Pearl Jewelry Shopping

I believe Philippines is one of the primary producers of south sea pearls in the world. In fact, the largest pearl known as Pearl of Lao Tzu and the second largest pearl known as Palawan Princess were all found in the country. Plus, the hard to find golden pearls are mostly available only in the Philippines. These are the reasons why my husband and I love giving Philippine pearl jewelry as gift or souvenir to friends and relatives abroad. Just the other day, I went south sea pearl shopping at my favorite store in Metro Market Market. I also took photos with the permission of Aniah, the store owner whom I made friends with.




These are some of the handmade south sea pearl necklaces. They're the expensive ones because of their round and semi-round shapes.



And these are the cheaper south sea pearls with oval and ringed shapes (left) and button shape (right). I bought 3 bracelet and necklace sets with the latter classification.



These are the sets of round south sea pearl earrings in white. Check the luster or the shine. A very lovely sight.. hmmm?



Strands after strands of pearls ready to be customized. Choices of colors are white, black, gray, blue, purple, pink, and peach.



This set is not made from south sea pearls. I really thought they're made from plastic or some synthetic material. I asked the store owner and she told me that they're from corals.



I was close to buying a necklace like this in the photo when I remember the divers in my province who used to take red corals. They are rare so they must be over-harvesting them.



Here is a bib necklace made from a combination of pearl and mother of pearls. Not my type 'cause it looks "costumey", but I am sure there are girls out there who will be able to pull this off in an outfit.



Now check those photo frames with Aniah together with Hilary Clinton on her first visit to the Philippines as US Secretary of State (right) and Clinton wearing a necklace from the same store (left). Yes, my suki also supplies pearl jewelry to government visitors. How cool is that?



JANIA Pearls & Semi-Precious Stones
Stall #147/83 G/F Gift Market Section
Metro Market Market, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City, Philippines
Cel. No. 0921-995-8888/ 0920-466-6999
Tel. No. 359-5311

Sale Find: One Shoulder Dress

Happy is this girl who found a very cute dress for a bargain price. Oh yeah! I love it a lot if I get a lovely item in a sale price. I was at the Metro Market Market this afternoon to buy some pearls when I passed by the Kamiseta store and saw the "sale" sign. I checked the racks and most of the items were 50% off. Look here.. my awesome sale find.




It's a one shoulder dress in red color.



The asymmetrical flower design made it look classy.


Sale Find: Red One Shoulder Dress
Sale Price: P600
Regular Price: P1,199
Sale From: Kamiseta Metro Market-Market


This dress could be a versatile piece if you know how mix and match. Aside from being a dress, it can be worn as a top too. I am planning to save this dress for special occasions. When will be that special occasion? Hmmm.. maybe my birthday.. or the New Year? How about Christmas? Perhaps Valentine's Day? Hahaha. We'll see.


Note: This dress is a size SMALL. Yehey! You know it's my dream to fit into a small dress again!! I already lost 1.5 inches off my waistline, so 3.5 inches more to go!!!

Firmoo For Me!

I think I posted about looking for inexpensive but fashionable wayfarer sunglasses like 2 months ago. Guess what? I actually received a pair from Firmoo, a popular online eyeglasses store providing customers with high quality eyewear at the most affordable prices.




The packaging tells it all. Firmoo is a global online optical store. They deliver anywhere in the world. Check the website, order your Firmoo eyewear and see it for yourself.



It was a partly sunny day. We went to Trinoma for some shopping, carousel ride and some pizza. Pictured here with my daughter, I was wearing my Firmoo eyewear for the first time.



Firmoo completed my simple ensemble that day. Glad to see the sunshine and be back to summer outfits again after wearing a lot of cardigans and jackets in a series of stormy weeks.



Look at the little one. Cute candid shots, right? :) My outfit: Firmoo sunglasses, Forever 21 earrings, Pippa top, Fossil watch, jeans from SM Dept. Store, leather bag from Istanbul and Payless leopard flats.



Firmoo gave me the freedom to choose my kind of eyewear, so I picked a stylish wayfarer. Actually, it was very hard to choose because they have a lot of fashionable pieces that I liked.



I don't have a pointed nose, that's why my major concern when buying an eyewear is whether it will stay in place even I move a lot. Good thing Firmoo wayfarers don't slip down easily when worn.



Visit Firmoo if you wish to fix your vision or be fashionable in a frugal way. They have this special program wherein first-time buyers can get free eyewear. The process is easy. Click this link to know how!

Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Tickets

Still 2 months to go before the seasonal Philippine Fashion Week. For those who don't know it yet, PFW Spring/Summer 2013 will be held on October 23 to October 28, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia.





To get the chance to be selected as a guest, click HERE and register now!

Express Yourself with Your Sole’s Form

Hi, I am back from the province! How have you been doing? I know I need to post more updates. I am still tired, so let me just share this press release to all of you fellow iPanema fans!!

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This August, the renowned footwear brand iPanema partners with the Visual Artists from Angono to celebrate “Bayanihan: A convergence of Angono’s Art Expressions”. As the local and international Visual artists showcase their craft, iPanema harps the art of self expression on a different plane.

