Starbucks 2019 Planner♥

Source: Starbucks Philippines

4 days to go, before the official "sticker" collecting starts... As I have said on my previous blog posts that I was really into planners.  As a kid I love collecting notebooks, stationery, pens and etc.  But I really started my Starbucks planner collection in 2007, when my brother gave me (as a Christmas gift) a SB planner. And the rest is history.  To be honest : I don't write on them... (hahaha)

This year Starbucks is offering 2 planners and 2 travel organizers. They launched it at SM Mall of Asia last October 25, but the promo officially starts on November 2, 2018 until January 7, 2019.

Here are my bets:

• For the planner :  I am wanting the espresso (brown canvas planner)
• For the travel organizer : Crushing on the teal 

I am really very excited!  Hope you're all excited as I am.

I wonder what are the Christmas drinks this year?  I hope they will still have the Peppermint.. because that is really my favorite.. (*wink)

xo, 

Chiq♥

My Starbucks Planner Collection♥

Hello Kitty at Watsons PH♥

Being a self-confessed Hello Kitty lover, I really drool every time I see HK items, stuff and etc.  A lot of collaborations came out lately...(bad on the pocket... hahaha)  Few weeks ago, when I was shopping for toiletries at Watsons, I saw a couple of cutie Hello Kitty merchandise... from travel bottle set, hair turban, bath sponges, toothbrush, face mask, hair brush and etc.  I really don't know what to purchase first (hihi) all of them are super nice!

Honestly, I don't really purchase things that I don't really use.. (as much as possible).  Yes in a way, I am quite a wise spender (now).  Before I admit - I'm not but as I grew older I became more matured in handling my finances.  Though sometimes I splurge, but not all the time. 

Back to Hello Kitty:  

Here are the things I got from Watsons... 

Travel bottle set♥

Face Sponge♥

Breath Spray♥

Hairbrush and Mirror compact♥

Hairbrush♥

How about you? Have you been to Watsons lately? What did you get?

xo,
Chiq♥

Brooch Trend♥

Hiyee!  Recently, I have been so addicted with brooches.  Yes I know some of you think that brooches are for old people (very old fashion) - our grandma, lola, mamita, nonna... that's what I also thought before.  But I remember wearing one during my college days in UST (because of the neckline of my uniform).  

Brooches have a certain way of personalizing and accessorizing your outfit... Just like what a Fendi or Dior bag strap can do to your bag.  It gives your outfit a unique personality.  Actually there are more styling possibilities for brooches than other accessories.

Source: Google (ctto)

source: Google (ctto)

Ways in wearing brooches:

• Wear a single brooch or in cluster.
• Aside from wearing it on your blazer, jacket, coat, sweater or plain top : you can also wear it on your plain tee, beanie, shawl, bandana or scarf.
• Create a choker with the brooch.
• You can also wear it on your hair. (which i did before for my brother's wedding)

I realized brooches never really went out of trend.  They're just there... sometimes we just forget about them..

xo,
Chiq♥

Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera Bag: Authentic vs Fake♥

Hello bagaholics!  One of the most coveted bags today - Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera bag... Before I proceed on how to distinguish genuine from fake bag, here is a short review.

The bag maybe small but it's really spacious.  It has two compartments: can fit a couple of things including a phone, car keys, a small wallet, compact powder and a lippy. Aside from wearing it as a shoulder or cross body bag you can also use it as a clutch. It's a versatile bag!♥

Authentic Marc Jacobs Logo strap Snapshot camera bag in Dust multi 

Nowadays, those who produce fake bags can really make a 1:1 copy.   But when you look deeper and examine the bags you can really spot the difference.  Purchased both bags to compare.  

1. Stitching 

2. Brand leather stamping : The "Marc Jacobs New York" - notice the size, font and spacing of the letters.

3. Shape of exterior pocket 

4.  Hardware: Metal stamping/engraving on the zipper pull, ring and shade of the hardware   

5. Leather tassel 

Other information about the bag:

Dimension : 7.2" x 4.1" x 2.3"
Features:

• Material : Saffiano leather
• Removable and adjustable straps
• Double zip compartment
• Exterior back pocket
• Lined interior with slip pocket
• Double J hardware detail on the front

Price: $295.00 + tax

Rating: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5 stars

How about you? Are you also a fan of the Snapshot camera bag?

xo,

Chiq♥

Review: Pantene Micellar Shampoo and Conditioner♥

Hello ladies!  Honestly, I am really not familiar with Micellar, until I watched from one of the webisodes of Ms. Kris Aquino during her Japan trip.  They were in a store and when she saw this Micellar Shampoo and Conditioner: she freaked out.  She said that even in the US it's not yet available (that time).  Being a fan of Pantene, I researched what "Micellar" is. (coz I wanted to try it)

"Micellar water is a skin care product that looks like a regular water but it contains tiny oil molecules, that has an ability to remove toughest waterproof make up, cleanse and tone."

So if it's good on skin... for sure it will be great for hair. :)

I have this friend that recently traveled from Japan and I asked her if she could buy me a set of Pantene Micellar because I really wanted to try it.  

Last week, got my 400 ml set : Pantene Micellar Shampoo & Treatment (Conditioner).  The Shampoo is transparent and the Conditioner/Treatment is white in color.  It has a sweet fruity scent which I love.  

First use:  On wet hair I used 1 pump of shampoo, working from my scalp to the strands.  Unlike the micellar cleanser where the cotton ball turns gray upon use.  When I rinsed my hair  it did not change it's color (it did not turn gray).  Then next is the conditioner/treatment: 2 pumps for this one to moisturize and hydrate my strands (especially on the ends).  Left it for a few minutes (3 minutes) then I rinsed it.

I recently had my hair rebonded (I don't have really curly hair, but it has natural frizz sometimes that needs to be tamed).  So I am quite nervous in using the product (the first time) because it might harm  my hair, luckily it was safe for chemically treated hair. It felt light and super soft... and I totally love it.

Verdict: I am impressed and I highly recommend Pantene Micellar Shampoo and Conditioner.  I hope S&R will carry this variant soon.... (*wink!)

xo, 

Chiq♥

St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina ♥

source: Google

I was not able to go to the public veneration of the incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio in Manila Cathedral yesterday.  The incorrupt heart relic of St. Padre Pio arrived here in the Philippines last October 5 will stay until the 26th.  Today is the last day at Manila Cathedral and it will be flown to Cebu and Davao.  Last stop will be at the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Batangas. 

I really feel bad.. but thanks to my good friend Mhai for getting me this handkerchief.♥

His presence, St Padre Pio (the miracle worker)

Few years ago, I had a wonderful and unforgettable experience with St. Padre Pio when my Lola was confined in Cardinal Santos.  I prayed to him in the chapel, I held his hands and asked for healing (for my Lola). While I was standing in front of his image praying, I felt a cool breeze and started to have goosebumps all over... I really felt his presence... So I hurriedly went back to my Lola's room and laid my hands on her head.  After 3 days she was discharged.  In my heart I believed that it was St Padre Pio who healed her.  That's why I can't help but be emotional every time I pray to St Padre Pio and reminisce that moment.

And I believe that when my Lola passed away... He welcomed her with open arms..♥