Searching For THE Perfect Ring

You Friends might wonder why I look so made up here. I actually tried out the bridal look on the weekend. Yep, Friends, I'm getting married in April! We won't have any big, extravagant party, just a simple ceremony at Church, then off to honeymoon. Both my fiance and I prefer a small, intimate wedding. No stress, no fuss.
So, yes, please pray for us and wish us well! ^_^

Ow, I've been having problem with my laptop and have to borrow a friend's laptop to write post. So, I'm sorry if I've been a bit behind in replying to comments lately.

LBD: Red Valentino. Purse: Philippe Charriol. Accessories: bought on-line and various old collection.

Shoes: Yongki Komaladi.

I like the makeup, but I think the hair is too big. I could do with less hair teasing on my wedding day.

What do you think, Friends?

When I bought this necklace online, I was afraid it would be too much. Turned out that my doubts were unfounded. I've got lots of compliments on it, even from my big brother, who usually doesn't pay any attention to my outfit at all!

Since the wedding would be nothing like an extravagant nor elaborate affair, my fiance and I have enough time and peace of mind to plan for things that matter to us: our new home, the honeymoon, furniture shopping, and also some small details that we think are important and meaningful, such as song choices for the wedding, and of course, the wedding rings!
The odd thing is, I'm not a ring person, nor is my fiance. However, we both agree that wedding rings are something very meaningful and sentimental, so they should be something timeless and beautiful. Hence we decided on diamond wedding rings, not just because "Diamonds are forever", but because diamond jewelry are always in style and will never look out of date even on our 50-year anniversary, if God allows! We've been hunting for THE perfect rings for some time now, from brick and mortar jewelry stores, to online ones.
And one of them is Anjolee.

Anjolee is a specialized diamond jewelry manufacturer based in San Diego, USA, that has been in business since 1977. I've heard about them before, and since they are an online store and able to ship to Indonesia, in our search for THE perfect diamond wedding rings, we decided to see what they have.
Surfing through Anjolee's diamond wedding ring selection, we found these three models that we like. The nice thing about Anjolee's website is, you can zoom the picture to see the detail of the jewelry. You can even see it in 3D, which is good because when you buy something like diamond jewelry online, you cannot touch it the way you do at brick and mortar store, but you still want to make sure that you like every single thing of your choice - the clasp, the back, the earring clip, etc. - not just how it looks two dimentionally. Another nice thing is, Anjolee provides you with the basic model, but you can customize it to your liking AND budget, such as white or metal gold, 14, 6, or 18K, diamond size, diamond quality. The price will change according to your customization, which is very helpful because everybody has their own taste and set budget when shopping for wedding ring.

Anyway, these are the three models of diamond wedding rings that we like, though we still cannot decide which one we like best. Also, we still question whether we prefer the modern white or yellow gold or platinum for the wedding ring's band.

This one is called Triple Spaced Diamond Ring in platinum. Simple and elegant.

This is the same model of yellow gold.

Some might consider yellow gold as old-fashioned, but we think it has a very ethereal classic feel to it.

This one is called Everlasting Love Four Prong Diamond Eternity Ring. It's just gorgeous and very romantic, because all those diamonds around the band represent everlasting long and eternity. Of course, with so many diamonds, the price will be higher. That's the only unromantic thing about this gorgeous diamond wedding ring! For this model I prefer the platinum band. It's such a nice backdrop for all those sparkling diamonds.

And look at this one! It's called Five Across Alternating Gemstone Anniversary Ring, and I fell in love with the gold one with red garnets on it. It's totally beautiful, but both my fiance and I agree that this looks more like anniversary ring or something a man would be his lady for Valentine's day instead of a wedding ring. Still, it's very beautiful, don't you think?

I would't mind getting this as an anniversary ring!

What girl doesn't like to get a diamond anniversary ring? Haha!

You know what, this one is perfect for my parents' anniversary rings. They have just renewed their marriage vow during the Holyland trip last year, in Cana. My Mom definitely deserves a diamond anniversary ring! Of course, it's not about expensive gifts, but it's still a very nice and romantic gesture, don't you think?

