Review: The Buy 1 Take 1 Tea Latte Coupon from BDJ and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

If you live in Davao area, you would notice that recently we’ve been having this bed weather. Rain seems to pour non-stop, and most of us would just want to sleep throughout the rest of the day. However, not all of us have this kind of luxury, because after all, we have day jobs and school to attend to. Yep, I know; I hate it, too.

Anyway, don’t let the cold stop you from doing your obligations. If you’re like me, I know it’s quite tempting to just do nothing for the entire day. However, most of the time, we often end up regretting for the lost time and opportunity spent at mindless and untimely relaxation. It happened to me a lot of times, and as much as possible, I would like to avoid it, which is the reason why I resort to something else.

Whenever I feel lazy, I spend my time at coffee shops.

Yes, I visit coffee shops, whenever there’s something that needs to be done ASAP, and whenever I feel lazy and sleepy.

So, in line with this, let me share with you my first couponing experience with one of the most prominent coffee shops here in the Philippines: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf logo

I got my coupon from my first BDJ Planner, as discussed in this post. Among all the BDJ coupons, the CBTL Buy 1 Take 1 Tea Latte appealed to me the most; I’m in love with tea, and I've always believed that teas served in coffee shops, like CBTL’s, are among the best there is.  

The Buy 1 Take 1 Tea Latte Coupon I redeemed at CBTL Gaisano Mall Davao

I went to a branch of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Gaisano Mall of Davao’s The Peak. When I went there, I noticed that not so many people go to that area, and I just fell in love with the place almost instantly. It was peaceful and cozy, unlike the other coffee shops that I’ve been to, and the staff is very accommodating, too!

Like I said, I was armed with a CBTL buy 1 take 1 coupon when I went there. I bought a large Double Vanilla Tea Latte at Php 165.00 and a Lemon Square at Php 85.00. I chose a large Moroccan Mint Tea Latte as my free beverage. All in all, I got 2 large tea lattes and a lemon square for only Php 250.00!

The receipt

The Tea Latte came in with a large CBTL mug. Knowing that I couldn't drink all of the two ‘large’ tea lattes, I summoned my special someone to enjoy the free beverage. We had a great time, and for all I know, I’ll be back!

One lemon square and one large CBTL Double Vanilla Tea Latte

I loved the experience, and got my money’s worth.

Thanks BDJ! Thanks CBTL!

You’ll definitely find me coming back for more!

Love,

NEWBEE

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the aforementioned items at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions.

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Review: The Buy 1 Take 1 Tea Latte Coupon from BDJ and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Review: Skin79 Special Clear Set (Moisture Body Wash, Creamy Foam Cleansing, and Gentle Peeling Gel)

I love bath products, and I would love them even more if they’re from my favorite Korean brands. So, if you’ve been following my blog for quite some time now, you would notice that I just love Skin79! This time, I’ll review on Skin79 Special Set, which consists of Peeling Gel, Body Wash and Facial Cleanser.

I bought this particular set online at Php 860.00, which is pretty expensive for three different products in ‘mini’ 30-ml tubes. I bought it anyway, hoping to find something good for my skin. After all, it’s the only Skin79 product which has a body wash in it, and I needed a good ‘travel set’.

A body wash, a peeling gel, and a facial cleanser in one set sounds good enough.

If you’re familiar with Skin79, you will notice that it doesn’t carry brands other than makeup and facial care products. Well, this particular set is an exception. This is the only Skin79 body wash, why would I skip this opportunity?                

Let’s start with Skin79’s body wash, shall we?

Skin79 Special Set: Moisture Body Wash

Apologies if I can’t supply you with photos of this product. I already ran out of it, like ages ago.

Based on what I remember, the body wash lathers well; better than most body washes in the market, but I believe it’s not the best there is. Its texture is close to typical Korean facial cleansing foams; think of Missha and Apieu.

I also found out that it is extremely moisturizing and mild to the skin. It also gives your skin a luxurious feel to it.

Yes, the tube is tiny. As a matter of fact, I only used it for about three times. Yeah, that’s the sad part. (Explains why I don’t have an actual photo of it). So, I couldn’t say much about this stuff only that it’s moisturizing. Not much.

Skin79 Special Clear Set: Gentle Peeling Gel

The first peeling gel I’ve ever used was the Skin79 Crystal Peeling Gel, which promises to remove the impurities and dead skin cells from your face after every use. I loved it and used it weekly for a little more than a year. I think it significantly reduced my acne. I also think that it made my skin clearer and brighter.

Skin79 Crystal Peeling Gel

The Peeling Gel, which was included in the Skin79 Special Set, is very similar to the Skin79 Crystal Peeling Gel. Truth be told, I think this is the Crystal Peeling Gel in a different packaging, but unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it with. I mean, I ran out of Crystal Peeling Gel years ago. However, just like the Crystal Peeling Gel, I love it so much and it’s is so effective in improving the appearance of my face. Also, I think a little of this product could go a long way as well.

Honestly, I was very happy to have this in my ‘Travel Kit’.

Skin79 Special Clear Set: Creamy Foam Cleansing

I haven’t tried any cleansers from Skin79, because normally, they could cost twice as much as those other Korean cleansers. However, thanks to the Special Set, I was able to try one. I must say that I’m pretty impressed with this cleanser. Just like the body wash, it’s moisturizing and mild to the skin. Honestly, I feel like I’m a notch prettier whenever I use this. Most of all, I think it prevents acne as well. I’ve been using this for months now. Meaning, a 30-ml tube such as this could go a long way as well.

Way to go Skin79!

My Verdict

Overall, I think this is a good product, only that it’s a bit pricey. I think I should rate it a 4.00 out of 5.00.

I wish the ‘set’ would just come in pairs – one tube for peeling gel and one tube for cleansing foam. I’d hate to say it, but the body wash was a waste of packaging. I mean, one tube for about 3-5 uses only, then the tube goes to the trash bin. I think each tube delivers what it promises, though. Nonetheless, I hope Skin79 would release a full-sized body wash. I’ll definitely buy it!

Have you tried this particular set before, too? How was it?

Please share your experiences in the comment section.

Thank you and have a great day!

Love,

NEWBEE

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said product at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

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Review: Skin79 Special Clear Set (Moisture Body Wash, Creamy Foam Cleansing, and Gentle Peeling Gel)

Review: Etude House Sweet Recipe Dear My Jelly Lips Talk JPK002

Before the year officially ends, here’s one last review that I wish to share to everyone. This time, it’s a lipstick from Etude House’s Sweet Recipe: Dear My Jelly Lips Talk, JPK002.

Stock photo from the Internet

Swatches as shown on ads. JPK002 is shown on the first row. 

History

*You may skip this part, if you like.

Like most of my cosmetics, I bought this particular lipstick on a whim. Sometime around June 2013, I was doing some window shopping with my bf, when we happened to pass by an Etude House shop. We both went in; I was searching for a new lipstick and I was really hoping to find one in Etude.

As expected of Etude House, everything was orderly, and the products are well-kept and well-displayed. Who would miss the products in cute packaging? Everything was like candy or cookies, or cake. Simply put, most of their products remind us of delicious pastries and candies: one of the many reasons why most girls fell in love with Etude House almost instantly.

Actual photo after so many months from the date of purchase

Anyway, I was shown to the lipstick section. The SA showed me around, and introduced me to the Sweet Recipe My Jelly Lips Line. I was skeptical at first, because it was pricey, around Php 470; I had my eyes on the cheaper ones, but the SA assured me that the Jelly Lips could last for more than 4 hours, especially the dark pink shade, JPK002. It was Etude’s newest lipstick during the time, too.

Because of the assurance of the SA and the impatience of my boyfriend (who happened to spot a gorgeous pair of running shoes on the other shop), I was left with very little choice but to buy it. And so, gone was my Php 470+ and hello, my new lipstick! Later that day, I realized that I didn’t even get the chance to swatch the Etude lipsticks prior to my purchase.

Talk about impulse buying!

The Product

The lipstick originally came in with a cute box, which by the way, featured varied images of jellybeans. I lost mine, so I had to grab a stock photo from the internet just to show you the box. Please see the first photo of this post. 

The lipstick is actually cute; pretty simple but so darn cute!

My Dear My Jelly Lips Talk JPK002 (Actual Photo)

The pink jelly lipstick is gorgeous too. When Etude says jelly, it looks like jelly indeed!

Swatches on my skin. Notice the glossiness!

Most of all, I fell in love with the fragrance that it came with. The lipstick somewhat smells like cherry bubblegum; so sweet, and so irresistible. No wonder I feel like putting it on whenever I can. If you’re not a fan of lipsticks, or lip glosses, this could possibly change your mind.

Application

JPK002 is a dark pink shade, and it is very pigmented. When I was I kid, I used to play with red tinted lollipops and swipe them on my lips so that I would have cherry-colored lips. Surprisingly, the shade is close to the ‘lollipop lipstick’, and I couldn’t simply get enough of it. It’s also buildable and moisturizing.

JPK002 is indeed very pigmented!

The downside is that it could barely last for four hours. After all, its composition is closer to a lip gloss. Nonetheless, I don’t find this a problem at all, because I’d be more than happy to reapply this lipstick anytime. It smells so good and it feels so good on the lips.

I fell in love with the lipstick, no doubt, but the thing melted in my handbag a few weeks after my purchase. The whole thing was reduced to a third. It appears that it’s sensitive to heat. Given that I live in a hot and humid country, this may not be a very good idea to carry around.  Since then, I’ve been leaving this lipstick inside my refrigerator. If you’re residing in the Philippines, you may want to think about buying this, too. I’m still using this but I guess I’ll run out of it soon.

All that is left for me because this thing melted in my bag. :( 

It was significantly reduced to a third. 

My Verdict

I will give the Etude House Sweet Recipe My Jelly Lips Talk Lipstick JPK002 a 4.00 out of 5.00.

So far, this is the best lipstick I ever had, and unfortunately, this is the only lipstick that melted in my bag. I might not repurchase again, but I’ll keep looking for great lippies at Etude House.

Anyway, I hope you learned a lot. Please stick around for more reviews.

I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Love,

NEWBEE

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said product at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

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Review: Etude House Sweet Recipe Dear My Jelly Lips Talk JPK002

My 2014 Belle de Jour Power Planner Planner: Bring It On - 2014!

2014 is fast approaching, and like the most of you, I have thought of so many ways that could possibly make my 2014 a lot more memorable. After all, life is so short; I wouldn't want to do things (or fail to do things) that would surely regret someday.

I know what I need:

New goals…

New resolutions…

New outlook in life…

And of course! I badly needed a new planner! 

Speaking of which, my new planner for 2014 came by mail last week, but I actually forgot about it for a while. Here it is:

Belle de Jour Power Planner for 2014

I know it might sound like I’m nuts, but I’m some sort of a schedule freak:

·         I document everything at least twice a day, including the exact time I came to the office;

·         I organize my ‘to do’ list for as early as 3 in the morning;

·         My day is incomplete without my planner;

·         I feel bad whenever there’s something in my list that I failed to do;

·         I sometimes write my schedule by the hour; and

·         I write and draw my ideas on my planner, too.

For 2013, I have had three planners: one for my work desk at the office, one for my schooling, and lastly, one for my work desk at home.

First page

I know what you’re thinking: I should have used just one planner for everything, but as clumsy as I am, I know I needed at least two. I tend to forget my planner at the workplace or at home, which could sometimes make me feel somewhat edgy. Plus, my work is very hectic, so every hour and minute really matters, so that’s one planner. I have school, and I have projects outside my day job as well, so I guess it’s pretty rational to have two.

Anyway, please take a good look at my newest planner:

Be reminded of your goals and dreams everytime you open this planner.

A checklist of things that you might want to consider doing. 

Monthly

Weekly

Coupon Tracker

BDJ Partners

A few of some of the dozens of coupons that come with the planner

I bought online it at Php 598 at Belle de Jour, including shipping. If you are interested and you are residing in the Philippines, please visit BDJ’swebsite. They have quite a variety of planners available for sale.

Despite BDJ being around for a while now, this is actually my first BDJ Planner. I have high hopes for this one, after all, I consider myself an achiever, too. I hope this planner best suits me and my lifestyle.

Ohh, by the way, don’t you think I’m lucky? A friend gave me a planner as well. So, in addition to the BDJ Planner, I have another one; so, that makes it two planners. Yay!

Well, I guess, that’s all for now. I wish you all the best for 2014.

Please stick around for more updates.

Love,

NEWBEE

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said product at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

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My 2014 Belle de Jour Power Planner Planner: Bring It On - 2014!

Review: Nature Republic The Salon Body Esthe A-Fit Kit (A-Fit Wash and A-Fit Clear Cream)

I checked my cosmetics collection once again, only to find out that I’m running out of Nature Republic A-Kit Wash from the Nature Republic The Salon Body Esthe A-Fit Kit. I decided that before I use up everything, I should at least give you an idea on what it is, and how it works.

Stock Photo for Nature Republic The Salon Body Esthe A-Fit Kit

Last month, I decided to buy this kit on a whim, together with the Tonymoly Floria Pore-Tightening Cleansing Foam. I have never tried the Nature Republic brand before, and neither Tonymoly. Both purchases were a first for me and both were bought online. Unfortunately, Tonymoly was a bad purchase, as I mentioned in my blog post here.

Luckily, Nature Republic’s A-Kit performed way better than I imagined.

Read on if you’d like to know why.

Actual photos of my Nature Republic A-Fit Kit (after a month of regular use)

Close Look

The said kit contains two tubes: one is the A-Fit Wash 80ml and the other is the A-Fit Clear Cream in 50ml.

Nature Republic A-Fit Wash

According to its description, it is a mild scrub that could exfoliate the armpit; it promises to make your skin smoother and silkier. Most of all, it is said to be mineral oil-free, alcohol-free, synthetic dye-free, GMO-free and BSE-free.

The A-Fit Wash: Almost looks like facial cleanser

Nature Republic A-Fit Clear Cream

The A-Fit Clear Cream, on the other hand promises to whiten and moisturize the underarms. It also promises to minimize its pores and control odor; and just like the A-Fit wash, the cream is said to be mineral oil-free, alcohol-free, synthetic dye-free, GMO-free and BSE-free.

The A-Fit Cream

My Experience

I bought it at around 500 pesos (excluding shipping) online, and with two tubes at 50ml and 80ml, I initially thought that it was a great steal. It indeed was.

 The Wash

The Wash is like a mild facial cleanser, in terms of texture and consistency, and surprisingly, it doesn’t look like facial scrub at all. It lathers well, and a small amount of the wash should go a long way. Not much is needed, but it’s really good. I’m pretty satisfied with it.

However, I am quite suspicious with its composition. The ads tell me that it’s supposedly paraben-free etc., but not much has been said in its original packaging. Sadly, almost all of the texts written are in Korean. Please correct me if I’m wrong; I’m not a chemist or anything like that, but something tells me that the ad must be misleading us. For instance, it’s supposedly synthetic dye-free, but I could clearly see that the wash has some sort of a light green color to it. Would it be possible to achieve that kind of appearance without the use of synthetic chemicals?

If you’re sensitive enough, you might smell the light fragrance of the wash; the fragrance is somewhat close to baby powder, but it goes away as soon as you lather it with water.

The Cream

The cream looks just like your typical cream. It’s white and creamy.  Just like the wash, it smells like baby powder, too. The baby powder fragrance lingers though, because obviously, you don’t have to wash the cream right after application.

