Beauty Round Up

Hello blogistas!

It is nearly the end of the year and I would love to share with you what I have loved make up related and used most of the time for the past months. I've really had good use on most of these that I can't leave the house without them, in exception of the candle, that would be pretty weird. 

Nyx Above and Beyond Concealer in Medium

I love this concealer because its the right shade for my skin and doesnt tend to be cakey and covers well my blemish and spots. On days that I dont really want to wear full on foundation, I use this and I'm good to go.

Etude House Color My Brows #2

This product I use very sparingly whenever I feel fancy on highlighting my brows. I sometimes get tired of how I do my brows and on days that I want to expirement a new makeup look I use this tinted brow without going through the pain of actually tinting them lighter where at the end of the day I can just wash it off!

Guerlain Eyeshadow Divinora in Brun Mordore N43

My mom actually owns this one but she rarely uses eyehadow that I asked it from her. I just love how the copper brown tone is sparkly without going over the top and can really transition well from daytime to nighttime look. The packaging is very exquisite too!

EOS Lipbalm

I didn't jump into the hype of using EOS until lately, it does prove to be hyrdating on my lips and I love the packaging and the hint of strawberry scent. This one I always never leave behind when I'm out because I just hate having chapped lips.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme

I have always been a fan of NYX products, good product pay off at an affordable price. I was doing my research on new lip products since I was running low on the current lipstick I've been using at the time and stumbled upon a website that offers matte lip creams and I said to myself that I need to one. I wear this on days that I love to sport a statement lip. I'm already planning to get some new ones soon, I just love this and sometimes doubles up as a cheek tint too!

Ecotools 5pc Set

Makeup tools are essential when putting on makeup, I've been okay with a few of my Elf brushes but seems like something is missing. I was very happy to pick up these brushes since they are cruelty free and eco friendly. Bringing along bulky brushes in my handbag just doesn't work for me most of the time and these travel size ones are just great.

Marionnaud Brush N38

A groomed and filled eyebrows is one of the makeup step that I am still perfecting at this point and the joy in my face when I have seen this brush in the beauty section of a drugstore. A spooly and angled brush in one!

Our Own Candle Company

I know this one isn't beauty at all but we were at the Robinsons Home Section when I spotted this, was originally looking for the Vanilla one but they ran out. Honeysuckle was also very nice to burn on cold and dreary days. Plus it looks very cute on a mini mason jar!

*products listed were my own purchase or gifted//this post is not sponsored*

Masks and Skincare

Hello blogistas!

I apologize if I had been MIA again for a very long time. Been having a transition in my life and seems that I needed to rearrange my life a bit. Don't worry now darlings because I am back and I wanted to share with you some stuff I've seen and had been given lately that I'd like to share with you. A few skincare treats that I use from time to time and I forgot that I had these. Happens to me all the time if ever I don't see stuff in my dresser that often, oops! 

First of all I had this sample from Beauty Bar last time when I went in and took a look at the shop and they gave me the Cure Exfoliator which is said to be Japan's #1 exfoliator, so I'd like to try on the hype! I didn't understand quite a bit of the instructions on the pack but I remembered that the lady at the counter said it is used as an exfoliant so I used it after cleansing my face. I was quite doubtful about it at first, but as when I rubbed it and did that exfoliating thing that creates lumps when you rub it on claiming as they are the dead skin from your face and leaves you with a brighter and evened out skin, well to be honest I felt my face become smoother and bright. I'll just have to remember that the whole bottle though is quite expensive and retails at about Php1,500 for 250ml, which I think through is still quite savvy enough since it's only to be used twice a week and a small amount goes a long way already.

Cure Exfoliant is a very liquidy one and works well!

Next is the Privia New York 'Miracle Daily Mask Pack' with Soybean Placenta.I love to treat myself from time to time with some really heavy hyrdating masks especially the Korean made ones because they are so good! This was quite tricky because this was given to me as a set combination with other kinds of facial masks but you can get the Privia mask here.

Last one of the step was my ever trusted Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion , even though I've already used a hydrating mask I wanted to make sure that it traps all the essential moisture my skin needs. I have an oily to combination skin and I end up having dry patches on my face, so I make sure that I don't skip the moisturizing part on my skincare routines. I actually am running low on my Clinique moisturizer and I need to stock up quick! 

Hope you enjoyed this post and I'd love to hear what are your skincare treats or routines!

Food Cravings Pt. 1

Hello blogistas!

