Beauty Kaboom

Odd as it may sound, my forehead is a pretty reliable indicator of stress levels. Literally, the minute anything feels out of whack, trust that a zit will pop up. I know this seems ridiculous, but it's true.

Towards the latter part of December, I found myself with a gigantic pimple right smack on the forehead, a few millimeters short of center. If you read the Happy New Home post, it was in plain sight.

I know all of this sounds quite superficial, but I do have more serious thoughts about beauty that I'm better off not talking about in public. Oh, and I'm no longer stressed out right now, just wanted to share that bit of trivia and at the moment, indulge in some random ramblings on beauty, hair, and skincare, starting with...

1) A New Brightening Product
My former editors know how I feel about whitening products: I don't like them because they essentially go against the grain of loving one's own skin tone, no matter what. But, when new products come up marketed to even-out skin tone and address dark spots—and not exactly bleach your complexion to dangerous proportions—I'm more forgiving. Luminaze, for example, claims its formula is gentle enough to use everyday, thanks to an enzyme derived from mushrooms that targets melanin in the skin. The enzyme supposedly is 'programmed' to do that one thing, so that with anything else it touches, it's pretty much harmless—at least that's what the brand says about their product. What I think sets this apart from other brightening skincare is that it doesn't contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent found in some products (not cool).

2) Haircare Resolution
In my Fashion Decisions post, I'd mentioned wanting to fix my hair more often. I figured, I should start going to the salon for regular blowouts—versus trying to address my tresses using a hairdryer because first, I don't have the patience to brush and dry my hair for almost an hour(!), and second, I just think it's a waste of time (even if I did have the patience…or flair for hair, for that matter) when I could be doing more productive things, or getting more sleep.

3) Beauty, in general
About those serious thoughts, well, let me touch on them for a bit. Lately, I've been thinking more and more about metrics for success, and the personality that comes with it. I realized, I want to be kind, sincere, and...real. If I have to sacrifice the above just to blaze a trail in my chosen field, or if I have to be mean and step on people's toes, I'd be happy to sit it out on the sidelines…and perhaps have more time to fixate on my hair!

Pom-pom Pow!

Shake your pom-pom!
(F.Y.I., the fur is faux.)

(Gotta get-get…)

I usually leave the fashion blogging to my more stylish friends and those who are in the media/event loop such as Kat, Frances, or Christine, whose blogs, Kat Dy Finds (and her shop, Martina-Martina!), Topaz Horizon, and Manila Fashion Observer, respectively, are read by many who are keen on the latest/cutest/super fabulous the fashion mill has to offer. These days, I'm quite the passive spectator when it comes to trends—choosing to finely filter a few key pieces to repeat, reuse, and add to my wardrobe.

Every now and then though, I chance upon things that indulge an old fancy. I know, that given the opportunity to splurge and go on a shopping spree, I could unleash that magazine-editor frenzy for clothing, shoes, and accessories, and totally bring it. (Back then I would randomly buy pairs of shoes during afternoon breaks. Well, our office was inside a mall, so shopping was eeeasy. Also, online clothing stores at the time weren't as available and readily accessible as they are now.)

Apart from the fluffy ball up top, I like
how the knits are created in a different
way with every layer.

During the recent Thanksgiving holiday shopping rush—yes, my husband and I participated in the shenanigan, complete with leaving the apartment at midnight on Thursday to scope stores in Soho!—I picked up two items with an unplanned and unexpected theme: pom-poms! First was a beanie from Urban Outfitters, and then a scarf from H&M. Both were fluffy knits warm enough for when the temperature dips. That said, I have no plans of wearing them both at the same time!

Anyway, if you're planning some holiday clothes shopping, you may want to look at Byron Bay Threads, an online store for women's clothing and more. They're based in Australia and I believe they ship internationally (their checkout page has a drop-down menu listing countries). Here's a link to their their website, and below is a playful video featuring their items:

Missoni Minutes

Of course, shoes.

