BF Tag

Yaahhhoooo! My boyfriend got me a satchel bag. He noticed that I am using the same purse for the longest period (which I rarely do... I am a big big swapper!) therefore, he went out of his way and bought me a new one. Sweet act! No, not the bag... I love him for supporting me with my "yeah I am Vain.." personality. Do you have a sweet Boyfriend like mine? Go ahead and give him a kiss and a big big hug... i just did! ;)

I love it! The color combination (cream, blue and orange) is very unique and something I don't have in my wardrobe. The strap is sturdy and the size is perfect! I can carry my Ipad in here... the gold detail is a plus too!

Yeah he did not remove the tag.. proud to be a bargain shopper? haha! Nice one BF! So proud of you...

Blushing Friday

Dainty. Feminine. Delicate... 

Somebody told me earlier today that my outfit looks like a blushing girl.. is it really possible to make your dress blush? The wonder started... 


Blushing...hhmmm  maybe because of this sheer sleeveless top from almost famous. Beautiful prints, agree? It reminds me of my Granma's old hand-painted teapot :)

Perhaps of this bright yet relaxed dotted skirt?

Or was it because of this lovely bow wedges? ;)

 I don't know what he could possibly mean with a "blushing" dress but I am certain that I love what I wore today.. 

I went easy with the accessories.. simple gold studded chain bracelet and dangling pearl gold earrings

Hope you all have a Fun Friday !

XOXO

ManicQUEEN

What's In My Bag?

I don't know about you but it fascinates me to discover the contents of other women's purses. Or maybe I am the only one nosy here.. well, for those who got the chance to carry my bag they already know that mine is a bit heavy. And yeah they always wonder what made it hefty.


Introducing my taupe bag that I got for 300 Php at a bargain shop early this year...

I have an ample pieces of handbags in my wardrobe but I particularly favor this one for the most part over the last few months. I love purses with chains and the color is safe for most outfits.

Here's a peek from the inside...

And yeah since I am severely unproductive when surrounded with clutters, I keep my stuffs neat with the help of this bag organizer.

Finally, here are the contents of my bag...

1. Pink Daily Planner

2. Rosary

3. Sharpies

4. Canon Ixus Cam (I'm Selling this one..)

5. Keys 

6. Wallet

7. Headset with Zebra cord organizer

8. Phone

9. Makeup Purse- this is where I keep all the small babies that I have

10. Ed Hardy Aviator Sunglasses

11. Wetwipes... ah-am! you don't want to be messy after a day's journey..so better keep wetwipes with you!

12. Lense Lubricant/eyemo

13. Vitresse Hair coat

14. Retractable blush/ powder brush

15. Mirror

16. haha! I know you are laughing... yeah my comb is ugly..and IDC! ;)

17. Breath Spray... para dli ka maingnan ug "Baho ug BABA!" 

18. Lip tint

19. Maybelline face powder

20. Michael Tood Blush- BAbe

21. Pur minerals Bronzer! I love Bronzers because I think I am too pale for powder alone 

22. Clean and Clear Oil control film

23. Hair Clips

24. Holy water :) to keep the demons away!

25. haha! of course! chocolate candies.. M & M

26. TicTac! 

What's in your bag? I am tagging everyone to do this... would like to know what's in your holy grail! 

XOXO

ManicQUEEN

Tu Parle Francais?

Charlotte Speaking French

Be sure to watch on Youtube... click the button! :D

Hi! How are you? What is your name? I am Charlotte.. I have brown eyes, long curly hair... And I am Petite... and... I do not how to speak french.... I am Sorry! Bye!!!  (haha... stupid huh?)

Hair Talk

I'm a LOSER!

When I was younger people used to call me names like fetus, patpatin, walis ting-ting, payat. Sure these names left my ego throbbing. When I entered postpuberty I decided to take diet enhancers with the hope of a weight gain miracle. After months of taking Lingzhe (chinese pill) I started to notice changes in my appetite. My half-rice plate size increased to 50 percent..then it went 100 percent until I can't contain myself with just 3 cups of rice. Oh yeah call me patay-gutom but, two plates of palabok were never enough to satisfy my hunger during class intervals. After a year people started to notice that I am gaining...gaining...gaining extra pounds and I realized thst I am already fat/chubby/skinny no more. I did not like the thin version of my self but being fat is not pretty either. My face went oozing round, arms flabby, stomach bil-bilized (kuha mo?)


My self-esteem deflated.


I can't wear sleeveless anymore..


Can't wear body-fitting tops..


My confidence was overpowered by cellulites


It was during my job hunting days when I decided to be a LOSER. My dream shape became my top priority and I can fairly say that I am successful in achieving it. I am not saying that you need to be thin in order to be happy, beautiful, successful, desirable and the like. If you are satisfied with your current weight then, BRaVO! Screw them who think that you are obese when you are only 400 pounds. However, for those who want to start kicking off some pounds and live healthy, I am willing to share my fitness tips. I hope these come handy to all of you who can relate to my journey towards getting back in shape. Good luck!


Tip 1: 


Get a pair of sharp scissors and start trimming all the excess fats. You can take this literally or figuratively but either way I won't take charge of the results. :)


Kidding aside, a slim plate really helps a lot in achieving your dream shape. Eat regulated/ balanced healthy foods. For diet I don't like many breakfast foods so I drink a nutritional breakfast shake from Nature's Plus every morning. 

This Slim and Natural delicious and satisfying diet plan is high in protein, vitamins, minerals and fibers. To lose weight naturally and healthfully, it is recommended that you have one glass of Slim and Natural shake for breakfast, one for lunch and one as a late afternoon snack, along with a complete, well-balanced meal for dinner. This shake is my meal replacement during breakfast. Then for the rest of the day I really don't have any specific diet I just watch my calorie intake and make healthy choices.  


For awesome recipes that are low fat and low calorie check this website http://www.hungry-girl.com


Eat healthy low fat snacks. I love eating dried prunes, dates and other dried fruits and If you can, Say NO to junk food!


Tip 2:


DRINK 8 GLASSES OF WATER EACH DAY. I know you’ve heard it before. Water promotes healthy and natural weight loss by speeding up metabolism and allowing our body to absorb nutrients from the foods we consume. 


Call me stupid but my second tip is for you to choose a water bottle with a design that you love. Doing this will likely increase your water consumption. For those on the go bellas out there pick a water bottle that's easy to carry around and won't leak. 


Tip 3:


As for exercising, don't push yourself too hard. When you do, you will end giving up early. Think of activities that you love when you were once a kid and incorporate them in your weight loss plan. Whatever you do for exercise, make sure that it's something you like and will stick with. 


Below are fun and wacky exercise ideas:


-playing wii video games
-swimming
-biking
-yoga
-pilates
-window shopping :)


Tip 4: 


Since you are expecting a weight loss it is likely that you will develop strech marks. Prevention is better than cure so before strech marks peek out, you can use a body brush to massage the areas where you want to prevent stretch marks from appearing, such as the thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms. This massage will increase blood circulation to the area. 


Special creams/oils for stretch marks are also marketed to help enhance collagen production and support the dermis. You can chose from a wide array of products claiming to help you with stretch marks but a simple moisturizer is enough to keep your skin supple and elastic. But for those bellas out there who already suffer from hideous stretch marks and in search for the most Holy Grail then You can try using BIO-OIL.

This product claims to improve the appearance of all types of scars and is also highly effective in helping maintain elasticity of scar tissue.


If despite your efforts you continue to see stretch marks on your skin, do not despair, rationalization is an effective tool. Stretch marks are the result of a healthy body trying to heal itself. So if you have those ugly marks, congratulations! You are a healthy earthling.


Tip 5:


Do you have those lumpy fat deposits most women have on their thighs and buttocks? If your answer is yes, then you must be pissed off with that dimpled bum.
           
I have home remedies for you that help remove/reduce the appearance of cellulites in your body. An easy and simple way to start getting rid of the cellulite would be soaking a slice of cucumber in a glass of water. Let it soak overnight and drink the morning when you wake up or whenever you like during the day. However do ensure that you drink it all at once.
If you are addicted to coffee and you cannot go a single hour without a cup of coffee then you will be happy to know that coffee too is a great way to get rid of cellulite on your butt. You will need a lot of the coffee residue though if you want to work the cellulite off your butt. Walk over to the coffee shop around the corner and ask them for their left over coffee residue. Bring it home and add a little water to it to make a coffee paste. Simply scrub the paste over your butt and cover it with a plastic wrap. Next wash it off and you will be amazed with the results.


This method may seem a little unorthodox but it can really help. All you have to do is write the letter A – Z on a wall with your butt. Do it twice over, in capital letters and small letters.


Tip 6


Now it’s time to talk about breasts post-weight loss. Let us accept it bellas that breasts deflate after losing some extra pounds. Weight loss, while ravishing the rest of your body, may neglect the tenderness of your boobies. However, firming creams that are designed to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your bust contours by improving tone, texture, and firmness are readily available in the market. I can recommend Palmers Bust Firming Cream. This is cheap and effective.

Tip 7


This is the final step to make you feel good and sexy as well as motivated to continue your quest for your dream shape- frame your “before-after” picture. You often don’t realize how far you’ve come if you don’t take pictures.
Here is mine...

BEFORE

After

The 100 Peso White Top

To all thrift store lovers, MABUHAY! Fashion is not always about the cost or the brand. Sometimes, it means being comfortable with what you bought and rocking the fashionista out of it. Uhm yah! I bought this white long sleeve top with  a soda bottle print not so long ago. I decided to wear it today with a pair of distressed jeans and  black gladiator heels. You can also wear this with dark washed short cuffed denims and bejeweled sandals... or perhaps with a red cardigan when it gets colder outside. And did I mention that I got this for 100 Php!?? Great find! 

The back is cute too... ayt!? ;D

Red leopard print belt adds to the vibe 

And Remember to smile... with..or..without.. clothes...  :D haha!

16. Buy one gadget I really covet

 Yepey! I am crossing out one item from my bucket list. I decided to join  the bandwagon and bought a CANON POWERSHOT. Below are raw pictures taken from my new baby. :D Let me know if the quality is good.

Casual Friday

 I am a bit scatterbrain today or maybe I always am! Hhhmmmm... I am planning to revamp my office and while browsing a magazine, voila found these inspirations!

Get into his shoes... buy the book!

Last week I became an owner of this sweet little funny thing- a book by Sheery Argov, WHY MEN MARRY BITCHES. And yes I was able to read, re-read and scrutinize each page and I fell in love with it! This book was written with utmost respect for humor and the sanctity of the male brain. And why do men marry bitches?! I will spill some of the answers in the days to come.  

Someday, Maybe List

I always embrace possibilities and I constantly look for ways to make them happen. Recently, I have this feeling that my days are passing by without any tangible output to speak of. Where am I heeding? What kind of life am I building? Having these questions in my head made me reconsider updating my bucket list of things that I have always wanted to happen, emotions that I wanted to feel and experiences that I wanted to treasure. I was able to check off quite a few in my list and I will constantly update this as I come across new demands in my life. I hope my "Someday, Maybe List" of things that I wanted to accomplish before I die will inspire you to make your own list and feel free to share with me your ways of executing them. 


1. Walk in the rain like a child
2. Learn a foreign language- or at least 100 words to string together a sentence or thought.
3. Go for an annual check-up with my physician or OB-gyne.
4. Go on a trip on my own to have some serious "me" time
5. Faithfully keep a grateful journal where I'd list down things to be thankful for.
6. Join a Yoga class
7. Volunteer for a cause. And really stick to it!
8. Learn to City drive
9. Learn how to fix a flat tire.
10. Stick to a beauty regimen to ward off skin aging!
11. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible
12. Be more serious about my savings and finances
13. create a soundtrack of my life
14. try out an exotic cuisine
15. Practice an eco-friendly lifestyle by using a canvass shopping bag
16. Buy one gadget I really covet
17. Go on a retreat
18. Sign up for a self-defense class
19. Take up a new sport
20. Dare to try a new trend
21. Stay away from toxic people!
22. Face at least 5 fears
23 Work out every other day for one month
24. Write my life story
25. Get lost and explore a new place
26. Take Crazy photos of myself
27. Vote!
28. Sing my heart out with some friends
29. Do something unexpected for someone I don't know
30. Start a club for something I really like
31. Decorate my office desk
32. Go on a Philippine tour
33. Paint, even if I don't know how
34. Talk to my stuffed animal
35. Dance like no one's watching
36. Write my self a love letter
37. Update my resume
38. Learn and Apply CPR
39. Wear a costume
40. Watch and enjoy the sunset
41. Fake an accent
42. Donate to my favorite charity
43. Play up my strengths, know my weaknesses
44. Expand my identity
45. Learn to play a musical instrument
46. Go home early from work
47. Quit shopping for a month
48. Learn sign language
49. Learn to swim
50. Be the interior decorator of my dream house
51. Memorize the multiplication table
52. Write an article for Ehow
53. Build my dream business
54. Find my way into the fashion industry..char!
55. Make a photo album with all my treasured pictures
56. Buy my mama and papa a house to call their own :)
57. Make a valedictory speech
58. Get and maintain a college scholarship 
59. Be interviewed on T.V.
60. Own a company with at least 50 employees
61. Get married and have my own happy family
62. Drive a car that is worthy of wearing a driving gloves
63. Have a picnic at midnight
64.. Witness a sunrise for 30 days straight
65. Be friends with a prime minister/president of a country
66. Climb to the top of a reasonably high mountain
67. Help build a house for a homeless family
68. Ride in a hot air balloon
69. Learn how to eat properly with chopsticks
70. Send a message in a bottle
71. Conquer the sky adventure in Cebu
72. Spend 24 hours alone in the jungle
73. Connect with all my teachers and let them know how they shaped my life
74. Plant my own tree and watch it grow
75. Live in another country for a minimum of six months
76. Get featured on a newspaper for an achievement I am proud of
77. Bake a cake for my nieces and nephews
78. Live through 4 seasons of the year- winter, spring, summer and fall
79. Fall asleep on a grassy plains
80. Tell at least 50 people about my bucket list and encourage them to do the same
81. Ride a roller coaster
82. Try out front-line customer service jobs for a month just for the experience
83. Fly a kite
84. Spend a night on a haunted house
85. Learn how to fire a gun
86. Buy a huge lego set and attempt to build something
87. Visit my neighborhood riding a bike
88. Never fight (or start to build a fight) with my boyfriend for 3 long months
89. Visit the famous Eiffel  tower
90. Be a family to a homeless child
91. Host a pageant 
92. Encourage my friends for a makeover
93. Own a clothing line and be the owner of a famous brand
94. Learn to use a sewing machine
95. Write a book
96. Hit New York Best seller's list har har!
97. Attend a cosplay event
98. Visit Disneyland
99. Shop at HongKong
100. Be in a Forensic Science job
101. Finish my Maters Degree
102. Take up a Med course and try to finish it ;)
103. Top in a licensure exam
104. Touch a real dolphin
105. Feed a lion
106. Be a loving owner of a pet
107. Go Scuba Diving
108. Enjoy a bungee jump
109. Make new friends when doing as many as possible from this list