GIVEAWAY: Bloggers Collab International Giveaway!

I've recently collaborated with three lovely bloggers to form an international giveaway. And yes, we are giving away cool prizes, so read on!

Bloggers:

• Lhyzie of lhyziebongon.com
• Mimi of mimilamour.blogspot.com
• Eurethel of eurethel.com
• Rainy of psychologyofrainy.blogspot.com

Our sponsors:

Sponsors (Online Shop):

• Out of the box PH
• SoftSkinLab
• EazyKlik Onlineshop

Prizes:

Versace Kimono (1 winner)

$10 PayPal Cash (1 Winner)

Soleil Skin Care Set (1 winner)

Fashion Loot (1 winner)

Beauty and Fashion Loot (1 winner)

Giveaway Details:

• Giveaway will start from August 7 – September 7, 2015.
• Winners will be announce by 2nd week of September.
• International Giveaway
• Winners should email me their shipping information at lyzettebongon@gmail.com
• Giveaway winners have 48 hours to contact me or else I will choose the winners again.
• Make sure you do all the mandatory instructions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Asia E- Commerce Expo 2015 #AECoE

Asia E- Commerce Expo 2015 (#AECoE) will be at SMX Aura, Taguig on November 25, 2015, Wednesday and brought to you by TAG Media and Public Relations.

#AECoE will give you a unique opportunity to learn from, and network with senior leaders from the biggest brands in Asia Pacific region and in which the leading e-commerce experts from emerging markets, award winning e-commerce players and established e-retailers in APAC gather under one roof. Industry leaders will share independent experiences and insights for delegates from different countries. You can be a part of this inspiring environment and benefit from the excellent networking opportunities it offers.

It features: Pre-conference sessions on ePayments, eLogistics and ePrivacy Opening reception Conference programme Over 15 local and  international high level speakers 30+ sponsors 1 hour of networking

What will you learn: 

1. Market Analysis 
2. Digital Marketing 
3. CRM 
4. Strategy 
5. E Commerce 
6. Going Global   

Why you should attend: 

• To grow your business 
• To meet investors 
• 300 APAC Audience 
• Maximizing cross border e commerce  

Speakers and Attendees will be coming from various industries. #AECoE is not just about learning but a potential future collaboration that’s why we allot time for networking.

 Speakers are leaders from different industries and engaged in momentous pursuits of significance to the ASEAN region and beyond.  Attendees are senior business people, high-ranking government officials and media.

Asia E Commerce Expo 2015 (#AECoE) is expecting 300 visitors & up to 30 companies to share their products and services in the expo. For more info please check www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph & for partnership/sponsorship, please contact the organizer at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph  Registration Fee per delegate:  Php 3,000.00 (Inclusion: Snacks and Lunch, Conference and Expo.)

Beauty Hacks: Baking Soda

I'm sure that by now practically everyone is aware of the many uses of baking soda apart from being just a part of every baking regimen. But for those who are not yet aware of the magical things you can do with it, here are some of them that you might actually find helpful:

1. It's an anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Baking soda can be used as a clarifying shampoo since it's a pretty great absorber of accumulated dirt. If you've used every product that strongly promised to remove all the (snow) flakes from your scalp and shoulders, why not give baking soda a try? Instead of using your favorite shampoo, massage an ample amount of baking soda on your scalp instead.

2. It can help heal bites and burns
- Baking soda can actually reduce inflammation and itching since it can balance the skin's pH level. So if you shaved pretty roughly this morning and nicked a skin, apply a solution of baking soda mixed with warm water on your razor burn, oh and yes, it works the same way with mosquito bites, too!

3. It's a good (and gentle!) exfoliator and more...
- Mixing baking soda with warm water and making it to a paste can do wonders to your beauty regimen. For one, you may use it to remove black heads from around your nose, use it as a face and body scrub, oh and use it on your nails right before you give yourself a mani!

4. Deo to the rescue
- As you all may (or may not know) baking soda is also good at removing pungent odors in your tupperwares and it's no different for your skin! So the next time you ran out of deodorant, simply dust baking soda under your arms and you're good to go!

So before heading to the drugstore for pricey creams and whatnots, check your cupboard first and see if there's any baking soda left from the last time you've made cookies. Not only will it save you time but will definitely save you some bucks!

When getting a Brazilian Wax...

In all honesty, I'm a huge fan of Brazilian waxes, well, sugaring to be exact. I've been doing it since I was a senior in high school; I was persuaded by my mom to go through it because (as she said) it will make me feel clean and fresh down there. She has never been more right about it. So after years of experience in having my nether areas waxed, I've learned a couple of things that I felt the need to share with you guys who are planning to get a brazilian wax for the first time or are new to this hair removal technique.

These 'rituals' didn't come to me in a day, it took me years before I finally religiously followed them to make it easier (and less painful) for me and my aesthetician. So I hope these things can help you out, too. Let's get started!

1. PREP UP
There are a few things that you might want to do (and bring) when getting a brazilian wax to make it less painful as possible.

a) Clean your nether areas with water and feminine wash. Usually, sugaring or waxing salons would have you do it in their restroom, sometimes they even provide you with feminine wash, too. But if you're not sure about this particular detail, then head on over to the bathroom right before you leave for your wax.

b) If the hair has bushed up down there, consider trimming them first, you'll thank me for that later and you're welcome!

c) Pack an extra cotton knicker and wet wipes in the arsenal that is your hand bag.

d) Some people usually pop in Aspirin or Ibuprofen before they get waxed. I've done this before and it did make the procedure less painful than before. So if it's your first time, consider popping in a pill 30 to 45 minutes before your waxing sesh.

e) It will be best if you wear a dress or skirt and cotton underwear when you head on over to get your brazilian wax. This will give your cooch some extra breathing room after having them waxed.

2. THE AFTERMATH
After cleaning your coochies of hair, your aesthetician will wipe the wax residue off your skin and will apply a toner to close your pores. Doing these will lessen your risk for getting an infection, but you'll have to be extra careful yourself. Here are some things that you must and must not do after having a Brazilian wax.

a) Do not wash the area for at least 6-8 hours. If it can't be helped and you really have to go, bring out those wet wipes that I asked you to bring. *wink wink* Oh and I hope you're wearing a clean pair of cotton knickers!

b) Resist the urge to touch the waxed area. I know how it feels to have them free of hair (probably for the first time) but avoid touching them to check how they are unless you're starting to get an allergic reaction to the wax. If you've gone through sugaring, there is very little chance for you to get the said allergic reaction, however, if you did get an allergic reaction, consult your doctor immediately.

c) In case it starts to get itchy down there (which is less likely to happen, but who knows) try your best not to scratch it. Again, as if I've not reiterated it enough, bloody infecsh!

3. MAINTENANCE
Now that you've gone through this whole experience you'll definitely realize how easy it is to clean your nether area especially when you have your period.

A few more things to remember now is that it's best to have your Brazilian wax a week before and after you've had your period; having it a day or two closer will make it more painful because your skin will most likely be on a very sensitive state at this point.

Lastly, do avoid working out right away, as it kind of defies the 'don't wash it' part of the 'Aftermath'.

That's it! I hope this article will be of help. =D

Night Time Skin Routine Every Woman Should Have

As women, we all know we have to do certain 'rituals' before hitting the sack, but seriously? How many of us actually do it? Most of us skip this particular part of the day either due to sheer exhaustion or simply, laziness. And as a boyish lady, I used to ignore this routine until I was 20 where I started to get a really bad acne breakout. Since then, I've decided to heed my mother's warnings and I have actually developed my own night time skin routine that I will now share with everyone.

