THURSDAY

I have been preparing myself to write something with heart--something that I have not done in a long while. For the past couple of months, I have been trying to get a hold of my thoughts--thoughts that, prior to being laid out in written form, are flawless. Nothing but honesty and truth. I tried to sit in front of my laptop anticipating thoughts, words, something that would effortlessly run through my fingertips forming a decent entry, but to no avail. I start pressuring myself to write about anything. Just anything. I hate leaving the one thing that kept me sane for most of my college years, not even for awhile or so I thought. Now that I think about it, I was not ready. I was not ready at all. It was a difficult transition.

Backtrack last December 2010, I was pretty convinced that being independent is fused to my DNA. Independent in the general sense that I was happy, alone or not. I was and I was sure of it.

For the past couple of months, I have experienced happiness like never before and even I think that is an understatement. Sometimes, I think about how happy I am and I end up with a headache. I cannot, in any way, comprehend. And that, I believe is the beauty of happiness. Its mystery makes you crave for it even more. The more you crave for it, the more you feel it. Like fireworks in your chest. Not the gory one, kind of like the kid in Katy Perry's music video. You can never put happiness into words, or thoughts for that matter--this is something that I am going to tell my grand kids, that is for sure.

The transition I am talking about is one that I did not expect at all. Not because I did not want to, not because I did not deserve it, not because I was not ready. It was because I never, for the life of me, knew that this feeling existed. It is so strong--full of love and even beyond that (again, this is an understatement). I have never opened up to someone and allow that person to know me backwards and forward. I did those so easily not because I hand out trust like a piece of paper. But it was because it was just... so easy. So effortless. And more importantly, just right.

So this is the thing they call love, eh?

BORN LIPPY

Using MAC's Viva Glam II (unevenly).

TESTING

It has been awhile but I will make it happen. My LookBook and Chictopia are two lonely sites--let me just figure out how to work my way around a camera.

Soon.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

UPDATE, I AM BACK

No, I did not live backwards, I still breathe through the internet. I have not updated in so long because I do not have the drive to blog about anything, which is very unfortunate. No looks to be be uploaded, absolutely nothing to write about that will interest you. I would like to write about my boyfriend but even that is too Taylor Swift, even for me. But hurrah, no more bitter blog entries about love, which I intend to nullify in the near future.

Notice how I go back to babbling? It is sad how I do not know how to write anymore. Funny how I thought of my writing as witty, funny, and educational. I guess I thought wrong. My brain is still in the adjustment period--I go from doing nothing to 8- to 9-hour job, five times a week. Between sleep deprivation and spending every free time with the best boyfriend ever, I play with my dogs. That is that. Life could not get any better.

Tomorrow, I will be here:

And hopefully, I get that drive back. I am stoked to blog about this lovely place!

Photo from the Bellarocca site

AFTER SO LONG

It's been months since I have last updated, I run out of things to write. I cannot squeeze in 4 minutes of blogging into my schedule--that is, work and sleep. But friends, I have news. Something big and it involves having to write about Chapter 3, which I have not thought about in so long until now.

Mr. AZ, I'm still on a high.

ENSTYLE

I am so happy and honored to be one of the community leaders of Enstyle. I will blog more about this tomorrow.

Here is the promo.

SHADOWCASTING

It has been ages since I last posted a look but still so happy because this look made it to the Hot looks on LookBook--I checked the moment I woke up. Ha!

Here are my favorite shots of the awesome Clara Tan.

Wearing my dad's polo that miraculously made its way to my closet; a snakeskin-print top (you cannot see it but it has leather shoulder pads), which I got as present from my aunt; satin hot skinnies from Forever 21 (Carrie Bradshaw wore some of these in SATC but it must have cost a lot); black 5'5" satin Aldo pumps; HK brand purse + leopard-pint scarf tied around the handle (this bag can fit anything, it is ridiculous!).

I have never been much of a neat "polo sleeves folder" (ha ha). The polo is one million sizes bigger than my actual size but I love how it falls just a little above my knees--perfect cover-up for almost everything.

Bow connector ring from Forever 21; black and white striped ring from HK (a gift from my mom); floral connector ring from m)phosis; silver chain/leather band from m)phosis; bow and spiked leather bands from H&M; Omega watch; necklaces from my messy drawer.

This photo is just a reminder that I need my wisdom teeth taken out. And fast.

FRUSTRATED CHEF

Ask my family and friends if they would have me or a 5-year old cook a meal for them, I bet you my whole life they would answer the latter. Yes, the kitchen and I are not the perfect combination--like chocolate chip cookies and vinegar. When I was 9, I almost ruined my cousin's sleepover during "baking time". Recipe was cookies filled with M&M's, I went overboard with the butter and ended up having pancake cookies. It did not even end there, prior to the pancake cookies, I was tasked to crack eggs and put them in a mixing bowl. Easy? Not as ever. Let's just say the help had to mop eggs out of the freshly cleaned kitchen floor.

Last weekend (and after watching several episodes of Junior Masterchef Australia), I was a little bit inspired. If they can do it, then so can I.

I cooked dinner for my siblings only since my parents are out of town. I do not know what it is called. And I did not even have a recipe to follow. Yes, I speak the truth. So, I can proudly say, "this is all me."

Pork pounded and marinated in melted butter, water, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, garlic, black and white pepper, and Basil leaves. Bacon thinly brushed with egg yolk, pepper, cream, and salt. After wrapping the bacon and pork, rolling and securing it with a tooth pick, I deep fried it for 3 minutes. Stuffed cream cheese inside and grated cheese on the outside. Popped them in the oven and it smelled really good. It smelled like heaven, if I may add.

I even made the sauce--cream cheese, cream, pepper (whole and ground), garlic, and a bunch of other things that I will not share. It is THAT good. I intend to pass it on to my great-grandchildren, which they will thank me for. This sauce has a very bright future.

JANUARY 27th

Huge thanks to my BlackBerry, I am able to receive emails, important ones that make my day. I manage 3 e-mail addresses--1 for work (then job-hunting), 1 for my fashion blogs and social networks, and 1 for my blog. I still find myself jumping up and down whenever my phone sends out an alert, bearing good news that (most of the time) make my day. So excited to share this THING with you but I still am in no position to disclose any information about this THING that I am excited about. On another (but related note, trust me it is, I just won't spill) note, I will be answering  2 sets of questions--from bloggers who are nice enough to stumble upon my blog and feature me in theirs, at work tomorrow. DURING MY FREE TIME, OF COURSE!

Here is an old photo of me taken by the awesome Clara Tan.

Hope I can spill already! I am stoked as a lily pad.

It has been ages since I last babbled here. Feels good.

GOOD FINDS

My mom loves decorating the house. After months of table runner-vase-curtains-candles fixation, she is now obsessed with "new antiques". Her eye for these things are impeccable.

Meet Bradee Li. I stared at this for a full 5 minutes, trying to figure out if s/he is a boy or a girl. I could not tell, for the life of me. 

Bradee Li rests on a pillar. I love the contrast--when things are not meant to be together, they look better.

Detail on Bradee Li's pillar. Craving grapes at the moment.

And the winner. I still do not know what to call this beauty. I am torn between Lafarta and... Ashley. I am kidding (about the latter, I mean). Lafarta seems nice. I, of course, did not give any justice to this naked lady. It is beautiful. I tagged her as, "courage in defeat". My mom bought two Lafartas and I bet there is gonna be a third and a fourth.

I COULD BE THE ONE

And the week that was.

I have been more than out of the loop with this, I started my first week at work. It feels weird how normal I have been living now--up by 5:30AM and in bed by 9:30PM. It is a total turn of... events? But I am getting the hang of it.

This look is long overdue here. Taken by the awesome Clara Tan, who I miss sorely.

Windy afternoon: black Forever 21 cardigan, violet ruffled Forever 21 top with pink and white polka dot detail, acid wash Dark White jeans, black classic reva Tory Burch ballerina flats, and my "hard-to-find" gold-rimmed Ray-Ban aviators (I went to three malls and they were all out of stock. I went to the lucky forth. This is what my childhood crush Brad Pitt wore in one his films, which I missed out).

While Clara was taking my photos, Harley decided to join in. Look at how he is looking at my favorite flats!

I was on a hunt for the perfect pair of flats. I was visiting the Tory Burch website when my best buddy, Rye, who now lives in San Francisco, IM-ed me. This is his Christmas present, fresh from the U.S. of A. The package came in a little too early for Christmas and I literally tore it apart. Thank you, Buddy! I love you forever! Introduce me to your new blondie. I am just kidding.
The white clutch with gold detail is a hand-me-down from my grandma, she is too sweet! I love the chain and the little beehive detail. Thank you, Ama Perly!

Pearl necklace, gold & silver chain Aldo connector ring, snakeskin ring, which I got as a present from Mommy Daiz (plus a lot more),  psychedelic print Forever 21 ring, and my trusty gold Aldo watch.

I am rotting in bed. Now, I move.

SOOKIE

After spending the entire afternoon with my Mom yesterday, Sookie (my sister's puppy) and I hit the Photobooth. He is too giddy, beyond it, even. He eats everything in sight--dog food, human food, wood, my puppy Harley's paws, you name it.

Look at his tongue. 

My chin probably looks festive. He is so fat, he cannot walk straight. You cannot even tell where his paws are. You know those bell bottom jeans? He has those for legs. Up side? He can wear 2 pairs at a time.

This is Sookie on my bed. Doesn't he look extra adorable with the  sleeping eye mask? 

This was taken last night. Harley cuddled next to me. Okay, I was being nice. He was hogging the bed.

I start work on Monday. Yowza!

NORWEGIAN WOOD AND MOM'S BIRTHDAY

It was my mom's birthday yesterday. She is already 43 years old, which means I turn 23 this summer.

