A trip to San Francisco..and Oakland

It has really been a long time since I went to San Francisco,  I mean eons!

So when a very, very dear friend of mine invited me to go to SFO and attend her parent's 50th wedding anniversary (and some encouragement from R, thanks R!) I went. I am so glad I did. I had the most marvelous time catching up with friends and adopted-family (long story, but FAMILY, never the less).

I flew into Oakland and rented a car. I stayed at nice places and saw wonderful things and places. 

I will share pictures and make notes as we go along, okay.

Since I was only going to be gone 3 days, I took a large hand carry bag (mango orange here) and a small hand carry suitcase (black). It packed more than I actually ended up using.

I stayed at an Inn that had this bench by the courtyard. Loved it! I had my evening coffee and morning java there as well. Nice.

I rented a Jetta and loved driving it. It was just the right size for me. It handled so well and so gas economical. The AC was fabulous and the sound system was great the CD panel was so easy to operate, oh yeah, I brought my own CD to play while driving there.

I drove west over 580 Richmond San Rafael Bridge. Let me assure you, it is an easy drive to make. I was apprehensive at first (considering the Golden Gate was a scarier alternative for me!). I recommend crossing this bridge at least once. The light and the beams were so memorable for me. Loved it!!

After the wedding anniversary day, I headed to Napa Valley. My trusted Jetta was a delight to drive in.

I even took a toll road...

As you can see, I went there on a Sunday, roads were empty..loving it!!

Must have when at the Oakland International Airport, Fentons Creamery. Delicious! Regardless of what reviewers say anywhere about service at this ice cream stand, GO!! Smile and place your order with the lady, she was very nice to me. It was a HOT summer day, and this cup of deliciousness hit the spot right on!

I was having loads of fun while I was there and just wanted to share some pictures.
I hope you all have a great weekend...and when in Oakland, SFO check these places out..

See you all soon...

Update on Keratosis Pilaris

I am very happy to say, I have no more traces of KP on any part of my body.

 

One thing that I am certain about is that the combination of lotions and exfoliating with a drastic change in my diet, helped tremendously in the rapid and effective reduction of KP rashes.

 

I still get the itching every now and again, but nothing a handful of moisturizing lotion concoction can't cure. My hairs have somehow hastened in its growth (armpits and legs) but it has left a nice smooth complexion all over my body. Any excess lotion I have on my hands and between my fingers after each application I run it on my glutes and I might say it leaves me with buttocks that are as smooth as a baby's bottom. No kidding!

 

My elbows have also smoothened and the change on my knees are remarkable. The wrinkles are gone and smooth. In the wake of my KP, I have also to the best of my ability avoided eggs and cheese, the salty ones are the culprit. I can feel the itch almost I as consume these products.

 

So far my diet is still gluten-free.

 

I am not sure I am going to be turned into a vegan because of this but again so far my gradual return to my "normal" diet has had no adverse effect on my skin. I am staying off the cheese and eggs as to just not push my luck on that department.

 

I am not sure I have cured myself of KP but I will manage it the best I can. If it means lotions and exfoliating, I do these anyways, I just need to use specific products to avoid break outs. And the diet, I was due to live healthy anyways, so I have a better reason to have started it early rather than just thinking about it for the future. The time to change is now, so for my skin, I make the needed changes on what I put into my body, now.

 

It is not to say, it is easy. R loves his cheese and eggs. So I decided to just eat something different than what he is having. I stick to what I want and he can have whatever he likes. We both are happy with out food choices, and that is that. No need to over think this really. Only I know what makes me breakout and tempted as I am to have a small piece of what he is making, no I prefer to just go about my diet as I see fit. It could at times be bland so I throw in a salad. Everything takes good with salad.

 

I hope this is my last post on KP and to those who are going through it, let me say, find the right solution for you. There is no set or prescribed way of dealing with KP. It is a case to case basis. Read as much as you can on the subject and make some changes on your diet. You migh think it is so small of a change to make a difference, it will only help.

 

And no matter what you do, do not scratch it! Scars are harder to get rid of in the end. It will get better. It will disappear. But in the meantime, find that cure to relieve the itch and for women, we need to get rid of the unsightly rashes.

 

Now, I can wear sleeveless and backless halter neck dresses, being summer and all, without worrying about any nasty rashes showing. It did not feel like I was going to 3 weeks ago, but because I stuck to my regimen of skin care and diet changes, here I am wearing a tank top.

 

It may seem bad, but KP is not as bad as it looks. The cure is within you. Find it.

I am looking forward to posting about my trip to Northern California this past weekend. Pictures included.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

 

Keratosis Pilaris - update after 4 days of treatment with my method

    Above is a photo of my KP on its third day. It might not show much but the itch was intense, irritating and frustrating, the redness was severe and the texture was very rough. I guess the key to treating KP is getting at it as soon as you see the blemishes but the tell-tale sign for me was the itching even before any bumps showed up.

 

   And since I am allergic to numerous things, my diet is always suspect when rashes similar to this appear. You know when something is not right especially with the skin. Ladies, we apply lotion to our skin several times a day so we know when a little roughness is nothing and when it is not.

 

   Always have a nourishing lotion for dry skin handy. Use or not use, keep it handy. The first thing I actually applied on my KP was calamine lotion. Sensible decision I thought at the time, but since it was not an outside irritant that caused it, the calamine did not work. So I went through the usual process of elimination process. Allergens and such, but in the end a professional opinion will be needed. And stick to the regimen, it is time consuming but effective.

 

   I did not do the dry scrubbing/exfoliating process because I know that it will make my skin raw and it was not just something I was advised to do. So I scrapped that idea (though I see alot of that being recommended on youtube) and did a more scientific approach to addressing my KP.

 

   Diet is also key in this.  I eat healthier now and no sweets, no artificial and processed food. I took out white rice, meat and nuts. I love it! I also cut down my exposure to sunlight and sweating has been very helpful.

 

   I was thinking these bumps, itch and redness will last 2 weeks or so but on the fourth day, I have almost eliminated 96 percent of the rashes. Stick with the regimen though time consuming, it will help.

 

  The itch is almost all gone, I hardly itch at night now and it does not wake me anymore. Four days of this was about enough for me. The lotion that I have is with me or near me 24hours a day. As soon as I feel an itch coming I just slather that on all over my arms or legs.

 

   Again, this worked for me. You can give it a try but no guarantee. I am just so fortunate to have a doctor handy to monitor my progress and encourage me when I am doing so well. Good ol' Dad.

 

   And R, even said my back looks much better than it did before. He even volunteered to put lotion on me, like he used to before my whole body became so eeky with rashes. He missed doing it, he said. Aww..a sweetheart, I know.

 

   Well, again. If you happen to pass by this update and want a photo of the products that I used, just comment below and I will post pictures.

 

  BTW, this is how my skin looks now after 4 days of doing my treatment of my KP. Today, is the fifth day that I am doing my treatment. See below.

 

   

Again, this worked for me.  I am sharing only because I want others who have KP to know that there is hope in achieving smooth skin again. Just stick with the regimen that works best for you. It will be a constant struggle with skincare and diet. But I can do this. We all deserve smooth skin and anything good takes lots of work. Smooth skin you can be born with but maintaining it is a personal choice. Work your way to smoother than ever skin.

 

Good luck. And if I can be of help please comment below and I will reply.

 

Thank you for visiting...tomorrow, is another day.

Keratosis Pilaris (aka chicken skin) ...how I manage the itch, redness, bumps...etc.

   I remember how I had such smooth skin two weeks ago.

   But for the last week or so, it has been rough as sandpaper, bumpy with blotchy little "goosebump" like rashes. It itches! And since I am a well-known scratcher, I scratch away leaving my skin raw and red. Unsightly! Argh!

 

   First, I did not panic since I try all sorts of cosmetics all the time and being allergic to almost everything that is tasty good (not necessarily good food), I thought I was having a more than my usual allergy. After two days of intense itching, I thought, this is not normal at all. I took a couple of OTC allergy medicines and it did not help at all. Now what? The redness has now covered not just my arms (inside and out) but has gone down to my upper thighs and lower back part of my legs, down to my ankles. Horrible! The itch continues. I thought, dry skin, it is summer time and I thought maybe I just did not apply enough moisturizer. I tried a more enriched and total moisture lotion. Nothing! All the time, I thought I should look at how the rashes are...they are not like any other rash that I have had in the past. They do not look like something that I would have after maybe rubbing against something in the garden or too much sun exposure maybe. They are mostly concentrated in parts of my body where muscles are located, namely biceps and thighs, lower buttocks and just  above the calves. In the beginning, there were spots on my chest are and upper breast area, but that went away as soon as the rashes have covered my entire thigh.  The itch is driving me nuts!!

 

    I was frustrated with the itchiness more than the appearance part. I am vain but I am never so full of myself. Appearance is something we can do all sorts of things to work arount it but when it itchess, I gotta scratch and that is the devil that I have to keep away from me.

 

   What do I do  now?!

 

   Next, I called my Dad (in the medical profession) overseas and detailed the symptoms and appearance of these rashes. Of course, knowing me the first order was NOT to scratch, they will leave marks and scars, he said. Great, I thought, easy for the doctor to say DO NOT SCRATCH, when it itches like hell!! Anyhooo....So there I was describing in detail what I thought triggered this, I knew it was partially due to bad diet but what do I do about the unsightly appearance of this bumps and itching.

 

   Then, he said Keratosis Pilaris. Also known as, chicken skin. Excessive production of keratin of the body and is lodges underneath the epidermis and under the hair follicles. No medical literature to back up the theory but it is believed to be in the genes. A family history of KP can be a big contributing factor why I am experiencing this. No known medication can be given to make this go-away. No "poof" the blisters and redness with the itch is known. What he described as a derma condition that I will need to manage with diligence. My diet has to be changed immediately and drastically as well.

 

He prescribed:

  Main Mantra: DO NOT SCRATCH!

  Itchiness: Take Over the counter antihistamine.

  Body care: Exfoliate with Acne scrub exfoliator. Use lotion with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) twice a day, preferably after the shower. Apply lotion numerous times a day. Let these dry before putting clothes on. Reapply lotion all day, even if skin looks hydrated, apply anyway to avoid dryness and itchiness. Use plain soap that do not have perfumes or anything unnatural in it. Shampoo with gentlest kind or skip this altogether and use conditioner only.

  Diet: changes were more involved than I thought it would be. I am converting to no meat, no eggs, no dairy, no grains, no sugar, very little to no soy, no nuts, gluten-free diet. So far, I have been on this diet for 4 days and I have no complaints. I spend more time reading labels now when I do my groceries but it's okay, I really should be reading labels of the food I eat anyways, so no biggie there. You will be surprised how many good selections are out there for a diet like this. I would prefer to take the time to cook my food at home than spend another hour scratching my skin and scalp due to allergy and KP. All the wholesome and natural foods out there is an unexpolored territory for me, and I love the challenge. I now sleep better when my dinner is on the healthier side. I eat loads of veggies and fruit.

  

   When I used to hear people say "You are what you eat", I never thought the day will come that it would apply to me. Now, I do undestand that what you put in your mouth, will show on your skin.

 

   Nobody likes rough skin and scratching makes me feel like I have some communicable disease (KP isn't communicable!). I took my smooth skin for granted when I had it, I know better now. I am working towards managing my KP and good health through diet.

 

   R, has been very kind in letting me fix my own meals, knowing I have lots of restrictions. He does not make silly comments about my skin, he continues to love me, smooth or rough skin ( I am sure he prefers the smooth skin though..hahaha..) and he encourages and supports me when he sees that my skin on my arms have improved even just a little bit. Gotta love a guy who sticks by you, smooth or rough skin.

 

   So far 4 days into this regimen (skincare, diet and antihistamine) has been good. I see improvements. I just have to remember NOT TO SCRATCH.

Easier said than done.

 

  One day at a time is the way to go. I am determined to have a normal life regardless of KP. I have made changes in my choices of clothes, and believe me it is not all long sleeves and long pants for me. I now understand that it takes a lifetime of caution in diet and skin care if you want good health and good skin. You can only better the odds by doing these preacautionary measures as early as you can. And no one can prevent KP, if can hit you when you are a weeks old or even when you are 70 years old. But to improve the quality of living with KP is attainable. Itching, redness, unsightly bumps can be kept at bay, you just have to know what works and what works best for you. And stick with that.

 

  If you want photos of the products that is working for me, please post a comment here, and I will post the pictures.

 

Disclaimer:

Please note that these are the products that works for me and my KP. What works for me does not guarantee it will work for you. I just wanted to share my experience here, just like anything else that I do, this is what my experience is. Learn more about what you eat, and if anyone had KP in your family. I am fortunate to have a doctor as a father, and he knows my eating habits, allergies and family medical history.

 

Will update next week...thank you for listening. My sharing here is to tell others that are googling KP and chicken skin, that they are not alone. I thought I should throw this little tidbit out there, I am thankful it is not on the back of my hand, that area of my arm is soft and luscious looking with all the lotions that I am applying to the rest of my body. Gotta stay positive about these things you know. :-)

 

 

  

 

 

The best of Southern California Food

   Being in Southern California during summertime, can have its upside. No, I am not talking about the rise of mercury on the temperature - silly! I am talking about being able to wear nice bright color tshirts and cotton jeans, sport a short hair but most of all the glorious food available in Southern California.

 

   Given we do not have an abundance of seafood (good quality) at an affordable price albeit we live so freakin' close to the "el mar" we make do with the best the market have to offer. We have a plethora of good veggies, good fruits and sometimes if one is creative and resourceful, we can prepare something very good at home.

 

  Let me post some photos here, to show you what I mean. I will place captions under each photo. Enjoy!

 

 Empanadas ala R! My R makes the best empanadas ever. Homemade and delicious. I wish I can say, come and try them. But you if you must know, I share empanadas el horno, to no one! YUMMY!!

 In Southern California, land of exotic heritage tomatoes, let me present to you Brown Tomatoes, aka kumato.

 Asado on Sundays, for me means, homemade hamburger patties and wedges of pineapples on the grill. Delicious!

 Cauliflower is usually white. These ones are orange-y in color. More on the reddish tint than yellow. Just saying. But still tastes like as if it is white.

 My Filipino neighbor, the good and nice one ..hehehe..made pansit and gave us a plateful. They were even so kind to include slices of lemon, in the absence of kalamansi..it was very good. The thought and kindness was highly appreciated.

 Common in most health food stores and groceries is the hummus. This one is an all time favorite when I am in Southern California..hummus with roasted garlic. Those are quinoa chips on top of the hummus.

 If you are anything like us, we plant and grow our own basil. We pick them fresh from the backyard, slice them up then add them to slices of plump tomatoes, mozza, a dash of pepper and a sprinkling of salt and drizzled with quality virgin olive oil - a spectacular salad.

 I mean, this is Southern California, right? So close to Mexico, therefore, Mexican food, it is. Rice with carnitas and guac with a side of 2 salsas - spells comfort food from heaven. Not exactly low carb nor low fat but anyhooo....it is delicious. Recommended not to eat every single day.

 Another of R's specialty, Risotto with pumpkin. Wow, I mean, what better excuse to use cheese over something for dinner - everyone say - CHEESE!! Risotto of any kind, R can make.

 R also makes spinach tarta. The crust is nice and crunchy and the filling is well cooked with egg, cheese, spinach and well seasoned, with just the right amount of sauted onions. Yummers!! This is making the most of all the best produce in Southern California and cooked by R. Winning combo anyday.

Last but not the least, shop for a good craft beer, Southern California has some of the most quirky craft beers I have ever seen sold in the market. Pick up a bottle and try it. If it is no good, go back and get another bottle to try. But make sure you drink at home and no working of heavy machinery afterwards. Cheers to Southern California!!

 

I hope you had fun during your visit to my site. See y'all soon...

 

 

Nuggets of wisdom from my father....

   It is Father's Day tomorrow. Sunday, June 16th, 2013.

 

   If you are hoping for a blog about what a father means or what it takes to be a father, this is not it. That would be too long to write and I will be subjective about it anyway. Nothing wrong with writing a very long blog, I suppose but who my father is and how great he is will just make you feel as equally proud of your Dad or worst, you will feel so bad of how a lousy Dad you have, now, what is good in that. So, we go on...

 

   It seems like I have taken a new tradition of writing about wisdoms I have learned in life from my Dad on this blog every year, I love it. And I think I will stick with doing this since it is once a year anyways...this blog will not encompass all the life lessons I have learned from my "Tatay" but what I have learned from him these last 12 months. There are somethings that only a father knows best. Considering, I am his only daughter in a family of mostly boys, there is comfort in the very thought and very fact that he is always on my side and has my back covered.

 

   I dedicate this post to him. Tay, Happy Father's Day! Someone up there must really, really like me to give you to me as my father. You are the best!!

 

 Nuggets of wisdom I have learned from my father this year :

 

. A major communication component in any relationship is listening.

. Listen closer to the non-verbal language as you would what is actually being said.

. Never give advise, unless solicited.

. Wash glasses first before washing the plates.

. Have a reliable mechanic's number on your phone.

. If you ever have to judge a man's character, first check how neat he is. Start from there.

. The devil is in the details.

. If you have a cold, stay at home.

. Family come first; and second only to GOD.

. Drink your weight in water.

. Dry skin will never be in fashion.

. Always have a pen handy.

. Don't drink more than 2 drinks because you would want to avoid doing or saying something that you will not be so proud of the morning after.

. "Once a cheater, always a cheater" is B*llSh*t! Guys learn!!

. When it comes to looking at women, allow your man to look, ogle if he must. But draw the line at touching.

. Children are great. Grandkids are greater but great-grand kids are the best!

. Blast the radio in your own car but when using mine, turn that thing off when you get out of my car.

. There is good in goodbye.

. Always wear fresh underwear when going on a long drive just in case you get into an accident, you would want the EMT to see some nice undies on you. You get better treatment and stat!!

 

   Sometimes the best lessons my father has taught me are not the things he really meant to set out and teach me. Some of these lessons are often times unintentional but he always take time to share the lessons he has learned and then in the process I learn without going through the pains and angst of it.

   My father is a man of science but he never misses going to Sunday service. He believes in both science and religion. He says sometimes, faith is hard to sustain but as he lives he tries to be the best human being he can be.

   When my mother died, my father was a pillar of strength to all of us. He never quivered nor was he shaken. He always had his act together, but I saw how he cried. And grief is something that we personally experience and not for the whole world to witness. His beauty, his faith and his strength emanates from within him. I admire that about him. He can be funny too. We share our love of laughing at good jokes and good books. We love words in general. I take pride in sometimes still being able to add to his already extensive vocabulary and he likes it when he can stump me on definitions. Not an easy feat. At times, without blinking, I might know the meaning but I just give him the pleasure of thinking I don't because the smile on his face as it hits his eyes, by golly, is precious (beyond priceless!).

 

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Do what comes from the heart and do everything with love. I guess that's a good definition of a father. No one wants a perfect Dad, I don't. For that's too much to expect of a man and hard to live up to.

 

Love the one you have and I am sure he will love you more than you can humanly imagine.

 

Happy Tatay's Day!