1. Get those makeup off your face.
I understand if you want to wake up looking like a doll, been there, done that for several years. But the 'I woke up like this' look will most likely just be smudged liner, mascara and lipstick, and mind you if your goal is to look like a circus clown in the morning you wouldn't like this look at all. Invest in a really good makeup remover (or some baby oil, for budget conscious ladies) and make it a habit to remove your makeup as soon as you get home. Get all those colors off from your lips and eyes as much as you can, especially in the eyes where you're most likely using waterproof products. It is important to remove (gently) as much as you can to avoid irritation why you sleep.

2. Washie Wash Wash Wash
To remove the excess product off your face and prevent your skin from having a breakout, don't forget to wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser. This will also clean up the dirt and oil from your pores; going for a gentle facial cleanser that is right for your skin type will do you wonders. Oh and don't forget to gently pat (don't rub) your face with a towel, preferably a face towel which you would only use on your face alone. Heard it's best to use a separate towel than your body towel to make sure it's all clean and clear up there.

3. Bring on the protectors
Now that your face is clean from all the grime and grit (exaggerating to make a point) it is now time to pamper it with serums, toners and moisturizers to help protect your skin from long term damages brought by pollution, UV rays and even aging (gasps!) If you're not sure what products to use, you may consider your skin type and needs and purchase products that would be right for your skin. Consulting with a dermatologist will also be really good as they can recommend the precise products that your skin needs.

I know that these things are simply common knowledge, but it must be said and reiterated. *wink*


What about you? What do you do for your skin before hopping in between the sheets?

Pinkies: Smooth Silk Long Lip and Eye Pencil

Not a lot of people know but I am a bit into red lipsticks. Well, okay, maybe a bit too into it that I sometimes have the tendency to splurge on lipsticks alone.

My mom, knowing about my budding obsession to cosmetics, recommended this very cheap but handy lip and eye pencil from Pinkies last weekend.

I decided to give it a try since it was really inexpensive (under 100php!!!) and the color was really good. My mom actually got a deep purple shade of this lip and eye pencil which she pulled off effortlessly over lunch.

The shade I got was PCLP03-ALOHA which is actually a slightly bright red.

This lippie liner is actually pretty good and delivers more than its price, tbh. It glides on easily and has a creamy matte finish, exactly what I wanted.

Its lasting effect is also pretty good. Mine lasted for nearly eight hours. I first put it on shortly after lunch time and had been drinking and eating constantly that entire afternoon,

Here is a shameless selfie that I took on my way home from the mall, about 5-6 hours after I have first applied the product. And no, I did not retouch it. It stayed on well until after dinner where it finally began to fade.

I honestly really like this lip liner as it not only last long, has a rich color with a creamy matte finish but also for 89php, it has over-delivered. No exaggeration. Try it for yourself. Got mine in the cosmetics aisle in SM Masinag Department store.

I'll definitely restock on this product.

Mimi L'Amour Launch

Hello, my name is Mimi L'Amour and welcome to my latest blog.

I have been around the blogosphere since 2006 and have since hopped from site to site. This is my new haven now, and in here, I will write about my adventures in travel, food, beauty and lifestyle in general in this blog as often as I could.

Hope you'll support this new project of mine. Cheers!

xx Mimi

Sunday's at Bestie's

I honestly had no idea how I fell asleep the night before but I was sure Ge and I were listening to random Disney songs till we gradually fell into a deep slumber. LOL. But I got up at around 9am after being awakened by the smell of breakfast courtesy of Ge's baby sister, Tricia. Haven't had that kind of breakfast in ages and it was really satisfying.

Soon after breakfast, we visited their neighbor to whom they introduced me to. We stayed there for sometime just chatting randomly and somehow managed to talk about future adventure trips together. Not long after that it started raining really hard and when the heavy rain turned into a light drizzle we headed back to their house where Tricia and I spontaneously took off our shirts and jumped in their pool while the rain continued.

