I admit, I am one of those people who tend to worry over the littlest things. I can be carefree sometimes and attempt to throw caution to the wind, but at the back of my mind I still feel anxious about the last, smallest details.

I'd like to think this is cancelled out by my innate ability to be happy over the smallest things. It can be an SMS from a friend, sharing funny anecdotes about my baby cousin Jerico to my family, hearing something via Facebook from a person I haven't spoken to in a while, applying color on my nails, or sharing a laugh with my friends. It does not take much to make me happy and I have always had a positive and cheery outlook.

Don't these cupcakes look adorably delicious? Sweetly beckoning and charmingly cute!

Image from Tumblr

I know that most people dread Mondays as the day signals the end of the weekend and heralds another start of school- or work-week. There's a reason why the descriptive phrase Monday Blues was invented :D And as much I want to show my unity with all of you who dread Mondays, I actually love Mondays as it means the end of my workweek. That is because I am a loser and my rest days are every Tuesday and Wednesday. Not convenient for when I want to go to get together with my friends who all have Saturdays and Sundays free but I guess I have to make do with what I have. (I am keeping my fingers crossed to have my rest days changed, though!) Until my schedule is changed, your Mondays are like my Fridays. :D

Let's change the topic a bit. I want to acknowledge how other cool blogs I am a fan of have these "serial" posts. Andhari has her Sunday Love List, Shirley the Toothfairy has her A Piece of Me (which I am a part of btw!), LiLu has TMI Thursdays (which I have never been a part of yet), and only recently Nikolett came up with Therapeutic Thursdays. Aside from becoming a fixture in the blog that regular readers can look forward to, these serials are a fun way to show a blog owner's commitment to her blog.

On that note, I would like to introduce Make Me Smile Mondays. Seeing as how Mondays make me happy and some of you not that happy, then I figured there must be a way  to spread a little bit of pink positivity to you all. It could be something I did, a movie, a book, or a  new pair  of shoes. Anything at all so long as they made me smile, and I am hoping they will make you smile (or a bit uplifted at least), too. And since it's the beginning of another productive work for you, then I guess it will not hurt to wish you all a little luck bundled  with kisses and wishes.

Such a shame that it's already Tuesday so I was not able to begin this challenge yesterday. Can't wait for next  week's first one! :)

After weeks of waiting for a chance, I have been finally able to see Avatar! My friend/ officemate Mich and I went to SM North EDSA - The Block after work last Friday and watched it in 3D. And oh boy, am I glad I did!

James Cameron is legendary. Literally! It's a shame that I was not able to see Titanic in the big screen. (I was still in 4th grade when Titanic was shown and I was not yet a big fan of movies then. I remember my whole family watching it on VHS though. It was a bonding moment for us.) I respect Mr. Cameron so much for trying to outdo the standards Titanic has set.

Year 2154. Jake Sully is a former marine who replaces his brother to a mission on Pandora to mine unobtanium. He was tasked to get the trust of the Na'vi tribe so he can ask them to leave the mineral's  bountiful reserve. To do this, he must blend with them, so he  is mentally linked to an avatar that looks just like the Na'vi. As he spends more time with the tribe, he begins to be closer to them and see Pandora through their eyes, a place where balance and biodiversity must be restored. To make things a bit more complicated, he falls in love with a female Na'vi, Neytiri. What follows is a moral tug of war between Jake's heart and what he has sworn to do.

The reviews I read were right; it's not just a movie, it's an experience! I was transported to the movie the moment I put on my 3D glasses. It's not hard to believe that there are people seriously getting depressed that they are not able to go to Pandora. I myself would love to visit that paradise (it would be lovely and utterly romantic to take a stroll down a bioluminescent path with your sweet someone, don't you think so?) but I am a discerning moviegoer who knows how to separate fiction from reality.

Yesterday I Wikipedia-d my heart out trying to find out more about the movie and its production process and was even more amazed. Apparently this movie has been 10 years in the making and should have been started since 1999, but Mr. Cameron needed for technology in movie-making to be developed more so it can keep up with his vision for the movie. He was even the one who conceptualized the cameras they used. Talk about dedication! And inventing a whole new language for the Na'vi tribe? That's just wow.

But more than the technological advancements utilized for this film, Avatar has a heart. The story might be a bit predictable to some, but the characters all had backstories that are uniquely their own. Plus points for the actors who did a great job in portraying their roles. A rich emotional experience, if you will. (And I am embarrased to admit it, but it was my first time to see a movie in 3D. Now my whole movie-viewing experience has been ruined as I want to see all future movies in 3D LOL!)

