About the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I have to admit, I thought I'd breeze through this year's 30-Day Blog Challenge (Big Apple Edition). True, the days whizzed by, however, I found it a bit more challenging this time around writing a blog post everyday on top of having a new full-time job (no more working in pajamas) while doing other writing and editing occupations (that still let me work in my pajamas). I know I've unwittingly managed to keep my work plate full because 1) It quells the paranoia of being—gasp!—jobless, and 2) It helps me deal with the long distance away from my husband. Having a lot of work to do makes me not fixate too much on missing him. And, I do miss him a lot nevertheless, especially whenever my back and feet hurt and when I just can't seem to sleep right. Put him next to me and off I go sleeping like a baby.

So, what now?

While I really, really find the daily blogging schedule ideal, I do want to live a more enriched life offline. I've recently just started doing yoga again, so I would very much like to have some time to let my body recuperate from all the twisting and turning. In Mireille Guiliano’s book, Women, Work & The Art of Savoir Faire, she ponders the “inevitable shift in social grace to the acceptance of present-tense community sharing.” She talks about a young American couple she and her husband sat next to in a small Parisian bistro: "They were whispering to one another and clearly delighted with the food and experience. Just after they finished their meals, on some silent command they both whipped out their smartphones and for a good five minutes sat in the middle of the restaurant with screens twelve inches from their eyes, reading, texting, and emailing away with intense concentration and frozen faces from faraway places." She further writes, "It points to an inability to live in and savor the moment unless it is externally recorded… abstracting and distancing it.”

That said, I still do want to keep blogging on a regular basis somehow, some way. It's true that writing is a muscle—and it's the same thing with chefs, athletes, pole dancers… To paraphrase Chelsea Handler from an episode of her show I'd seen a while back, "If you pole-dance often enough, you get better and better at it.” Same goes with writing.

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.

Manners...again

Guys, I apologize for egging on about this whole manners thing. My etiquette and Botox articles were/are taking a while to complete, hence, the fixation in decorum (and frowning).

While doing research, I came across this quote:

"Being married does not give you freedom to ignore your manners."

I got reminded of how, at the airport a few months ago, I noticed a woman snapping at her husband for apparently not finding something in her purse. Immediately I promised myself, "I will never treat my husband that way." The woman, by the way, later on happily leaned against her spouse's arm while waiting for boarding. All the more I was struck by the prospect of treating A. with respect…consistently. For if someone is capable of giving you love and comfort, it's only proper to reciprocate by being mindful of how you treat that person.

Now, the challenge here—and why I'm even writing about this—is that I come from a family whose members are known to be impatient, impulsive, and quick to anger…including myself. There lies the importance of the aforementioned resolution....and again, I make that promise to be my best.

Image courtesy of DailyMail.co.uk.

HAPPINESS IS A DECISION

DAY 30!

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

Jumping Jack.

Today, this question beckoned: "Why are you always in a good mood?"

I got reminded of 30Rock with Jack Donaghy addressing Kenneth Parcell. For the purpose of illustrating this post, I don't mind the association with the perpetually perky studio paige.

So, I thought, why not write down my answers? Here they are:

1. I'm happy because I've been through a lot of pain to get to where I am now.

2. One week in a month, I'm on glass-half-empty mode. So, I have to do my best with the three other weeks wherein I'm not bloated and cranky.

3. Happiness is a decision one makes. I can choose to fixate and stress myself out (I'd mentioned this as well in this post), but whats the point? However, I do stress and fixate…in private.

4. I'm working on an article on Botox. I do not recommend it, have not tried it, and have no plans to. But, if I start frowning now, that might change and I wouldn't want to have to make that decision.

5. Life is good! Come on, there are plenty of reasons to CELEBRATE. For one, I left my country and loved ones for a shot in the Big Apple. TWICE. And, things are indeed better the second time around.

With that, I close the 30-Day Blog Challenge for the year (whew!). It was a little tougher this time around, but invigorating overall. Now I just want to shut myself out of the blogging world for a while…I'm kidding! (More on those thoughts, tomorrow.)

So, cheers everyone and thanks for reading!

