Hello Kitty in the House: Fashion Forward with SanrioHK tops paired with plaidEspritskirts {camisoles layered underneath by Express}Ā | Still sporting sandals as we transition from the ā¼summer: blacks ā¢ plaids ā¢ solid shades
Which keychain should I hook to this SanrioKeroppi planner zipper? * Dallas Cowboys * Dallas Mavericks * Luke Bryan * Office DepotĀ *Star* Teacher ššššš
Ever since I was in elementary, I enjoyed organizing my plannersš & came across several agendas from grade school, junior high & h.s. while springš cleaning & declutteringš¦ ~ including 1āš½ļø worth saving!
I’ve already set my šsemesterš wardrobeš (by listing dates & outfits in my iPhoneš± šnotes) ~ yet there’s something about penningāļø important ševents.
My 1st academic month filled up quick… Yikes! Please disregard my birthday age ~ my brain must be fried from my dissertation focus that I actually entered 1yr older than my real age. #smh š š”š³š«š
Since I don’t have much time to hand writeš everything (or fund$š° toĀ $pendšø oodles on a planner), I took the libertyšŗšø of typingš² this term’s items (complete with my endearing šemojis) to printš from my phoneš³Ā + personalizingĀ each month with š·photosĀ ~ then I’ll color-coordinate with my gel pens to add anything else!
Thanks to our office stores ~ where I used to go when they held the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast ~ we have discount$Ā & reminders! I’ll be sporting my agenda with my *Independence Day* toteĀ that’s appropriate for allĀ seasonsĀ ~ especially when school‘s in sesh!
To-Do Tip: Treat your schedule like a groceryĀ šlistā on the day/week/month (depending on how far in advance you prefer to plan) of your bookedš priorities & eventsĀ ~ DON’T addāĀ anything else that’ll allot more time unless
It has to do with reaching your šgoalš &/or
Involves someone you šcareš about
Now I’m also ready with next year’s creative šcalendar!
Cherry Blossom earrings bedazzled with Swarovski crystal elements * luckyā£ jade bracelet * collector’s key chain
Sally HansenĀ Miracle Gel Top Coat to amp theĀ *Staying Power* ~ toĀ seal &Ā protect nail color
I’m topping off my mani with this Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen ~ there were 2 top coat options (I went w/101: the 1 that didn’t specify same-brand gel color)
Thanks to my Titas for the birthday gifts: Auntie Yollie for convertible shawl + Auntie Susan for dinner party & manicure! #MaramingSalamatPo #MagandaKaTalaga #ReyesReunion #BirthdayTrip2015 #pasalubong #BackToSchool #BTSmani #BTSreadyšššššš š½šš»š šŗš“
+ ConvertibleĀ ShawlĀ as pasalubongĀ from my other Auntie!
Despite my best efforts to hit the sack early during my sabbatical, I spent the week before my bday/vacay staying up ’til 4am working on my dissertation then awoke at 4am on my flight days.
Time for a new routine … Evie to the rescue with this tip from one of our fave artists:
Before this Fall term and my Birthday, I was able to travel for my recent family reunion!
ā¼#SundayFunDay just what I need: brief breather from my doctoral dissertation #FreshAir #AllTheGolfBallsICanHit #UnclesBackyard = #BombDotComb #BirthdayTrip2015 #RnR #ReyesReunion + #SelfieSunday “Ate” Elaine at “Auntie” Mary Jean a.k.a. “Tita” Inday! Yes, I’m older than my gorgeous aunt & about to be more w/my bday next wkend! #Countdown2theBiG #MagandaKaTalaga #SundaySelfie #WorkingOnMySwing #GoingGreen #GoingWithTheFlow #ChillaxinMellow #DISPObustAFlowšš¼š»š ā³ļø šš£ššš»
If you’re a passenger on the roadš or in the šair, my tip would be to toteš yourself with
š„Films (saved on your digital device or DVDsš½ if you have a portable š»player)
šLiterature (electronicš³ or in šprint)
šTravelš šworkoutsš (do with what you got or follow along videos)
Regardless of my so-called š“R&R, as a mad šscientistš¬ I couldn’t resist bringing š¼studyš materials!
While many may be š¢travelingš¤ aroundĀ Labor DayĀ since the š¼summer-to-schoolš transition, I’m taking every single offĀ day to work on my š»dissertationš ~ which was the story of my life throughout the second 1/2 of this past šæsummer. Now that the we’re back into the swing, I’ve resumed teachingš and really need to set aside extra timeĀ exclusively for my špaper…
Before returning to the collegeš¤ for šfallš term, my parents flewāļø me to visit family as my ššššbirthdayšššštrip! Despite needing a Ā brief š“vacayĀ getaway, I still reviewedš and revisedāļø my draftš every single day, whether in flightš or during down time.
However, I still had plenty of entertainmentš¬ on my š±iPhone, laptop and hard copyš to keep me occupied while I was in the friendly skiesš or on my own:
I would’ve added more moviesš„ to the mix, but not all of my appsš³ are up to par. Either way, I stayed occupied when I wasn’t š²šµasleepš“š¤ or visiting with my relatives ~ my Mami Aya‘s siblings for their reunion (that was the plan, but I ended up just referring to those at bedtime and did my dissertation during the day)!
Plus, I packedš lightš” with only one pair of shoesš” to match my šoutfits!
Paired both of these OOTDs with white sandals before Labor Day! Skirts and scarves galore! šš
š£FYI: Happy Trip was a saying from my Lola šRosaš¹Ā ~ my beloved maternal grandmotheršµš¼
Btw, in between flights, I treated my layovers like shopping sprees and strolled the terminals like I was on a mall walk!Ā Honest & Benefit kiosks * Dallas Cowboys store * MiniĀ *Starbucks$ Loversā„
First, I sought a layering top to complete my ultimate presentationš¤ ensemble and went so far as to look for different colorsšØ and šprints. I searched for a color-coordinating overlay, but did I want a solidš± sweater since I already had a patternedš dress? When I thought that I was getting warmer in reaching the švision by shopping online, I imagined my striped sweaterš that I scored earlier this summer ~ suprisingly perfect with polka dots in the same colors!
Next, I needed plaidš for the šfallš and found this snap-buttonĀ shirt that pairs well with my new skater šdressĀ & come to think of it, may match my new sneakers for the 1st day of school! I can pull off this kicka** look!
For clothing in colors that already pop, I go for neutral/muted tonesĀ in the finishing touches, such as in these nude wedges & black Docs!
Ā Then I realized that I had my latest pursuits as classic pieces in my closetsĀ all along!
P also is for …
Period
Since it’s my time of the month ~Ā YES, I admit it, no shame in my TMI as I bring more FYIĀ ~Ā I don’t want my cramps to interfere with my shut-eye or staying productive as I power through my paperĀ (I’ve also wondered whetherĀ the “crimson tide,” asĀ Clueless‘ Cher puts it,Ā will hitĀ when I present it, but I’ll have to deal when that time comesĀ and look dayum good in the process) … However,Ā when I felt fatigued and craved energy yet didn’t want my coffee to add to my bloat, I sought acclaim/affirmation for or at least alternatives to caffeine
Also, I reminded myself that this flow wouldn’t mess with my flow. In fact, over a decade ago, when I worked at my my hometown gym, I wouldn’t empathize with fellow females who used their flow as an excuse not to witness their fitness ~ even when I felt crummy from cramping, I’d still exercise!
Well, this brand-spankin’Ā new member to our 26.2-mile club gives runningĀ while being on the rag a whole new meaning.
She even brings up chaffing, so speaking of which … enter {drum roll, please}
Powder
I’ve rediscovered this product that my mom had patted onĀ my skin when I was a baby and had me keep applyingĀ it to maintain my hygiene as a child. When I ran my marathon, I realized how effective it could be to areas that experienced a lot of friction (which will remain unnamed) ~ now I use it more during this exceptionally hotter-than-usual ā¼summerā¼ whether I have a fun run in the ā¼sunā¼ or am just sweating bullets!
My personal preference:Ā Johnson & Johnson’sĀ Baby Powder with Cornstarch
But I might as well keep it real about my age and aging process!
How’d I begin my silver streakšµš½ in the first place?
My seasoned teacher colleague whose office was down the hall from mine had a head full of gray hair and suggested ~ actually, more declared ~ to me that this is a sign that we’re smart
Now that I’ve foundĀ a few more stragglers as I’m growing out my hair to donate without chemicalsafterI graduate, I’m looking at the bright [light –> white] side ~ the silver lining, if you will (hence the pun)
My dear Nanay has been wanting to revamp my šš½wardrobe, and with my šbirthdayš around the corner (hint hint), I took her up on her offer while mixing in pieces that I already have!
