Globetrotter Beauty Case

Have you been thinking about travelling and worried about airport regulations on cosmetics and beauty products? Then the Chris Benz and Beauty.com collaboration project will be just perfect for you. It has a chock full of beauty travel necessities and it is free...well, almost! With any Beauty.com purchase of $100 or more, this loot is all yours, that is until supplies last so if this excites you a bit, go ahead shop online.

Coined the Globetrotter Beauty Case, Chris Benz, the "It Boy", hand-picked the items he feels are most helpful for jet-set women. The Chris Benz ‘Globetrotter Beauty Case’ includes samples from the following:

- FULL SIZE Laura Geller Powder Eye Liner Pencil

- skyn ICELANDTM The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion

- Origins Clear Improvement® Active Charcoal Mask

- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

- PHYTOPhytocitrus Restructuring Mask, Color-Treated Hair

- NXE Reve de Miel® Hand and Nail Cream

- Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Flocker

- FULL SIZE Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss, Doug (Medium Pink)

- MuradIntensive Wrinkle ReducerTM for Eyes

- Euviance® Evening Restorative Complex

Ain't this a get-pretty good deal?

PHOTO CREDIT: Beauty.com

Philippine Airlines Year of the Tiger Promo

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is pleased to introduce a special promo for this event. Please refer to details below:

Travelling Period: 16 February to 18 March and 17 May to 31 August 2010

Selling and Ticketing Period: 05 to 15 February 2010

Travel must be completed by 31 August 2010

For as low as PHP 888 (Base Fare: PHP 792)

Between MANILA and BACOLOD, CEBU, DUMAGUETE, ILOILO, KALIBO, LAOAG, LEGASPI, PUERTO PRINCESA, TACLOBAN, TAGBILARAN and ROXAS

For as low as PHP 888 (Base Fare: PHP 792)

Between CEBU and DAVAO

For as low as PHP 1,888 (Base Fare: PHP 1,685)

Between MANILA and BUTUAN, CAGAYAN DE ORO, COTABATO, DAVAO, DIPOLOG, GENERAL SANTOS, OZAMIZ and ZAMBOANGA

Above ALL-IN One-way fares are on Economy Class INCLUSIVE of V.A.T. but Exclusive of Aviation Security Fee (ASF).

Hurry Book now! Limited seats only!

Book and buy your tickets now!!

You may also call PAL Reservations at (02) 855-8888, Cebu: (032) 340-0191; Davao (082) 222-0366 or purchase tickets at PAL Ticket Offices or your travel agent.

Conditions of Travel:

Application

Valid for one way and combinable for roundtrip travel on economy class

Restricted for sale/ticketing in the Philippines

Tickets must be issued within 24 hours after booking. Last day of ticket issuance is on 15 February 2010

Bookings made prior to 05 February 2010 are not eligible to avail of this Chinese New Year promo

Reservation/Payment/Ticketing

Open-dated and Go Show not allowed

Tickets are non-refundable and non-reroutable. Upgrading to higher fare is permitted; however, the original fare paid remains non-refundable

Upgrading to higher fare type is allowed from TPR fare basis to J1 fare basis

Re-issuance is allowed at PHP 600 per ticket

No Show Surcharge is PHP 600 per sector

Rebooking penalty is PHP 600 per sector. However, rebooking on the same booking class is not permitted.

Other Discounts

No other discounts apply except for Senior Citizen and Infant w/o seat. Infant without seat is 75% discount on fare of the accompanying adult and senior citizen 20% discount on fare.

Note: Senior Citizen discounts are not available through our online booking facility. Only purchases made at the Philippine-based ticket offices may avail of the discount.

Miscellaneous Provisions

Not eligible to earn Miles with PAL Mabuhay Miles

15 kilos baggage allowance

Info taken from the PAL website.

Traveling Solo

Lately the thought of traveling solo has been in my mind and I am raring to do it. I refer to traveling solo as going to a place where you don't know a single soul in your destination. Well, I have been through airports and airplanes alone when I go home and meet the family so it does not qualify in this criteria. Traveling solo, for me, would be liberating and would give you a different taste of freedom. Traveling solo will definitely widen my horizon and open new perspectives.

It is high time for me to try this because I think I need to be far from the comforts of the place where I am at right now. I need peace and quiet. I need some alone time to figure out my life and where I am headed. I need to regroup. I need to know what I keep on doing wrong and strive to make it all right. I need to find myself.

Sure I am brave enough to try this. I think the only thing that scares me would be the thought that I won't be alone in my hotel room, bogeymen and monsters might be there waiting to prey on me (I still believe they exist no matter how grown I've become). Seriously, going travelling on my own will let me literally leave everything behind – work, family and friends. This is what makes it scary and also what makes it so intensely liberating.

I have listed down travel tips for myself and I read them everyday hoping to ingrain it upon myself and make it second nature. I hope this helps other ladies and gents alike who are seriously contemplating on traveling solo in the near future.

1. Be familiar about the place you are going to. Buy a guidebook and read it in advance while you are waiting for the date you depart. I personally suggest to bring it with you and keep it in your bag and not proudly show it all off when you get to your destination. If you do, you'll surely dampen the spirits of your blending in with the locals. Remember: Criminals prey on people who are vulnerable and unfamiliar about the new place.

2. Make sure to book your flight and accommodation ahead of time for you to be able to take advantage of the best deals. Call your airline and hotel at least a day before to confirm everything. Request itineraries and have them send it to your email. Unless you go to some jungles, you will always have access to the internet wherever you go.

3. Pack light! This I am having a problem with. Try to pack way in advance and before you do check how many days you will be away and list down the necessary clothes and stuff you need to bring. Learn to mix and match clothes and bring only the footwear you will need. You don't need 10 shoes when you travel. Make sure to check the weather of the place you are going to so you don't bring clothes that you won't be needing.

4. Learn the language. Well, at least just the basics.

5. Do talk to strangers (but do this with utmost caution). You always have to trust your gut when doing anything when you travel alone.

6. Be click-happy. Don't forget to take your camera with you. It is an essential. You would want to remember memories of your travel. And sure if you bring your camera, you have to bring your charger.

7. Be liquid. Always make sure that you have the local currency in your wallet. If possible, have some amount ready before you leave the airport or better yet before your scheduled flight. Other than that, you may want to use your credit card for all the purchases you will make. Personally, I'd rather leave the plastic behind.

8. Do anything you want at your pace but make sure to do things right (just the legal ones). Read up extensively about the place you are visiting so you don't get in trouble with the local laws and regulations. You want your travel to be safe and enjoyable not locked in a cell. You may also want to keep a copy of the emergency numbers of the city you are in.

9. The OC in me will of course list down my itinerary. I can be spontaneous when I get to the place but at least when all things fail I have my list as my guide.

10. Bring a comfortable shoe you can walk in. There's nothing more frustrating than to stay in your hotel room to nurse some blisters.

I might have some more tips in the future and I might add a lot when I get back from my travel but please I just have to add this...if you are traveling to heal a broken heart avoid going to romantic destinations unless you are masochistic enough and you have the tendency to be a romance voyeur. At the end of the day, just be one with yourself and don't forget to have fun...Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want without thinking of your companion and pour it on when you're feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting.

There’s a lot more I could write, but I’ve gone on long enough. What do you think? For people who have been solo travelling, do you agree or disagree with any of the above? If you can share more tips, go ahead leave a comment. :-)

Accor Hotels (Asia Pacific) 3-day Super Sale

Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses: hotels and services.

I have only stayed in one Accor Hotel before for one whole week, complete with accommodation and food for free...well, Dell paid for it. I liked the stay at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza and they obliged to all my diva wants and needs. Uh not exactly, just some little requests here and there if I may say so (like providing me needle and thread early in the morning so I can sew the busted seam of my skirt and send me some ice to soothe my tired feet). I would say aside from spending nothing and the fabulous Manila Bay view, all I had was superb service.

Between October 27-30, travelers will be able to take advantage of savings when they book on-line. Over one million room nights will be on sale, with rates starting as low as US$30 per night. Book your travel & holidays now for stays between December 09, 2009 to April 10, 2010 to every imaginable destination in Asia Pacific. The country list include Thailand, Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Bali.

Different rates apply for Accor's various brands, with Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis hotels participating, providing a vast range of affordable options. The Accor '3-day Super Sale' coincides with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific region, allowing travelers to enjoy some of the world's most exciting cities at bargain rates. And then again, it is high time to travel...

Now where to?

Random Updates

I am supposed to be in dreamland already but here I am still wide awake. I could not bring myself to sleep. I still have so much energy, I am still pumped up. I still have so many things in my mind. I know I have to sleep, I know my body needs ample rest but sleep is just too elusive now. Let me write some random stuff while I wish that I doze off any moment from now.

1. GOOD NEWS: I lost half a kilo in three days. I could not believe my eyes. All those running and sweating has paid off. And oh yeah the interval training I have pushed myself into has given me results. So, I am just thinking, if I continue the routine and the diet, I may just lose at least 12 lbs in one month. Not bad eh?

2. NOT SO GOOD NEWS: I still do not have the replacement of my laptop hinge. :-( I love my "Maxine" so I will not trade her for anything else... (Maxine is the name I gave to my laptop). I have never experienced any bluescreen or any virus attack or anything you can ever think of except for this hinge problem which is entirely my fault. I wasn't careful enough. I might have to wait until December to get it fixed. Too much for international warranty huh? But yeah, Maxine's in a little sorry state now.

3. HAPPY THOUGHTS: I was arranging some stuff in my cabinet at work and I found the stash of cards I got from the flowers sent by Jelle before. I miss the scent of flowers in my workstation to tell you honestly. The whiff of fresh and flowery scent that was so intoxicating is all coming back to me now. The witty lines written on the card still makes me smile until now.

4. FULL TUMMY THOUGHTS: I cooked Pasta Primavera and S&S Spuds for my direct reports last night and I am glad they liked it. A few requested for the recipe I used for the spuds but to tell everyone honestly, I don't necessarily follow recipes when I cook. I whip dishes on my own relying only on how the food should look and taste. I will however share the recipe I once referenced the first time I tried to make this in the next blog article.

Image via Wikipedia

5. TRAVEL THOUGHTS: I could not wait to be in Netherlands. Just the thought of walking in betweem tulip fields sends me to an unbelievable euphoric state. I am so going and the time is ticking so fast. Five more months to go. I have a picture of the tulip fields near my bed plastered on my wall to remind me of the travel that I always thought would only be in my dreams. Ecstatic is an understatement to describe how I feel now.

6. UNDECIDED THOUGHTS: Should I give up or just continue chasing pavements? I have just recently felt something and I think it is futile to push through with it. Yes, I know and it has always happen that whatever I set my mind into I end up achieving but I don't think this one is worth the risk. But is it? Once I have my final decision, I will write about it here again. I am just so happy now that I refuse to entertain sad thoughts.

7. TRIVIA THOUGHTS: DO you know that when you unscramble the word "DESPERATION" you will come up with the phrase "A ROPE ENDS IT"? Oh wait, I am not in a state of depression now and certainly would not want to die by hanging. It is just so unpretty hanging by your neck and toungue sticking out. The thought makes me cringe though. It is one of the brutal things you can do to yourself that you can never take back anymore. Did you realize how random that was? LOL!

8. MOVIE THOUGHTS: I seriously wanna go and watch "Ugly Truth" even if I am alone. It should be the first time it happens if I go. Maybe I could try doing this on my off next week unless anyone wants to watch the movie with me...Oh how I love chick flicks especially the relationship-related ones.

The Paradise That Is Boracay

My first Boracay experience happened only in 2006 (March) with some of my SSR coworkers (Dell). The second time I was with Brandon's mom and Rudelyn in 2007. I went back July of the same year with our Canadian trainers. In 2008, I decided to go back to celebrate my 26th birthday. And just last week, I went back again with my family. It was a short but sweet vacation time and believe it or not, it is the first family travel we took, just us. I know that it will not be the last time that I am going there and I will forever live up to the name I got christened with at work: "Boracay Queen". It's just because of the frequency of my travels there, not for any other incriminating reasons.

My travel this year has once again affirmed my love affair with the island.

How could I not love the place? First, I understand the dialect that the people speak. Second, you could forget about your stilettos and the way it makes your swag sexier while walking barefoot (or with your flip flops) on the shore...the fine sand will tickle and caress your foot and yes Boracay has the softest white sand beach I have ever been to.

I am one who loves a quiet rest but when I go to Boracay, amidst the noise of the local and foreign tourists alike, I can have my own slice of peace of mind. You look at the sea and the waves and you appreciate life more. You look at the simplicity of a coconut tree standing tall along the shoreline and you appreciate nature more.

I have always gone to Boracay during the summer months and so the travel last week was way off than before. This is the only time that I have seen waves taller than me (ahhh I'm exaggerating) but yeah the waves are really unusual than what I had experienced before. These waves are caused by the southwest monsoon or as the locals call it the hanging habagat. We went there on the 26th of August and got back to Manila on the 28th.

Day 1:
Our scheduled flight was moved from 10AM to 12NN aboard Zest Air due to some reasons that I wasn't made aware of. This is the first time that I travelled aboard Zest Air and they have considerably left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was still thankful that we landed safe at the Kalibo Airport. We then drove to Caticlan and took a boat to the port and then we took another ride to the hotel where we stayed. If you woke up super early in the morning to catch a flight that was moved two hours then all these vehicle transfers is no child's play. We were exhausted but still looking forward to our vacation. We spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the shore of White Beach. I had my hair braided and my sister just had to take a dip in the inviting waters. We were all just anticipating the sumptuous seafood dinner we were having that night. After dinner, mom and dad decided to retire to bed early while me and my sister went out to have some cocktails. We went back to our hotel before midnight to take some much needed rest for the activities in store the next day.




Day 2:
We hired a boat in the morning right after breakfast. The whole four-hour island hopping cost only Php1000 ($20). The first stop was the snorkeling site. I didn't really enjoy as much as I dd before because I think the Puerto Galera snorkeling site is way better than what Boracay has to offer. White Beach is nothing compared to the solitude and pristine beauty of Puka Island and Crystal Cove. In Crystal Cove you could explore two hidden caves and we were so lucky that it was low tide when we went there because we were able to swim to the other side of the cave, a place where I have never been before because I have this strange fear in me that the sea will engulf me in it's belly anytime. Ahhhh, silly fears!



Me and my sister had the time of our lives swimming in Puka Beach while waiting for our lunch to be ready. We had sweet and sour shrimp, buttered garlic shrimp, calamares (buttered squid rings), fish, oysters, mussels. I was too hungry to take a picture. Hahaha!



We went back to our hotel right after lunch and we were still so full of energy. We showered and changed and decided to walk farther away from our hotel and explore the rest of White Beach. I played photographer to my willing subject, the model that is my sister.



While having dinner along the shore, we witnessed a spectacular sunset. See for yourself...


Day3:
We decided to take a dip again after breakfast and then packed our bags right after. Boracay was sad to see us leave I guess. It rained while we were aboard the fast craft en route to the Caticlan port.

I will be back for sure...I just don't know when.

PBA0935p4o80

Polyvore and Some Updates

I finally got my parents' and my sisters' tickets for the vacation we are all having next week. I also have paid for the hotel and Boracay is just waiting for us. This will be the first time that we will have a family trip that's far from my place and their place. They will also be staying with me in my apartment for about a week. We haven't seen each other for more than eight months and I think this will be a good way for us to catch up.

As soon as I get home yesterday, I checked the mailbox and found some bills and another registered letter. I wasn't really excited to open it. I checked my bills first and I'm so happy to note that no bills are overdue. I was just a little sad looking at my Globe (mobile phone) bill because I did not consume my limit again. I have a PHP1800 monthly plan and I only need to pay Php600. I need to use my phone often. LOL! That or I need to leave the other two phones at home so I can use this postpaid service to it's maximum. I don't think they allow downgrades though. So, when I finally opened the registered letter, it was from Skycable, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a letter informing me that I won Php25,000 (around $500). I already forgot joining/creating a group when they relaunched their broadband service. Remember I wrote about trying their 15-day trial offer? I was jumping up and down. Now, I have more money to put in my bank account (or maybe shop) or spoil my parents silly. I called to confirm if it's a valid letter and lo and behold it is. I did win. List of winners here.

Anyway, I am on my rest day today but I had to attend a training so I am at work now. I just finished the training and I am headed to our HR department to pass my application for Social Security Loan. I have to apply before SSS gets a little more strict again.

I will leave you though with some of my Polyvore collages. Enjoy!

Going green! by littlemisskessa featuring Monsoon accessories

Orange Orione by littlemisskessa featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Lilac Lily by littlemisskessa featuring 1928 jewelry

Working Afternoon by littlemisskessa featuring NANETTE LEPORE shoes

Some Random Update: Zits, Travel And More!

As you may have noticed, I haven't really created an FOTD yet or any look whatsoever because I have a not-so-common occurrence of breakout lately. My left cheek and left forehead is riddled with small red dots. Glad that it wasn't the severe kind but I came to a conclusion that it is just hormonal and not a cause of worry. I stopped taking the estrogen pill and so I thought it could be one of the reasons as well. Anyway, I will have to note that down and ask my dermatologist when I pay a visit. I don't really have a perfect skin that's why I consider concealers my best friends and the BB cream heaven sent. Hehehe! As of the moment, the Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream that I am using has really helped zap the zits away. After using it for three days, the zits have considerably dried down. I will have to post an "after" picture if it shows significant difference. Here's the before look (taken when we attended the Nuffnang and Goldilocks event:

Enough about the zit talk...

