Sunday, January 30, 2011

A weekend of British accents --

Johann and I are stuck at home (sort of) because Seth is sick and we need to monitor him.


It hasn't been an uneventful weekend for us, though -- we used the free time to watch The King's Speech yesterday (Colin First should win the Oscar for this portrayal) and we just finished watching Never Let Me Go just now.  We were warned that it would be a depressing film but that is not the feeling I have come away with -- right now I'm actually quietly thinking about how provocative the movie was.  Bottom line, I am in awe.


The King's Speech is about George VI's efforts in trying to correct and speech impediment and the man who helps him.  The late George's speech problem is real but it also becomes a metaphor of how a monarchy that has existed for centuries is coming to terms with the reality of modernization (public broadcast radio) and of war.  I think that George's journey from reluctant successor (and stammerer) to king  was wonderfully portrayed by Colin Firth and I'm glad he got an Oscar nod for this role.


It makes me wonder if Queen Elizabeth or her children (and grandchildren) will watch this movie -- and I wonder what they think of it. ^_^


Never Let Me Go is a very timely movie (interestingly enough, it's set in the late 70s to mid-90s = almost a "period" piece) -- at a time when we are trying to push the boundaries of science and trying to improve the quality of life of the human race, one wonders at what cost this is all happening.  The movie is set in a different reality -- about 3 children and their pre-determined futures.


There is a sadness to the movie -- the attempt to delay (but not deny) their future; the reflection on the brevity of life and its meaning; of love and friendship --


I was especially moved by Kathy's (Carey Mulligan) final thoughts at the end of the movie -- We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time. 


For those who plan to watch Never Let Me Go, I will share the same warning we got when we told friends we were watching it:  Have a happy movie lined up after this one.  ^_^

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Kate Spade checklist: Stevie --

I love how floppy the Stevie looks. And I love that it looks like it can carry a lot of things.

During my recent quick trip to Manila with my son, I realized I didn't have a bag big enough to carry my essentials and my son's essentials.

Cornelia at ShopStyle
Cornelia Street Noel Stevie

Stevies at ShopStyle
Marivaux Stevie
<-- of the current Stevies, this is my favorite. I love the quilted pattern of the fabric -- gives it an interesting dimension and texture.

Stevies at ShopStyle
Hit the Dock Stevie
<-- This is a fun one that comes in Blue and White Stripes and Yellow and White Stripes. (A bit too casual for me, I think.)

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Kate Spade checklist: a leather bag - check

At the start of the year, Kate Spade had a really great sale -- 25% off all items on sale.

I was hoping to use this is a chance to get the Medium Serena in the classic Noel print. We were able to place the order -- and got a confirmation.

A few days later, we received another email informing us that the bag was sold out! Sad. =(

So I browsed through the Kate Spade sale section again and found myself drawn to this bag:

Kate Spade at ShopStyle
Wellesley Small Maeda (I got the Snapdragon.)

It's available in Mustard and Snapdragon. (The Maeda was previously available through the Tarrytown line and came in this really insane Tiffany Blue and Purple ... also green, I think.)

I've never owned a leather bag before -- so now I'm reading up on leather care to make sure that I can give this to Anya when she's grown up. ^_^

Monday, January 24, 2011

Cute Satchels --

Found these on Shopstyle --

Satchels from Urban Outfitters --

BDG at ShopStyle
<-- the red is insane! And it's a steal at $58!
The Cambridge Satchel Company at ShopStyle
<-- and this is a beautiful purple! $158 -- I find the size a bit too big, though -- maybe when Anya goes to High School? Hahahaha!

Turnlock Love! --

Turnlocks are nice.

I like that it is a completely different way of opening a bag (as opposed to zippers or magnetic clasps) --

I like how structured and mechanical they look.

Here are some bags with turnlocks that I like.

Stevies at ShopStyle
Bexley Stevie from Kate Spade
<-- I wish it came in a nice bright color

 These 2 bags by Madewell are also very nice!

 I like how preppy they look! (I wonder if I can still pull off "preppy" in my advanced age ...)

