New Year Celebration

My family and I had a fun celebration of the new year last night. Before the clock striked 12, we ate our Media Noche already. We had fruit salad, macaroni salad, cake, pizza, and ham. After eating, my nephew along with my other family members danced the night away. We didn't have any firecrackers so we settled to watching our neighbors light theirs. The fireworks were really awesome. After that we greeted my sister and her family who are based in Arizona via Skype. It was a really fun night. I have a feeling that there's only gonna be good vibes for me and my family all year round. Happy New Year everyone!

Brightens Up My Day

Although I have a very positive attitude in life, there will always be sad days. But I don't let things get to me for long and just pray and hope for the best. I uploaded this really funny picture of my nephew as my wall paper to make me smile all throughout the day.

Accessory Shopping at My Everyday Fashion

I've been browsing different online shops for a necklace that's both stylish and affordable. I first checked out items in ebay and Zalora then looked at some shops in Facebook but couldn't find anything I liked. Then I decided to visit themall.ph. It's a marketplace where different items from various brands are sold. This really cute gold orange necklace from one of their shops called My Everyday Fashion caught my fancy. It costs P390. The search is over coz I'll definitely buy this one.

Many other products such as apparel, bags, belts, shades, earrings, bangles, rings etc. are being sold at My Everyday Fashion. I think I'll buy more than just the necklace. They accept payments via BPI and BDO deposit and GCash.

Looking Forward to 2013, the Year of the Snake

The year 2013 is the Year of the Water Snake. Astrology experts say that saving money and being thrifty should be the top priorities. They also say that people should use their talents wisely. For those who are planning to get married or begin a business partnership, carefully investigate the other person's finances and background before signing any papers.

The Chinese animal signs considered as the luckiest during the Year of the Water Snake are the Rat and Dog. When it comes to romance, the Dragon will be the luckiest. In terms of wealth, the animal signs Tiger, Ox, and Horse will be very lucky. The not so lucky animal signs include the Rabbit, Rooster, Sheep, Monkey, Pig and Snake.

I hope this holds true since I was born in the year of the Ox. I'm so looking forward to many more blessings and good health not just for myself but for my family. But of course I won't rely on luck alone. I'll definitely be working harder next year.

Downton Abbey Fan

I must admit that I've never read of the TV series Downton Abbey before I started watching it. My friend's sister said that it's a must-see. She's totally right. The first night we started watching the series, we finished about 4 episodes of season 1 and we're now through with season 3. I can't wait for the next season which is due on January. I'm not sure if everybody will like it because it's actually a British-American period drama TV series and if you don't listen carefully, the dialogue's kinda difficult to understand because of their accent. Another thing I like about Downton Abbey are the elegant clothes of the ladies. They can actually be worn nowadays.

The series, set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era — with the great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy. It has won several awards including a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries. 

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers

We went grocery shopping yesterday at S & R Paranaque branch and my sister bought this yummy crackers called Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Baked Snack Crackers (Cheddar flavor). Not only are they delicious, they look so cute too. Once you start eating, you don't want to stop anymore. I promise to buy more when we go grocery shopping again.

November BDJ Box

I'm so happy to receive my November BDJ Box the other day after only 2 days! It's filled with really nice beauty products and bonus gift cards. I can't wait to subscribe to the December box. That's how much I love the BDJ Box. :) I haven't used any of the products but I'm sure I'm gonna find every one of them useful.

Here's what's inside:

Garnier Light Night Cream

Calvin Klein Beauty Perfume

Nippon Cleansing Sponge

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Emulsion

Physiogel Hypoallergenic Intensive Cream

L'Occitane Extra Gentle Milk Soap

Dentiste Plus White Vitamin C and Xylitol

Yuka Non-Acetone Wipes

L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Multi-action 8 Cleanser

Garnier Light Complete

Bonus Gift Cards:

L'Oreal Professional Inoa Hair Color and X-tenso vouchers redeemable at Azta Urban Salon

Strip Upper Lip Waxing Voucher

Shiseido Free product sample, quick facial and 15% discount vouchers

L'Occitane 10% off voucher

I'm telling you guys subscribing to the BDJ Box is really worth it. Look at all those products in one box! Get your boxes now and experience beauty at its finest.

