200!!! I never realized that I will be writing my 200th Sunday post. I only recognized it when I was starting to transfer photos to my laptop. The name of my past folder series read 199. Had it really been four years? I wanted to celebrate by ordering some unhealthy food delivery again. Hahaha But as always, blame my struggling wallet. ;-)  

Been listening to Paula Abdul's playlist. My current mood prefers Cold Hearted Snake, which also has a version in the TV musical, Glee. I grew up in the 90s but for some reason, I adored the music of the 80s, together with my older female cousins. I love Wilson Phillips, Madonna, and I have to admit, even Rick Astley. Hahaha Paula Abdul has kept me company while doing my "new" job every Saturday morning. Oh yes, my ambitious self embraced another role apart from my freelance writing works.  I wish I could relate the details, but my identity and connection with the company has to be concealed. I don't receive cash for the new job. I'm receiving product samples instead. I figured out this was better because I love the company's products, which I cannot afford. This makes me realize how my shopaholic hormones converted me to a full time slave. My wish is that the owner would eventually allow me to reveal my connection with them. Likewise, I can collaborate with them using the name of my blog. #WishfulThinking Hahaha But for now, I have to content myself with being a "ghost" employee.

While the past week has been about my day job project and this freelance work I wanted to close, there were events, stories and experiences that happened along the way. One is my failure to pay my credit card bill only because I overlooked the due date. It was an honest mistake. I felt a bit disrespected because the company sent me a letter with a threatening tone. I felt bad because this was the first and only time I missed a payment due date. While typing this, I remembered that I even called a few days ago. I explained my case and was trying to ask for waiver about the late payment fee. See, I don't have deliberate intentions of running away. And because of this, I think I have to close my account with them. Never mind if the card offers the best features when travelling abroad. I don't like remaining on relationships with trust issues. (#Hugot Hahaha) 

During the entire week, my Facebook's news feed has been filled with status messages to what seems like an essay writing contest. Mostly contained reactions from the LGBT group, arising from the politician's lousy response. While I equally respect the members of the LGBT, I hate it when some people use the issue as an opportunity to make themselves look highly intellectual and gain the sympathy of the public. 

Setting aside all my shallow drama, let me share the few beautiful things I had over the past week. 

Because Cath Kidston is love. This rainy day boots on sale finally arrived with no surprising customs fees. I only paid what I needed to pay for. ;) 

Signs of becoming a full fledged #TitaofManila - I've been enjoying H&M... not the clothes and accessories, but their Home Section. I swear, I love the look of the entire H&M Home. I love the white, gray and bare cement floors of their branch in Gateway Mall. I was able to score this golden pineapple mini-tray and table runner with vintage inspired print. Although honestly, I find some of their items a little expensive. 

Love from the USA - Thank you Jeannie and Terra!

I have a little interesting story with the wooden signage. You might not believe me, but I got the wooden plate from a waste basket. I saw broken pieces of wood placed beside a huge trash bin. My curiosity led me to explore and later, take home this wooden plate. Never mind if I don't understand what was written on it. Hahaha Only to later confirm and discover that it used to be a part of a crate of a bottle of French wine. 

The box of Royce Chocolate is love! - Oh how I wish someone will give me this bar of almond chocolate. This was given by a freelance client during our last meeting. And as much as I don't want to admit it, I finished half the box by myself. 

I'm typing this post at 12:40 am, feeling a little tired and sleepy. The past week has been a little tiring, mostly because of this freelance work that doesn't seem to go away. Closure please! Added to this, I felt a little annoyed with a former client. Some people just don't realize that professional services are way different from ordering mass produced goods. As much as I try to avoid them, I have been reluctant in accepting freelance works from colleagues. Truth to be told, the abusive freelance clients come from the segment of my colleagues and relatives. The irony. The only thing I can wish for now is for these projects to finally conclude. 