Madewell at ShopStyle
The Bike Bag

Madewell at ShopStyle
The Scholar Satchel
<-- I've always had a fascination for satchels. And this one is just very, very cute!

Urban Outfitters at ShopStyle
<-- I can actually afford this one! And the green is stunning!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A new favorite quote --

Commit the oldest sins, the newest kind of ways.

- William Shakespeare (Henry IV Part II)

Kate Spade checklist: Quinn --

The one bag I identify with the Kate Spade brand is the Quinn (maybe the Coal also) --

So the Quinn is on my list. Actually, right now, I want 2 Quinns in different fabrics:

Kate Spade at ShopStyle
Dungarees Quinn = $295

I've written before about wanting/needing a Denim bag and I think this one fits the bill nicely.

The tricky thing with the Quinn is that it's a bit above the budget I set for myself. I will have to save up some more for this.

Kate Spade at ShopStyle
Frosted Felt Quinn = $147 <-- on sale at Kate Spade

 I think I would need to see this bag first before I can buy it. I don't know how well a Felt bag will survive our weather (or my kids). But I want this bag in the 2-tones of Gray. And I want to get this one for my mom:


Kate Spade at ShopStyle

It's a more posh fabric -- and I think it's perfect for my mom. (But my mom is a practical sort -- I don't think it will sit well with her that she has a $295 bag. ^_^)

Kate Spade checklist: Sophie = check

I've always been interested in the Kate Spade brand but I always thought it was way out of my league --

Then I realized it wasn't!

So now I am starting a Kate Spade collection -- but I have set up some limitations for myself:
1. Nothing above $200
2. Must be classic shapes that I can use for many years

The first thing I got was the Sophie in the classic Noel print.

Kate Spade at ShopStyle
Kate Spade Murray Hill Noel Sophie in Oyster

I had the option to get it in either black, mustard, red or green --

I was so tempted to get it in a bright color (as part of my resolve to step out of my blacks and grays) --

But reason won out and I got the black and white (the very classic "classic noel") ^_^

(As for the less than $200 rule -- I got mine on sale for $119 (plus taxes).

Friday, January 21, 2011

I want: a new camera --

It's been a while since I posted a new want.

But this was something on my Christmas wishlist -- and something that I'm currently obsessing (well, slightly) about.

Canon PowerShot SD1300IS 12 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Pink)

I am very curious about the "miniature" effect and the "low light" setting available on this camera.

What your handbag says about you --

Article over at Yahoo.com. Clickety click here.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Birthday thoughts --

Johann and I turned 33 this year -- a few years ago, we made a modest list of things that we wanted to do before we turned 35 --

And now, 35 is in less than 2 years and we haven't really done anything on that short list of ours.

Then I stumbled upon someone's 30 before 30 project and it inspired me to come up with a similar list.  (A lot of people do this pala.)

Here are 35 things I want to do before I turn 35:
1.  Go to Europe with Johann.  Particularly, Spain, Italy, UK, and France.  (This was actually the only item on our initial list.)
2.  Lose 30 pounds.
3.  Learn yoga.  (I have the phone number of the place and I have the time.  I'm just waiting for the motivation.)
4.  Learn how to sew and
5.  Sew a skirt for myself or a dress for Anya
6.  Take both kids to a Disneyland.  (By my 35th birthday, Seth will be 7 and Anya will be 4.  I think we can manage it by then.)
7.  Bring both kids to Vancouver to visit their paternal great-grandparents.  (Saving up for this one.)
8.  Write a decent book review of one of the romance novels that I read.  (Complete with a discussion of the plot and characters.)
9.  Buy something from Tiffany & Co.  (Not silver.  It would be too easy.  Maybe something in gold or platinum.  And maybe with diamonds!  Hahaha)
10.  Own a set of pearls.  Real ones.
11.  Re-visit Japan.  Maybe a week in Tokyo and a week in Osaka.
12.  Attend the big 3:  Sinulog, Ati-atihan and Dinagyang.  And watch it live all live.
13.  Understand wine.
14.  Understand the stock market by attending one of these.  (PSE Certified Securities Specialist Course)
15.  Own a designer bag.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

... I'll keep adding to the list as I go.

