Let's Go to The Movies

When it comes to movies, I'm a gigantic sap. I live for the good ol' romantic-comedy. When I need a pick-me-up, I just reach into my rom-com DVD stash and voila! Here are 8 movies I'll never get tired of watching:



1. You've Got Mail - Tom Hanks. I LOVE Tom Hanks, as does everyone else. Meg Ryan was the Katherine Heigl of the day. It's about bookstores and dial-up internet, and I grew up going to bookstores every single week. It's geeky-romantic in a light-hearted 90's way, and I'm a 90's kid too. This film was made for me!

2. Forgetting Sarah Marshall - You know what, I find Jason Segel's brand of comedy funny. He's not afraid to make a fool of himself with his role here as the jilted boyfriend who was blindsided by his starlet girlfriend's decision to end things. Mila Kunis is total eye candy, and she always plays strong female characters. Cheers to her.

3. Simply Irresistible - I was a Buffy fan, but I loved this movie even before I knew of Sarah Michelle Gellar. It hasn't got the deepest of plots, but I found it cute that her character was a chef whose cooking drew the same emotions from diners that she was experiencing as she prepared their meals. Like a less sensual version of Woman on Top.

4. French Kiss - Again with the 90's Meg Ryan. She's the awkward heroine who's doing it all wrong, and Kevin Kline plays a hilariously grumpy and shady Frenchman. Of course, with Paris as the setting for most of the flick, I'm sold!



5. Notting Hill - It's Hugh Grant in his least douchey role. Honestly, his awkward character is so likable. Almost at a Tom Hanks level of likability, actually.

6. My Best Friend's Wedding - This movie started my love for Julia Roberts' rom-coms. If I flipped to a channel showing this, I'd watch it to the end. It's also where I got my love for the color lavender, which happened to be the shade of Julia's maid-of-honor gown.

7. Breakfast at Tiffany's - There's a soft spot in my heart for Audrey Hepburn. I saw this movie because I wanted to educate myself in classic films, but ended up genuinely enjoying it. The story felt quite modern for its time: The protagonist, Holly Golightly, is a girl who married too young and realized she wanted more for herself and her brother, so she ran away to NYC and rebuilt herself as a socialite. Active social agenda aside, all she wanted was to be able to provide for her brother and live her dream. It's not so hard to imagine that happening in real life.

8. I Love You, Man - Not so much a boy-girl romance as a bromance between two male platonic friends, Paul Rudd is an "adorkable" lead who needs to find a best man for his wedding ASAP. Jason Segel just happens to be that special someone for him...

The Spa Day

No matter how stressed out I have gotten, I've never been one to regularly go to a spa for a massage. My mom usually has to force me, and I never know how tense I've become until all the knots have been loosened. Imagine what a pleasant surprise I got when one of my good friends sponsored a spa day for me and my mom. (Thank you very much! You know who you are.)

We made our way over to Eastwood City one sunny Tuesday afternoon for our scheduled spa date. Can I just say how relaxing the ambiance is? I've only been to The Spa one other time, so I'm not sure if each branch has a different theme. The one in Eastwood, however, took on a Greek island atmosphere. It was lovely.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="342"] Reception[/caption]



We were ushered into a Premiere Suite, a private room for one or two that includes a shower, massage bed, faucet, and choice of either a Jacuzzi or steamer.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="356"] Tada! I chose the jacuzzi option[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="516"] The bath was already drawn by the time we entered[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="358"] Faucet[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="359"] The separate WC / toilet was immaculate[/caption]

I love how they went the extra mile. A cup of sweet salabat (ginger) tea and water were provided for each guest before and after the session. There were towels, robes, slippers, bath amenities, and posh magazine to help with the unwinding. Our massage therapists, Susan and Tim, were excellent with our Swedish massages.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="356"] Post-Massage Bliss[/caption]

Having an occasional mom-and-daughter date at The Spa is something I'd try saving up for! They put so much effort into the ambiance and the service that you'll easily associate them with treating yourself to a piece of luxury.

 

Pros:

Good service, well-trained massage therapists, and a soothing ambiance from the reception to the rooms.

Cons:

I wish they had disposable slippers (the thin hotel ones) for hygienic purposes. The robes also looked well-worn.

 

For more information visit The Spa's website here.

Lam Tin Food Fest

While I'm constantly trying to explore the vast array of food beyond what I've already tried, there will always be simple favorites that produce as much of an exhilarating effect as any Michelin-starred restaurant. Take my favorite Chinese restaurant, Lam Tin, for example. From the outside, it may look just a step above the average Chinese food canteen in Binondo with its uncomplicated signboard and sparse decor, but anyone passing by this part of Banawe will notice that this eatery is almost always full to capacity. Truly, it is one of those times where the food speaks for itself, and does it speak volumes!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Lam Tin Tea House[/caption]

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Last Call time: the only reason this place wasn't crowded anymore[/caption]

My family learned about Lam Tin through other relatives who would drop by just to order takeout. Delicious, authentic Chinese food with big servings yet doesn't cost much? Yes, please! Just thinking about it is already making me crave my favorite dish...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] ...the Tausi Fish Fillet (PHP 200+)[/caption]

I never used to care for tausi (black bean paste) before I tried their Tausi Fish Fillet. That first time I had a taste of this was back when I was suffering from a nasty stomach ulcer attack. My dad bought the rice topping version, and I gobbled it up to soothe my empty stomach. I thought, "Maybe I was just hungry?" But no, visiting the restaurant in person made me realize how consistently scrumptious the fish fillet dish is with its crispy breading and savory sauce.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Beef Ho Fan[/caption]

Mom loves Beef Ho Fan (PHP 200+; available only on weekends) from anywhere, so she insists on ordering this too. The flat noodles are soggy yet chewy in the sauce, and the serving is big enough for three people if they're ordering other dishes.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] I don't remember the name, but this is crispy breaded shrimp in sweet and sour sauce[/caption]

The shrimp dish is totally worth the price, since you get a fair amount of shrimp that isn't heavy on the breading.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Lam Tin Fried Chicken[/caption]

Lam Tin Fried Chicken (PHP 400 for whole, but they also offer half) is the typical fried chicken with shrimp chicharon and Mang Tomas sauce. It's good, but my favorite chicken dish is still their Butter Chicken.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Hot & Sour Soup[/caption]

I'm not a fan of Hot & Sour Soup (PHP 100+) in general, and I much prefer Lam Tin's Seafood Soup. The parentals, on the other hand, LOVE their Hot & Sour, and Lam Tin's tastes exactly like how it's supposed to taste. A big bowl can fill three smaller bowls.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Yang Chow Fried Rice[/caption]

My mom RAVES about the Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHP 180) there. They don't skimp out on the good stuff, I'll tell you that. You get a generous helping of shrimp, egg, and meat. In fact, mom swears she can eat the rice alone. No need for viands.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="394"] The Finisher: a sago't gulaman dessert[/caption]

If you're a fan of Chinese food and you haven't tried this, what on earth are you waiting for??

 

LAM TIN TEAHOUSE =  #30-U Banawe St. Cor Cuenco St. Brgy Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, Philippines

 

P.S. You can also get a reasonably-priced Noodle Feast there.

The Lipstick Tag

Beauty tags are always a lot of fun. I particularly like to read those by Mariana, because she has such interesting stuff. In the past, I've tried 'How much does your face cost?' but I won't be sharing the answers to those anytime soon! Hahaha. Instead, I'll share a peek of my little lipstick collection, because I know other gals who have sooo much more lippies than I do. :p

1. How many lipsticks do you own?

24



2. What was the first lipstick you owned?

Maybelline Watershine in Cotton Candy. I got it as a you're-a-teenager-now gift from my cousin. It's discontinued, and I've used it all up. But it's the kind of color that's definitely age-appropriate for teeny boppers.

3. What is your favorite lipstick brand?

Revlon just because the ColorBurst Lip Butters are amazing. I've only used that and Plump Sexy from the brand so far, but the lip butters cancel the need for lip balm and have just the right color payoff and sheen, in my opinion. Their formula is even winter-ready. I'm in love with them!



4. What is your most worn lipstick?

MAC Viva Glam V. Since I got it, I used it almost exclusively until almost nothing was left. The color looks natural and gives of a subtle sheen. It also goes well with most of my blushes and eye shadows. It's the type of lipstick that doesn't leave my bag.

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="325"] All that's left of my MAC Viva Glam V[/caption]

5. What is your favorite finish?

Lustre, because I get slight shimmer, slight sheen, and slight color. Meaning: Subtle enough for everyday use, and fades naturally when eating.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?

Of course, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting. And I have a feeling that's still the line I'm buying from next . :p



7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?

