Our body, as much as it can adopt to how the weather is. We also have to help it recover.

If you’re having these red inflamed clusters on your cheeks, you should take action before it worsens into these rough felt like butterfly rashes. Mind you, it’s not pretty and can’t be hidden by concealers.

After having to use different kinds of moisturizers throughout the years, as much as you would like to be loyal to a brand, if it has gone immune on your system; you’d always have to find an alternative to help your skin not have these concerns.

Here are products I’ve discovered which are specially formulated:

Physiogel cleanser and Physiogel Moisturizer

This is what I use on the first layer after I wash my face with cold water and dried with a warm soft cloth. Physiogel  has natural lipids similar to the skin’s physiological lipids to protect and restore healthy skin. It’s non-comedogenic, contains no colourants, no perfume and best of all, it doesn’t have any preservatives.

VMV Hypoallergenics: Creammmy Rich Intensive Moisture Milk (dry skin)

Created by a renowned dermatologist -dermatopathologist, this moisturizer skincerly has collagen and spf 15.  Just like what it says on its packaging – this moisturizer surely soothes, and intensely hydrates your skin, buttered with virgin coconut oil and glycerin.

VMV ArmadaArmada Face Cover SPF 45

One of the newest products of VMV Hypollergenics perfect for summer and tropical use. After applying the two moisturizers, it’s best to apply this Skin-lightening, full-specturm, indoor and outdoor sun and light screen to give your skin an intensive protection against skin darkening and melasma.
You know what they say: prevention is better than cure.

Red Better Flare-up Balm

What I love about VMV, they’re generous when it comes to samplers especially if you’re always on the go and you just need a moisturizer that’ll come in handy.  This product is what I use when my face has already reached its inflamed state and starting to itch. Upon application of this balm, expect that your skin will comply and recover right away.

I would like to remind you that although these products has been working for me perfectly doesn’t mean it may also work for you, however, knowing that it’s hypoallergenic, it does pass our skin’s rightful PH level.

Here are few more things for you to consider and remember:

• Always wash your face day and night with cold clean water (if it’s alkaline, that’ll be best!)
• ONLY use a soft face towel upon drying of your face
• Once the make up you tried has this burning sensation, WASH YOUR FACE RIGHT AWAY.
• Don’t wear make up often but if you do, make sure you go through the cleansing process.
• Use what your skin is comfortable with. If it’s flaring up, that’s not the one for you.
• Sheer away from any cosmetics that has alcohol and paraben.
• have your regular facial pampering day and diamond peel to vacuum those dead cells.
• Drink lots of water and skin-nourishing foods.

Hope this post helps!

• 3 run workouts per week consisting of 15 – 45 minutes
• 3 bike workouts per week consisting of 30 – 60 minutes
• 2-3 swim workouts per week consisting of 15 – 30 minutes

I’ve got the essentials for running and swimming, now, I must cut the delay on finding a road bike. My old steel bike apparently isn’t the right fit for my height.

I should probably just head back to running and conquer KOTR’s 10km then off I continue the journey. Will I make it?

The month of June became the new January.

It takes 21 days in average in order for a habit get instilled in you and I am currently on the second week being extra mindful on my nutrition and adding more movement in my day. Working for the fitness industry has blessed me with the grounds to be inspired by fitness coaches and like-minded individuals who are prioritizing their health above everything else aside from their other obligations.

Meet and Greet Joe Cross

To start with, there are no words on how GRATEFUL I am that Breville Philippines brought Joe Cross and was able to thank him personally for helping me get out of the prednisone a few years back; if it weren’t because of his documentation, I wouldn’t have the gull to hop into the vegetarian lifestyle.

You all should watch FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD.

Kettle bell squats challenge with Mr Mascot, Dare?

Hosting for the launch of TRANSIT GYM made me a dare-devil and was challenged by a Mascot to do some kettle bell squats with him – of course, since it’s part of the job, I just grabbed a pair of kettle bells and went for it.

Oh, I was also able to teach few kids yoga to the kids who visited the gym!

Playing the Marketing Ball Field, the challenge has been rising and it sure is bringing me into heights I haven’t been into and I’m grateful being part of a team where FAMILY comes first and who treats each other like FAMILY.

