My Daiso Shangri-La Haul

Have you been to the Daiso branch in Shangri-La? They opened last Friday. The store is not so big but boy does it pack a punch. I found items that are not available in my home branch which is Glorietta. Check out my haul!

I love this acrylic stand. You can put books or iPads. My son likes to use the iPad when he's in bed. I normally put the iPad on top of pillows but they tend to slide down. This is the perfect solution. It's also very useful come homeschool time. 

This is an infinity scarf. I was supposed to have a giveaway here in my blog but I've read some disturbing news about bloggers and giving stuff away in their blogs. Some legal issues arise. I have to do more research before I move on with my giveaway. If you have any information about it, please leave a comment below. This scarf was supposed to be one of the prizes. 

This set is for my son. 

This is a microfiber towel which I got as a freebie. 

Yes, I couldn't resist these stacking cups which are very similar to our IKEA ones. 

Finally! Someone thought of making these staplers! This will be very useful for our crafts and for shipping stuff. 

I got two of these binder pouches because one was supposed to be included in my giveaway. These are great. They are no longer available in my home branch. These are bigger than the one I have. 

I got a pack of these baggies as we travel a lot. These are very useful. 

This is another freebie. I love these mesh bags. I have a smaller one which I bring on staycations. 

This is a desk organizer. Pink and green = love.

How cute is this watch? This is great to give away as gifts. There are no brands. the straps and face are clean. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs. 

This is for my son's study table. We get messy during art time and this is great for cleaning up. He has also started helping me with the chores. This is perfect for his little hands. 

I got another one of these rolling pins as I gave mine to my son to use for Play-Doh play. I use this to flatten bread. 

I got a set of these sauce bottles for my husband's lunch box. Yes, I know they're too quirky for a guy but I think he will find them funny. He has a great sense of humor. 

So, that's my haul. What are your Daiso Shangri-La finds? Share!

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 7

What a week it has been! And what better way to end it (or start it depending on how you view Sunday) than featuring my favorite body scrub.

Many of you loyal readers know that I have been using the Asian Secrets Lulur scrub for years now. It's one of the best (maybe the best) body scrubs I've ever used. I'll say this again. I'm not sure about the whitening part though. Maybe because I use it on wet skin, not on dry skin but I don't really care. I love it for its exfoliating benefits.

My favorite is the blue variant. I buy the big tub and it lasts for about 4 uses. Until another product comes out in the market that is better than this, this lulur scrub stays in my bathroom.

A Stroll Through the Newly Opened Daiso Shangri-La

Hey, everyone! We interrupt regular programming with the latest from Daiso.

Yesterday was the grand opening of their newest store in Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Ortigas. I wasn't able to attend the special event but I was able to drop by during lunch time to check out the happenings.

Here are my finds:

These individually-wrapped cotton buds are great for travelling. 

Organize school and office supplies with these handy helpers. 

These acrylic book/iPad stands are very useful. I can use it to hold a cookbook in the kitchen. My son can also use it when he is using the iPad.

Clear boards. What can I say? Black boards, white boards and now clear boards! We use this for art time and other homeschool activities. You can also use it as your memo board. 

These stacking cups remind me so much of our IKEA cups. I couldn't resist and got a pack.

Kitchen mitts! 

I got the bear spoon and fork set for my son. 

For all your ice needs. We love Daiso ice trays because ice pops out easily. 

These watches are adorable! Clean straps and clean faces. 

These clear baggies are also useful if you frequently travel or go on staycations around the city. 

Popsicle calculators.. Budgeting won't be the same again. 

I love the scarves at Daiso. 

For all your cleaning needs. 

Stay tuned for my haul!

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 6

Happy Saturday everyone! Let's continue our 30 days of beauty with Watsons with these charcoal nose pore strips from Body Treats.

I have to admit, I used to snub these brands before. I just didn't have faith in them because I didn't know them. Fortunately, while on a staycation, I felt adventurous and put this product in my basket. That was a good decision indeed because wow, this product is great! My husband and I use it about once a week. It really gets rid of all that yucky stuff in my nose. The last time that I used it, I noticed that there were lesser white and black heads compared to the first time I used it.

It's a really affordable product that will always make an appearance in my shopping basket.

What product would Day 7 bring? Find out tomorrow!

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 5

I love looking at the sales and special promotions rack of Watsons Greenbelt. I always find great bargains there such as these:

I haven't been using Garnier for years but I have to admit. The reason I bought this was because of the super cute summer pouch. 

I mean, how can you resist that?? I am a sucker for pouches. I gave the compact to my cousin as one of her birthday gifts. As for the moisturizer, I'm using it for my elbows and knees. My skin is softer and smoother because of this product.  

As for the pouch, I haven't used it yet. It's waiting for the opportune moment to come out from my pouch stash. 

Tomorrow is Day 6! Are you finding this series useful? interesting? I'd like to hear from you.

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 4

I started this series because I am burning out from mommy and wife duties. I have been a career woman for most of my life, juggling different jobs at the same time. Today I am a SAHM or stay-at-home mom for all you single ladies out there. It's hard being a mom. I love my son and my husband and I love what I do but there are times when I just need a time out and take care of myself. Because of this, I found myself navigating the aisles of Watsons again and other beauty shops and drugstores. Thus, this series was born. One would not know how hard it is to become a mother until she becomes one so I know many of you moms out there can relate.

Moving on, today, let's talk about Oral Health. After all, a great smile is all part of being beautiful. My favorite Watsons product for oral care are these:

These are the flat dental floss picks. I don't like using just the thread variety. I don't like the feel of floss on my fingers. These picks are just right for me. I like using the flat ones because my teeth are too close to each other that the round ones hurt. This is a result of an influx of wisdom teeth. My dentist got one out but the three remaining need some surgery and I don't have time for that now being a devoted SAHM. Good thing, I have these picks to keep my gums and teeth healthy. 

I use this with Colgate Plax mouthwash which my husband got in Watsons HK. 

Join me again tomorrow for Day 5!

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 3

Welcome back! For Day 3, I am featuring this facial sponge from Aqua Massage.

Over the years, I've tried different facial sponges and scrubs from different brands. There were hits and misses. This is definitely a hit! 

The sponge is very gentle on my skin. It comes damp from the plastic. After using it, I give it a good rinse and let it air dry. It becomes really hard when it's dry but it turns super soft again once it's wet. 

There are very few facial products that don't irritate my skin. I'm happy that this one worked well on my face. Plus, the price is great too. This pack will definitely last me a long time. 

I use it with my favorite facial skin cleanser, Physiogel. 

Tomorrow, come back to find out what Day 4 holds. 

30 Days of Watsons Beauty - Day 2

Hi, everyone! Glad you can make it again today! Welcome to Day 2 of 30 Days of Watsons Beauty. This is by no means sponsored by Watsons. I just really like spending time (and money) in that store.

For Day 2, I have the classic Nivea Creme in the original blue tin.

This is a very versatile cream. You can use it on your face, hands, body, feet, etc. Some people even use it on their lips. They say that it's great during winter time. However, many are turned off with its very thick texture and consistency. 

As for me, I've had a love-hate relationship with this product growing up. I don't like greasy skin but on the other hand, I have uber dry skin. This product helps a lot. Today, I use it to moisturize my feet and hands before going to sleep. 

I gifted one big tin to my uncle who suffers from very dry skin (like moi). I've heard no complaints. 

I also found this super cute small tin from Watsons Century City. I couldn't resist. They come in different designs but I love this best because of the many pillows. Yeah, I love pillows.

Come join me tomorrow for Day 3!

30 Days of Watsons Beauty

I'm starting this new series because Watsons is one of the drugstores that I love. I stopped buying drugstore products for a long time mainly because I was not happy with the quality they had to offer. However, after many years, I am seeing new products that have great quality. I am also going back to old favorites.

In this series, I will feature old favorites and new finds that have impressed me. Let's start with my go-to oil blotting film.

Long time followers of this blog know that I love Kleenex oil blotting film. It was love at first sight for me what with the pretty packaging. 

When I'm outside and need a retouch, I never forget to use this first before any product. If I'm running errands, I would leave my makeup kit but not this pack of blotting films. It's a necessity especially if I'm going to a hot place such as Divisoria. After blotting, I spray some of my Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray for instant freshness!

Stay tuned for Day 2!

