CONTEST WINNER and Blogging Backlogs

Hey guys! Still remember me? :) It's been a while since I last made a post, even a sponsored one! Why? How come?

To be honest it's just plain old laziness and lack of motivation to write. It's not a writer's block because I always have plenty of things to say, but I didnt get the need or urgency to post. Busy? With balancing work, family, and personal life yes. And blogging became the least of my priorities. I was actually planning to shut this down or leave it as a self-sustaining blog because some of my posts especially the glutathione reviews one is self sustaining because of the commenters providing their own feedback.

Why did I post again?

Because I missed it. It's like finding something you love, then you get to do what you love everyday. Then as time pass by instead of becoming more passionate about doing it, it just becomes a chore, especially when you feel you are obligated to write some of your posts. It feels better when you write about something you innately want rather than "forced" to because you are given something in return.

Thus the new rule. I hope this won't offend some of the sponsorships but I won't just accept partnerships not unless I am ultimately satisfied with your product or service that will push me to write naturally about it.

Looking forward to writing again :)

Love lots,
Kikaysikat




PS
The contest winner for http://www.kikaysikat.com/2013/03/give-away-pulseras-by-kim-x-kikaysikat.html

is
Leyanna Fortes

I'll send you an e-mail so I can ship your prize soon
 

[GIVE AWAY] Pulseras by Kim x Kikaysikat

Freebie alert! Freebie alert! Or should I say freebies as you would be getting the chance to win a boxed set of 3 handmade bracelets from Pulseras by Kim

 Pulseras by Kim is an online store that specializes in creating gorgeous handmade bracelets made with love <3 and the owner, Kim was kind and generous enough to spread more of the love by sponsoring a Giveaway!!!!!!

 One of the great reason why you should get bracelets from Pulseras by Kim is how they are unique, and made for you! They can be worn alone, together, mixed and match. Aren't you tired of seeing the same generic bracelets you see at the mall time after time? :} Handmade = Special. You = Special.

:)

Prize for the winner! Sealed! I got myself a separate one used to take the photos

These are bracelets are made in collaboration with Kikaysikat. The design is custom made to make the charms and bracelet appear inspirational for the fit and kikay you.

They look so purrrty when worn together. But dont you think they also look good on their own?

Heal charm, an iron anchor, and crystal charms that look like dumbells.

HOW TO WIN:
1. Like Pulseras by Kim facebook page
2. Like Kikaysikat's facebook page
3. Share this via Twitter and Facebook

   Kikaysikat x Pulseras by Kim Bracelet Giveaway! Click here for more details!   http://www.kikaysikat.com/2013/03/give-away-pulseras-by-kim-x-kikaysikat.html #kikaysikatgiveaway

4. Leave your name/details in the comments section below together with the link of your share/retweet.
5. The more shares you make, the more entries you get!

It's that easy and that simple! Winners will be announced  April 13 2013

Eclipse 24/7 Gym: What are Your Goals?

What's a review on a gym without updates on our progress right? Well before I present you
my progress for month 1, here are pictures of some clients who have been working out in Eclipse 24/7 for more than a year.

Remember, slow and steady is key, instant results are not always the best results. So when working out, we shouldn't rush ourselves too much because hey, Rome wasn't built in a day. But when built, and build the right way it can withstand time. Naks.

I learned from my good coach that whenever you step into training, or to workout. First thing you ask yourself is "What are my goals?" because if you don't know, then you're training to nowhere. My goal is to get strong. REALLY strong. As strong as my male colleagues at work or even stronger than them. And upon working on that goal, I seem to be losing my bodyfat as well! Haha! ++ Still on Paleo/Renegade + Working out at Eclipse Gym.

A year ago, I didn't even own a pair of rubbershoes, sneakers even. I thought I could lose weight with diet pills, awful overly cardio, etc.

Here are some of my BEFORE pics.

I always had small arms (but flabby) and heavy at the bottom. Look at that

I didn't realize I was overweight until I saw this photo. Weight: 108.4lbs

Here are my "after" I don't have any full body pictures yet, but Ive been taking photos of my belly since 2 months ago.. do take note it is not my main goal to lose weight or get skinny. Hopefully I'll build more muscle in time as I don't like the skinny look. I like the strong, fit, healthy look.

Yep, eating clean + working out

What I'm loving doing at Eclipse now is really lifting! and moving kettlebells :D It feels empowering, as a little lady, to be able to lift heavy.

I have to be honest, Eclipse is really far away from work, and far away from home. But going there everytime is worth it. The environment is optimum for training. The abundance of equipment makes other clubs (even those platinum ones) subpar because after touring several gyms, only Eclipse has a huge area for working out, and A LOT of free weights and equipment.

These are my first times so please bear with me. :) It would be great if we can get off our mindsets that lifting heavy will make us "HUGE" or "BUFF" just like men. That's impossible to happen because they have higher testosterone levels than we have. Yes, we lean out, but we cannot gain super huge muscles like they do. But we CAN get STRONGER. Losing the fat is just the icing on the cake.

How about you? What are your fitness goals?

James Cooper Cream Compact Foundation Review

Before I bombard you with really HUGE photos of my current favorite concealer. Let me give you a brief introduction. As you may have known, I am a fan of The Balm's Timebalm Concealer, but after my cousin let me borrow her James Cooper Cream Compact Foundation during a wedding, when I forgot to bring my makeup (Oh no!) I had a change of heart.

This awesome product works just the same as products like Timebalm or Cinema Secrets concealer. Has more amount, and costs less. Okay, let's just say it comes in a really cheap packaging that you'd be somehow ashamed of using it in public. But it lasts long so you can apply in the morning and forget about it the whole day once it is set.

Now, let the pictures do the talking.


 Cost: 549php

It's easy to blend, and has superior coverage. You definitely can't beat it for its price and the 20g of product you get. Just make sure you set it with a good setting powder. I'm currently a fan of Shiseido's Pressed Baby Powder.

On Going Paleo in Manila and Lifting Heavy at Eclipse 24/7

10 years ago, I went to a series of sessions with a really good chiropractor at UN Avenue. I had
a bad case of back pain and I went to his clinic to get relief. On our first checkup. He performed the usual snap and crack that chiropractors do (oh the relief!) and gave me some diet advice.
He told me that the aches and pains won't go away until I rid of myself of the following food:

"sugar, rice, sweets,wheat, cereals, pasta, pizza, processed food,beans,soy, preservatives, and such"

and to eat plenty of
"greens, meat, EGGS (he emphasized eggs), lean meat, grass fed beef, fish, seafood, PROTEIN (he emphasized this one), limit fruits and starchy vegetables"

This was 10 years ago. Did I follow his advice? No. I loved pizza and cake too much. Did my backpain go away? No it got worse, I also got unhealthier and skinny fatter btw Due to my stubbornness. I tried several other diets after then. Then I got into Intermittent Fasting; then I got into Strength Training.  See a little girl lifting big weights below. Haha! (oh and I hope to lift 2x my body weight in time) I just love training in Eclipse because there's no waiting time to use the barbells and other equipment when I want to use it because there's an ample number in their gym.

 

Just like you, and everyone else. We strive to be better.

My good friend Carl suggested I give the Paleo Diet a try. What's Paleo Diet in a Nutshell? Here's  a nice infographic:

What are the benefits of going in a Paleo Diet?

Image courtesy of The Food Lovers’ Primal Palate - http://www.primal-palate.com

Here's a nice paleo cheat sheet that you guys can print out so that you have something on your refrigerator, or at your office cube to remind you of what and what not to eat. But do remind yourselves that Paleo is not just a diet but a lifestyle. It includes lesser cardio, and more heavy lifting. Just like our ancestors did back in their day. That's why their built was strong, lean, muscular, fit.

Credits to source written on the infographic

 This diet is really not for everyone, I'm giving it a go for 30 days if I can sustain it. I love pizza and cake too much. I read from Paleo Blueprint that we can aim for 100% Paleo but we shouldn't be let down if we only achieved 80% paleo in our diet. Well some Paleo is better than no Paleo at all. There are a lot of sources on the internet on the Paleo diet, my favorites are marksdailyapple.com , robbwolf.com and paleohacks.com


Would love to hear your thoughts! :) <3
Kat

Eclipse 24/7 : RKC Coach Mark Limbaga

Disclaimer: Photo was taken 2 months ago when I was working out at my old gym. :(
Don't worry guys, I don't have these anymore :)

When you are taught wrong, you're most likely to make mistakes.

