Favorite past time: watching Running Man re-runs
Favorite emoticon: ^.^ haha
Favorite Merienda: Camote Q
Favorite Coffee: Mocha coffee from the vending machine
Favorite Zagu flavor: Pearl Milk Shake
Favorite Nail Polish Color: Royal Blue
Favorite Lip Gloss: Nivea Fruity Shine (pomegranate flavor)
Favorite moisturizer: Ponds Night Cream / Ponds Day Cream
Favorite Juice: Pulpy Orange and Real Leaf Apple
Favorite watch: Suunto
Favorite Games: Super Breakout cellphone game and wii games
Favorite Corny Line: “every particle of my body is loving you” awwwwww
Favorite Crackers: Rebisco whole wheat cracker
Favorite Past Time: Youtube
Favorite FB Game: Farmville
Favorite Ulam: Adobo with lots of sibuyas and camote
Favorite Google Apps: Google Reader
Favorite dessert: McDo apple pie and Jollibee Peach Mango Pie
Favorite Quickly: Super taro ice with pudding
Favorite Happy Lemon: Green tea with cheese and salt
Favorite Lotion: Vaseline
Favorite shampoo: Vaseline
Favorite Cologne: Bath and Body
Favorite Burger: Angel’s burger buy 1 take 1 haha
Favorite hotdog: Beefies
Favorite canned goods: Century Tuna, solid in vegetable oil
Favorite clothing brand: Babo and Copacabana
Favorite running shoes: Reebok
Favorite vegetable: bitsuelas / baguio beans
Favorite chinese food: SQUID BALL
Favorite expression: Yeay!

New pair of DUPE slippers – your alternative to super expensive slippers like Havaianas and Ipanemas. They’re made in Brazil too!

They’re very affordable – almost half the price of Havainas.

I received this last month via LBC. The packaging looked awesome!  The black slippers with slim straps looked sooo comfy! Comes with Gel HXP technology – the heel portion of the slipper has this gel-like substance (I guess) that’s so soft.

Last year on my trip to Singapore, I bought a pair of Ipanema Gisele Bundchen strap slippers for 20$. That’s cheap compared to our prices here. Carol bought the same exact thing in SM mall prior to our trip for 1500P and I got it for like 740P only. I actually don’t really need it but just so I can brag that I went shopping in Singapore hahaha (that’s the only thing i bought there and ok, some bags too), I bought it, besides, the half-the-price tag that came with it was just soo tempting.

It was almost perfect except that one of the straps is too tight. They leave marks on my feet after a few hours, but once they get wet, the become really loose that my feet almost slips out from it.

I haven’t used this new slippers on long walks yet so I can’t tell you if they’re really that comfortable. And can’t compare it with a Havaianas either since I don’t have a pair yet, but I heard my brother bought me one and will get it by May, so let’s wait until it arrives and I’ll tell you which one is better HAHAHA (careerin ba ang pag re-review ng tsinelas?!). Between Ipanema and Dupe, hmmm ok, I like both, but I’m a bit leaning more towards…SPARTAN lol.

Thank you Krizzia of Dupe Phils.

When we visited HK last March of this year, I didn’t know it was still winter season so I only brought one pair of jacket with me and an open toe footwear. I didn’t realize it’ll still be super cold. While almost every local wrapped themselves with coats, gloves, scarves and thick jackets, I was wearing summer clothes. I was like  freezing to death on our first day. There’s no snow but it was noticeably cooler than Baguio and on afternoons, there would be some rains.

I find HK winter fashion soo trendy. Here are some pictures I took on streets of HK.

scarf, leggings and a pair of Ugg boots

Love their fashion! We don’t get to enjoy wearing these clothes here in Manila with our very humid weather. So next time you plan to visit HK, make it on winter season and bring along those trench coats and boots with you.

And they’re not at all cheap, plus, some salesladies are not friendly, esp. when you’re haggling for a better price. They can be very RUDE, they will shout at you and would insist you to buy even if you don’t want to.

Go to Citygate Mall in Tung Chung instead. Almost all outlet stores offer original items on sale.

You sure remember those times when you grandmothers would keep their belongings in a purse tucked into their clothes, right? Those were the days when a woman’s role was largely domestic, but now, things are different. They no longer limit their capabilities within the household. They started to work, took control and became financially independent. And as they have emerged from being plain to being fashion savvy, handbag industry started to boom. Bags has become a statement of their status.

