This has been the most relaxed weekend I had over the past months. For the first time, I wasn't rushing my lectures for my classes. Everything was already prepared last weekend and soon enough, it will already be examinations week. Classes are finally over!

Another thing that has been plaguing me over the past months is the challenging client who has been testing me to the fullest. She gave me until Friday to finish everything. Even though it was impossible, the stupid person in me said yes. It was impossible but I made things happen! After hours of experimenting, I found a way to finish her 1,000 plus tables in one hour. Whew! A few clicks and editing, that huge thorn inside my throat was finally taken away.

After feeling overworked, I treated myself to a little break. Come Saturday, I was able to watch our school's basketball game. My former student and now colleague LT agreed to join me. Thanks LT! (And yes, thank you for supporting my bear's dream heehee. Sorry for the little private story ;)

Instead of heading home after the game, I managed to squeezed in a little shopping. :) My best stress busting activity! I scored two blouses and bought a gift for my BFF who will celebrate her birthday.

I don't have plans for Sundays but another dear friend invited me for breakfast at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo. How could I refuse? It's one of my favorite places now.

After a full meal, we headed home and I spent the entire afternoon zzzzzz Priceless! Hahaha

It's 10:44 pm as I'm typing this post. I feel so blessed and happy for this rare relaxing weekend. I'm really enjoying what I'm having now. I still have some grown up concerns but this weekend is so far the best!

• September 29, 2013
• clothes

This rare weekend

This has been the most relaxed weekend I had over the past months. For the first time, I wasn't rushing my lectures for my classes. Everything was already prepared last weekend and soon enough, it will already be examinations week. Classes are finally over!

Another thing that has been plaguing me over the past months is the challenging client who has been testing me to the fullest. She gave me until Friday to finish everything. Even though it was impossible, the stupid person in me said yes. It was impossible but I made things happen! After hours of experimenting, I found a way to finish her 1,000 plus tables in one hour. Whew! A few clicks and editing, that huge thorn inside my throat was finally taken away.

After feeling overworked, I treated myself to a little break. Come Saturday, I was able to watch our school's basketball game. My former student and now colleague LT agreed to join me. Thanks LT! (And yes, thank you for supporting my bear's dream heehee. Sorry for the little private story ;)

Instead of heading home after the game, I managed to squeezed in a little shopping. :) My best stress busting activity! I scored two blouses and bought a gift for my BFF who will celebrate her birthday.

I don't have plans for Sundays but another dear friend invited me for breakfast at Rustic Mornings by Isabelo. How could I refuse? It's one of my favorite places now.

After a full meal, we headed home and I spent the entire afternoon zzzzzz Priceless! Hahaha

It's 10:44 pm as I'm typing this post. I feel so blessed and happy for this rare relaxing weekend. I'm really enjoying what I'm having now. I still have some grown up concerns but this weekend is so far the best!

Read More

Happy Sunday! As always, this is dedicated to all the beautiful things that made my week.

One of the best flats ever! Yosi Samra, I'm saving up to acquire another pair.

Tweed jacket and a crisp white button blouse, this remain as my ideal work outfitey! Unfortunately, they only look good in pictures for me. Tweed jacket is never ideal for commuting because it would cause me to squeeze out all those nasty sweat. While a white top looks so refreshing, the careless person in me will surely magnet all those dirt and stains. Hence, pardon my occasional outfit posts. Heehee

Shopaholic Treats

I already acquired an e-book version of Alice Kuiper's first book. While it's cheaper and more convenient to acquire e-books, nothing still beats the smell of a brand new book. The harbound cover and the crisp pages never fail to intoxicate the bookaholic in me.

Allow me to overuse the words, finally and firsts. Would you believe that I finally acquired my first authentic leather belt? I scored this half of its original price from a mall wide sale. I later realized that some locally produced leather belts costs cheaper than the synthetic versions sold by my favorite international brands.

Weekly Dose of  Stomach Treats

I'm glad to know that Dunkin Donuts is engaging in some product development efforts lately. I was actually more interested in purchasing their own version of Cronuts. Unfortunately, my wallet does not provide the means that time. :)  I ended with a cheaper but still expensive red velvet donut. My verdict? Let's reserve that in another post together with the cronuts.

I never liked those instant cup noodles that are conveniently available everywhere. The first time I tasted a local brand, I felt like I was eating a box of artificial preservatives. My attempt to try another cup of noodles happened when I felt saturated with my usual afternoon snacks. I invaded the rack of oriental goodies and landed with this Korean noodles. There were no English words, only an indication that this is flaming hot. True enough, my bravery was tested to the fullest. :)  It wasn't as flavorful the way I expected it, but a bit better than those locally produced variants.

Lanzones, one of my favorite fruits is in season

For the benefit of my foreign blog friends, Lanzones is a fruit that thrives among Southeast Asian countries such as Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. You can learn more about Lanzones here.

Frostea, another foodie discovery!

I accompanied my friend T for a work related task. Before parting ways, we decided to have dinner in this unique Milk Tea Shop. Why unique? They offer snacks and full meals apart from the usual flavored milk tea.

I opted for Cookies and Cream smoothie and a carbo loaded chicken tenders.

Before Friday ended, my Father arrived home with this

Puto Bumbong!! I'm feeling my favorite time of the year. Yay!

• September 15, 2013
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 73 - Happy September Treats

Happy Sunday! As always, this is dedicated to all the beautiful things that made my week.

One of the best flats ever! Yosi Samra, I'm saving up to acquire another pair.

Tweed jacket and a crisp white button blouse, this remain as my ideal work outfitey! Unfortunately, they only look good in pictures for me. Tweed jacket is never ideal for commuting because it would cause me to squeeze out all those nasty sweat. While a white top looks so refreshing, the careless person in me will surely magnet all those dirt and stains. Hence, pardon my occasional outfit posts. Heehee

Shopaholic Treats

I already acquired an e-book version of Alice Kuiper's first book. While it's cheaper and more convenient to acquire e-books, nothing still beats the smell of a brand new book. The harbound cover and the crisp pages never fail to intoxicate the bookaholic in me.

Allow me to overuse the words, finally and firsts. Would you believe that I finally acquired my first authentic leather belt? I scored this half of its original price from a mall wide sale. I later realized that some locally produced leather belts costs cheaper than the synthetic versions sold by my favorite international brands.

Weekly Dose of  Stomach Treats

I'm glad to know that Dunkin Donuts is engaging in some product development efforts lately. I was actually more interested in purchasing their own version of Cronuts. Unfortunately, my wallet does not provide the means that time. :)  I ended with a cheaper but still expensive red velvet donut. My verdict? Let's reserve that in another post together with the cronuts.

I never liked those instant cup noodles that are conveniently available everywhere. The first time I tasted a local brand, I felt like I was eating a box of artificial preservatives. My attempt to try another cup of noodles happened when I felt saturated with my usual afternoon snacks. I invaded the rack of oriental goodies and landed with this Korean noodles. There were no English words, only an indication that this is flaming hot. True enough, my bravery was tested to the fullest. :)  It wasn't as flavorful the way I expected it, but a bit better than those locally produced variants.

Lanzones, one of my favorite fruits is in season

For the benefit of my foreign blog friends, Lanzones is a fruit that thrives among Southeast Asian countries such as Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. You can learn more about Lanzones here.

Frostea, another foodie discovery!

I accompanied my friend T for a work related task. Before parting ways, we decided to have dinner in this unique Milk Tea Shop. Why unique? They offer snacks and full meals apart from the usual flavored milk tea.

I opted for Cookies and Cream smoothie and a carbo loaded chicken tenders.

Before Friday ended, my Father arrived home with this

Puto Bumbong!! I'm feeling my favorite time of the year. Yay!

Read More

Lasagna and Oreo Cake! Perfect meal for a 12-hour working day

Another forever favorite, Chef Tony's Country Cheddar :)

Super supreme pizza for Dad's birthday!

One of the few non-blue shirts I love and my custom made Meteor Garden necklace 

 For those who are not familiar, Meteor Garden is the first Asian drama series aired in the Philippines. Long before the Koreans invaded the Philippine TV, it was this Taiwanese drama series that started everything. The necklace was the gift of Jerry Yan to Barbie Xhiu

Source

All the while, I thought that I lost this necklace. When I was cleaning my things, I learned that Nanay kept it . Happiness for the hopeless romantic in me! It came so timely because my new office uniform shifted to the wing styled collar. Everything is perfect for necklaces that can break that monotonous look.

I'm finally using my favorite metallic Longchamp and my addiction to Peter pan collared blouses is becoming unstoppable. :)

Wishing everyone a Beautiful Sunday!

• July 28, 2013
• accessories

Beautiful Sunday # 66 - A little of food and fashion favorites

Lasagna and Oreo Cake! Perfect meal for a 12-hour working day

Another forever favorite, Chef Tony's Country Cheddar :)

Super supreme pizza for Dad's birthday!

One of the few non-blue shirts I love and my custom made Meteor Garden necklace 

 For those who are not familiar, Meteor Garden is the first Asian drama series aired in the Philippines. Long before the Koreans invaded the Philippine TV, it was this Taiwanese drama series that started everything. The necklace was the gift of Jerry Yan to Barbie Xhiu

Source

All the while, I thought that I lost this necklace. When I was cleaning my things, I learned that Nanay kept it . Happiness for the hopeless romantic in me! It came so timely because my new office uniform shifted to the wing styled collar. Everything is perfect for necklaces that can break that monotonous look.

I'm finally using my favorite metallic Longchamp and my addiction to Peter pan collared blouses is becoming unstoppable. :)

Wishing everyone a Beautiful Sunday!

Read More

Tomorrow will be the last week of summer. Where did time go? Half of the year is finished and soon, it will be my favorite time of the year again. Haha When June steps in, another school year will start. Traffic is expected to intensify. Travel hours will lengthen. The train will get crowded again. All these signal that I'm back to reality. I'm back to my after-office job as a college instructor. More than these everyday hassles, I felt relieved because I'm assured of the teaching opportunity. This semester however is quite challenging because I was given new subjects to handle.

I'm trying my best to be a good teacher here. :) I wanted to get things planned ahead. In like manner that I'm always challenged for new opportunities.

I've been involved in Project Management for quite some time. But I know! There's a great difference between practice and teaching. Hopefully, I'll be able to infuse my limited experience to teaching. I have less than a month to prepare and six months to carry out my plans.

Work started this week with my boss returning from a trip abroad. Aside from being the most patient and understanding boss, he gives the greatest gifts.

How many male bosses would take time to give you something you really like? Aside from my cute loot, he treated me with my fave sandwich and frapuccino. Thank you Big Boss! I'm too blessed to be spoiled. :)

I have to consume my excess leave credits from work. So last Friday, I took advantage of the opportunity to meet my dear friend A. We watched our most awaited movie.

Five out of five stars! It was worth the wait. But as always, the ending meant another year to wait for the sequel.

After a great movie, A and I did our favorite past time.

Food and shopping! We went to our favorite Chicken BonChon and took advantage of a sale from Giordano. I've been wanting to purchase these numbered shirts from Giordano. They come in a little hefty price but during a mall wide sale, they went as much as 60% off.

Real treat for me is completed by these

I'm currently reading David Levithan's Every Day. This is the first time I'm reading David Levithan. Hopefully, I'll finish this next month. Train Man is authored by a fellow Asian and by the looks of the cover, yes it's another hopeless romantic read for me.

I've been mentioning that it's the last week of summer for us.

It only means that this will be the last week I'm wearing my own clothes. When June comes, I'll report for work with my old, boring and fattening office uniform. Perhaps, I should treat myself to a new pair of shoes.  Whatchatink? ;) Me thinks it's a bad idea haha

Wishing everyone a great Sunday ahead!

• May 26, 2013
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 57 - Treats

Tomorrow will be the last week of summer. Where did time go? Half of the year is finished and soon, it will be my favorite time of the year again. Haha When June steps in, another school year will start. Traffic is expected to intensify. Travel hours will lengthen. The train will get crowded again. All these signal that I'm back to reality. I'm back to my after-office job as a college instructor. More than these everyday hassles, I felt relieved because I'm assured of the teaching opportunity. This semester however is quite challenging because I was given new subjects to handle.

I'm trying my best to be a good teacher here. :) I wanted to get things planned ahead. In like manner that I'm always challenged for new opportunities.

I've been involved in Project Management for quite some time. But I know! There's a great difference between practice and teaching. Hopefully, I'll be able to infuse my limited experience to teaching. I have less than a month to prepare and six months to carry out my plans.

Work started this week with my boss returning from a trip abroad. Aside from being the most patient and understanding boss, he gives the greatest gifts.

How many male bosses would take time to give you something you really like? Aside from my cute loot, he treated me with my fave sandwich and frapuccino. Thank you Big Boss! I'm too blessed to be spoiled. :)

I have to consume my excess leave credits from work. So last Friday, I took advantage of the opportunity to meet my dear friend A. We watched our most awaited movie.

Five out of five stars! It was worth the wait. But as always, the ending meant another year to wait for the sequel.

After a great movie, A and I did our favorite past time.

Food and shopping! We went to our favorite Chicken BonChon and took advantage of a sale from Giordano. I've been wanting to purchase these numbered shirts from Giordano. They come in a little hefty price but during a mall wide sale, they went as much as 60% off.

Real treat for me is completed by these

I'm currently reading David Levithan's Every Day. This is the first time I'm reading David Levithan. Hopefully, I'll finish this next month. Train Man is authored by a fellow Asian and by the looks of the cover, yes it's another hopeless romantic read for me.

I've been mentioning that it's the last week of summer for us.

It only means that this will be the last week I'm wearing my own clothes. When June comes, I'll report for work with my old, boring and fattening office uniform. Perhaps, I should treat myself to a new pair of shoes.  Whatchatink? ;) Me thinks it's a bad idea haha

Wishing everyone a great Sunday ahead!

Read More

I like Breton shirts. I particularly like the classic stripes of blue and white.

source

 My first Breton shirt came from Zara. This was also my first purchase from this well loved expensive store. 

Hold your breath, stomach in!!!!

lousy and shapeless!

I made a successful attempt in hiding my heavy and pointed belly here. Hihi But in reality, I look way worst.

Unfortunately, the structure of the Breton shirts doesn't complement my abundantly healthy belly. The fitted structure and the horizontal stripes give me additional width. Despite of everything, I continued purchasing a couple more of these shirts. I made this in the hope of inspiring myself to religiously exercise, diet and finally lose weight.

Will I ever be able sport this look?

My ultimate peg is Olivia Palermo!

Source

Source

I can achieve this before I turn 30! Haha

• May 21, 2013
• clothes

Breton Shirts don't love me

I like Breton shirts. I particularly like the classic stripes of blue and white.

source

 My first Breton shirt came from Zara. This was also my first purchase from this well loved expensive store. 

Hold your breath, stomach in!!!!

lousy and shapeless!

I made a successful attempt in hiding my heavy and pointed belly here. Hihi But in reality, I look way worst.

Unfortunately, the structure of the Breton shirts doesn't complement my abundantly healthy belly. The fitted structure and the horizontal stripes give me additional width. Despite of everything, I continued purchasing a couple more of these shirts. I made this in the hope of inspiring myself to religiously exercise, diet and finally lose weight.

Will I ever be able sport this look?

My ultimate peg is Olivia Palermo!

Source

Source

I can achieve this before I turn 30! Haha

Read More

When I was still studying, I often dreamed of myself as a successful woman who possesses the intellect and the elegance in my everyday attire. I was too ambitious and I failed to realize that somehow, the woman I wanted to be only exists in those famous Hollywood films.

Today, I admit that I never became the woman I envisioned years ago. My success is so far limited as a rank and file employee, humble educator and a struggling freelance writer / researcher.  As of dressing up with style and substance, I'm way far from such dream. For one thing, I wear a dull office uniform everyday to work. It's only during Fridays when we are allowed to wear our own clothes. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to "power dress" I would surely earn those glances and murmurs as soon as I register my attendance in our biometric machine. The "norm imposed" Friday clothes in our workplace are jeans, blouse or a polo shirt. If you go beyond that, you are considered as a stupid alien thrown away on planet Earth. But if I were really to choose, this is the way I wanted to dress




Photo Source here



Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

As much as I wanted to wear this, I can't. Why?
1. I will surely be tagged as a pathetic attention seeker.
2. I don't wear heels. You see, the nicest outfit would always match with those towering heels.
3. I commute to work and those dresses are not meant for riding the jeepney and the crowded train.
4. I have huge logs.. I mean legs :) Skirts would just emphasize the muscles I have grown from walking,  running and standing and finally..
5. It's not just me. I have always been a lousy and carefree member of the female populace. I was never born with poise and style. I walk as fast as I could. I carry huge shoulder bags enough to house all my necessities. I don't have the time and patience to dress up myself.

But sometimes, the female hormones in me wanted to have my own elegant moment as best depicted in Anne Hathaway's film



I have a confession to make. Whenever I feel fat, ugly and grouchy, I usually play this song in my iPod and walk pretending I'm Andrea of The Devil Wears Prada.

• May 25, 2012
• clothes

The woman I wanted to be?

When I was still studying, I often dreamed of myself as a successful woman who possesses the intellect and the elegance in my everyday attire. I was too ambitious and I failed to realize that somehow, the woman I wanted to be only exists in those famous Hollywood films.

Today, I admit that I never became the woman I envisioned years ago. My success is so far limited as a rank and file employee, humble educator and a struggling freelance writer / researcher.  As of dressing up with style and substance, I'm way far from such dream. For one thing, I wear a dull office uniform everyday to work. It's only during Fridays when we are allowed to wear our own clothes. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to "power dress" I would surely earn those glances and murmurs as soon as I register my attendance in our biometric machine. The "norm imposed" Friday clothes in our workplace are jeans, blouse or a polo shirt. If you go beyond that, you are considered as a stupid alien thrown away on planet Earth. But if I were really to choose, this is the way I wanted to dress




Photo Source here



Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

As much as I wanted to wear this, I can't. Why?
1. I will surely be tagged as a pathetic attention seeker.
2. I don't wear heels. You see, the nicest outfit would always match with those towering heels.
3. I commute to work and those dresses are not meant for riding the jeepney and the crowded train.
4. I have huge logs.. I mean legs :) Skirts would just emphasize the muscles I have grown from walking,  running and standing and finally..
5. It's not just me. I have always been a lousy and carefree member of the female populace. I was never born with poise and style. I walk as fast as I could. I carry huge shoulder bags enough to house all my necessities. I don't have the time and patience to dress up myself.

But sometimes, the female hormones in me wanted to have my own elegant moment as best depicted in Anne Hathaway's film



I have a confession to make. Whenever I feel fat, ugly and grouchy, I usually play this song in my iPod and walk pretending I'm Andrea of The Devil Wears Prada.

Read More

Hiding your bulgy belly? Sharing the same problem with me? If your answer is a big NO, then lucky you! You don't have to read this article. 

My belly has been my growing problem over time. And yes it’s a growing problem because it keeps on getting bigger every year. I’m also beginning to believe that the amount of stress I receive is positively related to the size of my belly. More stress meant bigger belly. I have a little confession to make though. Food has been my constant stress buster so that explains the evil relationship between my weight and stress struggle.

The good news for women is that there are ways to at least hide the bulgy one. Thanks to the wardrobe academy.

I was not a fan of oversized clothes before. I used to think that they are only meant for pregnant women. Wearing them would make me look heavy and lousy. But my current bad shape taught me to appreciate them. What I failed to appreciate is the fact that its big space could make a room to hide my biggie.



