Point your fingers to Nail-a-holics!

It's so easy to forget about our fingers especially when our hands are full (read busy mommies and working ladies). I'm guilty of not having a proper mani and pedi since I gave birth eek.



So yesterday, I thought it would be nice to try Nail-a-Holics in SM Mall of Asia. I've seen them since they opened in June and their shop is such an eye candy with the colorful sofas, their beach wall paintings, and just everything from their logo to their floor are super cute!



Me and my blogger friend Earth looking at nail-a-holic's extensive menu

I went crazy and asked for a Seasurf Manicure, Pedicure, and Foot Spa with Algae Wrap that comes with a free hand and foot massage. Woot! Simply delicious when someone else is doing it for you when you've always been busy doing things for others right?


My nails enjoying a soak, I hear them say ahhhh

Honestly, nail-a-holics is the best nail salon I've ever been too. I am tired of noisy salons where attendants take forever to look for their tools especially foot soaks that drip on the floor, with water that's either to hot or dead cool. Yes?

No wonder I spotted these fashionistas at nail-a-holics too!


Beauty addict Shen


Stylekit Jane


Bea with her cool GE camera

At Nail-a-holics, they're focused on tips and toes so you are sure you're stepping on the right place. There's generous space to comfortably tuck yourself on soft sofa seats with good choice of pillows. Trained and uniformed attendants are focused on you, their tools are clean and organized, and they use the sushal Orly nail polish!

I actually stared in awe at the lady taking care of my hands as she worked on my cuticles like a surgeon without any ouchie boo-boos. My nails looked so neat after cleaning, all she had to do was buff them and they shone like glass after. I skipped the nail polish because I wanted to enjoy the smooth squeeky clean nails I've missed so much :) I took note on how using cuticle oil and nail buffer would already make a big difference.


My tootsies getting a massage

Then, the Algae wrap which was 'whitening' gave my legs a nice glow especially that I was wearing shorts yesterday. I received more than a couple of compliments on how my legs looked great, thanks to Mr. Algae. Girls, get this done before going on a date!

The complimentary hand and leg massage was kinda bitin but of course, if you want serious massage then you can ask for nail-a-holic's Huntington Beach Therapeutic Foot Reflexology. My husband did and it stopped him from complaining too much on why he was at the nail salon with me. In the end he said nail-a-holics wasn't just for girls and he loved the foot massage so much it is now his go-to place when his feet are tired. How macho is that?



Nail-a-Holics is right when they said this was one family place where everyone can be happy. Even barkadas can enjoy spa parties here, just make reservations :) The mani and pedi I got felt more than just that, it was destressing, rewarding, and energizing. It was another level of getting primped at nail-a-holics. Now point your browsers to www.nailaholics.com and make your fingers and toes happy!

The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

No matter how high or low your stress levels are, a relaxing time at the spa is always a good idea for health and body. And if you want to experience pampering in another level other than just a shower and a full body massage, turn to The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet.


jacuzzi and shared room

It was my first time to try The Spa. One reason being their prices are a bit steeper than the normal spas I frequent. Yet, after walking in and trying most of their facilities - I know I was getting my money's worth. The service I tried is a combination massage which is around Php 820. Once you enter, you will be able to enjoy the following:

1. Jacuzzi
2. Sauna
3. Hot or Cold Shower

Of course they had me at the Jacuzzi which was spacious, filled with fresh water, and the lighting was relaxing already. When using the Jacuzzi, you'll have to take it all off and as courtesy to other users, you must shower before getting in :)

The Spa has lots of fresh warm towels for your use, and you also get complimentary drinks before or after your treatment. I would choose a non-private room which is quiet cheaper than a private one. Ladies and gentlemen have two separate areas so there is no fuss in sharing the massage rooms with ladies. Yet, when I visited The Spa - I had no companions in the shared massage area. I wanted to take photos but for the privacy of other users, taking photos is discouraged especially in the jacuzzi area.


The Spa at Bonifacio Highstreet

If you have spare time and cash, The Spa is really quiet an experience. From the ambiance, to the cleanliness of everything - you'll feel you are getting a massage service inside your hotel room. They have everything from hair dryers, lotions, powder, and even the latest copies of your favorite fashion magazines. A must-try for any lady looking to relax and unwind to a whole new level!

Best Places to Enjoy a Frozen Yogurt and Chill

White Hat Yogurt + Rachel Zoe = Win!

Everyone is hooked! At least frozen yogurt is a healthy way to enjoy dessert which includes live micro organisms. Everywhere I go, I am always on the look out for a yogurt break. To make it easier for you, I've listed down some branches I have discovered that you can easily visit while shopping.

In Ayala Center:

1. White Hat in Greenbelt 5 - they have magazines and books including Rachel Zoe's style book. The place also has lots of sitting options including comfy couches so you can enjoy your yogurt right there.

2. Yoh-Gurt Froz (Froyo) in Greenbelt 5 - no sitting options so this is the place to go if you want to take out some froyo.


Red Mango's stylish wares

3. Red Mango in Greenbelt 3 - super nice place, you can enjoy your yogurt al fresco overlooking the rest of Greenbelt or stay comfy inside their spacious shop.

In Mall of Asia:

1. Yoh-Gurt Froz (Froyo) kiosk at the Food Court - they only serve flavored yogurt and no plain yogurts here. Enjoy this with free wifi care of SM Mall of Asia, just have a sit at the food court.

2. White Hat Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia - this store is smaller than that in GB 5 and they have around 3 tables outside where you can enjoy your yogurt.

At SM Megamall:


Colorful Yogurt from Tutti Frutti

1. Tutti Fruti at the Atrium - spacious shop with lots of different flavors. Self-service fun here, combine different flavors and toppings.

2. Red Mango at the Ground Floor - Red Mango always have nice stores!

At Bonifacio Highstreet:


Yo-Gurt Froz Blueberries and Mango


1. Yo-Gurt Froz (Froyo) at Hobbes and Landes - Nice sitting options within Hobbes and Landes. You can also shop for some goodies for your pets after eating :)

Shangrila Mall

1. Yo-Gurt Froz at the top floor



2. Yoswirls - Yogurt by Better than Ice Cream. It's in the middle of a hallway with lots of comfy couches and tables for a quick stop.

Did I miss any favorite frozen yogurt branches?

Have a Picnic at The La Mesa Eco Park

Tired of the usual places for the weekend? Plan your next trip to the La Mesa Eco Park where trees replace sky scrapers and fresh air - city pollution.


The Amphitheatre looks like the Rice Terraces

La Mesa Eco Park is the best place to make your picnic dreams come true. Finally, like Guida de Laurentiis, you can prepare a wonderful picnic basket for your family or date to enjoy. You don't have to worry of overcrowding or having to race with other families to find a perfect spot - you can setup your picnic mat almost anywhere: Lopez Pinic Grounds or at the Amphitheatre. There are free tables and chairs to occupy, and you only have to pay for the Php 50 park entrance fee. Bring as many food as you like! :)

Aside from eating, enjoy walking at the fitness trail or the orchidarium trail. The two trails take around 45 minutes to conquer. Don't forget to wear your rubbershoes and bring your face towel.



The best thing to do at the La Mesa Eco Park is to try boating. You can rent a boat for Php 100 for 30 minutes. Each boat fits 4 persons. Take turns paddling and see who the best mamamangka is.

A humongous salt-treated swimming pool also awaits guests to take a dip. Entrance fee is around Php 50 (if I am not mistaken). The pool is clean and well-maintained but could be filled with super energetic kids.


Biking as well as horse back riding are available for all ages

A trip to the La Mesa Eco Park is a day well spent. There are plenty of photo opportunities with nature that you don't usually see in the city. For more information about the La Mesa Eco Park including their map, visit www.lamesaecopark.com/ and support nature.

Mall Adventure: IMAX at SM North EDSA

If you feel like wearing a cool pair of shades and catching the latest movie like Harry Potter, then head on to SM North EDSA, the home of the newest IMAX theatre in the country. This is the second IMAX Cinema that comes next to the one at SM Mall of Asia. Look's like SM's got all the IMAX eh?




