The Spa, Trinoma - My experience

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Photo:  The Spa Facebook Page

Despite Luke's protest, I went to The Spa.  I won't go into details but he has a very good reason.  I usually go for the cheapo 350PHP an hour massage but deal grocer offered an hour massage and a Pevonia Botanica Facial for 1250PHP.  Not knowing what Pevonia was, I went ahead and made the purchase.  It was one of my best financial decisions so far.  Yes, I am exaggerating.  :P

My massage was average but I can tell that the masseuse is highly trained.  She knows what muscle to pull and was gentle too.  The problem is, I don't really do gentle.  Hehe.  The Pevonia Botanica Facial was to die for. My aesthetician,Naiza, was very gentle on my face and I was thoroughly relaxed through out the whole process.  It left my skin soft.  I don't know why I don't get facial often.  This was my second time.  My cherry was popped last week at aescultura but that's another blog entry.  If I have money to spare, I would definitely go back.  I love my pampering experience.

I was The Spa virgin and if you are too, here's what to expect:

1.  The males and females room are separated.

2.  Sauna, shower, toilet, bathrobe, towel and rubber slippers are provided.  Using the sauna and shower is optional. I didn't use the sauna as I was wearing my contact lens.

3.  Lockers are provided.

4.  The therapists wear masks.  Don't worry about cross contamination.  You will be asked to sign a good health wager too.  

You will be directed along the way so don't worry about anything.  :)

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Pipino? Pipino! Pipino.

I went to Toney & Jackey to have my fringe cut.  Yeah, Toney & Jackey is my go to hair salon.  I almost always get what I want apart from yesterday.  The hairdresser didn't even ask how long I want my fringe to be.  I wanted to channel Nicole Richie but she gave me Korea Novela instead.  Good thing I have a very good facial bones.  Kapal!  Next time, I have to keep in mind that Korean Salons gives Korean hair cuts.  I just need to grow this out before I see dear boyfriend.  He died laughing seeing me last night.  I don't care.  I love the way I look.  :P

2 things that look hates in 1 photo - straight short fringe with permed hair and peace sign.

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Tony and Jackey's 2010 Promo

Q:  Anonymous asks...
may promo ba ngaun sept- dec?

15 September 2010 15:28

A:  Hi!  Sorry for the late response.  I went to Tony & Jackey in SM North EDSA today and ask for their Promo Flyer.  It seems to be the same flyer from last time.  You can also ring them at (02)441-1374 and ask for an appointment.  Hope this helps you.

GO NA!  :)

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design LINE sculpting mud VS Gatsby Styling Wax

I had a perm because  I want a wash and wear hair.  In the first month of my perm, I refrain from using any styling products 'cause I don't want to spend any more money on my hair.  Yes, I am that stingy.  Few months ago, I found a design LINE sculpting mud that my sister used to use when she had her perm.  The product did wonders on my hair.  It held my curls for the whole day and it is NOT GREASY at all!  It doesn't give a "wet look" on my hair too.  When it run out, I looked for a cheap alternative with the same effect.  The Gatsby Styling Wax Light and Natural held my hair for a day but it didn't give me the body that I want.  I actually lost most of my curls cause the product is heavy on my hair.  It is cheap.  It doesn't feel greasy but it gave the "wet look" that I hate.  Any suggestions darlings??  It has to be less than 500PHP cheap.  Thanks!

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GO GREEN!

I love changing the way I look.  I now have a permed hair and green eyes.  I wanted grey but dear boyfriend thinks green looks better.  Went to Ideal Vision Center in North Edsa and got six months worth of coloured lens.  I didn't realise that you can buy 2 different coloured lens for 6 months.  I now have 3 months supply of green and 3 months supply of grey plus 4 different coloured dailies in hazel, green, blue and grey for free plus 2 free solution, all for the cheap price of 1950PHP.

My sis, please send me your prescription through my facebook so I can buy your lens now.  :D

Tony & Jackey's Anniversary Promo

As promised, the flier to Tony & Jackey's Anniversary Promo.

Don't walk, Run to Tony & Jackey!  You know Korean service don't come cheap here in the Philippines.  It's time to change that hair ancient hairstyle.  :P

PERMED!

Got my hair permed, finally!  :)  It took 3 and a half hours.  I didn't know that perming will take that long.  I was dead bored, I tell you.  Good thing I came prepared with my Murakami book - Norwegian Wood.  A must read from the master. 

I went to Tony & Jackey for my hair perming.  I was lucky cause every time I go there, most of the services are on promo.  Will do a scan of the flier on my next blog.  :)

After hair cut.  It only took the hair stylist 10 minutes to cut my hair and to "thin" them.

They put in hair treatment for 30 minutes at least.

Curl was set for 15 minutes then another 15 for cooling down.

The curling solution was applied for 10 minutes.  They shampooed my hair and voila!

A permed hair!  :)  Loving my new curls.  I now realise that when you go to a Korean salon, you get korean curls too. 

I was told that my perm will last for 6 months.  Will cut my hair short next time.

Project Ailema: Beauty is Pain

I haven't been to a dermatologist before. Okay I admit, I am stingy, I'd rather do things on my own(Read: DIY) than pay someone to do it. But since I am growing up and I am losing my baby soft skin(DISILLUSIONED), I realise that I should give derma a try. To tell everyone the truth, I have a secret obsession on making my skin perfect. The thought is scaring my credit card. :P

We started with consultation. Being inquisitive that I am, I asked my derma about my body scrub obsession. I told him that I used to do it everyday cause it leaves my skin soft and smooth. He told me that there is a reason why you should only scrub your skin every 2 weeks. It is no brainer that scrubbing everyday will take the natural moisture from your skin but I was surprised when he told me that scrubbing will make my skin thicker. That I don't want. He also advise me to stop sunbathing. This is gonna be hard, being a sun worshipper that I am. Well, I trust the expert and I will try to follow his advise.

I found one wart on my eye so I told my derma to remove it. He initially asked me if I have any intentions of going under the sun, I told him no. Warts is viral BTW. Dear boyfriend, you better be clear of warts. Derma Treatments are expensive! I don't want to undergo another laser treatment again.

Photos before the surgery:

Right side of my face. They found more warts. KILL ME!

Left side of my face. That's anesthesia all over my face BTW.
With dressing gown on. I haven't been hospitalised, ever. I am actually scared of going under the knife.

My mum's face with anesthesia. She wants the dark spots on her face removed.

Mum's photos after the laser procedure:

My laser treatment is almost painless. Thank God the anesthesia worked! My procedure took less than 10 minutes whilst my dear mummy took about 20 minutes. Laser means burning the top portion of the skin. My mum's cheeks are covered in scabs ATM. But since it was lasered, it will heal faster than cautery. In three days, she's gonna have a better skin. Almost 40 percent of the darkening will be removed. Good job mum for going to the derma!

Tony & Jackey

I am tired of my long hair. I've always wanted a full fringe and today, I had one. I wanted to go to Park Joon's beauty lab but since it's a long way to go, I went to Tony & Jackey instead.

To be honest, I didn't like anyone touching my hair. I had bad experiences growing up with hair stylists, they simply don't listen. My Tony & Jackey hairstylist is different, he asked me all the way. He even asked me if I wanted a rebond or a straight perm. He told me that he don't normally offer suggestions but he felt like the style will suit me. I told him that I will think about it. I wanted to experiment with my hair anyway. Straight Perm in 3 months perhaps?

God, is my face this round?
Taken after they shampooed my hair.

I am surprised that they dried it out completely before they cut my hair.
Normally, they a. shampoo/condition, b. cut hair wet, c. blow dry and then d. cut to add volume.

Presenting, cleopatra! LOL!

Full Fringe.

Side Swept. Just like my haircut for 2 years. BORING!

Hair tied back. I've always wanted to take a photo looking like this. :)

Dear Everyone,

Tony & Jackey SM North EDSA branch is having a promo. I only paid 300 pesos for my haircut. They have other promos as well but I forgot to take down notes.

Goodluck!

Much Love,
Miss Ailema

GINGER Kid

We are growing a ginger in my family! Yay!

Hair by Park Jun's Beauty Lab. It is pricey but she said it's worth every penny.
Trisha has been. My sister has been. Now, I must check the salon myself. I badly need a haircut. Last time I had it was back in England. Yikes!

