REVIEW: NATURE REPUBLIC Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

I am so glad that there's a Nature Republic store near our place. Every time I pass by the shop, I have this urge to buy at least something. I know my husband will hate me for this. ^^


And here's one of my 'impulsive buys' - the Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. 

Let's start with the basics: 

*Product Name: Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (name's a bit long!) 

*Content: 300ml (It's really big!)
*Packaging: Comes in a big plastic jar. 
*Price: PhP 245 (this is the real reason why I bought this. It was cheap!) 

Nice to know that there is an English translation for the directions and the ingredients. :) 

REVIEW: Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Emulsion and 90 Skin booster [Trial Set]

I am glad to be back for a product review. ;) 

When I went to Nature Republic to buy something four months ago, they gave me samples of Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Emulsion and 90 Booster. 

I just tried it three weeks ago and finished the trial set last week. 


And here's a quick review of the products: 

My Black and White Affair: The Wedding Ring - Matus Jewellery Review

(Note: I am not paid to do this review nor a paid promotion.  I am just sharing my experiences through this blog. Enjoy reading!)


I am not a fan of jewelries. 
I love make-up and BB Cream but not jewelries. I love sneakers but not jewelries. I love cakes, ice cream, cheesecake and sweets, but not jewelries.

Same goes with my husband. He is not into wearing anything that is "shining, shimmering, splendid".  

That's why when my husband and I were trying to shop for a wedding ring, we looked for a simplest wedding rings we could find.

My co-worker told me to go to Ongpin and recommended a shop where her mom usually buys jewelries.I have read a lot of good reviews about the wedding rings from Ongpin. I've read that the jewelry there are affordable. Unfortunately, I had two concerns. First, I do not have any idea how to go to Ongpin and I have never been there. My husband and I were both working and we spend our weekends preparing for the wedding.  Going to Ongpin means we have to spend the whole day just to look for wedding rings. Second, my husband and I are both amateurs when it comes to jewelry. 

So again, I had to ask help from my bestfriend, Mr. Google. After reading threads, blogs, and countless reviews, I saw Matus Jewellery. 

Photo from: http://weddingrings.com.ph/matus/

My Black and White Affair: The Suit and the Gown - Divisoria Gowns and Suits Review

I know I am kinda late for my reviews regarding my wedding suppliers but I just want to share where my husband got his suit and my wedding gown. 

Aside from the wedding venue, what made my head spin were the wedding gown and the groom's suit.

I really did not want to spend a lot on a dress that I will wear only for a few hours. So I had two options: 

a. Rent a gown 
b. Buy a gown from the ever-famous Divisoria. 


Together with my bestfriend, Mr. Google, I did some research to check out which option was better. I also tried calling several shops just to check out all the possibilities. Here's what I found out: 


Pros of renting a wedding gown and a suit: 
1. Designs - the designs are just amazing :) The wedding gowns looked like they were made by famous designers. Of course most shops copied designs from the internet but honestly, the wedding gowns look pretty. Same goes to the suit. 

2. No need to dry clean, the shop will do that for you. 

My Black and White Affair: The Venue and Caterer - Chow Unlimited (Catering Trio) Review

(Note: I am not paid to do this review nor a paid promotion.  I am just sharing my experiences through this blog. Enjoy reading!)

I am already one month married and I never expected married life to be this fun and challenging. 

I still can’t get over my wedding last month. I really thank God for helping us plan and prepare the wedding in three months. It was a little stressful but again, everything was worth it. 

I just want to share the suppliers that we had for the wedding. I splurge on a lot of stuff but I admit that for our wedding, my husband and I did our best to save. I know some will disagree with me but a wedding does not need to be glamorous nor elaborate. “Minsan lang naman kayo ikakasal, gawin niyo nang bongga.” – I’ve heard this a lot of times during the preparation but my husband and I really wanted a simple wedding – not to spend a lot for a one day event as we are also preparing for our lives AFTER the wedding. 

With the help of the internet and a telephone, I was able to find affordable but good wedding suppliers. :) 


Let me start with our venue and caterer. :) 


Place / Catering 
Chow Unlimited – Catering Trio

Location: 
Roofdeck Prestige Tower
F. Ortigas Jr. Road (formerly Emerald Ave.) 
Ortigas Center, Pasig City,


My husband and I thought that it will be better for the ceremony and the reception to be held in one place since we were going to have a Christian (Baptist) wedding.  I tried looking everywhere near Pasig/Mandaluyong area and I was able to find one. 

We got the services of Chow Unlimited located at Prestige Tower, Ortigas. It was like hitting two birds with one big stone. 

We were expecting around 150-180 visitors for our wedding. 

My Black and White Affair: A Wedding Planned in 3 months - THE WEDDING BUDGET

Disclaimer: I am not a  wedding coordinator nor a wedding supplier. I am now paid to do advertise or promote anything here. Everything's based on experience, my headaches and joys as I prepare the my wedding. Enjoy reading and feel free to comment :) 

It was July 2014 when my husband and I told my father that we are going to get married. When my father asked the date, we told him we wanted to get married on August 2014. Being conservative to the core, I think my father blacked out when he heard that. 

To make the long story short, we decided to move our wedding date to Oct. 11, 2014. I was so freaking confident that I can coordinate, prepare, and organize everything for the wedding. 

Take note: I had a full-time job (which requires me to go to the office early and leave late).
I even told my hubby that I will take care of this and that, do some DIY (do-it-yourself) stuff and coordinate with everyone who will be attending the wedding.

Did it work out well? Hmmmm.. Actually it did work out well but honestly, my dear brides-to-be, you will be needing a lot of help. It was not easy! 

Not easy, BUT it's possible. :) 

I have learned a lot with that  3 months of preparation. There were some things that I wish I could have done and things I wish I didn't do. Let me share some of the stuff that I have learned. Let's start with the WEDDING BUDGET

http://www.inkedweddings.com/stress-free-wedding-planning-say-i-wont-before-i-do/wedding-budget-planning/

My Black and White Affair - This is where it started.

I am and ordinary woman with ordinary dreams. One of my dreams is to get married. Now, the Lord gave me a chance to fulfill that dream. 
I belong to a big family, with 3 sisters and 2 brothers and a hundred of cousins. He is an only child and with not-so-many cousins. 
I live in Manila. He grew up in Leyte and spent almost his whole life there. 
I am 5 feet tall. He is 5'6. 
I'm so bad with computer games but he is so good at it. 
I'm messy. He is organized. 
I'm noisy. I talk a lot. He is quiet and very careful when he talks. 
I love shopping and walking around. He hates it. 
I am not good with jokes but he is. 
We are different yet our differences make us love each other.





Our Story

We were in college then. He was the smart one and I was known as the "dean's niece". We see each other in the hallways but never said our "hi's" and "hello's". 
We became classmates when we were in third year. He had his own set of friends and I had mine. Finally, we knew each other's names. 

We became friends. Then we became good friends. Finally, we became a couple. No courting, no silly flowers or teddy bears. I realized that he was special to me. I think he also realized that I am somehow special to him.

School life.

He has a good sense of humor. He is smart too. I get good grades in test but he gets BETTER grades. We enjoyed teasing each other and making fun of our schoolmates. 

Our usual Saturday date would include eating and studying in the park for our test. We were not just a couple but we were good friends - best friends, if I should say. We had our shares of petty fights but we learned a lot.

After Graduation

We graduated from college in 2007. Then comes the Nurses' Licensure Examinations. We only had two months to prepare. We attended the same review center. We seated beside each other. We go home together and we study together. He encouraged me to study more. He was the worrier and I was the lax - one. We spent a lot nights at Dunkin Donuts,studying, drinking coffee, and eating our favorite 'bunwich'. 

I was happy to study with him. And I guess I kept him awake most of the time.

The Real Life

We took the test. The results weren't out yet but I had to go back to Manila. He had to stay in Leyte. We had to look for jobs. 

I got a ticket and I was all prepared to go back to Manila. It was the first time I felt sad in our relationship. I realized that we are about to have a long-distance relationship. I told him to wait for me.

That was 2007.

2008. He came to Manila to look for a job. It didn't work out. The Lord has other plans. He went back to Leyte.

2009 - 2010. Our relationship was tested. It was a difficult time in our relationship and we were tested. He was in Leyte. I was here. Broke up and our relationship ended.

Late 2010. I thank the Lord for helping us both realize so many things. We talked. The Lord opened a door for us to communicate. We started to patch things up and it was like starting our love story all over again. We gave love a second chance.

Now to forever

We learn many things through our own experience and other people's experience. Our relationship matured. We understood each other. We accepted each other's weaknesses and learned how to communicate more. 

Indeed, love was better the second time around.

Finally, we are ready to end our boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. It's time for us to share a life together as a family.

October 11, 2014 marks the date. On this date, our life will no longer focus on "I, ME, MYSELF" and the things that "I can do". Starting October, 11, 2014, it'll be "US and WE with the Lord" and the things that "we can do".

Eight (8) years was worth the wait. Waiting was tough but with all the experiences, the challenges and the things we had learned , it was all worth it.

My Black and White Affair - 30 days until our wedding - JMP Bridal Gowns, Invitations and Events Needs - Review

I was supposed to make a separate blog for my wedding but I just realized "why the heck make another blog when you already have one?"

I hate it when my conscience talks. 


I already posted something on http://www.mywedding.com/angeloandhazelle/ but I think it's much better to transfer them here :) 

**********************************************************************

The CHEAPSKATE. 



I am getting married on the 11th of October. My fiance and I decided to go for a civil wedding but my parents were a bit not-too-happy about that (especially my dad). I came from a big family and I'm the eldest. I will be the first one to get married in the family so my dad was like "What?!" when we told him that we would get married. Also, a civil wedding is not that costly and I am not a fan of weddings and all the preparation.

But ALAS! If they prefer a church wedding and I guess we had to give it to them. 

Four months of preparation. Just 4 months. I am working 12 hours a day and my fiance's also working Mondays to Saturdays. 

I didn't get any wedding coordinator because I wanted to be practical. I do not want to spend a lot on the wedding day itself because I want to be more prepared with our life AFTER the wedding day.

I only have 30 days left before my wedding and honestly, it's a very stressful journey. I never thought it would be this stressful and costly! (I am so sorry because I am just a certified 'kuripot'). 

I am glad that my fiance is so supportive and he's always there to encourage me. I know he is also stressed but he does his best to make us smile and laugh (if you are reading this, Dadi, I love you!!!! ^^)


The Wedding Invitation
JMP BRIDAL GOWNS, INVITATIONS, and EVENT NEEDS

Location: 
4B-17 4th Floor of 168 Mall

Website:
http://jmpbridalgownsinvitationseventneeds.webs.com/


First, we had to look for a good wedding invitation. I am not a fan of overly-decorated, perfumed-scented, over-the-top wedding invitations. I wanted a DIY wedding invitation wedding invitation but I just do not have the luxury of time to do that. :( 

Definitely not this: 

From: http://www.storkie.com/t-bizarre-wedding-invitations.aspx

Good thing we were able to find one in Divisoria, the heaven for shoppers. We were able to get it from JMP Bridal Gowns, Invitations, Events Needs located at 168 Mall. 
A wedding invitation for 60pesos / piece? Not bad. Less hassle. 


Here's a photo of their stall from their website: 

Here's what the invitation looks like:

We are going to have a black-and-white themed wedding so I opted to go for this very very simple design. 

MY BLACK AND WHITE Affair - I am finally tying the knot!

Hello! I am currently and officially on a 'hiatus' with blogging. The reason? I am getting hitched this coming October! (Finally.)
After 8 years, I am ending my boyfriend-girlfriend relationship and will be upgrading my status to 'Mrs'. 

