I Think It's Time

As 2014 comes down to a close, I realize that the years go by so quickly every single year. When the year is just beginning, you feel like time is going so slow. When it gets to the middle, you think "Hey, time is picking up." And when you get to December, you say "Where did the time go?" So, yeah. Story of all our lives. This year has been a little bit more interesting than the previous years though. So... read on. :)


What happened in 2014:

1. Attended my first ever church camp! Better late than never!
2. Strengthened friendships and I hope they will remain strong!
3. Opened my doors to friends whom I didn't really care for before. It has been an eye opening experience.
4. Finally I kinda know what my dream job is! Opening an RTW boutique for wedding gowns next year and I could not be happier! I am one step closer to becoming the career woman I always wanted to be!
5. I am now a Sunday School teacher!!! And it is such a joy to be working with kids - ages 4 to 6. Yes they can be a handful though and some days my energy level just goes from 100 to -1,000 in a span of 2 hours but it's really rewarding especially when your students just hug you or appreciate you. Have I mentioned I really love kids? :)
6. After 5 years, finally another high school classmate tied the knot this year! And we got to experience a Boracay beach wedding at that!
7. About 4 of my friends are engaged and I'm expecting so many weddings next year. I'm so happy for them!
8. Was able to go on a local trip (to Ilocos) with friends and I tried sand boarding and (kinda scary) ATV around the "desert".
9. I am now a proud aunt of 2 beautiful nieces - 1 from each side of the family! The coming years will also be baby-filled and I am sooooo looking forward to that! *I love kids*
10. I've been more active in Church and serving more through Sunday School and occasionally leading Praise & Worship. To God be the glory!
11. I feel that this year I have grown even closer to God and I love it! I am looking forward to next year and how sweet our relationship will get. :)
12. There were a few tries but they did not last very long. I guess they were not the right ones yet.
13. Another place to check off of my bucket list. I finally went to London! It has been on my list for quite some time and I am glad that somehow, I can tick off these places one by one.
14. I was able to see one of my friends from Beijing. I rarely see her and I was so glad she came to Cebu during Sinulog. It was a bit difficult to meet her but we prevailed.
15. Made a pact/vow to myself on January 25 and until now, I have kept my promise. That was a "no turning back" moment for me which I'm glad I decided on. It has made me a better person.
16. 3 of my close friends have left Cebu in search of work elsewhere, which has been bittersweet. You know that it's for their own good and you are happy for them, but also you can't help but be selfish and think "why is everyone leaving?"
17. This year I have reached my ideal weight. Looking back at past pictures I did not realize I grew to a size that was considerably "fat" in my dictionary, although it's just actually a bit chubby in real life lingo.
18. This year was also the first year I helped out during Vacation Bible School - sort of like a week long "class" for kids in Sunday School.



What I'm thankful for in 2014:

1. I'm thankful that this year I have found friends who double as accountability partners who have helped me with my walk with the Lord.
2. Every year I always think that the next year will be my year, BUT this year I believe that God has given me wisdom and discernment to truly understand that I was just being naive all those years. So I'm thankful for every little thing - heartbreak, broken expectation, shattered dream - that happened this year because it has prepared me to become better.
3. I'm super thankful for all the blessings! This year I got to change some parts of me that I did not like and I'm getting on the road to betterment.
4. Again, I gained even MORE friends. God doesn't seem to be running out of people to put in my life any time soon, and for that I am forever grateful!



What I'm looking forward to in 2015:

1. I'm so looking forward to my business growing and being prosperous for 2015! I'm excited to see how this goes.
2. Seeing my close friends get married and many more getting engaged!
3. Seeing my own dreams coming to life and getting my happy ending as well. :)
4. More trips to new and unchartered places where we've never been to before.
5. More trips to see friends too since some more friends are leaving :(



Funny enough, this time I think I'm sure. I think it's time. (If it doesn't work out I will be laughing at myself at the end of next year for being so bold and assuming about the future but whatever. I will feel the shame and embarrassment later on. Haha.) All roads lead up to this moment. I think I am ready. And so, 2015 will truly be my year.

