My Etsy Picks: Beach Essentials

Obviously, still couldn't get the beach vibe off my head.  My Etsy Picks this week?  Beach essentials, of course!

50s oversized brim straw hat : BTM Vintage

Turquesa Huichol ethnic necklace : Aida Coronado

vintage oversized sunglasses with UVprotection : mixbaby

70s tribal scarf tank : Vonlenska Vintage

50's floral bathing suit : aiseirigh

high-waist cut-off shorts : Vonlenska Vintage

yellow & white stripe tote : bayanhippo 

facial sunscreen with UVA/UBV SPF50  :  Moroccan Argan Oil

art printed flip flops : Rupy de Tequila

Summer Table Setting Ideas To Bring Smiles

When I came across this photo on Pinterest, my mouth quickly puckered into a smile.  I couldn't help but share this here.  Isn't this delightful? 

lemon sailboat (found via)

It's summer and the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, whether it's a picnic at the park or al-fresco dining in the garden. And this charming summer-inspired place setting promises a sumptuous meal over laughter and chats, fresh air and the beauty of nature.  

If you wish to invite friends and relatives over for lunch or brunch, here are a few more summer-inspired table setting ideas which are simple, inexpensive, and are sure to bring smiles on everyone's face.  I love the use of place mats and table napkins in bright colors and bold prints; garden-fresh produce and real blooms as decor.

tomato (via) ; flower (via)

lemon ; greens (via)

via

via

I really can't choose which setting I love best.  I think it would be fun to try them all for each gathering:)  Do you have any favorites?  Which of these summer table setting ideas inspired you?

Beach Vibe at Urban Outfitters

Browsing over Urban Oufitter's Swim catalog makes me itch to go to the beach. Nope, I'm not a good swimmer, but how I love the waters and the sun.  These swimsuits are so adorable, I think :)

mixed print bikini ; striped swimsuit with bow
peplum one-piece swimsuit ; flower power bikini

Also found these light summer dresses that I think would be great for walks around the island while shopping souvenirs.  I'm imagining fresh breeze blowing on my hair while enjoying a tall glass of pinacolada under a cool shade.  Oh, how I wish we could pack our bags and fly to a beautiful island right this moment!  (this Weezer song, playing on mind as I'm typing this). So, are you dreaming of the beach too?    

floral tank dress ; striped tank dress ; quirky pattern sundress

Shop Love: All the Pretty Pastels

I'm loving all the pretty pastels from "Go Softly" Boutique at Shoe Dazzle especially the lace Oxfords which comes in pastel blue, pink and beige; the Parisian-inspired crocheted ballet flats with spiked studs across the toes; and the pastel + gold spiked-studded accessories.

via: Shoe Dazzle

My Etsy Picks: Here Comes the Sun

It's no secret that I love yellow. Isn't it such a happy color? To celebrate Spring and Summer, this week's Etsy Picks are goodies from both vintage and handmade shops in sunny yellow and mustard hues.  Just looking at these brings a smile on my face :)

Dandelion whimsical art print : Lupen Grainne

upcycled handmade suede ballet flats :  The White Ribbon 

60s chiffon floral jumpsuit : Gypsy Plunder

sunny yellow hemp thread : Hemp CRAFT

Paris graffiti photograph : The Paris Print Photoshop

Peacock feather earrings : Erin Keys

Dahlia bobby pins : Elegance for You

"Hello" wood sign : Dime Store Vintage

beach umbrella photography : Hey Harriet

 speckled yellow mugs by Straffordshire Pottery : Galore Galore
vintage enamel kettle : luna purpurie
golden yellow Samsonite tote : flat tire vintage
retro-inspired mustard blouse : Julia Gasin
yellow feather earrings : Jewelry by Aimee
Dandelion print pillow cover : Blossom Pillow Co.
yellow and white striped hammock : Veronica Colindres
mustard floral skirt : April Rodriguez

"Sunny Side Up" sign photo print : Maxwell Cozzi
yellow sundress : i love mona
beaded necklace : Sarah Robin L
vintage Bosch & Lomb sunnies : Raybanicos
sunny yellow cotton clutch : cutie girlie

My Etsy Picks: Vintage Summer Shorts

Staying at my mom's, we can feel the scorching summer heat approaching. Since we live in a country where there are only 2 seasons (wet & dry / summer & rainy), we don't get to experience autumn, winter nor spring.  I can't help but dream of morning walks by the beach; swimming in cool waters; clear, blue skies; barbeques; green mango fruit shake; Reggae; cheerful days and lazy afternoons by the hammocks.

