Yellow

This weekend was productive.   We finally picked a wedding location and venue!   As much as we wanted a tropical destination wedding,  we decided to get married in New York City after all because we really want our family and close friends to be there.   Looks like we will have to save the traveling for our honeymoon.  

What I wore to go wedding venue shopping : UO Dress, UO Hat, Michael Kors Espadrilles. 

Work Wardrobe Chronicle, Convertibles

From work to play...

Dress code at the office from Memorial Day to Labor Day is business casual, which means no suits in summer and open toe shoes!   This dress is safe for work when worn with a cardigan, but also good for an after work date with A.   Plus there are pleats and pockets!   Shoes were part of my first F21 shoe purchase, failed the walk-to-work test but I still likey though.

Club Monaco Dress,   F21 Cardigan & Shoes,   Pink Sapphire & White Quartz Necklaces ( by Vale Jewelry ) From the Young Designers Market on Mulberry.

Tonight...

First night of summer 2009 was just lovely, with that fresh summer scent filling the evening air.  

What I wore to P and F's casual chic banquet in the Hills : F21 Tunic/Dress, Bloomingdales Sandals, F21 Necklace.

Philippines, Stop & Smell the Coconut Pie

Jeepney, a colorful & popular mode of local transportation.

Sugar cane being loaded onto trucks along the roadside. 

I hate "coconut".  By that I refer only to the fake-snow looking stuff which comes in a plastic bag, and all types of coconut flavoring.  Usually anything coconut "flavored" makes me gag.  Fresh coconuts however,  are another story.   During our drive to Punta Fuego,  we passed by endless stands selling fresh coconut juice and homemade coconut pie.  

We picked out some young coconuts at a roadside stall.   This little lady took out a machete and swiftly cut straw openings in them so we can sip their juices.   She surprised us by taking back the coconuts after we were done,  then proceeded to chop off pieces of the shell to carve into rustic spoons so we could scoop out the soft, delicately flavored coconut flesh for our consumption.  Man, is there anything she can't do?   If I were stranded on an island I would want her on my team.

We also had to stop at a Colette's to buy their famous coconut pie.  You can find Colettes all over this area.  The pie was still warm when the shop keeper put it in our hands.  It was not too sweet, fresh, and delicious.  Tasted nothing like the fake coconut flavor that we usually encounter in New York.  Fiance and I love the Philippines!

Pink

Half of 2009 is in the past, and we still haven't had a single free weekend.   I would love to have one day to just chillax.  

What I wore to drinks n chair dancin, because I was too tired to dance standing up.

F21 Tank and Leggings, AA Bandeau Bra, F21 Necklace.

Philippines, Tagaytay

On my second trip to the Philippines,  I finally had a chance to get outside of Manila.   Just 35 miles away from the capital city, Tagaytay offers beautiful views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.  An active volcano nestled inside a serene lake is something I've never seen before.  This alone was worth our trip.  

There are countless restaurants and roadside food shops to stop in along the way, each with their own vantage point.  This picture was taken next to a Starbucks parking lot, maybe if Starbucks in New York had views like this,  I would actually go in despite of their bad coffee.   

Make it a Destination?

Being passionate travelers, A and I naturally expected to have a destination wedding. Even our engagement took place in Munich, followed by celebrations in Budapest and Prague.  We would love to say "I Do" in a far away land by the ocean.  However, we want everyone we love to be able to attend, and after all this wandering, maybe getting married in our home town is just what we need?

So we started looking at New York City wedding venues, but when temperatures in May hover around the 50's, we dream of getting away for a tropical wedding.  Selecting a country to get married in, is the first and foremost decision we have to make before any other planning can begin.  But how to decide?

A brought home these gorgeous roses Friday, after I've had an especially eventful week at work. I love my Fiance!

F21 Tank,   AE BF Jeans,   F21 Necklace Worn as a Bracelet,   Old Tie Back Bandeau Bra, F21 Shoes.  

My first shoe purchase from F21!  I've been apprehensive about their shoe quality,  but with a wedding to save for,  I have to alter my spending habits very, very drastically.  At less than 30 bucks, these were worth taking a chance with.  Speaking of cost cutting,  I literally took these jeans out of my donations pile,  giving them a second try. 

Ippudo, Ramen so Good It Makes U Cry

Ippudo serves, among other things,  Ramen ( not the kind you douse with hot water ).  Silky, flavorful Tonkotsu broth and al dente noodles are their specialty.  When I lived in Midtown,  I had Ramen at unhealthy frequency because the only eateries near my apartment were Sushi shops, tourist traps, and Ramen houses.  Eating Sushi everyday would have cost me my rent, and nobody in their right mind should eat at Friday's in New York City,  so Ramen became my friend.  

Ippudo's Tonkotsu Ramen is one of the best in the city,  and in my opinion, even better than Momofuku's.  Its tasty broth is the culmination of simmering pork bones for as long as 18 hours.  Speaking of long periods of time,  prepare your self for ridiculous waits during peak dining hours, quite ironic since Ramen is supposed to be a fast food.  Ippudo is located on Fourth Avenue at Ninth Street.

Glow

Bright color for a dreary day. 

Fluorescent Tee( F21 ), Charcoal Leggings ( UO ), Cuff ( F21 ),