In 2015, Valerie will get all that she has been hoping for! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 

Prom: The Little Black

Normally, the first color that would pop into my mind when I think of gowns or even clothes to buy/wear would definitely NOT be black. Coming from a Chinese family with strong family values and traits, the color black is definitely a no-no. Ever since I was little we were told not to wear black. I could only wear black bottoms – skirts, pants, shorts, shoes, but not tops or dresses. I don’t know why but that’s tradition and I got used to it

                But I realize that probably 90% of the population favors black more than any other color because of its slimming effect. The only downside to black is that it absorbs heat which makes it a hard color to wear during the summer months. So for my last post I will dedicate it to all things black!

Prom: Long and Strong

One of the themes I love during prom season is anything formal. Since I rarely go to parties that require me to dress up in long gowns, I always jump on the chance when invited to a formal event. I see it as a time to get out of my comfort zone and get out of my element and dress up, like I’m attending a movie premiere or the Oscars!

                As I mentioned in my previous post, I love sexy necklines and halter type dresses and anything sheer. Pickedresses seems to have all that and more, in long gowns! For me, the way to be sexy in a long gown is by the details of the dress. Maybe a bejeweled belt to bring a little sparkle, or a fully beaded gown with sheer details, the list goes on. Read on to see the long gowns that made me squeal with delight!

Prom: Itsy Bitsy

Normally when I think of prom, I think of ball dresses and long gowns. The way the dress falls to the floor and you walk around swishing and swooshing the end of your dress, as if you were a princess. But there are other options as well to prom dresses. I know that long gowns cost so much more than a short dress and many of you may want the option of buying something cheaper since you might probably be wearing it for only a night. I browsed through PickeDresses website the other day (guilty as charged) and I found so many great choices for short prom dresses. I know I’m probably excited about a season that I don’t even get the chance to attend anymore. But every year I enjoy looking at pictures of those who have been to prom – people I know from younger batches, cousins, and friends.

 

Prom: The Dream

In just a few weeks, Christmas will be here and I’m really excited about all the gifts and all the eating!! But aside from that, I’m much more excited about Prom season! Aren’t you?

            I remember my first prom. I was a senior in high school and a guy from another school invited me to be his date. We didn’t have prom at my school (which totally sucks because I really really love prom!) so I was ecstatic when someone gave me that chance. I was actually invited to 2 proms but they were just within a span of about a week from each other so I ended up wearing the same dress.

Isn’t it annoying when you can’t seem to find the perfect dress? You search from store to store, but it’s either they don’t have the color you want or they have it in a different design, different length. Sure, you can have your dresses made by your local designer but it’s also a hit or miss. There was one time I had a gown made for my graduation ball and it was so bad. It was too simple and pointy in all the wrong places. I hate it when they just can’t seem to get your dress right.

The Classic Silhouette - Revamped

The Classic Silhouette got a makeover! I hope you guys can check it out :)

London Town

Hey everyone! I just came from a really great vacation 2 weeks ago and I'm excited to share with you all some photos of our trip! It was our first time in London so we were taking photos left and right!! It was so great to experience a new country, seeing the sights and just taking everything in! For me, especially if it's your first time in a different country, you should do ALL the touristy things!

We took the hop on hop off bus (The Original Sightseeing Tour) to acquaint ourselves with the places and sights that we wanted to see and go to. One week wasn't enough though, and I really hope we get to go back again! Enjoy the photos!

The Classic Silhouette

Hello everyone! I know it's been a while since my last post. I've been on vacation and just got back last week! I'm very excited to show you my travel pictures and show you everything I've seen!

But anyway, I'm writing this post to introduce you to my new baby - The Classic Silhouette. I've created another blog for purely fashion posts only. I know some of you might not be interested in the other things and only want fashion tips, so that's the site you should visit! I'll still be keeping this blog but it will be more of a personal blog from now on. Check out my first blog post and enjoy! Have a good week!

