#style_attempt

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My January Favorites

January was a memorable month, not only because it's the first month of 2014, but also because it's when I resumed blogging again. Taking my game up a notch by doing video blogs is the challenge that I decided to impose on myself, which so far, I'm truly happy about.  Moreover, part of the monthly routine that I want to do as a blogger/vlogger is to share with you my monthly favorites. 

For January, I do have quite a lot of favorites, which are mostly new acquisitions. But please know that my favorites videos will not be limited to new purchases only. As long as I find myself using the product often, be it something that I bought just days ago or years ago, I will be including that in the video. 

Until now, after six (6) videos, I'd still say I'm feeling completely awkward in front of the camera and talking to my view finder. :) But practice makes everything better, so I guess in time, my videos will look more appealing, or something like that. 

I also cannot wait to have permanent set-up where I can shoot my videos in. To date, I'm just filming wherever, sometimes with bad background. But that's life. I just cannot wait to settle into our new home and have my vanity where I can probably do all these stuff. 

So there you have it. :) I have one more blog to post, but might upload it tomorrow because I've flooded Tumblr's timeline already. Hahaha!

Til next!

xx, A

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Valentine's Greeting and Eye Shadow Looks

So, I took this personal challenge to film, edit, and upload a Valentine's Day greeting with quick tutorials on looks that girls can wear on date nights.  AND I SUCCEEDED! Although I wasn't able to post the video here on blog, I'm happy that I was able to pull it off. :)  If you want to watch the video, go and just click down below. For both looks, I focused on eye makeup and the lipstick that can go with each look, and didn't do anything on the other parts of my face. I used the NAKED palette, MAC Brownluxe Palette, and my Markswin Palette. :) For the lips, I used Maybelline's matte and nude lipsticks, which for the Nth time I'm saying that I'm obsessed with.  So there you have it. Hope you guys can subscribe to my channel. 

xx, A

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New Year, New Mindset

Sometime in 2013, I started drifting away from my usual daily routine. Before, my mornings were devoted to this blog. However, due to the mixture of various changes in schedules and priorities, I started leading an unbalanced scheme and living an "ALL WORK, NO PLAY" disposition.

This year, I want to change that! That's my mission. This year, I shall find time to continue doing the things that I love to do. Be it, style blogging or simply writing about the things that I'm interested in. From deep subject matters like latest news up to mundane stuff like my latest fashion or beauty must-haves, I'd just go and put them into words and post them here. Besides, that's how my blog was way back 2005, it was a place where I poured my heart out. I used to be content with the simple thoughts that I get to share in my small part of the World (Wide Web).

Photo credit: briansolis.com

This is not a New Year's Resolution, this is a New Year's Mission. My mission is to keep afloat and start giving time to pursuing things that would keep my life balanced, more fun, and more meaningful. Not saying that working hard doesn't make my life balanced or meaningful, it's just that too much of something is indeed bad. I've been thinking hard about it, and I've got to admit that I'm getting obsessed with the idea of earning. All I have in mind is just to work, work, and work because I've to earn more. But seriously, what's the primary effect of this mindset? STRESS. A whole dose of it. Sometimes, I like to take a breather, aka sleep. But we all know that when we sleep, we lose seconds in life that should've been spent in doing more valuable things. In my case, these things may involve playing with my kids, or reading books, or watching TV series or movies.

Now, how does that relate to my blog? Remember before when I'd emphasize that THERE IS ALWAYS TIME? I guess that's the key to living a balanced life, to always find time to do things that make you happy and make your heart sing. Hopefully, by going back to blogging, I can bring back the mantra about always having time.

So there, no promises, just high hopes for this year. :)

xx, A

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Give Yourself The Love That It Deserves

"We get the love we think we deserve." This line came from the book/movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I couldn't agree more with this. For one, I've always been a firm believer that we get what we deserve in life. We draw the paths that get us to where we are. We create actions and visions that help us achieve what we want in life. As cliche as this may sound, we are the captain of our own ship. And this applies to love, respect, and trust as well. Respect begets respect. Trust must be done mutually. As to love, it will also be reciprocated, as long it's given sincerely and whole-heartedly. 

We all know that life will never be all rosy and smooth sailing. As we travel along the paths that we choose to take, we will meet different kinds of people. There will be an inspiring lot that will motivate us to become better version of ourselves. On the downside, we will meet people who will challenge us negatively. These people will shake the self-assurance that we have. Some will even go in a different kind of low and try to step on us, belittle us, and attack us on whatever way imaginable. 

Life as such is but normal. Meeting these people - both those who become our friends and foes - come into our lives for a reason. We are then expected to make the most out of these  experiences. 

There is no disguise on the purpose of meeting a great support system in the form of our friends. Are we to question why we become friends with our friends? And what will become of us if we become friends with our friends? 

Yet various questions prevail when meet the foes, when the "challenging" people come into the picture. What do we make of the situation where we encounter these people? How should these people affect our lives? What's the purpose of knowing these people? 

I always consider my foes or people I'm not particularly fond of as people who help boost my self-assurance and authenticity. The more that people try to belittle me or step on my toe, the  more I become self-secure. I guess that's the importance of loving yourself and of being sure of your capabilities, no one can bring you down no matter how hard they try. 

At the end of the day, it's knowing that you're doing the right thing and knowing that you never shortchanged anyone by becoming your true self and by doing your best. 

Unfortunately, others mistook delusion of confidence for self-assurance. There are those who wind up living in an illusion of grandeur - materially and skills-wise. But the thing is, if you are fully aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can avoid committing these mistakes. 

Self awareness may begin with acknowledging what you can and cannot do and embracing both your assets and liabilities. Recognizing your failures and successes is an important factor to become 100% sure of your authentic self. If people live with the wrong notion that they're perfect, they would eventually end up losers in real life. 

A well-examined life is the key to becoming self aware, and we can only become fully aware if our mind, body, and spirit are in sync. In other words, if we are self conscious. 

We must never expect people to fully know or understand us if we don't even fully know or understand ourselves. We cannot expect others to love us, if we don't give ourselves the right amount of love that it deserves. 

xx, A (Written sometime in June.)

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It's Hard Not to Remember

...the cool breeze the we had a few months back. So, summer has officially begun here in Manila. Thick, sweater-like clothes out...chiffon and cotton tops in. 

This outfit, which I obviously wore months back, would be totally inappropriate with today's weather. As I type this, it's only 7:00 am but the air feels like it's almost 10...going to 12noon. 

But who are we to complain? It's still a good weather. I'd say let's take advantage of the summer heat while it lasts. It's time to take a summery piece of clothing for a spin. Dresses, as always, would be perfect for this season. 

If I would edit this outfit to make it summery, I'd remove the leggings and the beanie. I won't ditch my boots though. I think they're apt for whatever season. To say that I love them tons would be an understatement. So anyway back to my "outfit editing," I'd probably go for colorful accessories instead of the bronze pieces that I'm wearing here. Now...that's a summer outfit!  Dress - Thrifted Leggings - Divi Boots - Korea Beanie - FTC Bangle - Gold Dot Necklace - Forever 21 xx, A

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Oxygen Botanical Anti Ageing Intensive Facial at Bioessence

Exactly a week ago, I dropped by Bioessence - Slimzone at Greenhills, Shoppesville to try yet again one of their amazing services. This time I had the chance to try their Oxygen Botanical Anti Ageing Intensive Facial, which is one of the exclusive facial treatments that the company offers, given that Bioessence is the exclusive distributors of the Oxygen Botanical Line (from Canada) in the country. 

The facial treatment uses 99% pure oxygen, which cleanses the face through its essential and natural nutrients and anti-oxidants that target specific skin problems.

It's a complete package that includes black heads and white heads removal and infusion / infuzion (my favorite part of the treatment), among others.

Unlike some ordinary facial treatment, Bioessence follows a thorough process on their services, which is a signature of the company, that leaves clients pampered, refreshed, and relaxed all throughout the treatment. 

They also evaluate first the skin type (or body type for their slimming treatments) of the clients to ensure that the treatment they'd recommend  to them would be appropriate for their needs. 

When it comes to facial, the first step is to have the face checked via this... 

This device spots the impurities around the face. 

Before heading to my room for the treatment, I decided to tour around their Slimzone branch, as I did the last time when I went to their West Ave. branch. 

Where I got pampered for an hour and a half. 

The Oxygen Botanical Anti Ageing Intensive Facial treatment of Bioessence lasts about 1.5 hours. You could literally fall asleep during the session. I tried not to, but the relaxing massages and cold creams all over myself got the better of me so I snoozed for some brief seconds throughout the treatment. 

Priced at PHP2,500.00, an intensive facial such as this one surely gives you your money's worth. Plus, how amazing it is to be pampered using natural products! Having this treatment at least twice a month (two weeks interval) would provide best results. 

I enjoyed it a lot, and my face felt really smooth and moisturized after the treatment. Kumbaga eh, sobrang maaliwalas talaga. 

Here I was trying to contain what I really feel...but in reality...see the photo below. 

All-smiles and happy after the treatment! :)

  Thank you so much again to Ms. Anj, the accommodating staff at the Shoppesville branch, and to Bioessence in general for providing excellent pampering services that both men and women must indulge in.  So, if you guys want to try out their services, some of their branches in Manila can be found at SM Mall of Asia, Banawe, Binondo, BF Homes, Paranaque, and West Avenue, QC.  For more information about their services, visit their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to get updates on deals and promos. 

Photo c/o Bioessence Be part of their client list to keep abreast on their latest offerings. I actually received an invite yesterday for a free trial on their latest face and body treatment called "Trattamento Romantico," an Italian-inspired romantic treatment for two that uses the finest ingredient from Europe. If you and your guy or bestfriend cannot decide what to do over the weekend, why not try this one? Or their Swedish Massage? Or the Oxygen Botanical Anti Ageing Intensive Facial? Yes, Bioessence's wide array of facial and body treatments won't leave you without an option. :)  xx, A

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Marks & Spencer Wine Tasting at GB5

Marks & Spencer was generous enough to let the guests taste majority of the wines that they offer including red wines, white and sparkling wines, and dessert wines. Ms. Gatchalian explained everything about wines ~ why people smell them first before drinking them, or why they give the glass a spin (or what's that motion called?). She also shared that wines have distinctive tastes, thus, food pairing is also a matter of personal preference. 

As mentioned above, the place was jampacked. In my opinion, it would have been nicer if it was held somewhere else or if the crowd-control was organized better. It's a bit distracting to listen to Ms. Gatchalian while mall passers-by bump at you. :-/ But I'd say it was a successful event nonetheless, and I'm glad to partake in it. And...since this is a fashion blog, I decided to spot a few fashionable folks and snap away.    After the talk, the guests were given more time to drink the wines for free. All wines during the event were also discounted.      

Thanks again to Marks & Spencer and Nuffnang Philippines for the invite. I seriously wanted to bring home a bottle of Moscatel. But let me save up for that for a special occasion. :) 

  xx, A

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Androgynous

Top and pants - Topshop Jacket - Multiply.com Shoes and necklace - Forever 21 Bangle - Gold Dot A fuzz free look on one of the coldest days we've experienced to date here in Manila.  Happy weekend y'all. :)

xx, A