End 2011. Begin 2012.

I don’t know about you but 2011 was a pretty decent year for me... There were many happy memories, some really scary and sad ones, ones that made me cry, that made me laugh, that made me smile, that made me cuss, that made me think, that made me hope, that made me dream.

2010 was a year of 'Coming Home' {my One Little Word - OLW - for the year} for me and this year as I ponder about what OLW would best describe 2011, the word comes easily to me. 2011 was a year of 'Preparation'... a year of building foundations. A year of preparing to grow up, preparing to fly, preparing to take big steps, preparing for big changes, preparing to be a wife, preparing to speak out, preparing to capture my dreams with two hands. 


God who has always been my constant has not failed me this year. He has given me strength through the tough times and has sustained me. He has comforted me in times of sadness and loneliness. He has been a source of inner joy and peace and He has never failed to provide and bless all those whom I love and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank you Father God for your many mercies and blessings.

I would have liked to boast about the super cool and awesome things that I have done in 2011, but there are none that rocked the world per se, but it sure rocked my life... 

So here's what I did:

• B moved into the Love Nest and we had our first house warming party. 
• Choose curtains, colours, pots, pans, furniture and etc.
• I watched heaps of tv and movies.
• Attended many weddings.
• Went overseas to Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam.
• Made several large purchases for Project Love Nest & Project Happily Ever After.
• The Princess Project is a disaster ~ I think I am just happy in my own skin as is.
• Finally got upgraded to a smart phone ~ the white Samsung Glaxay SII.
• Went through the Catholic Marriage Preparation Course (CMPC) and thought it the best thing for B’s and my relationship.
• Changed the look of Little Pieces of Heaven.
• Started The Knick Knack Box.
• Turned heaps of lemons into lemon meringue pies.
• Watched ‘The Lion King’ on broadway {in Singapore} and in 3D.
• Wore my first skirt to work.
• Bought more bags, clothes and accessories than ever before.
• Have started to love colours more ~ especially Pink!
• Took heaps of photos.
• Deleted toxic people from my Facebook page.
• Started using my arts + crafts supplies {small steps DW!}.
• Read quite a few books of varying genres.
• Saved. Spent. And tried to save some more.
• Freelanced for Home & Décor.
• Shopped quite a bit online.
• Built and strengthened some friendships, let go of some others.
• Finally got more than 1 million points in Zuma.
• I have more than 220 pinterest followers.
• Since May 2009, I have had 30,531 pageviews - a small number for many but good encouragement for me *double woot woots* 

Yes.  2011 was a very full year that whizzed by too quickly and although I will hate to see it go and though I am panicky that my wedding day {and hitting the big 30} is getting closer and closer with each breath I take, I am fully welcoming 2012. There is so much to look forward to and really, it will be a whole new phase in life. Not only will I be married *woot woot* and turn 30 {I reckon I still look 24} but I will be moving out of the home I have known for the past 29 years and going to Europe *triple woot woots*. I also plan to explore new opportunities and new things that I have always wanted to do but never did. 

Seen @ Ali Edwards

Because of all these exciting adventures that is going to happen and because I know 2012 will be super awesomeness, my OLW for 2012 is 'Explore'. I have also found some illustrations to go with the word 'explore'. Enjoy the photos, ponder about them and give out 3 cheers and a little wiggle to 2012, a year of exploring. Btw, if you are interested in reading about other OLW's chosen by other bloggers, read this post by Ali Edwards that has inspired me to start selecting OLW each year {2010: coming home  & 2011: preparation}. There is also a class by Big Picture Classes to help inspire you to document and journa,l as well as share your OLW.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Suggestions for Success

Seen @ The Cool Hunter

Read through these 21 suggestions and 

I think they are quite apt for preparing ourselves for the new year.

I will be working on these 21 suggestions and paying close attention

to the following numbers: 2,4,7, 9, 10, 13, 19 and 20!

Perhaps, I will even print it out so that it will be a 

good guide for the New Year. 

May these 21 suggestions help you find success in the coming year

*smiles smiles* 

Must Resist!!!

I have not talked much about Project Happilly Ever After and I have

talked even less about the Princess Project. The reason being

is that both are not going as smoothly as I hoped it would.

Project Happily Ever After has hit some bumps along the way.

Bump Bump Bump! From the guest list to the invitation {the horror!},

to the pre-wedding photography, to the wedding favor, and etc.

Then there is the awful realisation that everything involves $$$.

Lots of it. Everything you touch is $$$. *gulp*

There are still a couple {I use this lightly} of loose ends to tie up.

A couple more calls and arrangements to make.

A couple more envelopes to stamp...

and the list goes on.

So ya... btw, everyone I meet now asks the same question...

"How is the wedding preparations?" and I know they mean well

but really. Do they really care or want to know? Not sure.

Right moving swiftly along...
The Princess Project is not going well as mentioned above.
My skin is super sensitive. For some reason I break into
fits of sneezing {violently I might add}which leads to me having
red ugly eyes and an awful headache. My hair is... strange.
And most of all I look like a sausage *sniffs*

Seen @ Meow Cheese

I need help. 

Must resist the food.

Must resist the desserts.

Must get butt out of bed to exercise.

Must exfoliate and mositurise.

Pronto.

OKAY!

Enough whinging.

I am going to have a cookie glass of water.

*snickers snickers*

Rome wasn't built in a day...

and I wish my wedding was another 

couple of months away...

maybe I can loose some weight then...

maybe.

maybe not.

perhaps.

hopefully.

*hahaha*

Such a random post.

Ok. I am honestly freaked.

I look like a sausage *sighs*

Gonna play Zuma now or

drink my sorrows away with water.

Toodles {sorry am emo-ing!}.

His amazing race

I read this article from The Star and 

I was so moved by this person. 

I have not had the pleasure of meeting Azam 

but his story is inspiring and humbling. 

It made me think then of all the other brave and

 fearless people who in the face of death fight valiantly

 for another day in the sun and who can still smile 

at the sometimes cruel and unfair hand dealt to them. 

So here is a toast to these amazing people who 

remind about how precious life is.

May God protect you and bless you with His abundant goodness 

and may you rest in peace at the end of your amazing race. 

Trendy

Seen @ B for Bonnie

Saw this bag and didn't know it was a stroller bag for babies.

{Reminds me of the time I wore a top that my mum bought...

it was a maternity blouse!!! She told me she didn't know that

she had picked a maternity blouse from the maternity rack!!!}

It looks trendy and I would love to have it next time when I 

am blessed with a couple of bundles of joy *smiles*

but really, doesn't to look super cool?

Yummy prints

Seen @ Joel Penkman's Etsy store

I stumbled upon Joel's Etsy store and loved his paintings/prints. 

They look so delicious. 

Btw, I love Etsy and am hooked on it.

Psssttt... I might be opening my own little virtual store next year.

{prays fervently that everything goes well}

*smiles grins grins*

Toughest job ever had

Stumbled upon an article about working at Starbucks the 

other day while trawling the interweb. 

The article was titled "Why working at Starbucks for three 

weeks was the toughest job I've ever had". 

I now feel more compassion towards Starbucks barristas.

I also got a book on Starbucks which I have bought.

I think its about how Starbucks changed someone's life. 

Seen @ Rubenerd 

Speaking of Starbucks, I stll miss my dark cherry mocha.

Possibly the bestest coffee drink I have ever had. 

Please bring it back Malaysia, Starbucks!

Banksy

Seen @ Street Art Utopia

Seen @ Jerzy Girl 45

Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter. His satirical street art and subversive epigrams combine irreverent dark humour with graffiti done in a distinctive stencilling technique. Such artistic works of political and social commentary have been featured on streets, walls, and bridges of cities throughout the world. Excerpt taken from Wikipedia.

I like his work for its satire and wit.

Here's to freedom and world peace.

Soon soon I will be able to see the REAL deal ~ can't wait.

*woot woot*

Christmas 2011 ~ a real post

Happy blessed Christmas all...

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

I finally have sometime to sit down and be enveloped in Christmas.

Some time to just think and let my thoughts wonder.

I know the theme songs for the season should be Christmas carols and such and surprisingly this year I have not indulged in them too much {but there is always another 12 days to indulge} but instead have taken to listening to the OST to 'Breaking Dawn'... I know right? Wth!!! But its surprisingly good. Am listening to the track titled 'Love Death Birth' and it is beautiful. No words. Just music. Magic.The house is quiet. The wind is stirring around the house and I am a little hungry but have stuffed my face with chocolate chip cookies {my breakfast} while waiting for something more substantial for lunch. 

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Each year, I count down till Christmas. Each year, I hope for more magic and for the perfect Christmas celebration with all the pretty trimmings, trees and company... but it has taken me 29 years to realise that there is no perfect Christmas that the world can offer. The presents, the wrapping, the decorations, the food, the music and movies are all pretty and add to the festive mood but in actual fact, Christmas does happen in your heart. It happens when you are not looking. When are you aren't listening and when you are not prepared. 

It creeps up to you and washes over you leaving you with joy and peace... for today is born in the City of David a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

This is my last Christmas as a twenty-something and as a single women. This year is the last year I wake up on Christmas morning in my own bed looking at the raspberry walls and Disney jigsaw puzzle. I have mixed feelings. Excitement for the new beginnings to come and yet melancholic for these simpler times with my family. So this year, Christmas is all about family. We have lined up dinners and parties at my relatives places. Its going to be reflective when I get moments alone but mostly filled with laughter when I am around my family. Had a Starbucks session with Cat {my old bestie}, her husband, Drama Dave, Jo & Rachel and of course B. The conversation was kinda skewed to babies, birthing, weddings and paint... but I enjoyed hanging out with them. Perhaps this can be one of our traditions *smiles smiles smiles*

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Speaking of traditions and me lamenting {nearly every year about the lack of it}, I realised that I have managed to retain one tradition for many years, that being the Midnight Mass. This year's mass was beautiful. The church was decked out in pretty Christmas decorations, the crib was done up well by the Philippino community, whole mass was orchestrated so well and the music was magical! There wasn't much shopping done this year either {the shopping malls I felt were not decorated to their utmost best as well... I believe Pavilion takes the cake for super awesome decorations} and not many presents received this year and for once in my life, I am okay with that. There is more to Christmas presents. Seriously. Though being human I love the trimmings and wrapping *smiles* 

And you know what, there is always room to make more traditions in the coming years and I should just enjoy the now, the moment. And you know what, the Christmases to come will be awesome because I will be married and we will have a new addition to the family {and God willing more additions to come as well to our lives and to our friends lives as well}! *smiles smiles* so there is something to look forward to. If you are curious, read a little snippet of  one of my Christmas past here.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

And you know what, it has been like nine years, the memories don't quite dim. There is still an empty cavity in my heart where you belong. I had a moment where I allowed myself to imagine and it made me smile, a smile tinged with sorrow, with hope. 

Okay my folks are back and lunch is beckoning. I wish all of you a blessed and happy Christmas! May all your wishes, hopes, dreams and prayers come true this year and every year to come. I pray that you will have many memories and traditions to collect this year to carry you through the New Year which is just around the corner... memories that will keep you warm and fuzzy and make you smile to yourself on days when you just want to crawl under the sheets and die {yes, I am being drama!}. 

So anyways, happy blessed New Year *hugs hugs*

Christmas 2011

In my mind I had a lovely post all ready. 

I just have not found the time to write everything down.

So, anyways... Happy Blessed Christmas.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Heaven devoid of stars...

