Photo Journal of Summer 2011

SUMMER is different things to different people, but we can all AGREE that summer is LOVE! 

You can see JOY is written all over their faces!

 

 Summer break is the perfect opportunity to CONQUER your fear!

Summer also is a good time for older siblings to SHINE as a mentor!

 

SUMMER also teaches us that PERSEVERANCE is a GOOD virtue... and that PRACTICE makes PERFECT!

 

 The sweltering Manila heat is just another good reason to spend it in the POOL.

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

Photo by Sherwyn Santiago

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Ipanema Flip-Flop Love

I live in flip-flops.  I am thankful that I live in a country where it is flip-flop season the whole year round.  I am all for the comfort it gives me, but yet I also look for fashionable designs.  Ipanema, one of Brazil's most fashionable footwear brand, is one of my favorite flip-flop brand for several years now.  I like that it is not limited to just thong slippers; there are a variety of designs available to suit my design fancy.  Ipanema provide new twists to traditional sandals with various combinations of slip-ons, high-heeled wedges, sexy thongs, printed soles, vibrant colors and elaborate 3D designs.  

It is much to my enjoyment that Ipanema Philippines introduced new designs during the recently concluded 2011 Philippine Fashion Week.  It is just the perfect time as I had just been declared as one of the lucky recipients of an Ipanema Gift Check courtesy of My Mom-Friday's Big Anniversary Blow-out!  Lucky, lucky ME! :)

I have been busy choosing, and here are some of my favorite designs:

I am the type who wants all the options laid out before me, and sometimes I can't do that because some designs simply run out of stock fast.  If you share my dilemma, then you can view the entire collection on their webpage.  You will be further delighted to know that Ipanema also has an online store where you can view the entire collection and make a purchase at www.ipanemastore.com.ph.

I can't wait to go to the mall this weekend to finally get my hands feet on these buttery soft slippers.  It is the perfect way to end summer!

Like Ipanema on FaceBook.

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Pampering Massage at Nuat Thai - Libis

Going for a spa treatment is a luxury which I do not frequently indulge in.  Just recently, I availed the services of a high-end spa to entertain a balikbayan aunt.  But usually, whenever I find myself needing a massage, I just avail of the home-service masseuse. Not only is it convenient as I do not have to step out of my house, the home-service is very affordable as well.  The only drawback is that my kids go in and out of the room as well - so there is no calming and tranquility in that experience.

As a belated Mother's Day Treat, I was invited to try the massage treatment at NUAT THAI Spa in Libis.  My opinion about spa services just changed!  Nuat Thai – Libis offers some serious pampering at very affordable prices.

click to enlarge

After a quick intro with the owners, Janine Ching and Jay Tiu, and after exchanging short pleasantries with the other mom-bloggers, I was ushered in to begin my spa treatment. 

 

Going way past the reception, into the spa proper, the aromatic oils scented the pathway leading to the foot wash.  In the other foot spas that I have visited, they usually give a foot soak before proceeding with the treatment.  This is the first time that I have tried getting a footwash.  

Rone from Mothering Earthlings getting a footwash

They recommended that I combine a thirty-minute foot spa (P150.00) before my one-hour body massage.  I happily complied, of course.  Seeing that they offer a Thai massage with oil (P300.00), I opted to try this one out.   I usually enjoy a massage with oil, so my habitual choice of treatment is a Swedish massage.  A Thai massage with oil is certainly something new. 

The area for the foot spa is a dimly-lit common room, but privacy is maintained as curtains are draped, separating the guests.  Each section has a reclining chair and a basket is thoughtfully provided for my personal carry-ons.  They wrapped my waist and my shoulders with a heated pad that  smells faintly of peppermint.  The foot spa is so calming that I dozed off in the middle of my treatment. 

Right before my therapist informs me my foot spa is done, she first generously sprinkled my legs and feet with some peppermint talc.  The powder feels cool on my skin, and my thought are instantly turned to my hubby, C, and how he would love this.  He hates how massage oils leave his skin feeling sticky and heavy after; the peppermint talc would let him enjoy this foot spa.

For my body massage, they led me to a room with a tatami-style mat.  Since I chose the Thai massage, I was also provided for with a set of pajama to wear.  Unlike other spas which asks for an upgrade fee for scented oils, Nuat Thai – Libis offers a selection of peppermint, green tea and lavender with no extra cost.  I love Bulgari’s Green Tea EDT so naturally the green tea scent was my choice.

The Thai body massage with oil utilizes the deep-kneading and interactive stretching techniques of a Thai massage combined with an oil massage just for the back.  The deep pressure are definitely different from the lengthy strokes that Swedish massages are known for.  

Here is a shot of our group of mom-bloggers.

Thanks to Janine and Jay, owners of  Nuat Thai Libis, for the hosting this Mother's Day spa Treatment!

Photos in this post from Michelle of My Mom-Friday

NUAT THAI LIBIS

2nd Flr, 90 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Libis, QC across Shopwise and above RCBC and Allied Bank
Phone:  4775004

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Serene Experience at The Spa Rockwell

There are new things coming up for this blog. And in preparation for the exciting times ahead, the blog will be moving to a new home!  While I will still be writing about our phenomenal life, it will now have a new name. 

From now on, I will be doing all of my posting at The Phenomenal Mama

I hope you could all bookmark the new site and follow me there!

I will still be keeping this blog open so you can read all of my old posts.  But you won't miss a thing with the new blog as it will have all of the old posts, as well. 

* * * * *

There are a lot of group buying sites sprouting around, and I am joining in on the crazy buying mania.  One of my favorite sites is Dealgrocer.  I enjoy making purchases here because it has partnered with reputable and established suppliers. Since I made my first purchase early this year, I have since then also availed of numerous others.  The most enjoyable one of which is the coupon I got for The Spa-Rockwell.

It is not my habit to treat myself to a spa treatment so this is an infrequent indulgence.  My mom’s only sister, who resides stateside, has come home for a visit.  I wanted to bring her to a place that was going to make an impression on her, so it was really a dilemma for me.  When the spa deal came up at Dealgrocer I purchased it right away, knowing that the luxurious interiors and the unparalleled service is sure to impress anyone.

The place has a modern and glamorous look to it.  The soothing pallete of warm grays and quiet taupe is gently interrupted by elements of glass, chrome and geometric Art Deco patterns.

 

A Philip Stark Louis Ghost Chair inside the Premier Suites... serves as a depository for our carry-ons

The Deal Grocer coupon includes the use of  a Premier Suite for the one-hour massage and an additional thirty minutes to enjoy the jacuzzi inside the room.  The Premier Suite is a private room with an exclusive shower area, jacuzzi, and a massage bed.    The room has provisions set for toiletries, towels, bath robe and even disposable underwears. 

They also serves complimentary ginger-infused tea and water.

Couples can also request for a couples room to enjoy this calming experience together. 

Guests are to choose from Shiatsu, Swedish or Deep-Tissue massage. I personally prefer oils so I chose the Swedish.  The massage eased my muscle tension and almost drove me to the point of slumber.  

The Spa - Rockwell
R2 Level, Archeology Wing

Power Plant Mall, Rockwel, Makati

470.68.68 /  470.78.78

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Barcelona Chair ... Sighting

I have not been to power Plant Mall for a few months, but I managed to scoot over last week for some pampering at The Spa-Rockwell.  I spent the afternoon with my Mom and a Tita who is vacationing from the States.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw this on the second level...
Sigh!!!
The chair goes for PHP39.895.00 and the ottoman comes at PHP23.895.

It is available for sale at The Dwell Studio, located at the 2nd level at the side of Seatlle's Best Coffee.

Read about why I heart this chair here

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