Meet Aubade and L'insoumise: Bra Expert

A few months ago, my friend Suyin Lee told me about her friend from St. Scho Manila, Barrie Tugade of L'insoumise. She truly is the bra expert, and you've got to continue reading so I can tell you why.

Barrie had just brought in French lingerie, or rather, innerwear line Aubade, and Suyin who was in the market for new underwear after years of breastfeeding, was blown away.

Underwear was just underwear to her before, but all that changed when Barrie initiated her into her world - where bras and panties aren't just functional wear meant to hold our wobbly bits, but powerful armor crafted from lace and silk, made for the sole purpose of making us feel good about ourselves.

Hence, innerwear, and not underwear.

An Aubade bra only uses the finest materials, be it leavers lace, guipure, broderie anglaise, satin and silk

The same goes for their gossamer like underwear

Suyin then went on to tell me about how passionate Barrie is about innerwear, how important it is to get the fit right, and how it is a rite of passage for French girls to be measured for their brassieres. Suyin was convinced we should wear pretty innerwear not just for special occasions but for everyday.

Of course, I was convinced too. I was picking out French, pretty, special, fit and luxurious from her story, and I liked Barrie already.

More so when Barrie sent Suyin and I a few pieces to try on at home and I finally got it how some women always say wearing beautiful lingerie makes them feel powerful. 

Because when I slipped on that black lace set with pale pink rosettes above, it felt like there was a light that switched on inside me and I suddenly saw myself in a different light. 

Like literally, there was a barely audible "shwoop" as I clasped on the bra and when I looked in the mirror, it was "Wow."

I never get that from wearing Spanx, my granny panties or everyday t-shirt bras. Most especially when I'm wearing my ratty breastfeeding bras no!

This is because while Aubade bras and panties are pretty by themselves, they are also made to perfection. They look delicate and the feel is luxurious, but they can also hold in serious skin. We don't have to be models to feel great in it.

"There was this lady who tried on a set at the shop and my girl called me to say the woman was in the fitting room, clapping with joy! It's stories like this that make what I do worth it", Barrie shared when Suyin and I finally met up with her over lunch at Rocky's in Rockwell.

True enough, it was like a meeting of like minded souls. Well actually, make that of prophet and two eager, newly-recruited disciples. 

As we listened to Barrie talk about Aubade and the transformative power of innerwear, we sensed the undeniable love and passion for her chosen craft, it made me want to bring Berry to her for her first bra fitting when she comes of age, so we can start our own tradition. It made we want to tell all my friends and you guys about Aubade because it was too good it has to be shared.

There is nothing like Aubade in our market today, and nothing like Barrie offering fit services.

For now, you may follow @iamlinsoumise on Instagram for updates, but better to visit the L'insoumise corner at Cinderella in Alabang Town Center to see what I mean. 

Meanwhile, Suyin and I will be working on how we can bring Aubade, Barrie and L'insoumise closer to all of us who live North of Alabang, promise.

Warts and All: The 411 on Electrocauterization

As soon as Tepper turned 2 months old, I told myself, no more excuses. 

I was going to exercise (c/o my friend Kat Garcia's recommended nutrition/workout routine), and really make an effort to go to Dr. Yanee Santos at Aesthetic Science Clinic to get my post-pregnancy skin issues sorted out. 

Let me tell you, I have never been this excited for a facial. Especially since my last facial, also at Aesthetic Science, must have happened, oh about two years ago. 

I was actually looking forward to getting my face pricked and primed, and diamond peeled to perfection.

But how to achieve perfection when I've got warts staring at me in the face every time I looked in the mirror? Especially since they multiplied during pregnancy. (Oversharing? Well, this is me, warts and all! Heehee.) So I finally made a go to get all my warts removed. 

I'm sharing with you the 411 because I know, I am not alone with a secret of this dastardly sort. Shhhh. Anyhoo, here's what to expect, when you're expecting to say bye to warts.

Step 1. EMLA cream (a topical anesthetic) was applied directly on the warts, after my facial. Some kind of medical grade tape was applied over the cream. For my neck which was festered with warts, it was covered with cling wrap, no less. Lolz.

Step 2. Electrocauterization. After 45 minutes, and the anesthesia had numbed my skin, the warts were zapped to kingdom come by Dr. Leah Salido via electrocauterization.

Because I have sensitive skin, it turned all red like this. This is expected, and is absolutely normal.

Step 3. A therapist applied antibiotic/anti-inflammatory cream to all affected areas after Dr. Leah was done. I was told not take a bath for 24 hours, and reminded to just let the scabs fall off on its own.

Step 4. Before settling my bill, I was given a set of instructions, all printed out, which I appreciate.

