Thursday, December 08, 2016

What I learned about skin tightening

Did that title freak you out or what! "Skin tightening? What is Frances up to now?" Well, as of now, nothing. But if I haven't mentioned it yet, I turned 40 last month and things are going downhill for my body. Literally. Neck, boobs, tummy, butt and thighs. Sigh!

Pudgy me the day after my 40th birthday. The tree and I are twinning haha 
Getting older is something none of us can avoid or hide from. We can try but sooner or later, our body goes through changes that make it obvious to everyone around us that we have aged. Wrinkles and thinning skin, especially on our faces, make it clear we are no longer young. So far I don't have lines on my face yet. For a 40-year-old, that is an achievement! Well, maybe not. My derma says it's because of my extremely oily skin. So, dear oily skin, I will not thank you for the terrible acne you made me suffer through the years but thanks for keeping my middle-aged face supple and wrinkle-free!

There are other less greasy ways to reduce signs of aging. One of the best ways to keep skin looking young is through a procedure called skin tightening. As a former lifestyle magazine editor, I know quite a bit about skin tightening but I never actually processed that information till now. Why? Because I'm saggy now! I was never saggy before! (Lemme wipe away a tear for a second.) So let me share with you information I've recently reviewed to help me choose between the various methods and maybe this little primer will also help you find the skin-tightening procedure that will work best for you.

What is Skin Tightening?

Early in our lives, our body produces collagen, a substance that heals and renews our skin cells, making them plump and thicker. The elastins in our skin keeps the cells close together so the skin is tight. As we age, our body slows down the collagen production, causing the skin to stretch and thin, making it sag. Skin tightening is a procedure in which the skin cells are stimulated to produce more of the collagen, plumping the cells and tightening the fibers.

Types of Skin Tightening Treatments

The skin care industry has made dramatic improvements over the years. The result is that there are numerous treatment methods available:

Topical creams. The least expensive choice also produces the mildest results. On their own, serums cannot penetrate deep into the skin where collagen production occurs. This method also has minimal risks, with allergic reactions being the most common. I'm currently using a pricey cream for my breasts, tummy and butt. No dice.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). This treatment uses a laser device to penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production within those cells, plumping the skin and tightening at the same time. Spas have used cosmetic lasers to tighten skin for patients for well over a decade, since the treatment has few side effects and lasts for longer periods of time.

I have tried this! It works! I looked like hell for a week, though, and oh how it hurts! I did three sessions before I gave up. I was supposed to do 6-8 sessions but by the third session, my laugh lines had vanished so I didn't go back. I did IPL way back in 2010. My laugh lines haven't come back and I'm laughing more now, now that I'm a mommy. So IPL works! (Hmm, maybe that's also why I don't look 40. It's not just my greasy face but also the laser treatment I had 6 years ago!)

Ultherapy. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound technology to target skin cells under the surface of the skin, heating them in order to encourage the production of collagen. While the results are effective, the treatment has only been FDA approved for the facial area, décolletage,and neck region of the body. Many skin clinics have actually offered to do this to me for free but I have always declined because, after my IPL treatments before and I came home each time with painfully red face, my husband glowers, "Don't mess with your face!" But, honey, maybe I can try this now for my neck and boobies? 

Plastic surgery. The most expensive and invasive choice is also the method with the most dramatic results. By cutting away the loose skin and reshaping it, the medical procedure creates tight skin. This method also comes with high risks, including increased chance of infection, and major side effects. I don't need this yet as I'm not THAT saggy. 

What Factors Affect Treatments?

It would be so easy if every treatment worked exactly the same way on each person. The truth is that many things influence the outcome of each procedure, starting with your age. Obviously, the older a person is, the more difficult it will be to tighten and improve the skin. Ideally, most skin therapy treatments work best on younger clients aged 30 to 45 years old. That way, you delay aging. Because it will look really weird when you're all wrinkly today and then super smooth tomorrow. Kinda hard to explain that, right?

Another factor that can affect skin tightening is how well you care for your skin before, during, and after the procedure. If the skin is exposed to too much sun, heavy smoking, or the skin is in very poor condition, you will have less than satisfactory results and recovery time will take far longer.

Of course, each different treatment has a different result. Like I said, plastic surgery is the most dramatic while topical creams have milder (non-existent) results. Deciding on a less expensive method will likely mean less pronounced results. And newer treatment methods tend to be more effective than older methods. An IPL device from 20 years ago won't be as effective as one recently developed. Hmm, maybe I should try IPL again! But if all over my saggy mommy areas, I don't think I'll be able to afford it! I guess I'll have to do it the hard way: proper diet and exercise!

Friday, December 02, 2016

Amazing deals and steals await at Landers Superstore!

I just became a member of the newest, most amazing, membership shopping destination extraordinaire for working mommies like me—Landers Superstore!

I signed up yesterday because I needed to finish up my Christmas gift shopping and I heard that Landers has truly incredible deals and steals. The first Landers superstore opened in Balintawak, Quezon City, but it's very far from where I live so even though many of my mommy friends loved shopping there, I resigned myself to never seeing the wonderland that is Landers. But then I heard that a second branch opened up in Otis, Manila, and this one is a few kilometers closer so off we went!

Look at how big it is! Landers Otis is at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. It's very near where I grew up. Pandacan, Paco, Ermita and Sta. Ana were my old stomping grounds and I haven't gone back in decades so to go back and see so many changes (and that so little has changed, too) was a shock. Anyway, Landers is very near Malacañang. It has a HUGE parking lot so you seriously cannot miss it!

First things first: Sign up to be a member! Here I am getting my ID photo taken. Parang DFA lang pero mas mabilis! Now is the time to become a member because you really don't want to miss the exciting deals for your Christmas shopping! I'm done with my gift shopping and even got extra stuff for my husband and kids simply because everything was soooo affordable that my budget stretched out over more things!

The membership card is worth P800. One (1) extension card is an additional P400. If you're a working mom who owns a business (like I do), business membership fee is P1,000, and you can get up to four (4) extension cards for an additional P400 each. All memberships are valid for 12 months and may be renewed with the same fee. Your membership card will be honored at both Landers Superstores.

And I have extra good news! Right now, Landers Superstore is offering a 20% discount on all membership fees. So that makes the Premium or Personal membership fee at P640 only and its extension at P320, while the Business membership is at P800 only and its extension at P320 also. So I will say is again: Now is the time to become a member!

As I mentioned, we were at Landers to finish up our Christmas shopping. Iñigo is an expert on all things sweet so he came along to help me pick out goodies for his cousins. But before we shopped, we were attracted to the holiday decor on sale!
Merry Christmas!
Showrooms to give shoppers an idea on how to use the items for sale.
Christmas trees and holiday decor everywhere!

 Landers Superstore President, Gwen Lim, said, “This Christmas, we are inviting everyone to visit Landers Superstore where members can enjoy and shop at their own leisure without going through the frantic holiday rush.' She added that Landers aims to change the harried pace of our Christmas shopping by giving “more value to customers so they will always have a blissful shopping experience.”

“Plus, we have special holiday offerings which will surely delight the members,” Ms Lim added. Here's just a couple of those offers:
1. Fresh Nova Scotia Balsam Fir Trees. Available only at Landers Superstore, this sturdy fresh Christmas tree with its aromatic and soft needles makes the holiday celebration even more festive and unforgettable.
2. Holiday Baskets, which make a perfect gift for your loved ones! For only P2,999, the Noche Buena basket is complete with favorite ingredients perfect for a family’s Christmas dinner. Want to give a thoughtful present to friends who are health buffs? The Organic Basket, at P1,999, is filled with wholesome and healthy treats. And for those who love to sit down for a drink or two, there’s the Snacks and Beer Basket for only P1,499.

