Skittles Smirnoff

     Happy New Year 2013 Everyone!:D  This is my first post for this year!:) How are you all doing with your New Year`s resolutions?  I didnt exactly write my resolution but I have so much plans and goals for this year. One of the main goals I have in mind is to put in action the saying "Work hard, play hard!":)  So far, because I started good by not taking a day off at work since the work days has started again, I think ill be doing just fine with my resolutions!:D (Lets just see! hehehe!;P) Yay!:D

     So anyway, during the holidays I have been re-pinning a lot on Pinterest! (http://pinterest.com/) I have been addicted to it since a friend of mine introduced it to me!:D Its like your online library where you create boards and pin anything youre interested with (e.g. food recipes, makeup and crafts). While looking on pins about drinks and alcoholic beverages, I found this pin on how to make your Smirnoff vodka look interesting especially when you love colors!;D All you need is a pack of Skittles and of course Smirnoff!:) Here`s how...

• Take bottles of regular Smirnoff vodka ( I just have one bottle!;P) and a pack of Skittles. 

• Pick one color for each bottle (I chose green!) and drop 2 to 5 pieces of Skittles in it.  Put back the cap of the Smirnoff bottles and shake until the Skittles dissolve. 

• You can freeze your Skittles colored Smirnoff to make a slush before serving or you can drink it right away if its chilled already and you cant wait to drink it like me!;P LOL!  Enjoy!:D

Simple Wearable Green and Brown Eye Makeup

Shimmery Green and Brown Eye Makeup

I have been loving green eyeshadows lately! Here is the look I had when I had dinner with my girl friend and daughter Mischa at one of our favorite Brazilian churrasco restaurant in Shinsaibashi called Eterna. Our dinner date wasnt planned so, I was in a hurry doing my makeup that time.  I thought about the eyeshadow combo im gonna put on while I was taking a shower. LOL!:D Its just so quick and easy to do!:D  Here`s how!:)

You will just need...

Light Olive Green Shimmery Eyeshadow and Dark Shimmery Eyeshadow for the eyes.  Mauve colored lip gloss  and lipstick.

Revlon Matte Lipstick No. 5 in Mauve and Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss No. 866

• Light Olive Green Shimmery Eyeshadow (This is the same color I used on my previous Autumn  Leaves Inspired Makeup.)
• Dark Brown Shimmery Eyeshadow
• Beige or White Eyeshadow (Just for highlighting the brow bone area and to soften the brown eyeshadow)
• Brown Eyeliner Pencil
• Eyelash Curler and Your Favorite Mascara.
• Your choice of Eyebrow Pencil
• For the lips, I wore a nude matte colored lipstick and topped it with little lip gloss. (I used Revlon Matte Lipstick No.5 in Heavenly Mauve and Guerlain Kiss Kiss Gloss No. 866)

Quick How To

1. Dab the light olive green eyeshadow all over your lids and crease area using an eyeshadow brush. Sweep the leftover eyeshadow from your brush to your inner lower lash lines.
2. Apply the dark brown shimmery eyeshadow just on the outer corner of your lids and blend it all the way to your upper crease area. Blend well the olive green and dark brown eyeshadow where it meets.
3. Apply a beige or white eyeshadow just on your brow bone and blend it to where it meets the dark brown eyeshadow just to soften the upper crease area.
4. Line your upper and outer lower lash lines with brown eyeliner pencil. Blend and soften the eyeliner with a cotton swab or with a liner brush.
5. Curl and put on mascara. 
6. For the lips, apply your favorite nude lipstick or any matte lipstick you want. Top it with lip gloss if you want to create fuller lips.

(Note: I skipped the foundation, concealer, eyebrows and contouring routine. For the cheeks, I just sweep upwards some light pink blush on with a blush brush of course.)

Mauve Lips:))

 

I like anything green lately! Even my bag!;P

My gorgeous girlfriends! My daughter Mi-chan and my friend Yu-chan. :)♥

Autumn Leaves Inspired Makeup

The park near my workplace and the autumn leaves of the tree that inspired me to create this look.:))

Havent blogged for awhile! Im not apologizing for that `cause im a working mother! LOL!:D Things are always busy around the house when you have a toddler.:)) But anyway, I got the chance to pull up a wearable look for Autumn/Winter season! Yipee!:D 

The colors are inspired by the leaves of this tree at the park near my workplace!:D  When im not in a hurry for work I take my time to walk and admire the trees there. I like observing how the trees change their colors every season! Its like theyre also into fashion and makeup trends but actually its the other way around!:)) Oh well! Just another weird side of me I guess!;P 

Its also a good thing to look and observe whats around you. You get to have ideas!:) As Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."  For me that also applies when it comes to makeup because makeup is a big part of fashion. Without makeup you cannot achieve a certain look where you can express yourself artistically through fashion. That is obviously the reason why makeup artists play a very big part on fashion shows.  Makeup completes the whole look.  Its just like a beautiful ceramic plate that started as a colorless molded piece and turns into a colored piece of art by decorating it with colors through painting. Without painting the molded piece, its just an incomplete work of art. Anyway, enough of this blabbering! Here`s  how I did my Autumn Leaves Inspired Makeup!:)

You Will Need

For The Eyes

The bottom brick red color is the lipstick shade I used. 

• Warm Orange Shimmery Eyeshadow
• Light Olive Green Shimmery Eyeshadow
• Dark Olive Green Shimmery Eyeshadow
• Matte Dark Brown or Taupe Eyeshadow
• Shimmery Beige Eyeshadow
• Brown Eyeliner
• Black Mascara 

For The Face and Lips

• Your choice of foundation. 
• Rose pink colored blush
• Bronzer or contouring powder
• Concealer/ Highlighter 
• Brick Red  or Brownish Orange Red Lipstick. ( Im using YSL #15 Brun Sienne)

How To

• Prime your lids and pat the warm orange shimmery eyeshadow from the inner to middle part of your lids and crease area using an eyeshadow brush.
• Top the middle part of your lids and crease area with a light olive green shimmery eyeshadow and blend it a little with the orange eyeshadow. Bring the olive green eyeshadow all the way to the outer corner of your lids and crease area. Swipe the rest of the remaining green eyeshadow on your lower lids.
• Pat dark olive green eyeshadow just on the outer corner of your lids and blend it well.
• Define your crease area with a dark brown or taupe eyeshadow. Blend well.
• Apply shimmery beige eyeshadow on your brow bone and blend well.
• Tight line the upper lash lines of your eyes with brown eyeliner and also your lower waterline. Blend the brown eyeliner on the corners of your lower lash line.
• Curl your lashes and apply black mascara.

• Wipe clean any eyeshadow fallouts on your face and apply your foundation, conceal any dark spots and blemishes and set it by lightly applying loose powder all over your face using a powder brush.
• Apply a rose pink or warm pinkish red blush just on top of the apples of your cheeks. Blend well.
• Contour your face with a bronzer or contouring powder.
• Highlight the bridge of your nose, forehead, chin and top part of cheeks with highlighter.

• Apply brick red or brownish orange red lipstick on your lips and pucker up!:) 

Autumn Leaves Inspired Makeup

Autumn/Winter Makeup Look

When Depression Creeps In...

Youre there, youre all set. You have what you need and you already know what to do but you just dont want to go on. Even the thought of taking another step is so hard to bare. Theres always something pulling you back.  A lot of people even the ones who know you well may not understand. They think youre just being a whining lazy person or youre just ungrateful and cant appreciate your life. 

There are also times that you just dont want to open up anymore because you dont want to make them feel the same thing and get the people around you involve. They will never understand anyway... Heck, you dont understand whats going on too.  You dont understand why the hell sadness keeps on getting into your system and makes you cry for no reason at all. You cant even get help too especially when the people around you are feeling the same way too. Its like we`re all trapped inside a very small black box.

There are times when you cant fall asleep. Even when you try, images and voices keeps on popping everywhere inside your head.  You just cant stop thinking even random things. There are also times when you just sleep and sleep the whole day. When you get up, all you have is a blank stare. Your mind is just blank and you feel numb all over. It makes you feel scared, insecure and you just want to hide. There are times when you dont care at all. You go out of the house without looking at the mirror or fixing yourself. People stare and they give you their most criticizing look but you just dont care anymore.  Sometimes you just want to stay in one corner because it makes you feel secure from all your worries. 

Even when you try to creep out of the black box and try to be happy, you still end up going back inside the box. Not because you want to but because youre suddenly pushed inside it again. It becomes a routine and then you just get tired of fighting and trying. Its a never ending cycle...

♥ Natural and Simple Makeup ♥

Natural and Simple Makeup

The beauty of makeup artistry is to create art through people`s faces. Makeup helps us express ourselves. Sometimes our makeup depends on our mood, what we are wearing and the places or events we are going to be at. It conceals our insecurities and helps us to be confident and feel good about ourselves. 

I love wearing heavy and dramatic makeup when I want to express myself and experiment with colors. On night outs like having dinner dates or going to the club I love the classic black smokey eyes and nude lipstick.  But we all know that anything too much is bad for us even makeup. Wearing too much makeup all the time is bad for the skin and I believe that we shouldnt rely on it too much to conceal our insecurities and depend on it to boost our confidence as a person.  

Im not the type of person who wears makeup on a daily basis or cant leave the house without makeup on. For me, as long as you feel good and beautiful inside that`s what matters. That also goes with having a good and positive attitude. As the late, great Kevyn Aucoin said " Life is too short to spend hoping that the perfectly arched eyebrow or hottest new lip shade will mask an ugly heart."

Today, I am sharing my simple and natural makeup. I think I have made an impression to some people that I wear too much makeup all the time and I edit my pictures. Yes, I crop it `cause I have crappy background pictures but I dont edit any flaws on my face. Its all makeup and nothing else. I hate my bulbous nose and I always have a hard time contouring it. I also hate my under eye circles and eyebrows but I never tried to edit my face on pictures. I just wear makeup and thats it.

Natural and simple makeup look. Perfect for casual and normal days. :) Here`s what youll need. 

Foundation, Day Moisturizer with SPF and Concealer

 For the Face:  Mix one pump of your foundation and a pea size of moisturizer on the back of your hand and put it on your face (you can also just use tinted moisturizer if you have one). Spread it evenly and blend well using your hands or foundation blush. Dab concealer on your under eye and conceal your dark circles. You can also conceal any blemishes you have. Lightly set your face with loose powder.

Shimmery Beige Eyeshadow, Eyelash Curler, Mascara, Eyebrow Pencil and Eyebrow Brush

For the Eyes:  Dab and put on shimmery beige eyeshadow all over your lids and crease area including your lower lids. Skip any eyeshadow colors and eyeliners this time.  Curl your lashes and put on your black mascara. Define your brows using an eyebrow pencil two shades lighter than your hair color and blend well using an eyebrow brush.

Light Pink Blush On and Tinted Lip Balm

For the Cheeks:  Dust your favorite pink or orange blush on the upper part of your cheeks using your blush brush. Make sure to blend it upwards. 

For the Lips:  Put on your favorite tinted lip balm. Pucker up and be a natural and simple beauty! ;)

"ME" Time and Flags Cafe

Flags Cafe in Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Still Talking About Your Hair Emilita?! ;P

I got over my hair disaster experience a couple of days and kind of loved it in fact. Though I wasnt that satisfied when my stylist gave it a quick fix I learned to embrace and appreciate my new lighter than usual hair color. I was even surprised to get some compliments. But despite all the compliments I received, at the back of my head I wasnt still satisfied maybe because it wasnt exactly the look that I wanted. It felt like my hair was as hard as a mop every time I wash it too. I scheduled another hair fix for the weekend while it was still free to get a makeover fix before 10 days. 

The weekend arrived and my dear husband was so nice enough to offer to take our daughter to the "matsuri" or festival near his workplace while I relax and enjoy my free time. I went to the salon without feeling guilty because I didnt have to take my daughter to the daycare and feel like I am passing over all the responsibilities to other people while I get a salon makeover.  Dont get me wrong, I like all the staffs of my daughter`s daycare but its still a very different secure feeling when a family member takes care of my daughter.

It just took an hour and a half to get my hair color fixed. My stylist just toned down the bright yellow tones on my hair to create just a natural light brown hair color which is what I exactly wanted.

From ash blonde to a simple light brown hair.:)

When Hunger Strikes Again

After the salon I strolled and checked out some stores along Shinsaibashi, felt suddenly hungry and found the same cafe I used to hang out and dine at Kyobashi when I was still working near there.  The cafe`s name is Flags Cafe. Its a little bright and chic cafe that offers only healthy meals and drinks. The perfect cafe for vegetarians and for the health, beauty and diet conscious women but as for me, I had a big breakfast at home and felt just a little hungry but I didnt wanted to eat something that woud make me feel stuffed too much. Flags Cafe is also great when you are on portion control. They have a wide range of natural healthy and nutritious drinks but only offer seasonal and limited meals.

The cafe for women. Here`s the proof!;P I dont see any male customers every time I come here. ;D

Flags Cafe is perfect for you and your girlfriends when all of you are having a diet but still want to enjoy good food. Each meal the cafe offers on their menu have the calories listed. You wont have to worry about the total calories you had after a great meal. Flags Cafe only offers low cal meals and beverages. The only down side I had was that the Shinsaibashi branch wasnt that chic enough for me.;P The one in Kyobashi had the perfect clean and simple but chic interior and gives a very relaxing and healthy atmosphere. Perfect for your "me, myself and I quiet time." But can be a very boring place for a meat lover and buffet eater boyfriend/husband like mine.;P This cafe can also be boring for active toddlers but can also be good if you are training your kids to be healthy eaters. Just make sure that your toddlers can behave well in public which is a very risky thing to do since toddlers are the most unpredictable people in the planet. ;P

Seasonal Food Set Menu and Healthy Low Calorie Plate 

I ordered their Half and Half Panini and Pasta Plate. This set contains half servings of tomato and mozzarella cheese panini,  your choice of pasta (salmon, ratatouille or seafood pasta), lettuce salad and your choice of herb tea. You can also replace the herb tea from other beverages for just a small amount of extra charge. I did that and chose the Cheer Up Mixed Berry and Yogurt drink because I wanted something refreshing and sweet. I wouldnt have to be tempted to order dessert since my drink can also be a dessert itself. ;)

Ham, Mozzarella and Basil Panini, Ratatouille Pasta and Lettuce Salad

Cheer Up Mixed Berries and Yogurt! Yum! ;D

To quickly judge the food I ordered. I can say it was really a delicious healthy and very light meal. The panini had good points for me because it had basil in it. I super duper love basil!;D  The Ratatouille Pasta was tasty and guilt-free and the lettuce salad was just fine, like a normal lettuce salad should be.;P I super loved the Cheer Up Mixed Berry and Yogurt drink! It definitely cheered me up and gave me an energy boost. It had lots of blueberries and raspberries in it and I was right about not having to be tempted to order dessert because the drink was a dessert itself too.  I will definitely go back to Flags Cafe especially when I start dieting again. ;))

Energy up and ready for mad Shinsaibashi again!

Flags Cafe is just beside Daimaru Department Store.  Its in one of those small side streets beside main Shinsaibashi and is also just beside 4 Degrees Celsius Jewelry Store and a nice flower shop. ;))

NOTE:  Here`s Flags Cafe`s Official Website. You can check the nearest branch in your place if youre living here in Japan and also see their seasonal menu. Click this link.  http://www.flags.jp/flagscafe/

El Pancho (My first restaurant review;p)

After my salon disaster experience, my friend and I were starving as we stepped out of the salon. We headed straight to this well known Mexican bar/restaurant in Shinsaibashi called El Pancho.  Its not actually the first time ive been there. Ive been a loyal customer to them ever since my ex coworkers took me there to celebrate another coworkers birthday. I fell in love with El Pancho`s restaurant interior and authentic Mexican cuisine. It makes you forget that you are just around busy Shinsaibashi and gives the feeling that you are actually in a neighborhood bar/restaurant in Mexico. I thought it was really a good place to take my friend there since she was craving for Mexican food too.:) 

Since we were quite in a hurry to get home, we hesitated to go there at first because its always packed with customers on the weekends and the place isnt that big.  Luckily, the place still had a couple of vacant tables when my friend called to ask while we were on the way.  We were glad that we didnt had to wait outside for earlier customers to finish and leave the place.  Usually, El Pancho have customers patiently waiting outside the door especially on happy hours. As we walked in, we waited for a few minutes for the waitresses to accommodate us `cause they were busy serving. For me, its always a good thing when you see a busy restaurant.  You`ll know that the food is good and the customers are happy and satisfied. Im not surprised that they`re busy though.  El Pancho is a crowd favorite way back even before I first dined in the place. Well, duh... it was established in 1979! I wasnt even born that time. ;P

We first ordered their famous American Style Nachos. It was so sinful but we loved every piece of those guacamole, cheese and sour cream loaded nachos in our sinful mouths.  For 740 yen the serving was very generous for two ladies, not to mention the other lady (ME)  is a big heavy eater and I am not on a diet. We couldnt even finish the few servings left on the plate.

El Pancho`s American Nachos

 My friend, Rika ordered their Chicken Chili Quesadilla. Again it had sour cream, frijoles refritos (refried beans) and cheese like most Mexican food have so it was also definitely calorie sinfully rated. The quesadilla was really good but if youre not a hot and spicy eater that much, me and my friend wouldnt recommend it. The small slices of chili peppers made her give it up after a couple of slices.  We both agreed to take a pass on the chili quesadillas or just order it as a side dish when we decide to come over to drink and enjoy the margaritas next time. We also couldnt finish all of it so my friend decided to take home the rest. For 840 yen it was indeed a very generous serving for two people.

Chicken Chili Quesadilla ( Someone was excited to try it!;P lol )

Next, I ordered El Pancho`s Chicken Chimichanga and yes of course I loved every bit of it! I tried their Beef Chimichanga before and it was also great.  The serving was two big fully stuffed pieces of chimichangas. My friend and I shared one piece and thats when we felt we were too full already, we couldnt even manage to drink more. I decided to take home the remaining piece then.  For the price, err... Im sorry I forgot how much was it but im very sure it wasnt over 1000 yen!;D lol!;P

Chicken Chimichanga  ( Almost forgot to take a picture!;P )

El Pancho also has a wide range of drinks. From Mexican beers like Corona and other liquor/cocktails like margaritas (highly recommended especially for groups), tequila, mojitos to non-alchoholic beverages like their famous fresh hand-squeezed lemonade. The drinks are a bit pricey though like how the usual Japanese bars charge their drinks. When youre a bit short on the budget or just plain stingy, you can always ask for water anyway. Just tell the waitress that youre going easy with the drinks to manage your calorie intake because Mexican food is fattening. ;P (Just kidding;P)

I will surely go back and dine at El Pancho every time I`ll have Mexican food cravings or PMS cravings. I highly recommend this wonderful small and cozy place. That it my verdict!;D  I still have lots of dishes to try there too and did I mention that they serve vegetarian meals? Yes they do!;D  Next time im going to try their taquitos, enchiladas and some of their liquored drinks. As for my friend, well she came back to eat at El Pancho with her family a week later.:)) Enough said!:D♥

What to eat? hmmm...;P

Taking pictures while waiting for our food. ;)

A post with hand writings of dates and names from satisfied customers.  Top Right: A cute steel cactus ornament. Bottom Right: A painted picture of a Mexican boy on the wall.

Hand written decorated walls, usually dates and names by satisfied customers.  Top Right: Mexican decors that gives an authentic Mexican feel.  Bottom Right: Empty liquored bottle decors and some postcards.

If youre living or visiting Osaka and craving for Mexican cuisine, here is El Pancho's address:

El Pancho: Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi-suji 1-10-1, Shinsaibashi Tower Bldg 8F. ( The building in front of Zara and just beside the stairs/escalator to Crysta Mall and Shinsaibashi station.)

Theyre Open from 11:30am to 11:20pm daily. Theyre also open on Sundays! Yay!:D

Note: Please visit my friend`s blog too for nail arts, fashion and easy yummy recipes!:) Click this link!  http://rikangelifestyle.blogspot.jp/