Stop and Smell the Coffee

It was more than a month ago, March 10, 2018 to be exact when my dad fell off the stairs.  He was confined in a hospital for series of tests for 2 days and he was released as everything "seems fine".

As much as the results were all good, dad became restless, he can't move much due to pain and his usual activities which he does on his own is turning out to be a major challenge.

Fast forward to 2 weeks after the fall, I visited him as usual to feed him and give him some TLC (massage!).  I asked him what he wanted to eat - noodles, rice or congee.  And all I heard was mumble.  He can't seem to speak anymore.  

We brought him to the Emergency Room and we learned his left brain suffered stroke and his speech was the first target.  The news drained me - I felt like a kid all over again.  I wanted to cry but I needed to stay strong at the same time.  

Everyday seems to go by pretty quickly.  My usual crazy schedule became crazier as I need to insert hospital visits in between mommy duties.  It was tiring - yes, but it was something me and my siblings chose to do!

There's always a silver lining (as they say), true enough, there is a glimmer of light!  My dad is currently home and settled, he is still having difficulties in communicating and we need help with Speech Therapy but at least, I know he's safer! 

But, as for any machine - in my case, my body.  Overwork means my body is finally going downhill.  I have difficulties waking up in the morning and I feel sleepy and tired midday.  Don't worry, I'm not depending on coffee to give me the instant boost of energy, I actually stopped drinking for quite some time surviving some days without coffee or maximum of 1 cup a day!  That's a huge change considering I'm a 3-4 cups drinker!

Top: SM Woman
Pants: Zalora
Shoes: Shoegar

Today, I realized that I need to slow down a bit.  While waiting for my son in school, I've decided to OPEN my laptop not to work but to write this personal post to share with you that my life, other peoples' lives and YOUR life isn't perfect.  We are all carrying a certain baggage on a daily basis but we try our best to put a "happy mask" on our faces because life needs to goes on! 

The world won't stop just for you. 

With my dad's stroke episode and my mom's near-death experience several years ago, I realized, I need to STOP and SMELL the COFFEE (Figuratively).  We need to stop and enjoy life because we may never know when our coffee will get bitter or worst, stale!  

And since we're on the topic of coffee, the relaxation happened at Figaro Coffee Banawe, it wasn't the greatest place to "tambay" as the electric plugs aren't working and at some point (or some area of the room at 2nd floor), it gets hot with the sun coming through.

But as I said: STOP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Space Adventure at The Mind Museum

When your son live and breathe space since 2 years old, you'll know the Space Adventure at the Mind Museum is a MUST place for him to visit!  

Grateful that my dad's situation was better during the weekend of Space Adventure Grand Opening.  After rushing back from my dad's home, I went with my family to the Mind Museum and let me indulge you with Kyle's happiness!

Okay, he didn't look THAT happy in this photo as he was itching to rush to activity after activities and I kinda forced him to take a photo first for remembrance!  hahaha

With a Saturn cap on my head, the mom is also ready to feel the excitement!

Space Adventure: Journey to the Wonders of the Universe is an exhibition conceived and created by The Mind Museum, with the support of exhibit partners Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Neltex, LEGO, and Celestron, Urban Greens, Datem, and Daegu National Science Museum.

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Measures

I've known Kiehl's since their sought after Lip Balm ---> which I got in Hong Kong way before they arrived here.  Then next favorite product from the brand is their Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I've finished approxiately 3-4 bottles as of date!  

The brand is out there, I know they make good skincare but I don't really get to test all their products because I have the tendency to be "Loyal" to whatever works for me.

But recently, due to stress and weather condition, my skin is looking and feeling totally different from how it was for the past years.  I find myself confused and a bit alarmed that I don't seem to know my skin that much anymore!  

When I saw a bunch of Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening products on my table, I gave it a use for once or twice a week, inserting them in between my "usuals".  So whatever information I'll be sharing to you are mostly "experiential basis", I will talk about the feel, the texture and the immediate effect.  Do not expect a detailed review on these products because that's how I review skincare products, it really takes time because I need to insert new ones one at a time.

Comprende? :D 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser
Php1,450.00

This exfoliating face wash gently purifies skin and helps remove dirt and environmental pollutants while visibly improving overall clarity. Infused with White Birch Extract and Peony Extract, this formula gently removes dirt, oil and pollution. Formulated with Pearlstone, a natural exfoliant, this skin brightening face wash smoothes and refines the feeling of skin for a more radiant appearance. Help clarify and visibly brighten skin with our purifying cleanser, gentle enough for use twice per day.

"Max Your Beauty" with the Honor 9 Lite!

I used to dislike taking photos of myself because the outcome is always "weird".  Weird in the sense that I don't look like myself and kind of feel like my face is distorted.  But taking selfies using back of the camera takes a whole lot of energy, talent and 6th sense!  Most of the time, I only get half of my face or maybe a full-yet-blurred face!

Just stop taking "Selfies" right?
Not in my case as a Beauty Blogger.

When I found a nice blush that matches my complexion, a lip color that made my dry lips healthy-looking or a face powder that looks oh-so-natural while covering red spots and under eye circles.  These are the moments I feel like whipping out a camera and share to the world my "Beauty Eureka Moments".  And when I share, I make it a point that the photos aren't half-baked!  I want them clear, true-to-life colors that would make readers or followers understand and see what I'm talking about - that's the power of caring by sharing!

So when I first heard about a new phone from Huawei called Honor 9 Lite thru my favorite online shopping app (https://shopee.ph) and the product got me at Quad Lens Camera!  

Fake Glowing Skin Without Looking Fake!

 When Benefit announced a new Box O' Powder is arriving, I was holding onto my seat trying hard not to squirm because I have always been a Box O' Powder collector!  Since the arrival of Benefit in the Philippines more than 5 years ago, I swore to myself I'll grab every single Box O' Powder available because I just love their blushes that way!

I've said it so many times on my Blog and #AMWIgStories , my first love is Hervana, then was moved to Galifornia because of the gorgeous glow it gives!  Don't let me start talking about each blush because they hold a very special place on my cheeks especially Dallas - learned how much I love this just last year!

So where is the blush you say?  I'm pointing it for you!

A lot of the Blush Maven may not like Gold Rush.  I was glad Gold Rush came in just this year because if this came out several years ago, I'll dislike it so much this may probably go straight to the deepest part of my blush drawer!   But because fake, glowing skin is IN right now, even beauty enthusiasts are starting to apply highlighters on the apples of the cheeks, well, no need for that BOOM CHEEKS look!  You can create highlighted, gorgeous-looking skin effect with Gold Rush.

Benefit Gold Rush

Php1,600.00