Heat Rash

Our weather forecast unit in the country has not yet announced that it is already summer here in the Philippines. I read from a Twitter report that they will probably announce it next week. What difference does it make? It's so hot especially in the afternoon. This heat is just too much to bear. The highest recorded temperature was last Wednesday at 34 degrees centigrade.

I was talking to a neighbor the other day, a first time mother, who was complaining about the skin rashes of her one year old girl which was caused by the very humid weather. The child is predisposed to allergies and skin irritations when temperature is high. The air conditioning unit is always turned on wherever the baby is. The mother though is having a hard time with too much cold which goes on for almost twenty four hours. Maybe an undefloor heating will help spread warmth evenly in their house.

Luckily I have not experienced this with my daughter. She's very tolerant even on extreme weather or temperature conditions. What can help children with allergies (heat rash) caused by heat is to ensure enough water intake. Appropriate clothing is a must as the child should feel very comfortable. Clothing which hugs the body will definitely contribute to a child's skin irritations. The best is to wear cool top and bottom which is one hundred percent cotton. It helps the skin breathe. Logically, children which suffer from heat rash should stay indoors as long as the sun is up and the temperature is humid. At least bring an umbrella or a hoodie when going out cannot be avoided.

Effects of allergies can be minimized with these basic measures mothers can readily apply for their children.

Disclaimer: This post does not recommend any product or service nor has this post been compensated in anyway.

Feeling Light

I was feeling lighter the past days. Most of my house clothes seemed to feel bigger on me compared to the past weeks. Some shirts look like they're hanging on my shoulders. I somehow know the diet and consecutive back to back work outs are working.

I weighed in when I got to the gym today. I almost jump for joy when the body analyzer printed my weight. I lost five pounds in the past two weeks. :)))) I am so near my desired weight for the month. It's been a month and three weeks and I have lost a total of eight pounds already. Just about right.

Work it, girl, work it!

I believe in visualization as I have proven this to be true in the past. So, boyfriend shorts, here I come. Target: April 2010.



***Picture lifted from this site.

'80s Music Remix

If you are in Facebook you probably noticed those fan pages bordering on the insane or outright crazy. Well I know a few people who get annoyed with it but I actually have fun with it. I mean I don't click to be a fan but the titles alone make me laugh. There are kilometric titles for a fan page like "I hate it when people talk to you when they need something", cheesy pages like "Just because we're not close anymore doesn't mean I don't care about you" (still kilometric). I mean who creates these crazy fan pages. I just have to give a good LOL when I see some people in my network become a member.

I like to join "I Have the Bestest Mom Ever". Why not? I have the best mom in the world. My daughter joined there and it warmed my heart. No kidding.

Anyway, I did become a fan of the 80s Music Remix in Facebook. Because I am a child of the 80s. Because I love the music of the 80s. Because I sometimes wish it will always be the 80s.

Listening to the 80s music in my iPod lets me live in a time warp. The music are in a loop. Here are at least 13 songs in my playlist which runs all day at random:

1. I Miss You Like Crazy (Natalie Cole) - Fine. Get your barf bag. Blame it on that trailer of a local movie with the same title as the song's. But somehow I like the song. Harhar.
2. Pretty in Pink (Psychedellic Furs) - The national anthem during the 80s. I miss Ducky, Andie and Blaine.
3. Don't Dream It's Over (Crowded House)
4. Call Me (Blondie) - I was in my freshman in high school and this was the first music I danced to in our class.
5. Cars (Gary Numan)
6. Biggest Part of Me (Ambrosia)
7. Tainted Love (Soft Cell)
8. 99 Luft Balloons (Nena)
9. Every Breath You Take (The Police)
10. Let's Dance (David Bowie)
11. Girl in Trouble (Romeo Void)
12. With or Without You (U2)
13. When Doves Cry (Prince)

If I could go back in time, it will be definitely be the 80s. I miss my shoulder pads, my chunky earrings and bangles, my Dippity Doo styling gel and my crayon shoes. I miss everything, everyone that became a part of my life during the 80s.

***Check out more sharing at Thursday Thirteen.

Living Arrangements

There seems to be a steady rise in condominiums in Mega Manila. In our area alone, there is a continuous construction of both high-rise and medium-rise condominiums. Most young couples I know prefer to own a condominium unit no matter how small it is rather than own a townhouse or even a small house good enough for people who are starting a family.

One reason I always hear, other than owning a unit is way cheaper than purchasing a house and lot, is the proximity of the condominiums to work places. True, there are a lot of condominiums connected already to malls and offices. It is very convenient for people who have to attend to a lot of business outside the home.

Another thing people are looking at condominiums as investments. Some opt to rent it out for added income. More often than not also, a lot of parents from the provinces, whose children are studying in Manila, choose to provide a unit for their children instead of sending them to a dormitory. Mostly the reason is safety and security as well as accessibility.

Condo-living in the university belt is common nowadays. Both parents and students find the privacy of living in a condominium more conducive to studying. Most of the time, you are with your relatives or just a few people whom you know very well.

Wherever we are in the world, be it in Manila, Hongkong, or anywhere in the U.S., it is important that living arrangements give the owner or the tenant the benefits that equals the money spent on buying or renting the place. University of Arizona apartments and the like for example should be a good investment, it should meet one's needs like proximity to the work place, school, convenience shops, malls and the like.

Living comfortably in a place you love gives you peace of mind which is priceless.

Disclaimer: This post does not in any way recommend any product or service nor has this post been compensated in anyway.

Adarna Food and Culture

So it came to pass my family opted to have dinner last night at Adarna Food and Culture. We wanted to dine somewhere near our place. The first option was to go to TOSH (The Old Spaghetti House) but my husband said it was already closed, as in permanently closed.

I searched on the web where we can have dinner aside from the usual TGIF, Fish and Co and the like. I checked spot.ph and Adarna Food and Culture got my attention. The name of the restaurant is quite enticing too. It's a good thing it is near our area.

My camera's battery got drained after a few shots so I was not able to capture the facade, the patio and the whole dining area and function rooms. But the pictures below will tell you that the restaurant is cozy. It will transport you back to the 1960s. We had dinner and we traveled back in time.

From Adarna's website:

Adarna Food and Culture is a restaurant that celebrates Filipino culinary heritage by serving historical, regional and heirloom recipes in a warm, elegant and homey setting. Every table offers a special view of the place with its collection of Filipino memorabilia.

True enough it was a visual treat. We were seated at what seems to be an extended dining are because it was full inside.


My husband orienting my daughter on the different soda bottles used during the 50s to the 70s.


There's one I recognize, choco-vim! I remember this but I did not drink much of this but the Magnolia Chocolait which comes in a bigger bottle peddled around the neighborhood. Do you have that in your area back then? You have to give back the empty Magnolia bottle before buying one. :)


I have never used a jukebox but I fancy this. I would like to have a vintage jukebox at home, haha. I am a child of the 80s so back then it was the Sony Walkman or the cassette player.

My daughter had a good time tinkering with it together with my husband. It's really a novelty for her. As we all know, the kids have the iPod for their music gadget now.


There is a mock-up sarisari store (variety retail store) inside the restaurant. Pure collector's items. According to one server, some items were donated by loyal customers. Friends from Facebook commented that they do read Liwayway and komiks when they were young. I do read those movie magazines that you see, Orig and Kislap. Haha.


Customers can get any of the candies from the garapon (glass jars) for free. This is cute. :) Remeber white rabbit?



Dama (board game or checkers) is a common sight in sari-sari stores played by manongs (old men). My daughter is at a lost how to play this game. Husband walked her through it after a bit.


I just have to take a picture of this one. I was compelled to because this reminds me of my maternal grandmother's mirror mounted on her closet. It has exactly the same design. I guess it was the design of most mirrors then.


Adarna Food and Culture is very interesting. It will be great to dine here with my parents. I will definitely bring them here when they visit the country.

My review about the food will be posted later tonight is posted in my food blog, Beyond Fried Eggs.

***Check out more weekend sharing at Pixel Bug Weekend.

Non-Valentine's Day

Traffic is heavy during this time of the year. I remember when I was in graduate school 90% of classes were suspended because only two to three students (and even faculty members) were present in most classes. Some were in the middle of the traffic and a lot preferred to skip class and celebrate V Day. I was dumbfounded that even graduate school is caught up in this Valentine craze.

Anyway, I don't have expectations on Valentine's Day. My husband does not celebrate this day because it is not a practice in our religion. When we were in college I asked him why he was not like other men who at least give a token on Valentine's Day. Sure I was not into flowers and Valentine dates but I want my man to at least show some lovin' mushiness on Valentine's Day. That was when he explained to me the reason. Valentine came from St. Valentine and saints we do not have.

As for me, I am not to keen on roses and chocolates as gifts even from admirers or ex-boyfriends back then. I love flowers and chocolates that's for sure but they do not take my breath away when I receive them for this occasion. I don't know, maybe the practical side of me always win at that time. I would prefer to receive a good book or a cassette tape of my favorite band. But I never got any of that. Instead I always receive cards with cheesy dedications. Haha. But that's better than roses and chocolates. That's more personal which I prefer.

How about now that I am in midlife, what do I prefer? Simple joys that last a lifetime.

What's going to happen tonight? We will just have dinner somewhere just because, that is if everyone won't get lazy going out.

***Picture used in this post is from Getty Images.

Buff Women

And by buff here I mean having good muscle tone.

I attended a body balance class today after my cardio and weights. I like all the instructress so far but this one we had today sort of inspires me. She has a very cool, soft voice. It was so effortless when she gave instructions for the next poses. Most of all, I like her body contour. I like how buff she is but not too muscular. She still looks like a woman with very toned muscles on her arms, torso and legs.


Lately I've been finding buff women really sexy like those women above. I would have posted Jackie Lou Blanco's photo but I can't find any which shows her buff body.

It clearly shows how they take care of their bodies. They seem so strong and powerful. I love it! I want to visualize myself having this kind of body, and work on it at the same time. It's free to dream. If I reach this goal, it will be one of the milestones in my life which I can tell my future grandchildren with so much pride.

***Michelle Obama's picture from LA Times, Michelle Rodriguez' from Just Jared, Hilary Swank's from After Ellen.

Curves for Women

Disclaimer: 2.9.10. This post, as obviously stated in the content, relays the author's experience as a first time visitor of Curves located at BGC, Philippines. It does not aim to recommend this business for franchising or for your personal fitness program.

I received an email last week inviting me (along with a number of bloggers majority of which are also my friends) to visit and experience the newly opened Curves, a fitness center exclusively for women. It will be held on a Saturday so I am free. Also, at this point I am very much into physical fitness that was why I immediately replied and confirmed my attendance. I was particularly interested to know if there will be something new and exciting they will offer.

I know Curves is from the U.S. but I am not familiar with the kind of service they give. I did not even know they have a branch here in our country. I was very glad I proceeded to Curves last Saturday.


I met the manager and part-owner Ms. Fe and the center's media consultant, Miss Claire Agbayani, also the young and vibrant circuit coaches. One of the participants was the former beauty queen, Joyce Ann Burton, whom I learned also blogs. I missed her blog address but will ask Claire next time. I'd like to check out her blog.

The management team walked us through the background and milestones of Curves.

* Curves started in 1992 in Texas founded by Gary and Diane Heavin, considered as innovators of the express fitness phenomenon. It gained overnight success and expansion was considered to serve its growing clientelle.
* One accolade after another came Curves' way such as the fastest growing franchise in history and the world's largest and number one fitness franchise.
* As of 2009, it has nearly 10,000 locations and 4 million members in 73 countries. (I was clearly surprised with this data.)
* Curves is considered to be a one-stop shop where women can lose weight, gain muscle strength and increase metabolism all for 30 minutes at least three times a week.

I had to smile when I read from the press kit that Curves' unofficial motto is "no makeup, no men, no mirrors". It just emphasizes the straightforward training one can get in Curves.

From my assessment, the gym area is about 35 to 45 square meters. It can accommodate about twenty four persons at a given time per Ms. Fe.

The atmosphere is very zen. There is no clutter and the equipment are arranged in a circular pattern. It's quite intimate and looks very relaxing, not rigid. I checked each equipment thinking they are quite easy (but they're not). They are slim so unlike the bulky gym equipment I use.

There was body assessment for the participants during the presentation as well as the usual questions on medical history and the reason for going to the gym. After which the work out started.

The circuit coaches guided us on the proper use of each machine and the correct posture while handling them. The equipment are arranged alternately, one machine and one recovery board after another. There is a total of fourteen hydraulic exercise equipment you have to go through for two rounds or a total of 30 minutes.

It felt like we were in a group exercise because there is a cue tape which instructs us when to get off the equipment and transfer to the next. There is even an instruction to count your heartbeat. It's really fun! It's very fast phased and very engaging.

I have been a gym member for more than a year now and there are a number of differences I can state. What I like about Curves is the privacy, the intimate atmosphere yet laid back ambiance it lets you experience. It's like you're just home in your own gym.

Relating my own experience, the recovery board where one stands on and do some aerobic steps or dance steps, recharged me. It gave me a few seconds to breathe before going to the next equipment.

This kind of training disciplines you to stick to the required work out because you have to finish the whole circuit. I find it very interactive. My mind did not wander not just because a coach was guiding me but because I was focused on what I was doing. I could have easily stopped had it been the usual gym training. My body seemed to agree with this type of conditioning.

