Think Runway

Words Of My Father

2012-02-07T13:19:00.007+08:00

I wasn't really the closest to my dad, yet when we do have conversations, I take his words to heart. He might repeat his stories over and over yet whenever I ask relevant questions, he answered it in a way that would make me look at things in a much better perspective. A true wisdom from a father.

Before I flew back to Singapore, we had a father - daughter talk in the most casual setting; inside our car.

He told me "Focus on one thing and be good at it. Remember you are developing a habit. Work hard and don't give money too much importance. If you focus on being rich, you'll go crazy finding ways to achieve it. Learn to let go. Because sometimes we need to spend in order to get something. Live a simple life and be happy"

Thanks Dad and I love you.

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Valentines Day : Red Dress for Any Age

2012-02-05T16:59:00.003+08:00

Backless cross detail dress, Gold bangle, Alice Olivia red carpet dress,Gold necklace,
Alexon red dress, Green onyx ring

During my teenage years, my mom would always tell me to wear bright colours instead of muted ones because when you grow older it's harder to pull it off. She might be half right but that doesn't mean you can't wear a red dress in your forties. In fact, I applaud women who wear such colour and still look fabulous. The trick here is to choose the right cut, fabric and tone of red that would best suit your age.

Since Valentine's day is almost, I thought it's fairly appropriate to share my tips in choosing the perfect red dress.

If you're in your 20's

Be adventurous with different cuts. You can always go away with it.
Avoid silk fabrics as it makes you look older.
Play around with different tones of red.

If you're in your 30's

Choose a cut that flatters your figure.
Make sure it's not too short or too long.
Don't stick with just a solid red dress. Find something that has a mix of muted colour on it like blacks or whites.

If you're in your 40's

Choose a darker tone of red (please).
Clean cut is always a good choice.
Choose a dress with a subtle detail on it. Like a side drape or pleats.

Hope you ladies learn and thing or two here. Remember, choose a dress that will father your figure and wear it with confidence. Nothing is more distracting than a girl keeps adjusting her dress just because it's too short or that it shows the budge of her tummy. Make sure you wear something that's comfortable and just enjoy the night away.

Running for Beginners

2012-01-30T15:40:00.006+08:00

I've been trying to convince myself to do some exercise for quite sometime now. But it's only recently that I got myself to finally do it. Actually, I was doing pilates and yoga before but I just stopped.

Since it's the new year and things aren't exactly going my way, I thought why not do something to make me look good and feel good. In short, I want to be thin. And if there is one thing I want to achieve this year that's just it. I'm not overweight or anything but I know I could look better.

Here in Singapore, everyone does it. It's like a culture thing. Everyone wants to get fit, look good and just look drop dead gorgeous. The amount of money they spend on gym memberships and pilates/yoga classes are out of this world. But hey, who said you need to spend all that buck for something you can do at home. So 2 days ago, I settled for running, outdoor.

Morning runs are the best as it burns stored fat rather than the food inside our tummy. I've been reading a lot about it and since I'm a newbie in this, I found this site to be very helpful. It has all the information you need on how to start running. I just think that everyone must engage themselves in some sort of activity no matter how young or old they are.

Some people just find it hard to be motivated. I've been there but after reading this quote, it just changed me.

"Discipline is doing what you know needs to be done.
Even if you don't want to do it." - Anonymous

I wanted to be a lady with discipline. That I'm not lazy, that I can do anything that I set my mind into. That motivates me aside from the desire to look good of course. So I suggest you find something that motivates you. Something that would keep you going not just for a week, but for your entire life. Remember, we need to make it our lifestyle. So do it with me! We can make it and after 2012 we can all be proud and say "2012 is the year I got thin"

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French Manicure - Tips and Tricks

2012-01-28T13:44:00.005+08:00

We all know how difficult it is to do your own french manicure. Getting those white lines straight is too much of a task. Lets face it, not all of us are gifted with a steady hands. So let me share with you some tips and tricks in doing your own french manicure.

You'll need:

Top coat
Base coat
White nail polish
Natural nail polish (I used Orly's bare rose)
Pure acetone
Small rounded brush
Tissue or small towel

French Manicure - Tips and Tricks:

1. Apply the base coat on the tips of your nails, covering only 1/4 of your nail.
2. Do the same when you apply the while nail polish. I suggest you do two coats for a more
opaque look.
3. Dip your small round brush on a pure acetone and tap the access on a tissue or small towel.
4. While holding the brush, rest the edge of your hand onto your hand where you are doing your
nails.
5. Slowly maneuver the brush to remove the excess white nail polish, creating a straight line.
6. Do this several times until you're satisfied with the lines you've created.
7. Apply a top coat of your choice.

Obsession: Red Nail Polishes

2012-01-25T14:31:00.005+08:00

Most of you would probably know that I'm currently in my hometown for a short vacation. That's the reason why I haven't posted as much but I'm excited to share a lot of things to you once I manage to transfer my photos into my laptop.

Moving along, do you ladies know that I have a subtle obsession with red nail polishes? Apparently Aliza Licht of Donna Karan International shares the same obsession as me. Red is indeed a power colour and looks perfect on pale skin. But I'm not really into blue toned reds. I find that it doesn't look good on me as compared to brown toned reds. For a while I've been using OPI Marooned on the Magnificent Mile. But I think I've grown out of it and wanted to try other shades. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

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Travel Makeup Kit

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002+08:00

I'm flying back to Manila, my hometown, tomorrow for a short vacation. I haven't been home for over a year so I'm pretty excited to see how everything has changed. I wonder if the traffic is still that bad or if there's any new local retailers. Aside from that, I'm also looking forward to see my friends and family. We'd usually have a nice quiet dinner, go out of town and just enjoy each others company.

While I haven't packed most of my stuff, I thought I'd share with you some of the makeups I'd bring along during my visit. I probably miss out some of the things here but you get the idea.

Face and Cheeks

The Face Shop peach blush MAC margin Bobby brown pot rouge in powder pink MAC mineralize skin finish in soft and gentle MAC studio fix concealer

Eyes

Elizabeth Arden Christmas 2010 palette
Shu Uemura eyeshadows in brown, grey and purple

Lips

MAC cremesheen lip gloss in luster richer, MAC fast play, MAC creme cup Chanel rouge allure in discrete

Brushes

MAC essential kit holiday 2011 brush set

Grey Walls + Rustic Interior + A Pink Affair

2012-01-11T10:01:00.001+08:00

I can't deny. I have a thing for greys and pinks. It sort of became my ultimate chic color combination. In fact, if I have my own apartment one day I'll make sure these will be prominent. I just love how a rustic, woodsy type of interior can be soften with a touch of pink. I don't know where this painting is from but it just works well all together.

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Goals for 2012

2012-01-10T22:44:00.005+08:00

Whenever new year hits I make sure to have a list of goals in mind. Apparently losing weight has always been one of them. There are constant struggles here and there but I've convince myself that this time I'm going to do it and before the year ends I will reach that goal. No more yoyo diet! Other than that I want to earn more and save more and of course, go back to my first love, reading books.

What is your goal for 2012?

Shopping: Patterns + Golds

2012-01-08T17:08:00.010+08:00

Polka dots, stripes and golds are starting to become a staple in my closet. So it's no surprise that I was easily drawn to these upon seeing it. I just love how I can pair it with just about anything and be ready for work or a casual weekend. Gone are the days that I have separate wardrobe for work. Now I buy pieces that can work well for both and still look absolutely chic.

Bubbly French 75

2012-01-05T09:00:00.002+08:00

New Year's celebration might be over but that doesn't stop me from getting bubbly, french 75 that is. In my book, anything with lime in a cocktail is definitely a go. While most people prefer blueberry or blood orange, I like mine a classic.

French 75

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 ounces gin
3 ounces plus 1 tablespoon chilled Champagne
lemon peel for garnish

In cocktail shaker, combine lemon juice, sugar, gin, and ice cubes and shake to chill. Strain cocktail into Champagne flute and top off with Champagne. Garnish with lemon peel and serve.

