Hello, Friends!
Last weekend started slow with me and Hubby went to see a movie, Hercules, on Friday night. Frankly, we were a bit disappointed with the movie, being just a so-so (though still enjoyable enough to watch) action movie. The story was not too interesting, and we felt like it somehow diluted the legend of Hercules a bit TOO much. I mean, you can twist a fairy tale like Hollywood did with Maleficent and Broadway with Wicked; but twisting a mythological character whom have been known all over the world like Hercules is much more difficult, and the movie doesn't do him justice. At least to us. Nevertheless, we had a good time with each other company with popcorn and just being cozy. Hubby loves movies, and as frugal as we are, we prefer going on Friday night compared to Saturday, because the theater will be much less crowded, and the ticket entrance fee is a tad lower! Haha!
One of the many fun things about living and working in the same neighborhood? In addition to the short 15-minute commute, I can go out to lunch at the mall where the movie theater is, buy the ticket for the evening show during lunch hour, and later on at night, Hubby and I can just arrive 5 minutes before the show, beat the long ticket queuing line, and waltz right into the theater to our assigned seats! Lovely!
I usually love to dress up when I'm on a date with Hubby, but that evening was an exception. I just took a shower, wore a pair of jeans, a simple top and my fuzzy coral sweater, and wore no makeup whatsoever except for some moisturizer on my face and a dash of pink lipgloss on my lips. After the movie, we just went home and straight to bed. Usually I would need to shower and do my beauty ritual first. Hubby loves seeing me all dolled up, but he commented that evening: "It's good that we are able to do this once in a while. Casual date and you can just dash of the door looking naturally pretty." ^__^
On Saturday, we were up and about early. Hubby is a natural morning person, so he woke up at five for his morning run around our neighborhood, then he went home, took a shower, and went to the park with Michael while Mommy was still sleeping. Usually Michael will come to the bed and nuzzling and kissing Mommy first before leaving for a walk with Daddy. He's such a sweet and considerate child, he understands Mommy is not a morning person and he can take a walk with Mommy later on in the afternoon. ^__^
I woke up around 7.30, then showered and prepared breakfast. We usually have three-egg ommeletes with chopped tomatoes and green onions, and some hashbrowns. Then we dashed off to see our renovation project. As you can see here, the builders had took down most of the roof. We talked with the foreman and asked how much money he would need to buy materials next week, then we went home and played with Michael.
Sometimes I am still amazed at how content I am doing nothing in particular but spending time with my husband and son. We just played on the floor and on the bed, making silly faces, funny noises and taking selfies. We played with blocks, flashlight, and peek-a-boo.
I just bought Michael a box of coloring pencils, since he always wanted to "write" using my pen and made a mess. So I got him a used notebook to use as well, telling him in plain language that he can use the pencils only on the book, not on the walls! Michael still could not draw anything in particular, but he enjoyed his new toy very much. It's very rewarding to see him deep in concentration trying to draw something, and how tried really hard to put all the pencils back into its box, struggling with little hands and fingers, and with still limited motoric ability.
While Michael was taking an afternoon nap, Hubby went to have a massage and I did some browsing, stumbling upon this goooooorgeous Kate Spade dress. Its bold horizontal stripes and billowy skirt caught my eye and I was instantly captivated. I need it in my life! I think I will have a copy made in different color combination since green and taupe together is not my cup of tea.
I love having people coming over to my home. I'm the kind of relax and easygoing hostess who doesn't fuss too much over her guests or the perfection of the home condition. I believe that if the hostess is calm and enjoying herself, the guests will be, too. And as long as the home is relatively presentable, good companionship, food, and conversation can beat a picture perfect living room anytime!
Hubby invited his childhood friend, wife, and their four-month-old baby girl on Sunday. I wrote about them having a new baby in my week recap here. I already prepared Michael from Saturday, that a little baby would be coming over to visit on Sunday. When Baby Carol came, he looked confused that there was someone even smaller than him! He took great interest on the baby, letting her sleep in his crib and calling her "little sister" with his baby accent. Adorable! Baby Carol wore the prettiest pink dress and cutest eyelet cap. Having a baby girl is such a job to dress and adorn! Not that I don't like buying Michael good clothes, but it's just different with boys, you know!
The parents talked and had lunch while the babies were taking naps in the nursery. We had a good time and everybody enjoyed the visit and the chicken wonton noodles that I bought at a nearby Chinese restaurant.
Hubby has taken a new habit of taking Michael for a morning stroll to a nearby part twice a week on weekdays before work. He comes home later than I do, so he feels like he doesn't have enough time to spend with his son. It's like a special father and son bonding time that both enjoy immensely. I can have mother and son time after work, while waiting for my husband to come home, then the three of us will have some time together before Michael's bed time at eight.
Twice a week, Hubby goes to the gym in the evening. He tries to fit the schedule into around Michael's bedtime, so he can still tuck our son to bed. Also, his gym time gives me a little bit of me time, with him away and our son sleeping. So it works beautifully for everyone! I can write post, blogwalking, and catch up on some reading while my husband hits the gym. This is how Michael looks like in one of his new pajamas. I wrote in previous post here how I told him into liking all his three new pajamas instead of just one. This is his Bon Bon The Elephant pajama. He finally was willing to wear these after I made up the story of Bon Bon The Elephant.
We got new furniture for our main bedroom to replace our old ones several months ago, and they were made in lovely high gloss finished wood in dark colors. I love them, and so does Hubby, but we also wanted a new chair for my desk to replace my old, ugly, green one. Last Tuesday, it finally arrived! I am so in love with this new chair. The fabric can be reupholstered, of course, and I chosed similar finishing in dark color. Best thing? It was on sale!
For several weeks already, I somehow lost interest in dressing up and primping up. I still maintain a presentable look, but my passion for fashion was not there. It was automatic, and not so much fun. I guess it was just a phase, but I didn't like it. Apparently, my friends notice that, as well, because some of them commented that they missed my outfit of the day shot on instagram and that I don't look as fashionable as I usually do. Hubby also asked why I stopped taking selfie picture in the morning and send it over to him as a "good morning kiss" as I commonly do. I gave myself sometime to indulge in my "not fashionable" state, then I decided to fight back and got to my old fashionable self this week. Ow, including the morning selfie portion. Haha!
I believe that a little bit of vanity, in good proportion, the discipline to look as lovely as possible for our husbands and for the people around us, is good manners in itself. I myself take joy in seeing men and women who look like they care about how they present themselves to the world. Not vain, I mind you. You don't need to look picture perfect like celebrities on the red carpet. Not. Just look like we've made some effort to be presentable.
One of my responsibilities is visiting construction projects, with all the dirt, mud, and dust. Still, I wore a pair of dangly earrings with my casual outfit and jeans and boots, wearing hard hat riding up the construction elevator!
I tried out some new breed of flowers this week for the office, and the florist sent over this leopard print orchid in gorgeous purple and white hues. It looks so pretty sitting in the corner of the Penthouse bathroom!
Last week's to do list:
Read Chapter 20 of Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle": Time Begins.Read and contemplate on the Book of Proverbs Chapter 4. 6Renovation project: laying down the foundation, week one of renovation permit.Planning weekly menu.- Write post about my home working desk.
Change the living room seasonal decoration.Work on family financial files: budget and renovation project spreadsheets.Start toddler vitamin for Michael.Shop online for new necklaces.Motivate myself to dress up again.
This week's to do list:
- Begin to read one new book.
- Read and contemplate on Matthew 20:1-16: The Workers in the Vineyard.
- Renovation project: laying down the concrete foundation, week three of renovation permit.
- Upload 2 Michael's videos on YouTube.
- Frame my embroidered picture for main bedroom.
- Purchase baby girl pajamas as present for a friend's new daughter.
- Prepare and send care package for a friend.
- Take care of family investment plan.
I'm linking up to these wonderful Ladies:
Monday
- Taming Rapunzel: Hair Style Monday
- DC in Style: Monday Bloom
- Not Dead Yet Style: Visible Monday
- Mom's The Word: Make Your Home Sing Monday
- Happy Wives Club: Marriage Mondays
- The Better Mom: The Better Mom Mondays
- What Joy Is Mine: Monday Musings
- Color Blind: Thrifer Anonymous
- The Modest Mom
- Create With Joy: Inspire Me Monday
- The Beauty in His Grip: Sharing His Beauty Mondays
- A Pinch Of Joy: Busy Monday
- Tell Me A Story
- Still Being Molly: YOLO Monday
- Very Busy Mama: Real Mom Style
- Momma In Flip Flops: Real Mom Style
- Thrifty Chic Mom: Real Mom Style
- I Am Priiincess: Monday Madness
- Basic Training – Corporate Style: Fashionably Employed Link Up
- Glamamom: Mode Monday
- Bon Bon Rose Girls: Monday Mingle
- Mom Trend: Monday Mingle
- More Pieces of Me: Manic Monday
