MFO's Verdict On: ItWorks!® Deep Sleep

When my friend Vanessa Santos, aka #TheVainMama sent me the ItWorks!® DEEP SLEEP Line, it was truly heaven sent!

I can probably count the number of times I have had a good night's sleep since 2008, with two hands.

My entire family are such light sleepers, the slightest rustle, the phone ringing or even a kid tossing in bed, lagot na.

Dada even bought those Bose noise reduction ear phones because he really has such sensitive ears, he needs to put it on when the noise gets annoying and he's trying to catch some Zzzzzs. 

Melatonin, Nyquil, raw honey? Tried and tested!

 

But it doesn't hurt to try another sleep solution. Anything to get a good night's sleep, we're game for that. 

From L to R: Dream Mist Pillow Spray, Night Oil, Stress Less, Breathe In Oil, and Turbo Balm

The Product: ItWorks! Deep Sleep Line consisting of a Pillow Mist, Night Oil, Stress Less, Breathe In Oil, and Turbo Balm.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Dream Mist Pillow Mist The  best-selling, natural sleep aid that will fragrance your bed and calm the nerves. The miracle solution to a good night’s sleep. With ItWorks!® signature relaxing fragrance, this pillow spray will become your must-have sleep solution.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Night Oil A natural body oil for a therapeutic nighttime ritual and to keep your skin nourished and looking young. With Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin E, ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Night Oil is a great moisturizer that easily absorbs into skin, reduces the signs of ageing and promotes rested radiance.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Stress Less is a soothing natural remedy to help you breathe more easily and calm your senses promoting a better night’s sleep. Clears your head so you can breathe more deeply and stress less.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Breathe In is a concentrated blend of their signature Deep Sleep fragrance for burners and diffusers.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Turbo Balm is a portable boost of hydration that’s on call for dry lips and skin wherever and whenever you need it. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this non-greasy, multipurpose balm tackles dry areas on the face and body to leave you silky smooth and moisturized.

ItWorks! Turbo Balm via seektheuniq.com

The Promise: In a 7-hour sleep cycle, a person normally gets only 1-2 hours of deep sleep. With our signature blend of French essential oils, ItWorks!® Deep Sleep line doubles the Deep Sleep hours in your sleep cycle. Consequently, a person wakes up energized and refreshed even with just a few hours of sleep. Best for stressed, on-the-go people (e.g. when traveling, doing hospital duties), those who just came from a severe medical condition and for the majority who just wants a deep sleep amidst life’s anxieties.

ItWorks! Dream Mist Pillow Spray via seektheuniq.com

Put to The Test: I was intrigued by the Pillow Mist and that was the first thing I tried. True to their claim, with just a simple spritzing of ItWorks!® Pillow Mist on our pillow, I felt calm and ready to hit the sack already. I've added it to Berry's bedtime routine too, and she loves it. She says it smells like her Mogu Mogu drink, which is a compliment, coming from Berry.

The Night Oil leaves a minty, tingling sensation after application. I liked it.

Deep Sleep Stress Less has a roller ball application so you can rub it unto your temples, and pulse points massaging it gently.

ItWorks! Breathe In via seektheuniq.com

I used our Harrn diffuser with the Breathe In night oil and it does add to the calming feel of the room. Just make sure to blow out the candle before you go to sleep!

The Turbo Balm works like any other balm, it's advantage lies in that it's a multi-tasking balm that works well not just for your lips, but for also for your cuticles, nails, and dry heels.

Passing the Verdict: I keep it in a handy pouch on my bedside, for easy access to a good night's sleep. The pillow mist for one, has become part of our night time routine. Dada, who at first was not convinced of its powers had to agree that he did enjoy a good night's sleep with it.

Aromatherapy is better than Ativan, that's for sure!

Practical Tip: If there's only one product from the line you want to start off with, start with the Pillow Mist. It is absolutely divine and you cannot find a similar product elsewhere.

Eryleen So of ItWorks! recommends that the pillow spray and roll-on are to be used simultaneously. She shares, "Those 2 are our pioneer products. We just added the diffuser oil for those who want their room to smell good and massage body oil after showers to complement our sprays and roll-ons."

Price: from Php120 to Php450

Point of Sale: Available at the following retailers

• Sesou Nature Source Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Market Market, Trinoma, Robinsons Magnolia, Festival Supermall Alabang, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria

• Plana Forma Studios Fort and Eton Centris
• Nuliving Spa Studio D. Tuazon and Binondo
• www.seektheuniq.com
• Online orders: info@goitworksnatural.com

For more on ItWorks! like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/itworksnatural, follow @itworksnatural on Instagram and watch out for their website www.goitworksnatural.com 

MFO Shoe Series: Kat Garcia, Manila

Kat Garcia is my momma fitspiration. Just take a hard look at those seriously hard abs.

I often ask this mom of two for fitness tips and I love how she encourages but never pushes me to workout. What she told me to focus on, was to be conscious of what I eat. Like she always says, "Abs are made in the kitchen! Torn in the gym! 80% nutrition, 20% sweat!"

A self-confessed workout junkie and healthy eating advocate (sugar and salt are the enemy!), she calls herself a "crazy purse collector who loves bikes, cars, pistols, basketball and is a hardcore UFC fan." And I love how her shoe collection is a true reflection of her personal style!

Btw, for this year's series of shoe girls, I enlisted the help of my friend, photographer Camille King, to join me as we take the Shoe Series a notch up with professional photos (when all of our schedules permit of course, heehee). Hope you will love this new look for the series as much as I do. Super thanks Camille for becoming my partner in the MFO Shoe Series now!

Since Kat is a purse collector first & foremost, Camille & I just had to get photos of a few of the highlights of Kat's purse collection.

 

And now, on to her shoes!

How many pairs of shoes do you own? 

I used to own over a 100 pairs but I had to downsize...since I can only bring what I need in our condo.

Girly pairs that she hardly wears, but can't let go of, as these were gifts from her Mom

Boots for traveling to cooler climes

More girly shoes from her mom

What's your shoe size?

Omg... for real? Im a 9.5-10.... hey wait almost 5'8 naman ako! But yes...all my trainers are Men's shoes!

Which pairs are your favorites? 

My Nike 2014 Fly Knit Airmax and Asics Gel Blurr33 - great for all around training.

If you could only wear one pair of shoes, which one would it be? 

Hahaha!!! I can wear Nike or Asics all day!

What are your favorite shoe brands? 

Nike, Asics and New Balance

What's in your shoe lust list? 

Ooooooooh.... tough one but I hope batman (my dad) sees this. Also madame (mom). ALL nike 2014 fly knit mens shoes haha!!! I said ALL! and Asics Kill Bill.

Asics Kill Bill via highsnobiety.com

Where do you buy shoes? 

Nike Shang. Nike at Shang has a good selection as always. Well, I'm obviously a suki since I bully the kuyas there to give me the first dibs on new arrivals! Plus my kids tambay there and the ates and kuyas are okay w/ them haha! 

Planet Sports and Net-a-Porter...oh and GigaSports Hong Kong.

Isabel Marant Bayley Star and Bekett wedge sneakers from Net-a-Porter

What's that one shoe you can't bear to give away or throw out? 

My Lebron basketball shoes.

Of course, I could never let Kat go with just sharing her shoe collection. I had to ask her about her workout routine, what she eats, and because she has amazingly poreless skin, her skincare routine.

How do you get those abs? I mean seriously!

For my workout routine...I have been going hard these days because of endurance and strength training. I want to be macho so I can maneuver my dream Ducati monster bike. Also I want to join the basketball team here sa Rockwell Gym, I'm not kidding.

I am doing krav maga soon and going back hardcore on kettle bell training. I do cardio via summit trainer and run 4km w/ abs on fire MWF, then tues/thurs/ sat I go heavy on strength training. (Didn't Kat say abs is 80% nutrition? Buti na lang!)

Uhm ok, change topic, hahaha. Let's just talk about what you eat? 80% nutrition, majority wins.

Oh for the food, well I design our own shakes and meals that goes well w/ our training. My husband is on a fat cry/lean up program I designed, while I'm on a high energy/ high protein lean up program. I have perfected one shake I use for pre, during and post workouts. I call it the fat cry/lean up energy shake.

Fat cry/lean up energy shake
1tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 banana
1tbsp whey protein powder ( I use show me the whey from healthy options) but peanut butter will do for the kuripot ones hehe
1/2 yakult or 1/2 nestle strawberry yogurt
1/2 cup almond or skim milk
1/2 cup water

NOTE: WE DON'T COUNT CALORIES, WE FOCUS ON WELL BALANCED NUTRITIOUS SHAKES/MEALS.

Now, tell me about your poreless skin. It looks airbrushed you know.

I use to be a solid La Mer junkie but I had to stop for a while because I want more Airmax and I'm saving up for a 9mm pistol and my dream Ducati monster bike haha!!!

I use pure argan oil all over. I have a bad case of psoriasis and my kids have skin asthma. It was the only product that made us say BYE to the lotion we hoard at S&R hehe!

It was a gift to me last Christmas, it was a lot so I gave them away as well. I really don't plan to sell them...and go all out in the market, but what I use is 100% pure argan oil from Spain and has certification. I supply friends and family and some derma clinics at the Medical City.

PS - Of course, Camille & I ended up buying a bottle of this wonder Argan Oil from Spain and convinced Kat to sell to MFO readers as well! It's unscented and is so non-greasy, I use it on my face each morning as a base for my CC Cream. Email garciakat26@yahoo.com if you'd like to buy too! 

For more on Kat's fitness adventure, follow @mamakathere on Instagram. 

Unless credited, all photos by Camille King of Camille King Photography. Like her Facebook page, HERE.

MFO Shoe Series: Camille King, Manila

You probably first met Camille King here in the blog, when I shared with you the adorable photos she took of Berry & Xavi at play. Today she comes back, this time, as the subject of my Shoe Series!

It was actually my friend from high school, her cousin Mitch, who told me to feature Camille's shoes. And I am glad I asked Camille, and that she agreed. She not only takes amazing photos of her shoes, she has a huge shoe closet that I would want for myself. Want!!!

Camille filled it with her favorite pairs of ballerinas, wedges and flats. I love how her personality is so evident in the styles she chooses - very feminine, casual and yet full of personality. Check this out!

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I didn't count them but I estimate 50 pairs based on the photos I took.

What's your shoe size?
 

It depends on the brand and the style of the shoe but I wear a 7-8. I think I have big feet for my height because I am not tall (okay, i call myself petite). Hehe. 

Which pairs are your favorites?

My favourite brand of shoes is Pretty Ballerinas. I got them all from Adora except for a few pairs I purchased when I travelled to Spain last year. I love anything girly, pretty and dainty so my top three favourites are from Pretty Ballerinas. And of course, almost all of my shoes are Pretty Ballerinas. I am obsessed!

Pretty Ballerinas, all in two rows

Aside from being girly, pretty and dainty, they are are really comfortable and stylish. I can wear them with anything.

I wear flats on most days and especially when I take my camera with me. My camera with lens attached is quite heavy (I shoot with a Canon 5D MarkIII) so I have to be comfortable and stable. I also need to be able to move quickly if I don't want to miss a shot. Flats work for me.

Pedro Garcia flats in bright yellow with ruffles

1. My newest pair which was a gift last Christmas. I love that the colors pink and teal match my brand and website, www.camillekingphotography.com.

2. Animal print with red lace and trim. I wear these with jeans, white or black top. It makes my outfit less boring.

3. Classic black ballet flats. I wore these everyday during a 2 week trip abroad and my feet didn't hurt at all. I also didn't have to worry about it getting dirty because its black.

4. Red glitter ballet flats. I don't think I ever wore these. I should! They are like Dorothy's shoes in the Wizard of Oz. I bought this pair because my daughter had the same pair and we wanted to be matchy-matchy. Unfortunately, she outgrew them already.

If you could only wear one pair of shoes, which one would it be?

Just one pair? This is hard! But I would choose a ballet flat in nude/beige so it will match everything. In the image, I would select the leftmost pair on the floor.

What are your favorite shoe brands? 

Pretty Ballerinas of course. Proof are the photos.

I also have Stella Luna and Schutz. Stella Luna pairs that I have are mostly high-heeled ones.

I have big legs and ankles (yes, I have cankles) so I choose styles that aren't too strappy. I prefer nude and beige colours as well. Wedges are more comfortable for me. I also prefer slingback styles. 

Pumps are always ill-fitting. The first four sandals on the left are Schutz. I love colour. The last two on the right are espadrilles from Spain.

What's in your shoe lust list? 

I am on the lookout to replace my nude high-heel sandals. No particular brand but it has to look similar and be as comfortable. I actually need some help finding a pair so if anyone has recommendations, it will be appreciated. 

Where do you buy shoes?

I buy all of my shoes from Adora. The Adora shoe department is called a Adora Shoe Mecca. Whenever I pass by, the sales person always has a big smile on her face. I wonder why. Gosh, I sound like a walking advertisement for Adora. I'm a good customer because when I find something I like, I am loyal. 

What's the one shoe you can't bear to give away or throw out?

This Stella Luna pair. I need a replacement. I should have bought two!

For more on Camille's photography, visit Camille's blog, HERE!

