Chasing Bernadette

I got acquainted with organic beauty products about four years ago. I'm naturally inclined to go for the more natural and organic choices since I also advocate environmental causes and animal-free testing. I'm far from being 100% organic, and I don't think I will be anytime soon due to availability, affordability and variance. Organic food, cosmetics, health and beauty products are harder and more costly to produce, hence, producers find it more difficult to be competitive in their prices. But in the following years, I became witness to how organic products in the Philippines improve dramatically in variety of offering, retailing and even with their prices. Some of my favorites are Ilog Maria, Venus & Mars Naturals, Milea All Organics and Echo Store.

But when it comes to affordability and availability, Human Heart Nature always comes to mind. I've tried a handful of their products, from shampoo and conditioners to facial wash, toners and moisturizers, down to lip balms and hair styling creams. Their customer promise of being pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment has always appealed to my personal beliefs. The products I've tried performs okay, but the ones that really worked miracles are the HHN Tomato Facial Wash and Toner. I've used them a few years back and it solved the tightness and roughness of my skin, especially on the sides of my nose. I can't remember when and why I stopped using them. I probably became attracted to new products or effective marketing campaigns. Yup, sounds like me. ;-)

From what I remember, the HHN Tomato Facial Wash and Toner came in brown, flatter, dark plastic bottles. I recently rediscovered it in its new packaging. I immediately grabbed one from the Rustan's Supermarket alley to road test an old love. Is it better? Is it the same? Scroll down to see. :)

LIKES:

Still very affordable at Php 99.00 for the 100 ml bottle
Aside from ordering online or through registered dealers, some HHN products are also being sold in retail outlets like Rustan's supermarket. So convenient!
Smells yummy! I'm not sure why, but it smells of bubble gum and is not tomato-ey at all.
No sting and no redness which are usually brought by alcohol based toners. This is 100% alcohol free.
All organic, no harmful chemicals, no animal testing, no threat to the environment. In short, it's the kinder choice.
Like the old version, it still makes my skin oh-so-soft and well-moisturized. It helps a lot with the stubborn white heads on my nose. :) I can't vouch for it now, but it also has anti-aging properties. Better to be sure than sorry. As with anything, especially aging, prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.
No breakouts

DISLIKES:

It makes my skin super duper oily than it already is. Maybe it's the highly moisturizing and nourishing formula, but as far as I can remember, this didn't happen with the old version. At first I thought it was just because of the humidity, but I use it also before bedtime. Despite the AC, I still have unacceptable oily face in the morning.
The cap broke the first time I opened it. I hope it doesn't happen all the time?

So is it better? I still prefer the old formula. But this product really works in toning and nourishing the face and it feels so nice on the skin. I think it's really more suited for normal and sensitive skin, so perhaps I should get the HHN Elemi and Orange aka Balancing Toner next time since it's suited for oily or combination skin (ay yay!) I will keep you posted!

But if you have dry, tired and sensitive skin, I'm that certain you will benefit from the HHN Tomato toner. It's inexpensive, organic, readily available, pro-poor and cruelty-free. There's nothing to loose so try it soon. :) Go. Now! :)

To know more and order Human Heart Nature,visit http://humanheartnature.com.

As I say in corporate emails, hope this helps! :)

From the Nook,

Dang

*This is NOT a sponsored post

I just got home from a 5-day midyear break, roaming around the cozy city of Dumaguete (read why this is one of my favorite places HERE ) and the mystic and charming province of Siquijor. It's a bittersweet feeling I have as I type this, half awake, and in the midst of the usual somber that travelers feel each time a journey ends. But hey, I always try to be an advocate of positivity and a warrior of happiness, and so I gave myself a firm shake and focused on the brighter side of things. Hence, an addition to my Gratitude List.

First, I'm grateful to have traveled once again, and how it has fulfilled me not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. I'm happy to have kept my promise to return to the city of gentle people, after it successfully wooed me in 2011. It also felt good to be charmed by the beauty of Siquijor, after the many wonderful, mystic and enchanting stories from friends. (Hi, Joyce!)

Second, while I admit to feeling less excited to go back to work after an awesome vacation, I'm ever grateful to have a good job that enables me to travel. After all, we won't appreciate holidays if not for the everyday pedestrian worries - work included.

Third, I'm always happy that after every travel, I come back to a home and not just a house. My mom made us a splendid dinner and my spoiled dog was less snobbish. I guess they all missed me!

I'll post more of my #DumagueteandSiquijorChronicles soon, but let me share with you with a simple OOTD photo. It's my take on being fashionable yet comfortable enough to travel, locally at least. :)

Top: Old Navy

Denims: Penshoppe

Bag: Payless (gift)
Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Necklace: Freedom Manila

Bracelets: Gift from Guam and an old DIY piece

Slippers: Old Navy (gift)

Let's nail the rest of the week, shall we? :)

Tired, tanned and back in the nook,

Dang

Ola! I'm always extra giddy when it's Friday. Giddy enough to wear a colorful maxi skirt and braid my hair to the side. Maybe it's because I met my blogger friends last night after a long long while (Hi, Tara, Jheng, Shen, Phoebe and Martha!). Or maybe because I was pleasantly surprised to see that #MyRoadToRiches made it to the list of popular posts. It only means that my campaign to gain financial freedom and my journey to be truly abundant where it matters is affecting quite a number of followers. Second, it also means that my readers, aside from reading about beauty and lifestyle, are also interested about more serious things like finances. I knew you guys are a beautiful and smart bunch! :)

So, today I'll share with you one simple thing that can affect your financial health greatly - TRACK YOUR EXPENSES. The only way you can manage your money really well down to the last centavo is to jot it down in paper, or in our case, in our computers. Otherwise, you'll find yourself thinking where your 13th month bonus go, and never really know the answer. Don't be like me, I learned it the hard way!

