Everyday Life

My Summer Plus Size Closet Essentials

March 16, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 17 Comments

With only two weeks to go before school officially breaks for the summer, the kiddo and I are officially, already, feeling the heat. My nasty pink rashes are proof of that. Yup, underneath my shirt I look like a pretty pink leopard. Or half human-half pig. It’s a good thing pink is my favorite color. But anyway, that is not the point of this post!

With summer comes lots of family swimming fun, vacations and other activities. One sure way to beat the heat during these fun times is to dress appropriately. This was a total challenge for my plus-sized self growing up because there were only a few stores that sold larger sizes, and most of them were quite ugly, too. Sorry, I’m just telling the truth! I always say how happy I am now that these amazing plus size stores have popped up online, in malls and in bazaars. We no longer need to dress in tito shorts, in lola prints and in nightgown-looking dresses just because there is physically more of us to love than your average Filipina. One of these days, I promise to look for photos of the silly clothes I had growing up, and I’ll post them here. That’s what happens when a skinny mom gives birth to a chubby child. But that’s okay, I love my mommy anyway.

So, now that summer is here, it’s time to switch the stuff around in my messy closet again and unearth my favorite plus size summer pieces. Here are my closet essentials for the season.

1. Maxi Dresses

I am probably over-sharing, but maxi dresses are great for those days when you’re preparing to get a wax or to shave your legs. Tell me that isn’t true.

Some of my favorite maxi dresses. Both are overruns I bought super cheap in Subic.

2. Shorts

A comfy pair of shorts plus a cute breathable top is great for a relaxing summer afternoon. I would wear this to hang out with friends, a quick grocery trip or a day at the pool.

On the left, shorts by Erzullie. On the right, shorts by Ward88.

3. Short Skirts

Short skirts are great in the same way that shorts are great, but with the added perk of being girly.

The skirt on the left is from Moda Plus. The one on the right is from Ward88. And yes, short *na yan* for me hehe!

4. Dainty Printed or Pastel Skirts

Cute florals and prints are great for the summer, as are pastels. I love skirts that go below the knee paired with a nice top and sandals or ballet flats. These are nice for summer date nights, trips to the mall or to the movies.

Mint green skirt from Marks & Spencer. Floral skirt from Debenhams.

5. Summer Dresses

Yes, maxi dresses can be summer dresses too, but I just had to give my favorite beach dresses their own line. K, moving on…

Summer dressing in El Nido with my friendship, in a green Daisy Fuentes dress from Big Deals, and summer dressing in Boracay in a grey People Are People dress.

6. Cute Beach Cover-ups

This is a must for any beach trip. Sometimes I wear maxi dresses over my swimsuits, but they take forever to dry. That’s why I’d much rather have a nice cover-up.

The one on the left is from Cococabana and the one on the right I got from a beachfront stall in Boracay.

7. Tankinis

I love tankinis! One-piece suits may be nice, but I hate how it’s so hard to pee when you’re wearing them. I also am not the type to wear a bikini, though I know a few plus size ladies who are so comfortable in their skin that they do. I just never did, not even when I was a few sizes smaller. I’m a little bit of a manang. Hehe.

As you can see, I love tankinis with skirt bottoms. I got both of these from Big Deals in Alabang Town Center.

What are your favorite summer outfits?

This post has been submitted to the Pinay Curvies Swag Link-up Party!

I Made A Bet With My Grandmother

March 5, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 30 Comments

Yes, people of the world, you read that one right. I made a bet with my grandmother. It happened over lunch at her house on my birthday. We were joking about my weight, like we always do, with her telling me that I’m pretty but unfortunately I’m chunky, and me saying that, well, it would be difficult if I were perfect, in response. This is a dialogue that she and I have each time we see each other, without fail. I think she’s been on my case about my chubby bunny-ness for over a decade now.

Here’s a 2010 photo I took of my lola with my equally beautiful mom

Now, just so you know, my grandmother had movie star looks when she was younger. Even now, when you see her, you’d say she’s really pretty for an old lady. She’s one of those people who really takes care to look her best, and I suppose that’s why she bugs me about the way I look. I think maybe she feels that I’ve let go after having a kid and getting married.

