Sunny Essentials

After a long week of being at work or school to some, weekends are our outlet for a few days of R&R. Beach trips, shopping galore, bar hopping, picnics, stay-cations and road trips. Among the few things I have mentioned, road trips are prolly my favorite. I enjoy long drives. Sharing story with your loved ones, listening to your favorite playlist, sight seeing along the road and the most exciting part, spontaneous stop-overs are the real deal when it comes to road trips.

And for weekend trips to push through, preparedness is the key. Besides from the basic necessities we need (e.g. food, toiletries, first aid & emergency kit and clothing) I specifically have four (4) essential things I always bring with me whenever we hit the road.

First, is a camera. I'm such a sentimental person so the memories alone are not enough for me to keep, I need hard copy evidences of such mushy moments I share with my loved ones. I always keep with me this handy dslr of mine.

Second, is a bottled drinking water. We need to be hydrated at all times especially with the hot summer weather or just by surviving not to starve to death in the middle of nowhere. For eco-friendly purposes, I have my own kitty water bottle container so I will just have to refill it every time I'd be allowed and able to.

Third, is a wallet with cold hard cash and an emergency credit or debit cards when you run out of. You simply just can't leave the house without it, what more on a road trip when you'll need it for the gas money, food, other expenses and even to go and pee on a well maintained private comfort room.

And last but definitely not the least, is a pair of prescription sunglasses. I actually have three pairs, one kept inside the car, another one inside my bag and the third one kept in my drawer at home whenever I feel the need to use it instead of the second one in my bag or the first one inside the car. These are really important for our eyes to be protected at all times, considering we get long drive trips mostly on summer days when the sun is scorching hot.

And that concludes today's post. I hope this would help road trip enthusiasts-wanna-be to survive it. We still have a few long weekends for the year making it easier to give time for a must R&R trips.

Also, I hope you all enjoyed it. Don't forget to drop by my ig account for more instagram worthy photos.


Toodles!

Much love,
AnDi xx

A Year Older

Gaining new experiences, life lessons, memories to be kept and forgotten and even a person who'd take and love you deeply are just a few things I was able to get for the past year. And now that I'm nearing the silver age, I can't help but to take it all in and to think of what I can do and should do in the hopes of having my dreams and future endeavors come true. (Oh, How I love that my last line yet again rhymes, having not done it on purpose.)

I turned twenty four, two months ago and the pressure keeps ticking on me every time. I have adapted and embraced my cramming and running around at work on busy days, my dinner nights at home with fam when I have to attend to kitchen and dish washing duties, and neglecting my time I should have given to family, friends and the love of my life that I wasted on being sick days.

Today, I realized that shopping will no longer cover this thing that I'm feeling right now. It is now time take into consideration what life offered me and use it as something that would push me beyond my limits. I do admit that lazy days still kicks in once in a while and attending to busy days neglects my whole well-being, having been sick every now and then. But seeing everyone who surrounds me taught me what to need and want in life is all fairy tale-like. It's the part when you thought you've already reached your happy ending, but there is more beyond that happy ending. 

But before we have that heart-to-heart talk on what awaits beyond our happily ever after, I now reach the point of the post of sharing to you guys what I wore on my twenty fourth birthday.

Mesh dress used as top: Ripples by Jenny, Skirt: Thrifted,
Belt: SM Kids' Accessories and Floral Sneakers: Bonita y Elegante 

As I was making this post, I also realized that I lost my February files already. Good thing I was able to save this single full body outfit picture of mine.

We all know how the mesh in between trend has circulated in the later part of 2014. It's one of the most genius ideas I've embraced for showing some skin but not really showing actual skin at all. I got this dress last December online from Ripples by Jenny, it was too short for me. So, I layered it with this skirt in a fun print and color and secured it with a belt. As for my new pair to be abused, it's actually a fun idea how I got this. For our Christmas kringle at the office, my manita asked me what I wanted to get. I was clueless then until I saw this on Bonita y Elegante's ig feed. I was not sure if it would fit but still gave it a try. To cut the story short, I shopped for my own Christmas kringle gift. Hahaha! Too bad I wasn't able to take a closer picture of it. But to tell you honestly, it's the prettiest floral sneaks I've seen, with pastel floral prints that surely made me want and need to get it.

