Stripes and Dots

Today I had a chance to have another outfit shot. Thanks to my sister for the awesome shots. I really liked the angles.

Peter Pan Collared Polka-dots, Striped Pencil Skirt, Mary Jane Wedges, Vintage Luggage Bag

With Earrings

Will totally post more. I'm in the mood to post outfit shots. Soon! 

Mute the Tones

Lately, I've decided to make an account in lookbook.nu and I am trying my best to force myself to update regularly. So far I have posted one look and here it is.

Pastel Stripe Dress, Brown Gold Belt, Mustard Satchel, Brown Sandals

The Bag

I'm really into the brown, mustard and beige right now. Hence, my outfit has those colors. I like the vintage-y feel of those colors. It's been a really long time since I posted outfit shots. Anyway, will post another one soon.

Jane Austen Six Out of Six

I just crossed out one of the things in my bucket list which is: Finish Jane Austen's six novels! As a Janeite, I'm really proud of this achievement. It's actually embarrassing I just finished all six.

Spine

Six Novels with My Tea Set

I love all of the six but among them, I loved Pride and Prejudice the most. The last one I read was Mansfield Park, which became my next favorite. 

There is something about Austen's novels that communicate something to girls all over the world. Sometimes, it's like she knows your own little secret and makes it into a story. Her influence can be seen in many of today's romantic movies which is probably why they become a hit.

DIY Earring Organizer

First post of the year! To think it's already the 28th! Anyway, I felt the need to organize my accessories, starting with my earrings, since we're moving in a few days!

It's actually simple. I got the idea from a video in youtube. I just bought canvas, a flat brush, a stainless palette and poster paint (red & black). For the detailing I just used my old lip brush from my make-up since the small brush sold at the bookstore cost around 145 php and also because I'm on a tight budget. And no, I have no plans to use that lip brush for my lips! Haha.

Materials (Yeah, that's a lip brush)

It took me around two hours make the whole thing but it was worth it. I had painted the designs at the sides which was kind of challenging but really fun! Here's what happened after two hours.

Semi-finished Product

It took me another forty-five minutes to put all the earrings since I had to puncture the whole thing with a needle. Turns out, canvas isn't that easy to puncture, good for the canvas but not for me! It was worth it all since the finished product looked amazing. I'm so proud of it!!!

Finished Product After a Total of 2hrs and 45mins

This is a really great idea to organize earrings. It doubles as an organizer and a display. It also helps when you're in a rush since you just scan which earring goes with your outfit the most. Thanks to diy2day for the really cool idea. She also has other really cool projects you could try at home.

A Night at Resort's World

The last time I went to Resort's World was when it was hardly populated and there were only a few shops. The Escalators went on without anyone there and you could dance around the without hitting anybody or anybody staring at the complete weirdo doing the dancing.

Before we left home, we had outfit shots. Since my sister bought me a new pair of shorts which I really loved, (my first pair of shorts that I can use when going out!) I decided to wear it already!

Plaid blouse, Grey shorts, Red tights & Oxfords

New Shorts

Ate Miya, Kuya Miguel and I went to Resort's World to watch the play Sound of Music. It was a pretty good play and I liked the voices of the actors and actresses and how some of them were able to portray their roles well, especially Maria. After that, I felt like watching the original movie again. Sadly, I have no idea where my DVD is.

We went for dinner at around eleven at Mr.Kurosawa. The restaurant was a mixture of European and Japanese cuisine. The food was good and it didn't take as long as we thought for the food to arrive (since we were so HUNGRY!). I ordered Japanese Carbonara and Red Ice Tea (calamansi). The food was good and I enjoyed my much awaited meal.

I really enjoyed the whole night! Now, my only problem now is how to get rid of "The Sound of Music" which is playing in my head over and over again. Anyway, until next time.

What Happened to 'Sun' in Sunday?

For the past few days, the weather has been grey. It's really unusual to have a rainy December here in Manila. It usually leaves me lazy.

Anyway, today I finally felt like posting after a VERY long time. I got in the mood to dress up today since I rarely go out. I also took advantage of the weather and decided to wear tights after a long time (YES!). I've been finding an excuse to wear tights.

Grey cardigan, Floral lace dress, Grey Tights, Maroon belt & Oxfords

We heard mass and afterwards we had lunch with our relatives at Chicken Bacolod. It was good lunch with good food and company. 

After lunch, I asked my sister if she wanted to get a manicure. We decided to head to 'Get Polished' at around three. I took advantage of the break and get a manicure (since it's not allowed in school). I choose purple and grey and added a French tip.

My nails (beneath my skirt)

I had a good Sun-...Rainday? I did a lot of things instead of curling in bed with my book or playing Sims Medieval all day (which is my normal Sunday). 

