whim in progress

Book Notes: Lunatic Express

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:45:00 +0000

The Lunatic Express by Carl Hoffman

- Now I needed to do something huge, to jar myself out of life - and that was what long journeys did best. There remained so much I still wanted to know and see in the world, and I hoped that I might come home with fresh eyes.

- Books sweep you up, take you away, transport you.

- I wanted to look into every boat, every house. I wanted to touch each person, to taste every meal, to open up and slip into each like a suit of clothes. But I couldn't. The world was too big. Too diverse. There were too many languages and not enough time; it was easy connecting with people like families in first class. We had a shared language, technology, worldview. We all loved prosciutto and Picasso and lying on the beach in the sun and sitting with friends in a cafe. But to pass the days with poor was something else. I sat up, gazed into the darkness. We slid past a boat with no lights at all, just a black shadow, it's gunwales underwater, the dim outlines of figures standing at the stern. The deeper I pushed, the harder it became to know them, the more ignorant, curious and powerless I was. Each was a world unto its own that I could glimpse but never know.

- But it wasn't hopeless. It wasn't the end. Every moment we had the choice to forgive ourselves and try again. And suddenly I didn't to run anymore; I wanted to be those people on trains and ferries on Buru, lying in tangled piles, holding hands instead of running. Travel - my journey - was showing me what I wanted, craved, giving me perspective for the first time in seven years.

- But how can you not live that life, taste that taste, after you've had it?

- It was time to go home. Time to complete the circle. Travel was only worthwhile when your eyes are fresh, when it surprised you and amazed you and made you think about yourself in a new way. You couldn't travel forever. When you stopped seeing, when you lost your curiosity and openness to the world, it was time to return to your starting point and see where you stood. In everyone, I suspect, lay a tension between the need for otherness and home. We all want security, we all want adventure, the familiar and the new always jockeying for control.

- To be known, to let your guard down, was scary; how ironic that so many of us fled instead, that we didn't allow ourselves the very thing we wanted in our deepest souls. The lure of foreign countries and cultures has always been escape, but also transformation, redemption, discovery.

Levi's Curve ID Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:13:00 +0000

WWD had an article on Levi's Curve ID last August 9th. It reminded me of this body scanner at the mall that I worked retail at five years ago. It was Intellifit. I stood in the middle of a booth, held my arms out and these red lasers spun around me and did their thing. A few seconds later, out comes a print out and a card with a bar code suggesting my sizes for tops, different fit bottoms (pants and denim), dresses for a few specialty chain brands that participated or maybe sponsored Intellifit. I thought the technology was sooo cool in a nerdy kind of way. So off I went to the stores to check accuracy. Tops of course are always easier. Bottoms, specially denim are always, always a struggle. Intellifit though pretty much got it down. I kept my Intellifit card but my googling has proved futile. They must have changed company names.

Levi's has used a similar 3D scanning technology in their newly launched denim offering.

Which curve am I?
(photo credit: levi.com)

Here's their SVP of Merchandising & Design discussing the new system.

Wow, 54% of women try on at least 10 pairs before getting even slightly close to the one? I'm nodding to that! It can be such an ordeal! When I find a pair that fits, I semi-hoard! Levi's claims that their Slight Curve, Demi Curve and Bold Curve IDs represent 80% of women. They're in the best position to make the claim! After all, Levi's INVENTED jeans right? I love it when brands take consumer insights and feedbacks to heart so I'm going to find me a Levi's store and give these a shot soon!
I'm hopeful! It's hard enough finding the one, we can at least have help with THE ONE in jeans! =)=) Toink! Good lucky girls!!!!

- the one that elongates

- the one that doesn't gape in the waist

- the one that enhances your butt

- the one that is the right length (for heels & flats)

- the one that doesn't cost an arm and both your legs

etc.... etc....

Mulberry, Tucker and John Derian - SHOP GILT FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:22:00 +0000

This is one Gilt Groupe offering that just might be too good to pass up!

Here's the text from Gilt.com

Whenever Target® releases a designer capsule collection, style-setters take notice — and the pieces invariably sell out lightning-quick. Now, for the first time ever, Gilt customers have early and exclusive sneak-peek access to three exciting new Target collaborations with the likes of Tucker, Mulberry and John Derian. Be among the first to get your hands on Tucker’s dainty tops and ladylike dresses, boasting pretty butterfly and diamond prints; Mulberry’s chic carryalls, from patent satchels to denim cross-bodies; and John Derian’s charming decoupaged tablewares, picture frames and storage bins.

