Life is Kulayful ...

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Chelsea Kitchen in Megamall

There are restaurants that you go to so you can try it out but you know deep in your heart that its going to be a one time thing only and then there are restaurants that even before you are finished with your meal, you already know that you will be back for 2nds, 3rds, and more. This is the case with Chelsea Kitchen in Megamall.

I first had the Watermelon, Pineapple, and Mint juice that they were offering since I'm trying to be healthier in my drink choices. I loved this drink because it was definitely refreshing and I was pretty sure it wasn't fattening.

Since I am always on the lookout for something different, the Tinapa Cream, Cherry Tomatoes, and Arugula Pizza (Php295) definitely caught my eye and this was definitely the star of the night. I actually had 2 slice of this pizza because it was just so darn good.

The Scampi and Cobbler Casserole (Php395) is made of warm dill cream, green peas, lemon, and fresh dill. This was actually good as well except I kept counting in my head the calories because it was definitely creamy.

Now for bagnet lovers, this Crispy Pork Belly (Php395) is a hands down winner. Crispy, crunchy, and definitely not for those who have high cholesterol, Chelsea Kitchen's bagnet is to die for; figuratively I mean.

Now the Coca-Cola Ribs (Php420) is ribs cooked in sweet and spicy bbq sauce for 4 hours and is just so delicious. I personally liked it. It was just right and the taste was not overpowering. I hate it when ribs are too barbecue-ish. Is there even such a word? Haha.

Finally, desserts. Though I a not a peanut butter dessert lover, I loved this Pieces Pieces (Php220) which is peanut butter mousse, dark chocolate, peanuts, and pretzels in a pie. If my friend wouldn't kill me, I would have gotten half of it hahaha.

The cake slice I had though was the Burnt Chocolate with Honeycomb (Php195) since I love honeycomb. I almost finished this one by myself. Thankfully, I didn't. Ooohh my hips, my poor poor hips.

This one though ... the hype was an understatement. These Donut Holes (Php195) which is donuts stuffed with dulce de leche and dipped in warm chocolate dip was definitely my end. One bite and you just want to order more. YUMMY!

It was definitely worth the travel all the way from the South for this. Great food + great company = one happy foodie.

Vikings SM BF Paranaque

Finally, Vikings has opened a branch in the South. Located on the 2nd floor of SM BF Paranaque, Vikings opened its door to the public last January 23. What an awesome way to welcome the New Year for those of us who live in the South.

I loved the theme of SM BF Vikings. The feel of the place reminds me of the ocean with its green details here and there.

It is always a comfort when you go to a familiar place and you see that all your favorites are being served. It feels like home.

So people of the South, we now have more reasons to not go out of our comfort zone. Vikings SM BF has finally opened and everything that makes Vikings familiar and comfortable is there.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Close Up Diamond Attraction

They say that all a woman needs to look her best are great hair, great brows, and good skin. I agree with all these but I would have to add one more thing that is constantly overlooked by a lot of people and that is a killer smile. After all, a smile is the one thing that can never be concealed or covered by make up. It is what it is and when one smiles, people automatically see either yellow teeth or if you use the new Close Up Diamond Attraction, pearly white teeth.

Soon to wed celebrity Heart Evangelista agrees that a killer smile is one of the basic must have of every woman and this is why she has agreed to be the new ambassador of Close Up Diamond Attraction that uses Blue Light Technology. With this, you get visibly white teeth in just one brush. If this isn’t good news, I don’t know what is.

Held at Blackbird Nielsen Tower, Heart was launched as the newest member of the Unilever family. In my opinion, she was definitely the perfect choice because she embodies what Diamond Attraction stands for. She can definitely charm anyone with her smile alone and she is elegant no matter what she wears.

“Closeup is always looking for ways to innovate and to accentuate every woman’s best accessory, her smile,” said Closeup Senior Brand Manager Gem Laforteza. “White teeth have become such a beauty staple, so Closeup worked with a team of cosmetic dentists, to create Diamond Attraction, that will give you that much needed and instant lift. It’s truly the best in beauty and it’s now in the Philippines.”

Recommended by one of the country’s top cosmetic dentists, Dr. Cecile Infantado, Closeup Diamond Attraction uses the revolutionary Blue Light Technology. “What elevates Closeup Diamond Attraction from other whitening toothpastes in the market is that it utilizes Blue Light Technology through a blue covarine foam that lessens the yellow tones on teeth, making teeth look whiter and brighter, instantly,” said Dr. Infantado.

Tagged as one of the 2015 Best in Beauty picks by top celebrity makeup artist Xeng Zulueta, Closeup Diamond Attraction is the perfect addition to anyone’s makeup kit, coming in handy whenever you need to get your pearly white teeth, in an instant.

Closeup Diamond Attraction is now available in all leading supermarkets.

Coco Nail Salon

When one thinks of nail spa, you think of comfort, relaxation, and tranquility. No one wants to pay hundreds of pesos to listen to mindless chatter about nonsense things when you're having your mani pedi done. Thankfully, Coco Nail Salon knows this and embraces the whole tranquility and relaxation vibe.

The feel of the salon is very French and the black and white theme makes it very chic.

This little corner is something that I would want to have in my own place.

The white interiors and the spacious middle gives off the sense that you are in for an afternoon of bliss and truth be told, it really was that. I availed of the Coco Luxe which consisted of a gree tea water soak to help relax your tired feet and muscles, a sea-salt scrub, a massage (yes! you get a hand massage too!) paraffin dip, nail cleaning, manicure and pedicure.

Did I say it was an afternoon of bliss?

The foot soak used warm water. It was very relaxing.

While I had my foot soak, I also received a complimentary cup of coffee and macaron. How awesome is that?

After, I received a sea salt scrub and it is quite soothing if I may say so. I just felt so pampered having someone do that to me. I felt like a princess.

After, it was time for a foot spa and my super tired feet were scrubbed and pampered to the core.

I then had a paraffin treatment where my feet were dipped in hot paraffin which was quite soothing. I know some people find it too hot but I loved it. This was also done for both my feet and hands.

Happy camper here!

I chose Chanel Blue Satin for my nail polish and it was simply divine.

Things have been pretty hectic lately and so an afternoon at Coco Nail Salon was what I definitely needed. It was very relaxing and definitely what I look for in a nail spa and salon. I'll let you in on a little secret. I actually fell asleep when they were pampering me. It was that relaxing.

Coco Nail Salon

2nd Level Don Gesu Bldg., Don Jesus Blvd., Alabang Hills

Muntinlupa City

(02) 552 3156

Monday, January 26, 2015

dance with my father ...

When I was young, all I ever dreamt about was my 18^th birthday. You see, my parents kept saying that I couldn’t have a birthday party till I was 18. I was told that it would be my 18^th birthday that we would have this grand party and there, I would get to dance and show off to everyone my Dad.

You see, my friends have never ever met my Dad because he was an absentee father. He was always too busy with work that he rarely had time for us and since he lived in the factory and we lived in a condo, we rarely saw him as well.

Some of my classmates even joked that I must be a mushroom. I just popped out of nowhere because they never saw my father. It was hurtful even at such a young age. I wanted to show them that they were wrong and in my young mind, I thought “ha! Just wait till my 18^th birthday. I’ll show you that I’m not a mushroom.”

1998 came and my 18^th birthday was nearing. Kidnappings were happening left and right so my Dad did not want to push through with the grand party at a hotel. My Mom decided to move it to a function room in a restaurant instead so it would be low key. We invited my Dad but instead of coming, he got mad because his wishes were not followed. On the day of my birthday, he did not even greet me. He also had the party cancelled so my friends just came over our house.

To say that I was heartbroken would be an understatement. It was the start of a mental breakdown that took years for me to recover from. Having a childhood dream and desire be ripped away from you by the very person that was the center of that dream was more than my sanity could handle.

I just couldn’t accept it.

Eventually my Dad apologized for what happened and I told him that I hoped that when the day I get married comes, he would be there and he would be my first dance before my husband. I really, really just wanted that dance with my father. He said that yes he would be.

Fast forward to now and its been almost 2 years since my father and I spoke. To say we are not in good terms would be an understatement. What we are going through, it can’t be fixed for the simple reason that I cannot forgive him for hurting my Mom and siblings and he is too full of pride to ever be the one to apologize.

I realized that I will never have that dance with my father. It will never happen and knowing this breaks my heart.