Mixers

FASHION

Thrifted quilted jacket, BKK sando, Topman jeans

I rarely score items from D's thrifting trips but when we do pick up something, it's usually a keeper like this jacket. I like that it's got a relaxed fit so you don't look like a suman when the rest of your look is tighter or tapered. It's got a nice vintage feel too, with the plaid just peeking out from the inside lining and the corduroy collar.

I was super excited when I found this shop in Platinum selling these awesome printed tops. This is my last ditch effort to get on the tribal bandwagon before it completely leaves the station. 

I was really drawn to the eye-catching print. I don't have anything like it so it's refreshing for my wardrobe.

Got these jeans for half off at the Topshop sale in exactly my size. I've been looking forever for a pair of skinny blue jeans in a 90's wash. These fit the bill and my legs exactly.

The jacket's reversible too if you want to go on full lumberjack mode.

 D: thrifted lace peplum top, Stradivarius black shorts, Pill heels

I posted about this peplum top before but it was the first time I actually got to wear it out. Things sort of get glazed over in my closet if I don't get to use it as soon as I buy it.

I have nothing in this shade of green in my closet so I was definitely keen to see how I could work with it. Love the sharp gray collar against the feminine lace too.It has ruffled cuffs that I tucked into the ends of the sleeves because it was a bit too twee for my liking.

This cross bracelet from the Topman sale (less than P300!) has been seeing a lot of action recently. I kind of like how subdued it is.

Some candy-colored earrings to brighten up my somber outfit. 

These Pill platforms are surprisingly stable. The heel isn't as precarious as I thought so it got some air time on this night out.

FRIDAY NIGHT-IN

Recently, we've both taken to going to Barcino's for their tapas and sangria. We're not huge drinkers but their sangrias are irresistibly good. A few weekends ago, we decided to try our hand at making our own sangria without using a store-bought mix.

 There's a variety of fruits that you can add to your sangria but we chose to go with strawberries and pineapples. Some recipes also suggest peaches or raspberries. We didn't bother with fresh fruit but I don't think it makes a huge difference.

3 cans of ginger ale (approximately 4 cups worth)

 Citrus fruits are a staple but we substituted limes with calamansi since it was readily available. We used only 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 3 pieces of calamansi.

A lot of sangria recipe resources online said that you don't need to use premium wine. In fact, most sites recommended using leftover/value-for money (read: cheap) wine. They did suggest using Cabernet, Merlot, or Shiraz. We got a random bottle from Pioneer Center's liquor section, along with a bottle of Tanduay Rum.

We didn't have a large enough container to hold all that liquid so we had to use a carafe and a pitcher instead. Oh, you also need some sugar for the recipe as well.

Easy does it when you uncork your bottle! 

 We started off by quartering the lemons and oranges and halving the calamansi. Everything is going to go into your container so make sure you cut the fruit small enough to fit into the lip of your carafe/pitcher.

Pour the entire bottle of wine in.

 Squeeze as much juice from your citrus fruits as possible. Don't stress over it though because like we said, the entire wedge is going in anyway.

 Add 2 tablespoons of sugar into your container. 

 Add in a splash of orange juice. You may also use lemon juice if you prefer. 

 Then we poured in almost the entire small bottle of Tanduay (about 200+ ml). You can adjust the amount you want to put in based on your desired "kick." Some other recipes also suggest putting in 2 shots of gin or triple sec. 

 Add in one small can of crushed pineapples. Put in a splash of the juice as well. 

 Then your waiting game begins. Leave your containers in the refrigerator overnight so that the wine can capture all the flavors of the fruit.

 After chilling, pour in your ginger ale.

 Finally, add your strawberries (or whatever other fruit you prefer). You're all done! Serve and enjoy!

We were really satisfied with how the drink turned out! In no way do we claim to be wine/alcohol mixing experts but this turned out pretty good. It was a refreshing, flavorful and tasty drink all in all. The huge fruit pieces are slightly cumbersome but just strain them out as you drink. Needless to say, it was a mellow night in as we sipped our sangrias and had a movie marathon.