My Scribble Planner 2016 by Filed

Watercolor planner for positivity and self-empowerment

I know I am a little late on the bandwagon but I still want to share with you guys my planner and journal for this year. This one is Scribble by Filed. I was one of the early birds that pre-ordered this around October last year so I was able to score some free pens and have it customized with Akira's name written in watercolor.

The first time I saw it, I instantly decided it would be my 2016 planner. The design is very me in so many ways. I am also obsessed with brush calligraphy during that time and the font used here is inspired by it.

Mary Kay CC Cream | My Current Daytime Foundation

A very lightweight, 'barely there', CC cream which I use as my everyday foundation.  

This product is just simply impressive.  My shade is light to medium. It provides light coverage so you still have to apply concealer for under eye circles and very dark blemishes. I usually use it on its own with compact powder on top. I think this could also be used as a base for foundation but I haven't tried it yet. It is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and oil-free, perfect for keeping those acne at bay.

Here are the key ingredients of the product:

Niacinamide and ascorbyl glucoside - helps even out the skin tone

Vitamin E and a botanical extract - calming and soothing effect to the skin

Willow bark extract - a skin conditioning ingredient

Emollients - for skin hydration without the greasy feel 

Silymarin extract - an antioxidant against skin-damaging free radicals.

I find this product easy to blend and it sets quickly to a semi-matte and slightly dewy finish. Even if it only has light coverage, I still find it perfect for everyday use - for work, for shopping, running errands, and even when I am just in the mood to lounge around at home with make up. The best part for me is this product already has SPF 15 so 'yay' says my skin. Before I forget, IT HAS A PUMP! It means less mess and less hassle! So A+ for packaging.

BEAUTY WISHLIST | 2016

from my Polyvore

So this year I wanted to acquire a bunch of skin care and make up items that I have been wanting since last year. The thing is I have been meaning to buy these products for a long time but I never got to that point. I always end up trying a dupe or another affordable brand. Don't get me wrong, the dupes are nice and do not break the bank, but I still yearn to get that specific product I originally wanted. 

Wordless Wednesday | White and Pink Fluff

The Fluffys :)

Confidence Boosters

Confidence has always been one of my Waterloos and public speaking my arch-enemy. In my line of work, I have to communicate with patients, build rapport, speak as a person of authority, and at times conduct presentations on health issues. Most of the time I have no choice but to muster up the courage to stand in front of an audience and talk. I just have to dive into those situations. 

Brown & Berry | Viva Glam III & Fashion Revival by MAC

For days I am being quite bold and needs a lip color to match my confidence, I take out these guns. MAC's Viva Glam III and Fashion Revival, both in matte, are my go-to brown and berry lip color. Both lipsticks are gifted,  the Fashion Revival by Aldrin and Viva Glam III came all the way from Canada from my favorite aunt. 

FASHION REVIVAL

This color is deep raspberry with a semi-matte finish. This is a limited edition color and I am lucky enough to get one. This baby can last for up to 7 hours on me. This is my favorite date lipstick. I usually wear this with very light blush and nude eyes.

Fashion Revival + Swatches (one swipe vs five swipes)

Five Things I Learned from Steal like an Artist

Steal like an Artist. Image credit: Austin Kleon

"10 things nobody told you about being creative — a manifesto for creativity in the digital age."

This book is written by New York Times' best-selling author Austin Kleon. This is an illustrated book aiming to promote creativity and productivity by the ten tips listed below.

Friday's 10 Happy Things | 2

Welcome to Friday’s 10 Happy Things, a list of ten things that brightened up my week. Simply recapping these highlights to fill my thoughts with positivity and gratitude.

theBalm The Manizer Sisters Luminizing Palette

Another palette that has been a staple on my purse is theBalm's The Manizer Sisters. It's a highlighter, bronzer, blush, and eye shadow in one! This palette can definitely multitask. Its slim and travel-friendly packaging makes it easier for me to bring this baby wherever I go. 

Benefit Real Cheeky Party | Swatches

I finally got my Benefit Real Cheeky Party Kit and it is definitely a party! This is my first time to try Benefit products and I am obsessed with its gorgeous packaging. This limited edition Holiday kit was immediately sold out here in Manila. It was wiped out from all the Benefit branches in a flash.

Friday’s 10 Happy Things | 1

Welcome to Friday’s 10 Happy Things, a list of ten things that brightened up my week. Simply recapping these highlights to fill my thoughts with positivity and gratitude.

Goals for 2016

The holidays are over and I did not even have the time to fully rest and recuperate for 2016. It was the opposite actually. It was a stressful December for me. Why is December so damn stressful? Particularly this year, among all others. It’s not like the work was harder last month, it’s just that my energy was plummeting to unimaginable depth. Last December marked my first year of working since I graduated last 2014. Could that be it? Is being an “adult” on Holiday season stealing all my energy?

Nevertheless, even though I was ranting and rambling here and there last month, I decided to welcome this year with a list of goals. This maybe known to others as resolutions. Though it is inevitable to fall off track as the year progresses, a little list of goals will keep me sane for the rest of 2016

Dessert Roll: Baskin-Robbins

When you look closely at Baskin-Robbins logo, you will see the number 31 in pink. The 31 represents the number of original flavors Baskin-Robbins have, basically one for each day of the month. So far I was able to try their Pralines 'n Cream, Rum Raisin, and Mint Chocolate Chip so I have a long way to go. I am into very creamy ice cream so Baskin-Robbins is truly on top of my ice cream list.

Below are some of the popular flavors to spare you from the awkward ordeal of being clueless and staring blankly at the flavors while the ice cream lady pressures you to pick one already! That exclamation point there tells you that I am obviously speaking from experience. Although there are days when some flavors are not available. These photos are from the Baskin-Robbins site.

Image credit: Baskin-Robbins 

Pralines n cream for me!

If you happen to be at BGC, I suggest you try it. A single scoop is 119 Php which is sulit na considering the serving size. I was lucky enough to bump into my high school classmate who manages the store and she was generous enough to give us discount.

That's all for now! Happy dessert!