I Am Currently...

Obsessing over: 

Art.  I am participating in this Art Every Day Month creative group wherein we create an artwork on a daily basis for the whole month of November.  This is actually my first time to participate in such creative online groups and I am very overwhelmed with the positivity as well as the support and appreciation that this group has reflected upon me.   Being an artist at heart, I really wish to be able to create art constantly.  However, with work schedules and the reality of having just 24 hours in a day, I obviously do not have the luxury of time for my passion. 

Blogs.  I would admit that in the past 2 months that I have been blogging, it made a lot of difference.  I guess I can say that I feel less stressed because of the fact that through this online diary, I am able to express my feelings and thoughts without really worrying about what other would think about what I have to say.  Another reason that made me love blogging is the connections that I have made with other bloggers.  It's nice to have new friends most especially when you are an immigrant in this foreign country.  :-) Lastly, it's just fun to read about other people's stories.  I find it very amusing to read about different things, some of which I can relate to and some are totally new to me.  It opens my eyes to what life really has to offer.  It makes me aware of some things that I take for granted.  And of course, it gives me inspiration to pursue my dreams and live a better life. :-)

Love.  Being in love with such a wonderful man for almost a year made a lot of change in my life.  I was doing alright then, I moved on from the past and just lived my life.  But after meeting Glenn, everything changed.  I didn't realize that I could be much happier.  I see beauty in everything.  As cliche as it may sound, living a life filled with love made everything seem colourful and bright.  Problems are still present because that's just the way life is, but then I was able to handle things better.  I was able to have  a better grasp on things.  I am inspired to pursue my dreams and try even harder in order to get to my destination.  My finish line is much clearer in my head now.  :-) 

Working on: 

Report.  I have this GoldMine report that I need for work.  But then again, that could wait. :-) 

Holiday projects.  I am listing down projects that I want to work on during my holiday break.  As much as I want to do them now, I simply can't because of time issues.  And so, I am working on my lists and ranking them by priorities on which ones I want to do first.  This would also include downtown strolls with my family and Glenn.  This is why I need to list them down.  haha. :-)  I just don't want my vacation to go to waste by just staying at home and doing nothing.  :-) 

Christmas lists.  With Christmas just 24 days away, I need to finish my Christmas shopping.  I am listing down names of people I need to shop for gifts.  And of course I am also visualizing on how to gift wrap them.  I want it to be personal and unique and so, I really have  a lot of creative ideas in mind that I need to work on. :-)

Thinking about: 

Really starting to get back into shape.  I have gained so much weight in the past months and now I really feel it.  My clothes are getting tighter and it just does not feel comfortable. haha. :-)  The holiday season is fast approaching which only means that there will be lots of parties and gatherings... There will be food overload again.  And because it's also getting colder and winter is near, I have to admit that it even makes me feel lazier to work out.  But then again, I don't want to gain even more pounds.  I don't want to feel insecure and I just want to lose a few pounds and maintain it.  I have to start working on it ASAP to have results. :-) 

Anticipating: 

Christmas and New Year.  It is our first Christmas and New Year here at our new place.  This makes me so excited.  And also, it's my first holiday season with Glenn as well. :-)  Now that's really something to look forward to.  I would love to spend this season with the people I love and just enjoy it.

Listening to: 

The sound of my fingers tapping the keyboard.  When I blog, I don't like to listen to songs because I can't concentrate that much.  Whenever I hear a song that I know, I just can't help but sing along, and then I can't think, type and sing at the same time.  If it's just a background music or something instrumental, then that's fine. 

Drinking: 

Coffee.  I am just addicted to coffee.   I drink an average of 4 cups a day.  Sometimes, I even reach 7 cups.  But then I really need to tone it down to 2 cups for health reasons.  What can I say, coffee just tastes so good.  :-)

Wishing:

My brothers and friends are here.  It has been two and a half years already since we moved here in Canada and sometimes I still feel homesick.  It's not really the place, but it's the people that I love that makes me miss home. I miss my brothers so much. I miss my friends a lot too.  It would be nice to have them here with me and experience my new life. :-)

This is just some random post that I saw today and I just wanted to play as well. :-) 


xoxo
Ida

via Lesly Myrick

Wednesday Colour Splash: A Little Bit of Everything Edition

Hello there!  Did you miss me? It has been almost a week since my last post and I apologize for that.  I have been really busy during the weekend and didn't have enough time even for a quick blogpost.  In fact, I didn't even have time to go blog hopping!!! But anyway, enough of that.  Today is Wednesday and I will definitely not miss  a Wednesday Colour Splash post. 

I have been browsing through blogs today during my "breaks" at work and I would just love to share them all with you.  I know I usually have themes every Wednesday, but for today's post, I don't have one.  It's just that I have seen too much eye candy that I am so excited to show them all to you.  So basically, its a little bit of everything.  Oh, maybe I should just call it "Wednesday Colour Splash : A Little Bit of Everything Edition".  :-)  Now that's a great idea. 

Well, just scroll down and indulge in these colourful things that I am going to share with you! 

via Stacy Kay

This is lovely.  I love the colour combination, I love the elements on it, I love the message, I love that it has a texture to it.  Oh my goodness.  What's not to love about this?  Just looking at it inspires me to create art.  It kind of reflects the aura of positivity and creativity.  Hmmm.. Maybe I should have one just like this.  :-)

via A Beautiful Mess

I came across this DIY of thread spool wine bottle stoppers on Elsie Larson's blog.  Who would have thought that something so simple like a cork would be this cute?  

The floral ring on the image above is so adorable.  I think you know by now how much flowers make me happy.  Well, I would love to have this ring.  I think that wearing it would make my days brighter and my mood happier. :-)  It looks so cheerful and it just wants to spread its aura with everyone!!!  It would also jazz up a simple outfit.  :-)  

via Lesley Myrick

I came across these wonderful photos and just couldn't resist looking at them.  It has a dreamy feeling going on in them.  And I think that it's dramatic as well.   I like the colours so much and the way that they have been photographed.  :-)  It makes me want to learn photography even more!!!!

via Bonjour Oui

Colourful garlands on a plain white background.  It looks so playful and alive.  What can I say, I just love it!

via Design Sponge

Now, this is something that I would love to do.  Cut a lot of pieces of colourful paper and stick them on the wall.  I know it's too much work.  But the outcome is just amazing.  It transforms something from being so simple into a unique and very interesting piece and work of art.  This is an example of how you appreciate colour.   

This is a very interesting photo.  It actually took me some time to process what the photo is.  It's a photo of some towels and clothes that have been hung to dry.  I love its vibrancy and I just love the effect of taking it from below.  It's really pretty cool!

via Oh My Deer Handmades

I am in love with the sunshiny backdrop.  It's so cute and brings out a very happy feeling.  It's so summery and very inviting. :-)  I am definitely going to make one during my holiday vacation.

Oh so cute!!! :-)  Handmade wedding invitations by Oh My Deer Handmades.  I love its style and colour combination.  I also love the way that it was written.  It looks so personal and one of a kind. 

via Design Manifest

Splashes of colour everywhere! :-)  Vibrant colours, mix and match of different patterns.  Traditional and modern pieces.  It's a little bit of everything all rolled into one room.  And it looks so good!

Wonderful table setting.  I love the pink flowers on the centerpiece.  I like the prints of the Chinaware, take a look at the butterflies on the glasses?  Aren't they cute? And the red polka dot table cloth just makes the setting stand out.  You don't get to have this table setting in all the restaurants, huh?  Well, I would love to go to one and eat with this kind of setting.  It would make the dining experience even more fun. :-)

via Absolutely Beautiful Things

The colour combination of pink, white and orange is just so wonderful.  Oh so lovely.  That's all I can say about this.  <3  

I am head over heels with the mix and match of these cushion prints! :-)  For others, it may seem too busy and has a lot of things going on in them, but for me, they just look fine.  :-)  It makes the couch even more inviting, I would say.  I can picture this on my beach house (if I ever get one. *wink* ) on a fine summer day.

via Daisy Pink Cupcake

Ohhhh candies!!! These colourful candies in sunkist glasses are just oh so fun! It would definitely be a hit on parties and gatherings.  For those with sweet tooth, this is a perfect give away and for those that are not really fond of sweets, well this could be your dose of eye candy! Pretty cute, huh!  I love the mix of  colours, shapes, lines and stuff.  :-)

Cute setting for a party.  I love the colours, the embellishments on the chair, the flowers on the table...  I just love them all.  It's perfect to have even a small get together with your friends and do a setting just like this one on your garden.  Now, that's fancy. :-)

via Happiness Is

This morning, it was snowing and I just loved it.  I even stopped working for a bit to go out and have my picture taken.  haha. :-)  And so, when I came across this photo, I knew I just had to share it.  So cute! <3  A snowheart!

