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

Mrs. Fields Christmas Offers 2015

With the holiday season being promoted hither and thither, one can't help but feel excited that finally, the season we've all been waiting for is here once again! I myself get excited when I see my favorite restos and apparel brands release their holiday specials and I can't wait to complete my budget so I can finally go on a gift-shopping spree!

That said, one of the many brands that recently showcased their holiday food and gift offers is Mrs. Fields. On top of serving the best, melt-in-your-mouth cookies and other baked treats, Mrs. Fields is also a well-known go-to place for sweet gifts, in every sense of the word. The brand's 20 stores around the metro carry various gifts for all types of occasions all year round and  Christmas is no exception. In fact, they take Christmas holidays seriously and make sure that they only have the best offers for this season.

Mrs.  Fields Christmas Collection

Honestly, I've never seen such festivity in one photo and Mrs. Fields definitely packed a lot of good stuff in this one. This is a page from their Christmas catalog. From adorable cookie jars, to nifty gift boxes all containing their special baked treats, you'll definitely find the perfect present for your family and friends!

Other Holiday Offers

Aside from personal gifting, Mrs. Fields is also thinking of our holiday reunions and get-togethers. This page from their holiday catalog contains a great selection of goodies that we can share at parties, events, and even our own Noche Buena! Imagine your Christmas and New Year's eve dinner table laden with sumptuous fresh bakes... total holiday feels. ;D

Now it's easy to plan a budget for every activity the season requires. I love Mrs. Fields' catalog because it contains everything we need from gifts to party needs. The prices are included too so you won't need to google the products and search from a sea of social media posts just to find the what you're looking for.

Here are more photos:

Cookie Jars

Tin Cans

Big Cookie Cake

Mini Cookie Cake

Gift Boxes

Pops in a Jar

Visit them for the complete collection! Also, Mrs. Fields has an exciting holiday activity for everyone. Check out their My Rewards Card and find out how you can celebrate the season in a more meaningful and rewarding way. :)

Happy shopping! :)

REVIEW: Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer and Eye Primer

I have never been a fan of foundation because it makes me breakout. I only tried about three brands but they all failed me and I'm never trying again. Even BB Cream doesn't work on my skin and I'm pretty much scared to try anything that looks like a foundation, and that includes primer, until I tried Revlon Photoready.

I am currently recovering from a breakout and I'm avoiding all kinds of cream and oil-based products as I'm still undergoing acne treatment. But, I wanted something that will conceal my battle scars while they're healing and I needed something that is light on skin. That's when I came across Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer while window-shopping at SM Makati with my boss. I was hesitant at first, and a bit of skeptic since all the  previous products I tried really just made my skin worse. But, the Revlon lady... well... convinced me in the end. We tried samples, and since I've also been using Revlon's Eye Primer, I bought it. I've been using it for weeks now and I'm loving the results so far.

My left hand without primer

My right hand with primer

The first time I used it, the texture seemed too thin to hide my scars, but it really helped, not by actually concealing them but by lightening my face,including the scars and fading them so that they're not too obvious and harsh-looking. The best thing about it is that, it has a powdery finish without drying the skin. I apply it right after VMV's Id Gel Treatment (I skip moisturizer). The Perfecting Primer + my mineral powder combo gives my skin a bright, dewy glow without the oil. It doesn't make my skin oily even after the day is done so two thumbs up for this product! You can actually skip powder after the primer if you want to. I just apply it to give my skin an even finish and hide my acne marks.

It comes only in one shade (flesh / light beige tone).

Price: P825
Effectiveness  Rate: 5/5
Top Tip: If you have dry or combination skin, make sure to put on moisturizer before the primer as it tends to feel dry.


Also, I would just like to share, I got myself a Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener last year when I was starting to learn (eye) makeup, and one of the basics my friend and tutor required of me was a really good eye primer. As reluctant as I was, I followed her instructions telling myself that it's only the eyes, anyway, plus, I really wanted to create the best results for my eyes. A few months after, it became a staple in my everyday routine.

Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener comes in a retractable pen-type container and is tipped with a brush so you have full control of the application and amount you'll put on. Plus, the brush helps you avoid touching your skin especially since the skin in the eye area is so delicate. The creamy texture brightens your eyes and doubles as a concealer so you can skip that step and go straight to powder. This primer has a matte finish as well so oily girls like me need not worry!

Price: P725
Effectiveness  Rate: 5/5

***
This is a make-up newbie's firsthand encounter so I apologize if it's not too technical or a make-up-ish review. :)

Mrs. Fields My Rewards Card

Christmas is finally here, and it is felt more than ever with the release of the traditional planners from our favorite cafe's and other brands and along with it, the yummy, yummy drinks and treats (Toffee Nut addict here!) we only get to taste every holiday season. This year probably has the most planner offers so far, with brands offering not only schedule planners but also diaries, notebooks, etc. It's always fun to complete the traditional card and get a new planner from an array of fun and sophisticated options. But if you are not really a planner kind of person or if you are on the lookout for something different this year, then you have to try Mrs. Fields' My Rewards Card!

Mrs. Fields' My Rewards Card

Get your first stamp when you get your card!

Mrs. Fields recently launched their Christmas offers (which I will share with you in another post) and their My Rewards Card where instead of a planner, you get free treats when you get stamps on your card. There's a catch though. Each of the 12 circles on the card, corresponds to a milestone that you have to achieve like helping a stranger and making someone smile. You are encouraged to achieve these little goals and reward yourself with your favorite Mrs. Fields products to get a stamp. :)

See the full mechanics here

Get your own My Rewards Card at any Mrs. Fields store with a minimum purchase of P150 and start achieving milestones. Easy Peasy. You're probably thinking "How do I prove that I really achieved a milestone?". No worries because they won't actually look for proof that you indeed watched a new movie or tried a new dish. Just tell them when you purchase your treat.

Though no proof is required, there lies in the milestones the exciting part of this whole program! As much as you can, try to really do them so treating yourself would feel more rewarding :)

Get free Mrs. Fields treats with every 4 milestones you achieve. For your first 4, you can get a dozen  of their Cookie Pops, for your next 4, you can get their Pops-in-a-Jar (also containing Cookie Pops) which is one of their holiday gift offers. And lastly, get a Cookie Pops Pairing for 2 for your last set of 4 milestones! The Cookie Pops are popcorn-size cookies and are actually a newly launched product. More info on Facebook.

Through this program, they are encouraging everyone to live in the moment and celebrate the little things and achievements by treating ourselves. No need to wait for that promotion before you finally decide you deserve a treat.

I myself am a strong believer that happiness need not be expensive. It can be a cookie here or a drink there when you beat a deadline or get commended for your work. And what sweeter way to reward ourselves than with desserts and sweet treats. :)