Victoria's Secret at Landmark Trinoma

Finally, the world's most glamorous lingerie is already here in the Philippines! As we all know, Victoria's Secret is famous in the US and Canada for chic women's clothing, sultry swimwear, must-have shoes and accessories, and beauty products.

Supermodels like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Selita Ebanks, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karolina Kurkova, Giselle Bundchen, and many many more walked the runway for this clothing line. And not to forget, my favorite spokesperson for this brand, Miranda Kerr.

The moment I saw those gorgeous pieces from the lingerie section of Landmark, my eyes glowed matching a big smile on my face. While checking the items on display, I was greeted by the friendly saleslady. I had to ask her if they do have Victoria's Secret pink paper bags for the customers instead of gray Landmark plastic bags. She said they usually do, but unfortunately, they ran out of bags for this month. Feeling a bit disappointed, I took my hands off the Pink Collection, told the salesgirl that I will be back next time, and started taking photos instead.









*This is my 15th entry for the "I ♥ PINK" meme. I know I am posting this too early for Thursday, but I just can't wait to share this. To be a part of the pink fever, click the button shown at the sidebar.

The Perfect Graduation Dress

Are you graduating this year? Or maybe your daughter is! No? Not your daughter? Ah yes, your son! Well, whoever is graduating, you still need to get dress for that. You are attending the graduation, right?




Look here. I did some shopping for you. I went to Landmark at Trinoma today to look for that perfect evening dress. This one could be perfect for the graduation. It is not too revealing nor too sexy. And this dress is on sale. It is 50% off. Actually, they are on sale. Lot's of them! There were fabulous blue, purple, red, black, and pink dresses from 10% to 50% off. They have all sorts of color and style. I'm sure you won't believe your eyes upon seeing those gorgeous pieces. Anyway, the sale period ends on Sunday, February 28. So, what are you waiting for? Get there now.

Oppss.. Not too fast. Know your body type and check the best silhouette that fits your figure first. Of course, we don't want you to be looking like a character from a circus or something. So, read the following tips.


HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE




1. Identify your body type. One way to define a woman's body type is by how her curves connect her bust, waist, and hips. There are four general body types:

Apple - top-heavy; 14% of women; bust three or more inches bigger than hips; if you have this body type, you probably want to emphasize your tight legs and butt, draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).

Straight/rectangular - 46% of women; waist is about the same as hips and waist, more like a cylinder; if you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure. Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.

Pear - bottom-heavy; 20% of women; hips significantly larger than bust; if this is your body type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, but some women might want to make their butts bigger!

Hourglass - 8% of women; equal hip and bust measurements with a narrow waist; if you're one of the lucky few with this body type, dress to flatter - not flatten - your beautiful curves.

2.Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the mid-section. If you have a straight shape, this is a must because it'll create the illusion of curves. If you have a pear or hourglass shape, this will accentuate your existing curves.

Avoid this, though, if you have an apple shape (which means you have a thick waist, or you put on weight easily there)--wear tops that "drape" over any love handles, like tunics and flowy tops with an empire waist (the waist begins just below the bust and flows outwards).

Dresses or tops that wrap around your waist and cross over your chest are only a good idea if you have an ample bust; otherwise it can make your bust look disproportionately tiny (if you're pear-shaped) or your chest and shoulders look flat and square (if you're straight-shaped).

3. Elongate your legs. No matter what your body type, making your legs look longer is generally flattering.

If you're apple-shaped or straight-shaped, choose flared pants over straight-leg or skinny pants. It adds more "shape" to a straight body and it helps balance out wide shoulders and/or a heavy upper body. Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs.

If you're pear-shaped and you are short (or have short legs), wear straight-leg or slightly flared pants with heels. Skinny pants that hug your ankles can make your lower body take on the appearance of an upside-down triangle. Flared pants can make your legs look very thick, perhaps bowl-legged, in comparison to your upper body. Wear clothes with patterns that go down your body (especially your legs) and not across.

4. Shape your bust. If you have an apple or hourglass shape, you probably have an ample bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy. Book yourself a professional bra fitting; it's life-changing and will make your chest look fantastic! Stock up on V-neck dresses and tops - they're super flattering on big-busted girls. If you don't want to draw attention to your chest, stay away from necklaces and wear chunky bangles instead. You should also wear plain colours around your bust and go for patterned and colourful bottoms instead. If you have a straight or pear shape, wearing a push-up bra to add curves up top might not be a bad idea. If you have a flat stomach and aren't shy about showing it, cropped tops will make your chest look a little bigger in relation to your waist.

Choose your colors and patterns wisely. If there are any curves, handles, or lumps that you'd prefer to hide, wear solid dark colors (black, navy, dark purple) over them. Wear bright colors or patterns on your hot spots to draw attention away from your trouble spots!

TIPS
If you're a petite woman (short and skinny) avoid full-length coats and maxi dresses - they'll just swamp you. Choose cropped jackets, shorts, and mini dresses to keep your petite frame in perfect proportion. Dressing in one colour or wearing vertical stripes will make you look taller. Try high heels too!








Source:
www.wikihow.com

Pink Gelatin Dessert

To cook this pink treat is very easy. Ideal to prepare for a small number of visiting teenage classmates or a group of girlfriends from the office. Not to mention, big boys love them, too!




You will need:
24 grams red gelatin powder
750 ml evaporated milk
300 ml condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
200 ml heavy cream
tiny slices of ripe mangoes (or any fruit in season)

Here's how:
Mix the evaporated and condensed milk together. Gradually sprinkle the gelatin powder to the milk mixture. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until cooked. Don't forget to add vanilla extract for added aroma.

Pour the cooked gelatin into glass molders, leaving an inch empty to the brim. When it sets, cover the gelatin with heavy cream and top with tiny slices of mangoes. Chill and serve.










*This is my 14th entry for the "I ♥ PINK" meme. To be a part of the pink fever, click the button shown at the sidebar.

Philippine Seafood

Philippines is an archipelago of thousands of islands surrounded with water that's why it has rich marine life that boasts a wide variety fish, clams, mollusks, shells, and other sea creatures.



As a Filipino, I get to eat fish more than once a week. Aside from fish, I also love eating shrimps, squids, octopus, clams, etc. This afternoon, I took another trip to the nearest wet market to buy my weekly supply of seafood. I bought a kilo of tanigue for steak. I'm not sure how to call that in English, but Google says it's Spanish mackerel. I also bought half kilo of hasa-hasa (another variety of mackerel). Before hitting the vegetable section, I added half a kilo of shrimp for sinigang and another half of sikad-sikad in my basket. Again, I don't know the English name of sikad-sikad, but in the picture above, that's the one in yellow-orange tray at the front row.




Here are the photos of different kinds of seaweeds available in the same market. I'm not a big fan of these guys, though. Never that I added them to my menu. I saw locals use these in salads, some even cook them with vegetables or meat, but for me, they just don't look edible.

How about you? Do you eat seafood?

My Pink Pair

When hubby asks me why don't I go to the gym anymore, I would tell him that my old trainers are broken. However, I already inquired the gym located at the podium of the condominium where we moved. The gym is not as dramatic as other expensive gyms in the metro, but there is one cute celebrity who works out there every afternoon. I saw him once. Plus, residents like us are allowed free access of the said gym which is great!


TEMPO by FILA


I've been meaning to go to that gym, but I can't work out with a pair of smiling shoes, right? So last week for Valentine's Day, instead of buying me a bag or watch from Trinoma, hubby and I went to nearest Olympic Village Sports Store, the same place where I bought my studded slippers, to get me this pair of sports shoes.

This shoe style is also available in black and gold. The price is a little expensive, though. It costs as much as our household bills altogether, but thanks to the sale season. Hubby paid it with 55% discount.

Thank you so much bebeğim. I love it so much esp. because it is pink (my old pair was blue). Please wait for my gift. I will give it before the love month ends. Wink*








*This is my 13th entry for the "I ♥ PINK" meme. To be a part of the pink fever, click the button shown at the sidebar.

Food & Restaurant Review: aVeneto Pizzeria Ristorante (Trinoma Branch)

It was not a romantic date. Hubby and I just went to Trinoma last Saturday to purchase the cute pink barrel bag that I've been meaning to buy. He was supposed to get it as a Valentine gift for me. Unfortunately, the bag that I saw a couple of weeks ago was already out of stock. Feeling tired and hungry, I suggested we go to aVeneto for dinner. I first heard of this restaurant from Sis Nicquee.

We did not expect the large servings of food in spite of their very affordable prizes. Hubby tried to finish this plate of pesto and chicken, but he failed, so I tried to help him. The pesto was a bit oily, though I liked the chicken strips. They tasted really nice!


Nut-Pesto with Chicken (P235)



This was my order. Look at the very rich, creamy sauce. I liked the mix of mussels, shrimps, and imitation crab in it. I ate this alone 'cos hubby doesn't like seafood. I consumed just one-third of this plate, though. Medyo naumay kasi agad ako.


Fettuccini with Seafood & Asparagus (P285)



Since we did not expect the plates of pasta to be in large servings, hubby also ordered for a medium pizza (6 slices). Um, yeah, this is medium for them, but again, looks like large to me.



Vegetarian Pizza (P380)


Two plates of pasta, a medium-sized pizza, and 2 glasses of refillable iced tea, plus the service charge, a total of only P1,075.97. Oh, should I mention that we were able to carry home our leftover food? The waiter packed all that was left in our table. There was 2 slices of pizza, pesto still good for a 1 serving, and seafood pasta for two. Great deal, huh?



clockwise: hubby and his new hair, a painting on the wall, the menu booklets, and us


MY REVIEW
Food: ♥♥♥
Service: ♥♥♥
Prize: ♥♥♥♥
Ambiance: ♥♥

Overall, I will probably recommend this restaurant to people I know. It can be a little noisy if full-packed, but nice eating place for circles of friends who are willing to share food, laugh, and enjoy.



