Holiday Look

I know that we don't have winter season in our country, but still I made a winter look of my own for Christmas. I have a hard time applying makeup on my face because for one, my eyes are uneven...also they are droopy and lastly...I do not understand my eyelids. But I settled for this look using neutral colors.

I purposely put a photo of me without makeup on so that you could see the difference.

P.S. Sorry for my eyebrows...had no time to fix them due to mommy duties :)

27th

Yesterday, I celebrated my 27th birthday. This year there are two things that made it very very special. 1. My husband. 2. Our daughter. I feel so blessed! Every birthday I make it a point to spend it with my whole family; now I also have a family of my own.

This is how I celebrated my birthday:

I woke up around 8AM to a smiling little girl, that alone made my day...I woke my husband up to eat breakfast and take our little girl for a walk since we were leaving early to go the mall and look for her Christmas gift. At the mall, I asked my husband if I could go look at some things I need for makeup so off we went. It was taking me a long time to look at products I wanted to buy so he told me he was just going to look at something around the corner. My husband already gave me early presents. He gave me an iPad 2 last October and told me it was an advance birthday gift. Then last Saturday ( the day before my birthday) he got me makeup products that I wanted. So I never thought that he was going to surprise me with another present. Apparently, he did not go looking for anything. He went to get me another present...a camera connector kit from Apple. Maybe he sees me transferring photos from my camera to my laptop to the iPad so he got me that so I wouldn't have a hard time...for whatever reason I felt so touched. I told him not to get me anything anymore because the iPad alone cost so much already. He told me that he wanted to give me a present on the day of my birthday. I almost cried while we were walking in the mall...but I didnt't (though I did at home :P). No one has ever made me feel that special.

Then we ate lunch at Mexicali; I have been craving for that for almost a month! After that we bought our baby's Christmas present :)

We went home around 3PM...and my husband cooked for me!!!! I used to feel like a princess...now I feel like a queen hehe. He made pasta and Greek salad. Mom made my favorite Kangkong dish and there was also chicken and LECHON. We had a family dinner...a whole family dinner (complete with cousins and pamangkins).

All in all, I had a very wonderful and special day. Thanks to my whole family, most specially to my wonderful and loving husband..and our little angel :)

The Boys

Inspired by SNSD's "The Boys", I tried out this look using local makeup. I only use expensive makeup on models...and use local or cheap makeup for practice. I even used glitters from National Bookstore on my face. Hehe.

Thanks to my husband for coming home early to take this picture.

Our Little Angel's First Christmas Trip

Last December 10, my family (Adam, me and Bean) went to Tagaytay with my family (mom, dad, and brothers). We stayed at Summit Ridge Hotel c/o my mom. Going there, Bean was well behaved in the car...she slept most of the time. We arrived at lunch time and had Japanese food. Bean also had her milk for lunch :) We stayed in our hotel room until late afternoon, then we set off to that Christmas Village (I forgot the name :P)

With Christmas being my favorite time of the year, I really enjoyed it there...most specially...because We have Bean :)

Here's how the condominiums for sale look like :) they sell them for 4M per unit, 40sqm.

Taking pictures inside their office :)

Taking pictures outside their office :) Bean fell asleep waiting.



We went to see one of the houses there. They have cosy interiors...if I had won the lottery...I would've bought one already!

Some wall decors.

Love this Dining area :)

Nice bed :) I'd love sleeping if this was our bed :)

Family photo time!

I love Christmas...and our daughter makes me love it even more :)


Merry Christmas everyone :)

What's Up In My Head

Before anything else, here is another photo I took of Ms. Patricia Go. Though there were only a few exchange of words...I enjoyed being her MUA and enjoyed photographing her as well :D

I wanted a "Korean-winter" inspired photo so I went for this.

Honestly, a lot has been in my head lately because it's the only thing I can do when I am playing with my daughter (which takes up almost all day :D) Whenever I make/ create something, i.e. a photograph or a face (with makeup), I make it a point to have the confidence to believe in myself and not to brag about it. I am a confessed critic to my own self...and I am very meticulous in what I do. I don't care if everybody...or should I say anybody--likes what I make. I am contented that "I" like it.

