Not that anyone asked, but I thought I'd post a quick update on my red hair's state of affairs here. ｡◕‿◕｡
As you know, I had my long locks chopped off almost three years ago and I never looked back. I love my pixie cut but I don't want to be limited by its length, so I try to change it up from time to time without resorting to drastic changes like shaving half of it or getting a fauxhawk. The solution? Hair color.
I had my hair dyed red at FIX Lab in TriNoma last December 14. It was actually a decision made on impulse after watching Frozen. My hairstylist Pabs asked me numerous times if I really wanted to proceed, seeing as I have very thick (and dark!) hair so it might not give me the results I wanted. Being the stubborn girl that I am, I told him to go through with it, and I am so glad he did.
To say that I LOVE IT is an understatement. I prefer saying, "Can I keep my hair like this, forever?" complete with puppy dog eyes.
Unfortunately, as what Pabs told me, red is one of the fastest-fading colors you can dye your hair with. He warned me that this vibrant red might last me two weeks tops before it fades to brown, so I made sure to read up online on how I can make it last as long as possible. The best tip I found: It is very important to use sulfate-free products. Check out this list for more tips. I will put up another post on my current hair essentials, but for the meantime, here are more photos from the past few days.
As you can see, it is still (thankfully) a very vibrant red but the roots have (eep!) started to show. I would gladly touch it up DIY-style, but I'm afraid it won't look as nice as a professional dye job does. The process of dyeing my hair this color hurt like hell that I almost begged my stylist to stop, but after seeing the results I knew it is something I would wholeheartedly go through again when the color fades. It would be cool to color my hair more adventurous shades like pink or blue, but I don't think it would suit my lifestyle or mesh with my personality that well, so I think I'm sticking with red. For the meantime. (^_~)
As you know, I had my long locks chopped off almost three years ago and I never looked back. I love my pixie cut but I don't want to be limited by its length, so I try to change it up from time to time without resorting to drastic changes like shaving half of it or getting a fauxhawk. The solution? Hair color.
I had my hair dyed red at FIX Lab in TriNoma last December 14. It was actually a decision made on impulse after watching Frozen. My hairstylist Pabs asked me numerous times if I really wanted to proceed, seeing as I have very thick (and dark!) hair so it might not give me the results I wanted. Being the stubborn girl that I am, I told him to go through with it, and I am so glad he did.
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| This is how it looked like immediately after I left the salon. |
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| And this is how it looked like the next day. |
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| Day 3 Eleanor & Park feels, yes? |
Unfortunately, as what Pabs told me, red is one of the fastest-fading colors you can dye your hair with. He warned me that this vibrant red might last me two weeks tops before it fades to brown, so I made sure to read up online on how I can make it last as long as possible. The best tip I found: It is very important to use sulfate-free products. Check out this list for more tips. I will put up another post on my current hair essentials, but for the meantime, here are more photos from the past few days.
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| Day 6 I like how my hair looks specially glossy and 'behaved' in this photo. I didn't wash my hair that morning and used only Toni&Guy Dry Shampoo. No other hair products used. |
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| Day 17 - First day of 2014 Photo taken indoors with abundant natural light |
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| Day 18 Photo taken outdoors but under an overcast sky. I like how the red is noticeable and can be singled out in a crowd. |
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| Day 19 This photo was taken outdoors yesterday while the sun was shining bright [and hot]. |
Thanks to the advent of 21st century technology, you can now enjoy more options than ever before when choosing to purchase a quality camera. Still, this may present a problem, for the number of variables which exist can prove to be all but daunting. So, it only makes sense to take a quick look at some of the main considerations that you should take into account when deciding upon which camera may be the best option.
Durability
The first aspect to remember is that you need to determine how your camera will be used. This will directly affect how robust of a design it must entail. For example, if you are a photographer and are required to travel to numerous shooting sessions, it is wise to opt for a design that incorporates strength and sturdiness, for you may otherwise risk damaging the device while out and about.
