Awesome Deal on Calayan's Signature Facial

My visit: August 23, 2011

Unit 2C Torre Vanezia Bldg.,
Timog Ave. cor. Sct. Santiago
Beside St. Paul Parish
Quezon City
3320970

Over a week ago, I visited Calayan Surgicenter in Timog to experience Calayan's Signature Facial- an exclusive package made especially for Awesome.ph deal buyers.                                       

(l-r) steam and microderm machine

Calayan Signature Facial includes:

  • Deep Cleansing Facial Treatment PhP1, 080
  • Mineral Mask PhP2, 000
  • Microderm Treatment PhP2, 700

Fashionista & Her Bag: LushAngel

August 24, 2011

Eastwood City, Libis

It has been over five months since I first made a post about Fashionista & Her Bag. Somehow, I find it quite hard to convince someone to gamely pose for my camera lol This is just an impromptu pictorial. And the idea of making this entry came after I viewed all my shots. Luckily, Angela agreed to be my test next subject.

Necklace: Givenchy
Bracelet: Philippe Charriol

If you have been reading my blog, you will see Angela in most of my beauty related events. She is a beauty/ fashion blogger. I like her cheery attitude and most of all she is not afraid of the camera. So, swak kami!

More photos after the break...

Travelogue: Tram, LV, Cafe de Coral in Central Hong Kong

My visit: July 31 to August 3, 2011

Central, Hong Kong

The double decker tram in Hong Kong fascinates me. Even if it's open air, I love it! It makes me feel like I am transported back in time! This is one of my fondest memories when I was a kid visiting Hong Kong and it never ceases to amaze me. 

double decker tramcar

Incidentally, Hong Kong operates the world's largest fleet of double decker tramcars. Operating since 1904, it started with just 26 single deck trams ow with 163 double decker tramcars including two antique tramcars.

Travelogue: Horizon Plaza & Osaka Ohsho in Hong Kong

My visit: July 31 - August 3, 2011

Day 2 
a.m.- Louis Vuitton Central, Hong Kong
p.m.- Horizon Plaza
         2 Lee Wing St., 
         Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
         25549089
Mon. to Sun. 9am to 7pm
           
I have so much photos taken during my short vacation in Hong Kong that I have not yet shared with you, my dear readers! Initially I thought I don't have much to show but looking at the photos inside my Hong Kong folder, there were far too many!

DH and I  



This photo was taken inside a bus on the day that I got my LV Tivoli GM. After buying my loot we went back to Wifi Hotel to unbox it and then went to Horizon Plaza in the afternoon.

Horizon Plaza is a warehouse converted into an outlet center with 28 floors full of designer clothes. You wouldn't miss a building where a Ferrari showroom at the ground floor is located, would you? ; )

How to: Properly Care for your Contact Lenses

My event: August 18, 2011

CIBA Vision/ FreshLook ColorBlends
Kirin Chinese Dining
Bonifacio High Street
The Fort
7999338

I have been wearing contact lenses half of my life. I am a hypocrite if I say that I didn't try any other brand aside from FreshLook. Yes, I did. But I always go back. Why? Because when I am wearing it,  I feel that my eyes do not tire that easily and it's so thin that when you wear FreshLook contact lenses, you don't feel anything that there is something in between your eyes and your eyelid. 

FreshLook ColorBlends

The contact lenses you see above have one month validity from the day you opened it. But studies showed that you can use it up to a maximum of two months. It doesn't matter if you have only used it once or you are using it everyday, you have to throw it away along with the case after two months lest you want to suffer from harmful bacteria and other sediments that can cause a lot of eye problem.

Printed on each foil casing is the brand name, the color of the lenses, the grade, LOT number and the expiration date. Inside each foil case is 1 sterile contact lens, 45% phemfilcon A, 55% water, in borate buffered saline containing 0.05% Poloxamer. 

