Wildflour Cafe + Bakery (BGC)

Complimentary baguette and butter

In most Filipino households, there are four meals a day not three. There's breakfast, lunch, marienda and dinner. My mom and I came from a hot yoga class so we were tired, hungry and ready for our marienda!

Vietnamese Latte (small) PHP 115

Iced Cubano PHP 115
"Espresso, cinnamon"

It was a rainy day and we were both in the mood for some coffee. I chose the Iced Cubano which I really liked, but it's not for those who don't prefer their coffee strong and the taste of cinnamon. My mom enjoyed her Vietnamese Latte, and she usually likes her coffee sweet.

Tarte Flambee: fuji apples, brie, arugula, port wine reduction PHP 425

My mom and I are crazy about brie so the choice of flavor for our tarte flamee was a no brainer. I really like Wildflour's tarte flambees because the dough is airy, crispy and somewhat flaky. It was so good I could eat one whole all to myself. I know not everyone appreciates brie since it's an acquired taste, but the brie taste is faint enough for non brie lovers to like. The post wine reduction sauce adds a tangy edge.

My mom and I were originally planning on having cronuts with our coffee but when we got there they said there was none left. Then just as we were finishing up our flambee a customer cancelled their three box order of cronuts. It all ran out in less then a minute...

Chocolate Cronut PHP 120 + Dulce de Leche Premium Cronut PHP 150

Wilfdlour Cafe + Bakery (Bonifacio Global City)

Address: Net Lima Building, 4th ave. cor. 26th street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Telephone No.: 856-7600

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildflourcafebakeryFortBonifacio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wildflourBGC

Now Open: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen in Rockwell

Ramen is so big here in Manila that there's a ramen bar everywhere now, and at least one in each mall. Rockwell has a few Japanese restaurants already like Kuretake, Sumo Sam and Zaifu but not one specializing in ramen. It was about time!

 Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen opened their newest branch in the P1 level of Rockwell, beside Cafe Mediterranean.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

Address: P1 level of Rockwell; Shangri-La; SM Aura

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikkoryuph

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ikkoryuph

Yoga+ Makati

Yoga+'s third, newest studio started operations only a month ago, last July 23. The studio is tucked away in Salcedo Village in Makati.

Yoga+ occupies the entire 3rd floor of the building. Once you get off the elevator, you must remove your shoes and place them in the racks provided as shown below.

Male and female toilets are located in this area as well (there are none inside the changing rooms).

Upon entering the studio, you have to swipe your Yoga+ card in the reception area just like in the BGC branch. This might be new to you if you only go to the Ortigas branch where you have to leave your card with the receptionist, who then hands you a locker key and both bath and mat towels. 

Past the reception is a lounge, and one of two entrances to the Yang Room.

To the right of the reception is a long hallway; the lockers line the left side and past them are doors to the Yang Room, Towel Room and Office; to the right of the hallway is the water dispenser, male and female Changing Rooms and lastly the Yin Room. You must bring your own lock to be able to use one of the hundred lockers provided. Heads up to Ortigas students!

Yang Room | Towel Room | Office

Yang Room

A peek inside the Yang Room, which is more or less the same size as BGC's, with a ton of heaters hanging from the ceiling. Two sides of the room are mirrored.

Each student is entitled to use a mat towel for free, but the studio charges P30 for a bath towel. Might as well bring your own bath towel! Another heads up to all Ortigas students.

Men and Women's Changing Rooms 

Locker & Towel Policies

News & On-Going Workshops

Inside the Women's Changing Room, where hair dryers and clothes racks are provided. 

There are seven showers and one changing stall inside the Women's Changing Room.

Yin Room

Inside the Yin Room - no heaters and mirrors. The Yin Room is around the same size as the Ortigas yoga room. Makati is the only Yoga+ branch with two separate yoga rooms.

For more information about Yoga+ including their class schedules, studios, instructors, and more, head on over to their website! For my review on the Yoga+ Ortigas branch, click here. If you're new to Yoga+, they offer First-Timer Packages that you may avail: PHP 1,000 for one week unlimited and PHP 3,000 for one month unlimited. If you have any further questions (like their rates), please do not hesitate to comment down below.

What do you think of Yoga+'s newest studio?

Yoga+ Makati

Address: 3F Cambridge Centre, Tordesillas cor. Gallardo Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City (across from Makati Sports Club)

Website: http://yogaplus.ph/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogaplusph

Twitter: https://twitter.com/yogaplusph

Instagram: @yogaplusph

Email: info@yogaplus.ph

Telephone No.: 847-0697

Mobile No.: (0927) 558-1829

Hera Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion For Normal & Dry Skin

Hera Aquabolic Moisturizing Emulsion For Normal & Dry Skin ₩ 42000 (around PHP 1,650)

First off, how gorgeous is the packaging of this? The emulsion comes in a luxurious glass bottle that sits prettily together with my other everyday skincare products, but a pain to bring when traveling. Another thing I like about the dispenser is that it pumps out the exact amount needed to cover my entire face.

It has a slightly runny cream-gel consistency that allows me to slather it onto my face smoothly and evenly. I personally prefer to use this as my nighttime moisturizer since it takes longer (about 10 - 15 minutes) for the skin to fully absorb this product, compared to other moisturizers in the market. During the ten to fifteen minutes it can feel a bit (for the lack of a better word) sticky, and heading out in a tropical country with a sticky face is just downright uncomfortable for me. I'm also usually in a rush in the mornings and I like to wait for my moisturizer to sink in before applying my makeup.

It's helped hydrate my face without making it more oily than it already is, plus it leaves my skin feeling plump and soft. It also leaves a really nice floral scent that I can't get enough of. A little goes a long way with this emulsion, I've used this for several months now and I'm nowhere near halfway! Unfortunately, Hera products aren't sold here in the Philippines, I picked this up during my trip to Seoul awhile back.

Have you tried anything from Hera?

Haul: Beauty Bar + SM Makati

L'oreal EverStrong Sulfate-Free Hydrate Conditioner | L'oreal EverSleek Sulfate-Free Intense Smoothing Shampoo | Organix Moroccan Argan Oil 3 Piece Starter Kit | Rosehip PLUS Skin Boost Roll-On | Dr. Jart Water Fuse Blemish Base | K-Palette 1 Day Lash Perm Long Curl Mascara in Black | the Balm Instain Blush in Houndstooth | K-Palette Lasting 2way Eyebrow in 01 (accidentally got the wrong shade)

Have you tried any of these products yet?

Lush Think Pink Ballistic Bath Bomb + The Comforter Bubble Bar

Let's start off with the fact that I don't have a bath tub at home. (I know.... I know.) So when my dad told my mom and I that he booked a room in a hotel to celebrate their wedding anniversary the first thing I thought of was "bath tub!" and second was "LUUUSH" Of course I had to make most out of the opportunity so getting just one bath bomb or one bubble bar wasn't an option. Then again I'd probably be broke from all the bath products I'd be buying and anti social from using up all my spare time in the tub...

Think Pink Ballistic Bath Bomb (mini version, 90g) PHP 225

What Lush has to say:
"Inspired by the delightful Audrey Hepburn, Pink is sophisticated, sexy, elegant, and witty. Fragranced with edgy tonka bean, neroli, and the sweetness of vanilla absolute, it turns baths into candy-scented fantasies with a fragrance that lingers on your skin long after you’re out of the bath. It's sweet, but not overbearingly so, with a subtle bite of something cheeky. Spoil yourself; instead of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, have an indulgent bath with Pink."

It was fun to watch the bath bomb fizz and the water slowly turning to a clear baby pink color. The bathroom started to fill up with a sweet and girly scent, but nothing strong or overpowering. 

Aside from the flowers decorated on top of the ballistic, there were tiny heart confettis in different shades of pink at the bottom of the tub which added a cheeky touch. I like Lush's bath bombs and how it's a fun bath product but I honestly don't really like the idea of soaking in a tub that's clear. I'm the kind of girl who likes her bubble baths!

The Comforter PHP 395

For the bubbles of my Lush concoction I decided to choose something similar to Think Pink, so the scents and colors wouldn't clash. The tub was already quite full (stupid me) by the time the bath bomb completely dissolved. The trick with bubble bars is that the stronger the water pressure, the more bubbles it will create. Since I wanted a lot of bubbles I turned up the water to the strongest pressure, so I obviously ended up with too much water in the tub that I had to drain it a bit. So tip for all you girls (or guys) planning on making their own Lush bath bomb and bubble bar cocktail, don't fill up the tub right away for the bath bomb.

What Lush has to say:

"When life is getting you down, crumble The Comforter under hot, running water for passionately purple water and creamy, comforting bubbles. This massive slice of vibrant fruitiness gives you the feeling of being enveloped in a warm hug and gently consoled by the friendly fruity aroma of a blackcurrant candy. It was created to bring a real sense of comfort to people, just like a real comforter would. Snuggle in, and stay undercover until you’re ready to face the world once again. Even better, each bar creates two baths of fruity comfort."

It didn't create as much bubbles as I thought it would even if I used one whole bubble bar, since Lush claims that you can make use of their bubble bars for two baths. Maybe it was because I added too much water? The water also turned to a cloudy pink from a clear baby pink.

The duo made a sweet and relaxing scent, perfect to unwind and listen to some good music. Some hot chocolate and your magazine or book would be the cherry on top. As for the bubbles, it didn't last too long, there were hardly any left after an hour.

It was too soon...

What's your favorite Lush bath product?

Lush

Website: http://www.lushusa.com/

Lush Tea Tree Water

Lush Tea Tree Water (250 g) PHP 575

I'm always on the look out for skincare products that claim to help blemish-prone and oily/combination skin. Lush's Tea Tree Water's been getting lots of love from bloggers and vloggers, but what really convinced me to go out and buy it is when I read one of Elle Fowler's posts on her new blog Dreaming in Blush. 

It was recently that I discovered that the reason behind the spots on the sides of my face (temples and upper cheeks) was because of my pillow case. From that day on I would lay a small towel on top of my pillow case, use it for two nights (one side per night), then change - the bumps and spots on the sides of my face started to subside after a few days. Elle Fowler mentioned in her post that aside from using the Lush Tea Tree Water on her face, she also uses it to spritz on her pillow case before bed. I thought it was genius and that was all it took for me to purchase it!

 Most acne busting toners are usually abrasive and contains alcohol, but this is gentle on the skin and isn't drying. Its main ingredient is tea tree oil which many people use as a natural remedy for acne. I include this in my morning and evening skincare routine when I notice that I'm starting to break out, by spraying this directly to a cotton pad then applying it all over my face. For times when I use this throughout the day to freshen up I just simply spritz some directly to my face. Then every night, I spritz some of the toner to the towel I lay on top of my pillow to help the spots and also to prevent it. It isn't too strong either to use everyday for my combination skin, although it might be for people with sensitive skin.

It has a light herbal scent that fades after awhile. I don't know why but I love the simple packaging; it comes in a sleek, all black recycled bottle. Keep in mind to check out the 'best before' date on the bottle before deciding between the 250g or 100g bottle, consider if you'll be able to finish it up before then. My mom and I picked up the bigger one since we're planning on sharing it. As for repurchasing I'm not really sure yet, maybe just the smaller size to use for my pillow at night.

Have you tried the Tea Tree Water from Lush, or any product with tea tree as the main ingredient?

Lush

Website: http://www.lushusa.com/

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Precious + Honey

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (top) and Precious (bottom) PHP 575 for two
(according to the last photo)

I was walking around the department store and stopped when I saw a 'buy one take one' sign by Revlon. I've heard of these balm stains before but never thought of purchasing them since I knew I didn't really need yet another lip product, plus I already own a Chubby Stick from Clinique which is similar. But how can anyone pass up such a great deal? These were originally priced PHP 575 each, so I was able to score two for the price of one.

This product is basically a lip balm, but with more pigmentation and longer lasting color. They all have the same minty scent that most lip balms have, quite moisturizing, and also has the same natural finish of an ordinary lip balm. I've noticed that the color slightly turns more vibrant after a few minutes of it sitting on your lips, which I didn't expect to happen. It leaves your lips tinted, especially if you choose one of the darker shades. I also really like how it's shaped like a crayon because it provides a more precise application. I use the tip to line my lips first then fill them in by using the side of the crayon.

I'd say this is an almost perfect summer product except it doesn't provide SPF. Honestly, I think Clinique did a better job with the formula, their Chubby Sticks glide on a lot smoother and feel more moisturizing. However, Revlon wins in the scent and price (Clinique Chubby Stick retails for PHP 920) department.

Have you tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains?

Revlon

Website: http://www.revlon.com/Home.aspx

Essie in Tart Deco, Absolutely Shore + Bikini So Teeny

Tart Deco | Absolutely Shore | Bikini So Teeny PHP 400
(according to the last two pictures)

You're all probably sick of hearing me obsess about these but I just wanted to share with you my teeny tiny mini Essie, um, "collection." I just recently discovered a store called Polish Please that sells them here in the Philippines (PHP 400), including other popular nail polish brands like Zoya, OPI and China Glaza - and I'm super excited for my Essie nail polish collection to grow!

What nail polishes do you own from Essie?

Essie

Website: http://www.essie.com/

Polish Please

Address: R2 Hip Culture, Power Plant Mall

Website: http://polishplease.ph/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/polishpleaseph

Twitter: https://twitter.com/polishpleaseph

Instagram: @polishplease_ph