Today, I receive all God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s Universe. Today, I open myself to your Blessings, healing and miracles.Today, I open myself to God’s Word so that I become more like Jesus Everyday. Today, I proclaim that I’m God’s Beloved, I’m God’s Servant, I’m God’s powerful champion, And because I am blessed, I will bless the world, In Jesus Name, Amen.

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The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng   (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, ...

Friday, May 18, 2012

Hand Paraffin Treatment at Bioessence


I visited Bioessence not for a facial this time around but for a hand paraffin treatment. Bioessence offers this treatment for free to its valued clients and if you want a foot paraffin, you just have to pay Php 150.00.
 
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless wax made from petroleum byproducts. Paraffin is used primarily to make candles or as an ingredient in cosmetics and for creating waxed paper.
 
Bioessence used this machine to dissolve the paraffin wax to be used for my hand paraffin test errr treatment. Ha ha ha! Okay, that is a joke. I am such a lousy joker. Ha ha ha! Sorry po.
Shown above is the Bioessence attendant preparing the hand paraffin treatment. Paraffin wax is melted in a special warmer or double boiler until it becomes clear or translucent liquid.
 The Bioessence attendant sprayed alcohol to each of my hands.
 
She then wiped it dry using a soft tissue
The Bioessence attendant then dipped my hands directly into the warmer. Another option is to pour the liquid wax into plastic bags and each hand is slipped into a bag of paraffin.
 
The hands are covered in the wax for several minutes.
Wrapped my hands into a plastic laminate. 
 
I felt like a chicken. Ha ha ha! I used to sell roasted chicken as a sideline and I wrapped the chicken in a plastic laminate exactly like this plastic laminate in Bioessence. 
 
The finished product.
 
I have two (2) hands, the left and the right.
 After wrapping my hands in plastic laminate, they put my two hands inside these gloves.
Paraffin wax is said to retain heat, and this heat increases the skin's circulation and opens pores on the hands, allowing the lubricants in the wax to penetrate and soften the skin.
 
After 20 minutes, they then removed the gloves and the platic, then put my hands inside these booties.
 
By the way, I am not sure if it is really called booties. The attendant told me that it is how they call this white thingy.
 
She said this electric glove-like machine will keep your hands softer than ever before and your "pasma" will be cured. Awww! Amazing, isn't it. She further explained that the heat provided by melted paraffin wax is absorbed by the skin and tissue on which it is placed, making it beneficial for people suffering from arthritis or other joint or muscle pain.

WARNING: DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS!

Why am I saying that? It is because paraffin comes from petroleum products, people with chemical sensitivities may suffer side effects from paraffin wax. If you're going to try this at home take extra precautions and keep out of reach of children to avoid serious burns.
A visit at Bioessence always makes me feel pampered. The staff and the atmosphere at Bioessence wrap me in calm comfort and wash away my stress. It is a place that gives me solace. How I wish Bioessence will let us try this room. I have not personally tried this yet but they told us you could rent this room for Php1,800 plus the various services that you'll avail like massage, bubble bath, facial etc.


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

BEAUTY BREAK TIME AT BIOESSENCE


"The beauty of your face and physical outlook is the mirror of your heart"

Sometimes this quote is untrue. Why? With today's level of pollution, bad genes and stress one needs a back up to remain beautiful. Facial is a popular de-stressing option.

So when I was given an invitation to try Bioessence Beauty Break Time I immediately grabbed the opportunity to have a relaxing beauty facial. 
 
Bioessence Beauty break time is very timely because Facial rejuvenation can effectively reduce wrinkles, treat sun spots, tighten loose skin, improve skin tone and color, remove blotchiness, plus it eliminates damaged blood vessels.
Imagine for only Php 350.00 you will received 30 minutes of facial pampering. That includes cleansing, steam, extraction of blackheads, Vitamin C Cream plus a back massage! Grab this opportunity to have the most relaxing BB (beauty break) ever!
 
The first thing I noticed when I entered Bioessence is the welcoming smile of the staff, the refreshing smell of peppermint essential oil and the beautiful ceiling lights. Did you noticed how I almost always insert beautiful lamps and lighting pictures on my posts? Ha ha ha! I'm such a sucker for beautiful lamps everywhere I go.
 
Bioessence offers a wide array of medicines that caters to every skin type. For me it`s always more pampering to have someone do the facial for you. Plus a facial increases your face value in the workplace.
 Several wall paintings welcomes guests as they ascend the stairs.
You'll feel instantly at home at Bioessence. If you happened to come early for your appointment, they have a television at the second floor to entertain you. Plus the latest issue of magazines and newspapers.

A facial basically involves cleaning the face, extracting pesky blackheads and whiteheads, treating pimples, and closing the pores with a laser treatment.
The very relaxing ambiance at Bioessence and the very light hands of the one doing my facial made me doze to dreamlandia. Yes! Facial need not be painful. Facial at Bioessence almost always has a tranquilizer effect on me unlike in other salons where I end up crying. I've been to so many dermatologists and facial salons in Metro Manila and in our province and Bioessence is one of the few facial salons that really left a good impression on me. I really really love Bioessence Facial.
After the esthetician ushered me to the room and asked me to lie down, she started cleaning my face with a cotton pads or was that a sponge? and applied a product she chose for my skin type. She then covered my eyes and take a good look at my skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp that reveals various skin conditions. She then began exfoliation using a mechanical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliation has a gritty texture while a steam vapor is directed at my face. Then she did an extraction. Note: Please be warned though, that an extraction can cause broken capillaries and discoloration if done on sensitive skin, or done improperly. People have different pain tolerance for extractions. Extraction can be uncomfortable, especially on thin or ruddy skin. A professional esthetician would ask you whether you like to have an extraction or not. So kindly give them a reply when they ask you.

Then she began facial massage using classic strokes like effleurage that relaxes and stimulate my skin and facial muscles at the same time. That is when I doze off to dreamlandia. He he he.

A facial mask is targeted to your skin condition and type whether dry, oily, combination, sensitive or mature. During the facial, the esthetician should stay with you in the room and give you a scalp massage or some other services. I know for a fact that they apply toners and protective creams as a final touch. But I was busy dreaming that I never felt the final touches.

She showed me what she excavated from my face after I woke up- a gazillion whiteheads. Yucks! Ha ha ha!
Anj told me that Bioessence have a Mother's Day promo that will only cost you Php 740 only. Inclusive of a cute tote bag plus a gift certificate for Facial pampering for one (1) full hour plus a special soap and facial milk cleanser. Available until May 31, 2012.

Whoa! This is such a steal because ordinarily a basic facial itself will cost you P600 plus the facial milk cleanser will cost Php 240 and the special soap Php 150 equals Php 990. That is a whooping Php 250 discount. Panalo!
With 18 years of excellent service in health and wellness and 52 branches nationwide, you can be assured Bioessence will not only make you feel good and beautiful, but will also help enhance your total well being. Call 376-7106 or 0918-8-BEAUTY for inquiries and appointments.

Travel on a shoestring would like to thank BIOESSENCE and staff plus Miss Anj for the beauty break opportunity.

Note: This is not a paid post. My story is based on my actual facial and hand paraffin treatment experience at Bioessence.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

NAILS.GLOW AT DON ANTONIO'S NORTHGATE IS NOW OPEN TO SERVE YOU


Hello beautiful people of Don Antonio Heights in Quezon City! Are you aware of the new hand and foot Spa in the neighborhood?

If you don't know it yet, then celebrate because the affordable Nails.Glow Manicure and Pedicure is now available at Don Antonio Heights in Quezon City. Yes, it's good news indeed for everyone in the neighborhood.

They invited several bloggers to try their services for free. I arrived at around seven in the evening. They asked me to list down the services that I wanted to avail. I wanted to have facial, candle ear wax and body massage but they gave me free Hand and Foot Paraffin treatment instead.

