THE BIG WANG THEORY

Here's evolution as theorized by Alexander Wang. From this....

to this...

But why, Wang?

THE NEXT ONE

At the heels of our first family run for the year, we just signed up for another one...Nature Valley, a leading manufacturer of granola bars, will be firing off its first major sporting event on May 30 at the Bonifacio Global City.

I feel really guilty for neglecting my resolution to focus on my health--so bad that I just might read those curvatrim reviews soon. I hope that running with my family would be enough motivation to keep my eyes on the prize--the prize of a healthier mind, body and spirit.

Registration is ongoing at various Timex and SM outlets, Watch Republic, Robinsons Galeria and ROX Bonifacio High Street. Fees are pegged at P400 for 3k, P600 for 5k and 10k, and P750 for 21k. Fees are inclusive of a Nature Valley lootbag which includes a singlet, a race number and a timing chip.

See you at the Fort!

FIT FEET

If some women are more inclined to invest in jewelry and loose diamonds, I am more comfortable (or more insane?) to spend my moolah on bags and shoes.

And my choices are not really dictated by trends (I actually stick to classic colors and cuts). What is more important for me is that I am comfortable carrying or wearing my wares. And this definitely holds true for favorite feet candy of the moment--my handy dandy Fitflops!

Biomechanically engineered to help tighten leg muscles while walking, Fitflop sandals help improve posture and muscle tone. That's just like having a gym at your feet. Care for a pair?

GLUED TO THE TUBE

Forgive me for neglecting my blogging duties yet again. The truth is, I've been tied up with work. And when I do come up for air, I find myself catching back episodes of this... The show centers around Samantha Newly (Christina Applegate), a successful (and selfish) real estate executive who developed retrograde amnesia after a hit and run accident. Upon waking from her coma, she realized, to her dismay, how unlikeable she's been and therefore sets out to make amends to the people she hurt most--her parents, her two best girlfriends, and most especially her roommate-slash-ex.

I adore Samantha's quirky character and I get a kick out of how she can wiggle into and out of the most hilarious situations. I also love the fact that the show can take a comic jab at the most mundane topics--from clothes, to dates, to diets, to acne medications, to make-up and all the other stuff that we girls can relate with. It's just too bad that they pulled the plug on the show in 2009.

Now if you'll excuse me, I am off to get my Samantha Who? fix.

NOW IN MANILA

Baghags on the lookout for Cath Kidston totes will be pleased to know that they have finally arrived in Manila shores. I, myself, have been pining for one ever since I saw it on the arms of chic and stylish Daphne Osena-Paez.

photo courtesy of The Bag Hag Diaries

While I am admittedly not a big fan of floral prints, I find that the bright and stylish, and at times, quirky designs of Cath Kidston are great to carry around during summertime.

Made of 100% PCV coated cotton, or what they call wipe-clean oil cloth, these bags are great for a trip to the mall, travel to a faraway destination like those Disney vacation packages, or even for a night out, as what Daphne OP has proven.

A visit to Accessory Lab (or Ebay) can hopefully ease your Cath Kidston hunger...as it did mine. :)

Accessory Lab

A: R2 Powerplant Mall

Rockwell Center, Makati City

T: +632.8909011

E: accessorylab@gmail.com

SA MALAMIG

My smoker friends and I discovered a new way to punctuate every meal. And for a change, it is  something beyond cigarettes and fuente cigars.

A small nook along Rufino Drive in Makati CBD dispenses tiny pieces of heaven. This ones...

For as low as P30.00, one can choose from the wide array of heat-busting Korean ice drops--perfect for our current weather! My personal favorite is the BBBig (black packaging in second photo) which is black bean ice drop and the Cheese Cake Ice Cream sandwich (first photo).

It was quite a letdown that they didn't have honeydew available the day we visited though. But I am sure there will always be a next time.

Available at Country Style Rufino Branch.

ISN'T IT ICONIC

While helping a good friend shop around for wedding favors for her upcoming nuptials, I was pleased to stumble upon this interesting article from the LA Times. What made me happy all the more was the fact that some of the bags that I have accumulated through the years made up for 20% of the Top 50 arm candies listed in the article.

You see, my bag choices are dictated mostly by form and function, and not because it is "in" to own one (unlike some people I know). And so I got the (pleasant) surprise of my life that the "babies" I have under my care are iconic in their own little way. And as for increasing that percentage a wee bit further--no plans as of yet. I am very content and secure with what I have right now. :)

You may read about the Top 50 Iconic Bags here.

PRESIDENTIAL DRINKS, ANYONE?

The elections are just 16 days away. Have you finally decided on which candidates to vote for?

Well, as embarrassing as it may be, I have to admit that the Haligi and I aren't registered voters, which means we will definitely miss a significant day in history. So every chance I get, I express my political choices, in the hope that my opinion will influence another, who in turn, may influence another, and so on and so forth.

