Etsy Love

I want to share a new discovery of mine (okay, I maybe the last person who discovered this but better late than never)  - ETSY! I can't believe I discovered it's awesomeness just now, well yesterday to be exact. I've heard about it before and probably have visited the site once but didn't give it much attention. But everything changed when I explored the site. You know that feeling you get when you go in a place and tell yourself, "how come I've never been here before?" Uh-huh, that's how it is. 

I've been looking for the perfect tall flat boots and I find eBay frustrating (I'm not patient with the bids) and I found them there. I love the layout of the website, the sellers are very nice and I love the fact that you can find a lot of good stuff in there. I actually think that it's cheaper than eBay. So therefore, I conclude, I love Etsy.

He came bearing gifts

it's the little surprises that makes me love you even more

Oh babe, you make the meanest ribs

While mom and I were out shopping, my husband was home cooking supper. Oh yes, he makes the meanest ribs! Thank you my love for being so amazing and awesome!!! 

Moms are the best

My mother in law is the best and the coolest. I treat her as my own mom especially while my mom is still back in the Philippines. She spent the last weekend in our apartment - our first ever guest to sleep over (!) and I tell you it was such a fun weekend! Dad and her always treat us whenever they are around and we are very thankful for that. Jesse and I have planned that once we are more financially capable, we'll be able to give back to them and surprise them with something. :)

So, going back to our fun weekend, after a visit to the farmers market in the morning and had lunch at Pink Sushi (oh yeah, we love sushi). Mom and I went thrift shopping after and scored a lot of nice stuff! I got a J crew and Old navy sweaters and a couple of band shirts and these awesome belts! I'll have an outfit post of them next time. 

We were in awe of this vegetable but not sure what it is. Thanks to our friend Corina, they are called romanesco broccoli, a type of cauliflower. they're cute, huh?

SUSHI!!!!! 

 Mom is not a fan of raw food so she got herself the yam roll. They're yummy!

Jesse's family LOVES games (that's probably why he's obsessed with them too). They've got a closet-full of board games and a gazillion computer games around the house. Mom bought us another game called Farkle Frenzy, which we played after dinner and was so much fun. Whenever there's a new game, we immediately give it to Jesse to read the instructions and we let him explain it to us after. 

The following day consists of walking, going to Costco (where Mom and I said we won't buy too much but ended up having a lot of items in our cart) and going around the mall. Having her was so much fun! Thanks mom and we love you very much!

Mom in her successful attempt to use the chopsticks and holding the roll for 2 secs. 

Cultural Difference

In the Philippines it is very normal to give some of your food to your neighbors especially when you are new in the neighborhood. My mom always shares whatever she cooks for the day to neighbors and the neighbors would do the same. It's a natural thing for Filipinos and it's considered rude to decline. It doesn't matter whether you've eaten or not. What we do is we transfer the food to our own container, return the container/ bowl/ plate to the owner and happily thank them for the 'gift'...

Now, imagine my shock when I went to the old lady in Apt 8 and offered her a bowl of steaming pansit (stir-fried noodles), as my attempt to be friendly, only to be declined saying she already had supper. That's the first time that has ever happened to me...ever... Jesse said, it's not usually done here. Yeah, I get it but still, isn't it a bit rude? Oh well, as the title says - cultural difference. :)

Centennial Park

Warning: Lots of photos ahead!

We went to Centennial Park to see the beautiful colors of fall. Good thing the weather was so nice that we were able to take our time and enjoy the stroll. 

I couldn't keep my eyes off this yellow tree. It stood out from the rest.

This squirrel seemed to be playing with us. He would disappear then show up whenever we're close. He ran away immediately after I snapped this picture. He must have just wanted his picture taken. 

One of the rare moments that Jesse is smiling in the picture. Yehey!

Beautiful, isn't it?

Saw this pink truck and thought it was cute and have never seen one before. Jesse then pointed out that it's for the breast cancer month or something and yep, he's right. That made the truck extra cuter. 

Coming from a country with only wet and dry seasons and hot and humid 98% of the time, I am very blessed to now have four seasons. I want to appreciate each day and celebrate even the smallest things. Thank you to my awesome husband for taking me to the park, taking a stroll and enjoying the day. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but beside you. 

Brown and Stripes

Wearing the one of the maxi skirts that my mom made me for a stroll at centennial park. The weather was so nice. Will have another post for more pictures. The bag was one of the things I bought from Salvation Army. It looks tiny but could fit a lot. I love my thrifted  stuff!

Pabineau Falls

I love long weekends! Originally, Jesse and I wanted to go to Mt. Carleton and Pat and Jill's camp up river for the beautiful fall colors but the weather did not permit us to do. It's a good thing though that we are able to squeeze in Pabineau Falls before heading home. The weather was still a little damp but not raining. Dad drove us there before it even poured! At this time of the year, specially during September, salmons migrate upstream that's why they would be seen jumping in the water. Unfortunately, we didn't see any salmons but the view is really pretty despite the damp weather. 

How to Carve a Pumpkin

Disclaimer: I am no expert in pumpkin carving. In fact, this is my very first time to carve one! Jesse and I had so much fun doing it. So here's a non-expert step by step guide to pumpkin carving. 

STEP 1: Prepare your carving table and your tools. We laid out a plastic bag to minimize the mess. Tools would be knives and spoon. A paring knife will be helpful when you carve out your design.

STEP 2: Create an opening at the top part of the pumpkin. It's optional to mark the top part to open your pumpkin. I realized it's better without the mark. 

Yey! I did it!

STEP 3: Get your hands dirty and take out the seeds and the stringy things inside. The spoon was helpful but we used our hands most of the time. 

STEP 4: Draw your design. If you gifted then you can go straight to carving. As for us, we checked pinterest for designs and went with the boogeyman and drew it on the pumpkin before carving. 

carve, carve, carve

STEP 5: Clean out the edges, get your tea light candles...

et voila! here's our pumpkin! I am so happy with the outcome. 

 Good job babe!