Last day of the first quarter of 2014, what up.

March flew by so fast, I feel like I didn't even get a single deep breath in.

This month I: worked from 8AM to 1AM because we had two events on the same day; learned calligraphy; went to the first baby shower I've ever been to; read a charming book; became an instant fan of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis; had a buffet dinner; sucked at bowling; and most importantly, fell in love with my favorite TV show over and over again that I am having too much trouble letting it go, that I decided to plan a How I Met Your Mother-themed birthday party.

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The finale episode of my favorite show in all the world airs tomorrow and no, I am not, cannot, will not be ready for this.

In the days leading to the 31st of March in the US (1st of April here), I channeled my energy and "feels" towards making sure that my party decors will be perfect. Here are just some of the stuff I made over the weekend.

Small cardboard cut-outs (including an elaborately done Ducky Tie)  as props for photos, a chalkboard for the menu, and banners

Not included in the photo is my party's pièce de résistance: a handmade The Krissy Code book as a play on Barney's infamous The Bro Code. It is where I will make my guests write birthday greetings for me and it will be awesome! I also got my birthday dress earlier today and it's so pretty and dainty and perfect! Aside from the food, my party is already 83% locked in. I just need to make an Intervention Banner and a mini replica of the GNB Building and I'm done!

Oh Ted, Robin, Barney, Marshall, and Lily, how can I say goodbye.

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I can, but it feels so sad knowing there'll be no new episodes to look forward to. But then, I rest in the knowledge that they're just a media player away and each revisit will offer new ways of learning from their stories. After all, I become a different person each time.

Might be nice to start a tradition with friends to get together and watch it with at least once every three years, yes?

Ensembles Wear My Design Contest 2014

Would you like to see your very own design displayed at Ensembles? It can happen! Ensembles just recently unveiled the eight winning Spring Dresses 2014 now gracing the racks of every Ensembles branch nationwide and this April, the competition starts again! The search for the next five winning Spring Dresses of 2015 is now open in two categories: soft or tailored.

If you have an eye for fashion, then this is definitely for you! All you have to do is submit a dress prototype of your design together with an application form downloaded from Ensembles Online's Facebook page. Contest starts at April 1 and ends on May 31, 2014! All submitted entries will be uploaded at Ensembles’ Facebook page for voting. Join now and your spring dress design could just be the one unveiled next year, just like the ones below:

Good luck!

Learn more about the Wear My Design Competition mechanics and rules at Ensembles' website. Like Ensembles Online's Facebook page and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

SOLO Summer featuring Online Model Contest Winners

Days are longer, hotter, and more humid than ever! Summer is currently in full swing, and with it comes the summer collections of various clothing brands. Check out what SOLO has in store for us.

Summer is slowly kicking in! Are you ready? No fuss! Solo's Summer Collection 2014 is up to complete your summer essentials and set your summer vibes high! Composed of wide-range swim wear pieces that boast a variety of looks such as tribal prints, floral patterns, retro feels, and solid colors strategically placed on bandeau, bikini tops and high-waisted bottoms, Solo's Summer Collection 2014 is sure to tick off your checklist complete with flattering cover ups and stylish eyewear to complement the hot season!

The hot collection features this year’s Solo Online Model Contest Grand Winners Renee Soraya Hassani and John Edward Custodio, who stood out among almost a hundred hopefuls! Featured here are some photos from a shoot directed and photographed by Doc Marlon. 

Make sure to brush those summer jitters away and conquer the hot season in tribal or floral prints from this year’s one-stop summer shop! Too busy? Shop online, it’s easy and reliable!

Please log on to Solo's website for more information. You may also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

You are invited: Harringtons Lifestyle Auction

Are you one of those people who love collecting pieces with history attached to them? I feel like I am as my room is filled with so many memorabilia and I find it difficult to part with anything with sentimental value - be it a movie or concert ticket, a random note passed in class, and even my school notebooks.

Why ever not, if you have the means? For those who are interested, you are invited to be part of history with the handpicked collection of unique pieces at the Harringtons Lifestyle Auction. Featuring paintings by some of the top Filipino artists, sculptures, furniture, and luxury cars among others, the event promises a wide assortment to find and treasure.

There is always something that draws collectors to a particular piece, be it the sense of romance or an air of nostalgia. The Harringtons Lifestyle Auction is a new event debuting on the Manila auction calendar, which captures this Old World feel and spirit of nostalgia in its recent, carefully curated series of collectibles.

The Harringtons Lifestyle Auction will take place on April 6, Sunday, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM at Rockwell Tent, Rockwell Drive, Makati City. The preview for the auction will be held on April 5, Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the same location. Interested bidders may register on both dates or contact HMR at 548-6900 local 6962 for more details.

#ComeJoinTheCARAVAN with Stockton Row

"Chandeliers, cheesecakes, and charm bracelets make me happy." And so my Blogspot profile states. I have a lot of charm bracelets and I love layering them, but my favorite combo is probably this trio:

Alex and Ani Ohm bracelet, Stockton Row Sohag bracelet, and Amethyst + Rose Quartz bracelet

From the last time I wrote about Stockton Row, I have acquired a new piece from their first collection. It is this apple green Luxor bracelet shown in this group photo:

Stockton Row Luxor bracelet, Trinkets for Keeps Le Petit Prince necklace, and Stockton Row Sikang necklace

And now, Stockton Row has released a new collection just in time for summer! The charms are so adorable, I want to collect them all!

Photo from Stockton Row's Instagram

Tough but delicate, subtle but bold--she is a beguiling creature, most alluring when she tries not at all. She will win you over in a whim with her charisma and her unawareness of the lasting effect she leaves on you. With a strong sense of adventure, she is always jetting off to a destination, fearless and without a care in the world. 

She is an otherworldly beauty, a presence to behold. 

A Stockton Row girl.

Stockton Row is available at the Rockwell branch of Cura V and online through Seek the Uniq. You may also visit their website and email stocktonrow[at]gmail.com for details. If you're in the mood for some serious shopping next weekend, though, you may come visit The Caravan!

This summer, enjoy your lush, tropical resort getaway with essentials from The Caravan: La Isla Fete. Featuring an eclectic mix of carefully chosen brands in Fashion, Beauty, and Home, the unique lifestyle market comes to town on April 5, Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM at W17 La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, Philippines. 

Featuring Filip + Inna, Quiver, Brown Belly, Two Chic, Myth, Thread365, Bensimon, Praiaz, K Way, Butter London, Cbeauty Universal Beauty Oil, The Urban Alchemists, Sparrow, Kiele, Kotur, Lagu, Renegade Folk, Rivieras, Saxum, Lustre, Melograno, Stockton Row, Nicole Whisenhunt, Sam Cologne – Azul, NCLA, VINO2G0, Tilka, Naked Sun Swimwear, and more!

I won't be able to go because that's the day of my party, but I'm excited to know who will be there! Tag me in your photos in case you will be able to go. ;) #ComeJoinTheCARAVAN and be a part of this new wave of cult shopping!

Bowling skillz? I don't haz it.

My friends are continuously and consistently helping me find things I suck at because apparently it's not enough that I got my ass kicked in both badminton and boxing. Last night, it was bowling. My sister even went with us!

Ralph, Chum, my sister Kyla, me, Sheila

We went to StarJ, a seven-story building in Malabon that used to be a mid-scale mall. My friends from high school and I used to go there a lot to buy materials for school projects and more things to clutter our rooms with, heh. I don't know what happened, but aside from the supermarket on the ground floor and the entertainment center on the fourth level (where the billiard hall, bowling alley, and KTV place are located), the building has mostly become a ghost town. I hope they can restore it because it's a shame to let all that space just go to waste.

Anywaaay, back to the game. It wasn't actually my first time to go bowling. 

My uncle Carl is a bowling champ you see, and he used to take the whole family to his games a lot when I was a kid. I am familiar with the concept of "throwing" the ball and hoping it takes down all pins with it, but as with any other type of sporty activity, I had a hard time following the rules and scoring scheme at first.There was also this innate fear that I look like a wobbly penguin as I lack the grace sporty people naturally have.

Yup, my sister is 14 but she's already taller than me. :(

Nevertheless, it didn't stop me from having a great time. Bowling is really fun, whether you're a pro at it or a pro at being a noob. I really enjoyed it! Well, I guess it all just depends on who you're with.

It's a good thing I was with some of my favorite friends. Thanks, guys! What are we going to try next time? Please know that I won't take no for an answer the next time I ask you to join me at yoga practice, Ralph!

Have a great week ahead, everyone!

The search for the perfect party dress

Aside from work, my social life, and other commitments, I am buried waist-deep on party planning. Preparations for the #LegenwaitforitdaryKrissyParty are underway, and I need to take this seriously as I only have less than two weeks(!!!) left! 

I was able to go out for dinner with Kira and her family last night though, but apart from that, most of my weekend will be spent DIY-ing party decors with my sister. You can check my Instagram for a sneak peek, but I'm controlling myself from posting the rest of them because I don't want to spoil the whole party for everyone heehee. 

One thing I haven't decided on yet is my outfit. I was supposed to have a shirt customized with a "Haaaaave you met Krissy?" like what I did for my Pink Positive party (I wore a shirt with a stylized "Something pink this way comes" written on it), but I don't know if I'll be able to get it done in time so I guess I'm scrapping that idea. 

Because I love procrastinating surfing the Internet for interesting stuff, I looked around for dresses I can possibly wear. Miss Wedding Wear is a website that not only sells wedding dresses 2014, they also sell bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, and dresses for every event imaginable. I browsed the site and came up with my top five choices according to my party's theme and personal preferences.

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You see a yellow umbrella, you immediately think of The Mother. I had the same thought when I saw this dress, mostly because of the color.

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Blue French horn, anyone?

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If Barney Stinson was a dress, I think he'd be this. I wish I have the body to pull this off!

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Technically, this dress is not really How I Met Your Mother-ish, but I included it here because I really, really liked it. Doesn't it look pretty?

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My personal favorite! It looks like it was made for celebrations, it's fun, it's flirty - it's perfect! I wish I can wear this to my party.

Yes, I wish my guests can go all glammed up for my party, but summers here are unforgiving so I'm okay with it being more like a casual event. Besides, it's just an excuse to make all my closest friends and most favorite people get together in one place and meet one another. ;) I can't wait!

Now to decide on what I will wear...

The makings of a legendary party

It all started as a joke.

I was chatting with my friends Ed and Jonas about the inevitable end of the greatest and my most favorite show on Earth, How I Met Your Mother. We talked about how extremely sad we will be when the finale airs because there'll be no future episodes to look forward to, which eventually led to Jonas suggesting we put up a support group and watch the finale together. He said we should refrain from watching it by ourselves, like that episode where the MacLaren's gang tried their hardest not to see the Superbowl results as it has been their tradition to watch it together. I countered that it would be too difficult, so I said maybe we can just hold a viewing party the following weekend so we can watch it for possibly the nth time and then talk about our feelings. Everyone agreed.

There was only one problem: my birthday falls on that same weekend.

I want to celebrate my birthday and the greatest show in the world, so the solution: have a How I Met Your Mother-themed birthday party!

I LOVE theme parties but occasions for having them are few and far between. On my 24th birthday, my party's theme was Pink Positive, and it is one of my favorite birthday celebrations ever! I can see it being topped by this one, though.

These moments are going to be stories someday, and I want a kickass story about my 28th birthday!

I know that I have less than three weeks to prepare, but psh, details schmetails. I work in PR - I make the impossible possible!

There are a LOT to be done, though. Good thing I have my friend Ed, my expansive knowledge about the show, and Pinterest to help me!

And so the planning begins...

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Inspiration for the invite

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My aim is not only to celebrate HIMYM, but also to not alienate my guests who have never seen an episode of the show. Hah. I will DIY 83% of the party decors and props, so I am going to be really, really busy! I don't mind, because it's going to be legen-wait for it-dary! Legendary!

Other people have complained about how Ted is just a whiny hopeless romantic sap. Maybe he is. But then again, I have never related to any other fictional character as much as I related to him. Sigh. I just love the show and the characters so much!

There are some theories pointing out that How I Met Your Mother will end tragically. Well, I hope Ted gets to live a long life with The Mother. He deserves to be happy. But, well, however the creators Cartey Bays and Craig Thomas chose to end it, I'm sure it is real, poetic, and beautiful. 

Can you help me come up with a nice hashtag for this party? So far I have #Celebrate28, #HaveYouMetKrissy, and #LegenwaitforitdaryKrissyParty. Thoughts?

Hoo boy. Advanced happy birthday to me! Celebratory high five!

"Tonight is the night, we’ll fight 'til it’s over."

I went to the Manila leg of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's World Tour at Mall of Asia Arena last night, and wow, I didn't expect I would enjoy it as much as I did!

Photo from Renz's Instagram

I love going to concerts so I definitely felt the same jitters I feel each time, even more so as before last night, the latest gig I went to was the Smash Mouth/ Sugar Ray/ Gin Blossoms concert back in October last year. Has it really been that long?

As you know, my favorite music genres are alternative, indie-rock, pop-rock, and a little pop. I am not big on rap/ hip hop but I couldn't let the chance to see four-time Grammy award-winning artists pass just like that! I admit I only started listening to The Heist a couple of weeks ago, and I must say I really, really liked it. Who would have thought rap songs that don't glorify substance abuse, sex, homophobia, misogyny, or greed can exist? That was practically unheard of before!

Despite the (I'm sorry but it needs to be said) lackluster front acts, Ben, Ryan, and the rest of their band killed it with their show! The whole arena became a giant dance hall and everybody was trying to rap along dancing along! It was AWESOME. It's the first time I went to a concert where I wasn't a fan of the performing artists per se, but now I have become a convert. I love love love Macklemore and Ryan Lewis!

Photo from Kamyl's Instagram

Macklemore (full name Ben Haggerty) actually struck me as odd before, but I don't mean that in a negative way. Last night I proved that he is indeed odd. Oddly fantastic! He was was sooo energetic and - I know it's weird to use this word to describe a rap/ hip hop concert - heartfelt. His feelings came through the songs he wrote and even with the 6,000-strong audience last night, I couldn't help but feel touched by how solemn and sincere his performances were. I have nothing but mad praises for him.

I watched it with my new friend Renz who's a big fan!

What a night, what an experience! The lights, the fireworks, the audio-video presentations, the dance steps, the encore, the MUSIC... Thank you, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for a SPECTACULAR show! Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here in Manila. Hugest of thanks to SM Accessories for our VIP mosh pit tickets!

ヽ(○´∀`)ﾉ♪

Battle of the Body Oils

There are only a few luxuries I enjoy as much as lounging on a comfortable sofa with a book and a cup of hot chocolate on-hand; scented candles, pretty stationery, a full eight hour-sleep, and body oils are things I don't need, but they surely make me feel like a million bucks.

Of these, I'm putting the focus on body oils. 

I tried to research on the history of body oils but no one seems to know where they really originated. Several sources point that the ancient Egyptians were the first ones to utilize aromatherapy and aromatic herbs for religious, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes though. Sounds about right as when I think of luxurious baths from the olden days, it is Cleopatra that always comes to mind.

I digress. In this post I would like to share with you my favorite body oils and what I use them for. Note that this isn't exactly a battle since I use them for different purposes but I just really wanted to use that title LOL.

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil
Available at Human Heart Nature offices and The Landmark branches, or online via Human Heart Nature's website

Do you believe in miracles in bottles? Experience miracles as our gold elixir works its magic. Helps lighten dark under-eye circles, dark spots and pimple marks, minimize stretchmarks, lighten underarms, add shine to dull hair, moisturize the face and body, and more! No wonder sunflowers are known as "Happy Flowers" for the joy they bring!

Sunflowers are my favorite flowers because seeing them always cheers me up. I asked my mom to grow some but she said our cramped terrace wouldn't be ideal. Anyway, I use this on my legs every night. Mosquitoes just love me, resulting to quite a few ugly scars. The Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil helped lighten most of them, making this a staple on my bedside table.

Neutrogena Body Oil
Available online via Neutrogena Philippines' Facebook app

The Sensual Moisturizer. Its light sesame formula glides on easily to moisturize dry skin. It's so sheer it vanishes into shower-damp skin leaving it soft and silky with a radiant, healthy glow. No moisturizer can touch this experience.

I like using this on cold and overcast days. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but it smells sooo nice that I can't stop sniffing myself when I have it on. Applying the Neutrogena Body Oil is like being engulfed in a blanket of softness and fresh flowers. Sigh. Unlike my other lotions, the scent stays on the whole day, even after I have changed from my work clothes into my normal house clothes! Best applied on damp skin.

The Body Shop Strawberry Beautifying Oil
Available at The Body Shop branches

Dry oil for body, face, and hair with cold-pressed strawberry seed oil and three precious nut oils: kukui, sweet almond, and Community Fair Trade marula oil.

This is the least greasy of all the body oils featured here. I alternate my The Body Shop Strawberry Beautifying Oil with the Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil sometimes, especially on colder-than-usual nights hee. Bonus points for the sweet strawberry smell!

The Souq Organics Moroccan Argan Oil
Available online

Called the "liquid gold" by western cosmetic companies, Moroccan Argan Oil, which has been tested and proven to have restorative and age-defying effects, has become one of the latest miracle ingredients in the beauty industry. High in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it helps in all sorts of skin and hair conditions and is an excellent makeup base in the morning or a moisturizer at night. It is also hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic, and safe for all skin types.

All hail the argan oil! I've never really had problem skin but I do get the occasional zit or two, mostly around a week before Aunt Flo arrives for her monthly visit. They pop out and make me mildly uncomfortable for two to three days, then leave as if they were never there. A couple of months ago though, my occasional zit left a huge ugly scar on my right cheek! Well, what do you know, with continuous use of The Souq Organics Moroccan Argan Oil, that scar is no more. I've even abandoned my former meticulous night-time routine because of this; just my Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser and this and I'm good. :)

The Souq Organics Moroccan Argan Oil is a little expensive, though. Good thing I only need a couple of drops each night. I've been using it for more than two months but I haven't used up even a quarter of my 30mL bottle! My friends Kira and Alex also swear by argan oil for their hair.

So now you see how I don't have a favorite? It's because they all have different purposes! I guess each one is my favorite for the purpose they serve. Do you use body oils, too? What is your favorite?

Links provided are non-affiliate links.

All set for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Happy Friday/ Pay Day/ Pi Day! I'm in a celebratory mood today because I am going to see Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on Sunday! ヽ(´ー`)ﾉ 

As for my concert ticket giveaway sponsored by SM Accessories, I had a great time reading your comments about your favorite songs from The Heist, and I wish I can give more tickets away but unfortunately I can only choose one winner. So, congratulations Kimberly Camille Tiu! You won a pair of Lower Box B tickets to the Manila leg of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's Tour! I will email you shortly on how you can claim your prize. :)

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are set to perform at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 16. Pre-party beats will be taken care of by DJ Mars Miranda and Those Damn Nerds! Are you going to the concert, too? Tweet me! 

“But why, why, why can't people just say what they mean?”

It's not that this blog is slowly turning into a book blog, it's just that my workdays are almost always crazy-busy these days that the little me-time I can spare has been dedicated almost entirely to reading. (My weekends are reserved for other personal projects/ pursuits and my friends, although I am not really sure if they like seeing their faces plastered all over this website. I haven't really checked LOL.) This is a book review of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It is easily one of the cleverest romantic comedies I have ever read and I would love to make more people aware of its existence. I chose it because of the glowing reviews it has received as I needed something fun to read after the whopping disappointment that was Divergent. The Rosie Project is an interesting love story framed by a search for an unknown father peppered with DNA testings, genetics trivia, psychology, and other things in between. Spoiler alert: I loved it. It was a really fun read and I'm glad I chose well.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. 

