Back to School

Welcome to 2nd grade, Q!  May you dare to be completely yourself, to learn with enthusiasm, to question things, to fail with grace, to succeed with humility, to be brave, to love learning, to make good friends, to be happy, and to always know that no matter what, we will be there for you on every step of your journey of growing up, even when you won't hold our hand anymore or you want us to drop you off 2 blocks from your friend's house because we "embarrass" you.  

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

P.S. Daddy is bummed you didn't want to kiss him😂😋

Happy 7th Birthday, Q!

Dear Q,

Happy 7th birthday, my baby boy!  I am amazed at how time seems to be moving at warp speed.  I truly can't believe you are 7.

I hope you won't grow up too fast.  You are at that stage where you like all things "cool".  You prefer to be called handsome rather than cute.  The tantrums have made a huge comeback!  You are starting to exert your opinion and your will.  Yes, things have been challenging for me and daddy lately!

But underneath these outbursts, you are still my sweet, loving boy.  You often ask, "Mom, why do I love you so much? Is it because I have a special connection to you because I lived in your tummy for months and months?"

I know exactly how you feel.  Because of you, I am able to experience the most amazing kind of love - the love between mother and child.  I tell you I love you 100x a day and yet I don't think I can fully express how much I love you.  You have my heart.  I wish only the best for you - a long, happy, healthy & amazing life!

I love you very, very much!!!

Love,

Mommy

New Face Favorites

Today I want to share some recent beauty finds that I added to my weekly pamper ritual which I talked about here.

I love products that do what they promise and at the same time, don't cost a lot of money.  This mama loves a good beauty bargain!  Now for reference, I have combination/oily & sensitive skin so if you have the same skin type, these products may be worth a try.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque - I slather this on my face (avoiding my eye area which is dry) and leave it on for 15 minutes.  It has a slightly minty smell which I don't mind.  This mask works wonders in controlling oil but doesn't make my skin feel too tight and dry when it's washed off (I wouldn't recommend this if you have dry skin).   In my case, it dries off the gunk buried underneath my skin so they don't come to a head.  I've read reviews online where people actually see the impurities come to the surface so just be prepared for that.  It helped clear up the whiteheads I had on my chin.  I don't suffer from blackheads but I imagine it would do the same.  To make sure I get all the dirt, I use a wet flannel to wipe the product off and this extra step helps in smoothing out my skin. This product gets 5 stars for effectiveness and price.  I love it so much I sometimes do the mask 2x a week especially before the time of the month to avoid hormonal acne.  I bought this in Healthy Options for less than PhP400. 

Collagen Eye Zone Mask - I had never used an eye mask before I discovered this product.  I put this on together with the Queen Helene mask and leave it on for the same amount of time.  It does a great job of hydrating my under eye.  I can't vouch for the puffiness and dark circles but I really enjoy this mask.  A pack of 30 costs PhP100 and you can get it in most groceries and I've also seen this on Beauty MNL.  I made the mistake of buying a different kind of eye mask after I had finished this and it didn't agree with me so I reverted back to this.

Biore Makeup Remover - I have always wanted to try micellar cleansing water because of the hype surrounding Bioderma.  I couldn't justify the cost (it is only a make up remover after all) because I was quite happy with my Maybelline Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (I figured if it's good for the eyes, it's good enough for my whole face, so I use it all over).  There's more product in the Biore and it costs a little less than the Maybelline so I decided to give it a try.  I love it!  Removes everything and doesn't break me out (this is the most important thing for me because my skin is so sensitive).  I got this in PCX for PhP189.  So affordable!

If you try these out, let me know your results :) 

Happy 2016!!!

As I write this, I am surrounded by my husband, son and our beloved chow chow.  We are enjoying a quiet New Year's Eve at home.  This is exactly where I want to be and I can not ask for anything more.  2015 was good to us and I am claiming that the new year will be spectacular!  Bring it on, 2016!

Merry Christmas!!!

May God’s blessing shine down upon you and your family this Christmas season. Sending love from our family to yours.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Our favourite time of the year is fast approaching!  To say our family is excited for Christmas is an understatement.  My son starts counting down the days till Christmas as soon as September starts.

And like previous years, my eager little elf helped me decorate. I like to keep a tradition going so I use the same decors yearly including all of Quino's handmade Christmas decors from school (spot that paper Christmas tree on the lower right hand corner of this photo):

I just added a few new pieces like these cute white and gold pillows from SM:

And these charming picture frame ornaments from Our Home:

Yes, I love displaying Christmas family photos:

Frame: SM / Gingerbread: Uniwide

Frames: SM / Elf: Uniwide

Frames: SM & Metro / Prints: Pinterest

Christmas Tree: S&R / Chalkboard Frame: Robinsons

We are in full Christmas spirits in November and we are loving it! :)  

Quino at 6

Dear Quino,

Happy, happy 6th birthday my sweet boy!!!

Each year I wonder where the time went. I look at you and realize it's true - "The days are long but the years are short."  It makes me so thankful that I didn't listen to the number one parenting advice I heard - "Wag mo sanayin sa kalong. Ikaw ang mahihirapan hindi magpapababa yan."  You know what?  They were right. You loved being cuddled and rocked by mommy and daddy. You refused to nap unless it was in my arms.  I literally spent half of your first two years of life confined to the rocking chair. And it was the best time of my life!  All too soon you were up and walking then running. Now I can't carry you anymore. I must say I miss doing that.  

Daddy and I feel so blessed to have you in our lives. You are turning into a fine little boy, our eternal sunshine. 

This year was a big year for you. You graduated from CASA and we couldn't be more proud of your progress in school.  You conquered reading, writing and math and you are so excited for computer class this school year. I hope you never get tired of learning and keep pushing yourself to improve every day. 

Six seems so grown up but you are, and will always be, my little boy. I am soaking up all the cuddles and kisses for as long as you will give them freely and openly. Your genuine affection for me and daddy makes our hearts melt. God knows I am dreading the day when you find it uncool to show affection in public. Let's hope that comes later rather than sooner; or better yet, maybe we can agree that you can be cool while loving your parents forever and ever!

I look forward to this coming year and as always, daddy and I will be beside you in everything you do. We love watching you learn and grow!  

Happy birthday, Quino! We love you so much!!!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

First Day of First Grade

To my little boy,

Today is your first day in first grade.  I don't know if the first day of school is harder for you or for me.  The house is eerily quiet without your laughter and your energy and I must admit I have separation anxiety after spending every single day with you this summer.  

This year will be challenging for us for sure.  It's your first time to attend a morning class and in spite of our preparations last night, you grumbled when I woke you up at 6 a.m.  I know we will have many mad dashes to make it to school on time.

You were not in your usual talk-a-mile-a-minute mood.  You were quiet on the 5-minute drive to school, only talking to remind me to take care of Name (your stuffed dog).  While walking to class you complained of a tummy ache and so we rushed to the boys comfort room where you vomited today's breakfast.  I tried to calm you down by saying it's just first day jitters.  I hope the little note I tucked in your snack bag will make you smile.

You tend to be reserved around new kids and prefer to observe and sit by the sidelines.  It's a good thing Paul & Creiane are your classmates again this year.  It comforts me to know that there are familiar faces in your class.  

In the corridor, I bumped into Teacher Riza who was on her way to visit you.  I hope her presence put you at ease.  I pray your new teachers will mother and mentor you just as well as your CASA teachers.

Each day you are growing older, kinder and wiser and each day I will step back a little more to allow you to be the boy you are destined to be.  But remember, I am always your mother and always available for a hug, a cuddle or to answer any of the thousands of questions your brain seems to come up with every day.

Daddy and I want you to know that we do not care if you are the smartest, or fastest or coolest kid in class.  We don't send you to school so you can be the best at anything.  We love you unconditionally. You don't have to earn our love and our pride.  

We send you to school so you can practice being brave and kind.  The world needs more brave and kind souls.   

I know I should relish my free time while you are away, but I will watch the clock until 12 noon when I can pick you up and hear every detail about this new chapter of your life.  I miss you terribly.

Love, 
Mom  

Quino's Pre-6th Birthday Photoshoot

It's been our yearly tradition to have our family portraits taken around Quino's birthday.  It's so awesome to see how much he's grown over the years.  And at 5 years old, he still finds it cool to pose with mommy and daddy so you bet I'm going to milk this for as long as I can.

