This is for You---WITCH!

This is who you are---WITCH!

I had an encounter with a self-absorbed witch. It was so eerie. I promised myself not to ever write about people but I just can't help myself. This is way to0 good. Besides, I never said I was nice, right? So here we go Miss Chinny-chin-chin--- here's your portrait. Totally depicts you!Bwahahaha!!!!!! Boo!!! Trick or treat!

Happy Halloween guys!

El Paso Outlet Mall: A Continuation

Here's a pic as you enter the mall

After all the excitement for this outlet mall, all I can say is I expected more. Although Dockers had the best deal that day,the rest were all blah. I was expecting a huge discount in Coach because a friend of mine said that it had a major sale. Well, silly me, eventhough some of it were on sale, it was still not within my price range. It doesn't mean though that I was discouraged. I'll be back. Heck---shopping is still shopping. Even if...!

Rating: I give the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso ** (2 stars). Rating can be negotiated depending on the good deals and buys I get. Hehehe.

Prada in Isolation

Imagine a Prada Museum in the middle of the desert.
There's a place near my town wherein a lot of artists from all over the world congregate. It reminds me of a lower-scale Santa Fe, New Mexico. The name of the town is Marfa. For the past years, it has become an artsy-fartsy place. The town has been featured in Domino's and some Travel Magazines. It's a quaint town and as you drive through this long and winding road, you'd see a small museum. Yes, the museum is all about Prada. Some artist, I think, from Germany, decided to put it up in the middle of nowhere. Purpose of it? I don't know. This must be the reason why it's called "art" or maybe they don't want the devil to wear it.

FYI: the place has been vandalized several times and if there's anyone who's interested in stealing these Prada goods, tough luck, they're all glued to the shelves and display tables. Oh, and yeah, stealing isn't really a concern here. The people in this town don't know what Prada is anyway.

Prada at night

Courtesy of NY Times, some curious guy checking it out

a closer look at Prada at night

Just Another Day

Still no Prada article nor a blog. Will the clip do?

Run, Al...Run!

So, do you actually think Alan will feel this way when "zee beeg day" comes? HE BETTER NOT!!! Despite my bitchiness, quirks, moodiness, inconsistencies, and lax personality lies a sweet lit'l angel who's made out of 100% love. Bwahahaha! (enter evil laugh)

Alan, my love, you're in for a big surprise. I can't wait!!! Here's wishing and hoping for the best...because...because...WE'VE LEARNED! (bwahahahaha!---enter again, evil laugh)

Here's to not making sense and for postponing my blog about PRADA. I'll try tomorrow.

My Dream Wedding

I'm still wondering what the cartoon is about but it's cute.

Setting: Apartment, on the phone talking to Alan. Alan is somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alan: I don't get it!

Me: Well, instead of them joining hands, they activate.

Alan: Huh??!!!

Me: Or...I think it's about incest.

Alan: Huh??!!!

Me: Yup, they're like brother and sister who got married.

Alan: You think?

Me: (digresses---off to another topic---conversation ends about this)

Shopping Galore

Guess what? El Paso has opened an Outlet Mall a week ago. Yeepee! Did you know that the nearest outlet mall that I actually go to is 8 hours away? So hurray that my traveling will be cut in half. Yes, dear folks, civilization is four hours away from where I live.

So, the deal with an Outlet Mall is---cheaper stuff during the holidays, bargains when you're out of money (although I don't know if an Outlet Mall is really a reason that we'd be saving money), and just traditional shopping for those who really enjoy it. Right, Alan? No more traveling to San Marcos.

The last time I was in El Paso was around September and I never heard that this was going on. The selection of shops are actually the same shops in other Outlet Malls...so, not bad!

Relevance of the blog: According to the Social Studies Textbook that I've been using to teach 3rd Graders, the Outlet Mall has something to do with Supply and Demand. With the growing population of El Paso, along with the hundreds of "across the bridge" visitors who also enjoy shopping, the city has to supply their people with their needs. Wal-mart isn't enough! People nowadays are going upscale (insert sarcasm). Bwahahaha! And for those who live in little towns like me, we all need a reason to escape and wash away our sorrows...by spending our hard earned money through shopping (don't forget---upscale shopping---again, insert sarcasm).

Tadah!

P.S.
We all love shopping!

What's In a Bag?-edited version

contents of my Cosmetic Bag

There are two things that happened that made me want to write about this. Maybe people who read my blog might say that this is totally shallow and useless BUT I emphasized that my blogs are shallow and entertaining (as long as we do have the same SHALLOW wave length). First, a colleague of mine said at the beginning of the school year,that there's something different with my face. I assumed she liked it. Next, is what my mother said a couple of days ago about my looking tired and haggard . She also added that maybe I might need a new beauty regimen to even the skin tone of my face.

Come on...give me a break. Make up your mind!

Relevance of this blog? Seriously readers... I has a point! Here are a few things that you'll find in my make-up kit. It's either some readers would check the links out or some readers would just make comments on how irrelevant this blog is.


1. Shiseido-Day Moisture Protection Enriched Sunscreen. It has SPF 15. I was at a Sephora looking for moisturizers when I came across this. It seems to be making wonders. Besides, moisturizer helps as a base when you apply your make-up.

2. Shiseido Pre Make-Up Cream with SPF 15. Well, I decided to get it after a year of using the moisturizer. At first you won't see the changes. Give it a few hours and you'll see how the make-up blends with with the cream. That's the secret to the "What did you do to your skin?" comment. I would've loved it if I replied with an "I'm so into BOTOX"!

3. MAC Studio Fix C4- a powder-slash -foundation combo in a compact. Slides smoothly on your face and it really does give you a perfect matte finish. I've used this for years. I think it's also time for me to get another one.

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer NW 30- of course you need to cover the blemish that you have. I don't have perfect skin, hence, the other comment, "You look tired and your make-up doesn't compliment your skin tone". This concealer has made wonders to my skin in a camouflagy (pronounced camoufla-gee) kinda way. Hee-hee.

5.Clinique Matte Lipstick, Pink Chocolate 16- I've never used lipstick. I was actually happy not wearing any at all years ago, then I used lip balm, then to this. This red matte actually brings out your pucker lips. Quite good especially when people aren't really used to you wearing make-up. Alert: the color really stands out. Clinique has more subtle colors depending really on your taste.

These things are the basic stuff in my bag.

Reflection: Should I be changing the products I mentioned? I'm quite happy with my simple and sheer make-up. When people see me, it's as if I don't wear any make-up. But honestly, if you see me apply these things, that's really a lot of gunk put on one's face, don't you think?

Well, the ultimate beauty regimen is for ALL of us to get a good night's rest and drink lots if water . There's really no such thing as a Beauty Regimen.

Btw Mom, I know you meant well.:)

Candy Buffet

If there's one thing I want in my wedding, it would be a Candy Buffet. What inspired me to want a Candy Buffet is this show that I watched in VH1 named "My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding". There's this couple who had the buffet and their candies looked so elegant. They had glass jars of all sorts of sizes and shapes filled with candies and the candies were matching their color motif which was some dark reddish color. Along with the candies were metal candy scoops per jar. Flowers accented the buffet table and people of all ages were just flocking to it.



Although it's not a need, I feel that the candies are pretty nice to have as a party favor and as something your visitors could munch on while socializing. The kids will consider this a feast and will have a blast seeing loads of candies on a table.


Since I got so excited with the thought, I discovered this website, Candy Warehouse, that actually caters to these kinds of ideas. They even have their candies sorted in color themes. Of course, my surfing made me drool with all the candies I saw. My daydreaming started and I envisioned the buffet with white and blue candies.


I made a very obvious hint to Alan and he said that it's a good idea. Budget wise, I don't think it's that expensive. The need for it though is the one that's questionable. Think about it, who doesn't love sweets? Who doesn't want to have sugar overload la-dee-dah style?


So for those who love candies...check the pictures, links, and enjoy. Who knows...I might just get lucky.

My Top 10 Facts About Whole Foods

This organic shop found all over the US has made me a huge fan. It first started when I went shopping with my aunt in New Jersey. This store is my type of store because of the variety of foods they have and how earth-friendly they are. From organic toilet paper, to shampoo, to hair gel, the shop has never ceased to amaze me. You can leave me here for hours and I'd still ask for more time. The downside of the store though is that it's a little bit pricey. The pricey bit of it guarantees you the best quality of everything. For us, who have a tight budget, we can always consider shopping in Whole Foods as a treat once in a while.

So here goes my TOP 10:

1. Place-best Whole Foods, in my opinion , is Austin. Having three levels, this would give you enough time to discover new things.

2. Coffee- 100% Organic Kona. It's the real McCoy. You won't find it in the Coffee Area, wherein newly roasted beans are out there waiting for you guys to grind them. Nope, you find the gem in the coffee isle, comfortably hidden in a nice cheese cloth bag. What Alan usually does is get the coffee, go to the mediocre coffee section and grind it over there. Another substitute if they're out of Kona is the Sumatra blend. Mmmm....

3. Sticky Toffee Pudding- I got this from the British-ness of Alan. We just stumbled (yeah right) in the dessert section and came across the ready made pudding. Alan insisted that it was "lush". He was right , alright. The taste was to die for. A very addicting dessert. You microwave the entire thing for 40 seconds and voila...heaven!

4. Burt Bee's Products- i can assure you that the 100% bee's wax products work. I once used their foot cream. The thick consistency of the cream reminded me so much of coco jam. A couple of days with the product and you'll definitely feel and see a difference.

5. Organic Chips-these chips are all sorts of crops. From taro, to yams of all colors, to sweet potato, to radishes. I can't explain how it tastes but it definitely is a good and healthy alternative as opposed to the cholesterol culprit, potato chips. They come in different flavors too.

6. soups-they have different soup sections in different areas of the store. depending on what you're up to, you can actually have a free sample of the soup. the one i tasted and bought was lobster bisque. divine.

7. wine-although i've never bought wine here, they have hundreds of it. going through each one of them, pretending to be a connoisseur makes my day.don't forget the ...

8. cheese-yes, wine and cheese go together. And when there's wine, there's cheese. And when there's cheese, there are free samples again. Try the aged cheddar. They usually leave slices out for the customers to taste along with soda crackers.

9. food section-so many different kinds of food, so little time. name it, they have it. it really depends on what you're feeling that day. if you're in whole foods during rush hour, you'll see a crowd with their "to go" packs. they have this huge and healthy selection that sometimes seeing all of it just makes you crave for more.

10. ambiance-sometimes you feel that everyone in the store is there for a cause. If not, they're all into having an alternative lifestyle. Totally organic, totally "Save the Earth", totally hipp-y. La-dee-dah.

Well, it seems like I've over emphasized on the freebies. That's the thing that got me hooked in the first place. Don't worry, I bought some of the top 10 products I mentioned. Totally satisfied.
See you Whole Foods shopping...NOW!

FOR THE SINGLE WOMAN AND BEYOND

An Open Letter to the Concerned Family and Friends of Thirty-something Single Women*

Dear CFF,

This letter aims to address several areas that have been brought up to our attention repeatedly, i.e. every occasion that requires people to bring their significant others and we turn up alone and dateless. While we appreciate your well-meant comments about the state of our ovaries, please take a moment to hear our side.

1. We are not unhappy. Where you got the idea that single women mope around whining about the fact that they don’t have someone, we will never know. We try to live our lives as best as we can, and I think we’re doing good. Most of us are professionals successful in our respective fields, independent, smart, well-traveled, and knowledgeable about a lot of things. While it might appear that we are obsessed (and sometimes we are) about our Jo Malones, Lampe Bergers, Havaianas, gadgets and such, we are not compensating the lack of a man’s presence in our lives by being materialistic. We can afford what we obsess about anyway, with our own hard-earned money.

2. We don’t envy married people, and we have reason to believe that some of them envy us and our lifestyles. Judging from statistics, couples are more caught up in the wedding than the marriage itself. True, there are many couples who are the best fit for each other (hurray for you guys), but how many marriages dissolve before they reach their tenth anniversary? I have lost count of newlywed girl friends advising her single friends not to rush it, and coming from someone who’s married for only two months, that’s a little scary. Take somebody who’s been married for more than ten years and ask him/her straight if they’re truly and deeply happy inside out with their lives. Chances are they will say, “Yes, because we have kids.” Which is the biggest bullshit. Marriage is about two people who rock each other’s world, and working at it until one partner’s breathing stops. Children are just a bonus. A good marriage should be able to work even without producing offspring.

3. That brings us to another thing, children. Yes, we are aware that women have biological clocks, that past the age of 35 it would be rather difficult to conceive, blah blah blah. Contrary to the winning answer to a beauty pageant question, having children is not the end-all be-all of a woman. What about those who cannot bear a child because of nature’s bad joke? Will she lose her life’s meaning just because she can’t bring another life into this overpopulated world? While we acknowledge the fact that children do bring meaning to their parent’s lives (see Doodle, Abbey), we can be mothers to children not our own. It can be our own nieces and nephews, or kids we haven’t even met yet (see World Vision).

4. We don’t subscribe to the crap that we have to have children so someone will take care of us in our old age. It’s unfair to the child, that he’s brought here for a purpose. I once saw on a TV documentary a couple who has 21 children, and when asked why do they have so many, the father answered “Isa dyan ang mag-aahon sa amin.” To pass that burden to your children is not right, and to have kids for that sole purpose is just plain sick.

5. We don’t hate men. We like them very much, as a matter of fact (see Trillo, Dennis; Ventimiglia, Milo; Pitt, Brad; Underwood, Blair; et al). However, we are old enough and know enough not to settle for just anybody. Most of us have had strings of failed relationships under our belts, and we have learned from them. We have done our share of compromises and sacrifices, yet we know that if one day we wake up and we don’t recognize ourselves anymore, it’s time to run as far away as we can from the man. We’re not stupid. We’d rather be alone than to be with somebody who needs our constant assurance and coddling, then we turn our backs and they go off chasing lampposts with skirts.

6. In line with that, don’t set us up with your loser friends, or the loser sons of your friends. We can manage to find our own dates, thank you very much. We can go to dinner with our friends instead if we don’t have dates, and we can pay for it. We don’t need dates to take us to fancy places, because most probably we’ve been there already.

7. Don’t harp about our age. Don’t keep on saying that we’re of the marrying age, that at our age you already have three children. It’s different now. We have so many options we’re actually overwhelmed which one to take first. French or Spanish? Capoeira or Muay Thai? Bangkok or Singapore? MBA or some other degree? US, Canada, or Australia? Visa or Mastercard? Wedge or stilettos?

8. We’re not bitter. We’re not cynical. We’re just grounded, sensible people who believe that if there are fairy tales and happy endings, there are also villains. We know that beauty, riches and fame are not enough to bring you happiness (see Aniston, Jennifer; Aquino, Kris; Gutierrez, Ruffa; Barretto, Gretchen; Quiambao, Miriam; et al). We believe that we should first be happy with who we are before we can be happy with someone else. We know that men will not complete us, rather they should complement us. We have to make peace with ourselves and our flaws first lest we bring that baggage into a promising relationship.We hope that the above points are clear enough.

This is our cue to get out our AK-47s and start shooting people at random.

So please, read the memo.--------* Straight single women. The girls who like girls can say their own piece, and no, we don’t have anything against them.