Just to be clear, I'm not a financial expert. I have no background in finance whatsoever. I just happen to be really OC on things including my finances. I like Math when it involves money. :D

Below is a simple template I use to track where my money goes. This is of course, a sanitized version. I removed the actual names of the institutions I pay. But for easier reference, fixed percentage of my income goes to the items highlighted in green (I call it MUSTS buckets), monthly bills are in blue and additional/extra or once-off expenses in purple.

GREEN (Musts Buckets):

Working Allowance - 20%
Investments - 10%
Savings - 5%
Play - 5%
Share - 5%

BLUE (Monthly Bills):

House Rent
Credit Cards
Big ticket purchase
Phone/DSL
Mobile

PURPLE (Add-on expenses):

This can vary monthly, but this is where things like Driver's License renewal fee, birthday gifts or shopping will fall.

Just to note, I don't necessarily spend my PLAY allocation every month. The funds under this can be rolled over monthly until you get enough for let's say, an out of town trip. It's also best to have separate bank accounts for different funds. In my case, I have:

Savings Account
Emergency Fund
Play/Travel Fund

My goal is to have separate account for my RETIREMENT fund when I'm more able. For now, my retirement depends on my insurance/investment which is being handled by a financial institution. I suggest you seek professional guidance on what investment is right for you. There are plenty with various risk levels! Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds etc. Visit Sun Life Financial Philippines or PRU Life UK for help.

If you want to get a copy of my very humble expense tracker template, just drop me an email at dang_villanueva@yahoo.com and I'll send it to you soonest. You may customize it according to your needs/goals.

Have a great time tracking your expenses. Believe me, you will value your money better when you know exactly where it goes. Happy weekend, everyone, and thanks for reading this geeky post. :)

From the Nook,
Dang

I have a love-hate relationship with liquid foundation. I love how it's still the best way to achieve a flawless, well put together look. Since I have lots of skin imperfections - acne scars, discoloration, dark spots name it - a good, well-blended liquid foundation is the closest I can get to achieve a clearer, mode even canvass for the rest of my makeup. On the other hand, I don't like using it everyday as I find it heavy for my skin and tedious to do each morning. If I had it my way, meaning, if I have a really flawless skin, I will get away with just brow pencil/powder, blush and lipstick. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. So I use mineral foundation or powder foundation on normal days, and reserve their liquid sisters on more special days when I need more coverage that will last long hours.

I recently got hold of Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Fresh Beige. This product promises to feel light on skin and to last up to 24 hours. Revlon is an established drugstore brand and one of their better products is foundation so it's worth a try. Here's what I think about Revlon Colorstay:

LIKES:

Feels light enough on skin for all day use
Comes in normal/dry and normal/oily skin variants
A whole lot of shades to choose from - I used 250 in Fresh Beige
With SPF 15, though I still apply sunblock prior because SPF 15 is not enough. I follow the minimum SPF 30 rule.
A little goes a long long way. A bottle will probably last me months even with daily use.
Scent is a bit strong but not bothering, but I still prefer fragrance-free makeup
Stays on skin the whole day, around 10-12 hours. I haven't tested its 24-hour promise because the last thing I want is to have makeup on for 24 hours straight! :-P
Medium to heavy coverage, easy to glide on skin and buildable
Covers imperfections quite well
No breakouts

DISLIKES:

Bottle has no pump which is not hygienic and is prone to spills and product wastage. Case in point, I spilled some on my office chair the first time I opened it. Shhh. (It's a bit watery than MAC Studio Fix)
Some may find this pricey for a drugstore brand at around Php 800. As mentioned, a little goes a long way so may be worth the price.
Be careful not to apply too much as this can be mask-y and appear pale and ghostly on photos, wrong foundation or too much of it is the perfect ingredient for photo disasters. A big no!

I personally like Revlon Colorstay because it dries matte and does feel light on my oily skin. Just make sure to set it well with foundation or finishing powder to look fresh longer. Using a primer will definitely help for longer day-to-night affairs. I also get the amount of coverage I want enough to cover dark spots and redness without caking. I apply this with either a stiff foundation brush, a stippling brush or simply my ring finger and all work just fine.

Will I repurchase? Sure, but not anytime soon as the 30 ml bottle will probably last me a long time. But when I do, I'll get the next darker shade after 250/Fresh Beige especially that I haven't recovered to my natural skin color after getting beach-tanned last summer.

Have you tried this foundation? How did it fare? Did it pass your test? I want to hear so shout out what you think below.

Happy Sunday, beautiful ones! Stay tuned for my next post. My favorite thing in the world - travel. :)

From the Nook,

Dang

Ola! Dropping a quick note to share the exciting news from BYS and Sample Room. Are you into glam, glitter and funky nail art? Then you still have 5 days to show your talent and join the BYS contest in Facebook. How about doing a nail art party with your girlfriends this weekend and submit your work as a team? :)

How to Join:

Sign up at the Glitter For Nails Contest on http://wwwfacebook.com/BYSPhilippines
Upload a photo of your nail artwork using the BYS Glitter For Nails.
Wait for a notification that your work has made it to the Voting period.
Ask your friends to like your nail artwork!

The lovelies from Sample Room on the other hand prepared some luxurious treats for July. From Shu Uemura, Pevonia down to Shiseido, they got you covered. So head on to the page to grab your samples or simply share the news and love to your friends! :)

To grab a sample, CLICK HERE.

Special thanks to Shen and Sophie for the good news on a busy Thursday! :)

From the Nook,
Dang

During a an out of town trip with my younger cousins, I was surprised to see them go to bed without removing their makeup. It was a long day of beach bumming and partying so I guess they were simply too tired to go over the whole shebang of removing makeup, cleansing, toning and moisturizing their faces. Lucky for them because they're blessed with really nice skin, which they really have to take care of BTW. Not so lucky for me because I can never go to bed without cleansing my face at the very least. Not only do I feel gross going to bed without washing away the oil and dirt that accumulated the whole day, but also because my skin is sensitive and acne-prone that I would probably be counting pimples the next day. Boo.

So, being the big ate, I scolded them the next day, and like a true blue beauty geek, lectured them on the importance of removing makeup and the basic cleanse-tone-moisturize ritual. Here's why you should always, always remove your makeup before sleeping.

Removing makeup and cleansing your face before bedtime will freshen your skin and allow it to breathe and detoxify.
Our body naturally regenerates while we sleep. Our skin renews itself by shedding dead skin cells. Cleansing your face will help this natural process
Makeup can clog your pores if not removed properly, causing pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
Aside from breaking out, your skin can also get nasty infections from bacteria buildup
Eye mascara, when not removed properly, may cause lash breakage, or worse, eye infections
You don't want your makeup all over your pillow, don't you?
Lastly, it feels nicer and more relaxing to sleep with a fresh, clean face

Tips on removing your makeup and cleansing your skin:

Use oil based makeup removers for waterproof makeup (mascaras, eyeliners, lipstick) I personally tried L'Oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover, Maybelline Makeup Remover (both a combination of clear and blue liquid ), Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils and Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Cleansing Oil. All of the above works pretty nicely, but my favorite is still Shu. :) If you're on the budget, baby oil can do the trick.
It's best to wash or rinse your face with warm water after using makeup removers. It will wash away traces of oil and freshen and hydrate your skin.
Don't rub too hard especially on the eye area as this can cause wrinkles. Rub your face with cotton or wash cloth in gentle, circular motion.
After cleansing, apply your favorite toner and moisturizer to condition your pores and lock in moisture. You can use special treatment products like anti-aging or whitening serums before moisturizing.
Lastly, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep to give your skin ample time to rest and renew!

My current makeup remover is Celeteque Anti-wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil. It does the job of removing stubborn makeup, but I can't afford not to wash it off with soap and water nor use it as leave on because I find this ultra rich for my already oily skin.

Almost clean. After this, I proceed with washing my face with Acne Aid soap, toning with Human Heart Nature Tomato toner, applying L'Oreal Youth Code Serum or Celeteque Anti-Aging Capsules and finishing off with Human Heart Nature Sunflower Oil. Who says it's easy to be a girl?

I'd rather see all of the dirt and makeup on cotton pads than my pillow. To think I was only wearing very light makeup that day.

Make removing makeup a daily habit, okay? Better safe and clean than sorry and pimply. ;-) TGIF!

From the Nook,
Dang

Emotional roller coaster is an understatement. I was in a turmoil over strings of grown up problems, baggage and compromised values. It felt like the movies, where people and relationships break apart before your very eyes. Only this time, it was I on the lead role. I packed my bags and decided on giving up the code I've always been keen about: Family.

But the Big Man above has other plans. I've always considered myself blessed being surrounded by family and friends, but I only get to realize the extent of this in times when I reach the dead end. It doesn't happen very often, but it does. And life has a funny way of hurting you in the right places, of putting out all the positive sense you've mustered through the years. But somehow, I ended up in the company of good people. People with undeniable wisdom and (family) values indicative of their calibre. I felt weak and vulnerable, but I didn't mind. I was humbled. It actually felt good.

To all the people who pointed me to the right directions, who went out of their comfort zones and told me what I needed (and not wanted) to hear straight to my face, THANK YOU. You know who you are.

As much as I like using all-natural and organic products all the time, there are instances when only commercial or medical grade products can do the job. Such is the case with my hair. It's always been nice and healthy, but I do get occasional bouts with dandruff and hair fall. Dandruff which is due to my hyperactive oil glands and hair fall which is from stress, chemical exposure and weird enough, change of temperature, fully aware that Philippines only have hot and hotter weather.

It's been another round of hair fall problems the past months and a good look at my hair care habits and I isolated the possible root cause:

1. Hair dye
2. Strong shampoo

Just in the nick of time, my best friend messaged me on Facebook asking if I'll be interested to join a blogger engagement with Human Heart Nature (HHN). Since I've been an organic products fan, and HHN user, too, I happily accepted the invitation. Through the lovely girls of HHN (Hello, Rebi and Lyra!), I got reintroduced to their new and improved version of their all-natural shampoo and conditioner. I tried a different variant ages ago, which I didn't felt hiyang because it caused me dandruff. But I kept my hopes high for this one. The new, nicer packaging didn't hurt either.

I tried the HHN Lush Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner and here are my observations:

Yum as candy! :)

LIKES:

Made from all natural ingredients. Trust me, I read labels over and over again.I appreciate how they include info on where they derived the ingredients i.e. derived from rice, corn, coconut
No harmful chemicals like SLS/SLES or parabens
Gentle on human skin and hair, better for the environment as it's 100% biodegradable
Cruelty free -- meaning, no animal product or testing
Smells sweet, making shampooing a more pleasurable, sensorial experience rather than just a normal routine
The conditioner did a great job in softening and smoothening my hair. I had no trouble combing after bath
Soothes my scalp
Lessened my hair fall a bit
Affordable, as low as Php 44.00 for the 50ml bottle
Proudly Pinoy made

DISLIKES

The sweet, candy-like smell may not appeal to all, and scent doesn't last all day
The shampoo doesn't lather well so don't expect bubbles that you get from commercial brand
Maybe best to have a more squeezable bottle especially for the conditioner

The HHN Lush Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner are really meant to work best together, like one can't do without the other. Personally, it's the perfect break for my hair, a breathing time from all the harsh chemicals I get from non-organic products. It's great as clarifying shampoo and conditioner which I look forward to use every weekend. It feels like strip down-chemicals-from-my-hair kind of spa. :)

Patronize Pinoy products and visit their website for more information.

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone! Thanks for visiting my site. :)

From the Nook,
Dang

*Products were provided to the author for review

I visited Dumaguete to try my luck and find a pawikan in their natural habitat in Apo Island. No matter how tempting swimming with the butandings (whaleshark) may sound, I did my homework and learned about the negative effects of this tourism to the lives and natural habits of these gentle marine creatures. (They become dependent on feeding and eventually weaken their hunting abilities, associate all boats to feeding time, hence they get too close and injure themselves with propellers etc.) So I packed my bags, bought new water pouches and snorkel and booked a day trip to Apo Island. Unfortunately, the skies didn't agree with me (again). The hostel's weekend trip to the island was cancelled due to heavy rains and thunderstorms. On my second day in Dumaguete, I made a call and went ahead with plan B: stop whining, jump on a ferry and visit Siquijor.

Siquijor is a small island province located in the Central Visayas Region. This island has long been labeled as a land of witchcraft and sorcery, featured in several Pinoy horror movies. Others may find this scary, but I personally think it adds to the character and charm of the province. I spent two days in the island, and it felt like being transported to a different era where the roads are huge and almost always empty, most business (meaning sari-sari stores and few, small food places) close at seven or eight and crabs, not stray cats, cross the streets. I loved it!

Here are my journal notes from my #SiquijorChronicles. If you're on the lookout for pristine beaches, rich marine life and want to escape the noisy city life, this is the place for you.

Going to Siquijor from Dumaguete City is a breeze. There are numerous fast crafts traveling to and from daily with trips as early as 5am to as late as 7pm. You can check the schedules HERE, but they change the schedules sometimes so best to check from the pier. Dumaguete pier is right in the heart of the city along the Rizal Boulevard so it's easy to find. There are several fast crafts but I prefer Ocean Jet because they have newer, bigger boats. Fare is about Php 160.00/person/way. There are fast crafts and RORO from Cebu, Bohol and other provinces, too.

We arrived at Siquijor port in less than an hour, and boy, the waters in the pier is already so blue and sparkling clear, I had to fight the urge to jump!

The best way to wander around Siquijor is via motorbike. There's few public transportation available other than tricycles which can rip you off. It's better to rent a scooter for Php 300/day if you know how to drive. Unlike in Dumaguete where they will ask for your license and wearing helmet is a must, the folks here are very "relaxed". But be responsible and make sure to be always on the legal and safe side.

We took this short cut from the town of Larena to Maria, in search of the famed Salagdoong beach. The road goes through steep mountains and ravines so be extra careful, but it's rustic and extremely beautiful and definitely worth the shot.

Siquijor island is pretty small and you can actually drive around the whole island in a day. Beach hopping is also very easy. Just be ready to be a "cowboy" since there are only few decent facilities in their public beaches like Salagdoong in Maria (above). They also have man-made slides and platforms for cliff diving, though I prefer if they leave the rock formations alone. It's beautiful as is!

We had to drive wet (and got dried) on our way to the next beach. It's cold, I got wind burns and my hair's a mess, but hell, it's fun! So loosen up a bit and leave your worldly cares behind. ;-)

Siquijor also boasts of very rich marine sanctuaries and dive sites in almost every town. So for licensed scuba divers, you might want to keep Siquijor in your list.

If you're into history and culture, visit the old church and bell tower of St. Francis de Assisi right in front of Siquijor port. They also have the massive convent and St. Isidore de Labrador Church in Lazi.

I didn't have enough time to go spelunking or visit the old enchanted Balete tree but I guess these are good reasons to go back.

Since we're also feeling a bit romantic, we went to Coco Grove Beach Resort in San Juan, one of the more luxurious resorts in the island and capped the day with a candle light dinner by the beach. It was a good night talking about colors, the other side of the world and the years to come.

With my favorite travel buddy, J.

That was a long post! Thinking about this trip gets me giddy already. I can't wait for my next adventure. Come explore the Philippines. Happy traveling! :)

From the Nook,
Dang

It's been raining most of the long weekend and Labuyo is no ordinary typhoon given its wind speed. Rainy season in my part of the world (sunny Philippines) usually starts in June, but we're not spared from climate change that we get sunny mornings but really wet afternoons and nights lately. Then comes floods, heavy traffic, long lines in the terminal and all sorts of commuter nightmares. Don't fret; instead, be smart and be ready with these rainy day commuter must haves.

1. Umbrella

This is the number 1, no brainer rule. Every morning, my mom tirelessly asks me if I have my umbrella with me. It should be a bag staple because you need it, rainy or not, period. I know people in High School who thinks bringing umbrella is so not cool. Wait 'til they're soaking wet, and let's decide who looks cool now. Tip: Don't scrimp. Buy a good quality one that will last the summer heat and windy/rainy days.

2. Jackets/Hoodies

We should dress appropriately any day, but most especially on rainy days. Be ready with freezing AC in the office, or the shuttle air con blasting on your face with some extra fabric. There are lots of stylish and office-appropriate cardigans and dressy jackets, or you can play with layering and colorful scarves, too. If you're feeling extra playful, check out these cute Happy Hoodies, though make sure you wear it during dress downs and no-client-interface days. :D

Photo from Happy Hoodies Philippines

3. Hand Sanitizer/Disinfectant

Don't compromise your health and safety during rainy season. It's the time of the year when virus and other disease are easily transmitted. Aside from your daily dose of vitamins (I take 500-1000mg Vitamin C everyday), be sure to have a hand sanitizer and/or disinfectant in your purse all the time. Commuters are especially exposed to germs and viruses in public transportation like shuttles, trains and buses so it's always best to spray some disinfectant every time you handle money (fare), hand rails, MRT posts, etc. Of course, wash your hands with soap and water AS SOON as you get the chance.

I prefer using alcohol that has moisturizers to prevent skin dryness and peeling. The new Rhea alcohol has moisturizers and smells like baby cologne! :)

4. Jelly Flats

Don't you hate it when rain ruins your favorite shoes? I've been a victim of this several times, and I don't want to waste any more of my ~~babies~~ shoes, so I bought some pretty Jelly Flats from SM Department Store. It's soft and comfy and most of all, super affordable at only Php 300.00. This is a lot better, prettier (and safer) than changing to rubber slippers when commuting.

