A'bloom Review (Mask Sheet + BHA Blackhead Blaster + Meringue Puff | Althea Angel

Sun's Out | Humid Weather

The latest Althea box containing A'bloom products arrived just in time as we had just came back from our weekend getaway. I think now is the perfect time to try out the latest in Korean Beauty. So, here it goes....

A'bloom | Covered in Flowers

What's Inside the Althea Box:

• A'bloom Water-Me-Long Moisturizing Watermelon Mask Sheet- drench & quench care
• A'bloom Avo-Cuddle-Me Nourishing Avocado Mask Sheet- nourishing & wrinkle care
• A'bloom Ac-Me-Peach- purifying skin & soothing care
• A'bloom Sparkle-Me-Bright Brightening Lemon Lime Mask Sheet-shining radiance care
• A'bloom Natural BHA Blackhead Blaster
• A'bloom Giant Meringue Puff
• A'bloom Baby Meringue Puff

The packaging of A'bloom products were all too cute especially the mask sheets. I don't even know which one to open first. But after reading the different formulas of each mask, Water-Me-Long caught my eye because of the words "moisturizing and "juicy". I always get attracted to products that has ingredients that can help keep my skin hydrated because I definitely would not want to go back to having dry, chapped skin. 

Manila Ocean Park Review 2019 | Entrance Fee + Packages + What To Do + What To Bring

My daughter's school field trip was rescheduled on the last day of school. It was originally scheduled on April 23rd but the earthquake of a magnitude-6.1 occurred the day before so the activity was cancelled.

She joined field trips twice before during her preschool years but this year, it is more exciting because she will be alone (without mommy!) in the bus together with all her classmates. Only teachers and parent volunteers (PVs) are allowed to ride with them on the bus.

caught her smiling at the entrance of Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park | 9 Attractions:

• The Barnyard
• Sharks & Rays Dry Encounter
• Fish Spa
• Jellies
• Oceanarium
• Trails to Antartica
• Supertoy Collection
• World of Creepy Crawlies
• Birds of Prey Kingdom

I was with two other moms when we met our children at the entrance of Manila Ocean Park. I can't help it, I have to go there myself to check on my daughter's safety, remember, the earthquake happened just a few weeks back. I don't want to risk any chance so I bought an extra ticket from the school tour operator for Php 550. My wristband covers all 9 Manila Ocean Park attractions included in the kids' itinerary as well. 

Manila Ocean Park | Things to Bring

• Water
• Cap/Hat
• Change of Clothes
• Towel
• Money

The kids had an early lunch at school after their periodical exam and before boarding the bus. When they arrived at 12 noon, they were all very eager to start with the tour. First stop, The Barnyard. Hmmm... I can't say much about this section because I only saw a few animals. I didn't get to take a photo because of the heat... ugh! There was a ramp going to another section but since my daughter was together with a group, she was not able explore that area. Plus, she came to the barn a little late because she had to pee hahaha When she returned everyone was already assembling to go to the next stop- Sharks & Rays Dry Encounter. 

Joining a tour gives you just a glimpse of the attractions because there is limited time allotted per section. There are 9 attractions that they need to discover so I guess that is just fine. We can always go back some other time together with other family members. 

Villa Escudero 2019 | Entrance Fees + Museum Tour + Buffet Lunch by the Waterfalls + Cultural Show + Bamboo Rafting + Swimming Pools + Things To Bring

Over the weekend, my family toured Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort in Tiaong, Quezon, dined at Sulyap Gallery Cafe and stayed overnight at Casa de Obando Bed & Breakfast in San Pablo, Laguna. Our adventure didn't end there, the next day, we traveled to Alaminos, Laguna for a dip at the crystal clear, natural spring water of Hidden Valley Springs.

Villa Escudero Carabao Cart Ride | by Mutya the carabao

My daughter was still in her pajamas because we just took her out of the bed straight to the car where she slept during our road trip lol

Villa Escudero | Travel Experience 

Travel Time: 2.5 hours 

We left Quezon City at 6:30 AM. Our arrival time at Villa Escudero was at 9 AM. Waze was our travel companion throughout our trip. Luckily, there was no heavy traffic along the way.

Upon registering and settling of the remaining balance* for the Day Trip/Tour, welcome drinks were served. The Sago't Gulaman was a refreshing drink after a long ride.

*Days prior, I deposited Php 2,000 to the company's BDO account. Do not forget to bring and present the original bank deposit slip when you check-in. No official receipt was given; Only 3 stubs were handed out. 

No Yaya/Helper, No Problem

Coping Without A Maid

It's been over a year since our last helper left. We are managing our day-to-day life by getting help from different people, suppliers/companies that offer goods and services like cooking our food, doing the laundry, cleaning of the car and other household chores. I think by doing that, we actually saved money and in the process also helped more people.

I am fortunate that my daughter's school canteen sells viands not only to students but also to parents who do not have the time/energy to cook at home like me. Every morning at 9AM, I receive a list of the food available for the day thru SMS and I pick up my order/s during dismissal time. Price of one viand is only Php 70. I normally order one or two viands per day. Each serving is good for 3-4 persons. For rice, I cook like twice or thrice a week because we are cutting down on carbohydrates. DH bought a silicon cover that kept the rice from drying/spoiling even when refrigerated.

2 viands x Php 70= Php 140/day

5days x Php 140= Php 700/week

4 weeks x Php 700= Php 2,800/month

Lil' Ron's Kitchen Experience

When school is over, I contact my reliable cousin of Lil' Ron's Kitchen to order tiap chai/tsai/tsay-  a daily food subscription of home cooked meals. The cost is per person and I usually order just for two because my daughter does not eat much. At Lil' Ron's Kitchen, an order per person consists of Soup, Vegetable and 2 viands unlike other food delivery services where you just pay for every viand you order.

Ordering is so easy, just browse through his FB page for a copy of the month's menu then contact him via Direct Message (DM) or his cellphone 0917 8115133. What I normally do is order from Monday to Friday then I pay him the full amount at the beginning of the subscription or the amount due for 5 days.

I bought stainless steel food containers that way I won't be adding to the pollution from plastic containers. I rarely cook these days because it's time consuming and well, I am not that into cooking haha I just rely on tiap tsai.

East Ocean Palace | Restaurant Review

This 2019, our traditional Chinese New Year (CNY) lunch was celebrated last February 5 at East Ocean Palace Restaurant. While most Filipino-Chinese families have their reunions on New Year's Eve, we usually eat out on the first day of the New Year to avoid the crowd... not!

East Ocean Palace | Chinese New Year (CNY) 2019

I was initially told that the restaurant was full when I called East Ocean Palace (+632 826 4503) to make a reservation. Luckily, my sister was able to reserve a table for 6. She has more connections than I do 😂