i don't know how may times i've used this phrase on this blog

but the rainy days (and school days) are upon us again

so it's that time of the year when i look back at the sunny and lazy days we spent at the beach

i'm ever thankful that celestine is so unlike me in a few ways: she's outgoing, sporty and knows how to swim 

back in May my family from Leyte came over to visit us

got lots of photos of the babies

keeping 'em for future reference

they're the cutest - even though they look like they're about to bolt away in these and they can't keep still

also made a reels a post on Facebook, with a background song that made me feel nostalgic 👇

Hey! Finally, a lipstick review! It's been a while since I've done this and I realized that it's because I don't buy lipsticks as often as I used to. I purchased this one a couple of months ago as I was on the hunt for a nude lipstick. There are so many brand and shade choices now that I honestly got overwhelmed. Three to 5 years ago, the beauty landscape was so different. Many brands, foreign and local, have bloomed and boomed now. However, despite all the different choices, I still decided to go for an ever dependable brand which I have been familiar with for so many years: Maybelline. I was reminded that I reviewed their Creamy Matte lipsticks about a decade ago and suddenly I felt nostalgic about all my makeup hauls in the past! Nowadays, I still enjoy applying makeup and skincare but of course I have other priorities now and I have become more mindful about my purchases. As a working mom who’s always on the go, I love lipsticks that I can swipe on quickly and feel put together with minimal effort. 

So how did it go with Maybelline Ultimatte Lipstick in More Buff? Here's my honest take on this promising drugstore gem.

🌟 Product Details

Looks so red on this photo but in real life it's actually brownish peach.

🎨 Shade & Swatch

More Buff is best described as a peachy-brown nude with soft, warm undertones. It’s a true MLBB (my lips but better) shade, especially if you have medium to tan skin with warm or neutral undertones. 

Swatch tip: Try swatching it under natural light to fully appreciate its warmth!

Color swatch: Maybelline Colorsensational Ultimatte in 699 More Buff is a peachy brown  nude with soft warm undertones.

💋 Formula & Texture

Maybelline promises an "extreme matte" finish with an ultra-light feel. The formula glides on smoothly and feels like velvet on the lips. Yes, it’s matte but not drying, which is a major win since we all shy away from drying matte formulas.

One swipe gives decent color payoff, but I prefer two to three layers for full opacity. Despite being matte, it doesn’t emphasize lip lines or cling to dry patches. Of course, it's is best if your lips exfoliated beforehand. 

⏱️ Wear Test & Longevity

I wore More Buff through a busy day of work, errands, and coffee (lots of it!), and here’s how it held up:

✅ Lightweight and comfortable for up to 4-5 hours

✅ Fades evenly—no awkward patchy look

✅ Minor transfer, especially after meals, but nothing a quick touch-up can't fix

This is not a long-wear or transfer-proof formula per se, but its soft-matte finish and comfort make it a solid everyday pick.

👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

Pros:

• Beautiful nude shade for everyday wear
• Comfortable matte finish
• Easy to apply with slim bullet
• Affordable and widely available

Cons:

• Needs touch-ups after meals
• Not ideal if you’re looking for intense long-wear performance

💁‍♀️ Who Should Try This?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance nude lipstick that flatters medium to warm skin tones, More Buff is a great choice. It’s perfect for office wear, school, casual outings, or when you want a neutral lip to pair with bold eye makeup.

📝 Final Thoughts

I’m really impressed with the Maybelline Ultimatte in More Buff. It’s the kind of lipstick I can keep in my bag and reapply without a mirror which makes it super mom-friendly! While it’s not transfer-proof, the comfort and flattering color more than make up for it.

⭐ Rating: 
Packaging: 4.5/5

Quality: 4.5/5

Performance: 4/5

User-friendliness: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.37/5

Yes, I would repurchase—and I’m eyeing other shades in the Ultimatte line next!

🛍️ Shop It

Here's my link on Shopee (affiliate commission may apply)
🛒 https://s.shopee.ph/20jd4p1htS

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried Maybelline’s Ultimatte lipsticks? What’s your go-to nude shade? Drop your thoughts in the comments 

xO,

CaRissa 

About The Originote

The Originote is a rising skincare brand that focuses on simple, science-backed ingredients which means no frills, no fluff. It's not indicated on their packaging, so I had to verify via their Shopee Account if their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and they replied in the affirmative. Their products are formulated to target common skin concerns like dryness, acne, and dullness. What caught my attention first? Their minimalist packaging and the fact that most of their items are under ₱300!

"The Originote Cicamide Facial Cleanser" Review

What it is: A low-pH gel cleanser with centella asiatica and ceramides for calming and barrier support. Also contains niacinamide for other skin concerns such as enlarged pores and excess oil production.

Texture & Scent: Clear gel with minimal lather, scent-free

Application: Morning and night cleanse (double cleanser at night after using the Hyalurose Micellar Water)

My Thoughts: Super gentle and didn’t strip my oily skin. Felt clean but not tight afterward which is a big plus for me. I've had some trauma from the past and I know it was because of my weakened skin barrier. I always make sure that the facial cleanser should be low-pH and gentle to my skin barrier. I'm glad that this product is good and affordable. I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but I had a tiny bit of an issue: the product seemed to smell a bit stale right before I fully consumed it. I'm not sure what happened since it's not yet expired. I'm not totally giving up on this product tho, so I will still repurchase it.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌗 (4.5/5)

"The Originote Ceraluronic Essence Toner" Review

What it is: A hydrating essence toner that combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. Also contains heartleaf, a medicinal herb prized for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties.

Texture & Scent: Watery but slightly more viscous than a basic toner. 

Application: I apply this using my hands, patting it in for maximum absorption.

My Thoughts: In the past, I tend to skip the toner part and just proceed to moisturizing. But with this product, I never want to skip. I loved how it made my skin feel plump and supple. It also helps calm some redness of my skin after washing. It is also easily absorbed and layers well with the serum and moisturizer.

"The Originote Gluta-Bright B3 Serum" Review

What it is: A brightening serum with glutathione and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for targeting dark spots and evening out skin tone.

Texture & Scent: Lightweight, watery serum with no strong scent.

Application: Used daily after toner, before moisturizer.

My Thoughts: The essence toner and serum combo of this skincare routine is something I looked forward to; they just really paired well. I loved how this serum helped in minimizing the appearance of my pores. I also noticed a subtle glow after 2 weeks. It didn’t irritate my skin (some niacinamide serums do!) and my pimple marks faded faster. Another thing, this along with the essence toner layers well with my makeup.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Hyalucera Moisturizer" Review

What it is: A daily moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, meant to lock in hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.

Texture & Scent: Gel-cream texture, non-sticky, and fragrance-free.

Application: Used  after serum both morning and night.

My Thoughts: I love that it’s lightweight yet moisturizing enough. No greasy feeling, which is rare for moisturizers on oily skin! This is moisturizer, plain and simple and is exactly what I was looking for, no added fancy stuff. Just a moisturizer moisturizer that is meant to moisturize.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Ceramella Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++" Review

What it is: A hybrid sunscreen with ceramides and niacinamide for UV protection and skin barrier support.
Texture & Scent: Lightweight cream texture with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Fragrance-free.
Application: I applied this every morning as the final step in my routine.
My Thoughts: I love that it leaves no white cast—huge win for my light-medium skin tone! It is also easily absorbed and and sits well under makeup. The finish is not matte but more of a glowy one. Ages ago, I would have preferred my sunscreen to have a matte finish, but now, I prefer the glowy finish because it make me feel more youthful. 
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

Here's a review of the Bath & Body Works (BBW) Everyday Luxuries Fine Fragrance Mist in the scent called Covered In Roses.

Price: $18.95

First Impressions:

I was so excited when I received it from the mail. I picked this as my brother's Christmas gift for me and he gave me the cash to purchase it so I was excited to report to him how his present turned out. On first sniff, I immediately  thought that this scent was familiar. Then I remembered that I've had the Bench Roses Are Red EDT in the past and on first whiff the rose notes were very similar, albeit Bench's version was cloying to my taste.

Suprisingly, despite coming on strong, I didn't get a headache (yey!). The rose notes seem pretty strong when smelled through the nozzle but upon spraying, I was surprised that the opening scent was tart. It must be the ruby berries but as a Filipina, it reminded me of a big, ripe, yellow mango. I love how this tartness balanced the sweetness from the rose scent. The tart scent lingers for a few minutes and then you get this warm, sweet floral and creamy scent that remains and literally makes you feel covered in decadent roses.

Fragrance Notes:

According to the the packaging, the fragrance notes of Covered In Roses are ruby berries, sugared rose buds, and blush amber. Prior to purchasing, I checked the fragrance notes of all the variants and the berry and rose combo really called my attention so I picked this one.

Projection, Sillage and Longevity:

Projection and sillage both come strong. I've gotten compliments from people from the other room about how they were "awakened" every time I sprayed it on. It's definitely a head-turner and a few times I got asked what scent I was wearing. Longevity is also pretty good. I spray this in the morning and it still lingers until past noon then I reapply only once in the afternoon.

Packaging and Presentation:

The mist comes in a sleek, tall bottle with a soft pink and gold design, evoking a sophisticated feel. I love that the bottle is pretty sturdy because I love putting it inside my tote bag and there hasn't been any breakage, leaks or spills. The spray nozzle disperses a fine mist, ensuring even application. From the labels, I learned that the bottle is made from recycled plastic. BBW is also not tested on animals, is vegan friendly and paraben-free. 

Final Thoughts:

Imagine delicate rose petals encrusted in crystalline sugar, resting atop a cushion of creamy, warm amber and balanced out by a bit of tartness from the berries.  For me, that is the essence of this beauty! Wearing makes me feel pretty and confident and it may be a body spray, but it performs like a perfume, boasting of an impressive longevity and turning heads everywhere I go. It’s an elegant, ultra-feminine blend that’s sweet and irresistibly inviting. Admittedly, there are days when its lush rose note feels a bit overwhelming (yikes - yes, there are those days), but when the mood is right, it’s pure bliss—like being wrapped in a cloud of sweet, intoxicating romance.

As for the Delina comparison, I cannot vouch for that because I've never had the chance to experience the real one. But Delina dupe or not, I think BBW Covered In Roses is definitely a must try!

Will I buy it again? Yes! This one's a keeper. 
Will I recommend it? Yes I will. It smells so good, makes me feel pretty and definitely boosts my confidence.

Bath and Body Works Everyday Luxuries Mist in Covered In Roses Ratings (Out of 5 Stars ⭐)

Scent (🌸) – 4.25/5

Longevity (⏳) – 4.25/5

Sillage (💨) – 4.25/5

Versatility (🎭) – 4/5

Packaging (🎁) – 4/5

Value for Money (💰) – 4.25/5

Overall Rating - 4.16/5

Have you tried any Bath and Body Works Mists lately?

Share your thoughts about this review in the comment section below.

XO, 

Mommie Cassie

Hello beauty enthusiasts!

I’m thrilled to share my experience with a product that has truly added 

a touch of glamour to my nails: the Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish.

 

I am not much of a polish wearer on my fingernails. 

As a mom who does A LOT of work around the house, I find it pointless since:

 1.) I barely have time to admire my hands, and 

2.) it will just flake off when I do my weekly laundry.

 

But...this bottle caught my eye while I was browsing on my favorite online seller's page.

Yes, I may not wear those manicures all the time but there are times when I just want to feel fancy. 

If you’re on the hunt for a nail polish that combines elegance with a bit of bling, 

this might just be your new favorite.

Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish

Shade: 04 Secret Adoration

Color Family: Gold

Opacity: Opaque

Finish: Glitter and Glossy

Price: around USD 4.00, depending on the seller/distributor

About The Product

Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish 04 Secret Adoration 10.5ml is a glittery nail polish that delivers rich shimmer and shine at the same time. The fan brush allows an easy and quick application, for a streak-free result. The range offers eight different tones, with light-reflecting glitters as well as with an ultra glossy finish. All of the shades have a vegan formula - free from ingredients of animal origin. A luxurious look that is suitable for special occasions as well as for everyday wear - match the shine with your style! (https://www.caretobeauty.com/ph/catrice-nails/)

According to this description on the Care to Beauty website, it has 8 different tones however, I only saw 6 swatches featured. If I may describe the shades, they are as follows:

03 - Magical Allure - Glittery Brown

04 - Secret Adoration - Glittery Gold

05 - Magnificent Feast - Glittery Copper

06 - Splendid Atmosphere - Glittery Purple

07 - Lustrous Seduction - Glittery Purple-Black

 08 - Noble Poshness - Glittery Gray

And my, my, my, do they all look amazing! That glittery purple sure does look yummy and I hope I can purchase that shade too in the future.

First Impressions

Ingredients and Labels

Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish in 04 Secret Adoration Labels and Description // Made in Luxemburg

Ingredients list of Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish in 04 Secret Adoration

Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish 04 Secret Adoration brush applicator

In Action
- Application and Formula

One of the first things I noticed about this nail polish is its smooth application. The brush is wide and flat, which makes it incredibly easy to cover the nail in just a few strokes. The formula is just the right consistency—not too thick or too runny—which helps in achieving a flawless finish.

 

- Coverage and Drying Time

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage. With just one coat, my nails were covered in a rich, golden hue. For an even more intense and dazzling look, I applied a second coat, and the results were spectacular. The polish dries fairly quickly, which is a huge plus for those of us who are always on the go. Within minutes, I had a hard, glossy finish that looked like it had been done by a professional.
 

- The Gold Effect

What sets this nail polish apart is its beautiful gold effect. It’s not just a simple gold color; it has a multidimensional shimmer that catches the light beautifully. Whether you’re under natural sunlight or indoor lighting, the sparkle is noticeable and adds a luxurious touch to your nails. The glitters are uber fine and are not clumpy.

 

-Longevity

In terms of longevity, the Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish performs quite well. With a good base coat and top coat, I noticed minimal chipping even after a week of wear. The color stayed vibrant, and the glitter didn’t dull, which is often a concern with sparkly polishes.

 

-Other Notes

It comes in a vegan and cruelty-free formula

To Cap Things

Overall, I’m highly impressed with the Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish. It’s perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any look, whether it’s for a special occasion or just to brighten up your everyday style. The ease of application, beautiful finish, and lasting power make it a standout product in my nail polish collection.

As a kid, I enjoyed the story  of King Midas who had a golden touch. I may not have a literal golden touch but as mom, I know that my touch brings love and comfort to my kids. And I may not have a golden touch but my nails be shining, shimmering and splendid and it brings me so much joy. If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your life, I highly recommend giving the Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Stay fabulous,

Hello My Scrumptious Little Chocolate Baby Cupcake aka Tinapie,

May 31st marked a huge milestone—your graduation day. Mommie will not bore you with clichés about doors opening or paths ahead. 😂 You've heard enough of those during speeches, and to be frank, they all start to sound the same at some point. Instead, let’s talk about what this milestone really means and what lies ahead in a way that’s real, in plain words. Heart to heart.

Graduation is not an endpoint, it's just like a pit stop
You’re graduating, but this isn’t the end of your academic journey yet. Think of it as a checkpoint or a pit stop, a marker of how far you’ve come. Remember when you started this journey? It only feels like yesterday we were shopping for your first school uniform or other school stuff and now here we are. Every late-night study session, every moment of doubt, every small victory, the Pandemic which put everything on hold—those were some of the building blocks. Take a second to appreciate all. You did it.

