Wordless Wednesday #115 | Cheers to the New Year!

It's the last day of the year, and the last Wordless Wednesday for 2014!

I'm taking this opportunity to thank all of you, my friends and followers, 

for continuously supporting my blog. 

Looking forward to a more exciting and wonderful 2015! 

Ever onward to the New Year! Cheers!

Signs of Happiness | Coca-Cola's 5by20 Campaign.

If you've been wondering why I have not been blogging very often these days, it's because I'm pretty busy (too busy) with stuff at home. You see, my aunt, uncle, and cousins are home for the holidays. This is the first time they're celebrating Christmas here in the Philippines after they migrated to London ten years ago, and we (my siblings) want to spend as much time with them as possible. It may take awhile for this kind of reunion to happen again - after all, plane tickets don't come cheap.

Speaking of reunions, no party or family gathering would be complete without everybody's favorite drink - Coca Cola. When my cousins arrived last week, the first meal that they had were buckets of fried chicken from the local fast food chain (which they do not have in London), partnered with ice-cold bottles of Coke. Ah, happiness!

We never run out of Coke here at our place, as we have a sari-sari store in our compound. My aunt used to own that sari-sari store (which is now managed by my grandmother's relative), until she finally decided to go back to the nursing profession and try her luck in London. Back in the days, I would help my aunt tend the store by doing simple tasks like taking payments (bayad) and giving change (sukli). It was a lot of fun, and I think my people skills were actually honed by helping out in the store and attending to my aunt's loyal customers (suki).

And this is why Coca-Cola's latest video ad is close to my heart. In this video, Coca-Cola focuses on the power of women entrepreneurship, and how small businesses contribute to the growth of the community in more ways than one.

Take for instance Mercy's Sari Sari Store, which is not only a sari-sari store, but also a hangout for the local 'homecourt heroes'. (In my aunt's case, her sari-sari store is like the employees' lounge of the motor shop across the street.) There's also Elvira's Carinderia, which is not only a place for people to dine, but also a place for people to hang-out, spend time, and have fun with friends.

This video ad is part of Coca-Cola's 5by20 Campaign, which aims to empower women and help improve lives. Through 5by20, Coca-Cola aims to address the most common barriers to success that women face. This can be achieved by giving women entrepreneurs access to business skills training courses, financial services, and connections with peers or mentors.

Why 5by20, you might ask. It's because the goal is to empower 5 million women micro-entrepreneurs by the year 2020. Hence, 5by20.

5by20.

And with that, let us all continue to support every business woman out there - the way Coca-Cola does. Because when a woman owns a business, you can count on them to open happiness as well.

Click here to learn more about 5by20 Campaign.

*This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Finding a Good Beauty School.

Do you dream of becoming a cosmetologist? Or maybe you're just looking to improve your skills as a nail artist or esthetician. Whatever your reasons for considering beauty school, here are just a few tips for finding the best establishment for your personal or professional needs.

Photo credit: Cosmetologists, Inc.

1. Look for Accreditation 
Are they affiliated with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)? Are they members of any professional associations like the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) or the Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals (ACSP)? These kind of ties to the industry will prove their commitment to meeting national standards and staying up-to-date with both their curriculum and their technology.

2. Talk About Price 
Don't shy away from expensive schools just because you think you can't afford them. Some students can get financial aid; others can work out payment plans with accommodating administrations. You may also be able to save costs by signing up for certain internships or work-study programs that apply to the practical portion of your degree. Talk to the school's financial advisors to learn more.

3. Ask for Referrals
The next time you have an amazing experience at the salon, hairdresser or health clinic, ask the staff where they received their training. They should be more than happy to give you names if you explain that you're interested in attending cosmetology school as well. You might even receive inside information about the school's application process or what teachers to take when you arrive there!

Photo credit: Stealing Beauty.

4. Check Their Social Media Accounts
Most modern schools have a presence on Facebook or Twitter, so check out their accounts to see what kind of news matters to them. For example, are they tweeting about changing regulations in the industry? Are they posting notices and interesting links for students? How actively do they update?

5. Take a Tour
At the end of the day, there's no better way to judge a school than by physically going there and seeing things with your own eyes. Are the classrooms neat and well-equipped? Do the teachers seem friendly or harried? Take notice of the students, too. What do they look like? Could you see yourself among them? Could you see them as your future colleagues?

These are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for a beauty school. If you're serious about securing yourself a good education in cosmetology, only the best program will do.

Hair Extensions Are Versatile.

The appearance of one's hair is a major attribute when it comes to being appealing. If you want to be enticing and noticeable for having beautiful hair, the answer may well be using hair extensions

Adults and kids both like to add some fun highlight extensions for special occasions and holidays. An example is using pink to show support for breast cancer awareness month, and an array of colors and extensions that can be worn for other events that occur during the year. This is a way to add style, color, and a remarkably natural feel and give you a hairdo that you have desired for some time but couldn't achieve with just your own hair.

An array of colors.

To create a perfect match, you can choose from high quality 100 percent human hair from Europe, Asia, India and more. There are also micro ring, i-tip and fusion hair extensions. For something extraordinary, there are Fantasy Highlight Extensions!

You can make a statement even with just a few strategically placed strands. Clip-in feather hair, whether real or synthetic fiber, can add an unusual flair. Fantasy Color Hair Extensions are also a terrific way for salons to get started in the hair extension business. All the equipment needed can be provided and include a hair extension iron, micro rings and pliers, shields, remover solution, and an assortment of fun colors.

When considering these exciting additions to your 'crowning glory', pick yours today from the vast selection offered by Vision Hair Extensions and 'feel like a million dollars' as you change your hairstyle to something unique. You have the convenience of ordering online and can preview the hundreds of offerings and ask any questions by contacting our friendly and helpful staff.

Foodie Goodie | Lechon Paksiw.

We had lechon (roasted suckling pig) for Noche Buena, and guess what we did with the left-overs. Even a six-year-old would know what would happent the day after. Yep, it became lechon paksiw.

'Paksiw' means to cook and simmer in vinegar, a method of cooking that is pretty common here in the Philippines. While I'm not too fond of the common paksiw na pata (pork hock) or paksiw na bangus (milkfish), lechon paksiw for me is a totally different story. I guess it's the lechon/liver sauce that makes all the difference.

Lechon Paksiw

Ingredients:

1/2 kg lechon, cut into pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
2 pieces bay leaf
2 cups Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon pepper corn
1 cup water

Procedure:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and cook over low flame.
2. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve hot with steamed or fried rice.

Wordless Wednesday #114 | A Very Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours,

a very Merry Christmas!

Cheers! :)

A Very Merry Christmas with Disney on Ice!

Where will you be on Christmas Day? If you're thinking of doing something fun with your kids (after all, Christmas is for the children), then why not watch Disney on Ice? :)

The much-awaited Disney on Ice season is back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 25 to January 4! This year, Pinoys are invited to join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they follow four of Disney’s most inspirational princesses on their adventures to fulfill their dreams in Feld Entertainment’s newest ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella and Snow White, Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true.

Your favorite Disney characters on ice!

Audiences begin their magical, musical voyage in New Orleans celebrating the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, and then escape into the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The trip continues to Cinderella’s kingdom in her search for true love and follows Rapunzel as she discovers the world beyond her tower on her quest to see the floating lanterns. The Disney Princesses then come together for the first time on ice during the finale, to welcome Rapunzel into their royal court in the ultimate princess experience.

“There’s something within each of the stories ofTangled, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that speaks to women and girls and families around the world,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “Each of these princesses is searching for what truly makes them happy. And I think that’s very reflective of what audiences are like today.”

Rapunzel and Flynn.

Disney’s Tangled 
In adapting Tangled to the ice for the first time, Director Patty Vincent was challenged with how to convey all of Rapunzel’s hair without interfering with the skating. During the segment, 2,000 feet of silk representing Rapunzel’s magical, golden tresses winds throughout the rafters of the arena and drapes down to the ice for use in a heart-stopping aerial act never before seen in a Disney On Ice production. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider escape the tower, flying 25 feet up in the air and performing daring acrobatics.

Under the direction of Choreographer Cindy Stuart and Aerial Trainer Anna Kaminnik, the performers mastered the blend of ice and aerial choreography in which Rapunzel and Flynn fly above the arena floor and slowly descend to the ice in a fluid motion, creating a feeling of constant movement.

The adventurous nature of Rapunzel’s story allowed Costume Designer Ivan Ingermann to incorporate unusual fabrics and silhouettes into his costumes. Rapunzel’s world is mainly full of rich colors and textures and romantic silhouettes.However, during the Snuggly Duckling segment, Ingermann designed costumes for the pub thugs using faux fur and faux leather, materials not normally seen in an ice show.

Another distinctive design element of Dare to Dream is the revolving set, an idea conceived by Scenic Designer Stan Meyer. By designing a rotating piecethat transforms to specifically fit each of the unique settings of the stories, Meyer was able to create one major centerpiece with four entirely different environments. When the set morphs into Rapunzel’s forest, a paneled backdrop of pastel flora and butterflies opens and a majestic tower slowly emerges, rising from the ice as golden hair falls from the window.

Snow White and the Prince.

Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 
In contrast to the colorful and playful world of Rapunzel, to set the mood for the story of Snow White, the lighting had to take on a darker and more mysterious quality. As the story begins, the lighting dims and a thin layer of fog fills the ice. Soon a flash of light and dark shadows appear signaling the arrival of the Evil Queen.

When it comes time for Snow White to flee into the magical forest for protection from the Queen, Morse focused on the use of black lights to highlight her frantic pace. As she finallyescapes the forest and arrives at the door of the Dwarf’s cottage, the ice is bathed in rich golden colors, signaling the calm after the storm and her newfound safety.

Being the Princess who started it all, the costume design for Snow White is a classic silhouette that will be easily recognizable by audiences young and old. The traditional yellow and blue dress was made for swift, yet graceful, movement on the ice, twirling and flowing as Snow Whiteglides through her world.

Audiences will also be delighted to see all Seven Dwarfs make an appearance in Dare to Dream, each outfit as uniqueas the Dwarf wearing it.

Walt Disney’s Cinderella
As the story shifts to the romantic tale of Cinderella, a glittering purple and blue castle stands majestically in the background with a white and gold grand butterfly staircase framing the clock tower. Cinderella is joined by ball attendants regally dressed in bright, colorful gowns sparkling with the help of sequins and glitter. Below the castle, glistening stars and swirls of soft blues and pinks fill the ice when Cinderella skates to classic songs such as “So This is Love” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.”

In addition to the pair skating and elegant ice dancing showcased in Dare to Dream, Cinderella features synchronized skating by a team of 20 performers portraying the palace guards searching for the owner of the glass slipper. More than half the cast performs this fast-paced and complex precision number, creating lines, formations and constantly moving patterns on the ice.

Lighting plays an important role in telling Cinderella’s story, and a key component of the lighting design is the ability to feature the skaters themselves.

Princess Tiana.

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog
Popular color palettes and designs from the Harlem Renaissance became a major source of inspiration for The Princess and the Frog. When Dare to Dream opens in New Orleans, vibrant orange and golden yellow light fills the arena, matching the bright colors of the costumes inspired by the period. Set against a French Quarter backdrop painted in rich reds, purples and greens, flappers and banjo players revel on a balcony while page boys and other townsfolk dance on the ice below, creating a multilayered street party.The opening number, “When the Saints go Marching In,” combines jazz-influenced choreography and the Charleston to create a vivid and energetic street scene.

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream seamlessly merges the classic with the new, maintaining the timelessness of some of the most cherished stories of all time, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, while also incorporating popular songs and unforgettable scenes from Disney’s newest fairytales, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog. From the lighting and scenery to the music, choreography and costumes, each element of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream magically combines to create a memorable show for the entire family.

To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911 55 55 for inquiries.

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 | Gift Sets from Korean Beauty Brands.

We are so ready for Christmas! Our Noche Buena menu has been decided, Christmas cards have been sent, and all the gifts have been wrapped and tagged and are now sitting pretty under the Christmas tree.

Now for those of you who are still doing some last minute Christmas shopping, I've listed down some gift ideas from my favorite Korean beauty brands. If the women in your life are into makeup, cosmetics, and all things kikay, they'll definitely love these! Some of these items are priced below Php 500, so they're quite affordable even for the budget-conscious gift-giver. For those who want to splurge a little more on their gifts, I've also listed down a few items that go beyond the Php 1000 mark. Quality guaranteed, of course. :)

Below Php 500

The Face Shop Real Nature Mask Sheet Gift Set, Php 295.

Contains mask sheets in Olive, Rice, Cucumber, Honey, and Avocado.

Etude House Hand Bouquet Hand Cream Mini Set, Php 378.

Contains mini tubes of Rich Butter and Rich Collagen Hand Cream.

Tony Moly Happy Fruit Hand Cream Set, Php 378.

Contains mini tubes of Apple and Peach Hand Cream.

Php 500 and up

Etude House Kissful Lip Care Set, Php 748.

Contains three variants - Peach, Strawberry, and Cherry.

The Face Shop Hand Care Set, Php 795.

Hand Wash and Hand Lotion in Deco Ball bottles.

Tony Moly Oh My Delight! Gift Set, Php 994.

Set includes Delight Tony Tint, Delight Cotton Pact, Delight Petite Blusher

plus a free Gold Snail Foam Cleanser.

Php 1000 and up

Clio Brown Makeup Set, Php 1095.

Set includes the Gelpresso Be Brown Kit and the Waterproof Brush Liner in Kill Brown.

Comes in a holiday pouch and holiday box.

Laneige Sparkling Party Holiday Hand Care Gift Set, Php 1095.

Contains the Soft Hand Lotion and Rich Hand Butter in a gift box.

Laneige Sparkling Party Sparkling Makeup Collection, Php 1650.

Contains 2 Water Drop Tints, 2 Holiday Glitter Nails, and 2 shades of the Holiday Glitter Eyes.

The Face Shop Cushion Screen Cell Set, Php 1595.

Contains one Cushion Screen Cell plus one refill.

Clio Point Makeup Set, Php 1650.

Contains the All That Eye Styler Kit, Virgin Kiss Tinted Lip, Nail Styler Holiday Color,

and OTank minni Volume Mascara. Comes with a Holiday Pouch and Holiday Box.

And there you have it, folks! Hope you get your shopping done before Christmas Eve!

Happy Holidays! :)

Foodie Goodie | Bulgogi.

Just four more days 'til Christmas and here I am trying to figure out what to cook for our traditional Christmas Eve Feast aka Noche Buena. My London-based cousins are coming home for the holidays (this will be their first Christmas in the Phi since they left for London ten years ago), and they're all asking for lechon. So yeah, roasted suckling pig will definitely be on the menu as requested. We usually have two or three meat dishes on our Noche Buena table so I'm thinking of bulgogi as the other meat entree for the night.

Bulgogi is a dish of thinly sliced beef that is pre-marinated with various seasonings and grilled on a hot barbecue pan. Bulgogi has been popular since the 1950s when the beef was served in thin slices to make it more tender and reduce the cooking time. Below is the recipe, which I learned from KTO (Korea Tourism Organization), in case you'd like to try making this at home. :)

Bulgogi

Ingredients:

300 grams beef (sirloin)

1 onion, sliced

100 grams lettuce

Marinade:

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp garlic, crushed

1/2 tbsp sesame seed, crushed

1/4 tsp black pepper

50 grams pear juice

Procedure:

1. Rinse beef thoroughly under running water. Dry excess water then remove excess fat and cut into thin slices.

2. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the the marinade.

3. Add the beef and onions to the marinade. Mix well, and marinate it for 30 minutes.

4. Heat the griddle or pan and grill/fry the beef on high heat. 

4. Serve with lettuce.

Tips in Trying to Conceive.

While having coffee with my girl friends the other day, the topic of having a second baby (most of us are single-child moms) suddenly came up. Sure, the thought of having another child sounds exciting and fun, but trying to conceive can also be frustrating at times. I've been there, so I know. :)

When you are trying to conceive, you want to do any possible ways that can help boost your chances of getting pregnant. There are several ways you can do in order to get pregnant fast, according to www.pregnancytips.org.

LOL! :p

First and most important thing you can do is learn when you ovulate. When you ovulate, it’s the only time of the month that you can get pregnant so we don’t want to miss that short window of opportunity to get pregnant since a single ovulation only lasts for about 2-4 days.

Most women ovulate midway their cycle with cycle day one being the first day of their menstrual period. You can buy ovulation predictor kits to help pinpoint your ovulation days or can even chart your temperature daily using a basal body thermometer.

Ovulation predictor kits or OPKs are one of the best, inexpensive investments in helping you get pregnant. You shouldn't underestimate the value that this little over the counter fertility test can create for you in your trying to conceive process.

Easy Breezy Travel Tips.

The most seasoned travelers can attest--it’s really the little things that make the biggest difference when you’re exploring new territory. A few upgrades here and there and the necessary nuisance of going through airport security or going for a long-haul journey becomes a breeze; you might even get a couple of perks along the way.

Travel when you can.

From coach to business class 
If you want to get upgraded from your cramped coach seats up to roomier business class, then you have to dress the part. Sure a t-shirt and flip-flops might be comfortable for your flight, but the airline will be less likely to put you with their top paying clientele if you don’t look the part.

From deluxe rooms to suites 
This is probably the only time tardiness might actually be worth something. Checking in later in the afternoon or even evening gives hotel front desks a better idea of their occupancy; which means asking for an upgrade at this point might be more feasible. Remember to be polite (you are boldly asking for an upgrade, after all) and do so when there are no other guests around.

Travel in style.

From casual to cosmopolitan
It’s hard to be fashionable when you’re essentially trying to fit a week’s worth of outfits into a single suitcase while making sure they’re comfortable, but it is possible. For instance, bring flat shoes that run a half size bigger (feet swell while on air and you’ll need the respite from all that walking), bring clothes that you can layer depending on the weather, try to keep your color palette strictly basic—blacks, whites, navys and nudes are easy to mix and match.

From falling into tourist traps to taking the road less traveled
Smart travellers know that most popular tourist destinations are expensive and sometimes, not even all that interesting; so try going for the road less traveled. If you absolutely have to or want to go to a popular tourist destination, go on a weekday and at a weird hour to minimize lines.

From holding up security lines to breezing through
Here’s a quick tip on how to make sure you don’t bumble through the security checks—place your shoes (and coat) on the first bin, your laptop and liquids in the second bin, and your purse or carry on in the third. As you wait for your things on the other side, your shoes and coat come out first giving you time to grab your bag and place your laptop back inside. Also, it pays to not wear belts and thigh high lace up boots to the airport.

Conzace Multivitamins.

From being unprepared to staying healthy
Travelers who have to share cabin space with 100 other humans who could possibly have cough and colds have to arrive at their destination healthy. It’s no fun exploring a new city when you’re running a flu, nursing a cold and dealing with a cough.

Before you go on a Vitamin C binge though, you have to know that it’s not advisable to double-up on your vitamin C dose. Our bodies our only capable of absorbing up to 400g, so anything more than that, will do nothing to boost protection for your immune system.

Instead, pop one capsule of Conzace to stave off germs and viruses from fellow passengers. Conzace multivitamins is proven to activate more immunity cells than plain Vitamin C. And when your immunity is in top shape, you can better manage illnesses – allowing your body to prevent catching common viruses or recover faster if you do fall ill.

It’s available per piece and only for P12.40 per capsule, but when you’re trying to keep yourself healthy for a cross-Atlantic journey, you might as well keep a generous stock. Conzace is also easily available from all major drugstores and supermarkets over the counter.

