Link Love: December 29, 2010

Sending a lot of link love your way before the year ends! You will find tons of information on skin care, hair style, blogging, writing, and great reading material. Enjoy!

5 Sure-Fire Winter Skin Moisturizers Under $15 by BellaSugar
When it comes to hydrating skin dried out by cold wind and indoor heating, you don't have to go high-end to get something soothing and highly hydrating. Perfect choices for a budget-conscious person like myself!

Get Natasha Bedingfield's Sweetly Shaggy Hairstyle by BellaSugar
The stylist who created Natasha Bedingfield's messy look, Caile Noble of the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in LA, gave a step-by-step breakdown on getting this look right. This was the basis of my new hair style.

6 Reasons Why I Am Thankful for Blogging by BLOGGINGPRO
Andrew G. Rosen resonates by own feelings why I am grateful to be given an opportunity to have a voice in this crazy, online universe.

50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills by SMASHING MAGAZINE
Smashing Magazine collected over 50 useful and practical tools and resources that will help us to improve our writing skills.

The Lure of Public Productivity by catalystspace
I just loved Pete Wilson's insights on John Piper's recent announcement to step down from his ministry role to work on his marriage. I also can't wait to visit his church when we move to Nashville!

The God Who Is There by THE GOSPEL COALITION
In February 2009, Don Carson presented a 14-part seminar entitled “The God Who Is There” at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. This series will serve the church well because it simultaneously evangelizes non-Christians and edifies Christians by explaining the Bible’s storyline in a non-reductionistic way. Full audio and video are available for free on the website.

My Twitter Toolbox by Chris Brogan
Brogan has mastered productivity in using social media tools. His in-depth description on how he uses and manages his Twitter account has challenged me to evaluate how I interact with mine.

3 Ways to Groom Your Eyebrows by EVERYDAY with Rachael Ray
Everything any girl needs to know about having well-groomed eyebrows. Ladies, this is something we must be on top of every day.

How to Grow a Leader by CHURCHLEADERS.COM
This one page PDF article by KidLead gives parents practical tips on how to develop the leadership qualities of their kids.

Catalyst Dallas
The famous (and rightly so) Catalyst Conference is opening its third location in Dallas, Texas on May 11 to 13. The theme is 'Take Courage.' We are praying about being a part of this gathering.

God Uses Critics to Help Us by Josh Harris
Being criticized is a good thing! My constant prayer is to always receive them graciously and never have the desire to 'put anyone in their place.'

Preaching Notes Series by Josh Harris
This is a great learning series. Why? Josh Harris was able to obtain manuscripts of preaching notes by well-known preachers such as Mark Dever, Mike Bullmore, C.J. Mahaney and Tim Keller.

13 e-books to Put on Your Brand-New Kindle by Michael Hyatt
Kind of biased because most books are from the publishing company that he leads but since I have read 10 out of those 13 titles this year, it is still a great list to look at!

15 Books That Have IMPACTED Me Personally by Perry Noble
Great reading list! Just started reading #13 -- The Grace of God by Andy Stanley. I love how it is making an impact on me as well.

5 Books I Want to Read Before 2011 by Neli Atiga
And another reading list worth sharing! I got 'Decoded' by Jay-Z for Robert on Christmas and we just started  going through it. I cannot say I am a hiphop expert (because I'm not) but I have found myself really connected to a couple of songs in that genre in 2010. One them being 'Not Afraid' by Eminem. While a lot of Christians give a lot of grief to fellow believers who listen to hiphop, I love listening to a person's life story and being exposed to the kind of pain/suffering he went through.

iPad Guide: 25+ Essential Resources for Your Apple Tablet by Mashable
The ultimate, non-manual guide to one of the best inventions! I got my iPad in April 2010 and it is now an indispensable tool to my work and personal productivity.

Get Started With a Reading Plan by YouVersion
Ready for a new Bible reading plan for 2011? This link is a great starting point.

Lasting Student Ministry
A 64-page e-Book for youth pastors that has been buzzing with great reviews. Bought this for Rob and excited to learn from the wisdom of great 14 youth leaders.

(Note: I have a new 'feature' on this blog called 'On The Radar.' You will see it on the right side of the blog. You will discover more links to valuable content that I feel is worth sharing right away, instead of waiting for it to be featured on 'Link Love.' Hope you enjoy the stuff I share with you!)

Last of Two Parts: Favorite Skin Care Products

Thank you to every person who has responded to the previous blog entry with so much enthusiasm! I received all the comments, direct messages, tweets and e-mails. I am looking forward to trying most of the products that you recommended.

Today, I am excited to share with you the last part of this series. I asked several women (who are all beautiful inside and out!) about their skin care secrets -- products that they have come to rely on throughout the years.

Abby Cruz (@itsmeabbytots)
I love Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier for taking out makeup especially waterproof mascara. Good for cleansing too!

Anna Moran (@annadmoran)
I use mild facial soap, toner, and moisturizer from LAB 46 (a brand my sister-in-law sells). I use Johnson's Milk Baby Lotion too. I use it everyday before I sleep.

Anne Jackson (@FlowerDust)
Simple, old-fashioned Oil of Olay moisturizer. The kind that my mom used! She is 60 and barely has a wrinkle!

Carisse Escueta (@carrisescueta)
It'll have to be Aveeno Facial Sunblock with SPF55. I never leave without putting some on, no matter what.

Cesca Litton (@checklit)
I use moisturizer with SPF everyday. Right now I'm using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF50. The SPF factor is a bit high for daily use but it's non-greasy and it hasn't made my skin break out. I'm still on my first tube but so far so good.

Charmaine Guiao (@lotsaCharms)
Neutrogena and Celeteque works for me. I like their compact powder. It doesn't make my face itch unlike other products.

Donita Rose (@RealDonitaRose)
Creme de la Mer is the best ...

Gemma Alburo (@gandagemgem)
My all-time favorite is Photo Finish Foundation Primer by Smashbox.

Jackie Forster (@jackieforster)
My favorite skin care product TODAY would be my Origins moisturizer with SPF30. But my all-time favorite is St. Ives Apricot Scrub! The old school version. That will forever be by the sink!

Karen Rigoroso (@justkakers)
My most favorite is Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Cream Body Wash. Makes my skin smooth and soft.

Kookie Guzman (@voodoogirl)
I love Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque. My skin feels smooth instantly. It smells good too! I also love their Intensive Moisture Balance. It's what I use everyday and it doesn't feel heavy or sticky. I have dehydrated and sensitive skin.

Kristie Enriquez (@kristieenriquez)
Shu Uemura cleanser! And VMV moisturizer.

Kristina Maralit (@KristinaMaralit)
I'm not so much into beauty products but I use Cetaphil. I also like Ponds facial wash and toner. That's pretty much it!

Liz Claudio (@lizetteclaudio)
Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care moisturizer. Kind of pricey but it doesn't make my skin break out. I can't find it in the Philippines though! Only in CVS/Duane Reade.

Liz Tokushige (@liztokushige)
I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion. I love its lightweight hydration. It's fragrance-free too. Perfect for my sensitive skin!

LJ Moreno (@daredevilchic)
My favorite is Oil of Olay Anti-Aging Night Cream.

Mafae Belasco (@MafaeB)
My favorite would have to be Ponds Age Miracle with SPF15.

Maia Reyes (@maiasky)
Does Ivory soap count? That, plus Proactiv Repairing Lotion and MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator.

Malou Atienza (@malouatienza)
Neutrogena!

Margaux Cortez (@PnutButterNoJam)
In high school, all I ever used was Noxzema. Can't find it in Manila though!

Miakka Lim (@Miakka)
Ponds Cold Cream and Age Miracle. Did you know that as soon as a lady hits 20 she should start using the Age Miracle line already? It's great for evening out skin tones.

Patricia Hizon (@patriciahizon)
Clindamycyn 2% and Vitamin A by Dr. Sylvia Huang. Put the Clindamycyn on your pimple and it's gone without a trace the next day!

Patricia Malay (@patriciamalay)
Dove Beauty Bar. The plain one.

Rica Peralejo (@ricaperalejo)
Shu Uemura Cleasing Oil!


Hope you enjoyed reading all these skin care recommendations! How about you? Any tried-and-tested skin care product or regimen that you would like to share with us?

First of Two Parts: Favorite Skin Care Products

About a month ago, I found myself in complete enjoyment sharing with you my favorite makeup products that can be brought from the drugstore. And you know what drugstore brands mean: affordable!

Who doesn't love an inexpensive product that works really well ?

When it comes to skin care, I do not mind investing a bit more if it means I can rely on it for fantastic results. I am loyal to a lot of drugstore brands but I also have favorites that require me to save up and set aside some of my hard-earned paycheck.

No makeup can ever replace the glow of a clean and healthy complexion. That is why taking care of our skin is worth every penny.

Today, I am excited to share with you some products that I have come to rely on throughout the years. Not only that, I have also asked some of my female friends (who are all beautiful inside and out!) what their skin care favorites are.

Disclaimer: I have very oily skin. What might work perfectly for me might not work for other skin types. However, you can look for other stuff in their product lines that match your skin type.

1) Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Stress Control™ Power-Cream Wash ($7.99)
Robert and I both rely on this facial wash to keep our complexion in check. I tend to break out a lot in the chin area during times of stress. It has always been that way since I hit puberty. Using this wash helps out a lot in this problem area.

2) Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($5.99)

There is a debate out there whether this is good for us or not. Legitimate sources claim that absorbing oil from the face makes our skin produce more sebum -- making it a whole lot oilier. 

It's probably true; and to tell you the truth, I never wanted to verify it. My reasons are very superficial. I just don't like an oily face in photographs. I just can't stand it. Therefore, I will always rely on these sheets to mattify my skin without adding any more pressed powder.

Has it made me break out more? I haven't really experienced a facial attack that makes me question my blotting habits. That's just me!

3) RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($15.44)

Something I wish I knew when I was way younger: start using an anti-wrinkle night cream as early as possible. I started in my late 20s when I could have been doing it for ten years. RoC makes the neglect much more bearable! I'd like to think I still look okay for my age (34)!

4) Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($7.99)
This is a product that I completely rely on when I live in Manila. I walk around a lot in this congested city (read: heavy pollution) which makes my pores prone to blackheads. Ugh! Thank goodness these strips get the job done.

5) Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream ($4.99)
Nothing beats a classic! I use this when I need to take off a fully made-up face. It takes it all away! I will always love its minty smell and the tingly feel.

6) L'Oreal Eye Makeup Remover ($6.59)
Everything I want and need in a product that removes thick, waterproof mascara: effective, very gentle, clean, and non-oily.

7) Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($7.99)

Yes, I have a cleanser to beat acne in humid weather. Another one to take off makeup completely. Here is another one that I use for daily general cleaning of my face. It's gentle on the skin, not masked with with some weird fragrance and it leaves everything soft.

8) Neutrogena® Age Shield Face Sunblock ($8.24)
The most important thing of all! You probably hear this all the time and I will say it again: we must use sunblock at all times :-)

Here are some reasons why this particular product works so well. It is a broad spectrum UVA-UVB sun protection. It works really well under makeup. It has antioxidant vitamins that our skin needs. Never clogs my pores (so important to me).

That wraps up the first part of the skin care series! Up next: favorite products by women I love!

How about you? Please share products that have worked well for you throughout the years :-)