My mom’s a seamstress. It is what she is real good at. In fact, she made her own wedding gown when she got married to my dad at 18. I think she can sew just about anything even curvy seat covers!

Over the years she had sewn for us. It was only in the mid-80s, though, that she thought of sewing for neighbors to have extra income. She has been known for quality and precision. When she moved to another house, her clients followed her.

She made my wedding dress too, although I designed it. Before my time, I have designed the beading of several of her clients’  wedding dresses. That’s what I miss. It’s one of my craft that I rarely did but enjoyed doing.

When I was rummaging through my clothes, separating those I no longer use or need, hubby reminded me to give away my denims since I have lost weight and inches. He said that I should never target that size again so there’s no use in keeping them. So, I was left with none.

I have a pair of casual pants, though. It has lots of pockets so I kind of like it. I need another pair, at least. I thought on looking on the options by Apple Bottoms but thought they’re too sexy for me. I guess I’d go for straight cuts. At least when I’m done, I can still remodel it for some other use than pants…like bags and wallets.

I still have some trimming to do so I’ll postpone buying a new pair for the moment.

Recently, the whole family has rummaged through our respective spaces where we keep our clothes. We have found out we keep so much that we haven’t worn for more than a year….and it’s there taking up space that could have been used by more useful clothing or merely add to free space since it’s something we don’t have in abundance.

Since I’ve been doing some effort in slimming with good result, I found out that all my denims/maongs are falling off to my hips. Hubby told me to discard them so I won’t go back to that size. I am happy to find out, though, that 3 of my slacks that I haven’t worn for 3 or 4 years do fit now! I’ve tossed away blouses and skirts that are also too loose. I’ve shrunk my clothing space to a small printer box! I don’t actually have evening dresses but I have dance costumes that are placed in a different bag…and the size is bigger than my printer box.

Clothes usually come…I have to let others go. Others will benefit too as I benefit myself.

I was watching TV yesterday and chanced upon the morning show that featured the fashion of 2011 and a look-back at the fashion in 2010. Two fashionistas were interviewed and several local young celebrities.

The gist is, be yourself…and if you can’t handle it, don’t wear it. What’s basic and functional is stressed…then accessorize.

Several designs were shown for men and women that can be worn casually and formally but it seems they have forgotten (or did not really think about) to include hip hop clothing despite its becoming more on the rise.

As for me, I don’t go for what’s in fashion. I like what the host of the show said…wear something that makes you look clean (even if you’re not). I go for decency the most.

In every hospital and clinic, what one should see prominently are doctors and nurses. Usually you can tell the difference by what they wear. So if anyone is not wearing a proper uniform, no one can tell unless they are known personally.

Having nursing scrub uniforms is something to be proud of when you’re a nurse. It just shows your love for your job. It also tells the people around from where you are and that you can be approached by anyone who needs your services.

If you’re one who purchases for the hospital, you can check on a medical uniform store and come up with ideas that can give your hospital a good look. It will give positive feeling to those around which will make you even proud of your calling.

Nursing scrub tops (and bottoms, of course) are available for women, men and even kids! Why kids? Maybe they dream to be nurses too so it is a wonderful gift to support their dream. Maybe they want to be just like mama or papa…what’s stopping them?

Every year, we prepare for the Festival Show which is shown in one of the nights of the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated by the United Church of God members all around the world. We, as always, are attending the Baguio City feast site.

It is only during the Festival Show that I get involved in dancing and it is only with the church choir that I get to sing. Not that I wanted to desperately. Rather, those are my inhibitions and it is only through the church activities that I get myself involved.

Since there had been a systematic arrangement since 2003 because of the loving efforts of our choreographers (they’re shy too and don’t want their names mentioned), I was able to learn different dances. This year, it’s Tarantella! Together with my hubby, mother and brother, the four of us practice almost every Sunday since June. Dress rehearsal will be on the 5th of September. Performance is in September as well.

The good thing about getting involved is having the right costume. It makes the show alive! With Tarantella we’re like gypsies and we got a tambourine each. What I like with this particular costume is the fake corset. Not that I wanted it fake. Corsets give a slimmer figure even if it’s just a design and not a real one. When we’re done with the show I’ll post pictures!

The dance itself is rather complicated although with practice it gets easy. I tried looking for a sample at YouTube but none can compare. Our choreographer took steps out of different variations. I’ll see if I can be able to post the video of the performance too.

Have you ever went to a wedding in jeans? How about going to a disco in fine dress as if you’re going to a gala or an awards night? Even in a party, there is such thing as the right get up. When you’re in a hip hop party, of course you should wear hip hop clothes like loose shirt and shorts with rubber shoes, and if you’re in a ballroom party, you’d be wearing a suit (for men), and a classy dress for women.

What if you did not? What image are you projecting? Will it be in favor or against you? Will that image bring you to success or failure? How will it shape your future?

It’s the time of the year when all sorts of costumes will come out as people all over the world celebrate Halloween. (Did you know that it is the witches’ new year?) Apart from the scary costumes, there are sexy adult costumes like that of a geisha or Marlyn Monroe or a referee. They enhance the event.

I also wear costumes at least once every year but during the Festival Show which is one of the regular evening activities during the Feast of Tabernacles. These costumes are for dances like Tinikling, Sayaw Sa Bangko (bench dance), Dunantuli Ugros (Hungarian), Virginia Reel, Malagueña, Konan, and I forgot which else since I started in 2003.

One unforgettable blooper happened in 2006 (if not 2007–senior moment here for dates). Dancing the Dunantuli Ugros which is mostly a jumping dance, my peticoat fell about an inch every 5 seconds. I realized it happening only when I almost tripped as I moved and in a flash I grabbed it up and went ahead as if nothing happened. With all smiles up to my ears, exit was like a pro. Up until now, everytime we get ready for the next season’s rehearsal, the story will make everyone laugh.

Moral of the story? Make sure your costumes are intact and won’t just snap or fall.