June Finds

Half of the year is gone! Whew! I have been very busy lately thus explains the scarcity of my posts. Not only I have limited time to spare for my blog but it seems like I am also running out of topics to post. My creative juices probably went into hiding when serious matters (like earning a living) took over my brain. LOL! And I’m afraid things will remain the same until August or September. Hopefully, things, or at least my blogging activities, will go back to normal when the time comes.

My battle with acne isn’t over yet. During the early days of June, I became quite frustrated with my face (and rebellious with my dermatologist) that I decided to try something I haven’t used before.

1. St. Ives Naturally Soothing Body Lotion (Oatmeal & Shea Butter). It’s not the first time that I used a St. Ives lotion but it’s a first time for this variant. I love its scent! It’s indeed soothing, and more...
2. Garnier Pure Active Multi-action Scrub. This is what I was referring to above. I bought this on impulse, out of frustration of my face. So how do I find it? You’ll know when I review this product soon.
3. Lauat Herbal Hair Treatment Shampoo. Here at Rural Dame, I have been vocal about my hair problems (falling hair, dry hair, etc) hence my attempt to find a better shampoo shouldn’t come as a surprise. After a few bottles of Nanny Rose’s Gugo Lawat Shampoo, I decided to try this one hoping for it to be better and more effective.
4. Human Nature Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation. Ever since the attack of the killer pimples, I minimized and eventually stopped using blush on, foundation and pressed powder of any kind. Most of the time, I would just apply a thin concealer over my acne scars. But at some point, I see the need to use foundation for me to look a bit polished especially when attending events hence I decided to buy this.

Not in the picture:

Clarifying Liquid (Dermatologist). This is one of the meds I got from my dermatologist. I am using this twice a day (morning and night) after washing my face with acne bar which I also got from her.

Epiduo (Adapalene + Benzoyl Peroxide). I have been reading about adapalene and benzoyl peroxide on acne forums but I haven’t read about this particular product. I was kinda hesitant to get this because of some negative reviews but I promised myself to obey what my dermatologist is telling me to do so I bought along with my other medication.

I will definitely review these products but I just have to find time to do so.

Stronger, Costlier… My New Acne Medication

Pimples are annoying! They are often out to ruin a good day. And what makes them more annoying is the fact that you spent heaps on medication, let you experience temporary relief and after you loosen a bit on your regimen, they’re back with a vengeance. Raging, red and plain ugly!

After weeks of contemplating whether or not to go back to my derma (you know I always feel hopeful that my pimples will go away on their own), I finally gave in and poured my heart out to her. Well not really, I just voiced out my frustration over these recurring monsters.

During my previous treatments, she prescribed my doxycycline, any brand. But this time, she moved me to lymecycline, specifically Tetralysal. Ouch because Tetralysal costs Php 88 at Mercury (Php 83 at Erin’s Family Pharmacy). I need to take the med once a day for 14 days. She also prescribed Epiduo (Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide). As I see it (based on threads I read on forums), Adapalene is already a higher form of acne medication. It should be applied on the face twice or thrice a week only (maybe because it is indeed strong). One small tube costs Php 1200 from her (Php 1280 from Mercury and Php 1155 at a local drugstore I mentioned above). Additionally, I’m also on anti-acne bar and clarifying toner from her own formulation.

While the medicines are expensive, I have seen improvements three days into this regimen. The occurrence of new pimples lessened, the existing ones heal faster and whiteheads/blackheads are easier to get rid of.

It also helps that I have someone guarding what I eat. LOL! My derma gave me (again!) a list of foods I need to avoid and yes, the bf checked it. Now, he is the one reminding me that a particular food I want to eat is off limits. :D

It’s been a week since I started this new regimen and so far things are going the way I want it. One more week and I’m off of this medication.

I’m also seeing my OB/Gyne to find out if my acne hormonal. I will talk about it on a different post.

Birthday... and Trading!

Ever since I learned about stock trading, I have always wanted to try it. Like other ideas or projects I am about to pursue, I felt hopeful about it (naturally!). However, since I was too young at that time, I didn’t take it seriously thinking that no one in the stock market will take me seriously as well. And besides, finding a reputable stock trader is too tedious of a task for a young lady like me so that dream remained a dream for years.

More than a year ago, I was introduced to BPITrade, BPI’s online trading platform, and my dream of getting my hands into stock trading was reawakened. I researched heaps about it and processed my application. A few days after I submitted my application to a BPI branch near my office, I got an email asking me to submit a government-issued ID since I only submitted my company ID. Since my government-issued IDs that time were expired if not damaged or contain spelling error, my stock trading dreams took a back seat once again.

It took me one year (who has time and patience to deal with government offices?) to fix the necessary documents and finally activate my account. It was supposed to be my birthday gift to myself last year but since it didn’t come into fruition, I made sure to activate my account before June 2014, in time for this year’s birthday and made my first ever stock purchase on my birthday. Sweet!

I find buying stocks more addicting than buying shoes or bags maybe because I am hoping to gain from it in the future. I am so eager to add more to my portfolio but I still have to eat and pay the bills in addition to a big milestone that will happen to my life in a few months so I can only add a small amount to my “shopping money” every pay day.

Nevertheless, I’m just happy with the gift I have always wanted to give myself for years. Cheers to more birthdays, more knowledge about trading… and yes, more profits! :D

Home Office Dreams

I’ve always been dreaming of working at home… in a pretty home office. But that is not possible at the moment as there are other things that must be prioritized right now. However, I am hopeful that I’d be able to reach this dream in a couple or so years… provided that no baby gets in the way.

As early as now, however, I have already started gathering inspiration for me to keep working (and saving!) to realize this dream.

Traditional Bedroom by Los Angeles Photographers Erika Bierman Photography

Traditional Home Office by Larkspur Architects & Designers Polsky Perlstein Architects

Traditional Home Office by Cambridge Architects & Designers Foley Fiore Architecture

SM CIty Iloilo Sale

Girbaud

Buy 1 Take 1 on bags, wallets and apparels. Promo runs from June 01 - 15, 2014. 

Folded & Hung

30% off on all items. Promo runs from June 01 - 30, 2014.

Human

Buy 3 tees for Php 800. Promo runs from June 01 - July 24, 2014.

Alberto

10% on selected regular priced items.  Promo runs from June 01 - 15, 2014.