Monday, March 31, 2014

March Sketches

0
I just thought of putting some of my sketches online too. :) 
These are some of the sketches for Miss Merie's 2014 summer collection. It's a tad late actually, they're still in production but I am hopeful that they'll all be available for selling really soon. :)
Still part of a collection
Tried watercoloring on free hand sketch
Learning more of watercoloring
Design for a client.
Didn't bring my drawing weapons with me so made use of a pen and a Corona notebook to sketch while waiting for the boyfie
Light and Dark. Clean and sorta messy. Happy and gloomy. Part of the sketches we did at school.
Read More »

Happy Four Years Estimates Manila

0
My motto in blogging or documenting anything is "better late than never". You'll probably read it countless of times here just like now! Haha! 

I've mentioned in some blog post/s some time ago of how I was part of a pioneer team in Factset Philippines, the company we've all become somehow attached with. Let me do some reminiscing and reunion, of the four years of the relationship we have with each other, with our boss, and with the team we pioneered.
This was us four years ago. It was in March 1, 2010 when we met each other for the first time. And yes up until now, even though we went in our own separate ways, we still try to remain in contact with each other. As you can see, the photos above are proofs of why I was known of my full bangs. I was in a full bangs phase ya know and I kind of miss it. Haha! We were nine who pioneered the Estimates Manila team. And I must say, with a brag, that Z had really came up with the best possible team combo -- that's us nine. Hahaha! 
This is what Luke and I call, the McKinely park. A lot of things happened here. March 6 of this year, I tried to gather us nine as Z who flew from Paris was in town. Unsuccessful, but at least we were seven present in our mini reunion. From those who already left the above mentioned company, I was the first to arrived and I headed to this park. I tell you, kulang na lang ng magandang camera and background music, I can already be part of a music video which I imagine being shot in this park. Hahaha! Complete with teary eyes haha. I recalled almost everything!! I remember those days when we buy something from 7-11 and/or Pan de Manila and sit in this very park savoring our break time. This is also a favorite spot for me and Luke to talk about things and I still remember those days that no one still knows that the both of us are already in a relationship. Naging laman kami ng mga haka-haka at tsismis. Artista si Luke e hahaha! And yes this park still holds our secret conversations. Even with the batches after us, I know that they frequent this park to spend their break time, too. Also, when I feel like emo-ish I go to this park alone and just breathe air. I'm not sure how much memories this park holds for each member of the Estimates team, but for mine alone, it already holds a lot.
Our mini celebration is complete with a greeting cake!! It's no longer a surprise to Z but I know he's happy seeing the majority of us! :) The reunion feeling of finally seeing each other! I haven't seen Ping, Jason and Ja for more than a year!! I recall how each one of us is a representative of one personality type in Enneagram -- that's how varied our personalities are and yet we somehow clicked with each other. 
After some mini catching up with each other, we decided to have dinner at SF Bistro in Tuscany. The gap between the present and the last time we saw each other was filled with kwentos, pang-aasar, tsismisan and eating in between. So much happened, so many new faces, new batches, new love teams -- dating from the days we began. Estimates have grown to be bigger in terms of headcount but also in terms of memories and bond and relationship. Ang dami nang pangyayari.
We all look happy right??Cheer lives up to her name. Hahaha! Also, very belated happy birthday Dax!!! Haha! Personally, I'm glad to have seen these people again. I'm glad that we've all become better persons by the mere way we cope up and talk about the past. Our paths have crossed at one point, may still be close with each others' at this point, some have trailed farther, but I believe there is still this bond that we share. Kahit walang habas kami kung tumawa at mang-asar lang na magkakasama, alam ko na meron kaming natutunan sa bawat isa. Each one contributed to who we are now. For that each one is special. Maybe that's why we are puzzle pieces perfectly fit for a pioneer team. We are also proud of what the team have become.
Someday, I hope to reunite us nine complete. I hope that when that time comes, we have happier stories to share; that we may be able to inspire each other, to relate to each other; to give pieces of advice to each other; or maybe we'll cross paths on the same company someday. I miss the so-so and relaxed days with them. I miss how childish we can be with each other. I miss how bullying is acceptable among us. Actually, I somehow miss those everyday we were together when we were just starting the team.
We also visited the lobby of the FPI in PCCI Bldg. We also recalled how when we were starting with just one floor, a tiny pantry but now, the company has grown operating in two buildings with a total of five floors and three pantries plus coffee nooks. Hahaha! And the free drinks! Si Kuya Guard o photobomber. Oh that's Cheer and Jason, just one of Cheer's love teams when she was still with Factset hahaha! 
And then after their shifts and Z's meetings, together with Mama Mia and the TL's, had a couple of drinks and more catching up. It was rather a short time with them but it was so good to be back and be reunited.  Maybe there should be a GRAND REUNION of all the batches and each one who became Estimates that would be so muuuuch fun! 

