Cutty

We got back from Tagaytay late last Saturday. The wedding started late due to the fog and the rain that swept all-over Splendido. They had to transfer the initial wedding set-up indoors. As predicted, we were on the road back to Manila by 6PM. I brought home with me one of the most memorable vows I heard in my life. "I will pursue you everyday. I will make you fall in love with me everyday." I am sure kinikilig si bride. Even the guests were tearful upon hearing those words.

I just have a singing engagement to finish at the WTC, then my family is off to Tagaytay for the night. My friends and I were supposed to have dinner at Antonio's but I don't think we will make it on time. Apparently, the last order should be in by 8:30PM. With the traffic situation nowadays, it would be impossible to get there on time. Ayaw talagang papigil, Vic made reservations at Antonio's for lunch. I am sooooo looking forward to the steak and bone marrow starter. --------------- A bunch of us will be singing for JD's sister's wedding on Saturday. Since I don't recall how Christian weddings go, I don't know how long the ceremony will last. Is it too much to expect to be on road back to Manila by 6PM? ---------------- I am hoping that this quick breather will be enough to recharge us for the holiday rush.

Until this morning, I thought I will finally have this coming weekend for myself. I thought that I can finally shop for the remaining people on my list, get my kids their Christmas clothes and spend some time with my family. I was hoping to sneak in a few hours at the Christmas bazaar. This morning, I found out that one of my high school friends is getting married this Saturday. After which, I need to carol for the Archbishop's family. The following day, I have another rehearsal in the evening, and possibly, another TATLO meeting before that. Hay, there goes my weekend.

A few days ago, Vic asked me what I want for Christmas. Though it was nice to be asked, I do not have a ready answer for him. He didn't ask me last year, so I wasn't expecting the question. Besides, I grew up not being asked what I want for Christmas. When I was little, I do not recall getting Christmas presents from my parents. My siblings and I usually got a new set of clothes for Christmas parties. Those were our gifts already, according to my mother. After that, I never expected to get any Christmas gifts from my parents. I always had gifts from aunts, uncles and godparents. A couple of days later, here I am, still thinking of what I want to receive for Christmas. It would have been easier if I wanted another pair of shoes or another bag. But I don't. I really don't know what I want to get. ------------------ I was watching TV when I heard this. "Today is a gift. That's why it's called present." Tama nga naman. Whoever equated "to...

I was just thinking that I miss eating at Sofitel's Spiral restaurant, when I saw this I wonder if I'd get more savings from this voucher than my hotel membership.

That's what we were yesterday. That's what we felt yesterday. Apparently, even the in-house choir of PDI felt the same way. First, the holding area was not enough to accommodate the two choirs. Secondly, our PDI contact was so condescending, she thinks she is talking to a bunch of uneducated people. Ateneans hate being treated that way. We could be very polite but we can be very catty also. Thirdly, gone was the prompt and friendly service of Makati Shangri-la's waiters. We were fed the worst hotel food EVER. The food in Manila Pen's employees' cafeteria tasted better. More importantly, it took them forever to give us water. Each course was served 15 minutes apart, in batches of 6. Just imagine how hungry our group was. The waiter reasoned out that he is the only one attending to us, thus the poor service. Unsatisfied, we trooped to the nearby CPK in Glorietta, to drown ourselves in Iced Tea, desserts and salad.

... I can finally put my feet up and read a book. ... for providing us with things we need. ... for ocassionally giving us what our hearts desire. ... for being our source of comfort and order in times of chaos. ... for helping me realize that patience pays off. ... for listening to my prayers. ... for being here and there (and everywhere).

It has been a while since I last wore my costume. So, when I got back from Johann's school this morning, I am a bit anxious to try it on. BUT, I have to since I'll be wearing it for tomorrow's singing engagement. In fact, we were telling jokes about it yesterday. I mentioned that I might have to wear two pairs of Spanx just to fit in. At least, they would know just in case I faint of suffocation. Lo and behold, I was able to fit in with a few inches to spare. Yahoo! I don't have to wear Spanx after all. I remember having the costume altered after giving birth to Javi. It seems that my measurements are smaller than a few years ago. Magaling, magaling, magaling!

