Mom-Finds: Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara T2 Film Type

Last Friday of the month:  Finds and Faves / Beauty

I have that typical Asian lashes that are short and straight... well, not too short 'coz I can still curl them enough to make my peepers look a tiny bit wider. =)  Despite the small eyes, I rarely use eye makeup, but I'm trying to.  I'm just too lazy sometimes.  I only have a number of products I use, and most of them were gifts.  The latest addition to my small stash of makeup is this new Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara that many of my beauty junkie friends swear by.

Fairy Drops mascara has a unique patented 3-teardrop wand that "catches and lifts even the shortest eyelashes".  When I received this gift two weeks ago, I tried it immediately to see how it will work on my lashes.  The results were amazing!

This Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara Film Type is a new and improved version which has 2X the eyelash treatment than their first Platinum Mascara.  It now comes in this shiny gold tube.

• 5 Kinds of Treatment Essence - Collagen, Squalane Oil, Hyaluronate, Jojoba Oil, Panthenol
• Curl Keep Wax and Volume Up Wax - for length and volume
• Curl Keep polymer - for extra curl
• Glossy Platinum Black color
• Film Type - water resistant, but washable with soap and water

What I love about it:

• Coats from roots to tips and creates an extended look
• Push lashes up without clumping
• No heavy, sticky feeling on the eyes
• Lashes remain soft and not stiff
• Does not crust and leave specks around the eyes

One application in the morning lasts me the whole day, although the curl goes down a bit by mid afternoon. Still, I am very happy and satisfied with how Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara Film Type enhances and lengthens my lashes!  

I know my photos don't look impressive, but you can really see the big difference on my lashes. The best part is that I now like to wear mascara everyday! Before, I just curl my lashes and go. With this "film type" Fairy Drops, I don't feel like I have mascara on, which is the reason why I don't like applying in the first place 'coz others feel heavy.  Now I understand why Fairy Drops mascara is number one! :)

SRP : @ PhP 1,195

For more info and inquiries:
Email:  beautybox.corp@gmail.com
Facebook.com/fairydropsphilippines

Fairy Drops is available at Beauty Bar stores:
Trinoma, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Shangri-la, Eastwood, Galleria, Gateway, ATC, Podium, MOA, Lucky, Midtown, Bonifacio High Street, Cebu, Robinsons Magnolia, Glorietta, Marquee and Paseo
Shop online:  shop.beautybar.com.ph

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A Mani-Pedi Sparty at The Nail Room

Women have different ways to unwind and pamper themselves.  For many busy moms I know, one sure-fire way to beat the blues and relax is to have a beauty break at a nail salon. I enjoy an occasional mani-pedi treatment too, and I recently had one at a "sparty" hosted by my friends from The Nail Room in Libis.

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Kid-Style: Sparkle with Pixie Dust Jewelry for Girls

Freestyle Friday:  Gifts / Kid-Style

I have a lot of really good finds in the past few weeks and it's great to have this extra Friday this month to share these cute sparkles.  A friend of mine has sent these gifts for the girl recently and got the attention of family and friends when she wore it.  That's the magic of Pixie Dust!

When the package arrived, of course my girl was thrilled to get the gift and can't wait to wear the necklaces she personally picked from the collection.

Pixie Dust is a line of cute and stylish jewelry for girls, a brainchild of two doting moms who love fashion and dressing up their girls.  I think this jewelry line is a great starting set for girls until they eventually graduate to wearing precious gems and family heirloom pieces.

What we love about Pixie Dust:

• Pretty, unique and colorful designs that big and little girls, even moms, will love
• Exquisite workmanship
• Made from high grade 92.5% sterling silver
• Each piece comes in colorful enamel designs, plated in either rhodium or gold
• Guaranteed nickel free
• Guaranteed hypoallergenic
• Perfect gift idea
• Reasonably priced - from PhP500 - PhP2,850 per piece 

I would have wanted a set for her - with matching design for earrings, bracelet and necklace, but she refused.  She just wanted necklaces.

From the Cherry set we were looking at, she only wanted the cherry necklace with bright green cord.  It's so cute, and perfect for her rugged attire.  Another request is a gold necklace.  After browsing the collection, she saw her friend wearing this necklace, and as expected, she wanted one too.  She got her wish with this beautiful gold and blue mermaid pendant with gold chain. Thanks Pixie Dust, we love her new jewelry!

This gold-plated mermaid is studded with crystals, and is 4cm in size from head to tail.  You can see the engraving at back of the loop with 925, guaranteed sterling silver.

Here are some designs I was eyeing. Check out the lady bugs and pink cherries!  These will be wonderful gifts for my nieces.  Aside from the mermaid pendant, Pixie Dust also came out with a lollipop and ice cream, looking so whimsical and sparkly too!

Time to surprise your little princesses!

Check out all the collection and order your Pixie Dust online via Facebook: www.facebook.com/pixiedustsparkle 

Pixie Dust cleaning Instructions:
Like any other silver jewelry, your sparkles can turn dull with everyday use.  The best and easiest way to clean our sterling silver jewelry is by using toothpaste and a toothbrush to buff the silver.
Another option is to lay the jewelries in a foil or a pan lined with aluminum foil, sprinkle with baking soda and a little bit of salt.  Then pour hot water into them and gently stir.

After either procedure, rinse the jewelries in running water.  They will sparkle like new!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Good Hair Day with Cynos Argan Oil THairapy Shampoo & Conditioner

I used to have straight hair when I was a kid, just like my mother's.  As I grew older, my tresses became thick and wavy, just like my mother's.  This only proves it's in the genes.  It doesn't really bother me having wavy hair, but I gotta admit, there are days when I wish they'll be smooth and straight.  From time to time, I get to try some products that tame my hair even without blow-drying.  One recent find is this Argan Oil Thairapy shampoo and conditioner.  Yup, that's not a typo on the title. =)

I got this surprise package last month and did not even know who to thank.  I checked online and learned that this argan hair care line is made by Cynos Inside Hair Care from Canada.  To tell you the truth, I was excited to try them since I've been hearing raves about Moroccan argan oil and how good it is for the hair and skin.

The "liquid gold" from Morocco has landed - first time to try this for my tresses

According to Argan Oil World website, "argan oil, or Moroccan oil, is made up of tocopherols, natural vitamin E constituents, promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails.  The natural oils and acids found in Moroccan oil are best used for moisturizing the skin.  Argan oil is most effective as a moisturizer, toner, and topical treatment for general hair, skin, and nail problems."

This "liquid gold" from Morocco is rich in linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) that moisturizes and keeps skin and hair healthy.  Okay, I am totally convinced.  I am holding off on the argan oil for now and decided to try the shampoo and conditioner first.  My dull "buhaghag" hair needs as much attention as my dry skin and Argan Oil Thairapy Moisture Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner may be the answer.  Look how thick and rich it is.

If you've known me from way back, you'd know my hair is full of body - maybe too much of it, that's why it's usually frizzy, "buhaghag" or "sponghada".  Sometimes I use anti-frizz spray and blow-dry my hair to make it look smooth and in place when I wear my hair down.  I also can't just air dry my hair then leave the house, that would be a nightmare.  Thus, the ponytail for fuss-free daily styling.

After three weeks of using the shampoo and conditioner, I'd say I am very pleased with the smooth texture of my hair.  I was able to go out with my hair down a few times, without the need to blow dry!  I air dry while brushing my hair to straighten it a bit.  My hair is silky-soft to the touch, tame, manageable and moisturized.  It leaves a soft powdery smell on my hair too.

Pardon the shots, I know it's still not "straight, smooth and silky" like the ads but for my standards, that's as good as it gets without the blow-dry and styling.

I give Argan Oil Thairapy Shampoo and Conditioner two thumbs up.  However, they are not available in stores at the moment.  With the premium quality and product promise, the price is much higher than the commercial range - about PhP 800 - 900 per bottle.

Thanks to Summit Colours Co. for this set.  You can find the complete Argan line on Facebook: Cynos Inside Hair Care.

Look for Cynos Argan Oil Thairapy line in salons near you:

Bench Fix, Creations, Elevation Salon, Emphasis Salon, Face 2 Face - Lucky Chinatown Mall, Freshaire, Going Straight Salon, Jimmy Lu Salon, Louis Philip Kee, Mary Pauline, Nail-A-Holics, Salon G2, Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell, Tinette & Co.

