Internet At Last!

After 9 hours of following up, I finally have internet! So I'd like to just post some things that make me happy: Macarons, Coffee and Both. Note that my name isn't Carol. ^^

The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappucino is really good! Starbucks has a BOGO promo for June 24, 2013. Check out their Philippine Facebook page for details.

Globe Rant

I am so frustrated with Globe right now. While they're all really nice, nothing seems to ever get done. I've just spend two hours to come to nothing regarding my problem.

5 Nice Things About Globe*... Not
*on broadband application

1. If you are on hold, then they will come back to you - Ok. This is not exactly a lie since they do eventually return, but it was taking a while. I asked someone inside the store if I was still on hold, and he said yes. Unfortunately, after another 30 minutes, he said that no- it got disconnected. I wasted around an hour holding a dead phone simply because I did not trust my instict that a phone with no music on hold was dead.

2. They will get back to you promptly - Nope. Not at all. Which has spewed a whole lot of follow ups that have all come to nothing. A word of advice, don't try their hotline. It's near useless. I just had many frustrating rounds of repeating everything about my case, only to get transferred again and again and again to end up with a - I'm sorry, this is all I can do. I will reply in 24 hours (which... hasn't happened).

3. You can use their customer service to get good service - if ever you get there. At the most convenient times for me, Globe is woefully packed and the line can take up to an hour. I tried using other measures given to me but the lines were perpetually busy.

4. You can follow-up in another globe store - apparently not. Globe can't cross communicate unless via email, so if you need something follow-ed up, you need to do it in the store you applied it or wait at least 24 hours for the other end to reply. Else your service is routed through the hotline (see above) which cannot communicate directly with another globe store anyway.

5. They can deal with your concerns - I've just spent two hours of my life with no one able to help me. I was told to go to the branch I originally applied in, when during my application process and my first follow-up (at the branch I did apply in) I asked and was explicitly told that I could use the hotline or the globe closest to me to follow up. Liars.

It's come to nothing. Nice people, but absolute shite when it comes to actual problem solving. It's very funny how my requests were met promptly when I was inquiring but it seems I have been dropped as soon as I have made a commitment.

Life, huh.

Edit: Saturday: June 15, 2013

Still another two hours in globe. Still nothing. All the regrets.

This is already four times worse than the last Sun trouble. Gah!!!!

End:

I now have Internet. I have given around 9 hours of my life to Globe. While I wouldn't recommend their service, I am now enjoying their product. Let's hope I'd have nothing to complain about in that aspect.

The Forehead Diaries 1

My skin is terrible. For a week, it looked decent - then when I decided to sleep at 5 am - subsisting on tea, coffee, cola and biscuits - it dies on me again. So I've decided to try to monitor what I put on my face by creating The Forehead Diaries. Just like a journal, it might not be 100% accurate - I can't promise to write down what I've put on my face everyday, but I'll do my best, so I can see what's going on with my skin. It might also motivate me to put all the stuff I'm supposed to.

All pictures taken with the webcam of a mac. No flash but at different locations so the lighting can be very different..

Let's start with a picture of right now, Day 0.

That was a picture before my nightly/early am (it's 4 am) routine. Sorry for the bad pictures!

So, yeah.

Evening

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
2. L'oreal White Perfect Whitening Toner
3. It's Skin Facial Therapy Essence Skin
4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
5. Stieva-A 0.05% Tretinoin
6. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - not used regularly, only when there's a really big zit.

Yes, I know I have oily skin and am supposed to be using the DDM Gel instead of the DDM Lotion. Unfortunately, this is the only moisturizer I have on hand right now. I'd also like to finish it since I'm sort of hoping to finish some of my stuff before I buy anything.

Morning

1. XX Sulfur Soap (I've forgotten the brand since it was there for a while, but it was very cheap)
2. VMV Superskin 3 Toner - once every 2 days
3. It's Skin Facial Therapy Essence Skin
4. VMV ID Lotion - once every 3 days
5. Neutrogena Ultrasheer Dry-Touch Sunblock 45 SPF

I didn't take a picture after Day 1. For Day 2, my skin was feeling sensitive so I replaced Morning 4 with Evening 5.

Urgh. Skin - why you so bad? The lighting is diffrent, since I took it in different places. You can see new zits on the right side of the picture and the middle. Since I was very busy for a week, my next picture is on Day 9:

I still have new zits popping out and up, most notably right between my eyebrows. I've noticed that zits don't tend to stay as long, though still pop up as often. Healing time is also quicker. There's less hyperpigmentation once the zit is gone. I have a feeling my sleeping habits are the zit producing factor.

After Day 9, my schedule went to EFF again. Some nights, I'd live with 1.5 - 3 hours of sleep. Sometimes I got so tired I just washed my face and left it at that. I've also had to use heavy foundation and removed it with the last of the old Elianto - it's gone now. I don't know how I feel about that. My skin got worse. Since I haven't been following the regime, I wouldn't call it a day exactly (more like a crossover study), but I feel that I should show how my skin looks like right now before officially closing TFD 1.

Moral of the story: Stick to a regimen! Also, sleep and relaxation are just as, if not more important than a good skin care routine. I found this round's morning and evening routine more effective than a wash alone. Unfortunately, less stress (or at least 6 hours sleep) is necessary for me not to turn into a pizza-face: I believe the TFD1 regimen might be effective if done religiously (and if I increase the VMV dosage). I do like VMV. Since the toner is a year old, I think this is the one I should be focusing on finishing (and reviewing), but I don't know what I'd buy afterwards: I'd rather not use an antibiotic on my face all the time.

Since I will be transferring to a new location with much less space, I'm going to have to revise my regimen to something simpler (or at least something that will take up less space). Once I've settled down, I'll see if I can make something else. I might post a review or two of some of these products once I've used them again.

LRT adventures + Starbucks Musings

I am reborn! I am a phoenix! I am Jean Grey!

I'm just a redhead as a treat to myself for the school year. Here's to maintenance - I'm sure it'll be a b*tch.

Also, I'm poor now. I had it done at a reputable-(ish?) salon.

Anyway.

I was commuting yesterday and I could kick myself because I had forgotten:

1. Not to wear slippers on the train - your feet will be bruised and smushed by the stampeding feet.

2. Discipline means delay - the horde of people who don't know what a line is will force you out of your place as they cannot wait for passengers to disembark before surging forward as a mob. Although on the bright side, the EDSA line had crowd control - passengers couldn't enter the waiting area unless the place isn't that crowded. A bit annoying, the waiting, but better than being suffocated by a mob.

3. That I had a stored value card - and bought another one. T_T

It was a trying couple of hours. I even went on a jeep which thought they could fit 8 butts in a 7 person bench. They succeeded by having 6 + .5 +.5 butts on it. I was one of the lucky 6.

At the end of the day, I ended up in a Starbucks. Their Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappucino is really good! I noticed two people, separate parties, who entered Starbucks and never ordered. The first one, a male, stayed for a good 30 mins, charging his phone. The second one was an elderly female. She stayed for over 2 hours, charging her phone and occasionally napping. She even asked me to watch it as she went to the bathroom. Afterwards, she asked for a glass of water.

Now while I do know that in emergency situations, it could be excused for someone to charge a phone or use a bathroom or ask water. However, two hours by a lady who obviously had the means (she spent a lot of time on the phone talking business and was wearing jewellery  to "pay for her use of the space" is not really excusable in my book.

There may be people who do that, and are proud to do so, but I think it's very rude, and unfair to the cafe. If all people acted like this, then Starbucks would close down because everyone would use electricity and water with no income to offset it. But the thing is, if you see something like this happening, should you tolerate it?

It seemed easier to hold my peace - and I excused it saying that maybe, she would order in a few more minutes (as if waiting for another party member). But am I part of the problem?

June 2, 2013

Okay, I may hate the fact that in a few hours, it will be JUNE again. That means school will start soon. Eurghhh. However, I am looking forward to Sunday, June 2, 2013. Why?

1. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf will have an Open House this Sunday from 10-11:30 am, introducing their Anniversary Blend and Scottish Breakfast Tea Latte.

2. VMV Hyperallergenics is having an Armada Sale - 20% on the Armada line. I am ambivalent, as I already have a lot of sunblocks... but I am looking at their lipblock....

3. The last day of the fashion sale at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall.

4. The last day of the sale at Robinsons' Department Stores.

May: Finished!

