September Finds

I thought I won’t be posting for my September finds since I am on hiatus from trying out new products as my skin has been suffering from major breakout. It is annoying because pimples are popping up not just on my face but my neck and back as well. Each time I face the mirror, I cringe, not wanting what I see. Actually, I would love to try various acne treatment products but I’m afraid that it would aggravate the situation so I settled for:

1. Dove Sensitive Beauty Bar. Though I have been using Dove soap for years, I haven’t tried this variant before. Believing that it is mild since it is formulated for sensitive skin, I gave this product a go. Additionally, I know some dermatologist who prescribes Dove soaps to their patients so I think this must be good.
2. St. Ives Skin Renewing Collagen Elastin. Not my first time to use the brand’s body lotion but my first time for this variant so I included it here.

 

 These are the only items I tried for the first time for the month of September. I am really hoping that my pimples will clear up really fast so that I will never have to worry about it anymore. If it remains the same in the next couple of weeks, I might have to see a dermatologist.

Review: Nivea Extra White Repair Pore Minimiser Foam

One of my favorite face washes is the Nivea. I haven’t had any major problem with it that is why I keep on buying and using it. But one time while shopping for my beauty essentials, the variant is not available and since I have no time to go to other stores to look for it, I opted for what is available - the  Nivea Extra White Repair Pore Minimiser Foam. Given that they belong to the same company, I was kinda hopeful that it will do ok, or perhaps better than Nivea Visage Sparkling White Acne Oil Control Cleansing Foam since it claims to suit extra dull skin with extra large pores. 

 

The verdict? See my review below.

SMART Scam Text

Everyone loves reward, there's no doubt there. Regardless of value or size, any recipient will surely be delighted. Some would even do anything just to get the promised reward.

Unfortunately, there are people who use the reward method for their evil motives. Last week, I received a message, purportedly from SMART Communications, informing me about my reward. Here's what the message says:

1/1 SMART:
Congrats! SMARTLoad are giving 500 Load @ FREEText 2 all SMART/TNT Retailer. To verify? Just text 500 09984432405 send to 343.
DTI 7903

There are many points that made me believe that this message is bogus.

1. Only the number of the sender appears on the screen. SMART being a telecommunication giant undoubtedly has measures to ensure their reliability. When a message is a valid SMART message, the name should be 888, CustCare, SMARTGold and SMART. When it is number only, better take a step backward.
2. It says retailer but my number is not a retailer SIM, it's not even prepaid.
3. Grammar and punctuation error. Example use of "@" instead of "&" or "and".
4. The use of 1/1. I think those who are in charge of the company's communication are not stupid enough to use 1/1 when there is obviously one SMS only.

I tweeted @SMARTCares about this text message to confirm the veracity of it and so that I can warn others if I have proven that it is indeed bogus. True enough, my suspicion is correct. Here's the reply:

Hi. Pls disregard the txt mssg since 343 is an access code 4 SMART Load transactions. Pls note that we do not give something in exchange of knowing details or claiming prizes such as this transaction. All promos/prizes shall come from a SMART Text ID/access #. U may visit ntc.gov.ph 2 file a complaint online. Pls include d # that sent u d message when filing ur complaint. HTH. Tnx.

The reply says it all. So to every cellphone owner out there, be extra careful about these text messages you receive. Don't believe everything you hear or read. I advice that you get confirmation first from authorized persons/sources. With today's technology, doing so is no longer impossible. Be vigilant my dear readers! The world is beautiful but unfortunately it cannot stop evil deeds from spreading.

Review:Human Nature Strengthening Shampoo

Last week’s review was about Human Nature Moisturizing Conditioner. This time around, I will be talking about Human Nature Strengthening Shampoo. If the organic conditioner is no different to traditional or chemical-laden conditioners when it comes to application and the feeling you get while washing, it’s a different story with organic shampoos. Organic shampoos don’t have sulfate?, the chemical responsible for creating bubbles and rich lather when we shampoo. Having been used to “unorganic” shampoos, using the organic one sometimes gives me the feeling that I have not shampooed my hair at all.

I have tried using this without a conditioner, with Human Nature Moisturizing Conditioner, with Pantene Conditioner and with baking soda. The result?

Note: Updated 10/12/14

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin

Long before A Song of Ice and Fire which is now adapted by HBO into a dramatic series titled Game of Thrones, there was The Ice Dragon written by George R.R. Martin and was first published in 1980 in Dragons of the Light. It was then re-published by Starscape in 2007.

The story is about a little girl named Adara who was born during the coldest winter and whose mother died while giving birth to her. It’s also said that an ice dragon was seen on the night she was born. Hence explains Adara’s lack of emotion and always longing for the winter.

One winter, she finally met the ice dragon and came to tame the dragon over the years, though everyone believes that ice dragons cannot be tamed. Nobody knew of the relationship she developed with the dragon and nobody knew that she has been getting a joyride when the dragon comes for her every winter.

Review: Human Nature Moisturizing Conditioner

I have been using organic soaps for more than a year already but that is not the case with organic shampoo and conditioner. Human Nature is my first attempt with organic hair care products. I have read a few positive reviews about this hair product hence I'm quite hopeful that this will be the solution, or at least one of the solutions, to my dry hair.

But is it any good? Keep reading this review…

First Iloilo Business Park Fun Run

Fun runs are getting unstoppable in Iloilo. Many organizations, government and private, have been organizing various running activities to benefit their chosen charities and projects.

Last Sunday (September 1), I along with my boyfriend and few co-workers joined the first ever fun run initiated by Iloilo Business Park (Megaworld). Apart from free singlet for first 500 registrants, what motivated me to participate is the venue/route of the race which is in Iloilo Business Park. Indeed, it is the safest fun run in the city since they own the roads and they can prohibit vehicles from entering the area while the activity is happening. No need to close the highways that can annoy those who are affected by traffic. It felt like running in a gated subdivision where houses are sandwiched in between vacant lots.

Getting ready for the run. Photo Credit

There were two categories; 4k run and 8k run. The program started at 5:30 am and the actual marathon started at around 6:00 am. SInce it’s the first time for the group to organize such an event, there were only around 1000 participants. But give this event three to four years and the participants will surely increase significantly.

Snack (arroz caldo and burger) was served after the race.

Orcas, Swimming Lesson and Impulse Buying

As a self-proclaimed nature-lover, I can’t help but feel happy each time I get a glimpse and experience nature at its best. The event that inspired me to make this post is the video I saw last week. It was a video of a pod of orcas parading through Active Pass, a narrow stretch separating Galliano and Mayne Islands (British Columbia). They swam just feet from the shore! Oh what a lovely sight!


Never mind the woman screaming. :D
The video led to a chain of events on that day. Why? Because the video reminded me of our Palawan trip next month. It reminded me that I will be having a good time with nature soon. But the thoughts of our upcoming trip didn’t just give excitement; it also reminded me that I don’t know how to swim. I feel a bit bad thinking that I won’t be able to enjoy underwater sights as much as those who are confident with their swimming ability. Additionally, the recent accident in the waters of Cebu that claimed close to 100 lives and left 39 missing made me feel a lot worse due to my lack of swimming prowess.