Event: BDJ Box Beauty Soiree Holiday Polish

Last Saturday, BF and I went to Greenhills for two reasons; to do a little Christmas shopping and for me to attend an event which is the Beauty Soiree Holiday Polish prepared by no other than BDJ. Actually, my first schedule was really the event. It's a bonus I get to shop as well. ^.^

I always feel comfortable attending BDJ events because I know that I am always welcome and that there are really friendly Bellas out there who I can be friends with. BDJ is really close to my heart and really special because I always join their events even when I came all the way from Pampanga. That's how I love BDJ! ♥

I arrived at the venue around 1:40PM and verified my name at the registration at Serenitea, BTTC Center. I actually thought that the venue was inside Greenhills Shopping Center but I was wrong. I am not really familiar with the place. Good thing I got at the venue safe. It's just a few blocks away from the shopping center anyway. :)

There were early bellas already at the place. Good thing I managed to get a seat near the projector and near the speaker because I learned a lot from the talk. I especially need it because I am bad with nail art. I need to focus in learning it.

Some of the tools that we can use on our table.

Our speaker was Ninna Dujunco who's the blogger behind Nailing It Down. She was really pretty and she was really good in creating nail arts. I visited her blog and I want to copy some of her nail art designs. I will really study nail art designs come this Christmas vacation. :)

Here she was, telling us how to create the designs of different things associated with holiday like reindeer, snowman, snowflakes, penguin among others. I like that her presentation was very detailed on what to do first to what to do next. 

After the presentation, we were told to do our nail art designs. It may be inspired from what she just showed us or we can create our own. While doing so, they gave us some snacks courtesy of Serenitea. I had Cookies and Cream with pearls and the Pepper Tofu. It was such a yummy combo. You should try it too!

This is my seatmate Glenda. Hi girl! She was so busy doing her design. :)

Another bella from our table. Didn't got her name because she was seated from afar. Thanks for passing that white polish over. :)

Paula, who was on my other side was really good, like fantastically good in nail arts. She was a nail art enthusiasts that's why. She's a pro! She got an IG which was just solely about nail arts. 

Around 5pm, the event went to a close and I had the chance to get a photo with the speaker Miss Ninna and my seatmates. 

Me and Miss Ninna

Paula on the left, me and Glenda on the right

Cyrene. My teammate from the BDJ Scavenger Hunt and my schoolmate. We're on the same department as well! It's so happened that I'm way older than her. She's practice-teaching now and I'm teaching already. ^_^

 All bellas from the event received a mini loot bag from Revlon. Thanks! ♥

Loots from Revlon

I messed with my designs and had to fix it a little and so I had this. I know you'll laugh at me with my messy and not-so-pretty design but I really like it! This is my first time to do nail art and I feel that I'm NAILing it! I just need more practice. I know I'll do good soon with the right tools and the right time. I just need days of no work and I will practice from morning 'till night. Christmas vacation? I'll say YES to that! ^o^

 

What do you say with my nail art? I accept good or bad comments. Haha. I just can't help but laugh with my design as well. Hihi. But I find it cute though. 

Thank you BDJ for the wonderful and fun event. Hope you'll include me again in one of your future events. See yah! ♥ 

Review: Skin Food Black Sugar Mask Wash-Off

A friend of my sister went to Korea a month ago and my sister asked her if she can buy me some beauty products from Seoul. Korean products when bought there is almost half the price in here. She happily agreed and when the time came when her friend was about to leave, I forgot to give the money for the stuff I want. My sister then requested her if she can shell some amount first to get me a tub of Skin Food's Black Sugar Mask and she agreed. I paid her when the product arrived. I'm so grateful! I've been wanting to try this for years now but since Skin Food is not available here in Pampanga, I wasn''t able to buy one. ^.^

I first started using this product from a sample pack I got from somewhere. Since then, I've been trying to buy one tub but to no avail. Obviously, I really wanted to have it, that's why the moment it arrived, I already used it.

