HAPPY NEW YEAR: TOP 5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE THIS 2013

Minutes to go and we'll be welcoming year 2014! Time flies super fast. Last time I checked, I was just starting my planner January of 2013, and now a brand new year is for us to behold.

This year has been a year full of laughs, tears, discoveries and so much more. I also had my fair share of stressful and relaxing moments. A balance of those laugh-till-your-belly-hurts type of honks and an eye-wrenching-cryfest-you-don't-want-to go-anywhere-the-morning-after type of real life drama.

I'll be jumping the bandwagon of countdown this year. The idea has been dangling over my head for quite a while and it's nice to be reminded what this year has taught me.

NEW YEAR: All about looking back and looking forward at the same time. Lessons countdown starting in 3..2..1..

Number 1: THERE ARE THINGS THAT YOU JUST HAVE TO DO RIGHT AWAY... 
TOMORROW MIGHT BE TOO LATE

Have you done at least one thing that put a smile in God's face? Asked Kuya Joshua when our team visited Sakahang Lilok. My reaction was like: Oh goodness, 2013 is going away and I can't think of any absolute thing he's asking.

Then a scene flashed back in my mind. Every sem break, I have this habit of sharing JESUS to my students. Long story short, 2 months after our last encounter, one of my students died. And she's only 18. I honestly am lost for words, but at the same time relieved that I didn't waste that opportunity to share something that has an eternal impact.

Number 2: NO IS AN ANSWER.

If you're like me, I only have one determinant for an answer. And that is YES. This year, I've been on a career cross road. I'm not sure whether to stay or go. This is a make or break part and I don't have any idea what the future holds. Then a thought hit me: Why not ask the One who holds the future? 

Looking back, I thank the LORD for his NO answer. I stayed and I'm glad I did. 

Number 3: PRESSURE WON'T KILL YOU, UNLESS YOU LET IT IN.

Think of a boat and that deep blue sea. The boat will float effortlessly UNTIL water comes into it. I guess all of us have pressures one way or the other, challenge is: Will that pressure work for us or sap the life out of us?

I'm now mastering the art of staying calm and shooing every negative vibe as possible. I'm being careful now on what to listen, decreasing my social media time, nurturing my relationships and taking conscious effort to live healthy.

Number 4: DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. AND DO IT OFTEN.

And you know traveling is on top of my list! I also discovered that immense joy of giving away a piece of your time, talent and treasure to the less fortunate ones. I can't carve a right set of words to express how light the feeling is - but yeah, the feeling is euphoric.

This year, I have also unraveled a path to passive income through investments (hence, this blog's money series has been born). It's risky, of course, but is there's such a thing as risk-free? This brings me to my next point...

CMK READS : BOOKS I HAVE READ (2013)

Knowledge and Kikay Kits are not mutually exclusive. You can choose one PLUS the other. One of the greatest misconceptions I've heard time and again is that if you're into beauty stuff, your brain is as empty as a drum. Honk! Not true. In much the same way, it's terrible to assume that if a woman loves books, she can be Mia (before her transformation) in Princess Diaries. Bottom line: It's never good to judge.

2013 has been quite a reading year for me. These books are the ones I've read in my free time. Some may relate, some may not - but that's okay. Diversity is a wonderful thing! Click on the respective book titles for my thoughts and reviews.

1. 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich by Bo Sanchez

December 2012 was the time I am contemplating on how to better my finances. It's when I've realized that it's not good to yank 100% of my savings into the bank. That inflation will depreciate their value. But - how to get started? I've chanced upon this book and after reading, I've acted upon one crucial decision, to invest in stock market. Get started HERE.

2. Rich for Life by Dennis Sy

Lest you think that all these books are about money, RICH FOR LIFE is about being balance. While acquiring wealth is important, the book HIGHLIGHTS that personal relationship with GOD, peace of mind, family life are still on top of the list. And if you're on the cross road on what to choose, this book can help you put things into proper perspective.

3. No Non Sense Personal Finance by Randell Tiongson

I'm sure you've read, heard, seen Randell. With more than a decade of financial experience under his belt, this guy is in a position to give sound advice on money matters. His book is a step by step guide on how to plan your finances. Sounds hifalutin? No worries, the book is written using an everyday language, I'm sure we can all relate.

4. Being the Best You Can Ever Be by Francis Kong

One of my most favorite authors! The book is a 50-page read, very straight to the point and sensible. It got me thinking about my career path and how to better myself in general. Surprisingly, the book tackles about CLASS. Say what? Sneak peek: Giving a tip to that lovely manicurist before you get started, that's class. Be generous. Chances are, people will love you.

K-PALLETE REAL LASTING EYELINER IN SUPER BLACK REVIEW

I've been wanting this eyeliner for so long but due to its sophisticated price point, I've had second, third, fourth thoughts before I bought one. This is THE well-known eyeliner from Japan. You can see this being used over magazine shoots, celebrity makeup kit what's-in my-bag sort of thing editorials and is in the honor roll for most-loved eyeliners in beauty blogs.

DETAILS:

K-PALLETE REAL LASTING EYELINER 

Color: Super Black (there's also a brown variant)

Available at: Beauty Bar Stores (got mine at Greenbelt, Makati)

Price: Php 795
PS: Excuse the pic, it's me after Pilates/Yoga, you know how it is. ☺

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

If your eyes are like mine, then we have the same challenge. MAKE. OUR. EYES. POP! 0.0

And what's the best way to do that? Eyeliners, correct! K-Pallete has a promise of a 1-day eyeliner tattoo (that's removable, of course). By far, I am happy with the product's staying power. Also, SUPER BLACK is an appropriate color title. It's blacker than black, ehmm, if there's such a thing. 

Some are having a hard time removing the substance, but in fairness, I didn't. I'm alternately using BIFIESTA BRIGHTUP CLEANSING WASH (Review will be up soon) and ETUDE HOUSE EYE AND LIP MAKEUP REMOVER (Review HERE). Both are amazing in terms of its makeup removal prowess.

BEAUTY BUZZ : LASER HAIR REMOVAL AT SLIMMERS WORLD FACE & SKIN CLINIC MAKATI

Christmas is just days away! Everybody's in an everyday Friday mode lately. There's this happy, kind feeling whenever Christmas is around the corner. What a sight to behold! :)

Okay, so being hair-free is a massive beauty buzz during summer (read: beach season), however, being smooth has become a standard of girl's hygiene in today's context (whether we admit the fact or not).

My dad has hair all over 0.0 And I'm equally cursed blessed too. While I appreciate how lavish my hair grows (I mean, head hair, that is), some parts have unwelcome growth. 

Number one spot goes on my upper and lower lip. At one point, it has become a mustache and the hair was getting thicker. I thank you technology for coming into a girl's life!

Some Background

It was years ago when I attempted to try the then-unconventional procedure of availing a laser treatment. I did my due diligence to research and ask my dermatologist what are the effects and all that jazz. Fortunately, my coarse thick hair become thinner by each session and the good news is... it's pain free. Ha!

How does it work?

You'll be led to a room where you need to expose the area to be treated. Next, Kim (my super favorite attendant) removed any dirt through sloshes of wet wipes. Then, she shaved the coarse hairs after which, applies a transparent, ice-cold jelly-like substance on the area (see the last picture on this post). Next, this white gun-shaped is clicked to emit pulses and magic! Unwanted hair = gone. ☺This treatment can be done on all body parts except your eyebrows, obviously :)
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Price Points and Quality
Price differs depending on the body part that you wish to get treated. You also have the option to get 5, 10 or avail of their lifetime treatment. Their best sellers are underarm, legs, brazillian and upper lip. As far as quality is concerned, I am a happy client of theirs. I've been their regular for more than 5 years and I only have good words for them. 
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Kim is very flexible in terms of schedule. She has become a friend to me. I usually go there during mornings to avoid rush and maximize the calmness of the area. They have the nicest playlist (without words, only sounds). For complete Face & Skin Programs, visit their SITE.

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CMK TRAVELS : HOTEL ESSENCIA PLUS SPA TREATMENT REVIEW

It was my first time to set foot at Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. Known as City of Gentle People, I knew we're in for a treat. We decided to check in at Hotel Essencia since I've read many good reviews about the same. It felt like home. Lush surroundings, barely one-year old, very accommodating staff, and so much more.

The Bedroom  

Who wouldn't want to wake up with clouds and greens all over? I love their bedding, curtains, chairs, bed side table, everything! Pillows are so-so but in general, it was such a joy to lie down like a boss in this side of the world! Wee! Can we go here once a month? :)

I appreciate the side table since I had this habit of reading before going to sleep. I was randomly reading Francis Kong's BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE (Thoughts HERE) during the trip. Very nice read. Specially when you're in a serene place like this.

Some Room Details

It's a pretty much a basic hotel with bare necessities like complimentary coffee, water, heater, phone and flat screen TV. Bathroom are nice though their towels did not pass my sniff test. There's some weird smell on one of the towels but I guess that's only a one-off scenario. They also don't have bidet (FYI). Their shower room is clean and okay too.

