[Zei the MOM] My choice!

I'm happy that I have a hand at choosing Zia's toys... for now, that is. I'm pretty sure in 2 to 3 years, I won't have that luxury anymore. But for now, I'm making a career out of buying toys for my 1 year old. funny how most of her toys really reflect more of my personality. Zia doesn't have any favorite character yet so all the toys I buy her are the ones I like for her to like. She's into plush toys now so for Christmas, we got her these cuties:

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(L-R) Twinkle Toes, the singing ballerina doll; Lalaloopsy Swirly Figure Eight, the ice skater doll and Lalaloopsy Mittens Fluff n Stuff, the snow loving rag doll

Also got her other plush toys like Petty the Penguin and Bitbit the Rabbit

This lovely ballerina rag doll is handmade in the US and is a gift from my SIL. Love how her hair is black, just like baby Zia's. Photo grabbed from my SILs blog, check it out! Can't wait for Zia to play with this too.

I research about toys and books a lot, some of Zia's toys and books are the ones on the list of top toys and books for the year, but most are just chosen based on their cuteness and my liking of course. 

As of late though, I've been observing the darling daughter and she's not actually as girly as I thought she'd be, she's more of a spunky tot, so I'm not sure how long she'll be entertained by my choices of toys for her, which are, as you might have noticed, very girly. Nonetheless, I can't wait for the time when she will enjoy visits to the toy store with us.

[Zei the charmed one] I love Christmas!

First of, Happy Christmas to one and all! I hope and pray you enjoyed today as much as I did. :) And since it's Christmas day, I find that it's fitting to write about Christmas, of course! I've always loved Christmas, for many many reasons, and here are some on top of my list.

The decorations - Yup, the lights, the tree, the socks and many more that bring much color to the season. :)

The gifts - Mostly the gifts for baby Zia this year, but yup, I strongly believe that no one is too old for gifts, especially on Christmas!

The get togethers - Christmas is one of those occasions that call for reunions with good friends. I'd take a simple meal with good friends and great stories and reminiscing any day. :)

The food - It's the Christmas Ham actually that's the star of the Christmas feast if you ask me, and for some reasons it tastes yummier on Noche Buena.

The love of family - of course, nothing spells Christmas more than spending it with your loved ones.

The 'Belen' - The iconic display that reminds us of the reason for the season - the birth of our LORD.

Again, here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Now to countdown to the new year! such happy times call for so much thanksgiving. :)

[Zei the MOM] Holiday High!

Today marked the first day of my almost-two-week vacation from work. And while some tagged this day as the end of the world, I simply put this day on my calendar as my Christmas shopping day. :) Yup, I love the Christmas rush, I don't mind the lines and the momentary panic, to me, the Christmas rush is all part of the merriment that is the holiday season. :) This year I had my baby girl tag along with me, and it was even more fun. I had a mission and I accomplished it with stride with my list on hand and my poor wallet with no choice. Haha. I went crazy toy shopping for Zia as well since this year is her 2nd Christmas and I think somehow she'll appreciate opening her presents, unlike last year when she was just 4 months old. I think holidays have become even more special now that Zia is around. She's added real joy and wonder to the season and that's why I feel even more blessed.

Enjoy the Christmas rush guys! Happy holidays!

[Shopaholic Zei] Christmas Wishlist 2012

I know I had this forever Christmas wish list until I get it post before which you can check here, but somehow, now that I'm reading back on it, I feel that I don't need them anymore, save for the master bedroom makeover and other home stuff. I think it's mostly because I've been a mom for 15 months now (on top of the 9 month infanticipation) and my shopping habits have changed along with my wants and needs. For example, I was gifted with $100 for my birthday last September - had I been my old single self, I would've mentally spent it all in clothes, bags, shoes, etc, but instead, I spent it all on Zia in one day. :) I still know I'm a shopaholic, but mostly for Zia's stuff and anything for our home, and food. So I am making a new Christmas wish list, in case I forget.

1. Master bedroom makeover
2. Bamboo fence and a trellis for our backyard
3. Lots of parakito pellets refill for Zia
4. A small LCD TV for our kitchen
5. Another small LCD TV for Zia's room
6. Zia's nursery makeover
7. Lots of T-shirts and shorts for when Zia plays at Gymboree
8. Cotton On shopping spree (Yes, my allegiance to Forever 21 has waned)
9. Silver Casio Illuminator watch
10. All colors of ballet flats from Payless
11. And all the Japanese food I can eat

So there, those are the things I'd love to have soon. :)

It's actually more of a list of the things I'll buy/have done once I have extra money than a list of things I'd like to receive from other people. :) Except for the Casio Watch, ballet flats and T-shirts pala.

Calling on the husband, need you to pledge on a thing or two on my list. LOL. :)

I can sooooo smell Christmas! And it smells oh so yummy and wonderful! :)