Have you've ever had that feeling where you are sitting in your room doing something and food sometimes stops your train of thought and wants you to have food that is not very much accessible to you at the moment? We'll I had that yesterday and I've though I wanted to share it with you. 

So last June I was buying some groceries and came across by some extra fancy vanilla ice cream that I thought I would give it a go, brough it home and was very happy about myself buying that tub looking forward to a nice dessert after a meal. Dessert time came, I scooped out a good spoonful in to my glass and topped it with some cinnamon and candies. Oh the calories but it was so worth it. Thought I'd share it with you how it looked like. 

There it goes, my tummy and mind is killing me right now but I have to travel like an hour to get to the city just to have this kind of vanilla ice cream. Which by then my craving isn't that strong anymore. Guess I might just be the one who is like this, if anyone else thinks I'm weird please do send help. I hope I'd made you salivate over this sinful goodness!

xKathleen =)

Festive Fusili Pasta

Hi blogistas!

I've popped in back to my lovely corner here since I wanted to share with you guys some lovely things that I had encountered this month of August. I am apologising if I hadn't been updating that frequently but whenever I do I hope you enjoy what I put up in here.

This month I have been experimenting on quite a few food pieces that I love to share with my family especially on a good weekend. Alas though some of us are not here that as often as some of my siblings had moved out due to work, already has a family of their own and away for university.Pictured here is my delicious and satisfyingly healthy pasta I've cooked that I am looking forwrds to sharing this holiday because the colors are so festive!

I call this my Festive and Healthy Fusili pasta. I whipped this up last week after finding out that I still have a large canned tomato sauce in my kitchen cabinet. Well my mum's technically, but the kitchen is for every body to create some goodies, so it still goes. This recipe can literally be done in under an hour. Here's a list of what you'll be needing and how it's done.

Inredients:
1 450 grams fusili pasta (I prefer to use the semolina ones)
1 can tomato paste/tomato sauce
1 can tuna meat (sliced/chunks)
1 clove garlic minced
half of a red onion
2 tbsp olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper
handful of basil leaves

How To:
1. In a large pot with about 3-4 cups water and a bit of salt. Have the pasta cooked al dente in about 10-15 mins. I prefer to have the pasta be cooked and drained when I'm also whising up the sauce to avoid it sitting there and get all clumpy. 
2. While waiting for the pasta water to boil, in a deep sauce pan. Saute garlic,onions and tuna to have its oils bring in a good taste to the sauce. Add the tomato sauce or paste in the pan and make sure that you bring it to a consistency not to thick and just enough for it to blend well with the pasta later on. What I do is add a bit of the pasta water to thin out the sauce a bit if it tends to be heavy.  (This you can do optional, if you have white wine in your bar, you can mix in a small bit to umph the flavor a bit. I only do so when the occassion is a bit fancy *wink*)
3. Once the pasta is all cooked up and al dente. Drain the water out and give it a bit of a shake to let excess water out. Mix it on the sauce well and season with salt and pepper to give it its final taste complete.
4. Dress it up on a good big plate with and serve it up with a sprinkle of parmesan and basil, with a side of garlic bread or green salad.

Sorry if mine wasnt that plated up well because it was all gone after cooking but it was super fun preparing this dish. It was so yummy!
Hope you enjoy this and please do share any kitchen adventures you've had this month!

xKathleen =)

Summer Almost Over

Hello blogistas!

Its already June and Mr. Sunshine is getting its rest now that rain has finally taken its spot this month. I had a lovely summer even though it was very humidly hot and burning. Only here in the Philippines that temperature can strike at 37-39 degrees celsius at midday. Anyways I would love to share with you guys one lazy afternoon when my brother and I decided to take a roll down our community on a motorcycle. Just a sibling day out before my little brother actually goes to Uni.

~ Halo Halo goodness ~

~ unfinished cathedral ~

~ vroom vroom!! ~

How's your June month doing?

xKathleen =)

Brunch

Hello blogistas!

Today was a super sunny day and I love being in the sun. We've had quite a few days of downpour and it was refreshing to see Mr. Sunshine again. I met with my girl best friend  Daisy today over brunch since it had been a while since we had a really good catch up with life over drinks and food. What better way to indulge it in is thru korean food and milk teas! Remember my post about Cake Mania? Im so glad that they now have a branch in Bacolod aside from the one in Manila that I usually frequent to for their milk teas and matcha cake. It had been a while since I enjoyed a hot bowl of Bibimbap and California maki so we decided to have that for share.(portions were quite huge for just one person, unless youre really a foodie!) I did not only love it but my best friend as well,she also loved the splash of veggies and braised beef on it. I'm thinking of recreating the hearty bowl at home. Quite a risk but I'd go for it. Haha!

