Category: Beauty

Before anything else, I’d like to announce that Healthy Options has now launched a mobile app for members to access the Lifestyle News Digest, healthy recipes, customizable shopping lists and the digital membership card for tracking points. The app is available for Android and iOS users. This is great news for those who like trying something new and people who are always on the go…like me! 🙂 Once you have your digital membership card activated through the app, you can save more space in your wallet. At the store, simply show the digital card on your phone to the cashier to receive all discounts and rewards just like you would with your plastic card. Amazing!

Moving on to this post, here I’m sharing the grocery items we got from Healthy Options – Eastwood last month.

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (August 2016)

Quick bites: all different, all good

Introduced to my palates by Angel, Pretzel Perfection’s English Toffee Twists taste sweet and salty. These white chocolate-covered gluten-free pretzels are addicting with a capital A. These are great to brighten your mood, perk up your appetite, and maybe provide satisfaction when hunger pangs hit on the open road.

A stark contrast to the spicy and salty flavor profile of the English Toffee pretzels, the Pretzel Perfection Gluten Free Twice Baked Pretzel Sticks in Chipotle BBQ feature a blend of earthy smoked jalapeno and southwestern spices. The more you eat, the more you’re going to love it. These tasty treats are perfect for a quick snack at home while watching a movie, catching up with a TV series, doing homework, studying or just watching the sunset.

The All Natural Xpressos Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans by Kimmie Candy taste bitter and sweet. It has combined the classic go-together flavors of coffee and chocolate, and for me, that is culinary heaven, a delightful coffee experience without drinking coffee. 😉 These mouthwatering espresso beans were roasted to perfection and then layered with a rich dark chocolate. The consistency of the bean size, the crunch and flavor, the chocolate coating thickness, the richness of the chocolate with strong coffee undertones, the perfect mixture of chocolate to coffee flavor—excellent!

Breakfast buddies

Peanut butter with white chocolate? Hmmm, that definitely caught my attention. My hopeful spirit went down though when the taste of white chocolate was not as pronounced in the spread as expected. Nonetheless, this peanut butter tastes delicious for sandwiches. It’s good to be paired also with berries as a snack or as an ingredient in your favorite baked goods. It’s verified non-GMO, certified gluten-free, vegan and kosher. It doesn’t contain hydrogenated oil and also no high fructose corn syrup.

Our kitchen ran out of honey, so I got another bottle of Miller’s Smokey Bear American Wild Flower 100% U.S. Honey. This honey is gluten-free, fat-free, all-natural, contains no cholesterol, no trans-fats, and no sodium. Taste and consistency is good, and the container looks so cute. 🙂 But what’s more interesting about it is the story behind: In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Smokey supports American beekeepers by sourcing honey directly from U.S. hives. A portion of the proceeds from every sale goes to support the educational efforts of wildfire prevention. 

The Wild Garden Hummus Dip Roasted Garlic is another new breakfast favorite, best enjoyed as a topping for chips, pita break, or spread on sandwich. To make it even more flavorful, add lemon or olive oil to taste. This creamy garbanzo bean dip contains no preservatives and no cholesterol.

Drinks 

Smooth Move teas are my best bet in relieving occasional constipation. This is my third box of Smooth Move (I’ve tried the chocolate and peppermint flavors before), and I love that this herbal tea never fails to produce bowel movement within the next 6-12 hours after intake. It’s not medicine but a warm drink that’s best taken at bedtime so you can sleep easy knowing you’ll be right as rain in the morning.

With the aid of chamomile, this tea can also help ease stomach cramps and avoid gastrointestinal aggravation. Acting as a gentle narcotic, it assuages stress, a standout among the most widely recognized reasons for stomach torment. Drinking this makes me feel less bloated and most importantly, my tummy doesn’t cramp or feel painful or airy like it does when I take over-the-counter laxatives.

With just a small hint of vanilla, the Pacific Natural Foods Rice Non-Dairy Beverage is a refreshing alternative to dairy. It’s naturally sweet with no added sugar. The reason why I got it is that online reviewers say it’s by far the best rice milk ever. Finding rice milk that doesn’t have sunflower in it or some type of seed oil is difficult. Those who don’t have severe food allergies, on the other hand, can also appreciate drinking this with lattes, milkshake, smoothies, and hot choco or baking cookies, muffins, pancakes, etc.

Packaged in a glass “milk” jug, Silly Cow Sea Salt & Caramel is the third variety we tried from Silly Cow (after Peppermint Twist and Chocolate-Moo-usse). It’s my sister’s favorite hot chocolate drink that warms both inside and out. The powder contains natural cane sugar, Dutch processed cocoa (with alkali), natural vanilla, and sea salt and caramel flavor.

I also got Nature’s Gate: The Original Moisturizing Liquid Soap which has a very pleasing and refreshing smell that’s not overpowering. Texture is moisturizing and really nice. It leaves hands feeling clean and smooth. The attractive packaging looks good in bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room and makes it a presentable gift to friends and relatives for the upcoming Christmas season.

Considering serious health implications of factory-farmed chickens, I thought it’s time to try organically grown chicken instead of chicken meat being sold in ordinary grocery stores. (To know more about the truth about factory farming, click here.) Mom cooked these Healthy Options chicken wings to make sibut 四物(four-herb Chinese soup) with dried roots, barks and herbs for dinner. Yummy!

Lastly, I bought another box of Nature’s Plus Ageless Kidney Support (90 tablets) for my grandfather. This product counters catabolic kidney distress with targeted protective antioxidants and factors of growth and renewal.

When in need of some serious pampering, it’s a must to press the pause button and unwind with a bit of “me” time. Visiting beauty salons and spas is a great way to treat yourself after a busy week. Across Metro Manila, cosmetic and skin treatment centers offer cut-price deals on everything from slimming, whitening and hair removal to facials. Each has its own specialization and the common objective is to help us achieve healthier, youthful, and more radiant skin.

However, when it comes to dermatology and cosmetic surgery, choosing the right expert is important. You don’t want to be complacent with just the cheapest and most accessible skin care center, especially when you have sensitive skin.

For services like skin whitening, acne treatments, IPL hair removal, anti-aging treatments, and dermal filler, skipping the clinical setting of a doctor’s office in favor of a pampering beauty center is tempting. Dr. Adraneda of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, one of the members of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), reminds us to watch out.

Before booking skin-enhancing services in beauty centers and “medical” spas here and there, doing your homework will ultimately be worth the time and effort. 😉 Which ones are okay and which ones you should steer clear of? If you’re not comfortable with what you find out, move on to another establishment.

I had the chance to visit Dr. Miriam Dumandan-Adraneda’s new clinic in Marikina with my mom last Saturday for consultation and learned more about their dermatology services. Dr. Adraneda took the time to explain what and why she was going to do. I highly recommend setting an appointment with her if you have skin problem or just want skin care and pampering. This post is a review of her services plus an online giveaway at the end. 🙂

Review of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (San Roque, Marikina City)

Diamond Peel Facial

The last time I experienced getting a diamond peel facial was perhaps more than 10 years ago—at the peak of puberty. Acne all over my forehead and clogged pores on my nose bothered me, caused a lot of stress, and lowered my self-image. For visible results, I religiously attended bi-monthly sessions of facial treatment by our family dermatologist.

At Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery’s clinic, the Diamond Peel Facial consists of a medical exfoliation and extraction that can clear pores of dirt and debris and remove dead surface cells. The facial procedure helped to soften, nourish and rejuvenate the outer layer of the skin as well as promote cellular turnover. Pain was minimal and tolerable as it’s a very non-invasive way of peeling the skin for a fairer complexion.

Unlike other cosmetic procedures, the diamond peel facial does not require injections or surgeries. The diamond-tipped hand-piece literally felt like vacuum, as it was “vacuuming” away whiteheads, blackheads, dirt, and dead skin. Why is it called “diamond”? The instrument, apparently, is filled with real diamond dust which gives that sandpaper effect on the skin.

Diamond peel facial, when done regularly (every two weeks), can really make significant changes in minimizing scars, removing blackheads, producing collagen, and improving overall skin condition. To ensure that the skin was soothed and to reduce irritation, the procedure ended with a peppermint mask which left a fresh, cool and awesome feeling. The peppermint mask is also good for those who have acne-prone, blemished, and oily skin. I like the feeling of having moist and supple skin. 🙂

Warts Removal

During the facial treatment, Dr. Adraneda spotted some warts on my face. I was not even aware I had warts! 😛 Size was small and hardly noticeable especially when I wear makeup. It was funny that all along, I had been thinking that they were just small moles.

Moles are highly pigmented benign spots on the skin, whereas warts indicate a viral infection within the skin. Furthermore, Dr. Adraneda explained that the difference between a mole and a wart is that moles are not contagious but warts are. Warts can be passed to others by direct contact (e.g. beso-beso or cheek-kissing) and indirect contact (e.g. public showers or swimming pool areas). Upon learning this, I had zero hesitation to have them removed and thought it would be best to stay away from beso-beso-ing people and shake their hands instead. 🙂

Warts removal was quickly done, surprisingly. A topical anesthetic was applied and it took about 30 minutes to numb the skin. When the doctor told me we were about to begin, I clenched my fists and closed my eyes, getting ready and bracing myself for the pain I was expecting. Dr. Adraneda burned the affected areas with a high frequency current which took no more than five minutes. Thanks to the anesthesia and the doctor’s expertise, I didn’t feel a thing. I could not believe that warts removal could actually be pain-free!

RF Anti-aging Treatment

For my mom who loves to look younger than she is, the radio-frequency anti-aging treatment was most recommended. Dr. Adraneda’s anti-aging/tightening treatment utilized RF energy, causing the dermal collagen to heat up and thus create renewed collagen leading to increase skin firmness. The RF anti-aging treatment is also known as the “non-surgical face-lift” or “non-surgical wrinkle treatment” as it tightens the skin and reduces sagging.

The instrument provided massage-like stimulation to the surface of the skin that encourages blood flow, giving the skin that youthful glow. Though not too dramatic, the result is immediate after the first session; the effect can last up to two weeks. The same RF therapy is a viable solution for reducing stretch marks.

Syringoma Removal

My mom had her syringoma removed about a decade ago, but like weeds, it regrows back again of its own accord even if we don’t want it to. Syringoma are benign sweat gland growths. The bumps cause the undereye area to crinkle and create unsightly wrinkles.

With the treatment, anesthetic was used for numbing the skin and the spots were covered with tape for increased absorption. To burn away the syringoma, a small probe with an electric current ran through the deep dermis. Results are said to be typically seen within one to two weeks.

Wrap Up

“Medical” spas that are not associated with certified dermatologists may suggest products to use and solutions to try, but consulting with a licensed doctor who has earned a solid reputation with complete qualification can always guarantee safety, ethics, and effectiveness. Board-certified dermatologists and members of PDS like Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery spend years learning about the skin, hair, nails and related areas. They are the most trusted and experienced professionals that understand better about skin diseases, causes and treatments.

Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of medical and cosmetic services consisting of dermatology procedures and treatments. In this clinic, patients are assured with the right cosmetic and medical practice as they deserve, regardless of the procedure. So whether you’re looking for fillers or facials, microdermabrasion or warts removal, Dr. Adraneda and her team are committed to safe and effective treatments with proven results.

Online Giveaway

To join the giveaway, all you have to do is enter the raffle below. This giveaway will run from August 11, 2016 to August 20, 2016. The five (5) winners will be announced on my blog and I will personally contact them via email. If they do not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected. Prize: The winners will receive one (1) gift certificate each for diamond peel treatment. Good luck! 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Google Map (How to Go to Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in MEC Building)

Operating Hours

Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in MEC Building: Mon/Wed/Sat 2-7pm, Tue/Thur/Fri 1-4pm
The Medical City SM Masinag: Fri 5-7pm & Sat 10-12nn
The Medical City SM Sta. Mesa: Tue & Thur 5-7pm

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/adraneda.derm/” name=”Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic” description=”2nd Floor MEC Building, 2 Pitpitan Street, Midtown Subdivision 2, Marikina City” rev_name=”For inquiries/appointments, call 0919-9130113 / 0928-7559133 / 899-3697″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-10″ ]

It was raining hard that night and traffic was at a standstill along EDSA. I was excited to go home and sleep through the weekend. Then again, my sister and I had planned to go to Healthy Options at Shangri-la Mall for our monthly shopping escapade…and have dinner at Planet Grapes afterwards. Sticking with the plan, I drove right to the store after work. At any Healthy Options store, seeing an extensive jam-packed range of organic and natural products is a source of happiness. The goodies we brought home, especially those from the grocery section, just made “getting caught in the traffic” all worth it. 😉

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (July 2016)

Grocery

My sister had a sore throat and suffered through dry cough last week. The Ginger People Beverage (Ginger Soother) was a good natural remedy and it also helped to soothe stomach upsets. I had a sip to have an idea on how it tastes like. The ingredients are water, honey, ginger juice, and lemon juice, and each one tasted very true to the source: a mix of spicy, sweet, and ginger-honey flavor.

We also picked up the Pacific Natural Foods Soy Blenders (Barista Series) from Healthy Options’ tall rack of soy milk beverages. I read somewhere that this drink is typically added to latte for a sweeter vanilla taste. Unlike standard soy milk, it steams and froths up wonderfully with no bitterness. Best of all, it’s dairy-free so vegans and those intolerant with milk can enjoy every sip without the negative side effects. I like drinking it on its own whenever I feel like being a coffee snob in the morning. 😛

We got our first jar of Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate (Peppermint Twist) last May. Since we loved it so much, we thought that trying another flavor variant won’t leave us disappointed. Thankfully, the Chocolate-Moo-usse turned out satisfying. It can be too sweet though when drank alone, so I always mix in powdered milk or dissolve it with a half cup of coffee plus a dash of cinnamon to make my own version of mocha. Thumbs up!

As an alternative to peanut butter, the Natural Nectar Dream Spread Speculoos Spread Crunchy Cookie Butter is a delicious way to enhance toast, bagels, waffles, crepes, and croissants. If you like speculoos or Biscoff cookies, this one is a must-try. This cookie butter spread does not contain hydrogenated oil. It’s not dry and not oily either. Texture is smooth and creamy with little bits of crunch.

Cadia’s Organic Red Wine Pasta Sauce looked appealing and interesting because it has been quite a while since we last served “drunken pasta.” Slow-cooked in small batches in the Old World tradition, this pasta sauce was made with the highest quality organic tomatoes, red wine, parmesan cheese, garlic and a savory blend of Italian herbs. If you agree that making pasta sauce from scratch is out of the question and don’t like spending a significant amount of prep time in the kitchen, Cadia pasta sauces may be a good reason to visit Healthy Options soon.

The gluten-free crunchy/spicy/salty/sweet PopCorners Sweet Chili is my favorite. Each bite never fails to leave a smile on my face. 🙂 Other flavors of PopCorners (Butter, White Cheddar, Kettle, Cheesy Jalapeno, Caramel and Sea Salt) are also yummy. These all-natural popped corn chips can be thought out as creative snacks for your picnic and they can jazz up food offerings on the table without any extra effort.

Supplements

From the Supplements section, we got Healthy Options B-Complex (for me), Prostate Support Soft Gels (for my grandfather) and Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus (for my mom) to restock our supply at home. We don’t want to run out of them because dietary supplements need to be taken consistently on a timely foundation to be effective and to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Personal Care

My sister took the ombré hair plunge recently at D ‘Xpert Salon and Spa. Her hair was bleached and then dyed to her desired tone. To keep the hair healthy and strong and to retain the color longer, Nature’s Gate Conditioner with Chamomile + Mimosa Bark is most raved by online reviewers for color-treated hair for that “magical” bounce. It smells great, conditions well, detangles her long hair and leaves it soft and with body, not greasy or flat.

Last but not least, Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner was recommended by my teammates and they said this product had really made a nice difference in minimizing their pores. I bought the travel-size bottle so I can bring it during travels and also try it first before getting the bigger one.

