Royal Adelaide Show 2018

We decided to refinance our loan and my husband picked BankSA as having the competitive rate (3.66%). At the time we were charged to 3.9* by Bank Australia. Anyway, this is not about the loan but it was about BankSA promo of free ticket to Royal Adelaide Show per new bank account opened. So we created a joint account with them and since it is only 1 account they gave us only one ticket. I still had to pay $24 from tiketek. My daughter is still free.

We arrived at 12:30 pm. For lunch, I gave Georgia cheese sandwiches and fruits cause she wont eat the ynag chow rice. Pete and I bought subway sandwich on the way to the show. It was her first time and base from her facial expression she was quite kilig :)
I encouraged her to walk but she wants to "sit down" and enjoy the very stimulating environment.
In the end she fell asleep while we were walking and taking a look around. We went to all the expos of stuff like plant and cakes etc. then ended up buying a new silk embroidery art work from one of the show's expo vendor (King Silk Art - http://kingsilkart.com). It is expensive and I hope we will not regret buying it lol. All the artwork were sold out so we ordered and expecting it to be delivered in 3 months time. The actual design is this one http://kingsilkart.com/king-silk-art-87028/

Cherry Blossoms

We went to the show bags area to see if there were any Sukin but they weren't participating this year. Also the Fruchocs were all sold out except for the biggest show bag which was $40+. Those were the only 2 we really want to buy but didn't this time. After that we went near the front gates to look for the Maxiplas stormwater storer as requested by Judy to get a discount flyer. Then went to the Smurfs area where Smurfs movie was playing. The whole area was full of smurfs statues and a bouncy house and some bean bags where you can sit while watching. Then Gerogie woke up....

Snack time when she woke

She just woke hence the eyes.

Scared of the little smurf statue

We went inside the botanics area where a lot of plants were showcased.
Took a look of the knits and cakes as well just after the plant expos.

Just finished changing her nappy and on our way back to the Smurfs

After that we went straight to the baby nursery area and I was planning to take Georgia to the grain milling area but they already took the machines away.. :( They have an area where kids can do the milling and creation of oats there, too bad maybe next year!

Extremely thrilled and kilig to see the animals

Then we watched the DMax show at the showground. Me holding my phone and my toddler while capturing the video

Then we went to the kids rides so Georgie can try the carousel. She was very scared and tried to hold on to me so I had to sit her on my lap then distracted her a bit so she wont be as scared. After that we went to see some adult extreme rides just to hear them scream lol.

Bye bye see you again next time!

Australian Passport application

When we formally took our oath as new Australian Citizens with Mayor Gillian Aldridge, we were able to get our Australian Citizenship certificate and sign up to be part of the electoral roll.
Since we are travelling back to the Philippines in the coming months (Nov-Dec 2018), we needed our Australian passports ready by that time. My husband took the liberty and booked us the tickets after the oath taking so, it was my turn to get them done in time.

I first created an account here www.passports.gov.au to draft 3 applications (my daughter's, husband's and mine). For my husband's and my application, after finishing the form and submitted, it generated an additional checklist for us of what to bring and present to lodge the form. The checklist worked on all the answers we put in the form. The checklist was used later on as a guide on what we needed to bring with us to lodge the form. So the checklist includes ID, foreign passport, Australian Citizenship certificate, Marriage Certificate, medicare card, Council Rates bill, credit/debit card. My husband only brought his driver's licence as identification. I just recently lost (I am suspecting my daughter threw it in the bin) my "Proof of Age" Id which equates with the driver's licence so I needed to bring some utility bills and debit card as other proof of identification and to check our address. The form for my daughter's application is different from ours, and a guarantor was needed to sign the form as well as her passport photos as proof that she knew her. The guarantor also needed to be in the electoral roll and have to disclose her address and contact number. After sorting out all the forms (signed and checked) and original supporting documents, I booked an appointment in one of AusPost shops in Tea Tree Plaza on a weekend. My husband's and mine got the clear and paid for it but my daughter's got rejected. It got rejected because I mistakenly printed her forms in 2 sides. But the girl processing our application was kind enough to verify the information I put before we left. At least all the information were checked before we left, so next time there should not be any problem.

Passport+protective case, flyer, and a mini booklet about travel

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Things you need to do and prepare to lodge an application:
https://www.passports.gov.au/passports-explained/how-apply/lodging-passport-application

Passport fees:
https://www.passports.gov.au/passports-explained/passport-fees

Auspost Locator which caters Passport service:
https://auspost.com.au/locate/?services=18

Passport photos:
https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/passports/passport-id-photos

First Keratin Treatment by Coppola

I have been styling my hair since highschool, I've tried straight, relax, rebond, coloring and the last one was permed. It was badly damaged when I had it rebonded on Victor Ortega Salon. I wasn't really planning on having it rebonded that time (2008) because I prefer to have it relax since that was way cheaper and leaves hair with enough body. However, my friend convinced me to try it out. So I did. After I washed my hair the first time, the ends were badly damaged and frizzy and no life at all. Since 3/4 of the ends were damaged, I have waited a very long time to have the part totally removed. I can say that I've enjoyed a healthy locks since 4th quarter of 2010, although I still kept on styling it. Since I dont want to damage it again, I wanted to try alternative smoothing treatment.