Being an artist, looking at these coloured pencils makes me smile.  I love the way that they are arranged because it creates some sort of motion to it.  I also love the fact that they are all very well sharpened! haha!  Who wants pencils that are dull?  No one, right? :-)

Very interesting home decor and an easy DIY as well.  I think this would be one of my projects as well.  I would just go and buy the coloured pompoms from Michael's and get these plain twigs or branches and glue the pompoms on them. Looks great!  I think it would look so perfect in our living room!  I am so excited to work on this!

via Twig and Thistle

These are really cute felt pine cones.  I like the way it's made with intricate details.  It's going to look nice on a table setting for Christmas, or actually even for an ordinary meal.  Home cooked dinner, wine, a little felt pine cones... That's going to make an ordinary dinner so special.  Do it once in awhile with the ones you love and make them feel special :-) 

F.U.N. :-)  That's all I can say about it. :-)

Bows on everything.  I have always found bows to be cute and adorable.  :-)  It makes everything look nicer and more playful than usual. 

via Poppies for Grace

I love the colourful envelopes on the wall that serve as letter holders and wall decor at the same time.  Now that's combining function and aesthetics! :-)  I also love the mint green ball on the table.  It just adds dimension to the whole workspace. 

I love everything about this.  The flowers, the colour, the way the paintbrushes are in the same "vase" as the flowers, I love the messy cluttered look of the table.  It shows inspiration and productivity.  It's nice to see your inspiration in front of you while you are working.  That adds a boost to your motivation. :-)

That's all for today.  I hope you had a lot of oooohs and aaaahhhhs with my colour splash post.  More to come. :-)

 

Let me know what you think about this post!  I really appreciate your responses and comments!  Have a colourful and snowy Wednesday!

 

xoxo

Ida

Smitten : Week-long 8th Anniversary

Last Saturday, Glenn and I celebrated our 8th month anniversary.  Oh how time flies so fast.  It seems like it was just a few months since our first meeting, but my oh my, 8 months have gone so quickly! :-)  Everyday is a celebration of our love but of course we celebrate monthly and on that certain date, we make it extra special. <3  On this 8th month of being with him, we actually kind of celebrated it for like a week.  So, let me just give a recap of last week's love story.  I am just so smitten and full of love and I can't help but share it with everyone. <3  And yes, I have to admit, I am a hopeless romantic. 

If you have been reading my blog, then you already know that Glenn and I don't see each other on a daily basis because of work schedule (he works 6-2:30, and I work 8:30-5)  and because of location (downtown and uptown respectively). So, there... 

Tuesday, November 15 2011

It was just a normal Tuesday.  As usual, exhausted from work and was so eager for the weekend to come.  We weren't really going to see each other because we had planned to do so on Wednesday.  But then, slight changes happened.  He went to his cousin's house (the one near my place) after work because he helped his cousin bring some stuff.  I told him to rest or sleep for a bit so that he could come over at my place when I get home.  So while I was on the way home, it seemed like it took forever to do so.  The buses were not in service, there was too much traffic and so I was getting really irritable. He called me while I was waiting for the bus at Downsview Subway Station and he could definitely tell that I was getting really irritated and annoyed by the fact that it took so long for me to get the bus.  He offered to pick me up but I said no because it was so traffic and its a waste of gas going back and forth.  We hung up, with me in a really bad mood (yes, I know.  Sometimes I just have these mood swings.  Sorry :-) )  I just really wanted to get home so that I could see him.  I felt bad and I missed him so much.  On the way home, I was hoping to see him at the bus stop waiting for me (just like in the movies *wink*).  And my oh my.  When I got off the bus, there he was waiting for me.  After seeing him there, my moodiness was immediately gone.  I just hugged him so tight and then we rushed inside the apartment.  It was too cold that night, it actually felt like it was winter already!!! We had dinner together and just hung out at our living room, having conversations with my mom and dad.  :-)  It was a good night.   Seeing him always makes my day brighter. :-) 

Thursday November 17, 2011

Baby surprised me!  I was supposed to take the bus going home but then he called and said that he was picking me up! :-)  Yay!  I love it when he picks me up from work.  We get to spend more time together.  We stopped by Fairview Mall first to go to Smart Set.  They were having a big sale and I wanted to look at some stuff. :-)  You know how we girls are whenever the SALE sign is posted. haha. :-)  On the way to Smart Set, we passed by Suzy Shier where there is also a 40% off Sale that day.  We went inside and I saw these fold over Sherpa boots!  I can't resist.  They look so cute and they are just so comfortable as well.  I was kind of hesitant whether I would get it since I definitely will buy something at Smart Set.  But then, Glenn said it looks good on me and that I should get it, plus its 40% off!  So, while waiting on the line at the cashier, he said he's getting it for me as a present for our 8th month anniversary. :-)   Ooooh!  :-)  I love him!!! We headed to Smart Set next where I got some tops for like 75% off! What a deal!!!  :-)  Afterwards, we went home already.  Dinner, conversations, back and hand massage  :-) Ooohlala. Happy happy Thursday!

Friday November 18, 2011

TGIF!  This is our favourite day because we always see each other on Fridays!!! :-)  And he always picks me up from work too!!!  I was really excited to see him!!! Friday was kind of stressful for me at work.  Actually, it was too stressful that when I got off work, I headed straight to his car, hugged him and started telling him about how bad my day went.  :-(  He was just calm, driving and listening to me as I vented out all my frustrations and everything.  And then, he just said that it's going to be alright.  He then handed me this plastic bag.  Inside it was  a box.  It was still kind of warm.  

And I had not forgotten about it.  It was the poutine from Smoke's Poutinerie that I was craving for!!!  My eyes lit up like a Christmas tree!!! The poutine had beef, mushroom and caramelized onions and of course the usual gravy and mozarella cheese!!!!! Oh my goodness!!!!!  It was soooooo delicious! :-)  He then looked at me while I was eating and asked if I was feeling better already.  haha. Yes, I felt better!!!  Not just because of the poutine but because he was just there for me.  I could see in his face how happy he was when I told him that I am feeling better already.  We went to his place afterwards, had dinner with his parents and just watched tv. At around 8:30, we went to my place.  We went to Tim Horton's first for some coffee and timbits to bring home.  We just watched a movie and became couch potatoes that night.  Friday was fun.  We both looked forward for Saturday! Because it's our real 8th month together. He took a half hour nap before going home.  That's his routine!  haha. :-)  And so I think it was a little after midnight that I woke him up.  As soon as he opened his eyes, I just said Happy 8th Month Anniversary and smiled. :-)  He smiled back and greeted me as well. Awwww... As much as we wanted to spend more time, it was way past midnight and so he had to go home... 

 Saturday November 19, 2011

Happy 8th Month Anniversary to us! :-)  

This was our real anniversary date! Yay!  I was so excited.  We just had simple plans for today, just go to mass together and have a simple dinner at home. :-)  We did not really plan to go out because we wanted to just relax and watch a movie or something.  It's kind of a mellow celebration. I went to his place around lunch time.  There was no rush because he was still busy with some house chores and stuff.  When I was at Victoria Park subway station, I called him and said that I was near and that I would be there after 15 minutes or something but he was kind of in a hurry.  I felt bad because I was so excited to tell him that I'm going to see him in a little bit and he was just so busy with something.  And so, when I arrived at their  place, I called him and said that I was there already.  He said he was going to meet me at the gate near their condo and so I said I would just look around the grocery for a little bit.  When I got outside the grocery store, I called him again and then he said that he was just behind me.  Of course I was looking for him.  And I couldn't see him.  To my surprise, he was in the car. hahah! :-)   He opened the door for me and sitting on passenger's seat was these gorgeous flowers! <3  He prepared my lunch and then just watched some tv.  We went to church for the anticipated Sunday mass together.  We were half an hour early and so we just sat there.  After a few minutes, the man in charge of the offerings and stuff came to me and asked if Glenn and I could walk down the aisle and offer the gifts.  Because I got so nervous, I immediately said yes (but deep inside, I would have said no.  I get really nervous and I don't like to be in front of  a large number of people! haha.).  When the man left, I told Glenn that I didn't want to.  He laughed and asked me why I said yes if I didn't really want to do it.  I just said I got nervous and so I kind of blurted out yes.  I was stressing out on it too much.  My hands were getting really cold and sweaty and I kept making excuses like I might trip or something.  But Glenn assured me that it was going to be alright because he was just going to be right beside me.  When the offertory came, I was really getting nervous.  We walked slowly towards the altar.  When I handed the chalice to the priest, he said thank you.  And of course, it was like a reflex action that I said "you're welcome".  It was just after a few seconds that I realized that I shouldn't have said that.  I should have just bowed and walked back to my seat.  Oh my goodness.  When I got back to my seat, I was feeling better already.  No more cold sweaty hands. hahahha! :-)  It was good that we offered the gifts.  It was our special day and we had God's blessing. :-)  Before going home, we stopped by Metro first to get some sushi for snacks (we were really hungry after mass and the sushi is for the snack on the way home. haha) roast chicken for dinner and a belgian chocolate cake log for our anniversary dessert! Yay. :-)  We ate dinner together with his parents and afterwards, we just relaxed.  He played his Xbox while I was working on my art.  Even though we were doing different things, we were still doing it together! Saturday was amazing! It did not matter that we just celebrated it at home.   What matters is that we were able to spend time together. :-) 

Oh how I wish that everyday is our anniversary so that I get to spend more time with him.  But then again, everyday is a celebration.  I love him more and more each day.  There is always something to look forward with him.  He surprises me, he sings for me, he makes me laugh, he listens to my problems and everything that I have to say, he takes care of me, he loves me and my family,and I could go on and on about the reasons why I just love him...

Oh well, that's all for now.  Our love story will continue and you know I will update you on that. :-) 

Have a romantic and lovely Thursday!!!  Now, I am thinking of how we can celebrate our 9th... Any ideas? :-)

xoxo

Ida

Wednesday Colour Splash : Floral Edition

I have always loved flowers.  And just last Saturday, the love of my life surprised me with these gorgeous bouquet of flowers for our 8th month anniversary.   It's so sweet of him, huh? :-)  That is what inspired me for today's colour splash post.  And so, I present to you, Wednesday Colour Splash : Floral Edition! :-)

I felt like a princess with these oh so gorgeous flowers!!! :-) 

Yeah, these are still the same flowers that I am holding on the photo above!!! I can't help but share it with everyone!!! They are just so beautiful.  Their vibrant colours make me so happy and cheerful! :-)

via A Beautiful Mess

These vintage floral suitcases are so adorably cute!  It's like the suitcases from those old fashioned movies.  I would love to own one... or maybe just makeover an old suitcase! (That is if I own a suitcase. *wink* )

A sunflower headband.  That's just what I need now.  The weather has been changing and it's really starting to get colder and gloomier each day.  I think wearing this cute headband would make my day seem a little happier. :-)

I can't help but sigh dreamily at these beauties. <3

via  Sometimes Sweet

Stargazers and roses! What a lovely combination! :-)

Anna Emilia

I found this floral painting at Design Sponge blog and I fell in love with it.  It's not your typical floral painting, but something in caught my eye.  I think it looks so interesting. :-)

VIA Polli

These are pretty floral collar necklaces.  It would be so cool to wear this over a plain top to kind of jazz it up a bit.  What a unique accessory! :-)

Matsutake

An old chair that just had a makeover!  From a blah chair to a fabulous chair! :-)  Doesn't it look so summery? 

Anthropologie

I know it's way too cold to be wearing these sandals, but I just can't resist to share it with everyone!!! It's just too cute!!! And honestly, it made me miss summer even more!!!

Casapinka

Oh, and I just can't leave this one out!  Gorgeous!!! Just oh so gorgeous flowers sitting on a vase. :-)

via The Gunny Sack

Hand painted leather floral headbands!!! So simple and yet so adorable! It has its own character! I believe that it's bold colours added character to it. I am thinking of making one of those.

Bargain Bound

And of course, since the holidays are fast approaching, I could never leave out the famous wreaths!  It's such a classic decoration!  These floral wreaths are so lovely!  I love their colour and the way that it doesn't look so ordinary. :-)

Loretta Flower

Oh so wonderful cake embellished with pretty florals. :-)  Sweet and beautiful at the same time.  Can it get any better than this? :-)

Via Design Sponge

Yeah, yeah, flower vases again.  But you can't deny that they just look oh so lovely! :-)

Oh well, flowers flowers flowers.  You just make me happy!!! You fill me with so much joy and inspiration.  :-)  That's all for today.  I hope you enjoyed my oh so floral colour splash post!

Have a bloomy floral Thursday!!!

xoxo

Ida