Philippines Vacation 2011

My mom, sister, and I are going to the Philippines tomorrow for about 3 weeks!  I am so excited! This is going to be my third trip to the motherland. The main reason why we are going is because of my cousin Allen's grand wedding! (check out their awesome site: http://www.allenaileenluna.com)  I'm a bridesmaid, my sister is a junior bridesmaid, and my mom is sponsor!  I can't wait to see how the wedding is going to turn out and to meet his fiance Lhayne (pronounced like the word "line").   I know that she has been planning this wedding for so long and I've heard rumors that there are going to be fireworks!  So we'll see!

I am also really looking forward to going to Boracay!  I heard it's been voted as one of the best beaches of the world!  We weren't able to go during our last visit because there was a storm so hopefully we'll make it this time.  *cross fingers*

It's going to be a fun-filled three weeks and I can't wait to spend time and bond with my mom's side of the family.  I better practice speaking Tagalog!  I hope it'll feel more like summer when I get back too.  I better make sure I've packed everything and met the baggage weight requirements!  See you later Washington!

_melissa

Super8 Video Camera App

I love recording random videos on my iPhone and I was excited when I discovered the Super8 video app! The app is free for a limited time and promotes Paramount Picture's film "Super 8" which premiers on June 10.  The app has some awesome video features and can't wait to use them!

The iPhone App Store description says, "Using Super8 you can make your own vintage movies and add lens, filter and shake effects, arrange clips and scenes the way you want them; you can even add your own credits."

Here is a quick video I did at Pike Place Market a week and a half ago to test out the app!

Got any movie ideas? Let's make a video together! :)

_melissa

Celebrating 4sqDay as a Seattle Tourist

This past weekend was too much fun! I booked my stay at the Inn at the Market (@innatthemarket) for the weekend of April 16 not realizing it was also 4/4^2/2011 aka Foursquare Day (@4sqDay/@4sqSea)!  How perfect was that?!  Because of course I was planning to attend Seattle's 4sqDay celebration at Gordon Biersch! Meant to be!  I arrived at the IATM around 12:30 pm and the gentleman who took my car was super friendly and the ladies at the front desk were so warm and welcoming!  I also showed them my check-in and received a gift!  4sqDay was already off to a great start, plus I unlocked my 4sq 2011 badge for that check-in too! They handed me the keys and I was off to room 711.  I opened the door, walked in, and was blown away! Did I really win a complimentary one night stay here?!  The room was both cozy and spacious.  While checking out the view, I felt like I was in another city seeing 1st Ave through one window and Elliot Bay through another.  The city was alive during this partly sunny day and I loved the energy!  After taking pictures of the room and putting away my bags, I headed over to Pacific Place to meet up with Jen (@JenerationY) for 4sqDay!

4sqDay Seattle was packed with Foursquare users!  I didn't even get a shirt! I was so sad because I really wanted one and was hoping to win one during the raffle.  It was nice to chop it up with some peeps and tweeps but Jen and I left the event early and we gave our raffle ticket to our awesome friend Akvile (@hyph_en).  About half an hour later, she tweets us asking who had ticket #64 and it was me!  Whoo-hoo!  I won a gift certificate to Blue Star Cafe & Pub!  It's definitely always exciting to win!  #allidoiswin

After going around to a few places downtown and with Jen ousting our friend Andy as the Nordstrom Rack mayor, we decided that it was pretty much mandatory to celebrate 4sqDay to the fullest!  So we decided to play tourists in our own city and go to some Seattle hot spots!  It was totally appropriate for the weekend too because we were staying at the Inn that night which is kind of funny because Jen lives literally two blocks away, haha! And so we went around, asked around, and had so much fun venturing through the Emerald City!  Here are some pics!

Rachel the Pig!

Unlocked the "excELLENt fan" badge here! #4sqday

Can you believe I haven't seen that movie yet?!

We did not know there was a carousel at Miners Landing!

This is probably the only time we'd ride it haha!

Feeling curious about our futures at the Ye Old Curiosity Shop!

Infamous Gum Wall

Catching the monorail to Seattle Center!

Nothing was going to stop us from touching the center!

Jumping picture fail but we kind of look like ballerinas lol

Happy 50th Birthday Space Needle!

Didn't know it was that young and I've never been on top of the Space Needle!

Pacific Science Center Arches

Had to take advantage of any picture opp!

Got back to my room and it was set up for bedtime!

The night was still young though, Pintxo's for dinner!

Sunny Sunday! Wish I could've stayed longer.

