a banner year

Now that 2009 is coming to a close...

Let's look at the year that was...

in banners.

This is what started it all.

Created by the super-talented Claire of Kalea Invitations.

 

 

I was in the mood for something else and mentioned it to Claire.

This is what she sent me - so elegant just with a simple change in colors.

 

This is my first (pathetic) attempt at graphic arts.

It's like cramming art skills into a left brain Type A personality.

 

Here's the second attempt.

I loved that it had color and that it incorporated the trips we took

during the summer.

Good thing I did not quit my day job.

 

A shift.

I figured that I should use some of my favorite pictures for the banner.

The start of something new in terms of banners.

I was learning how to add graphics directly onto a picture.

F said, it looked like the graphics were disappearing into the water.

Yeah, it felt like that sometimes.

Life just disappearing into the waters.

 

 I loved this picture.  Taken before 7 am on a summer morning.

I could have stayed forever on the spot where this picture was taken.

Except that I have a mortgage and a car payment.

And, 2 kids to put through college.

And, a serious Starbucks addiction.

 

Another favorite picture from one of our summer trips to Yosemite.

When we went back in November,

I spent a lot of time looking for this same meadow,

but could not find it.

They must have move it or something.

Yeah, that's it!

They moved the meadow.

 

I love this shot taken of the Golden Gate bridge.

Taken on a typical fall/winter day from Baker's Beach.

Thanks for following our journey thus far.

F and I have some very interesting topics for the new year!

 And, another raffle before you know it!

See you in 2010!

Luv,
Lease

http://www.beinglease.com/

a grown-up Christmas list

 

Every year during Christmas, there is one, but one song that gets to me.  It affects me in ways I cannot describe or fathom.  It hits me when I least expect it - usually during the early morning drive to work.  Cars passing me will see generous tears flowing. 

Especially (and only) when it is Barbra who sings.

Then I totally lose it.

You Tube - Barba Streisand

Here are the lyrics.

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up Christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up Christmas list

I still get teary-eyed just reading the lyrics and listening to Barbra belt it out.

These are my most fervent wishes for planet earth and for all of you, my dear friends.

Thanks for following our journey thus far.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Luv,
Lease


http://www.beinglease.com/

viva las vegas, part one

Now that you have witnessed my downward spiral towards homesickness,

I hereby promise to keep it together and

bring back the "Happy" in Happy Holidays.

The stars were in alignment again recently,

and showed us a great opportunity to take the kids to the land of lost wages.

As luck would have it, we were able to score not one,

but 2 complimentary 2-day stays at Las Vegas hotels.

Then, Southwest decided to lower its roundtrip fares,

and this allowed us to purchase tickets for the kids.

Imagine our surprise when this greeted us upon our arrival at Las Vegas Blvd.

 

Fireworks!

Wow, now that is impressive!

Perfect timing!

The newest hotel was opening that midnight.

 

So the very next day (a few hours later actually), we headed back to the scene of the crime

to check out what the ruckus was about.

 

 

We passed this nice lady.

 

And, this lion.

The last time we were in Vegas, this area was shall we say "rundown."

 

Lo and behold, there were many new buildings.

The new City Center was ready for the tourists.

 

This captured our feelings at that moment.

Everything was nice and new.

 

Behind this walkway, the white and blue building is Aria.

 

This is the rotunda.

I guess people had just turned in for the night when we dropped by.

We practically had the place to ourselves.

 

The fountain was very interesting. 

These 2 kids were glued to their spots in front of it.

 

As we were peeling the kids away from the fountain, we saw this guy...

 

Wait, does this mean Elvis has left the building?

Where is he going?

Love the cape, man.

 

We then ventured out to this futuristic looking tram stop.

Almost like something from Star Trek or 2012.

Has anyone seen Chris Pine or John Cusack?

 

It was a short tram ride from the Bellagio, to Crystals, to the Monte Carlo hotels.

Free entertainment for 2 kids. 

 

 This is another really interesting building within the City Center.

The architecture is just very Guggenheim-ish.

 

So much to see in so little time.

More next week!

Part 2 - the textures and shapes of the very very high end Crystals.

Luv,
Lease


http://www.beinglease.com/

this thing called...homesickness

 

Around this time of the year,  I always end up feeling sentimental and cannot help but reminisce about my old life across the pond.  Give or take a few moments here and there throughout the last 12 months, here are some recurring thoughts:

I miss my Mommy
I miss my Daddy
I miss my Sister, and James, and Reese.
I miss my old room, with its single bed and custom closets. 
I miss my 19 inch Sony tv.

I miss my study room or library, where I used to spend countless hour studying.  I miss my law books.
I miss our piano, and my piano pieces. 
I miss my sticker collection. 
I miss my Macintosh.

Please do not hold it against me, but I also think about comfort food.
Ah, the culinary delights of home.

I have for the past 5 years been craving:

•  a club sandwich from Tropical Hut
•  a thin crust custom pizza from Shakey's (italian sausage with mushroom, please), with a side of  fried chicken and mojos.  lots of mojos, please. 
•  roast beef with sliced mushrooms from Conti's
•  walnut pancakes (2-stack will do) from Pancake House
•  spaghetti with meat sauce from Pancake House or the coffee shop at Makati Supermarket in Alabang
•  A banana split or banana royale sundae from Magnolia House
•  A Smokey's cheesey-dog
•  Greenwich Pizza (just ham and cheese, please)

I would like all of the above "to go."  I will pick up in 15 minutes or as soon as the order is ready.   I need something to dull the pain.

I would also like some steamed fish with tartare sauce the way my mom used to make it.
And, since we're on a roll, some Pata Tim would be delish.  How about some Hamonado, and maybe Morcon?  Yeah, Thai BBQ and my neighborhood Wingstop are not able to hit the mark lately.

I miss the always-crowded-like-it's-Black-Friday malls.  I miss Marks and Spencer's.  I miss Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, and Festival Mall. 

Oh, my.

I miss the fairy lights everwhere.  I miss the Christmas decor lining the islands on the highways.

I miss spending time with my side of the family.   

Sigh.

Yeah, that's about it.  Or, so I would like to I think. 

Homesick,
Lease

http://www.beinglease.com/

rocking out

First it was guitar hero.

Our house was busting at the seams with Bon Jovi.

Then, the November babies received this wonderful gift last month...

And life, as we knew it, would never be the same.

If you could only see them play.

John Mayer would be put to shame.

You would think they were playing the real thing.

You might want to take a second look to check if it is an actual guitar he is "strumming."

 

Less than a month after they officially started rocking out to the Beatles,

my first born is already into the "medium" level on certain songs.

The adults need to practice a little more because a 9-year old is giving them

a run for their money.

Luv,
Lease


http://www.beinglease.com/

random thoughts regarding a specific event

This is one of a few of my favorite pictures from the day I married the hunky hunk of burning love 20 million years ago.

A few things and feelings that come to mind when I see this picture: 

Rain.

A white c-class benz.

Roast Beef with mushrooms.

A 26-inch waist.

Walking around in at least 25 yards of ivory heavy duchess satin, 5 lbs of bead work, and 2.5 inch heels.

Roses.

My beautiful sister.

My jaw hurting from all the smiling.

My parents in their finery.

Hairspray.

The groom looking rather dashing.

My matron of honor crying (tears of joy, I hope) as I walked down the aisle.

Apple walnut wedding cake.

A String Quartet.

Fairy lights.

A new name added to my name.

Friends.

Family.

Hope.

Love.
and, oh, this song, baby.

Happy weekend folks!

Lease

http://www.beinglease.com/

when money is not an issue

11 luxury gift ideas...

Since most of us are in a gift-giving mode...

Are you looking for presents in the luxury arena, and the price tag is not an issue? Sky is the limit?  Or, maybe you are doing a "group" gift thing-y?

Then, feel free to select one or all of the items listed below for your loved (lucky!) ones...

Cashmere.  Because she (or he) is worth it! And, also because...baby, it's cold outside! Women's Bateau neck sweater ($119) from Talbots.  Banana Republic men's crewneck cashmere sweater ($181)

The cardinal rule is not to give your wife (or significant other) something electronic and can be plugged into an outlet, but I think we can bend the rules for this one particular item, especially if s/he is a foodie/aspiring baker.  KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Metallic Chrome ($299).  William-Sonoma

Jewelry. Nothing like the robin's egg blue box to send hearts aflutter.  Everyday "diamonds-by-the-yard" bracelet in sterling silver ($625). Or, color-by-the-yard necklace in aquamarines in sterling silver ($550).  From Tiffany's.

Ipod.  Your choice - Ipod touch (8G $199) or Nano (8G $149).  I've raved about the I-touch that I received on Mother's day, so I know your recipient will appreciate it.  The latest Nano has updated features like video, etc.  From Apple.

 The Beatles Rockband.  The November babies received this as a group gift, and let me say this - there is nothing like watching 3 generations of your family rocking out to the Beatles.  By now, both our kiddos know the lyrics to all of the songs on the game.  ($250)

 

Ball Club Tickets.  A's or any other ball club.  For the sports enthusiast.  They have holiday flex packs or gift cards.  Season tickets, 22 games at Plaza infield for $528.

Theater Tickets.  For those who love Broadway or Off-Broadway shows.  I still remember my firstborn's excitement as we entered the theater to watch Lion King.   Wicked starts at $40. 

There's nothing like a nice well-made handbag or purse to brighten a woman's life.  Brown Zip Shopper from B. Makowsky ($258). Black Large pocket tote Michael Kors ($298).

Wine clubs.  William Sonoma has a decent wine club starting at $90 monthly (4 red, 2 whites).   Dean & Deluca artisan wines  start at $100 monthly.
 

 
Food Clubs.  For the food enthusiast (who isn't?).  William-Sonoma has a croissant ($99; 3 months) or cheese club ($199).

Give a donation in the recipient's name.  Pick the recipient's favorite charity or pick of any of the ones listed here.  Make it relevant to the recipient, and make someone's life a little better with your gift.  At least 3 people will love you for it (this blogger included)!

Happy giving!

Luv,
Lease


http://www.beinglease.com/