Lock & Lock Boroseal Microvave-Safe Glass Container

July 28, 2012

Lock & Lock Main Office

Unit III Megastate Bldg.,

737 Araneta Ave. cor. Agno St.,

Tatalo, Quezon City

Last Saturday, I was invited to Lock & Lock's Blogger Day. I know that it will have a cooking demo as part of its program but what I didn't know is that it's another shopping event! Remember, I have told you about Yves Rocher shopping event two weeks ago, right? If you have not read about it, shame on you, please visit here. That, my dear readers, served as my warm up because during Lock & Lock's event, I totally rocked it ; p I got everything I needed plus more!

 Lock & Lock Mountain Cooler Bag in Blue (LMB102B) PhP 899.75 (center) ; 

Lock & Lock Boroseal Glass Container 430ml PhP 399.75 (left) ;

Lock & Lock Boroseal Glass Container 730 ml PhP 549.75 (right)

I am a loyal user of Lock & Lock. When the brand came out with Boroseal Microwavable Glass container a few years ago, I was one of the many others who trooped to its stand alone store in Shangri-la Mall and bought several containers to be used as our office baonan (lunch box). Really, it is a no brainer to switch from plastic into glass. I even changed our food cover, you can view it here. 

Taiwan Travelogue: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall & Danshui (Tamsui)

May 16, 2012

Day 4

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
21 Zhongshan South Road
Taipei, Taiwan

9:00 am to 6:00 pm

886-2-2343-1100

After having a buffet lunch in EaTogether, my family and I went to The National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂). Chiang Kai Shek is the former President of the Republic of China. He was revered by Taiwanese people for the things he had done for this country.

my family with Chiang Kai Shek's broze statue in the background

My siblings and I were all so excited because we all studied in Chiang Kai Shek College. We wanted to learn more about this man through this visit.

Nuat Thai Foot Massage in Libis

Over the weekend, DH and I spent a relaxing afternoon in Nuat Thai Libis. We had a total body pampering experience starting with its signature- Nuat Thai Foot Massage. After an hour, we were ushered into a couple's room where we had Aromatherapy Massage with Herbal Balls. This is a good trade-off from my usual Sunday afternoon where I spend several hours in a mall ; p

 ready to experience Nuat Thai Foot Massage PhP250

I visited this branch before, in fact, you can read my Aromatherapy Massage review here. I was lucky enough to get invited once more to try not just one but two massage services. 

When I gave my name to the receptionist, she knew right away what services we were having. She asked us to choose one body massage oil to be used for our Aromatherapy Massage. As usual, I chose Lavender while DH chose Eucalyptus. Another option is Green Tea.

Read more after the break...

Beware: Bogus (FAKE) FaceBook ONLINE Seller

For the record, I am not an Online Seller PERIOD.

It has come to my attention that some bogus online sellers have been grabbing my photos of Longchamp bag from this post. These watermarked photos are being used to victimized online buyers.

 photo grabbed from Fitflop post

This particular FaceBook seller (https://www.facebook.com/fit.flops.1) have gone beyond just grabbing my Longchamp photos here and here, she has the audacity to post my photo as her online profile picture. The original photo is found in this post. I reported it on FaceBook as soon as a concerned citizen contacted me. You know who you are and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As of this writing, she has taken down my photo as her profile picture but is still using some of my Longchamp photos. 

You can find the messages exchanged between the fake seller with a "prospective buyer" after the break....

Kao-Chi Banawe Revisited

It has been awhile since we last visited Kao-Chi Restarant in Banawe, Quezon City. If I remembered it correctly, we visited this restaurant during its soft opening so I have some issues regarding the service. To be fair, I went back and I am happy to say that the service has improved. Suffice it to say, DH and I had a pleasant time dining in Kao-Chi.

Sauteed Lamb with Golden Mushroom PhP 368

Truth be told, it was DH who insisted on dining here. He remembered how we love the appetizers we ordered. Sad to say, the management has erased it out of their menu. 

Since we both love lamb, we ordered Sauteed Lamb with Golden Mushroom. The serving can be compared to that of a rice topping. It is pretty pricey but what matter is how it tastes like. Uhm, well, it's a bit spicy. Even though the meat is cut into tiny bite size pieces, some of which were still a bit hard to chew. DH loves golden mushroom so I think that was it's saving grace. 

Elixir 7.9 by Yves Rocher now in Trinoma!

Last Thursday, I attended a shopping event in Trinoma Mall. Yes, you read that right, it's an event that involves shopping, my forte ; ) Of course, being a shopaholic that I am, I could not say no ; p It was hosted by the no. 1 skin care brand, no.1 cosmetic brand and no. 1 beauty institute brand in France, Yves Rocher. Whew, that's a lot of no.1 in one sentence ; p

Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 30ml PhP 1,190

I must admit, I have not heard of Yves Rocher until that day but I wanted to know about the brand so I did some research. The brand was founded in 1959 by Monsieur Yves Rocher in the village of La Gacilly, France. He invented the first plant-based cosmetic products and he was regarded as France's pioneer of botanical beauty. For more than 50 years, the brand continues to offer women an array of botanical beauty products at an affordable price. 

I will discuss more about Elixir 7.9 after the break...

Home Improvement: Full Length Mirror

DH and I would always go to Market! Market! for furniture made out of wood. In fact, we bought several pieces already like an entertainment set, a writing desk, an altar table and a side board. Our latest acquisition is this Rattan In-Lay Wall Mirror made to order from Markline Home Furniture & Decors.

Rattan In-Lay Wall Mirror PhP 13,000

If you have been an avid Twitter follower, you know I have been raving about our new  mirror. We bought it just last month. Since we move, it has been my dream to own a full length mirror so I don't have to go downstairs in our small powder room just to check on what I am wearing.

Full length mirror specifications:

• 46" x 82" x 1.5"
• mirror size - 36" x 72"
• border - 5"
• finish - Natural White Resin

Aside from using this full length mirror for dressing up, I found another use for this mirror. Find our after the break....

Tipco Rewards You With Tripaway 2 Promo!

Tipco 100% Pure is a part of my grocery list. I usually buy 3-4 packs of different flavors. In fact, when I got an e-vite to attend Tipco's event, I still have two remaining packs inside my refrigerator ; p  Mangosteen, Purple Carrot, 32 Veggies and Mixed Fruits Juice and Gojiberry are my favorite. 

(l-r) Mangosteen, Gojiberry, Cranberry & Tangerine 

Anyway, during the event, Tipco launched its newest promo dubbed as Tipco Tripaway 2. Just buy Tipco 100% Pure Juice and and you can get a chance to fly to exciting destinations! How awesome is that?!

Read after the break for more information....

Taipei Buffet Review: EaTogether

Taipei Trip

May 16, 2012

Day 4

Eatogether
4F, No.1 , Sec. 1, Chengde Rd.,
Datong Dist., Taipei, Taiwan
02-66171168

Weekday rate:

11:30 am - 14:00 pm - NT$ 658 (PhP 987)
14:20 pm - 16:20 pm - NT$ 508 (PhP 660)
17:30 pm - 21:30 pm - NT$ 768 (PhP 1,152)

subject to 10% service charge

We used to have our buffet in Jogoya whenever we visit Taipei. Since our last visit in Jogoya back in 2010 was ho-hum, I asked my expat friends if they can recommend a new buffet sensation in Taiwan. They all recommended Eatogether (Eat Together). It is located near MRT Taipei City Hall.

Eatogether

It has 8 branches all over Taiwan. We went there around 12:30pm without any reservation. There were several people in front of us waiting in line. I gave my name and patiently waited for my name to be called. Just when I thought that we should give up and leave, my name was called ; p

Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Ultra-Moisturizing Hand Therapy

My mom has Crabtree and Evelyn privilege card so we were able to shop at discounted price when we drop by their store in Shangri-la Plaza Mall last Sunday. 

Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy 100g 

 PhP 1,150 PhP805

My mom, sister and I bought different hand therapy lotions. I chose Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Ultra-moisturizing Hand Therapy. It is a part of the Hand Care Collection. I like the smooth and powdery feel of my hands immediately after applying it. I love lotions in general so I got myself the biggest tube (100g). There is also a smaller tube - 50g worth PhP 750 that you can carry with you in your bag.

Remember When: Dragon Noodle Center in Malate

Do you have a childhood memory of your favorite restaurant that your family used to frequent to? Well, I do and it's Dragon Noodle Center located in Malate, Manila. Actually, I have written a post about it before, you can view it here. Admittedly, I took lousy photos. Photos which I am not so proud of ; p Instead of updating the post, I am now writing a new one ; p

 asado with rice PhP140

After rediscovering it back in 2009, I usually find myself back in this restaurant whenever I am in Manila.

For only PhP 140, you will get a plateful of asado with sauce-pa-lang-ulam-na ; p Now, all you need is an order of extra rice so you can now share this order with your best friend.

This dish is exactly how I remembered it back in those days ; )

Click after the break to see what else is on our table...

Shifen Sky Lantern & Raohe St. Night Market in Taiwan

To all those who have been waiting for the continuation of our Northeast Taiwan Private Tour, here's the next installment ; p

Shifen Sky Lantern

Yes, the lighting of the sky lantern is done in the middle of the railway! When you think about it, it's pretty scary but everybody is doing it. I am not recommending it to families with kids. 

Calchews Me - The Calchews Choice!

This is my second entry for The Calchews Tuscan Adventure Blogger Promo. Read my first entry, Four Before Forty here.

Calchews 15 soft chews PhP180; box of 30's PhP 360

In as much as I would like to write down a sob story why I should be picked out as The Calchews Choice, the blogger who will win a 5 day all-expense paid trip to Tuscany, I don't have any.

Gus* Modern Furniture Greenbelt is On Sale this July!

*My Taipei travel post will continue on Wednesday!*

Last Wednesday, I was invited to view Gus* Studio's Modern Furniture at The Residences in Greenbelt, Makati. You all know how I love home improvements. In fact, I dedicated one post a week for my latest finds, promotions on anything and everything about home. 

Summer / Fall 2011 collection BLAKE Loft Sofa in Urban Tweed Ink w 76" x d 32" x h 31" seat h 17" Base options natural / wenge PhP 109,900 ; 

Stanley Coffee Table PhP 44,900 less 25% PhP 33,675 ;

Graphic Pillow 20" x 20" PhP5,500 less 30% PhP 3,850

For the whole month of July 2012, Gus* Studio is marking down most of its furniture up to 30% off! How cool is that?!

Gus* Design Group is a modern furniture company based in Toronto, Canada. They design and manufacture upholstered seating, accents and accessories which comprise the Gus* Modern Collection. 

Karylle visits J.CO Greenbelt Opening!

Last July 4, J.CO formally opened its third branch in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Now, people living and working in the SOUTH can definitely enjoy this mouth-watering donuts!

 spotted Karylle, J.CO ambassador

J.CO first opened its door in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2005. It serves freshly made yummy donuts and stimulating coffee prepared by trained baristas. J.CO now has branches all over Asia - Malaysia, Singapore, China and the Philippines. 

Clucky's Rockwell Pasig... Fresh Food Real Taste!

July 4, 2012

Clucky's 

Mad for Chicken New York

G/F Tower 2 Rockwell Business Center

Ortigas Ave., Pasig City

2341401

After Chicken Charlie and Bonchon Chicken, it seems to me that the craze for twice-fried chicken does not end there because there's a new player clucking in town specifically in Rockwell Business Center - Clucky's! 

