FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

Great Eco Finds!

I'm so excited when I find great products. I'm particularly excited when "establishment' corporations like 3M begin to do something worthwhile. Biodegradable wipes and sponges at last! YAHOOOOOOO!!!! I found these at True Value. Of course you have to really be on the look out for certain key words--a skill I've developed over time--like biodegradable, green (but make sure you read why), organic, phosphate-free, non-toxic--to spot them. These sponges were practically hidden on a stand-alone shelf along the main aisle. But I've developed a sixth sense for these things and am often happily surprised at what I find.

I'm also happy that there's a new natural local detergent. I used to use Victoria but the residue it leaves on my machine leaves much to be desired. I use Messy Bessy now, but I have to go so far to get it, so I was excited to see this brand at the South Supermarket in Alabang. Yes, just there sitting beside its more toxic counterparts.

Ang saya!

Barre3

I've been a regular student of Barre3 since I tried it last May 13. A friend's Facebook status introduced me to it and I found the idea interesting. I was a student of ballet in my youth and spent a good part of my adolescent and teenage years in a dance studio. I was always working out as an adult, in the gym then in Pilates studios, but my workout life screeched to a halt as I dealt with major energy dips in my forties.

Still the urge to move was always there and I wanted to do something that was working at the cell level as well, so I got myself a good rebounder and started moving again. Pretty soon I was looking for something more. I was missing studio work, but couldn't see myself doing ballet again. Barre3 seemed like a good thing: pilates, yoga and ballet barre work in a one hour class.

So far, so good. I'm rediscovering my strength and enjoying the challenge. The classes in Alabang are still wide open and it's very nice to work out in the quiet. It's not a cardio workout, and I still have to add more of that to my routine, but for now it's just the kind of challenge I'm looking for. Check it out.