Image courtesy of DenverPost.com.

Archi-type

DAY 29

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

So relaxing. Addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas City, Missouri. Architect: Steven Holl.
Photo by Roland Halbe/courtesy the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

I've been going to the Vanity Fair website a lot lately—from leisurely browsing to finding inspiration for a work-related task. I also recently bought the September (printed!) issue featuring Lady Gaga on the cover. Before I get into some super-cool photos, I'd like to share this snippet from the celebrity profile written by contributing editor Lisa Robinson. I'm not exactly a huge fan of Ga-ga-ooh-la-la, but I particularly liked what was written here:

It was a low point . . . when disaster struck, Gaga “went home.” She tells Robinson, “All I will say is I hit rock bottom, and it was enough to send a person over the edge. My mother knew the truth about that day, and she screamed so loud on the other end of the phone, I’ll never forget it. And she said, ‘I’m coming to get you.’” Gaga says they went to her 82-year-old grandmother’s house in West Virginia. “I cried. I told her I thought my life was over and I have no hope and I’ve worked so hard, and I knew I was good. What would I do now? And she said, ‘I’m gonna let you cry for a few more hours. And then after those few hours are up, you’re gonna stop crying, you’re gonna pick yourself up, you’re gonna go back to New York, and you’re gonna kick some ass.’”

(Source: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/08/lady-gaga-september-issue.html)

That's definitely good to keep in mind whenever sadness strikes.

Now, onto those photos: VF had asked 52 experts to weigh in on the five most important works of architecture created since 1980. The magazine received a total of 132 names of buildings and uploaded photos of the top 21 on the website. And, here are my own faves.

Whereas the above photo evolkes calm, this one reminds me of a tornado!
BWM Welt, Munich. Architect: COOP Himmelblau. Courtesy of BMW.

This looks like a scene out of the movie, "The Island" (starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson). HSBC Building, Hong Kong. Architect: Sir Norman Foster. Photo by Heather Coulson.

Cute use of a primary color! Parc de la Villette, ParisArchitect: Bernard Tschumi. Photo by Simeone Huber.

Images sourced from VanityFair.com, published by Condé Nast Digital. Photographers are credited within captions. For copyright concerns and clarifications, please email me at mariel.chua@gmail.com.

Life Lessons Right This Minute

DAY 28

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

You all know this scene!

I'm in the middle of a deadline, an article about, of all things, beauty etiquette and manners, and thought I'd squeeze in a blog post before the clock strikes midnight—my daily personal blog deadline for the last 28(!) days. I don't intend to do a third "Oops" post.

At the moment, I'm thinking about my friend Frances who had just given birth to her little bundle of joy (and, who had even managed to squeeze in a blog post in the middle of labor!). I've just glanced at the MMS again and my heart feels such joy for her and I simply find motherhood so magical. It's just different when it happens to a loved one, especially someone with whom you've shared the "no-children" sentiment for the longest time, only to eventually have Mother Nature have the last laugh. I know I'd be going down that road someday, no matter how much I repeatedly object.

So, as I think about all that, here are some notes I'd like to put in before I go back to my article.

1. Good manners go a long way.

Since I've already brought up the subject, might as well indulge. I've talked about my Tita Joan so many times in this blog. Again, I'm bringing her up, because if there's someone who's the epitome of good manners and grace, it's her. True, my teens were marked by non-stop prompts to be "sensitive toward others" and to be more aware of my surroundings. But now that I'm older, I realize that the more manners come second to nature to a person, the better s/he can function in society and focus on the more important things. There's a reason why your parents teach you not to talk with your mouth full when you're little; or to not interrupt in conversations: because when you're older, there's really not much time to fixate on these things as you try to live your life. However, I believe one should take some sort of refresher course every now and then (I'd written two posts here in this blog back in November—part 1 and part 2—on etiquette if you're interested). And, when etiquette-related boo-boos happen, one must simply have a sense of humor about it. Again, there are bigger things in life than getting your place settings right.