Size
Once again, you will need to take into account the size of the camera in relation to its purpose and the ease of transport. If you intend to take instant photos and share them online from home, size may not necessarily be relevant. However, digital cameras required for field use should be small enough to comfortably transport while large enough to not sacrifice functionality or picture quality.
Picture Quality
This last feature is quite important, for you will desire to be provided with a picture of the highest quality possible. Thankfully, there are a number of online resources that will help you to decide which may offer the best pictures. One of the general ways to determine this is to opt for a camera that provides the largest amount of pixels. The number of pixels will directly determine the clarity of the picture and this is particularly important if you intend to enlarge these pictures for display purposes. Most modern digital cameras offer quality that is in the megapixel-range; that is, there are literally millions of pixels per frame. This provides superior photographic quality that is nearly equal to that which a normal camera will offer.
Of course, these are but three variables that you should take into account if you are considering buying a new camera. Factors such as cost and frequency of use are also essential to consider. With a bit of forethought and careful comparison, you will be able to encounter the camera that will best suit your purposes.
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| source |
The first aspect to remember is that you need to determine how your camera will be used. This will directly affect how robust of a design it must entail. For example, if you are a photographer and are required to travel to numerous shooting sessions, it is wise to opt for a design that incorporates strength and sturdiness, for you may otherwise risk damaging the device while out and about.
Size
Once again, you will need to take into account the size of the camera in relation to its purpose and the ease of transport. If you intend to take instant photos and share them online from home, size may not necessarily be relevant. However, digital cameras required for field use should be small enough to comfortably transport while large enough to not sacrifice functionality or picture quality.
Picture Quality
This last feature is quite important, for you will desire to be provided with a picture of the highest quality possible. Thankfully, there are a number of online resources that will help you to decide which may offer the best pictures. One of the general ways to determine this is to opt for a camera that provides the largest amount of pixels. The number of pixels will directly determine the clarity of the picture and this is particularly important if you intend to enlarge these pictures for display purposes. Most modern digital cameras offer quality that is in the megapixel-range; that is, there are literally millions of pixels per frame. This provides superior photographic quality that is nearly equal to that which a normal camera will offer.
Of course, these are but three variables that you should take into account if you are considering buying a new camera. Factors such as cost and frequency of use are also essential to consider. With a bit of forethought and careful comparison, you will be able to encounter the camera that will best suit your purposes.
Cynics may sneer and call it blind optimism, I don't care. I love new years because, together with the changing of calendars, we are given a metaphorical blank slate with which to fill with more stories and memories.
Because all good things must come to an end, I am bracing myself for the final goodbye to Ted Mosby and friends. They're releasing a spin-off show but I'm not sure if I would like it; I guess I'd have to see the trailer first. Nevertheless, I am also excited because the first Mockingjay movie comes out on November. I am hoping Fun. releases a new album this year, too.
And now, because I'm a sucker for these things, I listed down some ways that will help me make the most out of this year. Just like the informal tradition I started on 2010 and did again on 2011 (but kinda neglected for 2012 and 2013, yikes!), this was inspired by the song You Gotta Be by Des'ree.
For 2014, I hope, personality-wise, I can be more outgoing/ less shy, and more decisive/ less impulsive. When it comes to my career, I'm happy with how things are but a little growth wouldn't hurt. I've had a nice work-life balance for 2013 but for this year, I'm hoping I can see my old friends more lest we drift apart. I mean, I know we will be friends forever whatever happens, but it would be nicer to be able to catch up at least every couple of months.
I'd like to be able to visit a new and unfamiliar place this year, too.
I want to take more care of my body and personal well-being, so I will dedicate more time for yoga. I aim to do headstands and handstands before the year ends! Also, I am not fond of eating junk food, but I will try to eat healthier this year just the same.
I watched a lot of great movies and read a lot of great books last year, and I know there's a plethora of gems waiting to be discovered. I'd like to explore more, so I agreed to a year-long wager with my friends Anne and Alex to watch as many movies as possible. I also set a personal goal of 40 books in Good Reads' 2014 Reading Challenge, and I am positive I will be able to accomplish it seeing as last year I was able to read 37 books in my Kindle alone. These will be documented in my planner and on Facebook.
