2017

2016 is over, just like that!

It was a tough year but, hey, that's what life is all about.

So I am welcoming 2017 with the warmest hug I can give and the biggest smile I can do!

Happy New Year!

NYX Loot

I am one lucky and happy gal when I had finally managed to go to City Lifestyle (Yes, sorry for my kababawan, but that's what I am) - and to think that Centrepoint is just a stone's throw away from our place. Haha.

I've been looking for this soft matte lip creme in Transylvania for ages!

Actually, I found it in the Philippines when I had gone to SM Megamall last May but I found it too pricey in Php.

The shade in Copenhagen is also creating such a buzz but I don't want to buy both yet as I want to try it first - need to know if my lips won't be too dry.

I've tried LA Girl but then my lips were so chapped.

With NYX's, it was the opposite and therefore, definitely, I am coming back for more.

It put up with me through the day even after I had liquids like coffee and water.

It did bleed out during the latter part maybe because I did not use a lip liner - that I'll have to try later but overall, I love it!

Same goes for the Wonder Pencil that I am using as an eyeliner.

It gives an instant brightening effect on the eyes.

As for the eyebrow powder, I am quite satisfied too.

I do not have a great pair of brows - they are thick with some sparse area and are not alike so I've decided to let them grow and will have them professionally shaped and trimmed.

The liquid foundation though is a let down.

It became a bit sticky and I am shining everywhere - it does not match well with my skin type so I think I will have to go back to my True Match Foundation.

Well, it's still a great loot after all. I am such a big fan of the brand and am also looking forward on my next visit since they have most of the products now.

Ikea

Yes, I am guilty... of keeping the Ikea Brochures...and going through them sometimes...

Ok, maybe a lot of times: imagining how the stuff would look like in our future home, tells the husband and asks if we can "look around" @ Ikea. 

Husband says there's no such thing as a "look around" there, only "ah, these look cute, can we get these?" and heads home with a lot of stuff that we practically can live without. 

Oh, Ikea! I'll see you soon!

Happy Holidays!

Before everything go crazy, to everyone celebrating Christmas, may you all have a great one!

Happy Holiday!

Stress Free

Outfit Inspiration: Winter = Sweater Weather

The temperature is going down day by day. 

Since I am always feeling cold, I've started wearing my sweater. 

Got this pair of Keds from the Philippines and has been overused since. 

What's your go to outfit during the winter? 

OPPO F1s: Holiday Getaway

It has been three years since I had set foot in Goa, India and I know it won't be my last time to go there. 

My husband and I traveled there before Christmas of 2013: it was a perfect time! 

Cold season was just arriving in Doha and the summer, just the right amount of sunshine for the perfect tan in Goa is just right and is amazing! 

Just lying there on the sand near the beach and enjoying people-watching, drinking your fresh coconut water while waiting for the sun go down is one for the books. 

We stayed in The Zuri Hotel and the place is fab too. 

There are lots of attractions/tourist spots to visit. 

We had visited the Spice Farm, a fort and they also have various old churches with great architectures. 

And oh, the food especially the seafood are amongst the best ones that I had so far!

As a sucker for taking photos, a great mobile phone is a plus.

I've heard that Oppo F1s' camera at 13 MP is a good one and the phone's big memory to store those travel photos is also an advantage - so talk about loads of photos that you can instantly share. 

The phone's colors are incredible, might opt for the gold one if I am to purchase one (paging Hubby hehehe). 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the said trip. 

Oh, now that it is the time of the year to decide on where to go for the next trip, I will definitely consider Goa as one of my top picks. 

Goan Sunset

We spent an afternoon just lounging beside the pool. 

The Couple's Massage in the hut is indeed relaxing. 

One of the jampacked restaurants that we had been too. The Videoke Lover in you will surely enjoy this one. 

Another restaurant that you should visit. 

Well, that's my silly Hubby :)

Outfit Inspiration: Zalora PH Finds

I've been trying to choose toned down colours for my closet. 

It's my first time to order from Zalora and I know that this is not going to be last. 

The sizes are just right and the prices are also reasonable. 

Hmmm, am thinking thoroughly on what to get next.

Outfit Inspiration: Stripes + Love Local

These striped shirts are my recent purchase from Bench. I am so happy that I am a size Medium :)  These can be paired with both jeans and office trousers. 

Love Yourself

Rise and Shine

Put your game face on! 

Good morning! 

Bench Loot

I always make sure to bring some goodies from Bench whenever I go home, keeping in mind that it is the simplest way that I can show support to the local industry. 

These are my recent discoveries and addiction:

Argan Oil

This multi-purpose body oil is the bomb!

I am using it on my hair, face and heels.

Surprisingly, it does not leave that heavy, oily feeling on my hair.

I am applying it after I towel dry my hair and after blow drying.

Soaps 

I’ve been meaning to order these soaps online.

It leaves my skin softer and moisturized. 

  

Face Mist

After I’ve ran out of the Evian Face Mist, I wasn’t able to find a replacement.

Was lucky to find this one. 

I think the Evian Mist is absorbed fast by my skin but I prefer the scent of this one.

 Body Sprays 

These are the new scents that I bought to try out.

Faerie Tale Theater

Photo Grabbed from Google 

Who does not love fairy tales? 

