Getting Over My Slump

[Dress worn as top: H&M| Shorts: Tailor made| Flats: Tiny Ensembles| Bag: Nine West]

If I have periodic absences with my blog postings, it is not because I do not have anything to write about, it is simply because I do not want to. When I don’t post a selfie or my outfit of the day, it’s not because I don’t have anything to wear- I just do not want to have my photo taken. When I refuse to take my camera out and take product shots or film a vlog, it isn’t because I have run dry of ideas, I simply cannot find the willpower to do so. My personal notebook is filled to the brim with backlogs, content ideas and drafts which you will eventually see online, someday, but sometimes I find myself in a slump.

Slumps are difficult things especially in a world that requires us to be consistent, relevant & present. I find myself faced with this challenge more often than I would want but I am trying and finding out ways to conquer it. So here are a few ways that I get over my “slump” which I hope will be beneficial to you as well:

dscf3318

1. Set goals

I always believe that goals should be SMART-  specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bounded. I like to carry a notebook with me where I have written down my short and long term goals which I often take the time to look at, internalize, tick off and create new goals with. I find that these goals keep me inspired, excited and thirsty for life and at the same time, being able to achieve them gives me a sense of fulfillment. However, I constantly have to remind myself that some goals take longer than others to achieve which is why it is important to always count your blessings. Every single one.

Try setting daily, weekly, quarterly, yearly and life time goals but also remember that if you can’t achieve some of them, there are other mountains for you to conquer. Life has its reasons for not granting us everything we want… we’ll realize why in the right time. Hopefully.

dscf3323

2. Set a routine

Nothing great happens simply sitting down, wishing and waiting for something to happen. I find that practicing a routine is effective in jump starting my day and in conditioning my brain to get things done. Try waking up at a specific time, stretching/ reflecting/ getting ready in the morning and accomplishing your daily set goals. If you can’t get everything done in one day, don’t beat yourself up about, tomorrow will come and you’ll have another chance at it. We don’t always win.

dscf3330

3. Be contented with what you have

Contentment, I believe, is a crucial factor in staying motivated. I admit that sometimes I get impatient and anxious that I’m “not quite where I want to be at 25” but when I sit down to count my blessings, I come to realize that I am blessed beyond belief and that makes me OK. On my personal blog, I am trying to make it a practice to list down the things I am thankful for at the end of each day. I’ve only started writing it, but even just collating thoughts can be extremely helpful.

dscf3333

4. Be ready for adversities

What would life be without a little trouble, eh? Arm yourself, toughen up and face challenges like a boss- storms will pass and the water will become clear again, it’s all about how you swim with or against it.

dscf3367

5. Have a good support system

I used to think that I could do everything on my own and that if it was my own struggle, I had no right sharing it with others but it was when I was going what felt like the hardest time of my life that I realized how wrong I truly was and I regret doing it later than sooner. Friends, family and loved ones weren’t given to us just for the good times, they’re there for us even when we are at our worst and that is something that no one should take fore granted. Surround yourself with people who love you, motivate you and see the dreams and the good in your heart- they will bring out the best in you and possibly the fire you didn’t know you still had in you. Life can be pretty amazing, especially when you least expect it.

 

Whether you’re just being lazy, going through a quarter/ mid-life crisis or for whatever reason you have, do know that you’re not alone in this world. We all have those days and no one can judge you for that but your struggles can and will be conquered if you allow it to.

So keep on keeping on. You are loved!

xx,

Issa Perez

[VLOG] September Favorites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPuvliy-KjY

My monthly favorite vlogs are finally back after 4 long months. Sorry, friends!

But anyways, help yourselves to the things that have kept me sane while I was gone.

Love you all,

Issa Perez

Becoming Blue (It Was Always More Than Just Hair)

DSCF2183
Psychology suggests that when a woman goes out of her way to make a significant change in their physical appearance, especially hair, it is a desperate attempt to take control of something or anything in their lives.

When I first started bleaching and dying my hair, I didn’t really put much thought into it except for the fact that 1. I was bored and 2. that I was never allowed to. When I finally got a thumbs up to coloring my hair, I admit I went into a full on rebellion and instead of getting a subtle light brown (that I knew would please my grandmother especially), I went crazy and jumped straight into attempting to achieve a grey, almost white hue. DSCF2178
DSCF2185I like to joke and tell people that I lost all sanity the moment I bleached my hair but it really is a lot more fact than it is fiction. Having feeling extremely lost and confused with the direction I was going in my life, I found that the simple yet extremely challenging decision of changing my hair color was in fact very liberating and it allowed me to take control of my life. So in retrospect, I had to lose myself completely in order to be found and it was in simple things like changing my hair color where I had chosen to begin this journey. In a way, I felt like if I could change the color of my hair then I could definitely change the things I wanted to in my life and unknowingly, I started to do just that.Hair cuts, extreme hair transformations, break ups and new beginnings all go hand in hand and I would be lying if I said it wasn’t happening to me. I hate to be the cliche but it was the cliche that I needed and with every hue that my hair had become, I felt like I was gaining control of my life slowly but surely. I was gaining my confidence back, I was starting to regain hope and most of all, I had started looking forward for what was in store for me- just a few things I thought I had lost completely.

