Life is good! - Chinitang Morena

How To Earn Money Online- easily

2013-11-24T17:47:00.000+08:00

For those of you who spend a lot of time online, here's something for you. Earn money while you wait :)

1. Sign up by clicking this link:

http://TaskSheep.com/?id=andee0416

2. Create an account. Sign up and get $25.

3. Refer other friends to join. Each referral will earn you $10. Each person who visits your link gives you $5. Very easy.

4. Once your earning reaches $300 you can withdraw your money via PayPal or Western Union. Low minimum amount for payout.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? SIGN UP NOW!

$25 WHEN YOU SIGN UP

$10 FOR EACH PERSON WHO SIGNS UP WHEN THEY CLICK THE LINK

$5 WHEN SOMEONE CLICKS YOUR REFERRAL LINK.

I'm back...with CUPCAKES

2013-04-07T19:56:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy (plus a little laziness, tee hee!) that's why I haven't posted for a long time. But now I'm back...with cupcakes.

This officially marks my first post for 2013. Hopefully, there would be more. :)

You can find the recipe of this yummy cupcake HERE.

Another first @ 30: My Baking Experience Blogged

2012-10-06T21:48:00.000+08:00

Yes! Yes! Yes! I was able to bake cookies! :) Another milestone in my cooking "career". Lol! Ever since I got engaged I suddenly have this interest in exploring my talent to cook. For the longest time I've been wanting to bake, but my will power isn't strong enough to do it. After many weeks of bugging my colleague in asking for tips on how to bake I finally mustered the courage to whip and mix.

My friend gave me this cookie recipe, which I think she got from allrecipes.com- though she tweaked some of the ingredients to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, etc. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar minus 1 tsp

1 cup packed brown sugar minus 1tsp

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons hot water

1/2 teaspoon salt (Remove this ingredient if you have salted butter)

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.

3.Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

And here's my finished product. (Drumroll please! Lol)

A few tips for first time bakers like me:

1. Prepare ingredients ahead of time. Our kitchen ended up like a disaster because I didn't do this. :)

2. You may adjust the time of baking depending on how chewy/crunchy you want your cookie to be.

3. For this recipe, use ice cream scoop to equally distribute the cookie dough before baking them.

4. Don't panic if you think that your cookie is too soft after pulling it out of the oven. Allow the cookie to cool and check the texture. If it's too soft, you can put it in the oven again for about 2-3 minutes.

That's all! I hope you enjoyed reading my post. Munch away!!! :)

XoXo,

Chinitangmorena

Shop for accessories below Php100 =)

2012-10-06T17:51:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

If you want accessories which fit your budget, go visit Shop 316. This new online shop sells earrings, bracelets, rings and necklace below Php100! Yes you read it right. :) The first batch is out, and here are some of the items being sold online.

This online shop is managed by yours truly. :) If it's not too much to ask, I hope you can like my page. Click HERE.

How I Counted My Blessings Over Breakfast...

2012-10-06T08:05:00.003+08:00

Credits: http://www.pics22.com/blessings-quote-for-friendster-count-your-blessings/

While eating my breakfast (my ever favorite pan de sal and coffee) I looked back on how my 2012 has been so far. I recalled all the things that I have prayed for to have and to happen in my life. As I mentally create a checklist I noticed that I never got the material things that I wanted to have when I reach 30 and they are the following:

A brand new spanking Louis Vuitton bag
A new MAC book laptop to replace my 2 year old lappy
A new mobile phone (just because I want a new one)
A new SLR
A brand new car

Yes, those are the things that I asked from Him. He didn't give me the opportunity but instead he gave me these:

A reunion with my family early this year. (They live in US and UAE and this is the first time we reunited after my father died.)
I finally got the chance to be with my cutie patootie niece! :)
No major health issues for my loved ones.
Our first ever out of the country trip as a family.
My sister graduated from college.
My ex-boyfriend, now fiance proposed and now we're currently engaged. :) (Yihee!)
I reached the age of 30. haha
I was able to have the courage to eat vegetable salad (Yes, this is already a feat for me)
Two of my closest friends safely delivered a baby boy and girl. :)
I learned how to apply make up on my face.
I learned how to cook -- A LITTLE. :)
My fiance and I reconnected with old college friends. Plus I gained new friends. My old friends are still my friends. :-)
A U.S. visa - finally I have one after being denied in 2010.
A Christmas with my whole family (minus my dad+) this year.

He may not have given me the material things I wanted but instead He gave me more, more than I can ever wish for. I know there's a lot to add but here's what I can remember so far. I must say that 2012, so far has been a great year for me. Yes, I will not lie and tell you that I still want that bag and that car (who wouldn't? Hehe), but may be God said I'll have it in due time.

Still, my life is not perfect, I still have those occasional problems, petty fights and I still get stressed out over other things. And that's the reality of life. However, we must always remember to take the time and pause, reflect and look back on all the great things that have happened in our life. And I call that counting our blessings. And yes, my friend this happened over breakfast. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

XoXo,

Chinitang Morena

Tomorrow's Beauty Blowout! Maven's Beyond the Blush Event

2012-09-14T19:22:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow's going to be a blushing beautiful day for all registered beauty mavens! I'm one of the privileged attendees tomorrow. Excited to be part of this big event. Hope to see you there! :)

Visit Maven Magazine's Facebook page Here.

Product review: ELF Studio Stipple brush

2012-09-13T21:48:00.000+08:00

Here's another E.L.F. product review, the E.L.F. Studio Stipple brush. I opted to buy this brush mainly out of curiosity. I've been getting mixed reviews, so might as well try and experience it for myself.

Again, E.L.F. never fails to give reasonably priced items for its consumers. For Php249.75 I think the price is just right. (although it's cheaper online) This is how the brush looks like:

The brush felt smooth but it's not that dense. When I first washed it I didn't experience any fallout and there was no bleeding. I also didn't experience any fallout when I first used it on my face. (Great job for this one!)

I first tried this using my liquid foundation but unfortunately, I was not satisfied with its performance. Since the brush is not that dense it took me a long time stippling to achieve the so called "airbrush" look. I was about to give up on this brush until I tried using it for my NYX rouge cream blush. I love how this brush gave me a soft blended and very natural look on my cheeks. Sorry this is the best shot I got. I hope you can see the blush. :)

At times, the saying "You get what you pay for" really holds true. At a cheap price I don't think I can really complain that much. :) However, this brush can be very useful in applying cream blushes since you only need to cover a small area to use the brush. I really love how it worked on my blush. Will I recommend this brush? Yes, I will, but only for cream blushes. You can save your denser stippling brush for your liquid foundation.

Do you have your own ELF Stippling brush? I would love to hear your thoughts! :)

Product Review: NYX Lip Smacking Color Lipstick

2012-09-08T13:53:00.003+08:00

Hello ladies! It's been a busy week at work so I didn't get the chance to blog but now I'm back. :)

I will be reviewing 2 NYX round lipsticks: Tea Rose and Chic Red. These are pretty affordable lipsticks, I bought them for Php149.75 from Stuff in Style at eBay.

Tea Rose

Chic Red

NYX is a good brand, especially for beginners who practice a lot like me. Since it's not expensive, you wouldn't really feel guilty in using it often. Here are pictures of the lipstick when applied:

Tea Rose

Chic Red

I like them both but personally, I prefer the Chic Red on me. It complemented my morena skin better and I love the coverage. The Chic red gave me a semi-matte finish while Tea rose gave me a bit glossy finish. In terms of lasting effect, Chic Red stayed on my lips longer than Tea Rose. By the way, I applied Chapstick plain lip balm to prevent my lips from drying/chapping.

I guess I will be sticking with these until I get myself MAC lipsticks! :)

I have other NYX purchases from Stuff In Style which I will be reviewing later on.

P.S. Seller is really nice and was quick to respond to queries. Turn around time for shipping is quick. :)

Do you Fancy Flats? :-)

2012-09-02T20:51:00.000+08:00

Back in college I never really love wearing flat shoes. I'm 5 feet flat, and I always wear heels or wedges to cover up for my lack of height. I've always wished I was taller, but I guess I was asleep when God gave the gift of height. Lol! Now that I'm all good with my height, I've come to love flat shoes. :-) Actually, I find it more comfortable wearing flats, especially that my work requires walking from one site to another.

I've known Fancy flats for a while, but I haven't bought one not until I tried on their black Giada flats at The Ramp, Glorietta. I instantly loved it. It's plain and classy, not plain boring. :) I love how Giada makes my wide feet look slimmer. I bought one pair at Php645 ($15). Well, unfortunately for me, size 6 didn't fit me well. It fits me but I can't wear it for too long. (I don't have the most perfect feet so I don't blame them. Hehe) But since I love how classy it looks I decided to pre-order online, but this time I bought one size bigger. I paid on Tuesday afternoon and got the shoes on Thursday.

This is the package I got:

Though the shoes are a bit big this time, (I told you I have irregular feet. Lol!) buying a shoe cork did the trick. :) My toes fit better and feels more comfortable. Haha! Though I was able to walk with my black Giada but this one feels a lot better. I'm so excited to wear them this week!

Thank you Fancy Flats for this cute shoe pouch and my Php100 GC! I'm looking forward to buy another pair online to avail of the discount. :)

So, do you "Fancy Flats"? I do, from now on. :)

Product Review: Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

2012-08-27T21:48:00.001+08:00

An eye primer is just as important as a face primer. It helps our eye makeup to last longer and avoid crease from forming on our eyelids. Aside from that, it helps us to apply eye makeup easily and blend the colors well. (Of course, with the help a good makeup brush)

While browsing through makeup reviews I chanced upon Etude's Proof 10 eye primer. I've heard of this brand before, but honestly never paid attention since I thought it's just another makeup brand. Maybe I got so intimidated with the Korean models who have pearly white skin and instantly thought that the products will not suit me. Lol! However, the reviews made me curious and decided to buy it. At the price of Php298 (approximately $7 USD) I guess the price is just right. The product is contained in a clear bottle so it's easy to know how much is left. I just find the cap that holds the brush a bit too long. :)

Look how this primer holds my Dollface 88 eyeshadow:

Left- without primer; Right, with Primer

Surprisingly, this product didn't fail. In fact, I found this as a good substitute to my Urban Decay Primer which came with my naked palette. When applied, the product did not feel heavy on my lids and I found it really easy to apply my UD naked palette and my Dollface 88 Palette. The consistency is thick, but it did not feel greasy when applied on my eyes. My eye shadow stayed the whole day by using this product. I did not experience any allergies or itchiness. You just have to apply a little and it will help in making your peepers look fabulous for a long time!

I hope you find this review useful. =) Have you tried this product too? Share your comments below. :)

Product Review: Fanny Serrano Eyelash curler

2012-08-27T20:47:00.001+08:00

Part of enhancing our eyes is having an eyelash curler. A good eyelash curler is an investment and Fanny Serrano's eyelash curler is a great investment to make our peepers look prettier. :-)

I bought this for roughly around Php170 (roughly around $4), and for me this is one of the best finds I have. While some are raving about Shu Uemura's curlers I decided to buy this because it's about 80% cheaper. Hehehe. By the way, this was recommended to me by Anne Cillo, the makeup artist who swears by this product.

So here's how the curler looks like:

I've come to love this product because it gives me naturally curled eyelashes. My prayer has been answered. After so many attempts I finally found the one for me. This eyelash curler fits my eyes perfectly, I didn't have a hard time curling my lashes and did not give me "ipit" moments. (when the skin of my eyelids gets "pinched" by the curler. Hehe) This one is for keeps. :)

I can't really compare this with Shu Uemura's since I don't think I'll buy another one anytime soon because I'm satisfied with this curlies. However, this link from Kikay Exchange may help you if you for a more comprehensive review. Click here.

The Ultimate Ferrari Experience

2012-08-20T21:22:00.000+08:00

Last year, I had the chance to visit Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World, a must-see leisure park in the Middle East. It was also my first-ever roller coaster ride, something that I thought I would never do. =)

This theme park boasts of more than 20 Ferrari world inspired rides and attractions. This 200,000 sq meter tourist attraction is definitely worthy of a visit. If you are a car enthusiast, you will definitely enjoy going through Ferrari's history and see how the Ferrari cars evolved. For a 4d experience, you must also try Speed of Magic, a family-oriented ride which is a thrill to take. These are just some of the things you can do inside the park. It also has restaurants and food kiosks with great food and a souvenir shop if you want to buy Ferrari World memorabilia.

Here are some pictures of my Ferrari World Trip:

The picture below shows us in Ferrari costumes =)

Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster.

The highlight of my visit is Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster with a speed of 240 km/hr! I was always scared of roller coasters, but for the experience, I decided to go with it. I told myself that I may never be able to go back here again so might as well take the chance. Lol! My heart was literally pounding as I wait for my turn. Here in Manila I never even attempted to ride Enchanted Kingdom's roller coaster but then again, I told myself not to chicken out. When it was finally our turn I found myself screaming, literally at the top my lungs. I felt my cheeks moving (like in the video below) as we speed through the 2.07km track. After the experience, I felt proud of myself. It's truly a nerve-wracking and amazing ride. Watch this video i got from You Tube and see for yourself. =) (Credits to the owner of this video)

Have you gone to Ferrari World too? Feel free to share your experience. =)

For more information, visit Ferrari World's website.

Loving the Dollface 88 Palette =)

2012-08-19T07:36:00.000+08:00

Every time I pass by The Ramp in Glorietta I never fail to drop by and look at the Dollface kiosk. I always marvel at the wide variety of palettes they have, from eyeshadows to lipsticks. I always tell myself that I'll buy one someday but then I hesitate and let the opportunity pass. Finally, I decided to buy Dollface's 88 Palette. It took me a month to say "Yes" and convince myself that I should buy it.

Honestly, I really don't know if I can use all colors. However, just merely looking at them makes me want to experiment and play with different hues. It's a great palette for beginners like me. You can mix and match as you like without feeling that you've spent too much on something. I paid Php800(approximately $19) and with this range of colors you can just go on and on.

Let's take a closer look at the Dollface 88 Palette:

Wrapped in a bubble wrap for protection

When opened:

Another bubble wrap =) Love the black case

Vanity mirror included =)

And now for the colors:

And this is me trying it out, playing with light and dark shades. (Sorry, just a beginner here. hehe)

Pros:

Php800 for 88 colors isn't bad
No fallouts (I think the primer helped)
Includes a mirror
Available locally
Combination of matte and some shimmery colors

Cons

I didn't like the eyeshadow applicator that came with it
Packaging may be a problem when travelling. I feel that the case is not that sturdy.

Overall I can say that this is one of the "must-buys" for a beginner like me. Eyeshadows nowadays range from 300-400 with very few colors included. You can let your imagination run wild with these set of colors.

You may purchase Dollface cosmetics online by visiting their site.

Product Review: ELF Eyebrow Kit

2012-08-17T22:53:00.001+08:00

Well, well, well. I'm back with a product review again -- ELF's eyebrow Kit! =) ELF (Eyes, Lips, Face) is a makeup brand which offers affordable makeup products. Personally, I have a few of their blushes, concealer and my most recent purchase - the ELF eyebrow kit for Php249.75.

Let's start the review:

On their website, the product is described like this: Create brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined! The pigmented wax defines and shapes brows and the color complementing setting powder keeps them looking arched and perfected. The doubled sided taklon brush has one side to help arch your brows while the other side aids in filling them in. This duo provides lasting color definition for a naturally beautiful look.

The eyebrow kit is available in 4 shades: Light, medium, dark and ash. I bought the medium shade since it's the color closest to my hair color. One palette is for the gel and the other one is for the powder.

The kit comes with its black, sleek case which is similar to the other ELF makeup products.

I love the fact that ELF included a small mirror which you can use when you are out on the road. It also has two-sided brush for the gel and the powder.

For the results:

The first picture are my bare eyebrows. After putting the gel and the powder I got brown brows. (2nd picture) =) I love how it made my brows look fuller but soft at the same time. The saleslady said that you can still adjust the shade depending on the amount of gel you put. (I don't know if it's true though. Lol!)

The only thing I think that needs improvement is the brush. I had a bit of a challenge in applying because it's too short but I still managed. =) It takes some getting used to.

Pros:

Relatively affordable
Comes in four shades
Handy (can easily fir into your pocket or small pouc)
Blends well because of the gel

Cons

The brush can be improved

I hope you find this review useful. :) This is a cheaper alternative to Fanny Serrano's eyebrow kit (which I also love)

Public Service Update: Class Suspension for August 7, 2012

2012-08-06T22:31:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone!

Just an FYI regarding class suspension tomorrow, August 7, 2012:

AREAS/CITIES

SAN MATEO, RIZAL: Brgy. Banaba, Brgy. Sta. Ana, Brgy. Maly | via @iancruz_gmanews
MALABON: Preschool to HS, public and private | via @iancruz_gmanews
BACOOR, CAVITE: All levels, public and private as per @lanirevilla | via @BamAlegre
CAINTA, RIZAL: Preschool to HS, public and private as per Cainta Mayor Mon Ilagan | via @LeiAlviz
QUEZON CITY: Preschool to HS, public and private | via @saleema_refran
MANDALUYONG: Private and public, pre-school to high school | via @MandaluyongPIO
NAVOTAS: ALL LEVELS (public & private). - Mayor John Rey Tiangco | via @saleema_refran
HERMOSA, BATAAN: Preschool to HS, public and private. | via @micaelapapa
MANILA: Manila City Hall: No classes tomorrow from pre school to college, private and public as per Mayor Lim | via @jpsoriano
TAYTAY, RIZAL: All levels as per Mayor Gacula. | via @marizumali

VALENZUELA: SELECTED SCHOOLS ONLY:
1. A. Deato Elementary School
2. Coloong Elementary School
3. Isla Elementary School
4. Pasolo Elementary School
5. Pio Valenzuela Elementary School
6. PR San Diego Elementary School
7. Tagalag Elementary School
8. Wawang Pulo Elementary School
9. Rincon Elementary School
10. Polo National High School
11. Arkong Bato National High School
12. Wawang Pulo National High School
13. Nuestra Senora De Guia Academy
14. San Diego Parochial School

SAN JUAN CITY: All levels | via Mayor JV Ejercito

SCHOOLS/UNIVERSITIES

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS: Classes in UST, August 7,2012, will be suspended - Office of the Secretary General | via @USTCSC1213
ATENEO AND LOYOLA SCHOOLS: Ateneo and Loyola schools suspends classes in ALL LEVELS (including college and grad school) | via @ateneodemanilau
PUP STA. MESA: #walangpasok sa PUP Manila bukas, Agosto 7, 2012. | via@PolytechUnivPh
PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY: Classes & office operations at the Phil College of Criminology-Manila Law College are suspended tomorrow | via @PCCr_MLC
COLEGIO DE SAN JUAN DE LETRAN: All Levels | via @LetranOfficial
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY: Adamson University president has announced the suspension of all classes and work tomorrow, August 7. | via @AdamsonUni
DLSU-CSB: All classes and office operations at DLSU-CSB tomorrow, August 7, 2012, are also suspended. | via @DLSCSB_Official
ST. PAUL QC: Kinder to high school | via @SPUQC1946
UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP, LAS PINAS: All levels | via @PerpetualLP
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST: President Garcia has suspended classes in ALL LEVELS in UE Manila and UE Caloocan | via @Official_UE
MIRIAM COLLEGE: All levels | via @Miriam_College
UP MANILA: Classes and office work at UP Manila are suspended | via @UPManilaOnline

For more updates click here or look to your right for twitter updates. I'll RT updates as much as I can :)

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT FOR ADDITIONAL UPDATES.

Credits to YouScoop

Product Review: Fanny Serrano Eyebrow Powder

2012-08-02T22:25:00.000+08:00

Eyebrows are just as important as any part of our face. According to Wikipedia, their main function is to prevent sweat, water, and other debris from falling down into the eye socket, but they are also important to human communication and facial expression. In the world of makeup, the eyebrows frame the face so it's very important that you have well-groomed eyebrows to match those tantalizing eyes.

Enough of the intro. Lol. =)

During my one-on-one makeup class I realized that I wanted to buy something that will enhance my eyebrows. I stumbled upon a review of Fanny Serrano's eyebrow powder. Honestly, I was hesitant to buy this at first because of the price. Yes, I know it's only Php350 (approximately 8.30 USD) but I find it a bit impractical to buy four shades when I only need one. However, when the sales lady applied the product on me I was sold. Hehe.

This is how the product looks like. It's elegantly packed with the FS logo on it. The case looks sturdy and durable. This product comes with a mirror and 2 pieces applicator brush. If you look closely you will see the manufactured date which is a plus for me since I can estimate until when I can use the product.

I used #2 and #4 here

The picture above shows the 4 eyebrow powder swatches. Just match the swatch's number with the shade for comparison. As you can see the number 4 shade is really light. You can hardly see it on my skin. Hehe. I usually use #2 since it matches my skin tone.

Pros:

Elegantly packed.
Reasonably priced. I realized that I can use the other shades as eyeshadows so I'm good with the price.
Locally available. I bought mine at SM Makati.
4 shades to choose from which you can mix to create a new color.
Long lasting and a little application is all you need.

Cons:

Palettes are not available individually. So if you've used up one shade you have to buy the 4 shades again.
I hope they can come up with an enhanced applicator brush though the one included works fine.

Overall I, recommend this product. I know some of you have this notion of local makeup products having poor quality but Fanny Serrano's eyebrow powder may prove you wrong. I have yet to try their other products like the foundation since I've been reading a lot of raves about it. =)

Now I can say I'm officially a fan of Fanny. =)

A Call Out to Globe Telecom

2012-08-01T21:33:00.000+08:00

“Enjoy your Globe Your Way” – such a contradicting tagline for the service I am getting now.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not starting a hate campaign against Globe. I’ve been a loyal Globe subscriber for several years and I love the company dearly, even until now that I'm not getting the best of their service. I just need to let it out.

For the past few weeks I’ve experienced a significant drop in the quality of their service. Every now and then, I have to go to my phone’s settings and turn my 3g off and on to get a better reception. I didn’t mind this at first, as I thought this is just one of the days when signal’s down. However, I noticed that it has become a routine for me. I don’t think this is an isolated case, since my fiancé also experiences the same thing. As time went by my phone’s internet service is also extremely affected. I am having a difficult time getting a decent connection, be it in Makati CBD or other places. This also happens at home where having a strong 3g signal and fast internet connection used to be automatic. I had to resort to rebooting my phone, hoping that the connection gets better. At times it works but it’s just a hassle having to go through that unnecessary process – such a waste of time and effort.

Communicating with friends and loved ones has also been difficult. Late SMS, dropped calls and unable to connect a call – these experiences bring me back to the era when mobile phones just started to boom. I hate the fact that I try to call my fiancé and hear a “subscriber cannot be reached” recording when I know his phone is switched on or hear a fast busy tone. What’s more frustrating is when I finally hear him say “hello” the call gets dropped. Oh my.

I'm a very patient person so I understand that every now and then issues like these may happen. However these things become annoying when they last for weeks. I pay for an unlimited internet service and I have a certain amount in my plan for my calls and texts so I deserve to get what I pay for.

Again, I am not starting a hate campaign. Perhaps Globe’s bigwigs aren’t aware that this is happening, and this is the only way I can think of to reach out to them. (I don’t even know if they’ll read this. Lol!) Well, it’s worth the try. =)

I already reported this issue to Globe. I will post an update for you. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Stay tuned. =)

Forever 21 SM Mall of Asia

2012-07-31T21:40:00.000+08:00

July 27, 2012 marked another monumental event for Forever 21 Philippines as they opened another branch in SM Mall of Asia. Hundreds of loyal patrons, men and women alike patiently lined up to get the first dibs of the store. I was one of them – or at least I tried.

I arrived at around 12noon, and I was not surprised to see it flocked by a lot of loyal fashionistas. As I surveyed the store I realized it was big, I mean HUGE, bigger than their Makati branch, I think. Even if I frequent the Makati branch I was still in awe to see a lot of clothes and a lot of people. Haha! I feel like they were so frantic in buying clothes. Shopping like there’s no tomorrow, much like doing their own grocery preparing for a storm. =) Not only that, the lines to the counter were suuuppper looong. I was supposed to buy a pair of shoes but since I was pressed for time I didn’t proceed with my purchase. =(

Here are some pictures during the opening of Forever 21 SM Mall of Asia branch.

View from the Escalator

Fashionistas patiently waiting for their turn at the counter

I’m not really a true blue fashionista but I can understand how much they love Forever 21. Ever since it opened its doors here in Manila it became my go-to store for any occasion. =) Their clothes are reasonably priced and trendy. Girls can even tag along their boyfriends to this shop because it also sells clothes for men. Very convenient eh?

Share your Forever 21 experience! Place your comments below. :)

Food Trip: Papa John's Pizza

2012-07-25T11:22:00.000+08:00

My tummy was filled with lots of pizza and pasta yesterday. My fiance and I decided to eat at a restaurant we haven't tried before. I've heard a lot of reviews and raves about Papa John's so I guess it was worth the try.

When we went there yesterday we didn't know that they had an Unlimited Pizza Promo for Php199. Though we decided not to avail of the promo we still came home completely satisfied. We ordered 1 9in. Super Papa's Pizza (Php340), 1 Pasta Bolognaise (Php180) and 1 order of Cheese sticks (Php99)

Overall I am very satisfied with their food! The pizza dough's fresh and it's a bit crunchy, which my fiance loved! The Super Papa pizza is indeed a best seller! I'm not a vegetable lover but I ate all the ingredients that came with the pizza! The bolognaise was a bit oily but nevertheless yummy! I love love the cheese sticks also! It's crunchy, and the dip jives well with it! Since it was our first time we didn't know what to do with the garlic dip but I still used it for our pizza and it was really good!

Aside from the food, I was pleased with their customer service. Their store manager (Papa John's Arnaiz branch) is always smiling and made us feel really welcomed. Even the guard on duty is very well-mannered! :) I also love the interiors of the restaurant- very casual and clean. I just wish this branch is bigger so it can accommodate more customers. :)

Isn't obvious that I love their food? Haha. Shout out to Papa John for creating this kind of pizza! Have you tried their pizza too? Share your experiences by putting your comments below. :)

Like them on Facebook here.
You may also visit their website: http://www.papajohns.com.ph/

P.S. While writing this post I just realized that my blog is already 1 month old! Yay! :) Congratulations to me and thank you for reading my blog.

Product Review: James Cooper Jazzy Collection Foundation

2012-07-23T21:39:00.000+08:00

So far I am enjoying my “hunt” on the perfect make up kit. It’s challenging, but rewarding at the same time. I know you girls feel it too, that “it feeling” when you find the right product. After a successful review on the primer I bought from Majolica Majorca I went on looking for the perfect foundation for me.

As always, I do my research before buying. This is my hard-earned money that I will be spending so as much as possible I don’t want any amount to go to waste. I wanted to invest in foundation because for me it’s something that can make or break your face. You have to find the shade that will blend well with your skin tone.

During my one on one make up session I was taught how to select the right shade of foundie for my face. Here it goes:

Step 1: Select three shades of foundation. The first shade should be the one that you feel fits your skin color, the second is the one that you feel is one shade lighter than your actual skin tone and the third is one shade darker.

Step 2: Apply a stroke of color of each color you chose above your jaw line. Make sure you remember which shade you put where.

Step 3: Bring a mirror with you and step outside to find natural light. Look at the mirror to see which of the three shades blends on the natural light. The one that disappears is the right shade for you.

Honestly I found this exercise challenging especially it's my first time to do this. It took me several trips to the mall to make sure I got the right shade. I even sent Anne pictures of me to make sure I got the right shade. (yes that’s how unsure I am!) And luckily I did!

In search of the right foundation I had to consider its quality and price. I would love to buy the more famous brands but after reading a lot of articles I found one product that has good quality yet affordable price-- James Cooper Jazzy Cream Foundation. So here’s a quick review of the product:

Packaging and Price:

• I am not really particular about packaging, but this is a bit so-so for me. Hehe.

