Castello di Amorosa- photo diary

Umm... I am obsessed with my GoPro! 

I had a scarf with me that didn't make it to this photo, but yes it was crazy to wear this top considering that it was 8℃ out this afternoon. Never got to wear it more than once in Manila since I always managed to sweat in it even if it's supposed to be breathable but I guess that doesn't apply to all climates. 

Frescoes in the Great Hall were done in 18 months by two artists from Italy. So beautiful! 

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We visited the Castello di Amorosa this morning for a tour of the castle and to taste some of their wines. Learned so much from this trip and I'm glad I didn't back out since I thought it was going to be boring at first. The authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle/winery was really pretty and I can only imagine the grand events they have around the place each month! They had so many things brought in from Europe and the imported materials to build the castle alone amounts to at least $40,000,000. I especially enjoyed the torture chamber with authentic tools & machines, as well as the great hall with frescoes by two Italian artists. If you're visiting San Francisco I'd recommend driving up to Napa Valley if you're into wine and your group consists of mostly adults (my brother didn't get to sample the wine so it wasn't as fun for him). 

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SNEAKERBOOTS

I caved and bought a pair of sneakerboots [after swearing off wedge sneakers for life] this week just because they were in my fave colour scheme. Really comfy but I can feel that they're too warm for Manila weather so I can't be walking around the neighborhood in these unless it's raining. I'm dying to get the men's version [Nike Air Max 90 Sneakerboot] but they ran out of my size at Niketown. Hoping to find a pair for myself before leaving SF! They run a bit small so I had to get a women's 8.5 instead of 8. Other than them being snug I love the WaterShield finish so I know they'll keep my feet dry for the rainy season.

Paired with department store jean leggings and a flannel shirt from Urban Outfitters. Wore this today (December 25) while looking for a place to eat with the fam. All the shops and major restaurants were closed plus the diners were packed so we had no choice but to eat at Carl's Jr. Being the only pescetarian meant I had to choose between fried zucchini, onion rings and french fries. As much as I hate the cleansing fad happening recently that's all that's on my mind at the moment- I have to detox and eat clean once I get home. No workout can save me from feeling like a deep fried ball of butter (frozen then re-fried) right now.

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I know you've seen this green Topshop jacket in a lot of my posts but I can't help it, it's definitely one of my go-tos because it's thick enough for the weather here plus the huge pockets are so awesome. 

This Adidas by Stella McCartney backpack is hands-down my most favorite bag at the moment. I use this a lot for work since it has pockets in all the right places- a water tumbler on the left and my keys, tape meter and iPhone on the right, makeup/quick grabs on the back pocket and a super roomy main compartment that can even fit my MacBook pro. It's the best for traveling since I don't need to get shopping bags from every store & just stash everything I buy inside it. The matte black is just perfect for me. With the amount of tugging and heavy items I pack I'm impressed with its durability! 

Another pair of comfy boots made it to my faves shoe rack. 

This piece from River Island made some people on the street stop just to ask me about it. Quite heavy but it's definitely a head-turner! 

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Spent the 24th downtown just looking for cute items and shopping with my parents and siblings. Our Christmas eve involved chatting and eating inside our hotel suite, but we had cousins and relatives with us this year. It's becoming a yearly tradition- spending Christmas in a hotel room- and I guess it's because we're too lazy to cook up our own meals or even dress up when we're stuck at home. I feel very blessed to be able to do this with the fam! Spent about 2 hours calling and greeting relatives around the world after hours of gluttony as well. We didn't do presents this year, but spending Christmas here has got to be the most fun in a while! I love San Francisco!!! 

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