After showering, we had lunch and had some idle time; watched the Mayweather-Pacman fight. Then Ge and I harvested mangoes and santol in their front yard and on their roof, haha. I have never tried picking the fruit that I'd eat so that's new for me. We picked lots of fruits as they cleaned their lawn and roofs of dried leaves. Then we all sat down and had a very delicious snack of Banana con Yelo... well, Ge had a different preference so he had Mais con Yelo.

We all indulged into a random conversation which eventually ended at around 4:30pm when Tricia and I decided to go home; I, to Antipolo, and Tricia, to her apartment in Cainta.

The drive home was fun, as always. There is never a dull moment when I'm with her. She has proven to be one of my very few good friends; I honestly don't feel the same bond, fun and excitement with anyone else than with her and her family. They were more than my friends, they are like my second family.

Swimming while it's raining.

Our poor attempt to take an underwater photo.

Sleepy eyes.

This is me on the roof.

Banana and Mais con Yelo

Captured by le best friend.

Tricia drove me home <3

So, that's how my Sunday went. It was a fun-filled weekend. <3

Buntot Palos, Pangil, Laguna

Credit goes to Ge Ja

I have not been anywhere remotely fun in weeks. My life has revolved only both at work and at home. But I have been looking forward to this weekend's getaway for ages since the Daraitan trek.

As far as I know we will be trekking with a lot of people, but a lot has also cancelled on the last minute making our group as small as six people. We decided to call our newly formed group as "(E)X-Men" after realizing that four of our members were ex's. LOL Funny as it may seem, it didn't make the trip even a wee bit odd, weird and awkward. It was actually the opposite.

Okay, so I got to my best friend's place at around 12 midnight on Friday. His mom, whom I have missed so much, made me a warm cup of Milo which we drank as we sat on the mattress laid out in front of the TV. Soon after finishing our drink she retired to bed while Ge and I stayed up a bit longer to watch TV.

However, our plan of retiring to bed sooner didn't go so well. We ended up chatting till about two in the morning; we tried sleeping but couldn't resist the urge to wake up the other in a funny way. For example, just when I was about to succumb into a deep slumber he would intentionally tap me and say 'good morning' or ask if I'm about to go to sleep. Yes, we're weird, mainly the reason why we're still friends after all these years. LOL

Anyway, we did set an alarm but no one got up on time. LOL. We ended up leaving their house in Baras at about 6-6:30am. As soon as we got to Famy, Laguna we stopped by at our favorite Lomi stop and had, well, Lomi for breakfast. Shortly afterwards, we made a quick trip to the grocery store across the restaurant to buy some snacks before we headed to Pangil.

Breakfast with the group.

A very satisfying bowl of Lomi <3

We arrived in Pangil and started our trek at around 9am. The trek, honestly, was unlike the others I had. It was the roughest trek I've been to so far but it definitely is the best.

Yes, forgive the faces. Haha! From L-R: Me, Tweet, Tita Cookie, Tricia, Koi and Ge.

The trek was divided into five stations, the fifth being the majestic waterfalls but I'm getting ahead of myself. Of course, no heavenly place can be attained without passing through a long and rough road. And boy, was the trail rough. LOL. The longest were the first two stations which seemed to go on for ages, but once at the third station, the view got a lot better making us thrive harder to go on and get to the best part.

This is the view from the first station. Marvelous, isn't it?

Going to the second station.

Here's one of the many horse trails.

Credit goes to my best friend for taking this lovely photo of me taking a photo of the lovely view. haha!

Enjoying the background view at the third station with le best friend :D

 

Now, the photos above were the trails going to the fourth and fifth stations, consecutively. They were really steep and slippery but get this, by the time we reached the fourth station, all tired and sweaty, we were amazed of the view in front of us.

Nothing says we're close to the end than seeing this.

Look at our smiles of relief knowing that we're almost there. haha!

And finally...

Credit goes to Ge Ja.

Que bella, indeed! oh and yes, more photos!

Credit goes to Ge Ja .

Credit goes to Ge Ja .

At the foot of the falls.

Tricia (right) and I (left) just behind the foot of the falls.

And there's Ge at the far left... posing as a third bikini top gal. LOL!

No one's around but us so we had all the confidence to take our shirts off haha!

Here's a photo of us fooling around at the rocks. Ge's showing off his leg at the camera.

Here we are when we first arrived at the falls. There's a random chick at the back probably substituting for our missing member haha

We stayed there for hours, just basking in the cool and refreshing water from the falls. It definitely is a lot of fun and no words can ever describe the happiness I felt when we went behind the foot of the falls after lunch. We were at ease though the rocks were slippery; we also managed to get a very heavy shoulder massage from the raging water. LOL It was loads of fun being there at that time and moment with the people I was with.

Oh and here's a video of me jumping off a not-so-high cliff. Believe me, this video is actually 4 mins long, with 50% of it showing me contemplating whether to jump off or not. I'm actually afraid of heights and I have this very weird fear of jumping off and hitting my head on some huge rocks, so... yeah hahaha it was actually really hilarious.

 After the soothing time at the back of the falls, we jumped off again and packed up our things. Soon after we're back on the trail; it took us a bit longer than the first time though since we're all so tired and sleepy from the day's activities.

Time to go.

Then halfway through, my best friend asked me to stand beside this tree and pose for a photo for some reason. I love this shot. Captures my sleepy eyes and red hair under the mid-afternoon sun.

This indeed signifies the end of our day. Later that hour, we were back in our van driving to the same restaurant where we had breakfast and had dinner before heading back home. Everyone in the back were asleep as we drove home. LOL. I shall never forget this experience. There is a sense of achievement in this for I have never expected to make it to the end and back knowing that I have gained so much weight and had less exercise than before. Most of all, my fear of heights had somehow lessened. Nothing beats an adventure like this; I can never trade this experience and the feeling it comes with after with the comfort of my bed and pillow.

Godmom and Best Friend Duties

This weekend and the start of my week was a total whirlwind in some ways. For one, I had to rush to SM Magnolia (from Antipolo) to see my childhood friend and give her some 'emergency godmommy kit'. It was honestly unplanned so I literally rushed to Gilmore station on a lazy hour. The trip, though unusually long due to traffic, was really worth it. I mean, just look at the picture on the left. Freakin' adorable!

And since it wasn't planned at all, I had to bid them goodbye but first, we roamed around a bit and grabbed a bite of a yummy pizza cone being sold by HRM students from St. Paul. It was good! The wrap wasn't too moist nor was it too hard as a chip; it was full of cheese though and had less mushrooms and pepperoni. Nonetheless, it was still a treat and we enjoyed it while drinking a large serving of Apple and Orange juice mix. Yummy!

Later that evening, I met up with my bestie, Jaycee at SM Taytay where we had dinner at Tokyo Tokyo and had a drink in my room back home soon after. We did nothing special but spending quality time with her (e.g. watching funny videos while pigging out and drinking vodka) is just as good as going on adventures with her and our other bestie, Ge whom, by the way, dropped by at around 3am and brought us food and a movie entitled "PK". It was an Indian film which stars Aamir Khan. As expected it was funny yet full of life lessons. Ergo, it was worth watching till 5am. Haha! Ge still went home as soon as the movie's over, leaving Jaycee and I to sleep.

   

Later that morning, Jaycee and I decided to grab lunch at Savory in Victory Park Mall before I head to work. We tried calling Ge, hoping that he could join us for a bite but apparently he's still asleep so what we did next was kinda 'nice' for our kind. Haha! We decided to take out his portion of the meal and delivered it ourselves only to be left waiting for a long time outside his apartment. It took him so long to open the door that we changed the sweet message we wrote on his takeout bag. Refer to the pic below. HAHA!

Sorry for the language. But yeah. We're still his best girl friends!