I have read from a forum that Apple cider vinegar can actually make you lose weight! Now that i have gained few pounds from vacation, I’m a sucker to anything and everything related to dieting– safely! hehe I read somewhere that organic ACV works better than those sold in the supermarket. Healthy options sells organic ACV that’s why I’m gonna pay them a visit anytime soon. However, you can also look for Braggs ACV at local supermarkets, which is as effective as the organic ACV. This brand has not been put through the purification process and still contains the enzymes and minerals that other ACV may not contain due to over processing, filtration and overheating. 

Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a health aid for weight loss and circulatory health. It is a very safe supplement, even for children. There are no known side effects resulting from using it. It is obtained from the fermentation of apple juice. The fermentation provides alcoholic apple cider that is combined with oxygen to produce acetic acid. The pH of ACV (apple cider vinegar) is very beneficial for the body.

Apple cider vinegar is quite rich in minerals, vitamins and other substances. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin, A, vitamin P, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin B6. ACV also a lot of beneficial minerals like manganese, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulpher, copper, phosphorus, silicon, chlorine and fluorine.

ACV provides enzymes, amino acids, aldehydes, potash, alcoholic acids, propionic acid, and apple pectin. Apple pectin is a dietary fiber that is an essential component of a healthy diet. With more than ninety substances and a great deal of minerals and vitamins, apple cider vinegar can be one of the most important ingredients in a healthy diet.

Blood pressure:

The potassium in ACV along with other substances makes the blood thinner and is helpful in controlling blood pressure.

Cholesterol control:

Many heart attacks are caused by high fats and cholesterol in your blood. The fiber in ACV helps to absorb fats and cholesterol by expelling them from the body as waste materials.

Diabetes:

The dietary fiber in ACV is also helpful in controlling glucose levels in the blood.

Arthritic pains:

Many suffer from this disease in the west and it is caused by the gathering of metabolic toxic waste in the tissues. In this context, ACV speeds up metabolism and excretes the toxic wastes from the tissues.

Strong Bones:

Minerals like manganese, calcium, magnesium, silicon and iron develop bone mass and make them stronger.

Yeast Infections:

ACV is also useful for yeast infections like Candida caused by the unbalance of acid levels in the body. Making a solution of ACV in warm water and douching can help with the symptoms.

Chest congestion:

Apple cider vinegar is also useful in flu or chest congestion. Applying ACV with pepper on the chest can help relieve some of the congestion.

Sore Throat:

If you have a sore throat, gargle with ACV mixed with water.

Digestion:

In your digestive system hydrochloric acid and pepsin are two essential components that break down the food to be digested properly. The lack of these components can cause food poisoning. ACV has ability to enhance their functionality and help prevent food poisoning.

Nasal Congestions:

Apple cider vinegar is sometimes helpful in nasal congestion.

Apple cider vinegar and weight loss

It helps to detoxify the liver which plays an important role in weight loss. There are historical facts that Egyptians took apple cider vinegar for weight loss. Some claim ACV speeds up the metabolism while some claim it burns the calories to reduce appetite. To lose weight just take 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, mixed in water, before every meal.

ACV is also available in tablets and capsules. According to some nutritionists the combination of apple cider with kelp, vitamin B6 and lecithin is much more effective for weight loss than ACV alone.

Hi there fellow shopaholics!

When a friend of mine brought me to the Tyler shop in Glorietta , looking for our Graduation outfits years back, it instantly occurred to me that I am soon gonna be a constant, devoted Tyler window shopper simply because this brand carries one of a kind, elegant and timeless pieces of clothing…Plus the sales assistant was very polite and accommodating, not to mention that she didn’t follow us around the store, suspecting us like we were those cheap shot thieves who just got bored stealing from department stores.. (ok, that was too specific. :p )

Anyway, when i woke up last Friday, I was thrilled to see my package beside my pillows and I literally ripped it then slowly retrieved my precious top/coat from the pitiful wreck of plastic and paper…. hehehe Anyway, nothing brings me more joy than getting a great big bargain! This top is new w/ tag still on, never worn (stored in the closet) and I won it for only 650php! hehehe

here’s my coat/top:

Another coat i bought 2 weeks ago, from this very nice ebay seller who, even the item has still 5 days, ended the bidding early for me. How? It’s simply by asking! Anyway, i thought this glam coat was too thin and just so so given that i paid only 300php for this. Turned out that this was really nice, the fabric thick enough and the quality is superb! I can compare the quality to that you can buy at zara or mango. Anyway, this has no brand however I got this new (you can smell it, though).

here’s the pic:

Oh, i just love online shopping!

Have you heard about Oil cleansing method or OCM? An addition to my organic, go natural campaign and save mother earth campaign. Read on:

The Oil Cleansing Method or “OCM” is a natural way to create radiantly clear skin using only hot water, a washcloth, unprocessed castor oil and extra virgin olive oil.

“Oil dissolves oil” has become a mantra to fans of the oil cleansing method or “OCM.” For many people, the simplest way to clear up acne, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, blemishes, rashes or outbreaks on your face is simple: Stop using soap and other caustic synthetic cleansers, scrubs and moisturizers, and turn instead to the most natural, time-honored facial trick of all: cleaning your skin with oils.

Almost every facial soap sold in drug stores contains synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients, despite the number of brands that claim to be “organic” or “natural.” These soaps can be toxic to your liver and other organs with long-term use - and, even in the short term, they can do real damage to your skin.

Harsh cleansers contribute to acne and outbreaks by adding potentially dangerous chemicals to your face and by cleaning away not only dirt and bacteria, but the oils that your skin needs. When skin’s natural oils have been removed, the body’s reaction is to compensate by producing more oil - causing oily patches and outbreaks and creating a vicious cycle of purchasing yet more products that work against your body’s actual needs.
Escape the Vicious Cycle - and save money and your face by doing so

First, stop washing your face with soap. For some people, the switch to washing their face with water alone is enough to dramatically alter the appearance and health of their skin. We’ve been fed a beauty myth that we need to do dramatic upkeep on our face with expensive skin care products in order to keep skin healthy, and it simply isn’t so.

For some, washing with only water is enough. For most people, however, the effects of years of stress and exposure make a natural skin treatment like oil cleansing indispensable.
What is the Oil Cleansing Method?

All that’s required to try the oil cleansing method is the right oils, a soft washcloth, and hot running water.

1. Mix up a blend of extra virgin olive oil and castor oil - or any other natural, unprocessed oils that you prefer - see a partial list here.
2. Massage a small amount of the oils gently into your face. Spend a few minutes rubbing the oils into your cheeks, nose, forehead, neck, and chin, allowing the oils to penetrate into the skin and pull out wastes, bacteria, dead cells and other dirt.
3. Wring out a facecloth or washcloth in hot water, and drape it over your face to steam - it’s just like giving yourself a mini facial!
4. After a minute or so, wipe away the oil, along with any dirt, using the washcloth. Your skin should feel clean, soft, and moist with just a little of the OCM oil remaining on your face. If skin feels dry and tight, you can moisturize it using just a touch of the olive oil/castor oil blend.

Personalizing the Oil Cleanse for your skin type

You may want to try combining olive oil and castor in a different ratio, or trying the oil cleanse with only one of the two, or different oils altogether, depending on your skin’s need. Some people substitute jojoba for olive oil, or add essential oils to the oil mixture for the aroma and their skin-healing properties.

Castor oil is known to be an excellent skin cleansing agent, but it is too drying for some skin. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and is an excellent moisturizer. Olive oil renews the skin, but it can be too fatty for oily skin types. You can experiment by altering the ratios to suit your needs, based on these properties.

Adding Vitamin E to your olive oil will aid in preventing rancidity by acting as a preservative. Vitamin E is specifically beneficial for the skin, also. It is not itself aromatic, so add essential oils, in addition. Using pure vitamin E from capsules, squeeze the contents (clean hands!) of two 400 IU caps into 4 ounces of olive oil. (Convert proportionately if using different potency capsules.) Vitamin E in oil (bottled) form is normally in a carrier oil so is not 100% vitamin E, hence the reason for using the pure supplement (capsule) form.

I do this once or twice a week and I like the effects because it removes all those excess oils and dirts from my sunblock and lotion and it keeps my skin moisturized. And to top that, olive oil is staple and cheap. A bottle costs 100- 200 php and you can use this for 3-4 months. I use Extra virgin Olive oil (from my younger brother’s pile of unused oils for cooking) and add up vitamin E (I extract it from the vit E capsules available on local drugstores).

You can visit http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/oil_cleansing_method_reviews.html

After a few weeks with the lolos and lolas in the home for the aged, I’m back again. Again, my apologies for the absence but nonetheless, I’m willing to make up and bring new updates here in bargainboggart’s.

So I’m taking off now to wander and look for new, cool and interesting stuff online.

I started my volunteer work this week and I got one word.. Tiring. Walking around, back and forth the whole time is not my idea of exercise when it involves  the scorching heat of the sun.. (yup, me and my sun phobia).

Anyhow, in a couple of days there, I have learned a lot and so as my patience being tested on a regular basis. My shift covers the entire morning and afternoon. I arrive when clients get their morning care and leave when they eat dinner and dealing with elder clients has nothing luxurious attached to it. However, talking and hearing out their stories (either sane and insane patients), it was evident that each and one of them deals with hopelessness, depression and  even the lost of trust to the very institution that takes care of them. In 3 days, I have formulated more than 20 nursing diagnoses and pinpointed what needs to be changed to improve the lives of the elders. Also, if you want to practice a great deal of therapeutic communication and techniques, it’s nice to do it here because you’ll be surprised on their responses and how they respond to you and that in less than 10 minutes, you can figure out what went wrong and why they are way they are…

I am actually doing something worthwhile…. I am actually giving back something to the society… and as funny as it sounds, it kinda feels great!

My quest on going all-natural and organic has directed me to another addiction: soaps! if you recall from an earlier blog, BNHS are made of natural ingredients, eliminating harsh chemicals that is safe even for the most sensitive and baby’s skin. And when i finally got to use them, it’s love at first smell! and love at first wash!

My brother strongly expressed that having 7 differently scented bar soaps is insane and i’m stupid for falling for the organic plot! (plus going to the bathroom almost every minute to sniff and bask in the scents of fresh soaps like a “rugby girl” is totally, absolutely and 100% neurotic!) but i beg to disagree. You see guys, women love to be pampered (aye!) and if you consider that bathing should be a wonderful, soothing, cleansing and relaxing experience, (just like i do) then using one scent a day is a luxury everyone woman is entitled to and should afford. Just like males are visual creatures, the female species are suckers for perfumes and scents. Anyway, I just wanna knock my brother for saying that! Btw, i’m still adding more soaps to my stash! hahahaha

back to the review, this is the Icy choco soap of BNHS:

(96.82% NATURAL)
“For chocolate-mint lovers, enjoy bathing with the stimulating scent of peppermint and the mild exfoliation of cocoa powder. This delicious-looking soap also gives out a wonderful lather — simply a bonus for you!”

Pretty points:

1. the bar is not soft and doesn’t melt easily.

2. puts up a good lather. leaves your skin smooth and squeeky clean. mild on skin too.

3. made up of natural ingredients, environment-friendly, biodegradable

4. if you’re a mint lover, this one’s for you. tip: let it stay on your skin for about 2-3 minutes while rubbing your skin gently in circular motion. the minty/ menthol-y feel on skin is just great while indulging on the chocolatey scent which is all over the bathroom and it’s quite invigorating. The minty sensation on your skin will linger even after you rinse with water and get out of the shower.I love this because it’s really hot outside and this will keep your skin feel quite cool.
Pipay points:

1. it easily rinses off- but compared to ilog maria, IL is a lot easier to rinse off.

2. it’s 96.82% natural, remaining 4% ,maybe, is chemical, so there’s a very slim chance that you can get allergies… note very slim. It still depends on your skin and your preference- if you’re going all-out natural or not. but in my case, I didn’t develop any skin rashes ad redness.

verdict:

4.5 out of 5 stars!

There so many raves for gladiator sandals, being so much in trend nowadays. I was looking around some blogs and I saw this nice pair of gladiator sandals by Steve Madden at alternative outfitters. It costs US$ 47.95 and comes in brown and black.

On the other hand, for those who want a pair but can’t afford to order online abroad, your buddy, Bargain Boggart, found a local seller online who sells and offers quality genuine leather products. Chelsi Leathershop makes quality custom-made leather goods! So if you fell in-love with a designer leather bag, wallet, shoes, sandals or belt but, just like me, always on a tight budget, there’s hope for you to get that same thing but for a fraction of the price.

” It is also the only tannery in the Philippines who offers tanned exotic skins like crocodile, ostrich, snake, goat hair-on, cow hair-on, lizards and fish. In this regard, consumers would enjoy these new products that not only patronizes our very own local items, but are also completely different yet a class of its’ own.”

You can visit their factory outlets at:

Bulacan:

Ground Floor, Mancon Building, McArthur Highway, Calvario, Meycauayan, Bulacan

tel no. (02) 482 2861 / (02) 294 0659 / (0922) 818 5072

Quezon City:

Com unit 4, Ground Floor, 305 Prince David Condominum, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City 1108

tel no. (02) 435 4176

Here’s some pictures of their gladiator sandals. Each costs only 800php (US$ 19.50)

Yay! After months and months of professional bum-hood, I will start volunteering in a Home for the aged in QC next week.. I don’t really mind if I won’t have any salary or undergo any formal training for this. The thought of me finally doing something related to nursing is just overwhelming.

So, I did MAJOR rummaging on my closet for my old scrub suits, hoping they’d be great for my duty. I had 2 dark blue scrubs from my student days and sadly, one needs to retire now because it’s so comfty that I use it as my “pambahay”, as it looked ratty and the fabric is just awful. Meaning, I only have 1 functional scrub suit and that won’t do if I have to volunteer M-F.

I had been looking around multiply and luckily, one of my business contacts sells scrub suits. “Apple Care is a sought-after brand of scrub suits among doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, known for providing stylish, comfortable and high-quality medical apparel and accessories.” Here, you can actually choose designs and fabrics according to your preference. It’s really nice because they offer a variety of colors and prints plus if you’re into adding “umph” to your stethoscopes and BP apps, you can also purchase covers and cuffs for them. Another thing, it’s also affordable! You can get a set( top and pants) for only 450php.

Here are some of the different scrub suit styles:

Classic Vneck top

Classic Unisex pants
Classic overlap top

Flare scrub pants

Straight cut scrub pants

Anyway, for those who have time to go shopping, I accidentally discovered a “tiangge” stall that sells scrub suits. If you pass by Padre Faura st., side of PGH, just before Robinson’s Galleria (coming from Taft Ave.) there’s a stall there that sells scrub suits for only 300php per set, plus they have also various styles, colors and prints. Hahaha This is where I actually bought mine… (of course, I go for the lowest price with good quality). Don’t be fooled because at first, from afar, they seem to sell low quality scrubs, but if you check them out and go through everything, you can find scrubs that are made of US tetoron and the fabric is not cheap looking and the stitches are well-made. I was really surprised when the vendor told me that it’s only 300php per set. I bought 2 tops (purple and light blue) and 2 pants (purple and old rose) and I got a discount on the second pair. I paid 560php for all 4 garments! Hahahaha That’s the magic of being BargainBoggart!

Here’s my purple scrub suit:

I have been absent (in sanriotown) for the last 4 days because I was in my Intravenous Therapy Certification Program. Polkadotrn had her IV training too at SLMC . Anyway, I had mine at NCCLEX and it was really fun besides learning actually to insert an IV line and caring for patients with central catheters, I was also able to extract blood! hahaha yahoo… I just wish i can practice more.. here are some pics..

In the pic, my classmate is using Vasocan- commonly used in the Philippine hospitals however Needle Autoguards are now used in the US and in SLMC. The autoguard is really cool because you can push a button and the needle automatically retracts back to a container after advancing the canula to the vein thus, no more accidental needle punctures after using it. Almost everyone was able to successfully start an IV after one try, except for a classmate who, despite 3 attempts, still unable to insert it. I really pity her maid because you can really see that she’s in pain because my classmate had to do probing - manipulating the needle until it hits a vein (even though it’s really not allowed in the US standard).

Above, that’s me and my victim. I was able to extract 10cc of blood from him and venous blood extraction is way easier than an IV line insertion. The guy on my left, wearing light lavender, was our instructor.

On our last day, we had our lunch delivered and after eating , we rented a videoke machine and we all sang and danced inside the classroom! hahaha I’m lucky to have nice and wacky classmates who can groove and shake their booties on the beat of “Dancing queen”.

Above, we were all singing “I don’t wanna miss a thing” and i ‘m quite not sure why they have to raise and wave their hands in the air while singing.. but they all looked cute!

Our instructor said that we’ll be known as the “nurses gone crazy” batch! hehehe

For fashion accessories junkies, you might wanna add these chunky, semi-precious stone rings to your collection. Despite my on-going love-hate relationship with accessories, I wouldn’t mind wearing rings by Ana Lloren. These rings are from India and made of silver & semi-precious stones which includes Amethyst, Black Onyx, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Citrine, Malachite & Rose Quartz. Ana Lloren also sells other semi-precious jewelries such as earrings, bracelets and necklaces and markets them under the brand One Gem. The jewelries are affordable yet look posh and classy. The chunky rings prices range from 700- 1,200php.

You may check out Gems by Ana Lloren sold at mixedwarehouse.multiply.com. Or you can contact One Gem at 63.917.7567396 or 63.2.8509520.

I fell in love with the Amethyst ring (below, left) , which is also my birthstone (february). On the right is the moonstone ring.