5 Tips to Oil Free Skin

Glistening skin is my number one dilemma. I don't know how to get rid of it anymore. I have tried several products for oily skin but it seem as though its not working. Of course I have only tried those than I can afford. It pisses me off every time I look in the mirror, wow too shiny! Haha! And then I have to reapply face powder frequently.

OK, maybe I have to try another set of tips on how to tame my oil-glazed face.

STEP 1: CLEANSEProper washing will free pores from oil. Use a mild, hypoallergenic soap or facial cleanser and tap water. Never rinse with hot water, which can lead to dryness and irritation, although warm water is fine. Gently pat dry.

STEP 2: PREVENT Prone to breakouts? After cleansing and toning, use an acne-preventing gel daily for one month then apply every other day thereafter. If your problem is shine, use an oil-absorbing moisturizer which leaves an oil-free finish. 

STEP 3: PROTECTOily skin also needs sun protection too. Harmful UV rays cause skin to age. Get coverage from sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup packed with SPF. 

STEP 4: CONTROLA water-based, fragrance-free face powder that allows your skin to breathe is your secret to glowing yet matte skin and is great for touch-ups throughout the day. But before applying, use oil-blotting paper first to erase oil.

STEP 5: MIDDAY CHECKStop and assess your face. With a cotton ball, apply an astringent, cleansing cloth, or antibiotic (the choice depends on the amount of oil your skin secretes) to keep the dirt and grime from going deep into your skin.

www.femalenetwork.com 

Hope it will work this time *sigh*

Guyabano/Soursop

Our neighbor gave us two guyabano early today. They got it from their own tree which bears plenty of fruits. Honestly I'm not fond of guyabano, I have tasted it waaaay baaacckk and boy, I don't like the taste. The same as how I dislike durian. heehee!

That was before, but I don't know now, well maybe I should give a second try and give guyabano a chance to justify how healthy and delicious fruit it is.

Guyabano/Soursop (Scientific Name: Annona muricata Linnaeus) A.K.A  Guanabana & Graviola

Let's take a closer look and fall in love. :)

Guyabano/Soursop Fruit Nutrition

Guyabano belongs to the family of Annonaceae, (A. muricata L.). The flesh of the fruit consist of a white edible pulp that is high in carbohydrates and considerable amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Potassium and dietary fiber. Guyabano is low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. Not only is guyabano a good health food, it also taste delicious. The tree and fruit is known in various names: Guyabano in Filipino, Soursop in English, Graviola in Brazil, and Guanabana in Spanish.

About the Guyabano

The heart shaped / oblong guyabano fruit has a dark green, leathery and spike-like skin that measures from 8 to 12 inches long and can weigh up to 2.5 kilos. The creamy and delectable flesh contains from 60 to 100 black-brown seeds that are indigestible and non-edible.

The guyabano tree is relatively small. It usually grows from 8 to less than 20 feet high and is sensitive to very cold temperatures. The guyabano tree requires a lot of water, warmth and humidity and is usually grown in the tropics. It is cultivated commercially in Central & South America, West Africa, Asia and South Florida in limited numbers.

Products made from Guyabano fruit:

Aside from being eaten raw, the guyabano fruit is processed into candies, tarts, shakes, ice-cream, sherbets and other beverages.

Medicinal Uses of Guyabano

Guyabano has been used as folkloric herbal medicine in many regions thought the world. It is considered to be antispasmodic, sudorific and emetic. A decoction (boiling in water) of guyabano leaves is used to kill bedbugs and head lice.

To reduce fever, a decoction of leaves can be taken internally or the leaves added to bathing water also has the same effect. The crushed fresh leaves are also applied on skin eruptions for faster healing. A poultice of young guyabano leaves is applied on the skin to alleviate rheumatism and other skin infections like eczema. Applied during the healing of wounds, this can result in less or no skin scars. The decoction can also be used as a wet compress on swollen feet and other inflammations.

The juice of the fruit is taken orally as a herbal remedy for urethritis, haematuria and liver ailments.

Studies are underway by leading medical institutes, universities and pharmaceutical companies of the healing properties of guyabano against cancers. Initial findings show that certain compounds and chemicals extracted from guyabano leaves, seeds, fruit and bark appear to kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells remain unaffected.

Other uses of Guyabano

Pulverizing the guyabano seeds and mixing it with soap & water is used as effective spray against caterpillars, armyworms and leafhoppers on plants.

The guyabano leaves are believed to have a tranquilizing and sedative properties. In the Netherlands Antilles, the leaves are placed inside pillows or placed on top of the mattress to induce a good night's sleep. http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org

Wow, enough facts to love guyabano...

Well, I ought to like it;)

Sasha ❤s Crocs

This is Sasha's 4th pair of Crocs. This is actually her school shoes, good thing the school is not too strict, so I'm relieved.

Hubby and I decided to buy her this considering that its rainy season already. Just in case it gets wet, I have no problem of replacing another new shoes unlike those leather-made shoes.

She definitely loves it!

Pedicure Do's and Don'ts

Last time I posted here tips for a wonderful colored nails. And now, I want to share another tips related to that.

Pedicure Do’s:

• DO schedule your pedicure first thing in the morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the foot bath between clients.
• DO bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques.
• When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet, DO use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes then use the stone, scrub or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches.
• When trimming nails, DO use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.
• To smooth nail edges, DO use an emery board. File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail’s surface.
• DO gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not be able to see.
• DO maintain the proper moisture balance of your feet’s skin by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.
• DO use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles.
• If toenails are healthy, DO use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.

Pedicure Don’ts:

• DON’T shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.
• If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure, DON’T use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.
• DON’T allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed.
• DON’T round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
• Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can’t be sterilized, DON’T share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer.
• DON’T use any sharp tools to clean under nails. Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
• DON’T leave any moisture between toes. Anything left behind can promote the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal infection.
• Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria, DON’T ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker.
• If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, DON’T apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to “breathe.” Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists be sure to visit your podiatrist. www.shine.yahoo.com

 So there, enough to remind us the do's and don'ts.

Skin Protec Hand Sanitizer

I always bring either alcohol or hand sanitizer wherever I go. Especially when my tot is with me, its a must in my bag.

And good thing hand sanitizer has new look. I don't need to rummage my bag when in hurry to get it. Sometimes it pisses me that I have to take out everything in my bag.

So thank you for being so thoughtful whoever had the idea of this.

So you see, you just have to dangle it on the strap of your bag and voila! You can use it without digging your bag anymore.

Frugal Find: Purple Tee

I like this purple tee I bought from Baclaran. Though its not something I would wear when I go to decent malls but its presentable enough when going to town market. And I wear this when going to school with Sasha.

Yeah, I know.. Maybe you think I'm too old for this, especially the animal print on it. Haha! But I'm still young, DO NOT disagree. LOL

By the way, I bought it below 100Php.

9 Most Expensive Skin Care Creams

Ever wonder what are the most expensive and luxurious skin care products? I haven't thought of that really. As I'm not a brand-conscious when it comes to beauty products.

Curious now?

Chanel Precision Sublimage Serum Essential Regenerating Cream, $375

Key ingredient: Planifolia PFA

Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Cream Next Generation, $410

Key ingredient: Imperiale Orchidee Molecular Extract (IOME)

Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Cream, $420

Key ingredient: 24-carat gold

Amore Pacific Time Response Skin Renewal Creme, $400

Key ingredient: Green tea flower

Sisley Sisleya Global Anti-Age Cream, $460

Key ingredient: Ursolic acid

Orlane Creme Royale, $650

Key ingredient: 24 carat-gold, royal jelly

Kanebo Sensai Collection Premier the Cream, $650

Key ingredient: koishimaru silk

La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, $1000

Key ingredient: Platinum

Cle de Peau Beaute Synactif Intensive Cream, $1000

Key ingredient: Retinol ACE, MACC

www.totalbeauty.com

Sounds like you have a royal treatment already when you gonna use one of them, huh?

