Achieving the Dream: Take Me Back to Michael's

Since med school days, I've always wanted to be able to visit this store.  I came to know about it since grade school days, I've watched American craft shows and this store is always mentioned to where you can get your materials and supplies.

As a kid, I've always wished there's something like this one in the Philippines, actually there was one before, I think the name was Craft World, I would go to Robinson's Galleria and SM Megamall just to go to that store.  Sadly it closed down already.

Actually I did not dream of going to Michael's until med school days.  I mean, in gradeschool and high school days, I never fully posted or put into words that I wanted to visit Michael's store.  My desire to visit the place started 2012, med school days.  I posted in social media that I wanted to visit it someday and I wanted something like this in the Philippines.

So last May 2018, when I visited San Francisco, I made it a point to include this in my itinerary.  We checked in a hotel in Union Square, and the branch closest was in Emeryville.  So using Moovit app and uber, we were able to reach this place.

I was really happy and with a feeling of accomplishment when I reached the storefront.  And when I entered the store, OMG! I was in Craft Heaven!!!!  I never thought there were so much types of crafts in the world.  Everything is just there! It's "THE ONE"-stop shop for your craft needs.

There's just this overwhelming joy I can't fully explain.  I bought lots of paper crafts there.  I would have bought some needle-felting also if only I did not restrain myself.  If only I was not worried of having our luggages overweight, I would have bought some craft tools as well.

Below is a picture of my Michael's Haul:

I loved that there were soccer-related stuffs there, I just hoarded!!!  Right now, I haven't used all of it, little by little, tinitipid since it was a really long way there and my 1st time shopping there.

Bucket list checked.

Hope I can achieve more of my dreams.  Dreams are not just for the your younger self, not just in the Disney movies and cartoons.  Even if you're already in Med school you can still dream and even if it took me 6 years I was able to achieve it nevertheless.  And this feeling of achievement is just irreplaceable.

Never stop dreaming, never stop believing.

Inspiration from Walt Disney

I'm a definite Disney fan, I practically grew up with Disney and up until now even as an adult I still watch Disney animated films and computer animated films.  And the films still never cease to amaze me and give me such joy.

I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland, and I loved it there! There's just pure joy, and just "magic".  But the place I went to this time really touched something inside me, The Walt Disney Family Museum.  Going here was not part of the itinerary, but on our free day, I decided, I've been feeling really down lately, to the point I felt I was not able to enjoy fully the AUA Experience.  I know, people will say I was lucky and everything.  But I can't help it, it's like the song, "Lucky" by Britney Spears.

Anyways I was glad I made the decision to go here, this one legendary guy can give you really just the inspiration you needed.

Let's begin with my favorite quote I got from this trip:

Read more »

Kimono Experience

This is one of my bucket-list, to be able to wear a kimono in Japan.  Actually in my trip to Japan, this is the one I'm most excited about.  As long as I'm able to do this then I couldn't ask for more.  Luckily Japan has made it easy for tourists to rent kimono.

I booked online for my kimono, I reserved and scheduled for a kimono in Wargo Kyoto Tower branch.  I knew about this from Kimdao, one of my favorite youtubers.  Well actually I kind of followed her suggestions on things to do in Japan.  That's how much I love her!

So let's begin the kimono wearing process.

At first, through online, I got the couple standard kimono package, with additional of fixing my hair.  I didn't get the makeup add-on since I think I'm happy with my makeup skills hahahaha.  Besides, my focus is the kimono anyways.  As I was browsing online and deciding for the date and time of the kimono, I asked my dad if he wanted to wear one too.  I'm really lucky that agreed with my craziness.  #cooldad, hehe.

So after paying through credit card, we just arrived at the Kyoto Tower station around 30 min before our schedule.  And with standard kimono, I was asked to choose from 4 shelves standard kimonos.  Then they asked me to choose from the Obi? (belt thingy I think).  After choosing, I was asked to go inside the female dressing room (no pics, it was forbidden to take pictures inside).  There I think I wore like 4 internal clothes before wearing the outside kimono.  Lots of tying around, no wonder they don't allow pregnants in there, the wrap around was really tight.  

PS: My dad took a huge part in the selection of kimono process, he said, "You definitely have to wear red. Mas maganda sa picture." Hahaha.

Read more »

Inspiration from Airplane

I just discovered that the file where I typed my post for this in my phone was lost.  And this just sucks because I wrote it during the "moment".  Anyways let me try to remember what I had written....

I just love riding airplanes, and my favorite part is during take off.  I've always got this feeling that during take off, I'm flying closer to my dreams.  Weird right? I always had this feeling since I was a kid (after I've grown over the air sickness stage).  

Read more »

Rebuilding Yourself in your own Dorm

2016 broke me down and I had decided to dedicate 2017 to focus on rebuilding myself.  I figured I couldn't advance in my career if I'm so broken inside.  I'm an introvert type of person, so all the steps here are things that you can do alone in your own dormitory.  I'm not the type who will leave everything in the name of "soul-searching".  I'm not that courageous.

Read more »

The Blog Project

This is to answer the questions I get asked such as:

• For every blog I post, I sometimes get comments like, "Are you a doctor or what?" 
• Your blogs are full of makeup, so little about medicine
• Why do you blog?

For those who knew me, this blog has been here since I think 2009 and at first blogging has been just a past time, something I tried and enjoyed doing.  I was not serious about this blogging thing. 

Read more »

Applying Makeup for Depression

People wear makeup for a lot of reasons, and in the past there was a time when it was associated with negativity, like being fake and not being true to yourself and not being contented with what God has given you etc.

Read more »

The Little Prince Themed Party

We were invited to a themed birthday party.  I love themed parties because there's an artistic and crafty aspect to it.

This post is to give inspirations to others who are planning to have a "The Little Prince" Themed party.  Elements here may give you an idea on how to decorate your party.

Let's begin with the room decorations:

When I hear the little prince theme, I thought the color scheme will be majority green.  But I was surprised to see blue themed party.  And it turned out well actually, maybe better.

The centerstage backpiece was really great! I especially love the glittery effect.  It made the stage really extravagant!

Read more »

Getting Lost in Xiamen

We went to Xiamen for 3 days and 2 nights.  But I decided not to include our 1st night since it consisted of our meeting.  So I'll just include in this post our 2 day itinerary.

To give you an idea of our trip:

• We went in the month of May.
• We stayed in the Pan Pacific Hotel

Day 1 - Meetings

Read more »

PUA Midyear 2017

One thing I love about PUA is that during midyear the PUA holds its midyear convention to different parts of the Philippines.  I think this is a great way to know the country, and also for the urologists of different provinces and cities to showcase their hometown and place of practice in a very amazing way.

Plus, this helps in tourism of that place 😆.  And from a resident's point of view, we get the chance to experience something outside of the life inside the hospital.

This year's Midyear Convention, I was very excited.  I get to go to CEBU!!!! This is my first time to go to Cebu!

Read more »

Learning from a Baby

Today is my birthday, on a Sunday and luckily not on duty.  I originally planned on spending time with my family, probably lunch.  We already picked out a restaurant, and this will be a triple celebration for my younger sister's birthday and my dad's birthday as well.

But all the plans crumbled down when I was told by my senior, that we have to attend the PURA Strategic Planning.  Of course I can no longer control or predict my time since I have no idea how long the planning will be.  So we just cancelled our plans and wait til further notice before organizing the next family time.

So I was sad, I'm to spend my time away from my loved ones on my special day.  

We attended the Strategic Planning in Subic, Saturday night.  The planning went on smoothly.

Morning came of my birthday and I woke up earlier than the others.  And I stepped out of my room and walked around, still feeling lonely without my loved ones.

As I was walking I saw a mother with a baby.  We'll call the baby, Baby Joaquin.  I approached them and said good morning po and played with Baby Joaquin.  Baby Joaquin is a friendly baby, he did not cry when I carried him.

Read more »

Towel Band

Japanese sure are very creative in inventing stuffs.  I went to Daiso and bought this, since I saw a lot of you tubers use this.

It's really very cute, this towel head band.

You can actually use this whenever you're doing your skincare routine or your makeup, to take your hair off your face.

PS: I look like One Punch Man. (Playing with blur effects).

Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream - First Impressions Review

This is one of the korean skincare I bought for myself as my birthday gift for myself.  It was on sale in Beauty MNL. This will be the first time I'll have eye cream in my skincare.

Claims:

Packed with 80% snail mucin filtrate, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide; speeds up skin regeneration; locks in moisture; prevents inflammation and lightens hyperpigmentation; nourishes and hydrates for smoother, more supple skin

Packaging:

It comes in golden small plastic tube.  It contains 15 mL of the product. I like that it's small and very appropriate for traveling. The tube is easy to squeeze out the product, and you can control the amount of product that comes out.

Consistency:
The cream is white, with smooth, and very lightweight when applied.  It is not sticky when applied.  Although I didn't feel that it has a cooling effect on my skin.

Effect:

The cream is very moisturising the next day.  As for the other claims, we'll see once I use the product for longer time.