From the graphics, those two dresses are perfect for fall!

Something for your home AND closets! =)

Why wait for these to hit Target stores when you can get first dibs tomorrow!

Not a member yet? Join with this invite! YOU MUST PRONTO!

(photo credits: gilt and target.com)

I Want Slim Cargo Pants

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Cargo pants are popping in stores. There must be a utilitarian trend going on. I own two pairs that are cargo-ish from at least five years ago that I still actively wear.

A pair from Topshop circa 2004 I think

As you can see, the legs are straight. Mind you, these are old!!! The updates that's seen across bottoms a few seasons now are that the legs are narrower - skinny, slim, ankle, cigarette. Whatever your terminology maybe.

Why not cargo pants too? I repeatedly saw J.Brand Houlihan Slim Cargo Pants as the IT pair in trendier blogs. They'll set you back by $231 at Bergdorf's. Toink!

(photo credits: bergdorfgoodman.com)

Of course, there are alternatives for us without trust funds. YAY for specialty chains! Back in March, there was that J.Crew pair that I gushed about. I perused the site. Look!

In ripstop - wear later!

In camo!! ha!!

In silk - linen - wear now!

(photo credits: jcrew.com)

I saw nices ones at Loft . Here are two of four colors for $59.50.

(photo credits: anntaylorloft.com)

Of course I try them in petites! =)

I like the length and the absence of bulk where pockets would ordinarily be - slit pockets!!!

Alternating feminine cargos with your skinny denim sounds like a Fall plan to me. I'm anticipating deals for these already.

I Want Gap's Legging Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Back to school season means denim on denim on denim in stores. Gap goes all out every year, obviously it is a core business. It has been years since I last bought jeans from the Gap and worked retail for them - in denim no less!!! I'm quite particular on fits and for awhile, their jean offering was just well, blah. Except for their long time Long & Leans and now discontinued 1969 Western Boot Cuts. Nothing fit me. I'm petite with a little meat! I don't know of anyone who's had it easy finding THE ONE.

- the one that elongates

- the one that doesn't gape in the waist

- the one that enhances your butt

- the one that is the right length (for heels & flats)

- the one that doesn't cost an arm and both your legs

etc.... etc....

I have leggings, I have skinny jeans. But I don't own and have fallen behind the "jeggings" trend! (By the way, I'm cringing as I type. I hate the sound of that term!) About two weeks ago, I spied these legging jeans from the Gap.

Retails at $69.50

I tried them on and they fit me gooood!!!!

At 5'0, I always have issues with length (sometimes even in petite sizing), these worked out. Some bunching at the hem but not at all sloppy looking right? I checked the label (always been a habit) and there was ample stretch which held and gave in all the right places. Anything over 2% spandex though, I'd be cautious. I've made the mistake of buying denim in excess of 5% spandex and those just sag, sag, sag (at the knees and butt) after wearing them a full day. This cut would pair well with all your sandals, flats, heels and tuck nicely into boots as we transition into the Fall.

These are the washes from the website. I picked the faded dark wash and faded black wash in the pictures. For the most part, I like my denim dark and pretty solid.

(photo credits:gap.com)

Denim's always a challenge to buy isn't it? I have helped a lot of women (& men) find their fit during my retail days and gotten thank you hugs! I understand how frustrating it can be! I have spent hours in fitting rooms trying all fits at all price point levels at several denim bars for myself. When I find THE ONE, I buy in multiples and wear them to shreds. I've gone through Old Navy, Banana Republic (Petite!), Express (Short!) and Topshop. Now, I'm on a Madewell and Loft (Petite!) phase. Am I glad I don't do so well with designer denim - saves me a ton of moolah!!

As soon as I get wind of a coupon / offer / promotion with a substantial discount, I'm getting at least three pairs! Relaunch after relaunch after relaunch, Gap got this one right! Hooorah!! I'm always loyal to the Gap!

Go try 'em on girls!

