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Over lunch today, the Candy Girls and I were discussing how different people cope with change in different ways. Some people use it to grow; other people lose themselves in the process. Here’s what I think: every change, big or small, is monumental in defining who we are. Which means you may not know it, but the little things you do every day DO count in figuring out the person you want to be.

It has always been easy for me to fall in love with life, and I know that most of the things close to my heart now will remain there permanently—like good books and Friday afternoons and hanging out with kids. But the world offers so many wonderful things, and I find myself discovering something new to love all the time. Here are the latest items on my Happy Fix list—I’m sure they’ll all fit into the big picture someday, but for now, the fact that they make me smile is more than enough.

New Crush: Nick Jonas
So technically, I’ve had a crush on Nick Jonas forever. Okay, technically, not forever because obviously I haven’t been around that long. But I consider this a new crush because Nick seems to have grown so much these past few months, with his new look (love the glasses), new style (love the leather jacket), and new music (love the blues-y rock vibe). I love that he can be smart and serious one moment, then surprise you by doing something dorky and funny. I even love how cute he and Selena Gomez look together! It’s true love, you guys.

New Breakfast Buddy: Nestle Banana Nut Clusters
I’ve been trying to have breakfast every single day, and as expected, I do feel healthier and happier. I love cereal because it’s quick to prepare and eat, and this variant tastes really good washed down with a steaming cup of coffee. It’s amazing how much difference one meal can make.

New Beauty Staple: Styli-Style Eye Liner
Eye liner and I have never been friends because it just ends up smudging all over the place after about an hour. But this brand literally stays put all day, and I love the subtle change it brings to my entire look. The only problem now is that I want to buy it in all shades. ALL! Someone please stop me. (PS: It’s available in Beauty Bar branches.)

New Favorite Comedy: Zoolander
Steph introduced me to this movie a couple of weeks ago (I know, I know, I’m such a major loser), and I couldn’t stop laughing! On a serious note, like Derek, I want to build a Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good, too—it’s actually one of my biggest dreams. And yes, when that day comes, I’ll totally ask someone to build a mini-replica so I can say, “What is this, a center for ants?!”

New Fave Blogger: Tieka of Selective Potential
I’m so glad I stumbled upon Tieka’s site through weardrobe.com. I’ve never really liked visiting fashion blogs because a) they make me want to shop for stuff I don’t need, b) high-fashion bloggers intimidate me—can you REALLY wear those outfits if you don’t look like a supermodel?, and c) I’d rather read about regular stories from real girls. But Tieka’s blog isn’t pretentious or snooty at all. It’s simple and honest and warm, and reading her entries feels just like listening to a friend tell you about her latest shopping finds, her favorite band, or what she did in school today. I love her edgy feminine style (florals and lace paired with leather bombers and lace-up boots), her adorable boy, and the fact that she’s so down-to-earth. I tweeted that I’ve never seen a fashion blog with this much heart, and she replied! Such a sweetie.

What new things do YOU love right now?

Big hugs,
Marla
:penguin:

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I’ve always thought of myself as a meat-and-potatoes girl, even when carbs became unfashionable, and despite the fact that I would love to give up meat (ever since I’ve gone gaga over dogs in particular and animals in general). I might give up meat one day, but not today. Nope. Especially since I just hit Meat Plus in Subic.

My first visit was many years ago, but the memory of their juicy steaks and burgers remains startlingly clear in my mind. On this visit, I ordered their burger-spaghetti meal, and eyed my guy’s steak longingly (he’s great at sharing, but I pretended to be full from my burger just so he can have lots of steak—I know how much he loves steak). Amazingly enough, the burger was even better than I remembered, with each bite bringing tiny, juicy explosions to my palate. A little bit of spice, a whole lot of flavor. And their spaghetti was pretty good too, the kind food critics might sniff at for being too much like kiddie party spaghetti, but definitely the spicy-sweet kind all Pinoys love.

I remember I loved their ice cream, but I didn’t have time for some on this visit (no time? for ice cream?? yeah I know you’re starting to think am a hypocrite, but rest assured I grabbed a Kit Kat ice cream drumstick on the road and ate every last bit). But I got something even better than dessert: I caught a glimpse of the April Candy at a nearby newsstand and was so thrilled we’re out early. Hope you have your copy already! We heart summer!

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Hey Candy Girls!

Weekends are the best, especially when you’ve made plans to do things like explore the city, meet up with friends, and watch a concert. You won’t believe it, but this weekend, I’m doing all of the above—visiting the National Museum to soak up our rich history, hanging out with a balikbayan friend from Canada (who’s letting us meet her new baby), and grooving to the beats of Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Jojo as well as Cobra Starship (Macy, Marla, and I are watching tonight!!!).

If you’re thinking about spending some graduation cash, why not watch the Changing Lives concert tomorrow night at the SM MoA Concert Grounds? Not only will you get the chance to see Timbaland, JT, and Jojo sing along their sickest beats, but you’ll also help raise money for the PLDT Smart Foundation. Choose from VVIP (P8268.80), VIP (P4651.20), Gold (P3100.80), Silver (P1550.40), or Bronze (P310.08) tickets. Call 891-9999 or visit Ticketworld and U92′s official site for more information.

If you’re heading to the malls this weekend, you might be able to hear someone urging you (a good girl) to go bad. Haha! I know it’s a lame joke, but seriously, you might just experience Ryland, Victoria, Gabe, Alex, and Nate performing at the Greenbelt 3 Park (Friday) and Alabang Town Center (Saturday). If you want to try and snag free tickets, visit the Ayala Malls site for details. You can even ask the band to sign your CD by purchasing their dance-y Hot Mess at the Greenbelt 3 Park (the albums are being sold as I type this!). Autograph signing happens after the meet and greet.

So will I bump into this weekend? I hope so!
Mimi

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This month, Roch, Marley, and I went to two awesome concerts on two consecutive weekends.

First, we trooped to Trinoma to attend Owl City’s concert on a lazy Sunday, March 14. The group is led by Adam Young and consists of unique instruments like a cello, violin, keyboard, and percussions. Though I don’t memorize all the songs, I super love the tracks “Fireflies” and “Vanilla Twilight.”

Owl City rocked the open parking grounds at Trinoma.

Marley thinks she and Adam are destined for each other. I agree! His tweets are hilarious.

Our second concert was held last Friday, March 19 in Glorietta 5, where we got to watch Jason Castro perform live! I’ve been a fan since his American Idol days and I couldn’t wait to see him in the flesh.

This concert was a more intimate affair and we got really good seats so we were able to see him up close. I love the sweet lyrics of his new songs, “Let’s Just Fall in Love Again” and “It Matters to Me.”

He also sang some of the hits that made him popular on Idol like “Hallelujah” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on his ukelele.

The highlight of the evening was definitely when we got to have our photo taken with him. I said, “Nice meeting you!” Marla said, “You’re awesome!” Roch said… “Hi!”

So what concerts are you looking forward to this year?

On fangirl mode,
Angel

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If you’re like me, you get incredibly thirsty the minute you see those Big Gulp soda cups in the hands of any TV or movie character. The Slushie Facial episode of Glee? I was absolutely parched. My throat still hurts whenever I see reruns on JackTV and StarWorld.

Which is why I am so incredibly grateful I get to drive by a 7-11 every day (there’s one on the same street as the Candy office). They have an appropriately named 16 oz. Gulp Cup, huge enough to slake any TV-induced thirst. Am heading there right now, ’cause my throat’s still hurting from my most recent Glee marathon.

P.S. If you buy one March onwards, you get to pick which presidentiable deserves your “vote” in their informal poll. Each presidentiable is assigned a specific barcode, which the cashier scans when you choose your cup. Doesn’t matter if you’re old enough to vote. Show your support for your fave candidate and make sure he or she tops the poll. Results can be viewed online at www.7-elections.com.ph and on TV on GMA7.

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