As the saying goes, “Art is the best way to express yourself…”. This holds true even in our normal daily lives as we select the patterns and styles that suits us and reflects our personality. The renowned Brazilian footwear brand “iPanema” made it easy for us to select our form of self expression as they offer a wide range of styles, patterns and colors from their uber –chic, and fashion forward styles of footwear.






For the simple girl who just wants a “no fuss” design to express her needs for just the basics, a classy and functional iPanema Anatomica (Plain) answers her needs. Ipanema offers basic products with plain, simple, minimal patterns that harp on comfort and simplicity.





For the woman on the go who wants versatility, and a style that they can use anytime, iPanema offers different collections that allow its use in several occasions, with seasonal pattern trends and basic details. The iPanema New Temas Fem, Classica Envolvente and Apliques are just amomg ther many other that offer that versatility.





And for the fashion forward woman who wants a one of kind premium find, iPanema offers styles that capture the latest trends in an innovative and unique product. The iPanema Sandalia Sol Fem is just one of them. Oozing with sophistication and a reflection of the latest trends to express the personality of the fashion maven, iPanema hasvarious, styles, colors and patters to offer. An artist or not, one can truly find it easy and intersting to express oneself thr iPanema Way.

For more updates, like the official iPanema Facebook page.

Diet Food

Hi! I am currently out of town, so this is another scheduled post.

I just did some changes (again) in my diet as a part of my goal to trim down and be healthy. This time, I am trying to eat more vegetables and less carbohydrates, just one-half cup of rice. I am avoiding fats and oils so less fried food, just more steamed or grilled. On the top of that, I am saying goodbye to white rice (we use organic white rice at home) and hello to brown rice. Good luck to me!



One of my viands a week ago. This is what we call tinolang isda in my province in Romblon. It's more like the tinowa of Cebuanos though my version has less water and more vegetables in it. Very easy to cook. Just throw any vegetable of your choice in boiling water and top it with fresh fish. My favorite is this red orange snapper. Yum!



Half a cup of cooked brown rice. This rice is delicious, sticky on the inside and grainy outside. I remember eating lots of brown rice when I was younger. We even had corn mixed with rice during some seasons.

Another thing I added on my diet is a glass of wheatgrass 30 minutes before eating a meal for 2 times a day. Sorry I forgot to take a photo of Pha-Max Wheatgrass, but I think you've heard about it.

That's all for my food diet regimen. Will share more next time.

Sale Find: Argyle Designed Tote

I was shopping for shoes and bags for my Auntie Jo's fashion store (read: reselling) when I spotted this tote. I love pink but I don't have any pink bag, so I grabbed it right away. Another reason that I bought this bag is the waterproof material which is perfect for rainy days.




The pink and brown arygle pattern make it look classy.



But check the brand name and you'll know that it's inexpensive! :P



The quality is good though. Check the zipper alone.



And the inner pockets. Definitely better than those knock off from the bangketa hmmm?



Sale Find: Junior Sport Tote
Sale Price: P300
Sale From: Robinson's Department Store

Persona Waist Shaper Review

I used a cloth waist shaper after giving birth to my daughter (through c-section) almost 4 years ago as required by my OB Gyne. I was able to use it for about a month and the result was amazing. It helped me manage pain from my wounds plus trim down inches at the tummy area. I didn't know that there is better version of cloth waist shapers, though. I first heard about this rubberized waist shaper from one of my gym mates. The gym manager advised me to buy the same thing so I can trim down faster. I followed her tip that's why you saw this product included in my previous shopping haul. Wondering how to use and if it really works? Read my review.




I paid around P170 for this waist shaper. It is available at Mercury Drug. Take note, I saw an online store selling the same product for P360. Better go to any Mercury Drug store and ask for Persona if you need one.



It comes in colors red, blue, black, beige and mine here is gray. The front (gray) part is fabric while the inner (white) part is rubberized. The width of this waist shaper is 8 inches.. perfect for covering the entire tummy.



It is very easy to use. Wrap around your waist and press the velcro. Just be sure to pull tightly while the other end is in place. If it's too tight, adjust the velcro to loosen a bit.



This is how the waist shaper looks under my shirt. I was wearing a small shirt that's why it's pretty obvious. To conceal the waist shaper, wear a size medium shirt.

I honestly love this product so much. I used it while working out 3x in a row and it gave me a wonderful result. My waistline is now smaller by an inch. I know it is not too much to brag about but an inch for only a total of 3 hours of workout is BIG.

I like the fact that it helps me sweat unwanted fats not only in my waist area, but in my tummy area too.  The constant moisture produced by own body helps my lower back muscles to relax. I read from the packaging that Persona Waist Shaper is more effective to wear while exercising, doing household chores or any sport activities. It also says that the more you move, the greater the results it can give. I used Persona Waist Shaper at the gym while jogging, weight lifting, doing abcore, leg extensions, etc. I didn't remove it until I'm done with my routine.

Hope to lose more inches from my waist with the use of this product. Will update you next month. Ciao for now!





Disclaimer: This product review is not solicited nor paid. All comments are 100% mine.

