Yes, I know the song said "Stretch." But I just couldn't help it.
So, why "sketch"? It's because of these wonderful items I got online last week.
The past months, I've been sporadically sketching on loose pieces of paper, using pens and markers scattered around the house. But eventually, I decided to buy a proper sketchpad and some Kurecolor-type markers.
Not to say I'll stop sketching on Pret-a-Template. That'll always be there.
But now, I've got another outlet when there's an itch to sketch.
Nope, this isn't about the Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX song.
That song is catchy, though. But this still isn't about a song.
It's about Plains & Prints' latest collection that they're previewing online this week.
Because I'm a fan of digital art and digital prints, this collection thrills me. A lot of the items - dresses and tops, mainly - are adorned with unique prints such as landscapes and botanicals. And, in true Plains & Prints fashion, they're so pretty and well-made.
As much as I'd love to snag some pieces from Fanciful Wanderlust, let me get the 2 dresses I've been eyeing from their earlier "Euphoric Hope" collection.
Make no mistake, though. I'll soon be getting the dresses I fancy.
Since yesterday's post was about Regina King, let me continue that train of thought for today's Friday Magic Madness post.
There are a lot of songs with the word "King," as well as singers with the name "King."
But for today, let's listen to one of my 80s faves, Sade.
"Your Love Is King" is one of her many huge hits. And why did she have so many songs on the top of the pop charts? It's because of her sultry, sensual and scintillating voice just floats into your ears and soothes you to an unimaginable degree.
For today, this is the first landing of a Sade song on my blog. But I have a feeling you'll be hearing her other ones on this space soon.
One of my favourite actresses - Regina King - is the February cover girl of InStyle!
It's only fitting because aside from being funny, irreverent, and an Oscar-award winning actress, she's uber stylish as well.
What can I say, Regina is definitely King!
Because I've been craving for Corn Dogs the past week, voila!
Freshly fried corn dogs! Not just for me and Mom, but Ate's fam as well!
These are doggone good!
Peanut Butter & Co. is one of the brands that I usually buy whenever we visit the U.S.
Yes, Skippy's and Peter Pan are great, and Lily's Peanut Butter is a sentimental fave, but if my taste buds are looking for a peanut butter spread with a twist, this is my go-to brand.
Aside from the usual creamy and crunchy variants, they have flavours like Maple, Honey, and - my go-to - Dark Chocolate!
Though I'm not sure why exactly, but the taste of Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter takes me back to my childhood. Back in Gandia. Eating breakfast which consists of freshly baked tasty bread and Lady's Choice Chocolate Spread. This product gives me the same feels.
And today, I was able to find Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolatey Dreams in one of my grocery haunts!
Now, I'm in good Co.
Word searches.
Enjoyed them as a kid. Enjoyed them until now.
For a time in 2019, Word Search games became part of my daily grind, per Doctor's advice. That's why I'd spend an hour or 2 everyday on a Word Search app, trying to look for as many words in record time.
Last week, saw this old school version online, and decided to spend a few minutes playing.
It's no secret that - thanks to Lazada - my interest in Kashieca was renewed.
The past few weeks, package upon package from Lazada would arrive at home. The items inside - Kashieca, of course.
After giving the pieces to Ate Bullet, she liked them a lot that she ended up wearing 2 outfits for 2 consecutive days.
First was the jumpsuit that I wrote about here:
Second, a wide-legged pant and cotton-tailored shirt, both from the Lucy Torres x Kashieca collaboration as well:
Looking at Ate rocking these outfits, my reaction is that it's too chic and two chic!
Although their band name might sound cheesy, their music definitely is.
I'm talking about Klymaxx. Yes, with a "K" and a double "x".
Then again, they were born in the 80s, so this name was probably du juor that time.
But name aside, their music was awesome! They had a lot of hits, and a lot of them are my faves. Then and now.
One of these hits from 1986 is my Friday Magic Madness song for today. A song I can't say "No" to.
Yup, listening to this song 35 years after, I'd still say yes to it.
One good thing about Zalora is that I'm beginning to discover some popular brands abroad that are unknown or under-the-radar here in Manila.
Last year was a year of discovering Tussah, Chancery, Willa, among others.
And today is the day of discovering MissGuided!
They've got very feminine dresses with contemporary details which are great for going out and making a statement. Best part of the discovery is that they're on sale, with additional discounts on top of the already big discounts!
It's a deal that's too good to miss, if you ask me.
After months of spending time together virtually, this finally happened!
Whilst I've eaten at Popeye's several times already (both dine-in and delivery), this has to be the best meal there.
How could I have missed this?
Anna Sui launched a capsule collection with Uniqlo!
I'm a big fan of her folksy, bohemian aesthetics and bought a few pieces from her signature line when I was still living in HKG.
Then, when she had this collaboration with Macy's, we tried getting a few of her pieces through Biboy, to no avail.
And now that her collection with Uniqlo has been around for months already, it's unimaginable that she's so near me, yet there are no pieces of this collection in my sisters closets yet! (Apparently, this collab dropped March last year!)
The items are so her and so covetable. Especially this nice, very Anna Sui dress!
Well, hopefully, it isn't too late to snag a few pieces from this collection.
To Uniqlo! Stat!
Last time I checked, "shoulder" is spelled with an "h."
That's right, right?
Makes me wonder if this is post for Bench in Lazada is just a case of silent "h."
Proofreader, please.
The collaborations have begun!
Starting it off is H&M, and their upcoming collaboration with Simone Rocha!
Known for her dainty, feminine aesthetic - as well as being the daughter of British Designer, John Rocha - her work is popular among young fashionphiles. John Rocha, on the other hand, is known for injecting a folksy-vibe into his clothing, especially his line for Debenhams.
I'm excited to see what she'll come up with for this H&M collaboration. And I'm also excited to know if I'll be able to see it in stores and in person.
It’s been a few months, and my go-to Fat & Thin Jumbo Haw Flakes are still out-of-stock at most SM Stores.
Good thing I can still get the Tai Hing Jumbo variety online.
But the question remains:
How come it’s still out-of-stock?
Please have it on your shelves soon. Please.
As mentioned in one of our D' Frendz conversations, three of the things that I've appreciated in 2020 are the 3 Fs - Faith, Family and Friends.
So, it's going to be a triple treat this Friday Magic Madness. A triple treat in honour of the triple Fs.
Family:
Faith:
Friends:
And just as I always look forward to Friday Magic Madness, I'm looking forward to more of these 3 in the coming year!
The last time I saw Whatchamacallit was in 2019 when we spent Christmas and New Year in the US. This super-yummers chocolate is commonplace in the US, and it's available in every supermarket and gasoline station convenience store. Which is why it was easy to buy and stock-up on it back then.
It's not that easy to find in MNL, though. Last year, was trying to look for this in SM, S&R and Landers, to no avail
But today, was able to find it at my Chocolate and snack haunt in Cubao. Best part, they deliver!
So, it's true! Jolibee's Ube Macapuno Pie is delish!!!
Still missing their Choco-Mallow Pie, though. That's their best, bar none!
When I discovered the Bench Better Goods line, particularly the Hand and Body Wash and Hand Cream, it was love at first sniff. All their 3 variants, but particularly the "Blue Me Away" scent, was excellent!
The smell is so fresh and clean, and it's the type of scent that my nose gravitates towards.
For a time, this line from Bench was out-of-stock, particularly in early 2020. I'd scour different branches in search for it. The most often answer I'd get: "Out of Stock po."
So, when it was back on the shelves, we all know what happened after that.
Yup, Better Goods is back in my bathroom. And it's much better because of that!
When Lucy Torres-Gomez collaborated with Kashieca for a collection in 2019, one of the items that immediately caught my eye was a jumpsuit.
It had a utilitarian design and was made of linen which gave it a nice structure. The "surprise" of the garment was in the form of two high slits on both sides of the jumpsuit leg. It gave it that touch of femininity.
Despite all that was going for it, whenever I'd go to Kashieca to check out the collection, it wasn't an item that drew me in. Eventually, I bought a couple of skirts and blouses from the collection. There was a dress that was under consideration, too. But eventually, that never made it to my purchased item list as well.
Then, in one of my Kashieca runs on Lazada, that jumpsuit popped out as one of the items for consideration. Since it was on sale, my thought was: "what the heck, let's add to cart and get it!"
When it was finally delivered, my reaction was "Whoa! This is a VERY NICE jumpsuit!!!"
