I barely read books last year so I set a very low bar of 12 books for this year's Goodreads Reading Challenge. Well, what do you know, yesterday I finished my 10th book of the year: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella! 

And since I'm going back to work tomorrow after a two month-break, reading this particular book seems very fitting.

Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.
OK, so the truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.
But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?
Until her not-so-perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.
Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams - or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman who has everything – actually have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.
And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?

I think there's no better proof that I loved this book than the fact I continued reading didn't stop until it's finished – at 2:34 AM, no less. To think I almost didn't give it a chance. In my defense I loved Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series only up until Shopaholic and Sister because I felt Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood never really learns her lesson and continuously gets out of sticky situations (that she started herself!) by lying book after book after book. But since this is a stand-alone I gave it a go, partly because I needed something light and funny and I knew Sophie Kinsella can give me those.

And I was not disappointed. My Not So Perfect Life is actually quite refreshing. Well, it felt a tad too long but I didn't mind. I feel I related with the story because the Main Character Katie/ Cat Brenner works in branding which is related to the industry I belong to which is Public Relations. I found myself agreeing with Demeter's views on "holding the client's hand and making them feel secure all throughout", and her need to attend industry events and schmooze even when she'd rather be somewhere else. I actually feel Demeter's a great boss and that I could learn a lot from her.

"What we do in our job," she says thoughtfully, "it's a balance. On the one hand it's about listening to the client. Interpreting. Responding. But on the other, it's about having the courage to go with big ideas. It's about standing up for your convictions. You need a bit of tenacity. Yes?"

At the same time, I loved how the book explored other territories and exposed me to industries I am not really familiar to like farming and glamping. Oh how fun it must be to stay at Anters Farm, join in the activities, and enjoy the view (and homemade bread and jams)! And I loved Katie's relationship with her father and stepmother.

Also, as someone who reinvented herself with a new name after college, I can relate to Katie changing her name to Cat. I wasn't always a Krissy, you know. ;)

As for the romance, well, it was pretty much unremarkable, but I give you this: Sophie Kinsella knows how to push my buttons.

He feels like fun. He feels like cleverness and irreverence and wit and charm, all packaged up in a long, lean frame. He feels like the man I've been waiting to meet ever since I moved to London, ever since I wanted to move to London.

Recommended reading, and plus points for using the @mynotsoperfectlife Instagram handle! And hey, not that it matters to anyone else but me, it’s the first book I finished on my new Kindle!

I think I've finally worked out how to feel good about life. Every time you see someone's bright-and-shiny, remember: They have their own crappy truths too. Of course they do. And every time you see your own crappy truth and feel desperate and think, Is this my life, remember: It's not. Everyone's got a bright-and-shiny, even if it's hard to find sometimes.

On to my next book! Although, since things are bound to get crazy again when I go back to work tomorrow, who knows when I'll be able to finish one again.

What's your favorite Sophie Kinsella book? 

Since we're on the subject of tiny houses, I'd like to share the finished product of the Kitten Diary dollhouse DIY kit that my sister and I worked on.

I ordered this after my operation and received it after about three weeks.

When you purchase this, you'll get a DIY kit including all the materials you need to build this dollhouse shown in the photo on the box.


When I say all materials, it means all materials including the glue, wood, fabric, and glass cover. You'll need to provide your own scissors and battery, though.


I wish I took more photos but I was too busy gluing pieces of furniture together, heh. I worked on the wallpapers, flooring, and all the furniture while my sister worked on everything else.

Everything had to be either cut out and glued together, or both, and it was quite challenging because the instructions are all in Chinese! I'm thanking technology for the camera function of Google Translate that made things easier for us!

And finally, here are more photos of the output!

I wish we took more photos before my sister put the glass cover on but I guess these will do.

They're looking really darling now, but wait until you see it with the lights on. That's when the magic happens.


Voila! The lights are working! Now it looks like a perfect spot to relax in especially when it rains outside.






