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Archive for 2012|Yearly archive page

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Resolution-ize your life for 2013

In Philippine Star Column on December 28, 2012 at 2:14 am
Have a VERY happy 2013!

Have a VERY happy 2013!

It seems we’ve survived, not only another Christmas season, but the much-talked-about “end of the world” scheduled for December 2012. So, since this can be looked upon (like any new year) as a fresh start, it’s almost time to whip out your wishlist for yourself once more. Wishlists are lovely to write, but when it involves taking action to achieve certain goals or desires, the task gets either too daunting, too tedious, or too impossible and the excuse list overtakes the actual wish list. Perhaps you can do things a little differently this year to ensure that you can give yourself a pat on a back for a job well done when 2014 rolls around. Here’s what you can do:

1. People making lists. Really map out how you would like to see yourself in each quarter of the year. If that still seems a little too “long” to plan ahead, then start with a month-to-month goal of what it is you would like to experience or see happen in your life (i.e., the most common is losing weight or getting back in shape after the all-out feasting during the Christmas season). So list something like: “January 2013, start weighing myself every day” which could become a regular part of your mornings and keep you aware of how much you should or shouldn’t eat that whole day.

2. Picture perfect. Visualization techniques work when they are attached to a certain emotion — normally elation and excitement. Take the time to really get a visionboard going. Again, write down what you want and when you want it achieved by, go through magazines with photos of how you want you and your life to look and put it somewhere you can always see it. If you share a space, then you can simply tack a mantra up on your bathroom mirror so you can see it every day like, “Today I will put aside X amount of my salary so I can travel to X by June 2013” for example. You can also put this as a Post-it note on your laptop, or agenda book, or even on your phone. Pictures truly help! When you see an image of what you want, your heart and head kick in raising your adrenaline and making you “feel” what it would be like to be at your desired life station.

3. Peer pressure. Want to hold true to your word? Tell a close friend or family member who isn’t afraid to speak the truth to you and someone you trust and respect. Why? Because he or she can gently and not-so-gently remind you when you are off-track and also be your cheerleader when you are heading slowly but surely toward your goal. I recently told a friend that I wanted to get into shape for a trip to Hawaii and, boy, he held me to my word. Aside from telling me to text him my weight every day (photo included of the scale) I also had to tell him what I was eating. Trust me, there is nothing like having someone on your back reminding you that you promised yourself to do something. I am grateful, a bit annoyed at times, but so far, so good.

4. Do cluedo. They say success leaves clues. This rings true even with short-term goals. If you wish to start your own business in 2013 then invest a little in expanding your network somewhat as well as your education. Have someone in mind that you’d like to emulate, or a business idea, and see if you can find a way to get more information on how that business came to be. If the owner or founder of the company is in the country then it takes less than six degrees of separation to find your way to him or her. If they are not available (or even no longer alive) then use the power of the Internet to research any book they may have written or interview they have given. See what is possible for you to follow, or even improve on, and with this kind of inspiration, coupled with visualizing, then you’ll have a pretty strong incentive to stick to what you want to do.

5. Belief work. First and foremost, before you even get down to sticking to any resolution, you have to honestly believe that you can do it. Life in general can get in the way, as can friends with well-intentioned jabs at this all-new, focused, seemingly-inflexible you. Keep your eye on the prize and know that yes, you can do anything you set your heart and mind to, especially if it’s for the good of a lot more other people. If it’s all about you, then you may not be enough at times to see it through, but if you keep the bigger picture in mind — like say, you get to save enough money, so much so you can bring someone you really love with you on your next trip — then you have a bigger chance of sticking to your goals and just smilingly drowning out all the other “noise” around you.

2013 can absolutely be your year, in every respect. Just take the first step and see you at journey’s end. Here’s to a happy, happier you!

(The Philippine Star) | Updated December 28, 2012 – 12:00am

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Sculptural accents for a different kind of evening bag from Michelline Syjuco

In Philippine Star Column on December 14, 2012 at 12:52 am
Red-y to wear. A heart shaped minaudiere

Red-y to wear. A heart shaped minaudiere

It was back in 2008 that the name Michelline Syjuco first crossed my editorial life. I was then EIC for one of the country’s biggest glossies and my team and I were doing our first Holiday Shopping Special. There was a rather boldly constructed cuff that was unfortunately mislabeled as someone else’s when the magazine went to print, prompting a rather dismayed letter from Syjuco, correcting us for our error. Understanding the sensitivity of an artist having worked so hard on a creation, only to not be credited for it, I personally called her to apologize, was forgiven, and since then (although well-deserved) both she and her work were regular features in our magazine and events. Prior to her “mis”-feature  she first got noticed, not by fashion insiders, but a well respected member of the art world. National Artist Napoleon Abueva spotted her at an event wearing one of her sculptures as a bracelet. He admired it and urged her to continue and come up with a whole line. He then recommended her to be a part of a jewelry show featuring the top designers from Manila.

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Crimson clutches: Handpainted and embellished with automatic watch parts

Crimson clutches: Handpainted and embellished with automatic watch parts

Since then, Syjuco, who comes from a family of artists including parents Cesare and Jean Marie, has been ubiquitous in the fashion, art and social scene. Some may remember her exhibit as one of the Ateneo Art Award finalists, or a more recent family collaboration at the Yuchengco Museum. Her jewelry, known for its almost medieval-like influences, are solid pieces often encrusted with semi-precious gems spiraling around different metal mediums and are not for the fashion faint-hearted. Recently, she has expanded her design wings to produce a line of  minaudieres, perfectly timed for the arrival of the holiday season, where bling is always very much in. Michelline Syjuco’s sculptural minaudiere collecion for 2013 consists of 14 pieces, all handmade in her studio in Alabang. Each one is distinctly different, they are made from recycled pinewood crates using pure stainless steel as hardware. For a twist, she incorporated old automatic watch parts, like gears and knobs. “This is a look that I feel has never been done before,” explains Syjuco. “Most minaudieres tend to be traditional. This is a fresh alternative to the norm.” Although all the pieces hold a special place in her heart she admits that her favorite one is “the one that looks like a little red transistor radio. He is so cute, and was a pain to produce. I must have repainted him five times before finally getting the finish I wanted.”

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Scene steel-er. Wood and stainless steel works of art

Scene steel-er. Wood and stainless steel works of art

Syjuco admits that she designs for herself primarily, making things that she would wear herself. “I think of women who are bold and daring… not afraid to stand out or be in the spotlight,” she explains. Aside from her artist father, she looks to the late Alexander McQueen as an inspiration. “He could do it all!” she gushes. “And that’s what I want to do as well.” Her minaudieres are both functional and decorative, as each comes with a custom-made easel should you wish to display them instead of wear them. For those who are already fans of her art the design detour was a little shocking but not far-fetched. Like most free-spirited artists, being stereotyped is death, and she continues to express her multi-faceted personality in everything she creates, choosing to focus on one expression of it at a time. “Sometimes it’s hard to get the creative juices flowing just like that, but once I find something I’m passionate about, it’s hard to stop me,” she intimates. “I was actually supposed to do a jewelry line for the Cura V show, but I just wasn’t feeling it. I came up with the idea to do a few minaudieres, and I was so excited about the idea that I couldn’t even sleep more than a few hours a night.”

Shaped and styled. Uniquely formed statment pieces.

Shaped and styled. Uniquely formed statment pieces.

 

Owning a work of art, especially made by a local talent, is always a worthy investment. If your tastes run to wearable art, then a standout sculptural piece may be just what you need to make what you wear this season more stylish than usual.

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The minaudiére collecion is available in Cura V, 2/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. Prices per piece range from P15,000-P25,000. For more details visit www.michellinesyjuco.com.

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The secret to feeling thankful-Happy weekend everyone!

In Uncategorized on November 23, 2012 at 8:09 am

It’s more fun in the Philippines, right? Not always, you say. In fact, more people get the blues as the holidays draw near. If you feel more bah humbug than buoyant with the thought of everything you’re going to do and everyone you’re going to see, then it’s time to get yourself in a way better state of mind. Thanksgiving, though a very American tradition, can still work for you in its philosophy, even if you don’t subscribe to the commercial hooks it tries to sink in every November. To give thanks, to be grateful is the best way to live; we so often take for granted what we consider the little things, and perhaps this is the right time for you to “sweat the small stuff” but focus on the right stuff. If you want to make the shift from not great to a “Great-attitude” then you may want to try getting your gratitude on:

Listomania: Creativity helps to shift your outlook on life.

1. Joyful journaling. You may be a child of the techie age, so if the keyboard is mightier than the sword for you than an e-journal over a traditional one can work. Although, there still is something to be said for putting pen to paper and actually seeing your words come to life as the ink sinks in. Try writing five things to be grateful for every morning; they can be as basic as “I’m grateful that I have a bed to sleep on” to “I’m grateful it’s Friday today.” Seriously, as trivial as that sounds, it just takes a quick glance at the news to see how many people don’t even have something solid to rest their head on at day’s end, or that some people have to work all week long, and haven’t had a proper weekend in ages. If the usual blank page seems intimidating for those who never saw themselves as “writing” then get creative with something that gives you a little more instruction on spicing up your life’s chronicles. Keri Smith’s Wreck This Journal (P549) is an edgier, fun way to edit your existence. Five is the bare minimum by the way; if you’re having a particular good day, why would you want to let that go unforgotten? There is always something — rather, many things  — to be thankful for, all you need to do is spend some time remembering what they are! Start off in the morning, before you bounce out of bed to give your whole day an early thumbs-up.

2. The New Normal. Know and acknowledge that you are human and that you are subject to mood swings and petty emotions at times. Not worth beating up yourself if you find yourself feeling a twinge of envy when your best friend rocks your world with some great news. Sure you may feel the “When is it going to happen to me?” vibe creep up on you, or worse, “Why her and not me?” and feel terrible after doing so; but don’t fret, jealous is normal. Yes, you heard me, normal. Maybe not natural, but normal, so if you feel that towards someone else the best thing to do is realize that yeah, okay, you’re jealous and then make every effort to be okay with it. Everyone deserves a break, and who more deserving then someone you care about? Be mindful that there is so much abundance in the world, if you think your friend is reaping all this spectacular juju and there will be none left for you then you are sorely mistaken. Great things come to those who are ready for it, so if you can be happy for others then you open the doors for happiness to come flooding into your own life, oftentimes when you least expect it. So, the next time someone comes up with you to share some happy news, you can shift your attitude to “Well, if it can happen to her, then it can also happen to me!” because it truly can.

3. Liquid love. Did you know that what you drink can also help what you think? Following the research and findings of Japanese scientist Dr. Masauro Emoto from his best-selling book The Hidden Messages in Water (P699), we learn that the way you hydrate yourself can impact your all-around health. The book is a quick read, with lots of pictures to show just how dramatic the state of a water molecule can change depending on the words said, thoughts projected, and even music played to it. Emoto would freeze these molecules to show just how beautiful or at times repulsive they would transform when exposed to abovementioned stimuli. Among all the words that were experimented with, “love” and “gratitude” produced the most stunning water crystals. You may wonder, what does this have to do with you? Well, your body is 70 percent water, so be aware of what you say, think and expose yourself to. Personally, aside of being more in touch with my mental input and output, I asked a friend to print out the words “love and gratitude” on coasters and my personal beverage tumbler, so whatever I drink imbibes that energy.