Korean Village Restaurant Nakpil, Malate

My visit: August 7, 2011

Korean Village Restaurant
566 J. Nakpil St.,
Malate, Manila
5221902

Eating in Korean Village Restaurant brings back childhood memories. Having lived in Manila, we used to eat here often when my sibling and I were much younger. Since my family moved farther north, we have less and less chance of eating at this inexpensive but authentic Korean restaurant. 

 grilling plate at the center of our table

Before Yakimix, there is already Korean Village Restaurant that offers DIY grilling of meat at the center of the table. 

The exhaust system couldn't handle all the smoke so once you eat here, your clothes go straight to the laundry bin.

OBAGI 360 The Complete Obagi System at M Cafe

My event: August 17, 2011

House Of Obagi (HOO) Dinner
M Cafe
Greenbelt Makati

I know it's going to be a fun night when I agreed to attend a dinner invitation by House Of Obagi (HOO). The best of the beauty and fashion bloggers in the metro is going to be in one place in one night. It's an event I would not want to miss!

The Complete Obagi System

Bloggers were invited to hear all about OBAGI 360. It's a complete 360 transformation of the skin hence the name, OBAGI 360. 

Dr. Stephen Lacson discussed about the complete Obagi system which includes:

  • Obagi Nu- Derm Foaming Gel- gentle foaming wash with aloe vera to remove impurities, oil and make up, leaving oily skin clean and fresh
  • Toner- natural astringent formulated with Alum
  • Clear- formulated with lightening ingredients that correct uneven skin surface, skin color and brown spots
  • Exfoderm- formulated with skin exfoliating phytic acid
  • Blender- corrects the skin at the cellular level and formulated wit lightening ingredients to improve the appearance of the skin
  • Physical Sunscreen SPF32- a physical sunblock that contains 18.5% zinc oxide
  • Pro-C 10%- formualted with 10% L- ascorbic acid that is potent in defending against damaging UVA and UVB rays preventing premature signs of skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles
  • Elastiderm Eye Cream- contains bi- mineral complex, malonic acid and blueberry extract; helps replenish elastin and build collagen to reduce wrinkles around the eyes, complementing your healthy skin
  • TR Complex- a 0.1% Tretinoin Cream that further improves skin texture and evens out roughness when used in combination with the Nu- derm Blender

Unboxing: SMART Bro Pocket WiFi UNLIMITED Surfing!

It seems that everybody needs to get connected these days. In our home, 3 of us use the service of PLDT MyDSL. We are paying PhP1801.62 a month for a Residential landline with Mega Bundle and a DSL connection. The speed is not enough when all three of us are using it at the same time (one playing  Call of Duty: MW2, another one video streaming and I am blogging) ; p

SMART Bro Pocket WiFi unit PhP4995

The most logical choice is to buy another internet connection through a different service provider. The decision to buy a pocket wifi is for DH to have the PLDT MyDSL all for himself ; p

A set includes SMART Bro device-the unit, USB Data Cable-a charger and an adaptor plug and a User Guide.

SMART Bro is a portable 3G + WiFi router. It has a nationwide coverage which is what we need. This device is manufactured by ZTE.

Tsui Wah Restaurant Central Hong Kong

My visit: August 1, 2011

Tsui Wah Restaurant
The Best Cafe Restaurant
15-19 Wellington St., 
Central, Hong Kong

With a huge package in tow, DH and I trod to the nearest restaurant we could find which is Tsui Wah (TW) Restaurant. 

lamb chops set meal

You know I love lamb. When I went to Singapore late last year, the very first meal I had was lamb chops. When I was in Hong Kong, I still find time to eat my favorite.

The lamb chop was served on a hot plate over mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables and rice on the side.

Reunion at Lugang Cafe in Greenhills!