• February 21, 2016
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 200 - It's been four years

200!!! I never realized that I will be writing my 200th Sunday post. I only recognized it when I was starting to transfer photos to my laptop. The name of my past folder series read 199. Had it really been four years? I wanted to celebrate by ordering some unhealthy food delivery again. Hahaha But as always, blame my struggling wallet. ;-)  

Been listening to Paula Abdul's playlist. My current mood prefers Cold Hearted Snake, which also has a version in the TV musical, Glee. I grew up in the 90s but for some reason, I adored the music of the 80s, together with my older female cousins. I love Wilson Phillips, Madonna, and I have to admit, even Rick Astley. Hahaha Paula Abdul has kept me company while doing my "new" job every Saturday morning. Oh yes, my ambitious self embraced another role apart from my freelance writing works.  I wish I could relate the details, but my identity and connection with the company has to be concealed. I don't receive cash for the new job. I'm receiving product samples instead. I figured out this was better because I love the company's products, which I cannot afford. This makes me realize how my shopaholic hormones converted me to a full time slave. My wish is that the owner would eventually allow me to reveal my connection with them. Likewise, I can collaborate with them using the name of my blog. #WishfulThinking Hahaha But for now, I have to content myself with being a "ghost" employee.

While the past week has been about my day job project and this freelance work I wanted to close, there were events, stories and experiences that happened along the way. One is my failure to pay my credit card bill only because I overlooked the due date. It was an honest mistake. I felt a bit disrespected because the company sent me a letter with a threatening tone. I felt bad because this was the first and only time I missed a payment due date. While typing this, I remembered that I even called a few days ago. I explained my case and was trying to ask for waiver about the late payment fee. See, I don't have deliberate intentions of running away. And because of this, I think I have to close my account with them. Never mind if the card offers the best features when travelling abroad. I don't like remaining on relationships with trust issues. (#Hugot Hahaha) 

During the entire week, my Facebook's news feed has been filled with status messages to what seems like an essay writing contest. Mostly contained reactions from the LGBT group, arising from the politician's lousy response. While I equally respect the members of the LGBT, I hate it when some people use the issue as an opportunity to make themselves look highly intellectual and gain the sympathy of the public. 

Setting aside all my shallow drama, let me share the few beautiful things I had over the past week. 

Because Cath Kidston is love. This rainy day boots on sale finally arrived with no surprising customs fees. I only paid what I needed to pay for. ;) 

Signs of becoming a full fledged #TitaofManila - I've been enjoying H&M... not the clothes and accessories, but their Home Section. I swear, I love the look of the entire H&M Home. I love the white, gray and bare cement floors of their branch in Gateway Mall. I was able to score this golden pineapple mini-tray and table runner with vintage inspired print. Although honestly, I find some of their items a little expensive. 

Love from the USA - Thank you Jeannie and Terra!

I have a little interesting story with the wooden signage. You might not believe me, but I got the wooden plate from a waste basket. I saw broken pieces of wood placed beside a huge trash bin. My curiosity led me to explore and later, take home this wooden plate. Never mind if I don't understand what was written on it. Hahaha Only to later confirm and discover that it used to be a part of a crate of a bottle of French wine. 

The box of Royce Chocolate is love! - Oh how I wish someone will give me this bar of almond chocolate. This was given by a freelance client during our last meeting. And as much as I don't want to admit it, I finished half the box by myself. 

I'm typing this post at 12:40 am, feeling a little tired and sleepy. The past week has been a little tiring, mostly because of this freelance work that doesn't seem to go away. Closure please! Added to this, I felt a little annoyed with a former client. Some people just don't realize that professional services are way different from ordering mass produced goods. As much as I try to avoid them, I have been reluctant in accepting freelance works from colleagues. Truth to be told, the abusive freelance clients come from the segment of my colleagues and relatives. The irony. The only thing I can wish for now is for these projects to finally conclude. 

Read More

This week and the past week. I thought I wouldn't be able to survive. For the first time, I had a week long leave in the middle of the year. While others would be more than thankful for the opportunity, I have a different story to tell. I admit, this is not my best time. The past days and the coming days will mean one thing: struggle. I cannot wait for the day when I can finally say, 'twas over. I can only wish for better days. 

