MIGRAINE (HALF AND SKULL)

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 
‘My head is hurting like a block of ice fell on it’! Is this the feeling you experience when your migraine triggers like a bullet in the head?

Migraine is a neurological syndrome that often has a number of associated symptoms such as nausea, increased sensitivity to light and visual problems like zigzag lines. Physiologically, the migraine headache is more common to women than to men because of the hormonal influences.

The word migraine has its roots in the Greek hemikrania meaning - half and skull. It has gone through many changes over time, the Latin hemicrania and the French migraigne preceded the word in English which we now know as migraine.

Migraine occurs mostly at the age of 40, when life begins! (And so does the suffering!) It is divided and described by the doctors into two types:

• Classical migraine is when the headache includes symptoms of aura.

• Common migraine is when a person does not experience aura symptoms.

(Aura is a symptom such as flashes of light or blind spots, specifically difficulty in focusing and seeing things as though through a broken mirror. This stage normally lasts around 15 minutes to an hour).

Scientifically, the description of the two types of migraine was based on the scientific findings where they used people’s data- migraine patients. The data are of such a great help for the doctors as they had have extrapolated drug (medicine) to relieve the pain that causes harshness to ones’ life.

Ergotamine is one of the prescribed medicines for migraines and is also known as Cafergot. The effect of it once taken is it eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing the blood vessels. A research has shown that migraine can be caused by the swelling of blood vessels around the brain.

In the 1990's, Triptans is one of the drugs introduced and are a family of tryptamine- based drugs used as abortive medication in the treatment of migraines and cluster headaches.

Like triptans, Zomig itself belongs to the tryptamine-based drugs as well. It associated with a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, mainly when taken together with certain antidepressants. Serotonin syndrome most often occurs when two drugs that affect the body's level of serotonin are taken together at the same time. The drugs cause too much serotonin to be released or to remain in the brain area. (Serotonin acts both as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve cells and that causes blood vessels to narrow).

Like other drugs that may or may not provide a good benefit for the health there is an alternative than to take strong drugs. A combination of (3) Aspirin + (2) Paracetamol + strong coffee can relieve the pain that causes migraines. A low dose is highly recommended and should be given a full attention to prevent developing blood clots.

Medicine is one of the answers in the field of science and to the aching world of man. A proper way to maintain a good health should start within us, by simply adding a daily exercise regime in our busy lifestyle and a healthy eating diet. It is not easy to be a drug- dependent as it might affect your private life in the long run.

*Photo courtesy of treatmentmigraine.wordpress.com

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BAKED/GRILLED BONED PORK LEG

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

As an old saying goes, “A way to a man’s heart is to fill his empty stomach.”

Sistahs, it is time for you to prepare your kitchen and check the needed ingredients for this scrumptiously meaty recipe. It gives a succulent cooking experience and also, warms up your kitchen in this type of weather. More importantly, it will truly indulge your man’s appetite... STOP HIS AGONY!!!

Ingredients:

• Boned Pork Leg 
• 3 cloves of garlic; crashed/sliced
• ginger; crashed/sliced
• mixed herbs
• 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp. of Sunflower Oil
• 1 tbsp. of Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. of Worcester sauce
• salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
•  1 medium cooking onion; slice into 4 and separate each layer 
• 4 medium-sized mushrooms; cut each into 2 

Cooking Procedure:

1. Thaw your meat, if needed.
2. Prepare the chopping board and place your meat on it. Use a sharp knife to scar on top and turn-over to do the same. Just set it aside.
3. Prepare your crashed/sliced garlic and ginger, then insert most of the slices in the created scars of the meat. Dont throw away the excess garlic and ginger, just scatter and arrange evenly in the bottom of the pyrex glass.
4. Rub the whole meat with mixed herbs. 
5. Prepare your cooking dish (Pyrex-glass cooking dish is good) and lay the prepared meat in the centre to create an art. Just set it aside.
6. Mix and whisk the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lemon juice and Worcester sauce in a bowl. After that, add the condiments for additional flavours and make sure they are all well blended.
7. Gradually, pour the mixture you made from cooking procedure 6. Just make sure it is distributed evenly over the meat.
8. Design it with layers of onions and slices of mushrooms around it (Be Imaginative!) Then, cover the pyrex either with foil or its lid.
9. Place it in a safe area and marinate it for 1 hour before placing it in the oven.
10. Preheat the oven to 150ºC under bake mode (electric). 
11. Place the cooking dish (with the marinated meat) in the preheated oven, then bake it for 30 minutes. In 15 minutes time, glaze the meat with its own sauce and turn it over for the other side to be soaked in its sauce, too. 
12. After that, remove the foil or lid and change the Bake to Grill as well as adjust the temperature down to 120ºC. 
13. Place and grill it for 30 minutes. Check it every 10 minutes and glaze the meat using its own sauce.

