Sneak Peek | Etude House Blossom Picnic Collection.

You know it's almost cherry blossom season when beauty brands launch their spring collections, and Etude House is one of the first in the K-beauty world to release their offering for this season. Etude House's newest collection is inspired by cherry blossoms, which isn't exactly surprising since these lovely pink blooms are the symbolic flower for spring.

Etude House Blossom Picnic Collection.

But if you're a die-hard cherry blossom fan (case in point, me), prepare yourselves for the cuteness because the Blossom Picnic Collection is as pretty as can be.

View the complete collection after the jump!

Spotlight | Missha Cotton Blush.

I've been extremely busy lately with freelance projects, writing gigs, and my son's school activities, and with his final exams coming up, expect me to be swamped with even more work in the next few days. I know my plate is already full and I kinda have a deadline to beat today, but I wanted to squeeze in this quick review of the blusher that I've been using (and loving) as of late.

Missha Cotton Blush.

This is the Missha Cotton Blush, which I purchased from Althea and was one of the many items included in my birthday/year-end haul. I was initially attracted to its shade range (the complete Missha Cotton Blush line consists of ten shades which will suit a variety of skin tones and undertones) and its affordable price (dirt cheap, considering that it's from Missha).

Hangul text at the bottom of the pan.

A powder blush with soft, velvety texture, the Missha Cotton Blush gives your cheeks a lovely, natural flush of color. It's formulated with 'silky elastic powder' that controls sebum and allows for easy, non-cakey application.

Missha Cotton Blush in Vintage Robe.

Its packaging is sleek and simple, and the clear compact is small enough to fit your jeans pocket. Although the size of the Missha Cotton Blush is relatively smaller compared to other blushers, you have to take into consideration that each pan costs only Php 230. Also, for its price point, you're getting your money's worth - maybe even more - in terms of color payoff and quality.

Missha Cotton Blush Vintage Robe - swatched once on the right, twice on the left.

Missha Cotton Blush in Vintage Robe - swatched once on the right, twice on the left.

Missha Cotton Blush in Vintage Robe - swatched once on the right, twice on the left.

The shade that I got is Vintage Robe, a dusty rose with a hint of reddish brown. I love how nicely pigmented this shade is, and how I get a healthy-looking flush with just a swipe or two on my cheeks. It glides on smoothly with the right brush, has buildable coverage, and leaves the cheeks with a soft matte finish. This shade is quite long-wearing, too. Despite the sweltering heat, the color stayed put on my cheeks throughout the day with no touch-ups at all.

Missha Cotton Blush in Vintage Robe on my cheeks.

Needless to say, I am impressed by the over-all quality of the Missha Cotton Blush, and I'm planning to buy a few more shades the next time I go on a shopping spree in Korea or at the Althea website, whichever comes first (lol). 

New to Althea? Here's a discount voucher that you can use to get 20% off on your first order. :)

The Complete Guide on Fishing Gear and Tackle Reviews.

Most people think fishing is passive. But that can’t be further from the truth. What is dull for many people is actually exciting for fishing enthusiasts. Just being outdoors makes most of the experience fun. You go out and enjoy the view of a beautiful river, lake, or the ocean. This can be very relaxing to most people. When fishing, you get to clear your mind of all obligations and all your worries. It’s just you and nature. Over the years, people develop skills that help them become better. You’ll get to know where the fish are hiding, and what kind of bait to use.

A thing that reels in people is the anticipation. No one ever knows when the next catch is going to be. It could be in the next minute. Or, the entire day can pass by without any action. Many people think that soccer is interesting because of never knowing when the next goal is going to happen. It can be at any time. You’re always on the edge of your seat, thinking and preparing. A big one might come out of nowhere, and you must be ready for battle. This is the same with fishing.

Fancy fishing?

All you need to know about fishing rods 
You can’t go into the wild waters without a rod. This is the most basic equipment piece that’s shaped like a long stick. The better the rod, the better the placing of the bait. With a good quality one, you will be able to cast wherever you want. Of course, some factors come into play when choosing the best one. The qualities that make a great rod stand out are the length, material, power, and action. For example, if someone wants to catch big fish, that means that there will be a lot of close combat scenarios. For this, the best option is to use a strong short rod. They’re also good for kayak anglers who want to save a little more space.

