So this is Christmas

Ever since moving here in the desert three years ago, the month of December has always been a huge struggle for me to get pass through. Sharp pangs of homesickness always hit me hardest during December not only because it is the month when Christmas season is in full swing (the happiest month in the country where I grew up) but it also happens to be my birthday month. So just the mere thought of closest friends and family greeting me "happy birthday" were enough to break me into tears.

Fortunately, something has changed this year...

It's my third Christmas here in Dubai and even though it's never (will never ever be) the same as celebrating Christmas with my family back home, I'd like to believe I've finally gotten better at dealing with this tough season. I don't know. Maybe my perspective has changed this year or maybe this is just me finally growing up.

I've become more accepting of life's realities no matter how harsh. I've started facing the results of my decision to move here with a braver front. There's still the incessant whining and rants of course. I guess that part will never go away. But at the end of the day, I deal with it and I move forward.

So yes, I am still sad but I am happy. I know that last part sounded weird but that's just the best way to put it. More than the nice gifts I received under the Christmas tree a few days ago, I really have a lot to be thankful for this year and a lot of good things and blessings to look forward to in the coming new year. I'm beyond excited! :)

I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas! I wish you are all feeling happy, loved and blessed this festive season wherever you are in the world. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Around these parts

I've been meaning to get back into the habit of regular blogging, but my lazy bones are always getting the best of me. Yes, I'm finally feeling a bit more settled at my new job now, which is a good thing. :)

This cruel summer season is almost officially over here in the desert and I'm just really glad that I'll finally be able to do the happy dance outdoors without a sweat (best thing ever!) in a few weeks or so. I'm currently reading Revenge Wears Prada and The Inferno and I'm aiming to finish them before the cool weather kicks in since we've got tons planned with friends and family. Our usual night jogging at the park will be back in full swing. Winter will always be my favorite season.

I'm flying to Oman for the first time tomorrow morning and looking forward to our movie date with the minions this weekend. Life is good! :)

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Favorite little corner: My Home Office

After rearranging some furniture inside my bedroom, I was able to clear one corner right beside where my bed is. It's a very small space, but enough to fit one tiny desk and a chair. And since I didn't have a work station or extended office at home, I figured this would be the perfect little corner to finally set up one for myself.

I've documented my futile attempt to stay organized in a previous blog post. As usual that amazing plan was embarrassingly short-lived. Staying organized and keeping it clutter-free weren't an issue during my first few weeks in the apartment since I didn't have that much stuff yet. See below how neat and pretty it used to look like back in the days:

After a while of settling in, that's when things became quite problematic for little miss hoarder. The dressing table acting as both work and make-up corner just didn't work out for me. But thankfully, that's all water under the bridge now. Here's my new creative corner, which is kinda reminiscent of my study corner back in my college dorm:

My man was kind enough to help me assemble a small white desk I got from Ikea. I hung a mini whiteboard where I can write important reminders, put pretty photos or whatever, transferred all important documents (contracts, files, utility bills etc.) from my dressing table and even managed to put up some photos of my family on the wall for added inspiration. All those cute little trinkets from Jessy's sweet package which I got in the mail the other day were instantly put to good use for this. So thanks, Jessy! Meet my younger sister, cute niece and nephews, and of course the boyfriend - some of my most favorite people on earth ever:

I have neatly clipped together some of my favorite greeting cards I got from them as well so I can easily whip them out to read whenever I'm having a bad day. Homesickness is still a daily struggle for an expat like me so those sweet cards really come in handy a lot of times. They never fail to make me smile.

The space is still a work in progress but it's already serving its purpose, so I'm happy. Looks kinda messy but atleast everything has their own proper place now. I'm currently on the look out for additional prints and framed arts to hang for inspiration. Finally have one sole space where I can allow myself to be (creatively?) messy. I regularly work on a lot of writing and small design side projects at home during the weekend and since setting up this space, I've found myself a little bit more productive and organized now which is always a welcome change.

Do you also have a home office? What it's like? :)

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I've got mail!

