DIVA AIZ

Since my November vacation in the Philippines, I swear I can't stop thinking of home decor. During mall visits, of course my first stop would be clothes, shoes and accessories, but recently, it won't be complete without a visit to the furniture and home accessories department.

Signs of aging tastes perhaps? Haha.. I feel like our condo is still incomplete and missing some bits and pieces, especially my room on the 2nd floor.

A lot of friends have recommended Dapitan Arcade recently. In search of some design inspirations, Christmas holiday decors and cheap but unique knick knacks and to feed our curiosity, we allotted  few hours to visit this little hub at the corner of Dapitan and Kanlaon Streets called Dapitan Arcade.

The street prior to Dapitan Arcade are also lined up with vendors selling different items such as these vases

In the street adjacent to it, is Dapitan Tiangge, (where we parked coz we thought its already Dapitan Arcade), its a 3-storey building that also offer home decors.

Anyway, Dapitan Arcade serves as a depot for export over-runs of gifts, home furnishings and accessories made of various materials ranging from sinamay, paper, rattan, capiz, ceramics, plastic, wood and metal. Though there are also China made items you'd normally find on Ebay, Home TV Shopping and Daiso.

Add romance to your room with these rustic lamps

These sunburst wall clocks, sunburst mirrors and intricately-designed metal and capis wall arts would make any room look highly sophisticated.

You'd be surprised that the prices are again, not as high than those in malls or art galleries. You can bargain and they can adjust depending on your budget. You can also inquire if you want customized steel art.

In the midst of chaos, I found this mock Eiffel Tower which I'm so lusting to buy!

Shopping hours are from 7am to 7pm.

The place is not air-conditioned, therefore it may not offer the comfortability of shopping malls, so be armed with a fan or a handkerchief!

But never mind the slight heat, most of the items we bought were priced almost half of those found in malls. Talkin' about value for money here! and yes, some bargaining skills.

What we bought:
1. Christmas wreath - It even has a "Kultura" tag priced at Php 499.75 but I bought it for only Php 300.00
2. Christmas tree decor (balls, dried glittered leaves, ornaments) ranging from - Php 10-100 each about Php 30-300 in malls.
3. Little Pink Dress Accessories Organizer - Php 80
4. Pink Laundry Hamper made of rattan. - Php 200
5. Some christmas gifts Php 300 and below


I think Dapitan Arcade is worth another visit around February to September. Great finds are year-round and for sure, you'll find something to suit your budget.

For now, Merry Hunting!

For days when I feel unmotivated, besides my family's future, I think of my condo bedroom renovation plans. Growing up, I always had to share a room with parents or siblings. So since my sister and I moved to our condo, I finally experienced having a room of my own. And I really want to customize it based on my personality and interests.

I have always wanted a Parisian-inspired room. All things French spells E-L-E-G-A-N-C-E- to me. Santorini and Paris will top my list of dream destinations, but I get more style inspiration from Paris.

I created a checklist so that I could easily refer to a single page whenever I decide to DIY this renovation project. Or its also for people like you, my could-be future interior designer, you might have some more ideas to spare.

Checklist:
Color Palette - Purple, black, white or cream and some damask details



An Eiffel tower - Should I be contented with a model display of the Eiffel tower or should I play with wall decals?



Wooden Letters - I am still thinking what words to arrange.. "Dream" or "believe" or "Achieve" I;ve seen it in many stores and rooms and I really wanted mine to be unique, a French translation of these words perhaps but not too long.. "j'adore",  "La vie est belle"

  



Sitting Nook - A small space where I could work, write or read, or watch movies in my laptop.

The nights are getting colder and often times, the weather could be very unpredictable and it rains during afternoons.

Scarves are a great way to add layer and color to an outfit. But despite a number of scarves I own, I really suck at working it and pulling it off.. 1st hour its tied around my neck, 2nd hour its knotted in front of my chest, 3rd hour its simply hanging in my neck, 4th hour its already a blanket =D

I am not comfortable whenever I am wearing a scarf right you see.. But then the office AC could be really chilly, and there are lots of exciting movies to watch, and the cold weather outdoors is the perfect excuse to do a "Scarf Week!".

So glad to stumble upon this photo in Pinterest that shows how to tie a scarf, not just 10 but 40 ways! and I saw some more photos that shows how to use a scarf as headbands, besides using scaves as neck accessory.

I recently had my 1st ever performance for a singing competition here in Singapore. Its called SingFil Idols at Pinoy Talent Festival sponsored by M1.

It took 25 years haha for me to have the courage to join a huge singing contest :) Another check in my bucket list..

I sang "Dance with my Father" and I wanted to share to daddy's girls like me.

For those who don't know yet, my Mom passed away when I was 11. Since then, I have always looked at the brightside and told myself, I still have my father and my ever-supportive sibs. I saw how my father tried to be strong since she passed away. I've been observant as well with how my dad gets old day by day, month by month, year after year, and being far from him to work overseas, its like more time is being taken away.

My Dad, my sister and my brothers, they are my inspiration to keep working overseas, to provide the best for them, to give them good health, to allow them to experience new things and travel new places.

We've seen celebs don the "Must Have" White Blazer last Spring! Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, Emma Watson, Miley Cyrus, Katie Holmes, etc. Admittedly, I do not have one yet :) I do have its black and blue counterparts though.

Forever 21 Shawl Lapel Blazer in Ivory, 33USD

Forever 21 Cropped Racer Jacket in Cream 38 USD

2. Detachable Peplum

Peplum - A decorative overskirt. Perfect for accentuating small waists or creating a waist, perfect in putting volume on your hips, and can also hide your bulging tummy when you just had too much to eat. Let's just say, this trend is something I am sooo thankful for.