Verão, my tribute to the endless summer

Casablanca Tunic

2011-02-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

Even if I create crochet bikinis, I am not a fashionista. I do believe though that I have my own style- relaxed and casual. I don't even like designer bags because everyone I know has them! I just never run after the latest fads.

However, I do have these moments when something stylish and fashionable strikes me as inspiration. Like designer Trina Turk. I love her style. Casual Chic, up a notch. This photo, taken from the Trina Turk facebook fanpage, is of the manager of her Palm Strings Boutique, Tesha Rosenwinkel. And she's wearing this Casablanca Tunic that I would love to have. I think it's just perfect for a relaxed cocktail by the beach or by the poolside. The colors are just fantastic!

My 2011 bikinis are getting ready to be born. With the 2011 palette. And this Tunic just lit my creative fire more :) watch this space!

The Straw Trilby Hat

2011-01-23T05:24:00.000-08:00

photo credit: J. Crew

Perfect to keep you a tad cooler when you're under the sun! I got myself a Trilby hat just this afternoon. I always thought it was a Fedora, but apparently, the brim of a trilby is much narrower than that of a fedora.

In the past year or 2, I have seen people wearing more hats, even in places where hat wearing really isn't the norm. The straw trilby hat would be a great companion for my crochet bikinis!

Sometimes

2011-01-16T15:35:00.001-08:00

The people you think who you can depend on the most are the ones who won't.

Mini Makeover!

2010-05-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

From boyish to polished! Lately, my sisters and I got together and created a love project that involves each of sharing our knowledge, creativity and talent. We came up with a company we are calling The Campfire Girls, and our first project is a website and TV show called Sisters On Style.

A few days ago, Marie, my younger sister who happens to be a sought after make up artist and marathoner got together to make Minisode #2 for the website.She puts on the make up, I shoot and edit.

Check out the rest of the article right here

Quick Summer Make Up

2010-04-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

The perfect no make-up make-up summer look!

This video I shot on a mini vacation to Palawan which my sisters gifted me with. Since we were there, we decided to shoot a minisode for our up and coming website. Enjoy!

Perfect Puerto Princessa, Palawan

2010-04-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

Last month, I receieved a super birthday gift! A trip to Puerto Princesa, Palawan to accompany my sisters "work". It's so easy to edit something when you have good music, a great location, and of course, good looking people! This is a short clip of the Behind The Scenes of Smile Magazine's April 2010 Cover.

We stayed at the Dos Palmas Resort. It's so complete, you never even have to leave the island :) This is a late thank you to my sisters who have gifted me with this wonderful break. Thanks, sisters!

Dream Come True Part Deux

2010-02-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

How lucky can I get- watching my favorite UK artists for the 2nd time? I love The Heavies!

The last time was September 2008, when I just found out about their performance an hour before in Singapore Clark Quay. And then just a day before their performance in Manila, I get news that they're performing at the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival in Sofitel. Yay! I was willing to pay for tickets, but no! Sister Maya passes me a pair! Since again this year, my hubby couldn't make it (this time he was back in Singapore covering the HSBC Women's Champions LPGA), I grab my younget sis, Marie to groove with me. Yay!

This time around, I get a better photo op with lead guitarist Simon Bartholomew.

Definitely better than the last time!

I think i'm getting better at this! The next gig of theirs I'll catch will be in London!

Freediving Dream

2010-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

While I am enroute to fulfilling a dream project that is nowhere geographically near Hawaii, here I am blogging about the island once again. It was once, and well, it is still a dream of mine to learn to freedive in the Hawaiian waters. Yes, free dive and not scuba dive. I'm too insecure to work on any knobs and tanks underwater! In freediving, all I will depend on would be me and my lungs. At laest I'd have control of that :) Anyway... before my husband and I got married, he used to freedive and spearfish in his special pockets of ocean in Oahu. Although I've visited Hawaii a few times, I've never ever joined him in his spearfishing missions. I regret not doing so! I just saw a few Spearfishing videos care of Bluewater Hunter Videos on youtube, and it makes me pick up that dream again (more of the dream of freediving and not spearfishing ok?)

Here are two breathtaking videos by Rob White of Bluewater Hunter Video.

Don't the Pilot Whales look interesting? Have I been in the city too long but I don't really recall seeing any whale that looked like that!

Check out the rest of the awesome videos right at his channel right here.

Aaah, I miss the islands. I miss the water.

Kiehl's Amino Acid with Pure Coconut Oil.

2010-01-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

Whoohoow! Slackerville in blogging! I am currently in Manila pursuing an incredible exciting project with the rest of the gang. I didn't expect to stay on so long, so I didn't bring enough clothes and toiletries with me. Good thing my sister and beauty coach Marie came to the rescue. I needed new shampoo! And I need a shampoo that would revive scalp health, at the same time I WANTED a shampoo that had the healing properties of Coconut oil. Then TADAH! She gave me this. Kiehl's Amino Acid Shampoo with Pure Coconut Oil.

What a treat to the scalp! The smell of the coconut oil was heaven, and the feeling after washing away the lather in the shower made me feel like I had washed away an extra layer of shampoo residue :) I love it! Even my 9 year old nephew told me that I smelt like the beach!

Hula Girls

2009-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

How do you give gifts on Christmas? I know of people who spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on the latest "it" bag or wallet. Or how they give the latest techy gadget to their loved one. I am definitely not one of those people.

This year, I gifted my better half with a movie that somehow had a touch of Hawaii in it since he hasn't been home in a while. It's a film called "Hula Girls"- directed by Korean Japanese filmmaker, Sang Il Lee.

Based on a true story, this movie takes place in 1965. The coal mining industry is slowing down, so in order to keep the local economy of Iwaki afloat, the coal mining company decided to turn their property into a leisure resort called the Joban Hawaiian Center. They needed dancers for their hula troupe, so they hired washed up Tokyo dancer Madoka Hirayama to train the local girls, all coal miners daughters, to do the hula.

This lovely film, even if I found it a tad dramatic, was beautifully scored by Hawaii's ukulele virtuoso himself, Jake Shimabukuro. I highly suggest any Japanophile or lover of anything Hawaii to buy this DVD and enjoy the film. The pleasant Yu Aoi plays the lead dancer, Kimiko. I know she's also in Honokaa Boy, another Japanese film shot in Hawaii.

Check out the official website!

Hat's Entertainment

2009-12-16T23:05:00.000-08:00

I told myself never to go shopping on an empty stomach. True enough, after a late late lunch, I bought a Vietnamese straw hat and some Chinese bamboo massage instrument.

For the straw hat, I feel like making a crafty craft lamp just like in this old Martha Stewart Living summer issue.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2009-12-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the first time you heard this version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"? Didn't it give you goosebumps? I remember shedding a few tears. I can't explain it. I just felt such pure spirit, peace, and even (gulp) love listening to the song. That was 10 years ago. And when I hear it again now, I still feel the same.

Click play and get to watch and listen to the incredible Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Going Loco for Coco

2009-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ahhh. Send everything coconut this way! I am currently in like with The Gap's Coconut Tuberose Eau de Toilette.

A mini vacation in a bottle, the scent is light, breezy, and perfect for that lush, fresh, Hawaiian islands smell. The hubby can't get enough of it!

Coco Love

2009-11-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

There's something about the smell of coconut oil and coconuts that makes me go... nuts. It must be the way it transports me to instant vacation mode. Brings me that island and beach feel anywhere I may be. Currently, I used Marks & Spencer's Coconut Milk Body Wash and body lotion. At the end of the day, slathering the Coco Lotion makes me feel like I'm on a beach break, cozying up in a hotel room, ready to crash after a long days swim and sun session.

On my last trip to Manila, I got my bottle of coco oil in Echo Store in Podium. I snapped photos of the store immediately! Funny how some stores are hesitant for people to take photos of their displays. Surprisingly, the friendly staff allowed me. I had to clarify that I was going to blog about this store one day (it is a bit late though!).

For only P300, I got Heaven's Cure Coconut Oil. Did you know Coconut oil is best stored in glass bottles? Coco oil also heals and prevent a lot of diseases. It helps lower blood pressure, promotes weight loss, clears up skin, and can even help Alzheimer patients! Personally, I use it for my skin, and throw a few spoon fulls for my morning breakfast shake for over all health.

See the trash basket behind the bottle? I forgot how much it was but I loved it too! The other amazing part of this store is the packaging. Gone are the days of plastic bags. My coco oil was wrapped in this:

A recycled map of the Philippines! How apt! This green store sells all Philippine made green products. The owners help aid heal the earth, AND help the Philippine economy as well. Isn't that just great! Business with a heart!

I visited the Echo Store in the ground level in Podium, but they do have their main store in Serendra. Check it out at

G/F Serendra Piazza
McKinley Parkway
Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel: 901-3485

I'm Alive

2009-10-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

You know, I've been a negligent blogger as of late. I have been busy ticking a goal in my dream list! I've been tired, cranky, happy, and excited all at the same time. When it's done, I may just share it with everyone who will stumble upon this little blog of mine.

The Easy Hawaiian Cooking episode 2 which I promised hasn't even started yet!

No worries, I haven't forgotten. Will update this blog again in a few minutes... or days :)

Pat's Luau Potato Salad

2009-08-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

This dish is simply perfect for hot summer days!

I always joke that it was this recipe that made me accept my husband's proposal. He visited our family one Christmas and then volunteered to make potato salad for Christmas Dinner. It has been a staple in all family reunions ever since.

I'm not a big fan of too many ingredients in potato salad, like carrots, peas or pineapples, so that's why for me, it is the best potato salad I have ever tasted. Even friends love this dish! I call it the Heavenly Potato Salad, but being his usual humble self, Pat decided to simply call it Luau Potato Salad.

Introducing, episode 1 of Easy Hawaiian Cooking, produced and directed by... me! Starring, Pat the hubby!

To all my media pro friends, I do know what needs to improve (haha), so just enjoy the recipe... and the wonderful capabilities of Canon 500D and its lenses! You'll definitely get a better episode 2 soon!

And if you get to lazy to make this (it does take a lot of time!) and if you are in the Singapore area, you may just get to order your own Luau Potato Salad. Watch this space!

Bossacucanova

2009-08-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

There's something irresitably calming about the bossa nova. I distinctly remember how I was in my childhood, secretly dancing to the music in our corridor when my parents had their cocktail parties and they played the music all evening long. When it was time to turn the record to it's Side B, I'd gladly go downstairs and play DJ and willingly do it for my parents!

So when I found out Bossacucanova was visiting the Singapore shores to play their music, I got really excited! They're coming to our shores on the 9th of September! Yay!

Sit back, reax, and simply press play.

Just like how I adore Pizzicato Five, I like Bossacucanova for their vintage feel. I love revisiting the glamorous sixties, be it in music, furniture, or even fashion! It somehow feels a little more organic.

Click on their Facebook page to RSVP!

A Bikini..

2009-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

is like a barbed-wire fence. It protects the property without obstructing the view.”
- Joey Adams (comedian).

I love this saying! It's true!

Days of Summer

2009-08-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Last August 7, I had the chance to marvel at some great art by Filipino Artist, Marcel Antonio. Thanks to Galerie Joaquin Singapore, I was able to absorb and appreciate the introspective mind of this artist.

My personal favorite was Days of Summer.

Ok, ok, maybe I am partial because it was set again... in summer!

Days of Summer 4ft X 5ft Oil on Canvas
This artwork depicts an idyllic scene in a part in a metropolis. The challenge in this painting is that here, the artist bravely paints a picture that daringly dares to be half empty. In most of his works, the artist himself admits that he usually ends up filling all the spaces with symbolisms and figures until the entire space on the canvas is full. This one dares to be different. It challenges concepts of composition and succeeds precisely because of the large quiet space in the middle emphasizing the mood and the concept of a lazy summer day. Again, the artist feels this is a major collectible piece.

When I'd go to exhibits before, I would pressure myself to get this deep message from the painting, thinking that there is only one interpretation. The interpretation of the artist. I told that to a curator and he wondered why I had to make things difficult. Just let it be. No need to get a message, or find the underlying meaning. Just appreciate it. That's right.

There are about 10 works of art in the exhibit, all intriguing and breathtaking. Even if Days of Summer is my fave, I was most intriqued with Green Park Days 1,2,3. Check it out and you will know what I mean!

The exhibit, entitled Tales of Tales Beyond the Surface, A one-man show by Marcel Antonio, will run till August 24 in Galerie Joaquin at the Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road Ground Floor Unit 3. For more information on this artist and this exhibit, contact Mia Y. Marchadesch at (65)90057410.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

2009-08-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Check out a behind-the-scenes video I cut for Cebu Pacific's Smile Magazine. Before I ever designed bikinis, my first love was editing. It still is. And when I am given enticing footage of sun, sea, sand and surf, it's so easy to cut and play with it. To immerse in the beauty of Pagudpud and feel the energy of the eternal summer, click play on the image below.

Wouldn't you just love to fly and bask in the sun in this place? I haven't been there, but the famous margaritas are sure making a name for itself! I'd love one right now!

Mello Yellow

2009-08-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm in another Etsy Treasury again! I am so honored! Thanks to the Aunt Bucky! Click on Mello Yellow to check out all the mellow and yellow etsy goodies! I am so happy my Malia Sunshine Bikini Top made it to that treasury! Check out the screen cap!

Aunt Bucky is a lovely store that creates and sells gorgeous baby beddings, apparel and decor. If they didn't put me in her treasury, I wouldn't have ever seen their store! I say "they" because Aunt Bucky is a partnership between 2 sisters, Rebecca & Whitney Wyatt. And as kismet would have it, in their collection, they have beddings called The Pinky Panda set, and the Pinky Pillow! Love it! Check out Aunt Bucky's etsy store!

Dive On In- the Water's Warm!

2009-07-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! The super lovely DownHomeDiva put my Malia Ocean Bikini Top in her treasury! A lovely color combination indeed- coral and blue!

The treasury will be up until July 31. Check it out right here.

Verão, the mini movie

2009-07-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

I made this last night. Now I realize how badly I need a real model.

Starbucks Jewelry

2009-07-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

My summer beverage of choice is iced coffee. Well I live summer everyday so yes, everyday is iced coffee day! So when I saw these lovely earrings by Charlie's, I fell in love!

Ok it's not exactly iced but isn't it just adorable? I love the idea you can have Starbucks jewelry! Check out the other earrings and necklaces. Like the Two Scoops Ice Cream Cone Earrings:

Pancake breakfast, anyone?

I'm a Sexy Nerd Ring!

And one of my faves- perfect for a summer evening...
Beer Bottle with Hula dancer Bottle Opener!

There's just too much to show :) I won't spoil it for you. Go visit Charlie's etsy store right here.

The Best Summer Movie?

2009-07-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

What else is great about summer other than the beach and bikinis? The summer movie releases of course! And it's sci-fi movie galore! There's Transformers, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, X-Men: Wolverine, and District 9. Wha-hat? Say it again? Have you heard of District 9?

Seems that this upcoming summer movie is currently flying under the radar. Check out their ultra cool trailer:

Produced by Peter Jackson and directed by South African film maker Neill Blomkamp, this film, despite it's complex visual effects, doesn't seem like your run-of-the-mill sci-fi flick. Set sometime in the future in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film is about humans AND aliens living together... kind of. The aliens are actually forced to live in slum-like conditions and in a government designated area. And, this has been how life has been for 28 loooong years. Now that's my kind of sci-fi flick! I can certainly feel that this film could be a winner!

A short film and advertisement director, looks like Neill Blomkamp is a talent to keep your eye on! Here's Alive in Joburg, the short film that District 9 was based on.

Check out District 9's fun website right here. You'll have a blast navigating it! I did! Can't wait for August 14!

Thriller By Jake Shimabukuro

2009-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Still in a Michael Jackson mood, I was wondering if Ukulele virtuoso of Hawaii Jake Shimabukuro ever played anything by the King of Pop. True enough, thanks to google, he did! Check it out.

We were supposed to catch Jake play live back in 2002, but we arrived too late for his performance. Nevertheless, I watched his concert on DVD and it was awesome. I know I love the traditional sound of the Uke, but Jake cranks it up by giving Thriller, or any other song for that matter, a unique, jazzy spin.

For more on Jake Shimabukuro, click here.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson

2009-07-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a post about the demise of the one and only Michael Jackson had to make it's way to my blog. After all, he was about to stage his final, grandest, curtain call summer concert- This is it! Could you just imagine what kind of concert it might have been? How sad!

Where were you when you heard that he passed away? It's a bit embarrassing, but from all places to find out he passed away- I found out about it from Perez Hilton! What a shame! I remember, the night before, a friend left me an offline message about Farrah Fawcett's death and gave me a link to the Perez site. So I clicked and saw the news of her death. I was shocked, but I managed to go to sleep. A few hours later, I woke up and grabbed my MacBook like I always do. I still had Perez Hilton tab open and read that Michael Jackson passed away. I couldn't believe it. My husband, an avid MJ fan (he has all his albums in his iPod) was still asleep. I really didn't give it much thought, so I just semi-screamed, "OMG, Michael Jackson died!!!". He woke up disoriented, shocked, and bummed. All of a sudden, a rush of memories came over me. I remembered those first times I heard his music.

I remembered Give Love on Christmas Day, and how the street kids would go caroling on our doorstep and and mix up the lyrics from:

"People you don't know, smile and nod hello..."

to

"People you don't know, buying special gifts..."

Then I remembered my sisters playing the Off The Wall album non-stop, and Rock with You was the song being replayed most of the time. Then on a trip to Japan in the early 80's I remember Michael Jackson being in a scooter commercial. I just googled "Michael Jackson Japanese Commercial" and voila... I found it!

By the time Thriller came out, the amazing 20 minute music video was the talk of the town. I was in the 7th grade, and every class somehow had a group of girls (I was in an all girls school) practicing the dance during lunch break and dismissal time. Then one idle weekend at home, also sometime in the 80's I remember my sisters and I videoed our eldest sister, Mica dance to Beat It, complete with tight pants, white socks, short jacket, white glove, wet curly hair and aviator shades!

Just about 2 weeks ago, when I had to buy some bulbs in the Home DIY shop, they were playing some MJ music in the store. My 3 minute trip ended up being a 15 minute stay! I wanted to listen to the whole album! At the counter, I just ended up asking the cashier to pull out the CD cover for me to see what album it was. It was The 25th Anniversary of Thriller.

Oh well. Somehow everyone has their own memories of Michael Jackson. He may have been troubled, but he was such a talented, timeless artist. Even my pre-teen nephews have been doing the moonwalk for the past 3 years!

With all the Michael Jackson mania following his death, I just discovered this one old Jackson song which I never remembered listening to as a kid. It's That's What You Get (For Being Polite).

What a sad and beautiful piece. Check out the lyrics of this song.

Thanks for all the good times Michael!

Valerie Bertinelli Bikini Cover Shoot

2009-07-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows Valerie Bertinelli as that pretty teen from One Day at a Time. To me, she was that lucky magazine heiress Maxi Amberville in the Judith Krantz novel turned TV Mini Series I'll Take Manhattan. Why do I say lucky? Because her love interest was one of 1987's hottest actors, Jack Scalia! Ok ok, I can hear everyone laugh now.

So when I saw her in USC shooting a TV movie (I think it was Murder of Innocence) sometime in the 90's when I was studying a summer film course, I was thrilled! She was shooting a scene in our apartment building (I think it was called Webb Tower). I was too shy to have a photo taken with her.

We all know that years later, Valerie Bertinelli gained a few pounds, and although she kept her youthful features, everyone noticed her weight.

Then last April, she managed to be the cover of People Magazine to show off her rockin' bikini body! Imagine that? At 49! Thanks to Jenny Craig!

What a body! And from the latest news, what a gal! She actually attended Eddie Van Halen's wedding! I'm sure Valerie would look great in any of my bikinis!

Kate Gosselin and her Bikini Body

2009-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

I wonder how Kate Gosselin would look in any of my bikinis? After all, she's been recently spotted wearing bikinis walking out of her house! And with her bikini body, I'm sure my bikinis would look great on her! Or even her little girls! Ok ok... I can hear all your arrghs of disgust!

The first time I watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, I was so at awe. My sister from Manila was visiting then. She wondered out loud if they would ever separate. I told her, that for sure, as parents of 8, you will never ever divorce because you won't have time to fight. All you do is take care of your kids. My. Now that was such a wroonnnng answer. Oh well.

For her body type, I think she would look great in one of my Josefina's. Check out Kate Gosselin's Bikini Body!

Image care of CelebGossipz.

S is for Sun and Summer

2009-06-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you DimpleBijou for including my Malia Sunshine Bikini top in your Treasury! This treasury looks so happy! Yay! Summer is soooo here!

The Burpee

2009-06-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

So I've received a lot of messages and mail about my post on the 6 Minute Bikini Body by Coach Yari. Did any of you do it? I did! I think it was the longest 6 minutes of my life! And it looked so simple on the photo!

I googled the Burpee, and found a few demos on Youtube. Here's one of them:

The 6-Minute Bikini Body

2009-06-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Every time someone sees my bikinis but feels they don't have the body for it, I always say "sexy is a state of mind" and that "anyBODY can wear my bikinis". Well you know, I think I am chucking those lines out the window. Time to stop those excuses girls! Finally, get that bikini body! In just 6 minutes a day, you can get yours! Check out this email I got. It's one of the few newsletters I wholeheartedly welcome in my email inbox. From Dr. Al Sears. And when he had the subject of the email as "The 6 Minute Bikini Body", of course it was the first email I had to read! So here I am sharing it to everyone who stumbles on my blog!

The email goes like this. Dr Al Sears, this is my version of forwarding your email :)

--

Dear Mary (yes that's part of my very Catholic Filipina name... it's in my passport and my IC),

Summer’s here. That means it’s time to roll out your “beach-ready” body for maximum outdoor fun.

If you’re not feeling quite there yet, don’t sweat it. My good friend and PACE® trainer Coach Yari just showed me and my staff a turbo-charged 6-minute workout. It’s awesome. This routine will get your body burning fat like a blowtorch.

It figures Coach Yari would come up with something this simple. She was voted “America’s Next Fitness Phenom of 2008” by Project Breakout.

It’s an “oldie but a goodie.” It’s a basic form of calisthenics soldiers and athletes have been using for years to stay ripped. She calls it the Burpee. It’s also known as the “squat thrust jump.”

The squat thrust jump is super-effective because it targets all muscle groups: Chest, calves, shoulders, quads, hamstrings, arms, back… you name it. Of course, consult with your doctor if you’ve had any injuries before giving it a try.

Here’s Coach Yari demonstrating it herself:

Step 1: Just as the name says, squat!
Step 2: Place your hands on the ground.
Step 3: Thrust your legs back and land in a push-up position.
Step 4: Jump your way back to a squatting position.
Step 5: Jump up with your hands in the air. Beginners, just stand up.
Step 6: Repeat.

As you can see, it’s a simple (but challenging) variation of your basic squat thrust. Start off slow until you can get the hang of it.

Pay close attention to keeping proper form as you do the Burpee—but really give it your all, too (except for the first warm-up set, of course). Your total exertion time should be no longer than 6 minutes, but be sure to allow yourself all the recovery time you need to feel ready for your next set.

Here’s the 4-week schedule Coach Yari recommends for maximum fat-burning power:

Coach Yari has several other 6-minute workouts that you can learn. She’s holding a 3-day Health and Fitness Retreat in Delray Beach, Florida. It runs from July 10-12, 2009. This is an event you won’t want to miss. I’ll be there as both a speaker and a participant. There are only a few slots left, so be sure to sign up today.

--

I think I'll try this out! To try out her online program, click here.

And to see Dr. Al Sears' website, click here.

Seafood Paella

2009-06-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

When I crave for Paella, I go for the quick version here at Marche in Vivocity. I am no chef, so why should I try and cook my own? Now thanks to one of my oldest friends Aileen, she blogged about cooking Paella. One day I just may try this Spanish dish! Check it out in her blog right here.

Silk Bangles

2009-06-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

Don't these rings just remind you of Fisher Price's famous stacking rings? I loved that toy! But I love these bangles better.

I think they'd be perfect with a white summer dress, bare capri sandals, and a huge straw bag :)

Check out my store to get these little lovelies!

An Afternoon in Arab Street

2009-06-13T00:39:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if this works. I cut together a montage of an afternoon the hubby and I had one time. Capped it off with a timelapse shot :)

An Afternoon in Arab Street from Pinky Calica Vierra on Vimeo.

Martha Stewart Living June 2009

2009-06-09T22:44:00.000-07:00

I've sworn off magazine buying for the past few months. Ever since Domino was discontinued, somehow I was able to curb my need to buy glossies and browse their internet counterparts instead.

Then here comes the June issue of Martha Stewart Living. It simply was inviting. I loved the cover! It's so summer! Naturally the beach house cover was the one that made me buy the magazine just after 5 seconds of looking at it. I haven't read it yet, but I think I'm going to enjoy it. I am after all the same person who keeps old magazines (Real Simple, Living, and Domino). What attracted me to this magazine mostly is the cover. Che-check it out!

It might be so self centered of me, but I think I bought it because the cushions reminded me of the cushions we have on our living room couch. I think this is the same syndrome women have when we find a celebrity beautiful only because you know she somewhat can look like you, and she's just a made up and prettier version (meaning that you are her uglier version). But I digress... (I swear Angelina Jolie is so pretty... Kidding!)

Here is a short video clip of our living room/ dining area. I didn't mean to showcase the house. I meant to sample the Flip Ultra HD which I bought over Amazon. Again, ignore the mismatched dining room chairs... after all this is not me showcasing my interior design expertise (and yes I am still looking for better chairs). Just check out the pillows! I got them about 2 years ago, and I haven't seen these cushion covers being sold recently . I think they're really so summery. I love them.

I just shot the feature of the cover house.

I love this last bedroom! Don't you just love the coral and sea green pillows?

Ok! Time to read!

To the H to the BOT... HBOT!

2009-05-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

So ok this post isn't really about my bikinis, but since I am somewhat on a "vacation" during "summer", I guess this post will somehow fit.

I've been in Manila for a few days to regroup and spend time with my Mom post mothers day. Just this morning, I accompanied my mother to an unusual yet beneficial oxygen therapy known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, also known as HBOT. What happens here is that the client (I refuse to say "patient"!) climbs in this futuristic chamber where it is filled with compressed air and oxygen at 1.3 ATA, the equivalentof being 11 feet below sea level, and stays in there for an hour. This increased pressure allows the body to absorb additional oxygen which greatly increases the oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, organs and brain. Imagine what this can do to your body! Although it is most popular with children that have autism, after reading the literature, I'm sure in a way it benefits people with heart ailments as well. Word is, this chamber is also great for the skin! There are reports from mothers and nannies who accompany the children in the chamber that their skin looks and feels better! I think I should try it on myself one time!

While waiting for my moms hour to be up, I got to check out the food also being sold in the center. These are GFCF foods, or Gluten-free Casein-free diet foods by Free Living Foods. This is a diet which entirely eliminates intake of the naturally occuring proteins and casein in milk, making it better food for autistic children to take. The Skinless Pork Longganisa looked good so I decided to buy some!

This is the entrance to the center.

And this is the space age looking chamber. I haven't watched Star Trek yet, but it does have that Trekkie vibe about it.

After the hour spent in the chamber, my Mom was more energetic, and she said that she felt that she was thinking clearer.

Free Living Foods and the Hyperbaric Oxygen Wellness Center is located at the Lower Level, Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, 631-3005 / 0917-737-4489.

The Ocean Journey

2009-05-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pastimes is watching the newly posted Etsy goodies scroll down that little area on the home page. And a lot of times I click on something that interests me. Just a few minutes ago, I clicked on this charming little piece of jewelery!

I really want it, but I am on a self-imposed shopping hiatus. So if I can't have it, I would love someone out there to get it.

What I really like about it is what else? The beach theme! I don't know, but something about it shouts the coast of Maine. Must be the sea glass! I can see myself wearing this with a some kind of a taupe cotton sweater, white capri pants, while barefoot at the beach. I want it!

Click here to get this baby for yourself. If not, I just might grab it for moi. This store looks great. I already hearted it. Check out Japonica here.

Kathy Griffin's Bikini Body

2009-04-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

The last person I thought who would have a rockin' bikini bod would be Kathy Griffin! Last week, looking at my collection and wondering what other combos would look great, I realized that this combo of Aqua and Leaf would look super. Just like a photo of a palm tree against the blue ocean.

Then a few days later, after surfing some gossip sites (I know I know... I do look into perez' blog sometimes), I saw Kathy Griffin sporting a bikini with the same combination! She's really fit!

I really don't know if I enticed you to buy thhis combo using Kathy Griffin, but hey- she does look great right? Go Kathy!

Click here for the Malia Aqua Top, and here for the Malia Leaf Bikini Bottom :)

Twenty Questions with The Fab Miss B!

2009-04-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am so honored Becky Kazana, The Fab Miss B has featured me in her lovely little blog! She really is fabulous! Thanks so much Becky!

Check out my interview right here! And check out her main website! So charming!

Sunny

2009-04-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I love the music my parents used to listen to. And there are several songs I have multiple covers of in my iTunes list. One of them is Summertime. Although I don't have all the covers of Sunny in my iTunes, this remains to be a classic favorite of mine.

I know I used to hear different versions of it growing up. I even remember the music sheet for our electric organ (it was called Zachary Enchanted... how 70s is that!) my sister used to follow.

Thanks to youtube, I get to listen to that song, again and again and again. I'd like to think I love the song because of the word itself. Sunny. How summers are supposed to be! The when I read about it more, song writer Bobby Hebb wrote it after two devastating events in his life. The assassination of JFK which was immediately followed by the death of his brother the next evening in a knife fight in front of a Nashville Club. Reading on, Sunny actually has hundreds of covers, and is considered by BMI number 25 in the Top 100 songs of the Century.

Let's take a look at a few of my favorite versions.

The groovy Boney M!

By George Kartsonakis. Love how it's so laid back.

Paul Sonneberg. So chill.

Kissmaacsi from Hungary. She has something quirkily sexy about her don't you think?

This other one, an Ukulele version. Really hot! By KenMiddletonUkulele.

I'm saving my best for last though. Jay Kay! Jamiroquai!

Rhys in Aqua and Espresso

2009-04-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

The best part of making a sale is the feedback! I love it when happy customers tell me how they love it and how beautiful or sexy it makes them feel! My most recent happy buyer, Rhys from Athens, GA! She even sent me an appreciation photo! I love it! I laid out her photo with the Malias and other Verão themed photos using iWeb (I love it! It's so easy to use!) And voila!

Rhys chose a Malia Aqua top and a Malia Espresso bottom. One of my all time favorite combos! And she left such sweet and heart melting feedback in my etsy website:

THIS SELLER ROCKS.... seriously, this is now the coolest bikini i own. its raining... i'm wearing it around the house.... high quality, well-made, comfy, and GORGEOUS! yay.

Thanks so much! You win the more considerate seller award for sending me a size up in case it was tooo small---and you were right! (see photo_ ;-D thanks again! Love it.

Rhys also has an etsy shop called RhysPeace where she donates 10% of any of her items to any of these 4 organizations:

Food Not Bombs- working to end hunger and exploitation
The Athens Land Trust- preserving land, creating energy-efficient affordable housing, and revitalizing Athens neighborhoods
BikeAthens- exploring transportation alternatives and environmentally responsible land uses
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Global Promise Fund- fighting breast cancer, working toward a cure

Rhys is definitely beautiful inside out!

For your very own Malia Aqua and Espresso combo, click here and here!

Reza in Licorice

2009-04-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Now how classy and sexy does Reza look in licorice? Doesn't she just look luscious?

Taken on one of her trips to Boracay, Reza combined the Josefina top in Licorice, and the Malia Licorice bottom. This combination hasn't really crossed my mind until she bought them! This just goes to show that you can build the best bikini for you.

Check out Reza's Indulgences website! Her stuff are great for all glamazons out there!

Honokaa Boy

2009-03-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

I spent several summers and Christmases in Japan, so you can imagine how much I love the country. So when I saw the trailer of this film called Honokaa Boy (thanks to Dina!), I got really excited. I hope it reaches Singapore, or at least I hope to get a hold of the subtitled DVD in a few months!

Honokaa Boy is about a young boy, Yoshida, who visits the small town of Honokaa where he becomes the small town theaters' projectionist. It is while he works here where he becomes close to an elderly seamstress named Beatrice Okamoto.

Director Atsushi Sanada makes his feature length directorial debut, while actor Masaki Okada plays his first lead role in a major motion picture.

While googling this film, I stumbled on this entry on The Big Island Video News covering it's premiere.

Greece on a Whim

2009-03-23T00:30:00.001-07:00

I love special mentions. A few days ago, The Fab Miss B convod me to tell me that my Malia Aqua Bikini Top was part of her treasury, and her blog . And what a lovely blog it is! Thanks so much, Becky!

Half a Decade!

2009-03-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last Friday the 13th!! I posted details about our wedding on my entry last year- just click here, and check it out :)

Great things Happen to the Grateful

2009-03-09T01:57:00.000-07:00

It's amazing. Just a little over a week ago, I decided to buy a little fabric notebook and write down each and every blessing God would send my way. I did! Down to the smallest blessing, I would feel the gratitude and write it down in this litte notebook (I am so in love with this little espresso color). A few days later, I was immensely blessed with a Godwink I could not ignore.

Thank You, thank you, thank you!

Natalie Gulbis in Singapore

2009-03-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

This week, one of the most exciting golf tournaments is in town! The HSBC Women's Championships 2009 in Tanah Merah Golf Club Garden Course! One of my favorite players is here- Natalie Gulbis! I had the chance to see her play in person a few years ago when I accompanied Pat on assignment (the free food in the media center wasn't bad either!). I became a big fan of Natalie not just because of her play (her swing is wicked!), but I love it how she keeps her femininity while playing such a strong sport. A true professional!

I told my husband how I'd love her to wear one of my Verão bikinis. He agrees with me (and a bit too enthusiastic about it actually).

Here's a picture of Natalie with Pat my hubby taken in last years Lexus Cup:

And here's a photo of her taken just last March 5 during the HSBC Women's Champions.

I know she's now part of The Celebrity Apprentice. I wish I could get to see those shows here!

I'm cheering for you Natalie!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2009-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me! It was a rainy birthday, slightly gloomy. Then all of a sudden, this shows up in the sky:

This was the view from our balcony. How wonderful can that be? A new beginning!

It sure was a wonderful birthday. This song would be perfect with the vision of the rainbow!

Yogamazing

2009-02-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who isn't into yoga. It's almost embarrassing to admit it. I mean c'mon, it's 2009- who doesn't do yoga at this day and age? I know most of the ladies who buy my bikinis do yoga.

It's been so many years Maya has been asking me to join her in her yoga classes, but I have always said no. For one thing, I am very self conscious taking classes with a big group of people. The last time I took Pilates for beginners, I felt I was in a Candid Camera episode. A girl who was twice my weight could do the Roll Up so effortlessly when I was there struggling. And the hundred? It felt like a hundred years before it ended! Since then, I realized I was more of a DVD kind of exercise person.

Now I think I'm ready to get into yoga.. via iPod! I discovered Chaz Rough's Yogamazing video podcast. Currently, I'm downloading:

1) Yoga for Beginners
2) Yoga for Better Memory
3) Yoga for Creativity
4) Heart Openers

Feel free to download his other videos on this page.

Good luck to me!

Isn't She Lovely

2009-02-26T17:44:00.000-08:00

The only instruments I tinkered with in the past was the keyboard, the drums, and the Uke. Yes, the Ukelele. It's a pity though that I didn't master any of these. I don't even know how to read notes! The only songs I mastered on the keyboard was When the Saint's Go Marching In, and Somebody by Depeche Mode. I actually completed 12 drum lessons when I was 14, and the Ukulele, well, I learned the song "Ain't She Sweet" from my Dad.

One channel in youtube I subscribe to is Ukejazztaka- a channel dedicated to the fusion of SwingJazz, Hawaiian, and Bossa Nova music, using what else, the Ukulele! I just love this channel. Listening to the music is just like taking a mini vacation! And since I do love vintage Stevie Wonder (meaning everything pre "I Just Called to Say I Love You"), listening to their "Isn't She Lovely" version was just... lovely!

Enjoy the soothing sounds of Takashi Nakamura and Yoshinori Fuji. I have my own Uke hanging given by Pat years ago- I think I should take it up and tinker with it again :)

UPDATE!

I found an Ain't She Sweet clip with 3/4 of the Beatles! I can't believe I can actually play along with this!

Wheeee!!!

2009-02-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Ikea Hacker published my Cappicinini lamp! Thanks so much!

Malia Espresso in Action!

2009-02-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

It's so funny how I try to get pictures of the girls who buy my bikinis on my blog. Most of them are just too modest and shy too have it published.

Thank God for sisters!! I was able to get Maya to have me publish this photo of hers from a recent beach trip to Anvaya Cove.

I love how the Malia Espresso fit her well!

Aloha de Blues

2009-02-11T19:24:00.001-08:00

Ok, back to regular programming!

On my iTunes, I have a Hawaiian playlist (which I lovingly call Hawaiiana), an acid jazz playlist (Acidity Jazzidity), and yes... a J-Pop playlist (J-Poppins). My love for J-Pop goes all the way back to the 80's when our family spent almost every summer in Tokyo.

Now can you just imagine when I discovered a J-Pop song fused with some jazz and and Hawaiian? I loved it! I've been playing the song over and over and over! I'm obsessed! To think it was released all the way back in the 90's!

This song I now love is Aloha de Blues, by Pizzicato Five, with then lead singer Takao Tajima of Original Love (I had 2 Pizzicato Five albums in the 90's which mysteriously disappeared when I moved to Singapore. My Original Love CDs also disappeared with it.)

And thanks to my very Nihonggo loving workmate Dina (who also bought a Malia Espresso from moi) who gave me the link to the lyrics and translation!

Here are the lyrics:

Lyrics | Pizzicato Five - Aloha e blues lyrics

The Domino Effect

2009-01-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, I went to grab the February edition of Domino. I had noticed it was uncharacteristically thinner than usual. Later on in the evening, I checked into my Facebook account and noticed the update of one of my idol bloggers and now FB friend Holly Becker of Decor8 confirmed that Domino magazine is folding.

I was stunned. I am no high flying interior decorator, but I do look forward to every issue. I may actively seek inspiration to spruce up our home, or I just have it by my bedside to give me "happy thoughts" before I sleep.

Thank you Domino, for all the fantastic spreads! Your magazine will be missed! I was about to cut some pages of my older issues for my vision board, but hey. I won't anymore!

Now to the people I lent my back issues to, do have the heart to give them back. In tact, I hope!

Extra Baggage

2009-01-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Not the emotional kind!

I love traveling, but I hate packing. So the only way I can have fun packing is to at least have the luggage look good. At least to me :)

I've always made sure that my luggage would be sturdy and easy to spot. I bought Samsonite which, unexpectedly died during it's supposed warranty period. And although I like Delsey's super roller wheels, the zippers gave way in 2 years (I still use it though. It also is a great dancing partner).

In Robinsons Galleria, I spotted luggage I wanted. Just like how I chose my Canon Ixus 80IS, I wanted this luggage for pure eye candy purposes.

It was really cheap at P1800 (US$39) and P1600 (US$35) respectively (50% off!) and it was in hot pink! I mean even if it turns out to be el-cheapo in quality, it's ok :) Thanks to the salesmanship of Reazon Dagohoy (I hope I got his name right), I was suckered into buying the bigger one 2 days ago. I couldn't stop thinking of the other one, I rushed back yesterday to get the smaller one. I just have to have matching luggage. The brand is Patriot, and according to Reazon (I like saying his name because I find it so unique), it was manufactured in Bulacan. At least I bought something Philippine made! Now if it wasn't, and it's just one of those China factory bags, well, at least he was a good salesman.

Looking forward to more travels this 2009 with my hot pink luggage. For the more conservative, I did spot a grey and a brown set.

UPDATE (Feb 25, 2009)
Now I remember where I got the idea for the luggage!! From Domino!

I'll really miss this magazine!

New Years Pressurelutions

2008-12-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

It's the time of the year when everyone comes up with lists.

Me- I never did. I have this love-hate relationship with lists. Sometimes I am just scared to know that I did not accomplish anything on the list. May it be a simple grocery shopping list, or a goal list. I guess it's the generic fear of rejection/ failing. I was always pressured! Will I get to tick the box that I did it or not? Argh!

This year- I will make one. Should I get anything on it done or not, I shouldn't really be scared of it at all. It won't bite! I will get rid of that fear once and for all

Today, I will make my list! My 2009 Resolutions! Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

The day is almost over but, Merry Christmas everyone!

Dream House

2008-12-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

I am delaying my packing for tonight's trip and decided to look at houses for sale. I saw this. I think I'm in love. Universe, are you listening? I think I want to stay here for the rest of my life. Forget the coffee farm. I would love to live here.

Update: I am uploading other photos.

A superb grill for barbecues with family and friends.

A lanai. I love the ceiling fan! I would change the seating set though.

The family room. Spacious and bright!

And the garden. What a lovely corner :)

I want!

Hellolulu Laptop Bag

2008-12-14T01:50:00.000-08:00

I've been lugging two bags to work everyday for the past three months. My everyday bag, and a laptop bag. I thought it was ok to carry 2 bags when a friend nonchalantly called me "Auntie" since I was carrying my laptop bag oh so ungracefully. It was my awakening.

Today, intending to be a day of Christmas shopping, Pat finally decided to buy me that one laptop bag to end all laptop bags. I really didn't think there would be one. I always thought I would be resigned to my now laptop bag (which was actually a simple white tote), or my very childlike (and childish) Doraemon computer bag. Then I saw this:

A nylon laptop bag from Hellolulu! It looks like your everyday tote (I love totes!), but then the beauty of this was the inside. Check it out!

A compartment PERFECT for my 13 in black MacBook! With foam and all! Other compartments were also perfect for make-up, keys, pens, mobile phone, and wallet! Now I really don't need a second bag!

I just wish they had different colors so I can change it according to my outfit! I was crushing on a $700-on-sale Gucci bag, but I must say- this beats it. I wouldn't be able to put my laptop in that Gucci bag. And it only cost S$89 at the Wheelock Apple store.

Weight Problems

2008-12-12T08:42:00.001-08:00

Not THAT kind, okay! I know, I know, I've been busy with other things- that I have neglected to blog lately. And in less than 2 weeks, we again, are jetting back to Manila for our yearly Christmas Holiday. Yay! It's been 3 years since I last saw big sister Mica and her family! Can't wait to celebrate the holidays this year with the entire family... well almost that is (one sis won't be there...)

And since we're going home via the budget route again (Cebu Pacific to be exact), charming the ground staff or having a sob story will not get you any upgrades to business class, or getting your overweight luggage fee waived (since it worked with Pat and I almost all the time when we ride Singapore Airlines or Northwest!). Now, every extra kilo will be charged.

The solution? No- not your usual bathroom scale. I hate having to balance the luggage on the scale when most of the time the luggage tips over anyway. I found this hassle free gadget.

Balanzza has a 100-pound capacity and secures to your luggage with a strap rather than using a hook which can damage your belongings. Automatic hold feature allows you to weigh your bag, then set it down again before checking the weight. Balanzza's digital display is large and easy to read.

Best of all- you don't have to struggle lugging your suitcase on the bathroom scale- better yet, you'll avoid those embarrassing repacking sessions right at the check-in counter!

Keep Calm

2008-11-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

I've been preoccupied lately with things other than my bikinis! So to remind me to calm down and take a breather, I was inspired to hang this in our living room. My version of the famous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster.

The history of this poster goes as far back as 1939- right when World War 2 was about to begin! With war against Germany looming, the British Government had a series of propaganda posters circulated all over the country. The purpose of the poster was to convey a message from the King to the people that 'all necessary measures to defend the nation were being taken', and to stress an 'attitude of mind' rather than a specific aim.

Flipping for Flip-Flops

2008-10-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

I really don't think I can live in a country where there are four seasons (although I do love visiting them) I love the tropics too much. So much that I bought 7 pairs of flip flops. Although I do own some Havaianas, these Old Navy flip-flops were too hard to ignore. A pair at only $2.50! A group of us at my office pooled our wish lists and decided to have all our goodies shipped together. Soon, I will have 7 candy colored flip flops. Perfect for my bikinis and sun dresses!

No News is...

2008-10-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Good news.

Sorry I have been in absencia lately! I'm ok, I'm alive, just sorting stuff out and being busy in my day job. Will update one of these days! Mahalo, Obrigado!

Dream Come True!

2008-09-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

So I was on my way back from work, tired and spent, when my sister Maya told me that she saw a poster in Clark Quay that The Brand New Heavies will be performing at 9pm. The Brand New Heavies. Just my favorite band. The band whose funky acid jazz music made me buy most of their CDs since 1992. The band I listened to driving to work, on road trips, while running, while editing, making candles etc... Their CDs were one of the first I imported to iTunes and my iPod. And when termites ravaged my whole Heavies CD collection (that whole incident deserves another post another time), I cried. The same band that I said "After I hear them live, I can go ahead and die" (So here I am God, taking back that last statement of mine). There is not one week I don't listen to them. I know most of their music to heart.

Anyway when I heard that they were in town, and about 15 minutes away from home, I knew I just HAD to go. Since my regular date was out of town (that means Pat the hubby- after all I did tell him about BNH and introduce him to my type of music during courtship), I met up with my sister instead to watch the gig. I really think it was a pity how poorly advertised this event was (or I don't know, maybe I live under a rock). I also didn't like how the stage was actually sunken- they performed on the river while everyone was watching from the bars on the riverside.

Anyway, we got to Asylum, since it sort of had a good vantage point of the stage. After consuming some quesadillas, caiprinhas and a Coke Light while 2 other bands played, I was ready to do some grooving!

And then it was time! Whoohoow! Seeing Jan Kincaid (drummer and songwriter), N'dea Davenport (the lead singer), Simon Barthlomew (the lead guitarist), and Andrew Levy (the bombest bass!) was surreal! They played a medley of their instrumentals in the beginning. Then next, N'dea sang "Never Stop", their first song I fell in love with. Somehow I wished she had sang it how it was on record, but hey- I still danced in my chair. And she must have been tired of the original way she sang it so still, it was cool!

The trooper in me had come out and I had to let my sis Maya wait at Asylum while I found my way to the VIP area. True enough, with enough negotiations ( e.g. I've been listening to them for 16 years so I do believe I need to be right there in front of them) with security (and thanks to a nameless guy with a gray hat from production), I got myself right in front of the band I had danced to for almost 2 decades! It was hard to shoot and dance and sing at the same time, but hey, for a few minutes, somehow I did! How I wish they performed more (or I don't know, I could have left too early and they had another set after), but I did manage to take a photo with Simon Bartholomew. I really wanted to have one with the whole band, but I swear security was such a pain.

Here is a video I took with my Canon Ixus 80IS. I just shot the ending of Dream Come True. How apt of a title. It was my dream come true to see them live! And thanks Simon for doing a little interaction (you see it on about 35 seconds through the video)!

And here is the ambush photo op I had with Simon B. Thanks to the stranger who was willing enough to take my picture. I really don't know why Simon posed that way but still, thanks! Now he looks like the fan! I wish I had a photo with the entire band :(

They performed most of the tunes I wanted to hear, and now I am ready to replenish my entire CD collection again. I think their sound totally deserves real, tangible CDs.

The Brand New Heavies- you are so totally the BOMB! I can't wait to watch you live again!

Blush Sneakers

2008-09-15T01:39:00.001-07:00

Never in my life did I think that I was going to wear Converse. Ever. Not even back in the 80's. This time around though, I thought a pair of blush pink sneakers would look great with a pair of jeans and a white tee. Am I glad I don't wear suits to work. And I think my Samsung phone camera isn't bad at all!

The iPod Boombox

2008-09-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

For anyone who grew up in the 80's, the "it" piece cool of technology then was the boombox. I remember how I'd lug one to school- freshly bought from Tokyo by my Dad. It was so hi-tech then, since it had the tape-to-tape capability! Mix tapes could be duplicated! And I did my first mixing and ripping of music with our boombox at the tender age of 12. The band? Spandau Ballet!

Then a few days ago, I saw this wonderful product in Domino magazine. The iPod Boombox from Urban Outfitters. A great marriage of the old and the new for only $220.

Check out the write up from the Urban Outfitters website:

Sometimes bigger really is better. And when it comes to rocking the block with the hottest new banger, this iPod Boom Box is the biggest and the best! Retro good looks combine with serious hi-fi technology to provide an unmatched all-in-one portable sound system. Built-in iPod dock with spring-loaded door; included dock adaptor for use with Nano, Mini and previous generation iPods; docked iPods are charged and controlled via push button controls at the front; inputs at the front support USB flash drive and SD/MMC cards for mp3 playback; AV output at the back for TV or monitor connectivity when using video iPods; Good Reception tuner function (AM/FM/RBDS); 20 FM preset stations and 20 AM preset stations; Radio Broadcast Data System display for song info, when applicable; alarm and sleep function; accurate real time clock display; separate bass and treble controls; powerful 12W speakers; push button EQ adjustment; volume level indicator; AUX input; headphone jack; microphone input and volume/echo adjustment for karaoke; full function remote control; uses AC power or batteries; iPod not included. Imported. Keep dry.
* Included: Boom box, iPod dock adaptor; power cable; remote control
* Optional equipment: 10 D batteries, not included; iPod, iPod mini or iPod Nano, not included
* 25.5"w, 14.5"h, 6.5"d
* Plastic, electronics
* Shipping charge: $15

How cute is that? Definitely a conversation piece! It can give your beach trip or afternoon barbecue that summer, fun, 80's feel. Just have your 80's playlist going and your little shindig will get big reviews!

Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars

2008-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

I have about 5 versions of Corcovado in my iPod Classic. Sarah Vaughn, Ana Caram, Frank Sinatra, Everything But the Girl and Lisa Ono. I think it's one of the songs in my all time Top 25 list. I also think it's a great summer beach tune you can sip a Caipirinha or Margarita with. Then just about 5 minutes ago, I checked out my youtube subscriptions and saw musician Paul Sonnenberg's version. I subscribed to his videos sometime last year since I liked his take on Bossa Nova. I like his version, so I'm posting it here for my few readers to chill too.

I kind of like the 8mm film style. Makes it feel more vintage.

Framed

2008-09-03T08:24:00.001-07:00

Last week, I was on a framing frenzy. I grabbed all the picture frames we had, laid them on the floor, and just like a child playing with a new puzzle, I was sliding each frame from one side to the other. Left to right. Down to up. Do the colors match? Can they stay beside each other? Should the sides be aligned? I was shifting frames, hoping they fit, just like a game of tetris, when I decided to give up. Pat just suggested that we should just go wild. We started with one frame on the wall. Then randomly put one next to it, then another, then another. Next thing we knew, we had a stair-like shape. I like it! The frames were still empty, so we just fit in pictures after the fact. Some wedding, vacation, a Peggy Hopper print I got in the Aloha Staidum flea market, baby pictures. It was a mix we both were happy with. Maybe we're done with this wall. Maybe not. Who knows! Except for a few crooked frames, I'm happy :) Promise to take it again when it's straight.

The New Domino

2008-08-31T18:30:00.001-07:00

I haven't grabbed the latest yet, but I can't wait! I will have to buy it! I love looking and poring over such beautiful homes and office spaces! The theme is A Color Revolution! I am specially more partial to the Morocco theme. So exotic!

Check out the preview here!

Club Monaco is Coming to Town!

2008-08-25T09:51:00.002-07:00

Back in the early 90's, I spent a sunny Californian summer studying film in USC, interning in Universal Studios, and playing production office assistant for an indie movie. In between shooting, editing, making coffee, and photocopying scripts, I spent a lot of time sun tanning in Santa Monica beach, and shopping in 3rd Street Promenade. My fave store then was Club Monaco! I loved their casual clothes. I used to go there all the time and spend the food money my Dad gave me for shopping! My favorite piece of summer clothing from there- a pair of denim shorts.

Then just this afternoon, while walking in Ngee Ann City on my way to the bookstore, I saw the sign!

A rush of memories came over me. I remembered just staying in the store for hours on end looking through their clothes! I hope I get the same shopping experience when it opens!

Capiccinini Floor Lamp

2008-08-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love Ikea. And I love the prices there more! However, some Ikea furniture can be so cheap that a minor home mishap can render the piece of furniture useless. Well, almost useless.

A few weeks ago, when a strong gust of wind went through the house (I love opening all the windows!), our famous Ikea Skylar floor lamp (which I think every house in Singapore has) toppled over and the lamp shade ripped. I was thinking of going all Martha Stewart and buying craft paper and totally creating a new lamp shade, when I realized I had something much better! And easier.

Last year, on one of my regular trips to the Philippines, I bought a Capiz shell lantern hoping that Pat can help me make it into a mini chandeleir...

Obviously that didn't happen. It was kept in storage for a year!

Then thanks to the wind- the torn lampshade, and my hoarding tendencies, I gave birth to my very own Capiccinini Lamp. I'm naming it Capiccinini from Capiz and Piccinini. Capiz, obviously Capiz shells, and Piccinini, the Italian female volleyball player in this years Olympics. I watched the game of US vs Italy last night and the announcer just kept saying her name so it stuck!

Here is the picture of the buss up lamp shade:

How I wish I had a photo of the old Skylar.

Anyway, here is my creation. Capiccinini!

Yes you see that lone bulb naked and sticking out. Haha. I'll work on that :) I'm in the Domino mood!

How to Knit a Wild Bikini

2008-08-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

I love browsing in bookstores even if I sometimes leave empty handed. Today, I found this:

How to Knit a Wild Bikini by Christie Ridgway. Maybe I should give Christie a Verão creation! I was so tempted to buy it, but I have this rule not to get any books until I finish all the books on my night stand. Maybe in a week! I read a few of the reviews on Amazon and well, I think it looks ok enough to be a light read.

Here's one of the reviews:

By H. Grove "owling6683" (Maryland, USA)

Nikki is a chef whose days in the restaurant business are numbered---her bum knee makes it impossible for her to endure the grueling hours on her feet any longer. She lands an opportunity with Jay Buchanan, wealthy playboy. The problem is, he's sworn off women and wants a lesbian personal chef to make sure he won't be tempted to stray from that resolution. Nikki is about to lose her one and only job nibble when, in order to make the neighbor think that he has a new girlfriend, Jay kisses her. She uses the opportunity to introduce herself as his chef and, once the neighbor's gone, to pretend to be the lesbian he was hoping to hire.

I gather there will be follow-on books in the 'Malibu & Ewe' series (that's the name of a central yarn shop), and some of the relationships in this book were used as set-up for later books rather than pay-off in this one. Unfortunately this resulted in some relationships feeling hurried and shallow; there was too much to fit into this one volume.

That said, Christie Ridgway has a knack for uproarious (often scandalous) dialogue and pours plenty of it into How to Knit a Wild Bikini. As Nikki pretends to be a lesbian and Jay pretends to believe her, they have some of the best and most fun lines in the book.

While the side plots did a good job of working certain parallels and complicating the main plot, there were too many side plots and a few too many convenient coincidences. It gave things a rushed and orchestrated feel. Ordinarily that would have bothered me more, but the hilarious dialogue, fun chemistry between the main characters, and so on made up for it. I heartily enjoyed the story, and couldn't put it down once I started!

I'm just curious on how much the author actually talks about knitting a bikini...

Geri Halliwell, the Best Bikini Body!

2008-08-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hands down. In my books, Geri Halliwell has the best bikini body. What I could remember about her as Ginger Spice in the 90's was that she was chunkier than the rest of the group (and Baby Spice well- still had baby fat).

When she left the group and started going on her own, I noticed she was beginning to trim down. Then when her video Mi Chico Latino was released, I knew then that she had to be my bikini body idol.

Ever since then, she was my thinspiration when it came to firming up for the summer. Well, I did use Kylie Minogue also as my inspiration one time, but then I realized it was better to visualize someone who has somewhat the same kind of body type as you.

I've seen a few photos of Geri again recently. Ok, so I googled her and I've seen really great paparazzi pics of her.

I am so willing to give Geri any of my Verao bikini's. If you're reading this Geri, please do contact moi! LOL! I hope the paparazzi can take a great picture of you in any of my creations!

Viva, Brasil!

2008-08-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy day here in Singapore, but it feels so summer watching the amazing duo of Talita and Renata at the Beijing Olympics!! Pat is laughing at me actually cheering for them in our living room (after all, the only Olympic sports I usually watched are swimming, gymnastics, and synchronized swimming). I think it was cool that I actually met Talita and talked to her!

The tie breaking set is playing now. Go Talita and Renata!

Inspired by their team uniform, I am mixing this Malia set:

The Malia Leaf Bikini top:

and the Malia Sunshine Bikini bottom:

Of course the Malia Sunshine bottom matched with the leaf belt :)

And Yay! They made it to the next level!!

P.S. The top photo of Talita was taken by Pat at last years FIVB here in Sentosa.

Hawaii in Manila

2008-08-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Pat and I jetted back to my home in Manila to visit family and get some business going. It was great hanging out with Mommy again! And it was even better timing that my sister Rissa was going to have a party to celebrate her birthday on the weekend!

One breakfast morning, Rissa and her hubby Jimmy, were discussing the possible themes (like 4 days before the party!) And whaddya know- in between my first bite of Spam (haha yes I love that canned meat!), and my last gulp of iced coffee (with stevia and not sugar... like it really makes a difference after having Spam and rice for brekki), they came up with- Hawaiian theme! It was the easiest theme so far since Jimmy's bro has a catering business that had Hawaiian themed food, and well, my trusty iPod has exactly 181 local Hawaiian tunes perfect for the event (thanks to my very local island boy Pat)! Michi my sister provided all the leis, since she recently opened her floral arrangement business, and well, all our dresses were care of her! Even Maya, who wasn't supposed to be in Manila that time decided to jet over and surprise everyone!

Check out the tables:
Fuchsia table cloth, a platter of tropical fruits as centerpiece, and tiffany chairs... Can I just toot my own horn here- but these table cloths were from our wedding 4 years ago! Still perfect for that tropical feel...

Some pok'e as appetizer,

Lomi-Lomi Salmon anyone?

Of course, we had Lechon, the Filipino version of Kahlua Pork, and a bunch of other food too many to name!

Here is a photo of my sisters and I. From L-R Sitting, Me, Rissa the celebrant, and Maya- my other Sing based sis. The 2 standing, L-R is Michi and Marie. Too bad Mica and Rina weren't here. And yes I have 6 sisters.

Before I splatter too many photos on this post, I think the easiest thing for me to do is post the youtube video Pat made from all his pics. How convenient, he dropped himself out of the video.

Enjoy! I love this song. Ooh La la Pure Aloha by Hawaiian Homeboy, Marty Dread and Bu La'ia- this local comedian who by the way I was so disgusted with the first time I watched him. Then after a few skits, he kinda grew on me. I think he deserves a whole new post another time. By the way- my MiniPod widget is probably still playing some music now. Just pause it and play this video :)

Sunday Lunch

2008-08-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've been a delinquent blogger lately, so I thought I'd post a picture of our Sunday's family lunch. Maya, my sister, Pat and I went for a Japanese lunch at Bongout in Robertson's Quay, then walked over to eM by the River for dessert.

From the Store to the Sand

2008-07-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, I try to convince my customers to give me a photo of them in the Josefina or Malia. More often than not, they won't agree because they're shy to show off their bodies. Well thank God for Facebook, my sis (well she still is a customer since she still buys my stuff- sister price of course) finally posted a picture of herself wearing a Malia Eggplant top and Aqua bottom with matching Eggplant belt. I had a low res photo of it a few posts back, but well, even if part of the bikini is covered, I think this is a much better picture! And what a lovely background Krabi, Thailand makes!

Thanks Marie! You look great in the bikini!

Fried Mars Bars

2008-07-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know I'm selling bikinis, but I can't help but blog about a dessert perfect for those hot, humid summers (after all it's practically summer all year round where I am). The Fried Mars Bars from Chippy's!

I was craving for Pepper Lunch's Hamburger Steak when Pat noticed Chippy British Take Away right across the restaurant. "Fried Mars Bars?" he said. We knew we had to taste it. We had this "no sharing dessert policy", but this time around, we decided to share.

"Do you want it with Vanilla or Chocolate ice cream?" asked the lady behind the counter.

"Vanilla" I chirped.

"Upgrade?"

"Ah er... no upgrade"

Then she started the frying. I'm not a chef or a foodie, so I don't really know what coating the fried mars bars had before they were deep fried (then and there I reminded myself to take that extra Fish Oil capsule once we got home).

After a minute or 2, she pulled out the fried mars bars and put them in a plastic bowl where there was an already freshly laid scoop of vanilla ice cream. She pulled out the Hershey's Chocolate Syrup and zigzagged on it. Voila. Dessert is served.

I was expecting a crunchy chocolate bar. Instead, what we got was soft, gooey, chocolate with a light coating of... batter? Caramel? I really don't know. All I know was I gasped "Oh my gosh...". It was sinfully good. I felt like I was in one of those commercials when the actor would close his eyes and appreciate the tastiness and say "Mmmmmmm!". It really was good. It was rich- that we realized it wa a good call to share desert this time around.

After the last morsel of fried mars was swallowed, I asked the lady where the other branches of Chippy British Take Away were. Was I glad they had more branches. They have in Far East Plaza, Plaza Singapura, and the other place I forgot (we were in the Central Mall branch).

For the mean time, I think I'll have to stay away from that dangerous dessert (so help me God).

Espresso Camera

2008-07-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Perfect point and shoot camera. This is the camera I really wanted. Not really because of the specs, but the color! A rich espresso! So delish. So fashionable! This is the Canon Ixus 80IS. And Pat bought me one today!

It's compact and slim, easy to bring around. And now I don't have to borrow Pat's camera to take the bikinis! Thank you huns! I love the gift! I think I'm going to get the waterproof encasing WP-DC22 one of these days.

Kaanapali Coffee Farms

2008-07-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

"Dreams are free, so free your dreams"
- Astrid Alauda

Now this is paradise. Hawaii. Farm-life. The ocean. And coffee. Lots of it. I would love to live in Kaanapali Coffee Farms. I can already smell the coffee! How I wish! Life would be perfect if I lived here!

I always loved plantation style homes. I think the artists rendition of the model home is just sweet.

And look at the floor plan:

I would also love to have a truck just like this:

Then inside, I will decorate the house with Hawaiiana chic. Just like in the book I bought months ago, Hawaiian House Now.

You can purchase a 5 acre lot for about US$1.2M. The house, well, I still have to find out. I wonder if it would be safe to say that the it would all cost about US$2M to live in paradise. I'd have to sell 50,000 pairs of my Malia Bikinis! Or I can just put a Paypal donate button right about here so you readers can chip in... LOL

Shopping Fix

2008-06-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I braved the Singapore crowd this Sunday out in the mall. We went to pick up a book he reserved at Kinokuniya in Takashimaya, after which we moved on to Vivocity to watch our already booked movie, Kung Fu Panda (I thought the funniest part of the movie was the acupuncture scene!). After the movie, I thought I could manage to be one with the masses and indulge in the GSS (Great Singapore Sale). After seeing the sea of people, I knew I couldn't do it. I really couldn't see myself waiting for an hour just to try on a pair of pants even if it was 70% off. I didn't want to queue for seats at a restaurant. We then decided to just enjoy the rest of the Sunday at home. We still had left over Kahlua Pork and Potato Salad from dinner last night anyway (recipes of that another time!). So instead of being out there satisfying my shopping fix, I decided to do it in the comfort of my own home... through Etsy.

In fact, a few days ago, I started some shopping. I didn't buy anything big. I just bought some accessories to brighten up my usual work day look of a t-shirt or knit top, jeans, and whatever shoes and bag I may be in the mood to wear. I am really glad that my day job doesn't require me to wear a suit!

One purchase was from Etsy friend, Kieu Le. I was looking for a pendant, something teal or blue- then I saw this. It was really funny because I didn't care that she was selling it as a dog charm. Haha. It was just too cute, I knew I had to get it. It would probably look pretty to group with other pendants!

Last December, I bought her Dad's CD called Memories to accompany me on my road trip to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore. For any classical music enthusiast, or even a lover of all kinds of music, this CD is a must buy. Mr. Le Van Khoa's music made the road trip feel like I was in a period, epic film! It was a delight to the ears and especially my emotions!

Anyway... I think a day after I bought the dog charm... er pendant... I was still thinking of pendants. I surfed Etsy and saw hundreds of scrabble tile pendants. I wanted them all! Then I saw a PDF file being sold on how to make one! I wonder if I will actually make one for myself but hey, I bought it anyway. Who knows, I may make a few to sell here on Etsy!

I bought it from A Pink Piggy for $7! And I got it in a few minutes too! I am hoping to try making this pendant next week...

The next day, still in accessory mode, I found this:

Isn't it so cute? This matches the theme of my store and my blog perfectly! It even matches the bikinis! I knew I had to have it for myself. Do check out relishdress' store. All her accessories are just so adorable!

It's almost midnight and I am still surfing etsy. I am still looking at the scrabble tile pendants. And all these shopping totes look so inviting. Help!! I know my shopping fix hasn't been satiated.

The Summer Sack

2008-06-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

For every bikini pair you buy, you now get them in this adorable little pouch. Perfect for gift giving, or simply throwing in your beach bag!

Aloha E Komo Mai! Verão welcomes you!

2008-06-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yay! I loaded all the colors of my bikinis! My store is officially open! Thanks for the early sales, Yasmin!

I also just created a Verão Facebook Page. Click here to check it out and feel free to become a fan!

The Reserved Towel

2008-06-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

How fun is this? Keep unwanted people away from your tanning spot with this straight-to-the-point towel. I was surfing the net when I stumbled upon this website www.boystuff.co.uk and discovered this towel.

Don't lose your precious spot on the beach or by the pool to a queue-jumping Gerry this summer. Mark your territory with the new RESERVED towel.

Normally, people have all the sunbed space sewn up by Christmas. This year, you can fight them on the beaches with your brand new weapon. Make sure they know you're not giving your spot up for anyone! The RESERVED towel makes your point loud and clear with no messing about.

In a crowded resort, the RESERVED towel makes the ultimate ‘hands off' statement. Let that beach babe know that your sunbed's not available, unless she's willing to share!

The RESERVED towel is great fun, can help you pull, and will annoy the hell out of the others vying for a place next to the pool. What more could you ask for from a towel?

Features:

* Measures 153 x 80cm.
* 100% cotton

Not exactly the most fashionable beach accessory, but hey, at least you're protecting your territory!

Slowly trickling in

2008-06-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

After a few days of shooting, downloading and cropping, I am slowly filling in the store! As you can see to the right- a few goodies are in!

Under Renovation

2008-06-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

I'm jazzing up my store so nothings in it! It's going to be up in a few days.

I've been Tagged!!

2008-05-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't been busy with Etsy lately, but thank God for Etsyan friends like Stacy of Stacy Designs, I am back in the loop. She tagged me! I never really knew what it meant until I got a message from her through my blog. Do check out her store. I personally love these Candies Forever No. 5 Earrings she made.

Anyways, here are the rules:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

---

Here are my 7 random facts:

1) I grew up bullying my younger sister. When our Mom gave us milk to drink before bedtime, I'd force her to drink the rest of my milk when Mommy wasn't looking. I still believe that's how she ended up growing taller than me.

2) When I enter an empty ladies room, I always go to the last stall just in case a murderer comes in and starts shooting the stalls one by one. At least I have time to crawl under to the other already shot stalls before he reaches me (morbid I know...)

3) When I was single, I never had a long list of characteristics of how I wanted my husband to be. All I asked was for God to give me a husband who would be able to survive on an island and live off the land just in case anything bad happened. True enough, God blessed me with a husband born and raised in Hawaii who can catch fish and lobster with a spear :)

4) I'm Filipino- born and raised in the Philippines, but I still haven't memorized the days of the week in Tagalog.

5) When I was a child, putting on a shirt was a challenge. I always ended up putting my head through the sleeve instead of the neck hole even if I believed that it felt like the neck hole. So to fix that, I told myself to put my head through the sleeve- and when I did that- I always ended up putting on my shirt correctly.

6) I cut my hair at most twice a year.

7) My ex-boss was Eric Stoltz. I was a production intern for a movie called Sleep With Me where he was the producer and actor. I never got to tell him that his kissing scene in Some Kind of Wonderful was the best kissing scene I ever watched. It still is.

-

I am tagging

1) Devon of Devonstitching
2) Apol of La Pomme Stories
3) Raven of Dirty Pretty Things
4) Monica of Feltland
5) Kieu Le of Kieutiepie
6) My sister Maya of Swingapore Sister
7) Itsy of Above Happy Valley

Sorry everyone!!!

Vanilla Malia

2008-05-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

The perfect ice breaker for this coming summer! Click here and here to buy the Vanilla Malia in large.

Drivin' Down Brazil

2008-05-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

So I was scanning through iTunes when I saw one of my old (no pun intended) disco idols back with a new album. Who would have thought Donna Summer would have more songs other than Hot Stuff and Bad Girls to get down with. She's back with Crayons.