Hello everyone! How's this week treating you so far? I have to say that mine started extra awesome because of a wonderful surprise I got in the mail. I've always been very vocal of how huge of a fan I am when it comes to snail mails, so just imagine my excitement when I received this sweet little loot all the way from the Netherlands this morning at work:

My new friend Jessy from the blog Little Fashiolista really made my day with this one. It was such a lovely surprise and I really couldn't ask for a better way to start my day. I love you already, Jessy! You are one of the many reasons why I enjoy blogging so much. This community is brimming with lots and lots of wonderful and inspiring people like you and I feel so lucky that I got to know you. :)

Jessy also wrote about the mails she sent out in one of her blog posts. I didn't understand a single word because I don't speak Dutch, but judging from the photos she included along with the post, I think it's about that or something. Hehe. Such a sweetie. Now I feel kinda lame that I only managed to send her a Dubai postcard. Doesn't measure up for sure! Gotta make up to her one of these days once my workload in the office eases up.

Thank you so much again, Jessy! Keep rockin' and keep spreading your positivity all over the world. You're amazing! :)

P.S. If anyone's interested to swap postcards or something, just get in touch with me. I'd be more than glad to send you some special greetings from Dubai.

Enjoy the rest of the week you guys! :)

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Little Miss Dork and Her New Eyeglasses

Happy New Year, everyone! How's your 2013 going so far? Did I just say 2013?! It really feels weird whenever I realize what year it is now. I oftentimes even find myself still mindlessly writing/saying 2012. Is it just me? But I'm trying my best to get the hang of it, same way as I'm trying to get used to wearing my new pair of prescription glasses. New year, new look it is. ^_^

Yes guys! Finally got myself a pair of eyeglasses because my nearsighted eyes have been giving me such a hard time already (and my man was so nice to give them to me as a gift last Christmas). It's black, simple, somewhat square-ish, and Prada (still can't believe he loves me that much). This is my first time wearing glasses so I can't help but feel kinda dorky to be honest. Still couldn't muster enough courage to post a photo of myself wearing them here. I tried but ended up deleting it before hitting publish. Hopefully it would grow on me soon so watch out for my photo! Haha!

Choosing them took longer than I expected. I wasn't sure which one to take with the many colors, designs, and brands available. Had to browse way too many eye glasses online and in the stores before deciding. There were so many cute ones I wanted to get at first but all thanks to my chubby cheeks, most of them ended up looking otherwise when I tried them on. So much for my plan of looking like this adorable little cat:

An important piece of advice, friends: Just because the glasses looks awesome on display or in the catalog doesn't mean they would look just as awesome when you wear them. Getting the glasses frames that flatter your face's shape best is key. I had to find out the hard way that rimless glasses don't look nice on me. Again, try them on first before buying!

If you're planning to buy new glasses or just simply curious to know which type of eyeglasses suits you best, this Virtual Mirror feature of GlassesUSA.com would come in handy for you. It's such a cool feature, I'm sure you'll enjoy playing around with it. Try it, it's so much fun!


Anyway, the friendly people from GlassesUSA.com are so generous to offer the following discounts for all my blog readers.

• Take 15% off your entire order amount + FREE shipping (orders over $50). Code: FS15
• Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

Here are some of my top picks from their online catalog:

*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.*

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How I celebrated my birthday

Did I mention it was my birthday last December 12, 2012? Yes, I was one of the so-called lucky ones who got to celebrate their birthday on 12-12-12. I know that doesn't happen all the time, so I felt kinda excited when I realized the cool coincidence.

Anyway, it's the second year I've celebrated my birthday away from my family and best friends since I'm already based here in Dubai. Aside from taking a five-day leave off work, it was a very quiet and laid-back occasion over all, but still felt special nonetheless. I was actually planning to be all ninja and go unnoticed this year but four of my colleagues and friends at work blew my cover and still remembered. Was so surprised to receive a call from them. They never fail to make me smile. I feel lucky having them as my extended family here in the desert.

The best part was waking up to a short but very sweet message on my phone from my mom (which made me cry a bit) and then being greeted by a handful of fresh flowers from my man. I couldn't imagine a better way to start 12-12-12. He was even wearing the shirt I gave him during our first year as a couple. It's a spoof of Salvatore Ferragamo, which reads Sobratorpe Ferrogwapo (the direct translation in our language: super shy but handsome). My favorite shirt ever! Cracks me up every time because the description is so him. Haha!

