July 9.  After the Cru Vince Seminar at Richmond’s place, we went around Banawe area to find a place to eat at 1030pm.  Good thing Tasty Dumplings was closed or else CW would have suggested dining there.  Whenever we are in the area, it’s a no brainer that we’re going to eat at Tasty whether I like it or not.  Hahaha.  It’s not that I don’t like it but c’mon, there are so many other restaurants to try.

The price wasn’t so bad and the duck was as wonderful as something you’d pay double for.  The skin was crispy and the duck meat was tender and moist. 

Even if it was 20 minutes to closing time, the staff was really accommodating.  While the food didn’t taste like it was cooked in a rush.  The squid was tasty and crispy.  A winner for only PHP 120

Beef brisket and tendon served in a small hot bowl.  I finished this on my own.  Period.

June 27, 2008.  Friday evening, I was raring to go to the gym but Bubba had other plans.  I haven’t been to the gym for weeks and I have gained 5 lbs over the past 3 weeks!!!  But I was glad that Bubba had another plan.  He said we were having dinner and asked me not to ask Qs.  On the way, I filled him in on my day.  Destination seemed to be QC.  My mind started to wander on QC restaurants, but I didn’t want to spoil it so I stopped wondering.

It was a sweet surprise after a long week at work.  Simple dinner but I really appreciate that Bubba made dinner plans.  The ambience and food really relaxed my mind.

On the Table

Sopa Zarsuela de Mariscos PHP 80

Paella ala Ima PHP 495

Chateu Verde very own Spanish rice dish, with seafood, chicken, pork, chorizo, peppers and olive oil

Cannelloni Romana PHP 150

Rolled pasta with white cheese, meat and chicken filling, topped with mozzarella cheese

Salpicados ala Miguel PHP 205

Beef tenderloin cubes sautéed in garlic and olive oil

Blueberry Cheesecake PHP 70

Chateu Verde is located at 63 Apacible Place, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City.  Restaurant is open from 10am-1030pm from Monday to Saturday.  Make your reservations at 9288180.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/490/08_0627-_Chateu_Verde

(Photo courtesy of http://www.modistabyelle.com)

“It’s not the right size!” is the common fashion dilemma of Pinays since our sizes are usually categorized as only small, medium or large.  Can you imagine the number of sizes in between small and medium or between medium and large?  That’s why it’s so much easier to buy international labels as they have specific sizes that fit your actual frame.  Sizes vary from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and so on…  To make things worse, sometimes local labels only have one available size –the free size!!!

Tube tops shouldn’t be exposing half of your breasts.  You shouldn’t need to wear an inner blouse to cover the really low neckline of your dress.  One shouldn’t keep folding the cuff of his pants because it’s just too long.  In fashion, there shouldn’t be such a thing as one size fits all.  Clothes should be made to fit your body.  Modista By Elle is the one answer that fits all size problems.

 Modista By Elle Client Guide (4 easy breezy steps!) 

1. Select a style from their collection

Their current collection is divided into five distinctive designs: New Jersey, Vanity Blueprints, Blocks Unprinted, Checked Republic and Work and Play.

2. Select a fabric
3. Get your measurements
4. A style made to fit.  Once it’s done, you can pick it up from their store location or have it shipped.

Now you can choose your favorite style, have it done on the fabric of your choice and something that fits you like a glove –if that’s the fit you want. 

They offer free shipment nationwide for a minimum purchase of PHP1500.  Definitely frees us ladies on the go from the hassle of going to the location or the payment of additional shipping fees.  Sweet!

I totally love their chic designs.  I’m itching to go to their store and check out their other pieces.  I hope they are open on May 1!

Visit their website at http://www.modistabyelle.com for more details or contact 09178338283. 

Whenever we are in the area of Banawe, we can’t help but drop by Ersao.  Quick meals.  Inexpensive food.

Porkchop Rice 

Spicy Squid Rings 

Mango Shake with Jelly 

They sell frozen dumplings that you can bring home. 

