ZALORA, Asia’s online fashion destination, is partnering with major e-commerce players and other
leading brands across the Philippines for 12.12 Online Fever, an online shopping event poised to be the
biggest cyber sale in the region on 12 December 2014. With over 100 partners across Southeast Asia and
Hong Kong, 12.12 Online Fever is positioned as Southeast Asia’s answer to North America’s Cyber
Monday and North Asia’s Singles Day – offering customers the most exciting deals in fashion, food, travel
and more during the holiday shopping season.
Presented by the country’sleading telecommunications provider, Smart Communications, 12.12 Online
Fever aims to empower and energize the Philippine market to embrace e-commerce and the great suite
of services and products available during the event. As an established leader in mobile products
innovation, Smart’s participation in 12.12 Online Fever provides an avenue for Filipinos to pursue their
passions online and experience the best of what the Internet has to offer, specifically through online
shopping.
Led by ZALORA, 12.12 Online Fever rallies like-minded partners to redefine Christmas shopping in the
Philippines and accelerate e-commerce growth together with major e-commerce players from different
industries. Top online retailers including Takatack, FoodPanda, and Widget City have also come on board
to support 12.12 Online Fever by offering some of the most exciting deals of the Christmas season to
consumers, and encouraging shoppers nationwide to go online and make a purchase. To enable a
comprehensive view of all the shopping deals and discounts available on December 12, participating
partners will host joint landing-pages on their respective websites to make sure shoppers don’t miss a
single deal.
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Remember girls and boys, this is only for one day, so make the most of it!!:) Only less than 20 minutes before this online fever starts! Are you ready?? I know I am!! Good thing I don't have any classes tomorrow! I can stay up late! hahaha!:)
Time to get hooked on your computer screen! Don't blink!
I remember the very first time a planner caught my heart. It was six years ago when I first entered college and they gave each freshman a S.Y. 2008-2009 planner. I wrote EVERYTHING in it, because after giving birth, I had become so forgetful and I didn't want to miss out on any important details in my schoolwork and life, so I made sure my planner was with me wherever I went. After that time, I never did survive without one. I went through a series of Starbucks planners and they all served me well. But through the years, I wanted a bit of change and it's such a great thing that I've been receiving quite a lot of planners for 2015. I can very well say that I'm all set for the new year!;)
Among the planners I got for 2015 is Filed's Wanderland planners that comes in DOODLE and SCRIBBLE. :) Some people have been asking me for a glimpse inside the planner, so i'll give you guys a little peek!
What I love about the Doodle planner is it's basically just let's you be free!:) Doodle alone means to scribble or draw absentmindedly. You can write anything you want on it and you can even color the main planner in any way that you please!:) Just look at mine! I already started coloring!
It also comes with cool doodle stickers by Ella Lama that you can stick inside your planner and a super cool pen slinger that you can strap onto your planner. :) This comes free when you order your 2015 planner, so be sure to order ASAP since they'll only be doing this until stocks last!
This is just a glimpse of the planner, so expect more when you get yours!:) The Doodle Planner starts on December 2014, so you can already start jotting down on it!:)
The Scribble Planner is for the people who love typography! It's filled with quotes and pages for you to fill up with your own typography as well. :) It also comes with free stickers and stylomark to hold your pens and mark your page. :)
This planner is also neat, because you can rearrange the pages just by simply remove the ribbon-bound. Cool, right? :) No more ripping pages!
Oh and for their awesome Christmas promo, you just have to add Php 100 to your order online and you can get your Scribble and Doodle planner creatively gift-wrapped! :)
And finally! As my huge thank you to you all for supporting my blog, I will be giving away a Scribble Planner to one lucky reader!^_^ Yes! You heard right!:)
2. Repost/Regram the photo above on your Instagram account
3. On a piece of paper, write your favorite quote as creatively as possible and post it on your Instagram account with the hashtag #AFAxFILEDSCRIBBLE2015
4. The most artsy and creative photo will win the 2015 Scribble planner!^_^
5. Please put your post or entries on PUBLIC view so that I may be able to see them. :)
I'll also post this on Instagram, so feel free to regram my photo there to make things easier!:)
That's it! I'll be announcing the winner on December 25, 2014! Para masaya! Merry Christmas!!!:)
Its been ages since I last did a happy mail post and this time I can't help it! So grateful to the wonderful brands for taking time to send me and the kiddos awesome packages!:) Feels like Christmas already at home!
First package I got was this lovely tickled pink basket from Promil Pre-School. Inside it was filled with Nutrissential goodies and a huge puzzle that my son Athan could do. :) He got so excited upon seeing this!
Did you know that recent studies show that 2 cups of milk is optimal for most preschoolers? It is one of the best sources of Vitamin D and Calcium because it is composed of 3 basic foundation nutrients- Carbohydrates, proteins, and Fats. While these macronutrients are present in every glass of milk, the quality of the milk is not always the same.
A good balance of high quality foundation nutrients are needed to unleash the natural potential of every child. It's a great thing though that we had the nutrition puzzle to understand these basic nutrients. :)
Promil Pre-Schol, trusted by generations, is formulated with Nutrissentials- high quality foundation nutrients such as unsaturated fats from plant-based oil, carbohydrates with lactose, and whey protein, which are sourced from the best of nature and strengthened by science.
Today, Promil Pre-School also contains DHA Omega-3, AA Omega-6 and Lutein to help brain development and promote a healthy vision. :)
Next up is from Bonakid Pre-School. :) This is Athan's milk right now and I'm quite thankful he finally settled on a milk. He's been so picky in the past that it kinda contributed to his weight loss. :( At least now, with Bonakid Pre-School and a bit of ice in it, he's good to go! Raising happy and healthy kids is what matters to us moms. :)
Thank you for these, Bonakid Pre-School! Athan loves the milk and notebooks!♥
Oh BTW, were you able to see the last episode of Ready Set Laban Season 2?? It was a challenging contest, but the mom and kids really put their best effort! Congratulations to Mommy Emeth Grace Arim and daughter Yasmene Grace!
Last, but definitely not the least is my package from Del Monte!:) I got another round of their Bone Smart Pineapple Juice. :) This is actually Lola and I's favorite Del Monte drink. Not only is it made from 100% Pineapple juice, but it is also fortified with calcium as well.
Drinking calcium is a necessity once you hit 30. Now you can enjoy a more refreshing way to take calcium with Del Monte Bone Smart. Very refreshing! Not 30 yet, but it doesn't hurt to start early!;)
Whenever I go out of the house, I never fail to see someone with either a Lacoste bag or the ever iconic Lacoste polo shirt. I'm sure some of you encounter the same thing everyday and how can you not? Lacoste has been around for ages and with their minimalist look and classic style, you surely would fall in love with the brand. They always find ways to capture peoples hearts. Especially now with their Lacoste Poloshirt in a watch collection: Lacoste.12.12.
The new Lacoste.12.12 watch looks exactly like the classic polo shirt. :)
As iconic and recognizable as the crocodile logo is the classic cotton petit pique poloshirt that tennis legend Rene Lacoste designed in 1927. Nicknamed the crocodile for his tenacity on the court, the athlete created a uniform that would allow for better sweat absorption and freedom of movement. He named it L.12.12. - L for Lacoste, 1 for its one-of-a-kind fabric, 2 for its short sleeves, and 12 for the number of the final version of the L.12.12 has remained a beloved wardrobe staple for the elegantly athletic.
"Much like the classic polo shirt it is named after, the Lacoste.12.12 watch embodies the brand's rich history of designing crisp, elegant pieces, and we are really excited to be bringing its 2014 Holiday collection to Manila."-Julian Addison, MGI President for Asisa Pacific
These yummy macarons representing the colors of the L.12.12 watch!
Six confident colors make up the Lacoste.12.12 watch design palette: grey, red, blue, white, green and black. There is a timepiece for whatever the mood calls for. Take the classic preppy tack, go for masculine and powerful, understated and simple or relaxed and laidback. Whatever you choose, the result is timeless, simple, wearable elegance for work and play.
Simplicity, refinement and comfort are the hallmarks of Lacoste's wearable icons. The light, airy pique fabric that serves as the polo shirt's unique signature is faithfully echoed on the watch by an attractive petit pique mesh effect running around the case sides and along the soft-touch silicone strap. Ready to take a bite out of 3 o'clock is the legendary green crocodile that adorns each dial. Indeed, wearing a Lacoste.12.12 watch is wearing a true classic on your sleeve.
After the program, we all had an intense game of Wii Tennis and boy! Everyone was competitive! The price at stake was Lacoste watches, so who wouldn't be, right?? But they also handed out consolation prizes to the ones who didn't make it to the finals. :)
And before the event ended, we were all lead to a Christmas tree that had gift boxes hanging on them and to our surprise, we were all given our very own Lacoste.12.12 watch!
I wished for a certain color and can you guess if I got that color? :)
Thank you so much, Rochelle Romero for inviting me and congrats on the successful event!
Lacoste Watches are available at L Timestudio, Wristpod, select Chronos Boutiques, SM Department Stores, The Landmark and Robinson's Department Stores.
