Nixon - The Riot: The Perfect Present

I've read about Nixon watches in one of the blogs I follow, MFO. Since then, I've been itching to check out Segnatempo in Greenbelt to see the watches they house. There's Michael Kors, Movado, Mondaine to name a few but it was really Nixon that caught my attention because of their square, oversized watches.

When your outfit's plain and you're not in the mood to accessorize much, definitely a nice, oversized watch will do the trick in instantly completing your look. In fact, a watch itself is my favorite piece of accessory since I was a kid. It is something that I cannot leave home without. What is so nice about Nixon's The Riot is that it's a stylish and statement watch very good for everyday use. Aside from that, you need not fret about its price and in fact you won't even believe how inexpensive it is compared to other similar watches.

Thanks to Marlo who gave me this as an early Christmas present :) It was really difficult for me to choose between this and the Matte Black Quartz one because they are both gorgeous. But since I'm more into classic style watches, this was what I picked.

Besides, it aint only look classic or vintage but pretty bad ass too! You know, just my kind of time piece.

Shabby Eats: Shin-Sapporo Ramen

It has been raining since Friday and this cold weather makes me want to have some good ol' Ramen.  I suddenly thought of and miss Shin-Sapporo Ramen restaurant in Suntec City Mall, Singapore.  I was actually looking for Ippudo SG restaurant that offers authentic Japanese ramen but since I forgot to take note of where it was exactly located (definitely not in Suntec) and it was already lunch time, we went to Shin Sapporo Ramen restaurant instead. 

Part of the Set Menu we ordered: Shin-Sapporo Kara-Miso Ramen, the spicy version of the original of the Miso Ramen. 

As their story tells of them, “Shin-Sapporo Ramen brings this strong Japanese tradition and cultural heritage in one bowl of soup. Each bowl of hearty soup is a warming symphony of fresh ingredients, following an age-old recipe, executed in deliberate fashion. Behind each elegantly simple soup hides a very elaborate broth-brewing process, and each kind of noodle is tailor made for its own unique soup base”.

Mino Oyaku Don: Tender Chicken pieces, eggs and onions simmered in their special light, savory-sweet sauce and served over a bowl of steamed rice

Shredded Cabbage - The Roasted Sesame Seeds dressing was for the win! 

Their menu looked really enticing plus their price range is very reasonable.  Their Set Menu, which Marlo and I decided to order is priced at SGD 16.80.  It consists of mini ramen, mini don, shredded cabbage and a choice of hot/cold green tea, which was surely a hearty, filling meal.  Plus, let me highlight their Tamago, one of their Ramen's ingredients - it is cooked to perfection, firm on the outside and runny in the inside.  Their secret marinating process ensures the egg absorbs the flavor of their unique shoyu marinate without overcooking the egg.


Definitely, you would not mind having their Ramen and make it as your comfort food rain or shine.  Now, I'm really up for some!


Visit Shin-Sapporo Ramen at:
3 Temasek Boulevard #01-223,
Suntec City Mall,
Singapore

At The Pan Pacific Singapore

We stayed at the Pan Pacific on our fourth night in Singapore.  We should have booked this hotel in the first place but due to me being so frugal, I booked our first three nights at "some hotel" in the Red Light.  Nothing to boast about it obviously.  That's why Marlo and I were so excited to check in on our second hotel and we were lucky to get upgraded and have this view.

And here are some photos of our room :)

My favorite place.  Always! ;p

Get Gorgeous: Leyende Out of Sight Eye Cream

Leyende - Out of Sight Moisturizing Eye Cream

This eye cream has been in my dresser for over a month now.  Decided to buy it when I read good reviews online plus I got a bit curious after knowing that is purely natural and organic.  Not to forget, it is Filipino-made.  Since I tend to easily have dark circles when I don't get enough sleep, I thought that to have an eye cream is a necessity.  However, I have been so lazy to use it since I got it.  But, now that my work schedule's back to its "abnormal hours" (sad to say), I definitely needed to pull this out of my dresser and use it.  Time to test if it'll hold to its promise of a firmer under eye and will let me have that fresh-as-a-daisy look.

Destination + Style Profile: Singapore Day 3

Zebra!!

Of all the days of our trip, our third day was the most anticipated one especially for Marlo.  Just like kids, we were so excited to visit the Singapore Zoo and as expected, it didn't disappoint.  The long travel time from our place to the zoo was worth it.  And though walking around the whole area left us with foot/knee injury and terrible back ache, seeing those beautiful animals was definitely priceless.

Oh, he was one happy boy! :)

Yes, I asked him to take this photo.  I got so amazed with the glow in the dark effect of my outfit.

Bodycon used as top: F21, Denim Shorts: Promod, Shoes (not pictured): Zara brogues, Sling bag: Borrowed from Marlo

Destination + Style Profile: Singapore Day 2

Day two of our Singapore vacation was scheduled for a hop on hop off bus tour of the city.  However, we decided not to pursue on the last minute – returned our tickets and got our money back by telling some lame excuse, haha!  We thought that it’d be more practical to see the sights ourselves by taking the MRT or bus.  That way we can make the most of our 3-day tourist pass priced at SGD 33 and test our navigation skills.

It was a terrible hot Thursday that day.  But nothing was able to beat two happy and excited dweebs dressed to brave the hot and humid weather of the Lion City.