For this week's Etsy picks, I found these vintage shorts in various lengths and  colors which I think would be perfect for the summer!

paperbag ruffled waist abstract print : Diaphanous Vintage

70s short shorts with a cute heart applique : Ginger Root Vintage

80s Liz Clairborne striped denim shorts : Diaphanous Vintage

80s banana mustard shorts : On the Fringe Vintage

polka dot high waist dress shorts : Out of A Strobe Vintage

high waist floral skirt shorts : Shop at 851

90s dusty red denim high waisted preppy shorts : x plus y equals

vintage jean shorts : nemres

Which one of these pieces do you feel like wearing? And if you haven't heard of my newest giveaway just yet, click here to join.  You could win this beautiful beaded Native-American inspired earrings, to match your summer outfits.

Boracay Summer 2011

It was around this time last year when we made the trip to Boracay! It was surely one of the most memorable summers I've ever had and one that I will treasure for life! The place was wonderful but what made the trip even more amazing was that we were a family of nine enjoying the sun, the beach, the food, the good weather. . . we were having a blast and enjoying each others' company and love.

We got the chance to try out some thrilling activities for the first time.  I think for most of us in the group, it was the first time we ever tried snorkeling, banana-boat riding, helmet diving, and sailing. Everything went perfect for us that week and we spent four fantastic days on the beach.

Prior to this trip, I am not a huge fan of traveling because I often suffer from motion sickness whether I'm traveling by car, plane, or boat.  However, I am now more willing to brave these challenges to discover new places and gain new experiences.  It is such a pleasurable feeling to be awed by nature, to breathe fresh air, and unwind.  Of course, traveling with people you love makes the trip even more worthwhile. 

Oh, those good, old, lazy days.  I couldn't help but hear a soundtrack in my head.  Weezer was singing.  "On an island in the sun, we'll be playing and having fun, and it makes me feel so fine I can't control my brain..."

I'm waiting for the next time when we will be exploring another beautiful destination with my family.  I certainly hope we could do this again.... soon :)

Have you been to Boracay?
What unforgettable memories do you have from this place?

Jagged Rock Formations of Pangil

On our last day, we stopped by Brgy. Pangil Currimao, Ilocos Norte to have lunch and see the rock formations. It got its name Pangil (fang) because of the jagged rocks which can really wound you if you're not careful.  

The rocky shore extends throughout the length of the road.  These little caves are a home to small fishes and yes, we were able to spot some fishes in the water but my cam wasn't  made to get clear shots underwater. 

The sun was pretty strong but the wind felt cool as it blew on our faces.  It was a beautiful day with blue skies.

After thirty minutes, it was time to go.  We're traveling back to Ilocos Sur, on our way home to Baguio.  Our next stop: Baluarte and Vigan.

Travel Back In Time in Vigan

I would like to share some photos I took from our Ilocos trip last month, starting with these shots from Vigan. Vigan is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is the only surviving historic city with structures dating back to the 15th century when the Philippines was under the Spanish colonization.

I am so amazed at how the old structures have been preserved up to this day.  Vintage lovers would surely fall in love with this place.

Guests can ride a calesa - a carriage pulled by a horse, which was the main road transportation during the Spanish era.  We didn't get the chance to ride at all.  I had never experienced a calesa ride but there wasn't enough time.  We were on our way back to Baguio city so we just had a very brief stopover.

I felt so bad that we could only spend 15 minutes to catch a glimpse of this city.  I wished we couldn't stayed longer.  I wouldn't mind spending the whole day walking around with my DSLR camera.  There's just so many details that I would've liked to photograph.  I am definitely going back to this place to really take a tour and spend a lot more time discovering every nook and cranny.  

Have you been to Vigan?
What fond memories do you have of this place?