Peasant Look: Maria la del Barrio's Skirts - vintage, worn, recycled.

I am hooked on this teleserye starring Erich Gonzales and I couldn't help notice how cute Maria la del Barrio's skirt is! Check this photo from their Facebook Page:



Actually there was one episode I am sure the skirt she was wearing appears to be old clothes sewn together. It was very unique and took the peasant look to a whole new level. Now that I am all about recycling and tree hugging, I can't wait to start my own DIY skirt from old clothing items.


image credit: Hibari

The result will be a playful, flirty piece similar to Besty Johnson's :) I also found this inspiration here. See the lady in the middle is working the look I am currently hitting on.




















These are my own vintage skirts though not made of old clothes but they came from my mom's :)

Shopping: Forever 21 SM Makati goes on Sale

The best time to get a new wardrobe is during a SALE.

One of the best places to get them is Forever 21.



Aug 19 10AM-12nn:
10% off on regular priced items when you use your SM Advantage Card/BDO Rewards/SM Prestige Card

20% off on regular priced items when you use both your F21 Mastercard and SM Advantage Card/BDO Rewards/SM Prestige Card, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Aug 19-21: 10% off on regular priced items when you use your F21 Mastercard, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Aug 19-21: 5% rebate when you use any BDO credit card, with min purchase of P5K net of discounts

Forever 21 Mastercard holders can get in as early as 8:30am. Just present 1 valid I.D. to enter. One entry per card.

Beauty: Zit Busters

I just feel like sharing products I am and only using at the moment.
I wish I am using more actually but oddly, these two work well to make zits go bust.
It's funny how it came down to 2 products when I used to have an arsenal of skin stuff.

1. Pond's Clear Solutions (I loved the Pond's White Beauty Naturals too, then I ran out).


Cool mommy-to-be Andi Eigenmann endorses it.

2. Lacticare Lotion - this thing belongs to my 1 yo son and whenever I get red patches or bumps, I just steal some of it.

This one endorsed by the pediatrician.

I should definitely get back on my regular regimen but for now, this duo works just fine.

No new clothes or fancy shoes, just life.

Get offline, start living.

You can start in Nuvali at Sta. Rosa Laguna.
Although there's more to life than shopping, you may fancy a stroll in Solenad 2 where stores like Nine West, Hush Puppies, and Payless Shoe Store can be found.

Find peace and quiet at Indulgence Spa.
I recommend their P250 chair massage.

SM Accessories| City Safari by WWW

When it's raining, we wish it's summer. We wish we are not stuck indoors and can brave the city jungle. So what would you wear? Take a cue from the latest collections available from SM Accessories. Rawr.

I've taken the liberty to mark all the items I LIKE from their poster.



I just realized how cool it is to be able to pick out items from a poster, that should save us time browsing at SM. Worry not because 99% of the time, all items in their ads are really available on the racks. Take it from me, your Department Store insider ;)

Animal print headband - is a Hollywood staple. Here's how Ms. Hilton works it:



And it reminds me of you guessed it, Rachel Zoe.



It really brings attention to the face, so before putting it on make sure you have the right hair and makeup. Tie your hair back for a slimming effect unless you have really good hair like Paris. Prints are explosive and does not go well with Einstein hair. Keep it sleek and clean.


Lace's Bib Necklace from SM Accessories, WWW PHP 299

Bib Necklaces - I hereby declare them as classic pieces because they were once a trend and has managed to stay on. In my wardrobe at least. I've written many many times how a P199 bib necklace (most of my collection came from SM) can make old ensembles shout fasyon! in an instant.

In fact, I love how my necklace (photo shown above) I bought from SM Accessories enliven an old outfit last week.

Cocktail Rings - are great for casual wear, I feel like royalty when I am wearing one. Save for it's quiet hard to work and write with them. Definitely for fun and non-working days.



Now here's your assignment, which do you like from this other poster from SM Accessories' Q3 collection?

They also have an ongoing promotion because hey, it's Women's Month! :) Get a free shower caddy for every P 1,000 purchase at SM Accessories.



Only from August 1 to 31, 2011. Happy shopping readers! :)

Starbucks Lunch Sandwiches are the latest lunchbox office hit

You may be too old for a lunch box but not for a sandwich :) I had the pleasure of being introduced to the newcomers of Starbucks and one of them is as classy as a Gossip Girl.


Meet the IT girl of sandwiches, Tuna Waldorf.

Hot outside and cold on the inside, can't get any more dramatic than that. Starbucks are now using convection ovens instead of microwaves in warming up the sandwiches. During the launch people were agog about this so may I tell you that convection ovens are simply like the oven toaster you have at home. This makes the outer layer warm/crusty whilst maintaining the cold filling.

Echevoreche aside, let's dig into my top three favorites from all 7 Starbucks lunch sandwiches!

1. Roasted vegetables on flat bread - tastes like pizza that is made of carrots, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. I also find this most easy to eat because the flat breads retain their softness on the inside while offering a little exciting pang of crunch on the surface.



When to eat it: when you're not that hungry
With what: Green Tea Frappuccino

2. Roasted chicken pesto and shiitake mushrooms on flat bread- is an old timer but an all-time favorite in Starbucks. I have a love-hate thing with pesto but when subtly used it offers the perfect zing.



