One Hat Day

[01.14.2013] Woke up in the warm embrace of my husband in the cold Tagaytay weather where we spent out first year anniversary for a quick relaxing escape from the city. I couldn't believe how fast time really flies when you're really having fun. It feels just like yesterday when we said our I DOs and when everything was at slow-mo because we were trying the revel in every second of our wedding day.

Tagaytay wasn't really our first choice to celebrate our first anniversary at, but it's the best second, I have to say. It's sort of going back to where year one started when we were still boyfriend-girlfriend. A secret garden a lot of people go to for a green feast that's out of the ordinary- Sonya's Garden. 

#instagram

Like our plans that always seem to change, this wasn't my first outfit choice for the occasion but when my sis handed me her partial and late Christmas gift, a dress from Tomato, I fell in love with it so much that I had to wear it for the special affair. The hat I also borrowed from her was also perfect for a complete simple garden-theme number. Everything just looks relaxed, young and fresh, don't you agree?

To add to the freshness of this outfit is this pretty gift I got from my hubby - a charm watch bracelet from Anne Klein, which stands as my temporary substitute for Pandora till we can actually afford one. *haha* Kudos to my sweet hubby for getting me this. Isn't it sOooo me? *lol* And what did he get in return, you ask? I hate to admit that I settled for a very very very practical gift because I couldn't afford all the things I originally wanted to give him at the moment - a grooming kit! *lol* I know, MAJOR FAIL for a first year anniversary gift but at least it's something that he will really use... right?!?!? *haha*major fail*sigh*

Well, anyway, I owe him. Good thing there will be other more occasions I can make bawi. 

Price Tags?

Hat: The Landmark (P199)

Dress: Tomato- gift from sis- (Sale @ 50% off P350)

Slippers: Havaianas (P1,250)

Bag: Forever 21 (Sale @ 70% off P661)

Cocktail Ring: Forever 21- gift from sis-in-law

Necklace: Forever 21-gift from sis-in-law

What do you think of my look? LIKE it on #clozettte

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Dots and Balloons

Here's a more cheery post after yesterday's, which I just want to forget about... now... *haha*

Obviously, this is another one of my blog backlogs, and it's no brainer that it's about New Year. I think the title gives it away, agree?

Anyway, the recent New Year was actually the first New Year celebration I wasn't really able to prepare for, outfit-wise, because I had soooo much to do for the Axe Apollo Space Academy campaign that I recently launched, so I just scrambled in my closet and grabbed all the polkadots I can find. 

I'm really begging the universe to bless me with a lot of luck this 2013 that I almost went for an all polkadot outfit even though how baduy (out of fashion) the whole mix and match may come out but due to my hubby's *eeeeeek* reaction, I just opted for a simpler number that I can carry. To give my outfit a little more kick of circles, I tied my hair into a perfect bun (c/o Pink Box donut).

The balloons made the whole outfit shoot more fun, don't you think? It was just our luck that we have a lot of balloons floating (okay, not really floating) inside the house coming from our tito's (uncle) 60th birthday party we helped organize so we had something to play with last New Year. 

Oh, and my lil sis played with me too...

I really love playing model with my sis. It's actually one of our favorite bonding moments- taking a LOT of pictures of each other and together. You have no idea how many crazy shoots we did together already.

Here's to fab sisters, luck, dots and balloons for a fun 2013. 

On Aiza: 

Top: Bazaar find (P185)

Skirt: Surplus Shop (P299)

Shoes: CMG (P1,299)

On Mars:

Tank Top: Forever 21 ($3)

Skirt: The Landmark (P169)

Shoes: Payless Shoesource (Sale @ 70% off P200)

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Nothing but a 2K Lesson Learned

Disclaimer: I am writing this with no intentions of bad mouthing this store I frequent nor would I like to create social media chaos for this brand. Well, as if... I'm just a small glitch in the entire internet world anyway but I really just want to share an experience that many of you can probably relate to, or if not, hopefully this post can simply merit of you becoming more conscious consumers. 

So, here's the story. Last December, we bought these super nicely packed juices that looks yummy as Christmas gifts for our ninongs & ninangs. We have already given away about 60% of how much we bought but few bags are still left with us, which we were supposed to hand-deliver to our ninongs & ninangs who lives up north two weekends ago. Before that could even happen though, I got a panicky call from my mom telling me that the juices we bought were already expired "01 2013."

Well, on our defense we picked up the items, we ordered in advance, all wrapped up and ready to go so, of course, we wouldn't know how soooooon the items were expiring unless they tell us so. And since we have full trust in the brand, we also didn't bother to ask. Our bad. 

With temper rising, I called the branch I bought the juices from as I soon as I had the time and told them about my concern with the big question "You know for a fact that we'd be giving these as Christmas gifts (with scheduled gift-giving from December 25 onwards). Why would you sell us something that would expire in a few days?" And they were NOT sale items, take note. 

Few responses I got that really irritated me were (note: these are semi-edited quotes because I cannot remember the full conversation anymore) 

"Usually when people buy items from us, they give them away right away" 

Ummmh.... don't assume that from your consumers. They're Christmas gifts that can be given December 25 onwards

"The items were not expired when the purchase was made"

Okay, you have a point there but you should have at least informed us that they were expiring very very very soon so we know.This should be part of your Customer Service at the counter. (Again, we picked up the items all wrapped up and all ready to go so we really wouldn't know unless we unwrap everything)

"The 01 2013 is until end of January"

If I give you something that's expiring, will you appreciate it?

Then somewhere in the conversation, I told the person that I will elevate this concern with the Department of Trade and Industry.

Then she just said, "Go ahead..."

There were still a lot of words thrown back and forth but they're just too much to mention. ANYWAY... *blowing off some steam now*

After the stress this caused me and after a short fight with my hubby because of this, we talked about it and we decided just to turn a blind eye on the situation to avoid more stress. I know we should fight for our consumer rights that not a lot of people are aware about but we thought that it's just not worth it. Well, *sniff*sniff* it's worth P2,000 waste of money. *ahuhu*

Now that I have shared this, I leave y'all with this...

To all consumers, please be mindful of expiration dates specially if what you're buying are for gifts. And I know I have set a bad example for not fighting for my consumer rights but let's all be aware of our consumer rights. Yes, there is such a thing and I'm going to share about that soon.

To M&S, I hope you really consider adding "Ma'am/ Sir, please be informed that (products bought) will expire in __ days. Please consume them no later than the expiry date indicated here." This very simple courtesy could have saved us money, time spent calling you and all the headache and stress you caused us. 

Well, again, this is nothing but a lesson learned worth 2,000 Pesos. *sigh*

PS- to our ninongs & ninangs who got our Christmas gifts, please consume them very very very soon...

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

City of Springs

It ain't the Hamptons nor you will go here for its rooms and facilities but for it's hot pools. In it's glory days, back in the 90's, the City of Springs, located in Los Banos, Laguna, is one of the default places people go to when they say "Pansol." It is actually one of the last very few original hot spring resorts along Laguna de Bay and Mt. Makiling. 

I remember when we were kids, our parents would bring us to a day-trip in Laguna for a quick hot spring swimming. The famous one we frequent at that time was the huge hot pool with a lion's head. I couldn't even remember the name of the place anymore but it was one of my fondest memory as a kid because I love swimming so much.

Back to City of Springs though, I have a very vague memory of the place because I think the last time I was here was when I was just about 4-years old but I knew it was somehow familiar right when we entered the resort.

At first, I was "oh-no"... the place looks old and the rooms were not as impressive vs. from what I vaguely recall 24 years ago,  but the warm waters just lured me in to take a dip. As soon as the fresh hot spring water gushed over my skin, I felt so relaxed that I couldn't get myself leave the pool anymore. I felt like I was floating on a warm body of heaven that I can live in for eternity. I am just exaggerating of course, I don't wanna go to heaven yet. *haha* but it really was super relaxing. 

It's been a while since our family went for an outing so what I really enjoyed the most was simply bonding with the family.  

Our Suite with Plunge Pool (P3,640 per night)

After this quick recall of a hot spring weekend experience, I hope that kids today and my kids in the future will still get to experience "Pansol" like it was in the 90's. Unadulterated, non-commercialized, but a simple hot spring dip when you just want to escape the city. 

147 N. Villegas Street, Los Banos, Laguna

(+632) 520-8364; (+6349) 536-0731

For more info about City of Springs,

rooms and rates, click here.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

After the Rain

I just love the weather this month, don't you? The cool breeze, the short rain showers,  even the gloomy skies that makes me just want to snuggle up in bed the whole day... *dozing off* 

What I love more is having an excuse to wear light winter clothes I can't normally wear in our tropical weather like what I'm wearing here. And, would you believe, everything I have on I got on Sale? Oh yesiree, I am such a sucker for sale items, it's in my DNA. Thanks to my mom who taught me and my sister how to hunt clothes for less. I'll share with you more budget shopping tips and where to shop soon Or you can also follow Clueless Mrs. on Facebook for instant Sale Alerts ;)

Anyway, on to my look... Because it was about to rain when we left home last Saturday, I decided to wear my new booties to match my now fave burgundy skinnies. Two items off my shopping checklist before I said goodbye to my 2012 shopping craze (which was extended until January 2013). *lol* To cover myself up from the cold, I simply snatched this *almost forgotten item* from my closet, a cover up from Memo I bought ages ago.

It was one of my lazy weekends so I just put on simple accessories, but a black crocheted beanie and half-palm gloves would have made my look edgier. Now, if only I had those... *hmmm....* waahhh....*killing the "tempted to shop" thought bubble because i badly need to save*

Price Tags?
Aztec Top: Cotton On same here(Sale @ SGD10 or approx. P330)

Cover Up: Memo (Sale @ P300)

Burgundy Skinnies: Cotton On (Sale @ P800)

Watch: Casio (Sale @ P495)

Black Booties: Payless Shoesource (Sale @ P1,115)

What do you think of my look? 
LIKE IT on #clozette.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

First Holiday

Last 2012 was the first time we got to celebrate the Holidays as a married couple. Since both our families have our own traditions and our own ways on how we celebrate Christmas and New Year, we had to arrive at a perfect compromise on which side we'll go to for each holiday event. 

It wasn't much of a long discussion actually, gift-giving on Christmas is a big event at my house ever since I was a kid and I know it's the Garcia boys' tradition to greet the New Year with a BANG, well, it's more of my dad-in-law and JM's actually... 

So, we came to an agreement where we'll have an early dinner at the Garcia's on 24th December and then spend the rest of the Christmas eve with the Sollers and then have an early dinner at the Soller's on 31st December and then greet the New Year with the Garcias. 

Early Christmas Dinner at the Garcia's & gift giving

Christmas Celebration at the Soller's

What did I tell you about gift-giving at home?!
hooooray for gifts.

Early New Year's Dinner at the Soller's

Soller sisters with Daddy while our mom prepares dinner

Rodriguez Cousins playing with balloons

Clueless Mister joins in the fun

Greeting the 2013 at the Garcia's

Father and Son playing with fire.

January 1, day time, right after New Year's lunch reunion.

And, of course, we won't let our first holiday pass without a photo opp at the comfort of our own bare home with our very first and cutesy Christmas tree.

What I love about this set up and being married, in general, is we get to celebrate Christmas and New Year, not just once but two times all in one day! Isn't that awesome?!?

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Caution: Hectic Week Ahead

As I say a momentary goodbye to the corporate world again for some health rest, I am greeted with a surge of... *drum roll please* blooooooooog backlogs! *woohoo* I have a whole lot to share with you, from my first holiday with the Mister, trips, food, probably a [v]log or two, few looks and whatnots over the holidays and beyond. I am ecstatic to write all about 'em so, sit tight *doing some fingers and wrist stretching now* coz it's gonna be a hectic blogging week ahead of me. And, I am not just talking about this week... 

Wanna connect with me? 

Follow @AizaSoller on Twitter or on Instagram.

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.

Axe Apollo Space Academy searches for the First Filipino Astronaut

So, what kept me veeeeeery busy these past few days with not even a second to spare for my blog? Well, just the awesomest AXE campaign I've launched - EVER!

I am still smiling up to my ears because of the crazy and super successful day we had yesterday for the launch of the AXE Apollo Space Academy where we will be sending the First Filipino into Space. Yes, you read that right! AXE - the no.1 fragrance brand on Earth- introduced an experience that's literally OUT OF THIS WORLD. As in out of this world din ang experience ko in managing this project sa sobrang intense. 

To celebrate the global launch of a new fragrance called AXE Apollo, AXE, together with its space travel agency called Space Expedition Corporation (SXC) And XCOR Aerospace,  will be launching people to space. And we're not just talking about the kind of 'space' boys ask their girlfriends for, but actual space - the kind outside the planet. 

Here's the official announcement from Buzz Aldrin, himself. 

What's so exciting about this project we call the Axe Apollo Space Academy (AASA) is that AXE could be sending anyone. That's right. AXE is sending untrained civilians with absolutely no business floating around in zero gravity into space. The plan is to send one person from every AXE country on Earth to space, and AXE Philippines has secured one slot and will soon make history by funding the first Filipino expedition to space. And anyone could be the First Pinoy Astronaut. 

Here are snapshots and some behind the scene photos of what happened yesterday. 

Unilever CEO, Mr. Peter Cowan and AXE Brand Manager, Gem Laforteza
with the Pinoy Astronaut and Axe Apollo Space Girls
at the earlier media lunch at the Makati Shangri La.

18:00 Mission Briefing at Whitespace

Panoramic shot at Whitespace

Host, Atom Arraullo, at work.

AXE Apollo Council - Sam YG, Ramon Bautista and Gino Quillamor
with the Pinoy Astronaut and AXE Apollo Space Girl at the Levitation booth.

AXE Apollo Space GIrl at the Mission Control Room

The Space Buzz before the curtains opened.

Reveal of the AXE Apollo Space Camp

The Clueless Mrs. together with the AXE Apollo Space Girls

Celebrity sightings at the AXE Apollo Space Academy

From Top to Bottom (L-R)
with DJ Callum David
with Atom Arraullo
with Ramon Bautista
with Sam YG
Ramon with Gino Quillamor
with Apples Aberin, Head of PR, Personal Care, Unilever Philippines

AXE Apollo Space Academy Launch via Instagram

So, if you want to become the first Filipino space traveler and join the ranks of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Han Solo, sign up now at www.AxeApollo.com and get your friends to vote for your profile to get to advance to the next stage. Stay tuned for more details.

Visit Axe Philippines Facebook fan page 

or Follow @AxePhilippines on Twitter or #AxeApollo2013
for more info. 

On a sad note, with all the successful campaigns I've managed for AXE, it saddens me to say that this is actually the last campaign I'll launch for AXE. It has been lengend- *wait for it* -ary, LEGENDARY experience, and I don't think anything can top the coolness of these projects I handled for AXE. To team Apollo, my clients, and to whoever the First Filipino Astronaut will be, good luck and God speed!   

xoxo,

The Clueless Mrs.
Project Manager, Open Philippines, for Axe Philippines

Axe Anarchy Raid. The Sexiest Cops and Robbers Game - Ever.

Axe Anarchy Island Sexy Saves Boracay (Car Wash, Ambassador Hunt, Bikini Auction)

and

Axe Apollo Space Academy

signing off.