The Weekend Agenda: Paris (also Hashtags 2017 ed. vol. 10)

#Paris #DearParis

 

 

Dear Paris,

By now, you may have gotten used to receiving notes admiring your beauty and charm, retelling in various versions how your cobblestoned streets, your food, your arts and culture, your architecture, your Eiffel Tower, your fashion and films, and your language truly embody romance, love and passion. Should I add any more? Aren't there enough travelogues, memoirs and poems about you? My own compilation of random thoughts will be the millionth verse to this epic ode to Paris.


It's just that I've always dreamt of visiting you, experiencing you --- the Parisian flair that many talked about. Until recently, Paris was a good idea, but only that, a good idea. Who would have guessed? I was presented the opportunity to move to the UK and I have found the perfect excuse. You're now literally just hours away --- a Eurostar train trip and a Schengen visa are the only things that keep us apart. Cheesy as it may sound, it felt like falling in love with someone from across the miles for so many years, with only literature and pictures to keep you inspired, and realising that finally you're meeting him in the flesh.


I was wary and guarded when I walked your streets for the first time, knowing that I do not speak French (at least conversationally) and that tourist traps and thieves are out and about (as in many cities in the world). In a way, you were still a stranger, beautiful and promising in paper --- like most men are, putting their best foot forward when they want to win you over.


I sampled the food from your brasserie and wondered what is it that sets your cuisine apart from the rest. It wasn't love at first sight (or taste), to be honest. It took some more buttery croissants for breakfast and a couple of glasses of wine for lunch AND dinner for me to finally make up my mind. Yes, you do excellent pastries and you've got the wine and food pairing down to a T. The baguette or any 'hard' bread is not something I fancy much though. I like my food less messy to eat, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and flavourful.


Despite all these, I love you still --- imperfections, quirks and all. It may be a one-way street, and you may not feel the same. I am after all another stranger, and we had less than three days together. Nonetheless, it was indeed an exciting and magical experience, and I will never forget this 'first time' in my lifetime. If you and the universe permit, I will see you again.


Enchanté!


With love,
Genefel


Click "Read more" to see my #Paris weekend, as told in 35 snaps.

Hashtags 2017 ed. vol. 2

#hello #goodbye


I wanted to say...

• Whilst everything may have not been as top-notch and flawless as you or I wanted, I saw the effort and diligence and I truly appreciate these.
• The moments and circumstances are not perfect or even right this time. But they allowed us to find each other still, and for good reasons.

I wanted to ask...

• How are you feeling that day? (And expect to hear beyond the usual, 'Good, thanks, and yourself?' response.)
• Why you never shared much and seemed to keep to yourself?
• Why now? And what would have changed your mind?
• Why me? I just happened to be there.

I wanted to tell you...

• Thank you.
• It's so sad to see you go.
• It's been a pleasure knowing you and I wish you all the best really.
• May you find your happiness someday soon.

Instead, I just said...

Dear Stardust

Today is March 20. 

Your ninth death anniversary.

Hey, stardust. 

Can you see me from where you are?

How do my moments in this side of the sky

Appear from light years away?

How do my prayers sound

When I often keep them inside?

It's been a long time

But what gives and what holds on?

Could it be that a small part of me 

Was set aside for you alone?

That some part of me still hope for the day 

When my candle's wick is all consumed

And we meet again in another life,

If there is another life...

I would recognize you and you would recognize me,

We'd redeem lost times and find our way?

And if it's meant to be,

Another serendipity...

I cannot relate to Katy Perry's The One That Got Away. Except for these lines:

In another life I would be your girl

We keep all our promises, be us against the world

And in another life I would make you stay

So I don't have to say you were the one that got away

So long, Mr. P. 

In Memoriam

Life is short. Build memories.
Thank you Uncle Costan for choosing to spend your last almost-three years in our home. Thank you for building my tree-house and all the good memories. 
You will be missed.

My Empties for October 2014

Hello November!!!

While most of us are honoring the souls and saints that have touched our lives, I am staying home and reflecting on the 10 months that were...

Yay! Only one month to go and 2014 will be over!

Before I get too excited, let me share my October empties with you my dears.

 

My regular guide questions:

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?

Left to right
Mario Badescu Skin Care Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion
L'Oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

(1) Mario Badescu's cleansing lotion helped control my breakouts in a very mild way...No strong scent and harsh chemicals...I regularly apply my waterproof mascara because I know that I have L'Oreal's lip and eye makeup remover...Dickinson's pore perfecting toner is very mild, too and works just as great in removing makeup and toning at the same time...

(2) I will always have these in mind for repurchase...For now, I am considering buying an all-in-one cleansing toner which serves the same purpose as the above products but at less a quarter of the price (watch out for this in my next blog posts :)...

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 Empties for September 2014

Whew! The last two months just went by so fast. Before I had the chance to synthesize my reflections from my almost jet-setting run last August, it's already October! 

 

Making up for lost times, I'm posting my belated "random two cents" on my monthly empties.

 

My regular guide questions:

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?



Left to right
Nivea In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner
Purbasari Lulur Mandi Putih Body Scrub 

(1) For the nth time, I LOVE Nivea lotions!!!....Nivea's in-shower conditioner is the innovative "bath version" of a lotion which works just as well and smells just as divine...Purbusari Lulur is the creamier sister of Asian Secrets body scrub minus the spa scent...

(2) Definitely, I will repurchase both of these.



Left to right
Dove Advanced Care Ultimate White Anti-Perspirant
Olay Regenerist Skin Renewal Cleanser
Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Body Wash
ZA Total Hydration Dewy Moisturizer

(1) Dove is one of my narrowed-down choices for a deo/anti-perspirant...Olay skincare and bath products could be  some of the few, if not the only, P&G product left in my regular bath and body stash (I've switched most of my P&G products for Filipino brands and organic products with milder ingredients...ZA moisturizer is light and dewy as promised but may not be rich and concentrated enough for my now aging skin (hey, I'm already 32!)...If ZA was available during my teenage years, my skin would probably have loved it...ZA reminds me of a hydrating mist but I'd have another anti-aging moisturizer to go with it...

(2) Will definitely repurchase Dove and Olay...I do have second thoughts on repurchasing ZA and will probably reconsider this as a second moisturizer during the hot summer...




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 Empties for August 2014

Hello dear friend!
For my August empties, I decided to group my random 'two cents'.
Here goes my month-end roundup!

 

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?

Left to right
Nature's Gate Body Wash in Pomegranate Sunflower
Nivea Body Milk Whitening
Suesh Professional Brush Cleaner
Human Heart Nature 100% Clarifying Shampoo
Lactacyd Youth Reviving Daily Feminine Wash

(1) I'm always on the constant lookout for sulfate-free body washes...Nature's Gate body washes are quite affordable considering the big bottle and interesting scent combinations...I'm completely sold to all Nivea body lotions and though I'm not so much into whitening, the camu camu and acerola cherry scent combination is too heavenly to resist...HHN clarifying shampoo is both cheap and true to form...When my alternate shampoo ran out, I used the clarifying shampoo everyday and I noticed that my hair color stayed just as vibrant...I didn't remember anything special about the Suesh brush cleaner and almost forgot about it until I finally found it stashed in a corner and realized that I had to use it up...The yellow variant of the Lactacyd feminine wash is my best match, pH-wise, to date...

(2) Except for the Suesh brush cleaner, I'd repurchase all of these.

Left to right
Pond's empties: White Beauty Day Cream (first and third), Gold Radiance Precious Serum, and the white half of the Gold Radiance Eye Serum
Clinique Even Better Foundation
Belo SPF 40 Face Cover

(1) When I was younger, I used to be satisfied with my Pond's stuff...Now that I am older, I prefer another brand and will most likely skip the Pond's counter...This Clinique foundation was a true match and kept getting better, indeed, as the day wore on...I think that Belo's sunscreen line is one of the most effective yet affordable brands in the market...

(2) Clinique and Belo gave me good reasons to repurchase...

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 Empties for July 2014

Thank you July for being fast and considerate this year. At least, it seemed like that for me. That's why as early as now, I'm posting my empties for the month. This time, with a happy and relieved smile on :)

(1) Will I repurchase?

(2) What's my best memory of the product?



Pureology Shamp'oil
(1) Yes, I'd repurchase whenever I want to give my hair a luxe treat.
(2) My hair color remains vibrant since I've been using this and alternating it with sulfate-free shampoos.




Mario Badescu trial: AHA Botanical Body Soap and Special Cucumber Lotion
(1) Yes, and wishing that this could be more affordable.
(2) These, together with the Mario Badescu Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion, helped heal my skin problems such as the occasional skin irritations and dryness around my nose area.



(1) Yes, I definitely consider this as one of my regulars.
(2) Scents indeed bring you back to certain special moments in your life and this one always brings me back to that sweet innocent year of 2003.

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. =)

Welcome back and bye again

 

Back and out again @ Dohera.

 (July 12, 2014)

Swan art #love
Uhmm, the room is just for one, okay ;)

And I'm back again!
(July 21, 2014)

Dogs or pigs? What do you think? (;

My Empties for June 2014

Tadaaa! After much delay, I'm posting my June empties :)

 

(1) Will I repurchase? (2) What's my best memory of the product?