Like I mentioned in my previous planner post, I've been getting a lot of planners lately and it makes me feel like I'm all set for 2015!^_^ Though they are all equally awesome in their own way, I'd have to say that the Seattle's Best Coffee 2015 Dream Journal stands out the most. Why? Well, just from the name you can already tell. :)
The SBC 2015 Dream Journal gives you a copy of their relaxing playlist. :) You no longer have to wonder what song is playing in the background while you're sipping your coffee at SBC. :) Pretty neat, I must say!
They also have a list of their branches, so you will no longer have to search online when you're outside. :)
It also includes this cute mouse pad! Admit it, some of you love staying at coffee shops and doing your work on your laptop. This would be the perfect match to that! It's so handy, don't you think so? :)
And what truly makes the SBC Journal different is that, it's a journal and not a planner. You can start on any page you please and write on it whenever you want. :) You can even doodle or make lists. It's all up to you.
But of course, even if it's a journal, you can still keep track of your schedule at the date with the monthly calendar attached. :)
And when you turn to back page of the paper clips, you have a Coffee Mug sticky note! Can this journal get any better? Now I can be reminded of my errands and to-do list by sticking this in any parts of my SBC Journal or desktop. :)
And finally, it has cute stickers and monthly coupons that you can enjoy. :)
The Seattle's Best Coffee 2015 Dream Journal is something that everyone would love. Not only is it stylish, but it's packed with tons of freebies and exciting surprises!:)
Start collecting your 18 stickers at your favorite SBC coffee shops to get your hands on the 2015 SBC Dream Journal!:)
Banzai: The Great Authentic Japanese Buffet offers more reasons to celebrate! The country's biggest Japanese buffet rolls out its Christmas menu that includes the best and the most popular dishes around the world.
Last week, I was able to indulge in their Holiday selection and boy! Am I excited for Christmas already! They have so much to offer. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Especially if you're gonna dine in with a big group, like your barkada, officemates or family. :)
Chilled Seafood- mixture of Shell fish (prawns, mussels and clams), Porchetta- Baked rolled pork belly with different kinds of spices like rosemary and fenell seeds, Roast Turkey with Stuffings- Roast turkey with bread stuffing served with au-just, and so much more!:)
For salad they have Smoked Chicken with Fuji Apple and Walnuts and Marble Potatoes with Crispy Panchetta. While the best of the lot is their festive desserts that compose of...
Green Tea Pistacchio Cheese Cake, Cherry Blossom Cake- Strawberry butter sponge cake, Macha and Black Sesame Cake and Strawberry Green Tea Mousse.
They're so pretty, right??^_^ I've never seen buffet desserts as lovely and colorful as these!
These are already available when you eat at Banzai today, but come December 20, 2014 they will be adding more flavors to their menu and you can expect a global tour of flavors from Italian cuisine and our very own Filipino. :)
The country's biggest Japanese buffet, Banzai presents several promo offerings valid until December 31, 2014.
Aside from these delicious food choices, they also have a WELCOME PROMO where OFWs and overseas Filipinos who will be home for the holidays may experience an even memorable arrival. Guests accompanied by three full paying guests are entitled to one free buffet when dining within two weeks of their arrival. Present passports and one valid ID with photograph to avail the promo.
Group of six may enjoy Banzai's 5+1 Promo, where one may enjoy a free buffet. The offer is available daily.
The Birthday promo allows Birthday celebrants to enjoy a free buffet when dining with three full paying guests during the guest's birthday month. The celebrant must present two valid photographed IDs to avail of the promo.
Senior Promo is for guests aged 75 years and above, who may enjoy a 30% discount in conjuction with their regular 20% discount. Available daily, the promo may be availed of upon presentation of the diner's senior citizen ID.
There are so many reasons on why you should eat at Banzai and as a costumer who has been there twice, I wouldn't mind coming back over and over!:)
Banzai is located at Bldg J, SM MOA by the Bay, Pasay City
It has been weeks since Bloggers United 8 and I can't believe I'm only writing about it now!>_< Things have just been so hectic lately and with Christmas only being three days away, I've been trying to squeeze everything to my schedule. I actually want to doze off in bed already, but I figured it has also been almost a week since my last entry, so it's about time!
Bloggers United 8 was a really fun experience for me. Well, all BU bazaars have been great for me! I'm thankful that I have such supportive friends and readers who take the time to pass by my booth! That's why no matter how tiring it may be to man my booth the whole day, I really enjoy it!:)
To remember my happy day with you all, I want to share my very own experience of #BU8xOLX through a photo diary!