No politics, just improvement. Optimistic stand point, nothing fancy

FLASH Fitness party

I am truly glad meeting people and working out with such fun, fierce and beautiful women who are also involved in achieving their personal goal and influencing more people. It’s inspiring and moving that there are those who finds the joy in sweating and moving.

I realized how SUPPORTIVE and HAPPIER people are when everyone get to find their center.

As for my goal, I’m a work-in-progress and I aim to finish strong. Why don’t you join me towards the quest to a healthier and fitter me? We’ll have more fitness parties arranged and perhaps a 10 days cleanse? Let’s do this!

When your children are small, it’s hard to know which sports might be the best fit for them. Your six-year-old may be tall and slim with lots of energy and a short attention span. All his friends are going to play soccer. Should you sign him up, too?

What’s the best way to encourage and support your child’s growing curiosity in sports?

Focus on your child’s interest

The most important question is this: what sport is your son or daughter interested in? Ask, listen, and be open to surprising answers.

Try not to ask it as a leading question. Many kids are eager to please and may try to think of an answer that they think you want to hear. If they know that Dad loves swimming, and has always wished he had tried out for the team, they may answer “swimming” automatically. How do you get around this? Ask them, “OK, what would be your second favorite? And your third?”

If your child is shy, context clues might be another way to gather information. Pay attention to the sports they watch on TV or athletes they admire. Have they ever talked about a sport through a friend? For example, “Timmy is playing baseball now and he says it’s pretty cool.”

Sometimes just having various sports equipment on hand is enough to engage your child. They may just surprise you and ask if you want to play catch or teach them how to dribble a basketball. If your child is partial to baseball for example, show your support for their new hobby and go online and purchase a baseball bat, glove, and baseballs from on online sports retailer. When the equipment arrives, the two of you can practice skills together.

Focus on your child’s strengths

If your child is calm, steady, and good at focusing, he or she might succeed at golf or archery. Does he or she have great balance and a streak of fearlessness? Then gymnastics or figure skating might be perfect. Whatever the case, know your child’s innate abilities and start brainstorming.

Focus on your child’s personality

While, you should take your child’s size and natural abilities such as speed, coordination, and agility when trying to guide them towards one sport or another, don’t forget about his personality. A child with a strong sense of independence may be happiest doing an individual sport, like tennis. They may find that the collaborative, intensely social world of team sports is just not in his or her nature.

 Focus on fun

Children’s sports are a wonderful way to establish good habits for a lifetime of being physically active. Let your child take the lead in choosing their sport and level of involvement and be open to your child’s suggestions. Once they have picked their sport of choice, go online to a specialty sports store and ask a representative what equipment and apparel would be best to start with. Not only do they typically have the brands you want, but they can offer assistance in getting the perfect equipment that fits your child.

Jessica Elliott is a writer for SteelLocker Sports, a team sporting good online retailer headquartered in Austin, TX. SteelLocker Sports carries high quality merchandise and equipment for many sports including baseball, softball, football, basketball, and soccer for athletes of all ages. Visit www.SteelLockerSports.com to see this season’s best deals for you and your family.

The Transit Gym is set to open its services on 8 June 2013 for athletes and those who would want to adopt and experience the use of fitness equipment to supplement their lifestyle.

One of the highlights of the Transit Gym is the bike rack wherein triathletes may park their bikes securely in order for them to eat and freely go around Harbor Point Mall without worrying an inch about their well-invested ride.

Acquired anything from the Mall? Present the receipt and get a free pass.

Together with Chris Sports and FTX Fitness Exchange, the team of trainers and the best in the fitness equipment, Chris Sports will be operating from 10AM TO 9PM at the promenade of Harbor Point Mall.

Transit Gym will be open throughout the day for athletes, guests and curious folks who would want to try the kettle bells, rip60, sklz and incorporate a good stretch or work out after a good road training guided by the trainers to ensure safety and support.

FTX Fitness Exchange Managing Partner, Reijo Del Prado said: “We want people to realize that fitness is for everyone and get rid of the misconception that you need to train for hours to keep fit. We want people to engage the healthy lifestyle by encouraging them on short activities together with us and the triathletes are the best in inspiring and motivating any crowd.”

“For the triathletes, this is our way of extending a solution to what seemed to be missing – security for the bikes and get to eat or be with their family within Subic freely without worrying. We aim to bring people together, support and motivate,” He added.

Transit Gym will be offering exercises people may engage in. The personal trainers and attendants will conduct personal fitness programs and signature circuits for the curious crowd or those who are already into fitness.

Photo by: Kassy Pajarillo

“This is also our way of encouraging athletes and letting them know that we support Fitness. We are also arranging the biggest fitness festival, which will be held on November 15 to 17,” said Connie Fortich, FTX Fitness Exchange Manager and rip60 Fitness Trainer Ambassador.

For more information, please visit and follow TRANSIT GYM on Facebook and on Twitter (@TransitGym)

In reality, it doesn’t take much effort in order to keep yourself healthy during your time off as a nanny. Depending on the type of activity you endure throughout your work schedule, you may be getting a fair amount of exercise, but it doesn’t hurt to put yourself on a routine that will ensure that your health is at peak performance. Besides, it could be a great way to help you release stress and unwind between shifts and prepare you for the next day.

1. Portion Sizes - You don’t have to be on a diet in order to eat healthy. The key to maintaining a healthy weight while providing you with the energy you’ll need throughout the day as a nanny is portion control. When you sit at a restaurant and the waiter brings out a plate covered in food, you can be sure that it’s not consistent with portion sizes that people need. Usually, these sizes are two to three times more than what your body should be consuming. Many people who eat in this fashion normally don’t have the physical activity to burn off the excess intake. Although you may be quite an active nanny by chasing around children all day, you should still monitor your portion sizes.

2. Healthier Foods - Instead of snacking on saturated fats and dense sugar treats, switch to something healthier. If you have a sweet tooth, berries and pineapple could be a great substitution for “junk” foods and consist of brain-reinforcing materials such as anti-oxidants. In fact, you could bring snacks like these with you when you care for someone’s child. What parent would deny their nanny the ability to teach healthier eating habits to his or her children? Some children could use some kind of nutritional guidance and as a nanny it’s your job to make sure that the child is safe and healthy.

3. Five Minutes - Taking a few minutes of your day before and after a shift to exercise could help you prepare for, and wind down from, your day. Depending on the child, your day as a nanny could be filled with a variety of different stresses. Ten minutes from an entire day really isn’t all that much time, but it could help you greatly. Some will push themselves inside that five minutes in order to get as much of a physical workout as possible while others will take a more relaxed posture and practice yoga and stretching. Either way, the more physical activity you get, the better off you are.

4. Walk, Jog, or Run - Building stamina is important as a nanny. You need to keep up with individuals who literally have energy to burn and can easily wear out most adults. On your days off, why not set a route for yourself to walk, jog, or run? Not only will this give you a great amount of exercise, but you can build up your stamina in order to keep up with the little ones.

By maintaining a healthy routine of eating and exercise, you can help melt away the stresses from being a nanny and help keep yourself focused. Your dietary activities could greatly help you keep your composure by helping your brain process the information quickly and keeping your wits sharpened. Your eating habits can determine how your day will go and like the adage says, “you are what you eat.” Eat healthier and you’ll stay healthier.

Author Bio

Sara is an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor of http://www.nannypro.com/.  Learn more about her http://www.nannypro.com/blog/sara-dawkins/.

I have lost the interest on earphones, learned how to run few kilometers without music on until eventually I just stopped logging mileage and didn’t want to look for “the one” for an earphone anymore.

But things do change and technology keeps on improving. Straight from Denon USA, they have tapped a distributor in Manila, Philippines which gave me the opportunity to try out and give these lightweight wifi earphone a spin.

Did I just read that right? It’s lightweight? wifi? and it can actually answer calls straight from pressing a button from the earphone plus get to ask Siri to call in someone from your contact list? You gotta be kidding me! It’s sweat proof also!  No wonder they named this pretty little thing the EXERCISE FREAK.

Don’t you just hate it when those earphones loosen up just when you were about to have a good time on the road or in the middle of a sprint? Getting worried on having your earphones peeled off and the cord getting wrapped around you as you stride? Well, you’d have to bid adieu on those concerns.

DENON, one of the most trusted names in the audio equipment has just the thing when it comes to convenience. It’s Super comfortable, I tell ya!. It has a built-in amplifier and control wheel which can control your mp3 player and calls right from your earphone.

Unboxing it was quite an experience, too.

The EXERCISE FREAK comes in a hardbound box case, an in-detailed key features and functions written on the back of the box and the guide on which DENON app should you download for the specific model.

there are about 6 Denon apps to choose from and upon trying it all, what pairs this DENON AH-W150 is the Denon Sport. Just search on it on your apple iOS app then everything else is just a matter of having your Exercise Freak charged and used.

Because the in-ear headphones features, you’ll be amazed on how fast the wireless bluetooth 3.0 connectivity is on your iphone, how it responds quickly upon pressing the push play or volume button and how useful it is on answering or hanging up on phone calls.

Have I already mentioned that it has this special reflective band on the back to help keep runners safe at night? Yup, that’s right.

The in-ear headphones are well snug to your ear, you’ll barely get to hear the noise outside but enough to hear the horn of the cars for your safety.

Upon using the Denon Exercise Freak, not only was I able to use it as an earphones per se — it actually helped me practice yoga by just having my podcasts playing on my phone, listening to my favorite hypnosis app to lay me to sleep and it actually won’t fall off when you continuously jump and down for jumping jacks or when you move so much on squats.

When paired via Bluetooth to your device they can sit up to 10m metres from the source. In the gym your device can sit in your bag nearby, on the floor in the gym or on the treadmill.

It may look like two hearing aids which fits perfectly and hides behind your ear just right. The sound is clear, crisp and clean with the right amount of bass which won’t tire your hearing.

Since it’s snug, I noticed it won’t give that mark, scratch or bruise your ear due to the sweating.

The only thing I didn’t like about this gadget? Wish it were waterproof and can actually be used underwater while you’re out for a swim.

The app can log your workouts, map your runs using GPS, track your pace and calorie consumption, view friends’ maps live and share your achievements online and on social networks.

Go ahead, pair it with your smartphone! It last for about 7 hours on a full charged battery, and enjoy!

** Denon Exercise Freak approximate SRP is Php 7,500

A Trip to the Grocery has never been this LIGHT

Typically when I head to the grocery, I sheer myself away from aisles which are filled with temptations such as chocolates and other things that may seem to look like are necessities, end up with a cart load of grocery  with a hefty bill but today, it has nothing but such a short sweet visit and I have never had this long conversation with myself thinking what to pair each vegetable at the produce section.

Planning meals right where the vegetable and fruit section are? Surreal! This has been the lightest and cheapest grocery bill I’ve ever encountered good for three days or probably more.

Today, I got myself a new juicer and prepared liters of juice good for at least three days supply fit for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

My day 1 list on the menu:

• Breakfast: MEAN GREEN composed of Kale, Malunggay, lemon, ginger, green apples and celery.
• Snack: Apples, Bananas and probably Coconut Water
• Lunch: SANGRIA composed of Beet, Carrot, Green Apple and Ginger
• Dinner:  MEAN GREEN MOJITO composed of kale, celery, spinach, romaine, cucumber, green apple, lemon and ginger.

This seems to be a pretty enjoyable trip towards enabling thy self to a much healthier lifestyle. What will you be having this week? would you like to join me?

** 90 days fitness challenge: I incorporated squats, oh the dreadful squats. On my third day and achieved 71 squats instead of the suggested 60. I’m already overwhelmed by the thought that it’ll have to reach  250 by the 30th day.

Meeting JOE CROSS in FLESH courtesy of Breville

It has been three years since I last popped on 15mg prednisone, a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory disease such as allergic reactions from hives which I got from bed bugs back in New York and got me fly back to Manila instead of pursuing a life abroad.

Just like Joe Cross, the man behind the documentary: Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead; I detest being induced by such drugs and getting sick, it has given me such awareness on how to take good care of my body and learning why nutrition, eating clean and being vigilant on what you eat are of huge factor in living.

Slowly, I got up after months of depression and decided to cut the fat, wee away from the meat and just have fish and veggies as my meal and slowly gravitate back into running (which has brought me to numerous fun runs, ran for marathons and got me even more interested in fitness and health)

Joe Cross was the influencive man who supported my thinking that if external injuries can cure with proper care, the internal issues must also get cured — and it is only by nutrition. Food should be your medicine, not your enemy.