Back to what awaits after the so-called happily ever after, we cannot deny the fact that every single one of us goes through ups and downs that shakes us back to reality. May it be after finding the prince charming of our dreams, reaching a certain goal you've worked hard for years, proving someone or everyone your worth in this crazy world of ours, it all has post transitions that we need to revive ourselves again in order to have that repeat happily ever after.

All I'm saying is, being happy and contented is all we desire in life but it all varies on each one of us. It all boils down on until when would we be able to hold those dreams to become what we want to become, to follow the path in which to take, and to make decisions that may or may not be the best idea but still works for you in the end. 

This post is quite long than my usuals. I've been really emotional a lot lately with being sick and all.

And that concludes my blogpost for today. I hope you all enjoyed it. Don't forget to hype this look of mine on lookbook here. 

Toodles!

Much love,

AnDi xx

Tempo

When everything that seemed to be a fairy tale-like experience for me has suddenly come to a halt. It was like a jeepney ride that when the driver have picked up his speed, a passenger have decided to say "Para!" and the driver have stepped on the breaks for the trip to stop. It was like a dream that when the story have come to the climax someone decided to wake you up, completely getting your thoughts lost when you wake up. It was like a Woody's Round Up final episode that when Buzz Lightyear was launched the producers decided not to finish it.

When people took away things from you without a warning, all you'd want to do is just sulk in a corner when you end up realizing you could have done better and makes you think too that no matter what you do it was all too late now.

This year was supposedly my year but I just hung on to that thought but never did made a huge effort to make things right when it all got out of my control. I've been through a lot of disappointments, consumed energy to cry a river, bruised and hurt by the pain that will scar me for a lifetime but this one was way different. It have risen to a whole new level that only one person could cure and wash it all away.

I took a few days break from work to pick myself up and gather my thoughts to celebrate a special day of my niece. We traveled all the way to The City of Pines for it and it was all worth it.

Superhero was the theme for the party. Kids were required to attend in their superhero costumes. My siblings agreed on wearing a superhero shirt. I couldn't think of a better superhero than myself. So, I dressed up as myself with an off-shoulder top and a pair of boyfriend jeans. Yes. Another shoulder baring top on a cold and rainy Baguio weather.  

We were in a hurry to the venue when I had these pictures taken that's why I haven't got that many choices. Like in life in general, you're blessed if you had more than two choices in every aspect. Anyway, I'm leaving you guys with pictures I've managed to take. It was nice to act as a kid again getting all giddy with the party treats, sharing memories to keep with your family and a few hours of temporarily taking myself away from all the pain.

Scroll away!

That is all for this post.

Don't forget to hype my look here.

Toodles!

Much Love,

AnDi

xx

Sporty Self

I am too embarrassed to admit to myself that the last time I had a proper exercise and stretching was way back when I had my weekends dedicated for my ballet class stretching with my cousin which was three years ago. I am not even kidding on how badly I have been neglecting my sporty self. Let me just share that a week ago I have been stressing myself out with a lot of things which made me weaker by the day as the weekend came. It was all just too much to handle for me that it all happened in just a week. Then, reality hits me and I am very thankful that I have someone to discuss this with, without being judged and greatly helped me survive it all. As to this story be related with my sporty self, I have been focusing too much on things that I have yet to consider my needs and wants as well. I was driven to a path that trapped  me in a road block where I can't handle and get a diversion on my own. I was aiming for a target that much to my attempt even I had the same skills as Katniss Everdeen it still wouldn't work as the target moves from a place to another.

A roller coaster ride as everyone has to compare it with. For me, it was an extremely frightening ride that I haven't got the lever to put a stop on all of these. As depressing as it may sound, I have conquered it all by pushing the emergency stop button, even with that someone pushed it for me. With baby steps guiding me to a new, all the more positive self, I have considered giving an after work jog or run a try.

And my sporty self rejoices and looks forward as to when I will start being besties with my running shoes aka. Luffy. Yes. I name my shoes when I get pretty attached to them. Maybe I am biased with this one, because the person who gave this to me has a special place in my heart or rather owns my heart. *wink,wink!

As I indulge in searching for a sports wear to go along with my shoes, I never have the tiniest difficulty since being all sporty and working out has been embraced by the people my age not so long ago. Even in the fashion world, they actually also indulged in it as well. And jogger pants has proven this.

