Before 2013 Ends...

"We are the ones who make our own lives good or bad through the workings of our own thoughts. In other words, life is what the inclinations of the mind make it.”

Read More

Christmas 2013

This Christmas is indeed a very special one... it is the first Christmas of my dearest little Enrique Miguel!

Although it's a bit sad that my bunny isn't home for the holidays, I still felt blesses because I have two beautiful children by my side.

This year was full of challenges, but at the end of the day, what matters most is that I have my husband, my kids, my family, my friends, and all other things I have. I am truly blessed. :)

Read More

2014: Year of the Horse

I was born under the year of the Horse, according to Chinese Astrology. This coming 2014, it is the year of the Horse, although I know from past readings, Horses aren't that lucky when it is the year of the Horse (ironic).

And it seems it is the case for 2014... Here's my Chinese Fortune for 2014...

According to Chinese Fortune Calendar:

That is a sign of jinx in Chinese horoscope when a Horse meets another Horse from the yearly cycle. That tells us that the year of Horse won't be a good year for Horse people. The scene is that if a Horse is passing by a town with a local Horse tyrant in charge. If Horse people can keep quiet, then they will be safe and pass the town. If Horse people want to mess with or challenge the tyrant, then trouble will come to them during their journey.

That means Horse people will travel under somebody's territory. Horse people needs to play in low-profile during 2014. Their people friendship, love relationship, money management or job competition might encounter a certain limitation during the Horse year.

Career: There is a Military General Star coming toward Horse people in 2014. That's is a sign of power and leadership. When Horse meets Horse, that implies the competition. Since Horse people enter enemy's territory, the competition is underdog to Horse people. In order to gain the leadership, Horse people will face many challenges. Therefore, you will spend lots of time with your friends, supporters or competitors to solve issues regarding to the business. If you failed to handle that properly, you will lose your reputation, even power. As a result, you might blame on yourself. You have better be humble and patient first. To take action, you must waiting for good timing. Anyway, to build good people relationship will give your career development much easier.

Horse can run very fast and far away. However, without a guide on its back, Horse doesn't know where it should go. Therefore, to listen people's opinion is very important for Horse people in 2014.

Money: Horse people will deal a lots with money in 2014. You will involve or be in charge of money management, because of the Military General Star. People around you are watching the money in your hands. They will be trying anything they can to utilize your money resources you have. They will ask your out often. therefore, your social activities and social expenses will increase. To loan money to your friends is not a good idea in the Horse year. That might become a dispute in the agreement later on. Then you may lose the friendship. 2014 is also not a good year to invest money on uncertain business. Watch your money tightly, especially in the summer. Your money luck will be better when the weather is cooling down.

Love: The love relationship of Horse people is fair today. There is a Popularity Star appearing in 2014. That will help single Horse people to meet a opposite sex. However, you still have the competition out there and the development of relationship will be slow. If you are in school, then you should focus more on the study. Spending too much time on the new relationship won't give you better or faster result. If you are in love and you want to push closer relationship on your lover, then you might hurt yourself in the end. If you are married, you might have little quarrel. {Woohoooo!} So to put your focus on the career development or financial management is a better approach.

Health: Horse people should have stronger body and mind than the previous year. If they have slight illness, they should be able to recover quickly, as long as they have enough sleeping and rest. But Horse people in the Horse year usually don't have a long-lasting good mood, which could impact their health. So don't forget to do the annual physical examination. One Hurting Star arrives to Horse people in 2014. So they have better drive very carefully on the road and try to avoid dangerous sports.

2014 is a Wooden Horse year. Horse is Fire and Wood helps Fire to burn longer. There are too much Fire coming toward Horse people in 2014. It's quite possible that Horse people have too much Fire or too less Water in 2014. Too much Fire will cause problem in the cardiovascular system. Too less Water will cause problem in the urinary system.

*********************

From

GoToHoroscope.com

In 2014, all doors will be open for those born under the sign of Horses – as it is their time that has come! You will want everything and at the same time: personal happiness, career, pleasurable time spending. Do not worry in regards of the support of the celestial bodies, because the planet-protectors provide you with a reserve of energy that is enough to boil Baikal. Despite the abundance of opportunities, the horoscope advises people not to rush into each fleeting mirage on the horizon, and choose achievable goals and move towards them, turning aside from the path. Remember that in pursuit of success, it is easy to stumble and break a leg in both a literal and figurative senses. Be careful when doing extreme sports, and learn to slow down when you think a business venture is heading into the abyss. The universe does not promise Horses smooth roads and green lights the entire way. Be prepared for the fact that you have to overcome obstacles and ride through potholes, but the result is worth it. If you make the right decision and get to the finish line, you get a prize and a cup, a cash reward and admiration of the people around you.

The love relationships will depend entirely on you in the Year of the Green Horse, 2013. People, who believe in happy endings and struggle to find their Cinderella, will be sure to find her. It is just that the ending is different for each fairy tale – either you appreciate and love the chosen one, letting her feel like a queen, or lock the girl at home in the company of mops, floor cloths and pans. If you just want order in the house and hot meatballs for dinner, then consider hiring a maid, as even a fabulous Cinderella ran way from this life into the world. The favourite move of the Horse is jealousy, so married couples will inevitably fact showdown on the subject of side looks, short skirts, and cute assistants. Try not to drain your loved one with negative emotions like with mud, because unjust accusations bully and abuse your partner. Remember that cheating is possible even with a long dress, and with a terribly looking colleague (if you turn off the light and imagine Monica Bellucci).Even if you will be left as the only couple in the world, there will still be a snake that will spoil the perfection. Control your emotions and do not allow them to block your mind, because we cannot live in isolation from the outside world, one full of potential rivals and opponents.

In 2014, the family Horses will be overwhelmed by the desire to run ahead of the race, single-handedly determining the direction and the speed of movement. Even young foals will periodically buck against parental dictators defending their independence. One beneficial fact is that the people of this sign will fearlessly assume responsibility for the financial support of the family, so accusing them of neglecting their duties will be impossible. However, the horoscope advises to remember that your opinion may also prove faulty, so listen to advice of your close ones, so you will not lead your family into a swamp. The face that you are the leader of the herd does not make your household members into docile slaves, who will obediently follow the leader into a bright future, or even to the knacker’s yard. We are all real people with dreams, desires, and egos that need to be respected and taken into account.

This year, a Horse, hastily running through life, needs to stop, take a breath, and soberly assess its goals and achievements. Perhaps you are flying after a mirage, which moves away further with each one of your steps. Alternatively, you are running on full strength on a narrow path, which does not allow you to turn at full capacity and to develop the necessary full speed. Determine which direction is the most promising and adjust the original route. Perhaps, the Horse will decide to into a multidisciplinary field, or take a lucrative offer from a competing firm. Take those steps in 2014, it is right now that you are on a horse and can dictate your conditions to the employer. Of course when choosing a new place, accurately assess your strengths and abilities. If you do not have appropriate training and experience in the field of interest, then it is useless to overwhelm your resume and break through to the interviews with HR managers. Economists will not take a swan dance number at the theatre, and fashion designers will not go into assessing the solvency of customers in the bank.

Horses that have long dreamed of losing office oppressions, have to open their own business, gradually increasing the pace and momentum. At the initial stage, large capital investments will be needed, so make sure that at the right moment you find the savings allowing you to realize your dream. The horoscope advises entrepreneurs to manage using their own means, without getting into debt to either other people or the banks. Horses that are happy with the current place of work will get to move up the career ladder, which will of course reflect on their financial situation. The main thing to always remember is that to get the ripe apple you need to reach, and if the fruit falls into the mouth itself, then it is surely grubby and overripe. Diligent work and enthusiasm will help horses reach their goals, no matter how distant they may seem. In 2014, proper alertness and caution can help you make a fortune and wring hostile thoughts from the heads of your competitors! 

Read More

Radiant Orchid

Pantone's 2014 Color of the year is called "Radiant Orchid" and I must say that I am hmmmmkay with it. I'm still very partial to this year's Emerald, it being my favourite colour (not to mention birthstone and all). But still, I think the colour is kinda cool. I should think that, because right now my walls are a pale version of Radiant orchid, and my sheets are a darker version of it. They say that this colour calms the nerves, so I used the pale colour on my walls. :)

My Wall (yellow light plus Instagram filter made it darker):

My Sheets

Check out Pantone's Mood Gallery:

Read More

Leopard Madness

Old habits die hard I guess. No matter what the trends are, I always go back to one of my favourites...  anything leopard print!

This week alone, I succumbed to buying 3 leopard print items from Instagram sellers: a bag, a top, and sneakers. (Un)fortunately, the sneakers seller didn't deliver, so I had my money returned. but the other two were successful transactions.

Anyways, going back. Yes, I love leopard prints.

And now, my current obsession is this.

Valentino Leopard Calf Hair Lock Bag (image c/o Neiman Marcus)

It was freaking on sale at 50% off, but no longer available. Thank goodness I guess?

Hahaha.

Blame it on Lisa Vanderpump, where I saw her first toting it in "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and "Vanderpump Rules."

*Yes I watch these shows, so sue me. :P*

Read More

Wish List for Christmas: Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette

I've been following Urban Decay's IG for the release date of their latest Naked 3 Palette, so imagine my surprise when I just missed 2 days of checking, and the palette got released!

Now it's Sold out. Huhuhu. As if I can buy it online, non? Hahaha. Affected much.

But what pained me was that I just discovered this online shop via IG called ShopFromTheUSA and in those 2 days I missed pre-ordering. Imagine if I saw the IG account sooner, I would have preordered on time. Now the owner said that since UD Naked 3 is out of stock, they're currently not accepting pre-orders. So so sad.

I was slightly consoled by the fact that  I can have the Naked Basics (it's a smaller Naked palette with all-Matte eyeshadows for everyday use) and the super rare NARS Mysterious Red (remember this, I've been obsessing about it!).

Can't wait to get my hands on these lovely vanity loot!

Sigh. I know it's too much, but I really hope that I can get my hands on the Naked 3 palette. Please? Heavens, please hear me. Hahaha. Drama queen to the heavenly levels. Cheers!

EDIT: Surprise! I got the Naked 3 Palette yesterday, from ShopFromTheUSA! :) LOVE!

Read More

Meet My Bebe Boy!

WELCOME ENRIQUE MIGUEL!

Read More

5 Nights To Go!

I'm half excited, half scared, but wow, only 5 nights to go, then I see my little baby boy! I always imagine him in my arms, cuddling him, caring for him, breastfeeding him. I dreamt of him a couple of times already!

I am very excited that it feels as if I'm going to be a new Mom all over again. I'm scared though because of the fear of post-partum blues, but mostly because of the fear of undergoing a CS operation. I truly wish my husband is here to be with me, but I guess a girl cannot have everything.

Anyways, at least I'm glad that my little darling girl is very excited too in meeting his baby brother "Miguel."

Sleepless nights, tired body, mix of emotions, crying spells... Yeah, it is very likely that these will happen when I give birth. But hey, having another angel truly makes my life richer, happier, and more meaningful. :)

Read More

My Bare Essentials A/W 2013

Found this in Nars Cosmetics' Instagram account, which best describes my beauty peg of late. Well, when I think about it, this is my beauty peg almost all year round!

With this, I got inspired and put together my "bare" essentials this season.

Bare Essentials A/W 2013 by evepin featuring Urban Decay

Notice the abundance of red lips? :) Hehehe. I am currently loving my NARS Cruella Lip Pencil. I really wanted to get the Mysterious Red color, but unfortunately it is out of stock... everywhere. Oh well. Gotta love NARS Namibia eyeshadow too!

Read More

Bitten by the MK Bug

If in makeup, I was bitten by the Nars bug, in fashion, I'm definitely bitten by Michael Kors!

I recently purchased this lovely Croc-embossed Astrid Bag by Michael Kors bag after I got frustrated with purchasing the Hamilton snake print I previously blogged about. I'm definitely happy with the latest lot I have. I saw the brown version over the Net, and it looks really nice too! I'm contented though with my red version! :)

Check out my pegs that I got from Finewomenbeauty.com. I know these were posted in 2012, but I still feel the style is soooo timeless and classic!

Oh, di ba!

I do hope I'd get back to my pre-pregnancy (pre-marriage perhaps hahaha!) weight/look. But hey, I'm ok if I have some extra pounds too. :)

Aside from this, i'm also fixated with other MK stuff:

MK Everest Glitz Watch

Bedford Gusset Snake Print Cross Body Bag

EDIT:

THIS IS WHAT I WANT!!!!!

Argh. I'm obsessed with this. Fatally.

Read More

Bitten by the Kikay Bug

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Read More

Michael Kors Snake Print Hamilton

How can I not love thee?!?

Read More

Eanna and bad guys

I was speechless one day when driver, husband, and I were talking about the recent riding in tandem shoot out near our condo. We were speaking in Tagalog, then my hubby told my daughter "anak you cannot go out na to buy burger ok? Yaya na Lang." 

Then daughter answered, "ok, because if the bad guys?"

I didn't know she could understand our discussion earlier, but I said yes.

Then she said "because they will kill me?"

Was speechless and couldn't reply. The thought if something happening to my daughter got me do worried and teary eyed!

Read More

Nesting Part II

And here comes the time of every pregnancy when a mother is so fixated in preparing for the coming of the newborn. And I love it! Hahaha.

Just a few things:

• Breastfeeding - I'm dead-set (yet again) in making sure that i will exclusively breastfeed my little baby boy. I had minimal success with Eanna, but right now, hopefully I am more equipped to ensure success. Cross fingers!

• Rooming-in - the lactation counsellor told us that once the baby is born, he will be roomed in with me. Actually, the baby will be with me in the recovery room. Exclusive breastfeeding is strongly encouraged, given that bottle feeding is not allowed. I need to be more emotionally prepared for this, especially since hubby will not be here (yet again) when I give birhth.
• Bottle feeding - got some Avent bottles and the manual pump to help me out. I've no plans in using formula, so if ever I do use these bottles, breast milk will still be served.

• Cloth diapers - I got cloth diapers when Eanna was born but didn't get to use them. I blame it on severe post partum depression (and feeling of helplessness and loneliness) that I felt that it was such an inconvenience to use them. However, since I will be breastfeeding anyway, I will give this a try. Not to mention that in the long run, it is cost-effective AND Environment-friendly. Two of the most important things that I seriously take into consideration!

• Lactation Center in the office - have asked our HR if we have one, and they said that they are setting it up and planning for it. Hopefully when i get back to work next year, there is already one!
• Clothes - thank goodness, SM is carrying a line of organic baby clothes! I got a couple of clothes from Tiny Tots and St. Patrick's brands. Hopefully they are comfortable for my baby. :)

Read More

Eanna's 6th Birthday Party

We celebrated Eanna's 6th birthday in advance today, because her birthday falls this Sunday. She invited a small group of classmates, 7 of her closest ones, and boy it was a friggin riot!

For this year, there wasn't a theme, unlike the previous years (Strawberry Shortcake, Barbie, Princesses,  Fancy Nancy, Tinkerbelle, etc). It's just a simple French chic / shabby chic motif (uhm, ain;t that a theme too? hahahaha). We bought all the materials, made the pom poms, and cooked the food at home. :)

Here's just a small glimpse of the celebration...

The kids super loved playing around, and it was very evident that they enjoyed the celebration. Thank goodness!

Here's just a summary:

FOOD

1. Tuna and Mushroom Carbonara
2. Chicken Lollipops
3. Hotdog and marshmallow sticks (as usual hahaha)
4. Cheese Quesadillas
5. Pancit
6. Strawberry-flavored juice
7. Pocky strawberry sticks
8. Cherry-flavored ice candy
9. Chocolate cake

ACTIVITIES

1. Party games
2. Nail art
3. Bracelet making
4. Swimming

Whew!

It was a tiring day but we had so much fun preparing. Kudos to our two yayas who gave so much effort especially with the pom poms and the piñata they made, filled with candies and all.

