Tarmarc diva: Riviera Maya

You know that scene in Apocalypto, where the Maya are sacrificing humans to Kukulkan by cutting out the still-beating heart and throwing the body down the step? Yeah that scene was replaying in my mind as I stood at the bottom of the pyramid. I could imagine the festive atmosphere. Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but seeing places where history has been made is exciting! (FYI a lot of that movie is grossly incorrect historically. The sacrifice depicted is more Aztec/Mexica than Maya)
But I digress.

6 reasons to visit Mexico City (Come see me!)

It's Cinco de Mayo!* So i figured this is a good opportunity to convince you that you need to visit Mexico City. I've come up with at least 6 reasons you should visit the capital of this amazing country. Most people think of Mexico and conjure images of unlimited margaritas, beach life and night long partying - Cancun, Cozumel, Acapulco, Cabo. Thats all fun, but there is so much more to Mexico than tequila and tacos! You need to visit the capital to find out more. So let's get into it.

the diva reflects - spain aka the catalyst...

so it's the end of the year and it's a thursday... so this post seems appropriate.. the ultimate TBT! i wanted to close out the year reflecting on how i ended up here..  not the existential sense, but the actions that led me to where i now call home-distrito federal (aka mexico city.)

when i think about it, spain was the trip that changed everything. after living and travelling asia for 5+ years, i had become too "comfortable". i mean, it was a comfortable existence: good job, decent salary, comfortable life, but

What had happened was....

so it has been a while, and while i can sit here and write a thousand excuses for the long absence, the simple truth is that life happened. and when life happens sometimes you have to decide what you can and cannot focus on in order to survive. in a midst of navigating my way through passport issues, work visas, and expreme budget challenges, and strained friendships, something had to go. i definitely had no focus for blogging.

we're back! seriously.

so... it's been exactly one year since my last post. i hadn't plan this hiatus, but well, life. i can sit here and make a ton of excuses, but i really had a lot of things going on and in the melee, some things got dropped. i;m not a juggler. in fact, i'm quite clumsy, so forgive me. during my sabbatical (let's call it that, okay? okay!), i managed to change jobs, visit 3 countries, travel with mamma diva, start sewing,  and buy a crock pot! doesn't sound like much, i know but it's a lot for me.

i attempted a few posts in the mix of it all, but it seriously wasn't working. i had to really think about what i wanted this blog to be. i didn't want to be yet an other fashion blog. we have enough of those. and felt like i was focusing too much on aesthetics. i wanted to get back to what made me start this blog in the first place - my champagne taste with mauby pockets - in other words living fabulously without having to file for bankruptcy. and in order to do that i had to really practice what i preach. if you're a rich person, you're probably on the wrong blog, unless you're looking into austerity measures.

so now i'm back, with lots to share. i'll still be posting make up, fashion and skin tips etc, but i really want to talk about how to travel more budget friendly without limiting yourself to hostels; about dining at fabulous places while still making rent; about dressing like you own the building without having to return the dress later... you get my point!

and i'd also like you guys to share your own secrets or skills you've learnt along the way.

so in short..(not really though), i'm back! let's be fabulous together!

the make up bag: the lazy diva make up kit

the bare essentials : MAC Studio Fix Liquid,  And Concealer, in Nc45; Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in Soft And Gentle; Mac Blush in Peachtwist; BYS Baked High Shine Bronzer in Golden Shimmer, Mac Zoom Fast Black Lash in Black. Eyeliners: - bourjois (turquoise), shisedo, revlon (eyebrow pencil), mac (purple liner). no idea where i got the green or what brand it is. 

so in chatting to one of my gfs, she grumbles: "it's not that i hate make up... im just lazy as feq. make it simple for me!" challenge accepted. look, i get it. with the thousands of youtube gurus out there with arsenals of tools, potions and lotions, make up can seem daunting to a new comer, or even to someone who just wants to keep it simple. so, after conducting a quick survey (read:asking friends on facebook) i've come up with a very minimal list of products and tools for the lazy, or shall we say minimalist diva.

work it out: spring 2013 colours! (NEONS!)

Sandals
Clutches

the perfect look for a spring day-date

so its been awhile. i can sit here and write a million excuses for my absence but i won't. i cant function in winter. that is all. but the winter is over, i'm out of hibernation, birds are singing, so it's time to get to WERK! unless you've been blindfolded under a rock, you would have noticed (no, scratch that, i actually, have been under a rock and i still noticed) that the spring 2013 palette is colourful as usual, but with a major twist. instead of the regular pastels, neons are taking centre stage, and i am HERE for it! WOOT! neon in every colour! hell, if they made neon black i'd probably wear it! i can barely contain myself. it's like an excited rainbow explosion! (accessories after the jump!)

tarmark diva: TOKYO (the haul and pics!)

so i live on the other side of japan. Osaka is west, tokyo is east. and while i love my city (shout out to O!), lemme tell you, tokyo knows how to do shopping! now, this wasn't my first shopping trip to tokyo but, it was the BEST. namely because instead of heading to played-out harajuku, we headed to GINZA. let me explain...