We all know why I'm thankful of this team, first it paved way for me and Luke :D Then it made me appreciate more the course I graduated in. Through this team I was able to meet people who have become my strong motivators. I have gained a lot of friends, too. We may be resigned from this department, but we will forever be a proud FS Estimates member. 
Read More »

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Shorter Lighter

0
'Cos it's summer and I finally had the courage to cut it shorter and color it lighter. Thanks to Sonny of Angelo Falconi salon for always taking good care of my hair  :) Got good compliments and a lot liked my short hair better than the long one. After six years, I'm back to short hair :) I have also long wanted to try ash brown and I like it :D

Read More »

Friday, March 28, 2014

Fashion Friday Stylspirations

0
Bumped into these celebrities' stylish outfits.

Kate Beckinsale
Olivia Palermo
Reese Witherspoon

Selena Gomez


Cr: WhoWhatWear.com
Read More »

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Lurie LoveByte Notes

0

'Cos I'm sentimental I'm showing this off for the world to see haha! Played stage gf and supported Luke on his basketball game. They won! And what he noted above is not true. I actually kept on clapping and caused the team to win hahaha! I still get surprised when he updates this cheesy app. And this note is just so sweet. I'll always be his no.1 fan.
Read More »

Thankful Thursday: 032114-032614

0
Zzzzz it's been a week of sleepless nights and sleepy days. Despite these, I am slowly accomplishing the things that should be done. Hopefully, by the end of next week, a lot of weight will be taken off my shoulder. 

The past week brought new opportunities. I am still surprised for these blessings. I pray, though, that I may have the wisdom needed for the crucial coming weeks. May the Spirit guide me in every decision I will make. And as I approach a venture I have decided on, may God touch the hearts of everyone involved and that we may all accomplish our tasks. I pray and claim for success!

See below for this week's daily grateful journal from http://gratefulmerie.tumblr.com

032114
Lunch treat. Potential client. Sensible talks with new workmate. Quality and fun time with Luke. Blessed Friday.

Read More »

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Book Comment: Gone Girl (by Gillian Flynn)

0
Title: Gone Girl
Authoar: Gillian Flynn
No. of pages: 395
Published: 24th May 2012
Read: February 22, 2014

I have blogged about our recent book club session on this book, which we all agreed to be the first book we would read as members of the club. Each one of us have expressed fondness of this book in each of our own standards. We all agreed that this book can be among the psycho classification. Hahaha! I've read the book in three days; two factors: 1) I am pressured by the book club as we are about to discuss it 2) Upon approaching around 40% of the book, it became a page-turner.

I would classify this as a dark book filled with self-absorbed thoughts and selfish motives. Reading it in the first person, with two characters having the same crazy trail of thoughts, almost made me a psychopath as well hahaha! It is not something for light-reading. It is heavy with a plot that is shady and twisted. It’s a mystery thriller that made my fingers leaf through the pages fast. It’s the kind of novel that made me engaged with the different characters – I had love-hate relationships with them. I still recommend it. I give it a rating of OWN A COPY OF THE BOOK. It's still worth a copy.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
I vow to write away a  review immediately after reading a book as I have problems recalling it, given the fact that I've read countless articles and few books already. But I remember the thrilling and annoying feeling while devouring it. This book if reviewed is an instant give-away spoiler, so I'll let future readers read it and enjoy. Anyway, allow me to leave some quotables in here. 
“Men always say that as the defining compliment, don’t they? She’s a cool girl. Being the Cool Girl means I am a hot, brilliant, funny woman who adores football, poker, dirty jokes, and burping, who plays video games, drinks cheap beer, loves threesomes and anal sex, and jams hot dogs and hamburgers into her mouth like she’s hosting the world’s biggest culinary gang bang while somehow maintaining a size 2, because Cool Girls are above all hot. Hot and understanding. Cool Girls never get angry; they only smile in a chagrined, loving manner and let their men do whatever they want. Go ahead, shit on me, I don’t mind, I’m the Cool Girl.

Men actually think this girl exists. Maybe they’re fooled because so many women are willing to pretend to be this girl. For a long time Cool Girl offended me. I used to see men – friends, coworkers, strangers – giddy over these awful pretender women, and I’d want to sit these men down and calmly say: You are not dating a woman, you are dating a woman who has watched too many movies written by socially awkward men who’d like to believe that this kind of woman exists and might kiss them. I’d want to grab the poor guy by his lapels or messenger bag and say: The bitch doesn’t really love chili dogs that much – no one loves chili dogs that much! And the Cool Girls are even more pathetic: They’re not even pretending to be the woman they want to be, they’re pretending to be the woman a man wants them to be. Oh, and if you’re not a Cool Girl, I beg you not to believe that your man doesn’t want the Cool Girl. It may be a slightly different version – maybe he’s a vegetarian, so Cool Girl loves seitan and is great with dogs; or maybe he’s a hipster artist, so Cool Girl is a tattooed, bespectacled nerd who loves comics. There are variations to the window dressing, but believe me, he wants Cool Girl, who is basically the girl who likes every fucking thing he likes and doesn’t ever complain. (How do you know you’re not Cool Girl? Because he says things like: “I like strong women.” If he says that to you, he will at some point fuck someone else. Because “I like strong women” is code for “I hate strong women.”)”

“There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold”

“Love makes you want to be a better man. But maybe love, real love, also gives you permission to just be the man you are.”

“There's a difference between really loving someone and loving the idea of her.”

"People love talking, and I have never been a huge talker. I carry on an inner monologue, but the words often don't reach my lips.”

“Because isn’t that the point of every relationship: to be known by someone else, to be understood? He gets me. She gets me. Isn’t that the simple magic phrase?”

“I was told love should be unconditional. That's the rule, everyone says so. But if love has no boundaries, no limits, no conditions, why should anyone try to do the right thing ever? If I know I am loved no matter what, where is the challenge? I am supposed to love Nick despite all his shortcomings. And Nick is supposed to love me despite my quirks. But clearly, neither of us does. It makes me think that everyone is very wrong, that love should have many conditions. Love should require both partners to be their very best at all times."
Read More »

Monday, March 24, 2014

Gooogle Facts: 8 Things You Should Not Do Every Day

0
Read this a year ago and saw it in my drafts so posting it away in here.

Gooogle Facts: 8 Things You Should Not Do Every Day: It's for your own good. Cut these things out of your day and you'll see gains in productivity--not to mention happiness.If you get decent value from making to-do lists, you'll get huge returns--in productivity, in improved relationships, and in your personal well-being--from adding these items to your not to-do list: Every day, make the commitment not to:

1. Check my phone while I'm talking to someone.You've done it. You've played the, "Is that your phone? Oh, it must be mine," game. You've tried the you-think-sly-but-actually-really-obvious downwards glance. You've done the, "Wait, let me answer this text..." thing. Maybe you didn't even say, "Wait." You just stopped talking, stopped paying attention, and did it. Want to stand out? Want to be that person everyone loves because they make you feel, when they're talking to you, like you're the most important person in the world? Stop checking your phone. It doesn't notice when you aren't paying attention. Other people? They notice. And they care.

