Travel Diary - Amazing Bangkok

I am beyond happy to share my recent vacation in Bangkok but before I jump to that, I am stressing out this reminder - Ladies we should take that planned vacation to allow ourselves to relax, recharge and recover from our crazy work schedules.  If you’ve been postponing your intended trip because of the loaded schedule or maybe a big factor is the budget, well please allow me to share to you how I’ve managed to pack a complete outfit for four days without spending an amount almost the same cost as the flight ticket. It’s funny but true; us girls have that habit of buying a whole new outfit for a specific vacation.  Guilty? I am too but below is how I managed to pack a 4 day outfit with minimal spending.

Day 1 - Hello Bangkok

Because we arrived noon time, and there was a long queue at the immigration, lunch was a must at the airport. Very eager to try their local food, so opted for Pad Thai and Green curry chicken, Nah for the Pad Thai but thumbs up for the green curry even though I don’t like spicy food. Now going to what I wore - opted for my long vest (link here), simple top, a pair of distressed jeans and my blush converse. This combination is comfy, I have freedom to move around, vest added to make me warm on the flight, my cost ZERO, above items were all pre-bought even before my planned travel.

Suvarnabhumi Airport - Bangkok

Somerset Park Suanplu, Sathorn Bangkok.

We capped our first night dining high, literally! The view was amazing at Zoom Sky Bar and Restaurant. Green jumpsuit was a gift from my cousin Ate Letty, when I went home to the Philippines (April). Resisted to wear it, I guess I was unconsciously waiting for the right moment. I did justice right? Long wait was paid off, the gorgeous jumpsuit is totally for a Bangkok high!

 ZOOM Sky Bar & Restaurant |Anantara Bangkok Sathorn

Rose, of course!

Day 2 - Ayutthaya

I was advised that there is a dress code when visiting Temples, they do not allow sleeveless, shorts and slippers. My pick was a on the spot moment. I know it would be hot and second day will require a lot of walking so I opted for my work out bottom, half-length leggings, and a very loose long sleeve polo shirt, paired with again with my blush converse. Cost,  nothing again on this ensemble.

Doing our best at the M pose.

Guess my long runs has paid off, I able to endure all day walks from my recent Bangkok tour.

Day 3 - City Temples and Dinner Cruise

When you go to Bangkok, do not miss out on a visit to the Grand Palace - it is crowded yes, but when you go inside, it’s all worth it. It’s true, every corner is picturesque and Instagram worthy. I will leave out the description to the travel bloggers, I just have to say, almost all corners/places around this area are snap worthy that I actually ran out of pose…ha ha kidding, now going to what I wore, I need to wear a dress at some point in my travel, so I bought this dress made of rayon challis, a light weight fabric, with very small dainty flower prints, spaghetti straps style and skirt that falls just past my knee. The place has a strict dress code so a cover up is a must, my denim long sleeve polo is a saver, which I have brought several times for travelling. Cost of the dress, $15, same footwear, and the hat was purchased some time ago, around January for $5 only during a sale event, at that time I knew I have to get it and will be able to use it during a summer or beach vacation. 

Chatuchak Market, testing my haggling skills!

Scented soaps, 3pcs for 100 Baht, got them for pasalubongs

Ending off our last night in Bangkok, I suggested having a dinner cruise. It did not disappoint, the food, the ambiance, the weather and even the performer/singer (a Filipina!) was all good. Buffet style dinner that lasted for two hours with a fellow kababayan performing, is truly a night to remember, and was a great contrast to a very chaotic day we had. What I wore was a simple office skirt, with a prominent zipper in front and a yellow crop top, both was purchased at a sale event before. 

On board the Chaophraya Princess Cruise, just before dinner.

A must try in Bangkok, Tuktuk ride, just like our very own tricycle.
L-R, yours truly, Phet and Kaz and of course our driver

Total outfit cost for day 3, $20 only!

Day 4 - Coffee dash before jetting off

Too bad the famous Mr. Jones Orphanage café located near our hotel was recently closed, so we have to get our quick caffeine fix at a small coffee shop instead. For this quick breakfast dash I opted for an all-black jumpsuit, previously bought, which I transitioned to an airport-going-home outfit. Feet were tired wearing close shoes for 3 days so a pair of slip-ons to the rescue, which I got a day before we traveled, cost me $19.90 only. I accessorize my entire outfit with a cute brown bag, just big enough to carry all our passports and money, online cost $25.

Rushing to get my caffeine fix.

Catching up on whats happening in Bangkok

All in all, it only cost me less than $100, to be exact $64.90 to update my vacation outfit. It’s just a matter of mix and matching, and when shopping, bear in mind to get pieces that matches your existing clothes. In this way you don’t have to buy a new set to pair with the one you just purchased. It also helps to visit sale events and pick out a great piece which you deem you'll use in the future.

PS - our trip was made easy because we have a tour guide, my friend Phet. She's my colleague back in my teaching days in the Philippines. She's been living in Thailand for 12 years, teaching and has learned to speak Thai language.  She has arranged for our 2 days transport and made our tour easy and comfortable by being with us. I suggest have a person who can speak Thai with you as most of the locals cannot or do not speak English very well. Leave a comment below if you’re interested in her Thailand touring assistance.

Khop khun kha Thailand, you are amazing!

xoxo,

Clyde

Working out and loving it!

Roll back the time, if someone says, lets exercise, go jogging or go to the gym, I would probably roll my eyes at them and make all the excuses I can think about just to escape a sweat session. I maintained my weight by refusing to eat rice, meat and all stuff oily. I won’t avoid sweets but I will cut down meal portions, (note: kitty portion) and sometimes skip it, yes not a good habit, I was being bad to my body.  I am very grateful that a year ago, someone encouraged me to go jogging, work out with me, eat right, and occasionally be OK to eat whatever I want.  Fast track to today, I never felt more active, stronger and good, and I can say I exercise and yes I love it!  Old self would cringe at the word jog, new self will say let’s go! Today let me share how I formed the habits and fall in love with exercise.

Find the right one

Ask yourself what you enjoy doing that involves having to move (a lot or not). If you love dancing, then maybe you’ll enjoy Zumba class, if you into cycling then a spinning class would be a choice, get the picture here? I get bored easily if I stay in one place so outdoor jogging works for me, I get to enjoy the scenery and come across other joggers during my 30-60 mins run.

IG Photo: wlyder11

IG Photo: psbysophia

Ignore the scale

Before, if my digits do not decrease after a week of exercising, I won’t have the heart to exercise. Nowadays, I don’t use the weighing scale that much anymore, I just work out. Complaining of not dropping the 1 or 2 lbs won’t help, it makes working out a “must do”. Instead , focus on the benefits that exercise gives you, like energy boost, better sleep and relieves stress.

Clothes

Do you think I won’t include this? It’s also a part of forming the habit, if you’re dressed for it then 100% you’ll be motivated to act like it. It might be psychological, but it has helped me, really!

Find a Buddy

Make it social, find a friend/buddy who has the same fitness goals, its motivating to have people who can relate to your work out progress. Plus you’ll have somebody to constantly remind you, or vice versa about the routine that you must follow.

Change, don’t over do

If you over do some exercises then it’s not enjoyable anymore, it becomes more of a chore. Find an alternative in between your routine jog. My exercise buddy would occasionally sign us both for spinning; prepare an intense 30min mix of moves with running work-outs or outdoor cycling. This way, I don’t get bored and my body gets that shock so that I’ll get that continued benefits.

Reward yourself

This method never gets old with me, and I believe applies to you too. Besides feeling good after achieving even the smallest fitness goals, treat yourself! A big pat on the back and reward yourself with that food that you’ve been craving for, just be mindful of the portion. Aside from food, a facial, manicure or massage is an ideal treat.

Have a playlist for your work-out session helps too, crank up that volume! I believe there are so much more habits that a health buff can add to my list, but for now if you’re planning to start, do it gradually, and most importantly, listen to your body, know when to stop, hydrate and eat. 

 xoxo,

Clyde

One for the Hommes: Jensen’s Lookbook

Hi guys, before the month ends I’m letting a good friend of mine take over my blog. I looked over the entries I’ve had here for the past years and noticed that I have never done a single one for the hommes.  So today let me introduce to you Jensen, who also shares the same interest for fashion and travel. I admire him for not letting his crazy busy work schedule gets in the way of planning a trip every now and then. Working, travelling, taking photos, blogging and looking good sounds a bit too much, so on his birth month, I would like to take a page and share with you Jensen’s style, take a look on how he normally would dress to impress on a daily work day basis. Below are the top 3 looks which are my favorites.

