Scribbles: For the Love of Writing and Cutie Patootie Stationery

HEART by Artistic Dreams by Abby Sy haul last year

I write for a living. 

It’s bloody different if I were just writing for myself and I were cursing in between pages of leather bound diaries because of how bad my day went. What if things turned out for the best? There would be a litany of gratitude that’s about two pages long. 

I’d like to think any person who still writes entries on a journal would react the same way. But-let’s go back to writing for a living.

I do. I write for a living. 

My adage is: If you need technical or creative outputs, call me. But I sure dang won’t complete your thesis for you-(edit, sure I could do that, spot grammatical errors and misspelled words, but don’t let me do all the writing for you, your thesis grade is something you have to earn). 

All my writing and brainstorming can sometimes get lost on pad paper. In fact, I’ve lost pad papers all over the place. 

This is where notebooks come in handy. I even plan my blog posts in notebooks and keep track of my writing assignments and meetings in notebooks. There’s the ever-present to-do list, structure of most reports I have to do (a concept note has a different format from that of an executive summary), and dates of meetings. 

With my need for stationery, I’ve decided to introduce a new feature section of my writing materials purchases which I do frequently. Allow me to tell you which gel pens are good, which post-it-notes do stick, and where to get cheap and cute notebooks, and useful executive gifts appropriate for professionals. School’s about to start next month, let’s also see how we can maximize a school supply budget for the kids, shall we? 

Stick with me, friends. Scribbles is the newest section here on Raisie Speaks. It’s birth is inspired by my need and love for writing and cutie patootie stationery. 

What’s your must-have writing instrument? Let me know!

#Win Wire Jewelry From Christine's Books and Baubles Giveaway!

  

The beauty of wearing handmade items is that you know it's unique, that nobody else has the same accessory because it's one of a kind.This is one reason why Raisie Speaks likes to support creatives like Ms. Christine Fabian-Ruste, a lady with the passion to turn beads and wires into inspired colors and forms. 

In Christine's Books and Baubles, there are also Argain Oil based beauty products and secondhand books for sale, (I'd go over there asap if I were you). That's not taking for granted the beautiful wire jewelry such as pendants, bracelets, rings and necklaces.My favorites are chunky beads and choker necklaces, as my Mom likes to call them, and varying hues of green, blue, pink and purple. You can choose your own favorites and you will be assured that owning a work of art handmade from Ms. Christine herself is surely affordable. 

The generous shop owner has also decided to give away some of her creations. But first, a look at the prizes:  

 

 

Prize A

The focus against the lilac beads is balanced out by the coral diagonal pendant on the charming bracelet. The three tone wire ring is a part of her New Year Collection and can be worn with a stack of silver rings to produce a layered look. 

The tangerine, emerald and metals bracelet is great when worn with a gray or brown shirt, complete the outfit by wearing complementing earrings and a ring making use of the same tangerine beads-great for summer and winter season!

Prize B

I don't think anyone has thought of combining colorful wooden beads and neutral beads to create a bracelet that has a character of its own, but Ms. Christine dared-and succeeded! Can't afford a sapphire? Not to worry, you can still sport this cute cut blue bead ring and see the way the light disperses- at least it's handmade!

Discs and rounds are the theme of the pink, red and disc bracelet, just the perfect pair to the red bead set in gold wire ring (a personal fave-shame I can't join my own giveaway). 

Hint: guys can still join and gift these prizes to their Moms, sisters, aunts and girlfriends or best friends.

There are two lucky winners for this particular giveaway, and if you happen to be one of them, be sure to take very good care of these, they're surely bound to be the start of conversation between wire jewelry aficionados! Good luck! 

Entry-Form

Unboxing: BDJ Box October Express It Scene Stealer with Maybelline Philippines

BDJ Box together with Maybelline Philippines have brilliantly brought together over 600 different boxes for bellas to try this month. Looking at all those unboxing photos really made me excited to receive mine. You could tell that I'm one of the last people to be receiving, unboxing and blogging about it but I still have to share my thoughts with you.

So what's inside my Scene Stealer Express It box? Be my guest and scroll down....

 This month's box features the Volum' Express Cat's Eye Mascara. Honestly speaking, I am still in my baby steps when it comes to wearing mascara because you might have noted that I have four-eyes. But it looks promising, with the added collagen and magnum brush.

