My Beauty Regimen Products and Olay Anti-Ageing 'Night' Cream

This is not a product review as I just bought this yesterday. But with Olay as the brand, you wouldn't doubt its quality and question its effectivity. I use different brand of beauty products as I don't stick to only one brand because I'm more particular to a certain product's effect on my skin and of course its affordability. I use Biore (the blue colored container) as my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen and Pond's facial wash and toner (the pink one). Now, if I want to splurge a bit on beauty products, I would buy The Body Shop's seaweed toner. It doesn't make my skin that oily. For face and body sunscreen, I love Daylong. It doesn't make my skin heavy and greasy. I should've posted photos pala of the products I use in regular basis. Maybe next time if I happen to snap photos of them.

Anyway, one particular beauty product that I've been wanting to buy is a night cream. I haven't tried using it pa because for one it's a bit expensive. And I believe during sleep or at night, our skin renews or rejuvenates more faster that's why it's more effective to put night creams to help boost healthy looking skin. 

To my delight, I read somewhere that Olay will be having a Buy-1-Take-1 promo (27-30 November 2015 or until supplies last) of their night cream. Oh how my heart sang!

Bought this at Watson's. 

Good thing that I knew of this promo because when I asked the Sales attendant, she said that the promo was over. But I said, the promo is until today (which was yesterday by the way). Then she validated it in their cash register. Alleluia! It's still in promo. I'm happy that I was lucky to have availed this because I read in some sites that in Manila at Watsons it's always out of stock even if you visit their other branches. Some even commented maybe they are just holding it up and sell again when the regular price is back.

At Php789.00 for two, not at all bad. I got a huge savings instead! Before, I wasn't mindful of buying and using beauty products. Good thing my mother is very much particular of using and applying skin products on herself that's why I was also enticed to do the same (but not as solid as my mama). I just use the basic stuff: cleanse (Pond's facial wash, the red one), tone (Pond's, the pink one/The Body Shop's seaweed toner), moisturize and use sunblock for protection (Biore Milk, the blue container/ Daylong). You may notice that I don't have Olay products in my basic regimen that's because it's a bit expensive for my budget. But given if I have extra money to buy their products, I wouldn't have second thoughts buying them.

In my 30's, I value the importance of taking care of my skin. I don't have a flawless and healthy skin that's why I have to make extra effort in taking good care of it. Good thing I am not a heavy user of make-up as I just groom my eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil and a lipstick. I don't even use face powder as Biore (my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen) gives my face a matte finish already and doesn't make my face shiny at all. That's my everyday make-up. Now if I want to further it more, I curl my eyelashes and put blush on. That's the farthest I can make for myself.

How about you? What's your daily beauty regimen and beauty products that you use? Share it too.

Our "New" Second-Hand Ride

I'm not a sporty person, though I'd love sana how to play tennis. Too much exposure to Mr. Sun discouraged me to engage on it. But I'm glad that at an early age I was so eager to learn and eventually know how to ride a bicycle. I learned on my own and those bruises that I got was all worth it. My uncle used to have a BMX bike when I was in grade school. Whenever he is not using it, I sneak into our tiny garage and practice until I get tired. I cannot remember when was the last time I rode in one. My eldest daughter kasi loves to have a bicycle maybe because she saw her friends in our neighborhood driving around with their own bicycles. Yung kind na like this...

Mala- 'Lovers in Paris'. It's so dreamy, right? (Photo NOT mine)

My husband and I are actually planning to buy her a new bicycle because the old one is already too small for her. That now is the one my 3-year old girl is using. 

 

We scouted for it in malls but we are having second thoughts getting one because: (1) it's a bit expensive and (2) we cannot attest of its longevity. We then heard that buying in Japan surplus shops saves us a lot of money and we get more of our money's worth. Not to mention it's durability and quality-tested. So we check out some shops here in the city and found nga not only one but two bicycles. The second one is for me. I'm so happy I own one now even if it's pre-owned.

Here is my girl's bike. 

It's only Php1,800.00 and I tell you, it's so sturdy 
though there are a few scratches and minor dents noticed. 
But it's in a very good condition. 

Just a few flaws were there like the LED lights isn't working though we can just replace the defective bulb and it will light na. The other grip has a rip but the other one is still in good condition so we just leave it as it is. The plastic basket have only minimal cracks and dents and stains but it doesn't matter. There are also minor rusts seen but we can have it repainted and it's good as new. We just bought an extension tires (at Php300.00) at the back since she cannot balance yet with just a two-wheel. Before that there was a bicycle stand attached to it but it was removed to replace the extension tires.

We can really attest of its durability and quality because the bicycle itself is heavy. It's like I'm having lifts every time I carry it. The bell and brakes works perfectly. The seat cover is in nice condition (not dirty) and durable. The paint finish is totally fine. The height of the seat can be adjusted. I can even ride on it. 

And now presenting to you my bicycle. 
Guys would you believe its worth is only Php1,800.00?! Sure steal!
But we got it for 2,500.00. Why? Everything is in superb condition 
and it's a reserved item. Meaning 'may nagmamay-ari na'. 
My husband haggled for it and wants it so badly for me.

He didn't mind paying for that amount because of the following reasons:

- the seat is leather, just a few (almost invisible) blemishes

- the LED lights, bell and brakes working perfectly fine

- there are just minor scratches, stains and rust

- almost no dents

- adjustable seat
- it has a lock/key attached to the back wheel that secures it and nobody can use it except me. Though I don't lock it so the nanny can use it to accompany my kids when biking around the village

- the paint finishes is fine (off white/chocolate color, yum!)

- the steel basket is love

- I love also that it has a bicycle stand

Overall, I love my Japan surplus/pre-owned bicycles we got. We saved a lot for the cost we bought given of the quality of the bikes. We can just have it groomed some other time if we really want that spunky/new feel of it. For the meantime, we love as it is. My hubby told me it's his Christmas gift to me. It doesn't matter if it's not new as long as I am loving it. He's planning to buy one for him and our youngest. And it'll be a family sport we'll be engaging in. How I love it! Thank you Lord for the blessing!

Around the World with these Things

Now, I understand how it feels not to be connected. One week without/limited internet access is like being sent to outer space and have no/limited contact with the real world. But thank Heavens for the free 30MB connection of Sun. I can browse and check my FB and IG page yet very limited. But it's better than no connection at all.


Okay back to the real topic. Last night, I went with hubby to buy piping materials to replace our leaking toilet sink at Wilcon Builder's Depot. While browsing the lanes/racks, my eyes directed me to this corner and with such delight, I couldn't help but take photos instantly. I don't know if it's not allowed but I snapped anyway. Thankfully, nobody called my attention. So here are the things I saw and would love to have for my home decor.

Aren't they glorious? Anything related to Europe are my 'in' -style now.

How do you call this cases? I love these for storage.
The small ones are around Php600.00 and the bigger cases
is about Php900.00++

The one with the British flag design is like a book.
But ones you open it, you may store stuff like cards/letters or
jewelries (sans division).

London's Tower Bridge.
Not exactly the way it looked minus the British flag at the center.

This really caught my attention. I love these beautiful storage chests.
I've been looking around for something like this and put it in our living room.
I like it as a side or center table. This cost around Php2,000.00.

That's all folks! Did you enjoy my new discoveries? I still want the storage chest but I'm afraid my toddlers would write anything on it. You should see our walls full of pencil scribbles. That's why I couldn't buy anything yet to further beautify our inside. It might cost me a lot. 

London Diaries 2014 (Part 2): Charity Shops & Tea Cups

For all of you who are not familiar with this, London has several charity shops that sells second hand and even brand new stuff that owners didn't use even once. You won't miss a shop since every area in London has two or more. Some of the charity shops where we frequent to are Salvation Army, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Princess Alice Hospice Shops, Oxfam to name a few. They are called as such because the proceeds goes to the needy. Each charity shop has its respective recipients depending on their cause. They are legal entities operating in the country. While for us here, we can equate it to the thrift shops or "ukay-ukay" being the seller that benefits. It's not more on the cause anymore… hehehe. 

Being a thrifty-natured one, we always end up entering into these shops because we can buy items priced from £1 or even less and at the same time helped in their cause in our own little way. So imagine my happiness when I bought Aldo wedge shoes about £7, a Zara belt for only £2, a Havaianas slippers for my daughter for the same price as my Zara belt. There's also this one charity shop where I forgot the name, I saw and bought a brand new (tag still attached) Levi's 501 jeans in black (but unfortunately didn't fit me but I gave it to my mother) that cost me only £4. That's less than Php300.00. It's such a steal! But so much of my random steal finds (to which I plan to make a separate post), here's to one of a charity shop find (or was it a car boot sale find?) that is actually given to me by my ever generous and sweet SIL. Since they moved out to UK na and now based in the US, she gave these pretty tea cups with saucers perfect for tea break and matching plate for a dessert to pair with it.

I was actually inspired to write this post because of Ms. Ellen of PseudoShrink. Hers is a brand new elegant royalty tea cup talaga. But in my mind, hindi naman lalayo din kung ano yung meron ako. Hi Ms. Ellen! If you happen to come across this post of mine, here's my share of tea cups din! Toast to our tea cups, hihihi… Parang sorority sisters lang ang peg. "Would you like a cup'a (of) tea?"

It is already a habit for English people to have tea breaks or drink tea. Whittard of Chelsea is a famous brand that sells premium teas and drinks that is renowned worldwide and dates back in 1880's. I had the chance to visit their store and taste their selection of tea and chocolate. I must say that it really satisfied my taste buds more so to my palate. See their various products here.

This one is my pasalubong for my boss. He like it!

This first set of tea cup I got is more on a Chinese-y inspired design because of the blue and white color combination. Owning something like this inspires me to get fit. Why? Because ang sarap uminom ng tea pag ganito ka elegant and kaganda ng craftsmanship ng tasa. Diba? Not to mention tea  has a lot of healthy benefits. Inom lang ng inom.

And when we say royalty and elegance, Europe and the Great Britain automatically pops in our mind. The following two sets of tea cups I own now says more of that. Ala Greta Baretto diba? 

Part of our London trip last October of 2014, we went to museums and visited castles and palaces where the kings and queens have lived. In there, they displayed various kitchen utensils and dinnerwares they used. It is very amazing to see such fine porcelain wares. Talagang royal highness ang dating lang.

These three are sitting prettily on my cupboard and never used any of it. I love staring at them. But just this morning I thought of using the blue one first for my tea breaks here in the office. It's not only inspiring but it teaches (forces) me to drink tea for health reasons. ;-))

How lovely! Common expression of typical English people when they appreciate things. Couple that with a very warm and welcoming smile and politeness that makes me a happy tourist in London. 

The Best Vegetable Chips #OnlyInDavao

In this generation, we are gearing towards healthy lifestyle and eating the right way is part of it. I am so happy to introduce to you a homegrown product that is making a name on its own. It is recognized as the best vegetable chips in Davao published in Sunstar Davao, a local newspaper here in the city (March 2, 2015 issue). If you can't read clearly the caption on the photo below, here's for your clearer view:

FRUX'S VEGGIE CHIPS. This healthy alternative to the regular chips you find in the market is a combination of squash, carrots, malunggay, ampalaya, camote tops, alugbati, saluyot and kangkong. This product of Panabo City-based Frux Food Products is always a hit during trade fairs in Davao City. If you happen to travel to Panabo, pass by at the Panabo City Pasalubong Center.

