Cian Turns 5!

My Baby Cian Stephen turns 5

Today, November 8, 2009, my little boy Cian turns 5. I remember it like it was just yesterday when I had the most difficult pregnancy... injecting myself on my tummy with Heparin every single day from my 2nd month of pregnancy up until I gave birth!, going thru the hassle of blood tests once a week, ultrasound every 3 weeks! I always had this fear of losing the baby even when I was already on my 7th month....'cos I could....really. Gosh, I thought I would never see the end of it... and now he's 5! : )

at Gerry's

with Ate & Pa

There was no party. We just spent the day in Trinoma. We had a sumptuous lunch at Gerry's, bought him his lemming toy : ), and saw This Is It.... let me tell you, this is his first movie at the cinema : ) He enjoyed the movie, but slept through the Thriller part.... HAHA!! ...I know, of all parts to sleep through! I enjoyed it immensely and at the same time I also felt sad because MJ was sooo close to the main event...and he's pfffft.... GONE.

I have quite a few pending reviews to post but can't find the time to do so. I promise to do updates as soon as I can.

My latest much-awed stuff is the African Black Soap from Venus & Mars... It's a dream!! Will post review very soooon!

'Til then.... xoxo

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hello everybody! I've been out of touch since after the Ondoy tragedy. I know I said "I'm Back" but then, (business) opportunity knocked and I grabbed it. I recently opened a stall in a mini mall in Congressional Avenue Quezon City. I thought of taking advantage of the coming holiday season...yah know, to earn a few bucks for gift-giving and kikay stuff...it's hard being a girl! HAHA!

My stall sells mostly organic stuff, some from Venus & Mars, a little from Human Nature, Mineral Makeup from Ellana and Bare Naturals, a host of body stuff I make.. from body scrub, body butter and body scents, burners and scented oils. So far so good.... hope it gets better as the holiday season approaches.

Wish me luck!! :)

xoxo

Nice to be Back!!!

I was in hiatus for quite sometime..a week, maybe two. After that bummer typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana), I just wasn't in the mood to blog about anything. The aftermath was the most devastating but in a way it's also good to know that there are a lot of good-hearted people who really went out of their way... some even risked their lives just to help. Chivalry is not dead after all! This past week also proved that prayers really do work. The reported super typhoon Pepeng (Parma) didn't land in Manila as expected and it just wasn't that super anymore..YAY for that! But still it also left people homeless in the Nothern part of the country...Gosh...why all these storms?!!

Anyhoo...I missed blogging. While on a break, I was never really away 'cos I was also going around reading blogs and commenting on some : ) Nice to be back!!! Will be posting about some acquisitions soon... : )

'Til then...

xoxo

Reach Out to Those In Need

Last Saturday, Sept 26, Metro Manila was immersed in flood water due to Typhoon Ondoy. It was unexpected. It happened before but not in Metro Manila. The amount of water that poured down was equivalent to 6 months of rain! Can you imagine that! A lot of properties were destroyed, families lost their homes, people were on rooftops. Social status was disregarded, people rich and poor were left homeless and hungry, unable to obtain food as they were stuck on the roof or at the upper floors of their houses. Some even died, carried away by the current of the flood waters. Rescue operations were delayed because the streets were too flooded, really in deep water, and too many people were in need. I guess our government wasn't prepared for a calamity of such huge proportions.

We were blessed to have a house located on a slightly elevated part of Quezon City. No cable, no phone lines, no internet connection are the worst we've been through. It's just like living a simple, no frills, just -the- basics kind of life... for that I am so grateful! It's NOTHING compared to what others have gone through.

My heart goes out most specially to our fellow beauty blogger, Shen. Last I heard, she still hasn't made contact with her Dad who lives in Marikina with her Uncle who has Down's Syndrome. She is worried sick cos the house where her Dad and Uncle stays is a bungalow. If you're from the Philippines, you know that Marikina is the flood capital of Metro Manila second to Navotas because the town is right next to a big river (Marikina River). She can't just rush to Marikina cos it's also flooded where she's staying now. I urge everybody to pray for Shen's Dad and Uncle that they will be delivered from harm. What's so sad about it is, she just lost her Mom recently ( a year ago if I'm not mistaken).

It's good to know that a lot of our countrymen are extending help whichever way they can, some by monetary, others by just being volunteers in packing and dispatching relief goods. I'm sure as individuals we too can help in our own little way...reach out, let's not underestimate the power of prayer.

How's everybody??

I hope everyone here in blogger are safe.

'Til then

xoxo

I won, I won!!!!

I'm ecstatic!! I won Shen's Birthday Contest!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart :) It's my first time to win something that's why I'm sooo excited..so please bear with me. Lol!!

I would also like to congratulate Shen for the nomination of her blog, Shen's Addiction at the Philippine Blog Awards. I really hope she gets it! GO GIRL!!!

Missha BB Deep Cleansing Oil

I had the chance to try a sample size of this as a freebie from a BB Cream purchase I made months ago. After using it and squeezing the life out of the small packet, I decided to buy a full-sized bottle. To make the long story short ---- I love, love, love it!

PACKAGE SAYS: 105ml. Botanical deep cleansing oil for BB Cream user. Dermatologist tested.

• This deep cleansing oil perfectly removes BB Cream residue to be well adhered on the skin with its fine particles.
• Contains Tea Tree Oil and patent ingredients, it protects your skin from skin troubles.
• Its oil texture makes impurities melted away and you feel refreshed while changed into water-friendly type and washed off with water.
• This water-free cleansing oil removes water-proof makeup and residue perfectly.

Botanical Oil: Sunflower Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Macadamia Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil

Directions:

1. Take an appropriate amount onto dry hands and apply over the face as if massaging.

2. Apply water onto hands and keep massaging and wash off with lukewarm water.

3. Finish with cleansing foam or wash for perfect cleaning.

Made in Korea

I SAY: Pardon the grammatical errors, I just copied what was written on the box :) I guess the third bullet wants to say that altho' it's oil in texture, once you apply it and massage it on your face with a little water, it instantly turns into a consistency that is not oily at all. It becomes water-soluble..and that's what I love about it. After rinsing, my face is clean and fresh, not oily! Of course I still have to follow it up with my facial wash to remove last traces of it.

Yes, it can remove waterproof mascara! It's equally effective in removing all kinds of makeup, be it BB cream, traditional or mineral makeup.

PROS:

• Cleans effectively
• No greasy after-feel
• No weird smell
• Shelf life is clearly stamped
• Convenient squeeze bottle avoiding wastage

CONS:

• Slightly pricey at around 1000PhP/105ml (~$22 approx) altho' waaay cheaper than Shu Eumura Cleansing Oil
• It's not really available locally, but some local online shops are selling it

Will I repurchase? Yes, If I run out, but I guess that's still a loooong time from now :)

How about you, what is your most effective makeup remover?

'Til next!!

xoxo

Lippy & Cheeky

It was a kikay weekend for me. My elf blushes from their studio line and 1 Nyx Round Lipstick landed on my doorstep last Saturday. This is my first NYX lippy and I'm so luvin' it : )

elf blush in Blushing Rose (left) and Candid Coral (right). NYX round Lipstick in Tea Rose

NYX Tea Rose on my lips (which were extremely dry and peeling before, thanks to Ellana Lip Scrub and Lip Treatment it looks much better now)

I'm partial to nudes but when I got to try this, I'm now a convert : ) I like how it gives a healthy and color to my lips.

This is Candid Coral on me. It's a subtle shade of peach with slight gold iridiscence when you really look closely... just lovely!

Here is a swatch of Blushing Rose (bottom) and Candid Coral (top)

Overall, I'm really happy with this purchase. I got everything from makeup valley. I'm lemming now for a NYX round Lipstick in Thalia ( a pink nude shade) and elf blush in Peachy Kin. I think the blush fever also got me, Pammy! ^_^

'Til next!!

xoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SHEN! She's now holding a fabulous Birthday Contest!

A Blog Award - 7 things you might find interesting about me

Posting of this award was long overdue, sorry guys. Well, better late than never.

So here it goes....

To Golden, thank you for this award. I've been missing your posts lately, girl! How have you been? I hope everything's well with you and your family : )

To accept this award do the following:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

7 Things About Myself:

1. No matter how rough things are going, I always try to look at the brighter side of it and still manage to let out a smile.

2. I judge a guy's personality by looking at his shoes. No, not the brand! It has to be clean. Dirty-looking shoes for me spells smelly feet. Of course if it's raining then it's muddy...what I mean is dirty unwashed sneakers...blechh!

3. I can't sleep with the lights on while my hubby sleeps with everything on (lights, tv and kids jumping on the bed), no need to compromise..he can sleep through anything.

4. I work best under pressure... or is it an alibi for procrastinating? ^_^

5. I have a lot of makeup in my stash that I rarely use.. if at all.

6. Hubby never courted me. We were just friends for the longest time, knowing each others flaws and strengths, gradually building a relationship based on friendship. Our marriage is not perfect but we hurdle the trials that come our way by talking it out sans the drama.

7. Ironing clothes is like Latin to me.

Now, I pass this award to:

1. jinxbea

2. gracie

3. nina

4. cabyness

5. sush

6. kay

7. charry

Get that Pinkish Glow from Prestige

These cuties really got me excited today as I was browsing through the "goodies" at Beauty Bar at Robinson's Galleria. I remember stumbling upon them at Nouveau Cheap some months back. I never thought it would be available here in the Philippines.

Tadaaa!!!....

Prestige Perfectly Fresh Cheek Tint & Prestige Perfectly Pink Color Adjusting Lip Shine!!

Packaging is really sleek and cute. Perfect for any kikay kit (girlie's make up kit)

There are 2 shades ( i think). I picked the Rosy, the other one is Sunny ( more orange-y in color). Rosy gives a very subtle, just-pinched glow on your cheeks ( please see bottom photo for swatch). It's not sticky nor creamy or waxy. In fact I'm clueless on how it really feels on the skin 'cos it feels... nothing. It just glides on your skin and imparts that pinkish glow.... i just love it!!

Shade: Rosy

This is much similar to Smashbox Oh Glow for the lips, sorry I'm not all too familiar with Oh Glow as I dont have one. But I saw a tester once at Beauty Bar.

I find this a bit sticky on the lips. Maybe because I'm not really a fan of high-gloss, high-shine lip products. But, yes it comes out clear on the tube at first and it gradually turns to pinkish after a few seconds of application. I looked like I ate lechon ( roast pork, a Philippine delicacy) when I have it on my lips. It makes a good lip moisturizer 'tho and the hint of pink is really nice.

*click photo to enlarge

Swatch of Cheek Tint on my arm. Notice the nice pink glow?? sweeeet : )

What made it more exciting is the price!

Perfectly Fresh Cheek Tint is at 375PhP, Perfectly Pink Lip Shine is at 295PhP

Hope It got you excited too!

'Til next...

xoxo

Ellana Lip Scrub & Lip Treatment

Flaky, dry lips ain't a pretty sight specially when you're all dolled-up. Even the prettiest lipstick in the planet won't be as pretty if you apply it on dry, cracked or peeling lips. This dynamic duo is like a soothing balm for my parched pouties... It's safe and it's natural.

Ellana Lip Scrub & Lip Treatment

From the website: Get soft and supple lips instantly. This rich and moisturizing creamy treatment is best used for dry lips. Based on natural plant extracts and butters to keep your lips kissably soft. Absorbs easily. Contains NO petroleum.

From the website: Our Lip Scrub contains loads of natural moisturizers and oils to exfoliate hard and flaky lips . Keeps your lips baby soft, pink and smooth. Simply rub it on your lips gently and wipe with a tissue. Contains NO petroleum.

I say: This product truly delivers. I enjoy using the scrub. It has a gritty consistency, like that of sugar. Right after scrubbing, my lips instantly felt soft and smooth. But what I really, really love is the Lip Treatment. I'm amazed how it can SERIOUSLY soften my lips. No waxy and heavy feeling...it just glides and slides on my lips ---- AMAZING!! At first you'd think it's really shiny and uber glossy, because of the way it feels on the lips but I was surprised when I looked in the mirror that it's barely noticeable. The vanilla flavor is a bonus...so yummy I can't believe it's not edible ^_^ I use it at night before going to bed. The scrub I use whenever I feel flakiness on my lips. For some, the treatment could be better if it's in a tube to avoid double dipping. Honestly, I don't mind at all! I just make sure that I have clean hands ( or fingers ^_^) before I dip it.

Both scrub and treatment come in three flavors, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Kiss, Cucumber Melon. Both contains Macadamia Nut Oil, Avocado Oil and Shea Butter. I guess the difference is the scrub contains sugar. I tried licking my lips after scrubbing and it has a sweet taste ^_^

Will I buy again? YES, YES, YES!

You can get it online at Ellana Mineral Cosmetics. It's a steal at 150PhP per 10g tub (~$3 approx), and yes they ship internationally.

How about you...What makes your lips soft and kissable?

'Til then...

xoxo

My First Tag ^_^

Cabyness tagged me!! --- 6 things that make me happy. There's a lot really, it won't take much to make me happy =) Here's my top 6:

1. I would really feel ecstatic if I could fit in to my pre-mommy clothes or better yet waking up one day and discover that all my clothes are loose which means I would be needing a new wardrobe...YAY!!

2. The sound of baby laughing never fails to brighten my day...that gurgly laugh! =)

3. Lying down on freshly laundered sheets after a tiring day! with matching down pillows...zzzz

4. The aroma of freshly-baked bread wafting from the kitchen...HOME!

5. The look of nudes and pinks on the face.....spells only one word, FRESH!

6. Planned or spur of the moment, I always find enjoyment in short out of town trips with my family. Would never trade it for anything...except maybe for a cruise also with family of course =)

I will tag:

golden of One Proud Mom, One Proud Wife

donnarence of My Lucid Intervals

ems tan of Twinsouls888

soapaholic of confessions of a soapaholic

nicole of xxnikkidooxx

eyezaddiction

'Til then, stay pretty!

xoxox

Eco Organics

I happen to pass by the Big Tent bazaar in Don Antonio last weekend, and boy...was I suprised to see hordes of people coming and going. I heard it's one of the most sought-after bazaars in Quezon City today. Slots are hard to come by as it's always fully booked specially during Christmas season. There were a lot of familiar Multiply sellers present. One product that caught my interest was a Eco Organics. They sell organic whitening soaps, organic hand sanitizers and organic insect repellent and guess what?----it's BUY1 TAKE1!! All 3 items are priced P80.00 (~$1.7) and of course you get 2...a steal! Here is what I got... I skipped the insect repellent tho as I still have a couple of also organic ones in my stash.

The hand sanitizer smells hmmm...organic. I can detect the tea tree and eucalyptus content. As for the soap, I have yet to try it. It says in the package it's a botanical whitening and spot-correction soap...that I still have to see. It's also proudly Philippine -made! Check out their multiply site here to know more about their products. Oh and by the way, the buy1-take1 thing is only offered in bazaars :-(

Nice packaging I must say ^_^

I will post a review on the soap after I use up 1 bar.

'Til then...

xoxo

Find Out Your BBW Signature Scent

I am cuddly. Sweet Pea is my BBW scent. It's quite accurate I must say. Why don't you click on it and give it a try. It's fun actually =)

V&M Anti-Bacterial Brush Set

At last V&M (Venus & Mars) 5-pc anti bacterial brush set is here!! It was delayed in transit. It came all the way from HongKong. But nonetheless it's here! yipee!!

How many set of brushes should one makeup junkie own?? I'm not even that of a junkee (yet) but I already have 3 sets of brushes not to mention the individual elf brushes and a couple of MACs (given as a gift). I guess everyone here knows how it all goes in our minds....you finally have the brush that you've been lemming for...all contented and happy (hu- hummm) Suddenly this brush/es comes along which everyone is raving about and you'd say to yourself...oh well, another set wouldn't hurt ^_^ Well this was exactly what happened when I came across this brush set in multiply (hi Jamie!)

Features:

1. Anti-Bacterial - you can now spare yourself from washing your brushes twice to four times (if you're lucky and you're not tobusy or if you're acne-prone) a week to make sure you don't put bacteria on your face!

2. Made from delicate vegan taklon hair - the most expensive synthetis hair.

3. Best for mineral makeup but can also be used for traditional makeup

4. Brush pouch has side pockets to put your MMU tubs and lippies in.

( foundation brush)

THE BRUSH SET INCLUDES:

1. Body/Face Buki Blush Brush
The fluffy soft bristles of the face buki brush can transform any dull day into all that's bright and rosy. It is very flexible and easy to use. It helps you create a very natural yet professionally done makeup. With just the right shape and proportions, it is sure to take hold of just the right amount of V&M minerals that will make you look fab in no time.

2. Foundation Buki Brush
The soft bristles allow for smooth application of liquid foundation. Maybe using this brush is even better than using a stippling brush! *wink* Create a more natural-finish with this elegant and intricately-designed foundation buki brush by highlighting your most loved features.

3. Angled Shader and Crease Buki Brush
The crease brush is round and facilitates contouring and blending. It is great for getting color in the crease while softly blending color out.

4. Eyeshadow Buki Brush
This extra soft eye brush is great for applying all eye shadows. It gives great coverage from lid to brow. These brushes are designed to buff on the perfect amount of minerals for the most natural, flawless application. Only the finest quality of hairs are used to make buffing feel like second nature.

5. Concealer Buki Brush
With this concealer buki brush, applying concealer will be such a breeze! Whether you want to apply it wet and dry, this brush will surely help you create the look you're aiming for!

6. Pouch

(Face Brush)

I say:

1. Brushes are all nice and soft to the touch

2. Passed the tug and pull test (no shedding)

3. No bleeding

4. Hair is dense (much more as compared to the kabuki brush of eco tools)

5. Foundation brush applies liquid foundation smoothly (likey!)

6. Nice pouch, it has that leather feel to it

7. Elegant looking red, shiny handles

8. Not really for carrying around due its size (kinda big to put in your bag)

(nice and shiny red handles ^_^)

Overall, the brush set is superb. The stars of the set are the foundation brush and the blush brush. What's good about this brush is that, for the price (in the price range of ecotools), it already comes with 2 eye shadow brushes. If only it's a tad smaller then it would be easier to ditch in your bag.

How much? P1099 (~$23 approx)

Where? V&M

'Til next!

xoxo

Take Me Home...

These cute beagles are for sale

They are bothe females, 2 months old, very cuddly and playful =)

They are pure bred beagles, they have complete papers to prove that. Both are well taken cared of like a baby. They are de wormed and have shots appropriate for their age. Their mom is my pet, they are 5 in all. Other siblings already found a home.

The Face Shop Mini Haul

* The Skin Extra BB Cream SPF 20 PA++ 1195PhP (~$24 approx)

45g/tube (with pump)

Package says: Smart 3-in-1 cream nourishes, protects and corrects in just 1 easy application. Formulated with Marjoram and Acti-firm complex to soothe irritated skin, this 3-in-1 moisturizer offers SPF-20 protection, corrects complexion with natural coverage and replenishes skin with nutrients.

Brightens the skin and feels light on the face when applied for testing. Looks promising. Will post review soon.

* Clean Face White Intensive Blemish Clear Patch 195PhP (~$4 approx)

1 box contains 50 patches

Package Says: Convenient blemish control patches for intensive patch treatment. Clear film patches with proven blemish control ingredients including organic Australian Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid provide intense treatment while Grape Seed Extract and 99.7% pure Hyaluronic Acid to replenish moisture and keep skin supple.

My daughter will road test these patches ^-^. I will post updates on both products soon.

'Til then...

xoxo

Beauty on a Budget

nice packaging

sunrise walk (peachy pink)

sunset party (pink)

brush when unfolded

when folded

left (sunset party), right (sunrise walk)

in daylight

Being a mom and the treasurer of the household, budgeting has always been one of my priorities. I'm constantly on the lookout for value-for-money stuff be it things for the home, clothes, shoes, toys and what-nots, and of course not to forget---makeup!

On a wet weekend I still managed to go malling (the mall rat in me). Walking, walking, walking and I saw HBC, I went inside and browsed through the merchandise and a makeup line named Krisanne Color Collection tickled my curiosity and I zeroed in on the blush. It's called Shimmer Blush and it comes in 2 shades Sunset Party and Sunrise Walk. It has this graduating effect of shades (of pink and of peach respectively) . I tried it...not bad! For the price and the packaging it's actually a steal.

Pros:

*price -- dirt-cheap at 142PhP (~$3 approx)

*in flattering shades

*nice color payoff

*not powdery

*not really shimmery ( which is actually a pro for me)

*nice packaging (magnetized closure..beat that!), quality of plastic looks easy to break though

*has spf of 15

*contains vitamins A, C & E (as indicated)

*brush is actually kinda soft & useable which folds and unfolds if you prefer a wider brush (call it innovation)

Cons:

*for P142??.....NONE! I can't complaint

Finding a product like this..I can't help but go...MWAHAHAHHA!!! you know, with that devlish tone =)

PS. As for the staying power, I'll have to post an update for that ^-^

How about you, any cheap discoveries lately?

xoxo