Whatever your lifestyle, belief, and budget, there is a birth control method for you and your family.

Couples are now more conscious of how many kids they’d have. Parents want to make sure they can bring up their children well and provide for their needs. Fortunately, a wide array of birth control methods is now available.

1. Combined oral contraceptives.

Known as “the pill,” it has both estrogen and progestin. It stops ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus so sperm has a harder time to get through.

PROS: When you want a baby, just stop taking the pill. You may be pregnant as soon as the next cycle. Easy to take. Easily available.

CONS: Some may gain weight or have headaches. Regular OB-GYN checkups a must to see how the baby responds to it. Pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

EFFECTIVENESS: 99.6%

GOOD FOR: Women who don’t mind the routine of taking pills every day.

2. Progestin-only contraceptives.

Also called the “mini pill,” it thickens the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to get through. It stops ovulation in about half of menstrual cycles.

PROS: Won’t affect milk supply. Easy to take. Easily available.

CONS: Regular OB-GYN checkups a must to see how body responds to it.

EFFECTIVENESS: 98%

GOOD FOR: Breastfeeding moms.

3. Injectable.

Delivered via intramuscular injection on the arm or buttocks, one dose is good for three months to prevent ovulation.

PROS: Convenient.

CONS: If stopped, it may take a while for a woman to get pregnant.

EFFECTIVENESS: 99.6%

GOOD FOR: Those who don’t want to take pills everyday.

4. Contraceptive Patch.

Marked as Ortho-Evra, this contraceptive patch can be placed on the arm or abdomen to prevent ovulation.

PROS: One can do regular activities and even go swimming. Easily available.

CONS: May cause skin rashes. Patch needs to be changed every week.

EFFECTIVENESS: 98%

GOOD FOR: Those who don’t like taking pills every day. Not good for smokers, and those with a history of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. (more…)

Clarins, a French cosmetic company with world recognition, has been in the process of making people beautiful for over 100 years. It all began when a young medical student named Jacques Courtin-Clarins opted to treat circulatory problems with a massage. Patients began to notice that they not only began to feel better, but that their skin began to look better. Over the next 50 years, Clarins devoted his life to improving the way his patients felt and looked, and what started of as a simple botanical-based practice became one of the world’s foremost beauty companies.

Clarins has always been one of my favorite skincare brands; their One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and UV Plus 40 daily sun block have been among my daily staples for over a year. When I heard that they were opening a bigger, better Institut Clarins at the 5th floor of the Rustan’s Department Sore, I knew this demanded a visit. The spa has definitely increased in size, with the familiar Clarins products line the way to your room, tempting you to try them all before even beginning your session. It was suggested that I try the 60-minute purifying facial with a 20-minute additional Pro Whitening Facial Plus treatment to help even out my skin tone.

Clarins believes that poor circulation is the root of all skin problems, especially since circulation slows down with age. They see massage as an excellent way to improve circulation and the health of the skin. Clarins massage techniques are composed of no less than 80 movements. The Institute Clarins pairs massage with their high-gradeproducts to stimulate the lymphatic system and blood circulation. They claim that results on the skin are immediate. The ingredients used on your face were developed by the Clarins research and development team, who travel extensively throughout the world to exotic places such as tropical rainforests in theAmazon, Asia, and other remote locations in Europe to find new ingredients and cutting-edge research that help make skin glow.

(more…)

We live in a fast-paced world. Who has the time to remember how many servings of fruit, grains, and meat we get in a day let alone the nutrients they contain? For years, nutritionists have recommended popping a multi-vitamin and worrying no more — but is it really enough? Advertisements recommend this type of capsule, or that type of pill, with the promise of everything short of everlasting life. It’s a confusing situation for the busy woman, so here’s how to make things simpler. Here’s what the more popular vitamins do, and who needs them.

Beta Carotene

What it does: Beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body. Beta carotene is also believed to help prevent cancer, but new research is debating if that is really true.

Who needs it: Everyone needs small does of beta carotene, but not enough to warrant it being included in a multi-vitamin.

How much: 3-6 mg daily — easily found in certain foods.

How to get it: Fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens like spinach, and colorful produce like carrots and red and green peppers. Eating two or three servings of bright or dark colored vegetables daily will give you all you need.

Calcium

What it does: Calcium keeps bones strong and prevents osteoporosis. It may even protect against certain types of cancer. Some research has also found that calcium may help in weight loss.

Who needs it: People who avoid drinking dairy products or are lactose intolerant.

How much: 1,000 - 1,200 mg

How to get it: Milk and other dairy products like cheese and yogurt are the main sources of dietary calcium. If you don’t drink three cups of milk a da, you need a separate supplement for your calcium requirements whatever your age is.

Tips: To help your body absorb the calcium better, divide the supplement into two doses of 500-600 mg each.

(more…)

What better way to vege out and save than to have your spa treatment in the comfort of your home.

Throw out those cardigans and let your shoulders feel the warm sun. The chilly holiday months usually leave skin dry and dull so best to head to the spa and enjoy some exfoliating treatments. If going to the spa is beyond your budget, however, at-home treatments you can do yourself will work just as well. Try these simple spa-inspired concoctions that will leave your skin looking fresh and glowing.

At-home spa treatments:

1. Salt Scrub

You will need: 3 cups fine sea salt, 3/4 cup olive oil and 3/4 cup sweet almond oil.

How to make: In a bowl, stir olive oil and salt using an egg beater. Add 3-4 drops of sweet almond oil to the mixture. You may also choose the essential oil you want to use. Peppermint, for instance, helps perk up your mood. This mixture is good for 15 applications. Simply place in a sealed jar to keep it fresh.

How to use: A salt scrub is good for exfoliating dry skin. This recipe is especially effective on areas like your elbows, knees and feet. After a warm shower, don’t dry off completely as this works best when you’re a bit moist. Using circular motions, rub the mixture throughout your skin starting with your extremities and working your way to the heart. This is also good for your blood circulation. Wash off mixture.

Remember not to use salt scrub if you just shaved your legs or have minor cuts in your skin. If you’re pregnant or have medical problems, consult your doctor first before using essential oils.

2. Sugar Body Scrub

You will need:

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups fresh milk

How to make: Mix sugar, milk and canola oil in a bowl. Place in a clean jar. Good for 15 applications.

How to use: Same procedure as the salt scrub. This mixture though is much milder on the skin.

3. Sweet Facial Scrub

You will need:

1 tsp brewer’s yeast (stimulates blood circulation)
2 1/4 tsp yogurt (good for balancing ph of your skin)
1 1/2 tsp sugar (for exfoliating)

How to make: Mix the ingredients quickly and use right away before sugar dissolves.

How to use: Apply mixture on face. Stay away from the eyes. Wash off after 5 minutes.

Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Yes, you can look 10 years younger. You’re 30 but feel and look like you’re 10 years older. No amount of vitamins will make you look younger if you don’t take the effort to update your look. Sure, you’re already a mom but you don’t have to stick to that blah mommy look. Here are some look 10 years younger:

(more…)

Let’s go spa-ing! You read it right — spa-ing has become the newest buzzword among today’s up and about crowd. If I were to define spa-ing, I would call it the art of inviting health and a sense of harmony into your life. SPA for me stands for Self-love, Pampering and Age management.

I became a spa-holic years ago. I discovered that the real meaning of going to a spa was having time for yourself, relinquishing control and surrendering to the healing elements of your surrounds, and taking in that antidote for rejuvenation.

I have witnessed the boom and burgeoning of spas everywhere. My addiction to spas has practically taken me to the four corners of the world.

(more…)