If it's not a "hell, yes!" then it's a "no"
People often discuss about saying "yes" but why don't we shake things up and talk about the power of saying “no.” You’re going to get countless opportunities thrown at your feet, but not all of them will be right for you or worth your time. Saying no doesn’t mean missing out; it means making room for what truly matters. Trust your instincts. They’ve gotten you this far. Choose your battles.

Stay curious, my Crumptious
When you were younger, you were always a chatty one and I always had to remind myself to be more patient in answering your queries. Oftentimes, I found myself doing some research just to make sure that I gave the correct answers, especially if you were asking about history or the sciences. You’ve always had knack for diving deeper into things that catch your interest. Hold on to that curiosity. The world’s full of wonder, and staying curious keeps life interesting. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or just striking up a conversation with someone new—embrace the unknown. It’s where the magic happens.

Surround yourself with good people
You’ve made some great friends over the years, and some will stay with you for a lifetime, some will not. As you move forward, be intentional about the people you keep close. Surround yourself with those who challenge you, support you, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. Life’s too short to spend time with people who drain your energy or bring you down.

Do not be afraid of the F word
Failure. There, Mommie said it. You’re going to fail. Probably a lot. And that’s okay. Each failure is a lesson in disguise. It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and what you learn in the process. So when life knocks you down—and it will—stand back up, dust yourself off, and take another step forward. Failing isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey. Okay, this lines sound like cliche but they are true.

Keep calm and keep your sense of humor
Life’s going to throw some curve balls, and sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh out loud. Keep your sense of humor—it’s your armor against the tough times. Finding joy in the little things, sharing a laugh with friends, and not taking yourself too seriously will carry you through, more than you know.

You’ve got this!
There’s no magic formula for what comes next. No blueprint or cheat sheet. There is no one size fits all. We have different circumstances that is why you should not compare your life with others. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that you’re ready. You’ve got the smarts, the guts, and the heart to navigate whatever comes your way. Trust yourself, lean into your strengths, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The future is unwritten, and you hold the pen.

So here’s to you, on your graduation day. It’s not the end of a chapter, but the beginning of an epic saga. Go out there and make it legendary. Always practice gratitude and pray.

With all my love and a whole lot of pride,

Mommie Cassie 

P.S.

I wrote this blog real quick and I may have missed a few pointers. You can ask me any time if you feel like something is puzzling your young mind.

 The month of May brims with excitement as Celestine, along with the other delegates from Northern Samar made their way to Ormoc City to compete in this year's Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Games.

Norte Eagles represent!

The Norte Eagles delegates during the opening parade. // Image from the Facebook Account of Allen TV.

More shots with the team.

As a mom, I wished I could join her to watch the games. But with work and two babies, it was pretty impossible. Thankfully, Team Burauen was there to show some love. The Tatay, Nanay, Uncle and Auntie Fluff took the three hour drive to visit her in Ormoc City.

Our Scrumptious Little Chocolate Baby Cupcake is all grown up!

 Game Time

I have never played any type of sports so I've never experienced that particular moment where all eyes are on you and you have to take that combination of physical fitness, mental toughness and pressure. Baby girl took it all in and won on her first game. Sadly, loosing on the second one meant that she was already eliminated from the games since a single elimination rule was implemented.

I knew she felt so bad about the loss but I am glad that she was able to enjoy in Ormoc City. After all, the City of Beautiful People takes pride of being one of the best in the entire region, if not the entire country.

Having fun in the City of Beautiful People.

Needless to say, as a mom, I am so proud about this feat. I also noticed that this experience has brought on a sense of maturity in her. As a big sis at home, she is already very responsible and for sure, she has gained more knowledge which she can apply in her life in the future. Every experience, good or bad has a learning curve. 

 She graduates from elementary this week. May is indeed a big month for her. It's amazing that I get to the mom of this amazing individual. 

To making more memories!

XO, 

Mommie Cassie

 PS. Now we know talaga kanino ka nagmana. 😁