Mango.com 3

Look what the mailman brought today (well, actually a few weeks back...delayed post :-) )!  My Mango.com orders!  After ordering at Mango.com for the second time, I really can't forget the black sandals I saw on their site. 


The sandal I can't forget

After a few weeks of thinking it over, I finally decided to buy it.  But I can't buy it on its own because I want to get free shipping, so I decided to buy 1 more pair of shoes and a shirt from the sale items. 

My loot

These are the 2 pairs of shoes that I bought.


So far, I'm happy with the performance of these shoes.  I've worn them a couple of times already and they are really comfy.

I guess this is the last of my Mango.com buying for now.  I can't spend P 6,000 every time I log on to their online store.  Haaaay....Ipon muna bago gumastos.  But I think these shoes are worth it.

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading!  Have a great one!

Crowne Plaza

Hi everyone!  It's another hotel review for tonight.  A few nights ago, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a work-related event.  This was actually my second time to stay at the Crowne Plaza.  The best thing about this hotel is that it is connected to the Robinson's Galleria.  And during the night that I was there, it was the midnight sale.  Oh goody!  I was able to attend the event and shopped for sale items before retiring to bed.  What a great way to spend the night and end the day.

Back to the hotel, the room was spacious, clean and well-appointed.

Nice room but the TV is a little small.

Shower area (Surprise! That's my reflection.)

I actually want one of these shower benches in my own shower.

The view from my room...

All in all, it was a good stay.  For less than Php 5000/night, not bad for the room, service and breakfast for 2.  If you are looking for a hotel in the Ortigas area, try Crowne Plaza.

Good night everyone!  Thanks for dropping by!

Bacardi Mojito

What do you get if you mix ready-to-drink Bacardi Mojito, Sprite, and ice? A very yummy drink! Try it, you'll like it. Drink moderately, though.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Burlington Stockings

Has this ever happened to you?  A run in your stockings!  Grrrr...

Okay, here's the story.  I took these babies out for a spin for the first time.

As you can see, these shoes are not foot-friendly (especially for someone like me who has a big entrada --- the width of my feet are kindda big for my foot length).  It doesn't pinch my toes but it did create a big lesion on the bone at the base of my big toe.  And with 5-inch heels, it did not do any good to my foot width.  So, after 2 hours of using it, I couldn't take the pain in my spontaneously formed bunion (well, I call the inflammation of the bone at the base of my big toe as such).  I decided to channel Kate Middleton and bought myself a spanking new pair of stockings.  I just wanted to cover my feet and protect it from the shoes above.  Haaay...tiis ganda...

I was in a hurry and I had to put on these stockings inside my parked car.  Lo and behold, I created a run in my stockings!  How can that be?  How can that happen?!  These stockings were new and I was very gentle in handling them.  Then I saw the culprit...

I was wearing this ring when I was putting on the stockings.  This ring may have snagged the delicate garment.  Grrrrr!  P 99.75 out the window.  Sayang.  :-(

Lesson learned.  Never put on stockings with your ring on.

The End.

Verdict on the Aldo shoes: these shoes really does wonders to the legs (probably due to the height of the heels).  However, it will murder your feet.  :-(  I got it on sale for P 2,500.  I'll try to wear it again some other time (just because it costs so much I couldn't just wear it once).  I hope the other times I get to wear it, my feet will not complain.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for dropping by!

StriVectin

Hi everyone!  Let me share with you my StriVectin experience.  I purchased this StriVectin set via strawberrynet.com.  I was doing a search on good anti-aging creams and I chanced upon the StriVectin line.  Apparently, StriVectin was formulated to remove stretch marks, however, they found out that it has anti-wrinkle properties.  I was intrigued with the product, so I tried searching online on where I could buy it.  StriVectin is available in Rustan's stores.  I immediately went to my nearest Rustan's store (Alabang branch) and asked for it.  Poor me, the StriVectin products were being pulled out of their store (that day, no less!).  But they told me that it is still available in Rustan's Makati.  Buhooo, I don't want to go to Makati...I'm allergic to traffic.  :-(  So, I ended up ordering from strawberry net.com.

The purchase from the strawberrynet website was straightforward.  The problem is, I have to get the product from the post office and pay additional taxes.  That was a huge turn-off.  But, I had to try StriVectin, so I grudgingly complied with these set-backs.  So, anyways, I was able to get my StriVectin products last January 3, 2013.  So, since January 3, 2013, I had been using the product daily, once or twice a day (mostly once a day).  After using it for 2.5 months, here is my verdict.

The set consists of the following: (1) night serum (17.75 ml); (2) eye cream (15 ml); and (3) stretch marks remover that is good for face and body (50 ml).  I paid around P 5,000 for product (free shipping) and taxes.  I still have a small amount of eye cream and maybe more than 1/4 amount of the stretch marks remover left.  So, bottom line is, the product is cost-effective.  It lasts for a long time.  But does it really deliver what it claims to do?

Let it me break it down to you product by product.

1. Let's start with the Overnight facial resurfacing serum.  

According to the press release: "It is a multi-tasking, renewal serum that works overnight while you sleep to gently dissolve surface imperfections, minimize the appearance of large pores, even skin tone and improve the overall health of the skin for a smoother, younger-looking, more vibrant complexion."

My verdict: First off, I didn't seem to notice any changes in my skin after 2.5 months of using this product.  Secondly, by the end of my use (which was consumption of 7/8 of the serum), the glass dropper that came with it broke (it fell off the dropper bulb and shattered on the sink).  For me, this product did not deliver what it was supposed to do, based on their press release.  I will not purchase this product again.

2. Eye cream

According to the press release: "It is a multi-dimensional eye cream targeting crow's feet, dark circles and puffiness around the eyes."

My verdict: I'm 33 years old and I have a little bit of crow's feet in the sides of my eyes.  I also have allergic rhinitis, hence my allergic shiner (black circles under my eyes...not really eye bags but more of the dark circles).  Even if I sleep early or take in lots of fluids, these little buggers (dark circles/allergic shiners) will not budge.  This product did not reduce my crow's feet (not even minimally decrease it), but it did in fact slightly lighten the dark circles under my eyes.  I really have high hopes for StriVectin, but alas, I will not buy this product again.

3. SD Stretch Marks Remover

According to the press release: "Supercharged wrinkle fighter with hydrating properties dramatically diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, from fine lines to deep creases (stretch marks, too!)

My verdict: I have stretch marks in my thighs.  Ugly white stretch marks that look like worms.  After 2.5 months of using the StriVectin SD stretch marks remover, I'm sorry to say that it did not really work.  Not even one tiny bit.  My stretch marks look the same as before I used this product.  As with all the other StriVectin products that I tried, this is also an epic fail.  Haaaay...

FINAL VERDICT for StriVectin: I will not use this again.  I'm thinking of buying something from Dermalogica because I have read good reviews on the web and it is easy for me to purchase (it's available in the Rustan's Department Store near my residence).  My only requirement is that it should have retinyl palmitate, retinol or something along that line.  According to my dermatologist friends, the only true anti-wrinkle substance is one that has tretinoin or its derivatives in it.  My skin can't tolerate tretinoin even the smallest dose given on alternate days.  So, I'll settle with anti-wrinkle products that has retinol or the lower forms of tretinoin.

As for stretch marks, I'll live with it.  I won't stress about those white wormy lines anymore.  I love me for me...the goal is just to try to preserve the "me" I love.  He he he. ;-)

I'll update you next time once I have tried the Dermalogica product I will buy.  I'll have to try it for 1-2 months before I give my verdict.

Thanks for dropping by!  Talk to you later.  Have a great one!

Mango.com 2

Guess what came in the mail today (well, actually, it came last Thursday)?  My Mango.com order!  Yipee!  This is my second time to order at Mango.com (read about my first experience here).  I had a pleasant experience in the first one, so I thought I might as well try it again.  I ordered last March 1, 2013 and paid for my purchases on the same day (thru credit card).  I got my stuff March 7, 2013.  It was a hassle-free transaction.  I know we have lots of Mango shops here in the Philippines, but I really like the thrill of getting stuff via mail.  So, here it is, my Mango.com loot...

