ARTSY FARTSY AVA: January 2016

Being parents for 7 years now, it is evident that we have gone through a lot of parties and doing tons of stuff for the kids. But never have we actually planned a birthday party for them, because usually the restaurants that we book already have a standard theme and all we have to do is basically show up and everything there will be prepared already. We've done Active Fun, Jollibee, Racks and Shakey's. All have been great, but again, we didn't plan anything. The restaurant did that for us. :)
Last year, Athan turned 7 and Asher 3 years old. Those two are the crucial age for boys to have their birthday parties and I suggested to my husband to just give them one big party instead of separately to lessen expenses. You have to be practical and I know the kids will enjoy a big party more than having it done separately, but on a smaller scale.
The only catch though, their birthday is far from each other - Athan is May and Asher is November. So, we thought of doing it on December, but immediately shifted to January, because realistically speaking, no one would have time on December. Every one of our guests would be busy and most likely out of town. So, January 9, 2016 it was for us and Lego themed! :)

How did we plan it? :)

January 28, 2016

The Philippines' greatest asset is its people. Every day, hardworking Pinoys tackle multiple challenges, from facing three hour commutes to and from work, to weathering through and recovering from calamities. And yet, they remain optimistic and energetic, as they keep dreaming of and pushing towards a better future.
These qualities in Filipinos allow them to continue smiling, and to go above and beyond the call of duty. These traits, together with a developing sense of national identity, has created the New Pinoy Mover, who knows that every move makes a difference and espouses a quality of life that inspires and empowers others.
In my life, I truly admire my Mom, Aunt, Husband and Blogger friends for being good examples of every day hardworking people. :) How about you?

January 23, 2016

I remember when I entered high school, we turned away from boiling the water from the faucet as our drinking water, because it was deemed unsafe. Reason why the business of water stations from then on really boomed. Personally, we have been buying water stations for more than a decade. It may just be Php 30 a jug, but it can get expensive since Asher is still bottle-feeding when it comes to his milk and our family is just really big on drinking water.
But what made us change into Unilever's Pureit?

January 21, 2016

Top: from sister-in-law Shorts: Bayo Sandals: Zalora Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
So, this is my first OOTD post for the year! Well, not officially when it comes to posting on Instagram! But for the blog, it is! :) I think i've already posted a total of three there? Including this. :) These weren't even well thought of shots, because the Hubby and I were waiting for our GrabCar and I suddenly thought, 'Why not take my OOTD right here, right now!' Just a random thought! Lol! =P
And I just noticed now, Hello AlDub! Haha! =P
So, what's new? Well, nothing aside from the usual. I've been busy with school, because of my major subjects, thesis and blogging events have started coming around again, and the calligraphy club that I teach. We're planning on doing an exhibit on March to benefit a charity, so my students and I are busy brainstorming! :) Excited for it!
Aside from that, I am ecstatic to announce that my blog will finally have a new look! ^_^ I'll be launching it either January 30 or February 1. Not sure yet. But after two years, I'm changing it! I love this current layout of mine so much that I decided not to change it since I launched it last February 14, 2013 (if I remember correctly?). My layouts are forever made by my twin Megann Jabola a.k.a. STYLE SURGERY. Not only do I love her creativity, but she's the only one I trust. :) Do check out her blog! She has an amazing content!
And that's it! I hope they'll be more OOTD posts to come after this! Wish me luck! Haha! Have a great week ahead, everyone!

January 20, 2016

In a world with a lot of women who empower each other, it is no doubt that Clark Kent isn't the only one shining his mighty S around. Now, we have Supergirl who can pack a mean punch!

Which is why I am totally hooked on watching this new series on my tablet!

January 20, 2016

When you pair the hottest love team in the industry with the hottest shoes and bags for 2016, that will surely be a collection to look forward to and of course, what else can you expect from SM Parisian and Milanos, but only the best!
Along with a new collection to hit the stores in the first months of the new year, Parisian Shoes and Bags and Milanos Shoes also welcome two of the freshest faces in local show business to represent the brands in its latest campaign - Nadine Lustre and James Reid.

All hail the king and queen!!!

