Hello Wish List

I'll be turning another year older in two weeks and it's something that makes me overwhelmingly happy and excited at the same time. We don't get celebrations like this during my younger years so that date on the calendar isn't really something to look forward to. Apparently, it changed since I became a Mother.

The years added define every fulfillment I earn facing the most impossible work or personal challenges and satisfaction on what I have achieved as a mother and a woman. That alone gives me a reason to be joyful and proud that I surpassed another year with immeasurable contentment and without losing aspirations in life.

So last night, I came up with a funny wish list and posted one on my Instagram account. It's sort of a reward I'd like to receive to gauge if I did well for the entire year. In case the hubby reads this, hey no pressure ha! :-)

Tory Burch Nylon Ella Tote 

I stopped buying bags for almost a year now to lessen the guilt. Ha ha! My last haul was my Large Brown Long Champ back in September and it's the most overused bag so far. See how useful it is for me - I carry it going to work, to malls, to anywhere we go with Daphne since it can accommodate all her baby stuff, even during coffee meet ups. I like how it gives more than enough space to carry my belongings. So dear Tory Burch, in case I don't receive you by June, for sure I'm still gonna get you. One bag each year. :-)

Pandora charm bracelet

Well, I just signed up as a member very recently. Ha ha! Here's my ideal piece. Isn't it lovely? Price is not practical if you purchase it here, so I'm hoping a friend can get it for me in the US.  If ever I decide to get one here in Manila, that is because I never really had a charm bracelet ever since. Looking forward to owning one that I can keep for years until my daughter can wear it herself. The charms I picked best describes me and my top favorites. 

White iPad Mini 16gig

Seriously, who doesn't want a new gadget? I stopped playing Candy Crush but still in to Instagram and other  Apple apps. It would be nice if I can blog from here too. Besides, Daphne and I can share at night so she can play with her Pororo flashcards. 

Photos borrowed from respective websites. 

Again, these are just my funny wishes. Who knows, it may come true one day! Let the count down begin! *teehee*

xx,
OneGutsyMom

My 31st Birthday

I got overwhelmed with all the greetings and well wishes I received today on Facebook and Twitter. It's a nice feeling knowing that people cared to drop you a line and somehow joined you with the celebration. Thank you, dear friends, for making my day a very special one.

Well, what made this day unforgettable? First, I get to spend a hefty lunch with my hubby at House of Minis. Mom volunteered to take care of my lil' one when she came home so hubby and I can spend more time together. Such a sweet gesture, Ma! ♥

To tell you more about HoM, it is located at Shoppesville, Greenhills. This restaurant has a romantic dining ambiance having those waiters wearing white long sleeves but I wasn't quite impressed because of the old wooden walls surrounding me. I must say though that if you're looking for an affordable and tender-licious steaks then this is a guaranteed place to be. To our pleasure, after taking our orders, we were served with a bowl of cream of corn soup, coleslaw, and also bread and butter.

 

We were too busy doing our own thing so I forgot to take a picture of what he ordered. I chose Mini Pepper steak (below) while his was Porterhouse. When our waiter poured those gravy on my plate, I literally smelled like I sprayed a bottleful to myself. Tsk!



I just shrugged it off and just enjoyed my food. I can only eat a well-done steak and this one is really good. So tender! Hubby looked for rice as the serving doesn't include one. He ordered two cups which I already expected that he can't finish. His Porterhouse looked like it weighed a kilo! We were also served vanilla ice cream for dessert. Happy tummy, can't argue with that! ^^

I got three special gifts this year and I really loved it. This watch I'm wearing is hubby's gift from Mango. It matches our wedding ring so I'm looking forward to wearing it everyday in the office. My top friends Chris and Mel gave me a stylish Celine handbag, which btw is a surprise gift! The execution was just so perfect! Haha! The other one, I will tell you all soon.

   

Lord, thank you for this life and for this wonderful journey. Thank you so much for taking care of me for 31years. I cannot thank you enough for waking up each day seeing the face of my lovely daughter. This will always be the best birthday gift to me.

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Va' Pensiero Birthday Treat

Friday traffic jam would want you to rather stay in a mall than go home straight and face the bumper to bumper ride. This sad fact led me to meet DM's as my excuse for asking my pre-birthday dinner treats. Yup, TREATS! Anyway, I was really really craving for a good pasta and pizza yesterday but I don't feel like eating alone especially that bingeing with a good food is my target. Thank God that even if Gateway Mall has very limited options, DM's and I discovered this new dining place serving Italian cuisine named Va' Pensiero.

  

This restaurant was formerly named Volare.

Behind us is a wall neatly decorated with photos of all the gourmet pasta and pizza they serve.

Trattoria art in front of us and musical notes. Pavarotti fan?

I saw this gorgeous bottle with lemon and some spices inside..

Do I seem so anxious waiting for our food served?

Here comes our foodie!

Red pasta looks sumptuous for me tonight so I ordered Vongole.

My first time to taste an unusual form of pizza. From the name itself, Tortellone.
Folded, croissant inspired. Filled with ham and mozzarella cheese plus pesto and Parmesan on top.

Bon appetit!

Va' Pensiero

Gateway Mall, Araneta Centre