Smelly Post

There's always something to love about the proud local brand, Bench. In my case, it's not the clothes or accessories. If you've read even one of my outfit posts, you'd understand why. :) 

I patronize them for the scents. :)  Every time I enter a Bench boutique, I go straight to the fragrance area and smell the testers. Smell, not spray. When a scent catches my attention, I try it on skin. DO NOT RUB as it wounds the fragrance. And, there's no need to worry about the cost since they are all very affordable. :)

A good cologne should last about 2-4 hours, toilette 4-6 hours, while parfum 6-8 hours. Today, I discovered a new scent I am sure I would go back to Bench for the moment I've emptied the bottle. 

It's called Remember. 

 Love and Remember, both from herbench are less than Php300 and Php200, respectively.

These are cool scents. ♥

I am fond of soft floral scents. The only fragrance I find hard to tolerate is those of vanilla, strong or soft. It's just too sweet for my nose and throat. In fact, today, I had to ask a public vehicle driver to pull over because I couldn't stand his car air freshener in vanillaroma (those pine tree-shaped boards they hang at the rear-view mirror).

Left: Foxy Lady has a warm, woody aroma which I am not really into. 

Right: I use the Kiwi Frost on days when I have dance rehearsals. Kiwi scents are one of my favorites.

It gives me an after shower feeling that I love so much! :)

There used to be a time when I only sprinkled myself with branded fragrances but what I studied in college enlightened me about how much of the money I paid for these colognes were due to the packaging -- ranging from 70-90% of the cost. From then on, I realized I didn't need that many signature scents when all I wanted in the first place was to smell clean and fresh for myself. And I sometimes use my cologne as room air deodorizer and hand perfume (when I know I'll be shaking someone's hand in a few minutes), so it wasn't really smart to be wasting thousands for that purpose. That's just my opinion. I'm sure someone out there has opposite views, which I respect. :)

 

Finally, bangles that do not fall off! Got them in warm tones to pop out in any outfit. :)

P.S. I was tagged by Michelle in a post that requires me to shoot a video while answering a few trivial questions. No promises that it will be up soon as I am still trying to figure out how to record a video with good sound quality. I never thought this was going to be a difficult challenge. :(

We Are Always Children

In one way or another, the kid in you rejoices when in a kiddie party. Who doesn't?! 

Kiddie parties are sometimes more enjoyable than adult ones, in the sense that they gather to have clean fun! It's a family day! No one leaves, drives and gets home drunk and wasted. Although, err.. I had been to a few that ended with a number of drunken attendees.  

 

top: forever21

bottom: f&h

shoes: topshop

These are the most comfortable pair of stretchable jeans I have. Thus, they are my go-to jeans. I tend to just vary the look through the top I use. No red requirement for the party I went to on Sunday unlike here so I was practically free to wear any color but still avoided black.  


Enjoy your Tuesday! :)

Vintage Piece of Art

In my last post, I left you hanging about this great piece of art that I recently got my hands into. So what is it that so deserves its own entry here? :)

 

Let me introduce to you a precious vintage-inspired piece that so fitting NOW. Un-boxing my new gadget! LOL ♥

 

My eyes popped in awe at the sight of the gold wrapper! :) 

Unveiling the surprise..

 

It's indescribably charming, isn't it?! I spotted this on one of a blogger's post and I was instantly drawn to it's adorable appeal. Now waiting for that moment when I could show this off to the world. :)


Hope you had blessed Sunday everyone. :)

Gold

I've always preferred gold and bronze accessories over silver ones. I'm sharing some of them below. These photos were not taken at the same time nor day. You will notice the difference as some were shot with natural lighting, which I love because it complements the sheen of gold. :) Used different cameras too.

 

 I've already introduced this before. This is the least used. I guess I am already happy and satisfied 
with the two I wear on my left ring finger for this is the only other ring I own apart from them. :)

Part of my system. These are NOT accessories. They represent life and love. ♥

My wedding band and a ring my mother gifted me in grade school.

Short Story: The ring I got from my mom had to be removed and returned to her on my wedding day because I needed the space for the wedding band. It happened after settling myself in my wedding dress. That moment was unforgettable and sad. All I said to her was: "Ma, please keep." It was so hard to part with because it was my connection with her. She did not respond. There was an awkward silence between us while I saw a bit of loneliness in her eyes. I had a long sad train of thoughts in my head that time. But, one thing I knew was for sure. I would get it back one day. 

So now, my life (ring) protects my love (ring) from falling off. I'm happy that they share the same space. :)

 

 

Accessorize earrings. So in love with these! They all look perfect to me. :)

Left: selfmade. Right: bazaar finds. At one point in my life, I got engaged in accessory-making. Bought beads 

and materials from Divisoria and The Bead Shop randomly and transformed my imagination into reality. 

My mom sold some of my creations to her friends and neighbors. :)

 

Cole Vintage bracelets. It's very rare for me to be awed by set bracelets because I would usually like/use only 

one or 2 out of the set. This one, though, was an exception. I bought it because I adore it's entire feminine appeal, AND, the gold trimmings. :)

I am dreaming of owning bangles but I couldn't find them in sizes that won't fall off of my small wrists/hands. 

These necklaces are from SM Dept Store and are more than 3 years old. The one right above has been worn

only twice because I find it a little difficult to style. I removed one of its 2 layers sometimes. :)

The one at the upper left [shaped into a heart] is self-made. It took me several hours to finish that loop as 

no two connections are the same. I'm happy with how it turned out, like a rosary. 

Lower left is from Accessorize while the other 2 were from bazaars. :)

Now, a sneak peek of the most beautiful accessory I own. I saw this from a blog and instantly fell in love. You may have seen it before, but, for me, it's so beautiful that it deserves its own post. Leaving you hanging so come back for the update. :)

 Are you curious now? Can you guess what's inside? :)

I would love to hear your wild guesses. :)

It's Saturday! :) Weekend again! Partying with children tomorrow. Yipee! :)

For Your Tummy IV

Edited this post to accommodate a reader's request. Added the recipe at the bottom for you, Lolavie! Enjoy your sorbet! :)


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My week-long craving for sorbet has finally stopped! 

I'm so thankful to be born and alive today when we have internet available to us almost everywhere. For without it, I would have not discovered a recipe for homemade sorbet. :)

Was hoping to make something like this:

 Google-d photo of raspberry sorbet

But raspberries are not grown here so I utilized what was readily available. Mandarin Oranges! :)

Mandarin Orange Sorbet

I would probably lessen the milk on my next try. This was a hit, nevertheless. :)

 

No better photo. :( It doesn't compare to the raspberry sorbet one above but I swear the orange color is livelier in person. And it's not only pulpy in pictures but also as it melts in your mouth. :)

Sorbet recipe found online (forgot where exactly):

This makes about 3 large servings. Add an extra frozen banana or cup of fruit for each additional serving.

~2 frozen bananas (peel ripe bananas and wrap with plastic wrap before freezing solid)
~2 cups frozen strawberries (or fruit of choice)
~non-dairy milk
~sweetener of choice (liquid sweeteners, such as rice syrup or agave nectar, dissolve best)

•Take the frozen bananas out of the freezer and break them into 3 or 4 pieces. 

•Place them and the strawberries into the food processor and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes, to thaw only slightly.

•Cover and start the food processor. (Don’t be surprised when the processor bucks like an angry bull when the blade hits that frozen fruit!) 

•With it running, add just a little bit of “milk” (you can also use water or juice here) to help the fruit blend smoothly. I recommend about 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid for the amount of fruit used here.

•Stop the processor from time to time and scrape down the sides. Keep processing until the fruit is the smooth consistency of soft-serve ice cream. 

•Add sweetener to taste (I use a little bit of stevia) and process briefly one more time.

Serve immediately. Or you can put the whole processor into the freezer until you’re ready to eat and give it another blending right before serving. The sorbet can also be stored in a plastic container for up to a few days and re-processed to soften.

