{Vanity and Me} Yhey's "Flop" Picks - Products I REGRET Buying!

Heya lovelies and gents!

This kakikayan post is all about the stuff I regret buying and never will in the future. Don't you just have one of those days that you go out to get something you really want to try out, and when you get home hope you didn't? Well, here's my share of stuff that gives me eye sores when I see them. LoL!

**Warning: These are all crappy photos taken from my cheapo tablet. LoL! But, hopefully, you get the idea of what the products are. :D

Maybelling Hyper Curl Volum' Express Cat Eyes. This is, by far, my BIGGEST regret! I am a person who reads reviews before going out to buy something over 300php, and this is one of them. Although 450php is said to be "cheap" and this is a drugstore brand, for me, it's still expensive. And shelling out ~450php for a product with a few grams/ounces of product only is a big deal for me. Haha!

Anyways, reviews I've read says how great this mascara is because of it's unique comb wand and that it separates the lashes really good. I hope they tell me how to use it the right way because this is giving me lesser, spider-y looking lashes! The comb groups my lashes between the bristles and it's such a pain to use. It took me a long time, along with trials and errors, to make this mascara work because I don't want to throw it out like I threw out money in the trash can.

Yes, I said "long" time. I know you're not supposed to keep mascaras more than 3-6 months, but I am one of those guilty of using mascaras more than the shelf life. Hihi! *Anyone like me? Raise your hands!* The reason behind is I only get to go out and use makeup 2 times a week (3 the most for emergency trips out), and mascara takes long to run out of. And though they say it's bad, and I don't recommend either for you to do what I do, I usually throw out a mascara tube when I run out, when it smells funky, or it dries out. Don't judge! Hehe!

Back to my mini review. I thankfully finally found a way to make this "pain in the butt" work. But, really, it cost me more than it should. I really love Maybelline products, and I have a few of 'em. I actually like the sister of this mascara, the fatter tube and by far is what I may call my HG mascara. But this, NEVER buying this again.

FS Cosmetics Mini Eyelash Curler. I bought this for the purpose of curling the outer ends of my lashes as the usually get left out from the regular curler. But, this is such a pain to use, and does not do the job. It gets in the way of the lashes it does not catch and crimps them in an awkward bend. Simply put, don't get this curler. It's completely useless.

Ever Bilena Advance HD Eyeliner. This is not really a bad product. But, for me, I don't like how the product dries and flakes. And, it dries what looks like "asphalt" to me. LoL! It thickens up on the inside mouth of the tube. It's really hard to explain. I still use this, though, just to use it up, but am never buying it again, either.

Glam Works Lip and Cheek Tint. This is THE MOST drying lip tint I've ever tried! Although all lip tints are sort of drying, but this is in cream form and I expected it to work better than regular tints. This accentuates flaky lips, even if it's not that flaky.

ELF Lip Stain. You guys know I love my ELF buys. But this, I don't like at all. This was actually an impulsive buy as I wanted a lippie I could use for grocery trips or sudden "out-of-the-house" looks. It resembles a felt tip pen, and maybe because of that, it does get a funky smell over time. Maybe because it gets in contact with the mouth or saliva, I don't know! Plus, it's too dark of a shade for me. I plan of just using this when I'm at home just to get rid of it. Dabbing it would actually do the trick and not dispense that much product, but, I really don't like the funky smell. Ugh and EWW!

Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen. This is the least of my regrets. The product really performs well and applies well. The problem is, it's not waterproof. And for a gal like me who sweats like a pig on hot days, this sure isn't the thing for me. Though it is smudgeproof as it claims, it is not waterproof! Which I find really strange. Well, for me, when I read smudgeproof, I assume it is waterproof which is why I got this. I may be wrong, but it really mislead me. So, for that, not buying it.

So, hope you enjoyed my little "long" rant. Haha! Hopefully you find this helpful in case you are planning to get any of these products. ;)

Cheers!
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{Vanity on a Budget} Review: Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Rock On

Yes, I know, I know. I am back yet again with another review. Well, actually, it was a long planned post, but due to some pending work I have, my blog posts have been shoved off to the corner for a couple of days. So, while I have the free time, I am now composing the posts.

Anyhooooo...

Today's review features another Essence product. Do you see a pattern here? LoL! Yes, I love Essence products, if that isn't that obvious yet. Anyways, enough with the babbling and on with the review, shall we?

Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss in Rock On. Sparkly, eh?

Shade name: Rock On. It's a really nice grape color. 

Ultra glossy, moisturising and non-sticky. 

The wand.

The Essence XXXL Shine Lipgloss costs 135.00php if I am not mistaken. I got the shade Rock On which is a nice purple-y, grape color. Smells really fruity, too! I think all their lipglosses and lipsticks smell yummy and fruity, which I LOVE!

I got this for the main purpose of getting into the fall trend in a really subtle way. I know we don't really have that season, but since the days are getting gloomier and colder, I thought, hey, why not? Just because we're from the Philippines doesn't mean we can't adapt into the fall season's makeup trend.

Anyways, going back. Not really sure why it's called "XXXL Shine". Probably 'coz it's ultra shiny? I did not notice any plumping effect, so I guess that's what it meant.

Let me go through the things I like and don't like about the product.

Pros:

• Affordable at 135.00php. The tube is really big. Sorry I wasn't able to take a size comparison of it. But if it helps, the whole tube with cap on measures 4.5inches in length.
• Has a nice fruity smell to it. Warning: You may be tempted to lick your lips! ;)
• Lipglosses often are very, very sheer. And, I actually thought this is quite sheer, especially when swatched alone. But, boy, was I wrong! It is very pigmented, and it gave just the right color for me over my bright, red lipstick, which was what I'm going for.
• It is indeed ultra glossy, moisturising and non-sticky as it claims. It does not accentuate flaky lips which is a plus for me as I tend to get dry lips often.
• Although it's sparkly, you won't feel the glitter at all on your lips, unlike other lipglosses in which the glitter is coarse and feels annoying.
• Lasts quite well, except when drinking. May have to reaply after eating/drinking.

Cons

• May tend to create a white film in the inner lips, so make sure to wipe away excess after application. Also make sure to check every hour or so to make sure it did not develop a white film. 

Now, on with some swatches. Sorry, I did not take any lip swatches as I am not yet confident showing my lips (or face) on closeup. Haha! I haven't found the best way to take such photos. I always find that when I do, it looks so awkward and unattractive. LoL. All photos were taken without flash.

No base underneath; Natural Lighting

No base underneath; Natural Lighting

Rock On Lipgloss over lipstick bases, Natural Lighting. Top: Matte Lipstick in Glamour by Nichido; Bottom: Matte Lipstick in Offbeat Pink by Ever Bilena 

Over lipstick bases, Natural Lighting. A closer look on the Offbeat Pink shade.

Over lipstick bases, indoor lighting. 

Over lipstick bases, indoor lighting. 

Over lipstick bases, indoor lighting. 

Pretty, eh? The main purpose why I bought it is for me to make my bright red lippie more wearable when it's not summer or when I'm not feeling bold or glamorous for a bright red lip. The lipgloss topped over the red created a nice wine shade which I really have been wanting! And for a more subtle color, a pink instead of red works really well, too!

If worn alone, you can look really sickly with the purple gloss. It looks like you are having hypothermia! LoL! Not attractive. So, I suggest wearing it over a red, pink, or a purple colored lippie. :) 

Overall, I really LOVE this gloss. I've been ignoring this actually a lot of times at the counters, only to realize I'm going to love it. 

Hope you liked this review. 'Til my next product review!


Cheers!

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5 Fun Facts About My BabyLove

All kids are unique in their own ways. Some may be like this, but some are like that. Nevertheless, it's interesting to know how different our kids are from others that are quite unusual. So, here is a collection of some fun facts about my BabyLove that I find "unusual" with some (if not all) kids.