Romwe Winnings

A claim notice from the post office arrived last week. I didn't know what it was since I'm waiting for several packages to arrive. I was finally able to claim it yesterday. Inside the parcel were the Romwe items I ordered about a month ago (yeah, I waited that long). I can't really complain since I was able to buy those items because of a $20 coupon code I won from the blog You Got No Gee for being her October top commenter. Anyhow, just as I expected, the items are pretty especially the charm bracelet. I'm definitely gonna wear it the next time I go out.

Romwe has a lot of great items for sale. Their apparel, jewelry, bags, shoes, accessories etc. are worth checking out. That is, if you're willing to wait for a long time for your items to arrive.

I saw this beautiful poem in the internet written by a certain Joanna. I want to share it with all of you to help brighten up your day.

Hope is Always There

In a sea of darkness
Searching for the light
But those who you once loved
Have left you to deal; alone
Ask for help, no one will come
But most of all, don't you lost hope
Hope is always there
Even in the roughest moments
Hope, I need you
Hope, I want you
You need something to hold onto
Hope is gone...
Is it really gone?
The demon inside you, grows stronger every day
We all have our demons
Everybody suffers
Everybody deals
Everybody copes
Everybody breaks
Everybody hopes
Everybody cries
Don't you cry
There's always hope
Angels, where have you gone?
Do not leave me here, alone
"I need help"
Hearts breaks
Souls dies
Hearts shatters
I will not be silenced
Hope always remains
Brother, I need you now
The war's not over yet
Hold onto me, we still have time
Because hope's always there
Even in the darkest times
I fall into your sunlight

Sample Room Products

It seems like every beauty junkee has already availed themselves of free samples from Sample Room. I wanted to get mine the first hour that the site became live but unfortunately when I registered almost all the samples were already out of stock. I had to wait for a week for them to restock. Finally, I received my samples a few days ago. I got the Kiehl's Açaí Damage-Correcting Moisturizer for 60 pts. and the Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua for Women for 30 pts. I have yet to try the Kiehl moisturizer but I'm sure it's gonna be effective. I love the smell of the CK Eternity perfume. It doesn't have that overpowering smell that gives you a headache. 

I'm gonna review these products so that I'll receive more points to add to my remaining 10. They have new samples that I'm dying to try. Sign up at Sample Room if you haven't.

Cute Stuff at World Bazaar Festival

Here are some of the cute accessories I bought at the World Bazaar Festival at World Trade Center. I love the packaging as well. 

World Bazaar Festival 2012

I've been hearing a lot about the bazaars taking place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Since I wasn't able to go to the Noel Bazaar two weeks ago, I told myself that I would have to go to the World Bazaar Festival. I had some time yesterday so off we went. There were hundreds of stalls to shop from and I'm sure shopaholics will drool once they see all the wonderful merchandise. My sister was in a hurry so I didn't have a chance to see all the 800 stalls and I wasn't able to buy everything I wanted. :(  I bought some cute accessories though and a toy for my nephew. I might go back next week to shop some more. There's just so many nice bags, blouses, jeans, accessories, kitchen items etc. that I want to see again. The entrance fee of P50 is worth it.

The country's grandest Christmas bazaar will run until December 23, and is open from 12nn. - 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. - 12 mn. from Friday to Sunday.

Inlove with Orly

I hate nail polishes that easily chip off. Although Orly nail polishes are quite expensive, I prefer them over other brands because they last longer and they have really nice colors. I had my nails done the other day and just can't resist taking a picture. I absolutely love them! I'll probably buy a couple of Orly nail polishes online.

Hearty Merienda at the UCC Cafe Terrace

I went yesterday to Newport Mall with my nephew for a much needed time away from work. I had my nails done first at the Fab Salon and then we had merienda at UCC Cafe Terrace. It was my first time to dine at that branch of UCC so I was kinda excited. Sure thing because all the food we ordered were yummy. My nephew had a Tiramisu Cake and we all shared the big servings of Chicken Teriyaki and Eggplant Sandwich, Sausage and Bacon Pizza Toast, and Fudge Brownie Sundae. They have a lot of dishes in their menu so I'd love to come back for more.

 

UCC Cafe Terrace

2/F Resorts World Manila, Newport Mall, 

Newport Blvd Domestic Airport, Pasay  

(02) 659-4408

Counterfeit or Not?

Sellers in ebay are not supposed to sell fake items, right? I'm just wondering because I bought this cute Tory Burch red patent long wallet for such an affordable price. When I bought it, I wasn't really thinking of the wallet as being counterfeit. It caught my fancy so I bought it right away. When the item arrived yesterday, that was when I started to wonder. It's just so pretty. I can't believe that I was able to purchase it for only P500. Anyhow, I'm excited to use it. Maybe next time I shouldn't be too impulsive in buying designer labels in ebay.

New Case for My Tablet

I've been looking around for a case for my 7" Starmobile Engage tablet and finally found one in ebay. It was delivered yesterday and I love it! There are other colors available like blue and red but I opted for pink. It's quite a steal for only P399 and free shipping. The case comes with a USB keyboard and it has a stand for easier viewing of the screen. 

Sponsored Reviews Affiliate Program

A lot of bloggers are members of Sponsored Reviews.  It's a blog post service that connects advertisers with bloggers willing to write paid posts about their services and products. I have yet to receive any tasks for those I've applied for but I'm hopeful since there are hundreds of tasks to bid in. Sponsored Reviews also has an affiliate program which I think can be quite lucrative for bloggers. You can earn up to $175 per Advertiser and $90 Per Blogger Referred. Payouts are based on money spent by the advertiser and money earned by the blogger. Visit Sponsored Reviews for more details.

Advertiser			Blogger
Amount Spent	Payment		Amount Earned	Payment
$1	$5		$50	$5
$100	$20		$200	$10
$1000	$50		$1000	$25
$10,000	$100		$10,000	$50

PayPerPost Cashout

The whole time I've been a member of PayPerPost, I've only received two tasks. They were easy 50-word posts so I wrote them anyway. I got paid $2.25 per post. I decided to try cashing out my earnings manually because I don't think I'd be able to wait for their $50 cash out and was deducted $2, which totally sucks. 

Anyhow, I don't know if I'd write again for PayPerPost. Probably not, that's why I withdrew my earnings already.

Carmex Winnings

I won cool goodies from Couch Wasabi's Big Belated Birthday Blowout. It was quite unexpected but nevertheless very welcome. I received the 3 Carmex lip balms this afternoon and I'm happy since I'll be able to use them on my dry, chapped lips. I'll surely make a product review once I start using them. 

Another Trend Micro Pilipinas Giveaway

Trend Micro Pilipinas is still at it, giving away cool gift certificates week after week. Although I won already, I wanna win again :)

This week, contestants can choose from P1,500 worth of SM Department Store GCs, P1,500 Starbucks GCs, and P1,500 Fully Booked GCs.

Hurry now and join Trend Micro Pilipinas weekly giveaway!

Snoe Beauty Products

I went to SM Sucat yesterday to get some GCash and to bond with my nephew. As we were having merienda, I noticed the new Snoe Beauty Store just across. I didn't plan on buying anything and initially just looked around their merchandise. I like that the store looks so cute and well put together. There are some really interesting stuff there like the Snoe White Vitamin C-rich Calamansi Whitening Detox Clay Mask, Here comes the Sunblock SPF 45 Singkamas Lotion, Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil, Happy Heels Foot Whitening Therapy Set, and Whipped Body Frosting SPF15 Whitening – Strawberry Smoothie. They have so many hair and body products that I didn't know where to look. 

Snoe Beauty products have high quality ingredients that are affordable. I love the way their products are packaged. They look expensive and classy. I've been wanting to buy false eyelashes for the longest time so when I saw that they had some, I bought one right away. 

I'd definitely come back and buy more stuff at Snoe Beauty. I can't wait!

Another Hallo Hallo Mall Purchase

I've been visiting the Hallo Hallo Mall everyday for a couple of months already and because of that, I've accumulated many points. So I decided to look around and use some of my points. I saw this really beautiful Yellow Knitted Batwing Black Buttons which I bought right away. The best thing about this purchase is the fact that I didn't pay a single cent. Even the shipping was covered. There were even some points left. 

I can't wait for my blouse to arrive. For the meantime, I'll continue visiting Hallo Hallo Mall everyday to pile up those points again.

Catalogue 63 Shopping

I need a new blouse. I've browsed Zalora, Hallo Hallo Mall, Lazada, ebay, Eazy Fashion etc. already and couldn't find "it". Until I saw Catalogue 63. I love how simple yet chic the styles are. Plus, they're affordable too. Aside from clothes, they also sell bags, shoes, jewelry, and swimwear. I'm so looking forward to shopping with Catalogue 63.

They only ship in the Philippines and payment methods are Visa, Mastercard and American Express Credit Cards (via PayPal), PayPal, Bank Deposit (Bank of the Philippine Islands) and GCash.

The blouse I'm dying to buy is the AND Shawn Tee in Magenta. Love it!

Neutrogena Advanced Solutions At Home Microdermabrasion System

I bought this last year because I was so busy with work that even if I wanted to, I couldn't go to a spa. Although I don't use it as much as I should, it's still awesome. I just love this product because as early as the first day of using it I've already seen the results. My skin looks clearer and smoother. After the first week, it seemed as if I was a few years younger than my real age. Then after a few more weeks, some of the lines in my forehead and near my mouth just disappeared. I used to have blackheads on my nose that a facial couldn't remove but they disappeared after a few weeks of using this product. And my pores looked visibly smaller. This microdermabrasion system contains three components: Advanced Solutions Micro Oxide Crystallized Cream (promotes surface cell renewal), Advanced Solutions Soft Foam Sponge Head (distributes the cream evenly on the skin) and Advanced Solutions System Applicator (has two speeds that you can control according to your preference). If you want your skin to glow and look younger, then use this microdermabrasion system.  

Passion for Porsche

My sister bought my nephew two toy cars from Petron's Passion for Porsche Promo. They're so cute! Petron customers get the chance to buy exclusive toy cars for every single or accumulated purchase of Petron products (Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Unleaded, Turbo Diesel and Diesel Max) worth P1,000. The toy cars cost P180 each. My sister bought the Cayman and Panamera models. This promo is until January 31, 2013.

No, Thank You: KFC Mac and Cheese Bites

I didn't want to eat fish that my sister was cooking so I opted to have some food delivered. I wanted to eat a Taco Salad from Wendy's but after the CSR told me that the minimum order should be worth P1,000, I immediately said "no, thank you" and said goodbye. Can you just believe that?! Ridiculous, right? So instead I ordered from KFC (I had Chicken Ala King, Chicken Salad, and KFC Mac and Cheese Bites). This is the first time I had the KFC Mac and Cheese Bites, 5 bite-sized treats with a crunchy outside and a center filled with soft macaroni and creamy cheese. I unfortunately didn't like it. The taste was too strong for me. The mix of flavors was overpowering and it was salty. It's what you call in Tagalog "nakaka umay". I actually got to eat only 1. But that's just my opinion so you guys are free to try it for yourselves. People have different preferences when it comes to taste anyway. :)

My Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is fast approaching so I'm already saving up for some cool items that I want to buy. Plus, I have to buy gifts for my family and friends. I definitely have to work harder. That means longer working hours and hopefully more writing tasks. I wanna share with you guys my Christmas wishlist:

1.)  Samsung Galaxy Y Duos S6102

2.) Bratty Bonita Laptop Bag

3.) Esprit Wallet

4.) Case for 7" Tablet

5.) Freeway Shirt (Botong Francisco's Bayanihan)

Another Zalora Purchase

I love shopping at Zalora because they have tons of beautiful items. I'm such a big accessories addict and I just can't resist their very affordable pieces especially the earrings. I'll probably do my Christmas shopping with them. I recently bought this cheap yet elegant-looking earrings for only P105. Collective.com's Marls Slim Art Deco Earrings features synthetic stone and gold colored metal diamond shaped drop earrings.

