...It's A New Day, It's A New Life...

... ok not really...

I realize being away for a week from the blogosphere is like a month in real life, so imagine being AWOL for a month, let lone 5 months! A blogger might as well be gone for years, no? I guess that's just what happens when the blog world in particular has the attention of a goldfish... Not that it really makes a difference, does it?

It's been ages even I feel awkward, sheesh! What's up with that?!... Not really sure what happened. It just did, whatever it was.

Regardless, here I am, 5 months later. Reminds me of the time I used to have a journal when I was younger. Before I knew it, I'd just stop, then I'd be back a year later. It's quite an interesting read actually, only for me of course. It felt a little jarring since there would be such long gaps, but it also felt like no time has gone by, and there I was back again.

Christmas came and went, a fun time spent with family. Winter... Easter... Spring... And now here we are, here I am, and it's almost summer. Work has been really crazy busy, a major contributor to my absence here, that's for sure, but fortunately, with really happy result. I'm now in a different office, after what felt like almost a whole year of bouncing from one office to another, one task to another, one project to another, one position to another.

And I'm happy to report that my {un}retail therapy is kinda' sorta' working *insert googly eyes* Well, a tad... Since Christmas, I've been really good, I thought, up until a week ago. But hey, that's like almost 5 months! That should count for something, no?

Cynthia Rowley blouse (Winners)

Gap ballet flats

That's it, I swear... Although... (dum-duh-dum-dum) I must say yes, I have not been shopping per se, but I may have inadvertently found a new kind of retail therapy *eeep*...

Kobo Touch e-reader (Christmas gift from sisters)

... in the form of e-books! *gasp* Well, at least I'm feeding my brain, right?

On that note, will just leave you with these lovely thoughts I happen to stumble upon on my way home from work one day...

Who knows when I'd be back here again hehe... sooner rather than later, I hope...

Something Wicked This Way Comes

I finally got in the mood, the other day, to use this nail polish.

Essie Wicked (Winners)

I bought this one end of spring/beginning of summer, I think. And yes, I only used it recently. I think this color came out fall/winter last year. Not that it makes a difference to me, obviously.

This color is definitely up my alley. It's so up my alley that I probably have 3 or 4 more in the same family color, in varying degrees (slightly obsessed much? and not too smart?). I can use, and have used, this color any time of the year, but of course, more appropriately so in the fall/winter.

So the name of this color made me remember a song from the Harry Potter movie...

Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn and cauldron bubble
Double, double, toil and trouble
Something wicked this way comes...

Then it got me thinking of the book, Wicked, which I'm in the process of reading, which got me thinking of the song in the play version, Defying Gravity. Love that song!

Such is my train of thought...

To Infinity (Scarf) and Beyond

Not sure what happened (pfft) but 2 years ago, I got meself an infinity scarf.

Zazo (Winners)

I loved it coz it kept me warm and it was a novelty item, for me anyway. Fast forward to beginning of fall this year.

H&M

H&M

Before I knew it, that's all I could see everytime I'm in the accessories area. When the second black one was bought, I said to myself that it was a different material, it's chunkier and totally different style, so that made it ok. Riiiight! And when my hand reached for the gray one, on a different day, and it decided to walk out with me from the store, I said to myself, hey it's gray. I don't have a gray scarf, or to be more specific, a gray infinity scarf. Riiight!

Then over the weekend, as I was buying Christmas presents, look what my hands gravitated towards.

Gap

This time, I overheard myself saying to myself that I don't have an orange one. And it's stripes on top of that!

Riiight!!!

A Lil (Shopping) Indiscretion Never Hurt Anyone, eh?

Since July and August's shopping budget has been blown to smithereens at the beginning of July, or should I say end of June, I thought summer shopping was a lost cause and one I shouldn't even bother rectifying (how could I, unless I decided to up the budget but who would I be kidding then, eh?). If you can't beat them, ie, these semi-annual/summer sales, then join them, isn't that what they say?

