On Fragrances: Green Tea Cherry Blossom by Elizabeth Arden

I've had a crush on this scent for a really, really long time now. Ever since I have emptied my bottle of the original Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, I've been going crazy and felt restless wanting to have a substitute. I was just so darn grateful and happy when this arrived as a gift last Christmas from my  secret sponsor. Admittedly, the other ladies in my family have a crush on this scent as well.

 "Elizabeth Arden celebrates cherry blossom with her new fragrance of the Green Tea collection. Sakura or cherry blossom inspired designers of the collection to launch a new edition of the Green Tea line this spring. Cherry Blossom brings a romantic composition created of luminous citruses, cherry blossom and tree, enriched with woody warmth and sensuality."

My Observations

This is just a great year-round scent. It's very fresh and sparkly, and I welcome the floral notes on top of the green tea. I like that it's all scent and no shimmer whatsoever. Then again, Elizabeth Arden knows how to stick to the basics with just the freshest elements. I can sense a little musky base but it reflects to be something woody and then the body has just a dash of green tea. I haven't had experience with cherry blossom so there's no really telling on my part how much of the fragrance it composes.

It's lasting power is just one thing that I would like to point out. I can't get enough of the scent, it's one that I will never get tired of. But it only lasts for five hours maximum, from a couple of spritz early in the morning before leaving for work until noon break. Then if I am feeling too intent on another refreshing spritz for inspiration, there goes a couple more sprays.

The packaging is simple, also a reflection of minimalism, and the bottle is slim so it can fit in most bags. Thankfully I have not dropped it in order to see how durable the bottle is but I am hoping that won't happen... ever...

I currently have no means of going to Japan to visit the cherry blossoms and admire them in bloom. But maybe if I close my eyes and inhale the trail of this scent, I might be able to figure something out.

 

 

January Hauls, Bits and Pieces

The first month of the year, I thought I had enough time to wrap things up and take it slow, but it's not what I expected. I'm currently going after my personal goals and realized that it takes courage to do all the things I really want and that I have to trust in myself.  It's really no use holding on to the things that weight me down when I want to fly. 2013 was a year of hits and misses, but at least I am mature to realize what I should be prioritizing and what I should be accomplishing this year. My goals may be difficult but still doable.

Starting the year, it's all a mixture of re-energizing and indulging in comfort (as you can see in photos of my favorite food) and the things that I enjoy. Throughout this week I was kind of feeling pressured, but now, I feel relieved and encouraged somehow. I find strength in the least expected places and I am glad to know that there are people who truly value me as a person.

There will be more to come here in my corner, albeit I struggle to find time to let you know what's happening with me so far, but I'm still going to make it a point to come back on every now and then.

From me to you, thank you for making my time here truly memorable.

xoxo

Raisie

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? 

Dress V: Sheath Column Wedding Dresses for the Sweet and Classic Bride

Wedding plans can be conceived as a result of both the preferences and choices of the couple to be wed. But if there is one aspect that shows the personal style of the bride herself, it definitely has to be seen in the wedding dress. The design of the wedding dress depends on whether or not the bride is traditional, fashion-forward or sweet. For the sweet bride, the sheath column wedding dress is a charming choice for her big day. 

Features of the sheath column wedding dress usually have an empire cut around the waist, and this style works great for both formal and classic weddings. Different textile materials can bring together an impressive design, and Dress V has the selection that brings you elegant and affordable dresses for your big day. You may visit http://www.dressv.com/sheath-column-wedding-dresses-c103393/

Dress V not only carries wedding dresses for the bride on her big day, there are also accessories, formal dresses and bridesmaid dresses and timeless jewelry sets that can be worn in a versatile manner. Whether you are an elegant, glamorous, sexy or sweet bride, you can find the right style for you on your most special day at Dress V without going over the budget compared to designer gowns.

Ordering your wedding dresses from Dress V is now easier, you may refer to a measurements guide and flexible payment options.Where else will you get your gorgeous wedding dresses? For the trendy and smart bride, it has to be Dress V.

You can also be abreast of the latest trends by liking their Facebook page:

 Dress V on Facebook

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!