Watch it!

Saw this watch on-line and was automatically transported back to my childhood.

Wonder if this is something that a guy my age can still pull off.

(Spoler Alert: the answer is no.)

Stuck!

During one of our “Tito conversations “ at the office, the topic turned to stickers. This discussion wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Panini stickers of the 80s and 90s.

This was the rage for kids during that decade. 

First, you’d buy the book. Then, you’d buy stickers in separate packs, and fill in the boxes with the corresponding stickers. Sometimes, you’d get duplicates, and you have to look for friends to swap stickers with.

At some of those rare times, you would get special stickers, like holographic stickers or those printed on metallic paper. Once you’d get those, it felt like hitting the jackpot.

Looking back at it now, those Panini books were good for developing your creativity, patience and friendship. Lessons that stuck to me decades after my first sticker book back then.

FMM: Carrie me through

Of course, a conversation about Carrie Laws will not be complete without her iconic 1979 hit, which is also one of the songs on repeat on my music platforms.

"Sometimes a love goes wrong," is such a beautiful song - from the melody, to the lyrics, to the way Carrie sang it. Her love, pain and longing are captured perfectly in every moment of this song.

You can't go wrong with a Friday Magic Madness song like this.

Flat out fabulous

Been keeping my eyes peeled for ballet flats since Ate Bullet started getting into it last year.

Thankfully, I recently discovered a local on-line shop that sells super fashionable flats at very good price points.

Presenting Azrtid!

Had to muster so much self control to keep me from buying more than 3 pairs. But my resolve prevailed and got these 3 super classic and super chic pairs.

Will probably wait a week before butting and-few more. Harhar.

That's so Fine(ry)

Been watching a number of reviews on Target's new fragrance line called Fine'ry.

Majority of the reviews are glowing. They're all agreeing that Fine'ry fragrances are good dupes for high end and niche fragrances, at the fraction of a price. And for $29.99, it's hard to go wrong with that.

Take me to Target, please!

LFLTAT: Wide and Narrow

In fashion, it's always nice to play with proportions. Pairing together opposites usually creates a move visually interesting ensemble.

With that thought in mind - and because of recent sales this weekend - we have a Look For Less Than A Thousand that embodies that thought. An ensemble that plays with wide and narrow.

The "wide" is this wide-legged jeans from Penshoppe. This pair is such a winner! From the silhouette, to the dark denim material, to the white stitching, plus the fact that it's a cargo pant! So many wins in one piece of clothing.

The "narrow" is this knitted top from The Landmark. It's cut close to the body, and has a semi-turtle neck to bring the silhouette all the way to the top.

It's a play of proportions that's so chic, you'd think that it cost a lot to put it together.

(Guess what? It's less than P600.)

Old and New

Back in my college days, Piattos was the go-to-snack.

We'd often trek near CASAA to buy a pack. Sometimes, the stores inside the restrooms (yes, we had stores inside our restrooms) would sell this as well.The most popular flavour back then was Sour Cream, but we'd buy the cheese one every so often.

Decades after, Piattos is still around, and it's still enjoying the same popularity that it did. One reason is that they're always finding ways to make the product feel new and fresh. Having new flavours is one way they do this.

Just like my newest discovery:

Yup, Piattos is now on the Truffle bandwagon! And while the flavour isn't as strong and distinct as Lay's or Meadows, it's still good. Especially if you thin of how affordable this is.

It's these new things that make me look forward to an old brand like Piattos.

Fifty and Fabulous!

The iconic DVF wrap dress is 50 years old?

Whowouldathunk?

Further proof that classic fashion is timeless.

LFLTAT x Color Story: Sunshine State

Here's another collab of a post.

Just like last Tuesday's post, it's a Look For Less Than A Thousand, but also a colour story.

This yellow ensemble brings in so much sunshine. The pique shirt dress is from Regatta, and the cropped jacket is from The SM Store. Just like the happy hue, the ensemble is also happy, youthful and relaxed. It's a great ensemble for the weekend, maybe around September onwards. Not now, it's too hot.

Snagged both items while they were on sale, and total rang up to a few bucks shy of P900.

Both the colour and the price are enough to make you happy!

