Rocking My Thrifted Treasures

Here's part two of my post about my thrifted finds. I'll show you how to breathe life to clothing articles one has thrown away...

THE BOHO CHIC...

I've been seeing a lot of this style lately, even in music videos like
Cascada's San Francisco

Some bangles and a ring add a punch to my boho chic style.
Anybody noticed the green feather earring?
I saw the same style of earring worn by that chinese girl in My Binondo Girl

Nude is also trendy these days

COLOR BLOCKING STYLE...

I used to think that combining different colors is so baduy. But thanks to the color blocking scheme, it seems that one can never have enough color splashed in an ensemble. The secret to a great color blocking combo is in making each piece of clothing of a strikingly different color than the rest. Take this shorts, tank, scarf and cardigan combo...

THE FRILLY GIRLY...


I must admit, this style is so not me. But it makes this otherwise formal top appear casual, perfect for grocery shopping or watching a show.

Tribal prints are also a big thing these days. Like everywhere I look in Forever21, it's all about anything tribal. Well, this thrifted find is the closest tribal-inspired print I've got.

Pair a dressy top with shorts and sneakers for that comfy casual vibe.

I'm loving how versatile this American Eagle Outfitter shorts is.
(but I hate this pic. It makes me look slouchy, don't you think?)

This is the glittering neckline of this top. And oh, don't forget to accessorize!  

Hope you guys love this post. See, even in this recession era, nobody must stop us from being fashionable. Just breathe life into those fab ukay finds and I'm sure, you will turn them into treasured pieces to last you for months or years.

Byers for now!  <3

Thrifted Treasures

It's now September! The rains have ushered in the BER months and soon it's gonna be Christmas. It's going to be cold soon and wearing boots and scarves won't make you feel odd. LOL!

September also meant the start of school for Jake. He is finishing his masters degree and I'm soo proud of his dedication and perseverance. I love you more honey because we have the same views about higher education.

Anyways, last week, I was inspired to search for great ukay finds from some of the thrift stores (ukay-ukay) nearby. I was so inspired by a 15-year old girl, Bethany, whose youtube posts in macbarbie07 has recently been the object of my fascination.

It was also a good break from my "lungga" days since I have not gone out of the house except to buy groceries. Like seriously, I think I am getting whiter for lack of sunshine. So I went out that day and purchased some good finds although I think they were still kinda pricey.

Take a look at a few of the items I found from the ukay-ukay and a few items I bought from the Red Hot Sale of Genevieve Gozum.

I got this sheer top in a nude color which is very trendy these days

Love the sequin details on the neckline and below the bust line of this tribal printed top

I got both of these belts for P50 each (more than $1). The gold belt I often use as headband.

I can use this as a top these coming cold days

I love this shorts from American Eagle Outfitters. It fits me just right and I can wear it with any top.

I hope you like them and stay tuned for another post on how I turn these finds into a boho chic ensemble, a color block fashion frenzy and just plain girly.

Byers for now!

Long Weekend Galore!

We had a fun (long) weekend. I had fun today! I'm so excited to share with you some of the stuff that I got from a thrift store (I had no idea this meant ukay-ukay until I saw some videos in youtube) haul last week. And I am also psyched to find that Genevieve Gozum in SM Sucat had a Red Hot Sale today and I found myself buying belts for..(gasp!) P50 each. I'll show them to you guys next time coupled with some shots of the ukay clothes I got recently.

For today, let me take this time to thank those people reading my blog. I had no idea people are reading my stuff. My Tita Rubi, who is now based in Alberta, Canada, is reading my posts. Another blogger (feastfulife) who is based in China, is likewise reading my blog. Now, some of my students in Japan are reading my blog and have shared that they are thankful all these were written in English. Of course, my friends are reading these. So, to you guys, I'm so thankful for the support. If you would like to post any comment, you can do so in the blog itself. All you need is a google account. Or you can post all your comments, as usual in my Facebook page.

Now, I'm soo pressured to come up with meaningful stuff to post. I think it's a dilemma most vloggers or bloggers have. But well, while I'm working my wits out, let me show you what made us happy today--- OUR SUMPTUOUS DINNER.

We had Mediterranean chicken, Nido soup and Wicked Oreo for dessert. Delish, right?

I hope I can take credit for the tasty marinade in these babies but well, it's all Magnolia.
It's Mediterranean Chicken Style. Nope, it's not burnt, its the honey or
sugar that melted when we deep fried these.

This amazing chicken made us sit in the dining table and we did not budge until we were all full.

My cousin Jheisha and Melanie had this hankering for vanilla ice cream and wicked oreo for the longest time now. It just so happen that anywhere we go, there is no plain vanilla ice cream. So, their wise heads came up with a good alternative--- Cornetto Vanilla. Cheaper pa!

So after the dinner, the two of them worked on making dessert while I ready myself for my 9pm class.

For those who don't know Wicked Oreo, it's Oreo dipped in pancake mix, deep fried to golden perfection and topped with vanilla ice cream. My friends said this recipe was from Flaming Wings.

Anyways, here's what you guys will need to create this:

We used this pancake mix from Canada but you can use any store-bought mix

Oreo cookies, of course! And water for the mix.. that's it! Oh, and vanilla ice cream

Depending on how many you plan to make, take the right amount of pancake mix and put water in it enough to have the thickness and consistency you see above. No need for eggs. Then dip the cookies into the mix and make sure that they are fully covered. Then fry those babies (i'm mentioning this word for the nth time already! LOL!) in oil. Make sure it's deep fried so the oreos won't stick to the bottom of the pan or wok, depending on what you use.

Then fry them oreos to golden brown

Now, presenting the AFTER and the BEFORE. I used to think the wicked oreos
 kinda look like butchi. LOL!

Top the oreos with vanilla ice cream and there you go! Oppss... sorry for the messy pic 

The whole combination of pancake mix and oreos plus the unexpected coolness/sweetness of the ice cream will totally explode in your mouth. It's a nice twist to the usual pancakes or oreos... but be wary though. Nakakaumay siya. So the most that one can consume is two of these which I think is good for those in a strict diet. LOL!  <3

Okay so that's it for now. It's already 1:30AM. Let me cap off the night with a big kiss! MMwwaaahhh! Hope you loved this post!

Byers!

INTENSIFIED!

Last August 20, I had the chance to meet up with a colleague of mine I haven't seen in a while (well, at least around two-three weeks..). Arden Atienza invited me to a praise and worship concert dubbed as "Intensify" and I was thinking it was a perfect opportunity to finally meet up with a bunch of people I missed hanging out with--- Wave 57.

So, pretty much I was clueless as to what I was expecting. Well, I actually know what happens in most praise concerts--- they sing songs, distribute snacks (that's how most orgs in UP recruit freshies), and I usually get uncomfortable given that I'm not a very religious person. I am spiritual in a way but I mostly believe in good deeds more than empty rhetoric. I will get my butt up and help in the most feasible way I can so any person needing my help will get results rather than well... sing. But I fully respect others' ways and that's why last Saturday, I found myself going to United Paranaque Subdivision (by the way, I have not been in that area) hoping to see my pals.

I arrived at the venue and Arden welcomed me although he was pretty busy with the whole event I did not bother to have him wait for me the whole time. I know he was like the "punong-abala" so I let him go. Well, none of my other friends showed up so it was a bummer. But not quite...

The whole event was more like a gathering of a lot of college students and young professionals. It was sponsored by the youth groups of the Vicariate of San Antonio de Padua (I hope I got this right) and it just amazed me that they were able to put up such a big production. First off, right at the gate of Our Lady of Unity Open Grounds I saw Cong. Roilo Golez, the representative of this district of Paranaque. He had with him all his julalays...but well, it was great that he would come to events like this. I mean, his presence made me curious.

When I heard the music, wow! It just captivated me and for a time, I forgot that my friends ditched me and left me there alone. Well, I never really felt awkward and alone there. Yeah sure I may not know anybody there but for a time I was one with them. There was the atmosphere of unity. I also loved the songs they played even when mostly I think I have heard them for the first time in that event. The bands may need to work out some of those vocals a bit but their songs of praise, if they were original pieces, were very good. I personally love Bestfriend.

When another band sang "Jesus Take the Wheel" it just made me cry (which is weird but those who totally know me are aware that I'm such a cry baby they often wonder how I'd argue in court had I become a lawyer...err make that WHEN I become a lawyer). But that just gave me a sort of like an epiphany. I am soo needing spiritual guidance the past couple of weeks errr make that maybe months. I have been lost in this jungle and I'm oftentimes consumed by it that to feel that Somebody is there to guide you all the way is such a relief. I needed to be reminded of the fact that everything has a purpose. I was mad the past months because I'm so frustrated at how things aren't working out the way I'd hope they would. I failed at almost anything I tried out and all my life plans aren't working out and that pisses me off. So sitting there and listening to the bands kinda gave me my needed strength. He gave me strength.

