Grateful for 30♥

source: Google.com

Just like that I am celebrating my 30 years in Sta Lucia Realty & Dev., Inc.  Time really flies so fast.  I started working when I was 20 (even turned 21 few days after working).  As I look back, I never thought that I will be staying in the company this long.  Honestly, it's hard to work in a company when you are related with the owners. (well that is the other half of Sta. Lucia).  At first I did not want to work there because I am afraid that people may think that I got in because I am a relative.  I believe I am capable of finding a company where I can showcase my abilities.  Being a graduate from a reputable university - University of Santo Tomas I know I can make it.  I was already accepted in a well-known bank in Makati when my mother told me that my uncle talked to her - because they badly need an accounting graduate.  To make the long story short, being the "obedient" daughter - I said yes... but I gave myself 2 or 3 years.  

Fast forward the 2 to 3 years became 5, then 10... It's not a bed of roses...  I experienced a lot: from my co-employees not liking me (because they say I am a spy), they assume that I get special treatment.  I am completely aware that all eyes are on me.  That is why I am very careful with my actions: I followed every rule, I was never late...  I gave my best in every responsibility that was given to me.  In 1998, I was chosen as our department's best employee.. (at least my hard work paid off after 5 years of working).

Then in 2008, I felt there was no progression with my job,  that I need to move and seek for career growth.  Because for the past 15 years of working there: I did not see any professional advancement for  the upcoming years and time is running out for me because I am already 36.  I tried applying and I got accepted (it felt great that after 15 years, I will still be accepted in a different company).  I resigned, had a phone conversation with the company's president and he did not allowed me.  Bottom-line - I stayed.  

2023 - There are still intrigues that came along the way... but I don't care anymore.  I felt I am too old to dwell on them.  I just want to work and do my job... no company is perfect, but one of the things my Lola (grandmother) taught me is that - "Don't bite the hands that feed you."  So I am grateful to the company that helped me achieve my goals, especially to our President and CEO who believed in my capabilities.  Looking forward to the next 5 or 10 years until my retirement. (*wink!)

Russell Taylors x Hello Kitty♥

I recently found this online... and I am speechless.  As a Hello Kitty fan and collector, I really wanted something that I can use.  Since I love cooking these kitchen gadgets are really a thumbs up!

source: Russell Taylors 

The Pop-up Toaster:  The toasts pop-up automatically when done .  It also has a cancel function to abort toasting with just a touch.  Voltage: 750watts, 220-240 volts, with 7 shades browning control.

source: Russell Taylors

The Waffle Maker : Dual heating non-stick plates, Power 850 watts, 220-240 volts.  Plates are non removable.

source: Russell Taylors

The Hand Blender/Food Processor : Beaker capacity 700ml, Chopper Bowl capacity 500ml, 2 speed setting with stainless steel blades.  Power: 650 watts, 220-240 volts.

source: Russell Taylor

The Smart Weighing Scale: High Strength tempered glass, tracks progress using Okok app, 12key body composition analysis, all new ABS material, up to 180kg weighing capacity.

source: Russell Taylors

The Air Fryer: 4.2L 360 degrees Convection technology, Cool touch handle, Anti Skid, Auto off function upon removing basket,  Power 1200 watts, 220-240 volts, 80 - 200 degrees celsius.

source: Russell Taylors

The Pressure Cooker - 6L Pressure cooker, 11 pre-set programs, Self-locking lid, Power 1000 watts, 220-240 volts, Stainless inner pot.

Russell Taylors is a home appliance company that is based in Malaysia.  They have wide range of items from kitchen, cleaning, hair, garments and etc.  

Sadly, since these are not available here in the Philippines they are kinda  pricey when you purchase them here from online sellers.  

'til the next Hello Kitty update!♥

xo,

Chiq♥

DIY: Mad Hatter Hat for small dog♥

It's been weeks since Halloween but I was not able to share this right away.  It was Mochi's 2nd Halloween: last year he was Paddington Bear.  This year I wanted him to be the Mad Hatter.  I want to share how I made his hat.   First of all, I got the pattern from www.craftyourhappiness.com , but I did some changes you may also follow how they did the hat but I tweaked mine.  Since Mochi is a small dog, I photocopied the pattern and reduced the size to 70%.  Theirs is not sewn but since I am using a felt cloth then it had to be sewn. (well, I handsewn it.)

Materials:

• Green felt cloth
• Green thread, needle, dressmaker pins, and scissors
• Black Gros grain ribbon
• Velcro tape
• Thin black garter
• Scrapbooking cute materials (for hat design) 

Instructions

Step 1: Download and print the pattern from www.craftyourhappiness.com.  Photocopied and reduced the size to 70%.

Step 2: Trace and cut to your green felt cloth;

Step 3: Sew the hat starting with the crown.  Attach the ends with dressmaker pins then sew.

Step 4: After the crown, it's time to sew the brim.  

Step 5: Then attach and sew the crown shape.

Whoala! Your Mad Hatter hat should look like this.  After this you need to attach the black garter on the brim, so it will not fall off your dog's head.

Step 6: Attach the thin black garter on the hat's brim.

Step 7: It's time to dress up your Mad Hatter hat.   Instead of sewing the scrapbooking materials, I just used a Velcro tape to attach them so I can easily detach them  and use them for other project, if any in the future.

Another tip:  Do a couple of dress/hat rehearsal with your fur baby so he will be comfortable in wearing it.  A favorite dog treat will come handy, while doing the session.

Credits to craftyourhappiness for the Mad hatter pattern.. :)

xo, 

Chiq♥

Fashion: Coordinates - An Emerging Trend ♥

I remember I wrote about this few years ago Co-ords Trend 2015♥ and it became a statement look until today.  Going matchy-matchy with your outfits is the safest thing if you feel you are not good in mixing and matching your clothes.  This cohesive look started from a trend and now it became a classic one.  If you are into minimalist but fashionable look this is a must try.

You can see a lot of women wearing coordinates or "coords" ("co-ords')  anywhere from malls, party and now a usual airport fashion.  From lounge wear, sweaters + sweat pants, top and skirts co-ords. 

Here are some of my Top Coords picks this 2023:

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Plains & Prints

source: Plains & Prints

xo, 

Chiq♥

It's Sticker Season at Starbucks Ph♥

source: Starbucks Philippines

Are you ready for this!  November 2, 2023 is the start of the sticker collection for Starbucks Traditions.   I have been collecting their annual planners since 2007.  It has also become my own tradition... New year is not complete without the Starbucks Planner.  A couple of years ago, aside from the planners they have also included limited edition merchandise - from drink wares, wallet and etc.

source: Starbucks Philippines

It's pink and beige planners for this year! Yey! I am so excited... Gorgeous right?  I am betting on the pink first.  But I love the rose gold pen on the beige.  

Drink wares this year - Siren inspired - Stainless tumbler in black, Cold cup with straw & straw cover and classic coffee mug that comes with a tote.

source: Starbucks Philippines

source: Starbucks Philippines

source: Starbucks Philippines

I hope I will be able to complete all again this year! (*wink!)  

xo,

Chiq♥