Like every Bloggers United, I always decorate my own paper bags!:) I was only able to make less than 10 of these and added small artsy treats inside, so I hope you guys liked it!:) Do leave me a comment if you were able to get a bag!^_^
To prove my excitement for that day, I actually got to the venue at 6AM! haha!:) Check how dark it was! Opening was at 10AM, but got there so early, parang ako na mag bubukas ng venue!=P
Finally, Mr. Sun showed up and it was time for a little OOTD post!:) Wore the cool cap I got from Indie-Go Boutique, Skirt from F21 and sandals from Lazada Fashion. :)
For Bloggers United 8, our partner was OLX and they really did a great job with handling everything! Our venue was at White Space, Makati. :)
My boothmate this time around was none other than the uber talented Reese Lansangan! I found it so perfect, because not only do we have the same hair color, but we both love quirky things!:) Like last Bloggers United, her booth was the only one I shopped at! hehe! I hope you guys were able to buy her awesome album and original artworks!
As for my booth, I still sold clothes, bags, accessories and knick-knacks. :) However, what made it a little different is that my BFFs, the Hubby and I added mason jars to the menu!
We were selling them for only Php 120 and it was our best-seller! We had 46 pieces and it was sold out at the end of the day!:) If you were able to buy these Mason Jars from us, please do leave a comment as well or please do tag us on Instagram!:) Hope you liked your purchase and thank you so much!^_^
I was also happy to see and get a photo with some of my gorgeous blogger friends!
Got a little vain with the BFF at Fresh Gear's photobooth!:) Fun!:) It's magnetic, so I can even put it on our fridge! Nice souvenir from BU8!
And of course, no Bloggers United would ever be complete without your amazing presence!:) It will always be my favorite part- seeing you guys! Greeting new and old faces and getting to chat even for a short while.♥
Thank you so much, Marie, Dreamer, Zymon, Ahlex, Rie, Rose, Rejj, Twila, Via, Cora, Franz and Pau-Pau for taking the time to drop by my booth to say Hello and have our pictures taken together! You guys are a big part of my blog and I will always treasure this!^_^ Hoping to see you, guys again real soon!
Thank you, thank you to Pau-Pau for the sweet card. Not a lot of people do hand-written notes anymore and I'm still pretty old school, so thank you for this! I'll definitely keep this in my memory box! Also to Jukaykayatbp for the quirky gift! So thoughtful! I love it to bits! Thank you again to both girls for making Bloggers United 8 extra special!
BU8 was a success and all thanks to these hardworking girls!:) Congratulations again, Paxieness and Anagon for the wonderful turnout! Bloggers United 8 wouldn't be what it is today without your determination!:) Thank you for making me a part of this for the 8th time! Love you, girls!:-*
And that finally concludes my #BU8xOLX experience!:) I know I've said this a lot, but truly, thank you for the support and love!:) I have been blogging for almost 9 years now, but 4 years on Blogspot and I am blessed to have readers like you guys! It fills my heart with so much gratitude that you take the time to read my posts!:) Hoping we can still have the same relationship and great journey when 2015 arrives. :) Thank you again! Much love!!
Christmas is the season of lights, decorations, gift giving, family time and God's love. There are just so many things to look forward to. December is the last month for 2014 and it gets me so nostalgic of the past months and the highlights. Though I find my entries a tad too much to look back on them one by one now. So, I decided to just post some of the random photos I took this Holiday season!
When the BER months started, I already saw so many beautiful Christmas decorations from different malls. I knew I needed to document some of them through photos. :) Aside from that, there were a few Holiday activities that the kids and I were able to enjoy along the way. :)
I don't know about you guys, but Christmas lights still give me the same fuzzy feeling as they did when I was younger. :) There is just something magical about how they look. :) My favorite so far from all the mall decors would be Christmas at Rockwell. :)
A week back, the BFFs and my family went to Nuvali to see this huge Frozen themed castle. :) It's really awesome! When it Nuvali, you definitely have to see this!:) The weather is pretty cool as well, so you can feel the Christmas spirit here all the more!
Athan on the last day of school had their Christmas musical program and he had a part of a shepherd in their play of a Christmas story. :)
Lastly, Asher and I made this little Christmas tree last week at Megamall. We sticked it on our fridge as a part of our Christmas decoration. :)
Spending this Christmas at the in-laws place and I can't wait to indulge in so much food!^_^ We're also going to hear mass in a bit, so I'll be ending this! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!!:) May you have a great celebration with your family!