If you’re from the Scout area, or grew up in the neighbor, you’d know this gem of a place in Scout Fuentebella that sells yummy cakes, pastries, cookies, nachos and dips.
It’s a hole-in-The-wall called Pasteleria Mallorca.
We’ve known this place since time immemorial, and we’re fans of their products, particularly the Argellanas, Nachos, cheese sauce and salsa.
Another must-chow from there is their Palillos de Milan. A light, buttery biscuit that’s so addicting, I can finish a jar in one sitting.
Recently, we discovered that they’re online! That was our cue to stock up jars and jars of their goodies.
Yup, you can find everything online now. And my tummy is happy because of that!
Five years ago, in 2016, my parents celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
During my Dad's speech to my Mom, he suddenly and unexpectedly broke into song. The song eventually transformed to a dance. And that dance left both smiles and happy tears - from family members, guests, and our host.
That song has know become a "theme song" of sorts for my parents. That song, of course, is Elvis Presley's 60s classic -"Can't Help Falling In Love."
I chose this song as today's Friday Magic Madness song for 2 reasons. One, because it's a Friday! (Duh!) and Two, because today, my parents are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.
Happy 55th Anniversary, Folks!
And as the cake that Raymond and Ate Bullet made for them said: "From 55 to Forever!"
While I may be far from being a Plantito or having a green thumb, the w plants given to me last year are growing!
Thanks Ia and Mona for helping add some greenery and freshness to our home.
Mark and I have been talking about going back to Tokyo. A lot.
We've been discussing where to stay, where to go, where to eat. Which haunts we'll go back to. Who are the friends we'll visit. And so on, and so forth.
Given our situation, though, it's hard to tell if that will happen this year. Or next year.
But while waiting for that day when we can finally hop on a plane and visit Mark's 2nd home, I've been looking for new places to visit. One can dream, right?
Today, I found another place that we can visit! A place that serves this yummers Japanese classic!
If an onigiri met a musubi met a sushi met a sandwich, it would definitely be this! And it's found at a place near Harajuku (another one of our fave places)!
Wait for us, Spam Onigiri at Pork Tamago Onigiri Cafe! We'll see you soon!
This has to be one of the best online purchases I made from Kashieca on Lazada.
With its combination of 2 types of plain fabrics, this skirt has that punk-edge feel to it. Somehow, it reminds me of Vivienne Westwood plus a bit of J.W. Anderson. From its asymmetric style to the buckle on the side, it has so much character and it would be a great focal point when worn. The more I look at it, the more it looks like a deconstructed kilt.
Because it already has so much character, the top should be more muted and classic, but still with a touch of fashion. This blouse from the Lucy Torres x Kashieca collaboration is just what the outfit needs. It's classic white with a high, boatneck. But the sleeves are interesting because of the gathered garter detail.
One of my gifts this Christmas is a native bayong filled with some of my all-time faves which are worth sharing to friends.
The bayong includes the following:
1. Tablea Chocolate made in Albay. This is a childhood favourite, and when we were kids, we'd make this in Lolo Doring and Lola Pining's house in Malinao. We'd gather at the long table in the dining area to make these chocolate balls, and the room would be filled with the sweet scent of Cacao.
(And of course, a classic Wooden Batirol had to be part of the pack!)
2. Meiji Plain Crackers. As one of Japan's best-loved brands, Meiji has a lot of delicious products. Their plain crackers has the right amount of crisp and crunch, and is a great tabula rasa for any type of spread.
3. Bonne Maman jams and jellies. I've written about this brand a few weeks ago. And it deserves a special place in this bayong.
It's always great to share discoveries to friends, especially during Christmas. And I'm glad to be able to share these since they're not just plain discoveries, these are definitely among my best so far.
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord.
Or as most people call it, The Feast of The Three Kings!
This day reminds me so much of one of the songs that the LSQC High School Choir used to sing, usually during Christmas events.
It's been a while since I've last heard this song, and today is the perfect day to recall it.
Happy Three Kings!
It's the first day of the year. And after the year that was 2020, people are all hoping and praying for a better, brighter and kinder 2021.
That includes me, of course.
As an optimist, I'm looking forward to a better year ahead.
After all, "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life."
Sing it, Nina Simone!
On the first Friday Magic Madness of 2021, let's all start the year...
Feeling Good!
Happy New Year!
