Mark's Birthday Bash

SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 - Mark's birthday! But the night before, the parents took all of us out to a buffet dinner at Barona's Casino. Their PRIME RIB was sooo good! We also enjoyed their strawberry and chocolate crepes.

On Sunday, his actual birthday, we went to church and afterwards, we surprised Mark with a brunch buffet celebration over at Humphrey's by the Bay. I know... another buffet!!! Anyways, he didn't know what to expect at first since we left the GPS system to guide him to our destination. Seemed more like a game but really, we had him guessing all the way there.

Their food was pretty descent. We loved their prime rib, Maple-Brown Sugar baked ham, pasta, omelets, sausage, potatoes, apple-wood smoked bacon and OMG... their BELGIUM WAFFLES... how I miss those! I think the last time I had them were at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. I just realized it's been more than a decade ago! Their desserts were delicious too! And we got free-flowing champagne. You can check out their website at http://www.humphreysbythebay.com/ to see everything else they had for their Sunday brunch since I believe their menu stays the same for awhile. It's kind of pricy but great for occassions! A toast to good times!
Thanks to Ian, Sherilyn and Allen for coming with us!

Mini MAC Haul # 1

Sherilyn and I visited a MAC store today. I'm so blessed I have a MAC store that's 5minutes away from me... 5 MINUTES AWAY!!! But Sherilyn is even more blessed since she has a MAC PRO store that's 5 minutes away from where she lives. LOL Can't beat that!!! Many people are confused... YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MAC PRO MEMBER TO PURCHASE MAC PRO PRODUCTS. From what I've learned, any person can buy Mac PRO products of either two ways: you can order/purchase at a MAC PRO store or through MAC PRO's 1-800 number (check out www.macpro.com for more info). However, a non-mac-pro member cannot order from the Mac PRO website. That I guess, is the only downfall, other than not having the MAC pro discount.

So what did I get??? My intentions were to buy their make-up brushes. I AM LITERALLY OBSESSED WITH MAKE-UP BRUSHES RIGHT NOW!! I've own a couple of their other brushes for 3 years now and they're still in good shape! I was going to buy some comparable brushes at cheaper prices but what the heck, I love MAC and the quality is fantastic! So, my intentions were to go buy just brushes and out I came with just brushes, oh and I almost forgot, a roll-on bag for the brushes.

Lets see... I got the MAC Brush #s 187, 213, 190, 182, 224. The Kabuki brush has really soft bristles! I think it's made of raccoon hair or some other natural fiber. I forgot. But yeah, that's what I got today! = )

Autumn is Here

As I sit here blogging, I am looking out the window and the time is currently 7.00pm. NO sunlight, it's really pitch dark outside. Oh, wait.. I just heard Buttons (Sherilyn's cutest cat) catch something... it's squealing for dear life! Oh, no... what could it be? Maya who's sitting near the window is very anxious and wants to go out to see Buttons but the door is closed. Hah! The hubby would kill me if I were to let her out. Often times, Maya has escaped and gotten in trouble for that.

*** Be right back ***

It appears that Buttons caught a medium sized mouse and killed it!

Going back to what I was saying in the beginning, it's dark outside! I looked at my calendar only to find out that Autumn began yesterday. Wow... time is flying by so very crazy!!! I guess LONG nights are here to stay. Here come the Holidays! Wohoo!

On to Johnny

I started reading "Dear John," by Nicholas Sparks late last night. The hubby asked me a few times if I wanted to play Mario Kart, but I resisted the temptation and decided to start the book even though I wasn't done with the Twilight Series. Did I ever mention that I have been listening to it on my iPhone lately? Yup, thanks to Sherilyn who always comes up with better ideas!

I finished chapter one by the way (of Dear John) and so far, I am liking it. Mark is in the military and thus the theme of this book and I can very much relate. It's interesting how in some ways Mark and I are similar to these fictional characters - John and Savannah.

I'm really excited in finding out what is going to happen just because Nicholas Sparks comes up with good endings especially in his book, The Wedding. If you haven't read it, make sure you read The Notebook first as The wedding is the sequel. Good reading everyone!

For the First Time...