DSCF2188

DSCF2215//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF2191

It was no coincidence that I had chosen to go blue the moment that I did. It was actually something that I had put a lot of thought into, it was something I had prepared myself for and it was something that I used to signify a certain moment in my life. It was me quietly telling the world that I was ready to be blue and not the sad kind but the blue that is responsible, secure with herself, confident and finally, peaceful.

I may not be there quite yet and just because I change my hair again doesn’t mean I’ve stopped trying to be that person but it’s simple gestures like this that ignite my fire. It’s me putting thoughts into actions and telling the universe that this is who I will be and if this doesn’t make sense to you then we can’t be friends. Just kidding. I’m weird in lots of ways and I don’t expect you to get on my level but since this is MY blog, I will go ahead and write what I want.

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF2205//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js
//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF2237

At the end of the day, it’s just hair and it grows back eventually. And if you can’t even change the color of your hair, then what else can’t you change?

Life is all about change so you either stick to what you’re comfortable with or you roll with the punches. I’m just trying not to knock out while trying to look good doing it. har.

I’m Blue da ba dee da ba daa,

Issa Perez

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Cool Oats

I just discovered that I have been spelling culottes wrong this entire time. It’s culottes and NOT cullotes. I honestly feel like I should be ashamed but really, it doesn’t phase me. I never was a speller. I’m a sayer. Ok, Issa. Stop. #issaishyperagainOn a more fashionable note, I honestly used to think that culottes were not a right move especially for a short stuff like me. However, when presented with a challenge, especially a fashion based one, I really could not steer away. Luckily, I was able to find the right mix of choices to make this look come together- a nice fitting top that matched my bottoms + printed culottes + heels.DSCF0776Top: Uniqlo| Culottes: Let’s Stylize| Heels: Zalora| Accessories: Your Fashion Friend CebuAm I a fan of culottes now? Honestly, not a 100%. But would I wear it again? Sure, why not. They’re pretty comfy and they’re a good for lazy days so GO RA!//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js
DSCF0773

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0774

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsWhat’s new in fashion, guys?

xx,

Issa P.

Floral Ambitions

It’s been a long, crazy, sometimes lazy, sometimes painful month or so and I feel like I needed to disconnect myself in order to come back bigger and better. Sorry for that short hiatus.

My life has changed so much lately and I’ve been making some pretty big adjustments including moving to a bigger place, setting new career goals and setting new challenges for myself and for the people around me. I have learned that it is important to keep ourselves constantly excited and always looking forward to something instead of just going with the flow and seeing where life takes us. I have learned that the biggest sacrifices often yield the biggest and most unexpected blessings and above all, that life goes on.

Having said all of this, which by the way is totally unrelated to this blog post, I have realized that when life gets hard (like it always does), we all just need to learn how to stop and smell the flowers. Sometimes the answers to the questions we are looking for are in the most simple things, we just haven’t seen them yet. That’s OK though, we eventually do. I eventually did.

DSCF1151

Floral halter top: Let’s Stylize (@letsstylize)

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF1171

Bloom on,

Issa P.

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Not So Dirty Laundry

My summers are always a little behind in terms of Philippine weather well, either that or they always seem to be a little longer than expected (on account of visiting family). But if it means getting to lounge in a bikini regardless if it’s a gloomy or a sunny day, I really can’t complain! Life seems to be much better when you’re wearing something bright and playful, anyways.For this beach trip, I was glad to have brought my Laundry Clothing crotchet bikini with me which coincidentally matched the pastel blue hotel walls perfectly. In reality, I wasn’t able to swim on this trip because… uhhh… anyways… but being to sport this piece for at least a few hours still made it well worth the trip!DSCF1002DSCF0996//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF1006

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.jsFor your very own crocheted bikinis, make sure to get them from Laundry Clothing!

Follow me on IG for more exciting its-not-really-summer-but-it-kinda-is adventures- @issaplease

Smell ya later,

Issa P.

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Sugbo Mercado Dos @ Ayala Business Park

 

In line with Sugbo Mercado‘s goal of being able to open food markets in different key locations in the city, their newest outlet at the Ayala Business Park is a clear sign that they are well on their way! Their second branch, which is located behind CIC Main and the MSY building which is also known as the “jogging area” of Ayala, still has everything we have come to love from their first branch which includes tents, ample tables and chairs, a laid back ambiance and that awesome sense of community that is hard to find anywhere else.

