/merylanndulce

Coffeeholic.

2012-01-29T20:36:00.011+08:00

Hello. My name is Meryl and I'm a coffeeholic.

So let me tell you something about myself. I am a chronic coffee drinker. It started, I think, way back in college - but I really can't remember how, I just found myself drinking coffee every single day even if I don't need to. See, I used to drink it so I could stay up late during exams (no wait, seriously, LOL) and during graveyard shifts at the hospital. But I remember I never really liked hot coffee. I always like my coffee cold. Even when at home, I prepare it with ice cubes when I'm too lazy to use the blender or sometimes I let it chill at the freezer for a while before I drink it.

My coffee addiction is so known, I've influenced a lot of my friends who are non-coffee drinkers to drink coffee. As I've mentioned during graveyard shifts at the hospital, I used to bring a tumbler of coffee with me, my groupmates tasted it and they said they liked it, so the following day, the asked me to bring a pitcher, one of those thermos-type pitchers, yeah. During the Nurse Licensure Exams Review, my dormmates always ask me to make coffee for them, by the pitcher. Achievement unlocked: Zombie Mode.

Then I started hanging out at coffee shops. Personally? I like to hang out more at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf than at Starbucks due to the fact that it's not overcrowded. You could actually stay there, pop open a book and read peacefully but their cold coffee options are very limited. So yeah, I still buy my coffee at the latter. Heh.

ALSO, how hard is it to spell my name really?

I drink coffee almost everyday I feel that caffeine no longer has any effect on me whatsoever. Triple shots of espresso, please!

Toxic Candy Accessories.

2012-01-23T09:48:00.006+08:00

It's Toxic Candy's first anniversary and they're giving away looooots of prizes! Five winners will be chosen to receive a package which contains 20 items or more! If you want to know more about what's up for grabs, visit their tumblr site:

TOXIC CANDY ACCESSORIES

YAY! I hope I win~

Collages.

2012-01-21T22:37:00.008+08:00

My previous blog entry contains collages of coffee cups. And now this. Can you tell how addicted I am at this Photogene app? LOL

Last month I bought a shirt from Team Manila via their online store and I only get to wear it now because of the alterations I've made. I unknowingly ordered a shirt in men's size (see here), totally my fault, I didn't think that it's available for both men and women due to what the shirt says so I giddily clicked and purchased, lol. Sooo I had it altered twice. First, it was too tight. It's wearable, yes, but I'm not comfortable with it, so I had it altered again. This time, too loose, but heck I'll just improvise. And improvise, I did.

Here it is:

And here's the Photogene version of it. YAY!

I actually enjoyed making it that I scoured through my external hard drive looking for photos I could make into collages, here are some:

Really, really, thankful for that iPad camera connection kit!

Project Coffee Cup.

2012-01-11T09:55:00.006+08:00

Last year I did a Project 365 and was successful with it - see my 365project.org site. I never thought I'd say this but I kinda miss doing it. So this year, I came up with a new project I baptized as Project Coffee Cup. I take photos of cups, mugs, tumblers, etc. that I drink coffee with and edit them using the Photogene app on the iPad. I'm enjoying this one, but soon I'll run out of coffee cups to take photos of, lol.

My first one features a coffee mug I got when we visited Manila Ocean Park! Izzo cute I almost do not want to drink coffee in it. There are lots of souvenirs to choose from but the stuffed animals are just way too expensive and they'll just end up lying around my bed 'til their colors fade and I dispose of them. This I could use, almost everyday.

This tumbler I received from a friend way back when we were dorm mates reviewing for the Nurse Licensure Exams. I use it until now. I also carry it with me during graveyard shifts at the hospital, sometimes during early morning shifts, too.

This tumbler I won from Teammanila Lifestyle's 12 Days of Christmas online contest last December 2010, along with a bunch of other stuff, lol. It says, SALABAT ICE, Sarap sa init, Sarap sa lamig, FTW!

Funny how I got this mug from a realtive abroad, even if the print on the mug izzo-local! Local love. TAGA GENTRI AKO EH!