Look at those itsy-bitsy books! And those adorable plants! And the very cozy swing and sofa and throw pillows! And that darling kitten!


The book on the swing and the slippers are a really nice touch because it makes the dollhouse look lived in and warm and inviting. It’s such a cozy room and if only I were small enough I could stay in here forever.

None of my dolls can fit here and that's okay. I think it looks better this way anyway.

It was truly an exercise in creativity and determination to go on despite the seemingly impossible task (there's just so many parts!) My sister and I enjoyed building this kit and I'm already looking for our next shared project! ♡ 

I did say I will share more photos of my newly acquired vintage Polly Pocket Bay Window House, so here it is. ♡


This is my favorite find from the National Swap Meet 2, mostly because I didn't think I will ever have one again. Genalyn of Little Miss Polyholic's Corner, the seller, has a lot of other houses and compacts for sale but I liked this one the most. Well, I originally wanted the Wedding Chapel as I had one of those when I was a kid but I didn't end up getting it because it doesn't have the other dolls anymore aside from the groom. Nonetheless I'm very happy with what I ended up choosing.

So how about a tour and a wave of darling nostalgia?


The Polly Pocket Bay Window House was released in 1993 (I was in first grade then). It's a pink two-story house with blue roof, bay windows, chimney, and a pink picket fence enclosed yard with a palm tree and a pond.


Dimensions are 4.5" x 4.25" x 3.25".


Like other Polly Pocket houses and compacts, it swings open to reveal what's inside.


The first floor features an entry area with the bay window table laden with party food, a kitchen, a guest bathroom, and stairs leading to the second floor. The doors also swing open.


The second floor features a party room with stereo, TV, phone, and window seat, and a dressing room with a door that swings opens to reveal a closet.


There's another compartment you can open which reveals an attic with a bedroom and a bathroom. What a cute room!


What I've always loved about Polly Pockets is the attention to detail that adds a lot more charm to the toy. Check out this cat chillin' on the roof. How adorable.


Since it's a vintage toy, I didn't really expect it to include any dolls anymore, but I'm so glad it does contain one of the four dolls it originally came with! Polly is shown here with wavy blond hair, purple dress with gold collar and cuffs, gold hair band, and gold shoes. All four original dolls look like they're dressed for a party, but even without them I think the Bay Window House still stands as a nice house for a strong, independent woman like Polly, and that's actually why I got it.

Genalyn said the lights are still working but I haven't gotten around to testing it yet.

I am so happy with my new old toy, but I'm hoping this doesn't jump-start another collection again as each of these vintage Polly Pocket houses and compacts cost a small fortune!

BRB convincing myself to stop looking for more Polly Pockets to purchase. ♡

(I think I need the Aladdin Playcase, Aladdin Agrabah Marketplace, and OMG, JASMINE'S ROYAL PALACE in my life, though!)

Remember the lavender grow kit my boyfriend J gave me almost a month ago? I followed every instruction to the letter but unfortunately none of the seeds germinated because they, together with most of the soil, got displaced by rainwater. Fortunately, there were a lot of seeds and I was careful about crowding them too much, as advised by the instructions, so I put the rest in another pot with an almost dying plant. 

It's such a beautiful sight and I was so encouraged that I got another grow kit again when we dropped by ACE Hardware in SM Aura after church service last Sunday!

There were a lot of grow kits to choose from (there was even a bigger version of my lavender grow kit, plus other plants from the same brand!) but I ended up choosing this Italian Parsley set:




Not only is this kit cheaper, it also includes fertilizer, plus the pot has drainage and a saucer! I planted it today and I'm crossing my fingers that it also grows so I won't feel bad about getting the other kits, too!

Anyway, hello, I missed blogging! I've been too wrapped up in thinking about how it's the last week of my long break from work that I realized I'm spending too much time in wallowing when I am better off doing more fun stuff to make the most out of my vacation!

So yes, I will go back to work on Monday, and this is my last Currently post before things get crazy again!

