SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center’s Refirme Treatment

 

The Spa Wellness is one of my top three favorite spots to go to when I need a lush comfortable almost foolproof massage.  Last Saturday, I head to their Fort branch but instead of a relaxing massage, I visited their SKIN clinic.  With its award-winning pampering excellence and rejuvenation at its belt, The Spa Wellness has evolved its services with the opening of SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center.

 

Upon entering SKIN, you’ll feel instantly welcomed by its calming interiors and genuinely smiling receptionists.  I was 15 minutes early for my 12nn appointment, thank goodness for easy parking during weekends.  I was ushered to one of the rooms where I changed into the robe and relaxed my back on the reclining chair, sipping on The Spa’s signature ginger tea.

SKIN Dermatology & Laser Center offers several skin and body services that use state-of-the-art technology, under the care of certified dermatologists in a luxuriously relaxing spa setting.  While I wanted to try their Signature Skin Facial for deep cleansing, mild peel and facial massage to nourish my skin, I veered towards something more forward.  Refirme.  Suitable for my age if I’m trying to keep the concept of “30s as the new 20s.”

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Bagahollic Bags Banana / Banane Taipei Contest WINNER!

 

Albeit 8 days late, as usual you know how my busy schedule gets my mind all mixed up lately, I’m finally announcing the winner of Bagahollic Bags Banana / Banane Taipei Contest!  Thank you for your kind patience (sounds like a restaurant on its soft opening)!

 

Thank you for all your entries.  Not a bad turnout despite the busy holidays and people being out of the country or out of town and all.  Below are the entries who made it to the shortlist, top favorites:

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Banana / Banane Taipei, Swagger Your Tote! Plus a contest.

 

As you can see from this photo, I love shoes and bags among other things. 

By other things, I generally mean traveling and eating… okay, MOSTLY EATING (get off my case now will ya?  Hahaha).  That is the reason why my 2010 Christmas wish list reflects my affection for all things beautiful and cutesy in shoes and bags.  I am quite blessed to have scratched most (90%) of the items on my wish list last year.  And unexpectedly, just coupla weeks back, I’m scratching another item from the list.  Sometimes they say, when you wish hard enough, the universe conspires to grant your good heart’s desire.

 

Thanks Richard for this photo! 🙂

One of the bags I have been eye-loving for a while back is an ORIGINAL Banana Taipei bag.  Tote bags are so useful and what I particularly adore about Banana / Banane Taipei bags is that it has the most coveted bag strikingly printed on the canvass like you’re using an actual Birkin.  The aesthetic illusion of a Birkin in a lightweight, eco-friendly material is just the chicest tote to carry around.  My Canon 60D DLSR fits inside, which is perfect since I don’t need to carry a bulky camera bag around.

 

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Homemade Treasures Ensaymada

 

A couple of Friday’s ago, I got an SMS from Richard asking if I can pass by YKK before heading home.  That was right before I went to our High School reunion at Sarah’s new place.

 

Arriving at YKK, the counter girl handed me a package.

 

I open it and see the silver-gray label with the name Homemade Treasures.

 

Homemade Treasures ensaymada is recently brewing noise into the pastry scene as one of the best ensaymadas in town.  Or maybe a little out of town.  Homemade Treasures actually hails from Pampanga where the bakeshop is located.  Good to know that for those in the Metro eager to get a bite of this lavishly made ensaymada, they accept orders for pick-up at Bel-Air every Friday.  The box of 12 retails for PHP 700, while the box of 6 retails for PHP350. 

 

 

You’d immediately notice the indecent amount of cheese and sugar as you open the wrapper.  Take a bite into the soft, fluffy pastry dough and detect the slightly sharp cheese that convoys with the sweet taste of the sugar crystals.  There’s a bit of buttery goodness slathered on top and you’d think you’re in sweet heaven.

 

 

The somewhat sharp cheese is attributed to the marka pato queso de bola they use.  This makes the ensaymada quite distinct in flavor and character for me.  I find the sugar crystals though a bit engulfing but I can always just dust it off onto a plate.

 

 

Homemade Treasures ensaymada is a simple treasure you’d want to hunt for.

 

 

**Many many thanks to the extremely thoughtful Irene for the delish ensaymadas!

 

 

Homemade Treasures

(63) 928 507 0928 (Chona Ayson)

Pick up in Bel Air

 

Homemade Treasures Album  

 

Photo Credit:

Richard Co of TalesfromtheTummy.com

 

It’s Krrunch Time, Get Playful!

 

*Official Entry to Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards/Pringles Krrunch Contest* –Krrunch Time at Work

 

Most people are trapped in the traffic of everyday routine, particularly at work.  Stop beating the red light stepping on the fast gears and probably stepping on somebody else’s foot.  All work and no Krrunch?  Remove the cobwebs from your brain. 

 

Image Source: angelicdevil.iantam.net

Image Source: angelicdevil.iantam.net

 

 

Admit it, at least once you have tried to look busy at work. Other than staring at your screen intently with a serious “don’t bother me” look, you can probably try one or two things below.

