Analog love ♥

So I’m into shooting film again and this time I’m not limiting myself to just shooting from the hip. From two plastic cameras I now have five and I also got myself a handsome Canon AE-1 film SLR, which I named Martin.

Here are some of the photos that I took using Martin and Lucky Super 200 film:

Makati Skyline

Behind the camera

This hobby is addicting. Now instead of browsing the net to look for the latest beauty products I find myself lurking online stores that sell analog cameras and films. Most of the time I have to remind myself that my budget has a limit and I have bills to pay and other more important stuff to buy.

I may be just a newbie in photography, but I am very much willing to learn and eager to experiment with different films and techniques. Of course, this is not to say that I will forget about lomography all together. I shall continue making happy accidents happen.

RED my lips

After watching Captain America, I once again found myself in search for the perfect matte red lipstick. As in Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) Red. So fierce!

Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter

Last Saturday I went to the mall to watch an indie film with a friend and continued my quest for THE red lipstick after the movie. The OC in me wanted the exact same shade as Peggy’s, so I asked the saleslady if she’s seen Captain America and could point me to the right shade of red lipstick. Revlon had the one I was looking for.

Revlon matte lipstick in Really Red

I was choosing between this and a darker shade of red that was suggested by the saleslady. I obviously went for this one, which has a hint of orange hue, but knowing me I’d probably get the other one too when I have extra cash. By the way, I got this at P100.00 off. What a steal! I was clearly at the right place at the right time. Haha!

I’m definitely happy with this purchase. Although it’s matte, it glides on smoothly and is very pigmented, too, that you don’t have to retouch often. It can even last the whole night, unless you would be locking lips with someone. Of course, like any other shade of red, this lipstick is quite challenging to apply. But with practice, you’ll be able to perfect that Peggy Carter look.

The make up junkie in me

I am a bit of a cosmetic junkie. Just a bit because I don’t hoard make up like some girls do. Of course one reason is because I don’t have that much money to burn, but I am also practical and just don’t see the logic in buying all these products that only end up in the trash bin. Such a waste of hard-earned cash.

Anyway, I started wearing make up when I entered college some X years ago (not telling!). Most of the girls that belonged to my college wore make up. Back then I used an over-the-counter pressed powder, cheap eyeliner, and a Clinique lipstick that was given to my mom but which she didn’t use because it didn’t suit her complexion.

Now let me share with you some of the make up products that I currently use.

ELF All Over Cover Stick in Apricot Beige. This one is like a concealer / make up base and I like it because it blends easily. It can cover dark circles under the eyes, which have always been my biggest problem, and other blemishes. It smells good, too!

Cover Girl TRUblend pressed powder #2. This translucent light compact powder from Cover Girl gives you a smooth finish and takes care of excess oil. It won’t clog your pores so you don’t have to worry about pimple breakouts.

Nichido eye pencil in black brown. Probably the cheapest item in my make up kit now, I use this one for lining my upper lids. It glides on smoothly and gives precise definition to the eyes for that smokey-but-not-quite look.

Avon Extra Lasting mascara in brown black. I don’t usually put on mascara on a daily basis, but this one is just so comfortable to wear that I think I can use it to work every day. I was planning to buy mascara from Maybelline but I saw that this one, which is a new product, is selling for a really cheap introductory price, so decided to take it instead. And I’m glad I did.

ELF Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow. I am a big fan of those cheek and lip tints / stains, but I find them a bit messy to apply since you have to use your fingers. So I decided to switch to a powder blusher and my brand of choice is ELF. Turned out to be a good one. It’s not too pigmented so you won’t look like you have some sort of allergic reaction or anything when you have it on. I also have this in Coy.

I think that every girl should have three lipsticks in basic shades in their beauty arsenal. One in pink, one in red, and one in nude or any neutral shade. This way you are sure to have the right shade for every occasion.

MAC lipstick in Pink Nouveau. I’ve been wanting to get my, uh, lips? on this one and thanks to a friend in Singapore, I finally did! It’s in a cute shade of pink and has a satin finish. Tastes yummy, too!

Avon Ultra Moisture Rich lipstick in Apricot. This is the oldest tube in my make up kit. It’s so old that I think they have discontinued it. Sad. Anyway, I love how it glides on smoothly and the shade (nude) isn’t too loud, so I can practically use it everyday.

Ever Bilena matte lipstick in Love That Red. I use this lipstick on days when I don’t feel like wearing that much make up or when I am already running late for work. I just curl my lashes and apply a coat or two on my lips and I’m good to go. It can be quite tricky to apply, though.

Aside from cosmetics, I also have Strawberry Carmex moisturizing lip balm and Garnier Light brightening eye roll-on in my make up kit. Got to keep chapped lips and eye bags at bay.

 

I use an eyelash curler from The Face Shop and a make up brush from Nichido.

You don’t need expensive make up to look pretty. Yes, branded cosmetics can work wonders, but there are also make up products that can deliver the same results without causing you an arm and a leg. Remember, make up doesn’t change the way you look. It only enhances your appearance by highlighting your assets and camouflaging your flaws.

WordPress for Blackberry

I am posting this using my Blackberry Curve 8520. Of course I can only do this when I’m subscribed to the full BIS of my network, which, in my opinion, is quite expensive, or when I’m connected via WiFi. I usually just subscribe to the BB Social plan of my provider.

Anyway, I only wanted to try this one. I hope it works.

The Morning Rush

I wake up at five in the morning and stay in bed until the second alarm goes off 30 minutes later. That’s when I actually get up. I make breakfast for the family and then hit the shower. I take my radio phone with me and tune in to The Morning Rush (TMR), Monster Radio RX93.1‘s prime time morning show. Yes, in the shower.

I have been an avid listener of the show since 2008. Its witty hosts, Chico Garcia and Delamar, have been my constant companion to work every single morning for the past three years. This comic duo is the reason why I often look like a looney in public, smiling and even laughing out loud. I have joined the show a few times by sending in entries to the top ten and it feels great to hear even just your code name on air.

Like any other fan, I wanted to see my favorite disc jocks in person and have my photo taken with them for the bragging rights. I have seen Chico once during an event but missed the photo op since he was in a hurry at that time. I was starstruck, which made me feel even more frustrated. Since then my goal has been to see Delamar in person.

Last July 9, 2011 it finally happened. I had my picture taken with my two favorite DJs! I attended the 15^th anniversary celebration of TMR at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) in Ortigas. It was such a fun experience! Chico and Delamar were so warm and friendly. Despite Delle’s condition (she’s on the family way), she didn’t seem to get tired of posing with fans for souvenir photos.

I went with my sister, who is not really a Rusher, as fans of the show are referred to, and a friend who is. We were late for the live broadcast, also from CBTL, but we made it just in time for the meet and greet.

I will never get tired of listening to The Morning Rush. Cheers to another 15 years!

You are what you listen to

My taste in music is quite diverse. I listen to songs from different eras and genres, from the hits of the 70s to the chart-toppers of the 00s, pop, alternative, country, soul, rock, and even a little bit of local punk music. I may not be a hardcore fan of these types of music but I can appreciate them, especially rock and alternative, which I enjoy listening to the most. I also love listening to movie and television soundtracks.

I am no expert in music. I can’t even carry a tune. But I think I understand this language and it has helped me go through some tough times in my life. Like what it does to millions, music keeps me sane and I can never last a day without it. Thank God for portable music players!

I do not own an iPod or any Apple gadget. I find them too expensive and complicated to use. I’d choose drag-and-drop music transfer over having to convert mp3 to iTunes before you can enjoy them any day. Hassle, man!

I am a big Sony Walkman fan. My dad gave me this awesome Sony mp3 player years ago and I still use it. Never mind that it only has a 1 GB capacity. It has an FM radio receiver and voice recorder so I can use it to listen to my favorite morning radio show and for recording interviews for work. Pretty cool, huh? And since it has a very limited capacity, I choose which songs to load it carefully. Its contents usually depend on my mood, but it will always have my favorite feel good songs in it.

  

Aside from my Sony mp3 player, I also use my Blackberry 8520 as music player. Now that has a bigger capacity of 4 GB. I load it with full albums of artists that I like, movie and television soundtracks, and random hits. Right now I have the albums of Neon Trees, The Script, Adele, The Bird and The Bee, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, The Smiths, Lily Allen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Train, The Beatles, Franco (local band) and Rihanna in my phone. As for movie and TV soundtracks, I currently have those of 500 Days of Summer, Easy A, The Hangover Part II, Glee Season 2 and Gossip Girl Season 1.

I once tweeted, “don’t judge a person by his music player. Judge him by the music he listens to.” Of course that was just me trying to be witty. Whatever kind of music you like listening to, what matters is that it makes you feel good and helps put you in a better mood. Earphones in, world out!

Another what’s-in-my-bag post

Little miss organized…

…not!

By the time you read this, the Mentos Pure Fresh gum and Mentos Fresh Cola chewy dragees will be long gone. When I get bored, I chew.

Oh yeah, I have this Tumblr account called How to be Lovely, too. Feel free to look, like or loathe.

I want to have curls…

…or at least have decent waves on my hair. Weird huh? In a society where most girls would do everything to have sleek, straight hair, here I am wanting to get a perm. I find is sexy and easier to manage. I want big, soft curls on my locks, think Emma Stone in Easy A or Zooey Deschanel in (almost) all her films.

Emma Stone as Olive Penderghast in Easy A

Zooey Deschanel

But of course, I have a different hair texture. I’m one of them lucky girls who have thick, strong hair strands that (I hope) can withstand everyday stress and chemical treatments. I’ve had it relaxed, rebonded and colored, but it never looked damaged or abused. Unruly, yes, but never unhealthy.

Aside from having thick strands, I also have a great volume of locks, which is often a challenge for stylists, especially when it’s time to blow it dry. And because of its thickness, I’ve always been hesitant to get a perm. I fear that I might end up looking like a poodle that hasn’t been groomed for three years.

So I’ve always pushed the idea of curling my hair out of my mind. I tried setting it once, but that only lasted for about two hours. Now I’m having evil thoughts of getting a perm again, despite the objections from my mom. I wanted to get a digital perm, but that’s a little too expensive, especially the type that’s suited for my hair. I was ready to settle for a regular perm, but when I consulted a stylist, I was told that a digital perm is the only way to go, since my hair has been previously treated. What a let down. I took it as a sign then, that I am not destined to be curly.

But who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to save up for a digital perm someday. But until then I’m gonna do my best to keep my hair manageable and minimize bad hair days.

DIY Audrey Hepburn Notebook

I’ve been in search for an Audrey Hepburn notebook or planner for the longest time but I have yet to find one that will fit my budget. I saw these lovelies some months ago at Fullybooked BHS and I almost fainted at the sight of their price tags.

Planner, P700.00++

Sabrina notepad, P400.00++

More recently I saw a notebook at Tickles in Market! Market! in three different Audrey Hepburn designs, each priced at P265.00, but I didn’t have the guts to take a photo. Even if it’s way cheaper than the planner and the notepad, I still thought it was ridiculously expensive for a notebook. It was an ordinary spiral notebook like the ones high school kids use in school.

I was about to give up looking when a brilliant idea suddenly hit me: why don’t I just make my own Audrey Hepburn notebook? So off to National Bookstore I went to buy some sticker paper for the DIY project. Google helped me pick which Audrey Hepburn image to print but I ended up choosing what probably is her most iconic image: as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. After a few snips, here is the finished product of my little DIY project:

Tada! DIY Audrey Hepburn notebook!

Nothing spectacular, I know, but I’m just so happy that I finally have an Audrey Hepburn notebook! What’s great about this is that I can change the design anytime I want to and being the fickle-minded that I am, I’m sure I WILL.

So what’s in your make-up kit?

Mine contains pressed powder, lip balm, lipsticks, lip gloss, mousse blush-on, eyeliner, eyelash curler, eyeshadow palettes, liquid foundation, mascara and a blusher.

The brands I use are Ever Bilena, Mac (from Jaja), Maybelline, Mary Kay, Nichido, Nivea and Wet ‘N Wild.

Aside from cosmetics, I also carry around the Paris Hilton perfume (Can Can), which is also from Jaja, a Goody hairbrush, a small hair clamp, a cute pocket mirror and other stuff.

That make-up kit, by the way, I got for only P100.

Care to share what’s in yours?