Last December, we discovered this cool new mini studio in Alabang Town Center called Take Your Pic.  We had our Christmas photos taken there and I really loved a) how they turned out, b) how fast and efficient they were and c) how great their rates are.

I saw on Facebook that they had an ongoing one year anniversary promo where you get a free framed strip for any portrait package so double hooray!

We had our appointment originally at 3pm last Saturday but I had it moved to 4pm (via FB messenger).  Someone acknowledged the change in schedule but unfortunately, didn't inform the photographer for that day.  I got a message at 2pm reminding me of the appointment.  I was busy getting ready so I didn't read it until we were in the studio.  Good thing there was no conflict in schedule and we had the studio to ourselves.

Apart from that minor mishap, the photoshoot went well.  My son is a pro at this so it only took 15 minutes to get the shots.  I chose Package C (only PhP 499) inclusive of 30 minutes shoot and 4 5R shots.  Here are the ones that made the cut:

By 7pm, they had emailed me the digital copies and the prints will be ready by tomorrow.  Talk about fast and efficient right?

The only drawback I can say is that the studio is really small (it's a mini studio after all) so not suitable for large groups.  Other than that, I would highly recommend Take Your Pic if you are looking for a really affordable photo studio booth.  Plus they have really cool backdrops.  Double thumbs up!

My (Current) Holy Grail Makeup

I don't like to spend hours getting ready.  I like to keep things simple when it comes to make up and when I find products that work on my skin type (oily T-zone, dry under eyes & sensitive skin), I stick to it.

Here are my top five (current) holy grail products:

1. Primer: Maybelline Baby Skin - Beautypedia rates this 3 stars (Good).  Truth be told, I have not tried any other primer but for me, this does the job.  
2. Foundation: Revlon Colorstay for Combination / Oily Skin with SPF 15 - I can't rave about this product enough.  This is seriously the best foundation I have ever tried.  It leaves my skin absolutely FLAWLESS!!!  Never broke me out so good for sensitive, acne-prone skin.  Highly, highly recommend this if you have the same skin type.  Another product rated BEST by Beautypedia (but can't find the link).  I believe this has been reformulated (no more SPF) and the new formula only earned an Average rating (2 stars).  Not sure if Revlon counters in Manila carry the new formulation but I am thinking of trying out the Maybelline Matte + Poreless Fit Me Foundation or Revlon Nearly Naked with both bagging the Best rating.  I only use my fingers to apply this, I don't use a brush/sponge.  I have a Real Techniques set but I find the best application is with my fingers.
3. Moisturizer: MAC Strobe Cream - rated Best by Beautypedia.  I discovered this because of Catt Sadler.  This helps balance the matte-ness of my foundation and not to mention, it's chockfull of antioxidants that are so good for your skin.  I apply only to the high points of my face.
4. Mascara: Maybelline Magnum Volum Express - 3 words: BEST. MASCARA. EVER.  In my opinion, Maybelline makes the best mascaras of all time.  I switched to this after I finished my tube of Maybelline Rocket Volum Express.  This gives me crazy long and full lashes and it doesn't clump!  It claims to lengthen your lashes 10x and it absolutely delivers on that promise.  If you don't want overly dramatic eyes, I would suggest the Rocket Volum.  My only gripe about this is it's waterproof whereas the Rocket Volum is water-resistant.
5. Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam II - Perfect nude shade for everyday, very wearable so it's no surprise it's also rated Best by Beautypedia.

As you can see, I always refer to Beautypedia for all things makeup & skincare.  I like to make sure that what I put on my face is highly rated.  If you are struggling with problematic skin, I would suggest investing in a good skin care regimen before you invest in makeup.  This website can certainly help you formulate a good skin care plan that would suit your skin and your budget.

P.S. I do put blush & bronzer and groom my eyebrows but I'm not in love with the products I'm using right now.  I'm open to suggestions so please share your HG products.

Happy Graduation

Dear Quino,

Tomorrow we will celebrate your graduation from preschool.  I am sure I will shed many tears when I see you go up on stage (and for sure daddy will tease me about it).  You have come a long way since the first day of Senior Casa two years ago.  I used to walk you to class everyday and we would have a big show of saying bye-bye with you hugging and kissing me for a good 5 minutes.  And then you would stand by the door and wave to me, "Bye, mom. I love you!" over and over and over until I go down the stairs.  This went on every single day for a whole school year.  Now I am lucky if you remember to kiss me when I drop you off! :(

You look so grown up now!  The buzz cut (the hairstyle you wore for many years just like daddy) has now been replaced by the crew cut (which you saw on Instagram and insisted you would grow your hair out).  And when I call you "Quino baby" you always remind me that you're no longer a baby but a kid and "Mom, soon I'll be an adult!"  Not too fast my baby boy, not too fast...

You have grown by leaps and bounds this year.  Many thanks to your Montessori teachers for mothering you so lovingly.  I must admit, you had a long uphill climb to catch up with your peers and I was worried for a second.  But thanks to your desire to learn and better yourself, you are now reading books on your own and writing in cursive beautifully!  We will tackle spelling in no time, I am sure!

I know you have a lot of apprehensions about leaving your classmates and teachers behind and moving on to grade school.  Honestly, I worry too.  I know how shy you can be and how it takes time for you to make friends.  I hope and pray your new classmates will see past your shyness so they can get to know what an awesome boy you are! I hope you make lifelong friends in grade school.  I really do.  I hope the kids are nice to you and that you love your teachers and that you are surrounded by wonderful people.  

I wish I could keep you this little forever.  But every day is a lesson in letting you go and allowing you to spread your wings and learn to fly on your own.  We are very proud of what you have accomplished and we hope you continue to strive to work harder and do better.  You might not need us around as much to help you but we will always be beside you every step of the way.

Congratulations, anak! Keep up the good work!

Mario Inspired Birthday Party

Quino's never had a birthday party with friends.  We always celebrate it with just family so when he asked us if he could have a simple party in school, we obliged.  

He wanted a Mario Bros themed party.  Pinterest was my go-to resource for the invitation template.  I downloaded it here.  There are other free designs available.  

In keeping with the Mario theme, we decided the give away would be gold coins in a DIY gold gift box. 

Cake was from Mary Grace and we just used the Mario Happy Meal giveaway from McDo.

The most important request - he wanted his favorite KFC! And spot the red (Mario) & Green (Luigi) balloons for the kids.

Of course, we had to invite cousin Drake.

The party was a success! Look at my boy's happy smile :)

What Every Mom Needs

A stranger gave me the best gift yesterday - encouragement and validation.  

Quino and I spent 3 hours in the pool yesterday. A lovely middle-aged woman was lounging by the pool the whole time. All that time, Quino was talking incessantly. My son is quite a talker. Depending on what type of day we're having, this can be both a blessing and a curse.  

She asked me how old my son was and I replied, "He's five."  She couldn't belive it. She said, "He is a very smart and charming boy. I thought he was older. He has such a wide vocabulary unlike anything I've ever seen before! It's amazing how he can switch from one language to another!"

She asked where he goes to school and i replied "Montessori." "Wow that works then! But I have to give you credit," she said. "You are raising a fine boy."

I know I'm not alone in wondering if I'm a good mom. 

Mommyhood can be very competitive and isolating. 

You are bombarded with information on what to do and what not to do. 

I let Quino watch TV from the time he was a baby. I let him play PS3, Wii, ipad. I let him bike and swim and run. I let him eat chicken nuggets and I try my best to bribe him to eat veggies. 

I buy apps that teach him to read and write and do math and I buy Angry birds Go, Angry birds Jenga and Lego the Hobbit. 

I do my best and I trust my instincts. I try my darndest to drown the noise around me and do what feels right for our family. 

Most of all, I love him. 

At the end of the day, I want him to look back on his childhood with the fondest of memories and know that I loved him with all my heart and soul. 

My wish is that moms would stop conparing and competing. We are all in this together. What every mom needs is the encouragement and validation that they are doing the best they can do. 

I am a good mom. You are a good mom. We are good moms. 

Morning Skin Routine

Skin care is very important to me. I don't splurge on make-up but I don't mind spending on high quality skin care products.

For reference, I have sensitive, oily skin; prone to cystic acne (only during that time of the month) and whiteheads around my nose and chin.

My morning routine consists of 6 steps:

1. Cleanser - I love Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser.  This acne face wash gently removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and makeup without leaving a trace. Use it day and night to curb breakouts without dryness (my skin doesn't feel tight after I use this - which is a good sign).  This is suitable for all skin types.  And in my experience, the only facial wash that has significantly reduced my oiliness. I've had this bottle since November but I'm not even close to finishing it.  You only need a small amount for the entire face.  So the price (PhP 820) is really sulit. Bought this from a PC reseller but also available on Lazada.
2. Toner - I have tried Paula's Choice Toners but found them too drying for my skin (because I already use the cleanser).  So I went back to using my derma's Erythromycin Solution.  This, combined with the PC Cleanser, prevents cystic/hormonal acne.  Bonus: my derma's toner is more cost-effective (only PhP 580.00 and lasts me a month with 2x daily applications).
3. Anti-Aging Serum - Currently using Oz Naturals Vitamin C Serum.  I purchased this on Amazon but you can buy this from a local seller - Us Beauty Outlet for PhP 1,750.  I have tried the Obagi Professional 15% Vitamin C serum - which was the bomb - but too expensive for me to repurchase so I decided to try this.  I apply 5 drops on my face and neck. It feels so light on the skin but honestly not sure if it's doing anything special because my skin feels and looks the same. Unlike the Obagi where I had really noticeable results. So I'm so-so with this one.
4. Exfoliant - I use Paula's Choice 2% BHA Gel.  This is my 2nd bottle.  The first one lasted me and my husband (yes he uses it too!) almost 6 months.  This exfoliant removes old skin cells both on the skin’s surface and inside pores using 2% salicylic acid so if you're prone to breakouts, do try this.  I forgot how much I paid for this but considering how long it lasts, it's really worth the money.
5. Skin Lightening Treatment - I use my derma's 6% Bleaching Cream because when I get cystic acne, it leaves a mark even if I don't pick on it.  My skin is that sensitive.  This really helps lighten marks and just gives you an all over glow.  I only dot a very small amount on my face and neck so this jar lasts months.  I think this was less than PhP 1,000.
6. Sunblock - I love the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock with SPF 50.  This doesn't feel greasy at all but it does sting if you apply close to your eyes so be gentle. This is a little over PhP 500. This one I apply generously even when I'm indoors because UV rays can penetrate through your windows so better safe than sorry.

Well that's my morning skin routine.  I'm curious to know what products you use so leave a comment below and share what you love (or hate!).  

If you don't have a skin care routine yet, click here for tips on how to put together a skin care routine.

Happy New Year!!!

Tonight is a time for reflection as well as celebration.  As I look back on the past year and all that has taken place in my life, I remember each experience for the good that has come of it and for the knowledge I have gained.  I remember the efforts made and the goals reached.  I remember the love shared and the happiness.  I remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.  And as I reflect on the past year, I'm also thinking of the new one to come.  Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life.

2014 was wonderful and I'm looking forward to the abundant blessings of 2015.

Happy New Year, friends! Hope you're surrounded by your loved ones tonight.  Cheers!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours - Merry Christmas!!!  May your heart and home be filled with all of the joys the season brings. 

Take Your Pic

I love getting our family portrait done every Christmas and Q's birthday.  We usually go to The Picture Company but I recently stumbled upon this brand new mini studio in ATC mall called Take Your Pic.

The place is really small so be warned.  It's not ideal for a big group but for our small family of 3, it was perfect.

Love how our pictures turned out!  Have a look:

And we couldn't resist having Q's solos because the props were just too cute!

We chose the Chalkboard background and they photoshopped the christmas decors.  I got Package C which had 4 5R prints, 1 photostrip and digital files - all for PhP 499.  Can't beat that price!

We had the photoshoot last Sunday and by Monday afternoon, they emailed me our digital files and the prints were ready for pick-up by Tuesday.

So you get cool & fun backgrounds, fast service and great value for money!  I highly recommend them!  Like them on Facebook for promo updates.

Pasko Na Naman

Can you believe there are only 44 days left until Christmas?  Ang bilis talaga ng panahon!

We put up our decors last weekend, take a look:

I've used the same Christmas decors for 3 years and I just add a piece here and there. Quino still loves our toy theme so I'm milking it until he's too old for it. 

All the stuffed toys I bought (per kilo!) from Uniwide and the same stuffed toys are sold at SM, Rustan's and True Value for hundreds per piece. For the whole tree I probably only spent about PhP1000!  

