A Day In The Life of This Miss

World's Billionaires of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:40:00 +0000

I have been blogging so much about fashion and beauty and stuff like that lately and I thought I need a little rest from that and share to you the list of the billionaires of the world this year according to Forbes. This year, ladies and gentlemen, Bill Gates has been toppled over by another mogul. Read on if you want to know who inched away and got to pocket more moolah.

To see the complete list, click this link.

What does one have to do or to possess to be the world's richest?

1) Carlos Slim Helu

Net Worth: $53.5 billion
Source: Telecom
Residence: Mexico

• Telecom tycoon who pounced on privatization of Mexico's national telephone company in the 1990s becomes world's richest person for first time after coming in third place last year. Net worth up $18.5 billion in a year.
• Recently received regulatory approval to merge his fixed-line assets into American Movil, Latin America's biggest mobile phone company.
• His construction conglomerate, Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo, builds roads and energy infrastructure.
• Son of a Lebanese immigrant also owns stakes in financial group Inbursa, Bronco Drilling, Independent News & Media, Saks and New York Times Co.
• Newspaper outfit's stock popped in early March on talk he might buy a controlling stake; he denies the rumor.
• Donating $65 million to fund a research project in genomic medicine with American billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad.

Read more from this link.

I wonder if these people in this list still have wishlists...

Tons of Nail Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Isn't this just pure eye candy? Head on over to this blog and read the details. I am out of words now...

Here are a few rules, how to enter:

1. You have to be a follower (Google friend connect), so if you are not a follower,

you are welcome to join as a follower.

2. Mention this giveavay on your blog, you can use the first photo

with all items. If you don’t have a blog, mention it somewhere on the internet.

3. Add Lyra's blog in your blogroll.

4. Send an e-mail to: nailjunkie.lyra (at) gmail.com

Write in the subject ”Giveaway” and in the text message write down:

- the name you use in Google Friend connect

- your e-mail and address, so Lyra can contact you if you win

- in the e-mail also send a link where you mentioned this giveaway

Applications are accepted until 20th of March, 8pm Central European time.

Nail Polish Giveaway (Lacquerized)

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:01:00 +0000

It's March yet it feels like Christmas all over again with the many giveaways in the blogosphere. I bumped into Michele's blog and I am in awe, she paints her nails with utmost precision and control. Her nails and color choices are amazing. You have to see it to believe it so here's some pictures:

If you wanna join her giveaway, click this link. I am joining for sure...

Animetric's Favorite Things and Surprise Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:57:00 +0000

Rowena is celebrating her blog birthday and she is giving away a few of her favorite things. How generous! Her readers and loyal followers would get a chance to win a pair of Havaianas Slims, Celeteque Advanced, Neutrogena Wave Starter Kits, Ace Water Spa GCs, Starbucks Clean and Green Tumbler, Yummy books and VNC Shoes. How very generous indeed!

So, what do I want from the list? Can anybody make a wild guess? Watch out for the article that I will be posting about this. I will be writing about what I want to win and of course join her giveaway too. The 1st person to guess the correct item will win a little surprise from me. :-) My surprise giveaway is only open to my followers in the Philippines.

To my international readers, watch out for the giveaway I am cooking for my blog birthday giveaway. Lotsa surprises for sure!!!

What would be the best workplace perk?

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Best workplace perk is to have no dress code at all. A place where you can come even when you are in your PJs.

Ask me anything

82nd Annual Academy Awards: After Party

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:12:00 +0000

So some were a hit and some were a miss at the awards ceremony and some were plainly forgettable. Vanity Fair and the Elton John AIDS Foundation both held after parties once the Oscars wrapped. Here are some of the after party garbs from Stylecaster and you be the judge. But of course, I'll leave some comments too...

Julianne Moore wore a Calvin Klein strapless gown to the party. I don't like her gown but I like her hair and make-up.

I think this gown looks better and put together than her white foam/bubble wrap gown at the awards ceremony. And that classic pulled up tight pony is to-die for. She wore a Gucci.

Hillary Swank was not present at the ceremony but she made sure she joined the revelry at the party. She looked so sexy with her Armani Prive plunging gown (front and back).

Cameron Diaz changed into this above the knee dress right after she presented an award on-stage (Best Animated Feature) wearing her Armani Prive long strapless gown. This metallic dress is from Victoria Beckham's fall collection.

Anna Kendrick's short and white dress failed to impress me. I don't like it at all.

This is by far my most favorite among the gowns worn during the party. She designed and created this herself so plus points for that.

Natalie Portman wore a Lanvin LBD and a pair of Aldo shoes.

Kate Bosworth needs to eat! She looks so tiny in this Valentino gown. I don't like this on her at all.

Kate Beckinsale wore a Kaufman Franco gown. This is a very common silhouette but surprisingly looked good on her.

What do you think? Share your thoughts...

PHOTO CREDITS: Stylecaster

MAC Overload

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:49:00 +0000

Want to add the following to your MAC stash?

Here's what you need to do: (copied and pasted from Vanessa Jhoy's Blog)

For 1 entry:

1. Become a follower of this blog if you are not already one (You don't need to have your own blog to become a follower)

2. Comment on this post and write your name/email and "oh Jhoy MAC Please!"

3. Answer the following questions (If you are a new follower please feel free to look around before answering any of the questions, to go back to this post just click the photo on the sidebar)

-What do you like about my blog & why?

-What would you like to see more of & why?

-What would you change about my blog & why?

-What is your favorite drug store beauty product & why?

To earn additional entries:

1. Repost on your own blog +2 (copy and paste the photo above)

2. Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/vanessajhoy +1, & repost on Twitter +1

3. Subscribe to me on Youtube www.youtube.com/0hjhoy +2

4. Post the following photo on your side bar +3 (copy and paste photo below)

So what are you waiting for ladies, head to her blog to read more details.

Passport Status: Renewed!

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:16:00 +0000

I got my passport delivered to my doorstep a couple of days ago and I like it way better than I did my old one. Applying for passport is really more efficient right now. I now have a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and it will expire on 2015. Philippine passports have five (5) years validity after issuance. Now I am ready to travel the world, one country at a time. Big dreams!

Availing of the service (which set me back Php1300) was the best decision that I have ever made. I have literally avoided long lines (which is one of my pet peeves)and I made appointments based on my own convenience. I decided when the requirements will be picked up, when I would go to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the personal appearance and when it will be delivered. The process was so seamless.

Before you set-up an appointment, please be sure to accomplish all the required documents. Applying for a passport for the first time has more requirements than when you are just renewing. If you lost your passport, you need to present a few other requirements as well.

To read more about what to expect when getting your passport, click here.

Here's a map of the current DFA Consulars Affairs Office:

Accessories Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:01:00 +0000

The fashionably forward and creative Gizelle is giving out a long necklace with a wire pendant shaped like a moon, a blue spade ring and a couple of headbands to a lucky follower.

Head on over to her blog for details. This giveaway is open to all her followers (local and international) and will be closed on March 16.

You just have to answer this question: "What is one accessory you can't leave home without?"

Goodluck!!!

82nd Annual Academy Awards Worst Dressed

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:05:00 +0000

I decided to not post about the best dressed at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards because for sure a lot of blogs have featured them already. So here, ladies and gentlemen, are the worst dressed of the night:

Charlize Theron - What was she thinking? She did wear this crumpled dress. The rosettes are hideous and she could have lived without it.

Mariah Carey - This dress looked like something you can get from a rental shop and not from a designer's atelier. It looked as though she had breast reduction too. I don't like this dress on her.

Vera Farmiga - can pass for a wall decor. Seriously, this is a hot pink mess. It looked so over the top for me. This could have been nicer minus the electric pleats.

Nicole Richie - this gown could have been better if made with a different material. This looks like a gown made out of carpet material. Seriously, this looks like our office carpet made into a dress.

Amanda Seyfried - I love Amanda but I couldn't possibly like this gown on her. It looks to me like it was made out of bubble wrap. If I was her seatmate at the ceremony, I could have been tempted to pop each bubble. Fun!

Zoe Saldana - It looks like she came straight from a children's party...she was the pinata. Duh!

Those are just but a few of the worst dressed bunch. I didn't post a picture of Whoopi Goldberg because I just can't bear to look at it the second time Whoopi The Queen of the Jungle). Anyway, this is not meant to offend anyone who may like the dresses of the ones I posted.

PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images

Lancome Genefique Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:44:00 +0000

Today is officially the 7th day that Lancome Genefique is part of my skin care routine and as promised I am publishing my review about the product.

I heard about this product before it launched here in Manila and I was excited about it but my excitement fizzled when I learned how much it was. It was sold at $78 in the US but it's sold at around $135 ($1=P45.80) here. Right there and then I decided the product is not for me and I better find some alternatives that I could afford. I tried some other famous brands, both local and imported, but I never got the results I wanted.

Imagine my excitement when I opened the Lancome package that was sent to me! Lancome was generous enough to throw in a bottle (30 ml) of Genefique. Thank you so much again Kerry. I immediately used the product the day I received it. It was L-O-V-E at first use.

What the Lancome Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate is supposed to do is boost the activity of our genes so skin looks and feels younger. The 2 biotech active ingredients are Bio-Lysat – stimulates gene’s expression of the identified youth protein; and Phytosphingosine – re-establishes protein synthesis and promotes the development of higher quality, more beautiful skin. The serum comes in a heavy smoked black glass bottle. I love the sound when the dropper touches the bottle, it's like a wee bell sounding off, like two crystals grazing each other. All you need is 2-3 drops in the morning and evening and the opaque serum is dispensed via a dropper in the cap so its quite easy to control (ingenious idea). You should use it right after cleansing and toning and before all other serums or moisturizers. Oh yes, you need not throw the other beauty stuff you use because you can still use them on top of Genefique.

My skin feels so soft right now and I had to exercise a lot of self-control to stop myself from touching my face. I never developed any adverse reaction to the product, so no new breakout for me. I, however, don't think my skin is lit from within except when I am inside my bathroom (I guess the lighting is perfect there) and yes it is radiant compared to the pre-Genefique time but not breathtaking yet. I could attest though that my skin really feels cushiony soft and velvety to the touch. It's as if I just had facial, I couldn't feel the rough patches anymore (seriously). I also did not experience any peeling or redness. At this point, skin tone is not yet even but I feel and observe with continued use, Genefique will be able to live up to its promise.

Genefique and I just started our love affair and it's going to be for keeps. I am so looking forward to seeing more positive changes to my skin and that's almost a conclusion for me right now.

The best thing about using this product is that I don't feel the urge to constantly use make-up anymore.

Will I repurchase?

Yes! I will definitely buy another bottle when I use this up. This 30ml (1oz) bottle if used as advised can last up to 90 days.

Where to purchase and how much?

1. Online : $78.00

2. Suggested Retail Price: Php 6,195.00 (about $135)

Distribution: Lancôme Paris, 1/F Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang, Marionnaud Mall of Asia, Philippines

NOTE: This is not a paid post. I was just really ecstatic to see quick results that I decided to share my review of the product. I will be posting another review after I use this for about a month or two.

Zoya Flash and Sparkle Summer Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:53:00 +0000

I organized my nail polish collection this morning and I realized I haven't used some for quite a long time already and some have even dried out (insert sad face here). Anyway, just when I thought I don't need any new colors more, out come Zoya enticing me to get my hands on when the new summer collection comes out on April 1. I must exercise self control. Really! Anyway check out the new flashy and sparkly shades:

Zoya has named the collection after well, what else but girl's names. Here's the list:

Zoya Flash Collection

Robyn (ZP513) – Perfect Turquoise Cream

Perrie (ZP514) – Soft Lavender Cream

Dana (ZP515) – American Rose Cream

Jolene (ZP516) – Summer Pink Cream

Maura (ZP517) – Electric Crimson Cream

Jancyn (ZP518) – Soft Tangerine Cream

Zoya Sparkle Collection

Ivanka (ZP507) – Mermaid Green Sparkling Metallic

Charla (ZP508) – Tropical Blue Sparkling Metallic

Mimi (ZP509) – Royal Purple Sparkling Metallic

Alegra (ZP510) – Fuchsia Pink Sparkling Metallic

Nidhi (ZP511) – Rich Red Sparkling Metallic

Gilda (ZP512) – Fashion Pink Sparkling Metallic

Of course, I love the red ones. I am not getting the whole collection obviously, just the red and maybe blue ones. What about you? What do you plan to buy?

Memo: Dress Code

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:42:00 +0000

Well, I have never been a fashionista. I have never been too conscious of dressing up according to what's in and what's fad or what The Digital Runway features. I, however, like looking at pictures of girls clad in the most coveted ladies fashion of our time. Heck, even if I have 24-hour internet access at my fingertips, I still have printed copies of magazines to my liking. And yeah, they are all stack up in my cabinet and they take a good quarter of the space. One thing I have observed though is that I always turn to the classic style and never lean towards the flamboyant. Sometimes I copy celebrity fashion but my own style is really laid back and anything that's comfortable.

So imagine my horror when it was announced at work that the leadership team needs to be clad in business attire Mondays to Wednesdays and business casual Thursdays to Fridays. It used to be that I can go to work wearing jeans and shirt oh sometimes even a hoodie. Personally, I don't see the point of having a dress code at work when you work at unholy hours of the day and the nearest contact you have with your client is a telephone. So, sometimes I follow, sometimes I rebel. It's not like I am going to be featured in a celebrity news blog anyway. I am there, for heaven's sake, to handle a process, coach employees and the works. I am there to lead a team to meet goals and revenue and not to sashay down the runway. Well, I am not saying they are asking us to but that's what it feels to me. Maybe I am just having a hard time shaking off the casual feel at work back in the days. After all, a coat and a tie doesn't make someone more intelligent. Actually!

But yeah, reality bites! I need to really adhere to this already else I will be written up. I am set to unearth the business casual items (dresses, skirts, slacks and blouses) I have hidden for some time already. In the meantime, I think shopping for new ones is more appealing though...

Do you have a dress code at work? I think for now it's time to shop and so I can rank myself against the stylish people out there.

Rouge Liberty Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Red nails will always be a timeless trend for me. I get an instant "sexy feeling" everytime my digits are painted red and I feel like a woman, mature and confident. In fact, as you may have observed, most of my NOTD posts features my nails in different depth and degrees of red.

Here's a little trivia:

A fifteenth-century Ming manuscript cites red and black as the colors chosen by royalty for centuries previous. The Egyptians used nail color to signify social order, with shades of red at the top. Queen Nefertiti, the wife of the king Akhenaton, colored her finger and toe nails ruby red; Cleopatra favored a deep rust red. Women of lower rank who colored their nails were permitted only pale hues. - from Wiki

So after work today, I went straight to this new nail salon on the south parking building of the Mall of Asia. I had manicure, pedicure and some waxing done. The interiors of the salon is very lively. The couch is multi-colored. I personally call it the "happy couch" because I got that instant lift of my mood as soon as I entered. I watched Mr. Beans Holiday: Beans in Cannes while being pampered.

They have their own range of polishes and other body butters but I chose to have them use the polish I brought with me and it's the Lancome Le Vernis Rouge Liberty. It's one of the three polishes ($18.00) in the Declaring Indigo Collection for Fall 2009. I like this red polish and for sure it is going to be a staple for my red nails craving alongside OPI An Affair In Red Square.

The Rouge Liberty polish turns opaque to my liking after two coats but I requested the manicurist to apply three coats because I want the color to be richer on my nails and she willingly obliged. I could tell she had an easy time applying, the brush glides smoothly although I think she had a little difficulty holding the polish cap with the brush since she has small hands (thus explains the rather sloppy application).

Before applying the polish, the manicurist brushed The original Ridgefiller by Orly as primer basecoat. It contains talc to fill ridges, smooth rough surfaces. It also helps so polish last days longer. After applying three coats of the polish, she then applied a coat of Orly Glosser for lasting protection and super-slick shine.

I like this polish because it is super quick drying. I didn't time it but I am guessing it only took less than 10 minutes for my polish to completely dry. Next time, I know better what to do.

Beautynomics Turns Four!

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 05:14:00 +0000

I am so excited for my blog to turn 2 this coming July but before that happens Sophie is more excited that her blog turns 4 this year. That's 1,460 days of blogging about the economics of vanity at Beautynomics. As part of her celebration, she is giving away lots and lots (yeah lots) of beauty stuff to her readers.

HAIRCARE

One winner gets 1 gift pack

4 Schwarzkopf Essensity Gift Packs (includes a shampoo, conditioner, and texturizing mud)

FRAGRANCE

1 bottle of CK Euphoria perfume - as a CK loyalist, this is definitely an amazing addition to the CK fragrance line - the king of fragrances!

1 bottle of Kenneth Cole Black perfume - too yummy to resist.

SKIN CARE LOOT (1 winner for each item)

1 pc PCASkin C-Quench Antioxidant Serum

1 pc. Sunforgettable Perfecly Clear Retractable Brush

1 pc. Obagi Sunblock

1 pc. Colorescience Tote Bag

1 pc. Glytone Facial Wash

3 pcs. of House of Obagi Gift Certificates worth P 1,000 each

COSMETICS

Three sets of Avon Cosmetics gift pack - 1 Eyeshadow Quad, 1 Avon Glazewear Lipstick, 1 Supershock Mascara or Curlacious Mascara

Three sets of Charm Makeup Brush Set that consists of Dual Fibre brush, 2 eyeshadow brushes, and 1 concealer brush

Wow, that’s right, a total of twenty ( 20 ) prizes! There’s definitely alot for everyone! Now, what to do to win? Click this LINK. By the way, this giveaway is only open to her readers in the Philippines.

Globetrotter Beauty Case

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:22:00 +0000

Have you been thinking about travelling and worried about airport regulations on cosmetics and beauty products? Then the Chris Benz and Beauty.com collaboration project will be just perfect for you. It has a chock full of beauty travel necessities and it is free...well, almost! With any Beauty.com purchase of $100 or more, this loot is all yours, that is until supplies last so if this excites you a bit, go ahead shop online.

Coined the Globetrotter Beauty Case, Chris Benz, the "It Boy", hand-picked the items he feels are most helpful for jet-set women. The Chris Benz ‘Globetrotter Beauty Case’ includes samples from the following:

- FULL SIZE Laura Geller Powder Eye Liner Pencil

- skyn ICELANDTM The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion

- Origins Clear Improvement® Active Charcoal Mask

- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

- PHYTOPhytocitrus Restructuring Mask, Color-Treated Hair

- NXE Reve de Miel® Hand and Nail Cream

- Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Flocker

- FULL SIZE Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss, Doug (Medium Pink)

- MuradIntensive Wrinkle ReducerTM for Eyes

- Euviance® Evening Restorative Complex

Ain't this a get-pretty good deal?

PHOTO CREDIT: Beauty.com

I Am Getting My Hair Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:22:00 +0000

I have only been getting my hair trimmed at least an inch or two in the past 5 years and now I am seriously considering chopping a big chunk of my hair. Main reason is that, I want it to grow healthier, second is to make it more manageable and low maintenance, third is because I just want to do it. I am baffled though as to what haircut I want. I still want it to be on the longer side so I can still style it every time I want to break the monotony.

I like the texture of my hair right now. Thanks to Sunsilk Damage Repair it has definitely rescued my hair from styling damage. My hair looks so shiny too (in fact my office mates thought I had treatment done at the salon). It is getting a little too long for me already though and I need some ooomph and add more body to my mane. Maybe I'll cut about 5-6 inches and then have it colored dark copper and throw in some highlights of auburn or ash blonde. Ahhhh, I have a lot of plans and I have found a few interesting cuts that I want. Here are some cuts that interest me the most:

Jennifer Garner's hair looks so full and healthy and low maintenance. I like that she's rocking some bangs too. I like it wispier though. This tops my list actually.

Jennifer Finnigan's hair is about the same length as my hair right now. If I don't want the change to be drastic then I'll probably just copy the layering if I choose this.

Jennifer Finnigan's hair here is pretty too but I am not digging the color. If I choose this I'll probably have a much darker color. I like how the hair looks so feminine on her.

I am also looking for ways to make my hair grow thicker. I haven't tried the "horse shampoo" yet and I am curious. Has anyone ever tried that product? Was it effective? Do you have thick, healthy locks now? Your point of views would be a big help as I decide.

I have grown accustomed to having long locks now and it would be a little sentimental for me to do this. I would probably tear up too but well the hair will grow back so nothing to worry about.

PHOTO CREDITS: http://www.beautifulhairstyles.com/

Guess and Coach Handbag Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:27:00 +0000

I have been thinking so hard lately whether to reward myself with a Louis Vuitton Speedy or a Coach bag (for braving the broken heart lane yet again) and still could not decide until now. So, when I bumped into this awesome fab giveaway, I didn't think twice. I am just hoping the lucky streak hasn't faded yet.

This giveaway is open to anyone with a blog or twitter account worldwide. So click any of the links I have provided in this entry to lead you to Beauty Bow's blog.

Amazing!!! You know I can never say no to a handbag calling...

Lancôme’s Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:31:00 +0000

Lancôme’s Genefique is youth in a bottle. This product was released last year after 10 years of research and aims for you to see visibly younger skin in just 7 days.

* Drop by drop, skin is infused with life.

* Vibrant with youth, skin looks as if lit from within - breathtakingly radiant.

* Skin's youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch.

* Skin's tone is astonishingly even; its texture dramatically refined.

As the result of a ten year research project, and with a huge seven patents to its name, Lancôme's new anti-ageing discovery was always going to be something special. The studies behind the Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate claim to have unlocked the protein profile - like a barcode - in the genes of young skin, and thanks to its active contents derived from the Bifido bacteria, help boost these proteins to give the face a more youthful appearance. A couple of drops a day gives skin a new radiance and complexion perfection.

You do not need any special tool to apply Genefique. The built-in dropper will do the trick for you:

* Make sure to clean your face and neck area before using. Apply to clean skin.

* Press the button on top of the product and apply one to two drops onto your fingertips.

* Warm between your fingertips and massage onto your face and neck.

* Follow with your current skincare regimen. Apply this product on top of your toner.

I have been using this product for two (2) days and I have observed a few changes. I will mention everything after seven (7) days when I create a full product review.

Launch Month: September 2009

Suggested Retail Price: Php 6,195.00 (about $135) - it's expensive here

Distribution: Lancôme Paris, 1/F Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang, Marionnaud Mall of Asia, Philippines

You can also order this product online for $78. It is a lot cheaper compared to the SRP here in the Philippines.

Have you tried using Lancôme’s Genefique? Did it work great on you? I would love to hear what you think about the product.

Dreaming Of...

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:18:00 +0000

Boracay!

When it's March, my feet are being tickled by the thought of walking barefoot along the shore and bask under the Boracay sun. Must book a trip ASAP!

Lancome Love

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:40:00 +0000

Yesterday I was awakened by the door bell ringing and i hurriedly rushed downstairs to check who was at the door. I saw a UPS truck and the mailman and my heart raced. I got mail from NY! Well, not exactly a mail/letter, but a BIG box with lots and lots of beauty products inside. Joyce watched me as I open my present and she pointed out that I looked like a kid in a candystore while opening the box and removing the bubble wrap around the pink box with black ribbon (my kind of color). I was so excited, it was obvious.

When I opened the box, my jaw dropped because of the goodies inside. I have never shopped at any point in time for makeup like this, just now. A couple of weeks ago, Kerry, VP for PR of Lancome, told me to use the $500 gift card to choose the merchandise I want from the Lancome USA website so that she can ship it to me together with five of the Chris and Tell Lipstick. And so shop I did! I sent her my list (and oh they were so generous to throw in one Vernis Magnitique Code Red Nail Polish and one full oz of Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate.

Here' what I got:

1. Five (5) L'Absolu Rouge in Chris and Tell

2. Miracle Kisses Set which includes 1.7 full oz of Miracle Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 full oz Miracle Perfumed Body Lotion, 0.28 oz Miracle Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss and a pink cosmetic bag with a pink heart zipper

3. Five (5)0.50 oz Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss in Magic Spell, Coral Rush, Sun Bronze, Toffee Pop and Miracle

4. Color Fever Lipgloss in Molten and Mercury Rising

5. Color Fever LipStick in Pink In The Limo

6. Six (6) Color Design Red Stiletto Cream Lipstick (2), The New Pink Sheen Lipstick, "It" Girl Sheen Lipstick, Retro Rouge Shimmer Lipstick, Ooh La La Metallic Lipstick

7. Le Vernis Limited Edition in Rouge Liberty and Royal Spice

8. La Laque Fever Gloss Pretty in Pinks (Optical Rose, Electric Pink and Spotpink)

9. Oil Control Mattifying Toner for Oily Skin

10. Ablutia Fraicheur Purifying Foaming Cleanser

11. Comforting Rehydrating Toner for Dry Skin

Last night, I went to work wearing the Chris and Tell lipstick and I was asked many times what lipstick am I wearing. Guess, it has caught some attention huh?

But the best bit of all is the note personally handwritten by Kerry. Thank you so much as well Lancome! I am truly honored to be an honorary member of the Chris Benz Lipstick Team. I will enjoy all of these for sure (some friends will too).

Thank you so much again Lancome and Chris for choosing the name I gave for this pretty lip hue. Now, I have my own contribution to the beauty world.

Rendezvous To Launch Debut Album

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:12:00 +0000

Tired of listening to wannabe bands that play loud, rambunctious songs that they pass of as “music”? Fret not; there’s a new band in town called Rendezvous about to launch its first album – and boy, do they know their music.