Once published, you can never go wrong. Highly recommended!
Salted and sweetened variants tastes so good.

The first time I tried it, my taste buds is into it instantly. Being the junk food lover that I am, I like this more since it has healthy ingredients. No need to worry too much of artificial flavorings that is bad for our system. Its thin, crispy serving is satisfying and cravings are definitely solved.


Aside from its vegetable chips, one product that Frux Food Product is known for and is available in leading local supermarkets is its homemade peanut butter. One thing I love about its spread is that you cannot see oil forming on top of the spread like other brands. It's not greasy and you can really taste the real peanut in the butter itself.

The next time you encounter the name 'Frux', go ahead and grab every product with its name. #GawangPinoy #Davaoproduct #BestVegetableChips #healthychips 

Onitsuka Tiger: Behind the Fever

No! I do not mean the kind of sickness but a brand of footwear. Based on history, it started out making basketball shoes and is a registered trademark of Asics Corporation which I'm familiar with. Oh, well! I am not really a sneaker/rubber shoe fan though having one or two to own is enough to sport a casual and comfort feel and look. I do not have any idea when it comes to rubber shoes and sneakers except for those well-known brands like Nike, Addidas, Fila, Tretorn, Chucks from Converse to name a few. And with this particular Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger, I would never knew about it until our recent trip to London late of last year that my in-laws introduced it to us this cool brand of shoe. To think that its already making waves here in the Philippines with celebrities already wearing it. Why I didn't know?

My one and only pair of Onitsuka Tiger. Let me tour you to every part of the shoe...

I love the color of my Onitsuka. It's very 'London' where I actually bought this.
Like the colors of the British flag.

A closer look of its design. It's their signature style.
Pardon for the stain. How do I actually get rid off that stain?
Anyone? Please share...

The bottom sole.

The insole.

I'm so lucky to have bought a pair for around P1,300.00 Philippine peso. Wonder why it's so cheap? Because I bought it in one of the outlet stores located in Great Britain particularly in Ashford. If only I had the extra money, I would have brought two more for me and hoarded for my family. To think that the local price for that would cost around 5,000.00 - 6,000.00 pesos. Even if I sell it double the price here, it's still way cheaper. Don't you think?

The feel? Very comfortable and easy to walk in. With the color design that I chose, it can perfectly fit to any wardrobe color of my choice. But even if I knew about it, I might have difficulty owning one because of my personal reason: not practical spending for thousands of bucks. Browsing over to their website wants me to own one again. 

Owning a #CathKidston: The loooong wait is over!

Bringing London's Cath Kidston here in the Philippines is one brilliant idea. I couldn't contain my giddy and excitement when I first saw and read it at Ms. Daphne and then at Ms. Leah's blog when its first store in the Philippines opened to the public on December 6 in Manila at Bonifacio Global area in Taguig.


About 3 to 4 years ago, my SIL brought me my first Cath Kidston bag. That time, I never had any idea of the brand name when in fact it's been in the business since 1993 but only in London. Since then, I've been hearing and reading articles from lifestyle and mommy bloggers and later on became one of my favorite items too. Funny thing is one time, when I happen to visit a Divisoria-like store here in Davao City, I saw Cath Kidston-inspired merchandise (of course not the authentic ones)! So it really is popular already here.


Our recent trip to London a month ago (see link here), gave me an idea of how popular and a staple to every Londoner Cath Kidston bags are in particular. Visiting their shops there makes me feel like a child, drooling and envying every item they have in store. Not only I am wishing to get myself to have one but also for my little girls. But it all fade away after the generous SIL I have gave me this as the latest design Cath Kidston has released in the market. 

The London bus design of bag and a card/paper bill holder.
The newest design they introduced in the market.

How it looks in the inside of the card/paper bill holder.

The bag. You can snap it or not on the sides.

Unlike the regular inside or back zip pockets,
for this design it is located in front.  

See how roomy this bag is.

I also own a booklet of labels and stickers to which my SIL also gave me in summer this year. I use this when I send gifts in any occasion.

What I love about Cath Kidston bag in particular aside from the design and style, durability and versatility, is its texture. The bags that I own are made of water-proof materials that when it rains or accidentally something spills on it, I can just easily wipe it and not afraid of getting it stained or ruined. 

So to all Cath Kidston fanatics out there, I feel for you. A look of their trademark design alone can give thrill and chills to ones spine. It's something only a girl can understand. Looking forward to my next Cath Kidston possession. Anyway, it's Christmas!

Our 350-peso worth 6-feet Christmas Tree

Wondered where on Earth we acquired and purchased this very affordable tree? Where else but in Unitop! I've decided to put up a Christmas tree since the kids are big enough to appreciate the beauty and identity of it. What is Christmas anyway without the tree, or any sparkling lights and colorful decor to go with? 

Our Christmas 2014

Isn't it neat and DIY-ish? My decorations are the old ones that we have.
Since the actual location is where we put the stuffed toys of my kids,
I didn't get it but still designed it to be the cover of the tree base.
I'm so delighted of how it turned out a very creative idea! Isn't it?

Last year and the past 3 years ago, I just decorate our house with a Christmas garland and decorated it with Christmas balls, other Christmas accent and lights (like in the photo below).

Our Christmas 2011 until 2013

It looks like plain and simple in the photo because I captured it in
broad daylight. But when it's lit at night, it is beautiful to look at.
I thought of putting like this before because when I put a tree,
my little ones may play on the decors and lights of the tree
when its near their reach. But now, no more.

But whatever it is, it's nice to feel the spirit of Christmas with decorated surroundings. It adds to the 'feel' of what the season brings. Most importantly, Christmas are for kids and for kids-at-heart. I've been a kid and when the 'ber' months come, we excitedly bug our parents to decorate the house with everything 'Christmas-sy'. It's the spirit of this season that bring warmth and joy to one's heart and associate Christmas with merry-making and cheers to everyone. #christmastree #christmasdecors #christmasDIY

Superb Buy @ Payless

I'm one happy momma. Being a thrift and meticulous buyer now (from being an impulsive one), I am quite careful now in buying stuff not only for myself but also for the kids. The cheaper, the better. But of course, I won't sacrifice its quality. It has to be of good craftsmanship and a known and tested brand for its quality. Yesterday, after our family took lunch, I told hubby that I pass by Payless (in SM City Davao-Annex). While browsing on the shelves of the kid's area, I found a very good deal (a steal at that!). A P100.00-peso shoe ala-Toms style. I was jumping with joy (inside) and hurriedly told my hubby to buy that for Mariella. It's now or never. It's the only size and stock left so I presumed they had it on sale to dispose it na.    

Never mind the dirt. My daughter accidentally stepped on it.
It is still in very good condition. Very new. No DIRT and any flaws found.
IT'S A STEAL FOR JUST P100.00 ONLY…..

Its regular price is P695.00. Who wouldn't take it for nothing?

I was browsing the racks finding a pair for my the youngest one. But to no avail. Payless Shoe Source is currently holding its Sale season. I saw a Mary Jane style shoe for Mariella that cost only less than P400.00. It was also a good buy. Might as well go back after the pay day...

Selling Online: Accessories thru Olx.ph

Girls never tire reinventing oneself by way of accessorizing, isn't it? You can be glamorous already with just a plain and ordinary shirt and a pair of jeans when worn with fashion neck pieces to boot. It really do wonders in your over-all get-up.

I have been fond of these accessories too. I can say I've hoarded too much of these to the extent that I wore it only at most thrice or even haven't worn some. I was so overwhelmed with the stylishness of the neck piece itself. I considered it as my precious collection over wearing it. But I am letting it go and decided it to be sold instead.

Some of my precious neck piece collection.

It took time for me to decide to sell it because for one, I love the stylish designs that I got. They are really nice ensemble to a woman's wardrobe. But then, I'm giving injustice to these pieces because I'm hardly wearing it and just hide it in my closet. I know these are beautiful accessories that a girl must wear. It's all safely kept in my closet and sayang  lang na hindi sya na e-expose sa madlang eyes. So it should go (though I have kept some because it's hard to let go).

I posted it in my online site at Olx.ph. I know about this site because of some mommy bloggers I follow (SoMom) who advertise to this site and sell also their unused stuff which can still be used. So I gave in. Please do visit my online site cheekeegirl8 at Olx.ph. I'll be posting soon my other shoes I bought which I hardly used mentioning Charles and Keith brands. If you want to sell also your stuff, register to Olx.ph.  

Davao City's Unbelievable Power Outage is Totally Insane

This I think is one of the result of urban development that brought the city to almost 8 hours of rotational blackouts daily. Because of the ever growing number of people migrating in this side of the planet, I think the power supply isn't enough to support everybody's need coupled with the increase of demand for it. Not to mention that it is summer and the heat is fast evaporating the water thus lessening its supply needed to generate power/electricity here in the region. I am sad because the effects of the abuse of Mother Nature is already coming back to us. Eight hours is very ridiculous. It paralyzed a day of working hours. Almost half of the working day is wasted resulting to unproductiveness and idleness. Business is being put to halt and people are being irritable and cause ill-effect to one's mood.

Having said this, there's also a brighter side when inconvenience strikes. People become more inventive as to an immediate solution to this problem. If we wait for a bigger picture of solution to this, it would probably take forever knowing how crab government can act to solve a concern like this. It is really a hassle when there's no electricity. But if I were to choose it's better to have no electricity than to have no water. Agree? Anyway, one great example of being innovative is having an invention of a rechargeable light and electric fan in one package. Two days ago, me and hubby went to a thrift store, Unitop, here in Davao City. When we arrived there, a lot of people flocked and bought rechargeable lights, lamps and even electric fans that almost sold in a flash. I also discovered this fluorescent light that gets its power supply from a car's battery. There are wires attached to it to be connected to the battery so that it can produce light. It's amazing to know there are actually items like this. It's like a panic buying scenario. And mind you, people of all walks of life buy in bulk even the rich. And here's what we got to temporarily ease the burden power interruption and summer heat has caused.

Rechargeable light with a fan. Actually, we bought this just because of the fan since there's no available rechargeable fan alone. Although I'm not really sold with the pew of air it blows, I would just settle with it than nothing at all. I have two kids and it is really a discomfort especially in mid day because 1) it's their napping time, 2) it is super hot and humid, and 3) I am concerned of the sweat that cause them to get sick: fever, cough and flu plus rashes. It is really a BIG INCONVENIENCE.

The brightness can actually suffice lightening the entire room.

Another purchase we got is this LED light. It can lighten up a dark room.

See the string attached to it? Pull this and it'll light.

With this current scenario we are experiencing right now, I told myself, when the time comes that there's already enough power supply and because I'm used to it now, I don't mind having 1-2 hours of daily power interruption should this solve increase in power reserves. With this little sacrifice, in times like this, we should save for emergency purposes such as what is happening here in our city. But having 8 hours of blackouts daily is another issue and is too much to bear. It is worsening our city's claim for the most liveable city here in our country and has ranked in the global stats. It would suffer our potential to become the fastest progressive city we can ever imagine. This calls also for each and everyone of us to conserve energy. We cannot just blame Davao (no) Light and (without) Power Company and National Grid (Greed) Corporation -a term grabbed from my college professor's FB -for all these. We too are responsible for the shortage of our power supply. Irresponsible use of appliance and power eats up the power reserves we have. We have to do our part now to seek for temporary solutions in our own little way while 'hopefully' DLPC and NGC is fixing this problem as soon as possible.