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Colour Of The Year

2012-01-04T09:00:00.001+08:00

Diane von Fürstenberg sheer dress, $375, Michael kors tote, $348, Lulu Frost vintage earrings, £110
Prada sunglasses, $225, Pakerson Men's Orange Hand Painted Italian Leather Belt, $132,
Parlour tangerine ottoman in ottomans, benches | CB2, $399, Breakfast At Tiffany's :
Popular Penguins, Essie Red Nail Polish, Shades, $8

Sweat It Up

2012-01-03T13:00:00.000+08:00

This is my kind of weekend wear this season.
Long sleeve sweater + shorts ♥

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Buttermilk Pancakes

2012-01-02T12:40:00.011+08:00

What a better way to start off the new year other than a classic buttermilk pancake? I love pancakes and if there's one thing I'd eat anytime of the day, this would be it. Growing up, my mom would make these for us every Sunday. So she kind of claims that Sundays is a "Pancake Day". As a child, I would always look forward to it and I would wake up early just so I can eat them fresh out of the pan. Now that I live away from them, I still make these every once in a while and it just brings back all the memories.

Buttermilk Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
¼ cup sour cream
2 eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 to 2 teaspoon vegetable oil, for greasing the pan

1. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl. In a second medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, eggs and melted butter.

2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients; gently stir until just combined (batter should remain lumpy with a few streaks of flour). Do not overmix. Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes before cooking.

3. Heat 1 teaspoon of the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Using a paper towel, carefully wipe out oil, leaving a thin film of oil on the bottom of the pan. Using ¼ cup measure, portion batter into pan in 4 places.

4. Cook until edges are set, first side is golden brown, and bubbles on surface are just beginning to break, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a thin, wide spatula, flip pancakes and continue to cook until second side is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes longer.

5. Serve pancakes immediately. Repeat with remaining batter, using remaining oil as needed.

Happy 2012!

2011-12-31T15:45:00.001+08:00

I'm saying goodbye to 2011. It has been such a wonderful year.
Hello 2012!

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My Wish For 2012

2011-12-30T13:28:00.004+08:00

Simple. To eat healthier and drop to 45kg.

Cheers!

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Looking Back on 2011

2011-12-29T12:14:00.011+08:00

2011 has been such a good year for me and if I were to describe it in one word I’d say it was eventful. A lot of things has changed. I think the rollercoaster ride that I went through earlier this year kind of serves me well in the later part. I won’t go into details but I’d share with you some of the major highlights of my year.

1. Started to earn money from my blog. Yey!

2. Moved to a new apartment twice

3. Got a new job as a senior account executive

4. Met a lot of fabulous new people

5. Experienced new things that I’ve never thought I’d try like rollerblading

6. Spend Christmas with my family after a long time
7. My second niece, Leia is born ♥

Cheers my loves!

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MAC Collection

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000+08:00

Over time I've collected a good number of MAC products. Mind you, they don't come cheap but I do find that investing on good quality makeups tend to last longer than most drugstore brands. I think whenever I want a good blush or lipstick I always visit my MAC counter. Given the wide selection they have, I always find something that I like. Honestly, ever since I started buying their lipstick, I never fail to grab a shade or two if I wanted something new. It just became my go-to brand.

239 brush
Glitter and ice essential brush set
Glitter and ice special edition brush set
Margin blush
Gentle mineralized skin finish
Angel
Creme cup
Fast play
Speed dial
Lazy days
Translucent face powder
Studio fix concealer
Painterly paintpot

Ideal Apartment

2011-12-27T12:01:00.002+08:00

I so wished I have this kind of apartment. Clean, minimalistic with the
perfect view of the city. Looking at this makes me want to cozy up with a good book,
cup of coffee and some slow flow music.

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Quiet Morning

2011-12-27T11:25:00.000+08:00

Oh my gosh, I so needed a quiet morning after all the festivities.
Unfortunately, that's not the case. Much like everyone else, I'm back to work
trying to polish as much projects as I can before the new year starts.