Enjoying summer with sorbet here! :) 

My Heart and Prayers For Japan 03.11.11

I have been vocal about my love for my family's second home, about why I consider her as a wonderland, amazed by her beauty, culture and roots. Not to mention the kind, thoughtful and the most polite and interestingly fashionable people I've encountered in my life so far. 

This is what I fear the most because these natural disasters are uncontrollable and unpredictable. If only someone had forecasted that an earthquake as massive and powerful as M8.9 would strike 130km off their coast, we could have prepared and geared ourselves to protection. We could have issued a warning to those who would be affected.

I am really sad. My heart breaks. My thoughts and prayers tonight are for the affected people in Japan. They are still experiencing aftershocks as of current and these are even more dangerous than the first hit as it could shake down and collapse buildings to the ground - worse, additional casualties. I could only wish for it to stop. They have now suffered too much and every shake that follows would be extremely traumatic already. 

I am positive that the Japanese people would be able to resurface from the extensive damage. They have proven to the world in so many ways that they are a strong nation and a disciplined one.

For now, I pray for them to have at least a good, peaceful night sleep, a moment to rest. A break. Because tomorrow, when they wake up, they will need energy and emotional strength to brave the scary aftermath. :( 

Like Scribbles

This is in response to Michelle of the Beautiful Loft's tag. Thank you. :)

It's basically to show everyone your handwriting. Here's mine in print and cursive. :)

I am passing this onto the following bloggers, 6 instead of 5 because I want to see their handwriting:
•Liya
•Hazel
•Krissy
•Ana
•Ava
•Reg


For those who can interpret/analyze handwriting, please comment and let me know what you think. :) Thank you!

The Hotel I Would Like To Call Home

I can't remember when I first heard about hotels and learned its concept but there's one of which the reputation has remained seriously etched in my mind. As a child, I was amazed by stories about Manila Hotel I heard from the elderly. I used to imagine its grandeur and fantasize dancing below its majestic vintage chandeliers in a lovely long nude chiffon gown covered in crystals that glitter romantically. *sigh..

Have you been there recently? They must be preparing for their 100th because they have just undergone a huge renovation - rooms, the swimming pool, cafe ilang-ilang, etc..

 

 Red carpet entrance greeting daily is synonymous to elegant living. Imagine living here for 6 years like 

General MacArthur! Wow! :) My outfit was garbage compared to those who entered in their 

cocktail dresses (for a wedding reception). I wasn't there to party, anyway. :)

 

 View of Manila Hotel's lobby from the platform where I stood on the first photo. 

I will forever be in love with its imperial, intimidating lobby and ambiance because despite that, the natural light that seeps in invites you not into a hotel but a home. The sun shining through the glass doors and windows makes it very cozy. :)

 

 

Ernest Hemingway: "It's a good story if it's like Manila Hotel." 

There may be new, proud and more regal hotels in the country but there can never be one with such rich history that only its walls can tell like Manila Hotel.

 

  

Left: third floor lobby

Right: our room door (from inside the room)

 

 

It's really old but it's what makes it special and significant. :)

 

 

I believe this was renovated early last year. 

I wish I was able to capture a photo of the new Cafe Ilang-Ilang. It's completely different from the Filipiñana green that it used to be. With brick walls and pillars with steel ornaments, it looks more now. My only complaint is it's too cold for a dining area. In case someone who works in Manila Hotel reads this, please do something about it. :)

This weekend will be a children's party with the entire clan of my father's! I'm always excited to attend one because of the program, the face painting, the ice cream and the kids. :)

Hope you have something special to look forward to this coming weekend. :)

Sweet

These photos were taken inside a dimly lit room with the absence of natural light. Hence, not sharp.

dress: just g

cardi: just g

bag: portmans

shoes: suki

The dress is more than 3 years old yet worn only now. It was supposed to be a gift for someone whom I thought had the same size as I do. Well, I guess I lucked out by mistake. :) Maybe I should take a better photo to show you the details of its front. It has a pattern of pink and lace that looks really sweet. 

This is all for now. Have a great week! :)