Sephora PH x Too Faced Haul

My heart fluttered when I heard (read) the buzz that a Sephora store will finally open in Manila (if my memory serves me right, Megamall).  I could finally get my hands on brands raved by many youtubers and beauty gurus but at the same time, I'm fearing that my wallet will always be slim and gasping for money (yikes!).

But the buzz is just a buzz and never became an official news.  Imagine the hearts of many Filipino beauty enthusiasts slowly being crushed while waiting for a physical store to materialized.

Luckily Sephora Ph Online store went up and a new hope was born (yipee!).

3 Common Online Shopping Questions
I always get these questions whenever I show my online haul.

• How do I pay - Credit Card, Paypal, Dragonpay.  Dragonpay consists of over the counter payment via bank or remittance payment center and online/app bank payment.  Weird though, BPI is not available maybe because of the recent incident?  I'm not sure.
• How many days before the goodies arrived - 5 to 7 days according to the website but I got mine within 5 days- I ordered Monday, got my stuff Friday.
• Tax? - Nope.  Aramex (courier) delivered my order to my friend's doorstep and voila!  As long as someone can sign and receive the package there will be no problem.

Addiction with Eyeglasses

Ever since my eyes got blurry, eyeglasses has been my number one accessory.  My first that doesn't look so nerdy is a Ray Ban looking glasses that I got from the department store (because my nerdy looking ones got broke and the shop where I got it said it will take them time to repair it) and have it prescripted.  I got a lot of queer looks from it but knowing that most frames in optical shops (back then) are too small for my liking, I always scour the net for some trendy glasses.  My latest by the way is from Divisoria and I got lots of compliment when I'm wearing it (even from an immigration officer from another country) but I always like to have options.

Fievre just keep on popping on my Facebook feed so I gave it a shot and got 3 frames.

BeautyMNL Collab Haul

Super excited to share with you my Haul Collaboration with BeautyMNL - the online shop that is saving me from my laziness and my pet peeves when going shopping in the malls (like long lines, crowded places and out of stock products) and I'm a fan ever since.

A Little Bit About BeautyMNL

BeautyMNL curated assortment of products that let us stock up on beauty staples and other amazing stuff from different brands and location.  They also have a magazine called Bloom in the site that provides fun and insightful articles with a Filipina’s lifestyle in mind - tips, easy how-tos, and great beauty trends that can be rock in the tropics

You can check more about BeautyMNL here.  Now let's check what I got!

Catching Up 2016

photo from here

Hi there! It's been a while (I know!) so here's what's going on for the past few months (I read this entry again and oh most of them are negative so be prepared).

January 2016
I have lots of post ideas for this blog, unfortunately I can't materialize them because a. I procrastinate, b. I'm not sure how to execute them and c. Internet connection is soooooooooooooo slow.

Please believe me when I say that I wanted to share with you; in detail, my "Project Taba" journey...I'm pretty serious about it the first week of January (like others who make it a point to include this "be healthy, look fit" concept in their New Year's resolution) but my then work (and other reasons that I keep repeating in my mind to justify my actions) kept me from doing it. Super Overtime (without pay guys so I'm not rich by doing it) and stress (Imagine, I worked December 24 and 25 and January 2 even if I'm sick) keeps me crawling back to my unhealthy habits like eating sugary stuff to keep me awake and alert and overeating because...it's comforting to eat hehehe.

Anyway, I'll try to start again this March because it's never too late! Start with me :)

February 2016
Oh the month of love where everybody is questioning my lovelife status-SINGLE forever ahahahaha.  How will I find love when in the first place, I never felt it...it's like finding an unknown thing.

I have a crush though (naks!).  And it makes me happy when I see him because he's always smiling as if the world is just full of magical things...but he's gay so......end of story (shove chocolates in the mouth).

I also look into my beauty stuff and lo and behold, 90% are just sitting in different places of my place collecting dust.  I'm trying to make at least two blog posts out of these stuff but the procrastinator in me is so strong that come March I still haven't made a single post.  I wanted to share my thoughts about the products that I have  because I think it will be helpful specially to those who are starting with make-up and skincare.

March 2016
And so here's March 2016 where I try to finish all the skincare items that I currently have and replace them with something natural.  Why? Because I'm getting old and my current skincare routine is not working anymore.