2. Multitask during a meeting.
The easiest way to be the smartest person in the room is to be the person who pays the most attention to the room. You'll be amazed by what you can learn, both about the topic of the meeting and about the people in the meeting if you stop multitasking and start paying close attention. You'll flush out and understand hidden agendas, you'll spot opportunities to build bridges, and you'll find ways to make yourself indispensable to the people who matter. It's easy, because you'll be the only one trying. And you'll be the only one succeeding on multiple levels.

3. Think about people who don't make any difference in my life.Trust me: The inhabitants of planet Kardashian are okay without you. But your family, your friends, your employees--all the people that really matter to you--are not. Give them your time and attention. They're the ones who deserve it.

4. Use multiple notifications.You don't need to know the instant you get an email. Or a text. Or a tweet. Or anything else that pops up on your phone or computer. If something is important enough for you to do, it's important enough for you to do without interruptions. Focus totally on what you're doing. Then, on a schedule you set--instead of a schedule you let everyone else set--play prairie dog and pop your head up to see what's happening. And then get right back to work. Focusing on what you are doing is a lot more important than focusing on other people might be doing. They can wait. You, and what is truly important to you, cannot.

5. Let the past dictate the future.Mistakes are valuable. Learn from them. Then let them go. Easier said than done? It all depends on your perspective. When something goes wrong, turn it into an opportunity to learn something you didn't know--especially about yourself. When something goes wrong for someone else, turn it into an opportunity to be gracious, forgiving, and understanding. The past is just training. The past should definitely inform but in no way define you--unless you let it.

6. Wait until I'm sure I will succeed.You can never feel sure you will succeed at something new, but you can always feel sure you are committed to giving something your best. And you can always feel sure you will try again if you fail. Stop waiting. You have a lot less to lose than you think, and everything to gain.

7. Talk behind someone's back.If only because being the focus of gossip sucks. (And so do the people who gossip.) If you've talked to more than one person about something Joe is doing, wouldn't everyone be better off if you stepped up and actually talked to Joe about it? And if it's "not your place" to talk to Joe, it's probably not your place to talk about Joe. Spend your time on productive conversations. You'll get a lot more done--and you'll gain a lot more respect.

8. Say "yes" when I really mean "no."Refusing a request from colleagues, customers, or even friends is really hard. But rarely does saying no go as badly as you expect. Most people will understand, and if they don't, should you care too much about what they think? When you say no, at least you'll only feel bad for a few moments. When you say yes to something you really don't want to do you might feel bad for a long time--or at least as long as it takes you to do what you didn't want to do in the first place.
Read More »

Musings Inside a Coffeeshop

0
Back in college, I have an imagination of seeing myself working in a studio or in coffee shops, doing creative stuff, designing, reading, writing... I imagine myself being paid for what I love doing. I imagine my hours on my hands and not restricted by the time-in-and-out. On rare occasions I find myself inside a coffee shop doing the things I love doing, but the usual 8-hrs of weekdays are spent in front of two monitors, a keyboard, a mouse, a telephone – inside a usual office – the usual corporate slave. Up to this day I still imagine myself to be doing these things I call creative spilling. I sometimes dislike the moments wherein I’m stuck at my workstation, needing to perform deliverables, while some creative juice in me are ready to be leaked out. It’s almost torture. Up to this day I raise these dreams to the Author praying that someday soon or someday far, I’d be in the very place where I want to be.
Read More »

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Merie Designs: Emerald

0
It’s my first design project for this year – a prom gown for my friend’s sister’s prom. I was so excited for this mainly because I want to veer out the usual satin, shantung, organsa notion of prom gown I got used to when I was the one attending the prom. Added to this is the fact that Angel entrusted me this task. I was hands-on on this and made frequent contacts to the client. I made sure that I’m not disregarding the client’s requests despite that I already have an idea what would look good on her.

It all started with a sketch and after sending her some design sketches she chose this long-sleeved semi-A-line gown. It clicked with what I wanted her to choose.

