Thank You for Your Votes for Curvy Blog Award 2012

Remember how I begged for your votes in this entry? The voting had ended last Sunday while I was still high from my recent 4-day traipse in Coron. I didn't make it to the coveted Top 10, but I'm super delighted to see that I ranked 24th. Not bad, right?

Again, big, big thank you for showing your support! Next year, we'll try harder!

WORLD PREMIERE: That Ruffled Pink Bikini and Pink Bra / Postcards from Coron Part 1

As you can tell in this entry and the succeeding bikini postcard entries like here, there and everywhere, I can rock any maillot and tankinis. Exposing my muffin top in a two-piece, however, is something I need to find courage to do. Little did I know that I would finally do it during my recent Coron getaway.

I've long wanted to world premiere this ruffled pink bottoms since I bought it from a friend last year. But I can't seem to find any silver or blue tankini that would complement it. Then, my at-work-and-play friend Chi (you've met her here) gifted me a pink bra whose hue slightly matches the bikini I mentioned earlier. Perfect match indeed! 

In my private "dress rehearsals", I realized the bikini was at least one size bigger (yeah, I'm suck a sucker for ruffles!) and wearing two-piece alone will be too risky. I have no plans to reach the shores and then realize that the waves took my bottoms away. I have no plans to expose the gateway to heaven! So I decided to bring this coral sleeveless top with me as cover-up.

Check out my ruffles!

Still in Banana Island

Remember how I love jump shots? My BFF Carl and I wrapped up our stay in Banana Island  by doing such and, at one point, I had to stop as I felt my bikini fall down, exposing my buttcrack for the male photographer and young locals to witness. How mortifying!

 And the Kodakan continued in Malcapuya Island...

When the sun finally felt less cancerous (we arrived in Malcapuya Island by noon), we took a long dip in spite of the wild waves. Carl and I took turns to take photos of each other and, at one point, she encouraged me to take off my coral top. I was initially hesitant. But in the end, I agreed. Man, it felt good! 

My poor attempt to look like a calendar girl

 That glorious moment when I decided to take the cover-up off

Take 1: Ooops!

Frolicking with Jovi and Mars

WORLD PREMIERE: That Printed Purple Jacket

A week before our long-awaited trek to the highlands of Baguio, I was told by friends that it was super cold. Hence, I packed my colorful muffler and my new jacket, plus my old hooded jacket and bonnet for my boyfriend Waldo in preparation for this trip. Wait, I just re-read the prior sentence and something feels off. My new jacket? Technically, it’s somebody else’s old jacket. I need to clear that out. (Were you thinking something hand-me-down for Waldo, something spanking new for me? Nah. Haha!)

Like I’ve mentioned here, ukay ukay shops had always been my source of fab finds; they always have something kikay for me and my big bust, something that makes me express my inner boho better and something that other women won’t likely buy elsewhere. Since they offer second-hand items from countries abroad, they manage to attract buyers for winter jackets, coats, boots and other thermal stuff for less. Imagine branded jackets that range from PhP100-500 and I can already imagine you panic-buying for stuff we don’t really need in a tropical country like ours. So why did I purchase this printed jacket I’m about to show you? Well, I decided to scour for winter clothes in hopes to attend my best friend’s winter wedding in Australia early this year. Turned out I can’t fly there and stand as a witness. Not yet!

Read the rest of this blog entry here.

BIRTHDAY WISH: Your Votes for Curvy Blog Award 2012

Wow, writing about this feels harder than pinging friends via BBM or Facebook. Haha!

I heard about the ongoing Curvy Blog Award by navabi and, after a minute of mental tug-of-war, I nominated myself to register. Why not? An all-expense paid trip to London to attend the London Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2013, 500€-worth shopping voucher and meet-and-greet opportunity with Anna Scholz are at stake! And this much-awaited chance to get my virginal passport get dirty and...and...and this slim chance to spot the Spice Girls and/or David Beckham in the flesh! Ok, I'm already thinking ahead.

I know I'm no fashion champion like the other known plus size fashion bloggers. I recall one of my guy friends saying he can't determine my fashion style as I switch from donning feminine to ethnic/bohemian to sporty to casual and what-else-next. I know there's nothing distinct nor outrageously daring about my style. At this time, I like it comfortable but not too comfortable either. Fashion for me is about functionality and individuality. But it doesn't end in what we wear, really. A big and genuine smile is still my favorite accessory.

So what the hell was I thinking to compete with the fatshionably forward ones? Well, I'd like to give it a try. At this age (yep, I just turned 30!), haunting what-ifs are not listed in my future plans. This blog attempts to capture the plus size lifestyle - the first-time highs, the make-up madness, the sale alerts, the unending path to healthier diet and fitness, girltalks, the search for inspiration from God, fellow real-life goddesses, appreciative men,  motivational music, movies and poetry. And I'm hoping this holistic approach can convince the jury that I deserve this opportunity.

But, hey, before the jury could review the candidates' blog entries, they need to determine the Top 10 out of the 285 nominees. Please, please vote for my humble virtual niche here and help this birthday girl make it to the Top 10 before November 25th. Pretty please?

 

Badge customized by Heineken Ong Hua

MUSIC MONDAY: MIKA - Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)

♪♪ No need to fantasize ♪♫ ♫♫ Since the words are my praises ♪♫ ♪♫♫ A watering hole with the girls around ♪♪ ♫♪♪ And curves in all the right places ♪♫♪
Some people really know how to crack me up, some how to make me feel glowing with gratitude. But only a few can make me feel that way at the same time. And that's what my BFF succeeded to do in this unexpected birthday tribute. I urge you to watch it. But, hey, make sure your kids get parental guidance. Extreme close-ups can get quite shocking. Haha!

Judging by this post, you can tell how much I adore this song. It's the most fitting song to introduce this musical segment of my blog. Put that music and my favorite photos and a few of my quotable quotes together and I'm ready to cry like a 2-year-old kid.

Deej, have I thanked you enough for this surprise? And I dunno what else to say. This really made my day. I love you!