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Most of us don't apply body lotion regularly because of our humid weather here in the Philippines.  We don't want that sticky feeling.  Personally, I don't apply lotion when I wear pants.  I didn't know that it's very important to keep our skin moisturized too.


As I've shared before, I'm using a whitening soap that makes my skin really really dry, but it's actually okay for me.  Putting lotion on is not my priority.  I don't even buy one for myself.  Luckily, I got these two from my Tita's and I'm loving one of them.  Which one?


I found the perfect lotion for me!  It gives triple moisture and I love love love the scent!  That's one  factor for me.  I don't like it when the smell is too strong.  I'm not a perfume person, but Paris Amour Body Cream gives enough fragrance (Key Fragrance: French Tulips, Apple Blossoms and Pink Champagne).  Plus, it's not greasy at all.  It's from the  Paris Amour collection of Bath & Body Works.  They also have perfume, body wash, scrub, shower gel, bubble bath and many more.


This one is a perfumed body lotion from Burberry Brit.  It's also great, but I don't like it too much because it's too fragrant.  It's not greasy as well when applied and great for people who want a 2 in 1 body lotion.  You don't have to spray on perfume with this.


I heard that the best time to apply is every after shower and when your skin is still a little damp because it will absorb the lotion quickly and effectively.

Just a tip... try to put some in a small bottle that you can carry anywhere.  If you can't find one, try to recycle.  I use my old contact lens case as my container.  Just wash it and re-fill. :)   

How about you?  What are you using?  Tell me about it below. :)


your sweetest drug,

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At first, I had no plans in posting about our Binondo food trip, but I really want to share this to you.

We had our quick team building at Binondo.  Walk, sit, eat and walk again.  It's very tiring, but I really enjoyed the food.  I didn't take many photos and just used my iPhone, so I grabbed some from my teammate's album.  :P  Thanks ROY!

with Rachelle, Desa, Kris, Nikki, Joyce, Kim and Jeng

Before I showcase the food, let me give you a little background first.  Binondo, Manila is our Chinatown here in the Philippines.  Aside from food, you can also find Chinese items and other merchandise here.  Stores are everywhere!  It's also a one jeep away from SM Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall and Intramuros.

If you're planning to visit, just make sure you take care of your belongings, wear the comfiest outfit and try at least one or two of these amazing dishes!  And yes, don't forget to buy many pasalubong for the fam bam!  

Let's start with Chuan Kee!


I forgot the exact name of this, but if I remember correctly, this is chicken maki soup.  We also tried the sticky rice or the Kiampong.  I didn't like both though.  You can easily spot Chuan Kee because the store is located at the corner of Ongpin St. and it's an open space.  They have a big menu, so good luck in choosing your food.  It's a fast food in turo-turo style. :P  

Next, Eng Bee Tin.  

*photo from here

Don't forget to try their new hopia flavor, custard!!!  Woah!  I can eat this forever!  Hopia mongo is also my favorite.  You can also see Eng Bee Tin stores in some grocery and malls.  A pack of 4 pieces hopia starts at 40 plus pesos.  

Next, Tasty Dumplings.



Forget the noodles and devour the porkchop immediately!  HAHA!  After trying this dish, I said... "I will come back and eat you with rice!"  I never imagined that a simple porkchop can be this delicious!  It has a thin coat of breading and sauce and the other sauce completes this!  The slice is thin, but look at the size.  Super sulit for only 105 pesos!

Next, Po Heng Lumpia.


Spell authentic Chinese lumpia...HAHA!  I love this veggie roll ever since.  My mommy does her own version of this, Pinoy style, of course.  I recommend this dish as an afternoon snack.  It's very cheap too!

Next, Wai Ying.




If you're looking for dumplings, try this.  Very yummy sharksfin and hakaw!  I also tried duck meat  and congee for the first time!  I was very satisfied on the taste and serving.  We'll definitely go back!  Check out other dishes since their menu is also huge.

Next, Lan Zhou La Mien.


We were already full when we got here.  This is located beside Wai Ying, so imagine us taking only a few steps after eating that bowl of congee.... next,  bowl of noodles!  

They serve hand-pulled noodles, meaning of the store name.  You can even watch too! HAHA!  :)  The noodle soup tasted great.  We ordered beef and I compared it to North Park's Nan King Noodles.  What I love about them????  They serve wansoy (cilantro) leaves!!!  My weed!  *wink 

Next, we shopped at Mandarin Square.  There's a small Chinese/Korean grocery.  We also tried The Tea, but it didn't beat Gong Cha in my milk tea list.  

After a few minutes of rest, we tried the Fried Siopao.  Yum!  A must try!

For the main event, LGA Estero.  What to eat here?  Drum roll please....... FFFFFFFROG LEGS!


I don't like exotic and creepy food.... BUT!!!!! ...for the sake of "YOLO"... I ate it.  HAHAHAHAHAH! :P

The meat looked and tasted like chicken, but the bones were killing me!  I took a small, few bites and it's done.

Of course, like I said, a Binondo trip won't be complete without pasalubong!  We bought more hopia and other stuff at Ho-Land and Eng Bee Tin before going home.

That's it!  My fave Chinatown resto called Big Bowl was not in our list.  It's also a must try!  Big servings and affordable dishes!

After this trip, I realized that not all great dining places are found in the mall.  Some amazing and very delicious dishes don't have to be too expensive.  Some are hidden here in Binondo, waiting to be discovered.  :)

What do you think?


your sweetest drug,

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I'm really happy about this new collection!  Not just because of the gorgeous dresses and chic pieces... but also because of how the photos came out.  I enjoyed the shoot!  As always, thanks to Kris!  I'm the most comfortable person in the world when he's the one holding the camera and taking my pictures.  Well, except when we do it in public places.  HAHA!  I always complain when he asks me to pose in the crowd.  :P

Back to the October Collection...  this time, we bring you laces, pleats and lovely colors.


We forgot the cardigan!  My bad!  For the mean time, go and reserve yours now!  :)  We also have our first giveaway, you can check the details here.  

Some BTS pics...



Please visit my blog again because I'll feature each item from this set... more pictures! 

The Chic Closet

What do you think?


your sweetest drug,


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Every single like means a lot to us.  Now, we've reached 800...so, it's time to give back!


Here's our first ever giveaway!  Not GCs, not discount... we want it big! HAHA!  So simple steps to join!  Read below.

1. Like our page.

2. Tweet this, "Join The Chic's Closet first giveaway!!  Pick an item and get it for FREE! http://chixylove.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-chic-closet-giveaway-your-pick-for.html #thechiccloset"

3. Post this link on your facebook wall and tag The Chic Closet page. http://chixylove.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-chic-closet-giveaway-your-pick-for.html

4. Post a comment below with your FULL NAME, TWITTER USERNAME, LINK OF THE TWEET, FACEBOOK USERNAME and the NAME OF THE ITEM that you want to win!

Four easy steps!!  Now, check below for the complete list of the items included in this giveaway.  You can browse our albums for the pictures. http://www.facebook.com/chixylove/photos_albums

SEPTEMBER Collection
1. Dorothy Dotted Mullet Dress
2. Dollie Ruffled Dress (Plum or Navy Blue)
3. Tracey Loose Dress with Ribbon Belt (Orange)
4. Tanya Tank Dress
5. Ashlee Shift Dress with Ribbon Belt (Blue)

AUGUST Collection
1. Cupid's Dress
2. Andres Jumpsuit (Black)

SALE Album
1. Sheer Black Pants
2. Dark Blue Mullet Skirt

This is open until November 17, Saturday, 11PM.  We will be picking not 1, not 2.... but 3 LUCKY WINNERS!! (via random.org)  Yay!  We will announce it the day after on The Chic Closet's page, @chixylove's Twitter and here on my blog.  We will also shoulder the shipping fee, so you don't you have anything to worry about. :)

JOIN NOW and GOOD LUCK!

*open for Philippine residents only


your sweetest drug,

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Yay! Too many pictures this time!  Taken at Midas Hotel... sorry for the bloated tummy!  :P  We then, headed off to Tagaytay for a quick roadtrip.  I really wanted to take home that stone wall for my lookbook posts!!

Midas Hotel has a very nice lobby.  It's not that huge, but I love to stare at those fascinating modern chandeliers and designer bag boxes.

I love this outfit because I was able to finally use colored socks!  I've been looking for pairs to match my boots.  I'm anticipating for a cold December...HOHOHO!  Looks like you're gonna see a lot of this "socks + boots" look.  

Thanks to my teammate, Anela for introducing this online bag store.  Luckily, I was able to buy this when it's on sale.  *tumbling  I'm putting everything in, so I hope it won't break.  

What do you think?

