Nuts, Bolts, Screws, Locks, Lights

2015-02-17 12.05.27 1

Quick shoot without any regard of my background, whatsoever. But I do appreciate how these small pieces add a little bit of texture to my background.

Thought I’d show everyone what I’m wearing to the office today since it’s simple, cute and fuss free. Perfect for anyone who’s looking for something quick and chic to wear with very little time to spare. That’s how I’ve been dressing lately.

Not to mention, I always make sure that my garments are light weight since the summer heat has already started to kick in.

2015-02-17 12.05.17 1

2015-02-17 12.04.49 1

I highly doubt that rompers will ever go out of style but just in case they do, I’m opting for solid, basic colors so I can easily revive them in my wardrobe when they are long gone from the fashion scene.

Also, choosing to mix navy blue and gold wasn’t a shabby choice either. It’s the perfect mixture of youthfulness, sophistication and professionalism- just the right mix of what I need today.

I’m definitely ready for an afternoon full of meetings and client visits. So… fun…2015-02-17 12.05.00 1

2015-02-17 12.05.34 1

Hope your day is as productive as mine!

xx,

Issa

That’s the problem with not having a wall clock on my office walls or a clock that doesn’t tell accurate time on my desktop… you’ll never know when to stop working.

Whatever. lol

Hoping to start this week right and get everything together. I feel like I need to remind people that I actually have the power to fire them… just so they won’t step on little ol me anymore. 🙁

Best Valentines Ever!

I don’t know about any of you but I just had the best poop after 3 days so my valentines is pretty much set.

Happy Valentines to all you hopeless romantic, head in the sky, go big or go home love birds out there. I hope you all wither and die along with your over priced bouquet of flowers….. Just kidding. I’m not bitter. I actually do have a love life.

You’ll Go Far

Honesty brings you a long way and surprisingly, people will understand when you tell them you had to find yourself which explains a period of absence in your life.

The best part is that when you decide to come back, they’re still there waiting for you and cheering you on which just makes all of this just so awesome.

Parts of me are still sad, parts of me still want to do other things (which in my opinion, will never ever go away) but at least now, I’m more enthusiastic about the things that I want to improve and I am more determined to get.more.done.

Looking forward to tomorrow. And the weekend. Definitely the weekend 🙂

xx

No. 9

DSC_3480

 Somewhere along the quiet roads of Benedicto Street, sits a beautiful ancestral home-turned-restaurant with amazing food and a warm, cozy environment, as well.

No. 9, with it’s wooden fixtures and interesting interior (my favorite being the huge painting behind a comfortable couch) had me wide eyed and giddy the moment I went in.

It’s the kind of place you’d want to go to with a loved one and whisper secrets in each others ear because of its intimate feel and sophistication. But if you’re looking for a new place to have dinner and perhaps a couple of drinks after, No. 9 also has a beautiful garden for that, too!

DSC_3478

DSC_3474

DSC_3472

I’ll be honest, the food can be a little bit pricey but it’s a small price to pay for a wonderful experience. With dishes ranging from P 280.00- P 450.00, No. 9’s menu is well worth the price.

During our lunch at No. 9, my mom and I ordered the Pork Belly and Fideo Negro while my siblings just took bits and pieces since they had already eaten. It was my first time to sample black pasta, not being a fan of squid ink and all, but as soon as I took a bite of it, I had quickly changed perspectives. As not to be biased, I asked my sister and my mom what they thought about it and they both agreed that it was the best one they had had yet.

The pork belly was equally as scrumptious with pieces of arugula and salsa to direct it in a classier direction leaving me feeling stuffed and happy.

DSC_3467

IMG_20150130_130516

IMG_20150130_130502

No. 9 is somewhere I would want to go to for a fancy night out with a boyfriend or friends- especially if I wanted to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city that can oftentimes be irritating.

The food was great, the ambiance superb and the service was so warm and welcoming that we had to resist from over staying.

Operating hours:

11:00 am – 12:00 mn (Tuesdays- Sundays)

For reservations:

(032) 253 9518

Official website

IMG_20150130_124657

 xx,

Issa

My Sincerest Apologies

I deleted a previous entry due to the use of profanities.

I dropped the F bomb and I sincerely apologies for such behavior- it will not happen again.

I don’t like mushy, I’m so in love with you Issa- it just doesn’t feel right.

It doesn’t make me feel strong.

So if you read that article where I was caught using the word FOREVER- I have retracted my statement!

Let’s all go back to our lives now. Thanks!

Backtrack, retract, compose yourself

We are strong, independent, self sufficient, I-can-afford-help-so-i-don’t-need-to-learn-how-to-cook kind of women.

Say it, remember it, breathe it and carry it around like it’s a designer handbag that you could afford but wouldn’t usually spend on. Always remember that and hustle.

And try to keep in mind (no matter how hard the struggle is) that every love is different but IF it’s the love you feel is meant for you, then it’s the kind of love that you should never let go of.

char lang. butatek. and that is why you keep a private blog. LOL

Dressing Up For The Not So Grown Up

2015-01-28 11.38.46 1

 Style My Bump! Just kidding, I’m not pregnant, my belly is just bigger than it usually is and I thought I’d call it out before any of you skinny b*tches did it first. (Channeling my inner Fat Amy) 😉

Peace and love to everyone in the world! tralalalalaaaaa

I have such a hard time dressing up especially when it’s for formal occasions and especially when it comes to work! My days working in Accenture were probably the worst fashion-wise, because I was still having a hard time deciphering whether I wanted to dress like a kid or an adult. Hence, a bunch of weird throwback photos of me in what I liked to believe was “office wear”.

