Christmas 2015 - Simple yet Meaningful

I was watching the news and it was mentioned that the Pope's message this Christmas season is to be simple and spend it with the people you love.

That's exactly what my family and I do every year since my teen years. But back when I was younger, we used to spend it at my Grandparents' house with all my cousins, uncles and aunts. But things changed when we all got a bit older. So my mom, dad and sister just stay at home during Christmas time.

Dec 24 - No Lechon, No fancy pantsy decorations... just the 4 of us... plus my husband, plus my bestfriend since forever, plus our dogs, our cat... celebrating Christmas with the food that my mom cooked, softdrinks we bought from the grocery, Ice cubes courtesy of our Fridge (haha) and chocolates, desserts given by friends. 

Okay so there were a bit decorations... we had our Christmas tree that we have had since I was 4 years old I think. A bit ancient already but it is still standing strong. Haha! My mom also used old memorabilia (knick knacks) and hung it on the grill of our outdoor living room. (no photos, sorry)

Originally, there were 4 of us

plus Hubby... now there's 5 of us :)

Our first Christmas together as Husband and Wife

forever trio - with bestie and sister

our little PERDITA and her daddy

Okay, so no pictures of the food that we ate because we were too busy chit chatting, reminiscing Christmas childhood memories and all. Family time is precious indeed. I didn't mind not having any lechon at all. :)


Since I got married this year, this is the first time I woke up on Christmas day not being at home with my parents and sister. It seemed a bit strange because I wasn't used to the feeling yet... being married, away from home and all. But I'll get there eventually. 

And what makes it a bit sentimental is that I realize that I miss being with my family so much. And I really want to spend so much more time with them even if I am married.

Cheers to the holidays... and always remember that

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON :)

XOXO,


A I A

Tis the SEASON to go SHOPPING... and be GENEROUS

..... FA LA LA LALA LALA LA LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Excuse the empty Cart. Hahahaha

Mark and I are having a blast thinking of what to buy as gifts for our families and friends.

But we started buying as early as July of this year because we hate the Christmas rush. While we were busy preparing for our wedding, we stole a bit of shopping time for Christmas which was monthsssss away that time. 

But despite the installment basis of buying gifts, we still came in short! Hahahaha! So for the past few days were all about buying gifts for (insert name here) and also for the kids of (insert their names here) and also our godchildren. 

I admit, Mark and I have been busy since we got married last September (we are still in the adjustment stage by the way) but that never stopped us from sneaking some shopping time to buy gifts. There is just something about Christmas that makes me feel so generous. And why not? I have been so blessed this year.

This year a lot has happened... I got engaged in February, travelled back to Jakarta (one of my favorite countries, btw) in March, Turned 26 in July, got married to the love of my life in September and got my CBA bonus just this month of December.

So I have a lot of reasons to be thankful for aside from those mentioned above. Having family and friends around me is just on top of the list! 

If only I can do more than just give simple gifts to family and friends.

Soon :)

"It is better to give than to receive"

Happy Holidays every one...

Merry Christmas :)

A I A

Couple OOTD: Last Clean T-Shirt

Me and the Husband sported Matchy2x Shirts last Sunday.

We bought these shirts separately... He bought his shirt at SM Lanang Premier Department store early this year while I bought my shirt two months ago when I saw it on the Internet. It was me who was like "I should buy this shirt coz hubby has one like it"

And VOILA! Matching shirts!

What's cool about my husband is that he doesn't find it corny when we wear matching outfits - some boyfriends/husbands don't like it. 

But he's pretty cool with it. 

Last Clean T-Shirt for The Angliongtos. Time to do the laundry!




Other details of What I Wore that day

Super Loose Tattered Jeans that I've had since year 2010. 5 years baybeh! When I bought this, this was just a regular pair of jeans. Then I had it tattered this year because I was bored with it already. Saved money instead of buying new tattered jeans.

Gold and Glittery Flats - for that sporty yet glam additional to the outfit

white bracelets for added details

How about you? Do you like to play matchy2x with your significant other? :)

Until our next couple OOTD. Hey, my husband and I should do this more often. I don't care if people think we're corny. Meh!

XOXO,

A I A

Photo Diary: My Jakarta Trip 2015 slash Fun Places to go to in Jakarta

SUPER LATE POST!

I would like to apologize. I have been so busy after this Indonesia Trip that I wasn't really able to put this together.

My sister and I went to Indonesia to visit my Uncle and Aunt who happen to be Filipino Expats in Jakarta. 

This was actually my second time to visit Jakarta, and my sister's first time.

Here are some of the places we went to during our visit last March 2015.

JAKARTA HISTORY MUSEUM

OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM - Would you believe that these statues are actually real life people in full body make up and costume! I was a bit shocked when my sister and I took a photo with one of them and he moved! Good thing I didn't scream like a girl!

This one's real too!

The Outside of the Museum at Lunch Time

OOOOHHH! An Indonesian Minion =) There are a lot of mascots everywhere! Don't forget to give generous tips after taking a photo op with these mascots. It's not easy to move around inside a big heavy costume under the heat of the sun.

INSIDE THE MUSEUM - everybody is required to keep their shoes and use the orange slippers provided by the staff. So before going to the museum... make sure to bring a plastic bag to keep the shoes in.

Inside the museum. Interesting Stuff!

This is a candid shot I swear!

TAMAN MINI INDONESIA INDAH (TMII)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah means "Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park" so you. TMII is same with Nayong Pilipino in the Philippines. It is a huge place that has the real houses of each province. Various architecture, stuff, interior design is showcased in each house depending on the culture of each province. 

It also gives the visitors a glimpse of the whole of INDONESIA in just a couple of hours without the need to travel to all parts of the country.

I personally liked looking at the intricate designs of the walls, beds, furniture of each house.

RP 50,000

Look how beautiful the room is! 

My sister with a real life Native from Papua - the photo op and borrowing of costume is not free by the way! So bring extra cash if you wanna have your picture taken with this guy :)

ninety-nine Restaurant

Located at Grand Indonesia Mall

Officially one of my favorite restaurants ever! I love their food!

What I ordered - carbonara 

Family :)

PLAZA INDONESIA

was only able to take a picture outside of the mall. But I love this mall! so posh!

I can't wait to back to Jakarta soon and this time, I'm bringing my husband with me :)

See you soon Indonesia =P

XOXO,

A I A