Striving for global competitiveness:K+12 Proposal

In the Philippines, there has been an on-going debate whether the government should increase the country's basic education to 12 years from the 10-year system that it has now. Some say that it will help in the global competitiveness of the Filipino graduates because it is the Standard form of education in almost all nations but the opposition says that it will only cost a lot of money and will decrease the chances of kids getting an education.

One good argument of the pro's that I've heard is that students who wants to enter science and mathematics in college field should spend more time studying related subjects. She pointed out that in other countries, children already take Pre Algebra subjects in high school. But in the Philippines, students in college, which is more or less equivalent to high school in other countries, must solve  the most difficult Algebra equations in the very little time that they have in college.

Those who can afford hires tutors for their Math Questions and other related topics while others make do with what they can find in the library and with the help of their professors. Personally, I think it is really time that the Philippine educational landscape should have a face lift.

Brought to you by friends from Tutornext.com

Estonian sweater: handmade winter essentials

In addition to Skype, Estonia is also known for its hand-knitted sweater made of wool. On a recent business trip in the capital Tallin, I did not pass the chance to hoard winter essentials that will be very handy in the upcoming season considering how the weather is giving all signs of being very cold in the next couple of months. I bought a wool sweater with traditional design and a very stylish red coat made of 90% wool.

The usability of the sweater was tested on a recent weekend trip to the Black Forest in Germany where temperature is freezing especially during the night. The sweater has proven to be very warm though I still have to wear an autumn coat to combat the very cold temperature of the Black Forest.

Design-wise, it is a bit Christmas-y and I really didn't notice that until hubby pointed it our in Germany. When I bought it, I was just drawn to the white and gray color combination and the cozy images of sitting near a fireplace on winter nights. What I find the cutest about this cardigan are the heart-shaped buttons.
Best paired with a solid colored pair of pants/leggings or skirts which of course I didn't combine in the photo below. I just love prints.

The disadvantage of wearing wool is that it can get really itchy especially if it directly touching your skin. It is better to wear it as top layer. It also look good with a black or red knitted shawl.

Bought for 38euros in the free market in Tallin.

Fall Dressing: Jackets, wind breakers and short boots

Scarf from Mode Lize Goes, Zeeland, sweater from promod Milan, ankle boots from Spain and skinny jeans from a store in Rotterdam and practical backpack from Lowerpro

Autumn is my favorite season. This is the time when you can put on layers, still wear open shoes and walk miles without breaking a sweat. Unlike summer which can be unbearably hot, winter which is too cold and you are buried in tons of clothing or spring which can be an annoying combination of two, fall/autumn makes dressing up a little more fun.

You can miss that red wall. Outside are items on sale.

Hats for the queen and her ladies in waiting all here in Mode Lize

 It is still early autumn in the Netherlands but the  weather already requires a scarf. This chic knitted scarf is from a hat store called Mode Lize in Goes, Zeeland which hubby calls "The Reform Store" because the owners are Protestants. They were very nice though and allowed me to take photos of their store/atelier. I think it's a family business and you can see two generations of women working there everyday.

I had also been using a lot of sweaters, blazers and windbreak lately. My favorites has been this blazer I got a year ago from H&M, paired below with pants brought all the way back from the Philippines when I still have a bit more fat. The pink spaghetti top is from United Colors of Benetton bought in Milan Central Station. can you believe that the bag is a 5euro steal from V&D in Rotterdam. The things that you can buy from sales.

And since Holland is known for its notoriously hard wind during the autumn, a wind breaker is a handy piece of clothing. Getting a good and affordable windbreaker can be a hard task. Thankfully one Saturday afternoon when the wind blew cold and hard in Rotterdam, I walked into Tommy Hilfiger and chanced upon a hot pink windbreaker which is 70% off. This one below I got for 30euros only from 100euros. Worn with Miss Sixty denim jeans and Mango brown shoes and a matching pink bag from Carpisa, Milan.

Soon I will b enjoying colorful Black Forest in Germany. Can't wait to dress for that.

How about you, how are you dressing this fall?