It was my first ever Hand Paraffin treatment. But during my PT session at the hospital late last year, I often see other patients availed of this in the hospital for Php 50 to 75.00. It looks like this:

I think they have the same price at Nails.Glow.  They melted a candle wax then dip my hands on the hot liquid then wrapped a plastic and gloves on both of my hands.
 
  It was virtually the same procedure with the Foot Paraffin.


 
I enjoyed the hand and foot paraffin and will surely try that again another time. 

At around 11 p.m. they finally gave me a body massage. Here is the massage room.
"Enjoy the STAY, experience the GLOW" only at NAILS.Glow, your neighborhood hand and foot spa located at 18 Don Jose St., Don Antonio Heights, Quezon City, owned by the very amiable owner Tiffanie Cheng.

Imagine, at fraction of the cost, you get better service and better value for your hard-earned money.

Check them out @ the Northgate of Don Antonio Village where NAILS.Glow seeks to provide only the best in all its services, housed in a modern zen haven, promising a very relaxing and satisfying stay, all at very affordable and "pang-masa" rates!

If you will be commuting, just alight by the pedestrian overpass near Ever Gotesco, then cross via the pedestrian overpass and walk your way to the northgate of Don Antonio Villa. Voila! You'll see that signage at your right side.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Diamond Peel plus Facial at YSA Skincare Center


In this fast paced world, the tolls of our fast paced lives and unhealthy lifestyles stake their claim on the health of our skin. Not to mention the dust, grime, dirt and pollution of our environment. It is imperative that we pamper our skin especially our face. Because it is what other people see when we talk to them. The face needs to be tended to and taken care of. After all, it is one of our most noticeable assets and even an instrument of vanity.

Pampering is all about loving. So, one afternoon I went to YSA Skin Care Center to have some facial and diamond peel.
Upon entering YSA Skin Care Center, I was welcomed by the receptionist and the resident dermatologist. They asked me to fill up some form then asked me what services I will avail. I chose facial with diamond peel as my treatment of choice. I then sat down and waited for my turn. While waiting, I saw these posters which detailed their available services. Bali's transformation is one for the books!
Yes, customers can while their time away watching TV.
The staff asked me to wash my face in the sink using the Papaya Liquid Soap. They then let me sit down and applied mask on my face in this area.  After putting on the mask, the staff turned on the fan to dry the mask on my face.
I was then instructed to lie down on this bed. I then waited for the nurse to do my facial.
This nurse is well trained in performing facial. She's also the one who performed the diamond peel on my face.
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! It is me. Do not be afraid :-) ha ha ha!

For the benefit of those who are not familiar with Diamond Peel plus Facial at YSA Skincare Center here are some FAQs I asked the good doctor so that we could all be enlightened!

What is Diamond Peel?

Diamond Peel is a fast and pain-free non-surgical exfoliation of the skin using natural diamond chips while at the same time vacuuming the dead skin cells away. It rejuvenates the skin leaving it remarkably supple, vibrant and youthful-looking.

It removes the topmost layer of the skin without the adverse effects of loose particles, irritation and skin reaction. It restores and maintains the health of the skin with little or no redness at all.
Through the regeneration of the epidermal cell structure, the skin's elasticity and collagen level are improved. And because the outer layer of dead skin cell is removed, it promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells and leaves a smoother skin texture.


What results can be expected with Diamond Peel?

An improvement in the skin's texture and appearance will immediately be noticed. Age spots, fine lines and freckles will be erased or diminished. Stretch marks and acne scars will be less evident. Lots of patients tell that their skin appears more even, smoother, suppler and younger.


What is the procedure?

Diamond Peel uses a gentler microdermabrasion approach which features a dual control system and adjustable applicator head that delivers a steady, effective stream of fine diamond directly onto the skin. The old surface is removed leaving it smooth, fresh and rejuvenated. It erases the epidermal layers at varying depths in a safe, controlled manner. This approach respects the integrity of the skin and promotes even healing.


How soon can I see visible results?

