tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149451432012-01-20T09:33:40.941+08:00Style, spark, and a touch of island hospitality.Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.comBlogger6901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-31729974535514355102012-01-04T11:26:00.000+08:002012-01-04T11:26:24.247+08:00

Domestic Travel is now up and running again!  Join us at http://thejourneyofmei.blogspot.com/ for more travel pictures and musings.  See you there,  Meimei

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-13353025687652878592011-11-25T21:07:00.001+08:002011-11-25T21:28:03.330+08:00

Dear longtime readers of Domesticity: As much as it pains me to say this, it is with deep regret that I have decided to close up shop on Domesticity. Between the demands of being a full-time PhD student and the effort required to revise my fiction projects, I have determined that I may no longer have any time left to put up new posts on a regular basis. I will be doing a lot of writing, of

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-44752697589841589542011-11-07T08:01:00.002+08:002011-11-07T22:35:46.638+08:00

I never thought I'd admit this, being the girly girl that I am, but Fight Club was the movie that changed my writing life. ...Well, not just that. Here's the complete text of the "snowflake" scene: You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You are the same decaying organic matter as everyone else, and we are all part of the same compost pile. And you know why? Because frankly,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-12301815649552940052011-10-31T21:23:00.007+08:002011-11-02T23:20:53.768+08:00

This post is brought to you, again, by the folks from National Novel Writing Month. Last Friday we introduced you to Veronica San Luis, the titular main character (and reluctant heroine) of this year's novel, Her Name is Veronica. Today we continue with the question-and-answer portion with our main male character Dean Harper.  NAME OF CHARACTER: Dean Harper (born Clifford Dean Souza Harper)

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-45789463526054301162011-10-28T20:15:00.003+08:002011-11-02T23:15:53.500+08:00

This post is brought to you by National Novel Writing Month. Being the crazy-compulsive writer that I am, I've decided to take the plunge and write my third novel this November, while putting the finishing touches on my July novel. (That one is 85% finished, by the by; the endgame is there, and the only thing left is to set up the big fights and other intense scenes in proper chronological order

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-26660518969808569552011-10-12T01:03:00.007+08:002011-10-12T01:03:00.697+08:00

This post was brought to you by the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, where I may (will?) be spending the rest of the year now that I have received the go-ahead to start my PhD course work at the College of Education. The Oblation says "Heeeeeeyyyy!" Photo source: manila-photos.blogspot.com Yep, it's been a crazy day at Hacienda de Meimei right now, ever since I received

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-50709451982705898632011-10-10T01:38:00.011+08:002011-10-10T08:55:42.368+08:00

This post is brought to you by the following movies that came to mind while watching The Town with Bakeks, because - as good as this movie was to us, though a little less than epic -  it also reminded us that we were better off watching any of these movies instead of sitting through The Town. First and foremost: Blood Simple.  Which was also remade by Zhang Yimou as A Woman, A Gun, and a

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-44824100528337604482011-10-07T14:08:00.005+08:002011-10-07T20:48:55.188+08:00

This post is brought to you by Jessica Zafra and her ongoing coverage of Gaz Holgate in the Philippines. Screen capture: mine; original photo source, JZ and Team Gaz. You want Gaz, I'll give you Gaz: Screen capture: mine; original photo source: JZ and Team Gaz.  All pictures screen-capped from this entry on Jessica Rules The Universe. - I mention Jessica Zafra here because we just had the

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-31037095505573961962011-10-05T13:29:00.001+08:002011-10-05T13:32:53.495+08:00

This post is brought to you by the young Robert Downey Jr., before he did drugs and went crazy and then came through in the end as a better person. Source: rdj.over-blog.com.   (For perspective: this picture was taken in 1988, which was probably around the time I first crushed hard on him. That means I was probably 11 years old around this time. ) I promised hot guys, so I will talk about hot

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-41580883666627899492011-10-03T18:28:00.001+08:002011-10-03T21:54:12.437+08:00

This post is brought to you by Q-Tip. - The crazy rainy weather this time of the year has prompted me to take my workouts indoors and start doing yoga once again. I have to admit that I don't seem to burn as much with yoga as I do when I go running, but ever since I've started doing it regularly I feel like my mind is clearer and my posture isn't as tight as it used to be. Not to mention that

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33490392389940377682011-09-30T09:37:00.005+08:002011-10-04T08:58:02.277+08:00

This post is brought to you by this delicious smidge of cuteness in French Bulldog form, whose doppelganger was spotted walking alongside The Hotness in NYC a few days ago. Source: images.google.com Yes, The Hotness has been reading my mind. (See also: this previous entry on manly men with tiny dogs.) ***** So the lovely Laura from Ladies Who Critique came up with this blog-posting prompt,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-77874099317118496722011-09-28T19:42:00.000+08:002011-09-28T19:42:10.605+08:00

This post is brought to you by Patrick Stump and his highly convincing Rick Astley makeover. So, how's everybody holding up? It's been a tough week for me; lots of problems on the job and writing front, a little drama on the family front... and then this storm happens. Don't worry, we're safe, but I'm also praying for the folks that barely made it through the typhoon, especially the evacuees.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-5563828102025816492011-09-20T20:41:00.000+08:002011-09-20T20:41:57.940+08:00