Color is emerald green, as it always has its elegant feel. I chose the fabric hull dull for the skirt body and bodice lining. Bodice is topped off with lace. I also decided to make the chiffon layer detachable to give the client the option to remove it if she would not like it on at some point. I didn't place much embellishments except on the waist band part.

I am happy with the outcome and I am super glad that Angel really liked it. I wanted it to remain simple and elegant in Emerald. :)

The freehand sketch that I'm glad Nanay, the dressmaker, understood perfectly :)

The raw gown -- still free of embellishments and without the detachable chiffon layer waiting to be fitted.
The mannequin's quite wider than Angel hence detachable layer can't be fastened. This shows the little embellishments I did on this gown.
The finish product with the chiffon layer on.
This is Angel sexy wearing a Miss Merie gown. :)
Cr: Angel for her photos wearing the Emerald gown

You may contact me if you have design requests by visiting http://facebook.com/MissMerieOnline or dropping an email at merie.clarete@gmail.com.

Read More »

Friday, March 21, 2014

Fashion Friday: Minty Floral

1

Other parts of the world just entered the spring season,; Philippines is already experiencing summer the reason why I thought of posting my ideal #ootd. I'm currently into floral -- I guess it's pretty obvious with my past Fashion Friday posts. Mint green always gives a cooling effect, perfect for a hot weather. I've been a gold-lover hence the accents. I would totally wear this!!
Read More »

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Thankful Thursday: 031314-032014

0
Thank You thank You thank You Lord! How I wish I could express myself enough to show my grateful heart. The past week has been great. I feel more blessed each passing day and blessings are rushing in, in all sorts. My heart is overflowing with joy!

I am so thankful how my family and relatives, most especially my Tito, have been showing support in my fashion endeavour. I am granted with a support system and it’s so good that it’s coming from the family-and-relatives circle. Even with mere words coming from them make my heart skip of happiness and giddiness. It makes me more excited for the coming months to come to pour my heart out in this.

Fashion school – I am learning so much that it’s altogether pressure, the good kind of pressure, and fun. But I mostly enjoy it. Each time I try to apply what I just learned, I realize the vastness of the pool of learning, or maybe already a sea of learning. At this point, though I’m still on the side that I’m already contented with just a basic foundation of Fashion Design, but still praying of where God will lead me after this. For now, I remain happy with where I am currently in the fashion world – I might just have closed the entrance door behind me but I don’t think I’m turning back.

At work, though I’m about to leave the current company, I’m still given a chance to prove myself, to bond with people, for people to really know me, to express myself. I’m glad that they are appreciating me. It took a while, and it’s sad that that it’s only now that I’m leaving that these are all happening. The usual “sayang” but ‘tis all part of life.

Strength – working an 8-hr office job, business, and school – it’s actually tiring but fulfilling. I feel thankful that my body can still cope up but I don’t want to reach the point that I have to abuse it.

I’ve been happier last year as a whole, and as the first quarter of this year is about to end, I am pleased and gratified to say that I’m happier, more joyful. All these I am lifting up to Him who caused all these things to happen. I am claiming more of His blessing by His mercy and loving grace!

Here's this week's compilation from http://gratefulmerie.tumblr.com

031314
Today’s nicely composed of a catching up lunch date, some me-time and a fun dinner. I’m blessed with nice people and for this I am grateful.
Read More »

Monday, March 17, 2014

Merie Eats: Nanbantei of Tokyo for our 38th

0
Nanbantei of Tokyo
March 5, 2014
Luke and I celebrated our 38th month together in this restaurant called Nanbantei of Tokyo. I first heard this from my officemates who frequent this place. We had an early dinner, too early that it's actually closed yet when we decided to eat here. They have a window opening hours. For evening dining, they open at 5:30 PM. 
On a side note, I understand people who already get annoyed when people take too much photos of the food they eat. I am the latter haha! In defense, yes I am overly sentimental and I capture almost everything daily including the food I eat, for my sentimentality/blogging sake. Luke, on the other hand is NOT into documenting everything. In short, he's not really fond of seeing me do these things I keep doing haha! But he's not really preventing me to do such but I, of course want to compromise my liking for his not-liking at times. This night is among them haha! Hence, no individual photos of the dishes we ordered. Sayang feeling ko masusulit ko yung ibabayad namin if I can freeze all these in photos. Hahaha hashtag #proudlykuripot.