5. Rain Boots

It's signal number 2 and you still need to work. It s*cks, I know. But make your day a bit better and warmer with some funky rain boots. It's always good to know that you're protected in case you have no choice but wade on filthy water.

6. Overnight Kit

Last but not the least, be ready with an overnight kit. There are days when it's wiser and safer to stay overnight in the office or a friend's place than braving the traffic, flood and heavy rains going home. I work in Makati and live in the "province" of Las Pinas, so I keep a kit with all my essentials to at least survive a night away from home.

The content of your kit depends on you, but bare minimum are travel sized toiletries, disposable undies, extra shirt/dress and phone charger to let your family know that you're safe. Save important numbers and emergency lines on your phone book, too.

I hope you picked up a thing or two. Stay safe and dry, everyone!

From the Nook,
Dang

I can't think of anything suitable to post today. While I have all the time in my hands to go over and finish my backlog, I just don't have the juice to do reviews or personal happy posts at this point. The news are shocking. Aside from the devastation brought upon by Tropical Storm Maring, we also face the tragedy of the ship collision/sinking in Cebu and oil spill.

For now, I thought of compiling some easy to understand infographics that will help us better prepare for unfavorable situations like typhoon and massive flooding. Remember that it's vital to plan ahead and not to panic. Be in the know by watching the news and heeding the experts' advise and warnings.

Lastly, no material possession is ever worth a human life. So make your and your family's safety a priority above anything else like belongings, work etc.

WHAT TO PREPARE

WHO TO CALL

WHAT TO DO IN CASE YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT WADE IN FLOODWATER

Be alert and stay safe, everyone! Let's work and pray together for this tempest to quickly pass.

From the Nook,
Dang

I haven't opened my blog for 5 weeks, 5 weeks! You know how you get so engrossed with work, it's almost impossible to tell Monday from Friday, or how the thin line between weekdays and sacred weekends totally vanished into thin air? That's exactly how it felt.

Was it worth it? All the stress, late night over time and weekend work? YES. It's even worth the stubborn pimples on my chin and forehead. Because at the end of the day, I worked with amazing people, I felt passionate about my craft and weathered the odds and adversities. I gained some and oh boy I lost some, but I came out stronger and wiser. My Heavenly Father didn't make me strong and stubborn for nothing.

So, cheers to the whole team for a ~~stressful~~ successful, world-class event! Proud to be part of this milestone. :)

Felipe Massa, the first Scuderia Ferrari F1 Driver who visited the Philippines

Reporting for duty at 4am! ;-)

I'm back on my feet, so stay tuned for more posts! :)

From the Nook,
Dang

There's nothing really different about this one particular Sunday. I went out to pay my bills, roamed aimlessly around the mall, and attended the 7pm mass as usual. Nothing extra ordinary except that the priest's homily hit too close to home. He talked about the sins that we commit unknowingly, or barely avoid simply because these sins seem passive and weren't included in the regular teachings of our bible schools, nor my grandma's books.

The priest talked about two things that many of us are guilty of: One is worrying, and the other, which I'm keen to talk about, is OMISSION.

As kids, we're taught to avoid wrongdoings - stealing, lying, saying evil things about our neighbor. Crystal clear. But there's this gray area of not committing sins, but also omitting what's good and pleasing to God. We walk away from the dark, but neither reach for the light. We do not commit evil, but we also omit doing good. A man who sends away the poor and minority and a man who stood by and did nothing are both guilty. It might be of different levels, but same in every aspect.

The same is happening in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon to ever hit my beloved country. The depressing state of Visayas and the plight of the typhoon victims are well-documented by media globally. It brought thousands, possibly millions of people into tears. It's sad, but what's worse is to see pity, hatred, rants and politics that starts and ends with nothing but that. Let's not be comforted by throwing pity glances and calling out faults of other individuals. Thousands of Filipinos are on the verge of desperation and every little ACT of kindness counts.

Sympathy is good, but we also need arms and legs to get things done. We can do amazing things in rebuilding our country and helping our people, but it only begins where passiveness ends.

To donate or volunteer, see below:

DSWD
Philippine National Red Cross
McDonald's Bigay Tulong
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I'm feeling better lately. Seeing volunteerism and bayanihan spirit of people from all walks of life, in every corner of the country, makes me so proud that I'm a Filipino. The Oplan Hatid in particular, just proves the power of civilian, and how coming together can make a great impact, bigger than any storm surge or politicking. There's still much left to do but we will get there. Manny also gave us a much-needed boost. It's not to say let's just focus on his win and all things sunshine-y, but c'mon, we needed some jolt! :)

Now, speaking along the lines of positivity, it's high time I post about beauty again. I rarely do full makeup these days, but I can't steer away from vanity altogether. I need to be at least presentable all the time. That means I have my BB cream, powder foundation, lipbalm + lipstick, mascara, eyebrow pencil and cheek blush all the time. But when push comes to shove, and you ask me to bring only three items in my purse, then it's most likely be the following:

1. Oil absorbing film. I can't remember going out without this miracle since the day I discovered them in early college. No fuss, and solves my shine problems when powder room break is not possible. It's fair to say that this has saved my face and helped me shine numerous times. No pun intended. My favorite brand is Gatsby, choose the black film over paper.

2. Tinted lipbalm. Dryness and peeling is the name of the game, and my lips know that too well. What started as an affinity with Chapstick, grew into a flirtatious love affair with organic lipbalms (Ilog Maria, V&M), colorful lipgloss and HG liptints. Baby Lips by Maybelline is not bad at all, I think all my teenage nieces will get one this Christmas.

3. Cheek blush. I have a thousand boo boos with cheek blush when I was still a makeup noob. From using the wrong shade, applying too much and highlighting all the wrong places. But a perfect blush makes you look womanly, shapes and sculpts your face and makes your skin look radiantly healthy with a few swirl and swipe. What else can you ask for? My current love is LA Colors' Mineral Blush in Tenderling. If you're unsure if you're putting blush on correctly, here's a good guide from Barbi Chan of BDJ.

