I can’t believe 2011 is about to end. Looking back, I have sooo many things to be thankful for. It was actually a great year for me that I wish it didn’t have to end just yet.

It was this year when I finally pursued my makeup career. Now, I can’t believe I’m doing makeup to clients and I have my own train case full of makeup already. Oh, the feeling of fulfillment…

My feet also brought me to a lot of places this year. It’s only now I realized that I flew in and out of the country almost every month for 2011, most of it for family vacation. I love the fact that I was able to put new check marks on my must-go list. Being able to explore something new is always a bliss. But for my most memorable trip this year? Japan would have to be number 1 because of my earthquake/ tsunami experience. My Euro trip comes second. It has always been my dream to visit Spain. Finally, I was able to make a way to pass by Madrid and Barcelona in this trip. And of course, I can never forget my first travel with the bloggers to Malaysia. To attend a bloggers event out of the country is indeed a dream come true (again, thank you to my Nuffnang family). Having to meet bloggers that I just used to see online and gaining true friendships through that trip made those 4 days truly memorable. My travel urges were definitely satisfied for 2011!

It was also this year when I got several projects abroad- something really unexpected. Never ever have I imagined to be in this industry. It’s something I never tried and something I don’t really like ever since. I only tried once as a favor to my friend. It was indeed surprising that I got the part. I enjoyed doing that first project last year, but I never thought I would be showered with more this year. Added to the perks are my free travels that’s more than enough to satisfy the travel junkie in me. Honestly, I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t thank the Lord enough!

I’ve also gained a lot of friends through my trips and through blogging! All the people I met through out the year made my 2011 a really memorable one.

It was also a healthy year for my family and friends. Literally, healthy- no illnesses, which I thank the Lord so much!

And of course, I want to express my warmest thanks to all of you who have been so patient reading my blog. LOL! Happy is an understatement to describe how I feel when someone sends me a message or approaches me that she has been reading my blog. I hope I’ve touched your lives in my own little way. Thank you so much!

2011 is definitely my year and I’m owning it! Haha! But, all these great things wouldn’t be possible without the people around me- family, friends, and all of you guys, and of course, God. THANK YOU! As much as I don’t want to end the year, I’ll have to be ready with 2012. So, bring it on!

Cheers to 2011! Cheers for a great year ahead!

xoxo,
Lush Angel

Anyway, I’ll keep this short and sweet. I just want to thank my family, friends and readers for making the past year worth remembering. It was definitely a great and fun year for me. I met sweet and adorable friends from the blogging world. My years of pondering has now turned into a reality by taking the plunge to study makeup artistry. Now, it’s for real and I have to get used to being called a makeup artist already! Yay! I’m so thankful for the support of my family and friends. There’s so many things to be thankful for! Above all, I thank the Lord for the breath of life and giving me the oppotunity to take part and experience His creations.

Anyway, gotta keep going! It will be one exciting day for me!

xoxo,
Lush Angel

Anyhoo, enough of my blabber. I need to go now and psych myself to be excited! Don’t worry, I prepared scheduled posts while I’m away! Keep on coming back!

xoxo,
Lush Angel

Anyway, I need finish packing now. I’ve prepared some scheduled posts just in case I won’t be able to blog while I’m away. Almost everything in China is blocked. Huhuhu! Wish me luck everyone!

xoxo,

Lush Angel

Oh, and I’d like to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I was organizing a trip to Hong Kong with my entire family this holy week. I was kinda excited for it since my brother and his family are going with us. I usually travel with my parents and sister only. It has been a while since my brother went with us. After booking all our tickets and hotel last Monday, I might not be able to go with them. I might have to go to Shanghai again for a project on the same week. I’m currently having mixed emotions. Haha! I feel bad that I can’t be with my family and that I can’t refund my ticket and my hotel room anymore, BUT I’m rejoicing for another work. Hehe! Thank God mom cancelled our booking for Australia – New Zealand tour, which was supposedly on the same week, since she got scared with all the earthquake, tsunami and flooding going on. Or else… I’m suuuper dead! I would definitely have a hard time deciding. Haha! Well, thinking about it, I can always have a vacation with my family anytime when I get back. Opportunities come once in a lifetime so I better grab it. It’s not 100% sure though. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed.

xoxo,

Lush Angel

Oh and for those who left me a message on how am I doing here in Tokyo, thank you so much for the concern. Here I am, still alive and kickin’! LOL! Kidding aside, that was one hell of an experience! Tokyo may be far from Sendai, but we also felt that very strong earthquake. I’ll post about my experience once I get back to Manila. For the meantime, please continue to pray for all those who were badly affected by the quake.

xoxo,
Lush Angel

Anyhoo, I need to go now. I haven’t finished packing my stuff. I’m sure it would be another cold vacation! Forecast says- high around 9 deg Celsius and low around 1 deg Celsius. Ugh! If it’s cold in Tokyo, what more in Mt. Fuji! God help us! LOL! Oh, and since I love you all, my dear readers, I’ve prepared some scheduled posts while I’m away. Keep on coming back!

xoxo,
Lush Angel

Since it’s New Year’s Eve tonight in the Chinese calendar, I’m sharing here some popular superstitions in welcoming the new year. Well, I’m not saying that we all need to do these. It’s just what my family and other Chinese families believe in. I admit though, I don’t really practice everything. It’s really up to the person what he/ she feels right. Well,  personally, there’s no harm in believing in superstitions and doing these Chinese customs. Who knows, it might give you lots of luck this year of the rabbit!

• First, clean the house before new year for a fresh start. Again, BEFORE NEW YEAR since sweeping on new year’s day is like sweeping luck.

• Wear red for happiness and gold for wealth on New Year’s day.

• Light firecrackers since it is believed to drive away evil spirits.

• Display fresh, blooming flowers inside the house for prosperity.
• Have a new pair of slippers that you can wear on New Year’s day.

• Eat tangerines or oranges to represent good health.
• Get a haircut/ trim for good luck.

• Don’t wash your hair on New Year’s day as this would wash away your luck or fortune.
• Place money under your pillow while you sleep. It’s said to bring wealth.

• For those who are married, give Ang Pao or Hóng Bao (red envelope with money) to your children and/or other unmarried relatives. (This is my favorite since I’m still a receiver. LOL!)

• Of course, Chinese New Year won’t be complete without a celebration. Usually, Chinese families get together for dinner to celebrate the year ahead. Of course, various Chinese food have different meanings as well. For example, eating “tikoy” or sticky rice cake is believed to keep the family close because of its sticky texture.

These are only some of the Chinese traditions that I grew up with. Again, it’s all up to you if you wanna join the club! LOL! There’s no harm in trying. It might just help in attracting good luck.

If yes, what color??? Black will always be a classic, but I think I have too many black booties already. Camel booties will be something new to my shoe collection, if ever, but I’m still not sure about it. What do you think?