Some Things Never Change....

Good-bye my friends~~

When I was little my parents

would say

with excitement....

"Today

we are going to

the Snow" !!

I cried.

I said NO!!

I didn't want to go.

It was cold.

It was far away from home.

It was like a Big White Monster to me.

Hat from Etsy Giant Dwarf

My mom would buy me a new hat

thinking this would help me feel better.

So guess what?

My husband just bought

me my new hat to help me feel better.

Because we are going to the snow!

I have been skiing for way too long

to still be a beginner.

But I am still a beginner.

I feel like a child,

cold & awkward.

I would always rather be at home...

I have learned to play in the snow,

find inspiration in my own

make believe world.

I found that when the sun is out

the snow sparkles like

White Glitter~

Sometimes it looks like sugar

on a BIG White Cake~

In the afternoon when the sun sets

the snow turns pink, powder blue

and sometimes lavender!!

Over time

I have learned to put a smile on my face

&

put my heart in places I don't always choose.

I have learned that my heart

is with my husband, even in the snow.

I love Mr. FB who

LOVES LOVES LOVES to ski.

He loves to ski

just like I LOVE to go to

Paris flea markets very early,

in the dark even.

He always gets me there.

So together we're off

to the snow!

~~~~

XOX's

~~~

fin

~~~

P.S. Shhhhhhh secret time...

To be really honest just between you & me,

I would much much rather stay

home with you and have hot earl gray tea

because

Some things never really do change...

I'll miss you all!!

Please think of me

when your HOME & WARM

and tell me I'll be ok...

Good-Bye :(

I'll see you next week.

~~~

My Dream Cabinet of Curiousities

Photo Deyrolle in Paris

This is my Dream Cabinet

of Curiosities!!

Photo from Fanciful Designs blog

If it were really mine,

I would sit here

all day

and look at it!!

Photo taken by Corey at Tongue in Cheek

My cabinet would house

old seashell collections

&

coral.

Things like these special little guys.

I LOVE old science bugs...

{very weird I know}

and especially ones

found in

France~

photo from Country French Antiques

I would fill it with old saints hands

&

Old French papers and documents~

Writing and words move me

like nothing else...

