Bright nights, city lights.

I actually queued a few posts from the last few days, but then again, I feel I should apologize for not posting in a while. I have quite a lot to blog about such as the 4th of July celebration and what not (even though I know a few weeks have already passed since that day). But yes, I will try to post more often now. I've been quite busy. And trying to organize things that are going on is kind of difficult since it's summer. When it is summer, you just want to bum around and not even bother organizing any of your plans. You don't even care what day and what time it is until you realize that you're meant to be somewhere the next day, or even a few hours before the event starts. 

It's quite early in the morning so please bear with me as I throw in a bunch of words, hoping that it will all make sense to you.

So let me get started on this...

What is that "something" in a city that amazes me? Is it the architectural structures designed to blow my mind because of how high up those blocks of concrete can go? Is it the busy streets and the sea of people that rush past me? Is it the view of the whole city altogether? Is it the hundreds of pictures my mind decides to take as I walk down the city sidewalk in order to take in the whole beauty of it all? Is it the city lights that brighten everything up during the darkest of nights? There are endless possible answers to the question I first asked. Because the fact of the matter is, that "something" is indescribable. It might be the physical things that make up the city, or the abstract things that a city naturally holds. May it be the buildings and streets that I see or the beauty and emotions that I cannot even fathom.

Growing up in a city, without a doubt, has influenced how I perceive one. For me, there are more beautiful things to take in compared to the amount of ugly things that can be found in a city. I think everyone can agree with me on this but there are some areas of a city where it smells horrible or where it seems polluted (street wise... air wise). Of course those negatives do bother me, but they go away at some point (when you move away from that area) and you just get over it. The beauty of the city, though, I can't get over. Because amidst the negatives that I mentioned, there is still that spark that gets me amazed, somehow.

A city is like a dream land for me. It's like a place where I can daydream as I walk about with music playing in my ears. Rain or shine, it gives me the same feeling. Some people would prefer a place where it is calm and quiet because it lets their minds unwind. I, on the other hand, prefer the busy streets of a city. Of course I wouldn't mind a peaceful getaway, but that's a different story, really. In addition, cities have amazing malls and boutiques lying around everywhere, and most people who know me would know that I love to shop. Maybe next time I should talk about how malls enchant me and lead me to my magical palace, or walk in closet. Yes. Maybe.

TO THE SHOWER!!!

Ah yes. I must also share with you some of the things I've done to my "Wreck This Journal" book by Keri Smith. These are only some of them.. The others shall be locked away until I decide to publicize the secrets these pages withhold. Does it look like it's wrecked? No. I'm not one to wreck things. The way I interpret the things this book makes me do is quite different. I like different. 

The thing I'm trying to do here is to release my creative self, and if I end up making a mistake in whatever I do on here, I just let it be and continue on. It's not what I would usually do. I would usually stress out and get annoyed with myself for making such a careless scribble in the middle of a neat work. That's why this book is meant for "perfectionists". Haha!

 I'll maybe wreck it here and there... at some point in my life. 

I'm still sorry for not being able to post any fashionista related things. I will be, soon, though! I'm also trying to learn some new DIY stuff so you should watch out for that. :) 

To add to this long blog post, I've also been trying to sleep earlier than usual. I know that's not a very summer thing to do, but I'm quite sleep deprived and I don't want to have my immune system breaking down any time soon. I still make time for people, though, especially the ones from different countries (you guys know who you are). Haha! Oh, the dedication. 

There's a knock on the door. That must be the shoes my mother ordered, without my knowing. They left me at home and told me to wait for it. 

Anyways, I shall post soon, lovelies.

Have a great day/afternoon/night (wherever you may be as you read this)!!

XOXO,

S

now playing: Blow Me (One Last Kiss) by Pink

"I think I've finally had enough, I think I maybe think too much. I think this might be it for us, blow me one last kiss."

Fortunate events.

