Dainty Discoveries

1. Never not sleep

Although sleep might be a far-fetched goal whenever hell week strikes, find enough time to recharge yourself for a couple of hours. Having sleep will allow you to work faster, hence will allow you do more, look and feel better. 2. Drink lots of fluids

Arm yourself with tons of water or energy drinks to keep on going without compromising your health. Believe it or not, it’s on of the best ways to counter stress and it can even refresh you. 3. Eat 3 meals a day

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are 3 important requirements of your daily life. Before accomplishing your school requirements, make sure that you satisfy your body’s essentials. Skipping meals will not only make you weak. 4. Procrastinate wisely

There’s a high probability that you’re this right now with a number of tasks left on your to-do list. Make sure you attend to them right after you read these tips! Procrastination is normal but don’t push it too far, make sure there’s still enough time to be productive despite a moment of buffering. 5. Make a cramming schedule

Let’s face it, the cram culture is abundant in students nowadays, therefore if you can’t fight it then we should regulate it. Our generation are masters of cramming and sometimes, it’s the best way to trigger productivity. However, make sure that whatever you cram is still up to par. Quality is the key. 6. Take breaks

It’s good to be in the zone but take note that you don’t want to burnout yourself from just one requirement. There are other things to do so make sure you take a reasonable amount of breaks to keep your momentum. 7. Control the binging

Food fuels the body but don’t make hell week a reason for you to pig-out. Remember that you’ll be sitting on a chair the entire day writing papers or reading readings, the calories you consume won’t go anywhere but your lovely body so control not only schoolwork but also your eating habits. 8. Wear comfy clothes

Hell week causes a lot of hassle so to cut unnecessary struggles, allow yourself to move freely and easier with the choice of you clothing. It’s helpful to channel function over fashion in this particular week. 9. Save room for yourself

Easy, tiger! Don’t lose track of yourself. Give yourself even a few minutes of the day for some “me-time.” 10. Work hard, play harder

San Juan may be the smallest city in the Metro, but it's home to the most diverse food places, and booming culinary hotspot. Try out the different foods Little Baguio has to offer - from Greek, Yugoslavian, Mexican, oriental to Filipino, and many more!

Tantamount to that incredible reunion with my long-lost favourite sweater, finding fresh and novel music with a touch of local always carries that air of familiarity and sentimentality amidst the wide-eyed fascination on new discoveries. If you don’t experience this enough, there’s no better time to turn that around than n o w. Here, have a bird’s eye view of the local music scene – one site at a time. From concert and gig updates, to finding the best buys, this post will dish out links that will keep your online-savvy side up-to-date on what OPM has to offer. 1. http://numberlinerecords.com/

This Filipino record company features local acts you’ll love! I wouldn’t call this the safe side (and I have to thank them for that) because it covers many musicians with their own distinct flair. Definitely no carbon copies of the same music style here. Along with the beautifully crafted graphic designs that tap both into the intricately detailed and the minimalist, this website will give you lots of eye+ear candy to blast you with the freshest of sound waves. 2. http://www.satchmi.com/

The introductory cracks and pops just add to the crisp sound of vintage vinyl records. Catch Satchmi, the Philippine-based online store that sells vinyl records from both old and new albums. If you’re faced with the dilemma of having to choose, you have the option to click through it’s featured "mood buttons" that gives music suggestions based on how you’re feeling. They also offer turntables of many different colors, and when they’re closed, they morph into a sleek suitcase that’s easy to carry around. More than just providing a thorough menu for your vinyl record needs, Satchmi made sure that this menu’s as eye-catching as how music is well-loved. 3. http://manilaconcertscene.tumblr.com/

This tumblr account keeps you on your toes for any upcoming performances by music artists both from here and abroad. It gives you no excuses to miss the good ones! 4. http://ternorecordings.wordpress.com/

Some of the better ones from our home-grown talents make Terno their home. Take a stroll with their great list of bands as you scroll down its pages. This record company also pulls in foreign bands and brings them in to Philippine shores for our concert thrills. I have Terno to thank for my personal concert experience with Tahiti 80! 5. http://www.kindassault.com/

You know you’re living the time of your life when the people who sang the tunes who helped ease the toughest moments of your life and whose songs became the anthem of each heartbreak, are singing in front of you. What I felt Fall Out Boy is more than just a band with heart-pumping songs, well to me at least. I’ve been a fan of Fall Out Boy ever since I can remember, not only because of Patrick Stump—the cutest, but also because their songs were there for me when no one else was. They were part of my childhood and most of their songs were a witness to everything I have gone through. Every break-up, family problem, every bullied day, every moment I was called ugly, fat, good for nothing…all of it, FOB was there. The good thing about that is they spoke to me even if they didn’t know I listened and even if they didn’t know what I was exactly going through. I guess that’s the beauty of their music, they stand up for everyone who falls down and finds comfort in their words. Their songs have empowered me, which allowed me to keep on going despite every downturn and disappointment other people have caused me and I have to them. I was alone and they were there. I found a friend in every thud and every beat. Invincible, I felt. August 8, 2013, I finally saw my buddies on stage, singing their hearts out for every person who was out there, for every person who I suppose found the same things I did in Fall Out Boy. If my life were a playlist, I wouldn’t mind having that two-hour song on loop because it deserves to go on forever. That moment never should’ve died and it didn’t because I’ll remember that for as long as I live because I owe half of the smiles I smiled, half of the nights I slept well, and half of the days I spent living. The concert was definitely more than just an experience, it was more than the lights and the production, the countless people pushing you from left to right, and being squished in the mosh pit—it was the reality I choose to believe in. I never knew that moments like that existed still, I continued to find magic in life and I didn’t expect to find it in the heart of a rock concert but who am I kidding? It was Fall Out Boy and magic was bound to happen. I’m totally fan-girling right now but that’s what I felt. The Event Fall Out Boy: Save Rock and Roll, the band finally went back to the Philippines after 4 years. Fans nationwide have been waiting for this comeback especially since FOB has been on the down low for a few years now. Their recent tour was definitely served its purpose as a comeback because fans from all ages went to the concert and rocked their hearts out as Fall Out Boy saved rock and roll one beat at a time. The event was scheduled to start at 8 pm, gates opened at 6 pm. People started filling in the Araneta Colleseum as the 8 pm mark drew closer. The concert was opened by Typecast, a local band who was also a fan of Fall Out Boy. Even if the crowd chanted, “Fall! Out! Boy!” towards the end of Typecast’s set, they played a good sport. To end everyone’s anticipation, Fall Out Boy finally showed and played their set list with utmost passion. SET LIST: (♥) = favorite Thriller I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More "Touch Me" The Phoenix (♥) This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race (♥) Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do Today Alone Together (♥) What a Catch, Donnie Death Valley Hum Hallelujah Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy (♥) Dance, Dance (♥) Sugar, We're Goin Down (♥) Young Volcanoes I Don't Care My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light 'Em Up) (♥) Encore: Save Rock and Roll Thnks fr th Mmrs (♥) Saturday The concert ended as strong as it started and I’m sure every fan out there didn’t leave without a giddy sense of love and FOB fever. Here's a short video that encapsulates the rush I felt that night.

As discussed during one of the earliest lectures in class, the Internet isn't restricted to entertainment and social networking purposes only. It can be a source for a lucrative business venture sans the (sometimes) huge capital to begin with. Here's a round - up of some of the quirkiest, price - friendliest, and most practical and functional finds online! : ) 1. Bookay - Ukay https://www.facebook.com/bookayukay/

As the name suggests, Bookay - Ukay is an 'ukay - ukay' (thrift store) for books! For all the book lovers, this quaint book shop located along the streets of Maginhawa is home to the cheapest books, magazines, CD's and comics! By cheap, these items can go as low as Php 10 only - practically a steal!! 2. Shmallows https://www.facebook.com/shmallowsph/ http://shmallowsph.com/

S'mores, Rocky Roads, marshmallows in hot chocolates, marshmallow frosting - why not a marshmallow spread? Yes, this unique spread is getting to be quite popular among its local customer base, especially for kids. Could this be the new Speculoos? Only one way to find out - try out the three flavors available: Vanilla, Strawberry, or Cookies n' Shmallows for that marshmallow fix you're craving for! 3. Artwine http://shopartwine.com/

All things pretty and functional - in felt. Who says felt is only for toys? At Artwine, charming felt pieces are converted into pouches, purses, bookmarks, pencil cases, laptop covers/cozies and many more! 3. Swanlake Accessories https://www.facebook.com/swanlakeaccessories

From their tagline, "Elegenace need not be expensive", this online shop caters to women who shops with a conscience. With their extensive line of affordable and quality accessories like statement necklaces, bracelets/bangles and earrings, who would not want to buy accessories like these? 4. Ichigo Shoes https://www.facebook.com/ichigoshoes

Cheap + Comfortable + Extensive line of shoes + Numerous cute designs? YES PLEASE. Ichigo Shoes has a range of shoes - flats, sandals, brogues, wedges, etc. (you name it, they have it!) that are perfect for both day and nights out! 5. Copper https://www.facebook.com/shopcopper http://www.shopcopper.com/

While it is hard to find quality pieces, especially in clothing, Copper "offers a variety of hand selected pieces that satiate your every fashion craving" and makes available interesting finds through its variety of clothing and accessories, ranging from tops, skirts, shorts, dresses, etc. I just dare you to look through their albums of vintage inspired clothing and not fall in love with their trendy pieces. 6. Subcult https://www.facebook.com/thesubcultproject

What makes Suncult's line so unique is the fact that their designs are so bold, loud, unusual and eye - catching - never mind that they are selling tops, skirts, dresses, shorts and tote bags just like any other online clothing store, but the fact that they invest in the designs make their line so popular. 7. Sugar Rush Lab http://sugarrushlab.wordpress.com/

Presenting 'Gold Member', a Ferrero Rocher inspired cupcake with a special Nutella frosting. 'Nuff said. 8. Soak Swimwear https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soak-Swimwear/4743694144 http://soak-swimwear.myshopify.com/

DIY special effects, sets, and props are now usually placed at the end of the shelf, knocked out by high-definition videos and advanced digital effects that are kicking it full speed nowadays. It's come to no surprise that many movies are going for visuals that make each fairy tale magic, giant robot, and enormous gun-wielding dinosaur more exciting (and impressive!).

This style has rooted itself as a critical component in many modern films, with amazing imagery translated well beyond what actors and simple animation are capable of. But even in a period that’s practically brimming with movies that go for advanced effects, the DIY video-making style still holds people's interests. Simple as the materials might seem in stop-motion videos and “sweded” films, the dedication and creativity behind the process of making one is undoubtedly a cherry on top of the already endearing quality to them. In these DIY-style videos, going back to the basics of video effects actually pushes ingenuity further.

Michel Gondry, the French movie-MV-commercial director, definitely tops my list for this video flair. With his many works, you can’t help but brush off the suspicion of considering those kinds of films as low-grade, and really see the art in his quirky, poignant, and even hilarious videos.

Helping catapult the band White Stripes to their fame was the music video to their song "fell in love with a girl". Directed by Gondry, it featured Lego bricks that seemingly meld into each other, to give the illusion of movement. The band was said to have contacted Lego for a partnership, with the hopes of having pieces of the Lego bricks that can form a miniature version of the band members to go with their album. The partnership was declined, but the video's fame made Lego scrambling back, only to be told about having lost that opportunity. There's more to the long list of music videos he's done, and they're worth checking out!