I hope to come back to make more reviews. For now, I am going to be busy with the wedding preparations. :) See you soon, blog. :) 

EXPERIENCE: My IOM Manila Health Center Experience - updated 2/28/2016

Hello! 
I have been on a hiatus again for 30 years. I feel so guilty for not updating my blog :( 

This blog entry is going to be different because I'll be talking about my experience at IOM Manila Health Center. This is a first for me so please bear with me if I would have lapses or might have missed something in explaining some details. 

Years ago my mom decided to look for greener pastures in Canada and she finally got the chance to apply for a permanent residency. My family and got a letter around March 2014 saying that we had to undergo an immigration medical examination. 

According to the letter we have received THROUGH EMAIL, we have to visit the panel physicians and have the medical examination within 60 days upon receiving the email. JEEZ!
That was the reason why I was so busy these past few weeks. 


I'll share some stuff that you must and must not do before, during and after the medical examination. I hope these information could also help out others there. 

REVIEW: BAVIPHAT Sugar Girl All Skin Collagen Primer

Hello! Hello! 

I'm trying to organize my make up and other skin care stuff inside my room. I just realized I still have a lot of items to blog. :( 

This one is way overdue. 

I'll be doing a review for a primer. The last time I had a review for a primer was a year ago. It was BAVIPHAT Secret Recipe Under My Skin Goodbye Sebum Primer (you can click the name to check that review).  

I am going to do a review for another Baviphat primer. I decided to get BAVIPHAT Sugar Girl All Skin Collagen Primer because I loved BAVIPHAT Secret Recipe Under My Skin Goodbye Sebum Primer. 

Here it is: 

The packaging is really cute. :) 

REVIEW: SOPHIE PARIS LIPSTICK in Summer Pink and V.I.Pink

I am back to make another review for lippies! 


I am still searching for that perfect pink lipstick that will match my lips and skin tone. Three weeks ago, one of my officemates told me she bought a pink lipstick from another officemate who sells Sophie Paris products. The shade looked so good on her so that weekend, I decided to visit the nearest Sophie Paris store near our home. 


It was my first time to buy lipsticks from Sophie Paris. I checked out all the colors and they all looked pretty! I had to control myself because first- I didn't have enough money, second -this is my first time to buy lipsticks from Sophie Paris so I am not quite sure if I would love 'em or hate 'em and the third but most important reason - I am trying not to IMPULSIVELY buy everything that I will touch.


So I just bought two. 

Since I am still in search for that perfect 'pink' lipstick, I decided to get: V.IPink and Summer Pink. 

REVIEW: Missha The Style Nail Polish Solvent

I'm going to try a short, quick review tonight. :) 



I bought another batch of stash from my favorite online shop, Han Ryu. :) One thing that caught my eye was the Missha The Style Nail Polish Solvent.


I love to color my nails. From neon colors to glittery. Unfortunately, I became so busy at work that I do not have time to put on some nail polish and dry my nails. Also, I am very particular with chipped nail polish that whenever the nail polish starts to chip, I remove everything with nail polish remover and repaint my nails again. Because of that, my nails became brittle and dry. :(
I decided to take it slow on nail polish. 

I have a lot of unused nail polish. All colors and types. Here's the proof. These are the 'forgotten ones'. I can't used them because they are already drying up. I couldn't throw them away because these bottles are around 70-80% full. 

When I saw Han Ryu selling Missha The Style Nail Polish Solvent, I decided to give it a try, hoping it would save these beauties. 
(Large photos ahead! I posted photos in humongous sizes - alright I am exaggerating. I posted a lot of photos so that you can clearly see everything. May take some time for all the photos to load)


Product Name: Missha The Style Nail Polish Solvent
Price: bought it for 155pesos only 
Content: 15 ml

REVIEW: It's Skin Lady-holic Lipstick - Cherry Pink / Peach Coral / Enamel Pink / Angel Pink

It's Labor Day. I am stuck at home to make up for the lost hours of sleep for the past few weeks.  

It's also a good time to update this blog. :)

I think the last time I made a review for lipstick was two years ago (AVON Assorted lipsticks). I am not pretty sure though. 

This is my first lipstick review for this year. :) It's already overdue but I hope I am not too late. 




