40 Ways to Tie a Scarf

I used to think that scarves were only worn during the winter season. But these days, I often see pictures of Hollywood celebrities wearing scarves as a fashion statement, be it spring, summer, autumn or winter. I recently stumbled upon a picture of the power couple, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, uploaded in US Magazine, while they were strolling in a zoo in Sydney, Australia. Vanessa was wearing this beautiful multi-printed scarf, which covered her growing baby bump.

I got so curious as to how Vanessa tied her scarf in this manner. It truly added some spice to her simple top and fitted jeans. Fortunately, I was able to find a photo from Pinterest, which offered 40 Ways on How to Tie a Scarf. 

Spotlight on Excellence Awards Night

My company's annual excellence awards night was held at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Aside from the usual congratulatory messages from the top executives, we were serenaded by no less than Asia's songbird, Regine Velasquez.

For appetizer, we were served with a combination of Goose Liver Parfait with Marinated Prawns and Thyme Scented Mandarin Jelly. Our main course was Corn Fed Chicken Stuff Vegetables in Caramelized Onion Turnip Confit with Rosemary Balsamic Jus. As for dessert, we were given Long Lemon Tart and Dried Fruit Pudding in Honey and Citrus Sauce as well as Yogurt Honey Sorbet. 

Framing Compositions

I get a lot of my design inspiration from the newest virtual pinboard, Pinterest. I specifically made a board in my Pinterest profile exclusive for frames. Here are some of my favorite pins from my Frames board:

1. This is from apartmenttherapy.com

2. This is from engagedandinspired.com

I love decorating our walls at home with different sizes of frames. But I can't seem to get the right framing composition. Good thing I found this very helpful infographic, also from Pinterest. I now have an idea how to arrange our frames in such a way that they won't look too crowded. 

Being Twentysomething

I just read this very interesting article from Thought Catalog entitled, "Why Being In Your 20s Is Awesome." I love every single thing written here because it is so straight-to-the-point and it reminded me so much of my personal experiences. Let me quote some of my favorite lines from the article.

I've always been a segurista ever since before. When I was still a student, if I knew I had an exam, I would review my books and notes not only once, but twice or even thrice, just to make sure I understood everything. I didn't want to be caught off-guard. I've always been prepared. Or so I thought. When college ended in 2010, I suddenly found  myself standing at a crossroads. I didn't know where to go. Should I try out for a corporate job? Should I intern and travel abroad? Should I help my parents' business? Hay, whatever happened to Little Miss Ready?

As I look back at the events that have transpired in my life during the last two years, I am glad that I took the road less travelled. Most of my batchmates chose to immediately work for large corporations in the country, but I opted to go for an internship in the Czech Republic! I took this big leap secretly and hastily. My parents were in fact, among the last people to know, much to their disappointment. They told me that flying to the former communist country of Czechoslovakia was an insane idea! But I was persistent and very bull-headed. I was so excited and every bit as ready "to feel and see as much as [I] can, to take advantage of not being tied down to anything and anyone and to go balls to the wall with everything that [I] do". 

My parents were initially against my European internship because they wanted me to immediately work for a multinational company and consequently map out my career path. But my sentiments back then were exactly the same as the sentiments echoed in the article. "Why the hell are we in such a hurry to live some boring grown up adult life that we saw at a Crate & Barrel? Because once we do get there, we’re stuck for a long time. [Being twentysomething] is going to leave us eventually so you better freaking enjoy it." 

Eventually pursuing my internship in the Czech Republic turned out to be the best decision that I have ever made in my entire life! I decided to let go of my segurista ways and become more spontaneous like sleep in train stations, run away from a ticket controller, enter a gay bar, explore a new city alone and a whole lot more. It was a bit frightening, somewhat exhausting, but definitely fun and life-changing!  

It has been eight months since my internship ended and not a day goes by that I don't miss my adventure-filled year in Europe. Although I feel happy and blessed with the way things are going on right now (I work for an outstanding multinational company and I get to see my family and friends often), a part of me still thirsts for that foolish, impetuous and vagabond lifestyle that I once got accustomed to.

Indeed, what the article mentioned at the very end is true, "[We] should love every single moment of this hot mess of a decade. Chances are [we’ll] miss it before [we] even get to say “I’m 30.” 

Cyma Greek Taverna

My brother and I had lunch at Cyma Greek Taverna at Ayala Terraces today. We ordered moussaka, chicken gyro and spinach dip. Oh I love Greek food! Take me to Greece now!!!

Ayala Terraces Cebu

Simply J's Cafe

After my brother's graduation, we had lunch at Simply J's, located just beside Diamond Suites and Residences along Escario Road, Cebu City. I love the refreshing appeal of this quaint little house that has been transformed into a lovely restaurant. 

Upon entering, my eyes were immediately drawn to these cute novelty items.

The food they served were more like lutong bahay. They were really affordable.

The white picket fence adds to that homey appeal.

Sumo Sam

My entire family is in Cebu for my brother's upcoming graduation. We dined at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Sumo Sam, at Ayala Mall earlier tonight. The food was just PERFECT.

Grand Cenia Hotel & Residences

Grand Cenia Hotel & Residences is one of the newest hotels in Cebu City. It is conveniently located across Ayala Mall and Cebu Business Park.

Unlisted

Say hello to my newest baby!

Unlisted is a shoe brand that I have known for quite some time here in the Philippines. I chanced upon this eye-catching blue-and-red pair of wedge sandals while strolling in SM CDO this afternoon. I super love the color combination and heel height (around 2 inches). I am pretty sure I can walk on these the entire day. Plus, they offered me a 10% discount! All the more reason to buy it! Haha!

March Photoblog

 *** Random cafe in Paris, France ***

Home Makeover

My parents commissioned me to take care of our home while they go to China for a short vacation. Since I got bored, I decided to spruce up our home by buying new picture frames and hanging them on our living room and multi-purpose room. I bought several vintage-looking posters from Paris a year ago and it would be such a waste if they remain in my closet. So I decided to display them instead! Meanwhile, in the master's bedroom, I rearranged the shelves near our TV as well as my mom's work station. 

Vintage Magnetic Board

Earlier this evening, I was strolling leisurely in Limketkai Mall. I went inside Robinsons Department Store and to my delight, I suddenly found the cutest vintage magnetic boards I have ever seen. The frames are made of pale-colored wood that looked unvarnished. The design of the magnetic board contributed to the whole vintage appeal. It resembled an old postcard with a handwritten note. 

It came in two sizes. I bought them both because I couldn't decide which one to get. Each magnetic board also came with free magnetic picture frames. It's so adorable! I can't wait to put my travel magnets on the boards!

Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Travel Tote

I'm currently lusting for these Michael Kors Jet Set Medium Travel Tote with Saffiano Leather, Golden Hardware, Buckled Shoulder Straps and Hanging MK Logo Charms.

Beer Night at Rue Bourbon

Good Friends + Ice Cold Caramel Beer + Yummy Calamares = PERFECT NIGHT