My Staceys From Pinkytoes

Before I started this post, I was kind of unsure if people actually read shoe reviews. I mean, who reviews shoes and reads about them, right? But I think a short review would be helpful, as well as an honest one. 

Pinkytoes is based in Manila, and even though I sent an order form last month, I had to be very patient because I understood that it was the busiest season of the year. And my patience did pay off. There are many different styles to choose from, and for those neon lovers out there, you can check out the selections and bring home some sweet babies, they now have pretty heels! 

My Stacey Beige from Pinkytoes arrived last Monday via local courier and I just could not wait to slip it on. Even though the box did not withstand the handling and arrived crushed already inside the shipping company's parcel, I was at least happy with the pair. 

Only after the first use, the heel with the brand name already became faded, even if I did not have much activity going on. 

One thing about my pair though is that I got the smallest size, which is 5 of about 23 cm, it seems to be a little too loose for my feet. It is the smallest size listed but it seemed to be too generous, and this also shows on the straps, I had to have more holes punched in the straps just so I could secure it around my ankles well.

Thank you card in the shoebox with guidelines at the back

Note: Refrain from using your shoes during rainy season! 

My toes do not even reach Stacey's tips! Hehe

But I like the fact that the color is very versatile which could be matched with practically anything at all, and that the transaction with the shop was smooth. Add to that, it seems to be the right summer sandals to have in one's shoe collection because it is reasonably priced and is very lightweight. Walking around in it the whole day did not cause any problems for my dwarfish feet! Also, the design is very pleasing and applicable to any casual ensemble. 

I already wore it to work once and it matched my leather bag very well. You can see what I matched it with here. Soon I might go back for the other heels I spotted! 

Stacey Beige from Pinkytoes on Facebook 

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored or paid. Content is all blogger's own. 

Beauty Review: Human Nature Cleansing Bar

I am quite content with my Human Nature Cleansing Bar and immediately tried it out. It immediately went soldout as soon as it hit the branch here, and thankfully I got the chance to try it out when the branch restocked.

Pros

The bar is fragrance free, which is suitable for users who do not want strong perfumes in their bar soaps. It is a good size of 120 grams and can be easily gripped. The formula is good for those who have sensitive skin or who are conscious of switching from one brand to another because it is very mild and gives off a creamy lather.

What is great about this bar is that it lasts long for a single person's use and it has no chemicals that could be harmful for kids and adults alike. For only Php 59.75, you get to experience its moisturizing capabilities because it has undergone the cold-process instead of the commercial method of hot process where the glycerin's natural benefits are stripped off.

In addition, this bar is awarded the cruelty free stamp because it is made of organic, natural materials and no animals were harmed during its manufacturing process. Every purchase of the bar helps Filipino farmers with their livelihood and it also is a green product, so you get eco-friendly beauty products that could help your skin glow!

Cons

The bar does not have a protective plastic over it, so when the box is opened, it's just the bar that slides out. After a few uses, it becomes soft and is in danger of melting too quickly, so it is best to move it in a dry soap dish without other bar soaps. It also has a tendency to stain from other bar soap's color. 

Book Review: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

"There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you're in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself."

Here is one book you should be taking home if you are want to revisit the alphabet again but this time, through the eyes of love. What kind of love is seen in the unnamed narrator's experiences and thoughts? One that is honest, sincere, and afraid, brave, doubtful, and confident at the same time.

The Style 

There is an ambiguous note of the type of relationship indicated here, but its careful editing and some subtle clues could lead the reader to form conclusions. The fact that this book is easy to read, and very close to the little things we observe and remember about a person we love, that is full of hope of making it together and getting over messy situations makes it a keeper for me. Whether in a relationship, single or married, the reader can take away lessons from this book. What are the lessons learned? Read to find out.

The style is very simple, making it very readable, the sentences are short and simple; each situation hits the mark. As a reader, you will enjoy revisiting the alphabet through the range of experiences and emotions as one who longs to be loved, has loved, and is loved.

The Lover's Dictionary was first published in 2010.

The Author

David Levithan is an American children's book editor and award-winning young adult author. He is the founding editor of PUSH, a YA imprint of Scholastic Press. He lives in Short Hills, New Jersey.

It is interesting to note that I finished reading the 222 page book in just a single Sunday afternoon.

Don Vicente Restaurante Latino

Now there is a family Italian restaurant for people who are tired of just fast food spaghetti. You can find this cozy place in Atilano Street, Tetuan and walk right in to a charming resto that is tastefully decorated. 

I kind of had a field day taking photos from this quaint resto, so here they are. I followed suit thanks to Anj and I am definitely going back soon to try other dishes. In the meantime, here are some photos. 

Gotta love the colours outdoors

I had my Linguine Carbonara with Iced Tea

The Putanesca consists of al dente pasta, sauce of wine, herbs and whole olives. 

Black and gold doily adds an elegant touch to this setting

Grandfather clock beside the table where I ate 

That is around the same time my order arrived, whoops!

Bullfight 

Gold and white doily this time which served as the placemat for my lunch

Notice the VPElago signature on the painting that is the candelabra's background

Book Review: Pleng's Song by Patrick Maher

Patrick Maher shows how life is for a girl who attends a private school and well-sheltered life, everything is provided. If her laptop chord is burned, she calls her father and asks for a replacement. She does her writing homework and goes about her life as expected of a school girl.

But there is more to what meets the eye. Pleng’s thoughts reveal that she yearns for attention from her parents: her father is always out on business and her mother is alive at night and asleep by day. She has issues with authority in school, and has shameless tendencies when it comes to her approach towards her teachers. Her character description must sound like that of an insecure, troubled child, but she is unaware of her gifts and talents.

Maher is an incredible writer and this shows in Pleng’s voice and written works.

Characterization

Patrick Maher takes the perspective very well, and this is reflected in Pleng’s characterization.

Pleng takes everything personally. Based on her observations, her writing teacher’s statements, Mr. James is always against her. It feels like her mother’s drinking problems is caused by her. Her actions then are a result of a girl with attitude problems. For a smart girl, she believes in horoscopes and treats money so lightly because it is not what she worked hard for to earn.

There are two sides to Pleng, the scared child, who tries to be a grownup and the spoiled brat who causes trouble just to seek attention. Her thoughts and words are excellently translated and described in the book.

 But the monotony of her life is about to change when she identifies the real problems in her life, runs away from home, and figures out how to survive them all.

It is said that water cleanses and purifies, but does flood water work the same way?

Highlights of the book

Her thoughts and feelings are revealed in her outputs most of the time and her imagination is given more depth in the way she wishes her life were like. Some underlying themes in the book touch on family relationships, school environment and the way we treat people around us, as well as envy.

There are events that have a supernatural treatment. The chronology and facts are well-supported, as the events unfold one by one. This is a modern folklore.

Pleng’s song is a book fit for people of all ages. It teaches that determination and common sense can help survive life’s challenges, and that repentance does come at the end. 

Recommended to read? 

Yes

Review: The C's of Cutey

I love silver and charms. So what’s better than receiving my silver charm bracelet? It’s finally receiving my prizes from a contest I won: bracelets from Cutey! You can read about my winning the giveaway here and my winning entry here. 

I received a notice from the Post Office that a package was waiting for me to pick it up, together with the other packages I was expecting. The courier used was Royal mail and I like the stamp which has the Queen's impression on it. 

I received Momus, Hypnos and Hemera- which is my favorite. My thoughts? Continue reading below. 

Chain

One interesting feature of Cutey bracelets is the chain that's used. I'm used to chains when it comes to bracelets, and most of the charms and links are chunky, making it heavy. But the chains used for Cutey's bracelets are slim and lightweight. This made me instantly fond of its sleek design. This also gives a good fit once worn on the wrist, and I can say that one size fits all. I am petite and have small wrists and its chain is a-ok when I put it on.

Charms and Beads

Another feature which caught my attention is its assorted charms and beads. The Cutey signature bead-as I like to call it, makes the bracelet more distinguishable from other accessories. I think this is what makes it the genuine article.

The silver charms are appropriately sized and there are different charms for each bracelet. This makes each bracelet unique from the other. The same also goes for the beads which are high quality glass beads that are colorful and have a silver inner-lining in the center for easier assembly.

Clasp

A good clasp has to be secure and that's what Cutey has made sure for its unique bracelets. Even when worn for hours, there's no worry about the lock loosening or the charms or beads slipping. The clasp used is more secure than any lobster clasp I've tried on any bracelet, not to mention, it is also very durable.


The shipping took three weeks and the wait honestly made me anxious because I was already very excited to receive them. Cutey has a new collection of bracelets out, Shamballa, and you can choose your bracelets and enjoy their beautiful jewelry.


Am I satisfied with Cutey's products?

I have to say yes. 

And I might check out the new collection too. 

If you want to win a necklace, you can join here: For Keeps + Raisie Speaks Giveaway

Movie Review: One For The Money

~Contains spoilers~

Movie Poster One For The Money

I didn't really realize that the movie was another chick flick until my movie companion lightly commented on it. I didn't know what to expect since it's a movie based on a book written by Janet Evanovich. Now let's see, I haven't really read any Evanovich books, so maybe I could give this movie a chance. 

Heigl goes brunette in One For The  Money

Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) is a smart brunette and a former lingerie sales representative from a department store who finds herself deep in bills to pay and yes, quite jobless. She hears about a job during dinner with her family and heads on to her cousins' retrieving agency only to find out that the filing job is no longer available and the only job there is (and with good pay too), is that of retrieving suspects and those who have skipped bail. It's not an easy job but she works hard and depends on her logic, common sense and connects with people from her community to see herself through. She also acquires impressive skills like picking a lock, shooting a gun, and arguing with a former cop known as Morelli she is now after who is also a prime suspect. With continued encounters, she also tries to determine whether he is innocent. 

Dialogue

Most of the characters have an accent to show their Jersey roots, in the part of town showing diverse mixture of Italian, Afro and Mexican-American. Heigl here develops a way of speaking that only Italian-Americans do. Pay attention to the street lingo...

Inexperienced Plum gets intimidated by Morelli

What could they be looking at?

Characters

Standout characters are the hookers, Ranger, and of course, Morelli. Stephanie's character development is evident from the beginning of the movie where she is a clueless, desperate sales lady who is out of a job, to a streetwise, novice bounty hunter in the end. 

Plot

I found the plot interesting for a chick flick, and I found it admirable that a woman like Stephanie Plum keeps focus on her job, turning her prime suspect in while scoring some much needed reward on the side. 

There were sexy, steamy scenes and the viewer could tell there was tension building up between Plum and Morelli. However, it's managed to be a wholesome story. 

The Verdict 3/5

It's a chick flick with some detective thrill in it. 

It was a funny movie, but Plum maintains a sweetheart aura about her until the end, and I was honestly hoping for a more badass, sexy Plum. It's an okay movie all in all. 

 Plum with a smaller bang-bang, listen to Ranger drool over a bigger, more powerful bang-bang

Heigl as streetwise and smart ass bounty hunter Plum 

Plum after the car she was supposed to drive blew up with Police in her parking lot.