Black on Black

From Hungarian designer Éva Nyíri. Transformers meets Samurai.

I think these are closet staples... at least in  my closet.

Cardiac ablation and the nervous wreck that I am

Sorry for the lack of updates this past week. Things have been pretty crazy and nerve-wrecking for the past few days. My dear husband underwent surgery late last week and I've been so busy worrying, taking care of him, and trying my best to stay strong for the both of us.

Thursday morning was too overwhelming for us as we got to the hospital at 6 am - the sun wasn't up yet by then to check in for his cardiac ablation as he was diagnosed with WPW.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or WPW syndrome, is the presence of an extra abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
The extra electrical pathway of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is present at birth. While people of all ages, including infants, can experience the effects of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, episodes of a fast heartbeat often first appear when people are in their teens or early 20s.
In most cases, the episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but very serious heart problems can occur. Treatments for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may stop or prevent episodes of fast heartbeats, and surgery to shut down the extra electrical pathway can usually correct the heart rhythm problems.

His cardiologist said that his was the more dangerous and risky version of this one so it got us really worried and wanted to treat it asap. So we checked in and he had to undergo this heart mapping study so the team of heart specialists can figure out where exactly this extra electrical pathway is at so they can either freeze or heat it up to shut it down via a catheter. Most of the time the procedure only takes about an hour or so but in his case, it took about 6 hours. I was in the waiting room the entire time - freaking out inside as we were told that he might need a pacemaker installed but they will try their very best to treat him without having to do that. Both of us weren't ready for any pacemaker or anything that invasive. I knew that my husband was freaking out as well but he tried his best to stay calm and strong. I knew that I had to be strong and supportive so that he wouldn't worry any more than he has. It was really hard to keep it together especially since any heart procedure has its risks. I was feeling scared shit the entire time but then I just had to keep the faith and know that things will turn out better. I wanted to cry so hard but had to conceal it from him when I was holding his hand before the procedure started. Sitting in the waiting room was terrible... having no idea of what exactly is happening to him even though I was regularly updated by the team. I didn't know what to do with myself.

His doctor updated me after awhile to tell me that his extra pathway was really stubborn even now that they have found it. He also had to use another catheter (aside from the one that was already inside my hubby) to try to get to this thorn. That made me both worry even more and assure me at the same time - knowing that the cardiac team was doing everything possible to get rid of it without having to use a pacemaker. An hour after that, the doctor came out to tell me that it was a success and that I would be able to see my husband in a few minutes once he wakes up. All in all - his surgery took 8 hours total - and it was a success. I was still a wreck after that and all those emotions only subsided once I finally got to see my husband, hold his hand, watch him open his eyes and smile at me. I broke down and cried though still trying my best to hold back my tears.

I know this experience will be nothing compared to what he will be going through when he finally gets his transplant. I guess this is something like a dry run for us to condition us both emotionally and mentally of what's to come. I know it will be crazy and I know we just have to be strong....

I have to be strong for him. I will be strong for him.

Marchesa Spring 2010: I need these in my life!

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Been extremely busy working on print and web marketing materials for one of my favorite clients, Black The Salon.

I have to however share something I am extremely lusting for: tights from the Marchesa Spring 2010 runway.

I need these asap.... especially since I can't get any more tattoos...  well, at least not on my entire leg. Darn:(

Black The Salon: The Website

At 2am this morning, I launched the new website for a new Royal Oak salon, Black The Salon. Check it out: Black The Salon.

Here's the before (non-SHOCKBOOGIE):




And here's the SHOCKBOOGIEFIED VERSION!:








Aside from the website, I just finished a few magazine ads for Black The Salon as well!

Check out the Appointment/Schedule Cards and the tri-fold brochures that SHOCKBOOGIEDESIGN created!








Phew.... As you can see, it's been insanely crazy for me when it comes to work and all. Fortunately, I really love what I do and I am blessed with such great clients that make work very enjoyable.

I'm currently working on a video/edit/motion graphics for Black The Salon as well. Hopefully, I get it done in time for the launch party!


Also... I came across this! My fellow Louboutin lover, Lisa and I:



This was taken for Hour Magazine when they covered the Vogue Magazine sponsored event at Neiman Marcus for Fashion's Night Out. Pardon my joker-like face and my insanely huge arm! Haha!

Fashion's Night Out at Neiman Marcus

Overflowing pomegranate and Godiva Truffle martinis, a sea of people decked in the past  and latest seasons' Chanel, Manolos, Pradas, and Louboutins, great conversations, photo ops, live dj entertainment, yummy hors_d'œuvres also known as unnecessary calorie consumption, gift cards, makeovers, and wonderful SAs.

Ahh... A night that stimulated the economy again in the name of fashion...


I attended the event at Neiman Marcus and decided to dress "casual" to match my unruly long hair.

Complex Geometries Four Hole T,  Ever Sydney sof grey skinny jeans, Chanel Metallic Navy Reissue 227, Christian Louboutin Grey Watersnake Altadamas, Jessica Kagan Cushman Zodiac classic resin cuff, Chanel and Shu Uemura make-up.

I also met up with a fellow Louboutin lover who asked to remain anonymous for now....

Christian Louboutin Babel Plateaus and JBrand Tie Dye Japanese Twill Skinny Jeans

Chanel Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Collection

Chanel's Fall-Winter 2009/2010 Collection has now arrived at the boutiques!

 

Here are my picks:

Credit: Chanel Website http://www.chanel.com/

Black, white, grey, structured jackets, and high collars. Think military meets amish chic.

Fashion's Night Out 2009: Where will you be?

 

Taken from their official website:

In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.

In the United States, American Vogue has joined with NYC & Company, the City of New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America to enliven again the consumer spirit that churns the economy and boosts the local industry of America’s fashion capital, New York City. Next only to finance, fashion is the second-largest sector of industry in New York City—the headquarters of more than 800 fashion companies employing 175,000 people and generating $10 billion in total wages. At City Hall’s May 20 press conference to announce Fashion’s Night Out, Vera Wang said, "To put it bluntly, if people don’t shop, people lose their jobs."
The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass festivities galore— from inventive window displays to model and celebrity appearances. Champagne may flow; hors d'oeuvres may be passed. Rumors of musical performances, downtown barbecues, shoe capsules, limited-edition rings, and sweepstakes abound. Apparently there will be makeovers, brow bars, and haircut stations at sundry spots, too.

So the question is: Where will you be tonight?

If druids were bums in a post apocalyptic parking lot...

An interpretation through an outfit.

Rick Owens hoodie, Rick Owen DRKSHDW black aged denim, Cardboard Robot gas mask t-shirt with gold foil, Chanel WOC Reissue in black, and Converse Chuck Taylors all-leather black.

This is me -- as a bum.

Inspiration: Saints and Martyrs

I stumbled upon this while seeking for inspiration via Flickr - inspiration for creating brochures that is!


George Krause' "Saints and Martyrs":

These are photos of wax figures on their death beds shot by Texas photographer, George Krause.


Serene. Beautiful. Magnificent. Lovely. Inspirational.

Limited Edition Barbie shoes have arrived!

I grew up playing with Barbie dolls. My mum and I collected them to the point that we had a huge glass cabinet in the living room showcasing our collection. I enjoyed playing with Barbies but the true collector was my mum. She was more obsessed with them compared to me. We even had a few Christmas' that revolved around a Barbie theme such as Peaches and Cream Barbie. Everything on the tree was peach and gold and instead of a using a star on top of the tree, mum used the Peaches and Cream Barbie doll! I also ended up wearing a peach and gold chiffon dress for Christmas rather than the traditional red and green. It was really odd yet fun!

Now that I'm older, I have stopped playing with Barbie dolls though I think my mum still has our collection stashed away back home in Manila. To me, Barbie represents beauty  - but not the beauty that you would think. It represents the beauty of the relationship between mother and daughter. Barbie reminds me of all the good times of my childhood spending almost every minute with mum - whether playing with Barbie dolls or just simply hanging out with her.

Now that Barbie is celebrating her 50th birthday, I can't help myself from getting these limited editions pre-ordered months ago. They finally arrived in my doorstep earlier this week. It's worth the wait. Definitely worth the wait.

I know I've outgrown my Barbie obsession and have replaced it with Louboutin but then having the best of both worlds in a shoe? How can I resist? Now I feel like a child again.

*And yes, I do wear other colors aside from black, grey, and white.

Eat like a Shockboogie: Cinnamon Almond Berry French Toast

Here's a recipe I came up with since I love french toast/waffles/pancakes but hate the calories that come with it. Instead of going out or making pancakes from the box, I found that it is healthier and yummier to make it from scratch. It's extremely tasty too!

Enjoy!





Ingredients:

• 1 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Milk
• 1 T pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 T cinnamon powder
• 2 eggs
• 6 slices of 35 calorie Earth Grains whole wheat bread
• 8 large strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 syrup

Instructions:

Beat eggs and milk together in a bowl. Mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon powder. Heat a pan on medium. Spray some Pam non-stick. Dip slices of bread in milk/egg mixture and place on heated pan. Cook for 2 minutes or so until brown. Turn over bread to cook the other side. Take out french toast and place on serving plate. Slice strawberries and mix with blueberries. Top fruit mix on french toast. Pour syrup and serve.

Serves 2 (3 french toasts per serving).


Nutritional Value: (without syrup)

Calories: 250
Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 215mg
Sodium: 411mg
Carbs: 44g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 13g



*We used Aunt Jemima Butter Lite Syrup and I personally like my french toast drowning in syrup (got a sweet tooth!). Good news is that it only contains 100 calories for 1/4 cup of syrup! Not bad, huh? Still lower in calories compared to french toast at IHOP or other restaurant chains!

Please do let me know what you think of it once you've tried it!:)

Chicago Weekend. Saturday.

The reason we visited Chicago last weekend:

Nine Inch Nails was phenomenal as always. The show they put on was mind-blowing. The set lasted for 2 hours and it was just crazy! The Aragon ballroom was packed and the energy was so strong. NIN as we all know are on their last tour. I'm thankful we got pre-sale tickets through the NIN website a month or so ago because it was sold out and  had a special entrance door for NIN website members. No lines, no outside crowds. It was sweet. 

A few more shows to go and the guys are done touring. I think it was a great move on their part even though we, the fans, would miss them dearly. It's better to go out with a bang rather than tour until your career just dies a slow and painful death. I've seen them a few times now and I feel lucky to have been there on the final days of their last tour. I am definitely looking forward to seeing them in the future as individual artists/musicians. I'm very sure that they will succeed in whatever they choose to embark on. 

Thank you, Nine Inch Nails.... It's been a great journey.

Here are a few snapshots from Saturday:

 

Outfit change for the evening from Alexander Wang T to Silence and Noise top. I had to change or else I'd have a ripped T at the end of the evening. We ended up in the middle of a moshpit and I don't think the sheer T would've survived it.

Before the show, we had a wonderful dinner at the Rosebud on Rush. We love eating there. I ordered a creamy giant shrimp arborio dish while Jeff had lobster and shrimp wild mushroom ravioli. I should've taken a photo of the uber yummy food but I remembered to do so AFTER we finished our food. Oh blah... thus, the only food photo of the evening was the rasberry sherbet which was divine! Mmm... thinking about it is making my mouth water right now. Rosebud on Rush is our favorite Italian restaurant in that area of Chicago (Magnificent Mile) and I definitely recommend it!

Ahhh... I miss Chicago....