This tumbler I got last December 2010. I didn't intend on buying this one, I was actually eyeing another clear tumbler but Christmas season came and they, of course, replaced it with Christmas-themed tumblers, hence the peppermint candy-like straw. But it's all good. Problem with this one is I can't carry it in my bag since it has a hole for the straw and my coffee will most probably spill in my bag.

So, what have you been up to this year?

Receiving.

2012-01-03T18:13:00.023+08:00

Previously, I blogged about what I gave my friends for Christmas. Now, let's talk about what I received in return. As they always say, "Giving is better than receiving," but hey, I'll gladly receive anything anytime! LOL

Here goes...

Makeups I received from my cousin. She found out I love makeup, I sometimes shop for makeup even though I know I won't be able to use all of them (see previous blog entries here and here). I love the eye shadow pencil since it makes the application easier. The makeup palette is love, too.

Minecraft game I received from he-who-must-not-be-named. I'm so addicted to this game I play it everyfreakingday! Seriously, you need to try this one. You don't need to actually buy it. I have the full version but my friends have the hacked one and they still do not have problems playing it, lol. Warning: May cause/worsen insomnia.

These are from Lin. A bracelet which also doubles as a headband. Also, a yummeh mobile phone charm. I love how it shows my love for coffee.

Bench products from my aunt. Good timing, I really need new face towels and the hand sanitizer smells oh-so-good.

Crop top from my friends/ex-officemates Acle and Jenie. I haven't worn this one yet but I love the feel of the fabric, izzo soooft. I could pair it with a cardigan and I'm good to go!

Headbands I received from one of my cousins during our New Year's Eve Party. The brown one has wires inside so you may shape it however you like! Coolness.

7-11 gift certificate from none other than the store owner herself, Jinky! NOM. She gave me this in exchange for the light painting I did for her. Do not get me wrong, I don't require payment for that. She just gave me this out of the goodness of her heart. Aaaw.

Last but definitely, most definitely, not the least... an iPad Camera Connection Kit from he-who-must-not-be named again! <3 I was worrying on how I'll be able to post process photos once I leave the country since I do not own a laptop. The one I used to have was broken waaay back and I obviously can't bring the desktop with me. So he told me he'll buy me this. Seriously I was grinning the whole time I was holding and paying for this at the counter.

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P. S.

I talk too much I know.

I just wanted to share photos of what I bought at the mall earlier.

Stuff for my cousin. Yes, the same cousin who gave me the makeups above. She'll be leaving the country tomorrow.

Bench Pinoy Lab Passport Holder. It says, "INIIBIG KO ANG PILIPINAS, ITO ANG AKING LUPANG SINILANGAN." Local love, FTW!

Something she could use at the office. A "Paki... Salamat" notepad from Team Manila.

Fridge magnets from Kultura!

This I bought for myself, haha! An "IKAW NA" lanyard.

I now have three lanyards I never use. LOL K.

So, that's it. What gifts have you received during the holidays? Happy 2012 everyone!

'Tis the Season of Giving.

2011-12-21T23:49:00.023+08:00

Since I'm really just your average bum, I can't afford to buy my friends expensive stuff for Christmas. So you may alternatively call this blog entry - Christmas Shopping Under a Budget 101. Yes? Yes.

Christmas is my favorite season, it's always filled with joy, gathering of friends and families, food, festive lights, also gift-giving! Another blog entry slash photodump coming right up!

I took photos of what ~~I'm about to give~~ I gave my friends this Christmas. These are pens with china clay dolls on top. Aren't they cute?

Hello Kitty spoon and fork. Also, it comes with chopsticks! And a pretty neat case, too. Huzzah!

Stationary set which includes pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a ruler, and stickers as well.

Sticky notepads perfect for the office. It's neatly arranged in a faux leather case, too!

Coin purses! I bought a pack containing 12 pieces in six different colors.

This one's a toy gun which has circular foam pads as bullets. Awesome and safe!

Lipgloss set fit for a princess.

I've ordered three mobile phone charms online which ~~I'm supposed to receive tomorrow~~ I received this afternoon. I got the idea from a friend who gave the same thing to me. Thanks BTW, Lin! Oh, if you want, you may order them here -click.

Headband. Just because my cousin saw me wearing one exactly like this, just a little wider, and she said she wants one - wish granted.

Wallet for our New Year's Eve exchange gift. My cousin will like this one fo sho.

All packed and ready to go!

Whew! That's a lot of photos. Unfortunately, I'm not done yet. I still haven't bought gifts for a couple of people. Hopefully, I'll be done shopping this week.

Ooops! Before I forgot, I also bought gifts for my dog! Dog biscuits, dog bones, and toy balls! YAY! Happy Sushi is happy!

I originally intend to include photos of gifts I received from friends but there are too many photos in this post already so I'll just save those for my next blog entry. Cheers! And, happy holidays everyone!

Unnecessary.

2011-12-12T18:44:00.017+08:00

Just the other day, I went shopping. Just bought the usual, bags, shirts, accessories, etc. Also, something from Team Manila! <3

But seriously, shopping for those are quite normal. What isn't is taking a "quick" trip at the mall and buying a bunch of unnecessary stuff, which I did earlier today. So... let me break it down. Here's a photo of the bunch.

This one's a camera keychain. It's battery-operated and has a button on the side which when clicked flashes like a camera and sounds like it, too! It looks a lot like the vintage Lubitel 2, which you may see here.

Using a detachable chain I use for my other pendants, I can wear it as a necklace now! Coolness.

Another camera thingy I bought is this bag attachment/clip-on. You may attach it to any bag to give it a bit of a photographer feel, whatever that means, lol.

Dymo stickers! Because I haven't used my Dymo Embossing Label Maker in a while.

This one's called a Craft Punch Tool. You load the cartridges on the green thing, slip in a paper or what-have-you, and there you have it! I'm planning on using this one to create more lovely bokeh photos.

Coin purse, yeah, totally unnecessary. And the fact that I bought three of these? LOL I gave the other two, colored pink and red to my officemates Jenie and Acle! They loved it.

I haven't taken a photo of the makeup pouch I bought for a friend because it was her birthday last week and I wasn't able to come, so I bought her a gift to make up for it. Her name's Lin. She blogs, too, you may check out her site here. Oh, and here's a photo I got from Tomato's site.

So that's it. I don't call these unnecessary because they're a waste or that I just give some of it away, it's just that I don't think they're on anyone's list of things to buy. I just caught myself taking these items and thinking they're cute! I'm smiling, but my wallet isn't, LOL.

For the Love of Bokeh.

2011-11-29T22:14:00.010+08:00

It's just 20+ days to go before Christmas and I want to get the feel of it by practicing taking photos with Christmas lights in the background for that awesome DOF and... bokeh! I wish I had multicolored ones, but all I have are two sets, one yellow and one red. Give me better subjects to take photos of, lol.

So, what do you think? Good enough? I hope so. Also, I have been feasting my eyes on this baby:

Photo courtesy of Noktor

This lens has an aperture of 0.95! Oooh lala~ Buy me one? Thanks!

Online Shopping.

2011-11-19T12:12:00.002+08:00

I have been buying stuff online for quite some time now. No long lines, no holiday rush, you can shop in the comfort of your own home. But is it really hassle-free? No. Seriously, no.

So, let me tell you a story...

I've bought an awesome camera strap from Punchdrunk Panda earlier this year. I've no problem with the strap, it's all sorts of cool, I tell you. It's just that I should've waited a little while before I bought it. Turned out, it was the owner's birthday a week after I placed my order and they have huge discounts! I could've bought the strap at half the price! LOL, oh well.

I also bought something and met up with the seller at a mall nearby. It was kind of awkward at first, meeting up with someone you don't know. But it was all good because she was a friend of a friend, so no worries.

Alsooooo, I bought a 35mm underwater camera just for the heck of it. I wanted to try shooting with film so I decided to buy a camera but I don't want to buy an expensive one because I know for sure I'll be too lazy to have the film developed. So I posted a photo of it on Facebook, it's quite cheap so a friend of mine (well, actually my brother's college blockmate) decided to buy two. So I ordered a total of three cameras, got a little discount plus I just have to pay the shipping fee once. Problem is, when I am about to ship the other two cameras, I learned she is currently in some part of Mindanao for a vacation, so that's thrice the amount of shipping fee and I was too shy to actually remind her to pay me extra. Check out analog goodness here - click.

I have been a victim of scamming, too. Being busy at the time I ordered something, I texted the seller if it's possible to just pick up the package from the courier, she agreed, I paid, days after I decided to pick up the package, voila, it's nowhere to be found, tracking code does not exist, package isn't there. Depressed, and at the same time, broke. Let's not talk about that, I'm still bitter, lol.

I also gotten myself a GCash Card. I usually pay using GCash because the seller could easily identify that the amount paid was from my number. I go to a nearby mall, load up the amount to my number, then I pay by sending the amount from my number to the seller's. In that way, my number will appear instead of the mall's name.

The GCash Card is fully customizable, too. You may pick a background with a photo you took yourself, or pick from the default designs. Here's mine...

Believe it or not, what I've said above is only the introduction, lol. What I really want to say is that I'm excited to receive the shirt I ordered from Team Manila! I've bought a couple of shirts from their physical store, but this shirt I bought online because of the fact that it can ONLY be bought online. The statement is full of win, too! Ha!

Also, they just DM-ed me to say that my order will be shipped todaaaaaay! Excited? Yes? OH HELL YES!

Photo courtesy of Team Manila

Also, one really really cool online store I know is the Photojojo Store! But I haven't bought anything from them yet. but, you may buy me anything from them for Christmas and I won't complain! LOL I especially love the Shot Glass Lens Set. It gives taking shots a whole new meaning! Cheers!

Photo courtesy of the Photojojo! Store

UPDATE:

Here are some photos I took of the Team Manila x Lourd de Veyra Ganda shirt! I knooow it's a little big... okay who am I kidding? I made a mistake when I placed my order. Instead of clicking women's, I well, clicked men's, but you prolly figured that out before you even finish reading this sentence. Yes, well, I'll just have it altered and it's good to go! I might even customize it to look like a balloon-type dress shirt, whatevs.

Stop and Smell the Flowers.

2011-11-13T11:49:00.013+08:00

Yup, that's exactly what I did yesterday afternoon while the sun was at its hottest! I was sweating by the time I finish taking photos of all of them, but it's all good.

You see, doing a Project 365 has its pros and cons. Good thing is I get to practice taking photos, adjusting the aperture, shutter speed, etc. Bad thing is I don't always have the time or the mood or the enthusiasm to really, really compose a decent shot. Most days I'm like, "Okaaay the day is about to end, and I still haven't taken a photo. Oh look! A cookie!" LOL but seriously, most days goes like that it's frustratnig sometimes.

Anyway, what I really want to say is that yesterday I had the time to fall in love with taking photos again. Here are some samples. Click to embiggen.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Pacquiao fight is about to start! But what I'm really looking forward to is his post-fight interview! LOL let's go watch! TEAM PACQUIAO!

P.S.

Pacquiao won but it was an unimpressive win, still. Oh, well. Marquez won respect from both Mexicans and Filipinos. Kudos!

Makeup Hoarder.

2011-11-09T19:42:00.009+08:00

I've been buying a lot of makeup lately. This may seem normal to some, but not for me. I usually just buy the essentials - foundation, blush, lipstick - just one of each. A small makeup kit used to be enough for me, but I've recently bought a bigger one, and as my "hoarding" becomes worse, I'm afraid it soon won't be able to hold all of it.

These, I bought last month.

And these, a while ago. Kill me now?

I'm getting gay-er everyday, IKR? LOL. Also, click the pictures to embiggen.

I am 25.

2011-10-28T11:54:00.003+08:00

And I wish for... WORLD PEACE. Classic!

What's in My Luggage Bag?

2011-10-17T19:49:00.009+08:00

Last night while all of my stuff are scattered on the bed as I was preparing the bag I am going to use the next day, a brilliant idea came to mind. I just need to arrange them properly, take my camera, and shoot!

Ex-office mates always tell me that I have a heavy bag, my mom keeps on insisting I bring my whole room with me. In the near future, I might have heavy-bag-induced-scoliosis, if such a thing exists.

So, here it is:

From L-R, top to bottom.

1) Kikay kit (will post a more detailed photo below)

2) Umbrella, I've had this since I was in college

3) Notebooks

4) Water container, although I sometimes carry a tumbler when there's extra space

5) Keys

6) Hair mousse

7) Wallet

8) iPad

9) Alcohol

10) Hair pony

11) Perfume

12) ID with Trodat

13) Music player, a Phillips GoGear Vibe that is originally my father's

14) Phone, Nokia C3 FTW, LOL

15) Pencil case, by Team Manila

This, believe it or not, is a toned down version of what I usually carry around. As I've said, the foldable Vapur anti-bottle is sometimes replaced with a 16oz tumbler. Also, I don't know why but I forgot to include in this photo another pouch which contains: iPad charger, phone charger, earphones, micropore tape, bandage scissors, and other tools I require for saving the world, I'm a Powerpuff girl, y'know. I also, almost always carry my camera around, even though at the end of the day, I end up not using it at all.

Another photo...

From L-R, top to bottom.

1) Comb, Springmaid FTW

2) Maybelline BB cream

3) Blush

4) Brush

5) Moisturizer

6) Retractable eyeliner, dark brown

7) Eyeliner, black

8) Lip gloss

9) Brow liner, used to line your uhm, brows

10) Lipstick + lipgloss, hey, I'm a girl, okay

11) Mascara

12) Hair moisturizer

13) Mineral foundation

14) Lipsticksss, yes, three more

15) Hair mousse

16) Perfume

17) Makeup pallete/treasure chest LOL

18) Eyeshadows

19) Eyeshadows, again

20) Foundation

21) Eyelash Curler

22) Alcohol

23) Perfume, yes, another, don't look at me like that

And because, I love taking photos, here's more!

D'you Lie?

2011-07-01T16:22:00.003+08:00

Did you lie? = D'you lie? = July! Oh, I am so witty!

LOL but seriously, it's July already? Time flies sooo fast. Also, I'm halfway done on my Project 365! Yay! I upload my project on Facebook. But just in case we're not Facebook friends and you just might want to take a look *wink* at it? Here - 365 PROJECT // 2011!

I've also already blogged about it here.

Honeymoon Phase.

2011-05-15T21:19:00.005+08:00

Yeah, that feeling when you have a new gadget, or a ne pair of shoes, or whatever you have in mind - that you just want to hold it and/or play with it? Yes, I'm in a honeymoon phase with the iPad. Me and my mom picked it up from my dad's shipmate at the Mall of Asia last Tuesday. Look, look, pictures!

And oh, BTW I'm accepting apps as gifts or iTunes gift certificates! LOL

Ooh lala~

Freebies!

2011-05-01T10:16:00.007+08:00

I went to the mall yesterday and bought some stuff, but I won't post pictures of what I bought here, instead I'll post pictures of what I didn't buy... I got them for free! Yeah, well, you might've guessed in the title.

I got a Nivea Angel Star kit from Penshoppe; and the desk organizer, push pins, paper clips, and foldback clips I paid using the points I earned from Globe Rewards! Hah! Beat that!

Also, Starbucks Philippines created and event called Frappuccino® Happy Hour which will happen tomorrow until the 8th, from 12nn 'til 2pm. You personalize the frappuccino that you like and you get it for 50% off! This must be love.

I created mine through their site - click here.

It's basically a Dark Mocha Frappuccino® Blended Coffee. Personalized - nonfat, venti, 4 pumps of coffee, 4 scoops each of mocha and dark mocha chips! Uberdark! I'll try it out tomorrow and see how it tastes!

Quickie!

2011-04-21T23:46:00.013+08:00

Quick update! I've got a new site to add to my long list of social networking sites! I discovered this site via Sir Jon Cabron! It's called 365project.org - great for posting your uhm, yeah, Project 365. That wasn't hard to guess, right? Yay! Check it out? Yes? Yes! Thanks a bunch!

I love how it displays photos individually or through its awesome calendar view! Helps you keep track of the dates, too, like having a marker in your hands and cross out the dates you've already have a photo of.

Screenshots? Just click the images for a larger, clearer view.

Eargasm.

