Good thing my older sister from the US will be heading home for a short vacation. I wanted to buy the camera in Amazon because the price is very affordable compared to the price offered here in the Philippines.

I chose the Canon ELPH 530 HS because it’s white and on sale! And it doesn’t go any deeper than that! LOL! But of course, I wanted a camera that shoots full HD video.  

I was reading the reviews and it’s not all that great. It’s something that I had to risk it when buying. I had my eye on another camera but my savings and budget just won’t allow it.

In the Philippines, it’s called Canon IXUS 510 HS and is sold for PHP21, 498.00. In the US, the Canon ELPH 530 HS is sold at Amazon for USD159.00 that is roughly around PHP6519.00. Huge difference isn’t it! I don’t have to pay the huge shipping fee from US to the Philippines! I just had to wait for 3 weeks until I’m able to hold in my own hands. But even so, shipping from US to the Philippines takes about 4 weeks to arrive!

I like that the camera is very compact as you can see in the video. It’s something different from the Canon camera’s I’ve had in the past. It’s got a WiFi feature that I’m sure I won’t be using, it’s touch screen and it’s white! LOL! I know there are better Canon cameras sold in white color but they can’t beat the price I’m willing to pay. The WiFi feature lets you share pictures and videos to social networking sites, sending images to Smartphones and computers. It’s got lovely filters that I’m only used to seeing on iPhone photography apps. Because I can be OC, I know I’ll be more careful with the white camera.

Another unique feature is the battery charger. It’s got no wires! Sure it saves the hassle of keeping all gadget wires neat but it also take up some space when charging in a power outlet. This camera uses a micro SD card for storage. I won’t be able to share the same memory cards across all cameras I have.

I have yet to test the battery life without WiFi feature turned on and the voice recording quality. Regardless, I have always been happy with my Canon cameras!

I remember craving for green salads and I’m happy to see it on their menu. My sister recommended that we get the Chicken Thai Curry Rice if I remember the name of the dish  correctly. 

Silvestro’s Bistro is currently located at Quezon Ave. Extension, Corner Laya Pala-o, Iligan City. The place is open for business from Monday-Thurdays 10AM-2AM, Fridays-Saturdays 10AM-4AM and on Sundays at 10AM-12MN. For inquiries, call them at (063)223-SLAB or you can reach them via Facebook.

1. I’ve imagined myself working in a high-rise building. 

Of course, that was when corporate America on TV was very much sensationalized. The shiny, flashy glass windows of tall buildings with women in heels and suits make it look so glamorous.

Real life: Check! All done and did. I worked as a Quality Evaluator in one of the country’s biggest BPO. My office then was at the 12^th, 11^th and 9^th floor. But, I got really bored with the job. Sure, I was let go by the company but I was already thinking of leaving anyways. Every day you follow the same routine to a point where you forget where you are. It came to point where I was asking myself what I was doing being confined in an office space.

High School Yearbook Batch ’99

2. At 30, I should have finished Graduate School.

Because I refused to take on responsibility by not moving up the corporate ladder, I feel like Graduate School would be a waste. I don’t have the experience to bring with me to class. I don’t have the experience to know exactly what I want out of Graduate School.

Real life: On my list remaining unchecked. It’s still never too late. Graduate School takes two years to finish. The only one that is stopping me is just me. I can make logically sound excuses and set the expectation high that’s making it impossible for me to start on Graduate School. I’ve also been taught to never settle.

Spoiler Alert! Cursing Going On!

3. I plan to be married at 30.

It’s only ideal, isn’t it? I always make fun of commitments. People make fun of me being single at this age. Although there are people who are at a better place being married now, I am just not sure if the same case will apply to me.

Real life: No ring yet on my finger! I can hardly take care of myself. I have no plans bringing a life into this world being an irresponsible parent. I am far too selfish at this stage that everything is about me, myself and I. They say it will all change once you are at the situation. Not until I find a partner that’s all worth it, I can change my whole outlook about marriage, commitment and family of my own. See, I can talk shit! Also, at 29, I was asked not to get married just yet which is kind of weird.

 4. I’ll never grow boobs and never grow fat.

Victoria Beckham with her hair got nothing on me during adolescence period. I was no Victoria Beckham then. I was a dude, so thin, frail, awkward and a really hoarse, base, and throaty voice. I was also promoted to being having a ballerina body. Oh, the nice things they say. If at this point you want to say, I’ve got one fucked up childhood, go ahead. But, it can be worse.

Real life: Well, I’m 11 pounds fatter and I’ve got me some boobs! Apparently when I said those things, I’ve never read the memo about slowing metabolism when aging. Oh boy! This is the realities of women at 30 and onwards. Now, the question is, will I be one those who will age “gracefully”? Or will I be forever awkward?

