Salon Report: Revisiting Salon Beauvoir for a New Hair!

Happy Saturday!  Happy last weekend for the year 2012!  I am very excited for the coming year as both Mr. AMW and I will welcome Baby Boy AMW with open arms!

Today, is the day I will be sharing my newest hairdo!  The last salon I visited was 6 months ago and it was at Salon Beauvoir (read my experience HERE)!  After 6 long months, I have finally set a schedule with the same salon with the help of dear friend Char!  (Thanks Char!)

As soon as I got in the salon, I've noticed how well-kept the interiors are and the place still look as good as new!  Since it was the Christmas season, I love the added Christmas tree for that nice holiday touch! 

6 months without haircut + pregnancy hormones + lazy to use any at-home hair care treatment = Dry, unruly and damaged hair! 

Check out the excited girl while I was waiting for more quick consultation with one of my favorite hairstylist Sam!

Had a quick chat with Sam and I am so happy to see familiar faces!  John (the guy who washed my hair 6 months ago and gives one of the best head and back massage was still there and he still remembers me!)  

Readers' Corner: My Pregnancy Skincare

Happy Friday my dear readers!  Today, I will be writing a special post on the most requested "Pregnancy Skincare Routine" that I've been doing since I got pregnant.  The readers who asked are either pregnant while some aren't, they just have strong sensitive to product scent or some have really sensitive skin!  

Please bear in mind that the products listed below are used based on my continuous product testing and I did ask my Doctor regarding some of the products used below!  If you are pregnant and has sensitivity to certain ingredients, it is very important to ask your doctor, they are way more professional than I am!  :)

It is funny how our body works, as soon as I got pregnant, no matter how much I would like to use my regular skincare regimen, my strong sensitivity to product scents puts me off and it was automatic for me to use the least products possible!  I call my Pregnancy Skincare Regimen the "Evolution of Man" stage!  I started from the super basic "water only" cleansing routine then slowly improving as my morning sickness subsides!  

First 2 Months ---

I cannot stay inside a washroom without the urge to throw up so I always try to be as quick as possible when I brush my teeth and wash my face.  My skin survived 2 full months of just plain water and scrubbing my face using my Konjac Sponge! (Please read past review HERE.)  It was a big surprise for me that I did not have breakout at all!  My skin looks okay, not at its best but I can face anyone with bare face at this stage!  

AMW Reviews: Kiehl's Magic Elixir

I recently had my haircut over the weekend, prior to that, my last haircut was exactly 6 months ago!  6 months without a good haircut is normal for a busy girl like me but due to my pregnancy hormones, my hair was growing extra fast and I'm getting a bit irritated with the tangles and extreme dryness! 

While I was waiting for the perfect moment (real reason: enough TIME) to have my much-awaited haircut, I've decided to take care of what's on my head before I tear them apart with my own bare hands!

Last October, I visited Kiehl's Rockwell Powerplant opening and was able to gift myself with the Kiehl's Magic Elixir which the SA highly recommend for girls who suffer from extremely dry scalp!  It's definitely a Selfish-That's-For-Me-Myself-and-I-Moment and I'm glad I took it home as I've been using this for months and been loving the results!  

Read on for more detailed review.  Keep in mind that this product can be used on both scalp and hair, I've decided to use this only on my scalp area and use regular hair treatment cream for the rest of my hair as my hair is long! *meager mode*

Kiehl's says ---
Used regularly, this potent concentration of natural oils penetrates hair and scalp with therapeutic action to restructure hair to healthy.

• Immediately restores moisture balance to scalp and  hair
• Improves manageability of hair
• Softens hair and boosts hair’s natural shine

Size: 4.2 fl. oz./ 125ml


AMW says ---
Pros

• Smells wonderful and relaxing!
• Scalp doesn't feel or look as dry even after FIRST usage.
• Flakes on the scalp area has decreased after 3x usage.
• Hair feels silky and shiny after a month's usage.
• I had my hair re-bonded and there were around 2-3 inches of regrowth but that area remained frizz-free.
• A little goes a long way.
• The product doesn't leave a heavy, oily-feel after wash!

Cons

• Price/Size of the bottle.  I wish it could go bigger!

Overall

Smells great, moisturizing and very effective even after first usage.  Lightweight and hair is more moisturized and tangle-free.

Tips

• Apply a small amount on fingertips and massage formula throughout scalp using circular motion.
• You can also choose to apply the product directly onto the scalp and massage gently.  I prefer the application using my fingertips as I can easily control the amount of product to be dispensed.
• Use this at least 3-4 times a week for maximum results.  I started by using this 3x a week and decreased to once a week.
• After application and massage, wait for 10 minutes before shampooing.
• Continue with your regular shampoo + conditioner regimen.
• If you tend to get bored with application, apply the Kiehl's Magic Elixir and continue with my regular tasks/chores (ex. Answering emails, watch my favorite TV shows, etc...)
• If you want to save more of the product and prolong its usage, apply this product only on the scalp area and use regular hair treatment creams on the rest of your hair.
• Concentrate application on the most dry area!  In my case, it is right above my forehead where flakes are visible.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who likes taking extra care of their hair!  This product works well for people who suffers from dry scalp and hair.

Where to purchase and how much?

