Life Lately

Divi Day

I told myself I'm not going to buy anything, but ended up getting a bridal bouquet and two floral crowns. The agenda is to look for gowns and check out artificial flower shops, that's all. While I'm already sold on the idea of getting fake flowers for my whole entourage, including myself, my mom always gives me a disapproving look whenever I mention it. I already told her that it's tons cheaper, looks better, and counts as another gift to my ento, a pretty home decor that won't rot! But she doesn't understand because fresh is fresh daw. I have a feeling she just wants to impress the guests because she has an image to uphold, but well, we have a budget to stick to. It's frustrating. :(

All of my gown hunts have proven to be disappointing. I have to be at least 130lbs to get a chance at scoring decent RTW gowns. Otherwise I'm running short of time to get a custom-made one. Also, we really don't have the budget for it.

Queensland vs Hizon's

I'm well aware they're not on the same level, Hizon's being a hundred steps over Queensland in terms of everything (except styling), but Queensland's rates remain to be "competitive" as far as budget is concerned. However, their customer relations is damn disappointing, so it's hard to let Hizon's go entirely even though that spells a 30k difference.

Malas lang ata ako sa agent.

Related:
Hizon's Catering Food Tasting Experience
Queensland Catering Food Tasting Experience

Writing Scam

I signed up for a writing opportunity over at a Facebook group, and eventually agreed to write for $8 per 500-word article given it's a long-running engagement. Where is my self-worth? I submitted a test article about antiviruses and is awaiting feedback (and payment), but it's been 5 days and I haven't heard anything from the damned guy. The doc I submitted has been checked and edited already (says the history panel), so I don't know what's the fuss about not even acknowledging receipt. Did I just get scammed? I know I'm not one to bother 'cos I could simply publish my own article in my own site and to heck with the customer he sold my article to. I don't care about getting duplicate warnings either, I can very well prove I own the writing. But does it really matter? How will it affect my site? Grr

Bad mood

My mood has not bettered ever since my last call with Queensland. I'm sensitive like that and will always be bothered with unresolved things. Which is why I don't wanna deal with them anymore and even possibly get a refund since they didn't stick to the price we discussed during our food tasting. I feel like I've lost all faith with them just because of how inconsistent and unaccommodating their agents are. I didn't want to entrust anything to them at all. I'm afraid with all the bad impressions I have about them, which I have publicly expressed to my blog, they would get back at me by sabotaging my wedding. The horror. They're a major supplier too so I can't let them stress me out. And they are, so I'm hating on them a lot. I don't think I could ever talk nicely to anyone from there, honestly.

The Girl with all the Gifts

Still struggling to finish it but I must say I've come to the interesting part of the book, which is their escape to Beacon - a safe place away from all the zombies (or hungries, as they call it).

Althea Korea

Someone stop me for ordering again! They have BUY3FREE1 promo that's ending in a day and I really really want to order some more products to complete my skincare regimen! Mind you, this BUY3FREE1 promo is not what you think it is. I thought it meant if I buy 2 of the same product, I'll get another one for free, but nooo. It means if I order any 4 products, I'll get the cheapest one from my cart FOR FREE.

You have to try it!

Travel, Work and Play with Targus Seoul 2017 Collection

Travel, Work and Play with Targus®

New backpack sizes in refreshing colours with the latest Seoul 2017 Collection 

PHILIPPINES, APRIL 2017 -- A leading brand in laptop cases and accessories, Targus® Inc. unveiled their Seoul 2017 Collection, the all-rounded solution to travel, work and play.

Embedded with new and advanced features, the Seoul 2017 Collection is multi-functional, making it suitable for all sorts of activities for both men and women. Reliable and highly compact, the Seoul 2017 Collection features two sizes: 15.6” and 14”. The newly launched Seoul 2017 Collection comes in four different colours that exude warmth and vibrancy.

The Seoul 2017 Collection 

Warm and Refreshing Colours 
To showcase that unique personality

With an array of colours lined up in the Seoul 2017 Collection, both men and women can expect to find one that showcases their unique personality. Inspired by urban lights, the backpacks come in two varying tones – one reminiscent of the night, giving off a trusty and matured vibe while the other a reminder of warm city lights. The 15.6" Seoul Backpack comes in three different colours – black, turquoise and rust. On the other hand, 14” Seoul Backpack comes in two varying colours – black and plum. For a modern and low-key look, opt for the backpack in black and rust. Those seeking a refreshing and delightful burst of colours will fall in love with the turquoise and plum backpacks. Furthermore, the backpacks come in printed inner lining.

Spacious Compartments 
For maximum usage

The Seoul 2017 Collection has a capacity of up to 25 litres and weighs in at 0.63kg. This series incorporates slimmer laptop and tablet pockets engineered by Targus®. A dedicated compartment is designed to fit either a laptop up to 15.6” or a 15” MacBook®. The 12.9” iPad Pro™ or other tablets can fit into the tablet pocket snuggly.

The backpack also features a spacious main storage and user-friendly workstation for gadgets such as camera, charger and other accessories. There is even a mobile charging compartment for that quick access when charging mobile gadgets on-the-go.  Side zippered pockets with gusset allow fast and convenient reach for personal items while a security hood fastens the backpack to prevent items from shifting, keeping them in place.

Relief for a Comfortable Travelling Experience 
Distribute weight evenly

Designed for all activities in mind, the Seoul 2017 Collection pays attention to details for users to work, play and travel with a peace of mind. Travelling and commuting can be tiring; and the contoured padded mesh back panel provides support for the back. Adjustable and retractable shoulder straps are fitted to allow adjustment according to one’s preference.

For travellers, there is an integrated trolley system to slot the backpack onto the luggage for convenient travel. Additionally, a hidden cushioned handle offers a dual handle design for an alternative carrying solution to make every journey more enjoyable.

Quality Materials and Finishing 
For protection of valuable items

The Seoul 2017 Collection features a 200D nylon dobby to finish off with a modern and stylish outlook. Exclusively on the 15.6” Seoul Backpack, a high quality D-ring and extra bottom padding is used to provide extra protection. Water-resistant on the shell fabric and bottom base, commute worry-free with a durable body material.  

Price and Availability

The Seoul 2017 Collection is available at ₱3,999.00 in the following stores:

SM Department Store Makati
SM Department Store Mall of Asia
SM Department Store North EDSA
SM Department Store Megamall
SM Department Store Aura
SM Department Store Cubao
Rustans Gateway
Rustans Makati
Rustans Shangri-la
Rustans Alabang Town Center
Landmark Trinoma
Cash & Carry Department Store
Plug+ Play Terminal 3

### 

About Targus® 

Targus® created the mobile accessory category with its invention of the laptop case over 30 years ago. The company continues to advance the mobile accessories category with innovative and relevant solutions for today's lifestyle. Targus products enhance productivity, connectivity, and security, liberating consumers to use their mobile devices in any and all environments with the utmost convenience and comfort. Founded in 1983, Targus’ headquarters are located in Anaheim, Calif., with offices worldwide and distribution agreements in more than 100 countries. For more information on Targus visit http://www.targus.com.

Advancing Health with Life Science

Source: unsplash.com

Right Nutrition for a healthy, fuller life

More than ever, the concept of health, fitness, and good nutrition has become increasingly in the consciousness of people today. Social media is teeming with health experts, and fitness gurus with their videos of exercises you can do anywhere, blogs and articles on healthy lifestyle and reports on the latest diets that could help you shed those extra pounds and stay healthy. But even then, most of us are still walking and living with unexplained symptoms such as rashes, migraines, body and stomach aches, and the overall vague feeling that all is not well in our bodies. And all these despite practicing “healthy living” of good diet and regular exercise. If this story sounds very close to what you are living with now, you are not alone.

Source: marijasmine.com

Meet Mari Jasmine — a model, TV host, and magazine writer. She is a girl who loves to live life to its fullest, but she also knows exactly what it feels like to live with chronic health conditions despite being fit and active with healthy habits. She has gone from one medical expert to another to find the cause of her bloating and bowel problems, skin problems that don’t go away, and regular migraines. However, all that she has to show for her trips to the doctors are bandaid solutions, medications to treat the symptoms, but not the cure for the cause of her health problems.

After a lot of research, she eventually encountered Functional Medicine, where she was able to identify and address the underlying causes of her symptoms, rather than just treating the symptoms. When Mari met with one of the doctors at LifeScience Center for Health and Wellness, they sat down and discussed her entire medical history. They took a closer look at the symptoms she was experiencing, in the context of her medical history — such as a knee surgery she had in high school. Thus Mari’s journey on the path of complete health and wellness begins.

LifeScience Center for Health and Wellness is a facility located in Bonifacio Global City that is focused on helping individuals optimize their health, through science-based approach founded in the practice of Functional Medicine. Because there is no one-size- fits-all wellness program, LifeScience designs program tailor made for the individual’s health goals. The program design takes cue from what the patient’s body is telling the Physicians, after the consultation and recommended tests results have come out.

L-R: Dr. Oyie Balburias, Mari Jasmine, and Mitch Genato

According to Dr. Rolando Balburias, LifeScience is the place for people who don’t want to get sick, and for patients with multiple health issues who have tried conventional medicine but have yet to feel whole and better, much like Mari Jasmine.

The patient’s personalized program is anchored in the Center’s four (4) Core Programs, which include the Personalized Nutrition program. The program helps the patient get into the nutrition that best works for his or her lifestyle. It determines the effect of certain food on the body, which could be causing some of the common symptoms like migraine, insomnia, chronic fatigue and declining of the immune system. “Mari Jasmine’s nutrition program helped her address some of her health issues. More importantly, she came to understand how food, though healthy, is affecting her well- being. As unique individuals, what is good for one, is not necessarily good for another,” adds Dr. Balburias.

One of the tests the center uses is the food intolerance test (FIT), which identifies the food items that you should be avoiding, those that you should take with caution, and those that are good for you. The FIT guides the patient in making smart choices on food so your body can maximize its nutritional benefits.

“Good health starts with what we eat, in our gut. If you are constantly experiencing symptoms like bloating, leaky gut, migraines, fatigue, high-blood pressure, skin issues and others, checking your diet is a good starting point to address them,” stressed Dr. Balburias. “Food is medicine. Eating right, choosing nutritious food helps the body heal itself, and perform at its optimum.”

The other core programs are reverse chronic disease program, weight and metabolic management and inherited disease screening and intervention.

Presently, LifeScience is encouraging individuals to get on the road to living healthy by offering the Food Intolerance Test at P9,900.00 and P12,400.00 package rates, for a limited time.

The P9,900.00 FIT package includes results evaluation with a Nutritionist Dietitian, while the P12,400.00 FIT package includes a primary consultation with a Physician, a Body Composition Analysis (BCA), doctor’s evaluation of the FIT and BCA results, consult with a Nutritionist Dietitian, and consult with a fitness coach.

More information about LifeScience Center for Health and Wellness is available at www.lifescience.ph.

 # # #

About LifeScience

The LifeScience Center for Health and Wellness is an integrative facility that is committed to advancing and optimizing your health. We are a program-based center that practices a science-based approach called Functional Medicine. By creating programs based on your specific health goals, we are able to directly address your concerns with the exact type of nutrition, movement, and medically advanced treatments and testing suited to the needs of your body.

LifeScience is located 8F Accra Law Tower, 2 nd Avenue corner 30 th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and maybe contacted through (+632) 828-LIFE (5433).

Swamped

I just hit a different kind of low at work today. According to my notebook I have six active applications to work on which are due tomorrow til next week and I have totally no drive to work on them. The only motivation I have is this weird sense of wanting to tick them off my to-do list just because I wrote them down (now isn't that helpful), but nothing grand like me wanting to do well on all of them. Which is perfectly normal I thiiiink. I just want to get them over with and fast forward to the weekend, which sadly isn't all that promising given this calendar event I got just now that spells weekend work.

So, lots of things to do + a frkn weekend work = 2 counts of low.

And there's more.

People are resigning. I mentioned our company is in quite a bad shape. Client acquisition is terrible, and people are not meeting their deliverables. The stink of all that has trickled down to our salaries, our bonuses, our incentives, our livesss charot. I can feel the morale of the people in this building dropping as days go by without news of when they're crediting the mythical performance bonus. Only God knows how long we can hold up. LOL did I just say we? That's the most loyal I can be.

3 down.

I'm broke. That's 4.

I'm a jobless freelancer right now.

5

So I'm keeping myself busy updating my portfolio with my recently concluded projects. Check it out! It's so fun doing mockups! But it sucks when you can't even download the PSDs because #blocked.

Aaaaargh.

Okay, let's stop with the negativity.

Back to "work".

[Review] Laneige Essential Care Trial Set - Moisture

My usual skin care routine can be summed up in 0 steps. My face is lucky if it even gets a splash of water before going to bed. So yep, I don't do skin care. At least not before I got paranoid that I won't look my best on my wedding day. So last month I decided to change. I googled for skin care tips and specific products a total noob like me would need. And that's when I found out about Laneige.

To be fair, I'm not completely ignorant about skin care products. I know what a facial wash is, what a toner does, and what a moisturizer is supposed to do (you know, moisturize). Heck I sold Avon and Mary Kay for some time so I can answer the basics. My problem with routines is the word itself, ROUTINES. I'm averse to it, specifically those that would do me good (ie. working out, eating healthy, sleeping early), because don't we all subconsciously wanna die early? Kidding.

Anyway. My googling led me to Korean skin care and how obsessed they are with it. I told myself I just needed a basic 3-step routine that's proven effective, but what have you, they have up to 10 15. I prepared myself for it, after all, I only have a few months to work on my skin. If I had to do 20 steps - bring it on. LOL JK.

Back to the products...

The Laneige Essential Care Trial Set (Moisture) comes with a pouch containing 6 products. In order of usage:

1. Multi Cleanser_EX (facial wash)
2. Essential Power - Skin Refiner (~toner)
3. Essential Balancing - Emulsion (facial lotion)
4. Water Bank  - Essence_EX (serum)
5. Water Bank - Moisture Cream (moisturizer)
6. Water Sleeping Mask (mask)

The Moisture variant is for dry to normal skin. They also have a Light variant which is for combination to oily skin. I'm supposed to get the Light one but they only have it in full sized so nope, trial muna para sure!

How to use:

Suggested use is twice daily, morning and night, but I only do it once a day - in the morning before going to sleep because I work the night shift. With my usage, this pack could last a month. I'm not sure how long exactly but my set is about to get empty na and it's been a month pa lang hehe.

1 month of trial is already enough to make me a believer in this set. It really works especially with moisturizing the skin!

Okay,

1. Multi Cleanser_EX

First, wash your face using the Multi Cleanser_EX, then pat dry with a towel. I love it because it really cleans my face, seryoso! I also feel whiter after washing haha. Squeaky clean finish but not dry hehe. This reminds of me of one of Pond's facial washes.

2. Essential Power - Skin Refiner

Next, the toner! Well, the Skin Refiner isn't exactly a toner but it acts and smells like one. It's very watery in consistency so sorry for the preview, that's the best shot I got haha. But actually compared to other toners I've tried (Eskinol and Olay), this one's thicker and lathers smoothly on the face. I looooove it. This isn't alcohol-free but it's not too strong so that's good!

Normally you'd douse a cotton ball (or cotton pad na ba uso ngayon? haha) with the product and wipe your face clean, but I feel like I'm wasting too much product with that so I put it on my face first and spread it evenly before wiping it clean with a cotton ball.

You'd be surprised at how it's able to pick up some more dirt from your face even after washing!

3. Essential Balancing - Emulsion

I don't know what to call this at first but it definitely looks like a lotion of sorts. So yeah, let's call it that. After wiping your face clean with the skin refiner, get a pea sized of this and spread it evenly on your face, massaging it while you do, until it settles in and is almost dry.

The reason I do this routine before going to sleep is that the products tend to pile too much on my face that it looks too dewy and sticky. It could be that I'm using too much products, or that it's actually okay on dry skin (which I don't have), I don't know haha.

The Emulsion is probably something I'd take out of the routine once the pack is empty since I'm not really suffering from super dry skin. But if you are, by all means don't skip this step!

4. Water Bank - Essence_EX

After the Emulsion sets on your skin, it's time to move to the serum! The Water Bank - Essence_EX is like a moisturizer that is lighter, more watery, and more concentrated too. It comes in a cute glass pump bottle that I like but it's hard to know how much is left unless you twist it open. I get 4-6 pumps of this and just like the Emulsion, I spread it evenly across my face, including my neck and back of it too, massaging it 'till it sinks in and almost dries. It dries faster because it's lighter hehe and I can feel it getting absorbed quickly into my skin too.

