10.5.15

my personality board

I just got really into graphic design, and this is my new project!! I call them Personality Boards, a diagram with all your interests and hobbies making up some sort of "workspace". The one above is mine, and i'm currently making some for my friends and family members. The main purpose of this project was to practice making vectors on Adobe Illustrator, but I now realise making these PBs can be used to help me expand my portfolio as well. If you want one made for yourself, by all means, contact me! Comment below your name and a short list of your interests and hobbies, and i'll try my best to make one for you & post it here on my blog by the end of this month. Thanks for helping me expand my portfolio!

P.S. I know it's been a while. Hello again :)

1.5.14

swimsuit season | can you stay up to see the dawn?


Summer is here! in my country, at least. In other countries, summer is fast approaching. Which is why i've decided to put up some sort of a dream swimsuit list. If you're looking for styles to fit your body, shape, or just unique styles, then read on!

What's a swimsuit article without a few beach essentials to start with? Here are some of mine!

First thing's first: if you have a little bit more going on upstairs (like me), Bandeau (strapless) bikinis are probably not gonna work for you. The truth is that no matter how cute they are, your body type just isn't designed to keep them up. Instead, get something with good support and LOTS of cover-up to keep them ninnies in place. Brands like Triangl and Roxy are of the best quality and very supportive. I don't own a Triangl bikini yet myself, but I've tried one on. A little bit on the pricey side, yes, but worth it if you ask me.

If you have a medium to borderline flat chest, then by all means, go for bandeau bikinis! Your body can pretty much support any type of bikini top, but I always adored bandeau bikinis but never have the chance to wear them. Triangl also has one of the best support systems in terms of bandeau bikinis. Lisa Marie Fernandez has some of my favorites as well. If you're looking for one on the cheaper side, check out the H&M or Victoria's Secret swimsuits. I always liked the look of fresh white or pastel colored bandeau bikinis, especially if you're tanner than most. If your skin is really white, I suggest a darker color like navy, red, or black.

If you're not sure about your body type, play it safe: a one piece. I always felt dowdy and childish in a one piece swimsuit, but that's because I didn't really look. Brands like American Apparel and Lisa Marie Fernandez have some top notch cute one pieces. Perfect for a day at a indoor pool, a family-friendly beach trip, or perhaps you're a girl who is just isn't ready to bust out in full confidence in a bikini.



29.4.14

Recently Read | March - April

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Lola is the type of girl who isn't bothered by the way she dresses; a characteristic I always wished I had. In the book, they describe her as a person who does't believe in Fashion, but Costume. Every day she would put on a new outfit, becoming a new person with the way her hair, makeup, and clothes were fixed up. She is an independent mind. Her life is going well. But what if the return of the boy next door is the very problem that threatens to throw her life out of balance?

I actually made the mistake of buying and reading this book before it's predecessor, Anna and the French Kiss. I do wish I had read the first book even if the story could stand alone because Anna and Etienne make guest appearances in this book as some close friends of Lola's, which I thought was pure genius. I can only expect that Lola and Cricket will be guesting in Isla and the Happily Ever After, and hopefully Anna and Etienne as well!

Every Day by David Levithan
Every day, A wakes up as the same person. A doesn't know how, or why. It's a new experience--a different life--every day, until A meets Rhiannon. Now, the lonely, traveling life A felt before seems more like a curse than a blessing.

There was something so unique about this book. It was so well-written, and so honest. Despite David Levithan's knack for writing about the LGBT youth, this book served as sort of an equalizer. Yes, A was in love with a girl--but A was neither girl nor boy. It showed that what matters isn't who you were or who you chose to be, but the common feeling shared by two people.

Burn For Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Three girls set out for revenge on the people who wronged them. But what happens when things get out of hand?

When i first saw this at the bookstore, I thought it would be just another Pretty Little Liars knockoff story, with a group of high school girls with petty problems. That day, I had no ride home from the mall, so I opened the book and started flipping through the pages. Minutes later, I was sucked in. I was surprised to see that it was so well-written and original. I ended up buying the book and finishing it in 3 hours at home. The second I was finished, I called my mom and asked her to pick up the second book on the way home (beware of torture by cliffhanger!).

Fire With Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
"When sweet revenge turns sour." The girls are back, and they're scheming again. But when they find that their plans are getting more complicated and more dangerous than they intended, will they stop?

This book was even better than the first one in the series. Full of original and unexpected plot twists, this book kept me on my toes. I didn't think the story could get any more complicated and twisted--but it did, and I loved every second of it. Again, I finished it in less than a day. I cannot wait until the release of the third and final book later this year!

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
The book follows nerdy bookworm Cath and her life as a new college student. Struggling to make friends and not ready to let go of her love of a popular book series, Cath faces separation from her dad and twin sister, while trying to balance cute boys and being an english major, all at once.

I didn't very much enjoy Eleanor and Park, so I was a little iffy about buying this book. I'm not gonna lie, the cover drew me in quite a bit, for the most part. I was pleasantly surprised at how un-put-downable this book was once i started it.  I love how quirky and fun Cath is, and it reminds me of the good ol' days when I was an avid member of the Harry Potter and Hunger Games fandoms. It is now one of my favorites, and I plan to read it again when I get to the transitional "before college" period.

Vampire Academy
When I run out of books to read, I turn to my trusty old iPad and download some short and light books. I am not one fore fantasy vampires, werewolves and zobies, but I saw the trailer for the movie based on this book and I couldn't resist. My review for this book: Let's just say, i didn't put it down until I was finished.







27.4.14

summer tunes, vol. 1


It's April, and my last post was in early February...Yup, I think it's about time I brought this blog out of the backburner! Between then and now, I've finished my Sophomore year of High School, Attended my mom's wedding, and I've pretty much been hiding in one corner of my room listening to music and looking through fashion blogs. This summer has been pretty chill--so far, no big events (my mother's wedding aside), and nothing special. I spend most of my time between my house and the mall 15 minutes from my house, which is pretty much enclosed in a dome of SUMMER HEAT. 35 degrees all day, everyday? yup, that's a Philippine summer.

Straight to the point: it's been a while since my last playlist! I thought i'd put up some songs that I feel are perfect for the summertime. Enjoy! xo

6.2.14

Creep | a moodboard


Hi, blog readers! Happy weekend! I hope all of you had a real smooth week, because I definitely didn't. Ha. It was turning out great at first, but I guess you can never have a perfect week. I'm really upset because I've had a bit of a fallout with a friend of mine, who won't talk to me for no reason. Oh well.. Enough about my sad life, let's get to the point.

I am so excited for all the things I have in store for you guys! A big THANK YOU and a virtual kiss on the cheek from me to you for helping me hit 72 followers. My goal is to reach 100 by the end of February, and hey, anything can happen! I've been working real hard on this blog lately (how do y'all like the new design? took me a while, I was neck deep in  html codes!), and I really hope it'll go far, because this blog is literally my baby. Happy weekend, everyone!

3.2.14

falling in love at a coffee shop

CLUTCH | SUNNIES | SWEATER | SHORTS | SOCKS | OXFORDS | CANDLE | LIPSTICK | BOOK

TOP | TWEED SKIRT | SOCKS | JACKET | SHOES | WATCH | CLUTCH | BOOK | HONEY | MUG


I've actually been spending an unhealthy amount of time sitting at starbucks or Jamba Juice reading a book, mostly because I never have a convenient ride home after hanging out with friends, so I end up having to wait quite a while. These are some things I would like to wear to moments like these. Happy Tuesday!

2.2.14

a gold star and a best friend

I've always told people my Mom and Dad's love story was chick-flick worthy. They met through a common friend at the airport in connecticut, and on the same day took a motorcycle tour through 3 states, just the two of them. For a long time after that, they would talk on the phone and send letters back and forth, non-stop, since my Mom had to return to Manila and my dad was studying in Connecticut at the time. Finally, as my dad was dropping off my mom from one of their dates, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. They had two sons, and the youngest, a daughter (THAT'S ME!). I know they loved each other very much, and until now, my mom loves my dad more than anything in the world.

7 years after my dad died in a car accident, my mom and I sit in the TV room, looking through old boxes of my dad's old cameras (did I mention that my dad was a very skilled photographer, as well as the former owner of a Jazz radio station?) and mixtapes. We find this rusty old silver box sitting with the camera bags, and it was locked. We spent a while looking nearby for a key, but finally gave up and had our housekeeper hammer it open for us.



Inside, there were hundreds of letters, all from my mom to my dad. I started sobbing instantly because, seriously?! All the letters she sent him, from the first letter when she got home to Manila, to the letter she wrote him on the morning of their wedding day, were sitting there in yellowing envelopes and decades-old stamps. My mom and I sat on the floor sobbing for hours, going through each letter and taking down all the sweet things they would say to each other.