So thanks Arden for inviting me and Lord for that wonderful night. I'm thankful I didn't miss it...

PANCIT CANTON: LEVEL UP!

I had a busy day today. Busy because I had to do some laundry since I found myself not having enough "pambahay" clothes to wear now that I work from home. All of a sudden I ran out of boxers and shorts to wear so I needed  to wash them quickly.

Also, I had two films lining up to be watched: RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES and CRAZY STUPID LOVE. So far, I watched both of them and loved them in different ways.

So I had to do those things, plus clean the room, help Melanie with the cooking and I have classes at 5pm. Now, it is such a surprise that I was still able to squeeze one thing. That is to cook pancit canton. And this is not your ordinary home cooked pancit canton nor your lowly pouched snack. It's pancit canton, upgraded style.

First off, here are the things we needed:

diced carrots, sliced baguio beans, cubed chicken and at least three packs of  Lucky Me Pancit Canton
(I love the twist effect)

Heat your wok and use the oil from the noodle packs. They are already flavored oil so they really smell yummy already.

Next, stir in your chicken and let it stand. Then stir in your carrots and beans and splash in a cup of water. Then add in the seasoning from the pack.

You can add more water into this if you are using more packs of pancit canton.
By the way, nail polish is so yummy as well. I love it. It's Caronia's On the Go

Then place in your noodles and the soy sauce. Stir and cover. Let the sauce thicken and you can also add in more soy sauce if you want. Or more water.

Stir well and enjoy! Best served hot and paired with pandesal or large burger bread.

Yummy!

Well, that's it! I had fun cooking and taking photos. I also had fun with my classes today. So, everything went well. I have also observed that since I worked from home and am not wearing clothes worth blogging, my blog has now become the home of another hobby of mine--- cooking! Wow, such a transformation! Well, it still showcases what I do so I guess I'll let it be for now.

Byers people!

I MADE PASTA!

Ohh! It is already 12:31 AM and I just finished my tutorial inputs. I actually finished it earlier than usual. In case you people are wondering where and what I do for a living, I now work as online English tutor for japanese people of all ages. I love the job and it was a big break from the monotony of very arrogant, rude and irate customers I used to deal with in my previous employments. Yes, I still sleep late but at least the moon is still up. LOL!

This is just a quick post of my breakthrough today. I made pasta!

This is not exactly the first time I made pasta. I used to work at McDonald's, duh! But this is the first time I whipped up a tuna-mushroom combo. This is also the first time I made pasta with white sauce! So for me it is a big breakthrough, especially that the people in the house super loved it.

After I took a shower, I had a hankering for pasta so I looked for anything I can whip up fast. Luckily we had the following:

linguini pasta from my Tita Rubi
a stick of butter we bought yesterday
a pack of All-Purpose cream sitting in the fridge since last month
Carbonara pack sitting in the pantry waiting for this day

I bought tuna this morning (for P140/kilo) and I saw a can of button mushroom so I diced the mushroom and after I boiled the tuna, I shredded it as well.

I used almost one half of that stick of butter and stirred in sliced onions and garlic in a hot wok.
I used some of the juice from the can of mushroom and splashed in 1/4 cup of water as well.

Then I added the mushroom, tuna, carbonara sauce and the cream,  then
allowed it to boil and thicken. I added salt and pepper to taste and that's it!

Well, this is ode to my cousin Jam, who loved pasta so much. We miss your cooking, Jamtot! I know if you see this you will say I did not place any color to the plain white pasta. Sorry, no parsley in sight. Hehe!

Okay, bye! Hope you like this, guys!

Color Block

It's Sunday and my cousin and I planned to have lunch in SM Sucat. SM Sucat is just a few kilometers away from us so it is totally convenient. We planned to do some grocery shopping as well for our weekly supplies.

It was a rainy day and I decided to wear my new lacey orange blouse from Bayo in order to channel a "color blocking vibe". I have been wanting to buy a dress or any clothing item that will channel that fashion favorite from the latest runway trends from Paris.

