness! lol

It's the last weekend before Christmas.  Ideally I would like to say that everything is done, but in the grand tradition of my holiday organizination, things are usually done last minute contrary to my best efforts to start early.  With that said, I have compiled some sales this weekend that hopefully will not only help me, but anyone else who cares to venture on this site! lol.

Happy Hunting! --err i mean Shopping!

Le Chateau - various items, on sale upto 50% off now!

Aldo - last day today: 50% off original price and free shipping online last day today to receive by christmas!

Club Monaco - Extra 30% off sale Friday Dec 17 - Monday Dec 20

BEBE - sale upto 50% off

Abercrombie & Fitch - 30% off whole store (and almost the whole site : except fragrances, gift cards & select online styles)

Old Navy - sale items, starting at $5

Danier Leather - 2 days only starting Dec 17: extra 25% off coats & jackets

Nine West - additional 40% off last ticket price off handbags!