August Favorites

Turning over a new leaf by incorporating a healthier snack into my life. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE CUP NOODLES AND I LOST MY SHIT WHEN WE WERE IN TOKYO BECAUSE OH MY GOODNESS CUP NOODLES GALORE. THEY HAVE A SOFT TOFU STEW CUP NOODLE (but without noodles, just soup, so cup soup?) THAT I STILL THINK ABOUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. Anyway, I needed to curb my cup noodles cravings because we all know that it's not advisable to keep having that on a regular basis so I thought I'd switch to these.

{Muesli and 3 Cows Yogurt in the Honey Variant}

I got the Muesli from Healthy Options. I got this small bag just to see if I will like it (I thought Muesli will be just glorified oatmeal. I HATE oatmeal), but it turns out to be pretty good! How is different from granola? Muesli is just loose, uncooked cereal while granola is baked cereal where the ingredients (grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit) are combined using a sweetener or oil. 

The 3Cows Yogurt is readily available in most supermarkets. If you are fond of frozen yogurt Llao Llao, you will love this. It's on the sour side but it's really yummy. I always get the honey variant. 

{Anello Bag}

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I've raved about my purchase of this bag. When we were in Tokyo early this year, Anello bags were everywhere. Kevin told me to buy since it's going to be much cheaper than when I buy here in Manila, but the only ones we saw where made of cloth.

Many months after, while Kevin and I were at Uptown Mall in BGC to have dinner, I saw the Anello Store and got this one on a whim! I got this one for P2,650. I love it. I love it so much that I have been using it as an everyday bag since I got it. And no scratches or whatever yet! I really like that it has a wide opening so I get to see all its contents in one look. With other bags (especially those with dark lining) I get little heart attacks when for some reason the bag seemed to have swallowed my phone or my keys. I love that it's a handbag, but it comes with a strap so it can also be a shoulder bag. 

The only thing I don't like about this is that it's pretty heavy. Even without a lot of stuff inside. 

{Tony Moly Eyetone Matte}

It has been four years since I last bought eyeshadow. Since I have close to monolid eyes, I find that extra effort is needed to show the world that I actually have eyeshadow on my lids. I've been getting hooked on beauty vloggers lately and to cut the very long story short, I thought I'd get a neutral eyeshadow for everyday. I got this Tony Moley Eyetone Matte in Shade 248 and I really like it. It blends well on my skin; it's a shade of brown that brightens up my eyes.

I haven't tried it with primer on, but it lasts six hours on my lids. And then after that my very oily lids pushes the product to settle on the crease of my eyelids. 

It comes in a very light and compact packaging so I don't mind keeping it in my makeup bag all the time. The product is really matte, though Tony Moly has a shimmer variant for this. But if you are in the market for a light brown eyeshadow that will just brighten up your eyes, and you're not really feeling the smokey eye look, you might want to give this a try. 

If you have any questions on any of the products I've posted do let me know in the Comments Section!

Applying for a Marriage License

The requirement that we did not fuss much about during the wedding planning was the marriage license. Applying for a marriage license is pretty simple and easy, but I think what confuses couples is where to apply for a marriage license. Some couples think that you should apply at the City or Municipality where the wedding will be held-- this is wrong; unless one of you lives in the City or Municipality where the wedding venue is located.

According to Art. 9 of the Family Code of the Philippines:

"A marriage license shall be issued by the local civil registrar of the city or municipality where either contracting party habitually resides, except in marriages where no license is required..."

In our case for instance, at the time we filed, Kevin was living in Quezon City, while I was living in Las Pinas City. We chose to file at the Las Pinas City Hall, because I DO NOT LIKE GOING TO QUEZON CITY.

You have to bring proof however, that one of you lives in the city or municipality where you will file. You will need to get a Community Tax Certificate or Cedula, which you will get at the City or Municipal Hall (you need to present an ID with your address).

Applying for a Marriage License will depend on how long your engagement period will be.

The Marriage License is only valid 120 days after its issue, so apply for yours a month or two prior to your wedding day. Don't wait to apply a week before, as there is a 10-day posting period of your application. Your marriage license will be issued after the posting period. 

