Have You Heard Of FitFlops?

I have read several posts about Fit Flops, and lately I have become especially curious about them because I've been experiencing lower back pains more often than I'd like. A sign of aging? Golly, I hope not.

If you haven't heard of them, FitFlops are a type of sandals that have become popular in England and are now becoming more known in the US by the day. These sandals claim to tone and trim your legs, strengthen your muscles, increase circulation, improve your balance and posture, and burn calories as you walk in them. In short, these FitFlops give you a workout while you walk in them.

"Seven Reasons Why Everyone is Wearing FitFlops

FitFlop midsoles incorporate patent-pending micro-wobbleboard™ technology, to give you a workout while you walk. Developed by Darren James and Dr David Cook at LSBU, the FitFlop's unique safely-tapered midsole places varying densities of EVA under your feet each time you step, to challenge the support and balance muscles of the foot and leg. They challenge hard to reach muscles more. FitFlops are engineered with a multi-density midsole that stimulates your muscles more while you're wearing them. In independent University testing, FitFlops have been shown to trigger increase gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring response, increase rectus femoris (thigh) response and increased calf muscle response. Every step you take in your FitFlops helps tone and trim your legs. Studies at Salford University by Dr. Philip Graham-Smith and Richard Jones have shown that the FitFlop midsole extends the amount of time that the slow twitch* muscles are engaged during each step (by approximately 10-12%). So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops you'll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you're normally doing. *slow twitch muscles produce energy by converting fats into energy aerobically FitFlops work your bum muscles more. FitFlops have been proven to increase the amount of time that the gluteus maximus muscle is 'activated' during every single step. FitFlops have been shown to have a significant effect on the toning muscles of your thighs. The rectus femoris muscle (one of the large muscles in the group of muscles in your thigh) is activated for a longer period of time while walking in FitFlops than while normally shod or barefoot. Walking in FitFlops is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. According to a study done at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, the FitFlop wearer's gait is very similar to that of a barefoot walker, but the added cushion provided by the EVA midsole helps reduce joint strain and absorb shock. In fact, several FitFlop wearers have already reported relief from back pain after a few days of wearing them. FitFlops make it easier to stay in shape. Just throw them on while you're running errands, walking to work, or working around your house. Most first-time FitFlop wearers report feeling their muscles working more, while 'fitter' wearers feedback has been more toward great comfort and cushion. One woman reported feeling like she'd had a 'bum-blasting' workout after a half an hour of FitFlop-shod walking."

Sounds too good to be true, I know. I've read some good testimonies but I've also read bad reviews. Nonetheless, I was still very curious and I was happy when I found that Fit Flops were being sold at Shoe Salon.

So I tried them on, and I swear it really IS comfortable! I tried walking in them, and after the torture from the wedges I was wearing that day, my feet felt great!

In the end, I decided not to get a pair just yet and wait until later before buying one. Hopefully by then, they will have more designs to choose from and the newer ones will be more flattering on my feet. :)

I Will Watch.

Mababaw na kung mababaw, but I enjoy watching those cheesy pinoy movies [mostly from Star Cinema], and I won't deny it! Admittedly, most are super nakakatindig balahibo sa kacornihan but there are those that can tug your heart in the right places.

One of my favorites is All My Life (2004) starring Aga Mulach and Kristine Hermosa. It's not their best performance although they were both nominated for the best actor and best actress awards, and the script was a bit mediocre but I liked that it didn't have the usual pinoy happily ever after.



And another is One More Chance (2007) starring John Lloyd Cruz (JLC) and Bea Alonzo. Okay, this one is my favorite pinoy movie ever. LOL. The movie plot was actually very simple but the lines were to cry for! And hindi ako nacornihan sa sarili ko... for a while. I might as well be saying the lines myself. Ganun ang feeling ko, that's why I was super emote while watching this movie. In fact, I downloaded this movie and shared my usb to my classmates [and coerced them to watch] just so they can emote like me. Heheh. Yes, I'm mababaw like that. :)



Basha: I already gave you five years of my life, It's about time you give me what I want.
Popoy: But you're asking too much.

**************************************************
Popoy: Mahal na mahal kita, kahit ang sakit sakit na.
Basha: Pwede bang ako nalang? Ako nalang ulit...
Popoy: She loved me at my worst, you had me at my best.
Basha: I just made a choice...
Popoy: ...and you chose to break my heart.

***************************************************

Hay, I think I want to watch it again. :) Sana si JLC nalang sa And I Love You So, nonetheless, I'm still looking forward to watching it. :)

A Yellow Ribbon For My Blog

I don't usually give weight on celebrity death on my blog. Yes, I was truly saddened when Francis M succumbed to cancer (and listened to Kaleidoscope World like all the rest), and I too, felt that the sudden death of MJ-the King of Pop was a huge loss to the music industry (I did mull over blogging about which of his songs are my favorite but chose to pass), but somehow this time I feel it's different. Because the passing of (former) President Cory Aquino is a huge loss to the Filipino people, and I being Filipino, am personally affected by this loss.

I would have posted the yellow ribbon on my blog sooner if I had the luxury of time, to mourn the death of a remarkable woman and a filipina at that. She may not have made music that touched hearts or wrote lyrics that I once emoted to as a teenager, but I think she did so much more. She was a great instrument in restoring democracy in our country and she paved the way for us to regain the freedom that we are enjoying today.

I may have been too young to remember the People Power Revolution that occured in 1986, but it is something I know I will be proud of as a Filipino. It made global headlines and the world came to admire the Filipinos for the peaceful manner of which the revolution was attained.

Former First Lady Hilary Clinton on President Aquino's death:


Her presidency may have had flaws but she was just what the country needed during that time, and she did a good job at uniting a divided nation. I admire her unassuming demeanor and lack of pretense. I have yet to see a woman president to lead our country who can command such respect and admiration among its' citizens the way President Aquino did.

Even before her death, whenever I see President Aquino I am reminded by the song by Jose Mari Chan based on a poem her husband, the late Ninoy Aquino wrote for their 19th wedding anniversary. Its a sweet song and I know it because I grew up listening to Jose Mari Chan as my mom is a huge fan.



I just have to say this on a personal note, I don't watch so much television but I once chanced upon an interview where two of her grandchildren spoke about her. It struck me how they described her as "one that keeps the family together" and how they considered her "the head of their family". From the show of respect and the loving words of the family she left behind, I am also beginning to admire her as a grandmother and a mother. In the absence of a husband (grandfather), I think that it is our grandmothers' role to unite the family and make sure that her children and grandchildren know the importance of a happy family free of unnecessary drama, instead of causing divide among them. Being a grandmother is more than just the shower of material gifts because it can never take the place of unconditional and sincere support. I believe in living by example and one day when I become a grandmother myself, I will remember this, and I will remember her.

More often than not, a person's life is given more meaning after death and in an instant the sinners turn into saints. Fortunately for the late President Cory Aquino, she was already a hero in the hearts of many, most especially to her own family (where it really matters) even when she was still alive. My condolences go out not only to the Aquino family but to the Filipino people because she was more than just Kris Aquino's mom, in a way she was also every Filipino's mom.

Some Kind of A Break

Some people have been asking why I have no blog updates lately. I'm [temporarily?] staying with my mother-in-law because she's been living alone since Art went abroad, and having the kids around is breath of fresh air for her. For those who know where the farm is, then you'd understand why we have no internet access and why it will be quite a challenge to have it set up.

Art and his dad offered to find a way to set one up for me but believe it or not I told them I'd rather not have internet there. I like it better there without internet because I find it more relaxing. I can always drop by our house if I need to use the internet anyway. (Like Now)

Actually, everyday after I drop Kaden to school, I make a lingering "stop over" at my parents' house and take advantage of the WiFi. My macbook is now with apple and it will be there for another few more weeks, which is another reason for my lack of blog posts. At least, I'm making the most of my applecare unlike Art who never had to use his because he is not "burara" like me. Tehee!

I tried borrowing my mom's laptop but I always end up getting frustrated with windows and instead I end up using my E71 to surf and chat [via fring]. My "tweople" will notice that I've recently become more active in my tweeting because fring makes it easy for me to update. Of course, right at this moment I'm on my mom's laptop so I can properly update my blog. :)

I'm relieved that I never succumbed to all the mini-laptop/netbook lusts that I've been having the past few months. Yes, they're very affordable but most of my friends who own the said mini-laptops I've been eyeing didn't have many positive feedbacks. Which is why I made a pact with myself that my next laptop will be a mac or none at all!

Of course, I think my macbook will still do me service for another good year and a half at least, and a new mac is surely not within our budget at the moment (Prioritize prioritize!). That doesn't stop me from sharing my current object of laptop lust:

13-inch Macbook Pro.

There. No need for me to post the specifications here, but you can check them out yourself.

*Sigh. Now isn't that pure laptop love right there? This would have been perfect for me because eventhough I've always wanted a Macbook Pro, I find that 15-inches or 17-inches is a little too big for me. While others say that bigger is better, I like my laptop small. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. So, Steve Jobs! please make apple come up with a minimac-laptop. Something as slim as the macbookair but smaller, and please please, take your time working on it. So that by the time it's out I will have a few extra pesos-es to spare for one. :p

Ouch!

Facial Care Centre had a 50% off promo on their laser hair removal last week, so I grabbed the chance to get started on my brazillian sessions since it's one of the things on my 2009 wish list.

I had my underarms lasered about two years ago and I availed from FFC as well. I like it there because I find that they give pretty good service. You can pay at any branch (they have like 5 or 6) and then you do your sessions at any of the branches you find most convenient for you. I didn't feel any kind of pain at all for my underarm laser, and while I was warned that the bikini area is more sensitive due to thicker and coarser hair, I wasn't really ready for what I was about to experience.

This room is where I said "Ouch!"

I was in Manila for only 3 days, so I wanted to get started on my sessions ASAP because it will take about 10 sessions to really get your desired results for bikini, as opposed to the underarms where you will only need about 6 sessions. I was frustrated because ALL their branches were fully booked for all the days I was there and even until after I leave. I was almost tempted to go to Belo GH because they were having their laser hair removal at 30% off during that time, but I passed on it because FCC had a better [more practical] deal. Finally, they were able to squeeze me in for a 7am session but they don't me I didn't have time for Emla (topical anesthesia). The consultant told me that she never used Emla for her sessions anyway and if I had high tolerance for pain I won't need it. Boy, was she wrong.

Meet the Laserlight Soprano, Facial Care Centre's machine for laser hair removal. The pain is actually not that bad, but it bothered me more than when I had my tattoo done. So you can imagine the feeling. At first it felt like a visit to the gynecologist, and I was finding it a bit awkward that I had to show so much of myself to a stranger. LOL. :) But I forgot all about being embarassed and feeling awkward once the aesthetician started zapping, and once I started feeling pain. As soon as the session was over, so was the pain. I wouldn't mind going through it again next month, but next time I'm surely going to need Emla!

I Want To Go!

Before Art and I can (afford to) visit resorts like:

Kamalame Cay in Bahamas

Caneel Bay in Virgin Islands

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort in French Polynesia

Banyan Tree in Maldives

The Residence Tunis in Tunisia

Royal Davui in Fiji

...there are a number of resorts in the Philippines that I'd like us to visit first (Yes, I'm so Wow Philippines!). Its just that I've noticed how we Filipinos sometimes tend to take for granted all the beautiful places here in our country, and while foreigners come all the way here to enjoy our beaches, most of us would rather go and visit resorts outside of our country.

But before we start exploring what's outside of the Philippines, I'd like to be able to say that we've seen the best of the Philippines. Although that would probably take time because there are LOTS of wonderful beaches here, all the way from Bataan going down south.

My current resort of interest is Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa which is located in Panglao, Bohol. I came across Eskaya sometime in June while reading a travel magazine in a salon. Just like that, another must-go-to place is added to my already long list. So what if we might not be able to visit all these places? For Art & I time is always the biggest challengebut it'll be nice to know that we at least tried. Once I had the time, I immediately checked out their website for their packages.I love their infinity pools.

The Presidential Villa with 2 bedrooms (good for 6) is perfect for family getaways or barkada trips.

The Family Villa seems just as nice and is much less expensive.

For honeymooners, the Infinity Pool Villa seems sooo inviting!

Di ba it's so nice? Anyone wanna come with me to Eskaya? Send me a pm. :)

On Being Marco Aquino

I don't think I've ever promoted another blog in my blog before, oh wait, I have! Hah! I promoted my hubbykins' blog which he now does NOT update. It makes me sad because I thought he has taken up a new hobby (photography) aside from stalking his wife but apparently he's too busy--with work (not with stalking).

Some introduction, sorry for that. To all my dear readers, I'd like to share my friend Marco's blog. Yes, he is my friend even if I deleted him twice on ym. LOL. He is Kaden's ninong and he was sweet enough to gift me the Twilight saga even before all the Twilight craze started. Marco, aka "hunkababe" has recently started writing a short story entitled The Sandbox, of which he adds a new chapter every Sunday.

Please visit his site and start from Chapter 1 (duh) to appreciate the story more. It's pretty addicting and he does a great a job at making his readers want to read the next chapter ASAP. But of course he makes them wait a whole week just for the fun of it. Tsk! :)

The characters of Jacob and Alexi are very lovable... especially for someone like me who easily gets attached to characters I read about. Jacob's innocence and wisdom makes me wish I were a kid again, playing in the sandbox. The story is very cute and it reminds me a bit of Little Manhattan only Jacob and Alexi are younger, wiser, and much more adorable. It's also nakakakilig! Judith McNaught-ish (yihee!), but not as heavy of course, especially in my favorite chapter.

It's actually just a light read so it won't take much time and definitely not much effort.

To Marco, keep up the good work! I promise if you'll stay good there will be no 3rd time. :p

Sharing this cute video. :)

Different Like Coco.

A children's book about Coco Chanel?

Why not?

Different Like Coco (2008) is a lighthearted and simplified portrayal of Coco Chanel's rich and dramatic life by first-time children's book author/illustrator, Elizabeth Matthews. The author took all the charmed parts of Coco's rise from rags to riches story and accompanied it with watercolor [cartoon] illustrations to entertain readers.

One day when I have a little girl of my own, I shall read Coco's inspiring story to her so she will grow up knowing Coco Chanel before she will know of the brand.

Now will someone please get me this book? :)

**********************************

I personally am a big fan of Coco Chanel--the fashion legend, the woman known to have revolutionized the 20th century fashion industry, the designer whose impeccable style and taste brought us the little black dress (LBD).

I'm a fan of the woman, and not just the name.

I absolutely adore the classic and vintage Chanel look. Coco's style of uncluttered simplicity and uncomplicated classics is probably why I automatically equate the name Chanel to timeless elegance. Also, I wouldn't mind owning a classic flap or a reissue sometime in the near future. ;)

Coco Chanel was named by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century, the only one in her field to be included. To say that Coco was a woman ahead of her time is not only limited to her being a designer, which is probably one of the reasons why there are many who are fascinated by her and her life story, myself included.

I can't wait to watch Audrey Tautou (Amelie) portraying Coco Chanel in Anne Fontaine's Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) which has already made a debut in France last April 22 but is yet to be shown in the US sometime September this year.

Incidentally, Audrey Tautou is also the newest face of Chanel No. 5, joining the ranks of Marilyn Monroe, Nicole Kidman and Catherine Deneuve.

**************************************

Edit 7/18/09: Thanks to Kit for offering to get me the book in Canada! :) To those who were planning to "gift" the book sana to me, thanks for the thought pero iba nalang! Hehehe.

Publish Post