Jacobs's buff and Edward's pale

The Twi-hards long wait finally ends last November 20. Twilight Saga: New Moon came like an early Christmas present to giddy girls who scribble their names with Edward or Jacob's or make that purchase of Twilight's merchandise like shirts, bottles, pins and so on. To those who have already read the books, especially New Moon, you know for sure that it's Jacob's shining moment this time.  After the movie or even before it was shown, a faction was created: Team Edward and Team Jacob - a bloodsucker and a dog. I, who is apparently old enough to be a member of the  elite Twi-hard girls club is a certified Team Edward. He is polite, a gentleman and protective, the velvet voice (according to the book) adds to the charm.

                          fanpop.com

 

New Moon is the start of the battle between fire and ice, a fight of Bella's love between Edward and Jacob. We just love everything that has to do with love triangles right?, it spice up the story and not to mention Summit Production's income :)  I like the opening of the movie, it gives a little goosebumps looking at new moon as it fades out and the word New Moon fades in on the screen,I think it is magical. I am quite sure the change of director paid well, the movie became more enigmatic and tasteful, a little whimsical which should be considering it caters to teenagers and girls alike.

It did not disappoint me at all, it was a great one actually and I think it is the same to most hardcore fans. The wolf pack added the adrenaline rush most teenagers are looking for, the cast indeed is perfect. I love, love the buff bodies of the wolf pack :) The scene of  Bella in Jacob's eyes as a wolf was very touching, it sends that message of love for Bella. Although the soundtrack did not pleased me as much as the song Decode from Paramore in Twilight, the ending song-one that is played as the credits were shown however is pretty good.

The scene were Bella, Edward and Jacob were talking was taken very lightly but with a lot of meaning and when Jacob turned into a wolf and run away after Bella stop what could turn out to be a fight with Edward was endearing. It was also a bit moving when Bella look right at after Jacob's direction and felt like she already lost her best friend, the one who stick with her when she was in pain of Edward's mere abandonment. They also add a small scene of Breaking Dawn (final book)and the ending is a glimpse of Eclipse, the next installment. Hence, June 2010 is already marked in the fan's calendar for the showing of Eclipse and the saga is just getting better.

 

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Venus&Mars Beauty Loot

Searching for the best skin care products have been my hobby. Health and Beauty stores became my Mecca for the new and interesting products in the market. Before I purchase a product, I look down on the ingredients list, I know for a fact that the words that gave you a hard time pronouncing means they can be harmful and I really had an aversion to chemicals, they can speed up the "whitening" process on some lotions but in the long-term, they will strip the natural moisture of your body which you need.

I type and research in Google and find some interesting products, I stumble upon Multiply on a local online store called V&M Botanicals. I have read a lot of raves about their products and found out that they are using organic ingredients. So it got me curious and made me order, I look for a reseller near our area because I had a bad experience ordering online with a local mineral make up brand that forgot to include an item in my package and they just don't care. Anyway, at least I can save more money from shipping and bank transactions which is cool.

 

Their Spa Milk Salt Whitening & Smoothing Crystals costs Php 95 per 100g tub
Php 145 per 200g bottle have 4 variants: Yummy Vanilla, Mango Mandarin, Coffee Mocha and Orange Burst. I am a big vanilla fan, from coffee with vanilla powder to vanilla candles. So, I chose this variant and I am so glad they have this in vanilla. I ordered for the big tub since I am going to use this in my entire body and I did not regret it! The scent of Yummy Vanilla is like Christmas in a Bottle and it stays longer than any other body scrub that I had used. I scratch my knee the first time I had use it, I know I have heavy hands so the next time, I carefully scrub myself in a circular motion for it's ingredients to penetrate my skin more. I use it from the back of my neck to my foot as a foot scrub as well. After rinse, Wow, my skin is smooth and supple like a baby's. My brother wants to eat it because of the lovely vanilla scent. :)

V&M's Bare It All Emu Cream- Php 225 per 100g tub that comes in plain or mentholated tub is my another favorite, after using the Spa Milk Salt, I lather this on some dark areas on my body like my knees, elbows and at the back of my neck. The lavender scent is so soothing that if you use it at night, you'll be relax. I chose the mentholated variant and it really feels great and cool while lathering it. It is non-sticky or greasy compared to other body butter plus the price is so affordable that you can just kiss your expensive body butter goodbye because the effect is just the same. Only better I guess because you are not applying any chemicals on your body. I will just have to wait for about 2-3 weeks to see the whitening results.

CPC+G or Clair Blanche, Papain, Calamansi and Glutathione Whitening Treatment at Php 165 per 20ml jar is I guess one of their bestsellers. Why not? It's got the best and the safest ingredients known for whitening. I just add 6 drops on every 30 ml toner and I also add this to my Bare It All Emu Cream so the whitening effect is doubled and faster, I hope. Not to mention the Vitamin A, C, E, Potassium and other more essential minerals in it.

Well, I am planning to purchase more from them especially their bestseller soaps like Poppy Plush and Lulur and the no petroleum based Lip Detox which may be a little pricey compared to other lip balms but they've got the best ingredients in it so it's better. 

 

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Mineral Make Up Tips

When I switch to mineral make up (MMU), I experiment on how to make the application faster. Having been accustomed to the traditional make up application of cream concealer and compact powder foundation, I never knew that au naturel make up is much complicated because of the non stop blending. Below are some of my tips on using and storing MMU.

1. Always make sure that your make up brushes are clean.

Investing in a good quality set of  brushes is of course a must but you should take care of them too. Make time to clean your brushes at least 2 or 3 times a week to protect your face from bacteria that comes from you brushes. Have a mild or anti bacterial shampoo to cleanse your brushes and use warm water to protect the bristles.

2. Use larger containers to swirl your MMU

MMU containers are mostly small so I use larger containers (clean them regularly too) to swirl all the mineral make up with my brush  I tap my mineral foundation on it and close the lid then shake it. I swirl my brush on it around the edges and tap some excess upon application. I use the much smaller container for my mineral blusher.When I go outside, I just use the lid of the container to swirl the mmu.

3. Organize your MMU

Barenaturals, a local online mineral make up brand loves to give freebies, so I put mine on these cute stockable container which I can bring anywhere too (you can buy this on any beauty store like Watsons for Php40). I label each pot for eyeshadows and sample blusher using the sticker they have on their ziplocks :)

4. Spritz water on your mmu concealer or eyeshadow.

I always have a small water atomizer in my dresser. I mix my mmu concealer with water and apply it on my face, I also do the same with eyeshadows to intensify it's effect. I have notice that the mmu last longer and still does not cake.

5. Have fun with colors

Try different eyeshadow or blush color that you would not normally wear and think that they won't match your skin tone but it does. Mineral make up blush don't darken like most traditional blusher . I suddenly became a fan of greens, blues and plums now than ever before.

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Fashion Muse 2

 

Penélope Cruz

The Academy Award winner Spanish actress is nothing but glamorous in fashion. She is such a fashion chameleon that grace every occasion with such sophistication and confidence. I find her hair, the bouncy and wavy locks very sexy and the easiest to maintain. L' Oreal won't take her as an endorser if she's not worth it. She and her sister, the equally beautiful Monica Cruz is the face behind some of Mango Clothing's campaign.





Only a flattering dress can make a woman alluring, but when Penelope came casually in jeans, that idea change.



She went from beige, yellow and tan all the way to her bag, though I'm not in favor of that, She pull the very classic and sophisticated look very nicely.

These two beautiful gowns were made by Carolina Herrera who love silhouette, texture and femininity in her creations.




When it comes to formal occasions, Penelope never goes wrong in her gowns. She is a favorite in red carpets and always in the best list of fashion critics.
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My First Barenaturals

I am a novice in mineral make up, I still remember reading a forum about mineral make up and they are using abbreviations such as MMU and ingredients such as mica and silicone which made my eyes craze. I try the most rave barenaturals, an online mineral make up brand which also sells bestseller soaps, much affordable make up brushes and mineral lip tints. On my first order, I got the Purederm BB cream in a 5 ml cream jar Php159 (below is a 50 ml, Php 830)

this BB cream will make your skin satiny smooth and protected. It has an SPF 30, UV protection and Arbutin which can help lighten your skin. I take precautions before trying products because I'm on the sensitive and very oily skin type. I am using it for almost two weeks now and I notice quite a change in my skin tone as it begins to even out, my skins texture is somewhat creamy/milky but not too white. Although when I first apply it, I notice the whitish cast on my face but after a while, it blends with my skin tone together with the concealer and foundation.

Ultimate Concealer in 2.5 gram net Php 215 which suits every skin tone. I like it so much, a perfect cover up for anything you don't want in your face including moles. Just blend, blend, blend like what mineral make up is all about. I just dab a super pea size BB cream on it then followed by this concealer and lastly their foundation (I will purchase their Illumiglow Finishing Powder next). The mole became almost invisible, good layering is probably the secret.


Classic Mineral Foundistay in Golden Neutral Medium 2.5 gram net in php 215- true to their claim that this foundation-concealer is very effective on giving you that poreless, airbrushed and matte look. Good thing it has an estimated SPF 20 which is a major plus. It's another staple on my future purchase I am sure.


I can still remember the first time I applied and glowed with my freebie blush dollface cheenee - a deep pink to medium mauve with hint of shimmer color. I never knew my skin tone (warm medium) would love any color besides my safe color blush - peach. The shimmer on their blush is so amazing, it's not the glittery thing that I usually experience on some local make up brands that make me look like a Christmas ball. A lot of my colleagues complemented on my new found cheek beauty, I will never touch a matte blush again.




photos courtesy of Barenaturals

Switch To Mineral Make Up

I have heard about mineral make up (MMU) for quite a long time. Their claim of sun protection, healthy skin and barely-there make up finish have been rave a lot by renowned make up artists and make up aficionados. Even the beauty powerhouse L'Oréal came up with their MMU line followed by a lot of make up company, but I was already familiar with Youngblood, i.d bare minerals and Jane Iredale which are expensive in my vocabulary. Some experts also said that regular make up will speed the aging process,signs of wrinkles, crows feet and age spots. Most ingredients on our make up are hazardous on our skin and as a woman with a very oily skin type, I have a hard time looking for non-oily make up products. Most make up product contains comedogenic ingredients, I now know the culprit behind my breakouts, so choosing mineral make up is a must for me and such a breakthrough in the beauty industry.


When I saw a TV feature of barenaturals, a local company that sells MMU and other beauty products such as soaps, Korean fave BB cream, make up brushes and even lip and nipple solid gel. I thought oh well, it is either expensive or if it is not, then it has a bad quality. So, I searched their multiply account and googled customer reviews on their product. I am so excited when I found their very reasonable price so I allotted half of my day just to read and search about their products. I list some and ordered for a road test and boy, was I glad I took the journey. I am amazed at the result even the first time I use it. I glowed literally, the look I envied of Jennifer Lopez for a long time. I notice a lot people looking at me in a train, I was skeptical at first and shrug it off but when some people ask me what I have been using lately, I understood.
Beyond the sudden change I begin to notice on my skin, I also hope that mineral make up with it's added sun protection and other benefits can take care of my skin as I hit my 30's in five years time.

I Dream Of Paris

Things I will do in Paris

If there is one city in the world that I want to visit so bad, it is Paris. I find the city very interesting, romantic and exciting. If Disneyland is magical for kids, Paris is my wonderland. So when that time comes that I will be able to set my foot on my dream city, this is where and what I am going to spend my precious time there.


1. Visit the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees


My would be trip to Paris will never be complete without a visit to this famous landmarks. Some may not be familiar with Paris but the mention of these places will surely be remembered more. Probably on my first night to Paris, hopefully Christmas where the lights will be everywhere giving more beauty to them.


2. Eat macaroons, pastries and other sweets at Laduree






This shop is so famous that you have to fall in line for at least an hour and not to mention they are expensive. That made me more excited and they said that they have the most delicious macaroons and melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes. I am so looking forward to that.



3. Walk around


Parc Floral de Paris

Parisians love to walk, it is probably why they are fit even without going to a gym according to a book. They said that your time in Paris is not complete without strolling mainly in the park where for fresh air.

4. Shop, Shop, Shop

My trip will never be complete without purchasing any chic clothes that Parisians offers. I love perfumes and coats from Paris. I will go to any mall and shop as long as my feet and money can :)


5. Dine in at a café

Eating or drinking coffee outside the cafe might be a good idea while chatting with your friends or just looking around savoring your day.


6. Souvenirs!

Aside from taking photos, purchasing souvenirs have been a norm for every jetsetter. So, even a key chain version of Eiffel tower, refrigerator magnet or even pins which represents Paris is sold for me.

♥♥♥

Johnson&Johnson 24 Hour Moisture Lotion

I
I am not a big fan of lotion because most of them leaves a very greasy feeling on my hand. I regret using it especially in rainy days when they run on my hands and there is that icky feeling. Due to frequent washing, my hands feels a little dry even if I use Dove soap. I tried every lotion available in the market that is just perfect for my needs, I even tried the non-greasy type but it did little justice to my close to aging hands. I feel a little agitated, my hands is starting to flake.

Lo and Behold, I saw a commercial of Johnson&Johnson 24 Hour Moisture Lotion with Body Wash and I tried it. I am a big fan of their products since I can't remember when, I'm sure my Mom could have use their baby powder on me when I was a baby. The bottle can be turn upside down so you can use what's left of it. Until now, I am loyal to their baby powders ( I use the pink one, it smells great) even if some is a bit apprehensive with talc. This lotion, especially when use sparingly will give that enough moisture to your hands. Not greasy but not light enough as if you did not use anything at all. The smell of it reminds me of my high school because of it's mild baby powder and sweet scent combination that my cologne use to smell back then. I use it twice a day, at night, I lather some on my feet and the next morning, my feet is moisturize and my heels little cracks are gone. Now, I can say that I found the right lotion suited just for me. I am going to purchase the bigger bottle next time.

Céleteque Facial Wash

It took me quite a long time to find a facial wash that is gentle and effective with a friendly price tag. I search high and low, patch test and ask friends for that perfect brand that will make your skin healthy. I was taught in high school that bar soaps are skin friendly until Dove soap came up with an advertisement about the residue that common bar soaps leave on skin. I was a bit shocked, all along I thought that I was doing a right thing, it answered my question as to why my skin feels so tight after I wash my face.

Celeteque Facial Wash has NFM Natural Moisturizing Factor. Friendly to sensitive skin, hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested. I love the fact that there is a Pro-vitamin B5 or D-Panthenol included that prevents the dryness of the skin and glycerin which binds water to the skin so your skin will not loss it's moisture. It is fragrance-free unlike most high-end brand facial wash that smells like an old woman's perfume, plus it contains anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients such as alpha bisabol and chamomile extract.

It is so recommended by a lot of dermatologist aside from Cetaphil and I find Celeteque much cheaper. It is for all skin types actually so try it now and see for yourself.

Japanese Fast Food Treat

from thirstyblogger.com



When I saw Japanese food being featured on TV, I initially got curious about the taste so I googled my way to find how to cook some of it. Though it is not that hard, but the authenticity of the ingredients is a must to create that taste that every one will surely love.

I have known even before that Japanese food is not cheap, so for me to sample some of it, I need to stretch my two weeks allowance back in college. Back then, when I found out about this fast food chain that caters to Japanese food lovers, I went and try it out. When I thought about fast food chain I know it is much affordable and it's taste is just right.

Tokyo Tokyo is my grown up fast food, aside from the well love chicken fast food chain which is my favorite too, I love to frequent Tokyo Tokyo the most and got tired of the hamburger fast food chains. Until now, whenever I got hungry shopping or just crave for some delicious treat, I ate at Tokyo Tokyo.

They use to have free rice before so guys and gals who have big appetite will surely like. I love their Red Ice Tea so much that I always order the sumo size, it is not that sweet and I finish the lime on it too. The Best Chicken Teriyaki is really the best with my well love sauce that is a little sweet and salty with that smokey flavor. Even the vegetables that comes with it taste the good too. I tried their California Maki too but I guess I am not a fan of that so I don't order for it anymore while Tempura became my added favorite. Tokyo Tokyo taught me how to use chopsticks too. Great right?

Love for Vanilla

I love the scent of vanilla, the innocent and sweet smell that it brings. So whenever I see vanilla candle products or room sprays,I buy it. Here are some of my favorite vanilla product and goodies that I bake.

Vanilla Cupcake

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C ). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper baking cups.
2. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar with an electric mix er until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each one. Sti r in the vanilla and flour just until mixed. Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly p ressed, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. Wh en cool, arrange t he cupcakes on a serving platter.

Sometimes I put buttercream icing on top.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in t he milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate.

allrecipes.com

The Classic Vanilla Ice Cream - I use the Nestle ice cream and I add Hershey's Chocolate Syrup or Strawberry Syrup. Add some sprinkle candies or nuts.

Coffeemate French Vanilla This creamer makes my decaffeinated coffee very special. I love to wake up in the wee hours of the day and smell the aroma and my breakfast is just perfect.

Homemade Vanilla Body Scrub

As I love Vanilla, so as skin care products. Luckily, I can combine my two favorites. I found a homemade recipe in e.how.com that is effective, chemical-free and safe vanilla body scrub.

You'll need:

• A small/medium sized container with a lid that's no more than 3" tall.
• Sugar [how much depends on the amount of scrub you want]
• Olive Oil [ Just a enough to lightly coat all the sugar]
• Honey[about 3-6 spoonfuls, depending on container size]
• A large Fork
• A few drops of vanilla extract

1. Sit your container on a stable surface and fill with sugar, stopping at least a half an inch from the top. Make sure there is enough room to add the other ingredients.
2. Take your olive oil and add it to the sugar, a little at a time. You'll know you have enough when all of the sugar is completely coated and the mixture appears creamy.
3. Add the honey. Start with about 3 spoonfuls and add more if necessary. This is where the fork comes in. Blend the honey in with the olive oil and sugar mixture until it becomes slightly thick. It will probably remind you of a paste. Keep in mind it's only 3-4 ingredients and you can work with it as much as you'd like. If you want it thinner add less honey and more oil. If you want it thicker and more sugar and honey.
4. Add the vanilla extract. Blend well.
   

Alice Blue's Vanilla Sugar - a rich, creamy and sweet vanilla I love to sniff; it makes me calm and sleepy. I just love smelling my room after I lit it. The scent is still their plus it does not have that burn smell most candles possess.
































♥♥♥

Like A Queen In J&J Milk Bath

Historians believe that Cleopatra love to bathe with milk and combines it with honey, rose petals and lavender. Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, is most remembered to be the most beautiful queen in history. When I had learned this in my high school's history class, I got curious. Since then, I became a fanatic of drinking milk. As I grew older and became skin care know-it-all :), I have fallen in love with anything that has milk in it. When I tried Johnson&Johnson Milk Bath that has been in the market for quite some time with a lot of rave reviews in the top glossy magazines, I got hook. The scent alone makes me want it more, it is mildly sweet and calming. Taking bath with it and having sponge to lather it makes your bath more special. I use it at night before bedtime to take off the dirt I had accumulated outside with all the pollution. With vitamins A and E makes it more worthwhile because your skin is nourish.

Intimissimi Sexy

Italian women are one of the sexiest in the world and their new lingerie line just proves it. It is exclusively distributed by Victoria Secret  in the US so it's not available in our market. It's simplicity is very conventional yet attractive and it caters to every likeness.

Here are some of my picks that will surely make you feel sexy, confident and alluring.

If you love that fresh and carefree vibe, go for this lovely white push-up bra with microsmooth fabrics for that seamless look.


This purple piece is very regal and sexy. I love the color purple and I guess this color will complement warm to golden undertone skin. The bonus is the pockets inside cups that can hold gel inserts for that boosts which I love dearly.



The details of this plunge demi bra makes is alluring with a feminine touch of a center bow and detailed lace that also have pockets for gel inserts.


This is my favorite. Nothing beats skin tone undergarments for that sexy aura as if you're not wearing anything at all; like your second skin as what they say. The lace also adds that air of romance with pockets inside cups that can hold gel inserts for extra enhancement. Who does not want that! 

♥♥♥

Thanks Bees!

Just Recently, I googled the word honey. A lot of people swears by it's benefits from health, beauty and even weight loss. Some of my friends substitute honey for sugar, they said is much better. Honey is an ancient medicinal cure from the Greeks to the Egyptians, even Cleopatra love her honey and milk bath. So, it is not that bad to try it, especially when the honey is made organic like New Zealand's Manuka Organic Honey which is making raves in the reviews.

Weight Loss

1 tsp raw honey
2 tsp lemon juice
a glass of lukewarm water

Mix them all and take it once in the morning on an empty stomach.
This is usually taken after a big and oily meal, a simple delicious detox.

Good Digestion

a glass of non-fat of low fat milk OR 1 cup yogurt
1 tsp of honey


Yogurt is good for digestion. Honey is made up of fructose sugar molecules linked together in long chains -- fructooligosaccharide (FOS). Benefits of FOS are numerous one is: they help carry moisture through the digestive system and therefore promoting healthy bowel movements.


Anti-Blemish Mask

3 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp lemon juice

Mix all the ingredients together.

Wash your face with a mild, non-comedogenic facial wash and pat your face dry. Then apply a thin layer of the mix to your face in the same way you'd put on a facial mask. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash your face. Apply toner and moisturizer.Try it 3 times a week. Some would want to spot treat and leave the honey mixture to a blemish overnight.

The cinnamon has anti-bacterial benefits and lemon can lighten your dark spots.

Hand Mask

1/2 Avocado

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey

Combine all three.

Apply the mixture to the back of your clean hands.

Leave for 20 minutes and wash with water.

I use this twice a week and my hands remains soft and because of the lemon juice it lightens a bit.

Hair Treatment

3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
add some dried rosemary leaves if you want

*If your hair is thicker or much longer, add another tbsp. of honey and oil to the ingredients.

- Mix the honey with the olive oil.
- Make sure the oil and honey are thoroughly mixed.
- Wash hair in the normal way and towel dry.
- Massage the mixture thoroughly into the hair and wrap head in a warm towel, or use a hair dryer for 20 mins.
- Rinse hair with warm water and wash it with a good shampoo.
- This treatment is good for dry or damaged hair.

My colored treated hair became shiny and vibrant and because of the oil, it is soft to touch.

I am also trying what they called the Hibernation Honey Diet. You just drink 2 to 3 tbsp of raw honey 1 hour before you sleep. I guess the darker the honey the more antioxidant it has. It promises to help you sleep and lose weight at the same time. Well, any diet can be effective if you have an active lifestyle and you eat in moderation. But I am so hook to honey right now, I am beginning to indulge on organics.

Thank God for the Bees!

A lot of people also said that even though honey is raw or organic, you may still be allergic to it like most organic substances so try to patch test first. Put the honey or the mixture inside of your arm and see after 48 hours, if your skin reacts to it better not use it.