Five Things, Fab Finds, and Serendipity

I believe in the power of serendipity, whether in the most significantly deep aspects of life, or even at the most mundane---such as things related to fashion and everyday useful items. (And even discovering that it's serendipity that's the common thread to my five things list was in itself serendipitous!)

1. Bazaar Finds

Without planning to, I found myself in Fashion Palooza: A Trendsetter's Bazaar at the Rockwell tent on Sunday and there I scored some fabulous finds without breaking the bank. I chanced upon Island Girl, which has handmade accessories made in Cebu but is marketed for export (incidentally, they also have a store in Boracay! :)) I had a hard time choosing from all the colors and styles for sale but in the end, I narrowed it down to this wooden bead necklace in a gorgeous shade of aqua.

I've also been looking for a charm bracelet to layer with other pieces in my bracelet collection and a pair of gradient aviator sunnies for a while now. And luckily, I found them both in the Rockwell bazaar. And I got all these three pieces for less than P800! (The pink sunnies case is also a surprise good find from my perennial favorite, Fab Manila).

2. Pouch

I instantly fell in love with this pouch which depicts New York City street scenes.  I don't need another pouch really but this is now the catchall clutch in my purse, holding everything from my umbrella to sunglasses and eco bag. And I found this one in good old SM Department Store, which never ceases to amaze me with its bargain but chic finds. 

3. Eco Bag 

I've had this red polka dot eco bag from for quite some time now. I have road tested so many eco bags that my stash is almost a collection. And I am ready to declare that this is the best and the most perfect eco bag---ever! (At least with respect to my lifestyle and taste). It's made of the perfect lightweight material so I carry it daily in my purse with practically no added weight.  Yet it's durable enough that it can carry heavy stuff, from extra shoes to groceries. It's also not too big and not too small---just the perfect size really. And what I love most about it is the perfect case that I can hook on to the bag whenever I use it. That way, I don't lose the case unlike with other eco bags. I also don't like eco bags that even come with instructions on how to refold the bag back into place. With this eco bag, I don't need to be an origami artist to put the bag back into the case! I can just stuff it right into the case and go. This eco bag is from Storage Solutions. I don't know if it's available online but I've been told they don't carry it in their bazaars but only in their Cash and Carry Mall store. 

4. Black ballerina flats

 

I've been on the hunt for the perfect black ballerina flats for some time now.  (And this is on top of my growing addiction to any lovely pair of closed flats). A pair of Repetto ballet flats is definitely on my wish list but in the meantime, several pairs have come to me through department store (pictured above) and bazaar finds. In the Rockwell bazaar last Friday, I discovered My Fancy Flats. Unfortunately, they didn't have a black pair in my size but fortunately, they have an online store.  My Fancy Flats may just satisfy my craving to hunt for the perfect pair of black ballerinas. As soon as I get my hands on them, I'll be sure to let you know.

5. Forever 21 Scarves 

And finally, I am just so happy with my knit and cotton scarves also serendipitously found at Forever 21, purchased on an impromptu visit during the office lunch hour. Plush, soft, and simply perfect for my upcoming birthday holiday out of the country.

Wishing serendipity will continue doing its magic for all of us. Cheers! :)

Trust Gratitude Inspiration Friday: The Power of Now & Vulnerability

 

I'm back! Since I returned this week, I've been quite busy catching up on the daily grind and necessities of life in Manila.  My trip to Samar was great---just the right amount of relaxation with adventure. Watch out for posts on my recent holiday soon! In the meantime, here's a TGIF post. Cheers!

I trust that the Universe is conspiring to give me everything that I have asked for (and actually need), that I need not worry about the future nor be stuck in the past as I trust in the Power of Now and as I trust in all the love that is around me. I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

From Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now {via}

Lessons from The Power of Now {via}

I am grateful for the chance to come home, to have indulged in my recent holiday, and to be able to look forward to an opportunity to travel again soon. I am grateful that I do what I do and still have time enough to do what I want to do (does that make sense? Well, it does to me). I am grateful also for the fact that everyone that I love are in perfect health, or even if they're not, they're getting the treatment that they need and are on their way to being well. I am also grateful for half a decade of togetherness (enough said).

{via}

And lastly, I am inspired by no less than Brene Brown herself, who is the creator of Trust Gratitude Inspiration Friday. Today, she inspired me with her talk on The Power of Vulnerability, the video of which you can watch here (and the transcript available here).  Once again, I am encouraged to live my life wholeheartedly, towards having no fear, no pain and most importantly, no regrets. 

{via}

{via}

 Happy Friday!

Sweet Weekend

Double chocolate chip cookie at the Marks and Spencer Bakery

Saturday was spent literally indulging in the sweets life has to offer and Sunday, getting back on track. Sometimes, we just have to give in and live life ---I just wish it didn't have to mean holding ourselves back on most days to make up for the indulgence.

Vintage Bicycle ♥

{via}

For the longest time, I've been wanting to get myself a vintage bicycle. And last month, I finally did it. Took the plunge and got myself one, notwithstanding the lack of open roads for biking in this side of Manila. And of course, the bike had to be red! Buy it and they will come. Or so the saying goes :) Here's me attracting the life I want to live, with freedom and time enough for leisure and the pleasures of riding and enjoying something so uncomplicated as a bicycle. In the meantime, I make do with the city streets. This weekend it was in Global City where everyone is pursuing his or her own trip. One day I'm going to bring it home to Samar and enjoy the country roads---just me and my pretty little red bicycle with a wicker basket.

My 1960's three speed Yamaguchi bicycle

For more on vintage bikes, visit Bzkleta Vintage Bicycles

150 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City (near J. Ruiz MRT station)

Mobile number: 0917-5769869

Open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM

Five Things Friday

{Longchamp Le Pliage Love}

Inspired by Cupcakes and Cashmere, today is my first Five Things Friday post---a post of things that are making my day, inspiring me, and making me happy this week.

This week is all about rediscovering the basics and at the same time, indulging in a bit of adventure. Like finally giving in to the basic chicness of Longchamp Le Pliage totes (and amassing my new collection in just a few short weeks). And then, rediscovering Cyma's Roka Salata---a salad that reinforces my goal to eat healthy. Also, reinforced the necessity of a natural eyeshadow palette (a girl cannot live without at least one). This week was also about obsessing over George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Indulging in this fantasy series made me rediscover my first love---reading. And finally, what could be more exciting than booked airline tickets? :) Here's to a great weekend and week ahead, filled with happiness and love! Cheers! :)

{The to-die for Roka Salata via}


{3 girls, 3 brands, 1 basic natural palette}


{The series that will be another classic for this generation. I want to finish this before the series shows on HBO Asia!}


{Looking forward to another holiday coming up this week!}

Size Matters

One weekday afternoon, work in the office was called off for the day due to heavy rains. Then later on, the sun pleasantly surprised us with an appearance. So it was the perfect time to head over once again to the Scout/ Tomas Morato area in Quezon City. There was a new burger place in the well-known foodie area called Size Matters. And not just a plain old burger place but is specializing in sausage burgers.

Lugang Cafe

One Monday, when my mom was in Manila a few weeks back, I treated her and my aunts to lunch in Lugang Cafe in Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills. Lugang is the newest kid on the block when it comes to Chinese restaurants in the Greenhills/ San Juan area---a good alternative to the classic Gloria Maris in Greenhills Shopping Center (a verified institution there), as well as the newer Choi Garden along Annapolis.