[Project FeeTrail September 2013]: Skip at Sonya's, Step at Splendido

I didn't think I would have a new photo for my Project FeeTrail this month because we were supposed to go to Tagaytay for my mom's birthday but plans got cancelled, so when my wedding florist sister asked if I can join her for her for an ocular inspection in Taal for her two clients, I did not think twice and gave it a go! I've been itching for a quick little trip out of town, since my schedule is so hectic for the rest of the year, so this quick little trip excites me.

One of the fun things about working in the wedding industry is we get to check out places for an ocular inspection. We went to Sonya's Garden first, then to Splendido Taal Golf Club. We went on a cold, rainy, foggy Saturday and marveled at the location. Never mind that there is a new habagat that's on its way. Never mind that perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to go to Tagaytay that we can hear the whistle of the strong wind at the veranda of Yellow Cab restaurant where we had our stop over for dinner. Not only I was happy to make this quick little trip out of town, I also learned that Sonya's garden and Splendido Taal Golf Club is NOT in Tagaytay, contrary to search suggestions of the most reliable information site nowadays: Google.

Quick Review: That new Korean Restaurant called Seoul Kitchen

It is all because of this Instagram review that we got curious about Seoul Kitchen:

Kidding!

But finally, last night  I had that impromptu dinner-coffee date with Aya, Eisen and Frankie. We went to Seoul Kitchen, a new Korean Restaurant located at F.O.Santos. 

 

I love the cute interiors, the on-pupose-mismatched-chairs, the cozy, private feel.

Aya was already telling us her disclaimer because I keep quoting her instagram review that got us all here in the first place. :) So, let the ordering begin!

I like the cute details on the utensils:

And finally, I ordered what Aya recommended. The soy garlic chicken (Php 115): 

Honestly, I find the chicken too dry, that I requested for an extra sauce for the chicken.

When I called the lady to ask for it if there is a possibility to ask for extra sauce, she started shaking her head (like as if it's in a semi-frantic way) "NO". She said they don't do that and they only have chili sauce (WTF?!)

All this while standing from the counter and did not go to our table.  Rating for Ate's customer service? 2 out of 5.

Eisen ordered the Bibimbap for Php 140. He's not impressed either. (And considering we are both hungry because we made sure to get the full experience of this resto.)

While Frankie ordered the... Beef Bulgogi (Php155). As per Frankie, it is acceptable as food. But then, nothing spectacular.

And also this funny-sounding dish: Lappoki. (Too spicy for my taste though). It's like pancit canton, with a pasta like material topped with cheese that should've been placed on a hamburger. All that while those noodles are swimming in chili sauce.

After we sat down, we got engrossed so much in catching up that I did not really bothered so much about blogging, and because there wasn't much raving about the food, I tell you. I also did not bother taking more photos, but here's a cute blurred photo of us courtesy of Frankie:

BUT STILL, Thank you AYA for the instagram post, at least we experienced something new! Keri na yan, teh!  :)

Now, for the Quick review:

Place: F.O. Santos Corner

Price: A little expensive compared to the regular affordable price range of elbi standards. BUT, the serving size is good enough.  (size-wise)

Purchase again?

Maybe. I have a very simple taste palette but I was not impressed. The place just looks too cute to pass up. But I prefer the chicken of Spice Jar compared to this, plus it's more affordable. Spice jar's just got to do something with it's ambiance and facilities.

That one thing

I don't really have a bucket list, to be honest. I just have "a list".

I realized that I am in my late twenties and I try to use this term as much as possible because, let's face it, I am now about to turn to thirty soon. I didn't really find it so scary, until, well, people my age started making such big deal about it.

I did have a list, like in my twenties. I wanted to do this, do that, I pretty much did majority of those things but most of them were pretty safe. I think the scariest thing I did, was... (hold on to your horses)...was fell madly, crazily, drunk in love. So stupid so scary, that if I would be asked to throw my independent life in the city, migrate, and be domesticated, I'll do it!

But life has other plans for me. I realized that since 2005, I've been madly doodling that I wanted to go back to school... and little did I know, I had quarter-life crisis then... ta-dah! I'm in Graduate School.

I remember before moving back that I did try so hard to remain in the city. I applied for a day job, in one of the industry that I am so passionate about. I didn't get a call during my allotted time frame, then one day, I got a call from them asking to report for work but I had to decline right then and there because I have decided to pursue graduate school as a full time student. I remember saying, (after hanging up):

 "This better be worth it."

And it was. Because last year was a tough one because I have lost a parent and it made me re-think my life. I've been watching my life diligently that this year I have decided I'm going to get both a spiritual and financial advisers and got them both in one month. By this time and age I have realized that majority of what my life turned out was at one point or another, what I have wanted. A lot of people may disagree with me, but there are so many things I am embarrassed to share/blog because it doesn't fit/conform to what society expects from someone like me. I am so not born out of a cookie cutter.

Few days ago, I heard a story of someone's life who so looks good on the outside, but she feels so unhappy (like on a crying level!) on the inside. ( It's Facebook's fault!) A lot of people wanted to have what she has but at the end of the day, it really boils down to what makes us happy. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, guys.

