Christmas Countdown - 22 days to go..

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas, so it's time to get the decorations out of the boxes and start decorating. Every year around this month, for the past 5 years, I begin to miss my country and our Christmas traditions. In the Philippines, we start the Christmas season as early as September.  I remember listening to 'Pasko Na Sinta Ko' ( Its Christmas My Love) and Christmas in Our Hearts midnight of the 1st of September and thinking, Christmas is near. Pasko (Christmas) is a big thing in the Philippines, we decorate early, we have Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass/Rooster's Mass), we even have a Giant Lantern Festival in my province to make our celebration more festive.

  

Now that I'm 10,869 km away from home, I have to start making my own Christmas traditions to help me ease my longing for home.  First things first, SHOPPING then WRAPPING. I never knew that shopping could be so stressful because back home, there's really no need for shopping as the tradition is for kids to go house to house (relatives/ neighbours/ godparents) and pay their Respect by 'Pagmamano'.  Children would take the back of an elder's hand and presses it against the forehead, while giving the greeting, Máno, pô (lit. "[Thy] hand, please"). The elder often responds by reciting a blessing or simply acknowledging the gesture, and in return gives "Aguinaldo" or money in the form of crisp banknotes, often placed in a sealed envelope such as an ang pao. Godparents in particular are socially obligated to give presents or aguinaldo to their godchildren, to whom they often give larger amounts compared to other younger relatives. You might be thinking, kids, christmas and no presents? It's not that bad, kids have more money than adults and families usually go to the mall and let the kids spend their hard earned money. Anyway, I did some shopping and wrapping but I still need a few more items which I will get on payday. What do you give someone who has, almost, everything?  So stressful. 

Second, Christmas decorations. I really found it difficult to look for decorations that's pretty and inexpensive.  Last year, I made my own wreath. This year, I'm taking it a bit further by Hand stitching every bauble that would go up my tree.  I found it easier to work with felt and the results are amazing.  What do you guys think? Good enough?

                             

I sure do miss Christmas in the Philippines but I think what makes Christmas very special is when you're with people you love.  Someone told me that Christmas is not a season - it's a feeling.  Are you ready for Christmas 2014?

My first Memebox

For years I have subscribed to various subscription boxes in the UK and to be honest I have never heard of Memebox until Late October this year. I was hesitant to get a box but after a little bit of research I finally took the plunge and got myself my first Memebox. I picked the Superbox Cutie Pie Marzia 2.  Avid Memebox addicts will tell you that this box is not that good but for someone who's used to tiny sample sizes, this box was amazing. 

Cutie Pie Marzia 2

As you can see the box contains several interesting items which includes my favourite, a full size Tony Moly Red Appletox Honey Cream. I have tried countless creams in the market but this little apple pot is just divine. It smells nice, it's not sticky, it's feels good on the skin and even if you leave the cream the whole day, your face will not feel greasy. 

      

My next favourite item is the 100ml The Yeon Jeju Hallabong Energy Mild All-in-One Serum.  This vitamin C rich serum has a mild citrus smell thats very good for all skin type. I especially like this serum because I had adult acne a few months back. I have blemishes from the acne and with the help of this citrus serum, the blemishes are slowly fading. Like the Tony Moly Appletox, The Yeon Jeju Hallabong doesn't make your face greasy at all. 

 

If you're like me, you'd have a bag full of lipsticks, lip crayon and lip glosses.  The Shara Shara Petit Friend Matte Lip Crayon is a keeper, the colour is very vibrant and it lasts all day with minimal touch-up. I never wore red lip colour before so I was kind of disappointed that I got Real Red one however, I summoned up the courage and tried it - at work. Guess what? It actually suits me. 

Purple Foundation, yes, purple. I never thought I would ever try 

something like purple foundation in my life but then again, that's the whole point of getting these boxes. To try something new and find the ones that work for you. This purple Revecen Face Control Foundation actually works for my yellow skin tone. It covered my dark circles and post adult acne blemishes. I found it easier to apply using clean, warm fingertips. 

Next one is the Cheek Room Lip Balm Clover in Cherry Clover. I 

wasn't impressed with this product. The packaging was really nice, 

has a vintage feel to it.  The clover in the middle is a nice touch 

but the product itself failed to deliver. It was too sticky and if 

you're using your finger to put your balm on then you have sticky 

fingers all the time.  I didn't feel the plumping effect of this lip

balm. 

The last product is the Triple Shine Color Shadow by Shara Shara. I got the Cobalt Blue palette. I haven't used the item simply because it's too cute and I was saving it for christmas. I know someone who likes cute packaging like this. If I'm going to buy an eye shadow palette based just on packaging then Shara Shara will be my choice

          

   

I could not be more happy with my first ever Memebox. I got full sized CUTE items that a lot of ladies would be envious of and I get the satisfaction of receiving and opening surprise boxes.

My Little DVF Box

Better late than never, October has brought one of the, if not the BEST box I have ever received.  My Little DVF Box has arrived in style.

Just Divine

This month, My Little Box has collaborated with one of the best designers in the world.  The woman who introduced us to the 'wrap dress' and who encouraged us to be the women we want to be - Diane Von Furstenberg.  

This box features an amazing DVF signature print scarf which comes in black, green and red.  It can be used in multiple ways, from a scarf, headband, bag to shrug. For videos visit My Little Box Instagram page.  Then there's the DVF lip-shaped brooch which looks amazing.

  

The DVF box also has a 10ml L'Occitane hand cream that's perfect for the cold winter months. I got the Vanilla Bouquet which is my
favourite, I just wish it was a little bigger as 10ml is tiny. 

