Don't let your summer become a snooze fest! 

I know that when school is over people are trying to have their own R&R moments, which nowadays, literally means movie marathons and countless hours spent surfing the internet (with the A/C turned on of course!). I do agree that it is nice to stay at home once in awhile but don't let the heat stop you from going out! I came up with a list of fun (and unique) outdoor activities that you can try. To be honest, this is actually my summer bucket list so I haven't tried doing these activities. But I can't wait to try them all and tick them off my bucket list! 

Do you have a summer bucket list too? What are the activities that you want to try?
Do share here!
XX,
Jess
FOLLOW ARMED WITH STYLE ON BLOGLOVIN'

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER/INSTAGRAM

@jessnothinless

Highlands Weekend

It's hard to believe that this photo was not taken in Baguio. Surprise! surprise! The photo was taken in Tagaytay! Beautiful view, isn't it? It's where we spent the weekend to celebrate my mom's birthday. It was a great bit of escape from the bustling city streets of Manila and not to mention -- the heat wave!

 We checked in over at Tagaytay Highlands Spa and Lodge. The interiors looked so cozy and relaxing that I want to dive into the bed the moment we arrived. I'll host a little bit of a room tour. 

there's the bed, the couch, the table, the wood furnishings...

And our bathroom, the tub, the sink....Okay, I suck at hosting a room tour. But you do get the point, right? And when it's time for a family photo-op

 I looked like that. I told you I was the odd one. -_-

 And when it's time to take swimming photos  -- my sister looked all nice-simple-kind hearted and all that shiz. 

And yes, there's me -- being odd again. 

 dad,  can I ask something...why the pose? @-) 

(I intentionally made the font size small so if ever my dad visits my site, he wouldn't notice that little nosy comment I made. you know parents = far-sighted) 

 Time for breakfast! I ordered hot cocoa and tapsilog!  

 Sosyaaaaaal. May presenting-the-food effect. haha 

 I will forever swear by this tapsilog! If you guys ever visit Tagaytay Highlands, you really need to have a taste of this! Or else your visit is not complete. 

 Farewell, Tagaytay Highlands! I am looking forward to visiting you again. 

We made it a point to buy some pasalubongs before going back to the city. And what I can say... whoever calls the Philippines "poor", clearly, hasn't seen this. 

 

How's your summer so far? 

XX, 

Jess

Dressing Up for Summer

Just because the Holiday season is over, it doesn't mean we can no longer dress up and be our own little fashionista. You know what? Summer is actually one of the best seasons to dress up. Think bright happy colors mixed with the basics. 

I've compiled 3 looks that is perfect for summer events:
(1) Beach Getaway; (2) Shopping in the City; (3) Girls' Night Out

Beach Getaway

Your summer bikini doesn't have to be in the latest style. A simple  (2) bandeau bikini top with nice artsy fartsy prints can do the trick! Pair it with a simple cover-up just like this one -- (1) a crochet salmon-colored cover-up -- that might have been part of someone's spring wardrobe. You see, it doesn't have to be everything brand-new.  Meanwhile, the (3) sun hat is obviously very basic but the belt detailing turns it all around and makes it interesting. As for the sunglasses, (4) aviator sunglasses -- in my opinion-- is probably your best bet. It usually matches any face shape but make sure to consider the size. You don't want to look like a bumblebee! 

Shopping in the City

As for shopping clothes, wear something comfy. Shopping shouldn't be your "tiis ganda" moment. Save it for the parties and formal events. In this look, I chose a very simple (1) cream-colored button-up blouse matched with (3) high-waisted shorts with tribal prints. I love the colors on those shorts! It's eye-catching in a good way. (Avoid wearing too much neon/bright colors when shopping -- other shoppers might find you a total eye pain) Better yet, wear accent pieces just like this (4) braided orange necklace. Lastly, wear (5) a light-weight bag when doing your shopping. Save some energy for some heavy paper bags weight lifting! HAHA

Girls' Night Out

After spending hours and hours improving your sport -- swimming, sunbathing and shopping. Yes, it's called Triathlon for the Modern Day Women. (Oh c'mon, you know how shops turn into battlegrounds when the mall announces "SALE". And suddenly, everyone starts to act like gladiators trying to attack the store racks AND defend their shopping baskets from other prying shoppers). You need to reward yourself after all the battle, right? Hell yeaaaa, and celebrate it with the girlfriends! For this look, I chose a (1) well-tailored pink blazer and (2) basic white blouse paired with a (3) glitter shimmer sequined skirt. Then, picked some (4) light-colored pumps with interesting gold details. Add an accent piece like this (5) black gemstone with diamond details statement ring. Viola! That's what you call  feminine and classy at the same time.  

Have fun dressing up this Summer! 

P.S. What's the greatest thing you love about Summer? Share! 

XX, 
Jess

Puerto Galera Summer Getaway

It was a bright & sunny Saturday morning when we arrived at the shores of Puerto Galera in Mindoro. It was my first time there actually so expectations were quite high. More than an hour boat ride from the Batangas pier -- I was starting to get dizzy, but who cares I know it's gonna be worth it the moment I took my first step. 

First day Agenda = Banana Boat Rides! 

What beats that electrifying feeling when the speed boat makes a sharp turn and you're completely thrown off to the sea. Just imagine if you're not wearing a life vest. 
Pretty scary, huh? 

Ooohh lala! Fire dancers at night! 

Wasn't able to have a shot like this. I was kinda paranoid -- I can imagine if the fire dancer makes an itsy bitsy mistake, the next thing I know my hair might be in flames. 

KNOCK ON WOOD. 

Oh yes, that is what you call bungisngis, ladies and gentlemen. 

Hihi young love :"> 

Just cause I wanted to have a 'windy-flying-hair' shot. Haha. 

What a pretty ladyyyy

Mangyans went down from the mountains. My friend and his family has some sort of food campaign. 

If you would look into their eyes, you'd notice how grateful they are. And nope, I won't cloak this article in melodrama. 

Boys will be boys. (well, not all though) HAHA

RIP dear skimboard. You have served your purpose well. Because of you -- people in the whole Puerto Galera were entertained to see kids falling off their butts and pretending to be pro surfers. 

(Obviously, I belong to the falling-off-their-butts group. Plus! the rolling off the sand trying to regain my poise after the humpty dumpty fall group)

All inspired by Rihanaaaaaa. Tarayyyyy

This can pass for a "more fun in the Philippines" ad. 

Look at that. A majestic view! @-) 

My days in Puerto Galera were phenomenal. Don't you just love the beach waves, the sand, the fresh fruits and juices, the adrenaline rush you feel when you thrown off the sea, everythinggggg under the sun, literally? The beach makes having a life of peace and quiet seem possible. 

 But the fact that I spent my beach days with college friends makes all the difference 

experience = beyond phenomenal. 

♫ Tell me how to get back to 

Back to Summer Paradise with you

And I'll be there in a heartbeat

Oh-oh

I'll be there in a heartbeat ♫

Oh, Puerto Galera -- You will definitely be missed by the (now olive-skinned) little kid. 

XX, 

Jess