The SL House & Garden Group Annual Awards 2010/2011 nominations for [MAGIC NOOK]!

I'm very proud to say [MAGIC NOOK] has been nominated for The SL House & Garden Group Annual Awards 2010/2011 in two categories: Best Freebie/Gift of 2010 and Your Favorite Shop To Visit (best decorated) Of 2010.



It's truly magic to see my store among so many fantastic nominees. Thank you!

If you'd like to vote for [MAGIC NOOK] to win in the two categories, you can cast your vote here:
http://slhouseandgarden.wufoo.com/forms/sl-house-garden-group-annual-awards-20102011/

A huge thanks to those of you who already voted for the nominations and to those who will be voting for [MAGIC NOOK] in the online survey. Every vote means a lot to me!

The winners will be announced on December 5th. May the best designers win!

Ready or Not....

Ready or Not....here she comes!

Happy wrapping!

Happy baking!


Happy Holly Days
to All!!!
~

Be Merry. Be Jolly. Be Calm.
Stay Beautiful!
~~
OXO's
~~
~~~
~
fin


photo credits
1. tumblr. 2 marley & lockyer 3. such pretty things 4. this is glamorous

MY PERFUME COLLECTION

Coco Chanel said that a woman should wear perfume if she wants to make a lasting impression. And this quote just warrants my obsession for perfumes! Seriously, I am into perfumes right now. I've realized that my stash is overflowing with lippies, and it's time to turn my attention to one of my loves: PERFUME.

My collection is growing, though it might be incomparable to some. But I am so proud and happy with my babies!

Here's a panoramic view of my collection. I would be needing more storage space for my babies in our new house!

I've categorized the perfumes based on "What I feel like wearing" and "What I'm feeling" categories. As we all know, we would always describe the perfumes we want to try in vague descriptions like "Something that doesn't smell like perfume" or "Something Sexy, but simple", and etcetera. And I hope this entry will help!

WHEN I DON'T WANT TO SMELL LIKE PERFUME...

ACCA KAPPA MUSCHO BIANCO- Its crisp, clean scent will remind you of the light, and fragrant aroma of white flowers in bloom. It brings you back to the moment where you get the first whiff of spring. It smells fresh and relaxing. It's good for hubby's use too!

PTISENBON GIVENCHY TARTINE ET CHOCOLAT- When I'm feeling playful, I spritz this on. It just reminds me of my childhood days where I used to frolic and play, and at the end of the day, I'd smell this particular scent on my bathed body. Oh how I miss my childhood!

CLEAN WARM COTTON- Ah, the delicate and warm scent of freshly pressed blankets reminds me of home. When I'm away from home, this scent makes me miss my room so much, therefore making me long for my house more. And you never thought that detergent and fabric conditioner would make lovely music together as a perfume!

CLEAN SHOWER FRESH EDP- Definitely, this is the Clean scent that tops my list! Soap was reintroduced in a whole new level. It smells sudsy, fresh, and CLEAN! It reminds me of my favorite foaming bath soap by Rugrats. :)

WHEN I WANT TO BE SWEET, FLIRTY, AND JOYFUL...

JEANNE BY LANVIN EDP- My go- to scent because it fits my standards for perfumes. Sweet, light, and fresh. Not too overpowering, but still leaves a lasting impression.

ANNA SUI SECRET WISH EDT- Though it smells like D&G, Secret Wish has an allure of its own. It smells sweeter and less acidic than D&G. And it settles to a light- hearted floral that smells refreshing, according to those who got a whiff of this scent on me.

WHEN I WANT TO BE IN A ROMANTIC MOOD...

HUGO BOSS XX EDT- Hugo Boss, for me, has some of the best- smelling strong floral perfumes. The notes are strong, yet they are not irritating and are very wearable. XX puts me in a more grown up mood whenever I'm wearing this scent.

RALPH LAUREN ALWAYS YOURS EDP- It definitely puts you in a romantic mood. Thanks to the lingering fresh rose note. FYI, Rose- scented perfumes puts you in a romantic and sensual mood.

JO MALONE NECTARINE BLOSSOM HONEY COLOGNE- I have yet to review this one. Just a gist of my review: This unique- smelling scent suits a woman! It smells light, and the honey note gives this a bit sweetness, which makes the entire scent great.

WHEN I'M FEELING SEDUCTIVE, WOMANLY, AND SEXY...

HELENE RANCE- One of the rarest perfumes that I have. A bit of history. Helene Rance Parfums Paris used to manufacture perfumes for the family of Napoleon Bonaparte. And this classic scent has a classic- looking bottle to complete the vintage allure of this perfume! Review for this one coming up as well.

LOLITA LEMPICKA EDP- The seductive, mysterious, yet simple muse that is Lolita. Whenever the Lolita in me wants to be unleashed, I reach for this.

CHANEL N5 EDP- The classic all- time favorite. It is one of the perfumes that defined elegance and style. It's good to own a statement piece. If I were to describe this scent, it would only be in one word: ELEGANT.

THERE GOES MY POST! HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SCENTS?

BANGKOK HAULS

Sorry for being MIA. Just been very busy (and depressed), this week.

Panpuri Come Clean massage oil, which smells so divine, Infecto Coconut oil hand and nail cream, and leg and body polish, my favorite citric essentials body wash by boots, and finally, JO MALONE!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

LOOK OF THE DAY: VINTAGE

These are pictures from CYRANO: ISANG SARSWELA pictorial.

I am going to play Roxanne, the love interest of Cyrano and Christian.

The play tackles unrequited love, lost love through ideals, and the glorious past that we have forgotten.

Please listen to the video from youtube that I have posted below. We also included one of our songs, "IKAW". I was singing the aria in the song! :)

Hope you guys can watch. :)

Anyway, here are my most favorite pictures. :)

How I wish I lived during the 20's and 40's :)

NEW BABY :)

Finally, I HAVE A NEW PHONE!

SANTA, YOU HAVE BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME. THANK YOU GOD FOR SANTA! :)

DULAANG ROC- UAP PRESENTS: CYRANO: ISANG SARSWELA

"Ikaw"

Written by William Elvin Manzano

Arrangement by Happy Days Ahead;

Violin by Keifer Cabugao

Performed by Nicco Manalo & Martha Sta. Barbara

***

Dulaang ROC and TALINHAGA Theatre Collaborative transform Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" into a new sarsuwela!

CYRANO is about a young man's bravery, love for country, unflinching virtues and the power of love. Now set in the Philippines, specifically in the 1940s, the play employs Filipino themes, conditions and history. From innocence, it traverses the turbulent years of war, to a time of change and forgotten memories.

CYRANO is definitely a play of laughter, tears and panache!

Avatars in browsers

I'm a curious avatar. However, when I heard of SL Web Viewer, my first thought was 'what for?'. But after actually trying it, I see some possible uses.

Getting to try SL in a browser wasn't as easy as it seems. When I read the beta is open, I went to http://interest.secondlife.com/beta and meh - I wasn't qualified to test it.

Luckily, I am also a very persistent avatar :) I managed to access the web viewer with a little javascript code I found on New World Notes:

javascript:window.popup_shown=false;$('#guide .failure').hide();showSuccessPopup();
(thank you, SignpostMarv Martin!)

It works fast. Really fast. I'm impressed with Gaikai technology. Everything rez in time, the teleports are working properly, you can chat with other avatars - just as if you were logged in a regular viewer. It does have some limitations though: you don't have your inventory, your look is limited to pre-defined avatars, you can only teleport to locations from 'Destination Guide' and your name is simply Guest.








The controls and options you have are limited - generally, the web viewer can be used to explore and chat only. But, the overall experience is fun and you have to keep in mind this is only a beta, so things might change in future. If Linden Lab will continue to pursue the idea, that is. It's interesting though: imagine embedding a location from SL on your website, so that visitors can log in to your events, meet with SL residents at your venue, and maybe register for regular Second Life if they like the experience, since SL sends a 'There's more to explore!' e-mail after each use of SL Web Viewer.





I'm certainly hoping to hear more on the topic of web based SL in future.

SEPHORA HAULS

My hauls from Singapore. :)

Helene EDP, which is a known French brand. History has it that Helene used to create perfumes for the family of Napoleon Bonaparte. I also have a travel- sized Clean edp in shower fresh. My well- loved scent of Clean! :)

A couple of hauls from Singapore. Bare Minerals i.d. complexion starter kit, 2 pcs. sephora mattifying compact powder foundaton, crabtree and evelyn rose bath and body care travel set, and ysl rouge pur couture (which is heaven!!!)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! :)

A Weekend to Harvest

I will harvest our Holiday Banquet this weekend...

My family will gather together very soon~
It will be a first time in a very long time... I Absolutely can not wait to see everyone together!!

XO

Happy Weekend my most darling ones!

fin

Photos from Linen & Lavendar Blogspot/Marie Claire Maison

One Big Beautiful Tapestry

English socks, shoes and French buckles,

mid 18th centuryCollection of the Bata Shoe Museum

On my trips to France I truly and often

think of so many of you.

The posts that some of you have shared,

have honestly reformed me.

You have all given me so much~

The Little Balloonist by Ingrid MidaBookwork Sculpture 2009

One of you especially comes to mind when

I'm walking down rue Saint-Paul, in Paris.

Your inspriration continues to unfold in me.

Do you know Ingrid from

Fashion Is My Muse?

She is an Amazing Writer & Artist.

Her work comes from within, from her teachers far far away.

She works her hands with the details of

many Centuries ago~

This year with Ingrid close at thought,

I shot these images of

ancient bookwork bibles

to show her and share with you.

They remind me of Ingrid's passionate talent.

They have sat in this same window for the last six years

and are 400 years old~

The first year I saw them

I went in to ask the price....

They were over 5000 euros~

So instead of owning one,

I admire them year after year

as this magnificent window display~

{one of the things I love about Paris is some things never change.}

The funny thing is:
The other day I got a surprise from my friend Ingrid that I am the Happy happiest winner of her Anniversary Giveaway!!

I won a copy of
Vicki Archers new book
French Essence!!!

{coincidentally what I was currently posting about!}

It always and will forever amaze me
what a Big Beautiful Web we all weave~
It is as intricate as a 17th Century tapestry.

A paper blouse in a Paris window I also shot with Ingrid's art close on mind.

Dearest Ingrid,
Winning Vicki Archers book on your
Anniversary giveaway is beyond rewarding to me and so unexplainable.
You asked for our favorite post of yours and why.
Mine was your bookwork art because of your
beautiful detail & talent. I told you it reminds me of
being in Paris.
You didn't know I had just taken these images for you!
&
I didn't know I was going to win the contest
based on my comment of these images!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With all my love,

Janet

Thank you Everyone that is part of this Rich Beautiful Tapestry we have weaved and continue to spin together~

Biggest Hugs!

XOXO's

fin

images 1 & 2 Ingrid Mida/Fashion is my Muse images 3,4,5,6,7 & 8 Janet Solomon/FrenchBlue

WACOAL SORCIAGE: IT'S HIP TO BE YOU- NIQUE

When you think of Wacoal, an image of your mom or elder sister instantly pops into your head. Because Wacoal equals mature and serious designs.

In 2007, Wacoal introduced the Sorciage line to the Philippine lingerie market. And Sorciage was able to open the doors of Wacoal to the youth. Wacoal takes women seriously, but it doesn’t mean that serious can’t been fun and funky.

I was so excited when Trixie of Nuffnang contacted me and asked me to do an advertorial for Wacoal along with three other bloggers (whose names I forgot. I’m so sorry! :p). The meeting was set on a Monday in Makati.

Let me muse on my first- ever sponsored post courtesy of Wacoal.

Before the whole thing started, we kicked off the meeting with a feast of yummy dishes from Piadina. I am eternally on a diet, but I wasn’t able to resist the mouthwatering mini calzones, pizza, pasta, and the heavenly cheesecake! I just told myself that I’ll work out like hell the next day.

The meeting was short and sweet. The Sorciage line was introduced, the designs that are bound to come out were introduced, and we had a primer on the “right way to wear a bra” (which happens to be my most favourite part in the meeting).

