A "STYLE FOR LESS" SPECIAL: Eye Wear for a Fraction of the Cost

I am not blessed with 20/20 vision, a fact that has plagued me on one too many excursions and missed bus rides (just because I couldn't see the magnificent scenery and the signs.)  *Sigh*

And as my fellow sufferers are all too familiar with, acquiring a new pair of eyeglasses can really put a huge dent on one's finances, with good, quality frames costing anywhere from a thousand to 6K at times.  I, personally consider my pair an investment which should be utilized and taken cared of to the best of one's abilities.

I currently have a pair of Marie Clare frames which are fitted with transitions lenses.  These I use only when I am out and about.  Actually comes very handy when driving since the lenses instantly turn darker to protect my eyes from the harsh glare of the sun.  Plus I believe I look good wearing them on.  Naks!  =D

This particular pair cost me a pretty penny (6K inlcuding the lenses, if I remember correctly), hence, you won't catch me wearing them at home where they can just as easily be broken into pieces by a single, careless action.

I'm not really thrilled to shell out thousands for a "home use only" pair and I definitely will not purchase those cheap wire framed ones at lesser known establishments (I've had my share of horror stories about them already, but that's for another tale altogether.)

The solution came from a former officemate, who found herself in the same predicament I was in years ago...

What Perks Up your Mornings?

I love mornings!  Provided there isn't a super typhoon, I relish each and every precious minute of the start of a new day.  Admittedly, I'm more productive, more alert and I do my best work in the early morn.  To each his own I guess, and as such, people and colleagues would ask me the secret for my early morning energy.

No secret really, I just adhere to a very simple motto...

An Overnight Stay at Orchid Garden Suites

I love those old pre-war stone houses that abound the Metropolis.  I guess part of my fascination for these astonishing structures is the fact that my lolo's family once lived in one (a 4-storey stone edifice -- with bomb shelter included -- located along Taft Avenue and of which I was not even able to visit much to my utter and eternal dismay.)  You see, the house itself was passed on to lolo's oldest brother through inheritance and the family sold it before I could even set foot in it.  Well, life goes on, I guess...

But I digress.  So when the opportunity came for Hubby and I to spend a night at Orchid Garden Suites (a boutique hotel founded upon an old pre-war Manila mansion) for a night, I jumped in glee and happily prepared an overnight bag.

Maggie O' Farrell's The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

When choosing a fiction novel to read, I would usually veer towards historical or period-era pieces, specifically those centered around the 19 or early 20th century.  Add a twist of mystery -- i.e. those skeletons in the closet types -- and you've definitely have me hooked.

One such book I came across was Maggie O' Farrell's The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox.

FAB FIND: Urban's Cannal Type Stereo Headphones

Like all others, I now find myself having a hard time living without my music player.  It's a good stress reliever and can instantly entertain me during long drives and commutes.  But with everyday usage comes the inevitable wear and tear of the earphones, and as such, I find myself replacing them every few months or so.

I used to buy the branded, more expensive ones, but find myself in the same situation of having to have the earphones replaced once again after only a few months of use (good-bye Php500!!!)  So in the end, I decided that a cheaper one (i.e. from Japan Home, anyone?) would suffice just as well.

I did, however, venture out and went to a Clipper Giftshop one day.  And while browsing through the racks, found this cute little item -- Urban's Cannal Type Stereo Headphones.

Why Dunkin' Donuts Shouldn't be Just Be About Donuts Anymore

One of my favorite childhood memories circles around the times when mom would buy my bro and me a huge box of Dunkin' Donuts munchkins.  And what's not to like?  They're small (perfect for small mouths trying to fit in a whole munchkin piece without choking) and they're extremely tasty!

So fascinated was I with this donut brand that they have, to date, become my median to other similar fried dough treats.  And although I do eat an occasional donut or 2 from other stores, it is still this humble brand that I crave again and again (just ask hubby who had the unfortunate experience of being dragged all over Singapore Changi airport just so I could grab my favorite Dunkin treat!  Now that's love.  Heheheh!)

Have Clearer Skin While Watching the American Idol Live Tour Concert 2011!

I've always believed that there will always be 3 things that are constant in life -- change, paying taxes and suffering from acne.  Yes, you heard me right.  Everyone at one point of their lives will inevitably suffer from those annoying pustules that just seem to sprout at the very inopportune moments, wreaking a day that should have been perfect.

As such, it is of great relief that Proactiv Solution has reached our shores!