1. My BabyLove is 2+ years old, and yet she still wears some infant sized clothes/shoes. Well, let's face it, some sizes are "mutant" sizes as I call them. But, yeah, she can still fit some baby clothes. Like she has a onesie that's supposed to be for 0-3 months, but since it's a little bit larger and maybe quite stretchy, she still gets to use them! Haha. Well, I get to save a lot of money from buying clothes every now and then, not to mention almost all her clothes were given. So blessed indeed!
2. And in relation to item # 1, even if my little girl is small in size, she's got a BIG appetite! She eats a LOT! She can eat a 2 packs of cookies/biscuits (3 cookies each pack) in one sitting, even more. Even if you feed her for early lunch, if she still sees you eating, she'd join you. 
3. Still food related, she eats the very bitter ampalaya, raw or cooked! She LOVES it! I know a lot of kids hate ampalaya because of it's bitter taste. Well, not my BabyLove. 
4. And yet again, food related, she can eat raw onions as well. I call her "Shrek" when she does. Haha
5. She prefers eating by herself. Ever since she first held her own spoon, I knew/felt somehow that she's an independent eater. When I tell her I'll just feed her so she finishes right away, she'd say "Pyeyt" or "bowl", "spoon" and "foyk", meaning she wants to eat on her own.

I have just 5, but I find them really amusing to think about. And with her good eating traits, I honestly don't have any problems when we eat out. She eats ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! Haha!

How about you? Why not share your kiddos' most interesting fact. If you don't have any kids yet, some interesting fact of yourself when you were a kid, or of a nephew's or nieces's, or any kid you may know. I'd LOVE to know! 

Cheers!
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{Guest Post} 3 Natural Kids Crafts

Hiya Everyone! 

We all know summer is over for us, however, it's never too late a craft or two we could let our kids enjoy with even in the cooler days. So, Ryan is here with a guest post to share with us some crafts and activities our kiddos can enjoy and definitely learn from. 

With the weather finally cooling down, now is the time for outdoor activities.  With a little creativity, you and your child can turn a simple walk in the park or your own backyard into an amazing opportunity for natural crafting.    Keep reading to learn how to make unique picture frames to eternalize summertime memories, create all natural weaving art, or construct your very own dragon fly sculptures.

1. Rustic Picture Frames

With all of the extra time and nice weather, many families took advantage of the summer with camping trips, hiking, and other outdoor activities.  Along with these family adventures, of course, are plenty of photos.  To really emphasize the outdoorsy aspects of these activities, your child can easily give the photos a rustic picture frame decorated with natural objects.

The base of the frame can either be made out of sticks glued, nailed or tied together, or you can just use a store bought frame (go for the cheap ones, as they will hardly be visible when your child is finished).  Then, simply glue objects that are relevant to the picture around the frame.  For example, if the pictures are from a beach trip, you can glue some sand, seashells, and dried seaweed on a frame made out of driftwood sticks.  If you went camping in a forest, small pinecones and needles, acorns, bark, or even snakeskin could be a better option.

This can be a great way to make a fun and unique frame for any photo.  Whether the photo is from summer camp or just something silly, like all of your kids posing around the campfire in their favorite fun kids pajamas, getting together with your child to create an all natural frame can be a great activity.

2. Weaved Nature Sculptures

This activity is great because almost everything about it is flexible.  All you need are 4 strong sticks of approximately equal sizes, a spool of natural twine, and then everything else can be found in nature.  Depending on how much time and material you want to put into the project, you can make it as large or as small as you want too.

To get started, find four sticks of equal sizes.  They should each be at least 6 inches long to make the weaving simpler, but can be as large as you want. To build the weaving frame, lay the four sticks in a square, with their ends overlapping by about an inch.  Then, carefully and tightly tie each of the corners together.  When you have finished, the sticks should remain in a square, even if you shake them.

Next, cut strips of twine out so that they will be long enough to stretch across the square frame and tie to the sticks on both sides.  You should cut enough to cover the whole frame in half-inch increments between the strings.

Now is where the fun part begins.  You and your children can go outside to collect feathers, long leaves, blades of grass, flowers or even seaweed.  Then, weave the objects through the all-natural loom you have set up.  To do this, simply insert the object over one string, under the next, and keep repeating this pattern.  Once the loom is filled, your children will have a rustic keepsake that is made from many of the different natural elements surrounding you.

3. Dragon Flies from Maple Seeds and Twigs

If you live near a maple tree you’ve probably seen little seeds that fall off the tree then slowly fall while twirling like helicopters.  Although the seeds do this to be carried further by the wind, their aerodynamic shape also makes a great opportunity for some kids crafting.  To make a dragon fly out of the seeds, all you need is a twig of about 3 inches, 4 maple seeds and glue.

To build the dragonfly, simply glue the heavy ends of the maple seeds towards the front end of the twig to create two sets of wings.  To make it more realistic, you can color in the twig and the seeds, use a small rock as a head and put eyes on it, add small legs out of wire or stems, or even add glitter to the wings and body.  If you make several dragonflies, you can arrange them in scenes.  Some easy ideas are to mount them on small rocks or next to each other on a larger stick.

Fall is beginning, and if you live in a colder area, it may be your last chance to spend some time outside before everything is covered in snow.  You and your child may be able to make the most of the pleasant weather by constructing some natural crafts to remember the summer fun, photos, insects and more.

Cheers!
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{Vanity and Me} My Essence Cosmetics Collection

Can you tell that I love this brand too much? Haha! Although I may not be a die-hard collector as I do not really get to use makeup on the daily basis, so I basically just pick up stuff that I don't have in my stash yet.

This was just a quick share. I still haven't got my camera which I sent in for repair, and I couldn't get hi-res shots of some products. Hence, the rare reviews. When I don't have the camera, I tend to get lazy as I am not really satisfied with smartphone cam shots, especially for products.

Anyways, hope you liked my little share. Will update the post with the products seen in the photo.

Cheers!
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{Precious Moments} BabyLove's First Ever Boo-Boo

Hiya!

This post features my BabyLove and her first ever boo-boo she got when she was standing on the couch. And before anyone passes the wrong judgement as if I enjoyed it, of course that's not the case. I felt bad and scared at the moment. But, after it has passed, I think it was just a lesson learned for her not to stand on the bed or couch anymore, and a laugh after and for years to come when she gets older. :)

See, she's smiling now. She's very okay now, despite her swollen eye. She got her bump on her forehead actually, but I've read on the internet that it may affect the eyes which is not really a concern unless more serious symptoms occur such as vomiting or what-not. She's enjoying my gel eye mask which I placed in the freezer.

As I mentioned, of course it did give me a scare, but not to the point of paranoia. I am thankful for the internet as most of the information on these types of incidents and everything about mommy-hood, I can find on the web. Which is maybe why I did not freak out as much and go crazy.

How about you? Have your little one scared you with an incident like this? I'd like to know in the comments below. :)

Cheers!
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{Precious Moments} BabyLove's Current Vocab Part 2

Another post on my BabyLove's current word pronunciations. They're quite a few, but still, I think it's a good share and would be a good way to bring a smile to someone's face.

weeeebs - Leaves. Take note of the long "e" sound. Hahaha!
chocoweyt - Chocolate
gwas - Glass
tet it - Get it
nana - Minions from Despicable Me.
Sa-yi - Sulley from Monsters Inc.
Mike Owski - Mike Wazowski of Monsters Inc.
mas wawow - Marshmallow
Duwa - Dora
Cope - Coke

My fave is how she says leaves and Coke. Haha! What's yours? Leave it in the comment section below. ;)

And to see the first post of my BabyLove's vocab, click here.

Cheers!
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Weekly Buys [September 13, 2013] + A Little Rant

This is the second post to my new series here on my blog, my "Weekly Buys". I did not snag that much items this time as I am quite on a budget right now, so I decided to get just what I need. :)

Most of the items I bought are from CD-R King. And, I have quite a little rant about my last visit which I will mention later in this post. For now, here are the things I got. :) **Below images are those that I obtained from the companies' websites, which I don't usually do. My camera is currently "hospitalized" as I am having the shutter fixed.**

Laptop Feet, 50php (Source: CD-R King)

4-in-1 Cleaning Kit, 50php (Source: CD-R King)

Screen Cleaning Gel, 100php (Source: CD-R King)

Ever Bilena Advance HD Colorless Mascara, 100php (Source: Ever Bilena)

Mini HDMI to HDMI Adapter (not pictured) - Also from CD-R King. I got the wrong cable before and it does not fit my tab, so I had to get an adapter for it to work/fit.

Giggles Baby Wipes (Powder Scent); Not pictured - Had to replenish BabyLove's supply. :)

Ever Bilena Clear Mascara - This I use for grooming my brows and as a primer for my eyelashes before adding waterproof mascara. I usually use non-waterproof black mascara as my base (see my Vani-tip post here for reference), but I gave up on the clumps and mess I get. So, I decided to switch to colorless mascara (no more mess-ups!). I will make an updated version to my previous Vani-tip post! :D

Screen Cleaning Gel - My tablet has so many thumbprints and oil residue, so I badly needed this! 100php for two bottles, full-sized and travel size, what more can you ask for? It does the job!