Again, these are bare minimum, if you have room for two more beauty products (you should!), then eyebrow pencil and face powder should be first to dive in your bag. Even skin tone and nicely filled brows will make the perfect canvass for the rest of your makeup.

And oh, please support the Beauty Drive by Larissa Joson of Women's Health PH and Nicole Romero (hello, Nicole!) of Beauty and Sparkle. You still have until tomorrow to donate beauty products to uplift the teachers who are still holding classes in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

They are looking for the following:

Makeup (particularly lipstick, blush, powder)
Skincare (facial washes, moisturizers)
Haircare (shampoo, combs, clips, headbands)
Toiletries (soap, lotion, body washes)

If you've got new or barely used and sanitized makeup and other beauty products to give, you may contact:

Larissa Joson (larissajoson@gmail.com) or
Nicole Romero (nicole@beautyandsparkle.com)

They have dropoff points at Eastwood in Libis, The Fort in Taguig City, Bicutan in Parañaque City, Pioneer in Mandaluyong City, and Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City.

Happy Wednesday, dear readers! I miss doing beauty posts, so expect to hear a little more in the following days.

Much Love,
Dang

It's been a week since I got back from an all girls trip to Boracay but I can still feel the island vibe and the laid back life. Therefore, it's just fitting that I write about traveling. And what's more appropriate for the budget airlines revolution than to talk about about HOW TO PACK LIGHT. No missing baggage, no long queue. There's truly merit in traveling with just a purse and a 7-kilogram hand carry.

Now I do not live and breathe traveling light. My control freak self becomes weary knowing I'll be in a foreign place with very little of my everyday comforts so I usually end up bringing more than what I can realistically use. In fact, it took me years of practice, a number of valuable items confiscated in the airport and one too many overbaggage fees before I finally get the hang of it. It differs from one individual to another actually. A seasoned backpacker can live out of a bag traveling the world for months. Others require a three-piece suitcase for a weekend trip. No judgment here, to each his own.

Personally, I prefer to have checked-in baggage for longer trips that require different sets of wardrobe i.e. corporate attire, casual clothes, outdoor gears. Or for trips where shopping is inevitable and extra space comes into play on your flight home. But for weekend getaways like beach trips where, ehem, very little clothing is expected, then I'm perfectly fine with just my handbag and my trusted powder blue Samsonite backpack.

Want to hear about the things and tips I've learned along the way? Read on and let me know what you think. Share your tips, too!

1. Make an outfit calendar. Seriously, mapping out your outfit for the rest of your trip is not just for vanity's sake. It will prevent you from bringing more that what you actually need. It's good to have a few extra pairs, but be sensible. You won't need 10 pairs for a 2-day trip, right?

2. Go for versatility. Bring clothes and accessories that you can wear a number of ways or times. A good pair of denim shorts, a 2-in-1 flowy dress/skirt or a cardigan that you can style and wear more than once will make a lot of difference. A comfortable, closed flats is also a good idea. Good for walking and safe for places where no open toes/slippers is allowed.

3. Invest in good quality travel essentials. If you travel often, it's smart to invest in lightweight but durable items like backpack, sleeping bag and towels. Aquazorb offers ultralight but absorbent towels that easily fit in your bag. Visit your favorite outdoor and sports brands to check their latest offering for comfortable, light traveling. It's the name of the game nowadays!

4. My secret weapon --- SCARF. This is probably the most important thing I bring whenever I travel. It can warm you on a freezing flight, protect you from the scorching heat, double as a sarong and even substitute a beach mat. It can even spice up a rather boring shorts and shirts ensemble. Bring at least two and you're good to go!

5. Keep toiletries and makeup to a minimum and repack them in travel size bottles. Save yourself from hauling full bottles of shampoo, creams, lotions etc. Most toiletries are offered in smaller packages or even sachets. You can also repack in clear bottles and keep them in zip locks to prevent spills. Choose makeup that has multiple use. I usually go for BB creams because I get sunscreen, mositurizer and makeup base in one tube. Lip and cheek stains work wonders, too!

6. Drop the baggage and just enjoy the moment. Literally and figuratively. You're in a vacation. It's your chance to break free from worldly things that occupy your mind at home --- job, bills, possessions you may or may not need. Bring the least amount of "baggage" and decide on what truly counts and matters in your journey. You'll be surprised that you need a lot less than you thought. Sometimes, arriving in a new place carrying less will give more space for new things, opportunities, experiences, memories, even people!

That's me for now. Have fun in your next travel! :)

From the Nook,

Dang

*photos from Google images.

Year-end presents opportunities to look back, reassess, and declutter our lives, hopeful for even brighter things to come next year. It's also the season to be thankful for the countless blessings we received and lessons we learned along the way. I spent four hours cleaning my room and the bathroom, and another six hours to fulfill my baking duties. All the while, my mind was drifting, remembering and reanimating the highlights of the year that was. 2013 may have been tough on us, but it brought one too many lessons that made me, and us, better citizens of this world. There's no better day to sit down and document what I learned, and what I'm grateful for in 2013.

You always have a choice, and when you make one, don't apologize. Maybe it's age, maybe it's experience. But I've come to a point where I feel 100% free to make decisions without a slight inclination to be sorry about it. Whether I make a good or bad decision, I am fully accountable and it propels me to where the Lord wants me to be.

Awakening my spirituality. Religion is part of my family DNA. I grew up abiding by the traditions albeit mechanically. It's only this year that I really felt what I should be searching for and it's far divine than any religious duties. It's been a different spiritual journey ever since and I'm very excited.

Avoid negativity at all cost. I'm a relentless believer of spreading positivity. I always try to look at the brighter side of things. But all these efforts are bound to fail, if you don't actively avoid negativity. Avoid gossips and malicious conversations, choose the company of happy and positive people, stop whining and start appreciating every morning and all the opportunities it presents. Life is too short, I've lost a few friends this year (Hello there in heaven, M, A and M!), and it cemented my take to live this awfully short life the most colorful way possible.