Earning via SociBuzz

I signed up with this online earning site called SociBuzz to be able to earn some extra moolah. You can sign up as an Advertiser or a Publisher. It's a new social media marketing ad network which provides weekly payments. All payments are made using Paypal.com with a $1 minimum cashout. Members can promote opportunities via Facebook, Twitter, and Tumbler. SociBuzz combines Social Media Marketing and Pay Per Click Advertising.

They also have a referral program wherein you get paid 5% of deposits made by advertisers you referred and 5% of earnings made by publishers you referred. 

Please visit SociBuzz for more details about the program.

The Ramp Crossings

I happen to love online shopping. Sometimes I don't even remember anymore the online shops I've signed up with. I recently discovered The Ramp Crossings. It's the ultimate online destination for the latest and hottest trends, features, and styling tips. They sell fashionable and affordable items like tops, dresses, bottoms, jackets, swimsuits, accessories, and shoes from the brands The Ramp, Mundo, and The Ramp Kids. I like the look of the site because it's not too cluttered. It's not hard to find the items that you're looking for. Once you see something you like, just click the picture and a bigger picture of the item appears along with the price, product description and sizes available. 

Buyers can pay via Paypal, credit card, debit card, direct bank deposit (Metrobank, BDO, BPI), Smart Money PasaPera, and BancNet ATM Card thru PesoPay. Those who sign up will get a free P100 gift certificate. Hurry up guys and sign up so you can start your Christmas shopping with The Ramp Crossings. :)

Thinking of Getting a SaladBox

The newest craze when it comes to beauty is probably subscribing for a beauty box. I've already signed up and payed subscriptions for BDJ Box and Glamourbox and now I'm thinking of getting myself a SaladBox. I've always loved surprises, so getting a box full of beauty products every month delivered right at your doorstep is totally exciting. I already have my opinions regarding the first two boxes but I'd like to keep it first to myself and avail of the SaladBox and then compare the three.

Every SaladBox subscriber gets four or more samples of beauty products. They can then review the products and refer friends so as to earn Salad Leaves which they can then use to buy full-size products. SaladBox has five plans:

1.) Monthly Recurring - this costs P500 and renews itself automatically every month.

2.) Six Months Prepaid - pay a one-time payment of P2,700.

3.) One Year Prepaid - the one-time payment is P5,000 (the 11th and 12th boxes are free).

4.) SaladBox Lite - subscribe for just a month for P500.

5.) SaladBox Starter - pay P1,000 for two months.

The brands that you may get in your SaladBox are BC Fragrance, Black Beauty, Camaru Naturals, Hotshop, Klair's, Natura, Sakura, Skinmiso, Virginia Olsen Minerals, and Wish Trend. For more information, please visit SaladBox and while your there, sign up and subscribe.

My First Glamourbox

I finally received my Glamourbox this afternoon after nearly a month of waiting. I payed for the monthly subscription so I have the option to cancel it any time. I haven't decided yet if I'll renew my subscription. There's plenty of time to think about that in time for the December box. Anyhow, back to the box. The pink and white packaging is cute and girly and I just love what's inside. I know I'll be able to use most of the items. Though I'm not familiar with some of the brands, I'm more than willing to try them.

Here's what's inside the box:

1.) Eye of Horus Mascara

2.) Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Cream

3.) Yves Rocher Slimming Action Concentrate

4.) Ofra Cosmetics Lipstick Palette

5.) Bulgari Omnia Amethyste

6.) Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua

Bonus:

Bulgari Man

Burberry Sport 

If you girls want to receive lots of surprise items too, please visit Glamourbox and subscribe.

A Poem About Faith

 A Spiritual Journey

 

by Wind Walker

 

 

Across from the mountains,
A little house sits in the tree's,
I'm lost in tranquility,
As my soul tries to breath.

White clouds moving slowly,
The breeze a calm still,
I'm caught in the moment,
As my heart starts to heal.

A piece of me,
In the startling blue sky,
As I spread my wings,
My soul starts to fly.

I fly to unknown places,
Where pain and hurt once dwelled,
As the memories flow pass me,
My eyes start to swell.

Tear drops drip slowly,
Down my cheeks,
The wind wipes them dry,
And gives me some peace.

Soaring so free,
Over water and land,
My Spirit Guide gently,
Takes me by my hand.

He shows me what was,
And what's meant to be,
And why my life,
Is so important it seems.

A long soar,
Like the eagle high,
I bow my head,
And I start to cry.

Back on the land,
Across from the tree's,
I began to realize,
What healing means.

It mean's not to forget,
Let the past flow,
Of all the horrors,
One soul had to go.

To take the strengths,
And apply them to life,
Is a valuable lesson,
I've learnt this flight.

Alone in the sunset,
I watch it go down,
When I finally realize,
What peace I have found.

Droplets of Nature Winnings

A couple of weeks ago I won as Commenter of the Week at Mrs. Martinez's Raves and Rants. I won the following products from Droplets of Nature:

• 1 piece dishwashing liquid (500 ml.)
• 3 pieces of Beauty & Bright Facial & Body Lightening Moringa Soap
• 3 pieces of Beauty & Bright Skin Lightening Body Soap
• 5 bottles of hand sanitizers 

I finally received the package this morning. I'm happy since I'll be able to use all the items. Droplets of Nature is a company that caters in providing environment-friendly and family-friendly consumer products. I'll make a review of every product once I use them. 

Earning in Bubblews

I signed up this morning at this site called Bubblews. I actually saw someone from a Facebook group I was in post about it. Since I was looking for more online earning sites, I signed up right away. Bubblews is a community of users who can submit posts in different categories. You will get paid for every view, comment, like/dislike and social media share that your posts gather so it's easy to earn. As a matter of fact, I already have $4. You can also earn through referrals. You will receive $0.01 on their first post.

Minimum payout is $25 and earnings can be redeemed via Paypal. Please checkout Bubblews for more details.

Top 100 Pinoy Blogs

I blog mainly to satisfy my love for writing. It's also a means of reaching out to others and sharing whatever thoughts I have on certain things. No matter how trivial they are. So it came as a pleasant surprise to be included in the list of the top 100 Pinoy Blogs for October in the blog 100 Pinoy Blogs That Matter. It really was totally unexpected.

100 Pinoy Blogs that Matter is a monthly ranking of the most-read Filipino blogs. The rankings are based solely on web traffic via the Alexa traffic data. My blog is ranked number 75. I hope I'll be able to maintain my ranking if not improve it. This wouldn't have been possible if not for all the people who visit my blog. Thanks everyone!

If you guys want to see the rest of the list, please visit this post.

Papa John's Pizza Dining Experience

My family and I took advantage of the long weekend to bond by having a hearty lunch at Papa John's Pizza's BF Paranaque branch. It's my first time to eat at Papa John's and I must say that I really like the food and their cozy ambiance. Since it was a holiday, there were only a few diners so we were able to enjoy our meal more (I hate crowded places).

There are a lot of yummy food to choose from in their menu (pizza, pasta, salads, soup, side items, desserts). We ordered Hawaiian Pizza, Carbonara, Meatball Bolognaise, and Caesar Salad. We had a discount coupon so we were able to chop off P500 from our bill. Isn't that amazing?! I'm definitely coming back for more of their mouth watering dishes.  

Cupcakes at Brownies Unlimited

Pardon my ignorance but I didn't know that Brownies Unlimited sold cupcakes. That's why when I passed by one of their kiosks the other day, I just had to buy. The cupcakes were delicious but I will always be loyal to their assorted brownies. Aside from that, they're also cute so I had to take a picture.