My Partners for Summer 2015 & 2016: Neo and Cath

If you noticed, I'm missing a post for summer of last year. 2015 has been a busy year for me and my family as we had the interior of our new home done, we did an early move- in, a total adjustment with our new community.

Let me do a quick story about my partner that kept me company last summer, actually for the whole year of 2015. 

It was a gift from husband back in 2014, a black Longchamp Neo made in France.

To notch it up a little, I was hopeful that Longchamp would come up with a body bag with a structure of a Le Pliage but still reasonable. Aside from having a strap, I was also hoping that it would be available in black so I can own a basic black Longchamp bag.


To make my story short, I did found something and my husband saw that I was viewing the Neo on Longchamp's website. Then lo and behold, a medium, black Neo. I'm a big Le Pliage user, it delivers everything I need of having a fashionable yet functional tote bag. The Longchamp Neo strap made it easier for me to run errands, go from one place to another with my hands full.

As to how he got it? he told me not to ask anymore hehehe!
Definitely, it took a lot just to get this bag and quite expensive as well, because back then, at the time I was looking, the Neo was not yet released here in Manila. Now it's easier because we have a Longchamp store in Greenbelt, but I go to Rustan's (much closer to our place) for Longchamps,  they have the Neo and I want my next to be in Pebble.

******
2016!

Summer is officially over and it's time to share my partner for 2016.  I went back to Cath Kidston and my order arrived via "Royal Mail" ( well it's just the citipost). Even if we have Cath Kidston stores here in Manila, I still opted to order mine direct from cathkidston.com and had it sent to our address in the U.S. I like it direct because the online shop offers discounted items up to 50% off.

Anyway, when I went to a Cath Kidston shop, I browsed and saw that they sell the tote bag that I like for 6,000+php, (sale price is at 4500+php). But when I went online, my large Kingswood Rose Trimmed Tote was on sale less than $50 (USD). For $100 (the price of one bag), I got  3 different items instead: a large Kingswood Rose Trimmed Tote, Kingswood Black Canvas and Leather body bag and a lovely hearts zip purse.

After the spots and dots, I've always wanted to get the nostalgic floral print from Cath Kidston. I found the Kingswood Rose design elegant, sweet, it has that classic feel and look. Aside from that, it's a tote bag, I just have this thing for totes. I find my totes useful for trips and of course to hold as much important things that I can for the whole family.

It is easy to clean, it's durable and maintains its original form. It doesn't have a zip closure though just a zip pocket and an internal slip pocket.

When in Manila, advisable to bring for trips to friendly places just to be safe. Anyway, having this tote bag is fun and easy. Personally, even in a crowded area, I never worry, I just stay extra vigilant and I secure my money and phone in the zip pocket. The zip pocket can fit the size of a zip purse by the way.

I recently saw that the new releases has a zip closure, perfect for travel, might just get one.

ESSIE For Me

The first person who introduced me to a beauty salon was my grandmother ( my mom's mom).  Around 9 or 10 years old, I spend summer at my lola's ( grandmother) house. Aside from cooking and making beautiful things in the kitchen, my lola would take me with her at a nearby salon. 

There, she'll have some "me time", from having her hair dyed and permed to cleaning and painting her nails. One afternoon, while having her nails done, she told me: "Chie (my nickname), when you grow up and become a lady, it is important to have "at least" your nails done". "Take it as something that you can reward yourself with "pampering". "Every woman needs to look good, presentable and confident".

I took her words for it. My lola who is 89 years old now, still goes to a salon and have the usual pampering, only, she's accompanied by my younger cousins because she couldn't walk well anymore.  I look up to her... a lot.  As I grew up from being a teenager to a full adult, I "at least" have my nails done. If I can't go to a salon, I do it myself. It feels good to have nice looking nails. I mean, everyday, we interact with people, in any given circumstance, it's best to have clean hands and nails, same goes all the way down to our toes.

With that,  my post today is going to be about my #1 choice when it comes to nail polish. It has been 2 years since I shifted to imported nail enamel. If I'm to have my nails painted most of the time, it's best to apply non- harmful polishes. Here in the Philippines, local brands hasn't improved yet, I mean, from the moment you open the bottle you'll immediately smell the chemicals.

Essie is considered to be a non- toxic nail polish brand. Web MD Is your nail polish toxic? 

Not only it will keep my nails healthy, but Essie has the cutest shades I've ever seen. My sister-in-law was the one who introduced me to Essie. I've tried other imported brands like Orly, Revlon, Wet n Wild etc. but so far, for me, Essie has the most adorable line to offer. I often see their collection from Lucky magazine. Recently, my sister-in-law sent me a couple of pictures while shopping for some nail polish. Just great, I really love every bit of it, if I can only have it all.

This was my first set of Essie. I don't wear pink nail polish but when I tried these, it's beautiful.

The spring and winter collection offers the colors I'm very fond of. It's a good set to have. A base coat was bought separately. I do a lot of cooking and baking so I live with short nails. But long or short, Essie can make my nails and hand look girly and more feminine even after working on loads of detergent and cleaning liquids in the house.

See Essie Nail Care

Essie Flowerista

Spring Collection

Essie Cashmere Matte: Comfy in Cashmere

Essie Cashmere Matte: All Eyes on Nudes

My interest with anything matte started by seeing some clips and images on Instagram. Matte brings a sort of "cool option" when it comes to lipsticks and nail polishes. It's a must- have. My younger sister was pretty ahead of me when she got a matte top coat. If not a matte nail polish, we use the matte top coat on any nail polish we like and it's fantastic.

This is not a paid post.

A Little of Everything Bag

Now I can say that I've officially graduated from carrying a "mommy bag" as my everyday bag.  As a mom, there are times when I need to bring 2 bags: 1 for the baby/ kid and of course 1 for myself. As the child grows, we lessen the things we tote around (so far based on my experience). If you have kids maybe you can understand where I'm coming from. For the past 8 years, all I invested on are tote bags that can work as my personal, travel and an all- around bag.

It's just recently when I was able to fully utilize my purses. My youngest is such an adorable kid and wants to bring his own little backpack. So for quite sometime now I'm enjoying holding a small bag/ purse. Since I'm used to having my hands free, I go for at least a body bag or a messenger.

My so- called purse contains a little of everything I need: Pressed powder with a thin casing, chubby stick, a small hand sanitizer, a small "all- over" color stick and a tiny bottle of my favorite perfume. 

This is my "everyday bag".

If you can still recall, I even posted about my Vanity Kit  and why I like mine totesbig. There, you will see the things I used to bring in my everyday bag. From an iPad, sunglasses, a separate wallet and a coin purse, wipes and even a bottle of baby cologne. Compare it now,  yes there's a huge difference. With this new transition, I've excluded the iPad and my iPod Touch since the iPhone, I have a zippy wallet for all bills, coins and card, my son carries his own wipes and baby cologne in his sweet backpack, and I've replaced my vanity kit with "a little of everything" I need.

It's a big load off my shoulders and I believe that the simpler it is, the more we can maximize our energy and time. Over- all, whatever bag you choose to carry, it is most important that you are comfortable, happy and confident. 

It's A Shorts Thing

I'm a woman of shorts. I wear shorts almost everyday and anywhere I go. In some countries, we see jackets, sweaters and jeans as staple items. Here in the Philippines we have shorts. It's a tropical country, so we wear light clothing most of the time and with style.

When it comes to choices, I always go for the basic. Black, white, beige and denim. It's a must to have at least 1 pair for each, but I want to add navy in my line for a change. Just yesterday, I was browsing online for designs and styles. Zalora has a wide selection of casual wear that's also super stylish. A good pair can make the simplest design and style the most fashionable. I can mix and match shorts with almost anything.

On a personal note, I always wear shorts because I can move around with my kids in tow. I mean, having 2 boys around requires so much running, walking and jumping. I really feel easy and relaxed when wearing shorts more than anything else especially when traveling. My family loves going on road trips and quick getaways. Not only that a good pair of shorts is the most comfortable to wear, but it's also one of the lightest things to pack. I often pair it with flats, sandals, sneakers and even a Brogue inspired leather shoes.

My birth month is near, it's that time when I go shopping for new clothes, shoes and accessories. One of the things I look forward to is a new batch of shorts that I can use for the next summer and for the rest of the year.

What's Your Rockstud?

First of all and in all honesty, I seldom look into designer brands simply because I feel it's too much for me as a stay at home mom. But for some reason, I got attracted with Valentino Garavani's Rockstud collection. I see a lot of these from our local entertainers and boy they really look good and classy. So if I were to choose my Rockstud pair, I will go for a strappy flat sandals.

Okay, let me dream even just for awhile...

image (Instagram)

I came across this image on Instagram. I fell in love with these sandals in an instant. I prefer the red one, but any shade will do as long as it's a flat sandal. I like sandals and flats because it's the most comfortable especially if you have kids and it can go with any outfit. This is perfect if you want to be stylish and functional at the same time.

image

Rockstud Rouge flat sandal

This particular design fits my over- all personality.  "Simple lang, pero Rock!" (giggle!)

It's worth almost $1000, so now back to dreaming...

Box Of Happy: Origami Owl

This is one of the most treasured gifts I received during the Holiday Season last year. A set of Origami Owl Custom Jewelry. 

Rose Gold Twist Linking Locket with Crystals

Rose Gold Twist Living Locket with a Rose Gold 24" Mini Curb Chain 

Charms that represent my 3 boys and of course myself. Crystals are by Swarovski by the way.

My mother-in-law never fails to let me know how special I am to her. That's exactly how I feel with every gift she would send, with every prayer and kind words she would utter. We're oceans apart and yet with a simple remembrance it brings us closer to each other.

Bella the founder of Origami Owl achieved her goal and the purpose of this jewelry line--- to fulfill dreams and be an inspiration to others. Personally, I've strengthened my connection, my relationship with the mother of who I'm married and whom I will love forever. 

To choose the Charms that represents the initials of the important people in my life is something meaningful. Because Mama truly knows that my world goes around my family, my 3 boys. I've met my purpose of becoming a mother and a wife.

Through this gift, my love for Rose Gold has blossomed. Such elegant pieces yet simple enough to be paired with anything and be worn at any event.

The Rose Gold Twist Linking Locket with Crystals didn't come with any chain or strap. It's common that we get a chain to match, but when I followed Origami Owl on Instagram I saw that the linking locket is often paired with a Genuine Leather Wrap Bracelet, which is pretty cool and I'm talking about those lockets with crystals. So I went to The Bead Shop, a store here in the Philippines that's famous for custom made accessories. I had a braided strap made for the linking locket. I can have it changed anytime by the way. With just a strap, it won't be too catchy but still irresistible to look at.

My Charms play around the 2 lockets. But recently, I chose to wear Mama Mary close to my heart.  The pendant of Mama Mary came from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Lipa City. It is a very small pendant, it's blessed and it's very special to me for all the miracles and good times that's being poured over my family. 

You see, with these lockets, I get to share my faith as well...

Having A Turntable Is Love

I grew up listening to vinyls because my parents had a 1980s VTG SONY TURNTABLE CASSETTE PLAYER RECORDER COMBO EX-2K (photo to follow). It's still with them but it's not working anymore because it was mistakenly plugged in the wrong outlet.

Here's what I get for having a husband who's a musician. Early last year we purchased a second hand turntable. As planned, we've been itching to buy one for our new condo. Anyway, having a turntable brings music to our home on a different level.

The vintage sound makes everything peaceful and calm.

We got our turntable from a collector who just happen to be my husband's office mate. He chose to sell his turntable to my husband because he knows that he is a musician. Well, somebody who's expected to appreciate these things and will really spend time on anything related to music. This office mate of his is a collector of turntables and vinyls. Aside from entrusting one of his priced possessions, he also shared some thoughts on how turntables and vinyls work. 

Turntables are back. Vinyl shops, thrift stores are making some noise for old and new record albums. We buy our vinyls from The Grey Market Records. From Jaco Pastorious, Pat Metheny, Nat King Cole, Stan Getz. They have a wide selection for a very reasonable price. We still go to some shops that sell second hand vinyl records, but one should be patient while going through piles and piles of vinyls.

Well, the old ones are considered vintage and should be handled with great care.

Moving forward, having an 1980s Sony turntable is a great start in knowing what this machine can artistically do. When I was a kid, all I hear was plain sound. It comes in one ear and comes out to the other. Now, I can really appreciate the music that vinyl records can produce. It is indeed a timeless materpiece.


We plan on expanding so that we can preserve the 1980s turntable we have and that's when Satchmi Motorino will come in. It's sleeker, stylish, it's modern but once it starts playing, it will automatically take you back in time whether you're listening to new music or not. My husband took me to Satchmi, 4F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall so that I can choose the Motorino I like. It's perfect, because I intend to buy a much newer set of vinyls like Taylor Swift's 1989 album and Adele's.


I'll post a photo of the 2 turntables together once we have the Motorino.

Happy Shopping with ZALORA

-not a paid post -

Online shopping isn't a regular thing for me, but there are times when I do buy stuff online, especially those that aren't found in a regular shop or at the mall.  I study everything from the mode of payment, over- all security of my information and the item and shipping.

I've intended to go online shopping with ZALORA for quite sometime now. I browse through the website a lot. I've read posts and reviews from other bloggers too. Everything posted or shared online about ZALORA are all attractive and interesting to look at. 

One reason that got my attention with ZALORA was the Cash on Delivery mode of payment. Here's the thing, I don't use my card that often... as much as possible I pay on cash basis even for big items. On the other hand,  let's face it, as a woman, it's normal to have that urge to shop for what you think you deserve... To make the long story short, I found the heart of online shopping with ZALORA, I enjoyed my shopping experience with ZALORA.

Convenience, security, accessibility, availability, affordability, ideal customer service and satisfaction guaranteed, it's ZALORA. 

ZALORA brand itself holds the chicest, loveliest items a girl could ever have. 

My first purchase was a Pink Strappy Flat Sandals With Laser Cut Details 699php

- Synthetic upper

- Elasticized band for secure fit

- Synthetic insole with brand details

- Synthetic outsole

 -source-

The colors available for this particular design are Grey, Pink and Brown. I chose pink because it's the shade close to nude and I love nude because I can match it with everything. Shoe size will depend on the no. of items on stock. But most of the time, with just browsing, I noticed, sizes are available.

This was my first time to purchase a footwear online. I don't shop online for shoes because I wanna make sure it fits me and it is comfortable. If fitting is an issue, ZALORA has a size chart that can be used as guide. If the shoes doesn't fit at all, you can always return it to ZALORA within 30days.

• The process begins as soon as you have picked the item/s of your choice (including the chosen color, size and design), add it to your "virtual shopping bag".  
• From there you check out and a form to be filled out (for new customers) will appear. 
• Choose the mode of payment.
• Enter code if you have a discount coupon/ voucher.
• Double check the entire order form, click "Order Now" once done.
• You will receive an email confirming/ track your order. 

 

I'm in Metro Manila so I'm expecting my order to come in 2 days at least. But my order was delivered within 24 hours which was very impressive. Not only that, the delivery guy was very courteous and he looked neat and presentable. 

I love the packaging, it made me feel that my order was really taken cared of. The sandals were in good condition and with individual dust bags.

 

I'm thinking of buying some Christmas presents for my sisters and friends from ZALORA. From tops, bags, accessories, make- up... there's so much to choose from. Thank you ZALORA for making online shopping easy and fabulous. As for a stay- at- home mom on a budget, I've never been this so excited and happy. Now, that I have an option to pay in cash and treating myself to something functional and stuff  I want is going to be with a snap of a finger.

Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

There's a lot of Oxfords shoes, but mostly comes in patent leather or canvas. Every time I go window shopping, I go inside almost every shoe store just to check if I'll be lucky to see a pair of leather Oxford shoes. I want leather because I see Oxfords as a classic piece. It being leather with the orb detail and wingtip style,  makes it timeless.

In between my search, I've also prepared myself that if I find an Oxford according to the traditional look, it may probably be more expensive. But this concept changed when I paid Payless Shoesource a visit.

So, I was out with my mom last week, the usual mom and daughter bonding. We had lunch then we went window shopping. As I waited for her, I decided to go to Payless to check what's new. There I  browsed, browsed and browsed through shoes in my size. I found a pair of slip- ons but it didn't fit me, so I went to a different shoe rack. To my surprise, I saw this pair of leather Oxfords by Christian Siriano. It feels like I hit the jackpot.

 Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

 1250php

 At long last, my kind of Oxford shoes... it has been awhile and thought I'll end up with nothing as I almost gave up in search of a leather Oxford shoes.

Features perforated orb detail, wingtip style, padded insole for comfort, 1" stacked heel, and a durable outsole. Manmade materials. -source-

Christian Siriano created a stylish, elegant and affordable line for Payless. First time I wore it, I was out walking with my friends the whole day and it rained by the way. I didn't feel tired and my feet didn't get any blisters from walking which is common when wearing brand new shoes. Talk about fashion and comfort as well.

Outfit:
top: Uniqlo
bottom: Tiangge sa Greenhills
bag: ZARA
shoes: Women's Debonair Oxford by Christian Siriano for Payless

Take note ladies, this is a limited offer. As always, availability will depend if this particular pair of shoes is still on display in your shoe- size rack at any Payless Shoesource branch.

Collecting Legos

My husband and I began collecting around 8 years ago. We feel like it has been that long because we were already buying Lego toys for our eldest son. Then comes the Duplo for our youngest. Frankie is very fond of Lego because he can literally create things with bricks without following any instruction manual. Watching my son build and create what he once imagined brings an amazing feeling for a mom like me.

From then on, we're on the look for Lego sets, mostly boxes of bricks. Since it's for playing, there are times when we lose bricks, and that's when we buy another box until the collection grew bigger. Our love for Lego expanded as we meet people with the same interest, and that's how we found out about PhLUG and other Lego items for collecting--- Legos for the young at heart.

Next on our list are Lego Books which we can display in our new home. We just found one or two that can also be useful in creating stuff, but we didn't buy it yet.

When The LEGO Movie came out, that's the time when we just want to gather what we feel we need to  collect. What we have is nothing compared to those who have been doing this for years.

The Lego Movie mini- figures was a set that's a bit hard to complete especially that toy stores here in the Philippines doesn't sell mini- figures as much compared to other countries. But we have our sources and we even got more than what we expected. There's a batch to be kept and there's a couple of mini- figures on display.

This is a must! An original The LEGO Movie: Everything is Awesome Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack + Exclusive Minifigure + Exclusive Content + Bonus Blu-ray 3D)

We bought our copy from a Lego collector. I drove all the way to UN Manila early in the morning  just to meet up with this guy. I was with my husband of course and we know the guy, so safety on meet- ups (check!)

 1980's Vintage LEGO Spaceman in Red, White, Yellow and Blue

We're now looking for a black classic spaceman.

 Benny the Blue Spaceman in The LEGO Movie

The Blue Spaceman is said to be the last color to be released. Benny is a special character in The Lego Movie representing the 1980's Classic Space Astronaut. Only, Benny's suit is scratched and his helmet is broken and has an excited turn- around face.

Lego sets from The Lego Movie

These were the first box sets we had from The Lego Movie. We only purchased one from a mall, the rest were ordered online from fellow collectors.

 Shell Station has released a new set of Shell V- Power LEGO Collection. The rules state that for every 1,500-up worth of Shell V-Power Nitro fuel you can buy a toy from the set for 150php each and you can only purchase 1 toy for every receipt. That's a full tank for most cars. You see, we can't burn fuel just to be able to fill up our tank again and buy another toy. So I asked my dad if we can take turns and whoever will go first to gas up a car, must buy a toy until we complete the set or even get 2 sets of the whole collection. We did this with Shell's previous promos. So, our car's tank is full and we got the Lego Shell Station. My dad messaged me and he got gas too and bought the red Lego car. In a week, we now have 2 from the 2014 Shell V-Power Lego Collection.  Ha!

For more information: The New Shell V-Power Lego Collection

The fun of dressing up your Apple gadget. I particularly love this Original Belkin Lego casing for the iPad Mini 2. How I wish that they also have something for my old iPad 2... and sorry I need to emphasize on "original" because sad to say, fake items are everywhere in our country.

A Lego piece from Japan. For some reason, anything from Japan is always something to look forward to and worth collecting.

We're part of The Philippine Lego Users Group

We became part of PhLUG through a friend who is a super LEGO collector and enthusiast. My husband visited their exhibit once and he continued until he made friends and became part of the community. On a regular basis, the group organizes an exhibit where fellow collectors can display and sell their items for a more reasonable price compared to the ones being sold in malls. Some are from travelers who intentionally go abroad to buy Legos and other collectibles. 

It is a wonderful community. So if you're in search of some hard- to- find Lego items or any Lego set here in the Philippines, try PhLUG. It's a fun way to buy the Lego toys you want and at the same time, make friends.

Home Project Now Rolling

Moving forward towards happier times. One of the things that's been keeping me away from my regular routine online is furniture shopping. Finally, the moment has arrived when we get to choose the stuff for our new home. Personally, I don't want fill our unit in an instant. I want to do it slowly so that we can also get the furniture that is perfect for each room. And of course, we can't afford to buy and change and buy new ones again and again. I told my husband that if we're to rush things, everything else might go bonkers at some point.

It turned out that my husband had that same thought in mind. Planning was made easy because my husband and I are attuned with the same ideas, stuff we want to put in and certain themes for our new home.

The only request I have was a signature chair for myself. A high back chair. You know the idea, when guests will see that chair, they know it's mine and I own that small space in our home. Same goes with my other half, he requested for a LaZBoy, I didn't argue because he granted mine and I want him to get his too.

My chair was an easy find. SM Home World is now selling sleek chairs, home decor and other furniture. I was in heaven when I saw the line of high back chairs on display. It comes in different sizes, designs and colors. But it's a different story with my husband. Since a LAZBOY costs so much, he's still on the hunt "for the worthy recliner".

So we've settled our chairs, this afternoon, we went through the list of kitchen appliances we need. As much as possible, we want to go for things that are economical, environment-friendly, safe and easy to maintain. It's our own home, it's new, so why not make a good investment.

I Like Mine #totesbig

Here I am from the other side of the world looking at a fun thing that has been circulating on Instagram. For tote bag lovers like me, it's Cath Kidston #totesbig or #totessmall campaign! It's a chance to be included in an exhibition to be featured at the Cath Kidston's flagship store and win a Cath Kidston tote. Ladies, all you need to do is to take a snap shot of your favorite bag (big tote or small) and its content, then submit it on Instagram with the #totesbig or #totessmall.

I didn't really know if I'm eligible to join, but I guess not, so I took mine over here to my blog just to share.  It was fun and exciting looking at entries which inspired me to post my personal choice.

I am a big tote person with or without my kid's stuff mixing with mine. Luckily, the "mommy bag" days just ended recently since my little boys can bring their own bags already. So whatever is on display here, they're all mine. 

I prefer to carry everything in one bag than divide stuff into small pouches and totes. My Cath Kidston Large Dot Zip Bag is considered as one of my everyday bag. Here's how I got it. 

It basically holds everything I need: my personal essentials, from gadgets, my vanity kit, a notebook, and even a cologne bottle. Name it, just throw it in you're good to go. Not to forget, it's waterproof. Here in the Philippines, most of the time it rains, and my Cath Kidston bag makes me feel secure knowing that my things will not easily get wet both from the outside and in. 

The cute dots, the unique shape of the bag and the attractive shade of red makes it eye- catching. A lady approached me once and asked where I got my Cath Kidston mini dots... So I told her, it was a gift and it was purchased directly from: http://www.cathkidston.com/

A new Cath Kidston bag is on its way... it may take long but it's worth the wait.

My Vanity Essentials

I call it vanity kit because it holds the essentials that makes a woman more beautiful and confident. Let's face it, even the simplest person will still have this so- called beauty kit in her bag. Whether big or small, a woman must have one. 