2. Peace that passes understanding.

I've just skimmed my "Go in peace" post from last year's Inspiration Series. I had a feeling I'd already written about this phrase and true enough, I have. I just got reminded of it yesterday when I finally was able to speak of the pain with the person who had caused all that pain (actually, come to think of it, even moments before that if I remember correctly). I know that over the past two years, I'd reconciled the issue and have weighed in on the benefits of having gone through that time...and emerging a happier person. But, it was nice to finally speak out and get it out there...and officially put an end to that chapter and happily move along.


3. Positive people attract positive EVERYTHING.

I've witnessed this in friends and former colleagues, including Frances. People who, with conviction, know that life is good, and goodness in life is abundant, truly live in goodness and abundance! They attract life's best moments, opportunities, and experiences, and celebrate accordingly. This only reminds me further that happiness is a decision you make. You can choose to fixate on what's wrong in your life and in the world, but time is better spent reveling in the brighter side of things.

Image courtesy of Warner Bros. and http://www.hotflick.net.

IKEA 2011 Catalog

DAY 27

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

SUPERB siesta spot!

I've just received a copy of the newest IKEA catalog in the mail and I'm telling you, nothing—not even the spiffiest, clearest computer screen—can beat the feel of paper and flipping through the printed material. Having it in your hands, going from page to page; going back a couple of pages...

Now, when it comes to furniture and interior design, I'm pretty much democratic in my tastes (at this point, I have to be!). I like how IKEA mixes high and low price points along with modern and playful designs. From gigantic baroque-inspired mirrors framed in solid wood, down to cheap-'n-cheerful lamps, storage bins, and wine glasses. I've pored over most of the book already, and here are a few of my favorites. You may also browse the catalog online, by the way, where I grabbed these screenshots. Enjoy!

I loove an organized wardrobe. (p.172-173)

With drawers like these—oh those fab compartments—I'd be tinkering about in the kitchen all day! (p.124-125)

Blissful bedding. (p.300-301)

Screenshots from http://onlinecatalog.ikea-usa.com.

The Parent Trap

DAY 26
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I got married on my Lola's 86th birthday!

While putting away laundry, I got to thinking about, of all things, parenthood. The song "Better Days" (by Dianne Reeves) played in my head and whenever that happens, I think of my maternal grandmother.

Lola helped raise me as my young parents were setting up shop. I have vivid memories of her in the back of her old apartment, washing clothes the old way, with large basins around her, and I would sit nearby and offer to join and I would be sudsing up a pair of small panties and then I would take off and play. Like I've said in a previous post, my Lola, now 86, had nine children and many, many grandchildren...as most of her children married early, remarried, and had more children (now, can you see why I refused to wed for the longest time? I was terrified!).

And, throughout my childhood, my Lola seemed to be the default caregiver at times when the grandchildren needed extra 'caring.' When I had a hernia operation at seven (my mother almost fainted in the operating room and had to take a tranquilizer or something like that), post-op care was at Lola's. She also took care of one of my aunts' three boys when they were little, fed them, washed their clothes. Frankly—and I don't mean to offend anybody—it was absurd. But, in the bigger scheme of things, those of us who were lucky to have been put in Lola's care, are quite fortunate. I wouldn't change a thing.

Now, my Lola is living alone in an apartment with a caregiver. Fortunately, my other aunt and uncle live only a two or three houses down and now help care for her. But, there are no grandchildren and great-grandchildren running around to greet her in the morning, sit on her lap, regale her with stories, call her for dinner. She has her TV, rosary, and plenty of time to sit and pray for all of us (she is malakas kay God, I kid you not!).

For what it's worth, relatives, all of us, visit her when we can. The 'when we can' is the tricky part—all except a few live miles and miles away from our hometown. Literally scattered all over the world/continent: Manila, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, North America.

Going back to my thoughts on parenthood, it seems tragic that you put in all your love and energy towards something, somebody, who will eventually have to leave you ("Spread your wings and prepare to fly..."). I know everyone who's done the whole parenting thing will attest to how worthwhile it all is. And, I know that despite my objections all these years to having children, I will most likely eat my words down the line.

I just hope when that happens, I'd be as resilient, caring, generous, and unwavering in love and prayers, as my dearest Lola.

