Pink MagaLine

Kusadasi Postcards

2013-05-20T06:25:00.000+08:00

UiopA friend in the US requests for a postcard. I thought it's a sweet idea to send one, so I was in a souvenir store the other night to buy. However, they don't sell it piece by piece here. It was three for 1TL or around 21Php. Actually, that's cheaper than Manila.

Will go around tomorrow and look for the post office. In the meantime, I need to think of two more special people to send these Kusadasi postcards. Perhaps send it to Auntie Jo in the province and to another friend across the miles.

I wish to send something else than postcards though. The lady at the reception a while back was telling me to print brochures from printingamerica.com. My Turkish is really bad and she was struggling with English too. I was supposed to tell her I don't need any brochure, just wondering if she could print some photos from my archive cos I was planning to use them as personalized postcards. Argghh... we'll see what I can do tomorrow! ;)

Kusadasi in a Clip

2013-05-20T00:25:00.000+08:00

Overlooking our room is an amazing view of Kusadasi. The coastline as well as the shops, restaurants and bars are either just a few steps away or across the street. The peninsula, the dock and the expensive yachts, the city traffic, and most of all, Pygale, the island where Agamemnon settled to heal his wounded soldiers and fix broken ships after the Trojan War are overlooking from here.

We finally hit the beach during lunch. I couldn't afford to strut my pregnant self in the sandy bay so it was just hubby and daughter who enjoyed swimming.

I am supposed to post more stories and photos. It's just hard to type using a tablet. Ugh, I regret not bringing a laptop. Next time nalang. Promise! ;)

At Home in Istanbul

2013-05-19T05:13:00.001+08:00

I should've posted this last week, but better late than never, right? So here we go..

As you know from my previous posts, we finally rested, no more jetlag, started shopping and now on a roadtrip. The little one is happy to be reunited with her aunt (which she rather call tita), cousin and grandparents.

She would ask about home from time to time then remembers that we are on a vacation. Anyhoo, here in my in-laws' house, we feel at home as much as hubby. I can't say that I love it here cos I believe there is nothing feels like your own 'home' but at least we feel good and taken cared of.

On a normal day, the little one would just play with her younger cousin, sit on the comfortable bed of their grandparents and play tablet or jump together. The fact that they use a memory topper helps a lot. She is enjoying more than ever.

FOTD: Turkish Day Out

2013-05-18T23:32:00.000+08:00

I used MAC Ruby Woo for the first time the other day. I like it, but I think I have to use it over and over this week in order to come up with a good review of the said product which I am planning to post later. Anyway, this is just a quick FOTD post, featuring MAC and other pharmacy favorites.

The products I used..

For the eyes: Avon eyeliner, Avon Extend Mascara, Clinique eye palette

For the brows: Avon eyeliner

For the lips: Avon lip liner, Etude House lip care in cherry, MAC ruby woo

For the face: Olay Total Effects, Maybelline BB Stick, Revlon age defying pressed powder, Maybelline shine free blush

There ya have it. How do I look? Haha.

I Can Never Get Enough Shoes!

2013-05-16T07:33:00.000+08:00

I am so happy with my new pairs of leather shoes. I have a pair from Zara then another pair from INCI. The first pair is ballet shoes, while the second one is more like a wedge. I have another thing in mind though. It is this pink pumps with orange cap toes in the photo. Hope to purchase it as soon as I go back from our side trip to Izmir and Balikesir and will post a separate blog later.

On our 3rd day here in Istanbul, I saw awesome choices of leather shoes and summer sandals while shopping in Bakirkoy. They even have mens horse riding boots there. There are too many footwear to choose from that words aren't enough to describe them. I drool just thinking of them.

Ahh, why do I always think of buying shoes and bags other than clothes whenever out of the country?

Here in Istanbul

2013-05-16T06:16:00.000+08:00

Already over a week here in Turkey. We are currently on a roadtrip and this is a scheduled post. Just trying to update my family and friends back in Manila.

Our first shopping destination was Bakirkoy. It is the place to go if you wanna to do sightseeing and shopping at the same time.

Et (beef) Doner on rice. This is my favorite Turkish meal here. Their rice is a little oily but still delicious!

This is dondurma. The Turkish version of gelato. Very nice. It is so thick and rich and doesn't melt right away. More like a gum in consistency and comes in various flavors.

Green plums. Hubby introduced this thing to me while at Migros, buying some grocery. It is not sweet nor very sour. I say it more like unripe guavas.

Lastly, we have here Istanbul traffic. It can be worse at times. Gah!

The Ring I Want

2013-05-15T10:15:00.000+08:00

I think I know what to ask from hubby for my birthday. I saw this ring online and fell in love with it instantly. That pink topaz pink in white gold band just mesmerized me.

Truthfully, I was not really into gold accessories until my dear husband started buying them for me. I lost an earring (from my grandma) when I was young and was afraid of losing anything of precious quality again. With the influence of my hubby, I am able to appreciate gold earrings, rings, and stuff. Good thing gold is cheaper these days here in Turkey.

You know I bought gold wedding bands for my brother and sister-in-law in Manila for their civil wedding. Comparing the prices, I wish I bought titanium rings instead, then purchased something better here in Turkey.

Nail Polish and Pregnancy

2013-05-15T06:32:00.000+08:00

One of the common questions of a first time mom is the safety of using nail polish or getting regular manicure and pedicure during pregnancy. When I got pregnant with my daughter, I also referred the same concern to my OB-GYN. I remember asking her questions about the use of nail polish, hair rebonding, going to gym, and so on.

My baby pump and my strawberry nails..

Today I wish to share some things about nail polish and pregnancy 'cause I know there are still a lot of women out there who need some enlightenment regarding this matter.

Alright, I am not a doctor or an expert but this is what I think and what I learned from googling and from asking my own OB-GYN. I, myself, is a big fan of colorful nail polish and nail painting. As you can see in this blog, I have a number of posts with nail polish as the subject. I love painting my nails esp. when they are long or even when they are shorter. It doesn't matter really. Painting depends on my mood.

Going back to nail polish and pregnancy, as per my OB-GYN's advice, there is nothing wrong about using nail polish during pregnancy. Yes, there maybe harmful chemicals in a single bottle of nail polish but they amount is too small to affect the mother and her baby.

Moreover, other pregnant women can be too sensitive with the odor of the nail polish so using them may cause dizziness to vomiting. Lucky me that I didn't have any similar problem so I am able to paint and repaint my nails at least once a week.

Shopping for Gold

2013-05-15T00:30:00.001+08:00

One of the things that I love to do while visiting Turkey is shopping for gold. The first time I came here in 2011, my husband bought me a ring, necklace, and bracelet. This time, after two years, we are back for a vacation and planning to buy gold again.

Turkish people normally invest on gold. They save money that way. In fact, it is a part of the Turkish tradition to buy gold coins to be given as gift for married couples, newborn babies, and so on.

Anneler Gununuz Kutlu Olsun!

2013-05-12T11:09:00.000+08:00

Hello! Good morning!!! This is just a very quick post. I just woke up and it's 6:03 here in Istanbul. I wish all my mom bloggers friends and readers a very happy Mother's Day!! I hope you enjoy and cherish this day, remembering the greatness of being a wife and a mother. Anneler Gununuz Kutlu Olsun! Mrs. Kolca ♥♥

Funny Scenarios with a Four Year Old

2013-05-08T22:52:00.000+08:00

Everyday is an adventure with my 4 year old daughter. Aside from her playing routines, she often has endless stories, then dancing and acting sessions from the moment she wakes up until the next bed time. A funny scenario randomly happens each week. Sometimes, they get very funny that I can't get over out until I shared to family and friends. Below are some samples..

The Martians
While watching 'Mars Needs Mom'..
Me: Will you save me too if Martians take me?
Daughter: There is no such thing as Martians, okay?
Me: Alright. Hahaha!

Baby-Making Machine
Husband and I were in bed talking about the events of the day when daughter comes in..
Daughter: What are you doing here?
Hubby: (Jokingly) We are making a baby.
Daughter: Where is the machine?
Hubby and I: Hahaha!

Girl Boy
Hubby took the little one to the office one day. Gay supervisor with long curly hair enters the room..
Daughter: Are you girl or boy?
Gay Supervisor: (Stunned) I think I'll just answer that question later.
Everybody in the room: Hahaha!

My Kind of Kitchen

2013-05-06T06:34:00.000+08:00

An eco-friendly country style kitchen is my kind of kitchen. I tell you, I fell in love with this kitchen right away the first time I saw it. It doesn't look exactly the same with my dream kitchen but very close.

I love the white walls, the glass door, and the wooden dining set.

Mind you, my kitchen won't be very big, more or less only 20 sqm. Imagine a medium deep kitchen sink facing a large window with potted herbs on the side, a wooden dining set for 6 with brown cushion, and big glass door leading to a backyard garden (like in the photo). Ahh.. very beautiful!

I also want to have those kitchen cabinet organizers at ovisonline.com to help me maximize space. Think of drawer and cookware organizers, tray dividers, towel holders, waste containers, and pullout shelves. They will surely give enough leg room for everyone and will make my kitchen look more orderly.

Hmmm.. I am yet to think of the kitchen appliance and other accessories. So much about my dream kitchen. I guess a separate blog post will come as soon as I come up with another idea.

Source of Photo: http://www.housetohome.co.uk/

Winx Club Themed Party

2013-05-05T15:43:00.000+08:00

It was my first time to hear about Winx Club when daughter and I attended her bestfriend's birthday. The party was held at Alex III Restaurant at Wilson Street in San Juan on on a weekend. I didn't know the location well so I googled it. After I checking the map, I realized that it's very near. In fact, just 5 minutes drive from where we live so we were the earliest to come.

The daughter wore her dress from SM Kids.

She got her face painted with a pink wing.

The lovely buffet setup, table arrangement and flower centerpiece..

The balloon tower, cupcake, cake and gift corner, and game prizes..

My daughter and her bestfriend Andee..

And Adee's pink Winx Club birthday cake.

Having attended her bestfriend's 5th birthday, my daughter also started planning her own. She wants to have a Disney Princess party this year. Her current favorite princess is Aurora. She is so excited to dress up like her that she already told her Baba to buy a pink gown similar to Aurora's. We still have over 4 months to go though. Good luck for me 'cause I'm due a month before her birthday! :/

My Very Own Pink Office

2013-05-04T10:12:00.001+08:00

Visiting my husband at his office the other day, I noticed his choice of colors is limited to gray, white and black. IMO, it is masculine almost next to boring. If I were to have my own office, I told him I will follow a pink, white and purple theme like what I did for our daughter's room.

I will paint the walls white and pink. Specifically salmon pink. There will be no pink curtains though. Instead, I will have a large glass window overlooking the most beautiful scenery outside.

The table where my pink laptop should be could be similar to the one in the photo. Or maybe, I'll have it in a form of a work bench with alpha drawers. I'll just customized it in order to get the exact design I want. And oh, I will keep that lovely fuchsia rug and probably install a crystal chandelier in magenta to match.

Okay, I am not yet planning to go back to the corporate world. I am now pregnant with my second child and planning to work again after I finish another degree in a certain university. Still a long way to go but don't you think it's very a cute idea to have your oh so feminine office room? :)

Source of Photo: www.blogcatalog.com

Shamcey, Janine or Venus?

2013-05-03T06:56:00.000+08:00

Who do you think stands out in this latest cover of Preview magazine? Is it Miss Universe 2011 Third Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 2012 First Runner-Up Janine Tugonon, or Miss Universe 2010 Fourth Runner-Up Venus Raj?

All three beauty queens wore dresses from Burberry Prorsum.

Behind the scene photo..

Photographed by BJ Pascual
Styled by Liz Uy
Art direction by Vince Uy
Makeup by Pong Niu (Shamcey Supsup), Owen Sarmiento (Janine Tugonon), and Archie Valenica (Venus Raj) for MAC Cosmetics
Hair by Jerry Javier for L'Oréal Professionel and Mark Familara
Nails by Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa

Source of Photos:
www.facebook.com/preview.ph
www.stylebible.ph

Soak Up the Sun with Nisce’s Superblock

2013-05-02T23:25:00.000+08:00

Excited about going to the beach this summer but worried about the sun damaging your skin? Worry no more! Just be sure you have a handy sunblock with you to avoid sunburn. Try Nisce’s Superblock SPF 80. Now you can go ahead and soak up the sun with the help of this wonder product.

Nisce's Superblock provides superior UVA and UVB sun protection. It is waterproof and non-greasy. It won't clog your pores and it is dermatologist-tested.

Take it from surf champion and Nisce Superblock ambassador, Luke Landrigan, who treats Nisce’s Superblock SPF 80 as his sports buddy. He uses it whenever he goes surfing and do other under-the-sun activities.

On the other hand, celebrity model with Filipino-French descent Luke Jickain believes that as a model, he must maintain his well contoured and shaped body. To achieve that, he always makes sure he's getting the right and balanced diet, enough sleep, and a routine of exercise. He admitted to have a lifestyle which is hard to sustain that’s why Nisce is helping him out. At Nisce, they have Radio Frequency to care of his look.

I myself if looking forward to try Nisce. Their nearest branch is just 10 minutes away by car so I am checking them one of these days.

If you are like me who's interested to know more about Nisce products and services, I suggest you follow them in Twitter and Facebook.

Happy summer!

www.twitter.com/Nisceskin
www.facebook.com/Nisceskin

Healthy and Delicious Popsicle for Kids

2013-04-28T10:19:00.000+08:00

Since it is very hot and everybody is complaining about the weather, let the kids (and kids at heart) relax and cool down by eating something cool and icy. To beat the summer heat, one can opt for an easy to serve ice cream from the friendly neighborhood grocery or make a cold snack at home like for example, halo-halo, ice candy or fruity pops. In my case, I don't think it's a good idea to spoil my kid by allowing her always eat unhealthy sweets. As much as possible, I try to prepare them myself at home. By doing so, I get to save money and I am sure my daughter eat healthily.

For today, I'm going to share how to make your own healthy ice pops.

I have here mango, avocado and papaya popsicle.

That's papaya popsicle she's holding. Hmmm.. delicious!

Noticed that my daughter looks younger in the photo? Hihihi. That's because these photos are from last year. This is a long over overdue post which I intentionally reserve for the summer. Anyhoo, let's get down to business now. Here's my popsicle recipe.

You Will Need:
-1 cup sliced fruit of your choice
-1 cup evaporated milk
-1/2 cup heavy cream or plain yogurt
-sugar to taste

Here's How:
-Put everything in a blender.
-Blend until smooth.
-Pour the blended mixture in a popsicle mold.
-Freeze until set and enjoy.

Note: If you have excess of the blended fruit mixture, you can use it for ice candy. All you have to do it pour the remaining to an ice candy plastic, then freeze as well.

Julia Barretto for Meg Magazine

2013-04-26T19:17:00.000+08:00

What do you think of Meg magazine's cover girl for the month of May? It's the 16 year old Julia Barretto, born as Julia Francesca Barretto Baldivia, daughter of Marjorie Barretto and comedian Dennis Padilla. She just joined Star Magic - Batch 19 and considered as one of the most beautiful teen actresses of her time.

Now for a poll question. Does she look more like her controversial auntie Gretchen or Claudine? :P

Blood Brother Aid Inc. Supports World Hemophilia Month

2013-04-26T10:44:00.000+08:00

Characterized by the inability for blood to clot properly, hemophilia is a hereditary medical condition that occurs in males more often than in females, and could affect the young as much as the elderly. In special cases, a change in an individual’s genes may also cause him to acquire it within his lifetime. Though hemophilia is rare, the World Federation of Hemophilia states that 75% of people around the world with bleeding disorders have not yet been diagnosed.

April is World Hemophilia month, and Blood Brothers Aid Inc., a non-profit organization based in the Philippines, aims to raise awareness about hemophilia in the country and to get more Filipinos to recognize the problem and help through blood or monetary donations.

Do you know someone who may suffer from hemophilia? Following an injury, a person with hemophilia may take a longer time to heal from his wounds because his blood lacks the protein (clotting factor) instrumental in clotting.

The usual symptoms of hemophilia include deep bruising, joint pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding, spontaneous bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds), or prolonged bleeding from cuts, after surgery, or after a tooth extraction. Hemophilia can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample and measuring the level of clotting factor activity in the blood.

Help bring treatment to the Philippines. Hemophilia is mainly treated with replacement therapy. Clotting factor concentrates taken from healthy blood is injected into a hemophiliac’s bloodstream. Once it reaches the affected area, bleeding is expected to slow down and eventually stop. This treatment has to be done shortly after injury so as to avoid further pain, as well as damage to the person’s muscles, joints, and organs.

Clotting factor concentrates, however, are not readily available in the Philippines. International groups or volunteers ship medicine in from other countries, though supplies are minimal. In the absence of these drugs, a person in need of replacement therapy would require blood or plasma transfusions, and are at the mercy of the limited supply of blood available in hospitals. There are reported incidents of deaths among hemophiliacs due to the long wait for blood donations.

That’s why it is important for those who might show signs of having hemophilia to be diagnosed at the soonest possible time. It is also why more Filipinos need to be made aware of the disorder, so that we can help provide the support and treatments necessary for people who suffer from it.

Become a Blood Brother. Take the first step into helping by joining the Blood Brothers Aid Inc. community through their Facebook Page. The page will guide you in learning more about hemophilia, how to help, where to donate, and how to spread the word.

Disclaimer: This article is not mine. This is published in favor of Blood Brother Aid Inc.

The Best Pink Laptop for Me

2013-04-25T06:39:00.000+08:00

What kind of computer are you using? In my case, I have this pink Samsung laptop. It is my fourth one already. First I was using Acer eMachines, hubby switched it with Asus Eee T91, then later Acer Aspire. Just last year, he bought this Samsung NP300V5A for me. It is in pink color so it's like my dream laptop.

I love it to bits so I make sure that is clean almost everyday.

I like it a lot because it comes in one of my favorite colors.. pink!

It has genuine operating system, and of course, Intel Inside.

A pink mouse and a super cute mouse pad to match.

I tell you, a crazy thing happened last week when I got into trouble uninstalling a certain application that I downloaded by accident. I panicked seeing it pop out in every corner of my desktop. Registry repair is not available so I forced turning off my laptop and waited for hubby. Good thing he came home early that day and was able to fix the problem.

Gosh, I can't bear having corrupted files or worst is losing my lovely computer in one dumb move. Thanks God for my geek husband! :)

DIY Flower Tutu

2013-04-24T23:29:00.002+08:00

This is the newest pink tutu I made for my daughter. They ran out of uniforms at her ballet school. A single set of uniform for her Monday, Wednesday and Thursday classes isn't enough. I had to make an alternative while waiting for the leotard, tights and ballet flats I ordered so here's the DIY (no sew) ballet skirt.

This is the back view of the skirt.

This is the front.

Materials Used for this Project

- 1 & 1/2 yard of tulle in baby pink
- 1 yard ribbon in the same color
- purple flowerettes
- glue gun
- glue stick
- scissors
- tape measure

If you follow me in Instagram, you will see my step by step post on how to make this tutu there. It is easy peasy. Just the same procedure with those tutus I previously posted in my old blog.

Wish to save money on tutus? DIY it! :)

Wedding Planning and Preparation

2013-04-23T10:23:00.000+08:00

I feel like a wedding a planner 'cos I am helping my younger brother and future sister-in-law prepare their civil wedding. It will be an intimate civil wedding with only more of less 30 family and close friends invited. To keep track of our progress, I made a list of things we already did and yet to accomplish.

1. Marriage License - Done. The couple went to the city hall to get this specific paper yesterday.

2. Wedding Officiant - I booked a registered solemnizing officer through the help of a relative. We will meet him for final details and down payment on Thursday.

3. Wedding Theme - The fiancée choose purple and white as a wedding theme. Below is the inspirational board which I created through Polyvore.

4. Wedding Bands - We had a problem with the gold wedding bands I purchased. The ring for the groom did not fit. Too late to return them so I bought another set in tungsten. Will blog about it soon.