Eat it with joy in your heart and share your dish with loved-ones as the scrumptiousness will be revealed when all are together around the table.

I miss my loving Tatay because of this Filipino inspired cuisine of mine.

CARSHALTON, HIGH STREET'S TWIN SISTERS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The front windows of the flat are facing the high street and they serve like a mega big screen. It provides scenes that happen naturally in real time. This not a television channel provided by a network but the characters I see are real locals and tourists (as the airport bus stops in our village). 

I have witnessed a few minor accidents and one that was written about in our local newspaper was the intriguing caustic soda incident. It was very controversial as there were big and heavy vehicles from the government that closed the Carshalton, High Street. Aside from that, police officers were deployed who secured the area and advised bystanders not to loiter around. 

The scenes change everyday and there are always interesting people that are worth admiring while they walk together. I am talking about the sisters, who will stop and sit down on a bench to feel the glory of God's sunshine in Spring and Summer.

Birds of the same feathers, walking around together! 

Two elderly women walking on our High Street who go out with their grocery bags and dressed identically as the colours are very much alike. They appear like twin sisters to the villagers who are showing eagerness to go out and mingle with the locals. Oldies but proven to be strong and energetic as they spend a few hours wandering around and visiting their favourite restaurant. 

Their strength and determination in life is an inspiration to people like us, who are still young and crisp in this world. 

The pictures are roughly 5 year old and sadly, I haven't seen the twin sisters for almost 3 years to date.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S COST-EFFECTIVE FACIAL COSMETICS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

I don't wear layers of make-up... 

In the old days, women pinched their cheeks to make it radiantly rosy and/or bit their lips to make it a kissably red shade and make it irresistibly soft. Those were the frequent D.I.Y (Do-it-yourself) practices by women who loved their innocent beauty to be lasciviously admired by handsome and well-off gentlemen in society. They were also fond of unfurling their big hand painted fans to dissimulate their impeccability as well as to giggle and cackle! 

We have different perceptions when appreciating our appearance. Thus, we have unique approaches in making ourselves elegant, alluring and very beautiful to others or for our own selves. Women have been using cosmetics for years to enhance their physical features or add more colours. It is either with the use of sponges, brushes or the fingertips, especially on the face. That is why, cosmetics on the market are in different varieties, forms and types. Like for example, foundation, concealer, lipstick, lip balm etc. which are identified as facial cosmetics. 

I love nature reserves like woods, country walks etc. and also, the man made structures like buildings, bridges etc. which are analogous to how I can appreciate and enjoy beauty in a broader sense. 

When I can bear going out without make-up, I try to keep my face natural as it could be like a kempt nature reserved. What I mean is, not as wild as the jungle where wildlife live! In addition to that, I always make sure to wash my face in the morning; comb my slightly interlaced hair; dress up glamorously and spray my favourite Eau de parfums all over me. Can you now smell my sweet scent? Wait, moisturiser has always been part of my natural look as it protects my skin from bad elements and rehydrates to boot!

 

Without further ado, dear ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my list of cost-effective facial cosmetics and their beauty purposes...

I have been using BIO OIL for years as my moisturiser aside from Nivea cream I only use at night. It is a skincare oil which helps in improving uneven skin tone and is effective as an anti-ageing as well as rehydrating the skin. I apply this skincare oil into my skin and leave it for 1 minute to be absorbed before applying my liquid foundation...

A minute after, NYC SKIN MATCHING ILLUMINIZER melded into my skin, from forehead up to my neck. It was like smoothly massaging my face and neck so it would blend well with my skin tone. I tried a few brands before even the expensive ones but always come back to this one. That is why, I have another 3 unopened in my drawer...