Life may be sad and gloomy but somewhere along the way, there are some beautiful things that made my week. The dinner treat and conversation with a great colleague turned friend. The chance to sleep and wake up on my desired time. Staying home gave me the chance to eat healthier meals. Time was slow. It was supposedly a vacation, but yes I took home some work. Only to realize, I was more productive at home. I'm more than halfway with my current project. An irony I wasn't expecting, I was able to generate more ideas while working at home. Makes me think, I maybe suited for this career. It's fun to have colleagues but the unnecessary stress and pressure from them, no thanks. Hahaha 

Beautiful Mess - I always find a beautiful mess on excessively stamped passports. My first passport (right) already expired and had four countries and stories to keep. On my last trip, I was quite surprised with the new practice in Hong Kong and Macau. No more stamps! I was instead issued pieces of papers that contained all the immigration details. No more beautifully messy passports :( All I have are those pieces of vulnerable thermal papers, whose printed information will surely be erased in a few weeks.

All natural pepper from Father - The idle parcel of land owned by my Auntie has become the venue of my Father's favorite past time. He has been engaged to some planting activities. I believe a significant part of what we have at home came from my Father's green thumb. :) Yes to organic and healthy living. 

Stuffed Grilled Squid - Thank you to my Mother for giving in to my request. The lonesome daughter is more than happy to be spoiled. 

Handmade! - Thank you Marieken for this card.

Beatles Inspired Card by Hallmark - Thank you Leah! And yes, I'm always happy receiving something from you and Mother E!

Addiction - Why does Cath Kidston rhymes with addiction? ;) This was such a great deal. Thank you Leah for conniving. #NgitingTagumpay #PasswordProtected  Hahahaha I want to see your loot too. 

Ferrero Collection - Perks of being a good neighbor! Hahahaha Not me, but my parents. I love it that we live in a community where my parents are still familiar with families in the neighborhood. But I believe, there is something wrong with me when I don't feel "tempted" with this "temptation." Life... and all the grown up issues!

And because I was home the entire week, I was able to catch up with Asia's Got Talent. 

Sporty Spice!!! - I was more than happy when I discovered that Mel.C was one of judges at Asia's Got Talent. My only regret, I missed several episodes of the first season. My wish is that there will be Season 2 soon and please, retain the same set of judges. David Foster, Vanness Wu, Anggun and Mel C. (yes I still prefer calling her Mel C. than Melanie) were the best for me. And another request, please don't remove Rovilson Fernandez and my crush, Marc Nelson!!!!

Pinoy Pride!!! -El Gamma Penumbra for the win!

Gerphil Flores, David Foster's Golden Buzzer Baby, also did great and so as runner up, Mongolia's Khusugtun. Setting aside the grand finalists, here's another another one I'll never get tired of watching

I BEG YOU! Please watch this. You will never regret it, more so if you are having a bad day. 

• May 17, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 160 - Struggling but Surviving

This week and the past week. I thought I wouldn't be able to survive. For the first time, I had a week long leave in the middle of the year. While others would be more than thankful for the opportunity, I have a different story to tell. I admit, this is not my best time. The past days and the coming days will mean one thing: struggle. I cannot wait for the day when I can finally say, 'twas over. I can only wish for better days. 

Life may be sad and gloomy but somewhere along the way, there are some beautiful things that made my week. The dinner treat and conversation with a great colleague turned friend. The chance to sleep and wake up on my desired time. Staying home gave me the chance to eat healthier meals. Time was slow. It was supposedly a vacation, but yes I took home some work. Only to realize, I was more productive at home. I'm more than halfway with my current project. An irony I wasn't expecting, I was able to generate more ideas while working at home. Makes me think, I maybe suited for this career. It's fun to have colleagues but the unnecessary stress and pressure from them, no thanks. Hahaha 

Beautiful Mess - I always find a beautiful mess on excessively stamped passports. My first passport (right) already expired and had four countries and stories to keep. On my last trip, I was quite surprised with the new practice in Hong Kong and Macau. No more stamps! I was instead issued pieces of papers that contained all the immigration details. No more beautifully messy passports :( All I have are those pieces of vulnerable thermal papers, whose printed information will surely be erased in a few weeks.

All natural pepper from Father - The idle parcel of land owned by my Auntie has become the venue of my Father's favorite past time. He has been engaged to some planting activities. I believe a significant part of what we have at home came from my Father's green thumb. :) Yes to organic and healthy living. 

