Brands for Grabs

Ralph Lauren's Memorial Day Weekend Sale Event

2013-05-22T11:30:00.000+08:00

Most Wanted: Sea-Inspired Hues from Zalora

2013-05-19T11:32:00.000+08:00

OOTD: Stripes and Studs

2013-05-08T13:11:00.000+08:00

#OOTD

the stripes

Top: Forever 21

Bottom: vintage

Flats: Ledonne

Accessories: gifted (pearl necklace), The Ramp Crossings(leather cuff)

Watch: Aldo

the studs

A rather funny story comes with this striped top from Forever 21. I was looking for a navy blue and whilte striped top to match with this pants. I thought this was in blue. I didn't bother to put on my glasses that time. When I reached home, I found out that it was a black and white stripes, which I had already. Oh well...

What I really love about this top are the studs along the shoulder blades. Makes it a bit edgy. ;)

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

The Trusted Telecommunications Brand

2013-05-06T11:27:00.001+08:00

I am really happy that our local telcos are offering services similar to that of the bt vision packages. Like that of BT, they have bundles for cable television, broadband, and calls.

Preferred Telcos Features

Bundled with other features such as telephone and Internet
Reasonably priced
Unlimited features
Good programming, that is, has a variety of program classifications
Quick, fast, tech support

What I love about my telco now

They seldom have down times. On those down times, they give rebates or adjust your bill.
They give discounts to early payments. When we pay at least 3 days before the due date, we get credits the next billing cycle.
It has a good and balance programming, which touches on sports, animation, movies, music, documentaries, fashion or lifestyle, hobbies channels among other things.
They have multi-channels for feedback, such as Twitter, mobile, and telephone.
They have quick tech support, and would even schedule right away visits to check on tech complaints

Observed downside of my local telco

They claim to have 24/7 customer service, but when we tried calling them during the weekends or late hours at night, we don't get a response. Over at the phone, we would hear a recording that "all our customer reps are engaged at the moment," but when would wait, their CROs never come on line.
They may have to review their customer service mantra for this.

Overall, we're happy with them. I kinda like their branding, which promotes family bonding at home. But I wished they would grow to be as efficient as BT.

What do you consider a good telecommunications company?

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

OOTD : Brown and Denim

2013-04-30T19:32:00.002+08:00

#OOTD

Top: gifted

Jeans: Mossimo

Shawl: gifted

Flats: Schu

Bag: The Landmark

Watch: Timex

There's something about summer that makes me want to go basking in the sun despite the heat. LOL

So, one time, I did just like that and here's the proof.

It was hot and windy, but fun! XD

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Spring Cleaning How-tos

2013-04-27T19:14:00.000+08:00

I don't have a lot of space to store things, so I do spring cleaning any chance I get. I actually enjoy spring cleaning because afterwards I feel like I also have scrubbed and polished myself. Ha ha!

My spring-cleaning style includes the following basics:

Storage Boxes

Before I store away stuff that I don't need anymore, I get first storage boxes where I can put them all in. I'd have them in different sizes and decide which stuff goes to which box. It's easier for me than to pile them up first and then haul them in boxes later. It's more efficient for me.

Once I have the boxes ready, I start sorting out all my stuff. I follow the first-in, first-out principle. Of course, the old ones go first, although sometimes it's hard to do this because you have a memory associated with the stuff itself. So there's actually a lot of decision making going on.

Storage Organizers

Anyhow, I do it, otherwise I'd have a lot of stuff that I don't need and it would cramp my place. Once I've put away old and used stuff, I'd get storage organizers. Yes, I also change my organizers every now and then and color code them sometimes, depending on my mood or theme (I am so fond of having themes!); never mind if they are disarranged after sometime.

Store-away Plans

The last part is to decide what to do with the discarded stuff. Sell or give away? I sell those who are still in good condition and if they are of the expensive brand. I give away the rest. Most often, I donate them to a bazaar for a cause.

What is your spring-cleaning style?

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Nichido South Beach Multiple Stick Blush

2013-04-26T13:30:00.000+08:00

I was just walking around the cosmetics section of SM Makati when I chanced upon this brand. The lady demonstrated how to apply the product, and she was successful in convincing me. Ha ha

I like it because:

small dabs on the cheeks and swipe gently, it gives already the natural blush color.
it comes out with tiny shimmer that is almost unnoticeable
it comes cheap

I thought to myself, for a product that is less than P500 (Or was it less than P300. I forget the exact price now.) and gives a natural blush look, it's not bad at all. So I grabbed it and pretty happy about it.

