Tag Archives: national book store

Oh My Gwyneth!

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First of all, thank you Xandra Ramos-Padilla for my copy of Gwyneth Paltrow’s book ‘It’s All Good’!

This book couldn’t have come at a better time as my husband Tom and I just got the results of our Food Intolerance Test (F.I.T.) and Gene-Testing from LifeScience (I will blog about this soon). Basically, knowing what food we’re intolerant (not allergic) to took out the guesswork in eating and feeling healthy.

In It's All Good, Paltrow and her coauthor Julia Turshen share recipes that are yummy, you'd never know they don't dairy or other ingredients that by definition make food tasty.

My whole family is on a mission to eat even healthier this year. We believe in preventive medicine and to be healthy, one must eat healthy food. We are slowly cutting out dairy and shifting to anything gluten-free. It’s not easy and we’re not sure if we want to totally eliminate gluten from our diet but we’re happy to try it.

We cook simple, healthy yet special meals everyday, three times a day so that we can enjoy pancakes and waffles on Sundays and the Lucky Me! Pancit Canton for merienda! Mmm…

I’m a Gwyneth fan because I can so relate to her cooking style and of course, her fashion sense. Browsing through her book is a joy.

Chambray, shorts and barefoot when cooking… So me! Aminin!

Tom and I grew up in a family that encouraged us kids to be in the kitchen and cook with our parents. It is one of the best things that has happened in our lives! Tom and I are doing the same with our kids. Aryanna is an ace at cooking and baking while our three-year old son Dylan helps us in washing the veggies and adding herbs when cooking. We supervise him but we also make cooking fun!

I’m being honest here, some of the ingredients in the cookbook are hard to find and some are not even available in the Philippines (like kale), but the photos of Gwyneth and her kids  make up for it.

The photos of Gwyneth's kid's cooking and helping out in the kitchen is authentic. It's awesome!

I’m going to try this salmon recipe of Gwynie! Looks delish!

One of my New Year’s resolution is to eat more fish. I’m loving this book’s fish recipes!

Shoppingero/shoppingera, grab a copy of ‘It’s All Good’ by Gwyneth Paltrow at National Book Store and Powerbooks branches!

Books I Love

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One of the reasons why I haven’t been blogging is because I’ve been lost in the pages of these books:

Home by The Novogratz

I first found out about the Novogratz family through my BFF Lounell. He texted me last year to buy ‘Downtown Chic’ by Robert and Cortney Novogratz because according to him, this cool family reminded him of “The Eppersons”. Naman! So I did. Haha!

In their second book ‘Home by the Novagratz’, the design duo Robert and Cortney Novogratz give us an inside look at some of their favorite projects to show us how to achieve their signature “vintage modern” style. They effortlessly mix contemporary furniture with thrift-store finds, and learn all sorts of tricks for creating a stylish home no matter what the obstacles: seven children, small spaces, or a tiny budget. From toddler-friendly bedroom for triplets to a beach retreat for two twenty-somethings, from a New Jersey basement to a Palm Beach cabana.

Robert and Cortney Novogratz are a husband and wife design team based in New York City. They currently have a design show on HGTV called “Home by Novogratz”. Via Wikipedia

Meet the coolest family in the interior design world, the Novogratz!

Robert and Courtney and their 7 kids, Wolfgang, 14; twins Bellamy and Tallulah, 13; Breaker, 11; twins Five and Holleder, 6; and Major, 3

Things that Matter by Nate Berkus

Finally, Nate Berkus’ book is out! Thanks to National book Store, I got a copy before it sold out.

I believe your home should tell the story of who you are. What you love most collected and assembled in one space. All your objects, finds, hand-me-downs . . . spelling out who you are to the world. Fact is, there isn’t a single item in my own home that doesn’t have a story behind it. This book celebrates the philosophy that things do matter. They have to. They’re what we live with and touch every single day. They welcome us home at night and greet us each morning on our bedside table. They represent where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and where we hope to go. They make us happy, and I can’t think of a more beautiful way to live than that . . . —Nate

Living in a limited space such as our condo, my family and I have learned how to keep the things we love, throw unnecessary clutter and collect memories instead of things… well, except for my limited edition water collection, books, animal décor, and plato-platuhan. Hey, I’m only human! Haha!

Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman

I’m one of Cupcakes and Cashmere’s lurkers. Author/blogger Emily Schuman inspires me to no end with her simple passion to share tips and her style to her legion of readers on the net.

Her blog documents the things that inspire her, which she’s since turned into a book of the same name.

Xandra Ramos of National Book Store gifted me this book, but I also bought two more copies to give to my sister and KC.

It’s a must-read for women.

Shoppingero/shoppingera, shop your favorite books at National Book Store now!

It’s All About Presentation

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Everyday food can be made to look like gourmet meals with a little bit of effort. It’s all about how you present it.

Mindset: “A” for ayffort!

Simple BBQ at home

When the going gets tough, the tough cooks simple food. Nothing is more basic than marinated grilled chicken.

Ingredients: Soy sauce (or for a healthier choice, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (available at Healthy Options). It tastes like real soy sauce with less sodium.) + Calamansi + Olive oil + Pepper

Sidings: Steamed corn on the cob

Gravy: Making gravy from scratch is delicious and super easy! Your primary ingredient is the pan drippings from the grilled chicken. Don’t let those juices go to waste in favor of some processed packet of powder meant to simulate what you’ve already got sitting in the bottom of your roasting pan already.

Easy peasy: In medium heat, add 1/2 a cup of white wine (you can used red wine too) and 1/4 cup of diluted flour in water to the pan drippings and whisk it to submission! Add salt and pepper to taste.

Rock the gravy boat! Serve the gravy in a saucière

This is how I do it! The three C’s of BBQ made special: Chicken, corn, and chaffing dish

Chinese food takeout

For as much as my family and I enjoy cooking at home, we also like ordering takeout food especially on lazy weekend nights.

I wish North Park packaged their takeout food in cute Chinese takeout boxes. It would be a more stylish takeout dinner party with those kyoot boxes!

Luxury is eating takeout food on your best fine china.

I was going to serve the delivered food in our chaffing dishes but no one volunteered to wash the dishes so… Talo-talo na! Haha!

Lazy weekend at La “Maison Epperson”.

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Afternoon tea

After feeling overworked the past few months, I told myself that I’m going to have more ‘me’ time from now on to keep me sane. At the end of the day, it’s about working and enjoying the fruits of your labor at the same time. Balance is key.

Tea time at home is usually with my daughter. This time, tea time is also ‘me’ time.

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Brunch and homemade biscuits

I would say that next to our signature Epperson pancakes, my homemade biscuits are on top of the most requested Sunday brunch food at La “Maison Epperson”.

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Simple brunch menu + Fun picnic style table setting = Sunday fun machine!

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Candles and fresh fresh flowers (small floral arrangements) are affordable decorations. They make all the difference in your tablescape and in creating a warm ambiance.

Homemade brunch, check. Happy Sunday, check.

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Homestyle Thai food from the market

Saturday mornings is all about Salcedo Market.

We buy fresh flowers, produce and check out the food feté at the market. Our new favorite stall is Azuthai by Chef J. Gamboa. Below are some of the Thai goodness we bought from them.

(Photo taken using Instagram)

Me: “Guys, can I take your photos? I want to blog about Azuthai.”
Tom: “We’re sick.”
Aryanna: “Yeah, mom. I don’t feel like posing.”
Me: “C’mon! You guys don’t have to pose.”
Tom and Aryanna: *whispering to each other*
Me: “Pfft. *rolls eyeballs* C’mon! Ready… 1… 2… 3…”

(Photo taken using Instagram)

When it comes to entertaining at home, make every detail special. Also, try to always dazzle your family with your hosting and cooking skills. If you can’t impress them, you’ll be hard pressed to impress your guests.

For more entertaining at home tips and ideas, grab a copy of my book Fashion + Food: Entertaining at Home in Style available at National Book Store and Powerbooks. You can also order it online: http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/fashion-food-entertaining-at-home-in-style.html

The Biggest Food & Beverage Expo

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First of all, thank you MAFBEX for inviting me to the biggest and most awaited food event of the year!

I will also be one of the ribbon cutters during the opening of the event.

The 6th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) is going “Back to Basics” at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and WTCMM East Wing on June 13 to 17, 2012 from 10am to 8pm.

The Philippines is a country with a great love for food and unlimited potential for the businesses that cater to the industry With MAFBEX feeding that taste for success, the industry can only get bigger. The show is exclusively dedicated to suppliers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers of food and beverage products and equipment that cater to the food service and hospitality industries.

For 2012, MAFBEX again leads the pack in addressing the trends and issues of the day. As organic food becomes an important part of the movement for a healthier national lifestyle, MAFBEX’s exhibitors take up the challenge a better and wider selection of organic choices.

Across the world, there has been an increase in the demand for healthy foods and products with simple ingredients for a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians confirm that there is a growing consumer preference for food products that are more “natural” and features raw ingredients that are easily understood and are less processed. There is also a higher demand for products which contain fewer mystery components and additives such as artificial flavors and colors. With this, the theme for this year’s MAFBEX is “Back to Basics”.

Professionals and enthusiasts from the food and beverage industry will be treated to a five-day expo with an impressive line-up of activities. Witness culinary experts battle it out in cook-offs, learn from seminars handled by the industry’s bests, and sample all sorts of international cuisines from renowned local and international chefs.

Organized by the country’s leading exhibition and trade show organizer today, Worldbex Services International (WSI), in cooperation with the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), and for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation, MAFBEX 2012 is the biggest and the most comprehensive food show in the country with over 500 booths showcasing the best the world has to offer.

With last year’s turnout of 50,000 visitors, this year’s event will be the biggest yet with the inclusion of the World Trade Center East Wing as an extension venue for the free seminars alongside the inter-school and professional division competitions.

Good news: I’m happy to announce that my book Fashion + Food: Entertaining at Home in Style will have a booth at the expo!

Roll credits: Thank you MAFBEX! Thanks too National Book Store and Ms. Xandra Ramos-Padilla for setting up the booth for me! Can’t wait to see it!

Special discount: For those who want a copy of my book, it will be available at the Fashion + Food book for a special price of P995.

Meet and greet: I will also be signing books on June 13 and June 17. Will confirm the actual time on Twitter, follow me at @JenniEpperson.

See you there!

WIN! WIN! WIN! Free tickets to MAFBEX! All you have to do is “Like” http://www.facebook.com/wsifanpage and Follow @worldbex on Twitter!

The 6th Manila Foods and Beverages Expo (MAFBEX) is going “Back to Basics” at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and WTCMM East Wing on June 13 to 17, 2012 from 10am to 8pm.

Sale: National Book Store

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A few words from our friends from National Book Store:

Stack up on your summer reading list with National Book Store’s Super Summer Book Sale! Get 20% OFF on selected imported titles and reprints! Enjoy sizzling hot discounts on books priced below P500, P300 and P100! Visit the nearest National Book Store for a fun-filled summertime! Promo runs from March 16 to April 15, 2012.


All fashion books too are on sale including my book! Take advantage and grab your copy now!

Before: P1,100 Now: P880

Shoppingero/shoppingera, run, don’t walk, shop at National Book Store now!

Fashion + Food = Chanel

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I knew I wrote the right book.

Tell me if this isn’t “Fashion + Food”:

CHANEL Paris-Bombay Métiers d’Art 2011/12 Show trailer

I’m more inspired than ever!

Chanel Pre-Fall 2012

This will be the Epperson’s Christmas table setting theme!

Very, very "Fashion + Food" lang ang peg nila, diba???

Source

For more ideas on what to prepare (and what to wear) for the holidays, grab a copy of my book, ‘Fashion + Food’ at National Book Store and Powerbooks (SRP P1,100). You may also purchase it online: http://www.nationalbookstore.com/shop/products.asp?merchant_code=NBS&categ=121&product=36919

Get your copies now!

A Sneak Peek: Fashion + Food Book

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The fruits of my labor is finally here…

If you’re following me on Twitter, you would remember this:

"Just came from the printers. My book is almost ready. Very emotional day for me. #FashionplusFood"

(Photo taken using Instagram)

I went to the printer’s last week to approve the cover of my book. After all these months of working with my book designer and layout artist, Dix Perez in front of the computer, finally, I get to touch and feel the pages of my book!

I chose Print Town’s Lexmedia Digital to print my book. I used to go here a lot when I was doing Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Just Shop magazine. In my opinion, they’re the best in the biz!

Print Town's commercial press division, Lexmedia Digital Corp., Print Town Complex, Barangay Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna

Walking inside of Lexmedia was nerve-racking for me!

OMG. OMG. OMG. It took me a few seconds to look at the printed cover as it was surreal! I mean, I have a book!!!

I used three different special colors for the front and back covers and flaps of my book. You must see it in person!

Aaaaaaaaaaaa!!! The first run of the cover is out! I want to faint! Haha!

Me: "Kuya, ano, maganda ba?" Staff: "Lapit kayo, ma'am! Maganda!" Me: @.@

Kinakabahan ako…

Front and back covers and flaps of my book

This photo of me is priceless! Notice my half smile, half crying look!

Ladies, gentlemen, and gays, I'm proud to present... Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food!!!

The tireless team who helped me produce this book:

Leah of Lexmedia and Sharon of National Book Store. Thank you so much for all your help!

I love this photo! The staff at Lexmedia Digital and National Book Store holding up my book cover. Thank you for doing a fantastic job on my book!

"Ma'am, maganda!"

Job order:

A teaser

Eto na!!!

BOOM!

Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food

Here’s a short feature about my book in yesterday’s Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Wala ng atrasan! LOL

 Save the date:

Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food book launch and book signing
December 6, Tuesday at National Book Store Atrium, GF Glorietta 5 (it’s the building between Intercon Hotel and Rustan’s) at 6pm

See you there!

Project of a Lifetime

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I’ve been racking my brains, trying to figure out how to write this post since my journey for this project to see the light of day was a lengthy roller coaster ride that was fun, satisfying, exciting, stressful, nerve-racking, and wonderful experience. I mean, how does one summarize such an amazing episode in their life? I can’t. The best person to write about it is the woman who had faith in me and paved the way for my future. She touched my life more than words could ever say and I shall forever be immensely grateful for this. She is none other than my publisher, Xandra Ramos-Padilla of National Book Store.

Thank you NBS for making my dream come true!

I will preempt my Publisher’s Note on my book because this is essentially what happened:

“I first met Jenni as the super fashion stylist and shopingera, famously styling advertisements and celebrities. She produced weekly fashion editorials and shopping guides in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that I would look forward to each week as the images were aspirational but achievable. As a stylist she had much more to share. In 2006, she started her blog as the Mabuhay Girl on Multiply, where she would share her shopping finds and fashion adventures. Like any talented lifestyle denizen would, Jenni evolved and added other skills and talents to her resume, becoming a multi-tasking personality — with several interesting slashes to her occupation — while reaching a wider base of readers. Jenni the stylist has also become Jenni the designer/chef/food stylist/tablescape artist/décor diva/shopingera/wife/mom.