But now, at the refined age of 2_, I’m slowly beginning to learn that you can mix style and youth with business! So here are a few tips of when trying to dress up without looking too grown up:

1: White out. White is always my go to color when I want to add a bit of formality and sophistication to my look. I usually prefer chiffon white tops because it also adds a light touch of daintiness while letting my clients know that I mean business but I’m still a woman so treat me like one!

2. Meet halfway. This is particularly meant for the length of skirts. I love a micro mini as much as the next girl but in business, you want to leave enough for the imagination and let your mouth do the talking for you (especially if you’re trying to close a good deal!). I prefer my skirts either full length or mid length either an inch above my knees or below it.

3. Bling ENOUGH. I for one am not a huge accessory girl which I find very convenient since sometimes when meeting clients, too much accessories can be such an eye sore. Stick to the essentials: a pair of earrings, a nice necklace (chunky is OK) and a watch. Leave your piles of bangles and necklaces for a night out with girls. We need you to look classy.

4. Comb Your Hair. Take my word for it (although I can never remember to comb mine!). Professionals should look kept so pull your look together not just through your clothes but with your overall look.

5. Be subtle with your color pops. It’s important that your look seems put together and well thought of without looking like you tried too hard. With color pops, it’s best to pick something that pops but isn’t too distracting for the eye. Also, please do not let your color pop be your color or underwear! In this look, I chose to wear these lemon colored boat shoes because they look classy but the colors is bright and youthful without being too much of an eye sore.

6. Have An Alternative. I’m a whopping 4’11” and I look absolutely horrible in denim jeans and flats. So unless you’re willing to lug yourself in jeans and heels the whole day then you might want to think of an alternative for that. Mine are black colored leggings (but please remember the leggings rule: it should cover your crotch!) or loose drawstring pants that kind of look like pajama’s. Fine, the second choice probably isn’t so efficient but it’s definitely better than the whole world noticing how short and chunky your legs are!

Take a shopping day off, even if you don’t intend to buy anything. Just try on a bunch of clothes so you get a better idea of what suits you or not. You’ll be so happy that you got to know your body more and it is always useful for future reference plus shopping is so much fun! 🙂

2015-01-28 11.38.30 1

2015-01-28 11.39.04 1

2015-01-28 11.38.19 1

 Top & Bottom: Local Department Store find| Shoes: People Footwear

xx,

Issa

 

Yolk Coffee & Breakfast

150740_1578082225745401_8508352197003076554_n

 We always want the things we can’t have and despite my egg allergies, I quickly discovered the trying out Yolk was one of the things I just could not resist. No matter how hard I tried!

As soon as I walked into their quaint little establishment, I knew I was going to enjoy my egg and coffee filled dinner even if I knew it would lead to bad case of allergies right after… but it was all worth it!

The first thing I try to pay attention to when I enter a new place is the ambiance. Would it be a nice place to hang out with friends or go on a date? What kind of people would enjoy it and most especially, is the ambiance worth the price of not just to food I’m paying for but the overall experience? Walking into Yolk made me feel like I was about to dine at a rustic countryside cafe with it’s use of mixed materials and their homey feel. I loved how they used bricks, wood and cement to set the vibe right and their use of earth tone hues and smart prints to bring everything together. In a way, it sort of reminded me of my room which also means, I did not want to leave!

IMG_20150130_174547IMG_20150130_174405IMG_20150130_174445IMG_20150130_174556

 

Prior to going to Yolk, I had asked my friends for suggestions on what to get while I was there. I originally planned on staying away from the eggs but everyone seemed to be pushing me towards the opposite direction so I guess, there was no way of dodging that bullet. The place is named Yolk, after all.

One friend did suggest ordering the IT’S SO FLUFFY (I COULD DIE!) mini-me pancakes [Php 180.00] so we ordered that aside from the Super Beefy Omelet [Php 180.00], Eggs Benny [P280.00] and of course, coffee.

My favorite among the three had to be the pancakes. It had an interesting syrup alternative that consisted of mashed mangoes and a soft but flavorful hint of cinnamon in the mixture. And yes, they were SO FLUFFY, I COULD DIE!

The Eggs Benny is something that I would definitely eat again with Paolo around for reference since he knows more about it than I do. But I did enjoy the variation of this egg as compared to the more common sunny side eggs and omelets.

Preference wise, I’m not a big omelette fan so I wouldn’t be able to give it a fair description. On the other hand, my little brother devoured the whole thing while still asking for seconds. He really liked it!

 IMG_20150130_175602

IMG_20150130_175903

IMG_20150130_175542

 

Yolk is one of the places you’d want to bring your family, friends and your significant others to because of it’s intimate ambiance and great food.

It’s one of those places you’d enjoy spending the afternoons at with a good cup of Joe while having conversations and of course, taking Instagram worthy photos!

Also, the staff there are great and are very accommodating, making your overall experience top notch!

Store Hours: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm (Tuesday- Sunday)

Address: 80 Tres Borces Street, Mabolo, Cebu City

Telephone: (032) 231 0411

For more information you can contact them through:

Facebook

@YolkCafePH

#YolkCafePh/ #CebuEats

xx,

Issa