The Bitch is back!: August 2013

First Impression: Girlstuff Nail Polish

Beauty 8/26/2013 12:16:00 PM

Share |

E-Waste Disposal

Environment 8/14/2013 11:19:00 AM

Image Courtesy of http://blog.adormi.com/2012/11/electronic-waste-management/

As I sat in front of my computer the other day to take my daily dose of social media, a relative of mine asked me how old cellphone batteries should be disposed. I am usually the answer point of almost anything and everything here in our household. However this time, I didn't know how to respond.

It was a valid question. How do we dispose of e-waste? What is considered e-waste?

Electronic waste, e-waste, e-scrap, or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. "Electronic waste" or "e-waste" may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators. This definition includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal.

These items should NOT be treated as regular waste because all electronic scrap components, such as CRTs, may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated flame retardants. Other countries like the United States have proper channels and resources for such, but everyone knows it is quite different here in the Philippines.

A few years back, when I was still working for Advanced Contact Solutions Inc., there was a recycling/disposal project for e-waste. I also remember seeing a news feature on GMA7 regarding e-waste disposal. Sure, there were initiatives from companies like Globe Telecom, etc., and local projects such as the one launched by the government of Bulacan back in mid-2010, but I haven't really heard anything big happening regarding this topic. If there was, that project wasn't around that long.

We need something that sticks. Something that stays. And we need it NOW.

So I Googled. I saw a couple of articles saying that DENR is encouraging the citizens of this country to dispose old gadgets. But what they lack is providing information on how we can do it, or who can be contacted for such. Not all people are keen in researching, nor will they bother looking for companies that deal with e-waste especially after finding out that it is such an arduous task.

I found a company who seems to be an expert in this area. You may check their website here. I sent an inquiry via email and received a response the next day. This is what they sent as an attachment to their initial response.

Now I'm brewing up a project here my neighborhood. I'm hoping to get a positive response when I discuss my proposal in front of the board soon. I will post the progress of this project, with hopes that it raises awareness in regards to e-waste disposal here in our country.

Share |

Forecast: Fashion Flood

Fashion 8/10/2013 10:05:00 AM

Filipino’s love for dressing up is timeless, rain or shine. Our dress-up habits even show what type of weather we are in at the time of the year. And now that the hot summer days are over, it’s time to get those tanned skin even, show off those cute rosy cheeks, and take out those big thick coats you’ve been dying to get from the closet.

Start covering up for we are now in a season of layered clothes. Who said you can’t go out dressed-to-kill on pouring months? Here are some things that can spice up your wardrobe for the rainy days:

Image courtesy of http://www.ma-grande-taille.com/bonnets-et-chapeaux-avec-style-pour-garder-la-tete-bien-au-chaud-3691

Bonnets/Berets

Headgear doesn’t do much for those who wear them (besides the fact that it is a great accessory), but they can serve as first line of protection for people who are not umbrella-fancy, especially when mother nature is not in the mood for a heavy down pour.

Image courtesy of http://fashionmylove.com/fall-winter-2010-2011-gloves/

Gloves

Bike riders would often wear them as compared to the general public which makes gloves not that much of a hit in the country. Not to mention that the cotton, silk, and knitted types are the only variants commonly found in retail stores. Scour shops and try to get a hold on its leather counterpart – it will surely give any fashion ensemble a twist, at the same time provide warmth and prevent the hands from getting wet provided that the material is authentic.

Image courtesy of http://www.ruthcross.com/acatalog/Ruth_Cross_hand_knits.html

Scarves/Pashminas

Without realizing how functional they really are, many people take scarves and pashminas for granted thinking they’re merely another accessory. Well in fact if used correctly, it helps prevent cough and colds as it covers mainly the neck area. Bundle up with one and show off a stylish vibe.

Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Hot-Men-s-Vest-Fashion-plaid-faux-two-piece-male-slim-vest-male-Camel/802128912.html

Vests

Vests don’t provide that much warmth and protection, but they are perfect for those who layer clothes to achieve a preppy look.

Image courtesy of http://gagafashionland.com/2010/02/fashion-presents-boys-boys-boooys/

Image courtesy of http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Hot-Men-s-Vest-Fashion-plaid-faux-two-piece-male-slim-vest-male-Camel/802128912.html

Ponchos

Many prefer wearing weaved or see-through ponchos as a cover-up in the beach. However, there are similar items that are meant to be used during the latter half of the year.