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This Week In Photos

2011-12-26T20:13:00.003+08:00

Had a lovely Italian dinner at orchard

Watched a local band in Holland Village

A gift from my lovely boss

Gifted bag from my mom among others

Started to open Christmas presents before it hits midnight

Merry Christmas My Loves!

2011-12-24T13:00:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas my loves!

This has probably been the best Christmas by far. Aside from all the dinners and parties with friends, my parents flew from Manila to celebrate it with us. It's been a while since we spend Christmas together and I couldn't be more thankful.

I hope everyone is have a wonderful Christmas!

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{Inspiration} Your Soul

2011-12-21T10:59:00.003+08:00

A respectable appearance is sufficient to make people more interested in your soul.
~ Karl Lagerfeld

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{12 Day of Christmas} Cozying Up + Playlist

2011-12-21T09:00:00.002+08:00

Stella McCartney knit shirt, $489 La Perla | Leather and lace shorts | NET-A-PORTER.COM, €400 Deborah lippmann, $16
Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Polish, $18 Parisian Glass Ball Table Lamp - White Shade, $170 Sequined Pillow, $104
Diptyque Pomander Candle, $60 Marimekko Siirtolapuutarha Räsymatto Black and White Mug in Kitchen..., $20
BARNES & NOBLE | The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks, Grand Central..., $14

Mixtape No. 1: Quiet Storm

1. Say That You Don't Care - Sway
2. All The Things - Kc and Jojo
3. Cupid - 112
4. I Fall So Deep - Eol
5. Lost In You - Chris Gaines
6. What Everybody Knows - Marc Dorsey
7. Promise I Make - Dakota Moon
8. Nobody Knows - Tonyrich Project
9. I Call It Love - Lionel Richie
10. Anything For Your Love - Latiff
11. Twisted - Keith Sweat
12. Be With You - Vernie Varga
13. Girl - Destiny's Child
14. You'll Be In My Heart - Usher
15. Still Believe - Mariah Carey
16. How Much - Git Fresh
17. Rockin That Thing - The Dream
18. Bonified Freak - Git Fresh

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{11 Day of Christmas} Party Girl's Etiquette Guide

2011-12-19T09:00:00.001+08:00

Your Arrival

Thou shall arrive within the first 30 minutes.
Thou shall seek out the host and graciously thank them for the beautiful party.
Thou shall provide the host with a small gift such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.
Thou shall introduce thy guest upon each introduction.
Thou shalt not bring any unexpected or uninvited guests. Sorry party crashers.

Drinking

Thou shalt not drink excessively.
Thou shalt avoid mixing drinks.
Thou shalt not present thyself as a hot mess.

Eating

Thou shalt not overeat.
Thou shalt not double dip. Ever. Ew.
Thou shalt not walk around with multiple hors d’oeuvres.
Thou shall toss used napkins and toothpicks in the trash.
Thou shall check for leftovers in thy teeth before engaging in conversation.

Conversation

Thou shalt not corner anyone into a conversation the entire night (unless he’s cute).
Thou shall avoid topics pertaining to business and other potentially unpleasant matters.
Thou shalt no complain.

The Departure

Thou shalt not “pop in” to the party for 10 minutes and leave.
Thou shall bid the host adieu if it is an intimate gathering. However, if it’s a big party, thou shall quietly leave instead.
Thou shalt not overstay thy welcome. (Don’t linger…It’s creepy.)
Thou shalt not ever leave a birthday party before the cake has been served.

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My Week In Photos

2011-12-18T22:14:00.005+08:00

Photo shoot for a campaign:

Made truffle cookies for my colleagues:

Company Christmas party in Swissotel and Helipad:

Celebrated our colleague's birthday with chocolate brownie cheesecake:

Christmas party at Publicis GM's house:

Sunday brunch at queen street:

Had my dose of filipino food for dinner at gluttons bay. Roasted chicken!