Marc Jacobs: The Mesh Tote bag♥

source: Marc Jacobs.com

Looking for a stylish summer bag?  Say hello to the summer-version of the Marc Jacobs popular tote bag that was recently launched - it's super cute semi-transparent mesh tote.  

The Medium Mesh Tote Bag
source: Marc Jacobs.com 

The Large (Traveler) Mesh Tote Bag
source: Marc Jacobs.com

The tote is available in two sizes the Medium that comes with a detachable strap it measures 13 inches x 11 inches x 6 inches, and the Large that measures 16.5 inches x 13 inches x 6.75 inches.  It also comes in a variety of cool colors : Candy pink, Bright Green, Pale blue, Black and The Colorblock.

The Medium Mesh tote
source: Marc Jacobs.com

Other features of the bag : Top Zip enclosure, Top handle : Medium (handle drop: 5 inches) / Large (handle drop: 9.75 inches); Detachable strap for Medium only (Length 57 inches);  1 Interior zip pocket and 2 slip pockets.

The Large Mesh Tote
source: Marc Jacobs.com

The bag is not only perfect for summer, it's versatility is also ideal for everyday use.  It can carry your daily essentials because of it's spacious interior.  

The bags are priced at $275.00 (usd) for Medium  and $295.00 (usd) for the Large .  At the moment the bag is not yet available here in the Philippines.  And upon checking at Marc Jacobs' official website the Candy pink Medium Tote is already sold out.  Sorry for me because I am eyeing that color.  Hopefully I will be able to get one... (fingers-crossed).  If I will be lucky enough to have one, I will surely post a bag review. (*wink!)

xo,

Chiq♥

 

Recipe: Oriental Orange Chicken♥

Ingredients:

Chicken:

1 kilo Chicken breast or thigh fillet, cut into bite-size pieces

3 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup All purpose Flour 

1/4 cup Cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

Orange Sauce:

1 cup Orange Juice

1/2 cup Sugar

2 tbsps Vinegar

2 tbsps Soy Sauce

1/4 tsp Ginger, grated

3 cloves  Garlic, finely chopped

Orange zest

1 tbsp Cornstarch

Garnish:

Orange slices

Orange zest

Green onions

Procedure:

1. Marinate the Chicken with salt and pepper, set aside;  
2. In a bowl beat the eggs, combine the flour and cornstarch (this combination makes the chicken more crunchier);
3. Dip the chicken on the egg mixture then on the flour and cornstarch mixture.
4. Deep fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. To make the Orange Sauce: On a saucepan, add the orange juice, sugar. vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic - cook for 3 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water, then add to the orange sauce, stir constantly to avoid lumps and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Once the sauce thickens remove from heat then add the orange zest.
8. Toss Chicken on the Orange sauce.  
9. Garnish with green onions, orange zest and orange slices.

Happy cooking!♥

xo,

Chiq♥

Short trip to Tanay Highlands♥

For months I have been meaning to visit Tanay, Rizal.  Recently, Tanay has become a popular spot for travelers especially the bikers and motorcycle riders.  I have been to Tagaytay last December and the traffic is worse.  Maybe that is why people opted to go to Rizal area aside from the scenic view, cool weather and most importantly - "no traffic".

We drove to Tanay on a one fine Thursday morning... from our home to Tanay it took us 1 hour and 20 minutes.  

We are welcomed by a spectacular view of the mountains and the super chilly weather.  Good thing that I brought a jacket but unfortunately I was wearing shorts (haha).  

Had breakfast at Tanay Highlands Cafe while enjoying the breathtaking view: Overlooking the Pililia Windmills.  Fresh air, blue skies, all the greens, mountains and the cool breeze  - a day off from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila.

The Alfresco Cafe serves wide variety of dishes from Classic Filipino Breakfast, Pastas and others. Not really a fan of their Capuccino (that's what I ordered) - still a SB fan - Sorry :( .  I had their Creamy Tartufo Pasta and shared  with my nephew and niece their Chicken Mushroom.

Tartufo Cream Pasta

Chicken & Mushroom

As I have shared before, I am really hard to please when it comes to food: because I cook.. I am not a chef but I cook decent meals. (hihi)  I will reveal my verdict at the end of this post.  (*Wink)  The place is clean (especially the comfort rooms) and well maintained.  They have ample and secured parking lot.  What I love about the place is - it's pet friendly!  I brought my little ball of sunshine with me.

If you are bringing your pet with you, I advice you to bring a sweater for them because the weather is really cold.  We were cuddling him the whole time we were there.  But I know he enjoyed that experience.  

My verdict:

Food: ♥♥♥.5 out of ♥♥♥♥♥

Price: ♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥  

Ambiance: ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥

Staff: Nice and Friendly ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥

Overall verdict: It was a wonderful experience... If you ask me if I want to go back.. Definitely YES!  I want to try the other meals they offer.  

***Please don't forget to bring jacket or sweater if you are going to visit the place and lastly, they charge P10.00 for every order of warm or hot water.

xo, 

Chiq♥

Benefits of Having a Journal♥

There are many advantages of having a journal: as per my own personal experience it helps me track my daily activities.   This really works for me, I have been journaling for years already and whenever I need something (from past activities/undertaking) all I need to do was to revisit the entries I made on my previous journals.  And it was really a big help especially when we get a little older and we are so pre occupied with lots of things.  

I also set up a Monthly Bills/Expenses/Investment tracker on my journal which includes the due date of every utility bill, car insurance and amortization payments, MP2 contributions and etc. 

Aside from that there are other benefits of keeping a journal.

1. Setting your goals and help you achieve it -  Every year I set a goal and write it down on my journal.: so every time I open my journal to jot down notes,  I am always reminded of the goals and helps me to plan things I need to do to achieve them.
2. Helps reduce anxiety and stress - Before the pandemic started I am into creative journaling or planning.  What is it?  Creative journaling is putting art or decorating your journal... This is really a stress reliever.  I really love decorating my planner.  I download free stickers online, buy different kinds of pens, and I even joined a creative journal group.  I am still open to go back to this soon... I just need to find a source of a good planner.  When I was into creative journaling I am using a Kikkik planner and the blank inserts are my canvas and I love making my weekly journal spread.  By doing this it unleashes my creative artistic side.
3. It strengthens your memory -  Simple act of writing helps your mind know what you want to remember in the future.   Like when we are still studying or on a meeting we take down notes in order to remember the new things that we learn.  
4. It improves your writing skills -  Jotting down your thoughts in your journal everyday, helps you develop and improve your writing skills.  

There are different types of journaling that could fit your needs.  I can go on and on sharing the benefits of having journal and how it helped me in my everyday life.  But I hope I have inspired you to do the same.

xo,

Chiq♥

Perks of having a Plains and Prints Prestige Partnership Card♥

I no longer remember the year when I got my P&P Prestige Partnership Card.   But I tell you, if you are a Plains and Prints fan like me you will love having this card.  Before you get a 10% off every time  you purchase any regular item on P&P, then they transitioned to earning reward points.   Like the usual rewards card you can use the points as discounts when you purchase.  

Last 2021, they have introduced the P&P mobile application which is both available in Google Play and App Store.  It's their online digital rewards system that allows customers to earn and redeem points when they shop on the store.  Unfortunately, it's not yet available when you shop online.  So no need to for your physical P&P Prestige Partnership card.  All you have to do is to open your app and scan the code whenever you purchase: 1 point = P1.00.

Please also note that points earned for the year will is valid until February 28 of the succeeding year.  Last year (2022), I was able to earn 1,213 points and recently redeemed it.

What did I get?

I got this Corrine skort that costs P1,798.00 from their Emily in Paris Collection.  I only paid P585.00 for the skirt.  Yes, you read it right!  P1,798.00 less: 1,213 reward points = P585.00.   

Wait there's more : For the P585.00 I paid, I also earned 59 points for that. :)

You can use the points anytime, but I really wanted to earn bigger points so I can get a good deal.  Previously, I was able to buy a top for free by using my points. (*wink!)

How to redeem your points:

* Just go to any Plains and Prints boutique;

* Choose the item/s that you wanted to purchase and tell the sales associate that you wanted to use your points;

* Open your Plains and Prints Mobile Application and click on "Redeem Points"  - choose from the amounts on the screen then click on "Convert to Voucher";

* Once you have converted your points into a Voucher you can use it to pay for the item/s you want to purchase.

What are you waiting for? Download the Plains and Prints Mobile Application and start earning points!

xo,

Chiq♥

***This is not a sponsored post