CMK EATS : AT MARY GRACE CAFE

Robinsons Manila Philippines - that's the branch of Mary Grace I'm usually in. I am at a school nearby 2 weekdays a week (this semester) so during lunch time, I head to my favorite place for a dose of me-time.

I've been acquainted to Mary Grace way back 2008. Cheese roll was my favorite back when I was working for a company within RCBC Plaza. I've outgrown it, and moved on to their other products.

Fast track 2012. I still look forward to see the homey Mary Grace cafe. Armed with a handy book that I'm attempting to finish (as always) - I spend less than an hour there.
 

Sometimes people watching. Sometimes praying. Sometimes reading. But nonetheless, always enjoying their special place and good food.

What makes Mary Grace Cafe so special?

Photo Credits: Google, Annalyn.net

***

♣ Out of the Box Letters. 

 It's really a unique idea. All letters from the customers are 

carefully panned within the table under a clear mirror 

so that current customers can see it. You can see simple letters of love 

about special events like

Christmas, practical tips (as above), 

Wish you were here letters and the list goes on. 

***

Hot and very much like home!

 ***

♣ Coffee with a twist. 

 Firstly, I like their brewed coffee. 

It has a healthy mixture of bitterness and sweetness.

But the twist is the milk. You can select between Almond and Vanilla!

I've tried both and now I'm sure Almond is for me :)

It's served hot (or extra hot). Really, a stress reliever in a cup!

FASHION ALERT : LONG SLEEVE LACE

2012 Fashion has been by far a good and wearable year!

It spells out diversity not only in colors and lengths,

but also in terms of textures!

Lace dresses sealed its popularity ever since the 

Duchess of Cambridge - Kate Middleton,

wore that majestic wedding dress.

From then on, long sleeve lace dresses have been a 

symbol of something we all wish for - being a princess. Sigh!

So much for my fairy tale intro,

Long Sleeve Lace Dress is a go-to dress for every bella.

Why? Because it's a style by itself. 

No need to add too much accessories, etc.

DETAILS:

Mint Green Long Sleeve Lace Dress from

SM Department Store (cost is less than a thousand pesos)

Gladiator Sandals from

Celine (cost is a little more than a thousand pesos).

I wore this piece when we visited Zen Zest and

got high from all the perfume sniffing! Click HERE.

Fashion inspiration? Look at below.

Fresh and hot-off the runway.

I love the Olive Green cut... I find it too short though.

White v-cut is nice sans the so low line.

Black one is perfect. I'm looking for a dress like this!

MARIO D' BORO HOLIDAY COLLECTION 2012

And they say, Red and Green are the colors of CHRISTMAS!
Time flies! It's 90 days to go before CHRISTMAS.

One collection that I'm always giddy about? The Holiday Collection.

I guess there's a kick of a more joyful vibe whenever Christmas collections are released.
 

Mario D' Boro is launching their 2012 Holiday Collection.

I am anticipating lots of textures, styles, heights

and variety! After all - shoes are girls best friends too!

Marilyn Monroe  pouts:

Consider this post as a teaser of   

Mario D' boro Shoes Holiday Collection!

Stay tuned!

Like Mario D' boro Shoes (OFFICIAL)
on Facebook by clicking HERE.

I'm excited for Christmas 2012! Are you? -CMK

EXPERIENCING ZEN AT ZEN ZEST ASIA

You smell good! We all love that remark! I heard someone say that our noses have direct access to our brains, such that if we sniffed something awful (I don't wish to expound any further) - we smirk and our facial expression flashes "I don't like it!" by default. Same is true when we inhaled some nice aroma, our face kinda lights up and our facial muscle then  re-organize to flash "Hmmm... Nice!" aura (sometimes coupled with a little smile).

Going a step closer to my next point - smelling good and having price-friendly perfumes are not mutually exclusive. Yes! You can smell good without causing a major dent in your wallet. Let me introduce you to Zen Zest Asia (Proudly Filipino, to emphasize).

I've had an opportunity to visit Zen Zest - Glorietta branch one Saturday. Their shop speaks for the brand. Zen. Peaceful. Uncluttered. Very conducive if you want to treat your nose, err yourself.
 
Let me share with you my random nice thoughts about Zen Zest and all the good stuff in it!

♠ They recently released a delicious collection. Sparkling Sugar Collection. According to Ms. Marilin, their best seller is the Vanilla Ice Cream one. I like its smell maybe because to start with - I'm not a fan of sweet (screaming girly) type of sniffs. Citrus and Vanilla are my best bet.

♠ Zen Zest product line is endowed with variation. There are so many varieties! You'll get confused if this, or this or that! And I think that's one of the brand's advantage. More choices for teens, college students, working femmes, and the list goes on! They cover wide array of Eau de's. Eau de Cologne. Eau de Toillete. Perfumes. It's a sniff kingdom!

♠ Zen Zest empowers layering. Simply put, they encourage you to put the same scent type for  your body scrub, lotion, perfume and right, even your hand sanitizer! Brilliant! It keeps the scent linger longer. That's why.

♠ Zen Zest is beyond perfumes. They also offer out of the box relaxant such as Aromatherapy (diffusers) and Foot Care line. I'm surprised because they're as good as their main products. And not as costly as other brands.

HAPPY MOMENTS AT MIBF 2012 BOOK FAIR

CMK at MIBF 2012

It's been almost a week since Manila International Book Fair 2012
has passed (click HERE), but I can't help blogging about the happy moments

that I had with my friends during this 5-day event.

To those who didn't make it this year, don't worry, there's always next time!

And let me give you 4 good reasons 

not to pass up this opportunity ever again... like ever! #Taylor Swift Mode :)

♣ Good Times. Good Friends. One Event.

This is a great opportunity to catch up with your friends.

I went there with different batches of friends. (Thank God for them!)

One Wednesday, One Saturday, and last is Sunday.

I guess it's one of a kind to bond with them in a book fair. Nuff Said.

♥ Archie Fans ♥

 ♣ Discounts. Value for Money.

Major bookstores offer 20% off on most of their products, 

I say products because it's not limited on books. 

I have a friend who scored a Paulo Coelho's 2013
planner for a chunk of money less.

You've read it right. Php 100. All Items.

♣ Great way to meet your favorite writers.

I heard that Ramon Bautista, Grace Padaca,

Ed Lapiz and other notable all-Filipino authors graced the event.

It's nice to see the book industry is booming. MIBF is one good indicator of such.

♣ Lots of new discovery. I couldn't believe my eyes,

but I saw this Manga version of Bible.
Note: Manga refers to Japanese printed cartoons.

Well - I was happy to learn that lots of creative medium
have been created to present the greatest book of all times.
Remember: "He who is not against you is for you."☺.

Going on with the next part, what's that you ask?
My loot! Books that I've bought from MIBF 2012.

 Take a peek:

THE FACE SHOP BAKED SHIMMER BLUSHER REVIEW

Shimmer Blusher is usually a big thing every summer.
It's a subtler version of bronzers (faking that sun kissed glow).

My friends and I graced Seoul Korea last February, and admittedly,

that was the only time I've come across a real shimmer blusher.

The pleasant sales lady was struggling to orient us how it differs from blush ons

(which to my mind, they don't have much of a difference!),
I can see clearly how a dab of this could illuminate your face.

DETAILS:

The Face Shop Baked Shimmer Blusher
Available at: The Face Shop Botique
Price: About Php 1,000 (when purchased here in the Philippines)

Note: I got a bit confused because the same product

 is crazily lower when bought in Seoul.
Specific Color: 02 Coral Aura

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Value for Money. Using it for 7 months now
(yup - it's a mainstay on my kikay kit)
and there's no sign of its pan showing.
So I guess even when bought for a thousand,
it can be one good investment.
☺Brush, Mirror and the works. I have one friend who dubbed
this as a 'social mirror'. But nah, it's just that
the mirror is sleek and lovely to look at.
☺It compliments my skin tone.
Its job to illuminate one's face = check!

Here's how it looks like on one's face:

CMK SWEATS AT PLANAFORMA

April 2012. That was the time I attempted to go and try the newest exercise craze in town - Planaforma. However, it was only last Saturday (8th of September, to be exact) that the plan materialized. Thanks to Maya for accompanying me on this fun ordeal!

I'll be honest, I was afraid that the practice would be too exhausting for my baby fats. Teehee! Seriously, I don't want to over-exercise my body [at once] maybe because I have too many commitments that I can't afford to miss the fun stuff.

When I first step into the studio, I thought I was on a hotel lounge. We were greeted by Planaforma's nice attendants at the reception hall. Having read some reviews and their site, I felt like I have an idea on what's in store for me. Or that was what I thought!