A lip balm, 2 lip sticks (day and night), and a sheer gloss. That's four.

8. What is your favorite red lip color?

I got it from Sample Room, and it's Color Collection's Vitamin E Satin Lipstick in Red Wine. I didn't expect to fall in love with it, but I did. It was around the time when Oxblood was such a hit. I wanted something rich and deep, and this turned out to be just that.

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="342"] A deep brownish red that's fall-perfect[/caption]

9. How do you store your lipsticks?

I'd love to pop them in the fridge, but my mom would probably have a hissy fit if I take up too much space. I just use a toolbox where all my lip and cheek cosmetics go.

10. Which lipsticks are you currently lusting after?

Something pretty from MAC or Chanel.

Lipstick Tag

Beauty tags are always a lot of fun. In the past, I've tried 'How much does your face cost?' but I won't be sharing the answers to those anytime soon! Hahaha. Instead, I'll share a peek of my little lipstick collection, because I know other gals who have sooo much more lippies than I do. :p

1. How many lipsticks do you own?

24



2. What was the first lipstick you owned?

Maybelline Watershine in Cotton Candy. I got it as a you're-a-teenager-now gift from my cousin. It's discontinued, and I've used it all up. But it's the kind of color that's definitely age-appropriate for teeny boppers.

3. What is your favorite lipstick brand?

Revlon just because the ColorBurst Lip Butters are amazing. I've only used that and Plump Sexy from the brand so far, but the lip butters cancel the need for lip balm and have just the right color payoff and sheen, in my opinion. Their formula is even winter-ready. I'm in love with them!



4. What is your most worn lipstick?

MAC Viva Glam V. Since I got it, I used it almost exclusively until almost nothing was left. The color looks natural and gives of a subtle sheen. It also goes well with most of my blushes and eye shadows. It's the type of lipstick that doesn't leave my bag.

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="325"] All that's left of my MAC Viva Glam V[/caption]

5. What is your favorite finish?

Lustre, because I get slight shimmer, slight sheen, and slight color. Meaning: Subtle enough for everyday use, and fades naturally when eating.

6. What was the last lipstick you bought?

Of course, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting. And I have a feeling that's still the line I'm buying from next . :p



7. How many lip products do you currently have in your bag?

A lip balm, 2 lip sticks (day and night), and a sheer gloss. That's four.

8. What is your favorite red lip color?

I got it from Sample Room, and it's Color Collection's Vitamin E Satin Lipstick in Red Wine. I didn't expect to fall in love with it, but I did. It was around the time when Oxblood was such a hit. I wanted something rich and deep, and this turned out to be just that.

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="342"] A deep brownish red that's fall-perfect[/caption]

9. How do you store your lipsticks?

I'd love to pop them in the fridge, but my mom would probably have a hissy fit if I take up too much space. I just use a toolbox where all my lip and cheek cosmetics go.

10. Which lipsticks are you currently lusting after?

Something pretty from MAC or Chanel.

The Beauty Junkee's 5th Anniversary Blowout

One of my fave local beauty blogs is celebrating its' 5th year online. Congrats to Ms. Martha of The Beauty Junkee! I'm a huge fan of her straightforward reviews and simple rating system. And of course, who doesn't love seeing pretty things? :p

She's having this really neat giveaway, and I mean NEAT. Hahaha. Click HERE to check her amazing contest out.

In case you missed it, this is the link again: http://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-beauty-junkees-5th-anniversary.html#more

Highlighters!

When I'm not obsessing over cosmetics, I'm usually on the lookout for brilliant school office supplies. There's still a part of me that looks back fondly on the days when the rapidly approaching new school year would bring with it a mad rush to the bookstore for the necessary provisions. Yes, I'm the type of person who still gets thrilled at the smell of pencils and new notebooks!

If you appreciate a good office supply like I do, these Dong-A Jet Stick Highlighters (PHP 22.75) may be of interest:



Instead of the common felt-tip marker and highlighter (yet again), Dong-A has stepped it up with neon-colored waxy sticks that don't dry out like the traditional marker does. The sticks are contained in a plastic tube with a base that twists, so it works like your average lipstick. Because of the somewhat crayon-like formula, gel pens can't be used to write over areas where highlighting has been done, but using regular ink is fine. There's quite a bit of product in the tube, so I'd have to say that there's good value-for-money in there.



Next time you're shopping for markers, do give this one a try. I've been a Dong-A fan for years, and Jet Stick does the brand justice.