What does your bag say about you? Are you one of the  socialites wearing luxurious handbag design such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hermes, or are you one of us – the jologs group who takes pride in wearing Secosana hahaha. I don’t usually go for branded bags. The first thing I look for in a bag is the usability, style and price. I could easily purchase branded ones (hahaha) but I don’t think it’s wise for me to squander most of my savings over a single designer tote bag or small purse. They’re just bags, in due time, they will tear too. I am not against buying expensive ones, but if you’ve got lots of money to spend on a genuine bag without putting a hole in your pocket, by all means, get an LV or a Chloe (See by Chloe Metallic Bag). But if you do not have enough money for a designer label, don’t pressure yourself. There are some reliable handbag products that are crafted out from durable leather materials you’ll find in malls.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing designer labels or not. In the end, what matters most is the money you put inside. HAHAHA

This is not actually the first time someone asked me to make wedding tiaras. Another friend who owns a Bridal couture house asked if I could make tiaras for his collections. And another one asked me if I could make a special wedding cord for her wedding. Wow. I can really make a career out of this hehehe. Guys, if you ever come across this post, thank you sooo much. You honor me with your trust.

Tiaras are very easy to do, but it could take a lot of time. They can be very simple to superbly ornate. Choosing your own tiara is rather easy, just make sure  it will complement your wedding dress and coordinate with your accessories. If you have a stunning Monique Lhuillier Wedding Gown, a simple tiara will do.

Today, I will show you how to make your wedding day extra bit special by handcrafting you own bridal tiara. Don’t worry if you’re not crafty or creative because all it takes are nice beads, a tiara head band and a good pair pliers!

THINGS YOU NEED:
tiara head band
Crystal glass beads
Cultured pearls
Swarovski crystals
Silver Plated Wire (this project requires a lot of twisting so use 0.4mm)
Mini flat nose pliers
Wire cutters (I use nailcutter)
glue gun

PROCEDURES:
1. cut your silver wire into about 5 and 7 inch per piece, make at least 30-40 pieces.
2. wrap your wires on the headband then glue them.
3. start adding your pearls and crystals. Place them alternately. Using your mini flat nose pliers,  twist the ends of the wire.
4. shape the wires into any shape you want, then cut the excess wires.

Once you have got all your wires glued and beads placed on, your wedding tiara is ready for your big day!

My Foundation: I seem to have developed a very sensitive skin these past years. I don’t know why but lately, pimples are sprouting like mushrooms on my face hahaha that’s why I rarely put any make up or foundation. Signs of aging, you think?
My Mascara: I don’t like wearing mascara except on special parties
My Blush: I just have to pinch my cheeks really hard
My Day Cream: Loving Olay White Radiance
My Lipstick: I usually put Nivea lip cream to keep my lips moisturized
My Essential Beauty Product: Moisturizer
My favorite Make-up product: Maybelline
My Perfume: Not a perfume person, I just use cologne.
My Nails: Ca-ro-ni-a…lol..i don’t color my nails anymore
My Feet: Nivea lotion
My hands: Nivea lotion
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: toothpaste, shampoo and soap
Women I admire for their beauty: I am a fan of classic stuff so I’ll go for Audrey Hepburn
Women with the best Sense of Style: many to mention…
My ultimate dream: $$$$$
My favorite fashion Publication: I rarely buy fashion mags, in fact, I haven’t bought one yet, but ifever, I’ll get a Cosmo or Vogue
Beauty Regimen: drink lots of water, use a facial wash that’s fit for your skin type, get enough sleep, eat healthy and keep your hands clean
Hairstyle: Long, curly brownish black hair and it’s dry and frizzy! Maybe I should go to a salon and get a hotoil treatment one of these days. (If you’re looking for professional salon equipment and salon supplies, check out salon software by Marlo Beauty Supply. They’re your one-stop destination for all your salon needs! They offer basic salon supplies, a new set of salon appointment books, the latest wholesale hair products and stylish salon apparel, stylish and durable furniture for your salon, soft salon towels, a new set of hairdressing scissors, or just a single pair of pedicure slippers and many others)

Yeah, make up isn’t really my expertise. Make ups are made for glam girls, sadly, I belong to the cowboy group lol. Feel free to tag yourself if you want.

The Books: Confessions of a Shopaholic ; Shopaholic Takes Manhattan ; Shopaholic Ties The Knot ; Shopaholic & Sister ; Shopaholic & Baby

There, I’ve finally come out and said it. I’ve been denying it all this time, but I’m finally admitting to why I can’t keep up with my credit card bills – because I’m a shopaholic and this addiction is taking me down to the bottom of my savings.

I am no fashionista nor a gadget freak, but when I go out, expect that I’ll never go home empty-handed. I must get that belt, or that pair of sandals, that giant foot rug, those oversized earrings, that cute notebook, bags or purse and all those unnecessary things, no matter what it takes me. I don’t know, really. Maybe because I was deprived of those things when I was growing up. Yah know, I didn’t have the pleasure of wearing new clothes when I was a kid, being the poor second child means I had to wear the hand-me-down clothings from my older sister. Back in my HS and college days, I never experienced having an extra allowance to spend on clothes. I contented myself by spending hours at the mall window shopping…and you know how it feels right? It’s awful and sometimes depressing to get the urge to shop when you don’t have any money to spare. I didn’t want to go through that, not again. So the moment I started earning money, my spending habits changed and became out of control. Yeap, I became a shopaholic in every way and these are my confessions.

Shopaholic Confession #1:  A compulsive credit card swiper.

When I started working, almost instantly, bills started to pile up as well. My hard-earned money would just slip out on my hands to pay all the bills and there was no extra money for splurges. There was only one solution to satisfy my shopping deprivation: CREDIT CARD.

And so I got hold of my first Visa card and I started to become a compulsive credit card swiper who spend beyond my limits LOL. Yah know, it was fun, I swiped my card left and right, it’s my way of revenge for all those times when I cannot afford to buy things for myself. But at the end of each month, I would ignore my Standard Chartered letters as I couldn’t bear to read those unnecessary purchases. Once, I’ve been chased by harsh call reps from SC visa card to remind me of my late payments LOL.

Don’t you just love keeping those paper bags?

Shopaholic Confession #2: I mostly buy clothes in pairs, hehehe.

I go to the store to buy one item but I don’t often go home with just one item. I buy clothes with the same style in different colors or same colors in different styles, haha, I even bought the exact same dress, same size and color on different days. Weird, eh? I don’t know why but I keep buying clothes in pair! Look:

  I’m a huge fan of uniforms lol

Wait! There’s more!!!

Shopaholic Confession #3: I cannot walk past a sale.

Year-end sale, clearance sale, factory outlet, closing down sale, bargain sale, tyangge, baratillo etc. I’m a sucker for all sale items! I buy things on SALE and instead of saving 50% off on clothes, I end up spending more since I have no use of them at all. For the record, I rarely buy branded stuff…unless they’re on super sale.

Shopaholic Confession #4: I have plenty of new clothes in my closet.

I still have clothes I bought from last year, which I have not worn yet. You know why? Because I sometimes go for at least one size down hahaha, so I could force myself into diet and be able to fit in it one of these days, unfortunately, they still don’t fit, and looks like they may have to wait in my closet for a looong time hahaha.

New clothes that wont fit yet, haha

Things Are Getting Better. Hopefully.

I’m 20 sumting, single and I embrace the goodness of life! Yes, I shop and buy the things I want but hey, I’m juggling between a day job and paid blogging and on top of that, I accept labada every Sunday make wire and beaded jewelry, (for orders, email me, haha, shameless plugging). Ok, I am justifying my addiction, but  things are getting better this time. I’ve learned my lessons – no more late credit card payments, no more panic buying, no more buying clothes that don’t fit, no more over-swiping. Now, I limit myself to shop once every other payday with a certain amount of money (I try to pay in cash). And if I buy something really expensive, I make sure I render extra day at work for overtime. My credit card is maxed out, but I’m working on paying it soon and become completely debt free.The plan is to spend less and save more, and so far, I’m doing good at it.

I guess we’re all guilty of being a shopaholic in one way or another. The question is, do you pay attention to whatever happens next  after overspending on things you don’t really need? So the next time you go to the counter to swipe your card, think first if it will make you feel sorry or happy. Catch “Confessions of a Shopaholic” in Cinemas on February 18, 2009, and see how you can relate with the hilarious Rebecca Bloomwood as she goes big screen.

See yah in theaters!

PS

Next month, I will be off to Hong Kong for one week vacation, with side trips to Macau and hopefully, Shenzhen too. Wait, did I just say Hong Kong, the shopping capital of the world? Uh oh, I’m doomed! Ok,  I promise not to splurge on absolutely anything, so help me God. LOL 

1. Just put it around your neck, do not tie it. This looks nice if you’re wearing a mono-chromoatic outfit. Dash up your plain shirt or blouse with a long splash of color.

2. Put it around your neck and tie it in a basic knot. Again, this works best with a mono-chromatic outfit.

3. Put the scarf backwards around your neck (the tails fall down your back). Take one tail falling over your right shoulder and bring it across your on the other side.

4. If your scarf is very long, you can try combining look #3 and #2.