Things I Love: Human Nature Natural Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

I am in love! After years and years of looking for the perfect shampoo and conditioner for my neither thistle-straight or sexily wavy, fine hair, the search is over at last. 

My hair's new best friends are Human Nature's Natural Strengthening shampoo and conditioner.

Image from Human Nature

Why I LOVE them:

• The shampoo cleanses my hair without leaving it feeling totally stripped down of its natural moisture.
• Since they're both organic, they're free from SLS and SLES which is great for my health in general. The conditioner is also silicone- and dimethicone-free. These are the ingredients in regular conditioners that coat the hair to leave it shiny-looking and feeling smooth.
• Both the shampoo and conditioner are very easy to rinse off and for someone who's obsessed about thoroughly rinsing out products from her hair, it's kismet.
• Combined with the conditioner, my hair now feels so soft, light and almost totally frizz-free.
• My hairfall problem has significantly decreased and my bathroom drain can attest to that.
• My scalp doesn't itch anymore.
• After a month's daily use, I can say my hair is at the healthiest it's been in years.
• And they're so affordable at PhP 289.75 for a 500ml bottle of shampoo and PhP 299.75 for a 500 ml pump bottle of conditioner. Who said organic products were expensive?

Why others may not love them as much as I do:

• The shampoo is thinner and runnier in consistency compared to the shampoos we buy from the supermarket. It took me about 3-4 uses before I figured out how much shampoo was enough to thoroughly cleanse my hair. It also doesn't produce a lot of foam since it's SLE/SLES-free so it takes a bit of getting used to.
• The folks at HN describe the scent of these two products as "aloe vera-olive" and it doesn't really linger on your hair very long. I actually like it because it smells mild, fresh and different but again, if you're used to, or prefer, having your shampoo's (and conditioner's) scent last longer then you may not like it as much.

I've now gotten rid of the other hair cleaning and moisturizing products from my bathroom and only have these two and a tub of HN's hair mask. I love that Human Nature hasn't only made my hair healthier but has also helped me save money and cut down on the clutter. This is definitely going to be a long-term relationship. :L

Mood Music: You Had Me at Hello by A Day to Remember

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Things I Love: Classical Music

I've always enjoyed listening to classical music but never really took the time to learn about their composers and their specific work as well as which versions I liked best. But after watching Little Einsteins with my son for the past three years, I decided to educate myself more on the subject.

I'm not going to bore you with the details of what I've learned by this time but allow me to share with you one of my most favorite pieces: Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. As Leonard Bernstein puts it, this symphony is "...the closest music has ever come to universality." Almost anyone who listens to this won't fail to be moved and be lifted to a place of serenity even for just a few moments.

These videos merely show the last movement of the composition where Beethoven used Friedrich Schiller's poem "An die Freude" as his basis for the vocals and chorus.

Listen and be taken away. :d

Mood Music: Ode to Joy in D Minor by Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra

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Things I Love: The Sound of Music

 "I go to the hills when my heart is lonely..." And my hills is The Sound of Music.

If I had to choose just one film out of my many favorites, this would be my ultimate choice.

From the very beginning, when I see Julie Andrews walk across the green field, make a sweeping turn and exultantly declare in song that "The hills are alive with the sound of music...", I'm captivated. And throughout the course of movie, I continue to be swept away by the utter joy, enthusiasm and sincerity of the cast as they sing infectious tunes backed by moving orchestrations amidst gorgeous scenery. And it happens every time I view it, even though I've seen it countless of times already.

I also have to say that I absolutely and totally adore Julie Andrews as the irrepressible Maria and will gush about her even more in a separate post. Of course, I have to mention the dashing Christopher Plummer, who actually kind of hated his role but was nevertheless perfect as the austere Captain Georg Von Trapp; Eleanor Parker as the glamorous and catty Baroness Schraeder who whipped out zinger lines like, "Goodbye, Maria. I'm sure you'll make a fine nun."; and the beautiful, talented children, the compassionate Mother Abbess and her nuns, Rolfe, and Uncle Max, who all together made an unforgettable classic.

Some people may criticize that The Sound of Music as being too saccharine, schmaltzy and trite but I don't really care. All I know is that this film never fails to inspire me, make me feel good and oh, so joyously happy every time! :D

Mood Music: Prelude/The Sound of Music by Julie Andrews

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Things I Love: Old Movies

Most of my friends, and even my husband, can't understand my fascination for old movies. I don't know but there's this amazing charm about them that have really captivated me. Whether they be musicals like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Gigi, or Meet Me in St. Louis to romantic dramas such as Casablanca and the epic Gone With The Wind to film noir greats like The Maltese Falcon and Sunset Blvd., I would gladly trade watching any of the recent blockbusters for any of those films.

I guess I love them because the actors and actresses weren't only good-looking and talented but also exuded such panache and elegance. The filmmakers didn't rely on gratuitous sex or violence to make their movies stand out. It was the story that reeled audiences in, the music and the dancing, the slow but gripping build up of the suspense up to its climactic end, and the unforgettable lines.

Whatever genre you may prefer, be it drama, romance, action, comedy or suspense, old movies are a treasure trove of great entertainment that you should try to explore if you're not yet a fan. Let me know if you need any recommendations. :)


Mood Music: Saturday Night at the Movies by The Drifters

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Things I Love: Tea

I've been trying hard to find my blogging mojo for weeks now and I decided to take another stab at it tonight. I thought writing about something that I loved would help kickstart my brain back into action.

I've never been much of a coffee drinker and I don't believe I'll ever be. Tea has always been my favorite hot beverage. I love how it tastes and most of all, how it relaxes me.

When I was younger, I used to drink really strong black tea with no sugar. Then I learned that the British way of taking it with milk and sugar was absolutely delicious and it became another way for me to enjoy the drink.

I eventually discovered that there was so much more to tea than the usual Lipton tea bag. There are so many varieties and distinct flavors to choose from and to savor that I've made it a point to try every new one that comes my way. For now, my personal favorites are lemon green, masala chai, oolong and white teas and the herbal and fruit tisanes.

I'm far from being a connoisseur since I still use tea bags but I plan to eventually try preparing a cup using fine, loose leaf teas. I also dream of getting myself a really nice set of Victorian teaware and enjoy my afternoon tea like a dainty English lady with my pinkie finger up in the air. :)

Is drinking tea something that you also take pleasure in?

Mood Music: Tea and Theatre by The Who

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Things I Love: Being a Nurse

I love being a nurse. It may not have been on the top of my list when I was deciding what career path to take but when I did grudgingly take it, I came to love it. It has taught me much over the years and the experiences, both good and bad, have enriched my life.

Saying that, a nurse's work can seem thankless most of the time. We work long hours with most of them spent on our feet. It's physically, mentally and emotionally-demanding and our scope of care isn't limited to merely our patients but also our doctors (and for some of them, their egos), patients' families, fellow nurses and other hospital staff. We are often at the receiving end of everyone's anger and frustration but we go on, as best we can, without losing our composure and with smiles on our faces.

Our job has evolved from being, as most people perceive, a doctor's handmaiden to a professional who is his partner. The attending physician may be the one who is officially responsible for a patient but we are the ones who are there to deliver most of the care, the ones who observe for and notice any changes and, in some settings such as the ICU, we are allowed to make certain independent medical decisions. For me though, the best part of our job is being there to give comfort and support to a patient and his family as they go through a stressful time. It's always fulfilling to go home at the end of a shift and feel the satisfaction of having survived a rough day and of having made a difference in someone's life whether he knows it or not. And it's even better when what we do is appreciated with two words: Thank you. :)

Mood Music: Good People by Jack Johnson

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Things I Love: Peanut Butter

I love the creamy, or sometimes crunchy, texture with its slightly sweet and flavorful roasted peanut taste and how it sticks to the roof of my mouth when I eat a glob right out of the jar with a spoon.

I love it on bread with banana slices and honey, or with frozen yogurt and cereal, on crackers, in my smoothie, on pancakes or waffles, in Thai-style recipes and so much more. Thank goodness I don't have a peanut allergy because it would have been a tragedy.

How about you? Is peanut butter something that you love, too?


Mood Music: My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music OST)

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Things I Love: Pens

I can't remember exactly when my fascination for pens began but until now, I get excited every time I see them displayed at the bookstore, whether they be ballpoint, gel, rollerball, felt-tipped or fountain pens.

When I was younger and still single, I'd always splurge on buying pens. My personal favorite for general writing purposes was the Pilot ballpoint, and still is until now, because of its fine point and smooth writing and I'd usually have several, if not an entire box, stashed away. I also loved Rotring Isograph technical drawing pens because I was a frustrated Fine Arts student and using them always made me feel better. :) Then there were the ones I bought merely because they were cute, colorful, funky and scented like those Raymond Geddes gel ones.

Although I don't capriciously buy pens like I used to anymore, it doesn't mean I no longer lust after them. I've actually set my sights higher and I now dream of owning a Grayson Tighe Amethystine or a David Oscarson Celestial fountain pen as pictured below. They are gorgeous works of art apart from being excellent writing instruments.

How I wish I could afford to buy one of them but they're madly expensive at around $4K each, eep! :o I'll have to settle for my cheap, funky ballpoints instead. :D


Mood Music: Paperback Writer by The Beatles

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Things I Love: Start-Your-Day-Right songs

After what seemed like a wonderful, ordinary day yesterday, someone had to taint it with a dose of pessimism which left me quite annoyed. To counter it, I opened up my iTunes and played my list of positive songs. I love how music like this can help make my day so much better.

And since Monday is the start of the work week for most of you, I'm going to share five of the many happy songs that I love to help you begin it with positivity in your soul and a spring in your step.

1. It's a Beautiful Morning by The Rascals

"It's your chance to wake up and plan another brand new day. 
Either way, it's a beautiful morning..." :D

2. On the Sunny Side of the Street by Ella Fitzgerald

Grab your coat and get your hat,
Leave your worries on the doorstep,
Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street.

3. Three Little Birds by Connie Talbot

This song was originally by Bob Marley but this cover by Connie Talbot was too cute to resist.

Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing's gonna be alright.

4. Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea

It's a beautiful day but there's always some sorrow,
It's a double-edged knife but there's always tomorrow.
It's up to you now if you sink or swim,
Keep the faith and your ship will come in.

5. Tubthumping by Chumbawamba

Okay, this song isn't exactly profound but the energy is enough to jumpstart your day.

I get knocked down but I get up again,
You're never gonna keep me down.

Have a smashingly beautiful week, everyone!


Mood Music: My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music OST)

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Things I Love: Calvin and Hobbes

A six-year old with a vocabulary that makes me want to grab the Thesaurus now and then, an imaginary tiger for a pet and best friend, insightful humor and wonderful artwork... what's not to love? :D

Why didn't I think of this back then? I'm also a Math atheist! ;)

Mood Music: My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music OST)

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Things I Love: Yogurt

First of all, I'd like to thank my bloggy friend Ibyang over at A Wife's Charmed Life for coming up with this wonderful idea of sharing stuff that she enjoys and for generously agreeing to let me borrow her concept. :h

I've long wanted to acquire the taste for eating fresh plain yogurt but the spoiled milk taste always managed to turn me off. I settled with eating the flavored ones but always found it a bit sweet. I wanted yogurt to be my guiltless snack option but the sugar content wasn't helping me any. Then I decided to try popping a cup of plain, low fat yogurt in the freezer then topping it with a handful of wheat cereal and some sliced fruits. Guess what? It was really good!

Low-fat yogurt tastes so much better than the regular variant and the addition of cereal and fruits made it even yummier! I've also decided to use it as my substitute to milk when eating cereal since my lactose-intolerance causes me some discomfort each time I use milk. And a cup can last me nearly four hours before I get really hungry again. Good news for my weight-loss plan.

Image stolen off teh intarwebs

Have a cup, or a bowl, with me! :)

Mood Music: My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews (Sound of Music OST)

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