My visit: August 19, 2011

Lugang Cafe
116 Connecticut St.,
Greenhills, San Juan
7219100   5709011

When my "CareBear" friend, Marilene, invited DH and I over to her son's 1st birthday party a few weeks ago, I saw a lot of familiar faces but didn't quite get the chance to talk to all of them. We agreed to set a date and place for our mini reunion. It took place in Lugang Cafe, Greenhills 2 nights ago. 

my elementary classmates

I am still a bit sleepy as I am typing this entry because I went home at around 12:30am and slept at around 2 am. Talk about getting high from being so happy to see my old friends. Plus, I drank a large cup of WinterMelon Milk Tea  ; p

How To: Spot a FAKE LV Monogram Canvas Bag



The entire content of this entry has been transferred in my new blog, xoxo MrsMartinez visit the link here


I purchased my first LV bag in a Louis Vuitton boutique in Central, Hong Kong. There is no doubt that I have the original Tivoli GM which was first released in November/ December 2007. One of the reasons I chose to buy this brand because it does not go on SALE. It has no OUTLET. The value appreciates with time because it is a prestigious brand.


Louis Vuitton Paris


Because of the reasons stated above, over time, many counterfeiters have replicated the brand. For those who are curious to find out how to spot an LV fake, read a comprehensive review and some tips here.


complete set of Tivoli GM


To read the full entry, visit Louis Vuitton: Original vs Fake.


Before buying online, be wary of unscrupulous sellers which sells really cheap handbags. Do some research and read blogs like mine that gives helpful tips on how to spot a fake LV hand bag. Or you can always visit Louis Vuitton site and check if the hand bag you wanted to buy has the color and type which the seller is selling.

This is just a guide to help you spot a fake LV. With counterfeits getting better and better, it is harder to spot the fake each day. Let's us not buy FAKE, buy only the ORIGINAL. Visit Louis Vuiton (LV) forums for more info.

Source: eBay Guides
Photo guide of Fake LV here 



How to spot a FAKE Longchamp Les Planetes
How to spot a FAKE LONGCHAMP
Compare and Contrast Original and FAKE LONGCHAMP
How to spot a FAKE COACH
How to spot a FAKE FENDI

Tried and Tested: Nivea Visage Sparkling White Range

I have received an overwhelming amount of Nivea products this past few months from wet tissue to body lotions to deodorants. As if those products were not enough, the company sent over the whole range of Nivea Sparkling White. My DS was giddy when she heard that I have the latest whitening line. I let her try and test the product.

DS radiant in Sparkling White

The photo above was taken last Sunday in Starbucks Shangri- la Mall. She has been using Nivea Sparkling White for almost a month now. She has that radiant glow. Or was it just the reflection of the afternoon sun?
; p

Make up used:

  • Hanskin BB Cream
  • Rice Powder
  • Red Earth Blush
  • The Body Shop Lip Balm in Strawberry

Mak's Noodle and Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant in Hong Kong

My visit: July 31, 2011

Mak's Noodle 
Wellington Street, Central
Hong Kong

During our recent trip to Hong Kong, our time is divided between shopping and dining but more on the former though. We came across this tiny noodle house just because we veered away from an expensive looking restaurant right across the street. 

shrimp wonton HK$32

I was shocked because this tiny noodle house has been visited by Anthony Bourdain. Apparently, he ate here awhile back. This is the second restaurant that I have eaten with Anthony Bourdain article, his photo and his "seal of approval".  The first restaurant that I have eaten with his photo on the wall was Bale Dutung. His photo was on the table this time just beside the menu. 

Giveaway: GoodSkin Labs product of YOUR choice!

Because I love my readers... MrsMartinez's Raves and Rants and GoodSkin Labs joined together in this giveaway called "Create Your GoodNote". You can win any GoodSkin Labs product of your choice! How exciting is that?

giveaway ends August 30, 2011

I am so excited because you too can now enjoy the benefit from the power of GoodSkin Labs' Tri-Aktiline if that will be your choice as prize OR Filextra- a facial revolumizing treatment with collagen which I am currently using OR Eyliplex-2 TM Eye Lift Circle Reducer which I haven't tried just yet. 

Now, if you win, tell me how well your skin benefitted from these products! Read after the break...