 


Clinique Even Better Powder
(After more than one year, finally hit the pan!)
(1) Will definitely repurchase as soon as I have more moolah, haha.
(2) With the matching cream foundation, it gave me consistently great coverage and it was good for the skin, too.

 

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme
(Got this at the Buy One Take One promo)
(1) Yes, when there's another good deal / promo ;)
(2) It smells so good and effectively softens and moisturizes.

 


Asian Secrets Lulur Body Scrub
(1) Yes, I am crazy over scrubs in general, and this is an affordable yet effective one that I keep coming back to.
(2) I had to keep this away from the shower so that I am not tempted to use it everyday :D


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 Empties for May 2014

One of my favorite months is coming to an end.
Good bye May!
It has been a memorable and very productive month for me.
To cap it off, here are my usual two cents on my empties.
(1) Will I repurchase?
(2) What's my best memory of the product?

Green Tea Body Luxurious Shower Gel
(1) Only if I'm stuck again in an island without organic body washes and this one goes on sale
(2) I loved its green tea scent

L-R: Lactacyd White Intimate Whitening Daily Feminine Wash,
Nivea Extra Whitening Cell Repair and Protect Body Milk
(1) Yes, these are regulars / staples in my bath
(2) When you've found what works for you, stick to it

Organix Moroccan Argain Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil
(1) Maybe in the future
(2) This proved to be a good partner with my styling tools, protecting my hair while giving just enough shine

Shu Uemura Skin Refining Anti-dullness Cleansing Oil
(1) Only if I find another good deal like the one I had in HK Duty Free
(2) Very luxe way of cleansing out the impurities at the end of the day

What's the common denominator of the above empties? Luxury. These are not high-end or really expensive products (except for Shu) but they reminded me to spend something extra to take care of myself this May (which happens to be my birth month)...Yes, extra time in the shower and post-shower, and something extra special in the ingredients. We deserve it because we are women. ;) 

Till next month my dears!
 

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. =)

It's Almost Over

Our Cebu engagement is winding down.

One of my petty non-work-related concerns is this:

finishing up my supplies in my mini-fridge :D

 

Top to bottom shelf, left to right: Milk for cereal, pan de sal sandwich (stored in my Gladware takeaway container), canned corned tuna and Vienna sausage for my sandwich, Mang Juan chicharon (semi-junk food for rare crave days), a recently rediscovered dinner alternative in Simply Cereal (apple and cranberry variant).
I found this 'Pure & Cure' eye mask in Rustan's and have been taking this with me wherever I go. It's a good natural way to relieve my migraines and clogged nose.

 

Top to bottom shelf, left to right: Yakisoba for quick lunches or midnight snacks, my regular and accumulated supply of bottled water, Mang Juan noodles (my choice of pancit canton) and yogurts

Best of luck to me this weekend and the upcoming midnights...

Post script: My beauty regimen has also changed up a bit (for the better) during my stay here in Cebu.

Left to right:
Cleanse: Almost used up my Shu Uemura cleansing oil (got this from a good deal in HK Duty Free)
Tone: I usually don't tone but since I have more time these days, I use Pond's to rid my face of dirt and grime
Cleanse & Tone: Mario Badescu cleansing lotion is a multi-tasker. If I opted not to cleanse using my Shu Uemura (usually happens at night), I'd go for the Pond's toner and this.
Moisturize: I'm so glad to have found this much cheaper yet good quality Human Heart Nature 100% natural moisturizer. Although there is a separate night cream, I prefer to use this for both day and night.
Protect: I trust Belo and love it's non-sticky consistency. No white streaks and overwhelming scent.

I'm all for change and finishing what I started. Till next, dears :)

My Empties for April 2014



Hello May!
As I bid adieu to April, here are my empties and my usual two cents:
(1) Will I repurchase? (2) What's my best memory of the product?
 

Belo Anti-Perspirant Deo Spray
(1) Yes, already bought one and this time in roll-on form.
(2) There is no overpowering scent and it works.



Human Nature 100% Natural Clarifying Shampoo
(1) Yes. (2) I'm tempted to try other organic stuff but I know I will always go back to this.
Luxurious Body Lotion (part of a set with body wash and scrub)
(1) No. (2) It tends to sit on my skin which I wasn't very fond of but I loved the green tea scent.
Asian Secrets Lulur Body Scrub
(1) Yes, I already got my second tub in seaweed. (2) I have to keep it away from the bathroom as I got addicted to scrubbing myself almost everyday.



Olay Total Effects Moisturizer
(1) Yes, in another time.
(2) This is good value for money.

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 Empties for March 2014



Whew! After almost two weeks following the end of March, I'm finally posting my March empties. Here are my two cents: (1) Will I repurchase? (2) What's my best memory of the product?

 



Human Nature Clarifying Shampoo

Dermstrata Clindamycin Solution
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 (trial size)

As of now, my empties are the first two: L-R Lactacyd blue -used as body, facial and feminine wash;
Nivea Intensive Moisture lotion

Human Nature Clarifying Shampoo - I finished my 200 mL satisfied; yes, I already bought my second one and brought this with me to Cebu. It's a simple solution to complex hair woes.

Dermstrata Clindamycin Solution - A regular, definitely yes to a repurchase. While I can live without it for now since Mandaue, Cebu seems to be a less polluted place, I know that I will look for this again when I'm back in Manila.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 - I may not repurchase for now but will think about it in the future. It's a very mild exfoliator which can be used daily.

Lactacyd Blue Baby Bath - This is another trusted "staple" that I will continue to repurchase. For sensitive skin, this one's a safe bet.

Nivea Intensive Moisture Lotion - Yes, definitely. I associate this lotion's scent with probably one of the most memorable years of my younger life :)

Happy weekend my loves!

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 Empties for February 2014

I think the empties I have listed below are just perfect for the love month. It's either I love or hate them, either I'm in for a long-term relationship or just want to consume them so I can let go. Yes, no ifs, buts and maybe here.

My two cents, here they go: (1) Will I repurchase? and (2) What's my final word or best memory of the product?

Belo face sunblock (I took out the label so I can easily see how far it is from running out)
Herbench Tickled Pink moisturizing lotion

Belo face sunblock - Yes. This is my affordable alternative to VMV, and in this save-as-much-as-I-can times, I'm coming back for this or a moisturizer with SPF.

Herbench Tickled Pink moisturizing lotion - No. I need a better absorbing lotion.

Laura Mercier invisible loose powder

Laura Mercier invisible loose powder - Yes, yes and yes! The best invisible loose powder I've used so far that is worth every peso. 

Physiogel cleanser

Physiogel cleanser - Yes, for light makeup removal and that quick wipe before you slump your very tired body into bed. This is as gentle as Cetaphil but will need follow-through of a gentle toner or foaming wash for much more thorough cleansing.


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 Empties for January 2014

A new year has started! 

"Use up before you buy a new one". Does this resolution sound familiar?

I started being strict on this last 2013 and found it a liberating move. Less unused stocks in the limited space of my beauty box. Finally finding and sticking to the products that work for me (I'm a loyal person after all). No more unnecessary splurges and impulsive buys. I intend to keep this resolution this year 2014 and for as long as I can ;)

With that in mind, here are my two cents on my January 2014 empties.

(1) Will I repurchase? and (2) What's my final word or best memory of the product?

A Snoe regular and a Snoe first-time
Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder
Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

Snoe Hair Heroes Invisible Wonder - Yes. I'd usually alternate this with expensive color care shampoos as its gentle formulation does both the cleansing and color care.

Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub - Maybe. I'm not too keen on whitening but can attest that this s-rub did a good job on exfoliating dead skin; this should be a weekend ritual reserved for longer me-time.

Maybelline Magnum Super Film Mascara

Maybelline Magnum Super Film Mascara - No, but don't get me wrong as I love Maybelline mascaras especially the waterproof variants. This super film variant is supposed to speed up the mascara removal at the end of the day (the mascara can be easily removed with warm water); however, what I didn't like are the little black "films" that fall out midday (could be due to my oily lids) since this is not the waterproof type.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - A resounding yes! I finished the 50 mL-tube in three months and it was good to the last drop; who needs a complicated beauty regimen when you can have this and still achieve great skin?

L-R: A La Maison (from Healthy Options) 4 Seasons in Provence Spring Iris Liquid Soap for Hand and Body; Lactacyd  Revitalize Daily Feminine Wash; Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Whipped Body Frosting SPF 15 Whitening; Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil

A La Maison 4 Seasons in Provence Spring Iris Liquid Soap for Hand and Body - Yes, I used this solely as a body wash. I love the spring iris scent (nothing overpowering but very luxe); trying the body washes at Healthy Options makes this all-natural organic switch so much fun.

Lactacyd  Revitalize Daily Feminine Wash - Yes, I already bought my second bottle. One's choice of feminine wash is something that I believe should suit each woman's unique PH; be patient in finding your match and listen to your body's needs.

Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Whipped Body Frosting SPF 15 Whitening - No. I love the scent (as it has a matching spritz to layer on the "honey dew melon yogurt" and make it last longer) but it is not absorbed easily by my skin and not as moisturizing (I ended up with "little white flakes" on my skin midday).

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Sunflower Beauty Oil - Yes. This has lots of uses, all-natural and very affordable!

That's all my dears. A happy Sunday to all!

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. =)