Omakase Japanese Cuisine at Il Terrazo

Last Sunday was my first time to go to Omakase at Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato. It's not my first time to try their food though, as we've had their food delivered to our home via foodpanda.ph earlier this month. We liked it so much hence the visit! :D

The restaurant was packed on a Sunday lunchtime, but I'm glad my Panda and I were seated immediately. Upon scanning their menu, we were drawn to their sushi. Then this happened... :D

JSC Platter (P755)

AKA best sushi platter ever, I don't want to try another

or else I might just get disappointed since this has set the bar so high :D

Jurassic Maki

ebi tempura, ebiko, salmon skin, cucumber inside with unagi on top
 

Seabreeze Maki

ebi tempura, spicy salmon inside and slices of tuna outside

Crazy Maki

spicy tuna and salmon inside, scallion, salmon skin, and ebiko outside

We ordered the JSC Platter, which I believe is not meant for 2 persons, since each piece of sushi was big... but we managed to finish them all. They're that good! And for the past 25 years, I've never eaten raw fish, but my first try at Omakase really changed my perspective. I'm in love! :D (In case you're wondering, these wonderful morsels of sushi don't smell a bit fishy at all. So fresh!) In the order of our favorites: Jurassic Maki (tastiest/most flavorful and textured among the bunch), then Crazy Maki (can never go wrong with spicy), then Seabreeze Maki (because the raw part is huge).

Raspberry Iced Tea (P60 for glass, P75 for bottomless)

House Tea

As for the drinks, we had Raspberry Iced Tea which was okay but nothing really special. I'd rather have House Tea to go with my sushi on my next visit.

So there, we are on a mission to test all the sushi platters Omakase has to offer. JSC done, 3 more to go! (But I believe we've already tried out the best one. Oh well.) :D

Omakase Japanese Cuisine

Address: Il Terrazzo Mall, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Store hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10:00PM

Telephone no.: (632)332-4115

Email: omakasejapanese@yahoo.com.ph

FB: Omakase

Any recommendations on what to try at Omakase? I would love to hear your suggestions!

Love,

Helen

To Flare or Not?

My little sister has done something I won't ever have the balls to do so... She has a fashion vlog! You can visit her channel here. :D As for me, I can't even pose to save my life. Good thing it's a beauty blog I own. Haha! And so to update myself with the latest in fashion, I bought StyLIZed by Liz Uy. Inside this book are 10 items you must own - that won't ever go out of style!

The section on jeans caught my attention, since I've lived in skinny jeans since 2006. (That would be the mark of my freshman year in college. Woah, almost a decade ago!) The book says that the best type of jeans for my rectangle body type is flared. But I still find skinny jeans sexier.

So, is it time to move on?

Also, I've recently almost reached my dream weight of 100lbs. I've been stuck in the 80s (as in line of 80+lbs ) since high school, so this is quite a feat. (Background: I used to have a hard time gaining weight even with my manly appetite. Used to being the operative word.) Before, I would only restrict myself to petite line of jeans in XS or S, but now I have at least some curves to fill in a pair of ladies jeans, just like these classic styles of Levi's jeans at Zalora!

Excited to finally finish this book. Might share some snippets about what I learned in my future posts. ;)

Love,

Helen

Make It Personal - Design Your OWN Candy for Only P350!

We all know how cute Made In Candy jars are! Every piece of handmade rock candy is an artwork. This week, Made In Candy invites you to MAKE IT PERSONAL. Now's your chance to design your own candy, and even have your name written on it! :3

MAKE IT PERSONAL!

(Design Your OWN Candy for ONLY 350PHP)

Date: August 15-22, 2015

Venue: Made in Candy Power Plant Mall only

Details:

• Exclusive to all Made in Candy Customers!
• Available at Made in Candy Power Plant branch.
• Duration of the promo: August 15-22, 2015
• Promotion not applicable in conjunction with other promotions/discounts (e.g. senior citizen discount, diplomat, PWD, etc.)
• Previous and foregoing purchases after the 22nd will not be honored.
• Items must be availed and picked up during the promo period only ( August 15-22, 2015 )
• Terms and conditions apply.

Terms and Conditions: 

• This offer is exclusive to one (1) Large Jar Customized Candy Design offered by Made In Candy Philippines.
• This offer is transferable to a friend or family member.
• Items must be availed and picked up during the promo period (August 15-22, 2015) at Made in Candy Power Plant Rockwell only.
• Employees of Made in Candy Philippines, their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are QUALIFIED to join this promotion.

