Everything is going well with me, I'm just really busy which is why the lack of updates. We have a lot of things going on right now with all the doctor's appointments, house hunting, Jacob going back to school, work and preparing for the baby. It feels like everything is happening all at once and sometimes it gets stressful. >_<

Anyway, here is a belly update although I am officially 26 weeks now.


I don't really take weekly shots like some ladies do and I don't think I'll go for a maternity shoot either. Although it looks like I am okay with showing a little bit of skin (lol) but this will be the last. I promise to cover my belly next time I post. Also, 14 weeks left or more like 94 days. Yay! Oh, and baby has been kicking like crazy lately. No one warned me about how these kicks can kind of hurt. I thought it would be sweet little kicks and feeling the baby move, but no, her kicks can really be strong and catch me off guard at times then I go "oop" "iih" "ugh"... but at least I know she is alive and doing fine in there. My favorite is when she slowly rolls.

I bought a pair of wedge sneakers yesterday! The Puma Sky Wedge in Virtual Pink. They are so cute on! I plan to wear them for fall with leggings or skinnies paired with oversized shirts, tunics and sweaters! If they weren't on sale, I wouldn't even try them on. Oh my god, they are so comfortable! It's like boots with padding!!


I think the safest way to wear this style is to get the sporty looking ones. I hated these shoes when they first came out because the actual wedge part looked exactly like a wedge heel (example). To me, it just didn't fit with the whole "sneakers" vibe. I'm glad they started to make them look prettier and more casual.

I'd probably get another pair in black just because I'm so in love with them. I purchased my shoes from DSW but my store had it on sale so I only paid $60. Score!

I loved the Green Tea Cleanser from St. Ives (can't get enough of the clean scent) but it's making my face really dry lately. Maybe part of it is because I'm pregnant and this baby is stealing all the moisture from my body (heh!).

Anyway, I went back to using YSL's Natural Action Exfoliator to help with the dry patches on my skin. I love this product. It's like magic. You put it on your dry face and just swirl around with your fingers and the heat will help liquify the product. And it smells super amazing!!


I got the sample sized version on ebay and I don't know for sure if it's authentic or not, but it smells and feels exactly the same. A full size costs $44 and the only reason I first got one was because the Nordstrom ladies grabbed me to do a makeover with their guest makeup artist and you know, I just kind of got sucked into their marketing skills. LOL! But I think it was worth it since I went back for another tube =).

J got me the Olympus XZ-1 I've been lusting over since it came out like 2 years ago! I like it so far, except for the underexposing of pictures which was a total shock to me because the online photos I've seen were all bright and sharp. I know I can easily fix it by adjusting exposure in-camera or post-processing but I was really disappointed as to why my unit is acting up, I feel like I got a defective sensor or something. And I know it's my fault for not playing with the camera in person first, but I was hoping it would be smaller than my micro 4/3 but there really isn't much of a difference especially since I always have the pancake lens on. If I attach the kit lens, then yes, the XZ-1 becomes a lot more pocket friendly compared to E-PL1. It's also obviously a little lighter to carry around.

PROS:
Nice DOF on images
Quick to take photos

CONS:
Underexposed images even in daylight
OLED screen is a little grainy
The freaking lens cap is annoying

Here is a sample shot SOOC using P mode, and ISO set to Auto and +.3 on EV.

I guess it's not thaaat bad... considering it was a little dark and I only had a little lamp on... but still...

I decided to get the Wet n Wild trio palette in Silent Treatment because it's small enough to put in my little makeup bag for work and I think it has pretty colors that is perfect for an everyday subtle smoky look. I actually also use Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Bad to Bronze which is nice for adding a wash of color over the lids. I usually don't have time to get ready in the morning so anything quick and easy is good.

J and I are going to Benihana tonight to celebrate our anniversary. I can't believe that I'm with this guy for 6 years now. I feel so lucky for having him by my side. He's so patient, understanding and takes care of me... and I just love him!! He is so gentle and loving and never shouts at me over anything. He tries to be the best man he can be. Sometimes, I feel like I don't deserve all of his kindness but he will tell me that he loves me. I hope we stay together forever. (Oh my god, so cheesy.)


And now that we are expecting our first child, I am sure that our love for each other will just grow more. <3 Speaking of being pregnant, I promise to do a belly update as soon as my uterus decides to show... =P

I'm just rediscovering my love for the Panny lens. Why am I not taking more pictures?? I am wasting summer. I should be out and about, on hikes and camping, and just shooting everything. I should get back to the habit. Anyway, here are some earrings and bracelets I bought earlier this year.


