Arianne T. Ferrer
Contradictionist and reader of trivial literature. Spends early mornings at the library, swotting up on abstruse economic theory and 20th century British humourists. Consequently, knows everything about nothing.
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February 06, 01:42 AM
Last post on this blog, which I shall take down in a week. I've over-extended myself! If you care to, update your subscriptions to A Plus B in the Sea and/or my sporadically updated Tumblr. So farewell, and here's a funny (but morbid, says mother) poem by Emily Dickinson.
"Sic transit gloria mundi,"
"How doth the busy bee,"
"Dum vivimus vivamus,"
I stay mine enemy!
Oh "veni, vidi, vici!"
Oh caput cap-a-pie!
And oh "memento mori"
When I am far from thee!
Hurrah for Peter Parley!
Hurrah for Daniel Boone!
Three cheers, sir, for the gentleman
Who first observed the moon!
Peter, put up the sunshine;
Patti, arrange the stars;
Tell Luna, tea is waiting,
And call your brother Mars!
Put down the apple, Adam,
And come away with me,
So shalt thou have a pippin
From off my father's tree!
I climb the "Hill of Science,"
I "view the landscape o'er;"
Such transcendental prospect,
I ne'er beheld before!
Unto the Legislature
My country bids me go;
I'll take my india rubbers,
In case the wind should blow!
During my education,
It was announced to me
That gravitation, stumbling,
Fell from an apple tree!
The earth upon an axis
Was once supposed to turn,
By way of a gymnastic
In honor of the sun!
It was the brave Columbus,
A sailing o'er the tide,
Who notified the nations
Of where I would reside!
Mortality is fatal—
Gentility is fine,
Rascality, heroic,
Insolvency, sublime!
Our Fathers being weary,
Laid down on Bunker Hill;
And tho' full many a morning,
Yet they are sleeping still,—
The trumpet, sir, shall wake them,
In dreams I see them rise,
Each with a solemn musket
A marching to the skies!
A coward will remain, Sir,
Until the fight is done;
But an immortal hero
Will take his hat, and run!
Good bye, Sir, I am going;
My country calleth me;
Allow me, Sir, at parting,
To wipe my weeping e'e.
In token of our friendship
Accept this "Bonnie Doon,"
And when the hand that plucked it
Hath passed beyond the moon,
The memory of my ashes
Will consolation be;
Then, farewell, Tuscarora,
And farewell, Sir, to thee!
"Sic transit gloria mundi,"
"How doth the busy bee,"
"Dum vivimus vivamus,"
I stay mine enemy!
Oh "veni, vidi, vici!"
Oh caput cap-a-pie!
And oh "memento mori"
When I am far from thee!
Hurrah for Peter Parley!
Hurrah for Daniel Boone!
Three cheers, sir, for the gentleman
Who first observed the moon!
Peter, put up the sunshine;
Patti, arrange the stars;
Tell Luna, tea is waiting,
And call your brother Mars!
Put down the apple, Adam,
And come away with me,
So shalt thou have a pippin
From off my father's tree!
I climb the "Hill of Science,"
I "view the landscape o'er;"
Such transcendental prospect,
I ne'er beheld before!
Unto the Legislature
My country bids me go;
I'll take my india rubbers,
In case the wind should blow!
During my education,
It was announced to me
That gravitation, stumbling,
Fell from an apple tree!
The earth upon an axis
Was once supposed to turn,
By way of a gymnastic
In honor of the sun!
It was the brave Columbus,
A sailing o'er the tide,
Who notified the nations
Of where I would reside!
Mortality is fatal—
Gentility is fine,
Rascality, heroic,
Insolvency, sublime!
Our Fathers being weary,
Laid down on Bunker Hill;
And tho' full many a morning,
Yet they are sleeping still,—
The trumpet, sir, shall wake them,
In dreams I see them rise,
Each with a solemn musket
A marching to the skies!
A coward will remain, Sir,
Until the fight is done;
But an immortal hero
Will take his hat, and run!
Good bye, Sir, I am going;
My country calleth me;
Allow me, Sir, at parting,
To wipe my weeping e'e.
In token of our friendship
Accept this "Bonnie Doon,"
And when the hand that plucked it
Hath passed beyond the moon,
The memory of my ashes
Will consolation be;
Then, farewell, Tuscarora,
And farewell, Sir, to thee!
--
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December 16, 09:01 AM
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every article concerning Ms Austen begins with the six words that open her master-comedy of wit and manners. Usually I laugh at such pieces, and I am now laughing at my own post, just as Jane would do. She never took herself seriously, why should I?
Pride & Prejudice is a love story. Girl meets boy. Boy scorns her attractions. Girl flies off in a miff and vows that he would be last man she would ever marry. Boy is piqued by her inability to swoon at his feet and falls in love. Big Misunderstandings! Class war! Lace on gowns! A Happily Ever After.
But it doesn't end there.
You see, the world hasn't stopped being in love with Pride & Prejudice. It was voted second on the Big Read based on a BBC survey of over 750,000 British MEN and women, just below Lord of the Rings. It has been adapted a million million times, with Sir Laurence Olivier and Colin Firth both having turns donning Mr Darcy's hat. It is responsible for much if not all tourism in Bath and Lacock. FFS, it's a Google Doodle.
My own love story with Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen began in the fourth grade at one of those noisy book fairs at SM's trade centers. In a bargain bin, I found a Penguin Classics copy, battered, dog-eared, and at forty-nine pesos, an absolute steal. The type was tiny, the paper thin, and the cover art singularly gloomy but three pages into the novel I knew I could not live without it.
Since then I've read it at least twice a year and I am on the constant search for a H.E. Brock illustrated edition. I've lost the front cover and scribbled on the margins of its yellowing pages. I've watched every adaptation, though the 2005 version made me want to tear my eyes out, a female Oedipus faced with the horrors of the slacked mouth of Keira Knightley, "actress".
The world sans Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice:
Ah Pride & Prejudice, the historical novel gateway drug. Each time I read Mrs Bennet's effusions on the wealth of young, buxom (archaic definition ;P) young men and Mr Collin's bespoke compliments, I burst out laughing. At no time have I ever NOT held my breath at the moment Lizzy sees Mr Darcy walking across the grounds. And I will always appreciate that the final proposal, that supposed heightened scene of passion, is never witnessed by the reader and you don't ever see the word 'love'.
Sigh. Pride & Prejudice, te amo.
Happy 235th birthday, Jane Austen!
X-posted from Books We Read, Lives We Lead.
Pride & Prejudice is a love story. Girl meets boy. Boy scorns her attractions. Girl flies off in a miff and vows that he would be last man she would ever marry. Boy is piqued by her inability to swoon at his feet and falls in love. Big Misunderstandings! Class war! Lace on gowns! A Happily Ever After.
But it doesn't end there.
You see, the world hasn't stopped being in love with Pride & Prejudice. It was voted second on the Big Read based on a BBC survey of over 750,000 British MEN and women, just below Lord of the Rings. It has been adapted a million million times, with Sir Laurence Olivier and Colin Firth both having turns donning Mr Darcy's hat. It is responsible for much if not all tourism in Bath and Lacock. FFS, it's a Google Doodle.
My own love story with Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen began in the fourth grade at one of those noisy book fairs at SM's trade centers. In a bargain bin, I found a Penguin Classics copy, battered, dog-eared, and at forty-nine pesos, an absolute steal. The type was tiny, the paper thin, and the cover art singularly gloomy but three pages into the novel I knew I could not live without it.
Since then I've read it at least twice a year and I am on the constant search for a H.E. Brock illustrated edition. I've lost the front cover and scribbled on the margins of its yellowing pages. I've watched every adaptation, though the 2005 version made me want to tear my eyes out, a female Oedipus faced with the horrors of the slacked mouth of Keira Knightley, "actress".
The world sans Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice:
- No Colin Firth in a wet shirt dripping on a hill with Pemberley standing gloriously on the horizon. The single piece of film-making engrained into the consciousness of British women, according to Bridget Jones (no Bridget Jones and her granny knickers!).
- No Mr John Thornton, middle-class, industrial, scruffier, and economics spouting successor to said Mr Darcy, courtesy of Victorian Mrs Gaskell. No Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe either, for that matter.
- No 'Life Without Wife' musical number in Aishwarya Rai-vehicle Bride & Prejudice (AWESOME. Even with an American Darcy.).
- Empire-waist dresses would have long been forgotten. Not to mention parasols and the cameo industry. No Georgette Heyer! Good God.
- Most importantly, romance novels would be purely epistolary and we would still be reading Bride of Lamoor gothics.
Ah Pride & Prejudice, the historical novel gateway drug. Each time I read Mrs Bennet's effusions on the wealth of young, buxom (archaic definition ;P) young men and Mr Collin's bespoke compliments, I burst out laughing. At no time have I ever NOT held my breath at the moment Lizzy sees Mr Darcy walking across the grounds. And I will always appreciate that the final proposal, that supposed heightened scene of passion, is never witnessed by the reader and you don't ever see the word 'love'.
Sigh. Pride & Prejudice, te amo.
Happy 235th birthday, Jane Austen!
X-posted from Books We Read, Lives We Lead.
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October 25, 09:44 AM
I had an afternoon tea buffet with Bea at the Peninsula Manila's lobby. I now owe my mum about PhP 1400 for a tea-for-two buffet, but I figure I am entitled to splurge after the annus horribilis condensed into a four month period. All right, I am lazy and I've never had to work so hard for anything, which might explain my no good very bad semester in law school (though I personally and truly believe it's because I'm not cut out to be a lawyer-chomping-shark-lawyer). I like history books and tea and fluffy elephant rag dolls, not crunching time and money.
Anyway, the afternoon tea spread was so-so. Scones should have been served just before they open the buffet line—they would have been warmer and more moist. Cream was not Devonshire at all, but some sort of gelatinous full cream mess. Lemon curd made everything all right though, even if Tinka's recipe remains the best I ever had. Sandwiches dry and rather bland (cucumber ones were not the traditional sort, for some reason they just cut slices and threw 'em in with lettuce in a hard bun, very badly done) though the mushroom savoury was interesting. I would skip the savouries selection altogether and concentrate on the ice cream (!) and cakes.
Tea was darjeeling and excellent. They topped it up with hot water and even added tea leaves when I requested for a stronger tea. Service was really wonderful, with the waiters unobtrusive but always willing to cater to our needs.
Sugar cubes! B was obsessed with 'em.
I don't think Peninsula Manila's afternoon tea was worth the money I paid for it, which is really sad because I have very fond, happy memories of tea at the Gallery with Grandma and sometimes mother or father. Though I suppose to a three-year old, everything is wonderful.
Despite the disappointing food, I had a fantastic time. Lots of wonderful people-watching and yummy warm bellyfuls of tea. B and I took pictures for the blog, which has been very empty for October, and planned out sembreak. Steampunk costumes ahoy!
Eyebags courtesy of PERSONS.
Anyway, the afternoon tea spread was so-so. Scones should have been served just before they open the buffet line—they would have been warmer and more moist. Cream was not Devonshire at all, but some sort of gelatinous full cream mess. Lemon curd made everything all right though, even if Tinka's recipe remains the best I ever had. Sandwiches dry and rather bland (cucumber ones were not the traditional sort, for some reason they just cut slices and threw 'em in with lettuce in a hard bun, very badly done) though the mushroom savoury was interesting. I would skip the savouries selection altogether and concentrate on the ice cream (!) and cakes.
Tea was darjeeling and excellent. They topped it up with hot water and even added tea leaves when I requested for a stronger tea. Service was really wonderful, with the waiters unobtrusive but always willing to cater to our needs.
Sugar cubes! B was obsessed with 'em.
I don't think Peninsula Manila's afternoon tea was worth the money I paid for it, which is really sad because I have very fond, happy memories of tea at the Gallery with Grandma and sometimes mother or father. Though I suppose to a three-year old, everything is wonderful.
Despite the disappointing food, I had a fantastic time. Lots of wonderful people-watching and yummy warm bellyfuls of tea. B and I took pictures for the blog, which has been very empty for October, and planned out sembreak. Steampunk costumes ahoy!
Eyebags courtesy of PERSONS.
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September 29, 09:34 PM
That 15 Something meme flickering around Facebook has its claws in me. Picking fifteen and only fifteen books or movies that you cannot live without is tough, certainly if you only have fifteen minutes to figure it out. I definitely don't think the lists I came up with truly reflect my preferences. I had to leave out my favourite plays—Magic by Chesteron and Importance of Being Earnest by Wilde—and I missed out Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby. I was torn between the Eyre Affair and The Well of Lost Plots? Which, if any, of the Campion books would I leave in? Could I include all the Brontes in one item?
So, let's say, to make me feel better, I shall put up a 15 Authors note instead. The perfect solution, yes? That would adequately cover all my favourite and/or life-changing novels, and I wouldn't have to choose between The Grand Sophy and Faro's Daughter. Of course, ranking authors would be death.
A List of Authors Whose Books I Would Die Without
So, let's say, to make me feel better, I shall put up a 15 Authors note instead. The perfect solution, yes? That would adequately cover all my favourite and/or life-changing novels, and I wouldn't have to choose between The Grand Sophy and Faro's Daughter. Of course, ranking authors would be death.
A List of Authors Whose Books I Would Die Without
- Jane Austen
- Diana Wynne Jones
- PG Wodehouse
- Terry Pratchett
- Jasper Fforde
- Edith Nesbit
- GK Chesterton
- Georgette Heyer
- Eva Ibbotson
- Roald Dahl
- Neil Gaiman
- Tom Holt
- Megan McCafferty
- Meg Cabot
- Margery Allingham
I got stuck on number 15. Which of the Golden Age of Crime novelists ought I put in? Agatha Christie because she really had the best compact mysteries? Dorothy Sayers because she came up with Lord Peter Wimsey and Gaudy Night? Or Margery Allingham because she took a trope and turned it (rather ibb and obb-like) into someone more human and slightly less pretentious? Then there's Lady Amanda Fitton who trumps Harriet Vane always. So Allingham, it is.
A List of Books with No Authorial Repeats
EDIT: I just had to post this link to Neil Gaiman's post. It seems like he had the most fantastic week imaginable, visiting the set of Doctor Who and meeting my two favourite authors Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett. I am so glad to hear that Mrs Wynne Jones is feeling so much better though she is a trifle thin and she is writing another novel. It is selfish of me to think so, but I am so, so glad that she is working on another story (and so are Messrs Pratchett and Gaiman!) because I really want another Fire & Hemlock. I see I'm not the only person to read books in authorial blocks. I've read a lot of Robin McKinleys too, but I find them rather hit-and-miss.
A List of Books with No Authorial Repeats
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Fire & Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Sloppy Firsts by Meg Cabot
- Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
- Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
- To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
- Leave it to Psmith by PG Wodehouse
- A Door into Summer by Robert Heinlein
- Coraline by Neil Gaiman
- The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
- Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers
- The Father Brown Stories by GK Chesterton
- The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope
EDIT: I just had to post this link to Neil Gaiman's post. It seems like he had the most fantastic week imaginable, visiting the set of Doctor Who and meeting my two favourite authors Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett. I am so glad to hear that Mrs Wynne Jones is feeling so much better though she is a trifle thin and she is writing another novel. It is selfish of me to think so, but I am so, so glad that she is working on another story (and so are Messrs Pratchett and Gaiman!) because I really want another Fire & Hemlock. I see I'm not the only person to read books in authorial blocks. I've read a lot of Robin McKinleys too, but I find them rather hit-and-miss.
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July 23, 11:19 AM
Worst week so far at law school. I abhor it. Had my nails done to make me feel better. The nail polish smell euphoria lasted thirty minutes: I broke a nail trying to get an umbrella open during a rainstorm.
Photoshoot for A Plus B in the Sea and Sock & Sole Co tomorrow. Here's to the rising sun.
Photoshoot for A Plus B in the Sea and Sock & Sole Co tomorrow. Here's to the rising sun.
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July 23, 11:08 AM
This is what I've been doing for the last few months: posing awkwardly beside flowering plants and dodging the natural wildlife. It's fun though.
Song stuck in my head: La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf.
Yesterday, A Door into Summer for some Petronius love, but I don't know whether to be extremely grossed out or all kilig about Ricky not waking up until Danny arrives. Today, a little Mary Balogh before hitting the cases for Persons. Oh joy.
Song stuck in my head: La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf.
Yesterday, A Door into Summer for some Petronius love, but I don't know whether to be extremely grossed out or all kilig about Ricky not waking up until Danny arrives. Today, a little Mary Balogh before hitting the cases for Persons. Oh joy.
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July 19, 10:16 PM
Like I said, new ventures in sight! One of my oldest friends and I have started a blog, A Plus B in the Sea, which we hope will fill in that niche for retro and ukay-ukay style in Manila. Nothing is more irritating than seeing people on eBay and Multiply equate vintage with ukay-ukay! For them, anything in thrift stores and secondhand clothes stall is "vintage-retro", whether they are mass-produced in China or Korea four or five years ago or a smelly, stained negligee from a housewife's 1980s closet. Not so, not so! Though Bea is clearly more fashionable than me, I think I've got that historic Manila shtick covered. Appropriate, I think, because if I can't explore secret London this summer, I'll damn well get to know my own hometown (Manila the Metropolis) like the back of my hand. So spread the word and read A + B get lost in my Manila and yours.
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April 19, 01:11 AM
Going on hiatus. Haven't enjoyed blogging for the last few months (actually, I haven't been blogging) and I'm of the "stop if you don't have fun anymore" persuasion. So, a change is coming. Either I revamp my personal journal or something more interesting will pop up.
Watch this space.
Watch this space.
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April 01, 06:19 AM
Not going to the UK this summer anymore. Feel cheated. :(
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March 06, 10:56 PM
It was a long shot, and I knew it from the beginning. Who was it who said, "Despair is free, hope is a slave?" How well I know it. So the doors of higher education have shut in my face. It is duty and money-generation for me from here on out. Tough, but it must be done. As it is, I will moan and cry about lost opportunities (please let there be parallel worlds) then tomorrow I'll pull my socks up and move on to worrying about Plan B. Applying for grad school was pretty selfish of me, given the current situation, but I would have loved to have gone. Not just loved, I would have fair killed for it.
My Life Post-April 2010:
EDITED: 07 March 2010. Crunch time begins June 2010. I'm going to make it work. If my mother got into Harvard for her Masters in Law, I'll have to work three times harder to get into London School of Economics.