I leave the liquid foundation for 50 seconds before applying this NYC BIG BOLD METROPOLITAN BRONZING POWDER using a ROUND FOUNDATION SPONGE. Personally speaking, these two are simply inseparable. I don't scrape/rub the sponge into the powder like most of us will do. I only dab it or shall I say, I would place the sponge over the powder and squeeze it using its lid. It's because I just want to make it neutral which will ultimately blend with my natural skin tone. What's good about this is, it always gives my skin shimmering and glowing aftereffects...

My face is more or less ready. Am I pretty, now? LOL! I do use these two shades of AUTOMATIC WATERPROOF EYELINERS but prefer more the black. It makes my lower eyelids dramatic like Tutankhamun's fierce eyes. However, I don't draw too much of it and afterwards, I let it dry first before cleaning the edges with a cotton bud... 

My eyes are the windows to my soul and I make more emphasis of them by embellishing my eyelashes with LP BLACK LONG LASH MASCARA (right). It makes my eyes dramatic and blithesome but not ornery. The smudge proof and waterproof factors of this mascara make my eyelashes stay soft and lush-looking the whole day. You might like to try also RIMMEL EXTRA SUPER LASH BLACK MASCARA apart from this one. Furthermore, don't throw away your soon to be emptied mascara (left) as you can still use its content to either spruce up or deepen the prominence of your eyebrows... 

  

My mascara has settled after a minute of leaving it on my eyelashes. After that, I fluffed on enough VEIL DUSK FINISHING POWDER all over my face and neck with the used of a POWDER BRUSH. Then, dabbed off any excess powder a after a few minutes of leaving it. This powder is unperfumed which is allergy free-use and is also waterproof which will protect the underlying make-up and last all day...

Wait, I'm not finish yet my dear good and beautiful ladies... Patience, please? 

I always used these two, MUA MOSAIC POWDER ENGLISH ROSE and BODY KABUKI BRUSH, as for the finishing touch on my face. I swirled the brush in the powder with fusion of colours to add a flush of pinkness in my complexion. Hmmmmmp... I'm radiantly rosy and who will say no to blushing pink? LOL!

Was it the finishing touch? Yes, for may face but not to my overall appearance. The ultimate touch is to have a kissable lips which might tempt men to kiss my sexually pout lips. Am I right, guys? It sometimes slips my mind to paint my lips either in FRUITY SHINE CHERRY LIP BALM by NIVEA or in subtle PURE COLOR ROSE PETAL CRYSTAL CREME LIPSTICK by ESTEE LAUDER. I'm just another human being who is very far from being perfect, but most of the times I'm very happy going out without a shade of lip balm or lipstick.

We have our own ways of making ourselves pretty and prettier, when we are out and about. It doesn't matter whether you are wearing make-up or just happy being natural. Am I right? What we have to bear in mind is that, self confidence plays a big role in our lives and always yields favourable impressions and responses from others. Therefore, to be dignified and beautiful we must have enough self esteem so we don’t feel inferior in society, with or without facial cosmetics on.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S MUSSEL MEAT PASTA SAUCE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

There are instant pasta sauce that are easy to prepare, if wanted. They are usually available in supermarkets either in canned or in bottled containers.

Most children will like spaghetti if the sauce is tasty and sweet. Am I right my dear mga pamangkin (nephews/nieces) and apo (grandchildren)?

This sauce is mixed with vegetables that add sweetness to the usual ingredients, which will please children's taste buds. It also goes further!

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of mussel meat
• 1 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized bell pepper (red/yellow), finely chopped 
• 3 cloves of garlic, crashed and choppped
• a pinch of mixed herbs and 1 teaspoonful of basil
• 1 large-sized carrot (Organic is the best), grated
• 1 canned of chopped tomato
• 1 beef stock cube
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp. of mustard sauce
• a good squeezed of Tomato Purée or Paste
• sliced raw spring onions/parsley 

 Cooking Procedure:

1. Fry the mussel meat on a moderate flame for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Stirring occasionally.
2. When the meat is cooked, place it into a bowl and set aside.
3. Fry the onion on a moderate flame for 5 minutes or until it is translucent in colour. Place it on top of the meat. Just set aside the 3 of them.
4. Fry the garlic on a moderate flame for a few moments. Add the fried onion, cooked meat, bell pepper and sprinkle some mixed herbs and basil. Stir and mix all well.
5. Add the grated carrot and the canned chopped tomato. Stir and cover for 5 minutes.
6. On a low flame, add the beef stock cube, salt and pepper in the mixture. Leave it for another 3 minutes.
7. Stir everything well in the pan before adding the mustard sauce. Stir again and mix all of the ingredients well. Cover for 5 minute (on a low flame).
8. Add the tomato purée and basil. Mix all well again.
9. Cover and simmer it for a minimum of 8-10 minutes on a low flame, to bring out the flavours.
10.  Garnish it with sliced raw spring onions or parsley before serving (optional).

Enjoy the flavour of heart of the sea with your cooked organic pasta!

*Try minced lamb for a tasty change

ASTHMA ATTACK

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

When I was young, this respiratory problem gave me exasperating breathing troubles. I could still remember the obstruction of airflow that led to the tightening of my chest and the embarrassment of wheezing in a public place or when I was with friends.

I have outgrown this illness already and can now say that I am very fit, as a result of various exercises I do in life. Those years of exacerbation are now just blurry shadows of my childhood. Nowadays, my excellent condition has been making my life so beautifully breezy and cheerful.

I don't want to experience this difficulty in breathing and coughing again. If in case someone needs the first aid assistance, just follow the procedure below:

1. Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Get him to take a puff of his reliever inhaler (it is usually blue). It should relieve the asthma attack within a few minutes. Ask him to breathe slowly and deeply.
2. Let her adapt the position that he/she finds most comfortable- sitting slightly forwards. Do not make the casualty lie down.
3. A mild asthma attack should ease within 3 minutes. If it does not, ask the casualty to take another dose from the same inhaler.

(Caution: Dial 999 for an ambulance if the inhaler has no effect after 5 minutes and when the condition is getting worse; he is becoming exhausted or breathlessness.)

*Photo courtesy of onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com

PURPLE SAMSUNG SMART DV150F DUAL LCD COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD
  

I snapped up a marvellous bargain which was in PURPLE! 

A few years back I was looking around for a stylish compact digital camera. It’s not that I don’t have a camera already which captures images nicely and beautifully. I just wanted a camera of my own choice. It is part of being a woman or shall I say, a woman like myself can never have enough... LOL! 

Ever since I was young, the shade not far from pink and burgundy were ones of my favourites and still. Who would ever think I regarded it as my special colours. Do you have a preferred colour or colours? Nowdays, gadgets are becoming more lightweight and portable with sleek designs as well as choices of colours. That is why, I thought of purchasing a compact camera which will satisfy my taste buds. 

When I was looking around the town centre it wasn't just the colour that I considered highly as I also thought of the design, size, features and the price, too. The Internet was such a big help for me when I was searching and comparing a few on my list. Actually, I visited numerous websites of popular stores which sell this kind of equipment I desired to acquire. At the end, I got lucky and found one from A---s which ticked most of the boxes I required. So, I gave it a more thought first before finally placing an order on their website. 

I purchased it and received a parcel the next day via home delivery. The package contained a USB cable, a carry strap, warranty card, start guide manual and the smart compact digital camera itself. 

 

Speaking of the camera, it has a friendly–sized dual LCD (Liquid-Crystal-Display) screens; easy to grasp WiFi connectivity and a 16.2-megapixel optical sensor resolution with a F2.5 bright lens designed by Samsung. This Samsung Smart DV150F Dual LCD Compact Digital Camera has an optical zoom ability up to 5x (4x digital zoom) which offers great clarity as well as allowing you to zoom without compromising the pictures’ quality. Moreover, this Pictbridge compatible camera in purple plastic/metal body has impressive features to be proud of despite the fact that it was a reasonably good-price. 

Literally, it has 3 menus categorized as the shooting menu, the set-up menu and Wifi connectivity.

The SET UP MENU contains these features:

• sound 
• date/time 
• language 
• time type/format
• auto power 
• off image display 
• and many more

The SHOOTING MENU includes the following: 

• 13 scene modes to choose from 
• smart movie (HD) 
• live panorama 
• photo editor 
• 2.7" main LCD screen
• 1.5" front LCD screen 
• the image resolution of up to 4608x3456 
• the face recognition with continuous shooting mode  
• and many more

The latest WiFi CONNECTIVITY operates in the following useful processes: 

• mobile link 
• remote viewfinder 
• auto back up 
• email 
• SNS (social networking service) & cloud 
• All Share Play

I can honestly say that this Samsung smart DV150F dual LCD compact digital camera impresses and satisfies my taste ever since my hands got a grip of it. Aside from that, it was an exceptionally wise buy as it has a few useful and practical latest built-in additions like the 720p HD-quality MPEG video at 30 frames per second.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BAKED BATTERED AUBERGINE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

It was surprisingly tasty...

