my sisters and i have lived comfortably since we were young even when my parents were just making ends meet when it comes to house rent and bills. they’re both dentists and unfortunately, dental services here in the philippines are not as valued as it is in the U.S. filipinos have a ‘bahala na’ (never mind) attitude and would rather attend to other concerns than the state of their teeth. but even so, my sisters and i always had new shoes for the new school year, new bags and quality school materials. we always had birthday gifts and christmas gifts to look forward to. no, we were never given anything we wanted all the time. the gifts we received were always for special occasions and always something we worked hard for. i remember back then, aimee and i wanted barbie dolls but we would be told, “if you want one, save for it.” so we’d be given daily allowances (like P5 or P10 a day) and aimee and i would save that until we could afford that barbie or that tweety bird bag (i was a sucker for tweety bird then! haha!)…some gifts would be for prizes from high test scores or in my case, being at the top of the class.
my parents taught us the value of money and the importance of saving up. they taught us how to work hard and to sacrifice a little. i worked a full shift at a call center when i was on my graduating year in college and only slept 4 hours a day because i had to complete my thesis at the same time. i complained but i was happy being able to help my dad. sure, aimee and i are brats but not because we were given every material thing we wanted but because we know that our mom and dad are always there to back us up. (that is why, in college, our dad would drive us to vudu and fetch us there at 4:00 AM…hehehe. our dad is the coolest!)
as i am planning for un-employment, i won’t deny that i am worried for losing some comforts as i let go of my big salary, but i also know that i have been through tougher times. i have to temporarily let go of shoe shopping and weekly massages or movies but i know i will survive this.
striped top – dkny (thrifted!)
white tank top – random
boyfriend jeans – abercrombie
grey flats – so fab! (gift from big sis)
grey ombre pashmina scarf – hongkong street
round imprinted necklace – a gift from angelie (thanks!)
cuffs – props
square ring – props
Girl Gone Cuckoo 
Good on you, it sounds like you may be letting go of some material things but at the same time you're getting a fresh perspective. It's good to have time out to appreciate the little things. Like tweedy bird 😉
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Those are some great important values her taught you. Appreciate everything you have and I hope things look up
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Maybe that's why I like you gizelle! I'm a working student but unlike you, I wasn't able to finish thesis. :(( (aaaw). Still working on it. And my parents also emphasized how important it is to save up and give back. 🙂
Shop in your sister/moms/or dad's closet! Haha. I sometimes grab things I think they don't use anymore and try to re-work it. Haha. 🙂
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Everyone needs a break before they get their big break 🙂 I think you will be fine. You have a great, humble family and you grew up very modestly. Computer Engineering can go very far in the job market and you are very fortunate to have finished your thesis and have experience in the working world. There is a whole world out there with so many opportunities 🙂 Take a break! haha I think you are too used to working that it concerns you when you don't feel productive :p Salary changes are always tough but you can do this! 😀
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You look great! It's a nice casual comfy look.
clothed much, a modest fashion blog
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i love this casual look.
you look great.<3
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Such a pretty girl, you are! 🙂 You look so good, as always. I love your nails..what cute detail ❤
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really cute outfit!!
coming from a filipino family as well, my parents are the same way about money. it's always save save save with us. and somehow no matter how bad i think things are going to get (i never know just how bad they are though) my parents have always found a way.
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Unemployment will not break you. Knowing the way you were brought up, you will rise and be fab until the next employment gig, I'm sure 🙂
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you're such an unbelievably amazing person! i love this post!
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oh…this is such an inspiring post Gizelle, I had the same experience too but I know you are such a strong person and you can do it.
You definitely don't need a massage anymore since you can relax all day without being stressed…and with shoe shopping there is always time for that…
take care always
Sweet
http://pensandlens.wordpress.com
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It sounds like you know what you need to do. I've had to cut back a lot too. Since I'm not working at the moment, I can't go out and just buy whatever I like.
But I've also learned to be more sale savvy!
You have an amazing attitude.
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you look great! hang in there and you will be fine. kep fighting through..i know you'll make it. you sound like a strong and very responsible person. good luck!
xx, Amanda (Not So Naked)
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so comfortable and casual yet chic- i really love it! xx
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letting go is never easy but as time goes by it will get easier..
besides this will probably make you even more smarter in managing money 🙂
eclectic du jour
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i applaud you for working your ass off to finish college. i will be on a 2-month sabbatical this july and the reality of not getting paid for 2 months bothers me a bit…only because im not very good with saving money. in a way though, i kinda feel you when you say that you're worried about losing some comforts. just look for ways to divert your attention from the money issues and keep yourself busy. everthing happens for a reason.
🙂
deathbyplatforms.blogspot.com
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Lovely pics and outfit!
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These photos are lovely and I hope you're ok, sometimes going through rough patches economically can be tough, but I've been through the same thing. Don't worry. xxx
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You WILL survive, I gave up shoe shopping 5 months ago and I'm still living haha. I love this post, you are an amazing person 🙂
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love all the accessories you have one and love white top in the post below!
xx
D E G A I N E
http://www.fashiondegaine.com
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Great outfit, so rad!
Enter my giveaway? theurbanfashiongal.com
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nice neklace…
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