Pepper + Pistol

I'm so loving these gorgeous clothes from Pepper and Pistol! Pepper & Pistol is a women's wear line founded by Silvia Hilmann and Katrin Wiens in Germany. The cuts are unique (just look at the details), feminine, and of course fun!

I love their Spring 2008 Collection, Swarms.



I AM WALRUS APPLIQUE DRESS, my personal pick. Don't you love the silly walrus print with the embellished snout? Reminds me so much of Marc by Marc Jacobs.



Ooooh, im thinking booties and black stretch trousers.



Gorgeous, I can see myself going to work in this, with a pair of cute flats.



This looks perfect with almost anything. The details are nice, with the rushing and the victorian-esque cuffs (reminds me of the frou frou girl, what's her name?).

Loving the headpieces too, I already had enough of the bow head bands ala Blair Waldorf.

Photo credits: Pepper + Pistol

Chocolate Heaven

Part of what I really love about my job is scouting for products and of course meeting the people behind it. Few days ago, we had a meeting with Chef Nicola Coccia, Executive Sous Chef of Edsa Shangri-La to talk about The Bakeshop's Chocolate Bars.

I first discovered these heavenly goodies at Santi's Rockwell, while out on a meeting. I was intrigued by its packaging, with it's shiny paper and interesting flavors.



They have over 7 different flavors to choose from: Funkey Monkey (marshmallow and crispies), The Rock (hazelnut and almond), Paparazzi (sorry I missed this) the cocktail-inspired: Singapore Sling (cherry,brandy), Mojito (rum, raisins and mint), B-52 (caramel, baileys, almond stick); the sugar-free alternative, Health Nut (pistachio and cashew); and the interesting Halo-Halo (langka, gummies strawberry), which really tastes like our own native treat.

When asked what makes these chocolates different from the commercial/grocery ones, Chef informed us that these bars uses Felchlin chocolates, which he considers the best. The chocolates are made from 100% all natural ingredients, which explains why the shelf life for these bars are faster than the regular ones (3 months from production).



I drooled at the sight of these chocolates, handed to us in a huge platter, in all its varieties (sorry I didn't get a picture of this amazing platter). Unfortunately, I only got to try the Halo-Halo, Rock and Singapore Sling. I was too shy to try everything, plus the fact that I felt like I was choking (ya, water was not served).

He recommended The Rock and said it was his favorite. True enough, it was heavenly. Bits of dark and white chocolates with hazelnuts and almonds all in one bar.



I ended up going home with this box, beaming like a child.



Guess what I took home? Tadaaah...



The Bakeshop Chocolate Bars (180g)
Available at The Bakeshop, Edsa Shangri-La Hotel
Retails at 290/bar

The Twilight

I was first adamant to join the Harry Potter bandwagon years ago that it took years before I finally gave in and read the series. It was out of curiosity that prompted me to read it, given all the hype and craze it caused. I would like to think I'm a voracious reader, but to pass up this series, when it was considered one of the best books of the century must be wrong. I had to submit and experience it.

So when my sister came home with these books, with her unusual shouting and giggling, I was again intrigued. She told me not to expect too much (i over-criticize details when i read) and just enjoy it.

Just by looking at the font size, I know this is a book for the High School Musical crowd. The fact that this would be about vampires and young love even made me think twice. But I admit I was intrigued (again), after my sister's unusual reactions and change in her usual routine, I decided I'm in.

The story is about Bella Swan who meets Edward Cullen who appears very intriguing, and well handsome. After he saves her from an accident, she eventually finds out he's a vampire and they fell in love.

At first I was annoyed, at how everything seems "given", Edward as the vampire (odd one who has ivory-colored skin, dark under eyes and refuses to eat during lunch) and how everyone at Forks seem oblivious to the fact that the Cullens might be vampires (except the Blacks), which I think is a very unusual reaction, thinking that there were already legends and gossip around. But as the novel unfolds, the more it becomes interesting and intelligent, with its witty and humorous dialogue, pacing, action,suspense and of course the romance.

More than just a love story, it's also about life, hope, trust, decision-making, and faith. Though I doubt if it will gain the same following as Harry Potter (HP enjoyed the readership of both male, female, young and old), I hope people will look beyond the young-love angle because its really a good read.

The Twilight is a definite page-turner, a perfect light read. No doubt it has received accolades from the NY Times.

Now I can't wait to see the movie, heard Cedric Diggory of HP got the role and Kristen Stewart (Teen Vogue cover girl)! Imagine, it has been rumored that the playdate of HP 7 was moved to a later date so it won't coincide with Twilight's showing, talk about a threat?

Funny fact: The Philippines' Danang (Filipino version of vampire) was mentioned on the earlier part. Talk about Filipino pride, haha.

I'm now on the second book, New Moon and loving it...

" Twilight again, he murmured. Another ending . No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end".

The Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

When will you be mine?

Me and P recently visited Greenbelt 5, my thoughts on the Marc Jacobs store,while P on KT's for a CD (now that I remembered, strange a CD at Kate Torralba's store?). It's actually our first time (together) to visit GB5 and boy, that mall can definitely pay off the countries' debts altogether (think Balenciaga. etc). P was impressed with Adora's line of jeans and designer shirts scrutinizing every fabric and fit, while I patiently waited for my "turn".

Finally, for the most anticipated stop, the Marc Jacobs store. It was great knowing that it's already here in the country, already within my reach!(but not really, need i say moolah?). Disappointingly, their selection was quite limited (bags) and I hardly noticed if there were any shoes (it's really shoes and bags that i first notice). As we were about to leave the store, I gazed from one of the top shelves on my left, and boom came this apparition...



I've been lusting for this bag for quite sometime already, spotting it at net-a-porter and the marc by marc jacobs site.

I'm a sucker for huge bags with unusual prints. Although the zebra print and pink combination has already made waves before, this bag still appealed to me because of its humorous "BIG TOTE" emblazoned on the bag in pink bold letters. Love it!

When will you be mine?

Printed Big Tote by Marc by Marc Jacobs, available at Greenbelt5
Photo credits: net-a-porter.com

Bookshelf

On my reading list, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

"until i feared i would lose it, i never love to read. one does not love breathing"

I never enjoyed a classic this much.