Bibimbap and California Rolls                       

    

       

Hope you're all having a lovely day! 

xKathleen =)

Oh Snap

Hi blogistas!

Give a girl sneakers and she will trek the world. Give a woman high heels and she will conquer the world. In my case give me a low quality shoes and my day was the worst. 

It was a Sunday for me when I decided to unload my shoe boxes of what pairs I've been hiding in them and I came across my blue ankle strapped flat sandals I bought in a department store ages ago and decided I would wear them to church. Little did I know what was about to happen. The hours went by and I was wearing my shoe all so perfectly with my outfit and just being so carefree because the sandals were so comfy and soft. But by the time I kneeled when I was in church when the straps all went loose and broke into pieces. The look of horror on my face when I realized what was happening. ( so much for keeping shoesies in their boxes and not wearing them for so long) Being the girl scout that I am, I scoured thru my bag whatever I can find to bring them back to dignity so that I can walk to the nearest shoe store and buy myself a new pair,but alas, I went in the store barefoot because the makeshift straps did not hold too long . Luckily they managed to hold themselves together for a while but never again will I forsake myself on a good quality pair of shoes to spare myself the shame of walking with broken sandals on my hands. Lesson learned from me that day and I was also like a crazy person that time because I just literally laughed myself off when I was in that pitiful situation. Don't sweat the small stuff they say. 

Before the mayhem

RIP sandals 

Fresh and comfy loafers

Hope you had a fun and lovely weekend. Always remember to buy 'em comfy and sturdy shoes!

xKathleen =)

Quality over Quantity: Friends

Hello blogistas! 

This yet be another sharing of my thoughts with you with what I just had realized day before yesterday. Growing up, all of us always marvel at the thought of how many people we have met and grew up to stay close with and likely to treasure them as friends. As I was growing up, I am lucky to say for myself that I may have made a lot of friends because of my frequent transfers to different schools during my elementary years but things changed when I stayed put at the same location for my high school and college days. My personality was somewhat in between cause I had a round of friends that came from different groups. Though I tend to enjoy my alone times by myself too (insert loner tunes here!). 

Now that school days are over and into the real world I now delve deeper everyday to learn the mysterey it always unravel before my eyes. I have come to say that it doesnt matter how many friends I had made but rather now is the time that i truly appreciate rather a small number of friends whom I can really share my life with from tear of laughter to tears of sadness. I learned that its okay to drop a few friends along the way who may not seem to put the best interest for you. I'll share a few thoughts on how you can find out who your real friends are from the ones who are not.
1. Friends listen to each other and take time to understand each other. Be it in time of sillyness or seriousness. When you see that your thoughts are not appreciated or being shunned in one corner, then I can say that person is not a real friend.
2. Friends support and trust each other. A friend should never put down your ideas or decisions in life. Advices are great but in the end the sole decision still comes from yourself.
3. Friends understand each other, even if there is lack of communication or personally seeing each other. How to know? Even if you havent seen or talked to each other for a long time, there is no awkwardness towards each other. Just the same silly friend he/she is the way you remember them to be. 

Well, i just love how it feels that i can create a feeling of mutuality towards a person whom i started to know as a stranger but now is a friend. Hug your friends out and celebrate that your paths crossed because this is the reason why the world is a happy place! 

xKathleen =)

Take Two on Palawan

Hello blogistas!

Its been a month now but I'm still craving for a bite of Palawan. On my previous post, I shared the part where we had seen the place from a birds eye view and I feel sorry to have kept you hanging for a few more sweet scenery shots.

It smells of lemongrass and mint

Keepin it cool but freaking inside!

Blowpipe 101

The next adventure trail was with the Bakers Hill and Botanical Garden. It was so warm that day that I would rather recommend an afternoon visit in this colorful place.

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I did.

xKathleen =)

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Palawan Lovin'

Hello blogistas!

It had really been a while since I updated you of what I've been up to lately. I am so happy to share with you that I had a bit of a summer adventure in Palawan with my younger brother Victor. Palawan is one of my bucket list places I always wanted to visit. When presented the opportunity to accompany my brother for his college application in Palawan State University, I immediately said yes. First thing that amazed me as we were approaching was that the view from the plane of its crystal clear waters and absolutely white sand, even the beach near the airport itself. Next was the cleanliness of the place, it very much upholds it claim that Palawan is truly an earth loving and Mother Nature caring place. The people are very friendly and does not take advantage of the tourists that come over or maybe we were just very lucky to meet the right kind of people along the way. 

