Sunday Brunch in the Land of Slippers

 

There are a few things that would get me out of bed early on a Sunday morning: an early flight (ugh), an extreme case of we-must-do-laundry-even-if-it’s-Sunday, and maybe “special” shopping cases–the ones that promise cheap (but great) merchandise or the hard-to-get-so-we-should-try-harder case.

I said no to the usual Saturday night debauchery (which is not debauchery, really) so I can wake up in time to join my folks, my aunts, and my uncle for a day trip to Liliw, Laguna. The four-hour car ride promised a good brunch/lunch upon arrival and the possibility of coming home with lots of pretty shoes and sandals in tow.

We got there in three hours and entered the packed Arabela restaurant. Luckily, my mom had made reservations :)

 

 

I love the pretty little details, like the Eiffel Tower spice container and the blue glasses.

 

 

Went up and chatted a bit with the owner, and saw this small balcony overlooking the street. All the scene needed was me and a cup of coffee! Someday, Sam, someday.

 

I regret to report that I was too busy shopping to take photos! I got myself two pretty pairs of flats and these pretty flowers, which my mom picked out from a sidewalk vendor.

 

Man, I should really wake up early more often.

We Live For Weekends

 

 

My weekends have adapted some sort of homage to my favorite summer memories. The food (more on the grilled/fried variety), the homemade shakes, the wholesome fun (the joys of finding perya rides in the neighborhood park!), the silly dates, and the post-drink-grubfest at your local Burger Machine.

I always wish that weekends were longer than 48 hours (or more than 54 hours if you count Friday night). But the compressed amount of time always forces you to make the most out of it. And yes, I think we’ve done a good job so far.

To my 2004 self

Dear 2004 self,

8 years from now, you will be able to watch a couple of your favorite bands live in Manila. Yes, your emo heart will not explode because eight years is enough time to get over post-teenage angst.

You will be singing along to Transatlanticism live in the flesh (#bestillyouremoheart–that’s a HASHTAG, by the way haha), but also to a whole lot of new songs you will also love, like What Sarah Said (cry, cry, cry) and You Are a Tourist.

You’ll watch it with friends you have yet to meet…and Helga, of course! But you won’t be Livejournal friends because it’s just not cool anymore. Haha.

Hopscotch will be long gone by this time, but you’ll see The Used with the same fun and dumb friends, and of course, Wacky, who is *gasp* your VMB! :O

Yup, they’ll play Blue and Yellow, but they won’t play Buried Myself Alive. And Bert won’t be able to reach the high notes anymore, but that’s okay because you’ll see the funniest wall of death and mosh pit ever.

Oh, Chris Carrabba’s also there at the same concert (gasp number two!). His is an acoustic set, but don’t worry–you’ve already seen him two years ago with the rest of the band.

 

And then, there’s Taking Back Sunday. YES! I’m not shitting you.

John Nolan’s back with them! And he’ll be singing the only Straylight Run song you know. Yep.

It’s just April, but your 2012 will be awesome. I promise.

My favorite time of the year

The view from outside my bedroom window–summer’s here!

 

I spent the first weekend of summer making colorful things, like these mini horse ribbons brooches from this tutorial. I think they go nicely with my rainbow purse, don’t you think?

Another reminder that summer’s here: Joey‘s Summer CD! He has been making these for about ten years now. Perfect for a breezy summer night.

And ended the weekend driving around the city with my brother, this in full blast.

I might have found my summer song! Teehee

I Got It From My Momma

My love for DIY, that is.

My sister and brother-in-law renewed their vows here in Manila a few weeks ago in a 1920s/Great Gatsby themed-affair. My mom styled almost everything!

Yes, my mom made my sister’s bouquet AND headpiece.

She also found my sister’s Gatsby gown–off the rack! And she got a feather boa with matching feather fan too.

Check out the back detail

Our mom rocks! :)

P.S. I super love my brother-in-law’s special cufflinks!

Have a great week ahead!

All That Glitters is GOLD!

I was on a tight budget last month, and I had to bust out some gold shoes to complete my bridesmaid outfit for Klassy’s wedding. I had a pair of gold flats that I can’t seem to find, and I had already spent most of my money on accommodations so I decided to be more resourceful and DIY it.

I started with a pair of white heels I barely use. For some reason, I can’t pull off white shoes and decided not to buy any white shoes after this. The material was stretchy fabric and plastic–workable for spray paint! I found a can of gold at home and went to work.

I suck at reading labels. I realized that the paint was matte after I sprayed the first coat–but that’s okay. The white base made it easier for the gold to come out. It took me about 4 layers to get the color I wanted–just make sure to let the paint dry every time you add a layer!

Realizing that it might look dull instead of sparkly, I busted out the gold sequins and some Elmer’s Glue. Mod Podge would’ve been better, but we don’t have it here!

It took me a couple of hours to finish both heels! The photo below tells you that I forgot to paint some parts–hopefully ones that aren’t noticeable from afar

Turned out well, according to my standards. Haha. Check out our color palette. We were afraid we’d look a bit elfish but we put our faith in Klassy (who, by the way, works for one of my favorite sites, Refinery29!) and I think we looked Kate Spade-ish. LOVE.

Oh, being the best bridesmaids in the world, we made a fansign:

You can see our feet at the 0:12 mark in Klassy and Eric’s same-day wedding video made by Jason Magbanua.

And I have to flaunt my rings–I’m Green Lantern-ish like that.

More photos soon! Hopefully. Haha.