Anyway I'm still listing down what we ordered from upper left to right: California Maki (Php190), Yakiniku (Php180), Tori Karaage (Php200) and Ebi Kushi Yaki (Php260). It was a so-so dinner but we found it pricey mainly because we didn't really enjoy the taste of the food. But again as I always mention, I'm really not a fan of Japanese food however I'm open to trying dishes and restaurants. I did enjoy the Tori Karaage and it's my most liked order for that night. The service was great by the way and the place is not bad at all. 
Let me just put this in here too, this is already the 38th monthsary card I gave him and I am hopeful that card companies would not shutdown anytime soon; because I know I have many more months to give him a card. :) 
Read More »

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Relying on God

0
I've had bad times and moments because of my frustrations. But I've learned to trust God and lift them all up to Him. I've learned to always ask for His guidance and believe in His purpose in me. One day I was too frustrated that I already cried to myself. Then I have very timely encountered this devotional and it greatly helped. I found myself crying to Him. Since then, I relied more on the Author of my story. Life became more bearable. He worked on and through my frustrations.
Relying on God 

I believe every time we feel frustration, it means we've really stopped relying on God. That might sound like a bold statement to you, but think about it: God's given you and me His Holy Spirit and His grace to help us walk through anything that comes our way. Frustration hits when we stop depending on Him and try to make something happen our own way.
Understanding this really helped me. Every time I became frustrated, I reminded myself that what I was really doing was trying to take the place of the Holy Spirit. I was trying to be Holy Spirit Junior! 

Do you struggle with an independent spirit? When you refuse to depend on God, in essence, you're saying, "Okay, God, I appreciate that You're around, but watch me do this." Depending on God for everything may be difficult, but it's the key to the victory we need every single day of our lives. 

When God saved us, He didn't help us and then say, "Ok, that's it. You're on your own now!" He's eternally saved us, which means if we depend on Him, He will guide us and help us. 

Galations 5:16 urges us to "walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit...then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh".... Notice that it doesn't say "conquer the flesh independently...then you will certainly not gratify the desires of the flesh." No, it says to live in the Holy Spirit. 

Choose to stop living independently, and rely on the Holy Spirit. I promise you won't regret it! (Joyce Meyer)

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 
-Galatians 5:16
Read More »

Friday, March 14, 2014

Fashion School Journey: First Day High

2
As I mentioned before I am writing a First Day High post! Yay!! The night before my first day as a Fashion Design student I was both excited and nervous. Come Saturday, March 8, Luke even accompanied me to FIP Makati (Fashion Institute of the Philippines) and I was all like "Halaaaaa eto naaaa!" Hahaha! We were only three in class that day which I think is a good thing. All through out the class I was in awe of how interested I am in everything our instructor is teaching us, it's all "oooooh's and aaaah's". I was absolutely loving it and already felt the worth of enrolling in fashion design! You know the feeling when you get bored in class because you're not interested in what the teacher/professor is teaching? I felt completely otherwise and I was already feeling excited for the next class. Ang saya! 

For the first day, we were introduced to the cycle of the fashion world, and nothing is as easy as buying a cheap top. I thought I knew enough of the fashion world but I was mistaken. It's far more complicated than most people think and it made my appreciation to fashion designers and creative directors taken into a deeper level. 
We were also asked to draw our first 51 sketches of the basics. It was tiring but a very interactive learning experience. "So yun pala tawag dun" moments all the while the instructor was teaching about the kinds of collars, necklines, variations, etc. Imagine all these just on the first day. How can I not look forward for the coming Saturdays??
Happy feeling!! On the first day of class, I can already say that I have no regrets enrolling. My long term dream is finally commencing. I have deep expectations on this course and on myself. I can't wait for the coming lessons, for more sketches, for a whole new level of studying, and learning what I've long wanted to learn. 
Maybe Micah, Mica and I (Merie three M's enrolled in a Fashion school, cool huh haha!) should have taken a photo of the three of us but anyway, during our lunch break we headed to Mom & Tina's to satisfy our tummy's lunch needs. Are you surprised that I ordered for myself a Carbonara?? Well I am surprised! Of course I kid.

Come evening we again met each other, now together with Mica's boyfriend and Luke, and had dinner at Nihonbashi Tei somewhere along Pasay Road. We have no photos, sayang!! And I wasn't able to take pictures of our yummy orders. Head on to Mica's blog post on our yummy Nihonbashi Tei dinner. We were all satisfied with what we ate.

I was fulfilled of how this day turned out. Thank You Lord for slowly allowing me to fulfill my dreams. :)

Read More »

Inspiration: Ashley Woodson Bailey

0
I was four years old when I discovered flowers. It was honeysuckle vine growing wildly up a neighbor’s fence and it smelled like candy. The most delicious and sweet candy I had ever come across, and I wanted to eat it.  From there I started to notice all the beautiful flowers that grew in my native land of South Coastal Texas. Everywhere I turned I was surrounded by lantana, bougainvillea and oleander and I loved all of it.  The colors.  The overgrown lushness of the terrain was intoxicating.  It wasn’t until many years later that I realized I wanted flowers to be apart of my everyday life.  My years as a floral designer, mother and wife have led me to where I stand today with a deep-rooted desire to create something lasting.  A way to preserve a memory or a thought or a movement with forever flowers. (Source: AshleyWoodsonBailey.com)
Stumbling upon her site is such a beautiful discovery. I think only a few people do NOT appreciate flowers or anything flower-y/floral. No wonder it's one of the top choices to give to someone who needs a picker-upper. But Woodson has indeed a different way of preserving the beauty of such a wonderful creation, even separating it into light and dark relaying different feels, or maybe ako lang because I'm such an emo kid haha! At the back of my mind I just want to put all of the flowers she captured into a fabric and turn it into an emo-ish floral collection haha! Anyway enjoy the photos below grabbed from her site.





Read More »

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Thankful Thursday: 030614-031214

4
It makes me wonder how many people in the world are maintaining a grateful journal in any form. I’m kind of proud of myself for keeping up and still with photos! Haha nakssss. It’s actually a good exercise because at the end of the day or at the beginning of the next day, I recall the good things or moments and different kind of stuff worthy of a thank you. It’s true, there was never a day when there is nothing to be thankful about.

God has been showering me with a lot of blessings early on this year! Amazing God! I feel grateful for being a channel of blessings in all forms and even inspiring others, too. When people say “nakaka-inspire ka” it just touches my heart! Ako? Nakakainspire parang “weeehh moment” lang e. Thankful!! Also, since I started my mini venture in selling and designing clothes, I got a lot of moral support, encouraging words, nice compliments which make my heart so full!

Our God is indeed the fulfiller of dreams. My long term dream of studying Fashion Design has finally came to reality and I just started my classes last Saturday. This also paves way to my dream of finally becoming a Fashion Designer. Let me also add that I feel thankful for allowing me to meet Micah and Mica who are making my schooling more bearable, fun and interesting. It’s always good to meet new friends most especially if you share the same interests.

I also declare this year as a year of emotional healing. I feel thankful that time mended my broken relationships, and it’s easier to just “forget” the bad things other people did to you. You just know that you’re starting to feel better and free if the cloud of judgment on certain people (which is actually affecting your judgment on other people too) is beginning to clear out. I thank the Lord God for guiding me into a better position I am in now.

It's amazing how my life is turning out to be and I give credit to the One who authors it. I love You Lord and thank You very much.

Below’s the past week’s compilation of daily postings at http://gratefulmerie.tumblr.com:
 
030614
I am so blessed to pioneer a whole new team, a whole new department with the brightest people combination it could possibly have. Maybe a brag but we are so proud of what we established. Got to visit the former company with most of my batchmates and we feel so glad to be reunited also with the former Parisian boss who’s down here for a visit. It’s so nostalgic and sentimental and fun. Thankful for our bond as well despite now that we’re in different companies already.
Read More »

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

WIW: Sunday Alone

2

This is what I wore one Sunday when I spent most of the day by myself – went to church and sourced some fabric. It was the first Sunday of March, the month that signals that summer is just around the corner. And what to wear with a weather that’s already starting to heat up – comfy flowy clothes. This top is a favourite; wore it countless times. It definitely has the summer vibe in it; people usually tell me how ‘catchy’ this top is. The skirt in my favourite color is from The Berries. It’s perfect for summer as it has a breezy and comfy feel. Complete with bubuyog sunnies kasi summer nga though I took pictures inside our house hahaha! My pair of shoes by the way is from Celebracion by Suelas. Okayyy so this is now my nth attempt to post an outfit entry in my blog. It’s for my ka-aliwan purposes okay so bear with it. =))


Read More »

Monday, March 10, 2014

Book Club Session: Gone Girl Discussion

0
Fez, Serendra
March 1, 2014
What a productive night for the members of our book club! Ayyyy still no name though hahaha! It's our first book discussion session. Sy suggested the novel Gone Girl back on our first meeting last January and after a little more than a month, we met again to share our thoughts and feelings toward it.
Apart from reading books and merely discussing them, we also agreed that whenever we meet, we should choose a place that will remind us of the book we read. Or not necessarily a place, we could get creative as maybe eating a similar interesting dish that was mentioned and was a significant factor in the book, or we could experience a simple moment or an adventure that the characters of the book have experienced as well. Anything goes actually as long as it's related to the book. This is what makes me more excited for each book.

For our first book, we decided to just experience a place. We can't experience the psycho scenes or even the investigation, killing scenes hahaha! Hence, we tried to find a place similar to 'The Bar' in the book and we ended up in Fez in Serendra. It's not really a bar tho but at least we were seated near the bar of the restaurant. Not bad not bad. I like the place for its ceiling and the varied lamps lighting the place. The place has a warm vibe which greatly aided us in taking us back to those moments we were caught up with Gone Girl.
Of course we needed to eat and these are what we ordered. Not much food compared to the tons of talk we had. I guess we were engrossed with this session that the discussion made us full. Haha!
We have unanimous thoughts on this book -- greatly detailed and well-written. We liked the plot and the setting and though some of us already guessed "what happened" (I can't simply spill it here it would ruin the book for frist-time readers), the twist got us still. We all liked how psycho yet really smart and brilliant Amy was, hence how psycho-bitch the author was as well hahaha; and how stupid Nick was; and our feelings toward the different characters! Just like Amy, we got somehow obsessed with the details while we were talking about the book. I'll be posting a book comment on Gone Girl and maybe inject in it more of the discussion we had. Hopefully I could find time to refresh my mind and write about it soon. 

This book is also in the process of being a movie. Yes, of course, we also talked about it and how we find the cast appropriate for the roles.Kinda excited to watch it!
After the book session, we ended up talking about a LOT OF THINGS (as usual even before we formed this book club). Other books, TV series, movies, etc. And yes, we are going to climb a mountain!!! Hooray for this book club! Haha! I had fun that night because apart from the usual loko-lokohan lang and trip-trip non-sense blabbing, we actually made sense! Hahaha! For a night I felt like I was/we were talking profoundly nakssss! I didn't really expect myself to be involved in a book club but hey it's not that bad! 
Cheers to more book club sessions; to more eating; to more moments, experiences and adventures. Let's keep this going. 


P.s. Parang ang lame ng post na to maybe my mind's brain cells taking care of the cohesive writing aren't functioning normal. Kulang na kulang na kasi sa tulog... Anyway I'll just reread this again some other time.
Read More »