He then accompanied me to the Philippine embassy to get some documents stamped for the property we're buying back home. Our dream is finally coming true and I couldn't be happier! Afterwards, we went to church and had lunch in my favorite Chinese restaurant. He even got me this New York New York canvas print that has LED lights. I've been eyeing this beauty in Home Centre for quite some time and now it looks magical hanging in my tiny apartment. So fun and relaxing to look at especially in the dark. I still can't believe he got it for me!

I also received three postcards (which I appreciate so so much!), a teddy bear, and online access card to my favorite tv programs from our loving Dubai friends. I was really surprised. So many loving people have gone out of their way to greet me and send in their love (online and offline) as well. I feel so loved and blessed with the kind of family and friends I have even though I'm a thousand miles away. It's a beautiful life. :)

Here's a few more highlights from my special day courtesy of Instagram:

1. Finally gifted myself with my own extended office at home. It's my favorite little corner now where I go online, blog, read and organize my bills and stuff. Will share more of this creative (and not to mention messy) space in a separate post. :)
2. As I already shared with you the other day, I also started a mini Santa Claus collection!
3. Haven't eaten a cake for some time now (because I'm supposed to be dieting) so I was really excited to finally have my cake and eat it too. My boyfriend did a great job choosing ChoCo'a. It's my favorite chocolate cake in this part of the globe. Real yum!
4. Had to give in so I purchased one raffle ticket just to see if triple 12 is really a lucky day for me. Let's see if I'd win that car...
5. My boyfriend and I crashed a stranger's wedding! The bride's dress looked stunning!
6. After visiting Dubai Mall, we finally capped off my special day in Ikea where I got some scented candles and a small cabinet for the apartment.

That's it! I just got a year older but my heart feels a lot younger and happier to be honest. It's been a great 26 and I'm looking forward to more adventures, blessings, challenges and surprises that my 27th year here on earth will bring. I just know in my heart that it will be incredible. :)

Cheers! xo

 

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Zombiefits and a little Tuesday Playlist

This week is probably one of the most challenging weeks I've ever had here in the Middle East so far. It's really pushing me to my limits like crazy. With so many people in our team leaving the past weeks, I'm beginning to feel extra exhausted with all the workload. Thank God for the awesomeness that is music! I don't know how I'll get by without it. It's surprising how simply listening to songs can change one's mood. Makes such an amazing stress reliever! Sometimes even just humming a happy tune makes a huge difference already.

Here's the little playlist I created for work today with some of my favorite songs:

Till I Hear It From You, Gin Blossoms | More than a Love Song, Augustana | Perfectly, Five Times August | Lucky One, Vertical Horizon

Your Guardian Angel, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus | Swing Life Away, Rise Against | Collide, Howie Day | Slide, Goo Goo Dolls

Story of a Girl, Nine Days | Moment of Truth, FM Static | Stars, Hum

I hope things turn around for the better soon. But first, I really need to get through this day unscathed. Seriously could use a little breather or something. The beach is calling my name!

How's your week doing so far? I hope yours is not as sucky as mine. Keep it light, y'all! :)

What do you do to manage your stress?

 

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Finding my groove back

It's like the first day of school all over again. Spell #thatawkwardmoment please...

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Went back to work today after a month-long vacay and it feels so weird in a major way. Not because I have more than a thousand unopened emails to deal with, but because I feel more like a lost puppy struggling to get my groove back.

"Where are my files?"
"Which folder did I save that one again?"
"Who's that person handling this account? Really can't remember."
"Why do I feel so sleepy at 11AM?"

I've been asking too much mindless questions and saying endless sorry's for my unbelievable slowness since this morning that it's almost embarrassing. Probably left both my brain and work mojo somewhere in the beach back at home. Thank goodness for the kindest colleagues who patiently tell me to just take my time until I re-figure things out. Obviously rested and relaxed way too long for my own good.

Have you ever felt this way at work after a looooong break? :(

Excuse me please while I get my fifth cup of coffee for the day. Just hope I still have my job when this day ends. Ugh.

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And so we're back!

I know I keep on saying this whenever a new month begins, but seriously, where did September go? How on earth did October start without me noticing it? Everything seems to go pretty fast around here and I'm currently suffering from major vacation withdrawal. Yes, I'm back here in Dubai after a really sweet month-long vacay in the Philippines.

Here are a few things I'd definitely miss back home:

Aside from attending mass on a beautiful church, feeling the start of the Christmas season just about everywhere, and having the refreshing rain on my windshield (finally!), I gotta say that seeing my cute baby nephew/godson for the first time was the highlight of my trip. I'd have to count seven more months again for my next visit. I can't wait!

One more week and I'll have to resume work yet again here in the desert, so I'm enjoying every last bit of rest and relaxation I can get. Still behind on a few emails, but I'll try my best to get back to you guys as soon as possible. A super rad giveaway from one of our cool sponsors is on its way so look forward to it. :)

How's things going?

 

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Leaving on a jet plane

All my bags are (not) packed and I'm (not) ready to go... Seriously, is packing the worst part of traveling or what?

Currently in the middle of packing for my month-long vacay in Manila. I can't believe I'm already leaving in three days! Sadly, things aren't looking so good right now and I'm not even sure if I can manage to fit everything inside my luggage. I'm in such a huge mess! There's just way too many stuff I want to bring with me for this trip and I really think my excitement is getting the best of me.

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I'm like the worst packer ever! I don't think I'll ever be good at this. Been putting this off for so long and now I'm super pressed for time. How some people manage to do this like it's the most natural thing in the world will forever be a mystery to me. I really envy those people who got things all figured out before even starting. But I'm hoping I get to finish this tough chore real soon though. Still got tons to do before I leave.

Any tips for a wannabe Little Miss Packer? My mind is all over the place here. :(

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Sweet friends and my entrepreneur days

Happy September everyone! The "-ber" months are finally here. Can't believe that I'll be leaving the desert for Manila this coming Friday already. So excited for my vacation and to finally hear radio stations play my favorite Christmas songs again. It's always a happy feeling. :)

Because of the unbearable heat all summer, the boyfriend and I have developed a huge fondness for regular bonding time indoors spent watching movies after movies. We have even recruited a couple of friends who have enjoyed quite a number of feel-good movies with us (mostly of the romantic comedy type) over the past months.

They brought a big box of Krispy Kreme the last time for us to devour during our marathon. So much for my plan of eating healthy, but I have no regrets. They do make living here in Dubai a lot more fun. We definitely have the sweetest friends with an even sweeter tooth!

Two years ago, September meant the start of a busy season for me and my shop back in Manila. I used to join a lot of bazaars and festivals during the shopping season, which was a complete mad rush from September until December. I was dealing with suppliers, endless ingress and egress, managing an online shop, and also maintaining a full-time office job all at the same time. Thankfully, my boyfriend was so supportive of me and I also have equally supportive cool friends who were ever willing to lend me a helping hand. The rush, excitement and everything from those experiences felt so amazing. I learned a lot, pushed myself to my limits and achieved so much. It was such a fun phase in my life that I will never ever forget. 

I miss Eunice, my gorgeous mannequin. Had to sell her though before I moved here. It was a heartbreaking moment. Hopefully, someday I can go back to my entrepreneur days when I go back home for good. :)

I love our laid-back life and the new friends we have here in Dubai, but I can't wait to hug my family in Manila. I'm looking at our planned itinerary and it's packed and filled to the brim! I'm so beyond excited! Life is good.

How's your weekend? Hope you're having as much fun and excitement as I have!

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Happy days are here

Happy Sunday everyone! The sky is looking and feeling so good right now here in Dubai. From the usual 50 degrees Celsius, today we're finally down to 35! The summer heat has been nothing but unbearable and I couldn't be happier that it's all about to end. I miss the outdoors! Now looking forward to picnics at the park, regular weekend strolls, and just taking out my knitted sweaters and comfy cardigans from hibernation. Excited to layer up!

Everybody is all smiles today. I don't know if it's just me, but everyone really seems a notch nicer and easier to work with once the colder weather kicks in. People can be as merciless as the sun when it's scorchingly hot outside, y'know. It's nice to finally get that grumpy phase over and done with.

Colder days = cooler heads! Definitely my cup of tea. :)

How's the weather over your side of the fence? :)

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