So, are you hungry? Looking for Italian food? Gather your friends and visit the aVeneto Pizzeria Ristorante near you.

QUEZON CITY- TRINOMA
1st Level, Mezzanine, Trinoma, QC
Phone Number: (63 2) 901-3561

QUEZON CITY- VISAYAS AVE.
23 Visayas Ave., QC
Phone Number: (63 2) 454-2999

MAKATI- GLORIETTA 3
Ground Level, Glorietta 3, Makati
Phone Number: (63 2) 818-3090

PASAY- MOA
Ground Level, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
Phone Number: (63 2) 556-1947

PASIG- SM SUPERCENTER
Ground Level, SM Supercenter, Pasig
Phone Number: (63 2) 634-6110

Who is Melai, the Pinoy Big Brother Double Up Winner?

Last night, live via satellite at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, Melisa Cantivero, a.k.a. Melai was announced winner of the Pinoy Big Brother Double Up. She got the highest percentage of votes among the Big 5. Within 133 days inside the PBB House, Melai proved her wit and humor which made her gain 1,226,675 votes or 32.08% of the entire vote since Day 120. Congratulations, Melai!




Nickname: Inday Kengkay
Status: Grand Winner
Real Name: Melisa Cantiveros
Origin: General Santos City
Age: 21
Birthdate: April 6, 1988
Nationality: Filipino
Occupation: Student
Civil Status: Single
Religion: Catholic
Hobbies: dancing, badminton
Favorite Color: violet
Favorite Food: lechon, lalo na ‘yung balat
Favorite Show: Wowowee, Lovers in Paris
Favorite Actor: Ryan Agoncillo
Favorite Actress: Judy Ann Santos
Favorite Singer: Sarah Geronimo

As a child, Melisa would often be teased by people as an adopted child because she looks different from her siblings. But she would just laugh off whatever others would say. At a young age Melisa already had a good sense of humor. She is always at the center of attention and she even won as president of the student council because of her popularity in their university. Whatever she lacks in looks, she makes up with her witty punch lines.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
Itong pagkakasali ko sa PBB. Hindi ko ito ine-expect kaya hanggang ngayon hindi ako makapaniwala.

What/who will you miss the most upon entering Kuya’s house?
My family, friends, ‘yung boyfriend ko, at ‘yung kama ko.

If you can be a celebrity for a day, who would you be and why?Si Kristine Hermosa.

Do you think you’ll get along well with the other housemates? Why?
Susubukan ko talagang makibagay sa kanila.

What would irritate/annoy you inside the house?
‘Yung mga moody na tao. Ayoko rin na ginugulo ‘yung buhok ko.







Source:
doubleup.pinoybigbrother.com

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

What are your plans for the Valentine's Day? Going out for a date? Chocolates and flowers to deliver?


May you and your loved ones enjoy this month of L♥VE, make it a way for a stronger relationship. Happy Valentine again!




♥5 FACTS ABOUT VALENTINE♥
1. February 14 or the Valentine's Day is the feast of Saint Valentine.
2. In Japan and Korea, another holiday is celebrated one month after the Valentine's Day. It is called the White Day.
3. The oldest symbol of the Valentine's Day is the red heart.
4. In Saudi Arabia, selling of Valentine items during this holiday is banned.
5. In Turkey, the Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü, which means "Sweethearts' Day"

Tuna Fillet

I love fish esp. fried fish! This is my version of Sis Yami's Tuna Fish Fillet. I did a very small alteration of her recipe and here's the yummy result.




Ingredients:
4 pcs tuna fillet
1 glass of colorless soda
2 tbsp. flour
salt and black pepper to taste
oil for frying

Here's how:
-Soak the fish in a bowl of soda for about half an hour.
-Mix the flour, salt, and black pepper.
-Coat the fish with the flour mixture.
-Pan-fry both sides until golden brown.
-Serve* with your choice of vegetable salad.






*Mine here is served with slices of cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce with a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup as a dip.

Bamboo Furniture

Less than 25 kilometers northeast of Manila, located at the mid-southwestern portion of Bulacan, is the urban municipality of Bocaue. Bocaue is the place to go if you are looking for bamboo furniture from Pangasinan. In fact, they have lots of bamboo and wood products there from living room decors to cleaning tools, clay pots and all.

Last Christmas, hubby saw our bamboo sofa set in the province, so he wanted to use the same furniture for our weekend house in Bulacan. After moving last month, hubby and I made our way to Bocaue and for P3,300, we got a bamboo sofa set, a coffee table, a single bed, and a TV stand delivered. Pretty cheap, right? Hubby haggled with the store owner. It was originally P3,800 all in all. Haha.


Look how happy he is in this photo while wearing his pink shirt and pretending to drive the trike loaded with all of the furniture that we bought. This is so Pinoy, huh! :D






*This is my 12th entry for the "I ♥ PINK" meme. I was not able to join last week, so I'm posting my entry for this week in advance. To be a part of the pink fever, click the button shown at the sidebar.