Hair styling is one of the most important daily morning rituals I do. To me, a well-groomed hair spells a lot of difference. A well groomed hair includes getting the right hair cut done by a professional hairstylist, using the right hair washing and conditioning products and lastly, the defining moment of them all, is using the right hair styling products to keep that crowning glory in tip-top shape.

Sharing with you in this fifth vlog is my favorite hair styling wax and hair spray from Gatsby. Nope, this is not a sponsored product review. I just happen to love the products so much that I decided to feature them here. I have been using them ever since I can remember.

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Growing up, I remember my Mom would always tell me to give a full smile whenever there is a photo-opportunity.  But I never took it to heart.

A full smile would mean to show more teeth. As a teenager, I thought it was not cool. I thought it was lame (pa-cute). Instead, I opted for that pa-cool no teeth smile until it has already become a norm. Case in point would be my Instagram timeline. After realizing this, I willed myself one day to practice smiling with the aid of a mobile phone.

Me practicing the different ways (and levels) of smiling. What a geek!

In retrospect, I guess the reason for this pa-cool smile over the years boils down to a personal insecurity. Or, so I thought. Aptly put, it was more of a mind conditioning. Thanks to the gazillion Hollywood movies I saw as a child growing up. I thought that my teeth were not sparkling white enough to dawn that big smile.  I wanted to have a celebrity-white set of teeth!

Ang arte! I can’t believe I am sharing this!

Well, my teeth have always been more yellowish than average. My dentist told me that teeth are naturally off-white in color. I read, too, that genetics and environment play a big role; Teeth turn more yellow with age; They can get stained by drinking coffee, tea or red wine and eating certain fruits and vegetables such as apples and potatoes; Smoking or chewing tobacco is also a big no-no; Several diseases, medications, and trauma can likewise cause discoloration.  Despite learning all of these, I still wanted my teeth whiter.

Me in the background getting a professional whitening procedure done by Dr. Guendolyn Wee. That is my brother in the foreground doing his silly duck face.

As a sweet tooth, needless to say, regular proper brushing and flossing are mainstays of my personal hygiene. Likewise, it is a must that I visit my dentist on a regular basis for my oral health. Every now and then, I would consult my dentist if I could undergo a whitening procedure.

Other treatment options to whiten teeth may be seen here.

Me in a happy place feasting on two of my favorite things in the world, Mango Bravo and red wine (in a water glass, lol). Weird combination, right? Walang basagan ng trip! I must say that I am salivating right now as I type this. That luscious slice of Mango Bravo of Contis is to die for! 

Over the years,  this obsession with whiter teeth has turned me into a hoarder of various brands of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. Searching far and wide, to my surprise, I have the following in my cabinet. Some I even bought abroad.

Just recently, I came across one product that would knock all these out to oblivion. The product claims to whiten teeth while fighting plaque:

• Removes stains while whitening, brightening and polishing teeth for a radiant smile;
• Provides a long-lasting fresh, clean mouth while aiding in prevention of dental cavities;

I tried the product. I must admit that I was completely blown away after seeing the effect of using it for the first time. Check out the before and after first use photos below.

Now, more than ever, I have every reason to smile… a big smile. Okay, I know I need more practice in flashing those pearly whites for a selfie. LOL.

Here is me brushing my teeth using this awesome product for the first time while singing Happy Birthday in my head four times in a row.

Sharing is caring and caring is sharing. Please share this post with friends and family.

Follow me, too, as I feature the remaining skin care and other essentials in my man-bag in my upcoming posts. Signing out for now. Peace.

The post BIG SMILE PLEASE appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.

The 2015 Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach’s reign ended with the crowning of the new Miss Universe,  Iris Mittenaere of France, on January 30, 2017. When asked about what piece of advice she can give to Iris (pronounced as Ee-ris, not Ay-ris), she candidly said, “back up your phone”.

Watch the video clip at the end of this post. 

Coming from a beauty queen, that is one practical piece of advice not just for Iris but for everyone who loves taking selfies and capturing minutes-turned-to-moments on camera. Honestly, I have never really thought about it until now considering that I have lost pictures on my phone once or twice in the past. With the advent of smart phones, backing up phones is just some clicks away.

How does one back up photos on the phone anyway? I have searched the world wide web on how to back up photos on two brands of smart phones, i.e., Samsung and Apple.

SAMSUNG

The procedure may vary across Samsung models. Using my Note 5, here is how to back up photos:

Back up with Google

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Apps.

3. Go to Settings.

4. Go to Cloud and Accounts.

5. Tap Accounts

6. Tap Google.

7. Tap preferred Gmail Account.

8. Tap Sync Google Photos Backup.

9. Go back to Cloud and Accounts.

10. Tap Backup. 

11. Tack Back up my data under Google Account.
12. Tap Backup account.

13.  Stay connected until the process completes.

Back up with Samsung Cloud

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Go to Cloud and Accounts.
5. Tap Samsung Cloud.

6. Tap Gallery to turn on.
7. Tap Back up my data.

8. Stay connected until the process completes.

Back up with Samsung Kies and Drop Box may also be done. For more information, visit http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/skp/faq/1059963

APPLE

Using my old and still dependable Iphone 4S and Ipad 3, here is how to back up photos on an Apple device:

Back up with iCloud

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings.

3. Scroll down and tap iCloud. 

4. Tap Photos to turn on.

5. Choose where to back up photos.

6. Go back to iCloud.

7. Scroll down and tap Backup.

8. Tap iCloud Backup to turn on.

9. Stay connected until the process completes.

Back up with iTunes is also possible. For more information, visit: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203977

So there it is! Be like Pia. Back up those pictures and stay confidently good-looking. Wink. Wink!

Please share this post and follow me as I share the features and benefits of the various skin care essentials and everything else in my man-bag in my upcoming posts.

Watch Pia Wurtzbach’s video clip here:

The post BE LIKE PIA appeared first on JOEL JAWS ANDRADA.