Next is the Kérastase K laque noire Extra Strong Hold 75ml hair spray. I don't particularly use hair spray on my hair as it's difficult, bordering on near impossible, to style. However, my bf said it's quiet good and it lasts. 

And last but not the least, My Little Beauty's Eau Micellaire Démaquillante. This is My Little Box's own brand. You can use this product to delicately remove makeup from your face and eyes and it gently moisturises the skin using aloe vera. I have tried so many cleansing water out there but this little beauty is one of the best I have tried. It's very lightly scented and it goes a long way. 

What do you think? For me, My Little Box is the one box to watch out for. If you like your cosmetics then this box might not be the right one for you however, if you're like me, who's tired of the same tiny samples you get from other subscription boxes, then MY LITTLE BOX is the perfect box for you.  

November You Beauty Discovery Box

YOU Beauty Discovery Box is a monthly subscription service that allows you to pick 2 deluxe beauty products with additional monthly treats for just £6.95 a month, p&p included. Available only in the UK.

This November, members can choose from 8 deluxe beauty products. Each member will also receive 2 sachets of MERUMAYA Integrative Effective Skincare Ionic Youth Serum, 1 sachet ADUNA Baobab Superfruit Powder 4.5g and a £50 voucher for a MAGNITONE Pulsar. Scroll down for voucher codes.

1.  SKIN TONIC - Steam Clean 15ml

20% OFF at www.skinandtoniclondon.com
voucher code: XMAS14 until 31.12.14

                           

This simple, aromatic cleansing balm uses 6 therapeutic organic ingredients and is crafted by hand in London.  Steam Clean uses British Thistle and Borage oils that are rich in omega 3&6.  It also has the antibacterial and refreshing effects of Eucalyptus and Spearmint oil to lift and rejuvinate dull and tired skin.

Massage a small quantity into your palms and onto your face/neck.  Soak a cotton face cloth in warm water and hold against your face for 1 minute to steam and activate the essential oils.   Breathe in deeply, refresh skin and cleanse away dirt. It works well as a make up remover and lastly, it can be used to boost and nourish dry lips/skin.  

2. RITUAL - Hammam Delight Shower Foam 50ml

        

www.uk.rituals.com 31.12.14
voucher code DELIGHT14

Your skin will feel energised and refreshed through effects of steam and exfoliation.  Enriched with revitalising Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Thenine, this product will cleanse, soften and nourish the skin.  Squeeze a small amount of gel into your hand. Water will turn the gel into a rich, relaxing foam.  

3. INVISIBOBBLE - Traceless Hair Ring pack of 3

   

*Shades may vary

This hair ring is made of smooth, soft and flexible plastic that does not leave a kink in the hair.  It has a strong grip but will not give the wearer a headache. 

4.  BOUJOIS Cream Blush 2.5g

This Cream blush has a built-in-mirror  

 and a sleek slim packaging that can slip easily into your purse.  This blush subtly enhances the cheeks for that instant, natural complexion that stays on.  Boujois Cream Blush also has poppy, apricot and mango extract for a comfortable soft skin with a healthy glow.
Available in Nude Velvet, Healthy Glow, Rose Tender, Sweet Cherry.

               

5.  ARGAN ORGANICS Regeneration Anti-Wrinkle Cream 10ml

This Cream is a combination of frankincense and rose help rejuvinates and nourishes your skin.  For best results, use a pea size amount over clean skin in the morning and night to plump the skin and smooth fine lines.  



20% OFF full size 50ml at  www.arganorganics.co.uk/beautybox until 31.12.14



6.  ROQUES O'NEIL Therapie Himalayan Bath Salts

These bath salts can calm your body, balance the flow of energy and help fight insomnia.  This product is a    

blissful cocktail of therapeutic Himalayan
mineral salts, powdered amethyst and essential
oil of lemon grass, juniper and geranium. The pink crystals help balance the PH levels, the amethyst has mineral content that helps heal and clarify problematic skin.  Perfect way to relax and detox except if you are pregnant.





voucher code: YBD2014 until 31.12.14
20%OFF at www.roquesoneil.com/therapie-discover-me 

7.  MAGNIFIBRES Brush-on-False Lashes

This wonderful product gives the impression of false lash effect

without all the fuss.  It's made with 100% natural fibres that add real lash length/volume.  It is safe to use with contact lenses as it's made with non-irritating fibre.  It will work with any mascara and contains conditioning panthenol.  

How to use: Apply any mascara then apply Magnifibres onto your lashes while the mascara is still wet.  Wait 30-60 seconds, then apply a second coat of mascara to cover the white fibres.  Repeat for extra volume and length. 

Get 25% OFF your first order at www.magnifibre.com. Voucher code: 
YOU25 until 18.12.14                             

8.  GREEN PEOPLE - Pencil Eyeliner

Achieve perfect eye definition with Green People eyeliner in Forest Brown Organic Eyeliner Pencil.  It has Vitamin C and E to help protect delicate skin around the eyes.  It also has Shea butter  and Jojoba oil to help nourish and moisturise the skin.  Green People does not use parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol, propylene glycol, PEGs, carmine, mercury, phthalates, unnecessary bulking agents, synthetic fragrances and synthetic colourant to bring you the purest eyeliner in the market.  This product is also suitable for people who are prone to acne, eczema and psoriasis.

save £5 when you spend £25 or more at www.greenpeople.co.uk
voucher code: GPDISCOVERY until 31.12.14

YOU Beauty Discovery Box is always a good value for money but make 
sure you log-in early so you don't miss out on the best items.  Believe me, they go really fast.  Here's my box for this month..

EXTRA VOUCHER CODES

MAGNITONE Pulsar - £50 OFF YOUMAG50 until 30.11.14