Crate & Barrel opens their first store in Manila!

In the past, I've only seen Crate & Barrel's merchandise in imported magazines and in their very own home stores abroad.  I absolutely love the simple, subdued and grown up styling that they do in their stores.  It made me wish we had Crate & Barrel here in the Philippines too.

Months before the opening of their first flagship store in the ultra-hip Mega Fashion Hall, I was eagerly anticipating what the store would look like and of course what home items they would bring in.

A week ago, Crate & Barrel finally opened their doors and I was privileged to attend the exclusive VIP launch.  Champagne overflowed, hors d'oeuvres were served and live jazz music played all night.

The event was hosted by Hillary Isaac and Crate & Barrel was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Felicidad Sy, Mr. Hans Sy, Ms. Pascale Jimenez and representatives from Crate & Barrel.

The doors opened to different tablescapes, living room and bedroom set-ups, area rugs and beautiful pillows to give more color and texture to a living space. There are also many household items you won't normally find elsewhere, quirky finds that will surely make you smile, but there are also simple, multi-colored glassware and dinnerware sets which they are known for.

With Ms. Tessie Sy-Coson

Keratin Complex's Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment at Piandre Salon, BGC

To get a look that is well put together, one must not only choose the right outfit, the right shoes and accessories that go with it, the right make-up, but most importantly have healthy hair that perfects your entire look.

With the demands of our everyday routines, I'm pretty sure there are those who would say that they simply do not have the time to get a hair treatment.  For me, hair treatments are simply part of a person's grooming.  If you color your hair or subject it to hair styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers then there is no excuse.  You must have a hair treatment, otherwise, your hair will get  dry, brittle, lose it's luster and would look unhealthy.

Recently, I discovered a one hour hair treatment that you can squeeze into your busy schedule.  It was a good thing that I was recently invited by Jaton Zulueta of Piandre Salon to try their Keratin treatment at their BGC branch.  I made my appointment to have my treatment during lunch hour.

 

Be your own Barista at Coffee-mate's Barista University

Have you ever wondered how Barista's concoct your favorite coffee drinks?  I had the privilege of experiencing how it is to be one at the Barista University (or Barista U) of Coffee-mate Philippines.  It was an exciting, challenging and super fun experience!

Here's our Class photo, Coffee-mate's Barista U's class of 2014

Have a Merry SM Christmas at SM Supermalls!

As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year".  Christmas songs are being played everywhere, people are doing their early Christmas shopping, the stores are packed with toys, cafes have added their specially concocted Christmas drinks on the menu and there is also a warm and fuzzy feeling that only the Christmas season could bring.

Recently, I was invited to the launch of the Princess in Me Christmas campaign of SM City North Edsa.  The invitation to The Royal Ball requests guests to dress up as their favorite prince, princess or as iconic Barbie.  Of course, I came in the hottest pink shade I could find in my wardrobe that brought out the Barbie in me (haha!) and I also wore my make-up in shades of pink. 

It was a fun event both for the young and the young at heart.  There was a Holiday Barbie Lounge where guests get to be pampered just like Barbie, Princes and Princesses get to sit on The Royal Throne and where the girls can try on a glass shoe.  There is also a huge Barbie doll Box Photo Booth which is such a fun idea.

Road Test: Puma Faas 600S

On weekends, the first thing I do when I wake up is look outside our window and check the weather.  If the weather is good, I take a shower and go where nature is and go for a weekend run/walk.  It is a good thing that we have entered the colder months, the temperature has dropped several notches and has made it extremely comfortable to squeeze in a longer fitness routine.

It is also the perfect time to test my new Puma Faas 600S running shoes.  Sorry boys, this pair were made with girls in mind.  The shoe fit, wear and technology are all designed for women.

I absolutely love the color combination of my new Puma Faas 600 running shoes.  The Grape/Limeade/Blackberry Cordial color combination is a stand out and screams "girl shoe!".

Puma also uses less packaging for their shoes, only the bottom shoe box is used so that the shoe will still maintain it's shape.  It is also was placed inside a red reusable bag (which I recycled and used to carry my water bottle and a towel).   

What is extremely noticeable for the Puma Faas 600S is that it is a lightweight shoe.  The forefoot is extremely flexible while the Faas Foam Outsole and medial/lateral foam strip provides great stability.

The air mesh material on the upper portion of the shoe together with the molded Ortholite sockliner provides optimum breathability, comfort and fit.  The lace closure also gave the shoe a snug fit.

It also has supportCELL designation engineered into the midsole for stability (without added weight), guiding your foot and encouraging neutral running.

It is built with a lightweight FaasFoam+ one-piece midsole (Puma's new proprietary blend of foam and rubber) for improved resilience and increased step-in comfort.  The outsole utilizes Puma's EverRide+, which is now lighter and with enhanced cushioning and durability for a smoother toe-off.  The EverTrack high abrasion resistant rubber featured in high wear areas for added durability.