Hello clear blue waters!

Cozy airport!

During our stay there I am also loving the ambience of the hostel we stayed at. The owner/manager of Puerto Apartment where we slept in was very helpful. She gives us tips on places to visit and prices of the things we might plan to buy or pick during our stay. 

Eco friendly apartments too!

I see these all over Palawan..hmmmm...maybe they mean something?

Four Seasons color splash!

Crocodile Sisig is a frickin' dish!

Its only a few hours since we landed and Im being surprised of the adventure Palawan has too offer.Even the food here is kinda risky to catch but delicious to eat. Crocodile sisig,who would've thought? Stay tune, I'll be posting a few more of Palawan adventures.

Hope your summer is adventure packed too!

xKathleen =)

Easy on Pocket Fashion

Hello blogistas!

I recently had been looking for a good fashion staple to add on to my wardrobe. I decided to update my fashion accessory which is a must for me every time and its my dear old watch. Browsing online I came across a lovely rose gold watch that I've been lusting over but my mind and wallet just says no. I kept a good month thinking over it and looked for a lot more of other options. I am always critical on my spending and my mantra is 'Something good and nice does not have to break your wallet'. I know that the rose gold trend is so raved about but not necessarily that I also have to jump in the bandwagon and spend lots of moolah. Anyways,after scouring lots of online shops and websites, I came across this lovely watch from Aeropostale that suits my need for a watch update. I love how it is a big faced watch to easily see the hands of time and the color really does complement any skin tone.I just can't get over with it. Pretty simple and goes along with any outfit too, from laid back to girly and formal. 

Comes in a cute canister too!

What are your fashion steals lately?

xKathleen =)

Sweet Summer

Hello blogistas!

Summer has been very pretty lately because the sun is out all day long and the weather is warm and lovely. I had been enjoying some few good food treats as well since being exposed too long in the sun can make you hot and hungry. I wanted to share with you guys these yummy foods I've been loving this time. It can thoroughly satisfy my craving for sweets with having to grab more of the bad stuff which can be unhealthy. First off is this delightful Mila's Restaurant Buko pie that was given out by my mom's student as a gift post graduation. Thanks a lot to him because I wouldn't have discovered this treat.The custard is so creamy but not too sweet and I have already been a long time fan of Mila's Bibingka and knowing one more tasty stuff from their pastry list is just awesome! 

Yummy Buko Pie!

Mila's Bibingka that I looove!

Aside from these yummy treats, I also love summer because tropical fruits are in season! Mangoes,avocados,cantaloupes, and my all time fave is watermelon. Its not a guilty food because its mainly made up of water and it does keep you hydrated from the summer heat. I have it as a snack without worrying too much if I had quite a few more slices. Yay for good food this summer!

What have been loving so far this summer?

xKathleen =)

Scrubs

Hello blogistas!

It's that time of the year again where we totally enjoy basking in the sun. I personally love summer, because everyday is a lovely day.Sun so bright,blue skies and a good excuse to tag friends along to the beach. However, I prepare myself as well for the season. I love to use body scrubs,face scrubs, face masks and a good dose of moisturizer and sunscreen. I don't want premature ageing guys. So without further ado, I would like to share my own DIY face/body scrub I make to exfoliate my skin with to make moisturizers or sunscreen last and absorb well on my skin. Plus it brightens your skin making it more look healthy and glowing.

This homemade scrub I did is just refreshing and very easy to make too. It just leaves my face and body feeling very clean, smooth and moisturized. I  have here the ingredients so that you can also make your own and all of these can be found in your pantry!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1-2 spoons of lemon juice

2-3 spoons of sunflower oil ( I use Human Nature because its organic)

Have a good summer and happy scrubbing!

xKathleen =)

Post Holiday Hauls

Hello blogistas!

I have always been an onlooker for good stuff and one of them are good makeup. I recently bought some few stuffs online since I already ran out on some of my supplies. Thank heavens for technology where I stumbled upon Digital Traincase which holds some Nyx products I had used in the past and just loved them through time. I was a very happy kid when I got my goodies in the mail that I'm so excited to wear them too. Here are some of the stuff that I got.