It was when I was watching TFC a few days ago that I found out this movie was already playing at our local theater! So, the hubby and I decided to go watch it. *YAY!* Sadly, it will be around ONLY for exactly ONE week.

Anyhow, I promised that I would watch the movie even though I know it would not exceed my expectations, but Richard and K.C. in a movie together? C'mon... I love them both and they look so good together! Like all Filipino movies, the ending was very predictable, but no hate.

Aside from all the acting, I believe these two are a good match in looks and status. I didn't like the story, though some scenes of it made me teary.... just teary! However, there is one thing I am looking forward to... I WANT TO GO TO SANTORINI SOMEDAY! : )

Fresh from the Outback

Yesterday morning, I picked these red peppers from our little garden in our back yard. Aren't they so red and cute that they look almost fake? I just happen to love the color red (well, only on certain things) so I thought of taking this picture. I've heard in other states, many citizens have begun planting their own garden of veggies since the cost of almost everything has soared sky-high, most especially gas (and yes that includes vegtables). Unfortunately, we are in that economic phase where things have to change, and all we can do is accept the fact that things aren't going to get any cheaper. What can I say? Life isn't fair all the time. Maybe I should get a bite of that red pepper...or better yet, have me some ice-cold Dr. Pepper! ^__^. Geez...what on earth am I saying?! Happy Friday everyone! =^.^=

Book Worm

And so I'm back... Yes, I am and where have I been?!? Well, I've been slowly trying to figure out things for myself and for the people I love. But other things have come in the way, and so I sit here contemplating on just the small stuff waiting for the last minute to deal with the important things that matters most. I usually tend NOT to slack, but heck, it's getting to me... seriously , it is.

Want to know something? I'm not even done reading Twilight, but I saw the preview of its movie at Borders. Yup-yup... I saw Edward!!! ^__^ Now, I really have to finish reading the book!

But on the other hand, I found the book that I've been wanting to read -Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. It's just that I never bought it since I already have like 5 books lined up, but since it cost less than half its price, I decided to buy it. My principle on books has always been, finish what you're reading and move on to the next. So, after reading Twilight... I'll have to put the other series on hold and read Dear John. I'm really excited because I love Nicholas Sparks! His choice of words usually gives a vivid picture of what I'm reading, an excellent author, I must say.

By the way, another one of his novels - Nights in Rodante is coming soon to theaters near you! I've read the book a few years back... And by far, this is the novel I like least. Haha.

There's so much more to say, but I need to read some Twilight before it's too late. I'll have to continue this some other time. Good day!

~ L.T.

Dolly Passion

People constantly ask me numerous questions about my dolls. I normally get these questions from fellow Pullip collectors and ofcourse, those who are interested. The popular questions vary from which dolls I have to how many and so on and so forth. BUT one question never seems to fade away and that is, WHEN will I ever post pictures of them. Funny... funny... Let's just say that never in my mind had i thought they'd be anticipating something like this.

Well, not too long ago, I finally took the time AND patience to do some doll photography and boy, oh boy...it wasnt easy especially when you're wanting the outcome to be picture perfect! Anyhow, after all the effort I gave, some of the pictures turned out nicely. And today, I was able to post these pictures... You are welcome to visit the blogsite I have made strictly for my dolls at WWW.DOLLYPASSION.BLOGSPOT.COM and let me know what you think =^.^=

Or you can always click the link - "Leslie's Dollies," found on the left side of this blog. Thanks and sorry for the long wait.

~ L.T.

I'm Back and so is She!

Seems like i haven't been here in so long! Well, Labor day weekend is finally over. We did a few fun things, but didn't go to the beach like how I was wanting to go. Summer days are almost over, and I still haven't gone to the beach this year! I know I don't really like sunny days, but it's been so hot! Today, September begins so it should be getting cooler.
Went to the mall yesterday... Played with make-up at Sephora's and had fish tacos at Rubios. I was going to buy my Bvlgari sunglasses, but thought I could spend the money on something more useful and worthwhile. Hence, I bought a GPS system for my car. I am bad with directions so this would work for me instead rather than a pair of shades that I am bound to lose sooner or later.
To top the long weekend off, I didn't forget to watch Prison Break 4!!! It premiered this evening, and I shall continue to watch it weekly! To our surprise, "she's" back... Just like how i imagined! Oh Michael Scofield, my Michael Scofield!