And look, here is a picture of my Dad kneeled in front of my Mom, with someone's wedding car and Mediteranian Sea as the background. How cute is that!  Please go to the original post here for more pictures.

Aaaannywayyyy, back to the bridal makeup and hair try out, please let me know what you think of it. Also, which diamond wedding ring do you think is best? Please help me with the selection, Friends! ^_^

Ow, we went to Luna Negra for dinner after Church. Since I had been dolled up already, so we thought, let's not waste the money spent for this makeup and hair, and go some place nice!

The pizza is huge...

I am too lazy to be this artfully made up every day, but it's really fun to look extra special once in a while!

Linking up to:

Whatever Goes Wednesday

A Cheerful Garden of My Own

This outfit pictures were from somewhere in February, when it had been raining like crazy for days. The sky was gloomy and overcast, grey and cloudy and not very happy looking. So I decided to bring my own flower garden to work, which was this blouse that I got in Singapore! (Read my Singapore and Penang haul post here)

Flower blouse: Claudine (Bugis Junction, Singapore) - it's a sheer blouse, I wore a black tank underneath. Pleats skirt: unbranded (if you live in Jakarta, you can get it at basically any ITC wholesale malls). Bag: Les Catino. Bracelets: old collection. Earrings: Chinatown, Singapore. Shoes: Yongki Komaladi. Pink cardi: Marks & Spencer.

It was freezing cold in the office, so I layered with this pink wool Marks & Spencer cardigan. It was one the best buys ever: pretty, pink, light, not scratchy at all, snug, warm, well fitted, and was on sale!

I had a pair of similar colorful rhinestone earrrings that I bought in the Philippines, but then I lost them. So I'm so happy that now I've got these!

I even brought my own blue sky and butterfly. Haha!
A little butterfly charm works wonder to put a smile on people's faces. The girls love this charm!

This is also one of the little keychains I got in my Singapore haul.

Aaaand, oh-watta-appy-day, my button necklace outfit got featured by the g*rated girls - Marie, Chelsea and Buff - of the g*rated blog. The three ladies are mother and daughters who blog together to share what they love on the internet. How sweet is that! The feature is on their Sunday Best, a link party of your best dressed-up look of the week, which I think is a good idea, since dressing up is not so common these days, with all the casual and sportswear around. I mean, who doesn't love to be comfortable, but there are times and places when you want, you need, to look dressed up. For the feature, please click here. For the button necklace post, please go here. Don't forget to join in their Sunday Best link party, as well.
Thank you Marie, Chelsea and Ms. Buff, for featuring my post!

I'm Dreaming of Bali

I need a holiday. A vacation. I've been so busy with work and planning for my moving that I barely have time to creating posts or blogwalking.
I know, it's been only two months and more since my last vacation, but still... Lying down on the beach, listening to the ocean waves, the sun, the sea, the coconut tree... I guess that's why I'm trying to do a little self-persuassion (or self-delusion?) that a Balinese white top with handpainted flowers on it will take the mind (if not the body) to that magical Island of The Gods.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to bribe my stomach with some peranakan cuisine at Kedai Tiga Nyonya Tebet.
Well, at least Jakarta is as hot as sunny as Bali...

Top: from Bali. Jeans: old and rolled up. Bag: Turati.Purple earrings, bracelets, necklace: SCBD bazaar. Flip flops: from Makati, Philippines.

The quaint green house where Kedai Tiga Nyonya is located.

Notice the peranakan interior, the old-style Chinese wallpaper and wood hangings?

And don't forget the main reason to be there: the food!

Last year, I wore this top for Halloween. Check the original post here.

Dance The Polka(dots)!

What do you do when you are bored? As beautiful as life is, sometimes we, the ungrateful human, feels that life is so ... blah. And that's very human, so don't worry, it'll pass. But what do you UNTIL it passed? Just sit and wait? No way, Jose! Everyone has different ways to overcome boredom. These are some activities that help me to get my mood back. After all, idle mind idle hands breed all kinds of mischief, so better do something with them and get them busy! Aaaand happy, as well.

As odd as it might sound, I'm thankful that we have boredom once in a while. Why? Because it means we have TIME to spare. It shows that we are ALIVE. It got us to be more creative. It gor us thinking outside the box. It got us reaching out to others. It got us to see, really see, and notice things. IF, again, IF, we put the boredom to good use, that is, not to bad one.
Shopping! From my own closet, that is...

It always feels good when I'm successfully pair something that looked 'un-pair-able' or old, forgotten pieces into a nice ensemble. Add some accessories, scarves, belt, whatever. Voila! Makes me feel so creative. Aaaaand... I don't need to spend a dime to create a whole new look! How I wish all kinds of shopping could be like this. I tend to stay away from going into clothing, accessory, or book stores when I'm bored, - any kind of place that sells things I know I'd end up buying - because those exciting places can play very wicked tricks to my dizzy, bored mind to spend away my hard-earned money!


Saunteering a toy store, alone or with a funny friend

I haven't got children of my own, so going to a toy store is basically 'safe', since most likely I'm not going to buy anything. I really enjoy seeing all those cute, cuddly plush toys and dolls, but I won't be tempted to buy anything. Well, mostly anyway. Double the fun when I have a funny friend who's not afraid to release her inner-child with me, who can act silly and happy and clowny! Hey, it's a TOY store! So why not!

Do a little reorganizing project

Usually I either reorganize my closet, my accessory box, my linen and toletries drawer, or my make up shelf. I make sure to do only one small project, if not my perfectionist side will kick in, and I'd get stressed out or feel pressured to tidy up the whole room or even the whole house! The point is doing a little something to overcome boredom, so I don't do it overboard.

Play a happy tune and sing along with it! Or I just dance myself out.

Who cares if I look like a penguin instead of Miley Cyrus? No one will see!

What do you do to overcome boredom?

Polkadot shirt: Ceil. Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT (refashioned with black lace sewn under the hemline). Bag: Les Catino. Scarf (worn as a belt): thrifted, from Miami. Turquoise beaded necklace: DIY project. Black and white bangle: gift. Blue bracelets: Shanghai. Turquoise earrings: art fair at Sydney. Shoes: Yongki Komaladi.

Linking up to:

Buttony Blue Technicolor

Guess, what do you think the background is?

Today is a super busy but productive day. I went furniture shopping for a future new residence - yes, I'm moving to a new place - and got the whole sets for living room, bedroom, and dining room in just under three hours, including eating my lunch, browsing around various furniture stores, picking out models and color themes, and hassling over the prices. I never buy anything without bargaining if possible, and if I canot get a lower price, usually I would ask for something extra. This time I got a dresser drawer table for free! They wanted to give me a chair at first, but I politely refused and ask the nice sales lady if she could offer me something better, and lo and behold, she took me for a tour around the store and we ended up agreeing on the dresser drawer.

I think it's a win-win solution for both the store owner and me, because, hey, what buyer doesn't love a great deal, and what seller doesn't love a buyer who just walks in, already knows what she wants, picks and pays right away? Haha!

Some time ago, I won a giveaway from Bisola and Dammie Gee, two ladies behind this super creative, ultra colorful blog, Fifth & Sixth's Closet. I haven't seen any USPS package box since I flew home from the US, so I was very excited when received it!
Lookie lookie here! I got this lovely, unique and colorful bib necklace made of buttons! Thank you, Bisola and Damie! I truly like it! I think it's handmade. Is it handmade? I think so. If you visit Bisola and Damie's blog, you'd definitely see that these ladies have an amazing sense of colors. Their color combinations are bold and unexpected, yet fabulous. I mean, look at this necklace they sent me!

This is how I styled it for today's outfit...

Closer look...

And since I'm going to Church, I threw on this blue cropped top to layer the whole outift. I aimed for monochromatic look, since there are so much going on with the necklace, shoes, and purse. No bracelets today!

This cropped top is quilted and can be worn with so many different outfits. I have similar cropped top in various colors, they are very versatile.

And I'm still in love with these Ana Eslie platform wedges I got as Chinese New Year's gift.

Aaaaaand this is the background of the first picture! I went to dinner at Plaza Indonesia after furniture shopping and Church.

