Celebrating our Nans' 60th Birthday at Gumbo

July is such a wonderful time of the year. We are blessed to have so many reasons to celebrate (these and more). We are grateful! One of the many celebrations for this month was my mom in law's (we call her Nans, short for Nanay) 60th birthday! I have to tell you that Tats and Nans are from Iloilo. But this month, they visited for their annual checkup. We are delighted to have her with us on her birthday, it's such an exceptional treat to us.

Surprises awaited her at the restaurant...Balloons, Flowers, Cake, and Gifts. 

Prior to bringing her to the dinner venue, we bought her flowers, balloons (I'm loving National Bookstore's Balloon Services both from SM Megamall and Shangri-la Plaza!), and gifts. We got her something from Lacoste and Parker Pens (because she likes to write and has a pretty handwriting). After getting these, we left them to the care of the staff of Gumbo at the Atrium of SM Megamall. Why Gumbo? Besides loving shrimps (hehe), they needed to have healthier options, remember they're up for their annual checkups, so seafood it is! But perhaps the deciding factor was the staff of Gumbo sings the cheeriest and loudest happy birthday song in the area. Yay! We heard them doing a song the last time we were dining in Kichitora. It was such a happy rendition of a birthday song! ^_^

Anyhow, we went to Gumbo for the dinner. The food is great! #NomNom

New England Clam Chowder Soup in a bread bowl.   #Yum You ought to know that we love clam chowder soup, so far this is nice, comparable to one of my fave Rack's clam chowder soup. 

Four Seasons Salad Grande. So pretty, tasteful, and yes very healthy, just look at the colors!

 Click read more to know our very savory main dishes and the birthday surprise! ^_^

Smurf-tastic Day at McDonald's

Hooray! It's another happy day for us at McDonald's Greenbelt Party Place. #Smurfy Last Saturday, we were delighted to party with McDonald's because the Smurfs 2 Happy Meal toys are in town!

The cast of Smurfs 2 promises to make your visit at McDonald's more fun! Welcome to McDonald's! ^_^

Smurf-themed interiors in select McDonald's Metro Manila Stores. Welcome to McDonald's Greenbelt Party Place.

My McDo Kiddie Crew now also Chasey Smurf. He's the happiest of the all because with every McDonald's Happy Meal, you get a Smurfs 2 Toys. 

The Cast of Smurfs 2 says Bonjour! ^_^ Hello Papa Smurf, Jokey, Smurfette, Brainy, Greedy, Hefty, Clumsy, Party Planner, Baker Smurf, Handy, Vexy, and Hackus. 

Oh Happy Day! Our Happy Meal 2013 Smurfs 2 Toys. Almost complete (eleven Smurf Toys,! ;-D), we're just missing one of them, Party Planner Smurf. See you soon!  ^_^ 

We have Smuf-ized store, 12 Smurf Happy Meal toys, and we got desserts to boot. Smurfiest time indeed!

McDonald's Sundae flavors just got a Smurf-y boot... Hello Blueberry Sundae! ^_^ The signature smooth and creamy vanilla soft-serve Sundae ice cream of McDonald's now comes with a sweet blueberry syrup. 

Blueberry McFloat. A fizzy soft drink with the goodness of vanilla soft-serve sundae and blueberry syrup. A treat of this made my son's day. Happy Much! ^_^

Strawberry Oreo McFlurry. We all love this to bits and pieces! ;-D 

For limited time only, you can also enjoy Bubblegum McDip in blue bubblegum-flavored syrup. You can also add large crispies for a little crunch on the Bubblegum McDip.

Thank you #McDoPh and EON for the Smurf-tastic time! ^_^

SMURF-tastically Sweet time at McDonald's! My little Chasey Smurf enjoying his Blueberry McFloat #NaughtySmileonHisFace because he gets to drink soda! ^_^ And yes, I told you we love the Strawberry Oreo McFlurry...bottoms up! Cheers! 

Smurfette, Papa Smurf, and rest of the gang are taking on another mission against the evil wzard Gargamel in the Smurfs 2 movie coming to theaters on August 7. Can't get enough of Smurfs? Head over to your favorite McDonald's store now for Happy Meal Toys and Smuf-ized Desserts.

