PERSONAL

EAT LASPINAS: HAVANA

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The South is alive! and C5 extension is creating a buzz, thanks to the family who is making it happen. Apart from the political side of their family’s reign, I commend his impeccable eye for business opportunity and strategy.

Still, good job for developing this side of town! The area is actually complete and it’s been easier to shop around. We have a church, a bunch of fast food for easy go-to meals when we don’t have the time to cook, a grocery, an events place and a handful of family restaurants being built in the area.

One of them is Havana. My dad has been mentioning this place since he wants us to experience the ‘live’ band. (as if we haven’t yet). But, of course you have to give in when the adults suggests it, to save argument.

It’s best to phone them for a reservation. (good thing, we did). We watched a lot incoming customers turned down because the place was packed!

We ordered the following:

Nachos Grande for Php 295, Sizzling Hungarian Bites for Php 305, Tostadas for Php 190, Beef Quesadilla for Php 210, Gourmet Tapa for Php 265, Sizzling Squid for Php 385

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Of which, I only got to take a picture of (2). THE SERVICE WAS SNAIL SLOW. The food was served after an hour. GAD. Service was really bad. Most of the waiters were avoiding eye contact. I don’t know if they were just jam packed but nonetheless, I think an hour of serving time is too much.

It’s a good thing I really liked their sizzling squid. It was savory and it was very tender. The quesadilla was good too.

We also ordered Smirnoff Mule for Php 95, San Miguel Pale Pilsen for Php 95, Amaretto Sour for Php 190 and Margarita for Php 235. 

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I think they are a bit on the pricey side. Although of course, there’s the ambiance of live music you are paying for.

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There were 2 bands. I don’t know them both and the crowd was not joining in at first. I guess it was a good thing they decided to belt out Ben & Ben. By this time, they captured the crowd.

I hope Havana invites other bands too. The place is okay, food is okay, service is bad, band is alright.

EVERYDAY: 29TH BIRTHDAY

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Okay! So, 26 is still young! 27 is okay, 28 is still alright but holy efff, I’m 29? Whuuuutt? Where did all the years go? and the question is — What the hell was I doing? I’m a bit off this year. :/

I have to really remind myself to stay positive. But anyway,

We stayed at Acacia Hotel in Alabang for my Birthday! Thank you for my husband for the overnight stay. ❤ And thank you to his colleague for the room upgrade. 😀

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Thank you for the Ube Cheesecake, the hubby enjoyed it. :/

Although I seem to be smiling, We actually fought. 😛 I hate it when he sleeps. and he sleeps ALL THE TIME. I feel like, uhhh what are we even doing here? Instead of swimming, going around the hotel or just basically doing anything, he chose to sleep. GRR. So guess what? We just had a breakfast buffet. YEP!

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But I’m glad I got to consume this divine piece of cheese bread. ❤ I had 3! Imagine that! HAHAHA. On top of my full plate of rice and viand. 😛

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We had lunch at Parmigiano and dinner at Wooden Spoon. Thank you for the gifts, family. ❤ Thank you parents for the long gray vest and pants and the black and white top. ❤ and Thank you to my sibling for the Starbucks planner.

Thank you hubby for (4) Zalora dresses. ❤ and for my balloons and yummy Cloud Nine cake. I’m such a pig now.

And of course, to my hubby who keeps on trying to make me smile when I’ve been so ungrateful, thank you for the gifts and surprises but mostly for your never ending patience with me. ❤ I love you so much.

THOUGHTS: Things I learned from my Ex

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It’s 15 days before Heart’s Day and what better time to reflect on this. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still working on several of the points below but every person that you meet, every bond you’ve created, every memory that you treasure speaks volume and if you look at it hard enough, you’ll see that these experiences are bound to teach you something.

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  • There’s a life outside the relationship.

My friends used to tell me that when I first had a relationship, I forgot about them and that I was completely imprisoned by the relationship. It’s important to spend time with your partner but it’s also as important to spend time outside of your relationship, whether it is to set aside time for your hobby, spend a quiet time with your family, see your friends or whatever it is you like to do. Do it. Your partner is not your entire world. 

  • Learn to trust.

It may be difficult for someone who had an experience before, but your past is not your partner’s fault. If you love the person, trust that he will never hurt you intentionally just as you would not with him.

  • If you are truly important, he’ll wait.

Okay, this one. . . It’s a given. I was in High School. I was known for having the strictest parents alive. I had a school bus service in the morning and in the afternoon. Unlike the other students, I don’t get to socialize and go home whenever I want to. I can only socialize until a given time but I still had to ride with my bus. This certain suitor told me bluntly that the reason he stopped courting me was because I couldn’t get out of the house whenever he pleases. If he cares, if you’re important to him, he’ll spend time wherever you are, even if it’s just inside your house. 

  • Endings can mean a start something great.

It has to be. And that’s the only feasible explanation. God takes away a person because he has someone better for us. ❤ My marriage proves it. ❤ I am in a way, WAY better relationship now.

  • Appreciate the small things

You know how before it was taught to us that God appreciates the Php 10 from a beggar than a Php 1,000,000 from a Billionaire? It’s because the beggar gave everything he has. I was in a relationship before where my someone had to literally skip lunch and drink water from the cafeteria instead for a month to save Php 400 pesos to buy me a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts because she couldn’t save enough money to buy me cake? And honestly, it melted my heart. It’s really the small things that matter, the effort the other person gives. 

  • When you love someone, tell it to them. 

Life is short! If you feel it, tell it to them. If they don’t feel the same way, it’s okay. If they do, then great! Never miss a chance just because you fear rejection. 

From one of my most loved series and characters, ”If you love someone, you tell them. Even if you’re scared that it’s not the right thing. Even if you’re scared that it’ll cause problems. Even if you’re scared that it will burn your life to the ground, you say it, and you say it loud and you go from there”. – Mark Sloan

  • Never tolerate infidelity

Infidelity is breaking that sacred bond you have with your partner. A commitment is a commitment for a reason. I used to be in a semi-relationship with a guy that started when he had a girlfriend. He broke it off with her to be with me. But I realized, how will I be able to trust him to be completely faithful when I know for a fact what he’s capable of? Second Chances for infidelity is still a no for me. But it depends on your values in life.

  • Never pretend someone you’re not

This is pretty simple. If I pretend to obsess over football just because the guy I like loves football — Can I imagine myself pretending to watch football for the years to come? No. just be yourself. If you eat a LOT, eat a mouthful on your first date! Don’t starve yourself. Guys likes girls who are not as skinny as a skeleton! The relationship will lasts longer if you both feel comfortable with each other. 

  • Communication is key

I used to be one of those girls who would throw a tantrum out of nowhere. (I AM, rather) I have not been able to remedy this yet. HAHA. but most often than not, your significant others are not a mind reader. Sometimes, they have absolutely no idea what they did wrong so they will continue to do exactly that. For example, If I was scrolling my feed and I saw my husband liked his ex’s or his crush’s picture — I will  not mind him and I will intentionally be difficult. I won’t say anything. But, for him not to do that again, I will have to tell him how it made me feel so that he understands. (but this is me, still a work in progress though). Tell your someone how you feel. It’s better to express it than to hide it in the long run. 

  • Not one of my past is a mistake. 

People will come and go, whether it may be your partner or your friend. If a relationship failed, it may be that someone better will come along or that person or the relationship is meant to teach you something. Maybe your ex brought you back to your passion, maybe your ex helped you bloom, maybe your ex taught you to dance, maybe your ex opened you to a new world, etc. Maybe your past made you realize that everything has its reason and should be seen as an experience to learn from. 

EAT ALABANG: FRANKIE’S

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It’s my Pre-Birthday Lunch! and because we are about to check-in in one of the hotels nearby, we decided to have lunch in Molito, Alabang and the hubby has been craving for frankie’s. TSS. (as if it’s his birthday) no. not a fan of wings btw.