I leave my laptop, or any other wi-fi browser I own, online the whole day so that means I see majority of the feeds on Facebook. And the horror whenever I see someone ranting about other people's work (I admit, most of the time it is about photography). I try to tell myself not to mind it. But on a daily basis...I guess I just got full. Some people kind of brag about their work in different ways. Some are bitter about other people's work. Some are just plain bitter....most are overconfident with what they do. I may appear stuck up...or people might think the same way about me...the way I do about them; and it's okay.

I only become a fan of those whom I see are humble, even only in some ways. I rarely "like" a photo because I have an obsessive-compulsive attitude with regards to what is aesthetically pleasing to me. So If I like your work (ehem...PHOTO)...do know that it underwent so much deliberation in my head.

If I appear to be ranting too....hahaha then feel free to think the same about me too :D

Let us all stop being a Scrooge this season. Spread the love <3

This is How Much I Love You

Even after all this time
the sun never says to the earth, "You owe Me."
Look what happens with a love like that,
It lights up the Whole Sky.

-Hafiz

Happy December everyone :D

Baby House Korea

I have been looking for baby slings/ carriers since my baby was born...but couldn't find the one that she loves. I started with a ring sling and at first my daughter loved it. That was when she was still a newborn. Within a month, she started to fuss and cry...then I tried a sling like the one you'd find on http://www.slinglings.com/...she couldn't stand it either; though she sleeps in it every night...on our bed. Then my aunt sent me a Moby wrap...and my baby liked that...the only problem is when it gets too hot, she cries. So I browsed the net for other baby carriers and researched about baby wearing. I saw the Ergobaby, most of the reviews were great but I couldn't get my hands on one here in the Philippines...and if I ordered from the US the shipping fee is as high as the price of the item...so I searched more and found a similar (or almost similar) baby carrier from Babyhouse.co.kr.

They have a lot of designs, printed with cute characters, patterns, animal prints, polka dots, stripes...etc.... but I settled for this cream colored carrier...because I love things when they are simple. Surprisingly....my baby loves this carrier. She was all smiles when I first used it on her. Now she gets excited every time I take her for a walk in this baby carrier. I found the seller through ebay.ph. All items are brand new...and costs 70% less than the baby ergo. The only issue that bothered me is that I got my item after almost two months. I thought it was a problem with the seller...but I found out that the item has been here all along and was stuck in customs. Bad work here in the country. Anyway, I refuse to think about the bad vibes that transpired because now my daughter enjoys being on her carrier :) which makes it easier for me :D

This is how happy she is when being worn with this Babyhouse carrier:

If you're a mom and looking for a good buy (not as expensive as the Ergo) I suggest that you buy this. Happy Holidays :D

Practice Makes Perfect...Well...Almost Perfect.

Last year me and my cousin, Kirsten, took up Makeup classes. Well, I was always late for some personal reasons and traffic but I did learn a lot from my teachers. I was also always in a hurry to go home because of some things I just had to do. I wasn't able to make a portfolio from the class because I rode the MRT everyday and bringing all my makeup was already a hassle...I couldn't bring my camera anymore (I do not own a digicam so bringing an SLR was out of the question). I did enjoy the classes though...even if at first I was lost. I did decent makeup. But after graduating I realized that "decent" isn't enough. So I practiced. Me and my then boyfriend, now husband, arranged photoshoots so I could get the hang of it. Then when I was pregnant I was always tired to go out...so I practiced by myself. Towards the end of my pregnancy I got too bored so my husband, Adam, and our friend, Gian, arranged a few shoots so I could build my portfolio. Well, I'm getting past "decent" and I am becoming more confident about myself and what I could do. Here are some of my works:

And here is my recent work:

I hope I could do more and be more. Thank you to my mom who pushed me to learn makeup artistry and to my husband for his support :)