I thought I knew kettlebells. I thought having bruises and blisters were normal, in my previous gym they told me it was normal to start out with wrong forms, and i'll just get used to having bruises and blisters as they grow thicker. Then I told myself, I'll never hold a kettlebell ever again. Talk about trauma.

Was I glad to have found coach mark. From our first training session, he taught me, in each detail, the basics on how to use a kettlebell. Whenever there's something wrong with my form, or what I am doing, he'll call it out right away to correct me. Never hesitates. He assess the capacity of who he teaches so he can provide the essential learnings step by step. He does not load you with work he knows you cannot do yet. He makes sure that your workout ends up as fun and enjoyable, though you know it's still effective.

You can definitely know this one right here is an expert in this field; and I'm proud to be one of his trainees. He's not only a great teacher, but you know that what he is doing is his passion and he enjoys it. And I find it amusing that he calls the kettlebell as his favorite toy. :) - From my review at dragondoor.com

Let's get to know the first RKC certified trainer (and currently the only one) in the Philippines who's the head coach at Eclipse 24/7 Shaw and the one I mentioned who monitors the custom programs of the members there.

Here's a bit of Q&A to get to know him better:

1. When did you start getting "fit"?
I seriously started getting fit early 2000s when I realized I got sick and tired of always being the thin guy.

2. What was your first job prior to this one and what made you decide to pursue this as a career?
I helped our family's market research business but I still moonlight in the market research industry every now and then but my primary focus is training people now

3. What were the challenges you've experienced during preparing for your RKC certification?
I had no one to monitor me hands-on so I had to rely on filming myself and sending it to my mentors for review.. I would also say making the weight since at that time, if you were 132 lbs or less you could use a lighter bell.

4. What keeps you motivated?
I see my trainees and colleagues striving to be the best keeps me on my toes, I can't rest on my laurels since I have to lead from the front and be a good example5. What's your favorite gym "equipment" and why

5. Why Kettlebells?
Simply because they are quite versatile and they give you instant feedback on your form and what's lacking.. plus, they're handy.. I can put them in the trunk of my car if I have to go out of town and not worry about missing a session. I also like other equipment like weight vests, suspension trainers ( I love the aerosling) bulgarian bags and sandbags to name a few. Of course, I still use a lot of barbell and dumbell training as needed.

The famous "Turkish Getup"

6.Why get RKC certified?
 I have always looked up to how the RKCs carry themselves in a professional manner and how they are quite fit and combine strength and movement.. Also, you can't just sit down and take a multiple choice exam, you have to earn your certification by being able to demonstrate proper execution of the movement and also teach
 
7. Besides coaching at eclipse what other things keep you busy
I also help out the national boxing team. Helping these young athletes is truly inspirational and humbling at the same time.

8. What does your typical meal usually consist of?
I usually focus on meat, fruit and vegetables. I still eat rice and have something sweet every now and then.. its about knowing what is more important but still not compromising health over instant gratification

9. Who's your fitness inspiration and why?
I have multiple role models. Pat Flynn, Nick Tumminello, Mark and Tracy Reifkind, Dan John, Steve Maxwell, Ido Portal to name a few..

10. Advice to people who are hesitant to exercise and get fit.
Don't wait, start now, build up good habits and fight the good fight

Eclipse' Reception Area

I was actually hesitant to enroll in the gym where he's at because it's too far from my workplace and home, but he changed my mind. I know I'm getting quality top notch training if I get it from him. So I don't mind travelling a longer distance if I'll get the results I want. He's actually the major reason I enrolled in Eclipse, besides the other facts that: it's 24/7, you don't wait for your turn they have ample amounts of equipment, it's comfy! Go ahead and visit your nearest branch anytime :p

PS
I never got injured from kettlebells again! and I learned to love them now!
Coach Mark has his own youtube channel where he teaches how to do some kettlebell movements

Read Marvel Comics Online and Read The Walking Dead Online

Update Oct 26 2011 - Google blocked opcin humor. But he still uploads the comics online thru his facebook, twitter, and other social networks. But you wont be able to "search" him in google. Try looking him up in facebook to get your zombie fix of walking dead. Thank you for visiting my page! I love walking dead like you as well! Zombie freak here! ^_^

I'm proud to admit that I'm a comic book fantard. Especially comic series made by Marvel. I also read Naruto and One Piece manga, and also The Walking Dead Online. Now besides Onemanga.com and Mangafox.com

I would like to share you a website I recently discovered. Where you can read plenty of Marvel series (if movies arent enough for you ;) ;) )

It's http://www.opcinhumor.com/

Super thumbs up to the owner of this site to his dedication. It has other zombie comics too. I don't know why I have a fascination with the undead.