My Dolly Family

These are all of my dolls up to date! : ) This time, they were well-behaved. haha.

Top row, left to right: (Pullips)
Hello Kitty - Hailey
Rida -
Sage -
Raphia - Savannah
Alte -

Second row from top, left to right: (Pullips/Taeyang)
Nina - Sumi
Rovam - Maja
Purezza - Lexie
Prunella - Aika
Veritas - Misa
Shade - Niko

Third row from top, left to right: (Taeyang/Pullips)
M.J. -
Souseiseki (Rozen Maiden Collection)Barasuishou
Shingku (Rozen Maiden Collection)
Suguintou (Rozen Maiden Collection)
Suiseiseki (Rozen Maiden Collection)

Bottom row, left to right: (Dals)
Drta -
Hina Ichigo (Rozen Maiden Collection)
Kanaria (Rozen Maiden Collection)
Coral -
Sooni -

Blah!

Gee, I'm so bored today or probably just tired since I've been busy these passed days trying to take pictures of my dolls. Although I haven't uploaded the pictures onto my laptop yet, I have this feeling that I am not going to be completely satisfied. My major problem is that its been a little windy outside, which make it harder for the dolls to cooperate. Tomorrow, I shall see the results and I'm hopeful to come up with my first toy project in the upcoming week.

Suddenly, I am feeling sleepy... I shall take a power nap!

A Note from the Other Side

I finally started watching it... Death Note, that is. The hubby and I has temporarily given up "Mario Kart nights" to give this popular animé series some attention. It fairly gives us something sensable to argue about. After watching 13 episodes, we think this series is interesting since it's no typical story... atleast not one that I've ever read or watched in the past.

And so far, I very much agree with L. He is definitely my favorite character -very calm and intelligent, but then again, so is Light. I guess all the good ones begin in "L!" (ahem!) Haha.

~ L.T.

Got Yogurt?

We are always constantly trying to find something to beat Yogurt Land's quality of taste or at atleast its same level of goodness here in San Diego but just never was satisfied with what they had to offer until yesterday. After our flat-tire adventure, we discovered a place called Swirly Cup! There weren't any customers inside so my assumptions suddenly became negative. But when I saw my New York Cheesecake, HOPE and joy filled my heart. I was crossing fingers that hopefully it would taste the same and indeed it did! They didn't have my Peach but they had mango that didn't taste tarty at all. My type! And the toppings? They had exactly what I needed: mochi, cheesecake, blueberries, and almonds!

WHOA, was I dreaming? Something as good as Yogurt Land five minutes away from us? You gotta be kidding?!! Hayl no! Now, I can have all the yogurt I want... yeaaahhh! : )

~ L.T.

Yummy Treat

It was when I went to the mall with my brother during my recent visit to the Philippines. We were walking inside shopping around until I could smell this sugary-mocha something in the air. Well, I couldn't figure out what it was 'til I asked my brother about it. He said, "Oh, that's ROTI!" I was like what in the world was ROTI?!? He brought me to this bakery called Michell's and there it was, a bread called ROTI... it was freshly baked ROTI!
At first, I didn't bother to buy one for tasting sake since I was only curious because of the smell. Even though Richard said it tasted really good, I had cared less. Later on, maybe a week later, my mom bought a pack and I had ate one, maybe two or three. Oh Lord! This I must say is bread I could live off of! SooOooo goooood!!! It actually doesn't taste like mocha, but more of a soft sweet-buttery taste to it with a hint of something that I can't figure out. But I guess how it tastes is all that matters! Roti.... yummmmmmmy!

Playful Addiction

Playful Addiction



Mario Kart has always been one of my favorite Nintendo games since I was young. I'd always play it with my brother who always finished in first place, and I, in second. This year, Nintendo came out with Mario Kart Wii... and NOW, I play it with my husband who is somewhat better than me. haha. The graphics are ofcourse better, and the names are as always cute!