McDonald's Philippines is inviting you to share your Smurf-tastic moments on Facebook (facebook.com/mcdo.ph)  and Twitter @mcdo_ph. 

Innisfree eBay Shopping and Some Stuff on my Mind

Annyeonghaseyo! ^_^ My, my, I've been busy with so many things, and happy to say that I'm loving it! Yay! #NotComplaining Although, very quickly, please allow me to rant, Google Webmaster is bothering me, I have some html errors, and says that my titles are duplicated. I'm sad! Ottoke? Please, anyone?! Anyhow, I did some tinkering, and let's see! Hah. Let's go with the happy part, I went Korean Cosmetics shopping on eBay. Haha! Super belated post, if you're following me in FB, I shared the photo here.

I ordered full sizes of Innisfree Jujubija Anti-Trouble Skin and Lotion, and Innisfree Soybean Firming Serum. The rest are freebies! #Happiness 

Skincare must haves...Full Sizes of Innisfree Jejubija Anti Trouble Skin, Innisfree Jejubija Anti Trouble Lotion, and Innisfree Soybean Firming Serum

My late 2012 to present, skin care regimen includes the full line of Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Line (Facial Foam, Skin, Lotion, Spot Essence). I incorporate another skin care line for reinforcement (the more, the merrier! *LoL), this time it's the Innisfree Soybean Firming Serum. I am loving it, especially the beauty tool a la the roller. It reminds me of the metal applicator of the The Eye Concentrate of La Mer, which I had the pleasure of sampling. I think it's a great way to reinforce the benefits of Innisfree Eco-Science Wrinkle Spot Essence, which I also use together with an eye cream. Plus I use a lot of facial masks...sheets, leave on, and rinse off! Whew! Can you tell that I am vain addicted to Korean Cosmetics? ;-D Anyhow, since I don't have a any upcoming trip or even stop over to Seoul, I'm happy to go back to eBay shopping to my fave and ever reliable Korean eBay Seller, BHappyWithMe!

Freebies overload. It reminds me of Seoul Shopping. So yes, I'm happy to shop locally for the meantime. Oh look at the cute Hello Kitty Etude House fan. And looking forward to gifting the Innisfree Baby Eco Recipe Baby Special Trial Kit to my nephews.

I will review these soon....Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, Etude House Puff Cocktails, Tony Moly Puretox Cleansing Tissue.

I am especially excited to sample the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, I have the full size, and did a review of the Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (now the regular kind without the super). Hmmm...let's try the super!

And now more of the some stuff on my mind, oh well,  the busy part includes my day job, Chase's going back to school, us (hubby and I) actively taking roles in the school parents' association (LSGH EPA) for the second time around, my fangirling stint (Hello Lee Min Ho and Lee Jun Ki *LoL), and trying to blog every now and then,  attending media events here and there ( I seriously wish I can attend most, but I can only do so much! Please don't mistake it for being snobbish!). I also have so many to watch Korean and Taiwanese Dramas. Hehe! I can be all over the place! Anyhow, having said that, to my readers, please don't go away! I will try to write more personal posts. I have so much more to share and to tell. But in between, please support my sponsored posts, media event coverage, press release sharing, and please do enjoy and join my giveaways! Cheers! ^_^ 

Win a Beauty Loot Bag! | Chic & Sassy Mom 3rd Blogoversary Giveaway

Hello my dear readers! Because there's so much to celebrate this July 2013, as a token of my gratitude, I'm happy to host another giveaway! ^_^

 One (1) Winner to take home the gift pack inclusive of 2 x Urban Decay Loose Pigments, a Denman Brush, Algabo Hair Treatment Mask (will review soon), EOS Lip Balm, Bath & Full Size Body Works Butterfly Flower Shower Gel, a Denman Cosmetic Pouch. 

It's not as bonggacious (budget and shipping considerations ^_^), but I do hope you'll find it in your heart to love the goodies in the loot bag as much as I do! #DramaQueen

Join via the Rafflecopter. 

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

Entry submission will end July 31, 2013, Local Time (Philippines). 

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Denman Philippines and Algabo. The remaining prizes are few of my favorite buys from my not so recent US trip! Again, thank you for joining! Good luck! Cheers! ^_^

Denman Celebrates 75 Years of Styling Perfection + Giveaway

Denman is proud to be the maker of many of the world's favorite hairbrushes. It all started 75 years ago, the year was 1938 when Ulsterman, John Denman Dean (Jack Dean) applied for patent protection for his easy-to-clean, rubber cushioned hairbrush. As an entrepreneur and keen inventor, Dean accepted a challenge from his sister to develop a hairbrush which could tame her long, thick hair...The D3 Classic Styling Brush—as we know it today—was born. This 2013, Denman celebrates its 75th anniversary of being an iconic hairdressing brand.

The Iconic Denman D3 Classic Styling Brush paved the way for Denman's 75 Years of Styling Perfection...Truly, a brush for life! 

Denman hairbrushes were further popularized in the swinging sixties by hairdressing legend, Vidal Sassoon, through his revolutionary blow-drying techniques. Through the years, Denman remains steadfast in maintaining its  market position as the brand of hairbrushes and combs preferred by professionals...a brand, which is renowned for its exceptional standards of quality, performance, and innovation.

Be amazed! Please watch the video below on Denman's journey to styling perfection and innovation.

I'm delighted to be the owner of the world's favorite hairbrushes. ^_^ My Denman Brushes, combs and makeup brushes! 

Win a Denman Classic D3 Styling Brush and more here! #Giveaway

Denman remains to be the ‘Hairdresser’s Hairbrush’. The Denman philosophy is simple: design and produce brilliant hairbrushes that make your hair look and feel amazing every day. So, whatever type or style of hair, there's a Denman brush to suit.    

Today, the Denman brand, made in Northern Ireland, is used and endorsed by professionals in over 60 countries worldwide.

Oh, wouldn't it be nice if you can win a Denman Classic D3 Styling Brush? I'm delighted to join in the celebration of Denman. Visit the giveaway post here!  Cheers! ^_^

Denman is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by RPG Distribution Services, Inc. and widely available in leading stores nationwide. For more info on Denman Brushes in the Philipippines, please contact:

AIREEN R. MAYOL

Marketing Communications

RUSTAN MARKETING CORPORATION

(T): 890.9703 loc. 2

(M): 0920.9519415

(E): armayol@rgoc.com.ph

MELISSA M. NONES 

Group Product Manager 

RPG Distribution Services, Inc.

(T): 628.0002 loc. 202

(M): 0917.5394883

(E): mmnones@rgoc.com.ph

Capsule Toys Overload

Hello there! I'm checking in for my weekend blog post. I still owe you few more giveaway posts for July, yes with an s. Yay! ^_^  Anyhow, to kick off, here's an easy breezy post about my son, Chase, and our happy place.

We like it here! ;-D Toy Kingdom's Capsule Toys Vending Machines Area at SM Megamall

You ought to know that we're a fan of Naruto. Although, I like Naruto, but my son likes Sasuke more. Oh well!

Boys will be boys! Gun Capsule Toys by Takara Tomy

It seems capsule toys vending machines are mostly everywhere, at least in the places that we frequent, even at the supermarket. Although at the supermarket, you can get a toy for as low as Php 5. But Toy Kingdom's is like a haven of Capsule Toys! A capsule toy goes for 1-2 tokens (x Php 60 per token) here. I usually just allow him to get a turn, but with vending, you can never be sure of what you will get. Surprise! Surprise! "Mom, can I please do it again?" Oh well!

For today's trip, we ended up paying for 5 turns ( less one capsule in the photo since he gave a capsule to his grandma ;-D). 

He got a Grenade Launcher. He wanted to get the Machine Type. So yes, it means will be back for more next time! 

I love! We got Minato, Naruto, and Kushina phone charms. We got 2 Kushina's. He gifted the other one to his grandma.  The sad part, he wanted Sasuke! I told him, I will just buy him a Susuke (not a capsule toy, just to be sure ;-D) elsewhere. 

Remember, I said "our" happy place, not just his, because I ended up keeping all of these just because Sasuke is no show!

More Naruto Capsule Toy from last time. Again, Sasuke is no show, so I got to keep it again! Haha!

