Celebrating in Wonderland

Happy Black Friday everyone. I know I said I wouldn't be shopping today, but my dad asked me to take my nephew to pick out some jeans on sale at Macy's. So Allan and I braved the crowds at the mall to get Mikey some Levi's on the cheap. We also bought a couple quality pillows for only $20, for both. We love good pillows.

We also took a detour, since we were alredy on the road, and went to American Music. I got Allan new strings for his acoustic and electric guitars. Mikey had fun looking at the guitars and books. He's 9 and is currently taking guitar lessons. When he was 7 Allan and I bought him his first real acoustic. And little does he know my parents got him an electric. He's going to have an awesome christmas.

Anyways I plan to spend the rest of my day helping my dad make a rib roast and decorating my apartment! :) Tonight we're going to the autumn festival to enjoy Japanese entertainment, snacks and carnival games. I'm excited!!! I'm going to make Vivz wear her sushi costume!

Hope you have a great Black Friday. Don't stress too much and remember, as Allan told Mikey, every day should be Thanksgiving!

Celebrating in Wonderland: Thanks Giving on Guam

It's Thanks Giving day here on Guam! I just finished making my latiya for my family party and my friends party. Latiya is a favorite local dessert. It's basically half a sponge cake topped with a yummy pudding.

I learned how to make latiya a few Thanks Givings ago. Allan and I just moved in to OUR first apartment. We were previously living with my brother and his fiance, but since they got engaged and had a baby on the way, we decided they needed their own place. Anyways, I decided to put together a full homemade Thanks Giving feast for all our friends. Most of them didn't have anything planned with their families so it was welcomed. When I was planning the menu Allan, who for the most part doesn't have a sweet tooth, mentioned that he likes latiya. So I called my mom and she lent me a local cook book with the recipe. Every one enjoyed the meal, but most especially they loved the latiya.

I haven't perfected it though. The sponge cake always floats and that makes it look kind of funny, but it's made with love and tastes sooo delicious. Every time I make it I'm reminded of that day and the love I have for Allan and the friends and family I make it for.

Happy Thanks Giving!!!

Celebrating in Wonderland: Getting in to the Holiday Spirit

This year I'm attempting to really go all out for Christmas. I'm off on Black Friday, but all my gifts are going to be homemade. Instead of fighting the crowds in the stores I'll be home making decorations and gifts. I'm very happy about that. To get in to the swing of things I decided to make a Christmas station on Pandora. If you haven't visited Pandora online you should really check it out. I entered "Santa Baby"and now my station plays jazzy Christmas songs, weeding out the more kiddy songs. Last night Allan and I were singing along and dancing. It really got us in the Christmas spirit.

Last night I finished the structure of one of the sewing projects I'm doing. All I have to do now is add some finishing touches and wrap it up. By Friday I'll have atleast one gift under the tree.

Wonderland in Stitches

Last night I started on the first of many christmas gift sewing projects. I got my sewing machine over 5 years ago. This is the first time I've used it and actually had some idea of what I was doing. It's amazing how many wonderful blogs and sites are out there with tutorial, patterns, and videos. For the past month or so I've been a frequent visitor of Burda Style, Sew Mama Sew, and craftster. I'm excited about this new adventure. I just hope I can find enough time to make all the things I want to before all the christmas parties!

If anyone has any tips for a newbie at the sewing machine they'd be greatly appreciated. And if you know of any great sites please-please share!

Wish me luck!