Stuffed Grilled Squid - Thank you to my Mother for giving in to my request. The lonesome daughter is more than happy to be spoiled. 

Handmade! - Thank you Marieken for this card.

Beatles Inspired Card by Hallmark - Thank you Leah! And yes, I'm always happy receiving something from you and Mother E!

Addiction - Why does Cath Kidston rhymes with addiction? ;) This was such a great deal. Thank you Leah for conniving. #NgitingTagumpay #PasswordProtected  Hahahaha I want to see your loot too. 

Ferrero Collection - Perks of being a good neighbor! Hahahaha Not me, but my parents. I love it that we live in a community where my parents are still familiar with families in the neighborhood. But I believe, there is something wrong with me when I don't feel "tempted" with this "temptation." Life... and all the grown up issues!

And because I was home the entire week, I was able to catch up with Asia's Got Talent. 

Sporty Spice!!! - I was more than happy when I discovered that Mel.C was one of judges at Asia's Got Talent. My only regret, I missed several episodes of the first season. My wish is that there will be Season 2 soon and please, retain the same set of judges. David Foster, Vanness Wu, Anggun and Mel C. (yes I still prefer calling her Mel C. than Melanie) were the best for me. And another request, please don't remove Rovilson Fernandez and my crush, Marc Nelson!!!!

Pinoy Pride!!! -El Gamma Penumbra for the win!

Gerphil Flores, David Foster's Golden Buzzer Baby, also did great and so as runner up, Mongolia's Khusugtun. Setting aside the grand finalists, here's another another one I'll never get tired of watching

I BEG YOU! Please watch this. You will never regret it, more so if you are having a bad day. 

Read More

I know that this is supposedly a Beautiful Sunday post. I should write positive and nice things. But just for this time, can I be allowed to rant? Someone tested my patience and composure before the week ended. I'm really tempted to relate the incident and vent out everything. Unfortunately, I knew the fact venting out here will never resolve the issue. Despite of everything, I'm still thankful that I have a few close friends around me. Before I went home, I related my sentiments to my two friends. I cursed and said all the bad words. Sorry... After a long verbal diarrhea, me and my other friend went to the mall and feasted over a great dinner. Oh well, my story always end up that way. A bad story will be concluded with a great and sinful dinner or another shopaholic attack. So imagine if my life would be converted to a plot for a drama series. It will definitely be boring, annoying, useless and a complete waste of time. No prince charming to provide those sappy or romantic comedy scenes. Wait, I think that's another issue to begin with. Hahahahaha

My friends don't really read my blog. One of them don't even know that I blog. Nevertheless, I'm very thankful to both of them. I love you to the moon and back B and M!!!! While there are some people who are best in cooking a perfect ruining dish for me, I'm blessed to have friends who can provide the best antidote.

Setting aside this not-so-good aspect of my life, here are the few beautiful things that made my week.

I found my long lost Korean friend!!! I don't have intentions of blogging in the middle of the week. An unlikely email landed and it was more than enough to make me the happiest.

Cold sunrise - The delayed sunrises and colder temperature in the morning ... How long will this last? I'm loving these cold mornings and the rare times I get an 8-hour sleep.

Two fruit boxes in a day - I needed this!!! This a great distraction to potato chips and all my coke intake. I have to admit though that all those stress caused me to double my coke intakes. At some point, I felt that my blood has nothing but sugar!!

Examination week is supposedly my favorite week - except for the fact that I'm faced with tons of paper to check and grades to pray for ahahahaha

In the middle of the workday.... - Oh well, wish I could express my full sentiments here... There are days when I just stare at my laptop's screen feeling nothing and suddenly, my eyes will release those unexplained tears. Grown up struggles I continuously battle...

It arrived! - Thanks to the Cath Kidston sisterhood!!! I was able to purchase this bag way cheaper than the price from CK's local branch. Big thanks to Mother E for arranging everything. Leah, please blog about your own CK's loot :)

Perfect read? - Found this 50% off from National Bookstore, thank you M for forcing me to purchase. Haha Although honestly, I'm not a big fan of self-help books. I always find this genre as an irony?!? I read a few pages but over time, I'm beginning to lose interest. Much of the examples and cases given were patterned to US data and settings.

Found a long lost favorite - Fried potato on a stick!! (Piniritong patatas, masaya si Princess Sara ahahaha)

The past week actually started good for me. The problem I've been dealing since January was finally over. In the middle of the week, I heard from a long lost friend. Before the week ended, I was served with a perfect ruining dish. The weekend started with another set of challenges. Grown up problems!!! I really hope that the upcoming week will be so much better. I needed it.

• February 08, 2015
• Beautiful Sunday

Beautiful Sunday # 146 - Long Lost

I know that this is supposedly a Beautiful Sunday post. I should write positive and nice things. But just for this time, can I be allowed to rant? Someone tested my patience and composure before the week ended. I'm really tempted to relate the incident and vent out everything. Unfortunately, I knew the fact venting out here will never resolve the issue. Despite of everything, I'm still thankful that I have a few close friends around me. Before I went home, I related my sentiments to my two friends. I cursed and said all the bad words. Sorry... After a long verbal diarrhea, me and my other friend went to the mall and feasted over a great dinner. Oh well, my story always end up that way. A bad story will be concluded with a great and sinful dinner or another shopaholic attack. So imagine if my life would be converted to a plot for a drama series. It will definitely be boring, annoying, useless and a complete waste of time. No prince charming to provide those sappy or romantic comedy scenes. Wait, I think that's another issue to begin with. Hahahahaha

My friends don't really read my blog. One of them don't even know that I blog. Nevertheless, I'm very thankful to both of them. I love you to the moon and back B and M!!!! While there are some people who are best in cooking a perfect ruining dish for me, I'm blessed to have friends who can provide the best antidote.

Setting aside this not-so-good aspect of my life, here are the few beautiful things that made my week.

I found my long lost Korean friend!!! I don't have intentions of blogging in the middle of the week. An unlikely email landed and it was more than enough to make me the happiest.

Cold sunrise - The delayed sunrises and colder temperature in the morning ... How long will this last? I'm loving these cold mornings and the rare times I get an 8-hour sleep.

Two fruit boxes in a day - I needed this!!! This a great distraction to potato chips and all my coke intake. I have to admit though that all those stress caused me to double my coke intakes. At some point, I felt that my blood has nothing but sugar!!

Examination week is supposedly my favorite week - except for the fact that I'm faced with tons of paper to check and grades to pray for ahahahaha

In the middle of the workday.... - Oh well, wish I could express my full sentiments here... There are days when I just stare at my laptop's screen feeling nothing and suddenly, my eyes will release those unexplained tears. Grown up struggles I continuously battle...

It arrived! - Thanks to the Cath Kidston sisterhood!!! I was able to purchase this bag way cheaper than the price from CK's local branch. Big thanks to Mother E for arranging everything. Leah, please blog about your own CK's loot :)

Perfect read? - Found this 50% off from National Bookstore, thank you M for forcing me to purchase. Haha Although honestly, I'm not a big fan of self-help books. I always find this genre as an irony?!? I read a few pages but over time, I'm beginning to lose interest. Much of the examples and cases given were patterned to US data and settings.

Found a long lost favorite - Fried potato on a stick!! (Piniritong patatas, masaya si Princess Sara ahahaha)

The past week actually started good for me. The problem I've been dealing since January was finally over. In the middle of the week, I heard from a long lost friend. Before the week ended, I was served with a perfect ruining dish. The weekend started with another set of challenges. Grown up problems!!! I really hope that the upcoming week will be so much better. I needed it.

Read More

I said many times here that I've been blogging since 2005. At that time, I was only blogging for myself. It was only until 2010 when I turned to a more "sociable" blogger. I started to read and follow other blogs. I exchanged addresses with some of them. But meeting fellow bloggers was very rare for me. The first bloggers I met was Jannelle and Kelley. When I flew to Singapore, I met Zigird and that was almost two years ago already.  Before this year ended, I had the chance to meet another set of blog friends again. Leah was responsible for organizing everything. Thanks Leah! Our meeting last week was perfect because it was Mother E's last day in Manila and a day before my birthday. 

Leah chose the perfect venue for our brunch, Vanilla Cupcakes. The place exhibits an atmosphere that sealed our sisterhood :)

Vanilla Cupcakes is a heaven of cupcakes and Cath Kidston! 

Aside from great food, my friends showered me with gifts.

When I reached home my mother was asking if I attended another Christmas party and how many more I have to attend. Hahaha I left home with my shoulder bag and returned with plenty of paperbags. Added to this my trip to Cath Kidston, courtesy of Leah.

We talked a lot!!! How I wish I could share everything here (password protected hahaha) But really, I learned so many things from Leah and Mother E. Our brunch was so bitin! If time was not a problem, I would even join them for a pajama party. I easily became at ease with them. I became too talkative (sorry if I appeared too loud) and I never felt left out with our conversation. Belong na belong ako! haha

Leah actually wrote another post about our meet up here.

• December 21, 2014
• Cath Kidston

My Cath Kidston Sisters and Vanilla Cupcakes

I said many times here that I've been blogging since 2005. At that time, I was only blogging for myself. It was only until 2010 when I turned to a more "sociable" blogger. I started to read and follow other blogs. I exchanged addresses with some of them. But meeting fellow bloggers was very rare for me. The first bloggers I met was Jannelle and Kelley. When I flew to Singapore, I met Zigird and that was almost two years ago already.  Before this year ended, I had the chance to meet another set of blog friends again. Leah was responsible for organizing everything. Thanks Leah! Our meeting last week was perfect because it was Mother E's last day in Manila and a day before my birthday. 

Leah chose the perfect venue for our brunch, Vanilla Cupcakes. The place exhibits an atmosphere that sealed our sisterhood :)

Vanilla Cupcakes is a heaven of cupcakes and Cath Kidston! 

Aside from great food, my friends showered me with gifts.

When I reached home my mother was asking if I attended another Christmas party and how many more I have to attend. Hahaha I left home with my shoulder bag and returned with plenty of paperbags. Added to this my trip to Cath Kidston, courtesy of Leah.

We talked a lot!!! How I wish I could share everything here (password protected hahaha) But really, I learned so many things from Leah and Mother E. Our brunch was so bitin! If time was not a problem, I would even join them for a pajama party. I easily became at ease with them. I became too talkative (sorry if I appeared too loud) and I never felt left out with our conversation. Belong na belong ako! haha

Leah actually wrote another post about our meet up here.

Read More

I'm writing this post still bearing that huge smile on my face. There's no question about Cath Kidston making me the happiest. There are other reasons that made my trip to Cath Kidston more memorable. Prior to my visit, I was able to meet two of my favorite bloggers. Hi Mother E of The Pseudoshrink and Leah of The Bright Spot! Our brunch deserves a separate blog post. :) After our meeting in Vanilla Cupcake, Leah and her husband AJ dropped me off to the actual store. Nahihiya ako pero ang saya ko lang! As someone who rarely visits Makati and BGC, it would take a lot of effort to navigate directions. But Leah made everything easier for me. Thank you Leah, I will always remember your kindness. :)

To those who want to visit Cath Kidston in BGC via commute, you can take the BGC Bus that travels the East Route. Alight from the 30th Street or the 4th stop and walk towards the 9th Avenue or the Bonifacio High Street. An alternative is walking straight from Market Market to Serendra. Active Fun's building is approximately two blocks away from Serendra Park.

Since I live far away from BGC, visiting Cath Kidston is quite a hassle. Hence, I wasn't able to take advantage of their 20% discount on their opening week. In a way, this became a blessing because I was able to control my shopaholic hormones. :D So much of my introduction, i'll let the photos relate everything.

I'm finally here! I'm facing a real Cath Kidston store.

A home filled with Cath Kidston items, why not... minus the hefty price tag. Yes, prices are quite steep for some items. A mug costs Php 599 per piece?!?

Not for sale ;) but I'm loving even the interior design of the store

 

Buffet of wallets!

London Buses, one of my favorite Cath Kidston prints

Day bags!!!!

The classic book bags whose size and material I underestimated.The book bag is so big and sturdy.