Stamp Your Feet sounds really dancey- like a cross between Kylie and Fergie. Or does todays music just sound alike? Haha. I don't doubt that too. I'm not a music snob that will dissect music and tell you how organic (not) this CD is. Or how the Queen is back in fighting form, with late 70's disco mixed with early 80's English techno pop. I'm pretty shallow when it comes to music. As long as it makes me dance, then it's thumbs up from me.

The other song that caught my attention was Drivin' Down Brazil. Now this track sounded so cool- I could see myself sipping a Caiprinha or Margarita while watching the sunset. I could almost see how the music video would go... too bad I couldn't find one. This was the best clip I could find:

P.S. Ignore the first 15 seconds of this youtube clip. The very 90's electronic drumbeat which reminds me of Milli Vinilli is NOT part of this song.

P.P.S. I am watching a delayed telecast of American Idol and didn't realize that iTunes featured Donna Summer BECAUSE she was in the show. Ha ha. I thought I had discovered her on my own.

Better Late than Never

2008-05-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

So this post is late. It's the latter part of May, and I am still obsessed with this issue of Domino.

The April issue with Drew Barrymore as the cover. Ever since Holly Becker of Decor8 mentioned it in her blog, I was searching high and low for this issue. After about a month of searching, about mid April, I finally found it in Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City branch. It was worth the wait.

What a pleasant issue. Since Drew Barrymore is practically living my dream career, (making movies and doing it in a really well designed and decorated office to boot), I can't help but swoon and pour over the spread over and over again. I almost feel sorry for the article after hers. The article features her Flower Films Production office decorated by Ruthie Sommers.

Now wouldn't you love to skip breakfast from home only to have it in this wonderful office kitchen? I can already smell the freshly brewed coffee and hot blueberry muffins! My personal quick breakfast of choice is a glass of potent iced coffee and a peanut butter toast.

And what about their lovely powder room? Almost a perfect place to catch up on literature!

Even just the entrance of their office is marked by this red door. Already with character and punch.

Don't you think the details of her office are just divine?

Ok, so I've been mentioning everything else and you haven't seen a single office desk. Ha ha! Well here is the office of her partner, best friend, and wife of former SNL's Jimmy Fallon, Nancy Juvonen.

Now isn't this office so conducive for creativity? I don't know if this issue is still on sale, but if it is, I do encourage all interior, movie, or Drew Barrymore buffs to check out this issue. It is surely a treasure to keep.

Striped Patio Dress

2008-04-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

Yay. I still can buy dresses from the girls section. I just did over the weekend. Even as I had promised not to go shopping, this little summery number couldn't have been a perfect purchase.

The Gap's Striped Patio Dress.

Now this dress is perfect to wear over my Malia Bikinis!

Another Luscious Combo!

2008-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

What a superb mix! I recently got another exciting order for my Malia! Leaf and Espresso. How yummy is that? Keep the interesting combos coming in!

Shoyu Poke

2008-04-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, my hubby had an absolute craving for raw fish. It was his turn to do our weekly grocery, when he decided to buy some fresh ahi (tuna to you folks out there) and make Shoyu Poke (pronounced as sho-you poh-kay).

He didn't tell me the exact portions, but I do know that he used the following ingredients:

Ahi (tuna steak cut into cubes)
Onions
Green onions
Shoyu (soy sauce)
Sesame Seed Oil
Chili flakes
Seaweed
Hawaiian Salt (or coarse sea salt)
Serve chilled.

We shared this little appetizer over some iced cold beer, relishing the Sunday we had to ourselves. It was better than any sushi or sashimi I ever had. The combination of flavors and textures made me give my hubby the honorary Gastronomical Genius Award for the day! Whoohoow! This is possibly one of the best all-time appetizers anyone can have on a hot summer day. I wonder why he waited so long to share this recipe with me. So much for the Aloha spirit. Kidding!! Hope he's reading this so he can "surprise" me again tomorrow.

Seven Days in Sunny June

2008-04-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Now this music video shouts summer. Relaxed, fun and fashionable. My bikinis fit in this video don't you think?

*update* Okay so you just clicked on it and the video's no longer available. Try clicking on this instead. I wonder what's so wrong with embedding the video? Hmmm.... Anyways...

Released back in 2005 as part of the Dynamite album, this Jamiroquai hit still makes me sing and dance along to it. Sing along with me! I think I played this song in my iPod 20 times today....

The pebbles you've arranged
In the sand they're strange
They speak to me like constellations as we lie here
There's a magic I can't hold
Your smile of honey gold
And that you never seem to be in short supply of

CHORUS:
Oooh... so baby let's get it on
Drinking wine and killing time sitting in the summer sun
You know, I wanted you so long
So why'd you have to drop that bomb on me

Lazy days, crazy doll
You said we been friends too long
Seven days in sunny june
Were long enough to bloom
The flowers on the summer dress you wore in spring
The way we laughed as one
And then you dropped the bomb
That I know you too long for us to have a thing

REPEAT CHORUS (2X)

Could it be this, the starfish in your eyes
Tell our silent wings, you fly away on
Seven days in sunny june
Were long enough to bloom
The flowers on that sunbeam dress you wore in spring
We laughed as one, why'd you drop that bomb on me

REPEAT CHORUS

Could it be this...
The honeysuckle guess you seem to show me
Could it be this...
For seven days in june I wasn't lonely
Could it be this...
You never gave me time to say I love you
Could it be this...
I know you don't believe me, but it's so true
Don't walk away from me girl
I read the stories in your eyes

Delightful Mix

2008-03-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for your creativity! Again, a purchase for the Malia Tangerine bikini top and the Blush bikini bottom which I just mailed this morning.

My sister bought a pair the other week, Malia Eggplant bikini top and Aqua bikini bottom- for her trip to Krabi, Thailand. She sent me a low res photo, and requested that I don't show her face :) I was a bit hesitant with her combination, but it turned out pretty!

There are no rules to your combinations! Keep them coming!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

What's summer without the movies? I always thought the best part of a summer day- after all the tanning, surfing and lounging at the beach- was going to the movies, all showered and dressed down, munching on popcorn and drinking Coke (after a high carb Italian dinner!). I saw the roster of films coming out this summer, and nothing really jumped out except for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

It's really more of a sentimental journey for me. I feel like I grew up with Indiana Jones. After all, it was Indiana Jones who made me want to be an archaeologist, and then a filmmaker.

Check out the trailer below. After all these years, I still think Harrison Ford rocks. Lucky Calista Flockhart...

1460 Days

2008-03-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

It's exactly 4 years ago today I got hitched! Happy Anniversary, Huns!

Since it was more practical to get married in Manila instead of Hawaii, we did our best to bring Hawaii to Manila. My sister Michi designed my gown and all the dresses of the bridesmaids and flower girls.

The hubby brought home fresh leis from Hawaii. He also bought Kona Coffee for our principal sponsors. For our table settings, we decided to put baby pineapples on wooden leaf trays with a variety of orchids and turquoise candles.

My friend Aileen made the wedding cake using miniature decadence cakes and topped it with orchids. I didn't like the kitschy couple in the little glass globe in the beginning, but it turned out to be such a hit in the wedding that a lot of them were taken home by guests.

And for our guests to take home a little aloha with them, we compiled a cd of local Hawaiian music for them to hula to. People still tell me that they have our compilation in their iPods!

It was a memorable evening, with authentic luau food (thanks to the chef who worked in Hawaii!), and lots of love. One of the highlights at the reception was when Pat prayed the Hawaiian Marriage Prayer. It goes like this:

Eh ha Haku, e kokua mai maua a ho'omana o i ka
manawa a maua o Launa mua ai,
a me ke aloha nui i ulu ai ma waena o maua.
E kokua mai ia maua e o'ohana i kela aloha
i na mea ma'amau i 'ole e ka'awale.
Ke nonoi ha'aha'a nei maua i na hua 'olelo 'olu'olu
a piha me ke aloha.
A no napu'uwau makaukau mau e noi i ka huikala
a e huikala aku.
E ka Haku, ke waiho nei maua I ko maua 'ana I loko
i o kou Lima. 'Amene.

In English,

Lord, help us to remember the time we first met,
and the strong love that grew between us.
Help us to apply that love
in practical things so nothing divides us.
We humbly as for kind words filled with love,
and for hearts always ready to ask forgiveness,
as well as to firgive.
Lord, we leave our marriage in your hands. Amen.

Again, Happy Anniversary, Huns! May we have 80 more years!

Summery Homes

2008-03-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

I love the entire concept of summer. The beaches. The clothes. The vacations. And the tropical homes! I just love pouring over magazines and books with such lovely spreads. I love it how I get inspired and make it my own!

One of my favorite summer magazine spreads is from 5 years ago- the Martha Stewart Living June 2003 issue.

click on the images for a larger picture

You must be surprised I still have it in pristine condition. Believe me, I still have most of these mags well in tact and looking brand-new.

This issue had a great spread entitled Wicker, Paper, Straw by Alison Gordon. It was shot by seasoned travel, food and still life photographer Victoria Pearson, in her own Ojai, California home.

Once in a while I pull out this issue and leave it on my bedside table just to admire the rooms and get inspiration for our own home since it’s practically summer all year round.

I loved how these rooms were decorated using natural fibers of sea grass, raffia, wood and straw. So earthy, organic, and Asian without getting too Zen and minimalist. I can almost smell them! Unlike the usual Bali spa look (which I personally am getting tired of in this side of the world), these rooms look more lived in and relaxed.

I have this Vietnames straw hat which I want to make into a lampshade just like the one on the right- but I haven't found the body for it!

It’s a 5 year old magazine, and still, I think these trimmings would look super for summer 2008. I would love to dress up our home more, but argh… we have to move by the end of July.

*all these photos are taken from my personal copy of Martha Stewart Living June 2003

Building Beautiful Bikinis

2008-03-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

I love it when my buyers get creative. One of them, a future bride, bought 3 pairs for her bridesmaids. She took my advice! She went BYOB... Build Your Own Bikini! Since she's having a beach wedding this coming May, she decided to buy her bridesmaids my Malias and choose colors based on their personalities. Take a look at her combinations.

I like them all! What colors would you want if you built your own bikini?