Kyle Imao to Grace PIFBEX

Kyle Imao, hailed as the First Pinoy Junior Masterchef was in the midst of major players in the food and beverage industry. The 12-year old champ does the ribbon cutting for Tradecon as it launches its 5th Annual Food and Beverage Expo and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Caterers Expo) which will run until March 4.

Over 300 exhibitors will be present at the expo,including both local and international suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers. International exhibitors from Indonesia, Malaysia,Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and the United States will also showcase their products.

For more information, log on to pifbex.com or call 395-5009.

What's Black & White...

I've heard that Bronson van Wyck and Lela Rose throw fabulous parties.  Stories don't compare to experiencing in person the black and white extravaganza that the pair threw to celebrate Celerie Kemble's book Black & White (and a Bit in Between). On a rainy night, I headed down to Tribeca where I was blown away by not only Lela's beautiful home but how party planner extraordinaire Bronson van Wyck had turned her dining room into a chic tent with black and white striped fabric. With help from Jo Malone London who have partnered on Celerie's book tour, the party not only looked amazing but smelled amazing too. 

The entry table was covered in Celerie's own black and white fabric for Schumacher and was a perfect complement to the black and white photography hung above. 

The menu was inspired by Jo Malone London fragrances and we were treated to multiple yummy course. Lime Basil & Mandarin inspired the seared scallops and Nectarine Blossom & Honey was the jumping off point for cinnamon pancakes. Did I mention that the table pops up out of the floor?  We sat on pillows made of more Celerie Kemble fabric with out legs dangling below.  Talk about chic!

Some party planners suggested unscented candles for a dinner party but that's really no fun especially when you can burn such gorgeous smelling candles.  

Celerie was kind enough to sign books for everyone and wore a chic black and white dress by Lela Rose of course. 

More amazing Jo Malone London products.

I tried not to get too excited when I spied Law & Order SVU actor Chris Meloni in attendance at the party. 

Gift bags containing a copy of Black & White (and a Bit in Between) and a lovely smelling candle from Jo Malone London. You can read more about the party and see more photos in the March/April issue of Veranda magazine. 

Chic in Madrid: Lorenzo Castillo

The "Lady Luxe" spread from yesterday's post was shot in two places designed by Lorenzo Castillo.  The Hotel Santo Mauro and his showroom/home in Madrid, Spain.  I really need to learn Spanish so I can read more about this talented interior designer but from what I can gather, he is also an antiques dealer and this particular space serves as his home and showroom.  Some of these photos are old so you can see from some changes from the fashion layout.  For those lucky enough to understand Spanish, there is also a video from 2009 via Nuevo Estilo you can watch here. It's actually worth watching even if you don't know Spanish. I love the entire space but I think the brass trimmed bathroom is my absolute favorite room and will definitely be going in my personal inspiration file.  I also think Lorenzo Castillo might just be my new favorite designer. 

Thank You From the Bottom of My Fishy Heart!

My darling friends, thank you thank you thank you for your amazing encouragement!  Your emails and fantastic comments stayed with me through all of the miles.  I ended up running the 13.1 miles in 2:52:43... which is pretty amazing considering I kept stopping to take pictures with characters and I have only been back in training for two months!  Needless to say, I am pleased as punch and I have a huge medal to show for it. I could not have done it without all of your kind words, emails and comments.  It meant more to me than I can begin to express.

Here are some photos of my costume in action.  I didn't try to photoshop because why be ashamed of my sweat/sparkle?

Pre-race ... there was a DJ leading a dance party.  It was 3:45AM (awake since 2:30AM).  I did a dance along and then ran around looking at costumes.  AMAZING.

King Triton!!  He said to me, "I am your father."  This is a FACT.  Overall, I probably saw about 100 men total.  It was estimated that 19,200 women ran the race!

Elvis - on his back was a sign: "Why settle for a Prince when you can have a King?"

There were some fabulous costumes, and these girls and I buddied up in the start corral.  

This fabulous girl below came up to me and asked where I got my costume because she had been searching for one like it!  When I told her I made it, she was amazed... and that was a pretty big energy boost for me :) 

People dancing on stilts!!!

A pirate ship complete with pirates!  I didn't stop to get a picture with Captain Jack Sparrow - I didn't know if I was going to be able to finish, so I decided to stop only for characters I really wanted to wait for (because there was always a 5-10 minute line).

Entering the Magic Kingdom.  The race started in Epcot at 5:57AM for me, and it was amazing because the Fairy Godmother was there with magic words and fireworks to send each corral across the start line.  

My castle.

I saw this poster on the wall and could not resist sneaking in.  Prince Eric is so dreamy!

Running THROUGH the castle!  SQUEE!  They had marathon photographers taking pictures of the runners in front of the castle.  I will totally be purchasing that photo once it becomes available.

I saw Jessie and knew I had to stop for a picture.  As I was running up, Woody appeared!  I squealed out loud!!  (You can absolutely see the joy on my face.  I am not ashamed to say that I was completely PSYCHED by this picture.)

This picture is for Christine - the Central Florida Accordion Club!  Wooooo!  They totally rocked.

Quite possibly one of my favorite photos EVER.  When I ran past this group the first time, Prince Eric blew me a kiss.  When we ran past again, he waved at me and I knew it was time for a picture.  I told him he was dreamy :)

This green army man was yelling encouragement at us as we ran up the longest overpass in the history of running up overpasses omg.  I needed a picture with him for my Dad :)

Entering Epcot!!  Victory was close at hand!

The final stretch.  The workers and volunteers came out to line the path and shout words of encouragement to us.  That was incredible.

When I crossed the finish line and slapped Mickey Mouse's hand in a victorious high-five, I may have cried a little.  After damaging my hip and leg so badly training for the marathon, this was an incredible personal milestone, and IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

Rob made me a sign - it's super fabulous :)

Again, THANK YOU to all of you for all of your support!!  I could not have done this without you!!!

PS.  What should my costume be for next year, and who's joining me for the race??? Hehe!