Waterworld: How you hydrate can change your state

Some of these tips may sound a little hokey to you, but they cost next to nothing to do and could possibly be your turning point to achieving a true thanksgiving spirit.

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Mid-week energy boost with a scrub made from dead sea salt and aromatic oils :-)

In Living a Life Off-Center on November 21, 2012 at 3:49 am

Scrub the stress away with these energizing salts.

Wednesday is also known as humpday and I’m wondering if that’s because people actually experience a figurative speedbump in their energy levels mid-week. It seems that you’ve just gotten revved up workwise Monday and Tuesday but Wednesday starts to bring thoughts of end of workweek deadlines and the much needed rest you are looking forward to over the weekend. It seems uncanny but are there days when you feel that you take work home with you a little too much? Not just files or research material but even the issues of other people from colleagues and whatnots that seem to way heavily on your body and skin? If you’ve ever felt that way  then I would highly recommend investing in a kickass body scrub that can make you feel like literally peeling off the negativity when you bathe.

The Dead Sea has been known for its healing properties, with many a pilgrim going there for a soak in order to cleanse. Salt, when non-iodized and its purest form is considered a purifier, so you can imagine what kind of benefits one gets when using a scrub which incorporates dead sea salt. Jericho Energizing Salt Scrub with Dead Sea Salt and Aromatic Oil  (from Php 2,200-3,600 depending on the size) is a great product to have as part of your in-home spa. (If you haven’t started your in-home spa yet, you should-for a quick fix when you don’t have time to go to a real spa). If you’ve never tried a scrub this would be a good one to begin with, although I recommend you use it in the morning or mid-day rather than before going to sleep.

The consistency may feel a little sticky but the scrub itself is great for hard to reach places and make sure focus on skin areas that receive the most impact like the soles and heels of your feet, knees and elbows. It’s also a good idea to get your lymphatic system a charge my concentrating on areas that are prone to sweat like your armpits and inner thigh (groin region).  A good ‘ol srub once a week (max of 2x a week) is good overall to exfoliate deadskin cells, giving you brighter more illuminated skin as well as improving your circulation. Plus, you can mentally imagine that you are scrubbing away bad juju (from nega vibes and nega people) that sometimes feel like they’ve gotten stuck on you. Wash all that anxiety go down the drain and enjoy the feeling of coming out of your bathing ritual in a brand new “skin”.

Jericho Cosmetics are found in kiosks in SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, Eastwood Mall, Alabang Town Center, Marquee Mall, SM Pampanga and SM North Edsa.

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Go-anywhere yoga apparel at All Things Yoga Boutique

In Philippine Star Column on November 16, 2012 at 5:29 am

Good news for the active stylista: workout wear has gotten so pretty and popular nowadays that über-comfy clothing is no longer limited to the gym or ashram. Yoga wear in particular, known for its stretch-ability as well as flattering fit, has become a fast favorite of many, especially for travel or for more casual events. These separates are easy to pack, don’t need ironing and are great for layering on for different looks. Also, if you normally have to rush from one place to another, you can pretty much throw them on and let them hold their silhouette or shape without too much fuss. Recently, All Things Yoga boutique opened its doors, providing a whole range of tops, bottoms and accessories of both imported and local labels for the modern urban dweller.

Tie dye for. tanya b hot yoga separates

Yoga teacher Tanya Boulton and textile expert Karen Ulmander wanted to develop a product that people could live in, resulting in clothing line Tanya-b. “Tanya-b reaches to those that are taking care of themselves, work, family, and friends all at the same time. We live such fast-paced lives that we wanted to create apparel that would keep up with the demands of versatility on a fashionable and functional level. People should feel good in the clothes they wear,” explains the design pair. Their newest collection consists of strong colors in their tie-dye halter tops (P3,450) that can be paired with either bright or neutral colored capris or full-length leggings (prices range from P2,250-3,450). With lives set to manic and multi-tasking mode nowadays, comfort is definitely key and even though these may be a little too casual for the office they could work for those last-minute errand run situations.

Olive Essentials. Tops and dresses for anyday wear.

Local brand Olive Essentials, which first launched through a series of trunk shows, has consistently produced easy-to-wear (and literally throw-on) separates, including the Gigi dress (P1,100) which is great for maximum movement. This brand keeps comfort in mind but has designed pieces that can easily make you shift from fitness freak to fit and chic. The Emy top (available in black or gray, P650) can be used as a cool cover-up or worn alone. There is also a Twist Wrap top (P850) that makes for an interesting detail when layered over a favorite T, tank or even dressier outfit. If you’re not ready to go full-on sporty you can pick and choose a few pieces from this collection and add them to what’s already in your closet. Their dresses all have different, interesting details such as an asymmetrical silhouette although they can be quite loose so you may want to use a belt if you prefer having a more defined waist.

Exhale forever. Infinity scarf for easy layering.

Another line made with yogis in mind by a yoga practitioner, Exhale, is a brand that has created multiwear dresses (that can be shortened and twisted) as well as rompers and playsuits that allow you to cinch them at the waist. They have also come up with beautiful face- and shoulder-framing scarves (Infinity P850) designed to look like the infinity symbol when worn. Coming in bright colors, it is a refreshing option from the more earthy (and often dull) colors that these types of clothes are normally found in. In this day and age, gone is the matching tracksuit made popular by rap superstars or Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria (although they still seem to slip through the fashion sensors every now and then) that defined sporty style, replaced with more wearable, breathable fabrics and styles. In this day and age, being fit and active is “in,” so subtly showing off that you just came from a workout or a yoga/Pilates session amps your attraction meter. The urban lifestyler, the weekend warrior or the city athlete now has many more options to keep on moving, with clothes that move the way you live.

Yoga outside the ashram. Get clothes that move with you.

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All Things Yoga Boutique will be on sale starting Nov. 15 for a limited time at its two locations in Urban Ashram Manila High Street, Fort Bonifacio and Brixton, Kapitolyo. For more details log on to: www.urbanashrammanila.com/yoga-boutique.

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Smooth operator-my model moment with a wrinkle reducer :-)

In Living a Life Off-Center on November 10, 2012 at 12:44 am

Let your skin look hassle-free for the holidays.

Holidays can be glorious respites from anyone’s day to day but they are not without their stresses. A three-week vacay had me across the globe immersed in different climates and timezones. Jetlag is nobody’s friend and I’ve contented myself with working when I can’t sleep. So, lack of adequate shut eye, added to squinted eyes working late nights have not done my skin any favors. Not to mention hopping from one plane to another (freezing) then out into the searing heat of the summer sun can really let the sins of the skin out. Having normal/oily combination skin has pretty much saved me throughout my youth, but in the twilight of my thirties, I have noticed that there are some expression lines, ok, wrinkles that are here to stay. Having just gotten back and still battling with a messed-up bodyclock, I’ve had to soldier through meetings and even two shoots (close-ups at that) and realized that my simple routine of cleanse, tone and moisturize is no longer enough. Based on a friend’s recommendation I gave the very straightforwardly-named “Restorative Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Cream” from  Céleteque DermoScience a whirl.

I smoothed on the cream right after my moisturizer and was pleased to see that even if it felt rich it wasn’t greasy and heavy on my skin. I focused on two areas of my face, the frown line between by eyebrows and another prominent line above my left eyebrow. I guess my years of squinting at my laptop screen had finally caught up.  The product (Php 699 suggested retail price) comes in a  15mL travel friendly size tube and is tested to be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. I put on my make-up and went through my day. That same night, I decided to put it over my entire face and neck since I liked its texture anyway. Over the weekend this Instant Wrinkle Smoothing Cream was part of my vanity routine and I did notice that the two areas I had focused on had indeed reduced, quite rapidly in appearance. They didn’t seem to be as deep as before (especially the one in between my eyebrows which can be quite pronounced) and even the one above my left eyebrow was barely visible. Suffice to say when I showed up at my shoot several days later I was told I looked “fresh” even without make-up on, and having come from a late night from work, that was a truly ego-boosting compliment!