Biltmore House - Home of the Vanderbilts in Asheville, NC

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:18:00 +0000

It's been a month since our family got back from the Florida road trip and I'm only writing about it now. Shame on me! =/ Anyway, on the way home, we took a pit stop in Asheville, NC to see the home of the Vanderbilts - Biltmore House.

Hello from Biltmore!

The grand staircase facade

Lounge around here to see...

...this view from the terrace

I wish I can show actual pictures of what's IN the house but no photography was allowed. I didn't mind it so much as this allowed me to take everything in and imagine what it must have been like to live here in the early 1900s. As much as I like taking photos, it can be a distraction and you miss out seeing what should be seen. The self-guided house tour was very organized. You kind of just go with the flow of people. The pace was just right. We saw a bazillion rooms specific to what an elite family might need. Banquet halls, breakfast rooms, winter gardens, sitting rooms, a gymnasium complete with bowling alleys and an indoor pool, dressing rooms, a whole floor just for guest bedrooms, a bachelor's wing that had smoking and gun rooms, a tapestry gallery, servants' quarters, a pastry kitchen, a rotisserie kitchen, walk in refrigerators, laundry and drying rooms etc... etc... Enough rooms for ya? Read more here.

I picked two favorites.

1.) The Library - it was just...lovely. Is it proper to use lovely as an library adjective? To me, it is! The Biltmore guide stated that the collection ranged from American / English literature to religion, arts, philosophy, history and architecture. I read somewhere that George W. Vanderbilt was quite a reader. It was floor to ceiling, wall upon wall of books. The chess set and gaming table they used was previously owned by no less than Napoleon Bonaparte.

This is him by the way. See, a book!

The woman of the house Mrs. Edith Vanderbilt

(photo credits: biltmore.com)

2.) Mrs. Vanderbilt's Bedroom - This too was lovely because it was just that - lovely. It was feminine and was the perfect boudoir. From that portrait of her, she looked like a lady who appreciated fashion don't you think? Love it!

We walked the entire garden too. Gardens are soooo relaxing. Good ones that is.

My dad and niece

towards the greenhouse

water lilies

orchid

anthurium?

a little creepy don't you think?

gumamela? let's make bubbles

such happy flowers!

After touring the house and gardens, we stopped by Antler Hill Village for Biltmore wine tasting. The village had small exhibits and al fresco dining. Their car was there. It is one of only 10 model C-Six that's believed to still exist today.

click for more info!

this is the model C-Six!

And this was the typical driving outfit that time. Talk about being covered.

The wine stash

wine tasting

I downed two glasses of different wines I think

My winner!

I can't help but compare it to the last big estate and house I've been to - Versaille is a loooot bigger and more opulent which just blew me away. Biltmore, inspite of its size, felt homey. Maybe because it was owned by self made people and not monarchs? That I like a lot. I feel like I 'saw' the house. Anyways, old money's fascinating isn't it? To know more about the Vanderbilts - click here. Anderson Cooper, you lucky, lucky man!

The only thing I knew about Asheville was that the first family came here last April. I didn't expect much from a small town but everyone enjoyed this leg of the road trip!
Yay for Asheville, NC!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

What better way to start the birthday month than by my dad's birthday!!! He cracks me up, annoys the hell out of me, hugs me still, wonders "How are kidneys attached inside the body?" among countless random things, fixes everything broken, owns only four pairs of shoes (!?!?!), explains majority of if not all things to us, has the best handwriting (script or not), is the most kuripot, simple, the how does stuff work dude - I can go on and on!

Let me count the ways!!! xoxo Daddy! Happy Birthday!

Klein Tools, Orvis & Fleabags Canvas Bags

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 03:01:00 +0000

On a Home Depot run with my dad, I spied/liked these Klein Tools canvas bags and zip wallets. Now because they're made for construction or carpentry work to lug around tools - hammers, wrenches, screw drivers, drills etc... I expect the weight to be substantial. The frame top is of metal.

The bag retailed from $50-85 and came in different sizes. The plain zip wallet is around $8 and the colored ones that come in a set are $25.

I kept googling and found this at $129 from fly fishing company - Orvis. This can possibly work as an overnight / weekend trip bag.

I kept going at my search and found a brand that actually made this style for us non tool bearing people! Fleabags. I read the About Us page and gathered that their bags are eco-friendly and made for toting around. They have two lines - The Original Flea and The Salt.

The Original Flea comes in four colors white, saddle (tan), coffee bean (chocolate brown) and pebble. Not inexpensive at $440 though.

The Salt at $480 comes in denim, violet and orange-y colors.

I love the design / details of these bags - simple canvas body, silkscreened logo, frame top opening, leather bottom. Home Depot is the last place I'd imagine appreciating a bag style. But we can always draw inspiration anytime, anywhere. There's the military trend, the boyfriend trend - why not a hardware trend? I think I can pull this off.

(photo credits: home depot, orvis & fleabags.com)

Meet Annie From CPR Training

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:57:00 +0000

I attended a free CPR training class offered by our county tonight. It was short, straight to the point and lasted an hour. Most of the participants were well into their senior years. I was an anomaly. I was thinking that the younger set (like me) should be more interested in learning such skills. Just an opinion. Learning CPR was on a must do list and of course now that I have all this free time - It was time. I thought the process would be more complicated but we were taught to keep only two things in mind.

Call 911
Do the compressions

Simple enough to keep on mental file right? Meet Annie, I saved her earlier tonight and she came with a CPR refresher DVD. Kinda freaky looking but she actually works!

Now I can't share the motions of doing CPR because I'm not the expert. We were told to check out The American Heart Association for information. Just like how I learned First Aid last month, I hope to never apply these skills on anyone. Just the same, you just never know. Go get trained!

My Habitat Day

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:25:00 +0000

I have a lot of time to spare. A bullet on my must-not-be-idle list is to "Look into volunteering". Habitat for Humanity felt familiar. I think the professional organization I was part of while in college, SME, organized to do this (correct me if I'm wrong Mikey) a few times? Why I didn't participate then, I don't know.

Renewed curiosity and it's popularity lead me to research our area for Habitat opportunities that supported a cause I would like. I convinced a good friend who I haven't seen in months and also job hunting to participate. You'd be surprised at how the volunteer calendar quickly fills up. It took us over a month to get slots. That's good to know.

The site we worked on will benefit teenage mothers in partnership with Zoe's Place upon completion at the end of the year. Zoe's Place offers a safe haven for teenage mothers so that they may have the opportunity to turn their lives around. Read more about this great cause here. I like this cause because I have friends who are and were single mothers. The friend with me is one of them. I don't know how they do it and I have such respect for these super women. (Hi Menggay!)

This project will eventually house five teenage single moms and a house mother. It will be simple and well made complete with a kitchen, two bathrooms, a living area, an office, laundry and of course the bedrooms. The house mother well acts as their mother and will be their guide and occasional baby sitter as they go to school or work.

Come lunch time, we were brought food by members of the girls scouts movement. Also volunteers! They brought sandwiches, potato salad, pasta, brownies and drinks. It was a welcome surprise. Thank you! I was starving!

It was a rainy day which was the perfect weather for this kind of thing. I can't do this in the middle of that heat wave the previous week.

There were two college looking guys, a lady who was at least 75 years old, a girl who just moved from California, my friend, me and Tim the site supervisor. Tim is in construction. He shared how his business was hit hard when the economy dove the past two years. He had just built 23 condominium units and nobody could/would buy them. Can you imagine having millions worth of property stagnate? He has been volunteering his time. He shared that people come from every background you can think of with one thing in common - to help with their time. One good thing about this recession? It has given people more time.

Yesterday was accomplished by volunteers. Tim, us, the girl scouts. Somebody had heard of it, someone knew someone who did it, a friend recommended it. It just spreads. I suppose it doesn't matter what your reasoning is. The point is, people came and something was accomplished. The day's activity gave me a better view of one American characteristic I've begun to notice in my years of living here. In my opinion, philanthropic. With all the grass roots movements, fund raisers at the office etc...

I think helping/volunteering overlaps and is two way. It's so easy to just click a button, donate moolah and feel like a saint. But when you're there in that house where change can possibly happen, you come home a little bit more thankful. I came for selfish reasons. I won't sugarcoat it - I was bored. The night before, I was figuring out how to knead dough for some biscotti goodness. The next day, I was mixing concrete, slopping on the gunk and securing a window frame. Instead of staying home for the day getting insane in the membrane, a window frame won't fall out. I'm glad I did this. They DID ME a favor more than I did them. Keeps things in perspective.

At least once, I say give it a shot. Go here for your nearest location. Every bit counts.

Off To Hogwarts

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:59:00 +0000

The family's off (except my shoti) on a road trip to Orlando, FL in a few hours. I can't wait to see Disney World again as an adult! But more importantly, watch this.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is finally open too and can I scream e-x-c-i-t-e-d loud enough?!!! Aaaah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do I act like a muggle or as a wizard?!!?

After Orlando, we'll be heading southwest to Clearwater Beach for some fun in the sun. Hopefully, we don't get oil spilled there. *sigh* How horrible is this oil spill? Praying for good weather, goodness knows how unpredictable the weather is down South!

Got to wrap up packing my stuff now, it took me half the day. I've gotten better at my packing OC-ness!! I was tweeting and reading blogs in between. Cheers to a safe and enjoyable trip with the family!

That Donovan Goal

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:20:00 +0000

For the past two weeks, I've been glued to the tube because of the World Cup! I have caught the bug!!! Each match that the US team has played has been dramatic. I'm cheering on along with my downloaded iphone vuvuzela app!

I am not over that Donovan goal yesterday which ensured the US a place in the final 16.

My dad and I were punching our fists in the air, screaming our lungs out and jumping in utter glee!!! We were just like these guys in the video.

I'm not a certified sports gal. I don't understand most of the rules. Lately, I've been watching a whole lot of them though. First the NBA, now the World Cup and Wimbledon simultaneously. It's probably annoying but my dad is patient enough to explain stuff to me. I try my best and wiki.

Admittedly, there's a whole lot of eye candy! Soo many good looking football players, sooo little time. I'm loving the uniforms, knee high socks and colors too! The players sure fill them out nicely. That's zero body fat for you! All that running and kicking!

Hello there Landon Donovan!!! UnStoppAble!!!!

This post really has not much "meat" to it. I just want to remember how completely nuts I went with my dad upon that goal. Good times!!!

(photo credits:landondonovan.com, google images)

Today's Groupon Deal: Anti-Gravity Yoga

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:48:00 +0000

Groupon is a portmanteau word for "group" and "coupon". To me, it's simply discount shopping with a group of people in major cities in North America and Europe - NYC, Toronto, London etc.... When the minimum number of buyers is reached, the deal is on! Power of clout / collective buying! Go here to view a video explanation.

Today's deal for North Jersey is $35 for Four (yes four) Anti-Gravity Yoga Glasses. That's $8.75 / class!!! That's an awesome deal!

According to Core Connection's site --

"AntiGravity Yoga combines traditional yoga principles with elements from aerial acrobatics, dance, pilates and calisthenics. AntiGravity Yoga helps students realign their body and Spirit with the tool of gravity that severs to achieve physical and mental decompression. You will learn to fly, hold and balance in challenging yoga poses longer, gain better kinesthetic awareness, build cardiovascular and muscular strength, become more flexible, increase joint mobility, decompress the vertebrae of the spine without strain and utilize the agility you've gained from yoga to play with gravity! The class emphasis is to have fun while learning new skills while experiencing a total body workout."

If the studio wasn't 51 minutes away from where I live - one way, I'd be hanging upside down doing my spine/back the biggest favor already!!! Aerial silks is gaining popularity in NYC gyms, I hope it eventually catches on on our side of the river. Yoga? Enough said! The two together sound like a plan to me. I'm just not willing to drive that faaar when I have my trusty 10 minute drive yoga studio all paid for 50 classes!
Did I mention that you get $10 Groupon bucks each time a referral signs up and makes a purchase? Sign up here, pick your city and share!!! It's win-win to share!!
Groupon for North Jersey is only a few weeks old and I've already purchased a $20 for $50 worth of fondue and dessert Groupon at The Magic Pot. I'm ready for the next great deal and to fondue!!!

Teen Vogue's Gone Mobile Too

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Lucky was in on it first, now Teen Vogue's followed suit. They had a full page ad on WWD a couple of days ago. Of course they're tapping the most connected market of them all - the young ones!

I entered the contest to win an iPad. Hey... You never know! =) Start downloading your tag reader from here. It looks like we're going to digitally interact with print magazines more!

Low Main Hair + Beautiful Lengths

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:29:00 +0000

My mom said I had very little hair as a kid. See?