Next year little girl is turning 7, so maybe it will be a little grander than this. Or maybe not, probably same as this. Hahaha. Seriously. I think a set of intimate friends is better than 100+ or so guests, noh?

Read More

Martha Stewart Home Office Accessories

Ack.

I would love to have a small space in our condo that I can call my very own home office. Something like this...

Nice, di ba?

Unfortunately, this is only available in the US. Hmph.

Nonetheless, I will look for local products that will help me create a little something similar to it. I gotta organise more, you know. I need it for my two kids, plus the biggest baby of all, my hubby. Hahaha.

Read More

Investment Roller Coaster Ride

Just to tame me and get my mind off that dang Mulberry bag, I updated my investment portfolio, and *sigh*

Things are a bit dismal, really.

I've no shame in showing my stock picks, as I think these are good investments anyways. However, the stock market being the stock market, one can never really tell. Yes, people got millions out of trading, and there was a time when I profited (a decade ago!) before trading again this year. However, due to economic conditions, other Asian markets down, plus fears over the US Fed Tapering, our own stock market, amid being one of the best performers, is expected to go down. And down it did go.

I still feel that my stock picks will pick up again. Just a few weeks ago, they were profiting by more than 10%! I even profited by 15% when I sold my Jollibee shares. :)

I guess I'm a risk taker and for me, it's still better than putting my money in a bank with what, almost 0% interest per annum!

Currently my total portfolio is 5.05% down, and it's composed of the following:

• Peso Bond Mutual Funds - 31%
• Equity Mutual Funds - 35%
• Balanced Fund - 14%
• Stocks - 20% (the one above)

I will still continue regularly putting in monthly investments in my mutual funds, but probably halt first in stock trading and remain as is until market picks up a bit. :)

Read More

Bayswater Double Zip Bag

Ugh.

Here I am trying so hard to save and invest and set financial goals, then here comes this piece of apple...

This is the new Mulberry Bayswater Double Zip Tote.

Ugh.

Now back to regular programming.

Read More

Linkin Park Live in Manila 2013

My brother and I went on a "fan date" and attended the much awaited return of Linkin Park live in Manila, and what can I say? It truly was the best night of my life.

Not only was I blessed to have the opportunity to watch them live, I was also blessed with the fact that by being an LPU member, I was chosen as one of the members to meet them before the concert! LPU HQ was even kind enough to accommodate my request that since I am almost 7 months pregnant, if I could have my brother accompany me. Such very nice people, indeed!

Without further ado, the highlight of my night... meeting my "parallel universe" (yes that's my code) Mike Shinoda....

I was really speechless and shy but thank goodness my brother was able to take this shot. Mike Shinoda looked exactly how I imagined him to be (with years and years of imagining, I should get it right right? hahahaha).

Anyways, I had all band members sign my personal journal:

And here's the collage made by my bro in his IG:

I would love to have relived these moments, especially when I met MS. Goodness. And the concert. THE CONCERT! Really really happy that I witnessed them singing their hearts out live. 

Read More

Yes, It's Been This Long

Yup it's been a long time since I last posted here in my blog. Been caught up with so many things like work, pregnancy, finances, and of course, my ever charming dalagita. Been too lazy and forgot about blogging that I lost my renewal of my blog domain "mylavenderfields" which until now I regret.

Anyway, what's u is that I've finally seen a glimpse of my little one, and the baby is a boy! I'm due on the 28th of October, and honestly, the feeling is a mixture of excitement and fear. Excited because hey, I'm going to have a baby and my family is growing! A baby is always a blessing! Fear because, well, life is hard now, plus another aspect is that I will undergo a CS operation. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to seeing my new baby.

Work-wise, it's still hectic as ever, with new challenges everyday. Let's not go into that, haha.

What I am currently focused on is my finances (obvious ba). Too fixated with stocks, investing, mutual funds, and growing our nest egg. I have a renewed interest in interior design so I guess this is the start of my "nesting," hahaha.

Other than that, my life is the same old one, filled with love, laughter, and blessings. :)

PS: I do hope I get my blogging mojo back. I miss blogging, seriously.

Read More

Time To Invest?

For weeks now, I've been obsessing about investing in funds, bonds, and equities. Yes, it's that time of one's life. Hahaha.

Well, investments and trading are not foreign to me. My first job was being a financial analyst in a holding firm. Along with that was being a certified stock broker. Yep, I passed that one, and had a license, which unfortunately I failed to renew.

Anyways, I'm still a little scared right now with the market, considering it has been very bullish, reaching highs and all. Lately though it has been crashing, and I don't know if it really is a time to buy, or it will further crash. Argh. But being the aggressive person that I am (hahahaha), I invested in some UITF's: Equity Funds, Peso Bond Funds, and Balanced Funds. Nope, don't be deceived. I only invested tiny amounts per fund, but I'm hoping I'd have enough courage to add more to them. Besides, I can do that by enrolling in their automatic investment programs (online, yay!).

What I'm dying to go back to is to trade in the stock market. I'm thinking of opening an account in COL or in BPI Trade as they have online DIY facilities for me to do so. Or course them through my friend who is connected to a securities broker. Still, I'm a bit hesitant to go full speed ahead, because apart from the market jitters, my day job is preventing me to study further and closely monitor the market.

We'll see.

What I do know though is that I've finally traded fashion for finance. Hahahaha.

Time to save. Finally. I'm so sold.

Read More

Missing an "S"

Well. Apparently my domain renewal was cancelled because my nominated credit card already expired. Too bad for me, I didn't check my other email so I was not aware that it was cancelled.

And so, my blog domain www.mylavenderfields.com is now kapoot. Somebody owns it already, and it's so weird because the site has no connection whatsoever with the domain name. Argh.

My new address is now www.mylavenderfield.com

Yup, it's almost the same, but without an "S." Purita na ako. Hindi na fields. Isa na lang, field. Hahahaha!

Read More

Of Work: 2013 Version

Thank you God for reminding me time and time again that when it comes to work...

Work is what I do, not who I am.

So I guess I need to chill and just go with the flow. I can get too passionate but I need to hold my horses for a bit (ok, a lot). I need to remind myself to nourish my relationships with my long-time friends, and be very discerning on who to allow to enter my life and who to trust. 

Because sometimes, you just can't trust people around you.

Read More

Laptop Issues

My laptop is not working at all, but I'm too lazy to bring it to the service center. I miss watching my tv shows. Miss doing my budget in excel. Miss blogging too. But again, I'll just wait for my hubby to come home and handle my laptop concerns. 

Read More

Giving in to Clarisonic

After much prodding from my two BFFs, I finally gave in and purchase a Clarisonic Mia 2 to clean my face. This is what I got, and is expected to be on hand next week (yay!)

A little on the pricey side (but I had some discount hehehe) but I really do hope it will make wonders on my skin. I think for quite some time I haven't cleansed my face well, and now the effects are showing (bigger zit). Once I use it I will make a better review. Check out Clarisonic here.

Read More

Nivea Creme: Alternative for La Mer?

I've been reading online that Nivea Creme, the German version, is comparable and even a good alternative to Creme de la Mer. Too bad I can't verify this because only cremes made in Thailand are sold here in the Philippines. I just got myself a medium-sized tub for my legs and feet, as they have become drier than usual.

Anyways, back to Nivea Creme, German version. When I think about it, maybe it is really an effective creme. Why? A little story years ago... When my dear husband was assigned to sail in the Northern seas where winter is really terrible, he used the Nivea creme. When he came back he had this with him. I was laughing at him, asking him why he was using an ordinary creme especially for winter. Yep, snooty snooty me. I even told him to use other (aka more expensive) brands, but he swore by it. he laughed back at me and told me he can't believe that I didn't know that this Nivea creme is THE BEST creme he has ever used.

