Changes

When I was young, I wanted to grow up fast. I wanted to have it all...a job, a car, my own place, my own family. I was itching to skip everything else. Now that I've got it all...it seems that time flew by so fast. It's as if yesterday, it was only my 18th birthday. I used to fear being happy, because I could lose everything in an instant; now...I kind of fear getting old, losing people I love. Things change.

I had a job (wich I had to quit during my pregnancy), I have a husband (who I love so much), an adorable daughter (who I am so in love with), and we have a new place...wasn't that what I always wanted?

We're moving in 2 days. I have been crying like crazy, we haven't even moved yet. It's because I haven't been away from my family this way...permanently. The little girl in me will miss a lot of things like: breakfast with my dad, making kulit my mom, movies with dad, koreanovelas with my mom, my brothers, my room, the tree outside, the dogs...everything! I will miss the smell of my parents' room...the laughter during dinner...and many more.

There have been a lot of changes since I got married and had a baby. I am happy where I am. I have accepted the fact that I've grown up...but I am still my parents' baby no matter what.

I am sad, at the same time excited. We've already bought finishing touches for our places...maybe at times change is good. My husband has been so kind and understanding to let us stay at my parents' during weekends so I don't miss them so much.

Twilight

I admit, I was a Twilight Saga fan....of the books...not the movie. I discovered these books (at that time only Twilight and New Moon were out) through my cousin Jessica on a one week stay at their house. She said she borrowed the book from our other cousin, and that it was an easy-read. It was summer and I was still out of work a year after college graduation, so without anything to do, I read the book. I immidiately got caught in the story, but because she was still reading it...I stopped. It was one of the most memorable summer break for me because all we did was eat, read, watch Cold Case and talk. Anyway, after my stay I couldn't resist buying the book, so I passed by National Bookstore and purchased the first two books...and fiished one book a day. My cousin and I couldn't wait for the third book. I am more of a Harry Potter fan so I reserve my books before they were out...but when Eclipse came out...we couldn't get a hold of any...everywhere around the city. I even called bookstores and asked...and there was only one copy left in Metro Manila...at National Bookstore Recto. I begged the lady to reserve the book for me withoud deposit Nd said I'd be there within an hour since I was coming from Fairview. Voila! I had my copy. My cousin even got her copy at SM BAGUIO! But my interest in the books slowly faded because Bella and Edward were becoming so sappy. And the movies were a disappointment to me.

I just watched one of the Twilight movies on TV and tried out looking like a vampire. I only did half of my face since I'm taking care of my baby. Sorry for my messy hair...and the look is incomplete without my contacts and false lashes, though I will be making a decent photo soon.

Good day.

No Yaya

No YaYa

It has been 2 weeks since my daughter's yaya went away. Nope, I did not fire her, and yes, I was very kind to her. She just decided to go away with a guy. I have to say that the first few days were difficult because she's been with us for two months. And for those two months I had time to do some things freely, though I was still a very hands-on mom inspite of her being there. I could research on the net, practice makeup, make photos and do post in Photoshop.

The first day that she was gone, everything was a mess. From my daughter's things to my appearance. I couldn't tell which I had to do first...wash the bottles, sterilize...fix her clothes, take a bath, eat...I was lost. But as days passed by I came to device my routines in tune with my baby's schedule. She usually wakes up around 7-8 AM, she drinks her milk and I eat my breakfast; I take her for a walk; we play for a while...then she naps for 30 mins to an hour while I do her bottles and shower; she wakes up and we play; then she eats then naps again for the same amount of time. I look for what I can eat for lunch and eat; she wakes up for her feeding then we play again. I leave her in my sight with her toys so I can prepare her bath; I give her a bath; she plays for a while then naps again...during this time her nap is long which lasts about 2-3 hours. This is when I either sleep or do some art, read, watch youtube, etc. Then I fix whatever I need to fix and do things I have to do. She wakes up again and eats...I take her for a walk; we play...she sleeps...We eat dinner, she wakes up to eat...and plays until she falls asleep. She sleeps at around 9-10 PM, which gives me free time until midnight. I am so lucky that she has been sleeping through the night since she was 2 months old, she doesn't even need a feed.

So that's it...my road to being a supermom and a superwife :) thanks yaya for going away.

In Transition

I want to go blonde. I do not care if it doesn't look nice, if it looks cheap, if it doesn't fit my face shape. I want to transition into the person I envision on a daily basis. Some people (most) would call me artsy, maybe they perceive me so just because I know how to draw, without regard to the fact that compared to more artists...I suck; I think I am more crazy than artsy...and I have been caging this craziness for so long. How I long for the day that I could just unleash the demented me who wants to live in a state of spontaneity and nirvana. I refuse to deem that it is age that withered this fire in me. I used to cut my hair when I get bored...buy clothes that people do not actually wear, make tons of photos and not care. I used to change myself frequently and not give a damn.

Yes, I loved being skinny. And now 4 months after giving birth...I still have around 8-6 pounds to lose...and it is so hard. I could not go on diets because I need the energy to care for our baby... There is minimal time for exercise because I am a full time mom. I was so ecxited, then, to breastfeed because they said it burns calories...unfortunately, my milk ran out in 3 weeks. Not that I'm feeling bad about it. I adore my little one and being there full time to care for her is my life. I just hoped I could be like those lucky moms who lose all the weight immidiately. Well I am not, and even though I am carrying a few extra pounds, I'd like to think that there is just more of me to love. But I am dedicating the first half of the year to lose all the weight, slowly but surely.

I want to go into metamorphosis. To become the person I want to be.

So here is a couple of things to do this 2012:

Go blonde
Find projects
Run
Learn to cook
Be the best mom ever (or second best after my mom)
Be a good daughter
Be the greatest wife
Develop my art skills
Make more photographs
Have my films developed
Lose weight
Be free.

Happy New Year :)

Our Little Angel's First Christmas

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I grew up in a large house with a large family, so we celebrate Christmas big time. Nope, we're not filthy rich with money...we're filthy rich with love. This year, Christmas is very special to me because I got to celebrate it with two great people in my life...my husband and our daughter :) I feel so happy for our baby because she received a lot of cute gifts...mostly dresses! We can't wait to dress her up. I was more excited opening her gifts than opening mine. I am very grateful for everyone who made Bean a part of their Christmas too.

Also, my husband who spoils me gave me another gift...even if I begged him not to give me anything. His gift was very thoughtful...and it makes me feel that he is concernerd with everything that involves me. We go running or jogging most days and he noticed that the pain in my left knee is getting worse...also...my rubbershoes are getting worn out...so he gave me a new pair. It's cute how he got the right size...he kept on fitting my old ones to get the perfect fit. And I love the design, which means he knows me so well.

I gave him a book on photography which I knew he always wanted, though the surprise was spoiled because I wasn't able to hide it well.

We also had our annual family reunion which was fun. Our daughter got to be a part of our performance...wearing a tube and her grass skirt :) Also we won a major prize during the raffle...an oven toaster. But we have a lot of those from our wedding...and I'm glad that my cousin exchanged her stand fan with us...because we need that more. All in all I really had fun this year...and I'll surely treasure this 2011 Christmas.

This is priceless. Taken during the wait for Noche Buena.

She fell asleep on Christmas eve...tired baby :(

My husband's surprise gift for me :) He is very thoughtful.

My makeup look during our annual family reunion every 25th of December. It is peacock-inspired.

New family :)
This year's theme is hawaiian.

Our baby enjoying our Christmas gift :)

My dearest and most-loving husband on Christmas eve :)
Thank you and I love you!

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