I found my self agreeing and making unsolicited comments like : " I feel for her, in fact, I still have that feeling of what my career would be had it been...."

Then I came across this from Mark Twain:

I told you I don't really have a bucket list, but even though I am shit scared, I've always wanted to know what it feels like to do what Elizabeth Gilbert did.

To travel solo.

Fascinating Finds at Sonya's Garden

Much has been written/blogged about Sonya's Country Bed and Breakfast. Last weekend I tagged along with my wedding florist sister, Aprille, for an ocular visit to  her clients' reception and one of the places that we went to was at Sonya's Garden.

Return of the TV shows I'm looking forward to starting next week

While I'm waiting for the review of my manuscript, I'm looking forward to watch some of my favorite shows starting next week.


How I met your Mother Season 9

I heard this is the final season of the super long story of How I met your Mother. Finally, I have gotten tired and lost interest on finding out who the mother is, but finally when season 9 promised to be the last, I thought maybe it's worth a go. So finally, I am looking forward how this series will turn out with the season starting with the wedding weekend:

A gift in "Coming Back" Episode 2 of Season 9

The wedding weekend is here! Robin (Cobie Smulders) and Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) share a tender moment before the chaos begins. The ninth season of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER premieres with a special one-hour episode, Monday, Sept. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)

Source

Modern Family Season 5

I've known Modern Family 2 years ago and it is only this year that I've actually sat down and watched it...and I loved it! I don't know why it took me this long to really watch it so I'd like to thank my colleague, Chad's girlfriend, Sanda, for giving me copies of all four seasons!

I can't even say who my favorite character is, but I'm looking forward to this scene by Phil Dunphy: 

  "Do you remember when summer meant fireflies and cutoff shorts and ice cream trucks?," Claire asks.

     "Well, one out of three," Phil "Hot Pants" Dunphy exclaims, as only he can, standing up to reveal short denim cutoffs.

Source

"Modern Family" Season 5 premieres Wed., Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Keeping up with Kardashians Season 8 (back from the Season break)

This is my and my sister's guilty pleasure. We like watching it because you don't need to think too much (haha!) But we actually learn some stuff (seriously) from the Kardashian shows like breast milk can cure/relieve psoriasis, and other stuff.

I'm quite excited for the next episode (September 29) as it was on a season break, because it will feature Kim's baby shower and my sister and I will be on the look out for the production design for inspiration and ideas.

While waiting for my manuscript, I intend to also read the chick lit books that I have accumulated these past few months, watch a new series that I recently downloaded as recommended by a former classmate, and take up a physical activity, all these trying to distract my anxiety towards my paper.

How about you?

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 19 - Rough Drafts

 Today, I got this on my blog in a comment form from a previous post :

"So, what happened, Kae? Did you already finish your thesis and already got your degree? Writing MA thesis and phd dissertation can really be hard, but it shouldn't be a problem if people are really dedicated on what they are doing. Anyway, do hope everything went well with your plan."

I have not been updating my grad school diaries, because, as much as I want to blog, I have to get my sh*t together and write my thesis, properly and for real. This photo is not even 1/8 of the number of drafts that I have at home. Some were misplaced in other parts of the house, but they are there. I know.

After four topic changes, seven drafts, not to mention revisions on the sides, finally today, I will hand over my manuscript to an external reviewer for a blind review. No dancing yet, I have yet to write another journal article based on the recommendations from my guidance committee and external reviewer.

I have to admit that it is only lately that I have been really dedicated to finish the manuscript because:

• I want to be able to start reading other stuff (read: chick literature) other than my thesis literature. 
• I want to have my degree before my birthday this year.
• I want to fully concentrate on other stuff that I have at work that needs writing.
• I want to start my other planned extra curricular activities post-work shift without having to worry for revisions and deadlines at the back of my mind.

So dear Ms. Eastwood (who left the comment on my blog): Thank you reminding me to update this section of my blog and yes, I am also hoping that everything will go well with my plan.

I am getting there. :)

20 things a woman should live by (lifted from @pinterest)

Review: Revlon's Colorstay eye shadow quad palette

I've written before how I am fond of using eye shadow for the reason that blending colors relaxes me. I've had few moments of drag queen-ish eye shadow that I wore to work just to test how long wearing it is. I've blogged about BYS eye shadow palette that I love, but I kept thinking maybe I just got lucky with blending because the palette is shimmery.

Then I remembered I have this quad palette from Revlon. As you can see,(although photo is not clear as I have just grabbed this from my instagram account), only one shadow on the lower left is shimmery (but not as shimmery as the BYS palette).

I'm using the "Addictive" palette. The back portion shows you which shadow to apply first, and it's labeled 1 to 4, but the truth is, in quad palettes, you don't really have to use all four. Use the ones that complement the shades.

When I applied it the first time, I didn't notice that I was already piling up colors because it was so light and I didn't think the pigmentation is that good, but then I took a break from all the blending, that's when I saw it. It may not look like the color is showing up, but it does. What surprised me is it is also long wearing. It lasted more than 10 hours without retouch (considering I have oily face and walked a lot and got really sweaty on that day).

With that, I recommend this if you are going for the no make up look. Now, if only I can get another quad palette of a different family of earth colors...