A soft bulbous shiny purple or white skin that varies in different sizes. Don't be too green as I am talking about a commonly used nightshade vegetable.

Aubergine or in some countries known as eggplant is a nightshade plant closely related to tomato and potato. It is a delicate perennial (more than 2 years) plant that grows in temperate climates of China, India, Egypt, Turkey and Indonesia.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized aubergine
• 2 cloves of garlic, crashed and finely chopped
• 1 small-sized onion, finely chopped
• a dash of mixed herbs
• 2 medium-sized eggs, beaten 
• salt, pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
• 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin oil

The aubergine was burntly- grilled that made it easier for me to tear-off its skin and also it cooked some of its pulp. After I have scraped its burnt skin, I divided it into two and crashed each pulp (the size of United Kingdom's aubergine is four times bigger than in Asia) using a fork.

 

Baking Procedure:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 150ºC (electric) and then, dazzle the oil into the pyrex glass to cover the bottom .
2. Prepare you marinating mixture by whisking and mixing up together the following ingredients. Such as cloves of garlic, finely choppped onion, mixed herbs, 2 eggs and the condiments.
3. Place the pyrex glass inside the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes. 
4. While waiting, pour and coat your prepared aubergines with the egg batter mixture in step 2. This is the marinating time!
5. Take-out the pre-heated pyrex glass in the oven and then, lay and arrange your marinated aubergines. Be careful not to touch the surface of the pyrex glass as it will be sizzling hot (NOTA BENE!).
6.  Place it back in the oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Check it every 10-12 minutes or adjust the temperature, if necessary and to avoid burnt food!

*Photo courtesy of topfoodfacts.com

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BODY LANGUAGE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

A woman's body curve is a man's weakness, perhaps. You can correct me but I know am right!

Women deliver themselves to masses in different ways such as wit or intelligence; sexiness or leanness; modesty or gracefulness; facial gestures etc.

  

I am not the sexiest woman in the world nor one of them. However, it doesn't connote that I cannot flaunt the beauty that lives inside me. Taking photographs using either my cellular phone or digital camera during my loose days changes my languorous spirit to groovy. My creative persona as a woman emerges whenever a camera is pointing towards me. To be more  specific, the flickering red light; the flashes and my effortless poses give me eagerness to show who really I am behind my attractive face.

You need to have a firm courage to appreciate and adore yourself. Do not be afraid to show your masterpieces as each comment they give, good or bad, provides fortification for you to be sexier and much more beautiful than the rests.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S SWEET POTATO MACAROONS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

Every time I go to the Supermarket to refill the stocks in the cupboards, I always find something enticing yet unusual to buy. The last time I was looking at the vegetable and fruit aisle, a large-sized sweet potato caught my eyes. That moment brought me back to my childhood years when my late father would usually boil a bunch of sweet potatoes which served as our merienda (a light meal). We commonly complement it either with a pitcher of juice or a litre of soft drink. I have to say that it was a nice warm touch reminiscing the past and because of it, I brought back home a large-sized potato.

Days passed and the potato just sat in the fridge waiting to be used. I had thought of frying or just boiling it a few times but it always slipped my mind. That's why yesterday, I placed it on top of the ceramic hob as a good reminder to use it.

Ingredients:

• a large-sized sweet potato
• 1 cup of grated cheese
• 1 large-sized beaten egg
• 1 tsp. of white sugar or honey (optional)

Baking Procedure:

1. Peel off the potato and make sure it's clean before grating. Then, place the grated sweet potato in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the grated cheese in the bowl and mix the two ingredients together.
3. Once combined, add the egg and the sugar as the last ingredients. Mix all until well combined.
4. Set it aside and preheat the oven to 170/C/325F/Gas 5.
5. While heating the oven, grease the baking tray (I used Yorkshire Pudding Tray) with margarine.
6. After that, distribute evenly the mixture using a spoon into the baking tray. If necessary, use a spoon to smooth the edges and the above surfaces of each macaroon.
7. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15- 20 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and leave the macaroons to cool before serving either with creamy yoghurt or whipped cream.

