Extreme Love Affair with Dior

I was very lucky to be invited as one of the participants of this fabulous make up workshop by Dior through Rustan's Beauty Source. The workshop was hosted by HMUA Lourd Ramos and was held at the Spices Pavilion, Manila Peninsula Hotel. Being a brand known internationally with the face of Kate Moss on print covers, I bet you know the hype I had when I was on my way to the venue.

Surprise!!!

I am so happy to announce that one of my projects for this year has finally happened!

Welcome to my domain and I wish to post more and more inspiring entries about my Mommy journey and everything in between! Thank you to my friends ChrisG and JulieB for helping me make this project possible and also to my blog designer Patricia of FancyGirlDesigns.

It's gonna be a happy celebration and an early present for my 31st birthday! 

CHEERS!!!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

My Style: End of Summer 2012

Just reading the word "end" already makes me sad. Summer is my most favorite season despite the rising humidity in Manila. It's a fun time to set much needed beach trips and leisure park visits. My summer of 2012 may not be that busy with flight schedules but we still tried to make it as adventure-filled as possible.  Of course, I still look forward to at least one trip this year with my little one.

Summer for me also opens creativity on frozen foods or drinks and incredible town festivals in the country. Speaking of, I was browsing my Pahiyas Festival's colorful photos earlier this week and until now, achieving that awesome trip is still beyond my imagination! I wish to add another similar trip on my bucket list this year. ^^

What else is summer for you? Undoubtedly, those eye-catching clothes deserve the highest rank. So here's a list of some chic and preppy summer dresses that draw my attention today. I tend to focus on clothes that maintain the comfort level on hot and sweaty days.

***

Floral prints in wool-silk. I can wear it all day jumping from one event to another.
Such a breezy dress for any occasion.

{ Prabal Gurung }

 

Another floral print matched with a purplish belt  and nude colored shoes. 

This is pretty impressive to hubby or boyfriend on your casual date.

{ Alice + Olivia }

 

 This stripe dress in candy colors paired with nude flats. 

So fresh and light even with a playful  toddler around.

{ Alice + Olivia }

 

This can be worn at work with a coat on top and still looks gorgeous for any last minute night outs.

The cloth flows freely on your body. 

{ Lanvin }

 

This two-tone peplum dress is a perfect outfit for a friend's summer wedding. 

Soft and elegant. You can plainly wear this dress even without accessories. 

{ Jason Wu }

It's never too late to enjoy these clothes before the rainy season comes in.
Just remember to choose the correct type of clothing when you involve yourself in any outdoor activities.

Hope you had a blast on your summer of 2012!

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

photo credits: http://www.lanecrawford.com/

The Body Shop's Shea Body Butter

Three ladies I adore are expecting this year - one of my college girlfriends, my second cousin and my sister-in-law. Amazing, right? And having such wonderful blessing truly makes the whole family more excited with each passing trimester. I can still imagine my husband's initial reaction when I had my very first ultrasound.

Pregnancy is indeed a large phase of thrill and anticipation, all the same it welcomes a challenge when it comes to skin care. I've known a few who suddenly acquired dark underarms, dry and itchy lips and skin, and acne breakouts. Looking back at my prego pictures from 3rd month onward, I noticed a huge difference on my skin texture, and even without any scientific basis, most of them concluded that's it's because I'm carrying a baby girl. I honestly look horrible with all those breakouts causing my face to become somewhat reddish. That was really a tough quest for me.

The good thing is that I'm not distressed about every pregnant woman's absolute fear - those shiny lines surrounding your over-sized belly. A friend recommended Body Shop's Shea Body Butter which, in my humble opinion, is really effective. 

  

It's like having a heavy moisturizer less the grease or residue. The nutty and powdery scent is so comforting and the thick texture can be easily rubbed. That is perhaps due to the effect of Shea butter on body temperature. Mom said I had a very big tummy even before my due date and our skin type is not excused from stretch marks yet I'm thankful that my Shea Butter has taken good care of me all the way. The price is quite high compared to other brands but you sure want to be picky if you aim for long lasting results. Plus, I make sure I only apply it to areas where needed to save it for a longer period of time. It is definitely a must have!

Mercato Centrale's FOOD Backyard BBQ Cook Off

Hurrah meat lovers!

Come to Mercato Centrale on Saturday - May 26 and grab a copy of FOOD's latest issue to get yourself and two (2) of your friends the privilege to taste barbecue samples from Manila's finest recipes. 

You will also get the chance to judge the best BBQ recipe that satiated your appetite!

That's FREE BBQ and FREE BEER so all you need to do is to save the date! See you there! ^^

Click the photo for further updates. 

"Are You Game?" - Women's Health Event at BGC

Today is one big achievement for me! Being a part of this outdoor event hosted by Women's Health inspired
me a lot to maintain a balance and healthy lifestyle. I've had issues losing weight for over a year and really, I don't know where to start my goals. I've started with jogging but apparently it only led to compromising my knee joints. I've also planned enrolling in a nearby gym but it never ever happened. When I'm frustrated with my clothes especially when going to work, I always blame it to what I ate in the past. But this day made a difference and I now commit myself to this long term plan. Yes, I want to be fit and healthy again!

Tea 101

 I've been waiting to try this tea shop for months and finally they're now on soft-opening. Who can't be curious with that big banner outside claiming "Taiwan's No.1 Drink", right? So earlier today, Daphne and I first went to a convenience store to get the health magazine I needed for tomorrow. The clubhouse had a birthday party reservation so there's no choice but to go somewhere else, at least somewhere cold and comfy. Good thing, there were a few minty green couches left inside, aside from the alfresco area in front of the shop.

Was tempted to try Wintermelon Tea but to be on the safe side (and to save some tummy distress), I got my old time fave, Taro milk tea. The staff immediately asked me what cup size do I want and I settled for Tall for 75Php, whereas Skyscraper is at 85Php. They call their add-on's as Sinkers such as Nata crystal, QQ jelly, Aloe Vera and Grass Jelly. I chose tapioca pearls, again just to be safe.  Mind you, I was like, aloe vera on my tea?

   

As we were about to be seated, Daphne took the straw and tried to push it on the plastic lid. That was a surprise to me! A one year and two months old toddler knew what's that pen-like stuff with a hole in the middle for? And I was laughing looking at her pinky finger!

She exerted too much force poking that straw on the lid and I was too late to see my poor untasted tea spilled on the floor! Oh no! (there goes my 75petot!) Surprisingly, the staff were too kind enough to replace my order for FREE! How's that for customer service? Thank you, guys! Although I honestly felt sorry for the staff who cleaned our mess.

Overall, I liked the tea because the somewhat bitter after-taste was there. It's not too creamy unlike other bubble teas but it's just about right to distinguish the difference between milk tea and frapp. There were also chunks of taro instead of the usual grainy one. I'll definitely try other flavors next time but most likely with my daughter seated on a high chair. ^^

 

This one below is seemingly refreshing and perhaps with a tangy taste.

Tea 101
California Gardens Square
Libertad St., Mandaluyong City

Happy Mother's Day, Ma!

Mother dearest and my little one

I didn't get to spend this lovely day with her as a very important matter came up that weekend, however, I made certain that she felt the love I have for her as her only child. God knows how much I wanted to take care of her until she grows old and to give her the things she truly deserve. Thank you so much Ma for all the love you gave me all through these years. Your kind words and appreciation are the best music to my ears, and now that I, too, have become a Mom, I learned to treasure all the things you taught me to become that responsible and caring woman to my own family. Thank you for being the best Mom I could ever have. Looking forward to our lunch date this coming weekend..

"She is cloth with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." 

Proverbs 31:25-28 NIV

A Taste of Sanctuario

It was our Director's first visit this year in Manila and after three busy weeks, we finally had the chance to book him for dinner. This is relatively different from his previous invitations wherein we go straight to a bar for some few drinks and then head to EDSA Shangrila for a buffet dinner at HEAT Resto.

Instead of sipping margarita as early as 4pm, we all decided to kill some time at Elbow Room and play pool. It's been a decade since the last time I held a cue stick, it's exciting at the same time as I'm not sure if my hands are still stable if I hit the cue ball. We played singles and doubles. Singles for the champions and doubles which nearly took 30mins per game. Ha ha! Overall, it was fun and it made me realize how cool a woman can be who's engaged in sports.

