5 Things You Should Know About Reusable Menstrual Pads

I've recently been transitioning from disposable pads (see previous posts on favorites) to reusable cloth pads and here are 5 things I think people should know before buying one:

1. Not all pads are created equal. Aside from coming in different sizes, and shapes, pads come in different materials. Some have waterproof backings and some have removable inserts. Think about WHY you want to use reusable pads because microfiber cloths and impermeable materials mean plastic but mean a bit more security down there. Do your research instead of buying the first one you see.

2. Be prepared to use a lot of water and soap. Either toss 'em in a washing machine or handwash, but don't start until you have a good soaking, or you'll just be spreading that period smell (and possible germies) around. Soak at least once! Yes, some people just toss the lot in a washing machine, but I don't recommend doing this unless those pads are the ONLY thing you'll wash in that load.

3. The sun is your best friend. Leave them out in the sun for a few hours after to make sure you kill any bacteria hanging around. Put the design side down to better preserve that pattern, but I'd rather have a pad with a shorter lifespan than a contaminated one. You're better off with disposable pads if you can't make the commitment of letting them dry, because infections are not a good thing.

4. Pads are absorbent, but not foolproof. You can still leak, especially if you choose one without absorbent backing or an extra lining during those heavy days. Additionally, sizing and fitting is still necessary. Make sure it doesn't slide by choosing the correct size (and using tight-ish undies) and changing when needed.

5. Ask questions if you are unsure or do your research beforehand. I wish I didn't have to say this, but I've seen videos on YouTube where pads were used the wrong way, so ask if you're not sure or check the FAQs on reputable sources before checking out.

There are many advantages for using reusable cloth pads, and I'm certainly glad of my purchase. However I'm pretty sure they aren't for everybody.

+1: Use whatever feels right for you and don't let anyone shame you for your choices.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

Saying goodbye to my nth bottle of EA's Green Tea perfume.

You were the first thing that made me realize clean scents were something I could wear.

But now it's time to move on after 2 decades of use.

Thank you, next.

Clear Antidandruff shampoo in Cucumber & Mint

Cucumber and mint? Anti-dandruff? Sculpturesque bottle?

I was initially sold on the Clear's Cucumber and Mint Antidandruff Shampoo, but now that it's empty, here are the reasons I won't be repurchasing:

Creations Spa Essentials Pain Relief Rub in Sleep

Either you've heard of it or haven't, but a certain segment of the Philippine population has been going crazy of Creations Spa Essentials Pain Relief Rub, which comes in 4 varieties.

I got the purple one : Sleep, which is what it is ... a pain relief rub that prepares you for ...you guess it?

Sanicare Bamboo Wipes

Is it weird that I have a definite HG wipe? I feel so tita, but these are hands down the best wipes I've tried.

Taking the month off...

Honestly, I've been very lazy with my skincare routine and all other vanity things, and coupled with sporiadic internet access and general real life things, I haven't been posting at all.

For the first time in my life, there are literal days where I don't look into a mirror... and while there is a part of me internally screaming (and dreading the day I look into a full length one), I've been enjoying the break. No more caring about my spots, pores and flaws. I have better things to do!

Thus, my constant refusal to buy myself a mirror beyond my current eyebrow compact (used sporiadically).

This has been a good "detox" for me and if you find yourself doing more about how you look than how you act, I'd recommend giving this a try.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with self-care, and wanting to look your best, but when it starts to overtake your life, consider pulling back.

The Three Items I Use When Water Is Scarce

Sometimes, all the water you have is just for drinking. WHAT DO YOU DO?

These are the things I use when something like that happens:

What to do:

1. Sanitize hands with alcohol. Coz those are gross too.

2. Facial wipes - I've been using Dr. Sensitive's Acne Clearing Pads from Watsons. Honestly, they're a bit of a rip off since they look like they've just been cut and repackaged into smaller pads the size of 2 fingers. But I use them coz they are tiny and I save a lot of space while having salicylic acid on them. I use 2 pads per wash.

3. Maxipeel Zero Toner with a bit of spare tissue. To get rid of gunk that the liquidless one didn't.

4. Finish up with hydration. This case, PTR's Water Drench Serum.

5. Bonus - save water for drinking, not washing. But I occasionaly use a vitamin on trips to help make up for it.

Watsons Mini Haul?

The older I are, the boringer I get. Stopped by Watsons and I can't believe that aside from essentials, this is all I got....

To try in the future:

1. Palmolive Expertique Revitaliste Conditioner - bought this over the other brands because I haven't tried it and it seems very thick?
2. Biore Make Up Remover - honestly haven't tried this because I was holding out for softymo... but here we are!!
3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - my 4th bottle already. I wanna find a new one but this is the best priced one I've tried and I don't feel like moving on.
4. Biore UV Watery Gel 2019 - loved it 2 generations ago. Don't know about how I will feel about this new one.


That's it. OMG BUT WHY AM I SO POOR NOW...

Spend 1400 (1000 for watsons) with a special product and get a cute mini organizer free at Watsons.

L'oreal Damage Erasing Balm

Gosh. Don't know how long I've been using this. It's even turned a bit darker than it used to, but I really enjoyed using this.

Sad to see it go but it's not available here...

A Quick Guide to Sea Journeys in the Country

The Philippines is composed of several thousand islands, and one of the main forms of transportation is by boat. Ranging from small vessels with or without engines to huge luxury cruise ships.

Today, I will be talking about something in the middle of those two: ships that offer the bare minimum for crossing the open sea.

Booking
Unlike large companies with online booking (like those with numerals in their names), smaller companies often only allow physical booking a few days before departure. Some may offer "waiting lists" but you aren't really guaranteed a place until you have a ticket as kick-offs are common  Ticketing offices are often (but not always) near the pier and will have some way of contact, usually via phone. Call and ask for details regarding location, hours and scheduling as FB queries may be inefficient. Trips are very easily affected by tides, weather, etc. so don't trust posted schedules so easily: even a schedule posted yesterday may be incorrect! You can also ask locals but note that information may be outdated, especially if the ship runs afoul of something.

Tickets
Ticketing offices will often ask for full names and IDs. Generally, I've found that your full name will be displayed on the ticket if you will be getting cots, but not if you will be in a seat (though they do take names). The former will also come with a bunk number while the latter is a free for all. If the latter, board early for better seating...

Accomodations
Seats/bunks are often divided into two: economy and tourist class. Most lines will not have private rooms except for the bigger ones. There is very little difference between the two except for pricing, number of bunks available, airconditioning and a separate bathroom (which is honestly still often used by the economy class). Also, be prepared for seat shuffling even if you have a bunk number: I've found that seniors tend to demand you move if you have a bunk they fancy...

The Pier
Be at the pier generally an hour before departure. Immediately outside or inside are porters who will take your luggage to your bunk for a fee (which depends on luggage size). Make sure they are wearing official identification! Ask for their name and contact details just in case. You will often be asked for a terminal fee which you should keep along with your ticket.

The Bunk
After getting to your bunk and being sure that it's yours for the night either disinfect like crazy, put your own bedding over it or both. Cots are basic without pillows and sheets and are often too small for caucasians, so beware and bring both for a more comfortable sleep. Also note not to sleep until someone comes around to see your ticket to make sure you aren't a free rider.

Food
Some lines offer free meals, but most don't. Either buy provisions beforehand or pay for overpiced but subpar food. Bring a bit more than you need just in case the trip lasts longer than you expect. Most ships will offer alcohol, but may look down on intoxication or drinking outside certain areas.

The Trip
Trip quality depends on a lot of factors, sea turbulence and personal tolerance for sea sickness make the most difference. Go on a trip outside the rainy season for the former and bring medication for the latter. Positioning also matters as proximity to airconditioning and bathrooms can make a world of difference. Bring an extra blanket and face mask just in case.

Note that some boats have stops where you can alight and stretch your legs - just make sure you have your ticket and valuables on you so you can get back on.

End
You'll know when your there generally by the increase in movement of people around you. Porters will come around and ask people if they want their luggage moved, and go for this if you wish.


Safe journey!

Messy Bessy Hand Cream in Kiwi

I've been offline for a month because of reasons, but at least I'm posting!

Anyway, due to the amount of handwashing I've been doing, and a quick trip to a local Beauty Bar, I impulsively bought a small pot of hand cream from Messy Bessy.

The Shelf: June 2019 (Travel Edition)

Travelling so won't be able to make a regular shelf shot by June. Thankfully, I can take advantage of my very sporiadic internet connection to upload this.

All of the items I've been using lately have come from Watsons as I tend to pass by them on trips. Currently, I'm using:

Ever Bilena Advance Brow Gel

Swatched on hand:

Long lasting, lasting around 10 hours and did not transfer once set. Waterproof but crumbles easily with soap and friction. Will not buy since shade selection isn't apt for my hair.