time out

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

http://www.chrisfotog.com

(Leather Sweats - Shuku Newyork // Sunflower crop - Go Jane // Sunnies - Swapmeet // Ankle strapped pumps - Charles David) 

Took some time off these past few months to socially disconnect myself from this virtual web. As busy as life swallowed me whole, I found myself in happier states of mind. Relief.

Within the span of four months, I came back from a third world country, jumped some hoops and landed a new job. Despite hitting one of the lowest points in my life, I got back on my feet only to wind up packing all my belongings again and completely moving out. This baby bird finally spread her wings and took fleet from her mother's nest. On top of it all, I got my hands entangled in an unexpected business venture, hosting Orion's Kitchen at the OC Night Market. I've worked at food vendors and fairs throughout my teen years but never did I think to manage and run one until now. It was definitely an eye opener to hidden thrills that kept me on my toes. I love the responsibility that comes with managing important projects as it's a source of positive pressure.

From this recent storm of life changes, I've come to highly encourage initiative. As much as life can leave you feeling all sorts of negativity or confusion at one point, the only person that can really take control of your situation enough to change it is... yourself. You can ask others for help but don't expect your life's next chapters to unravel by the hands of anyone else's but yours. You've got to learn to light your own fire. Be independent. Expect nothing of others and everything of yourself.

When you feel like you're doing the most but not getting the results you desire, interpret that as the harsh truth that you need to commit more. If something isn't getting accomplished one way, then it's time to figure out other ways toward that finish line. Be creative. Think outside of the box. If you feel like you can't get any more creative, get inspired. Read a book or an article on whatever you're struggling with. Network with others who are willing to share time and stories with you as a guiding light. It never hurts to ask, and you never know what may happen until you try.

Whatever the case, keep going.

top coat

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRIS FOTOG

( Cateye Sunnies - ZeroUV // Coat and Turtle Neck Dress - Forever 21 // Leather Suspender Leggings - Shuku Newyork // Arrowed Cage Necklace - Platos Closet // Over the Knee Boots - Wild Pair )

One should always uphold themselves like top coat. 

As ladies know, nail polish only stays perfection when sealed with a good top coat to prevent ruining all the work and time put into that canvas of nails. When you forget that top coat or think you can get by without that extra layer, you usually end up being a quicker mess than hoped for. 

As silly as this may sound, doesn't that allude to a whole lot of our lives? 

People start off their mornings with time dedicated to preparing themselves for the public. Hence, painting a front cover over all that their soul conceals. Regardless of how much time that takes, you ultimately need to walk out that door with a smile on your face and a stride of indestructible confidence to increase your chances of having a successful day. 

Despite all of your daily struggles or how badly your nails are discoloring, you must go ahead and seal that sensitivity from the world. I am not promoting the need to bottle things up because, when people bottle their issues, that usually entails a burdening breakdown. Instead, when you shove that stress under the rug and give such negativity less thought, you're more likely to be positively productive toward changes that'll benefit your present state. Thus, leading you toward a path completely away from any mishaps. 

Besides, a lot of our lives all boil down to presentation. 

It's how you present yourself that'll give an interviewer your overall cover page. 

It's how you present yourself that'll determine unwinding friendships. 

It's how you present yourself that'll enable strangers to judge and act toward you. 

It's ultimately how you present yourself that'll grant you the key to your next life opportunity.

So go about life with a solid layer of top coat.
Don't let life obstacles ruin your wholesomeness and taint your physique.
Not only should you always look your best, you should always feel your best.
If you're not feeling your best YET, then fake it until you make it.

The more you fake that tough shell, the stronger of a person you'll eventually become.

a new load

"Somewhere between psychotic and iconic..."

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRIS FOTOG

It's never late to start over. 

So what if you've broken your New Year's Resolutions within the first three months into the year, every month is a new beginning. Shame on you for the lack of discipline but don't just dwell over your issues. Every day to every week is another chance at restarting, refreshing. As long as you keep striving and stay motivated. 

Keep your eye on the prize regardless of all distractions.

If you don't feel content with where you're at in life, reevaluate all you've done and start doing things differently. Change for the better.
Start taking a step back and detaching yourself from your social life. 

Consider going on a social hiatus. 

People, who care and are mature enough to understand without taking any offenses, will still be around to celebrate your life decisions after you come back around. Those who make a fuss and can't seem to wrap their heads around what you're engaged with in life probably aren't worth your time in the long run. 

Do whatever it takes to better yourself, your life. 

Surround yourself with people who are better than you to assimilate their influences. 

It's never too late for a new load of courage, attempts, ambition...

It's never too late for a new you.

"How many times can I blow it all?"

laced in love

Photo Credits: Andrew Phan

( Spice Bodysuit - Shuku Newyork // Wide-leg Pants - Fashion City // Wide Brim Hat - Forever 21 // Sunnies - ZeroUV // Crystal necklace - LookBook Store )

February: the ultimate month of love.

With love, comes kindness. 

If I've learned anything about either topics this month, it's that love requires not just an open heart but an open mind. You've got to be able to look past the thorns in order to really admire what's blooming. With admiration, comes the opportunity of new knowledge as it's easier to to be enlightened by those you look up to. You can only gain so much from being openminded. Not only should you seek enlightenment, one should always lead by example. When you see others in need of help, give them hope. Be that lending hand that helps them back up on their feet. You have no right to look down on someone if you've never bothered trying to help them up yourself. 

"No matter how big your house is, how recent your car is, or how big your bank account is. Our graves will always be the same size."

In the end, we're all just people... souls with different stories to tell.

Stay humble.

As for kindness, one must learn to purely give without any expectations. When you expect little to nothing, you leave more room for potential happiness. Remember, the ultimate goal in life is to obtain happiness. After all, why else have we been raised with stories ending in "happily ever afters"?

black in business just for Christmas

Photo Credits: Christopher Canon

CHRIS FOTOG

( Double Gold Chain & Bracelet - Bella Vi Boutique // Sheer & leather long sleeve - Forever 21 // NORA leather pencil skirt - Shuku Newyork // Ankle strap heels - Fashion City Boutique )

Today marks the date of a highly anticipated holiday for everyone year round. Yet, this year, it has a whole new definition for me. Back around the beginning of this year, I booked tickets with my loved one to travel back to the Motherland. Asia, a country of so many family stories and moral lessons that have provoked my imagination yet never had any clarity of vision to me. Now, for the first time in my life, I have made the opportunity of visiting my homeland possible and cannot contain my mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety, nervousness, and utmost curiosity!

Seeing how my flight is just a mere few hours away, I will be flying out tonight in hopes of safe travels, cultural enlightenment, enriched adventures, and who knows what else Asia has to offer us! Did I mention that the first thing I'm anticipating is the chance to ride ostriches?! I've never even rode a horse, which I've been dying to do, and yet I'm jumping the gun and going straight for those ferocious feathered birds. Pray for me for my spontaneity may get the best of me.

Other than that, I'd love to wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

VIETNAM is my business, the business.

ASIA, I'm coming for ya!