We filed ours around December and there were so many holidays so we got ours beyond 10 days. 

Personal appearance is required; both bride and groom must be present during filing. 

That's a great requirement since the application is a bit long and you will have to fill out four (4) copies!

The Requirements: 

• Four (4) Copies of the Application Form (This will be provided in the Civil Registrar Office in the City/Municipal Hall.
• Birth certificates of both applicants. 
• Community Tax Certificate (Cedula) of both applicants. 
• Certificate of Family Planning and Marriage Counselling (we attended the Counselling conducted by the DSWD Office at the City Hall; it was almost a day long at the Las Pinas City Hall)
• Parental consent if applicant is 18 yrs. old below 21 yrs. old
• Parental advice if applicant is 21 yrs. old but below 25 yrs. old
• At least one of the contracting parties must be a resident of the place where the local civil registry office is located (Can't state this enough)
• Certificate of No Marriage or CENOMAR

Registration Fees:

Application: 100.00

Marriage License: 52.00

These are the requirements and fees from the Las Pinas City Hall. Best to visit the Civil Registrar Office at the City or Municipal Hall where you intend to apply for a marriage license as some may require more. 

I hope you found this informative!

Photo by Daniel Talavera Photography

Bedside Table Inspiration

It has been six months since we moved into our rented condo, and I still don't have a bedside table. Normally I'd put my phone on Kevin's side since he has one. I'd really like my own now since I've gotten sick of rolling over to his side to put/get my phone on his bedside table. Also, I'd really like to get a lamp so I could get some reading in before I sleep.

What I have in mind is something a bit light, won't take up too much space, will have ample surface for a lamp, my phone, and several (stacked) books. Our bedroom walls are white and we have parquet wood flooring so I guess/hope that it won't be too hard to find something that will match those.

I haven't started on a real hunt yet, but here are some of my inspirations.

1. Wooden with an Industrial Touch

Our condo is heavy on wood so something like this would definitely match. If I had my way though, I'd like to incorporate industrial elements to break the heavy wood aesthetic.

2. Geometric with lots of storage

I have a soft spot for geometric accents so if I find one like this I'd probably buy it on the spot. I really like the shape and storage, but maybe in white since lighter wood could clash with the heavy wood elements in our bedroom. 

3. Cart

I'd love to find a cart similar to this! It's industrial, there's so much storage, AND it would make cleaning the area SO MUCH EASIER as opposed to having a chunky, heavy one which is so hard to move whenever I'm sweeping the floor.

4. Stool 

I have a strong feeling that I will end up buying this for my bedside table. There are soooo many options and it's functional for reaching stuff stored in high areas HEHEHE. Maybe I should consider getting a step ladder for a bedside table? HEHE. 

Once I've found something I'll make sure to post the before and after on the blog. Wish me luck on my hunt!

Image Sources

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Structured Pink

{White Top, Zara | Pink Pants, Mango | Heels, Kara Zapatos}

If you asked me in the past what I would not be caught dead wearing, I'd probably say 'pink pants'. Making a quick mental inventory of the clothes I have, I can honestly say I don't have pink clothes. I have a pink kimono which I rarely use. That's it. Which is why it came as a surprise to me (and my husband) why I picked out this pair of pink pants. The photos don't do the pants justice-- the color is really much nicer in person. It's punchy, without being too bright and inappropriate for work, and its structure clearly made me reconsider my take on pink clothes. 

When I saw this at Mango, I knew I had to try it on. It fits perfectly! It falls on my hips nicely and the length is just right. I got one in black, too (of course). And I'm now considering getting it in other colors. Since I'm petite, RTW pants that fit nice are hard to come by. 

What are your thoughts on pink pants?

Beauty Mistakes I made in My 20s

As a child I would find ways to get into my Mom's or my Lola's makeup bags. I remember tinkering AND EVENTUALLY BREAKING my Mom's eyeshadow palette and trying on her lipstick. My Titas were always quick to point out that I've been trying on the grown ups' lipstick again. Fast forward to college, I began to experiment with cheek tint (which were so hard to blend back then!) and liquid eyeliner (Still a preference over the pencil ones as those always smudge because my skin is so oily). I perfected the cheek tint by the time I hit my 20s, but did not do so well with the liquid eyeliner as they would look like squiggly lines on my eyelids. Lucky for me, I've learned a lot from the Beauty Mistakes I made in my 20s:

1. Having my brows groomed too thin. I got my bushy eyebrows from my Dad and when I was old enough to have them groomed, I did that stat. Sadly though the first few people who groomed them came from a generation where thin brows were favored over natural, thick brows. I'm thankful that after much threading and tweezing (and waxing) my eyebrows are starting to grow full again.

2. Using Foundation a Shade (or Two) lighter than my face. I am so happy I have very limited photos of this because looking back, it looked like I had a mask on.

3. Neglecting the 'Skin Type' Label on Products. Have you heard of the rule that when you have oily skin, you're better off using makeup that are powder-based rather than cream-based? Well, I neglected that and maaaanyy photos would show me glistening/shining because of my preference to use products that were not apt for my skin type. 

4. Neglecting Oil Control Products. I have extremely active oil glands and back then (especially when you're busy working) I tend to neglect retouches. The nature of my job entails that I interact with a lot of people and I'm pretty sure that during the time when I'd choose not to retouch, they'd notice how oily my skin was. Luckily I am no longer as lazy now. I still don't like using powder all that much, but I always have oil control film on hand.

5. Not Prepping my Lips for Lipstick. I had a phase wherein I really, really favored matte lipsticks over the creamy ones. I would apply the lipstick without scrubbing my lips first and then coating it with lip balm and so by midday, my lips were a flaky mess. 

I'd like to know if you had any beauty mistakes that you've committed when you were younger. Do share in the comments section below!

Billowy

{Top, Stradivarius | Jeans, Zara | Sandals, Charles and Keith}

I've always favored loose, billowy tops over fitted ones. They're just more comfortable AND perfect if you like/love eating as much as I do. I'm not one for patterned tops (yes, even stripes) but this one I made an exception for because of the uncommon vertical stripes and its structure. Oh, and the dramatic back. Also, because it can double as a dress.

Dining Prints Picking

Prior to getting married, Kevin and I decided we would rent a condo unit first before finally deciding on where or which city we would settle in. Since we are just renting, we have limited say on how we want our unit to look. Since we are the second tenants of the condo, we have inherited some decor that clash with our (or maybe just mine.....) taste. Like the current print/painting/fabric hanging in our dining area. Since Kevin agreed that we could put something else since there might be a chance that we'll be staying in the condo for another year, I am now on the hunt for a good print.

As of the moment, I've removed the current print so now there's a huge gaping space in our dining that is begging for a display. Here are some of my etsy finds:

1. Joey Tribbiani Print. I'm sure Kevin (a huuuuuuuuge Friends fan) will love this.
2. The Fruit of the Spirit Pineapple Wall Art. Partial to this pineapple print because my Pug Porkchop loves pineapples.
3. Pepper Print. Love this print since we love spicy food and it will give a nice pop of color in the unit.
4. Cutlery Patent. I have an unexplained attraction for this type of prints.
5. Bon Appetit Dining Room Wall Art. I threw this into the mix because a. I love marble; b. I love geometric accents; and c. i love rose gold.

If you know other places where I can get prints, do let me know in the Comments Section!

Five Things

{New bag big enough (and hopefully sturdy!) to carry my everyday work stuff}

I've toyed with the idea of moving on from my old blog and starting a new one, and over the weekend I've finally taken the leap!

First post is a collection of things that have caught my eye during the past week. I hope you'll like this series in the blog x

Have a great week ahead!

{Faux layers}

{gel nails so I won't have chipping nail polish even after spending many hours in the kitchen}

{Pug of my life: My Porkchop}

{Pretty Purse from Mexico}

Hello!

I used to keep have another blog (primpandpaper.blogspot.com), but due to some fluke with that--I've kind of neglected the blog and I've toyed with the idea of starting anew. So this is me taking the plunge and hoping that this would be the start of something better!