Photo by Corey at Tongue in Cheek

I would stack my

shelves with

French Blue Chocolat boxes

just like this one!

~~~

photo by Fanciful Designs

I would put stacks & stacks
of these
French Blue paper journals
handmade by
my
Noel using 18th C French Documents
at Fanciful Designs.

I would fill it with everything
I LOVE!



XO's


fin

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: IMJU FIBERWIG MASCARA

Here's an initial review on IMJU FIBERWIG MASCARA

PRICE: 800PHP
PLACE BOUGHT: ONLINE
OTHER LOCATIONS: DIRECT SELLERS VIA MULTIPLY, GIRLTALK AND EBAY


THE VERDICT:

At last, I finally have the much- raved mascara product of 2010. A lot of the girls in Girltalk have been going gaga over this wonder product because according to them, it has given them fluffy and voluminous lashes that look completely natural.

Here's the wand. Nothing special about it in my opinion, though I've read online that it claims that this wand is specifically made to precisely apply the mascara.

Here's my verdict on the wand. It didn't help at all. It gave me a hard time applying the mascara because the bristles are quite thin, so a lot of the mascara gunk directly gets in contact with the lashes, which can clump if you don't have a steady hand during application.

So part of the product's wonder is the small hair fibers in the gunk. I managed to take a few and show it to you guys in this picture. This reminded me of Model Co's eyebrow pencil with those hair fibers in it that looked pretty disgusting, but are quite effective.

THE ROAD- TESTING

Here are my lashes. Naked.

Here are my lashes with the mascara.

Part of the procedure is to take more fibers out of the tube so you could apply it on your lashes. Which to me, is completely questionable on how to do it. Surely, I get to scoop mascara gunk out of the tube. But the fibers are so small and thin, they blend completely with the gunk. Surely you can separate the fibers. But you have to do it manually. It's requires too much effort and there's no way I'm spending hours on doing that.

I would also consider the fact that the product is new, that's why I'm having a hard using it.

You have to let per coat dry up completely before putting on the next. And the effect, lengthened lashes. I was quite disappointed because I was looking for the volumizing effect. But I didn't see any of that. In fact, I saw those fibers splitting out in different directions which gave me those nasty looking lashes!

TOTAL MASCARA APPLICATION TIME: 20 MINUTES

It lasted all day though without streaking and running off of my lashes. At least that's a good thing.

Imju Fiberwig is just like any other normal mascara. Nothing so special about it. One con of this product is, it's overpriced by the resellers just because it's a hot product as of the moment. But when you get to try it, there's nothing really worth (re)purchasing about it.

While it worked for some, sad to say, it didn't work for me. I'm a mascara eater and a snob so I'm pretty sure this one's not really worth waiting for (if you pre- ordered from somewhere), or shelling out money on (if you find a seller who sells this for 1k and up). But to those who are giving this the benefit of the doubt, It's not bad to try one. Who knows? It might work for you. Especially if you have thick lashes, where the fibers can cling on steadily. But for people with sparse lashes like me, we're better off with Maybelline's colossal mascara or Max Factor's False Lash Effect Mascara.

THIS WEEK'S HAUL

Hello my avid readers! It's another great and hectic week for me.

Anyhoo, here are some of my hauls for this week. All came in two separate love packages. :)

Finally, I already bought myself a high- end jeans brand. The brand is Chip and Pepper, which is a favorite of some Hollywood stars like Mischa Barton and Jessica Simpson.

And the much- raved about mascara, the Imju Fiberwig is also part of my internet haul.

**MY TAKE ON IMJU FIBERWIG UP AHEAD!

New release: Study Hard! FREEBIE

Yay, I've finally put the promised FREEBIE at the shop! It's a study desk full of books, stationery, and of course a little snack, yum yum!



With the pack you get a set of cute, colourful pencils, which you can attach to your avatar or use as decor items! The pencils attach to mouth, but feel free to reattach them somewhere else - hands, ears, nose ;)





The desk comes with two 'studying hard' animations - male and female, so there is no excuse for not studying, guys! ;)



The freebie is a little thank you for my dear customers - it makes me happy that you enjoy my items and come back to buy more - so this time I'm giving you something nice for free :)

You will find the freebie at the back of the curtain in the store.

I've also put there the older freebie - 'Natural' modeling pose - so don't forget to take it once you're there!



I hope you all like the gift! :)

What Color is Heaven?

At times like this

I find myself asking

over and over again...

What Color is Heaven?

This is when I yearn to be alone.

I ponder.

I pray.

My obvious answer is white.

The color of purity & the clouds.

Then I think of Blue.

The color of the sky, the sea,

all of my babies eyes...

But is Heaven warm?

I ask.

Finally my answer comes

&

comforts me...

I remember a dream I once had.

My dream was more vivid

and more real than

LIFE!

All my senses were

ALIVE!

I realized when I woke up

I just visited

Heaven!

So my prayers,

being answered once again,

I know that Heaven is

Here and There.

There is no color at all

but at the same time,

it is all colors...

There is no door between us.

We are already there.

Heaven is wherever we are
that makes us
happy,
and yes warm~~

It is something like Magic.

It is somewhere within us...

So all of those Angels Here and in Haiti

who pass before us,

mothers, fathers, grandparents, all family,

friends

&

our precious babies

are truly still here with us.

We are all sharing the same space~

I wish you all
comfort & warmth
today!

XO

fin

photo 1 Rachel Ashwell, photo 2 Dustjacket Attic

photo 3 Chanel, photo 4 A Gift Wrapped Life

photo 5 Simone, photo 6 Wabi & Sabi

END OF THE WEEK'S HAUL

Hello dearies! :) Can't think of any introduction. I just simply wanna say, here's my haul for the week. :)

And here's a haul from Fully Booked. Fave purchase is the Michael Jackson CD. I'm such a die- hard fan. Dayum, how did I afford to miss the movie????

And here's a cute pouch bought by mom from egg. It's so sweet of her to think of me when she strolled around Megamall this morning.

And another product to review for you guys. :)

CIAO! HAVE A GREAT WEEK! :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: LEYENDE FACE CANVASS

Here's an initial review on LEYENDE FACE CANVASS

PRICE: 495PHP (MALL PRICE)
PLACE BOUGHT: FREE FROM A FRIEND
OTHER LOCATIONS: LEYENDE, TRINOMA; DIRECT SELLERS

THE VERDICT:

Sis Sydean of blogger and Girltalk gave me a sample jar of this face canvass. I actually thought that it was a lotion due to the sweet and buttery scent. I actually applied it on my knees and sis Sydean told me that it's actually a primer/moisturizer.

After using the product for the first time, I love how it kept my oilies at bay! It smelt so yummy, though some might find the scent too strong. I think it has mango butter, that's why it smelled a bit creamy and sweet.

Scent can linger but it's not too overwhelming. However, the scent is too strong so you'll even find yourself smelling the product on your fingers, skin, brushes, or on your face as well. Some might not like it, but I can tolerate it.

Once applied, it is absorbed quickly. It feels like a moisturizer but when you start blending it on your skin, it actually turns a bit dry and rubber-y, which is a characteristic of a face primer (comparable to the texture of my Kryolan Invisible Matte).

My face excreted oil, but I'm amazed how it was kept to a minimum, thanks to Leyende. It's almost at par with my Kryolan Invisible Matte!

The jar I got is quite big so the small one is from Beabi. I transferred some there so I could bring it with me anywhere.

I still use my Kiehl's ultra facial moisturizer because for some weird reason, my face routine feels incomplete without it. But I sometimes use Leyende on its own since it is also a moisturizer on days where I feel lazy to slather too much stuff on my face.

Will I buy this again? OF COURSE! But I doubt that I'll be buying in the next few months since the jar I have with me is toooo big and a little goes a long way! At last, I've found a cheap alternative to my Kryolan Invisible Matte! :)

THIS WEEK'S NECESSARY HAUL :)

Hello darlings! How's your weekend? Mine's pretty tough due to midterm exams, rehearsals and character work and my business venture on the side that I should look after, I must say that IT WAS A PRETTY TIRING WEEK!

Anyhoo, why is this post entitled the necessary haul? Well, I've bought the stuff that I REALLY REALLY REALLY. REALLY. NEED. No extra hauls like make- ups, clothes, etc. Just sticked to the shopping list. :)

Some necessary stuff: Spatula for creams, 40ml empty cream jar (where I can transfer some of my Leyende Face Canvass cream) and a small multi- purpose box for hubby where he can put all his supplements so he doesn't have to bring the big jars always. :)

And here's a pair of heeled bootie- style pumps for my play. I need a good pair of high heels. And this just feels so comfy to walk in so I got this over the pumps in People are People.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND LADIES! :)

TODAY'S LOVE PACKAGE

Here's my love package for today courtesy of sis Sydean

:)

Leyende Face canvass samples! I'm sooo loving it the first time she sent me a sample. :) The smell is strong yet I like it! :)

**REVIEWS AHEAD! :)

New release: cookie jars!

Newness at the shop! I made 2-prim cookie jars filled with delicious homemade cookies!







You can use the touch menu to select the cookie you want. There are nine types of cookies to choose from:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
• Peanut Butter Cookie
• Chocolate Walnut Cookie
• Lemon Cookie
• Apple Cinnamon Cookie
• Almond Cookie
• Sugar Cookie
• Double Chocolate Cookie

The cookies are scripted with 'eating a cookie' animation (with mouth expression!)

You can wear the jar - it is scripted with 'holding the jar' animation. It's fully functional when attached. The jar attaches to right forearm, but feel free to reattach it somewhere else (make a copy of the jar before doing so, just in case).

There are 7 colours, each cost 125L$, and you can get a fatpack for 495L$ (wee!). With the fatpack you will get a sculpted 1-prim shabby shelf and a bunch of linen doilies (which are available at the shop as single items too).

Come and get a cookie jar for yourself and your friends! ^^

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MISS DIOR CHERIE L'EAU EAU DE TOILETTE

Here’s an initial review on MISS DIOR CHERIE L’EAU

PRICE: 1300PHP (MY SELLING PRICE ALREADY)

PLACE BOUGHT: LE PERFUMERIE :)

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTANS MALLS

THE VERDICT:

I’ve been lemming so much for the original Miss Dior Cherie, but my supplier phased it out from their stocks already and started bringing in the newest look and formula of Miss Dior Cherie, which is L’eau. I asked and pleaded that they bring the old MDC back because it smelled sooo lovely!

I’ve fallen in love with Miss Dior Cherie upon trying it in Rustans. It’s the perfect marriage of floral and fruits in a perfume. Not too sweet and not too floral. I haven’t got the chance to try MDC L’Eau. My supplier told me that I should try the new one since its one of their best- sellers, and they only have a few stocks left. Since I’m loving Dior Perfumes as of the moment (I hope they have Miss Dior!), I got MDC L’Eau in lieu of the original MDC.

Let’s criticize the packaging. Packaging is very cute and feminine. It’s one of those stereotype bottles that you can find in dressers of uber feminine girls. And I don’t find it cheesy. I love everything girly. My only qualm about the packaging is the ribbon design. As much as I find it cute because it amps up the girly appeal of the bottle, I’m afraid that the edge of the ribbon design will snap if ever I accidentally sit or step on my bag.

Anyhoo, let’s now go to the actual product. A little bit of background: Miss Dior Cherie in 2005. Then it evolved into different formulations yet with the same packaging and iconic ribbon design:

Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Parfum 2005,

Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Toilette 2007,

Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Printemps 2008(limited edition),

Miss Dior Chérie Blooming Bouquet2008(exclusive aimed at the Asian market)

Miss Dior Cherie L'Eau 2009.

Vogue. UK describes MDC L’Eau as:

Miss Dior Chérie L'Eau as "a sparkling and distinctive floral scent blended with notes of tangy yet spicy bitter orange, Gardenia and white musks that aims to sum up the certain 'je ne sais quoi' of the ultimate French girl. Pretty in every detail - down to the bottle's iconic bow - this lighter, François Demachy-designed adaptation of the original perfectly fits a long-standing perfume brief from Christian Dior himself, "Faites-moi un parfum qui sente l'amour" (make me a fragrance which smells of love)."

If you’re game for cottony and powdery scents, then this is perfect for you! The first time I sprayed this on, it reminded me of clean, white sheets, white linen dress, and a lovely spring day overlooking the daffodil fields with the fresh wind blowing through the sheer curtains. It’s a clean scent that’s perfect for daywear. Although some might find this too strong at first because of the bitter orange extract. At first spray, you can smell the bitter orange accord, then after a few seconds, the gardenia starts to settle with the bitter orange scent, which I think is the strongest whiff that you’ll get from this scent. Then it fades off and finally settles to a powdery, floral, and musky scent that smells so clean, fresh, and youthful.