Speaking of being old, I just noticed that my feed is full of marriage proposals, weddings, kids and extravagant achievements in life that I can't help but look into my life and asks myself "What are you doing?".  It seems like my world is the same everyday that I didn't noticed that the world around me evolved into something strange and foreign...I've just been busy with my usual routine of work-eat-sleep.  Pretty deep huh?  But I guess it's never too late to be the person that I wanted or you wanted to be.  I'm trying to be out of my comfort zone and change my mindset so I can experience the full potential of living (sorry if I'm trying to be deep).  I will still be childish, but I hope I will be mature enough to accept that things happen and that I must move on - charge to experience things/events that are out of my scope and use them as learning to have better decisions in life.

I'm leaving you with the song "In My Mind" by Amanda Palmer :)

3 Gift Shopping Survival Tips for the Lazy and the Busy

It's the time of the year again where singing and dancing is mandatory, where breaking the diet is forgivable and shopping gifts for each and every person you know is an accomplishment.

But what if you're busy or just plain lazy (or both!) to series of gift shopping?  Well, here are my three for you.

ONE:  Online Shops are your Bestfriends
If you don't want to hassle yourself in getting out of bed and going the the mall or shops, then online shopping is definitely for you.  Your shopping dilemma will put to an end with just a click away.

I'm one of the lazy and busy peeps out there who almost always rely on online shopping just because I don't want to get out of the house and to commute and walk to different shops looking for something that might not be available in stores.  I'm careful though as to where I order and just trusted virtual shops.

I go to Bonmarche for makeup from the western countries, Sae Sil Parknshop (facebook based) and Behappywithme (ebay based) for korean skincare and makeup (I always order from these two especially when it's sale in Korea, the prices drops drastically)  and in Zalora. Actually, Zalora is my latest addiction because of the cash on delivery (I don't have to line in banks, hooray!!!) and probably because of the app -I already ordered 3 times through the app and every transaction went well.  Yesterday I ordered the "exchange gift" my officemate requested and was actually tempted to buy gifts to myself (they have promotions and sales because it's 12.12) but I have to finalize my wishlist first.  You can download the ZALORA mobile app here.

I sometimes try my luck with other Ebay online shops but aside from Bhappywithme, my other transactions are painful.

TWO:  Be an Early Potato
One thing I learned from someone's(close to me) ex who worked at a department store is that they change the tag of the items for sale around an hour before closing time a day before a huge sale.  If that is not true anymore now, then be extra early on the first day of the sale.  You will avoid the long lines to the cashier and fitting room plus the salespersons are still energized to assist you.

Most of the time I also take advantage of special sales and additional percentage off to my purchases a mall offers to early shoppers.  SM Department Stores sometimes give additional 10% to 20% discount to their SM advantage card holders  if they shop an hour earlier than the regular mall hours.

THREE:  Have a Master Plan
Always have a list of things to buy and where to buy them.  I don't mind people telling me that I'm so old school for having a list on hand - it's effective to get the job done and I save time.

Now the list should include every detail possible like the color, size, where the shop is located and even the back-up item to be gifted if the first option is not available.  This way, you won't spend your whole day pondering and going back and forth to shops.

Set a definite date to do all your shopping so your mind and body is prepared.  Also, make sure that your cards are perfectly working and you have enough cash on hand.

It's also nice to bring some snacks (and water, stay hydrated) so you can nibble on something when hungry~it's rare to find a resto/food store that is not packed with hungry shoppers.

I hope these three tips helps.  But if everything fails, always remember that a sincere greeting with a smile or a warm hug are great gift options.

Before They Go: Meet My Shoes

I'm about to go out to do some shopping damage since everything is on sale.  But then I saw a shopping bag with two pairs of shoes in it just lying at the foot of my bed and realize that I have too much stuff and I don't need to acquire more.

By the way, I decided to throw/give away that two pair of shoes and put them in that shopping bag for like 3 weeks ago or even a month already and I still haven't got to doing so maybe because I'm a shoe lady???  I do not have much of a problem bidding goodbye to bags and clothes but shoes is something that bothers me a lot when it comes to "culling".

So with that intro, here are my shoes of the moment.

Binge Online Shopping

In order to keep my sanity and fight boredom, I kept on visiting online shops.  There's Sephora who always fill my high end make-up and skincare fantasy that youtubers rave about.  There's Luxola for mostly brushes and sleek blushes.  And then there's Zalora which; thankfully, is in the Philippines so I've been browsing their site for the whole week because of the sales and the discount that the company I work for have for its employees (thank's company, I hope you raise my salary so I can have all the items that are stuck in my favorites) so might as well share them to you.

I've been into clothes and shoes lately, I'm blaming Claire Marshall, Jen Im and the The Line Up for this.  My style is more on the basic, structured, comfortable, almost minimal and with a splash of tomboy~ish look.

White Boyfriend Blouse
A white button down is a staple in every wardrobe.  You can dress it upor down. Wear it on it's own or jazz it with some accessories.  Layering them with blazers, cardigan and jackets will also make the simple white interesting and not boring~a white button is the perfect canvas for a chic and versatile outfit.
Bomber Jacket
It's a bomber jacket which is usually associated with something sporty but this printed jacket can also be worn in a formal way.  I picture wearing this when I'm in a mood for something girly yet I still wanted to have that tomboyish vibe.
Pineapple Print Tee
Don't laugh but this tee is from the men's section.  I don't know why but I'm more attracted to the prints in men's tee (I have a couple of them) ~they have more variety of prints like pineapples :)

Again don't laugh but my first ever pair of jeans is from the men's section.  I have a weird body structure that most girl's jeans/pants won't fit me that's is why when I shop I always look at the men's section (sorry guy's) though a lot of people look at me quizzically but hey, they fit me well- not too body hugging, have the right straight cut that I want, no whatever flower or jewel stuff and most importantly, they are comfortable.

Visit Zalora to browse for more perfect fit jeans here.  Don't worry ladies, they also have the perfect jeans for you (*whispers* some of them are on sale).  Here are some of the jeans that I like very much.

Anime, Books, Food, Music and of course Cosmetics

From my mug to yours, have some coffee.  I'm finally awake and hopefully I'll also be in action in this blog thanks to my sister who wanted to have my Collection concealer and to Shayne who keep on visiting and commenting in my posts-they reminded me that I have a blog.  I have lots of products to review and ideas to share but the couch potato in me consumed my energy.

Here's what I've been up to lately:

Anime
Anime series is just like your tv series:  it has interesting characters, story, morals and it can make its viewers go mad while waiting for the next episode or season.  The only difference is that it is in "cartoon" form.  And also, I prefer english sub than dub.

I re-watch Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood because I already forgot how it ended (and glad that I did because I didn't really finish the series before) and still waiting for new episodes and season for World Trigger (wars of different nation/world), Food Wars (it's about food with OA reaction when tasting the food) and Assassination Classroom (a classroom of high schoolers who aims to assassinate their un-ordinary teacher to save the world).

Books
Done with the The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami which is really strange, my brother think it's a horror book some people think it's a children's book (how opposite).  It's a very short story with lots of illustrations that can be finish in; at most, an hour.

I'm already half way through Rags and Bones which is a collection of stories from great authors.  Like what is mentioned in it's cover, the authors gave a new twist to timeless tales which also made me realize that I'm very very very far from being a well-read person, I feel ashamed when someone calls me a bookworm.  Anyway, this is for you if you wanted to read but do not have the time to commit to a full blown book with a long story since it consists of 12 short tales and it's easy to jump from one story to another because they are not interconnected.

Food
I ate Thai and lots of Indian food.  I've also been to UCC which I never knew was a Japanese resto and to Dyce and Dine where I drank a Pineapple Mint in an erlenmeyer flask while playing some board games (didn't managed to enjoy the food since I'm having a terrible headache that affected my sense of taste).

While watching anime, I never failed to eat ice cream and for weird reason I'be been liking Double Dutch which was a weird flavor for me before.  I've been gobbling Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream which many despise because of the smell.  These combo really made be fat so beware.

Shiseido, Canmake, Etude and Laneige Haul

There are many types of reasons.  There are those reasonable that no matter what argument you throw, the reason is fair and sensible.  And there are those unreasonable which might be a result of an impulse, like my reason for these haul which starts with "Just because".

"Just because" someone from Japan is coming to Manila (thank you my friend), I got the Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser and the Canmake Shading Powder.  I don't basically need them but heck these two are waaaaaay cheaper in Japan than in here, so why not.

Aside from the usual sachets of samples (thankfully, I only got two BB creams which is a miracle.  I usually give away sample bb creams because they are too light for my skintone although I'm fair and pale) and face mask, I got some nice deluxe sample products.  I'm actually expecting some Laneige samples but heck these are awesome and will be perfect for travel.  Got these because of the below purchases.

Skincare Centered Haul for You All

Cosmetics sale is everywhere and I participated in some like the annual nivea sale where everything is half the price and I also got some other stuff like a weird looking brush and foot soak.  I also took advantage of some korean skincare products because some of them are on a great deal.

Here are some of the things I accumulated that I bought online.  Let's start with what I got from Bhappywithme Ebay.  By the way photos are by Louis of Louis Delos Angeles Photography, I edited them though :)

I've been eyeing the OST Vitamin C Serum but I couldn't find a Philippine based online seller who can "procure" it for me and so when I saw the C20 (which is the new name of OST) Vitamin Sleep 9 to 5 crema (Php799, around $18), I immediately put it in my ebay cart.  Dull skin is one of my problem so I hope the vitamin c in this cream can solve my mini dilemma.

Still from Bhappywithme, I also got the Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist (Php200, around $4.5) which has been a favorite to many skincare addicts enthusiast.  I initially plan to used this just as a final step to my base  makeup but it's so refreshing that I just spray this on my face whenever I feel like it.

I love my Biore Water Essence with SPF 50 but I couldn't just wear it alone, I need to apply another product to fully entertain the need of my skin for moisture so I got the A'pieu Pure Block Natural Sun Cream (Php300, around $6.70) hoping that it can perform like the IOPE that I have before (which I cannot have to afford the full size).

3 Favorite Youtubers

I started watching Youtube videos last year and always waste my time with vlogs, series, and tutorials and of course music.  Here are three of my favorite youtubers that makes me excited whenever I see notifications of their videos on my phone.

Claire Marshall, heyclaire
The editing of this lady is just mind blowing.  Her videos are so neat and detailed it's like she have a production crew working  for her.  Her ideas are unique and creative that I always crave for more.  She also explains things that should be explained like in her What I Wore: Sunday Brunch video and her vlogs plus music selection is just so interesting and usually out of ordinary that I would watch till the end.  Love her style, love her makeup, love her apartment~ I love Claire!

Jenn Im, clothesencounters
I actually do not like her at first in her earlier/older videos because she always sticks her tongue out (do not hate me, I also stick my tongue out but not too often) but she's more mature now and how she vlog the snippets of her adventures is just perfect and her outfits are always fun.  I also like her monthly favorites because she features different things like books and music.  Oh I also like the channel of her bestfriend Stephanie, oh that girl can be a model.

Estee Lalonde, essiebutton & essiebuttonvlogs
She's just so quirky and happy to look at especially with her little family~Aslan and Reggie.  I get to see London in her vlogs and hear make-up and skincare items that are not available in my country.  She's a natural talker that I guess when I bump into her, we will still have a nice chat even if I'm awkward and shy person.  She's a lovely Button.

Hi! Quarter Update

Hi!  I randomly thought that I'll do a quarter update post to break the reviews and hauls that I usually write; about although I'm not a legit writer, and also a little sneak peak with my personal life.

EVENT
January:
Work has been the highlight of my January because I'm already an official member of the company I work for but gosh I'm still not holding a firm grip with my position but it seems that I'm getting use to all the hoopla of the people around me.

Something Thrifted, From Online and Drugstore Haul

I have to pat myself at the back for doing a job well done with regards to shopping and making a haul.  I've been to different online shops browsing at some things that I really like to get but I always ask myself if I really need or even like them and I usually close my browser and my shopping instinct will disappear.  Still got some though that I've been wanting for many months that no matter what I reason to myself, the urge to get them keeps coming back.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is something that stuck in my head for a year or more now eversince I watch Tanya Burr's video followed by Shayne of Queen of All You See's post (plus a ton more mention from the likes of Essie and Amelia).  I never had a concealer but I don't want to gamble so might as well get something that is recommended by this awesome people.  I got the only shade that is available in the counter~Light, I pray that this will work.

I also wanted to get taupe eyeshadow for an everyday makeup use but I can't find any that fits my liking and budget.  I check Fanny Serrano but it's out of the stock in the department store I went and I search online and found the Lorac Pocket PRO Pallette but it consists of three eyeshadows...I only need one, so I stop and will just have to deal with what I currently have in my stash (goodluck to me).