My Life Post-April 2010:
Plan A: IMESS programme at UCL- Plan B: Law school at UP + LLM at LSE
Plan C: Work + law school at UBCPlan D: Work + diplomatic service by 2013Plan E: Work + MBA- Plan F: Die young
EDITED: 07 March 2010. Crunch time begins June 2010. I'm going to make it work. If my mother got into Harvard for her Masters in Law, I'll have to work three times harder to get into London School of Economics.
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January 27, 11:15 PM
So, the much-heralded Apple tablet (I can't bring myself to think of it as the official iPad) was presented today and the Internet has gone meh. From the many blog posts and tech articles I've read, I understand that Steve Jobs hasn't done enough with the device to merit the 'miraculous and magical' tagline. Still, the less-than-expected basic price of USD$499 makes me think—is Apple gunning down the Kindle or netbooks? That is only the first of many questions.
My hopes for the Apple tablet: force Amazon to drop their prices on ebooks (I'm not buying digital ebooks until they are at least 1/2 the price of deadtree), increase memory to 32 GB without a significant change in base price, MULTITASKING, and a USB port.
Verdict: Wait for the second iteration with its upgrades and lower price. If a hands-on test doesn't work out, stick to the MacBook or HP mini + iPhone/iPod touch.
- Will the presence of iBooks mean that Stanza, Classics, and other ebook applications will no longer be available? If so, fail and I won't touch the damned thing.
- Can note-taking (ability to make highlights and comments) be done in iBooks? I expect that the Apple tablet will kill the Kindle DX, especially if it improves/clarifies the extent of interactive ability and in-program search capability (dictionary/Wikipedia) that would be such a boon to students. It seems that many people find LED back-light an eye-killer (I don't and I loved my iPod touch for reading) so I suppose the Kindle will survive for a while yet.
- Will iBookstore be available without DRM and globally? I live in Asia where I can't even download movies and music, and I don't see the point in paying for a service I won't be able to use.
- How well will I be able to play iPhone games with the large and rather unwieldy format?
- How well does that onscreen keyboard work? Something I will find out only in July or August when it comes to the local Apple reseller.
My hopes for the Apple tablet: force Amazon to drop their prices on ebooks (I'm not buying digital ebooks until they are at least 1/2 the price of deadtree), increase memory to 32 GB without a significant change in base price, MULTITASKING, and a USB port.
Verdict: Wait for the second iteration with its upgrades and lower price. If a hands-on test doesn't work out, stick to the MacBook or HP mini + iPhone/iPod touch.
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January 24, 06:27 AM
Paul Bettany redeemed (just barely) the apocalyptic Legion. He was brilliant as the straight-faced Panzer-toting Archangel Michael, but I cannot understand why he chose to work with one of the flattest scripts ever. Given ingredients like bad-ass angels, the end of the world, an arsenal of big, big guns, and Paul Bettany, this movie should have been awesome, bloody freaking awesome.
But it wasn't, it was almost even horrible. So what went wrong? I'd say pacing was the major problem. The movie starts off with a bang, with Michael tearing out his own wings and nabbing a police car while Los Angeles descends into darkness around him. Then it jumps into the middle of the Mojave desert and I have to sit through fifteen minutes of exposition and bad Southern accents before Michael shows up and saves the day. Mr Legion Scriptwriter, unless you are Kripke of Supernatural fame or the love child of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, don't bother to pencil in philosophical discussions about why humanity deserves to be saved/not saved. No, sir, you scribble as many action scenes with Paul Bettany annihilating as many biblical monsters as possible (hell hounds! cherubim! devils!). I don't care about the mother of a supposed messiah or some diner dude who loves her (though the cook was pretty interesting guy, with his hook and zombie-killing frying pan). I care about seeing angels kill other angels and hordes of hell-raised demons. Why, Mr Legion Scriptwriter, could you not have done this?
Look at that poster, it's so kick-ass cool and its movie should have been tons better. I love Paul Bettany, and I wish I could see him sink his teeth into a genius script. Do Lucifer from the Vertigo graphic novels, or Mordion from Diana Wynne Jones' Hexwood (god, I would love to see him as the Reigner death's head, with Daniela Denby-Ashe playing Vierran). Paul Bettany, I have faith in you.
But it wasn't, it was almost even horrible. So what went wrong? I'd say pacing was the major problem. The movie starts off with a bang, with Michael tearing out his own wings and nabbing a police car while Los Angeles descends into darkness around him. Then it jumps into the middle of the Mojave desert and I have to sit through fifteen minutes of exposition and bad Southern accents before Michael shows up and saves the day. Mr Legion Scriptwriter, unless you are Kripke of Supernatural fame or the love child of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, don't bother to pencil in philosophical discussions about why humanity deserves to be saved/not saved. No, sir, you scribble as many action scenes with Paul Bettany annihilating as many biblical monsters as possible (hell hounds! cherubim! devils!). I don't care about the mother of a supposed messiah or some diner dude who loves her (though the cook was pretty interesting guy, with his hook and zombie-killing frying pan). I care about seeing angels kill other angels and hordes of hell-raised demons. Why, Mr Legion Scriptwriter, could you not have done this?
Look at that poster, it's so kick-ass cool and its movie should have been tons better. I love Paul Bettany, and I wish I could see him sink his teeth into a genius script. Do Lucifer from the Vertigo graphic novels, or Mordion from Diana Wynne Jones' Hexwood (god, I would love to see him as the Reigner death's head, with Daniela Denby-Ashe playing Vierran). Paul Bettany, I have faith in you.
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January 17, 04:26 AM
Smackdown! The Blue Castle vs Ladies of Missalonghi—same plot (shy, downtrodden thirty-ish spinster falls ill then in love with mysterious scruffy stranger in a town populated almost entirely by her relatives), different perspective. Winner: Lucy Maud Montgomery's tale has infinitely more charm and has the distinction of having been written at least fifty years before Colleen McCullough's novella.
Colleen, I don't like speechifying and your attempt to disguise a feminist tirade as feel-good period romance. I dunno if you took Blue Castle as inspiration or a target of criticism, but I'm surprised you haven't been accused of plagiarism. But, boy, that last twist which revealed Una's true nature... what were you on? and are you mocking your audience, believing that they would really swallow that divinely designed tripe? Deus ex machina should be a sin.
Valancy ten times more likeable than Missy (and they are basically the same character! Dunno how McCullough could have messed that up, or no, it was the scheming lies she made Missy say), just look at their names! Plus, you know Barney Snaith > John Smith.
Colleen, I don't like speechifying and your attempt to disguise a feminist tirade as feel-good period romance. I dunno if you took Blue Castle as inspiration or a target of criticism, but I'm surprised you haven't been accused of plagiarism. But, boy, that last twist which revealed Una's true nature... what were you on? and are you mocking your audience, believing that they would really swallow that divinely designed tripe? Deus ex machina should be a sin.
Valancy ten times more likeable than Missy (and they are basically the same character! Dunno how McCullough could have messed that up, or no, it was the scheming lies she made Missy say), just look at their names! Plus, you know Barney Snaith > John Smith.
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January 16, 10:47 AM
For my SOCIO 10 class I am doing a Football & Sociology series. Managed a ramble of Coolwhip entitled A Dedicated Footballer of Fashion found here. First paragraph is provided below.
Football and fashion, two words that have nothing in common aside from the fact that they both begin with the letter F? F for False. I only need to mention another two words: David Beckham. Both men and women would sell their souls for thirty minutes with the former Manchester United midfielder. The former will wax lyrical about his skill with a dead ball and the latter will . . . well, what’s another word that begins with F? But football’s impact on fashion did not begin and certainly will not end with the last decade’s slew of sponsored sport superstars—Michael Owen (England) for Tissot, Thierry Henry (France) for Gilette, and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) for waxed “metrosexual” eyebrows. No, the legacy of football had its roots in the stands and streets of 1970s Britain . . .Ay, sabog.
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January 16, 04:50 AM
I always get Dylan Thomas and Bob Dylan mixed up, but no longer. I picked up Adventures in the Skin Trade on a whim and it has given me a wondrous mixture of dream and nightmare for the last two weeks. Sometimes it seemed that Dylan Thomas must have been high or tight or both. I don't suppose that every poet must go the way of Coleridge, but much of the stories were pretty mad (The Lemon! The Tree! The Burning Baby!). Musical, myth-based, and mad. It must be Wales in the man.
The book is a collection of short stories and an unfinished novel, but the inner flame of poetry burns bright in Thomas as he comes up with stuff like:
The book is a collection of short stories and an unfinished novel, but the inner flame of poetry burns bright in Thomas as he comes up with stuff like:
At nearly two in the morning she hurried down Chapel Street against a backcloth of trilbies and burberries going the other way, umbrellas rising to the first drops of the rain a month ago, the sightless faces of people who would always be strangers hanging half-developed behind her, and the shadows of the shopping centre of the sprawling, submerged town.And——Adventures in the Skin Trade
There was creation screaming in the steam of the kettle, in the light making mouths in the china...—The Mouse and the WomanHis name rolled about the mountain, echoed through caves and crevices, ducked into venomous pools, slap on black walls, translated into the voice of dying stone, growling through slime into silence.—An Adventure from a Work in Progress
The world was the saddest in the turning world , and the stars in the north, where shadows of a mock moon spun until wind put out the shadow, were the ravaged south faces. . . . Peace, like a simile, lay over the roofs of the town.And again, such imagery—–The Orchards
Round and round the wooden horses sped, drowning the cries of the wind with the beating of their wooden hooves.—After the Fair
The toy of the town was at his feet. On went the marzipan cars, changing gear, applying brake, over the nursery carpets into a child's hands. But soon height had him and he swayed, feeling his legs grow weak beneath him and his skull swell like a bladder in wind. It was the image of an infant city that threw his pulses into confusion.—The OrchardToo many days, he said, sick of his mother's brew and of the poisoned hours that passed and repassed him, leaving on the gravel path a rag and a bone in a faded frock coat.
—The Horse's Ha
The man is a bloody genius. I wish I had a tenth of his skill with words, and with even a tenth that tenth I would be brilliant.
Dylan Thomas blurs the line between dreams and reality until it seems as if they are interchangeable or perhaps the same thing. I like that. I like Samuel Bennet skulking about 'the known, flickering corners' of his house and destroying knick-knackery of 'the strangers upstairs he had known since he could remember' before jumping on a train and conquering the loos of London. I like that jungle of furniture in Mr Allingham's flat and crazy Mary and just about everything, even the dark and the ? and the creepy. I like Dylan Thomas, he enjoyed WTFuckery.
Dylan Thomas blurs the line between dreams and reality until it seems as if they are interchangeable or perhaps the same thing. I like that. I like Samuel Bennet skulking about 'the known, flickering corners' of his house and destroying knick-knackery of 'the strangers upstairs he had known since he could remember' before jumping on a train and conquering the loos of London. I like that jungle of furniture in Mr Allingham's flat and crazy Mary and just about everything, even the dark and the ? and the creepy. I like Dylan Thomas, he enjoyed WTFuckery.
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January 06, 06:40 AM
Hope Bolton v Arsenal doesn't get cancelled. Wouldn't like to wake up in the middle of the night for no good reason.
On a side note, I wonder how it felt for thousands of Manchester City fans to wake up to find out that their club is £92.6 million in debt.
Borrowed from College of Arts and Letters library (the One with the Bitchy Ogres) yesterday:
On a side note, I wonder how it felt for thousands of Manchester City fans to wake up to find out that their club is £92.6 million in debt.
Borrowed from College of Arts and Letters library (the One with the Bitchy Ogres) yesterday:
- Death in Ecstasy by Ngaio Marsh—I finally complete my three-year survey of the Golden Age of Crime's Four Queens. CAL didn't have the entire Roderick Alleyne collection on shelf, contrary to the declarations of its electronic catalogue, so I had to start off the series at random. I'm in Chapter Three and boy is Marsh harsh on gay boys, referring to two rather effeminate acolytes of a New Age cult as "the black orchid" and "the red lily" (or have I got them confused?) and calling them both creepy.
- Adventures in the Skin Trade by Dylan Thomas—I remember him as the poet told us not to go gentle into that good night and as the lech who fondled a woman's breasts then promptly died. Read the introduction by a friend of his and was annoyed to find out that Thomas didn't even finish the story. So to continue with Samuel Bennet or not?
- Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers—Only because I couldn't find Five Red Herrings. I am going to have to do a crash course on Christie Time novels to make sure, but I think Margery Allingham's my favourite writer. I love Campion.
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March 07, 06:01 AM
Movies I'm dying to watch in 2010:
LegionBADLeap Year (It's so bad it's good, promise.)OKAYAlice in WonderlandOKAYSherlock HolmesOKAY- Adele Blanc Sec
- Micmacs à tire-larigot
Solomon KaneBADUp in the AirOKAYDaybreakersHORRIBLE
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December 19, 10:04 AM
Back from the movie theatre and almost three hours of James Cameron's Avatar. It was stupendously beautiful. At first I was wondering, how the hell did they get to do that? Eventually I totally immersed myself in the stunning visuals, and I felt that Pandora was REAL. Not since Lord of the Rings have I felt such awe as an imaginary world was solidifying, becoming real before my eyes. It was fantastic how Cameron took sci-fi fantasy to a completely new level.
It made me think of Connie Willis' novel Remake where movies no longer have real human actors, but everything is made using CGI composites and stills lifted from old movies. Avatar makes me believe that such a future is now definitely possible. I can't wait to see 'Gregory Peck' and 'Katharine Hepburn' star in movies once more.However, apart from the absolutely fucking fantastic graphics (I WANT MORE OF THAT SCENERY), the plot and dialogue raised no emotional response in me. First, I couldn't empathise with the blue New Age nouveau Native Americans. It wasn't just the fiber optic tails, it was the sentimental balderdash about communing with Nature (note the capital N) that set my back up. I don't like being lectured to and I was never a fan of the Primaeval Perfection movement. I care about the environment (which was the issue Cameron meant to raise) but because of the science not the mumbo-jumbo We Are One stuff. District 9 was not as heavy handed with the morals, which is why I infinitely prefer it to Avatar. Second, the capitalist colonization plot and inter-species love story was dull dull dull. Lambast me for my narrow mind, but the alien love was a bit ick. I was wishing for fight scenes every time the lead characters got all touchy-feely. And that dialogue! My Diary of a Wimpy Kid-reading brother could have written it. Characters were one-dimensional and it took heroics from the cast to get me to even finish the movie.
Things I liked: Sam Worthington (not my type, but boy, was this paraplegic Marine slobber-worthy), flying jellyfish (definitely inspired by the real-life sea angels), Colonel Bad Ass (oh, you are so cardboard), Giovanni Ribisi (and his wonderful gold putter), and Pandora.It was enjoyable stuff, Avatar. I would recommend everyone to rush to the nearest IMAX theatre and don those multicoloured glasses, but it's not Return of the King or Jurassic Park. I appreciate the technical and visual skill employed by Cameron and his mates, which is why I would give the film a 7/10, but the lacklustre script unfortunately leaves me unsettled and unsatisfied. Expect me to buy a DVD at Metrowalk and skip to all the good bits (Fight, Terrans!).
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December 18, 09:27 AM
BEST. BLOGPOST. EVER. On Boing Boing, a contest to win an HP Envy 15 laptop has got readers turning into authors (or hacks or geniuses or Bowdlerizers or whatever you wish to call people who write for profit). Commenters need only to 're-write a scene from one classic book in the incongruous literary style of another'. Geeky literary love at its finest. Witness excerpts below (titles my own):
#68: Jabberwock the Third
I think it is very interesting to see that the two authors that prove the most inspiring are William Shakespeare and Dr Seuss. Literary greats to be sure, but such polar opposites! Though it is my belief that to be well-read you need the Hard Stuff and the Nonsense. Everything between is slush, as a Wodehousian hero would say.
EDIT: On second thought, I don't think #37 was inspired by Graham Swift. It was the 'Al. Iss.' bit that got me going down the wrong path, for I remembered the chapter Goodnight which ends 'Ah Mary. Love. Lu-Love.' If there was a Wonderland by Graham Swift, suppose—suppose...
#68: Jabberwock the Third
`Twas winter, and our discontent#88: Oompah LoomPolonius
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy was the firmament,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
Oompa Loompa Do-Ba-Dee-doo#92: Annabel Emily
Hamlet, Hamlet, What did You Do?
Oompa Loompa Do-Ba-Dee-Dee
When Will They Start To Listen To Thee?
#139: The Scot's Venetian JewDown the palate the Tongue-tip steps--
To tap--at three--on the teeth--
And proclaims my Love--Warranted--
Unsurpassingly--Light of my life--my Sin--Soul--
In one sock, four feet ten--
But did she have a--Precursor?
She did--indeed she did--Had I not loved one summertide
Ladies, Gentlemen of the Jury--
In a princedom by the Sea--
A certain--initial--Girl-child--
No Lo--plain or Fancy--
I offer Exhibit One--
What misinformed Seraphs--envied--
This--tangle of Thorns--
Tae bait fish wi it; -- if it will feed nothing else, it will feed mah revenge. He huv disgraced me and shat on me, like; laughed at mah losses, mocked mah gains, scorned mah nation, thwarted mah deals, talked shite to mah friends, provoked mah enemies-- and whit's his reason? Ah am a Scot. Huv nae a Scot eyes? Huv nae a Scot fuckin hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? Fed wi th' same food, hurt wi th' same weapons, subject tae th' same diseases, healed by th' same means, warmed n cooled by th' same winter n summer, as th' English? If ye prick us, dae we nae bleed? If ye tickle us, dae we nae laugh? If ye poison us, dae we nae die? n if ye wrong us, shaa we nae revenge? If we ur like ye in th' rest, we will resemble ye in 'at. If a Scot wrongs aw English cunt, whit can he dae? Take revenge. If 'at same English cunt wrong aw Scot, whit should he dae followin English fuckin example? Revenge! Th' shite ye teach me, Ah will most certainly execute but Ah will better th' instruction, ken?#202: The Post Station of Sennacherib
#37: Wonderland by Graham SwiftThe postman came down like a wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in blue and in gold;
The mountains of mail will all be sent out,
Said the brand new Postmaster, in a wavering shout!...
Deliver the mail! It all must go out!
Those whispering letters, starting to shout,
It's time they were sent, after years on the floor,
They've sat here too long--take them out through the door.
Alice, apple of my eye, conflagration of my essence. My iniquity, my vitality. Al-ice: the meridian of the mouth muscle maneuvering in matching movements along the parapet to palpate, in a mated motion, on the maxilla. Al. Iss.Actually I'm not quite sure about the last (the only one of the lot that I haven't detected the original story and the ersatz writer). But it is very good, that and #92 being my absolute favourites.
