Me and My Cocktails

Frankly, I am not a much of a drinker...because I hardly drink at all. Though when I occassionally do, I prefer something that somehow pleases my tastebuds. Translation : bordering non-alcoholic drinks .....On the top of my list is the classic red wine, which hardly made me tipsy after drinking half of a bottle. Also, its relative - the chi-chi champagne, which I wish I could have any moment, fruity soda priced a thousand times to your average Diet Coke. Of course, there's the light beer, which made me tipsy after 4 bottles (reasonable, i guess). Lastly, the margarita, which tasted more like of a mixed fruit juices of sorts.

Although, I tried really hard drinks (unwillingly with coercion from my "pro-drinkers" friends and cousins) such as tequila, gin, brandy, rhum, whiskey and the strongest of them all -lambanog; which I all drank straight! (Not simultaneously, Silly! One at a time of course!) Much to my disgust, because of my gag reflex to the taste and smell of pure alcohol. Of course, there's vodka, which I'm a bit partial to its taste of some imported brands. That is why, I am sharing two of my favorite vodka-based cocktails. Have fun in making them with your buds!

Cheers!!!

Black Russian

Preparation : Time 5 minutes

Ingredients : (serves 1) Ice cubes, to serve

45ml Kahlua liqueur

45ml vodka

Method :

1. Fill a serving glass with ice.

2. Pour over the Kahlua and vodka. Use a swizzle stick or spoon to stir.

Notes Variation: For a Cola Black Russian, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour over the Kahlua and vodka. Top up with cola. Stir and serve.

Cape Codd ( The Mother or Grandmother of Cosmopolitan)

Preparation : 5 minutes

Ingredients 2 ounces vodka

2 or 3 ounces cranberry juice cocktail

1/2 ounce lime juice

club soda

Method:

1. Pour vodka (or white rum) into a tall glass,

2. Add cranberry juice cocktail, the juice of half a lime (some leave this out,) and a couple of ice cubes.

3. Top off with club soda or seltzer (some leave this out - a real Cape Code never leave this out!).

4. Garnish, if you wish, with a slice of lime and/or a sprig of mint.

Notes Variation: For Cosmopolitan, add Triple Sec and remove club soda. Shake it well with ice in the cocktail shaker. Strain into large cocktail glass, then garnish with lime wheel.

Popcorn Moments : 500 Days of Summer

Summary :

Preppy and dreamy Tom Hansen, a trained architect but works as a writer in a greeting card company, meets the carefree and fascinating Summer Finn in Los Angeles. Though he's very much attracted to her since Day 1, it took him a month to reluctantly admit that he likes Summer, with the help of his drunk and babbling friend, McKenzie. Over the few months, Summer and Tom grow closer, despite Summer making it clear to Tom that she does not believe in true love, and does not want a boyfriend - albeit, they made trips to Ikea showrooms, role-playing as husband and wife, had shower sex and stuff.

Tom shows Summer his favorite spot in the city, which looks out over a number of buildings he likes, although the view is spoiled by car parks. After a few weeks dating, Tom gets into a fight with a guy chatting up Summer, and they have their first argument.

On day 290, Summer and Tom split up after they see The Graduate, a film which Tom thinks shows true love. Tom does not take the break up well and Tom's friends call his younger sister, Rachel to calm him down.

Summer quits the greeting card company and Tom's boss moves him to consolations, as his depression is not suitable for happier events.

Months later Summer and Tom attend the wedding of a co-worker, they dance at the wedding and Summer catches the bouquet. They sit next to each other on the journey home and Summer invites Tom to a party at her apartment for the Friday. Tom attends the party and sees that Summer is wearing an engagement ring. Realizing what is being celebrated, he left the party.

Tom enters a deep depression, only leaving the house for alcohol and junk food. After a few days, he returns to work drunk and quits his job. He sets about re-applying himself as an Architect, makes a list of firms, and begins to attend interviews.

On day 488, he meets Summer at his favorite spot and they reconcile; he wishes her well. Twelve days later, on Wednesday, May 23, he attends a job interview and meets a girl, who is also applying for the same job. Before entering the interview, he makes a date to have coffee with her afterward. He asks her for her name, and she replies, "Autumn."

Why I love it :

Fashion-wise, I love Summer's (Emily Deschanel) outfits! The flirty 50's skirts and dresses, and of course, the 60's girly bangs. Very hip, she got the retro look to want to imitate. While Levitt's tie-and-sweater vests are also retro-hip.

The narrator (Tom, of course) in his probing

It's not your run-of-the-mill cheesy rom-com with characters to drool over with. In fact, it's an indie film that's full of quirks that endear you. One of the very honest movies I've seen. It showcased men - before, during and after a break-up. Though most of the movies made were portrayed by martryed women who endure sufferings of unrequited or abused love. A movie in a in a man's perspective - that made us, women, some how or some way understand men.

I've had my laughs when Tom and other film extras broke into dance of Hall & Oates' "You Make My Dreams", which seems like a musical at that moment.