J Crew bermuda shorts

Gap jeggings

Jessica seersucker jacket

Soludos by J Crew espadrilles

CK shorts and Fashion Forward belt
(Winners)

There goes another month's worth of shopping budget...

Holy moly cannoli!!! Now that I put the images in this way, clearance sale or not, what am I thinking?!? I guess I did kinda' up the budget inadvertently, didn't I? And you'd think that's it, eh? Sadly, no. Eeek!!!

Here's from the last (extra) long weekend *sigh*...

Expression sandals (The Bay)

Melia sandals (The Bay)

H&M striped shirt

H&M dotted blouse

Old Navy gingham shirt

Old Navy ballet flats

And there goes, yes, another month's worth of shopping budget... I'm telling you, the indiscretion would have been a whole lotta' worse if not for the misses *thankful sigh*

If it's any consolation, because of the awesome clearance sale, practically all the items (except the H&M ones, but it's H&M!) are 50% off, at the very least, or more. I know, I know, I did say IF it's any consolation. And strangely enough, the more I think about it, I seem to go thru this cycle of major shopping every other year. Which would make sense, I suppose, since I find stuff at the end of the season, at really low prices, but does not leave me much time to wear them for the current season but should find much usage come the year after, which would explain, I suppose, why I go for more classic cuts and colors(?)... blah, blah, blah...

And again, clearance sale or not, I know I'm calling myself out from here on out. I have to! Really, at this rate, there should be no more shopping til kingdom come...

Momma's Day

Last week just went by so fast, I tell ya.

First, I guess it took me practically the whole week to recover from that (very) late night movie last Sunday. Even though my mind thought it was doable, my body clearly didn't. Second, I ended up taking on more than I thought I was going to at work. Kinda' by choice, and kinda' not. But who wants to talk about work...

One good thing from last week, we finally managed to do our blood donation as planned. And to reward ourselves afterward, we went for some good old-fashioned burgers.

Red Robin

Gotta' replenish after all, no? hehe

The Banzai Burger
(Marinated in teriyaki and topped with grilled pineapple,
Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo...)

Before I knew it, Friday's come...

Yesterday was just a gorgeous day. And what do I do when it's beautiful outside? Why, shop of course! HAH! Oh, is it just me?

Well, the sunny day made me think of the summer days to look forward to, which got me thinking summer dresses and skirts and warm colors...

Calvin Klein cropped cardi, $16 (on clearance!
love the tiny ruffling),
inspired by her

For Cynthia linen skirt, $29.99
(the straw belt was a nice bonus but I will switch that,
for sure)... finally caved in to some linen

Raj 100% cotton scarf, $12.99 (love the stars!)

(All items from Winners)

So, Saturday's excursion has brought this month's shopping to $66.06 thus far. Not bad, I say. Not bad, until I receive the pants I ordered from J Crew, that is. Well, I haven't gotten them in my hands just yet, so until then...

And for Saturday dinner, I seem to be in some kind of pasta kick of weekends late.

Spinach fettucine with chicken breast in cream sauce

Can't be all about my food all the time after all. Hubs gotta' represent too, I suppose...

And today was another gorgeous day indeed! Fitting weather to celebrate Moms. Although celebrating it only in thoughts on my side of the coast, sending all my thoughts and love to my momma' on the other side. And to sis. And to all my mom friends. And, of course, to all other moms out there...

On Easter...

On Easter, ...

... went to church to celebrate Easter. After church, I had some spare time (ok, maybe I convinced myself that I had some). Ah, the beauty, and (my) downfall, of living so centrally, which means (very) easy access to shopping *sigh*.

So, I ended up at my "second home". I'd like to think I'm getting better at this, as I spent the better 2/3 of the time just browsing. What of the remaining 1/3?


... ended up buying sunnies.

Betsey Johnson sunglasses

$14.99 ($16.79, with taxes)

HAH!

(I love the fun color of the frame!)

