Tuesday 25 November 2014

CMK READS : MY CURRENT BOOK FAVES


Winter is coming! Guys! This would be my first proper, full-term winter in my life. Excited? Yes. Interested? Yes. Jittery because of the... uhm... weather? Double check. I've had my first dip at winter last 2012 when me and my friends went to Seoul, Korea - it was fun. Negative seven degrees. Brr. Enough said. When the sun goes up at 7:25 am and sun sets at 4:20 pm (!) you'll definitely have this urge to be on a home-buddy mode for the rest of the night. No worries, this is the best time to catch up on your readings! Specially for someone who hoarded books last Manila International Book Fair >:)
Here's a rundown of the books I'm currently reading at the mo.


Why Men Marry Bitches
Title is too hot to handle for some, but it left me intrigued. Political-correctness aside, this is quite interesting as I read it. It offers a bare-all manuscript on how men think. Amazing that they are a straight forward creature. Yes. No. Love. Hate. Those kind of stuff. No gray areas to over-analyze {like women generally do}. This is entertainment on every page. I began to read this on the plane from Manila to Heathrow. I wanted to shoo the drama vibes, and it worked. I'm halfway now and am planning to write a review if time warrants.  PS: Bitch is an acronym pala, Babe In Total Control of Herself. *Z-snaps in the air!

God's Guide to Food, Fitness and Faith for Women
It's a total opposite from the first book, I know. This is a devotional read about women's overall well-being. It has an everyday tidbit you can glance and reflect all through the day. It's hot off the press when this was shipped to me for review (Thank you, CSM Publishing Team). I do appreciate the presentation. Not too wordy and just right for someone who likes a light read.




Word
Can you guess what is this? It's a Bible. I got it from Hillsong UK (more on that HERE). If you're afraid that you'll read churchy and hifalutin stuff, don't worry. You won't see that on this post. All I know is that Jesus likes to have a relationship with us. It's the feeling that you have the BIG GUY backing you up, that's great. To me, it's all about being real with Him. He knows everything about you and He loves you just the same. A simple prayer or Hello Lord - I'm sure He will appreciate that :)
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Sunday 23 November 2014

CMK SHOPS : 4 COZY WINTER WISHES

I'm having a pretty laid back weekend today. These days, I find my flat too cozy to move away from. I literally intended to go shopping (insert high notes there) earlier. However, I had to work on a Saturday morning. After checking some of my to-do list boxes, I lost the jest to rummage the stalls. I'm having client calls often now, but no worries, it's all good. I'm happy and enjoying the challenge.

Now, let's talk some serious girl topic here. Shopping!

I was salivating over these four items for over a week now, and me publishing a post about them will obviously intensify that want. Let's do the mandatory roll call.

Lounge Robe
I know it's not a big thing in sunny Manila and during my earlier days here, I find them unnecessary. However, you have to feel their material guys! It's fluffiness in its purest form! Plus the shops here offer some cute cartoon graphics too. They call it lounge robe {as opposed to bath robe} because you can put it on while... err... lounging. Brilliant! >:) If ever I'll buy one, I'll buy because it will warm-ify me specially when the temperature hits -2. Wish me luck.

Huge Plaid Scarf
I'm a scarf fan for as long as I can remember. And I brought a handful here. Scarves like the one above is different because it's so big, it can mimic a blanket - no joke. And it's super handy when winds hit you subtly peppered with drizzles of rain. I love the fact that I get to layer clothes without a drop of sweat. Instead of sulking over the weather, I actually find it fun.

Gloves
I might get the ones from the picture, verbatim. I think it's a steal being GBP 6.00 from H&M. Not bad, isn't it? I only got one pair as of writing. I got 'em from Prague way back 2011. So, if there's any justifiable loot among that peg, this would be it. I like the ribbon details and hopefully, it won't fall of knowing how klutz I am.
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Thursday 20 November 2014

CMK SHOPS : PARFOIS (GLORIETTA)


Christmas is in the air! I can imagine Christmas decorations all over Manila as I write. Not to mention how Ayala Triangle glistens every night until New Year. Admit it or not - shopping is, and will always be, part of the festivities. Aaand even though I'm an advocate for financial literacy, I'm cognizant of the fact that retail therapy is the best therapy of all! Hohoho! Having said that... allow me to share with you my not-so-recent shopping haven for shoes and all-things-leather. Enter: PARFOIS.

I've encountered the shop out of my dire need to buy a pair of chunky boots {for my London trip}. I've rummaged the usual brands however, I can't find a shoe that perfectly fits. I have myself to blame. I have so many specifics: Has to be brown, feet-friendly, affordable, has to look good on dress and pants alike, etc.

I was running out of time and good thing Parfois was there to save the day! I've been meaning to write this post for so long but I think this timing is perfect because it's the season to justify our shopping :) I can't believe it - good pieces are sold for less than a thousand peso. It's really a shopping haven, people!


I've got the left-most boots for Php 995. Original retail price was Php 3,500. Quite a bargain, isn't it? Only difference is I got that style in brown. At first, I was having some discomfort {we always get that on new shoes, in fairness}, but now - it's as comfortable as it can be. I also spotted a white bag with sling on it. Got it at less than Php 1,000 too.
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Monday 17 November 2014

BEAUTY BUZZ : CURRENT MAKE UP FAVES (WINTER EDITION)

To me, winter is a good excuse to put as little makeup as possible. It's a "More moisturizer, Less makeup" season for yours truly. Moisturizers are altogether different topic, but I'm currently raving over Olay Double Action Night cream the past days. Detailed review HERE. I thought it's best to create a happy thought kind of post on a Sunday afternoon. All things bright and happy on a cloudy day, they say :)


If I could go bold on one makeup type, this will surely be lipsticks! It was just now that I've realized I can have one lip color on each day from Monday to Friday! Ha! :D Here's a little run down with their review links, if you like:




Among this set, admittedly - I only use the MAC Studio Fix NC 35 Foundation these days. However, a quick run down: mascarra, concealer, CC cream, primer and pore remover - all from Benefit. I got them from BDJ Box last June 2014. Obviously, I like them because they are travel friendly. Plus, knowing me... I am not a fan of hoarding. If I'll have it my way, I'd rather hit pan on one product then move on to the next. Always considering their expiry dates, of course.
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Sunday 16 November 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #32: FUN TIMES MAKE GOODBYES DIFFICULT

I am literally in my leopard print pajamas whilst typing this. Too lazy to move, like I always am whenever I'm sad. As most of you know, I'm never good at goodbyes. I try to put up a straight face, but really, this is not my field of expertise. However, instead of sulking - I reckon it's best to just enumerate the good days and wish there'd be an encore soon.

At M&M's London
The visit was totally unplanned. It was raining a bit hard that day but that didn't stop these two bellas braving the pour and have our pictures taken {yet again}. After that, we went to British Museum with the rest of the team and as always, it's prancing and laughing with these guys!

At Miss Saigon Musical
I swear, I wouldn't have seen the musical without them {Hello Ross and Paul!}. The 3-hour play is something that everyone should make time to see at least once. I don't know, something stirred up in me when I watched the whole bit. Maybe gratitude, that we didn't have to be whores {for lack of better term} just to survive a war-torn daily living. Maybe romantic love, that people should never get tired to risk at love. Maybe motherly love, the way Kim showed her genuine sacrifice for Tam, her son. All I can say is - musical fan or not - you should give this thing a try.

Sleepovers
Who, in their right mind, can ever get enough of that? Of course everybody loves sleep overs! Heheh. The entire 4 weeks have been pure fun! Late night talks, from shallow to ocean-deep topics, are something I'd definitely cherish. It's different when you have a close friend by your side. One that you know won't pass judgment on you. For that, I'm thankful that we have borrowed four happy Saturdays when all we do is chat the nights away.
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Wednesday 12 November 2014

FASHION ALERT : PUFFER JACKET



November gets a little bit chilly for someone who's born and raised in a tropical country {that's me!}. Suddenly, I can no longer go outside without my new bare necessities: gloves! I noticed that my hands are becoming intolerant of the cold. On a lighter note, I do enjoy the layering {of clothes} part. No more sticky feeling and as I said on this POST, your makeup will last all through the day even without the aid of a primer.

Here's my first pre-winter OOTD for this season. I try to inject a pop of color as possible. I don't want to go all dark and be at par with the weather. I'm embracing lighter notes like whites and strong hues {like this blue jacket}. Details below:

Puffer Jacket {aka Down / Bubble Jacket} from Terranova
White Scarf from Primark
Denim Jeggings from H&M
Back Pack from Jansport
All-Star Chuck Taylor from Converse
Full Blooded in Gold from Swatch {Review HERE}

I noticed majority of the locals don a crisp neutral peg on their outer layer. Picture below proves that point. They said it's best to invest in quality warmer during winter for obvious reasons. Some dread winter but to me, I look at it as an experience and am taking it one chill at a time. Chill has never been this literal for me.


Here's another  swatch for you to check out. I know that the following are not wearable in any tropical place but just the same, it's nice to feast your eyes over fashion pages, isn't it? Numbers 2 and 4 are definitely on my list if I am in Manila now! 
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Saturday 8 November 2014

CMK LONDON DIARY : THREE NEW THINGS I'VE TRIED FOR THE FIRST TIME


You always hear people say: Go out and try something new. For yours truly, it's easier said than done. Admittedly, I'm one of those who can spend the whole day inside my room and be perfectly fine with it. I can read books, arrange my closet, write in this blog and invent tons of to-do things.

However, you don't do that in London.

The city is so vibrant that you'll feel cheated if you don't get what it has to offer. I realized that my friends played a major role in getting me out of my comfort bed zone. Here's a quick recap of what new things I tried the past week:

NEW THING 1: Watched Miss Saigon
There's so little that I know about this musical. I only know 2 things: Kim is the name of the lead role and she committed suicide in the end. After I watched the whole show, my perspective changed 180 degrees! I won't tell you the nitty gritty details but I did enjoy every bit of it. I am delighted to know that Lea Salonga is the original Kim (yes, I am such a late bloomer to have known about this only now). I also ended up listening to the whole Ms. Saigon album in Spotify. My 2 favorites are: The Heat is On in Saigon and I'd Give My Life For You. (Kim is singing that to her son, Tam). I can't help but to share! Here's Eva Noblezada, she plays the role of Kim (this 2014). She sang this clip on BBC morning show.



NEW THING 2: Went into a Horror House
One Tuesday, I was sitting with a client crunching numbers and other financial stuff when I got an email from a friend. I'm not really up for this adventure but I said to myself: It's either I remain boring doing these boring stuff or I try something new. And that's how I got into this. Heheh! Mind you, minutes before going inside, I was having a cold feet - but all is good. After shrieks and screams our group has made it. Only downside was we went home by 1 am making it impossible for me to do our usual morning walk.


NEW THING 3: Watched a Magic Show (Live)
Another interesting thing. And guess what? I was like a kid from beginning to end. This is quite an experience. Here's the thing: The magician {2nd from the left} will throw a monkey stuff toy and whoever catches it will join him on stage for a magic trick. I was so praying that such toy won't come anywhere near me... guess where it landed? Straight into my lap! 
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Friday 7 November 2014

OLAY DOUBLE ACTION NIGHT CREAM MOISTURIZER REVIEW

You know what's one of the many perks during cold weather? It's the staying power of your makeup. It makes primer mostly unnecessary during this time of year. Now that it's 6 degrees in London, I find that I don't need to layer products as much. Layering is good for clothes not for skin. Allowing our skin to breath {read: no heavy makeup} is a healthy habit. Do that at least twice a week. You'll see the difference. 

