Scrambling In Life

Lately I can't help but feel down. Self-pity has taken its hold on me. It seems like nothing "big" is happening in my life. I wake up in the morning, go to work, return to my dorm in the afternoon, sleep. Then, the cycle goes on again the next day. I feel like I'm stuck in this mundane way of living. But I have to admit, this is way better than not having a job at all.

A few months ago I was very enthusiastic about where my life is heading. I was confident of pursuing PhD somewhere in the United States. I was busy searching for schools and the requirements needed. And then one day, I just felt tired browsing all those university sites. The enthusiasm was gone. There were even times I was asking myself if I have what it takes to go to PhD.

Then, the thought of going to med comes to mind. But nah, I have to shrug it off. I'm already twenty six and it feels like too late. My batchmates have graduated already and are now preparing for their board exam while I, on the other hand, is still thinking of the possibility of becoming a doctor.

There are still  a lot of things that I want to do - travel the globe, explore different cultures, meet lots of people, take tons of pictures, fall in love, get married, have three children, and the list goes on.

I was even depressed comparing my life to those people I know who are living their lives to the fullest (based on what I see in their Facebook). At the end of the day, I am feeling weary and exhausted of thinking of all the possibilities in life but realizing that there's no concrete direction.

However, I got a meaningful answer this afternoon. I attended the mass and the homily talks about Martha who was so busy preparing things when Jesus arrived while her sister, Mary, was just on the Lord's feet, listening to him (Luke 10:38-42).

The priest reminded everyone that

"You get so caught up preparing in life, you forget to spend time with God."

I have to say, it certainly feels like God is directly talking to me, answering my questions, helping me get through my situation, making me realize that amidst all my problems, the most important thing is still my relationship with God.

Though I am still unsure of where my life is going, I am faithful that God will enable me to discern His plans for me; that at the right time, the path He has laid down on me will be uncovered.

Have a blessed week ahead everyone!

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Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Source)

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Plains & Prints

Plains & Prints is another local brand that I love. It started in 1994 and has now grown into several stores all over the country. It's product line consists of good quality and stylish apparel for young women. Here are some of my favorite looks in their Pre-Fall 2013 Lookbook.

Plains & Prints Pre-Fall 2013

Go Bold

Pattern on Pattern

Chic Black

Classy Color Block

Omg, I would love to wear each one of them! ♥ 

I have to add, Anne Curtis (the model) is so gorgeous!

A Vintage Wedding

Every girl dreams of a fairy tale wedding. I used to be that hopeless romantic waiting for her prince charming to come. Then, a time came when I thought that I was tired being a princess in waiting for I am one independent young lady. But, deep inside my heart, I am still hopeful that someday, somehow, my prince would come.

For now, while our paths haven't crossed yet, I just want to share these lovely vintage-inspired wedding looks from BHLDN.

*Image sources: Click 1, 2, 3

Health Is Wealth

Recently, I can't help but feel like a weakling. Tumatanda na kasi. It's a Filipino expression referring that someone is getting old. My bones and muscles are aching from my lower back to the extremities (arms and legs). That is probably due to the long hours of sitting while de-hulling rice grains. Crap, I've been doing that for two weeks already. The left portion of my abdomen also hurts. And at night, I wake up feeling that my heart is beating painfully slow. Two days ago, I had a bad case of tonsilitis after having a feast of vanilla and chocolate cream puffs. And now, I have colds. I really have to consult a doctor. ASAP!

Yes, I'm blaming age. But twenty six is still young, don't you think? Sometimes, I blame work. But at the end of the day, I realize that it's me and my lifestyle that's causing all these health problems. I am not an active individual. I prefer lying in my bed browsing in my laptop or phone than jogging in the campus. I prefer staying in my poorly ventilated room the whole weekend than going out to breathe fresh air and enjoy the early sunshine. I prefer surfing the internet until late at night than having 7-8 hours of sleep. I prefer eating pork and beef and chicken than eating fish and vegetables. I prefer not drinking water unless I'm feeling the thirst up to my throat already. If there's a prize for a girl with an unhealthy lifestyle, I think, I would have won. 

I'm still young, right? I still have the time and the best thing to do is to start LIVING HEALTHY now! I need to get my butt off and start living an active lifestyle.

Note to self: AJA! You can do it! 

Note to self when feeling lazy: Just do it, you bitch!

---> I still want to include the specific things for my Live Healthy List but I'm running out of time. It's already 10:15 PM. I'd better sleep now. I'll just put them up next time. Good night guys!
Image sources here and here

For the second half of 2013

Make a conscious effort to live a healthy life.
Eat right. Exercise. Sleep early.

Saturday Shopping Haul

Finally it's a weekend! Spent the whole Saturday strolling in a mall. It's my first time to go back to the city since I arrived here in the Philippines. A little bit worried because I'm all alone but thank God everything went well (had a safe bus ride going to the mall and back to my place, didn't encounter creepy passengers, and enjoyed checking all the stuff in different shops).

Hello MOA! We meet again! (image source here)

Top view of the 42-hectare SM property (image source here)

SM Mall of Asia or simply MOA, I have to say is my most favorite shopping haven of all the malls/department stores in the metro because of the following:

• It's area is so vast but I love the fact that it's only two floors and the orientation of the shops are not confusing. 
• The ceiling is really way up (I hate places with low ceilings, sorry SM department store in Mega).
• The hallways are very wide. This helps me choose which way I want to go to avoid the many groups of mall-goers.
• There are a lot of international and local brands to choose from. Yey!
• Every door from the main mall has a shop locator and a person with whom you can ask your inquiries.
• And lastly, it's proximity. It's the nearest mall from the bus terminal.

