Things NOT To Do While Menstruating

I have made the honest mistake of watching Serendipity while on my period. For reasons I can’t fully explain but let’s just say, I was hoping to watch The Great Gatsby but ended up watching Star Trek: Into Darkness instead and quite frankly, their costume design pissed me off.
 
Hormones are really one of the main reasons I hate being a woman. That and (you may or may NOT believe it) but also dressing up. But not childbirth, never childbirth! The world needs babies. They are cute, cuddly and they might just be the only form of humans I hardly feel the need to suffocate no matter how loud they can get. (to everyone in my office, now you know how I feel about you) Those may or may not be the hormones talking.
 
So going back to my hormones and Serendipity, watching it was not a very good idea. Despite it being my millionth time to watch it, I found myself so lost and confused. I was jealous and suddenly unsure of myself and my feelings. I started to wonder if I would ever have that sort of love (well, not their love. That was f*cked up) when at the back of my head, I was quite sure that the man I want to grow old with was lying in bed or up playing counter strike (which I have no problems with, btw). I was scared because suddenly the thought that maybe he didn’t feel the same way about me crept in which made me think that I needed some sort of security, some kind of assurance. Then I thought about us breaking up and me never being happy again and him finding someone better than me, someone with a cleaner slate, someone girlier- and it scared me because, “shit! I forgot to comb Barbie’s hair today!”. And then I thought about how much I wanted McDonald’s and how I should move to Manila and start a career there and how much I hate the Star Trek uniforms and that cheap cloth. Ugh! And… uhm… Hi! That’s pretty much how a menstruating woman’s head sounds like.
So I have made a list of to keep in mind when handling a menstruating woman:
 
1.       Watching any form of entertainment that involves love, romance especially unrequited love is a bad idea. And by watching it makes you a bad person!
2.       Do not go to places where couples might be on dates, unless you’re out on one. But that can be hazardous, as well.
Ø   If you are single, there are a million reasons why this is wrong and if you aren’t then you will most likely bitch at your man for not taking you out on one.
3.       Do not attempt to dress. Also, pressuring us to dress is also not advised.
Ø  Why the hell doesn’t anything look good when I’m bleeding? I never knew I was THIS fat!
4.       Menstruating women should not have access to a fridge and/ or kitchen. Because we will sweep that shit up.
5.       Personal contact is hazardous to everyone’s health. Suggested distance is about 5 feet from us. Believe me,  I pushed a girl yesterday and I punched a number of guys who got on my nerves. I am innocent.
6.       Talking should be done at your own risk. Because if you say something stupid, I will call it out. And I will humiliate you cuz you’re stupid and I think you should know.
7.       Never ask us for advice. Nuff said.
8.       Never ask us for our “honest” opinion. YOU CAN’T HANDLE TO TRUTH!!
9.       Talking about our boyfriends ex’s or our ex’s is like asking me if I want to sucker punch you. Because I do and I’ll consider it as permission to do so.
10.   Say NO with caution. Refusing a bleeding woman is like taking candy away from a baby. It’s like stealing your dads cigarettes or being cast out of the garden of Eden. It is that bad. Which totally eradicates rules 1-9.
 
11.   Keep a bleeding girl locked up. Like a bear should ought to be hibernating. But let her know you love her because she doesn’t understand herself either. When the pre menstrual/ intra menstrual and post menstrual syndromes are done, we will go back to loving you. Sure, we still not really like you but we’ll be easier to manage.
 
I’d finish this but I’m back to wanting McDonald’s.l

The Cooking Fashionistas: Tres Chic, Bella!

Bonjour Dames and Messieurs, Le Cooking Fashionistas are FINALLY back after our long and overdue hiatus [our apologies]!
Bid adieu to your ombre shorts and tropical quesadillas (check out the first episode here) cuz it’s time to pack our LV trolleys (Louis Vuitton or Lord Voldemort, whatever rocks your boat) and head to the land not only of the Eiffel, Louver but the macaroons, the afternoon teas, the fries (teehee) and gosh-by-golly-gee!, the Givenchy, Chanel, Dior and Lanvin!
Since we’re all poshed up, we went full Avant Garde with production with a little a WHOLE lot of help from our FMJ Co. bad assess, Franky, Mark and Jan.
So checked out our sexed up ham and cheese sandwiches and our DIY accessory hanger in video below:

  Can’t view the video? Mauvaise chose (that means poor soul. wink*wink), I have come prepared. Here’s the step by step:
Materials needed:
– Frame (you can use: old picture frames/ silk screen frames)
– Wires/ Lanyards/ String/ Thread
– Brass cup hooks
– Paint / Varnish for polishing (optional)
– Dimensional Paint/ Glue/ Glue Gun
– Scissors
Procédure

1.       Mark frame on both sides (for the cup hooks)

2.       Screw the brass cup hooks into the frames (where you’ve placed your marks)

3.       Tie the wires between the cup hooks

4.       Decorate frames with dimensional glue. Leave to dry. (Apply 2 layers to get that “pop out” effect)

5.       Once dry, paint over with paint of your choice

6.       Leave to dry.

Tadaaa!

If that made you hungry, trot along to Justinne’s blog and check out how to make her Croique Monsieur (as seen in picture below):

So that’s it for The Cooking Fashionistas! We hope you liked this episode.

Once again we’d like to say a big fat THANK YOU to FMJ Co. for  this really awesome segment! Thanks for shooting this episode of The Cooking Fashes, guys! :*

Check out more of them on the youtube channel and make sure to like their facebook page, as well!

Let me know in the comments if you want your own accessory hanger- I SMELL A POTENTIAL GIVE AWAY COMING!! ;)What did you think of this episode, guys? 😀 ‘Til next!xx,

Issa

Cross That Damn Bridge

There is nothing more motivating than knowing that nobody has your back.

There is nothing more fuel burning than knowing that this is my battle and I’m going to do it alone.

It sucks in ways, because I don’t think that anyone believes in me, not even the people who mean the most to me. But well, what am I going to do about people who want to think I’m chicken shit? Prove them wrong.

No one is going to pat you on the back and throw you a bone (or a designer bag) when you do something good but they will magnify, gratify and multiply your flaws.

I was wrong, I know. I’ll fix it. Even if it’s the last thing I do. Just to shut everyone up.

For the first time, I’m looking forward to silence.

I Frogot It Was Summer

Of course I knew it was blazing hot outside, but would it be safe to say that it was cold in my building so it didn’t matter?
Yey!

Denim polo: -| Denim pants: Sister’s | Undershirt: Forever 21| Belt: Given (mom)| Flats: SM Department store
Obviously happy to be wearing the denim-on-denim trend after months of waiting for it to wear down.
Funny how fashion changes like that, yeah? Growing up, I could’ve sworn that wearing denim on top of denim was some sort of immortal sin or something. When it came back around last year, my exact words were “why is she in all denim? Aren’t you like, not supposed to be seen in it… EVER? Wait a minute, it does not look half bad… I want to wear it!!” And since it’s come back, fashion enthusiasts have re-invented them in ways that have made me say, “why didn’t I think of that?”
I love how the rules of fashion have changed. They’ve been updated, outdated and forgotten and on good day, it feels as if there are no rules at all. HOWEVER: Leggings are not pants, people. And no one wants to see your camel toe. You’re welcome!
For my take on this misjudged trend, I decided to use contrasting hues. It gave me more variety and well, I love these washed out jeans so I could never pass out an opportunity to take them out! Besides, the weather in Cebu is terrible and wearing a dark ensemble would’ve been equivalent to me begging for a heat stroke. Things to buy on my must have fashion list: thinner denim tops.
I went in between closing my polo to opening it countless times because I couldn’t decide what I liked more. I forgot to take a picture of it closed, though. My bad L
Charm necklace: Aizilym Enterprises
So on a scale from 1-10, how did I do?
xx,
Issa

Full Metal Jacket (AKA Female Jacket)

[Cover up: Meg]
 
[Top: Mango| Bandeau: Maze| Skater Skirt: Fashion Diary| Flats: SM Department Store]
 
Like The Kat’s Meow, who’s look I have yet to steal, I am in love with the whole skater skirt trend and how versatile it’s become allowing petite girls to pull them off as well. Contrary to popular belief, skater skirts on petite ladies, or anything waist hugging tended to cut down the torso rather than elongate it. But in a world where I don’t care for looking tall- wearing high waist skirts, shorts, peplum and baby doll dresses are the least of my problems. What a dream it would’ve been to be a towering 6 feet tall but God is just and I guess, all 5 feet of me aren’t that bad either. There are just some trends that you need to find out for yourself. 😉
What I particularly like about this skater skirt is that it’s made of faux leather which adds a bit more pizzazz to the trending style. I’ve been seeing a lot of black leather (that was sold out) and pastel colors that didn’t appeal on me so much but this bullet type of silver definitely had my name on it!
If you’re searching for the perfect skater skirt for you, you should definitely check out Fashion Diary, where they’ve got an extensive collection of skater skirts and gorgeous clothes to complete your look! From velvet, more metallic and whatnot, if only I wasn’t on a budget I would’ve splurged a whole months earning on skirts and skirts alone. I feel my feminine side seeping through- excuse me while I find my balls.
Balls in check, allow me to talk about something more masculine… Full Metal Jacket! This team consisted of three crazy, cool and really down to earth guys, Mark, Jan and Franky, helped us shoot and edit the second episode of The Cooking Fashionistas. If you check out their channel, FMJ Co., you’ll see how talented they are and how much they enjoy Ninjas, explosions and erm… Cupcakes.
Here are some of the behind the scene shots from this Manic Monday!
For more details, keep posted!
xx,
Issa
p.s. Thanks to The Third for my outfit shots, as always!! 🙂

I Soar Like An Eagle & I’ve Got Arms Of A Man

“I’m like a bird I only fly awaaaay”


[Top: Fashion Diary| Pants: Jag Jeans| High tops: Reva]
One of my insecurities? My arms.
Years of tennis, swimming and volleyball have permanently manifested on my body.
As you can see, I am, yet again wearing my favorite red sneakers that my sister gave me for my 22nd birthday. I cannot stop wearing them because 1. they’re comfortable 2. they’re stylish 3. I’m pretty sure my sister got them for cheap! (hint, hint: P600.00) Ohh, I love a good deal. 🙂
One essential item that’s been on my summer fashion “must haves” have been muscle tees. If it’s not called a muscle tee then a regular t-shirt cut at the sleeves. (ok, I just came back from Google and I’m prettyy sure it’s called a muscle tee!)
I’m a little top conscious so muscle tees keep me covered without compromising my comfort from the exhausting heat of the sun. Plus, they’re so badass- I absolutely love it!
If you’re also top conscious like I am, muscle tees and bandeau’s should be your best friends. Bandeau’s are versatile, it will suffocate you to no end but it does a good job. 😉 Can I get an amen?

On a side note, I’d like to wish my dear friend and annoying cube mate, Anne, farewell and good riddance! (just kidding!) The Papa Joe fans club will surely miss you and well, the two months I have left will surely be a lot more quiet without you around.
Good luck with your new found life and of course, to love!
I heard it makes us do the craziest things!
What are you willing to do for love?
xx,
Issa
P.S. I’ll be changing domains again (for the LAST time, I swear!) watch out for a new issaplease in the days/ weeks to come!

Not Much of Anything

Not much intellectual output on the emotional breakdown that went on from 2:00 o’ clock of this afternoon until late 5:00 today. 

It was really nice to know that I had my mom around to talk to though because technically, this is her fault. LOL.

Sometimes I think it’s stupid that I still get bothered about the fact that I am and always will be an “illegitimate” child. I mean, it is high time that I got used to the stigmas of being “the other child” or “Issa, *blah’s* kid with *blah* before *blah* and *blah*” and not just, “Issa, *blah’s* kid.”

I know other people have it much much worse than I do hence the, not much intellectual output on matter but honestly, sometimes it does suck. A lot.

In conclusion, I told my mom that I never wanted to get married, (which really isn’t a problem on my part because no one in the right mind would want to marry me) and she said something in the context of “who the hell are you trying to fool?” Which is partially true. Aside from success, all I’ve ever wanted was to have my own family. Give someone the chance to have the kind of family I never had and in some ways, know how it felt to be a part of a family that wasn’t avoiding each other or at each others necks.

I guess seeing my ancestors (yeah, ancestors) is and always will be a bitter reminder of my childhood that I have long tried to let go of. I guess I tried to run away from them like I tend to do instead of just embrace it and well, there goes my weakness.

But if I got anything out of that hour long heavy and tearful talk, it was that, I can still fix the things that I am not happy with in my life.

I think I’ll go buy myself a wig. I am currently unhappy with my hair. And the fact that my boyfriend didn’t make me his +1 to a wedding while everyone else did. The award for most thoughtful goes to…

Petty Fears

I tend to do this a lot especially when I’m left alone with my thoughts. I tend to think of all the things that scare me which is never really a good thing. It’s an awful habit, I know and if you are curious about how it feels like- don’t. It leaves you with nightmares and ruins your mornings even before they begin. How I acquired this weak hobby of mine, I don’t recall but I wish to put an end to it.

I used to write A LOT because it helped me process my thoughts easier. It’s different in your head and on paper because on paper (or screen) it’s concrete. If I can see it, I’ll accept it. But if it’s all in my head then expect a hot mess. Or just a mess. Whichever rocks your boat.

So here I am, listing down my petty fears in hopes that when I read this over and over again, I will realize how stupid I am abd maybe then, just MAYBE, we can carry on with our lives and the more important problems..

1. I fear that I will never be good enough.
2. That I will never come to find what I want to do in life.
3. That one day Paolo will wake up and realize that it is not I he wants.
4. That i will die alone.
5. That I will never make my parents proud of me.
6. That I’m goin to turn into an unhappy and ungrateful shmuck.

They really are common and random situational crises that people my age go through everyday but I’ve written them down to lighten the load. Maybe when I go home tonight, I’ll take out my journal (yeah, I keep a journal. Shoot me!) and find remedies to my mental disorder.

This is me, crazy and everything.

FYI: I am currently blogging on my phone and I think technology has really upped it’s game by letting us do this. It’s everything I have EVER dreamed of! 🙂 Yey for technology and yey for free apps!

It’s a lot more convenient to be able to ramble through my mobile when a laptop isn’t available. Also considering that work has blocked ALL my blogs. Thanks, b*tches!

Wednesday (F)lights

Due to a certain change of events, I am home early tonight. And if God couldn’t be kinder, He chose to clear up my schedule on the very night I decided that I wanted to draw a bird. Yes, you heard me right, a bird. It’s not a special bird or a bird that I’ve known of for a while. In all honesty, it’s a picture of a bird I saved off from 9gag. But it’s a cute bird; I’ll give you that- and I do believe that I’ve slowly gained a certain interest in these majestic creatures of flight, often making them my inspiration when trying to design clothes. (Emphasis on the try, people)

So here I am, minutes before eight, plopped on my bed (because I don’t have a table to draw on and that sucks) with my laptop on to keep me from being lonely. I don’t know how most people start when they decide to sketch but when drawing animate objects, I start with the eyes. So there I go, sketching away, having a go at shading and plotting (I’ve never really had any informal or formal education so that explains my weak vocabulary) when I realized that… I cannot draw to save my life.

I know this now because:

1. My little birds’ eyes were not, in any way, proportional. If that bird could move, it would’ve pecked my eyes and snapped my hands off.

2. Any bird with a head as big as the one of my feathered friend and that puny body I etched to match would be at the bottom of the food chain and would seriously hate evolution.

3. Beaks are not my forte. And neither are extremities. Peoples, birds, dogs- snakes. If they had any, I would’ve seriously f*cked that up, too.

4. Anything that is monochrome, duachrome [?!], anything other than technicolor is beyond my God given talents. Unless you think purple, blue and grey could pass as decent substitutes of black (probably, but not in the way I played it).

5. Mostly because, I forgot that when it comes to drawing or life in general, it’s important to pay attention to the bigger picture rather than scrutinize every.single.minute.detail.

I’d like to say that I’m not a quitter but let’s face it, I know a lost cause when I see one. So down went my pens and off went the paper (and into the trash bin) and I found myself sitting on my lumpy bed frustrated, incapable but mostly, sad.

And just like every single time I’m feeling down in the dumps, I like to think of all the things I could’ve done differently or the different ways that I could’ve screwed it up more to avoid doing it again next time. And I guess, in the midst of all that wallowing over a drawing, I came to the realization that:

1. I am not the best and well, maybe I never will be.

2.  People make mistakes but that doesn’t mean we should give up.

3. It takes practice. It takes time. And most of all, it takes patience.

4. If I never tried, I never would have known.

5. I have a very short attention span. I think it’s an undiagnosed case of ADHD. My mom never got me tested so, I guess we will never really know, will we? Haha.

And although I’ve put all my materials in their designated nooks and corners of my room, I am not at loss. See, I’m trying to take this evenings’ epiphany in the most philosophical way possible and somehow apply it to my daily life. I went down wiser, did I not? I’m a winner! *crowd roar*

In some ways, they are all great and I feel like the bomb diggity. But on the other hand, these are things I should’ve already known or at least remembered. But then again- practice, time and patience. I am not perfect, I forget [more than I ought to] and sometimes it takes epically failing to draw a bird to remember that.

Believe me, I could go on and on and on about how the bird is my relationship with Paolo or how it is my job or my mother but I’d rather not. Right now, I’m just going to enjoy the rest of my evening and de-stress myself from my de-stressing stress.

Maybe tomorrow will be a good drawing day. Or next week. Or never, who knows? But at least I learned.

My apologies to all the birds who were offended by this post.