Please welcome, (Otis/Raja/Marchio), to the family!!!

I still can't decide what to name our dearest "bunso" (youngest), a two-month-old shitzu male puppy. I still want to keep the noble title tradition but its getting harder. My cousin's exes are named Earl and King, and it would be in bad taste to name our baby either of those names. We don't want to offend the current boyfies who's also our friends. Although Prince is available, it is such a common name for a pup. So I'm left with Otis (not really a noble), Raja (A good indian nooble title) and Marchio or "Chio" (Latin version of Marquess).

Any other suggestions, dear readers? I'm afraid I have to name him soon or else he'll get used to be called baby.

Sigh. I love being a new mom and taking care of my not-so-newborn-pup. It's a joy to sit with him and nestle him on my chest as he sleeps.

le sigh..

much love,
Shen

Something pure this way comes.

Aren't you just ecstatic when a great product from the U.S. or any part of the world hits our shores? Although I am an advocate of Filipino-made products, I can't help but admire the innovation of those not from here. Who wasn't thrilled when MAC, Lancome, Paul and Joe, Shu Uemura and Stila came here? I know I was.

I think foreign companies recognize how Filipinos are serious with their hair care. Year by year, we opt for something that will provide us the best in hair maintenance. That is why Pureology is now available to us.

Pureology, the number one in hair colour care is finally here!

But there are so much out there available for hair colour care? What makes it different and worth a second look?

From the name itself, Pureology boasts of its all natural formulations mainly the AntiFade Complexand ZeroSulfate shampoos. The creator, Jim Markham, initially made Pureology for a friend who was suffering from cancer and has grown to be a power brand that haircolorists love and support.

A brand with the heart, Pureology uses only recyclable materials for their containers and soy ink for their prints. They also support different environmental and social cause such as Palawan Animal Welfare Association (PAWA), Kapit Bisig Para sa Pasig and Tanggol Kalikasan. Meaning, some of the proceeds will go to the following organization every time we buy ourselves this all natural colour care products.

Going vegan is getting way easier now than ever.

much love,
Shen

OOTD: Outfit of the Day



top: Babo long graphic top (less than Php500)
bottom: black cotton leggings (less than Php150)
shoes: Finickee brown folk-inspired platforms (less than P500, got it 10% less)
bag: HDY (Php400, clearance sale)
accessories: swallow necklace (Php780, originally 1K++, Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar)
earrings (Php200, Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar
bracelet (handmade by Shen)
Kenneth Cole watch (gift from Mom)

I put on a blazer later that night but forgot to take a picture of the whole outfit.

much love,
Shen

I was out the other day with BF when I noticed that my new bra's straps kept falling off my shoulders. It was really a dyahe moment since I needed to always reach in and pull it up. There I was, on a date and all I could think of was my bra straps. Not a way to enjoy a night with the BF who finally had the time to take me out for dinner.

It's a good thing that it won't happen again the next time since I got the Inti-mate Bra Converter!

My friend Sophie recently launched a new product that I think many of us will say "why didn't I think of that?". This simple disk-like object aims to clip together your bra straps and convert it into a sports-like bra ensuring that no falling strap booboos will ever happen again. No need to throw those bras you can't use and exchange them for exuberantly priced convertible bras, the Inti-mate Bra Converter is the easy answer and affordable at Php250.00 for a pack of three different colors - nude, clear and black, to match all your bras.

Intimate Bra Converter provides why you should own this fabulous product:

CONVENIENT
Inti-Mate Bra Converter puts your bra strap into place, preventing loose, or falling straps!

SAVINGS
With Inti-Mate Bra Converter, you don’t need to pay extra to buy racerback bra’s or even sports bras! As you clip your bra straps with Inti-Mate, your normal bra gets transformed into a racerback bra or cross-style bra– straps are hidden as you adjust it – get to wear your sexy tops with no unsightly awkward bra straps! Go ahead, and compute – you get to save so much with buying Inti-Mate Bra Converter than buying a new bra! Get to recycle your old bra’s as well with this!

CONVERTS
Turns any kind of bra into a racerback or cross-style bra! Great for racerback tops, tank tops, sportswear, and cutaway attires!

A BURST OF CONFIDENCE
Inti-Mate Bra Converter gives you that upgrade in cup size as it pushes up your breasts. Added support, added confidence!

CLEAVAGE With the push-up help from Inti-Mate Bra Converter, create and enhance cleavage, look and feel sexy inside and out!

CURVES
Inti-Mate Bra Converter acts like a sports bra, but does not flatten our figure unlike the latter. We get to keep our curves while exercising!

USEFUL Okay, let’s list them down why Inti-Mate Bra Converter is so useful!
• prevents loose and falling straps
• recycles old bra’s with its push-up function
• transforms the normal bra into a racerback or sports bra
• hides unsightly bra straps while wearing racerback tops
• prevents bra straps from cutting into your shoulders
• creates cleavage and curves

ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEMS!
With so much uses, benefits, and savings , Inti-Mate Bra Converter is every girl’s dream product. It’s the perfect bra add-on! Also, it’s the perfect gift for your friends, and family. They will surely love this product as much as you do!

What I love about this product is that I don't need to criss-cross my bras everytime my top would need it to be, the Inti-mate Bra Converter does it for me. So great for travels when there is no time to hook and unhook the straps. It's not so hard to look and feel sexy from the inside... :)

Owning one is easy as putting it on. Just go to the My Intimate multiply site and order one pack for yourself. Can't think of anything for Kris Kringle's "Something Unique", well here's your answer or just something to give to all your girlfriends for the Holidays and I bet mom wouldn't mind having one, too.



much love,
Shen

P.S. Watch out for BeauttyandMinerals and MyIntimate Bazaars to be posted here on my site. Visit and see for yourself what a great gift this can be for the Holidays.

When it comes to acne, I consider myself a first degree victim in all accounts. I've had my face butchered by dermatologists, burned by chemicals, bleached by soaps, robbed by cosmetic counters and assaulted by many different products out in the market. I feel like I've tried everything and nothing worked. At least permanently.

If I were to go back in time when I was at the age I was just starting to get pimples, I would probably immediately talk to my mom about it. During those times I felt so ashamed of what I was going through and it seemed as if I was the only one going through it among my friend.s My social activities lessened as my confidence level begun to go low. It truly was a bad time for me. If only I knew better and if only I had the guts to talk to someone about it.

Fortunately today, there are many products out there that could help those 15 year old versions of me. Confidence need not be collateral damage to the enlarged pimples and breakouts. The newest Clean and Clear Active Clear Acne Solution Kit is within reach to many Filipinas out there. It is by far the most effective acne relief system to help reduce those existent pimples and help future breakouts from not coming out.

It is a dream come true knowing that many would go through what I did with this cool set.

The Clean and Clear Active Clear Acne Solution Kit contains Salicylic Acid formula which has been proven to treat acne. It also provides exfoliations that helps get rid of dead skin cells that could block impurities from the skin. I could even attest that the right amount of Salicylic Acid could instantly dry out my oversized breakout in just a day.

The kit contains a no-fuss 4 steps, that many like me who's lazy, could easily do.

Clean and Clear provides:

Active Clear Acne Control Cleanser – The first step of the acne-fighting regimen goes beyond cleansing to penetrate pores. It contains bacteria-fighting salicylic acid that calms and soothes acne-irritated skin.

Active Clear Acne Control Toner – The second step is the highly functioning oil-free toner that works to reduce excess oil, which clogs pores, for effective pimple prevention. The combination of salicylic acid and natural botanical ingredients tones and balances skin.

Active Clear Acne Control Moisturizer – The third step of the regimen is the use of an oil-free moisturizer that provides a hint of moisture to soften and nourish skin, while containing a breakthrough anti-acne technology to help prevent pimples. With salicylic acid to clear and prevent acne, the natural herbal vitamin ingredients in the Active Clear Acne Control Moisturizer also nourish the skin and prevent it from drying.

Active Clear Acne Control Speed Gel – An exciting add-on to the acne-fighting regimen is a highly effective spot treatment that starts working immediately to reduce redness, pimple size and swelling in as little as 4 hours. The combination of salicylic acid and an herbal essence acne-fighting technology visibly reduces acne – fast!

I particularly am enjoying the Active Clear Acne Cleanser for its cool feel that instantly refreshes my skin. I'm sure many will love the oil-free moisturizer as it provides a non-greasy feel. Personally, this can double as your primer. The Active Clear Acne Control Speed Gel is something I wish we had back in the day. It's immediate results are amazing. Instant dried up pimples in 2 to 3 days use.

I would reccomend this product to those teens who have minimum budget. For only Php550.00 for whole set, you're looking at less Php150.00 per product that would last you about a month. That's really affordable, if I say so myself. Although it would be best to consult your dermatologist first especially if you have unsually severe acne.

A reminder, don't forget your sunblock after applying this regimen in the morning or before going out during the day. Given that you have dried up acne as you use this product, you don't want it to darken under the cruel sun. We don't want that dark pigmentation afterward.

much love,
Shen

Disclaimer: A product sample has been provided for this review. Let it be known that all products featured on this blog should be used with discretion.

Finally, since my graduation from Basement Academy, I've had a chance for Mr. Jeave Gabiana, Education Director and Instructor in Precision Hair Cutting Course of the said Academy, to work on my thick long unruly locks. My roots were showing and I just couldn't stand it anymore. It was serendipity when I decided to go to Shangri-la after my driving class. It was just a no-brainer decision. Boy, was I glad to know that Sir Jeave was already at the salon.