Her blog likewise transformed into her website, www.jenniepperson.com. She is busy running from shoot to event to project with many deadlines to meet while raising a beautiful teenage girl and a precocious toddler. Yet she finds the time to prepare and share special meals with her family. She makes the balancing act of family and fashion seem so easy and effortless.

I approached her to produce a book that consolidated all the advice dished out in the blog into one beautiful tome. The book is organized by occasion. The usual holidays are elevated to a higher level, while the ordinary ones are made more special by little thoughtful details and a lot of creativity. It wouldn’t be Jenni’s book without the elements of food, fashion and stylish décor and tablescapes combined. Thus, I am delighted to present to you: ‘Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food’, as part of the National Book Store lifestyle publishing program.

To Jenni’s readers, I hope this book inspires you as much as it has inspired me to live every day in style.”

Xandra Ramos-Padilla
Purchasing Director for Books
National Book Store

Here's a teaser photo of the book! Watch out for 'Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food'

*Insert drop-jaw face here* Yes, this is what I’ve been working on all year — I wrote a book! This is also the reason why I haven’t been going out, attending events, hanging out with friends, writing my column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and not blogging as much as I used to.

Suffice to say, this book has taken over my life for the past 15 months! It has consumed me. It had to. It was the only way that I could harness all my energy, passion, and know-how in order for me to put it in writing and pictures so that I could share it with all of you!

If you are following me on Twitter, you would remember this: "One of the most important parcels in my life is now in God's hands. Can you guess what it is?" This marked the day when I sent out the proofs of my book for printing. I cannot contain the excitement I feel so I could share it with all of you!

Immortalizing this book did not come with ease or in a blink of an eye. I’ve been dreaming (and drafting) about this for about 7 years! If you ask my former assistants, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Kat Cruz, Steph Cabal, Maureen Disini, and Nina Estacio, they can attest to the fact that I’ve been wanting to write a book since time immemorial. At that time though, I was contemplating on writing a fashion/styling book, but Nina Garcia had already got that covered. She is the queen of helpful fashion books! Plus, I’m at a point in my life where fashion is not the singular aspect I am passionate about.

I wanted a book that would not only answer your fashion dilemmas but also nurture you from within; hence, the inclusion of food — cooking! I believe that life is one big celebration. That being said, each chapter of my book marks one of the most important occasions, as well a daily celebratory affair with your loved ones!

I would like to take this opportunity too to thank my team who tirelessly worked on this project:

To my dearest husband Tom, who worked with me for months on end, shooting till wee hours of the morning, and taking such beautiful shots for my book, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I not only enjoyed shooting with you but also eating the dishes I whipped up for the book! I love you!

Thank you Dix Perez for your patience and creative prowess in designing and laying out my book! Those years we worked together in Chalk and Just Shop couldn’t have prepared you enough for this! Haha! I cannot imagine working with a better artist for this project. You simply gave life to every page of the book! You are amazing!

To Bea Ledesma, thank you for editing my work. Without you, all the punctuation marks would have been exclamation points!!! I love you!!!

Big thanks to the young and the restless, Soleil Ignacio and Kris Abrigo for the beautiful artworks! I can’t wait for everyone to see how talented you guys are! Goes without saying I love your work!

Special thanks to Abbi Gabasa for helping me brainstorm for this book to materialize. Thanks for listening!

Thank you Miguel Ramos of NBS for the undying support. You rock!

I would also like to thank my Philippine Daily Inquirer family, especially, Ms. Thelma Sioson-San Juan for always believing in me. It means a lot to me.

To all my friends, thank you for all the love, support, and understanding! I am the luckiest person in the world to have been blessed with such amazing friends! I love you all!

Special mention to my best friend Tim Yap, thank you for always guiding me and loving me unconditionally! I love you!

To my children Aryanna and Dylan, you are my loves and my life! You continuously and endlessly inspire me. Everything that mom does, she does for both of you!

To my parents, sister, and brother, I love you more than words could say. I dedicate my book to all of you!