5. Wedding Invitation - My brother is looking for the best disc replication in the metro. He works in the music industry (lights & sounds service/ DJ) so we thought CD invites is appropriate.

6. Wedding & Reception Venue - We visited Tramway Buffet Plaza yesterday, booked the venue, and paid 70% of the venue and food service.

7. Wedding Cake & Wine - We ordered their wedding cake at Kink Cakes. Wine will be selected this week.

8. Bridal Dress/ Groom's Attire - The bridal's dress is done. Next thing to buy is shoes. For the groom, they will have something new and something borrowed.

9. Bridal Hair & Makeup - This is going to be DIY. I have an idea on how to to do the hair. I also hope she agrees with the makeup.

10. Wedding Photographer - As you can see, the couple is being practical so we are cutting the expenses again by using our own camera.

The wedding is in less than 2 weeks. The preparation is very short but thank God we are almost there. Good luck to my brother and future sister-in-law.

Kipling's New Collection

2013-04-22T09:35:00.000+08:00

Bags bags bags! Everywhere I look, I see bags! At the mall yesterday, I was close to buying another bag if not dragged by a hubby in a hurry. Oh well, just when I thought I already have enough bags to mix and match this summer, I saw Kipling's new collection and drooled.

Kipling Drew in peony. It has leather material and so pink. So tempting.

Hip Hurray in dark peony, cabbage and yellow. So summery!

Alvar in floral for daytime and navy for the night.

Creativity Monkey Mania. This is a must-have for the kikay stuff.

Clockwise: Defea in lilac, Cecily in lilac and Sumida in grey pink. Perfect for jet-setting.

Shopper Combo in black stripe and black white. Work like an eco bag!

Catrin in cabbage. For easy toting.

So, anything you liked from this collection? Take note of the bag's name and color and run to the nearest Kipling store in the metro. Happy bag shopping! ;)

Beach, Jacuzzi or Pool?

2013-04-21T11:17:00.000+08:00

I wondered why I was sweating too much this morning. I checked the temperature and it was 34 °C again in Manila. Okay, I love sunny days than rainy days but the scorching heat is becoming too much to take. It makes me think of running to the beach, soak in a jacuzzi, or hang around the pool!

Imagine you are at this beach in Shangri-la Mactan Cebu. Refreshing huh?

How about in this super cool jacuzzi at Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa in Palawan? Ohhh!

Or this hot spring pool with pentair heat pumps at Doña Jovita Garden Resort in Laguna?

Too bad we are too busy to leave the city these days. In the meantime, I will do my duties, running the household, helping my younger brother arrange his civil marriage, and blogging in between. We will be off for a 3 week vacation by the 2nd week of May anyway. Ohh, I am excited!

Ziaja Goat's Milk Hand Cream Review

2013-04-18T15:25:00.000+08:00

Whew, what a hot summer day! Will be off to the bank in an hour, just waiting for the sun to come down a little bit. Before leaving, let me write a review of Ziaja Goat's Milk Hand Cream. I bought this product at Beauty Bar in Podium and I have been using it for a month now.

Ziaja Goat's Milk Hand Cream 80 ml is P200 or around 5$. It is for dry and wrinkle prone skin.

The detail at the back (picture below) says:

Provides intense hydration and makes the skin more supple.
Works to revitalize the epidermis and softens rough skin.
Helps to strengthen the nails, working to prevent their splitting and breaking.

Some of the ingredients include Salicylate, Citric Acid, Lactubacillus or Milk Solids, etc.
Please refer to the photo above for the complete list.

The white cream smells fine and not too strong. Apply a small amount to your skin.
Spread evenly. I recommend it using twice a day.

In my case, I use it every time I feel that my hands are dry. I actually have 2 brands of hand cream these days, but I prefer this one 'cause it works better.

Photo comparison or before and after use of Ziaja Goat's Milk Hand Cream.
The left photo displays noticeable dryness while picture on the right is the hydrated version.

My Overall Verdict
I will use this products for the meantime since my all time favorite hand lotion Nivea Age Defying Q10 Plus is no longer available in the local market. Price is affordable. Easy to carry. Most of all, I can find it in the nearest mall.