We just had dinner (family plus our two very loyal drivers, Tatang, who has been driving for me since I was in nursery, and Mang Unti, my dad's driver) and watched a movie after. Funny story: The movie ended around 11PM and we were all on our way to the parking lot. It was only after 15 minutes when we realized my brother Franco was not with us. To cut the rather funny story short, my dad went back to the movie house only to find him fast asleep. Yes, we left him there.

Finally scored a copy of Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami last night. It was the only copy left in Fully Booked, Eastwood. I was so happy, I did not even bother to ask for a new stock. Okay, I tried but they said it was the only one left but the staff offered to cover it for me. They are too kind!

Try reading his books--I especially love his writing style.

ARE YOU TEN YEARS AGO?

"I'm yours, I'm up and doing circles." - Are You Ten Years Ago, Tegan & Sara

Happy 2011! And no, I did not wear this on New Year's, I wore this the following day. I feel like I need to add color in my life--this outfit is the first of all firsts, and I think I went overboard, ergo, the "giddy" outfit.

White Forever 21 cover-up; green Topshop top; blue polka-dot leggings, which my mom got me (it's for cheap, too!); beige Forever 21 suede clogs; printed handkerchief worn as headband from my mom's closet; H&M accessories.

I wore this leggings 5 times in 2 months! I love how I can wear it with sneakers, ballet flats, and heels. I am in love with it. I do not think polka dots are cliche.

The white cover-up is tissue-paper-thin (perfect for Manila's always sunny weather), notice how it gets caught up with the wind. I love the  over-sized, asymmetrical hem detail, too. I had to clip my top because I tend to buy things that are 4 sizes larger than my actual size. I think I may have over-estimated myself a little bit there.

It is my mom's 43rd birthday today!

Visit Clara's photo blog! So excited for her upcoming project, she will be infront of the camera this time!

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STOCKS

Most of the time, I would choose to spend my money on books over clothes, makeup, shoes, and bags. True story. I can spend hours in a bookstore. Call me a book horde but I usually stock up on books--I panic-buy when I have 5 books unread, untouched (most of my books look "untouched", you cannot even tell the difference whether it is meant for reading or a mere artifact--I have a connection with books, I treat them like human beings, I know it is weird). Now, I have over 10 books lined up for me to read.

These are the latest:

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson; South Of The Border, West Of The Sun by Haruki Murakami; and Lauren Conrad Style.

I am an avid fan of Lauren Conrad. My mom (who turns 43 tomorrow!) got me this book last year. 

I got this from one of my best friends Toni as a Christmas present. I literally screamed at the top of my lungs when I got this. She even included a "T" metal book clip and a Starbucks gift certificate so I could read in my favorite place! Thank you, RSF!

I bought this awhile ago. I dragged my friends Manuel and Danica. It is my first ever Murakami book. Ecstatic!

Earlier today, I went to 4 bookstores just to look for this book--there are no copies left. Looks like I am gonna make do with the ebook I downloaded. I already read four chapters, I only stopped because my eyes were already burning. I want the real thing. I love the smell of books... So relaxing! 

It is time to drown in Haruki Murakami's words.

BACK TO DECEMBER

I haven't posted a look in so long but let me start the new year right. I have been waiting for the perfect weather, blood red lipstick, and frizz-free hair before I post this look. In this case, it is not "save the best for last". Time to bid 2010 goodbye and welcome 2011 (and hope for exciting things that would come along the way).

Hi, I am back with a beige lace dress, which I literally drooled over when I first saw it. The feeling beat love at first sight.

Thank God my cousin Clara, who takes most (okay, 98%) of the photos I post here in my blog, is free today. We  went to the park to take my Taylor Swift-inspired look. The weather cooperated, the trees were dreamy, and the kids were still at home taking their afternoon nap, so we had the park all to ourselves, except for 2 people who (thankfully) were not weirded out by us.

What I love most about this dress is the ruffled hemline, which gave it an even more feminine touch. When I say lace, it is beyond sheer so I had to wear something underneath.

Notice how the sun touches the my bangles and how the wind blew up my dress a little bit. PERFECT WEATHER. 

I wore this dress three times already--to my friends' (Sacha and Louis) going-away party and in my first "look" video blog. Simple dresses (like this) is a must-have. You can wear them with boots (the one I am wearing is a black low-heeled suede booties from Forever 21), sandals, flats, whatever strikes your fancy. But the most important thing is to throw in accessories.

Random bangles from H&M, Aldo, and 2 from my grandmother, which dates 20 years back--SWEET! Rings from Firma and Aldo; gold Aldo watch; and a triple cross and tag & key necklaces.

Check out this look: Chictopia and do visit Clara's Photo Blog. 

HYPE THIS LOOK!

Happy New Year!

DRESS-UP

I have been on blog hiatus for a while. I was browsing through photos (because I needed something to write about and because I am bored out of my wits) and came across old photographs from when I was 3 years old. My dad's sister, tita Donna, was into photography before and I, the then-bratty-3-year-old, was up for anything just as long as I get to dress up. I remember I always dress up--hairstyle, jewelry, stockings, shoes, the whole look, even if I only stayed at home.

I now have an idea for my next set of looks!