I love that Sir Jeave, even if I was a former student, still treated as a client asking me what I wanted. Of course, I was glad to go along with what he had in mind. I told him I wanted to look different but still me. Hehehe! I wanted something that people would notice. Really, I was just happy that the hair master himself will be taking care of my hair. He discussed that my new hair color would have 3 different highlights, a base for the roots and they will have to be careful on the ends because my hair was chemically-treated from previous hair coloring and rebond.

The technique for highlights that he asked his assistant was quite different compared to other highlighting process I've seen. During the treatment, I was starting to look like Valentina of Darna or Cruella DeVille with all of my hair in foils. It was such a funny yet scary sight. Totally worth it, in my opinion. :)

After an intensive 4 hour hair coloring, here is the final result.






i love the blonde-ish highlight.



I just came in just for hair color but Sir Jeave threw in a free hair cut as well! He retouched my cut, making sure it has a nice body and a little of volume. Le sigh.. Was I a lucky girl or what.. :)

I'm getting addicted!

makeup by Shu Uemura
c/o Grace and Sharon (MUAs for Shu)
Eyes & Lips: Tsumori Chisato eyeshadows
Face: Face Architect Smoothing Foundation

much love,
Shen

Just right after all the horrible thigns that happened lately, I realized that I still had my Bizu French Macaroons sitting prettily on my fringe. From all the troubles I've been having lately, it was such a great treat to enjoy iy and to make my problems temporarily go away.

Each flavor is the sweetest perfection. Every bite is as soft as cotton. Each round pastry a delight to the tastebuds.

Bizu macaroons are carefully handmade. They have one particular person who does nothing but make these beautiful pastel rainbow treats from scratch.

You can have your very own rainbow of Bizu Macaroons, simply visit them at Greenhills Promenade, Glorietta 4, or Alabang Town Center.

much love,
Shen

P.S. One shouldn't do food posts before going to bed as it makes the writer hungry. Lol!

Be still my heart!

Another Sale and 3 different brands at that!







le sigh!

much love,
Shen

Hi, girls! I'm back. It seems that my life in the publishing industry was short-lived. I had to let go of my job because of personal/family concerns. The hardships of being an only child is that you also inherit a lot of your parents obligations when they pass away. Since I have no siblings to help me, I have to take care of everything in my mother's behalf. Needless to say, my duty as a daughter does not cease with my mom's passing. I still have a few to finish before I could pursue my own dreams.

Although I will miss my work there albeit how tiring and how challenging it was, I am glad to be back in the blogging circuit. I am in love with blogging and for many times, this has been a friend to me... you all have been a friend to me. Thank you so much for all your support during those times I couldn't update my blog. Those who messaged and emailed me well wishes and those who even thought I was quitting and asked me not to. Really, your messages brought tears to my eyes.

I wanted to share a lot of my new finds with you all. I hope that you'll bear with me as I adjust again to my usual blogging routine.


One of my recent finds was an oral prescription called Acnetrex, it's to finally put a stop on my acne dilemmas. Before my first day on the job, I visited a dermatologist in M.D. Eastwood. I was experiencing heavy breakouts and I just wanted to give a good solution to it. Acne has been a constant problem with me. I would have flawless beautiful skin for a few weeks then after that, I'm doomed with months of breakouts. Topical medications both prescribed and off-the-counter would work but it doesn't solve anything permanently. Really, its very frustrating.

Thankfully, I met Dra. Adao of M.D. Eastwood. She's a very accomodating dermatologist listening to all my ranting about expensive derma products that doesn't work. And how a beauty blogger like me could have adverse reactions from some products we use and how we can't stop doing it for research purposes. Well, she knew I wasn't kidding. She saw and felt how oily my face was and how much cystic acne I had. We then proceeded on what meds I use to take, topical and oral and how long I've been taking them. She asked what shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other things dermatologist would ask to form a conclusion on how we should go on about my problem.

Then, she mentioned Acnetrex to me. She didn't have to tell me that celebrities and elites uses it, I was sold! "Give it to me now, Doc.", I said. It was definitely something that I haven't tried. I wonder why my previous dermatologists didn't prescribe me this before when I was younger. Hmp!

So, now I'm in my first pack of Acnetrex or Acnotin (Isotretinoin) and I'm hoping that by Christmas, I wouldn't have to use a lot of concealer for each parties I go to.

BUT (there's a but so better read on) you can't take Acnetrex just like that. You can't waltz in to the drugstore (i doubt they have this) and tell them you want it. There are a quite a few catch on this before you can take it.