Interestingly, the LJC Group came up with novel way of getting people to express their political preferences as well...

And so I chose this one...

Aside from the fact that the drinks are refreshing and healthy (they're great asbestos mesothelioma busters I bet!), purchasing a drink gives one a chance to win an overnight stay for two at Abe's Farm in Pampanga.

So eat, drink and be merry at the outlets of LJC!

BAGNET FTW!

Warning: Too much bagnet is dangerous for your health. But, we had lots of it anyway!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of San Antonio Village, Makati City. lies a tiny establishment that serves one of the most tasty and crispy bagnets that I have come to experience. I suggest you start brushing up on those insurance advertising campaigns because the bagnet on this side of town is literally heart-stopping!

8065 Bagnet is situated in Estrella Street, 5 minutes away from Makati CBD. It offers a variety of home-cooked meals, viands and pulutan, with THE bagnet central to all. The bagnet is served as is or in different sauces--spicy ginataan, kare-kare, binagoongan, sisig, and come in big or solo servings. The solo meals are served with rice and soup, and just cost a little over P100.00. Not bad eh?

For our first trip we tried the Classic Bagnet--pork cutlets that are crispy on the outside and seem to melt in the inside...parang mentos! Hehehe!
We also had the Spicy Ginataang Bagnet which comes with a generous serving of rich, thick coconut milk sauce.
The Bagnet Sisig ups the ante of it all, with is tart and spicy sauce and peppers. Yummy!
Accompanying this cholesterol feast, we had servings of the boiled and fried eggplant salads.
The perfect meal for a hot day indeed.
And we all washed it down with Coke.
Now, pass the Purinase please.

8065 Bagnet
Estrella Street
San Antonio Village
Makati City
+632.5081807

GOT DOG?

Interested to take small steps-slash-paws to save the environment? Well, here's something to do for all ye best friends of man's best friend...
I'm sure, by now you've experienced a barage of announcements on this one-of-a-kind event--be they be via the posters, email messages, blogs, and even via cardboard displays. Where else can you find an opportunity to keep fit, to save mother earth and to bond with man's best friend, all in one go?

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now. Bark! Bark!

HOW DO I LOOK? (08)

Taking my cue from Van, I am also posting my summer staples.

Save for a few sprinklings of color, I'd have to say that nothing much has changed in my line-up of wares. It's still the usual array of blacks, greys, whites and browns. I guess I'm just being me...boring old me. Hehehe!

GOING FOR GOLD

Even with just one child to raise, coming up with the resources for our son's needs isn't exactly a walk in the park. You, the Haligi and I have not exactly been blessed with the correct financial acumen you. Read as: we are such spendthrifts!!!

But now that we have grown older, and hopefully, wiser, we have come to realize the importance of saving for our and our son's future. Of late, the Haligi has been hearing about the great returns to those who buy gold coins, that he is willing to consider it on top of our existing savings and investment instruments--which aren't too many actually, hehehe! What had him all excited was the news that gold futures are on the rise and the returns on investment are uphill--very promising, by his book!!!

I am leaving all of these matters up to the Haligi. As for me at the moment, the only gold that I have set my sights on is this...Can you guess what this is? :D

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MM...

"Life is like a box of chocolates--you never know what you're gonna get." Forest Gump put it perfectly--because when it comes to chocolates, especially M&Ms, I get pleasantly surprised each time. Look at what I scored at a recent trip to S&R... I've always been kept on my toes whenever they release new flavors of M&Ms. It's usually sans fanfare, so scoring new flavors at the grocery is like stumbling upon a treasure--a welcome treat every time (and also a reminder that I have to brush up on those alli review and other weight loss regimens). I was in cloud 9 when I first tasted the dark, mint and cherry varieties at a Hong Kong trip. And I remember experiencing utmost joy (and regret soon after) when I tasted their limited edition mocha.

The mix-up, a welcome "mix-up" in this case,is what you may call a small "buffet" of our favorite M&M varieties--plain, peanut and crisp. Now I don't have to buy different varieties of M&Ms to refill our candy jar. I can have my favorite flavors all in one go. Aylavet!! The new orange variety on the other hand, is pure delish. Crisp on the outside before releasing a zing of orange chocolate that melts in your mouth. The sea of white and orange discs are pure eye...well...candy. :D Grab a pack now!

Mix-ups P144.75/200 grams
Orange P199.75/200 grams
At all S&R outlets

KEEPING QOOL WITH QOOLA

The newest kid on the yougurt block, Qoola, prides itself for being made from 100% natural ingredients, and packed with live and active cultures--a lot healthier because it is not made from powder mix like other popular brands.

Aside from this, what sets it apart from most yogurt bars is that serving make and size is customizable--with patrons free to decide on the amount of yogurt the wish to have, in whatever flavor (we were able to choose among vanilla, wildberry, peach and strawberry), and with whichever topping they want.