4-in-1 Cleaning Kit - Got it for the cloth and brush and what-nots as my laptop gets small debris in the keyboard and my LCD screen needs some lovin' too!

Laptop Feet - These I needed as my laptop gets pretty hot when not enough air is obtained by the fans. So, I had to prop the laptop up and that solved the problem. :)

So, it's the last item I got tangled up with (laptop feet), which leads to my rant on CD-R King. Don't get me wrong. We've been loyal to CD-R King ever since it started, way back when the only store was in Greenhills and they were selling all sorts of Rewritable CD-Rs. And, until now, we are loyal customers and "parokyanos/suki".  It's just this one incident that got out of hand.

What happened was they priced the item wrongly, and I had to pay more than it really costs. When I was at the store, the laptop feet were just a sudden add to my purchases as I really needed them, and when I caught eye of them, I had the saleslady add them to my stash. Unfortunately, the price of the item wasn't attached, so they had to ask one of their co-workers to check the price of the item. The "checker" said it costs 180php, which I was kind of skeptical about, but given the benefit of the doubt, I let them proceed with the checkout, trusting them that they got the right price. I also was in a hurry that time as it's a crazy 3-day sale at SM Clark right now, and there are so many people.

When I got home, I was just about to open the packaging of the item, when I suddenly felt the feeling I paid for the wrong price. I quickly checked online, which is where they checked the price of their item, too, and found out the item was just 50php! I paid an extra 130php!

I was planning on storming into the store and getting all berserk, but decided to keep my cool. I went back Saturday, and told them that I am getting a refund, but as I was just talking, they cut me off and told me they don't refund as soon as they heard "refund". But, I told the saleslady to listen first, and after hearing me out, she instantly dropped her defenses and assisted me accordingly. So, she checked and did confirm it was just 50php. The problem comes in with the person who wrote the receipt. The thing with CD-R King is, if the customer complains and the fault is seen with the salesladies, they will be "paying" for the item which will be deducted from their salary. However, in my case, I wasn't returning the item nor asking for a refund equivalent to the item. I was simply getting back the money I paid extra. But, it seems like the commotion was that since she was the person in charge for the receipts, she was to blame, and she was making all the reasons so they wouldn't give the refund, thinking she will be paying for the item.

As for me, I was like, "The money they earned Friday actually exceeds the actual sales. What's so complicated of giving back the excess that's rightfully mine?". The thing I did not like was as the manager was talking to her, she was throwing nasty looks at me, like a kid making "sumbong" to her mom about a person bullying her. But, I kept my cool, knowing their situation. But, also, it was really not my fault she was caught up in a situation like that. I did not want to ruin her day nor deduct anything from her salary. It was somewhat a lesson for them that I had to let them deal with so it never happens again, which is why I waited 30mins to an hour just for the refund.

To cut this long rant short, everything was settled and I got my money back.

This served as a lesson not only to them, but also to me, to make sure of the price before leaving the store, especially with all the salesladies running around. It was a waste of time for me, as well as for them. Plus, I did really feel bad for the saleslady, as she wasn't really in fault. The person she asked for the price was, but still, she got the blame since she was in charge of the receipts. Hopefully, this experience of mine helps out some of you there who may get caught up in the same situation. Always be sure of the items you're buying before leaving the store. :)

Anyways... That's it for my little "length-y" rant, but I'll end my post here!

Last week's Weekly Buys - Click Here

Cheers!
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Product Empties Collection [June to August] - Part 1

This post has been sitting in my Drafts for quite some time now and definitely needs some attention before the empties pile up! LoL!

Anyway, who doesn't like empties, right? Well, it's kind of ironic, for who would want an empty bottle of product. But, for me, it's an accomplishment, as I get to see the products I've actually used up in the span of 3 months! Woot, woot! Yay for me!

I am sharing now the products I've used up, maybe throw in a little review whether or not I liked the product. :) Products are listed in no particular order.

This I got from a gift pack from Celeteque during their promo from last summer. Well, I can't really say if this was good or not, since this only contained 5mL of product, not enough to really test it out. Maybe I will try sometime. Repurchase? Maybe. 