"The most purifying and intensive complete Argan product line that enriches hair with essential Linoleic acid which fights against loss of moisture and elasticity." - CYNOS Inside Hair Care

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Discovering StemEnhance Dietary Supplement

Late last year, my mother read an article by Barbara Gonzales in the newspaper.  It's about her personal experience with her past ailments, and how this supplement called StemEnhance® helped improve and maintain her overall wellness.  Naturally, my parents were amazed and asked me to search about this supplement and check where to buy it. After some digging, I learned more about it but ended up not buying coz it's not cheap and I don't know any seller.

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My Tropical Delight Body Treatment from Pevonia and Fifth Season Spa + RAFFLE!

Third Friday of the month:  Fun / Leisure / Raffle

One of my guilty pleasures is having a full body treatment at a spa.  These days, I'd be lucky if I can squeeze in an hour of pampering in a month.  Last July, premium skin care brand Pevonia invited me to experience one of the special body care treatments at the newly opened Fifth Season Spa in Ortigas Center.  I've enjoyed my Pevonia treatments in the past and the spa is conveniently located, so this was an invitation I could not refuse.

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Mixed Vegetables with Sayote (Ginisang Sayote)

This colorful dish is easily one of my kids' favorite vegetable ulam.  The main ingredient is the humble sayote (chayote) which, according to Wikipedia, is actually a fruit!  Aside from some usual green leafy vegetables, sayote is always in my grocery list since it's easy to cook, and I know the whole family will eat it, especially when served this way.

I've posted several dishes on my Instagram and Facebook page, and recipe requests have been piling up.  The most recent request I've featured is my version of adobo.  I promise, I will share all of them here. =)  

Today's recipe is mainly sauteed sayote.  It's like adding more greens to the typical buttered corn and carrots.  Again, I don't measure the ingredients.  Since this is a mixed vegetable dish, feel free to make your own proportions for the mix.  Some may want more carrots, and corn, while others want equal amounts of sayote with the carrots and green beans.

MIXED VEGGIES with SAYOTE

1 large peice of sayote, sliced in strips
1 small carrot, jullienned
small bunch of green beans, thinly sliced diagonally
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
3-4 tablespoons canned corn kernels
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2-3 tablespoons butter
salt
pepper
water

Option:
Sometimes, I use shrimp cube or seasoning granules to flavor, instead of salt and butter.
To make this meaty, I sauté about 100g ground pork before adding the veggies.

To prepare:
Slice all vegetables and set aside.
Heat oil in pan or small pot.

To cook:
Sauté garlic and onion in oil over medium heat, then put in all the veggies except corn.
Add butter, salt and pepper.  Adjust salt and butter to your liking. Sauté until butter is mixed and melted.
Put a few tablespoons water and mix, then cover pan or pot. Simmer over low heat for about 8 minutes.
Mix in the corn, cover pan and cook for a few more minutes.

Make sure beans are cooked well, and veggies are not soggy.

Serve as a side dish, or as main viand with rice.

The combination of the sayote and corn lends some sweetness to the dish, making this more appetizing for little ones to enjoy their veggies.

Get more quick and easy recipes on Mom-Cook section here.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Family Friday: School is Fun!

Second Friday of the month: Schooling / Kids / Parenthood

"It's fun!" "I like the toys there." "My favorite place is the playground and the library."
That's coming from the girl who seemed to be enjoying her school now, after the first week of having separation anxiety.

During her preschool years, the first month was a struggle for me and the girl when I bring her to school everyday.  She usually clings to me and didn't want to let me leave, sometimes crying as the teacher carried her or led her to join her classmates.  There were days she intentionally wanted to be late, so "there will be less hours left in school".  Ironically, when I fetch her after dismissal, she'll usually say she had a good day in school!

Naturally, on her first day in "big school", we expected it to be difficult again.  Before we left the house, I wanted to take a picture of her in uniform since this is the first time she's worn one, but she refused.  She wasn't even smiling in the car on our way to school.  Our only consolation is that she'll be with some of her former classmates, and her former preschool teacher is her class adviser again.

Even after seeing some familiar faces, there was still no enthusiasm to go to class and she hesitantly followed teacher and sat on the chair.  I waved goodbye, but she's clearly not too happy as I left the room - masama ang loob, heehee.  Look at this snapshot on her first day. 