Dress from H&M
Shoes from Payless
Bag from Fab Manila Bags
Belt from Aldo
Socks from Bench
Earrings from Forever21

Hype this on LOOKBOOK.



your sweetest drug,

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Craving for sandwich?  Try Almon Marina.. home of gourmet sandwiches.



They also serve pasta, variety of fresh salad, grilled dishes and many more!  They started as a deli store and turned out as a sandwich bar.

We went there for a brunch.  We're looking for a light meal because we don't want to trigger the FMS (first meal syndrome). HAHAHAH!  #youknowwhatimean

Okay, rush post starts now. :P

First, house blend iced tea.  It's too sweet for me so I had to pour more water.


I ordered Salmon Lasagna (190 php) for a change.  It's served with a slice of bread and a small serving of salad on the side.  They also have bigger servings and some combination.  They pair it with sandwich and soup, but this is available for 3 types of pasta sauce only.  


The taste is simple, but it's super creamy and cheesy!  It's also loaded with salmon chunks.  It's served very hot, so be careful! :)


Next, one of their bestseller sandwiches... Sydney Special (165 php).


It's served with potato chips.  I love the taste!  It's a bit sweet.  Fresh veggies too!

woah, look at that! :P

That's it for now.  We'll definitely go back to try other sandwich and pasta.  Food is not expensive and satisfying, but I think it's only good for brunch or meryenda except for folks who don't want rice for dinner or lunch. :) 

You can visit Almon Marina at SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, SM The Block and Greenbelt.  

Check out their website and FB for the complete menu.

What do you think?


your sweetest drug,

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Finally!! We had a chance to try this restaurant that brought the katsu-craze here in the Philippines!  


Restaurants like this one is worth the wait.  Be ready to face a long queue especially around dinner time.  

As of now, they have two branches, one at SM Megamall and the other at Robinsons Magnolia.  The third one is coming up at SM Mall of Asia.  I hope that would mean shorter waiting time for us, Yabu fanatics. :)

kris' photo on Yabu's menu... hahahaha! peace baby!

I'd like to share this post to those who haven't tried Yabu.  :)  Just like us, first timers! 

Yabu badge! :P

Yabu's menu is just right.  You won't have a hard time choosing.  Plus, some of the dishes include unlimited rice and cabbage!  Wait, I should say.... unlimited Japanese rice!  Yum! 

dressings, seasonings, katsu sauce


Sesame seeds, right?  You must try this with Tonkatsu or Katsu sets.  First thing to do after ordering.... grind!


Next, time to pour!  I really admire Yabu's way of bringing that "Japanese look and feel".  From their utensils to interior design, I can really say that this is not your ordinary Japanese restaurant.  :)


They serve bottomless house blend iced tea for 90 php.  If you're feeling extra thirsty, you can also try fresh fruit shakes for the same price.

Watermelon

For our first visit, we tried Seafood Katsu Set 1 for 485 php.  It consists of tiger prawn, scallop, cream dory, oyster and squid.  


Presentation is very important to Yabu.  I can tell by the way they serve every meal.  Time to practice my chopsticks skills!  HAHA!  With every order like this, you get cabbage, fruit slices, miso soup and rice.  

Rosu Katsu Curry (330 php)

Look at that!! ...very big servings!  You'll never leave Yabu feeling hungry.  :P

The taste?  Can I just skip this part because remembering it now makes me crave for Yabu again?!!!  :P


miso soup

Sometimes, people patronize a restaurant not only because of the food, but because of the excellent service.  That's another reason to go back to the House of Katsu.  When we ate there, it seemed that there's an exclusive waiter per table!  It came to a point when we didn't need to get their attention to ask for something because they're always there!  The manager also asked us if we're enjoying our food and we can't help but smile and say yes. :)  

If you haven't visited Yabu, it's not too late!  You should try!!!  Be their guest! :)

What I love about it:
  • Big servings
  • Unlimited rice and cabbage
  • Presentation
  • Excellent service
  • Very nice interior
  • Authentic Japanese cuisine
  • Excellent food
  • Addicting :)
  • Fast service

What I don't like about it:
  • Long lines (but it's worth the wait :) )
  • Small dining space

Follow Yabu!! 
Twitter: @yabuPH
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yabuhouseofkatsu

What's your favorite Yabu dish?  Tell me about it below.  I wanna try it too! :)



your sweetest drug,

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Hi! I'm ICHI.

Hi! I'm ICHI.
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