OOTD - Christmas Greetings x Posing with Sofi

MERRY CHRISTMAS photo with Sofi!

Gray Top - Thrifted
Denim Jeans - Forever21
Shoes - Greenhills
Bag - Christmas Gift
Accessories - c/o SM Accessories

Just wanted to make a quick post to show this cool photos me and Sofi had taken at SM City Sky Garden. We (me and some friends including Jen of course and Sofi!) just came from shopping at Health & Beauty and then went to the Sky Garden to have some dessert/drink. Anyway, we were on our way back in to go to the parking lot and we saw this propped up just before the entrance. Me and Sofi just had to have a photo together! Me and Sofi have LOTS of photos and poses together. She really is growing up fast!

Yeah anyway so that's all right now. Its been a busy week and I will be going to SM Megamall later for a dinner "party" with friends from church. YES, sulitin ang break! haha! So dear coffeeholics, what are your NEW YEAR PLANS this weekend? Will share more about what our family will be doing later on. See you guys around.. and just in case I don't get time to post again.. I want to greet you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mwah mwah,

OOTD - Year End Positive Reflections

Dress - Vintage
Bag - Tomato
Boots - H&M
Necklace - Girl Shoppe

Hi Coffeeholics! How was your week so far? I hope you are all enjoying the last few days of the year. Usually its the time for most of us to spend time with the family, have family reunions, or meet up with old friends.. Right? Sometimes, its also the time for personal reflection. Things that you have accomplished this year, things that you didn't... Things that you wish that you did. Well maybe its just me. LOL. Thats what I end up doing at the end of the year. I look back and see if I was able to accomplish the goals I set for myself. Not to beat myself up if I wasn't able to do it but to be able to analyze what went wrong and what should I do next year to improve and attain it. I'm not going to share to you all my goals but I will share three things that I'm really happy about that I have accomplished or attained this year.

What Matters Most is How You See Yourself
Photo Credit - Here

One of the things that I know I have improved in this area is my Self- Esteem. Its true, how you see yourself matters. Though one of the regrets this year is that I wasn't able to lose weight. In fact I gained! Wahahaha. (kaiyak noh? haha) But still even though I'm pretty happy about myself and my self-esteem is intact. That  is what I have resolved to myself this year. That whatever happens, I will be happy about myself and my self-image. I'm glad that I followed the advice in the picture. I saw myself this year as happy and I can say that I really was this year! Yay for less emo/senti moments. hahaha.

Boracay!

Another thing that I'm grateful about this year is that I was finally able to go to BORACAY! Its been one of my dreams to go there and finally I did. 

So that's one of the few things I'm grateful for this year. I have lots more to share but maybe on another post. But just before I publish this post, I of course must not forget to share one major thing that I'm grateful for this year. Which is my "launching" as a blogger! I've been blogging since 2010 but not as active since last Summer. Thank you na rin kay Jen for encouraging me and being my blogger twin.

My cousin Jen and I 

ShopgirlJen with Brew of The Day!

She really helped me to become an active blogger! Active in a sense that I was able to attend events, meet new people, and make new friends through blogging! I think I've shared before how much of an introvert I was before. So this for me is a big accomplishment! I know I would never have gotten this far if it weren't for my improved self-esteem. Hehe. So I'm really grateful for all of this.

 So dear coffeeholics, what are the things are you grateful for this year? Things that you have accomplished? I bet you have good stories as well! Do please share. And hope you enjoy the rest of the holidays! MWAH!

Fashion and Coffee with CBTL

TRENDS Spring/Summer 2012 by Eunice Lucero

Fashion and Coffee - my kind of brew! And I'm happy to end my eventful year with this as the last event that I attended as a blogger. So glad that I was able to go to the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf event. Many thanks to JEN who invited me to join her at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's latest brunch series - Small Talks for Big Changes which featured Preview Magazine's Associate Editor, Eunice Lucero for its last leg and brought everyone up-to-speed with the latest from the Philippine fashion scene.

"It's great that the Philippines is now being seen as a viable fashion capital,"shares Lucero. "The local fashion scene is growing, blooming - it's going global and trends are now becoming more concrete. Filipinos are now looking for comfortable clothes, more streamlined and very much stylish. In addition to this, many local designers are also making their mark in the international fashion scene like Michael Cinco and Kermit Tesoro."

Then she went on to share the possible trends this Spring/Summer 2012.  

Two-Toned Hair

I know some people (especially bloggers!) have already started doing this trend and according to predictions, we will see more of that next year. As much as I would love to try out this trend, I can't coz of my day job. Hehe. So if you can sport this, kudos to you! As for hairstyles, how you part your hair matters! So its also predicted that parting your hair in the center and slicked-back hair will be in next season.

Stained cheeks will be in!

As for makeup, stained cheeks for spring and summer will be in! No more bronzers then huh? 

Flat Bright Lips anyone?

