"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."
-Unknown

Wednesday 3 July 2013

Currently Reading: Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I'm on a hold right now from reading because I have a ton of writing tasks that are too technical and just getting the facts straight is tricky alone. Another thing is that Momsy is on travel and she brought the digicam and tablet with her which puts my reading on hold too and that leaves me with more beauty products review without any suitable photos to use just yet.

Behind the scenes, I am babysitting our one-year old Fiona. She whines every thirty seconds. But I still let her rest on my lap and cover her with a blanket when she feels cold.


So, I shall wait for my ebook library to arrive then and write as fast as I can on those technical reports and writing tasks. But for next month my reading group in Goodreads have chosen Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita for the discussion. Momsy is reading Tolstoy right now. Does this mean I should go for an actual ebook reader instead of just a tablet?

Ok, ok, ok, currently reading (but put to a halt) Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (I can't believe I still have not posted my review on Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists...)

G.G. Marquez is an old-favorite of mine, I got to collect and read many of his novels except Strange Pilgrims. Everybody else knows that I like to read his works, but every time someone goes out of town and passes by the bigger bookstores, I am always unlucky. Now that I have the ebook, it went traveling without me. But I can still wait...

In the meantime, here is a compilation of all the splendid book covers for your inspiration. I've always had his books in Random House editions, but there are other book covers that are even more impressive.






 What are you currently reading, avoiding, completing? 
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Monday 1 July 2013

On Fragrances: Pink Shimmer and Shine in Pretty and Pure


I got this when a friend of mine brought quite a haul in the office. So yes, I fell for it at first scent. I have to say that the package is an instant favourite because I am a big fan of teal and everything that falls in its radar. I am feeling that it is a good buy as soon as I saw it, and I will be sharing my reasons why.


About the Company

I think anyone who has a relative in the States and has received a balikbayan box knows or has tried some Pink products in the past. Pink is Victoria’s Secret’s sister company which has expanded into so many products already, from underwear, beauty products, sporting attire, shoes and fragrances, now they are introducing bags and totes. There are so many merchandise that they are conjuring up, it takes a girl quite a good amount of self control to decide which are really the essentials. As for me, I am content with this particular body splash. What's a girl on a budget to do?

Price

I got this 75ml bottle for only Php 350, so it must be a sale price of approximately $8.75. The regular items I see on the site are over $15-25 if these come in full size. I think it is already a good value for me, and I got to save on other fees, so yes, definitely a keeper. 

About the Product

The print on the bottle says that it is a sparkling body mist, and yes it is definitely sparkly! I like small bottles because I can toss them in my bag no matter how small it is and then carry them around no matter where I am. I usually head to the mountains for the weekends and then go back to the city when the week starts again. I also need some calming scents to help me start my day.

Who Is It For?

Pink's Pretty and Pure Sparkling Body Mist is for those who like:
  • Subtle and refreshing scents
  • Shimmery products to reflect on the skin 
  • Candy bubblegum reminiscent fragrances

Pros 

I like that it offers:
  • Fresh feeling
  • Smells pleasant and becomes subtle as time goes on
  • Not too sweet and not overpowering
  • Reasonable bargain price thanks to my friend 
  • Compact travel size bottle 
  • Non-irritating

Cons

I don’t like that:
  • It is too shimmery
  • Creamy and milky texture that make it appear like lotion
  • There is something wrong with the spritzer, it does not spritz it just gives a spurt and I need to rub it on my skin and it wastes an amount of product
  • It is inaccessible, I don't see it on sale even in their own site and I have to see yet if they offer it here

The Verdict

I find that Pretty and Pure is a calming scent that I really like. At the rate of how I spritz it, it will be consumed in no time. I am pleased with this product but I am sad that it is no longer on sale in the site. 

Sunday 30 June 2013

Raisie Takes on the Liebster Award!

Hooray! Raisie Speaks was nominated or rather “tagged” for the Liebster Award thanks to Aviva! For the record, it is my first time to be tagged and yes, I am now getting down to business… 

For those who are new to the Liebs just like I am, it consists of providing 11 Facts about Yourself, and answering 10 Questions by the blogger who has tagged you, and forwarding 10 Questions to other bloggers you have tagged. So shall we begin? 

11 Fun Facts About Raisie 

1. My real name is Raisa and my second name is Mae. Raisie is a pet name used by my Mom. 
2. I am currently living with ten dogs at home. If you are wondering, it is no walk in the park, I have to take care of preparing their food and bathing them and making sure they don’t chase the chickens and give the goats a heart attack. But coming home to adorable and sweet dogs is worth it.
3. I tutor-coach my Mom in Candy Crush. No kidding. She goes to bed at midnight after she plays Candy Crush. I don’t have to tutor Papa in Poker. That’s his area.
4. Until last month, I collected and insisted on reading books that were tangible. I didn’t really get the hang of reading ebooks on my laptop screen and buying paperbacks and hardbound cost me shipping fees. So what changed? A tablet.


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2

5. Yes, I still write my thoughts in script and I do use copyediting marks and icons even if I am no longer a practicing journalist. 
6. There is no denying that I really enjoy cooking. I follow well-kept family recipes and I still continue to learn. My specialties? Fresh lumpia, pasta, chocolate and butter cake, tenderloin steak and mixed vegetables.
7. Apart from collecting books of all my favourite authors, I also collect-gasp-pencils. It’s weird and scary, I know.
8. I am a semi-type A person with minimal tendencies of OCD. My work space is a dining table that can seat six people-but right now I am hogging it.
9. I have a secret obsession over nail polish!


My Various NOTD

10. I enjoy movies too! As long as it is interesting, I watch it. My range includes criticizing remakes of well-loved classics, cartoons and animations to watch with the kids (my little cousins), indies and documentaries and also Japanese anime.
11. I am also a freelance creative writer for ebooks and web content. Need something done? You can reach me at raisa513@yahoo.com. 

Whew, so now that’s done, we now move on to Aviva’s Questions. Brace yourselves, here we go!

Aviva’s Questions

1. What’s your skin type? If you were to choose a different skin type except normal, what would it be and why?

I had oily skin ever since. I don’t think any other skin type would suit me except dry because there are many beauty and skin care products right now that are infused with moisturizing properties that could give positive results.

2. Which would you prefer: a premium makeup product worth thousands of pesos or a makeup loot consisting of drugstore products worth the same? Why?

Believe it or not, I grew up thinking that the reason why some beauty and skin care products were more expensive was because of the quality and payoff of the products. But these days, I am proven wrong because there are already many affordable products that can perform well and are satisfactory without the super duper expensive price tags. So if I were given the drugstore loot, I won’t mind, but if I were given the premium makeup brand, it is not every day that I can experience a luxurious pampering session. In any case, it is a win-win, and I can save money in the process too, that’s the way I look at it.



3. Are you willing to fork over more than Php 500 for a lipstick? Why or why not?

I am a minimal lipstick kind of girl. I find that putting on too much darkens my lips. So when it comes to lipstick, that amount is a bit pricey for me. My lipstick range is usually Php 250-350 and so on. The others, I just receive as pasalubong and gifts from friends and family.



Human Nature Mineral Hydrating Lipstick Lucky in Love

4. What’s the one makeup/ skin care product you want to try the most and why? What’s hindering you from trying it?

Honestly, I have a secret item on my wishlist and that is the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I really admire the shades that are appropriate for corporate wear and even weekends. But the price intimidates me…

That’s not the only one though, I also have my eyes on Mary Kay’s Bella Belara perfume. I had a test spritz before and the scent just blows me away. Again, the price is a problem. I would rather spend my money on something more worthwhile or invest in myself instead of spend on beauty products and fragrances that are really not a necessity. 

5. What color do you wish your hair is?

I think that black-brown currently suits me. However, I have always been curious with an ombre style with streaks of red or blue. Weird, huh?

6. What’s your go to face base?

I am more of a powder person compared to the cream formulation when it comes to face base. This is because of my oily skin. So I would have to point out that women who have oily skin should try out Human Nature’s Mineral Pressed Powder. There are four shades to choose from, and it is super affordable. It also provides sheer to medium coverage and keeps oily skin at bay, it works every time!

7. Do you think face primers are necessary? Why or why not?

Over the years, getting ready for me in the morning comprised of cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sun protection. It didn’t make a difference if I had face primer before foundation because honestly, I thought that the lesser application on skin was better. I still think this is better until now. Sticking to a tried and tested routine has helped avoid too much breakouts and problematic skin conditions that are caused by products that are not that suited for my skin. 

8. Which are you most likely to sport when going out: green or purple eyeshadow? 

Lately, I have been intrigued by corporate makeup and executive grooming because of the nature of my field. In this case, I have mastered lilac shades which can go with almost anything. Purple can be worn for night events though, and I can stick to the lilac shades for the day in the workplace. However, I am open to the idea of experimenting with emerald shades too.


New York Color Eyeshadow Palette in Queen's Boulevard

9. Which looks better on you, red or nude lipstick?

I still like color and red seems to be the best shade on me. 

10. Given a chance to undergo cosmetic surgery, would you take it? If so, what procedure would you undergo? If not, why?

I have always been comfortable with the way I look and I like keeping myself under the radar instead of putting myself on the spotlight uncomfortably. Hmm, cosmetic surgery you say? Give me the money and I can use it for other more productive means. =D 

My Questions for Other Bloggers

  1. There are already so many sampling boxes in the country today. Would you subscribe to one? How long do you wish to subscribe?
  2. Describe your daily beauty routine.
  3. How would you differentiate your regular beauty routine to a pampered beauty treatment?
  4. How much do you allocate for beauty splurges and hauls every month?
  5. What is the most that you have spent on a beauty product?
  6. What is your current beauty obsession?
  7. What is your beauty mantra?
  8. If you had Php 100, what beauty product would you spend it on?
  9. How would you format your beauty reviews?
  10. What are your top two fragrances?

My Blogger Tags


  1. This Little Creature
  2. Ironically Titled
  3. Duchess of Delaware
  4. The House that Lars Built
  5. Its Meryll Jane
  6. I Make Me Michelle
  7. The Draco Princess
  8. Jannieology

So far that's all I have. If you want to answer some of my questions, you are very much welcome and you can link back here. There is no deadline...

You can also follow me on Bloglovin. 

Thursday 27 June 2013

What I Am Crushing On Right Now

Hi friends how are you all doing?

I have been waiting for some packages to arrive, one is from an international courier which takes about three weeks, or even a month, depending, and the other one is from a local courier which should have arrived anytime a couple of days ago. But I would rather not let that get me down.

I would like to share with you some things that I have been drawing inspiration from, as well as some that I have been crushing on for some time now. If you are one to indulge in rewarding, active scents, I can share something with you about me.... I like sniffing on various scents. Even if I am left alone at home and wearing just tattered shorts and shirt, I can spritz on a little and sniff my way into a relaxing day. And I really don't mind masculine scents such as Aknarf Cologne for Men. The bottle alone looks out of this world! I will be discussing more about scents, colognes and perfumes after the Liebster post next week... (And I have another book review set for you, ayt?)


Another crush of mine right now is Urban Decay eyeshadow. The only thing that intimidates me about this thing of beauty is its price! But other than that, I think this is a good palette to have especially if one is intent on corporate looks and executive grooming. The colours are not too loud and there are two palettes to choose from!




So even if these are just random thoughts, I am hoping that someday I can experiment with the colors and see how it all turns out. I hope you are having a great time! How is the work week treating you? If you need to let out, you can leave your comments and I will be right back at you! 


Thursday 20 June 2013

What I Am Currently Reading On Where

I have been dreaming about an ebook reader for some time now. I've done research and even compared prices. I think you can recall it here in one of my posts from way back. But when the mind wanders and the heart wishes, there are ways for just thoughts to materialize in actuality.

Last month, I unexpectedly received a big blessing from my grandfather which was already enough to buy a decent ebook reader. It served as an advanced birthday gift. I added just a little and it was enough to buy a good device- a tablet that can function well as an ebook reader. Now I think this is one birthday gift that still gives me the chills. It is one of the more extravagant presents I have received, (I would not even spend that much on myself). But I got my wish, and a better unit too.




So now, I am using the tablet as an ebook reader. As for the rest of the family, tablet means Candy Crush. And I just want to share what I am currently reading...

I found this book in one of my suki shops online and I thought I could first try out some resources online just in case so I could save money instead of buying books and having to pay for the shipping fee. Luckily, there is an epub version online.


I am enjoying this! It has a lot of rich experiences and insights- but I am not going to spoil it all, I have a book review next for this alright? But it has positive reviews online already. I will share my thoughts on this and a background on Tom Rachman when it's ready! 

Have a great weekend guys! =D