I haven't had tonsilitis for years now, that's why I totally ignored the symptoms yesterday (i.e. localized discomfort in my throat when swallowing) and continued to inhale sweets left and right.

Been taking my good old warm salt water gargle and the pain has significantly subsided. But it bothers me that I had to miss work today because I was saving my truancy for next Thursday to attend the baptism of Menchu's daughter:p Must reassess truancy plans.

On the bright side, I bought new decors for my Christmas tree. Gary calls it the deathstar, but I prefer disco balls.



Malapit na ang pasko!!

I'm staying in today to:

1. Wrap gifts
2. Sift through dozens of irate emails (CSR is tough! I will never be a bitchy customer ever again!).
3. Stock up on posts and copies because next week promises to be even busier.

And with that out of the way, I think I'll take a nap first.

Was home sick last Friday so I ended up watching loads of Youtube videos. After I got my fill of Glee, I then switched to the makeup tutorials of Xteener and Michelle Phan. Not surprisingly then, today I found myself playing with eyeshadows after doing some product shots for KE.

My first attempt at smokey eyes.







base: Eye Wake from some local MMU brand
lid: shimmery gray shade from this local palette
outer shade: black eyeliner shadow
eyeliner: Revlon something
mascara: Sguard Rock On
brow: shimmer powder from The Body Shop dual blush palette

Most of these were makeup that I've had lying around for months or even close to a year now, since I get an obscene amount of product samples (notice how I'm always giving away stuff on KE? That's called house cleaning.). It's funny that for someone who has very basic makeup needs, I have too much makeup, brushes and makeup related paraphernalia.

But inspite of all that, I'm shopping around for liquid eyeliner and concealer. Makeup is fun :)

Aside from being married this year, one of the things that I will most remember about 2010 is finally having my own Christmas tree (I think I already said that in a past blog:p).

So here's my plastic fantastic Christmas tree with its red and silver motif.



Notice that I didn't go beyond the usual store bought Christmas decors, but for next Christmas, I'm already thinking of having a crystal motif and will be hoarding on decors once the post-holiday sales begin. Ate Mylene from the office also said that there's a warehouse in QC where they sell super discounted, export quality Christmas decors all year round, so that's something to look into.

My favorite decor are the ceramic balls which have "Get the jolly started" printed on them. I scored these from The Village bazaar, I only bought 6 because I still wasn't in the holiday mood then. But their office is just in Manuela village so again, I must do some snooping.



An angel also bought from the same stall.



Here's the tree at night.



And some bokeh action.



Lover-ly!

*****

Quick updates:

1. I'm super excited for tomorrow's Blockie Year Ender Bender!
2. Our NZ tourist visa application forms were picked up last Wednesday, I'm crossing my fingers that my parents and I get approved.
3. I'm 90% done with Christmas shopping. The secret this year is: (1) Not have a lot of friends; (2) Have a sis-in-law with a bakery; (3) Regift swag items; and as always (4) Take advantage of the kalakal of officemates. There'll be some major gift wrapping action happening in the very near future. Yikes!