"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Showing posts with label finds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finds. Show all posts

Saturday, July 22, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Vintage Find


I love my routines but I do sneak in some variations every now and then.
 
My Saturday agenda at Angel and Islington today - the usual suspects plus a few twists:
  • After having my hair cut at Hair Base Islington (Cut was okay but I really miss my Filipino hairdressers and stylists in Manila!), I found out that it was raining quite heavily. I decided to grab a cup of coffee for warmth.
  • On my way to one of my usual coffee stops (Coffee Works), I bought fruits from several stalls along Chapel Market, a new discovery of fresh finds and my own small steps in supporting local.
  • After warming up over a cup of flat white, I bought my protein at Turner & George -- sirloin steak for my Chipotle recipe.
  • Another slight twist to my weekend routine: I wandered through Camden Passage and finally gave in to buying this vintage find. Scroll down to see what I found!
  • Finally, the endnote to my Angel & Islington weekend routine: I bought my flowers, this time from the stall in front of the Angel Station.
Cheers and enjoy the remaining bits of the weekend! Stay dry!

 





Vintage clip-on earrings with Swarovski crystals:
These would be lovely for a special occasion :)









Sunday, April 16, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Liverpool

Happy Easter my dear! I hope that you're making the best of this long weekend break.

 

 
  • While most of London travelled further to warmer cities or countries, I opted for a short day trip and as such, had to contend with below fifteen-degree weather.
Click to "Read more".

Sunday, April 02, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Going Through My TSA @ A+I Routine and Trying Something New

It seems that I now have an Angel+Islington routine. It became a pinned, default agenda in my Saturday afternoon for these past weeks. You might be thinking, 'Doesn't she do anything else other than go to Islington on Saturdays?' Hahaha. Surely, I don't want to bore you with my routine by posting the same set of pictures and captions every week. Please bear with me as I post this for maybe the last time --- my typical Saturday at Angel+Islington. The next time I mention TSA @ A+I, you can just go back and re-read this post :)

Don't worry, it looks like I will be doing something different in the coming weekends, and I sure did something different this Saturday (read on to the end of this post)!! But it doesn't take away my hunch that there must be something special and addictive about Angel+Islington for this place to bore itself into me, quite literally, (-;) and stamp its own agenda in my Saturday afternoon. 

The typical TSA @ A+I goes like this:
  • Buy flowers. I have a favourite. There's this lovely stall near The York and Toni & Guy, along Upper Street. I think it's called Angelic Flower. I usually buy the hand-tied bouquet because this includes a good mix of vibrant colours - greens, roses and tulips. Its height and hand-tied size is just perfect for my vase, too.



Click to "Read more".

Saturday, March 25, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Prepping for British Summer Time

The clocks are moving forward tomorrow! British Summer Time, am I ready for you? For those who live outside UK, British Summer Time or BST is when UK time is advanced one hour forward of Greenwich Mean Time, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less.


Shot near Mile End

Click to "Read more".

Saturday, March 18, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Okonomi-yaki and Fresh Picks

Hey there! How did this week go for you? Pleasantly blah at work? Or another challenging rollercoaster ride? Either way, I hope this weekend is treating you well :) Sharing with you again my Saturday agenda. Here goes...




1:00 p.m.
Okonomi-yaki lunch
  • @ Abeno with Liza
  • Abeno claims to be the only one offering the authentic Okonomi-yaki experience in Europe.
  • We dined in the Bloomsbury restaurant at 47 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LY. There's also another Abeno in Covent Garden, a.k.a. Abeno Too. Check out its website and book a table in advance.
  • We ordered a deluxe Tokyo mix (pork, squid and prawn) to share, and requested for a gluten-free dough.
  • For our side dish, we chose one from the Spring Menu - Kakiage Tempura, with scallops, asparagus, carrots and onions.



Click to "Read more".

Saturday, March 11, 2017

The Saturday Agenda: Why I Keep Coming Back to Angel and Islington

Hey there, sweetie! How well have you spent your weekend?
It is rarely warm and sunny in London that whilst I originally planned to stay in my flat this Saturday (no Saturday agenda with friends this weekend), I wasn't able to help it but I just had to go out and bask in the precious warmth and sunshine!! Is spring coming soon? Please do come already :)


Hmm, what's my default weekend place? Angel and Islington. I never quite understand why this place seems to beckon to me whenever I need somewhere else to just be. Just be. Quiet. By myself. Mindless and mindful of solitude all at once.


As I have mentioned in previous posts here and in Instagram, this all started when I was looking for a butcher shop after finding the frozen meat at supermarkets too bland and quite tasteless. I found Turner and George and went there almost every Saturday to buy my fresh meat, and then sort of fell in love with Angel and Islington in the process.


2017 came and I decided on a (mostly) pescetarian diet. I had no excuse to go back to Islington anymore. :( Until now.


So why do I keep coming back to Angel and Islington? I tried to find answers to this question this Saturday.


Click to "Read more".

Friday, March 25, 2016

Look What I Found: Snoe Hair Heroes Amplify and Eau La La

Got some Snoe finds from their store in Glorietta. :)

The Hair Heroes Amplify is a five-in-one product with rosemary, ginseng, burdock and coconut to help increase hair density for thinning hair. It can be used on its own as a cleansing conditioner, after shampoo conditioner rinse, scalp rub-on overnight treatment, deep treatment creme or leave-on detangler. What's great is that it's good for daily use!
(Note: As in my previous purchases, Snoe's pump packaging really needs some work, especially for bottles containing rich ingredients. A big bottle does not necessarily need a big pump. I changed my pump to a smaller one from my old Muji cleansing oil bottle and it worked much better)

On the other hand, the Eau La La is a "magical" peeling liquid gel, with chia seeds and prune, for exfoliating dead skin cells and is supposed to give immediate results. It's targeted to fade discoloration, even out skin tone, hydrate, and help alleviate fatigue. If you are familiar with the popular Cure Natural Aqua Gel from Japan, this seems to be the local (more affordable) version. I tried it first at the store before buying. Fritzie, the assigned sales person, was very helpful in demonstrating how to use the product. She placed a bit of the product on my hand and then gently massaged it in a circular motion. As the gel got absorbed after a few seconds, little flakes or balls came out and she explained that these are supposed to be dead cells (jeez, I had a lot of them). 

I appreciated that Fritzie was very knowledgeable of the Snoe products that she was selling and yet not pushy in making me buy them. She took her time to explain the purpose of some of the products that piqued my curiosity. In the end, I was convinced that I need only these two for now :)

Excited to try these! #supportlocal #buyFilipino



Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Friday, March 18, 2016

Look What I Found: Palmolive Shower Gels in Exotic Scents

Hello loves!
Look, there are actual drugstore brand shower gels which contain "exotic ingredients" such as jasmine, patchouli, Indian mulberry and lotus flower!
They are from Palmolive and I got them from a Guardian store inside the Sunway mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

I'm done with the Joyous variant and boy, did it smell sooo good in every bath. I felt energized and lifted up every morning. I think the Peaceful variant will be true to its name as the more relaxing, calming scent.

I wish that we could have some body washes and shower gels like these in the Philippines. Hmmm, maybe something with sampaguita, everlasting (hahaha), or frangipani (a.k.a. kalachuchi)?



Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Sunday, May 03, 2015

Warm Welcome: Cotton Candy


Hello Sunday afternoon!!!
Just want to share with you dears that I've found a new roommate :)
Her name is Tillandsia, a.k.a. Cotton Candy.
Okay, okay, she's not exactly a 'she', but at least she's technically a living thing that can share the few square meters of my room with me and keep me quiet company. 'She' can't split the rent and utilities with me, but pays me by absorbing the CO2 and giving me my share of oxygen ;)

Got Cotton Candy from the SM Makati supermarket and she was carefully transported  to my temporary crib in a big brown bag. I just hope that she doesn't grow up so fast and will stay as cute forever :)



Saturday, April 11, 2015

What brought me the most joy while in SG?


What made me extremely happy when I was in SG? You will find out in a bit.;)

Please click 'Read more'.

Exploring art and hauling art supplies @ SG


One fine Saturday, I decided to brave the Singapore heat and walk around the 'art scene'.

I found The Chinese Calligraphy Society along Queen Street.



Please click 'Read more' for the rest of my weekend adventure.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Day 3 @ SG - Seconds (Part 2)


Here's the continuation of my "Seconds" on Day 3...:)

Art, art
I had my second dose of art supplies hoarding last March 23. This time, at Art Friend, which is located at Level 3 of Bras Basah Complex. I went there to validate the claim that supplies here are cheaper than those at Straits Art. 

Inks
There are more choices for calligraphy inks at Art Friend. I got myself two more bottles: 1 bottle of Dr Ph. Martin's Bombay Blue India Ink, and 1 bottle of Winsor & Newton Black Indian Ink (sounds posh, eh?). 

When I visited Straits Art last Saturday, I only got one bottle, a non-waterproof one at that, from a brand that I'm not familiar with (Stuart Houghton) but was recommended to me by the sales personnel. 