Nyx Lip Cream in Milan
Nyx Above and Beyond Concealer
Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo

First that caught my interest was the concealer because it is in a small pot. Kind of tricky when you use it because you have to dab it up on your fingertips for application. Does not really put on well if applied with a brush because it absorbs most of the product. It has good coverage though that lasts for about 4-5 hours. The Nyx Lip Cream is more of a wine shade than I thought it to be, but I like how it can worn on just a very casual or minimal look. It moisturizes the lips very well like a lip balm though the lasting power is not really great, only at around 2-3 hours, more so if you eat a meal and it will be totally wiped off.

Welcos Germinated Brown Rice Cleansing Foam
Myx Matte Lip Cream
WWW Cateye Sunglasses
Revlon Nail Art in Neon

I loved the way the Nyx Matte Lip creams holds on to my lips for several hours. Though I do not recommend wearing it on dry lips because it tends to make chapped lips more obvious.I love it for the fact that it is bright pink, it really brightens my whole look!

L'Oreal Lucient Magique in Pure Honey

FaceShop Tea Tree Toner
Yadah Anti Trouble Spot Cream

Lately I've been trying some Korean beauty brands too to test out for myself the pay off from the purchase. I loved before Faceshop's Rice Cleansing foam that when I saw Welcos Cleansing Story foam I just could not resist to try it out too. My face feels soft and re-hydrated from the mild cleansing that it delivers. I have been loving the Yadah Anti Trouble Spot cream too because it saves my life whenever I feel an upcoming breakout from lack of rest or sleep. I removes flakiness and moisturizes my skin after I put them on after washing my face.The Tea Tree toner is actually my brother's but I've tried it out for 2 weeks to see any effect on me but so far there has been no major changes that I've felt.I left it off with him since it does wonders for his skin. =P
Lastly, was the FaceShop's FaceIt BB cream my mom introduced to me and fell in love with too. It works both ways since it works like a creamy moisturizer and cover up for the blemishes from medium for full coverage. Tends to last in my face at 6-8 hours tops since I really have oily T-zone that I hate. The L'Oreal Lucient Magique was given by my sister since the shade is too light for her. It really is light infusing and is really great for lighted photos to casual day wear. I love that it's a pump bottle that it minimizes any unused foundation leftovers in the back of the hand and spillage. I love that some of these I got on a good discount while some are free. Beauty doesn't really have to be pricey,right?

xKathleen =)

Tied Knots and Poolside Views

Hello blogistas!

It's been a while now since I've posted here after Valentines Day since I was gone to be on attendance for my cousin's wedding. I would definitely say that the wedding was very intimate and awesome. I was very happy to see my cousins that I haven't seen for a long time. We were able to mange to get together to be in a special event to celebrate the meaningful event with our beloved cousin. I know that some may find it a bit cheesy but I love my cousins to bits because I've grown up with them and I literally look up to them because I find them next as an older brother and sisters aside from the real siblings I've got.

Here's my look for the wedding. Didn't had much photos of myself because I was busy helping out nut pretty much I liked my dress.So flowy and light.

I also loved the place where we stayed at. It was a hillside resort decked with lots of cabanas on the sides for those who wanted to enjoy the place. Unluckily for me I wasn't able to pack any swim clothes with me and I did not got any chance to enjoy the pool. 

I definitely plan to come back here and enjoy the place. 

Here is my brother looking out into the vast land where the resort is sitting at.

Until then blogistas, hope you have a lovely day!

xKathleen =)

Glimmer

Hi blogistas!

I've been awol for a while here and sorry about that. I've had quite a few trips out of town and being connected is quite difficult. I am crazy excited for my cousin Royce's wedding this week and its been hectic. I will be giving you guys a sneak peek of what the theme is going to be. =)

I love how they kept it minimal which is very classy. Its a black and white theme and the designs are so subtle which kept things together. Well, I will show more of it when all the happening is done. I will keep a metal note to myself to get a lot of pictures!

So going back guys while being there I happened to bond over with my soon to be sister in law. I call it that because my cousin in no stranger to me. We happen to grow together since my Aunt took me over under her care when I was a teeny weeny baby in a burrito wrap up until I was grade school. Not that my mom gave me away, it was a form of therapy for my Aunt as well because she lost her baby during birth which is almost the same age as me now. I am very much sure though that he is watching over us and is happy with Him now. I am happy knowing that I have two set of parents to run to. With my cousin being married soon I am so happy for him that he got to choose a very pretty and responsible girl for all their eternity. I wish them all the best that is yet o come!

Have a lovely one & See ya next time!