Review: Neutrogena Fine Fairness

It was the need for both a budget-friendly and effective product that urged me to try some of Neutrogena's Fine Fairness products. I was at the mall with another (expensive but effective) product in mind when I came across Neutrogena's display. I needed something to brighten up my skin and fade my pimple marks and after a few minutes of chatting with the promodiser and deciding whether to go for it or not, kuripot tendencies got the better of me and I gave in (Yes, there was a promo). I got the Foam Cleanser, Day Lotion with SPF 30, and Overnight Brightening Cream for only P1,000+.

After almost 3 months of using them, here's my little review of each:

Fine Fairness Foam Cleanser

Foam Cleanser

Before this, I was using VMV's Spring Cleaning Foam Cleanser for Dry Skin and Lactacyd Blue alternately; I have oily skin and I swear by oil-free moisturizing facial wash. Like all foam products, you need to lather up a pea-size amount in your palm or a facial cloth. Apply and massage your skin gently as you cleanse. 

Overnight Brightening Cream

Night Cream

This is the first time I used separate creams for day and night. After toning with my VMV Spring Cleaning toner, I apply this on. It has a lotion consistency and a little sticky, but great for moisturizing. I didn't notice any dramatic improvement on my dark spots within my 3 months of use, but I did like the bright glow it gives overtime. I noticed that when I wake up in the morning and wash my face, there remains a sheen of healthy brightness on my face. :)

Day lotion with SPF 30

Day Lotion

The day lotion is less thicker than the night cream and may feel a little sticky upon application, but it dries up fast. At least on my skin. I only applied a little on my first few days of use but I noticed that my face would feel dry after a few hours so now I apply liberal amounts and just allow enough time for it to dry before I powder. 5 minutes in front of a steady fan should be enough. :) The amount needed really depends on how oily or dry your skin is. For me, it's 2-3 pumps depending on the  weather. My face is always oily no matter the moisturizer so what I do is top it off with a little primer before powder. 

As to the effect, like the overnight cream, there's no dramatic change in terms of fading my marks after 3 months of use. But like the overnight brightening cream, it gives a bit of that Korean dewy glow that may work and look very well on girls with combination or dry skin. 

Overall, I can give these three a 4/5 mark for the glow and moisturizing benefits. For the brightening though, there's no noticeable change, but I'm willing to give it a few more months to see the effect. :) Will I buy it again? Maybe as a budget-friendly alternative to the VMV brightening line.

REVIEW: Lunch Sets at Izakaya Kikufuji, Little Tokyo

One of the things that makes me happy about working in Pasong Tamo is being near the best place for authentic Japanese food: Little Tokyo. It is our go-to place whenever my office mates and I crave for anything Japanese. One of our favorite restaurants, Izakaya Kikufuji, is our lunch haven because aside from serving delicious meals, they also have meal sets specially served during lunch. From 11AM to 2PM their lunch menu is served complete with side dishes, rice, and soup. Though the place is usually filled with Nihonjins, this special deal is great for employees in the area like us.

We've been in Izakaya Kikufuji loads of times and with each visit, we left with satisfied tummies and palates. Our table at Kikufuji usually looks like this:

House Tea: a great way to prepare your tummy for their delightful dishes

Korokke Lunch Set: P215

I usually order Tempura (because Tempura is life) but being a potato lover as well, I opted for the Korokke on our recent visit.

Complete lunch set

The lunch set which ranges from P215 to P395 comprises of your main order, rice, soup, shredded cabbage with cucumber and tomato, stewed veggies, and our favorite, spicy tuna sashimi! It's really good and the tempura crunch complemented the tender spicy tuna slices. They have a full plate of this which we always order on top of our side dish, because that side dish simply isn't enough for something so yummy.

Spicy Salmon and Spicy Tuna!

This place is getting more popular especially to folks around the area so it's better to come early or reserve ahead so you won't have to wait too long to be seated. There are regular seats located near the entrance but we always choose a the traditional Japanese Chabudai or short table to complete the experience. Just go in further past the bar and you'll find them.

Also, I wasn't able to take a photo but after your meal, you can request for a glass of iced coffee to cap off your lunch. :)


TOP TIP: Order everything you want at the same time because additional orders take a little while to arrive. And the service crew are a bit difficult to call.