After a fun weekend of living it up in downtown Seattle as tourists, I must say that it really did feel like we were just visiting!  Seattle had lovely spring weather and Pike Place was very lively that Sunday morning!  After checking out of the Inn, we went to breakfast at Local 360 in Belltown then went to Zumba at Twice Balanced in the U District and then stopped by Ballard's Sunday Farmers Market.  What a feeling good, feeling great kind of weekend!  We love you Seattle and we would definitely want to come back again! ;)


_melissa

#winning #allidoiswin

Last night I went to Spring Fling Seattle at the Broadway Grill and had a great time! My room is still a mess from cleaning out my closet and sorting through clothes to figure out what I wanted to donate to Seattle Goodwill. It was fun seeing and meeting fellow tweeps of Seattle, and learning about Urbandipity, Wishpot, and Viva La Vida! The venue was cute and the food was delicious and free! I also tried an Effen Cherry Cosmo made with Effen Vodka and it was very tasty as well!

Highlight of the night was #winning! I brought my friend Sherrina to the event and it was her first tweet-up and she and I both won raffle prizes! Hayyy! She won a bottle of Bluewater Organic Vodka, who knew that an organic vodka existed?! I won a complimentary one night stay with one guest at the Inn at the Market and $50 to Pintxo in Belltown! I am stoked about my winnings and need to plan on who to bring and when because it's only valid for the month of April. This is the second time I've won something at a tweet-up, whoo hoo! Jen and I have been to so many and somehow get lucky. *knock knock* I'm glad Sherrina enjoyed her first tweet-up, I need to rally up some more tweeps and bring them to fun events like this one! Thanks to all the sponsors who put this event together!

_melissa

#SpringFlingSEA

Tomorrow is Spring Fling Seattle at the Broadway Grill!

Details & RSVP here: http://twtvite.com/springflingsea

Charity: Seattle Goodwill! I am definitely going to clean out my closet tomorrow so I can give back. I usually have a hard time with this because there's always the "you never know, I might wear this again" thought lurking in my head! But then I remember that the last time I wore this shirt was 3 years ago and I'm sure someone else out there would love it!

It's going to be a fun night! I'm also bringing my friend Sherrina (@SherrinaMS) to her first tweet up! Can't wait to welcome spring and meet some awesome tweeps! :)

See you there!

_melissa

New Found Love: Zumba

Today Jen (@JenerationY) and I finally went to our first Zumba fitness class at Twice Balanced after purchasing a deal on Living Social back in September! It was SO much fun and just what I needed (especially after the Husky lost). I didn't know what to expect for Zumba but I loved it and it made me miss my dancing and stepping days! Our teacher Christy has such positive energy and a colorful spirit about her! You can tell she loves what she does and she makes class so much fun and makes everyone feel comfortable while whippin' out those dance moves! The music lifts you and your body just easily moves to the beat while getting a good workout. You just move to feel-good music and everyone is into it. All you see are smiles everyone's face even while breakin' a sweat! We are excited to go again next Sunday! Try it!

_melissa

BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON! PAC-10 BBALL CHAMPS!

We played Arizona for the Pac-10 Tourney Championship on Saturday and won 77-75! One of the most intense games I've watched! I wish I could've been at the Staples Center. Please believe my heart was racing and beating so hard, I was jumping and screaming like no other! Just watch this clip and you will know why! I get goosebumps every time I watch it, what a sweet victory. Congrats to Isaiah Thomas and the Husky basketball team! Raise the Roof!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEGP6nBiub8&feature=related

"COLD BLOODED!!!!!!"

BOW DOWN TO THE PURPLE & GOLD!! SO PROUD TO BE A UW HUSKY!!!!!!

_melissa

Fit February: Sassy Fit

Today I went to my fourth Sassy Fit methods class* (formally known as boot camp).  I've also attended one boolates** session and each class has left me sore, but the good kind of sore of course!  Burns so good! I'm always introduced to a different kind of exercise especially when using the bands and I take notes so I can do them at home!  It's a fun work-out environment: the music is great (at the beginning she played "Who's that Chick"), the instructors are

Fit February: Running Music Track List

I decided to start Fit February for myself because I felt that in the last two or three months I wasn't doing a good job with eating healthy and staying fit.  Around the same time last year, I was the same way so this year I decided to give it a name! A few friends have decided to join me for Fit February and make healthier choices. Yay!

Today the sun graced its presence upon the Emerald City and no other city or state appreciates the sun more than us Washingtonians!  But please believe, when Seattle shines, it shines and we soak it up! Finally, I decided that I'd get my lazy butt up and run to my favorite running destination Gasworks Park.  I would say the run is about

GetGlue

The last thing I need is another social networking site to check-in to!  My friends already call me out for always being on my phone and being a Twitter, Foursquare & Instagram (find me: herromelissa) freak!  What can I say?  I love it!  It's fun!  And here I go signing up for GetGlue!  I just started to explore and understand it and I say it's pretty cool.  You earn stickers and you can even get them mailed to you for free!  Oh wait, what is GetGlue?  You basically check-in to movies, books, music, celebrities, video games, etc. that you're into and comment on it.  You can also "like" them and write reviews.

