It's not every day that a brand reaches its 125th year, so when it does you bet there will be a celebration to mark this huge milestone. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, Lee set up a two-storey mini museum dubbed the Lee Archives, a chronicle of the long journey Lee went through before it became the global brand we know of today. The Lee Archives made its rounds of the metro and I was able to make it to the second leg of the tour in Robinsons Place Manila on Friday last week.

A quick run-through of the Lee Archives showed us Lee's timeline ever since it started. There were framed pieces of clothing and memento from different eras so we saw how much the brand has adapted with the changing times. The only thought running through my mind was how fascinating it was to see that something that was meant to be utilitarian has evolved into a fashion staple that every wardrobe should have a nice fitting pair of!

There was also a mini fashion show that showcased Lee's Spring-Summer collection was showcased as styled by top fashion bloggers and stylists David Guison and Tin Iglesias.

Ana and I with the man and woman of the hour David and Tin!

Now here comes my favorite part: we got to personalize our own Lee 125th Anniversary Jeans! Yes, aside from the museum, the celebration involved many different workstations where everyone went to explore their denim creativity.

I consider myself lucky because I got the last pair of jeans in my size! Another bonus? I really liked its dark denim finish and white stitches and small details in the pockets. After ticking what I wanted from the checklist a la Make Your Own Havaianas, I fell in line to the different stations.

A closer look at my leather patch monogrammed with my initials ❤ 

While waiting, we took photos - lots and lots of photos. Here are some of them.

I'm glad I got to attend the event with these people! Thanks Mike, Aivan, Ana, Ruth, Kath, David, and Tin!

Drumroll please, here's my Lee 125th Anniversary Jeans!

This pair was randomly given so I didn't get to decide on the finish and fabric, but I must say I loved it and would've picked it up myself given the chance. In any case, I customized everything else in these jeans down to the button and rivets, so it's really custom-made for me. You could actually have it ripped, distressed, and/ or whiskered, but since I wanted to be able to wear this in the office I decided to leave it as is. Besides, distressed denims are not really my style. So yes, I left the workshop with my jeans *almost* looking like it's not done yet, but I love it and I can't wait to wear it! Thanks, Lee Jeans!

C'est une belle journée

"Focus on the powerful,

euphoric,

magical,

synchronistic,

beautiful parts of life,

and the universe will keep giving them to you."

Image source

My new skincare routine: Burt's Bees Daisy White

Due to the nature of my work and other things that take a big portion of my time, I have become more picky when it comes to choosing which events to go to. Time for rest and energy for my other hobbies are now more precious than ever so I make sure I only go to events if I support the brand or if I think I will learn something new. When I received Liz's invite for the launch of the new Daisy White skincare line of Burt's Bees held in Le Jardin a couple of weeks ago, I said yes straightaway because I'm a fan of the brand. (Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm is the only balm my lips agree with. Read my review here.) Besides, daisies are one of my favorite flowers because they just look so inherently fresh and dainty.

The invite said to dress in white so...

Does our skin get tired of our skincare routine? My skin had been looking dull lately and I figured I needed to update my beauty rituals, so this couldn't have come at a better time.

Burt's Bees Daisy White line aims to provide a natural solution for brighter, more luminous skin. Daisy White Extract from white daisies collected in the higher region mountains of Macedonia are combined with other natural ingredients like summer snowflake, Tonka bean bioferment, pearl powder, Indian Gooseberry, Alpine plant complex, and multi-fruit complex, all working together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and even skin tone, moisturize skin, and improve surface dullness. It doesn't contain harmful and comedogenic chemicals and is specially formulated for Asian skin, yay!

The collection includes the Daisy White Facial Cleanser, Daisy White Facial Toner, Daisy White Serum, Daisy White Eye Cream, and Daisy White Moisturizing Cream. I wish they also included a facial scrub or exfoliant but I have to admit the Daisy White line is already robust on its own.

During the event, we were asked to make our own daisy crowns to wear to a mini shoot by Shaira Luna. Yep, I made the daisy crown I am wearing on the photos above myself. It was actually pretty easy but I was not feeling too crafty that day so my crown ended up with three daisies only.

I love beauty blogger events because it's always fascinating to see ladies gush over beauty and skincare products. I like makeup and taking care of my skin as much as the next person, but beauty bloggers' knowledge about ingredients and other what-nots is unprecedented. I always learn a lot from events like this!

With Eula, Kira, Dior, my alternate universe-self Tellie, and Sabs

I started using my Burt's Bees Daisy White set two Mondays ago and my skin is really loving it so far. The Daisy White Facial Cleanser doesn't lather up that much as expected from a product with natural ingredients but it cleans my face so well. Liz also said it can be used like a cold cream to remove makeup! The Daisy White Facial Toner stings a bit but I've never experienced irritation nor redness so I think it's okay. The Daisy White Moisturizing Cream doesn't get absorbed by my skin that quickly and  can be a little too thick and heavy in this weather so it is best to use it sparingly. My favorite is the Daisy White Serum because it smells so nice and doesn't feel sticky at all. Also, I don't know if it's just placebo effect, but I feel like the brightening effect is instantaneous!

Except for the Daisy White Eye Cream which I only apply at night, I use everything twice a day. I don't have problem skin but there are some products that don't agree with me. I'm glad to report that I haven't had any breakouts with the Daisy White line so far.

Burt's Bees has surely come a long way! I'm looking forward to all things bright and BEEautiful and I'm really hoping I continue to have a healthy relationship with these products. How about you, what is your current skincare routine?

Good times, great memories with Shakey's

I have always associated Shakey's with great memories. When I was still studying and I would get medals by the end of the school year for being in the Top 10 of the class and for winning quiz bees, my whole family would go to Shakey's in Malabon for celebratory dinner. When I was in college and my girl friends and I were feeling accomplished after finishing particularly difficult projects, we would go to Shakey's in SM Manila to celebrate over pizza, pasta, and mojos. When my brother and his girlfriend graduated from college early this year, our family and Deb's family went to Shakey's in SM Mall of Asia to toast their success. Looking back at the many times I've eaten there, I've never eaten in Shakey's alone and I've always liked it that way.

Photo taken from Shakey's Katipunan branch

I work in PR and I consider getting Shakey's as a client as one of its highlights not only because of the reasons stated above but also because I know it's one of the most iconic restaurants in the Philippines for the food they serve and the ambiance and service their stores and staff provide.

Last month, my friends from my carpool service and I went to Shakey's in Monumento for my post-birthday dinner. Ralph and Mike weren't able to go to my #LegenwaitforitdaryKrissyParty because of prior commitments but they made it a point to make it up to me through this dinner. And celebrate we did! For just a little over P1,200, we got all these through the Monster Meal Deal. I was even given a free birthday dessert, on the house!

Good times, great memories with The Breakfast Club! Thanks, Shakey's!

By the way, did you know that their first Philippine branch opened in Makati in 1975? Almost four decades later, Shakey’s is now a successful nationwide franchise with over 100 restaurants. Aside from their world-famous thin crust pizza, they also offer hand-tossed versions. They also came up with the new Shakey's Pizza 1954, and I will tell you about it in greater detail (plus a contest!) on a future post. ;) And of course, who can forget Chicken ‘N Mojos, pasta, and their soups and salads? How about you, what are your Shakey's favorites?

The Body Shop's 18th Anniversary Sale

In 1996:

• I was a gawky ten-year-old nerd who was about to enter fourth grade. PE was my least favorite subject, and my friends and I had a lot of fun staging our mini beauty pageants after classes were dismissed.
• The hottest fashion icon was Claudia Schiffer.
• Renée Zellweger's "You had me at 'hello'." was THE quote of the moment.
• Oprah started her famous book club.
• The first branch of The Body Shop was opened in the Philippines. With just two stores from its first operational year, The Body Shop now has 54 stores nationwide!

Score crates of beauty and body care goodies for you and your loved ones because in celebration of its 18 years of cruelty-free beauty, The Body Shop is holding its 18th Anniversary Sale from May 16 – June 15!

Come in-stores from May 16 – June 15 and celebrate The Body Shop's 18th year with these exciting offers:

• The Body Shop's Heritage products at 25 % off! (White Musk EDT 60ml, Nutriganics Drops of Youth, Tea Tree Oil, Grapessed Glossing Serum, Olive Body Scrub, Vitamin E BB Cream, Vitamin C Skin Boost, Japanese Cherry Blossom EDT, and Makeup Brushes)
• Sale bundles at Php 1,996
• 18% off on all regular items

The Body Shop also gives an exclusive offer to all BPI cardholders. They can enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 BIG-sized bath and body essentials from May 10 – June 30, 2014! I just got my BPI My ePrepaid Mastercard this afternoon so I'm hoping I can use it to stock up on my favorite Body Washes and Body Oils. I also can't wait to get my hands on more of that Vitamin E Moisture Cream because I love how it moisturizes my skin!

It's BIG and it's ON. Track the hashtag #seizethebigone on Instagram for a sneak peek of what The Body Shop products will be on sale! You may also like their Facebook page for more updates. ;)

New DIY tool: Monster Tail Rainbow Loom

My sister has been bugging me about this endlessly so today, I dropped by Toy Kingdom in SM North EDSA - The Block to get her a Rainbow Loom bracelet making kit. Unfortunately, they don't have any stocks anymore and I was feeling too lazy to go to the Toy Kingdom inside The SM Store to check so I got her these instead:

Monster Tail Rainbow Loom and packs of Rainbow Loom rubber bands

I'll be the first one to admit that I didn't care much for this Rainbow Loom thing. When this first started to gain popularity locally about a month ago, I dismissed it as a trend that will soon die down and never spoken of again. Besides, what will a 28 year old *cough* mature *cough* woman like me do with bracelets made out of rubber bands? However, due to my sister's insistence that I get her one, I checked it out online and was blown away by the number of designs and charms one can make with it! So, yeah, I wanted to get her the big starter pack that costs P899.75 but because of the apparent sheer demand for the product and my laziness to check other branches I got her this Monster Tail set instead. 

Monster Tail is said to be the travel-sized version of the starter pack so I guess it's as good a way as any to start. It costs P499.75. The set contains a Monster Tail Loom, a mini Rainbow Loom, large C clips, a pack of multi-colored rubber bands, a plastic case you can use as a storage compartment (although my sister now uses one of my accessory compartment boxes to store her new toy), and an instruction manual for Single Band Quadfish and Criss Cross Quadfish. It also contains a registration code you can enter at Rainbow Loom's official website to unlock new and exclusive design patterns.

I also got her two additional packs of rubber bands: Skin (600 pieces) and Glitter-gold (300 pieces). These cost P179.75 each but Skin is double the number of pieces of Glitter-gold so I guess the latter is a more premium color. I wanted to get more but I had to think of my budget heh.

My sister immediately went to work and made these Single Band Quadfish bracelets. The flesh-baby pink-gold glitter combination is mine ♥ 

I actually wanted her to make me the Criss Cross Quadfish one but it was proving to be too complicated for her current Rainbow Loom skillz. She is very adept with her hands though so I'm sure with just a little practice, she will be able to transition into more complex patterns in no time. Between the two of us, she is the more creative one so I'm glad she's making good use of her time.

Also, Louis Tomlinson is perfect.

Upon typing this, my sister has already made two more bracelets, this time using different patterns with the multi-colored rubber bands that came with the set. She is so happy with her Monster Tail Rainbow Loom set although she is still bugging me about the bigger one so she can make charms that the mini Rainbow Loom can't allow. I can never win LOL.

Do you have a Rainbow Loom set? What is/ are your favorite design/s?

Of swings, swimming pools, and seeing old loves.

Today I went back to an old love to see my old loves.

My dear friend and former officemate Michelle transferred to a new department recently, and they planned a summer outing in Vine Leaf Resort in Antipolo where friends and family can also join in. I gamely agreed when she invited me.

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive to go at first because I didn't want to feel like I was crashing a party. I left HSBC back in 2012 and I was part of a different department so it was my first time to meet almost everyone of them. Thankfully, I didn't feel shunned even for one second. They were all so nice and friendly and funny, and I felt really welcomed to the point that I almost wanted to apply there again. Hah. How I missed working with a lot of people within the team. My old loves are in good hands. I wish we took a group photo when everyone was still there.

Now I have great memories of this day and a sexy tan to go with it. More than anything else though, it was really nice to see my old friends [who also became my housemates at one point] Ruther, Marsha, Asther, and Michelle again. They were the first ones who taught me that going to work need not feel like a chore, and I will be forever thankful for their friendship. I read somewhere that if you've been friends with someone for seven years, then you'll be friends forever. In that case, I'm already set for life. Whatever they decide to do [so long as it's legal, LOL], I'm just there to support them.

Until next time, old loves. See you again soon.