Nothing beats a trail with one of your good friends. Brisk walk uphill after a picnic is the perfect way to end your day. Not to mention, the wonderful Griffith Observatory! (Rebel Without a Cause anyone?)
Love you LA!
Category: Personal Lifestyle
Loving Marilyn Monroe: Visit at Westwood Memorial Park
I can say that I have finally gone to visit Marilyn. I’ve been a huge fan of her’s since I was probably about 7. Living in Los Angeles for 16 years I have neglected ever visitng her resting place, and now that I came back for a visit I finally took the opportunity to see her.
Westwood Memorial is a small place surrounded by coorperate buildings. A small place where you can see the past meets the future. We even got a little lost trying to find Westwood Memorial, but when we did it was the most peaceful, serene area of LA I have been to. Marilyn is surrounded by many of Hollywood’s greatest such as her friends Dean Martin, writer Billy Wyilder (The 7 Year Itch and Some Like It Hot), her co-star Jack Lemmon (Some Like It Hot), Peggy Lee and Natalie Wood amongst others.
Her headstone is simple, baring just her name and the short 36 years of her life. The stones have changed color from the millions of visitors from the past years of leaving a trademark kiss.
I got to even meet Rachel Bailit, an actress who was filming for her channel “Diary of an Actress”. An amazing place to meet new people!
It was surreal to be there and I am so happy I took the chance to visit.
The San Francisco Adventure
I took a solo trip up to San Francisco to be with one of my best friends Adam for a few days. As someone who is originally from Los Angeles, SF can be very different in small ways. The weather is cooler, people can be somewhat friendlier and the surroundings of the city are very laid-back. And with happy hour starting at 2pm with $4 beers on tap there is nothing to complain about.
After a commute on the Bart into the city, Adam and I took that San Francisco happy hour to our advantage. A small pizza shop right in the heart of San Francisco (where possibly Frank Sinatra left his) we chugged on a pint of Guiness and IPA. Surrounded by the modern art deco buildings it made a perfect lunch.
We decided to walk throughout the day. All the way to Fisherman’s Warf. That’s about 6 miles across town, but it makes for a great adventure. Leading us into book shops, vintage stores, and giving us the opportunity to take in some of the street art. Walking is always the best way to go through any city.
I scored two book club editions of Fiztgerald novels, The Great Gatsby and Tender s the Night, for just $15. As we made our way through the chilly streets towards Fisherman’s Warf we stopped along a few more bars until our destination.
Finaly, upon our arrival I enjoyed a mandatory meal of clam chowder with the view of Alcatraz. Perfect way to end a long walk. A very long walk. The fog crept its way towards the city and the gloomy skies couldn’t be anymore eerie. I loved it. And I am so glad with my outfit choice! Layers upon layers. It’s strange to be so dressed up in California, but with San Francisco you can bring out the trench coat even in Spring.
We took the famous cable cars heading back up, and by night fall the fog brought in the mist. It was such a good day. Thank you Adam for bringing me around, and I definietly miss you.
(OH, and we took a road trip back down to LA!)
Goodnight Scherisse ❤ One of the best trips so far!!!
Surviving the Long-Haul Flight: Manila to Los Angeles and All the Way Around
Travelling is fun. Travelling is hell. At least getting there is. Early check-in, airport security, waiting, waiting and waiting. Arriving to the destination can be gruesome if you don’t have the pleasure of sitting in a seat with 15 feet of leg room, bottle service of champagne and goosefeathered pillows.
Here are my essentials on suriving sitting in a steel bird soaring across the Pacific Ocean for 14 hours.
COMFY CLOTHES.
Not the most stylish, but definietly the most comfortable. Leggings, an oversized shirt, a light layer (mines a knit) and easy slip-off flats which are important when going through airport security. No accessories please. Just a hat to hide the terrible airplane hair upon landing.
Carry On Light
Please do yourself a favor and buy a neck pillow and invest in a good eyemask. These two things let me sleep a good 8 hours on a pressurized cabin. This eyemask is from Beauty Bar and helps with your R.E.M. cycle. I love it so much! It just blocks out all the light and the soft foam matrial gives me the comfort of sleep. I keep my small essentials in a pounch rather than keeping my entire purse with me under the seat. This leaves me extra leg room!
What’s In the Pouch?
The items that are in easy reach are my pillbox, Advil, lip balm, a toothbrush, nasal spray, facial wash and deodorant. Everything to keep me nausua-free, moisturized, fresh and clean! I also bring a few basic makeup products such as an eyebrow pencil, lipstick and mascara, along with a good good facial moisturizure. It’s so important to keep skin hydrated on the plane. I also drink lots and lots of water.
Entertianment
I love reading. But, reading on a plane can be difficult with the turbulance, bright lights and cramped space, it’s not neccessarily a “curl up and read cozy” opportunity. Bringing along reading material is imortant, but I like to choose a book that is light and easy to read. Sure, you can go through the Game of Thrones series or a Jane Austen novel, but for me I try to steer from neccessary literary comprehension notes and small fonted books to avoid motion sickness and tired eyes.
Even though flying can be uncomfortable and leave your restless, I always look forward to the destination and daydream of the adventures to come. Happy flying!
Sorry For The Delay
Some of you may know I’m on a one month vacation to my hometown of Los Angeles, along with a quick trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas. So, posts will be delayed but don’t worry many goodies are in store from my travels, new buys and all types of crazy stories.
Love,
The PinUp Girl Manila
La La Land: Eggslut and Santa Monica
I AM BACK IN LOS ANGELES! It’s so surrel to be back after so many years. After a fairly easy 14 hour flight, a mandatory meal at In-n-Out, I was whisked away with my friend to Sunset Blvd for a drink at Akbar.The next morning we headed over to the Eggslut located at the Grand Central Market in Downtown. The place to be for the food fanatics looking for all the creative twists on juices, Thai food and even the simple bagel.
I ordered their specialty “Slut” which was a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with a demi baguette.
Seriously, spectacular. While my friend got their amazing Gaucho. Described as seared wagyu tri-tip steak, chimichurri, red onions and seasoned arugula topped with an over medium egg, in a warm brioche bun.
After a quick walk around the block to burn off some of the calories we consumed. We decided to head over to Santa Monica for some good old California sun. Exploring through the pier and getting the natural exfoliantes of the warm sand, it was a pretty good day.
Bouncing Nets and a Little Black Dress
The fashion Gods gave the commandment that every girl must own a little black dress.
I’ve found mine and I have treasured it since 2012. I bought it in Rome because I felt I needed an LBD in the city where Audrey Hepburn ran away with Gregory Peck. (However, I know the LBD belongs to Breakfast at Tiffanys). The Gods were right, as this dress has become my savior. IT belongs in any occasion. I’ve worn it to birthdays, meetings, events, even just a casual day out.
Accessorizing is so easy with it and it’s so comfortable. Any girl with any style needs one.
I added a cute flower for the pinup touch and did my hair in a wet set for those vintage curls.
It was my friends birthday filled with lots of alcoholic beverages. The night ended spontaneously on a trapeze net. Yes, the acrobatic art form of swinging yourself on bars. We didn’t actually perform ourselves but drinking beers on a net in the middle of the city was pretty great to me.
Happy Birthday Chesca!
Clean Cut: Hombre Manila Salon for Men
My long-time boyfriend, Diego, is in medical school. That comes with exhausting hours of studying and endless exams. Leaving him with no time for a good clean haircut. Last Saturday, we had been in the city for some errands. While at it, we passed by Hombre Manila. A fairly new salon for men that has just opened in January 2015 located along Arnaiz St. (Pasay Rd.) at Park Square . Upon walking in from the summer heat, we were greeted by the owner Jen Leung. She knew her stuff. Immediatley she knew how Diego’s hair was. Difficult, a mess, and all over the place. You see, Jen had studied in the states and had been cutting hair for 21 years over at the capital (Washington D.C.) She’s not the only one with years of experience. Her staff even includes a barbera! Yes, a woman barber! And don’t worry ladies, they do women’s hair too. So if you want to get your treatment done, a quick trim or even a mani-pedi while your man is getting his cut on, welcome the new bonding experience. Diego began with a good massage, which he definietly deserved after months of final exams! And soon the magic began… The Junior stylist Horhe began clipping, snipping and styling at ease. And soon Diego looked like a gentleman. Fresh and clean, and no more stressted-out medical student. 
Hombre Salon for Men is located on the ground floor at Park Square, Ayala Center, Makati City. (Across SM Makati) Hair cuts range from P450-P1,200 Contact and Follow: (0917) 721-6337 Facebook: Hombre Manila Instagram: @HombreManila
Beetle Break
How fun is this?
A friend took his family’s classic Volkswagon Beetle into a piece of canvas. And he didn’t keep it all to himself, rather he invited us to splash on our creativity! This was possible by adding a layer of foiling allowing us to freely brush on our ideas without ruining the vintage beauty.
A project for an exhibit with the theme of “break”. This is where we paint on anything we associate with the word! Gathered together on the street we went crazy with designing anything on our minds.
My design became a mini mural. Keeping in mind of the theme, I thought of designing a mermaid. I love mermaids and their tale of beauty and viciousness. Their struggle with the power of freedom definitely gave me the inspiration for “break”.
I brought along my brother who had a great time. And it was fun seeing friends get artsy!
It’s Never Easy to Say Goodbye; a despedida.
In my life, I am at the akward stage of becoming a true young adult. Like any twenty-something it’s a confusing time to be seeing my Facebook newsfeed filled with photos of newborn babies AND VIP parties at the trending nightclubs.
One of my best friends Trish, who some of you may know from previous posts, is finally leaving to a journey on her own. She has decided to begin her “life” in Japan, the place where she was born. Like me, we were both raised in different worlds, but we came together in one world that bonded us quickly. That world was called high school. She has become one of my closest friends for almost ten years and I hate to see her go. But, I know it’s time for us to begin our own lives. It’s the time to pursue all of our ambitions, our dreams and establish ourselves to become who we really are.
So, Trish I will miss you terribly.
A few of us had a despedia for her and we went to several places. Two bars being Oarhouse and Bar1951, both located in Malate. We then stopped over at a hole-in-the-wall ramen house, which is located near the Coffee Bean on Adriatico St. (It didn’t have a name. It’s that secret, however it’s very visible. You will see many eating out on the tables placed on the sidewalk). Both bars are great for the steady drinkers who are looking for a good ambiance. Low-key and under the radar these bars a great for just enjoying a few drinks with friends. Something that was much needed to say goodbye.
Top: Supre Australia
Skirt: Forever 21
Cardigan: Cotton On
The basic of a black pencil skirt comes in handy at any event. Being an essentiall it makes it so easy to pair with different tops. (See here for my lists of essentials for pinup style. ) A peplum top with a retro print, like the houndstooth, gives the ultimate hourglass figure. Hiding any unwanted bulges specifically around the hip area, peplum tops are great for narrowing the waist and giving the silhouette of sexy.
Then there was this. The Taylor Swift handbag pose. We found it a bit strange that she holds her bags by the forearm (facing upward). We found it a bit uncomfortable, but we gave it a try. (I am not a fan of her’s by the way.)
Yeah, our bags carried our life in it. Therefore almost breaking off our forearms.
Love you Trish!
The Pin-up Girl Manila 