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle

I love DIY home pampering treatments. I do my own, from head to toe. I recently discover the beauty of Pantene 3 Minute Miracle. I've been using their damage repair hair treatment cream since I return from England and so far, I like the result. It leaves my hair manageable and soft. Using the 3 minute miracle is even better. I have a confession, I only brush my hair twice a day. Once in the morning when I dry it and once at night before I slept so imagine the accumulated tangles through out the day. :P The 3 minute miracle leaves my hair tangle free, super soft and manageable. It looks even better the next day. Try it! :)

Pure Pleasure Vanilla Milk Set

I found these Pure Pleasure Vanilla Milk Products lying around at home. I am known to be the "finisher" of all rejects at home. I hate seeing things and money go to waste. Currently, I am using my sister's Body Shop Vitamin E products and I've been using the products below for 2 days in a row now. I am very happy with the result. It leaves your skin soft and smooth. Having very smooth and soft skin is important to me especially growing up with a mum with very soft and smooth skin. She takes emphasis and notice of people with bad dry skin. I tell you, the first thing she told me when she met my ex was, he got a very hard hand. Hahaha!

On my set, I have a bath crystals, lotion and body scrub.

Pamper Me

I just want to share some of my Pamper Me Fabulous Thursday Products. I am so blessed to be living with 2 people who would try anything to make themselves pretty - Dear Mummy and Dear Sister. Everytime we are out and about, we would end up in Boots, Body Shop and Lush. Loving and Taking Care of ourselves is a serious business in my family. :P These are the products that I am loving at the moment:

L-R: Dead Sea Spa Magik Mud Mask. Nirvana Spa Body Smoother. Both products leave skin soft and smooth. Lush bath bomb.

Dior and Estee Lauder Nail Varnish. I am no professional when it comes to applying nail varnish, on the contrary, I struggle to apply an even coat. So it was a joy to discover that both brands make good brushes. It doesn't make your finger nails yellow as well. I tried cheap ones and the yellow stain that you got from using it is horrible! BTW, these varnishes are owned by my dear sister.

Dior Vernis Products. L-R: 840, 467, 210, 156 and 108.
I particularly like Vernis 840. I wasn't actually allowed to use it cause my sister is saving it for whatever occassion but we have a spare bottle at home. Yey!

L-R: Red Wine, Sweat Pea and White Petal. Kawaii!

That's a coat of sweet pea shade for you. Soooo sweet. If you want to look formal, I recommend, Red Wine. It gives an air of sophistication. I'm being serious here.

making ME my number ONE priority - UPDATED -

Written Originally on the 26th of April.

I look forward to my daily walks. It gives me time to review about everything that's been going on around me, it gives me time to think about what I want and most importantly, it's my ME time. I realised that I am not being ME in the past years, I am not having enough FUN, I am not risking enough. I confided on the safe side too much and I was doing things that will make others happy. PERIOD. This year is MY TIME and I am committed to everything that will make me happy(under tight budget of course!). Things that I wanted to do this year:

1. Have an actual Birthday Party. I am not really big with celebrating birthdays cause I hate to be the centre of everyone's attention but this year, I had to make a change, after all, IT IS MY LAST YEAR here in England. Here are some of my plans.

a. Go on a weekend to Belgium(booked!).

b. Have a post Paintball birthday. A dozen of my friends confirmed to this event. It's a matter of booking and confirming the actual number of participants now. I am only having problems with my friends and their boyfriends cause they do so much activities together despite being so busy at work and they are still working out on their schedules.

c. I want a birthday dinner or a double birthday celebration with Donna. Her birthday is one day earlier than mine. I have to speak with her about it. :-P - DONE!

2. I want to do physical activities/extreme this year. I've always wanted to do Bungee Jumping but the idea died together with my fun self. I was only reminded now that my friend and her boyfriend are gonna go Sky Diving in 3 weeks. I asked friends to try GO APE with me. So far 6 of us showed interest. Full session is 14 but the slots are easy to fill.

3. Do my Euro Trip. Oh, this is so on my bucket list. This is the year that I go broke but happy. So far, I've been to France and Italy. Weekend in Belgium and 10 day Spain to Portugal trip has been booked. I know I am asking too much but I want to go to Netherlands(actually a friend lives there. It's a matter of in synching schedule now), Germany and Prague. Oh please someone accompany me! *wink* - the Germany and Prague was cancelled.

