Loca over Zara

Girls love bargains.  Quality bargains that is.  If we can stretch our hard-earned moolah to buy that which we need want, the purchase becomes extra special.  I guess that's what makes thrift/bargain shopping such a delightful experience.  In line with that, let me share a recent thrift find which is a great source of pride.. 

Introducing, my first Zara dress..

I don't know how to call the fabric but its definitely cotton. Its somewhat wrinkled and doesn't need to be dry-cleaned.  Perfect for the tropical Philippines.  Its in beige/tan..the pics did not do it justice but I swear the dress is soo pretty.  I am still waiting for the perfect time and occasion where I could showcase it along with that pretty necklace gifted to me by my sister. (I definitely cannot wear  this to work since the neckline is somewhat low *wink*)

There isn't any Zara shop in my city but there are Zara stores in Manila.. They also have a site.  Since I couldn't find this same dress in their collection, I'm showcasing instead a few (that are similar to mine) which are featured from their site.

CHAMBRAY DRESS

2,490.00 PHP (about 50US$)

POLKA-DOT DRESS

4,790.00 PHP (about 111us$)

DRESS WITH WAIST CORD

2,490.00 PHP (about 58us$)

So now you're probly wondering how much I paid for mine?  Oh, a hefty FIFTY PESOS (a little over a dollar)... Hahah!

Now if you happen to see me on this dress, if by any chance, we should meet, and you see me having such a huuuuge smile on my face, please.... don't tell the person next to you how much I paid for my outfit. Let's make that our happy little secret! Teheh!

Feet-ish!

With the car  being out of commission (for a repainting job after that incident), I am on my feet most of the time..  When I was a university professor, I loved being in heels, pointed toes, and yes, even chunky heels or stilettos. I started teaching university students when I was only 20yrs old, and being just a little over 5feet, most of my students towered above me.  So I experimented with high-heeled shoes (never got used to them before I became a teacher) and instantly earned that instant "oomph" in my confidence and height. But alas! Since I carry my mother's genes, I find myself prone also to rheumatism (self-diagnosed).  Those many years I have spent walking tall in high heeled beauties are talking its toll on me..  Now I realized, I cannot compromise comfort over fashion.  I knew I had to switch my preference to flats.

So on here's my feet-ish as of the moment:

Crocband Flat in Yellow: PhP 2350 in Crocstores  (about 55USD)

I love this in bright yellow.  It goes with anything I wear.  And the comfort it gives is amazing.  I can be in these all day and not wince on scrimped toes!

Crocs Malindi in Cotton Candy: PhP1850 (about 43USD)

The first Crocs I owned: I <3 it alot!

These are the first pair of Crocs I owned which eventually became my almost everyday shoes. Who can resist the comfort they bring?  Would have loved to collect them in all colors but then there's really not much point in collecting a lot of 'em since pink and yellow are enough to be paired with just about anything.  My toes aren't exactly too pretty to be shown off otherwise, I would have taken a Florence or a Rio. =(  Anyways, these two will do for the meantime.

For "dressier" days when I'm not allowed to be in rubber shoes or slippers, these are what I sport...

I bought these at the same time because they were on sale.  How much?  Only PhP500 (less than 12USD) each pair.  Not bad.  But these are more like disposable shoes (the gold is already showing signs of wear after using them for a couple of times).  The good thing is since they come in a pouch, I can go to work in heels and change into these flats when I have to run or in between lunch break so my feet can rest.  Yes, they are foldables.  Since I carry a large tote with me all the time, these two perfectly fit in my bag.

I still like being in heels.  I guess, every woman agrees, its something that cannot be dispensed with -- at one point or another, we will always need to stand taller.  But on ordinary days, its certainly okay to be in flats.  Its a most welcome treat for our tired, aching feet. =)

Madiha's Give Away

Here's to hoping I could win my first MAC...or first enormous palette? Madiha's give-away is superb.  She's giving away a MAC lippie, shadow, and paint pot of any color chosen by the winner!  The palette on the otherhand are awesome because whoever wins it also gets to choose the kind: matte or shimmery,etc.  


Check out these exciting stuffs and find out if your heart doesn't pop!

My wishlist includes:

• MAC Viva Glam or Twig Lippie
• Rubenesque, Indianwood Paint Pot
• Satin Taupe/Nylon or Woodwinked Eyeshadow
• and that beautiful 88 color Sedonace neutral matte palette ;-)

I know it wouldn't hurt to try but I sure do hope I'd win. =D

Bobo Lee's Give-Away

And on to my blog-walking spree!  I chanced upon Bobo Lee's site and hurray! She has a give-away!


