Editing these photos had me singing, "Are we out of the woods yet (3x)?" Just because, well, I was literally in the woods for this shoot. Hence this motivational post about what to do to get through a challenge because we all go through challenges in life where we feel like we are in the woods and the bright light at the end is nowhere in sight. Whether your current challenge is striving towards graduation, that thesis, that new job you want to excel in, a new business venture, a paradigm shift - whatever you're going through right now, read on.

Estelle off-shoulder bell sleeve bodysuit - HERE

2015 has been such an exciting and fast-paced year for me. Now that it's drawing to a close, it's nice to take the time to look back and remember the roller coaster of a ride it has been. First, I left home and moved to a different country, so I made sure to write a list of things to do before moving away   which included packing my whole life into 2 luggage bags which was so hard when I've got a ton of stuff!

We've been in Adelaide, Australia for approximately 4 months now. And I've made it a point to reflect from time to time by writing in my journal. I'm so grateful for all the blessings and prayers that have already been answered. Indeed, God is good. But I'll save the deep thoughts for my journal and share with you random thoughts about Adelaide, Australia from this newbie's point of view.

Will you look at that, the month of March has arrived already. I've been in Australia for almost 3 weeks now. This week, classes at uni will officially begin. Years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be where I am now. But here I am, with a clean slate - a fresh new start. A month ago I was writing about how exciting and scary it was at the same time. But now, I say, it is exciting and CHALLENGING at the same time. And I'm just pumped up to accomplish everything I set out to do.

Whether you're leaving for good, a year or two, or indefinitely, I'm sure you're thinking "How do I pack my life away?" Well that's what I was definitely thinking. Hold the drama for now. If you've accomplished all the things you need to do before leaving, you should now go through this checklist of what to pack!

Basic guideline is this thought here: I can only bring xx kg worth of luggage, I will be moving into an empty room/house and I will be on a tight budget once I get there.

In the Philippines, it's a very common life goal to be able to leave for "greener pastures." Sad as it may be, the country's economy and status simply does not provide individuals with the highest standard - be it in education or employment. Don't get me wrong, I love this country (as evidenced by my travel posts) and Cebu will forever be home to me. But I do understand why people leave. Come February, this blog will be based elsewhere (stay tuned for that) as I pursue education in a different country. So I thought I'd do a "Leaving the Country" series to help others prepare as well. I was fortunate enough to have a year to get ready but for others, the opportunity could be more abrupt. When you're leaving the country for a long duration, it's natural to panic and think about the things you have to get done. So here are a few tips:

On New Year's Day, the boyfriend's family invited us to a spontaneous lunch out so I had to throw this outfit together within 2 minutes. I figured, although I'm not superstitious in any way, that I'd put on this red (always a lucky color for the Chinese) top with polka dots (believed to bring prosperity for the year if you wear it on New Year's Day) and pair it with something relaxed enough to walk around in the mall for the rest of the afternoon and for a simple dinner party at home afterwards. Added my most comfortable pair of sandals in gold for some sparkle. I'm all for positive things for 2015!

At the end of the year, I always do some self-reflection and create goals for the next year. In fact, at the start of the year, I made it a goal to blog at least once a month. Goal achieved! Midyear, I became more dedicated to blogging (also because I had much more free time on my hands) and soon enough, I actually stuck to a blogging schedule. So join me as I look back on the highlights of my 2014.

2 years, 1 month, and 3 days.. and I feel like I have been through earthquakes, typhoons, and a lot of other undisclosed scary things.. and it is because I HAVE been through quite a lot.

Recently got a new job where corporate attire is required. Because of this, I realized how I barely have clothes that can pass as "conservative" and "corporate."

Here's what I wore to my final interview with the AVP:

Hihi. So not me. Don't I look very business-like?