Fall 2013 Reading

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

I am currently reading this book because I've been so captivated with Colleen Hoover's writing recently.  I've read Hopeless, Losing Hope and Finding Cinderella, all by her, and all incredibly compelling books (the last one is a novella).  She has such a knack for grabbing onto her readers' hearts and eliciting the strongest of emotions.  Her characters are so fully formed and realized, they just jump off the pages (including the side characters!).  And the twists, the twists!

Can't wait to see if Slammed (her first novel) proves to be just as good as the rest.

If it does turn out to be good, I'm probably gonna end up reading the rest of the trilogy:

Point of Retreat and This Girl by Colleen Hoover



The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

I read on a blog that if you enjoyed Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, you will definitely like this book, so I'll be checking it out!

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Yes, I'm on a love story kick this season.  :)

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Still a love story but this time with a sci-fi element. ;)

2011 Recap

What a wonderful year this has been.  I didn't think that I could top 2010 with all its travel, adventure, interesting people and my incredibly fun job as an English teacher; 2011 has proven to be equally great but in a completely different way.

It all started with our move to Seattle.  At first, I thought I would end up largely dissatisfied with this city since Bangkok had really spoiled me with its warm weather, color, variety, (relative) comfort and convenience, and, of course, my job.  I never thought that Seattle would slowly creep into my system in the most satisfying and comforting way.

In this city, I landed my best job yet - working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  I have learned so much, and my eyes have been opened up to so many issues around the world.  This was definitely a year of learning.  My job has sparked an interest inside of me that has been stagnant for years - a desire to know more about the world around me, the difficulties that less fortunate people go through, and how help can be provided.  Moreover, being around such dynamic, intelligent people has challenged me to nurture my mind a little bit more - to educate myself and become a student again - eager and curious and alive.

Seattle is also a very calming city with its mild weather, laid-back people, smaller size, beautiful nature and friendly environment.  I've noticed that I've become less restless and so much more relaxed and satisfied.  I don't feel as much of a need for external things, people or activities to stimulate me.  I'm more peaceful inside.  Something about the city just does that to you.

And, of course, 2011 is the year I got engaged to my first and only love - the man I have been with for 4 years now, my partner in crime.

Compared to 2010, 2011 may not have been as eventful, but I definitely feel happier and more complete somehow.  I'm more at ease; I feel more confident and solid.  2010 tested my boundaries and brought about the unexpected so many times.  It certainly was a wonderful, fulfilling adventure.

2011 feels like a seal that has started to solidify all the experiences of the past into something stronger and more defined.  I wish for 2012 to continue to do so.

:)

I'm Engaged!

On a recent trip to San Francisco last September, my boyfriend proposed to me after about 4 years of being together.

The city was amazing; my man was amazing.. needless to say, the trip was epic.

On our first night in San Francisco, my boyfriend's cousin invited us to a party happening the next night.  She said it would start at a room in Hotel Monaco downtown and then we'd go drinking and dancing later.  The next day, my boyfriend and I did our tourist activities and headed for the hotel at night.  As soon as we entered the hotel, my boyfriend pretended to go to the bathroom, and his cousin and I chatted for awhile before heading to the hotel room.  When the door opened, instead of seeing a group of people drinking, chatting, and having a good time, I saw a room filled with rose petals, candles, dim lighting, music playing in the background, and my boyfriend standing in the middle with a mischievous smile on his face.  I walked in, and he got down on one knee.  The rest is history... :)

A month and a half later, wedding plans are underway, and we couldn't be happier.  We'll be having the wedding on a beach in the Philippines and renting out an entire resort.  We're so ecstatic!

More importantly, I am amazed and feel eternally grateful to be experiencing this kind of love in my life and to have such a man.  He is my rock, my partner.  I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

More Gorgeous Bags from Pippa Middleton

It looks like Ms. Pippa has GREAT taste in handbags!  Recently, she's decided to give her favorite Modalu Bristol bags a break and carry these two beautiful Ri2k bags around in the city of London.

Portobello Shoulder Bag in Ochre

Walcot Tote in Ox Blood Red

I want them both!  

I've been loving her outfits as well - so simple, classic and wearable.  That's probably why so many people are obsessed with the Middleton sisters - because they wear a lot of items that the average girl can use despite the fact that one is the future queen of England, and both are daughters of millionaires.

Pippa Modalu Bag

Continuing with my Kate Middleton obsession, I have been drooling over Modalu's Bristol bag which has been renamed the 'Pippa' bag ever since Pippa Middleton, Kate Middleton's younger sister, was seen carrying it after the royal wedding.  The public has gone crazy over Pippa when they saw her look absolutely stunning as her sister's maid of honor.

Now I am not as much of a fan of Pippa as I am of Kate, I think Kate is much prettier, but when I saw this bag, I thought it was to die for.  It is the perfect everyday bag.  It's got a classic size and shape, and I love, LOVE, the zippers and compartments.  I am a sucker for organization in my handbags, but I don't seem to find a lot of beautiful, must have bags that have this feature.  The 'Pippa' also comes in different colors, and Pippa has been seen carrying it in shark and tan.

Now despite the shopping ban I've imposed upon myself, I am absolutely itching to buy this bag.  Thank god it's actually out of stock right now due to its immense popularity.  Modalu is accepting pre-orders right now and will be shipping bags in November.

Here are pictures of the bag in tan: