Reason To Party!

It's that season again when wherever I am, in private conversations of others or directed at me, people are asking, "What are you giving up for Lent?"  This topic is usually interesting to me because I don't observe the Lenten season the same way others do.  However, I believe a healthy fast from food or anything that we've indulged in (like the Internet or TV) should be practiced from time to time for both the mind and body.  But whatever you've chosen to do for this season or any other time of your life, may God receive all the glory!

I thank God that He's given us reason to commemorate and to celebrate His death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave.  I heard on the radio once by Pastor Alistair Begg, my go-to preaching during my thirty-minute drive home from work, that of all people, Christians should be known for their "pahrr-tees."  Aside from my utter amusement at his pronunciation, I agree that we have the biggest reason to celebrate!  Jesus loved us so much that He came to finish all sacrifices required to buy us back from death and to give us LIFE- a life to be lived to the full with Him (John 10:10).

Why am I so confident that this is true?  Why am I so confident that Jesus rose from the dead?  Because there would be absolutely no reason to party if it weren't true!  As in the words of Apostle Paul:

    "Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.  Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied" 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (NASB).

I also know that someday He will come again in His full regalia and glory, and everyone will know as obvious as the sea is deep and the mountains are tall, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus is Lord!

So, this Lenten season, may I suggest that you and I not only give up sweets or meat?  May I challenge us that we GIVE UP our confidence in ourselves, in what we can do, or can reason?  And GAIN life that is eternal through Christ Jesus!

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)  For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus" Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT).

Scripture
New American Standard Version, New Living Translation: Biblegateway.com.
Images
Van Gogh, Vincent. Still Life with Mackerels, Lemons, and Tomatoes.  From FamousPainters.org.
Empty Tomb.

Lancome Package

Hooray!  My package came in about a week after I ordered~~ ^.^  I bought an eye cream and a lipstick to go along with the 7-piece gift.  Heehee!  I think it's always funny to buy anything for the freebies.  Or maybe a little sad because that's not the most practical thing to do...  -__-  Oh well, let's look at the bright side of things :D

They are little things, only as small as my lipstick.  The bright side: cute!

I thought might as well because I thought I was
getting wrinkles on my eyes.  Nothing serious.  :S
The bright side: I can share with Ma!

In Pink in the Limo (Sheen)

Smells like roses!

I've read reviews about its distinct smell, and mine

does have a strong smell.  I thought the brush was

well-designed, meant to reach the tightest corners.

Extra

My little sister chose these polishes.  She was in the mood for glamorous
wintry colors.  So, I borrowed ^^  I'll show you the products next time!

The lesson of this story... I don't think having more stuff actually means becoming happier.  That old adage about money and happyness rings true.  The bright side with having more is having the capability to share ^^ Shouldn't it be that way?  Someday, I think I should hold a giveaway when I get enough followers/readers or other reasons to celebrate ^____^

Anyway, as for Macy's customer service: their online service was great!  They replied to my emails quickly and they tried to answer my questions the best way they could.  The package came in less than a week, too!  ^^

Etude House Proof 10 Liquid Liner in #1 Proof Black Review

I wanted to kill two birds with one stone tonight by writing a review and making a tutorial, but little did I know that the details of making a tutorial was tough!  >___<  And my images are blurry.  Oh well... we'll see someday... Plus, I think I am amateur much to be able to guide you well enough with a tutorial.  :P  What do you say?

So, tonight will only be my review on Etude House Proof 10 Liquid Liner in #1 Proof Black.

A Little Background
I got this from BB Cream Boutique a while back, so I don't know if they've restocked yet.  I've thrown away my Dolly Wink eyeliner :(  but this is a good product, too.  My sister and I learned about this when she purchased it from the Philippines... for $20!!  During my college days, that was a king's ransom!  (hehehe!  I exaggerate so.  But I didn't have a job, ok?)  But I think it will please you to know that at BB Cream Boutique, it is a mere $9.99  XD <(nice!)

So, here we go!

Formula
The formula is great because it can last for nearly the entire day, even better than Dolly Wink!  It won't budge off even when it gets wet or with sebum unless you rub it.  But sometimes, because my eyes become really teary and crusty because of wearing contacts (I know, yuck! :( ), my winged tips do slightly disappear.  The color is an intense black.  The consistency of the formula really fascinates me because I have seen absolutely NO American drugstore brand equivalent to it, in which this formula is a little jelly-like (not inky), does not fade away, and will not give panda eyes.

