Turkey Ham Sandwich

It's my lunch break and I am happily munching on a turkey ham sandwich which I brought to work.

Since time immemorial, moms and daughters have, what could only be described as, complicated relationships. At any point in time, you're either the best of friends or at each other's throats.

Today was one of the good days.

As usual, I woke up late. Humming Manic Monday to myself (generation gap!), I frantically prepared for work. Given time constraints, I didn't have time to have breakfast.

As I swept past the dining table, my mom calls out to me and hands me a sandwich. It was turkey ham. With cheese, tomatoes and lettuce. She told me to bring it along since I didn't have time to have breakfast.

You're never too old for a dose of motherly care and concern. Nothing can lift your spirit quite as much.

Thanks, mom!

Manday Monday: Koffski

For our Manday Monday feature, I bring you a man bag for the confident man who idolizes Derek Zoolander: the Koffski. A German creation, the Koffski is bagwear for men.



The concept behind the Koffski is quite sound. The bag comes with compartments for your phone, wallet, keys and even a pen.

You can wear the Koffski slung across your shoulder...



Or as a belt bag.


The website describes the Koffski man as:

"The Koffski user is elegant and resolute, exuding an air of confidence. Women will just love him.

He tends to reduce things to their essentials. He prefers to be independent. He always knows where to look when his mobile rings. Whether he is on business or spending an evening in a nightclub, the Koffski user always has his ideal companion close at hand. Very close."

The website could have been talking about my friend, Monk. Cough. Cough.

Somehow, I have a feeling bringing this along to the Metro Manila malls will get you frisked. It looks suspiciously like a gun holster.

In any case, if interested in acquiring this bag, head here.

Update: Here are some pictures of the cute male model:

All photos from the Koffski website.

Sale Alerts

Treat yourself to a luxury hair treatment at Piandre - All Kerastase Services are 10% off for the month of October. Call them at 8152418.

This weekend is the kick-off of Cubao Expo's Year-End Series of Events!
Friday (6 pm: Fashion Fest, Artist's Fair and Bazaar)
Saturday (3 pm: Concert, Artist's Fair and Bazaar)
Sunday (3 pm: Concert, Artist's Fair and Bazaar)
FREE ENTRANCE!


Happy weekend!

5 Great Bags for under USD1000

Sigh! Bag prices are really skyrocketing with most entry level bags now starting at USD1000 and up. For the bag lovers out there, I found several great options to add to your collection. The good news is that all the bags are under USD1000 and from brands with stores here in the Philippines:


1. Gucci Baboushka Tote in Medium

I love the russet color of this bag which makes it stand out from other Gucci totes. The attached bag charm is cute. I think the shape is perfect for lugging around your stuff during the upcoming holiday season.

2. Marc Jacobs Rosen Satchel in Dark Gray



Marc Jacobs really knows how to make them! The dark gray color is perfect. The chain strap adds just the right touch of whimsy and allows you to carry the bag until your dinner date.

3. YSL Tribute Patent Tote in Turquoise



This bag is turning out to be a perennial in the YSL collection with new variations coming out every season. This time, the Tribute comes out in this cool blue color and patent leather.

4. Prada Cervo Antik Hobo



Made from Prada antique deerskin. I like the gathered look. Not a bad bag to start your Prada collection with.

5. Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 35



Only because I am so clueless! At the Eluxury website, they finally featured a Damier Speedy 35. For those who think even the Speedy 30 may be too small, this may be the right size for you!

There you go, girls! Five great bags to salivate over. Hoping the markup at the local stores won't be too much though. It hurts to pay more than you have to.

All photos except for the LV bag from Neiman Marcus website. LV photo from Eluxury

Sale Alerts

Because retail is the best therapy, here are some sales around town to watch out for:

Shop at Warehouse (Robinsons Galleria) from October 3-5, 2008 and get 20% discount on all regular items.

Use your HSBC credit card at SM Dept Stores at enjoy 0% interest on 6-month installment on all items. Terms and conditions apply.

Skincredible Sale! All weekends September-October. Up to 25% off on VMV hypoallergenic products only at Landmark and Watsons.

Will post more news as I get them. Happy shopping!

What Brews with your Coffee? - Not for the Faint of Heart

As part of my cost-cutting measures (for the new bag love!), I have foregone my daily designer coffee (UCC, Starbucks) fix for the instant coffee mixes. We have to be practical and some sacrifices have to be made.

Luckily, my office has those instant coffee vending machines. Drop your coins, make your selection (black, with sugar, with cream) and the machine adds hot water and you get your instant coffee in seconds. With prices no higher than P12, these vending machines are a heaven sent for caffeine junkies needing a quick fix.

Last Saturday, I saw a sign tacked to the vending machine:

Want to see what the sign says? Read below. I must warn you - it may make you lose your appetite...

Last warning...


As you can deduce, I am now getting my caffeine fix from Coke Zero.

To the concessionaire, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

Update - 10/2/08: The machine has been replaced! Yahoo!

Protecting your bags in Rainy Weather

The rainy season has come upon us and bag lovers are in a panic! How do you keep your bags from getting wet? While some bags are made of waterproof material, that protection may not be enough. It's time to check out possible rainy day bag solutions!

When it's raining hard and the winds are very strong, having an umbrella will not be enough. In all likelihood, your umbrella may not be able to withstand the strong winds. You and your precious handbag will end up getting drenched! I actually saw a girl in Rockwell with this dilemma. I pity her Neverfull's drenched state.

The cheapest way, of course, is to always bring a plastic bag along where you can slip your bag in when it rains. Understandably, this is not the most stylish solution.

A Multiply store called Saccessories sells bag raincoats. Here are some pictures from the website:






HOW TO GAUGE THE RAINCOAT SIZE TO BUY: Simply measure the width of the handles' base from left to right. Available in 3 sizes: Small -opening is 7 inchesMedium-opening is 8.5 inchesLarge- opening is 10.5 inches
Price: Only P200 per piece. Get 3 for a discounted price of P500.

Anyone tried this already? Let me know!