We didn't buy a real fir tree or holiday baskets, but we did feel oh so merry with our finds! For starters, we bought a 3-kilogram bucket of Nutella for only P1,100! CRAZY! Here's the rest!
He was wondering why these candy canes were pink. He's only seen the red-green-white ones.

So much candy!!! And this weekend, you really ought to sign up and shop because it's the Super Crazy Sale on December 3 and 4! For only this weekend, members can exclusively shop and enjoy 50% discounts, buy-one-and-take-one deals, and get lots of SurPrices!

I'm seriously thinking of going back even though I'm done with my gift shopping because these caught my eye:
I need this copper cookware set from Kitchen Aid! Each piece was sooo heavy! I can use these FOREVER! And P15K lang!
Even more affordable are these cooking sets from Oster, Farberware and Cuisinart! Gusto kong bumalik talaga!
Because I'm a working mama and my kids are in school, kiddie meals can save my sanity once in a while!
Yes for more frozen meals! A working mama needs all the help she can get!
Check out the big box of cereal. It's so much cheaper here than in regular supermarkets!
Gigantic bottles of skincare goodies from the best brands in the world.
Affordable grooming and pampering products for babies and kids in big bottles are a treat because I have three kids!   
Funny Iñigo. As soon as he saw baby wipes, he grabbed them. These are a must-have in any home with kids!
Speaking of kids, yes, there are toys and art materials, too! I have to go back and buy that Spider-Man plushie for Piero.
Fake grass! This is actually a good idea if you want a lawn but want to conserve water. Maybe I can use it for my condo! 
On your new faux grass lawn, plunk this. This patio set is just P25,000. It's crazy!
Last night, when I asked the kids at bedtime what their favorite part of the day was, Iñigo replied, "Shopping for candy with you, Mama. I really liked that big store!" Awww! And he really did. He was so happy there, he wants to go back with his Papa and brothers. I don't like shopping with all my kids in tow (it's very stressful!) but Iñigo and I had such a good time at Landers. Because it's 8,000-square meters big, there's so much space to move around in. When you're a mom with malikot kids, packed grocery aisles is a nightmare. With such a vast shopping space at Landers, we easily navigated the well-lit aisles and I didn't worry too much about my kid running around.
Everything fresh displayed in such a brightly lit space!
He couldn't believe the size of the place! And that this particular aisle was full of candy!!!
Safety first! Guards block an aisle because they were moving boxes. Iñigo was impressed.

I also liked that Landers Superstore had a huge area for hanging out and eating. There's a lovely café (Doppio), a comfortable diner (Landers Central), and a delectable bakery (Dough & Co.).
Bread baked fresh daily! Cakes, pastries and other treats are also offered.
Relaxing diner for members who love fried chicken, hotdogs, fries, and pizza.
Mmm, coffee! They serve pastries and ice cream, too.

For husbands and kids who want to relax while we mommies shop, there's a barbershop for them to get some pampering. And Landers Balintawak, the barbershop is Talas Manileño while in Landers Otis, it's Federal Barbers. It's free for members. Freeeeeee!!!

Another perk? Gasoline discounts. Yep! Landers Superstore has its very own gas station in its very big parking lot. Members get P2 off per liter of gasoline and P1.50 per liter of diesel from five-star gasoline station, Caltex. And members get this discount all year long!

So if you want to avoid the nightmare of looking for parking at the mall to join scary hordes of shoppers fighting over the same brands and same Christmas promo bundles in the same crowded and narrow supermarket aisles, and then all of you will then line up forever at the cashier, then Landers Superstore is the place for you! It's definitely the superstore for me. I'm done with my holiday shopping and I never even felt any stress. Thanks so much, Landers!

