Happy (College) Throwback!

and Happy Grad Season, UP!

Marx Was Wrong. CAKE Is the Opium.

Yesterday I was treated to a fun birthday surprise by friends I love. :) From the crazy conversation, that spawned the even crazier "Birthday Cake Theory" (seriously), it was a lunch date I had thoroughly enjoyed after a morning of shopping :) I'm grateful for being blessed with such great people every year. :)

--AAAND! I get a free treat to my favorite thing in the world --cake!

Nordstrom Cafe never disappoints with their lovely ensemble of gut-happy goodness. We had Salmon Salad, Pepperoni Pizza, Spicy Shrimp Angel Hair Marinara and Roasted Chicken

'The Cake Theory' (as improvised by by nutty friends--see fig. 1) :

f1. each a slice = 1 boy--1 happa, 1 haole, and 1 Pinoy." 

...and I wished on them all. HAHA

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 

Surprise!

Never thought I'd see my boss DANCE on top of a table to surprise me. The shock on my face took the cake. (pun intended) Ha! 

Weekend Favorites

                                                                 

Vintage Vogue c. 1933 | Thailand night lanterns | Sundance 2012’s Hello I Must Be Going | Anthropologie’s Experience | Rowell’s Eleanor & Park | HBO’s Girls (current crazy obsession)

Nothing Like These Head-Bopping Sunday Afternoons

We met by a trick of fate
We met by the moon on a silvery lake
You came my way

I was waiting to be struck by lightning
Waiting for somebody exciting
Like you

Oh, the thing that you do
You make me go, ooooo
With the things that you do (you do, you do)

Missing Newport Beach

    There's something to be said about  the beauty of Newport Beach in the Summer, and in my opinion half of it has nothing to do with its waters. When I revisited this lovely side of SoCal last with RJ and Lovelee, I realized how much of a fan I always was of the peaceful, bright and relaxing facade of the shore, not to mention the vast spread of fine bright sand that this residential beauty also boasts of. And although baking in the sun and engaging in conversation over beers almost always takes over the "verb" of our beach visits, we just pretty much kicked back in the sand and did nothing--cause the beach does have that effect on you. We kinda felt like we were, in contrast, living inside a huge pretty painting that never washes away through time. Newport Beach has that unique claim to fame that otherwise some beaches don't normally  have--character. I like how this beach owns that, blurring the lines between rustic and modern, and how it has a certain look and feel to it that generates so much likability and appeal. Would love to go back in April. 

Commercial Photography

     Shooting for commercial photographer Gabe De Liso was no easy feat for me. I have never modeled 'catalog' before, and therefore am a virgin when it comes to Commercial photography. I could ever so rarely hold a serious pose--and if I do, it either looks like I'm having a bad day--or, I'm having a bad day. Haha! But Gabe's talent and professional ease makes him such a joy to work with. He gives you the right amount of time to get comfortable and never pressures you to hold a difficult pose for the camera. In fact, even if you don't give him the right angles, he acts on his own behalf and adjusts to your position with his vast knowledge of angular, spatial and lighting techniques. 

        Gabe does weddings, corporate events, cultural festivities, and videography as well. His impeccable work of art is a testament of the true talent that he has definitely mastered beyond his years. You may contact him for bookings.

Gabe de Liso
Commercial Photographer

(808) 681-5588
www.contemporaryphoto.com

Jovit and Yeng Hawaii Concert

  

Last October, Yeng Constantino and Jovit Baldivino made a lot of our Hawaii kapamilyas happy with an inter-island concert tour aka Back-to-Back Concert hosted by Berce Enetrprises. Don't forget to catch it on Adobo Nation, airing Sundays, only on TFC. :)

Jetleving in Hawaii Kai (Maunalua Bay)

  My first-ever Jet Lev experience has left me SO stoked! It was probably one of the more challenging playthings I have ever had to work with, but I got to appreciate the beauty of this incredible contraption the more I got to use it. The feeling of being able to actually fly and be propelled by seawater is AMAZING, and I am definitely coming back for more (with my generous discount, (lol) thanks to our very nice friends from SeabreezeWatersports, Owner Courtney Krantz and her son, Jet Lev Instructor Jordan Krantz.)

   Jordan was a really BIG help to me, from safety and take-off, to making sure I was stable, down to every minute detail (yes, even the drying off! Diba, serbisyong totoo! Kahit tuwalya ni kuya ibibigay pa sayo! Haha) and my main instructor, John also made sure I had a lot of fun! (I always got giddy and excited everytime he asked me, "wanna go higher?!") The wonderful aloha of their staff is priceless--they welcome you sincerely like you're part of their family--in fact, we left the place richer in friends than when we came. Docking out in their huge holding boat at sea (we called it the 'party boat') while waiting for our turn was in fact just like hanging out with your closest friends at a floating BBQ party. Haha! (and with all the works too!) It was such a relaxing daycation for me. Too relaxed, in fact, that I can't wait to go back! 

  All in all, the experience was worth my heart's every thump-a-thump-thump, and also worth every minute of steering this badass monster at sea. As much as I would love to elaborate on it, I will leave your own experience to tell your own unique story. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT.