TEXT: Maximum of 6 Letters per Candy Design (in CAPITAL LETTERS)

SYMBOLS: (heart, @, #) are allowed but considered/equivalent to two(2) letters. (+, . ,) are also allowed and equivalent to one (1) letter.

COLORS & FLAVORS: can be only determined by the current batch that is being produced by our candy artisans.

QUANTITY/PERSON: Only four (4) Large Jar Customized Candy Design per person, per receipt, per day.

This is a very nice gift suggestion. Don't miss out! Let me know what design you'll be making. ;)

Love,

Helen

Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House

It's just this year that I learned to appreciate the following things:

(1) sauce

(2) spicy food

(3) raw food (love you, sushi!)

I feel like a different person now, since for the past 25 years of my existence, I've always shunned chili sauce like crazy. Now, I like it. A lot! :D

I've been to Caution Hot! in Magiting Street, Teacher's Village (just beside the famous Maginhawa Street) thrice already, and it has quickly become a favorite. Last time, my sister and I attempted to just share one bowl of noodles since it's big anyway, but it was so good, we ordered and shared another one. (So much for sharing. Haha!)

Just yesterday, I craved for a big bowl of noodles, so my Panda and I went here for dinner. The place was packed as always, but we're glad to have found a parking spot quickly.

Caution Hot! 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House Menu

Their one-page menu is nothing fancy, but it holds the key to your very tasty bowl of noodles. You can customize your noodles according to your desired toppings, broth, noodles, and BURN!

For the not so creative (ehem, me), I went with one of their Hot Combinations.

Beef Toppings + Szechuan Broth + Egg Noodles + 1st Degree Burn (P185)

This one's perfection! The Taiwanese beef slices had the right amount of thickness, and they really don't skimp on ingredients. This one's really tasty, and Szechuan broth already has a mildly spicy kick even if you just choose the 1st degree burn.

Beef Toppings + Asam Laksa Broth + Egg Noodles + Ultimate Burn (P185)

My Panda is the lover of all spicy things, and his order came in a fiery red orange shade. I feared for my tongue and just had a tiny spoonful. It was funny since I found its spiciness tolerable at first, but the spicy kick was delayed for a few seconds. I chugged water afterwards, but he managed to empty his bowl. Award!

Other noteworthy things to order: Unlimited Soya (P70) to neutralize the spicy taste in your mouth, Oolong Milk Tea (P75) just because it's really good and refreshing, and Pork Dumplings. No photos since I didn't have my camera with me during my previous visits.

The only downsides to this restaurant is that it's always packed (happy problem for them!) and they don't have Wi-Fi connection, so you can't really follow their social media accounts and post away - lest you use use your own mobile internet.

Caution Hot 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House

Address: #87 Magiting St., Teacher's Village, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Store Hours: Mon-Thu: 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am- 2mn, Sun: 11am-11pm

FB: Caution Hot 警告辣 Spicy Noodle House

Have you been to Caution Hot? :3

Love,

Helen

Sample Room Haul

This one's probably my 8th Sample Room haul, which I name the "Things I Need" Haul. Haha! I received these items last Friday. Can't wait to use them! :D

"Things I Need" Haul

Palmolive Naturals Anti-Hairfall Shampoo & Conditioner

I've featured almost all of Palmolive's hair care variants before, and the Anti-Hairfall is their newest release. This is the very reason I made this haul, since I'm having a bad amount of hair fall recently. I can't use shampoos with sulfate in it since they make my waves flat (and this one has it), but for the sake of testing its anti-hairfall powers, I'll use it! I'm more excited with the conditioner though, since it's something I use almost everyday. Did I mention, this duo smells really good!

C-Lium Fibre (Husk)

When I went to MAFBEX earlier this month, I was able to sample a drink mixed with Psyllium Fiber (from another Chinese brand). I was so amazed when the seller dropped oil into the glass that contained the fiber - it instantly "collected" all the oil, meaning it won't be absorbed by the body, and would just pass through our intestine. I didn't purchase the entire jar on the spot, since it costs around P800. Then I saw C-Lium Fibre in Sample Room, which is another thing I needed since I'm trying to eat healthier recently. I don't want to lose weight. I just don't want my body to absorb any more nasty stuff, so help me, C-Lium.

C-Lium Fibre is also available in capsule form, but I think you have to take 5 capsules in 1 go, so no thanks! I'd rather go with 1 sachet.