Easy Breezy

Spa Day

An Unusual Encounter

Last Friday was the opening/blessing of my friend's bakery and I just had an unusual experience that day. After everyone had gone, the only ones left were me, my friends and an uncle from church. We were eating and just having conversation when an old homeless man came near us and said "Is it your day?" in Bisaya. I was a bit shocked and didn't know how to react because, honestly, I'm sure 95% of people don't react kindly to the homeless. My companions offered him some breakfast and when he took it, asked for some drink. I quickly regained my senses and opened the hot chocolate for him and gave it to him as he sat down on one of the tables. He seemed harmless but probably a bit on the crazy side due to starvation. He told us his name and he asked for a balloon. He was bringing 3 plastic bags and a plastic envelope that elementary kids would bring to school. We didn't notice anymore if he actually ate and finished the food but as I got in to the car, I saw him walk away to another place. 

You guys might not understand this post or the message and meaning that I'm trying to convey.. but I guess I just wanted to share this encounter. I normally do not talk to beggars or even mind them, but that moment taught me otherwise. Seeing my companions show him compassion and kindness made me change my outlook and attitude towards these people. Sometimes all we have to do is show someone a little kindness. A little goes a long long way. 

The Shoe Dilemma

"I'd definitely pick bags over shoes any day." 

Or so I thought.

Up until about a few months ago, I've always been more "level-headed" when it came to buying shoes compared to bags. For me, P5,000 (about $110) was the maximum I would spend for a pair of shoes, but I never really let it get to that point. When I see a pair of gorgeous heels with a P3,000 price tag, it takes me a while to mull it over before I get it. Unless of course you get that love at first sight moment with a pair that you HAVE to have. Now that is a different story. 

In the fashion world, there are only a few shoes that I deem "lust-worthy" enough that I actually have them on my wish list of things to buy (in the near future). 

1. YSL Tribute Heels in Nude

Image from here

Probably knew about this type of shoe around 2 years ago. I wasn't much of a fan until my cousin showed me her recent purchase and I just drooled. It looks like a comfortable shoe and it looks very classic. I told myself I would get a pair as long as it costs half the original price! Or they go on sale - 70% off. I have yet to see one. HAHA. 

2. Valentino Rockstud Pumps

Image from here

So.. this shoe. Totally all the rage in 2013. I first saw these shoes being worn by my favorite international bloggers and at first I didn't like the design. It didn't look as appealing as the Tributes, and it had too many studs. I went to Hong Kong during the summer of last year and dropped by Valentino just to quench my curiosity of these rockstuds but I still wasn't impressed. 

Fast forward to 2014. I've been seeing these shoes almost everywhere now! It's the new IT shoe that everyone seems to be lusting after! I found a store that sells dupes and I thought of getting a pair but changed my mind at the last minute. Did I really LIKE the design or did I want it just because everyone else has it?

Seems to me that nowadays, people get something because it's the IN thing ATM (at the moment). I was almost tempted to go with the flow, to follow society. But I had a good hard look at the situation and, come on, would you really want to spend almost P50,000 for a pair of shoes that you wouldn't get to wear a lot for fear of it getting dirty? Sure, you would totally have bragging rights and all the other girls would die of envy because you have the latest "IT" shoe and they don't. But what happens after that? Just like any other shoe, it will get dirty. The soles will turn black from stepping on anything and everything. Let's face it, shoes were made for walking the dirty streets. 

I'm not against anyone buying expensive shoes. If you have the money, go for it! No one's stopping you. :) But I advise you to think first before making any major purchases. What are your real motives in buying those pair of shoes? Is it because when you first saw them it was love at first sight - without outside influences i.e. bloggers and actresses wearing them? Or is it because you just want to follow the trend and receive attention? 

Think of your motives. And as my aunt would always say, always remember that money is so easy to spend, but so hard to earn. :) 

Stunner

Island In the Sky

It's the beginning of March and all I can seem to think about is when my next beach trip will be! Summer is right around the corner, better start working on that dream beach body while you still can! ;)

Sunny Day

It was an extremely sunny day in Cebu that I knew I needed to bring out my shades to at least have another agent in protecting my face from the sun (aside from my daily dose of SPF 50). 

Loving Him Was Red

Big Tom's

Happy Year of the Wood Horse!