Wednesday, July 31, 2013

An Afternoon at Bubble Tea Restaurant

Remember when we weren't able to watch Monsters University so we ended up eating at SumoSam instead? So the following week, my sister requested that we watch two movies - Monsters University and Despicable Me 2! To make sure that our night wasn't going to end like last time, I went to the mall early and purchased tickets to the 5:05pm and 7:30pm showing, respectively. With more than four hours to waste, I headed to Bubble Tea Restaurant to *finally* try their japanese rolls. I've been to Bubble Tea numerous times before, but only for their drinks. So yeah, I didn't mind having the whole afternoon (and an order of their Spicy California roll) to myself. :D


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nail Cocktales Opens in D. Tuazon!

Last Friday, I was invited for a first look at Nail Cocktales' newest branch located at TCC Center, D. Tuazon, Quezon City. I wrote about their Tomas Morato branch last month (here) and have probably visited them three more times since. I just love going there and trying out different scents for my hands and feet - so glad that I now have the option to visit them in two branches! 



Friday, July 26, 2013

Dream Day Friday - Week 7

Recently rediscovered baking.. so for this week's Dream Day Friday, I'm listing down some ingredients that I would like to make use for my future experiments :p I'm probably going to look real silly for including some of the stuff below, but the (baker's) heart wants what it wants (haha feel na feel) :P

1. Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter - I have a jar of this at home, but I don't think it's enough being that most recipes call for a cup or two and mine's already been abused XD On that note, I think I'll use the remaining cookie butter to make these Flourless Speculoos Cookies next week. Photo from peanutbutterandpeppers.com


Thursday, July 25, 2013

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

I bought a box of Duncan Hines Red Velvet Mix at S&R as one of my presents for Mike for his birthday. We were supposed to bake it some time during his special week, but for a ton of reasons, we kept pushing it back. It's been over two months since - so today, I decided to stop procrastinating and try something new for a change. Well, not completely new, since I baked a lot when I was in high school. But that's more than 8 years ago - so I guess this should count, right?:P

Mike and I planned on making cupcakes (he loves those!), but when I looked up "cream cheese frosting recipe" online - they all seem so complicated, especially since I don't have an electric mixer. So I decided that I'd make something else and ended up with this:
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

10A Alabama Arts and Crafts Fair

Last July 21, My boyfriend and I visited the 10A Alabama Handmade Arts and Crafts Fair located, well, at 10A Alabama Street, Quezon City. I initially planned on going there alone because I didn't want Mike to end up just sitting somewhere while I walked around. I was so glad when his excitement matched mine upon seeing so many artsy, colorful and creative works under one roof!
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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Lunch at CIBO

Met up with some friends over the weekend for an afternoon of shopping :) But before doing so, we had lunch at CIBO - to make sure we had enough energy to carry all the clothes we were going to buy! Haha! :)

We first got a family sized order of their Penne Al Telefono (P550). The server recommended that we add eggs to the pasta because it makes it creamier, so we did. To tell you the truth, I had high hopes for this dish. Stewed tomato, mozzarella, white cheese, basil, and cream - it immediately reminded me of Jack's Loft's Penne in Tomato Cream Sauce (which is my absolute favorite!). But maybe that's the thing with food, you shouldn't compare a new dish to an old favorite - especially based on its description - or else it'll disappoint you the instant you try it, even if it actually tastes good.
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Friday, July 19, 2013

SumoSam Saves the Day

Two weeks ago, my family had planned on watching Monsters University (my mom was very insistent that we watched ASAP :p). We got to the mall around 5pm and immediately lined up to buy tickets. Unfortunately, when we got to the counter, the movie was already sold out - up to the last screening! So instead of sulking in a corner and begging for people to sell us their tickets, we decided to eat instead. 

We headed to SumoSam, one of our favorite restaurants, for an early dinner. Before opening their menu, we already had an idea of what we wanted to order. Ever since my mom, my sister and I tried their Chicken Teriyaki and Mangoes Pizza and Kani Sizzling Plate months ago, we never fail to order them every time we dine there. Unfortunately, the pizza wasn't available, so we had to explore new options - which turned out to be a great idea.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

My Favorite Photo

Enchanted Kingdom

This is probably one of my favorite photos ever. It was taken at Enchanted Kingdom some years ago. I kind of miss the place, even though I really only go on a handful of rides - like the Flying Fiesta (in the photo above), Rio Grande Rapids, Jungle Log Jam and Space Shuttle Max. I miss going there with friends and just running around like teens without a care in the world. Saya lang. :)

P.S. Anchors Away is not my friend. Never riding that dreadful thing again.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Music: Michael Henry & Justin Robinett

Just a quick post for today. For the longest time, I have been avoiding going on YouTube because of my slow internet connection. But since we've upgraded ours to Globe's plan P1299, I've been exposed to a ton of new music. The duo of Michael Henry and Justin Robinett have been at the top of my list of YouTube sensations for a while now and apparently, they've started making covers of Disney songs as well. 