Seen @ I Love Typography

I find the words
"Heaven devoid of stars"
so poetic.
And yes.
I love fonts and type too!

this poor child

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

I have had this picture for some time and every time I see it, I start cracking up. I honestly pity this poor child whose parents probably thought it cool to dress him {I hope it’s a him} in a Mr T style look.

On one hand I can see the funniness in this and the laughs it will bring but I pity the poor child when he grows up and this photo circulates among his peers. It could go two ways… he could either be a star or a complete loser {I am hoping he becomes a super star}. On second thought... I might dress my kid up like this as well. I am sure he/she will be the talk {laugh} of the town ~ but he/she would get heaps of hugs and cuddles I am sure.

Anyways, just wanted to share this bit of 

 funny with all of you this morning.
Ok... it's not right to laugh at a poor innocent child
but it just heaps funny.
B and I were LOL-ing in the car when I showed him
this pic. It sure made being stuck in a traffic jam a little
more tolerable for that 5 minutes.

*smiles smiles smiles*

Mini Bites

Seen @ Mini Bites

I would love to go for this polymer clay workshop but alas...

the weekends of December are quite full so I would sadly

have to give this a miss.

For those of you who are interested, do visit Mini Bites site

to not only look at her pretty treats for sale but also to enroll

yourself for a class. I don't know Esther personally {she is the

owner of Mini Bites} but she is a very talented craftswomen

so support her in her craft or if you are interested, go for her 

class and tell me how it goes.

GX1

Seen @ Panasonic

When you set your eyes on something...

you start surfing the interweb and daydreaming.

I have my eyes set on you and will be

checking you out when you hit the stores

so that I can touch you and feel if you are 

the right fit for me *smiles smiles*

We could be fated for each other.

We could change the world together with just a picture.

You could be the one Panasonic Lumix GX1.

I like Nonsense

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

Been rather busy with work and planning
Project Happily Ever After.

So this is just a short note to say "hello" and to not that yes, having

nonsense in life does wake up my brain cells though too much of it

may kill my brain cells completey... just a thought.

Have a happy Wednesday!

*grins grins grins*

Confetti = Magic

Seen @ Simply Designed

I love confetti. It brings 'parties' and 'happiness'
and 'magic' to my mind.

The weekend was filled with wedding related stuff...
the wedding photo shoot which was quite an unpleasant
affair for B and I {too pose-ish for the likes of us} turned
out to be not as bad as we expected. In fact, we had a hard time
choosing just 50 poses for the wedding albums.
*thank you God for providing us with good photos*


I also had my wedding food tasting {since we will be running 
around and not really enjoying the food} with my family and
B's family. The food was pretty darn good {all my favourites}
but it was a little bit of a downer because the conversation was
not following. In fact, it seemed as if the parents had not met 
before ~ it was so awkward. I guess my dad was not feeling
super well too, hence the lack of silly jokes and fun stories.


Then we also met up with the SFX Church choir to pick the 
songs for my wedding service. I liked the choir lady who was
super patient and who keep singing us the songs so we would 
know how it sounded like. I also met the bride for the morning
service, Yvonne, and it was great because she agreed with having
pink flowers with shots of green {photos of this soon}. We are
splitting the cost, so we can hopefully get better flowers 
*woot woot*


Am working on the invitation list now {slowly plodding through it} 
and hope to get it sort by mid-week when the invites will hopefully
be printed or at least semi ready {let's just not talk 
about the invites before I start ranting and raving again}.

We were also surprised when Mic {one of B's best friends} surprised us with another photo shoot ~ this time capturing the essence of who we are instead of the poser-ish in wedding gown types *smiles* 

Both B and I are touched by this and have no clue how he knew that our earlier photo shoot didn't quite go as we thought it would...maybe through twitter where I whinge alot... hmmm... 

Anyways... happy Monday all.
Here's to a quick and painless week ahead for all of us.
*hugs hugs*


Christmas is coming closer and closer.