I think I have a problem with buying accessories and not really using them. Specially if they are on sale. I just can't help it!! I'm such a sucker for things like that.

These are three lip products I regret buying not because they suck, but mainly because the color was not right for me. Such a waste of dollars.




Colors look really pretty but swiped on my lips, they are just horrible. I should stick to my mauves, wines and bricks. Peach, light baby pink and bright corals just isn't for me.

PS. Look at how little product you get from Revlon's Lip Butters! *_* I think average price is around $7. Bummer! But it's one of my favorites! I love the colors Lollipop and Red Velvet!

Back when theBalm redid their website, they had a 50% off sitewide sale and I purchased the Nude 'Tude palette, Bahama Mama bronzer and Balms Away eye makeup remover. Today, I'm going to write about the Nude 'Tude.


The palette is made of sturdy cardboard and closes with a magnet. There's also a huge mirror inside which makes it perfect for travel. It also came with a brush applicator I didn't care for so I tossed it away. LOL!


You get to choose your background between naughty (girls) and nice (room). I thought the nude girls design was really cute but felt like the softer room design lets the focus be more on the eyeshadows so I went with this version. I think it looks classier anyway.


This palette comes with a total of 12 matte and shimmer shadows which you can use dry or wet. They were all pretty pigmented and buttery soft! Sassy and Stand-offish are excellent highlighters while Serious and Sleek are perfect for lining eyes and adding depth and definition.

All in all, I LOVE NUDE 'TUDE!!!

So hey, everyone knows about Baby Lips but I didn't really get into them after receiving the Peach Kiss in my sock last Christmas. I know a lot of girls like it but it didn't work out for me. From what I remember, it was a little gritty and collected in between my lip lines... just sucked on me big time. But it seems like Baby Lips are really popular because they keep coming out with new editions so I decided to give it another shot. If they are this popular, something must be right. I stuck with the original line and got Cherry Me because I know I will need the tint!

The first thing I noticed is the strong cherry smell. I don't really like it but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Application was smooth and effortless, so that was a good sign. And oh golly, I love love love the sheer wash of cherry tint it added on my lips!! One little con I think is that it feels heavy on my lips which I'm not used to for lip balms (I am a Burts Bees gal) but it's something I can get over with. I'm glad I gave this a second chance. Will I repurchase? Not sure yet.

Wet n Wild was BOGO 50% off at Freddies so I bought two lippies from their .99 Silk Finish Line. Hey, they're so cheap I couldn't resist. I want to go back and get some darker shades.





Hot Red goes on super smooth and creamy but I feel like it's too bright for my skin tone and makes me look like a 6 year old playing with makeup. Now Retro Pink I like! It has a bit of shimmer so it doesn't glide on the lips as smoothly as Hot Red, but nothing major, still creamy.

I get these urges to buy a ton of makeup at the drugstore because I get so excited about all the new colors I can play with, for cheap! And I compare the feeling I get to when I was a kid and I'd get a new big big box of Crayola for school... eeeiiihhh!!

• Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick, Retro Pink
• Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick, Hot Red
• Maybelline Fit Me Foundation Stick, 220 Natural Beige
• Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, Red Velvet
• Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Flared
• Maybelline Baby Lips, Cherry Me
• Milani Lip Liner, True Red

I will make little review posts if I can.

Here are some of the products I would love to grab on my next drugstore shopping trip:


Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation - I've been seeing a lot of reviews for this one and it makes me want to try it. Might be hard to find a shade though since it's supposed to oxidize 1-2 shades darker.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Red Velvet - just because I enjoy buying these.

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies - I want to see how it will work on my asian lashes.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Foundation - Had good reviews as well and I'm curious if it can really clear your skin. I've been getting these tiny bumps on my face since getting pregnant.

images sourced from Google

Aha, finally have time and enough energy to go do stuff online again. I have been so sick (throwing up almost everyday) and just really felt super lazy during my first trimester, but at least I no longer feel exhausted and nauseous. I get the occasional headaches now though. I guess you can't win all.

So, I'm 14 weeks now, still no bump, lack of appetite and I also lost about 4 lbs. I never thought pregnancy would suck like this. But I carry on. I just hope that the baby is developing healthy and on track because I haven't been eating and exercising like I'm supposed to. It doesn't help that I don't feel pregnant (besides the constant throwing up and heartburn) because it makes me nervous at times and stressing out is bad!!

If you've seen the movie What to Expect When You're Expecting, I'm Elizabeth Banks there. Hahaha!

Jake and I finally got married! We didn't have the traditional church wedding because I really really want to do it in the Philippines (my sisters are still living there) and we had planned it this way anyway. We've been engaged for almost 2 years and we talked about just getting the certificate and then later when we get a house, we can do a little backyard celebration for Renewal-of-Vows and then vacation to the Philippines and celebrate there as well. But oh, things and plans change!

So I was busy browsing the net for beauty bloggers and keep saying to myself, "DAYUM, this girl is amazing!"  I wish I have the same talent in turning a just-woke-up face to ready-for-the-day face. I usually go to work with just moisturizer and tinted lip balm. AS IN BORING!! Mostly because I wake up late... LOL! But if I have a bit of time, I would slap on some powder.

But after clearing out my stash, I realized that when I buy makeup, I only test or swatch it for a few times and that's it. NO, NOT ANYMORE. I can't be wasting money like how I used to when I lived with my parents. My money isn't for my leisure alone anymore... it goes to food and bills now too. =( So, the only way I can justify my shopping is that if I actually use the stuff I get and not be forgotten and collect dust. And to do this, I figured that I have to wake up at least 10 minutes earlier so I can put a quick respectable face... LOL!

So, I played with my makeup to figure out a quick morning routine to get me work ready in about 10 minutes and here is what I came up with...

Playing with mah Stila palette, yo.

1. I put on moisturizer and then liquid foundation using fingers.
2. I don't bother with my brows because... isn't it obvious?? LOL! They're naturally thick and dark.
3. I put UD Primer Potion on my lids. 
4. Then wash my lids with a gold toned shadow. 
5. I then pick up some dark brown and place it on the outer corner and crease, and sloppily blend it out. 
6. Next is a shimmery highlight color that goes on the inner corners of my lid and lower lash line. 
7. I pick up some brown shadow and line the outer lash line.
8. I decided I don't have time to play with eye liners.
9. Curl my lashes and add mascara.
10. Blush if I feel like it, finishing powder.
11. Last step is to swipe some color to my poorly pigmented lips.

Whatjathink?? You know how they say "my lips but better"... this is "my face but better" HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH! Now if I can just keep a smile on my face all the time. My workplace can become very stressful and it seriously drained my happy mojo after about a year.. so now at work, I mostly have this stoic "I don't care about shit" face.

I got this collection from Nordstrom Rack for $15 and since I wanted to get the Lorac Pro, thought I might start with this set to test their shadows first. It includes a little bag, quad, bronzer and lip gloss.

I exchanged my Stila In the Light palette to this very pretty nudes-and-purples In the Moment version. I thought In the Light was really pretty but I wanted more colors to play with and this palette was just perfect! I like that it has a good mix of purples for pop of color and neutrals for a basic nude look.

Wow, feels like Mr. J and I have been shopping non-stop the past couple of weeks. He's going back to school so he needed new supplies, clothes and shoes while I am in this make-up phase. Anyhoo, I decided to get some new face brushes: Real Techniques' Powder, Blush and Expert Face brushes. They are so soft!


I've been holding off on getting these because I saw the Core and Starter sets on sale at our local store for $10 each and I wanted to wait and see if I can catch that deal again. But I really wanted to try them now so I ordered the Expert Face brush (to get free shipping from my Ulta order) and then I saw Drugstore.com was doing BOGO50% so I decided to order the Blush and Powder there.







Next on my list is to get new eye brushes. Still debating whether to get Real Techniques' Starter Set or go for individual ones like from Sephora or Coastal Scents.

I'm using my bareMinerals for about a week now and it's definitely a rediscovered love. I bought a starter kit in 2006 (I believe) and I remember liking it back then. I didn't have any problems with the brushes in my old kit but this new one is seriously SUPER SCRATCHY and makes my face feel like it's swelled up! NOT GOOD. I think the bristles are made of natural hair and I heard those can be rough on sensitive skin. It's a good thing I kept my elf Mineral Powder Brush.


But I don't really like elf brushes in general. I know lots of people say they're good quality for the price (and I got sucked into believing that). I've bought a couple from the Studio line and also the cheaper Essential line. Out of all the brushes I tried, only three worked out: Studio Face Kabuki Brush, Studio Powder Brush and Studio Mineral Powder Brush. I wish I kept the other brushes to show you all the shedding, the uneven bristles that poke my eyelids, and handles getting unglued. (Oh yes, I love using the oxford comma.) But that's not what this entry is about.

I like using the Matte powder

The elf Mineral Powder brush is fabulous at picking up the product and is super soft on my face. It's made of synthetic taklon bristles so I can buff buff buff without feeling like I'm dragging some itchy material against my skin, which is what happens when I use the Full Flawless Face brush.



elf's is smaller in width but it's more round than wide. Eeeuhhh! Just looking at the bM's bristles makes my face feel all itchy!