Finally, this year, I will write more.
Now here's something nice you can do: why don't you write a letter to your Future Self? I would've totally forgotten about it if not for the email I received last night containing a letter I wrote exactly a year ago. It was such a pleasant surprise to see how much has changed since, and I wanted to do it again for next year so I wrote another email and addressed it to my Future Self, to be sent on December 31, 2014. Try it for yourself!
My friends, I know that I couldn't expect things to magically change the moment the clock struck 12, and if I want something to happen I should act on it myself. I acknowledge that the Universe can only do so much, but if there's one thing I hope it could help me with, it would be regarding that four-letter word. My heart is open and I am ready, but if he is taking his sweet time to meet me, I pray that he's somewhere fulfilling his dreams and ultimately being a kind person.
Do you have a habit of writing New Year's resolutions and wishes, too? What are the items in your list?
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| I'm excited to use my new planner, too! Here is its front inside page, jazzed up and prettified ♡ |
And now, because I'm a sucker for these things, I listed down some ways that will help me make the most out of this year. Just like the informal tradition I started on 2010 and did again on 2011 (but kinda neglected for 2012 and 2013, yikes!), this was inspired by the song You Gotta Be by Des'ree.
Listen as your day unfolds, challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears, stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Herald what your mother said
Reading the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view, my oh my, heh, hey
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Don't ask no questions, it goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can't stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
You can't stop it, if you try to
This time it's danger staring you in the face
For 2014, I hope, personality-wise, I can be more outgoing/ less shy, and more decisive/ less impulsive. When it comes to my career, I'm happy with how things are but a little growth wouldn't hurt. I've had a nice work-life balance for 2013 but for this year, I'm hoping I can see my old friends more lest we drift apart. I mean, I know we will be friends forever whatever happens, but it would be nicer to be able to catch up at least every couple of months.
I'd like to be able to visit a new and unfamiliar place this year, too.
I want to take more care of my body and personal well-being, so I will dedicate more time for yoga. I aim to do headstands and handstands before the year ends! Also, I am not fond of eating junk food, but I will try to eat healthier this year just the same.
I watched a lot of great movies and read a lot of great books last year, and I know there's a plethora of gems waiting to be discovered. I'd like to explore more, so I agreed to a year-long wager with my friends Anne and Alex to watch as many movies as possible. I also set a personal goal of 40 books in Good Reads' 2014 Reading Challenge, and I am positive I will be able to accomplish it seeing as last year I was able to read 37 books in my Kindle alone. These will be documented in my planner and on Facebook.
Finally, this year, I will write more.
Now here's something nice you can do: why don't you write a letter to your Future Self? I would've totally forgotten about it if not for the email I received last night containing a letter I wrote exactly a year ago. It was such a pleasant surprise to see how much has changed since, and I wanted to do it again for next year so I wrote another email and addressed it to my Future Self, to be sent on December 31, 2014. Try it for yourself!
My friends, I know that I couldn't expect things to magically change the moment the clock struck 12, and if I want something to happen I should act on it myself. I acknowledge that the Universe can only do so much, but if there's one thing I hope it could help me with, it would be regarding that four-letter word. My heart is open and I am ready, but if he is taking his sweet time to meet me, I pray that he's somewhere fulfilling his dreams and ultimately being a kind person.
Do you have a habit of writing New Year's resolutions and wishes, too? What are the items in your list?
"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down."
- Kurt Vonnegut
If 2012 was the Year of Living Bravely, what about 2013? Well, I'd like to think my 2013 was about taking things a little less seriously and just having fun exploring great books, movies, and music, with special focus on my fangirl-ing.
What better way to begin this year-ender post than by citing one of my favorite reads this year, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell? I was able to relate with its main character Cather so much, to the point it got a bit disconcerting because it felt like I was reading my own thoughts as written down by another person!