One thing that hit me hard like a brick wall was the fact that they would send each other gold foil stars with every letter. Even after they had me, I always noticed their strange obsession with stars; there would always be some kind of star artwork in the house, and how during christmas, our garden was always illuminated by star lanterns hanging from the Frangipani trees. I didn't realize that it had been their thing from the start.



Another one of the most beautiful parts of this little box of letters is that my mom would always refer to him as her best friend. I always believed that relationships should always be friendship over romance, and now I know where I got that idea. This little note especially made my heart melt:

"To the only guy i'll ever love with all my heart and mind and body until all the hair on your head turns gray and your teeth fall out! Happy Birthday to my best friend."



My mother always told me never to date until I find a guy who treats me just the way my dad treated her. Even if it takes forever, dad, i'm gonna find someone who was as loving, caring, and kind as you. Don't worry about me, nobody unworthy will even be able to think about mistreating your little girl. I miss you, I love you, I'll see you in Heaven.

31.1.14

Sweater Weather / My January Favorites


Heyyo!
It's been really cold in Manila. I don't think it's been this cold in years. I wake up in the morning and put on socks, sweats, and a hoodie just to keep me warm while I get ready for school. Crazy weather for a tropical country, huh? 23 degrees celsius is a pretty big deal over here (that explains why i'm so freakin tan, ha ha). Anyways, i think it's time I did a favorites post on this blog. These are products and clothes and just general items that i absolutely loved in January, and will most probably continue to use throughout the year.


First off is this fuzzy gray sweater I use EVERY DAY from UNIQLO. I know that there aren't many branches of UNIQLO in other countries, but this is a Japanese brand and they have really nice thermal and winter stuff, and also basics like really comfy jeans and pajamas. I love it because it's just so soft and warm and it's pretty oversized, so I wear it with leggings.

I've also been loving these sunglasses from Cotton On. I find that they really protect my eyes, and they're pretty darn cute!


I got this makeup bag from Forever 21 in Japan, and I just thought it was so pretty and big enough to store all my makeup. I don't have a lot of makeup because i go to a private school that doesn't allow it, but I get to wear makeup on weekends going out with friends and on special occasions. The size is great because I can fit all of my makeup in it, which isn't a lot, so I have everything in one place. It's also great for travel because when I was packing to come back to manila from Japan, I just popped everything into this bag and threw it in my suitcase. Really convenient!


I first discovered clearasil when I went to Canada in the summer. I tend to break out in cold weather, and our summer is just in line with Canada's winter, so I broke out really bad. I haven't been using it since then because I have relatively clear skin, but i had to bring it out of hiding now because like I said, it's really cold in Manila nowadays.

Having really long hair, my hair tends to dry out at the ends especially in the cold weather. To prevent split ends, I apply a little bit of this Argan Oil from Bench FIX, which is a salon here in the Philippines.

I read a lot of books in January, but these three were the cream of the crop.

I loved Legend by Marie Lu because I have this thing for sotries and movies involving badass girls, especially when they're teenagers. The female lead, June, is a government agent at 15. I'd say that's pretty badass.

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby was such a good read. I think it touched me because I have so much in common with the main character because i'm in pretty much the same situation she is in now, having to leave her home and friends for her parents' benefit. It's just a light, cute and relateable story about a girl who is struggling to find out more about her dead mother.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple was actually passed on to me by my mom. She enjoyed it as much as I did, because Bernadette is so quirky and funny and there are so many hilarious situations in this book, I ripped though it in 2 days.

So, that's all for my favorites of January! I hope you guys enjoy your Chinese New Year holiday just as much as I am, watching movies on my laptop and cuddling up in bed with hundreds of pillows and green tea cups.

23.1.14

i'm not dead // what's on my ipod


Hi, lovelies! i know i keep saying i'll be on this blog more often, but it never happens. I PROMISE this time it'll be for good.

here are a few things you've missed while i was gone:
  • I turned 15!
  • I went to Japan for Winter Break
  • Started my sophomore year of high school
  • Found a bunch of really cool stuff i had no idea was in my room (stay tuned!)
and a bunch more! I'm not sure exactly how long it's been since I last updated, but I know it's been a little over 4 or 5 months, or even more. So, i'm giving you this post to make up for my absence. I'll be posting once, if not twice, a week so hang in there!

Here's a little video I made of what apps, music, and other things I keep on my iPod! (since my phone still sucks...comment down below if you're part of the sucky phone club!)


What's on my iPod? from Yana on Vimeo.



Follow me on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram!

14.10.13

i get carried away









cap: Kylie Jenner's clothes make me sad.

Congratulations, Yana! you have successfully neglected this blog for 4 whole months. Ha ha.

I am very sorry to all of you who actually read this blog, especially to those who have been waiting for a post. Today, I had some free extra time and i finally decided to update. I know this is always my excuse, but sophomore year is really starting to get to me. Keeping up with studies while having a social life is actually harder than i thought it would be. I know i'm being pretty darn dramatic here, but if other people can do it, so can I. Hay buhay. (translation: oh, life)

So here you go. a quick inspiration post to celebrate the end of my 5-month hiatus. Also, the theme of this blog will gradually focus more on fashion and i'll be posting more ootds and tutorials and stuff like that, so stay tuned! lots of love xx

11.6.13

Vancouver 2013 -- the City

hello my dear blog readers! it's been over a month since I last posted, and you're about to find out why. Yes, I have been on vacation in Vancouver!

It was all so exciting! The food, the scenery, the family times, and even the shopping.


 
Over the next few weeks, i'll be posting more photos and stories of my trip. Stay tuned! x

30.4.13

la luna

La Luna herself lighting the Alabang skies :)



It took me a while to realize how much I love where I live. It may be hot, sticky, and very uncomfortable, but just like in the photo above, it has it's moments. And those moments are beautiful. I was thinking that, when I'm older, if I ever decide to get a tattoo, I would get a sun and a moon, just like the ones my Mom draws and paints. Where there is darkness, the moon is the light. That's the wonder of God's creation. 

Do me a favor, look outside your window during sundown. Take a picture of the moon, in whatever position it may be. It doesn't have to be high quality or too close up, as long as you can see the moon. 

Don't you think it's beautiful how the moon let's the sun shine all throughout the day, and the sun lets the moon out at night? It's like they're sharing the privilege of showing people their beauty, and they're not being selfish. If only people were like that as well, then I doubt there would be much hurt left in the world, or hunger, or attention-seeking. 

19.4.13

Obsessions: Céline Luggage Tote

I'll be honest: I never thought a bag could affect me like this. 

For the past few days, I would look at my outfit of the day in the mirror and think: "You know what would look great with this? The Céline Luggage Tote. Too bad you're not a celebrity, because there's no way you could ever afford that." But just look at it! Look at it and tell me it does not scream perfection. I have literally been dreaming about going out and getting this bag, and then I wake up. I fangirl about this bag just as much as I fangirl about One Direction, and if I was given a choice between this bag and those five marvelous creatures, I would have an extremely hard time. Knowing I will never afford this bag unless I win the lottery or marry a billionaire (which won't happen while they still sell this bag) fills me with just as much hurt as when I found out Clary and Jace were siblings. But really, who wouldn't want this bag? Maybe one day I'll find a bag that I love just as much as this. 

thank you so much for 40 followers! I am happy :)
I am extremely sorry to anyone who hasn't read (and planned to read) the mortal instruments book series. Here is a virtual hug from me to make up for the sobs you probably let out when you found out, too.  >:D<

11.4.13

you can show me where trouble goes

Alexander Mcqueen's office. Imagine working here..
Hello lovelies! I did have some things planned out for this week (including a diy, book reviews, and ootds) but my brother is on holiday with his friends and he asked me if he could borrow my camera. He bought me a pretty brown leather camera case on the one condition that he gets to borrow my camera any time he wants. So, no camera this week! I'm going to put up the posts i have planned out as soon as I get my camera back, I promise. 

In the meantime, here is a splash of inspiration for you all. 





and of course, a song i'm addicted to. Here you go, and happy thursday everybody! :)

3.4.13

bag it up, baby

I can only describe these bags with one word: 
love.


I've got a new button by the way!
if you have my button on your blog, It would be great if you replaced it with this. If you want to keep the one you already have, though, that's fine.
And if you don't have my button yet, be sure to drop me a line at yanabananers@yahoo.com! I'd love to discuss an ad swap with you.
have a nice week! 

now my baby's dancing

This playlist has some new stuff, some old stuff, and songs that make my ears smile. (not literally) Enjoy! :)

2.4.13

a little something + thanks


hello! I was flipping through one of our local magazines and I came across this page. I loved the photos, so I decided to share it with you.

Another thing: Thanks so much for 30 followers! I am so happy with how much my blog has grown since i started in January. I do hope you'll help me and my blog grow even more by clicking my contact button and ad swapping! Much appreciated, I have a lot of space for your button on my blog! :)