Thank goodness for sisters who share their makeup!  I got all these three for free.  I keep on using on the red Ever Bilena Matte Lipsticks and on occasions that I feel the need to get girly, I use the pink one.  I'm still experimenting with the Maybelline Brow Mascara which is surprisingly blending well with the color of my brows, I just need more "getting use to" feel for me to comfortably wear it on a daily basis.

And lastly, THESE...

The gold and white combination is the one to blame for this craziness!  I mean, I even don't know how to use those eye brushes (are they eye brushes?).  I wish to have the Zoeva Classic Face Set but by the time I decided to get it, it's already out of stock in Luxola (why Luxola, why?) so I got this BeautyCosmetics Gold Diana Set instead.  The face brushes are less denser than I expected but man, they are so soft!

I also got the Brushegg hoping that it would stop the torture my brushes experience when I clean them with my bare hands.

I've been good with my shopping, right?

Wishes For 2015

I wish that you and I could wish not just to shooting stars but to all the lights that we can see.  If that happens then all our wish will come true :)  Just reasoning out so that my photo above will make sense (caption is not relatable to this post though).

Shayne of Queen Of All You See tag me to the:

Things To Wish For This 2015

A fashion piece I'd like to have most

A sturdy but still good looking and comfortable brogue shoes.  I don't know when exactly I started obsessing but I just like them because they look classic and can be worn with almost anything be it pants, shorts, skirt or even dress .  I currently have a pair (and also 2 pairs before: one that is just not so comfy and the other one is not sturdy) but because I use it almost on a daily basis, rain or shine, I don't think it will last another half year. 

A beauty product I'd like to have most

I hope this is not limited to make-up because skincare came directly to my mind when I read this in Shayne's post.  There are a lot of skincare products that I like to try including but not limited to Cure Natural Aqua Gel, SK-II Facial Essence Treatment and Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, but I know that I can't have them this 2015 (budget constraint)  so I'll settle with the ampoule that I praise so much last year which is the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule.  Luckily the set (together with The First Essence which is said to be a dupe for SK-II) is on sale and I already pre-ordered it (big YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS).

A project I'd like to finish

Project Taba!

I wanted to seriously get fit and be healthy and so started constructing Project Taba which should have started last February but I failed but it's not yet too late to start, right?  The aim of the project is very simple: to get me to the normal level of weight and to have a healthy lifestyle.  There's a time in 2013 that I've tasted being healthy and it felt good~ I'm light, happy and positive about life~I wanted to feel that again and maintain it (never mind if I will not have a Victoria's Secret Angel body hehehe).

A destination I'd like to visit.
Japan.  Disneyland, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Cheery Blossom, Ramen, Motchi, Anime, and Skincare and Makeup Brands I like to try plus Japanese Fashion: it's all in Japan.

I want to wear more of
Basic but chic and classy pieces.  And Comfortable too, I think I'm already at the age where I already knew my style that when a certain person I know would look into... let's say a shirt, she or he will say "Oh that's you" and that scenario happened already a lot of times.

I wanted something structured and basic but my problem right now is that my figure is "weird", not the typical petite type of frame, that it's hard for me to get the clothes that I want and always end up buying something "temporary" or too basic so I hope that with the help of Project Taba, I could be basic but chic and classy.  It sounds boring but whenever I look at Claire Marshall (check her outfits in youtube), I always think rock!

Food I want to eat more of

Like Shayne, Veggies.  I have no problem with vegetables but I'm having a hard time preparing them especially if it's just for a person and they easily rot and most vegetables being sold here are in bundles so I just waste time. 

A new skill to master

Stop procrastinating.  You would probably say "it's that even a skill?" but procrastinating is one of my main problem in life (that's why I haven't started yet with Project Taba).  I always say it's not yet the right time or I don't have all the means yada yada yada... I wanted to stop all the excuses and start taking action.

Now I'm tagging Terri, Rae, Genzel, CJ, Jhanz and YOU.

Aklatan Book Haul

It's been a while since I went to a good bookstore and become one with the books and I'm rereading my current books over and over again so I thought it's just okay and it's the right time to buy books (and let go of some again, anyone interested in buying and taking care of them?).  Thanks to Otakore I found Aklatan and saved a lot of bucks!

Here's a quick look at what I got!

Who Could That Be at This Hour?, Lemony Snicket
I read the The Series of Unfortunate Events, it is hard bound and it is just 200 pesos...no brainer.

Rags & Bones, Meliis Marr, Tim Pratt
A collection of short stories that can be read in less than an hour, Rags & Bones contains new twist on timeless tales.  I heard this from Jen of ImJenIm and the cover attracted me, that I went gaga when this is included of Aklatan's teaser.

Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynn Jones
I already watched the movie of this one and was surprised that it's from a book and was even tempted to buy the others by Diana.  The story is magical with an "unconventional" love story :P

The Strange Library, Haruki Murakami
My very first Hauki Murakami book.  I wanted the  1Q84 but it's very expensive in bookstores so I got this instead.  It has cool "packaging" and there are photos inside, yipee (just like a kid).

The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It's time for me to have a copy because I love The Little Prince.  The black cover is surprising since the usual color of the book I see is white.

Leo Tolstoy
I thought that maybe I'll be wiser if I'll start reading poems.  Good luck to me.

John Donne
Because the cover is just to pretty and unusual here in the Philippines.

Haven't been sharing the books that I read lately but I'm hoping that I will, soon!

3 Anime Series I'm Watching

People within my age group and field of work would describe as weird because instead of watching US series (although I sometimes watch them), I prefer animes.  Here are three that I watch/watching recently all thanks to my brother who watch them too.

photo from www.zerochan.net

Barakamon
Is about a calligrapher who was exiled to an island as a punishment after punching an art director.  A typical loner city guy, Handa (the calligrapher, main character) explores his new environment and adapt to his crazy yet happy neighbors to find his inspiration and writing style.  A happy series that focuses on friendship, relationship and self realization.

photo from thehugeanifan.wordpress.com

Parasyte
Is about parasites appearing on earth, taking over human brains by entering through ears or noses.  I only watch this once in a while (because my brother watches even when I'm not around) but plan to catch up with the series because it's very interesting even with all the gore and cheesy love story.

photo from anime-anime-11.blog.cz

Mushi-shi
A fascinating take on the supernatural things and happenings that we encounter in our everyday lives.  Ginko, a "mushishi", travels around to investigate about different kinds of "mushi" which is a supernatural creature that dwells and lives among us.  You can randomly watch the series of this anime and still understand the story which are fascinating.

Are you an otaku?

So What If I Don't Have a Boyfriend

February is the month of the year where almost everybody is asking me "Why Don't You Have A Boyfriend?"

This question intensifies during the 14th of February and whenever there's a family gathering or when you're friends don't have a topic to talk about.  Your "in a relationship" friends and family members would asks if your okay when you posts a picture dining alone and a status that goes along the lines of "Treating myself to a nice dinner".

But what are the reasons why you are not in a relationship?  Here are some things I heard (In my exaggerated mind's point of view) in the past few years:

1.  Your standards are so high that you are dreaming of a magical creature.
2.  You are so high that guys or gals look at you like a wicked witch/wizard.
3.  Ang choosy choosy mo!
4.  All men that are not in a relationship are gay so you are not their type (if you are a girl and vice versa if you are a boy)
5.  Ang pangit mo!  As in you are UGLY!

In my normal thinking point of view though, my reasons includes "I'm afraid to commit into a serious relationship", "I'm not mature enough for this type of phenomenon", "I haven't found the one who can truly accept me" and "I'm happy being single".

If I will be in a relationship, I wanted to be mature enough to accept anything about him and him accepting all of me (insert John Legend's song).  I would accept if he would not reply to my text about where he is, what he is eating, who is he hanging out, where is my chocolate, and why there is a girl beside him in his latest instagram picture.  And he would forgive me if I don't answer his text about where I am, what I'm I eating, who I'm hanging out, why I'm dying my hair and shopping, and why there is a boy beside me in my latest instagram picture.

In short, I wanted to be in a relationship wherein each party is mature enough to accept and forgive little things that don't really matter and each party is committed and trust each other no matter what.

Make sense?  Maybe I'm just dreamy!

∆rya

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Winter is Here

During chilly months, I get extra dry hands and nails to the point that if I don't moisturize after washing, they get flaky and and my nails are more prone to breakage.  An extra step is needed to keep my hands and nails to their normal state.

Hand Mask
There's a hair mask, face mask so don't be surprised if there's also a hand mask.  I'm making my own by mashing half of an avocado mixing it with a teaspoon of honey.  Just apply all over hands and nails, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes then rinse.  The combination always makes my hands and nails moisturize and smooth.

Cut, Clip & Shape
My nails are usually cut short and straight for easy maintenance and for me not to bite them :)  Then I the sides of my nails with and emery board for a smooth finish.  I have time,  I use a nail buffer with 4 sides to make my nails shiny and polish.

Here's a complete tip on how to Winterize Nails from our friends from Julep:

For color, something a bit plummy and a little sparkly can winterize the nails.  From the color palette below, I'll go with Joanne as it looks simple yet sophisticated and can work well with the color scheme of my wardrobe which is mostly black, navy blue, cream and white.

Sawyer will be my go to if I wanted something sparkly as the copper color and hints of spark didn't intimidate me.

My picks of color are usually simple and versatile to suite my almost minimalist and rock star style so Joanne and Sawyer are perfect for me.

How do you take care of your hands and nails during this season?

∆rya

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Oops! I Did It Again

This is supposed to be a Lush haul.  I thought that I would be like the youtubers going gaga over their Lush haul but when the sales assistant said that they don't have the mask of magnaminty, my heart sunk.  Still look into the products to find what my sister asked me to buy for her and the serum with camu camu (if I'm not mistaken) but I can't find them in the neat shelves of soaps, hair products and other stuff.  So I went to Sunnies to find Donnie, I have the plan of changing its lense to graded one but my eyes got disappointed when it's also out of stuck...And then, out of a whim I remember, Forever 21...wrong move on my part because that's when the series of shopping events started :P

By the time I got to Landmark to buy a pillow, I already have 5 shopping bags in my hand so why not show them to you even though all of them are pretty basic and my photos (as usual) are in blur.

FOREVER 21
It's BOGO time again and their boots are included (OMG!).  I've been eyeing a lot of F21's boots and I finally got one (although when I'm in the store I'm contemplating if I should get the military style too but then again how will I wear it in my everyday office attire?)  I got an ankle boots with square toes (because pointed shoes are just painful for me) with I think 2 or 1.5 inches heels which is surprisingly comfortable.  The zipper on the sides makes me smile, it's easy to wear and remove the shoes because of this detail.  The crisscross straps are nice too but I won't mind if they are not included.

Since I can't find another shoe to pair with my boots as a BOGO, I got a blazer.  It's just okay for me but I rather get something else but my options are very limited since the available shoes in SM Makati are all pointy, the clothes consists of skirts, dresses and sleeveless tops, and the bags are just not my type.  I contemplated a lot while in store (I couldn't believe I spent an hour in F21)
and here's a funny thing:  I asked someone in the boots section if she would want to share the price with me (I'm kinda desperate na) , too bad she wanted to buy 2.  I got rejected, nabusted ako guys huhuhuh.

The two knitted "muscle tops" are just 300 pesos for both, cheaper than my camis so why not?  They are good for layering and in the summertime.

It's all Forever 21's fault because across its store is H&M which is also on sale (DAMN).

H&M and UNIQLO
I wanted to also get a gray cardigan but I needed a trouser more because I got really fat over the holidays and the "jogger" pants from H&M are comfy and can hide my big belly (and it's on sale).

I hear a lot people saying "what's with Uniqlo, the clothes are just so plain" and that's what I love about Uniqlo, they are plain actually the more correct word is basic and I'm eyeing a lot of the store's button downs that are wrinkle free and stretchy pants.  I got the ponti leggings pants that is thicker than normal leggings and looks like a regular office pants, I just hope no ones going to notice it when I wear this in the office (crossfinger).

BENCH
Lastly, Bench.  I don't know what's wrong with me but I always wear cami when I'm wearing a polyester type of fabric or a button down shirt so my sister introduced me to these Cami Bras.  I just have an okay size boobs so support is not a problem and the feeling that there's no thick "band" on my lower chest area is freedom!

Happy Shopping! Arya

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Accumulated Stuff. Guilty, this is a Haul Post

For the past few months I've been good in keeping myself away from ordering and shopping cosmetics (though I keep on buying clothes to replace my old ones and succulents).  From now on, I'll tell myself that it's not yet my schedule to haul or shop instead of shopping ban which is less harsher to the ears which makes me think that I'm not restricting myself but more like I have more time to think and research the things that I like to have/buy.

Weather is gloomy which I like but not my photos because it makes them blurry.  Whatever, here's my recent accumulated things.

Ecotools Fresh and Flawless Complexion Brush Set
Lucky me, I guess immediately who my secret santa is and immediately told her that I don't want things that I can't use.  I initially wanted a book but saw this set from Bon Marche and commanded (I'm horrible, I know) her to order this instead because I need some brushes.

Sunkissed Duo Eyeshadows
I'm not familiar with the brand and I'm not sure where my sister got these but heck they are free.  I have one before; which I dropped and tried to put them together using the techniques I found in youtube but didn't work (oh youtube, your a mess), and it has a good quality and color and hopefully these two are good two.

Ellana Mineral Blush
My sister got this for free when she ordered a lot of Ellana stuff online and gave it to me because it's more suitable for the color of my skin.  Hooray for sister and freebies!

IOPE Air Cushion XP C21
I'm familiar with this brand since it keeps on appearing whenever I search for best skincare product in Korea back in the middle of the year and have been recently popular because of the the bb cushion which Michelle Phan mentioned in one of her videos.  Air cushion have been all over the net and seeing Pony using it so effortlessly, I decided to get the refill.  I didn't bother to get the container to save some money, thanks to behappywith me for the hassle free transaction.  Oh I also got a spare sponge for 50 pesos.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter
I got this for free when I bought a Revlon hair color.  I have no choice, it's free so I have to keep it hehehe.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon  Hawaiian Smolder
My sister gave me one of her balm stain (Revlon Just Bitten Kissable to be specific) and I like it so I ordered something similar...but different lip crayon.  This one is more on the mauve side.

Human Heart Nature Night Cream and Overnight Elixir
Human Heart Nature had a great promo on the Overnight Elixir (reduced price and I got a 50ml sunflower oil) and because I'm not contented with just one I figured why not buy some other cheap stuff like the night cream and the massage oil (which is in the next photo).

IOPE Essential Tone and Wrinkle Care Eye Cream
This is the only cheap eye cream that i can find in the net that seems to work well.  Thanks again to behappywithme, I'm guessing she some memebox full of IOPE stuff and selling the items in her shop separately which is perfect for me!  I'm trying to resist to order the ampoule.

Biore Aqua Sunscreen Essence???
Forgot the exact name but this is one of the products that appeared when I search for a sunblock/sun cream that is popular in Japan and ask my sister to ask one of her officemate to buy it for me in Japan.  Banzai to travelers!

Konjac Cleansing Sponge
I keep on purchasing konjac sponge from The Landmark because they work and they are cheap, I just hope that the makers won't raise the price now that there are many youtubers raving about these sponges.

Human Heart Nature Rejuvenating Massage Oil
I'm now an oil convert because it moisturizes my skin without being to heavy and sweaty unlike lotions.  But I just don't use whatever kinds of oil...I go for something that is light like dry oil or those with coconut oil as a base.  This one though has sunflower oil and though sunflower oil is great for the skin I find the smell annoying not just on my skin but on my clothes as well because it linger even after wash which leads me to buy the next item.

Zenutrients Anti Cellulite Oil
Didn't buy this because of the Anti Cellulite part (it sound gimmicky to me) but because of the relaxing smell and feel it gave me when I used it last year so I got another bottle.  The other massage oil from Zenutrients are good to, so far my favorite is the eucalyptus and green tea.

Human Nature Hydrating Creamy Wash
Gooey but definitely hydrating and cheaper than most of of the facial wash I used.  I'm not a fan of it's scent but it works like Physiogel and Cetaphil.

I also bought this Winter Wonderland Spray from ZenZest as recommended by my sister.  Abusing the broque shoes that I got from Payless and surprisingly, I bought a necklace from H&M which surprisingly again, I'm wearing on a weekly basis.  I'm not an accessory person but probably because I'm revolving around plain looking shirt, now look into the the accessory section of shops.

I wanted to add some of the tops that I got that looks really nice, but I don't know how to present them here (the last time I did it was a disaster).

Shop wisely.  Enjoy!

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