Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Speaking of makeovers...

My blog just got a major redesign and I am super loving it! Thanks so much to Patricia of Fancy Girl Design Studio for patiently working with me. I had a definite look in mind—from style, colors and fonts!—and Patricia executed perfectly. It was a huge pleasure working with her.

Now, as long as we're on the topic, let me share with you my makeover today:
Wowza. I haven't even put on lipstick yet and already it's a vast improvement!!! Huge thanks to makeup artist Cherry Pacheco for transforming me today!

Anyway, I wanted to show you that photo because I wanted to share these random thoughts:

I'm still me. Lots of people think I'm this big time, hot shot, just a lady of leisure, super glam girl. They always exclaim, "Nagbago ka na!" Actually, I haven't changed at all. I've just become busier. Most days, I look like the girl on the left (well, when I'm home!). But even on those days when I'm the girl on the right, I'm still the same person.

I may be a magazine editor today but I won't be in this cushy job forever. What happens then? I am grateful for what I've achieved in my life but I can't let it get to my head. My job, my bank account, my trappings, they come and go. So while I enjoy glamming up, I also keep a firm grip on what makes me real—my marriage, my sons, my few trusted friends, my faith.

I care about how I look... but I don't care that much. I dress up. I put on makeup when I have to be somewhere. I like looking good! Caring about my appearance isn't vanity. It's my way of respecting myself and other people (translation: I don't want to be a pain to people's eyes!).

At the same time, I also think my looks don't define me. In fact, even without makeup, I think I look fine, so I don't allow myself to be obsessed with clothes and makeup and trips to the salon. Looks are important but they aren't valuable. There's a difference.

There is always room for improvement. While it's true that people, especially girls, should accept who they are, I also don't subscribe to the thinking that self-acceptance means letting yourself go. For your sake, look at yourself in the mirror, assess your flaws and assets, minimize the bad and highlight the good.

That means please get a good haircut, adopt a skincare regimen, wear clothes that fit you well, eat healthy, exercise. That means take care of yourself. I don't buy that "Real girls have (insert whatever noun here)!" as an excuse to be lazy about looking better.

That's all really. Love yourself, yes. Love yourself more. Love yourself better!


*photo courtesy of Cherry Pacheco

20 comments:

  1. Well said, and very true! I just might break out into a Whitney song. :)

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  2. Congratulations on the new look! I like the colors and the brush strokes/smears on your sidebar :)

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  3. Loving your blog's new look and the subtle shades of topaz/orange. I also agree with you about taking care of one's appearance. As my mother says, 'there are no ugly women, only lazy ones';)

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    1. I've learned something today! 'there are no ugly women, only lazy ones'
      Thanks for that! ^_^

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  4. Love thew new look, Frances! It's so feminine, fresh, and easy on the eyes. :) I've been browsing Fancy Girl Design's website actually, after seeing Martine's Dainty Mom. Not for a current blog or website, but something for the future. I love her work! And I love your new site! :)

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  5. It's great that you're still know what's important despite everything you've achieved. I'm sure this makes all your successes even sweeter. Love the new blog look by the way, so girly!


    Kwala

    http://www.bertoandkwala.com/

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    1. I will confess that at the start, I did let it get to my head =D But Vince swiftly dealt with that: "You cover celebrities. You are NOT a celebrity."

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  6. Lovely site Frances! Another great job from Pat =)

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  7. Hi! Thanks for this post. I believe this post is "meant for me" hahaha. Basta. You are one of the few mommies, I really look up to. I am inspired to be the best of who I should be. Thanks for this post. Really. Inspired me.

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    1. Oh, thanks! I'm not really that special, you know. I'm still struggling!

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  8. weee love the new blog layout and your makeup :) nice seeing you at the Shu Uemura Karl Lagerfield launch last week :)

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  9. I love your new layout and I love your makeover! TRUE, I can really vouch on YOU being YOU even if you're a big time magazine editor! Walang kayabang yabang and very true and warm ang personality!

    I miss you na! Hope to see you soon! :) Take care!

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    1. Thanks, Nikki! Aww. I appreciate what you said! I miss you, too! You take care! You have a little one coming soon! So excited and happy for you =)

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  10. i know what you mean and im like that too... i care for how i look but not so much... i put make up and i dress up but 80% of the time im still me ---- simple couldnt care less crickette...

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  11. I agree with everything you said! And you look great in both photos. :) Loving the new look for your blog, too!

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  12. Beautiful! I really love reading your blog, it's my first time to comment though :) I just started blogging and you are one of my inspirations. Even though I am not so good in writing I believe I can start honing this skill by trying. You keep inspiring women of all ages ;) God bless you more!

    Regards,
    Jen

    http://littlemissgurlash.wordpress.com/

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Thanks for dropping by my blog! It really means a lot that you spare the time to read... and comment!