It may have been a mainstream presently but these are pants that are for keeps for me. Besides that it's the most comfiest trend I've tried, it also give this cool vibe for me not so being uptight, literally. Since all my jeans are the skinniest kinds.

They're the type that I could dress up or down with. Pairing it with a sequined top for my first look and with a denim vest and dainty tube top for my edgy girly side for the second one. Of course, sneakers are my go-to for finishing the ensemble. And I couldn't thank my dainty floral sneakers more for making me look like myself despite the slightest experimentation.

Carefree as how I look in the pictures, I would try to hang on to my positive self and to the persons who never lets go of my hand to bring this "I will light up your day!" attitude more.

There were a lot of things for me to consider as I wander on these thoughts. But one thing is for sure, I am going to keep what are mine to be kept. Because the thing that I'm willing to keep is the reason behind the bright smile you see on my face.


That is all for this post. I hope you guys like it.
Swing by my lookbook account and hype my look here.


Toodles!


Much Love,
AnDi
xx

Siblings to Love

Today, I woke up early as if I have work today. I was up and ready for a morning walk when I had this better idea of blogging the day away. (I feel bad I haven't got my running kicks, Luffy, a trip to the park just yet.) But as I sulk neglecting my sporty self, an inspi has struck me for the time to blog about a very special day not just for my sister but also to my mom and the whole family.

It has been a month since my sister left the portals of her alma mater. She graduated with flying colors having been recognized for both her academic and clinical achievements, in the field of Physical Therapy. I have always wanted to make my family proud like she does. But that's the thing with having siblings. I have come up with this theory that God gave us siblings to love for us to be able to give what our parents desire to have. Noticed how each sibling has something unique to contribute in the family? So, if you're an only child, you sure have everything your parents could ask for.

And as I graced the special day of my sister. I wore something extra special to that very day. Wearing off-shoulder tops are my go-to when attending special events. Remember the ever so famous Sabo tops that trended with online shops? I went gaga over them that I chose my design for my brother's wedding with such cut. Speaking of online shops, I found this design of top that captured my heart like the Sabo top did. Grab your Ootd, an online shop I've discovered on instagram showcasing trendy dresses, tops, and bottoms, made it possible for such top. Their best seller chiffon pleated tops are just one of my new faves. And planning to get more of it in different colors. I have invested with a white one, for now.

Wore it for my sissy's big day. I paired it with a printed midi skirt and my Valentino-inspired, Sadie flats that I got from A Girl's Haven, another instagram shop that I discovered with such good finds.

Considering that day was a rainy one, I can't help but to thank my comfy ensemble to survive that day. I was also the photographer and I haven't encountered a single problem. Thanks to the hassle-free straps of this off shoulder top and one of the comfiest pairs despite the pointy and muli-strap design. 

I like how the whole look is sophisticated despite the baring shoulders and would have to thank the sleeves for giving such vibe to the outfit. Also, I think the mid length of the skirt also contributed. I opted for my pointy shoes because I'm afraid the added length of the skirt might get me look shorter than ever esp. that I spent my waiting hours with my really tall little brother and my already taller than me sister and mom are both wearing three inches pair of heels. And I have to rely on the illusion of making myself look taller with the pointy shoes. 

And as I end this post, I just want to share that we all have the time in our lives when we think one is favored than the other, especially when it comes with among our siblings. Let's forget about this thought because I believe that we all have a place in our parents hearts. It doesn't matter how big our family is, may it come to numbers, or even sizes. We all fit in our Mom and Dad's hearts.

That is all for this post. I hope you guys like it.

Swing by my lookbook account and hype my look here. 

Toodles!

Much Love,

AnDi

xx

Summer Hues

My month long hiatus from blogging ends today. The past month has really been a roller coaster ride for me, family coming and go, school days ended for my lil sister and summer vacation for everyone except well, for me. Another busy season for us since Annual ITR deadlines, a week from now, is now coming.

But as I have a few days of break from work, I am sick in bed, dealing with a really bad throat matching with cough and colds. I do feel lucky enough that my fever this morning is now gone. It must be the sudden change in weather that made my immune system weak. So, I'll prolly be staying in bed for the rest of the weekend for me to feel up and about for work this coming Monday.

And as I stay in bed, I want to be productive, too, by composing a post for the opening of another summer season. I know it has started weeks ago with the extreme sunny weather, that temperature rises up by the hour but it just feels like the summer for me starts after Easter.

According to Pantone, the Spring/Summer colors for 2015 is more of cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. Understated brights, pastel hues and nature-like neutrals would set the center stage for this years color wheel spotlight.

And so, I joined in the summer color fun in the said Spring/Summer 2015 trends.

Tropical prints are our summer prints to go along with nautical stripes, bright florals and flashing neons this season. As for me, I'll prolly be sporting my first love which are pastel hues and neutrals for this year's summer or should I say, for almost the whole year round. Since, Philippines a tropical country has more summer days compared to rainy days. Although we are facing another tropical depression this very day. Praying for every one's safety especially to our kababayans in the northern part of Luzon.

One must notice how I've been sticking to wearing trousers or anything not exposing a large part of my legs. You see, after visiting the hot spring resort, I again got a hold of the sand flies that gave me icky looking bites. They're that horrible that I had to sport capri pants, jeans, midi skirts and maxi skirts for the whole summer.

The story of this ensemble though is all about dressing for comfort. A breathable sleeveless top which is one of my Aunt's hand me down clothes. I paired it with a capri pants in green. The clue in pairing printed tops with colored bottom is choosing a color that is already present in the print for complementing purposes. You don't want to wear crashing colors that would be an eyesore to everyone.

To top it all off, I used my already overused pair of glitter oxfords. I'm actually in a search for a new pair of oxfords that I could pair with my wardrobe like this one. If you know where I could get one, comment down below. Back to the outfit, I also used the classic leather sling bag that I could fill every essentials I need.

As for accessorizing, barely there accessories like this translucent bead necklace is just one key pieces for me not just to feel comfy with my finish ensemble but also to look comfortable. Don't you love the shine finish effect this necklace gave? Also, I used a chain bracelet in mint green and just my everyday also translucent looking watch.

I am really happy that it is once again summer where you have an excuse to wear beach laid back outfits to the mall or even when meeting with friends. This year's color trends are very much wearable all year round. You just have to match the right key pieces in order to still look put together. Also, it does't matter if you follow the trend or not, the more important note for dressing up is dressing for yourself. 

That is all for this post. I hope you guys like it.
Swing by my lookbook account and hype my look here.


Toodles!


Much Love,
AnDi

P.S. Shout out to my special guy who's been worrying about me getting sick, I feel way better now after finishing this post. *wink, wink*

Rainbow

I know I've been sharing how happy my 2014 was but never found the best words to describe or get something to call it. Until I stumble upon Colbie Caillat's playlist on Spotify. I've always been a CC fan because how flawlessly she sings her songs and how the meaning of the songs are deeply expressed, plus, I could sing along (with feelings and without having difficulty). I came across this songs I wasn't familiar with but loved it anyway. I actually added a few songs to my already long list and one of the songs I truly loved was Rainbow.

I just had a lightbulb moment when I listened carefully with the lyrics of the song. It's a perfect fit for me when I was waiting for my shining moment. Right now, I'm pretty much contented and happy with my own version of pot of gold.

It's not because it was Valentine's day weeks ago that I came up with this post. I just wanted to share my thoughts on how we get to truly enjoy having someone or something we chose and deserve to be happy with. Just like when we choose what we wear on an ordinary day or not, it's not just about choosing the right one but also considering other things like your feelings, the weather, the occasion, the place where you are going to, the type of people you are going to be with, the time of the day, the mode of transportation you are going to use, and the list goes on.

Like dressing up for work on a wash day, I considered the expected volume of transactions for that particular day. I don't want to get my dressing up in the way of my work.

Blazer: Thrifted, Top: Tiangge, Jeans: Penshoppe,
Necklace: 168 mall, Shoes: A Girl's Haven

I settled for a simple ensemble for a day at work. A comfy neutral tank top, layered with a blazer in a soft hue, paired with a nice fitting pair of jeans, added a statement necklace matching the color of the blazer and a pair of rockstar looking pointy shoes, that are both stylish and work-appropriate.

It was a catch up dinner time with college friends who had a break from work in Manila and spent their weekend home. If I had the time to change this day into night look, I would have changed my bottom into a bodycon skirt, wore my hair down and settled for a simpler statement necklace. What do you think of that idea? (I now have a plan for my coming posts. *wink!)



That is all for this post. I hope you guys enjoyed it.
Swing by my lookbook account and hype my look here.




Toodles!


Much Love,
AnDi