On the other hand, longer rods are used for casting great distances. Bass anglers love to use them because they cover water quickly. As for the materials, the rods can be made of graphite, fiberglass or both. This makes some of them indestructible and able to withstand hundreds of pounds of force. Of course, this influences their flexibility as well. You can check out more info in sites like the Top Gear Reviews at ProFishingGearReviews.

When I think of fishing, I think of Running Man. :)

All you need to know about tackle boxes and bags
Tackle boxes are a necessity. They help to keep all the parts that make up the puzzle of fishing. These types of boxes help to keep the contents dry. And, to inhibit rust from coming up on all the hooks, lures and accessories. When searching for the best one, it’s advisable to look for ones that have a five year or more guarantee.

Most of them have divided spaces. This will help you to organize everything as you’d like. This means separating the baits from the lures and the hooks. They usually have thick walls that help in keeping the contents safe. The most important thing to look out for is water resistance. Since you’ll be carrying this item with you on a boat, it shouldn’t allow water to get in and damage the rest of your equipment. Some people keep their personal things in these boxes as well. Nothing can ruin a great day of fishing like a water damaged phone. That’s why waterproof tackles are recommended.

Success! :)

All you need to know about baits and lures
To catch a fish, you need bait. They don’t come just swimming to the hook. They see a reward on it, and this makes them come to get it. Lures come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what you want to catch. However, there are six main types of bait. These are worms, leeches, insects, clams, minnows, and dough balls.

When people think fishing, they always associate the bait with worms. Well, there is a good reason for that. Worms are the easiest to find, and they are the least expensive of all baits. They come in abundance and with a little digging at night, you can see loads of them in your backyard. And, most notably, by using them as bait, you can catch a wide variety of different fish. Here is a great tip in case you don’t know it. Put only a small piece of the worm on the hook. In this way, the chances of a fish getting stuck are significantly higher. That’s because if the worm were longer, the fish would nibble on the sides and leave the part that’s attached on the hook.

On the other hand, leeches are harder to come across. They are usually bought in shops, and you keep them refrigerated. Many fishermen like using them because the leeches move in the water. This attracts loads of fish because the bait is moving and struggling. Minnows fall in this category as well. They are small fish that can be caught with nets or bought in a store. Just be careful not to hit their spinal cord when you put them on the hook. This will paralyze them and make them unable to move in the water. Also, in some waters, it’s forbidden to catch minnows. So, be careful about that too. Read more about baits here.

To sum up
Finally, putting this all together should be done for only one thing – to catch a fish. When you get something pulling on the line, prepare yourself for a fight. That’s the most exciting part of the sport. The fish will pull, and try to escape with all its power. Sometimes, the line will break. Other times, it will shake off the hook. But, if you’ve got the skill mastered, then you might have a dinner that’s nothing like on the supermarket. Fresh, delicious fish are the thing every fisherman is looking forward to.

How to Choose the Best Prom Dress.

Shopping for your prom dress is one of the most exciting part in preparing for your prom. It can also be very taxing, especially if you are presented with countless styles and a variety of options. So how can we make this task easier? Simple. You have to know your body shape.

Photo credit: Beauty Bridge.

The Pyramid
For instance, if you have a rather narrow bust and wide hips (pyramid silhouette),  you can opt for a dress with thin straps adjusted at the top, with a bit more width at the hips. If you are the exact opposite (reversed pyramid silhouette),  you can go for a prom dress that's slightly loose and has short sleeves. Better if the dress is long enough to brush against your knees.

Fine Strapless Fuchsia Dress.

The Rectangle
If you have broad shoulders, but your waist and your hips are practically undefined (rectangular silhouette) and you gag on Empire style dresses, that's okay, because this look will definitely flatter you! Go for a scoop or round neckline and do not be afraid to experiment with a pleated dress.

Short Sleeve Yellow Dress.

The Hourglass
If, on the other hand, you have broad shoulders and hips with a slim waist (hourglass silhouette), a V-neck dress would be perfect for you. Opt for a dress flared at the bottom and falls below the knee.

Pink V Neck Dress.

The Curvy
Finally, to put your curves (round silhouette) in value, go with an ample and vaporous dress, which twirls up to your knees, and defines your size.