When I first moved to New York, I made a list of things—quite frankly, frivolous—that I would buy once I've "made it" in the city. Now, I'm far from feeling like I've got it made, so suffice it to say, I've only ticked one or two(?) items off of that list, and I honestly don't remember exactly what else was on it. I did put in a Diane Von Furstenberg dress, and in 2007, I bought the silk romper (colors of which became my wedding motif) with my first copy editor paycheck.

Something from Missoni was also on that list, I just don't recall if I wrote in a dress, sweater, or coat.

Now, I may just get a chance to own something from the classic Italian brand known for stripey, zigzaggy, vibrantly-hued knitwear and kitschy-colorful household items, thanks to Missoni's collaboration with Target—a retailer I love as is. The 400-piece collection is coming out in stores on September 13, and here are some items that have so far caught my eye while browsing the lookbook over at Fashionista.com:

1) The hoodie! The shorts! 2) Such a cute Fall look. 3) I like the Darna factor, and the pants. As for the midriff, maybe 10 lbs. from now ;)

Luggage, always a plus.

If you have office-OCD, like I do :)

Fall/Winter essentials. I'll most likely get these for sure.

Super like!!!

Did the ChaCha!

Ta-da!

I first blogged about the HTC Status, a.k.a. ChaCha, back in early August, in my "Gadgets 'n' Things post (Day 17 of this year's 30-Day Blog Challenge). In the U.S., the marketing folks at AT&T probably thought "Status" would be more apt given that this phone is the first one with a dedicated Facebook button. But, personally, ChaCha would've been alright especially if SEO were a consideration. Anyway, two weeks after my post, I dropped my Nokia C5 in the rain and later discovered that my older, backup phone's (also a trusty Nokia) mic finally gave out after four years. Alas, it seemed like my subconscious prevailed and manifested a need for a new phone.

Hence, I now am a proud owner of an Android device...with a QWERTY keyboard. I never knew that the day would ever come—I'm old school, as you can probably tell.

I've had the phone for almost two weeks now and I'm telling you, the first five days felt like befriending a foreigner who speaks little English. That, or learning German (or even shopping for men's clothing). Both fruitful and fulfilling once you get past the learning curve. It took some time to navigate the features and settings, and if my husband hadn't lovingly Fedexed the package over and if the phone weren't so pretty, I would've probably flung it those first few days.

Most unique Fedex box from the husband :)

So, thoughts:

1) If you don't like Facebook...
...Then the HTC Status is not for you. It's not called the "Facebook Phone" for naught. You get social media integration practically every step of the way, and the phone syncs with anything and everything related to your account. You can turn certain features off, with some maneuvering.

2) If this is your first QWERTY phone...
...It's great! One of the main reasons I was drawn to the ChaCha/Status was its keyboard. From the magazine ad alone and photos, it looked tactile and clackety enough—the way I like my text-inputting gadgets to be. As I've always used a numeric keypad, it took me about five days to be completely comfortable and to type at a pretty decent speed. And, even now, I still fumble a little bit with the function and shift keys.

The only drawback to this otherwise perfect keyboard is it's now more of a challenge to text using one hand (the cute phone is wideset) and to touch-type. It's not entirely impossible, but it'll take practice.

Unboxing the ChaCha.

3) If you've never used an Android phone...
...Then prepare to study. Well, fine, you don't necessarily have to plow through the 183-page user manual (available online, no longer in the box, as I've noticed with gadgets these days). But, if, like me, you've always had a Nokia and used either Windows or a Mac; or have Apple products, Android is quite the new beast to tackle—a good thing, just like learning a new skill.

If you look closer at my desk, my phone came with dried pickled mangoes :)

How to Jojoba

Oil like it.

Given that my latest skincare addiction is Jojoba Oil—pure, organic Simmondsia Chinensis extract—which I've been using as a moisturizer, makeup primer, remover, undereye 'cream,' and leave-on hair conditioner, it's been a little easy to push other products to the beauty backburner. If you're scoping the cosmetic scene though for new face loot, you may want to check out Noevir (a Japanese skincare line that my aunties sell) and Obagi Clear—the latter brand known for products containing vitamin C and Hydroquinone; active ingredients that promise to improve age spots and skin color. When I was a beauty editor, I was a little wary of anything that had Hydroquinone (and mineral oil, for that matter). My guess now is that newer formulations have come a long way, but to be safe, always, always patch test a small area before slathering anything all over your face and neck, especially if your skin is overly sensitive and/or tends to develop rashes quite easily.

Speaking of "slathering," if you grew up in a tropical country like I did, the thought of swathing skin in oil may seem a little weird, since you get the shiny effect regardless of your skincare regimen—or lack thereof—thanks to the heat and humidity. At the most, after showering (which is usually daily for many people back home), one would apply a body oil like Neutrogena or a lightweight lotion.

I first came across the concept of pure essential oils in skincare many years ago when I interviewed a local actress, who, at the time, was using Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang—an oil-based serum formulated for (surprise!) oily and combination skin. Back then I found this odd.

Fast forward to now, I can't get enough of these oils! Perhaps having experienced winters in North America where one's skin gets extremely parched has contributed to this fascination/fixation. I now liken applying Jojoba oil on my face to applying lip balm when lips feel dry. It's the same feeling.

How about you...do you Jojoba?

Fashionscaping/Fashionscoping

Have you visited The Style Glossy yet?

At my part-time online job as managing editor of The Style Glossy microsite for Asia, I work on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics. So far, I've written about beauty and fashion philanthrophy ("Chic for a Cause"), the print-mixing trend ("How to Mix Prints"), what to do when you're sunburned ("Cooling Down: After-sun Special"), and more.

I should probably also write about "Shopping for Seamless Shape Wear" or "Finding the Best Body Shapers," as we could all use a little nip-tucking of the non-surgical kind. I rarely wear supertight clothing, but when I do wear a close-fitting outfit, I'd rather not worry about tummy bulges and back fat. Hence, I shall keep this in mind when the next editorial lineup is due.

What I like about the work that I do for the website is that first and foremost, it's off-site: I can work in the library after office hours, at Whole Foods, or right in the comfort of my home office. And, if I'm extra diligent and prudent, I can get the maximum return on my time spent writing. (That is why I mustn't procrastinate.)

That said, part of my job at The Style Glossy is to find and assign one blogger every month. So, if you happen to be based in Manila, Singapore, or Malaysia and have a great blog and write about the topics I've just mentioned, please do reach out and tell me more about yourself (and your blog!).

Image courtesy of The Style Glossy.

Gadgets 'n' Things

DAY 17

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

So I really like my Nokia C5-00 phone, and I'll probably be one of the last persons to own a handset with a QWERTY keyboard, or an iPhone for that matter. I guess I'm old school that way.

Or, maybe not. While browsing the September issue of Glamour on the train today, I saw an ad for the new HTC Status, "the first device with a Facebook share button":

The two phones look a wee bit similar, don't they? The white, silver, and black design, for one.

Now, I'm not looking to make any big-ticket purchases anytime soon, but the Android-based Status looks promising, given that it features a tactile, clickety keyboard—the one thing I look for in any gadget that has inputting capabilities. (Yes, I did finally buy a wireless keyboard for my iPad.) If I switch from my AT&T prepaid plan to a two-year contract, the HTC phone would cost $50—that's the same price that the iPhone 3G is currently going for. And, if you're curious, it's $200 for the iPhone 4.

Like I said in my "Gadgeteering" post, tech-quisitions aren't exactly my thing, I only buy gadgets as the need arises. Or, in the event that something does fall in the "want" category, I'll most likely buy the best of the moment and hold on to it for years and years until it's obsolete.

Tell me: How do you like your gadgets—vintage, practical, or brand spanking new all the time?

Images courtesy of Nokia Europe and BGR.com.

The 30-Day Blog Challenge, Third Year

DAY 1

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

The 30-day Blog Challenge, Year 3; Big Apple Edition II.

When started the 30-day Blog Challenge here at Ny Minute Now back in 2009, I was actually in Denver, Colorado, temporarily living with my mother and preparing for the wedding. I had my weekly newspaper column to keep me busy, along with other writing and editing assignments, but I needed to commit to something I could do that would produce results as I made my way into the world of "pro" blogging. And, to do the latter, I needed to blog on a more regular basis.

What usually happens when I become preoccupied with other things is that the blogs are the first to get pushed to the backburner. At the time when I did the first 30-day Blog Challenge though, I wasn't working full-time, hence, the need to somewhat structure my day by way of a self-imposed, strict writing schedule. However, in the middle of the second round in 2010, I had started a new job, so that was truly challenging. I had also just moved back to New York at the time, so I named last year's series, the Big Apple Edition.

So, here I am, on my third year of doing the Challenge. (In an ideal world, I would be blogging everyday anyway, anytime of the year. One can dream, right?) I hope you'll have fun reading the posts as much as I hope to enjoy (and discipline!) myself writing them.

PS—You can read the first 30-day Blog Challenge here, and also at 30-dayblogchallenge.com.

University Fashion and Beauty

The 2011 version of what
I would have worn in college.

In retrospect, it perfectly worked out that none of the "cute" boys I liked and pined over back in college found me attractive—maybe because I looked like them and dressed like them.

I fondly refer to my college days as the time when I had fashion amnesia. (I pointed out my penchant for t-shirts and shorts back then in my "Blast from the past" and "Short Shorts" posts.) As a tween, I pretty much was as prissy as the next Selena-Gomez-Justin-Bieber follower if it were 2011 back in the late eighties/early nineties, but for some reason, by the time my college years rolled around, I had no semblance of fashion nor concept of beauty (I do remember purchasing one tube of lipstick in my junior year. I still remember what it was: Revlon Raisin Rage…so maybe I did have the makings of a beauty editor).

It would take a magazine internship, an editor promotion, and a makeover to snap me back to the kikay youngster I once was. One of my early purchases at this new stage was a pair of turquoise BCBG pointy mules from DSW (back when BCBG shoes weren't as readily available online) that I wore to one of the Seventeen anniversary parties. This is why when the whole magazine thing happened, university friends were baffled by my so-called "transformation," whereas my co-Sweet Valley Twins cohorts were probably just as surprised at how I managed to even start looking like a boy.

And, going back to those college guys, all the platonic friendships and unrequited crushes gave me enough time to climb, go to the beach and road trips, and make great friends—both male and female. If I had snagged a boyfriend back then, I would've been too distracted by the serious emotional involvement to create awesome memories of those carefree years.

Suffice it to say, I was finally asked out by good-on-paper boys during those early years as a magazine editor. True, it was fun and exciting, but now that I think about it, it was ironic because I was still the same person from college who wore t-shirts and Birkenstocks to class. Is it because of clothes that I attracted class clowns and geeks instead of frat guys, jocks, and politicians' sons? (On another note, those nerdy types turned out to be great career men and responsible partners later on.)

Fast forward to 2004, when I met the man who would become my husband, it was time for yet another makeover: I'd gained a lot of weight and was in the middle of trying to shed it all off. Simply put, I met my husband when I was fat, and no amount of beauty or fashion could have covered up all of it. That, too, surprisingly worked out. And, that's the subject of another blog post.

Image courtesy of Bluefly.com.

Jumping In

Marriage truly was a leap of faith for me. Like I've said in this post, I come from a family of many separations, with weddings having been few and far between. And, growing up in an enviroment where there had been no shame in this issue, I've been privvy to all sorts of marital upheavals. I won't go into detail—because a blog is still different from open dinner table talk—but let me just say that if anybody gets knocked up among the grandchildren, my Lola would simply laugh and brush this off, because that's peanuts compared to all the drama she'd been through in the past. (By the way, if you're pregnant and perhaps looking for new additions to your wardrobe, check out the UK-based Vertbaudet website for maternity wear.)

My husband and I have just celebrated our first year anniversary, and, the biggest challenge so far has been the distance. But, it helps immensely that we really, really like each other and enjoy each other's company that we somehow are able to live each day as if the other were just there. We send random and frequent text messages such as what we've eaten, where we're headed, having woken up from naps, and so forth. It's the little things that propel the day forward—minute to minute, hour for hour, moment by moment. While I do get lonely from time to time—because nothing still beats being in the same room/car as the person you love and sharing cayenne fries—being together "for better or for worse" has made the journey a lot more bearable...and meaningful.

And, back on the subject of faith, I take comfort in seeking God's help (it's unbelievable what I pick up at Sunday mass; more on that in an upcoming post) and knowing that things ultimately have a way of panning out in the most delightful way. Again, one simply has to have faith.

Happy New Blog

Say hello to the newly made-over NyMinuteNow.com!

It's been almost two years since I last did a revamp over here. And, it's taken a long time to make up my mind about what template would fit the bill—something streamlined, straightforward, and featuring plenty of white space. That, and ideally, bug-free and easy to maintain. Thankfully, the folks at Blogger did a huge update on in-house templates a while back, so it's become enticing for Blogger-bloggers like myself to go back to using said templates. I did add the custom logo above, a result of tinkering with the Adobe Ideas app on the iPad, along with trusty 'ol Gimp on the netbook. The result: a happy new blog to welcome the exciting new year!

All I Want for Christmas

Budget limits and practical reasoning aside (at least for certain items), here's what's on my holiday wishlist:

1) An ergonomic chair
For my back. For my writing. Enough said. I did finally manage to buy a desk from Ikea. I went to the store twice: the first day, to get the legs; the second day, to buy the tabletop. Up until then I didn't realize how easy it was to commute to the store in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The new Canon PowerShot S95.

2) A new camera
I'm not too thrilled to say that my new Nokia phone seems to take better photos than my six-year-old Sony Cybershot, at least for certain shots in low light. And, since blogging is part of my livelihood, it's probably about time to do an upgrade.

3) A TV
I do not own a television set. I can go for months without seeing live broadcast. In fact, the first thing I did when I moved to the Bronx was remove the TV and cable box in my new room. The Food Network is the only channel that I've consistently watched whenever I've had television access. And, I catch up on favorite shows like 30 Rock, White Collar, and Burn Notice via Hulu.com, the NBC and USA Network websites, and others.

Yet, if I want to eventually work in TV, I need to watch TV and have daily access to it.

4) A citrine ring
Just because. Well, ever since I'd dropped my faux citrine cocktail ring two years ago, I've been on the lookout for a replacement. I saw a real, precious one while walking home from the library, and simply got reminded of this bejeweled craving.

Bialetti 3-Cup Moka Express

5) A Bialetti Moka Express...
...That I finally got to buy on Amazon! I initially lusted after a Nespresso machine or any of those pod-ready coffee contraptions, however, upon giving it some thought, I realized I preferred the Moka pot's natural approach to good espresso. Hence, I gifted myself with the shiny silver brewer (it's much, much more affordable, too, than the former!).

6) A manual pasta machine
There is an attachment for the Kitchenaid mixer but I would actually prefer a good ol' pasta maker.

7) A new daytime, full-time job.
For me to actually afford all of the above (not counting the Moka pot).

A new daytime job, where I could work for at least a year. While working as a consultant and freelancer has been FUN—and my writing plate has never ever been empty despite the lack of an office cubicle/corner office—I now desire something more long-term. It reminds me of dating—that stage when both parties decide to commit and go for the long haul.

Born Champagne Metallic flats.

Hence, it's all (cyber) window shopping and wishlists for now.

(Speaking of online shopping, check out Zappos.com for cute Born flats, clogs, and women's Oxfords.)

Images courtesy of Friedchillies.com, Canon.com.au, and Zappos.com.

A Surge of Splurge

When it comes to big-ticket purchases, handbags ever so rarely make the cut for me. I do own a Longchamp canvas tote that my husband (then boyfriend) got for me two years ago on our first official shopping trip...I say 'first' because at the time, we'd been together for four years and have never gone somewhere to "just shop" for items that do not necessarily fall under the "need" category.

Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Mini

This year, the closest I've come to actually forking over a decent amount of cash for a designer bag was when I had briefly considered a Rebecca Minkoff handbag, the Morning After Bag Mini in particular, a.k.a. the M.A.B. Mini back when I was still working at Avon. I first heard of the brand from one of the mark. interns who had actually met the New York-based designer. (Minkoff, by the way, also writes a cute blog, aptly named, Minkette: a streamlined space that also reminds me of Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop).

So, anyway, the special shopping session mentioned above is why my Longchamp tote is dear to me. But, Prada handbags, Marc Jacobs handbags...really, they don't mean much to me. And knockoffs are an obvious no-no. Maybe I would reconsider a Minkoff bag someday. (There's a cute yellow version over at Bluefly.com, and the classic black one at the designer's own shopping website.)


What I did spend money on today were prescription glasses by Vesterby Denmark. I just call them "Scandinavians" because that seemed to be the nickname du jour back at the optical shop. I had actually already stopped wearing my old glasses over the past year or so because last I had my eyes checked, they were fine. But over the last couple of days, I started getting headaches again. Hence, the random splurge.

I'm loving my new "Scandinavian" frames. And, they have a "Brooklyn" feel to them.

He got new frames too!

Circa 2004.

It's Raining…Shoes!

Tuesday and Wednesdays were rainy days here in New York. Out came the rubber boots and umbrellas, and, if you ask me, I love it when it's wet out. But, the guy on the elevator was right in saying that it's only fun when you get to stay home in bed.

Speaking of puddle-friendly notes, two things:

1. I have another job online as managing editor for Studio One Networks, publishers of the TheStyleGlossy.com that now features a spin-off microsite catering to readership in Manila, Singapore, and Malaysia. I'm tasked to write two full-length articles every month (strictly editorial content!), as well as assign two bloggers who ideally can write very well and also have their own blogs (share the link love!). Of course, it was only natural for me to tap into my immediate circle of writer and editor friends. The latest post, "Shopping for Rain Boots" is written by former Cosmo fashion ed, Kat Dy, whom I've also blogged about here. You'll also find my "Rain-ready Wear" article here.

2. If the above piqued your interest in rain-footwear-shopping, check out Jildorshoes.com, where you can buy boots from Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman, as well as pricey leather Thierry Rabotin shoes, if that's your kind of thing. Of course you can't go wrong with a good Hunter Wellington boot, and the Canadian brand, Kamik (mine have stood the test of time for the latter). Personally, I'm still happy with what I have collected over the years and have no plans as yet to go shopping for new ones. But, with shoes, you never really know.

Magalove, Part 2

What makes you happy?

The perfect career for me would be something that would allow me to bake, read, write, edit, and travel for a living—all within the balance of sufficient (or even abundant) food, rest, and exercise.

Fortunately, I've been able to live this kind of life for the past year a half. It was nice to spend some personal time doing the things I love and getting paid for it, in modest amounts and otherwise.

However, I've set new goals in life that now require me to get back into working in New York City as a full-time employee. I am simply hoping that whatever the 40 hours or more of work I'll be doing would still allow for the things I enjoy, or preferably, would still be related to the activities mentioned above.

My turn on the Brooklyn Bridge.

In 2008 began an influx of "Magazines are dying, newspapers are closing, everything's moving online..." which was neither good nor empowering for someone who truly loved paper and print media in general (and for someone who had just moved across the miles to land her next editorial job). A friend recently mentioned that the buzz now is that the industry will be a dinosaur in five years: "The magazines are so thin now and the only one to survive all of this is most likely Vogue." And I don't even read Vogue. (Elle and Vanity Fair, I like.)

Magazines will always be my first love.
(Click on the photo for the first Magalove post.)

But, it's 2010 and magazines are still around. My newspaper column still comes out. Most of the publications I'd contributed to or worked in—with the exception of one or two—are still churning out pages month by month; with its editors working as hard as ever. As for the 'new media' thing, I've logged on a considerable amount of time setting up shop online, so I'm not too worried about that. In fact, I've enjoyed many writing and editing projects this past year, and, ironically, the assignments, except for one luxury hotel brand, that have earned me substantial amounts from working off-site and online were actually funded by parent companies whose main business and revenue stream come from—gasp—magazines!

So, whether or not it's true that the print industry would be extinct in X number of years, I'd very much like to be around when the curtain finally falls. In the meantime, the (glossy) show must go on, and I'm only happy to be part of the working cast.

Courtesy of Harper's BAZAAR and American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME).

In the Loop

My new project, a la Running in Heels!

It's nice to kind of be back at my old job where I'm currently running the internship program until classes start in this part of the world. Three lucky girls were chosen from almost a hundred,[correction, more than 100; 151 actually from when I last counted] and in terms of talent, personality, and work ethic, they are quite a cute bunch. Cute is a word I've chosen for now because we all just started and we're still in the getting-to-know-you stage.

I met the girls for the first time on Monday and while I can't really talk about specifics, one girl gets to fly out to New York City at the end of the program. As the director I am more or less responsible for choosing who that would be, but I have the help of other 'heads of state,' so to speak.

Anyway, after working freelance—as in no office building—I find it both refreshing and amusing to be in the presence of cubicles, and of course, old friends and colleagues! Earlier I realized how being at the office felt like one big living room where so many people who helped shaped my work and personal life were simply footsteps away; it's amazing!

A few cubicles down is my dear friend Frances, who, at six months pregnant has a cute bump and a waddle to her walk [Oh dear Neighbor I actually haven't noticed the waddle; I only took your word for it from your blog :)]. The heels are gone but she still looks fab, as how editors-in-chief look and carry themselves. It's so nice to easily get to catch up with her in the pantry, or pop by her desk to chat...or in the case of this afternoon, check out her beauty product stash. I'm one mascara rich today :)

Directly behind me is Preview Magazine's EIC, Pauline Juan, who always looks effortlessly fashionable. Also close by is editorial director, Myrza Sison, former Marie Claire EIC who recently relaunched the new Femalenetwork.com. And the desk next to me belongs to my good friend, former Seventeen associate editor Tata Mapa, who now helms Martha Stewart Weddings. So cool. It's exactly like how my dad described how one should work: that it shouldn't feel like it.

Out!

Today's 'closet call' brought to you by me and my big mouth!
(By the way, this probably is TV's most famous New York closet!)

I think I may have accidentally outed a person I'd just met earlier at lunch. Talk about embarrassing, and I am so sorry!

In the "fashion world" where I'd like to think I come from (but not really; I'm mostly just on the sidelines), it's quite normal to talk about who's out, who's in the closet, with someone who probably has just come out himself, something strange like that, although that has never happened to me. I did out a friend who happened to not be gay, and he anyway kind of agreed to email me in the event he did come out in the near or distant future—which really goes to show that these kinds of conversations exist in my world.

These day-to-day stories among friends are interspersed with fashion trends, beauty news, or celebrity tidbits. And anything and everything about beauty and lifestyle are shared over sumptuous lunches capped by cups of tea and slices of cake. At least that's how I remember my old life, way before I moved to New York. These days, I'm more likely to be checking what Martha Stewart or Ina Garten have to say about a kitchen project I'm trying out, which probably goes to show why my social and mingling skills are kind of rusty (or amiss) at this point.

Image courtesy of Stylecaster.com.

Yummy in my Tummy

Officially starting my blogging life at Yummy.ph, one sweet treat at a time.

In between deadlines—procrastinating, if you will—I'm mostly in the kitchen, tinkering about and trying out something I've seen on TV or browsed online.

