Serenitea at SM Southmall

Couple of months ago, I bought a voucher from Deal Grocer. This was to try Milk Teas. I am really curious how it tastes. Despite the breaking news of a lady and the owner of the milk tea who died by drinking the milk teas, I still wanted to give them a try.

I never get the chance to use the voucher until last weekend after we brought Jami to his pedia.

Making kulit while waiting for our turn

I asked Daryl if we could go to SM Southmall so I can use my Serenitea voucher. He said yes since wala naman sya magagawa hahahaha! Thanks Babe.

SM Southmall is being renovated so I am no longer familiar with some of the stores that just opened. Wait, side kwento lang! I am really impressed in SM Southmall, months ago, they opened a Forever 21 store and Uniqlo. Now they are soon going to open H&M and Mango! Wow, sumashala levels na ang SM Southmall talaga. Haha! For sure kung wala pa akong anak, malamang dun na ako nakatira every payday. =)

Anyway, it wasn't my first time to try Milk tea talaga. I had a chance to try one when we had our stop over in NLEX the last time we went to Pangasinan. Before going back to the car, we passed by Mang Chaa Milk Tea. To my eagerness to try a milk tea, I have decided to buy one since hindi naman expensive - around P70 only.

That photo was taken last Friday at SMX as my sister and I visited the sort of travel expo. 

Mang Chaa Wintermelon Milk Tea with Pearl

Went crazy over cheap seat sale for Batanes. Pero fail ang mission. Hehe

Going back, we went to SM Southmall. I wasn't quite familiar on the lower level due to the newly established restos there. I have to check them next time, I guess. 

Serenitea is in front of the elevator beside Bowling Center. I was surprised to see they weren't just a stall but a physical store where you can sit down, read a book while enjoying your milk tea. 

When I enter the store, I can smell teas. Thinking about it makes me crave for wintermelon again. I guess that's my favorite drink as of the moment. There were a lot of people waiting for their orders too. Since it's my first time to try them, I wasn't quite familiar with their menu. I was so glad that when it was my turn, nawala yung mga tao. Hahah! I took my time checking their menu while the crew checked my voucher.

 

 

I know I'll get their Wintermelon Milk tea so I asked Daryl what he wanted to try. He's not familiar with milk teas to so I am in charge in giving him something that he might like. Hmm... I ran out of ideas talaga, we're not a tea drinker so I don't have a single idea on what would taste great. I asked the crew of their best seller and he offered to try Okinawa. Hmm,., Sounds interesting so I said Yes. Hehe!

 

Wefie while waiting for our order. Look how payat Jami became after being sick for the last couple of weeks. =(

Then our order came.

1 Wintermelon in Large with Pearls and Grass Jelly
1 Okinawa with Pearl
2 Hash Browns

I originally ordered Wintermelon with Pearl. I added the grass jelly for P10 since my order's short for my voucher's amount. When my order came, grass jelly lang and walang pearl yung wintermelon ko! Parang gusto kong maiyak pero hindi na ako nag reklamo pa. The kuya looked really pressured because it sounded like hindi nya alam kung paano iki key in ang voucher on his system then humahaba na ang line sa likod ko.

Verdict: 

Pros: 

1.) I love the interior of their store. I can imagine myself enjoying my wintermelon while reading/blogging.  The smell of tea is very relaxing too although it can get a little crowd kapag

2.) Okinawa tasted like Wintermelon so I could consider that next time I'll order. I think their Wintermelon tasted the same with Mang Cha-a mas sweeter lang ang sa Mang Cha-a.

3.) Using my Deal Grocer voucher with them was a breeze. I just have to present my voucher and sign the paper, that's it. 

4.) I was surprised that they have hash browns so I ordered two. Daryl liked their Hash brown because it's flavorful though I found it too salty for Jami. 

Cons: 

1.) I should have enjoyed my drink more kung nakinig si kuya sa order ko. 

2.) Hash brown was so flavorful bagay lang sa tea but I wish hindi sobrang salty. 

Anyway, I loved how my short visit in Serenitea went. I think they're on sale again at Deal Grocer so I guess I'll buy another one. You'll never know when you need to buy a milk tea during mall hours. Hehe. =)

Serenitea

Lower Ground Level, SM Southmall

Las Pinas City

 

Human Nature Review Part I

I posted about my Human Nature Loot last time and I promised to have a review on those products. I chanced upon their website thru Facebook and since they have smaller bottles, I was tempted to give it a try.

Last week, during the time that Jami had a fever, I had the chance to try them and used the products until I ran out. Here's my say about them.

Terminology used : Commercialized refers to shampoo that you can see in the grocery or those well known brands. 

50ml costs P49.75

 I bought the Mandarin Fresh for both shampoo and conditioner.

Pros: 

1.) I like the smell of their mandarin fresh. It smell fruits and oranges.
2.) For almost 1 week that I was using the product, I didn't incur dandruff nor had an itchy head. There was no difference with the commercialized ones.
3.) After taking a bath, the shampoo's smell was still there (given that I also used the same conditioner scent).
4.) The smell of Mandarin Scent went off a little after several hours but what I liked about it is that my hair never smell mabaho or kulob or whatever. It doesn't smell the same after bath but definitely not mabaho nor matamis (due to shampoo's scent).

Needs Improvement:

1.) Human Nature's shampoo was a little watery on its consistency unlike those commercialized shampoo that are thicker. Mejo nahirapan ako since I have to use more amount of shampoo so I could reach the same bula that I get with my usual shampoo. I think it was dahil sa mejo malabnaw nga yung shampoo ng Human Nature.

Nevertheless, I liked their shampoo. I just have to use a little bit more to achieve the same bula or maybe since maliit yung bottle, I thought masyado akong konti maglagay. Hehe. The main thing here for me is that there were no difference with the commercialized and Human Nature shampoo (except theiy're organic, of course). I haven't check if it was cheaper or expensive compared to my old shampoo since I haven't been buying shampoo in the grocery (I was getting it for free from Daryl's Mom). The 200ml shampoo costs P129.75 online. I am just not sure how much yung shampoo na ginagamit ko on the same size.

Now let's go to Conditioner na.

50ml costs P49.75

I used this to pair with the Human Nature Shampoo every bath since I ccan't live without putting conditioner on. My hair has undergone treatment so I really have to use one to make sure I'll achieve the smooth hair that I want.

Pros:

1.) The consistency of the conditioner was the same with the commercialized ones which I am perfectly familiar so I know how much I needed every time I take a bath.
2.) There was no difference with my old conditioner to Human Nature's Natural Conditioner. My hair stayed smooth and amoy-pawis free.
3.) After using the conditioner, I didn't have a hard time combing my hair after each bath since it provided the same dulas with my old conditioner.

Needs Improvement:

1.) There were times of the day that I get to run my fingers on my hair, may konting sabit sa dulo. It wasn't tangled-free pero sobrang slight lang naman. I don't know if I didn't use enough on my hair ends or because I wash my hair too early. It stated kasi to leave the conditioner on at least after a song or two before washing. Eh makulit ako eh. After maglagay, I wash it na. hahah! That's what I do with my old conditioner naman kasi and it was tangle-free.

I ran out of shampoo ahead of the conditioner because hindi ko matantya how much I need para bumula ang hair ko ng bongga. Ganun kasi ako magshampoo eh, gusto ko mabula. =) By the way, the cost of 200ml natural conditioner was P149.75. I am not sure if mas cheap or expensive on my old conditioner because hindi pa ako nag grocery ulit and I was buying the ones sa sachet lang.

Anyway, will I give Human Nature another try or will I consider it as a replacement for my old shampoo and conditioner?

The answer is Yes and No. Yes for conditioner, I can replace my old one for it but for the shampoo, not now. Mejo malabnaw nga kasi, mas mapapagastos ako because I'll be using a lot on my hair.

Abangan nyo ang part 2 ng aking Human Nature products. There naman, I'll review the kids shampoo and the repellent. The bath soap, I am not sure because it's taking a while bago maubos ni Jami yung exisiting soap nya. =)

My Top 3 Group Buying Sites

Lately, I have been stalking group buying sites during my free time. It started when I fell in love with how fast the transaction was. I also contemplated and realized that I saved money from buying vouchers from them and just present it to the store.

It wasn't my first time, really. I was able to buy some things and services during my dalaga days. It was just now that I want them again. So then to help you out, I will list down the 3 most trusted group buying site of Mommy Jen. =)

1.) Deal Grocer. The first ever voucher that I got from them was  the Unlimited Play at Fun Ranch Alabang. It was a good deal, I guess. I will be able to spend time with Jami and I, myself could play inside too. Hahaha! =) I bought another set of vouchers from different merchants that are waiting to be used. I have plans of using them anytime soon. Anyway, DG only has a limited set of offers that pretty sold out fast so once you see a deal, grab on kasi for sure, in a matter of days, out of stock na. I was really sad today when I checked them out and not finding the deal that I want. =(

2.) Metrodeal. I know most of you were able to buy a voucher or two from them. I remember buying one when I was a dalaga pa. I bought a bra case that I can use for traveling. I just had a little trouble contacting the merchant ng very slight but overall, the package arrived and I am happy with what I got. I just don't have it at hand to take a picture.This group buying site has a lot to offer and mostly, they don't run out of deals. Sa sobrang dami ng offers nila, minsan naduduling na ako kakatingin. Hehehe.

3.) Ensogo. I can't remember if I was able to buy anything from Ensogo but I am putting it on my list since they were pretty established na. I am just waiting for the right time to buy a voucher from them that I am eyeing months ago. Heheh. This site has a lot of deals from different merchants but not as many as Metrodeal.

What I really like with all these three group buying sites is the flexibility of their payment options. I can pay thru banks over the counter, Payment Center (LBC etc) and online payment, not to mention the debit and credit card option to pay.

Anyhow, I can only say that claiming my voucher from Deal Grocer was a breeze since I tried it out myself only once. I am sure to let you know in case I have trouble with my other 3 vouchers that are waiting in line. =)

So for those who were tight on budget, why don't you check these 3 group buying sites? I am sure you'll get hook too. =)

National Bookstore Finds

The weekend that passed was a very tiring one for my family. We were able to tag along to one of my officemate's recent out of town swimming (I'll blog about it on a separate post) which made our weekends fun and fulfilling.

We woke up very late on a Saturday and that wasn't really the plan. I was suppose to bring Jami to the dentist for the first time so we could check if his teeth is fine. I mean, I don't see any black marks or decay but I can't tell because I am not an expert. I didn't have a good set of teeth so I want to make sure that I'll provide that to Jami. However, we woke up really late so I have to cancel the idea and hoping to make it next Saturday. I haven't set an appointment yet and just looking to walk - in and use our HMO (which I think not a good idea so better reschedule the plan). I will call the clinic anytime this week, I swear.

That afternoon, Daryl left because he has to pick up his friends in Pasay and make dayo to play basketball in the nearby court in our place. I found it cool since Daryl gained new friends in the area thru basketball. =)

I wasn't able to watch since Jami and I planned to go to SM Southmall because they have an End of Summer Sale.

Ang daya talaga ng SM Southmall, late notice eh. Hindi tuloy ako nakapag tabi ng pang shopping! Hmmmppp... Well, binigyan naman ako ni Daryl ng pang-shopping, pero I added that up to our budget na lang since it's utility bills paying time. =(

Anyway, we went to SM Southmall with Mama, my sister and her kids plus Jami on Sab's (her baby cousin's) stroller which he really enjoyed, if I may add.

I have checked SM Stores sale and it's very tempting. I have seen some jeans from Jag, Lee Pipes, Petrol on sale, cute tops for only P250-400 pesos that usually range from P500-800. There were cute maong shorts for Jami too for only P350-450 that normally range from P600-800. I am very itching to buy some stuff and I almost gave in and spend my savings from 52 WMC.

Me: Gosh! Kailangan ko na talaga ng new jeans. Wala akong maisuot during dress down days sa office.

Savings : Wag mo akong pakealaman, nananahimik ako sa ATM mo!

Me: Isa lang naman, P600 won't hurt naman diba?

Savings: P600??? Kelan mo naman ibabalik sakin yan?!

Me: Next pay check, for sure naman babayaran ko eh.

Savings: Hay naku! Yan din ang sinabi mo sa P1,500 na hindi na nakabalik sakin!

Me: OK FINE!!!!

Ayun, wala akong nabili. Hahaha! Yung P1,500 pala na namention ni Savings is supposedly added on top sa 52WMC savings ko kasi I often allot money more than the actual savings amount. I am trying to see if I can spare that amount for savings because that's my plan next year - to double the savings. I started really low kasi this year so to make sure na doable naman ang goal ko. Ang hirap kasi mag start sa mataas then eventually isa shopping ko din diba?

What I did was, parang pampalubag loob na lang, we went to National Bookstore since I have been wanting to buy a coloring book and colors for Jami. My toddler is a such a talker so I want to bring the artsy crafty side of his naman. =) 

Grabe wrong timing ang pagpunta ko sa National Bookstore!! Ang daming tao! Nakalimutan ko kasing pasukan na pala so buhos ang mga namimili ng mga things for school! Buti na lang, my sister memorized the shelves na kaya madali lang namin napupuntahan whatever we need! hahaha =)

So here are my loots for that day.

Coloring book for P75 ; Grasshopper Games Book for P60 ; Super size crayon for P86

Alphabet Chart for P60

 I am actually torn between the chart with pictures like animals, things, etc but I opted to stick with just letters and numbers so he would get familiar with letters and not the pictures muna. Particularly, Jami knows some pictures na like Baboy, Fruits which he calls apple, and some animals and things. I was also thinking of getting the flash cards instead of a chart pero naisip ko baka ikalat lang and mawala so better na muna na nakadikit na lang sa wall. =)

I wanted to go back to National bookstore anytime soon kapag mejo humupa na ang craze ng mga tao since pasukan. I would get some good paint and a canvass paper for a project I have in mind. =)

What's your favorite buy in National Bookstore guys?

The Impromptu visit at the #ExpoMom2015

The Saturday that passed was a very busy one. It was really funny that some of the errand were not planned. As in it was a last minute decision. Anyway, it was fun naman so no biggie. =)

My sister and I talked about going to ExpoMom that was held in Glorietta Activity Center on May 22-24, 2015. It's honestly my first time to go there as I have not been much interested before. I am glad I went though I have not bought anything at all. We were supposed to be there when the mall opens at 10am however, I arrived at their house at 11am na since Jami and Daddy woke up late and I ate breakfast slowly that day as per Daddy! hahah. :p It also rained so it pushed back our time of going to Makati. Along the way, there has been a traffic along Edsa which made it a little worst leaving us a little time to roam around.

The entrance is free which was a plus making all Moms go in and chance upon some good finds. My sister said that her sister-in-law will be there too since they will be checking out some nursing tops. With that, I chance upon good dresses and tops that are very much trendy and useful for breastfeeding Moms. =)

We also chance upon Rica Peralejo. We were startruck since my sister and I are following her in instagram while my sister has been reading her blog. I was about to ask her for a photo pero na choke ako ng hiya eh hahaha!:p

Anyway, I saw so many beautiful things for infants below one year old that when I am given a chance to go back time, I'll get Jami some. I also found some new stores to stalk for Jami. I specifically like Tots N Toddlers. It wasn't my first time to see their website since my sister introduced me to them last year when I was looking for cute costumes for Jami.

My sister and her youngest, Sab! with a free sample for an exchange of registration. =)

 Anyway, I wasn't really able to check every booth since we have another errand to do. We were attending a wedding at 3pm so we only had a chance to be there for only 1 hour. Hayy.. I actually wanted to go back pa the next day, Sunday but Daryl was not around because FMIL asked him to drive for her somewhere.

I am sure a lot of Moms were very happy with the #ExpoMom2015 and their finds. Share your finds mothers! =)

SM Kids Fashion Sale Loot

I found out that SM Malls are having their SM Kids Fashion Sale in Mall of Asia two weekends ago.

source

From then on, I wanted to check SM Department store for a possible buy for James. I never bought him any clothes since his first birthday last year because most of his gifts were clothes (pang-bahay and pang-alis). That saved me a lot for not buying any stuff for him for a while. However, I noticed na paulit - ulit na ang shirts and shorts na sinusuot nya although it's a good thing kasi he can use everything while it fits him. you know naman that kids outgrow their clothes pretty fast. I just came up to the idea of buying him new clothes so he could wear something new naman. At the same time, whenever he attends a birthday party, he's only wearing shirts and shorts. I want to try different styles and designs of clothes while he's young. Alam ko kasi pagtanda nyan, wala na akong chance. :p

Anyhow, last Sunday, Daryl said we'll go to Mall of Asia before going back home to Las Pinas. We went to FMIL's house and stayed there for awhile.

7pm came pero we weren't leaving the house yet. Daryl was so busy, going out of the house and doing some basketball business with friends.

Me: (Pagalit) Aalis na kami ni Jami! Uuwi na kami kasi baka gabihin pa kami!
Daryl : Sorry na.. Tara punta na tayong mall..
Me: (Smiles secretly) Ok.. =)

Hahahahah! Ang dali lang talagang i bribe?!

When we had the chance, we went na to SM Department Store. I immediately went sa 3rd floor where their children's clothes are located. It's heaven there!! Daming magagandang stuff for little girls and boys!

Some items were 10%-50% off so mejo ninenerbyos ako ng slight knowing that they're on sale. Lumabas ang shoppingerang froglet na matagal - tagal ko ding tinago sa baul. I was going here and there, kung pwede lang i clone ko ang sarili ko para mas madami akong mapuntahan, ginawa ko na! Hahahaha! =)

My initial plan was to get Jami some shirts/polo, shorts/pants then shoes. I saw a cute rubber shoes kasi in Robinson's Las Pinas last Saturday for P300 and I like it for James kasi wala pa syang ganong style ng shoes pero sobrang pagod na daw ang mag -ama! Imagine? Wala pa kaming 1 hour sa mall, pagod na daw!!

Hayyy.... Men!

Anyway, here's what I got him.

Just Tees P125

BGS (Boys Got Style) P150

Tough Kids 199 each but 2 for P349

I looked for shorts/pants but it's out of the budget I have set for that item so I skipped that and decided to wait for a garage sale. Hahaha! :p If I can't find one there, I'll sure be back in SM to get that Mossimo shorts I am eyeing for. =)

 

Look at that! The little boy is enjoying his new kicks! Whenever I say, "get your shoes na!".. Kukunin na nya agad yan! Hahaha :p

The SM Kids Fashion Sale is until May 31, 2015. We still have plenty of time to go back! =)

Mommy Jen Finds: My First Ever Garage Sale Loot

Couple of weeks ago, one of the apartment has been vacated. There has been major renovation on that unit including adding tiles. I was thinking if the owner of the house would like to have tiles on other units as well once vacated but then found out that it was the new people who rent the unit that wants the house to have tiles. They have paid for the renovation and have it deducted on their monthly dues.

I then figured out that new family has two little kids, both boys so Jami has a new playmate.

Later on, I saw them having a garage sale near our compound's gate. I didn't really like to check on their clothes thinking that it wasn't that pretty tapos the Mommy pa was smaller than me, although we have the same figure - Mommy sexy. :p Back in my dalaga days, takbuhan ko talaga ang malls sa mga clothes. I want brand new beautiful clothes. My mom would get me clothes from ukay-ukay from time to time pero I don't wear them too often depende na lang kung in talaga ang style.

Oo na, ako na ang maarte! Hahaha. But that was back in the day. =)

Anyway, last weekend, they still have their garage sale on a hot sunny day so before we went to the mall, I have decided to check their stuff. Moving on, I finally got hook with garage sale.. Nakakaadik sobra, I was checking our gate kung may garage sale pa. Hahah! =)

Here's what I got.

burberry (original daw) P20

Top for P20

Tube top P10

Sando P10

 I like these tops!! The fabric is still nice and are in good condition. I can't resist paying the price for these, I guess I saved some few bucks with these. :p The Burberry is perfect for dress down days here in the office. The fabric looks a little used na pero ok pa naman. The sheer top was a good find, sakto lang sakin and I like these kind of tops in some days, perfect for summer. The tube top and the sando have purpose too. I like to wear those kinds of tops during lazy days. =)

I also got some stuff for Jami..

Tops for P20

All socks for P15, pillow cover P5

Shoes P50 ; Caps P10 buy one take one

Book for P10

I spent only P190 for all these good finds and I can't believe it! Sobrang addicting lang knowing na these stuff as as good as brand new pa. :p

I loved the shirts that I got for Jami. They are in a very good condition na parang once or twice lang nagamit. The Mom said na once mahanap nya yung shorts ng sporty top, bibigay nya sakin :p The shoes is a lot bigger for Jami pero I bought it kasi it looks brand new pa. I know sooner or later his feet will be that big na so better prepared than not. =) The book was a good find too, nakapila na yan sa mga babasahin ko. I got those socks din so I won't have to buy him new socks and briefs for so many months. I have been wanting to buy him one pero laging nakakalimutan kong isama sa budget so it's a good thing that I saw those socks so he has something to use for the meantime.

I told the Mom pala na if she has old nice shorts or pants from his two kids, let me know so I can have a look din. Gosh! I am telling you, it's so addicting. She has some nice wedge and shoes din pero the size doesn't fit me. She's size 6 and I am 8. =(

So that's what I have for my first garage sale experience. =)