Getting accidentally magnetized from a failed power company break in, the dynamic due in the film "Be Kind, Rewind" are left with no other option in fixing the erased movie tapes but to do re-makes that are limited by the resources at their disposal. It gets pretty meta from here: it's a movie about making DIY movies. It's very creative, with the addition of that heart-felt touch to their crafty madness.

In the movie "The Science of Sleep", we see the misadventures of Stephane as he tries to differentiate dream from reality, and as he tries to make do with the complications over his emotions for his neighbor Stephanie. I could tell that Gondry definitely had a field day with portraying the character's knack for art, and with tinkering with the character's imaginative a la arts-and-crafts dreams.

One of my all-time favorites, the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, veers away from Gondry's other idyllic and colorful films and instead takes a cue for the serious and the emotional. With access to technology that allows the erasing of memories, Joel decides to erase the memory of the girl who broke his heart. In having a glimpse of the past, he makes the ironic realization that he wants to save the memory of the girl he once loved. It might not have a touch of DIY to it, but it manages to retain the concept behind personalized creation through the plot, and through the effect of crumbling buildings, muffled sounds, blurry faces, and the finality in the gradual disappearance of memories.

Haven't watched "Mood Indigo"? Well, here's the trailer to get you excited to watch Gondry's full-length feature film released just this year. We're talking about pianos that can customize a cocktail with every key played, swan travels, dancing flowers, lillies in lungs, and everything else that Michel Gondry can whip up.

Watch his other works for yourself, and you just might end up being a fan (like me!) of his films and videos that are no less than incredible directorial daydreams.

We've all had those days (weeks even) when you have forgotten the meaning of the word "sleep;" when your body runs on black coffee and pure willpower; and when you feel like all your profs had a meeting and decided to make their due dates on the same day to test your stamina.

Well, those days are back (hooray)! BUT FEAR NOT. Let these feel-good songs keep you company during those dreadful, sleepless nights!

Relax. Sit back and know that your work will be finished sometime in the very near future (or else). Happy listening--I mean, studying...

Mardy Bum - Arctic Monkeys

Fader - The Temper Trap

Silly Boy - The Blue Van

Twist and Shout - The Beatles

Just What I Needed - The Cars

I'm Shakin' - Rooney

The Little Ones - Argonauts

We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke

Day Four - Bloc Party

This Charming Man - The Smiths

Hey, you're at the end of this post! Have you progressed?? FINISH YOUR WORK. YOU GOT THIS.

Food. Enough said. Most people would put an effort into discovering new food to try. Well, I believe that my turf houses the best dishes from each cuisine every one MUST TRY. BF Homes Sucat, Parañaque is probably known for its array of different villages but the main streets are the home of its real treasure, the neighborhood of palette satisfiers. Everything you’d want to eat and probably crave for from time to time can be found a few blocks away from one another. You can travel by walking, taking a tricycle or by car but it’s the arrival that counts because it’s when your magical encounter with a new discovery begins. Here’s a map showing the different famous restaurants in BF

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"Sundays" are always synonymous to family day, but for the Cheng's, Sundays almost always mean one thing: Gloria Maris, Lugang Cafe, or dimsum breakfasts. Tired from the routine menu of unlimited xiao long baos, siomai, radish cake, congee and wanton noodles, it was then decided that it was about time to deviate from the usual Chinese fare and go for something more 'adventurous'. So my family chose to have lunch at "Hermanos Taco Shop"

https://www.facebook.com/ilovehermanostacoshop/

,a quaint mexican food joint. Hermanos serve authentic mexican dishes which include burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and many more. Upon entering the store, it can be notices that this food joint can seat at most fifty people - yup, the place is not as big as it seems at first glance. It has quirky interiors reminiscent of anything Mexican, but not too overbearing to the point of tacky. Restaurant's 'self - service' policy which lets the customer line up at the counter, order and pay before being served his meal. Must Try's for this restaurant: 1. Rolled Tacos (Php 285/for 6 pieces) - Ground beef in sour cream sauce, tomato salsa and shredded lettuce wrapped in crunchy taco shells topped with coleslaw and served with extra tomato salsa. 2. Fish Taco (Php 175) - Beer battered cream dory fish fillet with shredded lettuce and coleslaw in soft tacos, served with special Hermanos sauce for that extra kick! 3. Chicken Fajita (Php 285) - Diced chicken breast with peppers and onions, beans, rice, lettuce and served with tomato salsa. Good for two! 4. Nachos - Sirloin steak over tortilla chips, two kinds of melted cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapeno and salsa. It's sooo good, it was rated number 1 in Spot.ph's "Top Ten Nachos"

http://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/52955/top-10-nachos-2013-edition/2/

In visual arts, "horror vacui" means the filling of the entire surface of a space or an artwork with detail. Many websites have taken this “horror of empty spaces” to heart by shocking you with a daily tidal wave of creativity and randomness to feed the quirky artist in you. Here are 6 great websites (and their tumblr equivalents!) that offer just that!

 1.

http://www.dazeddigital.com/ http://dazeddigital.tumblr.com/

2.

http://trendland.com/ http://trendland.tumblr.com/

dazeddigital.com is the online counterpart of the magazine Dazed and Confused, and just like trendland.com, it covers anything and everything on what the design world has to offer. Both websites give everyday musings on fashion, design, art, photography, music, culture, and everything else in between. Scroll down their pages and you’re faced with the endlessness of all things interesting.

 3.

http://www.futureshipwreck.com/ http://futureshipwreck.tumblr.com/

futureshipwreck.com dishes out reviews and answers to interview questions by artists, photographers, designers, writers, and the generally creative. Its tumblr version gives the constant outpour of random works that are bombed with color, music, attitude, and all the workings of a one-stop site on creativity and the fearless youth.

 4.

http://rookiemag.com/ http://rookiemag.tumblr.com/

rookiemag.com is an online magazine made by teenage girls for teenage girls. It’s spearheaded by Tavi Gevinson – crazy-fashion extraordinaire who reached the top of the tiers (aka the coveted front row seats to fashion shows, the high ranks of fashion blogs, etc) with her knack for the unique and beautiful, and her contagious fangirl trolling, since the ripe age of 13. The online magazine’s unconventional photos, collages, DIY projects, illustrations, and insights are by contributors from all over the world; and each one’s blog post adds character to how the website sings an anthem for the unsung heroes – the kitschy youth.

 5.

http://www.itsnicethat.com/

“It's Nice That” is all about art, and the practicality and beauty of design. It’s backed up by a team that infuses the collaborative efforts of the talents they feature and the passion in "championing creativity across the art and design world" (hence the fitting tagline) through the production of magazines, events, and merchandise. And if that's not enough, they even provide a weekly newsletter sent straight to your email - if you want a strict schedule on your dose of creativity.

 6.

http://www.weloveyouso.com/

Even if the end of the movie marked the end of this websites’ updates, there’s no harm in back tracking to its still-interesting blog posts. Weloveyouso.com is a website that shows the inspiration to the movie “Where The Wild Things Are”. It lets the movie’s cult following look beyond their nostalgia to the children’s book it is based on; and they’re invited to have a glimpse of the art, music, people, places, etc that brought life to the movie. Not bad, considering that a lot from the 20-somethings age group make up the movie’s fanbase. Fun fact: director Spike Jonze got Karen O from the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs to make the OST for the film!

Every once in a while, everyone needs to escape from the daily grind. We here at Dainty Discoveries are giving you the push you need to GO OUT AND HAVE FUN. You deserve it! Live a little. 

Here you will find all kinds of fun stuff: new restaurants, food (LOTS of food), DIY projects, art, music, and many more. 

Welcome to our little space on the internet! We hope you enjoy your stay! 

To kick things off on a high note, admire these photos by photographer and wanderer Theron Humphrey of him and his travel buddy/best friend, Maddie the Coonhound (the dog with an impeccable sense of balance); they will make you very happy.