7700 Won

Upon removing the cover, there's a lid before the product. As usual, Korean products always has that. See that the product is made of black sugar and it smells really yummy, you would want to try tasting it. :)   

See the grains of this product? Hindi tinipid! It was sticky yet delivers very powerful effect on the skin. After washing it off, my skin really felt smooth and exfoliated really well. If only I can use this daily but I refrain from doing so because it might scald off my skin. I've read from somewhere that you can exfoliate 2-3 times a week only. Patience, patience. ^.^   

My sister always prefer using it on the nose area but I do it otherwise. I use it on the whole face. 

My face feels refreshed after applying the mask. If you notice, I have red, small bumps on the face. Before those we're big but now, it gets smaller. I think it also has to do with this new product of mine. I really love this to bits!  

Yay for me! (｡◕‿◕｡) 

• I love the sugar grains. It really exfoliates the skin.
• I like the smell. Looks yummy! 
• Nice packaging.
• It has lid after the cover to prevent spills and for sanitary purposes as well.
• Easy to apply and easy to remove. 

Nay! (｡◕︵◕｡)

• Difficult to find. Only in Skin Food outlets. 

Price: 7700W

Bought from: Skin Food Seoul, Korea

 Size: 100 g.

I shouldn't have forgotten to give the money last time. If so, I can request to buy 3-4 tubs of this and other beauty products too! Thinking of saving more money to visit Korea and do countless shopping of beauty products. Hoho. *wishfulthinking* 

Have you used the brand? What can you say about it? This is one of my most favorite product this year and I would love to stock more of this. ♥

More on my reviews soon! Xoxo ^.^

Food Getaway: EBUN

Last week, BF and I visited Manila and went to Greenhills to attend the last Beauty Soiree from BDJ Box this year. We planned to be there early so we could tour Greenhills and do a little Christmas shopping together before I head to the event venue. We arrived at around 10am from Pampanga and had brunch. We went at EBUN in Promenade.

You will see the classic yet sophisticated ambiance of the restaurant with pictures hanged on the wall of some of the most popular personalities of our country. There were only few people that time since the mall just opened few minutes before we arrived.

Very Filipino appetizers and salad they had. We ordered Mango Salad. I actually want Chicharon Bulaklak but I just had that a week ago so I'll pass on that. 

BF want to have soup but he was tempted with his favorite so we had Kare Kare instead.

By the way, EBUN is the Kapampangan term for egg. I know because I know the language and I'm from Pampanga. I don't see any hint why the restaurant was named that way because their specialties didn't have an egg on their menu. So why is it called like that? I don't know.

We were served with banana chips while waiting for our orders. They're not really that crunchy. I even prefer the one I always buy during Sunday for only a couple of pesos. I like their dainty glass though. :)

Our Mango Salad arrived. The mango they used I think is carabao mango which really complemented the bagoong and other mixed ingredients like the onion, tomatoes and some herbs. 

Our main dish is the kare-kare's tail. BF's fave. I still need to practice cooking this dish before I'll get married so BF my hubby would be pleased. Haha. 

Some lemon ginger tea we had after the meal. That's a calamansi seed inside the cup.

Overall, I find EBUN to be quite expensive with a very normal taste. I was expecting some twist on the food served and even on the tea but I find it very normal for my palate. Knowing that BF and I regularly eat out, I find it just normal. I still like the service and very quick staff they had. Even without asking them, they immediately fill up the glass of water and tea. Very warm service. Thanks!

Food Getaway: EBUN

Location: Promenade Greenhills

Budget: P100-500

The day won't end without us having a selca.

Happy weekend! ♥

Open Rice Review Here

FREE MAGAZINES AND EBOOKS FOR 36 DAYS!!!

I started to love books when I was in the 6th grade and from then on, I have read and collected books in different genre and different sizes. So receiving an email about Buqo, made me really happy because they announced that they will be having a promo this Christmas. What is Buqo by the way? 

For those who aren't familiar with it, Buqo is a digital bookstore, newsstand and reader in one app. It carries a wide selection of Filipino reads that cater to various interests. Whether you're into romance, fiction, teen litt, or motivational materials, buqo has the perfect offering suited for you. It's catalog is also brimming with specialty titles from travel, food, and leisure to cars, fitness and entertainment.

Now that it's Christmas, Buqo is generously giving digital books. It's called their 36 Days of Buqo Christmas. 

The Thrill of Giving.

‘Tis the season of giving and, yet again, the Christmas spirit brings out the generous side in most (if not all) of us. What you would love to know is that Buqo have also contracted the generosity bug that’s been going around! So to mark our very first Christmas, they have prepared a little something (quite awesome, actually) just for you!

That “Childhood” Feel.

They want you to re-experience that “childhood” feeling of anticipating, of finding your gift under the Christmas tree, up to the moment of opening it to your heart’s delight. But this time, allow us to do it digitally (we’re an app after all). Dear friends, we present to you “36 Days of Buqo Christmas”. Yes, that’s 36 days! Because 12 days just isn’t enough! ^.^

A New Gift Every Day!

So what happens in those 36 days? Buqo will be giving away a book or magazine EVERY SINGLE DAY from November 26 up to the very last day of 2014. A new item will be featured daily and will be completely free to download for 24 hours. Hey, that’s a total of 36 books and magazines you’ll be finding under the “Christmas tree” (a.k.a. the “36 Days of Buqo Christmas” banner in the app). Isn’t that exciting?!

How Does It Work?

It's simple. Starting November 26 at 11:00am, a new book or magazine will be unveiled on their social media channels as the featured freebie every day (better add them up now!). You will then have 11:00am until 10:00am the next day to get it. When 11:00am comes around again, a new freebie will be up for grabs.

The buqo apps and website will have a special banner in the store that you can check anytime for the featured freebie. If you don’t have the buqo app yet, now’s the best time to get it. Download it on your iOS(link) or Android(link) device, or both!

I will also update this link for the daily downloads for 36 days!!! ^_^

Nov.26 - I Saw the Sign (Summit Books)

Nov 27. - Preview Magazine (Current Issue from Summit)

Links:

Buqo iOS (App Store): http://bit.ly/buqoapple

Buqo Android (Google Play): http://bit.ly/buqoandroid

Facebook: www.facebook.com/buqoapp

Twitter: www.twitter.com/buqo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/buqoapp

Add them up so you’ll be sure to get the freshest and latest news on buqo. Visit them at www.buqo.ph. Happy Holidays everyone!!! 

Xoxo ♥

Review: Dial Coconut Water Body Wash and Glycerin Soap

Hi everyone. I am back again to blogging after being MIA the past week. Schedule's hectic, internet's slow and mind's occupied with so many, many things. I had the break I need and now I already got the energy to proceed. My reviews and blog posts were all delayed but I am thankful that I still have you readers who are there telling me to write again. Many, many thanks! You don't know how you made me happy! ^.^

Anyway, last month, I got my BDJ Box for October which had these amazing products I'm going to review today, the Dial Coconut Water Glycerin Soap and the Hydrating Body Wash. I actually had the same products before. I got the soap in my lootbag when I attended the BDJ Fair and I ordered my first Dial Body Wash from Sample Room a couple of months ago.

 

I am actually in love with the body wash and I think, this post mostly centered on the body wash than the soap. Yes, I like the soap but I like the body wash even better. I feel that my skin was so smooth after showering and the smoothness doesn't leave my skin fast. I feel so hydrated with it. 

