Life in focus

It's two weeks into January and so far everything has been much brighter (London, please stop raining already lol). Being back at work and trying to settle back into routine after almost three weeks of holiday hasn't been that easy but hey, what can you do?

Despite work and the occasional urgency for pay day to arrive (February, if you're reading this, come sooner).... I feel everything is running smoothly so far.

Had another salsa class this week; it was awesome. I shared what I had learnt from my previous lesson to my dad and now he wants to come along. Went in this alone, so havin company is a bonus.

After careful consideration of monthly finances, me and the boyfriend have made the decision to spend our summer in Philippines. Its been six years almost since my last visit, so I am very excited to make this happen and to see all my family again.

Thats all for now. Life's great!  

A snake deserves no pity but this one is pretty.

Rings as an accessory has never been a big collection in my jewellery box. With my petite hands, finding sizes to fit my fingers has always been a difficult task BUT... it so happened that I 'luckily' found one to fit me just perfectly. Hooray for CeeJay =)

 

I absolutely LOVE it. My stone studded snake wrap ring with a pearl ball (gold base) from Miss Selfridge. Great purchase for sure!

Now, that's sensuous for ya!

I took a leap into taking on something fun and exciting, something new this year! I ceased my inhibitions; went ahead and booked myself a couple of Salsa dance classes. Personally, I never really saw ME as a dancer-type. I mean, I did all those Filipino cultural dances, participated in cotillions including my own and did some 'modern' performances - but it never truly settled in me. 

Also, one of my goals for 2011 was to work on my fitness. I've tried numerous times going to the gym but I seem to never stick to my training program provided. Fail! So, doing this again would just be a waste of time. However, I'm hoping this dance workshop will be a hidden motive for me =)

I had my first class this evening. I was a bit nervous as it was just me but I arrived at this little intimate venue in London Bridge - soon, before I knew it, my muscles loosened and my hips were on a roll. It was such a fun and friendly atmosphere, met some really nice people interspersed with the dancing. Learned the basic salsa steps together with bewildering turns... then stepped it up with partner work. Wah!

Its been another highlight to my day but one I am hoping to persevere with. In saying that, I will keep you updated on this new experience of mine. Ciao for now x

Refreshed

So, today I had a date with Austin Reed teehee. Okay, let me rephrase that.. I had a date at Austin Reed =) For a birthday gift, I was given a Spa Day voucher to the O Spa, Austin Reed.

After much thought, I decided to book this special treat for today and IT WAS FANTASTIC! I'm in such a great mood. Consultation at the beginning became a social chat about the holidays and SALE shopping, the staff there were really nice. My masseuse... well she was just lovely (wish I remembered her name though.) Got the whole works done from head to toe - music and atmosphere was so tranquil; it set the mood in an instant. Coming in from the busy scenes of London City, everything in that time just seemed to pause.


After this pampering experience, I am so wonderfully relaxed and what better than to be stress-free & refreshed for the start of the year! Bliss.

Thank you Austin x

2010 Reflection

The New Year is nearing and I've taken enough time out to reflect on this year's journey. In all honesty, its hasn't been the greatest ride but all hardships aside, its made me stronger and all the more determined to make a few adjustments to the way things will be dealt with. There have been amazing moments that I've particularly loved and enjoyed.

Los Angeles

Bulgaria with the boyfriend

Algarve, Portugal with my girls

Snowboarding in California

Now, we always talk about making New Year resolutions but does one ever abide to them?! Maybe a couple of weeks... or a month or two to stretch. The fact is, 'resolutions are often broken, usually abandoned.' I never was quite a big believer in that. So instead, I diverted away from the idea of resolutions and have decided to focus more on personal development and happiness.

Getting to watch a LAKERS game =)

For 2011, I've set myself some GOALS... based simply on things I've been longing to pursue but for some odd reason, I avoided. I've endured much discouragement but I'm ready to relish any opportunities thrown at me. 

Algarve, Portugal

Everyone has their dreams; their wishes to achieve something amazing. That I solely believe. But like Gandhi quotes:

"We must become the change we want to see"

In that I say; be confident and set yourself some goals. Reasonable ones of course - you're aware of your own ability but its best to be specific. There's plenty of time to walk with them, to focus and apply what is necessary to achieve them. Whatever they may be - grasp it! The one ideal circumstance I've learnt is to NOT to get disheartened if things don't work out. Keep at it and BELIEVE!

My most overwhelming achievement of the year: Race for Life

 Happy New Year & I wish you wisdom to choose priorities for things that really matter.

LIVE.LAUGH.LOVE

God Bless everyone =)

Villa & Daludado family on Christmas Day, 2010

So I've finally recovered from a fun filled Christmas and I sure do hope you all had an amazing one too. 

Despite Christmas and its commercial festivities, the miracle of it all is that for this one occasion, it fills our hearts with so much warmth and love and brings together friends and families. Those special moments of fellowship are what we should truly appreciate.

Now... we prepare ourselves to welcome the New Year ahead and the blessings embedded within it. 

Have a fantastic one all & best wishes x 

"Big lights will inspire you... Let's hear it for New York"

Last month, a good friend of mine celebrated her 25th birthday with a fancy dress party. Weeks of deciding, I just couldn't figure out what to go as. To share with you a little secret, I came across these beautiful mint green high heeled shoes one day and needed a legitimate excuse to make that purchase. So, there's the obvious, 'Statue of Liberty' just had to be my costume. 


As shown in the picture, my whole costume was handmade:

• The Gown - a plain mint green double sized bedsheet (topped with a waistbelt to hold the sides together).
• Torch - mint green cardboard and yellow tissue paper for the flame.
• Crown - a simple headband with the spokes made from cardboard.
• The Book (which I didn't have) - can simply be covered with cardboard also.

So there we go, a straightforward 'Statue of Liberty' outfit fit for a great fancy dress night out. Won me first runner up too *thumbs up*