- On the Daily Express: Manic Monday
- Whitney Nic James: Personal Style Monday
- Fizz And Frosting: Mix It Monday
- The Style Record: Monday Must Haves
- A Proverbs 31 Wife: Matrimonial Monday Linkup
- I Should Be Mopping The Floor: Inspiration Monday
- Splashin Glory: Momma Notes
- Missional Call: M M and M Monday Linkup
- Chronicles of Grace: Unforced Rhythms
- The Wellspring: Playdates with God
- Rich Faith Rising: Unite
- Finding Heaven: Soli Deo Gloria
- Growing Home: Growing Homemaker
- Teaching What Is God: Women Helping Women
- Join The Gossip: Monday Morning Gossip
- Life of Meg: Mingle Monday
- Little Miss Fashion Queen: Little Miss Monday
- Strangers & Pilgrims On Earth: The Art of Home Making Mondays
- A Delightsome Life: Return to Loveliness
Tuesday
- Life’s a Party Dress Like it: Stylish Tuesday
- The Fashion Canvas: Trend Spin Linkup
- Corner Stone Confessions: Titus 2 Tuesday
- Time Warp Wife: Titus 2 Tuesday
- Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
- Keeping Life Simple: The Gathering Spot
- Sugar Bee Crafts: Take A Look Tuesday
- Style Elixir: Style Sessions Fashion Link Up
- Growing Home Blog: Teach Me Tuesday
- 100lb Countdown: Turn It Up Tuesday
- Greater Than Rubies: Remix, Rewear, Restyle
- Walking In Memphis In High Heels: Trend Spin Link Up
- Myriad Musings: Style Swap Tuesdays
Wednesday
- Transatlantic Blonde: What I Wore Wednesday
- Because Shanna Said So: Random Wednesday
- My Girlish Whims: My Whims Wednesday
- Juana Mikels: Wednesday's Prayer Girls
- Kimba Likes: Wardrobe Wednesday
- The Pleated Poppy: What I Wore Wednesday
- Messy Marriage: Wedded Wednesday
- Elizabeth & Co.: Be Inspired
- My Daily Walk In His Grace: Winsome Wednesday
- A Creative Princess
- Get Your Pretty On: I Feel Pretty
- A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
- Cute And Little: Color Brigade
- Redcliffe Style: 30 Plus Style and Beauty Linkup
- Adorned From Above
- Woman to Woman Ministries: Word Filled Wednesday
- Little R & R: Wednesday Link Party
- We Are That Family: Works For Me Wednesday
- Jennifer Dukes Lee: Tell His Story
- Fitness Blondie: The Hump Day Blog Hop
- Ann Elliott: Mid Week Muse
Thursday
- CLK Fashions: Fashion Boutique Favorites
- The Tiny Heart: Look What I Got
- Penniless Socialite: Look What I Got
- Rebecca Lately: Look What I Got
- Vodka-Infused Lemonade: Tres-Chic Thursday
- Mix and Match Fashion: What I Wore to Work
- 3-D Lessons For Life: Thought Provoking Thursday
- Katherines Corner: Thursday Favorite Blog Hop
- A Glimpse Inside: Catch A Glimpse Party
- Serving Joyfully: Thriving Thursday
- Glitz And Gold: All Things Thursday
- Maybe I Will: Be.You.Tiful
- Chic California: Be.You.Tiful
- The Happy Gal: Be.You.Tiful
- Fry Sauce And Grits: Be.You.Tiful
- Raising Mighty Arrows: Proverbs 31 Thursday
- All Things With Purpose: All Things Thursday
- Children Are A Blessing: Growing In Grace Link Up
- White Coat Wardrobe and Perfectly Coutured : Three Fer Thursday
- Simply Just Lovely: Working Girl With Style
- Soul & Spirit: Let Your Light Shine Thursday
- Treasure Tromp: Treat Yo'Self Thursday
Friday
- Mummy's Got Style: Fashion Friday
- Penniless Socialite and Delusions of Grandeur: Favorite Fashion Friday Link Up
- Two Thirty Five Designs: Casual Friday Link Up
- Serenity Now: Weekend Bloggy Reading Link Up
- Simply Lulu Style: What I’m Loving Fridays
- Style Elixir: Friday’s Fab Favorites
- Musings of a Housewife: Fashion Friday
- Rags to Stitches: Coffee Date Friday
- Womanhood With Purpose: Friday's Link Up
- Missional Women: Faith Filled Friday
- Spiritual Sundays
- Essential Thing Devotions: Essential Fridays
- Rachel The Hat: Passion For Fashion
- Simple Sequins: Fashion Item Friday
- Chantilly Songs: The Totally Awesome Blog Hop
- Christian Mommy Blogger: Fellowship Friday
- The Jenny Evolution: Friday Flash Blog
- Soul Survival: Faithful Friday Linkup
- Bacon Time With The Hungry Hypo: Anything Goes Linky Party
- Midwest Style Bloggers: Friday Favorites
- Lena B Actually: Passion For Fashion
- Blissful And Domestic: Feature Friday Link Up
- Sabby Style: Friday Frills
Saturday
- How Sweet The Sound: Pink Saturday
- Six Sisters' Stuff: Strut Your Stuff Saturday Linky Party
- Renewed Daily: Recommendation Saturday
- Fashionista Momma: Stylish Saturday
- Sincerely Paula: No Rules Weekend Blog Party
- Amanda's Books And More: Make My Saturday Sweet
- The Baby Shopaholic: Mamanista Friday
Sunday
1 comment:
Love the dress and your kids are adorable. Thanks so much for sharing with Adorned From Above's Link Party.
Debi
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