Haircare Affair

Hello! Hello! Last Saturday, we went for a quick trip to my beloved hometown, Angeles City. Among other things, we had our hair done by our ever-reliable Tony and Jackey in Marquee Mall. It was a family affair too...Chase and hubby got theirs, and yes, I got mine too! ;-D

I'm back to shorter hairstyle! Yay!  Although this is a bit longer than last time.  ;-D 

First off, I wanted to get an even hair color very soon, so I needed to get rid of  my damaged   uneven colored locks from last time's hair coloring mishaps. My hair was done by a lady Korean hairdresser, the rate for ladies' haircut goes by Php 500. And you ought to know I'm a Korean fangirl, so I'm sold. ;-D

Seriously needs hair color change updating! Soon! Do I hear a brighter, bolder  fashion hair color anytime soon? ;-D

And yes, a bit of duty free shopping was in order too!

Addicted much to Schwarzkopf! Got2B Guardian Angel Blow Out Lotion, in Play (for my boys ;-D), and Smooth Operator with Cashmere Lustre Lotion. We love, love, love, obviously! And more love for the brand coming very soon! More reviews asap! Please stay tuned! ;-D 

That's all for random and quick updates from yours truly...all is well, so far, so good! Thank you very much for all your lovely comments, please keep them coming! ;-D I have upcoming brand collaborations, so please keep on visiting! Best Regards! Cheers! ;-D

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 9:49 PM

So Very Busy

Hello! Hello! I miss my web logging. I'm so sorry for seemingly not replying to all your lovely comments, I promise to attend to my back logs this weekend. Anyhow, I just want to check in with all of you, all is well with us. I pray you're all doing great! Here's some random updates. ;-D

So busy with #SAHMNoMore ;-D....my first sales convention in years! Yay! ;-D Very soon, I'll let you know what I'm up to. ;-D

Lash Love. Hugs and Kisses, Ravings and Praises for Shu Uemura Gold Eyelash Curler (Review ASAP! ;-D) ,  Majolica Majorca Lash King and Lash & Brow Colorist. 

Working Mommy FOTD... NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo!  Love, Love, Love! ;-D

That's all. Oh, and I must say, I miss my KDrama marathons too, but my to-watch list is Gaksital or Bridal Mask, I'm halfway done, it's so so good! ;-D Til my next post! Cheers! ;-D

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 7:56 PM

A Bagful of Korean Cosmetics and More: Join my 2nd Blogiversary Giveaway

Hello there. July commemorates the 2nd anniversary of my web-log (blog).  600++ posts and counting, there is still so much to learn and to improve on. I only hope to be helpful, that regardless a post reaches a person or too, it's my dream that somehow, someway my thoughts mattered. Thank you for reading, and joining me. Here's a simple thank you giveaway.

Giveaway Prizes: One (1) Winner of a Toiletry/Cosmetic Printed Bag, A set of Etude House Collagen Moistfull Skin Care Kit, The Face Shop Lovely Me: Ex BB Cream, 3 x Trial Packs of Laneige Waterbank Moisture Cream, Skin Food Hair Pad, 2 x Urban Decay Loose Pigments, Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea Body Lotion 236 ml, Zen Zest Earth Perful 50 ml Bottle. All items are unused.

This giveaway is open to those who have shipping address in the Philippines.

Entry submission will end July 31, 2012, Local Time (Philippines). 

Complete the basic requirements, and earn bonus entries if you like. Earn entries via the Rafflecopter.
One winner for all items. :-D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored giveaway. Although, the Zen Zest I received as part of the press kit from last time. While the Etude House set as a gift with purchase from my eBay shopping to BeHappyWithMe, the rest are either personal purchases or gifts. 