My Shampoo Routine

I haven't given my hair much thought growing up. I've always been satisfied with it. However, after giving birth, I've experienced all sorts of problems. My hair became dry, my scalp became dry. Then there's hair fall and allergies. These problems got me thinking. It's time to change my hair care routine.

Let's start with the shampoo. I use OGX shampoos because they are organic. Here's the current one I use.

Photo courtesy of OGX website

I make sure to get my hair wet thoroughly before I apply shampoo. It might also be tempting to put a lot of shampoo to get that oh-so-wonderful bubbly feel but the recommended amount is as big as a 5-peso coin. 

I also try to switch shampoos every 2 weeks. I've already tried the Keratin shampoo and conditioner from OGX. They were great for a while but then I think I got allergic to keratin and I ended up with an itchy scalp. 

Because of this, I decided to buy a clarifying shampoo:

Photo courtesy of Avalon Organics website

This shampoo feels great on my scalp. I use it twice a week. That seems to calm my scalp down. Also, I concentrate on the roots and then I rinse my hair with cold water. Even when we are staying in a hotel and there's an abundance of hot water, I make sure to wash my hair with cold water to avoid breakage. I also don't pile my hair up when I shampoo as that makes a tangled mess. I shampoo like I apply conditioner, with my hair hanging straight out on my back. 

I plan to buy more OGX and Avalon hair products, I will feature them here so wait for that!

Trying Out New Products from Watsons

I haven't been updating this blog as much as I should because my life revolves around mommy duties. It's hard being a mom. You wouldn't know how hard until you experience it yourself. In saying that, I have been doing some self-reflection over the past few days. I am burning out. And lately, I have been turning to beauty products and shopping to cope. I know it's not really an ideal "escape" or coping mechanism but these things really make me happy. I can't deny it. Today, we went to the mall for some errands and grocery shopping. I visited a few beauty stores which I haven't been into for years. It felt really good. I told my husband to please bear with me as I needed it. I needed to look at beautiful things. I didn't buy anything, well except for the brow razors from TFS but I felt really relaxed after leaving the stores.

My last stop was Watsons. I went from aisle to aisle, looking at familiar and new products. I decided to do a little bit of shopping and these are what I came home with:

• Purederm Collagen Makeup Remover Wipes
• Purederm Argan Oil Makeup Remover Wipes
• Himalaya Herbals Nourishing Skin Cream
• Nivea Creme in this I-can't-resist tin
• Himalaya Herbals Almond and Cucumber Peel-off Mask

I am very excited to try the nourishing skin cream. I've read great reviews about it. I already tried the makeup remover wipes and I can say that I'm not happy with them. They don't do a good job removing makeup especially waterproof eyeliners (my Urban Decay one). I thought the Argan Oil variant would be different but it's the same as the collagen variant. They both leave my skin feeling dry. I had to wipe off the remaining makeup with my Nivea Makeup Remover Wipes. And because I don't like the oily feel of it, I would use my son's wipes to get rid of the oily feeling. 

I have my fingers crossed for the other products. I'll keep you posted. 

P.S.

I probably won't use the cute Nivea Creme as I still have about 90% of the big one and it's too freaking cute!

My Mega National Bookstore Warehouse Sale 2015 Haul

Hey, guys! Have you been to the warehouse sale yet? It's awesome, I tell you. Check out what I got here.

How Much Does Your Makeup Kit Cost?

We may not realize it but most of us ladies are carrying a small fortune when it comes to our makeup kits. Here's what I currently have.

This is a Victoria's Secret pouch. I attached a Hello Kitty Aquabeads keychain on it. 

The contents are:

Clinique facial mist

Aranaz mirror

Estee Lauder blush

Paul and Joe compact

Kleenex blotting sheets

Etude House cuticle treatment

MAC Wonder Woman lip gloss

L'Occitane hand cream

NARS lipstick in Dolce Vita

Ocean Potion lip balm

My estimate of the total worth of my makeup kit including the pouch itself and the trinket is around Php8,800. Wow, that's a lot of money. I never realized how much my kit costs. Good thing I did not buy them all in one go. I've also had many of the products for a long time and they proved to be really good investments. 

How about you? How much does your makeup kit cost?