My best purchase this year (and possibly ever) is my Kindle I lovingly named Max. He made carrying books around and reading a lot more convenient so he's now my favorite companion while waiting as I'm almost always early for appointments. Through him, I read 32 books this year; 37 if we include rereads. My favorite is The Princess Bride by William Goldman, while notable titles include, in no specific order: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, The Lover's Dictionary and Every Day by David Levithan, The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, Books of Adam by Adam Ellis, and [although I still feel plot and character development were lacking, but the imagery was really exceptional] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
When it comes to movies, I'd have to give the top spot to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, mainly because I think it's the best book-to-movie adaptation I've seen. Catching Fire is my favorite book in the trilogy, and I am very happy that the movie gave justice and added so much more to the book. Other great movies I watched this year include Gravity, The Princess Bride, Amélie, Monsters University, Frozen, and Stranger than Fiction. Of course, I should also note here the conclusion of [my other favorite trilogy aside from Christoper Nolan's Batman] the lowest grossing film trilogy of all time (Ethan Hawke's words, not mine!) Before Midnight. I loved all of these, and they remind me just why I love watching movies and why I love writing.
When it comes to concerts, I watched only three this year but they are all unforgettable: The Script, Smash Mouth/ Sugar Ray/ Gin Blossoms, and (my favorite among the bunch) Jason Mraz and the Superband. I missed Tegan and Sara but I'm hoping they'll be able to come back soon.
This needs a paragraph of its own: I was obsessed with Fun. and its vocalist Nate Ruess. I seriously think I have fallen in love with him. Like, really. He has such an amazing voice and great stage presence, and their band makes awesome music. I could listen to their songs all day. Here's one of my many favorites. I really, really, really hope they can come here for a concert soon.
You know what's another recent obsession of mine? One Direction. Hee. They've grown up into fine looking young lads and they could really sing! My favorite is Louis Tomlinson, and one of my most treasured gifts this Christmas is their Where We Are book given to me by Erica. Hee.
Other highlights of 2013 include: the last season of How I Met Your Mother and meeting The Mother; slowly growing my The Little Prince collection; disconnecting from all forms of social media for a weekend getaway with my closest friends; fully embracing my job and everything it entails; saying goodbye to a very dear friend who had to go abroad to work; my being a bridesmaid (for the first time!) to my friends Eric and Erica's wedding; becoming closer to my carpool-mates; fun weekend roadtrips to Casa Simeona with Alex, Anne, and Kira; realizing that although not everyone can get me and my quirks, I do have a lot of true friends; trying out boxing for the first time; dyeing my hair red; finally getting to try yoga (I even tried AntiGravity Yoga - never mind that it was disastrous LOL); and meeting Manix Abrera not once, but TWICE - and him leaving comments on Facebook photos I tagged him at.
So yeah, 2013 was a pretty awesome year. Thank YOU for sharing it with me!
I wonder what 2014 will be like? I'm looking forward to creating better stories!
What better way to begin this year-ender post than by citing one of my favorite reads this year, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell? I was able to relate with its main character Cather so much, to the point it got a bit disconcerting because it felt like I was reading my own thoughts as written down by another person!
My best purchase this year (and possibly ever) is my Kindle I lovingly named Max. He made carrying books around and reading a lot more convenient so he's now my favorite companion while waiting as I'm almost always early for appointments. Through him, I read 32 books this year; 37 if we include rereads. My favorite is The Princess Bride by William Goldman, while notable titles include, in no specific order: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, The Lover's Dictionary and Every Day by David Levithan, The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, Books of Adam by Adam Ellis, and [although I still feel plot and character development were lacking, but the imagery was really exceptional] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
When it comes to movies, I'd have to give the top spot to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, mainly because I think it's the best book-to-movie adaptation I've seen. Catching Fire is my favorite book in the trilogy, and I am very happy that the movie gave justice and added so much more to the book. Other great movies I watched this year include Gravity, The Princess Bride, Amélie, Monsters University, Frozen, and Stranger than Fiction. Of course, I should also note here the conclusion of [my other favorite trilogy aside from Christoper Nolan's Batman] the lowest grossing film trilogy of all time (Ethan Hawke's words, not mine!) Before Midnight. I loved all of these, and they remind me just why I love watching movies and why I love writing.
