Letters To You...

You appeared once again. It has been too many times already. You always show up at the exact same time, every time. You wait until I am lost and would want to just drift away and then awaken into reality. I do not know if this should concern me, but I could not find the reason why you seem to haunt me. It's a daunting reality- or it may have been self-imposed, I'm not sure but that's how it made me feel. If my brain could capture/photograph or even record a video of every visit, you would understand why. Your visits seem always "friendly"- and that somehow bothers me. 

I do not know if we have unfinished business towards each other; I believe we do not have anymore. Your recurrence makes me think otherwise. We parted fine, but we have never really had a discussion about it.. we just moved on. It was a rational decision and we were both okay. Somehow, in a bizarre way, I find myself asking a question. "What are you trying to say?" Again, this confusion may be self-imposed but you know very well that the girl you used to know is a very curious and stubborn one. Maybe I just need an answer? I don't know. Well, out of all of them you have been the only one I am "civil" towards to.

It has been a decade ever since that fateful day. I could not fathom how could you visit me  frequently now that I am married? I wish you could tell me what you wished to say, if you really have something to say. Pardon me for over-analyzing things. You were my first true "partner". You were my first. Were. Past-tense. I guess that should have been enough. 10 years should have taught us both everything we need to know. I guess I just wish you find what you're looking for. Something genuine, something true and honest, something you'd find pure joy in. 

P.S.

Thank you (somehow) for the visit/showing up in my dreams. 

Sweet and Spicy Porkchop

Hi there!

This post, as you all might have guessed, is all about cooking and/or food. I love to eat and I'm slowly learning to love cooking! Ever since I got married a month ago, I have been into a full on "housewife mode". After work, I drive straight home and prepare dinner for me and my husband. I haven't been this too involved in preparing a house or a meal. Well, in this case I may not have a choice since we're the only ones here in the house so I technically become the cook.

Alright, on to the food. Here are the ingredients that I used.

- 3 slices of pork (porkchop cut)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 pieces of Calamondin (kalamansi/ calamansi/ chinese orange)
- 1 pack of Kim's Dewaji Kalbi Sweet and Spicy ribs
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Palm oil, about 2 tablespoons  (You can use any type of oil you want)

Garlic/Kalamansi/Sweet and Spicy seasoning

Procedure:

First thing I did was put all the pork slices in a bowl and sliced my garlic and kalamansi. After which I mixed them into the bowl. I also added the Sweet and Spicy seasoning but I did not pour them all in because that would be way too much- at least for me. After mixing all the ingredients in, I let it stay a little bit longer to allow the pork in absorbing all the flavors. If I had the option, I would be adding a little bit of either oregano or rosemary just to enhance the flavor. After about 3-5 minutes, I fried the pork piece by piece until they're a little bit golden but not crispy.

Marinating the pork...

Aaaand Voila! Done with the Sweet and Spicy Porkchop! Yumm-o!

Sweet and Spicy Porkchop!

According to my husband, he found it very tasty and he loved it! I loved it too. It has the balance of the sweetness and a little bit spicy and it's not overpowering. 

Let me know if you tried it, and if you liked it! 

Thanks for visiting guys! 

xx,

L

New Loot (Mary Kay Signature Line) + Beauty Blog (?)

Hi Guys!


How have you all been doing? I've been so busy lately with work that I have not updated this blog most of the time! Also, since I'm newly-married I have been so busy moving in my stuff to our new house as well. Anyway, I have been thinking lately of putting up a separate beauty blog. When I first thought of making this blog (larrainebee), I wanted people to take a glimpse of my life and I want to write on a smorgasbord of things/topic, even personal ones. So I think putting up a separate beauty blog would be nice and a breakaway from the seriousness of this current blog. What do you think?


Anyway, I got a couple of new products the other day. My husband and I stayed at my mom's house for the weekend and I took the liberty of digging into her loot bag! LOL I saw these super cute Mary Kay Signature Line eye primer and concealer. I already have a few Mary Kay items since my Aunt gave us a few items each when she came home last December. These two are perfect for me since currently, I do not have a good concealer and a primer.


So I took them out and tested them yesterday. Take a look:

Mary Kay Signature Line Concealer in Yellow Jaune and Eye Primer

This is the Eye Primer. Just a small amount of this can give full coverage on both eyelids.

This is the Concealer. Very good coverage and blends out easily.

The concealer in Yellow Jaune. A little lighter than usual shade but blends perfectly well.

I used both products yesterday and I am impressed by their coverage and they both do not feel so heavy on my face at all. I paired them by using another Mary Kay product, my Medium-Coverage Foundation in Beige 402.

Finished product! Unedited photo of my make-up yesterday. 

What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments section below.

xx,

L

Two Weeks

It has been two weeks since my longtime boyfriend and I got married and it has been a fun and happy experience for us both. We've already moved-in to my own house which my dad bought a few years back and surprisingly we do things together with ease. It's a little bit surprising since we're newlyweds and I think we both expected that we won't be as comfortable as what we are now. Being for almost 8 years before we got married somehow prepared us for this life. I think that's the reason why we're both at ease with our relationship as husband and wife.

Two weeks into married life has made us grateful for what we have and be patient for what we do not have. We live in our house from Monday to Friday and spend the weekends with either his or my parents' house. Since our move, we only got things that were essential to our daily necessities such as food, water, toiletries, appliances (electric fan and single burner electric stove), cooking pans, etc. We got our rice cooker from my cousin who may move in with us, plates and utensils from my mom-in-law and my mom gave us drying rack, bedroom essentials such as curtains, pillows, bed covers, etc. That's literally all we have. The house is still not furnished. I got 2 old couches here at home as well as an air cooler. We don't have tiled floors, built in cabinets, a fridge, TV set, even a dining set (which we are getting soon, thanks to my mom-in-law)! There's a lot of things that we currently do not have but we are just so grateful of this experience. It taught us to be contented and not to whine and ask from our parents, especially me.

It might not be the perfect start for us, but I am so happy that we're in this together. We're taking our time with work, responsibilities and our relationship. I pray to God that He'd make us stronger and happier through the rest of our lives. He's already given me a loving and caring husband and I couldn't be anymore happier.

xx,
L

A New Change

In a few days, my life will drastically change. I cannot just think of myself alone. I have somebody else to consider. I cannot make my own decision because everything should be mutual/conjugal. I have to submit myself to everything... wholeheartedly. 

But I am not dreading this change. Scared, a little bit. Things will definitely change. But I am looking forward to my new life. I have been happy for almost 8 years and I am confident that I will still be happy for the rest of my life. 

Xx,

L❤

Something's brewing...

Date... Check!

Venue... Check!

Invitees... Check!

Giveaways... Check!

Suppliers... Semi-check!

Been going through a list of what-to-do, what-nots and all other things in between. Something's up. Update soon. ❤ Oh, by the way... Hello, June! :) 

Xx,

L

Post-Election Thoughts and Everything in Between

Hi Guys!


Since the election yesterday was automated, results have been swift and some candidates have been announced as winners in other cities and provinces. This is my first time to vote. I have experienced "voting" but it was a very small scale kind of "government". I practiced that kind of "suffrage" in school and I was really active back then and somehow, it fueled my interest politics that's the reason why I usually watch the news, read the paper and took up Political Science.

I really wanted to participate this time and exercise my right to suffrage as I know my vote might make a difference. Months leading up to the election, I have planned on really reading up on the candidates, researching on  their backgrounds and qualifications so I will have a determinant on why I should choose them. Unfortunately, I have been busy with work and I was not able to research on my candidates like I have planned to do. However, since articles, news is a click away, I got to read up on a few candidates when I have time at work. I would also check the surveys to gauge the candidates. Days leading to the election, I relied on a few read-ups and my conviction. Most of all, I prayed before entering the precinct and before shading the names of my candidates.

My experience, however, is one for the books. Given that I woke up late, I expected there was a long queue  leading to the precinct. Oh boy, was I in for a surprise! I went with my sister since it was also her first time to vote and we are registered on the same precinct. From the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) website, we were assigned to vote at Buntatala- Tagbak Elementary School. When we went there, our names weren't on the list. We were informed that they separated the Tagbak voters into another school. So my sister and I went back and proceeded to another school and gladly found our name. What surprised us was the long queue! Good thing those in line are disciplined and did not cause everyone too much trouble.

The queue from where I sat.

Just to keep us hydrated, I bought soda and water for the both of us. While waiting, we kept looking at our phone just to remember our "lineup" for the Senatorial race and the local council, and played Candy Crush on our phone! My sister and I waited in line for a total of 2 hours and after a few minutes, we were done!

At long last! Votes counted. 

I don't know about your experience, but overall mine was pleasant. I am pleased that I voted and that most of the candidates I voted for won. Nobody bribed nor paid me to vote for them. At least my hope in my chosen candidates did not wane.

Did you go out and vote?

xx,
L

Election 2013

Hi Guys!

Today is a monumental day for my country. We are having the national elections and this will be my first time to vote. I'm 25 years old and I had myself register only three years ago. It's not that I do not want to exercise my right to suffrage but I was not really a fanatic of the whole election carnival that we experience. I had a few people whom I admire that were not given the chance and although I don't think my vote would make a difference, I think it would've made me feel better to stand behind people whose causes I believe are worth fighting for.

On the way home last night, we had a discussion in the car on who we would vote. The four of us (Mom, Me, my sister and my fiance) all had different views on each politician and we have different criteria in gauging who gets our vote. Religion and family ties do not necessarily dictate who we should vote. I believe that it is with strong conviction that we get to choose, and it is with hope that we chose the right one.

I wish and pray that all of us get to have that strong conviction today and hope for a peaceful election. Go out and vote! :)

xx,
L

Mother's Day

Hi Guys! 

For this year's celebration, we went to Church and had dinner afterwards. Mother's day is one occasion that I look forward to. I usually love any occasion that can make me buy gifts. I love buying gifts. This year though, we weren't able to decide on a gift for my mom. I have decided to buy my mom a gift on her birthday, which is next month. Of course, mother's day won't be complete without a mother's day card. 

Right after Church service, we went to Lamesa Grill for dinner. We went home after that. But for now, here's what we had: 

    Scallops in garlic and butter

    Prawns with lots and lots of garlic! ❤

    Pinatayong Manok

    Banana and Mango Crepe

And here's who I went with:

    My sister, brother and my mom. 

    Me and my better half.❤ 

How did your mother's day go? ☺

Xx,

L

Pre-Mother's Day Thoughts

Mother's Day has been one of the occasions that my family always celebrate. It's an occasion we can express how we love and care for our mothers. My siblings and I would always buy a greeting card and if we'd have extra cash, we throw in a little present for our mom. 

My mom is not perfect, but knowing her all these years has made me realize that I do not need a perfect mother. What I need is someone who is loving, caring and understanding- and my mom's all that and so much more. Sure, we've had disagreements and arguments and my teenage self would make a big deal out of it but now I'm just thankful that we have the same level of respect and understanding that we do not allow a little misunderstanding get in the way of our relationship.

As time goes by, I have had a new appreciation for my mom and the effort she puts in to keep our family together despite trying times. And as I am about to embark on a new life soon, I truly am grateful that my mom still loves me even if I make a lot of mistakes and made her cry. Moms are truly God's blessing to us children.

Advance happy mother's day to all the moms out there! ❤ 

Xx,

L

Professional Crossroad

While driving earlier to work, I kept thinking about my professional life/career. I love love my job and the company I'm working for. As it is one of the best and leading companies, it is such an honor to work here. Unfortunately as I am just a project hire, there's this slim chance of me being regularized (ever) and of course, be given a raise. I have been working here for a little over a year. I  have ups and downs but I manage pretty well. If I did not have fun as much as I am now, I would have been gone a long time.


As a worker or employee, you would want to seek a better opportunity. Far more better and greater than the last one. I am still holding on as there is a new project and there might be a chance I get promoted or be regularized with full benefits. While I'm all up for that, there's this long grueling process of proving yourself to everyone that you're worth that promotion so to speak. I really want the promotion and I know they're eyeing me because I'm a pioneer employee. The thing is, I'm not that motivated to really get it. Slowly, I've started to come to work early and initiated meetings and calibrations, etc but that's that. Well, we'll see how things would go. I haven't found an absolute or formidable fallback yet but I'll take each day as it is and test the waters then.

Xx,
L

Happy Labor Day!

Hi guys!


So today, we are commemorating Labor Day here in the Philippines. Usually, my family goes to the beach to unwind. For this year, I spent it differently. I went to a co-worker's wedding. They had such a nice and light wedding. It was fun. Simple, but no pressure. She's the second one in the office to get married. It was nice to see all her hard work unfold and she looked really happy! For me, joy is contagious. If a person or two have true and sincere joy, you will feel it. I felt it with them. They were just so happy and content.

It is truly amazing to witness a wedding of two people sincerely in-love. The joy and contentment I see in them makes the experience even more meaningful.


How was your labor day?

P.S.

Here are a few photos from the wedding! ❤


Xx,
L

Is It Summer Yet?

Hi Guys!


It's the end of the month and tomorrow, we'll be waking up to a new month! This makes me realize that Summer is nearly over and I haven't had a vacation or a beach trip. I think it's because we already had one or two beach trips a few months ago before my dad left. We went to Roxas City(2-3 hours drive from our house) and stayed at my fave beach resort and stayed there overnight. I went with my parents, siblings, aunt, cousins and our fiances. It was a lot of fun since it was the first time in a long while that we got to go as a family. The second was when we went to another beach resort in Tigbauan (a little over an hour from Iloilo City).

Still, I'm hoping and wishing for even just a day at the beach. I really love going to the beach no matter how hot the weather is. The sound of the waves give a feeling of calmness and most of the time help me sleep better. I used to daydream about living on the beach side with my glass house, just like the ones I used to see on Laguna Beach or The Hills (Kristin Cavallari's house). So for now, we do with what we have. I'm planning on going to the beach next month so we'll see how that goes. Anyway, for now, I have to catch some z's because I would need to be well rested since I'm attending a co-worker's wedding tomorrow and you know I love weddings! :) Will post about it tomorrow. For now, goodnight world!


How's your summer so far?

xx,
L

First Two Weeks

Hi Guys! :)


Sorry I've been a little MIA for the past two weeks. I got busy with work and a few other things on the side. ;) For now, enjoy my week in photos. Will blog more soon. :)

Week 1 (April 1-7, 2013)

Had a date with my cousin//Received a wedding invitation from my office-mate//Met up with my cousin and hung out at her sister's bedroom//My office-mate needing a proper desk and chair (LOL)//My nephew's (from one of my 2nd cousins) 1st birthday//Saturday snack: homemade pizza//kids at Church.

Week 2 (April 8-14, 2013)

Looking up wedding giveaways online//Visited and cleaned my house//E-mail from my cousin on her new work//Funeral of my grade-school Science teacher//Me at work with clients (Fri&Sat)//At home with my boyfriend before going to Church. 

Happy Summer!!

xx,

L

Paisley Sundays + Make-up

*WARNING: EXPECT A LOT OF VANITY* LOL


Yesterday, I went to Church with my family. Just a usual Sunday with the fambam. Went to Church then have late lunch/early dinner. I was just planning to wear something easy because I'm usually so lazy to dress up. However, when I was dressing up, I was undecided on what to wear. So I just picked out my favorite paisley top from Forever 21 and threw on my red Bench jeans which I have cut up to my knees. The accessories I wore were built around the colors of my top.

Forever 21 top and earrings/ Bench bottom/ Primadonna shoes/ Parisian bag 

Arm candies. :)

Now on to my make-up!

Since my outfit already consisted of loud and bright colors, I opted to wear neutrals on my face except for my lips. I think this is my go-to look: Neutral eyes, red lips.

Mary Kay medium coverage foundation in Beige 402 / Brows are filled using BYS brow liner in blonde

Etude House liquid liner in Black/ Pink blush from a Japanese drugstore/ Lipstick from MAC (Mac Red)
/ LA Girl voluminous mascara in Black   

Finished Product! :)

;)

It always surprises me that I can still manage to pull off outfits like this because I'm always so lazy in putting together my outfits. It's always so nice to be creative even in the way you dress because you get to express how you feel. It's an added bonus that it makes you feel good. 

How's your day so far? 

xx,

L

LET'S GET CRAFTY!

Hi everyone!


Lately, I was faced with a dilemma. I was redecorating and cleaning my room when I realizes that my window curtain is too long. You see, my room's air conditioning unit is located below my window. So if I let the curtains hang low, it will conceal the a/c unit and will definitely block the air.

Luckily, I have some cutesy scrapbooking materials I bought a long time ago that I haven't used. I'm kind of an impulsive buyer, that's why. (More on that in my next post. LOL) This material is made of just plywood, I think. They're clips that can hold your documents or photos and it comes with a paper-wire where you can hang them. Since I wasn't using it yet, I decided that i can use it to solve my decoration woes.

My curtain with the cute heart-shaped pins! 

And I was right! Not only did they serve its purpose, but they kind of look cute too! Plus points for that. Before, I would just use pins since I really don't allow myself to get creative most of the times. LOL

First of three pins: KISS

Second pin: LOVE

Last pin: full of Hearts! 

Sometimes, we really need to be resourceful. We don't really have to buy the things we don't have to solve our design/decorating problems. Take a look around, you might find something in the corner or your old boxes. Let's embrace creativity!


xx,
L

Singapore Photo Diary

Hi guys! :)


As promised, here are photos of my Singapore trip last December 2012.

Warning: Photo-heavy! LOL


Play-by-play: On the day of our arrival. And yes, we arrived 2:20 AM! Changi Airport is by far the best airport I have ever seen my entire life! I love it there. You can just sleep on their carpeted floors or hang out in the restroom because it doesn't stink!

For our 2nd day but officially 1st day in Singapore, we wanted to go around Orchard, see the Merlion and the Marina Bay Sands. We met up with a dear friend of mine who's been a permanent resident of Singapore. So glad to finally see her since we only meet up if she comes home to the Philippines, but unfortunately sometimes we don't. So it's a blessing that she lives there and got to hang with us for dinner. :)

Hotel Blues. We didn't avail of the free breakfast so we got ourselves breakfast at a convenience store just outside the hotel. :)

Pre-Christmas Shopping at Takashimaya! :)

Marina Bay Sands as our backdrop.

JV

JV and I

The Merlion

JV and my sis, Dordz in front of The Merlion

Dinner at Marina Bay Sands

With my good friend, Jeanna. 

In front of ArtScience Museum

Girlies ;)

For our second day, our main goal was to visit Universal Studios! It was the most unforgettable moment in our lives, mine especially. We got to act kids and it did not feel embarrassing at all! LOL

Our neighbor's pool! 

Beautiful morning at Singapore!

Obligatory shot 1

Obligatory shot 2

Inside Universal Studios Singapore!

Sci-fi City. The Transformers ride that we enjoyed so much was here.

Lunch at Mel's Diner

BIG BURGER!

YUMMY FRIES!

Jersey Boys. They had a preview for us. Their play is called Jersey Boys,shown in Marina Bay Sands.

Parting shot. 

Airport Snippet 

Waiting to board the plane.

Last photo before takeoff. 

I hope you had fun browsing through the photos as much as I did as it brings back memories of that quick trip! Here's to hoping for more travelling this 2013!

xx,
L