I would probably forget if this was given to me verbally. I like that Aesthetic Science has thought of all the little details such as this. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

Before I left the clinic, Dr. Yanee told me what to expect (itching, no scratching, etc.) and ran me through the list, reminding me to just take a bath after 24 hours, and apply the healing cream, 2X a day for 2 weeks.

She told me to stay away from direct sunlight, 2 to 3 weeks post treatment as it could darken the spots where the scabs fell off. The perfect excuse for me to buy this Ines dela Fressange hat for Uniqlo actually, heehee.

She told me not to apply my usual facial creams five days post-treatment, although it was highly recommended that I protect my face with sunblock of SPF 15 or more.

THE HEALING PROCESS:

About a day later, the treated areas had turned into scabs.

I couldn't wait for them to fall out. I was so tempted to pick at it, but then I remembered I was explicitly told, "DO NOT PICK ON THE SCABS." 

But I think the scabs bothered me more than it bothered friends I met up with over the course of healing. Come to think of it, if I didn't tell people and drew attention to my face and neck, they wouldn't even have noticed.

About 5 days later, the scabs started to fall off. I would swipe at my neck with Bioderma Sensibio H20 and some would come off on the pad.

Close to two weeks later, everything is totally gone. And finally, my skin feels so smooth when I run  my hands down my neck. No scars or dark spots too, thank goodness to my liberal use of healing cream.

I kind of actually miss the scabs, I'm looking for more areas to treat, haha. There's a certain kind of satisfaction seeing those little bastards fall off. 

So worth the discomfort, trouble and a little bit of embarrassment, promise.

Wart Removal via electrocauterization costs about Php2,500 at Aesthetic Science, but if you have 2 or more areas treated in one go, it will cost Php2,000 per area.

For inquiries contact:
Telephone No.: 809-8021/899-3643
Website: www.aestheticscienceclinic.com
E-mail: aestheticscienceclinic@yahoo.com

Aesthetic Science Alabang
Ground Floor of the Kennedy Center
Prime cor. Venture Sts. Madrigal Business Park
Muntinlupa City
8098021 / 09178082921

Aesthetic Science Makati
Ground Floor, Jupiter Place
Jupiter St., Bel-air Makati City
8993643 / 09178082926

My Top 5 Reasons to Visit Centro Holistico

When it comes to my family’s health and wellness, I have always believed that an ounce of prevention is always worth more than a pound of cure. 

There is nothing more stressful than your schedule going out of whack, because of emergency room visits, or worse, because you need to be confined in a hospital. Hassle yan!

That is why apart from frequent check-ups with our physicians, annual physical exams, taking vitamins, and exercise (or at least an attempt at it!) I also keep an open mind to the many different ways to prevent and cure an illness or discomfort – whether it be via Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hilot or conventional means.

Whatever works, as long as it keeps us healthy, or resolves a health issue, I am game for it!

So when I first learned about Centro Holistico, and their integrative approach to medicine, I didn’t mind going all the way to Alabang to find out what it’s all about.

And I am glad I braved the traffic to do so, because I am totally convinced Centro Holistico is just the kind of place that will help us change the way we look at our health and body, in the best way possible.

Let me tell you why. Here are my top five reasons to visit Centro Holistico.

1. It has the feel of a spa 

If you find hospitals too clinical, almost depressing, Centro Holistico is the kind of place where you don’t have to worry about that creepy, crawly feeling.

As you enter the treatment area, you get a whiff of their fragrant oils burning, and hear a gurgling indoor water fountain insterspersed with soothing spa music in the background. You might as well be at your favorite massage place rather than your doctor’s clinic.

2. Centro Holistico practices Integrative Medicine

But yes, while in the midst of this spa-like setting, you can also totally relax knowing that you have medical doctors in charge of your health. It just also happens that they believe in holistic healing. So apart from prescribing you medication if you absolutely need it, they are not just after the cure, but your total well-being.

Dr. Candy Drilon and Dr. Ryan Dalman of Centro Holistico

Dr. Candy Drilon, the calm and lovely doctor I consulted with, shares that while they treat with medicine, they also practice complementary and alternative medicine, via energy healing, acupuncture, TCM, Ayurvedic medicine and such.

I later found out that the 4 doctors who put up Centro Holistico were formerly doctors at The Farm at San Benito. They realized that while staying at The Farm truly has wonderful health and wellness benefits for their patients, not everyone has the time to spend days, if not months there.

To make the idea of a medical retreat more accessible to busy folks, and to help them monitor their patients better, they decided to put up Centro Holistico in an area closer to where people live and work.

Now if only, they opened a branch in my area!

3. They make an effort to understand your lifestyle before prescribing treatments and programs. 

You know how some doctors just look at the symptoms and prescribe an antibiotic or medicine right off the bat? Some even make you feel rushed through a consultation, that you forget to ask important questions? Well, there’s none of that here. 

