Photos courtesy of Dr. Francis Xavier Solis

Whatever you do to your body, it will make you pay it back with a vengeance. After advocating the "skinny bitch" lifestyle for the longest time --okay, that may be a tad bit harsh -- I just realized that I've gained quite a bit of weight. As much as I love my man, we honestly do need to start watching what we eat. I think that's what it feels like for a lot of long-term couples, because really, dating and dining comprises a whole lot of time in any relationship. You'll go out, and you'll eat. You'll want to try the latest "it" restaurants, hoard amazing pastas and philly cheese steaks, and order desserts for two. Being single for the longest time in the past, I saw the change in my eating attitudes and I honestly thought I could get away with it. Many flabs and with thunder thighs galore later,  I often ask myself, "what the heck happened?".

Since summer is once again around the corner, I find myself reminiscing, looking at pictures of my old , fitter self and desperately hoping I could bring some of the sexy back. I realized that I haven't blogged about this look yet. I also realized that I haven't tried hard yet enough. All I do is make these vague promises to myself, and plop my ass back down again and do nothing about it. I understand now that I need to pay the price for "letting myself go" with a lot of actual hard work and patience. I think I'm ready.

Jeffrey Campbell "Soiree" (available here )

I love shoes as much as the next girl. Okay, maybe just a weeetle bit more than the normal girl. But after so many years of incessant impulse purchases and hoarding of trendy styles which I know won't get much wear in my closet (I'm talking about you, heelless shoes), I felt like I needed a change of perspective. It wasn't easy, but I eventually decided to bid adieu to many, many pairs of great shoes (either by selling them off or giving them to loved ones). I've made a promise to really save up for things that may  be worth way more than the average, but are sure to stand seasons.

It's been awhile since I really, really fell in love with a shoe design, but my heart did leaps and cartwheels when I saw the Jeffrey Campbell "Soiree" for the first time. Burdened by its somewhat steep price, I was lucky enough to have my good friend and fellow blogger Sweet bring this home for me from Bangkok, a tad bit discounted and all.:)

As per my bf, "it looks like you're walking on air." He can't have described it better! I can't wait to take outfits with these:)

All photos by Thaad A. Sabolboro (visit his vimeo here)

Special thanks to Nico of Agoda.com, Pam of the Picasso, and the rest of the staff of this incredible hotel

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It's been more than a month since I stepped foot in Manila for the 4th installment of Bloggers United (more on that later)... and while my 3 days there was filled with nothing but fun times and great eats (I live for the food markets!) with my BU friends and my adorable Thaadius, the place where we stayed at and our experience there rightfully deserved a special post all on its own.

My friend Nico of top bookings and reservations site Agoda.com gave both thumbs up and ushered us into the blissfully artful and chic Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati. Though its customary for me to surf my friends' condo couches and spare beds whenever I'm in the capital, this non-honeymoon treat was certainly most welcome.

Their description on their official website sums up the experience perfectly. To quote:

"Combining the features of boutique hotels with serviced apartments, this trendy accomodation in Makati is ideal for those looking to lodge in style. Chic and unconventional, The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences showcases the famed painter's philosophy and artistic senses. The Picasso's Art-In-House program positions the property also as an engine for art, showcasing some of the most unique and forward-thinking artists both here and abroad."

The pictures here only capture the awesomeness of this hotel in a nutshell. 

Here's some crucial tidbits about the Picasso, if and when you happen to be looking for the best place in the Makati area. They are:

The Picasso Hotel in Makati is aptly described in their Twitter account as "a place where art and passion live, and where contemporary style and committed service meet". I got to live the experience for three days and I couldn't agree more.

Thank you again to Agoda.com and The Picasso for having me!

For reservations and inquiries, you can get in touch with the Picasso through these channels:

The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences
119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village
Makati City, Philippines 1227 
T. +63 2 828.4774 
F. +63 2 828.9141 
E. reservations@picassomakati.com