SM Kid's Fashion Warehouse Sale

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So we finally experienced the SM Kid's Warehouse Sale in Megamall. Well, if you ask me, I don't really pay much attention on these events until two years back. Although I must admit, I am a person who's excitement is always heightened by this four letter word: S-A-L-E. It severely doubled the fun if and when my shopping agenda is all about my daughter. Who cares about long queues and crowded shopping malls if you can hunt treasures that don't skimp quality regardless of a cheaper price, diba? The experience was totally fun especially that Daphne's been greeting everyone with a loud "Hi!" repeatedly.

Since we went there at past 12 noon, Mama and I were literally starving before 3pm. Good thing Dad's merienda buffet was just on time. This is actually the first time I tried the merienda buffet and for the price of Php189 per head, it wasn't bad at all! They had fries, burgers, kakanin and banana cue, chicken and beef noodles, dimsum and a lot more. Puto, dinuguan, palabok and carbonara were the blockbuster dishes. Sulit is the word!

Aqualicious: Little Mermaid

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Don't you just love it when you scout an addition to your lipstick collection for a very affordable amount? That's one thing I liked about this Aqualicious lipstick with vitamin E from Fashion21. I got this last weekend and chose the Little Mermaid shade which is about 2 shades lighter than the usual pink shades. I noticed how it helped my lips get moisturized and for the price of Php155, you'll be amazed how colour-rich it is. It gives me the fresh and healthy looking pink lips which makes it a perfect wear in the morning.

I think the packaging is also cute with a blue (representing aqua) and silver combo. It looks very light and playful in your pouch. Although the quality is at par with its reasonable price, sad to say that it doesn't stay that long. But since it won't hurt your wallet getting replacements, I'm sure you wouldn't mind retouching from time to time. I'm happy with my first Aqualicious lippie, in fact, I'm planning to add the Hawaiian Berry and Feather Star shades on my list. Yeah, the pink lippie obsession continues!

 

See the creamy and pigmented swatch taken with my camera flash turned off. 

So, what do you think? Yay or nay?

xx,

OneGutsyMom

2nd Rockwell's Ultimate Taste Test Event

I'd like to share this great announcement I received in my mail today coming from no less than the founder of Our Awesome Planet, Anton Diaz. Mark you calendars, my foodie friends! This is going to be another successful ultimate taste test event as we welcome the "ber" months of 2012.

 

2nd Rockwell's Ultimate Taste Test Event

What: Rockwell's Ultimate Taste Test -- Be a Food Critic for a Day!
When: September 15-16, 2011, Saturday and Sunday, 11.00 am - 9.00 pm.
Where: Rockwell Tent

Ultimate Taste Test  Fee: P585/head for one day and P1,000/head for two days.

You can buy the tickets from Rockwell Customer Care (Tel. # 8981702) during mall hours or Creative Juice Office (Tel. # 5707827) during office hours.

For questions and inquiries, please email admin@ultimatetastetest.com.

The Little Girl Turned 18

Yes, she just turned 18 months old last Friday and I felt the need to post something special for her. Since I stayed at home today to get some needed rest, I also had a good time browsing our not so old photo buckets. I can still remember the surreal feeling the first time I laid my eyes on her. For a while, I felt sad because we are no longer one and that I will miss her kicks inside my over-sized belly. But when I touched her face and kissed her cheeks so gently, fast forward scenes flashed through my mind leading and welcoming me to my new journey on Earth - motherhood. Honestly, I got scared, well who doesn't? I'm scared because with your fragile body, I know I want everything that's best for you and I will never forgive myself if I fail on that. Instantly, I want to be your own comfort zone. 

I enjoyed the late night feedings and short naps in between. I felt courageous when I started bathing you and felt the pain too when you had rashes all over your face. Your skin reacted so badly with that baby bath we bought for you during my 28th week. I get paranoid with all the consequences if I do things the wrong way even with your grandma's constant reminders. I cried when you cried on your first vaccine, good thing your Dad was there to calm me down as I held you in my arms. I carefully observed the best milk that suits your digestion and appetite. I jumped in awe when you pronounced your first words and I almost fell off from my chair when you decided to take your first step. Your first attempt to go up through our stairs gave us trembling knees and mini heart attacks. You filled our humble abode with so much joy and laughter. In all these events, I'm thankful that there's Facebook and Twitter to announce your little achievements, otherwise, your Dad will get tired hearing them over and over again. 

 

Tomorrow when I get back from work, I'll be counting how many teeth you have now. I'm sure you're still asleep when I leave in the morning. Last time I check, you got 6 both on your lower and upper gums. I may not be with you for the whole duration of the day but I can't miss my breaks without checking on you over the phone. God knows how excited I am hearing you on the other line. I  hope you understand that your parents need to work to support all our needs most especially yours. It was heartbreaking to be separated from you just so I could go back to work mid last year. 

You know anak, I feel very proud whenever I see you holding a book, a magazine or a bottle container with anything written on it, pretending like you can already read by saying those words aloud even if we don't understand any. Or act like a real weather forecaster pointing at our old TV as if it has a touch screen. I admire how observant you've become, you were only 13 months old when you learned how to tinker my phone and music playlist. You are already a star for me when you show your cute dancing steps and I feel like a diva when you smile at me cheerfully when I sing to you  a familiar song. My weekends were now meaningfully spent especially when the three of us walk together while you at the center and would always insist to hold our hands. 

You are so sweet my little darling and I really wish I could embrace you all day as I smell your soft hair. I'm thankful that we're now in a digital era wherein the only challenge to document your baby years is to be holistic on each progress. I want to witness all of them anak, but for now, please don't grow up so fast. Mommy wants to cherish all these moments with you gradually before you finally turn 18. Yes, the real 18. And hopefully by that time, I will still see you wearing your daintiest pink gown on your special day. I love you so dearly my princess and as early as now I'd like to thank you for making me realize that I have this strength I had never thought I could have. PS. Mommy will buy you your first Lalaloopsy doll this weekend. ♥

Much Love,

Your OneGutsyMommy

Romulo Cafe

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As promised, this is the continuation of the Dove event  entry posted the other day. Will try to be as helpful as I can because since this is a hosted gathering, I didn't get the chance to peek at their menu. Romulo Cafe is nearly at the corner of Jupiter and Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo). 

Being named after the famous Filipino diplomat Carlos P. Romulo, I first thought that this restaurant could be some sort of museum too. Well, I am somehow correct because the entire restaurant welcomes you with a showcase of photos taking us back to the historical life of General Romulo. 

The interior is mainly composed of black and white maze, Aztec and swirl patterns on the walls. You will also notice their high ceiling which made the restaurant look more spacious plus a few comfortable couches and pillows ready to de-stress your tight working day. 

I gladly tried their welcome food and drink below while I was having some chit chat with Patty who gracefully hosted the Dove event. 

I'm not sure what's this one called but it's like wrapped Pork Sisig with vinegar. It surely tasted good and yet another twist on how it was presented. 

The following dishes were the ones served for the main course. Again, I can only recall a few names so pardon me if I didn't take notes as I was too conscious with my make up that night. Ha ha! Anyway, this one is the Spicy Tuyo Pasta with Red Eggs and Fresh Tomatoes.

Tito Greg's Kare Kare



Pork Belly Humba 



Bangus Belly



Gising - gising

They also serve cakes and pastries to satiate your dessert cravings. We tried the Chocolate cake that night which was 5 times sinful. It was all worth it though. 

Overall, the food merely showed twists and flares of the Filipino cuisines we grew up with which made them really exquisite. The taste wasn't that phenomenal but this is a good place to visit when you have balikbayan relatives who dearly missed our local dishes. I didn't get the chance to check out the entire place but noticed an al fresco area if you prefer. For me, this restaurant deserves a second visit where I can clearly read the captions in the photos and relish their best sellers. 

Romulo Café
148 Jupiter Street Bel-air
Makati City
Tel. No. 822-0286

Zalora Mini Haul

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Let me walk you through with this one of a kind customer experience I got from Zalora. I initially chose a flask watch from Tomato added to my cart last July. There are tons of selections to choose from Zalora online shop so I felt really challenged to pick my very first order. Unfortunately, I wasn't home when my package came and forgot to instruct Mom to check the item for me. Much to my disappointment, the watch doesn't work despite series of performance checks. My first resort was to email their customer support and took a while to get my concern addressed which is understandable due to the recent flood incidents in Manila. Nevertheless, I'd like to commend the Zalora Expert named Luisa who consistenly monitored and even escalated the issue to have my item credited. I really wish we have that kind of customer service at all times. When I finally received an email acknowledging my store credit (which I wasn't expecting at all because for most stores it will only be an item replacement), I immediately browsed the latest offers of Zalora online shop. Isn't it nice when customer expectations are exceeded? Money wasted - crossed out, customer satisfaction - three big checks!

So here, let me share my recent mini haul of fashion accessories. I'm so happy they offered these bangles from Cole Vintage and House of Luxe. These will definitely contribute more color to fabulous outfits or even say hello to old wardrobes.



I'm so itching to use them now!

Check out Zalora now (I command you) and be fashionably inspired! Don't forget to use the code GUTSYMOM121 to avail 5% discount for a minimum of Php500 of purchase. That's one great offer so why not make the most of it!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Use code GUTSYMOM121 to avail 5% discount

Dove: Campaign For Reveal Your Glowing Skin Event

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Life is more pleasant when you expect less. That's one thing this day has taught me and gave me a big reason to blog about this event before bedtime. A few hours ago, I was one of the invited participants to witness Dove Beauty Bar's event at Romulo Cafe in Jupiter St., Makati. Little did I know that aside from launching their newest campaign, we will also get the chance to be made up by top caliber MUAs in the country. I mean, come on, for real? The guest coordinators then guided me to the powder room to have my face washed and make it free from any make up. It's not surprising to see Dove facial products ready to be tested.

I got more hyped when this print ad welcomed me just as I was about to enter the 2nd floor of Romulo Cafe.

Neatly displayed Dove products which we all loved for years. Currently, I've been using this big bottle of Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash which my sister-in-law gifted us last Christmas. I've also discovered their hair care products which have been a constant addition in our grocery cart. Aside from doing wonders on moisturizing my skin, I like how the fresh fruity scent of Dove smells good all over my body. You really can't argue with that.

Here's my second stop on that event. Make up sesh! My make up was done by Razel "Pong" Niu of MAC cosmetics, she's definitely proven her expertise and am so happy for this rare chance! (I really wish I had a photo taken with her) After the beauty project, I was then asked to have my photos taken. Instant celebrity for five minutes! But I must really say that I'm more comfortable behind the lens. My jaws were somehow locked when asked to smile! Tsk, I really can't be a showbiz celebrity! LOL

After the photo shoot, the dining area was then my third stop. I admire the cozy interiors of Romulo Cafe. Black and white combinations are too quaint for me, but the swirl, Aztec and square prints here were far more than attractive. We had a great set of buffet which I will blog separately soon. Food here is exquisite!

Jules Gollayan (Brand Manager) presented Dove's campaign for real beauty covering the TV commercials they aired few years back up to the most recent. I find this year's ad more lively but somehow disappointed that despite liberation and advancements, out of 6,400 women surveyed, only 4% felt beautiful about themselves. That is really sad and if you were to ask me now, I belong to that 96% too.  It's really heartbreaking that we see more beauty apart from our own. So, this is where Dove wants to fulfill their social responsibility. They want to let every woman believe that we are beautiful in our own way. Indeed, Dove has always been at the forefront of celebrating real beauty.

Dove’s latest campaign is definitely more than skin deep. Beyond the search for women with exceptionally beautiful and glowing skin is a celebration of a woman’s new-found confidence that stems from taking good care of one’s self. Through the Reveal your Glowing Skin campaign, the world’s trusted beauty bar hopes to encourage more Filipinas to let themselves be seen and heard, and serve as role models to their peers.

 

 I feel so excited about this! Filipino women to represent Dove campaigns! First time in history - isn't that awesome?

So to my lovely readers, here's how you can be a part of Dove's movement. To get that billboard-worthy beautiful glowing skin, aspiring Dove women should use Dove Beauty Bar for seven days. More than just a cleansing bar Dove contains ¼ moisturizing cream that makes skin smoother and softer. It gently yet effectively works from within resulting to beautiful glowing skin.

After taking Dove’s 7-day challenge, users should take a close-up picture of themselves and upload it on Dove’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Dove). Uploading of entries will be until October 31.

 

10 women will be featured from among the entries who will be given the privilege to represent the essence of real beauty as envisioned by Dove. Renowned fashion photographer Sara Black joins the Dove team for the second time as she peeps through the lens to capture Dove’s real beauties in awe-inspiring photographs.  Who knows, our faces will be the ones flashing on those billboards! teehee! So, let me end this post with this one big question: Are you the next Dove girl?

Thank you Dove for this wonderful evening and I'm sending back all the support and well wishes for the success of this campaign!

Much Love,
OneGutsyMom

Sloppy Wednesday

Sun, sand, beach - I so missed all of you! I can't wait for that much needed travel and relaxation before the year ends. There are a lot of things going around me and in as much as I want to stay focused, I know there's something boggling in my head. I feel like change is haunting me, as if screaming and asking why I procrastinate a lot. Perhaps the bewitching white beach can help me decide about paths and priorities, stuff that matters to me most, and lead me to decisions that are properly weighed. Obviously, I'm stressed and needs to declutter to reduce tense. Now na!

 

Photo taken during our Nagsasa, Zambales trip in 2010. Rejuvenating!

Sumo Sam: Mega Food Sale

I went home straight after work at 3pm. It's Friday and with the upcoming long weekend and a recent pay day for bi-monthly wage earners, I'm sure Manila's traffic becomes instant. Taking an early weekend rest isn't the plan though. I only picked Mom and Daphne and hurried to SM Megamall before bulk shoppers and foodies block all the entry points. Why? Because I purposely want to experience the Mega Food Sale event! I really suggest you pay a visit and relish their food offerings. Read here for some participating shops.

It was only the other day when I learned that Sumo Sam opened another branch in Megamall. There is something in Japanese cuisine that enthralls my taste buds. First, I like how they pay attention to details during food preparation. Second, I find it healthy because most dishes are a combination of seafood, fruits and veggies. Third, servings are of small portions if not bite sized. And lastly, I have this love and hate relationship with wasabi.

Sumo Sam, as we all know, is a reinvented traditional Japanese cuisine that house a variety of selection from noodles, tempura, salad, sushi and seafood. We were greeted by the staff's genuine smiles upon entering. It's a pleasant feeling and somehow an assurance that their food will satisfy your palate. After getting comfy in our seats, our bottomless drinks immediately followed. We tried their Sushi-all-you-can for Php355 with a little less expectation.

Dynamite Roll

Garnished with a few spice but definitely was the bomb!

I like how the toppings easily melt in my mouth and how the spice compliments with the sushi rolls.

Crunchy Tuna Roll

This is Mom's favorite, perhaps she finds the uniqueness of the tempura batter on top.

This sushi roll is like a medley of different tastes and textures.

Las Vegas Roll

I just love the richness of the melted cheese plus there were some strands of cucumber which has a noticeable crispness. It certainly has a flair among the rest. My favorite! 

 

California Roll

At this point, Mom and I were already full so I didn't really notice a lot of distinction aside from the obvious that it was fully loaded with crab meat. Nonetheless, we still left the plate empty with wide smiles! ^^

Gosh, I am so overjoyed the fact that we were served with these blockbuster sushi rolls! The ingredients were all fresh and my wasabi, as always, played the important role. The ambiance exudes a cozy welcome and the dining experience was exceeded.  Be sure to come in an empty tummy if you wish to try the Sushi-all-you-can from 2-5pm. Visit them at the Lower Ground Floor, Bldg A of SM Megamall. You still have 2 days left to enjoy the Mega Food sale so if you aim to go malling this weekend then this is the place to be. 

Special thanks to Sean and Az for this Foodate. ^^

Parenting and Patience

Abundance of patience is the main key in effectively raising a child with a good character. This is one of the things I constantly pray when I finally became a Mom, that I may have all the patience needed especially when things go out of hand.

Last night at the grocery, while waiting at the cashier's lane, there were two little girls maybe around age 2 and 4, running back and forth and giggling as they touch the candy stalls which eventually fell off because of their curiosity. I thought, this is normal for kids, being playful comes out of them naturally that sometimes it is way overboard for adults to handle. I've seen that with Daphne too, and sometimes she becomes more giddy when there are people around. When she's really in the mood, she can't stay in one place for 5 minutes and when we tell her "no" or "don't do that", she is more prone to doing it herself as if testing our reactions. Yeah, sometimes I feel like having a heart attack when she attempts to put her fingers in our small desk fan.

Going back to those little girls whom I later found out are accompanied by their pregnant mom, her initial reaction is to scream at her kids and then attempted to pull the hair of the older sister. I'm not gonna type what she said here as it literally sound so awful. I understand her frustrations, she may be in a difficult situation aside from what I'm currently seeing but I asked myself, is it really worth screaming those words in a crowd of strangers? How will this action influence the character of these kids? How will these affect their self-esteem? Well, these kids may not be thinking about it but if this kind of behaviour is commonly seen at their home until such time they become young adults, I'm pretty sure there is something negative that will be developed. That scared the hell out of me and led me to question my ability to raise my child. I know parents should use a clear, sharp language in teaching what's right or wrong as it hones the mental and emotional compass of the child. And if a punishment is a reasonable act, it should still be served with a loving heart.

Oh. I know it's still a long way ahead and after that momentarily self-realization, I was mentally shrugged by the thought that I have my husband who helps in maintaining the needed balance. We talk a lot about Daphne before going to sleep and it helps a lot. In fact, he encouraged ourselves to avoid spanking our child as much as we can. We both know that hurting isn't always the resort if you aim to discipline. I agreed, even if I objected at first, but we both commited that there is a proper time for that. Not as of yet. And we are still learning the best ways and improving ourselves from each stage. In line with this post, I found a wonderful quote that applies to us.

It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself.  ~ Joyce Maynard

Happy weekend to all!

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom

Use code GUTSYMOM121 to avail 5% discount

SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale, August 17 to 19, 2012

Hey food lovers, SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale is back! Now bigger and better, get ready for nonstop dining discounts and promos, huge price offs & delicious offers – Buy 1 Take 1s, Eat all you cans, free appetizers, free desserts, free drinks, and many more! And here’s the icing on the cake: Get a chance to win an all-expense paid food trip to exciting destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam!

There will also be a Foodie Fair with SM Supermarket & the Lifestyle Network at the Event Center. This is One Mega Food Trip that can’t be missed!

Here are just some of the many offers we can enjoy, available only at the SM Megamall Mega Food Sale:

Sumo Sam (Lower G/F, SM Megamall A)

Sushi All You Can with bottomless soft drinks for only Php 355.00

Dulcinea (4/F, SM Megamall Bridgeway)

Get Unlimited Churos con Chocolate for only P 108.00 only from 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Gotti’s Ristorante (4/F, Mega Atrium at SM Megamall)

Enjoy 50% off on all to-share pastas.

J.Co Donuts and Coffee (SM Megamall Mega Strip, B)

Free (1) J.COOL single with one (1) topping of his/her choice for a minimum purchase of (1) dozen donuts in a single receipt

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (3/F, SM Megamall Bridgeway)

Free upsize on any drink (Small to Regular / Regular to Large)

Gumbo (2/F Mega Atrium at SM Megamall)

Free Seafood  Jambalaya for a minimum receipt of P500 (that's P395 in savings!)

Masuki (Lower G/F, SM Megamall B)

Mami and Siopao all you can for only Php 250.00

Papa John's Pizza (3/F, SM Megamall A)

Enjoy 50% off on the following pizzas: 9" Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Simply Cheese, Margherita

Chewy Junior (Lower G/F, SM Megamall A)

For every purchase of one (1) box of six (6) pieces, get FREE one (1) box of eight (8) minis

Pepper Lunch (Upper G/F, SM Megamall A)

Get their special Garlic Beef Pepper Rice for only Php 168.00

Yabu: House of Katsu (2/F Mega Atrium at SM Megamall)

Free appetizer set & (2) bottomless lemonades for every order of (2) Katsu sets and All-day bottomless Miso soup for every Katsu set. 

Check SM Megamall’s Facebook page and Twitter account for updates and to win delicious free treats!

See you there!

Much Love,

OneGutsyMom