Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Thanksgiving this year was spent on the quiet side. We had dinner the night before at Le Cheval then went to see Beowulf but Pao and Niccs didn't go. They thought that the animated adaptation of the story made for a cheesy flick. Well, I must say it was not a disappointment at all. It looked so realistic that you forget you are watching something digitally generated. My mom, my brother, and I actually enjoyed the movie.

Can you believe that I woke up around 3 pm the day of Thanksgiving? Ever since Nicco and I had our vacation last Friday, we've been going to bed late and waking up late. =) Anyway, I went to the grocery store to shop for ingredients I needed to make my paninis and basil pasta. I was excited to whip up something for my family. I got lots of deli stuff such as brie and havarti cheese, pesto spread, turkey, chicken, and salami cold slices. I got fresh basil, chicken, low-carb spaghetti for my pasta.


My Basil Pasta


Our Thanksgiving Dinner - steak, shrimp, and pasta!


Oh, I also baked brownies and served it with Nicco's favorite vanilla ice cream. Get the Ghirardelli brownie mix and Haagen Dazs. It's the best combo!


How cute is that Haagen Dazs miniature size!

I did some massive cleaning after dinner and believe it or not, still found time to work out. Nicco and I went to bed at 3 am...

So today is the day after Thanksgiving where people are madly scouting for big sales. People were already camping out in the wee hours by stores like Best Buy but Nicco and I were still in slumber until noon. I made paninis again for lunch (which were getting rave reviews!) upon Nicco's request. We left the house around 3 pm and headed to the mall. I had my Victoria Secret and Express coupons which to my dismay were not good until the 27th. Oh well, at least there's another excuse to go malling again. I did stumble upon good deals at Bath and Body for my gift-giving. I swore to myself that I'd start early this year. I really really hate doing things at the last minute. It's always nice to cross something off your gift list as early as Thanksgiving. I accomplished something today and am happy!

Tomorrow, Nicco and I plan to put up the Christmas Tree. I look forward to it. I really want to be efficient with my to do list and I think I am off to a good start.

Til my next post!

The Working Woman's Winter Wardrobe

It is only a matter of days til winter comes in full force. Meanwhile, here I am still donning my favorite attire at work (a light 3/4 sleeved v-neck top, pencil skirt, and stilettos) as if the weather was still frolicking around the 70°'s or 80°'s.

Now it's in the 60°'s. What the heck!

I am eager to see what this winter season's fashion trends have to offer for the ever busy, always on the go career women.

Here are some that caught my eye:

photo from Banana Republic
Sweater dresses are big this season. Wear them with tights and knee-high boots.

photo from Nordstrom
This metallic double-breasted jacket reminds me of vintage chic.

photo from Bebe
Belted jackets are still a hit this season. This was has a touch of metallic herringbone print.

photo by Banana Republic
Tailored cotton sateen shirt never goes out of style. I already have this in black and gold which I bought in 2003 from Banana too!

photo from J.Crew
These merino wool medium rise wide-leg trousers sits just below the waist and drapes beautifully.

photo from Ann Taylor
I like this herringbone A-line skirt. I'd wear it with knee-high boots or tights and maryjane pumps.

Now let's go to shoes...

photo from Neiman Marcus
Speaking of Mary Jane's, I am loving this version by Manolo Blahnik. If you feel like splurging...

photo from Neiman Marcus
How about these Metallic Leather Tall Boots by Prada?

photo by Neiman Marcus
Or these Suede Tall Boots by Manolo Blahnik?


And the must-haves...

photo from J.Crew
If you are in the mood to don your skirt, these are sure to keep those legs warm.

photo from Bloomingdales
Wrap yourself in this cozy Burberry Muffler.

photo from Bebe
Coats are an absolute must! Get the classic trench coat in wool fabric for this winter.

You can also pair these essentials with bright colors to spruce up your attire.

How about you? What are you liking this season?

Heroes

photo from CNN

Reading this article brought my admiration for Julianne Moore to the next level. I admire her as a talented actress of high caliber but now moreso, because she is truly what we can call a hero. In the midst of running her errands, she was approached by a couple who invited her to attend a gala to raise awareness on Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a disease that affected their 3 year old son. Upon learning of their story, she attended the event and later agreed to partner with the Lindsey family to raise funds and be a strong advocate for global awareness. Their partnership lasted for five years and yielded $1 million dollars to fund the TSC research.

When I read the whole story, I was so touched that tears were beginning to form. I was touched that the parents were determined to not only find hope and cure for their son but to include the whole world in this crusade despite their personal struggles, touched by the mere sight of the photo of Julianne Moore and Tommy Lindsey, touched that Tommy Lindsey who at the delicate age of 5 weeks was diagnosed with the disease and whose parents were told that he could never walk and never talk remarkably now shows signs of tremendous progress. He is now 8 years old and is currently working with his behaviorist and speech therapist. This story is truly a revelation that God is watching us and continues to manifest his miracles through one's heroic deeds. To Julianne Moore and the Lindsey family, you are our heroes.

Here is a clip from CNN. Touching.

Please click here to know more about the disease and how you can help.