Outfit Post: Black and White Floral Dress

It's been a while since the last outfit post. and quite frankly I bet nobody reads my outfit posts because I look like a kid who just escaped from school. Must be because of my height. But here I am still doing crazy outfit posts especially if there are occasions when I could dress up.

So last night was our thanksgiving dinner with people at work, and people related to work, and people who we got to know through work. This is what I wore, a black floral dress from Adah Belle with black lace flats. I just brought a black blazer along just in case it was too cold, and of course, my grandmother's ever trusty leather bag which is so much older than me.

A closer look on the dress's print

Filigree Lace Earrings were to complement the lace design of my flats

Well it's really no secret that I am uber comfortable walking around in flats especially in a big venue like Astoria Plaza where our gathering was held. But do you make it a point to wear sexier heels even if it hurts throughout the night? I know a lot of women who have spent half of their lives walking effortlessly in heels- I am somewhere stuck in the middle of it...

Black Floral Print Dress: Adah Belle

Lacey Daisy Black Flats: Ziggy and Zooey 

Filigree Lace Earrings Thrifted

Photo Credits: Damon Steine 

Hype my look please? =D 

Beauty Review: Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter

I would just like to share something really cool with you all. This is really helpful especially if you have oily skin like me or are prone to shine all day long, as a plus you even get a really kikay cutie oil absorbing paper. I am talking about the Kleenex New Generation Oil Blotter. Yes, that's right, it is Kleenex!

It's been a constant in my bag since I bought it from the supermarket last week, and it's done a good job of freshening up my oily face during break times especially when there is time to spare at lunch hour.

About the Company

Who does not use the name Kleenex when referring to tissue paper? Kleenex is a global brand known for sanitary tissues and it is recognized the world over. For 89 years and counting, it has become a staple among homes and even offices in over 150 countries while still maintaining the need for comfort, softness, cleanliness and gentle products. 

At first the company started manufacturing the cold cream towel and it has been innovated to offer softness that is uniquely exceptional. Over the years, many benefits and features have been added as it tries its best to provide quality products to its consumers. 

I just can't help myself. Here are just some funny quotes related to the brand:

"Girl please, I can remove 90% of your beauty with a Kleenex"-Anonymous

Blair Waldorf: A hot lifeguard is like Kleenex! Use once and throw away. You could ask for better rebound. -Gossip Girl Quotes

"Men should be like Kleenex, soft, strong and disposable" -Cher 

More Kleenex Quotes here

Packaging

Now back to the Oil Blotter, it comes in a small, handy box that looks like a compact mirror, and it can easily be mistaken as a mini makeup palette. The girly combination of violet, white and hints of pink is just too cute... It is uber dainty and feminine, and the print at the back of the blotting paper is super attractive and  it feels soft to the touch.

Pros

• I like that it is affordable, it is readily available in leading supermarkets and beauty shops and it sells for only SRP Php 94.75 so if you need to, you can always stock up just in case you run out
• It removes oil effectively, keeping shine free face
• You can use it anytime, anywhere, and it eliminates the need to wash your face regularly in order just to keep looking fresh
• It is compact and lightweight, does not add weight to bags or purses
• It is safe to use for all skin types

Cons

• It has only 50 sheets, and it is not enough for me. I can pull up to three or more in a day because I am usually exposed to pollution and other harmful elements
• It is too small, and again, I pull more than just two in a single use 

Front and back of the blotting paper 

This is what it looks like when it is already blotted -for disposal! 

And that is what I look like after I have used the blotting paper... 

My apologies that is overtime night when I decided to test the blotting paper so please excuse the eyebags! =p 

Verdict

Even with the pros and cons already enumerated, the question still stands if I will buy or restock. The answer is yes, because the pros overweight the cons. The New Generation Oil Blotter can be a good, compact freshener for my face in a long day's work. 

I find it very convenient and it might serve me well this season, knowing that there are still a remainder of summer days ahead. 

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!

Book Review: Keeping Score by Marc Brackett

Here is a relationship book that has a fresh approach and is difficult to put down. If you are an eager learner and fast reader, with the hopes of learning a thing or two about relationships the honest and mature way, then this book is worth a try.

Style

The analogies and examples are relevant! It knocks sense into the reader, and if you are a man looking to learn a thing or two here, you would not regret lingering for a while. The tone gears towards the obvious, to the subtle. Overall, it is a fun read!

The more you read, the more insights you gain. Whether or not you have a slow or fast pace, it is worth it. In my case, I recommend you take your time with this. This is not just a straight relationship boring read. It is a fun journey and you will be glad with little surprises along the way.

If you have at first hesitated to open and discuss about your relationships, this is the time to re-evaluate and work towards the issues which are slowly surfacing on the front.

The name of the game is to manage and come up with good solutions to make the relationship or marriage work. Explanations and illustrations are short and concise, making this book very reader friendly.

Quotes are generously sprinkled in sections of the book.

I have also asked some friends if they would pick up the book or read it, surprisingly the answers are yes, and they have even said that the title is intriguing.

Organization

Sections are broken down in easy to digest, bite-sized chunks which makes it easier to read, so if you find yourself in need of a break, you can finish a section and take a break there, then continue to the next.

The book is not a questionnaire, it is not an activity book, but the approach is similar to one. There are special features which serve as a bonus. Even if the tone is light and funny, the realizations cannot be missed!

If you are a sensitive person quick to pick up on the hints that are laced all throughout the book, then you can make mental notes of what adjustments and new things to try in order to improve your relationship.

Another plus with this book is its scope. From finances, vacations, dating, to in-laws and many more, the topics are diverse, touching as much as it could in a simple, comprehensive manner in 150 pages.

Inspiration

In an interview with Parchment and Pixels, Marc Brackett shared that he hopes Keeping Score’s readers would understand the power of how the little things affect the quality of relationships they are leading. The way he sees it, the little things build up. They even matter when problems arise. Also, Brackett hopes that “the readers can find joy along the way and appreciate the journey together with their partners”.

About the Author

Marc Brackett lives in Idaho with his lovely wife Kristin and five beautiful daughters. The whole family enjoys outdoor activities that are abundant in Idaho. Keeping Score was made possible by the following:

Cover and interior design by www.TheBookProducer.com
Fountain pen image courtesy of Waterman: www.Waterman.com

Last Words

Keeping Score is not just for readers who are in relationships, it is also for couples who are married, as well as those who are single, searching and are content to be single but would want to see themselves in a relationship someday.

There are a few lessons that I have realized along the way, and perhaps you can pick up a thing or two with Keeping Score. Brackett has tried his best in maintaining equality for both men and women readers. Although there are some choices following questions that are repetitive, it is still generally a good experience and I can say that there is no time wasted with a book like this.

What Others Are Saying About It

You can find out what other people are saying about Keeping Score in the leading book sites here:

Good Reads

“This is not the usual kind of book for me. I tend to stay away from these relationship-improvement books, but this one caught my attention and I had to give it a try. “ -Valentina

Amazon

"I'm very happy to see we are really a perfect match"-pinkcattleya

Beauty Review on Celeteque Skin Relief after Sun Gel from the Sun Care Line

Summer is making its presence known and in dear old Zamboanga, the heat can sometimes be unforgiving. I’m not really a summery person, I dwell more with winter because sometimes, the heat and glare is unkind to someone like me with four eyes. But the thing that really gets to me about the sun and the heat is that I don’t like feeling dry and dehydrated. Once that happens, you can hear me complaining non-stop and that is something that could irritate the people around me. Also, it’s not really a good thing for me to stay exposed to the sun for a long time. I mean, who wants that?

I’m grateful though that I got to try out Celeteque’s Skin Relief after Sun Gel from their Sun Care Line and this is a courtesy of the ever trustee Sample Room. I got it for only 60 points and I thought it is already a good value for me to get a sample that is already full sized. 

About the Company

Celeteque has linked up with Unilab to formulate skin care products for its consumers to have healthy and beautiful skin. Celeteque Dermoscience is one of the successful skin care lines in the market with local origins. It has already earned some recognition and loyal users since its first introduction and launch in 2003. There are various skin care lines for many skin care types and needs from acne solutions, sun care, hydration, anti-aging, restorative and brightening. It is a very competitive brand in my opinion and even if it sounds imported, the brand actually comes from the Philippines.  

Celeteque also offers a skin analyzer to help every customer find the best skin solutions for a customized skin care regimen for optimal results. 

Price

For a full sized product of 200 ml, it cost Php 290 ($7.29). But it is currently available in Sample Room for 60 points, and all you have to do is pay for the shipping fee. It is already a good value for me, I get to try out a full sized product, and don't need to pay an additional Php 290 for it. 

My sample came with a freebie too. 

 About the Product

Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care Skin Relief After Sun Gel provides immediate moisturizing and cooling relief to sunburnt skin caused by prolonged sun exposure. It contains anti-inflammatory soothing extracts that reduce possible inflammatory response after long sun exposure. Wheat and aloe vera skin conditioners soothe and reduce possible flaking of overly dry skin. 

Who Is It For?

Celeteque's After Sun Gel is for people who :

• are regularly exposed to the sun and are most of the time outdoors as part of their profession or just simply enjoy leisurely activities outside
• have sensitive skin and immediately redden after sun exposure
• have skipped sunblock
• for those who do not want the painful effects of sunburn to show on their skin

A word of warning though: this is not a substitute for sunblock 

Pros

I like that it is: 

• quick absorbing and it has an instant cooling effect on the skin
• A little goes a long way with this product
• It can be applied anywhere you need in order to have a soothing feeling
• Can Instantly be applied on wet skin 
• Does not irritate the face

Cons

I don't like that it is:

• Scent is overpowering
• Might gather dust and other debris to stick on the skin
• Feels sticky after an hour or so 

The Verdict

It feels good though to know that there is relief available for people who are overexposed to the sun and its effects that could be harmful over the years. If I were to purchase it for myself using my own money, I would definitely do so. In the meantime, I am grateful to have it for free thanks to Sample Room. With Celeteque's After Sun Gel, I will be able to make the most out of my summer this year!