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

I first encountered the term Asperger's Syndrome from a Daily Mail article years ago. I was fascinated by the subject and tried to read more about it because in hindsight, a guy I dated might have it as he exhibited the signs. Obviously a relationship between us didn't work out, but learning about it explained a lot.

Going back to the book, Don is aware that most people he interacts with find him different, and he is fine with that. He is awkward, he is funny, he is adorable, but he also cannot relate much to people. He reminded me of Sheldon Cooper of The Big Bang Theory a lot. For someone like me who empathizes just a little too much, it was an unfamiliar territory to tread at first. Anyway, the wheels of the story were set in motion when he set his heart on finding a wife. I felt for all the women who have had to go through the sixteen page(!!!) questionnaire, but I also couldn't help but root for Don. His predicament makes you wonder how someone so smart could be so naive.

“I've sequenced the questions for maximum speed of elimination,’ I explained. ‘I believe I can eliminate most women in less than forty seconds. Then you can choose the topic of discussion for the remaining time.’
‘But then it won’t matter,’ said Frances. ‘I’ll have been eliminated.’
‘Only as a potential partner. We may still be able to have an interesting discussion.’
‘But I’ll have been eliminated.’
I nodded. ‘Do you smoke?’
‘Occasionally,’ she said.
I put the questionnaire away. ‘Excellent.’ I was pleased that my question sequencing was working so well. We could have wasted time talking about ice-cream flavours and make-up only to find that she smoked. Needless to say, smoking was not negotiable. ‘No more questions. What would you like to discuss?”

Since the book is told from Don's point of view, we get an insight into everything that goes on in his mind with every new situation he faces. Mr. Simsion was successful in giving him such a unique voice that sounds natural and credible without mocking him and everyone who has Asperger's. He has always operated on a rigid schedule and found reading visual cues and acting properly on social functions a bit of a challenge that I found myself rooting for him and wanting to encourage him. Don's automatic inclination to describe everyone he meets according to their supposed age and BMI amused me endlessly.

Rosie, Don, and the other supporting characters are all so endearing even with all their faults. Don is a hero through and through and it was exhilarating to see him in his "normal" state, see him be smitten and not know what hit him, see him try to act according to what he's predisposed to, and see him just forego logic and surrender to love completely. Good job, Don!

I loved the references to other romantic comedies, too. I wouldn't mind dealing with Don myself as he looks like Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird although I can offer more candidates to the search for the World's Sexiest Man *wink*.

According to the acknowledgements, The Rosie Project was actually meant to be a screenplay; that explains the fast pacing and the snappy dialogue because in movies, every scene counts. I think it's great that Mr. Simsion made it a novel instead but I also would really want to see it in the big screen, with Paul Rudd perhaps playing the part of Don? I can see it now, he'll be perfect.

Rosie and Don's story is so refreshing and absolutely delightful, I didn't even mind that the results of the Father Project were a wee bit predictable. From this book, I realized that "compatibility was as viable a foundation for marriage as love." And yes, regardless of the characters' quirks, it's ultimately a story about a man who just wants to find someone to accept him for who and what he is. And really, don't we all?

The Rosie Project was an incredible read and I couldn't recommend it enough. Read it when you get the chance.

Freeway presents: Seascape & Tropical Swimwear 2014

I have started looking around for swimsuits in preparation for *crosses fingers* a couple of beach trips this summer, and these pieces from Freeway's Seascape and Tropical Swimwear collection became a quick favorite! I am looking forward to seeing them in person. I just hope I have the body to wear them. :D Read on...

It’s that time of the year again where we take advantage of the sun’s zealous heat by making it a perfect canvass for thrill and relaxation! What better way to match that summer backdrop than picking the right swimsuit that goes perfectly with it?

Let Freeway help you project that alluring island vibe as you bask in sand, salt water and sun with the release of Freeway Summer Swimwear 2014 collection this March! 