• Retails at Php550. Reasonable enough for me.

• The container looks sturdy.

Product:

• When I opened the container I saw drops of oil on top of my foundation! (but I read a review online that this is normal)

• A little goes a long way – this product provide medium to full coverage. I love how it makes my skin look flawless.

• I can also use this as a concealer! I love how it covered the blemishes I have. It made my dark circles looked lighter!

• The foundation lasted long. I wore this foundie in the morning and it stayed on my skin ‘till the afternoon. Good enough for me.

• I have combination skin but it didn’t make my skin greasy. Maybe it helped that I put on primer and powder to set the foundation.

• I like the product over all but I don’t think I’ll be using this every day because it doesn't have SPF. You can still wear it during the day but please please wear sunblock. :)

See how it lightened my dark circles? :)

I hope you find this review useful. :)

Product Review: Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Refiner

2012-07-21T11:18:00.002+08:00

In my previous post, I mentioned that I am building my makeup kit. One of the things I need (and there are many of them) is a face primer. I already have an eye primer which came together with my eye palette so face primer is the next thing I need.

After careful and thorough research online, I decided to buy Majolica Majorca Pore refiner at SM Makati. When I went to their stall I found a bountiful of products in very elegant packaging. The saleslady demonstrated how the makeup holds up to your skin when you have a face primer. The blush she sampled looked more pigmented vs. the skin without a face primer. She didn’t mention about the pore refining property, nevertheless I was convinced to buy it and try it at home. And here’s the amazing result.

I’m morena, but because of the lighting I looked a little fair in the picture. Hehe.

As you can see in the picture, my pores are open. That’s one of the problems I’ve had ever since I was a teenager. When I applied it on my face, I noticed that it was tinted. I was worried that it will not fit my skin tone because I'm morena but it became translucent after spreading it evenly on my face. I was very happy with the result, it really made my pores looked finer. Indeed it stood up to its description! I was even happier when I applied foundation on my face. It really made my skin look flawless! The primer also has SPF20 which helps protect our skin. This is a great product for its price (Php698), and a little application goes a long way.

In its majestic packaging

Pros:

Reasonable price, with SPF 20, Cute packaging, good coverage, available in SM stores

Cons:

Very minor- I don’t understand the product information because it’s written in a different language

Do you have this product too? Feel free to share your comments below!

Personal Make Up Class: Check!

2012-07-21T08:44:00.000+08:00

So the excitement is over. Last Saturday I finished my first ever one-on-one Personal Makeup class. I enjoyed every moment of our makeup session, thanks to Anne Cillio of Makeup Maven Forever. :) I never thought that I'll be able to properly apply makeup on my face. I just need constant practice. As what Anne said, "Practice Makes Perfect".

My "no makeup" makeup. Sorry for the eyebags! haha

We started around 8:30 am and ended around 12noon. It was a short session but I must say that I learned a lot. When we started the tutorial she asked me to bring out all the make ups I brought. I must admit that some of the make-ups that I have were my mom's since I don't have my own kit. (Hehehe) She evaluated them one by one and gave me feedback if they are okay or not.

My own makeup kit. Not all are mine. Haha.

I'm drooling over the brushes she has! And these are just "some" of what she owns.

It was a light yet very comprehensive session. There are a lot of things she taught which I never really knew at all due to my slight ignorance in this kind of thing. One by one she patiently discussed the brushes that came with makeup brush set that I bought. I had a lot of fun, especially the part when she looked at the foundation I brought. For the longest time I always rely on the sales ladies at the department stores when buying foundation/powders so as expected, they did not match skin tone. Yes I was too lazy to even search the internet so I know it's partly my fault. She also taught me how to groom my eyebrows which I find amazing as well. :) And of course, she also guided me on the proper way of applying makeup. I always thought that I can never put a decent makeup on my face but she proved me wrong. Now I am decided to build my own makeup kit. Haha.

To see Anne Cillo's works: https://www.facebook.com/makeupmavenforever

Ready For Make-Up

2012-07-13T22:26:00.002+08:00

You might be surprised that at 30, I do not know how to apply make-up. I may sound like a loser, but it's true. While growing up I was never really interested in putting color on my face. Yes, I know how to apply face powder and lip gloss, but that was about it. At times when I feel like doing it I put some blush on my cheeks, though I am not so sure if I put it right or not. My work doesn't really require me to wear make-up so I never really bothered learning it, until I turned 30.

Tomorrow I will be learning the basics of Personal Make-Up. A former colleague turned make-up artist was nice enough to offer a one-on-one session at a reasonable price. :) I am excited and nervous. It's like going to a new school for the first time. Hehehe.

