I finally recieved my free sunglasses from Firmoo the other day and I love it sooo much! These sunglasses arrived just on time before my departure date. I think they fit perfectly on my petite face. What do you think? These chick and stylish sunglasses is a must have this summer!





These sunglasses will come handy on my long month vacation, because I will be spending alot of time relaxing at the beach! Love, love my free sunglasses! Thank you again, Firmoo!

~xoxo~
Gretchen

I love pampering my face. Eversince I was still single, I always make sure that I use the best facial products for my face. I am one lucky woman to be borned prone-free to acne. I've seen peole who are prone to acne and I feel really bad for them. Our face is the first thing people will notice and for people who are prone to acne, it's uncomfortable for sure. The last time I dealed with breakouts was when I was pregnant with my children. Due to hormonal changed, I had breakouts all over my face and it freaked the hell out of me. I am not used to it and it for sure made me feel uncomfortable. Although, I know it is pretty normal for pregnant woman to experience some breakouts. I hate acne and I am sure you do, too.

I have a funny story to share. I went grocery shopping one time and a guy asked me if I am a chinese? In my mind I was like, "what the heck?"... I told him I am not a chinese and I think my eyes are way too big to be considered as a chinese and it made him chuckled. He said because my skin complexion are the same as of those chinese people. And I said,.. "Really?".. I think I have a brown complexion not fair, LOL!

Anyways, as much as possible, I tried to moisturize my face before going to bed. I use Aveeno SMART ESSENTIALS Daily Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF 30 for my daily use. This product is a winner! Very affordable, non-greasy and it feel wonderful on my face. I applied a pea-size all over my face right after taking shower. It keep my face moisturize all day long!



Most of my favorite products that I use are made with Shiseido. They are kinda expensive but this is the only brand that works amazingly for me. I love, love the result. It is indeed, worth every penny I paid. I'd rather pay extra bucks for products that are highly recommended than those cheap ones that might cause breakout on my skin!

I have been using Shiseido products for years now and I am still inlove with it. Photo below is the moisturizer that I use every night. It is called Shiseido Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream. I love the youthful looking result that it gave me. This is by far, the best moisturizer I have ever use!

  


As for my eyes, I started having dark circles when I became a mom. Sleepless and restless nights with newborn was the caused. I searched for the best eye cream products to use and I have been using Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Contour Cream for years. It worked really great and I can see a huge difference on my eyes before and after. So there you go! Those three are my top favorite products. I will be very upset if any of these products will be discontinued, LOL! I am serious!

You can find the Shiseido products at Macy's, Sephora, and at Shiseido web site. For
Aveeno products, Walmart got it. This is not a paid-post! This is my personal entry. Thought of sharing these products that works beyond you can ever imagine. If you are brave enough to pay the retail price, then go ahead! LOL! But I guarantee you, these products are SUPERB!

~xoxo~
Gretchen

Chaddaa! Yep, that's my new baby. Nice, huh? LOL! I was really surprised when I received this brand new laptop for I did not expect it at all. My early mother's day gift is indeed, beautiful! Thanks a bunch to my wonderful hubbylove! I did not asked for it, but hubby thinks I do need one. I did told him though, to get the boys a portable dvd player for them to use while we are on vacation. This laptop was a very smart choice!


I love my new toy! It is very, very light weight. And it is a nice brand, too!  I like the idea of surfing the web, while cooking at the kitchen, LOL! I just now realize that laptop is actually, a pretty nice thing to have. I can take it anywhere I want. This is my first laptop, btw. I did not really care about laptop before. We have two pc's upstairs and that's what I always use.

Anyway, all I need to do is to find a good hand-carry bag and we are good to go! Five more weeks, baby! Yayy!

~xoxo~
Gretch

Went out again today and brought more things to take to the Philippines. I got few cute stuffs for my nieces back home. I am almost done shopping for "presents" to take home with me. Few more things to grab and I will start packing all of them. I want to get finish with all of these "pasalubong", so I can focus on what I need to bring for myself and for my kids. There are so many things to think about, its actually stressing me out. I am trying hard not to stress myself out, but sometimes it is really overwhelming. I could have just not shop for any presents for my family back home to make it easier for me, but I feel guilty if I will choose to do that. I need to have something for each of them, to make them more happy. Small things will be much appreciated with people back home. A cheap flipflops will make any kids happy back home! That's a fact. Today was such a long day for me. I am tired and ready for bed. I hope all of you had a great weekend!

~xoxo~
Gretch

The VS are offering 7 for $26 panties! They started last friday and today is the last day. I have been wanting to visit one of their stores since friday, but I just didn't get the chance. Finally, I was able to go out today! Went there and shop for new panties. I love, love their hiphugger collection. I don't shop anywhere else for underwear but VS. The $10 birthday coupon that they sent me help alot. I was able to save $10 bucks! I am one happy shopper! I actually thought for sure, there will be NO MORE gorgeous panties to choose, since their sale started last friday. I was smiling from ear to ear when I saw that they still got plenty of nice underwear to shop! So yesss! If you're a fan of VS undies, you ladies should visit VS store right now! It is indeed such a great deal, you cannot afford to miss it!

~xoxo~
Gretch

I have been planning of making this kutchinta for such a long time. It's one of my favorite kakanin or snack back in the Philippines. I have seen a box of kutchinta (ready mix) in asian store, but I know nothing can beat a freshly made kutchinta. Last weekend, I finally had the guts to try making kutchinta on my own. I was really nervous for it was my first time.

I even grated my very own fresh coconut to go along with my kutchinta. After a long anticipation, I finally had the first taste of my kutchinta... This kutchinta tasted absolutely, delicious! It was PERFECT! I cannot believe it myself. I just did it! I made it for the first time and it came out divine! Top it with freshly grated coconut and it was heaven!





I am so happy that this kutchinta was a big success! I can finally make kutchinta on my own and I feel proud about that. Never in my entire life did I think, that I will be cooking kutchinta... haha! I love it so much that I ate all of them ... that's how good it was!

I will be making this again anytime, soon. The kutchinta is going to be judge by my dear friends. I hope they will like it, as much as I do (which I think, they will!). Yahhooo!

~xoxo~
Gretchen

I made this yummy hot pandesal  the other day and it came out super, good! I did make it again last saturday for a gathering and my friends go crazy with this. My house smells like bakery everytime I made some hot pandesal. Nothing beats than a fresh hot pandesal! It is soft, but not super duper soft, compare to the one back home. But, I am still proud! I had tried several pandesal recipe before and they are as hard as rock, the day after! LOL!

I am getting closer on achieving that perfect pandesal (for me, anyway). Next time, I will let it rise for at least 6 hrs and see if it will be super duper soft. If you are interested of making your own pandesal, here's the recipe. If you got any questions, pls feel free to ask.

Pandesal Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoon shortening
1 cup warm water
5 tablespoon sugar
2 small sachet yeast
1 tablespoon salt
4 and 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup boiling water
plain bread crumbs
cheesecloth

Directions:

1. Combine bread flour, shortening, sugar, salt and boiling water in a large mixing bowl (if you got KitchenAid mixer, the better).

2. Mix 1 cup warm water and the dry yeast. Stir until well blended. Let stand for 5 minutes or until bubbly.

3. Add the water-yeast mixture to the mixing bowl. Knead until dough is form but still little bit sticky (5-7 minutes using KitchenAid mixer).

4. Cover with cheesecloth and let rise in warm place until double in size (I put mine inside the oven, just make sure your oven is turn-off) for at least 40 mins.

5. Punch down dough to release air and turn out on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a long log (just like making embutido). Cut and divide dough into 24 equal parts and shape into ovals.

6. Roll in bread crumbs. Place on greased cookie sheets. Cover with cheesecloth, let rise in warm place (inside the oven) for another 40 minutes to an hour.

7. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown.


Enjoy your hot pandesal! Don't forget to leave your comments. It will be very much appreciated!

~xoxo~
Gretch

I haven't sleep last night at all. My son got sick and hearing my father inlaw's death was even worst. We cannot believe it and we are still in denial. I feel really sorry for my husband for he loved his dad, very much. I always prayed that Lord God will give him more years, so he could spend more time with his kids and grandkids. Unfortunately, he passed away right before he could see his youngest grandchild. We are all hurt and mourning.....

It is very hard to loss a loved one during the holidays. We are all saddened by this news. The whole family are going to Illinois either tomorrow or friday, I am not sure yet. Road trip with sick kids aren't gonna be easy, but we need to be there. Please pray for our dad's soul and for us to have a safe trip to Illinois.


Gretch