When it comes to concerts, I watched only three this year but they are all unforgettable: The Script, Smash Mouth/ Sugar Ray/ Gin Blossoms, and (my favorite among the bunch) Jason Mraz and the Superband. I missed Tegan and Sara but I'm hoping they'll be able to come back soon.
This needs a paragraph of its own: I was obsessed with Fun. and its vocalist Nate Ruess. I seriously think I have fallen in love with him. Like, really. He has such an amazing voice and great stage presence, and their band makes awesome music. I could listen to their songs all day. Here's one of my many favorites. I really, really, really hope they can come here for a concert soon.
You know what's another recent obsession of mine? One Direction. Hee. They've grown up into fine looking young lads and they could really sing! My favorite is Louis Tomlinson, and one of my most treasured gifts this Christmas is their Where We Are book given to me by Erica. Hee.
Other highlights of 2013 include: the last season of How I Met Your Mother and meeting The Mother; slowly growing my The Little Prince collection; disconnecting from all forms of social media for a weekend getaway with my closest friends; fully embracing my job and everything it entails; saying goodbye to a very dear friend who had to go abroad to work; my being a bridesmaid (for the first time!) to my friends Eric and Erica's wedding; becoming closer to my carpool-mates; fun weekend roadtrips to Casa Simeona with Alex, Anne, and Kira; realizing that although not everyone can get me and my quirks, I do have a lot of true friends; trying out boxing for the first time; dyeing my hair red; finally getting to try yoga (I even tried AntiGravity Yoga - never mind that it was disastrous LOL); and meeting Manix Abrera not once, but TWICE - and him leaving comments on Facebook photos I tagged him at.
So yeah, 2013 was a pretty awesome year. Thank YOU for sharing it with me!
I wonder what 2014 will be like? I'm looking forward to creating better stories!
"Say goodbye to the bad things: all the times you felt lost, all the times it was a no instead of a yes, scrapes and bruises, heartache. Goodbye to everything you really want to do for the last time.”
- Lily, How I Met Your Mother
Are you looking to have a hair makeover in time for the new year but don't know what hairstyle to try yet? This post might inspire you.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a Hair Workshop care of Toni&Guy held in the Toni&Guy Salon in SM Aura. This was before I had my hair colored so don't be surprised that my hair's black in the photos heehee.
In the workshop, we were presented the four major holiday hair trends as presented in London Fashion Week. This reinforces the point that our hair is part and parcel of our wardrobe and personality and however we style our hair should complement what we wear and how we wear it. Hair Meet Wardrobe, indeed.
Here are more photos:
We had the same activity the next day, this time with a different set of bloggers.
I got my hair styled Creative-ly for both days, and here're the results:
How do you like it?
You know what the best thing about these hairstyles is? If we don't include shampoo, the whole process took less than ten minutes! We literally came in, had our hair styled, and came out without them having to cut our hair! It just goes to show that when it comes to makeovers, you don't really need to make any drastic changes; you can work with what you already have and have a fab hairstyle so long as you have the right products and tools! In this case, the right Toni&Guy products. Having said that, here are the products the stylists used on me:
Here's a closer look on the four main collections of Toni&Guy together with style suggestions:
If you see me regularly, you might have noticed that ever since I attended this Hair Workshop, I haven't left the house in my hair's natural state (read: an oxymoron state of being limp yet big at the same time). I wake up extra early in the morning so that I'll have time to blowdry and style it. I will also post my current hair essentials so watch out for that. ;)
For the meantime, happy new year guys, and happy deciding what hairstyle to have this 2014!