So now, as I ponder about the German version that I really want to get hold of, maybe this is the one that he had? I've read almost everywhere about Nivea creme that one should get the German one, because it is the best version, with Thailand version (the one I have now) next. The difference between the Thailand version and the German version is that the German does not have (safe) preservatives methylchloroisothiazoline and methylisothiazoline. Maybe there is a need for warmer regions, perhaps? Oh well. Since he got his in Europe, the probability was quite high. And so his rave (which I dismissed back then) was most likely a legit one too. Hahaha, I shouldn't underestimate my husband when it comes to product reviews, from now on.

Anyways, until I try the German version myself, I guess for now I will stick to my la Mer for my face. One thing I can tell you though... the consistency of both Nivea and la Mer is very very similar, plus the scent. Both their scents are very very very similar. Now, as to the rest of my skin... I guess, Nivea it is!

Read More

Ferretti Shoes

Where have you been all my life?

I chanced upon this brand of shoes in this shoe center inside Greenhills tiangee. Immediately I was drawn by the variety of designs that I fancied. Imagine my surprise when their smallest size is too small for me. Why was it surprising? Because more often the not, the smallest sizes of brands don't even fit me. What does this mean then? It means, I'm free to try all I want without getting disappointed!

I super love this brand! Not only are they comfortable to wear, they are also lightweight! The more expensive ones are made of genuine leather too. They are handmade, and locally made too (Marikina).

So, I burned cash and my wallet by purchasing 5 pairs of shoes, hahaha! Honestly, if I didn't stop myself, I think I could've gotten more.

Now I'm scared to even go to their flagship store where accessories and bags are sold. But I will take a peek one of these days.

Super happy, I have found the brand for me. Not hard on the budget, but still of good quality!

My total loot!

This pair of black patent pups was what first caught my eye. Not only did it look elegant, the price is ok too, at PhP 1299. My old one needed replacement, and so this seemed perfect. Not too high but still ok (I guess) for the pregnant me. Yup, I don't want to wear all flats for the rest of the 6 months! I did before, but now, maybe I'll try these 2.5-inch heels.

Super love these yellow shoes. I can imagine wearing them with an all-black ensemble for work. Actually, that's what I will be wearing when I get back to work next week. Can't wait!

This cobalt blue sandals caught my eye too but I had a lot of shoes already. So I passed. Initially. Because over lunch I kept on thinking about it and I just had to get back. Hello, for PhP 599, this is quite nice!

These flat nude sandals, I adore as well. These are the third that I decided that I'd get. I liked it so much that I wore it then and there, to replace what I was wearing that time (Havaianas). Super duper comfy, lightweight, and costs PhP 899.

This black number was the second I decided in getting. I love love love how it looked on my feet. Not wobbly at all, sleek, and lightweight. This and the yellow one cost PhP 2750 per pair. Yep, a bit expensive compared to the other shoes. Good thing I checked the price, because I really thought they were only in the phP 1k++ range. Imagine what I would have looked when it was time to pay, if I didn't know! Hahaha. Again, they're expensive compared to the others because these are genuine leather.

By the way, I checked online and Ferretti Shoes have an online store! I'm quite sure though that the selection is complete, because there was a lot of designs in the shoe shop. 

Read More

Way Long Overdue Product Review: Creme de la Mer

Yes, this is indeed a way long overdue. More than a decade actually, hahaha.

I know, there are already a lot of reviews about this uber-luxury creme, Creme de la Mer, but I guess I just have to blog about it because of how pleased I am with this product.

My love affair with Creme de la Mer started back in the 90's when I first read about it. Back then, of course, I was a teen-ager in college, and much as I was mystified by the allure of this creme, I just didn't have the means to get one. Besides, it wasn't even available here. Then when I started working, in the early 2000's, I got a chance to go to Singapore for a business trip. That's when I saw the creme in person. Woah, I was really happy, my eyes glistened at the sight of it. I know, some people complained about the packaging, but I didn't care. Actually, I liked it.

Heaven dropped upon seeing the price tag. It was something like almost PhP 4k. And during that time, that was a lot, and veeery expensive for a face cream. However, I didn't care. I was in my early 20s, felt that I have the world in my hands, super carefree and all. So I took the plunge. I even got myself an SK II Essence to boot. Imagine, my first two really expensive products. Hahaha.

So I tried Creme de la Mer first. Being in a tropical country, I found it tooooo heavy, but then as I lessened the amount, I got to "perfect" the exact amount that I needed for my small face. Instantly my skin felt really soft, smooth, and supple. I finished the whole jar eventually. Did I like the results? My skin was maintained. Did it improve? well, maybe but back then I couldn't really see. Not to brag and all, but my skin was fantastic back then. No pores, no blackheads, very fine indeed.

And since I was, like I said, in my early 20s, there was this desire to try other things. I tried my SK II which was really good as well - my face brightened each application.  I tried Ole Henriksen, Olay, then back to Creme de la Mer, SK II again, Olay, etc.

Zoom to recent times. I'm now in my mid-30's (nearing it), and lo and behold, my skin ain't that great anymore. Yes, I still have fine pores and all, but maan, the zits on my chin killed me for a time. Plus, my skin was dry. I got so depressed that for the first time, I had my aunt dermatologist treat my freaking face. Blue laser, injections, creams, weekly treatments, the works. My pimples subsided, but never healed. There were small tiny spot/scars that dotted my chin. That was the time that I came to terms that my skin will jus this, and will never be back to my old 20's state.

Then I got pregnant, and vain (vainer than usual). I suddenly got so addicted to buying cosmetics. I bought this really nice foundation from Max Factor, but felt sad that upon applying it, certain parts of my face showed really dry areas = flakes. Again, I got depressed. Surfed through the net and found Embryolisse creme. I got myself one and found it to be good on my skin. However there was something missing still, I don't know.

Then I suddenly remembered, wait I have Creme de la Mer plus the Eye Concentrate! I used them months back but since I was scrimping on it (the creme now cost me a hefty PhP 7600 plus the PhP8k eye cream!), I completely forgot about it.

So I started using it again, alternating between the two brands. Then started using Creme de la Mer solely. Somehow, my skin felt better with it. And I was happy. Every morning when I wake up, my skin felt so fresh. No new zits for me, no more dry skin. Plus, though it has mineral oil and petrolatum, there are no parabens here.

So now, why am I blogging about this again? This is the main reason....

I went to my Aunt derma last week to have my daughter's wound treated. The light of course was very unforgiving, and saw the imperfections of my face, aka dark spots/scars on my chin. I whined about it to my Aunt, and that I can't have my face treated because of my pregnancy.

Guess what she, a dermatologist, said....

Well, your skin is very nice right now. (of course minus the faint marks). I was very pleased with it, and I think I know the reason why. Yes, it is this wonderful Creme de la Mer. I just have a gut feel. Of course, I can say it's because of my pregnancy and all. But I think it really was the creme. I'm not even eating healthily right now because of my morning sickness and being picky with food. I stay late too due to the amount of shows I download. But yes, my face is really noticeably nicer. More even in complexion that some may not notice, but I do.

So, is Creme de la Mer worth it? For me, well yes. Why? Because no matter how many creams I've tried, I still go back to this wonderful product where my facial skin becomes always at its best. Maybe it is about time that I settle down. Sure, it is quite expensive, so I'm not sure if I will explore the other products apart from the eye cream and the original creme. My family is growing, times are hard, and I'm no longer that girl who thinks the world is in my hands and splurge always.

It may not work for some, based on a couple of reviews I've read, but it definitely worked for me.  I don't think it's all in the mind nor my history of being mystified and awed by it. One touch, and I know.


PS: Not sure yet, but I have a growing obsession over the Creme de la Mer Lip Balm. Blame it on Kiehl's for being out of stock (Lip balm #1), and my Burt's Bees not working too well lately.

PPS: I seriously think my old helper (or gasp, my current one!) has either used my creme or accidentally dropped it and thus the contents spilled. I cannot believe that in the small time frame I previously used it, I used so much that it's almost finished. Paranoia much? Obsessed much? Hahaha!

Read More

Bag Crush: Meli Melo Thela Bag in Taupe Cervo

I'm really crushing on this simple but very functional bag by Meli Melo. I want! But can't! But... My blog stalker... Can this be a push gift? :P

Read More