Boxing Day

On Boxing day, we did not join the parade to the malls and department stores. It was either we avoided the crowdy shops or, we avoided impulse buying , or we apparently don't have funds for shopping. Either way, I think it's a wise thing to do... wise on the pocket. Instead, we hosted a " bring a plate " ( a potluck party for the Americans ) party with friends. Wearing fancy clothes, or red outfits for Christmas party already bores me. So we decided to have an " Ugly Christmas jumper party ".

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Christmas in Oz

Christmas is not celebrated by all here in Australia. It is a multicultural place composed of Islams, Buddhist, Hindus and Jews. And everybody is working on Christmas. It's kind of lonely here especially when an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is spending Christmas away from home. But ... they say that happiness is a choice, so, loneliness is also a choice. I spent Christmas eve preparing for "Noche Buena", a feast that Filipinos traditionally partake at midnight on Christmas day. I cooked the savory while my roommate, a patissierie student prepared the dessert right when she got home from work. The other flatmate, helped assemble the meringue into a cone shape, resembling a christmas tree. Noche Buena prep. Pardon the clutter at the back. Happy Christmas everyone !

Home Away From Home

Our ( me and three other flatmates ) humble abode down under. From the suburbs, I moved to the city to get closer to my university and to where I work as well. As much as possible, we made the apartment as homey as we can. A home away from home.

Throw pillows, throws, lamp, flexible wooden man and phalaenopsis orchid from IKEA. A place, where I consider you can never come out empty handed. Their building was built like a maze where they keep the customers inside as long as they can. The items sold are very tempting and lure you to pick up few impulse purchases. It is a trap but a beautiful one.


Plastic chair, synthetic turf and potted plants are from Bunning's Warehouse, Australia's largest hardware and household stores. Not to brag, but we have the prettiest balcony in the whole building.

Plain and Printed. Rent is dear here in Melbourne. That is why, it is wiser to share it with friends ... friends that I consider family.