Why do I feel like I betrayed woman-kind after purchasing this? I actually got two. Just like Dr. Belo, I couldn't resist. They are very affordable and are packaged beautifully. Most importantly, they smelled good. It doesn't have the staying power of most Eau de Toilets, but it is good enough. Wag ko na daw payamanin, sabi ni Vic.

This farewell season of Oprah, she is sparing no cent in sharing her blessings. How I wish I could be there to receive any of these... ... stuff for the kitchen ... a watch to replace the one that got lost when I gave birth to Johann ... to motivate me go to the gym more often ... a copy of this ... and maybe, go on a Caribbean / Mediterranean cruise like we planned for our Honeymoon What would you like to receive from Oprah this year? * images from Oprah.com

For several days now, I've been trying to rename tracks in my iTunes by right-clicking on the track name. But, I can't find the selection to make me do so. There used to be a Rename option when you right-click on it. Finally, I gave up and searched it on the Net. Apparently, renaming may be done through the Get Info selection, Info Tab . You may also use Command I as a short cut. Again, I learn new things everyday.

Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving are my favorite US holidays because they always spell great bargains,. I have never taken part in any these because I am always a week late or early. I hope to be there next year, if God permits. Naririnig kaya ni God and ni Vic? Hehehe. ------------- Upon learning that one of my favorite shops is going on sale next week, I hurriedly checked if the bag I just bought is included in that sale. Thankfully, it is not. I wouldn't have to worry about refunds just to make up for the price difference.

Christmas is around the corner and we are scrambling for gift ideas. Check it out here for discount vouchers to major restaurants and service providers. Ang laki ng discount sa Spirals and Le Spa! Check out other previous offers in the Recent Deals page.

Slept at 2:30AM last night. Woke up at 6AM to prep Johann for school. I should be catching up on sleep now, but I am not feeling the urge to do so. I worry about so many things these days. I hope I'm worrying about nothing.

Right across where the gym is located (YES, Vic and I go to the gym now), I saw a newly-opened restaurant. It said Nathaniel's bakeshop, pasalubong, etc. I wondered if it's the restaurant I've been wanting to try out. So, Vic and I made our way to the Nathaniel's after our workout. Nathaniel's is quite known for their buco pandan salad. They served it slightly frozen, which was a disappointment. I, personally, didn't find anything special about their buco pandan. Maybe it is in the cream. Maybe if they served it thawed, I'd find out what people like in this dessert. A small portion, the size of an ice cream cup, costs P50. A pint will cost you P235. I find that expensive. I am amazed by the number of patrons they have. A customer walks in every five minutes. The parking slots in front of the restaurant are never vacant. Vic and I tried their other dishes. My Beef Caldereta was like what my mother makes at home, only a bit spicy. According to Vic...

They always wanted the best. So, they bought the best. They could afford it anyway. They couldn't stand being second best or being left behind. Kung mahuli man, be ready to be upstaged. Kung anong uso, meron sila. But really, all this urge to acquire things merely covers up the loneliness and emptiness inside. Kung anu-ano nang meron sila, di pa rin sila masaya. Maybe they'll find joy and contentment in giving and sharing.

Though I didn't really plan an all-out party, last Sunday's celebration was fun. Kids and adults alike, enjoyed the food and entertainment we prepared. Here is a photo of the birthday boy with Lolo Boy. Here are some Javi's cousins with Kuya Johann and Bettina Below are some of Javi's Titas reciting their cheer for the adult game. I didn't really work out as I initially planned (details here) . At 3PM, we arrived at the venue. It looked like everything is in place. The birthday banner, cakes, loot bags and tables were already prepared. Mein, the party coordinator, mentioned that there was an available host. She offered the hosting service for only a thousand pesos. Since I only had the bubble show as the highlight of the party, I had no problem with that. Besides, sobrang mura na. I guess, she was trying to make up for her lack of follow-through in the previous week. My only concern was I didn't prepare any prizes. She offered to use the lootbags as game...