Then, of course, I loved their witty dialogues. Like the drunk McKenzie, Tom's friend, he said " Oh my God...you're a dude!", after hearing Summer's declaration of not believing in love and not having a 'boyfriend'. Also, when Tom and Summer meet again after they broke-up and Summer got married, he said "You don't want to be named as someone's boyfriend, and now your someone's wife?"

I highly recommend you to watch this film - for it's deep, complex, funny, satirical, dramatic & comedic at the same time. Definitely worth of your time and penny!

Book Review : Love in the Time of Cholera

The Plot :

In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fell passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor - Juvenal Urbino. Florentino is devastated, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career, he spent his years indulging in 622 (?!) affairs - yet he reserves his hear for Fermina. Her husband dies at last and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty-one years, nine months and four days after he declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again.....And yes he succeeded in having her again.

My Verdict :

I love GG Marquez's descriptive narrative in this book. Though a Nobel Prize writer, for me he's somewhat of a masochist in a romantic way - he's excessively romantic by the way he sees life, enduring its physical and emotional pain. So is with Florentino - 622 affairs?! An exaggeration - I presumed, he never lost count. He had affairs with women from old, young, rich, poor, married, widowed, single - yet he still pinned for his first love Fermina. He simply wasted his time with these affairs. What really cringed me is that he even had a sexual affair with a 14-year-old America. In the end he left her heart-broken which led to her depression and suicide, because he ended their affair to pursue Fermina.

Quite a good read. But I'm not in love with it.

Splurge vs. Steal - Pressed Powder

Another of my top faves in keeping my face from being shiny.


SPLURGE : CLINIQUE'S Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed PowderShine (Stay Beige)

The Promise :

It has an absorbing, oil-free formula. Non-comedogenic. Ultra-sheer texture gives skin a perfected matte appearance. Great for oily skin and oily spots. Maintains a fresh look and feel, even after frequent touch-ups.

My Verdict :

I use this powder alone, after putting some moisturizer, even without any foundation. It covers my skin evenly. It feels very light. A great powder for oily skin. Though, I have to reapply about twice in my whole office hours. This shade keeps my face even, not too light. A good investment, I'd say.

STEAL : GODIVA'S LicoWhite Pressed Powder Compact (Natural)

The Promise :

Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free. SPF 15 UVA++. Whitens. With glabridin from licorice extract, the fastest known whitening ingredient with results starting in as early as 7 days. Protects from harmful UV rays with zinc oxide and OMC. Absorbs excess oil to keep you looking fresh all day.

My Verdict

Good, light coverage sans the foundation. It doesn't irritate my skin. It'a good thing it has an SPF. Though after a month of using this, doesn't really whitens my face. However, it's good enough in keeping my oily skin shine-free. Yes, it's a steal!

Splurge vs. Steal - Anti-Blemish Gel/Cream

When stress, poor diet and lack of sleep wreaks havoc in our skin, break-outs inevitably appears. I use anti-blemish gel, when my regular cleansing-toning-and-moisturizing regime fails. These two products are guaranteed to be effective - which you can splurge on or simpl steal.

SPLURGE : SHISEIDO'S Pureness Blemish Targeting Gel


The Promise :

A medicated gel that effectively clears up acne as it purifies and refreshes skin. Contains a purifying agent that keeps skin clean and salicylic acid helps prevent the appearance of new acne. Aromachology-based fragrance calms flare-ups and redness associated with blemishes.

My Verdict :

I felt my skin stung when I first used this product. Blemishes begin to lighten on the 3rd day of use. Even pimples dried up a little. It has a clean soapy scent that doesn't irritate skin. With its steep price, this product is really effective.

STEAL : GARNIER'S Pure SOS Anti-Blemish Spot Pen


The Promise :

It contains zinc for its controlling properties, an anti-bacterial agent for its cleansing power, and 100% natural cucumber extract for its energizing and skin-hydrating qualities. This combination of natural active ingredients replies completely and efficiently to all problems associated with oily skin.

My Verdict :

I put this on before I sleep. Blemishes started to lighten without drying the skin. It has a non-irritating fresh grassy scent. Of course, it's very reasonably priced. Applying it thinly, directly on the skin, its small tube could last for about a little more than a month

Splurge Vs. Steal - All-Time Favorite Moisturizing Lotion

I admit, that I'm kinda lazy in my younger years to follow any skin care ritual in taking care of my skin. Well, I'm good at washing my face and putting some astringent. But as my mother (and a lot of beauty experts) said it's not enough. I need to moisturize. Since I am prone to break-outs, I have tried different moisturizers that promised better skin texture, tone and moisture. Heck! Only these two products passed the test....

SPLURGE : CLINIQUE'S Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion



The Promise :

This moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance. Softens, smooths, improves. Convenient tube. balance for very dry skins, or skins dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the T-zone.

My Verdict :

I noticed the difference after almost an hour applying the product. No strong scent, which is really good. After less than a week, I noticed my skin softens without the oiliness. Blemishes somewhat lightened. Very suitable for humid weather. Definitely a keeper! With its price...you may consider it as an investment.




STEAL : GARNIER'S Active Daily Treatment Moisturizer Lotion

The Promise :

It is specially formulated for skin that is prone to imperfections, visible pores and blotches. It has salicylic acid and zinc that heps purify imperfections. Anti-bacterial treatment for oily/blemish-prone skin.

My Verdict :

It certainly softens my skin. Removed its oiliness, my blemishes lightened in less than a week. It has a plant-like grassy scent. Also very suitable for humid weather. With its price, definitely a steal!

Popcorn Moments : Love, love, love

For those are high in the love month - get a dose of these films that will make you in a cheesy corny mode. Listed are my all-time favorite romantic films that i viewed tirelessly.

It is a series of love stories from different people - A bachelor Prime Minister fell for his new staff; a jilted writer fell for his maid; an artist fell in love with his bestfriend's bride; a little boy fell in love with little girl and become a rock drummer; ageing rockstar craving for a huge comeback; married boss attracted to his seductive secretary; pornstars too shy to reach the 1st base and a loveless Brit nerd wanted to have a girlfriend.

One of the funniest and endearing films I have seen that would make you laugh and cry at the same time.

After receiving divorce papers, Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) learns that his 11-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin) has just been taught sex education at school. Torn for her parents' divorce and determined to know how her parents met; Will improvised his life story in a form of puzzle - names changed so that Maya must figure out which of the three women is her mother. At Clinton's presidential campaign, Will left his college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks) to go to New York. Where he met his second love, April (Isla Fisher) at the campaign office. Then his third love Summer (Rachel Weisz) a journalist who writes for the 'New Yorker' magazine. Maya begins to understand that love is not so simple, but she is able to put all the pieces of his three love stories together and solves the puzzle.

Rich-Harvard law student-jock Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O'Neal) meets poor-Radcliffe music student Jennifer Cavelleri (Ali MacGraw) , fell in love, got married and struggled life without financial aid from Oliver's aristocratic father. Their happiness is short-lived when they discovered that Jenny could not have a baby because she's terminally ill. Inevitably, Jenny dies...leaving Oliver with their happy memories.

Definitely a classic tear-jerker. I've seen this movie in a premier late night shows of a local channel in my late teens. I just couldn't forget what Oliver said to his father after discovering Jenny's death - "Love means never having to say you're sorry" (which happens to be the movie's signature tagline)... Um...tissue paper please...

After getting fired for suddenly having moral scruples, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), starts his new life with pretty agency accountant Dorothy (Renee Zellweger) and egomaniac client (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Along the way of his personal journey, he's forced to face his life choices that leads to true sense of friendship and love.

Loved their snappy dialogues, heart-touching scenes and comedic episodes. C'mon, who would have forgot those lines we copy in spoof shows or movies? - "You...you complete me" ..."Shut up ...shut up..You had me at hello"

Young and lovely, Amelie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) was brought up by eccentric couple, that limited her to the outside world. Later, she embarks in kind-hearted jokes and schemes to all people around her to give a bit of happiness that her life lacked. Returning an old tin filled with childhood knickknacks to an old man she never knew. Playing a matchmaker to a hypochondriac and a jilted lover. Sending her father's garden gnome overseas. Fabricating an old love-letter to her heart-broken neighbor. Playing a cat-and-mouse-game to a man whom she never met and fell in love with.

The first French film I viewed with laughter and wonder. Filled with vibrant flashbacks. An inventive fairytale narrated with humor and quirks.

On the opening night of his successful play, young playwright Richard Collier (Christopher Reeves) was approached by an elderly woman saying to him "Come back to me" and gave him an old pocket watch. Years later, he discovered that the beautiful actress, Elisse McKenna (Jane Seymour) in the picture that he's so obsessed with and the old lady who gave him the pocket watch is the same person. Through self-hypnosis, he wills himself in 1912 to find her. They fell in love, though Richard is not sure if he can remain in her "time" to be with Elise.

Raved by my mates during our teens. This old-fashioned, charming, romantic drama seals our believe of having "The One". (It couldn't be any cheesier )

Second World War, in a deserted Italian monastery. A horribly scarred and amnesiac mapmaker, known first as "The English Patient" (Ralph Fiennes) is being devotedly taken care of by Hana (Juliette Binoche) an Allied nurse. Forcing himself to heal, physically and emotionally - he unwillingly subjected himself to his life's flashbacks. His life as a geographer and his intense illicit affair with his colleague's wife Katherine (Kristin Scott Thomas), which brought about his present situation. Tension rises as Caravaggio (Willem Dafoe) seeks shelter, a spy suspected his true identity and Hana torn between Indian sapper Kip (Naveen Andrews) the man she fell in love with and Almasy (Fiennes) the man she's emotionally attracted with.

Based on the best-selling novel of Michael Ondaatje, garnered 9 Oscar Awards including Best Picture. Corny as it may sounds, I became a fan instantly of Mr.Fiennes in this movie.