We were lucky to have an early reservation at A Taste of Sanctuario. I didn't know that there's a hidden restaurant just behind the busy Metrowalk square. According to my colleague, this restaurant is originally from Tagaytay City so I immediately thought if there's crispy Tawilis in the menu or perhaps the famous Bulalo? I wasn't disappointed that night, in fact they even have this Bulalo Pasta. Filipino cuisine is really promising, as always.

I wanted to take pictures of all the food we ordered, including that pasta, but I felt too awkward to pass my camera as we were seated in a long table. Besides, I understand that our guys were too hungry to ingest everything that was served. 

I think the servings were quite few though. They should have at least something that's good for two or three. I admire the atmosphere inside and there were only three or four tables for two aside from us. Best of all, the food tasted really good! Everyone agreed that the Crispy Tawilis is appetizing paired with that dark colored vinegar. Our boss ordered Lamb Chops while the rest played with the menu, afterall, it's  a treat for the team! 

It was indeed a pleasant night spent with my colleagues, old and new. 

   

  

A Taste of Sanctuario

G/F Metrowalk Complex, Meralco Ave.,

Pasig City

Shop at Zalora: Grand Launch

Thank you for this wonderful invite! I didn't make it that night (really sad) but I heard that the event was spectacular.

Zalora team rocked the night as they really know how to throw a party to a huge crowd of  bloggers and fashionistas.

Félicitations!

Go Nuts Donuts: Donut Talk Bloggers Event

 

 The brand is most definitely not new to you, however for an 80's kid like me, I somehow grew up with another brand which is commonly mentioned in households. A few years back, another brand paved the way in Manila which Pinoys, I think, dramatically learned to love. You're never an adult if you've never shared the experience taking that colorful box at home for your nieces and nephews, agree?

So, what makes Go Nuts Donuts stand out in the industry? What are your deciding factors in choosing their food items? Honestly, I was surprised that Go Nuts Donuts is proudly Filipino-made. It's interesting to learn that it originated from the Philippines yet it has this international appeal. They evolved in the market despite of giant brands already established globally.

 

Go Nuts Donuts is also the only brand offering sugar-free donuts in the country. It's definitely a haven for people who consistently monitors their sugar level. No taste buds are deprived from relishing their luscious delicacy!

The ones above are samples of their sugar-free donuts while below are their fudgy loops. Amazing Glaze for me is the soul-mate of hot coffee, fudgy loops on the other hand can be your best friends when in dire of a happy food. Who can say no to choco frosting and candy toppers? *drooling now*

 

I appreciate those who incorporate local ingredients to their brand. This truly made me proudly Filipino! Who else on Earth are abundant of these tropical fruits?

The brand has recently replaced their tag line to: MORE THAN JUST GREAT DONUTS!

Yes, you got it, they now have more food choices! Pizza Donuts, Pocket Pies and Summer Koolers are now added to the menu. They also offer seasonal donuts, ideal for Filipinos who keenly observe family traditions and special occasions. Did I hear "Happy Mother's Day"?

 

I was lucky to be invited as one of the participants of their exclusive VIP introduction of product line-up and was really happy to be greeted  this afternoon with the wonderful press kits delivered to my doorstep. Not to mention the dozen treats we will devour tomorrow! 

 
Thank you, Go Nuts Donuts, and congratulations for this event!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

My ZALORA Wishlist

After receiving such pretty news via email, eagerness to learn more about ZALORA led me to check them online. Little did I know that they were also hosting a wishlist contest. So, before I gear up for that event on Wednesday, let me share my top picks among their wide variety of products.

I immediately went through the women's section and checked their bags, accessories, shoes and watches. Things I want to splurge when paycheck is not limited. They do have a vast showcase and unlike other online shops, this one doesn't consume too much bandwidth. Online shopping is as easy as clicking and dragging!

***

This sexy sunglasses, aside from its usefulness and protection this summer, could be the coolest addition to my 12 collections of wayfarers and aviators.

I can't wear dark sunnies due to my poor eyesight so these shades are perfect for me paired with colorful summer dresses at the beach. I can imagine how lovely my beach photos will be wearing this!
I am quite particular with the brand when it comes to sunglasses because these are the type of stuff we don't really purchase on a regular basis. Consider it as an investment so choose what's tried and tested.