You can't choose your family, but you can change your perspective. I've said it a thousand times and I can't be more grateful to have a huge, closely-knit family where everyone is kind and generous. But it's not to say we're perfect. 2013 has been a year of struggle, dealing with my parents and all the mood swings and behavioral changes that come with age. It tested my patience, questioned my values and almost drove me out of the house. But this year witnessed how a decision to change perspective improved my relationships and turned around some really bad days. And this is not only true for family, but for every relationship you'll ever have.

I only need so much. Whether friends, money, possessions, I only need so much. It's great to have many friends, but it's equally fine to only have a handful whom I can trust my life with. I definitely need money, and clothes, and shoes, but I know how not to equate them with happiness. The days when I tried to please everyone, and be worried sick about my worldly possessions are thankfully gone. Good riddance!

I found the love of my life in 2013. Funny how he's been with me for the past nine years, yet it's only this year that I've truly seen him and all his beauty. Some may say it's pressure, I say (and feel!) it's divine intervention. :)

No better day than today. If you miss someone, ring him today. If you want to ditch smoking, quit today. If you want to stay in shape, start working out today. Procrastination is the cousin of failure.

I hope you had the merriest Christmas and I wish you a safe and spectacular New Year's Eve! Hugs!

From the Nook,
Dang

We're down to the last three days of the agency shutdown, and here I am, still curled up in bed at 3pm, getting discsiplined by Haruki Murakami's short stories. The greatest thing about reading books, among others, is how it prods us to think, rethink and discover. For one, Murakami's Birthday Girl was given one wish by a rather enigmatic man, and chose the road less traveled. To wish to not have a wish at all, is peculiar as it is, but come to think of it, will it ever come to a point where you have nothing left to wish for? I pray not. The day it happens to me is the day I give up on life. So yeah, for 2014, I have a long list of what I want (and have to work hard for), some strange, but every bit normal for a girl who will hit 29 this year. Here's the top items on my dream/must-do board:

1. A house for my mom. The biggest and most ambitious goal this year, it just has to land on number one. Unexpected things forced us to uproot from our own home in Cavite and rent in the city instead. With His provision, I'd like a new home with no contract expiration, and my mom can call her own.

2. Level up my career. If I have to stay, or I have to go, here or elsewhere in the world, this is the year I pray and believe it will happen. I'm claiming it now and I'm more than ready to once again take the big leap of faith. Inspired by Pudge's seach for the Great Perhaps.

3. Wear my business savvy hat. I don't think I'll get tired of being employed anytime soon, and I have so much to learn, achieve and enjoy where I am right now. But the time is right to up the ante, triple my capacity and see what this enterprising girl can do. Let's just say the Sweet Blessings can be even sweeter, and the boyfriend's own business is up to a good start. Thank God! :)

4. Spend more time with people I love. On top of 10-hour sleep, short shorts and flipflops days, the 16-day break gave me opportunities to finally catch up with people I love without worrying about time or work. Each one said the same thing "Dang, you've been TOO busy to see us the whole year!" So 2014 will have to be more balanced. Regardless of how much I have on my plate, I WILL FIND TIME.

5. Manage my finances better, and share more. They say it's not always about how much you make, but what you do with your money. My BFF also reminded me never to say "I'm poor", but rather declare and claim wealth. Because wealth transcends money and it means differrently from one person to another. I'm proud to say I've been faithful in keeping a tab on where my money goes and keeping some for the rainy days, but I can still do better, and I can share more. To whom much is given, much will be required. I am blessed immensely, and I shouldn't squander nor deny help.

6. Be kinder. Simply because this world needs kinder souls.

7. Be kinder to my physical and spiritual body. Less Coke and second hand smoke, more Yoga and running. Less stress and more time to meditate and understand the scriptures. NO HATE. Hate kills! And oh, continue cooking and baking yummy and healthier, preservative-free meals/sweets for my friends and family!

Wide-eyed, brimming with positivity and ready and quite excited to go back to work (IKR!), I pray that you, my dear readers, also fulfill the good desires of your heart this year!

From the Nook,

Dang

My next post is inspired by an elevator (literally) conversation with some good friends in the office. My friend C needs to exfoliate some rough patches on his face but his skin is too sensitive that he starts to break out when he uses strong scrubs. I rummaged through my beauty stash and did some more research. This post is dedicated to you, C! :)

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. Exfoliation is important to help reduce acne problems and maintain clear, smooth skin. It also helps encourage the skin to renew itself, giving you more radiance and youthful glow. There are several ways to exfoliate your skin and intervals also depend on your skin type. Oily skin needs more frequent exfoliation up to thrice a week (given your skin is not sensitive) to reduce build-up of oil and dead skin cells which is a recipe for acne disaster. Normal and dry skin may only need once to twice a week exfoliation. I have sensitive but oily skin and my ritual includes twice a week exfoliation with gentle, non-acidic facial scrub. I've been observing this regimen for quite some time and so far so good! :)

Here are several ways to exfoliate:

1. Chemical Peels. Make sure to consult a professional if you plan to try chemical peeling. While there are over-the-counter exfoliant available, I'm convinced we should leave this to the professional. I go to my dermatologist once in a while to get a chemical peel where she applies thin coats of peeling agent that makes my face peel like crazy for a week. It's important to go to a professional who can determine the chemical concentration that your skin needs. Otherwise, you'll be left with uneven, even burnt skin. Scary! Also, expect that you will look weird with strips of dead skin peeling off your face for roughly a week but your skin will look and FEEL unbelievably renewed by week 2.