This has been sitting in my bathroom for months, and I finally finished it up! LoL! Not repurchasing anytime soon as I still haven't found my HG conditioner yet, and I don't think this is it yet. 

Well, I know I kinda cheated on this photo. But, I used it all up actually after taking this photo. Haha! I did not want to take out my camera and transfer files all over again, so decided to take the photo. Repurchase? YES! Already have a replacement for this acually, and this is my 3rd bottle already! It's not drying and doesn't smell bad like other nail polish removers.

This got me into the "shower gel" bandwagon! I never liked the idea of Shower Gels/Body Washes as I feel I waste products. But, boy, I liked how soft it left my skin feeling! This was given to me by my relatives in the US, but found that we have this here, too. So, I will definitely repurchase, just not soon.

This is so affordable yet I like it. It may not be at par with high end hair masques or deep conditioners, but I love this. For ~160php, I mean, you can't go wrong! This smells SOOOOO GOOD, I would say of strawberry candies? Hair doesn't stay soft as long, but I use this twice a week, so doesn't really matter. Repurchase? YES!

This is a discontinued product already. These did not last long in the market. Well, I did continue using it, however, the cream/gel part (don't know which, haha!) already dried up and clumps. So, it's something to throw away!

I've been having breakouts lately, maybe due to the weather. Not severe though, but I think this helps. :) Repurchase? Already did! Though I may not next time as I want to try other brands :D

My 2nd Body Wash/Shower Gel I've used since my first one. Only costs ~70-80php, but smells really good! I actually want to try the new scent, Rose something. So yes, definitely a repurchase! 

I still have a tiny bit left which I just use for cleaning up the shape of my brows when I mess up.  Otherwise, it's an empty for me since I can't use it for its real purpose anymore. Repurchase? Yes! Definitely. Though I am trying out other brands first.

Victoria's Secret Hand and Body Lotion in Coconut Passion, Pure Beauty Treatment Essence Water (for hair), Garnier Multi-Action Cream, Johnson's Baby Cooling Bath (for my BabyLove). The Garnier Cream I got from a contest held by the brand itself, the lotion I got as a gift, so I won't be getting those again. As for the Essence Water, I am not repurchasing. Nothing bad about it, but not impressive as well.

I may have missed out on a couple more items, so I will doing a follow-up post to this and make sure I get everything else pictured! That's how proud I am and want to share EVERYTHING I used up! LoL!

I'll end my post here, and I want to know if any others use the same products I used, or what your recent product empties are. I'd love to know! Til' my next post!

Cheers!
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{Shutter-Day Share} It's a "Fan" Day!!!

It's been a while since I last posted a Shutter-Day Share photo. Can you tell I did have a fun "fan" day? Hihi!

Cheers!
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Weekly Buys [August 30 / September 6]

Hiya my dear readers!

I'm starting another series of posts which I am actually not sure whether or not I should pursue it, but, I decided to give it a go anyway. Since me and my BabyLove♥ go out every Friday for a quick stroll and bonding time, I decided I'd share what we get/buy at the mall while we're out. It could be anything from toiletries to "kikay" stuff, so do let me know if this is something interesting or not. :)

Anyways, for the first post of these series, I'll share my buys for August 30 and September 6, which are long overdue! Because of the cold, bed weather, I've been so lazy to get up and transfer my photos from my camera to my computer as it requires me to fumble for my camera cable, connect my camera to my laptop, yadda, yadda. It makes me really want to get those WiFi smart cameras that won't require me to attach my camera to the laptop anymore. Hopefully, I could get one for myself soon (wishful thinking!). Anyhoo, on to the items.
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Feeling Unaccomplished + New Background!

Before I go on to my actual post... What do you guys think of my new background? Well, I love the Christmas Season, so I am getting into the Christmas spirit really early! Haha!

Don't you just have one of those days when you feel unaccomplished? You just so want to accomplish them, but can't? Well, lately, I've been feeling so unaccomplished.

At the start of the year, I really wanted to do my craft projects, especially Project Life, religiously. However, due to the need of having to earn money and taking care of house chores, even if I want to sit down for it, it doesn't allow me to. And I feel bad to see my crafts collecting dust and I don't get to tend to "update" them.

However, I just think of it in a positive note. After all, I can't earn money with doing my personal crafts (how I wish I did. LoL!), and earning to give my daughter's needs is my priority, more so because I am a single mom. I value every hour that I could work on, and if I don't work, I don't get paid.