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 9:34 PM

Party Planning Time

Hello again. By the way, another happening that's keeping me busy and excited is my son's upcoming 7th birthday. Compare to my son's 1st birthday, I only have about 2.5 months to plan it. We're undecided early on, and we initially settle for an out of the country trip and a shopping spree at a Toy Store. It's just that the big move here in Manila, with our living expenses ballooning vs. before, we couldn't really decide. But hey, first order of business after getting back to corporate employment is to go into another party planning soiree. I will work for it! ;-D

After much arguing and debates  deliberation, due to Chase's insisten public request, we'll have a camouflage theme party. This time, I won't have as much time to d.i.y.  Most were sourced from Party City. I'll show you as soon as our box arrives. ;-D Sadly, after going through several party planning and execution, you think I might be getting better every time, but I feel that I want to be not time-pressured for this big day. LoL* So I'll rely on party suppliers this time. 

But please help me, I'm torn between being practical (cozy and family affair) and capricious...should I or shouldn't I spend for balloon packages more than Php 10K? In fairness, with several balloon and party companies to choose from, the rate is fairly within that range, vs. years ago's Php 50K and up. It's just that hubby is very, very, very practical, so he's set on shelling out a specific budget, and as always, everything over it, is mine to shoulder! Oh well. I need to work, save, and save! LoL* I'm still undecided among three suppliers though. Any thoughts, recommendations, and since I don't have my exact inventories of the balloons and decors coming from the US, I can't negotiate yet for a discounted price.

I have a venue and caterer in mind, I'll spill it out as soon as I secure the slot. ;-D For the hosting, this is a priority for me, because the host can actually make or break the moment, I already sent inquiries on my prospects, I hope to secure some confirmation first. Anyhow, I have a friend who's doing it, but she's based in Angeles City, I'm not sure if she's up for a trip.

So yes, I'm open to suggestions. Believe me, I've been going through most blogs, forums, and links that point to these words #birthday party ideas, #balloon packages in Ortigas, #best party host, #best balloon artist, etc. ;-D 

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 5:44 PM

Koko Buri: House of Rising Chicken #MustTry Resto when in AC ;-D

Hello everyone. Oh well, m.i.a. again, but I'm back, and will try to be more diligent in posting. Inspired by my recent giveaway win, for this weekend blogging marathon, I'll share some of our recent gastronomic adventures. First off is Koko Buri: House of Rising Chicken located inside Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

Koko Buri: House of Rising Chicken #MustTry ;-D

Dining Area. 

Al Fresco Dining Area. Koko Buri offers casual dining experience for the whole family.

Silverwares aptly suited in relishing and devouring the uber crispy chicken. 

Our recent trip here was my and Chase's first. I heard of the restaurant from a mommy friend a while back, but I was under the impression that it was a Korean restaurant. So I was surprised to hear from my sister that the chicken is the bestseller and the featured specialty, and yes, it's a la Bon Chon Chicken. So we let her order for us.

Calamari for Php 150. Their soft, so much so that Chase didn't realized at the onset that these are squids. Plus the dipping sauce is yummy. 

Kangkong Thai Php 110. Fresh water spinach, with oyster sauce, hint of thai spices, sesame seeds. It's sweet and spicy.

Soy Garlic Fried Chicken 1pc Meal Php 120 comes with asian coleslaw. I love the chicken. It's sweet, crispy on the outside, but the meat is flavorful and tender. It doesn't taste garlicky but it's more of sweet. Since I have a bit of a healthy appetite, I can actually finish more than a full piece (this is 1pc portion cut in half).  So we had to order a la carte as extra servings for us. 

Half Order of Soy Garlic Fried Chicken Php 290. A matter of taste and preference, I actually like this crispy and sweet version better than BonChon's. Because the flavor lingers up to the meat, not just on the breading. But my sister likes BonChon's better. Oh well! ;-D

Koko Buri, No Preservatives, No Artificial Flavors, 100% Pure Canola Oil, 100% Pure Wheat Flour, 100% Mozzarella Cheese. #Good to Know LoL* Because the crispy fried chicken are so tempting to devour, a la Max's sarap to the the bone (so good to the last bite)! ;-D

Price List. Menu. Location Map to Koko Buri. Source: Official FB Page

There are a lot more to try. The pizza looks promising too, plus the hot pots. Since, KokoBuri is a traffic-ful drive from us, we'll have to contend with BonChon's chicken, anyhow I love their version of Korean Japchae too. But when in Angeles City, this is definitely a must try. ;-D

