Shop Feature: Pretty Little Things by Clang Featuring Sticker Flakes Haul

It wasn’t long ago when I spotted a post in one of the journaling groups that got me scrolling some more. Isn’t that how we all begin our tiny little hoarding habit? First we become curious, then we fall in love, then just like any love-bitten crazy person, we try to recall our balances in our bank accounts, and then bam. There’s a comment under the photo that says mine, and how did my name get there?

Now, I’m at a position where I want to save for my travels, and then there are destashes everywhere, that I’m constantly in a push and pull with the nice stuff that I see in social media. I’m also looking at you Instagram.

These sticker flakes are from Pretty Little Things by Clang.

But, here I am with my needless justification, the reason why I’m happy with my mini haul:

• It's super affordable at only Php 50-60 per bag
• Saved on shipping
• Stored in handy bags
• Thick flakes, printed on matte sticker paper with beautiful and clear illustrations 
• No more hand cutting for me! (at least for now)

Because I always enjoy sticking stuff on my planner and diary, I always treat stickers and washi as a basic commodity next to my coffee. No kidding!

(I really do have a weakness for washi rolls and stickers...) 

So what’s in my haul?

There are all foodie sticker flakes, vintage objects, more foodie flakes and then girls. My package also came with a freebie washi tape.

That mini haul tidies me up in the meantime, and it means serious savings for me from now on! I have to focus and save for my upcoming travel! But of course, there’s going to be a traveler’s notebook you can bet on it.

You can visit Pretty Little Things on Facebook and check out the other stuff there. 

So how many of you are into stickers and washi? Do answer this question and leave me a comment below! I'd love to "meet" more artsy readers. Looking forward to it! 

NBS Haul: Exploring Different Genres and Author Writing Styles

I went on a business trip last month and was really pushing to drop by any National Bookstore (NBS) branch to check out. As you can see, I have an assortment of paperback copies from my last NBS visit. I only got to visit an NBS branch on the very last day of my trip and found another NBS branch at NAIA Terminal III (which only got to affirm the theory that the Kobo is tempting me).

So, after a busy month, I dearly hope that I could go back to writing more about books, reviews and just blogging more basically. More about my haul, there’s a mixture of authors and genre in there, I confess that I just pulled them off the shelves due to lack of “quality time” with the book store and more books. 

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen by Paul Torday- I’ve seen only a scene from the movie on HBO, and this copy has a movie tie-in cover, and how I wish I got the copy that has the original artwork like the one below. I’m not that fond of buying copies with movie tie-in covers. I haven’t started reading it yet, and have no idea what the style is. It’s still sealed as of this post, but if you want me to write a review about it you can let me know. 

150 Style Essentials For Every Girl by Tricia Gosingtian- Tricia G shows any girl how to style the most basic and available pieces out there, complete with sections on accessories, makeup and blogging tips, making this a good primer for anyone thinking of starting with fashion. If you’re someone who is looking into acquiring the essentials for your wardrobe, this is a welcome companion for mixing up style for both fashion and beauty.

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice writing as A.N. Roquelaure- I’ve been wanting to read about this for a long time now. I have to say, Anne Rice deviates from her vampire writing style over here, but this is just too delicious (in an erotica way), very different from the other soft-paranormal erotica that I have encountered from Laura Esquivel. Oh and this is only the first part of a trilogy so I have to think really hard if I want to continue reading onto the second and third parts.

That’s about it for the book haul, thank goodness for business trips and NBS so I can look at my wallet empty of cash and wait for the next chance to get lost in book stores again. If you want me to review (or giveaway) any of these, drop me a hint? 

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

I Should Be Doing Something Else Right Now...

Do you ever get that feeling that you know you should be doing something else completely different and yet, you still go for the not so important tasks on your list? That's what I am feeling today. I can't divulge much details right now. But I can't seem to shake off this guilty feeling that I should be.... just... out there....

Here is the classic example of Monday Blues right here. Yep. Just that. You have witnessed it already.

I guess it's because  I have had expectations over the weekend and I was met with disappointments instead.

Well, at least, I have a mini haul from Sample Room to cheer me up. I have to thank my brother for picking this up in town for me. He is the sweetest baby brother! He is the only one who can pick up my packages (because he drives a car and I don't...)

This is what I got from Sample Room last week. I think I'm one of the last persons to chase after the Charm Powder Brush because it was such a hot item! And of course, OraCare mouth rinse. I am not a stranger to OraCare, in fact I have high praises for this brand. But I will provide the details later, ayt?

Just in case you missed it over the weekend, I have an October giveaway which is open internationally. You can also follow me in my networks:

Facebook

Bloglovin

GFC

Twitter

Weekend Haul, Lacquer Love

Judging by the photos that you see here, I think you already get the teeny-tiniest, itty bitty idea that............ I do.... I do... I do.... like NAIL POLISH! 

There....

It's all out... 

Whew. 

Check out my not-so-impressive nails here, here and here. 

The thing is, I already have quite a collection, but I don't really post and write about my NOTD that much, because I have my plate filled already everyday with work and other stuff that seem to creep up on my to-do when I am already awake. 

After J picked out his laptop to replace the old one which already wanted to give up, we got the chance to walk around and well, here's what I got in two separate shops in just a single afternoon! 

I have always wanted to have clean and neat French manicures, so that explains-"justifies" the Chic Nail Design Two Way Pen and Brush in Ivory.

Next, Bobbie has a new line - (well, new because it's the first time I have heard of it!) called Wondernails, and I will be showing you how it works (gritting my teeth in fear) because accordingly, a clear coat can spell the difference between the matte effect or so...

And I got the OMG in First Date because I needed to compare another color in pink that will be appropriate for work again.

You know, San San is beginning to be a staple in terms of nail polish for me. I picked up another bottle of the clear top coat, then I have Cloudy Gray, Warm Blue and Raspberry Peach. And because I am a sucker for bar soaps, I reached for the Allue milk bath soap.

Please don't ask me for the total amount because that will only make me squirm in embarrassment. I am now thinking of moving the nail lacquers to the big plastic container already.

But I promise, nothing goes to waste because I do share some of them with my aunts who also have an Achilles heel when they spot the little bottles on my vanity. I am keeping them organized as best as I could.

Saying "cross my heart, hope to die" is rather harsh, isn't it? 

Unboxing July Pretty Fix Collections

So what does any self-confessed beauty enthusiast do when she misses a beauty box subscription of two months? She looks for an instant haul, that's what. If you are frustrated of almost all subscription boxes going sold out most of the time, you still have other options. Luckily, there's Pretty Fix Collections on Facebook.

How is it different?

For a new company, Pretty Fix has the smart idea of offering beauty enthusiasts the joys of unboxing beauty essentials monthly- not bad for a newcomer who is slowly gaining recognition all over FB. It also addresses the issue of always sold-out beauty box subscriptions.

Pretty Fix differs from the other beauty subscription boxes by taking the element of surprise away. All the items are posted in their Facebook account prior to order and payment. So if you are looking for a quick and pretty fix to restock your vanity with items that you need- you know where to go. That's just the thing about Pretty Fix Collections, they curate the items according to a beauty enthusiast's needs- this gives good value to the subscription fee of Php 599.

The July Collection is one such box. It consists of ELF products... and... well... here are some photos- yeah, you can see for yourself...

I divided the PFC haul in two, the eyes and nails division:

ELF Brightening Eyeliner Pencil in Black

ELF Eyelid Primer in Sheer

ELF Flawless Eyeshadow in Golden Goddess

 Here is another neutral eyeshadow palette for me to play around with, though when my Mom saw this, she announced first dibs on it already. Okaay... 

