The perfect swim wear.

“I just wanna be on the beach!”

                Do you know what the best way to spend your summer is? Well, just as the famous song from Sandwich goes, they just wanna be on the beach… SUNBURN!!

                Summer is time for bikinis, sexy bods, white sands, and of course, the blue waters of the sea! But before you could hit the shores, do you think you’re ready enough to strut your way?  If you’re still not sure about what you’ll wear this summer, well, we have that covered.

Small bust:

If you’re having problems on how can you make your boobs look fuller, you could try wearing swim suits with bolder prints. Some bikini tops with ruffles would also help to achieve your goal of being extra sexy this summer. Wearing bikinis with pads and good underwire would also be a good choice.

Bigger bust:

Since you might need an extra support on those, wearing a halter top would be perfect to compliment your fuller top. Look for styles that can be tied around the back and the neck for extra support. You could also wear swimsuits with wide straps will separate your breasts and make them look smaller. If you opt on wearing a one piece swimsuit, look for those that have a good support on the top (like soft foam cups or shelf bra). Try to avoid triangle tops which only offer a small amount of coverage.

Short legs or torso:

Look for swimsuits that have a high cut on the thigh. This would make your legs look longer and accentuate your hips as well. Wearing a solid bottom and a printed top would also draw the eyes upward. Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikinis because this make you look smaller.

Big Thighs:

To conceal thighs, choose a swimsuit with an attention grabbing top and a dark colored bottom. Details on your top would draw eyes upward, away from your thighs. High cut swimwear would also make your legs longer and stop the swimsuit from cutting across the unflattering part of your body.

Problematic Tummy:

Tankinis and one piece suits are the most fitting to those who have this body type. Stick with bold colors and always avoid horizontal stripes. If you opt to wear a two piece, it is advisable for you to wear a patterned top and a less eye catching bottom to accentuate the upper part of your body and make them look away from the problematic parts.

Remember, no matter what your body type is, there would always be something that could help you be sexy and fashionable under the summer heat. Strut your way to the beach and get ready for some oh-so-awesome vacay! J

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Sources:

http://fashion.about.com/od/swimwear/a/findswimsuit.htm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53870990@N04/5019146509/sizes/z/in/photostream/

During summer, we take a break from almost everything. Most of us go to our hometowns or go to another country but there are also lots of us who are stuck at home.  Being stuck at home is like the most frustrating part of summer.  We usually don’t know what to do. So, here are some things we can do to keep our stuck-at-home-summer somehow productive and enjoy:

• Read Books. But if you’re not the book lover type, just skip this part but it’s really up to you if you want to try. Reading books could definitely improve our vocabulary and helps us be more comfortable with English. It could also let us feel some feelings we’ve never felt before and take us to places we’ve never been. Some books you can surely enjoy that I recommend: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Matched by Allie Condie, Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks ,To kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee,Beastly by Alex Flinn,The Perks of being a wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

• Learn a new recipe. Yes. Isn’t it fun to cook for your loved ones? Surprise your family or even your friends at your talent in cooking. It’ll definitely be worth it with the compliments you’ll receive. But always remember that health is wealth so always make sure that what you’ll learn is healthy and can be eaten by the elders without worries. Don’t just go for dessert! Challenge yourself for a harder recipe. 

• Listen to new kind of music.  Try listening to ‘Beatles’. It will only take a minute to capture your heart and soul. I mean it. Oldies music (the kind of music that your parents like) is the must.  Nothing could possibly go wrong with the tune and lyrics. If you just appreciate the song and open your hearts, I’m sure you won’t regret putting those on your summer playlist.

• Take a walk outside your house. Not to the mall or anywhere polluted. Choose a place where it’s surrounded by trees. “Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humour, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much” –Ralph Waldo Emerson.

• Make a portfolio. Drawing the things you love. Painting. Simply doodling. Combining the pictures you’ve taken. Or cutting out things in magazine and making a collage will do. The thing you’ll only need is a notebook/sketchpad. By the end of summer, you’ll be surprise at what you’ll see.  It’s just a matter of love for art. It’s very inspiring too and maybe, just maybe you’ll discover that you have a talent as an artist. There’s nothing wrong in trying. 

• Lastly, don’t spend all your time using the computer. Rent some movie and watch it with your family. Don’t forget that summer is mostly about spending good times with your family. Do not be discouraged if you’re not going to the beach or your hometown. Smile. Take a deep breath. Make your summer unforgettable by doing the things you never do and like. You might be surprised at the things you’ll discover.

Gear Up for Summer!

Summer. One of the most awaited time of the year. The best thing after graduation. The most desired time during school days. And guess what? Summer’s already here! Don’t know how to deal with summer? Here’s a list of must three summer must haves.

1.      Sun Block – We know that during summer the weather is not on the normal temperature. Yeah, the weather is pretty moody during this season. If you don’t really want to get so tan when class starts again, better be ready. A sunblock is also a necessity since it protects us from having skin disease that the hot weather could bring. It’s best if we apply a lotion with at least SPF 15, but better if SPF 30. Those with SPF 30 can offer you more time on sunbathing yet it won’t give you additional UV protection. But regardless, UV rays can still penetrate your skin, remember that.

2.      Hat – Sunny days not damage only our skin but also our hair. But don’t let it get your way. A hat would be the best solution. The choice varies. There are sun visor, top hat, fedora, you name it. Surely, there is something that would fit your taste. A plus because it doesn’t only protect your hair, but also protects your precious face. Fashionable and useful.

3.      Sunglass – Your eyes are really sensitive and with the summer’s heat it is advisable to wear sunglass. This will protect your precious peepers from being exposed from too much sun’s rays. And don’t forget to choose something that will complement your face shape for an awesome statement.

Summer is the time for enjoyment but let’s not be careless. Have fun this summer!

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stampmeup/5531667051/in/photostream/

By: MARINELLA (http://www.pixiechronicle.blogspot.com/)

Everyone seems to be checking in at seaside inns and hotels here and there, to delight themselves under the scorching heat of the sun. Yes, the feeling of the small granules of sand on your skin feels great and relaxing. Going to the beach during the summer season is cool. Tanned men blessed with six-packs walking pass by you is a… well, a bonus. But don’t you think stepping into some historical place this season is a lot more fun and educational at the same time, without dropping the idea of delighting under the scorching heat of the sun? Well then, I have in mind somewhere picturesque with its cobble stone streets and vintage houses. Lo and behold, Ciudad Fernandina – better known as Vigan City.

Vigan is situated in the heart of Ilocos Sur. The city stands tall as the home of kalesa, empanada, burnay, and the famous vintage houses along Calle Crisologo, which are remains from the Spanish colonial era. For the vividness of the scenic view of the city, the establishments around it are built with exactly the same architectural designs as that of the vintage houses but are infused with modern art pieces. Being an urban district, fastfood chains and shops already made their way inside the metropolis; But there are only a few. Vigan in general, is still surrounded by haystacks. The lack of leisure facilities gives visitors the feeling of being in the countryside, while being in the city at the same time.

There is a saying that if you really want to learn a culture, start it by trying out their cuisine. Iloko cuisine is served all around Vigan. There is the pinakbet; The mix of different vegetables, seasoned with bagoong, and topped with bagnet. There is the sinanglao; The meat and internal parts of a cattle, seasoned with vinegar and kamias. There is the empanada; Vegetables, egg, longganisa wrapped in a thin, yellow dough. All places have their own cuisine to be proud of; But in Vigan, you get to enjoy your food, while you feast your eyes on the scenic view of the city, whether you’re inside one of the cafés or out in the streets.

When you’re in Vigan, you can’t miss riding in one of the kalesas. It’s a must-try for visitors since it saves their feet from dust and saves their energy to see every corner of the city. When you’re in a kalesa, you can ask the kutsero to take you to those scenic spots. Would you mind if I can be your travel guide and take you to a stroll around the city?

*St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral – It displays a beautiful architectural design. Biguenos and people from neighbouring towns attend the mass in this cathedral. In front of it is the lagoon.

*Pagburnayan – You can buy jars in all sorts of sizes. You can watch how jars are made. And, you can even make one yourself.

*Hidden Garden – It is practically a hidden garden. Ask the folks there about all those different kinds of plants and they’ll answer you. You can buy plants, have a snack, or just relax being surrounded by greens.

*Baluarte – Infamous for being owned by Chavit Singson. Take a ride on the small horses, play with the butterflies, feed the ostriches and camels, see how the peacocks spread their colourful tails, watch the animal show. Admission is free, and you can enjoy the animals the whole day.

*St. Augustine Parish Church & Bantay Bell Tower – It is outside Vigan, but expect the kalesas to take you here as it is just a neighbouring town of the city. Climb the bell tower and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.

Vigan gives a nostalgic feel to its visitors. Visiting the city and seeing its architectural designs will bring you back in time to when the Filipinos were still colonized by the Spaniards. Although it has gone changes through time, it is still Vigan. It still holds the past, the feeling of home. It is a city where old meets new.

- Michelle (http://outcastxnomad.blogspot.com/)

[Photo Credits: Mia Florendo]

Feel the Heat! It’s summertime!

Ahh, at last! Summer’s here! It’s a 2-month break people at work and school look forward to. Oh, finally, people could spend the vacation they deserve!

Now, what do people usually do these days? Some go on an out-of-town trip, go to the other countries, or even the world’s famous landmarks and vacation spots. Friends hang out with each other; most people hang out at the beach or the pool. Teens who are old enough apply summer jobs to make their summer worthwhile since they could earn money and some kids also attend summer camps, summer classes in school, then the whole school staff prepare the school for the next school year, and a lot more. For incoming college students, they usually spend their time deciding on their courses or trying out various universities, taking entrance exams, and the like.

There’s indeed so much to do during summer vacation! 

In terms of leisure and recreation, people take advantage of the warmer temperatures by spending more time outdoors — some play sports like basketball, badminton, volleyball, skateboarding, baseball, softball, tennis, football, cricket, and water polo. Water skiing is a uniquely summer sport, which is done when waters approach their warmest of the year. For people who are less sports-oriented, they usually spend their time watching TV, surfing the Internet, read books, and many more. 

There are people who would want to transform to a better-looking them for the next school year, and some also would like to get fit so they could wear their bikinis. They spend their time getting fit, getting new looks, growing taller, and a lot more, and teachers also seek further education themselves, advancing their knowledge and skill levels for future endeavors.

To adapt with the season, people usually eat and drink cold food and beverages. They eat ice cream often, drink some shakes, fruit juices, ice-cold drinks, and they also eat fruits and desserts. Another thing they do to adapt to the season would be wearing thin clothing, and others also would be following this summer’s fashion trends and all. Sleeveless shirts, short shorts, and flip-flops are usually the trend this season. 

Then at home, because it’s indeed hot inside, ceiling fans and air-conditioners are usually used more often this time, which also leads to higher electric bills. People should also be wise on how to save electricity. There are a lot of ways in doing this actually. They may save it by turning off appliances when not in use, find some cooling alternatives, like going outside instead, fan themselves instead of turning on the ceiling fan or air conditioner all the time, not wasting water, and a lot more.

No matter what people’s activities would be this summer, they should remember that they should make its vacation worthwhile, meaning; they should get good benefits from what they’re doing. Summer vacation is a time for fun and learning, so make the most of it! :)

- Vanesa Salcedo (Nice) of http://vannice95.blogspot.com 

[Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/othersideofglen/4702406675/]

Lenten.

Hello everyone! How’s your vacation? Lenten season might have made everyone busy, but this does not stop us from creating articles that you’ll surely love! PANACHE ONLINE is already having some finishing touches (although we still need some help!) before it reaches the BIG LAUNCH.

Watch out for our launch this last week of April. It’s never too late to start summer, isn’t it?

For those who still might be interested on becoming a member of the “team”, just email us at panachemag@yahoo.com

Spread the word and enjoy your vacation!

XO,

Umi

PANACHE.

PANACHE is an online magazine that would showcase the new, the ‘in’, and the cool. Panache is an independent project by an eager blogger who would love to spend her free time writing for people.

No one is an island – and to be able to attain the vision of having an online magazine, I need some help from you guys. I need resident writers and co-editors who could commit on working for the magazine. No worries, there would be no pressure, just be sure to do the job. There would be deadlines, but as much as possible, it would be as hassle-free as it could be.

So, how could you become a part of the PANACHE? This one’s easy. The only thing that you have to do is to tell me why you would like to work with Panache. I need people who are passionate enough to write and to help me out with this endeavor. There would be no salaries, but I could assure friendship and love to you. *Wink!* Send your answers or inquiries through the site’s tumblr ask: http://panachemag.tumblr.com/ask

Here are some of the “positions” that I really need:

* CO-EDITORS (At least 3)

* LAYOUT ARTIST

* RESIDENT WRITERS

I hope I could find them soon enough. If the magazine would be lucky enough to have all the team members needed, we could have our launch by April.

So if you guys are kinda bored with summer, and passionate for writing, go ahead, try this one out. ;)

PS. SPREAD THE WORD! :)