Inspiring Colors and Forms: Christine's Books and Baubles

 

The Creator

Beyond that pretty face, Ms Christine Fabian-Ruste's mind is overflowing with designs and color combinations to bring to life some of her creations- wire jewelry. Knowing her from my college days, I've known her as a writer and a talented lady and also the smallest of the Fabian sisters. She showcased her products at the DMI Fair a couple of weekends ago, with her vintage jewelry display and a fish bowl with an assortment of Argan oil products. I also got to bring home my very first haul from her DIY collection, in teal of course.

She put some of her books on sale too. Look at those prices! (Thanks to my not so impressive photo skills using mobile phone photo quality, you can check out her Facebook page and see which titles are still on hand.)

If only Ms Christine were not using the vintage box for displaying her hand-made creations, it would have been abducted a long time ago.

My Teal Collection

For a closer look at my personal collection from Christine's Books and Baubles,  I've specifically gravitated towards her teal beads and the striking contrast of purple wooden accent on this necklace.  I've paired it with a lot of my plain shirts already and it's become such a statement necklace minus the weight around the neck! The ring made use of the same beads and I think it's a good accent for most occasions.

 

This simple cat's eye ring set in silver wire goes well with my everyday Anne Klein silver watch and silver ring. It also sets the contrast with bright nail polish. I reach out for this every ow and then and you can catch me staring at it blankly when I'm not facing the laptop in work.

I find this bird's nest ring really charming.I think the shades really appropriate for the holiday season. I wore the earrings during our office Christmas party but forgot to take photos. =S

 How To Take Care Of Your Wire Jewelry 

1. Store your wire jewelry from Christine's Books and Baubles in a dry place, preferably in a sturdy box
2. Avoid storing together with heavy objects that could bend the wires
3. Take off the rings from your fingers if you are going to wash your hands
4. Spritz your perfume away from your jewelry if possible
5. Wipe and clean with a soft cloth

You can head on to Christine's Books and Baubles and check out her albums, or leave her a message there for personalized orders. They also make great stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for ladies of all ages. Her creations are affordable and unique, you might want to start building your own collection too.

Personal note: Thank you to J and C for a really beautiful post-exam reward + Christmas present! Even if I didn't know my ring size, everything is still a perfect fit! 

Sample Room Hauls for December

After a business trip, sessions and dragging luggage all around the place, I'm back in my good ol' hometown. I was supposed to update you about my other hauls but work and time got in the way. I also received this before I left town and there goes the post....

Sample Room restocked the Moringa line and also introduced its newest product, the Moringa Herbal Hair, Scalp & Skin Therapy Oil. 

A close up on the herbal therapy oil....

 

And in perfect timing, I like trying out bar soaps. All the bar soaps I have are all gone, melted and overused so when I received this, it went on a road test immediately. I like the scent and it makes for a soothing pre-bed time component though.

 

 

The second haul that I received from Sample Room after claiming my points, included the series of daily releases called the Twelve Days of Christmas. These are what I was able to secure with much patience.

I've been trying out Collection Hotlights Gloss and have a good feeling that this will have a semi-permanent place in my vanity.  The Sappe Beauti Drink is good for only one serving and I emptied it immediately at breakfast this morning. It's best served frozen or chilled because it has a really mild taste, not to mention it's also pretty smooth for a fiber drink. Any ice mixed with it will dilute the flavor. The Bifesta Cleansing Lotion did a good job of removing eyes, face and lip makeup from my face and the sample comes with two sachets of sebum removing lotion.

So for December, I will be keeping my eyes opened for other surprises from Sample Room and wait to get my points back, I'm sure there will be more new products before the season ends. The reason behind the blurry photos? I'm using my camera phone. You can see that some products are out of focus and there is too much vibrancy in the colors even when no modifications were done. Trusty Pentax had to retire after ten years of being in service.

If time permits, I will be able to post a little more this weekend and keep you updated. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays with your family and friends and practice the spirit of giving!

xoxo

Raisie

Unboxing Glamourbox Secret Santa for December 2013, For the Naughty and Nice

It doesn’t matter if one is naughty or nice, every gal deserves a pampering box for Christmas doesn’t she? Now who’s with me? One thing great about Glamourbox’s Secret Santa goodies is that the items inside suit both the naughty or nice gal. 

I got my sis a box, sort of like a thanksgiving and advanced Christmas present for being my errand girl and I am so glad it made her day. This should put off a few weeks worth of whining for more Christmas presents from her. And of course, I got her to do this unboxing post for you! So, wannna know what she thinks of the Glamourbox Secret Santa for this month? Let my sis do the talking!

 

Firstly, the box is noticeably bigger than BDJ and Saladbox, does it mean more premium items? We’ll see. It’s came in a brown box that helped preserve the Secret Santa box’s shape. Pretty clever. The GB sticker was glued and the tissue was ripped because of it and almost damaged the curation card. And for the big reveal- this box is loaded! Not bad for a one-time subscription fee of only Php 590.

Holika Holika CC Cream- this one is my favourite, though I can’t wait to try it, it’s too small (yes I know that what I am getting is a sample size), but I want more product to compare how well it works on me. 

Pure Mellow Multi Puff-I am clueless with what this does because the instructions are in Korean, they remind me of marshmallow!

 Avon in Only Imagine- A full sized fragrance in this box! But admittedly I’m not too keen on floral scents because I like citrusy ones more. But maybe somewhere along the way, I might learn to like it-though it’s quite appropriate for the holiday season. 

The Cream Factory Bath Cream in Avocado- Another full-sized item and an instant favourite! It smells so good, I am going to use it right away!

Zen Zest Kitchen Fragrance in Choco Cappucino- This can be used for a room freshener too. It has a nice, sweet coffee house aroma to it.

 BONUS

Paula’s Choice Oil Absorbing Mask and Antioxidant Concentrate Serum- I just regret that it’s sample size but let’s see. 

Fabulosa Necklace- I’m afraid that it might irritate the skin, but pendant is cute. So if it irritates my neck, I could just replace the chain and still keep the pendant.

 Strip It Hair Removal Voucher- Not really into waxing so....

So that’s it for today’s unboxing post. Thanks to my Sis for sharing her thoughts, though she noticed that there aren’t any cosmetics in this box, and I hope you can also gift your family members some things that they deserve for this Christmas. For this set of photos, I used my phone camera because my digital camera has decided to give up on me, so that also means I have to save up for another one that has better stabilizer and faster shutter speed for those high action shots during events. PS: Thank goodness for scheduled posts! =)

Unboxing Salad Box October 2013, Not The Best Experience I've Had So Far

Last September, when Salad Box announced that they were having their anniversary during October, I immediately felt that there were redeeming hopes of Salad Box impressing its subscribers once more. What made me go for this idea was the promise of this:

I subscribed for the 3 month box for October-December, and was thinking that I could use the items in this box for new looks and to experiment with color for the season. Well for one thing, the boxes were sent late. Unlike the other subscription boxes which could be expected around the middle of each month, Salad Box sent the October box already at the last days of October, and it arrived here around the first week of November.

The curation card says it all right here. At the back of the card it also says that the second batch of Clou Pearl Manicures got stranded in Customs so Salad Box will be sending it over together with my November box. So, they better keep that in mind...

I've started using the Sakura Foot and Heel Lotion already and I think I'm about to empty it. That's what I get for receiving 50ml samples, it has a mild and fresh fragrance and also feels cool to the touch. It's also my favorite between the two because I compulsively reach out for it every time I look at my dry feet. Hmm, it's got some use to me after all. 

As for the Hand and Nail Cream, it seems to be made of the same formulation as the Foot and Heel Lotion, but I would have preferred a more citrusy scent. It's a good moisturizer though.

The thing about the Duchess Sofia Makeup Brush Set was that I was expecting them to be a pro set, not just a travel set. Refer to topmost photo. But at least this could serve as a handy set for travels because I gave my previous set away to my sis who needed one. I've been using the powder brush together for the blushes that I have and it's become a staple in my bag too. 

As for the White Musk by Alyssa Ashley, it's a small sample which I gave away to my brother. I tried it for the first time to work one Friday and it was a warm scent that was quite relaxing and similar to Celine's Oriental Summer. But White Musk is minus the sweet tail that comes with Oriental Summer. 

And... I'm still awaiting the Clou Pearl Manicure set. Oh look and it's already December. Where could my November box be? 

Giveaways:

Everbuying 11 Pc Bamboo Brush Set

Second Anniversary Giveaway

Product Spotlight: Nutrilips by Three Beauties London in Blush

Even before I got hold of the right shade for my skin tone from Mary Kay, I've been on the lookout for everyday, wearable lipstick shades. I stumbled upon Three Beauties London Nutrilips being featured in Cash Cash Pinoy and thought hard on whether or not this shade is good for me.

It's a light pink color that has a semi-sheer finish to it. I like that there's not too much shimmer and it's been a regular in my vanity kit for a while now. I've been reaching out for it almost everyday if I have errands to complete or just a feel good day. I got it for only Php385 instead of the usual Php700.

I like that it has a subtle, sweet scent to it instead of just being scented like plain, old lipstick. Also, a couple of swipes can give off a really nice and neat finish. The color makes my whole face look fresh and bright, even if I'm wearing it in the evening. =)

Single Swipe

Double Swipe

 I did a comparison among the pink shades I have in my possession. Even if I look sleepy in the evening, I still can't resist seeing how it looks like on me.

 Giveaways:

Everbuying 11 Pc Bamboo Brush Set

Raisie Speaks Second Anniversary Giveaway (2 winners) 

Raisie Speaks- The Beginning + Blogversary Giveaway

Two years ago, I started a blog purely to record all the books I have read, the authors I have been pining after, and the books I had on my wishlist-because I was crazy like that. I didn't expect to complete my wishlist, which explains why until now it's nowhere near halfway complete because the wishlist seems to be longer compared to my actual acquisitions, plus the fact that like any other working person, I am on a budget.

So you get the tone of this blog in the beginning, at least. That it was meant for books and literature.

Then somewhere along the way, it evolved into a beauty blog. Barely just dipping into the world of makeup and not knowing the first thing about the differences with contouring and just concealing, here I am sharing my adventures on skin care and beauty (again) on a budget.

And from books, the tag also extended to beauty.

The ride on a whole was a mixture of ups and downs. What could a small town blogger come up with? How on earth would it be interesting? Was my life and blog worth sharing? In those two years, I learned that there were some things worth sharing and some things worth keeping private, and was kind of careful in balancing the two. I have met fellow bloggers, got to know them a bit and most importantly, got to know who my readers were. I was reaching out and being influential to a group of  readers who were interested in what I had to say.

Sometimes, I didn't have the time. There was a time that I posted only a single entry for a month! But the thing bout blogging is, I can always come back. It's tough especially if author of said blog has a day job that can be downright challenging which also entails writing on a completely different topography- but here I am still writing my heart out, waiting, waiting, waiting for what-I don't even have the answer. But as long as Raisie Speaks is still alive and online, I would be forever grateful to those who read it and interact with me.

This one's for you.

There are two prizes! Which one is yours?

Prize A

Top From Adah Belle

Lace Shorts 

Creativity Notebook + Pen From Heart Artistic Dreams

Bobbie Wondernails Polish

Peace Bracelet

Blue Drop Bracelet

Nautical Necklace in Gold

Prize B

Pocket Notebook in Mint

Hair Accessories in Browns

Hair Pins in Black

San San Nail Polish in Raspberry Peach

Caronia Nail Polish in Eternity Frosted

Plum Leatherette Chain Bracelet

Allue Milk Bath Soap Plus Yogurt

San San CYO Eyeshadow in Blackground, Charcoal Brown and White Frost

This is going to be super-duper easy. All you have to do is input the correct details into the Giveaway Tools app.

Entry-Form

Raisie Speaks + Everbuying.com 11 Pc Bamboo Brush Set Giveaway!

Whew, it's been a busy time for me, and as many times as I wanted to come online and update my corner, I've had to attend to other matters. I can't really predict if I would be posting frequently over here, but to let you know, I will be launching my anniversary giveaway soon and that I will try my best to post more hauls. But in the meantime, I am introducing you to our newest sponsor, Everbuying.

From electronics, home and beauty, toys and apparel, you can find what you need at Everybuying and be ready for the holidays by picking out gifts for the season. You can shop at your most convenient time and choose a consolidated payment system when you check out. It's truly a convenient haven for beauty enthusiasts like me, they even have cosmetics and makeup brushes with different styles and functions. Speaking of makeup brushes, Everbuying has offered to giveaway this 11 pc Cosmetic Bamboo Brush Set  to one really lucky reader.

 

 For more details, you can see more at Everbuying's site 

 

This brush set can cover the basics of makeup application. What I also want to find out is: who could take home this sweet prize?Joining is also very easy, simply complete the requirements into our best friend, the giveaway app below and remember to input the correct details. Good luck! Hint: the more entries, the better, if you are a male, you can gift this to your mom, sis, girlfriend, aunt, etc. =)

Entry-Form

Flaunt Your Generosity (I Call This The Bullet Proof Shirt)

I received this shirt some time ago from the amazing and thoughtful ladies behind the Flaunt Your Generosity project, (you can visit them in Facebook) and thanks very much to one really thoughtful person who volunteered to get me a white shirt. Turns out though, it's too big for me even if it's already labeled Small. But to still be able to put it to good use, I gave it to my brother who happily wore this to school and gained much exposure when he went to finish his enrollment for the second semester.

 

The shirt comes in black and white, I chose white and it says:

The 

Zamboangueno

Spirit

Is

Bullet 

And 

Fire

Proof

I really agree with the message that this shirt brings, and perhaps anybody who is born and bred a Zamboangueno could also nod their heads towards this message. At the back (which I did not get a chance to photograph) it says Levanta Zamboanga, Rise Again Zamboanga.

Don't mind my brother also advertising the cup, he just came upstairs to get a drink of water.

If you want to support this very special cause, you can purchase your own shirt and choose the correct size for only Php 290. Here's an idea, why not gift a shirt to someone this Christmas? It's for a good cause. This way, the victims of the siege can get back on their feet with your help.