Craves: Coffee Shop Planner

The main culprit for my weight gain are coffee shop planners last year. I had this plan on getting all the planners from all the 3 coffee shops and did not notice until too late that the venti caramel macchiato wasn't doing me any favors.

Nevertheless, looking back on 2015 and the one planner I did end up using, it was a really good idea to get one. I was able to plan my leaves and write down some of the important things that I always keep on forgetting. 

So then I will get another one this year. One thing I've learned is to keep the Christmas drinks at tall and lite and the others to full-leaf teas only. It's both cheaper and less likely to keep me from extra large sizes.

Crave: Kenzo Flower Tag

I have always wanted to buy the Kenzo Flower because of the beautiful bottle but I just didn't feel that the scent actually suits me. They have released quite e a few versions over the years but they have not stirred me until now.

When I tried the scent of the Kenzo Flower Tag earlier, I wasn't expecting much but I actually quite liked it. They sprayed it over a piece of paper and I put it inside my pocket. As I tend to put my hands inside my pocket every now and then, the scent has transferred a bit and I'm pleasantly surprised to say that I'm liking it even more. It has grown on me and I'm also liking that the there is still a faint scent left even after more than a few hours already.

The scent is a bit floral with a hint of tea. It's a lot more Oriental than the original and I want it.

Picture from the product website.

Craves: Ipod Touch 5th Generation

 

The stars have aligned. The 5th generation iPod Touch has been released.

Okay, personal story... When the iPhone was first released so so many years ago, I casually mentioned to a friend that it's not the best of ideas to purchase the first generation offering of Apple's releases. Fifth generation is the most likely best release to purchase without feeling too bad over the next one. 

Take the iPod classic as an example, they will most likely release a newer, cheaper and better version within a year or so and the initial purchase will be no more than a memory of your money. Also, at that point in time, I would never in my adreams contemplate releasing that much money over a phone. I still wouldn't even if it's being offered as a free phone on a postpaid plan.

When the iPod Touch was released after the iPhone, I was salivating like crazy. I don't want a new phone as phones tend to upgrade every quarter of the year but an iPhone that does not call and text and at a definite fraction of the cost just seemed such a great idea at that time. I got one but then with the newer releases, the first generation was looking older and older (and unupdated) as years passed.

With Siri being released on the iPhone 4S, the thought of getting an iPhone now did not seem like such a bad one. Call me lazy but I'd love to tell my phone, "Wake me up at 5," and roll over to sleep after the confirmation. LAZY...

I almost got my hands on the 4th generation release of the iPod Touch but the camera was crappy and what would be the sense in getting that in today's world?

So now, it's hard to have any excuses in purchasing the latest release, it's the fifth generation, the camera is already 5 megapixels, the Siri is there and it's not a phone but you can now call and send messages to other Apple devices. Also, my iPod has gotten some dead pixels from my little baby having a blast throwing it with his full powers at our thankfully non-concrete floor.

Stars, I hear you.

Picture from the product website.

Craves: Anthology Piccadilly Blue

I was really happy when I found this Piccadilly pair on sale. It's so silly, with the dots and the ribbons and the mismatch that really isn't. It reminds me of times when one puts on a pair of shoes and they're the same color that you don't notice it's not the same pair. Not that that happens to me... Haha!!!

I put an order online last week and hope that before the weekend comes, I get them on my feet. Oh October shoes.

Picture from the product website.

Craves: Random

I've decided to post this random post of stuff that tinged my brain last night while I was surfing.

I think I need some of these jute material shoes though it makes me feel terribly guilty wanting a new pair after just getting one. But they're on sale. How can I not want them? The insole is pigskin leather and the sole is rubber. Super win from Ylla for the Laura Ballernina flats. All the colors are lovely and so are the blues and the purples that are not in this pic.

I need to stay hydrated and these pretties from CBTL are making me thirsty.

I don't go to The Body Shop much because it's hard to control myself when they've got discounts and promos abounding. This one is on a really great promo sale though and would be great hoard for Christmas presents.

My loves. VMV hypoallergenics and BB cream. They call it Skintangible "Faint"ation Skin-Refining Non-Makeup SPF 30. I just call it God-sent answer to a prayer.

Craves: Revlon

I got bitten by a new bug when I stopped over the Revlon counter to check out some of their products when I passed by.

