wicked snowfall

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event."

When I heard that the first snowfall was going to be yesterday, I was so thrilled. I always get that every winter even though it is my least favorite season. So yes, I went out and tried to experience it in a citified way. But man, it was killer crazy! I couldn't start to describe it so maybe these pictures will help.

It's two in the afternoon but the sun has already shied away. 

The rain was heavy and the wind was so nasty. Thanks to that, 80% of my pictures are pretty much like this:

This is what you get when your forced photographer (aka little brother) is holding the camera on one hand and an umbrella on the other (the dominant one). Not to mention how wet the camera gets.

But I still managed to fool around.

And hello people.

This is a paradise away from the crowd.

I was all jumpy with my good ol' puddle stomper. It never disappoints in days like this.

Where else could I better celebrate this magical bash than in Rockefeller Center? The tree is so beautiful I wanna take it home. First, I'm gonna need a big home, really big home.

But anyways, while I was basking this marvelous sight, the snow fell. And you know that feeling when you see something terrifically divine you get all giddy and just wanna pose to get your picture taken, right? It just makes the moment last forever. Well, here's my moment.

Thank you so much whoever-you-are for not covering my umbrella. How nice of you.

Me and my funny face. I can hardly smile. It was so chilly I can't feel my hands anymore. The snow came with the rain and the wind, so yeah, it's not that bad.

For a moment, I'm jealous on how he can stand the weather.

So I stood by him. Did I mention 80% of my photos are not exactly clear? Yeah, I think I did.

Here's Saks 5th Ave. I have always been a fan of their Christmas window decorations. I tried to come close but...

I can't wrestle my way out in this crowd. It takes a great skill walking in a crowd with umbrellas and not getting your eyes poked. That's a skill I am yet mastering.

I decided to consider the road less taken. I don't need to be so harsh with myself. After two hours of walking (and a little shopping), for the first time, I was able to breathe. It looks so late but it's still 4pm that time. And it felt like I've been walking the entire day. In the end of it all, I realized what I hate about rain. It's not the getting wet part. Not even the looking awful when I get wet part. It's holding the umbrella all the time. Seriously, I considered the umbrella hat a genius idea.

Lastly, as the picture says, my day was WICKED (in an amazingly fun way).

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” - John Ruskin

Wearing:

Coat: Jessica Simpson

Rain boots: Henry Ferrara

Red top: INC

Welly Socks: Hunters

Umbrella: GAP

Bag: Coach  

street wise: plaid, purple and birthday

My not-so favorite part in NYC is Times Square. I hate how crowded it could get that I can barely take a step without hitting somebody. And with all those people coming over you from every direction, it's like all hell broken loose. It's crazy! But still I find myself there once in a while. It's the perfect corner whenever I wanna get lost and just drown amidst the gaggle. Having said that, I am not sure if I will ever get lost with my plaid jacket and purple pants. :)

Look at those people, not the New Moon ad. Okay, that too.

And oh yeah, it's my brother's birthday. He may not look like one but he just turned 14.

He's big, right? But anways, this was a family night. My mom and dad are somewhere looking for something. Oh I think they bought ice cream that time. So basically, what I did while they were doing there thing was sit. I was thrilled. Really, observing people never fails to amaze me.

a playful afternoon with the girls

As a grown woman (or trying to be) I sometimes find myself wishing to be a little girl again and just play. Being in a place where I spend most of my Sundays when I was young injected a big dose of nostalgia. Memories of scraped knees and exciting slides bring me back to the days when my tears could easily be stopped by a red lollipop that can turn my tongue pink. But what can I say? Things are different now. That is why some days, getting serious is not in my to do list. This is one of those days.

When I was having my vacation back in the Philippines last spring (or summer there), I had a great and fun time with my girls having a photoshoot. It was crazy!  Here's a snapshot of the entire afternoon of laughter, style, and friendship.

We call our clique, Indian Pana Girls (a.k.a IPG). Wondering why we're called that way? Trust me, knowing that will change your life. Whether in a good or bad way, of that I'm not sure. Originally, there's twelve of us but some didn't make it that afternoon while some came a little late. I love these girls so much! Being an IPG is one of the things I am ever proud of.

IPG UPCLOSE

A frisky wrap around dress and pink hi-top chuck taylors shows that we are never too old to have fun.

When I see this photo there are two words that come to my mind: innocence and purity. The black sneakers added edge to it. It gives the twist of danger. That what makes a woman interesting.

This is such a charm. What could be more gorgeous than a little black dress accessorized with a sweet smile?

I can almost hear her laughing. But with her simple cordovan dress with a sexy tiny strap that emphasize the oh la la shoulders, this outfit is va va voom! Now, who's laughing?

I loooove the pattern of the dress. It's so cool. You can't help but look. Not to mention the adorable bangles.

Don't we just love floral sundress in summer and miss it in winter? But I'm confused, is it the sun scorching... or is it her?

Me in my empire spring blouse. One of my faves.

I love this candid shot. The little girl sure worked it. But we can't ignore the glamour of the shiny spaghetti-strapped dress as opposed to the laid-back low top converse shoes. It's the best of both worlds.

(We are in no relation to these children. They happened to be in the park and were curious with what we were doing. You know how children are.)

But what I love best about this afternoon? The reminder that no matter what will happen and no matter where we will be, we are always beside each other and are always willing to walk the extra mile with no strings attached.

***Photographs taken by Marielle Udarbe and Dominic Saraum. Used with permission.***