Monthly Favorites | October 2016

This month has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me that it felt like this month just flew by but not in a good way. I kinda wish I did more of my time but hey, I'm glad I realized that and its time to actually do something productive.

With all the stress and events happening, I clung to just limited items this month that I know would not let me down especially when I have little to no time to actually pay much attention to how I look or what I need, basically what I would call my "go-to kit".

• Unicorn Powerbank

This cute little thing has been my best friend for the past couple of months. I purchased this back in June and I had no problems with using it. It's easy to carry around which is useful especially at times when I'm out of the house.

• Dear Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream

This has been sent to me awhile ago, going to be a year now in just a few months. I've been loving using this for when I just need to head somewhere that won't exactly need that "made up" look. It looks like it's my skin but better. I'm just obsessed with using it. I also made a review about this product so if you want to check that out, click here.

• Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream in Birthday Suit

If you're a beauty junkie like me, you would know that this liquid lipstick is definitely a must-have. Everybody says that the quality is amazing and it's perfect for an everyday lipstick which I could definitely say is true.

• Daiso 5 in 1 Beauty Care Massager

If you've read about my 6 Daiso favorites, then you would know that this is one of them! I use this mainly for when I need to massage my face and for cleansing my face. It just makes it a whole lot easier and makes my skin feel amazing.

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

This is one of my most natural looking liquid lipstick that I use almost on a daily basis. Though it doesn't last very long especially when I eat, it's easy to reapply and gives that smooth finish to your lips. If you want to read about my review for the other colors that I got, click here.

• Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Mauvey

My 3rd favorite lipstick that I've been wearing for months now is this Ever Bilena lipstick. I feel that it just suits every look I want to have. It's pink but not too pink. Really simple that suits whether your going for a day at work or a fun night out.

• Innocence by: Kathleen Tessaro 

This has become one of my favorite books of all time. Maybe because I could relate to some of the events that has happened in the story. Basically, it's about a girl named Evie who has this dream of becoming an actress so, she leaves her hometown to go to London to study drama. Evie experienced a new way of life, learning a lot of things she hasn't experienced before. Then, life just happened and everything for Evie changed. She became a mother who is teaching night time drama classes. Her old friend died but haunts her with the past she tried to forget. With that, everything was about to change again.

That's pretty much my favorites for this month. Let me know what else would you guys recommend me to try or if you tried out any of the products that I mentioned and what were your experiences with it? Leave a comment below and I'll respond when I can.

What were your favorites this month?

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Things I've learned since turning 21!

It was my birthday last August 5th and now I am officially 21 years old! Oh my gosh how time flies. Anyway, here is a list of 21 things that I learned the easy way and the hard way within the years of my life. 

1. The "cliches" are cliches because they actually work.
2. In any form of relationship, the best way to maintain it is for both parties to learn to feel for 2 people rather than just themselves.
3. There is nothing wrong with spending money on things that you like as long as you could afford it.
4. Listen to your gut. If you're feeling uneasy about a situation, then you're probably right. 
5. Some of the things you learn from high school really doesn't prepare you from what to expect once you've reached the legal age.
6. Not everybody will be your friend for a long time.
7. Being bullied in school isn't the end. 
8. Do what you think is right today, the rest will just have to follow. Take one step at a time.
9. Express yourself as much as you can as long as you're not violating any rules or hurting anyone. It helps us become comfortable and confident with ourselves.
10. There is nothing wrong with making sure about your decisions. Ask questions about anything you'd wanna know before making that final decision.
11. It is fine to say no to something you really don't wanna do.
12. Everyone would always have an opinion towards you, good and bad, it's just best if you not care at all and live how you want to.
13. Know your worth, do not settle for less.
14. Sometimes, other people around you does have good intentions. Just take the time to really get to know them.
15. Be grateful for what you have today rather than missing it once its gone.
16. It's easy to say anything about or to someone, but remember that you can never take it back.
17. Every once in awhile, we will have a really hard day and it's okay to let the people around you know that.
18. We aren't alone in everything, there is always somebody out there going through the same thing.
19. Money is very important but making time to be with the people you love is much more meaningful.
20. Do not have high expectations if you do not plan on getting disappointed.
21. Being the underdog doesn't mean anything, if you are good enough to be in the competition, then you also have a good chance of winning. 

So those have been the important things that I remember and still live by and some of the things you should consider too. Most of these are advice from people I come across with and some of them I learned the hard way. When I was really young I just always thought that life isn't that hard after reading books that I thought would prepare me mentally and emotionally. Sadly, there really isn't a guide or a manual in life. Having to grow up faster than what should be was probably the shock of my life. I think no one could really fully prepare you on what life has to bring, I know that it took me awhile to get over my shock and just keep going and learn to ask questions if I really don't know what to do. Then, once I kind of got the hang of it, I learned some more ways to improve my strengths and work with my weaknesses. I'm not saying I understand life to its fullest, I'm saying that as long as I manage to smile just once through a very rough situation, I know that I'll be okay. 

Thanks for reading and until the next blog!

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Birthday Haul!

Welcome back to my blog! If you're new here, Hi! I'm Joyce and today I will be showing all of you what I got for my birthday last August 5th. It's not really that much but I honestly wanted all of these and some are just necessities for me to get since I'm already at the mall.

So first I went to H&M and just got 1 item which is...

If you guys read my June favorites this year, I got the black version of this exact shirt and I have been wearing it all the time, but at that time, they didn't really have any other colors other than black, so when I saw this, I just instantly got it and I love it just as much as I love my black version of this. It is P499 ($10.90)

Next, I went and did a little damage at forever 21..

So I got myself just one of this basic white top because I have a lot of these but I don't have the white one. And sometimes, when I do some mix and matches on my wardrobe especially with my cardigans, I always don't have a really nice white top underneath. Or just maybe put on a simple and clean looking top when it's really hot. This costs P165 ($3.60)

This faded jean shorts was something I've been looking for awhile but whenever I went to the mall, I just couldn't find one exactly like it and when I saw this, I just knew I had to get it plus it was on 50% off so that just really made me so happy because I did need a new pair of shorts since it is super hot in the Philippines and these are exactly what I wear most days. The price of this was originally P1,015 ($22.17) but after the 50% off it was P507.50 ($11.09)

The last clothing piece that I got from Forever 21 is this casual / Bomber jacket. It is leather and I don't care if it is currently super hot here in the Philippines, I just really wanted to own one for so long but it was always too expensive, or if you find a cheaper one, then it would most likely have an awful design or bad quality. I was delighted to see that this was also on 50% off so I tried it on, loved it, bought it. No regrets at all! I'll find some time to actually wear this, I just know it! The price of this jacket was originally P2,055 ($44.89) after the 50% off it was P1027.50 ($22.43).

For accessories, some of what they had there was buy 1 take 1 and just my luck, it was their last day so I got this ring that has a heart and small silver stud that has this little chain connecting to the smaller sized ring that has a dangling stud too. And then the necklace is just like a bar that has some silver jewels in it. The price was based on the higher priced item which was the necklace that costs P139 ($3.04)









So by this time, I was actually getting tired already, (I so need to be alot more fit) so I got myself some drugstore items since I was already there. 

Alright so I got myself some new stocks of the iWhite Nose Pack. This worked wonders for me and my brother so I bought 5 of the small packs which is 3.5ml and a piece costs P18 ($0.39) because I can't get it anywhere near my place anymore, from what I heard it's always sold out. 

Next I got myself a new makeup remover and it is the Purederm Argan Oil makeup remover cleansing towelettes. It has 30 Wet towelettes inside and costs only P79.75 ($1.74) and from trying it for a few times, it removes my whole face makeup even those hard to remove eye makeup with just a few light swipes on my face. So I like this and will definitely be purchasing more when I get the chance. 

I also got myself a moisturizer, the Myra E Daily Sun Protection Moisturizer that has SPF 15 and is 50ml. This costs P99.75 ($2.18). I have used this before when I was addicted to biking and pretty much went out even if the sun is at it's highest. This worked great for me although I stopped that time because I wasn't sure if this was the product that broke me out or my cleanser. I never really knew which one since I started to use new products since then but I am now giving it another chance.

I got a white eyeliner because I've been seeing this trend with using white instead of black ones for the waterline on their eyes and decided to try it myself. I got the Fashion 21 Color Pen '99- White and it costs P85 ($1.86). It is a double end eyeliner which one side is the actual pencil and the other side is a smudger brush. After using this on the day of my birthday, I think that it actually survived the hot weather and didn't really run all over my face.. unless I'm missing something because it's white? Well, I'm pretty happy with it and the product feels so creamy that I don't actually have to push it into my waterline so much just to have it visible and the smudger brush is also useful for smudging the eyeshadow.

