...Sher & Pete - Days of our lives...

Happy Birthday @Melia!

2011-04-28T07:16:00.005-04:00

Many happy returns of the day!

lots of love,
XoXoX
Sher & Pete

2011 updates!

2011-04-16T07:20:00.001-04:00

It was a very busy, social end of the year in 2010 which carried on over to the first quarter of 2011... so much have happened and there's been a bit traveling on my part. I am super behind on blog/picture posts... so please stay tuned!

Medical leave...

2011-01-10T14:21:00.005-05:00

Nope.. didn't catch anything...
I am scheduled for a surgery tomorrow 1/11/11 - wish me luck! Will be blogging a lot more and catching up on missed posts since the holidays upon my recovery and rest at home!

Season's Greetings 2010

2010-12-23T17:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Dad@BC & Mum@Tinny!

2010-12-17T09:02:00.003-05:00

A combined birthday wish to Daddy & Mummy whose birthdays are on the 17th and 22nd respectively.

lots of love,
XoXoX
Sharon, Sherene & Peter

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

2010-12-14T07:54:00.001-05:00

Many happy returns cousin!
XoXoX
Sher & Pete

Friday nite out...

2010-12-11T11:27:00.004-05:00

It's usually a happy TGIF for me... but this particular Friday was a draining one. More about that on a future post but all I looked forward to was getting home and wrapping myself under the blanket (which I did for a couple of hours) until Wojtek called us up to head out for dinner and drinks. BINGO! That was what I needed! Two vodka tonics, one martini and a raspberry framboise later... I was relaxed and happy! Not the tipsy kind of way but just at peace with myself and my thoughts! And NO - not talking as an alcoholic! :P

Wojtek and Martha

The ladies...

I could not keep my eyes open wide, neither could Peter keep up with Goran!

Happy 50th Uncle Richard!

2010-12-11T08:58:00.003-05:00

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age - Victor Hugo
XoXoX
Sher & Pete

O Tannenbaum - 2010

2010-12-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

This year's tree search was a breeze... we love our neighborhood nursery, Russell's where we found our 2010 Christmas tree, this time a Douglas fir. Here are pictures from our search, setting up and trimming the o'tannenbaum.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Michael Bublé Concert 2010

2010-12-02T23:06:00.002-05:00

This was my third Bublé concert and each time is a different but still amazing experience. We had awesome seats at HSBC Arena... we were right of the stage and I could have literally reached out and grab him if I was crazy enough!! Here are pictures and a couple videos from my 'lil point and shoot camera.

After Thanksgiving steamboat

2010-11-27T22:07:00.002-05:00

What do you do after Thanksgiving? Have an after Thanksgiving Hokkien Mee brunch and for dinner a steamboat affair with your friends! And that is exactly what we did! :P

Can you spot peeping Goran?!

Here he is!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T22:05:00.003-05:00

Peter and I hosted our very first Thanksgiving in our home - giving Mom@Nancy a break from cooking and sharing it with our friends from Canada and UB. Just like any other Milizia event, we had plenty of food to go around. Here are pictures of our Thanksgiving.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Happy Birthday Erica!

2010-11-25T07:34:00.003-05:00

Many happy returns of the day!

XoXoX
Sher & Pete

Husband's birthday!

2010-11-23T07:26:00.002-05:00

I love you!!
XoXoX
Sher

Jim + Erica by Ling Photography

2010-11-22T07:22:00.007-05:00

I could not have worded it any better than Ai Ling did... so here is a post of her post!

p.s. check out her site and blog post on jim + erica's wedding reception brunch (click on jim+erica's name below) - she made a wonderful slideshow with music selection from yours truly :P

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
jim + erica {wedding day}
date : november 7, 2010
reception brunch : rochester yacht club, rochester, new york

The story goes like this. Back in the days before I became a photographer I was a regular on flickr. Sherene saw one of my photo, commented, and we started chatting. We became friends, very good friends indeed, even though we’ve never met in person. I wasn’t able to attend her and Peter’s wedding in September 2008 because Ian’s due date was around the corner, and so, when they asked if I could come photograph Peter’s cousin, Jim’s reception brunch as a gift to the couple, of course I said yes.

So a couple weeks ago I put a big red bow around my neck and flew to New York. (Wow, I know. That’s a lot of words for a photographer that couldn’t write.)

James and Erica eloped to Hawaii, and decided to have a brunch to celebrate with all their family and friends. It was a happy brunch. : )

Milizia brothers birthday!

2010-11-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Matt!!

Wish you were here so we can celebrate with you!!
Miss you lots!
XoXoX

Sylvia & Jeff's Baby Shower

2010-11-21T22:06:00.000-05:00

Pete and I headed up north again, this time to Sylvia & Jeff's place for their baby shower. Bethany did an amazing job helping co-organize it with the future parents! Here are pictures from the shower...

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Pete's Birthday Surprise

2010-11-20T10:13:00.003-05:00

It was a planned wine club event... with an early birthday surprise for Peter!

Upcoming family birthdays...

22nd - Mathew Milizia
23rd - Peter Milizia
25th - Erica Legan

Erica & Jimmy's Wedding Reception

2010-11-09T22:14:00.001-05:00

A brunch reception and family get together to celebrate Jimmy & Erica's nuptials at the Rochester Yacht Club this past Sunday the 7th. Here are pictures from my crummy point and shoot while assisting Ai Ling who was the professional on duty!

Created withflickrSLiDR.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T23:13:00.001-04:00

It was a somewhat chilly Halloween... but we had a lot of fun carving pumpkins with the neighbors the night before, handing out candy and going trick or treating with the neighborhood kids and parents :)

Fall decor

2010-10-27T23:17:00.000-04:00

One of the warm touches for our home...

2010-10-23T21:40:00.002-04:00

It was a productive morning with a tailgate brunch at the UB Bulls team homecoming came. Game was not so hot but the tailgate was a lot of fun!!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad@Mario!

2010-10-19T07:37:00.000-04:00

Many happy returns of the day!!

Lots of love,
XoXoX
Sher & Pete

Newlyweds... Mr & Mrs James Legan

2010-10-18T07:08:00.003-04:00

Super excited this morning, Pete and I were anxious to check our emails and facebook to see updates from Jim & Erica... and they did not disappoint with this amazingly gorgeous picture taken after they were married.

Congratulations you two!
Lots of love always... XoXoX

To see more amazing pictures of their trip in Hawaii so far.. check them out at Jim's website www.jameslegan.com

Jimmy & Erica's Wedding

2010-10-17T23:53:00.007-04:00

Today, Jimmy & Erica weds in the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. Both families have been waiting for this day and we are all so happy for them! Congratulations!! As you say your vows and I dos with the Hawaiian sunset as your backdrop, we will all be slumbering dreaming happy thoughts of you both. Can't wait to see pictures!

And officially... welcome to the family Erica!! XoXoX

Mary Anne's Baby Shower

2010-10-03T14:28:00.001-04:00

Julie threw a great baby shower for Mary Anne at Flaherty's. We all loved the peek-a-boo shower cake of baby Zottoli which Julie ordered from Premier Pastry. Premier Pastry was the place which did our wedding cake and will be doing Jimmy and Erica's come November. Needless to say, it was delish! We cannot wait to meet baby boy Zottoli come January.

O Canada...

2010-09-28T22:44:00.004-04:00

Amelia, Peter and I headed up north for a long weekend in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) - mainly the trip was for one of my recruitment trips. And since the fair does not start till Sunday, we had Friday and Saturday all to ourselves. Joining us painting the town red and continuing in our usual gastronomical affairs were Bethany, Binh and Jessica.

Peter was delightfully please with the beer selection and Biermarkt downtown Toronto - you can see him smiling throughout our lunch session there. We also had our first steamboat/hotpot session of the year at Binthany's house - we got really fresh seafood to keep us stuffed all night. We continued the next day with dim sum and a sushi/sashimi buffet at Sushi on 7 by Highway 7 in Markam.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Of the mini shopping session we did, we managed to squeeze in a mahjong session shortly after we checked into our hotel on Saturday. We also feasted on the juiciest mangoes from south east Asia and found one of the best Cantonese cuisine in the Richmond Hill/Markham area called Dragon Boat Fusion Cuisine. All the girls.... Bethany, Amelia and I managed to also get sick - Jess caught very little of it. So when it came time to work at the fair - I was all sinus-y and headache-y. Ouch!

With baby Mark C.

2010-09-22T23:31:00.002-04:00

Peter and I are so sad that we could not make it for baby Mark C's 1st birthday party. Nevertheless, we celebrated two days early with Mark when mommy Michele brought him over to our place for dinner.

Alicia & Tom's Wedding

2010-09-20T23:25:00.002-04:00

We stayed over in one of the best condos in Holiday Valley in Elicottville, the weekend of Alicia & Tom's wedding taking place at the Tanenbaum Lodge. Big thanks to Mary for organizing an amazing stay at the condo for us all.

Alicia looked amazing and so beautiful on her wedding day and Tom was as happy as can be! Here are pictures from the weekend...

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Anniversary...

2010-09-07T23:16:00.000-04:00

It's been two years since our Castle Wedding!!

Happy Birthday Wojtek!

2010-09-07T22:48:00.000-04:00

Many happy returns of the day Wojtek!!

