there she is

12.01.18 | The most wonderful time of the year

“Pretty is fine, ... but to be beautiful is to have a purpose.” 

Just picked up this random book in the bookstore because it got my attention (It’s pink, hey!) Little did I know it’s more than that. It has a reminder for me -- and to all women being caught up in society’s definition of beauty-- of how broad being beautiful is. 

Then, I just realized how beautiful I am and the things that surrounds me. 

Sometimes, we just really need to be reminded of things like this. This made my day.

11.25.18 | Sunday

Currently reading: Small Move, Big Change by Caroline Arnold

11.09.18 | Friday

10.21.18 | Sunday

Creative. Fun. Magical.

That would summarize my experience in my first ever attendance in Belle De Jour Planner Launch held in Estancia Mall, Pasig. Yes! I got extra for traveling from Cavite to Pasig to attend this event. And yes, I can say its all worth it!

Story time: I’ve known Belle De Jour for years. I think I discovered them on my favorite magazine in high school, Candy Mag. However, I never really thought of having a BDJ planner because its expensive for me (high school days!) Also, planners were not really a thing for me that time, to-do lists are my go-to. I just became a planner junkie during college. 

So, I went with my cousin. We reached the place around 3 PM. Our plan was to leave at 5 PM because we are both unfamiliar with the place and we don’t want to get into a hassle with our commute. Also, our parents didn’t know where we’ll go so so we better be at home at a decent time. We thought 2 hours at the event will be enough for us. Anyways, our main purpose is to have the 2019 planner. 

We purchased the Basic Ticket for Php 500 which includes a choice of BDJ planner from their 2019 collection, access from craft booths, glam booth, passion purpose talk and glitter tattoo. 

I got so overwhelmed with the craft booths! This was actually what I’ve been expecting from SM Stationery Art Fest that I attended last last week. There are a lot of stationery and crating items. My eyes are filled with joy and I kind of regret not buying a lot. It was too late for me to realize that these crafting materials  were not easily accessible in malls and costs more in online shops. 

After checking out the booths and bought some planner stuff, we immediately lined up for the Glitter tattoo. I chose a butterfly design and the artist chose pink and violet glitters for it. I think it matches the theme of the event. Its so pretty!

While looking for the glam booth (photobooth), a BDJ staff approached us and invited us to the LifeAfterBreakfast.ph  Stamping Station. This activity area is for gold ticket holders only but we are so lucky that we got it for free!! Oh, I think this was the highlight of our day. We got to bond with other Bellas while designing our bags. Its fun working at the same table with all other creatives. The vibe is just so magical, as I must say. We also have a free access to the passion purpose talks but we decided not to go to because the time slot for us will start at 5 PM (and you know that we need to leave by 5 PM or else we might get caught up with the traffic) However, we still got a chance to listen to the talk since the stamping booth is just in front of the stage. Hitting two birds in one stone, right? Yay! 

Gratitude jar making is also a free activity given at the counter when we bought ticket.

I thought we can’t have it! We already exceeded our target time to be honest. Its around 6 PM. Our time was consumed at the DIY canvas bag stamping station. We just took a few photos after the activity and went straight to the comfort room to organized our loot and prepare to go home. And then I remembered, we still haven’t had our photo taken at the glam booth! 

We went back to the venue. We also decided to just get the Gratitude Jar. The staff even told us that we should wait because the activity table is full but we told her we’ll just get the jar. She agreed and gave us few designing materials. It was so funny that we even tried to design it on the spot. We just designed it with whatever material is in our reach. (I redesigned my gratitude jar at home that’s why it already looked decent in the photo) And then, went straight to the glam booth. It seems like we are on a race after getting the photos because we literally ran our way out of the mall. 

With all that, we still managed to get home on time, safely and happy. 

This is my BDJ Loot. I got the Classic Belle De Jour Power Planner 2019. It comes with the Perks of a Bella coupon book and a Make Today Magical magnetic bookmark. It’s all included in our Basic Ticket. I also purchased BDJ Stickers for Php 40 and four washi tape samplers for Php 10 each. I kinda regret not buying more planner stuff. Still, I’m happy with what I got. 

I had so much fun at Belle De Jour Planner Launch. I never thought that my three hours there would be enough to make me feel magically inspired. (Like fast forward 2019 please I am so ready for youuuuuu!) That’s the shortest time me and my cousin spend on an event together, yet its the most productive we had. The staff there too are so kind and welcoming, as well as the other Bellas we’ve worked with. I am so excited for 2019 now that I have my own BDJ power planner. I’m also looking forward to the future events of Belle De Jour. 

11.01.18 | Thursday

November page from my 2015 University Lifestyle Planner

October happened so fast, but it was all good because I was able to do general  cleaning and self care. This November, I will be setting new goals as I will be in a major life transition. I am about to start my first job as a fresh graduate (Yay, finally!) I still have two weeks before the board date and I’m dedicating it to self improvement activities. 

This is my recent stationery purchase at National Bookstore (all under Php 200!!) I just bought the pink Kirarich glitter highlighter that I’ve been eyeing since MIBF. I also found the perfect size dotted journal notebook for me. I’ve been looking for a notebook that I can easily bring anywhere so that I can jot down my thoughts right away. I also prefer the dotted type because I feel intimidated in ruled notebooks which makes me not to write anything at all. I cannot find it in other stores and I’m just lucky that its available in NBS MOA. (And its only Php 50!) I also bought two pens for my journal and this cute pink pencil case. Featuring also the “fueled by milk tea” sticker that I bought from MIBF.

My #mibf2018 haul.

10.09.18 | Tuesday

Rare siblings moment.

My brother was kinda disappointed because he’s been looking for this certain Nike shoes at different Nike stores but when he saw this hard to find shoes in a mall near my house, It doesn’t have his size. So out of disappointment, he treated me for snack. (bcoz duhh, i went wit him even tho mah head is aching- i deserve some snackkkk)

Highlights

21st Birthday: I’m already an adult. *cries internally* How did that happen so fast? 

Two movie dates in a month: Yes, so what? that’s a record for me. We watched The Nun and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. 

Manila International Book Fair:  I’ve been wanting to go here since last year. This is my third book fair this 2018 and I’m occasionally wondering where did my money went.

First wave of job interviews: After sending out applications, interview invitations finally started popping out of my email.

ROM: Passing the board exam is I think the 2018 plot twist that I’ve been waiting and it happened just before my birth month ended. What a wonderful gift. 

Favorites

Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Podcast: Kalyn Nicholson’s Coffee Talk

Series: Meteor Garden 2018

Fashion items: Hoop earrings, denim skirt and my black tote bag

Place: Around Dela Rosa St. in Makati City

Online: Lavendaire Lifestyle Community in Facebook

Lessons

1.

Sometimes, the Universe is just waiting for you to come out of your comfort zone, 

to show the world who you really are 

and what you are capable of.

2.

The waiting. The meantime. The in-between.

It all serves a purpose.

Trust your process, even the delays and detours.