I also started a "35 fund" -- money that I have set aside for the express purpose of being spent when I turn 35.  Right now, it's sitting nicely in the Philam Fund. ^_^

Here are some things I'd like to accomplish -- maybe 35 is too soon:
1.  Finish my thesis and get my MA.
2.  Open a children's library.
3.  Open a bookstore.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

I really want: Kate Spade Book of the Month Clutch --

Kate Spade Book Of The Month Clutch,Black/Pink,one size

Rumor has it, the new additions to her Book of the Month series are: Emma and Romeo & Juliet -- no pictures yet for those.

The current series has: The Great Gatsby and the Importance of being Earnest. It comes in a clutch form and a tote (cheaper).

Friday, January 14, 2011

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I want: a denim bag --

I like the idea of a denim bag -- I used to have one and used it almost every day. Then it died and I never got another denim bag. And I never thought to get one.

Until I saw these Kate Spade bags.

Kate Spade Dungarees Emily Satchel,Denim,one size
Kate Spade Dungarees Quinn Tote,Denim,one size

I especially like the Emily -- but I don't know if it keeps it's shape. (It looks too soft.)

The Quinn is a classic Kate Spade design and this incarnation comes in denim. It looks a bit small but I've read about how nice it looks and how much it can actually carry.

My favorite Quinn is this one:
Kate Spade Les Fetes Metallic Quinn Tote,Pink Multi,one size

I like looking through the Kate Spade website (I cannot buy because, a: they don't accept international orders and, b: I can't afford it) because their colors and styles are amazing and perfectly suited to me and my needs.

Maybe when I win the lottery? I'll definitely allocate money towards getting some Kate Spade items. ^_^

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I finally got this: Sweet Blue Daisy Necklace --

Since I didn't get it for Christmas, I bought it for myself.

Bear and the Honeybee was so nice -- I needed to have the length of the necklace redone because I want it a bit more loose around me neck.

Pretty, pretty necklace.

I'm counting the days (weeks) until it arrives. ^_^

This necklace is also very, very beautiful. I love the color and the brooch but I can't afford it now. Purple Trolley Necklace

Rent in Manila! -- February 12 to March 6! --

It's being staged by 9Works Theatrical and will be playing at RCBC Plaza!

Matinee Shows at 330pm (On Saturdays) and 430pm (On Sundays)
Gala Shows at 8pm (On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Do I want one? Mulberry Alexa --

I've seen this bag featured in a lot of magazines --

What's so nice about it is that it's a cute mix of masculine and feminine. I have a friend who has one and it is very eye-catching --

She tells me it's versatile and holds quite a bit. (And the leather is super, super soft.)

It's also quite pricey at around GBP760++ for the regular size.

Current colors on Mulberry are White and Watermelon.

<table><tr><td><div style="border:1px solid #bfbfbf; background:white;"><div style="text-align:center;padding:5px"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=212466218&pid=anonymous" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.shopstyle.com/action/productWidgetImage?id=212466218&size=Large&imageUrl=86c8d40de0f7e11d814f857fcbed48e5" style="border-style:none"/></a></div><div style="text-align:right;padding:0px 2px 2px 2px"><a href="http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/tote-bags/Mulberry#pid=anonymous" style="color:#909090"><img src="http://resources.shopstyle.com/im/widget/ShopStyleLogo_powered_small.png" alt="Mulberry at ShopStyle" style="border-style:none;"/></a></div></div></td></tr></table>

I don't own a leather bag -- most of my bags are fabric or nylon. Maybe it's time to invest in one?

Looking for: Nice jewelry for daily wear --

At one gathering, my husband jokingly observed that, at our table with 7 other women present, I was the only one not wearing any jewelry.