Dress: Arizona. Shoes: Ana Eslie (gift). Cropped top: unbranded. Purse: Sogo. Scarf tied on the bag: thrifted, from Miami. Earrrings: Accesorize, Singapore. Necklace: gift.

Aaaaand, I was featured again in 365 Challenge & Link Party at Allison's Two Thirty-Five Designs blog. This time it was my plaid shirt ala cowgirl post. Thank you, Allison! Your email was a perfect end for a Friday! Please check Allison's post here, and don't forget to join her link party! And if you'd like to check how I incorporated the casual plaid shirt into office wardrobe, read the original post here.

Happy Sunday, All!

Linking up to:
Whatever Goes Wednesday
LaThrifta's Cheap Finds and Transformations
Fashion Friday

If You Don't Like It, Give It To Someone Else Who Does

Gifts. Presents. What girl doesn't like receiving them? Well, I certainly do! Presents make me happy. And I'm very grateful that I have so many wonderful people, family, and friends who have given me gifts and presents. Small ones, big ones, it doesn't matter. I appreciate them all, and am very thankful that they remember me. Materialistic? Not really, I mean, come on. Everyday, everyday, life is a gift from God, sent with the first ray of sunshine, or the first breathe we take each time we open our eyes in the morning. And then along the day, He continues to send us love packages, big and small, consistently, continuously. See? God loves present. So who am I not to love presents, rite! Haha!

Here in Indonesia, it is customary for someone who travels to bring some kind of "oleh-oleh" or small gifts for friends, coworkers or family they left at home. Usually local delicacies or souvenirs. Also, here, when you attend events like wedding, birthday parties, or shower events, the host or hostess will give your some token or souvenirs to bring home with you. They are usually small items such as keychain, mug, tiny doll, candle, soap, etc.

Sadly, I notice that many of these gifts are just being left on the corner gathering dust by the receiver. Many are still in their plastic wrap, unopened. I'm sure it's not because the receivers don't appreciate the gifts or presents, but because they are not to their taste, or they have no idea what to do with them.

Ladies, it's no use to let these tokens of goodwill get wasted. If you don't like the gifts, you can thank the giver politely, then give them to someone else who might take delight in using them!

If you don't like that metal Florida keychain, give it to your nephew. That Bali T-shirt that is too big for you? Give it to your strapping younger brother. If he doesn't like it, he can still wear it to sleep in, which is much better than let it being unused at all! What about that tissue pouch from Hongkong? Give it to the maid who's never been to Hongkong. You might think it's rude to re-gift those to others, but I personally think it's even more rude to just let them sitting there, unopened, unused, unappreciated, months after months after months.

I often receive coin purse as gifts from friends, and these are my favorites. I have this weird habit to carry four small coin purses with me when I travel overseas, instead of just one big wallet: one to keep my credit cards, one for local currencies, one for Indonesian currency, and one for USD. Weird? Maybe, but it's effective. For me, that is.

This one is from an auntie, from Korea. Isn't it just pretty? I love the old-fashioned model with gold metal frame and clasps; and the colorful Korean ladies animation with mountain background, back and front, is just beautiful.

It's opened up like this, with several smaller, divided compartments inside. And check the blue butterfly charm dangling from the side! It's embroidered and totally cute. I love!

Another coin purse from Korea, from a sweet coworker, Nana, who married a Korean. I love everything about it: the pink color, the texturized quilted fabric, the flower embroidery, and again the dangling butterfly cham on the side. Pretty, just like the sweet girl who gave it to me. ^_^

This one is a gift from another coworker from Bangkok, Thailand. It's a Naraya coin purse. Naraya is famous for their cloth bags and purses which are pretty and affordable. I love them. The pink bow tie at the front and the pink piping at the sides add a nice touch to it.

Inside, it looks like this. It has a mirror and a compartment with a zipper which you can keep you cards or coins safely. I really really like this one.

And this is the newest addition to the collection which I just received last week from my sweet friend, Inne. Also from Bangkok. Can't you tell from the elephant? ^_^ Thank you Inne! I love it! You do remember that my favorite color is pink!