My son has requested we put a star at the top of the tree. If you know where I can find a nice one, let me know. Of course this weekend I might swing by Uniwide to check if they have any good tree toppers. 

The colored balls and snow man I got from S&R. Madami na din nabasag because Quino likes to help decorate the tree and of course accidents happen. But I don't mind, I just pray he won't tire putting up the decors with me anytime soon. This has become our tradition. We put on Christmas music while we work. And enjoy and enjoy ang bagets gusto kagad mag photo op!

And the best part is we are almost done shopping for gifts, save for 2 (well done to me!). 

Feel na feel ko na talaga ang pasko!  And another Christmas tradition is happening soon - Meet Santa at Rustan's. We've done this for the past two years and (mas) bumabait ang anak ko after having a heart to heart talk with Santa:

It's a fun experience so bring your kids! Here's the schedule:

Anniversary Dinner at Kessaku

We love Japanese food.  Our go-to place is Omakase but we wanted to try something different.  I read rave reviews about Kessaku so we decided to have our anniversary dinner here. 

Dinner service starts at 5:30 p.m. just so you know.  We arrived at 5pm (yes, we are early birds) because the little one came with us and he was starving!

They were kind enough to offer us the menu so we can browse.  We decided on the following:

Dynamite Roll PhP 240.00

Tantanmen Ramen PhP 340.00

Gyoza PhP 165.00

8 pieces Ebi Tempura PhP 650.00

Unlimited Lychee Martini PhP 299.00

The Good:

1. The Happy Hour is a really good deal (paging my alcoholic friends!).  I got the Lychee Martini & my husband ordered the Classic Mojito.
2. The tempura was big and flavorful.
3. The waiters are really attentive and friendly.

The Not-so-good:

1. The gyoza was too greasy. 
2. The ramen was a disappointment to my husband.  He had requested for it to be really spicy but there was absolutely no hint of spice. But Quino loved it! 
3. The Dynamite Roll was so-so. 
4. The service was a bit slow (maybe because we had arrived too early & they were not set up yet?)

Overall, it was a good experience.   If you live in the south, this restaurant is worth checking out.

My Eyelash Extension Experience

In preparation for our 8th anniversary, I decided to do something I've never tried before - get eyelash extensions.  The nail salon that I go to (Get Polished) offers this service and I decided to give it a go.

The procedure took an hour.  It stung a little but went away.  I came home with beautiful, thick, curly lashes.  After a few hours, I noticed my right eye was slightly swollen so I took an anti-histamine before bed.  I woke up the following morning and my right eye was completely red and swollen!!!  I panicked!  I googled "eyelash extension allergy" and the search results scared me!

I don't have a picture of myself (I'd rather not scare you) but I looked like this (thankfully my left eye was spared):

I immediately phoned the owner of the salon (at 8 am no less) to inform her of what happened and she assured me her staff will take care of me as soon as they open at 10 am.  So I got there even before 10 am and the staff were already aware of my situation and were expecting me.  They also gave me a full refund.

The technician who did the procedure took care of it.  But my nightmare was just beginning.  It took her 3 hours to remove everything!!! It was excruciatingly painful!  I would imagine it as a form of torture inflicted by the FBI (sort of like having your nails plucked).  And no, I am not exaggerating. 

I've been told this is the first time this has ever happened.  But while it gives me some relief to know that this is not a regular occurrence, I believe this could have been avoided if:

1. They do a quick survey to check if you have allergies (ex. mascara, eyeliner or any cosmetic product).
2. They do a patch test of the glue (I suspect this is what caused the reaction).  A friend who manages a salon that they do this step before every eyelash extension procedure.

It's now day 3 and the swelling has subsided but it's still noticeable.  I'm sharing this experience so that people are aware that you could get an allergic reaction from a seemingly simple procedure.  I might be part of a small statistic but it's a possibility.  You should be more proactive about getting a sensitivity test done even if it's not part of their protocol.  Looking back, I should've researched more about it instead of just jumping in.  I'm just glad that the salon owner was easy to talk to.

This post does not aim to discredit the salon.  I've been patronizing their services since 2007 and will continue to do so even after this experience. I want to put this out there so they can improve their service.  Because if it happened to me, it could happen to someone else.