Hygienix Anti-Bacterial Hand Spray

I have big bottles of alcohol at home and at work, but no tiny one to bring with me everywhere. My colleague raved that this one from Hygienix smells nice, so I got it. Perfect timing, Sample Room! This one completes my "Things I Need" Haul.

I was able to get all these with 115 Sample Room points, and I just paid P130 for shipping (not the usual P100, since the package was heavier). These items would've costed me a total of almost P300 if I bought them from the supermarket. Happy! :D

Visit http://www.sampleroom.ph/, grab your samples, so you can try before you buy! Like Sample Room on Facebook too, so you can get updated on new stocks!

Love,

Helen

Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream SPF 20

The hot and humid climate here in the Philippines stops me from wearing lotions on my body during the day, since I don't want to end up feeling like a sticky mess. I don't use SPF on my body (even if I know I have to), and when the sun's heat gets tough, I just reach for my umbrella. As for my face - it is another story: I don't leave home without SPF! Here's another sunblock review for you.

Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream SPF 20

Lightweight daily facial cream specifically formulated to mimic the eye's perfect moisturizing system. The gentle moisturizer provides long lasting hydration and absorbs excess oil for a shine-free finish.

Key Ingredients:

• Avène Thermal Spring Water (71%) - Soothes and softens 
• Lipomucine - Patented complex prevents dehydration and provides optimum hydration 
• Meiboserine - Interacts with Lipomucin to act as a protective veil over skin; Prevents the evaporation of Avène Thermal Spring Water
• Oil-absorbing powders - Absorbs excess oil, mattifies

Pros:

Avène is a brand known to soothe and soften the skin given its Thermal Spring Water content. This moisturizer with SPF 20 is what I use during the day before I put on makeup. I love that it has an extremely gentle and light texture that's quickly absorbed by the skin. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and for the past month I've continuously used this, I've experienced no irritations and no breakouts. Since it's so light and the SPF is not too high, there's no white cast as well. It just blends into your skin. You can use this one on regular days to protect your skin as you go to work, and from indoor UV rays as well.

Cons:

It doesn't mattify my skin (as stated on the product facts in their site). On me, it has a slightly dewy finish after application. I still need to put on powder on top of it to make it sit and make my skin look truly matte. However, it does control my skin's oiliness since my skin's not too shiny during the afternoon, even if I don't retouch during the day.

Recommendations:

Avène Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream is recommended for normal to combination skin. It helps combat dull, lackluster skin, uneven texture, and fine lines. However, if you have dry skin, don't use this as its moisturizing power is not enough. On cooler days, my skin goes from oily all over to combination (dry on the cheeks), and I can still see subtle flakes on my cheeks when I use this one. But if you have oily skin, this one will work fine. It keeps my skin protected and healthy!

Price: P1,270 for 40ml

Like Eau Thermale Avène Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

My Waxing Survival Kit from Lay Bare

I just had my eyebrows threaded again at Lay Bare Fisher Mall after work today. It was Pat who did my brows today, and I'm so happy with the result as usual. Since it's my birth month, I was able to avail of the service for free! You may read about my eyebrow threading experience here. :D

Today, I'll be sharing with you my Waxing Survival Kit, which was a gift from Lay Bare's marketing team. ;)

 

Pouches for my gadgets and lingerie (very handy for travel!)

Lay Bare Keychain (to remind me that when I see hair, it's time to Lay Bare!)

Lay Bare Soothing Cream

Lay Bare Soothing Cream helps reduce irritation and redness that may occur after waxing. The combination of Tea Tree Oil, Alpha Bisabolol, Aloe Vera and Chamomile extracts helps soothe the skin keeping it smooth and moisturized.

After every procedure be it waxing or threading, the therapist always applies this Soothing Cream on my skin. Since our pores are open after hair removal, this one helps prevent infection as well. It contains no paraben and no fragrance, and is safe even for the face (brow area). (I've experienced no breakouts. Yay!) You can apply this cream to the recently waxed area, and reapply 2-3 times for the next 2 days to soothe the skin.

Lay Bare Exfoliating Cream

Help remove ingrown hair with this newly formulated, paraben-free exfoliating cream.

No matter how careful I am with scrubbing post-wax, those pesky ingrowns seem to pop in inappropriate places. I bet this one's going to be my new skin BFF for when I get another Brazilian wax.

Lay Bare Ultimate Lightening Gel

 

Last but not the least is my favorite product inside the kit! I'm used to seeing whitening creams but lightening gels have a fresher feel.

Lay Bare Ultimate Lightening Gel is targeted for the underarms and bikini area. It's made from natural ingredients, and like all their products, it's safe for all skin types. It contains a combination of hydrolized prunus domestica (to eliminate rough skin), flavosterone (to inhibit hair growth), and kojic acid, arbutin, and glutathione (to lighten the skin). It's recommended to use this gel twice daily,  but I just use it at night. I like how it dries quickly and feels as if I have nothing on. I've had my underarms treated with diode laser last year, so underarm hair is not a big concern for me, but I'm excited to see improvements on my skintone with this product.

Next time you get a wax or threading done at Lay Bare, do check out their products as well!

Lay Bare Fisher Mall
3F Fisher Mall, Quezon Ave cor. Roosevelt Ave., Quezon City
Phone/Fax: 3323192
info@lay-bare.com

Branch FB: Lay Bare Fisher Mall

Official FB: LAY BARE WAXING SALON

Love,

Helen

Get Insta-White with SkinWhite!

School's about to start for my young readers. It feels so strange, since I've always had my classes start as early as mid-May when I was in college. So, how was your long summer vacation? :D

I'm guessing you've been to the beach! And if you're planning to regain your pre-summer complexion, I've got with me here some practical skincare finds you might like.

SkinWhite Advanced Whitening Facial Cleanser

With all the heat and pollution we're exposed to throughout the day, washing your face with ordinary soap and water isn't enough. It's the stubborn dirt, excess oil, and makeup residue that causes breakouts. You can prevent and treat them by using a toner such as SkinWhite Advanced Whitening Facial Cleanser. It contains micro-exfoliating technology and Witch Hazel Extract to fight acne (for healthy blush white skin), and it also helps prevent dryness with its Vitanourish Formula. I didn't use a toner during my college years, and wondered why my skin broke out every so often. If you find a toner that agrees with your skin, then you're on your way to smoother, blemish-free, and brighter skin. This one from SkinWhite promises results in just 7 days!

SkinWhite Advanced PowerWhitening Lotion

P71 for 50ml, P123.25 for 75ml, P235 for 200ml

I remember during my freshman years, our block was automatically enrolled to soccer as our PE. It was held in an open field, so sunblock galore! We also had to take a shower afterwards, since PE was first period, and we had 2 classes after that. When faced with a similar situation such as mine, you can reach for SkinWhite Advanced PowerWhitening Lotion. It protects your skin from the sun with SPF 20, whitens your skin instantly, and also in the long run. This lotion uses an exclusive Advanced Tripower Technology to whiten instantly and continuously to help reveal your whitest white. It also contains a Vitanourish formula that’s spiked with vitamins B3, B5 and E to give your skin intense moisturization and protects you from UV rays and further skin darkening with SPF20. You may read my full review here.

Last June, I went on a 4-day beach vacation and wore a rashguard the entire time. I applied sunblock on the exposed parts of my body, but the sun was too strong, so I went home with "brown gloves". LOL

SkinWhite Advanced PowerWhitening Lotion in Action:

It brightened up my skin instantly while still looking natural. Works every time! :D

To my student readers, study hard and let SkinWhite take care of your skin. :)
 

Website: http://www.skinwhite.com.ph/

Instagram: @skinwhiteph

Twitter: @skinwhiteph

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinwhite

Love,

Helen

Simple Eyeglasses Hack (No More Sliding Off Your Face!)

I need my glasses now more than ever. The thing is, I bought my specs almost 2 years ago. It's still good as new since I get too lazy and conveniently "forget" to wear it. The reason why I don't like wearing it is because I hate that it always slides down my nose bridge. Hassle to always adjust it upwards! I've always blamed it on my oily skin, but now I've discovered a hack that made my glasses sit prettily on my face all day without traveling down my nose! :D

I know you could have your glasses adjusted so they won't fall off your face. I did that as well, but to no avail. Then one day, I saw an article in cosmo.ph that revealed to me that all I needed were 2 hair ties!

I searched for some at home and I found 2 slim black hair ties. (These ones have a metal end, but the one's without are better.) Just tie them around the curve near the end of the glasses - the part that rests behind your ear.

Yes, this is probably the first working girl selfie I took.

It's not visible when worn since the hair ties are behind my ears. This one really works, and I even tried it on my little sister's glasses. Try it! :D

Love,

Helen