Haligilet went for the strawberry, which was rich and creamy, without being too sweet. Toppings were a no-brainer. He had gummies (I know, ewww right?). Peso power = P120.00. I, on the other hand, went for the original/vanilla flavor, with generous helpings of mango, muesli and caramel coated granola. I was pushing for healthy here--obviously, to no avail. Hehehe! Total cost was P190.00 for three toppings. Not bad!
Gluttons that we were, the Haligilet and I opted for a third cup which combined all that we loved--the caramel coated granola for me, and gummy and candy sprinkles for him. All of these, atop a wildberry and vanilla yogurt swirl. Peso power? P130.00 only!!!
I also loved the interior and exteriors of Qoola--clean, sleek, very spacious and quiet sans clutter nor outdoor rugs--a far cry from the usual hole-in-the-wall yogurt outlets.

Verdict: Qoola is a must-try as it goes of the beaten track of yogurt bars. Power of choice rocks!

Qoola
Greenbelt 1
Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi Street
Ayala Center, Makati City

SNAPSHOT SAVVY

While without a maid, my cellphone became my son's surrogate nanny. How? Well, it kept him occupied, having him click away self portraits on hours end while I busied myself with housework.

Because of this, I have already turned over possession of my old Pentax digicam (which incidentally was the camera we used to document his birth) to my son. With just an upgrade of the camera's batteries and micro sd, it was good to go.

If I had my way, however, I would want to get him this...
With large buttons, a color LCD, and an intuitive menu, the Little Tikes' My Real Digital Camera brings the magic of photography to the hands of youngsters.

Only $49.99.

THE LOOK FOR LESS (L4L) #5

One of the most coveted classic bags is the Chanel flap bag. I'm sure most, if not all women, dream of owning a flap bag one day. As for me, flaps aren't exactly in my bag radar at the moment. Aside from the fact that I am on voluntary bag ban, I find that they are a just a wee bit small for all the junk that I carry around--gadgets, docs, currency, and a humongous kikay kit which houses all of my favorite beauty brands (night face cream included!).

So to those like me, who is not just ready to splurge on a flap bag, here are more "accessible" alternatives to a Chanel.

At only, $42, the Deena & Ozzy Chainbag is reminiscent of the Chanel Reissue flap--with its woven chain link strap and quilt stitch detailing. Available at Urban Outfitters.Meet Mark's Camel and Black beauties, on the other hand, are steals at only $28. Way better than settling for a knock-off!!! Check them out!

CHANELING SADAKO

Don't get me wrong. I am a big fan of handpainted arm candy and I love, love, love the Marni Balloon Bag. Maybe it's just me, but this particular design kinda gives me the creeps...Your thoughts?

More Marni Balloon Bags at http://www.marni.com/

ODD COUPLES

Mangoes and soy sauce, fish crackers and catsup, french fries and gravy, strawberry jam and cheese, lumpiang shanghai and toyomansi...and the list goes on. I can name loads of weird food combos that I've had the opportunity to taste, and surprisingly, appreciate.

And here's my latest edition--a duet I stumbled upon when my favorite sandwich was out of stock at Starbucks...

Calorific, I know! Must.start.on.ab workouts.soon.

Anyhoo, lemme just tell you that I love, love, love, the natural, tangy medley of salt and spice on this variation of Kettle Chips. It also neutralizes the sweetness of one of my favorite Starbucks blends--the Coffee Frap.

Try it!

A PIECE OF CAKE

It was not too long ago that we were preparing baby shower invitations for my dear sib, and now, we just celebrated my youngest nephew's first birthday!!!

Since my sib is not too big on parties, I took it upon myself to work on the party details. I went on panic mode when I learned that my cake "suki", Kitchen Crafts was going to be closed for the Holy Week (our was set for Easter Sunday). Luckily, I found a worthy alternative. I discovered Icings 'N Sprinkles. And in less than a week, the ever accommodating Anna Baluyut-Yap came up with this...Formerly known as Cake Kraft, Icings 'N Sprinkles prides itself in producing special customized cakes for special occasions ranging from weddings, to parties, to special holidays. Best of all, they deliver!!!

For more information, log on to http://www.icingsnsprinkles.com.

THE SECOND

Since our truck was assessed as a total wreck by the insurance company, we are now surveying the market for another family car. Thank God for reliable car insurance companies, the settlement offered to us (should we decide to accept it), will be able to cover the cost of another car.

At the moment, we are considering the new Mazda 2, quite apt because, should we decide to get one, it will be our second car for the year.The Mazda2 may be small , but it comes loaded with kickass features which include an anti-lock braking (ABS), electric power assist (EPAS) steering system, air conditioning, power mirrors, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with four speakers.

More importantly, it comes with advanced safety features like dual front air bags, front seat side air bags, side air curtains, and an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, which are really important to us given the recent turn of events.

The Haligi has until Monday to decide whether or not he will accept the insurance settlement. If you'd ask me, I am all for settlement. Hehehe!