Diamond Peel session at Perpetual MedSpa

2. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive machine-assisted skin-exfoliating treatment that uses aluminum oxide crystals and vacuum system that sucks away dirt, dead cells and used crystals. The newer version is Diamond Peel where the micro-crystal flow is replaced with a disposable or reusable diamond tip wand. I've tried Diamond Peel several times and the effect is already visible after a few sessions. In fact, you will have tighter and smoother skin after the first try. Hooray!

3. Commercial Facial Scrubs and Masks. Keep a tube of cleansing beads or scrub in the shower and always remember to gently apply to your face, neck and body using gentle, circular motion. Do not scrub hard! Since I have sensitive skin, I use gentle, natural formula like Human Heart Nature Purifying Facial Scrub. It's a plus that it smells like strawberry field! :) If you're not too sensitive with salicylic acid, St. Ives Apricot Scrub is affordable and works like magic. There are also exfoliating facial masks that contain gentler acids that aid in exfoliation of the skin. As a general rule, clay type masks work best for oily skin, and cream/gel for dry and combination.

The gentlest facial scrub ever!

4. DIY Facial Scrubs. If you want to keep it natural and budget friendly, head to your kitchen and you'll likely find ingredients you need to do a DIY scrub. Here's my tried and tested recipes:

Oatmeal scrub - Combine warm water, natural honey and oats until you get a paste. Apply on your face and gently scrub especially on dry areas like sides of your nose. Leave for 10-15 minutes, rinse with cold water and pat dry.
Sugar/Salt scrub - The simplest of them all. Combine fine granulated sugar and olive oil and gently scrub your face using circular motion. Do not scrub too hard. For rougher and less sensitive areas like feet, knees and elbows, you can substitute the sugar with fine salt.
Coffee scrub - Aside from exfoliating, coffee scrub is also an excellent way to reduce cellulite.High five! This can be really messy so I suggest doing this in the bathroom before shower. Simply apply fine coffee granules on wet skin and scrub gently. Wrap your legs with cling wrap and let it stand for 15-20 minutes.

Remember that exfoliated skin will likely be more dry and prone to redness and sunburn. Don't worry, the redness will go away after a few hours so it's best to exfoliate before bedtime to give your skin some rest. Don't forget to apply moisturizers and sunscreen, too!

I'm not a doctor nor a skin expert. My suggestions are based on my personal experience and road-to-recovery from acne. If you have serious skin problems, pick up the phone and schedule a check-up with your dermatologist instead! ;)

Much Love,
Dang

References:
http://www.wikihow.com/Exfoliate-Skin
http://www.sonyadakarskinclinic.com/diamond-peel-vs-microdermabrasion-treatments-acne
http://www.reneerouleau.com/exfoliation.aspx
https://www.arganavita.com/how-to-exfoliate-your-face

To live evey single day full of sense and out of the right reasons, instead of just watching life pass by. To find joy in the smallest of things, to spur hope in the simplest ways. To find nourishment beyond the superficial. To draw inspiration from people that surround you. To never give up without trying. To accept defeat and learn from your mistakes. To know when to give up and when to try again. To adjust one's perspective. To protect what you value. To love and respect yourself because you are your Father's child. To find true love, and fight for it. To stand for your beliefs. To dare and choose happiness. To go against the tide. To celebrate beauty and victories. To inspire kindness and justice. And to have someone who perfectly understands and reminds you of how beautiful life can be!

To my best friend who's been present in every aspect of my life, cheers to more inspired years and wine nights-turned-bible studies. I'm grateful to have you with me in this journey.

Follow her and live an inspired life!

It's only the third week of 2014 but work is already in full blast, juggling client briefings, campaign proposal development and business pitch here and there. I guess it's one of the things I really like about agency life - thrilling, fast-paced and never predictable. So with one million things to think about and do everyday, how can a working girl keep up and still manage to look presentable at all times? The secret? BLUSH.

Swiping some blush across your cheeks instantly gives you a healthier glow and prevents the puyat-and-kakagising-lang look. No time to do your makeup before a client meeting? Apply blush and swipe some tinted lip balm in the car and you're good to go. A tried and tested instant fix!

One particular blush I tried and loved is the Human Heart Nature Perfect Glow Mineral Blush in Pink Bloom.It's made from 100% natural ingredients, skin and earth-friendly, and comes with a reasonable price tag of only Php 295.00.

It comes in a compact with a mirror and small brush that's really handy. Now let's talk about the good and the bad.

The Good

VERY LIGHT. HHN Perfect Glow Mineral Blush is matte, silky and feels very light. This is the type of blush that you can build and layer as it doesn't pay off too much color in one swipe.
GENTLE ON THE SKIN. It's made of 100% biodegradable minerals, hypo-allergenic and proven safe. I usually get a zit or two with new cosmetics, but it never happened with this one. Yay!
EASY ON THE POCKET. Php 295.00 for a blush that will probably last you at least 1-2 months is truly bang for the buck. Packaging has been improved to include mirror and a small brush, so what else can we ask for?
LOOKS VERY NATURAL. I believe that the best way to wear a blush is to "not wear it at all." HHN Perfect Glow Mineral Blush looks very natural on me as if I just finished a long power walk or yoga. And it still gives me a subtle glow despite being matte.

The Bad

BRUSH. It's good that a small brush is included in this compact, but it smells really off (even after washing) and sheds a lot. I suggest you only use it for emergencies. On any given day, bring your own trusted blush brush instead.
DOESN'T LAST THE WHOLE DAY. You need to retouch several times throughout the day. In my case, about 2-3 times. It's ideal for normal days but not for special occasions.

No to pale skin!

Give this budget-friendly blush a try by visiting their WEBSITE or going to the nearest Sesou or Beauty Bar branches. Have a lovely weekend!

Much Love,
Dang

*This is not a sponsored post

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Beauty Bare Minimum + The Beauty Drive

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What I Learned Today & Gratitude List: New Year Edition

Dream Board and Must Dos for 2014

Reader's Nook: How To Exfoliate Your Skin

Gratitude List: Live an Inspired Life

Product Review: Human Heart Nature Perfect Glow Mineral Blush