He ordered a Half Dozen Classic Buffalo Wings for Php 130

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And I ordered the Boneless Salt & Pepper Chicken with Bleu Cheese Dip for Php 209

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And obviously, a side of French Fries for Php 100

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I will always be celebrating with this one from now on. ❤

THOUGHTS: Birthday Q&A

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I have been searching on our very friendly and reliable Pinterest on what I can write about for my birthday. And I have been clicking non-stop and there’s way too many ideas there. 😛 Haha.

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One of it was answering questions by spelling out your name. Here goes:

V E N I C E D E L A C R U Z

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V – Last time I cried

January 16, 2020. Work is a sensitive issue for me. I cried because of something my mom said. She was trying to make me feel better about ‘it’ – SG

E – My Best Friend

My Mom. She may not be the usual type of best friend whom I tell every single thing to but she has the most effect in me. She may be the only person who can make me okay (about the stated issue above). She’s my rock. She’s the person that I look up to. I know every child must think that his/her parents knows a lot about everything. But truly my Mom does. She has a way for anything and everything. ❤

N – Favorite place to shop at

I’m not sure if it’s the age of E-commerce or old age, making me lazy to shop around in actual stores or if it’s my husband who I feel is impatient with me when looking around — but honestly. I cannot remember the last time I intentionally shop in the mall. I’m rambling. My answer is Zalora. ❤ Brands: Zalora, Zalora Basics and Something Borrowed

I – Have any tattoos or piercings? 

Yes, two. Just in my ears. I would love a tatt. I don’t know how I’ll handle the pain given I have a low tolerance for it. Last year, I was pitching the idea of tatt rings to my husband, he agreed. But now, he’s lying and telling me that he did not agree. GRR. So yeah. But I still have to do some research. I’d like a symbolic one with a very deep meaning behind it.

C – Who I like and why I like them

Let me just make it fair by mentioning someone public figure. I will not be able to do justice if I tell you it’s a friend of mine since you will not have an idea of who that person is. So, at the top of my head? Colleen Hoover. I’m planning to read my Nth book of Coho. and I honestly have not read any of her books that I hated. There. ❤ I love her simply because her works are not a waste of time. ❤ and definitely deserves to be on the reread list.

E – My Best Friend

My ultimate best friend and my everything all rolled into one. You know how you have best friends who you don’t talk to everyday, you have your eating buddy, movie buddy, kalokohan buddy, singing buddy and all? He is it. He’s my everything. He’s the one I tell every single thing to, he’s the one I tell all the new jokes to, he’s the one I tag in all the memes, he’s the one I forward quotes on facebook to, he’s the one I talk to in viber, messenger, text and comment section all at once. My husband and my everything. ❤

D – Hardest thing I’ve ever been through

I’d like to say that I’m one of the lucky ones who have not experienced any traumatizing death or calamity in life. For me, it’s the everyday battle of loving one’s self entirely, being content and happy.

E – My Best Friend

This is the third spot for best friends and I wouldn’t want to single out just one person when several of them deserve a spot. I’d like to mention most of my closest and consistent best friends are from High School. You know who you are. They are all so dear to me yet different altogether. (One very brand conscious and classy who laughs so loud, One who swears way too loud and punches way too much, One who doesn’t seem to have any bad attitude and loves to say truelaloo, One who remembers every single detail and advises like a licensed Psych)

L – One of my Insecurities

Easy. It all comes down to this. – Not being good enough. I didn’t pass the interview, because I’m not good enough. I didn’t get the promotion, because I’m not good enough. He has a crush on someone else, because I’m not good enough. I didn’t win, because I’m not good enough. I wasn’t chosen, because I’m not good enough. My skills is not good enough, my experiences is not good enough. I’m not good enough. I really have to work on this.

A – Why my last relationship ended

I wouldn’t say it was toxic. For me, at least. To put it bluntly, the relationship ended because that person blames the relationship for every single bad thing that’s happening in her life. Talk about Buddhism and karma.