Oversized Blouse from Celine



This is my first oversized blouse. I bought this from Celine with the help of my Belle de Jour (BDJ) planner discount coupons. I bought this because I was looking for a nice long top for my black leggings. When I first wore this, my belly heavy friends also wanted it. The dark shade and diagonal folds of the blouse adds more length than width to any body.



Oversized Blouse from Bench

This is my most favorite oversized blouse. I love it because it's comes in my favorite color and it's in Chinese collared style. This is the best oversized blouse that fits me because it has wide space to accommodate bulgy belly and its armholes are small enough not to make me look lousy. This is my problem in finding the perfect top. My arms are not just proportionate to my tummy. I am often troubled with blouses that fits my big tummy, but looks lousy in my arms and chest.



Oversized blouse from Regatta

This is a latest addition to my oversized collection. It's a black, Chinese collared, military inspired top from Regatta. See the orange tag?  Yes, tt's discounted. It was originally priced at Php 1,195 ($ 29) and now it's reduced to Php 400 ($ 10).Regatta is a sister company of local brands which include Penshoppe, Oxygen, Memo and Red Logo.

I have seen a similar type of this blouse from Kamiseta and Jag. But I just can't find the perfect fit in these two brands. On one stressful after workday, I found myself at Gateway Mall and was led to the doors of Regatta. Shopaholic hormes attacked so I ended up with a paper bag on the way home.

It's just the first month of the year. I'm sure that there will be more oversized blouses to come. The shopaholic me just can't stop. But for now, I have to thank the creators of oversized blouses. They made my Mission: Hide Bulgy Belly accomplished!

• January 15, 2011
• clothes

Mission: Hide Bulgy Belly

Hiding your bulgy belly? Sharing the same problem with me? If your answer is a big NO, then lucky you! You don't have to read this article. 

My belly has been my growing problem over time. And yes it’s a growing problem because it keeps on getting bigger every year. I’m also beginning to believe that the amount of stress I receive is positively related to the size of my belly. More stress meant bigger belly. I have a little confession to make though. Food has been my constant stress buster so that explains the evil relationship between my weight and stress struggle.

The good news for women is that there are ways to at least hide the bulgy one. Thanks to the wardrobe academy.

I was not a fan of oversized clothes before. I used to think that they are only meant for pregnant women. Wearing them would make me look heavy and lousy. But my current bad shape taught me to appreciate them. What I failed to appreciate is the fact that its big space could make a room to hide my biggie.



Oversized Blouse from Celine



This is my first oversized blouse. I bought this from Celine with the help of my Belle de Jour (BDJ) planner discount coupons. I bought this because I was looking for a nice long top for my black leggings. When I first wore this, my belly heavy friends also wanted it. The dark shade and diagonal folds of the blouse adds more length than width to any body.



Oversized Blouse from Bench

This is my most favorite oversized blouse. I love it because it's comes in my favorite color and it's in Chinese collared style. This is the best oversized blouse that fits me because it has wide space to accommodate bulgy belly and its armholes are small enough not to make me look lousy. This is my problem in finding the perfect top. My arms are not just proportionate to my tummy. I am often troubled with blouses that fits my big tummy, but looks lousy in my arms and chest.



Oversized blouse from Regatta

This is a latest addition to my oversized collection. It's a black, Chinese collared, military inspired top from Regatta. See the orange tag?  Yes, tt's discounted. It was originally priced at Php 1,195 ($ 29) and now it's reduced to Php 400 ($ 10).Regatta is a sister company of local brands which include Penshoppe, Oxygen, Memo and Red Logo.

I have seen a similar type of this blouse from Kamiseta and Jag. But I just can't find the perfect fit in these two brands. On one stressful after workday, I found myself at Gateway Mall and was led to the doors of Regatta. Shopaholic hormes attacked so I ended up with a paper bag on the way home.

It's just the first month of the year. I'm sure that there will be more oversized blouses to come. The shopaholic me just can't stop. But for now, I have to thank the creators of oversized blouses. They made my Mission: Hide Bulgy Belly accomplished!

Read More