So, I have a situation here: I want to try out different fragrances but I am easily nauseated or turn dizzy whenever I take a whiff of strongly scented colognes or perfumes. 
I know I'm such a lightweight but I wouldn't give up easily and 
I thought that maybe I just haven't found the right fragrance for me yet. 
I did a quick research on colognes that are fresh and inoffensive and I found out that one such is the  
Heno de Pravia Agua de Colonia.
 
I know the Heno De Pravia brand from soaps and I can recall that it has a fresh and very herby scent. 
Heno De Pravia Cologne
With a little bit of digging, I found out that when it comes to colognes 
that evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless elegance, Heno de Pravia Agua De Colonia 
stands out as a beloved classic. Well, if it was originally created in Spain in 1900s and has managed to 
maintain its charm and appeal across generations, then it certainly is a classic. As a 
historical junkie, I am always in search of products that have withstood the test of time.
I was both intrigued and excited to try Heno de Pravia Agua De Colonia and 
share my thoughts on this classic.
 
First Impressions 
This cologne comes in a humongous plastic bottle: 780 ml to be exact! I could have bought a sample from online shops in Shopee but I was so sure I was gonna love it so I decided to go with my guts and purchased the full-sized bottle.  From the moment I opened it, I knew I was right about the herby and citrusy scent of the Heno de Pravia Soap in my youth. True enough, I didn't get nauseous when I got my first whiff. Heno de Pravia’s scent is light and clean, making it perfect for everyday wear. The initial burst of fresh-cut grass and citrus notes is both refreshing and uplifting, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.

Scent Profile
Heno de Pravia Agua de Colonia is a classic Spanish fragrance that has been cherished for generations. It is said that this cologne is inspired by the smell of fresh cut hay in the Spanish countryside as the name translates to "hay of Pravia".  The top notes are of lemon, lavender, and rosemary which are crisp and zesty. The heart notes of lily of the valley, geranium, and jasmine give a hint of sweetness after the initial tanginess. The base notes of musk, sandalwood, and vetiver provide a warm and comforting finish.


Longevity and Sillage
As an Eau De Cologne (EDC), of course I knew how to set my expectations about this product. The top and middle notes disappear within the first hour but despite its light and airy composition, the dry down scent lingers on the skin for about 2 hours, becoming a sweet skin scent which I love. The sillage is minimal/subtle, but like I said as an EDC, it is to be expected. I love spraying it on my clothes to help stretch the wear time a little bit. Aside from this cologne and the iconic bath soap, the Heno De Pravia line also come with lotion, body wash and deodorant spray so if you want to make the linger, you have these options.

Packaging and Presentation
The packaging is no nonsense and is pretty much practical and I have no complaints about it. It is sturdy and was able to withstand transit without leaking or breaking. I decant the cologne into a small spray bottle that I can carry in  my purse. Also, with the opening at the top, whenever I try to splash the cologne I tend to dispense a bit more than what is necessary so it's really much better if it is decanted into a spray bottle to avoid waste. The color scheme is identifiable as it is in the same yellow color of the classic soap packaging. 

Value for Money
I am happy with this product and I consider it a  good value for money. First off, I didn't get migraines while wearing this, so I already consider it a win. With this big bottle, it's going to take a while before I would be in need of a new one. 

Final Thoughts
Heno de Pravia Aqua de Colonia is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and tradition. Its fresh and clean scent is exactly what I've been looking for. Although it is light and tend to fade away quickly, I have no qualms about reapplying it every now and then. It didn't cause the dreaded migraine and  living in a tropical country where it is hot and humid most days of the year, this really comes handy. 

Will I buy it again? Yes! I even want to try the lotion and body wash varieties in the future.
Will I recommend it? Yes I will. For cologne lovers out there, this is definitely a must try. I love spraying it to my babies as well. With their body chemistries, the scent tends to lean sweeter. Or maybe I am just biased because they are my babies! 

Heno de Pravia Agua de Colonia Rating
Packaging: 5/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
User-friendliness: 5/5
Overall: 3.7/5

Have you tried the Heno de Pravia Agua de Colonia yet?
Share your thoughts about this review in the comment section below.

