Beat the Blues

It's no wonder people look forward to weekends. After a week-long battle with work or school, or basically just about anything that gives us the blues, a nice time to chill out with family or even some time alone are worth getting antsy about.

During weekends, my Mom and I like to drive up to Tagaytay to hear mass and have an affordable but super sulit breakfast. This time, we tagged along Tita Dayan and Mama Terry. I still wasn't feeling much better, but quality time with the people I love is something I just can't pass up on.

By the way, please try Mile Hi Diner's All-Day Filipino Breakfast and their Garlic and Mushrooms. You won't be sorry! D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

About my makeup, it's been a while since I last wore a red lip, and since I figured I was taking the simple, no-fuss look anyway, I might as well make bawi with something that says it all. What better way to up the ante than a red lippie? With a swipe of golden brown shadow on my lids plus a golden highlight on the browbone, a quick liquid eyeliner flick, and drawn eyebrows, I was all set. If there's one thing I regret not doing, it's putting on mascara. I felt incomplete the entire day! :(

I'm challenging myself to work on limiting my makeup time to AT LEAST 5 to 10 minutes! It's hard, trust me. With the right amount of determination and practice, I might just win that bet. ;)

The lippie I'm wearing is from NYX, called Raisin. 

Here they are just outside the diner.

Aaand now for some outfit shots I made my mom took... Hehe. I was taking a cue from the stunning Vern Enciso as I dared to don a full-on blue ensemble! Incidentally, I got these shorts from their (her and her sister, Verniece) booth at Bloggers United 3.

The cozy knit sweater was salvaged from a recent ukay trip, which I told you about here. Expect to see more of my thrift picks in future outfit posts. ;)

I love that the sweater was, in itself, an accessory. It packed the right amount of sparkle and shine, and so I felt that additional bling is no longer necessary. Well, that, and I was rushing to get to the church, just in time before the mass begins. Haha!

Knit Sweater: Thrifted

Shorts: Vern and Verniece, Bloggers United 3

Flats: Crocs

Some more fun shots after breakfast...

Natural lighting can do wonders for a photograph. It instantly removes all blemishes and imperfections. Plus, it makes subjects glow for some inexplicable reason. ;)

Guys and gals, natural light is your best friend. Harsh lighting can make you look tired or stressed in photographs. So try to go out as much as you can. Sunlight is basically nature's Photoshop! Haha! But of course, slap on a good layer of sunblock before you step into the light. ;)

That is it for me! I'm off to spend another loving night in my lovely bed. Hopefully, I'll bounce back to health by morning! :)

Love,

SGT <3

Kristine Savannah

It's such a joyous day (despite the unbearable heat), because we welcomed Kristine Savannah Jacinto, Kuya Jun's and Ate Mariz' baby girl, into the Christian world. We got the chance to witness her baptism in Sto. Sepulchro Church in Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna. A hearty lunch followed at their house, not far from the church.

I really love going to baptisms because it reminds me of the constant changes in this lifetime. It also gives me hope, reminds me that it's not to late to make a fresh start for myself and be better, and it reiterates my obligations to my faith and my God as a Catholic. Also, babies make me happy... especially the well-behaved and smiling ones. :)

I may not be Kristine Savannah's godmother, but I would really hope all the best for her. She's super mabait and I hope that she carries that with her when she grows up. I know for a fact that her parents couldn't be any more proud.

It's always nice to welcome a new member into the family. :) Her name is so pretty! I'm gonna start calling her Savvy. :3

On a completely unrelated note, after lunch, we went thrift-shopping (my mom and aunts) in Pacita. I scored 4 work-worthy staples that I can't wait to wear on my next couple of outfit posts. Oh, and did I mention, all 4 pieces only cost me Php 230 (around $5)? Neat, huh? Heed my warning though, you must exercise self-control when thrift-shopping. It's easy to go way over-budget since everything seems dirt-cheap. Remember to always ask yourself if the item is versatile and if it goes well with many of your existing clothes (to make mixing and matching easier). Go for functionality. That way, you can definitely stretch the value for every spent peso. ;)

Vanity shot. Must.

Having a brat attack, aren't we? Hehe. 

We visited Lolo Uweng, the founder of this very
shrine. He is said to be famous for performing miracles.

Exploring the church grounds.

