Spotlight | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths.

I was never a big fan of cleansing tissues, mostly because I like going through the whole intricate process of removing makeup (i.e. wipe the gunk off with makeup remover, wash my face with my favorite cleansing foam, rinse). Yeah, I'm OC like that.

Also, I used to think cleansing tissues aren't at par with its bottled counterparts (ergo, liquid makeup removers) in terms of removing all the dirt, grime, and gunk off your face. However, these Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths from Cetaphil made me think otherwise.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths are pre-moistened cloths that remove dirt and makeup without drying or irritating the skin. These cloths are soft and gentle, and they're safe even for the most sensitive skin. They're unscented, and that's a plus if you don't like overly scented skincare products.

Safe for sensitive skin!

Ingredients, plus directions for use.

This product is perfect for days nights when you're too lazy to go through the entire process of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. These cloths require no rinsing - meaning, you can just wipe this on your face and go straight to bed! And thanks to its mild, soap-free, and non-comedogenic formula, you get clean and moisturized skin without having to worry about residues that can clog your pores.

Convenient packaging.

Tamper-sealed.

Soft and gentle tissues!

To use this product, simply lift the lid to remove cloth. Gently wipe your face, including the eye area, to remove makeup and impurities. No need to rinse afterwards. Close lid securely after each use.

Cleansing cloth folded in three parts. They're pretty long and stretchy in actual.

All that gunk from my face!

I love that these cleansing cloths come in a handy, resealable packaging. They're perfect on-the-go, and you know that I'm always out and about - especially now that I can drive on stick. I've come to love this product so much that I keep a pack in my vanity table at home, one in my bag, and another in the the glove compartment of our car. Talk about being on-the-go! :)

Freshness on the go! :)

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths sell for Php 235 per pack, each containing 25 disposable cloths. Cetaphil products are available at leading drugstores (Watson's, South Star) and supermarkets nationwide.

Get to know more about Cetaphil by visiting their official website and liking their Facebook page. :)

What a Man Wants.

So I just finished watching the 251st episode of 'Running Man', Korea's long-running and extremely popular variety show. In this particular episode, which featured on-screen and real-life couples, there was a segment where the competitors were asked to make a list of 'Disappointing Presents You've Received'. Majority of the men wrote 'socks', 'tie', 'belt', and 'books'. I am not surprised, since my husband wouldn't be too thrilled to receive these gifts either.

Men aren't always the easiest people to buy gifts for, so you have to put in extra effort in searching for the perfect gift - especially if the recipient is someone you love. To make the search a little bit easier for you, I've rounded up a short list of items that men will surely love to receive as gifts. Tried, tested, and appreciation guaranteed!

Surprise!

1. Tickets to their favorite sports team.
No sports buff would be able to resist these, especially if they're season/playoff/finals tickets! Now if your significant other is into boxing or mixed martial arts, get him tickets to an event with his favorite boxer/fighter in the card.

2. An expensive watch.
I've read somewhere that watches make perfect graduation gifts. And true enough, when my brother graduated from college, he received a designer watch as a gift.

For men, a watch is an acknowledgement of hard work, and for the fresh graduate, it is an encouraging nod to the his upcoming professional undertakings. More than a quirky tie or a crisp handkerchief, a watch symbolizes maturity and growth, and will be put to good use as a man enters the working world.

3. Shoes.
For guys who care about their appearance, stylish apparel and a nice pair of shoes are always a welcome gift. As British designer Oliver Spencer would say, "Good shoes stand the test of time, and are almost oblivious to the ebbs and flows of fashion."

So go ahead, get your man those Weejuns from GH Bass. Or if your significant other is a sneaker freak like mine, surprise him with a kick-ass pair from the Jordan Retro Collection.

Gadgets galore!

4. Gadgets.
In this day and age where technology has become so advanced that you can even turn the gas stove off with a smartphone, any man would surely want to receive a new gadget as a gift.

If you're feeling a tad generous, you might want to fork out a smartphone complete with a postpaid plan for your loved one. Now if he's ahead of his time and already has his hands on the latest smartphone, why not get him some tech accessories to go with it? You can shop for gadgets at Zalora Philippines where there's an array of speakers, amplifiers, and even wearable devices that your man will surely love.