XO, 

Mommie Cassie
by No comments:
Categories: , , , ,
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
The Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polish comes in a sleek, clear bottle that showcases the stunning gold color inside. The packaging is simple yet chic, allowing the product to speak for itself. The shade Secret Adoration looked absolutely mesmerizing through the glass.

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!

Have you tried any of the Catrice Gold Effect Nail Polishes?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
 

Stay fabulous,

Mommie Cassie


More About Catrice Cosmetics 

For those of you who like me are not so familiar with Catrice, I visited www.catricecosmetics.com and read through the About page. In a nutshell, Catrice was founded by Christina Oster-Daum in Germany in 2004, and the brand set out to create luxury-inspired makeup at affordable prices, proving that high-quality products don’t have to be expensive. Expanding to the US in 2015, their NYC office continues to innovate and uphold their commitment to value, offering high-quality ingredients, luxurious textures, and innovative formulas. Their five beauty philosophies include maintaining affordability, fostering innovation, focusing on exceptional face products like HD Foundation and Liquid Camouflage Concealer, and drawing inspiration from their passionate makeup community. Additionally, they are dedicated to cruelty-free practices, ensuring no animal testing in any part of their product development.
by No comments:
Categories: , , , , ,

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.

by No comments:
Categories: , , ,

 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!

When Celestine asked me last year if she could participate in the badminton games, I was pretty nonchalant about it. I was like, "yes, do whatever!". However, I sternly reminded her to be ready to train hard and to balance her time between school and sports.
 
When it was finally time to compete, she started winning game after game, from the municipal level, to the unit and then all the way to the provincial level. She won silver medal in the Provincials and she made the cut for the EVRAA Games in Ormoc City!
 
At this point, we were getting introduced to pricey badminton rackets (great tension!!!) and non slip badminton shoes. I didn't even know those things existed but thank you Uncle IJ for bankrolling the purchases. 😁
 
Months and months of training finally brought us here. We told her that Mommy and Daddy (and Cedie and Nala) are so proud of what she has achieved so far. Being included in the roster to represent your province is already an achievement in itself . This experience is certainly once in a lifetime and is one for the books.

Of course I got excited every time I received snippets of her daily activities whilst she was away. Here are some of the photos taken during the opening parade.
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. 😁

  Images are from Celestine's phone and her Uncle IJ's IPhone 15 Promax Fully Paid, with the exemption of one photo from the Facebook Account of Allen TV duly credited above

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
by No comments:
Categories: , , ,

everyday is God's masterpiece
reminiscing this beautiful sunset at caba beach in brgy.  cabacungan, allen, northern samar, circa march 2021, at the height of the covid-19 pandemic, no less!

for full three years, this photo sat on my drafts. i planned on writing something around it
but i never got to publish; it kept getting put off.
this photo is real lovely and it was even lovelier in person.
there were times that i wanted to write a new blog but i just ended up staring at this photo 
for hours and hours.
 how time flies and so much has passed since. 
when I close my eyes, i feel like i could almost go back and 
feel that carefree moment.

i've had two babies since. 
i know, i know. 
and I haven't posted anything on this blog ever since I found out i was pregnant
between being fatigued and nauseated and now living in constant chaos, i barely have 
time to type a thing or two.

but hey, i am not complaining.
my hands are full but so it my heart.
oh, these two!

cedie & nala, constant source of joy and stress. there's no other way around it so let's just call it as it is. 😂

every day there are lessons to be learned and 

one day, I wanna be able to look back and say 

wtf! i did it! as a mom, i did it!


heck, i have no idea if when will be my next blog post 

but i am not letting go of this blog because it feels like a time capsule

and i know i will always come back, maybe when i am less

scatterbrained 

i guess i'll see you around

xo,

mommie cass

well...hello there?

by on Sunday, March 24, 2024
everyday is God's masterpiece reminiscing this beautiful sunset at caba beach in brgy.  cabacungan, allen, northern samar, circa march 2...
by No comments:
Categories: , , , , ,

Thanks for visiting my blog! Don't forget to follow or drop some comments!

Thanks for visiting my blog! Don't forget to follow or drop some comments!