A Lifestyle Blog of a Chic and Sassy Mom

Giveaway | 3 Sets of Home Goods from @LaVitaBella.Ph (Closed)

2020-08-08T16:35:00.003-07:00

Mabuhay! Kumusta kayo? It has been a while since I did a blog giveaway. Since it's Buwan ng Wika in the Philippines and I'm soooo homesick, I'm delighted to host a giveaway in collaboration with my lovely friend. Thank you, Ri! 😘 Please check her IG page @ lavitabella.ph, she's been charming celebrities with her personalized BPA free containers #SupportLocal . ❤️ Plus, I've been meaning to launch another IG account just dedicated on my shopping finds...cause we're living in a material world and I am a material girl. ✌🏻🤫
Here goes...easy peasy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners are:

itsjennlim

paulakriselda

angelaaanicole_

Please note that this is not sponsored by IG or FB.

Thank you for joining! Good luck! 🍀

It's okay to not be okay with the New Normal ❤️ | Bay Area Life in times of Coronavirus 😷

2020-07-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

Annyeong! Hola! Bonjour! Hope everyone is okay...well it's not everyday that I'm okay...so I guess, like my fave KDrama says, it's okay to not be okay. Four months after the shelter in place, here I am, getting by with the new normal. It's so so hard! My greetings I said gave them as such just because for the past months, I've tried to learn Korean, Spanish and now I'm trying French...everything remains a work-in-progress. (I might have a better chance with French just because I learned it in college for years.) Oh well...Je suis desolee! I have moments, when I'm so very diligent, but then life happens, so "try" remains the operative word for now. So I'm trying to go back to my little space in the blogosphere...not to be bullish or bearish (hello, Robinhood), but to say let's hold for now, and let's just go through the motion given that I have few more months before I need to figure out how to change my blog header, just because so many things are changing...no longer I'll be 30 something when December comes, though dieting forever remains constant, I'm so closed to giving up Seoul searching (this for sure I will have to fix), the wanderlust and/or fangirl in me is making life as we know it now just so extra challenging. But I'll try to connect and thrive in the new normal...I need it. Aja!

#Nesting. I was assigned to this office space maybe about a year ago. It's only this week that I finally fixed it. I'm a field person, so I let it be. It was filled with boxes and no personal effects, but here we are, new normal with remote meetings...I just need a Zen space amidst all of these. Plus, maybe I needed something concrete/permanent amidst all this chaos...a space to call my own.

#Countyourblessings
Highlights of the past months (some are on my IG @chicsassymom @chicsassymomeats @chicsassymomfinds)

Left to Right, Row1:

1) I got a new company car, gave up my BMW to get a bigger Mercedes. I'm slowly, but surely, learning to drive most of North California, except for the city...not yet! I can drive as far as Modesto from Fremont. Yay! There's barely traffic, that helps. But still, putting gas is not my fave thing to do, last refill I tried, I couldn't open the gas tank, I had to leave without having it filled. I had to ask help.

2) Always a bookworm. Finding comfort in reading again...already getting my fill of romance from Korean and Chinese Dramas, ~~I grew up~~ so very timely, I mostly read inspirational and self-help books. We need all the help we can get, don't we all? Easy but powerful reads, my fave in the What Do You Do series is What do you do with a Chance? Answer, have faith and take courage, continue taking chances. I'm also seeing Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist in a very different light, now older and wiser (ha), it's a very compelling read about our search for our Personal Legend aka dreams...hope, don't lose heart in chasing after your heart's desire and believe that the universe will work its magic to see it in fruition. In short, think positive, keep trying, be open and be mindful, hear what the universe is telling us, and don't believe the world's greatest lie! Again, easier said than done...work in progress! Let's do this!

3) Selfie, selca and #OOTD in mask. Remember when only the Korean KPop and KDrama leads wear them, and here we are...wear mask, save lives.

Left to Right, Row 2:

4) You ought to know that ~~I'm so vain~~ I dedicate posts on my hair care affairs. 💁🏼‍♀️My last post last April (wow seems like forever) was about my golden curls, well, I chopped them. DIY. Oh well...my life's is changing and/or is about to change plus everybody else's is. In fact, I can hardly keep up. But I still do curl them with my ever dependable, can't live without Dyson Airwrap.

5) Got a new toy, Nutri Ninja Blender. Since, I'm on diet forever, I need to be purposive in making sure I get my dose of fruits and vegetables, this does the trick...I do Keto Coffee for breakfast + Smoothie for late lunch + 1 Low Card Dinner = Low carb and Low calorie diet. (There are days, I cheat and I can't stop eating chips and cakes, so that's why I can't go full Keto diet). This Ninja has been so busy, I make my smoothie (half a banana, kale, mixed berries and almond milk), then my boys take turn making strawberry milk shake and all sorts of chocolate shakes. For this, I get away from buying my son a Frappuccino.

6) Ooops. 🤭🤫After three months of no retail therapy, we went to Dessert Hills Premium Outlet on the July 4th weekend and I went crazy. I'll do another post, but quickly, I bought three Valentino Shoes, 1 matching Valentino Purse, 1 Balenciaga Purse and 1 Balenciaga Shoes. I feel so guilty!!! Maybe I will let go of them. Watch out for it, maybe, follow me IG @chicsassymomfinds .

I always believe...good shoes take you to good places! #Valentino

Left to Right, Row 3:

7) ~~After 30ish years, finally!!!~~ Every so often, I walked. Oh well. I try.

When I go around, my heart skips a beat when I see all these fruit bearing trees in my neighborhood. Hello, California living! Oh my, there are so many fruits and veggies here, I'm amazed! I just met plum and nectarines. Please know, that we just moved here, sort of!

8) Three weeks ago, I went on my first business trip to Lalaland. I had two indoor dining soirees. 🤭 Oh well. Check out my dining adventures on IG @chicsassymomeatds amidst the pandemic...mostly Door Dash and pick-ups.

9) #Plarent 🍀🌱🌵🙋🏼‍♀️Oh well... I dare to say I have a green thumb...succulents for sure, let's see how my office plants in weeks and months to come.

Anyhow, life must go on, for sure. To those who are doing so well, better than the rest of us, I'm so happy for you, please remain to be constant inspiration and fountain of hope to the rest of us. I remain a work in progress...chic, I try every time 😅, though I need some work on the sassy part. I'm turning out to be boring lately. But let's try to do this, one day at a time. Aja! 🙌🏻

Curls are the best when in Quarantine | Dyson Airwrap 💁🏼‍♀️

2020-04-22T22:00:00.001-07:00

Between remote working and wearing masks when I do go out, I was too lazy to spend extra time curling my hair. Messy buns don't care. But I noticed that I have more bad hair days. My heavily colored hair seems to be needing a trim soon, it's so dry, which isn't an option for now. I missed doing low pony tails, so I decided to curl it again. Sure, our quarantine life isn't perfect, but my curls are. Oh, please know that I'm so vain with my hair. 😉

Here's a belated post about Dyson Airwrap. Not to preempt, but I cannot live without it. It's the best gift ever.

Unboxing Video below:

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Friyay! 🥰Happy Mother’s Day to us, my dearest equally chic and sassy mom friends! 💞🌸 This is our weekend, oh yassss! 🙌🏻 🤩Kicking off mine with #unboxing my coveted gift! 💝 Thanks, real oppa @jbd1127 ! 😘 P.S. Cinggu @krisces @atty_chingky @celalindada , got my #Dyson #dysonairwrap too! 👭👭 @dysonhair See the deets @chicsassymomfinds ✨
A post shared by 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢𝙼𝚘𝚖 (@chicsassymom) on May 10, 2019 at 7:01pm PDT

Chic & Sassy Mom Tip: This is very important!!! Quickly, let me tell you that I didn't really know how to use it before, I even had to return and it was replaced with a brand new item, not once, but twice, free of charge (oh the beauty of Dyson and return policy here in the US, but it was disappointing and still you had to go to a UPS to initiate return process). I almost gave up...but the third time's the charm, I finally figured out what I was doing wrong!!!

The reason why I ended up getting only a small portion of my hair curled then the Dyson Airwrap won't turn back on even several resets attempts, because basically, it overheated. You are not supposed to turn it on and off during curling. You only had to switch between hot then cold temperature setting in between hair sections. You only turn it off, when you'll do the other side when your parted your hair in two (left, right), and change the curling attachment for the other side. So you have to keep it on during curling. I guess the customer service when they were trying to trouble shoot it, they didn't know that you're not supposed to do that. I wasn't alone, the UPS staff had to talk to me that she was having the same problem and she gave up, so she returned and asked for a refund. Big mistake. Huge. But I cannot blame her, it took me a while to figure it out too. Now, I'm an expert, easy peasy curls.

I use the same haircare products prior to hair drying and curling using Dyson. But I feel that I had nicer, softer hair when I was regularly curling my hair with Dyson Airwrap.

#ShamelessSelfie
No makeup. No Edit. I'm a skincare addict! 🙋🏼‍♀️

Hmmmm, my mood depends on how good my curls look. Hah. Just because love is in the hair, please indulge me, I get to have more #OOTD post (IG @ChicSassyMom), but then again, nowhere to go...but, curls run the world. Soon, let's hope for better days ahead! Cheers! ❤️

What I do in Quarantine and what I did with my COVID-19 Stimulus Check 🤫

2020-04-19T20:42:00.002-07:00

I wish you well. Let's remain hopeful. Let's keep counting our blessings.

Side story. I work like clockwork. I have OCD tendencies and I'm a workaholic...so no surprise that weekend derails my purposiveness...no work, stock market is closed (yes, yes...I'll tell you all about it in a little while), no language classes, no keto coffee and I'm just supposed to watch Korean and Chinese dramas, but I can only do it so much (fangirl with me on IG @NoonaDiaries). Gosh. I believe nobody has it easy. But with a steadfast and grateful heart, we do have to try harder...this too shall pass. Let's do this! To survive this, there's many ways to skin a cat...I saw a Filipino meme, it went like this. Gosh!

Yung iba means Others. Ikaw na kupal means a person who shows off or ostentatious.

My remote work is full time, so, no rest for the weary. My bedtime routine would include Netflix and Viki, but not TikTok (what is TikTok? 😅). Hence, by default, I'm on the kupal side. Hah. I don't mean to show off on purpose ✌🏻, but I'm being diligent on updating my blog (I really try to be on a happy mode, that's when I'm able to focus and write, otherwise I just do non-stop ~~worrying~~ thinking...no bueno), I do my Korean lessons everyday (and post my progress on social media 😉), I update my LinkedIn and I'm learning the stock market. 🤑

Here's my quarantine life in a nutshell:

1) Check my Stock Market Portfolio
2) 5-Minute Morning Plank/Yoga Routine
3) Keto Coffee
4) Remote Work (8:30 to forever, nah, I need to really fix me...work-life balance and burnout are real, folks!)
5) Dinner/Quick Family Time (oh, we tend to stay into our little bubble most of the time )
6) Blog, Social Media
7) Language Class (Currently, learning Korean)
8) Read (sometimes)
9) Watch
10) Sleep
11) Repeat

Let's be purposive...keep sharpening the saw. I cannot do idle, so this works for me. So, 10 years ago, when I was literally a stay-at-home mom, I started my blog and I went out seeking for writing opportunities for Smart Parenting online. Up until when I went back to corporate world. But such is life, now, we're forced to stay at home, so let's do this again. I would say that my biggest win and takeaway from this all is learning to invest, invest for the future, money wise and for personal development...to never stop learning. Better days ahead. I got a Stimulus Check, Wednesday, April 15. What to do?

Confession of a used-to-be shopaholic. It has been months since I last went to San Francisco Premium Outlet.

Months since I bought my last Jo Malone Cologne.

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In other news, my happiness in bottles and tubs ❤️🤩 #JoMalone @jomalonelondon ... newest addition is Poppy and Barley and the Honey Suckle and Davana is the gift with purchase. I’m in love! 🥰💋 #jomaloneaddict 🙋🏻‍♀️ @chicsassymomfinds
A post shared by 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢𝙼𝚘𝚖 (@chicsassymom) on Dec 29, 2019 at 1:28pm PST

I had a change of heart... just maybe, I'm not a material girl anymore living in a material world (follow me on IG @ChicSassyMomFinds). 😅 I realized that except for skincare, my purses, clothes and shoes are useless (ouch!).

I fell in love with Robinhood. Curiosity didn't kill the cat! Whew! 😅With that mindset, I'm glad I said "tell me more about it!". Believe me when I say that I'm clueless to Stock Market. But I love to read and to learn, so my natural tendency is to immerse myself in it. I'm so glad that I'm not losing money over it 🙏🏻🤞🏻, although I'm losing sleep over it. I do have a good coach. But with whatever you do, for it to truly sparks joy, it cannot be forced on you. You have to be into it. Commit. I have a funny and interesting mindset going into this. My quirkiness and all, make me believe and think that I can do this for good, and maybe I'll be good at it too.

First off, Robinhood is free and easy. This is not a paid post, but if you sign up and join Robindhood using my link, you'll have a claim to a free stock like Apple, Ford, or Facebook. My free stock was United States Steel.

Stock Market 101 with so many information out there will tell you, you can start small and now is a good time. Robinhood allows you to start with just $100, I did. Easy peasy transferring of funds to your bank account. When you put something into it, you have to forget that it exists. So meaning invest money that you will not need in the next 5 years. But there's no hard and fast rule, because it's your money, and you can do whatever with it anyhow, whenever, just for whatever. But really, it's just a mindset coming in to stock market, because you are looking at the future value, the potential of it, it's for a long term gain. We tend to dilly dally, but I 'll tell you how I did it! I'll spill the beans.

Imagine buying a pair of shoes or a designer purse on Marshalls, then on TJ Maxx, then on San Francisco Premium Outlet. It's basically money lost. My last purchase was for a MCM fanny pack. My most expensive recent purchase was for a Goyard St. Louis Tote. I used to believe that if someone tells you that you have enough bags, stop talking to them. You don't need that negativity in your life. Hah. Gosh. Imagine, I'm skimping to buy an Apple Stock, but really, it's just a fraction of a pair of Gucci Sneakers or a YSL Tribute shoes that I sadly just scratched because I missed a step. In my mind I would say, gosh, this devalued my YSL pair by about $200. But really, I'm just kidding myself when I'll say that I can monetized my purses and shoes...investment, really?! Even if you say that a collectible or a vintage appreciates in value, chances are, no...you will never ever let it go. So with the same mindset, basically, when you put your money on stock market, think of it as shopping or getting your fill of retail therapy. But the greater beauty of it all, now wiser and happier (remember, it's all about the mindset), with a lot of research, due diligence, tiny bit of luck, instinct and good advice (some have magical skills and they look into their crystal ball 🔮, I kid you not), chances are, in a year or so, I'll grow my money 🙏🏻... money don't grow on trees, but they do with Robinhood! Aha!

That's the plan, ladies and gentlemen! Honestly, I am so bad in multi-level marketing, that I will fail for sure. But some are very successful, so, to each his own. But, although at first, I am clueless going into stock market, but there are economic indicators in play and not some mambo jambo when you go into it. Take note that clueless is the operative word, because no exaggeration, I don't really know anything, but Robinhood app is so easy to navigate. Plus, get a good coach and you'll be set!

I don't know, it's too early to preach to say that I'm all out of love for material things. Hah 😅✌🏻But if I convinced you, sort of, that it's worth meeting Robinhood, instead of getting a new pair of Tory Burch winter boots because they're off-season and on sale, there are more tips that were useful to me. I'll tell you more about it next post. We are not even talking Chanel or Hermes here, imagine if you are into it, life will be a little less complicated. And so, my friends, that's what I did with my COVID-19 Stimulus Check, I bought stocks instead of purses. I'm officially an investor! That has a nice ring to it. 😉

To be continued...

I dream of Poppy Bloom 🌼| Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

2020-04-13T20:09:00.002-07:00

Before the shelter-in-place, we had our fill of vacays. We spent last Valentine's Day in Las Vegas. Super long drive from Fremont. We drove the night before and spent the night in Lancaster in one of my fave, preferred hotel chains (please check out my IG @chicsassymom). We had dinner plans in Las Vegas, but from Lancaster, we're already halfway our trip, about 4 hours drive, so we had time to spare. Like the trooper that I am, I searched what to do in Lancaster. Tadaa! Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, which was about 30 minutes from where we were going the opposite way, but I reckon we won't be in this part of California anytime soon (I prefer to fly), so why not. My boys complied. It's Valentine's Day, anyhow. But I wish, I googled more... are poppies blooming in February? Too late, I only found the live stream of the Poppy reserve after.

No poppy, but there's a Joshua Tree. 🌵

We hiked, hoping for even just tiny glimpse of orange patch...nothing!!! There were two trail options. I was thinking did we take the wrong one.

View Point

My boys were getting tired ~~and upset and annoyed~~.

I settled for this. No poppies! No wildflowers of any sorts! It was Mojave dessert like field.

So, I gave up my dream of having not just a bouquet of flower for Valentine's Day but a field of poppies as far as my eyes can see.

One Spring Day in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve cr: Park Photo

Live Feed today, April 13, 2020

Orange you glad you came? I would have been victorious with even just to see a tiny bit of orange. Oh well, next spring, let's remain hopeful. ❤️

California Shelter-in-Place: Life under Coronavirus Quarantine

2020-04-11T14:14:00.003-07:00

I hope everyone had a Good Friday. Purposive efforts today to soak in happy thoughts and hopefulness. I've been diligent in updating by blog every day, except yesterday, I had some real life drama. I'll not bore you with the details but let's just say that it was a life-changing decision. As with everything else, as I deliberate, instead of looking at the trade-offs as pitfalls, I decided to hope for windfalls. Aja! I haven't really talked about how we are doing in USA amidst the pandemic. This is Bay Area living for now.

San Mateo Bridge during San Francisco Shelter-in-Place

I work for an essential business, we do home health care. But as part of the Sales & Marketing team, we do our share of flattening the curve by doing remote work. Every so often, usually on Fridays, I report to our head office.

Staying connected, social distancing, quick huddle 6-ft apart.

But most days, our little family of three, stays at home.

I wasn't able to anticipate a trip to Costco, late in the game, I did online orders. Same-day Costco delivery took a week to be fulfilled by Instacart. It's better than none. But still, no toilet papers and paper towels.

Chaseyboy, my son, is in his little bubble. Conscious effort to remind him he is still in school, amidst homeschooling, oh well, raising a teenager...the struggle is real! My hubby stays home most of the time, cooks and plays.

XBox Forever...Call of Duty! Wow...sounds like he's living the California dreams! Ha. ✌🏻🤫

A few days ago, I risked going out just because we were told there's paper towels in Walgreens. 😅

Paper Towels!!!

People were on masks and gloves. There was somebody who disinfects, wipes and cleans the card machine every after customer. There's social distancing between the cashier lines. It's reassuring. If this will be the new normal, we can get used to this.

I feel victorious coming from Walgreens. I sweetened the day with a Mc Donald's drive thru for some burgers and fries. I so miss eating out!

Just how we do things with the current situation, from handling and unloading paper bags and grocery stuff, changed dramatically! I made sure to disinfect, sanitize and hand wash like crazy. For sure, life will never be the same again. We can only hope for better days! But we have food, toilet papers and paper towels 😅, so meantime, we're okay! 👌🏻Family and friends are reaching out to us to make sure we're okay. Thank you. Hope everyone is doing well. This too shall pass. ❤️

Lush, still my Fave Skin Care Product | #ChicSassyMomFinds #LushLife

2020-04-08T22:28:00.002-07:00

I hope you are all getting a good amount of beauty rest while staying at home. I'm trying to endeavor to get that in lieu of online shopping. Hah. I have been skimping on online shopping, my last was mostly Costco (and no, I didn't get to buy toilet papers and paper towels, as they were already sold out, when I realized I needed one), some Amazon, and only Lush made it to my essential must buy. Since my last updated skin care routine post, everything remains the same, except a variety of masks on rotation. I always talk about how I can be crazily addicted to something,...once a fan girl, always a fan girl 🙋🏼‍♀️. Lush is my new shrimp (*think Bubba in Forest Gump). Lush and more Lush, please!

Beauty Empties. My Celestial empties since September 2019. I did try to keep them, I was ready to exchange them for a mask at 5 empties to 1 Free Mask. What a joy! I'm joining the call to recycle, and yes, get freebies in return. Except all Lush stores are closed now, next time.

Somebody knows me well, Lush gifts for my birthday.

I just put up another IG account outside of my main @ChicSassyMom because I'm a material girl, living in a material world. 😉🤫Below are some of my IG @ChicSassyMomFinds posts.

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A post shared by ✶ 🎀 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝒸𝒮𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎𝑀❤𝓂𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓈 🎀 ✶ (@chicsassymomfinds) on Sep 2, 2019 at 5:32pm PDT

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A post shared by ✶ 🎀 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝒸𝒮𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎𝑀❤𝓂𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓈 🎀 ✶ (@chicsassymomfinds) on Sep 18, 2019 at 7:34am PDT

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A post shared by ✶ 🎀 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝒸𝒮𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓎𝑀❤𝓂𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓈 🎀 ✶ (@chicsassymomfinds) on Nov 17, 2019 at 1:58pm PST

I look forward to my trips to the stores, you get samples every time, so from there, I ended up getting more. So now, most of my beauty brands from head to toe are now Lush. Don't forget your skin care routine matters even we are living a quarantined life! 👌🏻I dream of Lush life for us all! ❤️

To ski, or not to ski? ⛷| #ChicSassyMomTravels

2020-04-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

When you live in the tropical countries, you long and crave for snowy vacays. There's just something magical about snow, thanks to Korean dramas and Fozen. 😉Sometime ago, we had to cancel our flights from Seoul, and get new flights to Manila just because there was a snow forecast. There was only snow flurry, but we're so happy. But then, spending winter in Chicago, made me think twice about snow. I decided, I only want to do vacay in snowy places not live on them. That's why California living is perfect. One weekend, when the weather was nice with a snow forecast, we went to Tahoe. Let it snow! It was so beautiful!

Our porch from the AirBnB Rental we got at Truckee. It was my first time seeing so much snow falling. I'm in love!

One check off my bucket list. But wait, there's more. They said, ~~do you want to build a snowman?~~ let's go skiing! To ski, or not to ski? That's the question.

Hmmmm, I pride myself from being adventurous, from food, zip lining, and what have you. But I was honestly scared for my almost 40 year old self, oh well. Never say die! I did it! We had lessons, that you must do! Got a day pass with everything on it, rental, lift pass and lessons. Chase, my son, did snow boarding. He's so good! I thought I'll be good at it because I can roller skates and roller blades decades ago. Hah. I ended up being so bad at it! I delayed the class and made everybody not take the lift. But I had one good ride, thank goodness it was caught on cam! See for yourself in my IG @chicsassymom post below. Don't judge. 😅

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🗻🎿...Glad I tried falling errrr I meant skiing...I had few good rides, unlimited falls...but body aches are real! 😅 We let it go, the cold never bothered us anyway. ☃️ Way to go @jbd1127 and Chaseyboy... you’re so good in going downhill! ⛷🙌🏻 😉 #OOTD #NorthFace
A post shared by 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢𝙼𝚘𝚖 (@chicsassymom) on Jan 25, 2020 at 6:31pm PST

My form was so bad, pizza on my mind 😅, but I was supposedly dressed for success. Haha. Ready for my Snowy Fashion in North Face from head to toe. ✌🏻I aced my OOTD post and snow angel. Another check off my bucket list, skiing! Will I do it again? Maybe. It depends. I might, when the weather is nice! ❄️

Everyday DIY Keto Coffee ☕️ | #DietForever

2020-04-06T20:42:00.002-07:00

For those of you who've been following me for years (thank you, dear! ❤️), a good mix of my posts will be dedicated to my weight loss ~~struggle~~ journey. Believe me when I tell you I've tried it all...the good, the bad and what have you (search 1200 Calorie Diet, diet coffee, etc.). So far, I can say, I'm finally victorious! I'll tell you more about it in details, since there's more to it than Keto. Also, yay, my gooodness, after years, exercise found its way in my vocabulary. But relax, let's save that for later, since we're sheltering in place. 😉

But first, coffee!

Note that I am not on full keto diet. I cannot, because I cheat on weekends. What will happen to all those fats when I do. So for the past months, I've been on low calorie, low carb diet. No, I'm not on intermittent fasting, just because I need my Keto Coffee in the morning so I can function well at work. But I do try to fast on weekends, when I can just be lazy and not think. Here's an IG post I made requested by my chinggu (friends), just because I've been doing a lot of OOTD posts, no filter, no edit! Hah. Please don't forget to swipe and watch the video below, or just follow me on IG @chicsassymom . #SharingisCaring

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Good morning! ☕️ As requested by my cinggu @krisces and @atty_chingky , here’s how I do my #KetoCoffee (sorry, this is best effort on doing a video, hope to be better, practice makes perfect 👌🏻😅). I have been on and off Keto diet since two years ago, I have a blog post (on my bio) , the coffee (about 350 calories) keeps my calories controlled (I just do low carbs now), as it can last me to dinner with a healthy snack in between or 3ish for my one meal for the day. No head aches. Plus, my blood works came out pretty good. And yes, it keeps my weight controlled too so I can do those #OOTD posts with no edit and no filter. ✌🏼😉😅
A post shared by 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢𝙼𝚘𝚖 (@chicsassymom) on Mar 5, 2020 at 8:02am PST

I love it with whip cream!😋 Enjoy! 👌🏻

#WheninLA Visit Paderia Bakehouse | #ChicSassyMomEats

2020-04-05T19:12:00.003-07:00

How's your weekend so far? Mine goes like this...eat, blog, social media, watch, sleep, repeat. We can only make the best out of everyday... live gratefully and love like there's no tomorrow, shall we? But when tomorrow comes, my Los Angeles business trip is waiting for me. And when I do, I'll make sure to grab more ensaymadas in Paderia.

One and only Paderia Branch in Fountain Valley

They are "open until sold out", you have to pre-order. Call ahead at (714) 916-5977 . And when you do, and you get to skip the super long line and just head out directly to the cashier. I only called in for Ensaymada. But next time, I'd like to try their Portuguese Egg Tart and Doughnut (Malasada). I'll update this post.

Ensaymada Plain $3 and w/ Chesse $3.75

Panaderia's Ensaymada

Filipino brioche. Originating from Spain, this sweet and buttery spiral-rolled brioche covered with a blend of sugar and butter. Add grated two-year-aged white cheddar for a savory contrast.

Patience is a virtue. Believe me. The Ensaymada needs to be really reheated before eating, so it's soft and it melts. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, then it will be perfect. 😋👌🏻Easy 5 lbs. I swear. It's a must try. So when you'll be in Lalaland, you'll want to bring home baked goodies from Paderia's.

Paderia's Bakehouse is located at 18279 Brookhurst St. STE 1 Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Contact no. : (714) 916-5977

Bakery Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Friday: 7am - 2pm/Sold out
Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 2pm/Sold out
Friday & Saturday: 5pm - 8pm/Sold out

The Rewards of Becoming Stay at Home Mom

2020-04-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Original Article Contribution published in Smart Parenting, October 2010 Issue

Hello! It's another weekend, oh well, it doesn't really matter. Remember, it's about staying hopeful and making the best lemonades (I can't believe I was using that line since 10 years ago!). 😉I'm looking at my updated popular posts, and it's just unusual how all most are from 10 years ago, just when I started blogging, and were basic connection building posts...very much so relevant as we all try to stay emotionally connected, mentally grounded and just here, ready to pay it forward. Here's a post I wrote 10 years ago.This goes out for all of us.

***

The phrase “working mother” is redundant. Regardless of being a corporate employed mom or a stay-at-home mom, it’s really all the same. It doesn’t make one better or lesser as a mom. Being one or the other either by imposition or by choice, no matter what, either with the trade offs or with the opportunity that goes with it, the possibilities worth celebrating and exploring are endless. If you just seat back, take time to enjoy the ride, and marvel at life’s greatest pleasure --motherhood.

A year ago (2009), I took a break from my seven year-corporate employment stint and opted to be a full-time homemaker. I want to celebrate it! I want to cherish this moment while it lasts just in case, I decided to pursue corporate employment again if the need and the opportunity arise. Without the clocking in and out demand of an employee, now, as a family, we can reinvent ourselves and we have all the time to enjoy being at one another’s company 24/7. More so, becoming a stay-at-home mom enables me to explore all possibilities and adventures there are as a wife, a parent and as an individual. This is me being given a lemon, and not only do I make lemonade, I concoct lemon sherbet!

Well, for a "newbie" like myself, I don't think that it’s just walk in the park, but at the end of the day, with practice, the demands of a full-time homemaker seem to be all in a day’s work. Also, contrary to what others would say, I still do care about holidays, because I also welcome breaks when my son, Chase, doesn't have to wake up early to school, so he can sleep as much as he wants. Everyday for me is an adventure of trial and error of learning how to instill discipline, study habits, eating habits, etc. and deciding which is just the right attention without being overprotective, or boring, or a "party pooper" at some time, while making sure he gets just the right slack. And yes, I still do get stress at times, like on the time when Chase cut his hair during his art class, on constantly reminding him to do his assignments, on getting him to eat healthy, on making him sleep on time, and of course, most stressful is when I play nurse and worries most on the days that he is under the weather.

Then: 2010 Our first time in San Francisco for Vacation. Taken at Pier 39 and Reno Circus Circus

To any parent, the challenge of having a greater weight in molding one's son is there! But to be able to do that is most definitely an amazing experience, and worth missing my monthly dose of retail therapy, which I did indulge as an employee.  For a full year now, I get to be a part of my son’s key developmental milestones. I get to meet his teachers, friends and classmates. I meet fellow moms and have the luxury of time to indulge in endless chatters about our little ones.

And I say that motherhood is simply an addiction, that during the few moms’ night out that I allow myself to have, over bottle of beers and shots of tequilas (now soju), and on our tipsy moments, we drank and laugh our hearts out over our little ones’ antics. It would even appear that we are having a parents’ conference. And I never run out of stories to share. I truly can be a Stage mom to my heart’s content!

Everyday is a “date” day with my son. Just because we are together after school hours, we are free to engage in debates on even simple things such as choosing which kids’ channel and show to watch best, and then to talk about these shows and characters as if they truly mean the world to us. To make him sit still in his car seat is never a thing of the past; he never gets tired of contesting it, and me imposing it, since we just have the time to bicker on about almost anything. Most of all, having the luxury of time to do things my way, I just have the energy not to pass up on every opportunity to take part in developing my son’s reasoning skills; hence, we argue and fight our hearts’ out, like there is no tomorrow on even silly things and occasions. Of course, the best part is the kiss and make up.

My son is at the age of discovering things, he never runs out of questions to ask and ideas to talk about – the ABC’s of why’s and how’s. I’m happy to indulge him with these musings with him regarding me as his ultimate walking dictionary, encyclopedia, World Almanac and Atlas, and even sometimes his debate partner. With this, I engage myself to commit in being a part of my son’s primary education. I marvel at things I rediscover, even at simple things like the color of the rainbow and that “I” in ROYGBIV is Indigo, which is supposedly Red Violet. I think that in time, I could even say that I could confidently say that I’m smarter than a 5^th grader, which I realized from the show that it’s really easier said than done. 

Now: How time flies and we're here in Pier 39 welcoming Yr 2020, living, and (missing home) chasing California Dreams!

My heart flutters when I hear him say that he’s willing to forego buying toys as long as I stay at home with him. This is the adult me that still can’t help rationalizing things. But being with my son constantly allows me to revere simple things and how simple gestures can mean so much and bring such happiness to both of us. The competitive and teamwork in us shine the most during party parlor games, when we want to win most prizes (and who doesn’t?). And then we take time to strategize to win most tickets and prizes on amusement parks’ games and machines. Daily dose of hugs, kisses and “I Love Yous” comes in unlimited quantity and availability. I remember attending a team building seminar that we all need at least 3 servings of power hugs per day. In a year’s time, I think I got my supply to last me a lifetime.

I cannot say that it’s all peaches and cream. Some moms stay at home because they find themselves in this situation. Nevertheless, for me, it’s simply meant that my cheese moved, and like in the Who Moved My Cheese Story by Dr. Stephen Johnson, I’m Haw and I’m just simply loving every moment of it. So, when I find myself face with this adventure, I lovingly remember my take on that simple, yet delightfully heartwarming and witty story (plus I love cheese...with wine, please!)

Allow me to share why from these excerpts and learning from the story…because in life, no matter what;

Change Happens – They Keep Moving the Cheese
Anticipate Change - Get Ready for The Cheese to Move
Monitor Change -Smell the Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old
Adapt to Change Quickly -The Quicker You Let Go of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
Change - Move with The Cheese
Enjoy Change! - Savor the Adventure and Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!
Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again & Again - They Keep Moving the Cheese.

So, I say, since I committed myself to do just that, I hold this experience to bond with my little one with the highest regard. Becoming stay at home mom allows me to capture and share family moments that are all scrapbook worthy. And as a bonus, I find time to reinvent myself. That it’s never too late to explore and develop a passion, like for myself, writing. And then at the end of the day, I say, lucky me, now I’m doing what I love doing best.

***

Present. Time flies...some things never change, but some did. It's so hard being a parent, let alone parenting a teenager ~~and a husband~~. 😅Props to every parent out there...my love goes out to you. ❤️

Learning Korean with Rosetta Stone | What to do in Quarantine at Home

2020-04-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

Annyeong! 🤗California and rest of the world, please repeat, we need to stay home so our front liners can do their jobs. Let's pray for fortitude. And while we're home, let's find everyday joys in little things. And while we're at it, in between working from home, family bonding and house chores, let's take this time to be purposive to keep learning, growing and improving. Let me share with you what I have been working on. I'm learning Korean! Yay! Finally, after years of finding all the reasons and excuses not to, better late than sorry! You ought to know I'm a fangirl and a drama addict, I'm taking it to the next level. Hah. ✌🏻

So between ~~investing~~ buying another Jo Malone 😅, (now wiser) I got myself a lifetime subscription of Rosetta Stone that enables me to learn as many language to my heart's delight. Yay! Congratulations to me!

Rosetta Stone Lifetime Subscription at $199

I enjoin you to invest your time wisely. Now that we have it, invest in personal growth and development. I like how Rosetta Stone are marketing it...it says binge more. That I can do. I can only watch so many dramas on Netflix and Viki anyhow. 😅The lifetime Subscription makes sense looking at all the subscription options and the cost. This allows me to indulge on more learning time and more language options. I reckon, since it takes me real effort to ~~sing~~ memorize a song, so I can only learn one language at a time. Obviously, because I love Seoul and missing it so much, I'm learning Korean first. Once you select your Language, it will be mostly Korean even mode of instructions, unless you click help, so you are challenged to keep up to be able to to navigate your way around the learning modules. The learning process is hinged on repetition for you to commit to memory, reinforced with a lot of speaking exercises. Then they introduce new concepts and words, then connect them to the previous items covered. It takes about 30 minutes per day. I take more than that because I review and return to my mistakes. You have to do 85% to pass. It will not stop you from progressing, but the warning sign gets me so I make sure to go back and retake. That, plus we have time anyway. Just because I watch dramas like crazy, I sort of connect what I learn every time. I especially found joy in saying haneul, which is sky. I always remember the importance and magic of haneul in the dramas. I don't have anybody to converse with, so that might be a challenge for me to be able to successfully retain it. But I'm watching dramas, so maybe that will be a different case from my previous experience of taking 6 modules, 2 years of French Lessons. Next on my list is to refresh French. But meantime, I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'll share a post or two on my IG @chicsassymom and @NoonaDiaries .

Korean Basic program is a 6-week course at 5 days/week. I'm done with Week 1. Not perfect, but so far, so good.

On a more personal note. I have OCD tendencies, so I'm compelled to do things in order like clockwork. I have a grand plan to make the most of this time, you know, make all sorts of lemonades like I said last time. In my routine now is taking a language class 30 minutes before blog time. I decided to be purposive. To still take control and make life changing efforts to learn to say "no, thank you!" and "please, tell me more!". Here I say, I want to learn more. The world is on reset. This is a time to emerge better and stronger. We have to stay home safely, ever more healthy and productive. It's a precious gift and sensible request from the so courageous Health Care and Community Service providers worldwide just so their sacrifices will be all worth it. Aja! Aja! Fighting! 🙌🏻

Valentine ❤️ by COIN | #LSS 🎶🎤#OnRepeat

2020-03-29T14:26:00.002-07:00

I have limited talent on singing, let alone memorizing song lyrics. That's probably why Korean and Chinese drama OSTs work for me...perfectly! If you've been reading my blog since 10 years ago, you would know that I tend to ~~obsessively~~ be a die hard fan of stuff I adore. Think Bubba on his love and adoration for shrimps. I can talk about "my shrimps" all day, passionately. I'm no music expert, but since I tend to overthink stuff (to a fault), it limits my playlist choices especially on English songs. Hah. Of course, I do keep the music we grew up with. Music and lyrics (message) matter. Although, for my Korean and Chinese songs, which make 90% of my playlist on Apple Music, not only they're euphonious but mostly I connect them to the dramas and the whirlwind of emotions I had while watching them. Anyhow, I love Coldplay. I don't remember if I wrote about seeing them in a concert. But I did. Big check on my Bucket List, and just because I'm Bubba, I can watch them over and over again. But proudly, I'm no one-track mind, I'm so open to new things. I'm easily charmed. My fan girl heart is big. Like after meeting Lawson and hearing Where My Love Goes, I'm sold! Anyhow, since we're Team Stay Home, we can all use a good and nice song to sing along with. My current fave is Valentine by COIN.

Fancy meeting you, COIN. I already love you just because we have a #Seoulful connection. Hah.

And you value Valentine's Day as much as I do.

And then there's Valentine in their recently released Dreamland Album. Super LSS.

COIN

"Valentine"

Yeah

You ever love something so much it hurts?

Yeah You ever love something so much it hurts?

You ever love something so much it hurts?

So you really wanna break my heart

Keep me burning on the back light

I saw you running around that's fine

But it's never that simple

Excuse me when you're 74 and gray

But you still wanna waste some time

You kidding me you can't Flip on a switch all at once

No, it's never that simple

Yeah, yeah

Believe me when I say I've tried

You ever love something so much it hurts?

Second guessing all for nothing

You ever love something so much it hurts?

Hey, hey, get away from me

Yeah, I'm talking to myself in the mirror half asleep

With freckles like constellations

I just want a new sensation, ah

Excuse me when your tattoo's fading away

But you still wanna take your time

You're kidding me you can't Flip on a switch all at once

You're kidding me you can't Flip on a, flip on a switch

Take your time I'll be around

Believe me when I say I've tried

You ever love something so much it hurts?

Second guessing all for nothing

You ever love something so much it hurts?

Take your time I'll be around

T-t-t-take your time I'll be around

Take your time I'll be around

Take your time...

First off, lyrics is love and oh so pretty (and easy to memorize 😉). Thanks to Apple Music, I say few more weeks, I can sing this without looking at the lyrics. Yay, believe me when I say that's a feat for me. Secondly, since I tend to over think, the message of the song sticks! Since I'm a fangirl, it's blissful. And so to you, to us, who want to pursue something but we're stuck and filled with inaction...let's think, this songs for you, for them, and to me...sometimes, and hope that even if we take our time, it will still wait for us, and vice versa. Listen to it. It's on Apple Music and Spotify. This one song did make me think. You ever love something so much it hurts? Even so, love like there's no tomorrow, shall we?

Rosa's Trattoria and Bar Tulare, CA | #ChicSassyMomEats

2020-03-29T11:06:00.003-07:00

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Hello, friends! 🤗I truly hope when this all ends, there'll be thousand versions and flavors of lemonade choices out there in the world to cater to everyone's preferences...surprise us, universe! This unexpected stop at Tulare was such one lemonade.

Side story. If you are following me in IG @chicsassymom , you would know that my last IG post prior to Friday's was my business trip to LA. I took the flight in the city, but would ride with them on our way back since hubby made instant plans in LA. On our way home to San Francisco, we had car trouble...worst nightmare! I was upset. We were upset. Our car can only take so much mileage. We had been traveling weekend after weekend. Silver lining is we have Triple A Premier Membership that covers 200 miles free towing services. Best decision ever. I tell you, without it, the tow will cost you thousands, more or less $10/mile. We were 400 miles away from home. Except it was a Sunday, they will only drop it off to a repair shop. They will only cover halfway of the trip. We have to split the trip. Husband using his first, and the second leg of the tow, will be my member's benefits. There's no exact 200 miles, and there's nothing in I-5, so we had to find something. Tulare was it. There'll be extra miles to cover out of pocket. We had no choice. And so, we started to head out to Tulare. I tell you, I love to eat. I'm a gourmand. I find joy in eating. It comforts me. We needed it. Starving, we Yelp-ed the best Italian restaurants in Tulare. And we found Rosa's.

Rosa's Trattoria and Bar Since 1962, Tulare, California

Hours drive, we all need a nice place to recoup and eat. It was one stressful day, and we're only halfway home. Rosa's didn't disappoint. Warm and cozy. The service was superb. Buon Appetito!👌🏻

Warm, freshly baked bread to restart our palate, literally to restart our bad day.

Chaseyboy's (my son) Antipasti choice - Mozzarella Carrozza

For me, Funghi in Padella

Italian food trip, more pasta and pizza, per favore.

Penne Arrabbiata...mine. Please know that I'm on/off Keto. The bacon got me here, hah, but the sauce and the spice made everything nice. It's worth cheating.

Scampin All' Italiano...my husband is a picky eater, can't sugar coat it...it is what it is. If I'm in a hunt of finding the best Japanese Bento of Salmon Teriyaki and Tempura, his is Scampi. He loved this! 👌🏻

Medium Pizza with Pepperoni, More Bacon for me and Pineapple. We love pineapples.

We ordered a feast. The food was wonderful. Grazie! It was getting late. Monday was just around the corner. I was purposive. I love adventure. I made lemonade by comforting ourselves that we will never probably find our way in Tulare, so it's a check off our list in places to visit in California....Good meal and more hours spent with the family...enough joy to comfort us and to send us off on a positive note as we went to the last part of our trip home. Grateful.

Rosa's Trattoria & Bar, Tulare, California

If you find yourself in Tulare and in search for a trattoria, find joy and comfort at Rosa's.
210 E Tulare Ave ,Tulare, CA 93274

#StayHome , Blog and Remain Hopeful

2020-03-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

Annyeong, cinggu! 🤗It has been a while. When I started this blog 10 years ago (wow!), it was right about that time of my stint as a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), I did it for two years. It was a wonderful experience. I was thankful for it and for a lot of things (see my first ever post). And here we are, I'm writing my first post after 5 months, just because, we all find ourselves, staying at home. I'm still here, chasing California dreams. 2019 happened. Life, as we usually knows it, happens, and then this...dire, desolating, disheartening, but still we must remain hopeful.

Before coronavirus hit US, unknowingly we were getting our fill of vacationing... a weekend in Tahoe, LA, Las Vegas, then Yosemite. On our way were fields of almond blossoms, as far as your eyes can see. We did a quick photo op, it was beautiful. Last year, we went to Seattle, it was already after the Cherry Blossom season. Because I can't be in Japan, we made plans to go back this year to Seattle to see the blossoms. The almond blossoms are as captivating but I was still looking forward to see cherry blossoms in Seattle, but as we all know, we can't... for now! But it's spring time. Let hope springs.

Fields of Almond Blossoms in Modesto, CA

It is a difficult time. Full of uncertainties. I'm writing just because my heart is about to burst, with anxiety, worries, fears, and sadness. There is no escaping this. Sometime whenever I find life here in California challenging (homesickness is real, people! hah), I have a backup plan that always makes me courageous, I can always pull a card where we can always go back home to the Philippines. I don't have that even. It scares me that USA is scrambling. Social distancing and sheltering in place are such difficult feats. Telework for somebody who's doing field sales for yearsss is hard. How can I stay still?! I can only watch so much Korean and Chinese dramas on weekend. I'm normally a homebody, but again, the thought that you can decide not to be one for the day comforts you that there is something out there. That too is gone. So when you overthink given the limited options, it gives me shortness of breath, no pun intended. But still, we must do it! There's a war going on, our front liners are risking their lives. For us non-essential workers, we must stay at home. Everyday, I hope that let today be a busy, productive and may it always remains a pleasantly uneventful day. I pray for courage to remain hopeful. This too shall pass.

Navigating Existential Crisis when No Korean Drama works | #ChicSassyMomxUSA

2019-10-20T21:10:00.002-07:00

Oh hello, hello! I'm okay! 👌🏻Fret not on the post title, I have a flair of being dramatic. 😅I'm on a crisis mode because I felt a sudden disconnect with my Korean and CDramas (ottoke 🥺what to post on my IG @noonades?!). Backstory. Oh well, some dreams are too awesome not to chase, so here we are on our 29th month chasing our California dreams. Life here, it seems can be amazing, but it's not easy. There are trade offs, heartaches and sacrifices aplenty. It's basically life as we know it, so what's not to like, or love even. I just have to live in the moment. I find comfort on my "me-time", which before I get from my drama marathons. (Let's call it out, shall we, I'm a 38 year-old ahjumma and proud fangirl! 🙋🏻‍♀️😅✌🏻) But now, nothing works...I don't feel blissful watching anything. 😭 I can even go on days not watching anything!!! Please help me, cinggu! I need inspiration.

I am a Capricorn, naturally, so no rest for my old soul. But I daresay I'm aging gracefully, just because I'm so vain (kikay forever) and I'm so committed on my skincare routine. More often than not, I now dress the part too. Hah.

#OOTD I adore Fall outfits! I love Tory Burch Boots ❤️👢

I'm so pleasantly busy with work, and our little family of three is so used to the daily grind of living here with nothing better to do except work, school for Chaseyboy, do house chores, family bonding for a moment or two, and then "me-time". The upside, because I don't watch dramas as I do before, I have time to go to the gym. Here's the real trivial problem... the bad side, I miss work, I miss the busy exchange of calls, emails and text. I must be crazy!!! I can easily pass as somebody who doesn't have a life! I am officially a workaholic!!! Weekends are super lazy, unless I go out shopping (that's worse!), the worst part, the only way to make Chaseyboy (my 9th grade son) go out is to bring him out shopping too! So here's my recourse, just so I don't end up bothering co-workers, or shopping, I'll write a post or two! Let's do this! Aja! ✌🏻🙌🏻

Nordstrom Rack Haul | #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-10-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, hope you're all okay. 👌🏻I've been pleasantly busy with real life drama and yes, I'm okay with it. Oh well, life happens, I live in the moment. Weekends though, to no surprise, are spent shopping. Funny, this is our family bonding time. Oh my. Lately, I've been compelled to buy dresses and jumpsuits too...whenever I see Petite, my heart skips a beat!😅

My kind of dress...arms and legs covered but with see through laces.