When to eat it: when you're really hungry
With what: a hot cup of French pressed Tanzania coffee

3. Ultimate Grilled Cheese-gooey goodness with six types of cheese and in between are slices of hungarian sausage. If you like the combo of garlic, cheese, and pepper - you'll have a happy time eating this comfort food.



When to eat it: when hungry and needy for comfort
With what: a hot mug of green tea

That leaves you with four Starbucks lunch sandwiches to try and judge for yourselves. The Beef Brisket, Clubhouse, Tuna melt (only available in provincial branches), and the Tuna Waldorf sandwich. All sandwiches will be available at P140 in all Starbucks branches come August 9. I recommend for you to check out the newest and first-ever drive-thru branch in Global City, right in front of Home Depot near S&R.



This branch is the most eco-chic of them all and used recycled windows, tables, and LED lights to save energy.

Time to Step Out: Solenad 2 opens July 29

Mark the date little monsters, it's time to step out in front of your computers and enjoy the outdoors on July 29 when Solenad 2 opens. It is the newest retail playground in NUVALI, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.



A retail and dining destination built with the community and family in mind, Solenad 2 was designed around the mindset of work-life balance. The community center , with its carefully handpicked mix of food establishments and shopping brands embraces the Filipinos’ love for bonding and coming together through dining and shopping experiences. This is made more distinct and special by Solenad 2’s unique outdoor environment.

Opening Event and Activities

From July 29 to 31, experience first-hand the excitement of living the outdoors as Solenad 2 opens with Plug and Play at Solenad - a three-day weekend fair for showcasing fun activities.

Relive your high school memories and bring out your inner competitive side in one of the game booths. Spend time with family and friends, while you munch and crunch on sweet treats. Move and groove to the popular beats of today’s most sought after bands - Urbandub and Taken By Cars.

Shops, Spas, and Dining at Solenad 2

Explore the diverse range of shopping options from active lifestyle brands of Stoked, All Flip Flops, Aloha Boardsports, L-Time, Quicktime, Sebago, Bratpack, Restoerun, RUNNR; to the latest trends from Payless Shoesource, Aerosoles, Nine West, Bench, Cushe, Hush Puppies, Aldo, GEOX, Alberto, 158 DB, Officine, C2. Experience the convenient way of living through the reliable services of Bench Fix, Nailaholics, Nisce, Montessori Di Maria Bambinella, LBC and Globe. Satisfy your cravings with Solenad 2’s handpicked dining selection of Toastbox, Krispy Kreme, Max’s, Seafood Island, Sumo Sam, Gerry’s Grill, Bo’s Coffee, FIC, Serenitea, Breadtalk, Pancake House, Pho24, Army Navy, Fruitty Froyo and LZM.

Are you excited now? I am and I will do my best to be at Nuvali on July 29 weekend :) See you there!

Read about my last visit to Nuvali and find out why I love it.

Coleen Garcia and Revlon Colorburst

Eman (the famous makeup artiste) sent me Revlon goodies a few weeks back and finally, this weekend I am able to use the new Revlon Colorburst lipgloss. You know how much adore Revlon's Just Bitten (in Passion) so I am quiet hyped to use the gloss over it.

And here is my make-up inspiration, Coleen shows her Revlon look. So young and pink, love it.



I think I'll shop for that Revlon blush, someone tell me what shade is that please? I didn't actually know who Coleen was until my other half blogged about her haha.

My favourite Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss is currently Crystal Lilac which contributes to a fresh look that every stressed out face deserves. The label reads correctly, it is light weight and makes your lips pop with 5x more shine than a patent leather! How is that for killer lips?

Both my upper and lower lip are full or well-endowed so I like to use it sparingly, mostly on the upper lip for a face lifting effect if you know what I mean.

What will be your Revlon look tomorrow? Try them now for free at Revlon counters everywhere :)

The largest McDonald's to open in London Olympics

I love fast food, even if I try hard to avoid it and news like this just make me want to eat more. A 30,000 square feet Olympic sized McDonald's will be opening just in time for the London Olympics. Here is an inside look:



The interiors look really different from what we have here but those are cute swivel chairs. Makes me wonder what the children's high chair looks like?



I love visiting McDonald's in other countries and compare them to one another. This one will now be on my to-visit wish list :) Below is my last McDonald's meal in Melbourne where you'd have to pay for the ketchup.



Now I really have to fight my fear of flight because it is preventing me from experiencing more McCulture.

Disclaimer: This post is not paid for nor sponsored by any fast food chain

They're here!

My sister has been eating McDonald's for one full week, and I whenever I am stressed (about 3x a week). She is helping her friend collect them all Coca-Cola Can Glasses from McDonald's by grabbing value meals.



Then yesterday something arrived from my front door. A full set of Coca-Cola Can Glasses! Yipee :) And what better way to use them than by ordering in my favorite McChicken sandwich and cheese shake shake fries. The latter vanished even before the photo was taken.

Have you got your Coca-Cola can glasses yet?

McDonald's if you are reading this, please bring back Double Cheeseburger Deluxe.