January 20, 2016

I can't help but used that line as my title. Sorry, not sorry! Haha! >_<
When you hear someone say Magnum, you initially think of their first store at SM Aura or their delightful Belgian chocolate ice cream bars. There's nothing quite like a Magnum bar and even if their store at SM Aura officially closed their doors last July 26, 2015, it shouldn't make you sad. In fact, there are more reasons to be happy, because now, they've finally opened their newest pop-up store! Can I get a "YEHEY!" from all my fellow Magnum lovers? ♥
Aside from the successful launch of their latest flavor, White Almond, Magnum opens up its newest Pleasure Store in SM Mall of Asia, taking the Make Your Own Magnum experience to a new set of Pleasure Seekers in the metro.

January 19, 2016

The beginning of the year has been really busy for me with my Mom and sister-in-law being home for the holidays and the double birthday celebration of my boys, it was a handful! But I won't complain, because I had an equally great time with everyone being here and planning the Lego themed party for the kiddos. I'll make a separate entry for that! For now, I want to slide into relaxation all over again and let the rest of the month be light and sweet. :)
So, how's my January so far? After all the hustle and bustle? Well, it's still a bit busy since school started for me again (new term) and thesis meetings here and there. But, on a lighter note, I don't have Saturday classes anymore this term, so I get to spend my weekends with the family now. It feels amazing to reconnect with my boys again. I want this year to be more personal and that means bonding with the people I love.
I'm sure i'm not alone when creating resolutions, though it may be the broadcasting kind or you just want to keep it quiet, we all have resolutions within us. This year, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf helps us start the year Light and Sweet with the launch of their new Vanilla Almond beverages to celebrate 2016. :)

January 17, 2016

Now, don't go thinking, "Why is Ava saying Life Sucks when it's just the beginning of the year?" By 'Life Succs' I meant Life Succulents!:) I know I'm not alone when it comes to being obsessed with succulents or cacti. Whether it be the actual plant, stickers, home decor or design, etc. I am just in love with it!:)
Since I have a bit of cactus items, I thought, why not blog about them? :) Yes, I shall!

January 11, 2016

Ever since people started getting more and more hooked on social media and their smartphone, online stores also made their way into our everyday lives. Now, they're not only accessible on our computers, but our mobile devices as well. It's quite impressive when you think about it, because now we don't have an excuse to say that we don't have time to shop!:)
I've tried quite a few online stores in the past and I must admit that I got addicted to online shopping. I mean, who wouldn't right? It's accessible, fast and more often than not, you get unique finds! I'm sure you've heard of the popular ones already in our local scene, so I'd like to introduce a new one!
The newest smart and secure social mobile marketplace that I got to try recently is Shopee. :)

Meeting a Shopee Seller at the official launch of Shopee at Shangri-La Hotel :)

January 06, 2016

Page 1 of 366! The cliché title for most of us today and it cannot be helped! There are just a lot of things to get excited for this year and I'm hoping to blog more personal things as this year goes. I noticed that most of my content last year were events and project related and that's not bad at all. It's my work and livelihood, so I'm not complaining. I just miss having more personal stuff on this blog, because it's not Artsy Fartsy Ava for nothing. I want it to reflect my art side, events, fashion, family and more. I even didn't have time to blog about my birthday last April! Imagine that! :( So, I'm hoping I can keep up with my 2016 planner and blog posts this time around! *Wish me luck!* Haha! >_<

To start my personal entries, this is about how we spent our Christmas 2015 and NYE. :)

January 01, 2016

Like I mentioned in my last post, I find it super hard to let go of 2015 because of all the good memories and experiences. I feel a bit of fear in this new change. So, what I did yesterday was compile some of my favorite 2015 photos and put it here just like last year. :)

Goodbye 2015!!

My 2015 Best Nine Photos on Instagram :)

2015 was the year of artsy activities, new adventures with my best friends + family, new experiences: my first 5KM run with the Hubby, first staycation of the year, first time to do a calligraphy commissioned work and to be a calligraphy teacher for a school, celebrated anniversaries, birthdays and more!
Those are just to name a few. A lot happened throughout the year and I'm glad that I was able to achieve plenty of things and I'm thankful to all the people who helped me in the good times and the bad. I wouldn't have survived the year if it weren't for the support and love. Thank you!
It has been a great 2015 and I can't complain! I've learned a lot as well from my past mistakes. I thank God for this life and will always be grateful! Now, we're all off to a new year and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead! May you achieve all that you want and more! ^_^

HAPPY 2016!!!!!

January 01, 2016

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