10 Secrets to Making Perfect Pancakes

I'm not fond of pancakes. Uhmm, not that much honestly. But because I'm always in haste at morning to prepare  our breakfast, oftentimes I opted to cook easy meal like pancakes. My kiddo would love it more if I do some twist or add something that would make it more yummier.

And lucky me, I came to read this one article on making perfect pancakes.

Read on...

1. Do not overbeat. Use just a few strokes to quickly mix the liquid with the dry ingredients.

(Photo by timlewisnm via Flickr Creative Commons)

2. Turn over pancakes when bubbles appear on the surface. Do not wait for the bubbles to break.

(Photo by Gilmoth via Flickr Creative Commons)

3. Flip pancakes only once. The second side cooks much faster, so turning them over more than once will make them tough.

(Photo by azmichelle via Flickr Creative Commons)

4. Make sure the pan is hot. Test by sprinkling some water on the surface. The water droplets should “dance” or sizzle quickly.

(Photo by andrei.vassiliev viaFlickr Creative Commons)

5. Never press pancakes down with the turner—this makes them heavy.

(Photo by chadmiller via Flickr Creative Commons)

6. Use a nonstick pan for easier flipping and less oil for cooking.

(Photo by Squiggle via Flickr Creative Commons)

7. To make pancakes and waffles of a lighter texture, separately beat the yolks and whites then mix together.

(Photo by AlyssssylA via Flickr Creative Commons)

8. Add one to two tablespoons of sugar to the batter for a tender yet crisp waffle.

(Photo by dirac3000 via Flickr Creative Commons)

9. Add one to two tablespoons more of oil or butter for extra crisp waffles.

(Photo by meliarose via Flickr Creative Commons)

10. Add at least two tablespoons more of butter or oil to transform your pancake batter into a waffle batter and to prevent the mixture from sticking to the waffle iron.

(Photo by starmer via Flickr Creative Commons)

www.femalenetwork.com

There's no way of making an excuse on cooking "perfect" pancakes for breakfast.

WBFC #1

Hiya everyone! Another blog of mine, hehehe! Its a food blog, I love to eat so do my hubby and tot, that's why it is just justifiable for me to cook! I can't say I'm a bad cook, I'm just lazy.  Anyway, I got envious every time I stumble on food blogs then I thought why not make cooking a new passion? 

OK, enough of that.

The host of this meme is giving away $5 each to the TOP 3 with the highest number of referrals this week. All you have to do is invite participants to join this meme and if they do join, tell them to comment something like "Joining this week! I was referred by-- write the name of the person. That's it, and if its your referral's first time to join it will be counted twice but they have to say joining for the first time.

So refer now and earn more followers! Enjoy!

YS: Kare-Kare

FTF: Beef Broccoli

My first share for FTF, beef boccoli from Kirin, a chinese restaurant located at Bonifacio, High Street.

Hiya!

Hi everyone! Welcome to my new blog [again], a food blog this time. I decided to have a separate blog for food  alone.

If I may say, I am a frustrated cook. But I can say head high that I am not a bad cook. I can prepare foods I know of cooking.

Food. Food. Food.

I just love to eat but too lazy to cook. Bad I know. lol

Well, I decided to venture into our humble kitchen, who knows I might have hidden cooking skills.

And  other things that push me, hubby loves to eat too and I want to cook/prepare foods for my tot as her baon to school. With all the news about food poisoning in schools, I'd rather be wise.

So, good luck to me!

6 Natural Cures for Dry Skin

It is said that cooler weather brings parched, flaky skin and flyaway, staticky hair. What to blame? The lower humidity in the air, which dries the skin.

To combat dry skin, try these natural treatments.

#1: Dab on olive oil.

When it comes to strategies for natural dry skin care, Gabriel swears by olive oil, an amazing multitasker. It instantly grooms dry cuticles, works wonders on hands and elbows, removes makeup, and soothes and conditions itchy, dry skin all over the body. ”When your skin feels extra parched, you can dab a thin layer of organic extra-virgin olive oil under your moisturizer for an extra dose of antioxidants and good fatty acids,” adds Gabriel. 