C – Who I like and why I like them

Again, a public figure although I’m not sure if you know her. It’s Steph Claire Smith. She has the most amazing body without being bonesy, the most angelic smile and she sounds so genuine and true in her IG Videos. ❤ (P.S. Love her wedding gown)

R – Favorite Song at the moment

Best Days by Matt White is currently on replay since I used the same song in the SDE that I was editing. ❤ I’ll share it here within the week. 🙂

U – Where I want to be right now

I always want a getaway during my birthday. Unfortunately, there’s way too many things happening in the world right now – Taal’s pending explosion, Corona Virus and the like. So if you’re sincerely asking me where I want to be right now? I want to be in one the pretty Airbnbs in Bali with the floating fruit breakfast with my hubby. ❤

Z – How are you

If I’m being honest, I’m not at my best.  I feel so defeated. It’s been another year and I feel like I have not accomplished anything in one year. But physically, I have no ailments so I’m still grateful. 😀

EVERYDAY: Happy Birthday, Ma!

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To the most assertive, strong-willed, terrifying person that I know, Happy Happy Birthday. ❤

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My mother, being selfless that she is spent her birthday renewing her children’s passport. Thanks for going with us, Ma!

And a delicious, tummy bloating dinner followed at Circles, Shangrila Makati.

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Thanks, Ma! We all love you! ❤

EAT PASAY: Nara Thai Cuisine

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Thai is and will always be a safe place for me to try. ❤ I seem to love everything. It’s a never a hit and miss for me. Haha.
We tried going to the new Ayala Mall Manila Bay and settled for Nara Thai Cuisine.
I was not able to take a picture of the surroundings.
We ordered the following:
Pla Nil Tord Nam Pla / Fried Pla Pla with Fish Sauce for Php 650.

Chicken Pandan for Php 360

Fried Prawns in Sweet Tamarind Sauce for Php 750

Pomelo Salad for Php 380

Crispy Fried Shrimp Cakes for Php 350

Bagoong Rice for Php 245

Nara Thai Sampler for Php 395 (Fish Cake, Chicken Satay, Pork Wonton, Spring Roll & Pomelo Salad)

Prawns in Spicy Lemongrass and Lime Soup for Php 430

The place is good for occassions or dining in groups. 😊Food is delicious too. ❤ The winner for me is the Fried Prawns in Tamarind Sauce. (: can’t wait to go back.

EVERYDAY: Christmas 2019

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I’m sure everyone enjoyed this Holiday Season! ❤
I’m sure we all gained weight, saw distant relatives, wrapped some presents, braved the mall for some last minute shopping, drank a beer or two and was filled with overwhelming joy.
This year, I felt like Christmas was a thunder! It’s a blur, a happy blur but everything happened in a quick flash. Everything was rush.
My first Christmas celebration is with my lunchies family. This year was extra effort since we had a movie – TV – Show themed party.
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In here, you will see Rhina as Agnes from Despicable me, Wendy as Tomb Raider, Myself as Elle Woods (notice my dog please! haha), Loreen as Mary Poppins, Olive dressed as someone from Clueless, Jamie as Edna Mode, Anna as Prof Trelawney from Harry Potter, Ms. Rose as Mario, Shaun as Malfoy and Cross as Captain America.
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Thank you Cross for my perfume in the exchange gift. Thank you Olive for the lotion, Ms. Rose for the hand towel, Wendy for the personalized notepad, Rhina for the Shorts, Jamie for the Chocolates, Shaun for the White Pouch, Loreen for the Notebook, Erika for the Pouch and Pen, Veron for the Mirror, Neli for the Notepad, Ms. Arrian for the Wine Holder and AFC for the notebook.
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Our Christmas with my MBA family. We were not complete since Ed’s partner experienced a labor scare and Migo, apparently overslept.
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Thank you for the Okada Bear from necky, cord organizers from Mel, pearl earrings from Alex and earphones from Good. ❤
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Next is my High school Best friends, combined! I’m glad our wedding bonded them all three. It’s nice to see them getting along so well. ❤ Hate is the greatest bond, I guess.
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I received a travel pillow from our white elephant while Jude got a photo organizer that can be displayed.
It will not be complete without our constants from my College group. ❤ We had plans to eat at Kpub in BGC and Idarts after but traffic got the best of us. We ended up eating at Hakata, in Glorietta.
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Thank you for the Mr and Mrs Mugs from SB, Notebook from Jaja and Marc, Belgian Chocolate and AC pendant from Tandem, Shower Gel from Pam and a box of Pastries from Panda.
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This year will always be extra special. ❤ This year is the first year we will be welcoming Christmas together at the stroke of midnight. This year, we get to spend Christmas with both our families. ❤
And he is now part of our yearly family photo. ❤ It warms my heart and brings an extra mile in my smile. Thank you for the driving lessons, babe. Haha. I’m sure you were solely thinking of this gift for MY benefit. right?
Thank you mother butler and father farty for my pants and top and refill supply of my foundation.
Thank you siblings for my friends mug and my tan top and pants.
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Thank you Ninang Irma for the pillows, rice cooker from Ninang Baby and Toaster from Ate Ivy.
Thank you also for the ferrero from Ate Elsa and a can of cookies from Tita Achu.
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But the greatest gift I received this year is my marriage with the love of my life. A lifetime bond and commitment to the person I want to spend everyday and the rest of my life with. I love you so much!
Happy Holidays, everyone! Wishing you all had a blast this season! ❤ ❤ ❤