My yaya (nanny) painstakingly used coconut milk squeezed from grated coconut meat from the palengke (market). The by product was then used on my skin. It helped and my hair grew a just bit thicker. To this day, my hair is still very fine and straight. No need to do all sorts of treatments to get it to cooperate. I'm quite lucky because it's low maintenance! I've used one or two styles of combs all my life. They're really for wavy hair. More like hair picks. I usually just use my fingers to detangle my locks. I don't know how own or know how to use a hair dryer. I wash and wear.

I'm on a mission to grow my hair out so that I can give it away. My hair has never been this long since I was in elementary school. I now have to use a proper hair brush! I don't know how to pick hair stuff out so I just bought this from TJ Maxx at more than half off. So far... It actually feels good to brush your hair!!!

It'll take at least eight more months before I have the eight inches I need. The heat is on in our parts and it's very tempting to just lop it all off. An ex colleague did it and she has encouraged and inspired me to do the same. I can do this! Pantene Beautiful Lengths, here I come!!! Click here for more information.

Happy Daddy's Day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:44:00 +0000

My dad puts up with my constant "Am I getting fat?" question, thinks of solutions on how to plug that damn oil spill, fixes my sunglasses, jewelry etc... kills bugs in my room, explains sports to me, eats stuff I bake - good or bad, gives me a hug day in and day out and tirelessly does stuff for this family. There is no way to enumerate what parents do and sacrifice. I want to retire my parents already.

Happy Father's Day to my dad and brother! XoXo

First Aid + A Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:28:00 +0000

I participated in a three hour First Aid workshop offered by our county last night. There were five of us, three women who worked in day care, a deputy chief of a police department and yours truly who was volunteered by the instructor, a paramedic, to play victim the whole session. Toink! Toink!! Toink!!!

From my experience last year, EMS - Emergency Medical Services, are reliably quick. I still thought to learn First Aid anyway because "Hey, you never know!" I'm now familiar with implied consent in the first aid context, the good samaritan law, deciding whether to help or not given some legalities, what to say to a victim, when to just step back for various reasons, how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on others and myself, keep a person awake when they shouldn't be falling asleep let's say after a concussion, the best spots to apply pressure to curb bleeding, to always stabilize the head and spine, recognize symptoms of a heart attack, check for medical bracelets... etc. It was all very riveting because the instructor used his actual experiences as examples - gun shot wounds, delivering a baby - where he had two victims to deal with as the father fainted and hit his head upon seeing the blood, hit and runs, DUIs, overdoses, domestic violence, deep cuts, broken bones, accidents .... freaky unexpected stuff.

I encourage taking First Aid. I've mentally filed the knowledge and never want to recall and use it. This post is not to dole out first aid to do's because that's best left to the experts.

What I do want to remember is the takeaway. Here is a dude who faces life taken away or suspends death on a daily basis. I asked how he felt about that. He proceeded to tell everyone that of course because it is his job, it can be numbing but conscientiously offers each given day to God because he's seen how IT can end anytime and can't say it won't happen to you or someone you know. The cop then uttered a cliche, because life is waaay too short, we have to actually live it you know. No aura of preaching here. These guys ought to know a little bit better given their professions.

I'm reminding myself that simply put -- NO TOMORROWS ARE PROMISED!

CPR next!

Because The Kate Spade Case Said So

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:40:00 +0000

I got the 3GS soon after it was released last year. I wasn't keen on getting a case right away. It was always in my bag and I couldn't find one that I liked functionally and aesthetically anyway at that time. I didn't think much of it until I went to Manila. I kind of 'got scolded' by many. Why don't you have a protective sheet? You don't have a case? You're going to scratch it! Don't you know you can still resell it at a good price?

My first case was stolen while on vacation in Manila earlier this year. I loved that one, it was an awesome electric blue and given by a dear friend. After replacing my iPhone, I became protective of it. I had spied the Kate Spade New York silicone case before but decided on a less expensive choice. It wasn't even two months old when that broke - the adhesive that bound the rubber part to the plastic casing wore off, I'm thinking from the heat generated by the iPhone. There goes the second. Annoying. The iPhone related drama wouldn't end.

