Grateful for 30♥

source: Google.com

Just like that I am celebrating my 30 years in Sta Lucia Realty & Dev., Inc.  Time really flies so fast.  I started working when I was 20 (even turned 21 few days after working).  As I look back, I never thought that I will be staying in the company this long.  Honestly, it's hard to work in a company when you are related with the owners. (well that is the other half of Sta. Lucia).  At first I did not want to work there because I am afraid that people may think that I got in because I am a relative.  I believe I am capable of finding a company where I can showcase my abilities.  Being a graduate from a reputable university - University of Santo Tomas I know I can make it.  I was already accepted in a well-known bank in Makati when my mother told me that my uncle talked to her - because they badly need an accounting graduate.  To make the long story short, being the "obedient" daughter - I said yes... but I gave myself 2 or 3 years.  

Fast forward the 2 to 3 years became 5, then 10... It's not a bed of roses...  I experienced a lot: from my co-employees not liking me (because they say I am a spy), they assume that I get special treatment.  I am completely aware that all eyes are on me.  That is why I am very careful with my actions: I followed every rule, I was never late...  I gave my best in every responsibility that was given to me.  In 1998, I was chosen as our department's best employee.. (at least my hard work paid off after 5 years of working).

Then in 2008, I felt there was no progression with my job,  that I need to move and seek for career growth.  Because for the past 15 years of working there: I did not see any professional advancement for  the upcoming years and time is running out for me because I am already 36.  I tried applying and I got accepted (it felt great that after 15 years, I will still be accepted in a different company).  I resigned, had a phone conversation with the company's president and he did not allowed me.  Bottom-line - I stayed.  

2023 - There are still intrigues that came along the way... but I don't care anymore.  I felt I am too old to dwell on them.  I just want to work and do my job... no company is perfect, but one of the things my Lola (grandmother) taught me is that - "Don't bite the hands that feed you."  So I am grateful to the company that helped me achieve my goals, especially to our President and CEO who believed in my capabilities.  Looking forward to the next 5 or 10 years until my retirement. (*wink!)

Russell Taylors x Hello Kitty♥

I recently found this online... and I am speechless.  As a Hello Kitty fan and collector, I really wanted something that I can use.  Since I love cooking these kitchen gadgets are really a thumbs up!

source: Russell Taylors 

The Pop-up Toaster:  The toasts pop-up automatically when done .  It also has a cancel function to abort toasting with just a touch.  Voltage: 750watts, 220-240 volts, with 7 shades browning control.

source: Russell Taylors

The Waffle Maker : Dual heating non-stick plates, Power 850 watts, 220-240 volts.  Plates are non removable.

source: Russell Taylors

The Hand Blender/Food Processor : Beaker capacity 700ml, Chopper Bowl capacity 500ml, 2 speed setting with stainless steel blades.  Power: 650 watts, 220-240 volts.

source: Russell Taylor

The Smart Weighing Scale: High Strength tempered glass, tracks progress using Okok app, 12key body composition analysis, all new ABS material, up to 180kg weighing capacity.

source: Russell Taylors

The Air Fryer: 4.2L 360 degrees Convection technology, Cool touch handle, Anti Skid, Auto off function upon removing basket,  Power 1200 watts, 220-240 volts, 80 - 200 degrees celsius.

source: Russell Taylors

The Pressure Cooker - 6L Pressure cooker, 11 pre-set programs, Self-locking lid, Power 1000 watts, 220-240 volts, Stainless inner pot.

Russell Taylors is a home appliance company that is based in Malaysia.  They have wide range of items from kitchen, cleaning, hair, garments and etc.  

Sadly, since these are not available here in the Philippines they are kinda  pricey when you purchase them here from online sellers.  

'til the next Hello Kitty update!♥

xo,

Chiq♥

DIY: Mad Hatter Hat for small dog♥

It's been weeks since Halloween but I was not able to share this right away.  It was Mochi's 2nd Halloween: last year he was Paddington Bear.  This year I wanted him to be the Mad Hatter.  I want to share how I made his hat.   First of all, I got the pattern from www.craftyourhappiness.com , but I did some changes you may also follow how they did the hat but I tweaked mine.  Since Mochi is a small dog, I photocopied the pattern and reduced the size to 70%.  Theirs is not sewn but since I am using a felt cloth then it had to be sewn. (well, I handsewn it.)

Materials:

• Green felt cloth
• Green thread, needle, dressmaker pins, and scissors
• Black Gros grain ribbon
• Velcro tape
• Thin black garter
• Scrapbooking cute materials (for hat design) 

Instructions

Step 1: Download and print the pattern from www.craftyourhappiness.com.  Photocopied and reduced the size to 70%.

Step 2: Trace and cut to your green felt cloth;

Step 3: Sew the hat starting with the crown.  Attach the ends with dressmaker pins then sew.

Step 4: After the crown, it's time to sew the brim.  

Step 5: Then attach and sew the crown shape.

Whoala! Your Mad Hatter hat should look like this.  After this you need to attach the black garter on the brim, so it will not fall off your dog's head.

Step 6: Attach the thin black garter on the hat's brim.

Step 7: It's time to dress up your Mad Hatter hat.   Instead of sewing the scrapbooking materials, I just used a Velcro tape to attach them so I can easily detach them  and use them for other project, if any in the future.

Another tip:  Do a couple of dress/hat rehearsal with your fur baby so he will be comfortable in wearing it.  A favorite dog treat will come handy, while doing the session.

Credits to craftyourhappiness for the Mad hatter pattern.. :)

xo, 

Chiq♥

Fashion: Coordinates - An Emerging Trend ♥

I remember I wrote about this few years ago Co-ords Trend 2015♥ and it became a statement look until today.  Going matchy-matchy with your outfits is the safest thing if you feel you are not good in mixing and matching your clothes.  This cohesive look started from a trend and now it became a classic one.  If you are into minimalist but fashionable look this is a must try.

You can see a lot of women wearing coordinates or "coords" ("co-ords')  anywhere from malls, party and now a usual airport fashion.  From lounge wear, sweaters + sweat pants, top and skirts co-ords. 

Here are some of my Top Coords picks this 2023:

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Zara

source: Plains & Prints

source: Plains & Prints

xo, 

Chiq♥

It's Sticker Season at Starbucks Ph♥

source: Starbucks Philippines

Are you ready for this!  November 2, 2023 is the start of the sticker collection for Starbucks Traditions.   I have been collecting their annual planners since 2007.  It has also become my own tradition... New year is not complete without the Starbucks Planner.  A couple of years ago, aside from the planners they have also included limited edition merchandise - from drink wares, wallet and etc.

source: Starbucks Philippines

It's pink and beige planners for this year! Yey! I am so excited... Gorgeous right?  I am betting on the pink first.  But I love the rose gold pen on the beige.  

Drink wares this year - Siren inspired - Stainless tumbler in black, Cold cup with straw & straw cover and classic coffee mug that comes with a tote.

source: Starbucks Philippines

source: Starbucks Philippines

source: Starbucks Philippines

I hope I will be able to complete all again this year! (*wink!)  

xo,

Chiq♥

Review: Utena Matomage - Hair Styling Stick♥

source: Google.com

Finally, I found something that could tame my "tutchang" (hair frizz), baby hair - every time I wear my ponytail.  I normally use hair spray to make it look smooth, yes it holds our hair in place but it looks hard.

Utena Matomage is made in Japan and it comes in regular (pink) and strong (green) hold.  It's a hair wax in balm form. I got the green which is the strong hold and I loved it.  It really holds the loose hair without making  it look stiff and hard - giving my hair a natural finish.  It is also non-sticky and does not look greasy.

It's super easy to use, just apply it directly to you hair and it automatically does it magic.

I know it's already available here in the Philippines and you can get it from Online shopping sites.  Prices at around Php265.00 to P350.00.  I got mine as a pasabulong from Japan.  

If you will ask me if I will buy this product? Definitely Yes!♥

Til my next review!

xo,

Chiq♥

Have you tried this new E-Alkansya?♥

Have you tried the BSP Coin Deposit Machine?  Due to the shortage of coins (in circulation), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently launched this and will be partnering with retail establishments so it will be available to the public.  

What does the Coin Deposit Machine do?  This is like an Electronic Alkansya (E-Alkansya) you can deposit your coins (any denomination) and it will sorted and counted by the machine. Then you can send it directly to your E-Wallet such as GCash and Maya.

No more tedious process of counting your coins before depositing it to the bank.  It's very easy to use.  All you have to do is to follow the instructions on the machine.

I was able to try it at Robinson's Metro East.  I just brought a handful of assorted coins and cashed-it-into my GCash.  It only took me a couple of minutes.   

You will also receive a transaction receipt that shows the denomination, number of pieces of you and the total amount of your deposit.

Life Lessons♥

source: Google.com

Life is a learning process.  Aside from home and school, life teaches us a lot of things through our experiences.  Experience is the best teacher.  We learn from our mistakes, it makes us strong and help us to be better.

Here are some of lessons I have learned for more than forty years.

1.  You cannot "Please" everybody - We don't need everyone's acceptance or you don't need everybody to agree with you.  As long as you are not stepping on one's foot, and you think you are doing the right thing.  But remember you must stay true with your values.

2.  Health is our valuable asset - As the saying goes: "Health is Wealth".  We must take care of ourselves: love, nurture and protect it.  We should not abuse our bodies,  let's start young in taking care of our health so we will not regret it when we get old.

3.  You don't always get what you want - This is one of the lessons, my grandparents taught me.  Even if you have exerted all your efforts there are things that is not meant to be.  But this must not stop you from pursuing other goals.  Just look on the brighter side, maybe there are other things that is meant for you.

4.  Love is more than a feeling: It's a choice - That outburst of feeling does not last long... each and everyday you learn something from the relationship you are in.  There may be ups and downs in a relationship but this does not mean that there is no long lasting relationship.  But staying in a relationship is a choice.  It's not all love... if you feel that the relationship you are in is already toxic and you already losing your self-respect, it's better to act and make a choice.  Loving yourself more is far more important.

5.  Patience is Virtue - Patience is the ability of a person to "wait" for something to happen without being frustrated.  This is really hard to do, but always remember that good things come to those who wait.  

6.  Don't delay your plans - Starting your plan is the only way to make it progress.  Like when you plan to save money, make an investment or open a business.  Better to start when you are young so you will not regret it in the future.  Seeing your plan progress everyday even if the percentage is small is better than not starting at all.

7.  Being Nice - This is self explanatory.  (ahaha)  Being kind to people will go a long way. God will always reward you for your kindness.

8.  Forgiveness - We should learn to forgive those who wronged us.  Another thing that is so hard to do, right?!  This takes time... But if you are ready to forgive the person, believe me you will have a sound sleep, you will breathe much better, and you will enjoy your life better.

9.  People Change - Change is constant.  The person you are today is not the person you are five or ten years ago.  If you are shy when you are younger, and you become more straight forward now is just normal.  A childhood best friend may not be your  best friend now, because people change and they choose different paths in life.  

10. Think first before doing something - We should always keep in mind that for every action there is an equal reaction.  Like nowadays... we always take to social media our thoughts or feelings and then we regret it when we get negative reactions from our followers.  So before doing something we should think first before doing it (less talk less mistake).

Review: Nivea Luminous 630♥

Are you also having problems with dark spots on your face?  Whether it's Sun spots, Pimple marks or Freckles?  Don't fret! Because it's finally here!  A new breakthrough innovation was discovered by scientists known as W630 which is said to be effective in treating dark spots in the span of 2 to 4 weeks.  It was exclusively patented to Nivea - the product is known as Nivea Luminous 630.  

In my mid-40s I started to notice sun spots on my face.  I do have a daily face regimen but I felt it was too slow in treating the dark spots.  So when I learned about this from Nivea I immediately went to Watsons to check if it is available there.

Luckily, there is a value set available : The Luminous 630 Intensive Treatment Serum and Spot clear sun protect - priced at P1,419.00.  If you purchase them separately it's at P999.00 and P799.00 respectively.

I found these products very effective.  You can see visible results after two weeks of use.  I used the Serum and Sun protect twice a day as stated on the directions (morning and evening).  I apply them before my daily skin care :  1. Nivea Intensive treatment Serum, 2. Nivea Spot Clear Sun Protect, 3. Innisfree Eye cream, 4. Ponds Age Miracle Day cream / Night cream.

don't know if it was captured properly but in actual you can see the difference

I am so happy with the results.  By the way I still use my daily skin care with this and I did not get any allergic reaction.  And lastly what I like most about this so light on the skin, nicely scented and the sun protect is SPF50 (does not make your face white like other sun screens available in the market).

Verdict: ♥♥♥♥♥ out of 5 

There is also a Night repair cream available I might try it also soon... (*wink!)

Til next time!

xo, 

Chiq♥

***This is not a sponsored post.

Things i think I am too old doing♥

A lot of people say that age is just a number, but let's face it we will all get old and there are things that we are no longer comfortable doing.  At 50 here are some of the things I feel I'm too old doing.

1. Wearing too short clothes - Though I don't wear micro mini skirts but I wore short-shorts during my younger years.  But now I am not really comfortable wearing that kind of shorts anymore  and same with micro mini dresses.  

source: Google

I said goodbye to short-shorts and now I go for medium length or Bermuda shorts.  The same with dress I am more comfortable to wear medium length dress with a few inches above the knee.

2. Wearing too much accessories - I believe as you age - "less is more".  

source: Google

Before I used to wear a lot of accessories: like stacking a lot of bracelets or bangles, necklaces.. but now I am more on the minimalist side - I'm good with just 2 or 3 bracelets.  I am okay with stud earrings and a bracelet or bangles.  

source: Google

I ditched wearing cocktail rings at the moment I am now into wearing two rings in one hand and a ring on the other.

3. Wearing uncomfortable shoes :  For the past 10 years I have already stopped wearing sky high heels shoes, because I started having back and foot pain.  

source: vecteezy

I still do wear heels - two or three inches is fine but it's a no-no for the 6 inches heels I used to wear before.  At work I use ballet flats and sneakers for malling or meet up days with family and friends.

4. Working out for more than 1 hour : I can no longer do this anymore.  I am afraid of hurting myself  (again): one time I sprained my ankle by exerting too much effort on working out.  I got my vertigo for over speeding on the tread mill.. so lesson learned. 

source: iStock

I do 30 to 45 minutes Zumba every weekend (or if I don't have work), but I make it a point to walk more.  I don't use the escalator and elevator at work I take the stairs.  I do stretching more to tone my muscles because lately I do feel my muscles are too stiff and it truly helps in managing my joint pains.

5.  Keeping quiet and not expressing myself :  I no longer keep my mouth shut whenever I think I need to say or express something.  When I turned 40 I realized that I should learn to speak my mind.  Yes, there are moments I still control it to prevent arguments.  Because arguments normally gives us stress and we don't want that.  (*wink!)  Most of the time I do say what I feel and I choose my battles.  

source: iconscout

Few years ago I was bullied by someone she thought I was still the same shy and quiet person..it happened twice.  She kept on telling me that I should have not done this or that.  Excuse me, I am not her puppet. Please...ahaha.  I finished my responsibilities and left the group afterwards.     

6.  Spending time with people I don't really like :  I started this a couple of years ago: getting rid of toxic people in my life.  Gone are the dramas, gossips that add stress to my life. 

source: Google

Life is too short, might as well spend it with family and friends that you truly love and care about.  Believe me, removing unpleasant people in your life is such a relief.

7.  Complaining too much :  I try to see the good in everything.  Maybe I reached the point in my life that I value - gratefulness more than everything.  

If I am disappointed (we're only human it's normal) I just think that I am still blessed. 

How about you? Do you have other things that you think you are too old doing that is not on my list? You can share it with me on the comments below.