I was waiting for my friend exactly one week as I type this when I passed by Boots {think of it as Watsons in the PH}. I suddenly recall that I need to buy a night cream as I didn't bring one with me. I was torn between Olay and Ponds but the former won. To be fair, I am an avid Pond's Facial Wash user {and till now I am}. It's just that my skin is so hiyang in Olay plus I just had a freaky breakout. Can't risk to have that again :)

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CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
+ It's a bit thick... which I appreciate only when it's cold. I like it when a lather clasps on my face hydrating it thoroughly. Tip: After your facial wash routine, whilst your skin is still damp, apply a generous amount.
+ It's pocket friendly. Costing GBP 4.00 (around Php 300) for 50 ml is a good deal. Tip: Make sure you are buying stuff that you intend to buy. Sometimes the logo NIGHT or DAY cream is tricky that you may end up with one while you're intending to get the other.
+ That classic Olay smell signals my brain that it's time for bed. 


CMK WISHFUL THOUGHT:
+ Packaging. Might be nice if the logo on the pot is not in sticker format, but with such a price and substance, who can complain, really? :)
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Tuesday 4 November 2014

SCRIBBLED NOTES #31: WHY YOU SHOULD FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF?


True story: On my way back from Waterloo train station, I saw a teenager wearing a shirt with a quote written above. It made me laugh mainly because I can very well relate. You see, I was a perennial people-pleaser. I want everyone to like me. And I'll do the best I could to maintain that Little Miss Sunshine status. But alas, I got slapped by a cold, bloody 4-word truth: 

You. Cannot. Please. Everybody.

It took me a while to dust off my disposition and get back on track but after doing just that, I have recollected these thoughts on WHY YOU SHOULD FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF {and not give a damn if a handful of people think otherwise}:

In your death bed, you won't be bothered by this thought anyway. Pardon a rather morbid opening but this makes perfect sense, isn't it? When you're about to die {die..die..echo..Lol}, there's a less chance that you'll think "how come so-and-so didn't like me?" "Or spread rumors about me?" Why? Because they just don't matter. All that matters is the people who are genuine and close to you.

Shunning negative vibes is good for your health. You know what we should all do? We can promote what we love instead of bashing what we hate. What will you get when you pass that snarky comment against someone? Nothing. And oh, karma is digital too. What's a good alternative? Do something productive like exercise, painting, coffee chats and shopping. Hey, that counts too ;) After that - you'll be too tired to think about non-sense things.

When you learn to accept that you can't please the whole wide world, life will be simpler. Trust me, somebody would like you to wear black and others white. Others would like you to be talkative, others reserved. That makes life complicated as it already is. I think the comment from Jennifer Aniston will give us some rest:

Instead of sulking why that 1 person didn't like you, cherish the other 99 who do. I'm sure there's at least 3 who likes you. Mom, Dad and your best buddy. Kidding! :D More often than not {unless you're a top brass bully}, people who like you will outnumber people who don't. So instead of monologue-ing why one idiot failed to appreciate you, geez, shake it off {cue: Taylor Swift song}. Invite your girls or your special someone to shop/watch/walk/laugh the night away! 
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Monday 3 November 2014

BIFIESTA BRIGHT UP CLEANSING LOTION (MAKEUP REMOVER) REVIEW


Make up removers may be underrated compared to main stream makeups like foundation and lipsticks, but I think we should select them carefully since they are one of the last substances kissing our faces, specially during night time. Makes sense? I got mine for Php 360 approx. when I visited Osaka, Japan last June. It was summer there, and oh - that's quite an adventurous trip! More raves and rants HERE

That trip was one trip that I didn't do much shopping. Not sure why, but as I can recall I only bought 2 items: Osaka Mug from Starbucks and this. I guess I have invested more on the experience (Food Trips, Universal Studios, etc.) rather than shopping {which I still love, btw}.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
It's clear and can work as a facial wash. We all have days when we're too tired to wash our faces, specially after a long travel time. That's when this product becomes handy. I like that it has a pump but I didn't bring the entire bottle with me because it's huge {think: baggage space}. It's odorless and more like water to me.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:
It is close to perfect. Close, I say, because after my first few tries... I got some big P's. I thought I've shared this with you {can't really remember} but after trying water base makeup removers {Bifiesta is one of those}, I think I'm more comfortable with oil-based ones. Here's my mug shot post-pimples. The little thingies on my cheeks are those culprits:
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