MFO's Verdict On: Clarins Double Serum

Since I promised to write reviews about the products I do and will swear by, and to make my reviews more comprehensive, thorough and organized, I will be following this framework from now on. Hope you enjoy this new "feature" of the blog - MFO's Verdict On: _____ !

The Product: Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate

The Promise: The one and only anti-aging treatment that reactivates the five vital functions on which skin's youth and beauty depend - hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection, regeneration.  Combining the 20 most powerful anti-aging plant extracts, it is the best of nature and science in one product and the culmination of 27 years of anti-aging expertise.

Visible results include noticeably fewer wrinkles, skin that is firmer, more even, more resilient, with renewed radiance and less visible pores.

Put to the Test: To be honest I have only ever started going to Clarins when I got pregnant with Xavi and I would visit the Clarins Spa for my twice a month pre-natal massage sessions. When I was in my 20s, I had always associated the brand with mommy skincare, because my friend Isabelle would stop by the Clarins counter in Lane Crawford to buy products for her mom whenever she was in HK. But well, now that I am a mom, should be right up my alley then.

I have been using Clarins Double Serum for about a month now, day and night. I just follow the instructions on the bottle, pump the serum onto my hand, mix a bit and apply onto face. It starts off a bit oily, but glides nicely onto skin and doesn't feel icky-greasy. I just let it dry on my face naturally.

Btw, you will notice that when you pump out the serum, it sort of looks like you just cracked an egg, with a dark "yolk" in the center. This is because Double Serum's two formulas are never in contact. Each vial has a separate pump dispenser - to preserve the power of the water and oil-soluble ingredients and ensure the two formulas only come together upon application and in the ideally balanced ratio.

Passing the Verdict: I can tell you, there really is a huge difference in my skin. The first thing I noticed about my skin was the radiance. Seriously, it looks luminous. I don't even wear makeup anymore. It is in fact possible that I could be mistaken for a shining, shimmering Cullen. If they ever included a 30 something Asian woman into their coven. Although I am often mistaken to be in my 20s heehee. Oh diba, never aging. Vampire-riffic!

As for the crows feet slowly creeping around my eyes when I smile? Well visibly lessened in about two weeks. I now supplement with Clarins eye cream, for extra "fight the wrinkles" power.

Pores have been under control, ever since I started doing my French "No Water" skincare routine. With this serum, they haven't exactly disappeared, but they have shrunk to a size I am not bothered about. But not yet to a poreless finish. I guess I am not a Cullen with skin as smooth as marble after all. 

Here's an unfiltered, un-Photoshopped photo of my skin sans make-up, taken with my iPhone. I still do have a bit of brown spots on my cheek area, but hopefully as I use the serum longer, they'll fade into oblivion.

Yes no make-up. I don't know if its my skincare routine coupled with the serum, but my cheeks are naturally flushed, aka as rosy cheeks hahaha.

Overall, skin feels nice and tight, and like I said, I am still mistaken to be much younger than I am, so it is safe to say, the anti-aging claim really works!

Practical Tip: Touted to be the complete age-control concentrate, it is recommended for women age 25 and older. A lady is never too young to start a skincare routine in my opinion. I wish I knew about this serum when I was 25. 

Price: Php4,750 

Point of Sale: Clarins Double Serum is exclusively available at all Rustan's Department Stores: Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Essenses Rockwell, Ayala Center Cebu and Gateway Mall

Congratulations from CATHY & MFO!

We've finally drawn the winners via Rafflecopter!

Congratulations to the winner of *drumroll please!*...

SIENNA Wood Bead Bag: Cess King-Azote 

LAETITIA Tinalak and Sabutan Clutch in Purple: Faye Munar-Bautista 

LAETITIA Tinalak and Sabutan Clutch in Red: Rachel Canales 

Please expect an email from me so we can coordinate shipment of your prize to you! Woohoo!

Dear Readers, I've got more great giveaways lined up, so stay tuned! ;)

MFO Shoe Series: Monique Buensalido, Manila

I first knew of Monique Buensalido from The Philippine Star's Young Star section where she writes a column. But it was only over Twitter that we "met", when her friends AC and Joni told me that Monique was super into shoes, and that I should feature her here in the blog.

Monique describes herself in Twitter as someone who "Loves coffee, writing, sunblock and fat animals." But it looks like she forgot to mention another love, shoes. What's special about Monique is that she's proof that one doesn't have to spend a fortune in order to indulge a shoe habit. Here's her account:

I LOVE shoes. I love unique-looking shoes and I love heels—the higher, the better, just as long as they’re comfortable. While I love crazy high shoes, I have to be able to actually walk in them. That’s why I love shoes with chunky heels or high platforms on the soles.

These bootie wedges from Monica Fig are like five inches high but super comfortable!

I classify my shoes according to how long I can wear them. I have only-for-affairs-that-I’m-mostly-seated shoes, two-hour shoes, four-hour shoes, and dugs-dugs shoes (which I can wear until the wee hours of the morning without having my shoes scream at me).

When I have a lot of errands or running around to do, I switch from my heels to my trusty flats. (Clockwise from top left): Animal print flats from Hong Kong, snakeskin sandals from SM, strappy flats from The Ramp at Crossings, black and white flats from Schu, gray ballet flats from SM, espadrilles from Casa Hernanz in Madrid.

I’m also very cheap so I don’t have a lot of expensive pairs. I scour through department stores, bazaars and local retailers for great-looking shoes. I’m slowly learning to grit my teeth and pay more money for better quality (I’ve had horror stories of cheap but painful shoes, or pairs that fall apart) but as much as possible I like the challenge of looking for gorgeous pairs that don’t cost a lot. More than just the aesthetic of the shoes, I love announcing the good prices I get for my shoes!

I love how lovely this pair from Charles and Keith looks and how sexy my legs look in them too. I wore them to a work event and the hours of standing were totally worth all the compliments I got (my favorite: “Honey, those shoes just paid for themselves!”).

A lot of my shoes have stories behind them too—how I waited months for them to go on sale, how I tracked down a specific store abroad to buy them, how I bought a pair online only to have SM Parisian release the same pair a year later. The funniest was when I went on a self-imposed shoe embargo from January 2009 to my birthday in May, and it drove me insane. On my birthday, I bought eight pairs on the get go. I’m never going on a shoe embargo again!

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Let’s just say around 50-70. I’m afraid to actually count, haha.

What's your shoe size?

8.5 to 9

Which pairs are your favorites? 

1) My animal print wedges from Forever 21. I love how animal print shoes never go out of style and provide a perfect BAM! to your outfits. This particular pair is so comfortable too, I’ve worn them to concerts where there were no seats and my feet never complained.

2) Printed pumps from Aldo. Funny story: I really wanted this pair for my birthday, but it was over my budget, so one of my friends offered to buy it for me and gave me three months to pay him back, without interest, as his “birthday gift” to me.

3) Black wedges from SM Parisian (bottom left). This pair is CRAZY comfortable. CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY comfortable. I could literally run in these shoes.

4) Oxfords from Renegade Folk. It’s a beautiful pair that goes from classic to quirky, depending on the outfit!

5) Printed pumps from Schu. Came across these in a sale and scored them for P799! When I saw them I knew I couldn’t leave the store without them.

If you could only wear one pair of shoes, which one would it be?

What a difficult question! It would either be my glitter heels from Schu because they’re so comfortable and pack a glittery punch...

...or my glitter oxfords from Schu (bottom right) for the same reason. I’m not really into glitter, but if I’m going to be wearing the same pair of shoes for the rest of my life, they’d better be comfortable and eye-popping!

What are your favorite shoe brands?

SM Parisian!

Cream studded booties  (3rd from L) and brown boots (2nd form L) from SM Parisian

What's in your shoe lust list?

Heel-less shoes from Das shoes.

Rajo! For Parisian. I’ve only seen the sketches, but I really like the one on top!

Kermit Tesoro’s Skull Heels!

Where do you buy shoes?

Department stores (especially SM!), shoe stores like Janylin and Charles and Keith, small local retailers that I can find in The Ramp by Crossings or bazaars, and local online sellers like Monica Fig and Gold Dot.

What's that one shoe you can't bear to give away or throw out?

My blue shoes from SM Parisian. They’re so worn out already but I love the shape and the shade of blue. I also love my strappy blue pair from CMG, which I’ve worn out so much but I love to death. Got them on sale for P999!

Actually, I’m notorious for wearing out shoes and not wanting to throw them away. I always try to get them fixed, re-glued, re-sewn or re-painted in Mr. Quickie. (Again, I’m cheap like that.) Recently, my Mom and I had a Save-or-Throw session with my shoe collection. She kept pulling pairs out, begging me to throw them away because they were peeling or broken or what not, and I kept reasoning out “But they’re pretty! But they can be fixed! But I’ve had them since forever!” In the end, I was able to clean out a third of my collection. It hurt, but it also meant I had space to get more shoes!