I'VE SEEN THEM NA!

I'm tickled PINK, BLUE and YELLOW!

I've finally seen the flip-flops that will (hopefully) take Manila by storm!!!

Nope, they won't dupe you like they've spelled it. I know, the brand name's a mega-potential problem, and it definitely doesn't sound as cool as "Havaianas". But I'm so willing to give this brand a chance, and am equally excited to put a stamp of endorsement on it. Alas, let me bit selfish a bit by not identifying the brandname here. No, not yet. Unless you're smart enought to have figured it out already *wink-wink!*

This is another Brazilian-made flip-flop brand that claims to be more comfortable, lighter and definitely more design-durable than its predecessor. Albeit I was slightly taken aback by the inital set of designs I've seen today (they all-too-closely resemble their competitor!), my PR Manager Amor assured me that steps would be taken to ensure the brand will be marketed well. I almost bought a pair, but Amor warned me not to do it... yet. I quite forget where I saw them though, but they were definitely in Festival Supermall.

Aside: Guys, I truly do believe, despite the "jologs" image, that Festival Supermall is STILL a treasure trove for bargain and fashionistas who know where to get the GOOD stuff! Alas, my eyes caught several yummy finds earlier, but because I was with my 2 bosses, I just made mental note of saving up and returning there BY MYSELF. My sweetie will not survive a day malling with me, given the amount of time I'd spend poring over great shopping finds. Festival Mall, your fan shall return! Promise!!

All ye' fashionistas out there, get ready, cuz these brand-new Brazilians are definitely a cut above the old ones. They'll definitely make you flip over with delight!

GI Diet ~ will it work?

My silent senses are starting to go on overdrive.

I simply CANNOT believe I've already gained 8 lbs. (yes, E-I-G-H-T) since our Boracay trip in early Feb. That's like 3 lbs a month! I've found that I've started feeling the old aches and pains, and that my body is getting more tired than usual.

I've previously extolled to others the virtues of the Atkins Diet as being:

"The diet that worked for me, without having spent a single cent! Its just all about diet modification!"

Now tell me, how do I curb the cravings for sweets again??? Duh... I just have to admit I'm a sucker for desserts and all things sinful to the waistline. Sheesh. Call me a foodie, call me a gourmet, call me a gourmand. Whatever it is, I truly enjoy eating, and it's starting to create stretchmarks on my P40,000 size "small" wardrobe.

Now I've come across Europe's hottest (fad?) diet: the GI Diet. GI stands for "Glycemic Index". Its actually no eureka concept in the dieting world. I've actually studied a bit about GI when I started doing Atkins.

Basic concept: Eat foods that have low GI to better manage your blood sugar and avoid spiking, which drives your body to crave for more carbs. The higher the GI, the higher the sugar content, without necessarily the right nutritional value. Along with high GI would possibly be high, empty calories as well. Makes perfect sense to me!

Here's an excerpt I got from Prevention.com:

Your Guide to the Glycemic Index
Exciting new way to pick the best foods to lose weight, live longer, and feel great
by Holly McCord, RD

What Is the Glycemic Index?

The Glycemic Index--or GI, for short--is a system that ranks foods by how they affect your levels of blood sugar. Low-GI foods (less than 55) produce a gradual rise in blood sugar that's easy on the body. Foods between 55 and 70 are intermediate-GI foods. Foods with high-GI numbers (more than 70) make blood sugar as well as insulin levels spike fast. We now realize that's a health threat.

Can Choosing More Low-GI Foods Make You Healthier?

Mounting research suggests keeping blood sugar from spiking pays off in many ways. Low-GI foods appear to:

• stave off heart disease
• prevent type 2 diabetes
• help you evade serious side effects if you have diabetes
• curb your appetite so you lose weight
• perhaps even help you feel more energetic

For starters, I've noticed low-GI foods are generally VEGGIES. Ugh. I love em, but I definitely ain't planning to become a vegan. Atkins was much simpler because all I had to be aware of was the carbs!!!

So what do you think? Should I start giving it a try?