Freeway Summer Swimwear 2014 Collection boasts its very own original prints to complement the hotter months as they come in shades of cool green and blue. The original designs come in three tropical prints: seascape, green flora and multi-colored stripes perfectly creating a refreshing aura. Think: nature and seascapes strategically placed on one-piece maillots, bikinis, bandeau and tankinis. What’s awesome is that you can reinvent the pieces and mix them up to show your own summer vibe!

Another bestseller of Freeway’s swimwear collection is its wide array of underwired bikini tops for that flattering and sexy support. These bikini sets come in bright summer hues to fun prints. Very sexy, comfy, and fun!

Lounging about on the beach or at a bar at night? Of course, Freeway makes sure you are attractive all the way. The collection’s matching cover-ups using sheer georgettes to fun stretch zip-up nets will surely make you enjoy that worry-free, all-fun tropical summer indulgence. Don’t forget to wear a fabulous pair from Janylin to match your get up!

Visit Freeway's official website to view the entire collection or to shop online, it’s easy and reliable! You may also connect with Freeway thru Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram.

A beautiful mess: Krissy learns calligraphy

I am very passionate and willing to chase after things that bring me joy. Three of my favorite pleasures are writing, learning new things, and doing something with my hands, and when I found something that marries the three, then you bet I am more than willing to try it! I have been wanting to go to a calligraphy class but I've never been able to until today.

I had my doubts, of course. I can't draw to save my life and my journals are full of unintelligible entries written by myself, after all. But when I saw the announcement about the workshop on Ellana's Facebook page, I signed up then and there! I bit the bullet, and I am so glad I did.

Eula's Nifty Nibs workshop was held in the Ellana Minerals showroom this afternoon, and it felt so great to meet new people who are interested in the same things as I am!

For a minimal fee, Eula taught us the nuances among different calligraphy styles, basic calligraphy techniques, and the right tools and materials to get. We were also given our own calligraphy kits! Each one contains a nib holder, one piece each of Esterbrook 356 and Speedball C2 nibs, an instruction booklet, patterns, and different types of paper to practice on. The last workshop I attended was last year's stamp-making workshop with Craft MNL and it felt so great to work with my hands again without incessant keyboard noises.

There was only one garnet-colored nib holder and Eula said she pre-drew my name to have it. Awesome! It was such a "the wand chooses the wizard" moment for me, you guys.

We practiced with these nibs. I found myself liking the Speedball C2 nib a lot, but the Esterbrook 356 is better for thinner lines. I bought the Zebra G nib separately.

A beautiful mess
Lines and squiggles. Do you recognize some of my favorite songs there?

Classy

After several exercises, Eula made us do our own postcards. I spent most of my available time going through my favorite quotes and song lyrics so I can write them in calligraphy, but a particular quote from How I Met Your Mother jumped out at me. 

These moments will be stories one day, and that is the mantra with which I am trying to live my life. Each moment will be a story someday so I have to make the most out of it, so I can have a great life full of great stories.

Forgive my wonky-looking umbrella. I told you I can't draw to save my life. :(

Calligraphy looks easy but it's actually a little more complicated than it looks. My outputs are far from perfect but I'm very happy with how they turned out considering how terrible my penmanship is. I know I need to practice more and I'm looking forward to refining my skills for this art form.

I'm a proud student!

Pat G, Jezza, me, Meg, Eula, and Pat

Eula looks like an unconventional pirate because she scratched her cornea (ouch!) Hope you get better soon!

Eula advised us to wear something we don't mind getting a few ink splatters on and I thought of wearing this shirt not only because it's old (it has been with me for more than five years!) but also in keeping with today's typography theme hee #writingnerd

I was meaning to pass by Deovir in SM North EDSA to get a jar or two of calligraphy ink but being the geographical knowledge-impaired person I am, I got in the wrong train. Ugh. I'll probably be able to visit there again either tomorrow or on Monday. My wallet is dreading it but I personally can't wait!

Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us, Eula! I'm looking forward to seeing you at the Revelations of the Book lecture two weeks from now!

Oh hey, I am giving away a pair of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis concert tickets happening at the MOA Arena next week! Click here to join.