pampering – Jellybeans in the City

Time for some pampering at Nailaholics, SM City East Ortigas

The past two years have not given me a lot of opportunities for some pampering.

With the lockdowns and the pausing of operations of non-essential businesses such as nail salons, I’ve had to make do with my good ole’ nail clipper to keep my nails passingly presentable.

Well, with the easing of quarantine restrictions and the prospect of returning to the office in the coming days (which require getting my “porma” on while in a corporate setting), I just knew I needed to level up my nail-care game.

With these considerations in mind, I opted to treat, not just myself, but also my husband and daughter #ExhibitA, to some pampering via manicure/pedicure and foot spa services at the nearby Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

This decision might come across as self-indulgent but this kind of self-care does have some significant health benefits:

They help prevent infections. Regular cleaning and clipping prevent ingrown toenails which normally cause infection. Plus, part of the services involve moisturizing your feet and hands which, in turn, minimize dryness that results to skin cracks which may also house infection.
They promote healthy blood circulation. Nail technicians also massage your your arms, hands, lower legs and feet during your mani/pedi service, which help to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility and optimal blood circulation.
They help improve the appearance of your hands and feet. Aside from the improved blood circulation that improves your skin condition, the resulting clean and well-groomed look of your extremities contribute to an overall improved appearance.

Nailaholics prides itself as the country’s pioneer in specialized nail salon and spa boutique. It promises to bring that “getaway experience” to its patrons, that paradise of pampering that comes from professional yet personalized service from highly trained nail technicians and a truly relaxing setting inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast.

Foot Care

Our pampering started off with a Foot Spa (Php500) that involves foot detoxification, exfoliation and moisturization.

First, our feet were soaked in a warm and scented foot bath which helped to soothe our feet (oftentimes the most neglected part of our body!). These were then massaged and scrubbed to remove dead skin cells and promote a softer feel.

After the Foot Spa, comes the Pedicure (Php475) which involves toenail shaping, cuticle treatment and (for me and #ExhibitA) application of nail polish.

I’ve been nursing a case of subungal hematoma (also known as “patay na kuko”) on my toes for the past few months which I’ve been feeling very self-conscious about. It wouldn’t be an issue during a work-from-home setting (after all, I don’t display my feet during Zoom meetings, hehehe!) but going back to the office with these unsightly injuries would preclude me from wearing open-toed heels which I usually wear with my office clothes.

Ah, the problems that beset working women!

Well, this problem was solved by covering them up with nail polish. As I would still like my toenail color to be simple and low-maintenance, I opted for a nail polish shade that’s close to my skin tone.

Hand Care

Simultaneous with our Pedicure, another set of nail technicians are busy with our Manicure (Php450), cleaning and shaping our fingernails as well as carefully providing cuticle treatment.

Since my work involves a lot of typing on computer keyboards, long fingernails is a no-no. I opted for French tipped-nails: closely clipped and square-shaped nails with a clear polish applied at the base and white nail polish applied at the tips. This style has a clean and simple appearance that is so easy to maintain.

It’s wonderful how this short pampering session got me feeling all refreshed and revved up, ready to return to the office!

Plus, Hubby and #ExhbitA are quite happy with their Nailaholics experience as well!

Want to treat yourself to some pampering too? Book your appointment now!

This Nailaholics branch is located at the Second Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Other Nailaholics branches in Metro Manila are located in the following cities:

Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas
Makati: Ayala Circuit, Gloriata 3, Cash & Carry, San Antonio Plaza Arcade
Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
Marikina: Ayala Malls Feliz, SM Marikina
Muntinlupa: Festival Mall, SM Muntinlupa
Novaliches: SM Novaliches
Quezon City: Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria
Paranaque: SM BF Paranaque, SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, Ayala Malls Mania=la Bay
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th, Robinsons Metro East, SM Pasig
San Juan: Unimart
Taguig: Market! Market!, Uptown Mall
Taytay: SM Taytay

Know more about Nailaholics by visiting its website. To stay updated on Nailaholics’ promos and offers, follow it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Nailaholics:

Gave my nails a treat at Nailaholics, SM Pasig https://flic.kr/p/2oenwsF

Express your love for Mom with a Stories & Blossoms gift basket

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we should be on the lookout for the perfect gift to express our love and bring delight to our moms on their special day.

While Mother’s Day has been celebrated since the early twentieth century to honor mothers and how they influence society through their love and sacrifices for the family, there have been many age-old traditions giving tribute to motherhood. For instance, ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals in honor of mother-goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele while early Christians celebrated “Mothering Sunday” by returning to their mother church, spending time at home and presenting their moms with flowers and tokens of appreciation.

Over the years, Mother’s Day, or iterations of this holiday, are celebrated by various countries according to their local customs. In Thailand, for instance, it is celebrated during the birthday of Queen Sirikit, with ceremonies and parades to mark the occasion.

Mother’s Day is notably the busiest time for restaurants as families give their moms a break from kitchen duties and treat her to delicious meals throughout the day that she didn’t have to prepare herself.