So before I went back to SoCal, I spent some time with my lovely family. Yesterday was pretty much a very casual, "chill" day and we just went out to malls and ate out in this restaurant called Backyard Boiler. It's much like Boiling Crab and Crab Shack, if you've heard of or eaten in either restaurants before then you would know what I'm talking about. We were pretty much indecisive as to how yesterday would go because we never really planned anything. We just went with the "flow" and decided last minute on where we were going to shop and eat.

A new collared top (which is, I must say, quite trendy at the moment), short shorts and my favorite Michael Kors wedges.

This is a necklace that has S (for Shainne) with diamonds on it. It is custom made. My grandmother got it made for me. Super thank you! :)

My Tita and I.

Afterwards, we ate out in Backyard Boiler. Since all seafood restaurants such as this and the restaurants I mentioned earlier have a tendency of getting your clothes stained from eating their food, everyone needed to put on these bibs to prevent the clothes from getting stained and messy.

My dad (right) has overdone it. He was wearing white and it would be trouble if he gets a stain on it. My tito (left) was also wearing white so he, too, was extra careful.

The funniest thing happened though. My dad obviously had his top covered up, right? Too covered up, even. But the next thing we knew, he accidentally stained his shorts! Haha! We couldn't stop laughing.

This is my Tito, my Daddy and my Mom.

Lol my dad's eyes look so small......... HAHA!

I love them to pieces! I couldn't ask for a better family. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have them in my life. I'm very glad I spent such a good day with them yesterday.

Anyway, I will update you soon. I have quite a busy summer coming up!

XOXO,

S

now playing: If I Fall by Aqualung

"Seems to me I'm exactly where I dreamt I would be, and the view from here is something to see, but I need a hand to hold on to. If I fall, will you catch me?"

Golden Gate Bridge & Wreck This Journal.

Last Saturday, the 30th of July, I accomplished something I never really gave much thought about: walking/jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge. Maybe for some people that isn't much of a big deal, but I've never actually crossed any big famous bridges in my life. Does that even make any sense? It's pretty mind blowing how long San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is. It was easier and faster jogging across it, but it was still long. Let's face it, though. I needed to unwind and let my mind recuperate (from all the stress and all the overthinking); as a result, I mostly stuck to walking instead of jogging.

It felt so good to just walk and feel the breeze brush past me. Along with the music that blasted through my ears and the beautiful view that surrounded me, I thought of the moment as perfection. It was just amazing to breathe in such wonder. Plus, I also got a great workout!

The Golden Gate Bridge. It was quite foggy but the sun came up eventually.
(All photos were taken on my phone since we did not really expect to take pictures during this escapade.)
In case it isn't obvious yet (this isn't really a fashion post), I'm wearing a white hoodie and a white pair of shorts from Hollister, and shoes from Vans. It's plain and simple. 

Every time I look at the city of San Francisco, I fall in love. Crazy at it seems, but I fall in love with cities quite easily. I mean, growing up in one did sort of influence my love for all the tall buildings and the busy streets. All the more does it make me thankful to be in a beautiful place.

Whenever I see tall buildings, my mind just goes, "Wow".

San Francisco city skyline.


In addition to this city lovin', I bought a new "book" a.k.a "journal" by Keri Smith called Wreck This Journal. I think by now everyone would recognize this. I started it yesterday, and to be honest, I am trying my very best not to do everything in one day. It's because it's so amusing and it also releases such creativity in oneself. It also relieves some stress and gets my mind off things. Haha! It's a very fun journal but it gives you these crazy challenges that you have to accomplish.
It just helps you to let loose and just be spontaneous.

"Dedicated to perfectionists all over the world."

This is one of the things I did so far. I'll reveal the other pages next time.

XOXO,
S




now playing: The Scientist by Coldplay
"Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry. You don't know how lovely you are."

Nail polish, s'il vous plait?

Call me crazy but I really do love painting my nails or getting them done ("mani-pedi"). It doesn't necessarily have to be some extravagant design, really. It could just be a simple natural colored coat and I would still be contented. There's just this glimpse of happiness and this rush of "good vibes" whenever I feel that my nails have already been taken care of.

Moving on, I've been buying some new nail polish lately. I guess you can call it a collection, but I just want nice nails. Haha! So here they are. Come forth, my army of nail polish (hopefully I got all of them)!

I am a big fan of O.P.I. and China Glaze. Most of my nail polish consist of these two brands. I'm also beginning to love Essie. Other than that, i have Savina, which is a very very good top coat. I also have nail polish from Forever21, Rimmel London and Revlon.

Check out all the brands I mentioned to you guys! They're very good and the end results look perfect on nails. Those brands never cease to impress me, whether you use them for intricate designs or for simple and solid colored designs.

I am currently using Essie #752 Turquoise & Caicos. 

It's perfect for summer and for any occasion, really. It looks really neat and sophisticated. Although you would need to put about 3 coats to really make the nail polish shine out, the results are very good and very eye-catching.

I hope I added more inspiration to your list of nail polish must-buys!! Seriously, though, you must try these brands out. Nail polish is one of the essentials on a girl's list of things in her closet, bedroom, etc. Haha! Plus, nail polish definitely complements whichever outfit we decide to wear.

Enjoy, everyone! Have a great and blessed week!

I am currently at a happy state right now. ♡ 

I shall keep you guys posted. :)

XOXO,

S

Often do we find ourselves..

Just a thought from my head.. posted this on Instagram already but I thought I should share it here, too. :)

Often do we find ourselves looking through old photographs. Only then do we realize how much we miss, not only the person, but also the feeling of being in that moment with them.

XOXO,

S

Smile, keep on smiling.

Today, I went to the mall and ate out at the Cheesecake Factory with the family. It was pretty much a last minute reminder for me because I didn't even know that I was going anywhere today. Nevertheless, I enjoyed how the night turned out, even if I didn't have much time to go around the mall to shop before we went to dinner. Haha!

So this was pretty much a picture taken at the mall. My high low top was very loose and very much see through, as you can see. It pretty much flowed ["gracefully"] as I moved about. I really do love this top from Cotton On. 

shoes are from Callisto, courtesy of Nordstrom. The teal nail polish is from Essie. 

Shorts are from, of course, Abercrombie & Fitch. Along with it is a belt from Forever 21.

Spot the Juicy Couture charm bracelet! hahahaha

Afterwards, I went to MAC to buy new eyeliner and such. Sadly, it was the only shop I could visit before we had to go to our dinner reservation at the Cheesecake Factory. 

I ordered a simple fruit smoothie that I ordered from the Cheesecake Factory. It was so big, so I didn't get to finish it. Likewise, we all weren't able to finish the dishes we ordered because of how big their serving sizes were. Crazy!

Farfalle with Chicken and Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce. This plate looks small in the picture, but in real life, ohmygosh it is massive. 

Steak Diane and Herb Crusted Salmon!

The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants. The restaurant's appearance in itself is elegant and the intricate interior design is quite eye-catching. The lighting, overall, was okay since it reflected off the pretty designs of the walls and the mirrors, but it was still kind of dark. Even though it is known to be quite expensive, their food is definitely delicious and their service is good. They serve their food in those massive plates though, so good luck trying to finish them off. Haha! If you haven't tried eating here yet, well, you must.

It's pretty late so I think I should go to sleep now. I still want to grow taller *fingers crossed*.

I thank God for blessing me with a great day. 

I hope everyone had a great day! Also, have a blessed week everyone! 

Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and catch up on Pretty Little Liars since I missed the latest episode tonight.

-A 

XOXO,

S

I have this want to stay in bed all day and just daydream..