The bet.

I honestly can’t remember how our kidding led to this bet. All I remember was her saying that she doesn’t think I can lose the weight any more, and me asking if she’d like to bet on it. Much to my surprise, she said yes. I asked what she’d give me if I won and she said anything I want. Of course, I said a house. An she laughed and said she’s confident enough to say okay coz she’s pretty sure I can no longer go back to being my thinner self. Note that I said “my thinner self” and not “thin”, because I never was thin. I was born chunky, and that’s why I don’t really have extreme insecurities as far as my weight goes.

Amid a lot of laughter, we decided that this bet was on. I know I won’t really be asking her for a house if I make it. But that little competitive side of me won’t stop bugging me to go for it just to show her that I can do it. I suppose I’d like to show myself that I can too, even just a little bit.

Diet? What diet?

Funny how, as I was telling MrC this story, he told me that I never really took any of these diet or exercise commitments I’ve made seriously. I never saw it as that. But of course, now that I’m looking back, I do see the halfheartedness that led to countless weight loss and wellness goals that remain unfulfilled. I’m talking about this and this and this and this and this and this. And those are just the ones that I blogged about, so you get what I mean when I say countless, right? Ugh. I think I might have too much self-love for my own good sometimes. How am I ever going to win this bet?

The good news is I actually have an instant jump start now that Lent is here. Yes, my Lenten sacrifices often involve food,simply because food is something I love. So each year, I try to go the whole 40 days without a certain something. A couple of years ago I gave up coffee. Most of the time I give up meat with feet. This year’s Lenten commitment for me is no white rice, no white bread, and no meat with feet. And I have to do it for a month and a week, so that should be enough time for me to get used to the switch.

For good.

I am actually planning to permanently shift to wheat bread and brown rice. This is something that’s easy enough for me to manage without affecting the meal planning for the rest of our household, whose members only eat the white stuff. As for giving up meat with feet completely, I don’t think I can or want to do that just yet. But let’s see. I read somewhere that the reason why Jared Leto‘s hair is so fab is because he’s vegan, and believe me, I want fab hair like his too. But right now, life without ever having a steak again doesn’t sound to me like a very happy life. But still, let’s see. Oh and yes, I really had to mention Jared Leto, who was my Mr Dream Boy during his My So Called Life days, was resurrected as my Mr Dream Boy when I first discovered 30 Seconds to Mars, and is now officially my Mr Dream Boy forever after this year’s awards show season. *Insert dreamy sigh here*

Guys, seriously, I want to win this bet. Cheer me on, send me some tips, or whatever, in the comments. I can do this. Yes, I can.

31

February 25, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 14 Comments

Today, I turn 31.

I actually started the day with grim news. Instead of letting that weigh me down though, I choose to take the situation as a reminder that each new day is most definitely something worth celebrating. Although, I do still feel some heaviness in my chest because this is the kind of thing that you don’t shake off that easily. But today is a day to be thankful for, and so is the gift of another year.

Life has taught me a whole bunch of lessons in my 31 years. Today, I want to share with you the ones that I feel are the most important. This is my way of giving back for all the well-wishes, prayers and greetings that I received from family and friends, both in person and online, on this special day in my life.

31 Important Life Lessons I’ve Learned So Far

You were not meant to be alone. Allow people to come into your life.
Spend as much time as you can with the people who matter to you.
Never be afraid to say I love you.
Never hesitate to say I’m sorry.
Forgive.
If it’s meant to be, it will happen.
Unless you take a chance, you will never know.
Do more of what you love.
A positive outlook always makes a difference.
There must always be room for a second chance.
When in doubt, make sure you have a Plan B.
Grab every good opportunity that comes your way.
Live without regret.
Save up for a rainy day.
Make memories and document moments.
Be genuinely grateful.
Honesty will take you further than lies ever will.
It’s the people you love the most who have the power to hurt you the most.
Unconditional love is the stuff that good relationships are made of.
Never walk out on an argument.
There is a solution to every problem. Some solutions are just harder to accept.
Coffee makes mornings better in an instant.
In trying moments, grab a bag of Maltesers or a chocolate bar. Your heart will thank you, even if your hips choose not to.
Build good habits while you are young.
Never go to bed angry.
Ice cream and cake can count as breakfast food, but only on special days.
No matter how hard you plan, there is still a chance that things will go wrong. Learn to think on your feet.
You control your own destiny.
Moisturize, exercise and wear sunscreen.
Say please, thank you and you’re welcome.
Whitney was right. Learning to love yourself IS the greatest gift of all.

What is one important lesson that life has taught you? Please share in the comments. Consider it your birthday gift to me. Thanks in advance! 🙂

Random Things About Me

February 23, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 28 Comments

I’m starting this new blog series called Sunday Seven where I basically make a list of seven things each week. I thought it might be something fun to do, and that’s why I’m doing it! And since it is officially the start of my birthday week, I thought I’d kick the series off by sharing seven random things about me. This way, you’ll get to know me better.

1. I have an irrational fear of frogs

I say ‘irrational’ because I can’t even look at a photo of frogs, or watch them on TV. When I hear a croak, or a kokak, as we say in Filipino, I will scream, panic, and eventually cry. Every time. Even if it’s from far away. I get startled when I see frogs jump all of a sudden, when the beams of my car headlights catch them, and even when I see squished froggy roadkill while I’m walking on the street. There is a reason behind this fear, which involves a giant frog toy, my brother and a childhood argument. Sometimes I am told to face my fear of frogs head on, but I would honestly much rather headbutt the person who tells me this. There have been instances where I’ve asked a friend to carry me across a field, when I’ve dragged my brother (who is afraid of heights) down an uneven, very high stone staircase, refused to enter a room, hyperventilated, thrown a hissy-fit, and shrieked like there’s no tomorrow when the threat of having to encounter a froggy friend presented itself. They arethe stuff of my nightmares, seriously. One of the worst dreams I have ever had was that of a giant frog chasing me, trying to get into the house through the windows. Just thinking about it now makes me want to cry.

2. I used to do a lot of sports

I grew up playing tennis. I tried soccer one summer. I was also once a pompom girl. I joined two varsity racket sports teams in high school. I learned gymnastics. All this before I discovered Agno food in DLSU and started gaining all this weight.

3. I only learned to cook when Little MrC started eating solids

I was a kitchen disaster growing up. I once burned a pot of spaghetti sauce so bad (while reheating, mind you), that some sauce got stuck to the bottom of the pan and could not be removed. We had to throw the ruined pot away. I also once almost set the kitchen on fire when my cooking oil overflowed because I poured an entire bag of squid balls into the pan without realizing it would overflow. Fireball!

Couldn't let this meatball go hungry, now could I? — Couldn’t let this meatball go hungry, now could I?

4. I’ve been blogging since college

I checked out the URLs of my old emo blogs just now, and lo and behold, they are still there. Here is the first post from my first blog, which I satrted in 2004. And here is the first post from another Blogspot blog I had in 2005. I think I’m gonna spend an afternoon reading my old entries. It’s gonna be a fun trip down memory lane for sure.

5. I have atopic dermatitis

If you see me up close, you will notice that I have dry red patches of skin on my arms and chest, and sometimes even on my face. I’ve had bad atopic dermatitis since I was 14, and I can’t use products with a lot of alcohol in them, including most commercial perfumes. Sad. That’s why Sesu and Ilog Maria are my favorite places to shop for soap, shampoo and other personal care stuff.

6. I’ve never had a massage in my life

As in never. The closest I’ve had to a massage are those sorta massages you get after a manicure, pedicure and hot oil. I’m very ticklish, and so I’m scared that the session will stress me out more than relax me.

7. Before I became a mom, I organized rock concerts

My first job was as an assistant for the production company that mounted Fete de la Musique in 2004. That same year, I became the assistant to the production manager of Red Horse Muziklaban. In 2005, I worked on a Chippy Gimikada nationwide concert series and another season of Muziklaban. My friends back then were members of Mayonnaise, Razorback, Kapatid, Imago, Sugarfree, Sandwich, and an assortment of other bands. Those were really fun times.