Product Name: It's Skin Lady-holic Lipstick 
(It's Skin is a Korean brand)

Price: PhP 185
I got this again from my favorite online shop: Han Ryu

Comes in: 8 SHADES

My shopaholic-self just told me to buy 4 of these. My Goodness! 

So I got myself four shades of It's Skin Lady-holic Lipstick 

02 Cherry Pink 
03 Peach Coral
05 Enamel Pink
07 Angel Pink

REVIEW: It's skin Secret Solution Clear Patch

Pimple time!
Work + stress + monthly period = PIMPLES / Zits. 

Argh! I am already 27 years old but I can't believe that I am still experiencing 'adolescent' zits.  Remember the zits / pimples that you had when you were in highschool? Well, I still continue to have them now until now. :( The good thing is my zits are easier to manage. 


I've tried a lot of 'overnight' remedies for zits. Most of them didn't work. I am not a big fan of 'overnight-pimple-patches' that claims to make your zits disappear. 
That's why I didn't know what made me try It's skin Secret Solution Clear Patch. 

Here's my review for this product. 


***********************************************

Name: It's skin Secret Solution Clear Patch
(It's skin is a Korean brand)
It's a clear patch that you put on your pimple overnight. 


Here's a description of the product take from sasa.com 

It's Skin Secret Solution Clear Patch is a film type spot patch that effectively takes care of skin troubles. Not shown to others during the daytime. Strongly attached on skin and intensively controls trouble spots. 

Meet and Greet: My Favorite Online Seller / Shop - Han Ryu

I am so glad my laptop is already fixed! I am still using my 2-year-old laptop and I can't let it go yet (honestly, my wallet is NOT willing to let my laptop go). 

Last February 22, 2014, I got a chance to meet Ms. Grace, the owner of the online shop, Han Ryu. If you have been reading my previous posts, most of the items that I review were from her shop. 

I met her at The Attic Bazaar. It's a bazaar hosted by students from La Salle and it was held that SMX Convention Center. The entrance fee was 50 pesos. 

Saturday is my "me-and-my-hubby" time but I really wanted to see Ms. Grace in person. I just want to thank her for making me love Korean skin care products. :) 

Here are some of our pictures: 

Me and my ever-loving hubby!! I know he is not fond of my shopping addiction and hates the long hours I spend just to shop but I am so glad he still supports me. ^_^ 

And I finally got to meet Ms. Grace!!!! She's such a nice sweetheart! 

These were just some of the things that were sold by Ms. Grace during the bazaar. (Pictures care of Ms. Grace)

Skin care products....

BB Creams! Eye Make up! Facial Wash! (*still drooling for all of these)

Masks and more masks....

Han Ryu has been my favorite online shop for Korea Cosmetics and Skin care products. The shop usually sells on a pre-order basis but the shop often has on-hand products for sale (but the on-hand products are usually sold-out 1-2 days after posting them on Facebook.) 

I did not buy a lot during the bazaar because I just wanted to meet the seller. Mission accomplished and it was honestly a good feeling. ^^ 

Review: ZAMIAN PREMIUM GOLD CACAO PACK (Warning: NOT suitable for chocolate addicts)

Ola!
I am back this 2014! This is going to be my first review this year. ^^ 


Last year, I bought a lot of stuff from my favorite online shop, Han Ryu. I got so curious about Zamian Premium Gold Cacao Mask  so I decided to put it on my "should-try" list. The word "cacao" actually made me curious. Here's my review:


Product: Zamian Premium Gold Cacao Mask
It's a mask made from black cacao - yep! Cacao for me is equivalent to chocolate. (Hooray for chocolate lovers out there!)
  
Price: PhP 557 from Han Ryu (I think this one's on sale when I bought it. The original price from other online sellers would range from PhP 600-800.
(*Again, I am not paid to do reviews. I just buy most of my skin care products and Korean cosmetics from HAN RYU ever since I started falling in love with Korean skin care products.)

Content: 150g
  

Yahoo! Another addition to my addiction ^^

It's actually a facial mask + chocolate in one. If you love chocolates, I must warn you that this is not for you. Read along and you will know why.