The juicing was quite a challenge for me since we didn’t have a juicer back then but instead, I ate tons of salads and fish instead. I’ve lost about 50 lbs so far and albeit on plateu due to lack of movement as much as I was running, logging so much mileage every week back then. I’m thanking the juicing entrepreneurs for introducing such food options to the public.

It’s been a year of juicing for me – a day or three days each month at least.

Meeting Joe Cross has reminded me of the journey I’ve gone through and with the support of the people around me, I’m ready to take the leap and go for more than 3 days to get my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome be cured. I’ve shun myself away from the medicines by making myself active on yoga but my body needs more nourishing inside and get my cycle regularized (my Doctor has been telling me to pursue my medicines but I strongly believe that there’s a better way to cure it, it’s not malignant)

Having my greens, logging yoga sessions and drinking so much water has already cleared me away from migraines, better digestion and other symptoms I usually get weekly such as fatigue and exasperation. However, the journey has been pretty progressively positive, I do feel and believe that if only I lose the weight targeting on the viceral fats, I’d be able to bid adieu to the PCOS I have been worried about since my family are prone of myoma (plus I do want to have kids in the future).

Thanks Joe for dropping by Manila, spreading the juice to the world and for being a living testimony who has shown the world that food truly is the medicine, nothing else but that and it’s never too late to take good care of yourself.

I’m so glad I was able to thank Joe in person and got to tell him how much he has helped me get up and just get going.

I’m going for a 10 days juicing challenge this month, care to join me?

Mean Green

Ingredients

• Apples (green) – 2 medium (3″ dia)

• Celery – 4 stalk, large (11″-12″ long)

• Cucumber – 1 cucumber (8-1/4″)

• Ginger – 1 thumb (1″ dia)

• Kale or Malunggay – 6 leaf (8-12″) or a cup

• Lemon – 1/2 fruit (2-3/8″ dia)

Directions

Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.

Jason Vale’s Lemon Ginger Zinger

Ingredients

• Apples (not granny smith) – 2 medium (3″ dia)

• Carrots – 2 medium

• Ginger – 1/2 thumb (1″ dia)

• Lemon (with rind) – 1/2 fruit (2-1/8″ dia)

Directions

Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.

Can’t find the time to attend yoga in this competitive world or perhaps the bed seem to always pull you back in instead of allowing yourself to get into a good stretch or sweat? If you haven’t heard on the benefits of yoga as a stress-buster and the perfect companion to pair with those who’s always anxious on deadlines; here are few poses you may do at home whether you’re listening on a conference call, in the middle of finishing your decks or trying to shoot as much emails a day can fill.

Begin your yoga sequence on the floor to give yourself a break from being seated for hours.

The Child’s Pose

Just like honoring the king, get into the balasana (resting pose) or child’s pose as we call it. A perfect therapeutic asana to those who are stressed.

balasana (Child’s Pose)

Modified Three-Legged Facing Downward Dog

This Adho Mukha Svanasana is perfect to those with tight hips and needs a little help on loosing it up after all the day’s work and weeks of just being seated in front of a computer or over-staying at the nearby coffee shop.

• Full-body stretching
• Strength building
• Energizing and rejuvenating the nervous system
• Relief from stress, headaches, fatigue, poor digestion, and back pain
• overall balance

Cat’s Pose

This is usually paired with the Cow’s Pose. Keep that posture away from protruding or having your back prone to misalignment.

• Stretches the back torso and neck
• Provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs

Cobra Pose

This heart opener which is also called as Bhujangasana will keep your chest free from
stiffness as you’re always scrounged for working seated.

Cobra Pose

• Strengthens the spine
• Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen
• Firms the buttocks
• Stimulates abdominal organs
• Helps relieve stress and fatigue
• Opens the heart and lungs
• Soothes sciatica
• Therapeutic for asthma
• Traditional texts say that Bhujangasana increases body heat, destroys disease, and awakens kundalini.

 

 

 

Dolphin Plank Pose

Aside from it works on your core to tighten and activating it. This pose is great as an overall strengthening for your body and balance.

Dolphin Plank Pose

• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
• Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and arches
• Strengthens the arms and legs, and core
• Helps prevent osteoporosis

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will be featuring three (3) more in the next coming post. Remember, always keep your chest open and square your hips. Each of these poses would help you sheer away from the stress at the back of your shoulder.

Trust me, it’ll help. Big time.

*information from yoga journal.