Despite the this small service problem, dining at Izakaya Kikufuji has been and will always be one of my favorite spots for anything Japanese. :)

February 27: A Millennial's Mental Chatter

It's a breezy Saturday afternoon and I as I was enjoying my milk tea, I was also mentally planning ahead my activities for the year while I wait for my cousins to get their coffee. It's been a while since I went out with them for a "tambay day" and it feels so liberating to be out and about without any obligation than just to enjoy the day with a comforting company. Lately I've been feeling a little off. It seems to me like nothing special or exciting has happened in a long time and I admit, I have been blaming it on my circumstances; on a demanding job, on my 'never-enough' savings, on my choice to maintain only a few close friends, etc. I know this is a bad habit and I'm not one to get so negative about things but I guess we really come to a certain point in life where we crave for something regardless of the blessings we have and for me that would be some excitement and adventure (I think). Now, by adventure I don't necessarily mean climbing hills and mountains and sleeping in a tent in the middle of nowhere, but to have a few days where, like today, you can escape responsibilities and simply exist.

I know I sound whiny and maybe I am but I believe I'm not the only one. Maybe I really do not know what I need and maybe I am just burned out by the mundane daily life patterns and thirst for the company of friends where you can be as silly as you can, get drunk on wine, and listen to sappy music. Maybe I just miss being young and stress-free. Ahh, I certainly am whining. Sorry, friends.

But there are simple things that can make our day a little better when we're feeling like this. Like this creamy, creamy Milk Tea from Happy Lemon. I love Milk Tea so much I can replace my water with it if I were not so sensitive to caffeine.

Happy Lemon's Classic Milk Tea is life

Oh, The Great British Festival was happening this time and though I love the UK so much (European-wanna be here) and attended last year's event, I hate crowds and too much noise (now more than ever) and so we just stayed in Starbucks to talk about the mysteries of contentment and how job-hunting can be such a pain.

With all these thoughts haunting us every once in a while (to those who can relate with me), we eventually have to learn to just focus on achieving our goals no matter how unreachable they may seem at the moment and let go of the things we cannot control. I know it's been said, written, and shared repeatedly but what else can we still do? Stressing over money matters, love, work, and the need to run away won't get us anywhere. It might even just cause us to make hasty decisions just to be able to feel that we're in control - and we have to admit that sometimes, we're really not. 

That said, I didn't mean that we cannot make a change when we feel a change is in order, but let's always consider that with each struggle, something in our character is being challenged and quitting is not always the answer. There are times when we have to suck it up, see it through and see what happens after.
I felt better after today. I have not found that answers to my never-ending whiny questions but my mind was temporarily comforted. It really is true that sometimes being with your best friends (or cousins) is all the therapy you need. :)

Comfort foooooood!

Capped off the night with shawarma because... shawarma. Mercato's vibe never disappoints. Even though we sat on the pavement because we couldn't wait for seats anymore and we were hungrrrry!

A little more walking and talking ensued before we eventually decided to home.

Valentine's Day 2016: Being the third wheel

Here's to everyone who had their parents as a valentine date on February 14! I know I wasn't the only one. And instead of sulking at home being jealous of my friends who were able to spend the 14th with their SOs, I decided to celebrate it (happily and with no bitterness) with my mom and dad.

First of all, no I am not single, but I am in a long distance relationship. Due to our busy schedules, the boyfriend and I decided to just have our date some other time. I know some of you might ask, "Not even a surprise bouquet on the day of?" Yes I know in an LDR there should be at least little surprises on occasions such as V-day, but when you're in a long-term LDR, priorities tend to transcend trivial affairs and traditions and focus on long term goals. At least in our relationship. So going back, I gladly third-wheeled with my parents and went to a church-and-dinner bonding on February 14. Greenbelt was so packed with couples and families that I admittedly wasn't able to listen properly to the mass (Sorry, Lord). We decided to dine in at Draft Gastropub because my dad's a huge fan of draft beers and their food is something I knew my mom would like. Luckily, not so many people stayed for dinner as there's work the next day so we didn't have a hard time getting seats.

Here are some shots I managed to take before digging in:

Classic Buffalo Wings

Hoegaarden (Buy 2 get 1 glass)

Sticky Date & Toffee Pudding

Penne

We also got the Chopped Chicken Salad but it was devoured before I could take a picture. :P No drinks for mommy and me (Yes, all three huge glasses of beer were only for my dad) because we wanted to get Milk Tea from Happy Lemon after. :)

I had fun with my parents, but I would admit, if I had the choice, I would have loved to spend the day with my boyfriend. Despite the distance, I am happy that I am in a relationship with a great guy and I am just looking forward to the day when we can spend all kinds of occasions together.

Someday.

P.S. my folks of course enjoyed the date and were requesting for another one soon (So help me and my budget God). :P 

I made my parents happy on V-day, my love life is going great, life's good. :)

2015: The tragic year that was (and what it taught me)

I know a lot of people posted about 2015 not being their year and encountering many challenges during that time, and I cannot help but agree. Before anything else, let me just say that I am not the type to blame circumstances on anything and being the positive person that I am, I always try to accept and let go and do all those sh*z about Positivity and Peace. I have always been grateful for every little blessing keeping in mind that many others are suffering from worse situations and that I am very lucky to be living as I do.

However, there was a series of unfortunate events last year that made me literally say "Good  Riddance" as the clock struck 12 on New Year's Eve. Together with a couple of painful deaths were a minor financial crisis and a health challenge (that I thankfully overcame). It was still a good year but it was darn painful to look back to and I am definitely welcoming this new one with open arms.

Clouded with my own pains, I was not able to notice the pains of my other friends and acquaintances  who have had misfortunes of their own. Thanks to Facebook Memories, I was able to see some of my own and others' share of heartbreaks and losses in 2015; a former OJT who slept at Dec 31, 2014 and never woke to welcome 2015, a former teacher who lost her battle to a deadly disease, the loss of a lot of friends' loved ones (including my boyfriend's mom), some long-term relationship breakups, and many more.

It was indeed a year of suffering, not to mention the natural calamities that always left a lot of families hurt and homeless. But as with all things, pain and suffering bring along with them lessons that will help us get wiser and stronger. And here are some things I learned last year:


1. Always make time for family and cherish every moment by sharing thoughts, playing, and spending some quality time. "No phones" as my boyfriend would always remind me. You never know until when you can take care of them and spend time with them so do it as often as you can.

2. If you want to try something and you can afford it, do it. Even if no one wants to go with you. I am such a baby when trying new things and I always want someone to do it with me and when no one wants to, I let it pass me by. And that may be the biggest mistake I always commit in my life. A few fun things on your own wouldn't hurt compared to a really empty and wasted year.

3. Surprise the people you love 'just because', and do it as often as you can. The little things make a big difference because you never know what people are going through, even those you think you know well. They might be going through a rough time without you know it and randomly treating them to little gifts, treats, or special messages can be the only ray of sunshine they will get in a day or a week.

4. Stay genuine. If I ask you how many crappy, fake, attention-seekers you know, you can probably come up with a few names. In this world (especially in the Social Media Universe) when many people are fighting over petty things, and faking sh*z up for attention, be your legit, unique self and do things, share things, because of genuine intention and passion. Not for petty likes and compliments.

5. Work hard but don't forget to give yourself a break. No matter how resilient you think you are, your soul will always need a breath of fresh air or an adventure. A fresh mind will always be more productive than a stressed out, overworked one. Our VL's and OT's at work don't get converted to cash and are only usable within the year they were earned. And looking at the unused Leaves I wasted while hustling at work, I couldn't help but wish I'd spent them even for just a coffee-and-books date with myself.

6. Your mood and happiness depend on you. This may be one of the cliches that I've proven to be true. Your state of mind can greatly affect your mood that in turn affects the people around you. Do you notice yourself sulking too much or maybe being mataray to a lot of people at work or school? You may need to do some Me Time and ponder on why you are being like this. Be the ray of positive vibes to others instead of the Grinch no one wants to be around. Whenever I feel lazy or in a bad mood to work, I lock myself in the bathroom or ask for permission to take a nap and ask myself, would I want to interact or work with myself if I was another person?


So there's my list, there's a actually a lot more that can be added by the above are my priority. This list is a personal reflection that I decided to share with the few people who discovered my online diary. It is to let you know that you weren't alone in your struggles and that sometimes, we just need someone who get how we feel. <3

Merci beaucoup! <3