Koko Buri: House of Rising Chicken
J. Abad Santos Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, 2023 Clark, Pampanga, Philippines

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 1:45 PM

Nail Spa Lounge + NOTW: OPI The "IT" Color

Hello everyone. Yesterday, I was compelled to visit the nail salon, Oh how I miss our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man nail technician a la manicurista.  (I just love the new Amazing Spider-Man movie, by the way! #MustSee) LoL* Going back, it's been a while since I had my toe nails done, and I've been very busy, but it's more or less within the usual intervals, but I find my big toe aching, so I went to the Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell located at the top floor of The Atrium at SM Megamall, adjacent to the chapel.

How nice. ;-D

It was early, so I didn't have to wait for my turn. I'm ditching manicures for now, since I'm keeping my nails really short for now. Both for practical and economical reasons. I just got the basic pedicure for Php 250. The service comes with a super comfy, warm, and bubbly foot soak, a relaxing massage (I love Honey!), the basic cleaning, and grooming, plus a choice of nail polish from their selections (OPI, Orly, China Glaze, Essie, and Misa).

 I've been told by the abled nail technician that the reason why my big toe hurts was because of the cuticle, plus dry patch of skin, plus the nail that is growing because somehow it was cut on the side, which shouldn't be the case. Hmmm #bad She worked on it, it's not an ingrown and it's not swelling, although, it still feels a litte tender to the touch. I'm moisturizing it as I speak, and then did some preventive disinfecting just in case. She also offered to dry them just to fast ensure a great and lasting finish. Anyhow, on with my nail color choice. 

Several nail colors and brands to choose from. Finally, I went for this really Bright Yellow Color. ;-D

OPI The "IT" Color, meaning the In Thing? Perhaps. I tested it out, it looks so pigmented and bright in the bottle, but it's surprisingly streaky even with a second coat. I went for a third, it looks okay, jelly-like even, but looks a bit thick. I was worried that it won't be as strong with so many layers, so I settled for two coats. 

The color is either a reminiscent of a ripe mango or mustard. But as aforesaid, with two coats, it's still streaky. Also, since most of the OPI's that I tried before were applied by someone else, unlike this one, which I applied by myself to try, I had a hard time working around the brush, it appears too big. Anyhow, I wore them today to work, they're not shouting too bright yellow, methinks. ;-D 

Orly Golden Jubilee. This was my first choice. Remember, I was hoping for an orange-y shade last time, but when I tried it out, it's a tone down, demure shade of golden orange reminiscent of a classy halloween pumpkin shade that is shimmery. I'm up for a brighter and bolder shade, so I went for the The "IT" Color. I have to say though, that if I were to apply my own colors, I'd go for ORLY's, the brush is nicer and more conducive to precise applications even for a newbie like me. 

Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell at The Atrium, SM Megamall. 

I love that they have quality nail color selections without charging additional cost. I have to say too, that I love the added pampering treats that come with the pedicure. With it conveniently located, it's the most accessible nail salon for me, so it seems I'll be frequenting this. Also, I like the Nail Technician who attended me, she's a keeper, maybe it's high time to have a reliable and regular person to maintain my nails. There are more services offered, I'm off to indulge sometime again soon. Cheers! ;-D 

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 10:40 PM

Working Mommy FOTD: Majolica Majorca Lash King + Hera

Hello again. Oh yes, I still owe you that lengthy post of my big comeback to corporate employment. #SAHMNoMore ...and then I do need some minor updating on my profile, pages, etc. Anyhow, I needed to do a bit of shopping for work outfits #CorporateChic ;-D, and found time in between too to update my makeup. While I went all out with complete eye makeup #TheWorks...eye shadows and all during my interview days, I went for more basic, au naturel a la Korean Drama Lead Star-esque FOTD's all week long. No fancy eye makeup, instead more dramatic lashes, plus or minus finely lined eyes, and pinkish/reddish lip shades.  Long story short, here's my usual work day FOTD (Face of the Day). ;-D

Japan's Majolica Majorca Niceties in my makeup kit. Lash King BR666 (Php 795), Brow and Lash Colorist BR555 (Php 595), Customize Shadows in RD422 and BR784 from my not so recent MM's hoarding. I'm thinking of using the shadow RD422 with its bright reddish pink shade as a makeshift blush, but the pigmentation is so great, that you really need to use just a litte and swipe the colors uber lightly. I'll touch on it on a separate post.