Brush
The brush is really small and thin for making nice skinny lines, but I have a hard time with these pot-and-brush types because it is not as efficient as pen types, where you'd have to set down the pot before you can line your eyes.

Pros
Glides on smoothly.
Intense black color.
Thick consistency.
Waterproof.
Easy to remove with warm water, make-up remover, or if you rub it off.
Affordable price!  ^.^d

Cons
May come off with teary eyes like mine.
Not pen type.

Conclusion
A recommended buy because you don't waste $$$!  You can get yours HERE!  Also, BB Cream Boutique has stocked up on A LOT of new items.  Enjoy your shopping! ^___^

Proof 10 Liquid Liner- skinny lines 

Small and skinny brush tip ^o^

With Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad

Let's put a face to those eyes ^^

Disclaimer
I am not paid to write this review nor am I an agent of BB Cream Boutique

♥♥♥

UPDATE:

Etude House Proof 10 Liquid Liner's formula has changed and... it's not as good and more expensive.  Actually, I'm disappointed as to why they've changed it :(  Review to come later.

Facial Skin Care, ed. 1

Nothing feels as pampering after a long day as a massage, a mani, and a pedi at a salon~

But let's face it (pun intended), if your dinero and your time are at the low like mine, we can just save all those, plus gas (at nearly 5 bucks a gallon! O.o), with a nice and healthy home regimen.  You'll feel almost as refreshed as a 100 bucks spa treatment.  Emphasis on almost!  :D

Enough with my joking around.  Here are a few products I like to treat my face with every night.   

Left to right: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cleanser (once a week), Skin Food Tomato Whitening Toner, The Face Shop Arsainte Eco Therapy Moisturizer, Leaders Cell Energy serum, Skin Food Tomato Whitening Emulsion, The Face Shop Nature's Holiday foam cleanser.

When I use this complete skin care regimen in the evening, my face looks so bright and smooth and feels so supple in the morning! ^____^  

Sometimes, when I have more time, I wear facial mask from Sexy Look and My Beauty Diary.

Sometimes, when I am too tired, I let my face just rest from all the products except for a nice cleaning with the foam cleanser.

Sometimes, when I am too tired and lazy, I just clean up with Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes.

Flowers in Photographs

I did some small-scale photography in my mother's garden yesterday❁❁❁, which I wanted to post since last night but I was as sleepy as a 500 pound BEAR in wintertime.  Still feeling beat today because I just finished grading 20 pounds worth of papers @.@ and MAJOR (-______-)zzz 

"Why don't you just sleep, then?" you may ask.

Like, yeah?  But I must spare you from that boredom over there, in that part of the world where you should be doing your homework or thesis or that data your boss told you to finish more than an hour ago!  By the way, thanks for reading!  It really encourages me ^0^♡

So, without further ado!  Treasure sharing time!

Miniature Rose

This is my favorite photo :)  The backdrop
reminds me of a garden in a country that
I've never been to.  It's like a garden from
Alice in Wonderland.

Dendrobium 

Hi Carrot!

Thai Plumeria

A local ground orchid species.  The blossom
is actually just as tiny as your fingertip, but it
is as proud and joyful as any flower ^_^ 

Dama de Noche (Lady of the Night)
*Sighs* If I could take a photo of its
fragrance, I would so I could show you how
beautiful it is.  The flowers bloom at night,
sending forth the most alluring scent any
flower can muster.

I am so blessed to have my Ma and her love for growing things.  ^♥^  And I can share her passion with you~

Come Just As You Are

"Come just as you are..."


When you hear these words, what do you think of?  What picture is painted in your head?

When I was growing up, I've often compared myself to other people.  As a little girl, I would compare myself to the girlfriends/love interests of my crushes to myself.  I remember praying to God, "Jesus, pagandahin mo po ako (please make me beautiful).  Amen."  I also remember that I felt competitive towards others with the talents and gifts I discovered.  I wanted to be better with my studies, in singing, drawing, and writing than anyone else.  Yet somehow, I was never the best nor the prettiest nor the smartest growing up...  I graduated middle school, high school, and college always in second place (and I was even born as the second child!)...  and I was really disappointed, especially at myself.

As years went on, I thought that I have finally found my niche- the one part of my life that I could be the best in!  I could be the best in serving God, I thought.  I could be the best in obeying Him, even better than others.  So, that's how it became where I was starry-eyed and optimistic because I was involved in church work for at least twice a week, attending five o'clock prayers once a week (mostly during the summer), staying in church for more than six hours, leading Bible studies, leading praise and worship.  It felt good to be good, and I was a little proud of myself because other Christians had dirty little secrets but not me!