The box

All the contents

I got 12 items from their online store.  My total was a little more than Php 6000 (minimum of Php 6000 to get free shipping).  I mostly got shirts and dresses, and all items were from the sale list.  All of them fit me quite well.  The only problem was the 2 belts that I got that didn't fit me.  I have a 28-inch waistline, and apparently, a medium is too big for me.  The belts were too large for me and I can't make a new hole because of their materials and designs.  I can actually return or exchange the items that I don't like (they gave me instructions to send items to their office in Bicutan), however, I don't want the hassle.  I'll just give away the belts as gifts.

The 2 dresses I got were size small.  They fit me like a glove.  I now know my true size in Mango (in my first shopping experience, I got medium sizes...it was a little too big, but I can work with it...I just need a belt...but 1 dress I had to give to my sister...she fits better in it).  The cream shirt dress was of good quality.  For Php 695, I think it's a good deal.  It says in the list Mango gave me that 98% of the dress is made of cotton while 2% is elastane.  The style is actually not fashion-forward, but I see myself wearing this piece multiple times for work and for casual days.

This brown wool dress is soft and the material is thin.  It is actually see-through, so I plan to wear it with a slip underneath.  This dress is composed of 50% wool and 50% acrylic.  Again, another fashion-safe dress...I think this will also be a staple in my wardrobe.

Next up, the shirts.  I think one can never have enough shirts.  Hi hi hi...The material of the shirts are flimsy.  It's very sheer.  According to the list, the shirts are made of 100% cotton.  For Php 295, I'll take it.

The sleeveless shirt is made of 100% linen (photo below).  Again, the material is sheer and the it is a tad big for me (even if the size is small).  But I can work with this.  I'll just wear a camisole underneath or maybe do a little bit of layering once the weather permits.  As for the long-sleeved shirt, it is made of 100% cotton and the color is a soft lilac (photo below).  I love the softness and the style of this shirt.  It will again be another staple in my closet.  However, the down-side with the lilac shirt is that there is no buttonhole in one of the straps that holds it up when you fold it.  I have a sewing machine with button-holer function...maybe it's a sign that I should learn how to use it.  I'll probably blog about that experience.  Stay tuned.  :-)

Linen sleeveless shirt

Long-sleeved shirt

Last of the shirts is this red and gray t-shirt.  The sleeves are folded and comes at 3/4 my arm.  It is made of 100% viscose.  The material is thin, hence it doesn't make you hot/warm when you wear it.  This is perfect even for our tropical weather.

The last of the clothing I bought was this navy blue pencil skirt.  The composition is 97% cotton and 3% elastane and it comes with a thin black belt.  It comes up above the knee.  I see myself wearing this during casual Fridays at work...and during Saturdays too (I work on Saturdays <insert sad face>).  The material of both the skirt and the belt are of good quality.  And for Php 695, I think it's a steal.

Finally, the accessories.  I bought 2 pieces of foulard.  I know we don't get to use it often here in the Philippines, but I think it's a good thing to have around.  These scarves are actually sheer and of thin material.  The list says that both foulards are 100% modal.  A quick Google search reveals that modal is a type of rayon.  These scarves are smooth and soft.  I'll probably use these when I travel, to combat the cold air conditioning inside airports and airplanes or when I watch a movie (you know how cold the movie house gets).

And the least favorite of my haul (just because I can't wear them)...the belts.  I love these belts, but alas, I can't wear them.  They are too big for me.  Well, my loss will be somebody else's gain as I plan to give these as gifts to those who will be able to wear it.

All in all, I was pleased with my Mango.com haul.  I can't wait to wear/use all of these.  I actually used the cream dress already and so far, so good.  It didn't cause any problems for me.

Well, that's it for now.  I hope to show you how these clothes fit me.  Maybe in another blog post.

Thanks for dropping by!  I hope to talk to you soon.

Tea Review

Hi everyone!  It's another drinks review.  But for this blog post, we will talk about 3 cold tea drinks.  I have an affinity with tea.  I was previously a coffee drinker, however, due to my persistent gastric hyperacidity, I cannot take coffee regularly anymore <sigh>.  Well, I think it's a blessing in disguise for me.  Since I can't drink coffee, I was introduced to the whole new world of teas.  And so, my relationship with tea-drinking began.  I drink both cold and hot teas.  Cold teas during the day (when it's hot and humid) and hot teas at night (after dinner because it aids in my digestion).  For more than 2 years now, I have been trying different tea drinks, all of which I have liked so far.  Here are the 3 tea drinks up for review today...

1. Serenitea Green Apple Green Tea

The green apple flavor is a good combination to the green tea base. However, I'm really not a fan of the green tea taste in this drink.  Limit the sweetness to 25% and use black pearls (sago) for sinkers.  Although this drink is okay, I will not re-order this.

2. Chatime Grapefruit Tea Drink

I like this drink but I don't <3 it.  It's okay but I won't re-order it, though.  The grapefruit taste is both sour and a little bit bitter (just like the real grapefruit).  I didn't really taste the tea in it.  The grapefruit flavor overwhelmed the tea flavor in this drink.  I will not re-order this drink.

3. Serenitea Green Apple White Tea

This is the jackpot! Based on the first picture, you may have guessed that this is my favorite drink in this list (gauging from the 2/3 full container...I consumed 1/3 of it in the 20 steps it took from the store to the car...that's how good this drink is!). I tried the green apple flavor again, now with white tea base.  The combination is really really good.  Pair this drink with aloe vera sinkers and the drink becomes heavenly.  It is both satisfying and refreshing.  Again, limit the sweetness to 25% so that the drink doesn't become sugar on ice.

To all of you tea-drinkers out there and to those who would like to venture into drinking tea, I would recommend for you to try the Serenitea Green Apple in white tea drink with aloe vera sinkers. It's really good!

Thank you very much for dropping by!

Pico Sands Hotel

Welcome back everyone!  This is the second installment of my Pico de Loro stay.  This blog post will be all about the Pico Sands Hotel.  The Pico Sands Hotel is the hotel inside the Pico de Loro compound.  Opened in 2010, the hotel was of modern design and used muted colors.  The hotel was clean and felt new (well, it's relatively new).

The rooms were well-appointed and spacious.  Since I stayed here for free (thumbs up for freebies!!!), I wasn't aware of the cost per night.  A quick search in the web revealed that the going rate for hotel rooms at Pico Sands is 6000+/night.  Not bad for the facilities it offers and the buffet breakfast that comes with it.

Our room had 2 queen-sized beds.

The cabinets

The TV area

The mini bar

The toilet

The only problem with the room that I stayed in, was that the air-conditioning unit did not reach the temperature we set.  Our room had a split-type air con unit and it reached up to 23 degrees Celsius only.  The outside temperature was around 30 degrees and the blanket was in a form of a thick duvet.  We needed to bring down the temperature to make the room cooler and to make sleeping on the bed a comfortable one.  However, the air con unit had a different mind set.  Aside from not going to the temperature we set, it also created a very loud mechanical noise.  It was very hard to sleep in a warm and noisy room.  :-(  I think the air con unit in our room was really malfunctioning.  I asked the others in our group and they said their air con was fine.  But aside from this minor mishap, my stay at Pico Sands Hotel was good.

All rooms had verandas with sitting area.  I wasn't able to take pictures, though.

The hallway

The hallway opens down below.

View from our room

The staff was courteous and accommodating.  The food was good (I had the chance to eat at their restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner).  Nothing fancy, though, just regular Filipino dishes.  The price point was very affordable.

All in all, I had a wonderful stay at Pico Sands Hotel (minus the malfunctioning air con unit, though).  I highly recommend staying at the hotel for a weekend of fun and relaxation, away from the city.

That's all for today.  Tune in next time for another dose of Real Products...Real Experiences!  Thanks for dropping by!