My Latest Addiction: Plug and Clay Accessories

Oh yes, you've read that right. My addiction nowadays is not makeup, but rather these cute accessories from Plug and Clay. Mind you, aside from being locally made (Pinas), they are made from porcelain clay and are hand-made!

I initially started with 50 pairs because I thought of giving these cuties as pasalubong to my friends when I get back in Dubai.  But after seeing them, I ordered another 20 pairs.   And since they come out with new styles so often, I don't think I'm gonna stop from ordering soon.

^_^

Check out some of their available styles:

Dr. Woods Castile Soap: My Brushes' New Bestfriend

And so I'm back, from outer space

I just walked it and find you here with that sad look upon your face

la la la

 

^_^

 

Okaaaay...I just want to say Hi, my loves sorry for being MIA again. As you all know, I was home in PH for more than a month and now I'm back here in the sandpit again.  It's been a week, and I still feel that I left my heart back in PH.   I've said this before and I'll say it again, nothing feels like being at home than being in Pinas.  Bali-baligtarin man ang mundo, mas gusto ko pa din sa aking bayang sinilangan.  I honestly didn't want to go back, I was crying endlessly after I got inside the plane and I just couldn't stop. I've been missing my family like crazy, most especially my Mom, who has been my buddy since I got home.  I wish I could stay.  But there are certain things that people must sacrifice for the meantime in exchange of something greater.  I just tell myself that in time, I'd be with my family again. Who knows, me and Mr. X might just decide that we'd rather be in Pinas after all?  Hah, that would be the day. For now, lemme focus on things I must do.  It's gonna be hard but I know, despite the distance, my family will always be supportive of me. And of course, Mr. X too.

 

So let's just go back to the usual grind here on my blog, shall we?  And today let me share with you one of my great buys when I was in Manila. This might be available here, but not so sure really.

 



Dr. Woods Castile Soap in Lavander

(Php 250)

 

 

My Mom was at Healthy Options for her monthly shopping spree of her lotions and supplements when I remember about this soap. Actually, I was thinking of Dr. Bronners soap but they don't have it and then I saw this.  I remember reading a review about this in the past saying that it's a good brush cleaner.  I've been using the Clean Brush Shampoo for quite a while now and it's not that I no longer like it, it's just that I'm always looking for new stuff to try and yes, cheaper alternatives.  This is priced at (more or less) Php250, so I told myself "Why not?"  So I got one and Mom wanted one for herself too, after telling her it's a brush cleaner.  If in the past I'm the one who gets influenced by her, now it's the other way around. Hahaha!

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints in Blushing, Elude and Hot Mess

I've been lemming over the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks since I first saw swatches online, but the "occasional" kuripot in me kept myself from giving in, so I haven't bought a single tube until now.  So whenever I drop by Sephora, I just try to appease myself by swatching them (kahit paulit-ulit na) and keep on reminding myself that I don't really need them.  I have a lot of lipsticks already and I am not really a lipstick-person to begin with, so why add more to that "unnecessary" clutter?  But then again I remember that it's what I love doing...trying out new/old stuff so I can write about it and share my two cents via this blog.  And besides, I can't really say No to makeup.  If you can, hat's off. But if you are like me, then let's do a high five!

So when I came across a blog post about the "SAVE" version of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks, I got really excited to get my hands on them. A lot of people have been saying that they are the cheaper alternative while some people say otherwise. I have to try it out and see for myself, but I am not really fond of buying makeup online. Not unless I've tried the products before. I really prefer seeing them and swatching them first.  So for the meantime, I just put these Glazed Lip Paints in my list of What-To-Buy (among other things, hahah!) when I get home to PH, because I heard that these babies are already available in SM.  And so when I got the chance to go to SM, you pretty much know what happened next.  (wink!)

There's a number of shades available, including the usual baby and hot pinks but I only got these three:

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints


These Glazed Lip Paints give the intensely pigmented appearance of a lipstick with the ease and glossy finish of a lip gloss.  

Blushing - Elude - Hot Mess

Blushing - Elude - Hot Mess

Malunggay For Your Hair: Moringa-O Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner

For those who don't know yet, Malunggay has a lot of health benefits. Some of it are:  it is rich in Vitamin A, it's richer in Vitamin C than oranges, it's potassium content is way higher than what you can find in bananas, it has twice the protein present in milk, it can balance sugar levels, it has anti-bacterial properties, it beautifies the skin and hair, etc.  The list goes on and on. In short, Malunggay is one super vegetable!  So for those who claim they are allergic to vegetables (you know who you are, hahaha!) this is one super vegetable you wouldn't want to be allergic on. 

Buti na lang, I love vegetables and Malunggay has got to be one of my favourite vegetables. I remember having it in Tinola instead of the usual dahon ng sili (or spinach, when I'm in the UAE since it's kinda hard to find it), in corn soup with shrimps and in some kind of Okoy.  I am yet to try having it in juices, though. But according to my Mom, it's good. I'll find it out myself and will surely let you know! (wink)

Anyway, for those who still want to reap the benefits of Malunggay most especially for the hair without having to munch on it, there's the Moringa-O Malunggay Herbal Shampoo & Conditioner for you.  I've been using it since I got back here in PH and all I have are good things to say about these products.

Moringa Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil

(Php180/each)

The new Moringa-O² Hair Care Line is the one and only herbal hair care line in the country with the power of nature’s skin multi-vitamins – Malunggay, Olive Oil and Omega (from Sunflower Oil). Now infused with equally powerful beauty oil, Argan Oil, it provides a complete hair and scalp care system.

How To Get Your OEC Via Appointment (Philippines)

When I first applied for an OEC, it was last December back in Abu Dhabi. I thought I was all set to go home for the holidays when a colleague of mine asked me, "Okay na ba OEC mo?"  To which I replied, "OEC? Ano yon?"  (laughs)

To put it simply, OEC is something that you need before you depart from the Philippines to prove that you are an OFW, thereby exempting you from paying travel tax and terminal fee at the airport.  It was made mandatory for OFWs to present an OEC after visiting PH and before going back to where they work.  This is to help ensure that us OFWs are documented and protected. But when I was told that the queueing can be time-consuming and that I have to be early at the Philippine Embassy in AUH so I can get a number then wait for my turn. I admit, super hate ko ang maghintay sa pila, lalo na ang gumising ng maaga so I immediately said to myself, "I'll pay the travel tax na lang!"  But of course I did what my other fellow OFWs have been doing so yes, nakipila ako sa embassy to get a number then went to work and then went back again after lunch to wait for my turn. Of course you had to assess first as to what time your number will be called. When we went back around lunch time, we had to wait for another 3 hours before we finally got our hands on the OEC.  

But before we went to the embassy nga pala, I paid my one year contribution to PAG-IBIG.  The last time I paid was 2009 na, before I worked as a consultant and dahil tamad ako, I haven't been paying eversince. I had to email PAG-IBIG to ask what my member number is. Good thing they reply immediately. By the way, you don't really have to pay one year contribution, I think one month is fine. I also photocopied my employment contract and brought my passport together with the proof of my payment to PAG-IBIG. 

At the embassy, you will 1) have your contract verified (if I remember it right, you'd also be paying a fee for this), 2) Pay for OEC processing and 3) Pay for OWWA Membership. There's also an application form to be filled out and you have to give them a copy of your contract, passport and proof of your PAG-IBIG payment.  Sorry if mejo magulo na the steps, that was last December pa and because of old age, hindi ko na maalala ang exact steps. But that was pretty much how I got mine when I applied for an OEC

 for the first time.

But this post is actually not about how I got my OEC in Abu Dhabi. Hehehe, sa haba ng kwento ko di pa pala yun ang totoong kwento ko.  This post is about how I got my OEC here in PH. Yes, here in PH since I didn't have the time to get one back in AUH. Besides I know naman that I'll get to stay longer than when I went home last December so I decided to just get it here instead.  

So how did I do it? I did it by securing an appointment online. Here's the complete steps of how I did it.

1. I went to Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System, url is at https://www.bmonline.ph

Happy Skin Power Pout Lip Lacquers and Moisturizing Matte Lippies: Complete Swatches

And because I just can't sit around and wait for the new items from Happy Skin to become available on counters on August 10, I went ahead and ordered from Zalora. They are selling all the new items from Happy Skin starting from August 1 until 9, so if you can't wait like me, order them now at Zalora and get first dibs.  

(wink)

Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Power Pout Lip Lacquers, Php699 each

Hear Me Roar - Royal Treatment - Strong and Sexy

Hear Me Roar

A bright, red-orange lip color for those who want to flaunt bold lips but are still too shy to go all-red.  It definitely brightens up the face and will suit those with fair skin tones. Keri din naman for those with darker skin tones. Just like what they say, nasa pagdadala yan. Tomo!?