Working the registration at a Muziklaban pocket event in 2005

So there you go, I hope you enjoyed that little peek into my personality. Could you do me a favor and share a random fact about yourself in the comments? I’d love to learn more about you!

28 Grateful Days: Escaping for a Movie on a Monday

February 17, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 3 Comments

Just like most of you, I had a busy Monday. I was able to tick off four major items on my to-do list before noon, though, so I allowed myself to sneak out for lunch and a movie with my mom. If you’ve liked my page on Facebook, my latest status message will tell you what we watched. It was relaxing and fun, and the afternoon was made more comical by the fact that it seemed like the entire senior citizen population of Alabang was watching the same movie that day. We were literally surrounded by lolos and lolas.

A day like today is definitely something to be thankful for. I love that, as a WAHM, I can disconnect in the middle of the day and go do something enjoyable, after I’ve made sure that all the urgent things have been taken care of, of course. Like I said at the beginning of the month, I have been really making an effort to see the sunny side of life these past few days, and it really does make each day more fun. The highlights of my month so far have been:

Paying off and cutting up my HSBC Credit Card (super blessed with this one)
Watching two movies within a period of four days – Lego Movie with the little boy last Friday, and another one today with mom
Listening to my son tell me all about his school field trip
Receiving my free blog critique from Martine (which was so amazing that I decided to take it a step further and sign up for blog coaching as a birthday gift to myself)
Hanging out with my best girlfriends and seeing one of them again for the first time in four years
Having Mozart chocolates from Austria again for the first time in a long time
Catching the Malaysian lion dance champions’ performance at Resorts World with the boys (they really were SO good!)
Shipping off my World Moms Blog Fairy Moms gift (I hope it arrived at its destination already)
Being invited to join a #BetterMe session with Coach Pia and the SoMoms (which I will be blogging about soon)
My early Valentine’s day date with MrC
Shopping for my little boy’s first Valentine
Finally finishing Season 3 of Homeland with MrC
And actually being able to complete the first two weeks of the 48-week Photo Challenge that I joined

Isn’t life lovelier when you choose to see the good stuff instead of the negative things that happen? And it doesn’t have to be something major all the time. There’s lots of joy in the little things too.

What are your February highlights so far? 🙂

Self Portrait

February 7, 2014 by MrsC | Patricia Cuyugan 10 Comments

In a never-ending effort to get myself to commit to and complete a blogging challenge, I joined Mom on Duty and Lollies and Lipsticks‘ 48 Photos Photo A Week Challenge.

Every Friday for the next 48 weeks, participants will have to post one photo based on the week’s theme. Sounds easy enough, yes, but remember that I have a bad track record with photo-a-day challenges and weekly themed blog post challenges. I really do want to complete this one, though, and of course it makes it a million times more exciting that I’m doing it with some of my favorite bloggy mom friends.

This week’s theme: Self Portrait

For the past few days I have been trying in vain to take a nice photo of myself. I once said that I am probably the worst model you can even have, and I meant it. I smile awkwardly, and I would rather make faces at the camera. I feel conscious when asked to pose for a long time. And it’s not because I’m concerned about the way I look. It’s more because I don’t like being in front of the camera. I really am a behind-the-scenes kind of girl.

Today, as I was enjoying a cold shower after a very hot afternoon, it dawned on my why I didn’t like any of the photos I took of myself. It’s because none of them showed ‘me’. They looked fake and forced, and a bit unnatural. And then I realized that I already have the perfect photo, and that I took it just last weekend, at the start of the month. I think that counts as within the week, right?

This is me

This is me, folks, in all my wrinkled, blotchy-skin glory. This is me with my giant eye bags, my eyebrows that are in desperate need of grooming, and with my unmanageable hair pulled back. This is me with my double chin and chubby cheeks. This is me with no make up, bare-faced but happy. This is me enjoying my weekend with family, basking in the sun, delighting in a perfectly peaceful day.

Shot with a Sony TX10 camera on February 1, 2014 at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

This is me. I am definitely far from perfect, but I am totally okay with that.