Banila Co Clean It Zero - Review

I'm really crazy with makeup right now.  I think majority of my salary is going to makeups.  I remove my make-up with Ever Bilena Eye & Makeup remover.  It's really affordable and it does its job.

While I was watching youtube, I saw this product which they're considering as their holy grail and can't live without.  So I was intrigued with how much good is this product anyways? And why spend a lot on a makeup remover?

I searched instagram and was able to find it online and on-hand.  I got mine for P860 for a 100g tub from @msbeautyaddict (Facebook: msbeautyaddict). She's very accommodating and I love how smooth the transaction went.

Let's start with the review:

Packaging:

It comes in a pink box, which is really cute and once you opened the box, you get a plastic tub with pink lid.  The packaging is really cute, simple and elegant.  It comes with a plastic spatula to scoop the product so it's more hygienic.  I'm worried though that I may lose the spatula as the time goes on.

Consistency:
It has a sherbet consistency, like a balm. But once you applied it to your face, it melts into your skin into oily consistency.

First Impressions Review:

You'll only need a very little amount probably a 25 cents size of the product. When I applied it, it felt oily in my skin, it has a very nice fruity scent. Upon application, it melt away my make-up.  But it was unable to remove my peripera lip ink.  I was worried that the oil will stay on my face and I hate the feeling of oil in my skin.  When I washed my face, I was surprised that there was no oily feeling on my skin.  My face felt smooth and soft and feeling washed with dirt and all the impurities.  It's like I had a facial treatment.

5 days after review:
I tried it for 5 consecutive days to give a better review of the product.  Everytime I use it, I feel refreshed and clean afterwards.

There's one major con though with this product which I noticed after the first day of using it... It blurs your vision for a brief moment right after rinsing the balm!!!!!! It can be a really scary experience! After a few seconds probably 30 sec to 1 min, your vision will return back to normal.

Pros:
fragrant
easy to use
leaves skin smooth, soft and clean

Cons:
gives blurred vision after rinsing for a few seconds
pricey

Overall rating: 9/10 - minus 1 for the blurring of vision
Will I recommend this? YES!
Will I buy again? Maybe? - I wanted to explore other brands first

Skin 79 Air Cushion Foundation - First Impression Review

I went to Hong Kong last week with the Section of Urology to have our team-building.  It was nice to get away from the hospital once in a while. 

Of course you have to shop in Hong Kong! I went to SaSa and hoarded tons of Korean makeup.  I was kind of looking for the Lineage or the cute Alice in Wonderland Beyond Air Cushion, or Hera Air cushion, but there was no tester in the store, and I'm not sure what shade I am... So I asked help from the saleslady and she offered me Skin 79 instead.  She told me since I'm on the younger age group, this is more appropriate for me, while the Lineage and Beyond caters to older age group, according to her. (Bubble thought, maybe she thinks I'm still in high school, I get that a lot).  

Anyways, this is my first air cushion. I've watched lots of youtube videos on how it works and the amazing science and concept behind it.  Plus, the fact that the idea came from stamping in crafting amazes me!

I got the shade 21 - Bright

This cushion foundation claims 5 in 1 multi cushion:

1  UV protection SPF 50+ PA+++

2  Whitening

3  Anti-wrinkle

4  Foundation

5  Moisture Care

Well let's see... As for the packaging...

It has a plastic pastel blue cover with mirror.  Like other air cushion, the base can be pushed to refill. It was pretty simple and decent.

Application

When I first applied it to my face, it was light coverage.  It gives you the 'natural glow' look, dewy and natural-looking.  This is perfect for your everyday make-up.  It was really light-weight.  I don't feel like I have something in my face when I used it.

Scent - none

Is it long-lasting? - Yes, it lasted a whole day with me, with no retouch.

Here are pictures of the product in comparison with bare face, 1 layer, 3 layers and after 12 hours of wearing it.

Pros

Lightweight

Natural-looking

Dewy finish

Long-lasting

Cons

Very light coverage

Recommend? - Yes

Will I buy again? - Yes, but will try other air cushions first, to find the perfect air cushion for me. 

Aritaum Water Sliding Tint - First Impression Review

I've been crazy over korean make-ups.  I really love Korean make-ups, because I felt like their products matches my skin tone, and they're cheaper than US makeup products.

I've heard lots of good reviews on the Aritaum lip tints line.  So I bought one online from Facebook: Korean Cosmetics PH. They have few shades available on hand when I bought this, but they accept preorders.

I got the Aritaum Water Sliding Tint #3 - Sweet Heart.  

First Impression:

General Appearance & Packaging: 

It has a fragrant sweet smell, not overpowering.  You'll hear a click everytime you click to raise some of the product.  It claims it raises it 1mm, which is just enough for your lips.  