Another one of their very friendly staff, senior Jet Lev instructor John shares more about this recreational "plaything" in this video:  

So, if you're a curious amateur, a water sports enthusiast, or a professional pilot/flier (like our newfound friend from Ukraine who tried the Jet Pack with us)--it doesn't really matter! YOU CAN STILL WALK (AND FLY) ON WATER!

Don't let the fun wait. 

SeaBreeze Watersports Hawaii

(H20 Sports Hawaii)

377 Keahole Street

Hawaii Kai

Honolulu, HI

96825

(808) 396-0100

Inspiration.

You really don't need to have a specific reason to have an insurmountable amount of it.

Seriously Cute

Thank you, for four exhilarating years of passion and love and peace and war and the growth that ran its course.

Time it was, and what a time it was, it was 
A time of innocence, a time of confidences 
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph 
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you
[ Lyrics from: 

Thank You, Anais Nin. For Always Speaking for My Heart.

My First Time Crushing on Motionography

see more of the talented works of Julia Pott on www.juliapott.com

Boots and Bootayyy

          If I ever did have ONE icon for excessive admiration of beauty, style, fashion and character, that would be no less than this pretty VS angel, who just happens to be featured sans clothing and in the sexiest, classiest naked boot shoot I've ever seen, as featured in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar. I love, love, (love!) Miranda's clean, effortless, honest-to-goodness character that she reflects on equal parts through the positivity in her craft, her business, and even her literature, Treasure Yourself, which speaks of nothing but goodness and enlightenment. This youthful, versatile, natural beauty always sends me into a childlike sense of wonder and admiration--as in, "I-wanna-be-like-her-when-I-grow-up" kind of thing.

Check out her scene-stealing photos that'll smoke you out of your room as we speak!

Happy Drooling!

There's Gotta Be Something You Never Get Tired of Watching.

--And this is mine. Yesterday me and my baby sis curled up with this and our own fanatic comments between gasps and cups of coffee. 

Always the tear-jerker. You know. The kind that cuts your heart open only to be stuffed with cotton for comfort before being sewn closed. And you never get over it  even after the credits roll. 

Apt Wall and Decor Pegs

Dear Future Apartment, in case I forget, this is how I want your look and feel to be--I know, I know, you don't have to go cuckoo or schizo with the abundance of accents and the lofty ambition, but you get the picture. :)  

Wall Art pieces that cutify bleak spaces!

A sure lightbulb moment for Recycling enthusiasts.

Amazing what apothecary and mason jars can do.

This living room has that perfect light-attracting shade I'd love to come home to. :)

A simple uncomplicated bathroom for simple, uncomplicated baths at the end of the day. :)

seashells + jewelry to go with it ;-)

these pieces are an instant mood brightener!

A bedroom that's just teal-iffic

(complimentary pieces I matched for both flora and lighting accents)

and, finally, at the end of the day, I want a corner like this where I can share with you my love  for literature :)

Thanks for remembering! 

(image sources: interior inspiration, whitandwhistle.com, apartmentsilike.wordpress.com, meagan howell, and lauren conrad)

For more of these images, you may follow me on Pinterest

Flashback Friday: Playing Favorites

Time flies so fast after humpday! It was just Wednesday when I was contemplating what I was going to do for the weekend, and already, it's Friday?! Steak sauce! 

Normally, because I work long days and lengthier work weeks, going through humpday always feels like half a victory for me--in a good, resounding "we're almost there!" kind of way. It's almost like half an achievement--(aka half an entitlement to HALF-PAT yourself on the back!! Haha). This "half-achievement" means that the daily combative relationship you have with your alarm clock might soon be over. This is me. I have a love-hate relationship with the snooze button and I claim entitlement to better sleeping hours. (Well, in a perfect world.) 

Getting past the midweek means you can dreamily start your countdown to Friday and that's ALWAYS something to look forward to. And now it's finally here! "Full Achievement" up in lights! You have conquered the work week! Most people celebrate this "completion" with more than just a complete pat on the back (Ha-ha :D), and claim more entitlements than just a decent amount of snooze--To some, Fridays are SUPPOSED be celebrated with partying it up full-monty style, welcoming the weekend and considering the whole shebang as a reward for hardwork or diligence in school. But, while we appreciate the anticipation of things to come and the fun plans we have, It's equally noteworthy to look back (within the week or otherwise) to the good things we've been blessed with so far. I always say my first step to feeling happy is gratefully acknowledging life's little incentives. Looking back, here are some of mine. :)

ONE | Favorite Edible Art

Tiramisu Cup by the Honolulu Coffee Company, my all-time FAVORITE Kona Cafe. While you're at it, check out their to-die-for chef-made desserts and Macadamia Nut Latte!

TWO | Favorite Aerial Spectacle

Maui's summertime sunrise: I took several snapshots of this beautiful 'Good Morning!' greeting from God during a recent trip to Maui.

THREE | Favorite Panoramic View

The Honolulu Metropolis: This was the first-time I got to test my underwater (yes) camera for a panoramic sweep of the metro and it wasn't so bad for the price I got it for. So three cheers to that! :) Which brings me to...