Come evening before bed time, the hubby and I power up for a Mario Kart Wii session playing against many different people around the world. We both find it hard using the wheel to play and so we tried using the regular controller as we've been bragging that we're off better that way. In fact, eversince we started playing with the controllers, we have come to dominate the TOP half of racers whereas before, we'd finish off as the the last two. Shameful as it was, we are sticking with controllers!

We only promise you that we will GET BETTER... we rule Mario Kart!!! See the first picture above? That only means L = Leslie and M = Mark. Have a good evening everyone! : )

The Comeback: PRISON BREAK 4

For all you PB fans out there... Mark your calendars for Season 4 beginning 9/1/08 MONDAY 8/7c... 2 hour Premiere!



"Fox has announced that it is likely that production of the show will be moving from Dallas to LA: "The producers have an exciting idea for next season's storylines, and unfortunately, it may require moving the series back to Los Angeles." for creative reasons," Unfortunately??? C'mon, that makes the cast closer to us!!! hehehe... I'm sooOoooOo excited!

Is This True?

I was searching for the schedule of Prison Break Season 4 when I saw this...


"According to this one report, Dominic Purcell was not on particularly good behavior at the Prison Break Comic Con Panel today: Prison Break Crackberry Fiend Dominic Purcell Ruins Comic Con Panel. Also, Wentworth Miller was a no-show for the event (he had been expected to appear). Not sure which behavior is worse."

I never knew about this and neither was it in the Comic-Con schedule! I am not as mad but had Wentworth Miller been there, I WOULD HAVE DIED knowing he was there and that I, 100% could have gone!!! Awwww... I could have seen Lincoln Burrows though in person. That would have been cool! : ) Oh well.

FOR CHRISTIAN

Chris, here is the Death Note Figure... Actually there are 3 figures inside (1 girl 2 boys). I couldn't get good close up pictures because of the plastic. It's creating a lot of glare so yeah... I'm glad you like Death Note. You're making me want to watch it now too. Mark and sister says there are 2 series for the anime and 2 movies but the movie isn't good as the anime. Sherilyn says you can watch it on www.youtube.com or www.dailymotion.com. Have fun watching and don't tell me what happens. : )

An Overjoyed Accomplishment!

The Obitsus that I ordered online last week finally came in! I was so excited to start... talk about invigorating estrogen! With everything set aside, I opened the package immediately and there the bodies were, safe and sound. Everything was in order, nothing was missing. I was very determined to begin this long awaited experiment, I would say. This was my first time to ever do this and who did I start with? I seemed quite confident than the last time so I began with my Nina - who by the way does not have a name, yet. Man, she was a tough one! Her hair was glued on very well to her scalp making it difficult for me to pry apart. It took me nearly 2 hours for her new make-over. I found "sawing" the neck peg in half gave me a good work out too. Whew!

I figured I should go out and buy me some new tools so I ran to the Home Depot and grabbed me a new mini hand saw and a glue gun. I was home in a jippy! Next was Maja (Rovam). I didn't want to do her first since she is one of my pricy dolls and thought it would be horrible enough if I did mess up on her. Wow... I was done with her in 20 minutes! She was well-behaved and cooperated with me. That's why I love her! : ) Not to mention, my new tools made the process much quicker. The glue made it kind of sloppy but I managed to be careful.

I was very much satisfied with the end-results knowing in the beginning I was somewhat afraid. Thanks to the girls from Pullip Pilipinas, who encouraged me, gave me tips and overall helped me with this. It's a happy feeling of accomplishment and ofcourse, something to be proud of. As of now, I have only obitused the both of them. I have 2 more dolls in line, and if the hubby allows me, I am going to definitely buy more!

COMIC-CON 2008

Since we are a local of San Diego, we would like to present to you COMIC-CON 2008!!! Mark and I went to the preview night this evening and upon arriving at the convention center, the lines were really-really, and I mean really LONG! Preview night is only open to exhibitors and 4-day attendees. Since we are a part of Sherilyn's staff (visit www.furokuculture.com), we didn't have to wait in line. Yup, that's practically the best thing about it! We always feel somewhat special being one of the first to go shopping and exploring around before the stampede gets in. This was actually both our first time to attend preview night and boy, I already thought it was wild and crazy. I had to fight my way through just to get a wonder-woman bag!!! *laughs* Jun Planning didn't have much for me this year so I was left empty handed...yup ZERO, NADA, nothing! I was soooOoo excited on buying new dolls again. All they had was the "Another Alice in Wonderland" team," and they were selling them for cheap! Ok.. ok.. and so I have to move on to plan-B. hehe..