I want to come prepared so I will be arming myself with this set of makeup brushes from Dashe:

Please be kind enough not to ask questions about the brushes for I won't be able to tell you what they are and how do I use each one. I have to actually use them before I can share anything to you. I've searched WWW. for affordable brushes that fits my criteria. (Positive reviews + Budget). Hopefully these brushes really serve their purpose. :) I'll write my review about these brushes soon! :D

That's it for now. I'm hoping to learn a lot tomorrow. :) Good Night! Life is Really Good! :D

In Love With Kiehl's...

2012-07-13T21:34:00.001+08:00

Hello loves! It's payday Friday and I'm loving it! I just came home from SM Mall of Asia to buy myself a Kiehl's product, and now I am about to give my honest review.

My curiosity for this brand started when I read reviews about Kiehl's products. During that time, I was in search of a toner that will replace what I am currently using. As I read the reviews, I found myself getting more and more interested. Finally, I decided to pay their Makati branch a visit and their sales associate graciously gave me samples of the Ultra Facial Oil free toner. I know for a fact that Kiehl's is expensive, so I never really bothered to buy one for myself since I need to try their product first.

My Kiehl's goody bag :)

That same night, I tried the product. The toner had a very faint scent which I really liked. It was really mild, so I had a bit of hesitation on how effective it's going to be. The following morning, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw that my face is not that oily. (By the way, I used this together with Olay Total effects) Throughout the day, I noticed that my face is still oily, but not as oily as before. I am quite pleased with the result, so I used it the second time. The following day, I noticed a hint of glow on my face. I did not experience any breakouts after using it continuously. And the rest is history. :)

250ml Ultra Facial Oil-free Toner and my samples

Fast forward to this day, I decided to buy their toner. The Ultra Facial Oil free toner costs Php1050. Yes, it may seem costly, but one bottle will last about 4 months, according to the sales associate. I love the fact that it's very gentle yet effective for me. May I just mention how helpful their staff was in answering my questions. (I forgot to get her name, but I will definitely go back) She wasn't pushy in making me buy other products (which I really appreciate). When I paid for my purchase, she was kind enough to give me samples. :) Hopefully, these products will also work well on my skin. :)

I am in love with Kiehl's

Pros:

- Very mild

- Controls oil throughout the day

- Paraben-free

- Alcohol-free

Cons:

- Pricey

Will I purchase again?

- Yes! I know it will be worth every peso I paid for.

***Note: I am not, in any way affiliated to Kiehl's. This is an unpaid review and I just want to share my rave about this product. :)

Rest In Peace, John Puruntong

2012-07-10T22:28:00.002+08:00

Approximately 1 hour ago I read one of my friend’s status in Facebook that the Philippines’ King of Comedy passed away. I was surprised, because a couple of days ago I just read from the news that his condition is improving. I didn’t believe it at first since there wasn’t any news about it. Then came the tweets from famous celebrities, still, I refused to believe. After a few minutes, ABS-CBN confirmed that Dolphy (Real name: Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr.) passed away. I felt sadness came over me.

A few weeks back I told my fiancé that I want to write my experience in working with him for this blog. Yes, I had the rare opportunity of being part of the sitcom John en Marsha. If my memory serves me right, I was about 6- 8 years old. My aunt helped me to appear in that famous show. I had a very small role then. I was the child of Yoyoy Martirez and Aurora Sevilla. I can’t recall the story line, but I remember a few details, including the short talk I had with him.

In between the take, I can still vividly remember the King of Comedy called me and asked me to sit on his lap. He smiled and asked me how I was. I was so shy that all I can do was smile. After that, he asked where my mother was. I told him I was with my dad. Then he put me down and I walked away. For one whole day I was there, watching him act together with Nida Blanca, Matutina, Dely Atay Atayan, Atong Redillas and other casts of the show. Since I was a kid then I didn’t really appreciate the whole experience. All I know was that I have to be there and be an “extra” for the day.

While growing up I didn’t want anyone to know that I appeared in that show. I felt so embarrassed each time my parents would tell our relatives in Batangas that I appeared on that show. My fiancé can even attest to this. When I told him about this I asked him to promise me that he wouldn’t tell anyone about it- I was 18 back then when I told him my “secret”. Now that I am much older and know how huge he is in the showbiz industry, I am proud to say that I worked as an “extra” for him. I wish I can have a copy of that episode so I can watch it again. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about this whole experience. It’s a privilege.

I am a very lucky girl. I had the chance to work with the King of Comedy. Even if I had a very little role for that episode I experienced how it is to talk to him and sit on his lap. It was a pleasant experience. He was nice and friendly. He made an effort to make me feel his presence. He may not know me, he might not even remember that I’ve worked with him but I do. I will. Forever.

Rest in Peace, Dolphy, John Puruntong.

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr., (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012)
*credit to Wikipedia for this photo