Saturday, August 31, 2013

The Body Shop Members Only Sale [August 29-September 2, 2013]

The Body Shop LYB members will get to make the most out of their payday weekend with an exclusive members only sale! Because I am just as excited as you are, I dropped by The Body Shop SM North EDSA (Main) to check out what's on sale.


It turns out, ALL regular-priced items are on sale at buy 1 get the next at 70% off! Just present your Love Your Body Membership card in-store to enjoy the offer, and earn points at the same time!

Here are just some of the items that are worth checking out!

Skincare

Good skin means less makeup elsewhere. Invest in The Body Shop skincare range that best suits your skin type.

Makeup

Your favorite The Body Shop makeup - all on sale! :D

For the face, cheeks, and lips

For eyes

I spy the Extra Virgin Minerals face bases, All-In-One Blush, the limited edition Leona Lewis collection, and more!

Shower Gel & Body Polish

Body Lotion & Beautifying Oil


Core bath and body products, like shower gels, body lotions, body oils, and body scrubs are also on sale. I highly suggest you stock up on the jumbo-sized bottles of the shower gels when they go on sale (like now)!


If you think you've seen enough, there's even more!

Hair Care

Soap

Peppermint Foot Care

Buy 1 get next at 70% off regular priced items until September 2, 2013 only! In case you're wondering, marked-down items aren't included, such as your All Time Faves.

Happy shopping!

Love,
Helen

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Zalora x Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway

I've always dreamed of owning a designer bag, but the kuripot side of me stops me from taking the plunge. Are there anyone else out there feeling the same way? :D

Well, one very lucky ZALORA shopper will dream no more, as ZALORA Philippines (in partnership with Rebecca Minkoff) is giving away one Mini MAC (Morning After Clutch worth P8,650.00) in purple to a lucky customer who purchases on ZALORA using this code: REBECCA.


Trivia: In 2005, the "Morning After Bag" launched Rebecca's career as a handbag designer.

To get the chance to own this iconic bag, just shop any women's product worth P1,000.00 and above, and enter the code REBECCA in the coupon code box upon checkout to qualify. Each customer is entitled to 10 chances to win this cute clutch!

So, you're wondering who else has the Mini MAC?


Oh, just Hollywood celebrities such as Nina Dobrev, Emannuele Chirqui, and Agyness Deyn! At least your future Mini MAC is purple, so it's totally okay to bump into them even when using the same bag. ;)

Shop at ZALORA now at www.zalora.com.ph. For more of Rebecca Minkoff, check out: http://www.zalora.com.ph/rebecca-minkoff/. Promo period is from August 27 to August 31, 2013, so don't miss out. You all have 3 days and a few hours left to join - make the most out of it! :)

Love,
Helen

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Something New: Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Jeans

Rewriting conventional wisdom about jeans, UNIQLO’s Ultra Stretch Jeans (USJ) features a revolutionary fabric that combines incredible stretch with the ability to powerfully spring back in place and retain its shape.

 

The secret to the great fit is an innovative new fabric that offers 40% stretch and 90% shape retention. This means that not only do the UNIQLO Ultra Stretch Jeans offer an incredible amount of stretch, but they also feature an extraordinary spring back property. These qualities translate into jeans that offer lift and hold, keeping the buttocks and thighs neatly in place without leaving any sense of constrictiveness. Combined with a snug, wraparound fit to the hips, UNIQLO Ultra Stretch Jeans are unlike any jeans that have come before—a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Offering an unprecedented level of comfort and an immaculate fit, Ultra Stretch Jeans are available in all UNIQLO stores in the Philippines (SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA The Block, SM Aura Premier, SM City Pampanga, SM City Fairview, and Glorietta 5) at P1,990.00.

Love,
Helen

Monday, August 26, 2013

Cyma: A Taste of Greece

I love Sundays because it's family day! Just yesterday, we went crazy over Greek food at Cyma in Robinsons Magnolia.

Cyma: Savor the Delicious Cuisine of Greece

It was our very first time to try Greek cuisine. As clueless as we were, we were thankful of how knowledgeable our server was with the items in the menu. He answered all our questions, and gave us recommendations on which dishes to try.

Roka Salata (Solo - P330.00)
Fresh arugula (ROKA), chopped romaine lettuce, sun-dried tomatoes, candied walnuts, with shaved parmigiano reggiano served with Traditional Greek Vinaigrette

For our appetizer, we had Roka Salata, which is apparently a best-selling item in their menu for a good reason: It's just the tastiest, freshest salad I've ever had! Even my parents and my sisters agreed on that. This salad is like an explosion of different flavors and textures, like zesty tomatoes, sweet candied walnuts, and salty Parmesan cheese. The fresh argula and crisp lettuce balances out the flavor. This is a must try, and something we'd definitely order again on our next visit.

Iced Tea (Single - P80.00)

Spinach and Artichoke Fondue (P350.00)
With our blend of melting cheese, sun dried tomatoes and feta, served with warm pita triangles and grilled garlic bread

This is a rather filling dish because of all the pita triangles and soft and fresh garlic bread, but the main star of this all would of course be the fondue! Good news for vegetable-haters: This is a sneaky way of adding veggies into your diet without realizing it, since it's just so good and tasty. The melted cheese on top completes the dish.

Seafood Souvlaki (P400.00)
Skewered with fresh vegetables served with parsley salad and yogurt garlic sauce

All souvlakis are also served with grilled warm pita bread. Given the choice among chicken, pork tenderloin, seafood, vegetarian, lamb, or steak, I'd happily choose seafood, as I feel that this is a healthier alternative compared to red meat. This dish reminds me of grilled kebabs. The seafood souvlaki was all fish and then some vegetables. I liked how tender and fresh the fish was (definitely no fishy stench here), and this would also go well with rice.

Yemistes (P285.00)
Rice Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes - with pine nuts, sultanas and braised potatoes

Here you'll see the cutest rice presentation ever, as they're stuffed inside bell peppers and tomatoes.
 

However, I didn't try this one out, since I don't like eating "wet" rice or rice with any form of sauce in it.

Bifteka (P390.00)
Greek Wagyu Burger - A Cyma Favorite! Freshly ground handmade wagyu brahman beef patties, peppered feta cheese, tzatziki, lettuce, arugula and tomato on a toasted bun served with Greek roasted potatoes

Oh my! This is such a big and juicy burger. The patty is so thick and it's impossible for you to stack it and eat it the normal way you enjoy burgers, but I am definitely not complaining! I had to use a fork and knife to eat this. The patty is the best part as you can actually see the "juice" (not oil) ooze out of the meat upon slicing it. The feta cheese is a bit too salty for my liking, so you may opt to slice it smaller/thinner. The vegetables were there to balance out the saltiness of the cheese, but my sister tossed out the round onion piece. This burger comes with potatoes on the side, just like the Yemistes.

Pagoto (ice cream) (P145.00)
Mint Chocolate Chip Served with walnuts and honey

I spotted mint ice cream on the menu, and right then and there I knew I won't be leaving the restaurant without trying it out. (Oh yes, I love everything minty.) This was a very refreshing treat to cleanse the palate after trying out all the tasty, flavorful dishes. This one reminds me of my favorite chocolate, Andes Mint Parfait Thins, but less sweet. The chocolate chips and walnuts add that just right amount of crunch to the ice cream, while the honey is there to add a dash of natural sweetness.

Flaming Mangoes! (P260.00)
Our Specialty! - served with vanilla ice cream on the side. OPA!

When you order a flaming dish such as this, the crew would shout "Opa!" upon serving it. I asked our server what "Opa!" meant, and found out that it was a Greek expression like "Cheer!", mainly used during celebrations. I was to engrossed watching the spectacle that I forgot to take pictures! I chose to savor the moment, hence my photos simply don't do justice to how nice this dish was actually presented.

The mango would be torched in front of you, but only for a few seconds. The vanilla ice cream came in a separate glass, but you'd have to mix it with the mango (of course) to fully enjoy this dessert. One thing I didn't like was that the mango was served including the seed, but our server was nice enough to slice and separate the mango meat from the seed, hence the messed up appearance of the dessert above. Taste-wise, it's really simple since it's just vanilla ice cream and mango combined, but with an added twist since the mango is hot and the ice cream is cold, which makes for a unique taste sensation when it blends in your mouth. I also spotted hints of cinnamon here in this dessert.

My first foray into Greek cuisine was made memorable by Cyma! Good service and great food, this place is perfect for when you're celebrating any special occasion. I'll definitely come back to try their other dishes. For more information, visit Cyma Restaurants' website. You may also like Cyma Restaurants on Facebook, and sign up at the Cyma Mailing List so you don't miss out on their updates! :)

Love,
Helen

Sunday, August 25, 2013

My New Glasses: M.Missoni from EO

When we had our Annual Physical Exam at work, I got faced with the fact that my eyes no longer had 20-20 vision. I work in front of the computer all day, and even at night (for my blog), so I guess this is the result of it all.


I convinced myself that I didn't need glasses, and that no eyeglasses frame would look good on me. And then, a 3-day mallwide sale came, erased all my doubts, and led me to my first ever eyeglasses purchase (on whim). Haha!

I just walked into EO, curious on whether there would be a pair of eyeglasses frame that would suit me. I was torn with the fact that the grade of my eyes wasn't high enough to really need eyeglasses, but at the same time, I wouldn't want it to get any higher (and my eyesight any more blurred) so I just went for it.


The eyeglasses frame I chose was from M. Missoni, an Italian designer brand. Each pair of frames alone retails for about P7,000.00, but since there was a 3-day mallwide sale, I was able to get it at 50% off!


Each pair comes with a fancy box, eyeglasses case, and cloth to wipe your glasses with, all in white (but there might be other colors available).


This is the pair I chose, with safari-inspired zigzag patterns on the side. I chose brown instead of other bright, eye-popping colors (like red or purple) since I'm planning to use this everyday and I wouldn't want it to clash with any of my outfits. If you may have noticed, the lens reflect a green tint, which means that the lens have been multicoated to protect your eyes when using the computer. Don't worry, the tint isn't visible when worn.


Because I didn't want my white Missoni box to get all dirty, I also received this hard case to store my new specs. It's really durable and it keeps your glasses in one piece; I should know because I've already dropped it twice, accidentally, and my glasses are still good as new.

Brand: M. Missoni
Model: MM10501 53 16 140
SRP (frame): P6,990.00, less 50% off during the sale -> P3,495.00
SRP (multicoated lens): P995.00, less 10% off during the sale -> P896.00
Total: P4,391.00

If you're planning to purchase new glasses, I highly recommend EO for your vision care needs. This isn't even a sponsored post! I got my pair at EO in SM North EDSA (Main); look for Ms. Kris to assist you since she knows how to recommend nice frames that would suit your face shape and budget. But then, do wait for 3-day mallwide sales, as the frame you might be eyeing might just be at 50% off!

Love,
Helen

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Haul: Birthday Gifts ♥

It's now time to unwrap the presents I got for my 24th birthday!


Nah, I've actually unwrapped and ate most of them a few weeks ago, but they're worth sharing so here goes! ;)

A portrait, letter, and The Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadow from Dawn

This one's probably one of the most priceless and sweetest present I received! My friend actually drew me! Haha! :D I'll be putting this in a frame, that's for sure! Dawn and I both love The Body Shop, as you can see. Don't forget to join our giveaway! :D

Cara Mia Brazo Gelato cake from my colleagues
Christer, Jeffery, Kurt, Bailey, Ness, and Anne

My teammates/lunch buddies surprised me with this during the weekend before my birthday. They're as sweet as this gelato cake. :D

A birthday card also from my colleagues

The card design is so me, don't you agree?

Figaro Devil's Mocha Cake from my boss, Achi V

I've already told you before, I've got cool boss. :D

Cosmopolitan dress from my sister, Melissa

Since we like the same clothes, she has another dress like this, only in a different color. Don't worry, we won't wear it both at the same time!

Starbucks tea tumbler from my sister, Vivian

My sister hates the ancient water bottle I use at the office, so she gave me this! She was planning to give me a regular coffee tumbler, but then she remembered that I'm more of a tea person, hence this one! I love that it has a leaf design where I can fasten the string of the tea bag.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers from my sister, Cindy

She got me this because she knows that I want this, but I won't be buying this for myself anytime soon. (Hey, I was waiting for National Book Store to go on sale so I could get this at 20% off!)

OMG Nail Colors by Klik in Tiara from my sister, Ann

This was a half-hearted present from my sister! I just know. Haha! She got this for herself, but then she remembered it was my birthday that day, and handed it to me instead, and borrowed it right after a few minutes. (I said no! No using until I've taken a picture of it.) But still, thank you!

Krispy Kreme doughnuts from my friend, Pan

I love Krispy Kreme. You've witnessed it all in my blog. If you're curious, my favorite doughnut from them would be Original Glazed.

Frostings cupcakes from my friend, Lala

She's as sweet as these cupcakes! ;) This came as a surprise during our dinner at A Veneto, where the crew couldn't even sing a decent birthday song. My friends sang instead.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Skin Essentials also from my friend, Lala

Because she know that I love The Body Shop! I'm excited to try this new skincare set. And it's pink - what's not to love?

Beauty Bar's Lavender Luxury Hand Cream from my friend, Jeanne

My friend was thinking if she would give me another lippie, but figured that I already had lots. (Good thing!) She gave me a fancy hand cream instead. Much appreciated! :D

Green Tea Kit Kats from my friends

Because they know what my all-time favorite chocolate is. :D

Uji Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat from my friend, Jat

He found this in a Japanese store. Now, I want to go there and hoard!

Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat + Ghirardelli chocolates from my friend, Tope

This pack is similar to the one I received from Hong Kong, only this one he got from Japan.

Birthday cake from HEAT

Last but not the least is this birthday cake from HEAT, where my family and I celebrated my birthday dinner.

That's all for now! This one's probably my favorite haul posts, since everything here are special and from my loved ones.♥

Love,
Helen
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