Anyhow, preview night was only from 6pm to 9pm. Surprisingly, we were finished by 8pm. I took better pictures this time, and despite the crowd, I had a good time! I'm still thinking if I should go back on Saturday or Sunday. They were giving out good freebies this year... I'm after those freeeeeebies!!! hehe! Sometimes, long lines for these freebies are worth the wait. : ) All I got besides some of the freebies was a Toki-doki bag... very cute!

Where's the "light" in TWILIGHT

A few months ago, I bought Stephanie Myer's books - Twilight Series, which is becoming popular not only among teens but with different age groups as well. I've talked to a couple of people who read the books and said they finished them within 2 days! That really caught my attention telling me the books should be really interesting. Because of it's popularity and high ratings, I decided to get myself a copy of each. I started reading in May2008 and perhaps, I've only read four chapters since then. Unlike the others, it did NOT feel like a page-turner for me. Since it's too late to get a refund for these books, I thought to myself why not give the books another chance.

Yesterday, I started off from where I left, think that was Chapter 5. I don't want to get into details of the story as I may spoil it for some of you who plan to read the series. So far, the story is somehow getting back on its feet, but ofcourse this is just all my opinion. I shall continue reading the book hoping it will make me eager to read on. Oh... and this year, they added another book to the series, called - Breaking Down. That is what I don't have, yet. ; )

Frustrated but Determined

After joining and participating in the forums, I am being persuaded by my conscience that I should too obitsu my dolls so they can be more posable just like the other girls. They look soooo cute! At times I feel confident that I can obitsu their bodies but then after awhile, I begin to doubt myself and then I'm back at one. Gee. Some doll collectors say it's quite fun and I hope it is. I just don't want to mess up because these are not just some dolls you find at Walmart or the like. Well, I don't think I have a choice since I ordered 4 Obitsus earlier, and now that's really going to push me in making these changes. I hope the process goes smooth and make me eager in doing more obitsuing in the future.

ATLAST!

FINALLY!, I got an iPhone... an iPhone 3G to be precise! WoooHooo! Apple came out with this new iPhone yesterday - July 11, 2008. Thanks to Ian who has been an Apple fan since God knows when and who waited in line for nearly 3 hours or so. We both got one. *wink!* He's been wanting one since the original iPhone came out but never got the chance and me... hmmmm... I've been wanting a touch-screen phone since I started working at the V.A., but there were just never any good ones in the market. Actually, I was going to buy the original iPhone until I found out they were coming up with a faster one and so I waited ... and waited. After playing with it a bit, I would think there's not much difference from the old iPhone. What I don't like so far is the battery! With 3G and Wi-fi on, it drains so fast! So fast, I was shocked and to think that the battery is internal which means I just can't go out there and replace it! Other than that... I am still exploring this brilliant invention. : )

Though honestly, I do miss my blackberry... I must say out of all the phones I had, it was the most sophisticated-looking, had a very durable operating system of its own, and above all, great battery life! But on a high note, I know it is in very, very GOOD hands... atleast, better than my hands.

Me and my gadgets... *sigh*

The Expected

They say all motorcyclists have got into an accident or WILL get into an accident in their lifetime. Unfortunately, Mark got into his first (and I hope, last) accident this morning. Him and his friend apparently went biking up a mountain and slid in gravel. I brought him to the E.R. and the diagnosis: Acromio-Clavicular separation TYPE 3 of 6 with 6 being the worst. Unluckily, his RIGHT arm which is his DOMINANT is the one injured. According to doctors and upon viewing the x-rays, about 3 ligaments were torn causing this separation. We have talked to a couple orthopedics and his options are either surgery or therapy. I don't know the exact details of the accident since obviously I wasn't there, but Mark's condition could have been much worse. As of now, we are researching on which treatment is best for him long term. Hopefully, things will get better. About two weeks ago after coming home from a 2-month deployment, Mark's shipmate got into a motorcycle accident under the influence. Shortly after a few days, he died. He was only 19 y/o. It's very sad to just even think about it. So for all you motorcyclists out there, PLEASE BE VERY EXTRA CAREFUL AS YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