Disclosure: I work in PR and Toni&Guy is one of our clients but all opinions are my own.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a Hair Workshop care of Toni&Guy held in the Toni&Guy Salon in SM Aura. This was before I had my hair colored so don't be surprised that my hair's black in the photos heehee.
In the workshop, we were presented the four major holiday hair trends as presented in London Fashion Week. This reinforces the point that our hair is part and parcel of our wardrobe and personality and however we style our hair should complement what we wear and how we wear it. Hair Meet Wardrobe, indeed.
Post-Party Tousle – Bedhead takes the stage with a lease on the effortless type of sexy. A generous of dose of Toni&Guy’s Sea Salt Spray provides the right feathery texture from a romp in the sheets. Paired with a staple leather jacket and a pair of beat-up jeans, this set redefines the after party.
New Wave Idol – Glossy waves take the town with lots of polish. A swipe of Toni&Guy’s Shine Gloss Serum soothes flyways and frizz while providing a dose of classic cool. Pull hair into a low ponytail or an up-to-there bun to suit mid-calf skirts and the crisp sweater weather.
70’s Screen Siren – Old Hollywood is making a comeback with voluminous waves and amplified shine. Smooth on some of Toni&Guy’s Volume Plumping Mousse and curl inch-wide sections of hair with some hot rollers. Top it off with a spritz of Toni&Guy’s Moisturizing Shine Spray, a slinky black dress, and a hot red lip.
Bad Girl Sweep – Punk goes the distance with highly stylized locks. Toni&Guy’s Texturizing Glue provides the extreme hold needed for gravity-defying looks. Slick a rocking pompadour over clashing prints and skintight jeans to capture that don’t-mess-with-me attitude.
Matt Max – Something’s appealingly off-kilter about this season’s razor cuts. Get the same piece-y definition with Toni&Guy’s Styling Pomade from the Men’s Collection. Prep for the day with contrasting plaid knits and the perfect leather boots, don’t forget those layers.
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| Poster girls for Toni&Guy's collections: Kira for Glamour, Carizza for Classic, and Alex and me for Creative ^_^ |
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| Alex and her Creative mullet-slash-pompadour, Paul looking like Ken doll, and me |
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| Two Barbies and Ken! Carizza's Classic ponytail, Paul, and Kira's donya-vibes Glamour waves |
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| Blooming Shen with her Glamour curls |
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| Sarah's Casual Alexa Chung-inspired 'do and Raiza's old Hollywood Glamour look |
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| Arnie looking pretty with her Glamour curls |
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| Tin and her Creative side-swept twist |
How do you like it?
You know what the best thing about these hairstyles is? If we don't include shampoo, the whole process took less than ten minutes! We literally came in, had our hair styled, and came out without them having to cut our hair! It just goes to show that when it comes to makeovers, you don't really need to make any drastic changes; you can work with what you already have and have a fab hairstyle so long as you have the right products and tools! In this case, the right Toni&Guy products. Having said that, here are the products the stylists used on me:
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| Toni&Guy Volume Plumping Mouuse, used while the hair is still wet. Toni&Guy Flexible Hold Hairspray, for maximum hold without weighing the hair down, and Toni&Guy Styling Fibre for added texture |
If you see me regularly, you might have noticed that ever since I attended this Hair Workshop, I haven't left the house in my hair's natural state (read: an oxymoron state of being limp yet big at the same time). I wake up extra early in the morning so that I'll have time to blowdry and style it. I will also post my current hair essentials so watch out for that. ;)
For the meantime, happy new year guys, and happy deciding what hairstyle to have this 2014!
Toni &Guy products are currently available at select Watsons outlets.
Disclosure: I work in PR and Toni&Guy is one of our clients but all opinions are my own.
A few months ago, I was sent a press gift that contains two day passes to Beyond Yoga. I gave one to my officemate/ friend Rica, and we were finally able to use them earlier today. We went to their Bonifacio High Street branch and attended the 9:30 AM Vinyasa 1 and 11 AM AntiGravity® Yoga FUNdamentals classes.