Last but not the least, to my lovely readers and Team JENNIration (worldwide, o, diba?), this book is for all of YOU! Thanks for all the support and I am grateful for the community that I have in the world wide web! You guys are the best!

Ladies, gentlemen, and gheys, mark your calendars! I am launching my book on the 6th of December 2011, 6pm at National Book Store, Glorietta 5. I hope to see you there!

More details on the book soon!

Holiday Gift Idea: “Home-Made for the Holidays”

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One of my favorite gifts to give and receive are books. Anything from fashion, photography to cookbooks! Books are great gift ideas because it’s like gifting someone with a new adventure, information, and new possibilities!

Here’s a book that would be a lovely gift for your friends and loved ones this coming Christmas:

Get fresh ideas for the perfect gift for your loved ones! Nothing expresses more thoughtfulness and love more than something appropriately home-made. You’ll find the perfect solution in this handy book!

'Home-Made for the Holidays' By Aileen A. Anastacio and AngeloF. Comsti

Chef Aileen is known for a number of things. She’s the head chef and owner of Goodies & Sweets, a popular pastry shop and café chain located in Manila; a regular contributor of unique recipes to many local publications and the author of the best-selling cookbook, Home Café.

OMG! I knew Angelo Comsti way back during our Chalk magazine days! I didn’t know that he’s a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and is now a chef, food stylist, and writer! Awesome! Congrats Cosmti! Love your book!

Here’s a sneak peek:

Love the simplicity of this page!

At one point in my life I contemplated on becoming either a fashion stylist or a food stylist, but I quickly realized then (when there were hardly any organic markets or sosy palengke in the metro, haha) that sourcing in the malls were more comfortable than going to the wet market!

Anyhoo, as I flipped through the pages of this book, I could see the love and passion that went into producing it. The food styling was amazing! The props used were well-thought of and charming. It made simple and easy recipes look special. Good job!

I'm going to copy the stenciled confectioner's sugar next time Aryanna makes brownies! By the way, the photo here is not of a brownie but a dark fruit cake.

Flavored butter + Striped twine = Kyoot

Freebies

You’ll love:

• More than 60 fun ideas for sweet and savoury treats
• With variations to recipe to further personalize your gift
• Gifting suggestions accompany every recipe
• A rundown of gift combinations
• Bonus gift tags to cut out and use

Thanks for my signed copy!

As soon as I’m done with my special diet, I will try the lamington recipe! I love anything with coconut!

This book is available at National Book Store.

Bahay-Bahayan: Giant Meets Giant

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A few months ago, I ordered the books of Rick Owens and Carine Roitfeld from National Book Store. I was really excited to get my hands on them until I realized that the books were massive! Huge. I got a bit stressed out as to where to keep them. Our home library is slowly filling up plus, the shelves cannot accommodate gargantuan coffee table books. Paano yan?

Also, as some of you may know, we have a toddler at home so displaying them on the coffee table is out of the question.

Rick Owens by Rick Owens

Problem: How does one display/store huge books?

Carine Roitfeld 'Irreverent'

Solution: Giant meets giant!

Play and display

I have several giant ceramic animals in our place that are purely decorative. Not anymore. I’m glad I finally found a more practical use for them: bookends! Meet our horses, Mary Kate and Ashley! LOL

Ceramic show horses

Here’s sneak peek at Carine Roitfeld’s ‘Irreverent’:

A graceful exit

Pure Carine

Are you ready for Rick Owens?

Try n’yo lang basahin ‘to!

Who needs glasses?

Words are golden

Rick Owens’ book is arresting. A lot of the images are dramatic, graphic, and some thought-provoking. I love it!

Remember, books that are hidden in bags, under the beds or crammed in boxes are sometimes read and often forgotten.  The best way to utilize your literary collection is to display them around the house.

Tip: Shelves, trays, and bookends help organize your books.

Rick Owens and Carine Roitfeld books are now available at National Book Store.

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