i've never..episode one: the broiled duck embryo

so my friends 'attempted' a belated surprise birthday for me until i ran into them on my way inside ayala and found them mulling over which cake to buy in vanille patisserie. i actually felt bad at first because i was supposed to meet karen there at 8:00 PM and she told me she would just text me when she's on her way, only to find her with our other friends without texting me. it took me a minute to realize after seeing their shocked faces that it was a surprise for me. so i gave them time and told them i had an errand to run and will be back right after. but yes, even when i busted them planning my surprise, it was still pretty sweet. they had the waiter bring my birthday cake (the small balls on top are super yummy truffles) and my balloons. and guess what? they gave me a jane austen book too! yey!

anyway, so on to the much awaited balot challenge -- one of the many challenges my friends and i are going to make over the next few weeks. we drove midtown and found a balot vendor by the city's rotunda and each bought a 16-day old balot --- one with a slightly formed duckling inside. with the help of the dark street, some vinegar and salt, suffice to say, it wasn't much of an excruciating experience for me as it was for karen. she really had a hard time swallowing the duck embryo. here are some photos:

grey dress - props

leopard-print flats - parisian, sm dept store

bangles - gifted

rings: starfish and round white - props

necklaces: fairy - props | handbag - parkmall

ps. Join Fashionista Fortune Cookie's First Ever Giveaway! She's giving away 3 jackets!