Our household woke up early to prepare for our trip to Batangas last Sunday. Apparently, our "loyal" yaya woke up much earlier to make her escape with her boyf, who happens to be our houseboy. The remaining yaya said she didn't notice anything or heard anything. Ang ganda nila! I can deal with the chores and additional load. What gets to me are Johann and Javi's questions of where Ate G is. For several days now, Johann has been bugging me to pick up his Ate from the airport. When I tell him that Ate G may not come back anymore, he'd say, "Sabi niya babalik siya." I asked him if Ate G said goodbye to him the night before she left. Hindi naman daw. Sayang, I offered to bring her HK with us and to send her to school next semester. I thought she was smarter than this. Oh well, you know how it is when you're young. You tend to make wrong decisions. ----------- Fortunately, we got our replacement the following day. I am really hoping this works o...

Like Kuya Johann's birthday, we are having a small gathering to celebrate Javi's second birthday. It wont be a swimming party since I don't want to cook and I don't want to be bothered by caterers. We're holding it a restaurant instead. I am glad that the restaurant confeeeermed my reservation for 30. It will be a no-fuss party with less than 10 kids in attendance. I got no mascots, no food carts. Just good food and good company. I hope Javi likes it enough to remember it.

Now that we've prepared way in advance, it seems that we wont be needing these: We have something planned that conflicts with our village Trick or Treat. We don't know if our usual Trick or Treat event will push through. The kids wont be going to the office Halloween parties either. Sayang, major effort pa naman.

In preparation for our year-end trip, Ate Gera and I went to NSO and the Post Office after bringing Johann to school. May I just say that the traffic in the Timog-EDSA intersection is just horrendous!?!? I was stuck in there for 30 minutes. Buti na lang di slow si Ate, literally and figuratively. I just told her to walk along East Ave since she will get there faster than our car would. I gave her instructions on where to go and what to do. In a couple of hours, she already got her birth certificate. Serbilis talaga! It beats having to pay P300 for a 5 day processing period through Teleserve. While she was at the Census Office, Javi and I went to the Post Office along NIA road to get Ate's application for a Postal ID. I heard it was the easiest to get among all government-issued IDs. The sign said we need to get the form, supply 3pcs 2x2 picture, get a Community Tax Certificate, submit a copy of the Birth Certificate and have it notarized. Jusko ang dami. Just for the ID, ...

This week, I hit the ground running. Even if yesterday was a holiday, I accomplished a lot. It was Divi in the morning for Christmas tree shopping and a 3-hour TATLO meeting in the afternoon. With around 60 days before the festival, we are starting to feel agitated. Really, there are so many things to do but, so little time. Over the weekend, it was decided that we will end the year and welcome the new one in HK. Vic and I will bring the Johann and Javi. Then Vic wanted to bring ever-loyal Ate Gera with us. So, here I am, getting frantic over getting her passport ready before we leave. I can't do that just yet because she needs her mother's maiden middle name to file for a DFA appointment. Before that, I'd have to get her Birth Certificate and some valid IDs. To top all that, she is only 17, so I'd have to get her a DSWD travel clearance. May I just scream? Aaaarrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Now, I am off to the bank before it opens. Then, to the post office for t...

I heard through the grapevine, that Vic's relatives will be having a reunion in Vegas next year. We're thinking of bringing Johann and Javi . Johann will be 3 years and 10 months by then. Javi will be 2 and a half years old. Bettina will be too little to remember anything. It will be just Vic and me who will hold the fort. Oh well, good luck to us. I am already thinking of the travel gear and snacks I'd need to bring. Since Vegas isn't really a place for kids, I don't know how to keep them busy. In fact, some Casinos don't allow kids in the premises. Excited as I am, I looked it up and found out that we could bring them to M&M world Fremont. I am not sure how else I can keep them entertained. For sure, we'll bring Johann's latest favorite, the iPad . We'd, most likely, get a side-by-side stroller for the parents' convenience, a rental car and a some cheap-o car seats for the length of our stay. I'd have to get the kids' vi...

In collaboration with Jesuit Communications, we present to you, our first Christmas CD... This will be out next month, just in time for the holidays. Orders are welcome.

I've already stashed the following in the upstairs bedroom: Candles, matches and flashlights Food, water, milk sterilizer portable appliances my valuables (aka frames, cookbooks, baking implements, etc) The other car is in the office while Lolo's toy is parked on higher ground. The remaining car in the garage is parked facing the gate for immediate evacuation. Though we are ready for a repeat of Ondoy, I sincerely hope that it doesn't go in that direction. I can not imagine how we can endure the clean-up, emotional trauma and the financial damage it will bring once again. This time, with a bigger area to clean up, ayoko na. Once in a lifetime is enough. Juan, being the default name of many relatives, has a very special meaning to us all. I hope it will remain that way.

... may mean several things. It could mean baby in text speak . It could also mean "bawal bakla" in ACS lingo. However, for me, it could only mean one thing

I've always wanted the wash-and-wear type of hairstyle. Because my hair is limp and thin, I decided to put waves at the ends of my hair. I figured, it would cut down prep time during weekends. I wouldn't look like a mess even if my hair isn't blow dried. While having my nails done, I asked how the procedure goes. I haven't had my hair curled. I only went as far as coloring it. What I had in mind were NOT Michael Jackson curls nor the kinky curls you find down there. But, that's what I got! I thoroughly expressed my disappointment. I told him that what I see is not what I wanted. I just wanted waves. I didn't want to look like an egoy. That darned Bakla was trying to stretch it out while blow drying. I was near tears. I am off to my regular stylist this afternoon to do some damage control. I don't want an expensive straightening procedure. I just might have it chopped off. Aaarggghhh!!!!! For now, my hair will have to be constrained in a tight p...

I've already booked Bettina's party photographer. I've been wanting to get her services since I gave birth to Johann. She was always booked. This time, I am first in line. The party host I've been planning to get has also put me on her waiting list. I hope the person before me doesn't confirm. The Lola has also gotten Bettina her birthday dress, with matching accessories. I am trying to narrow down which party planner should assist me in the preparations. Nope, di naman kami masyado excited.

Lord, I am so tired already. It has been a long day. Enough already please. Leave some for the days to come.

My mother and I arrived last night from our 4 day stay in Bangkok. Needless to say, I was so tired from the trip that we were all asleep by 9PM. We spent the first two days shopping. Half of the third day was spent in bed recuperating from an upset stomach. Monday morning was also devoted to getting better. Being alone with my mother proved to be beneficial and unfavorable at the same time. With her, I got to be a kid again. It was nice to feel that I didn't have to look out for anyone. She took care of the food, the itinerary, the meds and other mommy-related stuff. Unfortunately, I'd had to put up with her unsatiable urge to shop. We no longer had room in our luggage, she still bought stuff. Twenty minutes before our pick-up schedule, she hied off to the nearest mall. So now, I am back to my responsibilities. New challenges and concerns welcomed me. Hay, back to earth na talaga.

The system used to work for their advantage. They basked in the fame and glory it brought. Now that it brought inconvenience and sleepless nights, they fight to change it, to make it work for them again. ---------------- Gumaganti lang, naging bayani pa. Ang publicity nga naman.

I first heard about Philip Stein watches when Oprah included it in her Favorite Things. I got mine for my birthday and paid for it in installment. I just finished paying for it when I gave birth to Johann. Due to some unknown reason, I can no longer find the watch in my bag. I am not sure if it was stolen in the hospital or here at home by a maid. I haven't bought a watch since then. ---------------- This afternoon, I was going around Landmark and saw these Aren't they cute? They are called Fruitz watches. These are from the makers of Philip Stein so they also make use of the same Natural Frequency Technology that made the dual time zone watch famous. I just don't know how one can get the fruit essence from the timepiece. I think I know what to get next. Looks just about right for an everyday watch.

When I get too busy tending to everyday stuff, I have the tendency to lose focus. Stumbling into this made me realize that I need to refocus my emotions and energy on the positive rather than the negative. I'd like to share with the Prayer of William Barclay "O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy name's sake."

Now that Vic is away, I do not really bother making a menu for us to eat. I just leave it up to the help to figure out what they'll eat for breakfast. I usually inform them what to prepare for lunch or dinner. I just make sure that there's a stock of tocino, sotanghon noodles, misua, oatmeal and Koko Krunch available when they want it. ------------------- For more than a week now, I've been having breakfast away from home. It is mainly because I need to wait till Johann finishes school and because I am too lazy to eat so early in the morning. Most of the time, I spend it at the Coffee Bean because of the free wifi. I usually have the Salmon Scramble. Today, I got Eggs Ben. If I bring baon with me, I just eat it in the car then I just get a cup of chai latte or hot cocoa. One day last week, I ate at UCC because the parking space in front of my usual joint is being re-blocked. Not only did I find out that UCC didn't have wifi, they also increased their meal price...

