WEEKEND HAULS : A FEAST FOR THE SENSES

So many things are happening lately. Things such as new office, new friends, new routines and so much more (as mentioned HERE). I should say, I like our new office at Wimbledon. When I get a chance, I'll give you a little office tour. Whilst the place is not a big one, it's officey and homey at the same time. Another reason why I LOVE it is that there's a mall literally just outside our new hub. Case in point - I did a mini-shopping at H&M last Friday. Good times!

There are two batches for our weekend hauls today. I reckon 'a feast for the senses' is apt since the range varies from food to bath accessory. 

THE BODY SHOP CAMOMILE MAKEUP REMOVER
I finally finished my Garnier Cleansing Micellar! I googled 'best makeup remover' and this beauty came out on the list. It's £9.00 for 150 ml. A bit pricey compared to Garnier (£5.00 for 400 ml) but let's see how it goes. The Body Shop makeup remover is oil based and since winter is coming, I could use an additional moisture on my face.

THE BODY SHOP BATH BRUSH

This is TMI but the other day, I scrapped (gently) my fingers on my back and I saw massive amount of dead skin coming off! High time to use a bath brush. I was never a fan of loofah since I find them so stiff so I settled for this wondrous alternative. It's £6.00. They have another version (the brown one) for £10.00. I'm guessing that's the organic version (or something like that).

HOLLAND & BARRETT GOODIES

I am slowly transitioning to organic products these days. It dawned on me that I only have one body and I have to take care of it. I heard somebody said you cannot snack on junk food and expect your outlook {in life} to be better. On point! As such, I decided to gave some snacks a try. I bought a milk chocolate rice cake (as an alternative to cookies), whole food chocolate coated raisins for snacks and a camomile & honey tea. It's so obvious that I still have a long way to go but that's okay :)

PS: The Haribo (gummy bears) pack is an exception. Haha! I got them from Sainsburys though.

Next batch is a perfume, a hair mask and some more fun stuff!

WEEKEND HAULS : HEALTH BUFFY AND ARTSY

Are you a health buff? Somebody asked me. I chided: I'm trying! *grins* If you know me personally, you're definitely aware that I have a sweet tooth! You can starve me but I'll have my ice cream, chocolates or cake. That's for sure! But, I've read this rather shocking news: Sugar is the new nicotine! (Google it) However, instead of jumping into a sugar-free zone bandwagon, I decided to take things slowly but surely. So, last Saturday - after my morning Pilates class - I went to Kingston town (walking distance away from my flat, really) and bought a couple of fun stuff.

Racer Back Top from H&M

I guess you know how inspired you are when you have a new gym/exercise outfit! It dawned on me that I've been using the same (there are 2) tops interchangeably for over a year now. Good job, isn't it? So - it's a high time for me to buy an addition! I love the print and oh boy, I'm giddy to attend my Monday 7 pm Pilates. Bring it on!

Flax Seed & Almond Milk

Okay, my brain will overheat if I put massive details on this post so please can we leave the thesis part? All I know is flax seed promotes good metabolism and is generally good since it has lots of fibre. As for the almond milk, I have a bit of a dilemma since I used to buy fresh milk. The thing is - it has a one week expiration and I can't finish them all (which means most of the milk go to waste). The almond milk has a 6-month expiration so that's brilliant.

Update: I tried to put both in my Nutribullet smoothie today. It tastes a bit weird but not a deal breaker. 

Lush Sugar Lip Scrub

I wanted one for the longest time but can't get to Central London. Then as I was passing by from the organic shop (where I bought my flax seed and milk) I had the biggest surprise. There is a Lush store in Kingston! It's a bit pricey (£5.50) for a lip scrub but I'll use this for a year so fair enough.

LONDON DIARY : STARTING OVER AGAIN

Firstly, don't let the title fool you! This is not a love hugot or #feels post, okay? :D It's a literal starting over again process for me in so many ways. As I've mentioned on my previous ENTRY, I finally got my general migrant visa last August. I thank God for that. "This is it." I self-talked. It's not a new thing for me in a way, as I have travelled in the UK for 3 times and have lived here for barely a year. However, you can't master the art of going away, can you?

NEW SEASON
Many of my friends have autumn as their favourite season, and now I can see why. It's not too warm or cold, streets are full of vivid colours and yes - wardrobe change! Hah! It's not yet a full-on autumn now but you'll see that summer is slowly fading and giving way to fall. During my first days back, I got this nasty flu but I thank GOD that my body has adjusted to London weather quite well. Plus the fact that I didn't get any jet lags on my way back. That is really a huge relief for me!

Tip: H&M is holding a campaign. Basically, you give a bag full of your old clothes and you'll get £5.00 voucher in exchange. For more details, click HERE. To me, it's good news since I have 4 bags full of old clothes. I was about to put those in a bin, good thing I spotted their poster whilst buying my racer back top for my Pilates!

NEW OFFICE
I think I've mentioned before that we're moving offices? Yes, it's on my What Does My Spring Day Look Like post. There's a lot to be missed from our old Norbiton office. It's my first go-to place when I was new in London. There's this sushi shop and fish and chips bar... the whole shebang. Yet, I know that many things are in store for us in the future. We'll be at Wimbledon soon! Yep - the famous tennis place, people! I ain't doing tennis though because I nearly flunked lawn tennis class back at my university days! Oh geez!

NEW ROUTINE
Along with our office move is my new routine. You see, I was working from home the past 3 months. Even when I am in London, I was working from my flat - but that would change tomorrow (as I type this) because I'll be doing the regular routines forward. I hate to admit it but I miss the morning train ride (won't be long that I'll take this back, I guess), the ritual of putting on your makeup and clothes for office. Good stuff await, I should say.

NEW CHURCH

I was in two minds whether to include this part as this is quasi-personal for me. It's been a long time coming and after months of praying, I came with a decision to go to a local church. This has been a faith strengthening exercise for yours truly since I can see how God answers prayers and confirms things. I am hopeful that I can do God's plan for me in this area. Sometimes, the idea of being a newbie is daunting and believe me, I am one of those who'd like to keep it safe and simple. Yet, I can almost hear God revealing: Remember, it's not about you. It's about me.

I stumbled upon this post and it hit me on point: MOVE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. YOU CAN ONLY GROW IF YOU ARE WILLING TO FEEL AWKWARD AND UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN YOU TRY SOMETHING NEW.

Have a lovely week ahead! -CMK

BEAUTY RAVES : BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO

Here's a super quick post for today. I've been exploring the world of dry shampoo. I was the type who wants to wash her hair every single day. However: one dilemma. It's so cold these days and I can only use hot water. As you know, hot water can contribute to hair fall, so there. After countless youtube and blog reviews, I got the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Clean & Classic.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS

I can't say much except that it does what it supposed to do. I notice that the greasy feeling is gone after a day of not 'shampooing' and 'conditioning' my hair. Yes, I still wet my hair albeit briefly this time. I don't know, maybe it's psychological. I need to have water running unto my head. I guess me skipping the everyday conditioner part helps to lessen my hair fall. And also, for £3.00 (Php 210), you can't really complain.

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS

The thought of not covering my entire scalp (which is impossible, especially when I'm on the go) worries me a bit. But the label says massage all over your scalp. I think I have to do much massaging, ain't it? Not a deal breaker at all.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A TIER 2 (GENERAL MIGRANT) UK VISA FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS?

This is an echo introduction from my previous POST, but really, all the #feels are the same! If you've had any experience on anything visa-application related, you'll probably agree with me that it's such a heart-stopping moment! It doesn't matter whether it's your first time or 5th time, there's just this element of tingly-wingly-in-your-tummy-feeling that's incessantly there until you receive your passport back!

Firstly, allow me to share with you guys that I've received my approved Tier 2 General Migrant visa! Thank you LORD! I won't lie, it's not an easy feat but with the right amount of determination and God's favour, it's possible!

Since last year (2014), I have applied for 3 business visas separately. One for my visit on April 2014, October 2014 and May 2015. After such, the Company and I have decided it's much better to apply for a Tier 2 visa, moving forward. There are different categories for Tier 2 visa but for this blog entry, I'm referring such as a General Migrant visa.