5. Video games.
It's no secret that men love their video games just as much as women love bags and heels. For men, spending time with their XBox One or Playstation 4 is just another way to relax, a way to unwind and release stress, just like watching sports. In that sense you're actually doing your husband/boyfriend a favor by surprising him with Halo 5, or better yet, the much-talked about remake of Final Fantasy VII.

I'll let you in on a secret. Men find it attractive when a woman understands video games, all the more if she plays. Trust me on this. My husband was smitten when I busted his ass on Tekken. Haha!

So next time you're tempted to give your husband a tie, a pair of socks, or a belt, because you think he needs it, think again. He might need it, but might not actually want to receive it as a gift. ;)

How Diaper Bags are Changing the Lives of Parents.

One of the first things that every new mother looks for is a diaper bag as she will absolutely need one. To be honest, most mothers find that the diaper bag ends up in the trunk of the car or left at home and being organized for her baby becomes more difficult than ever before. Many mothers also find that their diaper bags get useless as soon as their child grows up but all of these things can be avoided by choosing the right diaper bag.

Photo credit: Cath Kidston.

1. Better Materials
As time progresses, one of the things that many diaper bag manufacturers pay attention to is the material that they use for the bags. Take your everyday life into account when you’re examining materials, as an example, do you like going on nature hikes? Are you more of a mother that likes to have a dainty bag to bring out shopping? The more durable your diaper bag materials are, the longer it will last and the less money you’ll have to spend on a new bag in the future.

2. Insulation and Padding
The outside of the diaper bag is one thing to pay attention to but you also want to make sure that the inside of the bag is fully equipped as well. Make sure that the diaper bag is insulated so you can keep your baby’s bottles warm throughout the day. There should also be padding to protect all of the personal belongings that you are carrying in the bag to make sure that they don’t get damaged. Insulation is also important to make sure that your belongings are kept safe if you’re going out in warmer or colder temperatures.

3. Enhanced Comfort
Think about it – you’ll be carrying the bag around with you everywhere that you go and the last thing that you’ll want to deal with is an uncomfortable bag attached to your shoulder. You will be able to find an array of different bags with different integrated comfort features to make sure that you can easily carry around everything that you need without getting tired or sore throughout the day. Try to find a diaper bag with padded straps or extra straps to let you attach it to your stroller.

4. More Storage and Functionality
You would be surprised at the sheer amount of things that you’ll be bringing with you when you go out with your baby. There are dozens of things that you will need and making sure that you have space available for everything is imperative. The more storage options you have, the more organized you will become. Though it is important to note that too much storage can also be a bad thing. If you have too many places to put things it can take away from the larger storage spaces that you have. As an example, if you have 10 pockets versus 6, you won’t have a place for baby wipe containers, bottles, or any other larger items.

Designer Style In The Bedroom.

Famous clothing designer, Vera Wang, is known around the world for her high-fashion couture and beautiful bridal gowns. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, she has created exquisite fashions and gowns for some of Hollywood's most famous celebrities, as well as royals, diplomats and distinguished people.

Vera Wang's signature style reflects elegant designs with simple lines, classic colors and patterns, and beautiful fabrics. After designing countless fashion ensembles, her designs can now be found in beautiful home furnishings like Vera Wang bedding, towels, kitchen linens and home accessories. Whatever your design preference, her designs provide a perfect way to create an elegant bedroom with designer style.

Romantic and elegant.

Romantic Elegance
If you love the idea of a romantic bedroom setting, look for bedding that will create a soft, comfortable atmosphere. You can choose either light or bright colors and patterns, but look for fabrics that feel soft and luxurious like silk, satin or high thread count cottons. Add large, soft throw pillows and a cozy chenille or cashmere throw across the bed. Keep the bedroom lighting soft and romantic by using dimmers on overhead lighting, low-wattage bulbs in lamps, and lots of beautiful candles. For wonderful aromas, use scented candles with light, fragrant scents like vanilla, jasmine or lilac.

Sophisticated and chic.

