I am so lazy with this blog. As you can see, it is online diary rather than a "lifestyle" blog. And nothing is easier than writing about my everyday humdrums. That was actually what I want it to be. I started this blog since my whole family is in the States, two of my very best friends are in the States as well and it'll just be easier and more fun to document things that I would have emailed to them.
I was back-reading some entries and I realized how boring my life sounds like! It's just that whenever I'm out on very casual days, I rarely take photos unless I'm in the mood and most of the time I only take photos of the food. :P I remember when we were in high school, We had a journal project with Ms. Vernon and mine looked the most boring because it was just all texts and feelings. My classmates had fancy doodles, post-its and pictures. I got one of the top marks though, hehe.

Anyway, Today started rather nice. I just realized I'm a few thousand pesos richer. I miscalculated some things and overlooked a few figures while balancing some books. That's actually a nice feeling, similar to discovering change in your pockets or purses. So now that I have money to spare, I'm in the Valentines mode and I had been thinking of how to celebrate it. ♥

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New collections are up. =)

I know you know who you are...or do you, really?

There's a fine line between imitation and inspiration. As designers, maybe unwittingly we find ourselves often making the mistake of overstepping this line.

I for one, always try to absorb designs that appeal to me and try to incorporate them to my aesthetics and my personal design: the aesthetics that have evolved in my years of learning and trying. I truly believe it is a form of flattery to to be imitated but somehow isn't it insulting for you, Ms. G., to call yourself a "designer" but week after week you produce collections that are suspiciously similar to the ones I previously created and mind you, only posted a few weeks before? Goodness, even how you supposedly call some stones like wealth ship is so obvious...because that's not how it is called in the mainstream market...except in my site. Btw, it's usually called a money bar for your info.

I am all for collaboration and the upliftment of our craft and art but I am also so against plagiarism and copying. I had clients before that are now bead enthusiasts themselves and I am more than happy to help them out and assist them because this is not just a business for me but a passion.

So, I challenge you. Can you show me more than what I have seen before in my own albums? Can you find more materials to work with that are not found in my site, materials from the items you have purchased from me before? Can you really represent your own taste, your own aesthetics?

For a brief time that I got acquainted with you, I sensed a sweet and kind person. I sincerely hope you are only doing this to find your own personal style and not to spite anyone else but trying to copy everything that I create is not something I really appreciate.

By the by, we will be releasing a new line this week or next week, I hope I can't trust in your consistency and see those designs and elements soon as well in yours. ;)

I sincerely hope you find your personal style, the one that's really yours. Good luck.

I miss my house elf...(Kuya Josh)

I'm in a decorating mood these days. I have so many projects for the house lined up, I don't know where to start.

1. I want to redecorate my old room that I turned into my little workshop/day room. I spend at least 12 hours in that room, sometimes taking my lunch there as well. Its already complete and we had it painted with a beautiful and calming light blue shade but right now it feels too "industrial" with all the tools and raw materials strewn all over the place. I really want a new daybed for this room. Probably something like this:


We have the same wall colors and I'm liking the white accents. I need a light, airy room since I spend most of my hours cooped inside.

2. I want to convert the mini lounge space we have downstairs that we rarely use to a little showroom just so my stuff wouldn't be all over the house. I'm planning to install shelves and art pieces so it won't just be a space for my creations but a hodgepodge of beautiful things that inspire me. Right now, the room serves no purpose at all and it'll be such a waste not to use that space for something nice. =)

3. I need to do something about our kitchen. But right now, I am not yet sure how to go on about it.

House projects are fun especially when they are done little by little.
Right now we are staying in our old house in P8 where I grew up but so many things have changed over the years, it sort of feels new and somehow evolving with us as a couple.

Pao and I love Home improvement projects so much. We get all giddy planning (and dreaming) about house stuff like installations, new decorations, re-building the house and even the nasty stuff like maintenance and fix ups.

I used to feel not being at home in any place after I got married because of this "transition period" I have in my head, such awareness that gnaws at me especially at times when I get too comfortable here.
I used to think, my home is somewhere else, maybe in another country far away. I've always thought of it that way, not knowing all along, I'm home.

And there's no place in the world like home. =)

jelly cravings

Due to my lifestyle, I rarely wear heels. Back when we were first dating, Pao used to tease me because I wore heels or at least wedge sandals all the time even on casual days (though I believe he secretly liked it). Now I'm sadly in flipflops or flat sandals. When I'm feeling all fancy and girly, I wear ballet flats.

Last Saturday, I went shoe shopping and I was sadly reminded that I am getting older because the shoe styles I see now scares me. They look nice but I wouldn't dare to wear them even on my best days.

In my search for the perfect casual everyday sandals with a bit of height, I saw these from Melissa. Now I'm torn between the Vivienne Westwood...


or the Tropical...


I also like the Tropical in black...

I can definitely see myself running around with these babies. =)

Mondays are my Sundays.

Mondays are relatively a quiet time for me. But it's during my down times when I get emails, texts or calls for projects.

I am excited about a little something, something brewing up.

Gearing for a great week ahead! =D

My new bag infatuation...

