A Birthday + $300 Target Giveaway

Coat: DKNY (similar in red). Boots: UO (similar).
Taken at the Vancouver Anthropology Museum. Cred: Sister#2.

Ron is celebrating his birthday today! [HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE!] We don't have anything planned for today yet because we love to live life on the edge...just kidding! We're going to have shrimp and crawfish for dinner and this coming weekend is actually our cruise weekend. And because I need to work, get packing and have to double check everything, please allow me to say bye-bye and see you all on Monday afternoon. :)

In the mean time, please feel free to enter this super awesome giveaway organized by Oh My Gosh Beck. Good luck! :)

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Check the Rafflecopter for the link to our other Target gift card to double your chances of winning! Giveaway ends 5/12 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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September Farm | Meet at the Barre | All the Joys | Hello Happines Blog | Bright on a Budget | Classy Yet Trendy | Brandied Pair | Rachel the Hat | Mummy's Got Style | Fashion Should Be Fun | Lauryncakes | Sweet Haute

When Changing Plans is a Good Thing

Ron and I decided to move our weekend plans around and go on a brunch date a couple of weekends ago. We tried a new place (to us!) called Cafe Maji. I've been wanting to visit a place with this kind of interior for so long and even though it took us a year and a half to discover, this one is only 0.6 miles away from our house.

The drinks were amazing, however, the bulgogi quesadilla was a little meh. I'll try a sandwich or the banana nutella waffle next time. My iced espresso was super strong, I had to ask for milk--this is a good thing though! As you can see, presentation of everything was very pretty and did it's job of making the food appetizing. The free wifi is a plus even though we did not use it. We'll definitely be back!

And now some blog love:
Hey Sabrina Faith | Zipped Blog | Becoming Adorrable | A Dash of Details

Linking up with:
September Farm | Meet at the Barre | All the Joys

Five Reasons to Adopt a Pet

It's National Love Your Pet Day so it's just appropriate to talk about pets and adopting today! :)

Save a life.
You're giving another chance.  Dogs go to the shelter for various reasons but did you know that in LA, nearly 50% of pets that go to shelters are euthanized (source)? Cats' stats were worse. :( Almost shed a tear when I saw the stats, to be honest. 

A new best friend.
Adopted pets are very grateful. Shower them with love and in return, you'll have someone who will listen to you anytime of the day and who will welcome you home everyday the same way as they did the first time you left them at home. If I were single and had my own place, I could not imagine coming home to an empty apartment. Everyday, I look forward to the barking by the door and the wiggly tails...even if I was gone for 3 minutes to throw the trash out.

Someone to keep you grounded.
After adopting Fox, I've always had reality checks. Almost everyday, before I plan something or say yes to invites, I always consider my dogs. Even though I want to celebrate the little successes in life by going out somewhere, I always plan it around our routine so I don't mess up their lives, literally. Also, I think there is nothing like picking up dog poop to make you feel grounded. I literally pick up shit everyday now. 

Your life will change for the better.
I have become a lot nicer, friendlier, understanding and patient because of Fox and Chippy. My dogs are bark-y dogs. They're not very good at socializing...even with each other (they're getting there though). They bark at other dogs and people. They are both adopted and have gone through things that we have no idea about and the only thing we can do about this is train them not be crazy dogs. In a way, this has taught me to not judge people for the way they are rightaway because like that one quote picture on Pinterest says: Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle (source).

You deserve to be healthier and happier.
Even the worst people deserve to be happy and healthy. Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets (source). Based on experience, I think this is very true. I had some pretty dark days when I became unemployed and having Fox next to me all the time saved my sanity. At some point, he became my shopping buddy (thanks to places that allow dogs) because I can't leave him alone at home without feeling bad. 

Now some blog love:
Red Tag Chic | Lauren McBride | Jules in Flats | Scatterbrain | For the Love of Leopard

PS
Have you enter the $175 Paypal Cash Giveaway?

Linking up with:
September Farm | Meet at the Barre | All the Joys

Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him

Well, well isn't Valentine's Day creeping up on us? I've mentioned before that I have nothing planned but having a list of back up plans sounds like a great idea right now. We honestly don't make a huge thing about v-day but we make it a point to recognize it. So here is a short list of my most favorite ideas that I know and am sure that my dear husband would appreciate.

Ohana

After that post about my dogs being naughty I thought I'd share of my favorite things about our little monsters. At least once a month, my family (that includes my mom, sister and soon-to-be sister-in-law) visits these dogs and our pantry. The pantry part is a really good thing because we need a lot of help finishing everything I buy from the store. Hahaha!