 Your skin may look slightly rosy immediately after the treatment. Right on the first treatment, your skin will look fresh, smoother and radiant. Your skin will further improve as you continue with additional treatments. Regular maintenance visits will enhance the long term results.

How often should treatments be given?

Frequency and spacing of the treatment depends on the area and type of skin being treated. Like all other microdermabrasion technique, diamond peel is a progressive skin rejuvenation procedure. To achieve maximum result, recommended number of treatments ranges from 2 to 12 sessions spaced one week apart to one month apart. Since the process is so gentle, you can have as many treatments as you need without any side effects.


What are the advantages of Diamond Peel over other techniques?
  • Diamond Peel is a safe, precise and effective.
  • It is non-surgical and non-invasive
  • Treatment is virtually painless.
  • There is less or no discomfort at all.
  • There is no unsightly peeling appearance
  • Requires no downtime after treatment thus normal activities can be resumed immediately
How long does each treatment take?

Each session of Diamond Peel takes about 10-20 minutes. However, stretch mark treatments can take as long as 2 hours. The treatments are individualized to the needs of your skin condition.

The next time you find yourself so stressed out, pamper your skin, have some Diamond Peel plus Facial at YSA Skincare Center. With them, you're surely in good hands.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Miss Universe-Japan finalist is Manileña


 
I don't know what is it with beauty contests that make us all wide-eyed. Maybe it is because each and every girl has this secret dream of becoming a beauty queen someday and the boys simply can't resist the beauties in parade. We are a country that look up to beauty queens more than  politicians. Reasons? Well answer it yourself :-P!  I know, you know why:-)

Meet Naomi S. Kida the first Japino to make it to the finals of Miss Universe-Japan. Born in Tondo, Manila, in June 1988. Naomi is the daughter of Cristina Rivera Santiaguel of Imus, Cavite and Masami Kida, president of a cement production company. She is said to be fluent in Japanese, English and Filipino, Naomi regularly visits the Philippines and stays in Almanza, Las Piñas, with her aunt.

Standing at 170 cm or 5’7” tall. Naomi is tall by Japanese and Philippine standards.  Her height served her well as a volleyball player in school and as a model.

She made it to the Top 5 of the beauty contest in Tokyo on June 17, 2011.

Her dream is to become a bridge between Japan and the Philippines.

How many contestants joined Miss Universe Japan? 

There were 15 finalists.  
 

What question did the judges ask you during the finals?

They asked me to describe “fortune” in my own words. My answer was,  “Fortune is making your own destiny through the choices you make.” I said that because of my own experiences, I am who I am now because of the choices I made in the past
 
Congratulations!

Source: Inquirer


Saturday, March 3, 2012

TIPS FOR ACNE FREE SKIN


I know acne won't kill but it can surely kill your self-esteem and drown you into a deep abyss of depression sinking deeper and deeper into the whirlpool.

It sucks when you try your hardest to fix something, yet you never seems to get it done no matter how badly you wanted it to be fixed. 

When I was in my teenage years, I had this kadiri, yucky thing on my face they called ACNE. So I hop from one treatment to the next trying to get rid of my ACNE. I tried my best to be patient in waiting for results to happen and yet I have no such luck.

My classmate Brends availed of Acne treatment from a local store back in Naga that sells astringents. She applied it on her face and had a glossy reddish face after a few days. Maybe the astringent was too strong for her. But it cleared out her pimples so she kept on using them until we graduated from college. She has a very good convincing power too,  so gaya-gaya puto maya that I am, I also bought those astringents which turned out to be harmful to 16 year old girls skin. 

My skin peeled off, turned reddish and became thinner.

Years after when we already have the money to see a dermatologist, the doctor said we should avoid astringents because they strip off the skin of its natural protection.

