Review: Steak & Frice♥

It's always the best time to share an amazing meal with the family. My cousin and her children (from Sydney) are currently here in Manila. Last weekend we had lunch at Steak and Frice in Central Square Mall Bonifacio High Street. For those who know me, I am not familiar with places in BGC and I don't go there often. You need to drag me to make me go there (honestly it's because of the traffic at C5). To make the long story short, I stepped out of my comfort zone - and went to BGC to have lunch with my relatives.

Wasn't able to take photos of the resto but the interior is sophisticated and has an elegant ambiance.  This is not your usual old fashion steakhouse, it's modern and loving because it's well-lit.  The steakhouse is owned by Amado Forés son of the famous Margarita Forés (who owns Cibo).  

Salad and appetizer: we ordered their famous Onion flower and Bacon steak Caesar Salad.

The Onion flower is served with "Dad's Basketball Sauce" is so yummy.  We all loved it!  

As a salad lover,  I really enjoyed their Bacon Caesar Salad.  Perfect even without the bacon.

Pasta : Aglio Olio & Scampi and Truffle Cream & Corn Mafaldine

The kids ordered Aglio Olio & Scampi and they loved it.  This was originally spicy we requested to omit the chilis.  

Truffle cream and Corn Mafaldine, this is a different take on truffle pasta... Truffle + Corn = Yum!  

The Main:  Their steak is served with steak rice and fries (with complimentary refillable fries and rice).  We had their mouthwatering US Ribeye steak and that did not disappoint it's so delish.

We also had Grilled Salmon (also served with fries and rice) and Pappardelle & Pink Sauce.  Unfortunately I was not able to take photos... (too excited to eat.. haha).

Overall: It was a wonderful dining experience... we all enjoyed our lunch.  It's a but pricey but it's worth it.

***Better to book a table if you are planning to visit the restaurant.

Over accessorized bag Trend for 2024♥

Accessorizing our bags might be one of the most fun things to do, because it gives our bag it's own uniqueness and personality.  Bag charm trend is back this year: and take note the trend does not mean adorning our bags with one bag charm... Saw this trend at Miu Miu's Spring 2024 runway fashion show.

Aside from the usual bag charms or key rings this year's version of bag accessorizing includes hanging baubles, plushies, beads, and all the cute things to your purse.  It's like wearing your personality on your arm or shoulders.

1. Bag on Bag charm plus extra additional charms

source: Harper's Bazaar

2. Keys, padlocks and chains 

source: Highsnobiety

3. Oversized keychains 

source: Refinery29

3. Plushies, sunnies, paracord and etc.

It's a whole new level of bag accessorizing, right?!  What do you think about this?  Would you go for this trend?  

If you ask me I find this really cute... and I might try this trend but will go for things light and those  that would not scratch my bag.

How to get rid of dry skin on face♥

source: Freepik

We all know menopause is inevitable.   Skin changes are one of the side effects of it. The drop of estrogen during menopause causes dry skin and acne.  

I started protecting my skin at 35, so I felt I had prepped my skin for menopause. Of course I thank my parents for good genes.  

Last month, I started experiencing dry and flaky skin: around my mouth and the lower part of my cheeks.  Since I just started using a new product (that time)  sun block and makeup primer in one, I thought it was the cause of the dryness.  So I decided to stop using it, but my face remained dry and flaky (even though I still use my favorite skincare).

I was planning to visit my dermatologist, but I thought of trying Clinique moisturizer again (if it does not work - it's derma time). I stopped using it - let's admit it's a bit pricey I have no choice because I know it's one of the best moisturizers in the market. Instead of using my usual facial wash, I tried Cetaphil cleanser.

After two days of using the Clinique moisturizer + Cetaphil Cleanser in the morning and night time (with my skin care).  My face became less dry and flaky (on the specific areas I mentioned).  Five days later, no dryness or flakiness and my skin became more soft and smooth.

Now these two products will now form part of my daily facial care routine.  

Here are also some of the things we should do to prevent skin dryness and flakiness during menopause:

1. Hydrate - drink at least 8 glasses of water.  I know I am guilty of this sometimes... but I am working for it.
2. Sleep - try to get quality sleep.
3. Don't smoke
4. Don't drink alcohol
5. Use sun screen / sun block to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
6. Moisturize!

*This is not a sponsored post.

Metallic bags anyone?

A shiny and shimmering statement piece is coming this Spring and Summer of 2024.  A soft launch of metallic bags was seen on the last part of 2023.  So expect more : Metallic Silver, Gold and Rosy Golds ... I'm excited.

Preppy outfit + Metallic bag --- I love it!♥

Here are some of Metallic bags from high end luxury to budget friendly.  My fashion mantra is always - Style or Fashion need not be expensive... You can innovate or make an extra effort to search for affordable fashion finds.

source: Chanel

This Mini flap bag with star coin purse is one of my favorites, well as we all know Chanel doesn't come cheap.  This comes in two variants - Light Gold and  Light Purple.  Dimension : 7.8 x 5.85 x 2.54  inches.  There is also a slightly smaller version of this mini flap that measures 7.4 x 4.9 x 2 inches comes in 3 colors: Metal Pink, Metal Purple and Light Gold.

This is the larger version of the Chanel mini flap that only comes in Metallic Silver and measures 9.36 x 6.04 x 2.93 inches.

source: Dior

Miss Dior mini bag in classic Cannage lambskin material and measures 8.5 x 4.2 x 2 inches  and comes with a chain strap.

source: Prada

This Metallic Leather tote comes with an adjustable strap : Dimension 17.5 x 15 x 5 cm.

source: Michael Korrs

MK Tribeca Metallic Convertible Cross body bag in  Pale Gold : Dimension - 7.5 x 4.5 x 1.25 inches.  This bag also comes in Silver and Black.

source: Michael Korrs

Who would not love this Kendall Small Metallic Shoulder Bag it's super cute!  This comes in 3 colors Gold, Silver and Anthracite (like Gun metal). It measures 9..25 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches.

source: Marc Jacobs

source: Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs also have metallic versions of his famous bags - The Snapshot and The Slingshot.  Both bags only come in Metallic Silver.

source: Mango

This Cross body with double handle bag from Mango is dual purpose that is aside from being so cute.  It's a 2 in 1 bag, you can carry it by hand or cross body.  Dimension: 21 x 22 x 7cm and also comes in green and black.  This is also very affordable, it costs P1,695.00.

source: Mango

If you are into large bags, this metallic shopper bag from Mango is for you. This zip enclosure oversized bag measures 65 x 34 x 19cm.  Price: P9,995.00

source: Mango

Bottega Veneta feels... you have to get this Mango braided bag.  It has a detachable strap and comes in two colors (Silver and Beige).  Dimension : 20 x 16 x 12cm. Price: P2,495.00

source: Gentle Woman

source: Gentle woman

Source: Gentle woman

The Thailand based - Gentle Woman also has it own share of Metallic bags :  The Dumpling bag,  Silver  Price Micro Tote and Twinkling Puffer tote.  Price ranges from P1,500.00 to P3,500.00.

Review: Goli Pre+Post+Probiotics Gummies♥

source: Amazon.com

As they say, good health starts with a healthy gut.  If you have an unhealthy gut you normally experience the following: upset stomach (bloating, gas, constipation), fatigue, skin conditions, bloating, and some autoimmune conditions.  Probiotics help improve these things.  Few years ago, I started  suffering from  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) which is also known as Acid Reflux.  I have experienced this more often especially when I reached menopause.  Even though I tried to stay away with foods that trigger it.  Bottom line: Digestive problems is really one of the side effects of perimenopause and menopause.  

Last week I started taking Goli Pre+Post+Probiotics.  It's the first 3-in-1 gummies that combines :

• Prebiotics - "a non-digestive food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus provides host health." - according to National Institute of Health.  Prebiotic foods include: Banana, Oat, Garlic Strawberry, Asparagus, Nuts  to name a few.
• Probiotics - I know we are more familiar with this - these are live microorganisms that when consumed provide health benefits such as yogurt, yakult and other fermented foods.
• Postbiotics - According to Harvard health - "Are the waste left behind after your body digests the Prebiotics and Probiotics.  Healthy postbiotics include nutrients such as Vitamins B and K, amino acids and substances called antimicrobial peptides that slows down the growth of harmful bacteria."

Imagine combining these three in gummies form: which can provide Digestive Health, Immune Support  and Balanced Gut.  Actually I have already saw these in Goli website last year but that time it's not yet available here in the Philippines.  Luckily when I checked two weeks ago, it was already here!  That's why I purchased it right away and I wanted to give it a try.

All you have to do is to take 3 gummies once daily.  In  my case, I take it in the morning on an empty stomach.  Honestly, after taking it the first time I already experienced some changes in my stomach.  I felt less bloated, less gas and less burping.  Hopefully this will continue.  

