Using LBC Shipping Cart to Shop Abroad

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how to use LBC Shipping Cart

All right, in case it isn't obvious by now - I like shopping to be convenient. When I say convenient, I highly factor in availability of items, safety, and time against the price tag. Of course, I still have my thrifty moments but most of the time, I'd rather spend (granted I can afford it).

I have been on the look out for the perfect nursing cover. I have been looking since last year but all the nursing covers I have seen in malls and online didn't cut it for me. When I went to The Parenting Emporium, I chanced upon Poncho Baby and it was like at first sight. The nautical feel of their organic nursing cover gave it away. I checked the price tag and it was a whopping PhP4,500! What. I tried to look for other brands with a similar style but I couldn't find any. I told myself that Poncho Baby nursing cover is the only one for me. I decided to purchase online but I somewhat delayed it because I thought utilising the nursing cover could wait until my mom comes back from the states. But certain circumstances made me leave the house with baby in tow and I'm left with makeshift nursing covers aka oversized muslins. It was difficult to use not to mention it isn't fashion friendly.

So, I decided to finally purchase a Poncho Baby nursing cover and use a forwarding service to get the item immediately.

What opted me to use Shipping Cart is the fact that membership is free. Yes, signing up is free. I've seen one forwarding service that has an annual membership of USD20. Truth be told, I was expecting to use Shipping Cart just this one time for the nursing cover since my parents are always in the states anyway and I probably won't need items in a rush.

Signing up at ShippingCart.com is easy. After signing up, you will be given a unique US address and telephone number that you can use to have your purchased items delivered there. Let's face it, there are a lot of online stores that only ship within the US territory. And if ever they do international shipping, the shipping fee is costly and you'd wait at least a month plus you also risk your items being taxed by Customs. We all know nothing good goes down when your items are taxed by Customs.

To maximise my LBC Shipping Cart, I also purchased a few items from Essence Makeup. I got the ones that are not available in Manila. I was a bit worried when I purchased online because it was my first time using LBC Shipping Cart and I wasn't sure how fast their service is. Yes, it's one thing to read reviews about them but it's another thing when you finally use the service yourself. It's like there's always a 50% risk that you might not get your items - that kind of feeling.

I ordered on a weekend (US time) so my orders took almost a week to arrive at my US address provided by Shipping Cart. What's good about Shipping Cart is that they notify you via email once they have received your package. With my experience, Poncho Baby and Essence delivered my items on a weekend (or was it a Monday) and it took Shipping Cart about 2 days to confirm and inform me of my package. I was able to track since Poncho Baby and Essence also provided tracking numbers. But yeh, they took a week to deliver. Shipping Cart took 3 days to inform me they already have screened my packages. They opened it for inspection to make sure that what I'm shipping to the Philippines are not prohibited items. They took a picture for me to see. When I received this email, I immediately logged in to my account and had the items shipped to Manila. That was last March 18. I got an email from them informing me that estimated date of arrival is April 2. Last March 21, I got an other email informing me that my package is on its way to Manila. On March 25, I was surprised to see an LBC Box at home! The package arrived one week in advance!

I chose Air Cargo rather than Sea Cargo because I needed the nursing cover right away. Air Cargo takes about 2 weeks (I think) and Sea Cargo can take up to 45 days. The price range is not that off tangent so I highly suggest you just go for the Air Cargo.

Okay, here's the catch - unless you know exactly the measurements of the items you ordered then you can decide from there whether you want to use their service or not. Shipping Cart has a calculator on their website so you can estimate how much you'd pay for shipping fee (from US to Manila). They compute based on weight (per pound) and size, whichever is higher. I knew the items I ordered wouldn't be that bulky and heavy so I was confident that the shipping fee would be fairy priced. Plus, I have this peace of mind that the items I ordered are authentic. Everything that I purchased was for personal use anyway so I don't mind paying extra for the Essence makeup (since they appear to be more expensive due to shipping fee). I mean, SAs in Sm Store keep telling me that the Essence highlighter has been phased out - which is entirely not true!

The total shipping amount for the items I bought was PhP1,078 but I was able to use a coupon code so there was a 15% discount of the shipping fee. I only paid PhP923 after discount. What's nice about Shipping Cart is that they deliver the items straight to your doorstep. No need to pick up the package at the post office. Best of all, no additional tax to be paid at Customs!

You can opt to pay the shipping fee via credit card or cash on delivery. For online purchases, use either a credit card or debit card. 

I'm very happy with my Shipping Cart experience! This definitely won't be my last time using their service!


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2017 #TRAVELGOALS: CARONIA ESCAPADES COLLECTION*

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Get Instagram-worthy nails this summer with the new Caronia Escapades Collection! Featuring three new captivating shades of gray; the new collection will surely complement your travel look and amp up the excitement to your #travelgoals.

Are you the adventurous type who loves trying things that are out of your comfort-zone? The dark gray shade of Caronia Nail Polish in Break Free is a match for you! If you enjoy long rides and the green views along the way, Caronia Nail Polish in Road Trip is your perfect company. Its mossy shade of gray will liven up that nature-lover in you. Or if you just feel like having a quick escape from everything else, Caronia Nail Polish in Day Off is here for a light weekend getaway.

Moreover, Caronia Matte Top Coat is the new must-have under its Nail Care Category! Who doesn’t love matte anyway? :)

Caronia Escapades Collection is available in 8ml and Caronia Matte Top Coat is in 15ml- in major retailers, supermarkets, department stores, and drug stores nationwide
Caronia by Vibelle Manufacturing Corporation is the pioneering and time-tested nail care brand for the hip and trendy. With over 72 colors in its collection, women are given more opportunities to express and channel their creativity. To get more information and updates about the brand visit (www.caronia.com.ph) or follow Caronia: Facebook & Youtube (Caronia Philippines), Instagram & Twitter (CaroniaPh).

* article provided


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Mustela Maternité Skin Care Line

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Women go through a lot of changes emotionally and physically when they are pregnant. Linea Nigra comes out. The belly starts to have stretch marks as it expands. A lot say it's hereditary - if you mom had it, you'd have it too. Others go through pregnancy with ZERO stretch marks. Others (like me) suffer from itchy stretch marks and we go crazy trying different products to minimise those zebra lines on our bellies.

I decided to use Mustela Maternité because it's practically everywhere (at least on the places I go to). Scent also matters to me a lot and I love that Mustela has a very gentle scent that doesn't hurt nostrils. No coconut scent whatsoever.

I used the Mustela Maternité Stretch Marks Prevention Cream (PhP1,490) on my belly mostly to prevent stretch marks. The consistency is just like any other body lotion that isn't sticky.

The product that I was most interested to try was the Mustela Maternité Light Legs Gel. My legs were always tired and I was hopeful that the minty feeling of this gel will make me legs feel better. One liner review: It didn't. On the real tho, it was practically a useless product. You can definitely skip this product.

I used the Mustela Maternité Soothing Moisturizing Balm on my shoulder and legs at times. When I almost run out of the stretch marks cream, I used this on my belly as well just to keep my belly moisturised. This is the biggest product among the three and my tube is still not halfway empty. A little product goes a long way. This might be a nice product to have but any moisturiser (without whitening properties) can be used by any pregnant woman.

When I ran out of the stretch marks cream, I decided to try the Mustela Maternité Stretch Marks Care Oil (PhP1,050). It has a mild scent that isn't bothersome.

But yes, truth be told this skin care line did not work for me at all. I started getting stretch marks on my 28th week even with religious application of these products. Quite frustrating because I highly believed in these products as influencers have raved about these - mm-hmm. I was really hopeful I wouldn't have that much stretch marks. But oh well. Part of motherhood.

To all moms out there, what stretch marks prevention products worked for you? I'd love to know!


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Taking Care of Yourself Down There With GynePro*

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Feminine wash is part of my shower routine. I've never been particular about brands as they all seem to be the same for me.

However, GynePro turned out to be a game changer. I admit that I wasn't very excited (to the moon and back) to use this the first time I received it. Tried it after a few months and all I could say was "why didn't I try this sooner?"

GynePro is more gentle on the skin. I know this because I've been having UTI for the last 10 months and when I made the switch to GynePro, my lab results turned out to be negative. And this was the only thing I changed in my routine. My water intake was more or less the same.

The scent of this feminine wash is very gentle. too. No itchy feeling whatsoever. The formula is liquidy like water unlike most feminine wash that happen to be thicker in consistency like liquid soap. It says on the box to use this for not more than 14 days straight so what I do is take a break for about 2 days and use it again. This feminine wash is even recommended for post-partum care.

GynePro (150mL) retails for PhP130 per bottle.


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We're Officially Part of the First Maybelline Squad!

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I'm sure you guys know by now that I (this blog) am part of the first Maybelline Squad in the Philippines! How cools is that, right?! This would not have been possible if not for you guys - for your never-ending support to this blog. With that, I'm saying that we are part of the first Maybelline Squad!

Maybelline Squad

Bask in the Summer Sun with Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Line*

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Be ready to bask in the summer sun!
Whether you’re hitting sizzlin’ spots or sashaying in the city this summer, we’ve got you covered.

You’ve planned and booked, rounded up your besties and filed your leaves. And while you’re saddened that the cool-clime weeks couldn’t last longer, you’re also so psyched to welcome the summer season in style. On your bucket list are new summer spots, and you’re so thrilled to fill the season with exciting new memories.

Equally as important as your summer spot or wardrobe is your summer stash. You want nothing short of the right tricks and tools to ensure that you enjoy your vacay to the max without having to worry about sore summer burns. With these highly specialized summer goodies only from Céleteque Dermoscience Sun Care, you’ve got the sun products for skin-caring sun protection that meet your tough wanderlust criteria:

When you want light, breezy but potent sun protection
Say goodbye to sticky, icky afterfeel. Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Face and Body Sun Defense Spray with SPF50 (P449 for 100mL) is a non-sticky water-proof double sun defense against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays that can be used in dry and wet conditions. Leaving no visible white marks, it looks flawless when applied. Also, its Vitamin E and sunflower oil content mattifies when rubbed unto skin all while keeping the skin moisturized even when under the sun.

This nifty product will soon be a summer staple, because it’s so easy to use. Simply, shake well, hold the can 6-8 inches away from the body while spraying generously and evenly on skin before sun exposure. For face application, spray onto hands and apply to the face. Re-apply after swimming, perspiring, or whenever needed to maintain best protection. 

When you want to look and feel flawless in the summer
Make sure your summer selfies don’t show an oil-slicked you. With Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with SPF30 (P299 for 50mL), you get mattified double sunscreen protection against UVA/UVB rays during prolonged sun exposure. It hydrates the skin and lends the skin an oil-free and smooth matte finish. Hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use, it is also non-comedogenic and tested for efficacy and moisturization. Apply evenly on cleansed face and neck for daily sunscreen protection. Both shore- and city-ready, this’ll be your best friend in the coming scorching months. 

When you want to soothe the after-effects of the scorching sun
Nothing saps a bright summer mood than a painful burn. Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Skin Relief After-Sun Gel (P290 for 200mL) provides immediate moisturizing and cooling relief to sunburnt skin. Its Anti-inflammatory Soothing Extracts reduce the skin’s possible inflammation after prolonged sun exposure. Plus, it also has Wheat and Aloe Vera Skin Conditioners that soothe and lessen flaking of overly dry skin. Hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use, it’s the sun remedy you need for those beach visits. Apply generously on dry and reddened skin immediately after long sun exposure for immediate soothing relief and moisture replenishment. You’ll feel insta-relieved as the cool gel glides over your skin. Re-apply as often as possible until the sensation of intense dryness and heat subsides. To supplement the healing process, it is still best to re-apply sunscreen with higher SPF level for intense sun exposure.

Get yourself geared up and ready for the summer season. Stash up on these sun goodies to ensure that you have spectacular time under the summer sun. Happy summer, sun siren!

* article provided


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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017'S COMMENTER OF THE MONTH AND WHAT'S IN STORE FOR MARCH-APRIL 2017'S COMMENTER OF THE MONTH!

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It's March already! Ang bilis talaga ng panahon! I can not cope up!

However, I am currently on leave at work for a few months and hopefully I will be able to blog more/frequently. Or at least until before Holy Week.

Well, since it's March - that means Summer is just around the corner. Actually, I've been feeling the hot weather already. Let's hope this summer won't be that hot (wishful thinking)!

For March-April 2017's Commenter of the Month, she will be getting the following items on the photo!