 Look 1:  White pants and floral printed button-up

Love love love white pants!, if I’m not that clumsy I would love to wear white pants always, but such a klutz and nowadays I’m always running around here and there to run errands. Love this outfit on Jensen, it looks neat, comfy and very summery because of the print.

Look 2: Neutral accessories

Pair with a white bottom, this printed long sleeves is very hard to pull-off if you think about the weather in the Philippines. But an 8hour job inside a centralized building makes it easy. The bag, belt and the shoes top with the hat looks fab.

Look 3: Bold Blue

It’s very obvious that I’m biased with a white piece of outfit, but when Jensen paired it with this blue top, it pops! I love when an outfit has this one pop of color, adds fun and energy to the whole look.

You can check out Jensen’s travel photo here. 

For all you Hommes out there, visit BONOBOS for a Better fitting, Better looking men’s clothing and accessories. They offer a one-on-one service that will guide you to find your perfect fit.

 xoxo,

Clyde

Not getting Cold shoulders anymore

Team OTS? (Off the shoulder). Almost all the girls I know have tried this, except for me! I’ve been holding off from wearing this trend for a while, because of body issues.  I always thought that this style is for those who have sexy arms, which I am sure I don’t have. For some reason, I swear it seems that fats from what I eat goes directly to my arms, and do you also agree that it’s a bit difficult to tone them.  Opps did I just say that? Yes it’s that one-part-of-the-body I want to fix question, if asked to change.  Gladly the girls over at Dia&Co have encouraged me to just go for it.  That push made me really consider wearing it and along the way I have discovered and will share a few things which you might find helpful when wearing this trend.

The right BRA - you need a strapless bra for the OTS look, choose a bra that has a full cup (to avoid spillage) with underwire that encases the whole breast. If you feel uncomfortable about your bra you might want to get fitted by a professional, they will help you to choose the right size and how to put them on correctly.

The fit - you might think getting a tighter one will help to keep it in place, No, it will make it more pop up quickly. Getting one size bigger than what I thought I need, was actually better. It was a bit loose but it stayed in place longer.

Happy and I must say, it’s a bit liberating to finally go for it. It made me remember about a book that I once read saying, “We would worry less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do.”

We all feel insecure from time to time, but as Dia&Co reminds me, we don’t need to hide our perceived flaws to avoid specific style. Head on to their site and find out more how they can assist you, they will give attention to every detail - shape, style and budget.

Have a fun week ahead ladies!

xoxo,

Clyde

Sexy Options - Lingerie gifting

I blinked and January was over.  Valentine's day is next week and I absolutely cannot let it pass without dropping hints on what to get your love ones (or me?) on Vday. Roses and chocolates are the safest bet, but admit at some point you have given or thought about giving a sexy pair of Lingerie.  For those who have already gifted Lingerie - thumbs up! But for some who still have second thoughts about getting that sexy pair, here are some of my insights that might finally convince you.

Giving Lingerie does not always mean it’s a suggestive gift, we appreciate it and here’s why:

1. I love to match my outfit and having said this, I would most of the time match my underwear too, they might not be a pair but they must be at least the same shade.

2. For me any occasions is a good reason to get a pair of lingerie.  People might not see it, but if you have a good pair 
on, it feels good also.

3. Because you will never know, any night could be the night! Kidding, but just in case, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be caught wearing your granny panties, right?

4. We love our PJs, but it’s always nice to slip on something a little more sexy that our regular pajamas.

5. For couples - it’s a gift for both of you - you bought something that you’ll enjoy seeing her in, get that perspective?

But before heading out to get one, please make sure to buy something you already know she prefers. Get the style she likes that makes her comfortable.  A comfortable woman is a confident woman and a confident woman is a sexy woman.  Check out ADOREME, they have a wide selection you can choose from, and here are a few that are most popular and personal favorites:

Adoreme - Noreh

Adoreme - Laralyn

Adoreme - Elvinia

Adoreme - Felice

xoxo,

Clyde

Get that Love flowing,  check out Adoreme's additional Valentine's Tips: