Fresh, Fruity and Festive

The Body Shop has launched its Christmas edition products, with fresh, fruity and festive scents to get you in the mood for the holiday season.

This Christmas season, The Body Shop have released three limited edition product series:

1. Juicy Pear (fresh and sweet) - Luxurious body care highlights with pear extract from Italy.

2. Rich Plum (floral and fruity) - Turkish plum extract gives the sweet fragrance a nip.

3. Warm Vanilla (warm and creamy) - Vanilla extract from Madagascar encases the skin with a sweet fragrance.

I personally love the Rich Plum's fruity and floral fragrance. I still have to try the Juicy Pear. I am not a very huge fan of vanilla though, I find it too strong for my senses. I love The Body Shop products because they are committed to principles close to my heart: "Enrich, not exploit" by partnering with local communities in sourcing out sustainable and fair raw materials. It is also among the companies that have 100% vegetarian ingredients and continues to actively engage in a worldwide ban on animal testing of cosmetic products and ingredients.

Which Christmas Edition product variant have you tried?

Note: Images from The Body Shop.

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Do You Wear Pearls?

Freshwater pearls for many generations have been the huge craze, fashion trends exploding, brides going nuts for the newest collection, and most importantly thousands worldwide participating in the trend. These gems, being the only ones created from a living organism allows for limitless diversity amongst the different varieties of shapes and colors. They are in fashion trends around the world and they can’t seem to escape the hearts or any women. These gems are way too desired without the high price that everyone seems to assume they are. These natural gems are worn by thousands throughout the nations and will continue to become more popular. Not only do they have powers to enhance your life, they also are very unique and diverse from each pearl, creating the statement of individuality. Personally I love them so much that I have a few sets of my own. I wear them every day, any occasion, and just about every second I get the chance to show them off, I do!

The accessories I love the most are my pearl necklaces. They are beautiful with each outfit I wear and they always happen to complete my outfit in a way I didn’t think was possible. Jewelry is a huge fashion statement and to follow all the latest trends, pearls are always incorporated someway. The simplicity with accessories like them is a wonderful thing to invest, because they honestly go with everything you have in your closet. It is a real challenge to find something they do not go well with. The extra special thing about these gems is because they are always in style they can be passed down from generation to generation and will always look just as great! Start a new family tradition and find your pearls today!

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Gone Formal

It is nice to dress up for formal occasions once in a while. When an invitation to go to a Gala Dinner arrived, I was having second thoughts at first but then again, such events only happen once in a while, so why not? It is a Filipino event anyway so we wouldn't be bored, knowing that we have friends whom we can sit with at the table. The Gala Dinner, which was held last night at the Maritim Hotel in Stuttgart, was in honor of the Filipino Nurses who came here in Germany some forty years ago.

Since it was a formal occasion, we had to dress up for the event. I am not fond of wearing dresses and wearing make-up, and my husband is not a fan of suits and ties and leather shoes. I always feel awkward when I am wearing dresses but I guess once you are there, you realize that you need not be so self-conscious since everyone is wearing formal wear too.

Thankfully, a friend Aunt's daughter also came to the event and she helped me with my hair and make-up. I do not wear any make-up at all, nor do I have my own set of cosmetics so I was really null when it comes to putting on make-up. She applied gold eyeshadow on the corner of my eyes and also some mascara on my eyelashes. While she was putting on my make-up, I suddenly thought of women having very long eyelashes. I wonder if they are natural or they used products to grow them. My eyelashes are okay but should I want to have longer ones, I'd better read about eyelash growth products reviews. She also did my hair and braided both sides and tied it on the back of my head, Tibetan style. The make-up I can say was just light and good enough for the evening. I don't know what I would have done without her help. The make-up suddenly gave me a boost of self-confidence. Hehe!

It was a nice evening, with good music and Filipino folk dances. Dinner was also nice and delectable. The highlight of the event: the recognition of the Filipino nurses who have been serving the sick and the elderly for forty years now.

The night ended suddenly for us when our little Princess got exhausted and wanted to go home so she can sleep in our own bed. We went home exhausted but feeling nice about everything. It is not so bad to go formal once in a while after all. :)

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A Fresh Summer Look

Summer is here and although it is everybody's favorite times of the year, it can also be uncool especially if you look wilted, sweaty and well, just melting away just like an ice cream that has been kept under the sun. Women especially, like to keep their poise and look fresh and cool until sundown.

Well, fret no more as here are some makeup tips that will be sure to keep you looking fresh and cool the whole day through.

1. Because it is hot and humid during summer, be sure to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize your skin. Be sure that your moisturizer has sunscreen in it to shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. To keep your skin clean, you can use homemade facial masks once in a while to remove deep seated dirt and to help exfoliate dead skin cells.

2. A fan of foundations? Avoid using foundations as much as possible in summer since it has the tendency to smudge. But if it is really a part of your makeup routine, then use a light matte based foundation. Instead of a foundation, a powedered concealer that is two times lighter than your normal skin color is the perfect alternative. It hides blemishes and evens out your skin tone at the same time, minus the smudging. There is a variety of MAC makeup products available in cosmetic shops so choosing won't be so difficult.

3. Coloring your cheeks may not be necessary but if you want to, you can put on blush. A bronzer applied on the cheekbones, neck, forehead and chin will help to give you that sun-kissed look.

4. To brighten your eyes, use soft and light colored eye shadows. Be sure that you are using only powdered ones as liquid and cream-based eyeshadows have the tendency to smudge. And with the hot weather, you wouldn't want your mascara to run right? It will be smart to use water proof ones. Try the Splashproof Mascara. It works wonders.

5. To complete your summer look, put on light- or nude-colored lipstick. Use those that seals in the moisture and has sunscreen. Or you can skip the lipstick and use lip gloss. I personally prefer lip gloss over lipstick as it keeps my lips moisturized.

Now, your fresh summer look is complete. Have fun in the sun!

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I Badly Need A Facial

Since I turned 30 last month, I feel so old. I barely have time to take care of myself so that it would seem that I look older than my age. It really show on my skin, especially on my face. My skin is so dry, the pores are getting bigger, there are blackheads on nose, even blemishes and pigments that never seem to go away. When I look myself in the mirror, I would be sometimes be horrified at the image looking back at me. I look so "losyang", with the youthful glow of my skin gone. And it would worry me to bits, mind you. If I see myself that way, how does my husband see me then? I am sure he would also wish that I looked as lovely as when we got married.

I have always wanted to have a clear skin and it seems that my routine of just washing my face is no longer working. I guess it is high time that I give my face a much needed facial to strip it of dead skin cells and remove the unsightly blackheads. It would also help if I start with a skin care regimen that will nurse my skin back to its youthful glow. And now that summer is almost here, the more I need to protect my skin from the heat and harsh UV rays.

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A Sizzling Hot Summer

Summer means sand, sun and surf. It will not be complete without a day or two of swimming. Of course, swimming will not be complete without the latest swimwear from Swimwear Boutique. With the latest collection of bathing suits, one can choose from a variety of styles, colors and designs. There are one piece, two-piece, separates, luxury and designer swimwear to choose from. There is even the latest collection for men and kids. No matter what body shape and skin color you have, there will always be one that will fit your styling needs.

Two-piece swimwear always goes perfect for women with model-like figures. Looking for fresh and cool designs? Check out the Blue Swirl series of the Caffe 2011 collection. The tropical prints of this designer swimwear collection is just to die for. Not to mention the seamless stitching that gives any woman that flattering fit. If I had that kind of figure, I would definitely grab one!

But one cannot despair yet because women with tummies like me can still strut in the sand looking all glam and fab with figure friendly materials, shirring design and cuts that cover up and control the tummy and give you that slimming silhouette. If you want to look "ten pounds lighter in ten seconds", check out the Miraclesuit 2011 Swimwear, Swimsuits and Bikinis collection.

If you are blessed and well-endowed, you can also find lots of designer swimwear for women with bra cups sized D-K. Bikinis with soft cups and which lifts and separates the bust will make you appear less top heavy and can take years off your figure. Swimwear styles with ruching around the bust will minimize breasts. Wide-strapped halter necks are good for well-endowed because they provide support and accentuate narrow shoulders.

What of the small breasted or flat chested women? Avoid those styles that simply cuts straight across your body like boy shorts. Your best options are string bikinis. Choose designs with frills, diagonal lines and bright, cheerful patterns because they give you the illusion of curves. Padded or ruffled bikini tops also work beautifully for this type of figure.

Of course, whatever your size and shape, the most important thing in choosing swimwear is that it fits you just right and you are comfortable in it. Only then will you be able to have fun and your self-confidence will just naturally come out. Have fun choosing from the many designs, colors and shapes at the Swimwear Boutique's 2011 Swimwear collection. There is also an ongoing FREE GROUND SHIPPING so might as well take advantage of it as it only runs for a limited time. Enjoy your shopping!

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Hairless without the Burns and Bumps

Warmer days are here again and that means, the swimming season is just around the corner. As early as now, many women hit the gym to shape and tone because they would love to look their best in their bikinis. Their desire to have a smooth, hairless skin also heightens at this time of the year that they find themselves reaching more frequently for a razor. While shaving is the fastest and cheapest way to remove unwanted hairs, more often than not, razor burns is a common side effect. That is why you have to be careful when you shave, lest you want to get razor burns or razor bumps or even both!

Razor burns or razor bumps? What's the difference? Razor burn is a rash while razor bumps are ingrown hairs. According to dermatologist Jami Miller, MD, of the Vanderbilt University department of medicine in Nashville, Tenn, "Razor bumps are caused when hair grows back and loses its track out of the skin. It curls under the skin surface until it finds a way out." If you take precautions when you shave, you can prevent both from happening.

To prevent razor burns, you need to use a sharp razor and press it gently on your skin. While shaving, use a thick shaving cream made for sensitive. Allow for the shaving cream to soak for a few minutes on your skin for best results. Shave in the same direction your hair grows. To allow for even more cutting, rinse the blades between strokes. Moisturize with a hypoallergenic and fragrance free moisturize after you dry off.

Razor bumps can be prevented by shaving in the right direction, exfoliating the skin gently on the days you don’t shave, using a clean razor always and choosing the right razor. Miller says it is best to stick with single or double blades, not three or more.

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On Growing Old and Watching E!

Ever since my husband updated our television's entertainment package, we now have an additional number of channels that shows lots of English programs. There's Disney channels, I think around five channels in total, cartoon network, tnt series, music television channels, national geographic and discovery, fashion channels, and entertainment channel.

Since we are not so updated on Hollywood stuff, we would channel surf and sometimes land on E! Unconsciously, we began to like some of the regular shows in this channel. I know it is mostly gossip but the specials are really nice. Last night, they featured Gwyneth Paltrow but since I went to bed early, it was only the husband who got to see it. I also remember chanching upon an episode of Dr. 90210 and how people subject themselves under the knife just to look and feel better about themselves. There was one procedure done to remove excess body fat and stretched skin and I thought it was a really painful one. I cringed while watching that episode. It's good to know that should I want to remove forehead wrinkles when I am older, I would not need to go through such trouble and subject myself to a surgery because there are lots of available treatment options that come in the bottle. 

The fountain of youth is everyone's quest these days. Why else would  we go through the trouble of taking of our skin and buying lots of skin care products if not for this quest alone? All of us want to look younger and have beautiful skin because it makes us feel more confident about ourselves. The question is, how far would you go?

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Missing My Long Hair

I had my hair cut short in the summer because it has grown too long and I have been having some hair fall problems. Now that it is winter and cold, I am starting to miss my hair. I wish I could grow it back as soon as possible while it's still winter time. Do you know of any hair care products that makes it possible for a faster hair growth? Oh yes, I want to get longer hair but I also don't want to have hair fall problems again. So I am taking precautions.

If you are having hair fall problems like me, try the following tips:

1. Eat protein-rich food like milk, egg whites and fish. Hair is made up of keratin, a kind of protein so the more protein you consume, the more hair you can grow. 

2. Don't let the fact that your hair is falling out stress you. Stress is one of the main causes of hair fall so just keep your cool and keep a calm mind.

3. Take biotin, Vitamins C, D, A and B and minerals like potassium. These are the best hair vitamins that will keep your tresses intact and strong. 

4. Smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine are generally not good for your body. So if it is not good for your body, it must also be not good for your hair. 

5. Get a regular exercise so your body will sweat. Sweating helps clean and unclogs your hair pores. 

6. Avoid any rough treatment to the tresses. Unnecessary brushing, combing, heating or handling of your mane will weaken the hair at the root level and cause hair fall.

7. Cut off all split ends to allow your mane to grow healthy and to prevent further damage. A trim every eight weeks will be enough to stop the split ends from infecting other newly grown tresses.

8. Keep your hair moisturized by having a hot oil treatment once in a while. 

If these won't stop the hair fall, then there must be another reason why your hair is falling out. Then this is the best time to consult your physician.

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Adults Are Not Exempted

There is the old belief that as you get older, the more less likely you are to get pimples and acne on your face. This may be true for some adults but not for others. Pimples and acne can grow on anybody's face. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, young or old. It all will depend on your skin type, hormonal balance and how exposed or prone the skin is to dirt, bacteria and other such stimulants.

Having skin problems such as acne can be such a nightmare especially if you are already an adult because they don't heal as fast and the blemishes become more difficult to remove. But it's a good thing that there are lots of treatment for adult acne available in the market today. For your safety and better results though, you must first consult a dermatologist and get professional advice. They always know what is best for your skin and which treatment will suit your skin type best. In that way, you won't be wasting your time, money and energy.

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Got Dry Skin?

If you've got one, I say: MOISTURIZE! There's no other way of battling dry skin than to keep it moisturized.

Cold days are here again... I know you all could feel the chill of the morning breeze and the sun shines at a much later time. At this time of the year, the part of the body that needs your attention and tender loving care the most is your skin. You would notice that your scalp gets very itchy and your head flaky even if you don't suffer from dandruff. You will also feel the urge to always scratch your back, your arms and even your legs because they are so itchy. And you notice that your face becomes red and scaly because the cold air is making it very dry. And what of your lips? It is parched and dry too! No fret though because all you need to revitalize and moisturize your skin are good face moisturizer, moisturizing lotion and lip balm. With the cold here to stay for at least four months more, it would be best to arm yourself with these skin defenses. It's bad enough to dry up in hot weather, more so in the cold weather.

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Acne Free Face

Taking care of your hair which is your crowning glory comes only second. The first thing to do to be presentable is to keep your face acne-free. And most women try a lot of severe acne treatments for their faces. Women and men alike should take into consideration that taking care of their faces comes first more than anything else.

Here are simple steps to have a pimple-free face:

1. Wash your face regularly. Washing your face with water alone cannot guarantee to keep your face pimple-free so a mild soap and warm water can do the trick. Keep your face free of dirt as possible in order to prevent the oil build up that causes pimples.

2. Don’t apply very harsh cleansers on your face. It is unhelpful to the skin’s function because it takes away natural oils and interrupts the protective layer of the skin which leads to dryness and irritations that causes acnes.

3. Makeup contains skin irritants so avoid using too much makeup. Clean your face before going to bed; remove the makeup before going to bed.

4. Drink a lot of water and keep yourself healthy. Avoid greasy food and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Proper diet is important to have a healthy skin.

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Whaa!! A Pimple!

After taking my afternoon shower today, I saw a very big lonely pimple on my forehead. This could be the result of my sleepless nights. And I need this thing on my forehead gone pronto or else it would show up in every photo that I have in this vacation. Anyone got a pronexin? That should do the trick!

And speaking of pimples, I recall when I was pregnant. I had so many pimples and acne on my face that it seems only my lips do not have them. They seem to have sprouted like mushrooms or mung beans just a few months into my pregnancy. And it was very itchy that I sometimes can't help but scratch my face or prick them. Gross, right? Now my face has got some scars to remind me of those days. But who cares? I can always get a clear, even-toned face if I really set my heart out to do it. And those pimples brought in a very beautiful child. I guess that's what really matters most.

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This Bloggger Had A Haircut!