Acne is caused primarily by clogging of skin pores due to dirt accumulation and excessive production of sebum or body oil so my dermatologist suggested for me to take pills because she said the cause of my Acne is my over active hormones. So in a few months my face cleared up but I could only take the birth control pills for my acne over a period of three months. My Acne Free Skin only lasted for (3) three months. After that period my problem came back again. Making me feel worsts than ever. I got so upset by my Acne that I started to pick on them and instead of getting rid of them I made them last longer. Geez I am so stupid! I did not only scarred my face but my life as well, because those scars made me depressed. I will cry sometimes because I felt so left out and I am embarrassed with my Acne.

Then I started using Tretinoin, which strips off my skin of the first layer and in the process making my skin thinner:-(.

Don't get me wrong, I simply believe all those commercials. I saw the commercials of those products and I was made to believe that they're all safe. Yeah, I know, you are right, I am so trusting. I believe what those marketers convey on tv and in the process makes my skin health worsts than ever before. I felt like I am a lowly individual. It is only later that I learned that prolong usage of Hormonal pills, which are mainly indicated as a contraceptive sometimes causes water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and in the long run, even breast cancer.

When I stopped using their products I had acne as big as a five centavo coins. This is a lesson learned for me I should always consult a dermatologist so I will have safe, healthy skin all the time.

Dermatologists have different Derma package that can costs up to P25,000 pesos. I wanted to avail of derma services often but they're too costly at my favorite skin care centers. I don’t want to pay and then make a trial and error. They don't have labels and I don't know id they have been tested and if they are BFAD approved products . What if they don't work out for me? I will feel bad to have my money go down the drain leaving me to my acne battle alone. What I really wanted is to treat my acne problem.
Then I learned about pro-active solution used by Hollywood superstars in treating their Acne problems. This gives me hope in treating my skin care problems. It is best to get well-tested products passing clinical trials and offers guarantee to consumers. It comes with a 60-day money back guarantee!! Imagine that! This could be the manna from heaven I am praying for. Join me in my quest for an Acne Free Skin.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tips 'N Toes Jennifer Lynn's Gel Polish


Your nails tells a lot about your personal grooming habits. So it's important to keep them looking fresh and healthy by caring for your nails on a regular basis. So I travel to Tips 'N Toes nail salon in Greenbelt 1 in Makati to get a shapely and polish nails.
 
This is the area where they give you pampering from your fingernails down to your toes.
For my hands fingernails I tried out their UV nail colour (gel polish). One of the most popular brand in the U.S. today is said to be Jennifer Lynn's Gel Polish.
Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish is said to be an amazing Professional line of UV Gel Polish that goes on like polish, dries in 30 seconds, and stays shiny for the entire length of time between manicures.
Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish has an extensive color selection. I was very impressed with the variety of Jennifer Lynn's Gel Polish. So, let's wait for three weeks so I could speak for myself about Jennifer Lynn's Gel Polish quality.
If you love a polished look but unfortunately your recent manicures have been a chip off the old block (read: ordinary manicure), treat your tips and toes to quality service with Tips 'N Toes Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish which yields long-lasting, picture-perfect results according to the nail technicians B1 and B2.
 
The nail technician Bebe Meneses started by cleaning my nails, cuticle detail, reshaping and buffing them into a healthy shine. 
 
                   I tried the most popular style which is the innocently sexy French Manicure.
 
For a total of Php1,350, you would get a Gel Polish manicure, ordinary pedicure, a relaxing foot soak, callus-smoothing session, and a one minute hand and leg massage.
 
After each Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish application, the nails are then cured under a UV light machine to seal the gel polish. If I counted it right, I think they made a total of 3 coats for each of my fingernails.
 
Oh Yes, B1 finish the treatment with a 1 minute therapeutic massage to both of my hands.
 
They applied to my fingernails Jennifer Lynn Gel Polish which cost Php 650.
 
Nail care at the salon is not limited to the hands only. Foot spas and pedicures are offered as well for both men and women. 

  
B1 and B2 said that Jennifer Lynn's Gel Polish on my fingernails would last for up to three weeks without the inconvenience of chipping, tearing or cracking. So let's wait and see if this manicure would last that long.

My manicure where they applied Jennifer Lyn's Gel Polish still has a fresh new look even after I hand wash clothes and wash the dishes.


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