Girl Thing: CoverGirl Lip Perfection

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As previously mentioned, makeup is never my regular purchase. I like trying them on whenever I see perfect shades for my skin tone but most of the time, I just back off and leave empty-handed. It's also my favorite eye candy whenever I do online window shopping but never really ended purchasing as much as I'd love to. It seems that I've turned out very kuripot nowadays that I even do our household budget in Excel format so I can easily spot which row/column is about to hit the benchmark. Yes, that's true! 

But of course, that doesn't mean we should limit ourselves with some not-so-expensive fancy stuff all the time. That's how I literally felt when I saw this lipstick shade from COVERGIRL. 

I've been eyeing for that perfect red on my lips, something that doesn't make me look too snob or ehm, sulky? More like channelling Dita Von Teese like this one. She's one of my fashion pegs in my dreams.. ^^ I tried three lipstick brands that afternoon but COVERGIRL's Tempt Seduction won my heart. 

 

It comes in a bronze, metallic finish tube. Nothing really special about the packaging but I am very much impressed how it gives the right amount of moisture on my dry lips. One thing that scares me off buying a darker shade of lipstick is that most of them leaves us with dry, chapped lips after removing them regardless of the cost. 

 

The pigmentation is highly recommended too! I'm not a makeup aficionado (how I wish though), yet this one made me feel like yeah I can't paint my lips so easily and desired result is clearly there. If there's one lipstick you can wear with your little black dress, less make up and just a statement lipstick - this should certainly be added on the list. For the price of Php395 per tube that stays long lasting even after sipping a grande-sized frappuccino plus dinner, that's what you call a score!

I believe it looks almost twice pigmented in reality in just two application both on upper and lower lip. Imagine a cherry red lips - that's how it exactly turned mine. Here's the complete selection of COVERGIRL Lip Perfection - check 'em out ladies!

Tell me about your latest lipstick purchase! ^^

xx,

OneGutsyMom

Why Is It Hard For People To Choose?

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That's a tough question especially if what was asked cannot be simply answered by picking A, B, C, D or all of the above. It happens to me when I'm lost for words or I feel pressured to give an answer straight away. For instance, when people offers to buy you food and you can't give a specific answer. Thus, resulting to the infamous line - "kahit ano" or "any" in English. But, if you are that person who took the initiative to buy someone else's lunch food, you'd probably 1.) get annoyed 2.) return the money back or 3.) throw back a sharp, talk-to-the-hand look and walk out.

So, what do you think should we do to avoid such scenario?

• Listen when people talk or ask. Don't just hear but pay attention to it. Aside from the fact that it was taught in Good Manners 101, you are more definite to provide a better choice when your ears transmitted the question accurately to your brains. That leads you to giving an answer with so much sense. This sounds funny but someone before can't give his choice because he didn't get the question. He just assumed he heard it correctly. 
• Know what you really like. Again, this is tough, but maybe for younger people. I work with professionals on their 30's or so and same goes with my friends, so that already gave us enough time to know ourselves, at least beyond the basics. If not, well that is another serious problem. 
• Take your time. But I did not mean forever, hello?! Digest the question and tell the other person that you're still thinking. 
• Stick to what you always or previously choose. This is always the safest. Though it's good to be experimental at times, it only takes us to a point where our mind turns blank. You have no idea about the other selection which makes the decision-making more difficult, but still you choose something foreign from the list. And what's worse is when you end up paying for something extremely disappointing. Perfect recipe for disaster!
• Ask. The person on the other line may have suitable ideas for you. It won't hurt to give in to a few suggestions plus it also saves time.
• Don't just jump into the bandwagon. Some people turn to this just so they don't end up behind. I usually do this in choosing gadgets. There is surely one thing you want that is uncommonly appreciated by most. It doesn't have to be the most unique or hard to find but should at least meet a certain criteria that only you have set.
• Decline courteously. That is if all else fails. At least, you don't pass on the burden to let them choose what they want for you. 

I'm still thinking of a few more action steps but these could already be a little help. Looking at the bullet points, it looks applicable to many facets in life that involves decision-making noh? Planning to make ligaw or give sagot to your manliligaw? This one's for you too! ^^

xx,
OneGutsyMom

HEAT by EDSA Shangri La

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Today, I'll be taking you back to my favorite buffet restaurant in a resort-like environment experience. I'm talking about HEAT by EDSA Shangri La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. According to their Facebook page, HEAT stands for Healthy, Eating, Amazing, Taste. This restaurant boasts internationally trained chefs offering Asian and continental cuisines in 13 open theatre kitchens, freshly prepared or cooked à la minute. Wow theatre, I could imagine trumpets, red curtains and a vast stage! They have a dining capacity of 426 seats, including outdoor patios with garden and pool views. To make these statements more visually convincing, check out my snapshots during one of our dinners not so recently.

The Food:

Cheese, bread and cold cuts station

Salad bar

Sushi and sashimi showcase

Seafood showcase 

Filipino station

 

Asian wok and barbecue kitchen

 

Dessert bar + Ice cream, fruits and native sweets station

The verdict:

I am impressed how they prepare our food right on the spot - everything in its transparent form so to assure that what you are about to eat is fresh and clean. The staff are very courteous and they make themselves readily available in assisting our needs. The entire restaurant is clean, well lit and most tables are clearly set as soon as the guests leave. The food is more than impressive and how we all wish to have all the time to taste everything in small portions. If I clearly recalled, I had three plates of full meal (we came really prepared)  and spent more time at the dessert bar, which by the way is all created by Edsa Shangri-La Manila’s Pastry team. Will I come back? Of course, yes! In fact, I've been there twice up to date.

The price:

Considering that this is situated inside a 5-star hotel in the Metro, the price is just reasonable and you clearly paid for a premium service. Since this was a dinner treat by my ex-boss, what we heard was it cost him Php1,800 per pax (unsure if service charge included). We almost dropped from our seats upon knowing it but overall, the VIP experience equates them all. There was no promo offered at that time.

HEAT by EDSA Shangri La

Location: Lobby Level, Tower Wing

Phone: (63 2) 633 8888

Operating Hours: 6am - 12 midnight

Dress Code: Smart Casual

First Family Trip in Zambales

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Our dream to say hello to again to the sand, sea and sun finally happened last weekend. Thanks to hubby's employer who sponsored this annual company outing. It was our daughter's first beach trip so you could imagine how more excited we are preparing her swimwear and all. I even thought we couldn't join the last minute due to my wild err hectic work schedule but I'm thankful my boss granted a weekend off despite crazy deadlines come Monday. I worked 16 hours prior that day which took most of my energy but having a job that believes in your competence and acknowledges your essence in the team is beyond being grateful. I may be tired or even half awake on our way there but hey, it's all in the mindset!

A sunshiny Zambales welcomed us, perfect for our brighter than the sun yellow tops. This is also our first time to wear matchy matchy colors and I think we should do this more often. 

 

It was quite a long bus ride - something I've been avoiding that's why we never had a trip before this. We arrived exactly lunch time so we had to wait until past 3pm to take a dip, at least not that harmful from sun rays. At first, Daphne was hesitant to step on the sand. She looked really cute taking extra effort not to slip her feet. Aliw much! Upon seeing some kids swimming and playing with the waves, she almost wanted to jump and join the little girls. But no, she wouldn't let go of her Daddy's hand. We are really happy to enjoy the years while she's very much dependent on her parents.

 

We also capped off the afternoon with a lovely sunset facing Capones Island. I'm surprised Daphne still has the stamina to mingle despite waking up at 5am. 

That following morning, the three of us woke up around 630am to maximise the remaining hours of the trip. So far, no complaints from my daughter who's used to waking up at 8. Good job, baby! I was once again mesmerized by the magnificent, luscious green, mountainous view on far left. Philippines is indeed blessed with natural beauty and this is just one of them.

 

Summer is all about vibrant colors and we purposely aim to define it. I got these cute sand toys and baby float from Toy Kingdom for a very reasonable price. Spot Nemo!

 

This is my most favorite picture. Caption: "Nandito lang lagi ang Daddy sa tabi mo, anak.." Mind you, hubby was happy and the same time emotional on this trip. He even proposed to have as much as family trips as we could. Well... I'll do the budget in Excel format and let's do it!

 

I am obviously a proud Momma here. My two year old did not develop fear of water! She kinda want me to carry her and ditch the floater but it went fine when she realize she can move her feet freely while in it. Just a friendly reminder though, do not keep a distance even with a floater. Always, always, secure your child. 

 

It was one quick escapade so we still hope to organize another budget-friendly out of town trip soon. By the way, here's one lesson learned from this trip:

As a couple with full time jobs, we sometimes find it challenging to take care of our little one on our own. When I say challenging, that is if and when there is no one to seek for assistance despite flat energy. I really wanted to doze myself with some good sleep but managed to resist and prioritize her needs first. We can't blame ourselves if we thought we we lost the "magic" because our hands are mostly on top of our office keyboard rather than holding our kids' fluffy little hands. So for parents who's not used to travelling without a helper, why not try it once in a while? Put on some toughness. It will definitely make the trip more fun and that earns you twice as much bonding with your kids. 

Thank you very much, MCDC, for inviting us and thank You Lord for keeping everyone's safety!
More power to you and your company, Mr. Dy!

xx,

OneGutsyMom

Great Finds at Cotton On Kids

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How the temperature rises in this country during the months of March until May shouldn't be new to us, but even so, it seems like we're still not used to this kind of weather. We still react or even overreact when the office air-condition cannot support the required coldness and it's more difficult to work when you're literally sweating from head to toe. Wait, did I just describe myself? Ha ha! So one thing that could help us in "hot" situation is to choose proper clothing - something really comfortable and light. Adults can somehow manage the heat by just taking a cold shower or buying cold drinks but kids can't. So when hubby suggested to go to Trinoma one weekend, I remembered the newly-opened Cotton On Kids store. I've seen a few of my co-Moms' Instagram photos and I really want to get some pairs for my daughter.

 

As usual, my ninja self overpowered me so I took photos discreetly. I fell in love with these colors as soon as we stepped in. They all looked like cotton candies clothing edition. Whut? They have almost everything you need this summer season plus they're on SALE! Suddenly hyperventilates. 

I did all the sorting part while I left Daphne with her Dad and Lola. Little did I know that there's a corner spot where kids could watch cartoons. I was calling her attention so to check what size suits her but she's glued like that. They seem to have smaller sizes because we got size 5 for tops and 6 for shorts. Or is she that tall/big for her age?

 

She finally joined us choose her shorts and we picked that denim ones, priced at P899 (not on sale). We got her pink and yellow tops for two for P800 (sale). Quite a steal! Then she went back to her seat like she's just watching at home. What other stores offer entertainment corner for kids? This is really helpful to us mothers.

I was  supposed to check the watch displays but my hubby's too excited to go to his favorite stores. Overall, Cotton On Kids is a must visit store in Trinoma. With a spacious shop and neat visual merchandise, you'll surely not leave with empty paper bags. Their sales staff are pleasant and very accommodating too. 

xx,

OneGutsyMom