And this overnight bag too. 

There are a lot of beautiful items that made it in my wish list. Unfortunately, the price tag never fails to become the antagonist of my story. On the average, a bag would range from Php 2,500 to 5,000. If my estimates are correct, you can check the GBP prices on Cath Kidston's main site. Use the conversion rate of Php 76 and add roughly Php 500 to 800. Not bad, considering that shipping rate from UK would land around Php 1,500.

Not that I'm discouraging purchase from the local store, but the cost effective way to acquire a bag is through the online sale in UK. To dilute the hefty shipping fee, you can pool orders with friends and relatives. This is what Mother E, Leah and I have been and will continue to do. (Yes, the #CathKidstonSisterhood will continue despite the presence of a local branch.) The disadvantage of this, you are limited to the designs and styles. You are left with whatever collections are available for sale. 

Since prices are quite steep for me, I limited my purchase to one bag ;) 

My first Cath Kidston book bag :)

• December 15, 2014
• bags

Cath Kidston in Manila

I'm writing this post still bearing that huge smile on my face. There's no question about Cath Kidston making me the happiest. There are other reasons that made my trip to Cath Kidston more memorable. Prior to my visit, I was able to meet two of my favorite bloggers. Hi Mother E of The Pseudoshrink and Leah of The Bright Spot! Our brunch deserves a separate blog post. :) After our meeting in Vanilla Cupcake, Leah and her husband AJ dropped me off to the actual store. Nahihiya ako pero ang saya ko lang! As someone who rarely visits Makati and BGC, it would take a lot of effort to navigate directions. But Leah made everything easier for me. Thank you Leah, I will always remember your kindness. :)

To those who want to visit Cath Kidston in BGC via commute, you can take the BGC Bus that travels the East Route. Alight from the 30th Street or the 4th stop and walk towards the 9th Avenue or the Bonifacio High Street. An alternative is walking straight from Market Market to Serendra. Active Fun's building is approximately two blocks away from Serendra Park.

Since I live far away from BGC, visiting Cath Kidston is quite a hassle. Hence, I wasn't able to take advantage of their 20% discount on their opening week. In a way, this became a blessing because I was able to control my shopaholic hormones. :D So much of my introduction, i'll let the photos relate everything.

I'm finally here! I'm facing a real Cath Kidston store.

A home filled with Cath Kidston items, why not... minus the hefty price tag. Yes, prices are quite steep for some items. A mug costs Php 599 per piece?!?

Not for sale ;) but I'm loving even the interior design of the store

 

Buffet of wallets!

London Buses, one of my favorite Cath Kidston prints

Day bags!!!!

The classic book bags whose size and material I underestimated.The book bag is so big and sturdy.

And this overnight bag too. 

There are a lot of beautiful items that made it in my wish list. Unfortunately, the price tag never fails to become the antagonist of my story. On the average, a bag would range from Php 2,500 to 5,000. If my estimates are correct, you can check the GBP prices on Cath Kidston's main site. Use the conversion rate of Php 76 and add roughly Php 500 to 800. Not bad, considering that shipping rate from UK would land around Php 1,500.

Not that I'm discouraging purchase from the local store, but the cost effective way to acquire a bag is through the online sale in UK. To dilute the hefty shipping fee, you can pool orders with friends and relatives. This is what Mother E, Leah and I have been and will continue to do. (Yes, the #CathKidstonSisterhood will continue despite the presence of a local branch.) The disadvantage of this, you are limited to the designs and styles. You are left with whatever collections are available for sale. 

Since prices are quite steep for me, I limited my purchase to one bag ;) 

My first Cath Kidston book bag :)

Read More

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my first Cath Kidston. Well technically, the wallet was not my first Cath Kidston. My first purchase was made last May and was shipped through my Auntie A's US address. I took advantage of ASOS's Memorial Day sale and free shipping. Auntie A arrived last July but decided to include the bag in her luggage that traveled via sea cargo. And as you know, shipping via sea comes cheaper, setting aside the longer waiting period. We were expecting the end of July for its arrival. Unfortunately, that very lousy city ordinance that causes congestion in the Port Area of Manila contributed to the longer waiting period. Auntie A's shipment was delayed for almost a month. Despite the hassles of waiting, we are just thankful that all her items finally arrived. 