White Bottoms & Color Blocking + Silver & Gold = #BOLD
Since I wear white bottoms between Memorial Day & Labor Day, here’s what I wore to our evening/Vigil Mass at Church last weekend: my new *white HOT* slacks {Liz ClaiborneEmma} paired with black off-the-shoulder blouse {*Express} over navy blue tank top {GAP} + black patent leather wedges {BCBG} + black & white color block handbag {CoachHamptons} ~ I pay attention to every single detail, so the silver hardware on both my purse & sandals coordinate! [Alternate top: zebra striped cowl neck peplum {EXP*} šŗšøšš šš
Peachy Keen: My obsession with peach/coral has taken us by storm through thisĀ color block dress with taupe piping & white bottom {Calvin Klein} that looks dayum good with these nude patent leather cork wedges with gold trim {Antonio Melani, Dillard’s exclusive} ~ top it off with my rose gold heart tote {Guess?} + gold ā„heartā„ jewelry & we’re off! #PrettyInPink #GoForTheGold ššŗšš”šššš
My *new*Ā nude (also available in black) patent leather cork wedges with gold trim by Antonio Melani can go with anything! ā„Loveā„ the Tiffany Blue box & surroundings?
As I prepare for my potential promotion, I planned a new ensemble in light of our recent *Independence Day*Ā and this ā¼summerā¼ season …
Nautical: * red * white * blue
White pants {EmmaĀ Ankle}Ā are suitable between *Memorial Day* & *Labor Day* + the red button down top made the cut {both by Liz Claiborne} topped with the navy blue & white 3/4-s cardi {by St. John’s Bay}
with the *stars* and =stripes=
Sterling silver sailor steering wheels & yellow gold anchors for my ears pair well with this *star* denim tote bag (also perfect for the beach) with tan braided handles {by Mossimo} for my portfolios
Ā plus anchor and sailor steering wheel!
Apparently, my nautical inspiration extends beyond my outfit ~ after I set it out with accessories on ā¼Sundayā¼, I watched HGTV‘sĀ Beach Flip premiere that also featured similar designs!
Now should I wear a * red * white or * blue handbag & shoes?
Scratch wearing the white slacks ~ late-breaking, thunder-breaking: we’re getting another storm in!
This season, I sport more bright colors, especially pastels. However, during this week’s theme, I paired these pieces together that really complement each other:
Gotta love the black and metallic! Muted tones can be all the rage!
Throwback: Last time I visited Mama Eufemia before our final days together in her death bed
Four years ago today, myĀ Mama Eufemia passed away, but she’s always with me to this very day. During our final hour together, I shoul’ve been comforting her, but she was the one who still silently and lovingly consoled me. #YouAreMySunshineĀ ā¼ #AlwaysAndForever #SmilingAndShiningWithLOVEfromHeavenAboveĀ ā ā„ ā
I dedicate today’s Rosary to my paternal grandmother on her fourth anniversary (today) with theĀ Divine Mercy ~ which I also pray with theĀ Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays and Fridays):
This past weekend, I took my latest photo gig to my fam friend’s 50th birthday party ~ ’50s style! Before I strapped on my cam and shot snaps, I strapped on my suspenders and shot a smile!
Since I seldom have time to shop, much less the money to invest on a full-fledged poodle skirt complete with petticoat
Presenting: my micro mini poodle skirt on a budget!
To complete the look: my high school varsity letterman jacket * my grad ring on a chain * my cat bobby socks * my bowling shoes {Stevies by Steve Madden}
My beloved felines seemed to think that I was looking fine!
My big champ cat is the #BOMBdotCom ~ as in the beautiful #photobomb dot com!
Of course, my furr babies also make the purrfect models!
This A’GACI dress was exactly what I envisioned: peach and goddess sleeves!
Add to my ā„V-Dayā„ ensemble: Forever 21rose gold platforms!
I’m swaying away from stilettos this time around & strutting my stuff in these platforms to make me taller like a baller! #DISPObustAFlow
With so many yellow & rose gold ā„heartā„ choices to choose from, I actually most likely will adorn my neck with the beautifulruby ā crossā that MarĆa Elena gave me as a gift from Assisi Jewels in Italy.
Now that I have my platforms, this DISPO wants to āŖstrike a poseāŖ {to the tune of Madonna‘s ā«Vogueā«} like Cassey Ho from her Chillout Stretches video! #DISPObustAFlow
When I visited 
along with 
Since I’ve resumed my 
The Elaine Dispo Journal 