Flat bright lips will be in next summer! Don't forget to check out your favorite makeup brands to get your hands on one. And while you're at it, grab some white eye shadow as well just in case if you don't have one. I already just bought mine from NYX at Greenhills last week. Also mentioned in the talk, one of the trends that will definitely be in next year is the emphasis on clear beautiful skin -- especially the pores. So expect people to be more conscious to have pore-less skin. 

Laduree pastels

As for fashion trends, expect Laduree Pastels to be in. Hmmmm what do you think about color blocking in pastel? I became so engrossed in the talk that I forgot to take photos. LOL. Sorry. But the other fashion trends mentioned was sporty everyday wear, retro, and floral printed fabrics. After all, it is summer! After the talk, we were all given a chance to to ask for personal tips or ask about personal fashion dilemmas with Miss Eunice. I remember asking what will be the shoe trend next year and she mentioned BOOTS. Haha. That definitely curled my toes in glee! 

Of course throughout the course of the talk, we also enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and some dainty treats and snacks courtesy of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. 

Check out The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's new single-serve system, the CBTL!

We all got to try out a drink from CBTL. The series is a part of the brand's Great Exchange program, an on-going trade-in event that highlights The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's new single-serve system, CBTL. 

CBTL's Viennese Brew

Dubbed as the future for coffee and tea aficionados to enjoy more than 70 varieties of their favorite The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf drink at the comfort of their own home, and with just a touch of a button. To have my very own CBTL without leaving home sounds pretty amazing! I tried out the Viennese Brew (mild) and it was lovely. And the fun part of the whole thing is that its so easy to use. *sigh* Can't afford to take one home but I wouldn't mind if Santa would drop me one on his way back to the North Pole! hehe!

Brew of The Day with CBTL! Me likey please! hehe

Also it was so nice to see and talk with other bloggers there! 

with Krissy

with Mommy Larissa

And of course with Miss Eunice and Jen

And that's a wrap with the last event I attended for 2011. I'm definitely looking forward to what's in store for us this 2012. I already have ideas on which trends I might be following next year. What about you dear coffeeholics? Think you'll be going for the two-toned hair next year? Let me know your picks!

Hope you all having a wonderful holiday! 

MWAH MWAH!

Perfect Christmas Gifts - Starbucks and CBTL Planners

First of all, I just wanna greet everyone a MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Yay! I don't know if you keep Christmas traditions and open your presents on the 25th but for me, I sometimes don't. Haha. Yeah, sometimes I can't resist the allure of a shiny wrapped gift with your name on it and I end up ripping it open just to see whats inside. Well in this case, these gifts weren't wrapped in the first place coz I had to claim it from Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

What I actually got from Tin and her H was a Starbucks Christmas Card that gives the bearer a "free" drink. 

AND also the almost filled up Starbucks Sticker Card. 

So yeah, I finally got my Starbucks Planner! It was one of the FIRST Christmas gifts that I got since I was able to claim it December 12. I would like to say THANK YOU to my sister-in-law Tin and her darling H (my brother!) for this awesome gift! Yay! I didn't have to collect the stamps at all. I've been a Starbucks Planner collector since it came out. Well I try anyway. Haha. Still thank you so much brother dear and Tin! LOVE LOVE LOVE this gift!

Also just this week, I was finally able to complete the stamps for my CBTL Planner! 

So I'm one happy coffeeholic this Christmas! Hehe. So, thats all for tonight folks. Enjoy unwrapping your gifts. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

OOTD - Peaches and Cream & Christmas Wrapping Tips

Top - Vintage
Skirt - Forever 21
Flats - Capelli (bought from states)

Colored Bangles - c/o SM ACCESSORIES
Bag - c/o TOMATO

Hey Coffeeholics! This OOTD is way overdue. I think I should rename my OOTD to outfit diary.. LOL. Anyway, I wore this during a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf event (which I will blog about later on).  Yeah so the Peaches are for my top (thanks Laura! hehe) and the Cream is a reference to the CBTL event.

ANYWAY, Gah.. I know its been a while since I've blogged and been super active online. I've been pretty busy with the last week of school, shopping, and attending all these Christmas parties! I'm pretty much sure you all had a hectic week too. So now that I'm officially on Christmas Vacation mode (until January 4! oh yeah!) I kinda went on vacay mode as well online. But now I'm back and will be blogging again (crosses fingers) despite being the hectic holidays. 