THE BEGINNERS' WORKOUT:

"Get 2 dumbbells" said Allen our instructor. 

"One heavy, another light." she continued.

I asked Maya, "I can see only 4lbs. Don't they have 2lbs?" 

Then we laughed secretly. 

Good thing there were no 2 side by side slots available, else, 

Maya and I will end up laughing at each other which is a no-no.

The rest was one sweaty, muscle wrenching, stress-releasing event.

Planaforma to a healthier YOU!

***
 THE WORKOUT REVIEW:

☺There's a background music. Unlike Bikram yoga which 

encourages deep concentration (click HERE), 

Planaforma is an upbeat exercise, the music will turn you on.

☺Lots of movement variation. 

You won't be bored. That's guaranteed.

☺Up an inch. Practice promotes little but intense movement. 

And my baby fats are screaming ouch! Hoho!

☺Movements are difficult, but DOABLE. 

That's one part I love most. It's hard fine, 

but they are doable and like with most exercise, practice is a must.

COMFORT Room. Indeed!

THE FACILITIES REVIEW:

♣ They have towels, mats and ample amount of shower rooms.

I think that's essential. It promotes "just-in-time" exercise,

like when you have things to do afterwards, you don't have to hassle

yourself out and bring all those big exercise stuff.

♣ Exercise rooms are somehow small. Not sure but maybe

they encourage exercising in small groups. 

♣ I can't seem to see the instructor for some parts 

(i.e. when we're lying, and there's no mirror for me to see her).

OVERALL: 

Let's Move & Let's Love

90+ Days to go before Christmas Day. 
I think it's a high time for us to move and love.

I've been contemplating these things the past days, 
and I feel the need to tick these action items off my list before saying goodbye to 2012! 

* Visit my favorite orphanage.  
Home for the Angels is a shelter for the babies who are thought (by their moms) to be aborted. 
Fortunately - they were born with a condition, that they'll be left in the orphanage.
We're not allowed to take any pictures of the babies (0-2 y/o) but they are all adorable :)

* Treat my mom to a sort-of all expense paid out-of-country trip. 

It's been so long since we have that mom and daughter bonding.

* Host a kiddie party for the less fortunate kids.
Complete with mascot, balloons, the works!
Money in the world can't buy the smiles of these little ones. :)

* Lastly - host a mini-makeover fashion sleepover for my cousins.

Don't you love all the loves and moves a human heart can make?

Let's Love and Let's Move campaign can be sniffed too! Click on: http://perfumes.benetton.com

FASHION ALERT : PEPLUM SKIRT

Peplum. Love. Fresh.

***
Year 2012 is indeed a year when we fully embraced the peplum trend.

Before, this is one of the trends I swore not to wear. But. I was wrong.
I've tried to search what Peplum means but I find the available meanings too serious,

so to put it simply, peplum means frills around your waist!

Special thanks to my good friend Annie who took my outfit shot 
while we're at SM Mall of Asia, just before we attend 

Manila International Book Fair 2012 at SMX (click HERE).

Details:
Orange Scarf Print Blouse from The Landmark, Makati
Peplum Blue Skirt from The Landmark, Makati
Longchamp Bag from Incheon (Korea) Duty Free (click HERE).
Caramel Wedge from Celine (my ever favorite ☺)
Note: Both top and skirt are bought for less than Php 400.00

So, how does one wear the peplum trend?
Easy, since peplum accentuates your asset,
you need to check if your top (shoulders) heavy or bottom (hips) heavy.

If you are top heavy, here's your fashion inspiration
(look at the black and pink ones, yellow one ~> avoid):

Yes, you need to draw attention away from the top,
hence flaunt your bottom.
Peplum Skirts should be your best friend.
Notice how an hour glass figure can be drawn with peplum skirts.

♣ Tip: Tops are generally meant be tucked in with this trend.
It would be awkward to hang loose your top 
because the peplum frills should be the center stage.

What about if you're bottom heavy?
Then, Peplum Top is meant to be your lucky charm.
There's so many styles to choose from.
Take a peek!

CMK TRAVELS : TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN CEBU, PHILIPPINES

Queen City of the South. That's Cebu, Philippines. Last Summer, me together with my family went down south to experience Cebu. Since it's airline sale fare season, you may want to book a ticket and visit Cebu. Just be aware that it can be totally hot during April - May months. Other than that - be sure to tick these 5 things to do when in Cebu!

Top 1 : Relax at Plantation Bay
Think of it as a complete country club for mother, father, brother, sister (no skip that brush their teeth tune). The breeze and lush pools will take you to the super happy zone. I personally like the following amenities : Pools (complete with hammock aka duyan and sun bathing chairs), Bikes, Beach front, exaggerated food platter (complete from appetizer to dessert). It is a 2-hour drive from Cebu City but it's worth it. You need to wear some form of a bracelet upon check in then relax all you want!

Top 2 : Skywalk at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
To those of you craving for some adrenaline rush. Here's a perfect activity for you. My knees were literally shaking. Kuya was so nice to accompany us, but he's laughing and even took a picture when we were off-guard. He faked an out-of-balance fall then we just got that ULTIMATE SHOCK FACIAL EXPRESSION only to find out that his accomplice took a gaga shocked version pic of us! Talk about Just for Gags antics! Whew.

 

Top 3 : Get to Taste the famous CnT Lechon
Gastronomical feast? Why not try the most celebrated lechon in the country. The succulent and creamy taste of lechon will make you forget what your name is. And rumor has it, when we arrived at their mini-resto at around 5pm, we found ourselves haggling to get the last best piece. That's how 'celebrity' their lechons are!

Top 4 : Visit Magellan's Cross

CMK EATS (DRINKS) : STARBUCKS DARK ESPRESSO ROAST REVIEW

***
I remember one cool scene from an Indie film starring Eugene Domingo,
called Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank (click HERE)

where one conceited director brags about his trip to somewhere,
and he boasts of drinking a cup of EX-PRESSO.
Toot. There goes for some conyotic director who doesn't even
know how to pronounce the word.
But - that's just a movie. But if you're super yabang - I'd say the ridicule serves him right.

Having said my Indie intro,
our item for today is one of my happy thoughts - COFFEE!
Starbucks Coffee's Dark Espresso Roast. 

Details:
Price : Php 375 for 250 grams

Where to Buy? Any Starbucks outlet

You'll need a coffee-maker to brew this type of coffee.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Caffeine craving -- satisfied! The dark coffee collection of
Starbucks bean definitely fixed my coffee needs for the day.
☺It's cheaper such a money saver compared to getting
a hundred bucks per cup every time.
☺They have a coffee seal that locks the flavor in even after opening.
☺It has that Just-Right-Caramel-Kick.
Tangy caramel meets strong robust coffee.  #Baam!

♠ TIP: They have a coffee passport which entitles you 1 free bag,
on every 10 purchases within the year.
It's too late for me to collect since 2013 is peeping,
but I'll avail this money saver next year!

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

AMOROSA : A SUSPENSE / 'TWISTED' FILM

Your Choices. Your Consequences.

***

Me and my good friend Maya giggled and laughed as we braced ourselves

in watching Amorosa. 

I feel that I'm not in a position to do 'movie reviews'
but think of me as your friend responding to you if you'll ask:
"How's the movie?"

***
Random Thoughts:

☺ Enrique Gil and Martin del Rosario are so guwapo!
I've never appreciated their looks as before
but hey, these new breed of young actors are the next big thing!
***

☺It has a touch of drama (aww). Really.
I hate to be a pooper but that's the part

when Enrique's asking Angel, WHY?
 ***

☺Comedy fix. You'll laugh and shout at how Mosang
and Lola say their own version of English lingo.
 ***

☺Twist. This is the coolest part. The twist. Seriously!

I won't be telling you that. But the twist is astig!
It can be at par to Hollywood's The Others.

 

Overall Realization:

THE SALAD BOX IS HERE!

Happy Friday Bellas! Weekend is finally here!
Ready for some out-of-the-box experience? Here goes!

Let me introduce you to THE SALAD BOX, Philippines’ first and only beauty and lifestyle box subscription service. Beauty and lifestyle box subscription service has been widely popular all over the world for years now, and we are very excited to introduce this fun service to our lovely Filipinas.

Concept is for every Php 500, you will receive a box worth Php 700.00 and above. Item variants are always 4 items above. The SaladBox team greatly values the money their subscribers spend so these products will have a value of more than PhP700.00. SaladBox is currently in partnership with a lot of beauty and lifestyle brands, both local and international, up-and-coming and timeless classics.

DETAILS:

Website : The Salad Box (click HERE)

 Reservations for subscription slots starts: September 8, 2012, 8:00PM Manila Time

Basis : First Come, First Served

Notification : They will send you a link to their subscription application
form once it’s your turn to subscribe.

Feel free to click on the picture below to see how it works:

CMK SHOPS : AT SHOPTHISEASY.COM ♥ YOUR ONLINE FASHION HOME ♥

ShopThisEasy.Com

Shopping through the clicks of your fingers. I think that's one of the strength online shopping has. Summed up into one word. Convenient!  While I honestly don't have so many online shopping experiences, one fashion site (which is Makati, Philippines based, by the way) tickled my fancy.

For one, I've received good reviews via word of mouth. Do you know that personal recommendations are the 'strongest' good review? Specially coming from your trusted friends? The major issue that I encounter with online shopping is that the item looks fab on the site, but wait till you get the real one. 

But - this site boasts of getting as is products! All the more that I want to  hurry back home and click through the most buzzed about fashion shopping site within my circle of friends.  With that, I wish to fill you guys in what happened with my first encounter with ShopThisEasy.

DETAILS:

Website : ShopThisEasy (click HERE)
What's in store? Fashion (Men and Women), Jewelry
Home & Living, Cute Couple Items, Health & Beauty
Range : From less than a hundred to less than a thousand (they're here!)

Like them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:
☺Fashion Forward. Look at the site - one glance and you'll see what I mean.
From dresses, to tops to rompers, you'll have your fashion craving satisfied.
 ☺What you see, is what you get. Remember my dilemma on
what's on the online picture and what's the item in real life?
Well, take it from me that the pics and real items are generally the same.
☺Accurate Delivery Date Promise - Granted! I received a notification mail,
4th of September. And I got the package 5th of September (around 8pm)!
Note that this depends per area (safest is to allow 2-3 days buffer).
☺ Affordable. Okay, I got a trench coat, sheer chiffon blouse and
golden chain necklace  with ribbon for only less than Php 1,300!
See for yourself below!

 

Can't you tell that someone's feeling like a child with a package? Tee hee >:)

 Here's a snapshot of my check out page (down below). 

The process is really easy. If you can do Facebook, this will be an easy peasy.

 CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

☻Size Variation. I wish they can cater plump Pinays.
Noticed that majority of their sizes are from small to mid-large range.
☻New Stock Alerts! It would be best if subscribers
can get some form of alert each time a new collection arrives on the site.

Do you want to see the items inside the package? I know you do!

Gold Chain Ribbon Necklace - Php 149.00 (click HERE)
Smart Look Chiffon Office Top - Php 529.00 (click HERE)
Fashionable Long Trench Coat - Php 569.00 (click HERE)

What are you waiting for? Quality Fashion at the tip of your fingers!
Stay stylish and beautiful. You deserve it! -CMK.

ESPECIALLY ESCADA PERFUME REVIEW

Eau de Parfum perfumes differ from Eau de Toilletes (say to-leys).
Difference lies on the level of concentration each drop contains.
More concentrated means lasting fragrance.
While it's not always practical to splurge on perfumes,

it's nice to indulge once in a while.
And when it's given as a gift, then that's a double jump and twist!

A luxurious and feminine scent, Especially Escada carries a joyful, spontaneous, and glamorous spirit. Inspired by the glistening scent of morning dew on a sparkling rose, Especially Escada says luxury, but in a modern and light-hearted way.
 

Details:

Available in : Duty Free Shops, Rustan's, SM Dept. Stores

Price : Php 2,750 (for 30 ml)

♣ Tip : Ask the sales lady if there are available freebies 
when you purchase an item,
since Christmas season is just around the corner!
***

Photo Credit : Just Jared

***
CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

 ☺Not too feminine. I'm not sure about you, but I don't like ultra-flowery scents,

and most of the guys don't like strong flower power sniffs too! But again,

your perfume should be your preference. Don't wear scents for others, 

after all -- it's your nose that will sniff in and out your perfume of choice.

☺Packaging. Prepare to be swept away by this beauty's packaging.
From the bottle, to the box, to its color.
Very classy and sophisticated. Gift material to your special someone.
☺Uniquely scented. It's really one of a kind. A class of its own.
Haven't sniffed any scent close to this one.