UPDATE 08/15: It's ironic that I wrote that post just after my dear, dear friend, Frances, had just given birth! I am sooo happy for her and am amazed at how something so magical can happen in nine months! Congrats Frances and Vince! Sending much love your way (and I know your household is brimming with lots of it anyway).

Sayonara, Sara

DAY 25
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

Merci beaucoup. Love the colors on this card!

I've had the chance to work with Sara, the creative intern at mark., these last few weeks and I'm posting a special shout-out her way because not only did she just hand me this super cute card (from Papyrus), but she also helped me get acclimatized to my new job. Her bubbly and energetic self was such a welcome treat and I'll truly miss her (it's her last day at work today but she'll most probably be popping by every now and then).

Many of you may not know this, but mark.—Avon's younger trend brand—has "a world class internship program," in the words of mark. president Claudia Poccia. And I'm not saying that because I work here; I know this much is true because I've recently just managed an internship program, and what I've seen in only a few weeks has been amazing so far. And, duh, I started out as an intern myself, so it's safe to say and acknowledge that I have a soft spot for anybody who's new in the biz.

What I'm also discovering and liking about the company right now is how positive the environment is, how people are open to doing things in new ways. And, for someone who has worked in different places and in different stretches of time, it's a refreshing reminder of how working in an office again can be fun and exciting.

Proust Post

DAY 24
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I was just reading actress Helen Mirren's Proust questionnaire over at VanityFair.com and thought I'd add a little bit more fun here and answer one myself. I have a feeling I've already done this in some form sometime ago. And, now that I'm writing this last sentence as I've typed up and edited my answers, I noticed that many of them resemble Helen's! (You can even answer the interactive questionnaire on the VF website and your answers are then compared to famous people. I haven't tried it, feel free to leave a comment about it.)

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A weekend nap with my husband on high-thread-count sheets and a fluffy comforter on a heavenly mattress that can support both our aching backs; our 90-pound dog also snoozing on the floor at the edge of the bed where the comforter dangles.

Which living person do you most admire?
My grandmother who's 86. She raised eight children (and lost a ninth); baked native bread to sell during the war in a makeshift oven that she made; took care of many of her children's children as the young parents were setting up shop; sang at the church choir. My Lola is the original SUPERWOMAN.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Deceit in any form no matter how "small."

What is your greatest extravagance?
Food.

What is your favorite journey?
Any "journey" involving hopping on a car (or plane) and then being on a boat headed somewhere sunny and sandy.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Punctuality in the morning. Although I agree that many successful people are early risers (e.g. Martha Stewart). Hence, I've hopped on the early morning bandwagon.

On what occasion do you lie?
On forms that require you to list some form of numerical (or informational) valuation of the financial (or career) kind.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Once a month, I feel ridiculously bloated all over. That's when I seem to 'dislike' everything. All other times, I'm fine and happy with how I look.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Oh my gosh.

What is your greatest regret?
Every time something happens wherein I feel a deep sense of regret and convince myself that I would remember that day or moment forever, I seem to forget what it was weeks or months after! So, right now, no regrets.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband. He's one of a kind. I'm absolutely happy that he never listened to me all those times I wanted to give up because of the whole long distance "challenge."

When and where were you happiest?
You know what, I never thought I would ever say this in my life, but it is what it is: I was happiest at my wedding! There was so much love (and fashion and beach and family…) all around!

What is your current state of mind
Calm after that dreadful (PMS) storm.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd like to be less paranoid and less influenced and affected by the varying temperaments around me.

What is your favorite occupation?
The sum of all that follows: writing, reading, being in the kitchen, sleeping.

What is the quality you most like in a person?
Honesty.

What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.

Who are your favorite writers?
I don't have a single favorite. There are so many brilliant writers out there!

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
British aristocracy—still married to the British aristocratic version of my husband who has the Royal Ascot version of our fat and lovable dog as a pet :)


Illustrations by Risko. Photo courtesy of http://coolstuffaround.net.