I hope to post more frequently now. I also deleted my book blog so I could join my two blogs since it's a hassle to post on both

It's Christmas next week and I can't wait. Will write soon! 

My European Adventure

This is a very long overdue. I wasn't able to get around to post because I busy with school since I had to catch up with all the PTs and exams I missed. It was stressful but I was able to live through it. Anyway, last August 10 I had my first international flight. I was one of the delegates for IBYC and WYD (JMJ Madrid). From Manila, we went to Singapore and from there took a connecting flight to Paris.

We arrived at Paris but we just stayed in the train station. We went out of the train station just to check out the place but that was as far as we got.

Charles de Gaule Airport

Outside the station

We then got on 2 trains to Barcelona and from the station took a bus to Montserrat. Montserrat was a very beautiful mountain. It is in Catalonia which is a very very beautiful place. That was where IBYC was held. We met some people from other countries and I totally had a blast. We went hiking. We had talks, deanery sessions, mass and other religious activities. The food was good and there's one little thing I will never forget there...

By the way, there are three ways to get to Montserrat, by bus, train or cable car. There are also hotels and restaurants which can accommodate pilgrims. I'm not sure about how much the fare and food, though.

Statue

Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat and Plaza

Claud and I with Montserrat

From Montserrat, a bus took us to Madrid for JMJ Madrid (WYD). We resided at a gym for the rest of our stay. By the way, we stayed at the outskirts of Madrid so there was nothing to do. After two days, we started for our journey to Lourdes, France. We took a train (lots of trains, in fact). It took us half a day to travel to Lourdes. We took many trains from Madrid and going up and down the train was the exhausting. There are also lots of hotels and inns in Lourdes which can accommodate pilgrims.

The church was amazing. It was so beautiful and it looked like a dream. The town was also peaceful and just like every French town which was cold and rainy. The rosary during the evening was also spectacular. There were many people. It was a shame we weren't able to go early, though. Anyway, we collected holy water in small vials which were our pasalubong.

Tin and I

Our Lady of Lourdes

Night Vigil

After two days we went back to Madrid to participate in the JMJ activities. Weren't able to participate much because of the many pilgrims. We weren't able to attend the vigil and the mass. It was cool though that we were able to get on buses and trains for free. We also ate at this Indian restaurant which had good fries but we weren't able to enjoy our order since we didn't pick the good tasting ones.

We were able to go shopping in Madrid. I bought accessories and shoes (ESPADRILLS!! REAL SPANISH ONES!). I also bought other pasalubong for family and friends. We were also able to meet a Filipino saleslady in one of the shops. We also went to Prado Museum which I totally loved. We got in for free since we were pilgrims (JMJ). While walking down the halls of the museum, I felt more determined to accomplish my dream of being a curator.

Ms. Wana, Claud and I on the bus to the train station

In the bus

Claud and I at Indian Restaurant

Prado Museum

Ms. Wana and I walking to Cuatro Vientos

Cuatro Vientos, spot the Philippine Flag

After JMJ activities, we went to Parque Europa. It was a park full of Europe's many landmarks. It was really cool because it felt like we traveled all of Europe in just an hour. Some of the landmarks there were, the Eiffel Tower, Trevi Fountain, London Bridge, Statue of David, Berlin Wall and the Open theater in Greece. It's easy to get there and there is no entrance fee.

Ms. Wana

London Bridge

Trevi Fountain

Eiffel Tower with Me, Kuya AP, Claud, Kuya Justine and Ms. Wana

Flags

From Madrid, we took a train to Barcelona then headed for the airport. We left our stuff at the airport and went around Barcelona but had limited time since we were catching our flight on the same day. We went to Sagrada Familia but some of us (unfortunately, me) weren't able to enter because we left our JMJ IDs. We were able to take pictures with the facade.

Towers in Barcelona

City Hall

Me and the monument

Me and Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

We then boarded the plane and when I sat down, I felt sad. I felt like I was leaving home again. I made a lot of friends and had the time of my life bonding with Ms. Wana and Claud. I didn't get the Monte Carlo trip I wanted but that can wait. During the trip, I was able to learn many things:

1. All countries have different cultures; we're not all the same

2. Filipinos have a strong connection wherever in the world they may be

3. Mama Mary will always guide you wherever you are, especially when you pray to her

4. Most important: It's when you're a thousand miles from home, you will know who you are and gain the confidence to be just that person.

I promise I will return to Europe in two years, when I'm eighteen. I want to go back with my sister and my three beloved best friends. Even if I don't go gallivanting all over Europe, at least I want to return to Catalonia. It's now at the top of my favorite places on earth. Trust me, you have to add it to your list of places you have to go before you die.