WARNING: Once you click to raise the product, you CAN'T retract it again. It's locked.  So be careful not to over-click or over twist the product.

Swatch

Application & Longevity:
The tint lasted for 6-7 hours.  It's not kiss proof, some of the tint transferred to my hand when I performed the kiss-proof test, but it's very light only.  Some product also transfers to the glass I'm drinking, but barely noticeable.  Upon application it LITERALLY glides onto your lips, it was very smooth and very moisturizing.  This is perfect for those with dry lips.  The feeling of the tint is very light and really moisturizing.  I love how it feels on my lips.

After the 1st hour, the "shine or gloss" wears off, and leaves your lips a very light tint.  This is perfect for everyday use.

Will I purchase this product again? - Definitely
Will I recommend this? - YES!

PS: My lip profile - dry

Emperor-Style Tea Party

Today's dad's celebration of his birthday is different than the previous years.  My other family members are abroad celebrating in another country, somewhere in Europe (Spain, Portugal, etc).  So I made sure not be duty today.  That way, my younger sister and I can celebrate his birthday with him.

I've been thinking yesterday of how to make his birthday celebration special.  And I thought of making him breakfast in bed.  As I was looking through google of what does a chinese breakfast look like? Here's what I saw...

Then I thought, why not put my touch into it? Meaning... make it girly! hahaha.  So I thought of using my dainty teapots, teacups, plates etc. Typically for 2-tier plates, in England, they put in pastries.  But dad is not a fan of pastries. So I thought of placing dimsum in the pastry plates instead

Then I had an Intern, Lauren who mixes her own tea blend of lavender and stuffs.  So I used that her tea blend to make a pot of lavender tea.

I think the end result was a success! I believed he felt special on his special day!

Here's my dad, eating his breakfast, emperor-style with western and chinese fusion

Yup, this is one of those moments, you have to capture to remember forever.

Kawaii Themed Cafe

Finally got my break from the hospital, so I grabbed the chance to escape away from the Philippines, to visit HK.

I think it's been 3 years since I've been in HK with my friends. This time it's different, I get to travel alone, I felt kind of excited and scared at the same time at first. But hey, it's Hk and I'll be living with my relatives, what could possibly go wrong?

I felt I got to try somethin pg new in Hk apart from shopping, while searching the net I came across a snoopy themed cafe. The coffee shop was named Charlie Brown Cafe. So I decided that I'll devote my time to visit these kawaii themed cafe in HK.

Let's start of with Little Twin Star themed cafe. In Langham place in Mongkok, they have this celebration for 40 yrs of Hello Kitty. So for a certain period of time, the restaurants in Langham Place will have decorations devoted to the character, last month I think was Kuromi & my Melody (too bad I missed it, or it would be like heaven for med, I really love Kuromi!!!). Anyways, at Langham Place, at the 10th floor, 1000 Bites have decorations and food Little Twin Star themed.

The prices are really expensive, all I could buy were the cookies priced at HK$22 for 2 pcs of butter cookies.

Next stop will be the Hello Kitty Secret Garden Cafe at Tai Hing. This is actually hidden, you have to have a really active internet connection to help you navigate through the small streets in Hk. I advise you not to go there alone, or if you're alone, go there during the day.

This has gret interiors, you can see the tables have printed hello kitty in them, the chairs as well. Th comfort room even has hello kitty tiles.

I ordered bacon and pumpkin quiche. And also coffee latte

Tuna sandwich also. The food tasted ordinary, nothing special, but the presentation of the food is such an eye candy.

And can you see all the cakes with hello kitty in them! The cakes are priced HK$45 each, the latte I think around that price also, I forgot sorry!

There's also a small branch of the Hello Kitty cafe at Sogo, Causeway Bay. It's really just a stall, no place to eat, if you want to take out a cake, you can get from there, since it's more accessible and easier to find than the secret garden cafe.

The 3rd and certainly my favorite of all the cafe I visited, is the Charlie Brown Cafe, located at Ca,eron Road, Tsim Tsa Tsui.

I think this is the most authentic of all the kawaii themed cafe. Everything, from walls, imteriors,  lights, mirrors, doors, are all snoopy themed! This was definitely all worth it looking for and going into.

If I am to go back I'll go back here! I ordered cafe latte and cafe mocha, the mocha tasted great. Priced at HK$42 for small. They have 3 different sizes for the coffee

I think my tita enjoyed the experience also 

Amazing cakes! Priced at Hk$40+ I think for the mousse cakes.

It was a definitely fun experience visiting these kawaii theme cafe in HK, different from the typical shopping I usually do here. It was really worth it!

Til next trip!