Forsaken and Lachrymose

27" x 39" Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper

by Rae Abigael J. Caacbay

And on the verge of breaking down one day, I've decided to paint all my feelings instead. It hurts so bad. And I can't do anything about it. What will happen, will happen. I just need to learn how to live with it. But it hurts.

This too shall pass. But it hurts so bad.

If you think that I sketched 42 line art faces on individual pieces of paper and stuck them altogether just so I can make a really cool backdrop just to take my photos, then yes, you are definitely right! hahaha.

A girl's gotta do what she has to do. Apparently, after finally putting up my backdrop, I realized that all the faces I drew were all sad and no piece is actually happy. Here's the thing, I think I have an affinity for turning my sadness and bad life experiences into my art as means of self-preservation. However though, I don't think I have to explain myself for that but I just feel like saying so since there are quite a few who keeps on asking why am I sad? haha. Well, there's no denying that but I just find it helpful to make them into art instead of dwelling over it. I mean, art helps me cope up so yeah. :)

And since I have 42 sad faces, this Casual Sleeveless Yellow Short Mini Dress is perfect for sprinkling some happiness!

Top 5 Things Every Girl Should Have in Her Wardrobe

We all have that favorite clothing piece in our wardrobes that we repeatedly use no matter the situation. No matter how many times we've used it, the piece just makes us giddy! Don't get me wrong, I'm also guilty of this. I have a few pieces that I repeatedly wear over and over and as of the moment, I don't even go out that often! 

But what I'm trying to say is, there are a bunch of essentials that a girl should invest on as these pieces are classic and timeless. These will be your go-to pieces for those days wherein you're lazy to dress up but still want to look decent and put together. 

And if you're like me who don't follow the trends unless you really love them, here are top 5 things every girl should have in her wardrobe:

I'm getting decked in utilitarian fashion with pieces that are more comfortable and functional mainly because of the Philippines' hot weather and because I have multi-colored hair that changes from time to time. Because I don't want to end up sweating all day long even for just simply standing up, I now avoid wearing denim pants. It's best to wear outfits that can adapt to any situation.

On another note, this pegged pants which I bought from a thrift store years ago is now a precious hidden gem I found in my closet! The thing is, I bought it because I found it unique but never wore it because it was actually big on me. But I've finally decided to give it a go so I adjusted the waist line (sewing skills put to the test) and voila! Never knew this pegged pants is so comfy to wear!

Fashion Finds: Evening Dresses for All Occasions

Dressing up and putting your best foot forward during events and occasions is just a natural human behavior. And it's perfectly fine if one wants to look the most beautiful at the event! Thus, it's only appropriate if one feels beautiful inside and out. And most often than not, a beautiful dress would help that feeling emerge. 

As I was browsing online, I landed on these evening dresses from a leading online fashion and sports retailer in Australia and New Zealand which is The Iconic. Launched in 2011, the shop has focused on channeling the latest technology to provide unrivaled access to more than 1,000 local and international brands and a huge 60,000 fashion and sports products for men and women. 

What caught my attention is that The Iconic is committed to social and environmental responsibility and they observe sustainability practices and do ethical sourcing. Definitely a brand to support.

Anyway, here are a few of my favorite pieces from the evening dresses they offer:

DIY Project: Making Your Elderly Relative’s Home Safe for Them to Live In 

CHAMARIPA: a shoe brand that makes you taller

A pair of well-designed men's elevator shoes is an essential asset one must have in his life especially when you wish to increase your height a bit. Here in the Philippines, a man's average height is 5'3"-5'4" and some are even smaller. Having said that, there is no shame if you are looking for that shoes that make you taller.

 Tips For Giving Your Home A Facelift On A Budget

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." - Jane Austen

Something about your own home whips up a sudden comfortable feeling, of being your true self without having to put your best self forward, of changing into your comfy house clothes and throwing that extremely fitted clothing pieces you wore the whole day into the laundry basket, and of walking bare foot in the comforts of your home while drinking that hot tea or chocolate.

"A home can become too comfortable sometimes. An ongoing schedule of freshening up is a good thing to do." - Penny Morison

Having said that, keeping one's home clean, neat, and beautiful is something that one should always consider. Here are simple tips for giving your home a facelift on a budget: