Alexa Chung for Madewell, Part 2

photo from Elle.com

I loved last year's Madewell collaboration with Alexa Chung, and was sad it sold out so quickly I wasn't able to get my hands on all the stuff I wanted. Luckily, they're doing another collaboration, and I'm excited to see what the collection looks like. I will be on vacation on launch day, Sept 22 (boo!), but hopefully there will still be some pieces available at my local store when I come back on the 25th.

Chanel polish for Fashion's Night Out 2011

photo from Cafe Makeup

This collection of blues is Chanel's offering for this year's Fashion's Night Out. While these blues seem nice enough, they don't seem as special as previous releases like last year's Khakis de Chanel trio or even Jade.  What do you think?  I'll still probably end up getting some or all of these, but I've come to expect a bit more from Chanel.  

Melon juice

I had half a cantaloupe left after making the pops in the previous post, and after seeing this post on Such Fun Things, I knew what I was going to make.  I haven't had these melon coolers probably since I was in grade school in Manila!

I don't know why these photos turned out really orange.  The melon sticks look like carrots!  Anyway, you're supposed to use a melon scraper to scrape out long strings from the cantaloupe, but it looks like you can only buy this scraper in Asia.  I tried improvising by buying this since it looked like it would do the job, but the holes were too small and just mushed up the cantaloupe.  I ended up slicing these strips instead.

photo by garandee

This is what the melon scraper is supposed to look like.  I must remember to get one the next time I go back to Asia!

Basic recipe:

1.  Scrape or slice cantaloupe into strings/strips and put into a pitcher.
2.  Add lots of ice and ice water.
3.  Add brown sugar simple syrup to taste.
4.  Serve in a glass with a teaspoon.
5.  Go sit outside with a magazine and enjoy the rest of your day.

Pops!

I've had these popsicle molds for a while now but never managed to make any popsicles until I was inspired by this and this.  Who knew these are actually super easy to make?  They're so easy that they've temporarily assuaged my desire for an ice cream maker.

I just used the fruit we had on hand, so these are strawberry and cantaloupe with mint.  I'm excited to try different recipes and already have a few books on hold at the library.

Don't these just scream summer to you?

In memory: LV Papillon Aquarelle

I bought this bag during my first trip to Paris with then bf, now DH, so it holds special memories for me.  However, this bag no longer fits my current style or needs, so I've decided to let it go.  It's been sitting in my closet for years (okay, since 2008) and I haven't even used it once since we moved here.  It's funny, though, that every time I take this bag out and consider selling it, I hesitate and put it right back in the closet.  I have to keep reminding myself that I don't use it and that even if I wanted to save it for my possible daughter, who knows if one, I'll even have a daughter, or two, if she'll even want it right?

So I figured the best thing to do would be to take some photos, write about it in this blog, and then just go ahead and sell it.  If I ever miss the bag, I can always look back on this post, right?

Currently reading: Before Ever After

I'm excited to start reading Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto.  Ever since I saw the book trailer (who knew they make book trailers now?), I've been curious.  The premise is really interesting and I can't wait to see what happens.  The story of her road to publication is also inspiring.  Read all about it here, written by Christine of Manila Fashion Observer.

How to apply concealer

Saw this on NMDaily and knew I had to post the video here so I could remember how to do this properly.