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.

A Mother's Thoughts

Quite a while since I've made updates for all my blogs. It's been a very busy 3 months since school started. Having kids brings me back to my younger days, especially when it comes to school issues. 

My eldest is already a 3rd Grader. He's 9 years old and he is at an age for us parents should make our children feel that we're there for them 100%. A stage to give more patience and understanding. At this point, I look back at my childhood when I was once my son's age. It's amusing at times, because I get to reminisce, it is also a bit of a challenge when my son asks me questions which is obviously inspired by the things he sees everyday or stuff  he rarely encounter. 

Questions of why? how? I personally handle it by relating my answers with what's really happening in reality. The practical side of the reasons why & how we do things in life. That's my approach, it makes things easier to explain and for the kid to understand.

In a few years, I will have a teenager to look after. Those innocent questions out curiosity will expand deeper as he age in towards adulthood. I trust that my husband and I are going to be able to guide and teach our children (both boys) to goodness, and that includes never to make a girl cry or be the cause of a broken heart. Always make people happy, to be more of an inspiration to others.

 

photo source

Van de Graaff Generator At The Mind Museum

As a pre- Mother's Day celebration, my husband and I took our kids to the Mind Museum. It was my first time to visit the place and it was Frankie's 2nd. I've been curious of what this museum has got to offer. I've seen pictures and have read posts about it. Finally, I was able to step inside one of Manila's most visited museums.

It was a fine summery Saturday morning. We opted to go early to beat the crowd, thinking that it's Mother's Day and a weekend everyone's going to be out celebrating. Tickets were at 450php per head which was good for the whole day until the museum closes.

When we got inside, we were greeted by Aedi (idea). Aedi gave a short message on what to expect and see inside the museum.

The first thing we saw was The Majesty of the Universe area. It was the most visited when we were there. Maybe it's because most of us are curiously in love with knowing the universe and visitors are automatically pulled at this section of the museum.

We watched a short film. I enjoyed the whole clip because I was opened to new information about the solar system, space and the whole universe.

My eldest son, is very fond of science and experiments. He went back to see the T-Rex that's made up of real fossils. How cool is that?!

The highlight of our visit was to experience Van de Graaff generator for the first time. My son was scared seeing the hair of the ladies who went ahead of us go up. Something that he can only see on television shows and movies. Later on, he became comfortable. He has short hair, but you can see hair at the top part of his head raised up.

If The Majesty of the Universe is the most visited, the Van de Graaff generator holds the longest line. These are just few of the wonderful things seen at The Mind Museum. It sure is a place for learning both for the kids and the young at heart.

SEE: How Van de Graaf Generator Work

10 Years

I can't think of a better title to this post but the digits itself that marked another milestone in my life.  5 years ago, I was just day dreaming of the future with my other half. Where will we be on our 10th wedding anniversary? It's normal to think ahead and see yourself how you like it or the way you plan it.

I'm proud to say that in our 10 years as partners, all I can think about are happy memories. Sure, we had our down times, especially when we were still starting... And these turned as motivating factors that brought us to where we are at the moment. We are also surrounded by people who help us go through adversities--- our parents, our siblings and friends, the added colors to our rainbow. 

Thru certain situations, unforgettable moments, down to the most embarrassing experiences, together,  we've matured, we respect each other even more. We learned to meet in the middle when it comes to decision making. We shrug off anything that can cause an argument. We compromise and sacrifice. If there's another thing to be proud about, it's the fact that my husband and I work everything positively because we do things together. We're always together.

Because we know we have each other, we've learned not to look for contentment and happiness thru material things or live life around money.  But we still surprise each other in our own creative ways, just like what happened a few weeks back...

We didn't have a grand celebration for our 10th year, but my husband arranged lunch with a few people at Conti's. It was kinda a surprise for me too... and yes, I was shocked because I really thought that we're not going to prepare anything at all. We opted to keep things simple and discrete because we're presently preparing for something more important. So my husband reserved a function room, had food prepared and a short video presentation was shown. The video was composed of the times from the moment we got married up to the present with our 2 kids. 

10 years may look short and young but I gotta say... we feel that we've  lived and achieved more than the number of years that's indicated, or let's just say we're on the right track.

We have a 3rd grader.

We have a toddler who can say thank you and please...

We have a lovable Beagle named EMO.

We will be moving to our brand new place which is now our own to decorate.

We are planning to get an SUV and restore our old Honda Civic...

I can bake!
We travel as a family.

My husband's career is growing...

We both have white hair. lol! (now, that's aging)

We're all healthy.

What we did not have 10 years back, are the ones that make our life now beautiful everyday.

As we land on our 10th year being married and as we head towards our 14th year of being together, my husband and I both learned how to be flexible towards anything life will throw at us and will remain grateful and humbled for the small, simple moments that's given to us (forever...).

Wrapping Up Summer 2014 at Punta De Uian

Summer 2014 was one of the best we have ever experienced.

1. We opened the season with a 4- day visit to Baler.

2. Enjoyed an all-day fun swimming at my parents' pool.

3. Subic has always been part of our summer journey, and it's such a blessing to pay this place a visit every year.

4. As always, Punta De Uian, Zambales has been the go- to resort for an all- in beach experience.

In all our years as a traveling family who loves the beach, this was our first time to visit 3 beach destinations for summer.

Punta De Uian is like our home in Zambales. Anytime we want to go to the beach, I don't know, there's this connection we have with that place, we automatically go there.

One of the things that we enjoy along the way to Zambales is nature itself. We appreciate the things we don't have in Manila. Like these 2 Water Buffaloes. I know it's normal for it to take a dip, but this was my first time to actually see 2 huge water buffaloes cooling down in a clean river.

For the rest of my story as we end Summer 2014, let the photos below describe the reasons why Punta De Uian is also considered as home...

 With my other half whom I shared an incredible summer with and who made everything possible.

Mornings at Punta De Uian

 Sunset after the rain

View of our villa by the lagoon reflecting the fiery colors of the sunset.

The most relaxing view for this season, the islands of Camara and Capones.

Our lovely family picture at Punta De Uian (taken by: Noah)

"Uuwian ka namin talaga palagi Punta De Uian."

My Partner for Summer 2014: Cath Kidston Spot & Dots

Summer's about to come to an end, but before it does, let me share a thing that made my summer experience complete. Aside from wearing the nice halter sundress that I shopped from Zalora, there's one more thing I looked forward to... the perfect summer bag.

I started this "Partner for Summer Bag" thing last year. I got a bag from Marc Jacobs as a gift for myself. It just so happen that summer in the Philippines was about to come, so I thought the timing of a brand new large tote and the beach combined was perfect. 

Then, mid of 2013, my husband gifted me with a Cath Kidston bag. It arrived in GA days after the order was placed and it came straight from London. The bag itself landed on my hands around November, because it was shipped in a bigger box with the other gifts from my in- laws.

I didn't really use the bag as much until summer of 2014 came. Not only that, my younger sister is also a Cath Kidston user. Our bags are filled with dots in different sizes and both are unique. 

Cath Kidston is known for its pretty floral prints and patterns. It does not end with bags, these designs are also available for fabrics, clothing, wallpaper, accessories and home essentials. The whole collection goes around a wide range of selections which includes spots and dots. 

For summer 2014, Cath Kidston is my/ our partner. The color, design and style are playful and fit for any activity bound for the whole of summer and so on. It also goes well with our Havaianas.

I'm impressed with how sturdy Cath Kidston bags are. Like the rest of my large bags, my red polka dot bag was full not only with the regular kids' stuff, but it was doubled with some beach items for myself and my children. Our Cath Kidstons were perfect. I didn't have any trouble figuring out a place where to put my bag. It's the beach, I don't want to bother myself all worried whether my bag will get dirty and wet. 

I might just consider another item from the Cath Kidston, a Weekend bag which I can use for road trips and quick getaways. This time, I'm gonna stick with Cath Kidston's nostalgic floral prints.

Beach Day in Subic

Let me take a break from making posts about our Baler trip. Here's another fun- filled journey I took  with my family. For summer 2014, as always, we went back to Subic. It was my sister's birthday celebration and at the same time, we wanted to take the kids to the beach. Summer will never be complete without the beach, and Subic is a great destination.

Our parents did not go with us. Our dad was on a business trip and my mom opted to stay at home. Since we're down to 2 cars, one of my sisters stayed with me and the other stayed with our brother. We convoyed our way to Subic early Saturday morning. Our check- in time at Forestview was at 2pm but we still went early so we can enjoy the cool road trip with less vehicles around.

The road to Subic was smooth as usual. The part that fell off mid of last year is still being fixed, so expect merging lanes at some point before hitting Porac.

Along the way, we were greeted with so much green scenery. The kids loved it. We traveled all the way to Subic with the car's a/c off and the cool morning was just breezing through. Leaving early graced us with the rising of the sun. It's as relaxing as watching the sunset.

We made a quick stop in SCTEX and took some photos. It was actually for my brother and his family. Since it was their first time to drive along SCTEX, we just have to give them a little token, a shot by the road.

It was a perfect day to go to the beach. We had reservations at All Hands Beach Resort so we were able to get a good spot. Our hut was located near the bar that is beach front. As soon as we got there, we unpacked our stuff, got the grill going as the kids were accompanied by my husband for a swim.

Since we're early, the beach wasn't as full, but around brunch time, people started to come in. Most of the huts were already reserved, so imagine those who just walked- in that day, they didn't really get any tables. For summer, it's always best to plan and make reservations ahead to avoid disappointment.

There were a lot of water sports available including Kayaking. The kids enjoyed the kayaks with their Titas.

I never experienced sunset in Subic in my years going back and forth in that place. This trip was truly inspirational. For the very first time, I was gifted to view the beautiful sunset from this part of the country--- and with the people I love.

Our brother Nano needed to attend to a bulk delivery at the restaurant he is managing that weekend, that's why he wasn't able to come with us. But we made sure to get the whole family together once we get back in Manila.

Personally, trips spent with family makes me feel grateful again and again... I feel so blessed knowing that my family is together. Anytime we want to see each other, everyone is a call or even just a text away. Yes, we didn't "have much then", but we are gifted with such "colorful and blooming relationship now". We're made happy through simple things such as spending time talking and laughing... 

Thank you Lord, thank you for giving me this family, my family to spend my lifetime with.

Cheers for another memorable summer!