I Love My Epilator!

I first learned about epilators from a V-log done by Pursebuzz, and seeing how convenient and quick they seem to remove hair like a razor but have results that last as long as a wax. Two of the celebrities I worked with before in a theater production swear by it as well. I wanted to buy myself one but I found the rates to be deathly expensive (around Php 4,000) hence it took me quite some time to buy.

While at Singapore a few weeks ago, I chanced upon an epilator on sale, currently priced at SGD 45 (approximately Php1,620). Well, here it is, it's now in my possession. I've been scraping myself too long on razors and changing razors every so often is getting more expensive.

Hello Philips Satinelle epilator! This looks just like the one that Pursebuzz reviewed. It looks like an electric razor except for the head, which looks like this up close:

It looks like a torture device really, but these are stainless steel discs that act like multiple tweezers that grab body hair from the root as they rotate, removing hair at half the time it takes tweezing or threading.

It operates by the flick of a switch. It has two speed functions. The faster one can be used on legs while the slower, I use on underarms or during my first epilation session ever. Yanking hair from the root sounds too painful for words but if you're like me, who's used to waxing every month, the pain is just the same. Unlike shaving though that you could do in the shower, for this model, skin (and surrounding areas should be dry) as you use this device as it's plugged on a socket. So it's great to use this after shower before going to bed or when you're wearing your miniskirt before you head off the door. Take note too, that some redness could occur depending on your skin condition so do a bit of test or "practice session" before using this on an important event.

For me, it's definitely way better and longer-lasting than shaving my legs and less messier than waxing. Although there can be a few stubborn hairs left after, that's where threading or plucking comes to clean them up. It's even easy to clean too. All I have to do is remove the cap containing the discs and rinse them on running water, dry them up, and it's good to go (I still kept the sheet with the directions and made sure to read all safety precautions and instructions before using). I use this on my legs and underarms. I leave the brazilian waxing to the professionals. :)

Birthday Baby Girl

After the bridal fair eons ago, my ever-so-trusty camera decided to take another ER visit. As I finally surrendered it for repair, as I had no choice but to repair it, the guys over the counter estimated a good 3-4 weeks for it to fully heal. So my decision, go on with the repair (crazy I know, as the repair costs practically almost like a brand new camera with double the specs) so I can have a backup camera and well, buy myself a new camera. For my birthday, I got myself a bigger camera that could serve me well in all the stuff I do. I worked hard all summer, it's time for my prize.

I've been contemplating on going proshooter as I do a lot of product shots and for really horrible lighting, a cutesy pie camera isn't just going to do. My blog is in need for better and crisp photos and sometimes, there are shots that don't do justice to my work. Of course, a proshooter doesn't come in cheap and I have to prepare myself for card debt and all. All in good time, because I was done paying for my phone already. So uhm... immerse myself in a yearful of installment programs. :P

I admit that what got me to go inside the store is the price. For a camera like that with that kind of specs and that kind of body, it costs half of what the popular two brands would have for their kind. Fuji isn't quite popular (I see photographers going either Nikon or Canon. Not that I don't like those brands, as cameras have served amazing purpose to my clients and to myself) so I had to ask the guys over at the store a few more questions about the camera). After giving it a few test shots and asking what to do in case I need to take it for repair (I could surrender the camera at the store and they take it to the service center and I could pick it up at the store). I was a-okay and handed out my pink swiper to pay.

I solemnly swear to pay my debts on time.

Seriously, the first model had to be the cat or else she will refuse my Whiskas for three days.

Okay, so I got a Fujifilm Finepix S2950, which I have been using to shoot my pole videos, my pole poses, food shots, FOTDs, EOTDS, and OOTDs for quite sometime. It's a new model, I was told, and when I posted the photo of my cam in my Facebook wall, I was told that I made the right choice with my purchase. Although it's not as popular, it does its job fairly nicely even at 3 megapixels. I remember a photographer who wouldn't let go of his Fujifilm SLR because he loves the colors so much. And I agree. I need colors for my pictures!!!!

First thing I bought to keep it in top condition was a protective LCD cover (you could get one for like 60-80 bucks at CDR king) . It's a bit bubbly though since I cleaned it, and while at it, the huge LCD display shows how pictures look like in an instant, or you could rely on the very trusty viewfinder, if you want to focus more.

And speaking of focus, this feature for me is heaven, the 18x optical zoom which looms in if you want to shoot an object that's very far from you. This is find great if I want to shoot say someone onstage without stretching my limbs or elbowing my way through photographers and th

eir telephoto lenses.

Okay, so here's a demonstration. This is a picture taken from the 18th floor at Diamond Hotel. There's a view of the street, the floor area of Ramon Magsaysay Center, and a few dots and details.

After 18x zoom, my camera is able to capture clearly the image (top view though) of the plant in Ramon Magsaysay Center.

Or the ship by Manila Bay without leaving the hotel room.

It's got a myriad of settings though, but personally, I'm still on Autoshoot mode, which adjusts white balance, lighting, shutter speed, everything according to the settings outside. As I get better playing with the settings and all (as well as capturing a few tips from others) I'll be able to work around and maximize my camera more. I don't need to read the manual much and memorize it to take pictures, thanks to the Auto settings! This cam practically thinks for me. The only adjustment I need is to zoom, use flash, use macro, go black and white, size, stuff like that.

Another favorite feature is that it could record movies too, in HD format that's crisp and clear. I do this when I need to capture our pole videos and dances and study or share it. I could mark also some pictures and videos for upload on Facebook or YouTube. I think I'm taking a liking to this camera and it seems to like me back.

As with all gadgets, it needs care too. Aside from the LCD protector, I got a protective camera bag for it as well. I keep the lens covered with the lens cap when I'm not using it and take care to handle it carefully as I know it's not the shockproof or waterproof kind. In fact, when I didn't have my camera bag yet, I was wrapping this in a shawl before putting it inside my bag.

As of the moment, my old camera has healed quite nicely (in fact, it's the one that I used to take shots of my S2950). Here they are together, seemingly getting along.

For the specs and features, this camera retails for Php 11,420. Fujifilm cameras are available at specialty camera shops. I got mine at Digital Walker in Rockwell. For those who I'll be seeing a lot, you'll see either or camera, depending on the occasion.

Super Steal Gift Ideas 500 and Below

Has anyone done her shopping yet? Or are you like me that has the nasty habit of cram-shopping? While being guilty of that crime, I've scoured several options for friends and family for gift options to consider. What's more is that some of them are readily available online ergo no need to spend time squeezing through crowded malls. All of these stuffs cost 500 or less too.

There's a gift for everyone and I'll let you know why:

The gift for the one who's always stressed:


I really suggest Echostore's Spa in a Bottle (Php130) and/or Spa in a Can (Php 195) after I got introduced to it. It's a teensy bottle or can that definitely perks you up when you need to or calms you down when you're too stressed. It definitely unclogs the nasal passages with the scent of peppermint, citrus, and lavander. The Spa In A Can's perfect in the purse and for travel. I have two Spa in a Bottles - one at home and one in the car to clear my senses during the horrid holiday traffic.

For those who are addicted to anything that smells yummy:


At Php 100 pesos each, Milk and Mixture's hand sanitizers and EDTs in yummy scents that remind us of our favorite desserts and drinks. Vanilla Lollipop smells like ice cream and Warm Vanilla Hand Sanitizers is a perfect dupe of my expensive vanilla hand sanitizer. Melon Candy is a very fresh scent if you're in for the fruity vibe and Apple Pie Torte gives us a warm whiff of cinnamon and apples for a Christmas-y smell. Another shoutout to the Tiramisu drizzle or hand sanitizer which smells like our favorite Italian dessert. You could also check out the other products like sushi soaps, lotions, and massage oils in sexy scents of Vanilla Crumble, Chocolate Fudge, and Gingerbread Cookie. The products are very affordable you could give one to all of your friends and clients depending on their taste or favorite food.

For those who would want super smooth skin:



These cubes look like gum drops in our favorite candy stores but they're actually sugar scrubs from Barenaturals, an online store first known for selling all-natural . they're actually glycerin soap cube bars coated in sugar in jars that feel cushy on the skin. The soap is non-drying so it's great to use now when cooler temperatures and recycled airconditioned air gets our skin dry. Aside from this variety shown above ( Rooibos Tea With Apple and Tomato, which smells really fruity), they also have sugar scrub with pineapple extract, lavander, coffee cubano scrub, and muscovado sugar cube scrub). Again, this could be ordered online as well.

For those who want lush, lovely hair and more:


Argan oil smells nutty instead of heavy and glides on like syrup on the hair instead of greasy. It could be massaged on the hair at night for shiny, thick, and smooth hair. Aside from getting lush and goddess-like hair, Argan Oil could be used to soothe dry cuticles or soothe the skin after being baked under the sun. A 10-mL bottle costs Php 198, and a little definitely goes a long way. Again, this is available at the Barenaturals site.

For the techie or non-techie annoyed at the knots and ties in the bag:

I purchased Clutterzap earbones from Sophie to give as a little gift and then when I bought a pair for myself, I was like, why didn't I think of getting earbones sooner? I swear, it's saved me time from having to solve the jigsaw puzzle of kalat I have in my bag caused by my earphone wires being tangled to a maze that takes minutes to solve (and embarrassing moments too revealing my kalat self). Isn't it great that my earphone wires are neatly tucked in a neat spool in my bag just like this:
I'm telling you, I'm as low-tech as an upgraded Captain Caveman but I love my earbones. They cost Php180.00 and there are several color options to choose from.

With super steals like these that hardly require us to take a trip to the mall, we've got a stress-free Christmas shopping for our loved ones that's pocket-friendly. Enjoy the last stretch towards Christmas and have a stress-free Happy Holidays!

The Story of my Nokia E63

Another of my posts which took some time to write is my birthday gift to self. Two months have passed since my birthday already. Anyhow, I'd like to share to you guys what I got myself for my birthday. At least, although it's a late post, I've explored much of its features (at least the basic ones).

Anyway, most of my friends know that I'm not much of a gadget girl. It's more of I have no patience to really learn specs and also, my brain is more programmed to work on canvases than understand software concepts. For a good eight years, I've lived through my old Sony Ericson T610 and refused to get a new phone. The only new phone I get is the one that comes every 2 years in the Sun Cellular Rewards Plan. However, I've realized the need to because the increasing number of contacts I have makes my phone hang each time it functions. The VGA camera doesn't help much in taking pictures at low light settings. Most of all, each time I turn off my phone, whenever I turn the phone back on, the battery life magically drains. So for my birthday, I decided to get a new phone.

For my new phone, I needed something that's one, fairly decent in terms of basic use - a good-quality camera (at least 2MP), bigger and expandable memory, user-friendly, durable, and nothing too complicated. WiFi is an option but not a necessity and I prefer keypads over touch-screen features. I consulted the boys since they are more versed in tech stuff as I am (ah... the perks of having male friends) and their inputs have been quite useful for me to find the perfect phone.

While hanging out at Town Center and window shopping, I saw the Nokia E63 being sold at a friendly price with a very friendly 0% interest installment plan (no way am I going to plunk heavy cash right then and there). After much contemplating, I decided to get it for myself as a birthday present. When I showed friends and family what I got for my birthday, they were like, "It's about time!"

I got the black variant. I really wanted the red one, but the store ran out of the red and had it only in blue and black. I thought black would be the better choice. It looks like it's such a serious phone, which is quite the opposite of me since I'm hardly ever a serious person. However, it's a work phone and it needed to be serious. The QWERTY keypad feature makes me avoid shortcut texting so I'm more formal when I'm texting clients and makes it faster for me to type longer texts.

Features-wise, I like the bigger memory capacity so it could make me store more contacts, especially with work since I meet a whole lot of new people each time. The calendar feature (plus the alarm I get 30 minutes before call time) makes sure I never get to miss important appointments, shoots, events, or clients.

Whether work or play, inputing my schedule here saves me a lot of time and missed appointments.

Camera's also 2MP, which gives relatively good resolution, so I could use this in place of a bulky camera when I take pictures during events. It could also be my plan B camera if my camera conks out.

It also stores music aside from features, so I could use this as my music player in case I get bored when I walk along the mall.

Okay, so what's the most over-used function this one has? It would have to be the WiFi function. Hahaha. Remember earlier I said that WiFi is a plus but not necessary? Turns out I need that a lot. Checking Facebook and Gmail has never been more convenient.

And I could keep my Karma up with live Plurk updates with WiFi being available almost anywhere I go. Competitive I know. Same with Foursquare too.

Watching YouTube before lulling myself to sleep while in bed. So as not to disturb others, I have my headset so the sound is isolated only to me (works too when I'm watching video tutorials while in a resto).

A recent discovery I've had with it is the Quickoffice program, which I highlighted above. Just like MS Office, I could create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Whereas the latter two have yet to be explored, the document part enables me to take down notes I might find useful. Then if I do blog about it, all I have to do is synch my phone to my PC and the document I typed in is as good as a Word document. Then cut-and-paste and edit as usual. Back then, I used to fumble for something to scribble on to only to lose the paper or if I have it, I have yet to decipher my handwriting. It's practically a mini-laptop. Except that it could fit into the pocket of my man-slacks.

Of course, much of these features have yet to be discovered (still again, I have the boys to bug about that, which I do all the time I pester them). I'm glad it answers to all my needs without me having to refer to the manual again and again. In fact, I haven't even read the manual yet.

And so you may ask what happened to the old phone? It hasn't rested yet. It in fact holds another SIM card. Hahaha. This phone in fact came with another SIM card. I was at first decided not to use it but while transfering contacts, I used the new SIM on my old phone. When I saw how the signal didn't fail during the recent typhoon, I decided to keep that number too for emergency purpose, should I need to make a call during calamities when all signals are down.

I'm trying to figure out if Nokia E63 has a Plants Vs Zombies application. If it does, you know where I'll be glued at if there's no WiFi when I'm bored and out of the house.