Things I’ve Recently Finished: *

1.     Suave Juicy Green Apple Shampoo and Conditioner: Two very meh products when used together. I bought it because I like green apple, and apple scents in general. I liked the shampoo because it cleaned my scalp well, as well as providing a nice rich lather. Unfortunately, the conditioner was a bit too light for my hair. While they're nice to use in the shower, the scent dissipates in one to two hours under normal weather conditions. I did not use these products separately. 
2.     Neutrogena Hydro Boost Essence: Same as February's post, the short review is here. I did like it, but I think my skin might be better served by something else.
3.     Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo: I like this shampoo because I could use it to remove build up every 10 days or so, or whenever I used an oil treatment of my hair. It has a nice, clean scent with good lather, even when using a little product. Since I didn't use it everyday, a shampoo with a price tag of less than P200 lasted for more than a year.
4. Vaseline Healthy Hands and Nails Lotion: I haven't noticed my hands and nails getting any stronger, but it does moisturize them well, and sinks in pretty quickly. My only problem with this is that the tube is a bit fat, so it's a bit awkward to maneuver on-the-go. I end up leaving it at home. 

I've been going through bars and bars of Nivea and Dove creme soaps. I much prefer the Dove soaps by virtue of their shape, smell and lather. I tried the Dove 7-day challenge on my face and ... no. It really doesn't work on my poor acne-prone face. Creme soaps melt quicker than the usual bar soaps. While it is not necessary to use a sponge to trap excess moisture on the soap, especially considering its price, make sure that there are no puddles anywhere near your soap dish.

-SS

*No pictures. Lack of decent camera woes, as usual. Plus I’m lazy (see my name).

EOTD: A Noob's Eye Makeup

Just went out for a bit today. I thought I'd try a trend for a change. Super basic eye make up with the Stila Barbie Palette. I still have no camera, so I'm using my webcam. I used only one brush for the entire look. I think I'd get a better effect if I used at least one more :))

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Years and years ago, I posted a tutorial about Aztec Healing Clay. While I did like it's effect on my skin, the mess and the smell, as well as the time it took me to use it resulted in it falling out of favor. My current favorite is the Garnier Self Heating Sauna Mask. However, my favorite mask product (I'm not sure if I have an HG mask yet) is the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.

The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is a green clay mask that hardens. According to the directions, you're supposed to take it off with warm water and a washcloth (like the Aztec mask). However, I find this process tedious since it's a thick paste that's difficult to take from the tube (around the time that it's half gone). It's near impossible to portion control with this thing - I always end up using more than I need. Product is a thick green paste with a consistency somewhere between play-doh and toothpaste.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - from the tube

As you can see, there's a bit of a semi-circular impression when i try to maneuver the bottle without swiping with my fingers. Since squeezing too little gets only a tiny amount of product, and squeezing a lot makes it fly everywhere, covering my entire face can get very frustrating.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - spread

Spreading it is not a problem after you get your desired amount out, but I prefer using it as an overnight spot treatment for zits that need to be dried up. Thus, I can't really say I like it as a mask. It dries up in less than 15 minutes, depending on how much you put on. A light layer will dry up in around 5.

While this is much more expensive in the Philippines (P250-P350, depends on where you get it) than in the US ($5 dollars), an 8 oz. tube will last at least a year with me and it really isn't expensive, compared to other products. This used to be hard to find a few years ago, but it's much easier to get now.

Now, this product is not a miracle worker for most of my zits (because my zits hurt :( ), but it does dry out the small zits and shrinks the mean ones enough to make them easier to hide the next day. If I had more obedient zits, it probably would be a miracle worker - as it is for some people. If only I could use this as a color corrector under make-up! I only use it once a day because it's very obvious.

This substance is very drying, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, I suggest you use this product sparingly.

Ingredients: water, kaolin, bentonite, glycerin, zinc oxide, propylene glycol, sulfur, chromium oxide greens, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben.

Yays

• good drying capability: kills baby zits, shrinks the big ones
• minty smell
• inexpensive, lasts a long time

Nays

• tube packaging is horrible: difficult to take product out of the tube, get's everywhere if you're not careful
• hardens, so tube needs to be finished quickly (or cut up to get the bits that won't be squeezed out)

Hays

• don't sleep with this on unless you're fine with it going all over your sheets, or if you don't move and sleep on your back
• use a light coating if you're using it as a mask, use a heavier coat if you're using it as a spot treatment 
• don't wear it as a spot corrector if you're going outside
• remember to use a moisturiser after use 
• cut up the tube when you can't squeeze out anymore to make the most out of your product

Okays

• acne prone skin
• anyone with a zit

Buy Again?
Yes, it's a staple in my beauty closet! I might ignore it, but I go back to it when I need it.

