Xian Lim & Tippy Dos Santos for Aqua Fresco & Adore Fragrances

December 11, 2012

Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances Launching

Cerchio

76 Sct. Limbaga St.,

Quezon City

I attended the launching of Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances yesterday. It was another lucky day because I won an iPad mini! A big thanks to Ardent World Inc., the same company that brought to you Gluta-C Intense Whitening products. 

MrsMartinez with Tippy Dos Santos & Xian Lim

I was there around 11am and the venue was already packed. I was the only blogger until Michael Lim aka Fashion Pulis arrived.  

To know more about the fragrances plus more Ziam Lim photos plus giveaway, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Green Sproutlets Eco-Friendly Kids' Apparel

Since it's already December and I know most of you are rushing to make your Christmas purchases, I am posting a second Holiday Gift Guide this week ; p

This post is specially dedicated to all my readers who are addicted to online shopping. I have great news for you, Green Sproutlets is having an EXCLUSIVE holiday SALE over at Mothering Earthlings until December 31st only!

Green Sproutlets Boys Organic T-Shirt PhP 695 560

Green Sproutlets was inspired by a husband and wife team who felt the need to provide their daughter and other children who have sensitive skin with soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly clothing.

It uses only sustainable fabrics such as soy or hemp. Water-based ink was used for printing and low impact dyes. 

The Retro-Polka Collection

The Retro-Polka Collection is made of high-quality certified eco-friendly Viscose from Bamboo and certified 100% Organic Cotton.

I got another design- a girl's version of the organic t-shirt. It's very cute, you can view it after the break...

Gift Guide: QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities

A few months ago, QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities sent over a package containing Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder and one of its best-seller, Mighty Wallet- The Original Tyvek Wallet since 2005. I only wrote about it now because I was saving both items for my holiday Gift Guide feature.

First let me share with you the company's story...

QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities is your one-stop shop for unique gifts and novelty items. QUIRKS carry the weirdest and most functional items sourced from all over the world. It carries 15 brands imported from UK, USA, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.

 Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder PhP 650 ;

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania PhP 850

Dynomighty Design, makers of Mighty Wallet, is based in New York. It aims to create products which fit the urban lifestyle.

The Mighty Wallet is  made from a single folded sheet of a super strong microfiber material called Tyvek. Thousands of super fine plastic fibers are fused together to give the wallet incredible strength and durability. The super thin design has no stitching and instantly adjusts all its compartments to hold a lot or a little.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania is the first locally designed Mighty Wallet...woot! The design includes iconic landmarks such as Marikina (shoes), Malabon (pancit) and Manila (jeepney).

It is 100% recyclable with 25% of its material coming from recycled milk and water bottles. Best of all, it is tear-resistant and water-resistant with innovative expandable design.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania feature:

• 2 large pockets for cash and receipts
• 2 credit card pockets that expand to hold lots of cards
• 2 quick access business card pockets

I think this is a suitable gift to your co-worker who is an environmentalist and who values the quality of a product. Keep in mind that this is not a paper wallet, it's a Mighty Wallet!

Designer: Kasey Albano (Punchdrunk Panda)

For Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Baked Twinkles

Baked Twinkles
Made with Love and Happiness
09166590088

While I was out the whole afternoon, our helper received a bagful of baked goodies from Baked Twinkles. I excitedly unwrapped each of the four boxes found inside the bag. While taking photos, I could not contain myself from tasting the delicious treats inside! A sneak peek of what's inside the bag below...

 Baked Twinkles Low Sugar Apple-Walnut Cake with Oat Streusel PhP 700 set of 4 minis per order (PhP 175 each)

I decided to include Baked Twinkles in my Holiday Gift Guide because I love homemade goodies especially those that are not too sweet! Plus, the packaging is perfect for the Christmas season ; )

Low Sugar Apple-Walnut Cake with Oat Streusel - chunks of apples and walnuts in moist cake that is low in sugar (coconut sugar) topped with oat streusel

Want to see what's inside the other boxes, read more after the break...

Gift Guide: Shiseido Camellia Compact

A few weeks ago, Shiseido sent over a package containing the most coveted item from their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection - the Limited Edition Camellia Compact. Instead of just reviewing it, I decided to include it as one of the items on Gift Guide because this compact is perfect for women with exquisite taste in makeup.

Shiseido Camellia Compact 6.5 g (0.22 OZ.) PhP 1998

I know many women will love it as much as I do because the powder has a smooth, high quality texture, and its ingredients give it a velvety, dewy feeling during application.

To view Shiseido Camellia Compact swatches and how to apply it, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Starbucks Glass Water Bottle (White)

With All Saint's Day over, it's officially holiday season on my blog! I posted several Gift Guide entries last December 2011. This year, I am posting a month earlier to give you more ideas on what to give your loved ones and friends. I'm starting with this uber cool 16 fl. oz. white glass water bottle from Starbucks.

Starbucks Glass Water Bottle 16 oz. PhP 795

I first saw the Starbucks Glass Water Bottle from Kris of OCMomInManila when we both participated in the Amherst Plant Tour. She brought it with her during the tour. I thought it was expensive but she told me it was only less than PhP 1,000 and she has already bought two... wow!

Fast forward last long weekend, I visited Starbucks Trinoma and... voila! I found it hidden in the corner of the cabinet display, only 3 were left ; ( I quickly grabbed one. While lining in the cashier, I saw two ladies in front of me holding one glass water bottle each ; p

Glass: Made in Japan
Silicone Sleeve: Made in China

To get a closer look of the Starbucks Glass Water Bottle, read after the break....

I am in love with pureDKNY-a drop of Verbena

On my birthday, I received a wonderful gift from my friends at Aramis and Designer Fragrances (ADF), its pureDKNY-a drop of verbena. 

pureDKNY-verbena 50ml eau de parfum spray PhP3500

Verbena-Basil is a delicate herb when used as a fragrance gives off a hybrid scent-citrusy and lemon-like quality. 

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...

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. 

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.

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.

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub & Whitening Soap

This one is a long overdue post! I received a set of Asian Secrets products for review awhile back. I took the time out to test the product by combining whitening soap and the whitening body scrub.  

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub 250g PhP130

I used Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub with Seaweed Extract & Vitamin E pictured above left for over a month. I used it once a week not so much for its whitening property because I already have a fair complexion to begin with but more on exfoliation of dead skin cells. 

What is lulur?

A beauty treatment which originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia. It was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen and whiten her skin before the wedding day.

Bebe bag

I got this Bebe hobo bag as a present from my SIL who just got back from Canada. I have not use it though. I'm still thinking of the right outfit to go with this funky looking bag ;p

From Boracay with love...

I got this orange pearly shell necklace a week ago from my DB who went to Boracay for the very first time! Ain't he sweet?!

Travel Souvenir: Korean nail clipper and bottle opener

bottle opener when opened

This was a gift from my friend CKL when she went to Korea last December 2009 ; )

Fashionista: Barbie Toy cosmetic

She opened her gifts on Christmas morning ; ) I bought assorted Barbie toy cosmetic as gifts for the girls ages 3 and up. Geez, I can imagine the smile on their faces when they saw the make up kit as they open their gift lol

IMD and my gifts to her Barbie toy cosmetics PhP109.75

This is my fashionista niece, IMD, in her gray tutu ensemble. Look how she is showing off her made up face in front of the camera. How cute can she be!

Gift Ideas: Marks & Spencer Rockin Penguin Tin

by Marks & Spencer PhP350

I saw this cute Penguin Tin on display in Marks & Spencer in Shangri-la Plaza Mall last Friday. What's unique about this penguin is that after you finished eating the jelly candies inside, you can keep the penguin case and put it on display. Push it lightly and it bounces back and forth. Kids will surely love playing with it. And it's a perfect Christmas gift too!