Friday, July 26, 2013

Girl On Fire

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I ADORE my makeup in these photos! This is the eye makeup I've been trying to learn for the longest time. Thank you Ana Isip for doing a great job on me, especially the eyes! :) Why a makeover out of the blue? Well, Estee Lauder offered makeovers to promote their new Double Wear Foundation and I was one of the select few who was given the opportunity. Aside from the makeover, we were given profile photos, a polaroid shot, and a bag of Estee Lauder goodies.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is their newest line of foundation. It stays in place the whole day and is available in thirty shades -- so at least one will definitely be perfect for you. I like how it gives maximum coverage without the heavy feeling and at the same time makes it look natural on the skin. If you're looking for a medium to heavy coverage foundation, you can ask for samples of these or you can try them out at the Estee Lauder counters located at Rustan's Department Stores.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Mint and Navy

IMG_9593This was one of the days I was feeling experimental with my outfit. Now who would've thought that mint and navy would go together? In this particular look, I tried to add a casual vibe to an otherwise polished look by wearing a loose sweater with this origami skirt from The Sweet Cloth.  Do you think I pulled it off? :)

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Isabelo Garden

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I was looking for a nice restaurant to try and this place was recommended to me. It is located in Marikina, a good one and a half hour drive from home, and is owned by Portia Baluyut, an ad-agency-owner-turned-professional-chef. She turned her ancestral home into a rustic-style garden restaurant filled with various mementos and antiques. This restaurant strictly does not accept walk-in guests, you have to book your reservation online and order the dishes in advance on their website. Portia then sends an e-mail saying that your reservation is confirmed. After which, you have the option to pay a P1000 deposit or pay the amount in full either through credit card or bank deposit.

I arrived at this place having high expectations because of positive reviews. As for the food, I ordered dishes that received lots of praises online. Click the button below to see the dishes I ordered and what I thought of them! :)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Moonleaf Beats

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The Makati branch of Moonleaf Tea Shop at The Columns celebrated their first anniversary with their event 'Moonleaf Beats'. For a whole week, they gave out discounts, free add-ons, and eco-friendly planners to customers. The celebration was capped off with an evening of nice acoustic music by Ai Dela Cruz, LM Cancio, and Ebe Dancel. A photo booth was set up outside the shop and lots of raffle prizes were given away.

One thing most of you don't know about me is that I get an upset stomach whenever I drink anything with milk so I've never been a fan of milk tea. Oftentimes I just order regular cold tea or fruit tea. Several months ago, I ordered a Wintermelon Oolong Tea at the same branch but was very surprised when the drink came out too sweet. This time around, I was extra careful in choosing what to order. I eventually settled on Honey Aloe Vera because it was different from the other drinks that were being offered and it seemed like a safe choice. When I first took a sip, I knew I ordered the right drink! It tasted like honey water with aloe vera and just the right amount of sweetness. When you're looking for a drink other than the traditional milk teas, this one's an excellent alternative!

Together with the drinks, French macarons were also served which I enjoyed very much. A little too sweet for my taste but hey, all macarons are meant to be sweet. I also got to try their beef turnover, but my tummy would've appreciated it so much more if it was served hot. Everything else was good though. :)

Thank you Moonleaf Tea Shop for an enjoyable night!

Photos by Phya Pineda. Thanks also for inviting me to go with you! :)

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Preview Ball 2013 Outfit

IMG_8724 It is a well-known fact that the Preview Best Dressed Ball is one of the most awaited events of the year. Imagine my excitement when I found out that I was invited to this year's ball! I had the biggest problem on what to wear to the event--everyone would be in fabulous dresses for sure. I rummaged through my closet but found that my dresses, if not too ragged, were too formal for the event. What do I do when that happens? Raid my sister's closet (while she isn't looking, haha kidding)! Sometimes I'm convinced that my sister's closet is an extension of mine, haha. I'm lucky that we're almost the same size. I quickly tried on a dress and voila, I now had something to wear for the event!

The ball was held last June 28 at Hyve and the place was packed with who's who in fashion and showbiz. I've never seen this many celebrities all in one place. I couldn't show you any pictures of the party though because I chose not to bring my camera to the venue--that proved to be a wise decision.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Collection Launch at Rockwell Tent

IMG_6853 Two weeks ago, one of the biggest makeup brands in the UK, Collection, was launched here in Manila. The event, held in Rockwell tent, was filled with icons that are unique to the United Kingdom -- the red telephone booth, the Grenadier Guards, and even the Union Jack. The guests arrived in a multitude of colors, turning the entire place into color wonderland. Included in the program were the three ambassadors of Collection -- Camille Co, Laureen Uy, and who would forget Manila's it-girl and actress, Solenn Heussaff. The short program ended with a toast from the Collection's executives, the brand ambassadors, and the host Nicole Andersson.

It was still pretty early when the program ended so we had enough time to eat, take photos, and enjoy the music. They were playing all my favorite songs that I found it hard to leave! Haha! Aside from being given the opportunity to attend, I felt so lucky that I got an exclusive Collection makeup kit (photo is posted on my instagram, @heyitsalyssayu). Thanks to the Collection team for an evening I won't forget!

Check them out on Facebook and Twitter. Or better yet, visit their site! :)

Outfit shots by Phya Pineda.