Other than that time I applied as an editorial assistant at Quick & Simple (a New York-based title that folded last year and replaced by Food Network Magazine), it never occured to me to make a career out of the food I love to eat and make. Blogging about food was just that: sharing epicurean adventures along with tidbits—from the bittersweet to the palate-inspiring—about my life.

In hindsight though, food was always in the background no matter what job I had. As an intern at Seventeen, one of my earlier assignments was the Eat section wherein I wrote about making yummy alternatives to dorm food, and how to spice up regular college fare (e.g. drop a few pieces of Tobi Mexican Nuts in your regular Nissin's Yakisoba for extra crunch and protein). One of the first things I had to ask a photographer to shoot was a jar of Nutella.

At work, food to me was always a priority. Ask any supplier I'd regularly worked with and I'm sure they'd tell you that the minute I got to the studio, as the models were being prepped and made up, I was ordering our lunch from Yellow Cab and North Park. Out of probably a hundred shoots, I can only recall one time when the makeup artist and hair stylist actually had to remind me about ordering food, only because I had a fever and was struggling to keep shooting.

So, I am HAPPY and absolutely THRILLED to announce that I'm going to be writing for Yummy.ph! The newly revamped website of Yummy Magazine! With special thanks to Frances Amper Sales for putting me up for the spot. When I got the email, I couldn't believe it; the only other time I've been a voice of 'authority' when it came to food was when I was co-president of the Young Homemakers Club, a.k.a. YHMC, in high school.

Click here if you'd like to read my first post for my blog Baked! over there, and as always, meet you back here for more sweet and savory musings along with all the other flavors that make life—and eating—even more exciting.

Couples Therapy

Ouch. The world never got over what happened between these two in real life.

In the past, I noticed having the uncanny ability to sense that a couple was going to break up.

At a party among college friends, I caught a glimpse of an underlying tension when my friend P's ex, A, casually signaled to her watch that it was time to leave.

At a small get-together at my old apartment, I sensed a particular discontent and yearning for something else with my friend I and her then boyfriend, M.

At a college friend's bridesmaid's fitting, I noticed the same fidgety feeling between a long-time couple I didn't really know very well.

Subtle, yet palpable, is how I would describe each incident.

The first couple would separate for good and move on to marry other people. The second, magically, touchingly, and beautifully reunited, got married, and now have an adorable baby boy. (I eventually apologized to my friend for having voiced out the info above when they were broken up; only to be embarrassed and proven wrong when they got back together and turned out to be right for each other. See, sometimes I really should just shut up.)

As for the third couple, I have no idea if they're still together, like I said, I didn't know them very well.

The point to all of this is that, when it comes to gauging the underlying things in life, a.k.a. my personal gut and instinct, I have a 50/50 accuracy rate, which for some may be disappointing, but to me is a huge relief. I am actually happy to be wrong every now and then, and well, to be wrong half the time.

Because whenever I get neurotic about weddings, proposals (by the way, if you're on the lookout for princess diamonds, round diamonds, or any other loose diamonds, you might want to check out the choices at Samsclub.com), breakups, failed/failing marriages (so common in my family, and not to mention, issues of infidelity), I take comfort in my hit-or-miss ability to judge things for what they are. Sometimes, I'm content to chuck it all to paranoia and move along with a productive sense of positivity.

Image courtesty of Channel4.com

About Shoes

Over the summer I'd written about Daniblack Shoes, and eyed the styles above. Unfortunately, I never got to buy them and I wish I have because they're no longer available.

What they do have on their site now is these Daniblack wedges, wedge boots, pumps, and the rest of the Fall/Winter collection.

I still remember my first pair of wedges; they were from Bass. And they were actually my mother's. I remember the V-shape of the sandal and the bone finish of the heel. Then came the Janilyn straw/espadrille wedges, which I'm sure most of you owned one time or another.

As for Daniblack shoes, one would notice a higher pice point, which the brand attributes to better materials (real leather vs. synthetic). Anyway, if they decide to bring back the sandals above, I'll most probably shell out the $ this time.