Yet, although I thought that I was working the best that I could, I felt I was not good enough, even in church.  I had no credentials and formal education to lead Bible study, I was singing in a congregation of only 10 people, I am rough around the edges, I have not the most polite mouth nor the most graceful actions, I laugh too loudly, and I do not genuinely like all children.  One of my greatest pet peeves actually is spoiled and bratty kids!

Then when the transition period came when, along with my family, we decided to change churches, I was back to square one: no ministry, no service.  To top that off, I was struggling with a really difficult break-up.  For the first time in my walk with Christ, I felt I was walking backwards.  All the talents, passion, and desire to serve, were still inside of me, but I felt weary of everything.


"Help my unbelief... "
One night, I had a dream.  I dreamt about missionaries sending me a message from God.  On a piece of paper was a simple, "God is thinking of you."  There was more to the dream, but I really can't recall anymore.  At first I wanted to pass it off as nothing more but imagination, but deep within, I wanted to believe that God really wanted to say those words to me.

That was a Friday, and in that evening was the Bible Study in our new church.  That night was going to be our first night to attend any Bible Study for the past two months already, and I thought that I wanted to go.  However, I started feeling cramps and a headache, and I thought about all the homework I had to do over the weekend.  I first backed out.  My mother and little sister were very disappointed but decided that they too didn't want to go if I were not with them.  Then, an hour before the Bible Study, I began to feel fine and I asked God, "Father if I were to go tonight, would at least all the feelings of laziness and doubt go away?  Even if it were just the feelings?"  Soon afterwards, we were in the car bringing a bucket of KFC to our church member's house.

We had a great time eating and sharing with the group although we were new.  The couple who hosted us was very gracious and kind and one of them was my co-teacher.  After nearly everyone had left, I asked the wife to pray for me.  I was really shy, but I was on a mission!  Since I'm here already, I thought, I ought to just do what I came here for.  "Sister," I said, "please pray for me..."

She spoke the most beautiful, yet powerful prayer.  I felt that my heart was being revealed to even myself.  From what I can summarize to you of what she said, God doesn't want me to compare myself to anyone anymore ("Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that... Don't compare yourself with others"  Galatians 6:4 MSG).  There will come a time when I will be "comfortable in my own skin" and glorify God with my own personality, my own talents, and my own temperament.  I am only asked to be still because He is my God and He knows His plans for me.


With those words, a ton of weight was lifted from my heart.  To be still... and the blessing to be invited to come.  And to come just as I am.  To God be the glory!

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." John 6:37 (ESV).

Image

Girl with Mirror

Real Life Sundays, ed. 3

I LIVE!!!! 

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I think I should've saved that statement ↑ (yup: up) when I'm actually gone for a long time.
But seriously, I feel good after correcting 10 pounds of paper this weekend that I've let accumulate over the quarter. T_T

Anyway, I have a few photos to share, which I figured has finally become a series because this is the 3rd installment already^^  Officially from this day on, "Real Life Sundays" entries are going to be my weekly photo diary!  *clap, clap*

♥♥♥

After a great church service, my family and I headed down to the mall for my work/school showcase for the public.  I made a poster for our team for the event.  I don't mean to brag, but just please allow me to think it was one of the prettiest one there.  Heehee~  We checked out the performances for a bit, then headed to eating lunch and shopping soon after.

I am so blessed^^

I am so blessed with the world's best little sister!  Not a lot of people can
boast that they live with their best friend, nor CAN they live with their
 best friend♥  Anyway, she bought me this because, although I was not so
into the jewelries in the store, I SO ♡ Hello Kitty =^3^=  Thank you, sis!

Ooo.. ah... So かわいい！

I gave this to her.  I didn't want to take a picture and announce
publicly but she insisted... ^^;;

*Sparkle*

After the mall...

Too lazy to do anything cute or poised...

...sleepy...

Yes, that's me with my cat.  I wear thick
glasses.
@Nerd Inside@

I got freebies!  I like freebies!

It's a good day!

Lancome Gift

Hi there!

Just a quick post, everyone, so you don't miss your opportunity: I just wanted to inform you about Macy's Lancome promo!  If you get $35+ of purchase, you'll get a 7 piece gift (a $100+ value)!  The gift includes the following of what you see in this photo (but you'd have to choose what you like-- can't have it all, baby :D)

I bought an eye cream in order to get this :D  But don't expect the gift to be in large bottles, ok?  They are sample sizes so everyone can get a piece, I guess... ^^

I think Macy's does ship internationally.  You can check that out for yourself: https://customerservice.macys.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/208/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xMzI5MTM5MTEwL3NpZC82N0FHZUJRaw==.

If you want to contact them via email: https://customerservice.macys.com/app/help/other.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Macy's in any way, nor am I officially advertising for them, nor am I being paid to do this.  I am sharing because I am caring (^.~)d

PS
I emailed them about their gift for $68 purchase.  Sadly, they've run out D:

Real Life Sundays, ed. 2

Kamusta!  And Привет (sorry, I googled that because I don't know any Russian, except for the really occasional Cyrillic that I understand enough to be able to read T^T)

Lovely Sunday again :)  I just wanted to share a bit with you! ^0^b

At Wendy's with my almost twin!

Baja Salad that I wish they could have
taken the time to make less sloppy... ;)

Check out who's in Yogurtland! =^.^=

My favorite yogurt flavors: coconut and plain tart with my usual lychee,
mochi, cheesecake bites, and almonds :d Yum!

Miniature anthurium in Ma's mother.
Waaa-wow! 

Spotted Phalaenopsis

It ain't Easter so this is Eggplant Hunting!
^^

Nice find ^^  I think it's one of Sally Hansen's
new line: Smooth and Perfect.  This is in Sorbet.

Really nice product especially if you have sensitive skin and are lazy. :D
I didn't know about it when I bought it till today when I saw a TV ad
claiming it's the #1 skin care brand in the UK.  Is that true?

Revlon Nail Enamel/Vernis in Minted Review

Spring colors are all the rage now!  I guess people from cold parts of the world are desperately wishing for warm weather to come soon.  Have you seen the news?  The weather there looks so COLD!

Well, on this side of the globe, it's always summer, especially recently since the rainy days are slowly diminishing.  And it's HOT!  But we have not the luxury of spring :(

But that's ok!  We have spring colors!  I think it's the closest we can get to spring right now, be it if we're in the hot or in the cold :P  Hohoho!

Revlon Nail Enamel/Vernis in Minted
This is going to be a quick one because there is no change to the brush or formula from Revlon Scented Parfume in Gumdrop, except the smelly-goodness :(
Color
5/5 Minted is such a pleasant color ^^  It reminds me of happy things: smiling children, new grass, and ice cream!  So if you want to feel young, and perhaps look young, this color evokes youth and happyness- SPRING!
*Chee~!  I'm so corny!* -___-
Overall
4/5  Despite of the brush and the fact that I had to apply it on my nail 3 times, I'm loving my purchase at $5.00 only ^^  Lasted me a week with the Revlon Extra Life No Chip Top Coat!

Looks delicious, right? ^3^

Finishing Well!

Tim, Joel, Tabitha, Rob, Jeremiah, Grace

Just to name a few :)

What makes a child of God so attractive? And no, I’m not talking about magnetizing the opposite gender.  I'm talking about the pleasantness of spirit about that person.  The way about them that makes you want to talk to them, follow them, mimic them, trust them, and confide in them.  That winsomeness!* 

For example, I have some friends who are easy to talk to because there is no condemnation and there is always grace, yet at the same time, there is uncompromising righteousness.  There is genuine joy when I am with them, and genuine care when I need them- no ulterior motives and other agendas.  They have integrity in their work or their studies, and their employers or teachers delight in them.  It seems as though the world needs these people, too, and that is why people gravitate towards them, believers and unbelievers alike.

In the deepest parts of our hearts, as well as our instinctive reactions, most of us are attracted to the light.  And when someone carries that light into our lives, we are in wonder.  We seek for innocence, for something good in this world, because instant gratification and licentiousness can only go so far and never fill that cavernous emptiness.

I reckon the same reasons went on for Jesus when the multitudes followed Him.  He exemplified perfect grace and perfect righteousness.

Nonetheless, because it is not a perfect world we are living in, there will come times when the child of God will face oppositions and temptations.

With oppositions, let us remember the words of Apostle Paul, who had also come to face worse, “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father… Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17, 23)

With temptations, let us not only think about the practical consequences of what giving in can entail.  Pastor Alistair Begg once said that, like Joseph in the Book of Genesis, we should avoid giving in to temptations simply because it is “a wicked thing and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9).  But let us have peace in the fact that the Lord will not let us become tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).  :)   

We are going to always be involved with people and we are representatives of God.  We are called and empowered to do this responsibility and to finish well in Christ Jesus! 

Credits:

*Pastor Rob: I remember this word!  Thanks! :)

Image:

Personal Site of Johnathan Hilton. <http://www.jonathanhilton.com/2171/the-value-of-friendship/>

bandit. dpchallenge. <http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=266328>

Here In Your Courts... I've Found Where I Belong

Last Sunday, I finally mustered the courage to ask the pastor in the new church we've been attending recently to pray for me.

It's been tugging on my heart to be able to serve the Lord with what I can offer because it would soon get to a point where laziness is kicking in... :(

Last year, I've been dissatisfied with a lot of things in my life...  It's not like I've been complacent because I have tried so many things to fill the gap.  For example, I've led praise and worship, gone on a mission trip, led Bible study, and tried to be as active and preoccupied as I could.  Yet looking back at those, doing those things didn't seem to fill me up...

What I really need is to come to that place where I would just be in awe of God and make peace with Him that it's not about what I can do but what HE has done, HE is doing, and HE will continue to do in my life.

If my heart has grown cold 
There Your love will unfold

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand 

When I’m blind to my way 

There Your Spirit will pray 

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand
"Oceans Will Part" by Hillsong

So, when I asked the pastor to pray for me, he prayed for clarity so that we may understand what the Lord wants of us and that he, as our new pastor, would be a good shepherd to the services and talents that God had entrusted us to offer.  Isn't it of great comfort to know that there are not only people who pray for us, but our Lord as well?  "But the Spirit Himself intercedes for us..." Romans 8:26

Ultimately, how lovely it is to find a place of to belong.  Verily, it is in His courts, close to His throne, that we'll find where we belong.

BB Cream FYI

I just wanted to share Michelle Phan's (YouTube make-up guru extraordinaire ^^) take on BB Cream since it's all the rage now, and why in the world there is that "ashy" undertone.  So, whether you are much experienced about this product or a newbie, she will give you a bit more information on it:

Beauty School: The BB Cream Craze

As for me, I wear BB Cream everyday (with dabs of concealer to hide the blemishes) and my newly found foundation (without having to use concealer) for special occasions or when I feel like it.

So, how do you do your make-up?

Thanks for stopping by ^^


Image:
"Bought the wrong foundation?  Fast fixes for bad foundation."  Recipes for Life. <http://o5.com/bought-the-wrong-foundation-fast-fixes-for-bad-foundation/>.

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black Review

Review TIME!!  Take Two!

I'm on a roll~ ^^

This product doesn't need a lot of introduction, especially since it's such a hot item!  Seriously, mine is just one of sooooo many!

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black Review

Formula

It's great how it glides without skipping, spilling, frustrations, depressions, upsets, POs, so on... :P  The color goes on well and sufficiently dark black.  It can stay for a long time, but does smudge off with extended wear and sebum :(  Easy removal with warm water or make-up remover makes clean-up quick ^^  Formula lasts for quite a while.

Brush

Dolly Wink's design is amazing with its precision brush; good enough for doing some Chinese calligraphy!  It's great for making thin lines, and because it's a pen-type, drawing is really easy and efficient.

Pros
Applies on smoothly.
Nice dark black color.
Waterproof in most occasions.
Easy to remove with warm water or make-up remover.
Great brush!
Amount of formula in the product lasts.

Cons
Not entirely waterproof.
Can come off with extended wear and sebum.
Can be expensive: $17-$19

Conclusion
Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner has been my go-to eyeliner for a long time now.  Its brush makes "eyelining" quick and efficient, that's why I love it so much.  I wish to buy again but it can be a little pricey, and I've already bought a cheaper one, but of great quality, by Etude House.  The formula is really good too because it's waterproof for most occasions.  I found out today that it doesn't stand a chance to Guam's torrential downpour!  ☂☂☂  From the parking lot to the school building, I ended up soaking wet and with a bit of a fever T^T And that's why I am home right now, having the time for these reviews.  ^____^

Hey there, beautiful!

Pardon my awful Chinese! >.<

Ooooh!  See how it tapers so!

Want to know how I got this look?  Please check out
"My Cup Runneth Over" entry.

I hope this had been helpful to you!  I am gonna get some zzz's now and recuperate!  Thanks for stopping by~  ^.^

PS
You can buy this at Honeycolor, Shoppingholics, Artiestyle, and a bunch of other Asian online stores.