For the curvy girl.

Consider your complexion
When the time of the ball arrives, you'll have all that fresh complexion of happiness. It is so easy to get lost among all the beautiful colors of dresses that come before our eyes as we shop. Trust your complexion to see more clearly.

If you have clear skin, red is your best friend, while pastel colors are your enemies. If, on the contrary, you have dark complexion, pink, green, yellow, white, and gold will enhance you. Your skin tone pulls a bit on the olive?  A blue or black dress is your best bet. Finally, if you have pink skin or have freckles, coral and beige or turquoise (if you're more fly) will make you shine brightly at your ball.

Don't forget the fabric
More often than not, you have certain prom dresses fabric that you love. It does not mean that the fabric loves us back, lol. Just as the cut of dress should suit you, you should also pay particular attention to the fabric which will complement your silhouette.

Thus, if you are slender and you have endless legs, fine cotton and silk are excellent choices. If, on the other hand, you are rather small, opt for a dress cut in a light and vaporous fabric that's neither too thick or rough. These fabrics are also good for those with more curves.

Finally, know that lace is better for those who have broad shoulders, but few hips, and that princess dresses with a skirt in tulle or crinoline will flatter those with well-defined hips.

6 Reasons Why Snacking on Peanuts Can Be Beneficial to Your Health

Peanuts have been declared a superfood for good reason. They’re full of vitamins and minerals contained in a tidy little package that’s easy to pop when you’re feeling the urge for a quick snack between meals. But did you know that snacking on them also comes with some added benefits? Below are some of the major benefits of regularly consuming peanuts and peanut-derived products:

Peanuts are good for you!

Peanuts Can Help You Lose Weight 
They’re chock-full of fiber and protein, which keeps you feeling full and sated for longer. As such, they’re an excellent way to manage the hunger pangs that have you reaching for chips or sweets. They also increase your metabolic rate as well as help stabilize your blood sugar. If snacking on peanuts whole doesn’t happen to be your thing, you can get all the benefits without any of the chewing by drinking a glass of milked peanuts or getting them from another source, such as peanut flour or peanut butter.

Peanuts Are a Great Source of Biotin
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin which can help convert certain nutrients you absorb through food into energy. It also helps keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong. Research also suggests that getting enough biotin is vital for pregnant women, in order to reduce the risk of congenital birth defects in the fetus.

Peanut-derived products are heart-healthy, too.

Peanuts Are a Heart-Healthy Food
Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been known to lower your risk towards cardiovascular ailments. These monounsaturated fats help clear the arteries and keep your blood flowing strong and healthy. In a study conducted in 2017, it was found that regular consumption of peanuts led to a 15% reduction in the risk for coronary heart disease in a sample size of 200,000 participants.

Peanuts Are Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that combat free radicals, which cause cellular damage. Excessive free radicals have been linked to cancer, which means that getting your antioxidants in is essential to reducing your risk towards certain cancers. Peanuts contain many of the same powerful antioxidants present in red wine, notably resveratrol. You don’t have to pop peanuts on the daily to boost your resveratrol intake, either—you can drink peanuts in the form of all-natural milked nuts, just as you would with wine.

Peanut Bars, anyone?
Photo credit: Betty Crocker.

Peanuts Are Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses
Niacin, folate, thiamin, and riboflavin are only a few of the nutrients you can get from a serving of peanuts. They’re also rich in vitamins B6 and E, pantothenic acid and choline, as well as essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium, among others. Niacin and vitamin E in particular are nutrients that help protect you from Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline due to advanced age.

Peanuts Can Lower Your Risk of Developing Gallstones
Gallstones are small, hard, crystalline masses that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts as abnormalities. Certain individuals are at a higher risk for it: women, those who are obese or overweight, people aged 40 and up. An unhealthy diet composed mainly of refined carbohydrates and calories can also increase your risk of developing gallstones. Consuming at least one serving of peanuts per day can lower your risk of them forming by up to 25%.

So the next time you have an urge to snack on chips or other types of junk food, you might want to consider eating a handful of peanuts instead. Aside from being a tasty treat that can stave off those hunger pangs, the health benefits that they bring are a much appreciated bonus that no one can deny.