Sheet Top: Topshop, Denim Short and Belt: Zara, Shoes: Toms

To have a plush dinner date at The Marina Bay Sands was our schedule for the evening.  Marlo had been mentioning Mario Batali, a celebrity chef who I only knew that night, haha!  Actually, he had been choosing between this or Wolfgang Puck's Cut, but as much as we would like to have some steak, the love for Italian cuisine still prevailed.  Pizzeria Mozza boasts wood-fired pizzas and a wine bar that offers a selection of over 100 Italian wines.  Make sure to let them get you seats at the bar area so you can see how they make their pizzas.  

Our date would have not been complete without having some decadent dessert of course. So Jean-Philippe Darcis was the place to be to satisfy that sugar craving.  It was an easy choice to have quick treats and sweets there as he's known to be the first chocolatier in Belgium to win the title of "Ambassador of Belgian Chocolate" and a member of an exclusive club of top confectioners in the world.  Impressive, noh? :)

It was almost midnight when we finished but we still decided to wander around the area.  It was a nice stroll within the vicinity and took photos of the beautiful Singapore skyline at night.  Here's what I wore - 

Sheer Top: F21, Jeans: Hand me down, Belt: Zara, Wedges: Charles & Keith, Wristlet: Salvatore Ferragamo

Destination + Style Profile: Singapore Day 1

It has been a week since Marlo and I got back from our Singapore trip.  It has been a very tiring but sure fun 5 days doing a lot of sight-seeing, walking, getting lost, making impromptu decisions and meeting old friends who are already based in the country.

We did enjoy too much that 5 days seemed to be tight and short.  So I had to carefully plan our itinerary before-hand so as to make the most of our stay and not miss what Singapore has to offer for first time visitors like us. 

Just as I enjoy travelling to colder weather countries because I get to dress up and wear trench coats or boots for example, I very much enjoyed wandering around Singapore too.  Dressing up was such a breeze as it has almost the same weather with that of Manila so no need to sweat in choosing an outfit.  It was just like getting dressed for a normal summer day back home.

Since our first stop was the Universal Studios, I made sure that I wore something comfortable, light and fun.  I also made sure that I carried my cardigan with me in case it rains.  Singapore weather is erratic so expect to experience a little bit of rain shower any time of the day and then sunny the next.  It wouldn’t hurt to bring an umbrella too.

Anyway, here’s what I wore.  It’s light in material, comfy and fun.  I had been a fan of color blocking since it hit the runway for S/S 2011 and this was my version of it.  I think it was a perfect outfit for that day :P

Top: F21, Shorts: borrowed from dear sister; Belt: H&M, Flats: Payless, Bag: LV Neverfull MM

Get Gorgeous: Gotta Love MAC

Quick post - Just got back from a recent trip and it was good timing to use and test my newly bought MAC Prep + Prime primer and Studio Fix powder foundation. It was a 5-day leisure trip in Singapore which meant we were out and about most of the time under the humid and hot Singapore weather so it was perfect timing to see whether MAC's all good and really worth its price.

I have all the good things to say about my Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer and Shu Uemura's Face Architect powder but I'm really glad that I tried on MAC for a change. Call me exaggerated but MAC's primer and powder foundation combo's two thumbs up. In a long and busy day, I only had to lightly retouch once using a kabuki brush and that was it. I love how long lasting it was and how it really controlled the oil.

If price is not an issue for you then both items are perfect otherwise the size of the primer which comes in a little tube may be a bit disappointing. But quality-wise, it is definitely a go. Curious? Go try it but make sure to do a patch test first :)

The Unexpected Accessory

Lots of colors to choose from!

My sister and I have a stash of bottles of nail polishes kept in a big tin can, mostly cheap ones.  As much as I would like to add branded bottles to our mini collection, I still have to muster the courage in buying branded like Chanel and the likes because I cannot fathom the fact that I’ll be shelling out a grand or more for that little bottle.  Besides, my sister usually finds inexpensive and very good alternative to the pricey ones.

That being said brings me to my current obvious obsession which is the nail polish.  Well, it has always been.  I have to agree with what I’ve just read that a nail polish is an unexpected accessory.  No one needs to worry that you’ll go overboard when you play or experiment with the colors as long as it's done with both taste and appropriateness.  It’s easy to wash off and change colors when you feel like it.  Whether you choose to wear Red, Neon, Black or plainly clear, it finishes off an outfit effortlessly.  Top everything off with a bit of confidence and you're surely ready to go.

Toast to our Friendship!

I'm simply happy to have these beautiful people in my life.  It was exactly the same month, 6 years ago when I had the chance to spend almost three weeks with them in Europe during the 2005 World Youth Day.  Those three weeks turned out to be one of the best things that happened not only in my University years but 'til as of current.  It was the combination of a very wonderful travel experience and the start of a one of a kind friendship.  Now, 6 years have passed and I'm proud to say that the friendship is still intact and is bound to stay for a lifetime.  Though we're not seeing each other as often as we used to like when we were in College, we know that we already have this special spot in each other's hearts.  

So to Kath, Del, Aisce, Roan, Ted, Christian, Ben, Kuya Caloy - cheers to our friendship and I'm looking forward to many more billboard-worth of photos to come!

Waiting at Charles De Gaulle Airport for our plane to Rome
Photo credits: Kathleen Madula