Few months ago, I posted my acne journey and how I was able to discover the real culprit behind it-coffee. It went viral. I received a lot of messages and my blog readership increased. And after that post, I promised myself never to drink coffee again.

Just this month, I received a message from a brand that challenges to bring my love for coffee. :) I was hesitant to try at first since I don't want to experience another nightmare, but also hoping that it would be the answer after months of longing for caffeine. :)

So what's this coffee brand I'm talking about and why is it different from other brands available in the market?

BARLICO! :)

Barlico’s line of barley and chicory-based instant coffee substitutes are 100% caffeine free and are made from all-natural ingredients, making them a health-conscious alternative for individuals whose health conditions and preferences limit their caffeine consumption.

What is Barley?

Barley is one of the most widely consumed cereal grains in the world. This healthy whole grain has been rapidly gaining popularity over the past few years due to the various health benefits they provide. When roasted and brewed, it is a close substitute for coffee. Why barley?

• Cleanses the digestive system and aids in kidney function
• Promotes bone health
• Lowers blood cholesterol
• Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
• Helps prevent cancers in the digestive system

What is Choicory?

Chicory, a close relative of lettuce and cabbage, grows woody and fibrous roots that has a similar flavor with coffee. Traditionally used for herbal medicine for its restorative properties, chicory is considered a superfood. Why chicory?

• Promotes liver and gall bladder function
• Aids in digestion as a natural diuretic, laxative and an anti-inflammatory agent
• Helps manage osteoarthritis and other bone and joint diseases
• Contains probiotic fiber, which promotes absorption of calcium

Is Barlico Caffeeine free?

Caffeine is a naturally-occurring substance found in plants such as coffee, cacao, and tea, and can be found in beverages and food items such as coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea drinks, and tea-based desserts.

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Yes! You've read the title right. I had an overnight stay in a hotel for only 950 Pesos! :)

As what I have said in one of my blog entries, I always needed a place to stay whenever our call time from work is either too early or too late since it is not advisable for me to travel from Cavite to Manila, vice versa. Because of that, it has been a tradition of mine to blog the hotels or inns I had been to. :) Here is the compilation of my travel escapades in case you would want to read: Travel Goals

The hotel that I will be reviewing today is actually a last minute booking for I thought, our department team building wouldn't be pushed through because of the Habagat. Luckily, when it was announced that we will still be going to Bataan the next day, I was still able to find a hotel that can accommodate me that night. To my surprise, it was actually cheaper than what I had expected. We all know that prices are much higher if you will only book on the day of your check-in compared to days/s before. 

Oh! I used Traveloka app for this booking (not sponsored). :)

MALATE PENSIONNE

I always been seeing this hotel back when my friends and I used to hang-out at Coffee Bean right next to it. It is accessible to public transportation and in heart of the busy street in Malate. Food establishments, malls, groceries, salons, everything you need is nearby! :) It is also a grab away from my work that's why I didn't hesitate to try a night here. :)

Experience:

Upon entering the hotel, I have already felt a Hispanic vibe of this pensione. The staff are accommodating, one even accompanied me to my room.

It was quite creepy that the place reminded me of a museum rather than an ancestral house. HAHAHAHA. 

It was creepier that you can hear a squeaking sound every time you walk on their wooden floor.

One thing I look forward each time I stay in a hotel is their signature scent. It's disappointing that the hallway of this hotel including the room smells floor polish/wax. It was actually too strong. Tsk.

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It's my Birthday! :) I will be sharing the preparation I had before the pictorial for my Portfolio. :) I didn't hire make-up artist since this is just a simple photo shoot. :)

1. Prepare Skin

Here's the article I have written on how I prepare my skin: Morning Skincare Routine

On normal days, after moisturizing my skin with serum, I just usually put concealer, powder, lip balm and I'm good to go. 

2. Make-up

2.1 Foundation

Since I had good sleep, I didn't use primer. :) Every time I have pictorial, I make sure to cover everything with Revlon Colorstay Shade #150. This is one of my favorite foundations! :) Perfectly covers blemishes with natural finish. :)

2.2 Concealer

I cover my dark circles with Fashion 21's SPF50 Perfect Stick. :) I don't usually put concealers on pimples. My skin feels irritated. :)

2.3 Bake

I pat loose powder on the areas I know have the tendency to oil up after few hours. I'll leave it for around 5-10 minutes then wipe using a brush. I am using the famous, Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.

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