I do not know why I find it difficult to sleep when I am away from home. I have been married for almost three years and the first time that I spent the night away from home was a terrible experience. I remember how big and comfortable the bed was and yet, it could not make up for the empty space beside me. I was not able to sleep that I became too dizzy to concentrate on my meeting the next day.

The second time I had to stay away from home was last month when I had to go to a seminar in tagaytay. I was afraid of the expected sleepless night, so I drank my way to drowsiness.

Now I am at the comfort of home and yet I am wide awake (its almost midnight here). Am I having withdrawal symptoms from my husband’s embrace? It sounds dramatic, I know. But I cannot help it. The gaping emptiness beside me seems to be mocking me and I cannot bring myself to stay in bed. So here I am writing about how ridiculous it feels to yearn for someone who obviously is not touched by any of it. He is too busy and too tired and wishes he were in bed… like me. Ironic.

Take care sweetie.

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The new collection from the Coach catalog is out! The collection is chic and casual and I simply love the signature stripe totes. Check it out at Coach.com.

This bag is on my wishlist and now that the exchange rate is way down, it has actually become quite affordable for me. Hmm…

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I was excited when I read that Keihl’s was opening a boutique in Manila. They are known for their skincare targeted solutions similar to how Mario Badescu has their line of products. Their lip balms are also very famous among beauty addicts such as myself. And because my lips do not cooperate with lipsticks, I got myself the one with SPF 15 and Hue 58B. This lip balm is also a sheer lip gloss with cool red tones.

It is now that I have to admit that all well-known products may not necessarily work for everyone. Everyone includes me. After using Keihl’s for about 3 days, my lips are drier and more cracked than ever before. I had to switch to my dependable Crabtree & Evelyn Jojoba Oil lip balm. Its been a week now and my lips have not gone back to the way they used to be.

Sigh*

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Its six days until V-day and the most asked question has been about how are couples celebrating valentines day. But not everyone is making reservations at Le Souffle. Like my friend K. Her boyfriend is in the States, has been for the past two years, and she is used to spending valentines at home like any other normal day.

It wasn’t that she was spending valentines at home but her long distance relationship that got us chatting excitedly. I personally do not get involved in long distance relationships so I asked her - Is it worth it?

She stopped for a minute and told me that it worked for her because she knew what she was getting into at the start of the relationship. She guessed it would be hard if you were used to seeing each other a lot and then at some point one has to leave, like go to the States.

I don’t believe in long distance relationships. I mean, I don’t believe it will work me. I have a hard time imagining that I can build an emotional attachment with someone a thousand miles away. Not to mention the thought of not being able to touch or feel. Especially for someone like me who finds comfort in being hugged when I am having a bad day.

But I know a lot of people who seem to make it work. I guess it depends on what you are willing to give up or take.

Are you in a long distance relationship? So… is it worth it?

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Its the first day of the LOVE month and I’ll bet many of you are already thinking of how you will spend Valentine’s day. Men are keeping a tight watch on their budgets and the women are fantasizing about the romantic day they want to experience.

Personally, I see Valentine’s day as just an ordinary day. Secretly, I am just wistful.

In line with my outlook this year, I resolve to enjoy the love month. So I want to start with some of the great gift ideas that have made Valentine’s day memorable to many couples for years. I have also listed down some ideas you could plan to do to celebrate that day.

Flowers - Red roses are still the most famous flowers on this special occasion. They also become the most expensive. And although many (like me) will say they really do prefer something other than flowers, they will not be able to resist the feeling that is invoked when one is given a bouquet of blood red roses.

Chocolate candies - Need I say more? Chocolates are the next famous gifts of choice during the month of February. Expect a flood of Ferrero Rocher, Lindt, Cadbury, Hershey’s. To those who do not spare a dime - they can select from either Godiva, Ghirardelli, See’s, Whitman’s, Martine’s

Lingerie - Hmm… Perfect if you are planning a steamy night of with your honey.

Jewelry - I wish I got jewelry during Valentine’s day. Hehe. This is actually a great gift to give or get during this day. But you would have to be the filthy rich type to even think about it.

Mobile phone - Uhh… It’s not Christmas isn’t it? Nahh.. it could be a red phone after all. And with people being so tech-savvy nowadays, it might just be an appropriate gift for your sweetheart.

Greeting card - I know very few people who would even spend time to sit down and think about writing on a printed piece of paper about their thoughts and feelings on Valentine’s day. This is so old school but you would be surprised how many people still long to receive sincerely written greeting cards or love letters. I love getting and reading greeting cards.. provided they are sincere and more personal.

Surprise her at the office with flowers - More than the flowers, it would probably be the surprise visit and the effort made to sweat it out through the rush hour traffic just to personally greet you Happy Valentine’s!

Breakfast in bed - Always works! But if you do not know how to cook, maybe you should just hire a chef or have your trusty yaya do the cooking for you. Our goal is to set the tone of excitement not ruin such a special occasion.

Romantic dinner - It is always best to make reservations ahead of time. For some of the most popular dining places, you should probably pencil in your name today. And because restaurants make an effort to pattern their decors to the occasion, you can count on many cozy, dim-lit restaurants to spring up during February. I recall when I was in college, Shakeys even made their pizza’s heart shaped just for the month of Feb.

Book a room at a MHotel - Do you think that the long line of cars outside these places - said to be waiting for a vacant room - is an urban legend? NOT! I live near Kapitolyo, Pasig. I should know. Hehe.

One thing that I am not sure of is if any couple ever really gets engaged on Feb 14. At least no one I know has or plans to be. It too cliche already, I think.

What about you?…. are you already scouting for places that sell flowers or flower arrangements? Admit it! I bet you are!

Happy LOVE month to all!

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