Friday 30 November 2012

ZEN ZEST DIVA-OFF! BLOGGER'S EVENT

I've always been an avid user of Zen Zest products,
and my fave branch? Zen Zest Glorietta! 
Check out this post:
Experiencing Zen at Zen Zest Asia (Click HERE). 

That's the reason why I'm way beyond thrilled when 
I got an email from Liz of The Project Vanity,
inviting me to Zen Zest Diva-Off! event.
It's not your ordinary type of bloggers gathering
as the title implies. This one's for singing, sniffing (good scents)
and just having a laid-back weekend with old and new faces.

That Saturday was a bit jam-packed for me,
I've ticked some few obligations and managed to finalize 
Quiz #3 for my Accounting class... Wohoo!
I can be that geek at times. But it's all good,
enjoyed a glass of  home-made peach iced tea from
Mary Grace Cafe (click HERE).

 

Going back, I arrived at Red Box Greenbelt 30 minutes
before the call time. Ms. Liz was too kind to ask us how our day was so far.
Event started with a sumptuous buffet, loved the fish and tacos!
Then the singing began.

Event was graced by none other than Divine Lee 
(she's so nice and very down-to-earth), 
Victor Basa and the owner of Zen Zest herself, Michelle Fontelera.

With Ms. Divine Lee

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THE WEIRD HABITS


Although I deliberately avoid being ultra-personal 
and yak me-things on this blog, one thing is inevitable - 
that as you readers share a piece of yourself, so should I!
Please keep the comments coming as I love reading what's your take on things! 

Do you have weird habits? 
Not the weird-scary but weird-strange habits?
Help yourselves and laugh (or raise your eyebrow, perhaps?):



Weird Habit #6: Usually before I sleep, 
I type 2-5 text messages for different people,
then save them on my phone's draft.
 In the morning, I'll just click on send button on each of the message.
#####



Weird Habit #5: I'm still a fan of to-do list.
Every day, I have a notepad application on my laptop
and list the things I need to do. 
This is beneficial. 
But the fun weird part is - I also have to-do list on paper. 
To-Buys. To-Blog. To-think about. To-Do's.
#####


 Weird Habit #4: I'm a grammar nazi. I love grammar improvements. 
Specially when I'm the author. Given the luxury of time, 
I proofread my blog posts. 
Here's the punch line: 
Even after I published it.
#####

Wait till you see Weird Habit #1!
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Thursday 29 November 2012

FASHION ALERT : TRIBAL SKIRT

Christmas is fast approaching! It's in the air. You can feel it, can't you?! I've been into different get togethers the past week and it's very comforting to know that you have lots of good friends!

Been a while since I posted an addition to my Fashion Alert series so here's one! Pardon me for the-somewhat-grainy pic, it's an ambush shot. Thanks ate from Bizu, Greenbelt!

Got the nice dainty, tribal skirt from Bayo after watching Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 (click HERE). When I bought this, I thought it will go well with my denim top (click HERE), but, err - I was wrong. Not sure - but the combination looks like it's not all well-made up.

The Fuchsia top and tribal pair combination is a plain serendipity. I was running late for our early lunch appointment when I spotted this silky top on my closet. Sweet!



DETAILS:
 Tribal Skirt, Bayo (Php 695.00)
Fuchsia Top, Details from Landmark (Less than Php 500.00)
Bag from Longchamp and Wedge from Celine



 FASHION INSPIRATION:

Photo Credit: Daily Look, Google Images

Trying subtle yet crazy prints can be fun at times! -CMK
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Wednesday 28 November 2012

CMK READS : DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF... (BOOK REVIEW)

"A more peaceful way to live is to decide consciously which battles are worth fighting and which are better left alone. If your primary goal isn't to have everything work out perfectly but instead to live a relatively stress-free life, you'll find that most battles pull you away from your most tranquil feelings."

"Underneath the most annoying behavior is a frustrated person who is crying out for compassion.When you're not negatively affected by the action of others, it's a lot easier to stay focused on the beauty of life."

Those are some of the words I need to see before deciding that this book is for me! I've searched for this gem for so long. Book is always out of stock or no-longer in stock. I got the author and the title but it seems to be elusive until one Saturday, weeks before my birthday, I saw the book only in different form.

Different since the book is a three-part cover of Richard Carlson's book series.


DETAILS:
TITLE: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...(Paperback)
... and it's all small stuff (Part 1)
... at work (Part 2)
... about money (Part 3)
AUTHOR: Richard Carlson
PUBLISHER: CPI Mackays, Chatham (Great Britain)
PRICE: Php 350.00 approx.


REALIZATIONS:
♠ Life can be simpler if we'll just breathe and appreciate things around us.
♠ Let others be "right" and you'll be loved. Some battles are worth 'losing'.
♠ We must let go of the idea that gentle, relaxed people can't be super-achievers!
♠ Live with this fact: Life is NOT fair. But GOD is!
♠ Whatever you practice most is what you will become.


"The people you meet are all here to teach you something.
Perhaps the obnoxious driver or disrespectful teenager
 is here to teach you about patience, 
the punk rocker might be here to teach you to be less judgmental."

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺WORTH IT! Super! 3-books-in-one is definitely a good buy.
☺iRelate. To the highest level! Have you read a book 
which you feel that each line is for you? This is one of those.
☺Life unexpectedly. We all have a sort of illusion that life is pink. 
That if you are stressed then you are successful.
That if you are righteous then you are loved.
But life is not an IF-THEN statement.
This book opens you to a different kind of truth about life and how to deal with it. 



CMK WISHFUL THOUGHT:
☺Bulky. Stating the obvious, I know. It is a conscious 
effort to bring this book while you run your errands.

CMK THINKS:
 This is definitely a keeper. 
If you want to give someone a gift of enlightenment this Christmas, 
head on to your favorite bookstore and see if this is still in stock.

One of my favorite parts (from Part 1):
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Monday 26 November 2012

BEAUTY BRICK SALON (DIGIPERM) REVIEW

CMK with Mr. Shin
It was 2010 when I first joined the bandwagon of (ladies with) digipermed hair and I loved it since then. My hair has been a walis-type of hair. From my university days up to 2010, the tip of my hair can be likened to a ba-ba-broom (take your pick - walis tambo or walis tingting) ☺

I have a scheduled trip to Taipei that time (click HEREwith some of my friends and I want to change my image on that trip's pictures (I can be THAT shallow sometimes.) Poof! The thought hit me. DIGIPERM! I relied to blog reviews and forum to assess if it's a yes or nay - and thanks to my good friend Jolly, the deal was sealed. Let's do this!

I had 2 choices back then. Mr. Simon Kim and Mr. Shin. I texted Mr. Shin and he (or his staff) was super kind enough to answer all my questions. However, due to schedule (and price) constraint - my first digiperm experience was from Mr. Simon Kim (click HERE). In all fairness, the curls was all good, it's just that my hair was too short that time to be curled. Hence the effect was not that optimum. 


Come 2011 - I've met Mr. Shin personally (and I've been his regular client since then). Why? Let me answer you in ways more than one! FAST FACT: Mr. Shin is a Japanese. He's not Korean as most girls can easily assume. Us - because I, for one, thought he was. But yes - he is a Japanese.


PLACE: 
Beauty Brick is such a welcome treat!
It's unique in its own right.
What I like most about the ambiance 
is it's not your typical parlor type where the radio tunes 
are so loud or the television is tuned in to a showbiz talk show!
Personally. I. hate. that. I see parlors as de-stress zones 
and I'd like it to be decently relaxing.
Beauty Brick's type of music are without words (only sounds).
It has a Japanese retro beat and the place was well lighted!
Another noteworthy detail? Their magazines are updated!
They all have the newest and latest issues. All of them.



TREATMENT FIT FOR A QUEEN (OR AN EMPRESS):
Their staff were the most light-handed people I've known.
From how hot or cold the water is to the intensity of your head massage,
they'll make it a point that you are not uncomfortable in any way.
Another thing that I appreciate is that they are not
the typical loud-mouthed people you see in parlors.
They are so nice to be with. Happy and sunshiny people :) 


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Friday 23 November 2012

CMK EATS : MOCHI SWEETS (JAPANESE LUXURY SWEETS) REVIEW


I've been fascinated with the idea of literally holding your ice cream without the dripping and messy episodes. Though I tried to eat a pandesal stuffed with ice cream before, I just can't.
It just don't match. To me, pandesals are for eggs and butter and cream cheeses.

Early 2012 - this cute word was all over media - MOCHI!
 Before we stuff our stomach with these goodies, let's fill in our brain first.

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice (sticky rice) 
pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape.
In Japan, it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki.
Small balls of ice cream are wrapped inside a mochi 
covering to make mochi ice cream. - Hence, we got Mochi Ice Cream
Source: Wikipedia

I've never been to Japan, but I've seen Mochi's equivalent in Seoul, Korea.
They have a little flat mochi-like biscuit stuffed with oh!-so-good mousse,
it's actually one of my TOP 5 REASONS TO LOVE SEOUL, KOREA (click HERE)


Going back, that cool hot Sunday, me and Maya
watched the Twilight Breaking Dawn 2 -
for some few ideas on what to expect, click HERE.
Then, the craving starts to kick in!
I know I've seen one Mochi stall in SM Mall of Asia,
but I don't recall exactly where!

We've seen one mochi stall with the green and fuchsia banner,
but I'm freaking sure this is not the one I'm craving.
Thanks to Maya's amazing instinct - we found it!
At last!


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
Rumor has it. Y-u-m-m-y! One bite and you'll know 
that you'll need to get one and another one and another one...
Premium ingredients. I'm not a cook but I love to eat.
And I can say the chocolate mousse within the mochi is of good quality.
One-of-a-kind. You pick your flavor - allow it to thaw for a few minutes,
only then can you sink in your teeth with these goodies.
Diverse flavors. Peach Cream. Red Bean. Green Tea. From the classic ones
to never heard of flavors. All in.


CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
Diet un-friendly. Teehee! You know what I mean.
You have to have will power to stop. Lots of it baby!
Price. Each mochi costs Php 70. If you want to have 
5 different flavors, that would be Php 350.
Japanese Luxury Sweets - now I get it!



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Thursday 22 November 2012

BENCH FIX SALON: COLOR ME HAPPY!

I've been into nicely brown-colored hair lately. That plus the digiperm from Beauty Brick Salon (click HERE) are my twice a year luxuries. I arrived at Bench Fix Salon - Glorietta branch at around 10:30 am.

What a best time to go to a parlor! Ambiance is so fresh, 
hair stylists are un-harrased and long lines of hurried people? Zero! It's me, myself and another woman who happened to be an early bird too.

Here's a simple roll call on how my treatment went:
♣ I've been asked to choose my color, it's Loreal Majilift (if I remember correctly) Color is Clear Brown. I do have a sticky feature - since day 1 it's clear brown. On that note, I'm not ready for a change... yet! :) 
♣ Amy (the stylist above) layered my hair first because it's frizzy and wavy, he chopped a few inches to give my hair a decent body.
♣ Emily, his assistant started to paint me brown


AFTER COLOR:
♠ Amy, to my surprise, applied a dab of hair color into my eyebrows!
Para raw consistent. Haha! But I think it makes sense ☺
♠ I availed of their minty hot oil treatment too since my hair was so dry.
The solution was applied and my hair was bubble wrapped for less than an hour.
♠ I've just had the best back massage for ages. Re-lax-ing. Zzz. Thanks Emily.

UPDATE! For my 2013 clear brown color experience, feel free to check my post:
BEAUTY BUZZ : BENCH FIX SALON (GREENBELT) REVIEW 
Click HERE :)


DETAILS:
Where? Bench Fix Salon - Glorietta Branch
Treatment: Haircut, Majilift Color and Hot Oill
How much? Whole treatment costs around Php 2,800
* Price depends on brand, length of hair, etc.


The place was unruffled and stress-free.
It's always like this on weekday mornings.
Don't count on it if you're going on a Saturday!

I used to think that improving one's hair is a massive vanity,
but I've realized a lot of things lately,
one of which is: Being the best version of yourself is a ministry by itself.

Despite some grievances life throws once in a while,
life is meant to be enjoyed.

Except for a dent on my wallet,
I'm happy with the whole {paint-me-brown} experience. -CMK
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Tuesday 20 November 2012

MAKEOVER ESSENTIALS : PURSE PETITE MINIS (MAKEUP) REVIEW

Fashion and beauty trends are no respecter of particular country's seasons. That's why even if we live in a tropical country, we still look forward to what's the latest Fall trend. That goes for both fashion styles (dark tones, boots, scarves) and beauty pegs (wine lips, brown hues).

I've been showered by nice makeups from UK - here's one of them! To see the whole collection, click HERE. I haven't took notice of this one until one fine day that I discovered, hey, all the fall colors are present in this palette!

Remember that I failed to acquire a wine red lipstick in favor of my love for pinks? Revlon's Stormy Pink was my loot that supposedly fall lipstick shopping day! Inconsistent? Say it again. But - I'm glad I did get that kind of pink, for detailed review, click HERE.

Ohrayt! Before I get sidetracked some more, here's a mug shot of Makeover Essentials Purse Petite Minis!


LEGEND:
Topmost (nude brown and gray) - Eyeshadow Matte
2nd layer with the blue tone - Eyeshadow Glittery
3rd layer - all fall inspired lip shades


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
Compact. It is a makeup lego. I like the fact that 
you can fold this 4 times. Doesn't take that much space in my bag.
Loving Matte. I'm into matte these days.
My fave is the brown and gray palette.
Colors are buildable. Colors are strategically blended into this kit.
I dig neutral hues. Fall trends shout neutral too. Cool! 

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
Lacking pigmentation. If you love subtle pegs (like I do) - 
that's not a big deal. However, if you want some intense 
smokey eyes effect, it's still possible. After some more swipes though.
Price. If you're willing to shell out EUR moolahs - this is a good investment.
Brush. Quality of the brush is so-so. Used my own blending and lip brush.
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Monday 19 November 2012

THE SALAD BOX : HOT SHOP POUR FEMME (PERFUME) REVIEWS

We all have days when we want to spritz more scent than usual. Whether the reason is your crush is somewhere near you or you just want to have a feel-good vibe, we all have those "I-need-to-smell-fantastic" moments.

It's also part of good grooming. Not that it's mandatory but smelling nice is admittedly, an instant upper. Budget meets good scents! That's how it is with Hot Shop Pour Femme colognes.

For those who are not yet familiar, these 2 perfumes came from The Saladbox monthly subscription package. For further info, click HERE. Perfumes like these are one of the many products you can try before you buy with Saladbox. It is such a great idea, since perfumes/colognes take quite some time of getting used to.

As of this writing, I'm not quite sure which perfume I like better, let me share with you my thoughts on both variants.


Perfume Name: HEAVEN
Retail Price: Php 400 for 50 ml
 Technically, you are getting it at a discount with Saladbox
Smells like: Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue
Packaging: Acceptably light and the diffuser is working nicely.



Perfume Name: PINK TOUCH
Retail Price: Php 400 for 50 ml
Smells like: Lacoste Touch of Pink


CMK SNIFFS:

Pink Touch has a longer staying power than Heaven.
However, I find it too overpowering for a cologne.
Smell is quite sweet though acceptable.
It's perfect for a cup of tea with the girls type of events.

Heaven on the other hand earned my affection over time,
since I love D&G Light Blue to start with.
Though like D&G, Heaven has a quick staying power.

Personally, if I got bored or would like to stretch a bit, 
I reach out for a bottle of perfume and spritz it on my 
wrists, hands, shoulders - to my heart's content!

Ever wonder why is that when you sniffed something bad, you frown.
Whereas when you sniffed something good, you smile or your face lights up by default? 

Maybe facial muscles have mind of their own...
Smelling nicely attracts good vibes. Agree? -CMK.
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Friday 16 November 2012

CMK EATS : AT SUBSPACE COFFEE

Photo Credit: Subspace Coffee
After attending the 1Gospel Conference (click HERE), I, together with Beth and Karla, went to this one-of-a-kind coffee house for that much needed coffee bonding!

The place is a hole-in-the-wall type of coffee house as Karla described it. Place by itself is screaming "unique". This was my first time to try this place out and upon entering, I sniffed a K-pop vibe, care of their posters and background music.

It's just a gander from Greenhills Christian Fellowship (venue of 1Gospel Conference), and a walking distance from Robinson's Galleria.

For specifics, peek at the bottom of the post.


 Extra: We first thought that the place was already closed -- good thing 
we walked a bit and yey! Still open (^^)

Girl talk anyone?!
*** 
CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Place. It is a refreshing break from a wood and table conventional 
that you always see on coffee shops. Strange display items will keep you 
busy on your first 10-15 minutes, I promise. 
From pink vintage phone to some weird looking bird, it is a different world.