It's hard to compare this awesome 3D cinema to it's predecessor. Yet, I notice that the screen is farther away from the seats and the screen is much wider. The walls also got fancy lighting which is not present at the IMAX of SM Mall of Asia. However, the IMAX screen in Mall of Asia is still bigger than this one.



Aside from that, the bonus when you decide to experience a 3D movie experience at SM North is the possibility of a romantic date at the new Sky Garden. With lots of greens and exciting new dessert shops, you'll never run out of dining/dating adventures.



One desserts shop I badly want to try is Arts Cream Gallery which serves the Toblerone Ice Cream shown above.

Whew, I love all SM Malls and I realize it's daunting to compare and evaluate them. Yet, it seems that SM Malls are being aggressive in offering new shopping and entertainment activities to its patrons. So, relax - grab a popcorn and wow the little kid in you with high technology effects of the new IMAX. Don't forget to grab a date! ;)

Hang out and Chill at Home

These days, everyone says they don’t have money yet they need time to chill out too. In a perfect world, all of us could be getting a back massage, then watch a movie, and cap the day with a latte. Heck, even a latte costs Php 100. Hold on because there’s still hope, and you can find this at home.

Plan of attack for chilling out in your own crib:

1. Breakfast ala Coffee Shop – if you have time in the morning, sure you can replicate your favorite breakfast meal. Like pancakes? Prepare the mix and just cook 1 or 2 pancakes. Refrigerate the rest of the mixture for tomorrow. Be sure you have pancake syrup and loads of fattening butter :D

At home, breakfast is 24 hours

2. Watch a movie, in your room – sure you have a copy of any of the latest movies right? Microwave a pack of popcorn, grab your bean bag and shut the curtains. Peace and quiet, just you and your favorite movie star.

3. WiFi is in the house – WiFi or wireless internet is a bag of joy already, sure you want to relax but maybe you also want to connect with friends. We love surfing in coffee shops, restaurants, and malls. A different view is already a source of inspiration and it’s fun to eat while surfing. At home, grab your laptop and position yourself in the dining area. Prepare some tea and cookies for your self to enjoy. You may want to pop in your earphones and listen to internet radio. Yes that would keep your housemates at bay ;)

4. If you don’t know yet, drinks are an important part of chilling out. Coffee in the morning, a fruit juice in the afternoon, a cup of tea midday, a cocktail after dinner, then coffee for the night. All of these are available in your refrigerator or in your house bar. If not, time to stock up on cranberry juice, rum or vodka, and fresh milk for a latte at home.

Be creative and wait for the drought season in your wallet to pass. Relaxing at home can save you some money for a big day out in the city. Meanwhile, imagination goes a long way.

Afternoon Tea at Bizu Patisserie

The tradition of afternoon tea started in the United Kingdom and is also practiced in countries influenced by the British Empire. In movies, observe how relaxing and comforting an afternoon tea could be, not to mention how stylish it seems to layer different types of pastries on a tray and choose the best tea cups and wares for you and your guest.



To recreate a relaxing afternoon tea, select an al fresco location - a spot on your garden, terrace, or balcony. Prepare an interesting mix of pastries, scones, jams, chocolates, and sandwiches that are cut into bite sizes. An afternoon tea is meant to pass the time and enjoy a relaxing conversation with your guest. Eat like a queen, alternating bites and sips in moderation. Afternoon tea is best enjoyed between 2PM-5PM, just in between lunch and dinner time. What a relaxing and stylish way to pass the time :)

At the Bizu Patisserie, you and your guest can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea (minus all the preparations). Their afternoon tea spread includes the following:-


Mushroom Duxelle in Vol-au-Vent, Salmon with Dill Pistachio Mousseline on Pâte Brisée, Caramelized Apples with Brie on Croute, Petit Croque Monsieur, Petit Herbed Chicken Feta in Ciabatta.


Classic Scones include - strawberry balsamic jam, chantilly cream and whipped butter best enjoyed with the classic Madeleines.


Macarons de Paris, Chocolate Truffles, Opera Cake, Mango Chiboust.


To clean the palette, sorbets are also included to the afternoon tea.

Bizu Chef Sander shares more with Style and Relax in this video. Watch and learn how to enjoy a succulent afternoon tea this summer.



The afternoon tea spread in Bizu Patisserie costs Php 475 for two persons already. It's a very generous offer, yes? Three-tiered pastry tray served with your choice of any mild teas, what a lovely treat.

Bio Essence Serenity Spa - Break Stress, Literally!

These days, who doesn't need a thoughtful massage? With rising stress levels, everyone needs to head to a spa for a well deserved relaxation. But more than just relaxation, massages can literally break stress built up inside the body.



At the Bio Essence Serenity Spa, I indulged myself to a Shiatsu massage and my attendant Brenda told me that I have "nodules" on the back of my neck, shoulders, and back. I asked her what nodules were and it turns out that these are the tender parts I can feel on my shoulders. Usually mistaken as swollen nerves, nodules are really toxins built up on lymph nodes because of STRESS. Old folks call them "lamig" and nodules are the same reason why a person feels stiff, heavy, with lots of muscle and back pains.

Inside the massage area, where relaxing piano music and eucalyptus scent are present, I had these nodules massaged and you can really feel them breaking down into pieces. I tried to feel my back and it was lighter, I could easily move my shoulders and almost feel my body say aahhhh~ Their Shiatsu massage includes facial and tummy massage too! :)




The Bio Essence Serenity Spa in Connecticut Ave. Greenhills is one of the most stress-free spas I have been to. Everything is clean, on time, and professional. Since it was my first time, I quietly inspected everything:

1. Towels are fresh not reused
2. Bed sheets are clean as well as the pillows
3. Massage beds have clean head holes covered with fresh cottony sheet for comfort
4. Lockers are secure with key, located near the massage bed
5. Rubber slippers, robes, and shorts are provided
6. Comfort room is in the same massage area where a full length vanity mirror is available for fixing yourself up after your massage.
7. Different shower rooms for men and women

What I like most is that they know what a "dry massage" is and they actually have a procedure for it. For people with sensitive skin like me, massage oils can easily clog the skin so we have to opt for a dry massage. My attendant, Brenda used a clean towel on top of my skin and moved it around to the area being massaged. It was very hygienic and soothing at the same time.



The Shiatsu massage at Bio Essence costs Php 650, tips are not mandatory and you will never receive a mystery envelope after your session. Perfect! With only Php 650 you can also use their sauna and shower before your massage. They also serve refreshments before and after your treatment. Hot tea is recommended to effectively flush out the toxins from the body.

What are you waiting for? Give yourself a break and head for an affordable but enjoyable massage at Bio Essence. You can visit their website for their full list of services at http://bioessence.ph

Make Everyday a Friday - Relax with a Cocktail!

Relax, Friday's are always bound to come once a week and mark the start of a happy weekend, when you can rest and unwind from all the stress! Whether you are a student, office worker, or a freelancer - make everyday something worth celebrating. It will make you feel lighter and healthier but sometimes, we need a little help to boost us up. Good food and great company of friends or just anybody at all.



Or how about a refreshing mojito? Personally, it was my first time to drink a mojito because I am averse to alcohol. But on a Monday night, at TGI Friday's, I discovered a refreshing and relaxing drink that will make you go ahhhhh ~



Because of TGI Friday's A Week of Fridays promo, it's more affordable to celebrate at this fun-filled restaurant where you can leave your worries at the front door.

Or, if you would rather stay at home why don't you whip up something cold and refreshing? For this post, I experimented with a Blueberry Vodka Cruiser x Fresh Pineapple Juice on the rocks :) The StyleandRelax cocktail, cheers! You will end up with a luminescent glass like this:



Make sure to pour the Vodka Cruiser first before the Pineapple Juice, and watch the colors do their magic :) Now, don't you feel so much better? Cheers!