Diva does NYE 2012 TOKYO: the look and pictures!

friend, fellow countryman, globetrotter  and stylish blogger jenson stopped by for NYE pics.. cus stylish ppl should ALWAYS pose together. check out his tow-tie! check out his blog here

This was my first new year's eve in japan. i'm usually off on vacation as i despise winter and need the respite! however due to budget constraints caused buy buying a new computer and moving, this diva had to stay put this year. but nothing can stop me from having a good time and doing it in style, not even a budget, so i hopped on a jetstar flight (budget!) from my home in Osaka, and flew across the country to Tokyo.

work it out: last minute NYE style!

Cocktail Dresses
Pumps

happy holidays!
as i write this post, i still do not have a new years eve dress! in fact, i should be getting ready to go shopping instead of blogging.. priorities! ( also happy holidays divas! i hope you had a fantastic Christmas!) anyway this year i plan to keep things classic. im headed to a hotel party and im not a big fan of "club wear" so im going to try to find a classy cocktail dress, and of course, something that flatters my curves.

obsession: oxblood EVERYTHING! (i'm back!)

oxblood = LIFE!

so its been an extra long minute and a half since my last post.. i went on vacation and them my computer committed suicide and after a long battle with Apple, which i lost :( , i had to get a new computer. 5 mths later.. im back! i really did NOT intend for the blog to be down, but trying to blog from the ipad was ridiculous... but anyways... were back... and obsessing over oxblood! YAY!

diva takes a vacation

wild lilies next to my friends house in Tobago. who wants to blog when lilies are growin in the wild! not me!

hey divas! its been a while hasn't it!? if you subscribed to the tumblr or facebook page then you already know i why! after an insanely hectic july that included finding a new job and moving, this diva needed a vacation... again

obsession: turquoise

my turquoise obsession: turquoise beach cover up, aqua vest and gold and turquoise hang necklace all H&M,
turquoise medallion earrings (Muddy) 

Hi divas! sorry i haven't posted in awhile :( ... i've been hella busy, in the process of moving, getting over a nasty summer flu and saying goodbye to friends! but somehow amidst all the crazy goin on lately i've still managed to get in my summer shopping. clearly i have my priorities in order!

sauce & stilettos: DIY cocktail party!

mojitos are the ultimate summer cocktail. no argument@

yeah.. i know its monday but i'm sure its 5pm SOMEWHERE so let's talk about my fav food.. cocktails (ok well my fav food is really roti but work with me!) in this heat, you are lying to me if you say you don't day dream about an ice cold refreshing cocktail at the end of the day..er.. i mean week.. i'm not an alcoholic.. i swear... but have you SEEN the price of drinks lately? personally, i can't make bar hopping a weekly habit; especially given upcoming summer vacation....but i've found a genius solution.. have your OWN cocktail party at home!. you should probaby invite some friends 'cuz apparently drinking alone is frowned upon. no idea why. so in celebration of happy hour somewhere, i bring you my fav cocktails  and tips to get your DIY cocktail party started just right. see more after jump!

work it out: summer vacay style!

Shorts
Sandals

CLICK ANY ITEM ABOVE TO SHOP.


hot sun. white sand. cool clear water. sipping mojitos under an umbrella... you get where i'm going with this. yep.. summer vacation! if you are anything like me then you def have a summer getaway planned! sooo excited...but what oh what do i pack? aside from the obvious basics like a swimsuit, sunblock and bronzer, what do you throw into that carry-on for your trip? after several trips where i over-packed or under-packed (somehow i ended up in Seoul with no bottom pieces! eek!) i've finally got it down to a science.. here's my list:

obsession: flat sandals

Sandals
Nail Polish

CLICK ANY ITEM ABOVE TO SHOP

sandals are my favourite type of shoe.. wait...who am i kidding, thats a lie. everyone knows i'm obsessed with pumps.. but flats come in at a close second! i love the feeling of a "barely there" flat! it's the perfect summer shoe. a great sandal does what any great accessory does - wake up an otherwise boring outfit, or add the perfect finishing touch. 

the make up bag: summer bronzers and blushes.

Face Blush
Eye Shadow

Wake up your complexion with glowing bronzers and vibrant blushes.
CLICK ON ANY ITEM ABOVE TO SHOP.

unless you live in the southern hemisphere, im sure you know that summer is officially here. cue shorts, sunglasses and floppy hats! summer is my favourite season, as its the one that reminds me of home the most. us tropical divas thrive on hot sun and salty water.. yay beach... but inbetween beach "limes" ( a trini word meaning get-togethers) and summer bbq are a host of other summer outings that requires a diva to represent.. to step out looking all fabulous despite the weather... divas shine in ALL seasons. you know it! and that brings me to this post: summer bronzers and blushes. check out my favourite bronzers and blushes after the jump!