The Tory Burch Black studded bag. It's old, I know but there's something about it that reminds me of the Alexander Wang Rocco bag that my sister Tiffany and I really, really like.

I love the black leather and the details since I love chunky hardware (but not buckles). I rarely like black bags but this one's really nice.
I think I am once again out of my self-imposed bag drought...

Hi, I'm still here.

I've been organizing stuff and finances for the last two weeks. I never liked talking about money but it sure is taxing to manage money matters. Right now, I'm trying to finish all tax payments and balancing books, that include my parents'.

Gusto ko na talaga umalis.

I really need a vacation. My sister used to tell me I'll have a hard time getting vacations once I get married and I didn't believe her before. Now, I can't just fly home to my family anytime like I used to because of all the responsibilities and also that big issue of synchronizing our schedules.

October to February are my heaviest months, five months I guess is more than enough and I can't wait for March to come.

Hello, new day

I've been really busy the past few days. Yesterday alone, I was running all over Manila. Morning was in Makati to sign a contract, had to rush home to send a batch for shipping and the afternoon, a supplier called for an emergency meeting. Our day ended super late and I am determined to take it a bit easier today. I still have a bazillion things to do but I need to take a breather.

I am not complaining though. I love being busy, sometimes I just find it hard to put an off button for some me-lovin' time. I seriously need some. =)

Last Friday, I had a guesting at ABSCBN Morning Show. The Segment producer called up at 10pm for a 4am call time and I literally weren't able to sleep anymore since I had to finish a few things for the interview. I also had a serious case of sniffles been sick for a few days and I was telling the producer it might not the best time to do an interview since I will be sniffing the whole time! But we had to go on and I was sleeping on the set and for the first time felt a bit nervous because I was so light-headed I was scared I might pass out during the interview. Thankfully, nothing eventful happened and I was actually pleased with how the gap went. This time it was all about business, how I started and starting your own accessory shop so I had fun because the interview was just very conversational, it wasn't the usual demos or instructional segments. It was just like talking with girls about kikay stuff.




I'm really excited with my new Blooms collection. I just started posting some of the designs in my beadbar shop.



Here are some of the designs already posted in Charmed Life.




Rica is wearing a piece I will be posting hopefully by end of January. By the way, Rica is a sweet girl. I don't encounter a lot of perky hosts in the mornings and I must say she's very gracious. She went up and introduced herself to me as if that was necessary. She asked all the right questions and after my segment, she told me she liked a lot of items and actually bought some. I couldn't make her take anything as a gift. She was a pleasant surprise. Love her.

Lot of things coming soon for my little shop. But for today, rest muna. =P

This is the year to BE...

I went out with PJMA (Phil. Junior Marketing Assoc) Officers batch 2005 for some catch ups. I consider them as my college buddies even though we all graduated from different Universities.

There are sub-groups and cliques we always find ourselves being part of in any situation. As I always say, it will always be high school. You know those types who like to be friends who look like them or are equally gorgeous as they are or maybe with the same get-up or "air."

I for one, never choose who I become friends with but I really have a very tight inner group. My best friends are the same ones I had since I was thirteen years old or younger.
Now that I'm a grown-up (or at least trying to be) I am slowly realizing that I'm drawn to people who are highly driven. I guess it makes me feel like a slacker to see people my age achieving so many things already at this point in their lives and thus that motivates me to work harder and find my own niche. Thinking about it, I guess I'm just very proud to say that all of my close friends are really passionate individuals who excel in their fields. They are not necessarily brain surgeons or rocket scientists but just basically people who always strive for the best in anything they do.

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Anyway 2011 came in straight with a thud. The second day of the year, I already found myself working on a lot of things. Presently, I am trying to close two new brand ambassadors and I am just soooo excited to share who these two girls are...soon.
Unlike most charms and accessory brands, I don't want to go mainstream with "artistas." But I assure you that these two girls are young, highly-driven and quite known in their respective fields. One is a top fashion blogger for the younger segment, also designer/stylist for a dept. store brand and writer for Phil. Inquirer. The other girl is a young heartthrob sportscaster and TV host. ;D
Two very talented, exclusive and driven girls who I am totally proud of.

I am also excited about some new projects lined up both in my business and in the homefront. I didn't make a new year's resolution but a TO-DO list for this year which is mainly about the business and fixing the house.
The campaign that I am involved with for a beauty brand had been moved for early March instead of January. I just hope that everything will work out according to my schedule so I can finally fly home to my family.

Hay, 2011 be good to me. :)

Quiet New Year

For five years, before we got married, we never spent any New Year's eve together. Last year, It was with family at the beach. This year we decided, it will be just the two of us and we will do all the cooking and preparations.


Pao made some steak and yummy grilled veggies...



I made my Roasted Chicken...




My Recipe: 1 lemon sliced to quarters, a head of garlic. For the Chicken rub, i just used Salt, Cinnamon, Paprika, sugar, freshly cracked pepper and (optional) dried herbs, thyme and rosemary will make it smell nicer. =)

Preparation is always half the fun. =) Happy New Year, everyone!!!