1. Consult your doctor first.
2. Pregnant or women wanted to get pregnant can't take this due to adverse effects on fetal formation. AVOID PREGNANCY AT ALL COST. Use 2 types of contraception to ensure non-pregnancy.
3. You must have normal blood results before taking this medication (no high cholesterol, sugar, liver etc.) Forgive me if I butched the medical terms for those but you get my drift.
4. Intake must be prescribed by the doctor! You can't overdose to speed up the process. This is a very stupid thing to do.
5. Don't get too caught up with this hype, you don't have to take this if you only have minor or hormonal breakouts. See number 1, consult your derma, don't force her to give this to you when her medical opinion says you don't need it..

There are a lot more that you need to take heed before taking this drug. I myself despite making the decision to take this is still hesitant every time I pop a capsule. So, you really must want this (and your husband, too.) before taking this. If you're below the age of majority, better have your parents decide if you should take this and provide you with proper guidance.

Oh the things we do for to become beautiful. The sacrifices we must make. But we know its worth it in the end. I just hope it is for me.

By the way, has anyone tried this? Anyone who has a baby now? I am hoping to have a baby by the time I'm 30 and I'm hoping that I can still have one even after I take this for a few years.



much love,
Shen

When you're new at work, you are usually stressed by the overwhelming series of information yearning to load in your head. You are tired from the unfamiliar amount of work that is given to you.

A new friend told me that even if the spirit is willing, sometimes the body is weak. That, is exactly what I feel right now. I'm overwhelmed with everything that has happened with me in my job while the after effects of the typhoon and the continuous rainfall has been limiting my physical capabilities to remain intact. At the end of the day, I'm severely wiped out that my eyelids are literally closing as i walk back to our place. But since I am loving every piece of that work, I am determined to be the best in it. But like just like everything, I know that will just need some getting use to.

I'm sure many could relate to me on this regard...

So how we cope?

A good night sleep even just a few hours usually does the trick for me. I shower til i'm squeeky clean, put on some fresh pj's and snuggle in with my pooches and lovable bf. But wait, there's more. I put on The Body Shop reed diffuser from the Japanese Cherry Blossom collection and the room will smell so fresh like spring time. It takes me away from all the chaos happening outside our room and transport to a blissful sleep.

The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Reed Diffuser

A beautiful and natural way to fragrance your home.Fill your home with the romantic and delicate light floral fragrance of the treasured Japanese Cherry Blossom. This innovative diffuser contains attractive wooden reeds which gently absorb the fragrance and diffuse it into your room.

And I need one now! :) You know, beauty addicts like us needs enough Zzzz..
Until next post, ladies!

much love,
Shen

I am one of the many Filipinos who's life has changed after Typhoon Ketsana, locally known as Ondoy.

This author has always been aware of her surrounding. Having been schooled on how to take extra care of our Planet, I must admit that it is not enough to achieve a certain change that we need. Have you watched the remake of the movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still"? It was said that something big has to happen first before we wake up and realize the mistakes we are doing. I guess that is exactly what this Typhoon made us do, we now find greater importance for the things we use to neglect while we don't waste our time anymore with frivolous things.

There is a lesson be learned in these recent events and I can only pray that all of us don't have to take an exam on it. Not too soon, at least. But it seems that there is an impending pop quiz that will soon hit my fellow Filipinos once again. Typhoon Parma is making its way to our beloved yet uncared for country to test our ability to take the worst. I am only hoping that we survive it again.

As for me, I am dealing with two major changes in my life. First one, is a lifestyle change, while the other one is of career.

Before the Typhoon arrived, I have been accepted as a writer for a high fashion magazine. It has always been my dream to become a writer/editor for a magazine. I thought I didn't get it until I received an SMS on my birthday that I got the position as full-time writer. I felt vindicated for the things that people said I've been wasting my time on for the past year. And yet, a little daunted because I'm so clueless on how a fashion magazine works. Nevertheless, I am not afraid to take on the coming challenges.


Of course the road doesn't end here. Today at the first of work, I learned a lot on how a magazine works and how it is delivered in your beautiful, french-tipped hands. I learned the inspiration and perspiration that went behind every page. It is very humbling and at the same time gratifying. And I will soon be a part of that.

I am most grateful that despite all the trials and calamities, I still have something to make me feel alive. And with that, makes me want to live this life to the fullest. When my mom died, I thought that my life would end up in the dumps because she isn't here to guide me. Now, I realize that she has really equipped me with enough strength of character to survive anything and enough intelligence and common sense to decide my fate. That I can make it no matter how many times I fall.

There is a rainbow after rain, if only we bother to look.

Fellow Filipinos, let's show the world what we are made of. Let's show them how to survive.

Prayers to everyone. Please be safe!

much love,
Shen