Like Fox and Chippy's effect on me and Ron, they also entertain and are very effective stress relievers for my family. Fox especially, as he already knows the ways around my mom and mom the same because mom used to dog sit for us. Chippy entertains everyone by simply showing his tummy every time someone walks by him and lets anyone pick him up for some loving.

Both dogs are quirky around people and around each other and luckily, my family has picked up on almost everything these dogs are picky about. Ron and I feel like my family misses these two more than they miss us. Haha! They treat Fox and Chippy like they are their human grandsons/nephews and spoil them to bits. And I'm beyond happy that they do.

Is your doggy a part of your family too?

Hellos and Goodbyes

This blog has been quiet for good reasons. At this moment, I have nothing to complain about. I just got back from Houston to meet two friends that I met when I was only six years old.

We had a lovely weekend trying new places and eating to our heart's content. This past weekend was filled with laughter and great memories and I already can't wait to see them again.

Of course, separation anxiety comes with spending 48 hours straight with people you do not usually see and hangout with and I definitely had a short but terrible episode once I got out of the plane and the thought of not knowing how soon I'll see them again sunk in. There were no tears but my heart surely had a little crack in it.

Thanks to my husband picking me up, recovering was made easier for me. I missed Ron and the two monsters so bad last weekend. Thankfully, I had them to come home to and leaving did not seem so bad anymore.

More on the trip later on. A great Monday to all.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It has been a busy, busy holiday season for us. From our annual Christmas party with our friends whom we met from Ron's basketball leagues from years ago, to multiple parties with either of our families to an afternoon at Knott's Merry Farm to a quick trip to San Diego. I would love to share everything at once but I'm afraid that would be an overkill and will definitely slow down your computer as my post loads. With all that said, here are some tidbits!

12/19: Our 5th annual couple picture at our annual holiday party in Fontana. 

12/20: For the first time ever, we made an effort in setting the table for our family holiday dinner. :)

12/21: Doggies giving each other love as they rest and recover from the busy two days we just had.

12/24: They were confused as to why we had a rug in the middle of the house. 

12/25: A picture of one of Ron's tricky presents. I shake gifts too much that he felt obligated to do this.  

12/26: Taken in one of the little (overpriced) stores at Knott's Merry Farm.

Ron and I wish everyone had a busy yet fun holiday season with your loved ones and a fruitful new year as well!

This Day and Hour Two Years Ago...

I think of you every morning

Dream of you every night 

Darling, I'm never lonely

Whenever you are in sight

I love you for sentimental reasons

I hope you do believe me

I've given you my heart

(For Sentimental Reasons, Nat King Cole)

Happy anniversary, my love! :)

How Could You Not Want to Come Home to This?

Sometimes, when Ron calls me to let me know that he is on his way home, I get the dog excited for his daddy. On this one specific day, I cracked the door open so Fox can take a peek.

When I heard Ron's car rev up on its way to the subterranean garage, we walked out and waited in the patio. Fox was very serious about waiting for his daddy.

Then Ron saw us from afar and started yelling out Fox's name. The dog just went crazy barking, jumping, bending down, while vigorously wagging his tail.

To reciprocate the excitement, Ron bent down so Fox can give him kisses.

PS, I am proud to say that none of these pictures were edited. Yay for learning how to shoot in manual mode! :)

How Having a Dog Changed Me

Sometimes I think of what we used to do when we didn't have Fox yet, and I could not even remember how it was. Having Fox definitely changed me so much that I feel like I'm a better person than I was a year ago.

Let's start with picking up poop doesn't bother me anymore. If you had asked me and Ron a year ago who will be picking up our future dog's poop, I would definitely tell you that Ron would. Poop disgusts me but I've had exceptions like, changing my nephew's soiled nappy because I had no choice but to do it. My grandma helped me though. Dogs are way easier than that! You pick up, you wipe and you're done. They're not as fussy as babies either. LOL

Sleeping in only happens when Ron does not have to go to work. I get up everyday, as soon as Ron leaves for work to walk Fox because if I do not, this dog will sit on me, and breathe on my face. Our walks are always fun and relaxing, it's also good to be able to put in 15-30 minutes of cardio right after waking up.

It made me feel like I need to be in control more. Our plans always involve leaving our friends at around 6:30 pm to be home early enough to feed and walk the dog and I, my friends, am the time keeper.