(Served with Greek creamy yoghurt)

COLLECTOR$' HOTTIE TOTTIE CAR$

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Broom... Broom... Broom... 1, 2, 3... S-e-t and G-o!

Have you ever witnessed a race exclusively for superb cars or watched it for free as a streaming live video on the television? If YES, you might be a sportsman who loves competition or a person whose impulse is to collect top-notch cars.

A few hours back when I was on my table, I encountered the top ten most expensive cars in the world. I was intensely shocked with the cost of each car and thought deeply, why collectors are giving a big fuss in order to posses one of the expensive cars? Indeed, they are all expensive and seen by most of us as man-made machines only, designed for high speed driving and maneuverability. However, each is an asset that is likely to be converted into cash in the future.

Money Week magazine discusses mainly the latest happenings on U.K. stocks and shares. Occasionally, it features the top earning celebrities and their recent films, shows, amazing stories of ordinary people who are now big bosses of companies around the world and also, a list of stylish gadgets as well as powerful machines on the consumer's market today. Like the one (a set of fancy cars) below,

          CAR PRICE$ as of 2011

1.Bugatti Veyron Super Sports ( $2,400,000 )
2.Pagani Zonda Clinique Roadster ( $1,850,000 ) 
3.Lamborghini Revento ( $1,600,00 )
3.Koenigsegg Agera ( $1,600,00 ) 
4.McLaren F1 ( $970,000 ) 
5.Ferrari Enzo ( $670,000 ) 
6.Pagani Zonda C12 F ( $667,321) 
7.SSC Ultimate Aero ( $654,400 ) 
8.Ascari A10 ( $650,000 ) 
9.Saleen S7 Twin Turbo ( $555,000 ) 
10.Koenigsegg CCX ( $545,568 )

 *Source: Money Week

*Video courtesy of TopGear

MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Lip Gloss Internationale 2015, Miss Erika)

 

Talk to my glossy lips and I mean, You... YOu and YOU! Repeat each word after me, too, my boy? Shall I start with LIP?... then, GLOSS... and BIRMINGHAM. Can you get it now? It's LIP GLOSS in BIRMINGHAM!

The glittery rotating disco ball was erected in the centre of the marquee and its polished octahedron mirror glass glinted, enhancing the ambiance of the Eden Bar. Loving admirers, beautiful friends/supporters and encouraging family members arrived on time for moral support and to fill the spacious venue. The 8 thrilled candidates arrived earlier than their admirers in order to prepare for their night. They were busy beautifying themselves in the make up room with the help of their partisans.

The audience was getting highly-strung while waiting for the battle for MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015 to commence. That is why a video was played to make them (slightly) quiescent and it contained the official photoshoot of the ladies. Just a click and you will be able to watch their pictorial,

MISS LIP GLOSS INTERNATIONALE 2015 OFFICIAL PHOTOSHOOT

The ecstatic contestants were very ready and just waiting for their moral supporters to sit erect and loosen up a bit in their chairs. When all of a sudden the white background cloth on stage shone with warm and lustrous lights. Hip hip hooray as this was when the Miss Penny (hostess) vigorously introduced them one-by-one. Their confidence exuded from the stage and filled the whole venue. The candidates brandished their womanly figure and feminine demeanour in their fetching flamboyant creations. The strong audible cheers were everywhere and there were standing ovations from their family and friends, too. What a great panoply that was enlivened by these beautiful ladies with radiant personalities.

 (Miss Paula and Miss Portia)

 

  (Miss Adriana and Miss Seema)

 

 

 (Miss Dayanara and Miss Charlene)

  (Miss Angel and Miss Erika)

That was one spectacular segment of the pageantry held on the 04th of December last year in Birmingham. Which is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, located in the middle of England where different nationalities live harmoniously. One of the nationalities who have been vocal in their support and encouragement for the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) people is the hospitable and loving Filipinos. 

Lip Gloss is a non-profit organisation and was built and secured upon the love of professional Filipino transgender people working and living in Birmingham. The unending perseverance of the brains behind Lip Gloss in spreading equality and the right to live blissfully have been thriving and gaining recognition for the past years. The unconditional love and unending support they have been receiving make LIP GLOSS a very subtle and deep organisation despite its irresistibly provocative image! 

... and that is LIP GLOSS my dear, ladies and gentlemen! 

The spectacle array of beauty, glamour and wit continued up to the wee hours of the morning. Weren't they getting sleepy while waiting and anticipating who will win? Personally speaking, you will never feel lethargic especially when you are with the vivacious crowd!