#2: Try natural exfoliants like yogurt, papaya, and pumpkin. 

You can find plenty of options for natural dry skin care in your kitchen, or in the produce and dairy aisles of your supermarket. Yogurt, especially the plain Greek variety, makes an excellent cleanser with a mild exfoliating action that will remove dry skin and leave you feeling refreshed and comfortable. Gabriel says it’s a particularly safe exfoliant for very dry skin because it exfoliates using lactic acid, not scrubbing granules. 

To add some oomph, try making Pecnikov’s Greek Yogurt and Papaya Enzyme Conditioning Mask for Face & Décolleté: Mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt with 3 tablespoons of mashed-up papaya, and apply to skin. Pumpkin enzymes are at play in Pecnikov’s Pumpkin & Cinnamon Mask for Face and Body; mix one can of pumpkin and a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Leave either mask on face or body for 5 to 15 minutes. Or treat your extremities to Pecnikov’s Three Berry Antioxidant Hand and Foot Mask: Mix ¾ cup each of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with ½ cup kefir in blender. Drink any leftovers!  

 #3: Make a homemade skin scrub. 

Economical and effective, a combo of sugar and any oil you may have around the kitchen makes a rich, nourishing body scrub for dry skin, according to Gabriel. Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, and rub on using light circular motions. For an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, add a tablespoon of honey. Pecnikov adds lemon juice to her recipe. Make sure to shower thoroughly afterwards! 

#4: Harvest the healing power of honey.

Honey is a time-tested cure for chapped, cracked lips, according to Gabriel. Apply a little organic honey in the evening and wake up to smooth, yummy lips. This trick also works to soothe cracked heels and rough elbows. 

#5: Try natural remedies for dry hair. 

For dry hair, mix one egg yolk and a tablespoon of liquid castile soap to shampoo your hair and condition your itchy scalp. Egg yolks, when massaged into the hair and left to work for 5 to 6 minutes, may strengthen the scalp, and some believe it prevents hair loss, says Gabriel. Or try Pecnikov’s Hydrating Mask for Dry Overworked Hair: Mix 1 avocado with 2 tablespoons each of lightly heated rapeseed and olive oil. Massage into hair, and put plastic shower cap on head to retain heat and moisture. Leave on hair for 15 minutes. Double the ingredients for longer hair. 

 #6: And don’t forget to treat your skin from the inside out. 

 “A diet rich in magnesium, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and beta-carotene naturally feeds your skin from inside and makes it less prone to dryness," says Gabriel. She recommends feeding your skin with a meal plan that includes dark chocolate, salmon, and other fatty fish, oranges, mango, and carrots. 

Wow, great! One just need to be more experimental and patient, and  need not depend on pricey products alone..

I ♥ Forever 21

This is not a frugal find :)

I only got to by myself pricey pieces when hubby is home. And this is one of the few things I bought when hubby was here and was generous to hand me a shopping money [though I wish for his debit card, LOL] one time when we were at Megamall while he decided to have a massage at Body Tune. He's thoughtful enough that he let me do shopping while waiting for him and not just wander around with nothing at all in my hands.

Such a sweetie huh?

Hope to have more Forever 21!  ♥ ♥ ♥

FTF: Figaro Frost and Blueberry Muffin

Foods that Help De-Stress

Any ways to fight stress?

You take vitamins for stress, go to spa to relax, read a good book, go to your fave place to unwind, and the most popular I guess is to binge on food.

So for those who prefer eating as their way to de-stress, here's the good news. Read on...

APPLES

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away—but did you know it can help with stress, too? Apples arerich in phosphorous and iron, which help boost cell regeneration that is negatively affected in times of stress. This means that if your skin breaks out when you’re stressed, eating an apple can help repair the damage by building new healthy skin tissue.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

AVOCADOS

Some people shy away from avocados because they are high in fat—they’ve even been nicknamed the “butter pear”—but what most folks don’t realize is that this kind of fat is good for you. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, as well as potassium, which both help decrease blood pressure levels. Next time, slice some avocado into your salad—it’s delicious and nutritious!