Finally, here’s an added plus - the zinc and vitamins A, C and E, which all contain anti-oxidants, also help in maintaining great skin.

Congrats, Globe Telecom! Cheers to Project Wonderful!

If you're an avid reader of this blog, then you might be familiar with 'Project Wonderful', which I have mentioned time and again here and in my social media accounts. Launched in December 2013, 'Project Wonderful' is Globe Telecom's nation-building effort that aims to provide support in rebuilding communities through sustainable development.

I'm a staunch supporter and advocate of this campaign, and I'm very proud to say that Project Wonderful won this year's ARAW Values Award for the promotion and inculcation of positive values for social change and nation building.

Araw Values Awards.

The ARAW Values Awards recognize outstanding and excellent advertising and marketing messages and/or materials for Branded Communications and Advocacy/Institutional Advertising that promote the ARAW 7 Cornerstone Values, a cluster of select and well-defined values.

The biennial program is organized by the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines, the social development institution and advocacy body of the multi-sector Philippine advertising and marketing communications industry.

“We are proud of this award since it proves that through digital media, we can inspire bayanihan using a clear, provocative message:  That anyone, from an ordinary person to a known model, rockstar, sports icon – even a corporate CEO – could help rebuild the nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, SVP for Globe Corporate Communications.

Project Wonderful won in the Branded Communications – Digital category which espouses  “Love of Country and Respect for National Customs and Traditions.” It served as a consolidated platform of Globe products and services that empowered Filipinos to donate time, finances, and talent towards rebuilding the nation.

Project Wonderful.

For Project Wonderful, Globe came out with compelling, documentary-style YouTube videos which recounted the stories of Globe ambassadors Bamboo, Georgina Wilson, Liz Uy, and Chieffy Caligdong as they helped deliver 2,000 Christmas toys to kids in Ormoc, build 100 homes for Ormoc families, and distribute almost 1,000 learning kits to Iloilo schoolchildren.               

Likewise, using the hashtag #ProjectWonderful on social media and blogs, Globe spurred Filipinos from various walks of life to voice hopes and wishes for the country and ultimately, drove them to the Project Wonderful website where they got to know the many ways to donate or even volunteer.               
Project Wonderful was able to raise over P50 million in cash and kind which was used to build homes and school buildings and provide livelihood opportunities to families affected by Typhoon Haiyan.               

The campaign received 779,239 combined YouTube views, 306 million impressions from 112,588 Twitter mentions by 23,894 users on Twitter and Instagram, 136 unique blogger stories, and an average of 50,000 unique visits to www.ProjectWonderful.ph per month for the first quarter of 2014 which resulted in over 1,000 registered volunteers and supporters.

Wordless Wednesday #113 | Almost Christmas!

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 | Unique Gift Ideas for the Man in Your Life.

If you have a man in your life who's difficult to shop for, then you may need some unique gift ideas that will surprise him with something amazing. The specific gift that you choose should depends on what the person likes, but you can use these ideas to help you come up with your own unique gifts.

A Beer Tour
Some of the important men in your life probably have a fierce love for craft beers. According to the Brewers Association, the craft beer industry adds 1.2 new breweries in the United States per day. This growth primarily comes from men who are just as interested in drinking beer that tastes great as they are drinking beer that will give them a buzz.

Image via Flickr by jronaldlee

The brewing industry has also added jobs to tourism. As more breweries appear, more tourism companies create tours that make it easy and safe for beer aficionados to have drinks at some of the best taprooms in town. Any man who loves beer would also love to take one of these tours.

If your man doesn't drink beer, then you could replace it with a barbecue, pizza, or burgers tour. There's an option for every food niche.

Golf Lessons from a Pro

Although the number of golfers has declined in recent years, plenty of men still play golf to relax. It's even popular among Millennials, 6.5 million of whom say they play golf.

Photo credit: Jim Delaby

A man who loves playing golf has to constantly push his boundaries to keep the game interesting. That's why it makes sense to buy him a few golf lessons with a professional. Many golf and country clubs employ professional golfers who give lessons. Just a few hours of help from a pro could push a man's game to a whole new level.

If your guy already has the perfect swing, then you can use a website like Cloud 9 Living to find unique gifts for men, such as tee times at exclusive clubs and tournaments in your area.

Tickets to see his Favorite Sports Team
Every sports fan dreams of front row seats during a grueling match between rivals. If you know a man who absolutely adores a certain sports team, then you already know what to get him for the holidays as well as birthdays and other special events.

Talk to your local sports team early to get tickets. Whether it's baseball, basketball, football, or soccer, the best seats go quickly. You should also ask the team whether it has special tickets that include free food, drinks, or other niceties that will make your man's day even more fun.

A Surprise Weekend Trip
Some men love the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Other men prefer a quiet campsite in Oregon. No matter what your favorite guy prefers, you can surprise him with a weekend trip.

Photo credit: Telegraph UK

This isn't the kind of gift you can throw together at the last minute. You'll need to find out things like:  - What he likes to do while traveling
 - Where he likes to go when he has time to get away
 - Whether he prefer relaxation or excitement
You want to cater the trip to his unique preferences, so starting asking pertinent questions months in advance.

Flying Lessons
Men have spent thousands of years thinking about flight. Of course, today, anyone can just purchase a ticket and fly through the air at over 500 mph. Learning how to operate a plane, however, is a completely different kind of adventure.

It's an adventure that you can give your aspiring aviator. Many cities with small airports offer basic flight instruction for professionals and amateurs. If you know a man who would like to pilot his own plane, then this is a great option that could fulfill his dream. With help from a trained professional, practically anyone can operate a small plane during flight.

The man in your life will probably talk about it for years. Do you know someone who would love one of the above gifts? What other unique gifting ideas can you think of for men?

Project BB Cream | Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream.

My first box from WishTrend arrived a few weeks ago, which contained some of the best-selling products from the Korean skincare brand, Klairs. Also included in the box is this BB Cream - the Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream, which has earned praises from quite a handful of beauty bloggers that I know.

Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream.

Suitable for all skin types, this BB Cream hydrates, covers wrinkles and blemishes, without irritating the skin. It adjusts to your natural skin color, and gives your skin a healthy glow.

Dear Klairs. :)

It also has UV protection properties, and a decent number at that - SPF40 PA++.

English text at the back. Hangul text written on the side.

Known for being an eco-friendly brand, Klairs products are cruelty-free (not tested on animals), alcohol-free, and paraben-free.

Eco-friendly.

The Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream comes in a 40 mL squeeze tube. The plastic tube is pretty easy to squeeze, and the dispenser tip lets you control the amount of product you want to use.

Dispenser tip.

This BB Cream has a creamy consistency (reminds me of The Face Shop's Power Perfection BB Cream) yet it's quite easy to blend and just a little goes a long way. It provides light to medium coverage, with a semi-matte, slightly dewy finish. It's pretty lightweight too, and does not feel icky on the skin.

Here's how the BB Cream looks like.

Although this BB Cream comes in one shade only, it adjusts nicely to your skin tone. It looks a bit grayish upon application, but it gradually matches your skin color once it sets in.

Left without BB Cream, right with BB Cream.

What I love:

- Looks very natural on the skin.

- Adjusts to my skin tone, and is suitable for all skin types.

- Lightweight, non-sticky.

- Buildable coverage. 

- Great staying power (around six hours on my skin).

- SPF41 PA++.

- No break-outs, no allergies, safe for sensitive skin.

What you might not like:

- Not available locally, can be purchased only from the WishTrend site. 

Products Used:
FACE: Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream,
Missha Under Eye Brightener.
EYES: Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
BYS Waterproof Eyeliner, Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara.
CHEEKS: Milani Powder Mosaics in Copper Sunshine.
LIPS: Givenchy Rouge A Levres #711.

The Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream originally retails for $24.99, but is currently being sold at a discounted price of $17.99 (around Php800). WishTrend ships internationally, and they also ship for free if you purchase any of the items listed under their 'Free Shipping Zone'.