When I first consulted with Dr. Candy, we spent a good thirty minutes doing a holistic consult, where we talked about my health history, diet, stress levels, even sleeping habits. When she found out that I sleep at 12 midnight, even later, she explained that I needed to be in bed by 10 pm, because apparently, the body recovers and repairs itself between 10 pm to 2 am, and I would miss out on this important window if I sleep at my normal hours. Eeep! 

She also did a life blood analysis on me, taking a lancet and getting three drops of blood from my finger. 

After analyzing my blood under a microscope, she told me my kidneys were not cleaning out toxins efficiently (lightbulb moment, I do tend to be prone to UTI) and that I am acidic, which means I needed to make my blood more alkaline. She recommended that I eat more vegetables and put lemon in my drinking water. 

She also did a dry blood analysis, as well as a tongue diagnosis, which uncannily supported the findings of the life blood analysis. Truly fascinating!

4. They have a range of programs to offer. 

Whether you are just after general wellness, meaning you have no specific health concerns but just want to be at the peak of health, or you want to go into a program for detoxification, weight loss, stress relief, anti-aging and rejuvenation, or you want to stop smoking, there’s a program there for you.  

They even offer Alternative Cancer Therapy, which is along the lines of Gerson Therapy, and geared towards cancer patients who prefer to take the alternative path in controlling their illness. This therapy involves infusing high doses of Vitamin C and other minerals intravenously, which helps in controlling the growth of cancer cells. It also helps to boost the immune system, which improves their overall quality of life.

5. Treatments and programs are tailor fit and targeted to your health concerns. 

For those who have specific needs and concerns that are not covered by their other Holistic Health Programs, patients can choose their own treatments and make a program suited to their needs with the guidance of their doctor. 

In my case, they recommended a post-natal recovery program after I give birth. 

Their post partum recovery program, like ge lai, which I practice, helps the body recover from the pregnancy. 

The program runs for about a month, consisting of weekly colon cleansing (because of pregnancy related constipation, it removes bulk of the stool which haven’t been flushed out because of the uterus pressing on to the colon), acupuncture treatments, and IV drips every other week to replenish lost micronutrients. 

Incidentally, they also do acupuncture to help alleviate pregnancy discomforts such as nausea and vomiting in the 1st trimester as well as acupuncture to help in breastfeeding, especially for those who have gone through caesarian section.

I did try a pregnancy-safe acupuncture session with Dr. Candy on my visit, and I found the experience so relaxing, I can just imagine the lifelong benefits if I did this on a regular basis! 

For more about Centro Holistico, visit their website, http://www.centroholisticoph.com, and Like them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/centroholistico.ph 

Centro Holistico 

2/F Commercenter 

Alabang Commerce Avenue cor. Filinvest Ave and East Asia Drive 

Filinvest Corporate City

Alabang, Muntinlupa City 

Tel: (02) 828-8863, (0917) 5812990 

Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm

Zenutrients Natural + Organic

My favorite toiletries and skin care products, all good to the last drop

I discovered Zenutrients thanks to Karrots. She had a Zenutrients Gugo Shampoo & Conditioner aka "Gugobelles Giveaway" over at LiveLoveLolz and of course, I joined. At the time, Xavi was just about 5 months old and I was going through postpartum hair loss. I know for a fact that gugo helps strengthen hair and increase volume so wow, just what I needed.

To cut a long, well fine, not so long story short, I won a set from Karrots and became a believer. She introduced me and Kris to Angela Dinglasan, the wonder woman behind Zenutrients, and she got us to road test more products from her line. Now, I have never met a Zenutrients product I did not like.

The Tea Tree Underarm Spray is so minty and kilig to the kili kili powers! Especially "refreshing" and cooling these hot summer days, it combats underarm wetness and body odor:

When I get colds, or a stuffy nose, I rub All is Well on my temples. Forget White Flower, this is the way safer alternative - organic and natural. Made with extra virgin coconut oil, essences of peppermint, eucalyptus, white tea, lemongrass, pineapple, vetiver and extracts of ginger and tea tree, it has a delicate minty smell that does not overpower but is completely soothing. Angela says this is great to apply on insect bites too:

Now that the gugo shampoo & conditioner have run out, we are currently using the Enhancing Green Tea Shampoo & Conditioner, which is great for oily hair. Dada loves using this as well, we both love the scent.

The Anti-Mosquito Sleeping Cream works like a charm and is especially great if you're the outdoorsy type.

Angela shares that Zenturients was originally called Z.E.N. until she and her group took over in late 2011. An all organic VCO based line of products that is all natural and affordable, you may check out the full line of products through authorized retailers and the Zenutrients stores in Virra Mall, Galleria, Festival Mall and Lucky Chinatown.

lemongrass, lavander, cotton mint & tea tree bath gels

herbal pain relief balm

citronella mosquito repellant

coffee body scrub

I know that the paper sticker labels leave much to be desired, because the colors tend to bleed when they get wet, but Angela says they're working on that. What matters is, the products are love! I am re-stocking the gugo and green tea shampoos & conditioners by the gallon, that's for sure.

The Zenutrients Story:

Z.E.N. started in 2007 as the creator, Gerry Villena& his family were asked by his church group to help young, underprivileged women, primarily from the provinces. The overall idea was to create jobs – a livelihood program – that would teach women a craft. Most of the women were young and from desperately poor families. Z.E.N. then began as a brand bottling & selling VCO, which rapidly expanded to other related lines: massage oils, scrubs, health balms, lotions, soaps, shampoos and the like. Despite limited sales outlets and no advertising, the brand found a strong underground following. 

In 2011, it was taken over by a new management team, led by an investment group and brought in a new General Manager, Ms. Angela Dinglasan, coming from a 14 year experience with manufacturing, specializing in beauty products having worked with Unilever, Coca Cola and Reckitt Benckiser. She continues to run the company with this social responsibility guiding her.

For inquiries, email: zenutrients@gmail.com 

For updates and more, like Zenutrients on Facebook.

Aesthetic Science for Beauty & Wellness

When my friend Marcie invited me to check out Aesthetic Science, her friend Dr. Yanee Vasquez's dermatology and plastic surgery clinic on Jupiter St. in Makati, it did not take a lot of convincing. After living abroad for years, and then being pregnant my first year in Manila, my skin has never been pricked, prodded and pampered in what seems like forever. Marcie encouraged me to bring friends, so I ended up taking along my mommy friends and head SoMoms - Kris aka OC Mom in Manila and Janice of MommyMundo so they can also experience Aesthetic Science for themselves.

Another thing that really got to me, apart from the idea of finally getting a proper facial after approximately four years, was the thought of asking about getting a ting-sun, because I've always wanted to have a visible double eyelid, ahihihi.

So, over lunch at IMC Kavino next door, Kris, Janice and I got to speak with Dr. Yanee and her associate doctors Dr. Leah and Dr. Jason, where we talked about their clinic, their work and their passion for beauty, health and total wellness.

What I love about them is that they are just not about "outer beauty". Dr. Yanee is a devout yoga practitioner and she also practices Reiki healing.  Dr. Jason specializes in Digestive Cleansing. Both agree that while they help their patients achieve their "beauty goals", they also make sure that their patients don't go overboard and get addicted to plastic surgery. They always stress on the importance of loving and accepting one's self. That beauty procedures are ok, if you are realistic with your expectations. But, it will never be a guarantee of one's happiness if you are unhappy with yourself to start with. Heavy, pare.

Thankfully, I am happy with the face God gave me. I wish I looked better, but I can live with it, hahaha. So, I just opted to have a glycolic acid cleansing + diamond peel.

Feeling pampered and cozy prior to getting my face pricked and cleansed

OMG. It was such a great facial, I really felt my skin was totally cleansed to kingdom come. My aesthetician Jen had really nimble and gentle hands so it didn't feel like torture. Yes, despite the prickly feel of the glycolic acid (it's like rubbing calamansi on your face ha). I walked out of the clinic my face all red from the pricks and peel, which soon disappeared in an hour or so. Truly a  "lunch time facial" - procedure was done in 45 minutes, then I was back to normal activities like nothing happened, save for the temporary redness.

The great news incidentally, was that years of using a Clarisonic brush and over half a year into the no water cleansing routine, the aesthetician said I had pretty good skin, considering my last proper facial (excluding the Clarins ones I had while pregnant, which did not involve pricking) was uhm, 4 years ago. Yes, 4 long years.

Due to time constraints, since we scheduled a trip out of town that day, I ended up just getting the glycolic acid cleansing and will just try the full on treatment with diamond peel next time. I am also planning to go back for wart removal (remnants from my last pregnancy), and then maybe get my brown freckles zapped.  Then maybe, just maybe, I will get those double eyelids I've always dreamed of. Heeheehee. 

For inquiries contact:
Telephone No.: 809-8021/899-3643
Website: www.aestheticscienceclinic.com
E-mail: aestheticscienceclinic@yahoo.com

Aesthetic Science Alabang
Ground Floor of the Kennedy Center
Prime cor. Venture Sts. Madrigal Business Park
Muntinlupa City
8098021 / 09178082921

Aesthetic Science Makati
Ground Floor, Jupiter Place
Jupiter St., Bel-air Makati City
8993643 / 09178082926