Here's Wojtek with his Polish honey at the Polish Village...we had dinner there to celebrate his big 3-oh!

Housewarmingx2, Mahjong & Hokkien Mee

2010-09-04T23:40:00.000-04:00

We had two housewarming parties on two separate weekends... being the busy hosts, the camera was neglected :( However, big thank yous to all our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors who came to our party. We enjoyed having you over and we look forward to more dinners, parties and get togethers at our place. Here are the few pictures I managed to take of our home (more work to be done), everyone around and a Sunday Hokkien Mee brunch session.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Outdoor fireplace?

2010-08-24T21:38:00.002-04:00

I know Peter would really like a fire pit in our backyard... so we've been looking at ideas and trying to picture the perfect fire pit to create. Saw this at Lowe's - here's an idea for you husband!

Pete and the Apple Pancake

2010-08-21T21:15:00.002-04:00

Peter and his huge breakfast - the Original Pancake House's signature item - the Apple Pancake, a single large pancake smothered with sautéed apples and cinnamon sugar baked to perfection.

Zucchini Blossoms

2010-08-15T21:23:00.004-04:00

I love Wegmans!! After searching high and low for them at local farmer's markets - I found them at Wegmans. Pete and I have been dreaming of zucchini blossoms and I so wanted to make them at home so we can just pic out on them.

Aren't they beautiful to look at...

and good to eat too after I stuff them with ricotta and fresh herbs!

I have a great recipe for them which I posted sometime last year - click on Zucchini Blossom for the recipe. Enjoy!!

The Perfect ♥ Martini

2010-08-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

Thanks to 800 Maple for making this delish martini!

Alicia's Bachelorette Weekend

2010-08-08T23:44:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Jess for organizing such a fun bachelorette for Alicia! We camped over at Keuka State Park, had a limo picked all of us girls up from our campsite (all other campers had their eyes on us lot), lots of tastings and vino shopping at the Keuka Lake wineries, an amazing dinner at Esperanza Mansion and back to camp with our attempt to light somewhat wet firewood for smores!

Created with flickrSLiDR

Sharon's quick stop!

2010-08-03T23:30:00.001-04:00

Peter and Chee Ming drove to Indianapolis over the weekend to help Sharon move apartment to a friend's house and drove her back to Buffalo. She literally had less than 48 hours with us before she departed for Poland to join up with my parents on their European holiday. Here are pictures from dinner with the rest of the crew and at home.

Sharon & Amelia and Myrto and Sherene @ 800 Maple

Sharon, Chee Ming, Xenia, Myrto & Sherene

Peter, Sharon, Chee Ming, Xenia and Myrto

Sisters at home...

Sharon with her jiě fū = brother in law

Have a wonderful time in Europe!!
XoXoX

Viva Toronto

2010-07-25T23:18:00.001-04:00

Myrto and Gian Paolo had a conference in Toronto to attend, the rest of us just wanted the drive, dim sum brunch and some grocery shopping. Sasha rode his bike the entire way and we snapped some "AMAA-ZING" pictures of Gian Paolo hanging on to his helmet on Sasha's bike on one of the shorter drives.

Created with flickrSLiDR

The artist in us...

2010-07-23T23:58:00.000-04:00

We were over at Artsphere Studio and Gallery to support Katia who is showing several of her art pieces.

One of Katia's piece

This is Shadow and Pink by Margaret Raab - I absolutely love it and wished husband or Wojtek could have at least purchased it for me. I know the perfect spot for it at home too! :P

Here are the guys - Peter, Wojtek & Gian Paolo waiting happily for....

Chee Ming - here he comes. We were all starving waiting for you!

Neighborhood Block Party

2010-07-18T16:31:00.001-04:00

This weekend, our street hosted our first annual block party and what a party it was. We have no idea how we are all going to top it next year. Everyone pitched in and made it such a wonderful event and both the adults and kids had tremendous fun.

There were face painting and parade of decorated bicycles/tricycles, three-legged races, obstacle courses, water balloon tosses, whiffleball, throwing pie in face at Dads and pinata! We even had an outdoor screen made and set up for movie later in the evening.

During the parade of decorated bikes... we had a fireman came in his fire department's SUV with his lights all turned on leading the kids parade. This was then followed by an appearance of a policewoman from our town's police department. The kids and adults were all amazed when she pulled out her AK-47 for show and tell and more. The kids all enjoyed being in the back of the police car but, hey - no one had better be looking forward to it in real life! :P

The biggest surprise was when our fireman returned not in his fire department's SUV but with the fire engine. Not only did everyone get to hop on to the fire engine we all got treated to a ride up in the ''ladder-basket"! Such fun!!

What else is there to say but... we love our street!

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Goran & Valya's Birthday

2010-07-13T23:25:00.003-04:00

Two of our birthday people were missing on their birthday... not missing MIA but missing as in not around for us to sing happy birthday to on their many happy returns of the day. Goran's birthday was on the 12th - one day after Valya's. Thanks to Wojtek's quick planning, we all gathered for dinner upon their return from the West Coast to toast them.

Make a wish....

Birthday buddies!

Corn Hill Festival 2010

2010-07-11T23:45:00.006-04:00

We spent most of the morning at the Corn Hill Art Festival. ONe thing about festivals... I love the food offerings they have. One snack in particular...

Kettle Corn - Dad@Mario and I get a BIG bag each every time we are at a festival/fair.

Me and Erica right surrounded by bubbles!!

The Milizias, Legans & Golibers together...

Who ever thought of this is super creative!

Amelia - we spotted a pink moped for you!

Here's Mom@Nancy enjoying her Georgia Peach cocktail at the Cheesecake Factory!

7/11 Birthdays

2010-07-11T08:07:00.002-04:00

Three amazing ladies share the same birthday today...

Mom@Nancy

Joanna@Asia

Valya

Happy Birthday!!
XoXoX
lots of love
Sherene & Peter

With the cousins...

2010-07-10T23:40:00.003-04:00

Met up with the rest of the Milizia clan for Christopher's graduation party. He is the last Milizia in our generation to graduate from high school. That completes one generation or high school goer... and I knew it was coming and it did! Aunt Cathy goes... " So, you know what that means? We are expecting you to work on the next generation of Milizias!"

With Shelby & Lisa

Xavi's Birthday

2010-07-09T23:19:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Xavier's birthday at Thai Orchid Restaurant with plenty of vino to go around our large party. Here are pictures from the evening...

Xavi with his cake 'name plate'...

The entire party....

And here we are singing Happy Birthday in Spanish to Xavi... needless to say, we were not that in sync nor were our articulatory phonetic skills accurate at all! :P

Created with flickrSLiDR.

4th of July, 2010

2010-07-05T10:15:00.001-04:00

We headed to Mandy & Phil's cottage at Poplar Beach by Lake Canandaigua for our annual 4th of July family get together. It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day. Somehow, I forgot my camera... but thanks to Jimmy, I can always count on him for amazing pictures!!

Our first backyard barbeque...

2010-07-03T23:05:00.004-04:00

Peter and I had a our first backyard barbeque at our place - it was a belated celebration for Amelia & Chee Ming's graduation, Froso's birthday and not forgetting it's 4th of July weekend. Once can't go about around 4th of July and not have a bbq!

We got out our reds, whites and blues out with plenty of stuff for grilling and drinks all around.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Great American Bake Sale - 2010

2010-06-26T15:56:00.000-04:00

It's my office's annual charity event. We continued on with tradition in participating in the Great American Bake Sale where all the proceeds go to Share our Strength - helping to feed child hunger in your local community. This year, I baked a lot more than I previously did. I made several fruit pies and carrot cakes to contribute to the cause. The two weekends event was a huge success, we managed to raised almost $2,200. Hurrah to us!

Our extensive menu board...

Marie posing to our lovely Arabian garb to be donated off.

Yummy baked goods...

I was sticking labels to our brown bags...

Amy's bakesale team!

Carolyn putting our 'sample' brownies tray together...

More baked goods...

Amy - our bakesale ambassador!

Lori & Steve's Wedding

2010-06-20T21:15:00.002-04:00

Lori's something borrowed was my wedding veil... I was so honored that she wanted to wear my veil. She looked gorgeous, like a Roman goddess but in her case, a Jewish goddess in her gold polka-dotted empire-waist flowy dress.

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Starr

Lori & Sher

With the beautiful bride...

More pictures from the Starr wedding...

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Alicia's Surprise Bridal Shower

2010-06-19T22:06:00.001-04:00

Jess helped hosted a surprise bridal shower for Alicia. Here are pictures from the shower...

Shower favors...

Shower cake...

The centerpiece...

Surprised!!

Alicia admiring her shower cake...

Alicia with her future MIL and Mom

Opening shower gifts... I took this picture while multitasking - jotting down names of gift givers!

Here comes Tom - the fiance!

So happy for you Alicia... looking forward to your wedding day in September!

Over at Wojtek's

2010-06-06T23:53:00.002-04:00

It was our first weekend back to Buffalo and a party was in full swing in celebration of Chee Ming's graduation and Wojtek just completed sitting for the CFA Part 2 paper.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Jillian & Steve's Wedding

2010-05-29T23:41:00.000-04:00

From NY to Malaysia to Hong Kong and back to NY, upstate NY that is - we had another wedding to go to. It's Peter's former co-worker, Steve, they worked together back in Johnson & Johnson's. We touched down in JFK, got our rental and drove up to Poughkeepsie for the wedding.