As I said, sometimes I just feel bad I do not get to achieve my goals for this year. But, hey, there is a good reason for that after all. I think I will be able to sit down on it and maybe record just the important events in my BabyLove's life? At least I can compromise. It just reminds me that we have to live life as it goes by, since yesterday will be different from today and tomorrow and enjoy every minute of it. :) (The scrapbooking and recording can be done anytime, anyway!).

Stay happy!

Cheers!
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{Vanity on a Budget} Vani-tip of the Day: Restoring Dried Up Cream Eyeshadows

I am back with another "Vanity" post. LoL. Sorry to all my "guy" or non-makeup wearing readers as this is something probably that does not interest you much. LoL. But, I'm a girly girl, and even now that I am a mommy, I can't help being one. Hihi!

Anyhoo....

**Disclaimer: I am not, under any circumstance, a professional. The tips and reviews I share are based off my own experiences and own opinions. I simply share what works for me, hoping it would help others. I only share what I know would benefit others and in no way intend to cause any harm. :) Just thought I'd clear that up.

This is a follow-up post regarding my previous review on the Essence Stay All Day Eyeshadow. In the review, I mentioned that the product I picked up was practically dried up, and that I have found a way to, at least, temporarily melt it to a blend-able or workable consistency.

Cream and gel makeup products tend to dry up really quickly, regardless of how expensive or inexpensive they are. Especially if they are in little jars where you take the whole lid off to expose the product. It's because it comes in contact with air every time you open up the jar, causing the "liquid" part to evaporate, leaving you with a solid product over time.

Dried up makeup is NO fun at all. Imagine spending your hard-earned money only to find out that the product dried up in only a couple weeks of use - such a waste! I first encountered this problem when I had my very first cream eyeliner from ELF Cosmetics. I loved that the product was practically smudge- and budge-proof after it dries, but I hated the fact that it dried up so quickly! I have been in the search since then for a way to "revive" cream makeup, but none of them worked. Well, maybe the Glycerine method would, but I find it hard to get a bottle of it (if anyone knows where to easily get this, please tell me!!!). I once got one at Watsons, but I lost my bottle of Glycerin (which is still full) and when I went back to Watsons to get one, there is no more on the shelf. So this method is a scratch for me.

I could go on and on with ALL the methods that I've tried (which did not work!), but I don't want to make this post longer than it is already at this point. So my secret?

If you still haven't guessed what it is, it's actually a Mug Warmer (~100-150php at Divi)! :D

Yep, I found a better use for this mug warmer than it's real purpose (it never keeps my coffee hot. Haha). I just had the random thought of putting my cream eyeshadow on it, and guess what! It did melt it to a blend-able consistency! **Caution: Allow product to be cool enough to apply! You don't want to burn your eyes!** Below are photos of my now melted eyeshadow. You can clearly see I was able to make a dent in the middle.

You might ask, "Why not just dunk the product in very hot water in a bowl, or boil it in water?" Well, I did try both. But, allowing the product to sit in a bowl of hot water wasn't enough since the water would cool down quickly. I did not want it to boil in water as I'm afraid it my "burn" the product, same as what might happen if you microwave it. The mug warmer's heat is sort of regulated, and not hot enough that it would burn the product. :) I never tried putting a bowl of hot water on the mug heater, though. LoL!

I just simply leave the product there for 5-10 minutes, or until I get my face prepped, then remove it from the warmer for it to be cool and ready for use! That's it! Really easy and simple.

Notes:

• I don't recommend reviving products that have dried up due to expiry. O.o Don't blame me for any complications if you do. :D
• To prolong the life of your cream/gel makeups, transfer a small amount to another clean container/jar (you can get one at Watsons), and keep the original jar tightly sealed in a cool place, away from sunlight. I saw this from YouTuber name Koren. This should keep it from drying up caused by opening the jar every now and then.
• With my Essence Cream eyeshadow, this is only a temporary fix and would not keep it "soft". So, I usually just heat it up before I'm ready to use it. Haven't tried with other brands. :)

Sorry for such a length-y post with all the explaining. It sure is one long post just for a tip. LoL! But, better well-explained than not, right? 

'Til my next post!

Cheers!
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