Landers Superstores are found at 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City and at Otis at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. For more information and to know more about Landers’ exclusive Christmas shopping promo, visit http://landers.ph/, follow @LandersPH on Instagram, and like Landers Superstore on Facebook.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Frances Finds: delicious holiday hampers from Marks & Spencer

Everyone wants to give amazing gifts and while some of us are very good at it, many of us need a bit of help looking for the most wonderful gifts. And because we're all soooo busy and because the traffic is soooo horrific, we want to do our shopping with ease and convenience.

And that is why Marks & Spencer food hampers are super popular! I always get Marks & Spencer food baskets every Christmas. It's one of my favorite things to give and receive. They're always so well curated, every product from cookies and candies to savory cooking ingredients are gourmet, and everyone eats everything in a Marks & Spencer holiday hamper! Well, I know I do!

I got a sampling of the goodies that are already in the Marks & Spencer shelves so that I can tell you all about them. Thanks, M&S! We think the penguin tin is adorable. (It's on my Instagram Stories today! Check it out here: @topazhorizonblog)

Here are the other holiday hampers you can shop for this Christmas (descriptions by M&S):
Remind someone to live the good life and indulge only with the tastiest and most thrilling treats with the Divine Pleasures (P4,995) hamper. If you’re going for gold and want to impress, this hamper won’t disappoint as it comes with Domaine Mandeville Shiraz, Belgian Metropolitan Biscuits, Wild Flower Honey, Christmas Coffee, and more!

Another luxurious treat is the Holiday Haven (P5,995) which can instantly lift up any mood with its delectable yuletide selections. The hamper contains Italian Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, Christmas Pudding Biscuits, Cherry Liqueurs, and Sparkling Clementine & Cranberry Presse, among others.

Perfect for when you want to let your loved ones try the best at home is the Lavish Luxury (P3,495, in photo). Just imagine them curling up with some hot Cream of Chicken soup on a relaxing day or munching on Milk Chocolate Teacakes while sharing a laugh—totally worth it! The Sumptuous Selection (P2,995) on the other hand has indulgent drinks, treats, and a savory soup that food lovers will surely appreciate. You’ll also never go wrong with Timeless Favorites (P2,495) which has a collection of much-loved food like the Chocolate Chip Cookies and the Traditional British Porridge.

Marks & Spencer has something for every health nut in your life as well. The health conscious can enjoy Gluten-Free Delights (P1,995) for gluten-free options and The Wellness Collection (P1,995) with items that are perfect for when one wants to relax. You can even gift the flavors of Italy with Italian Escape (P1,995, in photo) which comes with culinary essentials that will bring the authentic Italian food to life.

Smaller boxes include the Tea-Time Treats (P1,495), Sunrise Bliss (P1,495), Chocolate Indulgence (P1,995, in photo), and Sweet Nostalgia (P1,495). Wine lovers can also enjoy the wine gift sets and make Christmas gatherings extra special.

Extra special indeed! I love love love M&S holiday hampers! If you're planning to give me a gift, I would love anything yummy from Marks & Spencer. Well, except wine. I don't drink alcohol really, although I will admit that their wine is so perfect when paired with the pasta and sauce in their baskets! 

And extra news for shoppers who love a discount! 
December 4 to 31, 20% off on champagne
December 11 to 24, 15% off on bags of sweets and chocolate bars
December 25 to 28, 20% off throughout the store including food and wine, and double points for Loyalty cardholders.
Reward and Premium members and BDO cardholders: , enjoy up to 50% off on selected items plus additional 5% off sale items for  up to January 5, plus an Exclusive Sale Preview for Loyalty Members on December 29

Marks & Spencer is a super British retailer that sells clothing and home products that are not just stylish but are also of good quality. Its food products are delicious (my favorite is their caramel candies!) and are responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally. Really a good choice if you're looking to give gifts of food baskets this Christmas. 

You can find M&S branches at Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, Trinoma, Central Square, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Abreeza Mall, Marquee Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Lim Ket Kai Center, Paseo de Sta. Rosa Outlet Store, Subic Harbor Point Outlet Store, and SM Lanang Premier. Happy shopping!