Friday 31 October 2014

CMK LONDON DIARY : LET'S ALL STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES (OR AUTUMN LEAVES)


In case you're wondering how quirky a house can be in London, this pink door has said it all! Background of the story was Ross and I were walking along Notting Hill village when we spotted this Fuchsia Pink door. Funny thing is, this is one of the many cool doors along the stretch. This is the norm in this side of town. 

Anyway, after 3 weeks of being a home buddy, I've resumed to my old gypsy self. Here are some of the {new} things I've tried this week:

* I wandered at London tourist-y places alone. Whilst waiting for Ate B, I fancied walking around and take shots as I go along. It's a pretty good therapy. You'll see lots of people {tourists mainly} swarming along Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, etc. Thing is - you can never go wrong. Every angle is picturesque. No surprise that London is one of the most sought after cities a wanderlust need to set foot on. While at it, I said a heart felt "Thank You" to Jesus. There's nothing special in me, and I really, really, really appreciate that I get to experience living in such a vibrant city like this.

* Starting this week, I embarked on an everyday walk before going to work. Yet another Can-You-Believe-It? moment! (First one was when I learned how to cook). It was last Friday when me and a friend went out for a dinner. We were talking about how I'm considering to subscribe at Cohen Diet (Google this, girls). Grapevine said that this is one of the reasons why Bea Alonzo and Judy Ann Santos shed massive amount of weight. It's safe, with only one constraint... it kinda cost a dent on my wallet. Php 50,000 plus for consultation and recipe alone. I know, I'm ridiculous like that :D

Going back - he suggested that I go the old fashioned but effective way. Eat healthy and exercise. As an action item, we agreed to go out for a walk for one hour and a half every day. So far, so good. I feel a tension on my hamstrings (back of my knees) but I'm feeling lighter (naks) by the day.
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Thursday 30 October 2014

CMK TRAVELS : THE NOTTING HILL BOOKSHOP EXPERIENCE


At first glance, you may think that this is just another book shop in London - but when you've known that this is where the movie, Notting Hill was shot... now we're talking! If you're still clueless on what this is all about, let's time warp a bit. Remember this line: I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy... asking him to love her. Rings a bell? :)


Notting Hill is located in Central London. To get there, easiest way is via tube. Alight at Ladbroke Grove Station (Hammersmith and City line - the pink one on the map). You can see a big laminated map just outside the station directing you to Notting Hill Book Shop. It depends on where you're coming from so I can't tell the exact train fee. If you're in London Zones 1-3, this may cost about GBP 3 to 5, max.
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Me and my good friend, Ross went there on a Sunday. Good thing the place was not that crowded though there's a handful of tourists taking snap shots of the place. We went inside and we were greeted by so many books and memorabilia. It has that vintage-homey vibe. Very conducive to curl up and read a book. I noticed something though, some of the book covers are different. Like that of Malcolm Gladwell's David and Goliath, the usual cover is a paper back cover in white... however, in here it's red and yellow. Very interesting. 
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Notting Hill village makes a perfect background for autumn pictures. I don't really need anything from the store but I feel this nudge to get at least anything from the shop. After all, it's not everyday that you get to see such a memorable place. I tried to look for bookmarks, but none tickled my fancy. Guess what I bought? Find out after the jump.
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Tuesday 28 October 2014

MONEY MATTERS : SSI GROUP (RUSTAN'S) WILL OFFER IPO THIS NOVEMBER 2014


Hello Guys! I've promised most of my friends that I'll send them a heads up when this specific company goes public, and since you're all my virtual friends... here's a blog post for ya! Okay, to set proper expectations, you won't see extensive information on this post... one Google search and you can do that. However, for a starter here's a brief background on what SSI Group is about. Disclaimer: I do not own the picture below. I got this from the Investor Relations section of SSI website.


Personally, I think I'll invest in this company because of these two strong points:

1. They've got good products to offer. Have you noticed that Family Mart stores appear like mushrooms on a garden within Makati? This is only one of the many stores the group operates. Luxury brands, though far-fetched from commoners like us, are booming along with our economy. Having said that, it's good to take your positions as early as now.
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Friday 24 October 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #30: 10 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION, SOME THINGS ARE LEARNED


It seems like yesterday when Heather, Maya, Apple and myself were eating at Wendy's... contemplating if we should attend our Psychology class... only to find out from the other block that the professor gave a surprise quiz (which was not a surprise to us anymore, thanks for the tip). Next thing we know was we're flashing the stairs and hallways to make it on time. There's another problem though... can I have a one whole sheet of yellow pad please?! Fun times. Fun times.

Fast forward 10 years after and here we are! I cannot believe it. Can I just say that I've been mistaken as 16 years old in London? I want to treat the guy who said that for lunch. But, nope, a big, sincere thank you is enough :D (Sorry for bringing this up, this will be the last, promise)

10 years is a decade. 120 months. 10 Christmases and New Years. 10 Birthdays too. To thrive and survive in a corporate world, people says you have to be like this and be like that. You have to act like this, not that. Really, now. Here are some one-liners I've learned from my own personal journey.

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME.
By knowing that everything does not depend on what I do and don't do takes a massive amount of pressure off my chest. Sure you have to be the best version of yourself but after you have done your part, just let it go. To bring it closer to home, after I graduated with honors and passed the CPA board exam, the 20-year old me thought that this is the end. I have arrived. News Flash: So wrong! Looking back, I'm fully convinced that there's a greater power orchestrating our lives (with our permission) and believe it or not, there's a loving GOD. More than anything, He's the One that we should talk, ask, vent, cry whenever we feel like it. It's not about me, maybe it's more about HIM.

JUST SHOW UP.
I assure you 100% that there will be days that you want to quit and sleep your life away. This is a touchy topic since there are so many follow up questions relating to this. However, if you a) like at least 80% of what you're doing and b) happy with your working environment - get your arse off that bed and just show up for work. It's called work for a reason. Nuff said. Having friends in work will make showing up a lot easier.

INVENT YOUR OWN HAPPY THOUGHTS.
Call it childish but this works wonder! Be it yoga, chocolates, coffee, your gorgeous crush, whatevs - have something to look forward to. Every. single. day. Not after a week nor after a month. Make it after every working day. Having a happy thought is a fuel that can make you last each day, get this: excited.
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Thursday 23 October 2014

NYX SOFT MATTE LIP CREAM IN AMSTERDAM REVIEW

Back to one of my favorite topics! Lipsticks! :) I've been meaning to sit down and write a proper review for NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream (SMLC) in Amsterdam, so here it is!

I am not too confident wearing bloody red lip shades. Funny because I've been wearing a bold Fuchsia Pink lippie for one whole year. MAC Candy Yum Yum has been my lipstick staple the past year (Review HERE). Pinks and reds are equally bold but, I don't know, it's just that I feel that I look more mature when I sport a red shade.

Until I tried NYX SMLC in Amsterdam.

I saw this first when I went shopping at Manila International Book Fair 2014 (Hauls HERE) but as I passed by SM Mall of Asia's beauty section, the inevitable happened.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
+ Mousse-like texture. I think that's what set this product apart from MAC Ruby Woo and the like. It tends to have a subtle red-ish glow that illuminates your lips just right.

+ Pigmented. Nyx is known for their pigmented products. One swipe is enough. 2 swipes really gives you a bold red shade.

+ Price. I bought it for Php 400 approx. Not too bad. Though note that you can buy from web resellers at a much cheaper price.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
+ Mousse-like texture. This fact is sort of a double edged sword. I don't like that I can't see the real contents because of it being a mousse.
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Wednesday 22 October 2014

CMK EATS : 5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW ABOUT COOKING


Look who's cooking now?! Can you believe it?! I can't believe it either :) But yes, here we are talking about cooking. No, this blog will not turn into a cooking / recipe blog any time soon but I'd like to share some bits and pieces of my experiences how it actually feels like cooking by yourself. In my entire life, this is the first time that I have cooked anything. And oh boy! I even prayed before touching the pan. I pray that a) the food will be palatable, b) nobody will get a stomach ache, lastly c) I won't burn the house or cut my fingers. Amen. 

But first. WHY? I need to learn how to cook to feed myself during my entire London stay. I cannot live on takeaways because it's unhealthy and costly. Think I've mentioned this on my post on CHEERS TO FALL.

Anyway! Here are these 5 things that nobody told me about cooking. You may find this ridiculous or funny but hey, this is real story, guys!

LESSON 1: To saute' means you have to put in onions, garlic and oil on the pan. I mean, how come cookbooks are so incomplete?! Or should it be, how come I didn't know about this {this is more like it}.  Heck! Good thing I've watched the Youtube clip 7 times and it dawned on me that to saute means to add the whole team in there. I don't know what's tougher: Accounting or Cooking?! I have so much respect for all the moms (and cooks) out there. {Salute!}.



LESSON 2: It's all about the ingredients. You know what they say, you can never give what you don't have. Same logic applies to cooking. Good stuff in good stuff out {well, generally}. And vice-versa. True story: I bought a so-so fish and shrimp (much cheaper than I usually buy) guess what? It was so salty and I ended up throwing the whole thing in the bin. Bought BBQ Chicken Pizza since I am way beyond famished and drowned my sorrows watching Lucy (the movie). That's my first attempt that failed. Hopefully that would be the last.
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Tuesday 21 October 2014

CMK LONDON DIARY : WHAT MY LONDON SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE?


Weather today says 17 degrees celcius, Londoners say it's a bit 'hot' this year since a classic autumn season is way below this temperature but I'd welcome this hot weather anytime. So, remember my post last 1st of September about What My Day Looks Like? When I wrote that, I had this trip on my mind.

Living in London the past months has taught me lots of things. You know me, I don't fancy changes, but now I'm starting to see the beauty of it. A typical working day for me is to wake up at 6:30 am-ish. Getting out of bed becomes an extra challenge these days because it's always dark. Take a hot bath and dress up. Do my  hair and basic makeup then catch the 8:00 am train.


The Daily {yet Inspiring} Grind
My job sometimes requires a client visit and so last week, I've been into Fleet Street for a financial report discussion. Number crunching as it is, look what I saw on my way  home? Saint Paul's Cathedral plus a double decker bus. This is Central London. I have some sort of a love hate relationship with Central London. I love it because the place is so vibrant and picturesque. I hate it when it's rush hour (yeah, there is one in this part of the globe too) and you have to take 2 train rides to get home. Overall, I find it relaxing walking into the alley. It's like walking in a post card every single day :) This is pretty much my 9 am to 5 pm thing.

Home is Where the Heart Is
You know what I'm looking forward every single day? Call it shallow but it's coming home! I like the sight of my Fuchsia bed and fluffy pillows. Small talks with my friends and get this: a catch up of my favorite soaps of course! Cheesy puff! It gives me an ultra boost of happy thought whenever I am about to jump into this bed and start my teleserye marathon. I'm making the most out of this as well since I am planning to get involved at Hillsong UK care group plus there'll be so much going on next week so yeah, I'll embrace these quiet moments. So far, this is my after work and nighty night peg.
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Thursday 16 October 2014

CMK LONDON DIARY: CHEERS TO FALL


Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall... All you have to do is call... Don't fight it, I know you want to sing the entire You've Got A Friend song. Fall (or Autumn), I think, is the second least wanted season of all times (next to winter, of course). Maybe because it's a prelude of something dark and cold. However, you know what they say - there's always a beauty in each season. And so I promised myself to remember that gloomy is not equal to sadness. After all, we're all as happy as we decide to be.

This is week 1. It's an adjustment period for me. Fortunately though, my body clock seems to get acquainted abruptly from PH to UK time rather than the other way around. Jet lag was not that bad in fact, the moment I hit the sack at 7 pm-ish it didn't take long for me to sleep soundly.

My first cooked dish, ever.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Chef Kristine signing in. Applause please! :) Seriously, I promised myself to eat healthy. I cannot live on take-aways for half a year so the only logical reason to do is to learn how to cook. The Spicy Tuna Marinara pasta above is not bad after all. Let's put it this way - we finished the meal without any left overs. Hooray!

Autumn, near my place.
Just beside my pasta lies a view... whenever I wash my hands. No kidding! It's a backyard view from my flat. Beautiful, isn't it? It's nice to stare blankly at a lush sky and reddish leaves. Makes me ponder, what is life all about, really? But that's another story.
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Tuesday 14 October 2014

CMK READS : 9 TO 5 MILLIONAIRE (THOUGHTS AND TAKE-AWAYS)


Trying to be true to my word, I've been doing a LOOOT of catch up readings lately. I've bit more than I could chew (on book shopping that is). You see, this particular book was bought a year ago when I've been to Manila International Book Fair (more on that HERE). Before I left for London, I've made it a point to tick this on my to-read list.

I first saw Leila when she guested a TV show called On The Money (it's a good and informative show, btw). She has every right to be heard. Graduated from UP with flying colors, became an executive of top-brass companies here and abroad, et al. However, what's groundbreaking on her story is that she was able to retire from a day job at an early age of 40. That said, when I saw her book on the stand, there's one only logical to do - buy it! And, have my picture taken with her :)

Takeaway #1: It's all about the mindset PLUS execution
Who wants to get rich? Everybody! What are you doing NOW to get there? Then the hands will slowly disappear one by one. It's one thing to dream and another to act towards that dream. And to act we must all do! She detailed her thoughts and ruminations in the book. Basically, she prepared some thought-provoking questions that will lead us closer to our financial goal.

Takeaway #2: Passive Income can be your BFF
Passive income are, well, passive. It requires minimum effort from you. Ever heard of money gets money? Or interest from the interest? That's what it's all about. Book shared some doable tips on how to slowly build your asset portfolio. My top picks are stocks, unit investment trust funds and mutual funds. You may be overwhelmed on how diverse the instruments are, but I'd say the best way is always to have it simple then take it from there.
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Friday 10 October 2014

CMK TRAVELS : I'VE LOST MY LUGGAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME!


As they say, no travel is ever the same. True enough, my last flight was the most challenging flight ever! I am not here to give you a blow-by-blow whine-fest but rather I'd like to point out some things that I should've done and make it a learning experience for everyone.

The Border Immigration
It was my second time to visit the place however, since the alert level has been set from Normal to Severe {due to isis and ebola alert} immigration officer asked more questions than usual. She even asked me for a letter of invitation and details on why I'll be staying here for a bit longer longer than my past visit. I answered all the questions politely and shortly after, my visa got stamped.

Learning Tip: I  should've photocopied the Letter of Invitation before I gave the original documents to the embassy (for VISA Application, read HERE). I forgot to do that and it was too late because the embassy didn't return the original letter.

The Case of My Lost Luggage
Since the immigration procedure took long (plus I walked through the whole stretch of different conveyors) - I was one of the last people who got their luggage. I have checked in two. I can spot Bag #2 but my main one was missing. Again... slow motion... it was missing! Nooooo! I asked the gentleman and he said it's common that people lost their luggage. They have incident reports everyday. What's weirder was I saw a violet luggage with exactly red ribbon on the conveyor, making me conclude the inevitable. Somebody got my luggage!


What to do when this happen to you?
Report it right away! They will give you a paper for you to write your contact details and description of your luggage. Take note of the case number and of course PRAY. To be honest, if this happens in Manila - you and I know that the chances of retrieval is very remote. However, even if it is Europe, there's still a chance of it being lost. And I don't know what to do because 80% of my stuff is there! {insert about to cry face here}.

Learning Tip: Put your own contact number and your friends contact details in a notebook. I failed in this department. Good thing there's a 45 minute free wifi at Heathrow so I managed to copy the details via email.
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Thursday 2 October 2014

CMK TRAVELS : LONDON (THE SEQUEL)


Here's the thing: I am not sure where to start. It was only last Tuesday when I got my visa and I have a gazillion things to do. My thoughts are splattered all over the place but I want to put my {fresh} feelings in writing. Hence, this attempt to scribble. If you've been with me on this blog, you'll know that this is my second time to go to London. If you think I'm used to all these 'feels', that's a false. To me, no travel is ever the same. 3 major things are juggling on my mind as I type:

GOD HAS GOOD PLANS.
Since I was little, I'm hearing Jeremiah 29:11 that says: For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a good future. It's one thing to know and another to experience.

There's nothing special in me. It's all about God's amazing grace that I get to experience these travels. I've been to London not once, but twice this year! If it's not God's goodness, I don't know what's the reason for all these.

SO MANY FIRSTS.
This may be my 2nd time but I'm expecting so many firsts. This will be my first Christmas, New Year and Birthday away from my family. This will also be the longest out of country stay of yours truly. With this I need to get my hands wet on cooking. I need to scout for an affordable waxing and hair salon and most importantly, I need to be involved in a church ministry! 
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