Hey, everyone! Does anyone else also feel a bit of disbelief that February is already ending, but yet it’s only even February? Because I totally do. I feel like so much has already happened in such a short span of time, it’s making my head spin. It’s also literally making me sick. Early this year, I’ve had to deal with a cancer scare, thanks to the great doctor who checked up on me and went “it could either be an infection or cancer”. Since there is a multitude of health concerns that can be inherited from either side of the family, you have no idea how terrified I was the two weeks I had to undergo tests and wait for the diagnosis. C and I celebrated the day I was told it was only a cancer scare and I had seafood ramen for dinner.. which then triggered an allergic reaction. As it turns out, it was a ‘chance’ reaction to seafood that lasted for two weeks where I was put on a hypoallergenic diet. The spots are still subsiding up to now, though, but at least it’s not as visible anymore. I also had to adjust my body clock back to day shift after working the night shift for more than a year, which in turn weakened my immune system enough for me to catch the flu. Three weeks in, I’m back to working the night shift, and I guess you can already see where this is going. I’m sick again and has been constantly plagued by migraines. I really need to up my vitamin game. Any suggestions?

With all the health concerns, I spent half the time being sad about it, and the other half throwing money at my feelings. It is during this kind of days where I felt like it’s mom who made our home feel like home, and even if I stay in because I’m sick it doesn’t feel as homey as it used to be. Even shopping therapy can’t stop me from missing her. Fortunately, I didn’t spend more than I can afford (personal rule when spending money). But I also wasn’t as frugal as my mom would have preferred (please don’t haunt me).

I have an abundance of dresses, skirts, and (surprisingly, for someone living in this tropical country) knit sweaters, in my closet. But I seriously lack tops. The start of the year meant ‘end of season’ sales everywhere, which I took advantage of when I went inside MANGO to find out they were selling their tops for a little more than a quarter of the original price. I got tops in white (the little floral embroideries grabbed me), peach, and moss green (I didn’t see that the string for the button had a problem 😦 ). Admittedly, my color palette could rival ones of a unicorn a few years back, but I’m now at the phase where I lean towards muted colors, as you can see from my purchases below.

I also got some items from Old Navy – this burgundy pair of pants are so comfortable and something you can dress up or dress down in. I also bought this white shirt which cost less than Php 200 because I don’t own one yet (I know, right). The swimwear was sold separately but since I found a matching pair, I bought it. I am in love with those scalloped edges! Now I only need to get back to having red hair, and I can pretend I’m the little mermaid again.

I ordered the ZOEVA Bamboo Luxury Set brushes I wanted from Sephora that I didn’t get to buy in Singapore since it was only available online. It’s such a great purchase – the brushes are soft, have minimal fallout, and applies like a dream. It also comes with a nice beige pouch that I will be using when I’m traveling. I also bought a box of Benefit Cosmetics 1st Prize – Strobing & Highlighting Set since I have no idea how to use a highlighter yet, and I wanted to try out the ones from Benefit before buying anything full sized. I got a laptop sleeve freebie which turned out to be useful since my laptop fit nicely in it.

Since I don’t really do a lot of eye makeup, I don’t own any eyeshadow palettes. I decided that it’s about time to invest in one and looked around for a nice all around palette. After reading a lot of reviews, I went and bought the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance eyeshadow palette from @themakeupstore.mnl. She has a lot of on hand items for people like me who hates waiting. For those who don’t mind waiting and want to buy it for a price that’s a little bit cheaper, you can also get it from @scentsandbeautyph. I preordered quite a stash of lip products from her that will be arriving next month. I can’t wait to show you guys!

I went with C to Nuvali on another shopping trip (yes, we literally name our dates where one of us are planning to buy something as ‘shopping trips’), as he was on a lookout for new leather shoes. I told myself I wouldn’t buy anything.. and here we are. I got this peach knee-length pleated dress because I have a variation of dresses with this style but not this color yet (I am very fond of plain knee-length dresses). I also got a pair of dark green jeans from UNIQLO since C has one, and it looked great on him lol. My last clothing purchase is of this knit sleeveless turtleneck that was on sale from Cotton On which I bet I can pair with all the skirts I own. Yas!

My last purchase for this month is a laptop. I have gone four years without my own by borrowing from either my siblings or C, but I have found myself using it more and I just can’t share one anymore. I looked around and really liked the ASUS Zenbook 3 in Rose Gold. Unfortunately, it was consistently unavailable here in Manila since it launched, so we went around and compared other laptops that had similar specs. I’ve owned it for a few weeks now, and so far, no regrets!

Let me know in the comments below if these monthly haul posts are something you’d like to read again, or if I should do something else. Kinda weird writing about it too, because I feel like I burned so much money away. Haha!