July 2015 Glambox: A Givenchy-Exlusive Beauty Box

Oh my, August is here. Yes, delayed reaction lang! LOL!  But seriously, days are passing by so fast.  As in ang bilis, bilis. It seems like it was only last week when I arrived and it was only yesterday when I had the "operation." Good thing my boss gave me an extra two weeks as per advised by my OB.  So yes, I'd be here until the 3rd week.   I wish I could stay a lot longer. I am just so happy to be spending a lot of time with my family, especially my Mom. We're not doing our usual out-of-town trips since my movements are still limited but it's okay. We've been having a lot of bonding moments, and for sure I'd go ngawa-ngawa when it's time to leave again. Huhuhu. Just thinking about it makes me cry na. If only I can stay here forever.

Anyway....for today, let me share with you last month's box from Glambox. It was a Givenchy-exlusive beauty box which includes the brand's most iconic products. I haven't gotten my hands on the box yet, but Mr. X have been so sweet to send me all photos of the PR samples /gifts that have been sent to me.  

Givenchy X Glambox For July 2015

What's inside:

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling First Step Luminescence Moisturizing Lotion

(AED165 / 200ml)

Formulated with Sparkling Water Complex, this moisturizing lotion (or toner, as most people call it including me), prepares the skin in absorbing the other skincare products that will be used after it.  It's is called the sparkling water of the skin because it quenches the skin's thirst to keep it moisturised and nourished.  This can be used by all skin types in the morning and at night after your facial cleansing regimen.

Something New: Happy Skin Power Pout Lip Lacquer and New Shades of Moisturizing Matte Lippies

It was just 2 months ago when Happy Skin Cosmetics came up with their editorial-worthy Moisturizing Matte Lippies in collaboration with Preview Magazine.  The lippies are such a hit, even my friends back in the UAE have been asking friends from PH buy for them.  In my case, those lippies are up there on the top of my priority items to buy. The lippies are the perfect nude and deep red for me. And would you believe I've been wearing Hot Stuff almost everyday!?  Nakakaloka, that's how I love that lippie. And yes, like what I've mentioned in my post, Too Cool knocked off MAC Peachstock as the #1 nude lippie in my book.

Now, Happy Skin Cosmetics is back to grant the beauty wishes of women yet again. This time, with more shades of their Moisturizing Matte Lippies PLUS their new lip product with a stunning high-shine finish without the heavy feel, the Power Pout Lip Lacquers!

Power Pout Lip Lacquers and Moisturizing Matte Lippies

New shades of Moisturizing Matte Lippies:

Best Date Ever - berry pink

Pop The Question - nude pink (yay, another nude hahah!)

Follow Your Heart - classic bright pink

Shades of their all new Power Pout Lip Lacquers:

Hear Me Roar - red orange

Strong and Sexy - terracotta nude

Royal Treatment - nude with lilac undertones

Our (Late) Lunch Experience at Lugang Cafe

I've been seeing Lugang Cafe for quite some time when I was still based in PH but never really gotten the chance to try it.  I admit I am not a big fan of Chinese cuisine except when my occasional craving for authentic dimsums strikes, and so thinking that Lugang Cafe is just like any other Chinese restaurant, I don't really pay attention to it whenever I go looking for some place to eat. 

Last Monday, after mine and my Mama Wheng's follow-up checkups with our respective doctors, my family and I went to SM The Block to look for a place to have our (late) lunch. It was already past 2 that time and this restaurant was the first that I saw upon entering the mall. My tummy's already growling so I took it as a sign that I don't have much time left before I would start nibbling on somebody.  Hahaha!  Seriously, I wasn't really expecting a lot when we entered the restaurant. I just knew I need to eat, stat! And boy, I'm glad we did give this place a chance to prove itself.

Lugang Cafe

Right after we seated, I asked the dining attendant what cuisine they offer and he replied, "Taiwanese." I don't remember having tried Taiwanese cuisine in the past so I told myself that it was indeed the right time.  

The restaurant's interiors are so modern and elegant.  It was so unlike any other Chinese restaurants we've been to in the past. Actually, had I not known that it serves Taiwanese cuisine, I would have thought it's an Italian resto. The place really looks so sosyal and even their dining attendants are dressed neatly.  Eto pa, all of them looks good. I mean everybody is either maganda or gwapo. Not sure if it's the restaurant's requirement or just purely coincidence.