I've decided this year that I've had it with expensive sunnies. Yes, I admit, I've been a snob with sunnies for the longest time. But having lived in this city for a while now, I realized it's not worth splurging on them as I would probably get only 2 weeks worth of use out of them in a year. Ok, I exaggerate.

Besides, the sunnies my other sis gave me just kinda' fell apart last summer and I haven't really used it much!

RIP Gucci sunnies:(
Where the other lens went, I do not know

Bah!

New TOTAL for the month: $59.35

BALANCE: $40.65

21 days remaining


... made an appropriate Easter dinner for me and hubs. Made lamb roast with sides of brussel sprouts with bacon and roasted yams and mushrooms. Also made a small batch of (Filipino) noodle dish, in honor of my dad.

Pancit Bihon

Easter also used to be a personal Thanksgiving for him. When he was a baby, he lived to tell the tale about an Easter accident. Growing up, I remember always having noodles in addition to whatever else we're having on Easter Day. Just my tiny way of letting the memories live, that's all... *wistful sigh*

And I thought a special occasion deserved a special dessert after all.

Blueberry Creme Brulee cheesecake from Costco

Yummmy...

I did get kinda' tired with all that cooking, so I'm just glad today is still a holiday for me. Maybe I'll have a quick nap now...

HAH!

Write-Off, Postscript

Guess I shoulda known better. 5 days ago, I said I was good for the month. No more shopping good, that is. But the shopping gods had other things in mind, I suppose.

Somehow, the retail wind whispered to my ears, via a friend, on the (almost) other side of the coast, nonetheless, that Winners, my "second home", is having jeans sale, as in J Brand jeans for $60 kinda jean sales.

So, on my way home, without thinking, my feet just led me to the store.

And no, didn't get any jeans. I didn't really need another pair, sale or not. But I figured, since I was there, I might as well look around some more.

Needless to say, after trying out a (Nanette Lepore, on clearance!!) dress, a couple of colored pants, and 2 pairs of shoes, I walked out with...

Pinto scarf

(isn't the hint of lilac pretty?:p)

HAH!

Oh, and...

Sally Hansen in Plaid About You

My other sis loves these nail polish, and every other blogger seems to really like them too and has talked about it to death. Guess I finally just had to succumb to it.

*sigh*

Ok, there are 2 days left to the month. Now do I think I can finally say that yes, I'm good from this point forward?

"Yes, I'm good for the month from this point forward!"

See, that was easy!

Run, L____, Run

Over the weekend, I was pretty much in my kicks for the most part.

K-Swiss (Winners)

And whether right or wrong, I even wore one to work today *eyes averted*.

Reebok (Winners)

In the beginning of my career change, mind you that was almost 4 years ago already, I realized I didn't need to  subject my feet (and toes) anymore to all those heels that I've worn day in and out (yes hehe), 5 days a week, oh say, for a good 10, 13 years. Cray cray, right?

So when that shift happened, my feet definitely rejoiced. And I guess my feet I got carried away. Perhaps a tad.

You'd think I would have just considered flats, eh, but no! During those days, in my mind, work shoes just meant heels. Flats, what are those?

But yes, I eventually discovered the joys of flats. And boy, did I ever!... And I'll just leave it at that...

Shopaholic Anonymous

I was reminded of this the other day by my sis.

Back in the day, there were 3 young(ish) girls women who would meet up on Sundays in a mall to "browse". It became a regular ritual. They decided to call it the Shopaholic Anonymous meetings. And to take it a step further, they decided that it's only fitting that they would go to a different mall every meeting. And "browsed" happily, they did, until such time when the paths of these 3 women  diverged.

The 3 offenders -- sis, a girlfriend, and me. Plus the other sis, once in a while, who became an honorary member.

Ah, good times!

In retrospect, I suppose it was almost disrespectful as our {un}intended actions flew in the face of the very things that such support groups stand for. But in our defense, I think we had the right principles in mind. The only problem was we met in places that was the cause in itself. It was akin to recovering alcoholics having their AA meetings in a bar/pub. We weren't very smart, were we?... Oh, but can I still say, again, good times!