 

Second pick is this cute spandex tankini. 

Enough to cover some skin and flab due to prenatal weight so I believe wearing this will still make me comfortable strutting at the beach, plus it's my favorite color PINK!
I've never been that confident again wearing strings and bikinis so this puts me on the safer side. As they say, regardless of the price and style, the attitude on how you flaunt it makes any piece look great!

       

Third pick is this white and brown tote bag. 

This is perfect for someone like me who carries a lot of stuff in a bag.
Gadgets nowadays mostly own that big space inside that's why I always make sure to get one which I can maximize the whole compartment. If you noticed that long strap, that's one thing I liked too. I can easily hang it on my shoulders especially if I'm with my playful toddler.

     

Who can go wrong with red flats? Yes, this is my fourth pick.

Not that I stayed away from stilettos but this is perfect for a Mom who does a lot of errands. 

Off from work, straight to a bank, do the groceries, pay bills, wait on long queues - how can I not be thankful for flats? The gold details will make it more catchy on my feet. Style and comfort combined into one.

    

Last, but nevertheless the least,  is this white Breo watch. 

This somehow looks sporty but still brings out that chic in you. 

I always have a crush on white watches. One who carries it well looks neat for me merely because it's difficult to maintain a clean, stain-free white material.


   

So, here goes my wishlist from ZALORA. Honestly, getting any from the above list is already a special gift for me come Mother's Day. I chose them because these are currently my fashion needs. 

I suggest you go register now and enjoy their Php 250 voucher upon signing up. They have a 30-day return policy, free shipping nationwide, same day delivery and COD mode of payment.

Shopping is now made easier even at the comfort of our homes!

Manila Ocean Park 2012

Our promise to take Daphne to Ocean Park finally happened. Hubby and I work for different industries for years but it is our first time to have challenging schedules. Hilarious I know, but yes, it does happen!

 

I understand that some don't consider these type of places as leisure parks. Others find it unethical to treat these animals as if they were only raised to bring funds to the company. I, somehow, felt this way too. However, I can't be ungrateful to people who brought them in the cities to entertain and educate the younger ones. That despite modernization, there are lives our there in the sea, begging us not to destroy their natural habitat. If you appreciate these creatures, then have the heart to take care of our nature.. In my opinion, that's the message these leisure parks wanted to convey.

Anyhoo, this is supposed to be happy post as this was a fun day!

Daphne surely enjoyed this trip despite one humid Sunday. In fact, when we changed her clothes that morning, she didn't go to sleep at 10am which is her usual routine. Must be a excited lil' one! Hubby said it's quite pricey because kids below two feet are the only ones free. We chose a package which we can check out the jellies, sea lion / marine life show and Oceanarium.

 

It was clearly posted that camera flash MUST be refrained from use but you'll still see a lot of people not following a simple rule. I focused on my little one instead and observed her reactions towards these creatures. She just turned one year old but you can define in her expressions that she knows these creatures are alive.

   

 

Umm, I guess it's not just her who's fascinated here! :-) Below looks like an albino fish. I should have taken notes of their names. I personally enjoyed this part below as Oceanarium showcased their big sea creatures here. Some of them I've only seen on TV. There were also "mermaids" dancing underwater which reminded me of those girls in Fuerza Bruta. 

 

I'd rather not post pictures of the other species as a courtesy. Besides, most of them were blurred as we didn't use the flash in dark rooms.

Daphne enjoyed most of the sea lion show. Perhaps amazed with the number of people watching plus the show played dance songs which made her more happy. She kept jumping, dancing and pointing at anything randomly. Boy it was really a hot day and at the back of my mind, I wished we were inside an air-conditioned room!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 Just a tip, be at your most comfortable clothes and shoes when you come here. It mostly requires one to walk and you sure don't want to have blisters afterwards. I noticed too that there were limited restos inside. We only settled for pizza and some drinks as most of them were full so better bring your own food and water. Overall, it was a fun-filled day with my family. My daughter's happy so what else could I ask for? :-)

   

 

Manila Ocean Park

Bookings and Reservations:

567-7777 loc. 118, 119 & 123

reservations@manilaoceanpark.com