Top Tips on Hiring Roof Contractors.

It's not easy finding the right roofer. This is unfortunate because roof problems are usually emergency situations. Some roofing contractors will take advantage of you during these dire times. Those untrustworthy souls know that you are in an emergency situation and must hire someone as soon as possible.

Next time you have a roof problem, be ready and be aware. Here are 5 tips to help you hire the right roofing contractor.

Photo credit: Beddard.

Get multiple estimates. 
The rule here is that you should get at least three estimates. A minimum of three will give you enough of a sample size to make a sound decision on which to hire. Only get estimates from local companies when you are searching. You are going to be surprised at the range in prices quoted for you for the exact same job.

Don't be fooled by the lowest price.
Don't hire someone just because they give the lowest price. You should especially avoid the lower price if the gap is unbelievable. Have you ever heard the phrase "seems to good to be true"? It applies perfectly to the situation of hiring a roofing contractor. 

Things are cheap for a reason. If they are giving you proper service and professional workmanship, they won't be able to give you that low of a price. If a price comes off as surprisingly low, look into the background of that company to ensure that they are legit.

They should never make the first move.
There are a lot of shady contractors out there that take advantage of neighborhoods where a lot of homes have sustained storm damage to their roofs. You should never work with a company that canvasses in neighborhoods or is too "sale-sy". A truly good contractor will never have to be that desperate. The best way to find a good one is through a referral or through an agent.

Get a guaranteed quote.
Do whatever is necessary to get a guaranteed quote. That kind of quote will ensure that there will be no surprises when you are given the invoice. There are different laws in every state surrounding what it takes to get a not-to-exceed estimate. If you follow these four tips you will be well on the way to hiring the right company for your job. You can also find contractors here now by clicking on this link. There are a number of great roofers in your area that can fix your roof damage.

Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm Review.

Chapped Lips 101.
With the winter season fast approaching, you may be concerned about the welfare of your lips. You're likely mentally preparing for cracked, dry lips during the cold weather, but the good news is this can be prevented if you start using the right product now. Forget all the brands you once knew and loved, such as Chapstick or Blistex. Those companies are packed with chemicals, smell awful and can be costly. EOS, or Evolution of Smooth is a brand of lip balm that not only works wonderfully, but comes in a variety of flavors at a friendly cost. You will absolutely love what EOS has to offer.

eos Alice in Wonderland. :)

Meet Evolution of Smooth.
EOS is a natural product that includes various ingredients that are beneficial to the health of your lips. You will find super moisturizing shea butter, vitamins B and E, along with natural conditioning oils and antioxidants. These ingredients will help to ensure smooth, soft lips in no time at all. What could possibly be better than using an all natural product in aiding your cracked, dry lips? Well, the cost, of course! These little spherical lip balms cost only three dollars on average, which is less than most medicated ones from other brands. You can find Evolution of Smooth products at many different stores including, Target, Wal-Mart and Ulta. You can find them online at retailers like Amazon as well. Finding these little spheres of effective balm is easy and affordable!

The Many Faces Of EOS.
Evolution of Smooth comes in a huge variety of different flavors. Though all are delicious in there own way, it's nice to have so many options. For example, they have passion fruit, strawberry sorbet and blueberry acai. Those are just a few of their most popular lip balms. But, be on the lookout during holidays throughout the year for special edition flavors such as winter berry, during the Christmas season. The variety of flavors is a great step up from other lip products, as you won't find such a selection with them.

Why You Should Choose EOS.
Choosing Evolution of Smooth lip products is a no-brainer! Not only are the products dermatologist tested and gluten free, but they are animal cruelty free and hypoallergenic. These lip balms are suitable for anyone and everyone! You will be thrilled to know that EOS has expanded their collection to add shaving cream, hand lotion and body lotion as well. All of their products are natural, everyday products that you will absolutely fall in love with the moment you try them!

Seoul Searching | Apgujeong Adventures - K-Star Road, Rodeo Street, Moomin and Me Cafe!

For any Kpop fan, no trip to Korea would be complete without visiting Apgujeong - Seoul's upscale shopping and residential area, and home to K-Star Road and Korea's top entertainment labels. I did not have the explore the area during my first trip to Korea, so it was a must that I visit Apgujeong on my next visit (ergo, last spring).

Apparently, Apgujeong was just one subway stop away from the Seoul Forest Station, a relatively new station in Korail's Bundang Line and a ten-minute walk from where we live. Yue didn't seem to mind walking all the way to the station as the spring breeze was nice and cozy that day.

Under Stand Avenue.

Yes, it's built from cargo containers.

We even took photos as we passed by Under Stand Avenue, a cargo container mall similar to Jayang-dong's Common Ground.

Just another 'sunset in Seoul' photo. 

Stopping to appreciate the flowers.

Spring is <3.

We were in Apgujeong in no time, and ready to take the walk down K-Star Road!

K-Star Road!

Let the Apgujeong Adventure begin!

Full post (and lots of photos) after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Konkuk University + Seoul Children's Grand Park.

In the days subsequent to our visit to Seoul Forest, Yue kept on asking when will he get to see 'the animals' again. It seemed that his first close encounter with deer, ducks, and birds had been quite memorable for the little man, who has an innate fondness for animals.

I finally gave in to his request on a sunny, relatively warm spring day, but instead of going back to Seoul Forest, I opted for a visit to Children's Grand Park, another popular and family-friendly recreational space in Seoul.

Pride Konkuk pennants displayed all over the campus.

Commuting to the park by subway entails a transfer at Konkuk University station. Instead of heading directly to the park from Ttukseom Station, we decided to explore Kondae first and grab some lunch while we're at it.

Konkuk University!

Konkuk U and Children's Park adventure after the jump! Picture-heavy post! :)

Pucker Up! | Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Vogue Diva, Posh Plum, and Sexy Nude.

Hooray, we're currently on semestral break!
And with that, I now have the luxury of waking up late, staying at home the entire day (unless I feel the urge to go outside and hunt for Pokemons), catching up on my Korean dramas, and finishing all (or at least most) of my blog backlog.

Would you believe that I'm still not done with my Seoul Searching posts? And to think it's almost winter in South Korea! I also have a bagful of makeup and cosmetics from last spring's travel, still waiting to be swatched and tested. But first, let me share with you the latest from our favorite local makeup brand, Ever Bilena.

A few weeks back, they added three new shades to their Matte Lipstick Collection and as always, our friends from Ever Bilena never fail to keep us in the loop.

New lippies from Ever Bilena!

I guess if you're a true blue Ever Bilena fan, you're already familiar with these new shades. I mean, they're all over their Facebook page so it would be impossible not to notice!

From L-R: Vogue Diva, Posh Plum, Sexy Nude.

The shades are indicated on the box flap,

... and can be seen on the lipstick cap as well.

Anyway, the three new shades are Vogue Diva, Posh, Plum, and Sexy Nude. 

Swatches - Vogue Diva, Posh Plum, and Sexy Nude.

Vogue Diva, a dusky wine shade with red undertones, is the perfect fall (otherwise known as autumn) lipstick. Bold but not overly intimidating, this color is extremely wearable and will suit a variety of skin tones.

Vogue Diva.

Vogue Diva when worn.

Posh Plum, on the other hand, is a brightened pinkish plum shade with subtle, cool undertones. It's perfect for everyday wear, and has now been added to my list of  'go-to/any-occasion' lipstick. Comparing it against MAC's range of plum/purple lipsticks, I'd say this shade is a toss-up between Plumful and Rebel (which I have yet to write about, haha!). 

Posh Plum.

Posh Plum.

Finally, there's Sexy Nude. As the name suggests, it's a nude, peachy tan shade that can look quite flattering on fair and medium skin tones. There was a time last year when I went gaga over nudes and corals, and how I wish this shade had been available back then.

Sexy Nude.

Sexy Nude on my lips.

One thing I noticed about these lipsticks is their improved texture and formulation. They now have the same soft, buttery feel as Maybelline's Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick, which is actually a good thing. They're now easier to apply, and they hardly tug on the lips.

Product description on the box.

Vogue Diva does have a tendency to accentuate the lines on my lips after a few hours of wear, but for the most part, these lipsticks are pretty comfortable to wear and do not feel dry on the lips. The subtle vanilla scent is also a plus for me, and so is the affordable price - just Php 165 a pop!

Products used:
FACE: Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer,
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer in Light,
Ever Bilena Two Way Cake in Fair Oriental.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
The Face Shop Ink Graffi Brush Liner in Black.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Posh Plum.

Ever Bilena products are sold in department stores, drug stores, and supermarkets nationwide.