My Dream Morning

My dream morning is to wake up to the sound of beautiful piano lullabies, with all the windows open, and the curtains freely blowing every which way. I love mornings. I love the sun, it's warmth. I love that each morning,you can always start all over again.

My Dream Morning by Frances Advincula featuring Monsoon accessories

For someone so special, please know that you write your own destiny, and that you have made many people's lives beautiful indeed.  You know who you are. ♥

Confessions of a Worry-wart: Advice for the College Gal

I used to be a hardcore worrier; I worried about everything under the sun, but thanks to a really, sweet, good "friend" of mine - and a lot of Oprah magazine, I have learned a few tips that has made me an itsy-teensy less stressed.

1. Whatever it is you are so worried about, it will not matter so much in 5 years. This was my mantra when I got a 35% (over a hundred...yikes!)  in an Assembly Language Programming exam. Well, it hardly matters now, much less in 5 years!
2. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Asking for help doesn't make  you dumber than the rest of the class. You are meant to ask help in college; thus, the word prefix co-.  
3. Sometimes, easing up a bit might be the best thing you can do. I was really antsy each time there was a class in Assembly Language. I kept telling everybody how I hated it and how I'm not good at it AT ALL. Then, one of my dearest friends told me, "If you keep saying that, you brain will believe it." From that day on, I forced my brain to think that I was good at that subject. Soon, my brain acted like I WAS GOOD. I became confident to ask questions in class. I googled. I joined study groups. I was more relaxed during study sessions. Would you believe it-- I got a flat 1.0 on it?!?! (Thats a 4.0 for y'all in the US of A). 
4. Pray. When you pray, you put things in God's hands. I mean,some of the worries we have in life are too big for us. So, give them to God. Let him worry about them. Knowing that God has your back gives an inner sense of calm. 
5. Know that God's answer might not be the same as yours. You did pray to God, but you must also TRUST him. Trust him that He knows better. Then, no matter what happens, you know that God DOES have a plan for you. Be open and ready for unexpected changes.
6. Stop worrying about what other people think;  otherwise, you will be worried your whole life. You do not have control about what others think, say, or do. As long as you are living your life in a God-pleasing way,  stop caring about what others say about you, and live the way you want to. It's your life. 
7. Elminiate toxic people from your life. Seriously. Wait--! Don't kill anybody, though. If a "friendship" is just draining you, let it die a natural death. I mean, stop meeting that person! He or she will eventually get it.  If your family is draining you out, seek some space or put some boundaries. Distance yourself from them for a bit.  Have a "mean" girl at school (who likes screaming at the top of their lungs at 10 pm -ahem)? Avoid them as much as possible! If you must be with them (like in a group, or in class), just forgive, take a deep breath, and don't care. Put yourself in a nice little bubble. No one can make you feel bad without your persmission.
8. YOU ARE NOT ALL THAT - SERIOUSLY!  I used to be so worried about my life, that so-and-so is smarter than me, that so-and-so is more liked, that this-and-that can never happen to me, that i will never understand something...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I was horrid, like that, until my mother told me, "Frances, you know why you are so stressed all the time? Because you think too highly of yourself!" It struck me right there and then: I AM NOT PERFECT! I don't have to look put together all the time. I don't have to know what to say all the time. I don't have to be a size 2. I don't have to get an A all the time. I don't have to understand a programming lesson all the time.  YOU ARE NOT SUPERWOMAN EITHER, so give yourself some slack.

Well, that's it for now. I have to go to class! I actually have an exam (which I'm not worried about, promise), so wish me luck!

My Book Wish List

Dear Loved Ones,

If by chance any of you wish to surprise me, or for my, not-so-near birthday, I have

a few suggestions...

I love you, all, and I promise that it'll be money worth spent. 

Love,

Fran

Dream Design 4: Glamour Themes

I've been busy this whole week doing Abe's and my Android application project. It's almost done, guys! I will be announcing it here on my blog when it is done. For now, enjoy these inspirational videos for your next glam room!





Don't fret if you're in a budget! This video oughta help.

Dream Design 3: Feng Shui Inspiration

 This is the living room of one of my most dearest friends.

The actual living room

... and the Dream Design it inspired me to do.

JJ Inspired by Frances Advincula on Polyvore.com

You think they give off the same vibe? I like the Siamese cat, too!

My Grandparent's Home

The following pictures make up a quick home tour of my grandparent's home in Quezon City, Metro Manila. My grandfather, General Federico Ruiz, ordered a lot of the furniture from local carvers in different provinces across the country during the 70's and the 80's. I hope you enjoy!

   Chest, Bone Inlay, possibly 1980

 

Narra Wood, Chair, Part of a 10-seater Dining Set

Narra Wood, Samar, ordered from a furniture maker in Catarman who needed business at the time. 1987

Souvenir from the Vietnam War
when my Grandfather was assigned there.

Mirror, Narra Wood with Bone Inlay

Kumintang, A gift from a Muslim Datu when my
grandfather was the Battalion Commander of the Cotabato Province.
1977

1992, A gift to my grandfather

My greatgrandmother's closet, 1950, Narra Wood

Shell mirror, made from shells taken from Maqueda Bay

Living Room Set, Narra Wood with Bone Inlay

Korean Locker, from an antique shop, 1980

Glassware Cabinet, Narra Wood with Bone Inlay

1978 Curio Cabinet

Japanese Dolls, 1997

Narra Door, 1979

Our Lady of the Eucharist and Grace Statue

Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue

San Lorenzo Ruiz, Patron Saint of the Philippines

Caedo, Sculptor, Bronze ca. 1988.

This is the twin of the statue that President Ramos gave to

Pope John Paul II as a gift from the Filipino people.

Design Dream 2: The It Girl's Room

I can picture a very successful young woman having this room. Every girl needs a chanel, killer RED heels, and a Mac.

Industrial + Boudior by Frances Advincula featuring Valentino shoes

Dream Designs 1 : Contemporary + Luxe

I have a new phase! Well, not really, more like a phase re-birth.  I'm loving design right now, don't we all? Which one is your favorite?

Cozy Contemporary by Frances Advincula on Polyvore.com

My Living Room by Frances Advincula on Polyvore.com

Ballard Designs by Meg@Breeze@Rango featuring Chanel

Contemporary by girlzinha mml by Blog MiniLife Girlzinha MML. on Polyvore.com