Doing so, I've stumbled upon reading good reviews about keratin treatment. Read it first through here: http://chuvaness.livejournal.com/790048.html
And thought of trying it out myself someday if the budget permits because it was so damn expensive. By researching I jumped from one blog to the other and came to know different salons that carry it, specifically coppola brand. I got lucky when I researched about the Straight and Smooth salon because at the time they have ongoing valentines promo (30% off). So I called and asked for an appointment around 9AM Feb 18, 2012.

I wasn't the first to arrive at that early time, there were a couple of rich looking ladies that were already attended. While on the waiting area were a lot of pretty ladies which I thought were waiting for makeup. It turns out they're models for the go-see audition of their sister company Piandre.

I approached the receptionist and told her I was scheduled for the treatment. First I told her I want to change my treatment to extenso, but when she examined my hair she declined and told me it was too risky. My hair at the time was 4 month old rebonded and 1 month old colored. So I agreed in proceeding for the treatment.

They started it by washing my hair first then blow dried before applying the solution.

They made sure I wont be bored the entire time so they handed me a netbook to let me browse while they do their thing. They also served oatmeal cookies with a choice of your drinks for free.

Oatmeal cookies and green tea for FREE

After totally coating my hair with the solution, they had me wear shower cap for maybe around 15 minutes. My ears were a bit itchy for awhile because of the solution that rubbed off from the hair near them. Other than that, I didn't felt any discomfort whatsoever. After removing the cap, they started ironing it section by section. When they finished I was expecting for another hour of procedure but no, the lady said its done. I was quite surprised, it lasted only for 1 1/2 hours for my almost bra length thin hair. I am allowed to shower my hair only after 3 days (eeky). If you can't stand not showering your head that long you may want to buy a powder or dry shampoo. Total damage was P4900.00, while the original price was P7000.00.

My boyfriend took this, and insisted my hair color changed :p

Newly treated hair looks so silky and smooth :)

For the post treatment care, the lady instructed me that I must only use SLS or sulfate free shampoo and conditioner to keep the keratin longer, since keratin is just temporary and wears off overtime. I also need to stay away from beach and chlorinated water. The lady suggested their shampoo and conditioner but I declined because of the expensive price tag. Hence, I bought Human <3 Nature moisturizing shampoo/conditioner from my office dealer. They can also be bought online (http://humanheartnature.com) and from rustans supermarkets.

Verdict:
Felt like it was healthier but not shinier and the wavy newly grown hair was tamed a bit, so I still need to iron it up to make it manageable. I didn't like the hair ends though because it made my already broomstick-straight-looking-hair-ends worst. Also, my hair color was way vivid and lighter as compared before and my boyfriend noticed that too. Base from my own observation I would say it lasted for nearly 3 months. I shampoo everyday by the way since I can't skip because if I do, I tend to get dandruff.

for more than 2 months, still looks manageable.

Is it worth the money? Yes, if it stayed a little longer, maybe 6 months.
Should I get it again? Yes, if with promo only.
Should I recommend it? Yes, if you don't mind spending that much.

Visit the salon fan page to keep posted with their latest promos Straight and Smooth FB Page

Good bye Waxing Hello Epilating

I have been planning to buy epilator since December but I can't afford to get one due to huge expenses because of the holiday for gifts, foods, Christmas party contribution and the yearly P20.00 and P50.00 peso bills I give my mom. But last Jan.10 after my Speaking Techniques tutorial at TCI, I decided to wait for Mr. P at the mall. So I window shopped a bit at Rustans' and moved on to Landmark to see if I can find the battery operated toothbrush Mr. P wants to buy.

So I roamed around, picked up Goody spin pin,

then I chanced upon the epilator I'am planning to buy which is the Philips HP6509 Total Body epilator. And the good news is that it was ON SALE :)

Even though I said to myself not spend much this month, I thought I'am going to buy it sooner or later, so why not while it's on sale? Its original price is Php6999 cut down to Php4899. I saved Php2100, an amount that can already buy the much cheaper model. I unboxed it when I got home and felt bad when I realized that the SA girl gave me the demo unit. How did I found out? Because of the visible discoloration of some part of the epilator body. Mr. P said I should return it and get a new unit but I replied that I'am just too lazy to go back :P I checked all the items and they're all complete. Read the manual and it said to wash it before using. I am just too curious to try it that I skipped the washing part (Yeah I know its dirty hehe).

I snapped the head attachement and switched it on and off several times. It took me around 10 minutes to finally let it touch my legs, because I'am just so damn scared! The sound and looks of it was just so dreadful that I thought it would scratch and shred my skin to pieces. I did the part with the thinnest hair, which is my thigh. Even if the hairs were too thin, it was still sooo painful. See, I've been waxing my legs for the past 6 years and I'am very used to pain, yet it still hurts alot. For me, I find waxing pain much more tolerable than that of epilating.

The next day I also tried it on my UA, and being a first time user I carelessly let it stay in one spot for too long (trying to get the stubborn short hair). Which in turn made it scraped/scratched my skin. Now I am sporting a small dark spot from it. You can't use the attachment head when doing the underarm, it wont fit. And for the underarm, as much as possible don't let it touch the skin that much. If you can't avoid it just don't let it stay in the same spot for more than 3 secs.

Unboxed

Body

Zits Everywhere

After 7 days of putting tea tree oil on my face, back and chest
nothing changed much, which is so frustrating. It didn't even prevented new zits from growing
so I guess this one is not for me. I gave it up and tried out panoxyl 5% instead.
Days past and some of the zits dried up a bit but there are big ones
that are too stubborn to go away. New zits are still growing >.< and the dried ones left me
with dark marks.
I've read a thread in a female forum discussing this dermatologist named Dr. Gatmaitan, his clinic is said to be located along Jupiter St. and they say that he prescribes a cream that effectively helps in clearing out back acne marks. I hope to check his clinic out maybe next month.

Happy New Year! 2012

I am very thankful for all the blessings I received the past year.
But I  can't also deny being disappointed whenever I recall the so many unfortunate circumstances last year,
including the 3 months bonus cut from our paycheck T_T (compared to the 2010 bonus).
I wont rant about it from this post but rather list a few 'must try to improve' for this year
to draw positivity as much as possible.

BTW. I did not receive/bought any of my 2011 wishlist haha :p so much of a failed wishlist. I bought 2 brushes from Charm Essentials' Vegan Set (2nd Flr Crossings, Shangrila Plaza Mall). Pencil brush (P250.00) and crease brush (P275.00). To learn how to apply eyeshadow for asian eyes you may visit this site Bun Bun Makeup Tips.

In no particulat order.
1. Help others in need.
   I already began helping others by donating a few amount of money say at least a hundred bucks.
   and I hope I can still reach out more this year. The last one I did sent money to (via BAHA Fund SmartMoney)
   was for the Typhoon Sendong victims from the South. I can't imagine how hard their life would be now specially those
   who lost everything including the lives of their loved ones..

2. Lose those flabs.
   I cant remember the year I started gaining weight, maybe it's in the late 2010. Anyway, I am in the normal weight
   now with a 5'3" height and a weight of 49.5 kilos, and many people still considered me as petite because of my small
   body frame. Irregardless of that, it's still unsightly to have fat tummy and untoned arms, besides who doesn't want
   a fit body? So what's the gameplan? I might try my sister's yoga ideas at home. But firts we have to download a few
   basic moves as a guide. Besides the yoga, a balance diet also is a must. I will cut down on munching junk foods and instead
   increase my intake of greens.

3. Regular visit to the Vet.
   I am such a bad mommy to our first pet mocho, our dog didnt complete his shot. He is turning 3 years old this feb,
   and im planning to take him to the vet to have his vaccine shot updated. Also, my bf decided to adopt a new one.
   We gave him the name duke (Same name with Sun Microsystem Java mascot) and he is half Spitz half shih tzu.
   We got him 2nd week of Dec 2011 and he was not even dewormed. >.< So, its my job to make his vaccine shots
   completed for the whole year (5 shots).

4. Sleep early == Wake up early.
   The benefit of this is that I can report to the office early and get rid of the pimple break out all over my
   face, back and on my chest :'( I started to break out when my sleep shifted to 3AM. So now I should force to
   sleep at least 12mn... Due to this break out I acquired a Zen Zest Tea Tree oil and I am now on a 3rd day
   treatment hoping it would work *sigh.

5. Schedule time effectively.
   Living on your own without someone to do the house chores for you is such a pain. Yes this is what you get from
   moving out of parent's home, as if I have a choice :p I dont consider getting a house help because doing
   so means another bucks to shell out which is not a good thing. So I need to make sure that a huge time is allocated
   to do house chores every weekend (preferably saturday), instead of sleeping the wholeday >:)

6. SAVE SAVE SAVE MONEY.
   As previously mentioned or rant rather, the loss of bonus worth of 3 months salary which was huge was so disappointing and sad. Now to make up for it, I have to adjust my monthly savings. I no longer think of travelling this year except for the already booked flight to Bangkok next month.
  

Aside from the resolution. I hope I'll pass my retake of IELTS exam this Jan. 21. T_T yes it sucks to repeat it again
knowing I just failed one section by .5 points only. Anyhoo Happy New Year!!!

Latest buys

A few finds to try out this month

* Pond's Smooth Pores facial foam
* Johnson & Johnson Milk Bath liquid soap
* Loreal True match - Powder foundation ( P1000+ )
* ELF Lip primer and plumper ( P250+ ), too bad I wont be able to use the plumper

* Loreal Double Extension Mascara ( P800+ )
      This is my big sister's request for Christmas this year. If only I got a huge budget I'll also include eyebrushes for her.

* ELF Eye Shadow pallete - 32 warm colors ( P400+ )
      I'll give this away as a gift to my boyfriend's ate.

Elf eyeshadow

J & J

Lip primer & plumper

Loreal foundation

Loreal mascara

Pond's facial foam