Her blog offers a lot of DIY ideas.  Eli has a way of making lovely things seem uncomplicated.  I can't wait to try making my own frame. ;-)  Anyways, she's opened a blogstore!  And to welcome the good vibes and share her blessings, she's having her give-away..  Ain't that sweet?  Check out these fabulous items!

Who can resist these?  I definitely can't. =)

Passing Fancy's Give-Away

Passingfancy is a twenty-year old who likes makeup.  I stumbled upon her blog as I was browsing luckyfind's blog. For the record, this is the third time I am joining a give-away since I started blogging and the first time I think I'd win. Lol. Give-aways are fun and a sure way to make one drool.  Afterall, isn't it heartwarming to "meet" total strangers who can be so generous to share whatever they have to others who share the same passion they share?

Check out her contest and feast your eyes upon these goodies:

Hold On Lolo..

Your blood is in veins

 I wish to take away your pains.

Your vigor has softened now

Yet you still exude strength, how?

The past matters not anymore

So long as you embrace me in the future.

Your soul is weary, your heart is scarred

But by God’s grace, I’ll bring you pride.

Hold on Lolo, stay strong I beg

Our lives are meaningless when hope is dead.

Not again..

From afar I saw you, again

Right when I thought I have gotten over the feelings..

Feelings, weren't they just that?

Now why do emotions come flooding back?

Do I have regrets? Or am I relieved?

But regrets for losing what 

when now I'm just beginning to live!

I hate these contradictions, why can't these just cease!

pic borrowed from  this

He was not an Evil Man, he was just an Erring Son

He pulled the trigger in his mother’s tomb

And did that which none of of his sons could have known.

Those grave accusations tormented him much,

He’s had enough! So he breathed his last..

Was any of those true?  None of us knows

Is his death now enough to cure all the flaws?

Can we be happier now that he is gone?

But was he indeed a very corrupt man?

The secrets he kept, he’ll bring to his crypt.

But what stirred me the most was the manner he did it..

He chose to fall right where his parents retired

Believing in his heart perhaps, he’ll find sympathy on their side

To the world what he did might be very terrible,

But to his parents, he was a son who died to free them from dishonor.

In his lifetime he might have stolen from us

But haven’t we all been guilty of sins like that?

When we turn a deaf ear to a needy neighbor

We breed animosity, aren't we killing candor? 

We mislead, we deceive, we engage in hurtful slander

Everytime we warp the truth, our wretchedness only prospers

Unsatisfied, we connive, to promote  indifference to others.

Worst of all are our attempts, to even fool our Great Creator!

No..he was not an evil man

… he was just an erring son.

I believe when it’s our turn

To face our Maker

We’ll be measured not by our fame or power,

But by those little acts, all the virtues we put together.

I pray indeed he rests in peace..

And be an example...

He left behind so much to learn,

So much to change, so much to yearn

We can forgive and live anew

Heal ourselves and do what's just for me and you.

For it is not in ridding him that we’re freed

Even if he were a lump in our throats indeed.

Lets judge him not solely by his deeds,

For in castigating an erring human, who succeeds?

I Want Happy Endings

I grew up to fairy tales

My mom loved to tell

But now I came to find out

Fairy tales ain't no real.

I met my Princes..

(Oh, there's three of them!)

None of them fought my fears

All of them brought me pain.

But sometime ago in my unhappy past

I have met two beautiful friends

Treading down the lover's path..

She was his first, he was her last

A damsel in distress,

A knight in an armor he was.


They were rather young when Cupid struck them
But one by one they conquered 
their life's problems.

But the journey they are taking

Is now breaking, are they parting?

Oh, can someone please make them stop?

I cannot bear to see them give each other up..

If love is true and pure and strong,

Theirs can conquer any gloom!

But how do I help them hold-on?

And drown all those heartbreaking songs?

I still want those happy endings!

(Even if I'm not in them.)

*Image Courtesy of scrapetv.com

Groping for Words

I always believed writing is a medium by which we can immortalize ourselves.  Our written words can often outlive us -- and we can never underestimate the breadth and scope of people who can come across what we've written.  It's an awesome but nevertheless exciting thought!  I wonder who can get to read what I wrote today.. I just hope what I write becomes worth reading.

Happy Birthday Baby Sister!

I can stil recall that February morn

When her first cry filled our home.

As our youngest sister, 

She changed our lives forever!

All five of us became her heroes,

Her conspirators, teachers, cheerleaders and even foes.

But then at the bleakest point in our lives,

Twas by holding on together that we survived.

Now all grown up, strong and wise

I hope she continues to seek our advice

We love her so, that's oh so true---

Sis we will always be here for you!

Happy birthday, God bless you!