1. Open an important file, take a print screen of it and make it your background. In case you open your desktop or minimize windows, then it will appear that “work” is happening on the computer.

2. Keep a notebook on your desk always open with a pen on it.

3. Walk really fast when you are going to conference rooms or elsewhere to appear that you’re on your toes for something urgent or something important is about to happen.

 

(At work, I use Pringles tubes after I empty it out in one Krrunch sitting, as a document safe keeper.  Keep from water spills and from prying eyes)

 

 

But rather than pretending, why not make work work for you?  How to make that happen?  Add a tablespoon of fun Krrunch to the equation.

See “boring” transform to “fun.”  F-U-N.  Fun.  Fu.  F  —  K —  Krr —  Krrunch!  Crank it up!  Krrunch it up!

 

Peel your eyes from the clock.

 

Break up stressful days and add some fun to the everyday ho-hum in the office.  There are so many ways –wear a funny hat or outfit.  Start a “Funny Outfit” or “Practical Joke” Day in the office. 

 

Productivity need not suffer in order to ignite the office atmosphere and add some fun to the day.  Livening things up at the office does not have to mean a disruption to work or less productivity.  Studies show that every Tom, Dick and Harry who enjoy going to work will be more productive and will have better morale. 

 

It’s time to bring out the lethal weapon. 

 

 

Pringles Salt and Pepper -that oh-so-familiar crisp potato now with a shade of salt flavor and sprinkle of pepper.  Once you POP, YOU CAN’T STOP!  😀 Is one enough? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

 

 

Pringles showstopper comes in pairs –Pringles Basil and Garlic, with notes reminiscent of pesto, is everything I love in gourmet taste –simple but trickling flavors that can invoke a gung-ho attitude!

 

Krrunch-ing Pringles crispy flavorful chips can ignite the playful spirits.  With their newest invigorating flavors, turn any boring situation into a playful one! 

 

(Music) “When you’re happy and you know it, Krrunch is in your hands.  Krrunch!  Krrunch!  When you’re happy and you know it, Krrunch is in your hands.  Krrunch!  Krrunch!

 

 

(Makeshift telephone using Pringles tubes) 

Krrunch time is best shared with a good friend over an intriguing conversation!

 

 

Break yourself from boredom.  Break time is now Krrunch time.

 

Hungry for action?  Adding some Krrunch to the day can help break up the daily monotony and offer an attitude boost that can quickly spread. 

 

It’s Krrunch Time, Get Playful!

 

 

 

Amici

 

After Butch and Marie’s wedding reception, it was time for some good poker action. 

 

 

We were able to play two full games.  First game, Eric won while Jim placed second.  2nd game, a come-from-behind win was secured by Woo, while I lost my chip lead and placed second. 

 

 

4 hours of poker and we were famished.  While Eric and Made headed to SM North to look for a toy gift, Woo, Bubba and I headed to Amici for dinner.

 

 

I first tried Amici at its original location at the Don Bosco canteen in Pasong Tamo.  Salesian Italian missionary Fr. Gianluigi Colombo founded the Amici di Don Bosco Incorporated in 2001.  The original set-up was canteen-style, self-service and fast food.  Its claim to fame is the homemade Italian gelato that is relatively affordable.  It has since expanded to 4 branches (Makati, Timog, Greenhills, and Megamall) when the Red Ribbon group bought the concept and brand. 

 

 

The recently opened Amici branch in Greenhills still holds the concept but with a more modern polished look.  The host at the door directs you to the table and hands you the menu, but it’s still pretty much self-service as you have to line up at the counter to order and pay for your food.

 

On the Table

 

Tutta Carne PHP 290

Meat lover’s delight in a pizza includes Italian sausage, ham and pepperoni.  The thin layer of soft crust with nominal amount of tomato base and meat is good enough for its price.

 

 

Canneloni Agli Spinaci PHP 195

An Amici classic favorite!  Pasta tubes filled with spinach and ricotta cheese topped with creamy tomato sauce is a must have order when at Amici’s.  It’s pasta rich in creamy ricotta cheese and spinach that melts in your mouth with such smooth goodness. 

 

 

Spaghetti White Vongole Gamberetti PHP 215

Our famous sautéed mixed seafood on al dente spaghetti in olive oil.  Amici’s version that evening was a little bit salty for my taste.  I like the generous amount of seafood and garlic that coats the al dente spaghetti pasta.

 

 

Roast Chicken PHP 190

Rosemary half chicken baked to perfection and served with vegetables.  This is the highlight of the meal on the table.  The chicken was good to share for three people. Take a waft of the rosemary aroma, as the dish is place on the table.  The chicken was moist and tender at the same time that it’s flavorful with every hint of rosemary.

 

 

Spaghetti Aglio Olio E Pepperoncino (Woo’s Order)

Mild spicy pasta dish with a rich flavor of smoked salmon

 

More and more people are drawn to Amici as a go-to-place for Italian dining especially with their semi-family style dishes.  Food is relatively enjoyable and the price decent.  Their gelatos can brighten up any gloomy day even if it’s raining cats and dogs.

 

 

Amici

(632) 818 4444

Connecticut, Greenhills