AX 2008

Anime Expo is one of the most popular and busiest conventions of the year here in the west side. It is being held at the convention center here in L.A. this year, YUP, we're in L.A. for this event. Like last year, Sherilyn had a booth and I think it looks better. Visit WWW.FUROKUCULTURE.COM for more pictures. We've been staying at Mark's sister's pad here in the O.C. since Thursday, and we'll be going home Sunday. This year was not as exciting as the previous ones. I guess it's because we know what to expect after attending the other expos. As usual, Mark bought many dolls. YES, he also collects dolls - ANIME DOLL FIGURES, that is. His collection is growing every year, and so is mine. haha. I found some dolls there (different dolls from Mark's), but they were not the ones I've been wanting so why bother? What I bought were some Re-ment figures for my dolls and a kitchen, oh and a Photo-lighting studio. We'll be going back tomorrow, and then head home.

The pictures aren't as clear. Next time, I won't forget to bring my DSLR.

Happy Fourth!

I have always wanted to spend 4th of July at the beach, ideally from morning to evening and have the typical BBq and just chillin' kind of thing. It's not that we never experienced that, but surely, it's been a very long time since we went. This year, we attended a yearly convention in L.A., so that's why we spent Independence day there. We had dinner at the Outback Steak House - one of Mark's favorite restaurants. I wasn't able to eat as much as I would have liked since I have been ... hmmm.. lets say... ill for the past week now. But I feel that I'm getting better. Sherilyn wanted to watch fireworks right after so we went to a nearby school where we found many people waiting. I mean, what's the 4th without fireworks?!? I gotta say, the show was kind of boring... there was NO music and the fireworks didn't last even 20 minutes like the normal! Ok... well.. we'll have to wait for next year's. : )

Back Home

It's been so long since I last blogged. Well, lets just say I was out of town for awhile. But I'm back... and so is Mark, yay! We got back last week and boy, I have been crazy coughing, and this sore throat seems to be getting worst. Hence, I am in no mood to really blog at the moment, BUT I need to distract myself and not focus on my illness as it makes it more the while, worst. Believe it or not, the mind is more powerful than the body in so many ways. With that being said, I'll try to be on here more often or as soon as I get my things together.

Hope everyone is doing okay! : )

A Little Pampering

Something I have been wanting to do for a long time - GET EYELASH EXTENSIONS, and finally, I was able to earlier today despite typhoon Frank spinning around in the neighborhood. Anyways, they are temporary eye lash extensions that are glued onto my real eyelashes. The process took an hour. The cost? Well, one of my Godmothers paid for it and her knowing the business owner, she got a really good deal! Overall, I don't think it's that much.

Looking into the mirror, the new lashes aren't as noticable BUT looking at a side view, WHOA!!! BIG - BIG DIFFERENCE! They're sooo long... amazingly done with a natural look.

The only bad thing is when I close my eyes tightly, IT HURTS! Well, the intensity of pain is bearable but very uncomfortable. They said if taken care of, the eye lash extensions will stay on for a good 3 months. NOT BAD at all. : ) So yes, I am going to enjoy these for now and be more observing so as to know if I should do it again in the future. Pictures are courtesy of Ms. Glaiza... thanks!

ROVAM

Finally... I got me a ROVAM!!! She's sooOooOoo cute and pretty! She is by far my favorite PULLIP. WooOoHooo! I am thinking of naming her MAJA. Oh.. and I'm also going to make a blogsite just for my dolls. Soon to come... so keep posted!

A Pretzel For the Family

We have a new family member who arrived today... yup, yup, another kitten! Her name is Pretzel, formerly named, Curley because the end of her tail is bent or curled. She was adopted from the pound and is currently 6 months old. She seems to be playful and active. Tonight, she'll be sleeping in Maya's cage. Welcome to the family, Pretzel!