Lupus Made My Hair Funky?

Hello everyone!!

I was inspired to do this blog post after looking in the mirror one morning. My alarm clock went off. I snoozed it ;) Eventually got out of bed to get ready for work. 

While brushing my teeth, I looked up to the mirror and saw my hair. Half of it was wavy and the other half was straight. My initial reaction was "what they heck?" and my second was to chuckle. 

For those of you who do not know, I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, in July 2010. You can read more about my story here. 

One of the side effects of having Lupus is hair fall out. My hair fall out was pretty severe after my diagnosis. It was traumatic and difficult to deal with. You can read that story here. In Fall 2014, my hair started to fall out again. Not as much as it did initially in 2010, but enough to make me feel like this was happening all over again. It lasted for about 3 months and my hair grew back. Then in Fall 2015, it started again. This time less severe than my second experience. What is it about Fall and hair loss? I must admit, I fear the upcoming Fall season due to history repeating itself.

....back to the present, I looked up in the mirror today and saw my hair. Parts of my hair are wavy and other parts are straight.

(Excuse my poor lighting but I just had to take a picture. Impromptu style)

I've noticed this many times before since my hair started growing back. I've told my friends and family about it and we would laugh about it. 

When I looked in the mirror that morning I was reminded of how prominent the difference was. I was reminded of the trauma that I experienced but also the recovery and resurrection from it. And I suppose it adds humor to the seriousness of Lupus and the hair fall out trauma.

BUT DANG!! It totally looks like I half did my hair. LOL

As funky as my hair is after it grew back, I am so grateful and thankful that it did grew back. Hair is important to us females. I had a lot of it before. It was hard to see it fall in clumps.

I have most of my hair back now. It may be half straight and half wavy, but it's still my hair. And it's a reminder that I can still kick Lupus in the butt!

Xoxox

Spring Favorites 2016

Hello all!

As everyone else says, where has Spring gone?!

With each year, time seems to be passing on faster and faster.

I just want to say, SLOW DOWN TIME. I WANT TO ENJOY LIFE.

TANGENT.

Anyways, LOL, here are my Spring favorites.

MAYBELLINE BETTER SKIN CONCEALER
I did a review on this concealer in early May. I liked it, but was not in love with it. I try not to  waste makeup so I used it anyway. Using it daily made me fall more in love with it each day.
I put concealer under my eyes, a peck on the redness around my nose and a dab or two on my forehead. I buff it in and have a light even finish with great coverage. It looks like my natural skin.

URBAN DECAY LINER

My everyday makeup is very simple especially to work. Adding the purple liner to my lower lash line adds a pop of color and happiness :)

As you can see, I've used it up! :) And it matches my nail polish. Win!

CLAIROL HAIR FOOD DRY SHAMPOO INFUSED WITH KIWI FRAGRANCE

I got this in a sample box. It is amazing!! Smells sooooo good. Goodbye Batiste, I have a new #1!

( credit : www.target.com )

NEXXUS COMB THRU TOUCHABLE HOLD FINISHING SPRAY
I learned about this product from MakeupByLeinaBaaaby. I go cray with hairspray because my hair can't hold a curl. The problem is that my hair gets all crunchy. This hairspray prevents that! I love it!

( credit : www.drugstore.com )

CHLOE BY CHLOE PERFUME
This has been my go to over my one and only Burberry Brit Sheer. I love my Burberry perfume but the scent disappears so quickly! I can smell Chloe for most of the day! If I'm paying lots of money for perfume, the scent better last.

JJ MARCS SMALL HEART PENDANT NECKLACE
I received this as a birthday gift. I love that it's dainty and simple. I've been looking for a necklace like this :) I've gotten compliments whenever I wear it

GOODY CLAW CLIPS
Ever since my hair fallout, I opt for using hair clips rather than hair ties. Hair ties pull out more hair. Any opportunity to preserve my hair (irony because I dye it! >_<) I will take it! I put 2 - 3 in my hair when I Zumba and my hair stays in place :)

RALPH LAUREN SANDALS
I used to hate shoes like this because of the "effort" to put on and take off these shoes. I'm Asian and am culturally accustomed to taking off my shoes when going into people's home. Though even if I don't go to others' homes, I want to be in and out of my house in a jiffy. I don't want to bend down to put my shoe on. #lazy. However, I love these! They're comfortable to walk in! And they don't make my already wide big feet look huge. Win! Of course, they have to have some heel to it. My aging feet don't like flat anymore.

NINE WEST WEDGES
These are just so comfortable! I've walked 1+ miles straight in these shoes and I was not close to dying :) They're not too high and they're not so low. They can be dressed up and dressed down. Love them!

TRADER JOE'S MILK CHOCOLATE SMASHING S'MORES
Holy cow!! If you have not tried this, you are not truly living. This is so delicious. I was telling my coworker about them the other day and she told me to put them in the microwave for 5ish seconds for an extra foodgasmic experience. AND HOLY COW! Go get it NOW!

( credit : www.popsugar.com )

MY BOYFRIEND AND THIS KITTY PICTURE
I have turned into quite the cat lady (though puppies still have my heart!) in the last 2 years. I came across this cute kitty online and had to share it with the world. How cute is this kitty?! And how cute is my boyfriend <3 

What are your Spring favorites?

Any Summer favorite prospects?

Xoxoxo

30th Birthday Diaries: Accessories Gifts

Hello everyone!

In my previous post, I shared the makeup gifts I received for my 30th birthday. In this post, I wanted to share the two accessories I received: a necklace and purse.

SMALL HEART PENDANT NECKLACE: JJ MARCS
I love this. I've been looking for a small pendant necklace. It's dainty and simple. It's not too long, not too short. I've gotten compliments whenever I wear it :)

PURSE: Women's Chain Strap Micro Bag by Who What Wear (Target)

My friend got this for me because she said all of my purses are dark in color. LOL. It's a beautiful purse and something I would definitely wear to nicer occasions. Can't wait to use it :)

That's all folks!

This is the last of my 30th Birthday Diaries. I do hope you enjoyed the little mini series :)

On my end, it was really fun to document my 30th birthday events. 30 is a big year and I'm excited for what other blessings is to come.

Xoxoxo

30th Birthday Diaries: Makeup Gifts

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share some of my birthday makeup gifts with you all. I haven't used any yet, but I did swatch a few and try on the lippies.

The goods

TWO FACED: NATURAL EYES:

I am in love! I love neutrals!! This palette is so beautiful (and comes with tutorials) that I almost do not want to use it. And the names are the cutest! :D

I did swatch the highlight, blush and bronzer. That highlight was way pigmented!

SEPHORA LUSTER MATTE LONG WEAR LIP COLOR: NUDE PINK

I am exchanging this one. It's so much brighter on my lips than the actual tube that the color, when on my lips, is almost neon, like a milky pink neon. Not very cute on me at all. It does not fit my skin tone whatsoever.

MAC: MINERALIZED EYE SHADOW IN SPICED METAL

This is very shimmery! It stays true to it's "metal" description. This is something I will definitely use on the center of my eye when doing a smoky eye. 

MAC: VIVA GLAM V

I really dig this. It is similar to a "my lips but better" color but with a luster finish. It's a beautiful every day color that I can wear to work though I do wish it did not have that shine. 

This is actually my first Viva Glam lipstick so I'm excited about that :)

I'll share some of my other gifts next week. I got tons of Starbucks gift cards (YAAAAS!). I also got a purse, a necklace and a dress (that may be too big for me).

Until next time! 

Xoxoxox

Monday Sayings: RIP: Pray for Orlando

It's been a little more than a week since the tragic shootings in Orlando.

The shooting and killing of YouTuber/The Voice singer Christina Grimmie on June 10 in Orlando and then the massacre on June 11 in a Orlando nightclub called Pulse.

I'm sure you've heard of it. The deadliest massacre to date in the United States.

It still pains my heart knowing this happened. How can you take the life of another? What makes you think you're the Man up above to determine who gets to go and who doesn't?

Like many others, I wanted to dedicate a quick post acknowledging who the 49 innocent victims, now angels, were:

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34
Stanley Almodovar III, 23
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20
Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22
Luis S. Vielma, 22
Kimberly Morris, 37
Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30
Darryl Roman Burt II, 29, of Jacksonville
Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32
Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21
Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25
Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50
Amanda Alvear, 25
Martin Benitez Torres, 33
Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37
Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25
Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31
Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26
Enrique L. Rios Jr., 25
Miguel Angel Honorato, 30
Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40
Luis Daniel Conde, 39
Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33
Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25
Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32
Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19
Cory James Connell, 21
Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37
Jerald Arthur Wright, 31
Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25
Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24
Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27
Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33
Brenda Lee Marquez McColl, 49
Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24
Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32
Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28
Frank Hernandez, 27
Paul Terrell Henry, 41
Antonio Davon Brown, 29
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24
Akyra Monet Murray, 18
Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25

And Christina Grimmie, 22 who was shot the night before also in Orlando.

May you all rest in peace.

May your loved ones find peace, solace, and strength during this time.

May America unite and move forward together in love and compassion, not hate and division.

May our world one day know peace, love, and acceptance.

Xoxoxo

Throwback Thursday: Philippines 2014

Hey all,

I wanted to dedicate this throwback to 2014 trip to the Philippines, specifically my time in Dumaguete. That was my hopefully not my last trip there, but it was my last time seeing my Lola Mommy. Lola in Tagalog is grandma.

She passed away August that year.

My mom sent her these bees years ago and Lola saved them. She called them "honey bees" and was really proud of them. It was actually quite sweet how proud of them she was. Any chance she had to mention that they were sent by my mom and that she called them "honey bees," she would let me know.

I also finally got a picture with the "I <3 Dumaguete" sign by the coast. I never noticed this sign before or I must have forgotten. Dumaguate will forever remind me of my Lola.

I wanted to repost something my cousin posted on Facebook after my Lola died. Author is unknown but it is so beautiful:

God saw you getting tired

and a cure was not to be

so He put His arms around you

and whispered, Come to me.

With tearful eyes we watch you

and saw you pass away

and although we loved you dearly

we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating

hard working hands at rest

God broke our hearts to prove us

He only takes the best.

- Author unknown

I do want to end this post on a happy note.

The Philippines has a summer anthem (and Christmas song!) each year. When I went in 2014, the song was called PINAsmile.

The video highlights the beautiful smiles of the Filipino people. And now that summer is here, people are happy and smiling, rejoicing together in the beauty and love that is the Philippines and Filipino people.

The main "cast" of the music video are Filipino celebrities, but the video also showcases every day Filipinos in the Philippines. It makes my heart happy.

It's a beautiful song and it makes me oh so proud to be Filipino. And of course, it makes me miss the Philippines, my Lola and my family a bajillion times more!

Xoxoxo

30th Birthday Diaries: It's My Birthday!!!

Hello everyone!!!!

Today is Monday, May 23 and it is my 30th birthday! The big 3-0! :D 

I'll write a post later on about my birthday party. I had a great time :)

For now, I decided to write a casual post on what I did today on my actual birthday.

I was very productive this morning. I got my car serviced, got my birthday Starbucks,  returned items to Target, UPS'ed a return, went to Sephora to get something for my mom (her birthday is tomorrow). I spent the early afternoon with my nephew and childhood friends and will be having dinner with the boyfriend later this evening. Shout out to Ben whose birthday was yesterday :D 

Being food naughty on a weekday.

It's my birthday. It's okay ;)

(yes,I did my hair! Post to come)

I haven't seen my little guy in ages. My heart melted when he ran to me <3

So far, 30 has been good to me. 

Cheers to many more blessings to come.

Xoxoxo

Fashion Wish List: F21 Dress + Earrings

Hello everyone!

When I was shopping for my 30th birthday outfit, I came across this Forever 21 dress and fell in love. I was not too fond of the chest area design but overall, it was a beautiful dress. It was a bit more expensive than I would have like to have spent and I hate ordering online with the hassle of going in person to return should it not work out.

Here are some jacket (and regular) earrings that I fell in love with and totally want!

This is my fave that I found on Pinterest. WHERE DO I FIND YOU?!

Gaahhh. Sometimes I wish I had Sabrina the Teenage Witch powers to just point things into life and in my possession (kids who grew up in the 90s, you know what I'm talking about). Until then, I will just drool over these beautiful pictures. 

What's on your wish list?

Xoxoxox

Monday Sayings: There Is No Time Like The Present

Self-explanatory.

Something so simple and so logical, but still we hesitate and make excuses to procrastinate.

Time is limited.

Let's do it now! 

Xoxoxox

The 90's Tag

Hello everyone!

I don't know about you, but I absolutely loving reading others' get-to-know me tags. And when I came across this "The 90's Tag" I just had to HAD TO had to do it!!

I was a 90s kid and in my [biased yet unbiased] opinion, it was the best time to grow up. We had the best jams, best TV shows, best toys, best errrrthaaaang, okay?! Even 90s fashion grunge and nude lips have made a comeback. Oh yeaaahhhh.

Here goes it:

1. Favorite Disney Channel original movie: Unfortunately, I was cableless until after college. Whomp

2. Favorite music artist: SPICE GIRLS!

( credit: www.avclub.com )

3. Favorite Nickelodeon Jr. show: Again, no cable as a child :(

4. Favorite candy: War Heads >_<

5. Favorite game (board game, school game): Board game - Mouse Trap. School game: Power Rangers (we used our imagination, NOT iPads!

( credit: www.pinterest.com )

6. Favorite McDonald's toy: Power Rangers Morpher Belt Buckle

7. Favorite book: Babysitters Club series! OH YEAH!

( credit: www.bustle.com )

8. Favorite clothing store: None. I hated shopping with a passion. LOL

9. What would you watch when you get home from school: Power Rangers :D

10. Favorite TV show: Saved by the Bell

11. Favorite toys: Polly Pocket, Nerf gun, Talk Boy/Girl, Sky Dancers, pogs, hoola hoops. Please read Buzzfeed's article on some of the greatest 90s toys.

( credit: www.pinterest.com )

( credit: www.amazon.com )

( credit: en.shpock,com )

If you know Home Alone, you know what this is

12. Favorite commercials: Probably the Bop It toy and Skip It toy

( credit: www.hasbro.com ) 

13. 'Nsync or Backstreet Boys: Neither really. I know, I fail. If I had to choose, Backstreet Boys only because it reminds me of my trip to the Philippines when my grandma's neighbors played them all day everyday!

14. Weirdest fashion trend: Clear plastic chokers and knee high socks with straight platform shoes that even my beloved Spice Girls wore

( credit : www.etsy.com )

( credit: www.thedailybeast.com )

15. Favorite collectible: Pogs

( credit: www.ign.com )

16. Favorite beanie baby: Bear :)

17. How many Tamagotchis did you go through?: Just 1, all about the Giga Pet!

( credit: www.ebay.com )

18. Favorite game system and game: Sega Genesis : NBA


For someone who grew up in the 90, this was so much fun to do!!

I am so happy to have stumbled upon this tag :D What a trip down memory lane!

( credit : www.90kids.com )

Xoxoxox