The Spice Girls' Performance at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony

I was a big fan of the Spice Girls in high school. Still I am now but I mean.. REALLY a fan when I was younger. I swear I had their posters on my bedroom wall, collected all their cassette tapes (I couldn't afford CDs yet that time), memorized all their songs, and even dressed like a Spice Girl. I would play the tapes from start to finish, from the first album to the newest all day long. I don't remember my first favorite Spice Girl, but I know there were certain periods of the Spice Girls era where I liked each one of them.




The the phenomenal British group Spice Girls performing at the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. From L to R, Victoria Beckham as Posh Spice, Geri Halliwell as Ginger Spice, Emma Bunton as Baby Spice, Melanie Chisholm as Sporty Spice and Melanie Brown as Scary Spice. They girls reunited to sing two of their greatest hits, Wannabe from their first album "Spice" and Spice Up Your Life from their 2nd album "Spice World".



Preparing to be on stage again: that's the Posh Spice in her black dress with train.



Playing wacky for a photo. Well, except for Victoria who seems to be always looking serious in photos! :P



Ladies, thank you for showing girl power again. I had goosebumps while watching you perform!!


I wish you ladies more success in life. Hope to see you perform again!! Viva forever!!!


Play this video to watch their Olympic performance and tell me how you feel about it.









Photo and video source: www.people.com twitter.com/victoriabeckham twitter.com/OfficialMelB twitter.com/EmmaBunton twitter.com/EmmaBunton http://perezhilton.com

Lady Gaga's Vogue September Issue

What do you think of Lady Gaga's Vogue September Issue cover? I first saw the cover when Bryanboy shared it through Instagram. I didn't recognize her from the photo right away. I thought she's one of those girls from America's Next Top Model until I saw the name Lady Gaga.




The Marc Jacobs fishtail gown made her look so tall.
Wondering who Lady Gaga is channeling with that big platinum blonde hair?



It is the famous American drag queen RuPaul.
What's your say about Lady Gaga's Vogue cover, RuPaul? :)




Photo Source:
www.people.com
www.wikipedia.com

Hello Sunshine!

Today is a happy day!  The heavy rains stopped and the sun came out finally.  I can't imagine if the heavy rainfall continued until the weekends, so I am glad that it's finally over.  During those dark and gloomy days, I kind of questioned God if it's the end of the world already.  I was not scared but seeing the damages brought by storm on TV, the floods and the landslides, people dying, others lost their homes and belongings;  I felt some sort of devastation inside.




The Makati skyline at around 1:35 this afternoon.



Manila is still covered with fog, but the buildings are at least visible now.



I can see the California Garden Square clearly. No more low-lying clouds.



That's Ortigas over there which is very clear.



And this is the street behind our building. People are done cleaning.

I am blessed to be living in an area where flood seldom happens. Also glad to hear that my family and friends are safe. God have mercy. Have faith and he will always send a rainbow after a storm.

Tell me about you. How was your experience these past few days? Share it below.

Sale Find: Chiffon Cover Up

This is a scheduled post. I hope by the time this post will automatically publish, the rain already stopped and the sun is shining up the sky. These past few days, I am truly troubled with the weather condition. It's not about worrying for the flood to come in or for our place to go down. It's about thinking of other people in lowland areas and catch basins. I know, one way or another, I must have a friend, a distant relative, or a family living there. God help us.

Back to my post, this is the same cover up I told you about in my last mini haul. I snatched it from SM Cubao and didn't have time to try it on. Looking at the colors, I just thought about wearing it over my gray tank top and matching it with my mustard leather bag.









Sale Find: Two-toned Chiffon Cover Up
Regular Price: P595
Sale Price: P299.95
Sale From: SM Dept. Store -  Cubao

Olympic Manicures

These Olympians are mostly in suits and uniforms, so I guess they should think of a creative way of accessorizing like nail painting or nail art. I saw the men divers with their Olympic tattoos so now is the time for the women swimmers with their colorful and eye-catching manicures. Feast your eyes and choose a favorite!




Zsuzsanna Jakabos of Hungary sported nails with wave art in white and blue.



Dana Vollmer (up) has a touch of dalmatian and Missy Franklin (down) has the American flag theme.



Italian swimmer, Stefania Pirozzi, painted her talons with neon green and stripes of colors from the British flag.




The nails should match the cap, that's what Emily Seebohm of Australia must have thought about before doing her manicure.



The Brits, Rebecca Adlington and Aimee Willmott had union jack nails and red nails with Olympic rings respectively. The latter also matches her nails with her cap.



Colombian swimmer Carolina Colorado Henao showed patriotism with her striped and dotted fingers and some respect to the host country with a union jack on her thumb.



Miriea Belmonte García of Spain has the colors of her national flags on her talons as well.



The German swimmer, Jenny Helsing, has must have the longest, perfect-looking nails. She has the union jack and stripes of colors from the German flag alternately painted on her nails.



Rikke Pederson of Denmark, on the other hand, looks like in need of professional help with her Danish themed manicure.



Lastly, we have the French manicure with a twist by Coralie Balmy. Love it! Oh yeah, she really is French!!






Photo Source: People.com