Skin Care Bites: Dealing with Adult Acne Update!

Soon after I wrote about my daily regimen to manage my breakouts due to hormonal imbalance, I was forced to make a change on one of the items on that list. 2 weeks after, I ran out of Acnedote Astringent and couldn't find it in stock in all the Healthy Options branches here. 

In desperation, I decided to grab a bottle of T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Astringent and another bottle of Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner as temporary substitutes. I didn't do my usual due diligence of researching the products and reading through threads of feedback. I just needed to fill that gap in my skin care routine, thought that I'll likely won't go wrong with natural products and GOT LUCKY.

Since then, I've noticed some positive changes: skin is somewhat smoother, brighter, younger and just better overall since I started incorporating those products in my regimen. I also do not seem to need to put on that much makeup now (liquid foundation is easier to apply and I seem to need to apply less of it! yey!). Others have noticed too (insert blushing emoji here), hence, the feeling of validation and wanting to share the results with others out there who are still trying to find their magic combination of products. 

Personally, I found the Acnedote Astringent a bit harsh (it has salicylic acid, after all)  but I stuck with it because I felt it was part of my regimen that seems to be working. Having used these gentler and more effective "alternatives", I think I will instead be stocking up on these two. 

I have only been using these two witch hazel products for a month (quite religiously morning and night) but I'm just thankful that they complement the other products I'm already using and altogether, gave me results which exceeded what I usually expect from products to give such as short period of time. Usually, you need to be patient with skincare products so it's always a pleasant surprise to stumble upon underrated products like these!

Shoe Obsession: Sam Edelman Kris

I've always found it funny when people comment "take my money" but the expression totally applies to the moment I saw these babies from Sam Edelman. 

Sam Edelman, please take my money and send me a pair in size 6. Thank you. 

xoxo

Skin Care Bites: Dealing with Adult Acne

I'm that type of person who doesn't normally go to the dermatologist. I do, however, suffer from occasional adult acne and surmised that it's due to hormonal imbalance -- usually, one to three will appear around a couple of days before my period -- something I dread every month! I'm sure a lot of women can relate, right? So if you're like me who has tried everything (from salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, clindamycin, cortisone shots, etc.) and is still looking for things to "try", I'd like to share some of the products that are giving me good results right now:

1) GNC's Evening Primrose Oil 1300 - Since my problem is mostly "hormonally-triggered", I searched for a [preferably natural] supplement to address that & stumbled upon EPO (sorry, I can't recall the site now) and looked for a reputable local source. I got mine from GNC but found other choices at Healthy Options. I took 2 capsules every night for 2 weeks but have since reduced my intake to 1 capsule every night. According to various online sources, EPO supports hormonal balance and may also help with the ff:

• PMS: Women with PMS may have impaired conversion of linoleic acid to gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil contains GLA and may reduce PMS symptoms.
• Skin care: Supplementing with evening primrose oil can supply anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are missing in many people with eczema; EPO may also improve blood flow to the legs and heals or reduces the size of venous leg ulcers.

2) Alba Botanica's Acnedote Deep Pore Wash - Active ingredients are witch hazel and salicylic acid. I've been using this for more than a year. Before this facial wash, I was using Cetaphil face wash for oily skin. I still switch between those two but mainly use Acnedote.

3) Acnedote Deep Clean Astringent - Active ingredient is also salicylic acid and I use it after the deep pore wash. Before trying this, I personally was not a fan of astringent since I had a bad reaction years before. It may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin tho. I apply this before bed and every morning.

4) YSA's Erythromycin Lotion for face and body - This was recommended by the YSA resident dermatologist after I got cortisone shots for my cystic acne a week before our beach trip. I apply this with a cotton ball after Acnedote astringent at night and every morning to affected areas (or entire face) and I've noticed pimples disappear and heal faster. I also apply this to some stray body acne. I just finished my first 100ml bottle (which lasted me 1 month and a half) and purchased my second bottle (got the 200ml already) last week. To be honest, I've never come across erythromycin in my extensive research for acne treatments but now that I have, I dont think I can live without this one.

5) Garnier Milky Lightening Dew Toner -I buy it from Watson's or Mercury Drug. I use this to help accelerate the lightening of some leftover acne marks or any hyperpigmentation. I am also counting on the skin smoothing effect that it promises to deliver. I apply it generously with a cotton ball all over my face and neck before going to bed. I can say that within a month of using it, I've noticed very promising results (more than Clinique's Dark Spot Corrector has ever given me in the 2 years I've been using it...sad to say). 
A huge acne scar on my cheek has started to lighten and indeed, my skin has become a bit lighter and smoother. Yey! 
Word of warning for gals with oily to combination skin (like me): since this it has a "hydrating agent", you might wake up with a shiny mug (pretend I said that with a British accent haha!). 

6) Cortisone shots - I've only tried this once and yes, coz it sort of counted as an emergency to me. I had my period a week before our beach trip and I was desperate to be rid of a couple of cystic pimples that came with it. I'd like to look at my vacation photos and smile...not cringe, right? It hurt a bit but I'd gladly endure the pain again if ever I had an event and an uninvited guest shows up again. Actually, I've noticed that the spots I had injected didn't leave me with nasty dark scars/marks which is usually a guaranteed thing had I left them alone.

What I've learned from my 'struggle' is that you need to do your research, know your skin, learn all the risks and possible contraindications, be patient with the products that you try (I had to be extra patient with Derm-A's tretinoin and it paid off then), other products you use together does matter, avoid touching your face as much as possible and change your pillowcase often! 

Hope you find what works for you, too! =)

(pictures sourced from the web; ysa erythromycin lotion pic from beautyofyouth.net)

Gadget Bites: My SJCAM SJ4000 with WiFi Review

I've had my SJCAM SJ4000 for 3 months now and I can say I am totally happy with it. It's not without its flaws -- bugs such as having to reset the date and time each time you swap the battery out and having to set the timer or other settings each time you power off -- but I can live with those rather than shelling out $150 and more for the real thing. After all,  I'm no adrenaline junkie -- you can profile me as an occasional traveler (esp to the beaches here in the Philippines) who likes adventure from time to time (like surfing in La Union/Baler, climbing mountains like Mt. Pulag, trekking rivers during dry season, camping, and biking trails with my reliable Cannondale MTB). As much as I enjoy getting down and dirty, I am also a woman you enjoys dressing up for girls' night out and hanging out with my cats and dogs. 


After months of research of what action cam I will get and the best price available from local and international suppliers, I finally got a package with the ff: 

• SJCAM SJ4000 with WiFi in blue
• 32GB Micro SD card class 10 (max. capacity that SJ4000 can accommodate)
• Extra battery (no brand)
• Battery charger (dock)
• twist and lock stick
• floater
• carrying case/pouch

So what have I exactly put my SJ4000 through? We've taken it along to 3 beach trips -- one road trip to Laiya, a company outing and a Boracay trip with a bunch of friends -- and a business trip to Japan. That's not counting the numerous get-togethers and family events in between. During our Boracay vacation, I even took it with me when I jumped off a cliff (We went cliff diving at Magic Island). I have yet to take it along a trail biking trip because I have haven't been on my mountain bike all summer (LOL!).

A friend also took her GoPro Hero 4 Silver (the one with the touchscreen LCD) to Boracay and it was good to be able to compare the two (I'm not delusional. I know my SJCAM is not on the same level as a Hero 4!) in actual to find out what I could be missing. Except for the slightly better features and menu, the picture quality was not that far. The Hero 4 Silver's images appeared washed out but brighter (less dark and less 'shadowy') which is why I actually prefer the more saturated and sharpened images of my SJ4000 (note that I only set image size at 5MP & not the full 12MP size that it can deliver). It could be just be an issue with her GoPro's settings and it's nothing that any image editing app can't fix. 

The video quality is better with the GoPro (as expected). My SJ4000's vids seem 'choppy' at the 720p & 30fps I prefer to set it at (if that explains it & I didnt want to deal with the larger file size). The Hero 4 Silver's was smooth and brighter, as well. I loved the touchscreen but then you can't really use it with the waterproof case (well, duh). One thing I wish the SJ4000 had are preset for 3-second timed shots -- which the GoPro has -- and because I use that feature a lot. 

Both had WiFi and can connect to and be controlled by our phones. GoPro app seemed easier to use, as well. Another thing that GoPro is better at displaying: timed shots are shown as an album so the file list looks less cluttered -- not individual shots like in SJCAM.

 I suppose some people will nitpick on the issues that SJCAM has and some will get a GoPro because it looks cooler (yep, I still use that word haha! and I would totally get one to look cooler if shoes became a lower priority than gadgets) to have one rather than a "copy" from China, 

but if you're someone who's not sure if the action cam is for you, the SJ4000 will provide as close an experience to the GoPro, IMO. Then you can decide easier in investing on a GoPro (be it the base model, HERO, or the highest rated one). 

For me, it's reassuring to know that I don't have to commit yet because I have a cheaper alternative that I can experiment with first! 

Tho I am now thinking of upgrading to the latest SJCAM model -- the SJ5000+ :-) 

Weaved Beauty: New Zara heels

From the new collection...

After seeing these on their website, I knew they had to be mine.

Funny how often that happens =)

Bag Love: Coach Legacy Perforated Mini Tanner Review

I know I still owe you the last installment of 'Our Batanes Adventure' series but I hope you dont mind if I share this review of the Coach Perforated Mini Tanner.

I've always adored coach -- the leather, the quality and the price! Seeing the new leather legacy collection which they started to release last year has reinvigorated my love for the brand. I'm obsessed with how fun and fresh the new bags are.

Due to the popularity of small crossbody bags such as cambridge satchels and celine mini luggage, these bags are more in demand right now than they've ever been. When I saw the mini tanner, I knew it will be the one that will make me jump in on this trend. I was set on getting either the mint or coral ones but then I saw a preview of the spring/summer 2013 collection at nitrolicious.com (thanks to Wendy Lam!) and I knew I can wait a few more months for the Navy Blue + Bright Citron colorway.

My favorite new feature of the legacy collection are the tassels. I also love the simple embossing of the coach label. Hope it will not fade easily over time though.

The leather mini tanner retails from $258 to $268 at Coach.com and as mentioned, it comes in a variety of fun and basic colors (some colors seem to be out of stock now tho):

Solid colors: brown, black, lemon yellow, mint green, coral

Two-tone/colorblock: navy blue+chambray, parchment+citrine

Perforated series: navy blue+citrine, bisque+hibiscus, watermelon+snow

Size-wise, if you're wondering what you can fit inside, here are some photos.

As you can see, my iPad 2 juts out a bit that I can't really close the zippers anymore. Though I'm sure the iPad mini will fit just right... =)

With my long wallet, hand sanitizer and ID, I will barely fit anything else. It still has room for probably a few makeup basics like a lipstick/lipgloss and cheek stain.

The outer pocket fits my iPhone 4 perfectly...only if it's bare or doesn't have a bulky case like my Case-Mate Tough case (which has 2 layers) in which case, it's a pretty tight fit whether on its side or upright.
 

So far, I'm really happy to include the mini tanner in my bag collection. I honestly didn't expect to fit as much stuff in it as I did. Though, maybe I shouldn't over-stuff it too, right? 

Aside from some feedback/reviews of the strap breaking and except for the strap being thinner and longer than expected and not having enough holes to adjust it with, I'll gladly order another one, anytime! But I think my next coach project will either be the legacy large duffel (cognac/red/perforated) or the saffiano north/south city tote in camel!

Tell me about your coach love story and what you're coveting right now.

Manic Monday: Charlotte Olympia + Banana Leaves = Awesome

*photos sourced from outnet.com and google search results edited using my bff, photoshop =)

I've been browsing the Outnet site and stumbled upon these 3 Charlotte Olympia shoes. How cute are these? *drool* One of each please!

Ahhh, the list of CO items to be obsessed about just got longer. I'm not even over the kitty flats and platform pumps (soooo last year right? haha!)

Here kitty, kitty...

Shoptalk: Amazon WarehouseDeals

*Note: This is not a sponsored post. Just writing about one of my interests which is online shopping =) 

If you're not familiar with this dimension of Amazon yet (where have you been? jk!), Warehousedeals "features deep discounts on open-box, like-new, refurbished, and used products from Amazon.com".

I've been ordering from warehousedeals since 2009 and I make it a point to regularly check (like once a week) new items that have been added (women's shoes size 6 please!).

As explained in their "How warehousedeals works" illustration, they ensure working condition and assess the product quality of an item. I believe the best quality would be "used - like new". I've ordered items in "used - good" condition but nothing worse/lower than that. Expect though, that they will usually have one stock for an item. If you're lucky, you can stumble upon designer shoes in your size at up to 80% off. This is just our little secret: they'll actually reduce the price further the longer it is listed. Since you can't actually add the warehousedeals items to your wish list, you can just add them to your cart and 'save for later' so you can monitor further reductions.

Based on my experience, the items are packed really well and I've never had an issue with the quality. Even the item in good, used condition -- though it came with a warning that it might have scuffs/scratches and whatnot -- actually looked brand new to me. I did order a pair of Dolce Vita sandals that came instead in a plain, brown shoe box so that's something to keep in mind if you're particular about receiving shoes in its original box. Aside from shoes, I've also ordered some outdoor/sports gear.

Just some of the best deals I've gotten are:

• his and hers Osprey hydration packs which we've used many times on MTB (mountain bike) rides and light treks at 40-60% off
• 2XU compression tights which I also use during bike rides and evening jogs at more than 50% off
• Sesto Meucci brown leather huarache sandals at 70% off (fell in love with the bohemian vibe of it!)

I have my eye on a few pairs (warning: items in my size) right now.

If you love oxfords like I do, check out these classic John Fluevog ones listed at $57 (originally $255!!!).

Can't go wrong with these black pumps from Dolce Vita and Rebecca Minkoff now listed at only $47 (retails for $189!) and $88 (originally $325!) respectively.

How about these designer pairs by Jean Michel-Cazabat, Kate Spade, Badgely Mishka and See by Chloe at around 40-60% off. I just might pull the trigger on those perfect nude kate spade pumps.

Since, I've been using/abusing my new balance running shoes for hikes/treks, it's time that I buy myself a decent pair of hiking shoes, no? Funny that these are a close second choice (to the KS pair) for me:

Before ordering anything online, I make it a point to read reviews/feedback on sizing/fit and comfort. Also, try to see if it really is indeed the best deal out there (consider shipping fees, taxes, return policies and reputation of the seller). Sounds like a lot of work but doing research is just the wise thing to do, right?

Share your favorite warehousedeals finds and good/bad stories? What are you coveting right now?

Continuation: Our Batanes Adventure - The Food

Continued...

So let's talk about where and what to eat first =)
Sorry my thoughts seem quite scattered. Guess, you'll just have to get used to it.

The Food
I'd go back to Batanes just for the food. To be honest, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I mean, just look at this platter of food that they served us at Pension Ivatan!

Even the sweet potatoes seem more delicious here -- sweeter and creamier somehow! Now, if you ask people what food you should try when in Batanes, most common must-try will be this alien-like (stargate maybe?) creature:

It's the cocunut crab (also called robber crab). It sorta looks like a giant hermit crab, no? I would've love to watch it open a coconut but they say it will take quite some time (like almost a whole day!?).

Tada, steamed and ready to eat! He was delicious but I would rather not meet my meals before eating them though...

If you're not a fan of seafood, not very adventurous 'food-wise or allergic, you can look for Casa Napoli. They serve really good pizza and pasta dishes. Well, it's the only pizza place in Batanes that I know of. We were lucky coz we actually knew the couple who owns it so we got some special treatment (wink). We loved it so much we came back early the next day to have pizza for breakfast.

During our island tour to Sabtang Island, we were served this bounty for lunch:

Grilled fish, Pork adobo with pineapples, sauteed veggies and the star of the table, bocayo for dessert. How can something made from coconut and brown sugar be so good? I've tasted quite a few bocayo but this one is the best so far. I swear I'm willing to fight to the teeth for a crumb of this (I could be exaggerating a wee bit).

We were also lucky to have visited Batanes at the same time that famous food and travel blogger Anton Diaz is hosting a tour there so we were actually able to join and enjoy the private al fresco dinner he arranged at Fundacion Pacita which came with a cultural show. The show was good but the chicken was a bit on the dry side.

As well as a barbecue dinner at the Basco lighthouse.

As I was staring into the night sky, I  couldn't help but feel really, really lucky to be there at that moment and so thankful for the great weather, company and happy in this trip. Definitely, the trip was one for the books =)

These blogs actually have a more complete list of places to eat in Batanes:
http://roamingmum.com/2011/04/batanes-food-trip/
http://philippinedining.blogspot.com/2010/12/where-to-eat-in-batanes.html

Guess I need another post for the other Batanes info/story I want to share...

To be continued!

Throwback: Our Batanes Adventure

It has been 8 months since our trip to Batanes but whenever our group gets together, we still cant help but talk and gush about it. I can say for certain that it's my best and most memorable trip yet. I admit though that traveling with a fun group of people was a big factor. It always is, right?

I'll try to cover as much as I can share in one post (at least, those that I think those wanting to travel to Batanes will find quite useful).
 
BCTA
The Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA) is a tour operator that offers several packages to Batanes -- from the somewhat affordable to somewhat luxurious (yes, it is quite possible). According to their site, they are working with the local government to promote Batanes. Their website is pretty comprehensive (http://batanestravel.com) so it will be good to check it out. If you live or work around Ortigas, you can drop by  their office at the Park Chateau condo (it's near Unionbank bldg) and actually talk to someone (if that's what you prefer). They can actually assist you in choosing your accomodations and preparing your itinerary.

Flying to Batanes

We flew via SkyJet. I believe it is affiliated with the Batanes Cultural Travel Agency (BCTA). They have flights twice a week. According to a recent post at Pinoyroadtrip.com, that hasnt changed. It also lists some other airline options and costs (http://www.pinoyroadtrip.com/2013/02/manila-to-batanes-flights-airlines.html). I should warn you that flights to Batanes aren't exactly cheap. With the prevalence of promo fares, you can get much, much cheaper flights to say, Thailand, HK or Singapore.
We had a talk with our very wise guide, Ed, about this and I hope I can convey the message he wanted to say -- that attracting tourists is not really a priority for them -- they would prefer that few people visit actually. They have seen the effect that tourism does to a place and somewhat controlling the number of people that do visit to a few groups at a time will help them maintain and preserve the culture. Afterall, Batanes was declared by UNESCO Paris as a World Heritage site. I hope that made some sense.

Where to stay
We initially planned to stay at the swanky and famous Fundacion Pacita.

Unfortunately, it was fully-booked so we ended up choosing Octagon Bed and Dine (http://www.octagonbedanddine.com) which wasn't so bad (except for the water pressure tho I'm unsure if this is the case throughout the island). It was cozy (I loved the knickknacks and quirky wood carvings) and had an amazing view of the sea and a lighthouse. The breakfast fare was pretty good too and they had a well-stocked fridge (sanmig light anytime). They only had 3 rooms which was just enough for our group so we thought we had the place to ourselves. But since it's a local hangout, people will come and drink and sing. Don't worry though, the videoke/karaoke singing is usually over by 10pm.

To be continued...
The Food
Where to go/What to see: I'll share our itinerary and some awesome photos
Other things you should know...

Surviving Mount Pulag

It has been unusually cold during the past few weeks. News that the temperature at the Pulag summit reached zero was quite disturbing for me. You see, I love summer. I love the beach. I love the sun. I pretty much don't care for the cold. I only tolerate it coz I get to wear my extensive collection of coats (I own too many for our climate). Needless to say, it set off the 'doomsday prepper' in me. In the end, while lying inside our tent waiting for sleep to come, I found myself wearing a thermal shirt, 2 layers of fleece jackets, a north face jacket (with fleece lining still) with hood and a thin waterproof/windproof jacket, thermal leggings, regular leggings, trek pants, 3 pairs of socks, 1 thick pair of fleece gloves, 1 fleece bonnet and 1 headware scarf worn as a baklava.
Now, i wasn't really wearing all that during the 6-8 hour trek to the campsite. You'll need your thermal shirt and leggings only after sundown when the temperature will start to drop pretty fast. You'll mostly be wearing a baselayer or dri-fit shirt and a light jacket throughout the trek.

But first thing's first, if you were to ask me if I found the climb to be easy, I would say not really. Pulag is afterall the highest peak in Luzon. It looks quite easy looking at pictures but somehow didnt feel that way. I consider myself quite a fit person (I work out regularly) and never expected to struggle as much as I did. And we did the easier of the 2 trails, Ambangeg! Most times, all I can hear is the heavy pounding of my heart (not exaggerating). I suppose it's the weight of our bags and the thinner air that made the difference (excuses maybe?).

So some questions you need to ask and do if you're thinking of climbing pulag for the first time:

1. Do you want to hire a porter? You and a few friends can actually pool your heavier stuff and hire a porter to carry it with you. By stuff, I mean your tents, cooking gear, etc. You can just choose to carry a bag with your hydration, jacket, essentials, etc.
2. Are you physically prepared? Taking the stairs to your office at the 10th floor daily for 2 weeks will help some ;-)
3. Are you prepared for the cold? It depends which time of the year you're going. If it's summer already, you wouldnt have to bring as much. But if the forecast says it will be below 10 degrees, you will need at least 3 layers of clothing. Thermal shirt and leggings for me is a must. It need not be expensive I bought ours from greenhills for 450 pesos per set and it was pretty effective. Just dont expect it to have moisture wicking technology.
4. How much water should you bring? My hydration pack can carry up to 3 liters of water. I also carried a 1 liter water bottle. I was able to consume it all plus 1 liter which I refilled from a spring water source. There are a couple water sources located near camp 1 and 2 so if you have some puritabs, maybe you wont have to carry as much water as I did.
5. Where's the restroom? Fortunately, Pulag has several latrines set up. But then, if you really need to go and a latrine is nowhere in sight, do it off the path.
6. Which camp will you spend the night? Our group chose to stay at camp 3 which is also known as 'saddle camp'. It is around 2 hours away from camp 2. The advantage of camping at saddle camp, it is nearest the summit so you wouldn't have to wake up 2 hours earlier and trek in the dark from camps 1 and 2.  

 Other things to expect/remember:

• The jeepney ride from Baguio to the ranger station is around 3 hours long. The road is winding and you will get dizzy so better take something 30 mins before the ride (dizitab/bonamine).
• If you plan to take the bus back to manila, compute what time you will get back the next day and buy your tickets already. Otherwise, you'd have to consider falling in the 'chance passengers' line. It's really not advisable for big groups to do that. Just to give you an idea, my boyfriend and I tried to buy our tickets when we got back to Baguio from Pulag at 5pm but the available ticket is for 5am already. So our only option was as chance passengers and we got accommodated by the 7pm bus.

It will be hard but it will be worth it. Watching the sun rise high above a sea of clouds (literally!), is really a unique experience. I can't wait to try  the Akiki trail (aka, killer trail) next time. I promise to be more prepared then.