I don't know if you're superstitious, but in our family, we believe that when it's your first time inside a particular church, you have to make a wish. And add to that Lolo Uweng who also is said to grant wishes. Hmm. I'm really hoping and praying for good news to come my way very soon. Fingers crossed! ;)

With our big baby, Rania!

Me and Savvy! <3
She's super mabait! She just sat there and didn't even cry.

Do I look awkward holding Savvy? LOL. Being an only child has its downsides. I didn't have a smaller sibling to play with or confide with. I just make up for lost time with my baby cousins and inaanaks!

Top: from my friend Baby's closet :P

Shoes: Parisian

Accessories: from Quiapo

Watch: Swiss Military

For my outfit, I had to wear something church- and weather-appropriate! Glad this dress I got from a friend, from one of our clothing exchange escapades, still fit me! Ugh, I hate how my arms look now. They used to be toned and tight, though not skinny, because I did push-ups relentlessly everyday! Maybe it's time I get to working out SERIOUSLY again. :))

This Sunday really taught me the value of second chances -- in life, in redemption, in fashion, even. Not everyone gets it, not everyone deserves it... but we are given the rare opportunity to have a second lease on things, why don't we make the most of it and prove ourselves worthy of that second chance. :)

Love,

SGT <3

Weekend Warriors: Pink Sisters + Mile Hi Diner

Every weekend my mom and I try to unwind. She's been very stressed at work, so whenever we get the chance, we make gala. This Sunday's choice of destination: nearby Tagaytay City. It's roughly a 30-minute drive from our house, so getting there isn't much of a hassle. Plus, we really like hearing mass at the Pink Sisters Chapel. The mass there is so solemn and the place is just downright comforting. Afterwards, we headed to our new-found fave breakfast place, the Mile Hi Diner on the opposite side of Tagaytay. They also serve full meals and appetizers for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. :)

Check out what happened here. Warning: Photo-heavy post up ahead. ;)

I love their 50's-inspired interiors!

My mommy! :)

Some of their selections of wine.

The female restroom. Guess who's posted on the male side?

Saloon-style restrooms  a la Wild, Wild West!

...it's Zorro!

Some souvenirs and items you can take home.

The view from our table. Woops. Stupid menu's blocking the way. :))

Effervescent. :)

Managed to squeeze in some vanity shots too.

I was playing around with my camera's features and settings. Check out the end-products:

Selective color: Red
Pretty neat, eh? ;)

Selective color: Yellow
That's my mango shake. <3

I had this watch since I was a kid!

Arm candy. :)
I'm not dead, okay? I just used the selective coloring option. ;)

Chipped nails = NO-NO! Not a pretty sight. :-/

Overlooking the view outside.

Our usuals. :) Above: mine, Below: Mommy's

The food is very good! (hey, that rhymes!) LOL. For about Php 150 (around $4), you will get a full meal with rice, a viand, and a side of tomatoes and a leaf of fresh Tagaytay lettuce! The mango shake costs Php 70 (less than $2). We walked out of Mile Hi Diner with full tummies and uplifted spirits, for sure! :)

Do we look an awful lot like each other?

Awkward leg alert! :)) I'm not the best poser in the world, I know! 

Striped top: from Greenhills

Black cover-up: Penshoppe
Belt: Genevieve Gozum

Pants: Terranova

Sandals: from Liliw

First two bracelets: from Landmark

Last three bangles: from Quiapo

Took some more vanity shots while waiting for mom in the car, as she purchases fruits for our table. :)

No foundation day today! Just used the following:

• Etude House BB Magic Cream,
• E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Brown
• Careline lip gloss in 02
• Ellana Minerals Concealer in Smile and Awake
• Ellana Minerals Finishing Powder in Espresso con Panna
• Ever Bilena Pro Liner (for my eyebrows)
• Maybelline VolumExpress Mascara
• Etude House Oh M'Eye Lash Volume and Length Mascara
• Etude House Bling Bling Stick in Shooting Star

Hope your weekend went extremely well! I know mine did! Heard some very good news about a possible career here in the Philippines. I might not have to leave after all! ;)

It's true what they say, when one door closes, another door opens. In my case, about ten bigger ones opened up in place of that one I've been waiting on for 8 months. T____T We'll see how things will go. I don't want to jinx it! >_< Wish me luck! :)

Love,

SGT <3