This is a cream I’m definitely going to stock up on, keeping one at home, and one in the office, in case I need to go from a convention to cocktail and works really well with my concealer. Since it contains PhytocelltecTM-which helps the longevity of skin cells to combat skin aging, and Collaxyl, a collagen peptide ingredient, I am confident that I can keep my skin looking as youthful as possible, in spite of my rather hectic lifestyle for years to come!

And yes, they actually took my picture and quoted me :-) Everyone has a model moment, and hopefully more than just one!

Instant and long term effect on wrinkle reduction in a tube from Celeteque!

 

 

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Panda Sunglasses-sunnies for the green-minded fashionista comes to town

In Living a Life Off-Center on November 1, 2012 at 3:18 am

I am so enthused that an eco-friendly line of sunnies has finally landed on our shores. I go through scores of sunnies every year since I get tired of the look or, I lose them, or, much worse, they suffer through the wear and tear of my many travels. Since I’m such a beach bunny it’s important I bring with me a sturdy pair whenever I’m out in the sand or the surf and because of the metal components of some of them there is a danger of them rusting out on me. Worse, I have had the experience of losing a favorite pair that fell off my head during a boat ride and took less than a splt second to sink down into the deep blue never to be found again. Not these babies, though. Made from high-grade, ethically produced bamboo they actually float on water, so, no sinking here!

Best selling Kennedy in brown. Happy birthday Mr. President?

Another component is that they incorporate TAC polarized lenses are made from recycled polycarbonate materials, making them lightweight and yes, also environ-friendly all around.

Natural bamboo colors make a fine statement. Martin in Natural shade.

There are several styles and shades that still highlight the fine wood detail. Giving them a design edge that plastic or metal cannot compare with. Mother Nature certainly knows best!

Black beauty. Nelson black shades still show of fine wood detail.

Price-wise, all models are at a pocket friendly Php 6,000 a pop, almost half of what more commercial brands cost. Plus, Panda is a company with a conscience; every purchase provides the Gift of Vision through the TOMA Foundation, an international non-profit organization that donates glasses to people in need.

Crusoe would have needed these. Robinson in brown.

The basics are certainly covered for those concerned that although they are for the green-minded (and hearted) fashionista, as these lightweight frames have  100% UVA/UVB Protected lenses, are water resistant and yes, as I said before, they float in water :-) so great for clumsy adventurers like myself!

Channel your screen siren, with an eco-friendly edge. Monroe in Natural.

So, as we have to now live with global warming, wouldn’t it make sense to use accessories that protect your peepers from the sun yet that are Mother Earth considerate at the same time? Shades of glory for sure!

Panda Sunglasses are available exclusively online and can be delivered right to your door from http://www.ava.ph

 

 

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How to eliminate the dreaded double chin. Non-invasive techniques that work

In Philippine Star Column on October 26, 2012 at 1:52 am

More non-invasive ways to save face are available nowadays.

It’s there, you see it (or at least I do) when I’m not conscious about it, the dreaded double chin. Some attribute it to age while others blame one too many (Last na, promise!) pieces of chicharon. Regardless of the real cause, I find that gravity can be at its cruelest when a once-defined face begins to show a little droop. Many women have whined poetic about sagging in all the wrong places (there actually isn’t any right place) but it’s different when it happens right underneath even the brightest smile, and for the semi or very vain, it makes looking at some pictures unbearable.

There are, of course, surgical options, but that seemed a little too extreme to go under the knife for just that, so I asked around for other options that were less invasive and hopefully effective. First off, actual diet and exercise to lessen the fat intake and for overall toning and firmness which, yes, if done properly can include the face. Personal trainer Wawa Feliciano recommends a daily exercise of stretching and strengthening neck and even facial muscles. This takes three to five minutes a day and is best done in the morning or right before going to bed. Stand comfortably with your feet together and your hands by your sides, shoulders relaxed and as far away from your ears as possible. Then lower your chin to your chest and rotate gently to your left and raise your neck up as high as you can without straining, then rotate back down to your chest and do the same thing to your right. Doing this often helps activate those not-often-used muscles and minimizes the appearance of a double chin.

A new product on the market (and only distributed by dermatologists) is NewPeptin’s Reduchin Double Chin and Neck Cream, which promises to restore elasticity and firmness to the skin. Containing anti-aging peptides, it also promises to reduce wrinkles at the same time. Being paraben-free, this is great for those who want to stick to the path of more natural treatments. It is also recommended for accentuating the contours of the chin and results can be seen with regular application between six to eight weeks. Added bonus as it doubles as a moisturizer since it has a strong concentration of vitamins A, B, C and E. A double chin and “turkey” neck, it has been found, is caused by a change in the calcium gradient in the skin and a loss of skin tone and elasticity due to the loosening of skin tissue. These changes, coupled with continuous movements of the head, eventually cause small, gradual drops in the skin’s tone and elasticity, which eventually become apparent.

If a quick fix and more dramatic results are needed, then invest in some high-powered RF or radio frequency. Several clinics and dermatologists offer several kinds of services that do this. One is the Endymed treatment at Dra. Amy Patdu’s clinic (tel. 818-2698), which involves multiple energy sources working simultaneously. This results in a totally safe delivery of controlled heat deep into the skin, while preserving the overlying epidermis. It works, and it works fast, plus it only takes about 10 minutes a session depending on the area that needs firming and lifting. You can even do a comparison mid-treatment and have the therapist or the doctor performing the treatment show you the before and after effects right then and there. Other clinics offer even more dramatic treatments, which sometimes require local anesthesia application such as Thermage and Ulthera, the two top treatments found at Aivee Teo’s Skin and Laser Clinic (tel. 403-3245). It would be best to consult your current dermatologist or a recommended skin clinic before trying out any of these treatments.

Chin-up, it’s not too late for a little contouring from a fitness move to radio frequency you can look forward to some facial redefinition.

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NewPeptin Products are available at Renergy located at Serendra, Bonifactio High Street, Taguig; tel. no. 901-1918 and The Skin Specialist in Timog, Quezon City; 0917-8101319.

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Treasure throw-aways. This estate sale give valuable goods a second chance.

In Living a Life Off-Center on October 22, 2012 at 2:13 pm

Sterling silver medallion. My precious!

When I lived in the UK I enjoyed watching a TV show entitled Antique Roadshow which followed a host (can’t even remember his name anymore) going from town to town in England looking at what seemed like group “garage sale”. I use the word “garage” loosely because most of these lawn-based sales comprised mostly of antiques. Antiques that to the untrained eye, could just be a piece of junk. Yet, with the expertise of the host and a little clever salestalk from the seller, the value of each piece started to shine. Sure, there were things there that you’d never spend a sterling on but it was wonderful to see an ugly duckling of a thing leave with an incredible pricetag after it was appraised. Truly, one man’s junk can be one man’s treasure.

Come sail away with me. Get shipwrecked while searching for something special.

Locally, there is the Estate Sale Philippines that has taken upon itself to be the curator for other people’s no longer wanted pieces, these pieces range from small knick-knacks to full on dining tables and chairs. For someone furnishing their house or apartment this is a great opportunity to have dibs on quality furniture and home accessories rather than going through more generic pieces found at local malls and retail shops. A lot of the pieces are one-of-a-kind, since some are custom-made or no longer found in the market.

All kinds of classy glasses. Entertaining gets easier.

