Venus Smileygal: August 2015

#Saturdate at Missy Bon Bon

August 31, 2015

Hello Monday! Another work week is here... but for now its a holiday!

If you have been following me on instagram or reading my blog, you already know that every Wednesday and Saturday my friends and I hangout. This is our way to catch up, relax and escape the virtual career for a moment.

Working at home, alone can be stressful. Its good to talk and laugh with friends once in awhile... thats twice in a week for us. ^_^

Since me and my friends not only love shopping but foodtrip as well, hence what you often read here in my blog. In the photos we dine out at Missy Bon Bon Bakeshop for a Saturdate.

I really love Missy Bon Bon! Good food, nice ambiance and outdoor dining. This is even a great place to work because they have a free Wifi! My fave is their all-day breakfast, mango float and gelato ice creams. My friend love their pastas. The pancakes too sweet though.

After an afternoon chat we headed to Lifestyle District. I didnt have much photos of it because its already dark and were having much fun that we only got less photos. I shall share about this place soon though because we also love to hangout here.

Today's the last day of August...

Are you excited for the Ber months?

What I Wore | Crop Top & High-Waisted

August 29, 2015

Hey y'all! How was your weekend so far?
Here in our city we're having a long weekend...

This week was yet another busy week for me. Had so much in my plate from kiddos birthday, new tasks at work and job offers popping... But who am I to complain, this busyness are blessings!

By the way, sending kisses and hugs to those who shared their comments and appreciation on my previous post... The Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award. It was such heart warming reading your comments even though that post was kinda long. :D

So today will be sharing something short... My outfit!

I honestly love seeing crop top outfits but Im not confident wearing them myself. Major reason?! My tummy is not sexy enough to be flaunted... (>.<)

Big thanks to the person who invented high-waisted shorts because this give me a reason to pair it with my crop top without worrying about showing my belly skin. I was able to wear this crop top that was given to me as a gift on my birthday last year.

So what do you think of this outfit?

Are you a fan of the cropped trend? If yes, how do you style your crop tops?

Crop Top - Mint
Sandals - Payless Shoesource

Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award

August 26, 2015

I am always thankful and happy to see fellow bloggers who read and leave comments in my blog post. It always felt good to connect with everyone through blogging. In connection to this, would like to send my gratitude to Zarrah of Thebandwagonchic.com for the sisterhood of the world blogger award.

Here are my answers to Zarrah's questions...

1. What keeps you from blogging?

Before it use to be the quality of my writing. Ive been blogging since 2009, and I have always been blogging on personal thoughts and experiences. However, when I started to gain sponsors and advertisers the pressure to produce a well-written post and insightful articles to gain more advertisers, eats my enthusiasm to blog. Thank God! I have overcome this and the idea of quitting blogging is no longer on my mind...
Recently though time is keeping me to consistently update my blog. I am currently juggling with my online jobs, blog hopping/commenting and growing my instagram followers... Speaking do follow me on instagram and ping me Ill be happy to follow back. (Insert shameless plug! >.<)

2. What are 3 essentials a blogger must have?

Laptop/PC. Ofcourse... because how can you set-up a blog and write a blog post without this.
Camera. Because for me photos gives more life to a blog post.
Passion. You need to have passion in blogging in order to share something to your readers. Your readers can read your enthusiasm on your blog post and it will be an essential factor for them to keep coming back and read your blog. This enthusiasm will also fuel your desire to keep your readers updated as you progress in the blogosphere.

3. Best comment on your blog so far.

The best comment are those that answers the questions I ask in my post or those comments which relates to my post, for I know they are reading my post. It warms my heart knowing they took time to read my post. I will no longer mention specific commenters for they are many to mention.

4. What is the best thing about blogging?

Before I knew about blogging Ive been writing personal thoughts and experiences in my diary notebook. Back then it was me myself and my diary... Blogging relive that hobby of mine.... to share and document memories worth keeping, but this time with other people to read and add their ideas/suggestions/tips through the comment box. I feel like I gain more friends to connect and converse with. That is why I always appreciate those who comments on my blog post.
And ofcourse, I get to earn something and shop for free. Thank you sponsors and advertisers! ;)

5. Can you name 3 blogs that inspire you the most?

During those time when I dont like blogging and sharing anything on my blog. There's 2 blogs I have always been reading and following... I just enjoy how they share their personal experiences... they are Zoesuen.com and Christinayy.blogspot.com. The third would probably be random fashion bloggers, they are many to mention so will make it general. :D

6. As a blogger, what do you think we can contribute to the community?

Sharing positivity and honest to goodness reviews/information. As a blogger we have the power to inform not just local community but international community as well. We can promote our local community through our blogs. We can also lighten up someones day through our blog.

7. If given a chance to switch lives with someone, who will it be and why?

Kendall Jenner. No Im not a fan of the Kardashian. In fact I havent event watch their reality tv show besides some videos on Youtube whom Ive accidentally watched. I just love Kendall's style and every time I see her in a new outfit, I always feel the need to have it or wear it. I am also a self-confess model wanna-be.

8. What camera are you using?

Most of the time my Sony Experia Z mobile phone and then my Nikon D90 whom, until now, I am still learning to master. Blah! (>.<)

9. What is your photo editor?

When I am in hurry and lazy Picasa 3 but when im in the mood Fotor.

10. Give a quote that best represent your blogging life.
I have two quotes....
No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things. ~ Demi Lovato

To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. ~ Tony Dorsett

Blogs I Nominate to answer my 10 Questions

What made you decide to start blogging?
How did you came up with your blog name and blog url?
What is your number one blogging DON’T?
What are your trade secrets in gaining lots of follower on your social media accounts?
Do you plan your blog post or #OOTD post?
When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Aside from blogging what are the hobbies you enjoy?
Do you want to learn any specific languages? Why?
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
If you were to give a newbie blogger an advice on blogging, what would it be?

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Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award recognizes the unique voices of women bloggers around the world.

To accept this award, here are the rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.
Put the award logo on your blog.
Answer the ten questions they have set you.
Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer. Nominate ten people.

#Travel2015: My Mom's Hometown

August 23, 2015

Hey everyone! How was your weekend?

Hasn't been much online for the past 2 days because I traveled at my moms home town.

I attended a funeral of my uncle. Who died so unexpectedly of heart attack, at a such a young age... Even though were not that close his daughters are like my younger sisters already. I had to atleast comfort them in this painful moment.

So the weekend was spent traveling to and fro the island. I didnt get to take any outfit post though so ill be sharing photos of the beautiful island which is the hometown of my mom. And as much As I want to talk more about the hometown of my mom. Will live this photos to tell stories for I am so tired right now...
Photos taken using my Sony Experia Z...

#Foodtrip: Capricho Art Cafe

August 21, 2015

Happy flyday Friday everyone!

As I mentioned previously I will share more details about this new (to ourself that is) cafe we visited for our midweek chill.

Capricho Art Cafe is not just a typical cafe that serves refreshments and food to its costumer. It also offers art pieces which are painted by local artist in the city. This art pieces are also sold at an affordable price.

The food and drinks on the menu is not expensive. Probably because of its location, which is just outside Liceo De Cagayan University, wherein students are the regular costumers.

I ordered the frozen choco drink and bacon & egg sandwich while my friend ordered the strawberry drink and aloha burger (yes that's aloha burger... as you can see something is missing in it). Honestly, we didn't enjoy our order much besides the fries that we finish in a snap. :D

Tips: They have affordable combo meals/snacks, make sure to ask on the crew.
There are some food and drinks in the menu that are not available.

A photo posted by Venus Smileygal (@venussmileygal) on Aug 19, 2015 at 7:08pm PDT

Address: Capricho Art Cafe
Rodelsa Hall, Liceo de Cagayan University
Rodolfo Pelaez Avenue, Carmen,
Cagayan de Oro City

Weekend Haul: Fiesta Sale

August 20, 2015

Hi everyone! Today I will be sharing my hauls last weekend.

Last weekend was just spent watching Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and then a stroll at the mall. And since there's a lot of sale going on in the city because of the month long celebration of Higalaay Festival 2015. We couldn't help but indulge into a little shopping. ;)

Hair Heroes Intense UV Thermal Barrier Shield from Snoe Beauty - Snoe Beauty is one of my trusted brand when it comes to hair care. I recommend the Hair Heroes! I use to buy their Hair Heroes Intense Argan 5-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner but I am trying out this Intense UV Thermal Barrier Shield because my hair is so dry. Probably because of the hair color. I love the smell its very relaxing.

Galaxy shorts at the Centrio Mall Bazaar - I forgot to get the name of the online shop that sells this galaxy shorts. I bought it for Php 180.00 (3usd). I love it because its stretchable, its cloth is spandex.

Sandals from Jellies by Mendrez - This is on sale Php 499.00 (10usd). I love how light and comfy this sandal is... Perfect for casual hangouts and ofcourse for my maxi outfits.

What I Wore | Muscle Shirt and Maxi Side-Slit Skirt

August 19, 2015

How was your week so far? Mine is too busy but blessed at the same time...

I apologize if I haven't replied much to your comments... Sending hugs and kisses for the compliments I received, through your comment, on my previous post about my sunset photography. Thank you also for those who drop some tips on photography. ^_^
Shout out to Zarrah of Bandwagon Chic for the Sisterhood of the World Blogger Award. Watch out for my post soon!

I am sharing my outfit from last weeks mid-week chill with my friend. We visited this unique cafe called Capricho Art Cafe. Will share more about the cafe on my next post.

For now I will talk about my outfit...

I have previously mention that I am a fan of muscle shirts specially if they are statement shirt. So even if its in white I bought a lot of different version (or rather different version of statement) of this shirt. As for the maxi skirt, it originally didnt have a slit on both sides. However, after wearing it a few times I realized that its style limits my walking... or should I say running?! hahaha Anyway, it wasn't that bad though but I just felt more free and relax with the slits.
Too bad though I was not able to showcase the double side-slit in this pictorial but here's another one I posted on instagram.

A photo posted by Venus Smileygal (@venussmileygal) on Jun 28, 2015 at 1:18pm PDT

#Photography: Sunset

August 17, 2015

Just a quick post say thank you to my regular and new readers... I really appreciate all of you. Please do leave me a message on my comment box, so I can drop by and say hello to your blog and social account as well.

Today is actually a lazy day for me. I was supposed to schedule some blog post and share my weekend activities and outfit but I cant seem to create a post out of it.

Anyways, while cleaning some files on my PC I saw my sunset photographs. This sunset shot is taken a few weeks ago. One of the things I am thankful here at our home is that, this view that we see at our window. Yes... we have a beautiful cityscape or should I landscape view!

Me and my Nikon dslr are still on a getting to know each other level for quite a long, long time now. hahaha Shame on me! But I am kicking my butt every now and then to really maximize this camera and share some great photos here on my blog.

If your an expert on dslr camera, I would appreciate tips and tricks on how to learn and take good shots for outfits, food and whatever photo subjects. ;)

Question to end this post... Are you ready for the new weekday grind?

Bohemian Wedding Invitation

August 12, 2015

Hello everyone!

Today I'll be sharing not my fashion but my crafty side. It's a skill of mine that come and go. lol

I created this wedding invitations for a bohemian theme wedding of a friend. I finish the layout of the wedding invitation easily. However, it took me awhile to finish making the design of the outer part. The initial design, had some problems with the materials, I had to order it online. Due time constraint and some other reasons, I had to change materials. You see, one of the tricky part in making a themed wedding invitation is that the layout, materials and design should have a valuable connection to the themed.

In the end, the final design came up while hunting for a possible materials...

What I love the most among the materials is the flowers, its actually made of sawed-wood and preserved pine seed (not sure though).

What do you think of this wedding invitation?

August Wishlist

August 10, 2015

Bohemian Skirt-13.88| Tassel Bag-$ 6.06| Leather Jacket-$ 12.47 |

Boots-$ 7.14 | Sandals-$ 3.79 | Off-shoulder Top-$ 5.07

Hello Monday!

Fresh start of the week... I had a productive start so far. Im so glad I was able to woke up early nad had chance for a short walking exercise while accomplishing some errands.

Actually, today is my first day at my new virtual job. One of the reason I woke up early besides kiddo's first day of examination.

I just dont know why I am so excited and energize for this new job. I am hoping though that I'll go full time the soonest. ^_^

The first day went great. I enjoyed the task at hand. My lady bosses are full of energy and all smiles always.

On the other hand, Dresslink offered me to browse on their website. I found lots of affordable fashion faves and so I created my own wishlist, hence, what you see in the photo above. I am looking forward to own and wear the following wishlist items. I have been wanting them quite some time now and Im so glad to found it at Dresslink at a very affordable price. I shall purchase this soon!

How was the start of the week for you?
Have you tried purchasing at Dresslink.com too? Would love to hear some feedback.

Goodbye Stargate Dream Vacation Resort!

August 09, 2015

How was your weekend everyone?

Stargate Dream Vacation Resort is one of our go to place for swimming. Although we have several bad experiences here, we still found ourself heading to this place for a swim.

What I dont Like:

Expensive pool fee.

Food serve longer.

Costumer service is 4/10.

Swimwear rules is not strictly applied. We've witnessed a few times others swim in tshirt and pants.

Can get crowded on weekends.

What I like:

Very nice ambiance.

Great view of Cagayan de Oro river in the pool area.

Enjoy the beauty of nature.

Instagram-friendly place.

Minutes away from the city.

Buffets on weekends with live bands.

Options to grill your own food.

They serve delicious mango float... :P

Lately though we dont go for a swim at this resort anymore because the last time we went for a swim they restricted the swimming pool. Its no loner available for individual walk-ins, only for a minimum group of 10 unless we will pay Php 2, 500.00 (which is the total fee of 10 people). Thus, this post title... me bidding goodbye to one of my go-to swimming place.

Here's a photo of our last swim at Stargate Dream Vacation Resort...