Art Friend ink prices are also lower (I got mine for SGD 5.99 and SGD 9.95 - waterproof) than the ones sold at Straits Art (at SGD 11.50, non-waterproof). Apples to oranges, though, since these are from different brands and in different finishes.


From Art Friend
Nikko-G nibs
Dr. Ph. Martin's Bombay Blue India Ink
Nikko nibs
Manuscript calligraphy ruler
Cretacolor pen holder
Un-labeled ergonomic wooden holder
Winsor & Newton Black Indian Ink

How about nibs and pen holders? Please click 'Read more'.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Day 1 @ SG - Happy Surprise

Hello Singapore! 

I'll be here for a short-term assignment along with two of my colleagues. Since it's raining hard outside today, I decided to stay indoors and blog till I drop. :)

I arrived yesterday, Saturday noon via Singapore Airlines and it took me no time to get a cab and reach my hotel. I'm staying in a boutique hotel near Victoria Street and I have this quaint, homey room all to myself. My room is soooo pink and feminine, with dainty almost princess-y matching bed and dresser, and a window overlooking Victoria Street and the Bras Basah Complex.



How was my first day? Please click 'Read more'.

Something New to Learn: Applying Gel Eyeliner

A new beauty basic skill to master:
Applying gel eyeliner...

Yup, that's one of the items in my frivolous beauty bucket list - "to learn how to apply gel liner". I started probably in March or April 2014. And believe me, I'm still trying to learn until now.

You have the endless stream of YouTube videos and how-to's from Google searches to respond to the query: "How do I apply gel liner properly?"

Sorry dears if this came up from those searches, this will not be THAT post.
What I have here are not how-tos. Instead, these are six personal notes from my newbie journal. They may or may not work for you. I suggest that you pick what you need and master that art of gel liner application. Go girl! :)

1. In my case, I line my eyes before I curl my lashes. That way, I can still see the lines clearly without the curls obstructing my view.

2. In order to prevent the gel liner from drying up, I turn the bottle upside down while I'm lining my eyes until the next few seconds that I need to pick up gel liner again.

3. I try to work fast so that the second layer of the liner sticks to the first one.

4. I make sure to clean the brush and the lash curler after every use. This helps prevent buildup which may be hard to clean when it has already dried up.

5. Most importantly, I make sure to clean up all the makeup before I go to bed. But I guess, everyone knows that already.

6. And you all know this, too. Practice, practice, practice!

Top to bottom, left to right:
Maybelline liner brush (came with the gel liner)
E.L.F. small angled brush
MAC 209SE liner brush
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink (1)
Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof  Eyeliner in Dark Brown
Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama in Brown (2)

Here's my nth attempt :)

Learning something new most often excites us. When life feels like a downhill or sounds like a steady monotone, I suggest you find a new skill to learn or a new hobby to master. It may not necessarily be within your work sphere or usual comfort zone. In fact, it's really "new" if it is OUTSIDE your comfort zone! 

Yes, the challenge will take up some or most of your free time. You may suck at it and there's that risk that you will get worse. But I guess, what matters more is that the extra learning took up your once unused energies. You allowed yourself to go through the whole experience of learning something unfamiliar. That's undoing the boredom or having a little adventure. Next time, you can be more creative with that bucket list, my dear. Think, "Life is indeed EXCITING!"

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Warm Welcome: Beauty Steals

July 26, 2014 - I went to Ayala Center Cebu's Beauty Bar and Watson's and hoarded these beauty steals.
Wicked laugh (;D)

From Beauty Bar L-R: Tweezerman Designer Series Slant Tweezers (finally!), Rich Pure Luxury Intense Moisture Shampoo, Smashbox Gel Eyeliner in Dark Brown, and Paul Frank Lip Smackers

Less 45 %


Less 35%


Less 65%


From Watsons L-R: ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White (limited time for the discounted price of Php 199, regularly sold at Php 450)
Pure Beauty CC Cream (trying this out for the first time)


I dropped by the store yesterday and found a few items which are still on sale at Beauty Bar. You might want to check them out dears before they're finally sold out. =)

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Own Tweezerman At Last!

Finally, my very own Tweezerman slant tweezers!
I never thought I'd finally own one. I got it at a discount and in a super cute Harajuku Lovers limited edition design, too. Yay!!
 
Harajuku is a Tokyo destination known for its unique youth-oriented street fashion. This is so typical of Japan's many subcultures which I can only describe as being non-conforming and having no fear to stand out (think cosplay). Based on my Google searches, there used to be a Sundays-only gathering at Jingu Bashi, the pedestrian bridge between Harajuku Station and the entrance to the Meiji Shrine, to show off these distinct styles (Source: Lonely Planet Online Guide". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 28 March 2014).
 
Got curious? Check out this link for more Harajuku pictures. What can I say? They really take unique fashion to a very respectable level. What with the effort to put together one cosplay look once a week? It's also not just about wearing the costumes but playing out the character. Very Japanese.
  
Gwen Stefani used this Harajuku concept as inspiration for putting together her group of Harajuku backup dancers: Love, Angel, Music and Baby (which are also the names of her music albums and clothing line).
 
 
I got the "G" kawaii (G for Gwen). How fitting since it's in blue and also my first name's initial :)
 
Tweezerman, on the other hand, is synonymous with precise brow grooming. The tips of the slant tweezer are hand-finished and known for being perfectly aligned. Every tweezer comes with a lifetime free sharpening service and guarantee (Check out their website to see the contact information for countries outside US).
 
Generally, brand-new tweezers regardless of the brand will work just fine. But with frequent use (especially in my case 'cause my brow hairs seem to grow like weeds overnight), I noted the huge difference of using a Tweezerman. After more than two weeks of everyday use, the tips are still as precise as they were on day 1. The Tweezerman wouldn't be a consistent Allure awardee in the best beauty tools category for nothing, right?
 
The famed precision is no hype. It's true and worth the extra spend. Think of it as buying a hundred low-cost tweezers which you have to toss away whenever they go blunt and/or pinch your brow skin the wrong way. Would you prefer investing on The One or going through the hundred heartbreaks before you finally make up your mind? In my case, I waited for the discount :)
 

Monday, June 02, 2014

Checked Out Chillage

The concept of having a chill out place with no alcohol piqued my curiosity (I read the article here). The Internet pictures of the graffiti and one-off items intrigued me.
 
 
The curious cat in me couldn't help it. Despite the long Monday that I've had, I forced myself to check out Chillage tonight.
I wished I went there on a Saturday afternoon though. I would have had more time to really chill out. Although the Adnama building is just behind Park Mall, the road going there doesn't look too friendly at night. Well, I am quite night-blind so that added the creeps to me.
 
I briefly explored the area and took some pictures. It was a small space anyway. Plus the lady at the counter kept asking me if the first item I left at the counter is all I wanted. Haha. I didn't want to be much trouble to her so I left as soon as I entered. I paid for the one thing that I liked and fitted me. I wanted to buy some curious accessories but there was none that really made my heart jump out. I made sure to head back to my hotel before 9pm, just to be safe.
 
 
Overall verdict: The Chillage is a cool place. I wished it was situated in a more accessible place though. The assortments sold here are leaning more on the novelty side so it would take some luck to chance on something that one may like. It has a whole lot of options for one-of-a-kind gift ideas, although more for teens and tweens. 
 
There's still the cafe and the playroom which I haven't explored. Some other time maybe.
 

Address:
Ground Floor of Adnama Building Larrazabal Avenue, North Reclamation Mandaue

 
 
Please click "Read more" to see more pictures.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Extended!

 
There's high chance that I will be extending my assignment.
Thus, I got the 'mini-me's of my toiletries, just in case.
With crossed-fingers that this will just be a very brief extension :)
 
The mini-me toiletries with their parent / taller counterparts in the background:
Front row only, L-R: Nivea Extra Whitening lotion, Nanny Rose Gugo and Lawat shampoo (another all-natural Filipino product that I'm trying for the first time), Biogenic alcohol, and Lactacyd baby bath

Sunday, May 25, 2014

The Saturday Agenda: Two of Cebu's Best in One Day

May 24, 2014, Saturday

Agenda:
>> 1:00PM (by appointment) - Haircut at Bridges
>> After the haircut - Foot massage at Cataliya Thai Herb Spa
Location: The Gallery, Juan Luna St., Mabolo, Cebu City



After some Google searches and a quick phone call, I got another Saturday agenda laid out without necessarily planning for it. Bridges and Cataliya proudly acknowledge (and display) the honor that they've been included in the Best of Cebu - 2013 (sunstar.com.ph) 



What's my take on two of Cebu's best? Please click 'Read more'.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Shopping with Mama: Kikay Finds

Thank you Mama for patiently and gamely bearing with me when we picked these girly (kikay) finds. You always have good taste.
 
You made me feel that I am not yet too old to wear floral and girly stuff. As you'd always say, you don't want to me to look like an "old maid", haha. Conservative, classic, but not an "old maid". Okay, copy. Noted with thanks :)

L to R: Floral shorts (from bazaar), black and white printed dress (from bazaar), and striped skater skirt (Maldita)