Sharing this one in particular - Make a Man Out of You from the movie Mulan. I'm no music expert, but I especially love how this cover begins slow because it gives it that wow factor for when MHJR starts singing.


They also made a cover of Just Give Me a Reason by Pink feat. Nate Ruess, but I have to say, this Disney cover ranks higher in my book.

My other favorites from them include this Adele Medley (Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You and Turning Tables), When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars and Man in the Mirror by the late Michael Jackson.

What about you - who are your YouTube favorites? Let me know! :)

Saturday, July 13, 2013

French Tips: Of Pink and Gray

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I am loving this French tip combo I tried at Nail Cocktales last week!

I wanted to try something new for my beach trip over the weekend. And it was so worth it!:)
I'm definitely coming up with more color combinations in the weeks/months to come. ♥

If you wish to try it yourself, the polish used were Orly Cupcake (for the base) and Orly Mirror Mirror (for the tips)
Thank you so much to Ms. Nerie, Ms. Crystal and Ms. Michelle! Until next time :)

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Summer in July: Boracay 2013

Hey everyone! Just got back from my Boracay trip with Mike and some of his friends where we bonded over food and drinks, and random beach activities.

Here are some photos I edited - mostly taken from Mike's cam. I left my camera in the room for almost the entire trip because I didn't want to worry about where to put it, should we decide to swim or whatever. I just wanted to be in the moment and enjoy everybody's company. But I swear I'll take more photos next time. :D

We munched on chori burgers and calamansi muffins, and drank to our hearts' content! I also discovered a new favorite - Jonah's Banana Vanilla Shake. :)

The group rented snorkeling gears (P30 each) which we brought along on our island hopping activity (P150/person). We played King's Cup in our room and learned a lot of new (and embarrassing) things about each other.

So glad that Mike brought his tripod for proper group photos! :)

Boracay 18Boracay 1 Boracay 4Boracay 15 
Highlights: getting a massage by the beach, watching the sunset together, stargazing, playing (and failing at) frisbee, sand bowling, and desperately trying to fight the current while snorkeling :P


Monday, July 8, 2013

Ryu Ramen & Curry

Last week, Mike and I found ourselves at Ryu Ramen & Curry located at 220 Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City. Being lovers of Japanese food, we didn't hesitate as we entered and looked through their menu. It took me a while to order because I couldn't decide if I wanted gyoza, ramen or curry - there were just so many to choose from! Mike found the task much easier and immediately ordered their Toridon.

When I finally decided on what to order, I also requested for their house tea. I was surprised when the server asked me if I wanted my tea hot or cold. Yay! This made me really happy because I seldom get to drink cold tea (aside from Barley tea, which we have at home). Plus points for that, Ryu! ;)


Friday, July 5, 2013

A Day of Pampering: Polished by Sam

As my day of pampering continues (part 1 here), I headed to Polished by Sam located at 34 Wilson Street, Barangay West Greenhills, San Juan City.

Polished by Sam is a family-owned business that began only last December. Unlike in other places where they only offer hair, nail, waxing OR body services, Polished by Sam offers all of these under one roof! :) That's why I wanted to visit them in the first place, they seem like a place where a girl can go and spend an entire afternoon just having herself pampered - and that's exactly what I did.

As I went up the few steps leading to the entrance, someone already greeted and welcomed me to the salon. Once I stepped inside, the first thing I saw were these gorgeous pink armchairs that serves as their waiting area.
Polished1


Thursday, July 4, 2013

A Day of Pampering: My First Waxing Experience

Yesterday, I had my very first waxing experience at Lay Bare Congressional Avenue Branch. I wanted to be beach ready for when I go to Boracay this weekend. :)

I've tried plucking and threading, and I can definitely say that waxing is now my hair removal option of choice.

Lay Bare makes use of Cold Wax Jelly which is: (1) made of all-natural ingredients so it's friendly to extra-sensitive skin; (2) sugar-based so it leaves skin smooth and silky; (3) it exfoliates skin and removes dead skin cells.

Here are some after-waxing tips from Lay Bare:
  • After waxing, refrain from washing the newly waxed part for 4 hours.
  • If you get waxed during the early evening, wait till the next day to wash the waxed area.
  • Don't scratch or rub.
  • Avoid putting on make-up, lotion, powder, cologne, etc. after getting waxed.
  • Apply antibacterial cream twice a day after every wax.
  • For redness and minor swelling, apply cold compress by wrapping an ice cube around a washcloth and press it gently on the waxed area. It should make it subside quicker.
  • Refrain from any strenuous activities that will make you sweat to prevent any bacterial infection.
Sure, waxing was great - tolerable to almost painless, with even better results compared to plucking and threading. I'd choose that any day. But what about Eyebrow Threading? Now that's a different story.