Beauty Loot: Fanny Serrano Lipstick in Tweedia

When I read an announcement in the newspaper that SM is having a 3 day sale, I see to it that I drop by the make up counters a few days before the sale and make a reservation of the products that I want (read: Kanebo). By doing so, I save myself some time to scout good buys from other brands. After all, I only have 2 hours (10am to 12nn) to avail of the additional 10% discount. 

Fanny Serrano Lipstick in Tweedia PhP195

This Fanny Serrano lipstick is one of those good buys. I was able to move around, take a closer look and try on the testers because I have enough time before the cut off time ends.

I only paid PhP150.05 after discount for this moisturizing lipstick. I described it as moisturizing because it glides easily on my lips even without putting Carmex on first.

Read after the break to see the color on my lips...

Better Pizza at Papa John's Pizza Tomas Morato

My visit: July 30, 2011

Tomas Morato cor. Scout Rallos St.,
Laging Handa, Quezon City

The day before we left for our trip to Hong Kong, we had an early dinner at the newly opened Papa John's Pizza in Quezon City. The place is still filled with balloons from the store opening and is bustling with diners when we entered the restaurant. A server was able to find us a spot by the window. Perusing the menu, I found different flavors of pizzas, pastas and other side items. 

Hawaiian Jr. Papa 6" pizza PhP150

DH hates me because I am always predictable when I eat. I almost always order the same thing when it comes to pizza. Even though my stomach and pineapple don't seem to see eye to eye, when it comes to pizza, I love ordering Hawaiian. This 6" pizza has 4 slices with toppings like ham, pineapple and loads of mozzarella cheese. Served hot and truly satisfying! No acid reflux after.

Available in 9 inch small PhP300, 12 inch medium PhP430 and 14 inch large PhP530.

Beauty Loot: Kanebo Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream SPF 41PA ++

Remember that 3 day SM Sta Mesa sale that I went to? I got so many beauty loot that day! Some are repurchases but some like my newest find- Kanebo Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream UV is a gold mine! I got it on sale too for only PhP738.72.

with Kanebo BB Cream

I was impressed when I used it for the first time. I actually applied more than what was necessary and I ended up like a Korean movie star... no kidding! Like no pores and all. Super pore less if there is a word hahaha

Face of the day (FOTD):

  • Kanebo Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream UV in Natural Beige
  • The Body Shop eye definer in Taupe
  • Fanny Serrano lipstick in Tweedia
  • The Color WorkShop Powder Blush 

BB Cream is short for Blemish Balm Cream. According to Wikipedia, it is initially used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect , soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post laser scars acne and other blemishes. 


Wifi Boutique Hotel Hong Kong

My visit: July 31 to August 3, 2011


Wifi Hotel 
366 Lockhard Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
(852) 39612288
mail@wifihotel.com.hk

As usual, we finalized and booked our Hong Kong trip at the very last minute. We booked through Agoda on a Monday (July 25) and our flight was scheduled Sunday (July 31) of the same week. How's that for another sweet surprise?!

Orange facade of Wifi Hotel

Wifi Boutique Hotel (Hong Kong), a three star hotel, is conveniently situated in the heart of Wan Chai- Lockhart Road. What sealed the deal was the complementary wifi access in each room ; p

Fashion Find: First Ever Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Tivoli GM


G/F Shop 7-17
Landmark Atrium
Central, Hong Kong
(852) 25232915


Hi! 

Someone informed me that some unscrupulous online sellers are using my photos to scam other people. Please be warned that I don't sell online stuff especially branded bags. These bags for my own personal collection. 

If you have found any of my photos online kindly inform me through my Facebook fan page

Thanks

Alright, guys, girls and gays! I have made my very first purchase of a Louis Vuitton bag. This is a very exciting entry. I hope you are as enthusiastic as me as I write down my experience shopping for my very first LV. You might want to check out how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton here.

Here is a little trivia... I started my blog in 2008 with a post about Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch. Now, three years later I still have not bought an Eva Clutch. BUT I got an LV Monogram Canvas Tivoli GM (M40144) instead. For me, it is a better choice. Thanks to the keen eye of DH who spotted the bag straight out of the show room. 

sneak peek on my spanking new bag

You all know I went to Hong Kong. I have been there several times but it was only in our recent trip that the itinerary was purely shopping! Yes, you read that right... S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G ; p

Read after the break for the unboxing!

Fashion Find: My very own FitFlop Electra Strata Tiger Eye (Bronze)

Finally! I bought my very own FitFlop! It's my first ever and I bought it in Duty Free Philippines last Sunday. I used it as soon as I stepped out of Duty Free. 

FitFlop Electra Strata Tiger Eye

I have been pondering on whether to buy or not to buy FitFlop for over a year now. Until I saw this V- shaped- soft- lined leather sandal with matching triple- tonal sequins. It is definitely a looker. The glittering sandal is definitely a must have!

Breadilicious Chicken Bowls from Angels Pizza Pasta!

Commercial Muna!

Angels Pizza Pasta sent three chicken rice bowls over at my house in time for dinner. The three bowls were covered in tightly sealed container. I can't say the same for the iced tea because some of the content were poured into plastic already ; p

Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo Chicken Teriyaki PhP95

I was expecting a pizza delivery that night but I was surprised to see chicken rice bowls instead. I heated the microwavable container and started my food tasting with chicken teriyaki.

The chicken is fried and drizzled with teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds. DH likened it to a lemon chicken which is sweet and tangy.

Dirty Ice Cream not by Lady Gaga

While waiting for the magbubuko to fill my 2 pitchers with coconut juice, I spotted a dirty ice cream cart next to it. I got enticed to try and buy one from mamang sorbetero

dirty ice cream PhP10

The choice is between a cone or a cup. I would normally opt for sugar cone but it's out of stock so I chose a cup instead. A cup costs PhP5 but I told mamang sorbetero to give me PhP10 in a cup ; p 

The dirty ice cream sold on our street tasted bland or at least the one I had. Only the chocolate flavored one stood out. I have tasted more flavorful sorbetes than this. I have to find out which mamang sorbetero sold a better "dirty ice cream" (sorbetes).

Find out why it's called dirty ice cream in the first place and why Lady Gaga is caught up in this entry after the break...

New find: Dali Restaurante y Bar de Tapas in Quezon City

My visit: July 29, 2011

Dali
40 Eugenio Lopez St., 
South Triangle, Quezon City
9280917

From the same owners of Congo Grill, Dali, a tapas bar, opened its door in the same location a few months ago. Dh and I often passed by this structure. Intrigued by its name and the food it serves, I egged DH to try the restaurant with me but he does not want to. He said the restaurant looks like a drinking bar from outside ; (

gambas con ajillo PhP185

However, in one event that I have attended, a writer from a newspaper mentioned that he just came from another event held in Dali. From that writer, I learned that the restaurant served good Spanish food like paella and tapas. I researched online but found only a few decent reviews. 

I suggested Dali when my college buddies were looking for a place to dine. Soon after, I was checking online for the food prices if it is within our budget. Prices are inexpensive so we decided to give the restaurant a try.

Tapas are small Spanish savory dishes typically served with drinks in bars.


After dinner at Chocolate Fire

My visit: July 21, 2011

Chocolate Fire
A World Full of Pure Creativity
PDCP Building
Corner of Leviste and Rufino Sts.,
Salcedo Village, Makati
8403473   8400808

After having a pretty expensive dinner at Apartment 1B, the super friends walked an entire block or was it two (?) to our next foodie stop, Chocolate Fire. 

fondue for 2 PhP750

The good looking manager assisted us girls in picking out our favorite chocolates. Too bad taking photos of the chocolates on display is not allowed. Don't ask me why, ok?

As my kumare gushed to every chocolate that the "good looking" manager pointed at, we ended up ordering more than we could eat hahaha

We ordered one fondue for starters. The 8 of us shared an order consisting of two warm melted Belgian chocolate- milk and dark, a few match box size chiffon slices, wafer, mallows, bananas and strawberries.