This post is brought to you by THIS haircut. You know, two years ago, this hairdo would have looked like utter crap on me by turning my head into a straw mushroom and making my face look puffy. So why did I do it now? - First of all, I was getting sick and tired of my mid-length hair. Every single time that I get it trimmed - and no matter how many pictures of hairstyles I bring to my salon -

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-9650973358022006782011-09-13T15:19:00.002+08:002011-09-13T15:21:53.888+08:00

This post is brought to you by Toy Story 3, which made me bawl my eyes out just the other day. - Two great moments happened this morning: Novak Djokovic won the US Open, and Shamcey Supsup of the Philippines placed third in the Miss Universe pageant. Honestly, I was more pumped about that epic Djoker-Rafa final than I was for Miss Universe (also because I had to go to work right away and the

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-8548008179295169062011-09-11T23:42:00.007+08:002011-09-12T14:56:49.962+08:00

Those of you who read my blog know that I don't like to share my personal stuff over the Internet. A lot of it has to do with concerns over my family and my career, of which I have every good reason to keep in confidentiality. Today, however, I want to talk about the person that I used to be ten years ago. Ten years ago, I woke up to a frantic phone call from a friend about the planes that

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-90798966463986621872011-09-09T01:10:00.076+08:002011-09-13T15:26:32.656+08:00

Today's post is brought to you by the Philippine Volcanoes (Men's 7s) Rugby Team. (...But seriously: How many times have I actually run that scenario in my mind where I'm at a bar in Makati with these guys, and The Hotness just happens to walk in and introduce himself to me? "Oh, hello, you must be The Hotness. I'm Meimei, and these are my friends Justin Coveney and Gaz Holgate. Yeah, I've

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-19690798405140263022011-09-07T09:57:00.001+08:002011-09-07T15:55:00.088+08:00

This post was NOT brought to you by the recent batch of photos from the Avengers set in New York. - First, a shout-out to my gorgeous friend-from-high school Marie (aka Ms. LadyCakes), who now fashion-blogs on a regular basis for Instylation. Here's her most recent entry as of this writing, where she totally rocks the mod look for fall. - Speaking of mod, how gorgeous are the new Stardust lip

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-19017775055282810882011-09-05T11:01:00.001+08:002011-09-05T11:05:39.286+08:00

This post was brought to you by Federico Fellini. - Problem #1: My button-down shirts have been getting a little too tight around the mid-section lately. Not good. Problem #2: My podcast backlog for Popspotting and The Sporkful has gotten quite bloated as of late. Not good either! Solution: Start power-walking again! I find that it's easier for me to put on podcasts instead of music for my

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-16274541455593510712011-09-02T18:18:00.002+08:002011-09-08T16:05:45.455+08:00

This post is brought to you by Robert Ludlum and the Film Development Council of The Philippines. I was just about to say something about nothing much happening this week since I took the entrance exam... but then THIS happened, and I've been running around the place dancing like a real ninny. I'm torn: I want this to happen, because it's The Hotness and I'd give up a liver (or at least one

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-24080960797188202392011-08-31T01:25:00.003+08:002011-08-31T01:25:00.327+08:00

You might remember this one from Wellington. The gloss: Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Kissyfit What Clinique says: Lip gloss juiced up with 8 hours of lasting shine. Spends every minute comforting lips. In 18 glistening shades from sheer to full intensity. Moisture makes each one even more mouth-watering. Protects lips, too. First impressions: This was not exactly my favorite

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-77324515201789569182011-08-28T15:24:00.000+08:002011-08-28T15:24:50.203+08:00

This post is brought to you by the good folks in charge of wrangling the hair, makeup, and wardrobe duties for Rihanna. - This week will (hopefully) mark the end of the Long Rough Patch that I've faced in the last few weeks... and when I say rough, I mean rough: pressure at work, graduate school, and my mom getting sick and landing in the hospital for a few days due to dehydration and

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-30207467211140250812011-08-26T01:26:00.004+08:002011-08-28T15:18:03.791+08:00

This week's tutorial was brought to you by Pixiwoo. - Since I already brought up my new dermatologist last time, I might as well share the rest of the regimen with you guys right now. I currently use proprietary prescription-strength products for my sensitive skin, but I think this can be easily replicated with OTC products as well. DAY: Gentle cleanser, followed by oil-free moisturizer mixed

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-9553884708669723032011-08-24T01:08:00.000+08:002011-08-24T01:08:00.406+08:00

Our first Dispatch starts with a few recurring players from the Domesticity archives. - I have fallen in love again with the Levi's Mens 505 Slim Straight jeans that I wore in Queenstown this May. Yes, they're baggy enough to look like Walk of Shame jeans - and super comfortable, to boot - but not too baggy that they're practically dragging on the ground. Part of it has to do with the

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-61704377701586198912011-08-22T03:41:00.002+08:002011-08-22T03:41:00.098+08:00

So: No blog entries for the longest time. Reason being that I was having a bit of a crisis about what to do with Domesticity, now that I'm on the verge of getting other things done with work and family and my own writing projects and (possibly) graduate school. To be honest, it has been driving me crazy, too, because I see other Filipino bloggers getting more readers for the same things that I

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-23902878873162044612011-08-03T13:03:00.001+08:002011-08-03T13:07:43.512+08:00

I don't know what's cooler here: the robots, or the homage to London Calling by The Clash. Maybe it's more of a new-ish trend, what with the Transformers movies and all, but I've become quite obsessed with robot T-shirts lately. Not that I would want one for myself, but there's just something cute and ironic about grown adults over the age of 18 running around with clothing decorated with

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-4906258716669833012011-08-01T01:00:00.055+08:002011-08-01T01:00:05.067+08:00

...Sorry, guys, but this one isn't about J. Lo.  Up until recently, I have considered myself to be a mild gossip addict. Sure, I've weaned myself away from the straight-up smutty items in favor of the less confrontational (and relatively more thoughtful) likes of Lainey and Crazy Days and Nights, and I still could not resist the pull of the Pinoy-centric blind items on Professional Heckler. 

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-25821598157688739202011-07-30T12:25:00.010+08:002011-07-30T12:25:00.334+08:00

From the ABC Shop inside the Queen Victoria Building. (Not to be confused with the ABC stores in Waikiki.) Girlcrush: Poh Ling Yeow cookbooks and mugs, right on the first row! (Yay swag!) Mancrush: Rafe Spall. Desperate Romantics. Swoon. (But wait: Anonymous AND M:I4 in the same year? Somebody wants me dead. Lulz.)

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-57879021917040677732011-07-29T10:54:00.003+08:002011-07-30T16:37:17.222+08:00

So: I'm back. I'm taking a break from novel writing (which I'm still doing, even though I'm already past the 50K mark for Camp NaNoWriMo) but I'm not going to deny that scads of things have happened while I was away. Some of it was very personal, like the professional setback that started with a bureaucratic boo-boo and ended up costing me more than it should. Some of it was awesome, like

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-49606586178466309602011-07-13T20:44:00.000+08:002011-07-13T20:44:43.798+08:00

Multiple Choice: Meimei may not be updating Domesticity too much because: a) She's spending more time on Twitter b) Her day job won't let her c) The Hotness has finally decided to take her out on a proper date (purple hair be damned) at an undisclosed and highly private location (ie. far, far away from Tom Cruise) d) THIS: Yes, I am crazy enough to write a 50,000-word novel in July, but that's

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-16223407167881008982011-07-04T01:53:00.006+08:002011-07-04T01:53:00.905+08:00

Ignore the Tom Cruise for a moment there. Scratch that, ignore the Tom Cruise altogether. You all know why I'm posting this. The Hotness, in all his potato-faced glory, stuffed into a white dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up. Do I have to repeat that? Because I would totally marry make out with him if he keeps dressing that way. Damn. (You know you have it bad for someone when even the

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-82370881618573745152011-07-01T01:58:00.010+08:002011-07-01T01:58:00.412+08:00

See, this is the kind of thing that makes me love John Krasinski and Jason Segel more so than possible. And THIS is the kind of thing that actually makes me like Novak Djokovic a little more, even if I like him best when Uncle Roger beats him at tennis. For comparison's sake, here's the original video where Shakira gets to sexy-dance for Rafael Nadal. ...I'm just saying.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-23446527045542140202011-06-29T00:51:00.011+08:002011-06-29T00:51:00.799+08:00

If that blackmail-quality video of The Hotness doing karaoke shows up anywhere in the universe, it would be just and fair for him to sing this right off the bat. And THIS version would be the song that he thinks he's singing. To which I say: That better be me doing the actual sexy-dancing in your mind, babe.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-3885024314669217012011-06-27T12:47:00.001+08:002011-06-27T12:48:22.626+08:00

It's official: I have finally gone mad. Ladies and gentlemen, I now have a Twitter account! And it's about time, I say. I've only been on Twitter for a few days, and already I'm having way too much fun with it. Sure, there are some very obvious reasons (*ahem* Nathan Fillion, Edward Norton, and the Philippine Rugby Team *ahem*) but I've actually found a way to make the whole thing work for my

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-58705322376403874972011-06-25T00:23:00.000+08:002011-06-25T00:23:31.872+08:00

To be fair, this one is currently exclusive to QVC for the next six months... but after years of wondering why BB creams are only available in - literally - "pinkish white," don't you think it's about time we tanned and darker-skinned gals got a chance to try one that's much closer to our skin color? (And if so, wouldn't be a good idea to have this one available in Manila, in the full shade

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-34779119901733348152011-06-22T01:07:00.002+08:002011-06-22T10:14:08.891+08:00

I never thought I'd begin a blog post with the phrase "Continuing with our ongoing themes of pimples and Australia," but... here we are. The story goes like this: During my trip to Sydney - and I think it could've been the day after the city tour including Bondi Beach - I found myself sporting some unfortunate-looking red spots on my chin. Since I knew for sure that there were no mosquitoes nor

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-21669099954451517152011-06-18T16:09:00.000+08:002011-06-18T16:09:44.010+08:00

I loved this outfit so, so much. Taken at the lovely Holiday Inn Potts Point in Kings Cross.  The sweater and the scarf is from Giordano; the black pants are from Gap. Look closely in the back and you'll see the black tote that I scored from Just Jeans in NZ. (And also the fact that I, uh, forgot to make my bed before stepping out of the house in this outfit. Lame.)  I wanted to step out of

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-51280429314173101792011-06-17T09:03:00.001+08:002011-06-18T09:09:50.746+08:00

Dear members of the male species - and especially every single member of The List, because we all know that you need to hear this: It has come to my attention that there has been a lot of speculation about certain habits and predilections that you prefer to keep in secrecy. We know that you have not, and will continue to refuse, to address these matters in public when pressed for comment. We

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-15170976861761679262011-06-15T01:54:00.141+08:002011-06-15T01:54:00.155+08:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again: When I heard "Not Over You" on the radio for the first time, I honestly thought that Prince just came out with a new song. The only thing more shocking than finding out that this is the first single from the new Gavin DeGraw album is learning that he co-wrote this with Ryan Tedder... though I will admit that all bets will be automatically off as soon

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-83175831475786503592011-06-13T18:26:00.000+08:002011-06-13T18:26:11.780+08:00

An update on "the procedure": My face is actually healing quite nicely - not a lot of scabbing now, but I still need to put cream on to get the remaining red marks under control. Still trying to stay away from the sun, though (not that hard to do with typhoon season underway) and makeup - apart from a little lip gloss - won't be an option just yet. Other than that, I'm actually back at work: my

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-34960246342215416752011-06-10T01:56:00.018+08:002011-06-10T01:56:00.475+08:00

The story started back in mid-April, when I went to the friendly neighborhood dermatologist's office to get myself a facial for the first time. My skin had been bothering me a lot in the last few years, but - healthcare expenses being what they are - I decided that this would be a good time for me to get checked at The Derma. Right away the assistants knew that something was horribly, terribly

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-89808418126132294542011-06-07T16:23:00.002+08:002011-06-07T22:59:44.355+08:00

Right before I left for Auckland, my Mom handed me her round brush and a bottle of Finesse hair spray, telling me to curl my hair under because my hair looked limp and flat. Since that moment, I'd resolved that I would remedy that situation in any way possible. Unfortunately, "any way possible" was not possible in the Southern Hemisphere, where I spent most of my time in New Zealand with hat

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-73469101826658327782011-06-06T01:41:00.007+08:002011-06-07T17:54:06.320+08:00

The sales clerk at Payless Shoes in Festival Supermall was totally not kidding. She told me that these shoes used to come in every color - not just purple, but black, blue, and red - but eventually they sold out at every single branch. Then Payless brought it back again, by popular demand, and it sold out so quickly that buyers at the SM Megamall branch were practically fighting over the last

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-81824082496598180182011-06-03T17:18:00.000+08:002011-06-03T17:18:07.319+08:00

The long national nightmare is over: After four months of pining and yearning, I have finally managed to land my personal version of these dream shoes at my local Payless store. More about them - and why they're considered the most wanted shoes in the Philippines - in an upcoming post. In other news: Meimei finally gets a curling iron. Also another post for another day, since the pictures

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-88518068927429075392011-06-01T09:35:00.001+08:002011-08-22T10:59:07.040+08:00

For those remaining readers of Domesticity whom I have not alienated after that last entry about The Hotness and Captain Tightpants, I give you... one of the less-sexy photos taken of myself during this whole entire trip. Breakdown, from the feet up: Running shoes by Reebok (now totalled, RIP); men's jeans by Levis; Gore-Tex parka by The North Face; scarf and hat from an NZ chain store that had

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-59655968175486693322011-05-30T01:18:00.466+08:002011-06-01T23:22:46.554+08:00

Okay, so The List just got reconfigured. I've already said everything that needs to be said about my new blog-boyfriend, so please don't disabuse me  of my notions by submitting more evidence to the contrary.* As far as the Meimei-verse is concerned, The Current Hotness is a lovely gentleman who showers with shampoo and good soap every time, and uses toothpaste on a daily basis. (*T'hough, to

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-78133639657837935272011-05-26T19:16:00.064+08:002011-05-27T20:43:43.942+08:00

Just for the record: I HATE THE YANKEES. And I replaced this one with an All Blacks cap anyway.   Ignore the hellish state of my skin here for a moment, because it's all about the lips and lashes here. The retouched version. (No, I didn't crop out the Yankees cap here; it just happened that way.)  The lip gloss I'm wearing here is Clinique's Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Kissyfit, which was

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-42400591187821216182011-05-25T09:03:00.003+08:002011-05-25T11:48:03.100+08:00

I was just looking at this picture the other day (because I'm vain like that - hello, would I be a beauty blogger if I wasn't?) and I immediately thought, "Hey, my skin looks pretty good here." My secret? THIS: Yes, SUNSCREEN! Or, to be specific, NIVEA Sun Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. The version I have at home has an SPF of 50 PA++, which means that the stuff is highly capable of filtering

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-5102290443246032162011-05-24T07:33:00.001+08:002011-05-24T07:35:22.473+08:00

And I really need to moisturize. More pictures from the trip later, including some prime Domesticity Moments and a few product reviews. Also, there might be a Hotness post sometime this month. Hint: There's a reason why The List just got reconfigured.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-10089101659980888492011-05-02T01:47:00.006+08:002011-05-02T01:47:00.490+08:00

Hi all:  Just wanted to let you know that both Domesticity and Domestic Travel will be on hiatus, starting on May 2 and ending on May 21, due to the upcoming trip to Australia and New Zealand. Rest assured that I will be taking tons of pictures and making notes along the way - so much to do, so much to see!  Posting for this blog will resume on May 23, if not earlier. Until then, here's to a

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-62045803750540485662011-04-28T10:14:00.004+08:002011-05-01T11:14:58.858+08:00

A friendly reminder from the United States Transport Security Administration: Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they're packed. (Source)

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-55742926567523298942011-04-27T09:56:00.000+08:002011-04-27T09:56:55.014+08:00

So, out of the 8 glosses Sephora's Give Me Some Lip collection that I've had since Christmas, we have covered only 6 on this blog: CoverFX Mint Glaze FX, (entry date: January 14, 2011) Buxom Lips Full Color in Roxanne (February 2, 2011) Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lip Gloss in 40 Winks (February 4, 2011) Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Gloss in Ballerina Pink and Rusted Rose (March 14,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-49426051409858063422011-04-25T01:21:00.002+08:002011-04-25T07:38:34.345+08:00

If only you guys can see how this works in real life...  The gloss: Tarte Rise and Shine Lip Gloss and Stain ($21 for full size; available at tartecosmetics.com) What Sephora Says: The page for this product is not available at the Sephora site as of this writing. We'll go with the ad copy from the Tarte website instead: The gel-based lip tint imparts a natural rosy glow that stays all day,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-1289042552078148282011-04-19T17:31:00.006+08:002011-04-19T22:35:26.236+08:00

I need to put this under a break, because that's how troubled I am about the whole deal. 1) Of course this movie upsets me. I'm an English major, after all, and this reads to me like The Da Vinci Code for literature geeks. So, until I have proof that this movie will turn out to be much better than this trailer, LA LA LA LA I'M NOT LISTENING TO YOU GO AWAY LA LA LA LA LA 2) The other thing

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-49342822564474950562011-04-17T17:31:00.000+08:002011-04-17T17:45:30.935+08:00

Both pictures taken at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Good news: The new Domesticity spin-off is finally here! Check out the travel-related narratives on our new blog, Domestic Travel. (That's thejourneyofmei.blogspot.com, if you prefer.)  Right now we have a few entries on standby - and a few more to post for our Holy Week special - but this will also be the new home for more than a few new

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-85790248518837032682011-04-13T11:48:00.001+08:002011-04-21T09:40:47.810+08:00

In geographical terms, an antipode of a place is its diametrical opposite on the surface of the globe. According to Wikipedia, however, the same term is often used in the British Isles to refer to Australia and New Zealand, even though the exact geographical antipodes of both places are often far from general British territory: Geographically the antipodes of the British Isles are in the Pacific

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-60503604674439280572011-04-10T15:53:00.002+08:002011-04-10T15:57:31.971+08:00

Confirmed: In a matter of weeks, I will be on an airplane on my way to Auckland, to visit my family in New Zealand. And not only that, but I will also be spending a few days in Sydney afterwards for more recreation time before flying back to Manila. Also confirmed: I can totally fit into THIS. Ladies and gentlemen, my Dad's vintage Burberry jacket, which I've been trying to pull off for the

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-68293278598567368292011-04-01T17:51:00.005+08:002011-04-05T20:21:32.199+08:00

...Really, Beyonce? I mean, I'm sure your new fragrance smells gorgeous, and this is coming from somebody who loves the last two Jennifer Lopez fragrances. But... really, did you have to sample Cindy Crawford's tub scene from "Freedom '90" for this one? And haven't you done enough by covering "You Oughta Know" in concert? Now that I think about it, you might as well sample the rest of my

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-833306792374103042011-03-28T19:00:00.001+08:002011-03-29T08:55:59.087+08:00

I'm in the middle of hell week, so posting will be sporadic for the next few days. In the meantime, however, I've been listening to a lot of new music from Adele lately. Always loved her since "Hometown Glory," and always enjoyed her style and attitude. And she looks great here - really sophisticated and pulled-together, like the music itself. It's odd, though, that Adele's new album would

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-26340574312533028702011-03-24T08:19:00.000+08:002011-03-24T08:19:57.548+08:00

An obituary, from The Telegraph.  A series of final tweets from @dameelizabeth herself, using her iPad, dated July 22, 2010:I would like to add something to my earlier tweet. Always keep love and humility in your heart.Never let yourself think beyond your means...mental, emotional or any otherwise. You are who you are. All you can do in this world is help others to be who they are and better

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-71466451460559824502011-03-23T13:07:00.001+08:002011-03-23T13:07:01.080+08:00

And we're only talking about the first leg of my trip. More to come, as the trip-planning continues.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-22834297771656857582011-03-18T01:42:00.094+08:002011-03-27T21:47:16.683+08:00

FACT: Some guys get more interesting when they get older. Especially when they're actors. Most British actors tend to go in this direction; Hugh Laurie (shown above) and Colin Firth, for example, were quite handsome in their 20s and 30s, and yet - oddly enough - more attractive now that they're older. (In Firthie's case, with a bit more meat on the bones; with Hugh, the natural world-weariness

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-48316060076407859412011-03-16T01:19:00.075+08:002011-03-16T01:19:00.484+08:00

This is how my new Urban Decay Stardust Eyeshadow came to be in my possession: Not a picture from my own camera, BTW. But still, it's so FURFLE!!!!!!!  Now, I have to tell you, I wasn't sure about getting away with this, especially with my current life being non-conducive to wearing shimmery purple eyeshadow. But this is a gift from a dearest friend - along with another life-changing item

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-60107174890906652802011-03-14T01:26:00.077+08:002011-03-14T01:26:00.147+08:00

The gloss: Sephora Collection Super Shimmer Gloss, $10 Pink Ballerina (very sheer pink) Rusted Rose (rosy-tan nude) What Sephora says: "Coat lips with a shot of glistening, glassy color from these innovative tube glosses. Just a gentle squeeze of the tube sends a wash of sexy shine over lips. The convenient applicator tip makes perfecting your pout goof-proof! Available in cream and shimmer

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33587279310468490692011-03-13T14:15:00.003+08:002011-03-13T21:36:44.810+08:00

Longtime reader and Tokyo resident Kuri just posted this entry on her blog, about the earthquakes in Japan. I'm hoping that she's OK (updated @ 9:30 pm: she just emailed from Tokyo, and is "safe and well"), that the ongoing relief efforts continue to go well, and that the situation with the nuclear reactors gets sorted out as soon as possible. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Japan

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-1699693268355865672011-03-07T21:25:00.003+08:002011-03-07T21:27:59.328+08:00

Taken on June 2008, at a diner inside Cleveland's Westside Market. I never thought I'd say this - not in a million years - but I think it's about time I gave up stimulants for Lent. Oh, sure, I could've given up any of the other things that usually drive me nuts, like TV or Facebook. The fact remains, however, that I'm helpless when it comes to coffee, tea, and chocolate. I know they're bad

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-78404754879429522362011-03-05T08:37:00.003+08:002011-03-07T21:30:10.260+08:00

Admit it, folks: If Colin Firth showed up at your workplace on the way to the airport, you would totally wish you had a megaphone, too. (I know I would.)

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33054242439922930702011-02-28T10:58:00.003+08:002011-02-28T13:25:05.176+08:00

awards night 2011 by meimei96 on Polyvore.com By the time you read this, I am either 1) watching the Oscars or 2) writing out lesson plans for the week. One is a grueling, time-sensitive task that must be done to get things in order... and the other involves writing out my lesson plans for the week. ZING!  (...And such is the dichotomy of my life.)  Oh, who am I kidding here? I'm a sucker for

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-45729341912264272422011-02-25T20:06:00.001+08:002011-02-25T20:09:23.718+08:00

This should teach me not to leave the house without makeup. (And/or take my picture in a moving vehicle.)  The gloss: LORAC Multiplex 3-D Lip Gloss in Cliche What Sephora says: The Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss features a viscosity that visually retextures the lips, and smoothes away imperfections allowing color to appear more vivid and luminous. The unique formula is infused with antioxidants to

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33133882391950901902011-02-23T23:19:00.005+08:002011-02-24T14:07:49.140+08:00

kawaii wallpaper by ~cupcake-bakery on deviantART Before I start, let me make it very clear that I, as an Asian woman of a certain age, have no problem with cuteness in general, and everything that's considered kawaii in particular. In fact, if it were up to me, all of my bed linens and office supplies would be decorated with tons of tiny, happy, smiling Japanese cartoon characters, and be

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-23856423744113021502011-02-20T13:47:00.001+08:002011-02-25T20:16:36.918+08:00

No pictures for now, but thought I'd share these anyway: The Best Beauty Looks From New York Fashion Week, now on nymag.com. The red lipstick from the Wes Gordon show is just. plain. gorgeous. (I haven't followed fashion much since moving back to the Hacienda, but I do know that I'm in the market for a new coat for my trip. And, apropos of nothing, I still lurve Chris Benz.)

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-51414403404561110702011-02-16T11:45:00.000+08:002011-02-16T11:45:29.493+08:00

This, dear friends, is a genuine SM Parisian brand evening bag that I purchased for PhP599. Sure, it holds nothing more than a camera, my iPod, some cash, and a teeny-tiny tube of Smashbox lip gloss, but that's beside the point. I love this bag. It's cute. Carrying it around makes me happy.

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-73913196668601341032011-02-14T05:15:00.000+08:002011-02-14T05:15:00.629+08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Why not celebrate the 14th of February with a funky jam about... righteous payback? I am, no doubt, obsessed with this song. And check out the video, too! The sharp suits and cocktail dresses! The monochrome filters! And a lead singer who looks like Bryan Ferry (circa 1985), if he had gone to whoever was styling David Bowie (circa 1985) and ran into Christian

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-60369514841068923292011-02-11T13:00:00.174+08:002011-02-11T22:00:25.753+08:00

So: Valentine's Day. Five years ago, I wrote this entry to my Unnamed Prospective Valentine - which did not get anyone's attention, and perhaps for good reason. (Bear in mind that this happened in the early days of Teh Internets, when Facebook was just a "killer app" and beauty bloggers were not always obligated to post pictures of themselves.) A few great romantic moments have come and gone

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-52521715432148412692011-02-09T22:12:00.004+08:002011-02-09T22:24:50.681+08:00

First, here's the person responsible for the Hacienda's recent conversion to soccer: Filipino-British footie star Phil Younghusband, who scored the last winning goal for our Azkals (and even showed off some sweet Pele-esque moves) against Mongolia at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod. (Unpopular opinion: I honestly do not see the resemblance between Phil and Taylor Lautner. Still and all, though,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-38326640214774826292011-02-07T00:15:00.001+08:002011-07-22T11:04:58.171+08:00

shoes by meimei96 featuring high heels Can we talk about platform shoes for a minute here? Up until recently I've been indifferent towards platform shoes, mostly due to all the crappy wedges and stacked heels that I've worn throughout the '90s. That has changed, thanks to the new crop of platform shoes (and hidden-platform designs) that are currently getting kudos from fashionistas for style and

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-18174340185358000232011-02-05T10:44:00.043+08:002011-02-06T00:33:57.515+08:00

Above: I wholeheartedly agree with Coco Martin. Brown sugar in your coffee = yummy!  - The Manila-based Female Network wants to know: Which celebrity would be your perfect Valentine? This explains why I have that Nescafe ad in this entry... but it's not limited to Filipino celebrities, either! (Hee.) - Some good news: The stye that I wrote about in this entry turned out to be an eyelid zit

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33452696670795840452011-02-04T00:30:00.000+08:002011-02-04T00:30:03.200+08:00

I... honestly don't remember wearing any other makeup when I took this picture.  The gloss: Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lip Gloss ($21) in 40 Winks What Sephora says: Tarte Vitamin-Infused Lipgloss nourishes and conditions lips with nutraceutical properties that rejuvenate lips, helping to protect against environmental attack. The gloss includes natural ingredients from BORBA's Age Defying,

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-53830269283164895672011-02-02T00:00:00.444+08:002011-02-02T11:57:42.388+08:00

Before I begin: The MAC Foundation Finder says that I might be an NC42, but I can't be sure of that until I haul myself out to the nearest MAC counter. Not that you can tell from the judiciously-cropped picture shown below, though. Taken right before going to work, while the lighting's still good. In other news, my hair really needs to get its act together soon. So, on to Glosswatch 2011!

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-34144154359839118602011-01-22T15:56:00.009+08:002011-01-22T23:50:54.432+08:00

But first: a photo essay, for illustration purposes only. Before. After. Moral of the story: "Casual" doesn't have to look like you totally slept in it, even if you actually did. Just saying. Also: Due to some technical difficulties - and a lot of high-pressure matters coming up in real life - new entries on Domesticity won't be available for the next two weeks. Unfortunate, since I had some

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-74829598125871883372011-01-21T21:11:00.001+08:002011-01-21T21:22:30.969+08:00

This is how you know you've finally gotten over the issues that you have with your body. You only worry about two things whenever you go swimming: sunburns, and drowning. You have the power to say no to just about anything and anyone - the extra serving, the dress that won't fit you, even the skeevy guy who just won't take no for an answer. When you do lose your willpower at the dinner table

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-1427815884124067492011-01-14T09:35:00.001+08:002011-01-28T00:55:47.354+08:00

The rest of my face, as it appears in my New Year's Eve photos: The Body Shop's Flawless Skin Perfecting Foundation in #04; BeneFit eyeshadow in Dandy Brandy; Ever Bilena black eyeliner; Maybelline Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara in Very Black; BeneFit bronzer in Dallas. I'd wear my makeup like this every day, if it weren't for the tiny stye on my eyelid that's taking forever to go away.  The

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-33406239034309113472011-01-11T22:41:00.000+08:002011-01-11T22:41:58.793+08:00

Swatches made on my own arm. No flash was used in this photo. Don't ask me for a point of reference on my complexion, either; all I know is that I'm a yellow-based tan, and this part of my arm is probably a little darker than my own face. Top row: Tarte Rise and Shine (gloss portion) in Cherry; Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Tease, Buxom Full Color Lip Polish in Roxanne; and MintGlaze FX

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-4797159954198893402011-01-09T14:17:00.001+08:002011-01-10T19:41:18.826+08:00

These are Gap's Curvy Fit pants in size 14 Petite, and they used to fit me perfectly. Sure, there were times when they were a little snug in the belly and thigh area, but I distinctly remember my lower half looking like this in those pants: But now, after two years of on-and-off wearing, my Skinny Day Pants now look like THIS on me: Taken in our hotel room at the Marriott Resorts World

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-84631742250376130352011-01-05T03:56:00.006+08:002011-01-05T03:56:00.650+08:00

In the beginning, there was this box, which arrived from SisMei in Honolulu: And in this box, there were several lip glosses: And Meimei, who opened the box, was so amazed by what she saw in it that she thought to herself, "Ten lip glosses in a single box, with promises of lip-plumping action? Plus a full-size tube of Buxom Full Color lip polish? Hey, this must be the blog-writing

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-62880317031698204602011-01-03T02:01:00.211+08:002011-01-03T02:01:00.381+08:00

I was about to start this entry with a rant-y little screed about how I'm resolving to make changes for my own good and how my decisions are my own responsibility, blah blah society expectations can bite me and whatnot... but that would be way too depressing, and not exactly what I need to explore here in this very blog during the first few weeks of 2011. Then I thought: Well, this is the year

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-63174896705505686962011-01-01T22:18:00.190+08:002011-01-02T16:02:59.221+08:00

A lot of big, scary things happened to me this year, and during the last six months in particular. I began my year by teaching English to Korean college students, and ended the year (if not the semester) by teaching education theory to Filipino college students. I finally passed the board exams in my field, and became a licensed professional teacher. I contracted a horrible mosquito-borne

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-27488491197099467122010-12-23T22:39:00.000+08:002010-12-23T22:39:02.363+08:00

Insert inevitable joke about cats and shiny things here. (Photo taken at Resorts World Manila.) Domesticity will be taking a short but overdue Christmas break in order to enjoy the holidays as much as possible before returning with more fun entries and beauty goodies for sharing. In the meantime, please feel free to check out the Polyvore Mini-Editor feature on this blog to put together your

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-76058957967998280812010-12-22T21:54:00.006+08:002010-12-23T22:41:50.253+08:00

One of my many new writing projects involves a semi-autobiographical coming of age story set in Indonesia, where I lived during the early Nineties. Yes, I still can't believe it's been twenty years since grunge started taking a hold on popular culture, and I still think that there's a part of me that regrets a lot of the boneheaded things I used to do in the name of Kurt Cobain. Like many of my

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-81084651394898952642010-12-20T23:27:00.005+08:002011-01-06T18:57:35.249+08:00

Maybe it's my inner theater geek talking here, but lately I've noticed that I have a real thing for guys who speak with accents. And not just any accent, come to think of it, but accents spoken by native English speakers from actual English-speaking countries. Consider the following: 1) Colin Firth (but of course!) as a stuttering royal in The King's Speech, with the added bonus of Helena

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-86794264445269240272010-12-11T20:57:00.001+08:002010-12-11T20:59:41.145+08:00

A few more songs that are guaranteed NOT to drive you nuts whenever you hear them:

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-38872145325540225672010-12-06T09:54:00.001+08:002010-12-13T09:01:00.393+08:00

Molten chocolate cake from Circles at Makati Shangri-La, taken on my birthday. OM NOM NOM NOM. So, self, how's the diet and exercise going? - Dang! I knew I forgot to write about something! You know, I - We know, we know. First you had the dengue, then there was NaNoWriMo, and in between all of that you started teaching again and resumed your long term relationship with your TV. And don't

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-7774198565996705602010-12-05T22:49:00.000+08:002010-12-05T22:49:52.549+08:00

This holiday look from Smashbox intrigues me.  Taken as a screencap from my email account.  Here's how to achieve it, from the Smashbox website:  Apropos of nothing, this is the second time I've mentioned a lip product named "Maple" in this blog. Hm. Compare this to the "holiday" looks sweeping the Philippine press these days, using examples from Preview magazine:  November 2010: Cristine

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-35204853604092939162010-11-29T09:09:00.001+08:002010-11-29T09:13:51.655+08:00

Don't ask me how I managed to write a 50,000-word novel in 28 days without completely falling off the deep end. It's a terrible novel - or at least terrible by Meimei standards - and it probably won't see the light of a single publisher... but I got a lot of satisfaction out of writing it, and I couldn't be happier. Those of you who are interested in reading the manuscript, however, will have

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-29263891769159205762010-11-28T07:55:00.001+08:002010-11-28T07:57:49.453+08:00

Remember when Mariah Carey used to be such a sweetheart? I still hold the opinion that this is the best video that Mariah ever made, because the clip really matches the retro feel of the song. (The local supermarket has been playing her Christmas album on an endless loop lately, in fact, and it's actually quite good. Her version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is epic.) True, her hair and

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-74299538117317439332010-11-21T16:00:00.005+08:002010-11-22T09:09:03.868+08:00

Here's the thing: There is no way for me- and I mean NO WAY - to let this weekend pass without saying anything about Ryan Reynolds being named the Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. Screencap: People.com On the one hand: I still need to sit down and watch an entire Ryan Reynolds movie from beginning to end. (Trailers don't count, and neither do reruns of Two Guys, A Girl, and a Pizza Place

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-47024961520465577152010-11-18T13:22:00.001+08:002010-11-18T13:29:06.825+08:00

Confession: I've been watching this video on an endless loop since last night. (It's for, uh, "research" for my NaNoWriMo project. And by "research" I mean "getting out of my writer's block.") Some thoughts: Wait, this came out 20 years ago!?!?!?!?!!! And it was directed by David Fincher? Has it been THAT long ago? (All I know is that I was extremely let down by "Too Funky," which was

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-87701145205019726332010-11-13T14:10:00.007+08:002010-11-13T14:42:58.335+08:00

Two entries ago, I mentioned that I wanted this on my gift list: (Buxom City Slickers holiday set, $39 at Sephora.)  And because I tend to have a wandering eye when it comes to these things, I thought I could put this on my wish list too.  (MAC 5 Sassy Neutral Lassies, $29.50; screenshot from MACcosmetics.com)  That, however, does not compare to some of the things that I actually do want: 

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-72685198291000226382010-11-08T09:48:00.001+08:002011-01-28T00:56:07.844+08:00

Credit for this goes to a friend of mine who did this on his Facebook page. For a quick refresher on which fragrances are which - besides the first three - click here. Chanel Chance: Remember when you purchased me from Liberty House several years ago, when you got your first non-student job? And you do remember that the first day of your second term is coming up, yes? So it would help that you

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-88416958799279214672010-11-04T08:47:00.003+08:002010-11-05T16:46:32.903+08:00

We interrupt our usual schedule of off-blog lesson planning, NaNoWriting, and other distractions for some breaking news. Be In Style has just featured Domesticity in their Best of the Web series, which runs every two weeks with a running theme. This week's theme is "first impressions," and here's an excerpt from their entry  The blog’s “Video Style Moments” entertain readers while subtly

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14945143.post-35765088876492217172010-11-02T09:06:00.003+08:002010-11-02T19:10:23.525+08:00

You might be worried about the title up here, after all the disturbing blog entries that I've been putting up lately. And no, I'm not talking about running off to Canada, even if it means better Food Network programming and even better potato chip flavors. (Also because the alleged future father of my supposedly ramen-haired children has now moved to Los Angeles, which I am trying my best not to

Stella MThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14087731365463976840noreply@blogger.com0