I’ll end the post, as Part 1, here. What are your realization so far? Leave them in the comments below.

Doing It Like #NickiMinaj #Nail #Art #Glitter #Polish #BYSCosmetics For Php499.00 Only! vine.co/v/b0YXL3lHrW7

— Audrey Mirasol (@_audreyisms) May 14, 2013

I was given a loot bag from BYS Cosmetics during a small gathering for bloggers at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro city. We all received BYS Glitter Dust For Nails in different colors. I’m very delighted to see that their line of nail glitters and nail polish come in a variety of vibrant colors. 

It is advisable to never wash and do laundry with your BYS glittered nails. It is also suggested to never apply a clear top coat polish after applying the glitter dust. If you do so, the glitters will lose its lustre.

Nail glitters and nail art is a breeze because of the brush that is inclusive in the box. Cleaning up excess glitters is easy. It does not take 6 seconds to use for sure but it’s really that easy. Just follow the instructions at the back of the box. If you are in awe of Nicki Minaj nail art like I am, check out BYS Glitter Dust For Nails.

I’ve had Visual.ly for a year now but I’ve never really used it to its maximum. My drawing and illustrating skills is very comparable to that of a kindergarten. Only difference is I can hold a pen and ruler straight. I would also like to mention that I’m great with scissors and glue. Just don’t ask me to sew pieces back together!

Visual.ly has allowed me to create a visual representation of my blog’s weekly traffic. I keep telling my readers that it’s not much compared to hardcore bloggers. Don’t judge! And enjoy the colourful, artsy fartsy infographics!

Thank you Visual.ly !

I was lucky enough to join other bloggers to get to know more about the brand. We were given a short intro about the history of the brand and the products they carry. The makeup colors and nail polishes are so vibrant and saturated. Think Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj!

Before heading home, I went to Watsons Centrio Mall and bought extra BYS products. I bought the BYS Longwear Lipstick and BYS Liquid Foundation Age Defying. At first, I thought they don’t have enough variants for the foundation. Well, at least at the location I went to. Still, I decided to buy the foundation in Honey Beige and it works with my skin tone just fine. After the first layer of application, it looks like you’re not wearing any foundation at all. The coverage is light, buildable and causes no irritation.

When I got home, I started playing with the samples BYS Philippines gave us. I immediately loved the BYS Matte Lipstick in Disco Inferno. The neon eye shadow is something that I would not normally wear. But, I find the colors to be good for Stage, Performance or Theater makeup. Have you seen Nicki Minaj eye makeup on the American Idol Top 4, May 1st, performance night? The green BYS eyeshadow is similar in vibrancy to the one Nicki was wearing. If you are not fond of vibrant makeup, I find that using a light hand when applying the eyeshadow is all right. It’s not too overpowering. Again, the color is very buildable.

Check out the brand as soon as you can. They always create new products every three months! If you are into affordable luxury, please check out BYS Cosmetics.

I Want New Pants Like These!

I know it’s Spring and that we should all go for Spring colours. I just need a wide leg pants as part of my basics. The printed leggings for a casual day in black can be very slimming. If you know where I can buy these, let me know by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

One of my favorite things to do is watching Fun For Louis Youtube channel. It’s like living out an adventure through him.

My favorite movie that I watched this month is Iron Man 3. I went with my younger brother and sister to the movie premiere. Please read my blog about that day here.

Favorite television to watch has not changed yet. I know Game of Thrones season 3 has started this April but I have yet to catch up on season 2.

I don’t have a favorite product that I’ve used this month. Nothing has changed much on that area.

My favorite book (ebook/audiobook) right now is Bossypants by Tina Fey. It’s hilarious just like the author! I bought the audiobook version of Bossypants narrated by Tina Fey herself. It’s like listening to Tina Fey’s mind. I’ll write a review of the audiobook as soon as I can.

What are your favorites this month?

Last Friday, me and my sister went on a trip to Cagayan de Oro to buy some books. We ended up not getting the books we wanted because it was not available at National Bookstore. Good thing I remember my fascination with Sharpie’s because they do sell it at National Bookstore! 

I feel like an idiot! I know Sharpie has been around for awhile. We don’t have a National Bookstore in the city where I live so I wouldn’t know if they sell it. Good thing I remembered and asked while I was there. I instantly bought 10 Sharpie’s in different colors. I got the Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Marker for Php 39.50 each.  YEY! I’ll buy another set of 10 Sharpie of different kind the next time I stop by at National Bookstore.