Since Vic's company-issued laptop is stripped down to the bare essentials, he needed a web cam so we can communicate via Skype. He borrowed a digital video camcorder that could work as web cam too. We got excited about it because it was so compact. It looks very hi-tech too. Vic didn't want to give it back, initially. When he was unwrapping the gadget, Vic said, "Naloko ata si Dad. Walang binigay na memory." Upon installing the device, he got suspicious. "Meron bang Sony na camera na ganito ang installer? Pero, sige, subukan natin. Baka okay naman." When he finally finished installing it, it won't work correctly. It doesn't even zoom. Ay! Here are other tell-tale signs that what we got is a fake: 1. The lens didn't say Carl Zeiss 2. Look at the strap 3. If I remember correctly, Sony uses Memory Sticks not SD cards, as seen on the upper right portion of the camera. 4. Look at the warranty card. Click on the picture to zoom into the ...

We found out only a few days ago that Vic is being sent to Portland for a two-week business trip. He was supposed to leave on Tuesday but it was moved to Monday. He will be there just in time for the Memorial Weekend. Memorial Weekend means only one thing...SALE! If I don't have Johann, Javi and Bettina to think of, I would have gone with him. In fact, I had already chosen his hotel for him and mapquest'd our fave spots (PF Chang's, Costco, Hooters, outlet malls and Target). Hahaha, parang ako ang aalis. -------------------- I've always liked going on business trips. Somebody else pays for the food, accommodations, rental, gas and laundry. I only had to worry about my shopping money. One big drawback though is leaving behind one's family. I used to spend my hours away from the office at a nearby mall, TJ Maxx or outlet shops. I'd go home when it is dark enough to sleep or when my feet are too tired from window shopping. I'd bring home some take-...

If health is wealth then I am soooo not wealthy. Not that I am wealthy to begin with. My two boys are sick. Johann started coughing last week. By Sunday, fever came into the picture. Javi started coughing yesterday morning. In the afternoon, he already had a runny nose. Last night, he already had slight fever. Today, Bettina started coughing. Hay, I hope it doesn't progress into what her brothers have. Then, one yaya is also down with fever. Anubuh?!? I can only handle so many patients at a time.

I am into clogs right now. I've been looking for a pair that would suit me. But, it seems so impractical. I can't wear them if I am with kids. I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity. Anyway, I'm looking for something that looks like any of the following: by Michael Kors by Jimmy Choo by Tory Burch.

Yesterday, I was telling Vic that I am thinking of starting on Bettina's 1st birthday preps. OA, I know. She is only three months old. I have already narrowed down the theme, a ballerina party. I'll dress her up in a tutu complete with ballet shoes and tights. Hehe. I am just at a loss how I'll involve the boys in our theme. Vic said, he'll wear tights too. ============ At three months, Bettina has begun cooing. She loves to give us that toothless smile whenever we call her "Pretty girl." Her neck has grown stronger and she more stable now. I am glad that she's been gaining weight. I was afraid of not feeding her enough, since I am breastfeeding her 80% of the time. She still hates Tummy time. She has begun feasting on her fists, ever since I removed her mittens. Kuya Johann talks to her all the time. He likes kissing her head and smoothing her troll-like hair. Kuya Javi already learned how to say her name. He is still a bit jelly but is lear...

My demo in front of the nursery class took no more than 10 minutes. They are nursery students after all. I did not want to complicate things. I just pointed out the use of what we commonly have on our dining table. I told them which items are placed on the left and the right sides of the place mat. While I was waiting for my turn, another mom arrived to demo the same thing in front of the Junior Kinder class. She brought a crate-full of props. She came complete with food and flowers. Career kung career! I only know a few Brees in my life. She is definitely one of them. I, on the other hand, am not... and it doesn't bother me one bit.

Just a few minutes ago, I got the most wonderful news of the morning. My first attempt to get a media partner for our THREE Festival was very successful. RJ has agreed to advertise our event in both radio and TV. Now, my mind is working overtime on how we'll go about putting the details into a contract. I guess we'll have to work on our radio and TV ads. Please keep the good news coming.