I think it is very interesting to see that the two authors that prove the most inspiring are William Shakespeare and Dr Seuss. Literary greats to be sure, but such polar opposites! Though it is my belief that to be well-read you need the Hard Stuff and the Nonsense. Everything between is slush, as a Wodehousian hero would say.
EDIT: On second thought, I don't think #37 was inspired by Graham Swift. It was the 'Al. Iss.' bit that got me going down the wrong path, for I remembered the chapter Goodnight which ends 'Ah Mary. Love. Lu-Love.' If there was a Wonderland by Graham Swift, suppose—suppose...
Follow me, said the Rabbit, and I will give you your Golden Afternoons. And she followed him—down the hole, to the chequered lawns of Memory's mystic band.Hah, rotten mashed potatoes. I wanted it to end 'About the Louse' until I remembered that particular poem was not by Lewis Carroll but Robert Burns. :)
How it repeats itself, how it goes back on itself, no matter how she tries to figure it out (Drink me. Don't drink me.). How she grows larger, smaller. Her world has gone the wrong way up, and they call it Progress? How it goes in circles and brings her back to the same place.
She is thinking of going somewhere (which is beyond the looking glass). She wants to get back to Here and Now. She was tired of school and lessons—there's something odd about that cat—beneath the willows and today's setting sun, so he told her
About the Tarts.
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December 12, 03:15 AM
High on a productive morning of layout design, I finished my yearbook write-up. One of the perks of holding the editor-in-chief position is the ability to ignore deadlines. Inspired by Irwin Gordon's Who Was Who from 5,000 BC to Date, I made myself an entry from a mock Debrett's. I'm not sure if it's too smart-arsed to be truly clever.
Write-up
ARNIQUE, a contradictionist and reader of trivial literature. Does not have an accent or a pair of sans-culottes. When a young girl she discovered Arsenal FC and never had a good night's sleep again. Excellent at fantasy football, rotten at keeping goal. A model socialist, she would not say no to PhP 5,000,000 in her personal bank account. Spends early mornings at the library, swotting up on abstruse economic theory and 2oth century British humourists. Consequently, she knows everything about nothing.
Ambition: To leave home. Also, to return home. Likes: Asking questions. Dislikes: Other people asking questions. Recreation: Trolling, the English press, non-incunabula, Christie Time reenactments, and a string of etcs. Address: Pat G's car, School of Economics parking lot. Clubs: Friday, Pinoy Procrastinators, and UProject. Epitaph: Edamus, Bibamus, Gaudeamus.
Tweet
If I could be a famous economist, I would be
Arsene Wenger, football manager. I would engineer a pair of rose-coloured glasses, all the better to see statistics and Cesc Fabregas with.
My favourite economic concept is
The Coase Theorem, i.e., bargaining will lead to efficient outcomes regardless of legal entitlements when transactions costs are nil. It is a beautiful fairy tale.
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November 14, 09:53 PM
Icon for today in remembrance of the first time I got a ticket for disobedience on North Avenue. Saying goodbye to a week's allowance in order to reclaim my license + paint scratch on front bumper = never want to drive again.
Get:
Get:
- May Contain Traces of Magic by Tom Holt
- Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
- Crossed Wires by Rosy Thornton
- The Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones
- Blackout by Connie Willis
- All Clear by Connie Willis
- Money to pay for all of the above.
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May 27, 01:25 AM
Short break from thesis. Amazing performance from Arsenal against Blackburn tonight. They replicated the scoreline from December 2006:
Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn
Absolute brilliance from Fabregas who notched four assists and my favourite goal of the match—a left-foot shot that curved magnificently into the top left corner. Paul Robinson had no chance, and I can't help feeling sorry for the poor bugger. What's it been, 47 goals against in 16 games? It was good to see Walcott and Rosicky back from the bowels of Arsenal's medical facility but it was even better to see Thierry Henry back at Emirates (a good omen perhaps?).
How insanely fitting are Arsene Wenger's signings? In Thomas Vermaelen we have not only a defender but a striker. I never imagined a centre back would be our top scorer for the season with, what, six goals? Bendtner gets a lot of stick, but I just knew he'd get on the score sheet. Looks like the Aston Martin incident hasn't affected his ability to find the back of the net. If only he'd do it consistently more often than he hits the post.
As for Diaby, I still don't like him. He falls/loses the ball too easily, and his goals come sporadically. He's okay for a sub, I suppose, but I'd take Denilson and Song (!) over him any day. Don't think Nasri will have a problem coming back into the first team once he gets fit.
As for the Japan Grand Prix, Raikkonen should have put his finger down on the KERS button. I was really hoping that he'd pass Hamilton, but fate's fate. Still, now that Alonso's knocked Kimi out of Ferrari I'd like to see Raikkonen at McLaren and breathing down Hamilton's neck. And fingers crossed that Sebastian Vettel pips Jenson Button to the F1 title. What can I say, I love the underdog. :)
Excellent weekend after the horrible case of the iPod touch thieves on Monday. If Arsenal keeps playing this well, I won't care that I haven't got Bex anymore.
Arsenal 6-2 Blackburn
Absolute brilliance from Fabregas who notched four assists and my favourite goal of the match—a left-foot shot that curved magnificently into the top left corner. Paul Robinson had no chance, and I can't help feeling sorry for the poor bugger. What's it been, 47 goals against in 16 games? It was good to see Walcott and Rosicky back from the bowels of Arsenal's medical facility but it was even better to see Thierry Henry back at Emirates (a good omen perhaps?).
How insanely fitting are Arsene Wenger's signings? In Thomas Vermaelen we have not only a defender but a striker. I never imagined a centre back would be our top scorer for the season with, what, six goals? Bendtner gets a lot of stick, but I just knew he'd get on the score sheet. Looks like the Aston Martin incident hasn't affected his ability to find the back of the net. If only he'd do it consistently more often than he hits the post.
As for Diaby, I still don't like him. He falls/loses the ball too easily, and his goals come sporadically. He's okay for a sub, I suppose, but I'd take Denilson and Song (!) over him any day. Don't think Nasri will have a problem coming back into the first team once he gets fit.
As for the Japan Grand Prix, Raikkonen should have put his finger down on the KERS button. I was really hoping that he'd pass Hamilton, but fate's fate. Still, now that Alonso's knocked Kimi out of Ferrari I'd like to see Raikkonen at McLaren and breathing down Hamilton's neck. And fingers crossed that Sebastian Vettel pips Jenson Button to the F1 title. What can I say, I love the underdog. :)
Excellent weekend after the horrible case of the iPod touch thieves on Monday. If Arsenal keeps playing this well, I won't care that I haven't got Bex anymore.
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September 12, 10:13 AM
Things to do this weekend: 1) cram BA 161 Law on Obligations and Contracts 2) patch together a formal model of party capability theory in the Philippines Supreme Court 3) curse AWOL professor 4) finish a six-page exam on the Romantics and Victorians 5) curse sadistic professor.
Woohoo.
And now, back to watching the streams and trawling the Internet for updates on the Arsenal v Manchester City match. I expect Toure to score and a draw. My brother's picked out Denilson to hit the back of the net. Fingers crossed we kick Adebayor ass. I never effing liked that guy.
Woohoo.
And now, back to watching the streams and trawling the Internet for updates on the Arsenal v Manchester City match. I expect Toure to score and a draw. My brother's picked out Denilson to hit the back of the net. Fingers crossed we kick Adebayor ass. I never effing liked that guy.
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September 11, 07:28 AM
In the UP College of Arts and Letters library, there is a book. This book is called Nightingale Wood by Stella Gibbons of Cold Comfort Farm fame. It is a well-preserved, blue-green hardbound book published in 1938. It is a first edition. It is currently valued at £150.00 online. The librarian did not know this. I told her, and she did not care.
I want this book. Imagine, the poor thing has been lying forgotten and unread for almost twenty years. The librarian needed a week to have it recalled from The Stacks, which I presume to be some godforsaken warehouse hidden in the overgrown lots of Diliman. I can see in my mind's eye teetering towers of books reaching to the ceilings in an damp, rat-infested basement lit by a single lightbulb. Nothing Stella Gibbons wrote deserves such a fate. It is sacrilege—damned sacrilege!—for it to remain stuck in the limbo of The Stacks. The question is, how am I going to make this book mine?
I want this book. Imagine, the poor thing has been lying forgotten and unread for almost twenty years. The librarian needed a week to have it recalled from The Stacks, which I presume to be some godforsaken warehouse hidden in the overgrown lots of Diliman. I can see in my mind's eye teetering towers of books reaching to the ceilings in an damp, rat-infested basement lit by a single lightbulb. Nothing Stella Gibbons wrote deserves such a fate. It is sacrilege—damned sacrilege!—for it to remain stuck in the limbo of The Stacks. The question is, how am I going to make this book mine?
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May 27, 01:20 AM
Last week a classmate came up to me in the library and asked if I was still following Arsenal. 'Everyone's gone off it,' he said. 'The new bandwagon's for Man City.' This was true, judging from the surplus of light blue shirts on all the sports TV ads and the critics calling Wenger a madman.
'Do I look like a freaking flake?' I replied, 'It's Arsenal or nothing. We're going to be great, I know it.' And I am glad glad glad that the opening game proved just that. Everton 1-6 Arsenal and we didn't even break a sweat. Sweet vindication (though not of the fleeting variety, I hope) and we're in an excellent position to start the season. Loads of confidence and goals, and no injuries . . . fingers crossed.
Points of interest:
'Do I look like a freaking flake?' I replied, 'It's Arsenal or nothing. We're going to be great, I know it.' And I am glad glad glad that the opening game proved just that. Everton 1-6 Arsenal and we didn't even break a sweat. Sweet vindication (though not of the fleeting variety, I hope) and we're in an excellent position to start the season. Loads of confidence and goals, and no injuries . . . fingers crossed.
Points of interest:
- Thomas Vermaelen. I was initially worried about his height, especially while he stood next to the giant Toffee dandelion Fellani, but I was heartened by his solid performance at back (and that bold header). He likes going forward though, and there were times when I felt there was quite a lot of space between him and Gallas. A bit more work there, but on the whole I am satisifed with our one and only signing. He has upped the Hotness level of Arsenal to 3.5/30 (joining Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela, and Cesc Fabregas when he's on the pitch).
- Aaron Ramsey. Has he gotten taller over the summer? If he hasn't, he has certainly gotten more attractive. Sigh. The boy needs more close-ups, damn it. Oh, and playing time. I haven't got the chance to see how great he and Jack Wilshere are.
- Manuel Almunia. What has the man done with his hair? :0 Was the part-peroxide faux-hawk intentional, or is he a victim of a pro-Tottenham barber? Thankfully, Fabregas has nixed his Euro-trash do and gone for clean-cut and serious.
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Posts
January 26, 11:37 PM
SHIP'S LOG: B goes dancing in the dark in Sydney's Moonlight Cinema.
B wears Element white top, Topshop denim shorts, thrifted boots
Now, I'm not very geeky about a lot of things but I love me some good teenage musicals. Grease, West Side Story, Crybaby, Hairspray and even, yes, High School Musical. During low points in my life my ringtone would (unashamedly) be 'Get Your Head in the Game'. See, I don't blame you if you now feel the need to close this window and never visit this blog again.
So when my sister mentioned the outdoor moonlight cinema in Sydney I had no qualms about blowing money on that experience. And it just so happened that Grease was playing the only night we could watch. At first I balked at the fact that it was a sing-a-long version. Oh no. Cheesy karaoke style lyrics bouncing along the bottom of the screen? Butchering the coolness that is John Travolta in a pompadour and leather jacket? No, thanks. But hoping for the best, we went anyway.
Since this was as close as I will ever get to an outdoor music festival, I wanted to dress as if I was going to one. It was kind of appropriate since the crowds had to drag their own beanbags and blankets to sit on in the big empty field and wait for the show to start.
For those who don't have their own gear they rent $9 beanbags. And if you didn't think to save money by bringing your own snacks or booze, there were two silver trailers selling chips, onion rings, hotdogs, wine and beer for your convenience. The sponsors also kindly spray bug repellant all over you to keep pesky mosquitos away!
Everyone got there early to position themselves near the screen so we had to wait quite a bit for the film to start. We had so much time that I was able stuff my face with hotdogs, onion rings, chips and then take a 45 minute nap. The crowd at the moonlight cinema is pretty diverse. Mothers with their bouncy little daughters, yuppies on a double date, noisy girlfriends and even adorable old couples.
If you ever decide to go DON'T forget to bring a jacket or blanket of some kind. The old man sitting beside us was so chilly he put spare plastic bags around his feet and hands until my sister gave him our blanket.
Once the show started the crowd got pretty riled up. A cute moment was when everyone burst into a cheer when Sandy mentioned she was from Australia. :) Then when the first few words of 'Summer Lovin'' popped out everyone started singing. Even if you think singing-a-long is lame you kind of can't help but get caught up in it. And whoever made the sing-a-long version really put effort into making the graphics fun. The words kept popping up in really random ways. The hand jive even had a small instructional video in the corner.It cracked my sister and I up.
And, seriously, John Travolta. Hands down.
By the last number everyone was so into it that a bunch of people ran to the open space in front of the projector and started dancing. Until more and more people joined and you could just see this mass of figures dancing in the dark. It was pretty magical and I'm sure everyone was grinning when the lights came back on.
My brother heard two little girls talking on the way out. Keep in mind they've probably never seen Grease before.
Little Girl 1: "Oh my gosh, that movie was awesome!"
Little Girl 2: "It wasn't awesome...it was the BEST!"
My sisters poor boyfriend (who laughed at us for even watching the thing) had to suffer through us shouting songs at him all the way home. It was so much fun and if you're in Sydney you must check it out. I was just bummed out that I couldn't catch the next few shows which included Breakfast at Tiffany's, Ferris Beuller (God, I would jump to dance to the Twist and Shout number in that movie) and Top Gun. Argh!
B wears Element white top, Topshop denim shorts, thrifted boots
January 07, 02:05 AM
SHIP'S LOG: Even if movies in Australia are ridiculously expensive B just had to experience watching one in ye old cinema house.
My parents gave my brother and I the best Christmas/New Year's gift ever by sending us to Australia to celebrate the holidays with my sister. Australia-despite it's shops and restaurants that close at 5pm- is one of my favorite places in the world. There's just something so mellow, happy and friendly about Australia. Everyone is endlessly chatty and helpful. I mean, I was just reading by the beach when a woman stops in the middle of her workout to ask me how I was liking the book! I was so amused.
My sister's awesome pad is right in front of the beach and one block away from this art deco cinema. I just researched now and it was built in the 1930s. Now she warned me that movies cost too much but I had to see what it looked like inside. It was a bonus that Melancholia was showing. I had already downloaded and seen it but heard it was a completely different experience on the big screen.
They were right the sound effects used in Melancholia were twice as powerful. When the movie ended (no spoilers but Charlotte Gainsbourg is amazing) the audience was sitting in silence for like five minutes. I was joking my brother that we should have broken the silence with a very loud, very trashy 'Dayummmmm!' but we didn't :P
The inside of the theatre (for those with vivid imaginations) is plush red carpets and red velvety seats with wooden arm rests. There were miniature chandeliers hanging from the ceiling too. It definitely had an old cinema feel. Like I should have been wearing a cocktail dress or something.
I also have to say one of the best things about Australia is that the people couldn't give less of a crap if you show a little skin. Girls are walking around in bikini tops, guys in boardshorts and dozens of people stalking the burning pavement barefoot. I loved it. I was originally whining about leaving Manila's 'fall' weather behind but ended up embracing bare midriffs and legs for two weeks. Still apparently a bit hung over since I'm typing this lying on my green furry rug (an impractical purchase from Ikea just because it looked like grass) in a floral cropped top even if it's pouring rain outside.
B wears thrifted denim shirt, Sportsgirl cropped top, Topshop high-waisted shorts and Vans.
December 12, 02:37 AM
SHIP'S LOG: What do you want to see under your Christmas this year? A shares her wish list and hopes that everyone will have happy, happy holidays!
Clearly, I'm not yet over the red, black, and navy color scheme that so inspired Anna Karina. :))
- A Humbershoe Jumper, soft and slouchy for chilly December nights.
- A Dress in Merlot, good for twirling along to the Jingle Bell Rock.
- A Mariner's Watch, to navigate time and space.
- A Night Circus, magic constructed entirely in black and white.
- A Flask of and for Cognac, future container of classic pep-me-ups.
- An Alternative Transportation Tote, for armchair travel and otherwise.
- Zipcode Boots in Suede, comfort and class at a conscionable price.
Clearly, I'm not yet over the red, black, and navy color scheme that so inspired Anna Karina. :))
December 07, 05:02 AM
SHIP'S LOG: A had an action-packed afternoon at the uber-fierce Bloggers United Bazaar organized by the lovely ladies Ana, Melai, and Aisa before battling Manila traffic to watch David Beckham lead a five goal-scoring frenzy against the Azkals.
My friend Fannie and I had a booth selling stockings from our online shop Sock & Sole Co. and clothes from my nautical-minded wardrobe last Saturday at the second Bloggers United Bazaar at the Treston International College at Bonifacio Global City. I were so busy that I barely got a chance to look at the other bloggers' stalls (or take decent pictures) but I loved Melai's slick MC-ing and meeting some of our readers (girl who won a prize and said A Plus B in the Sea was her favourite blog, email me?)!
Also, thanks to my usual after-school picker-upper Nail It Salon, I discovered the wonder of matte coral nail polish. It's amazing to have 'frosted glass' nails though, klutz that I am, they were chipped by the end of the day. I think it's time to get one of those loyalty cards that give discounts. :))
All right, I have to admit that half my mind was focussed on the LA Galaxy vs RP national team football match that my brother, Naesa, and I were going to see a few hours later. If you follow me on Twitter or on my meandering micro-blog No Modern Ariadne, you'll know about my obsession with Arsenal FC and Cesc Fabregas' hair. I'm not a huge fan of David Beckham but I can appreciate his skill as a midfielder and a leader, so I was excited to watch him play along with Arsenal arch-nemesis Robbie Keane of Sp*rs extraction.
Boy, what a night.
I ran two blocks to get to the stadium on time, lost my little brother in 13,000-strong crowd, ogled at Azkal #15 (who are you?!) with Naesa, ate hot dogs on the bleachers, saw Beckham get three corners and a goal, and watched a pretty pathetic national team capitulate to LA Galaxy.
Then it was chicken nuggets (mmm, fake food) at a late-night McDo before heading to Bea's birthday party. The theme was a slumber party, and we were the only ones in pyjamas. Dang it, B!
A wears Topshop denim jacket, spring dress and the Leather Satchel Co. bag.
