Feliz Natal 2010

My 2nd Christmas in Brazil, away from my family in the Philippines. Nevertheless, it was another happy christmas. My mother in-law's family got complete. For the longest time they have not been together completely. Imagine six siblings, each one has their own life, living in different towns (luckily they all just reside in Brazil) and at their late 50s to late 60s - tough to generate a perfect attendance in any type of occassion. I felt their home when they were all living in one roof with  their parents. Thirty years from now, I would love to be with all my siblings sitting together on a christmas dinner. Also, the mass we went to was very solemn. 3 long hours of celebration as there was a baptism of a baby boy. Something new to me, a christmas mass with a baptism. Fortunately, we were all seated and the chapel wasn't that full. It made us wish to have a baptism like that on the same chapel for our future baby. Aunt Vilma is serving there so maybe one day we'll be able to realize our dream.

Typically, brazilian christmas is celebrated with a christmas dinner at midnight of 24th and an exchange gift called "amigo secreto" is always part  of the celebration. The dinner is graced by roasted turkey and special ham called "tender" - a type of pork meat savored with peaches, pineapple and clove. Since it's a dinner, rice, other types of meat, salad, pasta and dessert are also served. The "amigo secreto" is quite fan. The revelation of the secret is done by giving a description of the friend while everybody tries to guess it. Often you get to see the impression someone had about you.

everyone has to open the gift and show it

my amiga secreta was mom!

finally got a replacement for his super old wallet

i really appreciate this way exchanging gifts..it makes everybody laugh

No christmas carolling, no 9-day "simbang gabi" (dawn mass), no godchildren to hide from, less effort on christmas decors.  As compared to Philippine Christmas, the celebration here is shorter and simple. But the same thing, it is a celebration of Jesus' birth, a time for gift giving (not so much though), family  reunion and a season of sharing hearts to everyone and parties with different groups that one has -office, school, church etc.

all i want for christmas is you

 A lot of Filipinos were not home for this season but shouldn't we feel grateful to have had experienced a different culture?  May you have savoured the celebration no matter what country you're in. When you go back to our country, Filipino Christmas will still be the same - very long celebration, a lot of togetherness with family and friends, food to enjoy, gazillion of gifts to receive and give.

Wait, Christmas wouldn't be complete without a new dress (at least for me..hehehe). Thanks to Julia Tricot Jacutinga for my paisley draped dress. Cortume for my chain belts and Dumond for my shoes.

Blessed Christmas to everyone!!!

Quick Fix

Last minute decision to attend a party last night. I was only given one short hour to prepare myself for a "baile" . A high school graduation party of the school where my husband works as a physical educator.

Grabbed a 3-yr old printed wrap dress with 3/4s sleeve. One of those cold summer nights. Fixed hair into a polished ponytail that's easy to do and a 10-minute make-up. Completed the look with gold drop earrings and a bangle. Viola! Got ready for a party. Quick effortless fix - 'coz not all invitations arrive early.

Dress - F&H Phils

Shoes - VNC Phils
Accessories - diff bjoux stores in Brazil

It's All About the LEGS

Having the perfect ensemble is not enough when you're wearing a micro-mini dress or a short shorts. You've got to have those beautiful tanned legs.

fashionising.com

boyfriend shirt worn with a lot of attitude, showing lots of toned and tanned legs. a very simple outfit

fashionising.com

white shorts in tanned legs and chunky belt

For a sexier legs, tone them! Running and leg press help a lot.

White Ensemble

As a tradition in Brazil, Reveillon or New Year's Eve is celebrated with people wearing white clothes. This is in honor of the afro goddess Yemanja (goddess of the sea). This is also the reason why a lot of Brazilians celebrate New Year at the beach. One of the biggest Reveillon party is in Copacobana beach Rio de Jainero.

New Year's Eve falls on a summer in Brazil. White is just the perfect get-up color for a cooler feel. Wearing white can be a bit tricky. You don't want to appear like someone from the medical field nor too holy. Material and details of the dress are the key to getting the flawless white ensemble. Plus don't underestimate the power of accessorizing. Any hue can complement white clothes but the best for me are gold and turquoise.

Below are some inspiration to make it a hit....




L - white lace dress R- tube dress shaped using a gold belt



                                              
white shorts on white top - belts made the outfit



 
sophisticated white ensemble for those having a formal party





L - white ruffled skirt on a basic white tank R - white casual dress paired with an ankle boots




white dresses complemented with accessories in bold colors red and yellow

I must start conceptualizing my Reveillon 2011 white ensemble. 22 days to go.