I'm now on my third in six months. I went back to my first choice. I'm content with this striped beauty. Why an entire post on a cellphone casing? This is not just about the search for the right case. The case interior has an inscription that was unexpected but very much welcome - HAVE COURAGE. At this time, I can use all the encouragement or 'signs' that are shown to me or at least those I choose to see. These two words are now part of my personal commandments (maybe I'll write about them one time, my list is a work in progress).

So okay Kate, I will have courage!

Be The Buyer at ModCloth

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:06:00 +0000

I like browsing ModCloth - a clothing site that started with selling vintage and vintage-inspired pieces by college sweethearts. Although they have since evolved, they have stayed true to heir roots by still adding one vintage item for sale everyday. As I mentioned in my post on Sway, what differentiates ModCloth, is their Be The Buyer program. It works like this. They showcase some of their latest sample designs pre production, we cast our vote, they tally, disclose results, produce the winners and in a few weeks, pieces become available online. I'm thinking because pieces are chosen by would be buyers, items would sell out. Their answer to this? A notify me feature so that you get first dibs!

Dresses are always easy and fun to look at, here's a few that caught my attention.

Loving the innocence and muted color palette!

Prints are always fun!

Not your ordinary solids!

I'm really liking this new strategy that more and more companies are getting into. As someone aspiring to be heavily involved in the industry, it can be a window to what's hot and not in design, color, style, detail and category. As a shopper, we can get exactly what we want!

Go ahead and see for yourself, be warned though, there are a gazillion designs to choose from every clothing / accessory category! Enjoy becoming a buyer!

(photo credits:modcloth.com)

Sway With Me!

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:01:00 +0000

Set to launch in the Fall, I think this concept is cool! I think it was in WWD or InStyle that I got first wind of Sway. The concept is similar to what Threadless does. Artists send tee shirt designs subject to public vote and get percentage of sales if their designs win and sells. Another company, ModCloth allows you to 'be the buyer' by voting for your favorite designs. It's a great market research strategy and that gets would be customers excited and involved! Consumer driven selling and shopping!

Once signed up, you get to be part of a community that gets a say in building the next Sway collection. You get to review and vote! The design / style with the most votes gets manufactured and sold on online. Being a member has its perks! You get first dibs at a substantial discount (I think at wholesale price or 50% off) for 24 hours!

Oh did I mention you get a $10 gift card just for signing up with this link? Get your friends to sign up too, according to the site, you get a free dress when one of them buys one!! Win-win right?

Soo...let's Sway together!!! Join here!

J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler Feature on WSJ

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:13:00 +0000

I pay attention to anything and everything I come across on Mickey Drexler. So much to learn from his legendary work.
He is on WSJ Magazine's The Big Interview! Read the feature here and watch below.

Now Open Online: Madewell

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:56:00 +0000

Madewell finally launches an e-commerce platform! Now I can oggle at the merchandise from the comfort of my room. No need to trek to SoHo "just to check what's new".

Online, they offer free shipping and returns on jeans!! Throw them into your cart, check out, try them on at home, keep or send back - no hassle! When it comes to denim, I don't care much for brands. I obsess on fit! Madewell denim won me over at first sight and fit last year that I bought three pairs right off the bat. I tried on every style in practically every wash and was in the fitting room at least 1.5 hours! These two fits were my winners.

Rail Straight Jeans - As the name suggests, they fall straight from the hip.

Skinny Ankle Jeans - Cut shorter than the Skinny Skinny Jean, perfect for us petite women!

Dresses are so easy for summer, look at what caught my eye! Liking the print and racer back style of the first dress and the ruffles on the second.

Such a relaxed looking lace print tee! It looks almost real to me.

I'm digging these ropey soled espadrilles - just slip them on, these sandals - just zip them up. They both go with just about everything!

*Sigh* Oh, Madewell, you've done so well! Summer dressing's looking good already!

(photo credits: madewell.com)

Baking Nostalgia

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Back in the day, my mom would bring home blocks and blocks of excess margarine/shortenings and tubs of whipping cream from our factory. We had a good sized kitchen and oven at our old home in New Manila. I faced the oven almost everyday. I loved using my mom's Oster mixer from the 70's. I enjoyed trips to Chocolate Lover in P. Tuazon and Unimart for packaging and ingredients. I played with cookies, bars, sponge cakes, pies, casseroles and went as far as empanadas from scratch - dough & filling. I can clearly recall toiling over the empanadas for three hours just to have them disappear in 20 minutes. I didn't make them again after that. =) I gave my goodies to friends and family as treats for birthdays, Christmas or just because. My "baking career" lasted for about seven - eight years - HS to College. I got sick of the smell of sugar and butter. I couldn't eat what I baked and let whoever is around taste test. Eventually I just stopped. The oven burns on my arms have since faded. Too bad, taking photos of good food wasn't trendy yet.

I've been home the past months and have time on my hands. The exact night escapes me but I had a dream of chocolate chip cookies and strawberry butter. Not necessarily together. =) The craving wouldn't stop so I thought I'm going to just make myself a batch. I knew a recipe by heart before but now needed a refresher so I googled a basic one and did simple tweaks - switched 1 cup of flour for oatmeal, put in less salt and MORE chocolate chips.

Who wouldn't take a swipe at cookie dough? Yum! I've always used an ice cream scooper to drop dough on baking sheets. Easier and less messy than using tablespoons.

They turned out great! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Purrfect with milk!

Here's an all time favorite of mine. Nora Daza's Sugar & Spice Coffee Cake. I was nervous making this. Cakes were always my weakness. Let's not go into how many angel food cakes I've thrown out because they came out the oven like bricks. Mmmmm.... the smell of cinnamon was MmmmMmMMm. It brought back memories of our old kitchen.

When life gives you lemons, make coconut lemon squares! I lifted a recipe for such from Mary Engelbreit's Cookies Cookbook that a supportive cousin gifted me ten years ago now. I have made this no more than five times. This shot after 'years of retirement' was the best one that I can recall taste and texture wise.

Last Friday, I meant to bring home made goodies to a birthday gathering of friends. I felt confident enough to switch chocolate chip brands and experiment with oven temperatures. The cookies' bottoms were slightly burned. Fail! I had no choice but to do a quick run for grocery store brand cake instead. I'm a baking schizo. I don't always get it right.

Compared to cooking, baking's pretty exact. Follow directions to a tee and you produce a good result majority of the time. I'm no cook so I like that a lot. =) The process that I do now is a far cry from my Manila baking days. Now, I do everything myself, from prepping ingredients to cleaning/washing up all the utensils, bowls and baking sheets/pans. I do miss having help but enjoy the time and effort that I put into it. I welcome not having a mixer to do the grunt work - it's a lot of arm effort! I savor the time in between cookie batches, I get a kick out of watching the cake rise and for the batter to turn golden. To put it simply, I can think. It's quite calming.

This probably won't continue when I start working again. In the mean time, biscotti next?

Merchandising Degree? MINE!

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:51:00 +0000

The comfort of Manila was left behind five years ago now to rejoin family, pursue FIT and try for a career in the industry that makes me hyper excited. For awhile I thought I'd never get to study fashion merchandising. I got the official diploma last December so the excitement from capping this thing off has pretty much worn off. Attending commencement exercises felt a bit silly and not having a job yet made it seem like a mockery. My family would have none of it so we went. Thank goodness for that! I would have regretted it if I hadn't gone. How often does one get the chance to graduate from famed Radio City Music Hall with the degree that feels right???

Watch the following speeches.

Marie Claire Fashion Director, Project Runway judge, FIT alumna and author, Nina Garcia.

Norma Kamali, '64 alumna and creator of the sleeping bag coat which has been reincarnated by many, many brands. Can you imagine winters without puffer coats???!?!

Allen Hasselfeld of Hasbro Industries, toy industry leader and maker of Mr. Potato Head.

I'm bullet pointing my takeaways:

All you need to know is who you are
Words matter, civility matters
Be citizens of the world
Compassionate imagination
Sensitive awareness
Rebel in you, be your own rebel
Hone it the right way
Be your boldest
Make some noise
No doubts
Create something new for the world
Harness technology
Wish of the love of what you do
Never stop playing no matter the age

Many, many thanks to friends who were with me via live streaming and for encouraging me to be patient, proud and to simply own it. It took me some time to go ahead with this goal. Now it feels amazing to finally look back, I have done it all on my own!!!

Now, on to the next thing.... Picking the job and being good at it. I can't wait!!!!

FIT 2010 Commencement Live Streaming

noreply@blogger.com (chelle) — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:17:00 +0000

It really is mine tomorrow!!