Again, its been awhile since my last entry! I guess with everyone being on vacation and events on hold during the holidays, it cannot be helped to be on hiatus. But I'm trying my best to still blog, so expect a bit more personal entries during this time. :) After Christmas and New Year, I'm hoping to be back to regular event coverages and OOTD entries again. :)
For now, I want to share what has been up with me and the family this Christmas!
Before Christmas came, my blogger sisters- Ana, Christine, Arnie and I met up for a little Christmas get together. :) We had dinner at Manam, our all time favorite Filipino restaurant, we exchanged gifts, then we had dessert and coffee at Coffee Bean. :) It was so nice to catch up with them in a non-event place. We usually get to see each other at common events. But being able to bond outside of that is so much better. :) I super love how they know me so well! I love their presents! Very artsy! Thank you, girls!!
Another Christmas gathering that I got to do was with my BFFs!:) We also had dinner, bonded over hot chocolate and exchanged gifts. The items above are my gifts from them and I love them oh so much!:) I've always wanted a pineapple case and the photo is one of my favorite shots, so I'm thankful they got me these!^_^ To more bonding sessions!
Last December 24 and 25, we spent Christmas at my In-Laws place. Its been our tradition already since my side of the family prioritizes New Year celebrations more. :)
We had Noche Buena there as well and it was really nice that my mother-in-law and mom as well prepared yummy food for us to eat. Nothing beats home cooked meals! I love!:) After hearing mass, we dove into those food above and opened our gifts. :) So happy that the kids were over the moon with our presents. We really made sure that the gifts we got them were well researched! :) At least, it paid off!
I also love my presents from the Hubby. He actually helped me get a head's start on one of the items on my bucket list - to pain on canvas again!:) I got so excited that I started painting last night and finished it as well!^_^ Will show you guys in my next post! I also got a nice wallet from Rags to Riches. Perfect gift! Thank you!!
Feeling really grateful too, because I received nice gifts/packages from brands and PR friends. :)
Thank you so much, Freeway, Girbaud, Toms and ARC PR!:) It has been a pleasure working with you! Thank you for everything and hoping for another great year ahead with you!:) Cheers to 2015!!
Its been forever since my last manicure. I often do it myself at home and thankfully, Mom treated me to a pampering day last week, so I got Holiday themed nails done!:) Yey!
Got a sweet present in the mail last week- Strawberry covered chocolates!:) It's from the online store of my best friend, Clary. :) You can find her shop Assorted Tastes on Instagram! She sells quality Japanese goodies. :)
Next present is from my Mom! She definitely knows my favorite designer well!:)
I love how the beige one can be for formal and casual days and the checkered one can still match to my love for quirky things!:) Prints is definitely in!:) Thanks, mom!!
My Mom and Aunt are home for the Holidays, so we're making the most of it while they are here. :) So far, its been a week! Can't wait to spend NYE with the people I love!
Last update, would you believe that we just managed to put up a Christmas tree today???
Yes, folks, just today! We actually didn't have a tree last year cos my Angkong died last September 2013. So, we didn't know if we should put up one this year. But since the kids were really begging for one, my Aunt put it up. :) After all, Christmas is for the kiddos! And! This is the year that Asher can finally appreciate what a Christmas tree is!:)
Well, that's all for now! I'm hoping my next entry won't be on January! haha! Let's hope it'll be sooner! One of my main New Year's resolution would be to be better at blogging! Still working on my other resolutions! ;)
Hope you all are having a great time with your loved ones! Happy Holidays!!
Before the year officially comes to an end, I want to make my last post for 2014. :) It has been such a roller coaster ride for me. A lot has happened and sometimes I let me emotions get the best of me when it comes to things. I admit that there were quite a few bad decisions, immature thinking and a little negative vibes. But those were all learning experiences for me and without them I wouldn't have made it through the year as a much wiser person. :)
In addition to that, I am grateful for 2014. If there are bad experiences, there are also good ones and that triumphed more. This year was the time that I got to do plenty of artsy stuff, watch musical plays, museum trips, work on blog related matters, travel to Cebu and bond with my family and friends. :) It has been a great journey and I'm so thankful to all the wonderful people who were part of it- you know who you are!:) Thank you so much for making my 2014 an awesome one!
Now, I look forward to a new beginning, new learning experiences and simply a new year!:) Let us leave the past with smile and embrace 2015! After all, that's what new year's are for- FRESH START! Thank you, Lord for that!^_^
This is Artsy Fartsy Ava, signing off for 2014! Till next year a.k.a. 3 hours from now! Hehe!
The first day of 2015 has already passed by now, but I'm happy I was able to greet it with my family and a smile. :) We spent most of the day in bed since most of us slept really late last night - 4:00 AM to be exact! hehe! But we had a good sleep and at night, we went to Manila Peninsula for Mom's New Year treat to us. We had snacks, dessert and listened to some music there. :) It was nice and something different for our New Year celebration.
Since we went to a hotel, I decided to bring out my new dress for a spin. Been saving it for a nice occasion and I think Day one of 2015 is the best time for it. :) Oh and this is my first OOTD for 2015! Yey! Hoping i'll be able to do more this year.
So far, 2015 has been pretty steady for me. But I really hope you'll be good to me, 2015!! Please!!!^_^ haha! Well, hope you guys had a great first day so far!!
Christmas may be over, but that won't stop us from buying the perfect gift for the people we love on their birthdays, anniversaries and even monthsaries, right?:) We want them to feel special and for me, nothing beats a well thought of gift! So, incase any of your significant other will be celebrating something soon, here are a few gift suggestions from one of my favorite laid back and stylish brands, TOMS. :)
Is your wife, friend or special woman in your life having a baby or their baby has a birthday? These adorable kicks would certainly make any mommy gush!:) I myself can't help say "Awwwww!!!" Whenever I see these tiny things in store. :)
For the kiddos who fancy a cute pair, I think this would be great! My son Athan prefers slip-ons rather than sneakers or practically anything that you need to put socks on, so if your kid is the same, better get them this!^_^ I adore the prints!
Hope this gave you guys an idea on what gift you'll be picking out next!:)
As promised, I am beginning the year with more OOTD posts and glad that I was able to do one on the first day of January and another now. Seems like a pretty good start for me!:) Hoping I could do more as the months go by. I usually get lazy or don't get the time during the middle to the end of the year. But one of my New Year's Resolution is to be more active, so I'm trying my best!
How about you, guys? How's the beginning of the year so far for you? I hope it's going smoothly. If not, don't fret. It's just the beginning and you can always turn things around. Let's bring more positivity in this year and release all the stress and bad vibes.
I myself have immersed in total vacation mode since Mom came home last December and sadly, she's leaving soon and I'm gonna have to snap back to reality next week - School will officially start as well. But I'm actually looking forward to it, because that means I can begin the term and it will bring me much closer to graduation. It's long overdue and I can't wait for the day to finally come! Big dreams and goals for 2015!^_^
Another thing I'm looking forward to is filling up my new journal- Will post soon on Instagram! I bought this complementary colors Pantone notebook around October 2014...talk about excited!=P And, I've been itching to write on it ever since, but really held back cos I want to use one notebook per year; just like a planner. :) 2014 was successful! I was able to use up my MUJI notebook and filled it up with a lot of good memories. I'm really crossing my fingers that I can stay that loyal to my Pantone. >_<
When it comes to Herbs, I am often familiar about the ones that my Mom fondly uses when she bakes and cooks. Mostly, it's Basil, Rosemary, Parsley and Saffron. Other than that, I'm still trying to discover. But last week, I was surprised by Aboitiz Equity Ventures with a book as their New Year gift to me and it's called Philippine Herbs. :)
Naturally, the first person I thought that would super love this book was my Mom and true enough, when I opened it, she had this big smile on her face like it was both our gift haha!:) But I'm really glad I got this book, because Mom wants to know more about herbs and it's perfect that she can have a better understanding about our very own Philippine Herbs.
Aside from her, I also enjoyed this book. It had more information in it than I ever expected and I really love the beautiful plant illustrations in the book. :)
Did you know we have 80 indigenous Philippine herbs and plants? Some we use for home cooking, medical remedies, and for staying healthy.
Inside the book you will find different Philippine herbs and plants with their respective photos and their uses. :) They also indicate their local and english names. Very helpful and insightful!
And the amazing thing about this book is it's also a cook book! Now I seriously think my Mom and I will be taking turns with this book!:) I love eating Ensalada when at Filipino restaurants and finally having ingredients for this is a dream come true!:) There are more recipes in this book and hoping I can try them out soon!
For people who love home made medications like our loving grandparents, you can try out the Medical Benefits of Herbs section of the book. It has simple recipes for Anti-Hypertension, Hyperacidity, Anti-Diabetes, Fever and more. A great way to treat illnesses in a natural and organic way. :)
All Natural Concoctions is what you can find in this section and in it is says "Nature is God's ultimate pharmacy!" and it is so true! Herbs, fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals and knowing what to do with them we can live a more healthy lifestyle and resist sickness.