I stay at home a lot, so consider that I'm sort of a low maintenance person. I seldom get treatments both for skin and hair. "As much as possible", it's something I want to take hold of, especially as a stay- at- home mom. Well, priority are my children, but it doesn't mean that I totally forget about what my body needs. 

For now, let's concentrate on what my kit contains. I bet some of you are itching to find out. First off, I just recently got a Tracy Reese for Clinique pouch packed with goodies,  it is now my new vanity holder. By the way, this is not a paid post.  For a certain amount of purchase from Clinique, you'll get this pouch as a bonus. As always, it's filled with great samples from Clinique.

Clinique is my most trusted brand when it comes to skin care and make- up. I have sensitive skin that's why I'm very careful with the stuff I put on my face. A small drop may cause an itch, a swipe of cream might lead to a red spot. The day my sister-in- law introduced me to this brand, it's like an answered prayer, it was the solution to my skin problems.

Beautiful Lips: I don't wear "make-up", I rely on pressed powder and stuff for my lips. That's why part of my kit are lipsticks and lip glosses. It may look a lot but those colorful sticks you see is composed of 1 Clinique sample, 1 Careline Magic lipstick, 2 lip glosses, 2 lip balms. I make it a point to have at least 2 shades of lipstick in my bag so when an occasion calls, I have something to put on anytime. 

• For an ordinary trip to the mall, I use Clinique's Chubby Stick in Mega Melon. It is a moisturizing lip colour balm, keeps lips soft and smooth and it makes lips look like it has lipstick on. It has a natural effect with bit of color.
• For a day time event or gathering Clinique's Long Last Glosswear with SPF15 is perfect. Like the Chubby Stick, the shade is close to natural but this has an extra gloss which gives that "plumped lip" effect.
• For night time or for an occasion that requires me to dress up, I rely on a real lipstick. The beauty of "samples", you get to see and experience if a certain shade of lipstick suits you. I fell in love with Clinique's A Different Grape in an instant. It may look dark, but once applied, it settles between a lighter shade of burgundy and rose. Not only for night, I've been using this a lot lately.
• When it comes to lip gloss, I have 2 choices. On a more affordable side, Nivea Fruity Shine and for the real deal, Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm. Both serve the same purpose: color and care but Burt's Bees is more organic.  I've run out of Burt's so I shifted to Nivea for the mean time until I can buy the other one.
• Careline Magic Lipstick. Take it from the label, it does magic. Also perfect for regular use. I use my Nivea lip gloss over it, love the effect.
• Lastly, EOS in Summer Fruit. This is all about treatment. If my lips goes super dry, I just apply EOS and I'm good.

Crazy Eyes:
Not much of an eye make-up person, but I still have a few ready in my bag.

• Avon eye-liner
• Ever Bilena eyebrow pencil (which I need to replace soon). I have thin and short eyebrows, this is the only eyebrow pencil I use, gives great result.
• A sharpener
• Eyelash curler
• Mascara
• and tweezers
  

Health Care: They're all in small containers. With hand sanitizers, I'm after the scent, but when it comes to protection, I use alcohol with moisturizer. Hand cream is essential because I work and wet my hands most of the time with chores and handling my children. A throat spray... My husband's aunt gave this to me. Ilog Ni Maria Farms throat spray is the most effective of all the treatments I've used. Relieves pain and itchiness in minutes.

Others: Still considered as essentials. These are more of quick solutions on certain situations. For example, a button from a shirt fell and we're not at home, a safety pin will temporarily put things back together.  A phone cord hair grip is my basic hair accessory, my hair remains smooth and it doesn't let the hair get tangled. My pressed powder and lenses for my phone and iPod are just extras.

Before I came up with the theme for this post, I was actually pondering of sharing the stuff "inside my everyday bag". The things that I didn't include here is my wallet, a tiny coin purse, my phone and iPod, a medicine pouch and Kleenex wipes which are found separately in my tote bag.

The main essentials which the Tracy Reese pouch carries will do. It is a big pouch, that I don't need a bag organizer, these items are small in size by the way. Everything can magically fit without making the main bag feel heavy.

I hope, with the details I've shared, it is going to be useful and helpful for the ladies out there.  At least as added options to your kit.