So now, I'll be sharing the things that I got. =)

1.Laneige Lip Treatment, SPF 17

Presenting the Tint Pink Lip Treatment. I also made a swatch.

Laneige is a South Korean skin care and cosmetics line. See previous post here. The first product that I used was the Water Bank Gel Cream back when I was still in Korea. I love it because it moisturizes my combination skin well during the winter season. Since then, I've been wanting to try other Laneige products. I was initially eyeing a lipstick but since my lips are chapped, the sales lady had me tried on the Lip Treatment. It's like a lip balm + lip tint with SPF 17. Again, I love how it moisturizes my dry lips and gives a touch of color (I chose the Tint Pink) and, of course, how it protects my lips from the sun. I also tried the red one (included in my must-buy next time) which gave a more natural color.

2. Laneige Snow BB Cream, SPF 30+ PA++

I've been using BB cream for almost two years now. I've tried lots but the one that works well on my skin is Holika Holika's Face to Change BB cream (maybe I can make a review sometime). Unfortunately, Holika Holika hasn't opened a shop yet here in the Philippines.

Nowadays, there are so many brands of BB creams in the market but I still prefer the ones from Asia (particularly South Korea). Since I was already in Laneige, I also bought their Snow BB Cream in No. 2 shade (Natural BB). The lighter shade is No. 1 (Brightening BB). It's product details include: 1) Moisture protective seal, Liquid Crystal Essence and 2) Smart and Advance BB Cream with whitening, anti-wrinkle, and UV protection. I love the latter (anti-wrinkle, etc.) but the former (moisturizing) I'm just not sure because of my combination skin (oily T-zone and normal surrounding areas) and it behaves badly especially in this hot, humid weather. Well, I have yet to see the results. Hoping it will work out fine.

Aside from the products, there's more to love when you buy in Laneige (or any other Korean brand), they give you lots of gift items (in sachet packs) to try on! Can't wait! I even requested the Water Bank Eye Gel because I am in desperate need of a weapon for my crow's feet.

3. Petit Monde Dress
Petit Monde is a Filipino clothing brand of good quality and reputation. Petit Monde started in 1988. Wow, I'm just a year older! The description in their site says,

Started in 1988, Petit Monde aimed for one thing: to provide the regular Filipino teen trendy options to dress up the way they want to - no frills, no pretenses, no pomposities. Just comfortable and stylish numbers that speak about their generation...Petit Monde also brings it up on themselves to grow up with the teen market with whom it all started by coming up with labels that cater to young adults, and chic yuppies. 

The first time I got a Petit Monde clothing was when I was 10 years old. It was a hand-me-down playsuit from my older cousin. What I remember was the beautiful old rose color, the feel of the fabric, and the pearl buttons. Sadly, I only wore it once or twice maybe because I was still in that phase where I choose baggy pants and loose shirts over girly clothes. The old days! Now, after 16 years, I got my second Petit Monde item.

It was a beautifully crafted dress. Here's the story: Actually, I have no intention of buying a dress. For some reason I found myself in their shop, looking intently at every item. It's nice that their clothes are grouped according to color. I was in the cream stand when I found a dress. It may sound exaggerated but it's like love at first sight. I really like the dress - the simple cut, the artistic design, the luxurious feel of the fabric...

The sales lady said it's also available in another color. She showed me the blue green version and it was definitely lovely. I was talking to myself, convincing myself not to buy. Hehe. I was pleased just staring but the sales lady suggested for me to try both dresses. The blue green in small size and the cream in medium (since it's out of stock for small). Surprise, surprise! The blue green fits perfectly in all the right places! The line, "It covers my flaws and emphasizes my assets." really applies. Haha! From the shoulders, to covering my stomach, up to the hem line - it's just perfect! Even the sales lady agreed and said lots of good things. So in the end, with a paper bag in hand, I walked out of the shop as happy as I can be. Teehee!

Here's a better picture =)

Being in my mid twenties, I am now starting to invest in pieces of clothing that are of good quality. Pieces that are classic and timeless. And this one goes right into my collection. Although this may be the priciest among all the dresses that I have so far, I can say that every penny is worth it. =)

More pictures of my new favorite clothing shop.

And of course, I had a pic together with the friendly and beautiful sales ladies. Well, well, well, I will definitely go back to Petit Monde and get that privilege card!

Now, the question is, when will I wear this dress? To my friends, please get married now! Haha!

Favorites: Prints and Shift Dresses

Orla Kiely Flower Tunic Dress in Sunset Flora Print

ASOS Shift Dress In Animal Print

Sister Jane Tear Drops Dress

ASOS Shift Dress with Cornelli Trim

Note: Click on the captions to be directed into the site.

Change Is Constant

When I was a kid I felt that days, weeks, months, and years go by slowly. So slow that I want to hurry growing up. But now that I've grown already, everything has completely changed. Look at the calendar. Yes, time definitely flies. It's June and we're already halfway through 2013! Whew!

A lot of things have happened over the course of the past five months. From living in Korea to moving back here in the Philippines; from being a graduate student to being in the workforce again; from experiencing and loving winter, spring, summer, and fall to once again experiencing and loving/hating that summer-all-year-round feeling. To be honest, it's hard to adjust to the changes that happen in our lives, especially if you're comfortable to how your life used to be, but change is the only thing constant in this world. You have to accept it and learn to live with it. So yeah, let's just say that I'm starting to embrace it now...little by little.

How about you? Are you ready for CHANGE?



Oufit:
Mixxo dress