Although Rendezvous is about to introduce their very first album mainstream this year, it won’t be the first time they’ll be sharing their music. They’ve been around for about five years now, having released their first EP years ago and earning the praise of jazz and electronica aficionados.

Their music acts like a balm, soothing you yet giving you a tingly feeling. At least, their first three tracks released five years ago have that effect. But for their debut album to be released this year, they are going beyond their safety zone and venturing deeper into music.

Hagai Izenberg and Itai Simon, the two men behind Rendezvous, are collaborating with none other than Dave Bascombe for their first album. Bascombe has mixed and produced for famous artists before, including Natalie Imbruglia, Bon Jovi, Kylie Minogue, Depeche Mode, Moby, and many other music greats. This fact comes as no surprise; albeit new in mainstream music, Rendezvous is far from being amateur music-wise.

Rendezvous’ debut album features many surprises, including a string orchestra, a darbuka, and analog instruments that give electronica a whole new perspective. Mixing in these elements has been a good call thus far, earning Rendezvous thousands upon thousands of track downloads from their official website and music video views on their official YouTube channel.

Never a band that takes their craft lightly, Rendezvous also teamed up with Uzi Adam from Israel to document the entire production. Their endeavors are caught on film and can be seen on Rendezvous’ official site.

If you’ve never been a big fan of either jazz or electronica, be surprised to love Rendezvous’ music. It does not take much to develop quite a liking for their songs; listen to one song and you just might get hooked.

Yet Another Media Exposure

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:03:00 +0000

I woke up to an SMS sent by Earth about us getting featured in the Saturday issue of the Philippine Star. Since, it is already Sunday, I assumed I could not get a hold of yesterday's copy of the newspaper anymore so I reverted to my trusted bestfriend, Google. And sure it was, I found an article about us and the 14-Day Nestle Fitnesse Challenge.

Here's a repost of the article from The Philippine Star:

The recent Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show Off Your Shape contest encouraged women to enter as pairs or teams and lose at least two pounds in two weeks using the Fitnesse 14-day meal plan. The meal plan required participants to replace breakfast and either lunch or dinner with the cereal for two weeks, and to exercise and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The thinspirational prize was a new wardrobe that included an Hermes belt, dresses from Chanel, Rhett Eala, Michi Calica, Religioso and Kate Torralba, a Jun Escario top and jeans from 7 for All Mankind.

From over 20 teams, Team Earthlingorgeousness, composed of Earth Rullan, a freelance writer and blogger, Kessa Peralta, a call center manager, Maribel Marquez, a government employee, and Rowena Zaballa, also a government employee, each lost between 2.6 lbs to 4.8 lbs. All of them were strangers before the challenge was announced and only met online through Earth’s blog, when she called on women to help her form a team.

Earth’s updates and daily texts encouraged her teammates to stick to the meal plan. The designer pieces also helped motivate them to keep fit and stay healthy. It was also a bonus that the four girls have different groups of friends and work in different fields, which gave them a wider vote margin than the other teams. Fitter and healthier, the team members still continue to maintain their diet and exercise regimen, but now strut the streets in some brand new, confidence-boosting clothes.

And yes, I am the lucky one who took home the Hermes belt and the Kate Torralba Shirtdress.

Lancome Blog Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:02:00 +0000

I was featured in the Lancome blog for naming the latest Pout-a-Porter lipstick in collaboration with Chris and Benz (I am sure you have read about this in my blog a couple of times already). I am talking about Chris and Tell. Click this LINK to read the interview.

Lancome has already mailed my prize and I will of course be sharing the blessing to my readers as soon as I receive 'em. Please standby for the upcoming contest. :-)

PHOTO CREDIT: Screen captured from the Lancome Blog.

Cebu's Dancing Inmates (CPDRC)

noreply@blogger.com (Kessa Thea) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:35:00 +0000

I know this has been going around the web for too long but if you haven't seen it, please do so. I had goosebumps when they formed the peace sign near the end. Philippines "Dancing Inmates" from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison, were treated to a visit by Michael Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from This Is It.

These inmates have talent! The inmates also danced to hit songs by Queen, The Pussycat Dolls, Flo Rida and even Wonder Girls. Videos can be found on YouTube for the taking.

The inmates have found purpose in their lives while incarcerated: to entertain people outside who have been consumed by the business of the free life. Amazing choreography!