A LITTLE HELLO.

Just a random bunch of happy snaps.

Aside from the fact that everyone in the northern hemisphere is getting excited for spring and summer time, it definitely does feel like autumn is just creeping its way in around here. We still have some really beautiful clear, warm days (like today!) but they are interspersed between rainy, windy, cooler days and nights. My umbrella is always some place handy. I am a teensy bit jaded because our summer was so wet, I don't feel like I got my fill of hot days at the beach-- but it's I guess it gives me something to look forward to.


Hope your weekend is the loveliest-- we're off to see 'The Hunger Games' and I'm EXCITED! x

PS. I'm still working hard on the "getting my life back in order" thing (hence my quietness around here..) but I'm still hoping and praying and working towards a change.. SOON! x

ONE WINTER'S DAY IN JAPAN.

One last little part to our overseas trip :)

Due to the fact that we flew over to the Philippines on staff flights (discounted fares; but you only get on the plane if there's spare seats) and the usual flights were all booked out, we ended up having to find a more creative route home-- so we decided to fly back via Japan.

We only had one night there, but we both love, love, LOVE Japan, so it was amazing to be back. It was a little bit of a weather shock; going from the warm, tropical Philippines to freezing, wintery Japan, but thankfully a lot of the stores in the Philippines were selling winter clothes (strangely enough..!) so we bought a few things to keep ourselves warm. Before spending that one day in Japan, I never could have seen myself going on a holiday somewhere that cold, but it was such a different experience for us (because our winters are so tame here) that I think I might like to do it again someday.

We decided to just stay in Narita (right near the airport) because we didn't really have enough time to go into Tokyo, but we had such a nice day exploring somewhere we probably wouldn't have otherwise seen. I love Japan with my heart and can't wait to go back again already.

PS: See the rest of my trip photos here, here, here and here.

THE PHILIPPINES PT 4: ISLAND ADVENTURES, SUNSHINE + BOHOL.

So, finally-- this is the last part of the photos from our Philippines trip. Better late than never, right? ;)

After New Years (and one horrible bus trip, 2 boat trips, and one drive in a van-- to get about 200kms!) we went to spend a few days at my aunty's beach resort in Bohol. Thankfully, the weather behaved itself, and we got to spend a couple of sunny days sleeping in a hammock, swimming, and my cousin even took us for a scuba dive. I love that healthy feeling you get when you've been swimming in the ocean and relaxing outdoors all day long: bliss.

The day we left to go back to the mainland, my aunty very kindly took us around to see all of the tourist-y things that Bohol is famous for-- the chocolate hills, the tarsiers (SO cute!) and a buffet lunch on the loboc river cruise. Oh holidays, I miss your face already.

PS: See the rest of my trip photos here, here and here.

THE GRASS IS GREENER.

I was doing a little blog reading this morning whilst eating my breakfast, and I came across this absolutely beautiful quote which I HAD to share. Now, I am a huge fan of a good inspirational quote, and there are so many that are dear to my heart-- but this has honestly got to be one of my most favourite, of all time. Why? Because it applies to pretty much any situation, and well, cos it's just SO very true!

Happy Monday, loves!

Found via: you can't be serious (AMAZING photographers);
design by Natala (gorgeous designer).

YONDER WINDOW.

Photos 1 + 3: at the coast over the weekend
Photo 2: this morning, when I woke up.

Soft light streaming in through the window always reminds me of that famous line from Romeo + Juliet: peaceful, so still, and gentle.

(PS. Happy hump day!) x

HERE'S HOPING.

(Some of my favourite instagrams lately)

I know there's been a few tumbleweeds blowing through here lately; that's what (another) change of routine will do to ya. I can't wait until I've got some regular rhythm back and I can blog more often, cos I really do miss it.

Happy Friday! What's the plans for the weekend? My mum was kind enough to book us some accommodation at the coast, so Patrick and I are heading away for a couple of days and I'm so excited. I feel like I've been running around like a crazy lady lately, so it will be all kinds of lovely to relax for a little. Come on, 5 o'clock!

In other news, I am absolutely LOVING my current contract job, and I'm hoping and praying (and crossing my fingers/toes/legs.. you get the gist) that somehow, they're able to keep me here. I've only been here for 2 weeks, but I would be so sad to leave. I'm really hoping that this one is in the plans for me.

Have the best weekend x

LUCKY ONES.

I go through phases with music-- usually I'll listen to the same few artists/songs over and over again for a while. One of my current faves is the controversial Lana Del Rey and, real or fake, I kinda love her album. This song, lucky ones, reminds me of new love and that amazing "on top of the world" feeling that makes you walk around with a smile stuck on your face, and it's one of my very favourites x