I have started pooling up all the papers I need to process my visa for my trip to Europe next year. I will be applying through the Embassy of Belgium here in the Philippines. I hope they won't be strict enough. Hehe! I called my school (Ateneo Graduate School of Business) and they will be graciously writing a certification letter that I am a student and that I am currently enrolled in their MBA-Regis program. It is a tie-up with the Regis Universiy in Denver, Colorado. I am just waiting for Jelle to send me all the papers I need from him. He has been busy a lot these past few days doing I.T. stuff in their company and I hope it wouldn't be too much for him to secure all the papers and have it certified in their municipality (thank you Baby!). We have talked about this visum thingy and it's just one way for us to lull away the days as we countdown for our much-awaited reunion. Our plan is for me to fly in to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and he would meet me there and spend maybe a day or two so we could find me a tulip field. I am shallow like that. I love love tulips and one of the things I've written in my bucket list is to visit a tulip field before I am 30. Smart goal eh? We will then head to his country (Belgium) and then Paris (Lord knows how much walking we would be spending while there). I have read and written down the places I wanna go visit and we will never miss Disneyland Paris except if we oversleep and miss our schedule but I doubt that will happen. Can you tell I am sooooo excited? I am hoping and wishing and praying that my two-week vacation leave application will be approved (I have never ever been denied so I think this is already in the bag). But as of the moment, my biggest concern is to have my visa approved and then after that think about ingenious ways on how to cram two-weeks worth of clothes in one or two bags. Here's a pic of me and Jelle (notice how much taller he is compared to me and in this picture I am already tiptoeing). Taking a picture of us together without a tripod is such a challenge. ;-)

Yesterday, I found some really cheap lip glosses about $4) in really really adorable packaging. I picked up three and here's some pictures and swatches:



These lip glosses are from Bench (one of the companies of the business tycoon Ben Chan). They mainly target the lower and middle market. I liked that they have high quality products (shirts, pants, watches, undergarments, shoes, beauty products, perfumes, baby products, candies and etc) with very affordable prices. The Paint Box line is their newest range of beauty products targeting mainly the teen bracket. The packaging of these glosses are so classy I couldn't resist to pick them up although I am already planning to end the mini shopping sprees so I'll have heftier savings. Ahhhh I think a girl can't have too many lip glosses, don't you think?

Pink Coast Designs Giveaway

Just as I was dreaming/imagining about my upcoming visit to Amsterdam and a possible trip to Paris, Belgium and other places me and Jelle can squeeze into our itinerary, I read a comment in my blog inviting me to check out a link. Well, my curiosity kicked in and so I clicked on the link and what do you know it's another giveaway. This giveaway is in celebration of the blog author's foray to blogger.

Pink Coast Designs~ where the jewelry is not only an expression of the artist, but also of the customer. I have been making jewelry since I was twelve, and I now offer signature pieces, as well as custom pieces. If you’d like to have a unique, little piece of art, tailored just for you please send me an email! I use only the best in my designs; sterling silver chains, bails, clasps, jump rings, and charms ~ as well as authentic, beautiful Swarovski Crystals.

One lucky winner will win a "Morning Glory" Necklace! (As well as a tube of her favorite kind of chapstick and a nail polish ^_^)

To join, please follow these steps:

1. Become a follower of this BLOG
2. Post the giveaway in an entry in your blog (Entry must contain a link to this BLOG, as well as to www.pinkcoastdesigns.com and a picture of your favorite piece.)
3. Leave a comment on the post with the url of your blog entry

And here's my favorite design in the pieces she created...a pink heart with the Eiffel Tower charm. Ahhhh, Paris! I can't wait to set foot there. I am overwhelmed with excitement. Maybe if I win this necklace, it'll remind me that somewhere in the other part of the globe, someone's waiting for me...

Love, From Paris $45 - This vintage-looking necklace would remind anyone of their trip to romantic Paris, or symbolize a dream vacation yet to come. Sterling silver Eiffel Tower charm is accompanied by a 14mm Swarovski Light Rose heart pendant. Other color options include Rose and Siam. Heart chain and all fixtures are sterling silver.

Paris is L-O-V-E!

Vacation Video: Brighter Than Sunshine

I decided to make another video out of the pictures we took while on vacation in Dos Palmas. I hope you like it!

The song is Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung.

Enjoy...