If you can watch just one movie this month, please choose Avatar. It was an honor for me to see this and take part in Mr. Cameron's vision and if I only have the means and funds, I will definitely treat all my friends to see this. :)

I am still recharging from the excitement and lack of sleep brought about by last Saturday's Holiday Party.  It did not help that I still went to work after that. Combine that with the fact that it is my rest day today so I was just holed up in my parents' house all day, and you have the formula for no-interesting-topic-to-blog-about. Good thing I have tags to answer and blog awards to claim, now I'll have something to talk about. Ü

But first of all I would like to thank you guys for thinking of me when distributing these tags and awards. It makes me happy knowing that you remember me. They are much appreciated!

On to the first two tags, shall we?

Both of these are from Cha. Thanks Cha! ♥♥

1st Photo Tag's Rules
1. Open your first photo folder.

2. Scroll to the 10th photo.

3. Post the photo and the story behind it.

4. Tag 5 or more people.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

I actually already did this before but wanted to do it again. In my desktop I have a folder filled with photos I got from the Internet. Mostly they are photos of fairies, whimsical stuff, shoes, and comic strips. This one I got from Mo's blog. For my non-Filipino readers, Mo Twister is a DJ of Magic 89.9 who hosts the Monday - Thursday morning radio show Good Times with Mo with DJs Grace Lee and Mojo Jojo. I love the trio's banter and Mo's wise quips. Their topics are not always for General Patronage and they may play the same songs over and over again but I love  their undeniable chemistry. I guess it's a good thing that my rest days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays since it gives me the chance to listen to them twice a week. Ü

For this one I am tagging everyone who hasn't done this tag yet. Ü

Okay okay, I know I cheated on this one. I am sorry, but I lost all my childhood photos from the big fire that burned our house on January 1, 2001. Aside from losing my favorite Barbie dolls and books, it was even more devastating to lose those photos since those can never be replaced. I can always buy toys and books again but how can I get those mementos again. :(

Before I get even more depressed, this photo is the earliest photo I have a digital copy of. All of the others from when I was 14 years old were in celluloid film. So, sorry for not following the rules of the tag but I know you all understand. Right? :) This photo was taken on my 18th birthday celebration. I had a traditional debut party, but no cotillion. I wore a purple iridescent tube gown (with a petticoat underneath! cool!) with matching shawl and bag. I also wore a tiara. :) I think this is the first night I felt beautiful and so loved. My bestfriend Jerome was my escort, and all my family and friends attended. I still keep the memories of that special night in my heart. :)

I am passing this photo tag to Ana, Andhari, Mel, Leah, Toothfairy, Ed, Manju, Kym, Meream, Tiara, Joan, and Belle. I would like to see your baby/ childhood photos! :)

Thank you and I hope you are having a fabulous week! ♥♥

The day I have been anticipating for the last couple of months had come and gone. Last night was HSBC's Holiday Party at the World Trade Center with the theme Party Central.

And this is the outfit I have spent serious time (and money) putting together.

As what my friend Ed says, "Work it!"

I had so much fun putting the whole outfit together, and it's worth it. Me thinks it's my favorite among all the outfits I have worn in the three Holiday Parties of HSBC that I have attended.

After work, I went home to the apartment for a quick shower and to curl my hair. And then I went to Mich's house where I changed into my outfit and put my makeup on. Yep, I did my nails, hair and makeup. Surely beats going to the salon. Aside from saving, I styled myself the way I wanted to. :)

at Mich's house

We met with Dane and TL Jimmy at the office, and off we went to World Trade Center.

What followed were performances by the different departments (and managers), yummy yummy food, a raffle of fancy gadgets, a performance by local band Sandwich, good times, and LOTS of photos by my friend and teammate Frank. :)

me, Asther, Mich

me, Dane, Ali, Asther, Frank

notice my eyeglasses in my right hand :D

my date for the evening, Dane :)

Sandwich :)

Because I am a loser and I have work the next day (which was today), Dane and I left halfway through Sandwich's performance so I can sleep. I didn't really want to leave but he was persistent. We left WTC at 12:12am and I was tucked safely in bed by 1:30am. Then I woke up at 4:30am and went to work for my 6am - 3pm job. :)

The performers and the emcees (especially Sam Oh) did a good job and the prizes for the raffle were great. However, I still prefer the parties we had before. Last night's event was a bit more, umm, low key in that there were no red carpet entrance (this girl likes her red carpet photos LOL), photobooths, nor souvenirs. Still, I'd say the night has been awesome and magical. I had a blast last night, and I would certainly remember it for a long, long time.

