10.1.10

P.A.C Snack

While keeping up with my daily agenda of TV shows, I encountered myself with several Food Network episodes focusing on healthy snacks. So, after a session of an hour and a half at the gym, I took a shower and went to the kitchen to fix me something to eat (15 minutes after a long session at the gym, who doesn't get a little hungry?). At that point, I remembered the shows I watched in Food Network about keeping it healthy so I made this ¨P.A.C SNACK¨ that stands for: pecans, apples and cranberries, which are the three ingredients I used for this snack.

- 1 APPLE
- HANDFUL OF CRANBERRIES
- HANDFUL OF PECANS
- 2 1/2 TABLESPOONS OF HONEY


Just cut the apple into bite size pieces, mix the cranberries and pecans, place them on a plate and drizzle the honey on top. This snack is sweet and its tangy and it's super easy to make, which comes in great after an hour and a half at the gym!

4.1.10

The Price is... VERY wrong!


Today, while catching up with my friends, we ended up realizing how much things have become less affordable since they were created. It is a shame, though, since I live in a country in which the things are relatively cheap, and even so we find them high in price. Some of the things that have definitely become less affordable include:
1. No Me Olvides at La Inmaculada, which is a dineresque restaurant that sell the BEST sundaes in Panama that have bite size pieces of vanilla cake, your choice of syrup, your choice of ice cream, marshmellow topper and some nuts, called No Me Olvides which translates to ¨Don't forget me¨. Over the years, the No Me Olvides have increased their cost making it less accesible for panamanians to enjoy and never forget them.
2. Gas. Who could forget when with 10 bucks you could fill your entire tank. Nowadays, $10 won't even cover a quarter of it.
3. Going to the movies.
4. Going out to the club.
5. Basically EVERYTHING at the supermarket.

3.1.10

I'm kind of in a hurry...

For some reason, no matter how early I decide to wake up, I'm always in a last minute rush to whatever the place I'm getting ready to go. As a result of this, I have resorted to always end up taking my most important things in what I like to call my ¨Everything Fits¨ bag. It is to my believe that this ¨Everything Fits¨ bag should cover 3 requirements:
1. It should be of a color that suits you and you feel comfortable with (in my case it was a camel toned).
2. Taking into consideration that this is a bag that is supposed to be on the go, it should have enough space for you to take extra elements other than your lip-gloss and a little mirror.
3. As much as I dream about someday owning a designer bag, your ¨Everything Fits¨ bag is doomed of becoming your everyday bag, and as such it will be used countless times. Your ¨Everything Fits¨ bag must have quality and be affordable at the same time. Therefore, I would recommend you think twice before purchasing a designer bag with the purpose of turning it into an ¨Everything Fits¨ bag.
Keeping these requirements in mind, here are a few of my favorite ¨Everything Fits¨, different in style, in price and in colors, to give you various options in hopes of accomodating to your taste and needs:

With the bows having their long 15 minutes of fame post-Blair Waldorf, I think this bag is as practical as it is cute. I must admit I'm not a big a fan of denim material unless its in my jeans, however, this bag makes me want to hop on a cruise and travel all the islands with this bag under my arm. From Forever 21.

I know this is not the traditional color that may come to mind when thinking of an ¨Everything Fits¨ bag but its design definitely covers the requirements. Plus, the golden hoops in the handles gives it a dressy vibe that in occasions comes in handy when having to shift from daytime to evening. From ModCloth.

This taupe toned bag captivaded my little heart as soon as I layed my eyes on it. The big knot, the over-sized fit and the wonderful color just screams ¨Everything Fits¨. It is practical as well as gorgeous, what's not to love? From Urban Outfitters.

One of my favorite things in purses are chains. Unfortunately, my encounter of chains in bags is always limited to clutches and evening purses. So, you could imagine my excitement when I came upon this oversized black and white WITH chains bag. Yes, I was ecstatic!! Though my dreams are filled of clouds disguised as the Chanel 2.55, for now I think this comes pretty close to paying an homage to Mademoiselle Chanel's masterpierce without ending up completely broke and with SEVERAL changes (not quilted, two toned and over-sized). From Urban Outfitters.

The two small handles and large shoulder strap are wonderful pieces to have incorporated into a bag. This lagoon colored purse includes both and, again, even though its an usual color, the buckles and studs gives it a dressier vibe all into one. From Urban Outfitters.

A black purse is essential. A black leather bag is a treat. THIS black leather bag is heavenly. I couldn't end this blog without adding a nice black bag and when I encountered this black leather bag I knew I had found the quintessential ¨Everything Fits¨ bag. From its design, to its color, to its golden touches, this bag is definitely an ¨Everything Fits¨. From Urban Outfitters.

2.1.10

Damn, it's hat!

One may think that the utility of a hat is reserved for gangsters and Uncle Sam. Nowadays, a hat is as useful as a necklace: at a game, at a party, at a rock show, etc. And the variety of hats is endless, too: caps, fedoras, beret, among others. Ultimately, not only is it a statement piece, but it protects you from the sun as well.

While accompanying visitors to a few national landmarks, I spotted a very curious hat-maker in the street selling his goodies. I couldn't resist and I tried several of his hats on and ended up purchasing this fabulous black one (the one in my picture was borrowed so don't worry I'm NOT a compulsive shopper who buys two of the same kind).

Given that I live in a country where summer is just starting (hotter than ever might I add), I thought the hat was completely temperature appropriate, plus the fact that it reminded me a little of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and what girl wouldn't want to have a little Holly Golightly incorporated in her wardrobe. Consequently, I paraded myself around the historical streets of Casco Antiguo feeling as happy as a kid on Christmas morning with my brand new statement piece of the summer.

1.1.10

Resolutions


As a result of my pathetic attempt of a blog last year, one of my top resolutions this year is to create AND maintain a new blog throughout 2010. However, in hopes of reaching my goal, I will now have to face my biggest fear of the whole ¨create your own blog¨ requirements: publically announcing its existence. Through much questioning, I've decided that I should undergo the trouble if I wish my blog to succeed.
So, after a day of long sunbathing sessions under a very stubborn sun, frequent moments of wandering off about yet another list of resolutios waiting to be fulfilled and constant lethargic episodes, I welcome you to my first official blog entry of the year.
Hoping that this 2010 will be MUCH better than 2009 for you and for me in all ways that may seem important.
Happy New Years 2010!