I’m not partial to powdery scents because they tend to smell like deodorant sometimes. But this just drew me in! It’s the perfect powder scented perfume. Doesn’t smell like cheap, supermarket baby powder at all.

Some say that this is the same as the old MDC but I beg to disagree. This smells musky and the former is more on the fruity side.

Will I buy this again? Of course! I might make this as my HG perfume next to Eclat D’ Arpege by Lanvin. It’s a break from the light floral scent. If I want something fresh, feminine, and young, I’ll spritz some of MDC L’Eau on. But I hope my supplier brings in the original MDC because it’s the only fruity perfume that I can stand and have loved. The original MDC is still on sale in Rustans but there’s no way I’m shelling 5k for a perfume. It’s too much! MDC L’Eau also retails at around 5k. Get the authentic Singapore original perfume version for 1300php only.

MY WEEKLY UPDATE ON MY SINGAPORE- MANUFACTURED PERFUMES TEST AND EXPERIMENTATION

UPDATE 1:

I’ve been testing the Singapore- manufactured perfumes lately before selling out in the market. I’ve been wearing Versace Bright Crystals for two weeks now. Hubby loves it so much. VBC actually retails at 4k+ in Rustans and is always out of stock. I brought my Singapore – manufactured perfume version of VBC to Rustans ATC and compared it with the “US- manufactured Versions” sold there (which is most of the time sold in boutiques in our country). There’s absolutely no difference at all! It smelled 99% exactly the same as the ones sold in malls! Why did I say 99%? Because the Singapore manufactured perfumes has lesser oil content as compared to the US- manufactured versions that’s why the US versions smell stronger. But in terms of smell, there’s completely no difference at all!

UPDATE 2:

VBC lasted at around half a day on me, which is the staying power of my Lanvin perfume.

UPDATE 3:

I’ve also brought Escada Moon Sparkle for Women in Rustans, Makati and again, smell is 99% exactly the same! Refer to the first update regarding why I said that it’s 99% exactly the same.

THERE YOU GO! WILL CONDUCT MORE TESTS BEFORE BRINGING THESE CHEAP TREASURES TO MY DEAR READERS AND AVID BUYERS!

BLACK HAULS FROM EBAY AND DIOR HAUL

Hello dearies, finally, I'm able to post my blogs before the week ends. I've been very busy with my play since the opening date is nearing and I'm quite busy on my business venture as well because my target opening is by February.

Anyhoo, here are some ebay hauls I've managed to score this week. And another Singapore- manufactured perfume that I'm testing and reviewing for y'all, which will be part of my perfume business. :) 

First love package at the start of the week.

It's a stretch little black dress from exquisitejoy of ebay. I purchased this for the sake of my play this coming February. The seller was also so kind to include a brown mini dress as a freebie and a funky pair of earrings.

Well actually, this is a long overdue purchase. Had this dress for like 3 weeks now. Finally, I was able to get my very own Lacoste Pique Shirt Dress in black. My lemming for the pique dress shirt is finally over. But if ever I had the chance to purchase one again, why not? :)

And here's another love package from twixerz of ebay.

And here's a F21 black halter top which I scored at 55php only from Ebay. YAY! :)

And at last! I have my own Miss Dior Cherie Perfume! It's not the original, but it smells equally nice too! :)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND LADIES!

A Morning After....

There is always....

A Morning After

the storm~

I can't wait to see

what treasures I find!

My blue blue ocean

has always given me amazing

Gifts from the Sea~

My whole life is inspired

by her~

Her words pound in my head,

~~like the waves~~

She inspires me,

my color palette, my design,

always whispering

what is real and what is not.

Where beauty really is...

and always reminding me of

constant change, movement

&

beautiful simple simplicity.

My treasure not yet found,

is a

~~real blue crab~~

There is such a thing you know!

I was told the storms may bring me one...

So I will be on the cold wet sand

looking for Mr. Blue this

weekend

for sure!

Have a special weekend my friends!

~~~~

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Find something

that is something

to you

but nothing to others....

It is good for the soul.

It's a secret from my friend,

the sea~

XOXO

fin

photo 1 atlanta bartlett

photo 2, 3, 4 google images
photo 5 from one of you beauties

please tell me who if you know!