italian toast

Italian toast with mixed berries and a cup of cappucino outside a local coffee shop. Maybe one day this will become a daily ritual. An unhurried way to start the day.

little time

There seems to be so much to do with very little time. Wondering if the ideas in my head will one day materialize into something. Capable of doing many things, master of none. Love watching the little ones have all the time in the world to enjoy life. A nice reminder to do the same.

gen's antique store

walked by a charming antique store

greeted by the owner himself mr. gen

Friends of the owner lounging outside.

Loved the artsy collections inside.

a note to self

To make time to nourish a healthy and happy self without guilt. This often requires time away from everyday duties of being a mother and wife. There is much guilt due to personal expectations of doing it all and doing it well. Moments invested to self brings happiness contagious to all.

A note to self:

• a short run early sunday mornings


• cup of coffee at a favorite book store


• moments with the camera


• design and create something new


• self expression through daily blogging


• dinner dates with the hubby


• quality girlfriend time

Photo above: @ anniecat's lovely home

an inspirational piece

An inspirational piece created by a four year old princess of ours. Freedom to color outside the lines without obligation to any specific color. A reminder to just let go sometimes and do what we love.

summer days

Our summer days in pretty dresses and a simple hair twist.

a morning run

Sunday morning runs with Jason Mraz melodies. An invested moment to the goodness of my health.

anastasia

A new favorite: anastasia spider pink lavender from Columbia. Soft and romantic, a perfect touch to our home.

a creative soul

My mother-in-law, a true creative soul with the gift to create just about anything. With a great sense of style, she designs timeless and exquisite pieces. In a remodeling effort, she recently donated all her crafts/sewing essentials to me. It even came with espresso storage cabinets for all my collectibles. Next project: to use repurposed fabrics, in which deconstructed old garments will be reused in new creations. Will work on this project each night after the little ones are sound asleep.

Photo above: found handmade flowers created by mother-in-law

lemonade 4 sale

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Isn't this the most adorable thing? A neighborhood lemonade stand with two hard working kids proudly selling their homemade lemonade for 50 cents a glass. Such sweet childhood memories in the making. This just made my day!

french bread + meatballs

French bread dipped in mom's special "xi mai" recipe. Comfort food on a rainy day. A future project: to collect photos and recipes from our family and create a special recipe book for our girls. My hope is for them to be able to cook such comfort foods for themselves and their family. To gather around the kitchen and create yummy dishes with loved ones. To sit down for dinner and enjoy good conversations and food.

plain yogurt + granola

Plain yogurt with "bear naked" granola. A breakfast favorite of mine thanks to my cubicle neighbor. Love starting the morning with something refreshing and light.

Maternity leave with the little one is amazingly wonderful. It is an added bonus to also have time at home to notice simple pleasures. Work and family life balance is important to me. Prior to maternity leave, I was asked to develop my yearly performance goals. Top of my list was "to be in a position that will allow a healthy balance of family and work life!" They asked I answered.

coconut cookies

My mom loves to shower Meagan with sweets of all kind. Our pantry is filled with these unusual shaped coconut cookies. Most of the time it just sits there waiting for a taker. Today was its lucky day!

savor the moment

Taking a break to savor the moment with a bowl of ice cream topped with frozen raspberries and chocolate syrup. This may appear to some, a sign of extreme boredom or complete insanity. Let me reaasure you it is just my way of seeing life. To enjoy and cherish all things that bring happiness or pleasure regardless of how simple or mundane. By no means am I trying to portray a perfect life...I just enjoy the visual reminders of ordinary blessings. Enjoy! =)

moment: lenguas de gato "cat's tongue"

Lenguas de gato "cat's tongue" cookie recipe courtesy of my dear friend ms. anniecat. Baking in the kitchen with little Meagan fun and sweet. Meagan the designated mixer and mommy the ingredient person. Shape of cookies to resemble cat's tongue, but instead most were round like a butterball. Meagan said the round shaped cookies looked like mommy! =)

Here is the link to a similar recipe from ms. anniecat. Enjoy!

http://www.applepiepatispate.com/filipino/lenguas-de-gato-cookies/

inspiration: etsy

Daily dose of inspiration from visiting http://www.etsy.com/. A community of talented individuals with passion and creativity for handmade things. Love the textures, colors, randomness, and sentimental value of each item. Signed up for an etsy shop since September 2008. Hope to add some unique and special items to the shop one day soon....Hope you are inspired as well!

moment: english roses

Fresh English roses from mother-in-law's garden. Love the delicate petals and sweet fragrance. Wishing for a cutting garden of my own.

observation: the blog world

Late night active mind when inspired by anything unique and creative. Love roaming the blog world and finding photos or ideas to spark my interest. Short simple text with beautiful photos are instant attractions for me. Inspired by those doing what they love most.

daydream: searching for inspiration

Photography business on hold due to pregnancy. Deep down it is a good time to rest and figure out things. Searching for inspiration and ideas to create something unique along side my passion for photography. The "design" element is missing. Prefer quiet moments to create and design then documenting social events. I love the calm relaxing moments with the camera.

observation: little backyard items

Enjoyed some outdoor grilling and noticed little backyard items. A weathered patio table given to us to restore and paint. A red vase nurturing an exotic plant once unwanted. A healthy green weed spreading freely in our bermuda grass. Bamboo leaves lining our windows. The first orchid blossoms after many countless seasons.

Happy Easter weekend everyone!