A Very Braid-y Life

Practical and artful - braids have been an integral part to my daily routine as a girl with long unruly hair, living and commuting in Manila.

My favorite's the single French braid - it's easy, stays put the whole day, and I can sleep on it, too (the waves I get after untying it the next day are fabulous). The single French may not be for you but there are plenty of braid versions out there. I've got some favorite braid looks from TV series that I can't get enough of. That list is coming up real soon!

Read More

Natural Ways of Treating Skin Problems

Flawless. Creamy. Glowing. Whether fair or dark-skinned, these are ideal conditions of skin that most people desire. Countless commercials and endorsements keep on egging us to buy that new cream, or to try that new technological solution, or to eat only this or that, to get that beautiful skin we desire so much.

Skin as lovely as Lea's, perhaps?

We have to admit, most of us have something about our skin which we would like to be removed or get treated. And our consumer-centric world capitalizes on that; all the more with today's ever-advancing technologies. An intense and costly skin laser treatment offered in a trusted clinic may be the way to go for some while others may opt for more invasive procedures like liposuction, face lifts, and nose lifts. I would never put myself under such risks for the sake of beauty but I certainly respect those who choose to do it. It just isn't for me. Now such procedures I've mentioned eat at the bank accounts as fast as Pacman swallows those yellow dots in the computer game, making that gorgeous skin seem like a mere dream or wish.

Or, as clear and glowing as Lupita's?

Yet one should not lose hope. The heavens are not that cruel. In reality, we just have to look around and the solutions we need can easily be acquired. And what's more, they don't cost as much as your car and they are as safe, and NATURAL, as plucking your eyebrows (not like those scary skin laser treatments that seem like your being dissected in a Sci-Fi movie). The following are some common skin problems that many of us encounter and the natural remedies you can do to take care of them.

Problem: ACNE
Ingredients:
Water
Baking Soda

Procedures:

1. Combine the two in a bowl in to create a paste-like mixture. Think of the consistency of epoxy; add parts of each until you come out with something similar to that.

2. Use your hands and spread tis mixture onto your face. Apply it as you would with applying cream for a facial mask. Let it settle and do not remove for about 20-30 minutes.

3. Remove and wash your face. Use only water.

Problem: WARTS
Ingredients:
Garlic

Procedures:
There are two ways to use garlic to gradually cure and remove warts:

1. Crush some garlic and spread it over the wart and and immediate surrounding area. Let it stay for about 20 minutes then wash with water.

2. Peel off the skin of a clove of garlic then gently rub it over the wart. Do this for about 30-45 minutes then rinse with clean water.

There are other natural ways of treating and taking care of your skin. All it takes is some diligent research and patience. And truth be told, you're better off with trying natural remedies first than cleaning your savings out with an invasive procedure. 

Read More