My friend Fannie and I had a booth selling stockings from our online shop Sock & Sole Co. and clothes from my nautical-minded wardrobe last Saturday at the second Bloggers United Bazaar at the Treston International College at Bonifacio Global City. I were so busy that I barely got a chance to look at the other bloggers' stalls (or take decent pictures) but I loved Melai's slick MC-ing and meeting some of our readers (girl who won a prize and said A Plus B in the Sea was her favourite blog, email me?)!
Also, thanks to my usual after-school picker-upper Nail It Salon, I discovered the wonder of matte coral nail polish. It's amazing to have 'frosted glass' nails though, klutz that I am, they were chipped by the end of the day. I think it's time to get one of those loyalty cards that give discounts. :))
All right, I have to admit that half my mind was focussed on the LA Galaxy vs RP national team football match that my brother, Naesa, and I were going to see a few hours later. If you follow me on Twitter or on my meandering micro-blog No Modern Ariadne, you'll know about my obsession with Arsenal FC and Cesc Fabregas' hair. I'm not a huge fan of David Beckham but I can appreciate his skill as a midfielder and a leader, so I was excited to watch him play along with Arsenal arch-nemesis Robbie Keane of Sp*rs extraction.
Boy, what a night.
I ran two blocks to get to the stadium on time, lost my little brother in 13,000-strong crowd, ogled at Azkal #15 (who are you?!) with Naesa, ate hot dogs on the bleachers, saw Beckham get three corners and a goal, and watched a pretty pathetic national team capitulate to LA Galaxy.
Then it was chicken nuggets (mmm, fake food) at a late-night McDo before heading to Bea's birthday party. The theme was a slumber party, and we were the only ones in pyjamas. Dang it, B!
A wears Topshop denim jacket, spring dress and the Leather Satchel Co. bag.
December 18, 06:21 AM
SHIP'S LOG: A presents an in-depth guide to the top satchel makers from the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Of two (or three) minds when it comes choosing between School of Satchel and Cambridge Satchel Company? Let A Plus B in the Sea help you decide! A's pick: The Leather Satchel Co.!
Ever since I was a kid, I loved the beat-up brown leather school bags that the Railway Children and the Famous Five carried around as they went on adventures up and down the countryside, but I had thought that purveyors of the school satchel had died out in the 60s. Then I saw Keiko Lynn's yellow Cambridge satchel back in 2009 . . . Alas, a hefty price tag and a fear of Philippine custom tax kept me far away from online order forms.
After two years of slyly dropping hints into the ears of ancient relatives and bringing bagged lunches to save up, I suddenly unexpectedly got my hands on satchels from four bag makers, the Leather Satchel Company, Cambridge Satchel Company, School of Satchel, and Zatchels. Joy joy joy!
Though the satchel has become an IT bag and sadly ubiquitous on the fashion and blog scene, I'm really glad I got one (two!) at last, so I thought my fellow dreamers would like to hear about the similarities and differences between the satchel makers, so here's my first product review!
Caveat.—the photographs come straight from my camera because I don't trust my Pixelmator editing skills enough to capture an accurate depiction of the leather material's colour consistently from photo to photo.
Design
The school satchel is such a British classic (The Leather Satchel Co. has been using the same traditional design since 1966!) that it is almost impossible to tell the difference among bags made by the Leather Satchel Co., Cambridge Satchel Co., and Zatchels. They all have silver buckles, a front pocket, and an ID holder. I've read that the Leather Satchel Co. makes bags for other fashion houses and brands (they remain nameless) so it is possible that all the UK-based satchels are actually made by a single manufacturer!
Zatchels has its embroidered logo sewn on the right hand side of the front pocket while the others have their logos blind embossed at the back of the bag. Zatchels also stitches all around the top flap while the others do not.
School of Satchel is a little different because its bags do not have the ID holder nor silver buckles. Its buckles are made of a brassy metal that has a more vintage stamp. I also noticed that the front pockets are larger and the gussets are deeper compared to the other brands, which means that School of Satchel bags have the most space to put your things in.
All companies offer initial embossing and handles. The Leather Satchel Co. and School of Satchel offer optional Magnetic closures whilst only The Leather Satchel Co. also offer longer straps, deeper gussets, shoulder pads and what they also call a Tallboy design (a taller satchel with a longer top flap) for people who want to use their satchel as a laptop bag.
The Leather Satchel Company also delivers its satchels wrapped up in brown paper packages tied up in string ;P with a handwritten note addressed to the buyer! I think it is so sweet and old school of them. If you'd like to see pictures of the unwrapping of my Loch Blue satchel, check this out.
This may be hearsay, but I've read on other blogs and forums that Cambridge Satchel Company has slow and unresponsive customer service. I've heard of three-month long delays (just check their Twitter stream) that have even induced people to cancel orders. Again, I have NOT experienced ordering from the company, so I can't say with certainty that their service is less than impeccable.
Size
Zatchels (14.5 inch black)*
Cambridge Satchel Company (14-inch red)
The Leather Satchel Company (12.5-inch loch blue)
Ever since I was a kid, I loved the beat-up brown leather school bags that the Railway Children and the Famous Five carried around as they went on adventures up and down the countryside, but I had thought that purveyors of the school satchel had died out in the 60s. Then I saw Keiko Lynn's yellow Cambridge satchel back in 2009 . . . Alas, a hefty price tag and a fear of Philippine custom tax kept me far away from online order forms.
After two years of slyly dropping hints into the ears of ancient relatives and bringing bagged lunches to save up, I suddenly unexpectedly got my hands on satchels from four bag makers, the Leather Satchel Company, Cambridge Satchel Company, School of Satchel, and Zatchels. Joy joy joy!
Though the satchel has become an IT bag and sadly ubiquitous on the fashion and blog scene, I'm really glad I got one (two!) at last, so I thought my fellow dreamers would like to hear about the similarities and differences between the satchel makers, so here's my first product review!
Caveat.—the photographs come straight from my camera because I don't trust my Pixelmator editing skills enough to capture an accurate depiction of the leather material's colour consistently from photo to photo.
Design
The school satchel is such a British classic (The Leather Satchel Co. has been using the same traditional design since 1966!) that it is almost impossible to tell the difference among bags made by the Leather Satchel Co., Cambridge Satchel Co., and Zatchels. They all have silver buckles, a front pocket, and an ID holder. I've read that the Leather Satchel Co. makes bags for other fashion houses and brands (they remain nameless) so it is possible that all the UK-based satchels are actually made by a single manufacturer!
Zatchels has its embroidered logo sewn on the right hand side of the front pocket while the others have their logos blind embossed at the back of the bag. Zatchels also stitches all around the top flap while the others do not.
School of Satchel is a little different because its bags do not have the ID holder nor silver buckles. Its buckles are made of a brassy metal that has a more vintage stamp. I also noticed that the front pockets are larger and the gussets are deeper compared to the other brands, which means that School of Satchel bags have the most space to put your things in.
All companies offer initial embossing and handles. The Leather Satchel Co. and School of Satchel offer optional Magnetic closures whilst only The Leather Satchel Co. also offer longer straps, deeper gussets, shoulder pads and what they also call a Tallboy design (a taller satchel with a longer top flap) for people who want to use their satchel as a laptop bag.
Cambridge Satchel Co. and School of Satchel have backpacks while Zatchels also sells barrel bags. The former also sells music cases and steamer trunks, which are awfully cute.
Customer Service
My mother bought the Zatchel so I have nothing good or bad to offer about customer service with respect to that brand, but I can say that Leather Satchel Co. and School of Satchel offer TERRIFIC service. They both have an active online presence on Twitter and Facebook, and it is so easy to order bags from them. The owner of School of Satchel, Chi Donato, goes out of her way to get the bag you want to your door as soon as possible while I had a super time ordering from the Leather Satchel Company who kindly changed the colour from red to blue when I asked, and even offered to ship leather samples to me for free!The Leather Satchel Company also delivers its satchels wrapped up in brown paper packages tied up in string ;P with a handwritten note addressed to the buyer! I think it is so sweet and old school of them. If you'd like to see pictures of the unwrapping of my Loch Blue satchel, check this out.
This may be hearsay, but I've read on other blogs and forums that Cambridge Satchel Company has slow and unresponsive customer service. I've heard of three-month long delays (just check their Twitter stream) that have even induced people to cancel orders. Again, I have NOT experienced ordering from the company, so I can't say with certainty that their service is less than impeccable.
Size
Truth be told, the satchel is rather useless for a school bag. If you have a lot of textbooks, a padded backpack is still your best bet. But if you all you need is an iPad, a netbook, or an e-reader and perhaps a two-inch pile of A4 papers then the old school satchel is perfect for you. A 14.5-inch Zatchel is what I use for days when I have only one class, while I always grab my 12.5-inch (size sweet spot!) Leather Satchel Co. for running errands or shopping. The purple satchel shown in the photos is an 11-inch School of Satchel that is the perfect size to use as a clutch.
- Cambridge Satchel Company.—11/13/14/15
- Leather Satchel Company.—11/12.5/14/15/15 Tallboy/bespoke sizes
- School of Satchel.—11/13/15
- Zatchels.—11.5/13/14.5/16
The Leather Satchel Co. also offer a bespoke sizing service that allows you to have a satchel made to any size or dimensions you require, so if you want a 20-inch satchel, then for a price they'll craft it for you. As far as we are aware they're the only company in the world to offer a this bespoke sizing service. Just send master craftsman Barry Hanshaw an email at barry@leathersatchel.co if the bespoke service interests you.
Leather Material & Colour
The leather material and colour selection best differentiates the satchels. School of Satchel has a matte finish, very textured, and the leather is stiff and thick, which is perfect if you are someone who throws her bag around a lot (like me!) and wants extra protection for gadgets contained inside. Zatchels and Cambridge Satchel Co. have a smooth finish, halfway between matte and glossy while the Leather Satchel Co. has a very glossy, polished surface and the softest leather of the lot.
- Cambridge Satchel Company.—9 colours (vintage brown, dark brown, navy, black, red, purple, yellow, pink, green) and seasonal or designer colours (fluoros and two-tones)
- Leather Satchel Company.—27 colours (Charcoal Black, Chocolate Brown, Chestnut Brown, Autumn Tan, Pillarbox Red, Racing Green, Loch Blue, Deep Purple, Double Yellow, Baby Pink, Baby Blue, Snow White, Burnt Orange, Vintage Champagne, Sherwood Green, Oxford Blue, Dayglow Pink, Dayglow Yellow, Dayglow Green, Dayglow Orange, Mirrored Chrome, Mirrored Copper, Patent Black, Patent French Lilac, Patent Moss Green, Patent Cambridge Yellow and Patent Fuchsia Petal)
- School of Satchel.—6 colours (oxblood, navy, tan, black, distressed grey, and purple) and two-tone epi-leather satchels in baby pink and line green
- Zatchels.—A LOT. All the basic colours and metallic, animal print, floral, distressed, polka dot, pastel, star, Union Jack patterns, you name it they have it.
If you want to stand out, I'd definitely recommend Zatchels since they have a crazy amount of leather colours and patterns (their pastel collection is absolutely lovely) but if you want a classy satchel then your best bet is the Leather Satchel Co. Not only do I love the names they give their colours (snow white! double yellow!), the leather has a beautiful shiny finish.
Price
The most important factor to consider for people without trust funds! Price varies according to size, seasonal or designer collections, and the extras previously mentioned. Shipping is generally free for those who live in the UK and £15-£20 for international delivery. The range I've mentioned is for the basic colours and without any extras or shipping fees
- Cambridge Satchel Company.—£74-84
- Leather Satchel Company.—£74-156
- School of Satchel.—£50-71 or PhP 3,500-5,100
- Zatchels.—£76-87
School of Satchel is definitely the most affordable! I should also note that the Leather Satchel Co. usually sells the bags for £20 pounds less during sales and if you are a Facebook friend. ;P
Zatchels (14.5 inch black)*
Cambridge Satchel Company (14-inch red)
The Leather Satchel Company (12.5-inch loch blue)
A's Recommendation
The decision is a highly personal one. If you care for the cachet of owning an IT bag then it's the Cambridge satchel. If you want a bag that screams personality then Zatchels is your company. Want to impress your boss or teachers? Then the professional elegance of a School of Satchel is what you need. But if it's tradition and heritage (even if it's not your own ;P) you like, go no further than the Leather Satchel Company.
For me, I like the Leather Satchel Company best (in fact, I'm thinking of selling off the Cambridge to get another). Why? First, I love the leather finish, smooth, glossy, and practically water resistant. Second, it has the softest leather, so it's much easier to unbuckle (straps are thin but solid and crack-free**) and expands to fit in my iPad, codals, and cases. I also really like that the length of the strap is perfect, unlike the others, I didn't need to readjust or have a lot of excess strap. Third, it is the only company that offers a five year international warranty. Stitching unravelling or buckles tarnishing? Have no fear, just send in your satchel through the post and the Leather Satchel Company will fix it up tout suite.
I also highly recommend School of Satchel because, with each satchel you purchase, a bag will be donated to public school children who need things to carry their workbooks too! Chi offers the best prices for students and yuppies without stinting on that lovingly handmade quality. For fellow Filipinos, it is also the easiest bag to get your hands on and you'll be supporting our local leather industry.
*The workmanship of my Zatchel is a little iffy—the bag doesn't stand up straight because the base is uneven. It needs to lie on its back, otherwise it will topple off tables.
**After a month of using the bags, only the Leather Satchel Company's straps and buckles are as pristine as the day the bag arrived. I've noticed flaking and cracking on the straps of the other bags.
Do you already own a satchel? Share us your views or favourite shops to find old school satchels, whether retro inspired or vintage, in the comments below! :D
For me, I like the Leather Satchel Company best (in fact, I'm thinking of selling off the Cambridge to get another). Why? First, I love the leather finish, smooth, glossy, and practically water resistant. Second, it has the softest leather, so it's much easier to unbuckle (straps are thin but solid and crack-free**) and expands to fit in my iPad, codals, and cases. I also really like that the length of the strap is perfect, unlike the others, I didn't need to readjust or have a lot of excess strap. Third, it is the only company that offers a five year international warranty. Stitching unravelling or buckles tarnishing? Have no fear, just send in your satchel through the post and the Leather Satchel Company will fix it up tout suite.
I also highly recommend School of Satchel because, with each satchel you purchase, a bag will be donated to public school children who need things to carry their workbooks too! Chi offers the best prices for students and yuppies without stinting on that lovingly handmade quality. For fellow Filipinos, it is also the easiest bag to get your hands on and you'll be supporting our local leather industry.
*The workmanship of my Zatchel is a little iffy—the bag doesn't stand up straight because the base is uneven. It needs to lie on its back, otherwise it will topple off tables.
**After a month of using the bags, only the Leather Satchel Company's straps and buckles are as pristine as the day the bag arrived. I've noticed flaking and cracking on the straps of the other bags.
Do you already own a satchel? Share us your views or favourite shops to find old school satchels, whether retro inspired or vintage, in the comments below! :D
November 10, 03:04 AM
SHIP'S LOG: A catches up with her reading list and shares her favourite sites to brush up on local life and style, photograph lessons, and holiday ideas. For the benefit of all you armchair travellers, here's her map to internet exploring.
Sometimes it seems that this blog is entirely composed of hellos and goodbyes, but what can we do? The three inch piles of homework and those hour-long commutes take us away from our dream world and into the real world. So those glorious days of Doing Nothing, haphazardly scattered throughout the year, are treasures to hoard close to our hearts.
Oh, hello hello, sembreak.
I've spent the last few days lolling about my house in pyjamas, baking red velvet cupcakes with friends, putting the finishing touches on my Halloween costume, marathoning episodes of Community and Modern Family, beginning on that bloggers' favourite, the retro Pan Am, and, of course, reading all your blog posts.
B and I are planning to show you a little more of Manila in time for Christmas (teaser: Juan Luna's Spolarium, playing Ferris Bueller at the Ayala Museum, and maybe a bit of Chinatown/old Binondo) but until we get those photographs processed, I want to link to some bloggers whose hometowns I always enjoy reading about. The beauty of armchair travel is that it's free. ;P
Viva La Manika—retro gothic, lo-fi goodness, an artistic eye and a truly nationalist sensibility—Afianne Cope on her hometown:
Green Tea Fields—Southeast Asia up close, film experiments, looking at home from that belle-laide angle—Michelle Kuek on Singapore:
A Fine Day for Sailing—vintage classics comfortably and freshly styled, biking down streets on sunny days, and the friendliest smile ever—Isla Bell on San Francisco:
Olive, My Love—lots of love for historic sites (kindred spirits!), hanging out with friends (ditto), and a little link to our homeland via vintage emporium Dalaga—Liz on New York City:
Sometimes it seems that this blog is entirely composed of hellos and goodbyes, but what can we do? The three inch piles of homework and those hour-long commutes take us away from our dream world and into the real world. So those glorious days of Doing Nothing, haphazardly scattered throughout the year, are treasures to hoard close to our hearts.
Oh, hello hello, sembreak.
I've spent the last few days lolling about my house in pyjamas, baking red velvet cupcakes with friends, putting the finishing touches on my Halloween costume, marathoning episodes of Community and Modern Family, beginning on that bloggers' favourite, the retro Pan Am, and, of course, reading all your blog posts.
B and I are planning to show you a little more of Manila in time for Christmas (teaser: Juan Luna's Spolarium, playing Ferris Bueller at the Ayala Museum, and maybe a bit of Chinatown/old Binondo) but until we get those photographs processed, I want to link to some bloggers whose hometowns I always enjoy reading about. The beauty of armchair travel is that it's free. ;P
Viva La Manika—retro gothic, lo-fi goodness, an artistic eye and a truly nationalist sensibility—Afianne Cope on her hometown:
I live in a small young city mostly occupied by residential and industrial establishments. It’s nothing luxe and is far from being the bestplace I could live in. It is in fact a very simple life down here. No frills and fancy thrills, no sir. Not even a town perya or many intricatelydesigned buildings and daringly dressed people to take pictures of.
I used to frown upon all these because I’m one to look for boldness in almost everything. This place seemed boring and it did not havemuch to offer. But as I grew older, I catched on. Yes, it lacked furbelows and artistry and all that but there’s one thing I’ve grown sureof - its homeliness was irreplaceable. At the end of the day, there will be nothing like the vendor’s holler waking you up in the morning,the bumpy jeepney rides, the simultaneous karaoke singing in the neighborhood you hear at night, the quiet parks and, I admit, themalls where almost half of the town’s population head to on weekends and season sale and so much more. It’s all a classic case ofhometown glory.