I saturate a cotton ball with the toner and thoroughly go over my face after washing. After two weeks of regular use, I think this pore perfecting toner does its job well. It does not over-dry and it does not leave a residue the next morning. This is because witch hazel gets rid of excess oil, but it helps to eliminate water loss and improves hydration to the outer layer of skin. Moreover, this natural astringent helps reduce puffy eyes and refreshes the skin.

Frizzy hair, split ends, clearly visible roots, or troublesome fringes? D’ Xpert Salon and Spa in Makati comes to solve hair and beauty problems so you can save yourself from future bad hair days. As the brand implies, D’ Xpert strives to be an expert in delivering quality treatments at their Hello Kitty-themed unit.

I was invited to try and experience their services for myself and I chose to avail of their ongoing promotion: Rebonding / Brazilian Blowout / Ombré (Hair Color Trend) + 6 other services for only PhP 2000. Very timely, since taming my hair has become one of the most frustrating parts of my morning routine, I had my hair rebonded and also got to experience foot spa, foot reflexology, manicure, pedicure, and hair cellophane. The last one in my list was supposedly “back massage,” but because I was rushing for dinner, I just skipped it and went out of the salon feeling satisfied anyway.

with the owner

Review of D’ Xpert Salon and Spa (Dr Jose P. Rizal Avenue, Makati City)

Ambiance:

The owner’s favorite color is pink, and it shows. D’ Xpert Salon and Spa is fitted with pink walls and Hello Kitty decorations. You can say this place’s interior design leans towards totally girly, but that doesn’t stop men from also visiting the salon and availing a number of their services.

Geared to its local clientele, D’ Xpert Salon and Spa is nestled on the quiet street of Dr Jose P. Rizal. It’s nicely spaced, with areas catering to the salon (front) and the spa (back) separately. Clean, colorful and contemporary, D’ Xpert is a beautiful place to conveniently and comfortably wile away the hours, so customers can book a whole host of treatments for a relaxing afternoon.

Service:

The staff were personable and professional. They offer drinks: coffee, tea, and water to guests waiting to be served. Hair stylists sounded knowledgeable about the products they use and procedures they do. They also recommend treatments, styles and cuts according to the customer’s facial shape, hair texture, hair condition, and personal preferences.

After getting a Brazilian Blowout at Petra & Pepita Encarnacion Group of Salon in October 2015 (nine months ago), I thought my hair was once again in dire need of a little pick-me-up. It’s a bit wavy with frizz all over. Hair rebonding with Cellowax cellophane treatment at D’ Xpert Salon and Spa gave me straight locks like the ones you see on the labels of hair products and shampoo ads. 🙂 Since there were too many customers in the salon being served simultaneously on a Sunday, the transformation was done in six hours. Sigh, I know. The wait was long but well worth it.

The procedure began with the hair stylist sectioning my hair and spraying the strands with water. Then, he applied the organic hair rebonding treatment and left it on for about an hour.

A vast of products used for hair rebonding are effective for hair straightening, but there’s only a few that are safe to use. Those containing strong chemicals can irritate the scalp, loosen the hair vitality, and may cause hair fall or more serious damages. D’ Xpert Salon and Spa’s Organic Hair Rebonding treatment manages to ease two head scratching worries. What’s good was that I did not feel my scalp sting or itch throughout the duration of the service.

After rinsing, the stylist went on towel-drying and blow-drying my hair before he ironed it straight. We waited for a while before he applied the neutralizer cream, rinsed my hair again, and then put on clear cellophane. The Cellowax cellophane treatment made my scalp feel icy cool and refreshed. Result is healthier and shinier hair that looks silkier than before. It also makes the natural color more vibrant and lush by increasing the light refraction due to the shine.

Before and After Photos

Foot spa, foot reflexology, manicure, and pedicure were neatly done as well. I liked that the manicurist/ pedicurist was gentle and thorough in her approach as I’m sensitive to pain. She did a wonderful job at both my hands and feet.

Booking (through the Booksy App–download and install here for Android and here for iOS users) is recommended, but no appointment is required: you can just turn up, which is always handy.

Price for Value:

Last Sunday was my first visit and I’m sure it won’t be my last. With PhP 2000, there’s so much pampering you can do to enhance your look. At D’ Xpert Salon and Spa, you can leave feeling a million dollars without having to spend that much of money. In hair coloring, D’Xpert Salon and Spa uses Cynos ColorPlex, a high-end brand with high-quality products. It also sells a whole line of hair care products that can’t be bought in malls or beauty section of the department store.

D’ Xpert will be celebrating their second anniversary on August 7, 2016. Doors will be open to guests and customers from 7:00AM to 10:00PM. On this special event, 50% discount will be in effect to major services: Rebonding / Brazilian Blowout / Ombré (Hair Color Trend). To heighten your interest further, a lunch buffet with wine will be served!

There are more exciting and bang-for-your-buck promotions to come soon, so watch this space. 🙂 Click here to view their rates and price list.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/dxpertsalonspa/” name=”D’ Xpert Salon and Spa” description=”243 Dr Jose P. Rizal Ave, Makati, 1204 Metro Manila ” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 752-2339 or ‎0927-6831317″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-13″ ]

For the month of June, I shifted my interested more onto natural personal care products and for sure, Healthy Options is the best one-stop store in the Philippines for all these wonderful finds. Market research studies say that the global demand for organic personal care products is growing every year. And while clearly a portion of those sales occur online (hello, Internet generation), there’s still something to be said about the process of discovery—perusing the shelves, feeling the heft of the bottles, admiring the packaging design and also carefully reading the labels. With knowledgeable staff members to help customers, shopping at Healthy Options is always enjoyable. This time, I got these goodies from the Eastwood branch.

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (June 2016)

Personal Care

I was very excited to get my hands on these products after reading positive reviews and recommendations on them over the web. These are free from harsh chemicals, cruelty-free and eco-friendly! 🙂

Avalon Organics, Intense Defense with Vitamin C, Cleansing Milk, 8.5 fl has a refreshing milky texture and it leaves my skin hydrated. This facial wash does not contain GMOs, parabens, harsh sulfates or preservatives, synthetic colors or fragrances, phthalates or animal testing. It’s also vegan and biodegradable. I’ve been using it both morning and night for a week now. It cleans very well and goes on smooth. I love the soft citrus smell of this gentle cleanser. It removes makeup and oil buildup during the day but it does not get my waterproof mascara off. It does not claim to do so anyway.

Made with olive oil and argan oil, A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soap, Lavender Aloe is great for hand and body. The scent of lavender is divine; it’s soothing and comforting. Without synthetic ingredients, A La Maison de Provence Liquid Soap rinses quickly, leaving my hands clean, fresh, and soft. This is what I use to wash my hands (when putting on and taking off my contact lenses, most especially).

After reading the Healthy Options News Digest article about treating body odor, we have learned that “natural deodorants are a much better and safer option.” Many antiperspirants are made with aluminum in order to halt the perspiration of sweat glands, and this aluminum is suspected of accumulating in the nervous system and ultimately contributing to nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

I had my eyes on Lafe’s Roll-On Deodorant at first but got the Crystal Body Deodorant Crystal Essence Chamomile & Green Tea Body Spray (4 oz) instead because I love chamomile tea and green tea. 😛 The scent is light and feminine, without being all up in your face. I am very satisfied with how well this product works! I’m proud to report that I have stopped wearing traditional antiperspirants which may cause cancer.

Other reasons why you should switch to natural deodorants, too: It does not have aluminum chlorohydrate, it is paraben-free, it’s safe for the environment. 🙂 Crystal Body Deodorant Crystal Essence Chamomile & Green Tea Body Spray combines the stress reduction of chamomile with the powerful anti-oxidants of green tea in a versatile spray which may be used anywhere on the body to control odor including feet chest and inner thighs.

Nature’s Gate Body Wash Velvet Moisture (Papaya) is said to brighten dull skin. As mentioned in my previous hauls, I’m a fan of the Nature’s Gate brand. Papaya and pineapple extracts in this body wash are rich in enzymes and they help exfoliate to reveal soft, radiant skin. A little amount pumped on my sponge goes a long way. It foams well and has a creamy texture. Smell of papaya though isn’t too evident and doesn’t last long.

In the past six months, I had mouth sores three times. It was like getting a new one every after two weeks when the other one has just been healed. Upon research, I found out that many toothpastes contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a strong detergent that has demonstrated in several studies to increase canker sore outbreaks and pain. SLS is what gives you that bubbly, foamy feeling when you’re brushing to make you feel like your mouth is cleaner. I bet we’re all familiar with it.

Another possible cause of mouth sore is fluoride in toothpaste. Per the September 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, Karen McCaffery, a US dentist, recommend patients to “discontinue use of toothpastes with pyrophosphates and/or fluorides, citing that these are the most frequent causes.” I knew I had to start switching to a natural toothpaste to prevent canker sores attacks.

Nature’s Gate Crème de Peppermint is fluoride-free, soy-free, vegan, carrageenan-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and it’s a responsible choice for oral health. Flavored with exhilarating peppermint oil, this toothpaste leaves my mouth feeling fresh and minty without the burning sensation. It’s a good staple to keep in the washroom.

Supplements

Aside from the causes of mouth sores cited above, other compelling reasons why people have mouth sores are stress and the lack of vitamin B-12. Taking vitamin capsules or applying the contents of vitamin B-12 capsules directly to areas where sores have developed can offer quick and painless results. I got Healthy Options B-12 500mg for myself, Melatonin 3mg for Louie, Nature’s Plus AgeLoss® Kidney Support for my grandfather, and Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal for my mom.

My mom suffers from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and is sensitive to food. Her doctor/herbalist recommended taking activated charcoal to ease stomachache and bloating after every meal. This can be enhanced with improving diet and changing lifestyle as well. The charcoal pills keep gas and discomfort issues at bay.

Grocery

Glutino Chocolate Coated Wafers taste like ordinary chocolate coated wafers. Only big difference is that it’s wheat-free and gluten-free. It’s a good way to get a chocolate fix without too many calories. Be warned however that if put in high temperature, you’re likely to be disappointed when you open the box because the chocolate melts. Also, if the opening is not secured tightly with a rubber band, staple wire, adhesive tape, or the like, the texture of the wafers will be unpleasantly chewy, tough, and leathery. People who like chocolate wafers so much would end up finishing the pack in one go. 😛

Three days before Philippine Elections Day, we went to Healthy Options Shangri-la Mall for another shopping episode. (Read previous month’s haul here.) During rush hour, heavy traffic along EDSA and Ortigas Avenue was as we would know it. By the time we arrived at the mall, we were very hungry but still had the energy to carefully choose the items to carry back home. This time, I took more food (grocery stuff) and less of supplements and personal care products. 🙂

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (May 2016)

Groceries

I got two variants of the Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate: Chocolate-Moo-usse and Peppermint Twist, each in a 16-oz. clear glass milk jug. I thought these would be a great drink for breakfast for a change of pace in place of coffee. The Chocolate Moo-usse contains natural cane sugar, grand cocoa (cocoa processed with alkali), bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla beans) and Dutch processed cocoa with alkali. The Peppermint Twist contains natural cane sugar, Dutch processed cocoa (with alkali) and natural peppermint flavor. How different do they taste from Milo drink? That I have to find out soon. 🙂

Walden Farms Barbecue Sauce (Thick & Spicy) is said to feature the delicious taste of BBQ without the calories. Yes, you read that right. It’s free of calories, fat, gluten, carbohydrates and cholesterol! It’s definitely recommended to anyone who is following the low-carb diet or is just watching calories. Tangy, sweet, and barbecue-y, this sauce can be used for grilling, marinading and dipping.

Think it’s challenging to cook creamy pasta while cutting the calories? With Cadia Organic Vodka Cream Pasta Sauce, it can be achieved quite easily. This product was made with all things organic: tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet whey, lemon juice, garlic puree, onion, basil, oregano, vodka, soybean oil, and salt. There’s a slight sharpness to the taste but it’s not too bitter. It can also be used to make an “alcoholic version” of your homemade tomato-based pizza.

For green tea lovers, there can be nothing more relaxing than sipping your stress away with a soothing cup of The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha. As a fan of matcha, I have been eyeing on this since last year, so you can imagine how happy I was when I finally bought it. 🙂 This green tea blend contains less than a quarter the amount of caffeine per cup than in a similar-sized cup of coffee. With regard to health benefits, matcha is rich in antioxidants that are tied to lower risk of heart disease and cancer and lower blood pressure. It neutralizes that the harmful effects of UV rays, radiation and pollution have on your cells.

The package comes with 50 circular tea bags. Blissful and aromatic, The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha has a fresh, springtime-grassy flavor, just mild and not overpowering. It’s made with the harmonious blend of 100% organic China green tea (leaves) and organic Japanese matcha (powder form). I tried adding milk and a bit of sugar to make my own matcha green milk tea. Love it!

For snacks to share with my family, I did not hesitate to put the barkTHINS Snacking Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut with Almonds into my shopping cart. Made with natural ingredients, the super thin slivers of rich, fair trade dark chocolate are loaded with toasted coconut and almonds. BarkTHINS are perfectly portioned for the serious chocolate lover. If you’re one serious chocoholic though, you might want to hoard these for yourself. 😛

A delightful mix of crunchy corn flakes, lightly sweetened oat clusters and thinly-sliced almonds, the Cadia All Natural Almond Clusters and Flakes is a great way to start the day. I like it with hot milk, even in summer.

Popped with real corn and the finest all natural ingredients, you can snack smart with Popcorners Natural Popped Corn Chips – Sweet Chili Flavor while still satisfying your craving for popcorn. These chips are rather thin and easy to chew, as they were popped and not fried. Flavor is as the label says: a little bit spicy (because of chili) and a little bit sweet.

Frozen

Gluten-free franks with no artificial ingredients, not preserved, no nitrates or nitrites added? I got curious and I wanted to know how these uncured turkey franks taste. Ingredients include water, potato starch, sea salt, ground mustard seed, spices, and turkey. Preparation is simple, as these franks are generally precooked and only need to be heated through.

Supplement

According to statistics and medical researches, one in six men may experience prostate health issues, and one out of two over age 60 will get BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy. These two factors alone signal the need for ways to reduce men’s risk of developing disease. Dad told me to get Prostate Support Soft Gels with Phytosterols for my grandfather. This is to specifically maintain his health and alleviate the enlargement of prostate.

Personal Care

I had a hair trim two weeks ago and dyed my hair using Herbatint Permanent Hair Color, which was also purchased from Healthy Options. To gently clean and condition my color-treated hair, Nature’s Gate Jojoba Revitalizing Shampoo for Damaged Hair and Nature’s Gate Fruit Blends Shampoo Mandarin Orange + Patchouli are my revitalizing agents to give it moisture and essential nutrients.

The shampoo has pro-vitamin B-5 and jojoba oil which soften the hair strands. The restoring properties of keratin amino acids help strengthen each strand for added body and bounce. The Nature’s Gate conditioner uses unique blend of wheat proteins and patented sunflower seed extract that protects the colored hair from fading and damage caused by daily UV exposure. These two smell so good!

Wrap Up

Consumers and public health authorities alike are now more vocal in their concerns and desire for nutritionally superior products and categories that drive lifestyle and diet changes. With a good approach to enhance options on nutritional and healthier alternatives to many traditional favorites, Healthy Options is a one-of-a-kind store in the Philippines that offers several brands and high quality products that suit the tastes and requirements of customers. Which Healthy Options products have you tried and do recommend? Feel free to share in the Comment section below. 🙂

Healthy Options at Shangri-La Mall carries a terrific selection of nutritious and delicious snacks, drinks, supplements, and nice sundry items that make for a pleasurable shopping experience. It was the first time my mom and my sister have visited this branch. They’re happy to find so many amazing local, natural, organic, vegan, and gluten-free products in different categories (well, especially my mom whose life is pretty much centered around her quest to feed us well and keep us healthy). Healthy Options is a natural food purist’s shopping nirvana! 🙂

We can’t argue the fact that prices at SM Supermarket, Hypermarket, Savemore, Puregold, and other mainstream/average grocery chain stores are cheaper. However, goods offered at Healthy Options are incomparable in terms of value they provide. Ultimately, it all comes down to making healthier choices a top priority.

In this post, I’m sharing the products we purchased this month plus a tour around our favorite sections in the store.

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (April 2016)

Personal Care

Do you believe that taking the best care of yourself and the environment doesn’t have to be a sacrifice? We do. Personal care products at Healthy Options are formulated with premium quality natural and organic ingredients. From essential oils for aromatherapy, shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair, body and hand lotion, soaps, and cosmetics, these natural personal care products are good healthy alternatives to synthetics.

The Personal Care section was our first stop and we felt like being a kid in a candy store. There’s so many scents and variants to choose from! In the end, we got Nature’s Gate Revitalizing, Jojoba + Sacred Lotus Shampoo (18 fl oz/532 ml), Nature’s Gate Enriching, Biotin + Bamboo Conditioner (18 fl oz/532 ml), A La Maison Sweet Almond Solid Bar Soap (8.8 oz), and Herbatint – Herbal Haircolor Permanent Gel 4N Chestnut (4.5 oz).

Nature’s Gate Revitalizing, Jojoba + Sacred Lotus Shampoo was a repurchase. I bought my first bottle last November and it lasted about three months. Nature’s Gate is a trusted brand and this shampoo is ideal for thin/dry hair. What I love most about it is that just a little bit can create great foam. It smells so good and cleans well. Highly recommended! It’s vegan, paraben-free, soy-free. It does not contain chemicals such as sodium lauryl/laureth/coco sulfates, phthalates, butylene glycol, artificial colors.

Nature’s Gate Enriching, Biotin + Bamboo Conditioner is the best-selling conditioner with a mindful blend of conditioning botanicals. Biotin helps strands of hair feel thicker, fuller and more abundant. This product is also vegan, paraben-free, soy-free, and does not contain chemicals mentioned above. It has a nice peppermint smell and it gives the scalp a cool fresh feeling after washing. Think of it as the feeling of leaving toothpaste in your mouth. 🙂

We chose A La Maison Sweet Almond Solid Bar Soap because of its pleasing scent. It’s absolutely heavenly! Unlike other organic soaps in the market, this one lathers well and indeed attracts moisture to the skin as it’s made with olive oil and shea butter. It’s quite pricey at PhP 200+, but the bar is about the same length and width as a normal bar of soap but twice the height or thickness. It’s also okay to use for those who have sensitive skin.

Completing our Personal Care selected items was the Herbatint – Herbal Haircolor Permanent Gel 4N Chestnut that’s specially formulated from herb extracts. Herbatint has been the undisputed market leader for more than 40 years. This permanent hair dye uses rosemary, cinchona and walnut husk to gently deposit color. It’s worth to note that it’s ammonia free. I’m excited to try this one and post a review of it as well. 🙂

Supplements

Ah, this is my mom’s favorite section. Healthy Options, I think, is most famous for supplements. Mom has been experiencing difficulty to sleep these days. Taking melatonin supplements is not enough. Hence, she took interest in trying the HOS Ultimate Sleep Formula (50 c) to help maintain calmness and relaxation and overall support sleep quality.

She also has a problem with bowel movement. To aid with constipation, she researched on the best available food supplement for adults and found Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus which contains 500 million microorganisms per serving. Suggested intake is one capsule two times daily preferably with meals. I hope this product will be effective in making her intestinal flora healthier.

Because of aging, my mom now has to take calcium supplements but these won’t work when she does not have enough Vitamin D in her body. We learned online that Vitamin D3 is the form of Vitamin D that stimulates the absorption of calcium and helps build strong bones. She got Healthy Options Vitamin D3 400 IU. Suggested intake is one soft gel daily with food.

My sister and I have high stress levels and our hemoglobin levels are normal but quite low. To have more iron in our blood stream, we need Solgar Gentle Iron (25 mg) for tissues and muscles to function effectively. Iron plays a role in normal red blood cell production and supports energy utilization. This as a dietary supplement supporting women’s health and primarily menstruation. I

Farm Produce

Making a commitment to healthy eating with these natural farm produce is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Healthy Options promotes food that are free of pesticides and hormones. The farm produce section offers organic vegetables that do not have chemical additives. Mom was delighted to find wheatgrass and also other beautiful fresh veggies.

Groceries

The Grocery section looks so colorful it’s almost tempting to get everything that catches our fancy. The shelves are filled with products that range from breakfast cereals, chocolate and chips, condiments and sauces, whole grains, nuts and seeds to ground coffee, teas, milk, juices, and more. It will be worth to spend time reading the food labels (nutrition facts). Need help? The staff are accommodating to provide tips and recommendations to suit your needs. Healthy Options has bountiful of ingredients that you can combine into tasty, good-for-you meals. Its YouTube channel features recipes that you can follow for healthy cooking.

We like snacking on chips that are not overly salty and thought Good Health Glories Kettle Sweet Potato Chips (1 oz) would satisfy our craving. These sweet potato chips have a nice crunch, not too greasy, and they are GMO-free. We also got my super-favorite Popcorners Snack Cheesy Jalapeno (1.1 oz) which I have repurchased for the fourth time. 🙂 These corn chips were popped with real corn, no trans fat, and no cholesterol. Every bite makes me guilt-free. The cheddar flavor meets with heat of jalapeno. Yummy!

Mint and chocolate make a great match. Nothing steals my heart away quite like this combination. Salem Cookie Moravian Mint (8 oz) is a must-try for fans of chocolate cookies with mint. Angel who sits beside me in the office has already finished two packs! 😛 I can’t blame her though. Featuring a delicate natural mint flavor with artisan chocolate, these thin cookies are addicting.