I haven’t eaten this since high school.  My dad introduced me to this Chinese-owned chicken restaurant.  I love the chicken skin and the sauce.  I can finish their 1 whole chicken in one sitting, especially when the meat is moist.

We passed by the branch in Quezon City and decided to order 1 whole chicken to go.  The oldest branch is located in Binondo, while the one I used to frequent was the one in Shaw Blvd.

It’s a Sunday of pampering and relaxation. I always go to Skin Perfect for a deep cleansing facial with laser treatment but since they up their prices, this was a perfect time for me to try out new clinics. We went to Timog to check out Daisy, where Bubba’s mom gets her facial. Unfortunately, it was closed. We were surveying the area, when we saw this billboard with a Xmas Promo Ad. Their facial is only PHP250, so without much ado. We parked the car and headed to the 3^rd floor of the building that also occupies Net Now Internet Café.

Let’s Talk About Face.

Since I was in a hurry to get my facial and get out of there since I had a 3:30 PM schedule at California Nails and Day Spa, I wasn’t able to get the prices of their regular treatments. I was really lucky though that the PHP 250 promo included the deep cleansing facial, laser treatment, tightening mask and hand paraffin! What a great steal!!! Promo according to the specialist who was steaming my face is good until the end of January. Christmas doesn’t really end in December.

California Nails and Day Spa

I profusely apologized to Monique of CNDS for not making it to my 3:30 PM appointment, with all that I had done in Let’s Talk About Face. I arrived at Greenhills around 4:30 already. Monique was really polite and accommodating. I wanted to get the Body Scrub but since I didn’t have that much time to spare either… I opted for the Calming Back Facial.

Nail Art Design

Nail art is a great way to express yourself. Have little ribbons or flowers adorn your fingertips. Add rhinestones for extra glitz. Paint on different cartoon and comic book characters. Select from various “French Manicure” designs. Cost depends on intricacy and amount of designs selected. From PHP 15-70 per nail.

Spa Pedicure

Feet are soaked in a soothing bath, then a gentle exfoliation lotion is applied to remove dead skin cells. Includes removal of corns and calluses, if required. An aromatherapy massage follows exfoliation, and a splash of cool body spray will leave your feet refreshed, relaxed and ready for a regular pedicure. 1 hour and 20mins: PHP 420

Paraffin Treatments

These relaxing treatments will leave your hands and feet feeling baby-soft. After exfoliation, hands/feet are dipped in warm, moisturizing paraffin wax, then wrapped snugly in terrycloth mittens/booties for 15 minutes. Special oils are then massaged into the skin until hands/feet become smooth, silky and rejuvenated.

Paraffin Hand Treatment (30mins) PHP 445

Paraffin Foot Treatment (30mins) PHP 490

Foot and Leg Massage

Using the combination of Chinese and Swedish massage, this is a perfect partner with your manicure. 30 mins: PHP 175.

Aromatherapy Massage

A soothing body massage for detoxifying and total relaxation. Using pure imported essential oils will strengthen the immune system. Soft music and a scented oil burner will complete your relaxation treatment. 1 hour and 20mins: PHP 600.

California Facial

A detoxifying skincare treatment, which removes congestion and dead cell buildup. Patterned after the classic European Facial, this includes: deep pore cleansing, a luxurious massage, steaming, mask, toning, and hydrating. 1 hour: PHP 695

Calming Back Facial

Our specialized treatment to unclog blocked pores on the back. Offers many benefits-detoxification, scrub, extractions, massage to relax sore and aching muscles. 30mins: PHP 420.

Body Scrub

A body treatment using fruity grains to gently scrub off dead skin cells and build up of lotions. After a refreshing shower, a finale of light massage using scented lotions will leave the skin with a new glow. 2 hours: PHP 800.

They have a special 20% discount for all services until January 31, 2007. Hurry and get that much needed spa treatment at a lower cost. Happy Three Kings!!!

California Nails and Day Spa

Units 8 & 9, One Kennedy Place, #3 Club Filipino Avenue, North Greenhilss, San Juan, Metro Manila.

Tel. Nos. 722-9245 722-9275