Bloopers! Tameraonline.com

I was online window shopping a few minutes ago and I found this:

Tameraonline.com blooper

If only this were true! A blue baby quasar for PHP356 (>$10). Sadly, the add to cart function pegs it at a bit above P15k... The price in the baby quasar site lists it at $349, so if you're interested in buying locally, you might want to check this out.

Review: Brother's Burger + CBTL, M&S

Went to a Brothers Burger MoA adjacent, and the place was really small. That space over there is the only place you can walk on.

But it's the first time I've seen those tables down below(are they common?), and I found them really cute. As you can see, the side of the table just has enough space to move the chair.

 I love the chairs! They're big, and seat me comfortably. It's like I have two arm rests.

Waiting for the food took a while.  At least they gave us water. I wonder why they gave two condiment bottles but only one container for dip... Normal fries get ketchup but crisscut fries get mayo!

X ordered Fish and Chips (P195). This might be a seasonal item. I don't know when/if they're pulling it out. The serving is big for one person, but not enough to share.

Brothers Burger Fish and Chips

The Brothers Burger (P140) I ordered wasn't small but it wasn't filling. However, the patty seemed a bit dry. Is it me, or is this burger not as good as it was before? I was hoping to see the lettuce, at least in any angle, but it was tiny.

Brothers Burger Burger

I filled up with their crisscut fries instead. They were hot and delicious covered in mayo. I wish they made this item available all year round.

It's been a while since my last trip there and I'm definitely not going to order that burger again. For the same price range, I'd rather go to Wham! I used to order their Lamb Burger, and I might try it again next time, but the Brothers Burger really didn't make the cut.

Later that day, I ended up in CBTL with a double chocolate latte. The stirrer was cute, but it prevented me from drinking from the lip so I had to open it :))

With a snack from Marks & Spencer. I know that they discourage you from eating outside foods in coffee shops, but I couldn't resist... This sleeve of dark chocolate digestives were on sale (Biscuits, as well as other things, were 20% off due to the mid-year sale).

 I really like the coziness of CBTL. It's one of the more relaxing coffee shops.

Uniqlo: Cabbages & Roses

I really wanna kick myself for missing the year end sale (when all the winterwear went for cheap). Urgh. Maybe next year! Luckily, I stopped by Uniqlo in MoA and was able to get a hoodie on sale! This jacket was a collaboration with Cabbages & Roses, an english brand with gorgeous prints!

Uniqlo: Cabbages & Roses Hoodie C

As you can see, I am in love with fabric for furniture (haha! - things than can be used in upholstery). It is my dearest wish to own a lot of their collection, but... my wallet -_- This jacket was actually a bit different from most of the items on stock now: most of them are in lighter, more playful colors. I picked this one because it reminded me of one of the jackets I lost before... it's a replacement, so to speak.

Anyway, I checked Uniqlo Philippines' website, but no pictures are available. If you're interested, try the UK website ;) The pic above is Hoodie C. I have a feeling I'll be returning to the shop soon to buy something else from the collection,  though non-winter wear wasn't on sale.

I checked Cabbages & Roses' website too, but the clothes are d*mn expensive, gorgeous as they might be. Check both of em out if you're a fan of English things >. > In fact, Uniqlo has a new location: SM Aura in Taguig. i don't know when/if I'll be able to check it out, but there will be a fashion show or something today (May 18).

More importantly, today is International Museum Day! Check your local museums to see if entrance is free :)

Beauty Secrets at the Spa

Due to time constraints, my parents gave me a voucher to use to Beauty Secrets at the Spa in Grand Emerald Tower. Though I decided, thanks to my latest facial experience, that I disliked facials that did not come from my derma, I couldn't turn it down since no one else would use it.

Here's how it went: I set an appointment and showed up exactly on time. I was asked if I was in a hurry, and I said that I wasn't. Listened to Lady A talk to a client about diet and going organic. 30 minutes later, I asked them when they would be able to accomodate me. I was given a reply: 15 minutes longer. I berated them for it, and though they apologized, I was already very annoyed: why bother setting an appointment if they would give others without them precedence? The service was supposed to take 45 minutes, and I should have been done with it by that time. Punctual? No.

I went inside a cubicle, finally, so Lady A (a doctor, I think) could examine my skin. I won't reiterate my conversation with her, but there were some not so subtle cues to buy products or add on to the service. The receptionist already tried when I first came in. I rebuffed all of them, already in a bad mood. It got even worse when I was told to use ice everyday to shrink my pores.

The doctor left and another woman, Lady B, came in (don't know if it was a doctor or not, by this point, I really didn't care). She cleaned my face with Neutrogena, I think, and aqua sponges. She also used a layer of 35% glycolic acid before steaming. After which, the usual extraction and cauterization before the diamond peel. She had a light hand and the process was bearable.

I left around 45 minutes later.

Though I liked the way Lady B treated my skin, I will NOT return. I cannot trust a doctor who tells me that ice tightens pores. Pores can be "shrunk" by lasers and drugs, but the idea that ice could work when it's used everyday...

I did spot a CO2 laser machine, and the service was good, so this place may be for those who want such services (price unknown)- but a basic facial + diamond peel at the full price (P1445 - according to the voucher) is definitely out of my price range when I can get more back out of my buck with my derma. More importantly, the product pushing and misinformation, even unknowingly, is a big turn off for me.

Next day: New zits. I guess I can't really blame them since you aren't supposed to DP when you have zits. Since the zits did have a specific pattern... Lesson learned: acne really sucks.  Peeling present, but I'm not sure if it's because of the DP or the glycolic. My nose was defintely clear of blackheads though.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this place. But if you have the budget, you might want to try them yourself.

Review: Sci-Fi Cafe + Mexicali Promo

Warning! Picture heavy

A new place in Robinsons Galleria, Sci-Fi Cafe Is a place for geeks and hipsters to hang out in.

 You can see a lot of collectibles outside, which is what drew us to the place.

Sci-Fi Cafe Menu

The menu boasts food with interesting names. Since it was a bit out of budget, my friends and I decided to try their drinks only. While waiting, these caught my eye:

Johnny Depp

The Golden Trio

Aliens vs Predators

Among other things. They have an extensive Star Wars collection, including these on the ceiling: 

Sci-Fi Cafe Ceiling

Too bad the lights are too bright to see the spacecraft, a Millenium Falcon and TIE Fighter, among other things.

Soup

There was some complimentary soup, which was nice. I have no idea what it was, but it's the first time I've received a soup for ordering a drink.

Cashier

Featuring a shield of the White Tree of Gondor, a hoverboard, Leggy's bow and Sulley! They were playing music from Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet and Titanic.

Bar

When you walk in, you see some wands, lightsabers and the Madhatter's hat. The cake looked delicious, but I'm saving up for Wildflour.

Sci-Fi Cafe Wall

Autograph wall, OMG.

MOAR STUFF

Numbered stuff from Pirates of the Carribean, Disney sets... and if you look closely, there's a Twilight Set. 

Now I realize that a lot of the stuff I've shown is more of fantasy than science fiction, but OMG! A place to admire all the stuff!

They also started showing Avengers on one TV screen and LotR in another.... I almost stayed forever....

Milk Blend: White Chocolate

Sulley wants my drink.

Now, while the food was excellent, the location great, and the service good, there is one thing I disliked: Since my friends and I KKB'd it, we all placed money when the bill came. I placed an extra P20 and was too lazy to count change. Our money was taken, but the P20 was gone. Now, I was going to leave it as a tip, but management should NOT assume that. They should have left the money inside... clearly, honesty isn't a policy.

I'll forgive it because of the uniqueness of the place, but I'll think twice about putting more money then I ought to, and count change very carefully!


Yays

• Service: we were given water and it was refilled without asking
• Free soup
• Ambience: one of a kind
• Yummy drink

Nays

• Not very honest

Okays

• Make sure you bring enough money

Go again?
Yes! With all my geeky friends.

The Sci-Fi Cafe is located in the top floor of Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines.

Mexicali
After going around the mall, we got hungry and bought nachos at Mexicali. They have a promo: P100 for certain items with a free 12oz Coke (they gave us sarsi, but we didn't complain).

Mexicali Nachos