A Beautiful Escape

Just a few weeks ago, one of my blog readers messaged me saying that she finds my blog as a "happy distraction". She felt that with the places I explore, it's as if she herself has been there. Readers like her are my kind of inspiration , that is why despite my busy schedule, I always find time to go back to my first love, and that is blogging about fashion, travel and lifestyle.

So here's another travel escapade I'd like you to explore with me.

Welcome to Pico de Loro

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, 

then this beach resort can be your safe haven.

With more or less 1.5 hours drive from Manila, 

my family and I stayed in Pico Sands Hotel.

   

We stayed in a Premier Lagoon View Room.

Thank you Ms. Ciara Role for the kind accommodation.

Since we arrived lunchtime, then what better way to chill

than dine in a Mediterranean setup courtesy of Pico Bar.

Just a snippet of what we ate, this is just 1/3 of it :)

Now that our tummies are happy, 
it's time to hit the beach.

I'm wearing a halter maxi dress by ROMWE.
I love how calming the color of the dress is.
It's as if I belong to this island. (just kidding)
I'm no beach babe, just taking a break from all the stress.

A view like this is simply breathtaking <3

And I can't help but pose for selfies.

Wearing my Melissa slippers <3

If you prefer some indoor activities instead,

then the clubhouse has various amenities that you can avail of.

And of course, don't miss out on the swimming pools.

If you have some kids, then this can be your option.

Or enjoy the infinity pool.

Perhaps  you can also try kayaking, paddle-boarding or

even a pony ride for your outdoor activities.

This is where we had our sumptuous dinner 

Pico de Loro is located in Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu Batangas

I'm glad I was able to spend it with my family.

Stay tuned for more fashion and travel posts this coming 2017 <3

For more updates, follow me:

Twitter: @twiniekaye

Instagram: twiniekaye

Love,

Taking Gifting to the Next Level

If you were to write to your future self today, what would it be? 

Mine would go like this:

And if there's one statement in my letter 

that I'd like you to remember:

"People might not know what you've done for them, 

but don't you think that's what makes it truly beautiful?"

For me, that's one of the best feelings one can ever have.

Speaking of that magical feeling, 

Now that Christmas is fast approaching, 

have you already made a list and check it twice?

Here's how I plan to celebrate the Holiday Season.

For the past few months, my work has led me to live an unbalanced life.

This Christmas, I want to bring back that so called spark.  

Like any kid out there, gifts fascinate me!

So making a Christmas Wishlist is a must.

Who knows someone might read it and become my secret santa.

This  Yuletide Season, my wishlist is rather meaningful. 

Aside from the latest gadgets and fashion items that I usually desire, 

what I wanted to give myself this year is the gift of wellness. 

I do hope I'll be able to tick everything in my wishlist! :)

Now that I've got myself covered, here are my gift ideas for my lovedones this year.

My family has always been my support system and what better way to

thank them for all the love than to shower them with surprises.

I will prepare a special meal for them and bring them to some place enchanting

so that we can bond and reminisce over beautiful memories. 

I will then sneak into their rooms just before they are about to sleep

and shower them with gifts that I know they will love.

How about you? What are you planning this year?

Just remember that it doesn't have to be extravagant for it to be perfect;

what matters is that you put your heart to it :)

While many people see Christmas as a celebratory affair,

I invite you and all my readers to take one step further and

spread the love to people who need it the most. 

If there's one thing I'm proud to say,

it's that every effort comes a long way.

Remember that time Typhoon Yolanda hit our country?

It was so devastating that I had to do something.

I created "Project ICare" and put boxes in every floor of our office building

for people to actively help through their own donations.

Surprisingly, I got more than what I asked for.

An ordinary citizen like me was able to do it, and so can you.

In fact, this Season is the perfect time to share your love.

Here's one way on how you can make someone feel special:

Check out the SM Cares Bears of Joy campaign and 

know how you can take part in the season of “gift-ing” 

(http://smcares.com.ph/newsevents/?p=993)

What I love about this campaign is that

the intention is very sincere ;

 I would definitely support the 

Give a Bear of Joy Today campaign initiated by

 SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation. 

For just P200, you get to bring home one bear and

 share another to children from various charitable institutions.

Come to think of it, this is just equal to your daily dose of caffeine

or a movie ticket. A little sacrifice would go a long way and 

don't you think one of the best feeling is

 to be the reason behind another's smile?

I hope you can find it in your heart to support this campaign too <3

For you, it might just be an ordinary bear, 

but to those children, it can mean family.

Share the love. Give a bear of Joy Today.

#MerrySMChristmas2015 #SeasonOfGifting.

Now that I've shared most of my plans for the Holiday Season,

it's time to go back to my first love: SHOPPING!

A Merry Christmas Indeed! 

For more updates about this year’s “Merry SM Christmas” campaign, 

visit SM’s official Christmas microsite (https://www.smsupermalls.com/merrysmchristmas2015) 

and follow its official social media accounts at Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls), 

Twitter (https://twitter.com/smsupermalls), and Instagram (https://instagram.com/smsupermalls/); 

and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through 

Viber (http://chats.viber.com/SMsupermalls). Shoppers can actively share their 

holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on 

social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.

It's Time to be that Change.

Love,

IamMyOwnStylist

The Weekender

 Hello readers! As we start another week, I'm bringing you some good vibes with 

today's fashion post plus a special feature of a dining place for food enthusiasts.

For a casual weekend look, 

start by choosing a dress with interesting cuts and a neutral color like so.

Then pair it with your favorite heels and sunnies to complete the ensemble.

And voila, you have created a simple yet sophisticated look.

As promised, here's a restaurant that you should try out.

TuanTuan Chinese Brasserie opened last October 2014 in SM Megamall

and up until now, mall goers have been flocking to this place,

with most days still being fully-booked.

I'll let the photos do the talking.

US Premium Beef Rib Curry

Specialty Noodle Soup Combos

Pan-fried Boneless Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

Fish Fillet with Pumpkin and Crabstick in Creamy Sauce

Crispy Barbecued Pork Snow Buns

If you're a food-lover like me, then this place is a must try for your taste-buds.

Experience Hong Kong in Manila. 

Amongst all the food on my table, I personally love the Beef Rib Curry,

the Pan-fried Boneless Chicken and of course the Pork Buns! 

It took about 45 minutes for the snow buns to come out but it was worth the wait :)

Love lots and until the next post,

IamMyOwnStylist

My Guilty Pleasure

Aside from dressing up, I'm sure you love to eat too! 

(Forget the calories because you'll love this one!)

So here's a little aside before I share with you another Holiday Look :)

Get to know one of my guilty pleasures.

Clue: It starts with the letter

I love MAGNUM.

If you haven't tried it, then you don't know what you're missing.

...Because a day without pleasure is a day lost.

Magnum Pleasure Store is located in SM Aura, Fort Bonifacio.
It's a pop-up store that opened last April 2014.
That being said, you have about 5 months or so to try it out 'coz
pop-out stores usually run for about 12 months only.

Aside from creating your own Magnum delight,
 the beauty with Magnum Pleasure store is that you get to dine and try out their exquisite dishes.

Some of my top recommendations:

Braised US Short Ribs 

Beef Short Ribs braised tender in Red Wine,

Herbs and Belgian Dark Chocolate, P 550

Seared Chicken with Arugula and Sundried Tomato Pasta

Marinated Chicken Breast Fillet topped over pasta,

tossed in homemade sundried tomato pesto, 

with fresh arugula and grilled lemon, P280

And of course for dessert, a make your own customized MAGNUM Bar :)

So bring your friends along and experience pleasure in every bite.

Because that is a Magnum promise :)

If you love my look, you can check this dress out at

http://iammyownstylist.blogspot.com/2014/02/classic-thursdays.html

Love,

IamMyOwnStylist