Scratch to Finish.

So it started out with playing around with the stones. Positioning them loosely on paper until my mind says, "Yeah, this could work." So I sketch the design around the stones. 

The goldsmith then interprets the design almost exactly the way it was drawn. 

They carve out the carahorn and lay the stones on top of the mounting to see if I approve. 

I approve. 

Stones are set, turquoise, mother of pearl and carahorn are glued and pendant is polished. 

When done, someone falls in love with it, buys it and takes it home.

Next thing I know, she comes by the store wearing the piece and it makes my heart smile. 

She also wears it with earrings that I designed for her 5 years ago. 

I am happy she is happy. She also looks great. 

Salome's Birthday Bash.

Salome surely knows how to throw a dinner party. A few months back, I was luckily enough to be invited to her birthday dinner at Old Manila. That only meant, good company, good location and good food! 

With her first stunning outfit of the night.

Each guest had an adorable gift waiting on the table. 

The four course meal was perfect! 

Love the lamb!!

With my seat mate, Jun Escario. 

Across the table, Rajo and Janina. 

For dessert, she changes into a red gown by Martin Bautista. 

The birthday girl wore a blue sapphire cabochon and diamond earrings by Jul B. Dizon. 

Just wanted to sneak in a photo of my ring for the night. I am so in love with it. 

And before heading home, a parting shot with the birthday celebrant. 

You are loved sister! 

Ruby Jack's in My Mind.

A few months ago, I asked foodies to go with me to Ruby Jack's. The traffic was not as bad as I remember it to be. 20 minutes from Makati to City of Dreams and even if it takes longer, it is definitely worth it. 

Tiff and Freg took charge of ordering and at the end of the night, we were all happy as we had our fill of delicious food and great company. 

Organizing another group so that I can have this foie gras again. 

Ivar Aseron and Ben Wintle

Karylle and Yael Yuzon

Sharing is caring Karylle!!! 

Awesome staff of Ruby Jack's!

Ruby Jack's Steakhouse and Bar - Manila 

City of Dreams UG/F City of Dreams, 

Aseana Ave cor Roxas Blvd Baclaran, Parañaque 

(02) 801-8888

Dar Yacout in Marrakech.

This restaurant is truly a diamond in the rough. When we got off the bus, we were led into a medina. The entrance smelled of urine and I almost wished that I stayed in the hotel to order room service. 

We walked further in where there were plenty of peddlers, men who would just stare at us tourists. It scared me. The roads are not even too so if you go, don't wear heels.

The door was opened into this magnificent structure. Every corner, every floor took my breath away. 

Lamb, couscous and pancakes for dinner. Truthfully, at this point of our trip, I could not eat another tajine, couscous or any Moroccan dish. My stomach wanted adobo and sinigang. 

Open on Tuesday to Sunday. 

Closed for lunch.

Click below for more information:

Dar Yacout

Marula Pure Beauty Oil.

Marula fruit is wild-harvested from the Marula tree in Africa. Only the fallen fruit is collected. This protects the wild stands of trees. 

The women gather the fallen Marula fruits from around their homes and bring them to nearby collection points where the fruit pulp is removed for jams and juices, the nut is then sun dried and shelled - nothing is wasted. 

The oil-rich kernels are hand-selected and manually cold pressed using a specially designed press, providing a pure rich oil, free of microscopic nut casings and other impurities. 

A pure blend of essential oils is added at 1%. 

Pure Marula Facial Oil is perfect for the face, neck and decollete. This doctor-endorsed, soothing treatment -provides naturally intense hydration, protection and rejuvenation. 

POWERFUL BEAUTY BOOSTER

*Use alone as an anti-aging moisturizer

*Add to other facial products to boost efficacy

*Use as a primer prior to make-up application

*Soothe skin after facial treatments, peels or sunburn

It is our nightly regimen and I am so amazed at how soft my skin is in the morning. 

It’s now available in stores– specifically at the beauty departments of the SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia. retailing for PHP2,980/ 30ml and PHP4,980/ 50ml.

Lucy in the Sky, L'Officiel.

Thank you for the feature on Lucy and Jul B. Dizon Jewellery. 

Four Seasons Resort, Marrakech.

It's not hard to fall in love with Marrakech. In fact, despite the not-so-pretty airport, crappy looking cabs, scary street peddlers and dusty air, it was quite easy for me to love Morocco. 

It was last October when I went and I believe that this is the best time to go, weather wise. The nights are cool but during the day, you can enjoy the sunny weather and work on your tan. 

Aside from the interesting souks and medinas that we visited in Rabat and Fes, it is the hotels and riads that truly made my heart skip a beat. Moroccan's truly know how to leave a tourist in awe when it comes to where one can stay. 

Let me show you Four Seasons Resort.

This resort has 141 rooms and is ten minutes away from the airport. It has three restaurants, a beautiful lobby and breathtaking rooftop. 

Their boutique has the best local products. There are similar items that you can get/find in souks but in this boutique, they made sure that the quality of each piece is done well so expect a higher price. 

My favorite spot is the magnificent pool, of course. Virginie Vaillant, Public Relations Manager treated SFV and I to a scrumptious lunch an hour of very interesting stories about the King and Morocco. 

After lunch, we were given a private tour of the premises and all I could hear myself say is WOW. Must have been 2,000 times, if not more. 

Absolutely love the artwork, which are also for sale. 

Every corner is photogenic and I just couldn't stop snapping away. 

The Presidential Suite. When I took this photo, I was informed that they will soon renovate it to give it more a Moroccan feeling. I am sure it looks 100% better now. Imagine that. 

A big thank you to General Manager, Feliz Murillo for adding a WONDERFUL memory to my Moroccan adventure. 

Sonja Vodusek, Felix Murillo and your bloggerina. 

For more information, click below. 

Four Seasons Resort, Marrakech.