I don't wear my wedding ring (it got tight when I was pregnant with Seth) -- and I don't wear earrings or bracelets or a necklace. I used to -- but, when Seth was about 3 months, we had an unfortunate incident concerning a pretty red beaded necklace (which my brother got for me in India) -- Seth pulled at it and it broke, sending the beads scattering across the floor.

Did I mention this happened during his baptism party? In front of over 100 guests?

But I think I'm ready to wear them again!

One of the items on my Christmas wishlist was a necklace from Bear and the Honeybee on Etsy -- no one got it for me so I'll be getting one for myself.

I'm looking for a nice multi-strand necklace that isn't so expensive -- and isn't so trendy (because I am 33 years old) --

I'm also in the market for bracelets or bangles -- I really like the Kate Spade "Idiom" line --

Kate Spade "An Ace Up Your Sleeve" Black Idiom Bangle Bracelet
Kate Spade "Solid Gold" Gold Idiom Bangle Bracelet

<-- these are part of that line. ^_^

Thursday, January 06, 2011

I want this for my sister: Marlow East/West Camera Bag by Fossil --

My sister likes slings/crossbody bags --

I think this would be the perfect addition to her current set of bags.



The set of colors it comes in are nice -- bright and quirky enough to make the bag special but "neutral" enough to use everyday with any casual outfit.

$78 in the US. (On sale at Zappos for $57.75)

I want: Key Per Shopper by Fossil


I love the print and the shape of this bag.

I also like that this is a shoulder bag.

Size is a bit big at 14" x 17" x 3.5", but it is a shopper and, as such, is expected to hold a lot of things.

$68 in the US.

Off to a good start! 2 movies in 6 days --

Johann and I found the time to watch Rosario last Tuesday.  In 33 years, I've probably seen only a handful of movies as an adult (as a child, my mom would bring me to the cinema on Sundays to watch Sharon Cuneta/Nora Aunor movies) --

I enjoyed this movie.  One could see that this movie was made with a vision in mind -- and it was carefully crafted and edited to fit the vision.  There were times when it bordered on contrived (scenes where they show the sensual side of the title character) but it was reigned in just in time.

The score was amazing.

The movie is a wonderful example of a "tranche de vie" -- and I was impressed by how carefully and thoughtfully they tried to recreate the era.

The clothes were amazing!  (I love the hats, especially the fascinators!)

Last night, we finished watching Adele Blanc-Sec by Luc Besson -- I was determined to hate this movie but I had to watch it because Johann was watching it.

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this film!  Loved it, loved it, loved it!

I love the character of Adele -- such a strong, capable woman (at a time when women were not supposed to be strong and capable) --

I also enjoyed the mummies. =^_^=

... I wonder if it is time for me to watch Inception.  The DVD is out.

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Goodbye 2010! Last of the 2010 list --

5 favorite books for 2010
1.  A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh -- I just read this a few days ago.  Super love (yes, yes, I used "super" and "love" together) Hannah Reid.
2.  Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
3.  Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas
4.  Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale
5.  His At Night by Sherry Thomas -- I wasn't sure I was going to like this one and I actually stopped and started several times.  Thanks to F for encouraging me to finish it

5 Happy Thoughts from 2010
1.  My kids are fine.  My kids are entertaining.  (Even when they are fighting)
2.  We have nice vegetables from our garden.
3.  Butterflies (and other not-so pretty insects) visiting our flowers.
4.  Lovely, lovely books (and Book Depository being able to deliver them worldwide).
5.  Lovely, lovely iPad that we have on loan until January (because our iPod Touch is being repaired.)

Also, my husband, the few friends that I have and Dulgie's cakes.


5 Things I am looking forward to in 2011
1.  My new wallet!
2.  The last Harry Potter installment!
3.  Thor by Kenneth Branagh
4.  We have our own coffee grinder so now we can grind our own coffee beans!  (Yay!)
5.  Turning 33 in 2011.  A nice solid age, IMHO.

... Also, getting a cake from M. Uygongco for January 6.  We tried to order for New Year but she was already fully booked.  (I hope she has a slot for Thursday!  Crossing my fingers...)