DROPLETS OF NATURE'S BEAUTY AND BRIGHT SOAP REVIEW

Days ago, I got an e-mail from the team behind Droplets of Nature. There are 2 things that made me say yes with a smile! First is Droplets of Nature is a home grown Pinoy (Filipino) store and it promotes 'love your nature' advocacy. Today's product is one of their latest offerings. Ready?

DETAILS:

Product: Nature's Beauty and Bright (from Droplets of Nature)

Type: Skin Lightening Body Soap and Anti-aging Serum Bar

Available at: Landmark, Echo Store (among others)

Price: Php 100 (approx) for 130 grams

Further details on Facebook (click HERE)

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Hand-picked from Nature. When I saw the soap bar, it's obvious that 
the product has gone through a very minimal artificial process.
☺Minimal suds. This gem is more of a moisturizing rather than germicidal soap.
You'll appreciate the silky feel upon lathering sans harsh chemicals.
☺Chunky Packaging. Whole exterior can be mistaken for 
an imported (specifically, Japanese) product. Talk about Global Sales!

MONDES PROFESSIONAL'S MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL REVIEW

There are some days that you want to be ultra-pampering. Days when you want to hit the shower and perform all your rituals you've been shooing for so long. I've had one of those days recently. Perfect time to use the product I got from Watsons not so long ago. Argan Oil is sorta creating a buzz for quite sometime now and beauty enthusiasts may have tried a skin/hair/body care containing this magic potion.

Chemical treatments have been proven to weaken (or worse, damage) one's hair.  This is why most professional experts recommend all-natural products to their clients. One of the many benefits argan oil delivers include healthier scalp and strengthened strands.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Extra-oil? Checked! We don't want excessive oil on our faces,
 but would welcome those to our crowning glory.
Product has a bordering smooth and silky feel. Like!
☺Economical. Tiny scoop does a fairly nice coverage. However, 
if you want to lavish them some more, much better.
☺My kind of smell. There's a hint of woody and vanilla-ish sniff.
Another plus point! 

I have one wishful thought though.

WHAT'S YOUR TOP 5 TO DO LIST THIS YEAR?

First month of the year. New Start. Hope. Beginning. I think of it as punching the "C" or clear button on your life calculator. It is a comforting reality for me to behold another year. With a clean slate. To do better this time. 

Not sure if I'm decided to call this list a TO-DO list. Maybe SPRINGBOARD LIST is more appropriate. Because one item might lead to another then another and the list goes on. 

Some people got tired of creating their new year's resolution out of fear of failing. But trying is better than sitting 60 years from now saying 'what if'. Don't you think?

5 SPRINGBOARD LIST FOR YEAR 2013

 Springboard #1: Earn a passive income.

This thought has been brewing in my mind over a couple of months. I've decided that a portion of my money should earn a decent profit. Not 0.0001% that you're getting from the banks. In fairness to bank institutions, they're built on this formula:  Less Risk = Less Return. Likewise, More Risk = More Return.  (This goes for all other businesses) I am a certified public accountant by profession but I am one to say that I'm new on this game. I'd like to emphasize that I want to invest and not to trade stocks. There's a huge difference but let's just say I'll opt a more peaceful approach in earning through stocks! I'll keep you posted on this one.

 Springboard #2: Live a healthy lifestyle.

This should be a nuff-said statement, but I need to make a mental post-it note to eat home-made food, drink fresh juices and sleep 8 hours a day. Plus, commit to do a consistent exercise not only to lose weight but more importantly, to get rid of all the toxins, improve my posture and release stress. Hmmm.. Planaforma anyone? Click HERE. This also includes conquering my fear of needles to have my blood chem checked.

 Springboard #3: Give more.

I have been raised by a family whose not ultra-rich. Yet, one of the core values mom, dad and even Lolo instill on us is we get RICH by GIVING. Reality Check: This is not an overnight transition. And I haven't arrived yet. Still a work in progress. When I was younger, it feels super nice to buy things for me and not for others. Much more saving for others! "Mom, you've got to be kidding!" says CMK years ago. But she's right. Everything can be learned, and that includes giving a portion of what you have to the less fortunate ones.

 

Bring a sandwich and give it to your receptionist or security guard, perhaps? Or set aside a Php 50 per week then buy some groceries for your household help? I'm sure that it will put a smile on their faces. And from the BIG GUY up there. Related Articles: Click HERE (Early Christmas Thoughts) and Click HERE (Of Orphans and Angels).

 Springboard #4:  Write a book.

Out of all the springboards, this is the most neglected one. And woe is me! Hah! But, I will try to redeem myself this year. I've been visiting some potential publishing house websites that can make this dream a reality. 

You know what's keeping me from pursuing this goal? I once thought it's lack of time or "there's-so-many-books-the-last-thing-the-world-needs-is-another-book" mentality! 

When I thought about the hindrance long and hard, real reason revealed: 

I'm afraid to fail. But hey, "I can do all things through HIM who gives me strength." Isn't it? 

At the very least, I should TRY. I have a working title. Loads of ideas. Even bullet points for each chapter. Lastly, I have one sure-fire buyer. Thanks Dad! :))  I'll be making time for this as I desire to share my thoughts with you amazing people! At one point in my life, I've asked "Is it the right time to write?" click HERE.

 Springboard #5: Manage time wisely.

I tend to drift specially when I love what I'm doing. But I've heard someone said: True strength is doing what you know is right even when you really don't want to. OUCH! That hit me hard. I'd like to master my time rather than lack of time getting the best of me. It may sound so basic but this is an area of my life where I need to impose a self-discipline. Last thing I want to suffer is this... Tyranny of the Urgent click HERE.

What's your springboard list this year? It wouldn't hurt to go back to that child in us. Like jumping each New Year's Eve in the hope that we'll grow an inch. Be a child once in a while. It's fun. Beyond words. -CMK

THE SPA REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT (GREENBELT) REVIEW

Greenbelt, Makati Philippines - After another week of work, Maya and I headed to The Spa to try their latest service offering. 

Side tip: You can use your Belle de Jour coupon (click HERE) to avail this service. You'll get a nifty Php 50 slash on the tab.

We were greeted to another room (not the ones we usually go when we have a Swedish massage). Room was oh so relaxing. Dim light. Lazy couch. Zen sounds. Gahhh.. If only I can visit this haven each day before and after work, that would be AWESOME! 

 DETAILS:

Regular Price: Php 550

Duration: 1 hour

Exclusion: Wet floor usage (sauna, bathroom facilities)

Type: Mixture of foot, body and head massage. 

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺ Ambiance. Minute you step in their haven, you'll feel that you stepped into a different dimension. As I've mentioned in my intro, all the zen details are there. No more, no less.

☺Famous Ginger Tea. Ahh.... I think I'll be coming back for this again and again. Never a tea person (I prefer coffee, thank you!) but this smoking goodness is hard to resist. Up to now, I'm still groping for words on how to describe this spicy, tangy, sweet cup of tea.

☺The Lazy Bed. Spa is never complete without a good bed or recliner.

☺Masseuse was super nice. I was more than glad to give her a tip. She deserves it! :)

☺Price. Php 500 for one hour of bliss. Hey, this is it sulit!

TREATMENT DETAILS:

Our attendant offered us a hot tub where we can sink our feet into. It was timely and relaxing. Perfect way to begin the treatment. Next, we've been treated with a foot spa. Salient points of our toes and legs have been squished (nicely), massaged and so on. After which, massage focused on our back part. Another favorite. Then the head massage. Lastly, we were asked to lie face down for some stretching. 

TOP 3 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD IN A VELOCI TIMEPIECE

As a follow up on my previous post tackling about  

VELOCI BLOGGERS' EVENT (click HERE), let me share with you these Top 3 things:

Quality-Japanese Movement Watches.

Each timepiece is made of premium materials. That is 

apparent once you get hold of one. You'll notice that each 

detail will scream this-watch-is-in-for-a-long-haul!

Replaceable Straps.

Now that's good news for all the fashionistas. All you need to do is to 
collect premium straps from Asprey and you're good to go. 
Good to emphasize that the straps are more budget friendly
 than buying a watch to suit each fashion getup.
Like Asprey on Facebook HERE.

Fashionable. Functional. Practical.

As simple as that.  The brand got rid of all the complications  
and I appreciate that. If you can travel with just one time 
piece and 3 different straps for your 3 different fashion pegs,  
I think that's all you need. No more, no less!

Happy Thursday Gorgeous People! -CMK

MISSHA THE STYLE COLOR EYELINER (IN BLACK PEARL) REVIEW

Eyeliners are one of my favorite things these days. Before, I had this notion that it might irritate my eyes, blur my vision and all that. Well, myth busted! Thanks to my trusty friends who showed me how a little swipe can transform your look!

It's been a while since I've posted a make-up review. Barely a month I guess. So to keep on track in the world of beauty blogging, here's my latest loot. 

It's my first time to try a Missha product. Truth be told - I didn't know the name last year. It was only when me and my friends went to Seoul, Korea (click HERE). When they saw the red flower banner saying "Missha" they ran into the store with their twinkling eyes. 

I stumbled upon this product in search of an eyeliner that won't smudge. You may recall that I have written a review of my first-♥ eyeliner by the name of Etude House Oh M' Eyeline (click HERE). I still love the product, however since summer is coming it has one down-side... it smudges :( In a humid environment, you can literally see another arch on top of your eyelid. A major no-no.

A LITTLE EXTRA:

The lovely saleslady dolled me up before I purchased the product!

She's so nice and friendly. I told her that it's okay (since I can see that it's past lunchtime) but she insisted. Isn't it a wonderful job to make your clients beautiful?

DETAILS OF MISSHA 

'THE STYLE' COLOR EYELINER:

Price: Php 450, Volume: 6 grams

Color: Black Pearl, Type: Liquid Eyeliner

Bought: at The Landmark, Makati
Like them on Twitter HERE

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺ Crisp black shade. Smudge excluded. But we'll see this 

first hand when the peak of Philippine summer comes.

☺Smooth Operator Applicator. 

Substance glides on the right places.

☺Staying power. It was applied about 12-ish 

and lasted until night time. #GoodJob!

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

☻A hint of odor. Me being sniff-sensitive, I noticed the product 

is not odor-free. But I ain't complaining. Just an observation.

☻Price tag. Remember my rants of the products being so sulit in Korea 

but so high-profile in Pinas? This is one of those.

CMK THINKS:

I think I found another favorite! As of this writing, it's a tie 

between Etude House and Missha, let's see if it will remain that way!

If you think eyeliner is just a passing trend, think again.

It started long before all of us were born. Guess who started the swipe campaign?

No less than the one who won the hearts of Julius Cesar and Marc Anthony...

CLEOPATRA!

And the legacy continues... -CMK

SCRIBBLED NOTES #6: ARAY! WHY PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE?

1. They had been hurt and never healed.

* They've been damaged by pain, rejection, non-love. * They've experienced violence, abuse (verbal or non-verbal). * They think that the best defense is offense.

2. They (too) are hurting. 3. They are getting even to the world (consciously or not). 4. It is the only way they know. 5. They are afraid to get hurt first.

I'm sure we know someone who has this traits. Or probably we are 'that' person.

WHEN WE HURT PEOPLE:

- our basic human goodness gets offended.

- our conscience is wounded. Please listen to your good side.

- we lose our potential healers and helpers. People close to you get hurt 
because you can't hurt those who doesn't love you.

- we just prolong a cycle / lifestyle of pain.

That said, now: HOW TO STOP HURTING PEOPLE?

** Heal / forgive those who hurt you.  
Mahirap mag-patawad pero MAS mahirap hindi magpatawad.

** Stop making excuses for not being loving / tender. Be nice. 
STOP blaming your upbringing (pinalaki kasi akong ganito eh!). Almost everything can be learned.

** MAKE an effort (remember your special someone's birthday! Yihee). 
Be good at loving people.

** Forgive yourself. Everyone deserves 
a 2nd chance at life. That includes you. ☺

** Be more sensitive. Stop our wicked ways. 
Bakit mo sasaktan ang mga taong nagma-malasakit sa'yo?

** Understand then avoid the cycle of pain. 
Deception: You hurt therefore you should hurt others in return! (LIE!).  
Stop the cycle by not taking revenge.

** Do not be an agent of pain. Fight the tendency to strike back.  
Don't give the devil a chance.

** FILL your lives with love, happiness and peace ☺

Pag masaya ka, mas mabait ka (ask the people who are in-loooove ♥)

** Pag at peace ka, mas madali kang kausap (try mong kausapin ang gutom!)

** How to find love, peace etc. is your own personal search.

** FILL your life with BIG things. Wise people keep small things ... well, small.

** LOVE is a VERB. Action item.

** We should be an agent of peace and love.

There is a child in each
one of us looking for love,
 kausap, kalaro sa buhay :)

SCRIBBLED NOTES #5: TO BE HAPPY AT WORK, 3 THINGS ARE NEEDED...

CMK TRAVELS : TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

"Sorry, Maldives... We love you, but we've got a new flame." -CN Traveller

***

 Top 1: Visit the Famous Underground River
One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. What's interesting about it is 
the cave gets loaded with water on a high tide season, 
such that when it rains, Coast Guard prohibits tourists to enter the cave.
I've been amazed at the rock formation inside. You'll meet Sharon Stone, Holy Family and other interesting figures with the help of Kuya's trusty flashlight.
Some {figures} are so obvious you can't believe your eyes!
Another proof that God is in the details.

**

  

Top 2: Enjoy Kalui's Food

One of the famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa.

Palaweños are dubbed to be highly disciplined and 

people who firmly believe in community cooperation.

I can sense that with their organized process even when booking our Kalui's reservation.

Our hotel receptionist asked us if we'd like to go and what time,

and voila! No hassle - and worth mentioning, ON TIME.

Food-wise, they have their best seller known as Tubataha reef, platter has a mix of sweet mango, sea weeds and other fresh stuff. You also get to enjoy a wide variety of seafoods.

Honestly, I got so stuffed that I threw up (sorry) - either that or there's something that I munched that my tummy didn't like. But apart from that, me and my friends had a good time at Kalui. More than their food, I think I appreciate the ambiance the most.

Know more about Kalui, by visiting their website HERE.

***

Top 3: Enjoy Kalui's Mini Art Gallery 

Palawan is full of surprises - that's for sure! Also - I forgot to mention, we are asked to remove our footwear. Customers are barefooted in Kalui!
I mentioned earlier that I had to rush to the nearest comfort room due to a nature's call right? While at it - I noticed these art works on their hallway! And on the comfort room, here was the scenario. There's 2 best friends in the CR, both aged 50 years old or so (Guessing they're in for a reunion):

Lady 1: Hija can you take a picture of us? (Take note: IN the CR)
Me: (thinking) Gawsh! Make it quick po I need to do something (@.@)
Me: (saying) Okay po tita - 1,2,3 smile. Then headed to the nearest cubicle.
After I did my thing.
Lady 2: Hija pwede isa pa, mejo malabo.
Me: Okay po. 3 Shots para sure!
Lady 1 and 2: Ayan! salamat hija!
Me: Smiling :)

Short Realization: Be ready to be nice in season or out of season!

Going back, their CR and hallways are uber nice and full of artsy-facts!
It's more of abstract paintings but don't trust me.
I am an effin' novice in terms of arts and humanities. Hoho!

***

 Top 4: Visit Palawan's Mitra's Ranch
To me, it's like Marlboro Country. You can do zipline, horse back riding,
or well - play like a kid. I was happy (just look at the pic) 
when I got the chance to ride the swing!
The experience drove me back to a place when I used to 
swing around the playground as a chubby kid. That's my favorite spot. 
Swing. And a wee bit of see-saw too.
It's never too late to relish your childhood days. When you come back to your reality 
(whatever that is) - the memories will give you a fresh perspective. 

***

  Top 5: Experience Baker's Hill Bliss 
Bakers Hill are like a villa with food stops and interesting structures inside.
They are well known for their sumptuous Hopias, Ensaymadas and other sweet concoctions.
Place was so spacious you can run around and do your photo-op to your heart's content!
For us, well we're dog-tired that time so we just clicked a few shots and off we went.

SNEAK PEEK REVIEW: SOPHIA EYELASH ENHANCER BY VIRGINIA OLSEN

Part of my Saladbox - December package is the most talked about Sophia Eyelash Enhancer by Virginia Olsen. One glance and I was intrigued by its fuchsia and white packaging alongside the betty boop-ish eyelashes in the middle.

I immediately unboxed this beauty and read through the facts. Here's the promise from VO site (click HERE): 

By applying Sophia once every day you will achieve the beautiful eyelashes you have been dreaming of. As early as 8 weeks, you will begin to notice considerable changes in the length and thickness of your eyelashes. However, full results will be achieved within a 16-week period when you will experience full growth of your eyelashes. 

 

Upon reaching the 16th week you may decrease the frequency of application desired. 2-3 times a week thereafter is recommended but you can still continue to use it daily if so desired. Please note that if use is discontinued, lashes will go back to their original form before you started using the product.