Okay. So I was late in posting my movie entry and the linky for Tuesday Couch Potatoes. And that was mainly because I had an appointment with my favorite hair dresser Ms. Loraine.

It's summer and getting hotter each day. I have a hair fall problem, which if not taken cared of promptly could lead to losing all of my hair soon! I want to save on shampoo and water. I want my shower time and hair drying time shortened. I want my hair manageable and just wash and wear. I have always had long hair most of my life and a long hair seems a little boring. I thought a short hair would make a new change. I want to be a little different for a change. And what of my long hair being sayang? Well, I am still young and I know that in a year, I will be able to grow it again.

Me and my new short hair!

The solution: cut my hair short. And that's just what I asked Ms. Loraine to do. I think she did a fantastic job with my hair. Although my face looks rounder, the new hair sytle made me look younger. And I feel lighter too. I hope with my short hair, my hair fall problems would lessen or diminish.

So, what do you think?

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Vanity Kit, Where Are You?

Today's theme for Girls' Talk is all about our vanity kit. This week's theme is an easy one for me because my answer to that would be I HAVE NONE. Don't get me wrong. I still prep myself when we go out but it's just slathering on body lotion, combing and drying my hair, brushing my teeth and splashing on some cologne or putting on a little perfume and then I'm good to go. I even forget to put on lip balm! Yup! No lipsticks or face powder for me although the kikay in me finds herself wandering into the cosmetics section of any store for some window shopping. Perhaps after I lose weight, I would shop for some cosmetics for those formal affairs. But you could never see me wearing make-up on casual days.

Right now, I really am looking for my vanity kit because it is non-existent. If hand cream and hand sanitizer and wet tissues would fit this category, then that would be my VANITY KIT! I guess if you are a Mom, putting on even light make-up is the least of your worries. Besides, it's the natural beauty in you that counts. My Hubby doesn't complain anyway and he's okay with how I look so why bother? Hehehe! But then again, we all GIRLS want to look and feel good right? I guess for as long as you have the positivism in yourself and you are comfortable with how you look, that's all that matters.

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GT: My Shower Loot

Obviously, I am a NIVEA fan.

My favorite shower bath cream is NIVEA Relaxing Moments. It's creamy and lightly scented.. perfect for those before-bedtime-baths. For my face, I use Clearasil facial wash. It helps prevent break outs. For my hair, I use Head & Shoulders for obvious reasons. I use the 2-in-1 Clean variant. It is safe enough for daily use. I have a problem with falling hair though.. so I guess I could also use some Mane and Tail shampoo. Let's see if I can ask Nanay to bring me a bottle or two when they come here for a visit this month.

Of course, after I shower I put on deodorant spray. I love the new variant Pearl Beauty. I also put on body lotion to help keep my skin moisturized for the whole day. I especially love the body lotion with Q10. It helps tone the skin and it has a delicate fragrance that drives hubby crazy. Lol!

I love to take long showers. It usually takes me 30 minutes to 1 hour just to finish my shower. Add another 30 minutes or so for drying my hair and all so that's about 1.5 hours. I can't imagine reducing my bath time from 1 hour to 15 minutes especially when I start school. I should shower early or else I'd always be late for my classes! Lol!

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Finally, A Haircut!

After a year of having gone to the hair salon for a haircut, I finally managed to make my very first appointment for a haircut here in Germany. My hair is already too long, and it's beginning to dry up and fall as a result of washing with warm water and blow drying. Two Sundays ago, I finally had my hair cut. A friend of our friends who is also a Filipina and works at a salon was the one who did my hair. I liked how it turned out although I do not know how to style it the way she did, hence no photo of me here... :D

I want something like this hair style that Julia Stiles is sporting.

She just cut a few inches of my hair off and then layered both sides. She didn't slash the back though although I would have preferred it if she did. I have thick hair you see and a slash hairstyle makes it a little thin. Anyway, it is still a bit cold so I guess I will just have to make another appointment with her when summer comes.

I hope to have my hair treated too because I want it straight. Since it is too expensive to have that done here, I guess I'll just to wait when we fet to schedule our home visit back to the Philippines.

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