I've grown up reading and watching fairy tales! 

When I was a kid, I had collected a lot if these booklets that comes as free with every pack of Nido. 

I was extremely happy when I found the Faerie Tale Theater in YouTube! 

All I can remember was Shelly Duvall and googled her. 

Tada! I have a whole new set of videos to watch before sleeping since I cannot sleep without watching or reading something. 

Here are my favorites: 

• The Emperor's New Clothes 
• Beauty and The Beast - totally love Susan Surandon here 
• The Little Red Riding Hood 
• The Princess and The Pea
• The Pied Piper of Hamelin 
• a whole lot more! 

The Day I Broke My Spending Ban

Photo Grabbed from Google 

Yes. I am guilty. 

I have started strong but I had given in to shopping. 

I took a midweek off from work last week and headed to the mall alone to buy a pair of rubber shoes. 

The rubber shoes turned to a few blouses from Zara and some more from H&M. Yikes! 

I felt so guilty but proud also of myself since I had chosen classic pieces that I can wear during the hot summer days up to the chilling days here in Doha. 

Nonetheless, I am still doing well with my Project 333. I have swapped one with my newly purchased top from Zara. 

The same goes for The Minimalist Challenge. I've cleaned up my accessories mostly necklaces and will sell them online as preloved items. I have a long way to go with regards to my closet though. 

Wheeew. 

Wish me luck! 

Mouse. Minnie Mouse.

For the casual jeans and tshirt day, a loose shirt is my go-to one. 

With the scorching hot weather in Doha, well, it's just smart to wear loose shirts. 

Eid Mubarak!

Photo grabbed from Google

Eid Mubarak!

Be grateful.

You are blessed.

Don't stop praying.

Have a great and meaningful Eid!

My Essentials in Black + White

Seeing things in Black and White recently...

Smelling Good Eh?!

I have always been a big fan of Bench Colognes.

Naalala ko nung High School pa ko, pinag-iipunan ko pambili ng body spray nila. Asa Php 95 ata un that time. Haha.

Kada umuuwi ako ng Pinas ngayon, madami ako dala pabalik sa Qatar though meron na din Bench dito sa Hyatt Plaza kaya lang medyo matagal tagal na din ako di nagagawi dun.

Nung huli kong uwi nung May, I was surprised na super dami na nila scents!

Pero ung mga fave ko pa din binili ko: Atlantis, Bench 8 tsaka ung mga scents na Maine.

Ung iba pinampasalubong ko, ung iba stocks ko na.

Last time na nagawi ako sa Food Palace meron nitong mga colognes kaya nagstock na din ako.

Sa init ngayon dito eh di kami naglalabas anyways, trabaho bahay lang din naman kami mag-asawa.

Di nakakasawa ang amoy and laging feeling fresh lang ang peg.

Ika nga, Love Local.

Kaya ano fave nyo?

Olay Moisturizers

This is the first ever moisturizer brand that I had used.

When I was working in the Philippines, I would normally but the small bottle of the beauty fluid which is around Php 95 if I remember correctly.

Up until now, I am still using the same brand.

Am just happy that they have a lot of varieties now depending on what your skin requires.

I used to have the beauty fluid but my face is getting oily.

Good thing they have this one for day use which can also serve as a primer.

It is a pinkish one and somewhat reminds me of the Johnsons Baby Lotion.

I am not into using whitening products but surprisingly this cream did not have that espasol or mumu effect (the one that makes your face + neck ultra white so fast) so I am using this one at night. Which reminds me this jar is almost empty!

What's your fave/go-to moisturizer?

Outfit Inspiration: Accessorizing is the Key

Liven up your plain white, black or gray tee with accessories.

Shades are my Hubby's.

Scarf is a gift from Russia.

Bead Bracelet is a gift from Greece.

My Friday Shirt

As this shirt states, it's Friday! 

And it's the weekend!

Woke up extra early today and am sitting on the PC watching Phryne Fisher.

Will do the rest of the chores later on.

What are you up to today?

Whatever it is, enjoy!

Garnier Facial Wash

I've tried a lot of facial wash and this time around I am so thankful to finally find my match.

So far, I haven't gotten any breakouts and yay for that plus my wallet does not even have to suffer.

Thumbs up for this, Garnier!

Outfit Inspiration: Neon Love

Add some height and flash some brights.

Have a great and colorful summer!

Outfit Inspiration: Neutral Colors

White + Gray 

For a simple look this week, I had chosen a flowy white Mango Longsleeves and a pair of ankle length Grayish striped trousers from Uniqlo. 

I normally wear it with white flats. 

It may also go with white, gray or black pumps for added height. 

Breathe In. Breathe Out.

Lately, I am in a calm mood. 

Am not denying the fact that often times I do have emotional and mood outbursts (yes, my hubby can also attest to that).

Name it: mood swings, irritable feeling, that moment when you feel like punching someone on the face.

There are lots of things that trigger these feelings: negativity, complaints, annoying people, things that you don’t have control of.

And then I realize. That’s it.

There are things that I don’t have and won’t have control off so I told myself, “Hey, don’t waste your time on being annoyed but instead think of things that you can do enjoy”.

So am bouncing back and avoiding all the negativity.

Once I can sense them closing in, well, am breathing in, breathing out.

Repeat 10 times.