After I showered and used it for a week, I noticed that my not-so-smooth elbow was now smoother and really moisturized. Actually, my whole skin was more moisturized now than before. Now I have the guts to rub my skin with my guy. Haha. He won't even bother. LOL. #clingy

As for the soap, I like that it also keeps me fresh and hydrated but the body wash really tops it off. Whenever I use these two, I feel like I'm in a bubble party because of all the bubbles that comes off when rinsing. Proof that it's really lathery. 

... and since I mentioned that I have two pieces of each type, I gave the other soap to my sister and gave the other body wash as a gift. I like giving my products away to my loved ones. 

Wait!! Speaking of giving gifts, I will be hosting a giveaway on the first day of December. There will not be only one winner, nor two, not even three, but there will be.... 12 winners!!! Yes! All 12 of them will win different items like cosmetics, skincare products, GC's clothings, crafts and many, many more!!! It's really a YAY for the holiday season! I'm still looking for sponsors though to complete the 12, only a few slot so if your interested to join in the fun, please email me at jayresa03@gmail.com. Let's spread the love this Christmas! ♥

Yay for me! (｡◕‿◕｡) 

• The body wash was really moisturizing.
• Rich lather. You'll really enjoy being in the shower! Trust me! :)
• Provide intense hydration.

Nay! (｡◕︵◕｡)

• The soap only gives half the moisture the body wash gives. 

Price: FREE at BDJ Box October 2014

Bought from: BDJ Box

 Size: 473ml

Anyone who experienced the same thing with Dial's newest products? I loved it so much that I set aside my other products in the shower to give these babies all attention they must have. Thanks to BDJ for including these on the loot. Such a pity though that I didn't chanced on their Nov-Fev box. How stupid of me to miss deadlines on payments. Ugh! >.<

Anyway, tag me on your reviews of this combo. What do you think? I bet you love them too! 

'Till the next. Xoxo ♥

Empties #8

Hello lovelies. How's everyone doing? Schedule's been hectic for me these past few days because our school was evaluated and I am one of the few busy people who always stay late at work. Talking about public service! Anyway, I'll try to manage my time more so I can blog a post or two during the week. 

Anyhow, here's my latest empties for the past weeks and month(s) perhaps. I don't really know exactly how long I've been using some of the products. I just tossed them in my empties basket whenever I have used up the stuff instead of sending them on the trash. That's one of the reasons why I'm weird. :p

 

I have fewer used products this time. I just noticed that I have more big bottles and containers now on my space so I guess it will take months to show you that they've been used up. Can I tell you now that I'll see you on my next empties post next year? Hmmm. Probably.

I will still hang around so I hope you can still keep up on me. 

Lots of love and hugs! Xoxo ♥

Free Ellana Mineral Sample Powders

Present to me anyone who wouldn't want any freebies? I didn't know of any. Not me either. So this post will give huge smiles to anyone who wants to get their hands on some free stuff.

Ellana Minerals were giving away not one, not 5 but 22 samples of their loose powder products. This includes foundations, finishing powders, and their concealer powders. 

This way, you'll get to try a little bit of everything before you can finally decide on the perfect Ellana powder for you. 

To avail of this generous Ellana Sampler Set, just visit http://ellana.com.ph and pay for the minimal shipping/handling fee. I'm really excited to try which sample would suit my skin. Take note, they're powders were all-natural, skin-loving mineral so you trying them out is definitely worth it!

The set includes ALL 22 (0.1-0.2g) pieces of the ff.

Loose Mineral Foundation Cafe Breve

Loose Mineral Foundation French Vanilla Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Hazelnut Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Caramel Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Macchiato

Loose Mineral Foundation Chai Tea Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Almond Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Cinnamon Latte

Loose Mineral Foundation Cafe Mocha

Loose Mineral Foundation Toffee Mocha

Sheer Velvet High Definition Powder

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Espresso con Panna

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Almond Coffee Cream

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Translucent Pumpkin Pie Latte

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Espresso con Panna

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Almond Coffee Cream

Loose Mineral Finishing Powder Oil Absorbing Pumpkin Pie Latte

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Awake

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Revive

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Radiant

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Smile

Loose Mineral Concealer Foundation Cheer

NOTE: They will ONLY send 1 SET of FREE SAMPLES PER PERSON who signed up, no matter how many you ask for in the Quantity button.

Been wanting to get this now but I have used up all my Paypal funds so I'll wait for my salary to get in my account before I can get the set. I'm on a very tight situation right now, you know. Haha. But you can avail this free of charge. Just pay the shipping fee and you're all good! 

That's it! I'll update you on more posts on how to get other freebies I know. Share this with others and spread love! Xoxo ♥

Caronia's Blue Moon Collection

Remember my post regarding the Blogapalooza event? I received TONS of freebies that day that we (Jaycee and I) had a hard time going home from SM Aura to Pampanga. I am not complaining, rather I am thankful for the blessing I received that day! It was my first and it was waaaay to great I would attend more! 

Moving on, I got a set of Caronia's newest collection, Blue Moon from that event. The Blue Moon set is  special collection which they produced in partnership with Ballet Philippines. I was happy to receie the set because finally, I will be able to post NOTDs again after I stopped decades ago. (I'm exaggerating!) It's like Caronia is saying that I should continue my passion on nail painting. :)

The set includes, Chasse, Avant and the Bourree. I tried each shade so you will see all the colors from the collection. I bet those names were related to ballet. (I googled and I'm right!)

Bourree, Avant, Chasse

I am totally loving all colors in the collection. I was so excited that I tried all shade on my nails. 

Bourree is the first one I tried and I like that it's manageable to apply and doesn't create lumps. I actually continued using this shade on my toes. This is great to wear at work which won't shock my students so much. I prefer this kind of shades at work and I like to be a bit rebellious on the color sometimes. 

This is a little tricky to apply because there's a tendency that lumps are form. Avant though has a very nice shade of green that reminds me of Christmas tree. This color is very close to Christmas! ♥

My favorite among the collection though it was tricky to apply because I feel that the consistency is watery compared to the two above. Of course, given that this was just a regular polish, apart from the two which were Frosted. This is by far, the best blue color of nail polish I got ever since I started painting my nails. I sooooo love it!!! 

Would love to make more NOTD posts soon. I just hope I can squeeze it in my hectic teaching schedule now that I'm back to teach again tomorrow after a semestral break. Whew!

What do you think is the best shade in this entire collection? Share your thoughts here.
Xoxo ♥

Review: Wet n Wild Light Berry Frost

Another lipstick that was in my possession for a couple of months now was this Light Berry Frost from Wet n Wild. I've been hoarding lipsticks since I got my very first one and it boiled down to an obsession until now. I think this is unstoppable! Haha. 

I immediately grabbed this shade from Wet n Wild because I like the color which is berry pink. I have more shades of red and pink.   

Apart from Wet n Wild products being cruelty-free, what I like about their lippies is that they glide easily on the lips and also has Vitamin E and Aloe Vera which is known to moisturize.

I got this lipstick from Suzanne's Emporium months ago and I just used it now. Oh that lovely color!

 

This is one of the shades I am looking for. I am just starting to build my collection of lipsticks and I am still searching for the shades I want to get. I will definitely use this every day or perhaps every other day. 

Yay for me! (｡◕‿◕｡) 

• I got it in a very affordable price of P100 from Suzanne's Emporium.
• Creamy and glides easily
• Cruelty-free
• Has Vitamin E and Aloe Vera

Nay! (｡◕︵◕｡)

• Need to reapply the product often. (I still like the shade though!) :)

Price: P100.00

Bought from: Suzanne's Emporium. 

 Size: 3.6g

What do you think about this shade? I really love it and I hope to get more lipstick on this kind of shade! I have more lipstick that I will review soon so watch out for that. 

Xoxo ♥