When I saw the blouse in Bayo (for P569), I immediately remembered a blog post by Gabi Greg about it. I love the lacey back too! It's my favorite part of this piece.

I'm wearing my skinny/semi-flared washed jeans, something I got from Red Girl. I love Red Girl because not only are their items affordable, but they have bigger sizes (until size 36). I love the length and the fit of this pair and I'm guessing this is to become my favorite pair!

My Bliss

Ahh...it has been so long since I felt this---this light-weight feeling when you wake up every morning. Ohh, yeah, that's one thing I missed the past couple of months, err years. Sleeping when the moon is still shining up above and waking up when the sun is up and everyone is up and about. I'm thinking "ahh..this is how life is supposed to be. This is BLISS.

I did not know how everything happened actually. I had no idea I will be emancipated from the clutter, no to mention all the heart burns and unnecessary emotional baggage I had the month before.

It all started with me finally mustering up the courage to quit my job. Then apologized profusely to this guy I dumped for somebody who professed he "loved me to death" but actually "stabbed me and plunged me to my own demise". Well, so much for karma hitting me so badly I got all bruised up and wounded. So I apologized to this guy but well, luck smiled at me that day. Lady luck gave me my much needed peace of mind and I won his heart back. To this day, I still can't imagine I can call him mine. Don't worry. When I am taught a lesson, I remember it too well. I am never going to be very melodramatic about things. I will guard my heart and use my head. Well, at least at the moment, he is still making me smile and making mushy poems enough to melt my heart.

So, I finally found a guy who loved me back. But I was jobless. So the search for the worthy job began again.

Then I got an awesome text message from a close friend suggesting I apply as online English tutor after probably reading my nth shoutout in Facebook complaining how lousy my ex-job was! I applied for it ad got in! Now, I am living my passion of teaching, under very flexible hours, not to mention the fact that I get my much-deserved respect from my students. I mean, I did not go through hell called "law school" only to be mocked by some person in some foreign country thinking they are better than me all because they want to book Hilton! News flash: Your country is in a freakin' recession! Don't blame us for being hired by your companies because well, after all, we have something you don't. That is a college degree! And get this: I have two of those. So do not go yelling on me 'cause your high school diploma isn't making you cool.

(Deep breather) Funny. When I think about my previous jobs, I totally feel hate and disgust. So getting a job where I am valued for what I have done for them at the end of the day is so "nakakataba ng puso". It makes you feel good when you go to bed at night knowing you helped someone.

On top of that, I have free time in my hands. Well, yeah I may seem to run from one engagement to my tutorial job because I have to be online ahead of time but well, now, I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I can go to places I want to go, see friends I haven't met in a while, and go shopping!

Thank you Lord for giving me the patience to wait for the coming of this day. Thank you so much!

Last Sunday, I met up with my law school buddies Marian and Zarah in Makati's Glorietta 3. We planned to watch Babae sa Septic Tank but I ran out of time so I just let the two of them bond while I went home early for my class at 5pm. But I did not head home without stopping to fill a void I have been wanting to be filled. I needed to go to Forever21 in SM Makati. I may not have the mollah but I totally needed to experience the phenomenon that is Forever21. I have constantly heard the brand from curvy women's blog site and I must experience it on my own.

So I went there and I felt I died and went to heaven. The shop features tribal prints now. (Un)fortunately they did not have much selection of mini skirts in tribal prints otherwise I will surely depart with P2k that day. Hehe! But I will definitely be back...

Friends Over Frozen Margaritas

Today was the last day of my short visit home. After submitting my resume for a job I applied for, I met up with two of my closest friends, Joahna and Nida. The two luckily became good friends/acquaintances that it got rid of really awkward moments since both of them don't know each other. I met Joahna in college, both of us having taken the same course in UP. Nida and I, on the other hand, became close friends when I worked for a law firm where she was the book keeper/ accounting staff.

For today, I wore my Bayo striped blazer, without the button, and my blue empire waist dress I got from SM Outlet store. I wore my Penshoppe ballet flats for comfort and donned my ethnic belt for added punch since I did not wear any striking accessory at all. I even forgot to wear my watch. Nonetheless, I wore my hair down despite the heat and well, everything seemed to be perfect.

That's Nida and I enjoying our frozen margaritas. Only P328 per pitcher at Gustavians

Joahna said she looked like a drunkard in this photo. I don't think so. The way she holds her glass--- very classy.
She curled her hair as well, just like mine.