Lavender & Coffee Stains

It is nine o'clock in the evening on my side of the world. Normally, I stick to my rule of having my kiddo sleep at 8 o'clock in the evening as it is a school night after all. Today, I am letting him sleep a little late. I am the stricter parent. But today, I am letting loose. Just for today. Currently, he is doodling a family tree, which, I laid him the-who on this side and that side of the branch. But don't you worry, he will be in bed half past nine.

Eventually, all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason. ~ Albert Schweitzer

So what is this momma doing at the moment while her kid is basking in joy for having to sleep late? He is happy...that, I can guarantee. :)

I am checking my inbox, reading an article, and thinking about decluttering my online presence. Obviously, I have halted doing those things as I am typing this. I am an OC with clutter and I am also a multi-tasker. I have a million things going around my head. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed and nothing gets done but most of the time, I do really focus and I get to check all the things in my to-do-list. When that happens, I feel gratified.

My thoughts on decluttering my online presence means lessening my so many email addresses, deleting some of my social media handles, simply utilizing the mobile upload process in Facebook instead of creating albums. I do not know why but I feel the lightness of being unburdened by these mundane things.

By the way, I am excited as well because I will be testing a corn muffin recipe. I will be baking later after my son goes to bed and the hubby arrives home. He is out with a good friend from Kuwait. Richard will be flying back in two days and they are buying some souvenirs.

Sharing a random shot of Doha at dusk. I love gazing at the sky everytime I am outdoors. An instant feeling of peace seems to settle over me whenever I look up.

My name is Ivy and I am a bookaholic.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.  ~ Charles W. Eliot

No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.  ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

I have always been a loner during the earliest period of my school years. I have spent my free time studying my lessons and simply reading about my textbooks. My usual favorites then was learning about the historical past and the beauty of the English grammar.

Then one fine day at school, I visited the library.

I picked out one book from the shelf and I met Nancy Drew. I was reading the first book in the series and my free period was almost up. I asked the cute, gentle-looking librarian if I could bring the book home. He said I could if I could just fill up a form and acquire a library card.

Being a loner, the books in the library (and please include that gentleman from the library) had become my friends. They did not judge and never failed to make me feel happy about myself.

Books are delightful society.  If you go into a room and find it full of books – even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome.  ~ William Ewart Gladstone

Honestly, I am always in awe being surrounded by books. And yes, it really feels like those books are talking volumes to me. Literally!

A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~ William Styron

Wherever I go, my relationship with books will never end. In between living a busy life, reading is a great de-stressor. By the time I am ready to put down a book, I am relaxed.

xoxo,

Ivy (^o^)

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Of course, it would immensely help someone's self-esteem if that beauty will be highlighted with the stuff that the world is offering. I discovered a number of beauty stuff online and I thought, "wow, this is interesting," or "sure, that is something that I will buy for myself."

The first one that really appealed to me was one of the limited shades of Laneige Two Tone Shadow Bar. There are two limited shades offered but I prefer the one called as Smoky Dust. It is your classic shade of dark brown with champagne shadow. I am not really into eyeshadow application because I wear contact lens and most of the time, I end up irritating my eyes. I may change my mind to acquire this product for it surely enchants me. Okay, I attribute that last sentence to the description given to these eyeshadow sticks for they are released under the Milky Way Fantasy Collection.


Another interesting beauty product that sounds so appealing is the Esfolio 2 Step Multi Oil Peeling & Cleanser. It is a functional cleanser that works two ways: it can be used as make-up remover and peels off old sebum and dead skin cells. I am not just sure if how the "peeling" happens but for practicality, make sure you use this when you do not have plans to go out. 😊


The last beauty product that I came across was Benefit Cosmetics' Galifornia Box O' Powder Blush. This beauty brand has been offering a lot of bestsellers with their amazing design. This particular powder blush comes in a box with an admirable artwork print. With a golden pink powder blush and a cute blush brush and with a mirror to boot, I really would like to have this in my purse!



I took note of these to-own beauty products while I was in Manila. I did not have time to traipse around the city during my last vacation because of my mom's operation and other in-between important errands. I wonder if they are all available here in Qatar.

Next time you think of beautiful things, do not forget to count yourself in. --- Unknown