I'm having a fair share of hesitation for reasons more than one but that Dora (yes, the Explorer) in me wants to give this a try. After all, a product worth Php 2,750 SHOULD deliver amazing results! 

Be with me as I record my lash improvements. First off, applying this product is like applying an eyeliner (only diff is it's transparent). I did have some reactions at first, like I feel that my eyes are a bit swollen (emphasis on the word BIT), but overall, it's tolerable and no major adverse reactions.

So far, here's the result after using the product for 8 days:

JACK REACHER (MOVIE)

One Saturday, me and Maya watched this adrenaline-packed movie. We were on crossroads deciding if we'll watch this or another mushy option. Well... we are uber glad we chose this one. For one, Tom Cruise plays the lead role. Can it get better than that? Next, story plot is like a DETECTIVE CONAN slash LUPIN slash ROBIN HOOD in a non-anime setting! 

What about some quotes to keep you curious?

Gary: I need to see some I.D.
Jack Reacher: I'm not showing you any I.D.
Gary: Well, I need to see something.
Jack Reacher: How about the inside of an ambulance?  

Jeb: Hey, outside! (Asking for a boxing match!)
Jack Reacher: Pay your check first.
Jeb: I'll pay later.
Jack Reacher: You won't be able to.  

Jack Reacher: Look out the window. Tell me what you see. You see the same things that you see everyday. Well, imagine you've never seen it. Imagine you spent your whole life in other parts of the world, being told everyday that you're defending freedom. Then you finally decide you've had enough. Time to see what you've given up your whole life for, everything. Get some of that "freedom" for yourself. Look at the people. You tell me which ones are free. Free from debt. Anxiety. Stress. Fear. Failure. Indignity. Betrayal. How many wish that they were born knowing what they know now? Ask yourself how many would do things the same way over again, and how many would live their lives like me (a runaway of some sort). -- Profound script ba? Pwes! :))

Movie is 2 hours plus. And we didn't even noticed how time passed by! I even didn't gulped my iced tea in half. Comedy, life realization and mystery movie? Jack Reacher got that covered! -CMK

Finally, here's one of the movie teasers:

Photo Credit: Google Images

Quotes: imdb

Video Credit: Youtube

CMK SHOPS : JANUARY SHOPPING / SPONSORED HAULS

Hi Everyone! How's your first 15 pages of 365 days for 2013?

Hope everything's well. 
It's always good when we count our blessings.

And that thought is a springboard on why I'm doing this post.

To say THANK YOU and be grateful for the things and people I have in my life.

Let me share with you a recap of what's 

on my newly arrived bucket this January.

1. Mango Skirt. This has a full post, if you're in the mood 

for some short story reading, indulge yourself HERE.

2. Gatsby Wax and Vitress Hair Cuticle Coat.

I am a curl mousse fan but I get this genius tip 

from Beauty Brick stylists and Mr. Shin!

Unbelievably, this combination works wonder. 

I witnessed that first-hand. 

For my digi-perm experience, click HERE.

3. 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich by Bo Sanchez

One of my to-do list this year is to have a passive income.

Still praying about it and I'm acting upon it too.

This is a part of my action item.

4. Emerald Green Maxi Dress

This universally flattering dress is a fashion staple this year.

For a mini-fashion forecast, click HERE.

That plus the color! Update your wardrobe with 

this specific kind of green, Emerald! #Sparkle!

SCRIBBLED NOTES #3: MAKE MONEY STAY

* Be a good manager.

Take care of what God gives you.

Pinagkatiwalaan ka, be worthy of the trust.

Do not act as more important as your livelihood.

Love your source of income.

Take care of your tools {body}, of your partners {co-workers}.

"Even the strength that you use comes from me." -God

High position is God's trust.

* Budget well.

Budget your consumption.

Good old-fashioned labor is the way to be rich! No hidden agenda!

Budget your energy and resources {time and strength}.

Plan your major expenses.

Source: HERE

* Avoid needless and foolish risks.

Do not be blinded by greed.

Pag-trabahuhan ang gusto niyong maging income.

Avoid quick and easy money.

Pagsikapan ang binabayad sa iyo.

* Save!

Don't spend like there's no tomorrow.

True faith means doing what's practical to  

preserve yourself and your resources {money}. 

Don't be wasteful. Pag sulit, kahit mahal, hindi yun sayang.