Image courtesy of http://gagafashionland.com/2010/02/fashion-presents-boys-boys-boooys/

http://www.buytrends.com/Products/korean-fashion-cape-stylish-womens-woolen-coat-12672.html

Capes

Arrive at your destination looking mysterious yet fashion forward with a hooded water-repellant cape. They’re not common in the country but owning one or two may just give that dull attire the fashion flare it needs.

Image courtesy of http://enjoyingthejourneys.com/2010/10/18/petite-fashion-classic-style-turtlenecks-are-back-for-fallwinter/

Turtlenecks

Deviate from the usual corporate/formal wear and play it up a notch with a light weight turtleneck. Get a sleek and polished look by pairing it with a formal blazer, high-waisted slim fit trousers, and sky-high stiletto pumps.

Image courtesy of http://missthaissays.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-material-girl-ultimate-extended.html

Image courtesy of http://thefashiontag.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/the-trench-coat-our-1st-and-only-true-love/

Trench Coats

Trench Coats did not make it big here mainly because of the country’s climate. And even if they did, the length will just get in the way especially for commuters. Several brands carry a line shorter in length, specifically made for South East Asian countries. Want to give the typical wardrobe a bit of zing? A knee-length or mid-thigh length jacket-ish trench coat might just do the trick. Why not wear this piece as a dress?

Image courtesy of http://male-extravaganza.com/5-items-man-wardrobe/

Image courtesy of http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/185978-upside+down-gold-hat-beige-top-silver-jeans-brown-boots-brown-belt

Boots

Every man and woman should own at least a pair. Stay away from carrying a pair of flip flops to change into when it’s showering and throw on a pair of boots instead. Tuck the trousers or jeans inside to get an extra oomph. The challenge: avoid looking like a hooker or an equestrian.

Putting together an ideal outfit may be risky. Plus, function should always be considered especially during this season. So remember to have a few key pieces that stand out, rather than sporting the items mentioned all at the same time.

Share |

Con Air Instant Heat Hot Sticks 1 1/4" Curling Iron

Beauty 8/09/2013 11:31:00 AM

Image courtesy of http://www.target.com/p/conair-1-1-4-instant-heat-curling-iron/-/A-10538604

Product Details:
Multi Layer Technology retains hear better, provides even hear distribution, smooths and protects with chromium surface
30-second instant heat-up
25 heat settings for every hair type
Turbo Heat feature (increases the temperature by 20C/30F)re
Uniform Heat Recovery System
Auto shutoff
Dual Voltage
PHP975 with FREE postage

Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review. This is based solely on my opinion of the product.

First Impression:

It's lightweight, lighter than what I was expecting.
The metal finish creeps me out a bit because I think it will BURN hair compared to the ceramic ones. They said the "Chromium Surface" will smooth and protect the hair - it sure looks like metal to me, I do not know what Chromium is, and I don't want to Google it. LOL.

What I like:

I tried the product on mom's hair, and it produced average sized curls (I forgot to take pictures I'm sorry)
I didn't worry about putting an adapter. As a safety feature, the appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other).
Heats up fast
25 heat setting

What I don't like:

Heat setting dial - I think this might break easily. I would have preferred a digital counter and a button to adjust the heat settings. The solution: always use the highest heat setting regardless of the hair type but adjust the curling time depending on the hair type
Handle is not sturdy (at least for my grip)

Almost 98% of the product reviews were positive. As of today, there are 3 available units left from the store. Check the listing here. The seller also has the 1" version of the same product with 10 units available as of this blog post. You can see the details here.

The cheapest one I saw before this purchase was a Tigi Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand sold for a reasonable price of Php1700. As of today, it is still for sale. View the item here. It looks like this:

Image courtesy of http://www.drugstore.com/tigi-bed-head-curli-pops-tourmaline-ceramic-styling-iron-hourglass/qxp459654

My next target: a big-ass curling iron. The biggest one I know of is from Hot Tools which has a 2" barrel. In doesn't look really big in the picture, but trust me IT DOES. I plan on using this product on the lower 1/3 portion of the hair (when sectioned), then use the Con Air curling iron for the other 2/3.