Best of 2015

As much as I would want to write a quarterly report on my favourite finds for 2015, for me, it is just impossible.  I really like to try and test things out and see their effectivity and consistency.  Be it skin care, food or even a cocktail.  So I guess, it will just be a yearly thing that I round up my most favoured finds.  Of course when there is a new discovery that catches my fancy that I have to blog about immediately, I will do so.  But the following items you will see are things that will stay with me and be used, eaten or drank for a very long time.  Me being a creature of habit.  I hope you find the list helpful and try them out for yourself.

Let’s start with body care, skin care and cosmetics. This personalised blanket of mine keeps me warm in the car and doubles as a beach mat.  Proudly made in Bangar, La Union by Ilokano weavers.  To order from blankets.beyondborders@gmail.com or learn more at www.beyondbordersphilippines.com.

NUXE dry oil for face, body and hair.  This oil is from France and uses the most premium botanicals.  I use it everyday because it absorbs quickly and keeps every part of me soft and supple.  Available at Rustan’s Makati.

Then there’s MARULA oil.  I use this oil for places that need extra care like my neck, hands and a base for make-up.  It keeps the thin skin on my hands protected by putting an almost water proof barrier keeping my hands and neck moisturised for long periods.  My hands are in the kitchen a lot and go through numerous washings, and surprisingly, they’re still very soft at the end of the day.  Available at selected SM outlets.  ANESSA sunblock.  The most lightweight at SPF 50+, absorbs easily, quickly and keeps me protected all day.  I order this from Tracy Ng of Tokyo Beauty Bar on Instagram.

 

 

Lightweight pressed powder by naturactor.  I have tried so many types of powder from higher end brands but this is so light and does not clog pores.  While this has pretty good coverage you don’t feel like you have a heavy film on your face.  And a bonus is it has a nice rose scent.  TSUBAKI by Shiseido damage care hair protector spray keeps my thick mane moisturized and easy to manage all day.  A few sprays before I leave the house are all I need.

 

 

I love castile soap and I am glad that we now have it locally.  It keeps you squeaky clean and feeling fresh all day long.  No need to worry because only the finest olive oil and plant extracts are used so you can be sure that there are no harsh chemicals.  Safe for baby too.  Made by Mia Lauchengco.  To order from @thesoaperstarmama on Instagram.

 

 

My all time fave scent is Jo Malone’s ENGLISH PEAR AND FREESIA.  I need not go far or keep ordering abroad.  They now have a branch in Greenbelt 5, Makati.  This scent has the aroma of freshly lathered soap and stays on for hours.

 

 

My chic “bayong” native bag that came wrapped with a twilly on its handles.  I take it to markets, bazaars and other peoples homes in this merry season of giving while I fill it with gifts and all sorts of exchange gifts.  So useful and pretty.  It gets so many compliments too!  To order from Maristel at (0917) 897-8357.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My best ever libation or cocktail would have to be this old fashioned, old fashioned!  And for me, Bar M makes the meanest one in town.  Whiskey, soda, a muddled orange and cherries make me happy.  Bar M is located at 114 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.  Call, (02) 810-3565 or (02) 551-4142.  Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has become a Christmas tradition.  My kids the hubby and I, are addicted to Wildflour’s bacon ham.  It comes with soft buns (not in the picture since they’ve been devoured) and a pineapple glaze that’s delicious fresh out of the oven.  We love the smoky sweet flavour.  I am also loving my serving tile with knife from @mydomesticity on Instagram.  Thank you for this Mariel San Agustin.  Domesticity is a proudly Philippine-made company with products to spruce up your home.  A social enterprise supporting a Gawad Kalinga community in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, Philippines.

 

 

 

Mom’s Famous Bacon Jam.  My kids love this sweet savoury version that there’s no need for syrup when topped on pancakes.  It will be a big hit when given as a present.  Home made by Aimee P. Fuentes.  Contact details on the jar.

 

 

 

 

 

Aaaand, for the best chicken relleno (this is debatable) but everyone in my home, including visitors, rave and commend this old school, like granny used to make, comfort relleno.  Not to mention the liver sauce that accompanies it.  To order from Chicken Relleno House, chicken.relleno.house@gmail.com, look for Emmy Florentino or Marco Gonzalez.  Their numbers are, (0917) 882-1789 or (02) 852-0821.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this has been helpful.  Everything on this list has been tried, tested and continually used by me and when given as gifts—a joy for the receiver!  Happy Holidays, everyone!