Does it look natural enough? In fairness, I have no lippy on yet. ;))

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Wrangler's Moisturising Jeans

2013-04-24T13:57:00.000+08:00

Model: Lizzie Jagger

Photo grabbed from the article on Vogue UK

Yes, you read it right. Wrangler launches first pair of moisturizing jeans.

While wearing the jeans, your legs are also being moisturized. Well, why not? :D

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

OOTD : Relaxed Sunday

2013-04-21T21:54:00.000+08:00

#OOTD

Shirt: Active Tee

Shorts: Mudd Jeans

Slippers: Havaianas

Sunnies: Mango

Bag: Sapato Manila

Bangles: gifted

Today is the opening of Bgy Merville Summer League. My elder son is part of one of the basketball teams. So it's a relaxed and fun Sunday, actually.

It is heartwarming to see court dads, who are very proud of their sons. :D

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Spring Essentials for Men From Polo

2013-04-20T11:07:00.000+08:00

Men should look good, too! Grab a Polo from their spring collection now! :)

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Night Makeup Dos and Don'ts

2013-04-20T10:03:00.001+08:00

I saw a video on Facebook featuring Filipino couturier, Monique Lhuillier, as one of CNN's Powerful Women. This led me to Lhuillier's Facebook page and to her magazine features, and ended up on an article about nights out in London.

I was fascinated by the photos, especially on the makeup and fashion. I consider myself a newbie in the makeup department. My challenge really is to make my made-up look stay longer. This make me think about the dos and don'ts of evening makeup.

Image Source: Stylezza.com

Night Makeup Dos

Moisturizer - Moisturize your skin before applying makeup.
Foundation - Pick a foundation that matches your skin tone.
Highlight a feature - Choose a focal point to emphasize. It can be the eyes or the lips. I suggest that you choose whichever is your asset. For instance, in my case, I would often highlight my eyes, as they are my best facial feature. I'd go for smoky eyes, and apply a heavier mascara on my eyelashes and curl them just right.
Shimmer - A little shimmer on your skin will look gorgeous at night. You may use a shimmer lotion or shimmer blush. What I do is to splotch glitters on the exposed portions of my skin like the shoulders and cleavage part. I would also put some on my eyelids for added drama. Other times, I'd apply a shimmer mascara.

Night Makeup Don'ts

Mascara - Don't overdo that mascara. Make sure to follow that mascara application with a good brush to avoid clumping.
Highlight a feature - Don't choose to highlight the eyes and the lips. If you put dark, heavy makeup on the eyes, the lips should be in neutral color. Or if you choose to highlight the lips, because you have those Angelina Jolie-like lips, then leave your eyes a little lighter, perhaps just some glitter eye shadow on the eyelids will do.
Blush - Don't stripe on blush. Use a good blush brush and do some sweeping strokes on your cheekbones.
Eyebrows - Although night makeup requires a heavier makeup, don't overdo your eyebrows. Don't make it strongly arched or thick, unless you're going to a themed party.

The general idea is to know all the angles of your face and the type of your skin, to be able to put on that great makeup for any occasion.

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

2013-04-19T18:20:00.001+08:00

You gotta watch this. It's true! Made me teary eyed!

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Unarosa Mid-Season Sale

2013-04-17T12:51:00.001+08:00

Check out these Unarosa store locations:

Shangri-La Plaza, 5th Level

The Block at SM North Edsa, 4th Level

SM Megamall, Bldg A 2nd Level

Shoppesville Greenhills

SM Fairview, Annex 2 2nd Level

Marquee Mall

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Weekend OOTD

2013-04-16T08:56:00.002+08:00

#OOTD

Top: Forever 21
Bottom: Mango
Slip-on: FitFlop
Bag: The Landmark
Watch: Parfois
Necklace: Promod
Sunnies: Mango

Actually, this was my Sunday's OOTD. Went to church looking all spring-y and sunshiny because of the stripes. It was my first time also to mix and match colors (aka color blocking): blue, orange, white, brown, and gold. That's a lot of colors ha! Ha ha...

I think it went fine. ;)

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Sigma Eye Liners, How-To

2013-04-14T07:12:00.000+08:00

I seldom use eyeliners because I already have big eyes. Or maybe this is just a myth I concoct myself. But really, I refrain from putting on eyeliners because I'd feel that I'd look like an owl afterwards. Ha ha...

Anyhow, through the years when I am able to experiment on eye-liner brushes and use different shades of eye colors, I found that it's really okay to put an eye liner even on big eyes like mine. I just needed to discover different eye-liner brushes and their uses.

If you are like me, a newbie on putting eye makeup, especially eye liners, here are some beauty tips using the Sigma Beauty eye liners:

EO5-2T Sigma Eye Liner

Description: Fine tipped and tapered | Create smooth and even lines

Dimensions: Length: 6 ½ in. (16.51 cm)

How to use: Fine-tipped and tapered, the E05 is the standard eye liner brush for creating thin and precise lines and works best with gel or liquid liners. Use with gel or liquid liners.

E10-2T Sigma Eye Liner

Description: Thin and precise tip | Precise application of liner

Dimensions: Length: 6 1/8 in. (15.58 cm)

How to use: Slightly smaller than the E05, the E10 has an ultra thin and precise tip for producing small and detailed lines when working with gel or liquid liner. Use with gel or liquid liners.

E15-2T Sigma Eye Liner

Description: Flat and sharp thin edge | Sharp and precise application
Dimensions: Length: 6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm)
How to use: The flat, sharp edge of this brush is best for pressing product along upper and lower lash lines to create an easy thin liner and works with gel, liquid or powder products. Press product along upper and lower lash lines to create an easy thin liner. Works with gel, liquid or powder products.

E20-2T Sigma Eye Liner
Description: Soft and precise flat head | Concentrated color application
Dimensions: Length: 6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm)
How to us: Blending out liner for a smudged look is simple with the E20′s soft and short bristles. Apply color onto small areas of the eye such as the outer eyelid. Also use to smudge the lower lash line.

E65-2T Sigma Eye Liner

Description: Angled, thin and firm head | Create precise lining

Dimensions: Length: 6 1/2 in. (17.78 cm)

How to use: Moves fluidly and easily across the upper and lower lash lines. Use with gel, cream or powder liners. The E65 brush has an angled, thin and firm head that can be used to apply gel, liquid, or powder liner to create a perfect cat eye. *Best-seller!

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Mid-Season Sale at Dorothy Perkins

2013-04-12T09:38:00.003+08:00

Find Dorothy Perkins shops in the following places:

Ermita

Robinsons Place Manila, Level 1

Mandaluyong

Robinsons Galleria, Level 2

The Podium, Level 3

Makati

Glorietta 3, Level 1

Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Centre, Level 2

Quezon City

Trinoma, Level 3

Pasay

SM Mall of Asia, Level 2 (Main Mall)

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

On Branding

2013-04-09T12:14:00.000+08:00

Companies know very well that products when turned into brands sell. That is why they really invest in a good and legitimate branding agency to do their ad campaigns.

One of the recent ad campaigns that made an impact on moms like me was P&G's "Thank You, Mom." It was released on Mother's Day last year and highlighted the role of a mother to her children's success in sports. This was effective because the campaign featured Olympic athletes. That ad cemented my trust in the brand even more.

Another brand whose ad campaign made me buy their product was Reebok. In 2008, they came out with the "You Move." The ad, like that of "Thank You, Mom," featured athletes and invited consumers to watch the athlete's moves. In turn, the consumers are also encouraged to to share their moves. There is engagement and thus a community was built around that brand. I was not a Reebok user then, but after seeing that ad, I went out and get myself a Reebok. And the brand didn't disappoint. I loved my mint green Reebok as it provided a good cushion to my every step and jump. I was just too shy to share my move. :)

Branding is effective because it puts a product or brand in context with the consumers' lives. It builds awareness and appeals to the emotions, making it real and reachable. But of course, the branding for it to resonate has to be real and true, and delivers what it promises.

Which ad campaign made an impact on your buying behavior?

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Total Beauty Collection Revlon Edition

2013-04-09T08:44:00.000+08:00

Revlon started my make-up career so to speak. I would get supplies from family and friends in the US. So, I'm really excited to share with you today the launch of the latest Total Beauty Collection.

The Total Beauty Collection Revlon Edition is a special new Collection bringing you 4 full size products for face, lips and nails from Revlon's latest seasonal collection curated by Global Artistic Director Gucci Westman. For just $15 plus FREE shipping, buyers will receive the Collection (valued at over $30) along with Revlon's Pacific Coast by Gucci Westman Spring Colorstory booklet, providing tips on how to get the look.

This Collection is special for many reasons -- most importantly because it's the first Collection offering all full size products, and the first Collection offering products exclusively from a single brand.