There are so many wonderful recipes in this book- from teas, balms, rubs and juice. :)
And the main reason why my Mom really loves this book is because it informs you about planting and growing herbs. :) I have a few friends who have grown their own and no, not only people with big spaces or lots can plant. Even if you're living in a condo, don't let it stop you. You can still plant in pots and grow your little herb garden. :)
Ending this book review with one of the beautiful illustrations that can be found in it.
The book hopes to promote a better understanding and appreciation of indigenous Philippine herbs and how these have been used throughout the country as natural ingredients for healthy living.
I'm not quite sure if it's already available in bookstores. But if it is, do grab a copy. It's a really nice book and I myself enjoyed it. :) I recommend it to people who love to cook. :)
My Mom is already back in Taipei right now. But when she came home last December 20 till early January, we've done a lot of coffee dates. This is actually the first time we ever did a lot. Normally we'd just do that if we're too sleepy during the day and need something to perk us up or I needed stickers for my planner. Those were the only two reasons. But for some reason Mom had an affinity for cafés this time around, so we went to a few while she was here and since I'm going to miss our coffee dates, I just wanted to share some of the places we had tea or coffee at. :)
Starbucks was our all time favourite when Mom came home. I wasn't collecting stickers for the planner this time around. But if I was, I would have gotten two planners already haha! Yes, that's how frequent we went there to have coffee. My Mom really loved the Toffee Nut, while I enjoyed the Christmas Cookie. :) Too bad they only have it every Christmas... sigh... I miss!:( Oh and have you tried their Mango Madness dessert? Nomnomnom!
When Starbucks had to many people and we couldn't get a seat, we opted for BO's Coffee. I had their Mocha coffee and it was alright. What attracted me to their shop though is the quirky Charlie's Quencher and the lemon bar was not bad at all. :) They also carry other flavours of Charlie's Quencher, so do pop by BO's if you wanna see more.
For something more fancy, we celebrated the first day of 2015 at The Peninsula Manila. :) Most of my family had coffee while I stuck with the TWG Pink Flamingo Tea and some Tiramisu cake. Wish I had coffee though. The tea was a bit bland. >_<
While Mom was here we also had a one-on-one date and we tried out Paul at SM Aura. :) We both had the Tea Surprise and it composed of a tea of your choice and a few pastries. We had Earl Grey for our tea and it's my ultimate favourite when it comes to tea flavour. You should try it with honey!
For a cozy space and cute latte art, we loved UCC Clockwork at Blue Bay, Pasay. :) They have good coffee and not to mention a very accommodating staff. I had the flat latte art the second time we went there, but when I saw that they also offered a 3D version, I kindly asked if I could have that instead and the waitress was so kind enough to change it for not once, but twice!:)) They also offer food, so if you want to lunch or dinner first before coffee, they also have it.
The last one we went to before Mom left was Bizu at Podium. The place is quite small compared to the Greenbelt branch. But I love their sweet looking interior. It definitely still felt like Christmas here. :) I also like their extensive macaron selection; especially the Earl Grey flavour!:)
So that's it!:) I still have a few coffee shops that I want to go to on my list, like Cafe de Seoul, Toby's Estate, Yardstick Coffee and Scout's Honour. :) If you have other coffee shops in mind, please let me know! I would love to try them out!:)
The long weekend has officially started yesterday and the Holiness Pope Francis is already here in the Philippines to meet his Filipino followers. I feel bad that I won't be able to see him up close, but it's definitely heartwarming to see the people gathered up for something so great!:) It just goes to show that people still have a strong faith in God and believe that the world can change for the better. Our Dear Pope Francis really knows how to work everyones heart! He's beyond amazing! To the people who got to see him, you're so blessed!!
So, yesterday the Hubby and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. :) Our official civil wedding date is January 11, but since we didn't get the chance to celebrate on they day itself, we did it during the holiday. :) We went to BGC and had lunch at 'Cue Modern Barbecue. It's a really cozy place with good food. We enjoyed it. After that, we met up with my high school friends for some drinks. Great day!
As for my outfit, I'm channeling Greta here. Have you seen the movie Begin Again? It stars Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightly. Knightly plays Greta, is a singer-songwriter who moves to New York and gets discovered by Ruffalo. Watch it if you haven't!! The movie has a great OST!! Anyhoo, I love Greta's style there. Some friends say that it's actually my style and I can't help but gush! ^_^ She styled it way better, but she's my peg!:) I keep finding her looks on Pinterest and pinning like crazy! hehe. =P
I'm rambling here, but have you heard Ellie Goulding's new song? LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO? Its been playing on loop for me. I can't get over the song!
