iPray

Here's one of the stickers Singles for Christ-Claret gave out during the Praisefest activity last August 31. I soo love the simplicity of the design and its being direct to the point. Peg is the iPod logo.



Thanks so much Bam Deato for helping us out.

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Tomato Pesto Pasta

After serving my family my favorite plain sausage pesto, I was disappointed that they didn't like it. Of course they expected red sauce to go with that. And since it's just the greenie substance they saw with the penne, they just took a few bites, perhaps, being polite. Since the appearance did not appeal much, the taste was also prejudiced.The next day, while thinking on how to eat all those 1/4 kilo carbs in the pasta, a brilliant idea just struck me.

And here's the recipe:

200ml tomato sauce

1 chopped onion

1 tsp Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Sauté the onions, add in the tomato sauce then put it to a boil. Put in the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. Afterwards, mix in the leftover pesto pasta. Tadaaah!

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Lip balms in a pot

I’m so into lip balms since high school.  When my lips get dry either from being exposed to low AC temperature or extreme heat, a pot of lip balm offers quick relief.

The Face Shop Fresh Lip Balm

I love the fruity flavor, particularly cherry.  When applied, it instantly moisturizes lips just like a petroleum jelly would, minus the greasy feeling and the smell.  It has Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil, The Face Shop Fresh Lip Balm is the anti-chapping protection you’ll need as. This balm gives off a shiny finish, making it perfect to top your favorite lipstick as well.  As a base, I don’t recommend this one because the makeup is somewhat thick hence lip colors can’t stay on for long. 

 Other flavors available:  Orange and Strawberry

 You may also try Body Shop’s Born Lippy

. 

Leaving the same effect as The Face Shop Fresh Lip Balm, this one is made of organic beeswax which is widely known to have moisturizing properties.

Ellana Lip Treatment

This no-petroleum lip balm indeed can keep your lips soft and supple over time.  And here’s a plus:  upon application, there is a sweet-minty taste while instantly moisturizing your lips.  I tried this balm when I had real chapped lips and it did wonders.  Now I still keep it in my kikay kit, a must-have in fact.  Perfect as lipstick base too. 

Flavors available: Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Kiss & Cucumber Melon

Photos courtesy of http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/; http://www.thefaceshopen.com/; http://www.ellanaminerals.com/

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Sunblock

Over summers, I’ve been trying on different sunscreens. For someone who loves to go outdoors most of the sunny days, UV protection is a necessity.  So here’s my review of some of the sunblocks I’ve used over the years.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF50+ 
True to its name “Ultra Sheer”, this is by far the most translucent sunblock I’ve used.  It is easily absorbed by the skin and leaves no white marks.  I took this off the rack when I got intrigued by the ad’s tagline: 8 out of 10 women say this is the best sunblock, and I should agree.  Though almost invisible when applied, it works as hard as the traditional thick lotions.  Plus it has this cooling effect once struck by heat.  While Neutrogena costs a little more compared to other sunscreens in the market, it is worth every cent.

Nivea Children’s Sun Lotion SPF50  
When hitting the beach with the kids, this can be your best bet.  Aside from high SPF, it is proven safe even on children’s delicate skin so why would it be harmful on adults’.  Highly effective too, I never had sunburns with this on, even if I stayed under the sun for long a long time.  When you check the supermarket racks now, Nivea is now available in smaller, handy bottles hence consumes less space in your baggage.

  

Beach Hut Max SPF75++ 
So you hate the thick consistency most sunblock lotions have, this is for you.  Water-based and comes with a spray, application is much easier, even on those hard to reach areas like your back.  Aside from very high SPF, it is also non-sticky, non-greasy and hypoallergenic.  I just sooo love it.

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10 Things I’m loving now (my wishlist for xmas08)

1. boots – Though Philippines is a tropical country, with the current climate change, fab boots are becoming appropriate nowadays; ankle boots neutralizes the femininity of flowy dresses.
2. structured plaid dresses – great as office-segue-to-party outfit
3. Essenses Green Tea Lotion, Body Scrub, Shower Gel and Body Mist – green tea is refreshing, as cool as this season.
4. Ricky Lee’s first novel “Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin) – Isn’t the title intriguing enough?
5. Britney Spears’ Womanizer – can’t help but shake my head to the beat
6. iPod wall charger and iPod Speakers
7. http://www.flavia.com/ - cute e-cards to send your family and friends
8. Van Houten Fruit and Nuts chocolate bars – my comfort food of the moment
9. 2008 MMFF – an exhibition of quality Pinoy movies. I can’t wait to see the 10th Shake, Rattle and Roll! Hope movie pirates declare ceasefire this time to give producers a chance.
10. Ellana mineral cosmetics – I tried Stunner on my eyelids and it’s just but fab. More amazing products available online: http://www.ellanaminerals.com

10 Things I’m loving now 111808

(In no particular order)

1. big hoop earrings -  even if an outfit’s a drab, silver hoops can instantly glamorize your look.
   
2. funky neckties – add some attitude to plain pique shirts and blouses
3. Face Shop’s nail color – for less than a hundred pesos, there are a lot of yummy colors to suit every mood; It dries up fast and doesn’t chip off easily.  For more info, check http://www.thefaceshopen.com
4. The Bible – rediscovering it as a source of daily inspiration, one will never run out of quotes to share
   
5. The String Quartet Tribute – their versions of pop songs make me hum along while relaxing me. For more info, check http://www.vitaminrecords.com/ 
   
6. http://www.faceyourmanga.com – create your avatar here
   
7. Chowking’s Spicy Wanton Noodles – this has been my comfort food for more than a year now.
   
8. Bazaars/tiangge – Christmas season is Bazaar season.  And where else can you find fab items that won’t break the bank.
   
9. Bath and Body Works Pink Grapefruit – the scent is “seductively tangy” --whatever that means, I love it
10. Tic Tac Extra Strong Mint Candy – instant wake-me-up candy for long trips

Relax

I saw this printed on a girl's shirt:

"The best time to relax is when you don't have time for it."

Makes sense, huh.  And I'll always remind myself of that. :)