4. I used to go on Music Fests back in the PH and I am missing it so bad. I took a step this year by going to the Reading Fest in August and I am so looking forward to it! I will try to go to more gigs.

5. I wanted to travel alone for a weekend in Europe. Actually scratch that, in my mind, I do and don't want to go alone. I am not capable of travelling alone. My directions sucks but on the other hand, I don't want my excuses to get into my way. So we'll see. I will keep you posted people.

6. Learn another language perhaps. I've always wanted to learn Spanish and Japanese and I tried learning Bahasa for convenience. I wouldn't go into details. :-P I think I might go for Spanish as me and my friend Trisha thought about attending Spanish classes back in Uni. Oh, that was 3 years ago. OMG! 3 years already!

7. Be fit. I may be slim but I feel physically unfit most of the time. I couldn't even run for an hour that's why I changed jogging to walking. Ahahaha!

8. Travel more around the UK. I've been to most places in the south but I haven't been to the Midlands, Northern Ireland or Scotland. I notice that I like and hate planning. Actually told my friends that I will be planning for the group. I had no intention of going back to work til I am here. Yes, it sounds lazy but I don't want work to sacrifice my weekend for a job that I am not passionate about but will look for a weekday job soon.

9. Enrol myself in a class. Something that I've always wanted to do. My friend asked me to go Salsa dancing with her but she hasn't gone back to me. I looked into belly dancing this morning and will email the instructor on Tuesday before I go on my Alton Towers Trip. Let's see how all these classes pans out. - Okay,not quite the lessons I have in mind but I enrolled myself in Tennis.

I am loving all these revelations about myself. Finally I am having a clear picture of what I want. :)

brows grooming

I went for my first Brow Threading yesterday. Normally, I do my own brow but my friend convinced me that the process is almost painless and she was true to her words. Will post my newly threaded eyebrows later although I have a feeling that Luke finds this post ridiculous!

Oh Boots, It is ridiculous!

AFTER CARE APPOINTMENT

It is official, I am getting blind. I went to Boots yesterday morning for my contact lens after care. After working with computer for so long, I can say that my eyes went from blurred to blind. Yes, blind. You see, in the last 6 months, my eyes have gone to -1.50/-1.50 to -1.75/-1.75 to -2.25/-2.5. In my family, there are only 4 people who wears glasses on both sides of the family(except for the oldies of course) - me, my dear sister, my cousin Ruzelle and my nephew Argene. So me saying blind isn't a exaggeration.

EYE TEST

After my after care appointment, I was asked to do series of eye tests which I gladly agree as an excuse to skip my college class. BUSTED! The optician is not motivated at all. He looks like, I am only here for money. He didn't explain what the test is for or what the result of the test is. Great! The First test consist of "count the green dots" followed by "I will blow air into your eyes" and "look into the picture". Nothing made sense and nothing was explained to me.

LENS REPLACEMENT

Now that my prescription has gone up, it is only natural that I express interest on changing the lens of my old glasses. I told the sales assistant that I want to use my old glasses and she said that the style that I have was DISCOUNTINUED and if it breaks, they are not held responsible for anything. She suggested that I should buy a new pair of glasses instead cause it will be cheaper with my Boots Vision Plan(£50 off promo). I told her that I will have a look on what's on sale. After few minutes of browsing, she approached me and showed me the same glasses that I have, the one they said was DISCOUNTINUED! How ridiculous will it be buying the glasses that I already have? What would I do with two glasses of identical style? On even more ridiculous note, Lens cost 180 quid versus Glasses and Lens for 130! Seriously,it is fucked! I ran as soon as I got the chance. I don't like being robbed. CREDIT CRUNCH PEOPLE!

counting my blessings

Isn't today a lovely day?

I woke up at 9AM for my 11AM dental appointment. Put mud pac on and deep conditioned my hair while watching E! News. Hahaha! This is exactly what I need. PERIOD. I left home with enough time to reach my dentist. It was nice walking with light snow. It makes Winter bearable. :)

I go to my dentist every 3 months. She said that I should have strong gums for my age and no bleeding while brushing. She also suggested that I should floss and gurgle regularly which I did religiously for the past 3 months and it paid off! She said I can visit her every 6 months now. I saved £46 quid today. I celebrated by shopping of course!

I got this from Mango for £12(Original Price £40) on sale. I rarely pay full price.

£28 from Oasis. Patience is truly a virtue. Yesterday, this was on sale for £35(Original Price, £65) and today they had another 20% off. Lucky, Lucky me!

The remaining 7 quid I spend on this.

I just want to share something in connection to Krispy Kreme. This week, my mum, me and my sister started watching, Paul McKenna's I will make you thin. Not that I need any help with dieting, I am slim myself. Anyway, he gave Four Golden Rules to keep you fit.

1. Eat what you want. This is the reason why I bought Krispy Kreme.

2. Eat when you are hungry.

3. Eat consciously.

4. Stop when you are full.

Hope this helps people on a diet! Goodluck everyone! :)

health scare

Coughing kept me awake night after night for 2 weeks now. To be honest with you, it doesn't bother me at all. I hate taking medications for anything as long as I can still manage. I can go have a tooth filling without anesthetics. More than a pretty face, this girl is brave. Hahaha! My dear sister and mum is scared for me. For one, my mum saw my bad phlegm (C'mon don't be grossed out now!) and my dear sister is complaining about my Granny like coughing. She even called me Granny. I got my wake up call today when I spoke with 2 of my friends who have worked in the medical field. One told me that the NHS is on alert for alarming rate on Pneumonia, Acute Bronchitis and other lung illnesses. I remember last year when Mister Kiki went thru the same thing and was diagnosed with Bronchitis in Germany when he went for Holiday with his parents. I am also aware of the weak lung history in my family. So finally today after my course, I will be going to see my pharmacist and ask for a lung infection medicine. If I want to live longer and enjoy life more then I should take care of myself properly.

Thanks for all the concern everyone! :)

Desperate Measures

I've always been obsessed with clear skin. But who doesn't right? I've been attending parties lately and partying entails dressing up. Unfortunately, I can't wear anything that exposes my back. Why? I have dark marks from my pimples which I can't seem to get rid off. It has been camping on my back for months now and I'm too embarassed to show it off to everyone unless my dear sister helps me with putting concealer on. I'm getting desperate. I can't afford UK dermatologists so these are what I've done and what I've been doing so far.

1. E45. Someone told me that if you put E45 on your skin, it will get rid of any dryness and imperfections. Well, I used it for a year and nothing happened. :(

2. Garnier Detox Facial Wash plus Bio-Oil. What's good for your face is good for skin right? I started using Garnier on my face and saw astonishing results. I used to hate being photographed cause I have pimples on one side of my forehead and on my cheeks but it cleared up now thanks to Garnier. *wink* I'm using Garnier on my back for months now during shower followed by Bio-Oil but it doesn't seem to work. :(

3. Lemon - Nature's Wonder. I have to do it cheap. Stingy flood flowing in me. I know about Lemon's bleaching component since forever. Dark marks and bleach is a perfect match. I've only been doing it for 2 days now so I can't really tell the difference,so far.

4. Chinese Herbs. Last night Dear Mum came back with a bag of Chinese Products. This includes a soap, a lotion and 2 bottles of pills - in which I have to take 12 pills twice daily. I tell you, it taste HORRIBLE!

Can anyone help with my dilemma? I want this to end soon.

Hi! I am Ailema and I am ill.

People get ill. I get it. BUT not me! I don't remember the last time I got ill. Sure I get runny nose from time to time but it never was a hindrance to my daily activities. Today, I left home hoping that I will be able to finish course revisions, NOT! I went home after an hour and a half, went straight to bed and slept for 2 hours only to be interrupted by Dad's phonecall. Nevermind.

I am on my second roll of tissue now, second serving of Lemsip and a quarter tub of Ice Cream. Yes, Ice Cream. I need my comfort food and I couldn't find any at home. I want Cream of Mushroom soup, I want siomai and I want Payless Beef Noodles. Why Payless you may ask? Whenever I get ill my grandma used to make me one.

I better stop blabbing. I will post more fun stories when I get better. :)