CURRENTLY

READING

Sophie Kinsella's My Not So Perfect Life on Nova, my Kindle Paperwhite that I love so much! It's so much more fun to read at night now without needing a book light or use my phone's flashlight under the covers!

LISTENING TO

Destiny's Child because did you see Beyoncé's explosive performance at Coachella? Wowza!

SMELLING

The perfume that J's Mom gave me. Thanks, Tita Judy! ♡

WEARING

Pajamas. I'm ready for bedtime!

THINKING

J and I watched A Quiet Place and I have so many unanswered questions, but it was really a great movie that I don't want to see again because I got too stressed, heh.

FEELING

Anxious. I've been feeling divided these past few weeks, and time to decide is running out.

LOVING

My friends!




My barkada from high school had a mini get together yesterday to celebrate Dianne's and Jer's going home. It's Jer's wedding next week and I deeply regret not being able to go because it's the week I'm going back to work and there's also a huge event happening that day. :(

WISHING

I wish there's a way of knowing for certain what the outcomes of some decisions will be so I can choose better. Oh well.

Thank you for reading. ♡

In the almost three years that we have been together, I only just used to accompany my boyfriend to toy events. He's a big toy collector and he already has a lot of friends in the local toy collecting community. He'd join exhibits to showcase his collection and works (he custom-paints), and I'd be the doting girlfriend following him around toy conventions as he brings me to different booths and introduces me to his friends, all the while excitedly describing different brands and toy lines to me.

Last year, we attended the first ever National Swap Meet held in SM Aura. It was there that he encouraged me to start collecting dolls again, and so I bought my first Barbie doll in years and got introduced to the Dollvisoria Facebook group. 

My life hasn't been the same since. For one, I am now the owner of 30+ dolls since I started.

I also got upgraded from being just a toy convention chaperone to having friends of my own in the toy collecting community! Niche: dolls.

Yesterday, we went to Day 2 of the second National Swap Meet held in Megatrade Hall 1.

I even had special guests with me.

His Facebook group won a slot at the toy exhibit but he didn't get to send some of his action figures for the display. Nevertheless, most of his other friends in the SICness PH group displayed their own toys.

Of course, I'm also glad to see these gorgeous dolls from the Southern Dollies group on display.

  

We couldn't splurge since I spent a lot on my birthday and our out-of-town trip recently, but we couldn't not go around the different selling tables and booths!

This booth in particular caught my eye because, HELLO, POLLY POCKETS!

I never thought I'd see any of these in person again so I was so thrilled!

Story time! Back in 2001 we lost our house to a big fire together with all of my toys, and one of my most bitter regrets is losing my Polly Pockets, mostly because the line has already been discontinued and vintage ones now cost a small fortune.

I really wanted to get this church that is exactly like the one I used to have but it doesn’t have the bride nor bridesmaid included, just the groom.

And so I got the Bay Window House Polly Pocket instead.

Me with Gena

Look at her Polly Pocket village exhibit!


My heart hurt with so much envy over this collection!

After going around once, we went out to meet with my friends from the Dolls Tattler group. I wasn't able to take any photos of our dolls but the theme was Love Love Love, that's why Erin (shown in the photo above) was wearing this sweater.

It just feels so nice to meet people with similar interests. I know that I must be boring my friends when I talk about dolls because they're not interested, so I feel really great about belonging in this group, most members of which have already become my friends in real life.

After our doll-meet, we went back to Megatrade Hall 1 to walk around the National Swap Meet venue once more.

I know I said I couldn't spend, but meh, here are my loot!

Jacket from Red, outfit from Jyken

My winner find! Would you believe I got this NRFB #TheBarbieLook Park Pretty doll for only Php800 (around $16)?? YES! Because of the dented box! The doll and accessories had no issues whatsoever so I swiped it up then and there!

I named her Bettina and her dog, Tootsie

My favorite find: Bay Window House Polly Pocket with a Polly doll

I chose this because I felt it looks like a nice house for a strong, independent woman. And that’s how, at 32, I got a Polly Pocket again! I am very happy to have [tangible] pieces of my childhood again! I'll share more photos of the inside on my next post!