Photo Credit - Recycled Wrapping Paper Ideas

So Coffeeholics, how is your Christmas so far? Have you stuffed yourself full, shopped for all your gifts, and wrapped all the presents just in time for Christmas already? Me? I'm happy to say that I've got 95% of my Christmas shopping done. Phew! And ALL the wrapping too! Have no time to wrap? Well here's what I did. I found time by wrapping my gifts after I arrive home late from a party.(Coz I bet you've attended more than one Christmas party right? hehe) And well since I can't sleep with a full stomach (yes dears, YOU SHOULDN'T really!), I use the "waiting" time to wrap presents. Oh diba! haha. Also here's another Christmas wrapping tip, if you run out of wrapping paper -- grab an old magazine, tear out the colorful pages and help save the environment by using the glossy pages as wrapping paper! I did that too and had tons of fun. So there. Hope that helps you in this last few days before Christmas. Enjoy enjoy!

love love,

Araneta Center x Coca-Cola Event x Coca-Cola OFW Project Video

Hey Coffeeholics! One of the wonderful things that I love about Christmas is that you can see it, feel it, and taste it in the air here in the Philippines. Especially during the night. If you go around Metro Manila, you can see all these bright, cheery, twinkling lights that just sings.. "Its Christmas Time!" So I was quite privileged when I was able to attend the Coca-Cola Caravan and Araneta Center Giant Tree Lighting event last November 12, 2011. Yes, CHRISTMAS here in the Philippines begins in November! Once the "-ber" months kick in, you can sense Christmas coming. But it all goes full blast and Coca-Cola definitely kicked it off by transforming the Araneta Coliseum parking lot into a magically transformed Christmasville.

The "Christmasville" at Araneta Center Parking Lot

Of course the star of the show was the Giant Christmas Tree which was made grander and even more sparkling this year. In fact, it's the 30^th year this custom was celebrated. 

Standing at almost 100ft. this year’s tree is bedecked with more than 10,000 lights and hundreds of stars and Coca-Cola Christmas balls, with huge ribbons and colorful gift boxes as accents.

Through the years, it has been a beacon of hope among the Filipinos; a most cherished icon that signals the beginning of the holiday season and reminds us to always believe in the magic and happiness it brings, the same way Coca-Cola inspires. A special toast and an awe-inspiring fireworks display followed once the tree has been fully lit and glowing.

So yeah, Christmas ain't Christmas here in the Philippines without all that lovely lights and Christmas decors! Of course the Christmas tree wasn't just the focus. The Coca-Cola Music Bus spread Yuletide cheer as well with gifts and free COKE of course! Food stalls were abundant and the food disappeared fast. Still the caravan area looked interesting especially since there were areas where people could have their photos taken with a lot of Coca-cola related props and items.

Of course Coca-cola definitely knows how to throw a party at the parking lot of Araneta Coliseum with its song and dance numbers by celebrities of different stations. It was awesome seeing all of them join together as one big happy family -- Coca-Cola ambassadors Kathryn Bernardo, Joseph Marco, Julia Montes and Enchong Dee; with ABS-CBN young idols Empress Schuck, Jessy Mendiola and Arron Villaflor along with GMA stars Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Sef Cadayona, Diva Montelaba, Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio.

And yes, that’s not all! The food party and tree lighting extravaganza were followed by a jam-packed dance concert featuring the young stars and the hottest Pinoy bands of today, the Aspog Band and Spongecola. It was a musical showdown like no other, leaving everyone who joined the party on high spirits.

Me and Sofi enjoying a bottle of FREE Coke and watching the concert during the event!

Throughout the night, Coca-Cola ambassadors also gave away special raffle prizes. What did these lucky guests get? Big red boxes filled with surprising Christmas treats, perfect for sharing and spreading the love this Christmastime! Well, you could get one for yourself or the whole family when you join the Coca-Cola Christmas Box Surprize Promo. In this easy-win promo, you not only get the chance to win Noche Buena gift baskets, Coca-Cola products, Bench gift certificates, cool gadgets like iPads, digital cameras, PS3s, Wii and others, you might also take home a whopping Php 1M pesos!

Open holiday happiness now for people you cherished most with a Coca-Cola Christmas Box! Just follow these simple steps: (1) Drink Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite or Royal Tru Orange in any 400ml, 500mL, 750mL, 1Liter, 1.25L, 1.5Liter or 2Liter packs; (2) Collect 2 caps in exchange for 1 raffle coupon which may be claimed at participating sari-sari stores, public market stalls, Coke sales offices and Coke Dealers redemption centers from November 1 to December 30, 2011 only; (3) Text in the code in the coupon to join the electronic raffle. It’s that easy! Winners will be selected per area nationwide, daily. The Coca-Cola Christmas Boxes will be delivered right to the winners’ doorsteps! See posters and visit coca-cola.com.ph for more details.

The annual celebration of food, music and happiness surely took to a whole new high with fun and heartwarming moments shared only in the best of ways. The season of true joy is now officially opened and refreshed! Now, don’t you just wish it’s Christmas day, everyday?

For more updates and highlights of the caravan, visit the Coca-Cola fan page on Facebook or go to coca-cola.com.ph. Para sa Pagsasamang Hahanap-hanapin. Open Coca-Cola, Open Happiness.

Oh and by the way, have you watched the latest video from Coca-cola? Its their latest campaign and a sure tear-jerker. The first time I watched this was on the smartphone of one of my friends and the next thing we knew, we were all tearing up, sniffing, and agreeing that this was definitely one of the coolest and most touching campaign Coca-cola has done here in the Philippines. You should watch this and let me know what you think! Agree ba agree? Hehe!

Have a Happy Christmas!