I've been using this kit for a while now, especially the wash because I decided I would not use my bath soap on my underarms anymore. Just like how I decided to stop using bath soap on my face, because cleansers are much much better to use. I figured that the skin on my armpits reacted really well to the A-kit solution. It’s somewhat embarrassing to elaborate the details here, but I could really attest that after regular use (daily, sometimes, twice a day), I realized that my armpits have:

                *lesser bumps

                *smaller pores

                *lighter complexion

As for the cream, it’s pretty good too, but I’m too lazy to put it on after washing. I sometimes use it instead of my beloved anti-perspirant, but somehow, it feels kind of wrong to do so. You guessed it right: me and my irrational senses, sometimes get in the way. After all, it wasn't marketed as an antiperspirant, so there’s no reason for me to stick to it during daytime. Also, I heard that the cream could cause some stains on your clothing, so better think twice before using it. I never had any personal experience with the cream staining my clothes, but it’s possible. In most cases, I use the cream on nighttime, when I’m about to sleep; it’s more comfortable that way.

My Verdict

I love it and it’s a 4.50 out of 5.00. I didn't give it a perfect rating because it lacked English texts, but I’ll continue using it. As a matter of fact, I already bought two kits so that I won’t have to worry running out of this thing in the near future.

So, I guess that’s all for now. I hope you learned something from this post.

Happy holidays to everyone!

Love lots,

NEWBEE

[DISCLAIMER] This is NOT a sponsored or paid advertisement. NEWBEE (the author of this blog) chose to buy the said product at her own expense. Please note that the reviews are not by any chance made by an expert on makeup and skincare; these reviews are all based on the author’s limited knowledge, thoughts, and opinions. 

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Review: Nature Republic The Salon Body Esthe A-Fit Kit (A-Fit Wash and A-Fit Clear Cream)

Choose to Shine with the Free Pantene Treatment Kit from Belle de Jour (BDJ)

Hi there!

A few days more and it’s Christmas once again.

Isn't that wonderful?

For those who had been anticipating my blog post, I’m so sorry if I’m a little late; I had to deal with a lot of stuff at school and at work. I have to admit that I spent the whole day yesterday sleeping and just watching movies, though. Pretty lazy, huh?  That was, to make up for the lost sleep and fun I would have spent in the past days, but I’m coping up anyway.

Since it’s the season of giving, I’d like to talk a little about something I got from my mail last week. It was sometime around Thursday, or Friday, I think; I’m not really sure, since I was away from home when it was delivered.

The BDJ Website

I got a Pantene Treatment Set (Pantene Pro-V Daily Intensive Conditioner Total Damage Care in 180ml + 1 Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Miracle Water in 100ml) from the Belle de Jour Team. It’s basically FREE and shipping is free as well, that is if you’d sign up for http://group.ilovebdj.com/

What I got. Sorry, I lost the original box these two products came with. 

Initial Reactions:

I was so thrilled to receive the items when I got home. A conditioner is a staple, and with a leave-on, it couldn’t be even more perfect!

When I got my hands on the kit, almost instantly, I applied the ‘miracle water’ leave-on. I was curious to find as to how the solution is called ‘water’ when basically, it looked like a gel. Yes, a gel. I followed as what was instructed on the packaging:

The instructions and the list of ingredients

The pump

Note: Beat dryness and humidity in any weather

Gel????

Behold! The gel-like solution instantly turned to water(?!)

Indeed, the leave-on solution delivers an ultra-light finish. My hair has turned glossier and prettier when I put it on. It was like an instant makeover to my super ugly hair. So, yeah, thanks BDJ! Thanks Pantene!

As for the conditioner, honestly, I wasn’t able to try it out yet. So, I hope this is fine!

If you haven’t signed up for your free Pantene Treatment Kit, please do. I don’t know for how long the promo period would last but it would be really great if you could get one for yourself. The kit is FREE, and shipping anywhere within the Philippines is FREE, as well.

Please sign up at group.ilovebdj.com and please visit bdjbox.com for more info. 

#Choosetoshine and Merry Christmas to all!

Newbee

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Choose to Shine with the Free Pantene Treatment Kit from Belle de Jour (BDJ)