Loving Country Music, Loving Lady Antebellum

Before, I thought country music was too American and western and that it couldn't possibly appeal to Asians like me. But nooooo.....

After hearing this song, I instantly became a fan. And after hearing their two albums, I completely embraced country music. I just love it so much now!

Since American Idol is soon to begin with it's 10th season, I included the band's performance of my favorite song in last year's show. Enjoy!

Breaking Up With My Braided Anklet

I wore this braided anklet for 7 straight years without ever taking it off. EVER.

It was only last night that I accidentally ripped it off when I scratched my right ankle. I was talking to a friend of mine over the phone when it happened, so the sadness didn't kick in yet.

Well, it has now.

Isn't it amazing how you can actually hold on to wear something without ever taking it off? That anklet hung on to me with every fiber of its being, not letting anything come between us. Not jeans, not socks, not sandy beaches, not typhoons, not soap, nothing.

But, I don't know, it just gave up last night. It came off easily with just a scratch of an itch I couldn't ignore. For 7 years, it stayed there, wrapped around my ankle, but it only took one unpremeditated act to throw all that out. I guess it just had to happen.

My braided anklet had several siblings, but they didn't last long. It doesn't have a name, and I don't think it needs one. The moments, the secrets, those are the things I'll remember it by. But I'm sure, it won't be forgotten right away. For the next few weeks or so, it will be like having a phantom leg: I'll feel it's there but it's not.

Okay fine, yes. I do have a choice, and it's not too late. I can tie it back up and pretend that nothing happened. But now, I'm having second thoughts. Realizing that it has so much meaning to me, it all suddenly seemed so tough.

But, I think it's about time to finally let it go, let things go. I don't think we should hold on to our past that long, anyway. It can mess up our present and future, and when that happens it's excruciatingly hard to iron things out.

I guess this is goodbye, then. I hope you become fashionable again.

Note: The photo is mine.

Review: Battle of the Facial Washes

I've been into facial washes for several years now, and I've only used 3 brands faithfully: Master, Gatsby, and Human Nature.

Master Facial Scrub - Oil Control

Gastby - Refreshing Wash Scrub

Human Nature Organic Facial Wash - Calendula & Seaweed Gel

  
Master

From what I remember, it's one of the first local facial care products that's marketed to men. I was in high school when it became popular, and their ads easily convinced me that men's faces need more than soap and water too. So, I made sure that my parents included it in their groceries. With that, I became a loyal consumer for many years. I even told people that it's my secret to an acne-free skin (actually, it's due to my genes). Here's what I think:

• Product quality/reputation: Made by Sara Lee. 'Nuff said.
• Effectivity: Highly effective against acne. Whenever I had pimples, I just covered it with a glob, and it dried up.
• Consistency (1 - fluid, 5 - thick): 3. Makes me squeeze out more than what I need.
• Affordability: 100 mL bottle costs around... P120? Not the cheapest around.
• Features: Zeroil, anti-bacterial agent, microscrubs. Not too catchy, but they're there.
• Remarks: Really cleanses and smoothens skin. Cooling sensation provides relief. Smells manly but too strong. Removes oil well, but doesn't lessen the production much.
• Strongest point: effectivity

It was during college when Master lost me. I'm still using it at present, but only as a shaving aid. Actually, I'm just emptying the bottle up. So, what happened? What made me change? The answer: Gatsby.

Gastby

When Gastby came into play, I just had to try it. It had charcoal for Pete's sake! I couldn't resist knowing what it would feel to clean my face with a "dirty" ingredient. So I bought one, and after my first wash, it made me switch instantly. Here's why:

• Product quality/reputation: Imported by Mandom, which makes Gatsby. Impressive "resume".
• Effectivity: Pretty much effective. The charcoal does clean.
• Consistency: 4. Makes me squeeze out the right amount. Lasts longer.
• Affordability: 120g costs less than P100. Much more affordable.
• Features: Charcoal, scrub, witch hazel extract, menthol. Got me real good.
• Remarks: Also cleanses and smoothens skin. With cooling sensation, but not as cool. Citrus smell is pleasant. Doesn't lessen oil production either (I think it's my sebaceous glands, not the products).
• Strongest point:  longevity, affordability

If you're not really after effectivity, Gatsby is the practical choice. If you want a potent facial wash, go for Master.

Human Nature

It was my good friend Raica who introduced me to Human Nature a few months ago. Upon trying their stock at home, I got convinced right away that I had to buy one for myself. What got me? It's purely organic. Plus, I thought that it was about time for me to go green, so I made an order as soon as I got home. (I just ran out of supply, so I don't have photos.) Here's my verdict:

• Product quality/reputation: Made by Gandang Kalikasan. Legit organic ingredients.
• Effectivity: Cleans well.
• Consistency: 2/3. Fluid but as stable as gel. Either you squeeze out little or too much. Since a small amount is enough, it lasts surprisingly long.
• Affordability: 100mL costs around P130 plus shipping. Expensive, but the ingredients justify the price.
• Features: Calendula, seaweed gel. May cause allergic reactions, but not harsh on skin because it's organic.
• Remarks: Cleans and smoothens skin as well, but makes your face too slippery for you to feel the cleanliness with your hands. No cooling sensation, but the candy-like smell is great. Made my skin a bit more oily. Caused pimples (not too bad).
• Strongest point:  all-organic

I think it caused pimples because my face wasn't used to an organic facial wash. They thought it was the seaweed, but I dismissed that because I'm not allergic to it. But there was one thing that really impressed me: the customer service. They responded to my every e-mail, and they even offered to replace the one I bought with a different variant. Well, I ended up using it all anyway, so I guess that's faithful enough, but I'm not gonna buy again from them anytime soon. It's too expensive, and ordering online is a hassle (you have to deposit your payment to their bank account if you want to avoid the more expensive shipping fee).

Sooooo, I'm back to Gatsby. At this point, I'm open to trying other facial care products. There are so many new brands out there, and they're too interesting to be ignored. So stick around for my next facial wash review. If you want to suggest a brand, please leave a comment. Better if you give me a free sample. =)

Note: All photos related to Master and Gatsby are mine.