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.