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

BANANAS 

Bananas are a good source of potassium, which fights fatigue, insomnia, and low blood sugar, as well as carbohydrates, which produce the natural sedative serotonin. Carbohydrates are most commonly associated with fare like pasta and potatoes, but since these are both comfort foods which fall under the easily-abused-when-stressed category, it would probably be wiser to eat a banana instead.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

DARK CHOCOLATE

We've told you before that dark chocolate lessens emotional stress, so yes, that chocolate craving that hits you whenever you’re stressed is actually a good thing (as long as you practice moderation). Dark chocolatecontains magnesium, which helps tranquilize tension. It’s also rich in theo bromine, which is anatural mood elevator. However, theo bromine is also known to stimulate the brain, and will probably aggravate a person who is already stressed to begin with—so take care not to ingest too much chocolatey goodness.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

DRIED APRICOTS

Why not exchange your stash of sweet treats for a pack of dried apricots? They’re good for you, are pretty tasty, and best of all, contain magnesium, which is a natural stress-reliever and muscle relaxant.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

GREEN VEGETABLES

Green vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard contain potassium and B vitamins like folic acid which soothe the nerves and alleviate stress. Experiment with your meals by slipping verde veggies into soups, pastas, and even sandwiches—the possibilities are endless.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

HERBS

Herbs like chamomile, passion flower, and dandelion are effective stress relievers because they relax your mind and the muscles in your body. Steep them into fragrant teas to savor the full calming experience. This article by TheTimesOfIndia.com shares that chamomile tea, in particular, has been found to relieve cramps, spasms, and digestive problems caused by nervousness.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

NUTS

The next time you see a movie after a stress-packed workweek, munch on some mixed nuts—particularlypistachios, walnuts and almonds. Pistachios and walnuts bring down blood pressure, while almonds help boost the immune system.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

ORANGES

Pack a bottle of OJ or a few orange wedges with your daily baon. Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, whichboosts your immune system and reduces its susceptibility to virus. A German study inPsychopharmacology has also proven that Vitamin C helps reduce anxiety by bringing down blood pressure after a stressful situation, according to this MSN Health & Fitness article.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

SALMON

Incorporate salmon into your workweek fare to help curb stress. According to this Delish.com article, aDiabetes & Metabolism study discovered that the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, tuna, and other fish prevent stress hormones from escalating.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

SPINACH 

Make like Popeye and have some spinach! Like apricots, spinach is rich in magnesium—so much so, in fact, that one cup of the green stuff contains 40 percent of the magnesium you need in a day. Spinach alsohelps fight fatigue and migraines—two bothersome effects of stress.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

SWEET POTATOES 

Substitute your craving for fries with some sweet potato slivers. Sweet potatoes will give you the same soothing sensation that you get from eating chips or candy bars—plus, they’re packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and other immunity-boosting vitamins.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

TURKEY 

If you’re sick of the same old chicken breast, give turkey a taste. Turkey is full of tryptophan, which is a“feel-good” amino acid. Tryptophan helps trigger serotonin, a chemical that produces a calming effect on the body, and melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep and relaxation. In other words, you’ll be stress-free and bed-ready in no time!

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

WHOLE GRAINS

Have a bowl of brown rice instead of white, or an oatmeal cookie in lieu of a chocolate chip one. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat are chock full of B Vitamins and the chemicalserotonin, which calm the nerves and put your body in a state of relaxation.

(Photo source: sxc.hu)

YOGURT 

Everyone’s favorite cold treat just got even sweeter! Yogurt is full of calcium, which helps regulate our nerves. Also, this creamy snack is a great acid neutralizer for those of you who are hyperacidic or have ulcers due to stress.

(Photo source: morguefile.com)

www.femalenetwork.com

So, if you feel too stressed,why not indulge yourself by eating two or three varieties of the foods stated above.   

De-stress the healthy way!