CMK EATS : ARTASTE BLUEBERRY CHEEZY CHEESECAKE

Who says sweets make you fat? I'd say TOO much of it does.
But moderate consumption of sweets makes one HAPPY!
And you bet we are! When the cheesy fruity forkful
of ARTASTE Blueberry Cheesecake landed on our taste buds!

I love the contrast of it's sweet and fruity palate.
And mind you - the cake is just packed with goodness,
it's solid (siksik) and therefore filling to the tummy!
Finally, what I like most about the cake
is that you can taste the cheese part in every bite.
You know there's a literal (cream) cheese in there.

Perfect to pair this with your favorite brewed coffee.
It's an instant happy thought!
Take a peek and feast your eyes! (^^)

Sweet Temptation

The crust is too sweet for my buds but for some, it's okay.
Though I have this weird antic of not eating most of cake crusts.
Like I don't eat skin on fried chickens.

We 'attacked' a portion of this cake on
one of our barkadas' favorite coffee place ever!

Take a guess?!

MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2012

One Event YOU should not miss!

***

How far can your PHP 100.00 (approx USD 3.00) go?

That's one question that this event can answer amazingly!

It's shocking that I haven't made time for this event the past years

but now I'll see to it that I won't let it pass.

Going back to the question, well, all books are sold for only PHP 100.00

Types of books? Well, too many to count. You don't believe me?
Take a peek on past year's evidence.
***

Photo Credit : http://sumthinblue.com

***
Next question I suppose is the quality of books.
Well, I think the event being featured by ANC will prove its worth.
***

ON BLOGGING : THE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS CARDS

This can be your ticket to success!

I've come across some few articles that emphasized the importance of business cards.
Cards in the corporate world is a normal thing.
Some even have protocols, like if you're a Certified Public Accountant,
ethics require that you don't advertise a specific expertise on your card
(i.e. Taxation Expert, etc.).
Rules like that is a big giveaway that cards for business
have been a corporate practice for quite some time.
But what about business card on blogging?
Is it really necessary?

Here are some pointers why you should think of creating a business card
to widen your horizon and thus, promote your blog site:

♣ Cards promote your brand blog the right way.
Handling a piece of card is a traditional tool to promote your craft.
I guess it's too much of a hassle for your targets to recall your name,
type it in Google and pick the ones that's more likely your site.
So to cut the slack - give your important details for their convenience.

♣ Convo Starter. Say you're in an event, you're not supposed to
give the card to someone then just walk away. Oftentimes, you hand them
the card and you tell them some story behind the blog
(Tip: Test the water first and see if the receiver is interested
to hear your ice breaker, if yes, keep the story short and sweet).

FASHION ALERT : LITTLE MULLET DRESS

Mullet Dress - also known as High-Low Dress is going strong this season!
For the longest time, I've been persuaded by my good friend Jolly
to score one but for some reasons, I'm not comfortable
wearing such strong statement dress.
Not until I find one that's subtle but trendy at the same time.

Dress : RedHead (SM Girls Teens' Wear)
Location : SM Department Store, Teen Section.
Available Colors : Blue and Black
Price is Php 699.00.

I personally loved the details of the dress.
High Low. V-cut back. Unconventional sleeve cuts. Cotton Texture.
Not to mention, it being affordable.

Bonus : I saw Ms. Liz of Project Vanity at SM MOA,
same time that I bought this dress. She's nice and sweet!

Few tips when sporting a mullet dress:
♠ Best with Footwear with Height. Unless you're super tall,
opt for a wedge or comfy heels to draw attention to the high-low effect.
♠ For breezy/cold places, you can always bring a cardigan as a cover up.
Add a pop of strong color, so to intensify the style.
♠ Little pairings go a long way. Pair the dress with a bracelet, or watch
to set some consistency. Keep the color variation to a MAXimum of 3.
Nobody wants to be a walking rainbow! ☺

Here's our Fashion Inspiration for today!
One with dainty salmon pink dress,
another one with edgier white dress and boots combo,
last is a floor length high low equation.

CMK EATS : @ ARMY NAVY HARBOUR SQUARE

One fine Sunday afternoon, my friends and yours truly have decided to eat at Army Navy!
Army Navy Harbour Square is located near the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
What's extra-ordinary about this branch is the place.
***

Breeze. Food. Fun.

***

Takaw Much. Thanks Jizil for the pics.

***

Army Navy - Harbor Square View

***
It's uber perfect for that big group bonding with mother nature on the side.
I find their food naming conventions funny too!
Libertea (Iced Tea) for Php 75.00, Freedom Fries,
Mission Accomplished (for Claimed stub). Genius, right?
***

FREE DUNKIN' DONUTS COFFEE AT SM MOA

Life is Short. Enjoy your DD coffee!

***
Picture This. Years ago, you're a college student,
with limited resources (think: cash) and you want to save
for that clothes, makeup etc.
But you still want to sip a hot brewed coffee!

Solution : Dunkin Donuts Free Coffee
Where : SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
Catch? Just print this and present this at the cashier
along with any purchase (like donuts to pair your cup of joe)
Suggestion : Try their Minty Choco Muffin (^.^)
Offer's good until : September 30, 2012 (Sunday)

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION 2012 / 2013?

Okay - I get it. I know that muscles and sweats are not generally welcome
in a fashion blog but I got this idea of publishing this post just in case
you want a time for a kewl (read: cool) change!

Guys (literally) all around are thrilled when
they see that giant coming soon poster of their
childhood toy - G. I. Joe's the name!

Thing is, I'm not sure as of this writing when are the specific
show dates for this movie,
Others say it's gonna be around some time March 2013,
(as opposed to it's original showing date of June 2012 to make way for 3D).
Meantime - I'll let the pictures do the talking!

And did I mention that Channing Tatum (Magic Mike)
is part of this movie? Now I'm not sure if this movie is cool or hot?! -CMK

#Boom!
***

NICHIDO EYELINER PENCIL REVIEW

Why do we need eyeliners? 5 words for you:

Eyeliners make our eyes POP!

Eye makeup is not complete without that deep set eyes effect.
In line with that, quick crash course on different types of eyeliners:

1. Gel Eyeliner - Perfect for Smoky Eye peg. The creamy texture of the gel eyeliner
is makes it easy to apply. The disadvantage is that it tends to smudge,
thus, it's best to use it for smoky eye makeup.

2.Liquid Eyeliner - My favorite! It's one of the best tools to
make your eye look BIG and FRESH. Downside : It needs
a lot of practice to apply it properly. It goes very well with vibrant makeup.

3.Pencil Eyeliner - Perfect match on nude makeup.
It has a very subtle and light color.
It's much easy to apply and needs more than one
coat to make the makeup prominent.

Our product for today is a perfect solution for
bellas on a shoestring budget.
Effective + Affordable is more like our equation!

Take a closer look at:
NICHIDO EYELINER PENCIL
Type : Pencil (Cream) Eyeliner
Colors : Black and Brown
Price : Php 60 each
Available at : The Landmark, SM Malls, Watsons PH

 

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺It's Affordable. Just stating the obvious.
This product is pak na pak for students and stingy lass alike.
☺It's cream-based. Very easy to apply.
Friendly to beginners' hands.
☺It's retractable. No need to worry about
sharpening this beauty. All you need to do is twist and turn.
☺It has a bonus. An eyebrow brush.
In case you need to tame those bushes.

Ready for some swatches?

#22 : REPEAT TO YOURSELF, "LIFE ISN'T AN EMERGENCY"

Although most people believe otherwise, the truth is life isn't an emergency.

I've had hundreds of clients over the years who have all but neglected their families as well as their own dreams because of their propensity to believe that life is an emergency. They justify their behavior by believing that if they don't work eight-y hours a week, they won't get everything done. Sometimes I remind them that when they die, their inbox (from work emails) won't be empty!

A client who is a homemaker and mother recently said to me, "I just cant get the house cleaned up the way I like it before everyone leaves in the morning." She was upset over her inability to be perfect that her doctor had prescribed her anti-anxiety medicine. She was acting (and feeling) like there was a gun pointed at her head and the sniper was demanding that every dish be put away and every towel folded - or else! Again, the silent assumption was, this is an emergency! The truth was, no one other than she had created the pressure she was experiencing.

I've never met anyone (myself included) who hasn't turned little things into great big emergencies. We take our own goals seriously that we forget to have fun along the way, and we forget to cut ourselves some slack. We take simple preference and turn them into conditions for our own happiness. Or, we beat ourselves up if we can't meet our self-created deadlines.

The first step in becoming a more peaceful person is to have the humility to admit that, in most cases, you're creating your own emergencies. Life will usually go on if things don't go according to plan. It's helpful to keep reminding yourself and repeating the sentence : LIFE IS NOT AN EMERGENCY ☺.

Lifted from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. Page 61-62. By Richard Carlson.

How about you?! Is it true to {your} life or not? :) -CMK

OLAY NATURAL WHITE DAY CREAM REVIEW

Talk About All in One!

Moisturizing is one of the holy grails when it comes to skin care. And why not? Just as our body needs water to hydrate, our facial skin needs all the more. Believe it or not - it was only last 2008 that I used moisturizer regularly. And I was like 20 something during that time. Oh well, as they say, better late than never. >:)

Today's spotlight revolves around the moisturizer I've used for so long...
OLAY NATURAL WHITE DAY CREAM How did we meet? It has been introduced to me by, no other than, my mom. If there's someone who tried tons of facial skin care - I think it would be my mom. From Ponds to Mary Kay to Avon Anew and the list go on. These products work all well - it's just that some products are nicer to a specific skin type. So far - I've been hiyang (used to) Olay Natural White. Now, on to the review.

Rich and White

HOW TO APPLY FOR A KOREAN VISA (IN THE PHILIPPINES)?

Documents you need when applying for a Korean Visa:

1. Signed application form. Click HERE.

2. Original Certificate of Employment (COE). 

3. Original Bank Certificate. 

4. Photocopy of ITR (previous year). 

5. Photocopy of  Passport with relevant visas. 

6. Original Passport.

Application Process:

1. You need to go to South Korean Embassy (122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634 Philippines). 

2. First visit is to submit all your documents. Which will take about 10 mins. 

3. Immigration Officer will give you a stub with the date on when you can claim the visa. 

4. Second visit is to claim your passport with a :) or :( answer.

Tips! Tips! Tips!

** If you have at least one of the following visa - make sure that you tell it to the guard before getting your waiting number. There's a separate window for you. (Visas are : Schengen, US, Canada, Australia, among others). If those visas are on your recent passport, make sure you bring such passport with you. 

** No visa fee required. 

** Xerox machine, glue and pens are available inside the embassy.

So hope to see you again soon, Seoul. Indeed -- travelling does us good! -CMK

MAKEOVER ESSENTIALS UK BRONZER REVIEW

Bronzers are so in the trend specially on summer season,
but it's been dominating various blogs and fashion pages
maybe due to the extra shine it gives to one's face.
Bronzer for today is part of the Makeover Essentials UK loot
I got the past month (click HERE).
I find it eye-catching due to it's compact and sleek design.

Some Details
Cost : Around Php 800 (converted from GBP)
You can buy it online by clicking HERE.
How to use? You just turn the thing upside down,
with the brush pointing downwards, and let the particles settle.
Once the brush is loaded, apply it on your face,
in a circular motion.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS

☺Pigmented. It's rich in color. It's important that you

pick a color that bonds with your skin.

Else, you'll have this overbaked look. (facepalm).

☺It's bronzer + brush in one!

Perfect for that traveling bella in you!

☺It's hypo-allergenic. There are bronzers that have irritated

my skin. But with this one,

I don't have that horror of having any zits at all.

Sample Swatch of 2 swipes

FASHION ALERT : CAT EYE SUNGLASSES

Black on Black

***

Remember my "this season's fashion list" post?
And remember that I had a confession that I already bought
a cat eye glasses long before I published the post? Hihi. (Click HERE).
That's the one I wore above. No - the price tag is not that huge.
In fact - it's budget friendly. Only below Php 500.
For those of you who's wondering what brand is it,
it's Pacific Blue Eye wear.
Their famous endorsers include Bea Alonzo and Judy Ann Santos.
Bought mine at SM Department Store,
and guess what - mine's the last pair!
Talk about must buys.

The cat eye effect is so subtle but I like it.
It's polarized (anti-silaw) and it serves its purpose.
I don't want my glasses to cost an arm and a leg
since I tend to misplace them frequently (facepalm).

Anyways, you're in for a treat today!
Our fashion inspiration is not 1, not 2, but 3!
Help yourselves and indulge how gorgeous they are,
even with their glasses on!

BEAUTY BUZZ : SLIMMERS WORLD FACIAL TREATMENT REVIEW

CMK's Facial at Slimmers World Face & Skin Clinic

***
Me and my mom has tried Slimmer's World Face and Skin clinic long before.
I've been a loyal client of them since 2007 due to my laser hair removal treatment.
Today's post is about my experience on their facial treatment.

Confession to make : this is my first ever real facial in my life!
Call it icky or funny - but that's the truth.
I've had diamond peel before but that's about it.
My skin is low maintenance, I argue, but for the sake of healthy skin I tried it.
So there - Facial - that's CMK first.

I think part of the reason why I opted to steer clear from facials
is that I am mortified by some of my friend's stories on how painful it is!
Let me share with you my first hand experience on facial treatment.

I've been greeted by familiar faces there and since I'm a regular client, I know where's where.
I've been escorted to a cozy room (their spa music is the best) where I laid down for a few minutes.
Next came, Ate (forgive me as I forgot her name).
***

Your Face's Haven!

***

First part of the treatment is a facial massage.
Heaven! All points were gently pressed and it was so relaxing!
I am on the verge of sleeping when she turned on the steaming machine.
Steaming machine is being used so as to open my pores.
Here's the crazy part - she started pricking my blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
I was like meowing the whole time!
But in fairness, it's tolerable.
I can sense the long-settled-virtually-invisible dirt are parting from my face.
After some minutes of pricking, She cleaned my face,
then put some moisturizer and good stuff.
Next part is the mask part. I liked it. I'm like a mummy!
After that, she rinsed my face and needless to say,
that's the cleanest face I've ever had inside and out!
***

Boo! White Lady!

***
DETAILS:
Slimmers World Face and  Skin Clinic
Branch : Pasay Road (in front of Dusit Hotel, Makati)
Price : I got mine in a package. One treatment costs about Php 800 more or less.
Php 1,800 (Facial plus diamond peel).

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Place is relaxing and clean. The music. The ambiance. The works!
☺Instruments used are sterile. No doubt about it.
☺Personnel administering the treatment is well trained.
☺Equipments and liquids are very safe and did not cause any after facial zits.

FASHION ALERT : MAXI-MUM FRESHNESS

Happy Vibes!

 ***

I know. I know. Summer has been long over. And on the time I'm writing this post, the rainfall category was declared from heavy to intense. But let's bring out our sunshiny attitude because staying gloomy won't help, keep that positivity in your ♥ shining!

Maxi Dress - I've grown to love them over time. It's breezy, though at times, I admit that it's harder to walk with them on. Specially for klutzy clumsy like yours truly! Maxi dress has graced my fashion alert series once - the one I wore was a color blocked dress, perfect for Tagaytay (click HERE).

I have a friend who commented that of all CMK blog posts, her favorite part is the fashion alert series. Thank you sweetie! It really adds inspiration when I receive simple words like that. I bought the dress from Coco Cabana, it's one of their new collection. There are 2 other colors available but orange is huge this 2012 - so I picked this one. Coco Cabana is available on all SM Department Store Branches. Got this at SM Makati for only less than a thousand! :)

With or Without Blazer = It's ♥

I wore it on a Sunday mass, then to some movie watching + friends bonding at MOA. Watch the Dictator - sooo funny! If you just want to laugh - go watch! As for our fashion inspiration, I love her being morena. She looks lovely on a maxi dress + midi belt combo. Since she's tall - I think she'll have no problems tripping in. ☺

CMK WORKS : CBTL "COFFICE" AT BONIFACIO HIGH STREET REVIEW

*** CBTL at Bonifacio High Street ***

COFFICE. A combination of Coffee + Office. 2 of my favorite words ever!
My first blogs here in CMK is a living testament of my love affair with 'Coffee' (click HERE).
Of course, there will be days that you have to work from somewhere.
Either you need to go to an event or you just want some fresh air.