I was hoping to receive lipstick in my box. I have tried Maybelline Baby Lips in the past but it left my lips dry. Perhaps it's just not really for me. I gave this one away.

I like that this blush comes in two shades and the shade looks promising. I got the 01 I'm Glowy variant and I'm pleased that it is handy and really compact. It also comes with a small blush and this added shade gives me something new to play with.

Another pink in the box, the Maybelline Lumineyes in Wine has a really nice design. I also don't think the applicator on this one will be quite useful for me. But the shades are too shimmery for me, so I think this is one of those palettes that can be used well during the evenings. I really want to play with these already and experiment with looks but I'm still waiting for my eye brushes to arrive. I want to take advantage of my sister being home right now and I can apply makeup on her... But please don't let her know that.

Now I am really excited to try this out. This is my first time coming in contact with a BB stick. It's said to have 8 benefits and could make skin shine-free. I have yet to find out if it goes well with my skin tone, if not, then it will be a loss for me.

Another interesting thing in the box is the Clear Smooth Foundation. It's in Sand Beige. I haven't tried it yet but I really wish from the bottom of my heart that it will work because I would also like to bring a compact foundation with me instead of the loose powder form that I am currently using.

Here are other stuff that are included in the box. I also received a Maybelline card that I could use for discounts when I purchase from Maybelline counters in malls. The only downside to this is that there really aren't any Maybelline counters here in the city.

There is also a voucher here that I could use for a free Lip and Eye Makeup Remover and the BDJ Box curation card.

So what do I think of the box? I really like everything in it except for the Baby Lips balm because it really does not work for me. But other than that, I am pleased with the new addition of cosmetics in my collection thanks to the combined efforts of Maybelline and BDJ Box.

Crimson Portia, Hello October

I have never dedicated a post to anyone before, but I think it is  about time that I did.

Today, my grandmother is celebrating her 80th birthday and so the whole family is together, including the rest of the senior citizens in our family, to wish her a very happy birthday. Because her favorite color is red, I thought of doing my nails in red.

Red is her favorite color and I even used red on most of her invitations and labels. Thus, today's color is for her, Portia.

Here are the red, crimson red and not-so-red that I have in my vanity.

I used San San's basic transparent coat (which is fast running out) for the crimson theme, and there is Cherry Blossom and Vamp (Regular) both from Bobbie. For the more glittery version, there is the Face It Gradation Nail Kit in Very, Very Red from my Pretty Fix Collections Haul.

This is what Bobbie's Cherry Blossom looks like. Up close it looks more like a deep pink that has lots of shimmer. I've never gone to see cherry blossoms in person, but if the petals were are dark, and microscopic, I think that's what they would really look like.

As for Bobbie's Vamp in Regular, it's kind of a bit messy to apply, but hey I did it. I had to get the help of cotton buds dipped in polish remover to clean up the sides. (Admittedly the glitter takes away the attention of the messy application.... Alright you can shoot me!)

This is what Face It Gradation Nails will look like if you had short nails like me. The first polish acts as the base coat and it is more of a sheer pink than red. There is the "gradation" from itty bitty glitter, to medium sized (as seen in the middle) to the bigger sized glitter as on the tips. One thing's for sure, the Gradation Nails Kit definitely did not miss out on all the glitter. 

That's it for Crimson Portia, I am officially welcoming October on a more positive note because Mom's birthday is also coming up. Can you keep a secret? I got her a beauty box and I yet have to see how she reacts! =) 

Have an awesome weekend! 

I'm currently putting together some stuff for a giveaway and all you have to do is stay tuned so you won't miss out! 

Review: HBC's San San Rosy Blush Cheek Blusher

Some time ago, I chucked out my old Human Nature blush because I already used it up and abused it in good measure back when I was still a practicing journalist for print and television. Now that I have another desk job as a technical writer, I have time to get ready in the morning and motivate myself at the vanity before I head on out the door.

A few weeks ago, I picked up the San San Rosy Blush at the HBC branch in town and got if for a really affordable price of only Php 102 or $2.55. Such a steal, I know, I know. Does blush have its benefits? Why do women treat this as a beauty essential? Let's face it, blushers offer that healthy, rosy glow, it's just a matter of choosing which blush type and color that goes with your skin tone. In order to avoid looking too pale, blushers make you look like you have been sun kissed, and alive, not to mention it also contours your face and cheeks.

I've been using it to work lately (please just allow a girl to play with a hint of color) and here are my two cents on it.

Pros

• I was quite hesitant about the gold specks on it, but I don't see any speckles on my cheeks after application. 
• Simple, blue case packaging
• Easy swipes
•  Subtle, rosy, healthy blush 
• Absolutely affordable!
• Stays on for long hours, from morning, lunch until coffee break 

Cons

• No mirror in the packaging
• Applicator brush is too small

Overall, I think it gives just the right subtle blush and it is really appropriate for work, not to mention, it is affordable, even students can readily reach for it. Also, just in case I run out, I can just head on to the nearest HBC branch and get another one. 

I have another HBC San San product I want to review before I head on to the skin care series posts. Hmm, maybe I can do that next. Have a good weekend everybody! Join my Wawaza giveaway if you are feeling lucky!  

August Sample Room Goodies

Another Sample Room package here, and my Celeteque list of loved products is slowly growing, thanks to Sample Room. For my most recent haul, I have received these:

Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Radiance Body Cream

Colour Collection in Red Wine Satin

As usual, you could look forward to the reviews of these products once I already have enough observations. I got to try out the body cream (fancy name for lotion?) and I will let you know what I think about it soon enough. I was so nervous when swatching the lipstick, that will be two red lippies for me now. I have a small but reliable collection of lip color because the other shades that I don't really fancy, I give to aunts and my sister.

How's your weekend? Mine is a busy one, I cleaned the guest bathroom and turned it into a small spa corner! Whee! My solo project is not done yet, I am looking for wicker baskets that are durable to make up for the organizing system in such a small bathroom. I'm not done yet, but I could proudly show off photos once I am, how's that sound?

And of course, remember how I blogged about how I prepared for an exam and job interview? I was told last Friday that I could "report on Monday" and so, thankfully I am preparing for tomorrow. 

That's all for now, I hope I still get to blog and keep you updated despite the changes that are happening in my life. 

Keep smiling! 

My paperback giveaway is still ongoing so you can participate here and I have collaborated with another blogger for this month for a second giveaway. You can check them out and join if you are feeling lucky!

May Beauty Haul

I just have to say, I am quite lucky that my colleague has an easy peasy way of getting beauty products from her cousin abroad, so that I can have my fix of vanity and color on a regular basis. Here is just a small haul. Now you wonder why I enjoy beauty products so much, I think it just goes with the territory of being a girly girl.

I don't like the feeling of filthy, dirty, and I also don't like overdone makeup. I do enjoy color and I like it subtle, and as much as possible if it comes in a professional tone and subtle manner, I am good with it! I am instantly a fan. Here is this month's beauty haul!

NYC Eye Color Palette in Queens Boulevard (Lilac and Purple shades)

Maybelline Moisture Whip Lipstick 99/ 514 

PINK Pretty and Pure Sparkling Body Mist

NYC Eyeshadow Wand in Blue Fairy 

What new hauls do you have for yourself today? Do share your motivations with me! Have a good day ahead dears!

Breaking The Rules: Do You have to Match Your Bags and Shoes?

I think it was my grandmother who told me that one of the rules of dressing up is to match your bags and shoes.

What?

Match your bags and shoes.

I think she meant wearing the same color family for your bags and shoes, and this was a rule even my mom followed. So if women were also quite fashion conscious, (and have the money to do so,) a lot of matching could be done. But I guess during Lola's time, it was not a problem since the purchasing power of the peso still had its strength. And if we were given the luxury, we could be doing this:

I think my grandma would say this one is for weddings

Purple is royalty's color

Black and gold never fails

A blue satin number for a date?

Red satin for the red carpet or is it too much?

Take a pick between the black... 

Or blue studded match... 

Or beige will do

Care for some florals?

But what of breaking the rules?

Honestly, I can't afford to follow the rules. 

But if it's breaking the rules we are talking about, let's see how Helena Bohnam Carter breaks the rules. 

Mismatched shoes for a floral satin and tulle dress on a formal event

If you're an athlete, you can break the rules too as long as they are Nike 

Polkas join in the rule breaking

They belong together, not quite mismatched

Even little girls are allowed to mismatch

Pastel mismatched in wedges

Primary color mismatch

Can't make up whether to go with red or blue 

Mishap or intentional mismatch? Try dancing in those

Do you follow or break the rules? Let me know! =p