I'm back!!

Ohh my God! It has been forever since I have uploaded my last post. 2012? Wow, I know it has only been a few years but that seemed like forever, isn't it?

In fact, it was by sheer chance that I am back to this old blogspot. I maintain my boss' blogspot account and I remembered I had my own. Ha!

How are you guys? I have so much to tell you. So many things happened since 2012 that I don't even know where to start.

Enjoying the flurries in Syosset, New York

Union Square subway station, New York City

Look how tall that Rockefeller Christmas tree is!

Our wedding, June 3, 2015, Oyster Bay, New York

Okay, I am now in New York. I live in Long Island and I work in Midtown Manhattan. I am married now to this amazing guy I met a few years back. In 2013, I survived one of the world's deadliest and strongest typhoons and that was back when I was still in the Philippines.

One thing for sure has never changed though-- I am still fat, I am still curvy, and suffice it to say, I am still fiesty!

Given that I am now in a new place in my life and a new chapter at that, I'd like to change how this blog works. I want to take you guys to New York. I love this city and I love Long island as well. So this blog will hopefully take you guys with me as I discover this city. I'd also want this to be an avenue where I discuss more about the travails (what a word) of finding true love in this day and age and especially how to find it online.

I hope you guys will still be with me and join me in this journey.

Love,


Diana

Polo Fancy

I am finding myself liking polo shirts, sheer or otherwise, with statement neckpieces these days. They are just so easy to pull off and something that anyone can wear when they are not so inspired. Nothing makes me happy than fashion that is effortless yet chic and stylish.

Here are my take on this trend:

MONOCHROMATIC

Excuse the blurred photos. Again, my mom and camera focus are yet to be acquainted. Also if it seems gloomy, it's because it is. It has been raining nonstop the past few weeks so whenever I get the chance to wear anything cute, it is so uncomfortable to take picture because of the rains.

Polo- Thrifted; Khaki Shorts- Old Navy; Wedge- Parisian;
Belt- Surplus Shop; Bag- Secosana

I really love my necklace..it is a statement piece in itself and I think without it,
this will be a boring outfit 

Because of statement pieces like this, donning neutral monochromatic colors won't be that dull and boring

COLOR BLOCKING

Sheer polo shirts are also on top of my list at the moment. On its own, a sheer polo is a staple on any one's wardrobe because it can go from warm weather to colder ones. We can put a blazer over it and its a perfect office attire; take off the blazer and add some statement neckpieces and you're good to go for a night of partying. Because of its sheerness, it gives off a sexy vibe without being too showy and well, whorish. It's chic without putting much effort into it.

So far, I am also into sheer these days..hehe!

On a gloomy day like today, adding a bright colored sheer top would definitely put sunshine into anybody's mood.

Sheer blouse- Liberte (Robinson's Tacloban); Skirt- Bridget's Closet (also from Robinson's Tacloban);
flats- Penshoppe; clutch- Liberte; neckpiece-random

Until next time and hope you all are having a great Wednesday.

Happy on Valentine's Day

Finally, I have ended my string of bitter Valentine's Days. Well, I'm still single but I don't know why I gamely faced the day without any sort of ill feeling or loathing or sarcasm about the red, the hearts and the sweet.

First, I don't know why but I feel overwhelmed with so much love and joy that I messaged my closest friends and I gamely looked at pictures of flowers and chocolates and stuffed animals and other things that would have made me barf previously.

I guess healing does come from knowing that the people who made you cry are suffering because they lost you. Now, let's not all be pretentious and deny that knowing that fact sometimes brings about our needed peace of mind.

It is only the second month of this year and already, I'm starting to feel good things coming my way. Of course, I'd have to thank the Lord for everything. I guess single or otherwise, what matters is I choose to be happy, Valentine's Day or not.

Lace, Red and Snakes

Yes, my outfit yesterday was an amalgamation of everything qualified as trendy for 2012. Haha! I went down to the city to pay some bills and breathe a different kind of air, buy some Big Bang Theory DVDs to sober up my mood.

I wore jeggings the first time yesterday. And it was also the first time I used my new found love, the Therapy Bag  I got last week. It has that awesome snakeskin print on the pockets which I think adds that 'lift' into any ordinary outfit. I mean, my jeggings and that lacey tshirt I got for the holidays was pretty boring until I added my red flats from Penshoppe and that bag.

I'm still not solid on that jeggings thing. I don't fancy anything tight, except for my minis. But well, it was a pretty lazy day so I don't care anyways...haha!

Do check out Therapy Bags for affordable and durable finds. I got an ONYX.

Singlehood and Februaries

"Please don't say that it's over", she muttered to herself as she glued her eyes to that episode of Big Bang Theory.  But her prayers were unheard. Soon the credits then everything else flood her screen. Now, she wondered what else is there for her to do. She checked her watch. It's not even 10 A.M. and already, she is bored.

She ambled into her room and took the book that lay flatly on her bedside table. For Chas, it's surely going to be one dreadful day again. It has been the same pretty much everyday since that day when he walked out that door and left her consumed and tired. For some reasons, she wanted to cry just for the sake of crying, if there is ever such a situation. But tears failed her. They don't come as much these days as they used to and she cannot decide whether it's a good or a bad thing.

She closed her eyes and despite the ten-hour sleep she had the night before, sleep came as easy as that pang of sadness she has been feeling for the past four months.

"Thank you," Chastity muttered under her breath while the barista handed her the Peppermint Mocha she ordered.


For the third time in the last 25 minutes, she checked her watch while making her way out of the crowded Starbucks cafe in Greenbelt 3. "What's new? Online dating equals being stood up," she thought to herself while adjusting her left earring. So far, she has been waiting for her supposed date set up by her best friend although they got to the messy part through the internet. After two weeks of virtual tit-for-tat they finally agreed to meet up in Makati, have coffee and maybe go see a movie. That is if she will not, once again, be stood up. Apparently, it has been 30 minutes and the Chris, if that is ever his real name, has not yet showed any sign of himself.


Chastity felt like she is going to have a migraine soon from carefully scanning the crowd for the past half hour looking for the guy who wears a fedora hat, a sign they have agreed upon in less than 24 hours. For her part, she believes she does not look that bad with her cheetah print scarf worn over her black t-shirt. 


"Miss?"


"What could have possibly possessed me to think any of this will be true and that he will be The One? Aaghh," thought Chastity as she checked her watch one last time before deciding that if that twerp will not show up, she might as well just finish up her drink, call Heleighna, her ever-doting cousin who set her up with that non-existent Chris and head to the nearest cinema to watch whatever is interesting.


"Miss?"


Then came a tap on her shoulder. In a few seconds, Chastity found herself staring at the most interesting pair of eyes she ever saw in her life, followed by the right amount of freckles splashed in that charming face looking down at her. Those eyes were the lightest pair of brown, almost transparent, which reminded her of an earring she bought in Baclaran.

Author's Note: This is a work in progress. And it's not my life story

Solo Lakwatsera: Getting Lost in the North 2

I am here sitting in the four corners of my room, reliving the memories of my most amazing solo trip ever. Thank goodness for the creators of the video and pictures, at least that way I can easily close my eyes and go back to that time when I was embraced by the sea and a sea of stars.

After Pagudpud, my new-found travel buddy Ilan coaxed me into cutting the trip into shorter stops. I was hesitant at first knowing that whenever I travel, I give it a good heave and a good go. I do not want to be spending too much time and money cutting the trip shorter. Well, I am glad we did made the stop over in Vigan because as it turns out, it was it's town fiesta last January 25.

Vigan of course was not Pagudpud. Ilan is not exactly a people person (kinda ironic given that he is a pseudo-resident of the world's most populous country, China) but nonetheless, according to him, the crowd gives the city it's 'character'. He wasn't keen on seeing too many cars, though. I wasn't pleased myself. I kinda want to see more kalesa than cars...

We only spent one day in Vigan but it was a great experience. We dined in Cafe Leona, sampling their morcon and then headed to Cafe Uno for tea and mint chocolate. I am a peppermint kinda person so I was craving my mint at that time. He, being English and all, wants his tea.

The following day, I conquered my fear of heights again and went up the tower in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. we rode a kalesa and did all touristy stuff. Of course, Calle Crisologo did not disappoint us. Ilan kept on saying it was as if we were in Spain, with its dry and chilly night air, perfect for outdoor cafes like Cafe Leona.

I could go on and on about this but well, here are the pictures to tell you guys the story.

Solo Lakwatsera: Getting Lost in the North

Idyllic, serene and definitely paradise. These are some of the words that flashed in my head when I saw the crystal clear waters of Saud Beach in Pagudpud. Unfortunately, I can't say anything further because a good friend of mine I traveled with to this paradise made me swear to keep this as a secret. Of course I understand why. In those three days I spent in the beach reading One Day (another must-read, I should say), I want it to be our place. Our place and I hate to see it get ruined like Boracay. I don't want any Starbucks in that area, I don't want any McDonald's or 7-Elevens. I want it to stay just the way it's supposed to be--- a paradise.

Last Friday Night..(no skinny dipping in the dark)

Yeah, actually, it was more like day off ng katulong (of the help). You guys must know the nature of my job and probably know by now that I don't take days off. Well, I'm working at home so taking a day off would be futile. I mean, I am home most of the time so why will I lose money just to stay home? Okay I'm blabbering...Sorry about that.

I coaxed some friends to have a night out just so I can get out of my room. It has been raining non-stop here, it's always cold (another lousy excuse not to hit the gym) and thus, the reason for the lack of outfit posts. I have been reading this book called Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov. It has kept me from dying out of boredom. I will post a book review (parang college lang. Hello Eng. 10; Sir William Ragamat---> full mention pa talaga!) this week so do watch out for that.

Nida and Rocky gamely said yes when I invited them for a couple of drinks. I miss beer. I miss frozen margaritas. Aaahhh!

Anyways, before I blabber about nonsense again, I will just show you what we did through these pics. I wore my awesome cheetah-print sheer cardigan from Surf Paradise (of Robinson's Tacloban) that I got last week. Then my black shirt and Baleno mini I got at a thrift shop. I got my favorite obsession, my 70's and 80's inspired saddle bag from Secosana.

This is just ketchup and mayo. Cool eh?

Oh, my watch matches my cardi. Hehe! It's from Tomato.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It's just crazy here with the rains and all. I will have a trip next week so I might blog about that. Plus the book review...

Anyways, it's past 2am here so I think I might hit the sack. Byers! Thanks for dropping by.

Hello 2012!

Yey! It's a few minutes before midnight or should I say, before 2012. Despite plans to go out with some friends, I am stuck here in my room, as always, relieving the past. I chanced upon my very firs New Year article from last year. It made me nostalgic. Haha!

2010 was a good year, I should say, in comparison to this 2011. When I wrote that post, I was hopeful, full of life and all. Well, 2011 pretty much sucked the living daylights out of me. I remember writing about having a great job in 2010. Well, a few months after that, I got bitten by exhaustion from doing that 'great job' and landed another 'great job' I would eventually quit in less than three months.

I was hoping to fall in love again in 2011 and oh, well, I did. Right after the year changed, me and an in despicable ex-boyfriend got together pretty much because we miss having anybody to talk to. I was lured into the same crazy stuff he would pull off just to smitten me. It worked until things turned out for the worst. Well, 2011 did made me cry buckets. At some point I was cursing myself for being a masochist and for just enduring. I don't know... I seem to still find out why I like hurting myself or throwing myself to a sea of daggers.

I don't want to go into details about my misery but all in all 2011 was all about 3 jobs, 2 boyfriends both from a different country, speaking English more frequently than usual, watching my very first 3D movie (Transformers: Dark of the Moon), failing the bar exam, trying to conquer my fear of heights (with a trip to Enchanted Kingdom but I rode the roller coaster with eyes tightly closed), seeing sea lions and penguins for the first time, travelling to Baguio alone, getting my driver's license, knowing how to drive (yey!) and getting more views and subscribers on my blog, Phat Pinay.

