Life's been pretty stressful lately. While I don't really talk about it or even show the extent of my (financial idiocy and) miseries, it is happening in the background more often than I care to admit. I've probably mentioned my struggles a few times before, and I really don't like doing that - but I'm pretty transparent, so I guess there's that.

That being said, tough times sometimes bring out the best in people. It definitely brings out the best out of my husband for sure. I never really want to burden Bear with anything. I think a part of that is the thought that I'm older - so I should be more responsible in handling things. Yet here he is, bailing me out of every stupid decision I've made. I've really been down lately, and I honestly feel ashamed because I've let my husband down too. The fact that he's very supportive and caring the whole time is priceless, I really appreciate it that he's by my side no matter what.

We got home last night from a family dinner, and Bear prepared my foot massage and soak! I really couldn't be anymore grateful!​

It's not that bad. Just challenging... and expensive.

A lot of kids can't wait to grow up because it seems so simple that adults can do whatever they want and there are just no rules to follow. As an adult, and you probably are too, you would know that's a lie. Adulting is quite the struggle - there's actually a lot of rules that apply (e.g. laws) of what you can and cannot do, and what you should do or else you get in trouble, like filing your taxes.

I personally enjoy my adulthood. There's a lot of challenges, but I know we'll get through it so I never really think of it as an issue. I mean, they are, but I try not to let it bring me down. I know people handle problems different and I typically prefer not to tell people who aren't involved. Probably another reason why some folks would think I have the perfect life, and some people assume that I'm rich and swimming in thousands of dollars if not more - because life is good.

Now here's the truth.

I probably should've said this last week but it's officially fall! The leaves have turned, snicker doodle is in the air, the wind is chilly - it's absolutely lovely! This is also the time of year when I hoard the autumn scents from Bath and Body Works because not gonna lie, it's my scent all year round. 

It's also time for family photos! Had some new family photos taken, and actually the first time we're able to do fall pictures. Really excited and glad we got it scheduled just in time. ​​We were introduced to this small park/trail in town that I never knew about. It's actually a very small place, but it's very pretty especially for a small family session.

This season also signals the start and end of certain things.

When it comes to brand names, I'm a little in the middle. Some people always go for the most expensive brand out there and some people seem to have an allergy and have it all out against any brand that makes it cost more than your Great Value version.

It would be an absolute lie if I said brands don't matter to me - because it does. Today, I will tell you why. But before that here's something I sort of splurged a bit on. I finally bought a bag on impulse because "I'm not gonna lose this one!" Last time I saw a bag I really liked when we were at Macy's I hesitated for a week and next thing I know it was completely gone. So it's not happening again. Nope!
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Now I tell you why...

Best thing to do when spring is approaching but it's still cold AF?

Mmmm... relax, have a good sip of coffee and do your nails and have a steak!

​I'm actually talking about two of the great discoveries I've had so far - and no kidding, it's steak and nails indeed. You're probably wondering how that makes senses. Maybe you don't but oh well... here's why!

On our first Valentine's day together, after we got married, I wanted to go somewhere special. Back then, budget was tight and a regular restaurant was expensive for us. We still wanted to have something special and I was also still discovering Wisconsin as it's only been a few months since I arrived.

We found the only sushi buffet place nearby - Island Sushi in Appleton! Oh you can just imagine my happiness. Seafood is hard to come by here (at an affordable price), let alone a nice sushi place! It was definitely a great restaurant and we've spend all our Valentine's day there... until 2021.

Bear's new job requires him to be away for days at a time and we really can't decide right now when he will be home. A snow storm and lonely on a Valentine's day, I focused in blowing the snow and getting things done. While it sounds sad, it's also actually a good me-time moment.

If you're in the U.S., you've probably heard of the massive snow storm that hit us and affected mostly the South. We still got a good chunk of snow up here in the Midwest, and I was on duty keeping the driveway and sidewalk in tip-top shape. While I was clearing the driveway on Valentine's morning, I was caught by this sweet surprise!!

Not gonna lie, I was in a quick panic the moment I noticed him because he pulled in as soon as I was starting to put away the snow blower. Next thing I know, he handed me this very beautiful vase of flowers - my favorite roses and carnations at that!

It's cold and it's icy, and we're venturing into a new chapter trying to see if it fits our family well. I think I will be discussing that when everything's clear. So many things have been going on but we definitely need a break... so a date night it is! I think that it's really important in relationships to go out even on a simple date night. I've heard many times that people who get in long term relationships or when they get married often neglect the so-called little things.

Maybe I'm a little cheesy.

Okay, maybe I'm a really cheesy and sentimental person but I think I've learned a thing or two about relationships. I'm no expert by no means, and I also understand everyone is different and what works for one will not always work for everyone; however, I do know for a fact that taking feelings for granted will not have good results.

This weekend we celebrated November Twentieth-first.

​What is this?? You may ask.

While we did plan to get married when I arrived in the U.S., we didn't really plan a date. I was hoping to do it on a certain fourth - to kind of match the day we became official, July 4th. I thought to myself, probably December 4th would be a good date. There is quite a long story behind it, but let's just say some no-good person was trying to get me in trouble and give reason to deport me so a wedding rush we had!

Bear's mom was eager to get it done, like right now! So what better day would be than the coming weekend, right? Of course! It's the day right after my birthday. On November 20th and 21st, 2015, we marked the first November Twentieth-first.

Some people may think, oh such a cute term! 

No. That's just Bear not remembering which was the birthday and which was the wedding day. Whether it's true or he's just playing with me, that's what he led on and I would assume the former that he couldn't really remember.

As we approach the colder season, I'm getting ahead of myself and am pretty excited for magical snow!

I've been doing my nails myself and realized I get to do what I want, collect nail polish and art stuff, and still save money compared to going to the salon. Obviously, it's not as professional - like me struggling with my cuticles, I still have a lot of fun doing my nails because it's not really beauty but more of art.

I love glitters and sparkly things. Most definitely. Yus.

That being said, I love getting my nails done! It's relaxing, it feels good, but it also comes with a price. Maintaining your nails can get quite pricey. To some, it's one of their priorities so splurging on it every few weeks isn't a big deal. For someone like me to likes to spend on many different things and can't seem to make up my mind whether I should buy new shoes, get a massage or just get some home decor - it's a bit of a toss up.

Aside from the ultimate indecisiveness, there's also the fact that I like to collect literally anything and everything and I love art. So then, let's make art! I dipped into the world of dip nails.
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