"Mommy, school was not that bad after all! I had fun!"  This, coming from the girl who'd rather stay home and play. What a relief.

  

It's been almost two months since that first day, and I know she's learning so much and having a great time in school with all the wonderful stories she's been telling me everyday.  I don't even have to ask how her day was.  I think that's a good indicator of how well she's doing in school, her developing relationships with her peers and teachers, and how she copes with the day-to-day challenges and activities. 

Aside from her request to stay a few minutes on the swing after dismissal, she's also fond of borrowing new books from the library.

"I will not give you a hard time with assignments. I'll try to have all A... is A the highest grade, mommy?"

She sees me tutor her big brother, and she knows I get so frustrated at times while teaching the boy.  She often wants to do activities too while the boy does his homework.  One time, out of the blue, she said she won't give me a hard time when it's her turn to have homework.  So sweet!

"School is nice!"

That's coming from the daughter of OC Mom in Manila.  The girls are classmates and I'm happy to know they share the same sentiments.  Little OCmom even wants teacher to give them harder homework! =)

"I don't like school. I LOVE school!"

That is the clincher from A, son of Mothering Earthlings.  They're classmates too.  He's the charming boy who loves to chase the girls, try to smell their hair, and blow flying kisses at them.

M's successful escape from A's kisses is just one of the many funny stories I get to hear from my girl when she comes home from school.

It gives me so much comfort knowing that she enjoys learning and going to school everyday, just like her classmates.  She tells me she doesn't want to be late, that she has new best friends, and that she's learning Chinese and enjoys writer's workshop. =)  The teaching methods in her progressive school encourage analytical thinking and motivates the kids to learn from each other and interact in class. Kudos to the amazing teachers too.  We chose the right school for her. I just pray we can afford to send her there until grade 12!

There will still be "bad" days, for sure, but I know at the end of the day, she'll still have fun.  She will still go to class and say goodbye with a smile.

"I had the best day ever today!"
Enough said.

All dressed up during Writer's Workshop party in school

I can't remember being this happy when I was still studying.  

Did you have fun in school?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Petit Bateau Sails to the Philippines

If you love stripes and basic tees like I do, then you'll be smitten with Petit Bateau. The 120-year old clothing brand from Troyes, France has now expanded in the country and I was fortunate to view their latest collections at a nautical inspired fashion show which kicked off the brand's launch at SM Aura Premier last weekend.

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Foodie Friday: Sweet Style Chorizo Spaghetti + Del Monte Raffle

First Friday of the month: Mom-Cook / Recipe / Pasta

When I say spaghetti will be served for lunch or dinner, I get thumbs up from the boy and the girl.  It's an easy dish to prepare and I am certain they will have a clean plate at the end of our meals.  I've shared many pasta recipes on the blog over the years and I will not tire of posting more because it's really one of our favorite dishes at home. 

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Eat, Drink, Be Merry - Best Restaurants Charity Week this August

To all my foodie friends, here's a good excuse to wine and dine this month - join the 4th Best Restaurants Charity Week happening from August 16 to 24.  When you dine at any of the participating restaurants, you're also eating for a very good cause.  

"The following restaurants will donate a substantial part of their sales during charity week to the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines." - Philippine Tatler

I rarely post announcements on the blog, but I'm sharing this worthy cause with you because I know a few families who are part of this community.  The contributions from this charity week will benefit the association and help in their programs and initiatives concerning Down Syndrome. So go out and dine with family and friends...make your meals count!

4th Best Restaurants Charity Week

August 16 - 24, 2013

Participating restaurants:

2nd’s

22 Prime - Discovery Suites

Aubergine

Azuthai

Cafe Mary Grace

The Cake Club

Casa Roces

Cav Wine Shop-Café

Champagne Room

Chateau 1771
Chef Jessie Rockwell Club

Cibo

Circles Event Café

Inagiku

Las Flores

Li Li

The Lobby - The Peninsula Hotel

Makati Shangri-La Lobby Lounge

Mamou

Masseto

The Oakroom

Old Manila

Opus Restaurant and Lounge

Paparazzi

People’s Palace Thai

Sala

Sala Bistro

Senju

Shang Palace

Spectrum

Summer Palace

Terry’s Bistro

The Tivoli

Toki Japanese Fusion and Fine Dining

Va Bene Pasta Deli

Happy dining!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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