My Cookie Butter Story

Cookie butter this, cookie butter that. Did you know that a jar of this Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter costs around 450Php <average> online? No wonder my friends who have great/kind/nice/uto-uto family members abroad opted to just request them to be included in the next balikbayan box. Hah!

My panties actually weren't really in a bunch to try this and there's no way I'm going  to ask friends and relatives to send me a jar from abroad, for this ~ maybe for other more important things, like limited edition MAC lipstick or perhaps that cute mouth/teeth pacifier which my son won't use <just because he loves my nipples a little too much. Yes, we're still breastfeeding. he's age 2 and half>

But of course, if opportunity presents itself, like when one day while walking in the supermarket, looking for Nutella, these two jars hello-ed. They were eye-level, Nutella was knee-level. I took it as a sign.

*find price scanner. quick*

Tada! it's only $7something (288Php) Obviously I took both jars (the other one I brought home for my BFF whom I stood up prior to this trip) I also bought a loaf of bread.

Trader Joe's Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter

Lemme tell you this, a tip from one mom to another, let's skip this and go look for something really worth your money, unless of course if you can get this for 288Php or less. Sure, it's interesting BUT it's not headbanging sarap. <2 weeks after> my sad looking jar is still sitting there undisturbed, begging to be used. I even bribed the kids with Timezone money just to eat it with their pandesal instead of Cheez Whiz. 

As for the taste, it's just a wee bit less sweeter than peanut butter, but tastes more or less the same, and since I got the crunchy kind, well, that surely helped a lot because it added a little "oomph" to eating experience.

choco ensaymada + cookie butter

Pair it with something else other than your boring Gardenia white bread. It's better that way ;)

Find them at Royal Choices (Subic, Zambales)

#hungry.again.bye

Popoy Approves! Spiderman Lightup Timer Toothbrush

My son has this weird habit of changing names and naming things/people. Just last month, he insisted that we call him "Nani". While I didn't really like it, we went along with it and in no time, everyone in the household referred to him as "Nani". I thought it was that sometimes I call him "Noni" for no particular reason however, the other night, he came up with yet another name to call himself. this time, it's "Popoy"

of course, I was aghast!

then his yayo is now named "Berting" which used to be "Jujun" (his real name is Jun). Please don't ask me how and where he got these names because I really don't know.

Anyway, I saw this blinking toothbrush and decided to get one for Popoy since he's into Spider-man and Batman these days (goodbye Cars!) The light blinks for full 60 seconds which is good since it entertains Popoy while I go deeper into his mouth without risking a bite. With a regular toothbrush, a full 10 seconds would be a miracle already so for me, this is godsend!

has soft bristles and this is very important because I don't want Popoy hurting his gums while brushing his teeth. He's getting good at brushing his front teeth by himself but he gets gigil so I make sure his toothbrush has soft bristles.

According to package, when the light no longer flashes, it is time to change the toothbrush (approx 3 months)

no problem so far in using this toothbrush. That is if you don't count the number of times I had to look for it come brushing time since Popoy took it and played with Spiderman somewhere.

Overall, I'm happy with this lightup timer toothbrush since we're having a huge success in using it. I'm thinking now maybe I should include this into my toddler inaanaks' gift bags!

#excitedforwednesday! Yay! :)

Random Tuesday: Prescription Glasses, Cheesy Bacon, Naan, Kopiccino, Magnum and Double Chocolate Ice Blended!

Yesterday I went to the mall to buy a bottle of green nailpolish; I came back with a pair of prescription eyeglasses. lol :D What?!!! at 895Php, I think it's a deal! and I badly needed one too (I'm 200+ now -.-) It's multicoated, ideal for computer use. so we'll see .. eye checkup included at Ideal Vision :) 

I say cheese and bacon are a match made in heaven, don't you think? I'm happy KFC came up with something like this. Yey ^^

Cheesy Bacon Pasta at KFC

I just love Breadtalk's Cheesy Naan. Good thing too, they opened a branch at Solenad II so it's much closer to me now. Just pop them in the oven toaster then savor the awesome cheesy smell while reheating. Of course, it's "awesomer" to eat it while still warm. lol :D

I'm not really into cappuccino, I prefer mocha, but I got intrigued by Kopiccino from Kopiko that I had to try it! I bought ten sachets and I'm loving it!  lol :D It's foamy and comes with a pack of choco granules.. so divine! :)

Magnum has been making waves since the first time it landed on Philippine shores. I say their viral marketing worked as the first time I saw this on my Facebook newsfeed, I made the hubby run to the nearest 7-11 store to buy me one. It was 60Php at that time, it's now only 55Php but supermarkets are selling them for only 50Php. I personally like Almond. ^^

Speaking of coffee and chocolates, here below is my latest favorite from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, their Double Chocolate Ice Blended. really really craving for this right now -.-

#i'mcyclops-ladyversion.kisses! ^^

Jeedjard tamarind sticks for quick tamarind fix!

These babies are absolute love!! :)

One time I was doing my usual rounds at a supermarket, I found little packets of Jeedjard tamarind, not this kind, the one in sachets - I think they are meant to be single-served. I bought just two tiny packs, no more than 10Php each, as I would only be trying it. It was good however when I came back, they were sold out :(

So yesterday when i saw this at Makati Supermarket Alabang Town Center branch, I quickly grabbed one. Yep just one as I didn't know where exactly it came from and I highly suspect that an unknown mom sneakily took this off her cart and shoved this between mentholated candy packs when her kid wasn't looking. lol :) 

8pcs, 4g each in a packet for 33Php. They are chewy, coated with sugar bits and indeed taste like the real thing. not bad as they are individually wrapped and since I seldom consume anything in just one sitting, I could just bring this along anywhere and not worry about bugs getting into the candies first :)

#quickcravingfix!kisses!

The French Baker's Parisian Macaron :)

Above is The French Baker's Parisian Macarons in Mocha, Chocolate and Pistachio. 38Php each and they are bigger than the 45Php ones from Bizu (btw, those are FRENCH Macarons, these are Parisians so they're kind of different in texture, but yummy, just the same) I just wish The French Baker will come up with cute boxes too, not just this transparent plastic thingy. They could make a great gift to family and friends, yeah? That is, of course, if you could keep your hands off these babies. lol :)

#thefoodieinmeishungry 

Rustan's Supermarket Finds: Snickers Ice Cream Bar And More!

One night I found myself unexpectedly alone - and hungry. The hubby and the kids went and visited the inlaws while I stayed behind meeting a deadline. I was expecting them to be back by 7pm but traffic got in the way so there I was, kind of lost on what to do. Remember that being alone and all by myself is as rare as a dinosaur to me so I was both exhilarated and nervous. We were staying at my sisters' condo which is basically within Ateneo area so there really was no shortage in terms of places to eat.

I was also prepped up and ready to go so I decided to go out and grab something while waiting. I figured it won't take me more than 15mins to and fro so down the elevator and out I went.

The mommy in me pulled me to the nearest supermarket for a little investigation and inspection. lol. Of all the choices available to me at that time, I chose the supermarket, ikr!

Happy that I made the right choice though as these are what I found!

Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!

Forget diet, here's another one: 

Andes Mint cookies!

I love these guys in plain chocolates but these are love too!! ^_^ Snickers ice cream bar, Twix ice cream bar and M&M's Cookie ice cream sandwich cost 70pesos a piece. Andes Creme de Menthe cookies is 170pesos, also available at Shopwise Festival Mall - Alabang. 

Cheers! :)

My Experience With Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub

Due to heaps of procrastinating on my side, it is only now that I would be able to write a review for Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub. To date, Asian Secrets has 4 body scrubs and 2 soaps under its belt. I was able to try just 2: Green tea + Vitamin E and Licorice + Mulberry Leaf extract. Today, I am going to review the Green tea + Vitamin E variant.

Blurry photo, sorry :( Label says "Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub Javanese Beauty Ritual with Green Tea and Vitamin E. Dermatologist-tested. Hypo-allergenic"

I already did a review of Purbasari Lulur Mandi Whitening + Vitamin E and explained how lulur scrubs are supposed to be used in Java, Indonesia. The Purbasari brand is imported from Indonesia while Asian Secrets is a local brand, methinks (please correct me if I'm wrong) which in a way is good since the concentration would be more suitable for our skin - although I don't think there would be any difference. lol. Just saying that the Asian Secrets brand is more targeted to a Filipina skin.

As with any other scrub, you apply this all over your body especially on dark areas such as underarm and groin, knees and elbows. This should remove dead skin cells to soften and give way for skin renewal. Rinse with water. Asian Secrets lulur scrub is recommended for daily use as opposed to a regular scrub which should only be used 2-3 times a week.

Anyway, as for the consistency (creaminess and "scrub" particles) Purbasari and Asian Secrets are just about the same. The only difference is the smell as Asian Secrets is better. Price is also the same for the big and small tubs which is 130pesos and 80pesos. Both brands are available in most supermarkets but Watsons particularly carry these brands.

 

As with Purbasari, I've been using this on my face hoping to erase fine lines and whiten dark spots. I know it's kinda silly to be using a body scrub on my face but hey, it's working for me! Although I should warn you that I am also using other things on my face and not just this so please consider before doing same. 

As for the whitening part, Purbasari was able to whiten them for me (as I have used that brand before this) and from "Purbasari white", I am not seeing any further whitening on those areas but thankfully, the lightened areas were maintained. As for new scars, this is where you'll see the Asian Secrets effect as they were visibly lightened in a little over a week - a great improvement if you consider the natural skin lightening time of months. lol. What I noticed with lulur scrubs is that they were able to make skin healing time faster - I have skin allergy and very prone to cuts and bruises which takes time to heal. Lulur scrubs are not drying, this I love. You can even go without applying lotion after lulur scrub as its moisturizing effect lingers. Asian Secrets was able to tame my skin allergy too, unlike other scrubs which aggravate - and sometimes, trigger - the condition. I sure am buying more tubs of lulur, in fact, I'm already onto my next tub which is the Licorice + Mulberry Leaf extract variant!

Cheers! :)

I *heart* Purbasari Lulur Mandi Whitening + Vitamin E ^_^

I am making a quick post here about Purbasari Lulur Mandi Whitening + Vitamin E and why I fell in love with it the first time I ever tried it!

Php130 a tub

Just FYI, I was looking for the Asian Secret brand but the said brand is always out-of-stock according to Watsons. I stumbled upon this one and thought, why not?

According to its label, Purbasari Lulur Mandi is imported from Indonesia. Looks good enough for me and the smell is simply divine! - it's Jasmine, btw.

Mandi lulur, according to my good friend Google, means lulur bath. Lulur is a Javanese word which means  "coating the skin". Mandi lulur is a royal tradition practiced by brides from Java. It was said that a bride should be prepped by having Lulur bath for 7 consecutive days prior to the wedding date. That way she'll be all smooth and silky come wedding day. 

Enough of the nerdy talk. Here's what you'll find inside a tub of Purbasari Lulur Mandi:

Oooh, the smell. Pure bliss.. ^_^

scrub on my dry hand

Yesterday I gave this baby a shot while the human baby boy was busy playing with his bath water. lol. While the label says scrub on dry skin, I went for slightly damp as I was worried how my skin would react. I have this kind of skin that when I scrub, even with soft wash cloth, it will instantly become patches of red skin all over so I am really careful about the products I apply on my skin. Sensing no telltale signs of violent skin reaction, I did a full body scrub. The Jasmine smell was amazing, it even stayed strong for full 2 hours after bath!

The most amazing thing about the whole experience is that my skin didn't react as expected. No redness. No itching. There was a silky feel after bath that you won't be needing lotion anymore. I stayed feeling silky for the next 27 hours. Yep, I timed it. lol. ^_^

I braved scrubbing my face with it this morning. While I didn't enjoy it as much as when I did the full body scrub, it was not bad at all. I think you won't be needing a moisturizer if you choose to scrub your face with this. I'm not even sure if it's recommended to use  for face area but I definitely recommend it for full body scrub! I have yet to see if it works with regard to whitening. I heard it's good for stretch marks and underarms. we'll see.. :)

UPDATE AFTER 2 WEEKS OF USE:

I'm happy to report that my love affair with Purbasari Lulur Mandi Whitening + Vitamin E has been a fruitful one. For one, patches of chicken skin on various parts of my body are all gone and they are now noticeably smoother. Groin and underarm/armpit are now lighter and best of all, my stretchmarks, although they are still there, are now less noticeable than before i.e the skin in that area is now lighter too.

I am about done with my first tub and planning to get another one. However, I still have my Asian Secret lulur tub full and waiting and I'm planning to give it a shot right after Purbasari just to see if they really have the same efficacy. Asian Secret smells better, hands down, so I'm really excited to get on with it!

I'm not seeing anything special that Purbasari has done to my face though and I'm still working on my elbow and knees as they are still a little bit dark for my taste.

Cheers!

My Supermarket Finds: Nestle Raisinets, Palmers Mint Flavors, Florida's Natural Healthy Treats and Kellogg's Fruit Snacks

 

I'm not exactly your health buff mom nor do I ever try eventhough you must be seeing "fruits" scattered all over my loot bag. lol :) I just love fruit-flavored anything and I love fruits mixed with chocolates. I even went as far as putting fresh strawberries and blueberries on my chocolate froyo! Yep, the weirdest but for  me, that was the yummiest!

So there, the one farthest to the left is my alltime favorite Nestle Raisinets. This one's quite familiar as they are easily seen on most supermarket isles. This one came in a box though so I believe this is imported hence creamier (no offense meant to local ones). Priced at 80 pesos, not a bad deal at all.

Next to it is hubby's favorite, Palmer's Mint Flavors. I got it for 77 pesos which is not bad a price since we only get to buy this when we're touring Subic. I was even reprimanded by the hubby for not buying a dozen. lol :)

Then there's ate's Kellogg's fruit snacks. I was thinking of not buying it at that time as it was a little bit pricey (180 something pesos) but I chose to allow my little girl this treat just so she won't buy something foolish that will eventually end up in trash.

The star of my loot bag however is Florida's Natural Healthy Treats. Now that is  WOW! I have tried strings but I had no idea the nuggets are way better! The baby absolutely loves them! (Got it for 80 something pesos for 14 little packs)

All these were bought from Shopwise Festival branch :)