Thursday, December 25, 2014

BrandBacker: Culinary Grade Organic Matcha - Green Tea Powder


Recently I received Kiss Me Organic's Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder. I've always heard wonderful benefits from matcha green tea, such as boosting metabolism and improving skin health, and since I love trying out new tea products, I knew this would be a great opportunity to review this product. Read on to see how I thought of it, and how I made this Organic Matcha Green Tea Latte! 

Sunday, December 14, 2014

BrandBacker: InstaNatural Youth Express Eye Serum


I recently received InstaNatural's Youth Express Eye Serum to review, so check out the rest of the blog post for more information!

BrandBacker: InstaNatural Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Eye Gel and Vitamin C Facial Toner


Check out the rest of the blog post to see my review on InstaNatural's Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Eye Gel, and Vitamin C Facial Toner.

Black Friday 2014

November 30, 2014
Sweater: H&M (thrifted) || Moto jacket: Philippines || Scarf: H&M || Skirt: Mom's || Purse: Fossil || Boots: Forever 21 (sister's)

Check out what I purchased on Black Friday and outfit details!

Thanksgiving 2014

November 27, 2014
This Thanksgiving, we had a slumber party with the KELIA girls and then headed to K's house for the party. Check out the rest of the post for outfit details and foodie posts!

Dapper Days

November 25, 2014
This year's FATD's (Filipino American Thanksgiving Dinner) theme was "Dapper Days", so think 1950s! I had a lot of fun with this look. I was contemplating between the typical female outfit with a skirt/dress, or a more androgynous look. So of course I took the unconventional, more fun route! I had this look in my head, so when I put it together I was quite happy with how it turned out! Check out the rest of the blog for the full outfit (and endless Photo Booth selfies).

Shock and Awww

November 15, 2014
Sweater: vintage || Coat: thrifted (sister's) || Jeans: Urban Outfitters || Shoes: Dr. Martens
Photo credits of me: M.M.

My ol' high school friends and I got together to see our friend's performance in one of the acts of an LGBTQ-themed show. His act was "Romeo and Jules", and yes, he was Romeo.

The whole show was wonderfully done and got my laughing the whole time. Despite the unusually small space, the uproarious laughter made me forget about the smaller audience and made me really appreciate live performance. Check out the rest of this post for how the night went!

PEC: Pilipin@ Empowerment Conference 2014

October 31-November 2, 2014
PEC: Pilipin@ Empowerment Conference

This weekend retreat was an incredible journey, discovering myself by learning about my culture's history and getting to know beautiful people with beautiful stories. 

October On Fast Forward

 October 2014
Top: H&M || Pants: American Apparel || Shoes: Forever 21

One day, disco pants, you shall be mine. Check out my October this year, summed up in photos. 

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Re:Make 2014

September 13, 2014
One summer's day, I checked my email and one message in particular caught my eye. I almost deleted it, but something about it drew me to read the whole message. It was about a free DIY/crafts convention event in San Francisco called Re:Make by the company Brit+Co., and did I say everything about it was free? So of course I had to go. Check out some of the things I crafted, as well as my incredible stops in SF after Re:Make!

Photo credits of me: Sister and Dad

Friday, December 12, 2014

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

 August 29, 2014
San Francisco, CA
A spontaneous and adventure-filled day well spent with an amazing and even more spontaneous friend. Traveling to new places is a dream, but discovering hidden gems in usual spots are even more exciting because it changes my previous outlook on that place. Due to my unconventional way of payment for a logo design, I had my friend spend a priceless day with me in the city instead of repaying me with money.

Check out our SF-ventures and where we gallivanted from morning 'til dusk.

Photos of me, credits to: L.C.

Monday, December 8, 2014

South Bay Bloggers September Meetup

September 20, 2014
Photo credits: Kate Amunrud
Top: H&M || Kimono: Philippines || Skirt: Topshop || Shoes: Nine West || Necklace: festival

This past September, I was able to meet up with some of the lovely ladies of South Bay Bloggers to get to know the new members and catch up on what has been happening with our respective lives. Like the last time, I was extremely anxious and worried about what I was going to wear, how to present myself, what I was going to say, if I would make a fool of myself, etc. that I almost backed out due to nerves. But no, I told myself whether this would be a waste of time or not, I knew I would regret it if I missed this meet up. And I am so glad I went. Read on to check out how the day went!

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

BrandBacker: One Direction Makeup - Electro Glam Mascara, Liquilights Glow Gloss & Rock Me Nail Kit

Recently, I received new One Direction makeup kits to review, specifically their new mascara, lip gloss, and nail polishes. Check out the rest of the blog to see how they turned out!

Sped Up September

September 2014
Check out the crazy (or not so crazy) things I did in September. Once again, my summer consisted of henna (no cultural appropriation here- I did my research and have come to appreciate the origins and art of henna and even made my own according to what various sources recommended. I wear henna not as a fashion accessory, but as a form of self of expression and way of appreciating another culture's practices), Birkenstocks, and FOOD FOOD FOOD with FRIENDS FRIENDS FRIENDS.

August Rush

August 2014
Top: thrifted || Skirt: Top Shop || Shoes: Vans || Purse: Fossil

Check out the rest of this blog post for my August 2014 adventures (mostly outfits, food, friends, and more food. oh and my trusty Birkenstocks).

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Joyous Journeys: Philippines Trip Day 18-19

July 28-29, 2014
After an almost full day of traveling and a good night's rest, the day after our vacation away from our vacation was dedicated to celebrating my cousin, Ate A's, birthday! You can admire her family's dog, Tango, and all his adorable self, in the rest of this blog post (as well as what food I ate for my cousin's birthday and how my last day in this great country was)!

Joyous Journeys: Philippines Trip Day 17

July 27, 2014
Ilocos Norte, Vigan, Paoay, Ilocos Sur 
Philippines
This was the last day in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, and the drive back would be even longer than coming here- almost 24 hours. Just because of all the stops we had: the windmills, sand dunes, the Marcos museum/house, and more that I cannot remember the names of. I commend our drivers (my cousin Kuya A and uncle Tito A for driving so long and getting us home safely)! Read on to see even more beautiful sights!

Joyous Journeys: Philippines Trip Day 16

July 26, 2014
Hannah's Resort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Philippines
This whole day was dedicated to indulging ourselves with everything Hannah's Resort had to offer: numerous pools scattered throughout, the beach activities (zip lining for instance), and of course, the beautiful beach. It was a day of nonstop activity, with times to lounge in the waters, whether man made or natural. And of course, thinking I was invincible, I didn't reapply as much sunblock to my shoulders as I should have. So yes, I did end up with a clear-cut spaghetti strap tan line. But also with the tan I've been wanting, so I came back from my vacation looking not so sickly pale anymore! Read on to see the beautiful sights of my home country~

Youtube


I finally gone and did it! Check out my first ever Youtube video where I review the KISS Instawave hair curler! 

SUBSCRIBE. LIKE. SHARE. REWATCH.

Joyous Journeys: Philippines Trip Day 15

July 25, 2014
Ilocos Sur, Vigan, Ilocos Norte
Philippines
Day 1 of the twelve hour road trip to get from Manila to the very tip of the Philippines, Illocos Norte. Along the way, we had pit stops for bathroom breaks, food, and stretches, as well as to see the main tourist stops. And the whole trip there and back was beautiful. I couldn't stop staring out my window to see the lush greenery and open, vast fields, something I unfortunately take for granted and have no immediate access to back home in America. Read on to see more photos of my last big adventure before the end of my Philippines trip!