I have this want to stay in bed all day and just daydream. I want to switch on my music, then close my eyes, then daydream. I want to drift off into a memory or into a fantasy and just stay there enjoying blissful moments. Even if it leaves a bitter after taste, especially when the memory that pops up is far back into the past, I’d still want to reminisce the feelings and the memory in itself. The same somehow applies for fantasies. Even if, somehow, my gut tells me that it might not happen in the future, I still enjoy dreaming of what could be.

It’s a nice way to escape. Who ever said that the only way to escape is to get your ass off your bed and go somewhere you want to be? I mean, that’s clearly recommendable and it would also be somewhat relaxing, but the thing is, your mind could do that for you. Most of the time, before I go to bed or after I wake up, I just lay in bed and wander. It’s definitely an extraordinary feeling for me to wander in my mind. Like, it’s limitless.. there’s definitely no boundaries here. It also gets me excited for what’s to come, for what new memories and experiences I am about to encounter in the future. I mean, there’s only one way to find out if those memories changed and formed who I am right now and who I am to be. There’s also only one way to find out if those dreams and fantasies really would come true. 

XOXO,

S

now playing: Without You by AJ Rafael

"Wake up, feel the air that I'm breathing. I can't explain this feeling that I'm feeling. I won't go another day without you."

Aldo, Aldo, Aldo

I was supposed to blog about these new things I bought when I went shopping, but I wasn't able to find the time. Anyway, these items are from ALDO. When I saw them, I knew they were a buy I couldn't miss. They give off such simplicity and elegance, and they're obviously not a 'one time, one outfit' use. The bag is simply beautiful, and when you look at the shoes.. Oh my gosh, just take time to look at the shoes. They're gorgeous! Definitely my style, I must say.

The shoes give out this intricate design, but at the same time gives off a simple appearance. Nevertheless, the shoes are obviously destined to stand out, so I would recommend wearing clothes that aren't over the top. These shoes are more casual than formal. It would be nice to wear on a nice summer day. These sandals are very comfortable too, so even if you walk around the mall, the park, the beach or wherever else you decide to go, your feet will be at ease. Haha! Do not, and I repeat, do not wear these shoes if you're going to be running around, hiking, walking in the woods or anywhere muddy because these shoes are not suitable for that. I think I may have stated the obvious. Regardless, it's just a fair warning. It may be comfortable to wear, but choose the correct times/occasions to wear them... or else! Haha! (Omg I say Haha too much!! Haha!)

Moving on to the bag. Well, the bag isn't really that special, but I really like the make of it and also how it can match just about anything. You can use it for anything as well. For the most part, I just love satchels. Ever since we've been using bags like these to school back in the UK, I just fell in love with them. They're very stylish, too! Plus, It gets you to put all the things that a girl needs to bring everywhere. 

Aside from the fashion posts I'm putting up right now, I'll still try and update you guys with my life. I've just been busy lately. Also, the other day I was feeling a bit down. Maybe I was tired or maybe I had a lot on my mind. I'm much better now, though. I'm the happy girl that I usually am! Haha! So praise God for that. :) 

In addition to all this, watch out for July 4, everyone! The date is nearing and I cannot wait to see the fireworks! It will be amazing seeing the fireworks light up the night sky. There's something extraordinarily beautiful about fireworks.

XOXO,

S

now playing: This Is a Way - David Choi

"Don't care if I'm down, don't care how I feel. I love you so much, that I'll always be here. Don't worry about me, I'll take care of you. This is a way to say that I love you."

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Happy Father's Day to my daddy! He has truly been a blessing to me and my family.

In fact, sometimes, he's like a brother to me because of how "young" he looks and how fun he can be. Most of the time, he's the extraordinary father I know him to be. 

Ever since I was little he's treated me like his little princess. I think this goes for all the dads out there. I do believe that daughters to dads are like princesses. They would hate for anything bad to happen to them and he would hate to leave them or let them go. 

