Beetle Derby Hat

It's that time of the year again.  My work had their yearly fundraising event last week.  There was a fake horse race, fake money, and fake bets...and derby hats.  I wasn't planning on making one at all this year because it was a very busy week.  At the very last minute (the day before) I decided to make this Volkswagon Beetle hat for someone who loves it so much that their office is has anything and everything Volkswagen.  

My hat was a crowd favorite again this year, and won the prize for best women's hat.

I'm not sure which one I like better; this year or last year's hat.

Owl Always Love You

Peter Indorf Jewelers is a local jewelry store that's hosting a Valentine's Day contest this year.  I can't help it.  If you say contest, I want to enter it.  Especially if it involves creativity and imagination.  There are four categories: most beautiful, romantic, creative, and humorous.  The prize includes a $500 Peter Indorf gift bond and a dinner for two.  Plus, $25 will be donated to the United Way of Greater New Haven for each entry.  What a great way to share the joy to non profit agencies in the community!  Photos of each entry will be posted on the Peter Indorf Facebook Page where likes will be tallied up with the judges votes.  Contest ends on February 15 and winners will be announced

Just another tid bit - I won last time this contest was held several years ago.  It was a great experience since I don't win contests often and I won it for something that I love - making things!

Here's my Valentine's Day entry this year.  Crossing my fingers!

My papier mache tree trunk, pom pom leaves, and crocheted owls.

I will be so grateful for those who like and comment my Valentine's Day contest entry
on the Peter Indorf Facebook Page.

My friend took a picture of the store front and it was a nice surprise that my owl tree is displayed!!
Such an honor!! 

Week In Pictures 35.0 [New Year's Eve]

1  A Filipino pastry usually made/eaten during the holidays.  Thank goodness I have my Mama who can make these for me.

2  Prepping before the night out with homemade egg rolls from Auntie will start a party any day.

3  Fruity adult beverage made by my cousin which will make anyone think about being at a clear water and white sandy beach somewhere in the Caribbean.

4  Last minute decisions means last minute outfit prep.  When it came down to it, comfort was key.  Too bad I didn't think that way when I picked my shoes!

5  Miles and miles of slots at the casino - which I didn't touch at all.

6 Waiting in line with my sequined skirt.

7/8  Party props for the occasion given out to everyone.

9 Big stage in front of the big 2013 for everyone to see.  When I say everyone..I mean everyone at the casino.

All good things come to an end, which goes for 2012.  I rang in the new year with a last minute trip to the casino with my family with big plans of hanging out at a new lounge area.  It seemed like millions of people had the same idea.  The lines for some weak adult beverages were long, lots of elbows and other body parts being shoved because of lack of space, and standing room only with four inch heels were not as fun as we all thought but we tried to make the best of it.  Venturing off to the main DJ space would've been a great idea if the rest of the casino crowd wasn't there.  Needless to say I realized I definitely have claustrophobia...and I realized it in a BAD way.  Thank goodness my sister who is practically a nurse in May was there to get me out of there.  Phew!  At least I heard Gangnam Style before it all went down..heh.  I can laugh about it now hours later.  All of that excitement is enough for me to last a few months, but with my birthday coming up in a few weeks I might have to rest up to make sure that I have enough energy for more celebrating.  Too bad that right now all the celebrating I want is to be spent on the couch. 

12 Days of Dela Chic Christmas Part 3

Finally the last installment of a very Dela Chic Christmas!!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with love and laughter!

12 Days of Dela Chic Christmas Part 2

My second installment of a very Dela Chic Christmas...sung to the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas.

Hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

Handmade Cozy Holidays

I wanted to make something that I've never made before that would be useful and cute.  Because I have so much time in my hands, right?  When there was a blogger meet up scheduled last weekend, I thought up of making some mug cozies for my bloggy friends for the holidays.   Even though the mugs were festive with snowmen and snowflakes I wanted to add some more pizazz to it with the mug cozy. What do you think?

 I might have to make some more for some folks on my gifting list!  It's definitely a fun way to "dress up" a mug with a cozy sweater perfect for some hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.  Are you making any handmade gifts this holiday season?   

Christmas Wish List

The gift giving spirit is definitely in the air.  Some of us are planning the game plan for how and when to hit the stores for some serious shopping.  There's also those who would rather peruse the Internet for some presents.  Either way, we are all in a time crunch.  Then there's some who do both.  BUT do we ever think of what we would like to get for Christmas?!  I just recently thought about it since my husband asked me.  Well, I really do not NEED anything because really I have everything that I need.  However, a girl can have a wish list too.  Here is just some of what I thought of as far as gadgets are concerned.   What is currently on your wish list?  

Tech Wish List by delachic featuring kate spade

iPad mini Wi-Fi / Kate Spade / Jawbone JAMBOX Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Black Diamond Retail... / Canon Powershot G15, $630

12 Days of Christmas Part 1

So I changed up the song "Twelve Days of Christmas" to my own version.  Here's the first part:

Can you tell how much I love Christmas?

Holiday Rush

For the past few days after Thanksgiving I've been doing some decorating in our home making it as cozy and Christmas-y as possible.  Seems like every year I acquire more and more decorations whether it's from my Mom or from after Christmas sales at the stores (which I love).  I always forget what I've purchased and it's always a nice surprise whenever I open my storage box of decorations.  Every year, I always try to give handmade gifts to family and friends, hopefully I will finish them in time for gift giving!  I'm hoping to get some baking done as well, but maybe I'll wait until my sister comes home from school since she's the baker in the family.  I don't know about you but I love the holidays.  It's become very different since I was younger, but my family still tries to continue our traditions and sometimes start new ones.  What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

christmas time is here by delachic on Polyvore

Give Thanks

Just a little note to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

                                                        Source: shepaperieblog.com via Hana on Pinterest

                                              Source: Uploaded by user via Joyce on Pinterest

Prepping for Thanksgiving

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and some of you might be preparing for the big day(s) ahead.  Fortunately for me, my Mom will be hosting the family for the holiday and I've been delegated to be responsible for several things; centerpiece, dip, pasta dish, and a chocolate dessert.  Ok, I delegated myself for the dessert and dip just because.  I will be braving the grocery store today with hopes of getting everything on my list without losing my patience.  What are your plans for Thanksgiving?  Making something good? Do share!

What I'm making for Thanksgiving by delachic on Polyvore

Cajun Chicken Pasta on the Lighter Side / Recipe Details Bacon Cheeseburger Dip / Unforgettable Wedding Fall Wedding Centerpieces Pumpkin / CakeItaly | Tag Archive | Southern Fried Chocolate Pies

Happy Father's Day

What my Papa taught me:

The importance of learning basic things such as knowing different tools in a tool box, how to put air in tires,   how to use a drill, how to ride a bike.

Doesn't matter what happened in the past, it is what you do with the present that will make you who you are in the future.

Don't expect someone to do things for you, learn how to do it yourself.

When there's a problem there is a solution.  If there isn't a solution, the love of family will always help.

The American Dream is possible.
With perseverance, $200 in pocket and family in tow....it does happen.

Love you Papa and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I Got It From My Mama

As a little girl I watched my Mom use her sewing machine with such skill and made beautiful dresses for my sister and I to wear.  Her ability to draw and paint is amazing.  During my school age years she was also a fantastic "helper" with my intricate and detailed science projects, dioramas, and posters.  When people say "you are just like your Mom" I can proudly "yup, I am!" because of her, I've become who I am now.

Some of the things I learned from my Mama:

Cooking is from the heart.  I've learned some recipes from her, but nothing I cook can replicate her food.

If you're going to do it, get it done right [my perfectionist side]

Sometimes we have to sacrifice our own wants for the sake of family.

Surviving the tough times in life will make someone stronger, but there's nothing like the support of family.

Money isn't the most important, but happiness is.

The strength of a woman will always be tested, but it is how she recovers will determine how strong she is.

No matter what a pain I was when I was growing up, there's nothing else better than knowing that my Mama was always there for me.

Thanks Ma!

By the way, here's my first outfit post!! This counts, right?

Titanic Derby Hat

Last Friday marked the 100th anniversary of the Titanic.  It was also the day of a work fundraiser where I volunteered.  It's usually a big to-do where there's a fake horse race, similar to the Kentucky Derby.  Therefore, there were derby hats!! This was a very last minute creation.  I worked on it the night before with some old manila folders, foam sheets, and lots of hot glue.  It's not permanently attached on the wool hat, but there's a hole on the bottom of the boat where it fits snugly on top.  This opening is also where the lights inside the boat can be turned on and off.  Yes folks, working lights!! Ta da!  Needless to say this hat won best in show!

Egg-cited for the Weekend

Usually Thursdays is when I post some music.  However, today I just wanted to show everyone what Dela Chicky's been up to.  Wishing every-bunny a wonderful upcoming Easter Holiday.

Candy Colors

When this time of the year comes around, there's always one thing that makes me head off to the stores.  After Valentine's Day and St. Patricks Day has ended, the stores are filled with Easter candies, decorations, cards, plastic grass, plastic eggs, etcetera etcetera etcetera.  Peeps...meh not too into them.  Cadbury Eggs.. don't really like the center part.  Jelly beans... chewy candy isn't really for me.  I pretty much bypass everything and head straight toward the Cadbury Mini Eggs.  Yessireeee.  So I happily purchased a bag just for the photos on this post.  Yay!  Seriously I just bought one.......

It all started in college when my dear friend Ping introduced them to me.  She would usually get the economy size warehouse super duper size and bring it over.  I don't remember how long this said bag of candy would last with our group of friends.  Most likely didn't last very long.  Ever since then, I have been addicted to this chocolatey goodness with the sugary and crunchy candy shell outside.  I have tried the dark chocolate version, and am personally not a big fan.  I would rather stick to the original milk chocolate.  Don't let me see these because it would be over.  You'd have to cut me off.  I'm serious.  For real.  Over!

Anyway besides my crazy obsession with this candy, I must say that I am also loving the pastel colors  which definitely go with the season and what's on trend at the moment.  I love food, especially when it translates to fashion, don't you?  [I would rather do that than think of the calories]  These are all pieces (similar color/style) that I have already.  Some new and some newly thrifted.  Either way, I'll be ready for this season.  I'd love to do a fashion post one day, but I'll have to get prepared for that.  We shall see.  I might have to get some tips and advice from my fashion blogger friends out there.

Easter Egg Hunt by delachic featuring silver jewelry

Button front dress, $40
Mango short sleeve top, £23
Splendid, $98
River Island turquoise skirt, £30
Casadei high heel shoes, $750
MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors bag, $298
J by Jasper Conran silver jewelry, £15
Bath body, $88
Rose Scent Candle In Jewelled Box, £9.95

Telok Ayer Street

These pictures were taken by me when I had the opportunity to go to Singapore.  We went to the oldest and most important Hokkien temple located in the Chinatown area named Thain Hock Keng Temple.  When we visited, this national monument was decorated for Chinese New Year with bright red lanterns.  Nonetheless, it was still a very solemn place with so much history. 

kumquat trees inside the temple 

lion statue guarding the temple

red lanterns for the holiday

fire for the deities

red lantern with jade pendant

door god painting