2011-04-16T20:46:00.007+08:00

I want to have babies with her, if it's even possible, you know, she's a girl, too, but yeah, you get the point. I love this cover sooo much I just had to blog about it. When I discovered this vid YESTERDAY (yes, I've been LSS-ing since yesterday) through Tumblr, it has like 500,000+ views, it now has over a million.

Here's the original version of the song first.

Aaand here, ladies and gentlemen, is the AHHH-MAAA-ZING cover! <3

Doesn't it make you go "meh" on the original version after you've listened to her cover? LOL Subscribe to her YouTube channel - Karmin Covers. I'm not paid to do this, I wish I was, haha!

Shelfari.

2011-04-14T14:55:00.006+08:00

I don't know why I still update this account even though I know no one stays here anymore. I've a lot of time to spare, I guess. I might update my Multiply site when I get the chance, too, lol, I kid.

I love books, heck I just love staring at books even if I've already finished reading them. And, most of the books on my online shelf, I own IRL, save for The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor, which I have a Kindle version of. Wait, I do not own a Kindle. Haha. I just downloaded Kindle for PC, but you may buy me one, or any other stuff - here's my Amazon.com Wish List! YAY! Thanks in advance. Some of the books I lent to friends and they intentionally (lol, accusation) didn't return it, which is a sad, sad, thing.

QUESTION: Is the shelf displaying properly? I don't think it does. Anyway, you may just visit my Shelfari site. Just - CLICK!

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Harry Potter and... by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and... by J. K. Rowling;...

Harry Potter and... by J. K. Rowling

iNone.

2011-04-11T20:54:00.003+08:00

LOL I told you I was gonna give an update about the iPad. So here.

I know it has only been 4 days since my last blog entry, but I was expecting for it to arrive yeasterday. AND... it hasn't arrived yet, because the group that were supposedly scheduled to arrive here in the Philippines yesterday experienced some sort of delay in their visa. So,they might be rescheduled next week. That's a looot of uncertainty in one paragraph, ha!

It's the 100th day of the year yesterday, and here's a photo I took for my Project 365.

Also, I'm getting tired of working in the office. There are days when I do absolutely nothing. Or sometimes I ask others to give me something to do, which rarely happens, BTW. But see, I no longer enjoy what I do, I need professional growth, LOLWHUT! Hahaha.

This is me being random, a.k.a normal. Kbye!

Excited Much!

2011-04-06T15:50:00.000+08:00

Ever since I've learned that my dad finally bought an iPad, I couldn't wait to get a hold of it. And boy, I am going to do just that in a week or two! YAY! Disclaimer: It isn't mine, the brother and I will share but I doubt he'll share with me, he's not really a fan of gadgets AND sharing, lol.

Problem is, I've already saved up for an iPod. Will it be practical If I'll still buy one? I can't carry the iPad aaall the time, you know.

So this is me worrying about something that isn't there yet, lol. This is just a quick update! I'll get back to you guys soon! Kisses!

P.S.

Here's my favorite photo from my Project 365! I love how sharp the subject is and the bokeh is ah-ma-ziiiing! Hello self-praise! Bahahaha.

Aaaand this one I did for the Earth Hour!

Medium Reunion!

2011-03-05T23:13:00.003+08:00

Met up with high school friends last night. Well, come to think of it, they were also elementary friends since most of us went to the same elementary and high school together. Loyalty award, FTW! It was an awesome night with lots of things happening simultaneously, lol.

Met up with other "friends" too.

We're planning on having an official reunion on 2013... good luck with that. Cheers!

1 Month Down.

2011-02-01T17:55:00.003+08:00

Just a quick update, I've finished one month of my Project 365 already! Yay! I ordered something online too, and I can't wait to get a hold of it. I can be so random, IKR. Sooooo, here's the first picture for the month of looooove.

Wadduuuuup!

2011-01-25T15:21:00.002+08:00

Hello. My name is Meryl and I am sober.

And yes, I am blogging... again. I've been here since 2007 and this is my nth attempt at maintaining this blog. I hope this time I'll win over procrastination. So there, hello.

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I'm working as a full-time data encoder slash validator and a part-time nurse, lol. BUT I seriously need to get hospital experience so I could go abroad and earn moolahs, lots of them, and rule the world. Yes? Yes.

So, how may I help you today?