The only downside is that it was too sticky so it's hard to get it out of the bottle and the price.  

Here it cost around P927.00 + shipping fee.  Got it from Shopee so I was able to get a free shipping voucher.  One bottle has 60 gummies so one bottle is only good for 20days.

Verdict: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5  - It's effective but kinda pricey.

**This is not a sponsored post.

Mochi's PawToShoot at Turnkey Studios ♥

Mochi recently had his photoshoot at Turnkey Studios.  It was fun and great experience for Mochi and of course me (his stage mum).  The photos are all amazing.  The photographer Ms. Hilda and her team mate Ms. Natalie were very patient with him and they really know how to handle pets in photoshoots.

Photoshoot is not new to Mochi.  He had his first ever photoshoot in 2021 when he was chosen to be a part of Simparica trio's 50 Most InPawential Pets.  My little Mochi is really a superstar, he knows how to project in front of the camera. (Not camera shy at all -  really a celebrity at heart)

Here are some his photos on the shoot.  I hope you will love them as much as I do.

For those who are interested : Turnkey Studios is located at the 2nd Floor The Grove (Rockwell) Retail Row, Ugong Pasig City.

xo,

Chiq♥

Ash Wednesday♥

 Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent.  Catholics attend mass and ashes are applied on their foreheads and the priests says : "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return."

This is also the start of fasting and abstinence... which means people from 18 to 60 years old will not eat meat.

As we begin this season of Lent, we should confess and turn away from sins...

Hello Kitty x Bruno Mars♥

source: Google.com

Another Hello Kitty Collaboration!!!  Honestly I did not see this coming... really unexpected.  Who would have thought that Hello Kitty will collaborate with Bruno Mars...

It was launched in Japan and they have opened a pop-up store at Miyashita Park that will run from January 6 until the 26.

source: Google

Pricey but cute limited collaboration merch are available...  Oh my Hello Kitty heart... I hope I get even just one item from this collab.

I am so into with this Varsity Jacket but it's too expensive... (Sad...)  The jacket costs 32,000.00 Yen which is approximately costs P12,000.00++ in Philippine peso.

Hoping I could get just one... (*wish!)

What do you think with this collaboration?

If you ask me... I truly love this one! (*wink!)

xo,

Chiq♥

My De Quervain Tenosynovitis journey♥

source: Google

Have you heard about De Quervain Tenosynovitis?  Actually I was not familiar with this until last December (2023).  When I had it...

My story:

Mid-December of last year, I started experiencing pain on my wrist (running from my wrist to my right thumb).  It was so painful, that I really had a hard time using my right hand.  Honestly, I cried because of the severe pain.  What's frustrating about it is that - I am right handed (it's my working hand).  I thought the pain will go away after taking pain reliever, wrist/hand massage, applying topical pain reliever but it did not.  

I tried researching about this and I found out that it was called "De Quervain Tenosynovitis".  So what exactly is it?  How can you get it?

According to Mayocliniq.org: 

"De Quervain Tenosynovitis" - it is a painful condition that affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.    If you have DQT you will probably feel pain when you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make fist.

How can you get it? It's most common on women between ages 30 and 50.  Whose job or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions.  (In short my hand is overworked).

Cures:  (1) Taking pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen: these only relieve the pain not remove it;   (2) Non surgical option is getting a steroid injection on the affected wrist; (3) Surgery; and (4)  Immobilizing the affected wrist with a splint or brace to rest the wrist.

I am not really into taking pain killers or pain relievers that is why I opted to endure the pain.  But as days go by it started getting worse.  I again researched for exercises to ease the pain, as well as other natural cures for it.  I tried them... it relieves the pain for a few hours and it goes back again.  I don't want to have steroids injection because of it's side effects.  Of the four (4) options mentioned above, I chose the last one - immobilizing my wrist with a splint.  So I bought a splint from Shopee at around P295.00.

I wore the splint from the time it arrived from morning til night time (I just remove it when washing and bathing).  The first few days it's still so painful even with the splint especially in the morning.  As days go by I started feeling less pain.  Please note that until now as of this writing (January 2024) there is still pain but it improved.  But I tried not to overwork my hand.  

Realization:  Things really happen for a reason... maybe my body is telling me to slowdown because I am not getting any younger.  Yes, I am guilty of overusing my hands - cooking, cleaning and doing a lot of things.  When this happened I realized I needed to rest.

I hope and pray that my hands will get better soon...  Please pray for me also. :)

And I hope you also learn from my experience.  Believe me it's not easy...

xo,

Chiq♥

  

Bag Trends for 2024♥

It's 2024!  I know all the bagaholics are excited to know what bags are "in" this year.  So here are some of the bags that will definitely trend this year. 

Hermes Carge Birkin 
source: Google

The Brick bag
source: House of Little Bunny

1. The Cargo - Cargo trended last year with regards to the now still popular cargo trousers.  Since functionality has been the key since 2020 because of the pandemic.  That Cargo trend now includes bags.  Yes, we have also seen this Cargo bag trend last year like the Hermes Cargo Birkin and the House of Little Bunny's Brick bag.  Bag with lots of pockets - Why not, right?   I am loving this trend, since I honestly have a lot of things in my bag.  Having a lot of compartments will make our bag more organized at the same time.. us being on trend.  

COS Oversized Quilted Crossbody
source: Vogue

Saint Laurent Jamie XL
source: Google

2. Oversized Bags - I remember a few years back, bags to tend to be on the smaller side.  We see small versions of bags like the Lady Dior (Mini size which is only 17cm), Louis Vuitton East West Metis (the smaller version of the popular Pochette Metis) and a lot more.  Now the big bags are coming back!  Bag that would fit almost every thing.  That's why we will be seeing the Saint Laurent ICare Shopper Tote more this year and all other larger than life bags.

Marc Jacobs micro tote bag charm
source: Google

Miss Caro Micro Bag
source: Dior.com

3. Micro Bags - Yes you read it right.  Aside from extra large bag being on trend this year..  There is a new shift from Mini to Micro bags.  Bags that can only fit your card, airpods or a lippie.  I think this is more of an accessory than a bag.  This is a continuing trend, a couple of micro bags came out also last year, let's see what new and exciting micro bags designs are coming this 2024.

Plaited tote bag
source: Zara.com

source: Chanel.com

4. Woven - Remember when Prada introduced their Raffia bag?  Expect to see more of these bags this year.  Be it leather, rope, raffia or straw as long as it carries amazing patterns for sure it will add a wonderful energy for Spring/Summer 2024.

Mango leather effect bucket bag
source: Mango.com 

Saint Laurent Le 37 Bucket bag
source: Google

5. Bucket Bag - Bucket bags making a comeback on larger sizes.  But you can also find smaller sizes but since XL bags are on trend... large bucket bags gives you a more impactful and bold look.

This does not mean that you have to buy luxury brands to get on the trend.  There are a lot of these bag styles that are very affordable.  Remember that fashion should not be expensive as long as you carry your bag with confidence it does not matter.  (*wink!)

xo,

Chiq♥

Mochi's Best 9 of 2023♥

Hello 2024!  I just want to share Mochi's best 9 for 2023.  There are a lot of milestones in his doggie life that is why it's really hard to choose his best 9.

• Saturday dates with Mochi are always the best.  I do take him with me every grooming time of this dog cousins... I love doing coffee dates with him and I feel that he loves it too.

• His first Tanay highlands trip, actually it's my first also.  I do love taking him on long drives and he enjoys it.  

• He turned 3 years old - last August 15.  

• One of my personal favorite is when he was invited by SM Megamall to join the Mega PupStar contest.  Even though he did not win the Grand prize, but he was chosen as one of the semi-finalists and finished Top 5.  (Not bad right?!)

• I don't really take him to pet events often... (coz I'm a praning dog mum, I don't want him to get sick).  There are only 2 events that we visited the one in Robinson's Magnolia and SM Megamall.  We met some of our favorite suppliers in Rob Magnolia event and even met Tofu the super cute Bichon Frise there.  Since then our fur mom keep in touch on our Instagram accounts.

• His first AI - it became a trend on Instagram and I would like to thank Frankie's fur mom for teaching me how to do it.  I got addicted in making Mochi's AI but the Coco Movie poster is the first and it received a lot of likes.

• Mochi as the Mad Hatter in Halloween.  As you see I love dressing up Mochi, and I really make an effort in making his costume because I wanted it to be unique.  In 2022 - He was Paddington bear, and last year I decided to dress him as Mad Hatter.  Looking forward to 2024 Halloween.

• Annual Christmas Get together with family, when I was a kid I always look forward to our reunion.. since I don't have a child - Mochi has become the center of attraction since 2021.

To those asking what's my Best 9, I think we have the same... but will try to share mine soon... ♥

xo,

Chiq♥