Some would even treat their mothers to a rejuvenating time at the spa, a welcome respite from their usual deluge of duties and chores.

However, with stricter quarantine protocols in place due to the pandemic, bringing Mom out to dine in style or to have a “me time” at the spa may not be the best choice.

Why not treat Mom to a relaxing day off at home on Mother’s Day?

With Stories & Blossoms’ Mom’s Day Off Floral Care Basket (Php3,500), the most important woman in your life will be able to enjoy a beautiful arrangement of preserved flowers, customizable according to her favorite colors and blooms, in an attractively rustic 14-inch basket. Nestled among the blooms is a carefully curated package of locally made yet luxurious self-care items she can enjoy at home.

To help chase away tensions and lull her to a state of ease, artisanal scent-maker Favori contributes a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly Soy Aroma Candle, a calming Lavender Massage Oil and a soothing Sleep and Relaxation Salve.

Mabula PH, on the other hand, provides lovingly handcrafted, all-natural and organic multi-bars from the farmers of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur such as a set of five mini multi-purpose bars in papaya, turmeric, calamansi, turmeric and cucumber variants which can be used as facial cleansers, body soap or shampoo, as well as a conditioner bar to revitalize her locks.

Your mom might be stuck at home during Mother’s Day but you can make it a deluxe pamparing experience for her with this special floral care basket.

With this thoughtful and heart-warming gift, you can bring Mom a patch of sunny sky and summer blooms without having to leave home.

Other sets your mom would love from Stories & Blossoms include:

Stories in a Bag (Php1,300 to Php1,500). A tasteful curation of assorted preserved flowers in a transparent box with a gold chain handle, and comes with a 100-gram bar of Belgian chocolate. Treat her to an overload of sweetness with this arrangement.

Farmhouse Stories (Php1,800). Hydrangeas represent gratitude, grace and beauty. Gift your mom with a lavish hydrangea arrangement in a pretty farmhouse box to usher in bright and cheery feelings even during these uncertain times.

Take your pick from the many arrangements available at storiesandblossoms.com. Order your preferred sets now so that Mom can receive her pleasant surprise for Mother’s Day.

To know more about its newest arrangement creations and offers, like and follow Stories & Blossoms on Facebook or Instagram or call +63 967 5099050.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature article. Photos of Stories in a Bag and Farmhouse Stories used with permission from Stories & Blossoms.

Gave my nails a treat at Nailaholics, SM Pasig

I seldom get manicures or pedicures: having been blessed with nails resistant to chipping or breaking while within a reasonable length, I just usually cut my nails myself every month or so. Also, I usually devote the time and money for this kind of self-care towards other pursuits (like foodie meetups, yeah!).

Surprisingly though, far from being a frivolous self-indulgence, getting nails done actually can be very beneficial to most women’s well-being.

How?

A mani-pedi session at a local nail spa or salon is a precious moment when a woman can unplug from the usual concerns of work and family life. The half-hour it takes for a nail specialist to clean, cut, shape and file a woman’s nails is time she can spend with her phone hidden away as she lounges on a comfy chair with her hands and feet up. Many girls take this as an opportunity to de-stress.

A treatment also oftentimes include a relaxing hand and foot massage that helps improve blood circulation and ease joint movement in these limbs.

Furthermore, regular nail treatments also reduces the chances of nails developing fungi and other infections, thanks to the intensive cleaning that they go through.

I recently got to treat myself to these health benefits when I got a free mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics at SM Pasig (thanks to my good friend Jen of SandUnderMyFeet.com for the GC!).

Nailaholics is a chain of nail salons that seek to provide the metro’s denizens with a place to escape to and get pampered.

Inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast, its premises are marked by seaside inspired colors and decor. Soft mood piped-in music also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.

After ushering me to a lounge chair, my nail technicians (NTs) Issa and Dicel set about giving me and my nails a much-deserved treat which included:

Soaking my hands and feet in warm scented water for a few seconds. This helps to moisturize and soften my nails prior to the treatment.

Shaping my nails. My nails usually grow in a rounded shape so the NTs just clipped and filed my nails following this natural shape. This actually results to stronger nail growth.

Cleaning. A cuticle cream is applied to my nails and the cuticle is gently pushed down to create an appearance of longer nails.

Hand and Foot Massage. My hands and feet were applied with lotion and given a gentle reflexology massage. Ooh, this made me want to go back the very next day!

I opted not to have my nails colored because, being a no-frills girl at heart, I didn’t want the responsibility of maintaining colored nails.

My mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics was a welcome respite from the daily grind. Knowing that it actually contributes to my overall health, and to my confidence in presenting myself to the world, are welcome bonuses.

Now I’m thinking of treating my best gals to a nail spa day at Nailaholics for my birthday.

This Nailaholics branch is located at Unit 148 SM Center Frontera Verde C5 Ugong, Pasig City. Other branches in metro are located in the following cities: