Another year draws to a close, and with it comes introspection.

Much of this day was spent watching and crying over You're the Worst digging through my memory orbs with Sadness to decide on this year's highlights, and as is my custom, I chose a word that perfectly encapsulates the year for me. For 2015, I chose 'extraordinary'. 

This is the year I: got promoted again; went to Balesin and Boracay for the first time because of work, and I had a GREAT time; joined two fun runs; wrote and published a Young Adult story; launched an ebook; met Miah; finally saw Owl City perform live; walked without shoes; worked on a bunch of food events for our clients; got over my fear of public speaking to talk in front of (and hopefully inspire) high school students (and I had to do it twice!); tried to write another New Adult novella and failed; attended Asia Pop Comicon and my first Manila International Book Fair; wrote and published my first fantasy short story; launched my second ebook; had my hair colored lavender and purple; and finally launched my stationery brand Krissyfied Makes by releasing postcards of my watercolor paintings! Whew!

Back in November I shared with you my lavendream hair c/o the BEST hair dream team ever: Sir Jude and Miss Rose of JuRo Salon Exclusif. I ended that post with a statement that I don't think I'll be going back to black anytime soon.

A couple of weeks after that blog post, I turned into a purple belle, all thanks to Sir Jude and Miss Rose!

On December 4, I marched into JuRo Salon Exclusif for a haircut. I was ecstatic to be sitting on JuRo Salon's magical chair again! Sir Jude, ever the wizard with a pair of scissors, worked his magic on my hair and I felt even more chic in no time!

My roots peeked out after my haircut and we all thought it provided a nice contrast against the lavender, but Miss Rose had other plans. She said she'll color my hair purple-blue, and how could I refuse? In just less than three hours, I went from being a lavendream girl to a purple belle!


With my purple-blue hair and my pixie cut, I couldn't help but remember my childhood fantasies of being a purple faery! I'll be like Tinkerbell, only with a cooler outfit and edgier hair. Hee.

Now that it has been almost a month since my visit, what are my post-purple thoughts?


It's easier to maintain than my lavender hair. When I had lavender hair, I had to use the Elgon I/care Haircolor Rinse Coloring Conditioning Cream in Viola Intenso (Deep Violet) at least once a week to make sure the color remains vibrant and does not fade into oblivion that quickly, whereas I never had to do that with my current purple hair.


I was happy to bust my bright lipsticks out of storage again. When I had lavender hair, I only ever used my pink and nude lipsticks. Now I also get to use my reds and plums again! My purple lipsticks haven't seen the light of day in weeks, though, because I don't want to look like a walking ube jam. Heh.

In case it's not obvious yet, I am SO HAPPY with my hairstyle and color that I really don't want to go back to black anytime soon! Thank you so much, Sir Jude and Miss Rose! More than my awesome cut and color though, it's the duo behind JuRo Salon that makes the experience much more enjoyable. December is one of their busiest months and it was full house that night owing to the fact that many people were booking appointments for their holiday makeovers; I'm sure they were already feeling tired but we never heard a peep. The JuRo power couple remained energetic and jolly all throughout the day, and emphatically swapped stories with everyone. Such is their passion and dedication to their craft, and it shows on how happy their customers feel not only upon leaving the salon, but also days and even months after the JuRo Salon experience! I can personally attest to this!


If you are in the mood to treat yo'self to a New Year Makeover and you have the means to do so, then I highly recommend that you contact the JuRo duo for a consultation by calling (02) 822 5673. I promise you that it'll be a life-changing moment. I don't even know why I made do with my haircuts from before; Sir Jude and Miss Rose forever ruined other salons for me, and it's worth it.

Ohai, this is my last Currently for the year, and I can't believe I was able to reach the proverbial finish line without skipping! I mainly created this blog so that I can have a virtual diary to record my thoughts and memories in, and now that I started this weekly habit I am assured I have something to look back on. It's nice, is what it is. I think I'll keep it up until next year.

How was your Christmas? I hope you had a wonderful day with your loved ones. I did, and the festivities continued until the weekend, when I had a Merry Xmas Staycation with my friends.

My friend JV booked a suite in Astoria for our potluck party, and it was so great to see old friends and meet new ones over overflowing food and drinks!

Reluctant to go home immediately after, some of us had a lunch-date in Wingstop Promenade. A little date with Miah was the perfect way to cap off my Christmas weekend. (^_^)

Here is this week's [and the last of the year's] Currently!

READING
Still The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. I'm putting immense pressure on myself to finish it before the year ends!

WRITING
My New Year's Resolutions. What are yours?

LISTENING TO
Silence. It's almost midnight and not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

THINKING OF
Birthday plans as early as now. Adulting is hard, you guys.

FEELING
Excited for my new planner! I need to get more stickers.

LOVING
You're the Worst. It's my new favorite thing on TV right now! I want to make a more comprehensive post but right now I would just like to say YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS. NOW.

WANTING
Midnight snack. I'm hungry.

NEEDING
Midnight snack. See above.

WISHING FOR
A calm and steady rest-of-the-year-2015. I still can't believe 2016 is coming in a few days. Whoah.

Are you ready for 2016? Because I sure as hell am not.

Oh well.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you spend this day surrounded by good cheer and the people you hold most dear. And really, isn't that the best way to spend any day? Aside from unwrapping presents and gorging yourself with food, may we never forget the reason why we're upholding Christmas and all the wonderful traditions it comes with.

By the way, speaking of presents, if you would like to read StrangeLit: Incredible Truths (that contains my short story A Sky of Wishes) but haven't had the chance to do so yet, you're in luck because our ebook bundle will be available to download for FREE the whole day today! Download the Buqo app now and just search for StrangeLit: Incredible Truths. It costs P250 otherwise.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours, and as I always wish for you year after year, may your hearts be merry and your bellies be full. ♥ Cheers!

PS: Sadness has a boyfriend! Hee. Ron Weasley is my favorite Harry Potter character. Thanks for remembering, Miah.

51? 51? 51?? 

Week by week, I try my hardest to string a few words together for these Currently posts, and now we're already at the second to the last post for this year? Bittersweet. Where have all the days gone?

Every day is a lesson, and the most important one I learned recently is that I shouldn't depend on someone else to complete me.

This stenciled hugot on a pedestrian lane in Valero Street shouldn't ask for someone to supply the missing piece. He/ she should be complete on his/ her own, and then look for someone to complement that completeness. ♥

READING
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. It's an interesting story about a retired man who was supposed to just go to the mailbox to post a letter to an old friend who wrote to say she has cancer, but then ended up walking the whole 600 miles to her, convinced that so long as he keeps walking, she would not die. I'm almost halfway through and I'm hoping to finish this before the year ends.

Also:


The spirit is willing but the body is weak. I went to Fully Booked in Greenbelt to get gifts for other people but ended up getting this one for myself. I should feel guilty, but I just feel like doing a happy dance because I really, really wanted my own copy. At least I can chalk it up as a Christmas gift to myself, right?

WRITING
An updated Christmas list. I've already crossed off the majority of people in my list but I still need to go on a couple of last minute shopping runs for gifts.

LISTENING TO
Nate Ruess. His concert is less than a month away, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I already got tickets to his Manila show! I CAN'T WAIT!

THINKING
Of the future. 2016 is a milestone year for me as I will be turning 30, so I expect a lot of changes will happen not only on my mindset but also on my long-term plans.


Last week I had lunch with AC, a blog-friend who currently works and resides in Singapore (Hi, AC!) It's always amazing to see how easy it is to fall into conversation with blog-friends even on our first time meeting in person! We talked about a lot of things, and now I'm feeling an itch to go back to Singapore!

FEELING
Holidazed. This slew of parties and get-togethers is expected to happen until next month, and I'm just trying to reserve all the energy I can.


Catching up with friends over yummy dinner is always nice, though. I love my friends. (Hi Kira, Alex, and Anne!)

LOVING
Girl Stuff's Holiday collection.


I still can't choose which one among Temptation, Utopia, or Zenith will be my Christmas nails. Or maybe the Solique Gel Polish by Girl Stuff in Desire? They're all beautiful and holiday party-ready!

WANTING
All people I'm giving gifts to to like what I chose for them.


Nope, that is not Sadness's new boyfriend. (Although I'm sure she would want him to be. Heh.) The Batman DC Comics Icons toy figure is a [not-so-surprise] gift [because he chose it] for Miah.

NEEDING
More time to finish the rest of my Christmas shopping and wrap my gifts, maybe?

And because I'm a masochist, I'm also painting and making my own gift tags.


WISHING FOR
... I don't know, really. Let me think about that and get back to you ASAP. Hee.

And that's it for now. Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? Christmas crammer-mode will commence starting tomorrow. You have been warned. Take care of your hearts! ♥

It’s no big secret that I’m a little, umm, geography-challenged. I can face challenged head-on but when the challenge is locating a place or going through unfamiliar territory, well, let’s just say that I would prefer it if someone else is there leading the way. These days, even though I don’t drive, Waze and Google Maps are my friends. If only you could Waze the way to anywhere, including to the place where all your dreams would have already come true and you’ll just meet your future self there to enjoy the fruits of your labor, am I right? Heh.

Kidding aside, can I just say that it’s amazing how we continuously utilize technology to find ways to make things easier for us? Case in point, through the new SM Supermalls’ Mobile App, you never have to walk all the way to the Information Center nor use those touch-screens to direct you where you want to go inside the mall, or find out if what you want to look for can be found in the said SM mall to begin with! With just a few taps on your mobile device, information can now be found at the tip of your fingers!

I know that SM malls are relatively easy to traverse as compared to, say, the rest of Metro Manila, but come on, when you’re in a mad holidaze dash or feeling very hungry, you wouldn’t want to wait until you find someone you can get information from. You would want the information right at that instant. This new app gives you that, and more!

I spent the weekend at my aunt’s house in Malinta and last Saturday, we went to SM Center Valenzuela with my cousins for groceries and watercolor paper (as I brought all my watercolor paraphernalia but forgot to bring paper). I’ve only been there twice before and I haven’t really had the chance to explore the mall, so I thought of using the app I just downloaded and chose SM Center Valenzuela from the list of SM malls in the menu.


In here you can find options for Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, and Services:


Choosing one option will give you a list of stores and services under that category, in alphabetical order. Makes it so much easier to look for what bookstores are in that particular mall!


Looking for a place to eat in also becomes easier as you can just take a look at the restaurants listed in the mall you’re in and then decide what you’re craving for.


Movie schedules? No problem. The Entertainment category takes care of that.


It lists down the movies available there and the schedules for that day! How convenient!


Meanwhile, my favorite feature of the Services category is how it directs you to the locations of the banks and ATMs for emergency financial needs (like if those cute pair of shoes are on sale right now)!


Now if only this app can also make people using the ATM before you do their transactions faster! Seriously, what is up with that? But oh well, a girl can dream.

Once you’ve zeroed in on a target [store], you can then view directions on what level and section of the mall it is located.


If you need to change malls, it also has a built-in Map to direct you there!


Not that I would need any help getting to SM North EDSA. I practically grew up there. Heh.

Admittedly, a lot of things have changed inside SM North EDSA’s walls, and so this feature is helpful to me also:


Opening hours, a map of the whole mall, et cetera, all here. SM has truly got it all for you!

Yet another one of my favorite features of this app: Your profile displays coupons for discounts or freebies you can easily claim, just keep on checking this tab for special promotions! You can also get coupons via your feed, so check it out regularly for exciting promotions! Everything you 'liked' will be stored in your feed for future reference. :)


And that’s it for a mini “tour” of the new SM Supermalls Mobile App. I highly recommend that you download it, free from the Apple Store and Play Store. If anything, this will save you time and money because you won’t be spending needless minutes or hours of your time consequently buying something you didn’t really need, while you are walking around the mall in circles looking for that thing you went there for.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own. Read my blog’s complete Disclosure Policy here.

Christmas is nine days away! Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? For those who are still looking to complete their lists, The Body Shop is always worth a visit for their gift sets that are already beautifully packaged, negating the need for additional gift wrapping! What's more, they have partnered with Wateraid to provide families with safe water. One specially selected gift equates to one day of safe water for a family in Ethiopia, and if the proceeds exceed their donation goal they will even provide safe water elsewhere! You may visit their official website to know more about this partnership. 

The Body Shop team generously sent me a few gifts that made me giddy with Christmas-y delight, and now I'd like to share them with you together with several other gift sets they have in stores.

Ladies and gents, welcome to the feel good wonderland!

From the orchards of Turkey, The Body Shop's Frosted Plum collection is a sophisticated indulgence for the skin. They say it's their most refined seasonal delight yet, and looking back on their Christmas limited edition collections from years back, I must say I agree! I love that it's in keeping with my current purple obsession, too. It's infused with notes of magnolia, peony, and ripe plum, and smells sweet without being cloying. Layer the products to make sure the scent stays longer. Of these, my favorite is the Frosted Plum Shimmer Mist Globe. I love swirling it around and seeing the micro-shimmers dance about! I caught it on video and it's beautiful - like a snow globe!

I haven't tested the Eyeshadow Palette yet because I feel it's too pretty to open! Eep! From the swatches I've seen so far, I think the metallic shades are perfect for holiday parties, but they're not too crazy metallic that you won't be able to wear them on any regular day. I love that the box contains a fool-proof tutorial also. I will try this out and will share the result on my Instagram.

Look for this sticker to do your share in the aforementioned partnership between The Body Shop and Wateraid:

Giving has never felt so good!

Here are other gift ideas you can get for your family, friends, and even yourself when you visit The Body Shop:

These Deluxe Gift Sets cost P2,995 each and contain a Body Butter, Shower Gel, Shimmer Fragrance, and Lip Tint housed in an elegant tin container.

Mini Gift Sets (P795 each) Contains a 60 mL Shower Gel, 50 mL Body Butter, and a mini Bath Lily

Shea Small Gift Set

Olive Small Gift Set

These Small Gift Sets cost P1,495 each and like my Strawberry Small Gift Set above also contains a Shower Gel, Body Butter, Soap, Body Scrub, and a Bath Lily.

Whoever you plan on giving any of these gift sets to, I'm sure they will definitely be appreciated. Stop the rush and visit The Body Shop store nearest you to check out and smell these products in person. ♥ Happy holiday shopping!


Disclosure: The products in the actual photos were sent to me by The Body Shop team as an advanced Christmas present but all opinions are my own. I was not compensated nor required to write this post. Click here for my blog's complete Disclosure Policy.

You know how I always remind you to take care of your hearts? Well, I failed to take care of mine and she got broken. We're doing okay, though. We did it before, we're going to do it again. Even with all the hurt, there is hope.

I finished reading The Graveyard Book over the weekend and as always, I am left in awe over the amazing Neil Gaiman. I imagine walking inside his mind and encountering an endless slew of mystical and indescribable characters, all with their own stories waiting to be told.

"At the best of times, his face was unreadable. Now his face was a book written in a language long forgotten, in an alphabet unimagined. Silas wrapped the shadows around him like a blanket, and stared after the way the boy had gone, and did not move to follow."

No one writes similes and metaphors the way Gaiman does.

The Graveyard Book is about a child named Bod (short for Nobody Owens) who was thrust into the graveyard's care after a man named Jack killed his family and attempted to kill him, too. The story has ghosts, a guardian that's neither alive nor dead, ghouls, a young witch who was burned at the stake, ancient convocations, school bullies, imaginary friends, a dance with Death, and a lot of other adventures that only a young boy who spends fourteen years of his life living in a graveyard could have. Majority of the characters are not part of the living anymore, but the story vibrates with life! It's a beautiful book about growing up and dealing with change, even when you don't want to or you don't think you can.

Another story about growing up is The Little Prince, and I finally got to see the animated movie last night.


The animation is exquisitely beautiful. Those scenes that feature the stars? Breathtaking. But I don't know, maybe I waited for the movie for far too long (I've been anticipating it ever since I read the production news more than a year ago) and in that length of time my expectations were built so high that I found it a bit... lacking? I don't know. Nevertheless, it has a beautiful story with important lessons that most of us might have forgotten already, lost in this frantic world of adulting. If you haven't read the book yet, please do so. May we never forget what is essential.

Here is this week's Currently!


READING
Carljoe Javier's The Kobayashi Maru of Love is affecting me too much, I am parking that for a while and choosing something else to read. I need to finish at least one more book before the year ends.

WRITING
At least one short story before the year ends? I seriously need to stop doubting myself.

LISTENING TO
Christmas carolers singing outside.

THINKING
Nothing. I am a blank slate. I refuse to over-think.

FEELING
Okay, I guess.

I don't know how to answer the rest of the questions so I'm stopping here. Thank you for reading. I hope you're doing great this holiday season amidst the crazy. Heh. Eleven days before Christmas and I haven't gone Christmas shopping yet!

Take care of your hearts. ♥

Dear friends from the Philippines, whether you're reading this on mobile or on a computer screen, I implore you to stop a while and visit ZALORA. They're having their 12.12 Online Fever right now and I need competition lest I spend all my money on the site.

It's the biggest online fashion shopping day in the country and it started at exactly 12 midnight! Online shoppers get the chance to experience the ultimate fashion deals across categories from both local and international brands, and if you are subscribed to their newsletter you even get voucher codes for more shopping discounts! Aaaah!

The sale is now live on ZALORA Philippines’ website and the ZALORA mobile app. Time check is 9:42 AM and I've already bought a watch and a dress! Ehem. In my defense, those items have been in my wish list for quite a while now. And now because of the wild discounts I'm thinking of adding more items to my cart. Eep! For reference, you may check my ZALORA wish list here. *coughcoughwinkwinknudgenudge*

Indeed, ZALORA’s 12.12 Online Fever is a special treat that Filipinos shouldn’t miss!

<///3

Krissyfied Makes was officially launched at Bloggers United 10 yesterday, and the first products I sold under this dream brand are my watercolor postcards.

I lugged everything from my home to the bazaar in World Trade Center and organized and designed my booth myself. I wanted to paint a new poster to put in that white frame but I didn't have the time so I just put my Agrabah watercolor painting in there. I know it still looks barren but considering it's my first time to do this I am quite proud of what I did. (Maybe next time I can even add more products and sell more items like notebooks and memo pads? That's the dream.) What do you think? 

Acknowledgments time! I would like to thank the following: Aisa, Ana, and the rest of the BU Squad for making BU10 possible; Alex, John, and Jona for being fun booth neighbors; Anne for visiting; Miah for coming and scanning my watercolor paintings (the postcard wouldn't have been possible without him and his scanner, heehee); my officemate Patrick for lay-outing the postcards; everyone who dropped by my booth to chat with me about my paintings (I especially liked those who recognized my tribute to How I Met Your Mother); everyone who bought from my booth; and everyone who've been sending me messages to order! My heart is grateful. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I am selling them for P50 each or P200 for a bundle of five. Please email me thru mail@krissyfied.com for orders. I am also selling them soon via the Shopee app. 

That's it for my mini advertisement of my wares. Hee. Here is this week's Currently!

READING
The Kobayashi Maru of Love by Carljoe Javier.

WRITING
My Christmas shopping list.

LISTENING TO
My Only Wish This Year by Britney Spears.

THINKING OF
Birthday plans, Christmas plans, rest-of-the-year plans.

FEELING
Harried. Can the rest of the year go a little bit slower, please?

LOVING
My hair because I am now a purple belle thanks to JuRo Salon Exclusif! Sir Jude gave me a rockin' pixie cut with an undercut. It's so pretty. I honestly haven't decided yet whether I like this better than my lavendream hair. I will post about my new hair soon!

WISHING
The rest of the year goes smoothly. Christmas is a little more than two(!!!) weeks away and I am starting to get anxious.
How are your holiday plans coming along? I hope everything goes smoothly for you, too. ♥