There you go, that's what it is.  I know I can just tweet or do a Facebook status update about what I'm watching or listening to but I guess when you're a social media maniac, it's cool when there's another site who will share those things for you with just a couple of clicks and post them to your Facebook or Twitter for you (and c'mon, you get stickers!).  When you first sign up, it asks you to pick movies that you like and when you do, that's when the site really starts to get to know you and your future recommendations build off of that, it's a little intro course about how to use GetGlue.  Just try and see for yourself!  As for me, it's just another distraction, another feed to check on my iPhone while I'm at the bus stop or in line at the grocery store.  Get on it!  The more, the merrier. :)

_melissa

#girlsNfootball

It's been a week and a day since the awesome Seahawks vs Saints playoff game and I was invited by Jess to a #girlsNfootball party at Buckley's in Belltown to watch the game against the Chicago Bears.  It was jam packed in there but luckily, we had the Green Room reserved for us.  It was a pleasure meeting some fabulous women but it was a sad game for the Seahawks.  We lost 24-35, only scoring in the 2nd half.  Disappointing day for Seattle but still proud that we made it this far, GO SEAHAWKS!  One of the attendees made these super cute swag bags for us!

_melissa

Party with a Purpose!

I just bought tickets to attend Social Media Club Seattle's 2nd Anniversary Party sponsored by Banyan Branch in support of Jolkona!  Check out the event and the cool prizes! $5 raffle tickets for a great cause.  I'm excited to meet some social media pros/awesome tweeps!  See you there! #SMCSeattle

For details & to buy tickets, click here:
http://smcseattlejanuary.eventbrite.com/

_melissa
@FerrerMelissa

Seahawk Playoff Game!

The Seahawks vs Saints game was the most epic football game I've been to!  (Not gonna lie, it beats the Holiday Bowl game by a hair!)  Jen, Mai, and I were just hanging out then I saw a tweet that said something like "playoff game tickets now available" then in the middle of girl talk I go "do you guys wanna go to the playoff game?" then with a click of a button, we bought tickets to the game!!!  I was super happy that we all decided to go!

It was the most intense and the most fun I've had at a game!  EVERYONE WAS GOING CRAZY! I was jumping so high, I could touch the sky!  The walk from our 300 level seats all the way down after the game was priceless!  So much cheering and high-fives, nothing beats being in Qwest Field that night, NOTHING!  Mai said "I've never felt so united with strangers!" and I couldn't agree more!  Let's just say that the Saints got LYNCH'd!  Everyone Seahawk fan lost their voice that night AND we, the 12th man caused an earthquake! WHO DAT WHO DAT!

(article/vids: Marshawn Lynch's Playoff Clinching Run Registered A Minor Earthquake)

So proud of the Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks!  Let's put the Bears into hibernation!

In case you missed it:

GREAT DAY TO BE IN SEATTLE!

_melissa

Road Trip to the Holiday Bowl & NYE

Dec. 28th was my last day at Publicis because the next day Jen, Mai, Ian and I were San Diego bound for the Holiday Bowl!  We also decided to spend New Years in LA!  2010 was such an epic year for me, I was stoked that we were going to end it with a bang because it was the only way to go!  I love San Diego because I lived here for a little bit when I was younger because my dad's side of the family all live here.  I love LA vibe especially Santa Monica, I don't know, there is something about it that I love!

It only took us 18 hours driving nonstop from Seattle to San Diego!  The only bad thing was that I got my first speeding ticket of my life!  UGH!  I had a feeling it was going to happen and it did.  It was about 3 am in the morning and I was going 93 in a 70 (I swear it didn't feel like it though) around Modesto.  I won't find out how much my ticket is until I get it in the mail and my mom is going to kill me!  Biggest suck of 2010! But anyways...

It was so cool walking around San Diego and seeing friends and fellow Huskies in purple and gold!  It was a takeover and we won!!!! Such an awesome game!! Ahh! Bow Down to Washington! Congrats to Coach Sark, Jake Locker, and the rest of the football team!  Well deserved! :)  UW basketball also beat USC and UCLA!  So proud to be a Husky! U-U-U-U-DUB!

Well here are some pics from our 5 day CA trip!

Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Gotta support our Dawgs! UW baby!

Best fro-yo!

LA Live

The Grove

Industry- New Year's Eve

My buried life girls and I had a blast!  Tasha was an awesome host and we were lucky to have her to show us around and to let us crash at her place!  It took us another 18 hours to get back to Seattle!  No speeding ticket this time.  Feels good to be back because there's no place like home!  Happy 2011!  Excited to see what the new year has in store, it can only go up from here! :)

_melissa

PS Happy 25th Silver Anniversary to my mom and dad! :) I love you both with all my heart and thank God every day for blessing me with super parents like you. <3

Custom made family calendar with pics from our Disney World vacation in Aug. 2010