Mermaid-Inspired Gift Ideas for The Inner Mermaid

We pole dancers have this inclination to lovely mythical creatures - unicorns, mermaids, fairies. We don't know why but we just do. Must be the mix of gorgeousness, gracefulness, and glitter. Actually, mermaid fascination doesn't just stop in pole world. There are so many mermaid-themed shots out there.

"Mermaid" by Aly Reyes
(yep, that girl in the photo is me. This was shot during Manny Librodo's Eminent Light Workshop last 2010 in Cavite)

Just as we know that it's Christmas season already (mall hours are already extended to Holiday hours, I just found out), we're into that shopping mode for gifts and all. and for that friend or loved one of yours who longs for the sea or secretly wishes for fins sometimes, here are several gift ideas her heart would love.

1. Mermaid leggings

Wearing green mermaid print leggings while going as Ariel in Halloween last year.
Leggins from Kosha Yoga, Php 880

While mermaid fins are impractical for like going to the mall or attending yoga class, give her a pair of shiny and comfy mermaid-print leggings. These comfortable and shiny leggings can be your fins on land or on the yoga mat.


2. Mermaid Sports Bra

Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra, Php 2,400
Available at Jade Activewear

If she may already have the leggings in her closet, a sports bra to match wouldn't hurt. This Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra comes in this gorgeous Cobalt color that mimics the color of the ocean and it's got great support too. Not into sports? It looks great under loose tanks or a low-back top.


3. Happy Skin x Disney Ariel Liquid Matte Lipstick

 Happy Skin X Disney Princess Liquid Matte Lipstick in Ariel solo (left) and with Cinderella (right)

Who's the mermaid's favorite Disney princess? It's definitely Ariel (she's also my favorite Disney princess). Go #lovelocal and check out Happy Skin's latest collaboration with Disney as they feature eight Disney princesses in their holiday collection. Our Little Mermaid's color is a bright pinkish red, inspired probably by her fiery red hair and feisty rebel personality. The color stays on after yoga class, a whole rib platter, a cup of toffee nut latte, and maybe even if I swam, it's meant to last in water.  Purchase the Ariel liquid matte lipstick (Php 699) individually or buy the set which includes Cinderella (Php 1299).


4.  Sea Salt Spray

#outinaminute with #beachbornph 💙 get heatless waves texture and volume with our sea salt spray for only P180/100ml bottle! Order today, viber 09271272330 💁🏼

A photo posted by BEACH BORN (@beachbornph) on Sep 5, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

Let your mermaid friend have her tousled, sexy, beach waves all year round with this all-natural and local hair care product that smells really awesome as it gives hair natural waves without any effort.


5. Ariel Socks

whenever I wear socks, that little boy Sebastian is all over socks

Since it's a tad colder than our usual weather, it's time to wear boots! Have something quirky under the sleek black boots or wear this with your sneakers the next time you go train. They're perfect stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts.


6. Aquamarine Nail Polish

Choose a pretty, metallic or holographic color that remind you of mermaid scales and fins. Here shown is Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Make Waves (Php 315), a gorgeous aquamarine color that's super easy to apply. Up the shine with topcoat too, or even glitter.


7. Mermaid-inspired pigments

Bright cobalt blue, aquamarine, green, purple, or a subtle lilac. these jars of makeup pigments can create lovely eye looks or can be mixed with liquid lipsticks or clear lipglosses to create that mermaid-inspired lip color without buying another shade. I have here this shiny, green color from Overdosed Cosmetics called Nausea (Php350). Don't let the name turn you off because it's a pretty statement green to give smoky eyes dimension or create an ethereal EOTD.


8. Mermaid Tail Blanket

I've seen these online and I was so glad I was able to find one in this weekend's Trendsetter's Bazaar for Php 800. It's warm and comfy for the chilly December-January to February weather. You can slip your feet to the fins and they're warm thick socks. Take them also with you to the movies (one customer actually does this).  You can also buy a kiddie version for Php 500.


Image Directory

Aly Reyes
facebook.com/Photography-by-Aly-151939771483028

Beach Born
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Jade Activewear
facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh


Store Directory

Beach Born 
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson's Magnoila 2/F; SM Megamall 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; Trinoma, 1/F; available at Rustan's Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; www.facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

Jade Activewear
Available at Polecats Manila Studio 22/F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr., Ortigas Center, Pasig City; facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh; instagram.com/jadeactivewear

Kosha Yoga
facebook.com/koshayoga20; instagram.com/koshayoga

Overdosed Cosmetics
Available at Katch Beauty Supplies 50th Avenue East Wing Robinson's Galleria; "Toasted" 1st Level, Sta. Lucia Mall, Cainta; facebook.com/katchbeautysupplies; instagram.com/katchbeautysupplies

Purr-fect Gift Ideas For the Crazy Cat Lady

The moment September hit our calendars, immediately Christmas carols started blaring in malls and some malls are decked out in Christmas lights telling everyone that the -ber months are here and soon the Holiday-inspired drinks and dishes come in and limited holiday collection sets are out in the market. Are you the type who starts their Christmas shopping early to avoid the rush when November and December hits? I really should start getting on that habit as well, because I really don't want that much traffic and I know I'll be working double time when December hits due to weddings, parties, and even these Halloween costume stuff that's coming.

Each one of us probably knows or has a cat lady friend. She's the one who posts all these cat memes on social media and probably takes random photos of cats then uploads it in Instagram.  She's the one out for kitty-themed stuff in the mall or has their own furry feline furbaby (at least two)

Good news is, cat ladies are very easy to please when it comes to gifts. and I have here stocking stuffers which are purr-fect gifts for the cat lady friend or relative you have. Some of these I would want to receive myself.

Katy Kat Matte Lipstick (from Katy Perry  Covergirl) 

Everything in that title is everything I like - Katy Perry, Kat (err, "cat"), matte, and lipstick. This quirky songstress is also a cat lady and she collaborates with the makeup brand Cover Girl to come up with these lippies that the beauty addict cat lady will just mimi-meow with excitement. These 11 semi-matte shades that give the matte we want in lipsticks without cracking our lips dry. It's even got cat-themed names for the shades (Sphinx, Perry Panther, Pink Paws, and Cosmo Kitty to name some), The kitty emblem also spells "cat" for you. If you already have 100+++ lippies in your collection (coz that's me!), you wouldn't resist one more or a few more, especially if you're a cat lady like me.

Cat-print tops and t-shirts

This is one classic cat lady gift, and I think clothing brands hear cat lady pleas to have more cat-themed outfits to wear - leggings, dresses, t-shirts, tops, etc. I even scored a cropped top in Greenhills for just 100 pesos! Cat print tops are all about every bazaar and clothing store, so all you gotta do is keep your eyes peeled for some and know the shirt size of your cat lady friend.


Cat-themed mason jar or mug

Mugs and mason jars may be classic and gasgas, but a cat lady will not say no if she receives another one, especially if her skittish kitties keep knocking over her mugs. Check out Japan surplus shops for Hello Kitty mugs or head over to cat cafes for cute curated cat-themed merchandise such as this mason jar from Cat Cafe Manila (Php 350)


An Afternoon at a Cat Cafe

Le Cat Cafe in BF Resort Village

Even if the cat lady has her furbabies at home, she won't say no to a two-hour visit to a cat cafe where she could meet new furry friends while sipping a mug (or mason jar) of coffee or drinks and reading cat books. Cat cafes are cat lady heaven, so take her on a fun-filled afternoon to a cat cafe and she would love you for life. Check out Miao Cat Cafe in Congressional Ave or Cat Cafe Manila along Maginhawa street. Cat ladies in the South would love Le Cat Cafe in BF Resort or Bistro Meau in BF Paranaque.


"How To Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You" book

from Amazon.com

Your cat is a killing machine in disguise of a fat, fluffy furball, and this book illustrates how, comic book style. It's like all these funny cat memes in one book that will have you just roll around laughing. There are also explanations for cat behaviors so you would probably pick up a few lessons on the kitty quirks we always see. Available on Amazon.


Pusheen Plushie

Find a Pusheen Plushie and other hipster-ish cat-themed Knick Knacks at Common Room

Pusheen is the fat, gray kitty cartoon that even the non-cat lover would fall for. While my cat Candy seems to be a real-life Pusheen, I still would want a Pusheen plushie in my life. Go #lovelocal with this Pusheen plushie from Common Room in Power Plant Mall.


X-Purr Merchandise

For our pole-dancing cat lady friend whose cat constantly appears in her home pole dance videos, this is the perfect gift. A venture by pole dancers and cat ladies Natasha Wang and Arloa Reston, this purr-fect scratching post mimics sport poles of pole dancers and comes with an X-Purr Pole Cleaner, which is basically a catnip spray. Order some goodies or pledge by clicking here or checking out their Facebook page. Ships only to the United States.


