Hide Behind Venetian Masks

Venice, Italy for me is all romance and mystery, full of history and culture. A place I have yet to visit but is definitely one of my must-places to see before I die. What is more romantic than being serenaded while riding a gondola?! Venice is also home to the arts and opera! But one thing that will remind me of its rich heritage is the Venetian Mask.

In the 16th to 18th centuries, Venetian masks are worn as an accessory, much like how we wear sunglasses today. It is used to hide one’s identity and social status. It is also a common adornment during their Carnevale, Venice’s version of Mardi Gras. 

Nowadays, Venetian masks are commonly collected for their intricate and unique designs. Authentic Venetian masks are still made of silver, gold, velvet and feathers. And apparently, they also have different types such as Bauta (covers the whole face), Columbine (covers half the face to be tied with a ribbon), Medico della Pesta (also know as the plague doctor characterized by a long beak and weird design), Moretta (black design usually made of velvet). One of my favorites designs are those Venetian Animal Masks. 

I think these would make a great accessory to a masquerade ball!

Now I don't know whether I should collect these works of art or wear them. I should find a reason to have a masquerade ball! And if masks are these beautiful, I don't mind hiding behind them.

Back to the 90's

Been listening to some old songs from my highschool days... brings back memories of things I was busy doing back then. Also stuff I was into and clothes I used to wear. Back then, I abhored being girly and fashionable. True! I was all about Giordano shirts and baggy pants. Dunno what happened though...

But there's one thing I'd like to have again...

DM's!!! OMG right?! Mine had eight holes, I think. It was in black. I wonder where it is now??? I'd wear it with shorts, denim minis and even sunday dresses... they way it was supposed to be worn! Gosh, I cringe when I see pictures!

Maybe now I'd get these...

After all, fashion comes back eventually...

The Hairy Truth

If you're like me who is unfortunate enough to have hairy legs, you probably experimented with various hair removal products. And there's A LOT out there! I've used depilatories, shavers and even go to the salon every two weeks for waxing. It seems like a curse sometimes.

Lately I'm too lazy to depilate and too kuripot to go to the salon. I shave instead. I personally use Schick's® Intuition® because of the moisturizer around the blade. No need for gels.

Shavers for women are beginning to look cool nowadays. They come in feminine colors because gray, black and blue don't cut it anymore.

Venus® from Gillette®

Soleil® Shimmer™ by BIC® has cocoa butter

I get my supplies from the US where it's cheaper and I have more variants to choose from. Walgreens is really the place to go!

It's been years since I've used depilatories. For a time they made my legs itch. My bff, the master of depilatories, say I might have left the cream longer than necessary. Products now are less harsher, or so she says. I should give it a go again. It's easier.

this is my personal favorite!

But of course, there's my ultimate hair removal dream!

Facial Care's LaserLight treatment! I want smooth underarms like Angel Locsin... and maybe smooth legs too!

LaserLight hair removal uses a painless method of emitting pulses of light energy that are absorbed by the pigment of hair. This zaps the hair root and kills it, preventing the growth of new hair. This means no more unwanted hair after 6 to 8 sessions! LaserLight can be done on the underarms, arms, legs, upper lip and bikini area, or virtually anywhere you have unwanted hair. It is also safe and suitable for all skin types, from very fair to very dark; as well as all hair types, from very fine to very coarse.

Average treatment might cost P35k-P50k depending on their assessment of your hair follicles, pores and thickness of the hair.

So hard being a girl! But you know what they say, no pain, no gain!

Lip Service

Last  year I was introduced to this line of lip balm from a 168-year old apothecary in West Village, New York. Considered as the oldest apothecary in America, C.O. Bigelow makes Mentha Lip Tint. Awesome tinted lip balm I now can't live without. I use Plum Mint, it keeps my lips moist and the peppermint oil gives my breath long-lasting  freshness too! 

The company offers products for the whole body as well: face, body and hair. And for men (shaving creams) and women (organic shampoos). 

If you're sick and tired of petroleum jelly-ish type of lip balms, this is definitely a must-try!

Easy Sunday Morning

Finally got to wear my brogues. Here's my outfit for a little bit of Sunday family outing. 

top from office tiangge, shorts from Old Navy, bag vintage Gucci and brogues from Anthology

Finally got the chance to visit Forever 21. Didn't get to buy anything coz I was with the whole family. That means no time for some serious shopping. Planning to go back with girlfriends coz they'll understand the need for time.