We walked home with a full stomach and with a bag loaded with freebies of our choice.

Let me show you what I got:

Goodies from Wacoal

A black lace bandeau bra and underwear terno. Style is called Popstar Viva Vida (Spring/Summer collection).

A convertible blue with black lace detail bra and underwear terno. Style is called Dancin’ Diana (Autumn/Winter collection).

My free sets with the Sorciage catalogue.

The Sorciage line is all about uniqueness in style. The line believes that every girl is uniquely beautiful in their own different ways. Sorciage is inspired by music and art, which is very relevant to girls and women, young and old alike. Art and music are ways to express one’s own individuality, and that’s what Sorciage is all about. Every style is inspired by the different unique personalities of every girl, so it’s impossible not to find a pair that will match your taste!

I personally believe that whatever makes you feel good inside and out, do it. And when it comes to clothing, it is also important that every piece helps you pull your look together, therefore making you more confident in whatever clothing you’re in. It feels uneasy if your bra straps are falling, or if your underwear just can’t resist going inside your butt. It just destroys your confidence, and it can lead you to ungracious situations (e.g. being caught fixing your wedgie). You could also be a victim of your own lingerie! (e.g. exposed butt cracks, cup marks on your breasts, ungodly sightings of “bacon garters” peeping out of your pants). I tell you, you wouldn’t want people seeing these, most especially your date!

Sorciage is specifically cut to fit Asian women. And that means perfect fit and the right size. I’ve worn these for a week and I must say that the panties stayed put, and the bras perfectly support my bust without feeling too tight and too loose. Price tag may be a bit hefty, but the undeniable comfort and great quality is what you pay for when you buy your innerwear from Wacoal. The material of the bra is great, and the stitching on every corner is expertly done so your Wacoal bra will last you for almost a lifetime. No sagging, no loose stitches, and no shrinking. And did I mention that the Sorciage line has pretty designs that are sure to match every girl’s funky personality? The designs are so pretty, you can even wear the bras and undies on its own!

My personal favourite is the Popstar Viva Vida. It’s such an innovative bandeau. Usually, bandeaus don’t give you enough support as compared to wearing a bra, but you need ‘em to cover your babies if you’re wearing a top with a low neckline Popstar Viva Vida is a combination of the two. Don’t shy away from wearing v- necks, scoop neckline tops, and sheer tops because this bandeau covers your babies, whilst still providing comfortable support. And this brandeau doesn’t fall off (which is the case for most bandeaus).

As you can see, Sorciage’s line is all about embellished bras and undies. Some might feel intimidated in wearing them because the laces, embellishments, and designs might show up under basic clothing, which is quite unfashionable. Fret not! You can play with Sorciage’s designs! For example, if you’re wearing a tube, you can wear the strap on, because every strap is stylish enough to be part of your clothing. Or if you’re wearing racerbacks or tanks, the embellished straps are unusual yet funky additions on your shoulders. My friends saw me in my Dancin’ Diana pair and they commented on the pretty straps of the bra. Sorciage also has basic styles for girls who like it plain and simple. The line has t- shirt bras, bandeaus, and plain underwear in basic colors. So whether you like it simple or funky, Sorciage has everything to offer!

If you’re a lingerie freak or simply just looking for a nice pair of bra and underwear, check out Sorciage. The price you pay is practical considering that Wacoal is a good brand. If we can afford to spend so we can look good on the outside, might as well make an effort in looking good on the inside! As the saying goes, everything starts from within. And feeling good is feeling beautiful inside and out.

There goes my post! The rest of the entry will show you pictures from the meeting.

L-R: Rockbabe Roxanne, Popstar Viva Vida, and Rockbabe Roxanne sleepwear set

Candies! :)

Rockbabe Roxanne pair and promotional picture used for the tarp