FMM: Carrie over

Carrie Lucas is a legend. 

Most people know her from the 70s as the woman with a voice that's both powerful and soothing. She can shift from ballads to disco with ease, and her emotions come out in the song no matter what genre it is.

One of her hits which is a family fave is a song from 1977, and is a mainstay in discos during the 80s and 90s.

"I Gotta Keep Dancing," is quite an irony - a happy-sounding song, but the lyrics are quite sad. It's one of the go-to songs for those who love dancing the swing - including my Mom and Ate Lissa. No surprise since it's a very danceable ditty.

This is one of my top 2 Carrie Lucas songs, and playing it once, I gotta keep listening to it.

What’s the Plan?

Apparently, it’s Leche.

Proofreader, please!

Instant Indian

Our neighborhood supermarket - Daily Supermarket - might not be a big chain, but you can spot some unusually good finds on their racks.

Just like this:

Poppadoms!

As an Indian food Stan, this is such a thrill. I’ve tried this and the flavor is really close to the traditional Poppadoms that you can get in Indian restos.

Gotta buy more and share with my fellow Indian food foodies.

LFLTAT x Color Story: Browns ville

Whenever they're on sale, a visit to The SM Store is mandatory because of the wealth of great finds that they offer.

During this time, they put some of their new-ish stocks on 50% off, which makes it irresistible. During their sales, it's so easy to come up with a chic Look For Less Than A Thousand. And this one drew me in because of the colours.

This ensemble plays with different shades of brown. The top has this rich, caramel colour and is a knitted blouse with textured details.

The pair of trousers has a loose silhouette, rendered in a mocha hue.

Just like caramel and mocha, this sweet ensemble rang up to less than P800.

Brownie points for that!

LFLTAT: Let it loose

With the current very hot weather happening in the city, you just want to wear something loose and easy. After all, wearing loose clothes will let the air pass through and make you feel a bit cooler.

Unfortunately, some people equate loose clothing with being lousy. 

Contrary to that thought, loose clothing can actually be fun and fashionable, as well as frugal. This Look For Less Than A Thousand can attest to that.

The voluminous skirt is from Surplus Shop. It has that right amount of puff and volume to make it look effortless. The top is from Jewels, which is a Shop where you can get surplus clothing on the cheap. The top is the loose, boxy shirt with a high boat neck which make it such a cool top to wear.

Together, this ensemble just cost P749!

Proof that you don’t need to lose a lot of money to look chic.

Sunday snoozers

And the sleeping cats saga continues.

It must've been a super lazy Sunday for this cute cat.

It's a Thai!

There seems to be a Thai food wave in MNL these days.

They had a Thai Street Food festival in Makati last week. Now, 7-11 has a Thai food selection in their stores.

But of course, I'll keep coming back to my super fave Thai instant noodles. 

YumYum has been a staple in our pantry since 2019, and it's so nice to see and read that it's getting more and more fans.

You can't deny how yumyum these Thai noodles are.

FMM: it never ends

We can't talk about "The Neverending Story" without mentioning its iconic theme song.

This classic song from 1985 is by Limahl. While they had several hits in the 80s, among them "Too Shy," this is the song that really made an impact on me. It might be because of its relation to the film, but this has a magical quality to it.

That's why my fondness for this song never ends.

Catzzzzz

It might be because of the summer heat, but I'm finding more and more cats snoozing in different places.

Just like this cutie cattater at the nearby fast food place.

It's plain to see how comfy this cat is. 

Makes me wonder, what could he be dreaming about.

WATN: That boy, Barret

Back in the 80s, Barret Oliver was the quintessential boy-next-door in Hollywood movies.

His career really kicked-off when he appeared in "The Neverending Story." This was such a fantastic fantasy film which became one of my faves. 

Then, his next big role was in "D.A.R.Y.L." This was another film that captured my imagination and briefly made me consider wanting to be an android. 

Then, there was "Cocoon" and "Cocoon: The Return." These films solidified his character as the curious, precocious boy who always gets into these great adventures.

After the 80s, he disappeared from the Hollywood scene. Which necessitates the question: "Where is Barret Oliver now?"

Searching for him on the net, it seems like his last Hollwood appearance was at the end of the 80s. After that, there weren't any movies or TV shows that had him. 

And with that, he'll always remain that precocious, adventurous, boy-next-door in my mind.

Printed Matters: Toile order

You know me and Toile Du Jouy Prints. For me, it’s irresistible!

Just like this print:

It’s a quintessential toile print - florals. 

And this fab print is from an equally fab dress from SheIn. 

It’s no wonder I ordered it the moment I saw it.

French Twist

Nope, this post isn’t about a hairstyle.

It’s about how you can put a twist on fashion trends.

The striped top and navy pants combo is a staple in French fashion. It’s the quintessential uniform of the chic Parisian woman.

But you can “lift” the look with the right pieces, like so:

The top is the classic striped top that French women love. But instead of a bateau neckline and 3/4 sleeves, this has a crew neck with a drop shoulder silhouette. This cool shirt is from Monki.

For the pants, instead of the usual relaxed trouser style, this is a cargo pant with multiple pockets, it’s a fab find from Forever 21. (That’s an alliteration with lots of Fs!)

So, if you ask whether something a chic as French fashion can still be made even more fashionable?

Oui agree!

Rita's Return

It saddened me when Rita's Italian Ice closed its doors in 2022. 

Their Greenhills branch was our go-to stopover after our Unilab meetings. Their UP Town Center branch was where we'd have dessert after a long day of malling.

Looks like I'll be able to enjoy this cool treat once again.

Yes, they're back! And they'll have a branch at The Podium, apparently.

Can't wait for the return of Rita's!

It's Electric!

If the kids get all giddy and excited whenever K-Pop acts, that's how Gen X-ers react to something like this:

Gosh! Debbie Gibson looks great!

Part of me wants to live my (Electric) Youth and watch this concert.

FMM: Very Telling

I'm not sure why, but Cat Stevens suddenly popped in my head.

Scratch that. It's because of the cat post made yesterday.

Cat Stevens is one of the most popular folk-pop singers in the 60s and 70s. He has a lot of hits that have become classics, being enjoyed by music lovers until today.

Among his many hits, today's Friday Magic Madness is his iconic 1971 ditty:

"How can I tell you" is one of my fave Cat Steven songs. Despite the fact that it was released even before I was born, I'm familiar with this song, thanks to Dad's cassette tape collection. 

Actually, this song is more popular because of the Lani Hall version. Yup, she also has a version of this song, and it has its own charm and feels.

No matter who sang it, you can tell it's a great song.

Sleep spot

What is it about our office building that makes it a fave sleeping spot of cats?

A week after taking a snap of that comfortable catnapper, here’s another one!

Times like these, you can’t help but want to be a cat.

Color story; Hot (Pink) Summer

Summer calls for bright colours. And they don't get any brighter than hot pink.

And it doesn't get any more summer than this ensemble.

The dress is from The SM Store. It's a linen dress with side cut-outs and a front slit. The overall silhouette screams summer!

The slides are from Zara, and it has the same hot pink hue as the dress. To give it an even more summer-y vibe, there's a floral detail in front.

As an ensemble, the best way to describe it is using Paris Hilton's classic line:

"That's hot!"

 

Especially touching

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen this video. But each and every time, the feels are the same. There’s a feeling of nostalgia and happiness, but it also leaves me a bit teary-eyed.

“Especially for you” was the song that cemented the popularity of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. They were a couple when they sang this hit. But they eventually split up and led separate lives, both professionally and personally.

Seeing them together like this just shows that there’s no love lost between them. After many decades, they still have the same love and respect for each other. You can see it in their chemistry, their dynamics, and their spoken and body language.

I’ve seen this dozens of times, and that touching feeling just goes on and on.

Goodbye Greenbelt

Unfortunately, this is not an April Fool’s Day joke.

Greenbelt 1 is officially closing it’s doors and will be demolished.

So much of my young adult to adult memories were made here.

Triple V Express, National Book Store, Cinderella, National Sports Grill, plaza Fair and Fairmart - the list goes on and on.

The structure might be gone, but the memories will definitely live on.

Thanks for the memories, Greenbelt 1.