So to the guys (and some girls) who follow my blog and love these kinds of things.. let's read on :)

Strange Uses for Apollo Petroleum Jelly

 

It's common knowledge that our good old petroleum jelly has a lot of uses like remove makeup, soften skin, moisturize, protect our wounds. But do you know that you can use it for a whole lot of other things as well?The best thing about P&J (not peanut butter and jelly! haha!) It's so darn inexpensive! I prefer getting the unscented pure petroleum jelly from Apollo

Eject wax from candlesticks
The long red tapers you used at last night’s candlelit dinner were a beautiful sight until you saw the candle wax drippings left in the candleholders. Next time apply petroleum jelly to the insides of the holders before you put the candles in. The wax will pop out for easy cleaning.

Remove chewing gum from wood
Did you discover bubble gum stuck under the dining room table or behind the headboard of Junior’s bed? Trouble yourself about it no further. Squeeze some petroleum jelly on the offending wad, rub it in until the gum starts to disintegrate, then remove.

Remove watermarks on wood
Your most recent party left lots of watermark rings on your wood furniture. To make them disappear, apply petroleum jelly and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wipe the watermark away with the jelly.

Shine patent-leather shoes
You’ve got a great pair of patent-leather shoes and a dynamite bag to match. The luster stays longer if you polish the items with petroleum jelly.

Restore leather jackets
You don’t need fancy leather moisturizer to take care of your favorite leather jacket. Petroleum jelly does the job just as well. Apply, rub it in, wipe off the excess, and you’re ready to go.

Stop battery terminal corrosion
It’s no coincidence that your car battery always dies on the coldest winter day. Low temperatures increase electrical resistance and thicken engine oil, making the battery work harder. Corrosion on the battery terminals also increases resistance and might just be the last straw that makes the battery give up. Before winter starts, disconnect the terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Reconnect, then smear with petroleum jelly. The jelly will prevent corrosion and help keep the battery cranking all winter long.

Keep ants away from pet food bowls
Poor Fido’s food bowl has been invaded by ants. Since she prefers her food without them, help her out with this idea. Ring her food bowl with petroleum jelly. The ants will no longer be tempted by the kibble if they have to cross that mountain of petroleum jelly.

Grease a baseball mitt
Got a new baseball mitt, but it’s as stiff as a dugout bench? Soften it up with petroleum jelly. Apply liberal amounts. Work it into the glove, then tie it up with a baseball inside. Do this in the winter, and by the spring you’ll be ready to take the field.

Mask doorknobs when painting
You’re about to undertake painting the family room. But do you really want to fiddle with removing all the metal fixtures, including doorknobs? Petroleum jelly rubbed on the metal will prevent paint from sticking. When you’re done painting, just wipe off the jelly and the unwanted paint is gone.

Keep a bottle lid from sticking
If you’re having a hard time unscrewing that bottle of glue or nail polish, remember this tip for when you finally do get it open. Rub a little petroleum jelly along the rim of the bottle. Next time, the top won’t stick.

Protect stored chrome
If you’re getting ready to store the kids’ bikes for the winter, or stow that stroller until your next baby comes along, stop a moment before you stash. Take some petroleum jelly and apply it to the chrome parts of the equipment. When it’s time to take the items out of storage, they’ll be rust-free. The same method works for machinery stored in your garage.

Keep an outdoor lightbulb from sticking
Have you ever unscrewed a lightbulb and found yourself holding the glass while the metal base remains in the socket? It won’t happen again if you remember to apply petroleum jelly to the base of the bulb before screwing it into the fixture. This is an especially good idea for lightbulbs used outdoors.

Lubricate cabinets and windows
Can’t stand to hear your medicine cabinet door creak along its runners? Or how about that window that you have to force open every time you want a breeze in the house? With a small paintbrush, apply petroleum jelly to the window sash channel and cabinet door runners. Let the sliding begin.

Stop squeaking door hinges
It’s so annoying when a squeaky door makes an ill-timed noise when you’re trying to keep quiet. Put petroleum jelly on the hinge pins of the door. No more squeaks.

Smoother closing shower curtains
Stop the water from squirting out onto the bathroom floor. Get that shower curtain into place quickly. Lubricate the curtain rod with petroleum jelly and you’ll whip that curtain across the shower in no time.

Moisturize your lips and more
If you don’t want to pay a lot for expensive lip balm, makeup remover, or even facial moisturizer, then your answer is a tube of petroleum jelly. It can soothe lips, take off foundation, eye shadow, mascara, and more. It will even act as a moisturizer on your face.

Make emergency makeup
Oh no! You’ve run out of your favorite shade of eye shadow. What do you do now? It’s easy—make your own. Add a bit of food coloring to petroleum jelly and apply as usual. This is a quick way to make stopgap blush, lipstick, or eye shadow.

Lengthen the life of perfume
You’ve picked out a great scent to wear on your night out, but it’s got to last. Worry not. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly on your pulse points. Then spray on the perfume. Now you can dance the night away and not worry about your perfume turning in early.

Remove a stuck ring
Is your wedding ring stuck? Trying to get it off can take a lot of tug and pull. Apply some petroleum jelly and it will glide right off.

Soften chapped hands
If you’re constantly applying hand lotion to your tired, chapped hands, but then taking it off again so you can get more work done, try this tip. Apply a liberal amount of petroleum jelly to your hands just before you go to bed. By morning, they’ll be soft and smooth.

No more messy manicures
During home manicures, it’s hard to keep the nail polish from running over on your cuticles. Petroleum jelly can help your manicures look more professional. Dab some along the base of your nails and the sides. If polish seeps off the nail during the manicure, all you do is wipe off the petroleum jelly and the sloppy nail polish is gone.

Smooth wild eyebrow hairs
If you have runaway eyebrows—the ones where the hairs won’t lie flat but curl up instead, control the wildness with some petroleum jelly. Rub a dab into your brows. They’ll calm down and behave.

Heal windburned skin
You’ve just had a glorious hike through the countryside in autumn. And as much as you enjoyed the changing colors of the season, the hike has left you with an unpleasant souvenir: windburn. Grab a jar of petroleum jelly and apply it liberally to your face or wherever you’ve been chapped. The jelly helps relieve the pain.

Help prevent diaper rash
It’s so heartbreaking to hear a baby experiencing the pain of diaper rash. Help is just a few moments away. Petroleum jelly sets up a protective coat on the skin so the rash can heal. No more pain.

No more shampoo tears
Thinking of buying special no-tears shampoo for your child? Forget about it. If you have some petroleum jelly, you have the solution. Rub a fair amount into your baby’s eyebrows. It acts as a protective shield against shampoo running down into his eyes.


Courtesy of Reader's Digest.

Sarsi with Egg : A Different Float

Okay, point taken that overly sweetened carbonated beverages are unhealthy. It's basically empty calories. Sugar, fizz, and bubbles. Add a scoop of ice cream and there you go. But it's good right? Ocassionaly, it's okay to treat ourselves but if you want to try a  different version of our favorite float continue reading...


If you're a kid from the 80's or 90's you probably heard of mixing raw eggs with Sarsi to make this protein-packed soda and it's the bodybuilder's version of Sarsi Float. I remember my mom made me try it because she told me it was delicious and you know what? It is. The raw eggs made the soda more creamy and custard like. Just like what Ice Cream does to it.

Note: Be wary in using raw eggs, use only safe eggs free from salmonella or other harmful bacteria.

WHAT YOU NEED

 

You can opt to buy the diet version if you're worried about the calories

1 Egg

 HOW

 WHAT DOES IT TASTE?

Nutrition Facts

There's around 6g of protein in 1 whole egg so it's a great way to supplement yourself with protein.

It's yummy as well :)

Eclipse 24/7 Gym Review : Open 24 Hours 7 Days a Week

A 24 hour 7 day a week gym. No more excuses.

Looking for a place to workout, especially for us women can be a challenging task. Have you experienced switching from gym to gym because none seem to produce the results you want and just provide you with false promises while emptying your pocket? Of course getting results are objective and it depends on how one follows the regimen. But sometimes having the perfect environment to attain your fitness goals are crucial.

I won't go into further detail about the previous fitness clubs I've been into. But I would love to share to you this new discovery of mine that I hope you'd learn to love as well! I discovered the gym through a public forum and got curious with TONS of great and honest to goodness reviews that I had to try and work out there to see for myself . I had my doubts, it was far from my workplace, it's not the typical spa-like fitness club, but going there was worth it.
 

So what is ECLIPSE 24/7 in a Nutshell? Taken from my personal trainer's Facebook page:

Who are We:

We are a group of fitness professionals who were either former members or staff in the comercial gym setting.

We got drawn together for one common thing: the total dislike of the direction of the fitness industry in the philippines. Franchise-like foreign gyms were becoming the equal of fastfood chains with sales being their primary objective, with proper service and training for the client at the bottom.

What We Do:

Our focus is on giving the client the best training facility available, with ample equipment, abundance of efficient training programs, knowledgeable staff and a positive atmosphere

What We are Not:

we are not the typical machine and group exercise based gym wherein you can't even ask the staff for a minute of their attention unless you hire them to train you

Dumbell and Kettlebell Overload

 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ECLIPSE 24/7

•  A lot of equipment that you don't have to wait for your turn to use what you want.
• Competent trainers who knows what they're talking about. They're also not the type who will ignore you if you don't get them as personal trainers. 
• Big workout space
• A custom training program for new/existing members
• They're open 24/7. No excuses. Perfect for those who are working on late shifts, or any shifts!
•  Friendly and Approchable Staff
• Affordable Rates

YOUR PERSONAL PROGRAM

 This is what I was mentioning. If it is your first time at Eclipse 24/7 or even first time to workout. They would give you an initial fitness assessment to determine what program you need to do and follow. They also update this every month as you progress! Not sure if your form is right? Not sure if what you are doing is right? Ask questions! Trainers there are very approachable and will help you with your training!

It was also a breath of fresh air to see trainers focused on what they are doing. Which is TRAIN. While they are friendly and approchable, they're not like my previous experience of Trainers which after telling you "Do 100 pushups" start chatting with their colleagues forgetting to check on what you are doing if you are doing it correctly or properly. Trainers here are different. You can really sense they have passion for what they are doing and have a genuine concern on their trainees. It's nice to feel that :)

Best Coach Ever. Coach Mark Limbaga

There are currently 6 trainers in their Shaw branch. For girls, you can opt to get a female trainer as there are 2 of them, Ms. Kat and Ms. Issa. My coach, Mark Limbaga is just pure AWESOME. I'll do a separate feature on him some other day.

The Kikay and The Coach! :D

Another thing that I love in training here is that after working out, instead of feeling dead tired; I feel energized, stronger, and feel like I can do more! Remember if you want maximum results, consistency is the key. Don't expect to lose fat and keep it off in a month.

They also have other training programs like boxing, kettlebell, yoga, and more

Cardio Equipment. Bikes.

Powercages. a LOT.

Treadmills each with a build in LCD so you can watch what you want while you workout. No need to share screens with this one.

Roomy shower rooms for the ladies. 8 cubicles in total. Always kept clean.

 I was actually surprised when I went into the girls changing area. Expecting it to be small and cramped. IT was actually HUGE And SPACIOUS. With a lot of free lockers to put in your things. (Make sure you bring in your own padlocks for additional safety!)

Lots of lockers

They also have a branch in Mabini which I want to visit soon because I heard they have a cafe there that serves healthy and yummy dishes perfect for pre-workout or post-workout. 

There you go. A bit lengthy I know, but I just had to share this discovery to you guys and girls. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, strengthening, over all fitness.If you want change, the best time to start is always now. And what better way to start than start at the right gym. I hope to see you there :)

Pardon the pit sweat. It's just an 8kg Kettlebell but I hope I can press and snatch a 12kg or more some day. Even lift barbells!

Stay tuned. I will post weekly updates on my trainings and progress. Hopefully I will be able to lift a barbell by April! Haha! Can't wait to post a photo of that one!


For more information visit their website at http://eclipsegym.com
or Facebook Page
or Twitter