 THE REQUIREMENTS
Quite surprisingly, the necessary documents for a Tier 2 visa are not as detailed as when you're applying for a tourist or business visa. Here are they:

1. Current passport (should be 6 months valid)
2. Passport sized photgoraph
3. Bank statement with an average daily balance of £945 (around Php 70,000) for the last 90 days
4. IELTS Exam Certificate
5. Tuberculosis (TB) Results
6. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) number

Notes: 

• For the bank statement, I just asked Banco de Oro for a usual bank certificate and attached it on the documents I've submitted. I queried the teller if it's okay for them to convert my balance into British Pounds (£) but they said they're following a strict format so I conceded. Anyways, they'll be forwarding an email to the British Embassy so that should be good.
• Also, still on the bank statement - I printed out a currency conversion on a separate sheet and converted the amount myself (make sure you convert the correct amount!). I included that as part of my attachments as well.
• For IELTS exam certificate, I took mine in Regents University in London. I got the certification from the British Council IELTS. 
• You have to take the TB test in IOM Makati Philippines. I had mine tested in the UK, however, I was told that I needed to undergo another as they don't validate x-rays from other facilities.
• Last but never the least, the COS! This is the most important, I should say. Your employer needs to apply to the UK Home Office for such and once approved, you'll be given a number by which you'll need on your application online.

OOTD : BOHO DRESS

There are days you want to play all-made up. And then there are days that you just want to take it easy. It was a Sunday that time and the weather is too humid, so I opted to wear my trusty boho dress which I so miss right now because I forgot to include this on my luggage en route London. How could I?! :(

• Dress from Forever 21
• Watch from Veloci
• Bag from Zara
• Sandals from Primark

The only consolation I have is it's turning autumn this time of year so I can't wear this tropical dress without shivering from cold, wind and drizzle. Bring out the cowl necks, people!

Here are some boho inspiration. My favourite is number 3 because it's neutral and wearable.

BEAUTY RAVES : MY PRE-AUTUMN MAKEUP FAVOURITES

The thing with autumn is it's a transition between summer and winter. It's not the season to wear bright pink blush anymore nor the time to wear a vampy dark lipstick. Of course, we can always wear whatever we want in the makeup world. However, when you have a career different from the creative industry, you have to look for ways to look aptly.

Let me share you my current pre-autumn faves:

• NYX Shine Killer primer
• L'oreal True Match Foundation (W4.5)
• Applied with Beauty Sponge from BYS (the pink one)
• Nichido Tinted Brow gel (Salted Caramel) not included in the photos
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
• Rimmel Stay Matte (Translucent)
• NYX Baked Blush + Illuminator
• Contour from Elf Contour and Blush set in Sta. Luca
• Please Me lipstick from MAC (Matte)

You'll notice that the overall colours are muted. I like it that way because a) I couldn't be bothered to put on too many products in the morning and b) it's true... less is more. Here's my #FOTD after the jump.

BEAUTY RAVES : NYX SHINE KILLER PRIMER

Does this happen to you? There you are, quite pleased with your freshly made #FOTD. You've just snapped a picture and boom, it doesn't look the same on the pic! I just had that dilemma minutes before writing this post. On the brighter side, I'd rather have it in that order than the other way around. Right? :D

Moving on, our beauty rave for today is a brand that's not available locally in the UK. Yep, you have to order it online if you want to get hold of NYX from here. As such, I've made it a point to buy this after I used up all my Maybelline Primer. In fairness, primers are super long lasting! I started using such last January and it's around August when I hit bottom.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS
Two words. It works! It's much better than Maybelline primer which makes sense since this is double the price. I was thinking of buying Smashbox primer but such costs PHP 2,000+, way too expensive for me. Also, I've watched youtube reviews saying Smashbox is not worth the tag, so I deferred.

I got the NYX one for PHP 840 (about £12). Tube is quite sizeable and I reckon it would take me ages to finish this one up. It actually mattifies and minimises my pores, so two thumbs up!

Wishful and final thoughts after the jump!