Smart Parenting Baby Shower 2014

 It was an eventful Sunday for me as I attended this year's installment of Smart Parenting magazine's Baby Shower held at the Crown Plaza Hotel Ruby Room.

I came with my hubby (whom I want to thank as he drive me all the way to Ortigas amidst the Pacquiao-Algeiri fight) but since husbands/companions aren't allowed inside the hall, he just drop me at the event and wonder around the mall while the event is on going. :)

Upon entering the venue, I went straight to the registration area. I was among the few who went early but someone else beat me to snug the early bird prize. hehe

{The registration area.}

 After signing in, we were asked to roam around and check out the products of some major sponsors. They let us in the hall at around 10:30am.

Baby Shopping: Loots From Our Favorite Brands

One of the things I am ecstatic about being pregnant is that I get to shop for our little peanut besides shopping for myself and hubby. There are so many cute things you'll find for your baby so anyone who has been in this situation may warn you to be cautious not to overspend especially at this time of the year where bazaars and sales are emerging from one place to another, one after the other. The question is, HOW CAN YOU RESIST NOT TO BUY A LOT? It's just so E-X-C-I-T-I-N-G. Lols.

As early as September, we got our little peanut his own travel system, via S&R Members' Treat Sale. A series of bargain hunting at a few malls and online stores pursued. We also went to Baclaran to gather tie sides and basic whites, some of the things the baby won't be wearing for too long as he will outgrow them fast. Last month, we attended the Mommy Mundo bazaar to scout a few things but ended up buying a couple of onesies and breastfeeding accessories for me. Also last month, we placed an order on Amazon.com to get our little peanut a few more onesies, breastpump for me and other baby essentials. And just this week (no thanks to port congestion), we finally got them in the mail! Here's a few sneak-peak:

{Our loots from Amazon.com}

Two Bazaars in One Day: Noel Bazaar and Trendsetter's Bazaar

Last Saturday, we were scheduled to go to the Filinvest Tent in Alabang to attend the Noel Bazaar and take a peak of what it has to offer. It has the staple goodies like clothes, food, novelty items and accessories. It did not take us two hours to finish wandering from booth to booth as there are few people to maneuver (hence, less "excuse me po" than usual) and the booths are well-organized.

{Clockwise from Left: Tickets for the Noel Bazaar Swings South (P50.00 entrance); tickets for the Trendsetter's Bazaar (Php 100.00); novelty items found in Trendsetter's Bazaar; creative event styling at the Noel Bazaar for photo op; and some Christmas decors found in Noel Bazaar}

Since we still have a few hours to spare, we decided to drive ourselves straight to the World Trade Center in Pasay City to attend the Trendsetter's Bazaar. We were a bit shock to find that the fair's ambiance is completely different from the calm and well-organized Noel Bazaar. The concessionaires were placed at the entrance so you had to watch out for the hungry and angry people who'd like to buy their food before you could even reach the ticket booth. As soon as you enter the hall, you'll find yourself in a sea of people cramming for the best bargain. It took us about five hours to finish shopping, which I can say is worth all the trouble especially when you're the type who loves bargain. Looking forward to more bazaars coming this year! :)

Graco Alano Classic Connect Travel System

We've been eagerly looking for a nice stroller and carseat as early as September, when I was only about 18 weeks pregnant. As this is our first child, we wanted to get a brand new set for the safety of our baby but it's hard to find an easier-to-use travel system that won't burn our pockets.

One of the trusted brands for baby rides is Graco and we were so ecstatic to find one on sale during the S&R Member's Treat last September.

{The Graco Alano Classic Connect Travel System, which we got for only P7999.95 (compared to it's mall price of about P17,000.00), some beddings and things we got from the sale.}

 The SnugRide that came with the set is one of the best-rated car seats on the market; it's comfortable and easy to install. The seat releases easily from the base and then clicks securely into the stroller, which smoothly traverses bumpy sidewalks or uneven dirt paths.
 

The child's tray swivels up so you can easily strap in your little one; the stroller harness converts from a five-point to a three-point, which adds to its useful life; cup holders for both parent and child are deep and will hold a latte or a sippy cup without tumbling over – even when the stroller hops over curbs. The storage basket is spacious and can be folded up and down for easy loading. The stroller folds up into a compact shape and stands by itself when folded. To view more information about Graco Travel System, you may go here.

BDJ Fair 2014: Live It Up!

Here's something that every bella is so excited about ~~ the annual BDJ Fair!

This year the BDJ Fair is entitled: Live It Up! Dance to the Beat of Your Dreams! The BDJ Fair is a fun-filled event where they will launch the latest edition of the BDJ Power Planner and raise funds for a good cause. It’s also where bellas all come together to learn, experience and have fun through various talks, booth activities and workshops. We will also get first dibs to the BDJ 2015 Planner for a special fair price of only Php 500.00.

Newest Stash from Yves Rocher France

I was looking for a nice smelling body lotion for days until last weekend, we ended up visiting the Yves Rocher SM Southmall branch. It's one of my favorite go-to stores when I needed something to pamper my skin. I was extra happy as most of the items are on sale.

I got a 400 mL Olive Oil Silky Lotion for only 595.00 (from 795.00) and because I fell in love with it's sweet scent, I ended up buying a 100 mL Cherry Bloom eau de toilette (1,295.00). And as a gift, the store manager gave me two sample sizes of Ambre Noir for my husband. :)

{Olive Oil Silky Lotion, 400mL for 595.00; Cherry Bloom eau de toilette, 100mL for 1,295.00; Ambre Noir, 4mL sample size}

Yves Rocher has stores in SM North Edsa (The Block), SM Southmall, SM Fairview, Ayala Center Cebu, Trinoma and Centrio CDO.