 I love buying lippies. Right now, I have a lip stain, a lip balm, a lip gloss and a lipstick in my bag. I keep trying to minimize but I always get some lip product stuck somewhere. It’s just so hard to resist a good shade sometimes. And lip balms and lip stains are multipurpose, right? So I checked out the new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, though truthfully, I didn’t have a lot of expectations. The shades were pretty and perfect and it was obviously a moisturizing product when I swatched it on my hand. The packaging was cute, like a jumbo color pencil. But then I have a lipstain and a lip balm, so I asked for the price and went my merry way to the office. After office hours, I checked my hand and noticed that the shade was still there. Faint but definitely there. That’s a sure win for me, pretty, long-lasting and moisturizing. It made me check some of their other products just in case something else catches my eye.

I’m liking the looks of the ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup. I have a similar product stocked at home and I love the shade payoff, the light feeling on the skin and the long wear time, at least on my combination skin type. My old product has already been discontinued, however and I’m thinking this is great sub. One possible con is the silicone, “dimethicone”, as it could possibly break me out.

I’m new to the brow make-up thing but as previously mentioned, I’m trying it out these days and the ColorStay Brow Enhancer has promise. I like double-duty products and based on majority of the reviews, it works well as colored wax and highlighter. Too bad it doesn’t have a brow brush included but I do cart around a separate brow brush so it’s not such a bad thing.

I want to try the ColorStay Smoky Shadow Stick. I’ve always wanted a non-powder eyeshadow that has staying power. Blending is hard, according to some reviews, but I'm not going to let that stop me from wanting to try it.

All pictures from the product website.

Craves: BB Creams

I have fallen into the BB cream craze since a few years ago. They're easier to use compared to foundation as I find them to be more pigmented and easier to blend. A tube can last a really long time. Also, it's not so hard to find the perfect shade as there's usually just one shade available that blends into a person's individual skin tone so there isn't a lot of second-guessing. The original ones from Germany have been formulated for use on post-surgery operation wounds to hide the flaws and help them heal faster, which delights me as I tend to pick on my blemishes.

The first ones released in the country came from Korean brands and when they first came out, it was a little hard to get any as they all seem to be out of stock. Thankfully, these days, they're easier to come by and the other international brands, both drugstore and high-end have started releasing their own version.Though I still have a tube left and another stocked on the side from one of the sales out this season, the newest releases sure are making itch to get another one.

One such release is the All-In-One BB Cream from the Body Shop. I went ahead and tested it on the store and it was delightful. It came out white from the tube and changed to an undetectable shade when blended on the skin. It left a flowery scent that dissipated after a while.

Another is the Camera Ready BB Cream from Smashbox. There has been a ton of raves over this product before they even released it on their online store so I'm really excited to get my hand on these as Smashbox is one of my favorite products. It's cruelty and paraben-free and it has SPF 35.

Of course, I'll always come back to my first love when it comes to BB creams, TFS. The Face Shop's many different variants can be so overwhelming, though. I want them all but since my tendency these days is to choose long-wearing products, I'm looking at the Power Perfection.With the promise of 12-hour long wear, it's a definite pick. For everyday wear, hydration is still important so Aqua Tinted would be good for that.

Pictures from the products' website and facebook pages.

Craves: herbench/OJ+Rajo

I haven't been to a decent Bench store for a while because the closest one is being renovated and they have this small closet-like store instead of a full one to tide me over. I got the hub some of their soft shirts for our anniversary in the closet-Bench and didn't bother going over to the bigger Bench on the next mall over until today.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the herbench/OJ+Rajo collection when I finally got around to checking out the store. And yes, I want them all. Even the boyfriend jeans. They're all perfect for the office and I've been thinking about how I probably should buy jeans that fit into this decade already. I've been wearing my old ones for goodness knows how long and I'm getting a ribbing from the hub over that. Even if flared jeans are my go-to pants and they're thankfully not out of style, the new ones have a slimmer silheoutte compared to my decade-old ones.

I'm really liking the prices. The cuts and colors for that price is a steal. I'm weighing over whether to get them all or just two. I like the shorts and the skinny jeans the most. Please note that this will be the first skinny jeans I'm considering purchasing. My current one doesn't count as I got it for free. The flared and the the boyfriend jeans are worth buying as well but I figure it's overkill when I can get some of those in the sale section.

How can I lose the preggy belly in a month, please? I figure if I keep a good posture and do my squats and lunges religiously, I have a good chance. And I'm going to start wearing my old pants again. The waist-high ones. Keeping the tummy bounded up could help. After all, wasn't that what corsets are for? I swear, if I actually get into my ideal waist size, I'm going all out in buying pants.

Picture from the RL's twitter page.

Craves: School of Satchel

If I were to buy a satchel bag, I'd buy from the School of Satchel. Aside from the quirky brand name (I like quirks), they've got quite a reputation for quality and service. A local brand, they partner with charities in support of schoolchildren, which is a cause close to my heart as well. I like that you get your pick of the satchels, 11-inch to 15-inch, handled or non, backpacks even, and in quite a range of colors. Being the cheapskate I am, it hasn't escaped my notice that they have a great discount on red tagged items.

But then, I won't buy a satchel because I'm going for their weekend bag instead. I love a good multipurpose bag. The side compartment is what made me want it. Perfect all-around bag, right? Roomy and weather-proof as well, being made of wool and leather. If it were smaller, I'd get one for myself and but since it's so darned roomy, I'd consider it the perfect bag for sharing with hubby. He can use the side compartment for sneakers for going to the gym and when going out with baby, it's perfect for dirty diapers and roomy for all extra stuff.

With his birthday coming up, I've got a good excuse for this purchase. No backing out now.


Pictures from the product multiply site.

Craves: Posh Pocket Shoes and Ylla

I dearly wanted to buy a pair of shoes once a month this year but I skipped March because of certain reasons. So April becomes a two-pair month for me. I gotta keep up.

Initially, I was going to get an Anthology pair but I got sidetracked by two other local brands that have some great reviews in some sites I've been visiting so far. I probably should stock up on high heels but with being on night shift all the time, I figure I need some down time.

I initially was hesitant about getting Ylla shoes because, really, the product presentation online could use a bit of angleing but when I checked out their facebook page, the Primas definitely made me look again.

I'm guessing at one point in time, a girl dreams of being a ballerina, or at least to wear the tutu and the ballet slippers with the ribbons and all. I'm not going to try enrolling in ballet school any more and I don't think my current style would ever incorporate tutus, but the shoes have definite promise with the Ylla Primas.

It doesn't hurt that it's insole is leather-lined. From experience, this is the best when it comes to shoe comfort, letting the feet breathe and gradually comforming to your unique shoe shape with use.

As for the Posh Pocket Shoes, their Bridal collection calls to me. I guess it's the constant wanting for the perfect pair of ballet flats with grosgrain bows. Ever since I saw a hot pink pair from J Crew, I've been wanting one. It has become an obsession with me haunting Net-a-Porter and Outnet for the very latest of the same design. When I saw the Posh site and found one with the added twist of glitter detail, there was no going back. The fact that they're portable is overkill for me already.

It's so hard to decide on a color, though. Black is the easiest color to pair with any outfit but it's a little much to get both in the same color, not to mention, at the latest count, black has been outnumbering my other shoes by half. Nude is also a great color and I've learned that it's as easy to pair with outfits as black, being so neutral. Pink is a great pick, considering how the designs are definitely girly. And the other Posh ones in silver and white are pretty as well.
 

So hard. I want them all. Should I go and get them all? If they were on sale, I'd probably get all of them, every pair being such a pretty design, but with being a mom, I need some self-control. There's still a little time to decide, April not being over yet. I just have to make up my mind.

Pictures from the Posh Pocket Shoes and Ylla Shoes facebook pages.

Craves: Butterfly Twists Chelsea Boots

My heartbeat went just a little faster in excitement when I saw these boots. I love boots. Lots. But I don't like packing them. I tend to travel some in a year and end up wearing one pair of shoes and slippers. These foldable boots are going to change my life. I want the burgundy!!!

 

 Pictures from the Butterfly Twists website.

Craves: Goody Simple Styles

I am considering the Goody Simple Styles collection as the Fashion blogs, Kryzuy.com, Break My Style, and Camille Tries to Blog have been featuring said pieces. They look easy enough to use and their reviews in MakeupAlley have been very positive so far. Have I mentioned my sweet little baby boy has a very strong grip and I’ve been putting my hair up to save myself from going bald as they’re his favourite toy?

I checked them out at SM. I already knew beforehand they would be priced a little high for my tastes and I hate being right this time. It’s not that I can’t afford them. I just don’t believe in paying that much (close to P600) for a glorified hairpin. So I’m going to have to resort to buying online from drugstore.com. Sorry, Philippine economy, for not buying local.

They’re $6.49 each, which translates to less than P300 each. Yes, the shipping is probably going to be excessive if I use normal means so with all things purchased online from US stores, Johnny Air will be my savior. I’ll just add a few more stuff to get the 2 pounds minimum and that’ll be an additional $6. Should I go with some Goody Stay Put elastics or try some hair goo (smoothing cream, conditioners and the like)?