At local Kiehl's Stores in Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, and TriNoma for Php1,300 (approx $32.50) .  LIKE Kiehl's Manila Facebook page for more product updates and contests.

Photo
My long hair prior to haircut.  As seen on photo, the hair near the scalp remained straight and moisturized considering I already have almost 3 inches of hair regrowth (from rebond).

Do you suffer from dry scalp? 
Would you give Kiehl's Magic Elixir a try?

As for me, any brand of shampoo would give me the dry scalp so using this in addition to my regular hair care regimen is a big help! 

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Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: My 2013 Planner

Each year, it is like my personal tradition to hunt for a good planner/organizer!  

2010 Planner

2011 Planner

2012 Planner

As you can see, they all have a common factor --- Useful pages, enough space to write my daily schedule or makeup bookings, planner is not too big or small, easy to tote around no matter which bag I use, etc...

This year, due to my pregnancy, I seldom go out and spent most of my time staying at home instead!  And if I did manage to go out, I always pack my day so full I don't even have time to pee!  *just joking*  

I almost thought I'll end up with a boring "refillable" planner for next year (I have a backup by the way!).  Thanks to online shopping sites, I was able to score a Grassroots Patent Croc 2013 Planner at a discounted price!

What I love about this planner is the fact that I can pick my choice of color and you can also pick from Patent Croc, Metallic Reptile, Wavy Silken Abaca or Super Fine Pandan cover!  

I went for Patent Croc style in Red! 
Scroll further down and I'll tell you why I picked this cover style!

2013 and 2014 at-a-glance Calendar which I find to be super useful!

Daily, weekly and monthly agenda is available in this medium sized planner making it easy for me to keep track important schedules!  I also love the fact that I have enough space to write and even doodle!

I didn't take a photo of the "Monthly Agenda" as I've already written the names of my friends who are celebrating their birthday on those pages!

There are 2 full pages of Notes after each month!  I like writing random thoughts, ideas in this using my colored pens!  *winks*

Last but not the least, the final few pages is where I can keep important contact numbers and addresses.  I  know it is the digital age but I still enjoy writing down addresses as I still enjoy sending snail mails! 

The size of Grassroots Patent Croc 2013 Planner is not like a regular sized notebook that I expected.  It is a tad bit bigger than my 2012 Planner and small enough to fit all my bags!  I love how lightweight it is so I don't mind carrying this around EVERYWHERE I go! 

The planner comes in 6 shades --- Black, Dark Brown, Red, Apple Green, Turquoise and Purple priced at Php550.00 (approx $13.75) bought it at Deal Grocer for Php415.00 (approx $10.37).

Grassroots Greenbelt 5
Boutique Store
3/F Greenbelt 5
Ayala Center, Makati
tel. no.: (632) 501 3980

www.shopgrassroots.com

Okay, here's the reason why I'm so in love with my 2013 planner!  It matches my Fino Wallet! :D  I planned to pick the same shade but decided otherwise as I may have a hard time rummaging through my bag or I may mistakenly pick the planner when I'm looking for my wallet or vice versa!  Overall, I am very happy with my purchase!  Definitely a Eureka Moment!

What's your 2013 Planner?

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AskMeMom: Second Trimester + Guess Baby AMW's Gender!

Dear AMW Friends!
Hey there!  How have you been?  Merry Merry Christmas from me to all of you!  *Huge hugs*

Have you read about my First Trimester Pregnancy post?  If not, please click HERE and give me a huge pat on the back for surviving the most difficult moments of pregnancy!  My morning sickness lasted (unfortunately) until 4.5 months!  On my 4th month of feeling bad, nauseous, etc.. I've already accepted the fact that I will be going through these difficult times until the end of my pregnancy!  "As long as Baby AMW is safe and alright, I'm going to survive this!"  --- that's what I had in mind!

On exactly 5th month, and it was also the weekend I had a lovely out of town trip with Keith's family at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay.  It was the first weekend that I felt the greatest!  Must be the change of ambiance, location and food?  I really don't know, but whatever causes it, I am so happy my morning sickness days are FINALLY OVER!!! 

Now that I'm on my 23rd week and looking forward for my 6th month with Baby AMW, I had a check up with my doctor and I was told li'l  AMW is doing great!  And the gender is finally confirmed!  Before I share to you the gender of Baby AMW, let me show you how he/she is in love with the camera!  *laughs*  During ultrasound, Baby AMW actually went from side view to facing the camera!  Baby AMW shoes his hands and feet without problems so checking his gender was a bit easy too!

Baby AMW yawned

Baby AMW's Right Foot

Baby AMW's Full Profile

Taken on 22nd week

And now....the gender....

We are having a BOY!!!
(Check out the arrow pointing at his little thing) 

Sorry Baby AMW, just this once, I won't show any photos of your private parts in the future!  :P 

A lot of people asked me what I prefer, I am seriously welcoming a BOY or GIRL with open arms!  I originally was praying for twins but after going through "hellish" morning sickness stage, I am so glad I am just having 1 baby for now as I can't imagine how my body will react if there's 2!  

As for now, I'm leaving you with my photo with Baby Boy AMW!!! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS DEAR READERS!
Thank you so much for the years of support!

 

Thanks to Mr. AMW for his continuous love and support!  I may not be able to survive the first 5 months of my pregnancy without him by my side! 

So, did you guessed right about my baby's gender?

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Stay happy!