Date Night

I haven't been out for a long time. Everyone's so busy and I don't want to leave my daughter at home. But yesterday my husband took me out on a date. We were supposed to go to Greenhills...sadly, there were too many people and no more parking slots left. We decided to go to Mega Mall instead. Supposedly, we were out to watch a movie, but all there was was Breaking Dawn...which doesn't appeal to both of us. We ended up buying so much for our daughter. This is becoming a habit. We bought Bean a set of cow onsies with a bonnet and shoes...and another which was a lady bug! We bought her towels, bibs, comforters and pillowcases, a toy and diapers :)

Then we ate at Papa Johns', the pastas and pizzas are so good :) plus their cheesecake!!!! Then I asked my husband if I could go look at Forever 21 since I havent been there for a year now. I said I will only look :) but he bought me this :

We also got to jailbreak his iTouch :)

All in all...it was a great night for me. All thanks to Adam. ILY <3

Waiting for Christmas

I am really excited to spend Christmas with my daughter and husband :D As the days pass by, I feel the magic more. Mornings and evenings are a bit colder, and Christmas songs are being aired on the radio! I think of all the food and gatherings that we'd go to. Places we'll take our daughter....my mind is going crazy. I'm about to make my list of gifts to give to family and friends...and godchildren of course :D

For now I am collecting Christmas clothes for our dearest daughter lol. This Saturday, my husband will take me out...we'll see what I can find. Here's one of Bean's holiday outfits:

How many days more? :D :D :D

Dream Vacation

I am a city girl. I was never interested in going places...until I watched the first Tomb Raider movie. I day dreamed of going places, adventures and new culture...but there was always a lack of motivation...because I didn't want to travel alone. I always believed that it would be more interesting to go some place with somebody so you can share the memories together. Now that I found a travelmate (my husband of course...and daughter)...I am currently looking for a place like this:

I got this photo from National Geographic's Photo of the Day 2010. But I don' know where this is. Does anyone know?

Can't Wait For Christmas

It's near my favorite time of the year! Yes, Christmas. The time when I feel that everyday is a bit special. I know that it's hot in the country but I can feel a little chill in the air. Automatically, I am compelled to be a bit nicer. There's just magic in the air.

When we were kids, we used to live in a big house...with my grandparents...and my cousins. I remember, after dinner we hang out infront of the Christmas tree...put our socks up...listen to Christmas songs that our grandfather played. Everytime I think about it, I feel a bit sad...because everyone's all grown up...and I miss my grandfather. At the same time, I am happy to have those memories, because I know as children, we always got the best.

This year I am more excited because it will be our first Christmas with our baby girl :) I am looking forward to making new memories with her and my husband...and also, my family...the whole family.

<3 <3 <3

White House

My room is pink...since thirteen. I was studying Interior Design during college and I've always wanted to paint my room white. I never got the chance to. Now that we'll be having a new place...I asked my husband if I could paint the walls white...and we did. Now, I'll ask him if we could buy white sheets like this:

Image is from smallplacestyle.blogspot.com



What do you think?

Happy 3 Months :)

Today, my daughter is three months old. I can see the model in her already. Most days I dress her up and take pictures. She doesn't fuss or cry. She looks at the camera and smiles! She loves it!

She recently got lots of dresses. One from her Lola Lyn, two from Ninang AK, and five from my mom. Wow baby Bean...mommy and daddy don't need to spend so much on clothes anymore lol.

It has only been three months and already, I couldn't imagine my life without her. She's one great blessing to us. I don't mind getting pooped on or peed on :) and we're so lucky she has been sleeping through the night since she was 8 weeks old!

Here's one of our daughter's latest fashion finds:

It's a coat from my mom...my mom doesn't shop for me anymore though :( hehehe

Happy Three Mademoiselle Madeleine! Mommy loves you so much <3

Almost

Our condo is almost done. I want to make it a lovely and cozy home. I took some pictures now that it's almost finished. We just need to go shop for furniture and appliances. It's the first time I'm going away from my parents and brothers...I can do this. It's a new life with my husband and our baby girl. We'll still go visit my parents Fridays to Sundays :D

This is the kitchen....where I will start to learn how to cook.

This is our daughter's room :D Ballerina Pink.

Our rooms are beside each other...

Where our numerous books will be....

Our windows :)

Our baby's light :D so cute!

Our cabinets...I hope my clothes will fit in with Adam's :P

Appreciate Youself a Bit More

Last year, Adam joined a local photography club and asked me to tag along. We were in it to learn and be more exposed to photography. We made friends, and did learn at the start. But eventually, I was feeling a bit down. And my reason is a bit 'girly' to others...or juvenile to most. I did not feel that my work was being appreciated. Also, I felt sad that the group forum wasn't as active about photography like before. Most things I saw there made no sense to me. No offense to the people there. I just wanted an environment where I can learn...not somewhere I see one liners which aren't even photography related. So I stopped checking the forum out. My husband was, and still is very patient with these things.

Then I felt insecure about the things I created because I did not feel appreciated...but I realized that if I believe in myself I would eventually gain the confidence I need to get back on track.

I haven't really given up hope, so I still try to post from time to time. Sadly, the group has been saturated...I don't even know the new members since the number grew so big. I was also pregnant, hence I did not have any photo to contribute...I hibernated. Now, I get to make photos again...and I am still hoping to find somewhere I can belong.

Saturday Afternoon

I haven't been taking pictures nor post processing for a long time since I had my daughter. My husband has been itching to shoot for months now. So we decided to set a shoot with our friend Gian. The model is Adam's friend. I was looking for some inspiration on the internet and did come across a few. I know my picture is composed in a weird way...but I am not going to saythat it is for art's sake. It's just the way l see things. And it's beautiful to me.

This is Seya Capri (not her real name).

6 To Go

I couldn't sleep. I don't know why. Usually I easily fall into deep slumber these days. I guess I have been pondering on a lot of things lately; constantly assesing and reassesing how I feel about this and that. Oh well, nevermind about that. I know for a fact that women are wired to function in a more complicated manner than men.

Yesterday, though, was a happy day for me. It was our 7th month of being married. Most people do not even celebrate these things or even take time to remember. I always do remember (maybe because most of us back then tend to take note of monthsaries). My husband told me he'd pick me up after his work so we could go buy the things we needed for the condo. So I got dressed and waited. I met him at our gate and entered the car...and he surprised me with flowers :)

I found it sweet...but everyday, he makes sure that I am always happy...which is one thing I love about him. He considers my feelings about everything...a lucky thing for most women.

Anyway, another thing that surprised me is this:

My mom keeps telling me I'm fat. Okay, I gave birth. I gained a total of 26 lbs during my pregnancy, and lost 13 right after birth. And lost another 5lbs 8 weeks post partum. Now at 10 weeks post, I lost another 2 pounds. I only have 6 more pounds to lose...still she keeps telling me I'm fat. I don't know if it's to motivate me but it's not helping. It only makes me paranoid and have episodes wherein I sulk and my husband would insist that I am not fat. Which led to an emergency fitting of clothes. Oh, maybe that's why I couldn't sleep...hehehe. I took out my old jeans...and anything else without garters...to my surprise...they fit! THEY ACTUALLY FIT! Two weeks ago, they wouldn't even close. That kind of cheered me up. Lesson is: Do not believe my mom when it comes to this. I will believe my husband.

I also find it impossible to believe my mom, because I have been eating a majority of lettuce for a month now. I can't go anorexic all over again because now, I have two people to take care of. And I also think that I am too old for that kind of stupidity.

In other news, I am looking forward to Starbucks' peppermint coffee wich is only available during Christmas season...just saying.

Little Miss Sunshine

I come to love my daughter more each day, and the happiness I feel as a mother grows. With every new things she learns, I feel so proud. My baby girl loves to talk. We have a lot of talktime and I love that she smiles and coos in response to whatever I tell her. She can now laugh and giggle, this makes my heart melt. She only wakes up for one feeding at night...now we get to sleep more. I've never grown up so fast.

I do not get to do all the things I want to...I just find he time to squeeze them in. But it doesn't bother me at all. I've never loved anyone as much (save for my husband).