Swatch. In as much as I have my share of woes in removing waterproof eye makeup, the new Majolica Majorca's Lash King in Brown (BR666) is so irresistibly pretty. It's easy to apply. Look at all those fibers for dramatic lengths and volume.
Majolica Majorca Lash King Product Description: The best-selling Lash King Mascara now comes in exquisite brown (BR666). For the longest, unrivaled lashes! Overwhelming legth, extra thickness, super lush. A perfect all-around mascara in new color! Credit: Source

Beautiful!!! Check out my before and after look. Please note that I didn't use any eyelash curler, my dream eyelash curler is yet to come straight from Japan. LoL* Seriously, net of that dream eyelash curler, I usually ditch curling my lashes because my eyes get irritated easily, so I'm counting on the mascara to do the trick. And the Lash King delivers! Yay! ;-D 

More Before and After photo documentations, taken after a long day of malling. Love the staying power! ;-D DIY (Do it yourself) Brow Tinting, for the win! ;-D  Remember my recent to do list here. The Lash and Brow Colorist, is my ultimate DIY brow tinting must have. The brow colorist is easy to remove, although, it's waterproof, and fast drying for that smudge-free application, I don't take an extra step in removing the colors. The colors wash-off simultaneous along with my daily cleansing regimen. Mascara removal though is a different story. Thank goodness for my ever-reliable SkinFood Seaweed Waterproof Point Makeup Tissue Remover. 

Me. FOTD.
Face: Innisfree Melting Foundation, SkinFood Sweet Potato Hydra Cushion Pact
Blush: Majolica Majorca Custom Shadow RD422.
Lips: SkinFood Black Bean Lip Liner No3 Peach Pink/ Hera Luminous Gloss Shade 103

Much Love. Can't get enough. Doll Eyes. More dramatic eyes with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler. ;-D

So there you have it. It's fast simple, and safe easy to don. I'm seriously addicted to the Brow and Lash Colorist, and the mascara too, definitely a keeper! #MustTry #MustBuy #MustHoard LoL* As per my lipstick/lip gloss shade, I'm up to play around more with my color choices for that varying dramatic effect. LoL* If I come up with something more elaborate, I'll share asap. Cheers! ;-D

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 1:40 AM

New Korean Skincare Brands to Try: Dermal and Luesys

Annyeonghaseyo! Hello. Hello. It's been a while...hmmm, busy me! Anyhow, fret not, I have a lot of exciting beauty posts coming right up. *Breathe! Here goes the first...I met with a friend and Mr. Kim, who's an authentic Korean ahjussi, mind you, to check out some of their Korean beauty care products for sale here. Among the brands that I haven't yet tried are Dermal and Luesys. They happily gifted me these to try. Yay! More Korean niceties for me. ;-D

Dermal is supposedly the No. 1 Selling Mask Pack in Japan with about 31 types. Wow! I have 3, more to try. Dermal Gold Collagen Mask, Q10 Collagen Essence Mask, Dermal Special Formula Absolute Whitening Pure Mask. 

Dermal Special Formula Absolute Whitening Pure Mask. I have 2 of these, tried one and I like it. ;-D Few more days, and another round with it before I do the review. Please stay tuned. Not to preempt, this is by far the thickest mask sheet ever. ;-D

Luesys is one of the beauty line of Altwell Korea, as per my research. The brand goes for a tag line..."My Skin Blooms as a Flower." Hmmm...interesting! ;-D

Trial packs overload. I love. Luesys Herb Cleansing Cream and Foam. I'm using these for a couple of days now, looks promising, so far, so good. I'll let you know. Luesys De Mela White Set (Skin, Lotion, Serum, and Cream). I'm not really into whitening line, but I'll give this line a try asap. 