FOUR | Favorite Pau Hana (Happy Hour) Drink and Drinking Spot

Razzmatazz (Raspberry Martini)

La Mariana's Sailing Club Tiki Bar and Restaurant

FIVE | Favorite Indoor Lights

I love how Tiki bars have that cozy look and balmy feel of island summer evenings. Pufferfish lanterns? Talk about an instant ambience booster.

SIX | Favorite Read

The Happiness Makeover by MJ Ryan:

Let me put it in the words of Lauren Conrad: "There’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon enthralled in a fabulous book." --and what would be more fabulous than the subject of happiness? PLUS, lately I've been working on reigniting my love for literature (yes, love is that fuzzy, excited feeling of burying your face in the smell and texture of a new book, and devouring its delicious story to bits). This past weekend I've been finding myself in a Barnes and Noble squatting spree (yes, I've been spending so much idle time squatting in their aisles and comfy corners engrossed in their books, that it might as well have been my living room.)

Work takes A LOT of my time and so therefore I really haven't had the chance to catch up with my daily dose of literature in a while. So now I'm on my little Reading Project where I decided to devote more time each month to curl up with an amazing read for pure, dorky pleasure :)

SEVEN | Favorite Shameless Splurge: Yes, shameless because being the major scrimper that I am, I was not proud of purchasing these two items on the same day, (but, i was trying to give myself two half-pats on the back for working hard all week. Haha) Anyway, I promised myself to NEVER shop half-mindedly or on an impulse again. (Yeah, right.)

Michael Kors Jet Set Logo Tote 

Steve Madden Dome Satchel (Croc Embossed)

EIGHT | Favorite 'do

Grecian braids (Oh so divine!--Literally. Coincidentally, the 2012 Miss Oahu Filipina is happening tomorrow evening and I am covering it for my segment on TFC.  I also got a table invite from the reigning Queen who's also a good friend of mine and she was sweet enough to include me in her relinquishment speech, so I really need to go for support and give her a lei onstage as tradition has it! That said, I might just take the extra mile in primping, which means I just might be donning this 'do to see how it works with my evening look.)

NINE | Favorite DIY Detox

This is my favourite DIY salad which I put together (thereby explaining why it has no name) when I was feeling under the weather, and in need of a little detox. (Truth is, I hate doctor visits (aka 2 hours of your life in a cold isolated room, waiting to be finally sent home) so sometimes I try to make myself feel better instead and stay home! (Kitchen trumps ER!) For the dressing I used my all-time FAVORITE dressing, next to honey mustard: the Oriental Ume Plum Dressing. Another choice would be Papaya Seed Dressing, or just plain vinaigrette, which depends really on how you want it. I normally steer clear of these because they lean more towards the tarty side rather than having a more balanced combination of flavors that actually compliment the taste of both fruit and vegetable. But that's just me. Feel free to create your own DIY too! (Tip: Honey Mustard dressing compliments the taste, juices and texture of grapes in salads)    

TEN | Favorite Cheat Treats

 

I know. I know what you're thinking, BUT! It won't really hurt to cheat a little bit after a long week of religious dieting. Sheesh capisce! We should all be well and happy! No one deserves an extremely rigorous workout and a strict diet and no time to indulge! That's just bad news! Try these DEE-LIIISH cheesecakes to make sure your one-time-pleasure-seeking palate is satisfied! For more, check out  The Cheesecake Factory's wide variety of delights. :)

ELEVEN | Favorite Quick Fix (for the occasional growling beast in your belly )

Milton's Multi-Grain Gourmet Crackers and Belgioioso's Mascarpone Cheese: Don't you just hate breakfast cravings when you have absolutely NO time to satisfy them? I came up with this combo once when I was pressed for time and couldn't sit down to eat a decent meal. It's like a quick-fix for those occasional, mild hunger pains. I love snacking. All day, everyday, even at the last minute before I go to bed (It's a shame, but that's ok if you're shameless!--that's me HAHA) Anyway, I know for a fact that portion-controlled snacking is beneficial for your digestion (see?!) as it also exercises your metabolism. I snack throughout the day particularly in the late mornings and early afternoons and this is pretty much my convenient snacking combination. I like that snacking also prevents me from bingeing in the evening, before dinner. I like adding light cheese to a snack occasionally  as the calcium in it also helps reduce body fat. There's a lot of ways to enjoy Mascarpone. It IS one of my favorite cheeses precisely because it's so versatile. Yung cheese na hindi namimili ng lasa. Haha! Parang "salingket", yung kalaro na hindi namimili ng kalaro! :) You could pair it up with a salty, sweet or even a spicy kind of snack and it never disappoints. 

TWELVE | Favorite New Word

Notice this A LOT? I do! Although I've never done this in my entire Facebook history and I know that doesn't necessarily make me a "chaste" or a non-erotic person (haha!) but rather, because of this, I am NOT able to explain it with any approval or gusto. Sorry! Why this is, has always been a matter of interest to me though.  

(source: www.urbandictionary.com)

So enjoy your favorites, reward yourself and savor your Friday cause you earned it! And remember: Your alarm clock is your friend! It makes sure you have enough hours in your paycheck! Haha!