5 Things That Make Me Happy

DAY 23
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

Last week, I felt a little spike in stress levels, most likely brought about by womanly concerns of the monthly kind. I found it even more necessary to focus on the positive and fixate on the things that bring happiness—versus those that only encourage more (and at times unnecessary and self-inflicted) stress. That's not to say though that I didn't indulge in a little sob session on Friday night on the phone with my husband.

Walking home from work that day, I pondered on sunny things (people, food, and more) and came up with the following. This list actually goes on longer, but I've kept it down to five for blogging purposes.


1. My husband

If you've been reading this blog, you'd know that I'm not too keen on public declarations of love. I'm just private that way and territorial with moments I share with the man in my life. So, other than wedding pictures and our Pat Dy slideshow, you won't see photos of us hanging out, vacationing (well, a few beach photos here and there, but never posed together), etc.

But, if I may just say one thing, my husband truly is a source of joy for me. He is amazing in the way that he is gentle, kind, and forgiving. I've had to kiss many(?) frogs to know a kind, well-meaning man when I see one. And, even now that we are miles away from each other, he still makes me happy. So, that's number one.

The original Lu Petit Écolier chocolate-covered biscuits. Perfect with tea.

2. Chocolate

I should mark this as "self-explanatory." Chocolate-covered biscuits, brownie and chocolate-chip cookie dough ice cream, dark chocolate, chocolate croissants... I enjoy some form of chocolate at least once a day. I'd recently discovered the Petite Madeleine version of the famous Lu Petit Écolier chocolate biscuits from France now even more widely available in groceries and drugstores (e.g. Duane Reade) in America.


3. Cheese

No matter how broke or financially liquid I am, you will always, always, find a block of cheddar cheese in my fridge (and to add its kissing cousin, dijon mustard—the perfect combo for a grilled cheese sandwich). I'm democratic about my cheese; it can range from a supermarket brand like Kraft Cracker Barrel, to a vintagey supersharp one like Bega from Australia. To get maximum fridge life on a single block, I usually wrap it in wax or parchment paper encased in a small resealable bag.

It doesn't have to be this many or fancy; one good block of sharp cheddar cheese is usually enough.
(Although of course, variety is always welcome.)

4. Barilla Noodles

Or any kind of noodle or pasta. At my neglected blog, AllMySugar.com, this has emerged an obvious fave topic to write about. Noodles definitely top my carbohydrate list. They are just so good, hearty, and chewy. Also, I've read in the past that if you've experienced a troubling situation, eat some spaghetti with meatballs. I've also been told that pasta makes you sleepy. So there you go.


5. Potatoes

As we are in the subject of starches, potatoes rank high up there as well. I was practically bald until two years old. My paternal grandmother and relatives used to say that I ate too many potatoes, thus, my 'potato head.' My father's side of the family made a delicious traditional Filipino beef stew that they called 'guba' (it's actually widely know as nilaga) that had boiled potatoes in it. I would mash these soft potatoes over rice drizzled in the savory broth. Yum.

Image courtesy of Lubiscuitsna.com (Lu Petit Ecolier).

Cupcake Day

DAY 22
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

My husband posted this on Facebook, aww: "Missing Mariel Chua even more.
She can make this for me, but now I have to settle for getting it somewhere else."

Oops, I did it again.

So last night, yet again, I fell asleep in front of the computer while attempting to write a blog post for the day. I was supposed to talk about Cupcake Day—what essentially yesterday was.

Around lunchtime, I had a craving for the red velvet cupcake sold at a nearby deli. I have a feeling that it's the same one sold at Crumbs Bakeshop, which I actually prefer over the famous Magnolia Bakery.

The red velvet cupcake from Crumbs Bakeshop.

Speaking of the latter, we were called to the conference room in the afternoon to celebrate someone's bridal shower. Scattered all over the large table were an assortment of Magnolia Cupcakes! Vanilla, chocolate, chocolate and vanilla frosting.... One word: Sweet!

On the kitchen front, my baking life seems to be more and more stalling in the backburner these days. Ever since I've moved to New York, I haven't made any dessert. Hopefully—while I'm still shopping around for a good and affordable yoga studio and/or gym membership—I can get around churning out sweet things of my own.

Image courtesy of http://www.paklinks.com.