I don't feel lonely as much as I would have being unemployed and alone at home. This dog keeps me on my toes. Having someone to check on at home other than myself or the laundry definitely does not make me feel alone.

I always have a reason to smile and be happy. Fox's face is always so serious that it's funny. Even when he's excited, his face is serious. His ears move A LOT too making him look like he listens to you. Oh, and the head tilt. It always, always gets me.

The Space Needle [Pacific Northwest Day1]

We planned our first day in Seattle to be a day trip to Canada but as you will see in the pictures, we failed on that because we forgot about needing a GPS for the drive there. LOL! So we had to call our dad and ask him if we can borrow his GPS. That visit-slash-drive to their house turned into a late lunch at the Spice Bay Buffet in Auburn, WA. After the HUGE lunch, we drove to downtown Seattle and went to the Space Needle. We hung out at the Center House a bit later to have coffee, sit down, rest, and chat a bit. An hour and a half later, we checked in to the hotel, drove down to our dad's again and had seafood dinner where I cut my fingers from trying to open up too many crab shells. Haha!

New Beginnings

Last week was a good week for changes and new beginnings and I like it a lot. As you might have noticed, I have been super quiet here as well as my favorite blogs. I haven't had the chance to stop, sit on the couch, put my feet up and read blogs. But all is well in this part of town. :)

1 - I started going to school again! The time off being unemployed definitely made me feel the need to have something I can spend my time on so school it is! I was so excited for my Business Law class...even though I got lost on my way to the campus. Luckily (nerdily), I have a copy of the Campus map and I ended up having to drive around the school to get to the part that I'm familiar with. I have two other classes Econ and another business class that I cannot remember the actual title. This is the first time I'm taking three classes in one sem because I have been employed full time for the past six years so wish me luck!

2 - I saw my little sister again after three years! She lives with our dad in Seattle and since there was some sort of rift, we have not been communicating with each other as well. LOL

3 - Because my little sister is in town last week and it was her birthday last Friday, my cousins and I got together. The last time we hung out with each other (three years ago) was with the "oldies" and we were not really able to talk with each other. This time was much more fun! Ron was surprised about how crazy my cousins and I get when we're together. Imagine six girls talking, laughing with and making fun of each other at the same time. Pepper in a few in-laws and an aunt --- it became a royal rumble. #crazierthananyfamilyshow

4 - I started a new job! Yes! It's parttime so I need to keep looking for a fulltime job but still, it's better than nothing and it will help prolong the end of my unemployment insurance...because the senate hasn't decided if they're going to extend unemployment insurance or not. :(

Life is good. I can't complain.

PS
Going to Seattle early tomorrow and I cannot wait. My sister, Epi, Ron and I have never taken a trip together where it's just us so we'll see how this goes. Also, there is a storm coming to SoCal on Thursday night and will be here till Saturday. Hopefully, our flight won't be affected!

Have a great weekend!

XO

Your love is bright as ever
Even in the shadows
Baby kiss me
Before they turn the lights out
Your heart is glowing
And I'm crashing into you
Baby kiss me
Before they turn the lights out
Baby love me lights out

In the darkest night hour
I'll search through the crowd
Your face is all that I see
I'll give you everything
Baby love me lights out

Written by Ryan Tedder, Terius Nash

and Beyoncé Knowles

Flowers for Me

I am a huge flower person. I grew up very close to my grandma who always had two vases of fresh flowers almost every two weeks in her house. I didn't receive flowers from my ex either so that probably played the part too. Hahaha! Ron picked this up from the beginning though. He knows I love flowers big time so from time to time, he gets me a bouquet or two. Here are few pictures from the last bouquet I received from the loverboy. :)

 

Down by the Lake

After spending so much time in the cabin, the parents decided to take [us] kids to Lake Arrowhead. The kids had a deal with one of the adults that if little J finished his food, everyone will get ice cream. That was some good motivation and they all got a treat! The kids also had a great time walking [and sometimes running] on the dock while feeding the ducks and the geese. It was a happy day.

Simple joys.

Lone duck.

Lake Arrowhead.

Sup dad? Sup dog?

It was a beautiful afternoon.

Fox is floating. And that's me pretending I'm not scared to fall into the water.
Sweater and bag: Forever21. Pants: H&M. Scarf: Cotton On. Boots: Urban Outfitters.

Our colors match!
PS, Fox got his legs back and this is the only smiling photo in this bunch.

Teasing the goose.

I am more concerned about him losing his balance. The docks were too narrow for my own comfort. LOL

Losing the sun.

Bye, bye.