Give Your Own "BDJ Box" this Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

I love Christmas! It's the time of the year where you can shop not only for yourself but for your friends and loved ones. The shopaholic in me has never been  this happy all year round. :)

Anyway, I do have heaps of BDJ boxes from my monthly subscription and they are just so beautiful to just be thrown away. I've been nesting (that feminine urge to clean your space) for quite some time now when it hit me~ use those boxes as Christmas gift boxes!

So, here's what I did:

I gathered some knick knacks for  each of my girls depending on their personality and needs. I put cosmetics, fashion jewelries, product samples and novelty items. I also throw in a BDJ inspirational sticker on each boxes for good measure.

 

{Converting BDJ boxes to my very own Christmas Box full of knick knacks especially hand-picked for my girls}

Been Out and About...

Oh my! I did not realize that it's been months since my last entry in this blog. Many things happened in my life that I totally forgot to post an entry. There were times when I really have this urge to post but didn't know where to start. 

My life took a full swing mid March. We traveled out of the country for some time, which contributed on my absence in the blogging world. We had a new car. Career change and then, I got pregnant!

Yes, hubby and I are now expecting our first child, which is the main reason why I can't use some beauty products (so there will be far less product review posts, bummer). Anyhow, researching and preparing for this pregnancy took most of my time. Mind you, it's both wonderful and nerve-wracking. You may expect baby and pregnancy-related posts in the future :)

Anyway, it's that time of the year again when fairs, bazaars and warehouse sales are not to be missed. I will gladly share my adventures about some of these in the future. For now, since Christmas is fast approaching (it's 83 days before Christmas, people!) what I'd like to share with you is the iconic earth-friendly yet stylish way of recycling those BDJ monthly boxes:

{BDJ Boxes turned into Christmas gift boxes}

It's easy to do yet presentable. You can read more about it here. :)

Unboxing My January-February 2014 BDJ Box

Finally, it's here!

BDJ released a single box for January and February so the delivery started not until the end of last month. However, I think that it is worth the wait because the box is full of skin care and cosmetic products that we need to start our new year right. The theme of the first BDJ Box for 2014 is Change It Up!

{Sneek peak of my Jan-Feb BDJ Box}

Sample Room: Saforelle, Calchews and Celeteque

Here's another batch of treats from Sample Room, the one and only sampling site of the country. My second batch of goodies includes two boxes of CalChews (PHP 180.00 each) and a 60 ml Saforelle gentle cleansing care (PHP 99.75). Plus, they throw in a sample size of Céleteque Advanced Anti Aging (Anti Wrinkle Ultra Hydrating Cleansing Oil).

You may go to Sample Room's website and sign up with your very own account to get samples of some of the best products available today. It is indeed better to try before you buy. :)

Sample Room: The Cream Factory Bath Cream & Skin White Classic Lotion

My first beauty loot this year from Sample Room is all about getting a younger-looking skin, which is my new year's resolution this 2014. I received the very sweet-smelling The Cream Factory real goat's milk and acai berry concoction bath cream today in the usual Sample Room brown bag together with the Skin White Classic lotion with spf 10. I can't wait to use these skin candies!

{The Cream Factory Bath Cream and Skin White Classic Lotion}

Head on to Sample Room's website and sign up with your very own account to get samples of some of the best products available today. As they say, try before you buy! :)

Bayo January Sale

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2014: Radiant Orchid

Pantone,  the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries, revealed that PANTONE® 18-3224 Radiant Orchid, a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple, is the color of the year for 2014.

Radiant Orchid is an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones. It radiates confidence and arises great joy, love and health. It is a very charming purple, one that draws you in with its captivating charm.

{Radiant Orchid for Fashion (image source: www.thewellappointedcatwalk.com)}

Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet.

{Radiant Orchid for Beauty (image source: www.pinterest.com)}

A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye and skin tones. This multifaceted hue is seductive when combined with red and pairs well with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink, which provides an assortment of lipstick and blush options. Radiant Orchid’s exuberance also acts as a brilliant finishing touch to nails.

{Radiant Orchid for Interiors (image source: www.allworldfurniture.com)}

Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows.

Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces.

Don't Have a Philippine e-Passport Yet? Get Yours Now To Avoid Inconvenience

{Source: http://www.philstar.com}

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Friday that all non-machine readable passports will be phased out by November 24, 2015 and may no longer be extended beyond October 31, 2015.

In a statement, the DFA said that Filipinos holding machine readable passports, or those with green or maroon covers, meanwhile will no longer be allowed to apply for validity extension beyond October 31, 2014.

"They must instead apply for a new e-Passport (dark maroon) as soon as possible before the expiry of their current MRRP (green) or MRP (maroon) passports," the statement said.

"Those who fail to do so will likely encounter difficulty at immigration checks when traveling through any ports of entry around the world after October 2015," it added.

 DFA said the new regulation follows International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

The agency also reminded holders that extending validity of passport extension can only be applied for medical emergencies requiring overseas Filipinos to travel back home, death in the family, those returning to their employers abroad and those in the Middle East who are returning home on final exit visas.

"In these instances, proof of urgency such as a copy of the death certificate, medical certificate, valid employment contracts processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or any of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, along with plane tickets with confirmed flight details should be presented," the DFA said.