First up: Vinyasa. Vinyasa yoga "incorporates basic poses with detailed alignment cues and instructions that give us a foundation towards taking our asana practice further, as well as restorative poses to calm the mind and body." Today's class focused on arm strength. I was so glad to be back on the mat after more than a month, and I felt so accomplished because even though I wasn't able to practice for quite a while, I found my stride quickly enough and was even able to push myself to do more complicated poses that I hadn't been able to do before! Yay, me!
It's a completely different story for me and AntiGravity®, though.
Before I left the house this morning, I even checked Youtube for AntiGravity® poses as a brief backgrounder. I remember thinking, "Oh, this looks easy, I'm sure I can do it." One of the BIGGEST misconceptions of my life, ladies and gentlemen.
AntiGravity® Yoga is done off the ground, using a silk hammock as a soft trapeze to support you as you perform yoga poses while suspended. Some of the benefits of AntiGravity® Yoga include decompressing of tight joints, relieving pressure while aligning the vertebrae, performing advanced yoga inversions without neck or back compression, and creating better body awareness while increasing overall agility.
I was able to do the basic aerial poses without any hitch; I was even able to do the Happy Baby pose. My problems started when we started with the inversions...
This is Rica doing the Hanging Bound Angle Pose flawlessly:
And - please understand how embarrassed I am about this, but I know I need to post it here so you can visualize how difficult it was for me - here is a photo of me attempting to do it again for the sake of a photo op:
Mind you, I was able to do it okay on my first attempt through the guidance and encouraging words of our trainors Mark and Aldrick. I was even able to last for more than ten breaths! The problem is, we were facing the mirror while hanging upside down and there I was trying to listen to Aldrick enumerate the benefits of that pose, when suddenly I lost my concentration and ALL thoughts ceased to exist. Instead it was replaced by a panicky voice saying, "I AM SUSPENDED MID-AIR! UPSIDE DOWN! I WILL MESS UP AND FALL DOWN AND MY HEAD WILL HIT THE FLOOR AND MY SKULL WILL CRACK OPEN AND I WILL DIE WITHOUT HAVING BEEN ABLE TO WATCH THE MOCKINGJAY MOVIES!" Priorities, right? All hope was lost and there was nothing else for me to do except to whimper that I couldn't focus and I NEED to get in an upright position stat. How ironic that I was wearing my Batman shirt, of all shirts. Tsss.
I tried to do the Shoulder Stand but panic and paranoia crept in again before I got to ten breaths. I didn't even attempt to do the Mosquito and Vampire poses anymore although they looked really cool.
I've talked myself into doing a number of brave things in my life: I have rappelled a steep cliff twice, had two impacted wisdom teeth extracted and undergone one minor surgery, had braces for four years, moved out of my parents' house, had a pixie cut for the first time, ran a 5K marathon, let go of a high-paying job to pursue something more suited for me, survived a couple of heartbreaks, had a Brazilian wax, and stood up for things I believe in even while losing friends in the process - but nothing prepared me for AntiGravity®. Can you imagine just how frustrating that was for me, considering I have been so excited to try it for so long?
In yoga, you constantly communicate with your body and acknowledge when you cannot sustain a pose any longer. You have to know your limits and be humble enough to not force yourself when you can't do it yet. Today, fear took over as I realized I am terribly scared of being inverted mid-air. Nevertheless, I am still glad I was able to hold it for quite a while before I needed to give up. Mark and Aldrick were very suppotive and even talked to me after class to say that it's normal and I will get through it after a few classes. I think so, too. And yes, maybe I can get the courage to try it again, but for now I guess I will stick to yoga classes where at least two of my limbs can stay put on the floor permanently.
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| I'm happier when I'm not hanging upside down, thankyouverymuch. |
Experiences are best when shared, especially with someone who won't laugh at your inability to hold an inverted aerial yoga pose, instead encourage you and take your photo as per your request LOL.
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| Thanks for coming with me today, Rica! |
Namaste.
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