Clucky's Drum Meal 1pc. - PhP 79 / 2pcs. - PhP 139

When the young owners of Clucky's invited me over, I know just the right person to bring - my dad! He is crazy about chicken making him a better judge than me ; p

How did Clucky's Mad for Chicken fair? Read after the break...

Home Improvement: Repotting Indoor Plants (Sansevieria)

I have not been online these past few days because I have been busy with my on and off hobby - repotting of indoor plants. I said on and off because I often neglected what I have started. Yeah, I'm that bad at taking care of our plants.

Anyway, these Sansevieria that you see here are actually the plants I have bought in 2010. See photo here to see how slowly they grow. Anyway, the plants were over-watered and my SIL who has a green thumb took these under her care. Now that it is healthy, I have repotted it and placed it in our living room.

this is the finish output of my indoor plant - Sansevieria

Ok, I am no feng shui expert but when I researched online about Sansevieria, I found this:

Some believe that having Sansevieria near children helps reduce coarseness, while others recommend placing pots near that toilet tank to counter the drain-down vibrations. 

Sansevieria is a very good choice for indoor plant because it thrives on warmth and bright light but it will also grow in the shaded part of your home. 

Tips:

• Do not over-water Sansevieria, it will rot
• Sansevieria needs to be repotted or split at the root from time to time because it can grow so large that they break the pot they are growing - SOURCE

CalChews - Four Before Forty (4 Before 40)

You might be wondering what the title of this blog post means. Well, I was tasked to list down four things that I want to accomplish before I turn forty years old. It's a few more years from now but it got me into thinking about my status in life right now.

photo source

Initially, I can't think of anything I want to do for myself. It dawned on me that I have more than enough and at this stage of my life, I'm happy and contented. I feel so blessed to have a close-knit family, a loving husband and this blog which allows me to express myself and reach out to my readers.

With that said, the list I made is in the hopes of touching lives of people, other than just my own. After all, what better way to live and enjoy life than to share your abundance with others, right?

Cynos Hair Fashion featuring Tinette Puyat, Hanz Olivar & Alex Carbonell

June 19, 2012

Cynos Inside Hair care

Highlights on Heroes

The Cynos Hair Fashio Show

Manila Diamond hotel

I have attended several fashion shows in the past like Philippine Fashion Week but I have never attended a hair fashion show. When I received an e-vite from Cynos, I got intrigued so I immediately said YES!

Cynos Inside Hair Care

I thought that models with various hairstyles and hair colors will strut the runway but I was wrong. Well, we did see that plus more! We were presented with a different kind of show that night by some of the well-known salon owners that we have today - Tinette Ozamis-Puyat, Hanz Olivar and Alex Carbonell. 

Read the rest of the story after the break....

Northeast Taiwan Private Tour: Jiufen (Jioufen / Chiufen)

Last Monday, I blogged about our private tour with our driver, Bill, in Yehliu Geopark where the Queen's Head is located. That was just the start of our 10 hour tour, he then drove us to Jiufen (九份) with a quick stop at these wonderful places like Yinyang Sea, Nanya Strange Rocks and Golden Waterfall. All of which are part of our Northeast Taiwan Tour. 

Nanya Strange Rocks photo by: DH

Nanya Strange Rocks are found in the northernmost spot of the Northeast Coast. It is said that the patterned stone of Nanya was formed by north-eastern seasonal wind and strong force of the sea. What adds to the beauty of Nanya Strange rocks is the striations of the stones which were brought about by the oxidation of the iron ore. 

Series 5 Slim from Samsung for only PhP 29,900

June 18, 2012

Convergence: Experience Innovative Affinity

Rigodon Ballroom

Manila Peninsula

Makati City

When Eric Sulit, Samsung's Business Unit Director for IT, announced a laptop that runs on AMD's Low Voltage A6 CPU with great graphics featuring 7660G discrete class graphics, it had me thinking - Should I make the switch since I could not take my eyes off the cute 13-inch hot pink laptop? That plus the fact that I have been with my MacBook for more than 5 years ; p

Samsung 13-inch Series 5 Slim PhP 29, 900

I am sure young professionals will be the first ones who will buy this unit because it is priced at only PhP 29,900. Samsung 13-inch Series 5 Slim is also available in Mocha Brown. 

Perfect for High Heels: Neat Feat Gel Forefoot Insole

You don't often see me wearing high heels. Why? Because my feet always feel uncomfortable. I don't know how other women manage to wear high heels all day. Thankfully, Neat Feat send over some samples of Femme Slimline. These are part of the Essential Footcare and everything is one size fits all!

 Gel Forefoot Insole for High Heels

The packaged arrived way before I went to Taiwan. Yeah, I know what you are thinking and you are right! I bought a pair of high heeled shoes just so I could test run these gel forefoot insole ; p

I am glad to report that the gel forefoot insole served its purpose. I attended a party two weeks ago, and I was comfortable the whole time. It clings to my shoes and my foot didn't slide. 

Does that mean I should go out and buy more high heel shoes???

Baked Cheesecake at The Cake Club in Bonifacio High Street

June 16, 2012

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel

Bonifacio High Street Central

7th Avenue

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Store Hours: 11: 00 am to 10: 00 pm

My friends and I seldom drive over to The Fort area for a night out because we are all from Quezon City (QC). Being all practical girls that we are, we always thought - Why go for so much trouble when QC has everything we needed wanted, right? WRONG. QC does not have The Cake Club. 

Baked Cheesecake from The Cake Club PhP 250

So, yes, we trooped over Bonifacio High Street Central one Saturday night. When it came to deciding where we should get our dessert, I remembered The Cake Club. It was recommended by the owner of Sariwon who can't stop raving about the Baked Cheesecake. 

It turned out The Cake Club's Baked Cheesecake is uber good! It's the cheesiest cake that I have ever tasted. In fact, it's on my list of favorite cheesecake already. 

Lab Series Simplified Skincare For Men

June 6, 2012

Lab Series Gentleman's Event

Manila B

Makati Shangri-La Hotel

This is not the first time that DH went with me in an event but this time it is different. Lab Series specifically stated in the invite that bloggers should bring along a partner / friend to try out their new skin care products for men. Naturally, I brought along DH. I don't know about my male readers but DH has basic skin care needs. Would you believe he just uses tap water to clean his face and that's it?!

Cell Turnover Skin Analyzer - upper cheek area

Anyway, he came along with an open mind and to find out the truth about his skin. The Lab Series expert tested his skin thrice - Cell Turnover, Oil / Sebum and Hydration / Firmness. 

Cell Turnover Result:

From A - C, his score: Low Score C

• Skin appears flaky and "rough"
• Natural exfoliation process has slowed down

Aack! For real?! Find out after the break what was recommended to him...

MrsMartinez visits Queen's Head in Yehliu Geopark

May 15, 2012

Day 3

Queen's Head

Yehliu Geopark

Taiwan

Entrance fee: NT$ 50 (PhP 75)

Open: 8: 00 am to 5: 00 pm

Bear with me as I make every Monday's blog entry dedicated to my Taiwan trip last May. If I didn't do it this way, I won't be able to finish what I started. 

In the numerous times that I visited Taiwan, DH and I have not go out beyond Taipei. For this trip, I emailed a freelance driver named Bill who was referred by my cousin to drive us in the outskirts of Taipei - Yehliu, Chiufen and Shifen. Details of this trip and how much it costs will be at the end of this post.

man-made Queen's head

This is not the original Queen's Head, all right! We found this structure near the entrance.
The real Queen's Head has lines longer than Uniqlo SM Mall Of Asia opening ; p

Yehliu is home to natural, sedimentary rock formations.

Sedimentary - Geology of rock that has formed from sediment deposited by water or air