Fashionista: R.A.F. Rich And Famous

I went back together with my family to Bale Dutung last December 18 for an advance Christmas lunch together. This is a fashion entry so if you want to read about how I survived Claude Tayag's 5 Way Lechon, read here. 

photo taken on the second floor

My DS took this shot of me after finishing our 10 course meal in 3 hours! I love it that I still looked slim in the photo despite the fact that I survived Claude's famous degustation hahaha Don't you dare say otherwise, or else risk being banned from reading my blog lol Come to think of it... maybe it's the clothes that I am wearing ; p

shot on location: Bale Dutung

Merry Christmas from MrsMartinez!

Greetings from the land of Kimchi... Korea! DH & I are enjoying our first White Christmas ever!

postcard from Korea

DH & I wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Don't forget to join MrsMartinez's Holiday Blowout Giveaway!

View my Christmas Greeting video all the way from High1 Ski Resort!

MrsMartinez's Holiday Blowout Giveaway!

Hey you, guys & girls! Here is a sweet surprise... I am giving away a bag of free stuff! Every now and then, I get a little extra something from the brands that I review. This year, I collected a little more than I expected. So, what to do with the excess? It's time for MrsMartinez's Holiday Blowout Giveaway!

"Thank You" goodie bag

As my way of saying "Thank You", I am raffling off the items above to one lucky reader!

McDonald's Miniature Store Collection by Papa McDo

It is my honor to introduce to you my 71 year old uncle, Albert Ng- McDonald's biggest fan thus crew members call him "Papa McDo" ; )

 a small- scale  replica of McDonald's Fontera Verde

He invited me to his humble abode late November over a lumpia feast to showcase his new found passion, building small- scale McDonald's restaurants from recycled materials.

Read along as I show you why he deserves the number 1 fan badge!

Favorite: Sweet Stuff By Jill... Matcha Chocolate Lace Cookie!

After sharing "Gift Guide" in my previous posts, I want to share a couple of gifts that I received during the holiday in my succeeding posts. To begin with, I got a box of Sweet Stuff By Jill from our friend, JQS. 

Matcha Chocolate Lace Cookie

The Matcha Chocolate is sandwiched in between the cookie. Thin and crispy- licious is how I describe it!

Gift Guide: Gift Card Co.

Tired of thinking what to give this Christmas? You know your friend's favorite shop but do you really know what she wants? This is where Gift Card Co. comes in handy. 

Gift Card Co. is a newly launched store that sells various gift cards and gift certificates from different brands. You have over 30 brands to choose from. 

Gift Card Co... Mall On A Rack!

Some of the brands found in Gift Card Co. are Nike Stadium, Planet Sports, The Athlete's Foot, Red Mango, Bistro Food Group, Fitness First and The Spa.

For a complete store listing, read after the break...

Gift Guide: OBAGI Professional-C Serum 15%

Last minute shopping? No idea what to give your lola, tita, or even your mom? Don't fret, here is another gift suggestion for your loved one... OBAGI System Professional- C Serum. 

Obagi System Professional- C Serum 15% 30ml PhP 4, 850

The Obagi Professional- C Serum line of topical professional strength vitamin C serums has been formulated with stabilized L-ascorbic acid, the only form of vitamin C known to be recognized by the body.

My "ah-ma" (grandmother) passed away December of last year. I would have given her this bottle of vitamin C serum. I knew she would love it. She had beautiful skin even at 96. I miss her...

Video Tutorial: Messy Hair Bun

Hello! How was your weekend? You have probably seen the photo below in my previous post. This is my own version of messy hair bun. Many have inquired how I did it so I made an instructional video so you too can make your own messy bun!

messy hair bun 

Doing this messy up do is quite easy and it only takes a few seconds!

What you will need:

• a scrunchie

Watch the video after the break...

Gluta- C Intense Beauty Model Search and Event Night!

My event: December 1, 2011

Gluta- C Intense Beauty Model Search

Freyja Spa

Unit 202 Sekai Center

368 Ortigas Ave.,

San Juan

3458880

What is Gluta- C?

It is a specially formulated product with a whitening complex composed of Glutathione, Vitamin C, Arbutin and Kojic Acid. These are powerful skin whitening actives that intensely whiten and prevent premature skin aging. The result is beautiful, healthy and fair skin. 

Gluta-C Intense Whitening range

Gluta- C (Glutathione & Vitamin C) products includes from left to right:

• Gluta- C Intense Whitening Soap 135g PhP104.75 (also available in 60g PhP59.75)
• Gluta- C Intensive Whitening Body Moisturizer SPF 25 125ml PhP164.75 (also available in 300ml PhP329.75)
• Gluta- C Intense Whitening Toner Spritz 150ml PhP169.75
• Gluta- C Intense Whitening Facial Day Cream Whitening & Anti- aging SPF 25 30ml PhP149.75
• Gluta- C Intense Whitening Facial Serum Night Repair Whitening Concentrate 30ml PhP249.75

Did you know that ABS- CB Star Magic's homegrown artist Jodi Sta. Maria is the endorser of Gluta- C Intense White?

For the good news ... Gluta- C Intense Whitening is looking for girls who wants to join Gluta- C's Intense Beauty Model Search!

The rules are simple. Just take a photo of yourself, submit on their FaceBook page and fans will get to vote! Winner will win PhP10k worth of Forever 21 and gift packs from Gluta- C! What are you waiting for? Visit Gluta- C FaceBook page now!

Cook your own: Embutido

My mom makes a mean embutido. When I got married, it was one of the dishes that I asked her to teach me. 

ingredients

Embutido is a traditional Filipino meatloaf.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo of lean ground meat
• 3 eggs (2 hard boiled- sliced)
• a cup of raisins
• a cup of finely chopped onions
• 1 carrot (1/2 shredded; 1/2 sliced)
• 2 pieces red/green bell pepper (1/2 sliced; 1/2 finely chopped)
• slices of cheese- the more the merrier!
• 1 small jar of pickle relish
• All purpose flour or cornstarch
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

Gift Guide: Nivea Lip Care and Nivea Body Extra Whitening Cell Repair & Protect Body Milk

A few weeks ago, I got 6 different Nivea Lip Care in the mail! Great timing as these lip moisturizers are perfect stocking fillers or you can also give these if you have Kris Kringle (Secret Santa) activity in the office. 

 Nivea Natural Volume  SPF30+ 8.5ml PhP175

Among the 6 variants, I opened Nivea Natural Volume first because the carton said it provides natural volume and beautiful shine with collagen enhancer & light reflecting pigments plus it locks in moisture!

See the result after the break...

Gift Guide: National Geographic Little Kids bundled with Smart Parenting

My event: November 29, 2011

Smart Parenting Meet and Greet

Ballrooms 1 & 2

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Great news for parents and parents-to-be! Smart Parenting has a special addition to every copy of its monthly issue- the National Geographic Little Kids. 

Smart Parenting is a magazine for first- time parents. It is a source of information for raising happy, healthy and successful kids. 

 National Geographic Little Kids bundled with every issue of Smart Parenting 

Started last November, buying Smart Parenting is cost effective because it now comes with a mini- magazine called National Geographic Little Kids. It is filled with fun facts, games, fun activities you can do with your kids. 

Beyond The Box in One Rockwell Makati

My event: December 9, 2011

Beyond The Box

Flagship Store Opening

Stall 103, Ground Level

One Rockwell East Tower

Makati City

4787765   4787767

After the opening of Beyond The Box in Resorts World a few months back, the Apple Reseller now opens its flagship store in One Rockwell with a lot of surprises for its guests.

(left) Mr. & Mrs. Charles Paw 

Immediately after the ribbon cutting, a total of 75 prizes were given away to celebrity guests, friends and customers alike.

Gift Guide: Bakersville Bagels

Bakersville Boulangerie & Patisserie

Fort Bonifacio

near Starbucks drive- thru

Sat- Sun of December 2011 

7am to 2pm

5770527   09178156575

Last week, several packs of bagels were delivered right at my doorstep. It was a gift from photographer turned Chef Marco Abesamis. 

Bakersville Boulangerie & Patisserie just launched its hand made bagel line which includes NY style variants- Plain, Savory Onion, Roasted Garlic and Whole Wheat. Other variants include Cinnamon Raisin and other custom-order flavors. 

 Bakersville Bagels

NY Style variants are better for health, compared to other breads in the market. The recipe does not include egg, butter and milk. It uses honey instead of sugar. Those that require little oil have Canola Oil in them to make them as healthy as possible.

I had my first taste of bagel when I was in Toronto. It was early in the morning when DH and I stopped by Tim Hortons for a cup of coffee and bagels. I could not forget that experience so I always buy commercially available bagels here in the supermarket to relive it. 

Gift Guide: FReSH Fragrance Bar

My event: November 29, 2011

Fresh Fragrance Bar

Level 2 Eastwood Mall

Eastwood City

E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

FReSH Fragrance Bar is a newly opened stand- alone fragrance store in eastwood City that offers a fresh perspective in buying your favorite brand of perfume. It is owned and operated by Scent & Beaute Concepts, Inc. (SBC)- owner of two other fragrance segment: Art of Scent and Perfume Express. 

FReSH Fragrance Bar

I love the blue colored theme of the store... very chic! I am biased because my favorite color is blue lol The store layout is spacious. You can navigate from one section to another easily. From afar, you can immediately see the different hip brands that the store carries.

Fashionista & Her Blog: Janaki's Diary

Four months after my last Fashionista entry, here is another willing victim, my college best bud- turned- blogger, Janaki of March On. *clap! clap!

took this photo after Smart Parenting event

March On is actually Janaki's Diary online where she chronicles her life as a wife and as a mother of two adorable kids- one of whom is my inaanak ; )

Gift Guide: Ipanema for Men

Following up on the gift idea post, I bought DH his first ever Ipanema flip- flops- Surf Temas Masc. I want him to experience the comfort of walking on soft cushioned rubber. It's about time he shifts to Ipanema... the brand I love to wear!

Ipanema Surf Temas Masc II PhP895

I own several pairs of Ipanema flip-flops. I love the brand because it's very comfortable even when worn the whole day. The shape stays the same unlike a local brand I bought which turned flat when worn for a long period... waaaaah! The  designs are regularly updated too.

BSKIN BB Cream For All Skin Type!

My event: November 24, 2011

Cafe La Carmela

38 Jupiter St.,

Makati City

Most BB Cream brands in the market today are limited in the number of shades.... ack! Those who have darker skin are often on the losing end. Result? Face is paler than the neck after applying BB cream. Well, I have good news, HDI Network, part of the HDI Group of Companies- a networking company, came up with an innovative product called BSKIN. 

BSKIN BB Cream 30ml PhP780

BSKIN beautifies as it heals and provides you with that photo-ready skin in an instant. It has an anti-wrinkle effect and also conceals acne marks and other blemishes but without harsh ingredients that tend to aggravate skin problems and clog the pores. 

Please watch the YouTube video I captured featuring The Beauty Junkee using BSKIN BB Cream after the break then see the result for your self ; )

Gift Guide: Give Joy with The Body Shop

I always give The Body Shop items during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas to family and friends who are really close to me. Why? Because I use it myself and I love it!

Below are some The Body Shop items I personally picked to help you with your Christmas shopping list...

shower gel/ bath lily set PhP195

It's about time to spoil your friends with bath & shower gel (60ml) and ultra fine bath lily in travel sized pack. Scents available are Strawberry, Shea, Mango, Pink Grapefruit, Satsuma, Moringa & Sweet Lemon.

Gift Guide: PJs Sleepwear For Kids & Adults

My event: November 23, 2011

PJs Sleepwear Boutique

Unit # 408 Level 4, Shangri- la Mall

Mandaluyong City

5719228

I was recently invited to the re- opening of PJs Sleepwear store in Shangri-la and its launching of Holiday Collection 2011. I already know the brand because I have been its client for more than three years already. PJs Sleepwear is my default gift to almost all my inaanak. 

thanks Michelle of MyMomFriday for this photo

Out of the need for high quality sleepwear, PJs Sleepwear was born.  The company started by joining bazaars in 2004 then finally, they put up their very first shop in Shangri- la Mall in 2007. 

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I support Filipino- made brands/ products and PJ is one of them.

OOTN: Chica Girl in Ensembles

Hello ; p As I am typing this, it's 1 a.m.! DH and I just got back from an awesome wedding of the younger brother of my friend. I want to share a quick post of my knockout outfit tonight hehehe

do I look chica enough for you?

What is chica?

It means "girl" in Spanish. It sometimes connotes a hot chick. The second meaning is what I am aiming for ; p

Can you believe that I pulled this look in less than an hour? I went to Hotel Sofitel in my office attire- white shirt and jeans, then changed into these vavavoom outfit in one of the restrooms of the hotel.

Blouse: Off White Woven Shirt by Ensembles PhP1195
Skirt: Ensembles in Black PhP795
Shoes: Aerosoles PhP3650
Nails: Orly in Sand Castle done in Freyja Day & Nail Spa

I bought the blouse first and then had to return it for exchange of the same item the next day. That was the time I saw the cute skirt that is so me... I just have to buy it ; p

Ensembles well-suited is available in Trinoma 9166183

A Better than Ever Greenwich Christmas with John Lloyd Cruz!

My event: November 23, 2011

Greenwich

4th Floor, Atrium

SM Megamall

Christmas started early this year with "Better Than Ever Greenwich Christmas". It is a media event that launched The Greenwich Overloaded Pizza Blowout- a nationwide pizza sampling which was Greenwich early Christmas treat for pizza lovers in the Philippines. There were over 10, 000 slices of Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload and the Greenwich Special Overload pizzas for FREE! This early Christmas treat gave customers a chance to taste why Greenwich is better than ever!

 Greenwich's Ultimate Hawaiian Overload

Meanwhile, people who attended the media event were able to taste Greenwich's Ultimate Hawaiian Overload- my favorite! Overloaded with 2x more hawaiian toppings freshly- made just for you. Taking the words from a recent Greenwich commercial, it's sooooo cheesy!

Nivea Visage Q10 plus Anti- Wrinkle System... A Royal Preference!

When I got an email a few months back from Mikki, brand executive of Nivea Visage, about Princess Catherine's- yes, the Duchess of Cambridge- £5 beauty secret, I was curious and would love to try it out. She was spotted shopping at a Boots store purchasing Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Day Cream.* If the princess uses this product then it must be good!

up close my wrinkle- free eye area- photo taken today

Who is not afraid to age? I hope everybody would agree with me that getting old is a scary sight to behold. Wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles, freckles, dark spots and eye bags are all part of stress and old age. At 35, I am lucky to have a wrinkle- free skin, save for a few dark spots here and there. When the whole Nivea Visage Q10 plus Anti- Wrinkle System was delivered to my house, I could not wait to start using it especially the Nivea Visage Q10 plus Anti- Wrinkle Eye Cream.