Well, have a great weekend, guys!! Will stalk #PopeFrancisPH posts now on Twitter!:))
SM Accessories takes 2015 in a desert storm with the pre-summer collection of 2015. See Anne Curtis, Xian Lim, Georgina Wilson, Enrique Gil, Julia Barretto, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla venture into the wild with pieces that merge style and function.
Animal prints and bold chains from WWW dominate the ladies’ line, combined with soft tones of pearls and fur. Indulge in multipurpose scarves that can be used in various ways—from hat and bag accents to turbans to a stylish sarong. Find your pair with eyewear in all shapes, colors and sizes for you to take around all year long. Layer bangles and necklaces and transform any outfit in an instant.
Combined materials such as leather and tweed from MSense take over the men’s line, from stackable arm swag to utilitarian backpacks and messenger bags for everyday use. The hues of army green, brown and black both camouflage yet make you stand out, perfect for easy mixing and matching.
Start the year right with all the right pieces you need in that wardrobe, and conquer your best year yet with SM Accessories. All items are available in SM Stores nationwide.
When you hear Richard Yap's name, I bet it would always be synonymous to his hit teleserye'Be Careful With My Heart' and why wouldn't it? His role there captured a lot of fans and will definitely make your heart melt. But now that the series is over, Richard Yap has remained to be one of the most in-demand male personalities in the country today. He is the man that most women from all over the country swoon over and I couldn't agree more. There is just something very charismatic about him. :)
Can you guess what his new endeavour is? What's RY exactly?
Today, Avon, the leading global beauty provider and number one fragrance brand in the Philippines, announced the launch of its newest signature scent, RY. The unveiling, held at The Blackbird in Makati City, also launched Richard Yap as the newest ambassador of Avon in the country. :)
Known as the company for women, Avon developed this powerful and captivating fragrance for men designed to charm and capture the hearts of women.
This the the FIRST signature scent that Avon carries for Men. :) How does Richard Yap feel about all this? According to Yap, "I've grown to love the warmth of the Avon family of which I am now happily a part of. I am honoured to be one of the brand ambassadors for Avon Fragrance.":)
RY as a fragrance exudes the personality and charisma of Richard Yap- elegant, mysterious, assertive, relaxed, magnetic and inspiring. All in all, RY embodies the essence of a confident and successful man.
So, if you want your man to smell like Richard Yap, get this perfume now! But kidding aside, this fresh and woody scent will definitely leave an air of mystery and capture the hearts of women in every spritz.
Did you know that RACKS stands for Real American Country Kitchen Style? Bet you didn't!:) Just a little trivia for you, folks!;)
Racks has been serving everyone its full selection of signature comfort dishes over two decades now. A homegrown brand famed for its flame-grilled, fall-off-the-bone baby ribs. :) Now you can enjoy your favourite slow-cooked RACKS ribs a whole lot easier as the famed chain opens two new locations- one, north and the other, south of Metro. :)
Last week, was able to make a trip down north to see the newly opened branch. :) Can you guess exactly where? Have you driven pass this site yet?
RACKS recently opened its 15th and 16th branches located along Timog Avenue and Evia Lifestyle centre in Alabang. The one I went to was at the Timog Avenue one. So, to all people living north, come by to the newest branch of RACKS!
Aside from the two new branches, RACKS also changed their look to make the RACKS experience more enjoyable and authentic. :) The new look is inspired by southern country American life. Warm tones accentuated by dark wooden panels dominate its new stores' interiors. Stone bricks used as pillars and covering for the indoor grills to give them a more rustic feel. Framed pictures of America's countryside hang on each wall - giving everyone a glimpse of the kind of lifestyle the establishment draws inspiration from.
We also got to try some of their best-sellers; Classic Caesar salad, Onion Brick, Pasta, flame-grilled Angus beef rib eye seasoned with RACKS signature steak rub and paired with red wine au jus, and the lip-smacking' good baby ribs. :)
To end the day, we had their yummy Mud Pie and Memphis Pound Cake! Delightful!
Their menu has something for every member of the family and no doubt that I enjoyed their delicious food so much!
RACKS is also at El Pueblo, Festival Supermall, Greenhills, Paseo de Magallanes, Paseo de Santa Rosa, Robinson's Manila, SM Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall, The Fort Strip, and Trinoma.
January is almost over and that only means, February will obviously be next and there are so many things to look forward to next month! One of which is my favorite occasion- Chinese New Year!:) Yey!!!^_^ This 2015, it's year of the sheep and CNY is one of the biggest celebration for our country. :) And like every New Year, what a better way to welcome it than getting new clothes??:) Yes! You heard me, it's time to shop!