There you have it, more Korean brands to try. I'll let you know for sure. I'm seriously stopping myself, at least until I tried more of the masks, to hoard from them. A Dermal mask pack sells for Php 45 ($1+), how nice!!! ;-D Check them out, like KPOP Collections (Cosmetics, Accessories, and Apparel) on Facebook. Mr. Kim is already an established e-Bay seller, even before recently setting up a local online store that is Philippine-based, with my friend, Mommy Hazel, as a business partner. So you're in good hands. And yes, the more Korean brands, the merrier. Cheers! ;-D

Have you tried any of the 31+ Dermal Mask Pack variants? Please do share.

Discount Code:
For my readers, you get a 10% discount by giving this special code CHICSASSYMOM! Happy Shopping! ;-D

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 10:20 PM

Event: Enchanted Kingdom Wizards Club Launch

Hello everyone. My FB status update today is something about Mid year, new beginnings... (dot dot dot), I'm saving a lengthy post about it. Not to preempt, long story short, I might be going m.i.a. more often than usual. #Bittersweet Anyhow, on with the event. You ought to know I relish mommy bloggers' events wherein I get to have Chase, my son, also in attendance, and this time, with hubby too. So it was to our delight that we were invited to EK's media launch. I novelized our recent visit at Enchanted Kingdom last Easter 2012. It's great that my hubby was up for a drive to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. We're set to spend another weekend at the theme park. As always, Chase was excited. The event was for the grand media launch of Enchanted Kingdom Wizards Club (EKWC).

The event presented the benefits of being a member of Enchanted Kingdom Wizards Club such as creating opportunities for your children to explore their talents and abilities,  enhancing social skills by enabling them to  meet other people outside school. Membership also offers discounts and privileges based on the two categories, E-Kids (6-12 years old) and EKTeens (13-18 years old). See here for more details.

Eldar's Tent inside Enchanted Kingdom

Chase loving his Yin Yang inspired by Kung Fu Panda. This, of course,  for the day, made him feel like the Dragon Warrior.  ;-D The grand launch featured activities for the kids in attendance such as face painting, glitter tattooing, yoyo performance and Art in the ark coloring activity with Faber-Castell.  

Nestlé Nestea Purple Brew is concocted with grenadine, and curaçao bleu, so when mixed makes a purplish iced tea drink, in spirit of EK's purple color theme.

Guests were also treated with a lunch set meal, and Purefoods' Tender Juicy Hotdogs, plus bottomless refills of the Nestea.

The program opened with an amazing performance from Platero Elementary School Students, Binan Laguna's champion of Folk, Street, and Maglalatik Dance Competition. Awesome! ;-D

Meet Ms. Grace Que. She's the super talented daughter of Dad Rino Que and Mom Samantha Chavez-Que. She wowed us with her powerful amazing rendition of Adele's Rolling in the Deep. She's the current EKWC spokesperson. 

The event was hosted by Ms. Anna Marie Periquet, EK's Head of COREVEX Division. With EK Talented Whiz Kids, Lee Jay and Fiorella, and Mary Grace.

One of EKWC's benefit, in partnership with Security Bank,  is a special savings account called EK Junior One Account, which allowed members to save, plus among other perks. For that day, membership of Php 1500 was offered at up to 20% off.  For more details on membership, please read here.

Kids were also treated with Loot Bags with EK merchandise and URC goodies. We're also given two-unlimited day pass, which we didn't use yet, and we're saving for another visit within the validity period so we can enjoy longer stay in the park. Big Thanks to Enchanted Kingdom for having us! ;-D 

Finally, a picture of Chase, up close and personal LoL*, with Eldar the Wizard and Princess Victoria, also with the pretty and talented EK Girls, Mary Grace and Fiorella. ;-D

I have to say that the club's offerings are so compelling especially to South Manila based families. On a monetary perspective, discounts and privileges (e.g. savings from buying theme park tickets) after the membership actually more than even out the cost of it, more so if you're a big family, and you're up to frequent the park more.  For more details, please click on the link provided above, or visit EK's official website for more updates and promotions. Or email enchantedkingdomwizardsclub@gmail.com.

Posted by Chic Sassy Mom 10:12 PM