Wedding party waiting for the newlyweds...

The beautiful bride and groom...

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Kelly

Love the cake!

With the newlyweds...

Congratulations to Steve and Jillian! Wishing you both much happiness and joy!

Hong Kong - May 2010

2010-05-28T23:14:00.000-04:00

Our usual stop on our way back to NY is a stopover in Hong Kong. This trip is no exception. Our gastronomic adventures continued with Vivian and Catherine in this metropolis.

Heading to Central for dinner

Siu Long Bao - we've been waiting for you!!

Cat has been renamed Chan Baba due to her fascination with the Baba Nyonya culture & cuisine from her trip to Penang.

Pete's favorite - the Wu Kok@Yam Bundle

I still cannot believe that the waiter questioned our order! There were only 3 of us but we ordered a lot. We did manage to eat them all up!

What I love the most about HK dim sum - 'the lo sar pau' made with the salted duck egg yolk custard.

Up on the openair rooftop patio at Sugar@East Hotel

We heart HK!

Sher & 'Chan Baba' Cat

Pete with my girls...

With my girls...

Cat's sister Janet joined us for drinks at the Blue Bar@Four Seasons Hotel

Our last night together in HK

We have NO idea what Viv was shooting/pointing at?!

How to pack the mahjong set box with other non-mahjong items...

Good job Peter!

Pictures from home - May 2010

2010-05-25T23:43:00.000-04:00

Since we literally had 9 days on the island - we had to be super organized to do as many things with everyone and eat up all the yummy food from home. If you don't already know, OCD-Sher came prepared. We had a 4-paged itinerary for every day we were traveling. I think we manage to do a whole lot and more.

We managed to see all the cousins, aunts & uncles at our family reunion dinner at Goh Teo Kee restaurant. Thanks to owner, UB alum and friend Hun Guan for helping make the dinner event a success. And super big thanks to our aunts, uncles and cousin for making the time to come see us.

Here are pictures in summation of our time in Penang...

With my Taiping grandparents, aunts & uncle and cousin Cheryl.

Dim Sum at Bali Hai

Sorry Sharon - this is what you are missing!!

By Gurney Drive

Ween's workshop@home - Dad admiring Ween's amazing work!

Me about to get motion sickness! :P

Mother/Daughter -in-laws enjoying ais kacang

Lunch meet at New World Park

With Fenny & Hun Guan

Family reunion dinner at Goh Teo Kee

Peter with Uncle Richard

Peter with cousin Chun Pin & Uncle KK

Car ride photo op! This is what happens with we get together with Chele!

Nice shoes Chele!

The best plate of Ayam Bawang ever!! Must try it out at Jalan Tengah!

Adrian stops by on his lunch break

With my Ee-Po

Korean dinner with Uncle Larry & my 언니 (eonni), Eun Jung

Mom had too much blackberry soju!

Ai Chun came all the way back from KL to see me!! Thanks babe!

With my grandma... we miss you a lot!!! XoXoX

Claire & Dan's Garden Wedding Ceremony

2010-05-23T23:30:00.002-04:00

The site of there ceremony was David Brown's up on Penang Hill. It was a beautiful Sunday evening and we all got to be together again!

Getting ready at E&O Hotel... miss you two!

Picture with Pixel the dog!

The wedding party...

With Ween Nee - I miss you girl!!!

Sher & Pete @ David Brown, Penang

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Claire & Dan's Wedding Reception

2010-05-22T23:21:00.002-04:00

The wedding reception took place at E&O Hotel.

A loving kiss before the tea ceremony begins...

The Koh-Sack & Cheah-Milizia

The Koh-Sack Family

With Mom & Dad

With my Georgian girls!! I miss you all!

Are those Ween's hands?

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Getting the Bride - Claire

2010-05-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

Viv, Cat and I got to the Koh's residence early to help Claire get ready. Next to that, we also had some organizing to do with the 'door games'.

Bridesmaids... Cat, Sher & Viv

With our adorable flower girl Ling - she's not too pleased since she's waiting in line for make-up!

The Bride and her Bridesmaids

Created with flickrSLiDR.

'Nyonya' Rehearsal Dinner

2010-05-21T23:02:00.001-04:00

The entire wedding party met up for rehearsal dinner at a Nyonya restaurant. Being part Baba Nyonya - I always enjoy a good home cooked nyonya feast. What was equally nice was to see all of Claire's family again and the rest of the wedding party getting more acquainted.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Claire's Bachelorette/Bridal Shower

2010-05-20T23:51:00.000-04:00

It was weeks of planning to pull off our surprised themed bachelorette night party for Claire. The bride-2be was instructed to put on her gorgeous vintage (it was Mama Koh's) laced cheongsam (which she also wore at her civil marriage ceremony) and be on time. She did just that and here are pictures from the night!

Claire & Sher

All the ladies...
Ween Nee, Natalya, Vivian, Catherine, Sherene, Bride Clarissa & Jou Ling
Did you figure out the theme yet?
.
.
Breakfast at Tiffany's

More pictures here....

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Fun at the Hard Rock

2010-05-20T23:37:00.000-04:00

We were back on the beautiful island home of mine this past May - Penang, Malaysia. After settling home and seeing family, it's time to get ready for the Koh-Sack Wedding extravaganza. Jou Ling, Pete and I checked in early to our room at the Hard Rock Hotel to get some organizing going, but before that...we had some fun in the sun!!

Banner up... let's hit the beach!

Ahhh... the sun....

Cocktail, girly mag, cool shades, sun, by the beach = all checked!

Yummy beer I assume?

Beer maid - getting beer for husband!

Fun on the water slide....

'Starfish' Jou!

Gordon's Graduation

2010-05-07T23:29:00.003-04:00

Graduating with his MBA as well a receiving the Wall Street Journal award for highest GPA in his entire graduating class is Gordon.

Trying to fly off??

With the OIE Family

Up the stage...

The Graduate!

With Njora

Congratulations! We are so proud of you!

UB Graduation Weekend

2010-05-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

Special wishes go out to recent graduates...

Congratulations Suet Ling!

Congratulations Jenn! You did it!

@Melia's Graduation

2010-05-06T23:12:00.001-04:00

Here are pictures from Amelia's graduation from UB's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Here comes the Graduate!

Congratulations Amelia!! We are so proud of you!

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Fun with Erica

2010-05-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when Erica and I get together....

In Bed Bath and Beyond store

At the Hallmark Card store

Amelia's Birthday!

2010-04-27T23:57:00.003-04:00

Amelia's birthday dinner took place at our usual birthday dine-in, Wasabi with the gang and then it was back to our house for cake time. It was the first time Pete and I had people over for an event. The realization of home ownership really kicked in more when you have people over and we were at the top of our voices on a weekday evening! Minus the short interruptions by the Amherst Police Department (our taxpayers money at work!), about a neighbor on the next street calling in about someone who parked a construction vehicle and walking in between the houses into our street - we had a jolly great time. See for yourself!

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Wedding Shower - Hye Yon & Nathan

2010-04-25T21:45:00.001-04:00

We haven't seen Hye Yon since her move to DC and this time we got to meet her fiancé, Nathan. Hye Yon's sister Hye Lim was gracious enough to host a wedding shower for them in Rochester so that some of us in WNY can meet up with the husband and wife to be.

Congratulations to Hye Yon and Nathan!

Reunion Dinner with the Tan family

2010-04-24T23:34:00.002-04:00

We headed up North today to Mississauga to meet up with the Tan family, Chin Khee, Jaclyn and Joshua who flew in from Saskatchewan and to meet up with newly Canadian landed immigrant Jess whom we haven't seen for a couple of years now. Thanks to Bethany and Jonathen for making dinner reservations and pick-ups.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

April Wine Club & Jess's Farewell

2010-04-23T21:18:00.000-04:00

This month's Wine Club had a surprise...

There was a beautifully home made cake for Jess's farewell. It was bittersweet...

We wish you best of luck in your new job in the city. You're going to be great! We are going to miss you so very much!

Here's Jess with Alicia who made the beautiful and delicious cake.

Amy's Birthday

2010-04-23T21:11:00.004-04:00

Time to get creative in the office...

In tune with Earth Day - Ellen and I made this Machu Picchu / Aztex Pyramid Milky Way 'cake' for Amy from recycled gift boxes and Milky Ways of course.

Amy blowing her make belief candle light on her Milky Way cake!

Spring is really here!

2010-04-08T13:30:00.014-04:00

I posted a sneak peak of our new home earlier...

... am re-posting it (picture was taken March 26th before we closed on the house) here again with a new picture below of the outside of the house taken this morning.

The 'umbrella' plant outside our house is sprouting leaves and that was our official proof that spring is indeed here. Thanks to April showers, we don't need to be watering the grass, plants, etc. The daffodils are already up and we think we see some tulips buds trying to push through the earth :)

Happy Anniversary to us!

2010-04-06T07:50:00.000-04:00

Easter

2010-04-04T23:05:00.001-04:00

We had a lot of people over for Easter at the Milizia home front - 22 in total. There were plenty of food as always and this year, there were some feisty competition with deviled eggs. It was home team Milizia vs. team Visitors. Thanks to Jimmy and his new toy - most of the pictures below are taken by him and some snapped away by me!

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Homeowners!

2010-03-31T14:10:00.000-04:00

Sneak peak....

Our new home!!

Closed!

2010-03-30T23:27:00.003-04:00

Negotiations took place down to the wire till closing time, it's a done deal now!

Passover Dinner at Alicia & Tom's

2010-03-28T19:33:00.001-04:00

Tom & Alicia invited us over to their annual Passover dinner last evening - it was Peter and my first Seder! Pictures below...

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Bistro Europa

2010-03-27T10:39:00.005-04:00

We met the gang at Bistro Europa for dinner and drinks last evening...

Goran and Valya studying the menu while Ania looks relaxed and comfortable for the camera.

Pete, Sher, Goran & Valya

The Polish connection - Wojtek & Ania

Xavier and the ladies...

And here comes Chee Ming....

* * * * *

Later on, Goran , Valya, Peter and myself headed to see How to Train Your Dragon. Totally enjoyed it! I want a Night Fury for myself now! :P If you haven't seen the movie - check out the trailer,

Happy Birthday Tai Boon!

2010-03-16T22:06:00.002-04:00

Many happy returns of the day...

Happy Birthday!!

March Birthdays! (2010)

2010-03-10T07:59:00.000-05:00

There's just too many amazing and special people whose birthdays happening this month - you know who you are!

Many happy returns and a happy birthday!

Happy 3-OH Chele!

2010-03-05T07:25:00.009-05:00

This year's early March birthday celebration was low-key - seeing that you are not here with us. Nonetheless, we wish you many happy returns of the day and RETURN to us soon!

Happy Birthday Chele!!
We miss you lots!
XoXoX
Sher & Pete

Packing 102...

2010-02-28T19:30:00.002-05:00

We've moved less than a year ago... we should be pros by now.

Yes, we are somewhat pros - but I have no determination whatsoever to pack. Peter's been really good in getting the office packed and slowly moving throughout the apartment. As for me... nada! The last time we moved, we had a 3-4 days window period and this time, we are making sure we have a lot more days to spare than that. I like the move a little bit each day part and leave all the big stuff to the guys when we get the moving truck over the weekend.

Aly turns 3!

2010-02-19T07:47:00.002-05:00

She gets her own birthday post...

Happy Birthday Alyssa!!
We hear that there's a birthday party for you on Monday. Sorry we can't be there but your birthday gift should be there in time for you to open presents.
Lots of love,
XoXoX
Aunty Sherene & Peter

Anniversary wishes...

2010-02-18T08:09:00.006-05:00

Dearest Claire & Dan...

Happy Anniversary!!
Wishing you both much happiness and love!
XoXoX

Gong Xi Gong Xi and Be Mine

2010-02-14T08:03:00.005-05:00

Wishing you and your family a prosperous and healthy Lunar New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai - Keong Hee Huat Chye - Kung Hey Fatt Choy !

and a...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We are the world!

2010-02-12T23:25:00.009-05:00

We meet up almost every weekend since last year for a weekly weekend dinners and drinks... this weekend was no different. We headed over to Goran's place to hang out with the crew and watch the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Here we are in a picture so aptly titled 'we are the world'!

(From left to right)
Dimitrios, Aspasia, Ania, Froso, Peter, Sherene & Wojtek.
Goran's M.I.A. since he was the great photographer!

February birthdays...

2010-02-06T18:59:00.006-05:00

This has always been the month of birthdays for us!!
Birthday wishes to... (from left to right)

Julie, Lynn, Boris & Slavena, Bethany & Binh, Chee Ming, Sharon, KeWynn, Alyssa Mae, Jennifer, Derik, John & Moon.

Many happy returns of the day and a happy birthday!
XoXoX

The home hunt begins...

2010-02-02T18:53:00.011-05:00

It's going to be an interesting ride/adventure ahead as Peter and I look around at properties. You heard it... we are house hunting! Wish us luck!

p.s.: Now you know why we've been busy and the meager blog postings... ;P

Wedding week...

2010-01-31T23:20:00.041-05:00

Wedding season begins (again)... picking out bridesmaid dresses, wedding gowns, attending a bridal fair, securing photographers, and more. Cousin flying in and out of town to head bridal dress shopping (come back soon Mare!), spending almost 5 hours at the casino where the bridal fair was at to get ideas (Lori won something!) and countless emails back and forth.

Who said the economy was doing bad? The wedding business is doing great!! I should definitely consider a change in career considering the several weddings we have planned (3 of them ours and the rest for family and friends) :P

Nicholas & Jeannie's ROM cake by love-a-cupcake

2010-01-20T00:03:00.008-05:00

When Nicky first told me that Jeannie's the one... I was super thrilled and happy for him! That and me trying to keep it all a hush hush as he (the romantic one he is) plans how it would all go down. I did what any best friend would do - help out anyway I can even if this means tracking down a book (you really got to give me a bigger challenge than that buddy :P ) and mailing it back to him in time for the big question. Then, when there were more things in the works and a ROM (Registration of Marriage) date decided upon, I knew I had to make my presence known on Nicky's important date somehow all the way from NY.

Right before the new year, who do I call for such a special occasion? Why, my dearest friend Ween Nee, the super amazing love-a-cupcake extraordinaire of course. I knew she was always up for a challenge and so I introduced her to the work of another super talented soul, an illustrator whom I have been following since the start of her business, Rachelle Anne Miller.

See the amazing cake which Ween Nee made below and the inspiration in the previous blog post.

Cake made by the amazing Ween Nee of love-a-cupcake
Inspiration and Illustration by Rachelle Anne Miller

Nicholas & Jeannie's ROM

2010-01-20T00:02:00.014-05:00

Peter and I would like to wish you both congratulations on your registration of marriage. We are both truly sorry we could not be there with you on your special day.We wish you both much happiness and know that you are always on our thoughts.

We cannot wait to be back on the island in May and will definitely see you both then. A later celebration is definitely called for!

Dearest Nicky and Jeannie…

You have chosen each other above all the rest
To share your love and laughter
To live life at its best

May you always fill each other's lives with love.

Congratulations!!

Love,
XoXoX
Sherene & Peter

*illustrations by Rachelle Anne Miller

Suet Ling's last day

2010-01-09T20:54:00.003-05:00

Right before Christmas, we lost Jess as she leaves the IA family for the next chapter of her life. We miss her already, and thank goodness she is still in Buffalo and we get to meet up still. Yesterday, it was Suet Ling's (a.k.a. 'Sweet Thing') last day. All of us at IA will definitely miss her dearly

We wish you best of luck in your future undertakings!

As you can see... we are all sad to see Suet Ling go.

Dinner with Sharon...

2010-01-05T23:54:00.002-05:00

The gang met up for dinner at Carrabbas for Sharon's last night with us here in Buffalo -while we were all happy for plenty of Sangria and food on the table, it is sad to know that Sharon is heading back to Indianapolis tomorrow :(

We are going to miss you very much around here!!
XoXoX

Tennessee Barbeque Ribs

2010-01-03T22:11:00.004-05:00

Tai Boon came over and made amazing ribs for dinner...

Chef at work preparing the ribs...

...with tennessee bar-b-que sauce from the famous Jack's.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:05:00.008-05:00

We had a cozy and relaxing gathering over at our place for new year's eve... we wish you had a wonderful time with your loved ones and friends as you usher in the new year as we did with ours!

Happy 2010!

Drew's Baptism

2009-12-27T23:38:00.006-05:00

This year... Peter and I were very happy to share our one year Penang wedding anniversary with Drew as he receives the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We headed over to Binghamton to the church where Mindi & Andy were married in for the baptism ceremony. Not only do we get to see Drew twice this year (and saw how much he grew since we last saw him in August), but we also got to see his big sister Alyssa and of course Drew's Mommy & Daddy together with the rest of the Conrad/Jacob family members again.

Drew was such a trooper... he did very well!

Drew was very comfortable being carried (and loves to snuggle) by Aunty Sherene :D

The Jacob family...

The Milizia's & Jacob's

A year ago...

2009-12-27T06:22:00.007-05:00

Last year on this day... we celebrated our final wedding in Penang together with family and friends.

At the Blue Mansion...

Portraits with Whizarts Wedding Photography...

Bridal portraits from Shalom Bridal House...

The wedding party at 32@Mansion - part deux...

All wedding-ed out at G-Hotel...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T17:52:00.004-05:00

It was a definite merry, happy Christmas for us...

We hope you had a wonderful time with your family and friends...

as we all did over at the Milizia's household.

Created with flickrSLiDR.

Dave and Buster's Bowling Night

2009-12-23T07:06:00.002-05:00

Bowling night with the gang at Dave and Buster's... as for me... starving, hungry Sher just wanted to be fed!

Sharon & Wojtek

Pete, Sharon, Amelia, Sui Bee & Wojtek

Sher, Goran, Ania & Chee Ming

The girls... and a surprise 'visitor'

The guys...

Wojtek, Sui Bee & Sher

Dad & Mum's Birthday

2009-12-17T13:37:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddy (Dec 17th) & Mummy(Dec 22nd)...

lots of love,
XoXoX
Sharon, Sherene & Peter

Lori & Steve - Engaged...

2009-12-13T23:30:00.005-05:00

Happy Chanukah and what great news from Lori - Steve popped the question!!
Mazel Tov!
We're so happy for you two!!
XoXoX