So, on that shopping kinda' note, may I say that I managed to procure one of my recent obsessions? *EEEEEEK* 

(I tagged along with the hubby yesterday to go to the mall.)

(Fairweather)

YAY!!! 

Best part, sale!!! Not only was it the right price in my mind, but the store was having this sale as well which meant I pretty much got the next item for free...

... to remind me of a FUN trip with both sis, wheeee!!!

The rest wasn't quite planned, but what the hey! *sigh*

Clarks desert boots (Winners)

Yup!

And last but not least, this has got to be the BEST deal ever!!!

Yesssss!!!

For my sanity, I stopped resisting the urge. I figure, at this rate, I might as well unleash it fully until it's completely out of my system. I should have known better, really. I always go through this cycle.

And now, I think I'm good!

(crossing fingers... LOL)

Dimsum, and then some...

... shopping, that is. *eeeeek*

Today is our wedding anniversary. Not quite a milestone anniversary, but nevertheless an anniversary. Not really feeling fancy-schmancy dinner, but we did both think that we haven't had dimsum in a loooong while. So guess where we went? heehee...

Siumai... hey, who took a piece?!?

Chow fun(?) with prawns... again, missing pieces?!?

Chicken feet, a major fave of mine,  but hubby will not touch it...
on its last leg, haha

I wish I can say that's all we ordered. Hubby and I tend to go a lil crazy every time we go for dimsum. Who wouldn't, tell me?!? Which is why we rarely have it, I suppose. I don't even want to imagine if we go so often and order the way we do.

On the way home, told the hubby I just want to quickly walk around and "browse". Although in my head, I think I meant something else other than "browse". I've been getting too fixated on one of my recent obsessions and today I got the feeling I just might find it, at the "right" price at that!

Well, not quite.

Instead, I found these.

Poet shirt (Winners)
Nygard necklace (Sears)

I'm really liking the dolman-like sleeves of the shirt and the loosey-goosey effect. How much more comfortable can you get than that, eh? And loving the orb on the necklace!

Best part, they're both on clearance!!! YAY! 
(That should make a difference, no?)

O well... What are reset buttons for, after all, right?

Wishlist No More... sigh... grin... sigh... grin...

Not sure if it's a good sign that I'm doing this post on a Monday.

Since I was a kid, there have always been generally 2 times that I always consider starting points or fresh starts or signs of what's to come-- the 1st of the month or Monday, depending on my mood:p I always feel that whatever I do on either those days will be a good indication of how the month or week will go. I try not to be stressed or down on either those days to drive away any sense of foreboding.

Fortunately, I forget all about it the day after or I intentionally just ignore it, and just start fresh again. LOL


On my way home tonight, I just really felt like visiting my "second home" (teehee). Like I've said before, I knew it was just a matter of time before it starts calling out my name, again.

So there I was, just wandering around, doing my usual round, based on their layout. Then I saw what I saw. Needless to say, I guess I can cross this wishlist off now.

Aerosole

Perhaps, I should further explain the why's around it. No, no, I'm not making up excuses. Or maybe I am. Who knows at this point... Anyhoot, what I was trying to say is, for starter, it's the right color. Secondly, which is the more important one, is its added feature. Since I started walking quite a bit (either that, or I just really gained weight:o), I've noticed that my calves have gotten wider, enough that it made it more difficult to shop for boots. So, when I saw this boots with extra zipper to allow for wider space to accomodate wider calves, (it even says so on the tag!), I couldn't resist no more... Besides, I figure I have 10 days to think about it some more...

So, on this Monday, it does appear that the shopping break is over, doesn't it? Is it a sign of what's in store for the week? Well, I do have a habit of forgetting or purposely ignoring some things. It very well could be just a minor hiccup, after all.

And again, tomorrow is another day, right?... So, lucky me!