Aside from a whole range of things to choose from, one can walk away with something for every budget. You can pick up a full-on tea set for about 500pesos, gem-encrusted pillboxes for 20,000, wine glasses, decanters, utensils. and the list goes on. Best to trot on over to see what you can discover for yourself or even gifts for those on your Christmas list.You might even pick up a fashion accessory too such as these vintage-fully beaded clutches that go for less than P1000 each!

Full beaded bags. A steal for less than a thousand bucks each!

Find something fabulous in a unique shopping venue this October. :-) I’ve got my eye on a sterling silver tambourine medallion for my holiday bling!

Check out this special sale on:  124 Malvar Street Ayala Alabang on October 24, Wednesday until October 27, Saturday from 9:00 a.m -7:00p.m.   

View the link for a sneak peek at the items that will be on sale: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.475501835804705.106297.158312950856930&type=1

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An all-around beauty oil for any skin emergency VNM Naturals Rosehip Oil

In Living a Life Off-Center on October 21, 2012 at 3:40 am

Skin-irritants are always around, and often you’re not quite sure what they are exactly you just end up being the unsuspecting victim of a sudden, ugly, and angry rash (sometimes worse). My skin has thankfully been pretty resilient to most fabrics and fragrances that are placed close to it, but one thing I do experience once in a while is a rash from sweating it out. Perhaps it was the lingerie I used at that particular time but I end up with almost a milky way of angry red (and very itchy) bumps along the lines where my intimates border. And I do have to say they are terribly uncomfortable when they are at their worst. You definitely do not want to scratch in those areas in public even if your body is screaming for it.

Trying to stay on the path of all things natural I’ve tried some homeopathic remedies (ingested) to calm down the burning and itching and they would work for a time, but when they would wear off the itching would start again. Plus, the inflamed areas of my body were in no way diminishing, I would then slather on the richest moisturizers I had on before dressing up just to make sure I would soften the area as much as possible, preventing me from wanting to scratch. When I was younger I would even scratch til it would bleed (I know, TMI at this point but I’m sure some of you can relate.). I was very close to asking for something more industry standard (read, enough chemicals to build a bomb with) when I took one last look at my beauty stash in my bathroom. Throughout the years I have been fortunate enough to have been gifted with product upon product to try and test. So much so, that many have remained unopened (once I found something that worked, I pretty much stuck to it) or have been passed on as gifts to very appreciative girlfriends.

One oil to rule them all. 100%.

Among the many product lines I have received the gifts from VNM Naturals were standouts. Their emu oil ingredient which was infused in most of their products had already been many a testimonials subject, plus, I was a fan of their Smooch Lip Detox balm. Something I would put on and actually enjoy before my favorite lipstick because I felt like a massage on my lips each time. This time though, a small unused bottle of their Rosehip Oil caught my attention. I flipped it around to read what it was for and it said it could cure dermatitis and eczema as well as diminish the appearance of scars (even surgical ones) and age spots. I thought, why not? I wasn’t sure what my rash fell under but it wouldn’t hurt to try. I rubbed some on and hoped for the best.

I’m not quite sure exactly what happened and in the time that it happened but it seemed within 48 hours I noticed I wasn’t feeling the itching burning sensation as I did several days before. When I checked in the mirror, I literally had to take a step back as the rashes had turned from bright red to a light pink and the bumps had almost flattened out. I guess the product worked really fast because I had almost forgotten about the rash! I am going to estimate that it took less than a week for the rash, the bumps and even the discoloration to be completely gone. I was floored. I was also ecstatic that I had uncannily found a product that I could use for my skin emergencies. At Php 800 for 20ml it was certainly a worthy investment, that was small enough to carry with me especially when I traveled.

Hats off to this particular product, if you’ve got a first-aid kit at home, consider putting this little gem of an oil in your permanent beauty emergency one!

To get more information or order contact:

V&M Naturals
Skin and Hair Nourishment From Nature
The First True Emu Oil Skin Care Line in the Philippines
0927-895-7685
0933-390-0609

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