Last Thursday my Nanay texted me that my bags were already at home. After having a long day at work, I suddenly gained the energy to rush home for the most awaited bag. As soon as I reached home, I forgot my hungry stomach and aching legs. Haha This was the perfect way to end the day.

Unfortunately, my excitement somehow faded away. It was replaced with a little disappointment. When I first lay my eyes on this bag, I fell in love with the darker navy blue shade. The pictures from both ASOS and Cath Kidston's site showed a shiny and dark navy blue bag.

I love almost all shades of blue but I was quite disappointed that the bag emerged a bit pale and lighter in person. Even the classic sheen on all Cath Kidston products is not highly evident. 

The bag has been purchased and I don't think that returning or reselling is an option. So last Friday I decided to use the bag. I maybe disappointed with the color but the bag's functionality and quality didn't fail me.

The seamless stitches in the handles make the bag very sturdy. I have no photos but the bag can accommodate a lot of my things. A netbook, foldable umbrella, makeup kit, daily dose of paperback, lock and lock fruit box and a pair of flat shoes all fitted inside the bag.

I was about to say perfect stitching ;) but I guess not all Cath Kidston bags have it. Can you see the little metal buckle on the side? This tote can turn to a messenger bag. The bag comes with a detachable canvas strap. Yes to versatility!

I believe all Cath Kidston bags come in YKK zipper.

I'm not really sure about the purpose :) but I guess this helps the bag stand up and prevents the fabric from becoming worn out.

Despite the little disappointment, this will not be my last Cath Kidston bag. I'm eyeing a day bag on my next purchase. :) Can you hear me L and E? #lastQuarterSale

• August 17, 2014
• bags

Another Cath Kidston

A few weeks ago, I blogged about my first Cath Kidston. Well technically, the wallet was not my first Cath Kidston. My first purchase was made last May and was shipped through my Auntie A's US address. I took advantage of ASOS's Memorial Day sale and free shipping. Auntie A arrived last July but decided to include the bag in her luggage that traveled via sea cargo. And as you know, shipping via sea comes cheaper, setting aside the longer waiting period. We were expecting the end of July for its arrival. Unfortunately, that very lousy city ordinance that causes congestion in the Port Area of Manila contributed to the longer waiting period. Auntie A's shipment was delayed for almost a month. Despite the hassles of waiting, we are just thankful that all her items finally arrived. 

Last Thursday my Nanay texted me that my bags were already at home. After having a long day at work, I suddenly gained the energy to rush home for the most awaited bag. As soon as I reached home, I forgot my hungry stomach and aching legs. Haha This was the perfect way to end the day.

Unfortunately, my excitement somehow faded away. It was replaced with a little disappointment. When I first lay my eyes on this bag, I fell in love with the darker navy blue shade. The pictures from both ASOS and Cath Kidston's site showed a shiny and dark navy blue bag.

I love almost all shades of blue but I was quite disappointed that the bag emerged a bit pale and lighter in person. Even the classic sheen on all Cath Kidston products is not highly evident. 

The bag has been purchased and I don't think that returning or reselling is an option. So last Friday I decided to use the bag. I maybe disappointed with the color but the bag's functionality and quality didn't fail me.

The seamless stitches in the handles make the bag very sturdy. I have no photos but the bag can accommodate a lot of my things. A netbook, foldable umbrella, makeup kit, daily dose of paperback, lock and lock fruit box and a pair of flat shoes all fitted inside the bag.

I was about to say perfect stitching ;) but I guess not all Cath Kidston bags have it. Can you see the little metal buckle on the side? This tote can turn to a messenger bag. The bag comes with a detachable canvas strap. Yes to versatility!

I believe all Cath Kidston bags come in YKK zipper.

I'm not really sure about the purpose :) but I guess this helps the bag stand up and prevents the fabric from becoming worn out.

Despite the little disappointment, this will not be my last Cath Kidston bag. I'm eyeing a day bag on my next purchase. :) Can you hear me L and E? #lastQuarterSale

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