My encounters with "a coffee bean" have always been nice.
I see them as a coffee shop with a heart (click HERE).
I specifically learned to love, CBTL - Bonifacio High Street.
I'd be more than glad to list them one by one!

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Office and Student-friendly Ambiance.The moment you got in the place, you can feel a just-right-cozy feel. Very conducive for students and office peeps!

☺They have electric sockets. Amazing!If you're thinking of staying for the next hours  (just be decent to place your orders), you and your laptop can endure without being low bat!
☺Good WiFi spot.When you're work entails web based application - internet is your tool of trade, CBTL delivers fairly nice internet connection.

☺Kensington locks!They should have an award, I promise! Very friendly to "cofficers"

☺Barristas are nice. I am a bit customized on my coffee, and with all the questions I have on sockets, kensingtons, etc. - the barristas are way beyond patient.
☺Their cheesecakes and coffee is just heaven! Taste (and drink) it - to believe it!

Keeping Pinky secure while I pee!

YOU DON'T NEED A CAPE TO BE A HERO

Reality Check 

Love in Action.

***
Of all the posts about the recent rain that hit the Philippines,
this is the one that struck yours truly most.
Salute to you, Sirs, who are man enough to help those who are needy.

"Cheers to the rescue teams who have neither eaten nor slept since yesterday.
This world is a better place because of people like you!"

If you can, please have a heart to help the flood victims in your own way.
Be it by means of prayers, time or treasure.

 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least
of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

- Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40)

CMK Note: Picture [above] and quoted text was lifted from When in Manila Facebook page.

Like them by clicking HERE.

YVES ROCHER ELIXIR 7.9 YOUTH INTENSIFIER REVIEW

Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 Youth Intensifier

Women hates aging. Such big words but generally true.

Science continues to search above and beyond to find a potion to delay aging!
To say "it has arrived" would be too soon,
but one thing's for sure - A new breed of anti-aging  has come to life,
with the birth of:

YVES ROCHER
ELIXIR 7.9
YOUTH INTENSIFIER.

[Youth] power in your hands!

 
Women in their late 20's are encouraged to apply anti-aging this early.
And to be honest, this is the first time that I have been interested to anti-aging stuff.
I've used quite a few but after 2 to 3 times, I got too lazy to do the ritual (zzz).

Now - the study:
Elixir 7.9 has been tested and approved by nearly 200 women during a 1-month period.
They noted visible rejuvenating effects on their skin: - Smoothed wrinkles,
- Boosted radiance, - Protected skin, - Refined skin texture, - Redensified skin,
- Relaxed skin, - New skin effect, - Revitalized skin, - Firmer skin.

It took me quite some time to post my review since I see to it that I've used the product myself and release my version of Happy and Wishful thoughts about a certain product.

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺7 botanical extracts and 9 anti-aging patents -
multiple reasons why natural products rock!
☺Absorbent & Light. I use this am and pm,
and like in makeups, SUBTLE is my peg.
I like how light it feels on my skin.
☺One of a kind packaging. Medicine Dropper,
olive green bottle = all in form of glass.
☺It works. Simple! It tends to plump-ify your skin,
thereby giving you that glow.
☺Php 1,190 for 30 ml bottle is just right with all the benefits.
Think : Relaxed Skin - i like that!
☺It's versatile. Say what? Yeah, you can use them
in ways more than one - watch out for sequel post on this.

CMK EATS : KENNY ROGERS' RED HOT ROAST (WICKEDLY SPICY IT IS!)

Wickedly Spicy, Healthy Meal for Php 199

Don't you love it when healthy + tasty combine?
I've been a Kenny Rogers Roaster regular since college days,
but I'm not that gaga over the food.

A while back,
I was about to give a talk to an event (that got cancelled),
since mother nature has other plans again,
so I ended up scouring MOA at 12 pm!

I'm passing by the mall hallway,
when I spotted this tempting picture of Izza Calzado.
I really had a spot for spicy food,
I entered the store and the rest is history.

WHAT'S WITH THE WICKEDLY DELICIOUS BOX?

♣ Pita Bread. Rice Substitute. Nuff said. Though I wish they are a bit thicker since it feels like I'm munching on a 3-folded paper. Other than that, pita is the perfect buddy to put an oomph to the 'healthy' factor of this meal.

Pita Bread on Kenny Rogers? It's a first!

CMK SHOOTS : STRONGHAND GUN SHOOTING RANGE REVIEW

Good Times. Good Friends. 'Dangerously' One of a kind!

Do something that you don't normally do!
That's one of the things that I've learned over time.
One Saturday - me and my friends have gone... Guess what?!
GUN SHOOTING! Baaaam!

If you think it is only makeups that CMK is handling - think again. (Hah!)

Here's the outlined part:
1. We were greeted by a group of very pleasant ladies when we were asked for some government ID's.
2. Classroom Type Lesson. I've learned so much about guns from its history to live gun demonstration (no shooting of course) to how to acquire one (hmm..)
3. Practical Stuffs. This is the FUN part.

Points to Remember in Gun Shooting:
♣ Always consider your gun as loaded (simply put - with bullet and cocked).
♣ Don't point your gun on somebody that you don't wish to shoot at (even jokingly).

After like a 30-minute discussion, Coach Joey went first at the shooting range. We have been assisted by the friendly apprentices. They hand over our locker keys so we can keep our bags there. It's a sound proof room you can barely hear bangs from outside.

So here's the photo-logs of what transpired during that fateful day:

Guns and Roses *charing!

Rose and Tin

FASHION ALERT : BRIGHT BLUE PANTS AND MINI-POLKA DOTS PRINTS

Safety Area - that's where we all want. But in fashion - it's time for a cool play!
Denim pants are fine of course - but there are seasons that we can jump away from the bandwagon.
Guys - you wouldn't believe where I was in this pic (my Facebook friends have an idea!)
but yeah - I'm on a gun shooting range that time (literal gun, to be crystal clear).

So - if you'd think I'll go there in a manly ensemble - uh-oh.

Here's my Outfit of the Day:
Mini-Polka Dots Top from The Landmark
Blue tapered pants from Weekender (SM Ladies Fashion)
Slippers from Havaianas

What I ♥ about the Blue and Prints Tandem?
♠ It's top-heavy friendly (Top heavy is a figure where you have broad shoulders
and just-right lower extremities, and that's me!). Prints tend to cover your top area
while bright plain bottom accentuates your asset.
♠ It's very low-maintenance. When you're doing something new -
you can't afford to be complex. Simple yet trendy is a good key.
If we have wash and wear in hair, we have Wear and Forget in fashion.
♠ Flexible. You wear it with blazer and heels - for a power dressing mode.
Wear it with flip-flops (my favorite) you have that laid back - come-here-rain vibe!

Care to meet our Gossip Girl Fashion Inspiration?
I love how her golden blazer made the whole outfit shine!

MAKEOVER ESSENTIALS : BEAUTY GROUP UK

Hello Guys! How's your day today?
We can't get enough of makeups! Who does anyway?!
I've been blessed to have been given this gorgeous set
from Makeover Essentials (ME)!
To you loves who have been super kind
to shower me with these beauties - Thank You!

Some Chunky Facts:
♣ Brand is not that big in the Philippines, but it's famous in United Kingdom.
♣ Makeover Essentials specializes in Beauty Kits that's buildable (think : Lego).
♣ Makeover Essentials or ME for short is a part of Beautygroup.org.uk.
Here's some message lifted from their site: