Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake

I had to replace my Maybelline compact so I went to this retailer of Korean cosmetics in one of the shopping malls here in Davao City. They didn't have a lot of compacts (just Laneige and Etude) so I settled with the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake for two reasons: very cute packaging and still within my budget.

I got the Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 since I thought it is nearer my skintone and paid PhP1000 (approx. $21) for the compact and two refills. It's priced more than brands I usually buy (L'oreal and Maybelline) but considering that my purchase included a very cute pink mirrored compact and full-sized refills, I made a go for it.



Etude Coverfit Two Way Cake #21 is a lightly fragranced powder foundation that provides very light coverage. The product is not a keeper for me because it leaves a grayish cast on my skin especially when applied over sunblock (I use L'oreal UV Perfect). So I decided to just give it to a friend whose skin tone is a perfect match for the Etude Coverfit Two way Cake.

Unique Christian Gift Items

If you are looking for gift items for friends and family members, you might want to give them Unique Christian Gifts. I browsed through the online catalogue of a Christian gift store and I found a number of very beautiful Christian gift items like rosewood pens (see image above), laser-engraved bookmarks, wooden pillboxes, and even keychains. They also have pocket-sized mirrors, pocket knives, and even home and wall decor.

What makes the gift items so special is that all of them are carved and laser-engraved with Christian messages and symbols. More than just artfully crafted trinkets, the gift items are unique and will make inspirational gifts for your friends and loved-ones.

All About Hair: Tools and Products I Use

I wasn't blessed with gorgeous hair so I went for a chemical treatment tonce or twice to tame my frizzy and wavy hair. Although I love having pin-straight locks, a rebond always leave me with with dull, limp hair and a fringe that's so flat that you'd think I was steampressed or something.

Since I cannot afford a regular salon treatment, I use inexpensive hairstyling tools and products to tame my usually frizzy and wavy hair and to add some texture or volume when needed. I do not use a lot of products on my hair and I never ever buy branded ones unless they are on sale. Below is a list of hairstyling tools and hair products I use.

• Hair dryer- I just use an inexpensive Imarflex blowdryer which I bought for PhP350. I have been using this one for three years now and it is so old that it doesn't have the attached diffuser anymore. It is perfect for those days when I have to go out and have to use public transportation and do not have time to iar-dry my hair. Honestly, I hate it when I have to go out with my hair dripping wet and sticking out in different places.
• Straightening iron- My big sister has a ceramic flat iron which costs around PhP3,000 (obviously, I can't afford it) so I just borrow hers when I am in the mood for sleek, straight hair.
  
• Curling iron- I don't curl my hair a lot but when I am bored, I try to experiment with different hairstyles so I kind of like having one of these around. I bought mine for about PhP200 two to three years ago.
• Brushes and combs- I have a round brush, a flat brush, and a wide-toothed comb. What I have are the cheap ones, not Denman or Goody. I use the brushes when I blowdry my hair and the wide-toothed comb for detangling damp hair.
• Pins and coated elastic bands- I don't have a lot of hair accessories but I have a stash of pins and elastic bands in case I don't feel like wearing my hair down.
  
• Regular shampoo and conditioner- I use Head and Shoulders because I can't stand the scent of other brands. For the conditioner, I use Palmolive but haven't been using conditioner lately. I just use Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist for less chemical build-up.
  
• Hot Oil Treatment- Since I don't really go for expensive salon treatments, I use the pink variant of Biolink VCO Hotoil Treatment (PhP10/sachet). A sachet is good for 2 treatments and what I do is just slap it on for 5 minutes. Really, it works well everytime.
  
• Hairstyling Products- I am now using a range of products by Shwarzkopf got2b. I bought the full-sized items at a discount store for Php99 each. I have a large bottle of got2b dazzling spray and I say it really gives lustre without weighing my hair down (unlike Vitress). I also use got2b styl-tini spray gel to add volume to my bangs. It works really great since it adds texture and definition without the greasy feel unlike the Gatsby Styling Wax I used before. For maximum hold, I use got2b kicked up hard jelly and just blast it with blowydryer to dry it out.
  
• Hair Color- On rare occasions that I color my hair, I use Loreal or Garnier Nutrisse. Each box of hair coloring treatment costs around PhP400-PhP600, cheaper than going to a salon. I had a color treatment at a salon last Christmas and I paid around PhP1,300 and Iwasn't even satisfied with the putcome.

It has been five months since my last rebonding treatment and I don't think I will be getting one soon. The salon I went to increased their rates (had a full rebond for just PhP1,200 then) so I don't think I can afford it. With my medium-length hair, a rebonding treatment will cost me around PhP2,500-PhP4,000 and shelling out that much money will rip my wallet into pieces.

All things considered, I do want to have gorgeous hair because it is every woman's crowning glory BUT during dire times, I really need to practice austerity.

Getting a Short Haircut

Recently, short haircuts for women are back in vogue so I am considering getting one which is slightly layered at the sides. Since I used to wear my hair really short I know that having a short haircut will be very easy to maintain. With the right kind of tools and hair products, I can easily vary my hairstyle to suit my mood and activities for the day. Most days, I can just blowdry it for a few minutes and I am ready to go. And if time permits, I can also use styling tools like a curling iron and use a small amount of texturizing wax for more definition.

With the current trends in hairstyling, having a short haircut is more suitable for modern women. A stylish short haircut is also perfect for those who have an active lifestyle as it is practical and convenient.

Latest Tony Moly Buys

I bought yet another batch of Tony Moly products. This time, I bought a tube of Cocoa Foam Cleansing wash, Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist, and Vita Capsule Aqua Serum. I bought my latest finds at discounted prices so I paid just about $12 for everything.

I am currently using the Tony Moly Foam Cleansing wash (reviewed by Lotus Palace) and I love its mild chocolate-y scent. I also love the fact that it is non-drying and comes in a very cute packaging. It is also a steal since I bought the 150 ml tube on sale at approximately $3.

As for the Tony Moly Vita Capsule Aqua Serum, well, I say I have tried better and cheaper moisturizers. The 30 ml bottle costs $6 and I say I was disappointed that this gel-based moisturizer is quite sticky. I just use it from time to time as I don't think it works best for my oily skin.

And lastly, I am so happy with Tony Moly Olive and Vinegar Hair Mist I bought for $3. It comes in a very cute plastic spray bottle but more than that, it keeps my hair soft and moisturized. It is very light, non-greasy, and smells good, too.

Chatrooms for Catholics

I have been a Catholic for more than 30 years now so I was quite surprised that sites like Catholic Chat City provide its users free access to Catholic chatrooms. The site offers those who practice the Roman Catholic faith a venue for exchanging ideas with fellow Catholics from all over the globe. Since Catholicism has a very rich history, the topics to be discussed seem endless.

Just like other chat city sites, registration for a free account at Catholic Chat City is very easy. Users only need to sign up using a simple form requiring important details (username, password, email address, age, and gender) and then engage in Catholic Chat immediately. The site's interface is very easy to use as well. Once a user joins a chatroom, broadcasting a webcam and viewing other people's webcam can be done immediately. Users can also receive private messages and have the option to block other users who are less than respectful.

The Philippines has an estimated Roman Catholic population of more than 71 million and knowing how Filipinos love to chat, free access to Catholic chatrooms will be more than welcome. Joining chatrooms in Catholic Chat City will be a refreshing change from what people are used to. In joining Catholic chatrooms, users can expect a more respectful, accommodating, and lively community.

Medium Season 5 Episode Free on iTunes

I downloaded an episode of Medium from iTunes for free a couple of days ago, simultaneously with the Twilight Exclusive Movie Clip I blogged about. I didn't know a thing about Medium, except for the fact that it is starred by Patricia Arquette. Her, I remember vaguely from the movie Stigmata.

The free episode I downloaded, Soul Survivor, is about how Allison Dubois (Patricia Arquette) easily solves a crime that has been baffling the Phoenix police department for months (actually, I believe this is a constant per episode). Allison Dubois, by the way, is a psychic who works as a consultant for the D.A.'s office. Her dreams and visions fo dead people help her in solving horrifying crimes.

Anyway, Soul Survivor was just okay for me. I didn't really expect it to be outstanding or anything.Immediately after watching the episode, I removed it from my sync list to free some disk space. Enjoying it for 42:20 is enough.

Well, if you like Patricia Arquette and her TV series, download the free episode of Medium here.

New Mexico: Land of Enchantment

A couple of nurses I know opted to seek employment in New Mexico. This is not surprising because aside from the fact that New Mexico is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, there are a number of convincing reasons why they would choose New Mexico over other states.

One of the reasons why many Philippine nurses would choose to live in New Mexico is the Hispanic influence and very large Catholic population. Another reason would be that the state of New Mexico is a well-known hub for arts and culture. They have cultural events like the Contemporary Hispanic Market and Santa Fe Indian Market and judging from the New Mexico pictures I have seen,it has a rich and unique multi-cultural heritage. Really enchanting!

Santa Fe, the capital city of New Mexico, is also popular for its large community of artists. Santa Fe is known for an abundance of galleries and outdoor sculptures. It is also home to many world-class museums, including the world-renowned Georgia O'Keeffe museum.

Free Twilight Movie on iTunes

I have enjoyed the Twilight Saga audiobooks and ebooks but I can't say that I am thrilled by the movie. Too many inconsistencies. Still, watching an exclusive movie clip of Twilight on an iPod Touch is like watching the movie in a different light. With the video's clarity, I can at least appreciate the special effects.

Of course, I think Robert Pattinson gave justice to Edward Cullen, well, physically. Same with the guys who did Emmett Cullen and Jasper Hale. Jasper Hale looked thirsty and always on the verge of losing control.

But some of the actors do not really fit their roles to a T, like those girls who did Rosalie Hale and Bella Swan. As for the actor who portrayed Jacob Black, well, I just don't get the premature fangs.

Oh well, If you were disappointed that what's available for free on iTunes isn't really the full-length Twilight movie after all, I am sorry but do consider the fact that you can have 2:58 minutes worth of a very vivid movie clip of Twilight. Just think Edward Cullen in all his sparkling glory! Moreover, the movie clip of Twilight is indeed categorized under Free Movies on iTunes. So I can't be accused of being a tad too mischievous here.

Anyway, the iTunes release of the full-length Twilight movie will be on March 21 so if you are a big Twilight fan, you can pre-order it for $14.99.

Choosing The Right Web Host

I am always anxious each time I anticipate a surge in traffic in my blogs. I imagine an error which says "Bandwidth Exceeded" plastered all over it. I know that to save myself from unnecessary anxiety I need to seriously consider web hosting for my blogs.

However, choosing the right web host entails lots of research. There are things like disk space, rate of data transfer, technical support, and annual fees to consider. And so it is a good thing that a site like Web Hosting Choice provides a guide on choosing the right web host ( visit site). A free research guide to web hosting is what I need to help me finally decide which web host is right for me.

Blogging the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

The November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results was released last February 20 and I say I had a blast blogging about it.

Lyle and I had been waiting for the results to be released since the first of February, growing impatient by the day, losing sleep, and always watchful like predators after a prey (sorry, I've had too much of Twilight lately). I don't remember ever being so conscientious at blogging about the results ever since I have started my nursing blog in April 2008. Maybe Lyle rubbed some of his stardust on me considering he has been maintaining Pinoy R.N. since December 2005. Frankly, I dunno.

The release of the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results was preceded and followed by the usual frenzy. But compared to the previous nursing board exams, I find it less dramatic. While the examinees exhibited impatience while waiting for the results for almost three months, they were composed to some extent.

Now that everybody has shifted their attention to the oathtaking and registration schedule for the passers of the said nursing board exam, I wonder if people took into consideration what the recent nursing board exam results are trying to tell us. Sure, exam results are statistics but the pattern is obvious.

We have been informed about the possibility that Nursing will be a 5-year course and on the most recent development that it has been decided that it will stay a four-year course in the meantime. Well, until when? Until somebody comes up with an impractical plan on how to improve the quality of nursing education in the Philippines?

The list of top performing schools and top ten examinees in the recent board exam has a lot to tell. Examining how Baguio Central University laid a claim on the first and third places of the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam and how universities like Xavier University, Silliman University, Central Philippine University, and St. Louis University consistently perform well in the nurse licensure examination could point us in the right direction. When it comes to improving the quality of nursing education here in the Philippines, that is.

I believe it is high time for the administrators of non-performing nursing schools to spend some time, perhaps a month, to observe how the likes of Xavier University and Silliman University educate and train their nursing students. And hopefully be taught how to put newfound knowledge to good use.

The Best in HD Programming

For those who want the best in HD programming, a better alternative to broadcast and cable TV is DirecTV. Using an all-digital platform and state-of-the-art broadcast centers, DirecTV continues to attract more customers throughout continental U.S. Subscribers enjoy an enhanced TV and movie experience with www.DirectSatTV.com more than 130 high-definition channels.

Being a leader in HD television, DirecTV offers affordable www.DirectSatTV.com deals for as low as $29.99 per month. And for a limited time offer, subscribers may also avail the DirecTV specials and get three months free on HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Beyond state-of-the-art HD programming, www.DirectSatTV.com is also committed to providing the best service to its customers. They always have customer service and sales representatives on standby to cater to their clients' needs.

Loving Michael Scott

Every week, I hang out at Lyle's place to watch the newest episode of The Office. We have been avid followers of this mockumentary by NBC and have been watching it for years now. And since Lyle has been really conscientious at sourcing all the episodes of The Office per season, I say we never missed an episode of this very sharp and funny comdey series.

But of course, the central character in The Office is Michael Scott portrayed by Steve Carell. Michael Gary Scott is the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin- Scranton Branch who is often insensitive, a poor judge of character, and lacks self-awareness. And although he can be so mean at times that you want to tear him into bits and pieces, he is actually a very lonely person and my heart went out to him countless times.

A couple of days ago, we watched parts 1 & 2 of Lecture Circuit and I say Michael Scott almost made me cry. Sure, he was still insensitive and managed to say and do the most inappropriate things but seeing how distraught he was when he found out that ex-girlfriend Holly has moved on...well, you have to be either heartless or dead to be unsympathetic.

On March 5, there will be another episode of The Office for us. The next episode is called Blood Drive. And I am really excited. Because I don't think there's gonna be a lousy The Office episode.

Interracial Chat Rooms for Cultural Exchange

I am interested in language learning and cultural exchage so I joined an Interracial Chat Room for an opportunity to chat with people from all over the globe. Registration is very easy and as soon as registered, new users can immediately join any of the chat rooms. To make the chat more lively, registered users also have the option to view other members' webcam and vice versa. They can also edit their profile pages and receive private messages from other users.

More Than Just A Notebook

In June last year, I bought a thick Stradmore notebook which I like to call my life's notebook. It is not really a journal, because I just jot things down when I feel like it although my intention is to keep it a monthly affair. It keeps me remember thoughts and feelings- some sort of a date and time stamp. I am so forgetful that there is a constant need for me to write things down for easy reference.

I leafed through the pages of the notebook a while ago and I couldn't help but smile as I read some of the silly things I have written. For example, in my first entry, I wrote about my first Google Adsense payout and listed the things I bought with my earnings: a computer chair, my stradmore notebook, grocery items, and food.

In another entry dated November 2008, I wrote that I won't drink softdrinks anymore and although I didn't muster the courage until January this year, I'm happy that I finally did. I also wrote about a Desperate Diet Plan which is too embarassing to discuss in detail here. However, I believe it paved the way for me to take weight loss seriously despite the hits and misses along the way. I do have my weight loss blog now (seriously!) and I maintain a food journal. And I hope to finally lose the excess poundage. Tee-hee!

It has been a month since I have written in my Stradmore notebook. And maybe tomorrow, I'll write another entry. Just looking at it now makes me want to smile. The cover says: No I.D., No Entry. And has names like Sue Permann, Ella Fant, Jack Stone, and Xavier Breth written all over it. Very, very silly.

Fashionable Eyeglasses Need Not Be Expensive

In her New York Times article, Lesley Alderman wrote that with the ongoing financial crisis, consumers need to be wiser when it comes to vision care. She says that when thinking of buying eyeglasses, people should consider Zenni Optical for inexpensive presciption eyewear, including stylish frames and photochromic lenses. So for those want big savings when buying prescription eyewear, they also have $8 eyeglasses suitable even for those who are on a very tight budget.

When I think of prescription eyeglasses, the mental picture that immediately comes to mind is that of a schoolmarm wearing those plain black-rimmed eyeglasses that look like they have been out of fashion for decades. So when I browsed the online catalogue of zennioptical.com, I was surprised to find that they have a wide range of stylish eyeglasses for men and women.

One item which caught my fancy is a fashionable pair of women's eyeglasses in Burgundy (see image above). The metal alloy full-rim frame is adorned with a crystal arc at the rim, has a spring hinge, and sells for $23.95. The frame is also available in Pink and looks adorable, too.

Zenni Optical also sells children's frames, prescription goggles, and bifocal/progressive frames. All their eyeglasses come with a stylish frame, thin and light lens with anti-scratch coating, a good quality hard case, and a microfiber lens cleaning cloth.

On Dentists and Dental Care

My nephew needs to have dental surgery. He has severe problems with teeth alignment that more than he needs dental braces, I believe he must have some of his teeth extracted. This problem would have been fixed years ago if not for my nephew's fear of dental procedures. The moment we bring up the need for him to visit a dentist to have his teeth fixed, he turns white and changes the subject.

Most children fear visiting a dentist. While they somehow grasp the importance of regular dental check-ups as part of overall dental care, they simply try to avoid dentists like the plague as some dental procedures can be quite painful.

To ensure proper dental care for children, it is important to choose a dentist the child can be comfortable with. It would be best to choose a dentist who has extensive experience in dealing with children. If a first visit to the dentist is pleasant for a very young patient, chances are the child will agree to visiting the same dentist again.

For those who live near Natick, Massachussets, Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry offers dental services to children. They are experienced on providing a variety of dental services to children as young as two years old so you are assured of your child's dental health.

Aside from their expertise in providing quality dental care to children, Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry also offers a variety of services for adults and senior citizens. They are committed to practicing preventive dentistry and use only the least invasive dental procedures for overall dental health. Their staff members are well-trained and oriented to treating their clients with utmost respect and sincerity.

For more information on their dental services, you can visit their website. And while you are at it, do not forget to check out their specials. They currently have a special package for new patients and offer a 10% discount for senior citizens. Dr. Aleid Family Dentistry also partnered with Dental Care so patients can avail of affordable financing for major dental procedures not covered by dental insurance.

Jommy Teotico is Pinoy Fear Factor El Ultimo Participante

Yes, the Pinoy Fear Factor El Ultimo Participante is Jommy Teotico. The 24-year old model from Manila won over Janna Dominguez in the Car Roll Over challenge.

Oh well, I didn't really want Jommy Teotico (I hated him!hehe) to win but I gotta say, he really deserves it. He was almost eliminated from the show three to four times but managed to hang on to win the grand prize. Jommy Teotico now has a house and lot and a car to his name and is richer by two million pesos.

I'm quite sad that this ends the first season of Pinoy Fear Factor. It is such a well-produced show (except for that extra long behind-the-scenes special) and the daredevil stunts did bring out the best of the 12 participantes. I can never imagine having one of those filthy cockroaches and hairy tarantulas inside my mouth!

And the hosting skills of Ryan Agoncillo is also commendable. He is in a league of his own as a host (I liked him a lot when he hosted Philippine Idol) and is actually the reason why I was so optimistic about Pinoy Fear Factor.

Pinoy Fear Factor El Utimo Participante

So will it be Janna Dominguez or Jommy Teotico?

I am watching Pinoy Fear Factor right now and it will be Janna Dominguez' turn in the the Car Roll Over Stunt after the break. Jommy Teotico just completed the challenge and although he wasn't able to land the car on its roof, he did land the car quite far from the ramp.

While I want Janna Dominguez to win, Jommy Teotico has accomplished a lot in this competition, having displaced Manuel Chua and Marion dela Cruz out of Pinoy Fear Factor. Marion dela Cruz was sent home to the Philippines after he trailed behind Janna Dominguez and Jommy Teotico in the Spiders in the Mouth challenge.

November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results Out

Finally, the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results has been released. Out of the 88,649 examinees, forty-one percent or 39,455 passed the licensure exam for nurses.

During my time (2005), it took the Professional Regulation Commission 18 days to release the Nursing Board Exam Results. If the experience was excruciating for me then, I can just imagine how unbearable the ordeal must have been for the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam candidates. Oh well, I believe the expression better late than never has been abused for ages. So what do we expect now, patience is a virtue? LOL.

If you or somebody you know took the November 2008 Nursing Board Examination, check out the document below.

Nov 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

Still Waiting for the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results

It is past 4:oo a.m. already and the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results ain't out yet. Everybody's been waiting for nursing exam results for close to three months now and there have been reports that the results for the nursing board exam held last November 29 and 30 will be released today, February 20.

Oh well, I hope the long wait will be over so that the thousands examinees (approximately 88,750) who took the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam will finally have their much needed rest and sleep. Judging from the comments left in the chatboxes of Ward Class and Pinoy R.N., a helluva lot of them have been waiting for the nursing board exam results until the wee hours of the morning for weeks now.

We will be posting the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam Results at Ward Class and Pinoy R.N. as soon as it is available. I will wait for the exam results for a few hours more. But honestly, since it is waaay past my bedtime, my back is killing me!

Chat Rooms for Anime Fans

If you enjoyed watching Bleach, Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist, and Trinity Blood, then you are a certified anime fan. Chances are, you spend hours watching your favorite anime series and know the dialogues and characteristics of your favorite characters by heart. And if that is not enough, you might have dressed up like your favorite anime characters at least one or twice to the surprise of your friends, colleagues, and family members.

For anime fans, having an online community where they can engage in Anime Chat will help bring millions of anime fans together. In a chat room devoted to all things anime, anime fans will have the chance to exchange ideas and discuss the most reviewed, most popular, top-rated, and longest-running anime series. Very creative anime fans may also give beginners tips and tricks on how to draw anime-style.

Signing up with anime chat rooms like Anime Chat City is very easy. You just have to fill up a registration form and then you can start chatting immediately. You can even even view other users' webcam and have them view your webcam in return. You can also receive private messages and upload images to your gallery.

Anime fans will find a new home in Anime Chat City as it is where true-blue fans converge and discuss their love and passion for anime.

Manuel Chua Out of Pinoy Fear Factor

As promised, I watched Pinoy Fear Factor again to find out if either Manuel Chua or Janna Dominguez will be hailed the first El Ultimo Participante. Imagine my surprise when Pinoy Fear Factor host Ryan Agoncillo announced that Manuel Chua is eliminated from the show.

Manuel Chua is clearly the strongest participante in the show but sadly, his luck ran out during the Enterado Vivo (Buried Alive) challenge. It took Manuel Chua more than eight minutes to complete the challenge making him the next participante to be sent home to the Philippines.

And so, my bet goes to Janna Dominguez. The pretty sales agent/bar performer from Malabon will compete against Jommy Teotico and Marion dela Cruz in the succeeding stunts. Like I said in my previous post, Janna has been doing really well in the competition and her determination might just make her El Ultimo Participante.

I believe that with Manuel Chua out, the man to beat will be Marion dela Cruz. In tonight's stunt, Enterado Vivo, Marion dela Cruz broke a Fear Factor record.

Will Janna Win Pinoy Fear Factor?

It has been more than a month since I last blogged about Pinoy Fear Factor. Frankly, I lost interest in the show when they did a special last Christmas. The show was fun to watch when the participantes were up to their necks trying to outsmart the competition but when the producers got into the behind-the-scenes drama, I had to drop the show like a hot potato.

A couple of hours ago, I sort of got curious as to who's in and out of the reality show so I checked out Pinoy Fear Factor through Wikipedia and was surprised to find out that RJ was out and that Janna is the lone surviving female participante in Argentina. Although I find her funny and cute, Janna Dominguez is not really one of my early Pinoy Fear Factor favorites (wanted Manuel Chua or LJ Moreno to win) as she didn't quite fit the profile of a Fear Factor winner. But I have to give the girl some credit, though. She is clearly one of the better performers as she almost always saved herself from competing in the last stunt of every elimination round. Janna Dominguez is so young (just 18) and yet so determined to be the El Ultimo Participante that watching her on the show is refreshing.

Now that Pinoy Fear Factor is in it's final elimination round (Ultimo Ronda de Eliminacion), I hope either Manuel Chua or Janna Dominguez wins. I have always rooted for Manuel because he is is so goal-oriented and has really accomplished a lot by breaking two Fear Factor records but shit happens so I can't be too sure that he'll bag the grand prize. As for Janna, well, the girl is giving the guys a run for their money and she truly is "Girl Power!" personified.

Hmmm...I have to remind myself to watch Pinoy Fear Factor tonight. Now that the behind-the-senes icky stuff is over, I can get back to watching the show. And with the stunts of the Final Elination Round, I know I'll enjoy it.

Going for Silver

I am not really crazy about jewelry but whenever I have to buy a piece of jewelry, I always buy silver. Silver jewelry, in my opinion, is just as beautiful and versatile as white gold sans the expensive price tag. It can be fashioned into traditional or contemporay designs and can be worn by anyone regardless of skintone.

Silver jewelry are fast becoming indispensable fashion accessories. Jewelry pieces like cocktail rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver adorn the young and old alike as they can be worn from day to night. Teens and young adults also prefer to wear silver jewelry because prices remain affordable without compromising elegance and style.

Tony Moly Dual Lip Liner, Yogurt Sheet Mask, and Pearl Shine Lipgloss

I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately so I was excited to find out from Lotus Palace that Tony Moly has a dual eye concealer. My undereye circles are becoming more and more pronounced (dayuumm you, online movies, and audiobooks!) that I really need to do some concealing even though I do not really wear that much makeup everyday.

Since I already found a seller of reasonably priced Tony Moly products, I decided to give the shop a visit to get the Dual Eye Concealer. Sadly, they didn't have concealers so I ended up buying other Tony Moly items instead.

I bought a Tony Moly Dual Sunrise Lip Liner-- one side in nude, the other side rose-colored. The fact that it is retractable and provides precise definition makes it a good buy already so I was surprised when I found out that it costs a lot less than local brands (under $2). I also like the cute silver packaging. Not at all like those plain lip lining pencils I used to buy.

The Tony Moly Yogurt Sheet Mask in Mandarin Orange was just okay. I got the packet for about ($0.70), cheaper than another brand I regularly use. It hydrates without irritating the skin but I like grape essence masks more. There were other masks available so if they have their own version of grape essence mask, I'll get a packet during my next visit.

I also got a tube of Tony Moly Shine Pearl Lipgloss in Grape (approx. $3.5). Although not exactly a stand-out, I like the Tony Moly lipgloss as it gives that lips the right amount of shimmer with just a hint of color. The only downside is that it is not long-lasting but the attached brush applicator makes it very easy to apply for quick touch-ups. I also like its dessert-like scent and fun packaging.

And so, although I didn't really find what I was looking for, I was really happy with this batch of Tony Moly purchases. And I hope that my Tony Moly adventure doesn't end here. Because I am such a sucker for cheap finds, especially when they come in really cute packaging.

Russia's Ruble Continues to Struggle

In a recent report by Bloomberg, the ruble continues to devaluate as it fell 18% against the dollar last month. Taking into consideration the global financial crisis and the current trends in russian oil stock market, Russia's Central Bank has been exerting a lot of effort to give the ruble a boost. I just hope that this will be effective and entice investors rather than drive them away.

iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part II

Last week, I blogged about iWhite Korea facial products and promised to review iWhite's 5-step Botanical Skin Care System. I have been diligently using iWhite facial products for more than three weeks now and it is about time I come up with the second half of my iWhite facial products review.

iWhite Mandarin Extreme Cleansing Balm (Php30/sachet). This washable cleansing balm is a wax type cleanser that's supposed to be used everyday to remove makeup and impurities. Problem is, it is oily so although I really like citrus scents (it contains orange peel), I think it is not a good choice of cleanser for oily or combination skin.

iWhite Heating Pumpkin Enzyme Mask (Php30/sachet). I was pleasantly surprised when I first used this iWhite Mask because the moment the product came in contact with my skin, I really felt the heat! I tried other self-heating masks before (Garnier, etc.) but this pumpkin enzyme mask is really something. I like putting it on 2x/week just for the fun of it and not really for its beneficial properties. It's supposed to improve circulation in the skin by producing heat but I don't think it is suitable for the Philippines as it can really get hot and humid here. Although it smells good as in "all-natural" good, the consistency is quite thick and the mask felt like peanut butter on my face. I have really oily skin so this pumpkin enzyme mask is not a keeper for me.

iWhite Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish (PhP30/sachet). This wonderful face scrub is formulated from black coffee, sugar, oatmeal, and royal jelly. I am a big fan of facial scrubs so I felt like I hit the jackpot whe I first tried iWhite's Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish-- skin was soft and looked after application. And it isn't drying like most facial scrubs. One of my favorite facial products, I use iWhite Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish twice a week.

iWhite Ice Wine Rose Petal Mask (PhP30/sachet). This toning mask follows the application of the heating pumpkin enzyme mask or the pore refine coffee sugar polish. It's supposed to help tighten pores and hydrate the skin. But since it comes in a gel form, it can be quite sticky upon application. Although I can't say that this product is an absolute must-have for me, it is non-irritating and moisturizes the skin. I also keep it refrigerated for an added cooling effect.

iWhite Fresh Seaweed Skin Renewal Gel (PhP30/sachet). This leave-on sleeping mask is formulated from sea water, bamboo, and algae extracts and is said to have anti-aging properties. I apply it on my face and neck before sleeping and noticed that it does have a hydrating effect on the skin. Like the ice wine rose petal mask, I keep it refrigerated because I think gel-type mositurizers work best this way.

Although I can't say that the whole iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System suits oily and combination skin, it is an inexpensive starter kit for those who are looking for inexpensive facial products. For those who want to give it a try, use it for 1-2 weeks and then decide which products work best for your skin type. As for me, I think I'll replenish my stock of Pore Refining Coffee Sugar Polish and have decided to just consume my existing supply of the other products included in the iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System.

Related Article:
iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part I

Night Vision Equipment for Modern Combat Sports

I believe every guy in town loves modern combat sports (just as every member of the female population loves skincare products). They simply love to tinker with military and tactigal gear like rifles, gun accessories, laser sights, and even binoculars and range finders.

And for those whose idea of recreation is to play with compressed-air gun that launch plastic pellets, having twice the fun means adding night vision goggles to their growing collection of military and tactical gear. And luckily for them, sites like OpticsPlanet sell different types of night vision equipment like monoculars, binoculars, and riflescopes. They have different types of night vision equipment from popular brands like Bushnell, ATN, Yukon, and Night Owl.

OpticsPlanet also sells different types of eyewear, military and outdoor gear, digital cameras, sports equipment, and even microscopes. They also offers free shipping on condition, product reviews, and expert information for its clients.

Oh My Golly, I love Tony Moly!

Ooohhh, I love Mondays! I will be watching Boys Before Flowers later tonight and I just discovered Tony Moly. Before you raise your eyebrows, Tony Moly is a popular skincare and cosmetics label in Korea. I have read good reviews about the brand in Lotus Palace.

I wanted to sample Tony Moly's line of products because judging from the pictures in Lotus Palace, they all come in cute packaging (as in Etude House and SkinFood cute). I was already won over by Tony Moly's packaging and favorable reviews (non-irritating, inexpensive, and sweet-smelling to boot) that I was willing to spend money and buy Tony Moly skincare products.

And so today, I went to this Korean store I frequent to buy anything Tony Moly. Since I was in a hurry, I settled with an inexpensive tube of Tony Moly Metalizer Make-up Base and tried it on a cleansed face as soon as I got home. The verdict? I looove it! The Tony Moly Metalizer Make-up Base has fine iridescent particles that give a pore-refining effect and lend a healthy glow to the skin. It smells nice and suits my oily skin.

Tony Moly also has a BB cream and I'll buy a tube if it is in stock as I am looking for an alternative to foundation (not really a makeup junkie). I may spend a lot time on my hair but I'm okay with base, powder, and some gloss. If I can't find a tube of Tony Moly, I might just try Missha or Etude House as I think I spied both brands at La Core. I also considered getting SkinFood's Mushroom or Aloe BB cream variants but since SkinFood's retail prices here are waaayyy too inflated, I was pretty much discouraged from doing so. Anyway, SkinFood's been getting mixed reviews so I just have to look for better and cheaper brands.

I am looking forward to my next Tony Moly experience. And I am so excited because they have a whole range of neatly-packaged, sweet-smelling, non-irritating, and inexpensive skincare products to choose from. I can already imagine myself trying their sleeping masks, nose packs, moisturizers, and face and body scrubs.

Until my next Tony Moly experience. And by the way, did I mention that Kim Hyun Joong of Boys Before Flowers endorses Tony Moly?