Funny, it just happens that I'm also getting hooked on these gashapon toys. #GuiltyPleasure Haha! Oh well, hope we get Sasuke Uchiha soon! Please wish us luck! What toys are you into lately? Oh, do you like Naruto too? Please do tell, leave a comment! ^_^


Happy weekend! Cheers! ^_^ 

Apricot-y Ombré

TGIF! I shared my latest hairdo on my FB page last time. Here's the colorful details of it. It's about 4 months since my last hair coloration, it was so, so, since I wanted a really prominent spicy reddish hair color, but I learned that it's very hard to keep the pigments of red, so you actually need a specialize hair care routine to keep the color. And to begin with, I don't have a light base, so without lightening or bleaching, the color was noticeable outdoor, but very subtle indoor. I'm feeling more adventurous, a fresher hairstyle was in order, so bring on the Ombré Hair!

Hair and Makeup #Selfie

My latest Hair Color Destination and Nail Care was at Freshaire Salon in SM Megmall. I am fairly familiar with my hair color rate from several salons in the mall, it ranges from Php 2500 to Php 3000. I checked out Freshaire, I overheard a girl, asking for an ombre hair style, the price quoted was within that range, so I decided I want one too! ;-D Photo Credit: Official Page of Freshaire Salon

My natural hair color is very black. Although, I rarely wear it that way except for the last time's mishaps, I went to several hair coloration ordeal from varying salons thereafter, but this one is one of the brightest hair color to date, at least on the ends. I kept the darker shade on top, and midway it's a apricot-y kind of hair color. Although ombré hair is more talked about last time, better late than sorry, game on, let's do it!

Before ombré. With an indoor lighting, red mahogany hair color. They had to do the root regrowth. I already told them that colors don't really show. So they need to up the formulation or something.

The hair colorist used foil to get to lighten the ends. Although it had to be decided what length to start the lightening, to make it higher (above the ear) or midway (under the ear). I'm not to sure myself, so I decided to go mid length. 

Oh my, the estimated time to finish the process was for two hours. I stayed in the salon for four hours. 

Oh well, there's definitely something off about my hair, because, it's hard to lighten it, what usually takes 15 minutes, took more, and they had to even out the colors, as some took a while to show. Honestly, I was apprehensive on getting it super light, I don't want it to be brassy. Plus I'm still basically wearing a black hair base, so I wan't the contrast to be manageable. 

Voilà! I'm still trying to be a redhead as red hair as it varies from a deep burgundy through burnt orange to bright copper. For the root, it's red mahogany, and a bit apricot-y on the ends. 

Different lighting perspective. Both indoor. Taken with and without flash. 

Anyhow, I like Freshaire. I think they can deliver prominent and drastic hair color change if you're up for it. I saw a lot of people getting their black hair to blond, safely. The price is also relatively friendlier. The initial quote given to me was Php 2000, but since they had to use more or to modify the formulation on my hair kind, it went to Php 2500++. They used L'oreal for the root regrowth and as base, and Schwarzkopf for the tinting.They used foil for the lightening technique, I saw another hair colorist just parting the hair midway, and applying different colors the usual way. As for my current hair style, I think Ombré is not for everyone's liking. Yes, it looks natural, darker on the roots, lighter on the ends. I like the edgy look it afforded me at times. If I'm being my usual conservative way, I tie my hair in a bun. But mostly, it allows me to be more adventurous....have no fear, I can always color it back! Hah! ^_^ In three months, maybe I can wear a full apricot-y hair color, or an ash blonde, or go for red again.

What's your hair color? Any hair color salon you would recommend for my next trip? Please do leave a comment! Cheers! ^_^

Say it better on LINE

Annyeonghaseyo! ^_^ Are you on LINE? You have to be! It's not only kawaii-ness to the highest level, but also a very functional messaging application. And it's free! If you're a Lee Min Ho fan (raising two hands and feet super high! ^_^), you might have heard of LINE, as it co-presented Lee Min Ho's recent My Everything concert (I went!I will post soon!;-D). It's very hard to miss because the cute plush character dolls of LINE (Moon, Brown, James, and Cony) were raffled off, and awarded by Lee Min Ho himself to the super lucky winners. But if it happens that you are not a Minoz, LINE brings in a new nation-wide campaign that is closer to the Filipino users... featuring Jessy Mendiola and Matteo Guidicelli for LINE Philippines.

The TVC features Jessy and Matteo's singing LINE's catchy sing-along theme song...La La La La Line! Say it better on LINE!  ^_^  Check out the TVC here, and sing along! #LSS

 

The TVC was unveiled at the recent LINE Philippines launch held at the ballroom of Manila Peninsula Hotel. The Press Conference was also attended by Mr. Darin (Dae Yun) Hwang, Manager of Global LINE Business, and is also involve in PR and Marketing Projects. He's joined by Mr. Jin-woo Lee, Senior Manager of LINE Business in South East Asia. 

LINE is a global communication application platform with millions of users worldwide. It offers free messaging and free calls in more fun and smarter way. 

LINE is love,love, love because of Stickers...chat and message in style! Oh look! How cute! In the Sticker Shop there's about 8,000 stickers to choose from, free and paid. The wide array of stickers allows you to express yourself  in pictures, hopefully minimizing messages lost in translation! ^_^ My thoughts...Welcome to LINE! It's a stormy night, keep safe and warm! ;-D Plus, there's a growing roster of Official Line Accounts of celebrities, I care because I'm a fangirl, isn't? ^_^

Meet the endearing LINE Characters...Brown and Cony, Moon, and James.  Each has its own distinctive personality and a wide array of facial expressions, graphically shown in several stickers. Shop also for LINE Merchandise. We are loving our Brown Plush Character Doll. 

LINE also offers an entire mobile ecosystem, enabling users to enjoy LINE even more.  Customize your experience by downloading additional apps in the LINE portfolio such as LINE Games, LINE Play, LINE Tools, and LINE Camera and more. 

Hello LINE Camera, you had me at hello! Truly, one of the cutest and functional camera application. See below! 

...with Cony and Brown! ^_^

After using LINE Camera Edit Tools...Tadaa! Now with James too, and a whole lot of awesomeness and hearts! ^_^ Thank You LINE Philippines for having me! 

I need more friends, other than my Celebrity Friends that I'm fangirling, so please be on LINE! It's @chicsassymom ! Cheers! ^_^

Download the LINE application here, or look for it on iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

You can also visit the following links:

LINE Philippines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Line.Philippines
LINE Homepage: http://line.naver.jp/en/
LINE Official Blog: http://en.lineblog.naver.jp/  
LINE Official YouTube Account: http://www.youtube.com/user/LineAppGlobal

Sofitel Manila Social Media Week 2013

Bonjour! Mabuhay! ^_^ For the recent Social Media Day 2013, Sofitel Manila hosted a luxurious, week-long celebration engaging and treating guests with exciting social media related events throughout the week.

Guests were greeted with a magnificent social media-inspired floral centerpiece in the lobby that serves as backdrop to those who were game on sharing their social media resolution for the year. 

Ms. Kris Aquino says "I like #SofitelSMDay." Check out more photos on Sofitel Manila Official FB Page.

Sofitel Manila Team shared their Social Media Week Commitment and Advocacy. #SofitelSMDay

Oh, I did too! Count me in...

Je t'aime! ^_^ 

I had the pleasure of being at the company of some of Sofitel's blogger friends for an intimate dinner at the best-ever-gastronomic feasting destination in Manila...Spiral.

Social Media-inspired French Macarons! Oh so sweet!

Dinner was at one of the private function room of Spiral.  Truly, not only does Spiral serve the best of what the culinary world can offer, it also provides its guests with a prestigious and fascinating private dining experience that is unlike any other. 

Good Company + Great food =  Life is magnifique! I was one happy lady!

Sofitel Manila also hosted an online giveaway with a “SoLuxurious” prize, which includes a 'social media butler' who will create a social media diary documenting the luxury stay at Sofitel. Indeed, Social Media Day celebration has never been this lavish and remarkable.

Merci beaucoup! ^_^

About Sofitel Manila...

Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 130 addresses, in more than 50 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, Fiji Islands or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.  

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com

Like Sofitel Manila on Facebook. 

Life is Magnifique! ^_^ Discover more luxurious celebrations at Spiral Manila...

• Chinese New Year at Sofitel
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day