And I just want to say this. Others might say (and believe me, I have heard a couple of people do) that I am just wasting my time, effort and money on frivolous things like this. But hey, I am not harming anyone. And I am spending my own money and time and I am not inconveniencing anyone else in the process. I just want to look pretty and fabulous and I am happy dressing up. If you don't want to dress up, that's fine. To each his own, so please let me be. :)

I am overwhelmed by the positive response for the goodies I posted on my post the other day on how I found the perfect shoes (and then some) for my outfit for HSBC's Holiday Party. Thanks guys, it's always nice to feel your style is appreciated :)

I already told you I got all of them for only P960 (less than $20) but I did not get to tell you how each item cost. Let me break it down for you :) The purple quilted chainlink bag I got for P350 (approx $7) down from P380. I got the suede black pumps for P250 (approx $5) down from P280. The bejeweled headband originally cost P200 and the headband with the black rosette with gold trimmings was being sold for P180 but because of the power of my Mom's haggling skills I got both for ONLY P250 (approx $5). Lastly, I got a pearl layered necklace for P110 (approx $2.10) from its original price of P150. Very good deals, right? Aah, the powers and wonder of 168 Mall. I love that place! :D

I actually don't have a favorite store there. I do like Juana and Chelsea for their tailored dresses but for all of the other items I've bought from numerous shopping trips there, I just walk through the halls and look for fab finds. I must admit there are some misses as well, but a trip there can be very rewarding, if you only know how and where to look. ;)

Anyway, as you might already know (from all the posts I've bombarded you with in the past few days haha) our Holiday Party will be held tomorrow at the PICC Tent!

This is most probably the last Holiday Party of HSBC that I will attend (since I have decided to be bolder and intend to pursue my dreams this year) so I want to make sure that everything will be perfect. Today I cleaned my makeup brushes and did my nails in preparation. In my excitement and the amount of preparation I am doing you would think that I am preparing for my wedding and not an office party. I am sorry but as I've said, I am not really a big fan of night outs and parties. I am just excited for this event because I really love dressing up. :)

And so I would like to share with you my outfits in the Holiday Parties that I have attended in the almost three years that I have been with HSBC.

On January 19, 2008, we had Discovolution which was held at the World Trade Center.

January 19, 2008

This was actually inspired by Victoria Beckham. My lavender and gray dress with crystals and metal chains on the neckline was designed and created by young designer Hann Asoy who I met via Multiply. I got the Itti silver strappy sandals from eBay.

November 28, 2008

This one was Gwyneth Paltrow-inspired during the time she was promoting Iron Man in her short dresses and bondage heels. I got the metallic slate dress (on sale!) from Freeway while my shoes were from Boardwalk.

And just because I like this photo:

I think this is my favorite photo of myself from that night

Tomorrow, January 9 of 2010, Party Central will unfold at the World Trade Center.

I can just feel it. It's going to be awesome! :)

Enjoy your weekend guys! :)

So I told you here that we will be having our Holiday Party this coming Saturday, right? I told you how I have found the perfect dress to wear way back in September, long before the party was scheduled. I also told you how I already have all of the accessories I would be needing, except for the perfect pair of shoes (and a purse, if my budget allows it).

I have scoured the malls already in the hopes of scoring a good find from the numerous Holiday Sales hounding shoppers these days but surrendered empty-handed. But not really since I found a pretty ring and a pair of fishnet stockings from YRYS. I would be wearing them at the party as well but I scored zilch on the shoe-hunt. The best solution I came up with? 168 Mall in Divisoria! Boasting a wide selection of goodies (at a much cheaper price!), 168 Mall is the perfect place to go to. It's a treasure trove of fab finds at amazingly low prices, you just have to know where to look. (Fact: Some online sellers even get the stuff they sell  from 168 Mall and then sell them online for double the price.) I love 168! I may well be called Krissy in Wonderland when I am there. :D

Okay, so that long introductory speech is just to tell you that I found them already! Yay!

After just a couple of hours (and a whole lotta haggling by my Mom), I got the perfect pair of shoes, and then some.


Want another reason why 168 Mall is one of my personal Wonderlands? All of these goodies set me back for ONLY P960! (That's less than $20!!)

I got a pair of black suede pumps. Simple and no frills. Perfect. I also love its heel height. I have been wearing flats to the office these past few months that my feet are no  longer used to wearing heels. I must get around to wearing my heels again. Must.

I also finally got myself a chainlink bag. I wanted one in black but this is the only one they have left. There were other designs there but I did not choose them because of the very blatant logos. I don't want anything that screams knock off :D I especially like this because of its long strap and perfect size. I might not use it to the party though. I need to see first whether it will go well with my dress. Ü

The other two items I got are embroidered headbands. They were unplanned purchases  but who can resist, right? I think I will wear the bejeweled one to the party. The one with the black rosette and gold trimmings I can wear during regular days. Love! Ü


I also got a pearl layered necklace but I will not wear it anymore seeing as how there's too much detail in my headpiece already.

As I said, I am not a big fan of night outs. I am just excited for the party because it is another excuse for me to glam up and put together an outfit that I would not wear on a regular day. (Oh if only we can wear corsets to the office, that would be too awesome! :D)