I am still hoping for another shot, another lease on life. somehow, all the merriment outside my window and the blasting of firecrackers gives me a feeling of hope that everything will be better. If not, well, there is also the end of the world. Haha! Just kidding!

As always, I am thankful to the people I met and known this year. I may have my bad days but I don't remember them weighing me down that much and I guess it's also because I met a lot of special people who always cheer me up.

I hope to have a new camera and tab by next year so I can blog some more. I am hoping that despite my would-be-busy-for-the-bar sched, I would still manage to find time to blog. I am hoping to rekindle friendships, make them stronger, be wiser and happier. I want to travel abroad and I am hoping I won't be alone.

Here's to a happy New Year everyone! Cheers!

A Party Graded 5 Stars!

Last night, I was invited to crash/ host the Christmas Party for Five Star Trading and Printing Press owned and managed by Honorable Tacloban City Councilor Jerry S. Uy. Being my former boss and of course, I love parties and having a blast, I naturally said 'yes'.

Well, it was a great party full of familiar faces, funny/perverted games and of course, door prizes for everyone.

All employees of Five Star were in attendance. They all prepared games and presentations which had everyone on their toes and vocal chords, belting out tunes like All I Want for Christmas is You. Haha! They even made me join and so, I became a comic character in one of their skits.

Cynthia, Rowena, myself, Nida

myself, Cynthia, Rocky, Kuya Ronie and his wife, Ate Rowena

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a photo of my outfit for the party. It was not something special though. I wore something blue since I belonged to the Blue Team and the only decent blue shirt I have is my floral top from Jewels. I wore flats since I now I will be running around being the host and all.

The most pathetic outfit post I have. Hahaha!

Best of all, to cap off the evening, a raffle was done and I won a gift! I won a rice cooker that is so huge than what we would normally buy. Our rice cooker broke so it's so timely.

What have you guys been up to? Hope you all will have a blast this New Year. Here's to another great blogging year! Cheers!

Journal: I Wish to Be a Kid Again

It was a Christmas just like the rest. I still have that gaping hole in me, that familiar feeling from several Christmases in the past. When I was in Manila last year, away from my family and friends, I was thinking that it was because I was away from them and missed out on a lot of traditions. That's the reason I'm back. But so is that familiar void that's wanting to be filled.

I wish I know what's missing that way I can fix myself. It's a shame having a degree in Psychology and not being able to fix what's wrong with you.

I also wish Santa Claus, with his clairvoyance and psychic powers (?), can immediately come to my rescue and give me that present that I so wanted. But I can't even remember when I stopped believing in things like Santa, love and orgasm.

Partyphiles

I had a blast last night. After dropping off a few items I donated for the typhoon victims, I proceeded to the Christmas party/ lunch at the law office I used to work for when I was still in law school.

It was so great seeing my former bosses' again and it was even great reconnecting with my friends. I bonded with the new staff that they have and generally, I can see myself hanging out with them more. They are just so cool, especially Rocky and Lenie.

Anyways, I got invited again to another party this Dec. 29. Well, I guess I won't be un-partying after all.

OOTD: Color block shirt- random; Skirt with cute cut-outs- Bridget's Closet (Robinson's Place Tacloban);
flats- Penshoppe, watch- Tomato

Nida, Ate Moret, Cynthia and Mayet

I love this shot! L-R   Nida, Lenie, Cynthia, Myself, Mayet

This is a clearer shot of my outfit. What do you guys think? I love the cut outs at the bottom.

I love this new Tanduay Ice Blue Illusion. It looks like a very expensive cocktail drink, eh?

I also discovered that Tanduay Ice has recently came up with new mixes that will get everyone excited! It now has flavors calle Red Mirage and Blue Illusion. They are so sweet, you'll forget that it has 5% alcohol. At least with this one, you can still drink and drive. Haha! Personally, I like mixing them together. Tastes like fruit punch.

Anyways, that's it for now. How are your parties? Hope you all are having a great time. But please before you go to any festivity, I hope each one of us take our time off to do something, maybe donate or help out in packing the goods for our typhoon Sendong victims. It won't take you too much to give so much help.

Happy Christmas everyone!