Blogger peeps!

Personal notes:

*To the three bloggers, I am sorry for my poor memory. I can’t remember all your names! But I had a great time choosing freebies, chatting a bit, and pigging out with you. I hope to see you all again soon.

* To the Nuffnang team, thank you so much for trusting me and for giving me this opportunity to experience Wacoal. Now I want more of their designs! Cheers Trixie!

*To the Wacoal team, thank you for being nice, sweet, and amiable to me and my fellow bloggers. Your products are swell! See you soon, and I hope you like my post!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE (DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION)

Here's an initial review on MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE FROM THE DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION

PRICE: 1000PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: MAC, GLORIETTA 4, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC SHANGRI- LA, MANDALUYONG CITY; MAC POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL; MAC DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES, PARANAQUE CITY; MAC MARIONNAUD, SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY CITY

THE VERDICT:

Of all of my lemmings from the VV collection by MAC, this is what I only got. This shade of lipstick is so unique, that I'll regret it if I pass up on it.

Toxic Tale is part of the collection featuring the Evil Stepmother from Snow White.

The Disney collection's price per product was hiked up just a bit. So instead of paying for the usual 950php for a lippie, I paid 1000php. I guess we have to pay for the Disney rights too, huh? :)))

Moving on.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" Oh, Evil Stepmother, you're my most favorite villain of all time! The meanest and the vainest villain I've encountered. She should've started her own beauty blog too (if blogging existed in their kingdom). LOL!

I just love the simple picture of the Evil Stepmother on the cheap shiny plastic tube (I didn't like the look of the tube!). It also makes this easier to spot in my make- up train case because her picture serves as a marker.

Toxic Tale's intensity and shade varies, depending on the color of the skin tone of the person wearing it. I've noticed that, it looked red/coral on girls with fair complexion, and it looked bright coral on girls with medium to dark complexion. So I can't really say that it's just a plain bright coral lipstick with no undertones whatsoever (because that's how the shade came out on me).

Regarding the consistency, Toxic Tale provides a smooth, opaque finish that lasts long. It even leaves a hint of coral on the lips even if the lipstick is completely wiped off. Staying power is very good. Albeit, some girls may need to apply lip balm underneath the lipstick, as this lipstick can be a bit drying.

Here's moi wearing the lipstick. I am sorry for the informal sleeping clothes! I was about to sleep, but I jumped out of bed and decided to play with my new lipstick. :)

This color will definitely brighten up a dull face, and will definitely add a pop of color to an almost bare- looking face. And I can also see myself wearing this more often in the summer months during beach time! And this shade of coral also makes teeth look white!

CHRISTMAS HAULS

Baby You Were Born to Run

Above photo is Vicki's daughter.

Image from the New French Essence book.

There is no better time than

Right Now

to start running!!!

Vicki Archer's new book, French Essence

has just arrived in the U.S.!!!

Vicki Archer was born in Australia and now lives in the South of France in Provence. Our blogging friend continues to inspire me daily with her words, her life & her photographs. I treasure her first book My French Life. Her newest book French Essence is finally here! The photography by Carla Coulson is So Beautiful! I know this book will be on all of our Christmas lists this year!

Congratulations Vicki on your accomplished Jewel!

Thank you for sharing your Family, your "Favourites",

your Home, your Loves

&

The Essence of You!

The French Circus

Whimsical & Romantic...



Personal & So very Inspirational.
A gift to us all~

Psssssss.....
If you really can't wait until Christmas
you can treat yourself
Here!


xxx's

fin