Your Local

We finally got to try Your Local when we had lunch there last week. It was a good thing we parked right in front of the building it was at since there wasn't even a signage or anything at the door. But a lot of people sure knew about it, since the place was definitely bustling with customers. :)

Love the industrial vibe of the place in black and white, So sleek and modern.

open kitchen where you can watch your food be prepared

And I'm especially obsessed with all the subway tiles on the walls. This is my dream wall for my bathroom or kitchen in the future! :)

Here's their menu:

take note, there is an extra charge for requests to split dishes

The server also asks for your name since they write it down on your coaster.

Here's what we ordered:

Parmesan Fries with Truffled Ketchup
P120

Semi Fried Baby Eggplant
baby eggplant, mascarpone cream cheese compound, ponzu, tempura flakes
P230

Here's the eggplant underneath all that tempura flakes. This dish was hubby's favorite!

I really found this fettucini dish so creamy and yummy. My type of pasta!

Truffle Cream Fettucini
hijiki, shitake mushroom, parmesan, fettucini, truffle cream
P570

Chorizo Sandwich
1/3rd pound burnt onion & chorizo patty, pepperoncini cream cheese, fried egg, seasonal greens on a squid ink bun with parmesan fries and truffled ketchup
P490

I love the plating of this chicken rice dish! And I also loved the taste. :)

Chicken Rice
steeped chicken, ginger rice, sweet soy sauce, chili sauce
P345

Overall, food was beautifully presented and tasted great. No wonder the place is definitely so popular around the area. Will definitely be back for more!

YOUR LOCAL
Address: Universal LMS Bldg. 106 Esteban St. Cor V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati 
Website: www.yourlocal.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Yourlocalph
Email: hello@yourlocal.ph 
Telephone: +632 8236206 
Mobile: +63917 6543355

Grandpa's 95th Birthday: DIY dessert buffet (& supplier ratings)

We celebrated the 95th birthday of hubby's lolo (which the kids fondly call Grandpa) last month. It was a simple luncheon held at Valle Verde 5 clubhouse and I just did a candy buffet using the party colors of blue and white. I totally loved how it turned out! :)

see how I did the paper tassel garland HERE

candies from the grocery and Divisoria

bought serving utensils from the grocery and just decorated the handles with washi tape

Here are just some of my thoughts from the other suppliers from the party:

CAKE
The cake was from Aggy's Cakes & Sweets. I loved how they were able to  replicate all the little details from a photo that was provided. This is exactly how Grandpa looks like when we visit him for our weekly Sunday lunches! So cute! :)

PHOTOBOOTH
My mother-in-law asked me to look for a photobooth a week before the party. I was already leaning towards one supplier but when I confirmed, they said someone just paid the reservation fee for my date. Good thing iFotoU Booth was available. They actually came out cheaper since they didn't charge me for a transportation fee unlike the other supplier. I paid P3k for 2 hours, but they were so kind to extend another hour for free! :)

CONS: They used a standard backdrop for our package, but I still like how it looked classy even though it had their logo all over it. They also texted me when I was already on my way to the venue to bring a USB for a copy of the photos. Of course I didn't have one with me, luckily I was able to get one from hubby's cousin who lived nearby. I just wish they told me sooner. They didn't even have a CD and if I wasn't able to provide a USB, I would just have to get the photos from their FB page. That's ok, but of course I want the hi-res pics too right?

PARTY HOST
When the family was planning the party, they wanted to get the same host I hired for Skyler's 1st birthday party which was Wizzo since they were so impressed with him. They wanted kasi the party to have a kiddie feel para fun for the guests even if most were adults. Unfortunately, Wizzo was already booked on our event date so I had to look around for other party hosts.

I saw good reviews online for Erney Arcilla and I was curious since I had never heard of him before. I messaged him on his FB page and he replied immediately despite the time of 11pm! He called me the next day and already I was impressed with the way he sounded. I wanted to book him from 12noon - 3:00pm but he said his schedule was from 11am - 2:00pm since he had another party at 4pm. The thing was, we were going to have a mass at the venue from 11am - 12nn so I really couldn't do anything about the time. What we agreed on was that he would arrive at 11am to set up, and then we would just start right after the mass. Since this wasn't a typical children's party, we figured it wouldn't last as long din naman, so sakto lang if he ended at 2pm.

Anyway, I have to say that Erney exceeded my expectations. He was fun, bubbly, articulate, and really kept the guests entertained all throughout. I think it was a blessing that Wizzo was already booked since I think Erney's personality fit the event better. He had to keep the energy high since most of the guests were adults and did not want to participate at first. But he knew what games to play (the Guess the Song game was a big hit especially the 60's & 70's music!) to get everybody excited and involved. He was also always moving around the venue, which was nice since no one had to get up from their seats anymore to give their answers. He was on a tight schedule so he had to scrap the magic show, but he still did a simple balloon twisting activity for some of the kids that were there.

In the end, a lot of people were asking for his number and already talking to him for their events hehe. I'm happy with his performance and I would definitely book him for any of my children's future parties.

It was a great day overall, and we're just happy that Grandpa is still strong and healthy at 95 years old! May he indeed have many more birthdays to come! :)

Product Review: Olay Regenerist #MiracleDuo

I admit that I don’t have a skincare routine. I’m in my early 30’s and all I really do is wash my face in the morning and at night. This might seem shocking for others who have a wide array of cleansers, creams, toners, and moisturizers. But as a mom of 3 young kids, I sometimes don’t even have time to take a decent shower lol!

Ever since I turned 30 though, I made a mental promise to try and take care of my skin more. I can already see signs of ageing like fine lines, bigger pores, and sun spots which I know can get worse as I get older. I remember my grandmother who always looked forever young. Whenever people would ask her secret, she would always say to moisturize! But maybe I’m just clueless when it comes to what products to use in the market today. That’s why I was really excited when Olay Philippines sent over this kit for me to try.

Powered by breakthrough cellular bioenergetics science, Olay launches Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence. Together with the award-winning Regenerist Microsculpting Cream, the new #MiracleDuo boosts skin energy and gives women noticeably younger-looking skin.

In one of its studies, Olay discovered that women’s skin looks dull, fatigued, and dehydrated as it ages. Skin Cell Energy, as measured by level enzyme of NADP(H) in cells,  is high among young people, but, as women get older, Skin Cell Energy declines.

Skin Cell Energy allows skin to produce and maintain radiance, firmness and hydration. It affects skin’s ability to fight signs of skin ageing and its ability to absorb anti-ageing treatments. Despite this happening on a cellular level, women feel this change: 89% of women feel that the self-repairing nature of skin deteriorates when ageing. 78% of women also feel that the absorption of their skincare regimen is not as good as before.  (Source: International study conducted by Beijing Technical Center, Jan 2014)

The new Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-Essence is the next breakthrough in skin cell renewal and the latest trend in Asian Skin Care. It is designed to boost the penetration of anti-aging actives of your moisturizer to increase skin cell metabolism and renewal for stunning, youthful skin that looks up to 10 years younger. The first drop starts renewal of a million surface cells and helps visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, pores and firms the skin. The Golden Amino Peptide [pal-KTTKS] of Miracle Boost Pre-Essence promises:

- To boost cell energy by 35% to strengthen skin’s inherent young power

- To trigger self-collagen production for bouncy, younger looking skin

The new Miracle Boost Pre-Essence works best when used together with the award-winning Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream. Pre-Essence helps the active ingredients of the Micro-sculpting Cream penetrate deeper into skin for dramatic results. Together, the two products form the new #MiracleDuo to give you 2X key active penetration into epidermis and skin that looks up to 10 years younger.

With all this information, I was really excited to try the products out. After washing and drying my face, I first applied the Regenerist Miracle Boost Pre-essence. Before anything else though, what I love is the design of the bottle. Once you twist the cap, it automatically draws the serum up into the dropper. This is basically the exact amount of product that you will need for your whole face. It says on the packaging to apply 2 pumps per use for ideal results but I find that 1 pump is already enough for me. A little really goes a long way since the serum spreads so easily on my face. It has a sheer light texture and I can tell that it is absorbed by my skin immediately. With just this product, I can already feel that my skin feels more hydrated and supple to the touch. I let it sit for a few minutes to really penetrate into my skin.

After, I applied the Regenerist Microsculpting Cream. I massaged it on my face using an upward circular motion like it said on the packaging. The product felt rich on my skin but not heavy. Also, my skin can get pretty dry especially in my forehead area. I noticed that it can get flaky when I put on my foundation. This cream really moisturized my face and made applying makeup easier since I felt that my skin was softer. 

Both products also had a mild scent which was very pleasant. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like using stuff which I can smell on my face especially if I’m about to go to bed. Luckily, the scent disappears after the product is absorbed on your face.

I’ve been using the #MiracleDuo twice a day (once in the morning after bath and before bedtime) for 5 days now and I’m very happy with the results so far. I can already feel my skin becoming healthier and softer. What more after I finish these products!

For someone who never had a skincare regimen, I think this is a great way to start. I’m definitely glad I got introduced to these products at this point in my life so I can start reversing the ageing process. We will all grow old but we don’t have to look old right? We owe it to ourselves to take care of our skin and look our best. And with Olay’s help, our best beautiful can certainly be achieved.

New Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Youth Pre-essence (SRP: Php1399) is exclusively available in Lazada.com starting May 2015. Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream (SRP: Php1499) is available in Lazada, leading drugstores, department stores, and supermarkets.

For the latest on Olay, check out their official website www.olay.com.ph.  You may also like Olay on Facebook or follow @OlayPhilippines on Twitter and @OlayPhilippines on Instagram.

*sponsored post

Mother's Day with Project Mom

 I was so fortunate to be part of the 100 Lucky Moms who were chosen to attend Project Mom's special event on Mother's Day. 

at the Glorietta 5 Activity Center

The Project Mom book is the brainchild of gorgeous moms Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. At the event, they each spoke about their experiences as mothers and gave helpful tips and insights into motherhood. 

All the moms in attendance were also beautifully serenaded by the Mandaluyong children's choir.

There were lots of raffle prizes given away and I even won a Rudy Project watch!

At the end of the event, all the moms were given lovely bouquets of flowers from Designer Blooms...

And goodie bags with so much stuff! If you've been following Project Mom on Instagram, you know that they've had a Favorite Finds fair & exhibit the past few weekends leading up to Mother's Day in Glorietta. The products given to us were from the vendors and sponsors during the bazaar, so you know these are definitely mommy approved!

All the moms were also given Melissa shoes. There was only 1 style and unfortunately they were really high wedge heels which I would never wear (I basically live in flats). And the biggest size was an 8 and it was still a little tight on me. So I just gave this to my cousin. ;p

Here's a closer look at what we got:

succulents from Mr. & Mrs. Green

I love this canvas bag from Fluffy Pwets

treats from Snack Box - these were soooo good!

Kitchen Pretty pot holder from Gifts & Graces Fair Trade

chevron pillowcase from Bungalow 300

Mustela products

Moringa Malunggay anti-hairfall products (I definitely need these!)

products from Cycles, Marks & Spencer, Messy Bessy, The Body Shop

Ysabel's Daughter body wash

trinket charms

shirt, keychain, mousepad, sticker from OLX

magazines

Medela pouch bag

hand-painted plate

discount coupons

Sharing the discount code from Fluffy Pwets to all you cloth diapering mommies out there:

So again, thank you to Project Mom for making us all feel so special on Mother's Day. As they say, being a mom is probably one of the toughest (if not the hardest!) jobs out there. But at the end of the day, there's nowhere I'd rather be than with my kids. :)