10 Reasons to NOT Follow Me on Instagram

Instagram is undoubtedly the most popular social media for bloggers and influencers. It is an image-based social media wherein you can share your most beautiful flatlays and outfit photos... in case you are a blogger. It took me a long time before I decided to hop in the bandwagon. When I did, it did not take long until I got hooked. I could spend hours and hours scrolling through my Instagram feed until either my phone battery drained or I snoozed, whichever came first. 

Ironically, the same things that made Instagram appealing is the primary reason why I lost interest over it. As a blogger, I felt like there was a certain duty to update my posts regularly and post pristine photos or flatlays. It felt more like a chore than a creative outlet, which was supposed to be the case. Hence, I wrote this post about Instagram sometime last year. I decided to get candid about my thoughts on Instagram and what I didn't like about it. 

I am, in no way, discouraging you to join the social media or stay active in it. To each his/her own, as they say. But I just felt like the authenticity has waned down. I still adapted the tips that I've pointed out in that same article to myself, such as posting for me and the things that matter to me (except of course a few styled shoots and brand collaboration posts). Other than that, I am not going to beat myself up trying to get that flatlay perfect.

Well, that's enough blabber, let's get on to the 10 reasons to NOT follow me on Instagram: 

10. I don't have a marbled tile countertop... nor can I convince my husband to have our kitchen renovated. 

9. I eat my food before I get to even take a overhead photo. And in most cases, even when I do get a photo, I've managed to take at least one bite.

A post shared by Abby Castro Sinsona 💋 (@fash_chronicles) on Mar 28, 2017 at 8:15pm PDT

8. I don't get to take photos of my ice cream while I'm eating it before it starts to melt.

7. I never (or very rarely) use fresh flowers as props for my styled shoots. It's too expensive to buy fresh ones all. the. freaking. time.

6. I don't take mirror selfies. It's because I don't have a fully body mirror and the background will almost always be a mess.

5. I don't have photos of me drinking my coffee in bed. I don't trust myself enough to not spill on the sheets.

A post shared by Abby Castro Sinsona 💋 (@fash_chronicles) on Mar 26, 2017 at 5:10pm PDT

4. I don't have photos of the wing of an airplane whenever I travel. It's either 1) I forget to do so or 2) I would rather doze off. 

3. I still suck at my flatlay game. Unless I can get another use for a white board (other than for flat lays), I won't buy myself one.

2. When traveling, I rarely post real-time updates of my #travelgoal worthy destinations. I prefer to enjoy the moment as it is! 

A post shared by Abby Castro Sinsona 💋 (@fash_chronicles) on Jan 27, 2017 at 11:27pm PST

1. I don't post workout selfies! To be honest though, who would want to take selfies of their sweaty selves post-workout? I don't!

Are you into Instagram? What are your thoughts about this social media? If despite of these all you still want to go ahead and follow me, you can do so here.

Stay in Touch!

Instagram Lately Vol. I + Vote For Your Favorite Look

It's a fun new post today as I will be showcasing the latest updates on my Instagram account. I developed a new found enthusiasm over this social media website as I had been making a lot of new connections! If you're on there, I'd love to see your feed and maybe connect. Check me out @fash_chronicles. 

Meanwhile, here is a glimpse of what's been going on over at my Insta feed:

This new pair is my next go-to (apart from espadrilles, of course!) summer footwear. @splendidla

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jun 15, 2016 at 8:40am PDT

Splendid Wedge Sandals

Loving my new tassel necklace from @wildjuniper_ - so excited to style it! Grab yours for only $42!

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:10am PDT

This filet mignon is heaven to my taste bud! #davaodining #davaofood #foodie

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jun 28, 2016 at 7:32am PDT

Love this espadrille wedge from @sammydressclothing & see the rest of this look #ontheblog

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jul 10, 2016 at 8:02pm PDT

Sammydress Wedge Espadrilles

Don't forget to drop by the blog tomorrow! Here's a #sneakpeek @zaful_official

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jul 17, 2016 at 6:20am PDT

Zaful Cold Shoulder Dress

This pair of lace-up espadrilles from @soludos is quite literally my go-to right now. So chic and comfy on!! #shoefie

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jul 19, 2016 at 4:46pm PDT

Soludos Espadrille Sandals

Got my most recent order from @sheinside_official & super loving these tops!! #shopping

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jul 25, 2016 at 6:21am PDT

Black Split Back Top / Red Criss Cross Top / Multicolor Printed Criss Cross Tank Top

Finally got hold of my two coveted @maccosmetics classic lipstick shades: Ruby Woo and Lady Danger #happygirl

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Jul 25, 2016 at 7:09pm PDT

ICYMI: This post went live #ontheblog @rosegal_official

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Aug 14, 2016 at 9:10pm PDT

Rosegal Lavender Crochet Dress

Was featured yet again on Start the Week Stylish #linkup! Thank you @michelle_orsi & @aluiza__! #fbloggers

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Aug 15, 2016 at 7:37am PDT

WAYF Dress / Converse Sneakers

I'm all geared up for our Southeast Asian trip! November, can't wait for you!! @official_minkpink @ipanema.philippines

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Aug 22, 2016 at 4:22am PDT

Black Canvas Sandals / Ipanema Flip Flops / Minkpink Floral Midi Dress

Who doesn't love dresses with slits?? I know I do!! @zaful #ontheblog

A photo posted by Abby Castro Sinsona (@fash_chronicles) on Aug 21, 2016 at 9:13pm PDT

Zaful Tie Dye Dress


I'd love to meet new Insta friends so be sure to holler at me when you drop by my profile! Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my recent looks. I'd like to hear your votes & see which is your favorite. Make sure to vote below:

Which is your favorite of my recent looks?

Striped Maxi Dress Tie Dye Rosegal Lavender Crochet Dress Everyday Chic

Paisley Cami Mint Dress Full Bloom Red and Pink

Quiz Maker

Blogger 101: How to Overcome Instagram Pressure

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If Instagram was any evidence, keeping up with the Joneses is not easy. It never was. Today's society has become so engrossed with materialism and social media was no help at all. In fact, it only encouraged social approval and fueled desire for validation based on what is seen aka the material things. If you are a personal style blogger, like myself, who had to use the app (Instagram) to promote your blog, you might have felt the pressure to keep up as well. 

Therefore, I felt the need to share my thoughts about Instagram and this whole social media culture. Remember the time when catching up on each other's lives meant inviting your friends over for dinner at your own home and showing off your photos to them until they're bored? Things have changed dramatically in this era. Now, you can update your friends and even strangers who follow you about every detail of your life in real time. It sounds creepy but that's how most Instagrammers function. 

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, there is a huge pressure on your back when it comes to living up to the pressure of Instagram. How do you keep up with top fashion bloggers who are constantly jet-setting? One day they're posting sunset shots of New York City and then the next they're posting photos of the gorgeous beaches in Cancun (with a cocktail in hand, of course!). Or, maybe they're rubbing elbows with fashion designers at a fashion gala? There is no doubt a seemingly unattainable standard that celebrities, models and other famous personalities have set for Instagram. 

Don't frown just yet. It is all but normal to feel that way. A tinge of envy is part of being human. But do I let it distract me from what is going on with my life? Even I can't manage to create the perfect flat lay. But who cares? 

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Try these three methods that I've used to overcome the inherent pressure that goes with maintaining an Instagram account:

1 – I do what pleases me.

Much of the social media struggle hinges on the need for validation, for social approval. I have let go of that idea when managing my social media accounts. I do whatever pleases me. I post whatever I like or enjoy doing. I refuse to be dictated by what would consider others click the ‘like’ button. I have attained a certain level of belief in myself that my existence is not validated by a mere ‘like’ or ‘follow’. In this social media era, it is understandably easy to be consumed by this type of appreciation but do not let it define you.

2 – I follow whoever I like.

This is another healthy step to overcoming the pressure of a seemingly glamorous social media life. Choose to follow people you genuinely like. When you follow someone because of their gorgeous photos or awesome flatlays, you could be easily swayed to look life through an ideal. You will look up to them as the ideal and be frustrated when you can’t live up to that standard. Instead, I follow people for the genuineness and for the stories that each photo has to say.

3 – I try not to spend too much time on Instagram.

On an average, I probably post 3-4 times a week on Instagram (or once a day at most). I do the occasional flooding of posts when I’m on a roll. But I try to live my life, not live a life that would look good on social media. There is a huge difference!

Have you ever felt the pressure to craft an idealized version of your life on social media, particularly Instagram?

Life Lately via Instagram

I am going to spare you from the age-old cliche of blabbering about how "busy" life has been the past few weeks. But still, that wouldn't stop me from sharing a bit about that beautiful chaos that I found myself in because I feel like I owe it to you, my lovely readers. If you are already following me on Instagram, you might've even had a peek into some of these posts. But if not, feel free to do so to not miss a single post in the future. You can find me on Instagram here.

I had a slight (okay, major) case of OCD attack. I wanted to organize my closet to make it easier for me to find things to wear. I ended up spending at least half of my day organizing my clothes. I did not even realize I had that many things in my closet! It was exhausting but very therapeutic.

My friend, who I thought was staying here for good, decided to leave the country (again) for work. Insert sniff here. To celebrate before her departure, me and a few special and close friends enjoyed Brazilian barbecue for dinner. I couldn't think of a better way to spend it. 

The boyf got me hooked on tea. I have always been a coffee lover (and I still can't live without it). But I found a new love in tea. The strawberry and pomegranate one is my favorite. 

I do enjoy cooking a lot. However, the busy lifestyle just does not permit for me to do it as often as I would love to. But I decided to give it a go recently to prepare a healthy snack for our post-dinner meal. I was ecstatic when the boyf had a taste and was very pleased. It takes something as little as that to spark the passion again. I just stocked up on new pasta ingredients for me to experiment with a new dish. Also, I will be back to baking again. This particular recipe I shared on Instagram is a farfalle pasta with tomatoes, basil and sausage.

The last week of August was a great time for me! The boyf's parents were out of town for a vacation and I decided to stay over at his place over the weekend. It was a lovely time - all we did was cook, eat, watch movies, and repeat. His sister was in tow, too, so we had a fun but intimate bonding experience. And yes, he cooked his specialty grilled ribs that I am drooling over just thinking about right now.

I have been actively sharing SheInside products on my blog and social media. Since I first encountered them, I had been obsessed. Great selection of fashionable items at good prices. When I placed my second order, I was anxiously anticipating for those items because I made really good picks. When I finally got the items (albeit a lengthy wait), I can definitely say it was worth the wait. I can't wait for you to see me style these pieces :)

What are you up to recently? 

 

Life Lately: Instagram & Pinterest

What a week that was! Can you believe June is over? I can't either! This year has been quite a thrill for me... one surprise followed by another. Several opportunities came my way, too, that it is only fitting that I stop, reflect and be thankful for the days gone. Allow me to share with you my favorite memories recently as seen through my Instagram account (you can connect with me @abj_castro)

#1 - June started off with me receiving a lovely package from Persunmall. My order has arrived sooner than expected. And of course, I styled my new items as featured on this post. 

#2 - Celebrated my niece's 4th birthday. Kids grow up so fast! I can't believe she is 4 already!!

#3 - Yes, I do selfies now. Moving on...

#4 - Finally got my own shirt from Hiraya Minokawa. It is a custom made shirt from their dragon boat team and the boyf ordered a shirt for me, although technically these shirts are only for members of the team. I could only wish...

#5 - Pool time on a weekday is a priceless gift.

#6 - Finally got to visit my alma mater - University of the Philippines in Mindanao. 

Meanwhile, here are some inspiration and/or wisdom that I'd like to share with you. Pinterest is such an addictive place to be in. Seriously, I could spend hours to no end just pinning these lovely quotes. I hope these would enlighten your day. And oh, make my day too by following me on my Pinterest account here. Happy pinning!

...and lastly:

How's your week doing so far?