Oh, good news... for those who've been following me, I've been forever dieting, I actually went two sizes down, from size US 10 to 6. With my current dedication, hah, I feel like I can even push it to size 4. Aja! The bad news, some outfits I got were size 10, so I have to find time to make sure I wear them. And no, I cannot return them, I was too excited and I pulled out all the tags.

Petite Jumpsuits. Yay! I adore these. I can't wait to wear them. #OOTD soon

Below is my fave black dress. I feel pretty.

View this post on Instagram

#aboutlastnight in Lalaland ✨ Of makeup and #ootd ... the not so little black dress was love at first try (and yay, glad I fit!) 😅 It’s so Elizabeth Bennet. 🥰👗 #ysltributeheels are so made for dancing 💃🏼... my hair is my avatar in my blog (see for yourself 😉)...it was so hard to pull off because I didn’t have my Dyson with me so the static was to die for, I had to use a lot of hairspray to tame those baby hairs💁🏼‍♀️ ...purse is Gucci, makeup details:Missha, Benefit Cosmetics, Tarte, Lancôme, Kylie 💄 (see on my IG story). We work hard, we play harder! Aja! 💋
A post shared by 𝙲𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚂𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚢𝙼𝚘𝚖 (@chicsassymom) on Sep 5, 2019 at 8:03am PDT

I didn't do dress before, I dread it. I have too many rules. But after my last soiree, I want more occasions to dress up. I love shopping at Nordstrom Rack, it's like the thrills of the search for that one perfect dress. So get up, dress up, show up and never give up! Aja! 🙌🏻

Starstruck at Michael Mina SF 🤩 | ChicSassyMomEats

2019-09-29T13:09:00.001-07:00

I'm a forever fangirl! If I can't see KDrama stars (who are aplenty in Manila), just feed me somewhere nice like a Michelin Star restaurant and I'll probably live another year missing fanmeetings (I'm holding on, I truly hope so!😅). True story, we ate at this 2-Star Michelin Restaurant in Japan, I was absolutely charmed. I know it was fancy and pricey, but I just only realized why it's indeed such an experience after watching Bradley Cooper (🎤Shallow) in the movie Burnt. Plus, my brother works for a Michelin Star chef, so it's a joyful moment to see stars in a restaurant.

Wouldn't it be nicer if I already had my iPhone11 Pro back then, so the photos were taken like a pro blogger that I hope I could be albeit the low light setting? Oh well, next time.

Michael Mina SF Official Photo

Here goes our 5-Course Dinner Menu. We had Pinot Noir to pair and more desserts. It's all new and so fancy to me. It was a mix and match of what I'm familiar (sort of), recommendations, and further indulging some more with the option to add additional fee (which they call supplement).

Bottom pix, counter clockwise: I knew we had starter for supplement. Course 1: Tartare of Ahi Tuna | Course 2: Osetra Caviar Tajarin Pasta (Supplement $25) | Course 3: Wild King Salmon | Course 4: Yemenite-style Beef Ribeye (Sorry for the photo, I ate it right away 😋) | Course 5: Jasper Hill Harbison Cheese

I love sit-down dinner. It feels like unwrapping Christmas presents. You'll never know what's next. I relished whatever was served to me with much gusto. It helps that I'm adventurous. Dinners are always pricey, the 5-Course Menu comes with a base price of $165 plus all the supplement we had. It was so much fun. As expected, the same friend who treated us to that charming Japanese meal, was the same friend who made the gastronomic experience to Michael Mina possible. Daisuke-san, daisuki! Now, I'm missing Japan.

The question remains, is it worth it with an average tab per person going for $250++? Well, I say, with special reasons to celebrate, why not? Though maybe a lunch trip for starter would be also as nice. Let's live in the moment. Cheers! 🤩

New Fave Skincare Products ✨ | #ChicSassyMomFinds #LushLife

2019-09-29T10:40:00.002-07:00

Annyeong! 🤗It's beginning to look and feel like Fall. Autumn in my heart. It's my fave season. 🍁And here goes my new fave skincare routine...💁🏼‍♀️

From my most recent skincare post, only Avene Thermal Spring Water remains.
After double/triple cleansing (makeup wipes, facial wash, oil cleanser) Step 1: Avene | Step 2: Lush Eau Roma Water | Step 3: COSRX Advanced Snail Essence | Step 4: Lush Enchanted Eye Cream | Step 5: COSRX Advanced Snail All in One Cream | Step 6: Lush Celestial Moisturizer | Step 7: Lancome Renergie Lift Multi Action | Step 9: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for nighttime

New skincare brand...from Kiehl's to Lush. You probably know that one reason I tried Keihl's was because of a KDrama oppa who was endorsing it 😅. Kiehl's is okay. But I did not see dramatic changes in managing my sensitive skin, calming redness and soothing irritations every so often. Lush is pretty addicting. After my first trip, I asked to sample Celestial Moisturizer, I love it! So I went all-in.

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New Snail brand...from Mizon to COSRX. Both have the same price range $15-20 at Amazon, but COSRX has more percentage of Snail mucin. The cream is creamier and stickier, though it feels lightweight when absorbed.

#Selfie #NoEdit #NoFilter #NOMakeup

Following a multi-step skincare routine requires diligence, commitment and patience. You have to let the products dry and get absorbed in between applications. I have a mini fan and I have other activities in between (e.g. planking 😅, blow drying). So far, this line up feels like something for the long haul. I'll just probably add an oil for the winter. But so far, I feel pretty, bring on the #shamelessselfie ✌🏻 posts on IG. 😉

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#shamelessselfie 🙊 🤷🏻‍♀️ ...off to somewhere fun but first selfie 🤳🏼
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ALDO Amilmathien Red Ankle Boots ❤️👠| #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-09-09T09:38:00.001-07:00

There's something about red shoes. They are such magnets of good, meaningful, and random conversations amongst friends and strangers alike. Here's my recent pair. It's so pretty.

Everybody's favorite ALDO Amilmathien Leather Ankle Boots $100+

"In search of a pair of shoes that are sure to “kick” some much needed attitude into your wardrobe (see what we did there)? Well look no further: we present the Amilmathien from cult high-street hero Aldo. With an unusual cut-out silhouette and skyscraper heel, these gems are one to wear from the office (if you’re feeling fiery) straight to drinks with friends and, well, on to the dancefloor. We’ll see you there!" -Selfridges Says

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#Friyay 🙌🏻 at work with my super amazing everybody’s favorite #redshoes 👠 #ootd #aldo #workinglife #sflife#dressdownfriday
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They are so beautiful. Soft, comfy and super stylish. I felt tall, sexy and extra pretty. #FeelingModel 😅I need a black pair. Oh my goodness, I'm running out of shoe space! 🙊But, fret not, one can never have too many shoes. Our bed is big enough to keep more pairs. Cheers! ✌🏻

Of Weddings , #GucciShoes and #OOTD 👰🏻 | I need a hobby! 😅

2019-09-09T08:32:00.003-07:00

Ni Hao, friends! 😉 Yes, yes, I'm still on CDrama Mode, and my love for a Chinese dongsaeng is as overflowing as before (see IG @noonadiaries ). Surprisingly, real life drama is keeping me busy (present tense) for the past weeks or so...from one working weekend to another. I'm so engaged!!! The funny thing, I must be driving everyone in our company insane with my relentless (although delivered at the most charming possible way, so I hope) messages, calls, after office hours, to the point that they are asking me to relax, chill and just (for goodness sake) take a day off. So today, I'm off, albeit reluctantly (I'm on sick leave, but please call me anytime! ✌🏻)! I will try my very best not to call or to send a single message to anyone today. Let's see! 🤞🏻I NEED a life...ooops, maybe I meant, I have a life, and they need theirs! And so, I'm back!

