The Most Important Woman In Our Lives

My friend Marla made me listen to this song about four years ago when my mom passed away. Whenever I hear it, I think of my mom. That maybe she really did have to get away from here.

I always wonder what it would be like if she were still alive. Would we still be living in our old house? Would we still spend every Sunday afternoon watching gossip shows? Would she still get mad at us for always being in front of the computer? Sometimes I still get mad that I don't get to have my mom anymore. But then, I guess I'm reminded that there's always someone looking out for me, someone taking care of me. In the form of my dad, my brothers, my friends, and even my friend's moms—people who aren't even related to me! Thank you to all those who've become a mother, one way or another, to me. I appreciate the love and will be forever grateful.

Maybe you had to get out of here.
Maybe you lost your way down here.
Maybe you've found a shinier star.
A shinier star.
Leaving your heart beating in fragile hands.
And nobody understands.
Maybe you're gone.
Maybe you are finally coming home.

Nailing It: Ombre Stain

When I saw this tutorial on The Beauty Department, I knew I had to try it. Someone commented that it looked like I dipped my fingers in blood, haha! But in reality, they kind of reminded me of rose petals.

I'll try mixing up colors next time for a dip-dye effect.

Songs I Like: "I'm Coming Over" by Jason Mraz

Absolutely loving Jason Mraz's new album, Love is a Four Letter Word. (: This was a pleasant surprise at the end of the record. ♥

Let's Get Crafty

Whenever I go shopping, I have this habit of saying, "Kaya natin gawin yan" when I see an item that looks nice, but is ridiculously overpriced. For example, I'm not going to spend a thousand hard-earned pesos on a bracelet that I can make from the handles of an old paper bag. My friends already tease me with #shitdiygirlssay whenever I say these things.

But after today, I bow down to the REAL crafters! I'm really just a fan of DIY and I'm happy I got to meet such creative people. I have no words so I'll let all the photos do the talking. We were 16 in all, meaning we got to take home 15 fantastic crafty things. Thanks, Alessa for organizing the craft soiree! Congratulations!

Craft overload? Nakakalula, diba? It was like Craft Christmas with our goodie bag overflowing with talent! NUKS. I'm also so glad to have hung out with friends at Pipino—the only place where I actually eat my veggies! I have a new favorite: veggie tempura. My goodness! Ang sarap!

 You probably guessed what my craft was for the day. Macy's Fields reprezent with Kaichypoo!

Me looking like nag-pa-picture sa artista with the super blooming Em!

Ale took my, Koko, and Mikko's mug shots with her Polaroid. I like the stains on the photo—may character! Hahaha!

Thanks for the ride and this cool photo, Koko! (:

Was too tired to stay for the bracelet making, but I'm sure there will be many more crafternoons to come.

All You Got To Do Is Know How To Love Her

Music Monday

Tasty Tuesday

A plate of Chicken Chimichangas from Mañana

Wishful Wednesday
Can we install air conditioning for the entire country? This summer heat is insane. One shower a day is never enough!

Thoughtful Thursday

{ via Quote Diary }

Fashion Friday
Stuff I snagged at the opening of Forever 21 The Block

Hometown

Headed to the town where my mom grew up last Thursday night. Her sister's husband passed away suddenly last Sunday. It was very sad news to start the week with.

This was also my first week working on our website all by myself so I was quite stressed this week. I don't like leaving unfinished work so I was very disappointed when I missed one check on my to-do list. But I promised myself, next week will be better.

Driving to San Jose, Camarines Sur was quite the adventure. My brothers and I decided to leave at 9pm to make it to the funeral the next morning.

The last time I was in Bicol was years ago. So I suppose it was also nice—despite the circumstances—to come back.

We said good bye to Uncle July; we made it just in time as they transferred him from their house to the Church across. We walked from the Church to the cemetery under the heat of the summer sun. White balloons were released as my aunt, my mom's sister, walked out of the cemetery in a black veil. There were a lot of superstitions I observed but didn't understand. Tears aren't supposed to fall onto the coffin, the widow cannot be spoken to as she walks away from the cemetery, you should wash your hands before entering the house, the widow should bathe after the burial, and the entire family should only eat from the plate that was offered. Now I know where my mom gets all her pamahiin from.

We were back in Manila twenty-five hours after we left. It was very tiring but I'm glad we went. Hopefully the next time we go, it'll be for a longer time and for a happier time with the family.

Every Day Is A Holiday

Music Monday

"Every Day Is A Holiday" by Esthero

Tasty Tuesday

My favorite Chicken Chimichangas from Mañana.

Wishful Wednesday

{ via Old Navy }

Swimsuits you can mix and match. Less than P500 a piece online because of the Easter sale—and they now ship to the Philippines apparently!

Thoughtful Thursday

From a trip 2 years ago. Excited to head back to the island with my college best buds this week!

Fashion Friday

{via Roxy }

Match your pedi to your footwear. Can't wait to dig my toes into the sand this weekend! ♥