The Collection is now on sale at: http://www.totalbeauty.com/shops/collections/revlon.

Pre-Holiday OOTD: Beige and Denim Blue

2013-04-08T18:49:00.001+08:00

#OOTD #aotd

Top: Bayo

Cover up: The Landmark

Jeans: Levi's

Accessory: www.ginantsilyo.com (Read here how it was done.)
Watch: Aldo
Shoes: Fancy Flats

This is supposed to be a lazy Monday, being that it is sandwiched between 2 non-working days, Sunday and Araw ng Kagitingan holiday (tomorrow).

So, I decided to go casual in jeans. I also got the chance to finally wear this cute crochet bracelet. ;)

But the day didn't turn out to be lazy at the office. It was packed with to-do's and a major snag. Thankfully, I ticked them all off except for the snag. Still, I'm happy because of a bonus, which is to write this post. The snag will be dealt with properly after the holdiay. Ha ha

Hope your Monday was equally full but happy.

;) Be social and click on the icons below.

Sunday's OOTD

2013-04-07T20:48:00.001+08:00

#OOTD

Dress: Bayo

Bag: CLN

Sandals: Mondi

It was so hot today and so I decided to wear a comfy dress to church today. :D

Can you also feel the heat from watching this photo?

Save 25% On The Polos Of The Season

2013-04-07T19:32:00.002+08:00

Click HERE for more details.

Kick Off the Summer with Caribbean Footwear

2013-04-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

Now, this is something that we Filipinos should be proud about. A local footwear brand, Caribbean Footwear is out to conquer the market with its hip, stylish, and vibrant color and designs.

But there's more to the looks of these slippers. The brand invested in good research and technology to come up with a footwear that blends art and science. Three things that the brand is proud of are: comfort, durability and creativity.

The Strap at its finest

Caribbean's own invention is the cutting edge technology perfecting the integration of comfort, durability and elegance in the strap.

The Toe Fashion

Balancing act of toe is well supported by the footwear's structure without compromising fashion and creativity.

The Mid-foot Curve

Artistically formed to create proper foot formation and posture that will enhance endurance while walking or running.

The Soul of our Sole

Provides ultimate protection. Scientifically designed to mold one's sole to fit perfectly fit, resulting in an anti-slip technology.

If you're looking for this kind of footwear, then grab your pair of Caribbean slippers now and kick off the summer!

MaxFactor Lash Extension Effect Mascara

2013-04-04T19:11:00.000+08:00

I recently discovered a new mascara that works for me perfectly. This is the MaxFactor Lash Extension Effect. As indicated in the stick, it's a washable waterproof mascara.

I like it because

it coats every lash well, thus not leaving the lashes looking clumped together
it doesn't smudge
despite it being waterproof, it's easy to wash off and not leave the area of your eye black

I don't like it because

it seems to me that the tube dries out easily. I had it for about a month only, but I feel it has run out on me. Ha ha

Caution: If you are looking for a mascara that will make your lashes look full or fuller, this is not the mascara for you. But I prefer it that way because I already have full lashes. I wanted a natural look, thus I chose it in the first place.

For more info and tutorial click here.

5 Things to Do Now for Flawless Skin by Summer

2013-04-03T23:01:00.000+08:00

TotalBeauty.com shares five tips you can do now for flawless skin by summer. Well, though it's officially summer here, I still think these tips are helpful.

Zap any brown spots, spider veins, or other "distractions," or do microdermabrasion (for your face and body), chemical peels, or intense pulse light treatment to help get rid of dry winter skin and even skin tone. You can also start laser hair removal. If you can't make it to a dermatologist or esthetician, Los Angeles-based esthetician Gina Mari suggests using a body scrub regularly at home for softer skin (she likes Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, $36, pictured above). Adding products with vitamin C will help even skin tone.

Striped Wednesday

2013-03-27T21:52:00.000+08:00

#BDIB - Bloggers Do It Better

Top: M & Co.
Slacks: Her Bench
Sandals: M Nicole
Bag: Accessorize

Wednesdays is wear-black day in the office. For today, I decided go black and white in (big) stripes on (small) stripes. Now, looking at my getup, I wish I wore a brighter and accentuating accessories. Next time, perhaps. :D

Armcandy: Forever 21 and QMAX watch

Necklace: Forever 21

Earrings: Aldevinco Shopping Center, Davao

Thanks to Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly for putting up this theme together. :)