One fine, just another California weekend, we went to a wedding at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

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#Wedding and #OOTD ✨ at beautiful Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay 🌊
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Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a tourist destination when in San Francisco. Being Bay Area locals now, we didn't feel the need to visit just yet. So I was beyond ecstatic that my first visit was not for photo op 😅 but to attend a wedding! 💃🏻P.S. Plan your "tour" to the very scenic Half Moon Bay, ready your valet parking fee $50. 😉

Now for the details of my #OOTD

Choices 🤔

At Nordstrom Rack, prices are superb 👌🏻, except you are limited with the sizes. Unless it's your lucky day, then you get that one and only dress available that fits you. There's a mix of designer and house brands, the Blue Black is a Kenzo. The Black and white, I adore, but I couldn't fit. 🥺

You know we have San Francisco Premium Outlets, right? It's not Cabazon, but we do have designer aplenty. If the Gucci shoe fits, buy it!!! It's just so beautiful.

Gucci Black Ophelia Floral Embroidered Sandals

I love weddings in California. They are cozy. The beautiful Half Moon Bay sunset is such a perfect setting for celebrating love. 🥰Awwww, I've been watching too many dramas, so I'm drawn! Congratulations and Best Wishes! Cheers! ✨

Caring for Highlighted Hair #DysonAirwrap | #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-07-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ni hao! 🤗 It’s another hair post 💁🏼‍♀️...highlights are alive, thanks to all those blue, purple, no-sulfate haircare recommendations (thank you, loves!💋) and all those variety of hair serums and oils from my Allure and Ipsy subscriptions that comes in monthly. It's a lot of work. I kid you not, and a lot of products. But oh well... I'm a skincare addict 🙋🏻‍♀️, and I can do multi-step, plus I do love to hoard haircare products. Love is in the hair.

My current haircare #MustHaves :
1) A lot of Hair mask like Lulu, Kiehl's Magic Elixir (from my skincare post), a lot of conditioners (still undecided which is my fave conditioner, will let you know)
2) Neuma neuMoisture Instant Fix, 12 Benefits Instant Healthy Hair Treatment, Redken One United, Plantactive Blend from Sally Beauty
3) Dyson Airwrap just because I'm still in awe over it (though I'm still learning how to make the most of the Airwrap attachments 😅)

I'm linking all products I mentioned earlier to their official websites since I don't think I can make a full review of them. The Neuma and 12 Benefits, both cream-based, are all from my ipsy subscriptions. I picked them out amidst all the sea of leave on hair treatments sent every so often. Though admittedly my first qualifier was the scent. Both smells nice. Plus, they soften, moisten and add bounce when applied on damp hair prior styling with Dyson. The Redken, also cream-based, I got from the salon after my hair coloration. Of all the four, I like the scent of Redken the most. But it gives off the same softness as the rest. The Blend is the only serum (oil-based) I bought on a trip to Sally Beauty. I like the scent. Plus, I especially use it on days when I just use dry-shampoo, in between washes.

I can't decide which is my fave cream-based hair treatment, I welcome the variety, so I would most likely repurchase all three (Redken, Neuma, 12 Benefits). But I daresay, they work best because of Dyson. I've tried going on days (while on business trips) without Dyson, and it was literally bad hair days! 🙊It's truly worth it!!! 🙌🏻😉So bring on the shameless selfie posts. Cheers! 💋

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Favorite High Heel Work Shoes | #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-07-17T23:10:00.003-07:00

Ni hao!🤗There's a fangirl story behind my greeting. 😉

Oh my goodness, I'm too sleepy to blog (and there's a related side story about it too 😅), but I just want to commit myself on keeping this blog alive as much as I can. Time management at its finest. 🤞🏻There's time for work, chores, family time, drama time and "me" time. With God's grace, it helps that chasing California dreams seems to be a breeze. I'm so engaged with work! Yay! 🙌🏻It's super challenging, pleasantly tiring day in day out, but I love that I can still daresay, it's not toxic. In between office meetings, we have luncheon and dinner meetings to boot. (What diet?! ) Plus I love the variety of outfit choices here in California (means that I can shop 🤷🏻‍♀️)...if only I can do #OOTD posts everyday, KDrama inspired, of course, I will! ✌🏻Although Fall and Winter work outfits will now be my forever favorite (boots season forever,) I'm happily getting by dressing for spring and summer a la Park Min Young's in Her Private Life. That, plus thank goodness for nice shoes.

Pretty and functional...I love! Comfiest work heels ever

I couldn't get enough of them. One can never have too many shoes.

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If the shoe fits👠... add to cart! 😅 Love these @coach shoes 🥰💋❤️... 2nd pair of the same black heels (it’s that nice), and booties for dress down Fridays. 🥰 ✨ ✨ ✨ #shoefie #shoes #coach #chicsassymomfinds #booties
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Here's hoping for more #OOTD posts.

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#TGIF Dress down Friyay! 🤗😍 Found a friend to take my #ootd post 😅
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But wait, there's more...

Pretty, comfy and not pricey at all...Coach shoes, oh how I love thee. 💃🏻

P.S. Here's the side story. Super sleepy with shuffling between real life drama and Chinese Drama. Watch raw. Read novel. Watch with Subs. Watch again. Repeat. Yes, yes, Chinese drama not Korean drama! ✌🏻I'm super addicted to this Chinese Drama, my love for it is as much as I love Deng Lun. See my ravings for Go Go Squid at my @noonadiares IG. My fangirl heart is full, but my, my. I need to sleep before I'm off to another LA trip for work. Jiayou! 🙌🏻

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Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale Finds | #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-07-14T11:56:00.001-07:00

Ciao bella! 🤗

You ought to know that I'm crazy addicted to Bath and Body Works (read here, here and here too).🤷🏻‍♀️I reckon, one can never have enough, so although I was seriously trying to stay away from the semi-annual sale, I was almost out of candles...so on my way to the store, I kept reminding myself...I just needed candles. 😅

Candles for $10, plus $10 off for every $40 purchase

Champagne Toast is our favorite scent be it for candles, soaps and sanitizers. It wasn't part of the promotion but I fell in love with the Beach Sage and Mint and Salted Ocean Air. The Ciao Bella is on the sweet side, just for added variety every so often.

There were soooooh many daily offers, as in. Choose wisely. Wants vs. Needs.😉 I needed hand soaps.

Champagne Toast and White Tea & Sage are scents, which are both well-liked by my very picky hubby and son, plus they have essential oils and me likey a lot of essential oils 👌🏻

Living here in California, I thought I'll get over this phase of hoarding Bath and Body Works 😅, but apparently....not! With it, the urge always win. 🤫Oh well! ✌🏻

Favorite TWG Tea 🍵| #ChicSassyMomFinds

2019-07-08T20:56:00.001-07:00

TWG Tea, oh how I love thee! If asked, how do I take my tea? I take it very seriously, like crazy. TWG is my favorite tea brand. Look them up here. So when in Singapore, be sure to grab some in the airport. Thankfully, we have them in Manila too with the loveliest tea place to boot. I just realized I never posted about it. Hmmmm. Now, I'm missing Manila. I have friends visiting from home, I requested for some for pasalubong (now I'm adding that my growing list 😉). Yay! Oh happy day! Thank you!

#Happiness

More TWG Tea, please.

On my list was Geisha Blossom (Green Tea), Moroccan Mint (Classic, must have), and Red of Africa (Red Tea, Caffeine Free). From my last SG trip, I got Jade Dragon (Green Tea) and Moroccan Mint. I like to try out variations of green tea-based infusions. The Jade Dragon has a grand and imperial appeal, feel and taste to it. Silver Moon is as special. I get it, I'm such a fangirl and the naming gets me big time. I can't wait to savor Geisha Blossom. I'll be sure to let you know. So far, I got mine from SG and Manila. I'm so tempted to order online from California, as they do have nice promotions every so often like free shipping. On a regular time, they are priced similar to SG, plus or minus shipping cost, but the deal is, I'm not sure about the tax though. I'll keep this post updated, just in case I do try.

I enjoy my tea time and I complete the experience with nice tea sets, which I also love to collect. TWG Tea is definitely my cup of tea. 👌🏻Cheers! 💋