Face It Gradient Nails in 03 Very Very Red

 I guess this is the influencing factor for me to be attracted to the July Collection, along with the neutral eyeshadow and the primer. It's also easy to apply because as you can see below, the bottle caps are numbered 1, 2 and 3. Again, Mom announced first dibs on it. Sorry Sis.

I'm tempted to play around with this already.

And for those nail polish mistakes, I like that PFC included this Nail Remover Pads that is Lemon scented in the box. I just like citrusy stuff-cleaning products, bodycare products, air freshener, you name it. I need to turn away from the messy cotton ball-polish remover combination and restock on some more pads soon. 

So what do I think about Pretty Fix Collections' July Box? 

I am really pleased. Not bad for a pretty fix in an instant, the products in here are real beauty essentials, something that can be found in a working girl's bag and during emergency beauty fixes. All of the products in the box are worth the subscription fee, though I can't help feeling that something a little extra could have surpassed it. But I can't wait to play around with these. 

My August Unboxing of PFC to follow. It leaves me wondering now, as to what Pretty Fix Collections has in store for the September box.

I still have two giveaways ongoing!

Sun Putty Giveaway-4 Jars To Bring Home

August Collaboration Giveaway

Second Sample Room Haul for August

Have you noticed that Sample Room has been adding a lot of new samples for members lately? This is a challenge for members like me who have only 100+ points when it comes to choosing the products to try out. I think this is how you get to test your creativity and arithmetic skills; by limiting your choices within 100+ points and choosing the ones that you think will really work for you- after all, you know very well what you need above all.

For this batch ( I already forgot how many hauls from Sample Room it has been), I have two items to test: Gluta-C Intense Whitening Facial Day Cream SPF 25 and Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Facial Peeling Cream.

Let's try these products out, shall we?

I am cooking up something along with other bloggers for you guys, just look out for the banners on the sidebar. In the meantime, there are two ongoing giveaways for you!

Sun Putty Giveaway

August Collaboration Giveaway

Post Exam Mini Haul

Over the weekend, I prepared myself for an exam which took the whole day. Admittedly, exams can be stressful and it could drain the energy of an examinee especially if it is a battery of tests. But I am still glad that I have supportive people surrounding me.

This is what a really thoughtful person gave me- a mini haul to reward myself after a rainy day filled with IQ questions and Psychological testing.

Paganini Makeup Brush Travel Size 

Bobbie Nail Polish in Cherry Blossom 

Bobbie Magnet-ficent Nail Polish

I really enjoy finding and testing affordable beauty items without having to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And when I say affordable, the brush set contains the essentials and costs only Php 65, Bobbie Nail Polish in Cherry Blossom Php 30, and then Bobbie Magnet-ficent Nail Polish for another Php 35. Total damage is only Php 130. 

I'm pretty proud with this mini haul. Not only is this super affordable, it is also a thoughtful gift from someone really special to me. 

 

Can you believe that the lesser known, MiC brush set is more expensive that this Paganini makeup brush travel sized set? I'm glad that the helpful lady was able to point this out as a third option when I was surveying the brushes. 

This is a shade I haven't tried yet. Tried it on J's middle finger last night, though it looks good in the evening, even cute. But when the morning light comes in, I have to sort of re-evaluate if this is a vacation-wise shade. 

Alright, this does not have a shade name, just a code and number. It has a brown-coffee shade that I like that's similar to Gingerbread. I did not succeed in making the magnet pattern but I could give it another try.

So that's about it for my mini haul. What did you do this weekend? You can still join my Firmoo giveaway here and win free spectacles from the classic series! Have a good day! =D 

Reading Haul for the Holy Week

While everybody else will be heading out and going for a refreshing change this weekend to have some rest and relaxation, I am already on a head start and now have stayed home to rest thanks to a minor procedure done on my upper chest yesterday morning. 

So look at what I have received in the mail today that's been delivered door to door. It's my reading haul again from Life Is Like A Book Page just in time for Holy Week. Again, nothing heavy. I am alternating from   heavy reading to light reading. That's just the way it is for me lately. From Vintage Veronica, I am now in The Lost Symbol and I just pick up one of the following books in this haul here when I am done.

The Book Lover's Appreciation Society

Good Omens

Sex and Sensibility

JRR Tolkien Artist and Illustrator

And look at what came in the package! It's a really cool book mark! This is just the right freebie for me because I have so many crumpled receipts in between pages. Thank you to Ate Maricar! 

What will you be reading this Holy Week? Or if you are not reading, what will you be doing? 

I will be sharing some author news for you just in case you haven't heard of them. Have a great day ahead! 

OMG Accessories!

What a way to start the year! Check out my pile!

I was feeling a little apprehensive this morning, and there I was feeling quite uncertain, and there were mixed emotions on my part with personal problems and a mix of dilemma too. But I was able to overcome it with some honest talk. I am quite glad at how things turned out for me.

I have been curious lately at the new stocks for accessories and I visited a shop near the jeepney stop in town. I found some pieces I liked and what is great is that the whole pile cost only Php 270 (approximately $6.7)! If I were to shop online it would cost me Php1,000 or ($30). I could live with the savings as well.

I went there to look for some goodies to share with my girlfriends. We have not yet come together for our annual year end gathering, but this weekend we are definitely going to make it. I shall be preparing a mini chocolate fountain for the gang. In the meantime, allow me to show off my pile!

The bright colors would go well with the new purple soft satchel which I was gifted for Christmas, the pearl bracelet was a gift from one of my students. 

And I did not expect to find spike earrings so I grabbed them immediately!

This is a dust stopper! New phone for the year, anyone? Hehehe just teasing... 

And I have the chance of trying out filigree earrings in black!

Yes I am feeling a lot of love this year too. 

The glittery hat matches the nails and the top! I changed into something with polka dots on New Year's Eve too. 

Have a Happy New Year to all! 

Raisie Needs Her Drugs & Mini Haul

No, I'm not talking about any illegal drug, but one that gives some natural high and a dash of indulgence too. After a full morning running around, I just had to stop by at Planet Vegis in Pasonanca to have some fresh lumpia. But being the only customer at ten in the morning where the cook is still mopping up the place, I had to settle for something else on the go; Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino! (Yes, this is my drug.)

You might call this cheating, and I might agree at some point that it is, though I haven't made a vow to love only Kopiko whether brown, black or kopiccino. But it's cold and available so I'm saying yes and turning a blind side to its price tag (Php 130-yikes!)

So there's the drug and I'm feeling a bit pacified. For now. 

This morning's haul thanks to the Diskwento Fair of DTI in Plaza Pershing

And for the other haul, I bought 60 pieces of pencils, and 30 erasers and 10 rulers for the kids in church. They will be having the last day of Flores de Mayo and the organizers have asked some contribution from my family so my Mom decided to give them something useful, and since most of the kids are in grade school, a little help of pencils and rulers could do. 

I got them at uber discounted prices, and what's good is that there's no lining up unlike in department stores here today. Total damage? Php 2 for the plastic rulers= Php 20, Php 1.50 for each eraser and I got 30= Php 45 and Php 13 for a set of pencils and I got 5 sets= Php 65= Php 130. 

I still have to get them tiny bags where I can add some biscuits and snacks to give away tomorrow. 

Cheapo, useful, lightweight headset I needed so desperately

Another buy, is the super cheap-o but very useful Delkin headset I found yesterday. I'm not a super techie person paying close attention to specs and all. But for a price of Php 100, I shrugged it off and had to settle for this one without a microphone. It's lightweight and a plug-ready headset. Is it disposable? I have no idea. I will have to search for the answer soon. 

For now, I will be happy sipping my Mocha. 

Still have a lot to do for today.

Bidding adieu. For today.