Food wise, their breakfast package was so nice! Try their Home Made Ham with Fried Rice and Egg. Note that they don't have brewed coffee though. Good thing I had a Kopiko Brown as my baon. TIP: Let the waiter know that you're an in-house guest; from Php 165.00, your breakfast tab is discounted to Php 90.00. ☺

 

Hotel Essencia Spa

Aaaand now, this is my FAVORITE part! I got their promo that includes WHOLE BODY MASSAGE plus FOOT SPA for... drum rolls please... PHP 400. I mean, for a hotel rate, this is a real steal! Mom and Jay got a Foot Spa and Back Massage for PHP 300 each. Another happy thought is the masseuses were not in a rush.

Our treatment started with a foot soak, then foot scrub, then foot spa. After that, I was led to a room for my Swedish body massage. The strokes were no different from Manila's Swedish body massage. That morning after - all my muscles are loosened and relaxed from its stiffness. Body love, here we go! 

MONEY MATTERS : 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN STOCK MARKET GOES DOWN

A tell tale sign that the Philippine Stock Exchange {or any stock market for that matter} is going down: People no longer talk about it as much.

Maybe this is the same realization of Warren Buffet when he said: 'Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy and Greedy When Others Are Fearful'.

Stock market, like businesses, has respective seasons. Sometimes they are up and sometimes, down. On when will this happen, there's no way to tell. Even the most reliable analyst cannot guarantee a 100% return.

Having said that, what do you feel when you see your money {invested in stock market} losing its value? That from Php 10,000 original investment you now see Php 8,500?

Here are three check-up questions worth asking:

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1. What would the market be like in 5-year horizon?

Everything is clearer in hindsight. And while we know there are certain risks that affect the market, past performances show that the returns are good, 5 years after you have invested. This is a screenshot from Bloomberg as of December 11, 2013. If you have invested your money last 2008 you may have tripled your money now and so much more.

 
2. Will this Company be around for the next 10 years?

This is the main reason why one should be inclined to buy blue-chip companies. I've seen PLDT since I was in grade 3 and it's still around now. I've known Jollibee from my 6th year and I still eat their juicy chicken joy till now. As far as I can recall, our electricity bill comes from a company called MERALCO and no one else. 

What's the point? If you bought shares of this company, then rest assured that they are here to stay. Jollibee (JFC) has a stock value for Php 99 years ago, now its market value ballooned at Php 170.

FASHION ALERT 2014: WHAT'S THE COLOR OF THE YEAR?

This 2013, we had a bright emerald green as the color of the year. Now, let's welcome 2014 with a pastel-worthy shade. It has a fancy name, mind you... RADIANT ORCHID. Or soft purple in my book. As early as now, I am loving the soft, warm vibe! Maybe because it is one of my all time favorite color. Here's the source of our first fashion peg.

From casual to formal look, this color is full of possibilities. The red carpet and local fashion pages are slowly transitioning to this timely color! Expect plums and pinks in makeup world too!

I love everything about our second fashion plate. I'm looking for some winter clothes lately due to an upcoming trip plus this satchel makes me drool. Finally, since this pants and pencil skirt bottom go well with a crisp, black top - I'm now trying to find an excuse to buy. ☺

Since the hue is inherently bright, make sure you don't wear the trend from top to bottom 0.0 Unless you want to look like Grimace, try to mix this with neutral colors. Camel brown, burgundy, black and whites are always reliable. The same is true for makeups. You can wear an ultra plum pout but keep the eyeshadow low key. When you wear that peep toe shoes above, make sure that all the other accessories are toned down. SOURCE.

We have two fashion inspirations! No less than the first lady of US of A and some Hollywood celebrities. You ready?

REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES : HOW TO GET AN NBI CLEARANCE ONLINE?

NBI Clearance is one of the most popular requirements whether for travel, jobs, certification etc. And I've read so many reviews with mixed conclusions. Some are irate as they had a bad experience, while others are happy since they got theirs in an easy peasy way. 

I'll be sharing with you my first hand experience on how to get an NBI Clearance. I am so happy to report that I claimed mine in less than 10-minutes! Special thanks to my friend Agnes who taught me this mighty convenient alternative.

PART 1: PAY AND REGISTER

1. Pay your processing fee via Pinoy Pera Padala outlet. For a complete location list, click HERE.
2. On your receipt, there's an NBI reference number. Take note of such.
3. Log in to NBI Online Portal, click HERE. Register and confirm your email address.
4. On the NBI Online Portal, input your reference number (see picture above encircled in yellow).
5. You will receive a QR code via email. Print the email.
6. Book your appointment as below:
   BOOK <space> Reference Number <space> Location <space> MMDDYYYY <space> HHMM <space> Name and send to 09175638054

Note: Strangely, I haven't received any confirmation even though I sent my message thrice. However, when I went to Robinsons Manila to claim my clearance, I encountered no problem at all.

CMK READS : BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE BY FRANCIS KONG

To  me, Francis J. Kong (FJK) is synonymous to "inspirational". His books are one for the reading. His works are the type that get you excited deep down and it prods you to start now. It has that effect, at least for me.

I got my first book of FJK as a gift from a friend. Since then, I see to it that I've read one book from this man, every year. Thanks to Manila International Book Fair (click HERE), I had a chance to catch up on what's latest from one of my favorite authors.

DETAILS:

BEING THE BEST YOU CAN EVER BE

Publisher: Success Options, Inc.
Available at: All major bookstores
Price: Php 499 (approx) | Got the book from HERE

IT'S A DAY-BY-DAY SORT OF THING

This book is a 50-page read but I'd say it is worth more than that. Each sentence pierces that career side of me and it's a treat flipping page after page. Sneak peek of some question reads:

• How is your to-do list? 
• Are they filled with activities that would add value to you and your goals?
• How powerful is your NO power?

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These are the questions I seldom met in my everyday life, and when I do, it kept me reflecting for such a long time. Remember, being successful is not only about how much money you earn, it's also about, how HAPPY and PEACEFUL you are in the process of collecting your wealth. They are equally important. Quest for excellence is a daily habit. Yeah, like taking a bath.

WHERE DOES YOUR WORTH COME FROM?

We could be robbed of recognition, stripped of all possessions, abandoned by friend and hated by foes, but if we are connected to our Creator, our worth remains. And this same creator has given us an active mind and an able body to work on becoming the person we ought to be. Becoming THAT person should be our goal in life. -Excerpt. Page 19

Who are you when everything was slashed away from you? Be anchored with your Creator. All other ground, as they say, is a sinking sand.

YOUR ATTITUDE IS WHO YOU REALLY ARE
I once came across a Pinterest post that has this simple yet profound words: 
"A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person."
And it makes sense. Yes it does!

We should never be blinded by our accomplishments because at the end of the day, everything is just pen and paper. What matters is how we treat others, specially those that don't have the capacity to return our favor {or ire}. Give generous tips. Give soft glances and friendly handshakes. We are humans, and so therefore we should act like one. 

CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS : SOME LOVELY GIFTS FOR OUR BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT

Receiving gifts can be such a bliss! And since it would be JESUS' birthday soon, I hope to share with you something that I've been wanting to write for the longest time. Believe me when I tell you that this post is in my heart for so long. However, I'm looking for a perfect time to give this encouragement to you. 

I was in a limbo whether to hit the publish button but then, a thought hit me: I'd gladly publish my OOTD (outfit of the day), FOTD (face of the day), food, experiences, hauls... in a jiffy, without second thought - so why not write about something that's equally important to me? I mean, WHY NOT, isn't it?

And so - ladies and gentlemen, amidst all the hesitation which is so obvious judging from this long introduction, please be with me as I share with you some lovely gift suggestions for our BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT.

TOP 3 GIFT SUGGESTIONS THIS CHRISTMAS:

 

 
GIVE YOUR TIME

I wish I could post the faces of the babies from this orphanage, but it is not allowed. Home for the Angels is a sanctuary of babies being orphaned by destiny or by choice. Instead of being aborted, babies, from 0 to 2 years old, are being taken good care of. Located within the heart of Manila (San Andres) - a small team of volunteers feed, play and love these little ones.

Some babies have been adopted by their well-picked foster parents, while some are transferred to another orphanage for grown-up kids. Since our university days, my friends and I take a day off to play and give something to these cuties. You know what's heart-wrenching (for me)? It's the thought that each year, the babies that I'm playing with won't be there next year. So it's the only time I can hug and kiss them. This CHRISTMAS, we can touch lives by giving a chunk of our time.

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" Matthew 25:40

GIVE YOUR TALENT

Loving requires effort. Lots of it. And its easy going out of our way to love the people we love from the start. Mom, dad, siblings, sweetheart, friends... but the world needs LOVE. Your love. People who are usually out of our social circles are the ones who need a piece of us. And you know what? JESUS did just that. We, the lost ones, are out of GOD's social circle - but JESUS visited this dark world to give us His light. Isn't that sweet?

Once a month, we spend time with these kids from the south. For an hour, we watch Superbook, color, pray, eat and have a good time. It requires talent - a talent to be PATIENT, that is. At the end of the day, please GET THIS: There's this amount of joy that's unexplainable - a joy that's of a different kind. A joy that can only be felt if you tried it for yourself.

BEAUTY BUZZ : WHAT'S INSIDE YOUR MAKEUP KIT? (REVIEWS AND SWATCHES)

What's inside your makeup kit? Today, I wish to share with you my classic makeup finds. It's not much, just bare necessities. Each item is carefully researched and thought-of before I got them (just ask my friends). ☺ I'm quite stingy when it comes to makeup but I see to it that my go-to items have acceptable quality. And since quality and price is equally proportional (generally), most of them cost more than our usual drugstore finds.

FOR THE FACE 

If there's one thing that you should be spending on in terms of quality, it should be facial care. My usual routine starts with 2 pumps of Olay Total Effects Moisturizer. After 2-3 mins, I dab a pea-sized amount of primer on my face. Lastly, I put on MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation (in NC 35). I usually use my fingers to apply them all. Click on the links below for detailed reviews:

1. OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS 7-IN-1 REVIEW (THOUGHTS AND RESULTS)
2. MAC STUDIO FIX LIQUID FOUNDATION IN (NC 35) REVIEW
3. PALLADIO FOUNDATION PRIMER REVIEW
 

FOR THE CHEEKS

You wouldn't believe how much LIFE blushes can bring to your cheeks! This usually makes you hoard the remark, "You're blooming today!" My favorite between the two is the pink one. I use the coral shade whenever I need a warmer vibe. Otherwise, the pink one is my staple. I got the SKIN FOOD blusher when I went to Seoul last year. If you're curious about the blush-on, it's from Makeover Essentials UK, review HERE.

FOR THE EYES

Or should I say, lashes? You may have noticed that I don't apply eyeshadow in my everyday routine. I don't know why, but I'm yet to find more time to master the art of 5-minute eye shadow application. Moving on, my recent purchase is from K-PALLETE, I got their eyeliner tattoo and currently road testing such. For detailed review on the other two items: 

BEAUTY BUZZ : MY LOREAL INOA x HAIR WORKS SALON EXPERIENCE

This year, I've been so blessed beyond words. So many new experiences, friends and undertakings have went well and I'm nearly lost for words whenever I recall each of them. Last 2011, when I started blogging - there's so many ifs and buts lurking in my mind - however, this 5-word chant kept my perspective in a good light: ONE DAY AT A TIME. And before I knew it, my this blog is now 2 years old and counting!

This is the year when I've experimented so much in terms of hairstyle and color. Not extreme, drastic change but subtle yet noticeable ones. L'oreal Professional Team invited me to try L'OREAL PROFESSIONEL'S INOA hair coloring system. And here's what I gotta say!

L'OREAL INOA PRODUCTS

They say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Translate it to hair products, I guess the judgment on how good a product is, is what your hair looks and feels like after the treatment. Their roster of serums and potions are of superior kind. It does not smell so strongly and GET THIS: I didn't feel any itch or irritation before, during and after the whole process. With L'oreal, you'd never feel short changed of what you avail for.

COLORS REDEFINED

It is my FIRST TIME to get highlights on my hair. And boy, the whole process is a science by itself. On my previous posts (check it out HERE and HERE), you'll notice that my hair has a CLEAR BROWN color. This time around, we opted to tone down the color a little, in time for the FALL trend. 

I feel so flattered because when Anton (picture below) was blow drying my hair, another customer asked what's the color combination that they did on me and she wants the same service too! She even went out of her way and told me the color compliments my skin tone so well. Geee.... I was blushing at this point :)

HAIRWORKS SALON MAKATI

So many firsts on this post. It is also my first time to get my hair done at Hair Works. I've tried so many parlors by this time and I'm happy to report that HAIR WORKS is one of the most client-friendly salons I've got into. The whole ambiance is so relaxed, minimalist setup all over, crowd is just right (not too many for you to enjoy your 'me-time') and sounds are on a minimum tone.

I'm glad to know that the employees at HairWorks are all friends. Some even stayed with the salon for 8 years! That speaks so much on how good the environment (and benefits) HairWorks has :) It's just across Greenbelt 5, so if you happen to be in the area, be sure to check them out (BSA Tower).