Ny Minute Now

In the past, I noticed having the uncanny ability to sense that a couple was going to break up.

At a party among college friends, I caught a glimpse of an underlying tension when my friend P's ex, A, casually signaled to her watch that it was time to leave.

At a small get-together at my old apartment, I sensed a particular discontent and yearning for something else with my friend I and her then boyfriend, M.

At a college friend's bridesmaid's fitting, I noticed the same fidgety feeling between a long-time couple I didn't really know very well.

Subtle, yet palpable, is how I would describe each incident.

The first couple would separate for good and move on to marry other people. The second, magically, touchingly, and beautifully reunited, got married, and now have an adorable baby boy. (I eventually apologized to my friend for having voiced out the info above when they were broken up; only to be embarrassed and proven wrong when they got back together and turned out to be right for each other. See, sometimes I really should just shut up.)

As for the third couple, I have no idea if they're still together, like I said, I didn't know them very well.

The point to all of this is that, when it comes to gauging the underlying things in life, a.k.a. my personal gut and instinct, I have a 50/50 accuracy rate, which for some may be disappointing, but to me is a huge relief. I am actually happy to be wrong every now and then, and well, to be wrong half the time.

Because whenever I get neurotic about weddings, proposals (by the way, if you're on the lookout for princess diamonds, round diamonds, or any other loose diamonds, you might want to check out the choices at Samsclub.com), breakups, failed/failing marriages (so common in my family, and not to mention, issues of infidelity), I take comfort in my hit-or-miss ability to judge things for what they are. Sometimes, I'm content to chuck it all to paranoia and move along with a productive sense of positivity.

Image courtesty of Channel4.com

Labels: faith, family, life musings, pro-blogging, relationships

Over the summer I'd written about Daniblack Shoes, and eyed the styles above. Unfortunately, I never got to buy them and I wish I have because they're no longer available.

What they do have on their site now is these Daniblack wedges, wedge boots, pumps, and the rest of the Fall/Winter collection.

I still remember my first pair of wedges; they were from Bass. And they were actually my mother's. I remember the V-shape of the sandal and the bone finish of the heel. Then came the Janilyn straw/espadrille wedges, which I'm sure most of you owned one time or another.

As for Daniblack shoes, one would notice a higher pice point, which the brand attributes to better materials (real leather vs. synthetic). Anyway, if they decide to bring back the sandals above, I'll most probably shell out the $ this time.

Labels: online shopping, pro-blogging, work

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you may have noticed that I rarely place photos of myself or my family members (especially family members, and the kids). I am guessing this is partly because of having been spoiled during my magazine years with art directors who airbrushed, tweaked, and polished every stray blemish, excess flab, or wayward strand that whatever photo of myself came out in print was guaranteed to be flawless as realistically as possible. (And yes—consequently, I've had to deal with "Oh, you look fatter in person than in your picture in the magazine" side comments in the past.)

These days, I have to do my own airbrushing with the modest skills I've learned using Gimp.

Another reason for not uploading too many self-portraits is that I may have developed a defense mechanism of sorts of wanting to be read, understood, and scrutinized for my personality and the output of my brain—a.k.a. the "real me"—versus the color of my hair and skin.... I only have New York job interviews to blame for this budding insecurity.

Still, I couldn't help but share these two photos taken 20 years and about 30 lbs. in between. I find them somewhat similar, because of the pose, and interesting because my younger self can look like my daughter, if I had one.

These days I can empathize better with women who yearn for the poreless skin of their youth, that once smooth exterior/posterior, and that overall physical creaselessness of ages past.

Labels: beauty, childhood, family, life musings, magazines, New York minutes

Hi, friends!

I've spent the last seven days in and out of airports and de-jetlagging out of town—that's why I've been M.I.A. over here at NyMinuteNow.com. I just wanted to give everybody a heads up that I'm still blogging, and that I'm just warming up for the next round of entries. (And my sleeping patterns are still somewhat strange despite the R&R!) So stay tuned and thank you as always for dropping by here!

Officially beached and sunkissed,
Mariel

Labels: always summer, love Manila, travel

I got the Neno's Award from Krissy of Krissyfied.blogspot.com, who's also doing her own 30-day Blog Challenge. The 'rules' and criteria for this award are as follows:

1. As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2. To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.
4. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5. Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6. Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7. Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

When I got this the other day, I got to thinking about my early blogging days at Chocolate Soundboard (now private). I ended up browsing my earlier entries, only to find out I'd deleted the very first ones from September 2003 and replaced them with representative photos culled from my old MySpace profile (now also deleted). I did still find special and heartfelt entries for the following month, and realized that Michelle Branch's Hotel Paper album pretty much provided the soundtrack and spot-on anthems for all that I'd gone through that year.

You see, among close friends, 2003 was THE year; one to be remembered and reminisced. I was single back then and at the crest of a wonderful magazine career that included very important life lessons in and out of work—if not the major bulk of it non-work-related. I started the blog as a private online journal, a space outside of home to chronicle random thoughts and musings. I appreciated the portability and mobility of this avenue.

So to answer the question why I love blogging, it's all of the above, and everything that came afterwards; how my online 'home' blossomed to what it is today, the friends I've made, the friendships I've come to appreciate, and so much more. Before I go on and on, let me come up with the list of blogs/friends I'd like to send the Neno's Award, too:

• Topaz Horizon
• Hypermom
• Blue Law
• Chinachix's Crib Notes
  

I actually intend to add more to this list from my Blog Bites and Blog Roll sidebars, but I'm at the airport now and have to go in a bit. I shall update soon!

Labels: fab friends, life musings, work

In the same vain as I'm never going to eat nachos drizzled with melted cheese and jalapeños with a fork, etiquette has plenty to do with common sense. And for whatever is written here, I suggest taking it all with a grain of salt.

To quote from Papa:

"The best way, forever, is to grab the chicken and chomp. I learned that there are so many useless information is this part of the galaxy and I coped better when I fixed on the big things. Max Fried Chicken just provides water to wash your hands after eating. I listen to successful people—free guide to fortune... Now, to Farmville!"


American vs. Continental Dining

Prior to reading The Little Book of Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson I had no idea that there were two ways to handle one's fork and knife. I'm tempted to just scan the illustrations, but I don't want to deal with copyright issues (and I'm lazy). I'll try to break them down as simply as I could.

The American way is to hold the fork in a downward slope, gently slicing food with the knife ("Don't saw back and forth at your meat with a knife. Stroke the knife toward you."). After cutting, place it down the edge of your plate, sharp side facing in. Switch the fork on your left to your right and hold it like a pencil. Convey food to your mouth as you would a mini-shovel.

The Continental way, on the other hand, has the diner holding both knife and fork throughout the meal. "After the food is cut, your knife to secure it on your fork. Bring the fork, tines down to your mouth by twisting your wrist and raising your forearm slightly."

If that sounds confusing, I'm sure a quick Google will yield some helpful images. As for me, I've managed to combine the two ways without realizing it. Now knowing this, does it mean I'll have to choose?


The 'Fish' Way

I'd been holding my knife like a pencil all these years, after learning this was the proper manner of doing so. It turns out, this is the way one is supposed to hold the knife when eating (and maneuvering) fish. Good thing I've eaten mostly seafood in the past decade.

For poultry and other meats, "the knife is not held like a fish knife because more leverage is needed for cutting." So do as you would when slicing vegetables on a cutting board, except stick your pointer finger forward to steady the knife. "Cut only one piece at a time."


Going Back for Seconds

This I needed to know: The photo above is how one should leave silverware on the plate when taking a breather or leaving the table with the intention of coming back to pick up where one left off. "A highly trained server will not remove your plate with the fork and knife crossed. This is a universally known silent signal indicating the diner has not finished and is only resting."


Bread and Butter

• "Do not pull the roll in half." (I am sooo guilty of this!)
• "Break off only one bite of your bread or roll at a time, then butter it with your butter spreader and eat." (This, I do, after I've pulled the roll in half, ha!)
• "Do the buttering on your plate, not in your hand." (Oops.)

Johnson advises that should the person on your left commandeer you bread plate, don't call him or her on the faux pas and instead, use your dinner plate for bread. "Resist the urge to take the bread plate on your right and confuse others."


Other Random Tips
(...and Tipping)

"Before you sit down, approach each person at the table whom you have not met beforehand. Extend your hand and introduce yourself, greeting guests you already know by name."

"White wine glasses are held by the stem and red wine glasses by the bottom of the bowl when one is at a seated dinner. Leave the wine swirling, gargling and stem maneuvers to the oenophiles."

"Tips are supposed to be a reward for services performed, as well as a supplement to an employee's income. The average gratuity is 15 or 20 percent (before taxes). A larger gratuity should be left for extraordinary food or service."

A Lesson in Etiquette (Part 1)

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Labels: books, etiquette, family, food, home and living

When it comes to table manners and proper social conduct, I don't consider myself completely ignorant. After all, plenty past luncheons, dinners, and events had required some form of proper decorum from my end, and as a child of the 80s and 90s, I knew early on from watching Pretty Woman that one used utensils from the outside in.

When my uncle—a self-made man—got together with my aunt who was from an old-rich family, my cousins and I (we all lived under one roof) benefited from a lesson or two on refinement. Tita Joan (pronounced 'Jone'), became our second mother, teaching us about manners and the good life by way of Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. She taught us by example—never ever in a condescending way—and through countless invitations to dine at her parents' home wherein household help served meals from our right and cleared the plates from our left. (Or was it the other way around? Now you see why I needed the book above?)

Personally, apart from Tita Joan's open-minded and introspective outlook in life, I can mostly recall her culinary influences: chicken baked in paprika, how to properly sear meat ("Don't flip it about."), good mustard and marmalade, and so forth. She also taught me to eat Boursin and Havarti cheese; and for many years, I couldn't tell them apart. And because of her, when I had my own apartment and didn't really have a lot of money, I still went to Mandarin Hotel for the walnut multigrain bread.

That said, I always still get curious about other fine things in life, including the study of etiquette. So when I picked up the mini-book, The Little Book of Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson, I may have as well called myself ignorant all these years.

Here are some pointers that called out to me, including so many things I didn't know. Please feel free to add your own tips via the comment boxes, we all could use a new reminder or two. And as I write this, I realize the book covers a lot of ground with enough material to be discussed, so I'll do a mini-series as I blog along.

1. "Do try a little of everything served to you unless you know you are allergic to it."

I first caught wind of this dining 'Do' when I noticed almost a decade ago how my friend, Simon (my mentor Marie's boyfriend) never declined on snacks or food I offered him. This habit of his slowly clued me in that he was doing this out of good manners. After all, he always struck me as someone who had impeccable decorum—always tactful and refined.

2. "Blot your mouth before taking a sip of water."

Now I think I've been doing the opposite way, patting the napkin over my mouth after drinking from the glass. From now on, to be safe, I am going to blot twice: before and after.

3. "Do take medicine discreetly, preferably away from the table. If you must take medication at the table, do not mention it to anyone."

This is a good reminder for my Tempra and Claritin moments.

4. "Do remove alien objects from your mouth with your fingers and place them at the edge of your plate."

Good to know because I'd always assumed one had to use her fork or spoon to do this.

5. "Don't place personal items such as purses, briefcases, and glasses on the table. A small purse belongs on the lap and large purses near your feet."

And I'm adding phones to this list. I'm also guilty of placing my mobile next to my plate, so again, this is a good reminder not to. Also, those nifty jeweled bag hooks from CMG come to mind; must get one of those.

More table etiquette tips tomorrow, plus, what my dad had to say about all of this!

A Lesson in Etiquette (Part 2)

Image courtesy of BarnesandNoble.com

Labels: books, etiquette, fab friends, family, food, home and living, work

In case you're scoping the scene for personalized items for the upcoming gifting season ahead, check out Ecustomwear.com for cheap custom t-shirts, bags, towels, hats, and caps that can be personalized with you brand logo or whatever slogan or statement tee you have in mind.

If I were in Manila, I would head straight for Divisoria for cheap t-shirts and plain tanks I could embellish with beads, crocheted flowers, or even sparkly gems. But for now, this online resource for custom t-shirts and other silk-screen-ready products may be a viable option. I'm curious about the towels, robes—and even the aprons(!) that can be embroidered and personalized, which reminds me of those Personalize it! booths in the mall back in the 90s. Does anybody know if they are still around?

During a family reunion earlier this year featuring an excursion of sorts in three places out of town, one of my aunts—who hosted us in the second and third location—left embroidered towels, each with our own initials, on the beds. Such a lovely gesture, not only because it was unexpected, but also, who doesn't love new towels and, as an icing on the cake, with one's initials? It's a treat from ages past that I am only too happy to indulge in.

Labels: home and living, online shopping, pro-blogging

...I wanted to take a screen shot and post it here :)

I never thought the day would come when I would trade fashion-y footwear for cushy rubber shoes. In college, I was more or less known for having the latest trainers and sneakers, and my girliest shoes were a pair of Birkenstock Mary Janes that I wore to the ground. And then there were my Mojo [a local brand with Teva-inspired designs] sandals.

When I started working (and driving), the world of high-heels opened up for me. From wedges to stilettos, the sky was the limit for my teetering frenzy.

In New York, I'd easily adapted to the norm of toting two pairs of shoes on any given day: flats for the subway and heels for work. But eventually, I just got lazy doing this cumbersome—albeit unnecessary for some—switcheroo.

And lo and behold the queen of all switcheroos, I've had with me these beautiful Madden Girl Raleigh booties from DSW Shoe Warehouse for quite some time. I hadn't worn them yet and I'd planned on taking the pair with me back to Manila to happily sashay in them during the holiday season. Alas, I ended up returning the booties and exchanging them for a very, very sensible pair of New Balance 737 women's running shoes.

This is a big deal for me because I've said in the past that I would never get into running again—out of laziness and sheer tediousness of the sport. Just thinking about it makes me tired. Running to me feels like work, perhaps as a result of being 'coaxed' with an iron fist to run in college, and being duly rewarded for completing a successful training program.

However, I recently found myself, despite rebelling so, hopping on the treadmill; and there is a tentative plan to run at the park this weekend. I don't know where this is going this time around, as I still feel exactly the same way about the sport. I guess a new pair of orange-tinged, high-tech trainers is my way of bribing myself to just get on with it.

Image courtesy of Zappos.com

Labels: college, fashion, fitness, life musings, love Manila, New York, New York minutes, stuff I buy

In true Pinay form, I've spent the weekend outlet-shopping for mostly clothes I hope to wear often enough to justify the expense, and random odds and ends I simply couldn't resist.

Unusual to see at the outlet stores was a bookstore that sold a variety of reads, including these tiny ones that only cost three for $5. At the bottom of the pile is a crochet book at $2.99. Everything including tax (only now I'm learning to account for tax in list prices) came out to less than nine dollars or so. Sweet, right?

Here are the complete titles:

1) The Little Book of Etiquette by Dorothea Johnson [Running Press]
As I type this, I have a blog post brewing on the contents of this mini-book. It's proving to be quite the useful resource for proper dining decorum.

2) The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey [Running Press]
If you were an employee by the turn of the millennium, chances are your office mandated seminars on The Seven Habits of Highly-Effective People. So far I only remember the part about Emotional Bank Accounts (that can be overdrawn by certain people), plus the hefty leather planner and reading materials. I enjoyed using the former with the special custom paper.

3) Desperate Housecats by Meredith Parmelee & Christine N. Robert [Running Press]
This is for my dad's household. He and his wife, Leena (check out her Cat Addict blog at Catlovertalaga.com) have at least seven fuzzy felines in their home, along with dogs, fish, and as of a few months ago, lovebirds. Right now, I think my dad is addicted to Farmville on Facebook :)

4) Stitch Collection: Textured Crochet by Helen Jordan [St. Martin's Press]
If you go to the previous post, "Finding Your Passion," the crocheted pieces featured were actually made by me. A couple of weeks ago I came across this multi-colored yarn (I forgot the name for it) and ended up crocheting a few coasters/floral patches. I remembered a few things from grade school, plus some guessing along the way, with lots of yarn unraveling. I'm hoping this book can show me some new things to do for those lazy, offline afternoons. I wouldn't be surprised if I get into knitting down the line.

Labels: books, food, stuff I buy, work