Our 2014 Christmas Tree

I know we're already half way of January but I still have a lot of holiday posts so please bear with me.

For now, let me show you our 2014 Christmas tree...

Because of my post-CS condition, I was only able to decorate it on December 12. "Too late" in Filipino standards, I know. I have to admit that because I was in pain, I was tempted to let go of the holiday trimmings last year (haha sounds so long ago but it was only last month!). But it was my son's first Christmas so I felt that I owe him a tree.

Our tree looked so 'feminine,' do you agree? It's because I bought the decors last December 26, 2013 pa, during boxing day. I wasn't pregnant yet that time so I visualized a sophisticated tree haha!

Most of the tree ornaments were from Michaels and Walmart. It was difficult finding the "right" tree topper so I settled muna with a star from Dollarama. The blue balls were also from that dollar store.

In addition, I put up two special palawit:

This one is for our dear Chicklet...



And this to commemorate our first Christmas here in Casa Blanco (I also bought this last 2013).

Here's the day and night time look...

I honestly loved our tree. It was my first time to have a non-traditional tree (i.e. red-and-gold theme) and I was so happy it still turned out beautiful.

But would you believe that our artificial tree only costs $11+ (or less than Php500). We chanced upon it at XS Cargo's closing sale. It was the last stock left and its box was ripped. We weren't sure if the whole set is complete but we took the risk and bought it. Sabi nga ng asawa ko: "Haler, it's only $11! Kung kulang man, hindi na masakit sa dibdib." 

I am planning for a kiddie-themed Christmas tree this year. Para bagay naman kay Chicklet. But I might use a different tree, a smaller one that we can place by the table para hindi maabot ni Nathan. Our son will already be one year old come December 2015 so for sure he's into walking and grabbing things mode na.  Haha, sana lang may budget! =)

Thursdate with Ate June (XS Cargo + Boston Pizza)

November 28, 2013 (Thursday). A few days before the Black Friday Sale, Ate June texted Ford and asked him if we are available that coming Thursday. She said she wanted to buy something at XS cargo and so that we can meet na rin. I haven't seen her yet since I arrived last November 6 eh.

By the way, Ate June si Ford's distant cousin who's working as an LPN in St. Albert. I think she came here a year before Ford and it was only in 2011 when they learned of each other's existence here in Edmonton. Ford learned from his aunt that Ate June is also working in Alberta. Ford called Ate June and they met. Since then, they became food buddies. Ford never went out with anybody else except her lol!

Since Ate June doesn't know how to drive, we had to pick her up. But the last minute I told Ford to drop me off already at XS Cargo (which was on the way to St. Albert) so I can do some shopping ahead haha!

But that was a mistake. I was surprised to discover that that shop wasn't that big and there weren't many shoppers. Akala ko pa naman sangkatutak ang mga tao at naga-agawan sa sale items lol!

I think XS Cargo sells surplus items / old stocks at cheaper prices syempre.

I was able to see the whole place in five minutes. I got so bored waiting for Ford and Ate June! #atatkasi

I suddenly missed my nephew Lucio when I saw these toys. I haven't seen him in a year. He must be a big boy by now. =(

I easily found our target. We saw this Cuisinart cookware set from XS Cargo's online flyer and it was kinda a good deal. We bought it for $49.95 + 5% tax. The original price I think was $149 something.

Ford is being so maarte about our future house. He wants everything in it to be 'branded' daw haha!

There, we just bought the cookware set and one small chopping board.

They brought Ate June's car. The irony is that she has a brand new car but she doesn't know how to drive! Living alone, she has so much money to spend haha!

We couldn't figure out where to eat. I told Pod I don't like Pinoy food anymore. I am not a fan of Japanese or Vietnamese cuisine and buffet is not sulit for Ate June (she eats so little) so we ended up at Boston Pizza. It was my first time there.

Here's what we ordered...

Now this is Busog-Lusog Trio Version 2.0 (Bimbim-PodPod-June). The orig version is Bimbim-SanDoc-Cricket (which is Pinas-based hehe!).

The food was ok (I am not good in describing food haha!) . I honestly think that eating in sit-down restaurants here in Edmonton is more sulit than in fast food chains or food courts.

Ate June could pass as my "daughter" haha!