LOVE IS NOT LOVELIER THE SECOND TIME AROUND

It's been ages since I've been to Don Hen, the last visit being my bridal shower 6 years ago.

I had thought that the time spent apart from this once famous food chain would actually make the reunion sweet. What actually happended was a purely lackluster meal.

As always, we had their humongous Buffalo Wings
And a 10-inch serving of the DH Supreme Pizza
While still generous, I found the dishes bland and grossly overpriced (think CPK prices sans CPK quality). The Haligi was appalled at the total cost of our meal. I had thought I would be needing an instant life insurance quote as the Haligi seemed close to getting a heart attack. Hehehe! While we don't mind spending for great meals, we just couldn't stomach coughing out P500/head. for just those two dishes and two glasses of soda.

Sigh...never again.

TO LM OR NOT TO LM

I just got my purple Longchamp last month and here I am again, planning to get another one (now going on my 6th!). This time, I have set my sights on this... The signature tote which can also be folded into a small rectangle when not in use, not comes in an equestrian print (I fancy white prints against black!). The shapely tote trimmed with rich, embossed leather is perfect while away on travel or on-the-go, and roomy enough to carry all the chunk and clutter of business plan writers like me.

I promise this will be my last purchase for this year. Now who's with me?

GOTH'S GOT ME

As if my fascination for them bloodsuckers weren't enough, here I am, hooked, yet again on a dark and macabre soap...Eastwick is a remake of the movie based on John Updike's book, about three women who discover they have magical powers and a mysterious man who may be the devil. The central trio consists of Kat (Jaime Ray Newman), an unhappily married mother of five; Roxie (Rebecca Romijn), a single mother labeled a "cradle-robbing slut" for her tryst with a younger man; and Joanna Lindsay Price), an awkward, lovelorn (not to mention down and out) reporter who has failed at every Baltimore job search. The mysterious and unpredictable, yet charming Darryl Van Horne is played by Canadian star, Paul Gross.

Writing is fresh. Acting is great. And the show, pleasantly watchable. Something nice to come home to after a long day at work. Read as: no-brainer eye candy. Hehehe!

I LOVE PINOY LAB

Probably the most prominent fashion symbol these days is the Philippine map. Thanks to Rhett Eala, the 7,100 islands of our country have made appearances on the chests (and arms, and hips and what have you) of many people--Filipinos AND non-Filipinos alike.

If you find the prices of C2 too steep ("default" price starts at P679.75), and find the knock offs in Greenhills and every tiange there is unacceptable, you may want to strike a middleground with Pinoy Lab.

Ben Chan does it again with this newest line of the tried and tested Bench formula. Most of the tees have a pop art-slash-vintage-y feel. Those that caught my fancy were, of course, the I am Ninoy/I am Cory shirts, the graphic tees with a promising voters line (can't wear them though because I ain't registered--BOO!!!), plus some other tees that feature Pinoy expressions and cultural elements (ala Team Manila) that best describe who we are as a people.

On my first Pinoy Lab trip, I of course, did not exit empty-handed. Since the Haligilet needed a black tee for his upcoming Christmas presentation, I bought this in honor of the great man whom our little boy was named after...I love the way the store is styled ala-urban outfitters with beechwood shelves, buckets and floors. Aside from the interesting line of clothing (sorry though, no equestrian apparel here) the outlet also boasts of trinkets and gift packs which could make as great Christmas presents.

I can't wait for my next visit.

COOLER THAN SHAWARMA

I honestly think that yogurt is the new shawarma-slash-coffee shop craze--with yogurt stands sprouting at every nook and cranny of metropolis malls. But of course, yogurt outlets are way cooler than shawarma stands and espresso machines...literally. After all, you can experiment with yogurt blends and toppings, without burning a hole in your pocket nor in your heart.

While I have already declared my loyalty to Golden Spoon's yogurt blends, my recent meet and greet with BTIC's YoSwirls proved to be such a treat. I went all out on the healthy stuff, ordering my faves--kiwi, mango and banana with plain yogurt (you get to choose among choco, vanilla, plain or tart). With the generous toppings the kind lady gave me, coupled with a bigger-than-usual serving of yogurt, my first YoSwirls experience did not disappoint... All these for only P135. Rawrrrr!!!

THE CONSISTENT CONTI'S

In between passive puffs of Black and Mild (we were unfortunately seated at the smoking area), my business partner and I nonetheless enjoyed our recent Conti's lunch date.

I guess no one can blame us as we had their all-time favorites:

French Onion Soup

Baked SalmonRoast Beef

Bananalicious Pie
and last but not the least, the Mango Bravo

Conti's is probably one of the most consistent restaurants in town. Their savory dishes and sweet treats are consistently delectable. Sad to say, service is consistently slow too. Nonetheless, with the affordable prices and courteous
staff, I am willing to overlook poor turnaround time.

Log on to http://contis.ph for more info on your favorite Conti's dishes. With the holidays coming up, you may even want to put some Conti's treats on your Noche Buena spread.

Happy eating!

Conti's Pastry Shop & Restaurant

BF Homes Commercial Center
61 President Ave.
BF Homes Commercial Center
Parañaque
+632.8505852 / +6328073388 / +63922.8473003

Greenbelt 2
Makati
+632.7560327

Greenhills
53 Connecticut St.
Greenhills, San Juan
+632.744-4184 / +632.7444208 / +63922.3306721

Serendra
1C-17 Serendra
Bonifacio Global City,Taguig City
+632.8562352

Trinoma
P1 Level Quezon City
+632.9005013 to 15 / +632.9431665; +63922.8819127

MEET LILY

I have rekindled my love affair with Crocs (those comfy shoes similar to Dansko, for the uninformed). Thanks to the hubby, who never disappoints as far as my foot fetish is concerned.

The Crocs Lily offers detailed design and style. It features a patent leather trim detail with a suede bow, packaged with the tried and tested Dense croslite outsole for increased traction and durability. Great for work AND play. Aylavet!

RE-VAMPED

After being hooked on the Twilight saga and True Blood, I have been "bitten" yet again, by vampire lore. This time, the fangs of the cutie patootie bloodsuckers of Vampire Diaries have sunk deep into me, and how!From the makers of Dawson Creek comes this slick variation of everything Twilight, which contains these tried and tested elements: a gorgeous female lead with issues, a hot and brooding vamp partner and a rival vamp-- his sibling in fact, in the person of Lost's Ian Somerhalder. The story centers around Elena Gilbert, a high school girl torn between two vampire brothers (who obviously do not need life insurance leads, well, because the vamps, technically, have no life, hehehe!). The series is based on young adult horror novels written by the NYT Bestselling author of the Night World series, L. J. Smith.

A story told with a lot of snappy dialogue and quirky pop cult references, this is definitely a good old-fashioned Gothic love story. The downside is, the series takes a break till January 10th. Grrrr!!!

MAGNETIC STRIPS, UNITE!

If, like me, you are addicted to 0% deals, rv financing and all other installment promos, then chances are we will be spending our weekend here...
The Big Holiday Outlet Sale 2009 is from December 4-6, 2009 from 10AM to 9PM at the SMX Convention Center Hall 4 (beside SM Mall of Asia). The event is open to all existing cardholders of BPI Express Credit (Classic, Edge and Mini-Edge MasterCard, Blue MasterCard, Gold MasterCard, Petron-BPI MasterCard, BPI WorldPerks MasterCard, BPI Corporate Cards), BPI Express Payment System, and BPI Express Cash.

Aside from free enrance, cardholders will also enjoy exclusive perks and privileges such as additional 5% discount on selected merchants and a chance to win in the hourly raffle draws.

Caching! Caching!

O TUKSO, LAYUAN MO AKO...

WHO: Shopaholics, unite!

WHAT:

• Bag brands: Chanel, Hermes, Balenciaga, LV, Gucci, Prada, YSLShoe brands: Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Karen Millen, YSL, Repetto, Juicy, Bebe, Steve Madden, Nine West, Tory Burch, D&G, Paul Smith
• Lingerie and Evening Wear: NatoriClothing: Herve Leger ,BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Moschino, Diane von Furstenberg, D&G, Anna Sui, Karen Millen, cK, Max Mara, Robert Rodriguez, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Vera Wang

WHEN:December 4 & 5, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Bellagio Condominium Building, Forbes Town Road corner Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; Contact no: +63922.8898596

Info lifted from Spot.ph

SHOPPING OVERDRIVE

The last month of the year signals the final leg of Yuletide shopping. Ever the procrastinator, I haven't even started mine! Anyway, I am planning to drop by some of these bazaars listed at my favorite free directory of shopping havens.

American Women’s Bazaar
World Trade Center,
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
December 1

Christmas Bazaar
Glorietta Park Tent
Ayala Center, Makati City
December 11 – 30

Gift Lab: The Great Holiday Bazaar
Rockwell Tent
Powerplant Mall, Makati City
December 5 – 6

Noel Bazaar & Christmas Shop Expo
World Trade Center
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
December 18 – 20

Noel Bazaar: The Special Edition
A. Venue Hall, Antel Lifestyle City
Makati Avenue, Makati City
December 5 – 6

The 9th World Bazaar Festival
World Trade Center
Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
December 4 – 16

Season’s Super Buys!
Glorietta 3 Park Tent, Makati City
December 11 – 20

Zonta Club of Alabang Christmas Carnivale Bazaar
Cuenca Courts
Ayala Alabang Village
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
December 5 – 6