EVERYDAY: Mother’s Day ’19

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This is one of the most important days every year where we can treat our moms extra extra special. ❤

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The parentals. 😀

Zong’s food was the perfect match to this eventful day. ❤

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The two mothers in our life. ❤

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Let everyday be Mother’s Day. ❤ ❤ ❤

EVERYDAY: Father’s Day ’19

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Father’s deserve to be celebrated too! I’m too guilty of this. I am grateful for my mom for everything that sometimes I often forget fathers do their hardwork.

We had some Italian food, pastas and pizza are the best!

And some more family pictures to make it seem a legit celebration of dads!

EVERYDAY: Cecil’s 60th

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Life is always a celebration right? so when you have the chance to thank the heavens for 60 years of life on this earth — you do it. You do it with the people that matters to you.

So here’s a rundown of what happened:

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The celebrant in an all-white outfit.

Of course with some of our close relatives.

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We had some games, some trivias and some video that the celebrant is currently watching.

There were some band and some dance instructors to entertain the oldies. 😛

My family. ❤

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And my love, ❤

Happy Birthdayyyy, Nang!

Venue: Marqui, BGC.

EVERYDAY: NATIONAL MUSEUM

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Finally! ❤  A reasonable quality time with my hubby to be. ❤

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In the world of art, paintings are what really fascinates me. More than being jealous, I really admire their craft, the strokes and how each one of them can create something close to reality with just a brush and clouds of paint. ❤ ❤ I only wish to be like them.

On a sidenote, what do girls have to do to teach the boyfriends to be IG Boyfriend? Hahaha. Just look at the photos I take of him . . .

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compared to what he takes . . .

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Hahaha. A Manual on it please?

EVERYDAY: Maia Sonia turns 1.

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Hello to another God Daughter! ❤ A double celebration this is! A Baptismal slash First Birthday to rejoice!

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This little chinky eyed baby girl’s name is Maia Sonia. ❤ The daughter, second child of my friend, Maf.

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An afternoon filled with food and stories to catch up on. 😀

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EVERYDAY: 28th Birthday

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28 years. Can you believe it? Age never really bothered me so much. But this year? I feel old and unaccomplished. :/ But I am not planning on spreading negativity here. So let’s just say I had an extremely filling birthday lunch. ❤ ❤ ❤

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Since Unli-meat was introduced, you’ll know where to find me. 😀 😀 😀

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My Mom and I celebrated our birthday together. So greet my mom a good one too. ❤ ❤ The only bad outcome? the way you smell like a smoked fish afterwards. 🙂 We celebrated with our close families and our respective plus ones. ❤

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Thank you to my fiancee for my favorite cake from Mary Grace — Mango Bene. 😀 for my balloons and bouquet of course. ❤

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And to my family, my favorite scent from my brother, a green top from Roxy, a staple dress from my sister and hubby, a fuschia top from the parents and new rubber shoes from the fiancee. 😀

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Thank you, everyone. 😀 I will not be skipping any more celebrations here. I tend to forget now so expect multiple posts on any events! ❤