I thank God for blessing me with an epic dad. Even if I get annoying and crazy at times, daddy has never loved me any less. That's the kind of love that's rare to find! Haha! 

I'm an only child and I'm very much aware that I'm quite a lot to handle. So thank you, Dad.. For everything. Thank you for all the smiles, the laughs, the adventures, the shopping (wahaha) and so much more.

I love you papa! Like I've said oh so many times already, I will always always be your little girl.

Tada! Here is moi and my daddy.

It's a pretty old picture, but I love this one!

XOXO,

S

I'm at a payphone trying to call home..

Am I actually the only one in this planet who is obsessed with this song? I hope not. I just.. I literally cannot get enough of Payphone by Maroon 5. Is it because it's relatable? Maybe so. Hehehehehe.
Is it because it's catchy? Is it because Adam Levine sang it? I mean, who knows! All I'm sure about is that I am still immensely in love with this song. It never fails to reach into my emotions and I think that's when you realize how good a song actually is. Some of you may think of it as cheesy, corny, depressing and yet sung in a happy tune, but whatever.. Whatever, guys. I love the song (and the hot vocalist who sang it). Haha!

I just feel the lyrics. It's so meant to be. The amount of times I've played this is surreal. Even on the guitar, as I play it, I just let the song consume me.
It's not like this is the only song I like. Obviously not. I'm just listening to it right now and I thought it would be nice to share about my love for this song.
This is pretty much a random post.
I really need to go to sleep.

"In our time that you wasted, all of our bridges burned down. I've wasted my nights,
You turned out the lights, now I'm paralyzed. Still stuck in that time when we called it love, but even the sun sets in paradise
I'm at a payphone trying to call home. All of my change I spent on you
Where have the times gone, baby it's all wrong.. Where are the plans we made for two?
If "Happy Ever After" did exist, I would still be holding you like this."

XOXO,
S

Short on shorts ?

CORNY TITLE. I know. Haha.

I went shopping today with the family. I am very much in love with shorts. I think people who know me would somehow be able to describe my love for shorts. They're comfortable, trendy, and perfect for any season (except for winter)..  but then again, it really depends. They also go along with any top of your choice. Perfect, right? 

I'm also a huge fan of the brands Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch. Now, they do have amazing dresses, skirts, tops, sweaters, etc.. but what I love the most from them is their shorts. Just as how an artist is mesmerized by the paintings at the Louvre, I am mesmerized by shorts at Hollister and A&F. What an analogy! It's technically true though. I mean, I'm not that obsessed. In fact, not at all. I just really love them. The quality is so good and they give off a beach-like feeling. It's like summer all day, everyday!

Here are some of the things I bought from Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch. If you like them, feel free to go look for them and get a few pairs. Haha. Besides, it's summer season. Girls, we're gonna need them.

There's something about their logos that I really love. Also, ohmygosh they have the ever so handsome models. Some of them even work at the stores. I think everyone knows this fact. Nyahaha!

In addition to the shorts, I also bought some skirts. Only a few though. They were really cute so yeah it's too good to miss out on.

Like I said, the shorts can go with almost any top found in your closets. Since they're denim, they could probably be worn with anything. Perfect for a day out at the beach, for a nice sunbathe by the pool, for a casual walk, and for hang outs with the people you love.
The summer sun is heating up the country so better go grab some shorts from your favorite shops !!

I'm so so tired and my body is still sore from working out. Still smiling though! :)
Have a great day, everyone.
Glad to be back here blogging away about less ridiculous things.

XOXO,
S

Alive Again

I've been blogging for quite a while now but it was nothing really serious. I thought that almost everything I wrote down in my old blog was ridiculous. So, I decided to just replace it with this one. HAHA.

Aside from the roller coaster ride of a life that I have, I will also post and talk about my other loves such as fashion and going around places (avec ma famille et mon amis).

Tada, I present to you my life.
Enjoy. Be amused.

XOXO,
S