DSCF0605

I have always patronized this weekend food market because it gives closet or aspiring chefs the opportunity to put themselves out there and get an experience of how it is to run their own business. At the same time, it gives people like me the opportunity to explore my palette without going home empty handed. It’s a fair compromise for everyone plus, the view is great and the music is always on point!

DSCF0620

If you want to catch my vlog about how to survive a night at Sugbo Mercado, check it out here.

Another thing that I love so much about Sugbo Mercado are the interesting stories of each and every vendor. Everyone has their own story to tell and their own interesting back stories which I think makes the food taste even better. There’s always something special about our homegrown establishments which you can find out more about on their blog. Their first feature is about a good friend of mine and his success story about Hala Paella and Papa Churros which you can read more about here. They’ve only featured one so far but I am so excited to read about more success stories in the near future.

On their opening weekend, they launched with around 32 vendors and the list continues to grow with each coming week so forgive me if a few of these vendors might not be there anymore or if I’ve missed out on some. But in a nutshell, here is a list of the vendors I was able to meet and their corresponding links so you can check out their menu offerings and prices:

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Of course, what kind of food blog would this be without some enticing food photos? Here are some photos of the food I was able to sample during the media launch:

DSCF0649

Herbed Chicken from Tausug Spices

DSCF0644Fried ice cream from Soul Food

DSCF0653

Quesadillas from Bueno JC Mexicano

DSCF0627

Seafood bowl from Fun Seafood Corner

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0628

Paella Valenciana from Hala Paella

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0670

Chicken Proben in Mediterranean & Japanese sauce

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0616

Spicy lechon belly from Kuzina Guadalupe

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0637

Taco Mac & Cheese from Macology 101

DSCF0646

Churros from Papa Churros

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0625

Customized pasta from Yum-In-A-Box

DSCF0684

Hawaiian Pizza Cone

DSCF0640

Shaved Ice from Sno

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0664

Pork belly from Eat, Meat, Repeat

DSCF0622

Pork bun from Pao Baw
DSCF0613Classic Lemonade from John Lemon

DSCF0677

Pad Thai from Wokstarz

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0680

Enchilada from Papagayu Azul

So far my favorites have been the Proben Deluxe de Cagayan in Mediterranean & Belgian chocolate sauce, the Hawaiian Pizza cone, John Lemon’s lemonade, everything from Pow Bao, Hala Paella and Wokstarz. I’ll definitely be back this weekend to sample more because you know… why not?

Sugbo Mercado Dos will be open on the following dates: 

Sugbo Mercado-IT Park: Wednesday to Sunday, July 6-10, 5PM-1AM!

Sugbo Mercado-CBP : Thursday to Sunday, July 7-10, 4PM-12MN!

For more updates, check out their official blog here

For business inquiries, find out how to join here

Also, follow them on instagram here

Stay hungry, Stay thirsty… Stay alive,

Issa P.

Babies & Brunches

DSCF0261I still have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that most of my friends are already working, let alone getting married and having babies! But yes, I am finally at that age where everyone thinks we have out sh*t together but the reality is, the majority of us are still trying to figure it out.Being an “adult” is definitely a lot harder than what I had imagined it to be and to be honest, I don’t even think I’m half way there which means I have A LOT of growing up and maturing to do. When I was younger, I thought adulthood simply revolved around work and family but apparently, it involves a lot more than that… most of which I am not prepared for and some, I am just grateful to have even experienced. But when life gets hard, and it usually does, I know that I can always lean on my girlfriends for a good support system.Struggles, jobs and people may come and go and I guess that’s a big part of life but always keep your friends close because with the right ones, you will never lose you way!

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0268

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0271

Dress: H&M

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0303

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0340//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0344

Heels: H&M

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

DSCF0323//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Love you mga Yobs!

Issa P. //embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Back To School Looks

In case you haven’t had the chance to catch my Back To School Looks & Must Haves video, I’ve also taken the liberty of providing you with still images of the outfits that I wore.

I hope they help you gain some inspiration for your school looks!

Image2

Image4

Image7

Image2

Image9

Catch the video here

Please like, subscribe to my channel and follow me on my social media accounts for more of my shenanigans!

Study hard,

Issa P.

T- Shirts & Chokers

the rainy seasons is coming, get comfy!

DSCF9874

DSCF9876

Bowler hat: Hong Kong street market| Choker: Aizilym (@P20.00)| Tshirt: Let’s Stylize

 yellow 1

yellow 2

yellow 3

Glasses: Taylor (from Executive Optical)| Skinny and 1″ inch choker: Yourfashionfriend_cebu| Tshirt: Let’s Stylize

DSCF9904

DSCF9907

DSCF9898

1″ inch choker: Yourfashionfriend_cebuTshirt: Let’s Stylize

Look alive,

Issa Perez