☺Unique treats. Have you heard of Purple Potato (Taro) Latte? 
What about Peanut Butter Latte? If you want to be a bit adventurous, 
this place is perfect.  
***
The Subspace Place

***
Menu
***
 Here's their showcase of cakes and all things nice!
***
Cheesecakes. Breads. Pies. Yum.
***
Oreo Cheesecake Up Close and Personal
***
CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
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Thursday 15 November 2012

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK IN STORMY PINK REVIEW

Each of us has a signature lip color. A color that suits our skin and lip type perfectly fine. It took me a long while before I realized that pink is my signature lip color.

Pink can qualify as a universal lip color, just look at Barbie. Color illuminates one's face - that's what I like about pink the most!

I intend to purchase one lipstick to match the fashion world's FALL trend (though yes - we live in a tropical country) - and based on runway reports, WINE RED is in.

Browsing through the stores at SM Mall of Asia, I conveniently scoured the colors at REVLON booth - only to find this amazing Matte Pink Lipstick. Ending: As opposed to my intially planned  WINE RED color - this PINK captured my fall lipstick peg by default.

I don't know - it's just love at first swipe, as many girls will agree. The lipstick is a more opaque version of my current favorite, Maybelline Fuschcia Fever (click HERE).

DETAILS:
REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick in Stormy Pink
Price: Php 475.00 Type: Matte
Available in: Revlon Booths.

Revlon lipsticks are the next best thing to MAC lippies and not to mention they are more than 50% price friendly. The brand's super lustrous collection is available in Matte and Semi-Matte types. Of course, Mattes are my best bet as I seldom do retouches.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Perfect Color. It is a borderline between violet and pink;
which to me is perfect because I don't have the shade before. 
It can pass for a nude pink lipstick due to its color (not overpowering). 

☺Sleek Packaging. Outer part is consistent with the lipstick type - Matte. 
I admire how the brand put across its simple yet classy casing!

☺Barely-there feel. This is a first. I never thought it's possible for a lipstick to 
feel this thin! Between a lip balm and this, the former feels thicker 
compared to this lipstick. Quite an experience.
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Wednesday 14 November 2012

CMK EATS : AT ADOBO CONNECTION


Meet Tenggot!
Flashback 1989:
Mommy and Lola: Anong favorite na ulam ni Tenggot?
(What's Tenggot's favorite dish?)
Tenggot: Adobo!!! \o/

Adobo (Spanish: marinade, sauce, or seasoning) is the 
immersion of raw food in a stock (or sauce) 
composed variously of paprika, oregano, salt, garlic, 
and vinegar to preserve and enhance its flavor.
(From Wikipedia)

DETAILS:
Budget ranges from Php 100 above.
It's rice all you can on their sulit meals.
Took our lunch at Adobo Connection - SM Manila branch
 (it's their 1st soft opening day when we visited)

 WHAT WE GOT?
Adobo Spaghetti. Kuya's Fried Mixed Adobo Meal. 
 Chicken Adobo sa Gata (Coconut Sauce).


CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Something new. I've seen enough chicken-themed meals all over the metro. 
Adobo-themed dishes are fantastic respite from all these.
☺I love their Adobo Spaghetti! It has a just-right sweet and sour little sauce, 
topped with adobo flakes. Very nice alternative to rice.
☺Chicken Adobo sa Gata is good too! I love the fact that it's a bit spicy. 
Though they should add some more sauce on the dish. 
It's kinda small for a Php 99 ala carte size.
☺Spacious and Nostalgic Hub. Specifically at SM Manila, 
I love the Pinoy vibe. Paintings and lights are perfect for 
barkada's casual lunch and dinners.

Famous Adobo Spaghetti

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Tuesday 13 November 2012

MARIO D' BORO : WEDGE AND FLATS


While fashion styles are ever changing, fashion classics are here to stay. While we love trying trends once in a while, it's money savvy to invest in classics. But what if you can have shoes that have a classic feel with a trendy touch?

Good News: Mario D' Boro Shoes (MDB)

It's a local brand that aims to offer quality, affordable and yes, 100% Filipino made footwear. Cool to know that it's a sister company of Cardams brand too.

Colorful flats add a twist on your shirt and jeans combo, while high wedges add an air of power aura (and height, of course) on your skirts / dress ensemble.

If you think that MDB is exclusively for girls, think again. They have complete selection for men, women and kids. Need some additional nudge? Well - feast your eyes on Mario D' Boro's newest collection! (Video Credit : Mario D Boro Facebook Page, click HERE).

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