A Very SWEET Gift!

If there is any other material thing aside from bags and watches that I love in this world its -- SWEETS! My BGF Paolo arrived at our house on the afternoon of my birthday carrying a huge box.  He said it was from Diane, my other very good friend.  I was actually intimidated to open the box.  But once  I opened it -- I could not even utter a word in my awe...

Because I love bags...

And I was always at the beach...

Yes, I was 30...

These cupacakes were made by Rhee Garcia -- And I can say that she is one talented girl! I've eaten my share of fondant cakes -- heck my wedding cake was one.  And based on my experience they are pretty to look at, but once you bite into them, you realize it's all just a facade.  BUT these, THESE cupcakes had the moistest, yummiest cakes in them!!! I kid you not! They can stand a max of 5 days at room temperature. I was told not to put them in the fridge since this will cause moisture and destroy the fondant icing. But alas they only survived 3 days before they were all gone! Teehee! :) 

This absolutely made my 30th sweeter! I loved it, everybody else that got to taste them loved them and I cannot pass on the opportunity to write about them!

To get in touch with her for extremely beautiful and outrageously YUMMY cakes or cupcake you may email her rheagarcia@gmail.com.

JUST ARRIVED: The Birthday Package

Mulberry OS Alexa in Oak

She's here! I know, I know another bag. But hey it's my birthday and I'm gonna party like it's my birthday! I would like to welcome the Mulberry Alexa to my small collection.

The plum Alexa was beautiful too, but since there was a wait list, oak was really my second choice :)

I can go for a rest now --from buying bags.  Just for a while, I'm sure if I see a new bag, this viscous cycle will start all over again. LOL.  Bissous

Jane

New at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club

Photo from Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

Travelogue: My Not So Ordinary Cebu

When my husband was assigned to be based in Cebu, I could not bear to leave Manila.  So we decided to have to homes.  As months passed I discovered a Cebu that is different from the tourist trade.  See Cebu from the eyes of a Manila Girl who loves Cebu.

Can you guess where this is?

Guadalupe Church

View from our condo at night.

Ayala Center Cebu during rush hour.

Our condo building in the heart of the City.

This was just before the Earth Hour 2010. Sad to say majority did NOT turn off their lights :(

Shot taken from the new hi-way.

   

Bag-a-holic Adventures: Shameless Plug - Chanel Single Flap FOR SALE!

Chanel Single Flap in Black Lambskin with GHW

I just had to post this.  This beautiful bag needs to be adopted.  It's a timeless classic and more importantly its a Chanel.  If anyone is interested you may send me an email at jane_espiritu01@yahoo.com.ph.

Random Thoughts: Chopsuey Over 30

Its so often that we look at the misfortune of others to realize how good our lives.  Why is it that we do not seem to feel "complete" with what we have and what we have been blessed with.  I always hear other people comment, " Ay kawawa naman siya. Buti na lang ako hindi ganon." I am guilty of uttering these words a few times.  Then I look back and I contemplate - why can't I just be content with what I have.  Why do I crave for more? Greed? Vanity? Do we always have to look at the negatives of others to see OUR positives?  In a world of superficial materialism how can we overcome these urges?

When I lost my father to cancer in 1997, I am sure a lot people pitied us.  My mom, my sister and of course my youngest brother.  Who at that time was only 9 years of age.  I am also sure that these people realized that we should not take anyone for granted.  I do not say the word anything --- since, most of the time the most important things are the ones we cannot see or touch.  And more often than not the people that we love are responsible for these intangible things.

Our drive for excellence may also drives us to be greedy at times.  It may seem that our only purpose in  life is to be better than our neighbor.  Better car, better house, better things, better wife (?), better kids and the list goes on.  Have you ever been genuinely happy for the success of one of your friends and not to wish them ill-will that one day it will all disappear.  One day you will have your time.  

Soon I will celebrate my 30th year of life.  And I can say that  have come to a point that I am truly thankful for my life and the people in it.  I am not a saint and say that there no times that I wonder if I took the opposite direction.  But the thought just dies --- it has no sense.  Why should I contemplate on something that I can never have. When the things that are most important to me are here, NOW.   I will not waste my time. I am 30 -- and I may live till I am a hundred or not.  I have learned to live in the now. Not tomorrow, and most especially not yesterday. Because now I am here - I can show the people that I love what I feel, I can laugh with my friends, I can kiss my Julia and tell her that I will do anything for her.

So, how about you? Will you waste your time looking at the misfortune of others to appreciate who you have?  Will you just let everyday pass only to realize that its too late?

Turning 30 has made me realize -- that this is already a lifetime.  And I am grateful.

So to 30 years, to life, to NOW, I say sante!  :)

These are the moments that I will never trade for ANYTHING.






    

Food Trip: Breakfast with Mary Grace

Interiors at Mary Grace Cafe at ATC

Julia and I decided to have breakfast at Mary Grace at Alabang Town Center. It was our first time. The interiors had a very homey feel to it.  I love the stained glass lamps and the large glass windows!

As we were browsing through the menu, we could not help but notice the cake fridge. Lo and behold that there were cakes in every delectable manner possible. On the top most shelf there was a uber-white strawberry cake with gigantic strawberries and in the middle, a rich cheesecake. But what caught my eye was the Velvet Cake, with its creamy white frosting and chocolate droplets, DD and I had to buy it.

Mary Grace Velvet Cake

Its made up of a super moist chocolate cake and the frosting is actually made from a cream cheese base.  Julia could not wait to taste it! ( Me too!)

Mary Grace Beef Tapa with Garlic Rosemary Rice

We had the tapa for breakfast.  Which was great too.  The Rosemary Garlic rice was divine. I was surprised that Julia loved it as well. 

Julia reading a story while we waited for our order.

We finished breakfast around 11 am, just in time to go home and wait for daddy to come home from Tagaytay.

If you have a sweet tooth, like I do, Mary Grace is a place you'd want  to visit. They already have branches at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio,Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, Robinsons Place Manila, Corte de los Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas and soon to open at St. Luke's Hospital, Fort Global City.  You may visit their website to entice and tempt your tastebuds.

Random Thoughts: And it's Friday Again

The weekend is here! Happy, happy, joy, joy! Another week ahead. And if you guys are Lost fans, like I am, you can check out the complete and final season on Amazon.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! I know I will! Bissous!

 Lost: The Complete Sixth and Final Season

Broken In

Vinatge Chanel Jumbo Flap Lambskin GHW

It has been close to 3 months since I have purchased this bag.  Today I decided to break her in.  Ooooh she just felt oh-so-right!

She is pre-owned but she was gently used by her previous owner.  There is almost no sign of usage except for the small tarnish on the turn lock.

One of the few Vintage Chanel Maxi Flaps with the CC logo on its backside. 

Bag-a-holic Adventures : Chanel still has my heart :)

Chanel Calfskin Weekender Bag in Black

I previously said that I was contemplating on getting a Mulberry Alexa, but alas Chanel has still won my heart.  I have historically stuck with the classic brands - Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Bottega Venetta, Gucci, Hermes.  Recently Balenciaga bags have captured my fancy.  After a week long of contemplating - I have chosen the Chanel Calfskin Weekender Bag.

The bag is very roomy, much like the Mulberry Alexa.  Its light-weight and it comes in three colors - black, gray, and brown/bronze.  It also has a shoulder strap for convenience. Most especially when I have my 3 year old in tow. I am very happy with my choice.  As I will forever ♥ Chanel.

Chanel Black Grand Shopper Black Quilted Tote 

My Hamilo

A beautiful day to soak up some sun...

Hamilo Coast Pico de Loro never ceases to amaze me.  The view is as breathtaking as the first time I came here in May 2010.  My family and I look forward to weekends spent here.  There is just so much to do, and not to mention, to eat! YUM!

GM Mr. Levi Layug introduced us to the man responsible for these culinary delights, Executive Sous Chef Carlo Santiago.  

There is also a well stocked bar for us adults, as we watch the sun set on another perfect day in My Hamilo...

Hamilo Mojito :) refreshing!

Lunch buffet at the Sun Coral Cafe - our favorite is the Lechon Kawali

Cookies and pastries

Yummy palitaw - a childhood favorite!

Fresh fruits

I love the Halo-halo buffet! They make their own ube halaya - and it is a winner!

I can't get enough of these cookies!!