Sporty Spice

Dress: Showinbuy. Bag: Express (similar). Sneakers: Keds Pro. 

If the Spice Girls were still THE female group of the pop world, this shirt would be something I could see Sporty Spice aka Mel C. wearing with her platform slip-ons. Those days are over though so it's my turn to put my own spin to the easy T-shirt dress. This tee is from showinbuy.com and you have no idea how excited I was when I found it on their site because I've been looking for the perfect t-shirt dress! It's so easy and you can wear them with a pair of sneakers or slip-ons. The dress I'm wearing is super comfy, and was the perfect big tee. It looks redder in the picture but the color is actually perfectly burgundy--not too dark and not too bright, which means you can wear it from spring to fall! :)

Last Sunday, my sister, nephew and niece made the big move to the US. My brother-in-law is coming soon and our family has never been happier and has not been this complete since 2006. We spent my sister and godkids' first day here in the US with relatives and it reminded me of the time when our family would gather every Sunday at my grandpa and grandma's to spend the day together. I was so tired when we went home later that day to prepare for another work week but it was all worth it. Can't wait to see them again on Friday. :D

Also, am I the only one bothered that it's July already and that means we are officially halfway through the year! Woooo!

Linked up with:

W: Pumps and Pushups | Thrifting Diva | Pleated Poppy | Because Shanna Said So | Get Your Pretty On | The Mummy Chronicles | Tucker Up | Book of Leisure | Wish You Were Here | Sydney Fashion Hunter | Classy Yet Trendy | Kimba Likes | Pampers and Pearls | My Girlish Whims | For the Love of Leopard | Earnestyle | Pastries Pumps and Pi | The Stylish Housewife | Claire Justine | Beauty 101 By Lisa | Shopping My Closet

Th: Mix & Match Fashion | Living in Color | The Tiny Heart | Penniless Socialite | Sincerely Jenna Marie | Happiness at Midlife | A Labour of Life | High Latitude Style | Home of Malones | East Coast Chic | Stylin' St. Louis | Twenties Girl Style | Doused in Pink

F: September Farm | Meet at the Barre | All the Joys | Bright on a Budget | Classy Yet Trendy | Rachel the Hat | Fashion Should Be Fun | Lauryncakes | All Things Chic | Birdie Shoots | Lizzie in Lace | Style Elixir

Sa: All of Life's Little Adventures | The Fashionista Mama | The Sits Girls | House of Hipsters | Fashionably Employed 

Su: Watch Out For The Woestmans | The Foley Fam | The Budget Babe | Style Me Sunday | Fab Fatale | Sydney Fashion Hunter

M: More Pieces of Me | Fizz and Frosting | Life of Meg | Lip Gloss and Crayons | A Touch of Tartan | Not Dead Yet Style | Still Being Molly | ChaCha the Fashion Genius | Rhea's Musings | Whitney Nic James | Mahogany Closet | Pink Sole | Style Nudge

First Day of Summer

Dress: Showinbuy (for only less than $8, c/o). Sandals: Forever21 (similar).  Hat: Dynamic Asia/Boardwalk Style(c/o).

Happy first day of summer! This daytime dress from Showinbuy.com has the darlingest floral print ever. It's watercoloresque and really pretty. It's made of chiffon-like material so it's light and perfect for summer. My only concern is that the smocked part is not tight enough to hug you but it's not too loose that it'll just hang though.

The past couple of weeks have been so relaxing. I am cherishing each day of summer break because I honestly go insane when I have classes. LOL I am such a laid back person (except when we have plans that I really like) that I would rather be on the couch or in bed than do anything else. Soo what is everyone up to this summer?

Linked up with:
Su: Watch Out For The Woestmans | The Foley Fam | The Budget Babe | Style Me Sunday | Fab Fatale | Sydney Fashion Hunter

M: More Pieces of Me | Fizz and Frosting | Life of Meg | Lip Gloss and Crayons | A Touch of Tartan | Not Dead Yet Style | Still Being Molly | ChaCha the Fashion Genius | Rhea Etcetera | Whitney Nic James | Mahogany Closet | Pink Sole

Tu: Induffinitely Me | Mama and More | The Fashion Canvas | Fashion and Feathers | Style Elixir | I Do De Claire | Reasons to Dress | Myriad Musings | Elegantly Dressed and Stylish | Anne in Residence | Garay Treasures

W: Pumps and Pushups | Thrifting Diva | Pleated Poppy | Because Shanna Said So | Get Your Pretty On | The Mummy Chronicles | Tucker Up | Book of Leisure | Wish You Were Here | Sydney Fashion Hunter | Classy Yet Trendy | Kimba Likes | Pampers and Pearls | My Girlish Whims | For the Love of Leopard | Earnestyle | Pastries Pumps and Pie | The Stylish Housewife | Claire Justine | Beauty 101 By Lisa | Shopping My Closet

Bye Hair-licia!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored, product-provided conversation written by me on behalf of Jolen. The opinions and text are all mine.

I have been one to have problems with unwanted hair. Between various methods of getting rid of these unnecessary (as I would like to think) hairs, my favorite has always been creams and laser. So when I learned that I was getting a chance to try a new brand of hair management products, I opted-in and (im)patiently waited for my samples to arrive.

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Frosty VoxBox

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Like any other voxbox, I was super excited when I learned that I got in this campaign! I love trying new products as well as professing my love for brands I already love. I loved the mix of this box---candy, beauty products, spices and tea. I’ll start with the ones I have tried in the past:

Rimmel Makeup Remover
I love love love this brand. I’ve tried other drugstore brands and this one stood out among all of them. It’s not too oily and it doesn’t sting my eyeballs either. Admit it, you’ve squeezed makeup remover into your eye(s) by accident in the past too. (Come on, I can’t be the only one!) It also effectively takes Rimmel’s Kohl eyeliner off of my eyes-this is something other brands were not able to do.

Rimmel Kohl Liner
I own this one as well. This eyeliner gives your eyes a super intense look. I am not a fan of putting makeup along my lower lashes but whenever I am feeling dramatic, I put some of it on.

NYC Lipstick in Sugar Plum
I wore this during our 12/19 Christmas party and unfortunately, it did not last. I loved the shade’s subtlety though. I just wished I would not have to re-apply it too many times. I sent mine to my sister and I'll definitely let you guys know what she thinks once she tries it!

Eco Tools Hair Brush
This one is currently my favorite brush because of its softer than other brushes bristles, I don’t feel like I’m pulling my hair off when I brush it to untangle it. And with that I should say that the bush actually untangles my hair and does not just run through my hair and skip the tangles parts.

Fruit Vines
They are like the short and stout version of red vines. They’re a yummy but a little rubbery snack.

Celestial Candy Cane Green Tea
I love candy cane and green tea and this product does both justice.

McCormick Gourmet All Natural Thyme
I have yet to try this for this recipe I found on their site, but based on my experience with other McCormick spices, I'm sure my thyme would be as flavorful and savory as everything else! :)

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Serum
I have yet to try this one because I have this irrational fear that when I put something on my face, it will burn my skin and leave a scar. I know that won't happen. Maybe I'll be braver tomorrow. ;)

LA Cookie Con and Sweets Show Review

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I was given a complimentary ticket to the conference in exchange for sharing my experience at the event. All opinions are my own.

I guess it's about time that I talk about the LA Cookie Con and Sweets Show.

We went to the event two Sundays ago and I must say it was quite an experience. We arrived and parked at around 11:15am, fell in line and got in at 2pm. Yep, that long. Epi and I ran across the street to pick up lunch while Ron and my sister stayed in line. When we got back, we were around 50-75 people away from entering so we ate super fast to make sure we finished our food before the line moves.

The venue was small (see pic above), packed and as I have read somewhere in the interwebs, tickets were oversold by 75%. And that is why we had to wait in line to get in. Unfortunately, we were done walking around by 2:22pm. I  am not kidding or exaggerating about this. There were really very few vendors and I kept wishing there were more. Ron was not impressed by how big the place was. The Pasadena Convention Center is huge but the hall for the conference was pretty small. There were great vendors though and I am about to talk about them in 3, 2, 1...

Banzai Jerky - I have tried this jerky when it was in its "testing phase" as I used to work with one of the owners. I love their jerky and flavors.

Organic Pastures Dairy Raw Milk - I would be lying if I said I loved it. I don't drink milk but my sister drank it and said it was good, it's like drinking water. I have yet to ask her if she was joking but this place I thought was perfect with everything else that was at the conference.

Davidson's Safest Choice Eggs - I did not get to try the eggs exactly but they gave away cookie dough truffles made with their eggs. They were pretty yummy and you can find the easy recipe here.
Nesquik - I don't think I have to elaborate on this. LOL

Charlie Pops Organic Cake Pops - I love the dark chocolate, while they are really good, I can taste the organic-ness of these cake pops. Please excuse me while I indulge on cake pops made with "unhealthy" ingredients. :p

Yogurt and Chocolate Coated Pistachios - I loved the chocolate more than the yogurt now excuse me please while I research on what brand this is. *face palm*

Del Real - This was our FAVORITE. Probably because all we've been eating were sweets and our taste buds needed a real break from the sugar. I'd totally buy the grilled chicken (pictured) for myself and buy the Carnitas for Ron.

Happy Pantry - This booth was by the door on our way out, as our taste buds were giving up. Their super cute prints got out attention though because it's something my sister-in-law will totally say. LOL

Then we left and it was time for some couple pictures because you know, we waited in line for two hours and we thought we deserved to not let anyone be under the sign so we can take our pictures.

What do I really think? I plan to skip the event next year if they have it at all and wait if the event becomes more organized. 

Jamberry Nails Review

Disclaimer: I received samples from Noelle, a Jamberry Nails consultant to review. Opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Oh hey, it's Friday and Superbowl is in a few days! Woohoo! So I'm here to tell you about Jamberry Nails. Have you heard of them? After some email correspondence with Noelle, I learned that they're vinyl nail wraps that allow you to have salon quality nails for an affordable price AND they can be done in your own home. They last up to 2 weeks on your fingernails and 6 weeks on your toes.

It took a while for me to have the courage (and time) to try the cute designs I was sent but hey, here I am now sharing my 7-Day challenge! I somewhat failed in making the vinyl stick smoothly even after following directions. I was warned by Noelle though so I kind of expected it to happen already. I was just not sure how it would happen.

Pros:
Lasts longer than regular nail polish.
Fun designs.
No need for nail art.
You only need a hairdryer and a nail file.
No need to wait for your nails to dry.

Cons:
A little hard to apply.
Pricier than regular nail polish.

Here is what my nails looked like after seven days...

Have you tried vinyl nails before? Did you like them? :)

Jord Watch Review + Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a free watch from WoodWatches.com in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

If I have not mentioned it yet, I love watches. It's one of those things that Ron and I both obsess over. We can probably go two weeks without wearing the same watch twice but then again, I'd rather not because I am one to play favorites. My Jord watch is currently one of my favorites for a few reasons; it's super light, it's brown and black so it basically goes great with everything and it's stylish enough to make a statement but subtle enough to be worn with almost any outfit. You can click here to learn more about the company.

Jord Fieldcrest-Black

To share the watch love, WoodWatches.com offered to giveaway $120 gift certificate to one lucky Jan Loves reader! They ship worldwide so the giveaway is open to everyone! :) Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Honeymoon Cafe [Houston, TX]

I have found my new favorite breakfast place there’s one catch though—it’s in Houston! On our way to getting lost further in downtown Houston in search of a place to brunch, we found this French café and decided to try it. The named sounded familiar then I remembered bookmarking it on Yelp under my to-try list in Houston. The place did not disappoint. Everything was delicious and the quaint ambiance made the place perfect for my last meal with J and C in Houston...for now.

I see C!

Breakfast BLT with a sunny side up egg that I ate with a knife and a fork.

French Toast. J ordered this one and it tasted like one of my most favorite Filipino desserts, saba con yelo. It was spectacular.

Smoked Salmon with Poached Egg. This was equally as yummy as it looks. 

C's cup of joe. 

Find them on Yelp here!

Victoria's Secret Sport VoxBox

SORRY FOR THE CRAPPY PHOTOS.

I have not worked out in SO LONG and I took this VoxBox as a sign. *embarrassed laugh*

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Influenster Surf's Up VoxBox

Getting those "You're In" emails from Influenster is one of the feelings as a blogger and a social media enthusiast...I cannot believe I just called myself that. It's pretty cool though, I mean, I've tried so many products already because of Influenster and I truly enjoy sharing my thoughts on them, whether they're positive or negative.

Sinful Colors in Aqua - Not really a color I would buy because I gravitate towards non-metallic polishes than metallic ones because honestly, for me, they are easier to apply. I also wished the color is a little more summery.

First Aid Shot Therapy Pain Relief - I found this a little weird and asked myself, "Why don't I just take my usual Excedrin?" I have yet to try this, maybe when I am sore from working out? Probably. And hopefully, that's soon.

 Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun - I love this one, especially because I live in Southern California where the sun is unforgiving. I also love how it smells. This one right here is my favorite one from this voxbox!

Covergirl Bombshell Curvaceous - I am a little afraid of mascaras because there was a time when I was allergic to them. Thank God that I tried this and surprisingly, it didn't make my eyes itch! The thing though is, I did not see any curling on my lashes. It still felt short and well, normal. I saw volume though when I used it, so that's a good thing. It did not feel heavy on my eyes as well, and it did not smear even after I fell asleep before wiping it off.

Jamba Juice Smoothie Coupons - I cannot wait to use these! I have been eying on those smoothies for a while now and maybe this weekend, I will finally try them. I bet Ron would love the smoothies too!

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

I am Afraid of Store Brand Products

Last night, in between bothering Ron and playing with Fox, I decided to check my email. As it turns out, my boss is asking me to take today off so I can help her with staging a home all day on Monday. Of course I don't mind that. I mean, a Friday off? Yes please! I later realized that my dog is going to have dental prophylaxis today. This means that his teeth is going to get cleaned, which also means he needs to be at the pet hospital for most of the day--8:30am to around 4:30pm to be specific.

So now that all my chores are pretty much done (except for laundry because I need a reason to stay at home on Sunday), and I have also done my errands, what's left to do is rest and cuddle with the dog. But then again, the dog is out so here I am blogging my time away.

My point is, I miss my dog.

My next point is, which is the actual point of this post is that I don't like buying store brand products because they have a reputation of not being as good as branded ones. However, in my Economics class, I learned that those Costco, Target and Walmart pay the same manufacturers that make branded items. With that insight, and the strict budget constraint that I'm putting myself into, I decided to try out Walmart's Equate Cocoa Butter Conditioning Body Lotion. To be honest though, I saw an open bottle at the store so I sniffed and tried it. As it turns out, it is very much alike my favorite Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant Lotion.

I compared the ingredients and the only thing missing is: Dihydroxypropyl Trimonium Chloride. And no, I cannot pronounce nor spell it. I copied and pasted that. ;)

The texture's almost the same too. I noticed that Equate's is a little more runny but if you've used Vaseline, you'll know that that lotion is extra creamy but not as creamy as Jergens.

I'm really excited to try this product and I will most definitely update this post and let you guys know how it works on my skin!

Influenster Uni VoxBox

I swear, I took my time with these products. Apparently, going to school really does affect your free time. LOL So here's what I got...

Pilot Acroball
You know when they say don't drop your pen so it doesn't blot? I guess in the shipping process, the box got shaken and dropped that the ball of the pen I got was not turning evenly. Boo. I loved that the tip wasn't thick, and that even if it was blotting it still wrote smoothly.

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in Sand
I love this foundation even if the first time I tried it, it was one shade too light. It was smooth, light, and did not oxidize on my skin. So when I took the survey, and saw the shades, I knew it was for this foundation and could not wait to get the shade I want need! I don't normally put on foundation but I'm sure this one is going to be my to-go one if I ever feel the need to have a smoother face--which has been a problem for me lately because of the ever-changing weather here in LA!

NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia
I've never tried their lipstick before. So the shade I got is pretty intimidating. It's bright...like BRIGHT.  I'm very tan so I always look at things of this shade as early warning devices. I tried it and was not a fan at first. I kept it on to see if I'll like it and will not be surprised by how my bright my lips are. Turns out, I liked it on me...just not sure about wearing it out just yet!

Impress Manicure in Control Freak
I've used this brand before and LOVED it. Its been a while though so I'm excited to have a new set! They're super easy to put on and lasts as long as normal nail polish. I could have asked for a "quieter" shade but it's okay, I'll still wear them because I love pink!

Red Rose Tea Water Enhancer (Instavideo here)
I thought this product was interesting. I am not a fan, and don't really buy products similar to this one but I'm glad I got this and finally got to try it. The darkness of the concentrated liquid got me a bit concerned, and got me thinking what in the world are the chemicals in this thing (scroll down for a picture). It tasted normal and I'd use my sample again but like I said, I don't but products like this because I'd rather drink water.

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Ramen Yokocho 2014 [Ramen Festival]

If I had to sum up my review in two words, it would be "go now." However, that wouldn't really make that much sense because the festival's duration was only held for two days, March 29-30th.

I liked this festival's system. We paid $5 to get in the Santa Anita Race Track, walked to where the festival was and saw two long lines to get tickets for food. $8 for a bowl of ramen and $2 for a drink. We got 3 bowls and 2 drinks. It's important to note that the lines died down on our way out though. We were there early and they had to catch up on the super many excited patrons.

So let's talk about my favorite part, the food...

Fujin - Ramen Burger

I'd say, ramen burgers are overrated. I expected way more flavor but I did not take into consideration that the magical flavor of ramen is based on the soup not the noodles. The sauce in the burger was good, I'd love to eat them with my french fries, tater tots even. And the patty? I couldn't even taste it. I kept wondering if it was real beef or if it was made of extenders, it was so thin too. I was semi-sad when I took a bite. But then again, the burger was for us to share and I had another bowl to myself to enjoy and be happy about.

Tsujita - Ramen

This was Ron's pick. It was good but I think Ron put too much garlic in it. It was VERY garlicky for my taste. I'd still give it a try sans the garlic though. I also liked the sweetness that was in the broth - it's different and unique to me (at least), in a good way.

Horaiya - Wonton Ramen

So this place, I think, is underrated. It was one of those booths that did not have a long line so after getting my ramen burger, I just got in the short line and gave my ticket for a bowl. The broth had that "crack" factor in it that I almost did not share it with Ron. I loved that the noodles was thick too and the wontons were very tasty. This one is my favorite from my day and I would order it again if I did not have an early dinner with my friends later that day. ;)

Dove VoxBox

I got the Dove Vox a couple of weeks ago and finally decided to unbox it tonight. I was sent the Dove Advance Care deodorant in I think the regular scent -- and if I used the scent as basis on how I think the others would smell like, then damn, everything will smell super good. The product I received smelled so good that I wanted to use it right away. However, I did not because I'd like to shower first. LOL! I also noticed that the packaging is the typical deodorant packaging (of course) except that it's matte...not that it would have any bearing on how good the quality of the product actually is but it's a good fresh change.

Did You Know?
36% of what you remove while shaving is skin.

I'll make sure to update you guys about how this product worked for me. I am hopeful that it wouldn't irritate my skin like every other Dove product I use. :)

***I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.***