Sophisticated Style
If your home is traditional or contemporary with sophisticated style and a more neutral color palette, look for bedding and bedroom accessories that enhance that style. There's nothing more sophisticated than crisp white or ivory sheets with a matching neutral comforter and pillow shams. If you want a little more color, choose neutral bedding with soft accents like stripes or contrasting trim. To create sophisticated style, you don't have to use only light, subtle colors. Darker colors like taupe, sage, olive, mustard, cinnamon, brown or black will create a sophisticated color palette with dramatic ambiance.

Modern minimalist.

Modern Appeal
Modern interiors emphasize straight lines, clean features and simplistic style. Details are kept to a minimum, so the focus remains on materials and architectural elements within the space. When selecting bedding and bedroom décor, keep it simple by using solid colors, interesting textures and geometric patterns that enhance modern style. Concentrate on bedroom lighting, artwork and accessories that will add visual interest or color to the room without overpowering other items. Focus on simple, sleek lines and shapes that reflect the design principles of modern interiors.

How to Convert your Chef’s Salad Recipe Video for friends in the US.

Have you got friends in the USA who are fond of your Chef’s salad and keep on asking about the recipe? Well, surely Chef’s salad is one of the best delicacies when it comes to salads- it’s light, nutritious, hassle-free and full of goodness. So much of meat in one plate is irresistible and the veggies in between offer the much needed color- not to mention the generous cheese and mayo that altogether make the dish simply lip-smacking. It could be that your American friends visited your place in Australia this spring and they were delighted with your home-made Chef’s salad and now want to try out the dish themselves. It definitely feels wonderful to be appreciated but how to share the recipe for the American audience?

Actually, being an Aussie you are about to capture your video in PAL format while your American friends are mostly comfortable with the NTSC format. In such a situation you would have to convert the PAL recipe video into the NTSC format to ensure an easy view for your American friends. The good news is that today you have pal to ntsc converter software programs that will help you with the conversion process.

Moyavi Video Converter.

These software programs are really simple to operate and your basic computing skills would be enough. You would just need to download & install the converter software in your computer. Make sure to get a good research on such converter programs prior to download as not all such programs online can assure you complete satisfaction.

After you install the converter in your system, you would have to add the needed PAL Chef’s Salad recipe video to the converter program. Then, you will find something like “Convert To” option on the program. Click on it and a list of Compatible Video options would open up. Choose your NTSC preset.

Now, just choose the Destination folder where the converted video would be saved. There will be a Browse button through which you can choose the destination folder on your computer. Finally, click on the Convert option to allow the program to convert the PAL video into NTSC format.

When it comes to choosing the best converter software programs in the market, there cannot be a better option than Movavi Video Converter. Movavi is one of the most renowned software brands in the market with client base in as many as 150 countries- thus, you can expect quite a premium performance here. The Movavi program works really fast, is extremely user-friendly and will even allow you to take up some edition functions (if needed), prior to conversion. It works 79x faster in comparison to other regular converter programs around.

Wordless Wednesday #136 | You Know What I Did Last Summer.

Just some of the things I did while I was on blog break. :)

Hanging out with the sibs.

Wine and dine with the family.

Hitting the beach!

Re-reading some of my favorite literary works of all time.

Partying with the kids.

Yue's Karate Training.

Traveling with these cuties.

And driving! :)

How about you? How was your summer? :)

Staycations: Holidays in Smart and Sensible Ways.

A staycation is a holiday which starts as soon as you get home from work or school. When you free yourself from your responsibilities or obligations, you get to spend your time off engaging in activities around your home or local area. You can wake up in the morning and take as long as you want to bathe, get dressed, eat breakfast and decide what you will do for that day. It would seem like an ordinary day to anybody, but the essence of staycations is not in the place or activity, but the sense of freedom in doing anything you like. Perhaps you want to explore a farmer's market that is out of your way or even a local museum that haunted you all week.

Photo credit: FOX News.

The best thing about having a staycation is that there are not exorbitant hotel bills or foreign tour schedules to worry about. You spend your money on things that matter to you and take the time to go slow and appreciate your locality. A staycation could not be compared to travels abroad, but with a tight budget and restrictive schedule, a free day or two can make a difference in your life.

Why not enjoy your staycation away from your city and visit a local place that have a lot to offer in terms of food, entertainment and culture? If you do, you will find various Philippines real estate properties that suit your vacation style and budget. You will be surprised to discover more about your country without spending half of your savings account. Here are some tips that could enhance your staycation experience:

Explore Outside the Usual
Be open to trying new experiences and cultures. You could take your family on a shopping trip to an ethnic food store and then have fun preparing a new meal together. If your kids love sports, enroll them in a summer sports class or watch minor playoffs with them during your staycation.

Find the Free
Check the community news sections of local newspapers and websites that feature location­ exclusive information. Your village, town or city may have a listing of all events occurring without costs. Many family­friendly events will be free of charge, as well as local attractions.

Turn Off The Tech
To get the most out of your staycation, turn off your TV, phones, and computer. If you are on a paid holiday, enjoy it by putting a distance between you and work. This is a good chance to enjoy family time and relaxation to the fullest.

Although there are disadvantages to a staycation, such as having to come up with your own activities and schedule, the benefits you can derive from it are numerous. Use these tips to have a great time in your home and local area without exhausting your savings and energy.

Pucker Up! | EB Advance Supreme Lipstick.

And we're back to regular programming!

I'm officially going back to blogging after going on a hiatus for about a month or so. You see, I've been busy with so many things - traveling, enjoying the summer break with my family, preparing for the opening of classes (i.e. shopping for school stuff, covering books and notebooks), and driving.

Yes, driving! Mum got a new car, and since I haven't held the wheel in years (the last time I drove a car was before my husband and I got married), I took a refresher course at a local driving school and spent a week driving here and there. If you're following me on Instagram, you've probably seen photos of me strapped in the driver seat.

Or you might have seen this photo of the lipsticks that I received from Ever Bilena a few weeks back.

New lippies! Yay!

These are from the EB Advance Supreme line, which according to Ever Bilena, is 'the answer to the trendy Filipinas' makeup demand for that sophisticated look'. 

And they come in a cute case, too!

Here's what EB Advance has to say about these lipsticks.

"Introducing the ultimate lip color to look out for --- the EB Advance Supreme Lipstick. Drench your kissers in the rich and on-trend shades of this lipstick named after famous beauty icons and unique colors. The EB Advance Supreme Lipstick comes in 6 Matte and 6 Creme shades infused with ingredients that condition the lips, keeping it light but still luscious looking over your lips. A swipe of this is enough to make head turns and create impact at a glance."

Love the quirky names! :)

Upon opening the package, I was ecstatic to see that Ever Bilena sent me five different shades. But after trying all five, I kinda wished they sent me all. Or at least, all the six Creme shades - because I totally fell in love with the formulation at first swipe. Haha!

Shade reference at the bottom of the bullet, as well.

Here are the lipsticks, up close.

Looks like MAC bullets, only they're white.

From L-R: Red Twilight (Matte), Pink Punch (Matte), Jackie O (Creme), Marilyn (Creme), Audrey (Creme).

And here are the swatches.

From L-R: Red Twilight, Pink Punch, Jackie O, Marilyn, Audrey.

From the photo above, you can tell just how matte the Matte shades are. They're not semi-matte - but real matte sans the sheen, and quite a bit of tugging, too. I actually had some difficulty swatching the Pink Punch, as evidenced by the uneven color towards the middle. And I pretty much experienced the same thing when I applied it on my lips. The gorgeous color makes up for it, though. :)

Anyway, here are the shades when worn.

Red Twilight.

Red Twilight is a warm shade of red that looks intense but still very wearable. This shade reminds me of Etude House's Rosy Tint Lips in Before Blossom, one of my favorite red lipsticks of all time.

Pink Punch.

Pink Punch, as the name suggests is pink - with a punch. If you love pinks and mattes, then this vibrant, hot pink shade is for you. But as I've mentioned earlier, it tugs a bit. You have been warned.

Jackie O.

Oh, Jackie O! I love you so! This shade is definitely my most favorite in the bunch. It's pink, but not too pink, mauve, but not too dark, and it has a hint of red to it, too. I love how versatile this shade is, and how it looks very natural on my lips. Plus points for easy application. It glides on your lips like a dream! :)

Marilyn.

Marilyn, like its namesake (yes, that would be Marilyn Monroe) is a sexy and sultry shade of red. It's like a glossy version of MAC's Ruby Woo, which is good since it's more comfortable to wear and doesn't leave your lips looking parched like the Sahara.

Audrey.

And then there's Audrey, which is a muted red. You know how some women want to wear red lipsticks but are too intimidated (by the shade) to try? This lipstick would be a nice shade of red to begin with.

What I love:

- Nicely pigmented.

- Fruity scent. 

- Twelve shades and two formulations to choose from.

- The creme shades glide like butter on the lips.

- Widely available nationwide (supermarkets, drugstores, convenience stores and such).

- Affordable price at Php 195 each.

What you might not like:

- The matte shades tug a bit and have a tendency to flake on the lips.

- Wear-time is so-so. At least three or four hours on me. 

Products Used:
FACE: Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur,
Etude House Correct and Care CC Cream in Silky,
Human Heart Nature Perfect Coverage Foundation in Honey,
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
K-Palette Real Lasting Micro Eyeliner in Black.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher in Pleasure Peach.
LIPS: EB Advance Supreme Lipstick in Jackie O.

Have you tried these lipsticks before? Which shades are your top picks? :)

So you want to be an author...

Being a successful author is the dream of millions of people around the world. However, only a chosen few are able to make a living as an author. Fewer still are able to achieve worldwide fame and immense fortune, like Daniel Handler.

That having been said, it is possible. You just need to dedicate yourself to your craft. You also need to be able to deal with rejection, and take constructive criticism. These are two things that many people find it hard to deal with when they first begin to submit drafts of their writing to agents and publishing houses. Here are some of the things you will need to keep in mind as you are pursuing a career as an author.

Photo credit: Infoparrot.

Dedication
If you are truly serious about making a living as an author, your writing needs to be the top priority in your life. When you are first getting started, you will obviously need to work another job to make ends meet. In this case, you need to have a solid background and a great online resume builder.

However, every spare moment of your time needs to be spent writing. This is the only way you will be able to improve your writing skills to the point where companies will be interested in publishing you. If you are willing to let several weeks go by between writing sessions, this is a clear indicator that you are not passionate about becoming an author.

Show your writing to other people
Ideally, you want to avoid getting opinions on your writing from people who know you. Friends and family members will never give you the harsh and completely objective criticism that you will need in order to improve. Friends and family will not want to hurt your feelings. They will always want to encourage you and boost your spirits. Therefore, they will rarely tell you that your writing is bad and that it lacks focus.

However, this is exactly the thing that you need to hear. If your writing is bad, you need to be told this right away. This will allow you to work on your mistakes and polish up your prose. Since friends and family will not give you the biting commentary you desire, you should take it to creative writing professors at colleges near you. These people are experts in writing. They don't know you, so they will not be afraid to be brutally honest. However, you may need to pay them to read your manuscript.

The Basics in Medical Aesthetics.

Technology continues to grow by leaps and bounds. This is especially true in the field of cosmetic surgery. There are now devices that can perform surgeries and procedures that would have been thought impossible only five years ago.

However, these devices - which often use lasers - are not created equal. The quality can vary tremendously from one manufacturer to another. Therefore, before a hospital or cosmetic surgical center invests a large sum of money in one of these machines, they should investigate all of their options.

Needless to say, there are many companies making these machines nowadays. The market is extremely competitive, making it even more important to do your research before buying medical aesthetic equipment. Here are some of the best places to purchase aesthetic equipment for medical procedures.

Photo credit: Tour2India

Get references from places where cosmetic surgery is performed.
The first thing you should do when you are searching for outstanding aesthetic equipment is to talk to the people who use it on a daily basis. These people will know all of the ins and outs of where to buy the equipment, as well as how to properly take care of it.

It makes sense to talk to many of these facilities so you can get a wide range of references. They are bound to have differing opinions about where the best aesthetic lasers and other equipment can be purchased. Therefore, it is in your best interest to check out as many of these places as possible prior to making any purchases.

Look at manufacturer websites.
The Internet is loaded with sites that are run by the manufacturers of various pieces of aesthetic laser equipment. By looking at these sites, you will be able to learn about these pieces of laser equipment directly from the companies that make them.

As you visit each of these sites, make note of how much each of them charge. You should also see if they offer the ability for a facility to rent the equipment to try it out and see if they like it. If renting is not an option, you must make sure you can return the equipment for a full refund.