Romantic Mornings with Dentiste

Did you know most regular toothpastes are not specially formulated to guard against night time bacteria?

That is mainly the reason why even if you brush and use mouthwash before going to bed, you still wake up with well, morning breath.

That's where Dentiste Nighttime Toothpaste comes to the rescue. It is the only herbal toothpaste made with advanced dental technologies and powered with 14 Natural Extracts, such as Xylitol and  Vitamin C, which are specially formulated to inhibit nighttime oral bacteria that are the major cause of bad morning breath and cavities. It is also proven effective against gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

It is not only a toothpaste, it's a mood enhancer. Imagine waking up with sweet breath each day. Now imagine waking up to your partner's sweet breath. Hahaha!

Dentiste is recommended not only for couples, but also to those with allergies to synthetic-based toothpastes, those with thyroid problems, pregnant women, diabetics, smokers, caffeine drinkers, people with sensitive teeth and those who wear braces and dentures.

More than just toothpaste, Dentiste also makes mouth wash, breath spray, dental floss. Just about everything to guarantee you fresh breath not just during night time but 24/7.

If you've read far enough down here, well, lucky you! Here's a flash giveaway! I'll announce the winner on the eve of February 17!

Here's how to join:

1) Like Dentiste PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentistetoothpastephilippines.

2) Leave a comment on this blog post and share your idea on how to spend a perfect romantic morning.

You  may also join via my Instagram post here. If you join via Instagram, don't forget to Follow @dentistekiss on IG.

I will only be choosing one winner, whether you join through here or on Instagram. Make sure I have a way of contacting you, either by leaving your Instagram or Twitter account on your comment in this blog post if you do not want to leave an email address. The prize will be shipped by the folks at Dentiste directly to the winner. 

Our Tiny Buds Faves + A Tiny Buds Laundry Giveaway!

Moms today are spoilt for choice. It used to be that it was impossible to find organic and natural products locally, but now, there are just so many brands we can rely on to fill our needs.

One of my go to brands is Tiny Buds, a premium line of baby care products made from high-quality natural extracts. They are free from harmful chemicals and is a guaranteed safe choice for our family.

Tried & Tested:

So far, we've used the Baby Bottle & Utensil Wash, which is made from 100% food safe ingredients that can remove bacteria and foul smells, and is free from artificial coloring, preservatives and cancer-causing parabens. It's so mild it doesn't leave any residue or smell on baby bottles and silicone nipples, and may be used to clean baby's fruits and vegetables as well.

We also love the Sticky Hand Wipes, an absolute must in any diaper bag! Tiny Buds hand wipes are also made from food grade ingredients, formulated with Chamomile and Vitamin E to clean and moisturize baby’s skin, and is hypo-allergenic, alcohol free and paraben free.

Extra thick and silky soft, they don't leave any sticky after-feel and one sheet can in fact be used repeatedly to thoroughly clean mouths and hands made gooey with melted ice cream.

Xavi all clean after finishing a scoop of Bono Gelato and wiping off the stickiness with Tiny Buds Sticky Hand Wipes

I've tried the Rice Baby Powder, based on samples I've gotten from my Mommy Mundo loot bags, but haven't gotten around to using it regularly. But I loved how natural it felt, as it's 100% made from rice grains and was grittier than the usual baby powder we're used to, and totally free from talc, so it's safe for sensitive and delicate skin.

It wasn't until Lorina Tan of Tiny Buds sent me their vast array of goodies though did I realize that I have only scratched the surface of their entire product range. I had a grand time going through this gift basket, sniffing around and reading labels. I can't wait to try them all one by one.

Gift Basket Service:

I told Lorina I loved how it was packaged too.

Turns out they do accept customized gift basket orders, as Tiny Buds make great baby shower presents.

If you would like to order a customized gift basket, simply email Tiny Buds at info@tinybudsbaby.com - I know I loved the sight of this basket overflowing with products, so I am pretty sure your sister, cousin, friend or work colleague will too.

New Products!

Tiny Buds recently launched the latest addition to their lineup: Laundry products such as the Natural Laundry Powder for Babies, Natural Liquid Laundry Wash for Babies and Natural Fabric Softener for Babies. 

They are the first line of natural plant-based laundry washes specially made for baby's sensitive skin. 

The special ingredients are biodegradable which means they dissolve easily in water without leaving any harsh chemical residues on the fabric. In fact, laundry water after use is non-harmful to plants and the environment. 

A Giveaway!

That said, Tiny Buds and yours truly would be thrilled to have three of you dear readers get to try their Laundry Liquid and Fabric Softener, so if you'd like to do so, please join the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to

1. Like the Tiny Buds Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/tinybuds
2. Follow @tinybudsbaby on IG

3. Leave a comment on this blogpost answering the question,  

"Why do you want to try Tiny Buds Natural Baby Products for your Baby?" 

Entries are accepted until 11:59 pm on June 5, 2015 and 3 winners will be announced the following week. Join to win Tiny Buds for your tiny tots!

Bespoke Your NiQua

Apart from black and camel, my third favorite neutral for bags is burgundy. Apparently, it's this season's shade too, as net-a-porter says so above!

But I didn't know that yet when Bunnie of NiQua asked me to come up with a bespoke Manico bag for myself.

All I knew was that I wanted a burgundy tote. So I came up with these, in three sizes, Mini, Medium and Large:

Berry & I love our matching totes. She has the Mini while I have here with me the Large. Although the Medium size is a great size too if you want a handy everyday bag.

 

Here's a better look at my Large Manico tote:

Here's Berry's:

Now for the best news of all! I can help you Bespoke your NiQua this November 22 at Century City Mall, where I can personally assist you in designing a Mini Manico with shoulder strap*, on us!

Simply join, by using the Rafflecopter widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- Follow @NiQuashop on IG / @NiQuashop on Twitter / and NiquaShop on FB
- Grab one of their Bespoke Your NiQUA Photos on their website

- Post on Instagram the Bespoke ur NiQUA photo and tell us your peg when you design your own Bespoke ur NiQUA 

- Don't forget to use the hashtag #bespokeurNiQUA and tag @NiQUAshop @christinedychiao

* Design time with me is on November 22 at 3 pm. If you can't make it, NiQua can just send the voucher to you. Promo Duration is from today, November 13 till November 20. I will contact the winner by November 21, 8 am!

To give you an idea of how to bespoke your NiQua, it's more than just having your initials embossed on a bag!

First, you decide if you want it on a clutch...

Or a bag.

If it's a bag, you may choose the hardware, the length and color of the handle drop, the color of the sides (you may have two different colors for each side!), the color of the body, and the color of the base.

 

For the hardware, you can choose from Brass, Gold, and Gunmetal. Bongga diba?

If you want to Bespoke Your NiQua now, you may pre-order now and take advantage of the discount! Details below:

Visit NiQua to find out more about their bespoke offerings! Or you can always join the giveaway, para fun, and free! ;)

Congratulations to the Lysol Winner!

Congratulations Apol! 

Please wait for an email from me so we can coordinate with Lysol on getting your gift packs! ;)

Here's to your happy, healthy home!

A Lysol Giveaway

Would you like to try Lysol's new Disinfectant Spray for Baby's Room? We'll throw in Lysol's new liquid anti-bacterial hand soap too! Simply join by using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will choose one winner and Lysol will take care of shipping the winner's prize! Entries accepted until July 3, 2014!

UPDATE: Lysol can only ship within Metro Manila because of the aerosol spray can. Winners who live outside of Metro Manila must be able to provide a Metro Manila address.

The Yosi Samra Summer Giveaway Winners

Sharing with you the winning entries from our Yosi Samra Summer Giveaway. Congratulations Marie & Juno! Marie, you've made staying in Manila during the summer sound so much more bearable! Juno, I've always wanted to go to Greece, so divine!

Why wait until my next vacation to sport a new pair of Yosi Samra's? I'd wear them in Manila! Snakeskin+studs = perfect neutral flip-flop to pair with white shorts, silk blouse and an oversized bag! To the mall, coffee date with the girlfriends, or Saturdate with the hubby - there's never an excuse not to be stylish! - Marie Ona

This April, my firm will be visiting Athens, Santorini and Meteora in Greece. I am most excited about visiting Meteora, which literally means “suspended in the air.” Meteora refers to a group of monasteries, dating back to the 11the century, built on the summits of vertical rock formations in Thessaly, Greece. We will be taking the train from Athens and a car up to the skyscraping monasteries. The views will be breathtaking and the entire experience, mystical, if not spiritual! Just looking at the photos makes me want to fast forward to our trip!  My YS flats, chic and comfy as ever, will surely be great company then :) - Juno Cabanez

Re-discovering United Colors of Benetton + Win an Outfit from UCB!

Back in the early 90s, Benetton jeans were the hottest things to have, along with their colorful sweatshirts. It's fair to say that Benetton started my denim obsession actually.

It was probably the J Brand/Mother Denim/Current Elliott of my high school years, before Girbaud and Armani Jeans made us pay Php4,000 for denims, and way before a plethora of cult denim labels like Seven for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity changed our jeanetic makeup and made us think nothing about dropping hundreds of dollars on a pair of denims.

The last time I bought something from Benetton, I was in college. 

I remember it was a pair of light blue skinny printed trousers and a cotton t-shirt from the Benetton store on Kensington High Street in London.

After that however, I had moved on from the classics and explored more trendy high street brands like Topshop, Miss Selfridge and H&M (which was called Hennes & Mauritz then). I started buying denims from Replay and Diesel then.

So it was with a bit of nostalgia when I stepped into the United Colors of Benetton store on Bonifacio High Street again. It had been years since I last went inside, after over a decade of associating it with my teenage years.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that the brand had grown up with me. Especially since I find that as I get older, all the more that I am drawn back to classic pieces.

Clothes that transcend seasons and are meant to be worn season after season. There was no semblance to the logo tees and denims of my youth.

It was like Benetton had graduated, gone to college and started a career along with us.

Take this jacket for instance. It's feminine and yet it says, "I'm responsible" heehee.

Love this figure flattering shift dress.

Light, airy tops that can be worn underneath a blazer or paired with a cardigan and pencil skirt.

Structured bags for work.

The only things trendy and playful were the shoes, such as these neon cut-out flats...

These polka dot and camo flats...

And these fun, summer-y fold-over clutches that are a steal at less than Php2,000 each.

It was the men's section that were a complete throwback to the Benetton I knew 20 plus years ago. They still had the classic polo shirts, jackets, caps and denims that I remember teenage boys were wearing during my time.

These camo sneakers for guys are very "now" though! We had none of these growing up, heehee.

My favorite finds from my recent visit to UCB? 

Thermal underwear! If you've been looking for thermals to take on a trip to some place cold, UCB has it in all the colors you'll need - nude, grey and white!

And these sandals that are still made in Italy, but retail for only Php2,250 O.M.G.

I really do have a soft spot for shoes still made in Italy. Heehee.

I just had to try it on, and they were love. Love. LOVE.

As for you my dears, 2 of you get a chance to win an ENTIRE OUTFIT (top & bottom + accessories) from United Colors of Benetton! All you have to do is:

1. Go to your nearest United Colors of Benetton store and take a photo of your favorite piece/s from the store. Better yet, take a photo of yourself wearing the entire outfit you want to win!

2. To send an entry, you have the option of 

- emailing it to me, manilafashionobserver(at)gmail(dot)com and or

- posting it on your Instagram account sharing which items you like, with the hashtag #MFOxUCB and tagging me @christinedychiao

3. Leave a comment here so I can look for your entry!

Two winners will be announced by April 30, 2013 - so join join join!

Anti-Pawis Protection this Summer with Lactacyd Toddler Tubs + A Giveaway!

For a time, I associated Lactacyd with feminine hygiene, so when I first spotted Lactacyd Toddler Tubs in Mercury Drug, I couldn't reconcile it with kids and bath time. 

But when my friend Gretch of Modern Mama, the chicest mom & baby store in Cebu, told me that Lactacyd Toddler Tubs keeps her sons smelling fresh all day, and Xavi was beginning to smell more like an active toddler and less like a baby, I bought a bottle for Xavi and I have been hooked ever since.

It really does take out my little boy's amoy pawis smell and keeps him amoy pawis-free hours after. Not just during summer, but the whole year round!

Dermatologically-tested and made from hypoallergenic ingredients, Lactacyd Toddler Tubs helps fight odor-causing bacteria with Lactoserum and Lactic Acid.  It has gentle moisturizers and is trusted by pediatricians nationwide. Plenty of reason to love, and all the more because they've also started the Mums and Tubs Club on Facebook, a community of moms where we can all learn about the science of baby care, together! Like it too, and see you there!

And now, if you haven't been initiated into the world of Lactacyd Toddler Tubs yet, or you're already a huge fan and would love to have a fresh supply to keep on hand, especially this hot, scorching summer, join our giveaway!

Lactacyd Toddler Tubs & yours truly are giving away 3 Lactacyd gift packs, just like this one, woohoo!

Rafflecopted is down as of this writing, so just join by:

1) Liking Mums & Tubs Club and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

2) Following @mumsandtubsclub and @cd_mfo on Twitter

  

3) Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you love/want to try Lactacyd Toddler Tubs this summer. Don't forget to leave your Facebook name and Twitter ID so I know how to reach you!

Entries are accepted until March 30, 2014 and three winners will be announced on March 31, 2014. 

Yosi Samra Megamall + Spring 2014 + A Summer Giveaway!

Have you been to that new wing of Megamall called Megamall Fashion Hall aka Building D? That big building right on EDSA where the H&M Philippines flagship store is going to be?

Well, well, well it is worth a visit, also because there's a Yosi Samra store on the 2nd floor that just opened there recently. 

The new store has all the classic, year round styles of course, including the kids line, so you can totally dress up your mini me's feet in these...

As well as the latest colors from their Spring 2014 Collection:

sorbet colors with metallic cap toes

snakeskin with black cap, camel with black, or white with beige combinations

I noticed too that the new pairs have subtle branding now, with a tiny YS logo right at the back of the heel counter.

The snakeskin with black cap toe ballet flats are my fave from this current collection. I think it's a must have.

And speaking of snakeskin, how fantastic are these studded snake skin slippers? Also by Yosi Samra. It's just so gorgeous in real life. If you look closely, it has gold studs too. But it doesn't deter from the total look, as it actually adds more character to this particular pair. 

Medyo rockstud-ish, but hindi bastos.

There's a black version too, that's tone on tone.

As well as a striking red hot chili pepper pair that I can imagine will perk up any droll day.

So hard to decide no? The snakeskin is neutral but not quite, while the red is just so statement-y. Both I like!

And now, tan dan dan dan. A giveaway! A giveaway! A giveaway! I want to know where you would wear these new YOSI SAMRA FLIP FLOPS!

2 of you dear readers get a chance to *win a pair of your choice from Yosi Samra. All you have to do is join using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Basically,  

• Like Yosi Samra Philippines on Facebook 
• Like Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook 
• Follow @cd_mfo on Twitter
• Email a photo of where you are going in your Yosi Samra flip flops this summer to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com 
• Leave a comment on this post and tell us where you will wear your Yosi Samra flip flops this summer! Be as descriptive as you can.

And with that, join na! Winners will be announced by the first week of April, just in time to wear your new pair of Yosi Samras for summer!

*Entries must be about where you would want to wear the new Yosi Samra flip flops. Winners however can choose any pair from the store - it may be from the main collection, the new Spring/Summer collection, flip flops, flats, for you, or for your little one. If you win, you get to take home your pick!