The final tally was handed over to the cordial Miss Penny while the ladies held each other's hand, and why they wouldn't be? This was when the deserving runners-up and the queen were officially proclaimed in front of the sprightly crowd.

The pageant finished pleasantly with genuine smiles from the rest of the candidates. All of them went back home as winners and it's because hugs, kisses and congratulatory compliments were conveyed to them by the frisky audience.

*Photos and link courtesy of LIP GLOSS Facebook Page

MICRO- PIG: CUDDLY OR NOT?

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Family pets are ideal animals who live-in with their loving owners. They treat these pets with proper care and attention that is like pampering a baby.

They are good companions in the house and obedient as well. They bring happiness to one's life as their natural behaviour can relieve sadness or even a cure!

Do you know that pigs are now family pets?

In the United Kingdom, there is a special breed of pig called micro pig. The height is smaller than the average cat we have at home or is the size of a tea cup. Though it is tiny and cute but the price-tag starts at £700, quite pricey!

This micro-pig is also called Pennywell pig that lives for 14 years. The fully grown weighs up to 30 kg. at around 14 inches tall.

I am looking forward to own one in the near future!

STUBBORN HAIR NO MORE (PHILIPS' COMPACT INTENSED PULSE LIGHT)

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

I was taking more than 1 up to a maximum of 3... 

Years before 2013, my usual way of suppressing the stubborn growth of hair on my upper and lower lips was to take more than 1 pill of Diannette a day. Yes, you heard me right and I wasn't committing suicide in those years! 

  

Diannette is a pill/tablet (combined oestrogen and anti-androgen) prescribed by my G.P. (General Practitioner) after I successfully passed and was assessed as being well-balanced. This allowed me to undergo a series of gender assessment test here in the U.K. I was assessed by 3 women who specialised in the field of looking deeply to a person's behaviour, mental health and lifestyle, as a whole. 

Yes, I frequently took a maximum of 3 pills a day which wasn't the best idea at all. I know full well the bad side effects of Diannete and not just its reversible effectiveness. Most of us who have been taking oestrogen and anti-androgen drugs will agree that the long term 'nightmares' aren't what we would wish for. Such as, the cardiovascular risk in which blood clot will develop in a vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis; a blood clot in an artery which causes a stroke or a heart attack; the pulmonary embolism in the lungs and the significant reduction in libido called urogynecological effects. Yes, these are the known notorious side effects (nightmares) for us; before and during metamorphosis as well as after just to maintain the level of effects. More importantly, these were the main reasons why I had to look for the best alternative in achieving vellus hair or reducing the hair growth around my lips. 

I was given advice by my G.P. about the benefits of laser hair removal when she changed my Diannete prescription to a less superior one (oestrogen). Actually, she was very helpful and informative about the long term effects of destroying the hair follicle. However, prior to my G.P.'s appointment I already booked a consultation to see a dermatologist. Personally speaking, my G.P.'s advise augmented my understanding about the treatment in a more scientific way even though the information I read on the web was similar and analogous. 

My first laser hair removal treatment was with the delicate hands of a dermatologist that costed me £60, per session. I didn't mind paying the price as it's the going rate wherever you will go. However, going to the clinic twice a week with embarrassing stubborn facial hair made me very reluctant. Luckily, a few of the staff I befriended shared the good benefits of having a hand-held compact device. It creates an intense pulse which I can use at home and at my own pace. That was a great recommendation indeed as they also have this gadget in their own vanity kit. Instantly, I asked about the price and it was very reasonable. So, I searched it on the web and compared the brand names they've been using until I decided to buy this hair removal cosmetic technology. 

 

I have been using PHILIPS' COMPACT INTENSED PULSE LIGHT (IPL) for the last 18 months and it was worth every penny. It is a light weight device intended to be used/maneuvered effortlessly on your face, underarms, legs and even pubic hair. Yes, you heard me right and I tried it several times, too. Who knows you will (might) love the intense feeling? Aside from that, it has easy to manipulate functionalities which can be manipulated by your fingers but you must read the manual carefully first! That's because I burnt myself a few times for being impatient and foolish. It's part of the learning process and as they say, "no pain, no gain". If ever you are thinking of buying this handy cosmetic device, I suggest that you buy an Aloe vera plant as well. If in some cases you burn yourself accidentally Aloe vera succulent extracts have active skin treatment properties that are good for rejuvenating, healing, or soothing skin problems. 

 

For the past 10 months, I intermittently take oestrogen just to suppress the stubborn and most visible hair growth around my lips. Personally speaking, I'm still using this practical and impressive hand-held technology once a week. Yes, only once a week and only to maintain the permanent hair reduction and who knows, it will permanently removed or extinguish hair follicles. What a wishful thinking! 

This Do It Yourself (D.I.Y.) procedure was a hit-or-miss method for a few weeks which made me cry, irritated and laugh. Wait, I also burnt myself! My patience and determination have been tested for doing it all by myself in an hour or two. At the end of the hardship, a triumph awaits me which yielded remarkably magical benefits and one of these is the less in-take of oestrogen.

CARSHALTON'S GRAZIE MILLE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Chairs and tables are properly arranged, the menu is displayed on each table and the door is open wide to welcome its customers.

A busy High Street enlivens by shops occupying decent-sized units and one of these is known for its Italian named, GRAZIE MILLE. It is easy to find as it's close to Carshalton's Post Office and in front of the Bus Stop as well as near the Park Lane Pharmacy.

The Latin word Grazie is a plural form of 'grazia'. The word means 'thank you' or 'thanks'. 'Mille' is also a Latin word which means many. If you combine the two words, the meaning is very evident, 'THANK YOU VERY MUCH'.

This family friendly restaurant is manage by the head of the family. It was established in 2006 and from the very start, it has been bustling with people, many of whom became regular customers. The cordial service they offer and the tasty meals they prepare make this restaurant a popular rendezvous in the village.

This is a homely restaurant and the ambiance of the place is very comforting and warming. Most customers are delighted with Claudio's (the owner) friendly personality, as he is always around to make sure that everyone is looked after well and is attentive to customers' satisfaction. He may sometime sit and talk that will make you feel very cosy.

The restaurant is open 6 days in a week, starting every Tuesday. So, if you live in the vicinity of the High Street or know where to find it, why not stop and visit the restaurant as they are serving fresh foods cooked in their kitchen. And with a SMILE!

YEAR 2009 AND 2015: THE KIDS IN MY HOMETOWN

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

(Year 2009 pictures)

 (Year 2015 pictures)

Their happy faces and bubbly personalities give joy to their parents and so to me. They are my nephews, nieces and my grandchildren in my beloved Philippines.

I have two places in my country, one is in Metro Manila where my sister & her family live and in General Santos City where most of my family members live and where I grew up. When I flew back to the Philippines after visiting England in 2008, I spent a vacation that was more than a month in one of the cities on the island of Mindanao, General Santos City. In addition to this, I also visited them last year but only stayed for a few days. Sadly! Honestly speaking, I was very reluctant to fly over to my hometown last year but glad I pursued it. It made my journey back to England last year very light-hearted even though I was with them and my fragile mother for only a short stay.

(Year 2015 pictures)

My hometown is a lovely place where I was with my parents' warm hands in year 2009. However, last year it was quite heartbreaking as I was only with my fragile mother but I was relived being her Junjun, again.

 (Year 2009 pictures)

(Year 2015 pictures)

Children, kids or babies, they are like energizer that will make you feel better and give you a reason to smile. As I loved them so much, in 2009 I organised a party before I went back to Metro Manila to process my visa application. As I always do! I enjoyed looking at them especially when a tub of ice cream was opened, they formed a line and waited for their turn. A few candid photos were taken, showing their happy, innocent faces and the poignant part was the, 'Thank You' from their mouth. It is our special way of showing to them that they will always be in our hearts and will never forget them.

 

(Year 2009 pictures)

I come from a big family, enough to count on the fingers of your hands. To be the youngest, it is not any more a surprise nor a question to ask, why we have lots of kids in the house? I will turn 32 this year and I am thankful that I have these kids in my life. Same as my Baby Nicole and Baby Kate in Metro Manila, these kids in my hometown relieve my sadness and cheer me up to boot, every time I fly over to my beloved Philippines. They are blessings that always show a reason for us to smile and look at life with optimisms.

(Year 2009 and 2015 pictures)

Generally  speaking, I had priceless memories in both years because of the happy faces of my eldest siblings and their playful grown-up kids who visited me from time to time just to show me what they've got.