In real life I'm loo lazy to wait for them to dry so I end up piling them on top of each other lol. Oh, that explains the wet look I'm complaining about on the previous step HAHA.

This is a key product. Do not skip this. The serum is the miracle worker in any Korean skincare, so you should invest in it once you've found the one that works best on your skin. 

5. Water Bank - Moisture Cream

After the Essence, it's time to lock all the products in with the Water Bank - Moisture Cream. It's one heavy moisturizer. It's white and thick and just like the previous two, you get a pea sized amount of it and spread it evenly 'til it dries.

And that's it! On regular days, I do only 1-5. The last product is reserved only once a week, and replaces steps 4 and 5.

6. Water Sleeping Mask

Every Sunday I use the Water Sleeping Mask because it's the only day I'm sure to get a lot of sleep, hence more time for the products to work wonders on my skin. According to the literature, the Sleeping Mask is used after the Emulsion, so if you're using this, skip the Serum and the Moisturizer.

This water mask is also thick, but like a gel haha. It's cool on the skin and smells nice too! I would use it in lieu of the Moisture Cream but this one's too expensive to use daily hahahuhu.

Price and Availability

The Laneige Essential Care Trial Set costs ₱1,995 at local Laneige stores (bought mine at Trinoma). Other branches: Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Ermita, SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia.

I can say it's effective because in just a month my skin feels and looks more hydrated. Jeckie has been complimenting me a lot lately too and I can only attribute it to these products. Plus, I'm also drinking a lot of water na rin, as in 2 liters a day. Really helps!

The price is pretty hefty for me but it's a great way to sample their products without risking any regrets buying the full sized ones 'cos that's more than ₱1k per bottle rin no! This also gave me an idea what to purchase next. Oh yeah, you don't have to get entire set the next time, just pick the ones that work for you. Remember that the basic routine is to cleanse, tone, and moisturize - and the rest are all nice to have na lang! But I would say get a serum parin! Honestly I kinda want to have to whole set, plus an eye cream, but later na when I have more budget! HAHA

Oh wait, I skip the routine when I'm down with colds because my nose becomes super sensitive. Actually, it still is and I find these products too scent-y for my taste, pero I'm enduring it haha kasi... hala bakit nga ba?

Pero yung totoo as much as I want to repurchase, I'm still in this experimental stage where I want to try out a lot of products to know what works best for my skin. I love this line though, but I want a set with a milder scent, or none at all haha.

Okay, ipon ipon muna.

Shop your favorite Korean beauty products!

If you're looking for full sized bottles of these, get them online instead because they're much cheaper. I'm about to restock from Althea because it offers the best deals. BeautyMNL also carries Laneige but it's more expensive and always out of stock. Also, Althea ships their products straight from Korea and offers free shipping for orders worth ₱2000 and up! :)

Sign up using my referral link and let's enjoy the discounts together!

Any skin care products you can recommend? :)

Finding the Best Wedding Gown Silhouette for your Body Shape

When I started wedding gown hunting, I pinned a lot of styles and inspirations from Pinterest, Google, and even online shops like Chic Mall. The result is a board overflowing with all my dream dresses. It was randomly arranged, no specific cut, theme, or fabric in mind. I just pinned those I thought would look good on me, or so I thought.

When the real hunt began, I became more and more disappointed with my choices. Everything I thought was pretty looked hideous with my body. 

This would be easier if I had booked a designer for my gown, but since I'm a budgetarian bride and is keen on saving money by renting or buying RTW instead, I had to do my own research.

So here are the most common body types and the corresponding styles that would flatter such figures. Let's start with mine!

1. Hourglass

LELZ. I'd like to think I'm the fat version of the hour-glass, 'cos according to my BCA (Body Composition Analysis), all my fats are distributed equally to all my limbs. This body type has a balanced top and bottom half, and a defined waist. A-Line gowns would work well on this body shape, it's narrow at the top and extends out to an A shape, hence the name.

Source: http://www.chicmall.de/long-evening-dresses-c128486/

It's flattering on almost any shape type making it the popular silhouette of choice.

2. Pear

Source: 21zero.com, casarurallietor.com

Like the fruit itself, the bottom half is bigger than the top half. And because your hips are wider than your shoulders, ball gown skirts work best with this body type as it hides your hips and focuses on your top.

3. Apple

Full breasts, rounder hips and butt, and a bit of a tummy - if this is you then you've got an apple shaped body.

hochzeitsfeier schulterfreien weißen chic & moderne reißverschluss fallen bis sommer, bodenlangen kleid

This body type works best with empire cuts as it emphasizes your bust and cuts your waist. A-Lines would work well on you too!

4. Inverted Triangle

The ideal shape for me only because I think they look sporty and fit! If your bottom half is smaller than your top, have little definition on the waist and hips, and have a straight and squared shoulder line - this could be you! My tip? Get a mermaid dress!

Mermaid gowns fit snugly to your body, highlighting your curves perfectly. It's fit on the waist and flares below the hips or down the knee, giving it a fish tail effect.

5. Rectangle

If you think that you don't have a lot of curves, have no defined waist, with your hips and shoulders approximately of the same width, then you most likely fall in this category. 

Source: dresses-for-wedding.com, groupdress.com

For rectangle shaped bodies, it's advisable to wear sheath type dresses. They're designed to fit close to the shape of your body. It's simple, comfortable to wear, and very easy to move around in, unlike other gowns with tons of layers!

---

If you're still unsure, don't be afraid to go out and try a lot of dress types and see what flatters you most. The most important thing is that you're happy with gown and comfortable too! Happy preps!

Demotivated

This week was sooooo full of negative vibes. Let's start last week

Friday

While we were out to fetch my mom at the airport, our helper (almost!) fell victim to dugo dugo gang. Someone called home claiming my dad got into a car accident and was hiding, while my mom was in the hospital severely injured. Our helper broke down completely and thus fell into the caller's trap and did the following:

• destroyed my mom's drawer containing all her jewelry and an envelope full of cash (na tigbe-bente lang at least)
• unplugged all phone lines at home and also turned off her cellphone when she went out
• agreed to not tell anyone especially my titos and titas because they might get worried
• wrapped the packaged three times! 2 times over a plastic bag, then further sealed with tons of masking tape
• met up with the caller at Ever Gotesco Commonwealth footbridge to hand over the package.

THANKFULLY, the meeting didn't happen as our helper felt restless while waiting at the bridge and the heat of the sun got her so itchy daw so she went home na lang. Yehey! When she got back she was beyond surprised to find we're already there and when she saw my mom her jaw dropped and told her how she's about to give all of her jewelry to a stranger! 

Saturday 

Was okay. We went to Chungdam Bridal Boutique to try out gowns. I liked a couple of dresses I wore but it's still beyond our budget so we'll see haha. Sunday

Was so-so. We finally reserved with Queensland, and even though I have a lot of reservations with them, go parin kasi Hizon's is so out of budget na for us and we couldn't find a better deal. Later that day we recomputed our wedding budget and while it looked okay, nakatipid nga kami, I was a bit disappointed that we still had to find a lot of other suppliers to cover for Queensland lack of options and insane delivery charges. Actually I'm trying to outsource as much as possible just to avoid dealing with them argh. 

Related: Queensland Catering Food Tasting Experience

Monday

The company held a town hall meeting revealing how bad we performed as a whole last year, and validated our hunches that we're not getting much in terms of bonus and incentives this year. F Duterte and Trump for scaring away our clients. So as you can see, that and the fact that our infra changed networks resulting to all of my favorite sites getting blocked, the working environment for me is getting a bit super sour. I have lost all motivation to work and is seriously considering leaving already. I've got my resume updated and has browsed a couple of openings at Jobstreet but most of the companies who got in touch with me are all from either Makati of McKinley, and I ain't got any more life left in me to journey there.

Tuesday and Wednesday

I still have no motivation to work whatsoever. The only seemingly productive things I did this week was help my younger team mates debug their scripts. Other than that I feel totally useless and not in the mood to do anything.

Today
I got up early in hopes of playing badminton but none of the courts are open, so I just hung around at Jeckie's 'til dinner. Then I decided to come to the office early so I could finally work on the scripts that are bound to kick my ass next week.... and yeah, that's what I'm struggling to do until now. T___T