This afternoon my son's teacher called to ask for my help. They are discussing the different parts of the house this week. She wants to know if I'd be willing to show the class how to set the table. Of course, I agreed. The task isn't difficult to do. Although I am pretty hands-on with my household, I can feel the pressure. I am no Bree Van de Kamp. I'd better plan what I'll say.

Walang pang isang buwan nang kababalik ko from HK, nangangati na naman ang lakwatsera. In fact, meron na akong lamyerda sa Setyembre kasama si muthrels. Iniisip ko kung sasama ako kay Vic sa NZ. Ano naman ang makikita ko dun? Tupa? Damo? Pwede ding manatili na lang ako sa Oz para makita sina Gutsy at May Ann. Pano na ko makakadalo sa pag-iisang dibdib ni Mimi and Pierre sa susunod na taon? Nuninuninu....

After some disturbances to our household, we've finally moved back to our humble abode. At first, I was very, very anxious for my family and for the help. But, how would we know if it is safe to go back if we haven't tried it? Our faith and our resolve have been tested numerous times. We first dismissed it as something psychological. In the end, it boiled down to "What do I believe in?" It has been a week and so far, so good. I hope and pray that it stays that way.

For parents who have children aged 7 and below, I highly recommend this course. We were invited to join by the Pasig Chapter at a highly opportune moment. Johann was just 3 months old then. It helped me go through the pains and joys of parenthood. It helped me understand and accept the emotional and psychological changes brought about by the new addition to the family. The course uses the case study method wherein all discussions would be based on a case/story. The big group would then be divided into smaller groups for circle time discussions. A case expert will wrap up the session with his/her expert advise. The stories deal with situations that are familiar to every Filipino family. Because of that, we, parents are predisposed to asses the case in an objective manner. If you are like me, who thinks "I need all the help I can get," you'll find EDUCHILD courses very informative. One thing I like about First Steps is that it has equipped me with skills and knowledge...

Here's an easy way to win the latest gadget you are lusting for ... MECHANICS: 1. Who can use the Tawad! Service? The Tawad! Service is open to all Globe Postpaid, Globe Prepaid, Globe Tattoo and TM subscribers. However, below the line advertising (merchandising materials) are being done only in the City of Manila , Taguig & Pateros areas. Subscribers outside this area may also join the program. 2. What is the Tawad! Service? Tawad! is an SMS reverse bidding/auction service where a very cool item is put up for auction each day. Unlike a regular auction where the bids go higher and the highest bid earns the bidder the right to purchase the item at that bid price, Tawad Na! grants the right to purchase to the bidder who sent in the lowest unique bid. 3. How often can I bid with / use the Tawad! Service? There is no limit to how many times you may bid for an item for a day, as long as you bid during bidding window, which is 7am to 11:59pm of that day. You may joi...

Vic and I spent last weekend in Hong Kong for our much needed break. As parents of three kids aged three and below, we need to find time to be together as a couple. * We left the kids with my parents. I went to HK with a list in mind. I was set on buying a bag (again), or a watch plus some clothes and shoes for the kids. I already had a list of stores I am planning to visit. I wanted to go to Macau because the big hotels weren't there when I last visited the place. I wanted to go the Peak also. But, Vic didn't want to. He just waited while I shopped. Sometimes, we went our separate ways so he can get his toys. Nakakahiya , we didn't do anything touristy in this trip. It was basically a shopping trip. Okay lang . We didn't get to do much of that last time. I was deprived of shopping last time I was in HK . So, pardon me if I don't have any pictures to show you. Day 1: As soon as we've checked in, we had some money changed to the local currency, had...

It has been three weeks since this party. I apologize for the delay. Finding time to update my blog is difficult in the past few weeks. ------------------ In the past, we usually have our kids baptized as soon as they hit their first month. This time, we chose to delay Bettina's baptism so we can celebrate it together with Johann's birthday. She turned 2-months old on the day she was baptized. She was baptized at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, where Javi was also baptized. I got Verleo to supply the food. I wasn't completely satisfied with their food, though people liked Fish with Aioli. Some of their waiters weren't as seasoned as the ones from Albergus or La Comida. Maybe that is why the two cakes from Layers and Layers had "imperfect spots." It was supposed to be a no-fuss party. In fact, I just planned on sending text messages as invitations. Then it occurred to me that we had to have invitations so people would know we're having a double...