What I find a good offer from Curves is that there is no additional fee for the circuit coach and the weight management program. They are there to guide each participant and ensure they are meeting their required program and walk them through the achievement of their goals.


One of the poster guides inside the gym which serve as reference for participants.

Lateral lift, Squat, Chest/Back, Hip Abductor/Adductor

Doesn't the place look relaxing? The squares are what they call recovery boards.

Recovery stepper, Glute. The stretching equipment near the door is my favorite. I love to stretch after a work out.
Curves is located at 2/F Serendra, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, #828-02-08. Its operating hours are from 7 AM tp 10 AM, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 3 PM to 7 PM. The closed hours are used for club maintenance.

***Check out more weekend sharing at Pixel Bug Weekend.

On Dieting

"Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake." - Author Unknown

That quote above is talking about me I suppose. Just how hard is it to diet? For someone like me who loves food, it takes tons of discipline and will power to manage my food intake. I am a rice person and I love chocolate cakes. I cannot resist them once they are in front of me.

Like I always say working out at the gym is no problem with me. I make time for it, squeeze it in my schedule whenever tasks get tight. But it's the dieting that hampers my weight loss program plus the fact that I can't control eating during PMS.

I was able to shed off some pounds last January. I was really happy about it. I was still short from my target weight but I can adjust for February. It's only a matter of three pounds. February came and it seems I gained two pounds. Ha! But I am determined to still achieve my weight goal for this month.

I want to be totally committed to my diet that is why I am publishing it here...and everywhere. It's in my planner, it's in my phone's notepad, it's in my computer.

Let me motivate myself by accounting what I have been doing good consistently for about two weeks now.
1. Just 1/2 cup of rice in a day, one cup max.
2. No heavy meal during the night.
3. Breakfast is light - coffee or milk (bone strengthening variant), a bread with half sunny side-up or just one hardboiled egg.
4. Lunch is either banana, tuna sandwich or crackers.
5. Crackers as afternoon snack.

I noticed that I get easily full when I started my diet. It's like my tummy can only contain certain amount of food unlike before that I can easily devour two cups of rice in one sitting. I should be happy about this I believe.

I should discipline myself from the following:
1. Eating potato chips and chocolate cookies on some days.
2. Procrastinating on including more fiber in my diet - oats, fruits!

To further support my diet program I will do the following:
1. Religiously record my daily diet. I have checked a diet spreadsheet already and will adapt it.
2. Read journals about successful diet management.
3. Visualize myself in my ideal weight.

Next time I will be discussing my BMI and fat mass. I should be nearing my ideal range towards the end of the third quarter of this year. I will be chronicling here my fitness goals and achievements. I really need to do this. I want a healthy and fit body. I want to be true to my commitment to myself.

So help me, God.

***Picture used in this post is from Getty Images.

Jogging

My husband and I have always wanted to jog together with our daughter. There was never a concrete plan so it did not push through. But this year I have included this as one of my goals - a physical fitness activity involving the family.

I got the commitment of my husband and daughter two weeks ago. We were supposed to jog on January 23 but it was my aunt's birthday celebration so we forewent the plan. But last Saturday, all things were set, mindset included.

I was glad to note that hubby and daughter even woke up an hour ahead of me. I was so sleepy but I decided to go for it. Half asleep, I reminded myself of one of my mantras this year - MAKING THINGS HAPPEN. I got up and prepared myself.

We were at the UP Diliman grounds at half past six in the morning. There were so many joggers. The air was so fresh and really cool. I like the smell of grass and trees and green plants in the morning.

The atmosphere was really very ideal for brisk walking, jogging or running. I can't cope with my husband and daughter when they run so they have to wait for me and just do brisk walking so I won't left behind.


There they are, taking a quick rest before going back to jogging.


That's me and my daughter strutting our stuff. Take note of the message on the grandma's t-shirt by the way.


After an hour and a half we proceeded to a nearby Jollibee store for our breakfast. My daughter had chicken joy. She was really starving from so much walking and jogging. My husband's choice (and the only food he eats from Jollibee aside from their Jolly Hotdog) was corned beef, garlic rice and egg.


Much as I wanted what hubby ordered, I opted for a light meal because I am trying my best to manage my diet. I didn't even touch the syrup but I put on a little butter. But these Jollibee pancakes are just so thin, paper thin! Oh well, it filled me up somehow.


I am glad that my daughter enjoyed this activity. In fact she is looking forward to our weekend jogging. We plan to do this at least every other Saturday, just to be realistic about it. And in time, our jogging activity will be on a weekly basis.