Hello Kitty Handbag

Even working girls love Hello Kitty stuff and this handbag is a perfect one to bring with you to the office. #SanrioPH

A photo posted by Hello Kitty Philippines (@hellokittylovesphilippines) on Mar 1, 2016 at 12:37am PST

The queen of all iconic kitties is probably Hello Kitty and instead of giving your kitty-loving honey a leather designer bag, try giving her a Hello Kitty bag. Unlike the bags she had when she was a kid, these are very grown-up designs and styles with a Hello Kitty design. They're actually elegant enough to be used in an event. I've even brought mine in a wedding.

Hope these make your crazy cat lady friend happy! Enjoy Christmas shopping!

Store Directory:

Bistro Meau
84 Turin St. Las Pinas (0905)555-2964; instagram.com/bistromeau

Cat Cafe Manila
2nd Floor, 189 Maginhawa St. Cor. Makadios St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, Philippines; catcafemanila.com; instagram.com./catcafemnl

Common Room
 Archaeology Wing, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City; facebook.com/CommonRoomPH

Covergirl
available at all department stores nationwide; facebook.com/covergirl 

Le Cat Coffee Shop
76 Gloria Diaz St., BF Resort Village, Las Pinas City; facebook.com/lecatcoffeeshop; instagram.com/lecatcoffeeshop

Miao Cat Cafe
7 Congrassional (2F of Cake 2 Go) Quezon City 1106;  (02) 2747937, 09258777617;
facebook.com/miaocatcafe; instagram.com/miaocatcafe

Sanrio Store
Sm Aura, SM North Edsa; facebook.com/hellokittylovesphilippines

X-Purr
kickstarter.com/projects/xpurr/x-purr-the-first-fitness-pole-scratching-post-for; facebook.com/XPurrPole


Image Sources
Common Room Store Interior facebook.com/CommonRoomPH
Katy Kat lipsticks : facebook.com/covergirl
book: amazon.com
X-Purr poster: facebook.com/XPurrPole

Vanilla Breeze Clothing Love

Anyone heard of Vanilla Breeze Clothing? If you haven't then let me introduce to you to the brand as simple as possible.  Vanilla Breeze Clothing is a brand that sells high waist cute customized shorts. They have styles to suit every girl's personality, style, and personal taste.

A personal favorite is this: Leopard. Why? because I love animal prints and leopards are kitties!

Girls who like lace and frilly things could check this out.

Want color? Then you have three options:

Shorts need not be blue denim, you know! A bold red could be an awesome statement.

High waist shorts can make legs look longer and a long torso appear shorter (and tummies trimmer with the illusion of a waist) so it may act as an instant slimming and lengthening device. They can be paired with plain shirts or tanks as they're already a statement on their own. Heels/flats/sneakers and you're good to go. I'm a fan of shorts because they're super comfy, super versatile, and perfect for our schizo weather, rain or shine.

Showing my love for them, I wore them both to work and play:

Shorts: Vanilla Breeze Splash
Top: Bazaar-bought because it's loose and Hello Kitty
Footwear: Fit Flops

A break from work, using the soccer goal as a pole. 

At play, camwhoring after pole lunch class:

Doing a Scorpio

Yogini variation

Just in case, I folded the shorts so they're a bit shorter so there's more grip to hold myself up and upside down. On a personal preference, the shorts can be folded too. I prefer mine that way as well. I also like that the denim is soft and comfy.

Vanilla Breeze Clothing is available online at their Facebook page. The prices for their shorts range from Php900-950, depending on the style. They ship worldwide and have different payment options to cater to their customers' various needs. And don't worry, they're up for more designs and styles soon!

Forever 21 SM Makati Sale March 16-18, 2011

Apparently, tomorrow is payday and that makes this weekend payday weekend. Isn't it nice for the working force to go home with moolah after two weeks of hard work? Well just in the right time, a favorite store among many women (and men) right smack at Makati Central Business district is having a sale. I'm talking about the store with iconic yellow bags - Forever 21!!!

Drop by the Forever 21 Store at SM Makati this weekend to avail of great deals and fabulous fashion finds, whether it be outfits, accessories, shoes, or bath and body stuff. Now that it's summer, check out breezy maxi dresses, big beach hats, sunglasses, or that cute pair of bikini for the beach trip this summer. Maybe during lunchbreak? or after work? it's up to you. Best to carpool though with friends as I predict that parking would be horrid.

Don't forget too to avail of these promos so you know what plastic pals to bring:

• On March 16: Present your F21 Mastercard AND SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 20% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of P5,000 until 12nn only.
• Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards OR SMAC/BDO Rewards, and get 10% off on regular items, until 12nn only.
• On March 16 12nn onwards, until March 18, F21 Mastercard holders can get 10% off on regular items, with a minimum purchase of P5,000.
• *BDO cardholders can avail of 5% rebate with a minimum purchase of P5,000 for all 3 days.

If you're there, don't forget to holler hi! :) As for me, I'll be heading to the sports section. Why? You'll find out soon!

New Hair? Let's See!

While learning hair, I kinda got obsessed with hoarding hair stuff on top of the makeup stuff. I didn't realize though that it's not just gel, mousse, and hairspray that I could toy with. Just last month, I bought a 32-mm ceramic curling iron for big curls since it was on sale. Haha. Anyway, I found another great find yesterday, while at Eastwood to meet up friends after work. Guess what I found? Hair extensions.

My "new" hair. See below how I got my hair to look like this.

I get really inggit at those who purchased hair extensions because it seems really fun to make flat hair into vavoom hair in just a few steps. I got the chance also to use them in a few shoots and I found it fun. But alas, a set is very expensive and it's one of those that remained in my forever "wish list", even the synthetic ones. Anyhow, I found a stall at the Eastwood bazaar that sells hair extensions at an affordable rate - 1721 is an online shop run by sisters Kaye and Kat and now they're branching out to bazaars where clients can see their products and try them on if they wish. They sell synthetic hair extensions in various shades and styles, whether it be poker straight, glamour waves, or sexy curls. They also have clip-on bangs for those who want to try having fringes without having the scissor commitment. And of course, since I want to play with extensions, I bought some.

I chose glamour waves and sideswept bangs, both in black-brown, which matches my original hair color (tip: In buying extensions, better that it's in a shade that's very close to your own color, so it's more natural). I can also use it for shoots, since that's a safe and general hair color. a purchase also comes with an instruction brochure, which shows us how to care for our extensions as well as how to use them. The extensions are also heat-resistant so they could also be styled, especially when the curls start to loosen.

Anyway, using hair extensions is easy. First of all, we got to make the extensions blend in. If we purchased straight extensions, then we should make our own hair straight, same if we purchased curly extensions. Otherwise, it's gonna look funny. So here, here's my hair without the extension: it's naturally wavy but the curls aren't as bouncy.

So I curl it using a curling iron, mimicking the soft curls from the extensions.

After curling, I make a horizontal part on my crown, above the ears. Try to make an even, straight part. I do understand if the part isn't perfect when you're doing this solo, but let's just try. Clip the top portion with a clamp.

If you're the type of person who has slippery or fine hair, a bit of teasing on the roots can help give the extensions some "grab".

Next, unclip the clip from the extensions by giving it a bend so it opens.

Position the extensions on the hair. I like placing it nearer the roots. When the clips have a firm grab to the hair, give it a firmer grab by closing it till it's secure (maybe a few headshakes will give it a good test).

Finally, release the top hair from the clip.

Blend your own hair with the extension so the clipped part is hidden.

And then just flip over and then:

Yaye! Victoria's Secret curls!

See? From the back it's so much prettier when even your own hair is curled. If you want bigger and thicker hair, you can add more extensions and sections and probably a bit of highlights and

lowlights.

Using the bangs is quite harder than the extensions. First, we have to position the bangs on the head in such a way that it looks natural on the hair. Clip it on just like what we did with the hair extensions.

To hide the partition where the bangs are clipped here's what I did - accessorize. Get a pretty scarf and use this as a headband to "hide" that little gap thing.

And I have bangs and they look like I got some scissors and chopped the fringe off. There are lots of bang styles and colors too that are available.

Hair extensions are a fun way to give your look an easy upgrade, like if you want to go long hair for an event or a shoot. I probably would use these at a shoot when I want the supermodel curls or what the heck, a special event to go to if I want to look extra fabulous. Be sure to check out 1721's Facebook page to know also their updates if they'd be in a bazaar or if they have new products. Have fun and Happy New Year!

Forever 21 SM Megamall 3-day Sale

Who loves Forever21? I sure do and I'm sure you do, or else you wouldn't be reading this post. Forever 21's flagship store at SM Megamall so hop on the MRT, get off at Ortigas station and be prepared for exciting sales, deals, and discounts!