Local Favourites
1. The Parish of the Five Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, a city cathedral with a rather interesting modern structure designed by ourvery own Arch. Joseph AdG Javier basing the concept on a nautilus, a marine organism with claims to the perfect natural proportions,the golden mean.
2. BF Paranaque. There are innumerable eating (and drinking) places in this area. Whether you like a cozy night -out with your lovedones or a frisky one with your friends, you will surely find a rightful spot.
3. The Phil-Am Village Private Park. I know it’s a bit funny but yes, I come clean about going to parks at this age. I get a lot of thatfeeling of wanting to flee from daily hustle-bustle and just appreciate serenity through the sight of trees and old-fashioned lovers.Guess I’m just an old person trapped in a 20-something body. :D
Green Tea Fields—Southeast Asia up close, film experiments, looking at home from that belle-laide angle—Michelle Kuek on Singapore:
This may sound weird but I really like that my neighbourhood is a remote, little backwater in Singapore, almost unchanged for the last 20 years that I have lived here. Well, there are political reasons for it but let's not get into that! My neighbourhood is lit slightly dimmer than most neighbourhoods but lesser lights mean that I can actually go star-gazing, something almost unheard of in a city! Many a nights, I walk home with my head tilted up to skies, trying to figure out which constellation is up. :)
Local Favourites
I would have to say Tiong Bahru. Tiong Bahru is a neighbourhood situated slightly outside of Singapore's city centre. This neighbourhood is quirky mix of the old and the new. Make your way through the quiet, leafy estate of apartments built in the 1920s and 1930s, and then choose between having a quiet cuppa at a cafe, visiting art galleries or having local food at the local market!
A Fine Day for Sailing—vintage classics comfortably and freshly styled, biking down streets on sunny days, and the friendliest smile ever—Isla Bell on San Francisco:
The best part? The people! San Francisco is full of such inspirational characters young and old. Everyone is so open and friendly. It did not take long for me to feel right at home here. There are so many amazing places in California it's hard to pick one. The Pinnacles national park is pretty magical, the hike there takes you through caves and up mountain sides, it's so majestic.
Olive, My Love—lots of love for historic sites (kindred spirits!), hanging out with friends (ditto), and a little link to our homeland via vintage emporium Dalaga—Liz on New York City:
My favorite thing about Brooklyn and my neighborhood (Bushwick) in general is the sense of community you feel when you live here. It's like everyone is banded together in this burrough and because of that there is always something going on. Farmers markets, free art opening and movies playing in parks, river front concerts and parades in Coney Island... All of these things are at your finger tips and you just have to go out and take advantage of it.It's so hard to pick just one place to visit while you're here (there's so much to do and see!) but some of my favorite places are naturally ones that take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
1. The Museum of Natural History: I could spend a full week walking through the halls and exploring all the exhibits. Artifacts, fossils and taxidermy, oh my! This place is great because you can walk across the street afterwards and have a picnic in Central Park!
2. Ft. Tryon Park at the Cloisters: This park and medieval art museum are waaay up north in Manhattan. It's a serious trek (at least and hour on the train), but it's 100% worth it. It's like a sanctuary up there. I didn't even go into the museum when I went because walking around the surrounding park and gardens was enough for me. Bring a snack, a blanket and a book and you're set for a relaxing afternoon.
3. Greenpoint: When I first moved to Brooklyn, I lived in Greenpoint and I still miss it to this day. Luckily I work there, so I still get to reap all it's benefits! Besides, what's a trip to NYC without a little bit of shopping and exploring?
If you are looking for an afternoon of walking around, window shopping and delicious food without the insane crowds of Manhattan, then Greenpoint is the spot for you. Franklin St. is littered with adorable shops (including Dalaga!) and yummy places to grab a bite.
I love Cookie Road for coffee and macarons, Paulie Gee's for the best pizza in town and The Pencil Factory for a drink after work. Alter is a quintessential Brooklyn store and they have both men's and women's locations on Franklin. In God We Trust has fantastic hand made clothing and jewelry, which is all created in their work space behind the store in Greenpoint! Kill Devil Hill is like a modern day general store and the owner is so sweet. If you're shopped out you can walk two blocks to the waterfront and take a ferry ride across the East River to Manhtattan via the India Street Pier!Odd Socks & Pretty Frocks—Georgette Heyer novel reader, wonderfully Wonderlandian shoe collection, and a shared taste in coats, old suitcases, and National Trust houses—Alex on Liverpool:
My favourite thing about Liverpool can't be narrowed down to one place or thing. The city as a whole is utterly unique and wonderful. It's an amazing mix of modern attitudes and very tangible history. We've got two cathedrals, more Georgian buildings than Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, loads of museums, galleries and such a great sporting and musical heritage, all in one fairly small city!If I'm being biased then I would say come and visit the place I work in, because it's beautiful and has survived amazingly over the centuries. In terms of Liverpool generally then I think just an hour's stroll around the city centre and the back streets is the one thing that all visitors should definitely do. You don't get the real feel for a place until you've walked round and discovered all the quirky little things about it.On Dressing Up—seaside walks and cherry blossom trees, pastel and pattern, superb prose, and that feeling of quiet happiness—Ana B. on Wellington:
It's got the buzz, activities and energy of a city, but the warmth and heart of a small village. You can't walk down the street without bumping into someone you know; and everywhere, strangers smile at you. I've never tasted coffee as good as it is here. Even gas stations have barista service. It's a land of milk and honey and rolling green hills and crazy street parties with people spilling onto balconies in the heat of summer nights. I love to travel but more than that, I love to come home.
Local Favourites Cafe-hopping, people-watching, thrifting and seeing gigs along Cuba Street; the street where I live in the centre of the city.
Dream Destination Iceland! To see the fire and the ice, the Northern Lights, and maybe an Icelandic elf or two. A friend told me of being in Iceland during Christmas. As the sun went down, one by one, people lit oil lamps and put them outside houses and shops, dimming the electric lights. She said the street was like a giant string of fairy lights.I seriously need to read more blogs from South America and Africa! Can anyone suggest a great lifestyle blogger from those continents? :)
September 20, 01:58 AM
SHIP'S LOG: This is a scheduled post—A cramming for Criminal Procedure finals and B working nights behind the camera and in the editing room for Storyline—but promises glittering goodies and history through rose-coloured glasses, i.e., Downton Abbey.
So most of you know our obsession with British period drama from our posts on Glorious 39 and Cracks and on the critically acclaimed An Education, but I can't believe I haven't shared anything about the ITV series Downton Abbey which just won a bucket of Emmys. Written by Julian Fellowes of Gosford Park fame, the series follows the story of the Earl of Grantham and his household as they deal with the problems of class and succession with the backdrop of turn-of-the-century Britain and the First World War. Very Upstairs, Downstairs except BETTER.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, long sweeping views of the Highclere estate and loving and lingering close-ups of ancient books in the library and silverware & crystal in the dining room. Downton Abbey is history viewed through rose-coloured spectacles, all things beautiful and good, with the added bonus of Coronation Street-style drama. Oh, the British. :))
There's a ton of style inspiration to be found in Downton Abbey. It's set in the early decades of the 20th century, after the horrendous bustles (no one could ever look good sporting a false bum) but before the days of flapper dresses (flat-chests a requirement, full bosomed girls, away with thee!), so the clean lines and almost empire-cuts look fantastic on every kind of body type. I really love the white lawn dresses that Lord Grantham's three daughters wear to tea and village fetes as well as the tailored riding habits complete with horsewhip that the eldest daughter Lady Mary wears. Even on the television, I could see how fine the lacework and filigree on the collars and the gowns were, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to keep them pristine. And the hats!
My two favourite characters are Lady Mary and Lady Sybil. A lot of people dislike Lady Mary for being a little spoiled, rather bossy, and very mean to middle sister Ethel (HATE HER), but I love her to bits. She’s clever, common-sensical, and cosmpolitan, and Lord Grantham sees her as the son he never had. Unfortunately, by the laws of primogeniture, Lady Mary can’t succeed to the title, so she must choose between marrying well into the aristocracy or her distant cousin Matthew, a middle class solicitor from Manchester who is heir presumptive to Downton Abbey. It is so much fun watching silver-tongued Mary cutting up Matthew, who she initially sees as an upstart bumpkin, before realizing his essential merits—one of which is a kindness that she does not possess. She has the most divine dresses, I would go out in her nightdress!
Then there’s Lady Sybil who is so gosh-darned sweet. She is very progressive, helping their maid find a job as a clerk-typist and discussing communist tracts with the Irish chauffeur Branson, and by the start of the second series she’s convinced her parents to let her attend a nursing course to aid the war effort. The scene where she fails at filling a kettle with water and making porridge is hilarious! Her fashion sense progresses from pastel smocks reminiscent of the nursery to peacock-inspired harem pants before settling on a very practical blouse and skirt uniform.
Totally shipping Sybil/Branson.
Kranich’s gave me a $150 gift coupon to spend on its website and I thought it would be fun to feature some of the possible future purchases in Downton Abbey sets. I swear, Polyvore is so addicting.
I’m really looking forward to the second series, and I am willing to put on record that if Matthew doesn’t end up marrying Lady Mary, I will eat my Sales textbook.
This is a sponsored post for Kranich's Jewellers, purveyors of Simon G, Ritani and more! If you're looking for some fancy bling or a hope ring, check 'em out!
So most of you know our obsession with British period drama from our posts on Glorious 39 and Cracks and on the critically acclaimed An Education, but I can't believe I haven't shared anything about the ITV series Downton Abbey which just won a bucket of Emmys. Written by Julian Fellowes of Gosford Park fame, the series follows the story of the Earl of Grantham and his household as they deal with the problems of class and succession with the backdrop of turn-of-the-century Britain and the First World War. Very Upstairs, Downstairs except BETTER.
The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, long sweeping views of the Highclere estate and loving and lingering close-ups of ancient books in the library and silverware & crystal in the dining room. Downton Abbey is history viewed through rose-coloured spectacles, all things beautiful and good, with the added bonus of Coronation Street-style drama. Oh, the British. :))
There's a ton of style inspiration to be found in Downton Abbey. It's set in the early decades of the 20th century, after the horrendous bustles (no one could ever look good sporting a false bum) but before the days of flapper dresses (flat-chests a requirement, full bosomed girls, away with thee!), so the clean lines and almost empire-cuts look fantastic on every kind of body type. I really love the white lawn dresses that Lord Grantham's three daughters wear to tea and village fetes as well as the tailored riding habits complete with horsewhip that the eldest daughter Lady Mary wears. Even on the television, I could see how fine the lacework and filigree on the collars and the gowns were, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to keep them pristine. And the hats!
My two favourite characters are Lady Mary and Lady Sybil. A lot of people dislike Lady Mary for being a little spoiled, rather bossy, and very mean to middle sister Ethel (HATE HER), but I love her to bits. She’s clever, common-sensical, and cosmpolitan, and Lord Grantham sees her as the son he never had. Unfortunately, by the laws of primogeniture, Lady Mary can’t succeed to the title, so she must choose between marrying well into the aristocracy or her distant cousin Matthew, a middle class solicitor from Manchester who is heir presumptive to Downton Abbey. It is so much fun watching silver-tongued Mary cutting up Matthew, who she initially sees as an upstart bumpkin, before realizing his essential merits—one of which is a kindness that she does not possess. She has the most divine dresses, I would go out in her nightdress!
Then there’s Lady Sybil who is so gosh-darned sweet. She is very progressive, helping their maid find a job as a clerk-typist and discussing communist tracts with the Irish chauffeur Branson, and by the start of the second series she’s convinced her parents to let her attend a nursing course to aid the war effort. The scene where she fails at filling a kettle with water and making porridge is hilarious! Her fashion sense progresses from pastel smocks reminiscent of the nursery to peacock-inspired harem pants before settling on a very practical blouse and skirt uniform.
Totally shipping Sybil/Branson.
Kranich’s gave me a $150 gift coupon to spend on its website and I thought it would be fun to feature some of the possible future purchases in Downton Abbey sets. I swear, Polyvore is so addicting.
Peacock featuring Simon G jewellery from Kranich's.
I’m really looking forward to the second series, and I am willing to put on record that if Matthew doesn’t end up marrying Lady Mary, I will eat my Sales textbook.
This is a sponsored post for Kranich's Jewellers, purveyors of Simon G, Ritani and more! If you're looking for some fancy bling or a hope ring, check 'em out!
September 13, 07:39 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A really wants to see Anne Hathaway return to her ugly duckling roots in One Day but has been bogged down by schoolwork, so instead here's an Oxfordian inspiration post!
Apologies for the month-long hiatus (curse you, school/work!) and I'm afraid B and I are likely to be missing in action for god knows how long, but before I head back to the books I want to share two things with you dear, dear readers: (1) On Dead Man's Bones, a superbly macabre, Hammer Horror-inspired travelling band whose back-up children's choir are always dressed up in Halloween skeleton and ghoul costumes and (2) an outfit inspired by the new film One Day.
Now, Anne Hathaway has been the bees' knees ever since I saw her frizzy-haired and buck-toothed in one of my favourite movies, The Princess Diaries (ignore the existence of its sequel, there is no way that Mia Thermopolis would chuck Michael Moscovitz for some Euro trash aristo—Michael plays in a indie rock band and invents a robot that helps save cancer patients, hello?). She's a class actress (Rachel Getting Married) except for one wee little thing—she can't pull off a British accent to save her life. Ever since Nicholas Nickleby, I've avoided films where she plays a British character, even Becoming Jane where she plays the best female author ever across James McAvoy for that particular reason, but now I'm dying to see One Day. She's guaranteed to mess it up, it's a Yorkshire accent for heaven's sake! Tough.
P.S. My mum's coming back with the camera in two weeks so real A & B outfit posts should crop up around the end of September. Yay!
This is a sponsored post for Kranich's Jewellers, purveyors of Simon G, Ritani and more! If you're looking for some fancy bling or a hope ring, check 'em out! I'm saving up to get one of their silver Everlon knot bangles, a little different but still classy.
Apologies for the month-long hiatus (curse you, school/work!) and I'm afraid B and I are likely to be missing in action for god knows how long, but before I head back to the books I want to share two things with you dear, dear readers: (1) On Dead Man's Bones, a superbly macabre, Hammer Horror-inspired travelling band whose back-up children's choir are always dressed up in Halloween skeleton and ghoul costumes and (2) an outfit inspired by the new film One Day.
Now, Anne Hathaway has been the bees' knees ever since I saw her frizzy-haired and buck-toothed in one of my favourite movies, The Princess Diaries (ignore the existence of its sequel, there is no way that Mia Thermopolis would chuck Michael Moscovitz for some Euro trash aristo—Michael plays in a indie rock band and invents a robot that helps save cancer patients, hello?). She's a class actress (Rachel Getting Married) except for one wee little thing—she can't pull off a British accent to save her life. Ever since Nicholas Nickleby, I've avoided films where she plays a British character, even Becoming Jane where she plays the best female author ever across James McAvoy for that particular reason, but now I'm dying to see One Day. She's guaranteed to mess it up, it's a Yorkshire accent for heaven's sake! Tough.
Gold Hoop Earrings & Simon G Two-Tone Necklace from Simon G.
I am definitely loving Anne Hathaway's character Emma's wardrobe though. It's grungy from the 80s, rather like B's sense of style the last few months (B even owns a green canvas rucksack), yet still reminiscent of comfortable and chintzy English heritage with her blue and white tea dresses and Doc Martens. She even has my dream head of curls!
What should I do?!
To round off today's One Day-inspired post, here are photos from my one day in Oxford last spring. My friend had an interview with the business school and the rest of us were there for moral support. Loveliest bits: pretending to be alternately Harriet Vane and one of Connie Willis' time-travelling historians while walking from the Quad to Magdalen AND seeing the place where Malfoy got turned into a ferret. A not-so-happy instance of expectation/reality: damp and ducklings under the bridge made it no longer suitable for Latin proposals of marriage.
P.S. My mum's coming back with the camera in two weeks so real A & B outfit posts should crop up around the end of September. Yay!
This is a sponsored post for Kranich's Jewellers, purveyors of Simon G, Ritani and more! If you're looking for some fancy bling or a hope ring, check 'em out! I'm saving up to get one of their silver Everlon knot bangles, a little different but still classy.
August 07, 12:11 AM
SHIP'S LOG: Manila was inundated for the better part of two weeks and A spent a lot of time looking out of raindrop-splattered windows thinking about clear skies on a summer day.
When trees outside are bent in half by gusting winds and local news channels are filled with talk of cars turned submarines it's only human to think back on better, sunnier days. As I was replying to Mirella's email about convenient blogging, it was only logical that those sunny days were Swiss in nature. So I thought I'd share some more photos of Zurich in the spring time. Witness pastel painted houses, winding cobblestone streets, teenagers reliving mediaeval history, shops with kettles and coffee cups arranged by colour, and a river as clear and turquoise as any tropical sea.
I've had several messages from readers (yay!) about what to wear when travelling abroad, and my usual answers involve checking typical weather conditions, crawling street style blogs, and making sure that all your clothes can be mixed and matched. For Zurich, my khaki Zara jacket and cream t-shirt and floral skort combo were my go-to pieces, if only because they were the only clean items in my luggage by that point. Mirella told me I looked simply Parisian in them, which was extremely gratifying to hear coming off a five hour train from France.
So today's travel tip: pack a lightweight tailored blazer for May in western Europe. :P
A wears Zara blazer, thrifted floral skort, DP t-shirt, thrifted belt, and Dooney & Bourke backpack.
When trees outside are bent in half by gusting winds and local news channels are filled with talk of cars turned submarines it's only human to think back on better, sunnier days. As I was replying to Mirella's email about convenient blogging, it was only logical that those sunny days were Swiss in nature. So I thought I'd share some more photos of Zurich in the spring time. Witness pastel painted houses, winding cobblestone streets, teenagers reliving mediaeval history, shops with kettles and coffee cups arranged by colour, and a river as clear and turquoise as any tropical sea.
I've had several messages from readers (yay!) about what to wear when travelling abroad, and my usual answers involve checking typical weather conditions, crawling street style blogs, and making sure that all your clothes can be mixed and matched. For Zurich, my khaki Zara jacket and cream t-shirt and floral skort combo were my go-to pieces, if only because they were the only clean items in my luggage by that point. Mirella told me I looked simply Parisian in them, which was extremely gratifying to hear coming off a five hour train from France.
So today's travel tip: pack a lightweight tailored blazer for May in western Europe. :P
A wears Zara blazer, thrifted floral skort, DP t-shirt, thrifted belt, and Dooney & Bourke backpack.
July 31, 10:06 AM
SHIP'S LOG: There is no funny or interesting story behind these photos. B just thought that these lockers looked cool and grunge-y. Apparantly, the 90s love never ends in this side of the blog-o-sphere.
As I posted before, I am still a little bit obsessed with denim. So much so that I have started layering - which is much more fresh and less heavy than it looks. The annual Topshop summer sale rolled around and I had to break the bank for this dress. I'm definitely getting my moneys worth though. I wear it at least once a week. I'm sure I'd wear it everyday if only my officemates wouldn't notice...
A random attraction tucked into a corner of The Collective is a set of gold lockers. Notice how I am curiously looking towards my right. An attempt to look coy or a tactic to confuse the random passersby ? Maybe a bit of both.
As I posted before, I am still a little bit obsessed with denim. So much so that I have started layering - which is much more fresh and less heavy than it looks. The annual Topshop summer sale rolled around and I had to break the bank for this dress. I'm definitely getting my moneys worth though. I wear it at least once a week. I'm sure I'd wear it everyday if only my officemates wouldn't notice...
It's bad enough they can't stop teasing me about my habit of skipping showers on days we have to shoot. I just really don't see the point of getting all fresh and clean when i am just going to end up running around the streets getting dirty again. Plus I'd choose a few extra minutes of sleep over showering any day. Our call times are at 3am for crying out loud!
By the way, I bought this green belt just to break up the blue of the outfit. So much for my resolution of wearing less blue.
In other news, I got interviewed for an awesome local magazine yesterday. Does anyone else do terribly at face-to-face interviews?
I feel like I bumbled through most of my answers which was super frustrating because these are the questions I answer in my head just for fun. When I read interviews in magazines I like to imagine the questions are directed to me and come up with my own answers. Guess that still isn't enough practice. Sigh!
I think I came of sounding really generic and confusing. Dear interviewer, if you are reading this and agree with me: e-mail me the questions so I may redeem myself!
Lastly, these are the last long haired photos you'll see of me in awhile. In another bout of boredom I decided to chop my hair off. Last time, I got a second piercing. What other body parts do I have left to mutilate?
I had to field the usual comment I get from hairstylists: 'Your hair is so freaking thick!' Here is evidence of that (and also evidence that I never stop wearing this dress):
*Sad confession: I wore this dress last Thursday then again on Saturday then again today. Pathetic.
B wears Topshop denim dress, ukay-ukay denim jacket and Nava green belt. Aldo Sandals.
B wears Topshop denim dress, ukay-ukay denim jacket and Nava green belt. Aldo Sandals.
July 29, 04:00 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A few months back A and B did a shoot for local shoe store, Ichigo. We thought it would be fun to show some out-takes via an old children's party photo album. Suitable soundtrack: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and Holland 1945.
We found it hard to edit the photos because there were a ton of clouds that afternoon. The weather report had predicted sunny skies all day but when we got up to Tagaytay it was raining. Though Pixelmator colour masks saved the pictures from looking completely dull and dreary, does anyone have any tips to improve dark or overcast photos? They would be much appreciated!
If you'd like to get the superbly comfortable and kawaii shoes featured in this post, please visit the nearest Ichigo store near you! They have a huge collection of girly vintage-inspired ballet flats and brogues that is renewed every month (so there's always something new to try on!) and all for less than PhP 1,000.00. For international readers, you can contact Ichigo through email to see if they'll ship to you or, if you are desperate for a pair, we'd be happy to help you out.
Ichigo
Greenhills Theatre Mall, Missouri Lane L37 Lower Ground
Greenhills, Shoppesville 3rd Level Atrium Lane
The Ramp, 2nd Level Shangrila and Glorietta Malls.
Inspired by Japan street style and the 1950s, Ichigo also sells satchels and canvas rucksacks. Check out the new collection at the Ichigo store near you! You can also order online at their Multiply site or Facebook page.
We found it hard to edit the photos because there were a ton of clouds that afternoon. The weather report had predicted sunny skies all day but when we got up to Tagaytay it was raining. Though Pixelmator colour masks saved the pictures from looking completely dull and dreary, does anyone have any tips to improve dark or overcast photos? They would be much appreciated!
If you'd like to get the superbly comfortable and kawaii shoes featured in this post, please visit the nearest Ichigo store near you! They have a huge collection of girly vintage-inspired ballet flats and brogues that is renewed every month (so there's always something new to try on!) and all for less than PhP 1,000.00. For international readers, you can contact Ichigo through email to see if they'll ship to you or, if you are desperate for a pair, we'd be happy to help you out.
Ichigo
Greenhills Theatre Mall, Missouri Lane L37 Lower Ground
Greenhills, Shoppesville 3rd Level Atrium Lane
The Ramp, 2nd Level Shangrila and Glorietta Malls.
Inspired by Japan street style and the 1950s, Ichigo also sells satchels and canvas rucksacks. Check out the new collection at the Ichigo store near you! You can also order online at their Multiply site or Facebook page.
July 25, 04:11 AM
SHIP'S LOG: Here are some photos from a Saturday two weeks ago when A and B went location scouting for a project that fell through. Sad, but at least we got to explore the warehouses of Makati a bit more.
Instead of a Saturday with Insurance (1000-1200), Labour (1200-0230), and Criminal Procedure (0300-0600) I sniggered at a fancy baking soda and thimble shop, gorged on PhP 150.00 ten-inch bahn mi with barbecue-vinegar sauce and Thai milk tea, bought a Barbour lookalike quilted jacket at Topshop sale, chowed on hot chicken wings and cool blue cheese on radish sticks with Fannie, and went out with the girls (and Vince LOL) pretending we knew the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
I wish I had photos of our lunch (so cheap, so good), but my battery died. Don't you hate it when that happens? If you like old record sleeves like B, go and check some of the silliest ones we found here.
A wears thrifted boots, cardigan, and dress and a Dooney & Bourke backpack.
Instead of a Saturday with Insurance (1000-1200), Labour (1200-0230), and Criminal Procedure (0300-0600) I sniggered at a fancy baking soda and thimble shop, gorged on PhP 150.00 ten-inch bahn mi with barbecue-vinegar sauce and Thai milk tea, bought a Barbour lookalike quilted jacket at Topshop sale, chowed on hot chicken wings and cool blue cheese on radish sticks with Fannie, and went out with the girls (and Vince LOL) pretending we knew the difference between a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
I wish I had photos of our lunch (so cheap, so good), but my battery died. Don't you hate it when that happens? If you like old record sleeves like B, go and check some of the silliest ones we found here.
A wears thrifted boots, cardigan, and dress and a Dooney & Bourke backpack.
July 21, 11:26 AM
SHIP'S LOG: 'Hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity,' said Coco Chanel. Here's a quick post about what I've got in my (tote) bag.
I've always admired people's dedication to aesthetics on websites such as Pinterest and Things Organized Neatly. Pencils in arranged by height, sea shells according to colour, dresses hung by pattern and print . . . So B and I thought we might have a go at it, and we discovered that great what's-in-my-bag photos are really, really hard to take.
I had to climb up on B's piano seat and half a dozen sofa cushions, trying to get wallets, headphones, a tube of lipstick into a properly framed shot. It was hard to balance on my little princess-and-the-pea structure while laughing my head off. The things we do for our blogs!
So, what I've got in my bag (clockwise from left):
A wears thrifted striped shirt, B's Topshop skirt, tights, aunt's Cole Haan tasselled flats, and a canvas tote bag.
I've always admired people's dedication to aesthetics on websites such as Pinterest and Things Organized Neatly. Pencils in arranged by height, sea shells according to colour, dresses hung by pattern and print . . . So B and I thought we might have a go at it, and we discovered that great what's-in-my-bag photos are really, really hard to take.
I had to climb up on B's piano seat and half a dozen sofa cushions, trying to get wallets, headphones, a tube of lipstick into a properly framed shot. It was hard to balance on my little princess-and-the-pea structure while laughing my head off. The things we do for our blogs!
So, what I've got in my bag (clockwise from left):
- Red leather wallet.—present from an aunt, and much better than my old trick of stuffing bills and coins in my back pocket.
- Samsung Corby.—about to die, several months after I dropped it into a bathroom sink at a late night party. Mixed drinks, baaaad.
- Mr Darcy tote bag.—bought in Bath for my friend Naesa but could not be brought to part with. And yes, Jane Austen's much loved hero has ruined me for any other man.
- Kindle.—not mine! but I thought it would be a good substitute for my usual companion, an iPod Touch named Chuck. I usually never leave home without it (and the 300 novels loaded into Stanza) but I suppose there's a first time for every thing.
- F21 sunglasses.—cheap and cute (isn't the little bow to die for?) and Bea's! If you haven't noticed, B and I love exchanging things when we feel like our own wardrobes are suffocating us. Before I let for Europe, I traded my full linen skirt for her paper baggy black one and we were very happy about the switch!
A wears thrifted striped shirt, B's Topshop skirt, tights, aunt's Cole Haan tasselled flats, and a canvas tote bag.
July 10, 09:53 AM
SHIP'S LOG: Thanks for all your music recs last post! A had a head-boppingly lovely time listening to them all. In this post, ancient jewellery and miniatures at the V&A.
One bright spring day in May I went down to South Kensington to see the Victoria & Albert Museum. I thought half a day would be enough to get a good grasp of Victorian taste but I was wrong. The building may not look like much from the outside, too much brick and gothic columns, but inside is a treasure trove of what I imagine awed visitors to Crystal Palace during the Great Exhibition.
I really REALLY loved the exhibition on the Aesthetic Movement, the Cult of Beauty, but they wouldn't let anyone take photographs! But look up Frederic Lord Leighton and the Pre-Raphaelites and rivals Whistler and Ruskin anyway . . . you won't regret it.
Had Victoria sponge and lemony tea at the most beautiful refectory in the world. High domed ceilings with Arts & Crafts details and stained glass windows flooded the hall with light, and I felt absolutely privileged to be there.
The photos above were taken in the Morris Room decorated by the artist and fantasist William Morris who not only made lovely tapestries and textiles based on work by his Pre-Raphaelite friends Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti (awesome names right?) but wrote fairy tales with titles like The Well at the World's End and News from Nowhere.
Portraits are my favourite thing to look at in museums because I love making up stories about who the people were and what they were like. It's also a great place to 'cast' novels like I did for Max Ravenscar from Georgette Heyer's Faro's Daughter when I saw Henry Brougham at the National Portrait Gallery. Geeky, I know, but infinitely fun.
Don't you think the eye miniature is haunting? Probably a memento mori, it was used as a lady's brooch and the tears are made of diamonds! I'm afraid I've bombed you with too many images BUT if you do like 'em I have more miniatures and micromosaics (you will definitely enjoy the tesserae) here.
So I'll leave you with a lovely snuffbox-clock automaton from the 17th century, the age of dashing trans-channel derring-do and red-bottomed heels for both sexes. It's made of gold, moss agate (a mineral though it looks like seaweed or coral), and glass. It reminds me quite a bit of my favourite Doctor Who episode, A Girl in the Fireplace in which Ten snogs Madame du Pompadour while clockwork monsters sneak around Versailles. Go watch!
One bright spring day in May I went down to South Kensington to see the Victoria & Albert Museum. I thought half a day would be enough to get a good grasp of Victorian taste but I was wrong. The building may not look like much from the outside, too much brick and gothic columns, but inside is a treasure trove of what I imagine awed visitors to Crystal Palace during the Great Exhibition.
I really REALLY loved the exhibition on the Aesthetic Movement, the Cult of Beauty, but they wouldn't let anyone take photographs! But look up Frederic Lord Leighton and the Pre-Raphaelites and rivals Whistler and Ruskin anyway . . . you won't regret it.
Had Victoria sponge and lemony tea at the most beautiful refectory in the world. High domed ceilings with Arts & Crafts details and stained glass windows flooded the hall with light, and I felt absolutely privileged to be there.
The photos above were taken in the Morris Room decorated by the artist and fantasist William Morris who not only made lovely tapestries and textiles based on work by his Pre-Raphaelite friends Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti (awesome names right?) but wrote fairy tales with titles like The Well at the World's End and News from Nowhere.
Portraits are my favourite thing to look at in museums because I love making up stories about who the people were and what they were like. It's also a great place to 'cast' novels like I did for Max Ravenscar from Georgette Heyer's Faro's Daughter when I saw Henry Brougham at the National Portrait Gallery. Geeky, I know, but infinitely fun.
Don't you think the eye miniature is haunting? Probably a memento mori, it was used as a lady's brooch and the tears are made of diamonds! I'm afraid I've bombed you with too many images BUT if you do like 'em I have more miniatures and micromosaics (you will definitely enjoy the tesserae) here.
So I'll leave you with a lovely snuffbox-clock automaton from the 17th century, the age of dashing trans-channel derring-do and red-bottomed heels for both sexes. It's made of gold, moss agate (a mineral though it looks like seaweed or coral), and glass. It reminds me quite a bit of my favourite Doctor Who episode, A Girl in the Fireplace in which Ten snogs Madame du Pompadour while clockwork monsters sneak around Versailles. Go watch!
July 04, 04:00 AM
SHIP'S LOG: It's been a rainy few weeks in Manila, perfect for the Shins and endless cups of Whittard's spicy chai tea. If only A had galoshes!
I've never been a huge fan of music. Whenever I'm out with B and friends I never know any of the songs that the DJs play. It's a sad thing really and I resolve to watch more MTV (my little brother will see to that)!
Generally my tastes run toward what I call Topshop music and what Chantal calls songs-that-don't-make sense (Los Campesinos! anyone?), and when rainy season hits Middle Manila I like to put in mix-CDs on my ancient Sony player. I don't know why but only then do I find it very calming to stare up at my ceiling while listening to Badly Drawn Boy, the Shins, the Smiths, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Does that make me a hipster? I greatly fear it might.
Tumblr and Blogger posts with rather treacly lyrics tend to be the bane of the (un)civilized worldwide web, but I figure there's a first time for everything. And selling out to the Shins is probably the best way to go. :)
What sort of music do you like to chill out to?
A wears cream T-shirt, navy Zara heels, H&M coat, Topshop skirt, and thrifted bag.
I've never been a huge fan of music. Whenever I'm out with B and friends I never know any of the songs that the DJs play. It's a sad thing really and I resolve to watch more MTV (my little brother will see to that)!
Generally my tastes run toward what I call Topshop music and what Chantal calls songs-that-don't-make sense (Los Campesinos! anyone?), and when rainy season hits Middle Manila I like to put in mix-CDs on my ancient Sony player. I don't know why but only then do I find it very calming to stare up at my ceiling while listening to Badly Drawn Boy, the Shins, the Smiths, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Does that make me a hipster? I greatly fear it might.
Tumblr and Blogger posts with rather treacly lyrics tend to be the bane of the (un)civilized worldwide web, but I figure there's a first time for everything. And selling out to the Shins is probably the best way to go. :)
A stronger girl would shake this off in flight,—The Shins, Girl Sailor
And never give it more than a frowning hour,
But you have let your heart decide,
Loss has conquered you
You've won one too many fights,
Wearing many hats every time,
But you wont win here tonight . . .
What sort of music do you like to chill out to?
A wears cream T-shirt, navy Zara heels, H&M coat, Topshop skirt, and thrifted bag.
July 03, 10:25 PM
SHIP'S LOG: While A prefers the preppy gamine style and B the vintage grunge look, both agree that this floral skort is a wardrobe staple.
About a year ago Arianne found the perfect black floral skort. It had a subtle floral print and was endlessly flattering with its high waist and A-line cut. I did not want to admit at the time but I was jealous. But being the gracious friend that I am I encouraged Arianne to get it. All the while secretly hoping she would change her mind so I could rip it out of her hands the moment she did.
Fast forward to a few weeks later. The exact same skirt was spotted in a different ukay by Arianne AGAIN! By this time, Arianne had used her skirt so much that she thought it best to buy a back up. I seethed in the corner, anticipating that I would have to watch the skirt of my dreams bought by someone else yet again.
But by some miracle the skirt was too small for Arianne's waist so hence the blog buddy skirt was born. Now the only down side to this is that Arianne and I always have to check with each other before going out.
Just as well worn and versatile as the skirt are my Ichigo loafers. The light brown shade and cute rounded toe keep the otherwise corporate shoe looking cute. I have literally worn them into the ground and would gladly shell out for another pair. Much more affordable than the P3000+ Topshop version. At our Ichigo shoot Gia, Aya and I all jumped at the chance to get a free pair. Now does this mean I have to call them up before going out too?
July 03, 10:27 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A and B give you a sneak peek of Ichigo shoes summer collection over a cup of tsokolate eh at every Filipino's home away from home, Pamana.
Pamana means 'heritage', a fitting name for a restaurant that serves all your grandma's favourite recipes from kare-kare to mangoes and sticky coconut rice. Surrounded by posters of 1930s Filipino film stars and sepia photographs of owner Happy Ongpauco's family, you can't help feeling that you've walked into a past where Sunday dinner was the highlight of the week, all sweet, eggy, glorious brazo de mercedes and lolo talking about how he led the guerillas during the war.
When we were asked by our favourite brand Ichigo to style their Spring/Summer collection, we immediately thought that Barrio Fiesta's Pamana restaurant would be the perfect backdrop to our shoot. Both companies offer a modern twist on classic oldies-but-goodies—floral prints on traditional Oxfords, pastel-coloured loafers, tsokolate fondue, tofu sisig . . . there's always something fresh and unique to find.
We asked our awesome friends Gia and Aya to be our dress-up dolls. According to them, they wore A and B costumes for the day, pastels and knits rarely something they rarely wear. But they loved Ichigo's moccasins and lace-up shoes so much they couldn't wait to get a pair. One of these days we'll show you how they styled the shoes their way!
B is very proud of her brown floral skirt, she hemmed it all by herself! We both absolutely regret not paying enough attention in Mrs Arugay's Home Economics class. We chose to write Harry Potter fan fiction round-robins or gossip about Ben Affleck's latest fling instead of learning how to do a drop-stitch.
It was so cool to find the exact same model of Singer sewing machine that we used in high school at Pamana! Converted into a side table, it is perfect for displaying an antiquarian book collection or the latest Ichigo bag.
We loved how crystal chandeliers and gigantic windows let sunlight flood the white-washed rooms. Mirrors of all shapes and sizes hung on the walls and made the rooms seem bigger, and A felt that looking glasses remain the best way to pass from one world to the next, more Alice in Wonderland than ponds in Magician's Nephew or twists of a door-knob in Castle in the Air.
Would you live in a house full of mirrors? Beautiful in the day time, but creepy at night methinks.
Ichigo
Greenhills Theatre Mall, Missouri Lane L37 Lower Ground
Greenhills, Shoppesville 3rd Level Atrium Lane
The Ramp, 2nd Level Shangrila and Glorietta Malls.
Inspired by Japan street style and the 1950s, Ichigo also sells satchels and canvas rucksacks. Check out the new collection at the Ichigo store near you! You can also order online at their Multiply site or Facebook page.
Pamana Restaurant
1315 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay
Three floors full of traditional narra furniture and posters from the golden age of Filipino cinema create a cosy ambiance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a fantastic view of the world's smallest dormant volcano. A suggests tomato-drenched prawns grilled inside banana leaves (pinaputok na hipon) and her guilty pleasure, deep-fried pork with a fresh salad (bagnet). If you want to feel the wind in your hair and the tropical sun in your face, have your coffee and cake at the roof deck. Reservations recommended for Saturdays and Sundays when most of Manila heads up into Tagaytay.
A wears Hush Puppies loafers, thrifted belt and striped shirt, and paper bag trousers. B wears Forever 21 jumper, Zara boots, and thrifted skirt. Gia wears a Brooks Brothers button down and B's thrifted polka dot dress. Aya wears Bangkok shirt dress and a yellow Zara cardigan. Gia and Aya wear Ichigo shoes.
Pamana means 'heritage', a fitting name for a restaurant that serves all your grandma's favourite recipes from kare-kare to mangoes and sticky coconut rice. Surrounded by posters of 1930s Filipino film stars and sepia photographs of owner Happy Ongpauco's family, you can't help feeling that you've walked into a past where Sunday dinner was the highlight of the week, all sweet, eggy, glorious brazo de mercedes and lolo talking about how he led the guerillas during the war.
When we were asked by our favourite brand Ichigo to style their Spring/Summer collection, we immediately thought that Barrio Fiesta's Pamana restaurant would be the perfect backdrop to our shoot. Both companies offer a modern twist on classic oldies-but-goodies—floral prints on traditional Oxfords, pastel-coloured loafers, tsokolate fondue, tofu sisig . . . there's always something fresh and unique to find.
We asked our awesome friends Gia and Aya to be our dress-up dolls. According to them, they wore A and B costumes for the day, pastels and knits rarely something they rarely wear. But they loved Ichigo's moccasins and lace-up shoes so much they couldn't wait to get a pair. One of these days we'll show you how they styled the shoes their way!
B is very proud of her brown floral skirt, she hemmed it all by herself! We both absolutely regret not paying enough attention in Mrs Arugay's Home Economics class. We chose to write Harry Potter fan fiction round-robins or gossip about Ben Affleck's latest fling instead of learning how to do a drop-stitch.
It was so cool to find the exact same model of Singer sewing machine that we used in high school at Pamana! Converted into a side table, it is perfect for displaying an antiquarian book collection or the latest Ichigo bag.
We loved how crystal chandeliers and gigantic windows let sunlight flood the white-washed rooms. Mirrors of all shapes and sizes hung on the walls and made the rooms seem bigger, and A felt that looking glasses remain the best way to pass from one world to the next, more Alice in Wonderland than ponds in Magician's Nephew or twists of a door-knob in Castle in the Air.
Would you live in a house full of mirrors? Beautiful in the day time, but creepy at night methinks.
Ichigo
Greenhills Theatre Mall, Missouri Lane L37 Lower Ground
Greenhills, Shoppesville 3rd Level Atrium Lane
The Ramp, 2nd Level Shangrila and Glorietta Malls.
Inspired by Japan street style and the 1950s, Ichigo also sells satchels and canvas rucksacks. Check out the new collection at the Ichigo store near you! You can also order online at their Multiply site or Facebook page.
Pamana Restaurant
1315 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay
Three floors full of traditional narra furniture and posters from the golden age of Filipino cinema create a cosy ambiance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a fantastic view of the world's smallest dormant volcano. A suggests tomato-drenched prawns grilled inside banana leaves (pinaputok na hipon) and her guilty pleasure, deep-fried pork with a fresh salad (bagnet). If you want to feel the wind in your hair and the tropical sun in your face, have your coffee and cake at the roof deck. Reservations recommended for Saturdays and Sundays when most of Manila heads up into Tagaytay.
A wears Hush Puppies loafers, thrifted belt and striped shirt, and paper bag trousers. B wears Forever 21 jumper, Zara boots, and thrifted skirt. Gia wears a Brooks Brothers button down and B's thrifted polka dot dress. Aya wears Bangkok shirt dress and a yellow Zara cardigan. Gia and Aya wear Ichigo shoes.
June 19, 09:56 PM
SHIP'S LOG: Perhaps a product of too much Freaks and Geeks or My-So-Called-Life, B decides to jump on the 90's bandwagon.
Arianne's words to me when she was taking my photo today: 'Your style is changing a bit, isn't it?' Ah, only my blog partner would notice the little changes I've been making with my wardrobe.
Chalk it up to taking too much inspiration from Nick and the gang. I may be a season or two late to be climbing on the grunge bandwagon but lately I've felt that nothing looks cooler than an acid washed denim jacket and a slick pair of Wayfarers.
Of course, trust Manila weather to mess with my best laid plans. Just when I have my summer staples down pat rainy season rears it's head. Hello, boots!
It might just be me but cropped denim jackets seem to be popping up all over the blog-o-sphere. And I've been aching to get my hand on the perfect one. They are just so tough yet fresh looking. An experienced thrifter would know that ukay-ukays around Manila are just exploding with vintage denim jackets. Some even covered in Mickey mouse patches and other such ironic memorabilia.
One weekend, I swung by the Cubao ukay and found myself clutching an armful of denim jackets within five minutes. It was only a matter of choosing the perfect one. Which this powdery blue cropped number (complete with metallic blue buttons) proved to be.
This isn't to brag about my thrifting skills. There are seriously just THAT many denim jackets in any given ukay-ukay. This is why I knew it would be silly to invest in the 3000 peso denims found in Topshop and Zara.
The search for the perfect sunnies was much more difficult. I am just one of those girls who has a weird face for sunglasses. Nothing ever seems to look quite right. Nothing was worth spending money on. So I opted to invest in various Forever21 knockoffs until I realized I was breaking one pair a week. Cheap crap.
When my barkada and I decided to have 'hipster night' at Cubao X, I found these awesome Ray-Ban look-alikes in TodayxFuture (formerly I Love You store). I left them that night but the thought of them haunted me until I texted the very obliging owner to reserve them until I could pick them up. I love how heavy and durable they are.
This should hold me off until I save up enough to invest in real Ray-Bans. A classic piece worthy of investing, don't you think? Especially in a tropical country like the Philippines.
So that's what's been inspiring me these past few months, folks. I now leave you with wise words from the tote Arianne got me as a pasalubong.
Ah, totes. Another awesome summer staple!
B wears shades from TodayxFuture, thrifted denim jacket, Topshop dress and thrifted boots.
B wears shades from TodayxFuture, thrifted denim jacket, Topshop dress and thrifted boots.
June 16, 04:00 AM
SHIP'S LOG: Racing leather-clad bikers up and down Derbyshire's twisty-turny roads, A arrives at a period drama staple, Chatsworth a.k.a. Pemberley.
The day before my birthday my aunt's friends took us to Chatsworth, one of the stateliest stately homes in England. That first glimpse of the manor from the rise of a hill is breathtakingly gorgeous, all gently rolling hills dotted with ewes and baby lambs and the susurrus of a stream meandering its way across a valley.
Having lived in a big city all my life, I spent as much time on the grounds and gardens as I could. I walked through bluebell woods (Diana Wynne Jones' Castle in the Air!) and a hedge maze (Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat!), and it felt awfully, awfully good to finally understand 'a Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land'.
Sorry for all the geekery! It's just that I always wanted to visit the United Kingdom to see what all my favourite authors and poets cared so much for (or little, in Byron's case). I'm so amazed that what I consider the world's greatest literature came from one tiny island.
The dress is from New Look, on sale for GBP 6.00 and I just had to snap it up. It fits a little oddly on me because I found it under the Tall section and I'm five-foot-four, not gargantuan by any standard, so I'll probably have to alter it a bit. The three turrets among the trees is a hunting lodge that you can actually rent for the holidays (and there goes #89 on the bucket list . . . ) unless the current Duke's nephew has got his pockets to let. :P
Chatsworth is one of the most well-known stately homes in the world, Baroque ceilings and hallways filled with china figurines and Egyptian statues, but I couldn't help thinking it was just like any other house. When you go to a friend's house all their family photos and slightly tacky souvenirs are laid out for your perusal. It's almost exactly the same experience, looking through Chatsworth, only your friend's family is very, very old and very, very rich. So you have the cross-stitched samplers of countless aunts, the well-loved and rather bald rocking horse, the chipped tea sets, and paintings by 'artistic' relatives. Weird and slightly voyeuristic, I felt.
Who wouldn't want this library?!
Afterwards, we drove down to Beeley where I had a lovely almost-birthday dinner at a local pub with a big slab of fried fish on mushy peas, better than anything I had in London. And, best of all, I had my first glass of pear cider! It was brilliant, neither bitter nor dry, and light on the ethyl alcohol taste. Never was a beer or ale girl, so not a surprise it turns out I was born for cider.
So, Chatsworth the inspiration behind Mr Darcy's estate?
Jane Austen wrote in Pride & Prejudice:
A wears New Look dress, mother's cardigan, dime store tights, and Hush Puppies.
The day before my birthday my aunt's friends took us to Chatsworth, one of the stateliest stately homes in England. That first glimpse of the manor from the rise of a hill is breathtakingly gorgeous, all gently rolling hills dotted with ewes and baby lambs and the susurrus of a stream meandering its way across a valley.
Having lived in a big city all my life, I spent as much time on the grounds and gardens as I could. I walked through bluebell woods (Diana Wynne Jones' Castle in the Air!) and a hedge maze (Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat!), and it felt awfully, awfully good to finally understand 'a Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land'.
Sorry for all the geekery! It's just that I always wanted to visit the United Kingdom to see what all my favourite authors and poets cared so much for (or little, in Byron's case). I'm so amazed that what I consider the world's greatest literature came from one tiny island.
The dress is from New Look, on sale for GBP 6.00 and I just had to snap it up. It fits a little oddly on me because I found it under the Tall section and I'm five-foot-four, not gargantuan by any standard, so I'll probably have to alter it a bit. The three turrets among the trees is a hunting lodge that you can actually rent for the holidays (and there goes #89 on the bucket list . . . ) unless the current Duke's nephew has got his pockets to let. :P
Chatsworth is one of the most well-known stately homes in the world, Baroque ceilings and hallways filled with china figurines and Egyptian statues, but I couldn't help thinking it was just like any other house. When you go to a friend's house all their family photos and slightly tacky souvenirs are laid out for your perusal. It's almost exactly the same experience, looking through Chatsworth, only your friend's family is very, very old and very, very rich. So you have the cross-stitched samplers of countless aunts, the well-loved and rather bald rocking horse, the chipped tea sets, and paintings by 'artistic' relatives. Weird and slightly voyeuristic, I felt.
Who wouldn't want this library?!
Afterwards, we drove down to Beeley where I had a lovely almost-birthday dinner at a local pub with a big slab of fried fish on mushy peas, better than anything I had in London. And, best of all, I had my first glass of pear cider! It was brilliant, neither bitter nor dry, and light on the ethyl alcohol taste. Never was a beer or ale girl, so not a surprise it turns out I was born for cider.
So, Chatsworth the inspiration behind Mr Darcy's estate?
Jane Austen wrote in Pride & Prejudice:
"The eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of the valley into which the road into some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned."I think it is certainly a great contender. The grounds are wondrous and green, but I don't think Jane would have thought much of the slightly pompous interior. But if you'd like to see the paintings and wallpaper that I liked at Chatsworth, click here. The 6th Duke of Devonshire chose some lovely mint and Japanese-inspired prints.
A wears New Look dress, mother's cardigan, dime store tights, and Hush Puppies.
June 12, 11:26 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A introduces the great Garet Garcia who shares some Gallic style and shopping tips. Also, some sweets for the sweet with a photographic selection of Parisian pastries. Ah, alliteration.
Friends, meet Garet Garcia, a girl B and I have known since we were four years old. We used to pick macopa fruits from our school gardens and play M.A.S.H. to see which characters from Harry Potter we would marry (I always got Percy Weasley. Yay!) and whether we would own Nimbus 2000s or hand-me-down brooms. For the last year, she's been studying in Paris and she kindly, nay, awesomely, let me kip on her studio floor. I seriously had the best night's sleep on her sofa cushion and camping bag nest.
I thought you all might be interested in learning a bit about the city of light from the perspective of a Filipino-Parisian. So enjoy the macarons and welcome to Garet's Paris.
Why did you decide to move to Paris?
To complete my masters degree, get international working experience, make lots of money so I can come home to Philippines and start my own business, find love and bring home an exotic husband.
Your top style tip for Paris?
To get the Parisian look, wear a casual blazer with folded cuffs and a lightweight scarf with everything (dresses, skirts, jeans, etc. it goes with anything). You need to walk A LOT in Paris, so comfortable shoes are a must. I see a lot of French girls wearing ballerina flats, mocassins and Bensimon sneakers (A French girl's Converse or Keds). Pull your hair up in a messy bun or if you want to leave it down, dramatically part your hair to one side. Always apply mascara and wear red lipstick as a final touch.
Where is the best place to shop?
Start from Opera Garnier, the converging point of many famous shopping streets, and from there the shopping possibilities are endless. Just a few blocks away you'll find Grand Magasins (it's very touristy though) which is the pulse of designer fashion. Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré (my personal fave) is lined with classic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent, but also some concept shops such as Colette.
Best shopping season is January and June, when the sales are up, designer brands are 50% off, no joke. Always ask for the 12% detax to make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
Do tell us about a typical day in Paris?
A typical, lazy weekend for me would be to grab a huge crepe for lunch in Rue Mouffetard, have a coffee break in St, Michel, take a stroll in Jardin du Luxembourg and lie down in the grass while reading a book/magazine/taking a nap. Depending on the season there's free ice skating rings, markets, concerts, exhibitions to visit as well for the afternoon, and I'll go to those. For a casual dinner, I head out to Bastille then have an ice cream for dessert at Amorino or another coffee.
What's your favourite pastry shop?
I absolutely love Lenôtre for the chocolate-y cakes but Ladurée for the delectable macaroons. Classic flavors are best: vanilla, pistachio, salted caramel, chocolate, rose and cafe. Light as air and eggshell thin, they shatter in your mouth - like eating nothing but happiness. The first time I ever stepped inside a Ladurée Salon du Thé, I told my friend "This is ridiculous, we have to line up this long for macaroons?! This better be good stuff." A French teenager beside me overheard and turned around to say "They are. It's really worth it." Needless to say, I'm a believer of Ladurée macaroons.
And Garet's absolutely right about the macarons. The interesting thing is that each Ladurée branch has completely different atmosphere from the other, something unusual when it comes to chain shops. Ladurée Rue Royale was how I imagined a Parisian cafe to be—low ceilings, potted palms, and marble top tables next to well-worn chairs upholstered in dark and dreamy patterns—while Ladurée on the Left Bank (a ten-minute walk from the Musée d'Orsay and its Van Goghs) was a bright conservatory with Japanese-inspired wallpaper and bamboo and teak furniture. Both were beautiful, and I suppose you can go to every Laduree shop and be surprised!
Fauchon
26-30 Place de Madeleine, 75008
I would call this Paris' version of Harrods, though remembering the historical enmity between France and England I may be pelted with bread and sent off to the gallows for the comparison. Fauchon sells freshly baked bread and pastries, specialty cheeses, and take-away for those too lazy (or busy!) to make lunch or dinner. It also has a slick department store behind the Madeleine, but I didn't go inside. Please do, and take pictures!
Laduree
16 Rue Royale, 75008
21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Don't just go for the divine Saint-Honoré's (get the orange blossom cream puffs like I did!) and pastel-coloured macarons. Ladurée also serves light, fruity teas and gourmet coffees. The rather twee-ly named Marie Antoinette mix, a mild afternoon tea with a touch of rose and spice, is a better bet than the bland house blend.
Do you have a favourite pastry shop? Would you choose that marvelous indie-love, macarons, or some other cake or sweet? Moi, je préfère une crêpe noisette.
Friends, meet Garet Garcia, a girl B and I have known since we were four years old. We used to pick macopa fruits from our school gardens and play M.A.S.H. to see which characters from Harry Potter we would marry (I always got Percy Weasley. Yay!) and whether we would own Nimbus 2000s or hand-me-down brooms. For the last year, she's been studying in Paris and she kindly, nay, awesomely, let me kip on her studio floor. I seriously had the best night's sleep on her sofa cushion and camping bag nest.
I thought you all might be interested in learning a bit about the city of light from the perspective of a Filipino-Parisian. So enjoy the macarons and welcome to Garet's Paris.
Why did you decide to move to Paris?
To complete my masters degree, get international working experience, make lots of money so I can come home to Philippines and start my own business, find love and bring home an exotic husband.
Your top style tip for Paris?
To get the Parisian look, wear a casual blazer with folded cuffs and a lightweight scarf with everything (dresses, skirts, jeans, etc. it goes with anything). You need to walk A LOT in Paris, so comfortable shoes are a must. I see a lot of French girls wearing ballerina flats, mocassins and Bensimon sneakers (A French girl's Converse or Keds). Pull your hair up in a messy bun or if you want to leave it down, dramatically part your hair to one side. Always apply mascara and wear red lipstick as a final touch.
Where is the best place to shop?
Start from Opera Garnier, the converging point of many famous shopping streets, and from there the shopping possibilities are endless. Just a few blocks away you'll find Grand Magasins (it's very touristy though) which is the pulse of designer fashion. Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré (my personal fave) is lined with classic designers like Versace, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent, but also some concept shops such as Colette.
Best shopping season is January and June, when the sales are up, designer brands are 50% off, no joke. Always ask for the 12% detax to make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
Do tell us about a typical day in Paris?
A typical, lazy weekend for me would be to grab a huge crepe for lunch in Rue Mouffetard, have a coffee break in St, Michel, take a stroll in Jardin du Luxembourg and lie down in the grass while reading a book/magazine/taking a nap. Depending on the season there's free ice skating rings, markets, concerts, exhibitions to visit as well for the afternoon, and I'll go to those. For a casual dinner, I head out to Bastille then have an ice cream for dessert at Amorino or another coffee.
What's your favourite pastry shop?
I absolutely love Lenôtre for the chocolate-y cakes but Ladurée for the delectable macaroons. Classic flavors are best: vanilla, pistachio, salted caramel, chocolate, rose and cafe. Light as air and eggshell thin, they shatter in your mouth - like eating nothing but happiness. The first time I ever stepped inside a Ladurée Salon du Thé, I told my friend "This is ridiculous, we have to line up this long for macaroons?! This better be good stuff." A French teenager beside me overheard and turned around to say "They are. It's really worth it." Needless to say, I'm a believer of Ladurée macaroons.
And Garet's absolutely right about the macarons. The interesting thing is that each Ladurée branch has completely different atmosphere from the other, something unusual when it comes to chain shops. Ladurée Rue Royale was how I imagined a Parisian cafe to be—low ceilings, potted palms, and marble top tables next to well-worn chairs upholstered in dark and dreamy patterns—while Ladurée on the Left Bank (a ten-minute walk from the Musée d'Orsay and its Van Goghs) was a bright conservatory with Japanese-inspired wallpaper and bamboo and teak furniture. Both were beautiful, and I suppose you can go to every Laduree shop and be surprised!
Fauchon
26-30 Place de Madeleine, 75008
I would call this Paris' version of Harrods, though remembering the historical enmity between France and England I may be pelted with bread and sent off to the gallows for the comparison. Fauchon sells freshly baked bread and pastries, specialty cheeses, and take-away for those too lazy (or busy!) to make lunch or dinner. It also has a slick department store behind the Madeleine, but I didn't go inside. Please do, and take pictures!
Laduree
16 Rue Royale, 75008
21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Don't just go for the divine Saint-Honoré's (get the orange blossom cream puffs like I did!) and pastel-coloured macarons. Ladurée also serves light, fruity teas and gourmet coffees. The rather twee-ly named Marie Antoinette mix, a mild afternoon tea with a touch of rose and spice, is a better bet than the bland house blend.
Do you have a favourite pastry shop? Would you choose that marvelous indie-love, macarons, or some other cake or sweet? Moi, je préfère une crêpe noisette.
July 03, 10:27 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A spends a morning wandering around Brick Lane's limitless charity shops. Also, an outfit out of place.
As my holiday went by, the number of photos I took each day dwindled from two hundred to twenty. I was so caught up in really looking at things that I couldn't be bothered to turn my camera on and snap a picture. I didn't want to end up like those tourists who come home with 8 gigabytes of photos and 8 minutes of actual memories. I'd done it before (Shanghai 2009, I can't remember anything other than dumplings and a solitary bank on the Bund) and blow me if I'd do it again.
At least that's my excuse for why my outfit photo is one taken over Easter in Spain while the rest of the post takes place in London two weeks later. ;P
I went to check out the charity shops in Brick Lane. There were TONS, but the prettiest by far was Vintage Emporium. The curated stock is expensive (GBP 60.00 was the average cost of a dress) but they offer finds from the difficult periods, e.g. Edwardian and the 1920s. A saleslady directed me to a hatbox full of dainty, skin-tight gloves and lace collars, but I couldn't find anything that would fit me! Ladies from the past had very small hands indeed.
If you don't find anything to your liking, there is a tea room upstairs, all sofas and wicker chair surrounded by old bikes and suitcases. You can also borrow a book or boardgames to pass the time while waiting for your pot of tea. If I lived in London, I'd definitely choose Vintage Emporium as a place to hang out (study, even). They play some wickedly retro melodies on their radio.
| Stealth snapshot inside Penhaligon's near Covent Garden. I came away with a vial of Elizabethan Rose for my gran, Lily of the Valley for myself, and an empty wallet. |
Truth tell, I was a little disappointed that I didn't buy anything vintage while on holiday. I was very excited about charity shopping, plotting out maps months before the trip, but when I got to the shops there was nothing I really wanted. No must-have-this-or-I'll-die shivers or at-last-my-perfect-summer-dress exultations. It was rather strange, but I think it must happen to even the best of us thrift-shoppers.
What do you think? Have you ever gone out shopping with a full wallet and a spirit willing to spend freely and ended up with nothing but a good walk and maybe ice cream?
June 12, 02:00 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A catches up with Chantal for a cup of coffee at Borough Market and a wander around London's Southbank. For more travel photos, click here.
Oh floral skort, you serve me well. Readers, you must all be deathly tired of seeing this item repeatedly over the last few weeks but I have to admit that it was the best thrift buy ever. For a measly PhP 125.00, I have something that looks like a girly skirt but is perfect for climbing up trees or fancy monuments (coughTrafalgarSquareLionscough) and sitting cross-legged at a summer picnic. I wish I could track down every copy made and buy 'em all up.
When I was in England I lived with friends behind Butler's Wharf and everyday I would take a fifteen minute walk to London Bridge station, passing by crazily shaped glass buildings, tightrope walkers, and splashy fountains, but I loved Fridays and Saturdays best because I'd walk an extra half-mile to Borough Market where I'd find stalls serving up a world of delight. Every food craving known to man would probably be satisfied at the market. Paella, mushroom pate, tripe pies, vanilla fudge . . . you name it, it's there.
Once I had Turkish baklava, a fried duck sandwich, puzzle cake (is it chocolate? Coconut? Or Victoria sponge?), a chorizo and rocket bun, mulled cider, and a glass of Pimm's. And I haven't even started on all the free samples. No wonder I gained ten pounds. ;P
Fantastic Mr Fox, my friends, you must download/rent/buy a DVD of Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book. And yes, the ad for cider speaks the truth—a cup is indeed 'pure, melted gold' especially on a nippy day in London when you're wearing shorts and no tights. The spicy warmth spreading from throat to toes is such a lovely, lovely feeling.
Over a cup of flat white, Chantal and I discussed how to bring Monmouth Coffee Company home. She didn't think the communal tables and honesty bread-and-butter bar would work well in fastidious and gutom-mata Manila (neither do I) but I would absolutely love to get sunny light from green industrial lamps and cups of deliciously strong coffee at the UP College of Law. I am so sick of dark, generic Starbucks.
Come on, Chants, franchise Monmouth na! I don't care if everyone here is going to mispronounce the name, you can call it MCC. :))
A wears auntie's 80s navy blazer, thrifted skort, Dorothy Perkins shirt, canvas bag, and Dooney & Bourke purse.
Oh floral skort, you serve me well. Readers, you must all be deathly tired of seeing this item repeatedly over the last few weeks but I have to admit that it was the best thrift buy ever. For a measly PhP 125.00, I have something that looks like a girly skirt but is perfect for climbing up trees or fancy monuments (coughTrafalgarSquareLionscough) and sitting cross-legged at a summer picnic. I wish I could track down every copy made and buy 'em all up.
When I was in England I lived with friends behind Butler's Wharf and everyday I would take a fifteen minute walk to London Bridge station, passing by crazily shaped glass buildings, tightrope walkers, and splashy fountains, but I loved Fridays and Saturdays best because I'd walk an extra half-mile to Borough Market where I'd find stalls serving up a world of delight. Every food craving known to man would probably be satisfied at the market. Paella, mushroom pate, tripe pies, vanilla fudge . . . you name it, it's there.
Once I had Turkish baklava, a fried duck sandwich, puzzle cake (is it chocolate? Coconut? Or Victoria sponge?), a chorizo and rocket bun, mulled cider, and a glass of Pimm's. And I haven't even started on all the free samples. No wonder I gained ten pounds. ;P
Fantastic Mr Fox, my friends, you must download/rent/buy a DVD of Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's book. And yes, the ad for cider speaks the truth—a cup is indeed 'pure, melted gold' especially on a nippy day in London when you're wearing shorts and no tights. The spicy warmth spreading from throat to toes is such a lovely, lovely feeling.
Over a cup of flat white, Chantal and I discussed how to bring Monmouth Coffee Company home. She didn't think the communal tables and honesty bread-and-butter bar would work well in fastidious and gutom-mata Manila (neither do I) but I would absolutely love to get sunny light from green industrial lamps and cups of deliciously strong coffee at the UP College of Law. I am so sick of dark, generic Starbucks.
Come on, Chants, franchise Monmouth na! I don't care if everyone here is going to mispronounce the name, you can call it MCC. :))
A wears auntie's 80s navy blazer, thrifted skort, Dorothy Perkins shirt, canvas bag, and Dooney & Bourke purse.
June 12, 02:03 PM
SHIP'S LOG: A goes to heaven—a wondrous world of vintage knick-knackery, pre-loved books, golden Welsh countryside, and a tumble-down castle.
Straddling the border of England and Wales is a town that Time forgot. It took me half an hour to walk the entire length and breadth of Hay-on-Wye but I could have stayed there forever. Its miniature houses were painted pastel pink and blue and rainbow bunting criss-crossed over every street. Every shopkeeper had a story and a smile to share, and I absolutely loved it. For the three days I was there, it was the most beautiful place on earth.
Alex (connoisseur of books and English holidays) told me that I was going to enjoy Hay-on-Wye; 'enjoy' was an understatement. The Cat and I arrived on the Hereford train from London, and we were so excited that we emptied our coin purses for a cab to the village. The driver was a real corker, as the Enid Blyton books would say, and he told us about the best walks and farmer's superstitions in the most muffled yet musical voice I have heard. I came with a half empty duffle bag and left with twelve books, blocks of toffee, and a china teacup and saucer set. One of these days I'll post 'em for I already fear photo overload in this entry!
There was the darlingest government office ever—and I matched!
So the Cat fished (for rocks and duckweed, it turned out) in the river Wye and I spent the evenings at our B&B Tinto House's garden. Bulmer's perry cider in one hand and a dog-eared book in the other, I felt like I was inside one of those turn-of-the-century children's adventure books like Five Children and It, The Secret Island, and The Wouldbegoods, all What ho! and Crikey! and endless summers full of ginger beer and butter pie picnics.
Oh man, I totally want to go back.
A wears Zara polkadot dress, Dorothy Perkins tights, Cole Haan tasselled flats, and an oversized H&M trench coat.
Straddling the border of England and Wales is a town that Time forgot. It took me half an hour to walk the entire length and breadth of Hay-on-Wye but I could have stayed there forever. Its miniature houses were painted pastel pink and blue and rainbow bunting criss-crossed over every street. Every shopkeeper had a story and a smile to share, and I absolutely loved it. For the three days I was there, it was the most beautiful place on earth.
Alex (connoisseur of books and English holidays) told me that I was going to enjoy Hay-on-Wye; 'enjoy' was an understatement. The Cat and I arrived on the Hereford train from London, and we were so excited that we emptied our coin purses for a cab to the village. The driver was a real corker, as the Enid Blyton books would say, and he told us about the best walks and farmer's superstitions in the most muffled yet musical voice I have heard. I came with a half empty duffle bag and left with twelve books, blocks of toffee, and a china teacup and saucer set. One of these days I'll post 'em for I already fear photo overload in this entry!
There was the darlingest government office ever—and I matched!
So the Cat fished (for rocks and duckweed, it turned out) in the river Wye and I spent the evenings at our B&B Tinto House's garden. Bulmer's perry cider in one hand and a dog-eared book in the other, I felt like I was inside one of those turn-of-the-century children's adventure books like Five Children and It, The Secret Island, and The Wouldbegoods, all What ho! and Crikey! and endless summers full of ginger beer and butter pie picnics.
Oh man, I totally want to go back.
A wears Zara polkadot dress, Dorothy Perkins tights, Cole Haan tasselled flats, and an oversized H&M trench coat.
May 29, 05:34 AM
SHIP'S LOG: A enters the pages of her favourite literary subgenres— the Roman murder mystery and the Regency romance novel—with a day in yellow limestone Bath.
My family and I took the train out of London to avoid the Royal Wedding crush, but little did we know that every shop and cafe counter would be streaming the celebrations to iPads, netbooks, and smartphones all over Bath. Still, I had a lovely weekend at Bath, the city of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and spa fanatics of Roman Britain.
I love the clean lines and curves of Regency architecture so most of my photographs are of buildings and blue sky. As we walked up to the Royal Crescent through the Circus, my cousin and I picked out townhouses we would buy upon winning a lottery jackpot. I wish!
I really enjoyed the Roman Spa, which proves how earnest heritage organizations are in seeking to preserve historical treasures. I was there with B in 2006 but there were so many new exhibits to see and interactive information to digest that I couldn't 'finish' the museum in two hours. I particularly liked where the dressed-up guide, usually hokey but not in this case, demonstrated how to make Roman perfume and let me try some on. I think the perfume smelled better than any Lush store.
What I love most about England is the sense of history that I don't often, if ever, get walking down the streets of Manila. I mean, that the same shops that heroines in novels and heroes in history books visited a hundred, two hundred, six hundred years ago are still open, under different names and refurbishments but still essentially there.
A wears an H&M light coat over a striped shirt and cuffed jeans or a blue polkadot dress and Hush Puppies loafers.
My family and I took the train out of London to avoid the Royal Wedding crush, but little did we know that every shop and cafe counter would be streaming the celebrations to iPads, netbooks, and smartphones all over Bath. Still, I had a lovely weekend at Bath, the city of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer and spa fanatics of Roman Britain.
I love the clean lines and curves of Regency architecture so most of my photographs are of buildings and blue sky. As we walked up to the Royal Crescent through the Circus, my cousin and I picked out townhouses we would buy upon winning a lottery jackpot. I wish!
I really enjoyed the Roman Spa, which proves how earnest heritage organizations are in seeking to preserve historical treasures. I was there with B in 2006 but there were so many new exhibits to see and interactive information to digest that I couldn't 'finish' the museum in two hours. I particularly liked where the dressed-up guide, usually hokey but not in this case, demonstrated how to make Roman perfume and let me try some on. I think the perfume smelled better than any Lush store.
What I love most about England is the sense of history that I don't often, if ever, get walking down the streets of Manila. I mean, that the same shops that heroines in novels and heroes in history books visited a hundred, two hundred, six hundred years ago are still open, under different names and refurbishments but still essentially there.
A wears an H&M light coat over a striped shirt and cuffed jeans or a blue polkadot dress and Hush Puppies loafers.
May 24, 03:33 PM
SHIP'S LOG: Goodbye summer holiday, hello much missed family and friends! But first, an uneven tan under a glorious sun of Switzerland.
Winding down after six weeks of travelling involves Scrabble death matches, "cooking" raclette with baby potatoes and pickles, trying three flavours of ice cream each day, and boating on the crazily clear lakes. I AM LOVING IT. I leave all the trip planning to my cousin's awesome girlfriend Mirella—result: pure happiness.
What I Did This Weekend:
People have asked me whether I am missing home yet, and truth tell, I'm not. Usually it only takes half a month before I am longing for my bed and fresh laundry that doesn't smell of damp doggies, but this time I don't want to leave. Probably because I feel like I haven't finished catching up with my Europe-based friends, but really, could I ever get sick of this—?
Don't think so. :)
A wears clothes. :P At this point, I am absolutely tired of living out of a suitcase.
Winding down after six weeks of travelling involves Scrabble death matches, "cooking" raclette with baby potatoes and pickles, trying three flavours of ice cream each day, and boating on the crazily clear lakes. I AM LOVING IT. I leave all the trip planning to my cousin's awesome girlfriend Mirella—result: pure happiness.
What I Did This Weekend:
- Saturday: Zurich's dreaming spires (better than Oxford's) and lunch at the old city wall. Noted a horde of mediaeval re-enactors wielding swords and Princess Beatrice headdresses.
- Sunday: Espresso croquant and pistachio ice cream with candied walnuts for breakfast. Missed Albi's last minute goal, thanks to a freak rain shower. Train to Bern where I finally, FINALLY see my cousin's house, cows, countryside and all.
- Monday: Cailler chocolate factory with unlimited fresh chocolates to taste and take home and a whirlwind tour of the Bernese Alps before an infamous dinner of late-night kebabs.
Today I had Bailey's and hazelnut ice cream and a cheese pie at Mirella's go-to food shop in Lucerne. So super. She and Albi are spoiling me rotten. Sharp smelly wonderful cheese and smooth nutty chocolate—I am dying.
| An unexpected 26 degrees C and not a cloud in the sky. |
| I did not win. But at least I beat Albi. |
| A not so Fantastic Mr Fox & friends (weasels and crows not pictured) at Zurich's downtown market. |
| Mmmm, hazelnuts. |
| Not Austria but the hills were alive with the sound of music. |
| My favourite Swiss-Filipinos and white-collar Monopoly bandits, Albi and Mirella. |
Don't think so. :)
A wears clothes. :P At this point, I am absolutely tired of living out of a suitcase.
Updates
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Going to Bangkok over EDSA day weekend! Any tourist tips?
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@ohtinka Reading teenage diaries? I do that sometimes. It is both painful and rib-achingly funny.
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@ohtinka My family loved your lemon curd. Next time I see you I'm bringing lemons and sherry.
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Beach in 7 days! http://t.co/SjVkb4MF Back to Kawayan Cove
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The Future of Peer Review http://t.co/wEhPnox3
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@tetgrajo Studying.
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My Nook ST just died. Looks like it's the Kobo Touch for me.
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I discovered I like Timmerman's Framboise in a bottle.
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Why does EVERYONE think I went to Ateneo Law?
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@naesa87 YEAH. I'm free until Tuesday then I disappear into a cave until Sunday the 12th. Dinner with @AlbertGubler @mireiil tom., come?
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@naesa87 No problem, I'm glad to help. Anyway, it's only my classmates who see me. ;P
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@naesa87 So what % of your salary is going to go to your driver? :)) BTW your freebie made me break out. :(
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@naesa87 OMG, CAN YOU DRIVE IT? Manual stick-shift hell.
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@chantifer Hugs and kisses. ;P
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@mmmirapots If you're talking about the prosecutor at #cjontrial, you're damn right.
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@theduffpod I would always make the effort for hotel buffets. :P
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@ohtinka OMG are you preparing for your all-wonderful heart-clogging heart-thumping RUM BACON ICE CREAM?!
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@ohtinka Definitely, Cranberries. Clueless 90s moments.
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That was hilarious AND brilliant. Deffo need to read more B.D.s “@ohtinka @tetgrajo @mtsayoc Just time and silence :) http://t.co/yGJSrQpi”
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@felorazepam I finally understand what you meant about the Labour Syllabus. It's so badly organised.
Posts
something about this photo really resonates with me, i don’t even know how to describe it
GEORGES SEURAT. Le Bec du Hoc, Grandcamp, 1885, oil on canvas. Pointillism.
Library of Henry Charles Lea, in his home in Philadelphia (U.S).
The collection now belongs to University of Pennsylvania. Read about it here.
The wolf and the mastiff.
Ernest Griset, from Æsop’s fables, with text based chiefly upon Croxall, La Fontaine and L’Estrange, London, New York, 1869.
(Source: archive.org)