We would've come back today, the last day of the event, if only we weren't really trying to cut back on expenses.

I'll be more prepared at the next one!

Interrupting regular Currently postings yet again because I just came back from a short trip to Baguio and I'd really like to rest before writing about it for posterity.

My boyfriend J and I went there with his officemates and it was a fun 2 days-3 nights stay. I feel like it was so short yet we were able to squeeze in many things - we were even able to catch a screening of Pacific Rim: Uprising! My favorite parts of the trip are gawking at flowers, eating [so much] good food (O-Cha and the Korean Palace buffet are the highlights!), our super comfortable rides to and from Baguio onboard the Joy Bus Executive Coaches, and, of course, dropping by Mt. Cloud Bookshop. Speaking of which, we were also there exactly two years ago! 

More stories tomorrow. ♥ 

Is there a magical switch that automatically turns things around for you when you turn a year older? Because I don't know why, but I feel a lot more comfortable in my skin and secure about myself now that I'm 32. I don't want to question the Universe, but I feel happier.

Or maybe I'm still feeling birthday bliss.

Whatever it is, I feel that this is one of my best birthdays ever!

After my mini pre-birthday celebration in Cuba Libre last Wednesday, I celebrated my birthday learning how to weave my own purse at the Rags2Riches HQ.

I have been wanting to go to one of their Weaving Workshops for so long but I had never gotten the chance because it's only available on Fridays and I couldn't skip work. Now, since I'm still on my long break from work, I figured it was the perfect time. And since it's my birthday, I decided to invite friends whom I thought will appreciate the experience as well.

I appreciated the brand even more after Ate Cynthia discussed the history of Rags2Riches and its advocacy to us. I am more than happy to support a brand that is locally-made, sustainable, and takes care of its community of artisans. ♡ 

The process is a little bit harder than it looks, mostly because you have to make sure that you use equal amount of tension when weaving so your finished product won't look wonky.





Paul had to leave early, but TA-DA! Here are the purses we made!

Yay!

Best boyfriend ever ♡

Aside from the Weaving Workshop, we also got a tour around the HQ and saw some of the Rags2Riches artisans working on the bags we love.

I really wanted to get this but I already spent so much on dolls and we have an out-of-town trip coming up. Putting this on my wish list!

My first ever friends in the local blogging community. I love these two so much!

Group photo with Ate Cynthia

After the Weaving Workshop, Noelle treated J and Chelsea (they're cousins) and me to dinner at Locavore, capped off with buy 1-take 1 on Calamanjitos.



This was definitely one of, if not THE best birthday ever, in close competition to that time my friend Ed threw me an Amazing Race/ surprise party in TriNoma where he put clues in strategic places all around the mall! Also in the running, of course, is my How I Met Your Mother-themed birthday party.

Aaaand the gifts! I am so thankful for my friends and their thoughtful gifts and letters!

Donya hat from Ruth

Barbie knick-knacks from Ava

Origami from Alex

Gift explosion from Jean, Hannah, and Mich Each item has an explanation behind it!

Doll and other K-beauty products (not in photo) from Ana

Bata shoes from Paul

AND! A Kindle Paperwhite from My Love It was wrapped in six different wrapping papers and boxes, you should have seen how confused I looked finding another box inside another box inside another box and so on HAHA! I love my five year old Kindle but I love the idea of no more squinting/ reading with my phone’s flashlight on in the dark more! I named her Nova.

Yesterday, we went to the mall to shop a bit for our out-of-town trip. I trooped to Benefit to avail the free brow wax service since it's my birth-month...



... and the SA Aireen is so nice and helpful and knowledgeable on what she does, that I ended up buying everything she used on me. To be fair, I was the one who first asked her about the products, and she showed me tips and tricks on how to use each one.

Benefit Date Night with Mr. Right kit and Benefit Ka-Brow! in shade number 5

Happy 32nd birthday to me!