If you're an SM Advantage Cardholder or BDO Rewards Cardholders, be sure to bring them as you're in for treats namely:

• 20% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of Php5,000) for the first day until 12:o0 noon when you present both Forever 21 Mastercard and SM Advantage card/BDO Rewards card.
• Get 10% off on regular items for SM Advantage Card and BDO Rewards Card

Forever 21 Mastercard holders are entitled to the following:

• 10% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of Php 5,000) for the whole weekend with your Forever 21 Mastercard

*Get 5% rebate with a minimum spent of Php5,000 with your BDO credit card (Forever 21 Mastercard included in this promo)

Shopping in Singapore

I was in Singapore a week ago for a nice weekend and I really had so much fun! It was tiring since we were walking a lot but it was a fun experience. I fell in love with the country and the food and it's a place I'd like to visit again. Aside from the beautiful and organized system and crisp, clean air, Singapore's residents are very fasyon. You see girls in the train in perfect cat's eyes and falsies, cute heels (yes! heels!) and almost every girl looked like they were models stepping out from the folds of a fashion magazine. And who wouldn't blame them? With almost every train stop being near a mall housing a lot of stores selling makeup and clothes!

Orchard road is an entire strip of malls in Singapore. We were in Orchard road on our second day after a zoo visit attempt fail. Anyway, it was a blesssing in disguise too, because we were inside the famous Ion mall. We got off Orchard station and lo and behold- Ion!

Ion mall is a multi-story mall. You find bargain hops at the bottom floor and as you go higher up, it houses luxury and designer brands. We found familiar stops like Charles and Keith and Aldo plus luxury brands like Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.

It was home too to the largest Sephora branch in Singapore. I was really jumping up and down when I saw the black and white striped pillars. I remember doing the same thing twenty years ago whenever I was in the Barbie lane at Toys R Us. I felt like a kid once again.

Sephora houses popular makeup brands like Make Up For Ever, MAC, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, Benefit Cosmetics, Dior, and of course, their house brand. Sephora lipsticks are really cushy and they smell really nice, like grape-flavored Bubble Yum. The SA's in Sephora are really helpful in assisting the customers with their needs, and they're well-versed in the products. I went there to Back-to-MAC some of my containers. When I was choosing lipsticks, the SA was really nice in picking out what's nice, even swatching them for me.

Another home away from home is Forever21. A staircase from the train station peppered with Forever21's logo leads you straight to the store.

I was all smiles at Ion up until the train ride to Raffles City mall. Oh, if you're going to Raffles City mall, get off at City Hall train station it would take you directly to Raffles City mall.

Raffles City is located at Singapore's business district, sort of like Glorietta's counterpart here. So the crowd on weekdays is mostly yuppies after office hours or on lunch breaks, and of course tourists like us. What welcomed me in raffles is a very familiar place. Can you guess what? This would be a clue:

That's right! MAC! I could stay all day in the MAC store here. Although I've got my fair share of Sephora and MAC at Ion, I just had to go here.

They have the Cinematics collection here, which had eyeshadow duos you can pick your combo in. On the right are the colored brush sets, which were sold out when I got there. Awwww.....

Lipsticks!!!!!!

MAC Singapore also had lipsticks not sold in MAC Philippines. Among them were two of my favorite reds: Chilli and Lady Danger.

They look so pretty! They're on the orange/warm side though but that's okay. I like them just the same.

One of my friends who used to work on counter in MAC Philippines is already based in Singapore. Say hello to Frances! She used to work at MAC Mall of Asia here in the Philippines. It was nice to see one of my friends in Singapore.

I spent a theme day at MAC MoA with her! I miss guesting again at MAC.

I behaved with my purchases though, as you can see. In the makeup department, I purchased an eyebrow pencil in Dirty Blonde, since I stuffed my suitcase with food already.

Another mentionable is a famous Korean skin care brand here in Manila, Etude House.

And if you're on your way home, the duty free at Changi airport (both Changi and budget terminal) houses cosmetics and fragrances for last-minute buys.

Brands like Bulgari, D&G, Elizabeth Arden, Dior, Chanel, and The Body Shop are located in the store at lower prices than most malls. The tiny Shu Uemura booth holds skin care like Red Juvenus, Phyto Black Lift, Cleansing oils, and travel-size goodies not seen in most stores. The Duty Free Shops also hold SK-II, with its famous face masks forever being sold out during New York Fashion Week. I was thinking whether to purchase a bottle of pink Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil for stock or Elizabeth Arden Green Tea perfume, I chose to buy the 30mL bottles of perfume. I kept one bottle for myself and one for my mom.

My first Singapore trip was definitely fun. A weekend isn't enough to experience it fully. Maybe when I go back, I'll go around more sights and enjoy the country more. :)