Pictures from drugstore.com website.

Craves: Totseat

I was just blog surfing when I saw the totseat and I so want it. The design matches our diaper backpack so well it’s almost making me salivate. And doesn’t that smiling baby boy make you want to gurgle yourself? My little darling does love to sit up lately. Too bad I have to wait a few more months. It’s recommended from 8 months, when the baby can already sit up without any support.

Available at Chicify for P1,999.75. This is note to self.

Picture from the totseat website.

Craves: iPhone 4S

I was very much prepared to ignore the release of the new iPhone as really, I've never been into buying phones in that price range. Also, I'm not exactly a fan of Globe due to certain events that I will refrain from sharing. That is, until I learned about Vangie, from the chuvaness.

 

I'm not exactly off my rockets enough to think that the app is true but it sure opened my eyes to the functions of the iPhone that makes me want to get one. Siri is such a great app. I want one. Add the 8MP cam and the 1080 HD video capability and I am sold. I don't care if it's a phone. I'd like to use it without the phone function. FaceTime and iMessage over wifi works as good as video calls and text messages without paying extra for the service, right?

As I'm allergic to Globe, I prefer using Smart prepaid. The iPhone 4S is available for P33,200 for the 16GB model.

By the way, Vangie has a facebook page.

Initial picture from the Apple website.

Craves: VMV Holiday Gift Sets

We swear by VMV at home. We really really love it. One of the little known thing about VMV is that it is a local product. By the price point and packaging, you wouldn't be able to guess it but once you're more familiar with the product, you'll find that it's one of those things that make one proud of the products produced locally because it's really really good. It's being exported worldwide and are available online with global shipping.

I found out about the product back when I was reviewing. As everyone knows, people doing the review generally have no sleep the nearer the time for the exam is. One of girls from the other room, though, actually looked quite flawless in spite of the near sleepless state. I asked her about it and she mentioned that the concealer she uses is VMV.

One time, I was passing through their booth and one of the gift sets caught my eye. I got hooked into buying it with one other and that's how the love affair started. I swear by these and their facials too. If I were having a particular stressful time, I would get a facial and my face would be glowing and clear for a whole month.

Christmas is a season that I look forward to their sets. The savings are totally worth it and the packaging is just so adorable. Below are my picks and yes, that's actually most of them. No price though as that tempts me too much.

Are You Glistening

This set has an oil, a moisturizer and a lip balm. Coconut oil is the best thing ever, as far as I'm concerned. The moisturizer has SPF and the lip balm does too. This, I want lots. There can never be enough moisturizer, I believe.

Creams de le Creme

I love moisturizers. Love them lots. And yes, I want this set a whole lot. It's got anti-aging, whitening and one super-hypoallergenic. If I weren't breastfeeding, I'd have snatched this thing already, but the anti-aging and whitening ones are no-nos for now.

Holiday on Eyes

I totally love the VMV mascara. It's made in Korea and is one of those tube ones. So easy to apply and pile on, lasts all day without flaking and hypoallergenic too. As for the anti-aging eye cream, I've been dying to try this but alas, not for now. Someday.

Merry Goin' Round

I swear by the powers of Armada. I used to use it without moisturizers and it has totally made a convert of certain people I know on the powers of sunscreens in preserving the skin. The lip gloss, again, with SPF.

Mistle-glow

Lipstick and lipgloss. They've got tons of wearable colors, really. But then, don't listen to me. I used to buy 3 lip stains in one month. Moisturizing, of course.

My VMVery Favorite Things

Love all of these except for the shampoo. It's got a sulfate.

Pictures from the product website.

Craves: Zara Leather Bags

Unlike my love affair with shoes, I am not as enamored with bags. I'm ok with having only one bag all throughout a year. Unfortunately, I am not the type to buy expensive so a bag lasts me approximately half a year. Case in point, my husband gave me a bag for my birthday and it is now unraveling as I use every day without fail.

As I am currently on the lookout for a good bag that could fit all of my necessities, I've started to fall in love with Zara as they have genuine leather bags. Leather lasts me years and years as I used to wear leather shoes that were bought in grade school and lasted me till college. PETA can say wearing animals suck but I eat beef so there.

Below are my current mild obsessions. They're all simple and functional and maybe even asexual and most important for me, genuine leather.

 Square Suede Handbag, P5,990

Large Motera Bag, P6,590

 Messenger Bag with Double Buckle, P5,990

Leather Messenger Bag, P2,990


All pictures are from the product website.

Craves: Anthology Shoes

I dream of shoes or maybe I simply lull myself to sleep thinking about them that I've convinced myself I dream.

I was going obsessed with Kenneth Cole earlier this year. Kind of like my obsession with Hush Puppies once upon a time before the rats got to my latest pair and then I simply wanted to scream. A few days ago, my obsession turned to a local brand, Anthology.

It was simple enough. I was reading karotitay and then forgot all about it. And then I looked at my 2 pairs of heels last week and realized that I needed to buy another pair, just so I won't stink up the place. Ok, I had some extra money and figured, shoes shoes shoes. It is time. You probably don't get my drift but my mind works like that. Crazy bugs.

 

I checked out the blog again and found that they carry really comfy shoes, which, actually is the one thing I want in any pair I would ever own. I gave in and ordered a Seoul. 5 inches and still comfy. Brown please in size 5. No word on when I'll get it as it's still in production but I'm already loving it as I stare at it at my lovely screen.

The Madrid is on sale at 50% off. The Silver Gray pair is calling to me. So much that I ordered it 5 minutes ago. No food for a while. Oh well. I'll eat my shoes. P1,747.50.

The Neon Classics is way too good a deal at 60% off. That's P718. I was eyeing the green but asked my seatmate about it and she convinced me the pink is the best-looking of the lot. I guess a girl deserves a pair of Barbie shoes at least once in her life. But truthfully, all the colors look really good. Green, orange and yellow are not bad at all. But we can only have one. Hopefully, I'll get it at the gift exchange at work.

I'll get a pair of NYCs next month. I don't care what my hubby will say. I deserve some leather in my life. I'm not obsessed with bags so shoes will have to do. Black this time. P3,795.

The red Geneva's main call to me is the color. Patent red leather. So very clickity. I want. Next next month? P3,995.

And the last pair? The Tokyo. Beige. That ribbon just screams to me, You deserve to have me in your life. P4,395.

Too much? Or I'm just too cheap? I deserve it, right?

All pictures from the product website.

Craves: Saya Baby Carrier

I am in full crave mode for the Saya Baby Carrier. We have two carriers at home already but with me not going out without baby these days as I prefer breastfeeding him directly, I'm trying to find a carrier that is convenient, has great shoulder and back support and is easy to breastfeed in. Baby is already 5 kilos, by the way and he's just a month old. I can barely lift him without my wrists aching afterward.

The Saya is made in the Philippines and is worth P950. From all reviews I've read so far, it's a favorite of baby-wearing mommies and is comfortable for mommies and babies who are ok with swaddling. What I'm really excited about is that it looks easy to breastfeed baby in. I'm not sure as I have yet to try it but it looks like I can even switch breasts while baby is in the carrier. I want this carrier so much I'm almost convinced that I need it.

Craves: By Nature

As I've posted my wish list from the Ilog Maria catalog last time, I may as well share another list from another line I love.

I would like to try the following:

Cocoa Butter Melt, P115
This soap is moisturizing and fragrance-free, which is ideal while I'm still breastfeeding. I actually bought one already but sold it to a friend of mine whose father has a skin condition.

Lavender Treat, P145
There's absolutely no question that I love lavender.

Dairy Bar, P145
I've always wanted to try goat milk in my soap.

Baby Blue, P145
This soap is good for sensitive skin and I've learned that the main ingredient, blue chamomile, is good for boo-boos.

Just Tea Tree, P145
My hubby's skin tends to flare up and I'm wondering if I should get him this to stop said flares.

No Bites Bar, P145
Dengue season. That's all.

Disinfect It! Spray, P190
Alcohol is not good for babies so I'd like to try this so as to have something on hand that won't do any harm to my child.

Facial Oil in One, P250
I've found that their salves and balms are really good for my face so I'm guessing that the dedicated product would probably be even better.

Moisturizing Insect Repellant, P260
Dengue season.

Moisturizing Oilotion, P260
For the same reason as the facial oil, I'd like to try their oilotion for the body.

The following I already have and tried and would like to haul once again:

Total Attraction, P175
I love the scent, really. I want this for shampoo needs.

Olive Beauty, P175
I'm using this and baby is using this, so I need another haul.

Baby Salve, P200
I initially used the baby salve on an insect bite on myself and hubby. I'd like to buy a dedicated one for baby.

Balm of Butter, P350

I use this on my stretch marks, on my face before taking a bath and as a base for salt scrub. I've got half the tub through. I need more, I think. Or maybe not because the tub is so big.

Images from the official By Nature website.