Dealing with Fear

DAY 21
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I've always been afraid of heights. But, for a few years in my late teens, I'd managed to shake off this fear when I got into rockclimbing. Maybe that's another way to deal with something you're scared of: Just keep doing it.
(That's me in the photo, taken in Palawan on a press junket for Shiseido in 2005. Photo from this blog post.)

I wrote a different blog post for tonight but I decided not to publish it, because it's not exactly pleasant. It's about a nagging fear that I'd rather not talk about right now. Anyway, I've read in Basic Black a while back—written by former Hearst Magazines president, now chairman, Cathie Black—that to deal with fear, you have to do one thing that propels you forward and tackles the feeling. I may have also read in the book or an article somewhere, that it's actually good to imagine the worst-case scenario; walk yourself through it, imagine the steps you would take. So in the event that what you fear the most indeed does happen, you've already 'rehearsed' and are emotionally (and consequently, physically) prepared to deal with the situation.

I've actually spent the last few days roughly going through that method in my mind. But sometimes, no matter how hard you "practice," things can still hurt and be bothersome. It's like dating a guy whom you know is about to dump you and you see it coming and yet, when it happens, you still keel over in pain, crying your eyes out (on another note, I'm relieved to be married; I don't want to ever have to feel that kind of pain again).

Almost A Tweet

DAY 20
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I'l be publishing this post tomorrow, typing it up on my phone because I forgot to bring my netbook charger to Staten Island. My in-laws are in town and today felt like home: TFC on TV (um, I don't really watch that much television but having that popular noontime show on was a welcome treat), food, lots of it, family... In a way I'm happy I'd left my charger, it was nice to tune it to the day as it was happening.

Okay, so that's my update for now. Off to bed, missing my husband, but I know that we're all where we're supposed to be at the exact moment where we are. And, right now, I'm in a fantastic sleigh bed that goes up to my waist in a very Princess and the Pea fashion, and I'm simply happy to be here.

Ready for the Weekend

DAY 19
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

I've had quite a challenging week in terms of work and deadlines. But, I'm not complaining because I am simply grateful for EVERYTHING that has come my way. I'm a little bit tired at the moment (I've just turned in the last of this week's work due) to get into the nitty gritty of it. Point is, I am ready for the weekend—with the main reason being that my in-laws are in town(!).

Now, Mom and Dad have been married for the last four decades and counting. They are an inspiration to me and are among the kindest people I know. We had dinner on Tuesday and I'd promised to tag along with them this weekend to New Jersey and Staten Island, where other relatives live.

With that, I'm off to bed knowing that despite the anxiety and stress (oftentimes self-inflicted), I have love around me and it's a pretty awesome feeling, and I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

Good night, folks!

New Blog on the Block

DAY 18
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

Visit Kat Dy Finds.

Kat Dy is the former fashion editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines, who also is now based in New York City, studying even more fashion! What I like about Kat's style is that she mixes high and low with ease, and she always looks effortlessly styled and never contrived (even when she's wearing piles and piles of necklaces on a regular day). She's also practical: meaning, she know when flats make better sense (hello, NYC) and when sky-highs are in order.

She was also very generous enough to let me stay in her apartment for two weeks when I just got in while she went on holiday for her birthday.

Which brings me to...her blog! Kat has just started KatDyFinds.com, a blog about stuff for a girl with "champagne tastes on a beer budget." And, here's how she describes herself: "Well, I'm more like the girl who gets an $8 bottle of sweet white wine that everybody likes. It's not champagne, it's not beer, it's somewhere in between yet just as lovely. Here is where I share all the amazing finds, bargains, deals, tricks and everything else in between that I chance upon."

Her recent post is about these "LOVE" shoes—I've already seen her wearing them and hadn't noticed that the cutouts spell the word out! So amazing! Read more about them here.

"Love" sandals.

Not so little in the Big Apple

DAY 17
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

Yep—I'm baack!

A couple of weeks ago, in the car ride back from the airport, this thought came to mind: "Oh my gosh. What I am doing (alone) here again?" A wave of nervousness washed over me, but I didn't have time to fixate—East Hampton was waiting.

And this time around, it felt different. True, I was still concerned about establishing a career, finding an apartment, and being able to pay rent, but, Lily Pond Lane proved to be the breathtaking and inspiring welcome back to the city was once tough and brutal yet also brimming with opportunities and possibilities….. When I moved to New York the first time around, my first few days were marked with the stress of 1) Finding a decent bed without busting my budget; 2) Finding a job ASAP—that aforementioned 'budget' was definitely NOT going to last until next month's rent is due, and 3) Adjusting to being away from my then boyfriend (now husband) after seeing each other almost everyday prior to moving.

The difference between then and now is that I no longer feel so small in this big city. I have higher expectations around me and of people, which in turn, pushes me to step up and pick up the pace (I have to deliver!).

And, of course, change happened when I decided to PRIORITIZE and TAKE A BREATHER—which I've written about in my Time Out, New York post.

Image courtesy of Vanguardist.org.

Meet mark.

DAY 16
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

mark. Snap To It Mega Custom Color Palette

mark. is the younger trend brand of Avon and I'd recently started working for the company as a copywriter. (THAT's actually what I've been so excited about lately!) The products are soo cute and I just keep getting reminded of being (back in) Seventeen again!

So, it was only natural that I opened my own mark. store (click on that cute icon on the upper lefthand side of this page). It's one way for me to get to know the brand even better AND actually have first-hand experience of being a Rep—both hopefully helping me become a better writer for this fun brand. And, as a general rule, I only endorse products that I actually use or have actually tried. As in the case of when I signed up to do a project with Pond's as a director and spokesperson, I tested the Flawless White 7-day clear-skin-claim on the week leading up to my wedding—with favorable results (whew!).

Let me know what you all think of the store, and of the products. Sorry, mark. currently doesn't ship outside the U.S., but I'm sure there's a Balikbayan box being assembled somewhere—a few cosmetics will be a cinch to squeeze in!

Happy shopping!

Visit my new mark. eBoutique!

Sweet Revenge

DAY 15
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

"Welcome to Sweet Revenge, NYC's only cupcake, wine & beer bar… We pair imported wines and beers with our artisan, internationally-inspired cupcakes and savory cakes. We offer a lighter fare savory menu and weekend brunch." Enough said!

Around 5pm at work today, small cupcakes (not the one pictured, by the way) were passed around and my coworker started talking about Sweet Revenge—a bar in Greenwich village that has a CUPCAKE(!) and WINE Happy Hour.

Now, I'm not big on post-work cocktails (I'd rather go home and recharge via a nap), but for this one I would definitely make an exception!

Now, who's with me?

For more info, visit the Sweet Revenge website here.

Image courtesy of Thevoguecity.com.

Carrie, Can You?

DAY 14
of the 30-Day Blog Challenge

In the TV series and now, movies, Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw makes freelance (and novel) writing look so easy. In her fashionable frocks and Manolo Blahniks, she seems to breeze through her assignments with minimal stress.

Now, I'm no Carrie. While I read, write, and edit for a living, I don't exactly hop, skip about town meeting girlfriends for brunch or go shoe-shopping on a whim. I am more inclined to purchase a $400 camera than a $400 pair of stilettos. And, speaking of sky-high footwear, I can't imagine going up and down the subway stairs and maneuvering Manhattan's city blocks in them. In fact, I've just recently considered buying a pair of FitFlops—those cushioned sandals that are supposedly good for one's feet. My friend says she walked in them for days on a recent trip to DC.

Anyway, my biggest, biggest, most ardous challenge has got to be time management and deadlines. And, I realized [when I’d written this] that I'm too old to be stressing about something that should be easily manageable. Also, stressing about deadlines goes against my new mantra of being in the moment. When I postpone things on my to-do list, that's not being in the moment.

And going back to Carrie, if I'm on top of deadlines and all that, I can actually have more time to hop, skip, and brunch my New York days away. And, who knows, I might even consider stilettos once again.

[Update: I never got to purchase those FitFlops and I’d recently taken to wearing heels again.]

Image courtesy of Thesun.co.uk.