OOTD: Sheer Twist

It's a few days before Christmas and of course, I want to avoid the holiday rush in looking for gifts for my friends, family members and my godkids (inaanak). So, as soon as I finished lunch, I immediately hurried off to the mall to purchase the last batch of my gifts. Haha! Yes, they do come in batches because it's so hard to decide what to give and of course, I'd have to hunt down for bargains. Nobody can deny of course that with the kind of economy we have now, it's still wiser to have a few bucks left when we usher in the new year. But that is not to say that I give them cheap gifts. I just need some time to hmmm...weigh my options.

For my outfit, I wore my sheer salmon (?) top that I thrifted years ago. It has this weird ribbon in the front that you need to tie so it felt like a sailor collared (???!!) top. I bought this for court practice for law school. I found it in my drawers and since sheer is very trendy these days, I have to wear it again! It was like giving it a new lease on life. To be honest, I really don't like this before because of the weird collar. But I love the color and the sheerness (again, ???) of this piece.

Excuse the blurry photos. My mom and auto focus are yet to get acquainted. That is our tree by the way. What do you guys think?

Top- Thrifted; Pants- Red Girl; Watch- Tomato (love the animal print!);
Earrings- random; Flats- Penshoppe

I also wore my oversized silver earrings and I forgot where I got them but whenever I wore them, I'd get noticed. Well, it's blindingly huge so it's definitely hard not to notice. Hahaha!

By the way, one thing that I hate about having to wear polo is how the sleeves would go down especially when its made of satin. No matter how much I try to roll them up, they never seem to sit still and be rolled up perfectly for the rest of the day. Anyways, what I did (in desperation) was I got one of those x-large rubber bands that my dad uses and rolled it in my arms after I made about two rolls of the sleeves. Anyways, I hope I am making sense here but well, the rubber bands are supposed to prevent the sleeves from slipping down.

I also did another trick to that pesky ribbon. I used one of my connector rings and slipped one ribbon in each hole and tied it. Voila! It looks like an instant brooch.

I am loving my new flats by the way. I know I have been wearing flats way too much these days but well, since it's party season again, I'd have another excuse to wear my heels.

Until then everyone! Have you guys finished gift shopping?

Please leave your comments below and I'd appreciate it very much. Byers!

December Faves

I seriously need my muse back. For some reasons I have not been inspired to do any posts here since, well, I have not been dressing up that much either. Most of the time, whenever I go out, the overcast and gloomy weather would only make me resort to anything plain just to avoid laundry from piling up.

I really wish I can go back to the frequency of my posts. But anyhow, maybe this coming week I might be able to catch up since I plan to crash some parties and have meet ups with my friends. Because it's Christmas, at least I have an excuse to dress like I normally would. Hahaha!

This post will be about the things I have been raving about this month. I know December isn't over yet but anyways... I don't think it matters.

Bench Coffee and Honey Creme Oil and BBW Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin

Since it has become very cold where I am, I find that my skin has become dry and as opposed to a few months back, my face has stopped being the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries---> a term I coin for slick, oily face) that it used to be. It's now, well, dry, much to my dismay 'cause one thing I hate is when people can guess my actual age. Dry skin definitely makes your face look haggard. So, moisturize.

One thing I also hate is a thick lotion. So I have been loving Bench's Creme Oil in Coffee and Honey. I love it because it's light but still does a great job! Plus, it smells like coffee and I am a big coffee junkie. Same with BBW Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin that I recently purchased from Bath and Body Works Philippines. That online store sells authentic BBW products by the way and they aren't those Singapore versions, either.

Clinique mini palette my bff has given me and I love the powder blush in it w/c is Sunset Glow,
Ever Bilena Pro Lipstick with Shimmer in Berry Rose which is a rich pink color,
NYX Addis Ababa soft lip creme and NYX jumbo eye pencil in Milk

Anyways, these faves would not really be complete without a favorite music. Well, this month, it's definitely Domino from Jessie J. To listen and watch click here: Domino- Jessie J I have been hitting repeat on this one. Plus, that bassist in her acoustic version is definitely H-O-T! 

That's it for now... I still am hoping I'd get my muse back.