If you like interesting flavor of pop corn, Pop Art’s Thai Coconut Curry Popcorn is an awesome grab. Made with a unique blend of savory spices mixed with creamy coconut milk, these buttery, bright yellow popcorn are crazy good. The list of ingredients includes curry powder, lemongrass, coconut milk, curry spices, mustard, lime, turmeric, and more. A handful can quench your thirst for the taste of Thailand, as it achieves a total food sensation and somehow makes you feel as if you are really eating curry.

From the beverage section, we just wanted to try the Dream Latte Caramel (11 oz). Coffee and almond must taste good together. 🙂

Frozen

My sister and I were still looking for personal care items to put in our shopping cart when we heard our mom almost screaming with delight from the other end of the store. Turned out, she saw frozen vegan products in the refrigerators. The Frozen section consists of poultry, meat, vegetarian, vegan, ice cream, yogurt, etc. The imitation meat by Vegetarian Plus are made with 100% vegan ingredients. Just to appease our curiosity, we got the Frozen Veggie Chicken Orange (10.5 oz). If this one tastes good, we will for sure buy the other variants month after month.

Wrap Up

After over an hour, we filled our cart with products we’re all thrilled to bring back home. We certainly don’t expect everyone to always choose organic this or grass-fed that, but it can happen one step at a time. To wrap up, I think one key takeaway from this post also for readers is that Healthy Options does not only sell supplements but also grocery, personal care items, and a lot more. Healthy Options has a vision of a healthier world where people enjoy longer, richer, more fulfilling lives by taking control of their health. Thanks to the product allowance we’re privileged to have monthly, I am able to share the value Healthy Options delivers. 🙂

Brazilian Blowout is a very popular treatment in Korean salons here in Metro Manila nowadays. Unlike regular rebonding, this hair straightening system helps to improve the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft and smoothing the cuticle. Also unlike rebonding, the result should be not too flat but smooth and sleek without the frizz. That’s exactly why I wanted to go for it.

As I mentioned in my previous “beauty” blog post, because my work location has moved farther from home, my prep routine time is cut to half. Given this, I need to fix my makeup, my outfit, and my hair twice as fast. Combing and blow drying my thick and long hair has quite become a tedious process, so I thought that the Brazilian blowout must be the perfect solution for efficiency and convenience.

Forums and blogs from various websites made me aware that the end result of the Brazilian blowout will only last for about three to four months. A concern that’s repeatedly raised is that Brazilian-style smoothing treatments contain formalin (methylene glycol), and this can possibly make sensitive individuals experience short-term symptoms such as irritated eyes or skin, headaches, or difficulty in breathing.

After reading some more comments and reviews of salons, I decided to say yes to the process nonetheless. But what convinced me even more was that my mom had experience the treatment, and she did not feel any pain. Neither did she mention anything bad out of it. To end my curiosity and take comfort in knowing that my frizzy hair will be properly treated in style without breaking the bank, I went to Petra & Pepita (Encarnacion Group of Salon) one Saturday to give it a try.

Note: Typically, salons charge PhP 5,000-10,000 for the Brazilian blowout depending on the hair length, thickness, weight and also the formula they use. So, I was just surprised that Petra & Pepita (Encarnacion Group of Salon) offers the treatment for only PhP 1,500 (normal price regardless the hair length). What a pretty good deal! Can’t miss it.

Brazilian Blowout - Before and After Shots

Review of Petra & Pepita Encarnacion Group of Salon – Brazilian Blowout (Binondo)

Ambiance: ★★★★☆

I have been to Petra & Pepita’s branch in 999 Mall and pretty much, the interior design is consistent. Decors are not really impressive, but minimalism completes a casual vibe with a mix of purple, black, and white filling in as the common theme. This spacious salon offers a wide range of beauty treatments to suit any occasion, with sections for manicure and pedicure, hair fixes, and shampoo or blowdry. A mounted television and a pile of magazines provide enough entertainment for customers.

Service: ★★★★★

Service was okay and there’s nothing to complain about. Staffs were accommodating and efficient. I like that they take time in doing their job as necessary and not in a rush to make customers feel like they’re being pushed out of the door.

The Brazillian blowout procedure was done in two hours and there was no down time. The minute I entered the salon, my hair was washed with a clarifying shampoo and towel-dried to remove excess moisture. Next, the stylist applied the salon’s solution (no brand) through my hair from roots to ends.

After 45 minutes, he used a blow-dryer to dry my hair, as the heat from the blow-dryer helps to activate the solution and increase its effectiveness. Once my hair was entirely dry, the stylist sealed the solution into the cuticles with a flat iron. Like hair rebonding, it was during this step that the effects of the Brazilian blowout started to be more apparent. With each stroke of the flat iron, my hair has become increasingly smooth. He told me not to wash my hair in the next three days.

Price for Value: ★★★★★

Affordability is undeniably a huge plus factor when choosing salons where you want to feel like a woman and not another head of hair. Based on the service and the result, I’d say that Petra & Pepita’s Brazilian blowout is tagged at a very reasonable price. PhP 1500 is considerably cheap as compared to rates of most of the salons in Manila.

I didn’t wash my hair after three days as advised, and I feel that my hair now is more manageable and shinier with bounce. For busy and working women like me, Brazillian blowout is worth a try as it’s a good way to condition the hair while sealing the cuticle as well for enhanced color and reduced frizz.

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