And this product, I actually put this on my wish list a few weeks ago and I am super happy that I finally got it and currently playing with it. It is the ORLY Matte Top Coat and it costs P499 ($10.90). I won't be saying much about this product at the moment because I will be doing a separate review for it, all I could say is that I'm excited to actually try it on other colors and how long it would lasts on me. 

Lastly, before heading home, I went to Hortaleza to pick up some hair bleach (Yes, I decided to finally go and do it - Sadly though, I threw away the pack before I could take a picture of it but the brand was Medea P18  = $0.39) I did a ombre / balayage type / style on my hair and it did turn out orange and I will be repeating the process next week and hopefully I'll achieve the color that I want by then. Then I also got myself a cute little blending sponge, it's pink and the brand was actually in Japanese so I didn't understand it, but for sure other Hortaleza branches would have these. I never owned a little sponge like this and the actual ones that I see everybody use costs so much but this one, I only got it for P59 ($1.29). So far, I'm having a really hard time cleaning it but I will say more soon after I get to play with it more. 

I also got some other personal necessities and also a dozen of donuts at Krispy Kreme and my black forest cake at Red Ribbon. 

So that has been the things that I got myself for my birthday (Read my Birthday Tag HERE) and if you guys have the same stuff or tried the things that I actually mentioned here, do leave a comment to tell me your experience or if you have questions for me about these products too and I'll try my best to answer your questions. 

I will be posting I think 1 or 2 more birthday themed ones so stay tuned for that! Thanks for reading and until the next blog!

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The Birthday Tag!

It's my birthdaaaay!!! Well technically, yesterday was my birthday but I didn't manage to post this because I forgot and I was way to excited yesterday to actually do anything. 

So today, I will be doing the "Birthday Tag" which I am so excited about so I should probably start now....

1.) When is your birthday?
My birthday is August 5th 1994

2.) How old are you turning? (Or if your birthday recently passed, how old did you turn?)
I am now 21 years old!

3.) What was you're favorite present that you've ever received?The best present I ever received, 2 powerpuff girl talking dolls when I was around 7 on my birthday, I just remembered that I wanted those so bad and I already had blossom, so my parents gave me bubbles and buttercup. And also on my 19th birthday, My mom gave me a new phone.

4.) Are you/did you have a party this year? if so what are you doing?
Not exactly a party but just a small gathering with some really close people, super low-key.

5.) How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
I usually celebrate my birthday with my brother, going out watching the movies and then have a small gathering with my friends. Although, sometimes I do have a party.

6.) What was the most memorable birthday that you had?
All my birthdays are quite memorable but one that I never forgot was my 15th birthday, all I could say is it was CRAZY! Also in the gaming world, my 18th and 20th we had a ton of players just shouting it's my birthday which was really funny and felt like an actual celebration / gathering with people that I love.

7.) If you had an unlimited amount of money what would you do for your birthday
I would most likely go crazy on buying the things that I want and have a family trip, specifically my mom, my brother and me out of town.

8.) What's your birthday wish list?
My birthday wish list mostly consists of make up products but I am really wanting to build a house gym so some of my money are saved for that.

9.) If u only had one birthday left, what would u do for your birthday?
If I only had one birthday left, I would invite all of the people that actually means a lot to me and party all day and night. Just have fun and it would probably be in my house OR out of town.

10.) Show a picture from your birthday, preferably an embarrassing one
Ugh! These are the times I really wish I saved my photos from friendster, I had a TON there. But this one was from my 17th birthday, I'm sometimes embarrassed and cringe when I see myself on photos sitting like this all the time:

11.) do you have any birthday traditions?
I always must have cake and spagetti on the table. Even if I'm not actually celebrating, I just want to have the little things that represent it.


12.)what's your favorite part about your birthday?
My favorite part about my birthday is people actually listen to what you want and makes you feel so special. 


13.) whats one thing that changed a lot since your last birthday
My Birthday last year, I didn't celebrate because I was getting ready for my mom to arrive in the Philippines the next day, so I was pretty much just excited, the thing that changed a lot is probably me sharing more of my day where usually I keep my birthday hush hush.


14.) Have you ever been thrown a surprise party or have you ever thrown one for someone?
I have never been thrown a surprise party but I did throw one for someone else before, and it always felt great!

And that has been my birthday tag, and now I tag all of you who are reading this, do your own birthday tag because why not? It's fun and another way of celebrating your birthday. Oh and before I forget, today is also the 2nd year anniversary of my house! I just love August, so many reasons to celebrate. And I will be posting some follow up birthday themed posts for awhile so stay tuned for that one! ♥

Thanks for reading and until the next blog!

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Life Update

Hello everybody!

So it is finally August, time moves so fast. It feels like just yesterday I was celebrating new year's with my brother and a party with my neighbors. Now it's suddenly my birth month! I will be turning 21 this Wednesday, August 5th. I'm not really planning anything spectacular for that day, I'll just probably head out with my brother to eat and go to church, maybe watch a movie too.

I have also been not posting for awhile and now I would change that because I have a list on what I expect my blog to be and also new content for me to try and do. I really love blogging and eventhough I don't post as much, I still find myself reading other people's blogs which still keeps me on track.

I am also currently still working on a book that I'm writing and hopefully (not that sure yet), I'll be able to put it out for everybody to read. I have also gained a lot of weight from being as lazy as I am and now, I wanna start getting back on track and continue my dream of becoming fit. I'm currently looking at exercise bikes too and would most likely get one within this week or next week since I already have my options and just deciding which one I would get and I will be posting all about it once I have it delivered and tested out.

As for online games, I just recently announced to my guild mates and friends that I have finally quit playing Dragon Nest Sea and would move on to another game. The reason being is not because that I'm really busy but because I've been playing that game for quite a long time, like I was 17 when I started then I'm now turning 21. I practically grew up in that game with all my other guild members that was a lot like my virtual family. I think that I finally got tired of its repetitive-ness every cap having to start with absolutely 0 but nonetheless, it still has one of the most amazing gameplays especially on PVP which makes you have a hard time picking out another game that would compare to the experience this game has given you. My guildies and me do stay in contact and we are discussing what games we should play all together again which is kind of hard since everybody pretty much has different opinions on games that they wanna try out so I doubt that we would all end up on a single game. But some people are willing to try out another game with me which we are currently waiting for the open beta and that is Tree Of Savior. It's an MMO on steam and many people describes it as something quite similar to the 1st Ragnarok game. I however have not ever played ragnarok (Except for the mobile game) and have high expectations towards this game because of all the hype that's circling around it. As for mobile games, I'm on and off playing Toram Online, another MMO Rpg game which actually surprised me that it is so different. It's 3d and open world, the graphics are good too and it's easy to play. Although, it does have issues with other mobile users because it keeps on crashing after you create a character. Another mobile game is Heroes Of Order And Chaos. I have been playing this game for years, it is a tower-defense sort of game and it reminds me a lot of League Of Legends. It does help entertain me when I have nothing else to do and I don't know, it's just a chill game that I like.

For T.V. shows or series, nothing new, I'm still watching Pretty Little Liars (No spoilers! I Promise!) and yes I am very much updated and have also been guilty of rewatching it all over again right from season 1. Can't believe it will only be 2 episodes until the summer finale. I'll be able to watch the next episode on my birthday which I am so excited about  and yes in case any of you are wondering, PLL premiers every Wednesday here in the Philippines just a few minutes after most of you have watched in on a Tuesday ( Took me awhile to figure out all the time difference). I am also currently watching out for some new shows that I would like so if there are any suggestions, do tell me.

I'm also really thinking about putting some blonde highlights on my hair, kind of like a balayage style. Last month was the 1st time that I ever colored my own hair and now I am feeling so confident to play with it. So we will see if I do go through with it.

And yea, I guess that is it and I'm really thinking about what post I should make on my birthday. I have some options already so it may not be just a single post. I'll see what I can do and I will be heading out soon and getting some new beauty products to try out and some new clothes because I have literally been wearing the same comfy stuff all the time and I should probably get new ones that actually flatter my new body shape and still feel comfortable in. I don't know why but my body constantly keeps changing sizes like last year I was super thin and now I got curves, I like either way although sometimes its getting hard to pick out some clothes. Well, whatever I'll enjoy and flaunt the curves I have now before it disappears again (if it will, I don't know).

 Hope that everybody would have an amazing August!

Thanks for reading and until the next blog,

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